{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-iphone-xs-xs-max-and-xr-why-playing-catch-up-isnt-necessarily-bad/", "title": "Apple iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR \u2013 Why Playing Catch-Up Isn\u2019t Necessarily Bad", "body": "\n\nAfter months of leaks and rumours, the 2018 iPhone lineup is finally introduced. Consisting of the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR, these are the most expensive and premium iPhones yet.\n\n\nWhen Apple was unveiling the new iPhones on stage, it\u2019s evident that some of the features introduced on these new phones\u2026have already been implemented by other phone makers. In a way, Apple is still catching up to Android manufacturers, and that\u2019s not necessarily a bad thing \u2013 I\u2019d even argue it\u2019s great for the iPhones.\n\n\n\n\nBefore we get to it, let\u2019s get the specifications of the new iPhones out of the way. For starters, all three of them are powered by Apple\u2019s brand new A12 Bionic chip. Touted as the industry\u2019s first 7nm chip \u2013 Apple is not wrong here: the 7nm Kirin 980 has not made it into a consumer product yet \u2013 the A12 Bionic promises up to 50% increase in GPU performance over its predecessor. That\u2019s quite impressive, considering the fact that the A11 Bionic\u2019s GPU was already one of the most powerful in the market.\n\n\nAside from that, these three iPhones now sport the iPhone X\u2019s notched display. While the iPhone XS and XS Max are equipped with Super Retina, OLED displays (measuring 5.8-inch 2436 x 1125 and 6.5-inch 2688 x 1242 respectively), the more \u201caffordable\u201d XR make do with a lower resolution 6.1-inch 1792 x 828 IPS LCD display dubbed Liquid Retina.\n\n\nOh, the iPhone XR\u2019s display doesn\u2019t support 3D Touch either.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to photography, the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max share the same dual camera system. Made up of 12MP f/1.8 wide-angle and 12MP f/2.4 telephoto lenses, both sensors are optically stabilised. On top of that, the primary 12MP wide-angle shooter also boasts larger pixels for improved camera performance.\n\n\nAs for the iPhone XR, it comes with a single 12MP shooter. Interestingly enough, however, it has a Portrait Mode too like its more expensive counterparts, relying instead on machine learning to simulate bokeh effects.\n\n\nThese three iPhones definitely bring notable improvements to the table, especially when compared to their predecessors. Now, let\u2019s take a look at some of their new features\u2026that were already available on Android devices for the longest time.\n\n\n\n\nFor one, there\u2019s the dual SIM capability \u2013 a feature that was sorely lacking on all iPhone models prior to these new ones. Not only has dual SIM support been a staple feature among Android devices in all price points, the iPhone\u2019s dual SIM implementation isn\u2019t even the same: it relies on a combination of an eSIM and a dedicated SIM card slot.\n\n\nThat being said, Apple will be releasing different versions of the new iPhones in China with space for two physical SIM cards. But it remains to be seen if Malaysia will receive these particular models \u2013 here\u2019s hoping we will.\n\n\nNext, let\u2019s talk about display. More specifically, the \u201c120Hz\u201d displays of the 2018 iPhones. To be completely honest, I was excited when the iPhones\u2019 displays specification showed 120Hz on stage, until I found out that it\u2019s not actually referring to the refresh rate of the screens. Instead, it\u2019s a reference to the \u201ctouch response\u201d of the display, which allows the phone to register your touch inputs more accurately.\n\n\nSo unfortunately, the Razer Phone still remains one of very few phones with a 120Hz refresh rate screen \u2013 the new iPhones still have conventional 60Hz displays.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the iPhone cameras\u2019 new Depth Control feature, which allows you to adjust the \u201caperture\u201d of an image after it has been captured. Basically, it allows you to tweak how blurry the background of a shot is. If the bokeh effect looks too artificial, just increase the aperture, and vice versa.\n\n\nIf this sounds familiar, it should: many Android phones have already implemented a similar feature, although to different degrees. The most recent example is from Samsung, which introduced the feature last year on the Galaxy Note 8. The feature eventually made it to the Galaxy S9+ and Note 9 too.\n\n\nDepth Control is not the only new camera trick introduced on these new iPhones; there\u2019s also Smart HDR. Say you\u2019re trying to capture a picture on the new iPhone. Before you actually press the shutter button, the phone is already shooting at a four-frame buffer with varying exposure. Once you snapped the picture, the phone will stitch these images together for a more impressive-looking shot.\n\n\n\n\nHow is this similar to an Android smartphone? Well, look no further than the Google Pixel itself. Although Google\u2019s implementation is slightly different than Apple\u2019s \u2013 the Pixel takes a number of underexposed shots instead and combine them together \u2013 there\u2019s definitely similarity in practice here.\n\n\nSpeaking of the Pixel, the new iPhones\u2019 ability to emulate bokeh effects with only a single camera sensor (using machine learning) sounds a lot like what Google\u2019s phone can do too. It\u2019ll be interesting to see just how different the results are once the new iPhones are in consumers\u2019 hands.\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s no denying that some of the new features on this year\u2019s iPhones have been done before, but it \nallows\n Apple to take the best bits of said features and further improve on them. Also, the phones do bring a couple of new things to the table. For one, the chip under their hood, the A12 Bionic, is a really, really powerful processor. Besides its octa-core Neural Engine for AI tasks \u2013 which allows it to do 5 trillion operations per second \u2013 the updated quad-core GPU is probably the most powerful GPU you can find in a smartphone\u00a0\nright now.\n\n\nOn top of that, the A12 Bionic is also the first consumer-ready 7nm chip. That is, until Huawei is ready to introduce the new Mate 20 series \u2013 the Chinese company\u2019s upcoming phones will be powered by Huawei\u2019s equally small 7nm Kirin 980 SoC.\n\n\n\n\nThe A12 Bionic isn\u2019t the only thing that\u2019s impressive about the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR. The upcoming iOS 12 update will bring a whole suit of improvements \u2013 I\u2019m personally looking forward to grouped notifications \u2013 and Apple\u2019s Face ID system still remains one of the most secure biometric security systems out there.\n\n\nIf there is any caveat to the new iPhones, it would be the price of entry. The most affordable 2018 iPhone you can get is the iPhone XR, which retails from $749 \u2013 that\u2019s about RM3,110. The iPhone XS and XS Max, on the other hand, start from a whopping $999 (approximately RM4,145) and $1,099 (around RM4,560) respectively.\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt this year\u2019s iPhones are the most expensive iPhones yet, and there\u2019s no denying that some of their \u201cnew\u201d features have already been implemented before by other manufacturers. But does that really matter to consumers who are already looking to buy an iPhone? Well, only to a certain extent, especially for those who are already invested in Apple\u2019s ecosystem.\n\n\nAnd hey, we haven\u2019t got our hands on the new iPhones yet \u2013 perhaps they\u2019ll be the best smartphones ever produced by Apple.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-v11-hands-on-just-another-mid-ranger/", "title": "Vivo V11 Hands-On: Just Another Mid-Ranger?", "body": "\n\nVivo just launched the Vivo V11 in Malaysia yesterday. Sporting a modest set of hardware and an in-screen fingerprint sensor, the V11 sounds pretty good on paper. However, carrying a hefty price tag for a mid-range phone, it\u2019s tough to recommend Vivo\u2019s latest device.\n\n\nRetailing at RM1,699, the V11 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset paired with 6GB of RAM, putting it comfortably in the upper mid-range segment. Aside from that, it also has a 6.41-inch 2340 x 1080 Super AMOLED display,\u00a0128GB of expandable storage, and a modest 3,400mAh battery with support for Vivo\u2019s \u201cDual-Engine Fast Charging\u201d technology.\n\n\nAs expected of Vivo, the V11 has a rather elaborate front-facing shooter. Fitted with a 25MP f/2.0 selfie camera, the phone has Vivo\u2019s new \u201cAI Face Shaping\u201d technology, which promises subtle enhancements to your facial features for a more natural-looking beautification. The rear cameras, on the other hand, are made up of 12MP f/1.8 and 5MP f/2.4 sensors.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese are pretty standard specifications for a mid-range phone, but what makes the V11 particularly unique is its in-screen fingerprint sensor \u2013 this is the most affordable phone right now in Malaysia with this feature. Of course, RM1,699 is still a high asking price for a mid-ranger, but that\u2019s how much it costs to get an in-screen fingerprint sensor. At least, that\u2019s the case for Vivo.\n\n\nThe big question is, how well does the in-screen fingerprint sensor work? Quite good, actually. Once you picked up the V11, a fingerprint icon will appear in the bottom of the screen. You\u2019ll then have to tap and hold on the icon for a while to unlock the device, and it can accurately recognise my fingerprint\u2026most of the time. It still works well enough, of course, but it\u2019s definitely not as quick as a conventional fingerprint sensor.\n\n\nIf\u00a0 you\u2019re not a fan of the in-screen fingerprint sensor, you can always rely on the facial recognition system instead; it\u2019s quicker too. The only downside is the fact that it won\u2019t work quite as well in dark environments \u2013 it doesn\u2019t have any infrared sensor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of build quality, the V11 leaves much to be desired. The plastic back feels cheap to the touch, and same goes for the equally plasticky frame. The only possible saving grace is the subtle two-tone finish of the back panel. I\u2019m quite a fan of the phone\u2019s minimal bottom bezel too.\n\n\nSpeaking of bezels, the V11\u2019s Full HD+ Super AMOLED \u201cHalo FullView Display\u201d is a looker. It has very good black levels \u2013 a characteristic of OLED panels \u2013 vibrant colours, and great viewing angles. For a mid-range phone, the V11\u2019s display quality is definitely above average.\n\n\nPerformance-wise, the Snapdragon 660 chipset under the hood of the V11 should provide enough power for everyday usage. Positioned as an upper mid-range SoC, the Snapdragon 660 is more than capable at running most mobile games well too. In my brief time with the device, the V11 feels fast and responsive.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSoftware isn\u2019t exactly Vivo\u2019s strength, and the same still applies to the V11. Running on Funtouch OS 4.5 based on Android 8.1 Oreo, it\u2019s a heavily modified version of Android; the user interface has quite a number of iOS elements as well. Swiping up from the bottom of the phone reveals a Control Center-like interface, and even the Recent Apps screen is similar to iOS\u2019 layout.\n\n\nFuntouch OS\u2019 similarity to iOS isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing, of course, but it certainly shows a lack of originality on Vivo\u2019s part. On top of that, the V11 doesn\u2019t have an app drawer either, and the overall design of the user interface isn\u2019t very aesthetically pleasing.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, let\u2019s get to the camera performance of the V11. One of the main appeals of the V11 is its 25MP front-facing shooter, and if taking selfies is your kind of thing, this phone will serve you very well. Images taken with the 25MP camera is sharp, and detail preservation is quite decent too.\n\n\nAs for the V11\u2019s dual 12MP and 5MP rear cameras, they\u2019re\u2026serviceable. While the phone can take good-looking shots in daytime \u2013 this applies to most modern phones anyway \u2013 its low light performance isn\u2019t quite as good. Images are noisy in less than ideal lighting, and the lack of any optical stabilisation makes it difficult to capture blur-free images.\n\n\n\n\nSo why would you get the Vivo V11? Its camera performance isn\u2019t worth writing home about, it\u2019s costly for a mid-range smartphone, and its overall build quality leaves much to be desired. For RM1,699, you\u2019re better off getting the \nPocophone F1\n or the Xiaomi Mi 8 \u2013 phones with excellent value for money and flagship-level performance.\n\n\nThen again, if all you care about is taking good-looking selfie images, perhaps the V11 will serve you very well. It is by no means a bad smartphone (it\u2019s also the most affordable phone with an in-screen fingerprint sensor), but there are\u00a0better alternatives in this price range.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/gaming-smartphones-are-they-just-gimmicks/", "title": "Gaming Smartphones \u2013 Are They Just Gimmicks?", "body": "\n\nEver since the Razer Phone was announced, quite a number of phone makers followed suit and released their own take of a gaming smartphone. There\u2019s the Asus ROG Phone, the Xiaomi-backed Black Shark phone, and more recently, the Honor Play.\n\n\nBut looking beyond the marketing speak, is there really such a thing as a \u201cgaming smartphone?\u201d Or is it just a convenient term to market specific devices? Well, that\u2019s what we\u2019re here to find out \u2013 let\u2019s see what really defines a gaming-centric smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nSince the Razer Phone is arguably the phone that started it all, it\u2019s only appropriate to analyse this phone first. Without a doubt the highlight feature of the phone is its 120Hz display, and until now, Razer\u2019s first-ever smartphone still remains one of very few phones with a 120Hz screen.\n\n\nIn theory, this lets the Razer Phone run games at 120 frames per second, which should make for a very enjoyable gaming experience. As a gaming smartphone, having a high refresh rate display makes a lot of sense \u2013 more frames per second translate to better, smoother gaming experience.\n\n\nThe problem is, the 120Hz display doesn\u2019t work seamlessly: games\u00a0\nhave\u00a0\nto support that high of a refresh rate in the first place.\n\n\n\n\nSurprisingly enough, however, there are more than a handful of games that support 120Hz. These include Minecraft, Vainglory, Arena of Valor, Don\u2019t Starve, and surprisingly enough, even Pokemon Go. In fact, Razer has a list of games that support 120Hz refresh rate\u00a0\non its website\n.\n\n\nIt\u2019s great that there are games that support 120Hz refresh rate, but in order for the feature to be truly compelling, more developers have to get on board. After all, popular games like Mobile Legends, PUBG Mobile, and, say, Asphalt 9: Legends, don\u2019t support the high refresh rate.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s also the fact that the Razer Phone was released back in 2017, so its hardware is definitely not as powerful as devices that were released this year. Yes, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset powering the phone is still plenty capable, but the Snapdragon 845 is a better SoC with a superior GPU \u2013 it\u2019ll be able to take advantage of the 120Hz display much more effectively.\n\n\nThat being said, Razer is expected to reveal the Razer Phone 2 next month on 10 October. Chances are, the successor will address these shortcomings, and it\u2019ll be interesting to see if Razer will retain the 120Hz display.\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have Asus\u2019 ROG Phone. Unlike the Razer Phone, Asus\u2019 offering comes with a slightly slower 90Hz display. While this isn\u2019t as good as the Razer Phone\u2019s 120Hz screen, it\u2019s definitely better than a conventional smartphone\u2019s display, which is usually capped at 60Hz.\n\n\nOn top of that, the ROG Phone also comes with a slew of gaming-centric features. These include \u201cspecially selected\u201d Snapdragon 845 chipsets clocked at 2.96GHz, a vapour-chamber cooling system for better thermal performance \u2013 there\u2019s even an optional fan attachment for even better cooling \u2013 and a gamepad module which adds shoulder buttons.\n\n\nNeedless to say, these features do make the ROG Phone appealing as a gaming smartphone, but it still remains to be seen just how well Asus can execute the concept. Considering the fact that the phone isn\u2019t even in the market yet \u2013 despite being announced a few months ago \u2013 it\u2019s hard to evaluate its gaming prowess.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBoth the Razer Phone and ROG Phone have their own unique features that give them credibility as gaming smartphones, so is the term not a gimmick? Well, not quite. Enter the Honor Play \u2013 one of the most affordable \u201cgaming smartphones\u201d in Malaysia. Retailing from only RM1,249, it\u2019s a really affordable flagship smartphone. After all, it\u2019s powered by Huawei\u2019s Kirin 970 chipset; the very same SoC powering Huawei\u2019s range of flagship devices, including the Mate 10 and P20 devices.\n\n\nThe Honor Play is certainly a capable flagship device, but what makes it a gaming smartphone? A software tweak dubbed \u201cGPU Turbo,\u201d which promises better gaming performance\u2026but only in selected games like PUBG Mobile. On top of that, the performance increase isn\u2019t quite as prominent as how Huawei portraited it to be \u2013 a typical case of overzealous marketing.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGPU Turbo is still a valid technology, of course \u2013 AnandTech \ncovered this in great length\n \u2013 but the performance increase is in the software side of things. At the end of the day, the performance increase is still limited to how good the hardware of the phone is, and the Honor Play\u2019s Kirin 970 chipset (which debuted last year in the Mate 10 series) is showing its age.\n\n\nOn top of that, GPU Turbo is not exclusive to the Honor Play either: other Huawei devices will get the feature through software updates. This, in turn, makes the Honor Play as much of a gaming smartphone, as, say, the P20 Pro. While the Honor Play \ndoes\n come with a \u201cSmart Shock\u201d vibration system that supposedly mimics the rumble feedback of a console controller, it still feels\u2026just like a standard phone\u2019s vibration.\n\n\n\n\nSo what\u00a0\nconstitutes\u00a0\na gaming smartphone? If it promises (and delivers) superior gaming performance than your conventional smartphone, it is rightfully a gaming smartphone. Whether it\u2019s a display with high refresh rate, or a unique cooling solution to sustain peak performance, if they result in a more enjoyable gaming experience, it\u2019s by definition a gaming smartphone \u2013 in my opinion, of course. If phone makers decide to market their devices as such, they\u2019ll have to back up the claim.\n\n\nUnfortunately, some manufacturers capitalise on the trend and simply market their devices as \u201cgaming smartphones\u201d without actually delivering meaningfully better gaming performance. This, in turn, makes it\u00a0difficult to distinguish these devices from those that are actually \nmade\n for gaming.\n\n\nMarketing or not, it\u2019s never a good idea to mislead consumers.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-kirin-980-chipset-what-the-worlds-first-7nm-chip-promises/", "title": "Huawei Kirin 980 Chipset \u2013 What the World\u2019s First 7nm Chip Promises", "body": "\n\nMost major phone makers rely on Qualcomm and MediaTek\u2019s range of processors for their devices, and out of the two chip manufacturers, Qualcomm\u2019s chipsets are generally considered to be superior. However, there are a couple of exceptions. Most notably, Samsung and Huawei.\n\n\nSamsung has already unveiled its own high-end chipset earlier this year, the Exynos 9810, when it introduced the Galaxy S9 series. Now, it\u2019s Huawei\u2019s turn to show its hands. We were invited to a workshop for Huawei\u2019s latest mobile chipset, the Kirin 980, and if the Chinese company\u2019s claims are anything to go by, this 7nm chip is a mighty impressive SoC.\n\n\nNaturally, Huawei is targeting the Snapdragon 845 with the new Kirin 980. In comparison to Qualcomm\u2019s offering, the Kirin 980 has a few notable upgrades. These include better CPU performance, thanks to the chip\u2019s new ARM Cortex-A76 cores \u2013 the Kirin 980 is the first mobile chipset to use these new cores \u2013 support for higher frequency RAM, and most importantly, better power efficiency courtesy of the smaller 7nm size. The Snapdragon 845, on the other hand, is a 10nm SoC.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, Huawei is also emphasising the AI capabilities of the Kirin 980. The Kirin 970 comes with a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU), and the new Kirin 980 doubles that with a dual NPU. This, in turn, promises even better performance with AI computing tasks like image recognition. On top of that, AI supposedly plays a role in the power efficiency of the chip by predicting load requirement more accurately.\n\n\nGaming performance is also another area Huawei highlighted in the media workshop. Powered by ARM\u2019s brand new Mali-G76 GPU, the Kirin 980 promises better gaming performance than the Snapdragon 845\u2019s Adreno 630 GPU. Running a demo of NBA 2K18, the Kirin 980 managed to sustain 60 frames per second, while the Snapdragon 845 hovers between 40 to 60 frames per second.\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s worth noting that this gaming performance gain is also attributed to Huawei\u2019s GPU Turbo technology. It remains to be seen if the Kirin 980 can outpace the Snapdragon 845 in other mobile games, especially those that do not support GPU Turbo.\n\n\n\n\nBased on these comparisons with the Snapdragon 845, it\u2019s evident that the Kirin 980 is a better chipset \u2013 at least, that\u2019s what Huawei is promising. However, it\u2019s\u00a0\nnot\u00a0\nexactly a fair comparison: both products have different release cycles.\n\n\nQualcomm\u2019s new flagship processors typically start rolling out in the first quarter of the year, while Huawei\u2019s Kirin chipsets are refreshed the same time the company\u2019s new Mate series are introduced, which happens towards the last quarter of the year. Considering the fact that the Kirin 980 debuts much later than the Snapdragon 845, it only makes sense for it to be the superior chip.\n\n\nThat being said, we haven\u2019t even brought in the other 7nm chip to the picture: the Apple A12 Bionic. Considering the fact that even its predecessor, the A11 Bionic, was considered to be one of the best processors in the market \u2013 both in terms of CPU and GPU performance \u2013 the A12 should be an even better offering. Of course, we\u2019ll only really know how it compares to the Kirin 980 once Huawei is ready to unveil the Mate 20 series.\n\n\n\n\nSo what can we expect from the Kirin 980? Well, better performance across the board. It\u2019s the first chipset to implement ARM\u2019s latest Cortex-A76 cores and\u00a0Mali-G76 GPU, and thanks to its 7nm size (as well as AI power management), it will be much more power-efficient than its predecessor, which should translate to better battery life.\n\n\nHowever, until we get to test the Kirin 980 for ourselves, it\u2019s hard to say exactly how good it will be. We\u2019ll only know for sure once Huawei debuts the Mate 20 series this 16 October.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-case-for-and-against-smartwatches/", "title": "The Case for & Against: Smartwatches", "body": "\n\nSmartwatches have been around for quite some time now. Yet, there is no one smartwatch that truly stands out from the rest. In the Android landscape, Wear OS devices are mainly dominated by fashion brands, and even though Samsung\u2019s recently renamed Galaxy Gear smartwatches are quite capable, Tizen OS has its own suit of problems. As for iOS, the only really viable smartwatch you can (and should) get is the Apple Watch.\n\n\nSo that brings up the question: is there a need to get a smartwatch? Does it complement a smartphone well enough for consumers to pick one up? In this article, we explore the case for \u2013 and against \u2013 smartwatches.\n\n\nThe Case Against\n\n\nAs with all gadgets you use daily, smartwatches need to be charged. Depending on which particular wearable you get, you\u2019ll have to charge it up either once every two days, a week, or a month. What\u2019s worse is if you forget to charge it up \u2013 you won\u2019t be able to even tell the time with the smartwatch if it runs out of juice.\n\n\nAside from that, smartwatches in general don\u2019t offer many meaningful features. While it\u2019s nice to have the ability to swap watch faces whenever you feel like it and get notifications pushed to your smartwatch, the general user base might not find other features of a wearable necessary at all \u2013 the keyword here being \u201cmight.\u201d We\u2019ll get back to this further down this article.\n\n\nMore often than not, smartwatches are also dependent on a smartphone. Sure, there are smartwatches that can work independently to a certain extent, but you\u2019ll still have to pair them to a phone to really take advantage of their full features. Some may argue that you have your phone with you all the time anyway, but this isn\u2019t always possible or convenient.\n\n\n\n\nPerhaps the best reason not to invest in a smartwatch is the fact that some of them can be really expensive. Take the Samsung Gear Sport smartwatch: retailing at RM1,219, you can already get a very competent smartphone for that kind of money. You\u00a0\ncan\u00a0\ngo for a more budget-friendly smartwatch like the Xiaomi Amazfit Bip and Amazfit Pace \u2013 they retail at RM279 and RM549 respectively \u2013 but these won\u2019t be quite as feature-rich as more expensive offerings.\n\n\nCost is something you\u2019ll have to consider when shopping for a smartwatch, but what if you don\u2019t mind splurging on one? If that\u2019s the case, let\u2019s take a look at a few reasons why you\u2019d actually want to get a smartwatch.\n\n\nThe Case for\n\n\nOne of the biggest selling points of a smartwatch \u2013 to me, at least \u2013 is the convenience of having notifications on my phone pushed to my smartwatch. If it\u2019s not an important notification, I won\u2019t have to bother taking my phone out of my pocket. This sounds like a small thing, but it does save me the trouble of constantly checking my phone for any missed notifications \u2013 I wouldn\u2019t have to focus so much on my phone.\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s get back to the topic of smartwatches \u201cnot offering many meaningful features.\u201d While I personally don\u2019t use a smartwatch for anything beyond getting pushed notifications, customising the watch face, and occasionally get my heart rate checked, there are certainly folks who will appreciate other features that come with a smartwatch.\n\n\n\n\nThis ties back to smartwatches that can work independently of a smartphone. Say you\u2019d like to go for a quick jog in a nearby park: some smartwatches can track the route you take even though it\u2019s not paired to a phone during your jog. The same goes for swimming too \u2013 there are wearables that can track your swimming routine. If you\u2019re into activity tracking, a smartwatch can do just that for you.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Apple Watch Series 4 comes with several features never previously available on a smartwatch. The Watch\u2019s ability to detect a hard fall is a neat addition, but the more exciting feature is the fact that it can now take an electrocardiogram (EKG) using\u00a0electrodes built into the back of the Watch.\n\n\n\n\nEssentially, an EKG reading can be used to detect irregular heartbeat rhythm, and the Apple Watch can then notify the user accordingly. This is the first time the feature comes built-in with a smartwatch out of the box, and it\u2019s certainly a step closer to making wearables that much smarter. Whether or not the Watch can accurately take an EKG, however, is an entirely different question.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nAt the end of the day, smartwatches are not as ubiquitous as smartphones. Whether or not you need a small screen on your wrist is entirely dependent on each individual\u2019s preference. If you don\u2019t mind spending on a smartwatch, remembering to charge it up when necessary, and you actually appreciate the features it offers, then yes, it will serve you very well.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-tab-s4-hands-on-a-great-android-tablet-for-certain-users/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 Hands-On: A Great Android Tablet for Certain Users", "body": "\n\nThe Android tablet market may not be quite as enticing as it used to be, but that doesn\u2019t stop Samsung from introducing its latest flagship tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4. Now sporting a sleeker design with smaller bezels than its predecessor \u2013 it also retains the S Pen functionality \u2013 the Tab S4 is a capable, high-end Android tablet.\n\n\nBut it comes with a hefty price tag too, limiting its potential user base. For the kind of money Samsung is asking with the Tab S4, most consumers will be better off with a full-fledged Windows machine \u2013 or even an iPad.\n\n\nMuch like its predecessor, the Galaxy Tab S4 doesn\u2019t ship with the most cutting edge processor. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset, the tablet feels powerful enough for a pleasant user experience. It may be last year\u2019s SoC, but the Snapdragon 835 is still a flagship-tier chipset.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBesides performance, the Tab S4\u2019s\u00a010.5-inch 2560 x 1600 sAMOLED display is\u00a0\nexcellent.\u00a0\nIt\u2019s well established that Samsung makes some of the best screens in the market, and the Tab S4\u2019s sAMOLED display certainly shows that. It\u2019s a bright, vibrant screen with great viewing angles, and it\u2019s generally a very pleasant display to look at.\n\n\nAnother noteworthy hardware of the Tab S4 is its AKG-tuned quad speakers. As far as first impressions go, I\u2019m impressed with the audio system. It can get loud, it doesn\u2019t sound tinny, and there\u2019s no noticeable distortion or audio buzzing at maximum volume. In short, you\u2019ll be getting very good audio quality with the Tab S4.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Galaxy Tab S4 comes with 64GB of expandable storage along with 4GB of RAM; it also features a 13MP rear camera, an 8MP front-facing shooter, an iris scanner, LTE connectivity, a 7,300mAh battery (complete with support for fast charging), and Samsung Experience 9.5 based on Android 8.1 Oreo out of the box. Of course, Samsung\u2019s signature S Pen is also bundled with this tablet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOh right, the S Pen. On the software side of things, the Tab S4\u2019s S Pen is pretty much identical to the Galaxy Note 9\u2019s. There\u2019s the same circular user interface, the ability to translate texts by hovering the S Pen over specific words, and even the Screen Off Memo function is here. If you\u2019ve used the Note\u2019s S Pen before, you\u2019ll be right at home.\n\n\nWhat about the 13MP camera of the Tab S4? It\u2019s\u2026functional. In a pinch, the tablet can take pictures just fine, but don\u2019t expect great-looking results. The lack of optical image stabilisation makes it more difficult to capture sharp images, autofocus speed isn\u2019t great, and noise is quite apparent in challenging lighting conditions. If it\u2019s any consolation, the 8MP front-facing camera works well enough for video calling.\n\n\nAnother selling point for the Galaxy Tab S4 is its ability to use Samsung\u2019s DeX \u2013 the Korean company\u2019s desktop environment previously available on its smartphones only. Interestingly, DeX is available on the Tab S4 as a different mode; there\u2019s no need for any dock, and you don\u2019t have to connect it to a display (you can still do it if you want a bigger screen) for DeX to activate.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn DeX mode, the Tab S4 works almost like a full-fledged PC, and it\u2019s very snappy. There are browser tabs in Google Chrome, you can open multiple applications in different windows, and it feels a lot like how a desktop environment should be like \u2013 that\u2019s fantastic. However, it\u2019s still not quite as intuitive or responsive as, say, a Windows 10 machine. After all, DeX is still running on Android.\n\n\nAll things considered, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 is a very good Android tablet. It has a gorgeous display, great audio quality, good level of performance, and Samsung DeX adds a lot of functionality for power users. But how much does all of these cost? A whopping RM3,099.\n\n\nThat places the Tab S4 in the same price point as a perfectly capable Windows 10 laptop. In fact, you can get the Acer Swift 3 for the same amount of money. It has a\u00a014-inch 1920 x 1080 display, an Intel Core\u00a0i5-8250U processor paired with 4GB of RAM, a 128GB SSD, 1TB of HDD storage, and an Nvidia MX150 GPU.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile you don\u2019t get the Tab S4\u2019s gorgeous display, S Pen functionality, or portability, the Swift 3 is a far more powerful machine. Not only is Windows 10 a much more capable operating system, the Tab S4\u2019s Snapdragon 835 chipset isn\u2019t even in the same league as the Swift 3\u2019s superior Core i5 processor and MX150 GPU.\n\n\nBut if you\u2019re a digital artist who wants to draw on the go \u2013 and you really want the S Pen \u2013 you can consider the 2018 Apple iPad. Yes, it has a smaller 9.7-inch 2048 x 1536 Retina display, but it\u2019s much more affordable. Take the 128GB iPad with LTE support, which retails at only RM2,371. Even with an Apple Pencil thrown in, the total cost only adds up to RM2,740 \u2013 that\u2019s RM359 less than the Tab S4, You\u2019re also getting twice as much storage capacity, although it\u2019s not expandable.\n\n\nHowever, if you\u2019re not a fan of iOS, the Tab S4 is obviously the better option.\n\n\n\n\nWho is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 made for? As mentioned, digital artists will find this tablet an appealing option \u2013 especially if they\u2019re not interested in an iPad. Not many manufacturers offer the functionality of the S Pen in the Android space, and the Tab S4\u2019s ability to use DeX natively may even appeal to power users who want a lightweight, portable machine to do productivity tasks on the go.\n\n\nAs for the average user who doesn\u2019t find the S Pen or DeX appealing, the Galaxy Tab S4\u2019s steep asking price is difficult to justify. It\u2019s a great tablet for those who want exactly what the Tab S4 offers, but for everyone else, there are plenty of other options in this price range.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/smartphone-buyers-guide-when-should-you-change-your-phone/", "title": "Smartphone Buyer\u2019s Guide: When Should You Change Your Phone?", "body": "\n\nSmartphones have become somewhat of a commodity for many folks. Considering the fact that smartphones are used on a daily basis, wear and tear is a real concern \u2013 it\u2019s only a matter of time before they need to be changed.\n\n\nBut smartphones (depending on which particular device you get) can be quite expensive, so it\u2019s important to know when you should\u00a0\nreally\u00a0\nchange your phone. Here are some guidelines you can follow to decide whether or not you should get that shiny new smartphone.\n\n\nCondition\n\n\nIf your phone is damaged to the point where some of its functions are compromised, consider purchasing a new one. A cracked display is the most obvious reason you should change your phone; the risk of getting cut from the broken glass also makes it quite dangerous to continue using your device, even if the touchscreen itself still works. This applies to the back glass panel as well, of course, if your phone has a glass back.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, sending in the phone for repair is always an option, but it depends on how expensive the process will be. If the cost goes above RM1,000, it\u2019s generally a better idea to outright purchase a new device. After all, there are plenty of good choices in that price range. While we\u2019re on the topic,\u00a0make sure that you\u2019re sending your phone to an official service centre; while third-party shops can get the job done for a cheaper price, they may use inferior parts.\n\n\nSmartphones will inevitably collect scratches and dents over time, but if these damages are only cosmetic, there\u2019s no real reason to change your phone. To prolong the lifespan of your device, it\u2019s good practice to apply a screen protector and use a casing too \u2013 it\u2019ll help it survive any unforeseen drops.\n\n\nAnd if you want to avoid any potential water damage to your phone, get a device with a good Ingress Protection (IP) rating, though this feature is usually reserved only for flagship smartphones.\n\n\nBattery Degradation\n\n\nIt\u2019s no secret that batteries degrade over time, but there are still some folks who wonder why their phones don\u2019t last quite as long anymore after a couple years of ownership. if your phone runs out of juice within hours of being unplugged from the charger, that\u2019s not good.\n\n\nUnfortunately, if you only started noticing this issue, there\u2019s not much you can do to solve this issue on your own \u2013 it\u2019s simply how current battery technology works. The easiest solution is to either get a new phone, or send it in for a battery change if you want to save some cash. Again, if you don\u2019t want to risk the chance of getting inferior parts, only send your device to official channels.\n\n\n\n\nTo prevent your phone\u2019s battery from degrading too quickly, practice good charging habits. If you can help it, don\u2019t use your phone while it\u2019s charging \u2013 extra heat is never good for a battery\u2019s health. That\u2019s the very same reason why you should avoid using wireless chargers frequently. While it\u2019s a convenient charging method, it\u2019s not as efficient as wired charging; a lot of heat is produced when charging wirelessly.\n\n\nObsolescence\n\n\nThere are a couple of ways how your phone can get obsolete, and software is the most common cause. Basically, once your phone stops getting software updates, it\u2019s on its way to be obsolete. This is especially bad if certain features break, as there will be no software update to solve the issues.\n\n\nWhen it comes to mobile operating systems, Android is the worst culprit here. Because of how fragmented the platform is, software support differs from one manufacturer to another. In fact, some Android phone makers stop supporting their devices after only two years of release. Apple, on the other hand, is still providing software support for most iPhones well after they have been discontinued. Take the iPhone 5s: even though it was released back in 2013, it still got the latest iOS 12 update.\n\n\n\n\nThere is also hardware obsolescence, and one way that can happen is when replacement parts for your phone are no longer widely available. Thankfully, this only really happens several years after the phone\u2019s official release. By that time, it\u2019s generally a good idea to change to a more modern phone.\n\n\nChange of Needs\n\n\nThis is entirely dependent on each individual consumer, but it can be a legitimate reason to upgrade \u2013 or downgrade \u2013 your phone. Say you started off with a decent mid-ranger, but as time goes on, you want\u2026more, out of your phone. Whether it\u2019s higher performance, better camera, or cleaner software experience, if your budget permits, go crazy.\n\n\n\n\nIf it\u2019s been a while since you\u2019ve bought your device (I\u2019m talking about more than two to three years), you\u2019ll be surprised at how much the smartphone market has changed. You no longer have to spend upwards of RM2,000 to get a truly good, flagship-tier smartphone.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\n\n\nPersonally, I won\u2019t consider changing to a new smartphone in the first two years of ownership. Phones today \u2013 especially high-end ones \u2013 can last between two to three years easily. Naturally, this still depends on how well you take care of your device; the condition and battery degradation of each device will differ from one user to another.\n\n\nOf course, if you feel like changing your phone for the sake of it, that is your prerogative. This article is merely a guideline to help you decide whether or not you should take the dive and change to a new phone. Nonetheless, if you\u2019d like to see more smartphone buyer\u2019s guide like this, let us know!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-pocophone-f1-hands-on-redefining-the-flagship-landscape/", "title": "Xiaomi Pocophone F1 Hands-On: Redefining the Flagship Landscape", "body": "\n\nXiaomi\u2019s new sub-brand, Pocophone, brings an interesting proposition. The brand\u2019s very first smartphone, the Pocophone F1, comes with hardware you\u2019d expect to find on flagship devices, but the base model retails at only RM1,299 \u2013 that\u2019s a fraction of what premium phones normally go for.\n\n\nThat being said, there are a couple of reasons why the Pocophone F1 is so affordable, but that doesn\u2019t take away the fact that it has incredible value for money.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with hardware. The Pocophone F1 is powered by Qualcomm\u2019s most powerful chipset yet, the Snapdragon 845, a\u00a06.18-inch 1080p IPS display, 6GB of RAM, 64GB or 128GB of internal storage (further expandable with a microSD card), and a generous 4,000mAh battery.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Pocophone F1 are a 12MP f/1.9 + 5MP f/2.0 dual camera system, a 20MP front-facing shooter, and a slightly modified MIUI 9.6 software \u2013 specifically tuned for the F1 \u2013 based on Android 8.1 Oreo out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt the Pocophone F1 has a very respectable spec sheet, but how does it feel to hold? Pretty darn good, actually. Its polycarbonate body has a nice matte finish that hides fingerprints well, and the slightly tapered back panel makes it a comfortable device to hold for long periods of time.\n\n\nOf course, the polycarbonate chassis doesn\u2019t feel quite as premium as a glass and metal construction found in other flagship phones, but this\u00a0\nis\u00a0\na sub-RM1,500 smartphone \u2013 it\u2019s a compromise I\u2019ll take any day of the week.\n\n\nLike most phones in the market now, the Pocophone F1\u2019s 1080p IPS display has a notch, and it\u2019s quite sizeable. Thankfully, you can \u201chide\u201d the notch in the settings \u2013 the area surrounding the notch will be darkened if you opt to hide it. personally, I don\u2019t mind the notch at all, and it doesn\u2019t interfere in normal day-to-day usage.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the display itself, it looks quite stunning for a smartphone in this price range. It can get really bright, colours are vibrant, viewing angles are good, and it\u2019s plenty sharp despite the 1080p resolution of the display. Sure, a higher resolution screen may look nicer, but this will affect the phone\u2019s battery life \u2013 not exactly a sacrifice many are willing to make.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Pocophone F1\u2019s huge 4,000mAh battery should return very good battery life. Despite packing such a large cell, the F1 doesn\u2019t feel all that heavy either. Tipping the scales at only 180g, it weighs about the same as, say, the Huawei P20 Pro. On top of that, the F1\u2019s chassis measures 8.8mm \u2013 not too thin or thick.\n\n\nOh, it\u2019s also worth noting that the phone supports Qualcomm\u2019s Quick Charge 3.0 technology. Unlike most Xiaomi smartphones, a compatible charger is bundled in the box too \u2013 very nice.\n\n\n\n\nWhat about software experience? Running on a slightly modified version of Xiaomi\u2019s MIUI 9.6, the Pocophone F1\u2019s software looks and feels a lot like what you get with a Xiaomi phone. However, there is one distinct difference: it has an app drawer, which can be accessed by swiping up on the home screen. Apps are grouped into different categories automatically in the app drawer as well, making it easier to find certain apps.\n\n\nWhen it comes to security, the Pocophone F1 has a rear fingerprint sensor and face unlock. Both methods can unlock the phone very quickly, and the face unlock feature \u2013 thanks to the front-facing infrared sensor \u2013 will work even in the dark.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have perhaps the best reason to get the Pocophone F1: performance. Running on a Snapdragon 845 chipset, the F1 \u2013 perhaps as its name suggests \u2013 is a very,\u00a0\nvery\u00a0\nfast smartphone. It\u2019s an absolute joy to game on this phone, and I can switch between different apps seamlessly. Considering the fact that the F1 can be purchased from as low as RM1,299, this level of performance is practically unheard of in this price range.\n\n\nTo put this into context, let\u2019s compare the Pocophone F1 to its closest competitor, the Xiaomi Mi 8. Also powered by a Snapdragon 845 chipset, the Mi 8 retails at RM1,599 and RM1,899 for the 64GB and 128GB variants respectively. In contrast, the 64GB model of the F1 goes for only RM1,299, while the 128GB variant retails at RM1,499.\n\n\nBut the Mi 8 does have the upper hand in a couple of areas. It sports a more premium build, it has a better Super AMOLED display, and its camera performance is without a doubt superior. However, if all you care about is getting the best performance for the least amount of money, the Pocophone F1 trumps the Mi 8.\n\n\n\n\nRight, I haven\u2019t touched on the camera performance of the Pocophone F1. In most cases, budget-friendly smartphones\u2026don\u2019t have the best camera performance. Surprisingly enough, that doesn\u2019t apply to the F1 \u2013 for the most part.\n\n\nThe F1\u2019s dual 12MP and 5MP cameras are quite capable, and you can capture good-looking shots without much difficulty. The autofocus is fast, there\u2019s no noticeable shutter lag, and white balance is kept in check pretty well too. However, its dynamic range isn\u2019t quite as wide, and images does look soft in certain conditions.\n\n\nI haven\u2019t got the chance to try out the F1\u2019s camera performance extensively in low light conditions, but based on a few shots I took, it seems pretty capable. Even though the shutter speed slows down quite a bit in low light environments, images still look flattering with good exposure.\n\n\n\n\nThe Pocophone F1 really redefines what you can expect from an affordable flagship smartphone, and it also exceeds expectations for devices in this price range. Never has there been a smartphone as powerful as the F1 in the sub-RM1,500 price range, and I\u2019d argue the RM1,299 64GB variant of the phone is the best phone you can get on a tight budget \u2013 you can always add more storage with a microSD card.\n\n\nHowever, is the Pocophone F1\u00a0\nas good\u00a0\nas a flagship smartphone twice \u2013 or even thrice \u2013 its asking price? Of course not. Its build quality, camera performance, and overall polish still isn\u2019t comparable to a \u201cproper\u201d flagship smartphone. But as I\u2019ve mentioned before, if you want the absolute best performance from a smartphone with the least amount of money, the Pocophone F1 should be at the top of your list.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-case-for-and-against-gaming-chairs/", "title": "The Case for & Against: Gaming Chairs", "body": "\n\nSpending money on furniture isn\u2019t something we always do, and this is definitely the case for one type of furniture: gaming chairs. The common argument against gaming chairs is the fact that they\u2019re very costly \u2013 it\u2019s hard to justify spending upwards of RM1,000 for a mere chair.\n\n\nHowever, there are legitimately good reasons to get a gaming chair, especially for those who spend long hours sitting down. Here are some pros and cons of gaming chairs.\n\n\nThe Case Against\n\n\nIf there\u2019s one thing stopping anyone from getting a gaming chair, it\u2019s the cost. Typically, gaming chairs can go anywhere between RM500 to a whopping RM2,000. Depending on which brand you go for, the more expensive ones aren\u2019t necessarily the best either, which makes it even more difficult to justify investing so much money into a gaming chair.\n\n\nAside from cost, most gaming chairs\u2026have very flashy designs. After all, they\u2019re not called gaming chairs without a reason. This, in turn, makes it somewhat difficult to place a gaming chair in a professional office setting. What\u2019s the use of a gaming chair \u2013 no matter how comfortable it is \u2013 if you can\u2019t even use it in your office? Granted, this still depends on your work environment, but it does limit the appeal of gaming chairs.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond these two factors, there\u2019s also the fact that some gaming chairs are no better than good ol\u2019 office chairs. This is especially true of more affordable gaming chairs. For the kind of money these chairs command, you can get a decent office chair (or two). Why spend more on gaming chairs if you can get a regular one that\u2019s just as comfortable?\n\n\nFor most consumers, an office chair will do the job just fine. There are a lot of choices to choose from, and the wide price range makes it easy to get one that fits your budget. But say you don\u2019t mind spending on a gaming chair \u2013 is it worth the investment? Let\u2019s take a look at the other side of the coin.\n\n\nThe Case for\n\n\nWhat\u2019s the number one reason to get a gaming chair? Comfort. Depending on the size, height, and weight of individual users, the right gaming chair can deliver extremely good comfort level. Off the top of my head, Secretlab\u2019s range of gaming chairs is a good example of this.\n\n\nTake the company\u2019s most \u201caffordable\u201d product, the Secretlab Throne 2018. Retailing at S$399 (about RM1,240), the Throne is more suitable for individuals between 145 to 165cm tall. Moving up the range is the S$469 (approximately RM1,460) Secretlab Omega 2018, which is made for those who are between 160 to 180cm tall.\n\n\nAt the top of the range sits the Secretlab Titan. If your height is between 175 to 200cm, this\u00a0S$549 (around RM1,700) gaming chair is the most ideal one for you. Secretlab\u2019s \nsizing guide\n has all of these outlined.\n\n\n\n\nSo how does your height affect the comfort of a gaming chair? Well, at least in the case of Secretlab\u2019s products, your height will determine how the different elements of the gaming chair will fit you. For example, your height will affect how low \u2013 or high \u2013 the neck pillow is positioned. On top of that, I also find the Throne\u2019s lumbar pillow much more comfortable than the larger pillow of the Omega \u2013 I imagine larger individuals will prefer the Omega instead.\n\n\nPersonally, however, I highly recommend trying out any gaming chair you\u2019re thinking of purchasing before you put down the money for it \u2013 that\u2019s how you know it will fit you the way you like it.\n\n\nIf you notice, Secretlab\u2019s chairs \u2013 besides the Throne \u2013 have pretty minimalist, understated designs too. While I wouldn\u2019t go as far as to say they look perfectly suited to be in a meeting room, they certainly won\u2019t look out of place in a regular workplace. If you\u2019re not a fan of conventional gaming chairs\u2019 more flamboyant designs, there are certainly other products in this category with more understated aesthetics.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, gaming chairs are without a doubt more costly than your typical office chair. No matter how you look at it, this is an unavoidable aspect, and more \u201cbudget-friendly\u201d gaming chairs may not be as comfortable as they appear to be.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nGaming chairs are a huge investment, but for certain folks, it\u2019s worth the cost. If you spend most of your days sitting down, looking at a computer screen for hours on end, I will say gaming chairs are worth every single penny spent. Of course, there are certainly office chairs that can offer the same level of comfort, but it\u2019s worth noting that they can be\u00a0\nas\u00a0\nexpensive as gaming chairs too.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/microsoft-surface-go-hands-on-surprisingly-capable/", "title": "Microsoft Surface Go Hands-On: Surprisingly Capable", "body": "\n\nWhen it comes to Windows-based tablets, most will associate Microsoft as the pioneer. Though the Surface brand had a rocky start, modern iterations of Microsoft\u2019s tablets are some of the best in the market now.\n\n\nAnd now, we have the Microsoft Surface Go, which is essentially a downsized version of the company\u2019s Surface Pro tablet. While it\u2019s certainly not as powerful as its full-size brethren, the Surface Go is delightfully fun to use \u2013 you just have to set your expectations accordingly.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor starters, the Surface Go is powered by an Intel Pentium Gold\u00a04415Y processor. Yes, it doesn\u2019t sound particularly powerful, but it\u2019s fast enough for day-to-day usage. I can browse the web comfortably with the Surface Go, do some light \u2013 and I mean very light \u2013 photo editing, and play 60fps videos on YouTube smoothly. However, do note that we tried out the highest-end Go with a 128GB SSD and 8GB of RAM; the more affordable model with 64GB of eMMC storage and 4GB of RAM may be slower.\n\n\nIs the Surface Go fast enough to rival a laptop with a Core i3 or i5 processor? Definitely not. For more serious multitasking work, the Surface Go certainly shows its limitations. Things start slowing down as I open more tabs in Microsoft Edge, and there\u2019s noticeable stuttering in heavier web pages.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut considering the size and weight of the Surface Go, this level of performance is well within expectations. Packing a 10-inch 1800 x 1200 PixelSense display (and weighing only 522g), this is a really compact tablet \u2013 especially for a Windows machine. That being said, it would\u2019ve been great if the Go had smaller bezels to make it even more portable.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Surface Go\u2019s PixelSense display is quite adequate despite its small size. It has great viewing angles, brightness, and colour reproduction. Thanks to the 3:2 aspect ratio, it doesn\u2019t feel all that cramped either; very important factor for a display this small.\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the Surface Go Type Cover. To accommodate the smaller size of the Go, the Type Cover is downsized accordingly too. If you\u2019re coming from a full-size laptop keyboard, you\u2019ll have to get used to the smaller layout of this Type Cover. I had some trouble adjusting to the keyboard at first, but after some time, I\u2019m typing almost as fast as I do on a standard keyboard.\n\n\nWhat about the typing experience? Very pleasant. While the keyboard doesn\u2019t have very long key travel, the great tactile feedback makes it very satisfying to do a lot of typing on the Surface Go Type Cover. To top it off, the keys are backlit too with three levels of brightness.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Type Cover\u2019s glass Precision trackpad, I\u2019m pleasantly surprised at how accurate it can track my fingers. It\u2019s not quite as accurate as MacBooks\u2019 trackpads, of course, but it\u2019s definitely one of the most responsive trackpads I\u2019ve used on a Windows machine. Aside from that, I love the smooth surface of the trackpad, and it\u2019s big enough to not be cumbersome to use.\n\n\nTablets usually don\u2019t have the best connectivity options, and unfortunately, the same applies to the Surface Go. Aside from the 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD card slot, this tablet only has a\u00a0\nsingle\u00a0\nUSB-C port. Yeap, only one port for all of your connectivity needs \u2013 you can\u2019t escape the dongle life with this tablet.\n\n\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Surface Go is available in two variants. The base model with 64GB of eMMC storage and 4GB of RAM retails at RM1,749, while the higher-end RM2,399 model comes with a 128GB SSD and 8GB of RAM. Beyond the different RAM and storage capacities, both models of the Surface Go are identical to each other.\n\n\nNaturally, the Surface Go Type Cover is sold separately. The standard Type Cover in black retails at RM399, but the Signature Type Cover in burgundy, silver, or blue, goes for a whopping RM549. If you want the Surface Pen too, that will set you back RM281.\n\n\nAlthough RM1,749 for the entry-level Surface Go sounds pretty good, it has to be paired to a Type Cover for a more complete experience. This, in turn, pushes the starting price of the tablet to RM2,148. If you want\u00a0the 128GB variant with 8GB of RAM instead with the Type Cover, you\u2019re looking at RM2,798.\n\n\n\n\nAt these price points, you can already get a decent laptop with a much more powerful Core i5 processor. With that in mind, why would you get the Surface Go? It comes down to your priorities. This tablet isn\u2019t made for those who want fast performance; instead, the Go is meant to appeal to folks who want a light, portable Windows tablet to do some productivity tasks on the go.\n\n\nIf that\u2019s all you ask for, the Microsoft Surface Go is really quite an attractive Windows tablet. While it\u2019s not as affordable as its base price would suggest, it\u2019s a compelling tablet for the majority of consumers who are looking for a compact Windows machine.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/which-tablet-platform-is-the-best-for-productivity/", "title": "Which Tablet Platform Is the Best for Productivity?", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to get a new tablet, it can be tough to find the right one. Not only are there quite a number of selections in the market, there are also three different platforms to consider: Windows, Android, and of course, iOS.\n\n\nIn this article, we\u2019re gonna talk about these three platforms, and look at how well each of them will perform when it comes to productivity. Based on what kind of work you expect to do on your tablet, we\u2019ll help you decide which platform you should go for.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with arguably the most versatile platform: Windows. On the surface, Windows tablets are not all that different from a Windows laptop; at least, in the software side of things. Not taking into account the different form factor and connectivity options, Windows tablets are as capable as their laptop counterparts.\n\n\nWhether it\u2019s writing emails, web browsing, or content consumption, Windows tablet can do it all very well. If you want do heavier workloads like photo or video editing, it\u2019s no issue either \u2013 assuming the tablet has the hardware to perform these tasks effectively. However, therein lies the caveat: the tablet form factor doesn\u2019t allow manufacturers to implement hardware as powerful as those found in laptops.\n\n\nBut to be fair, tablets in general do not have the most powerful processor. When it comes to raw hardware power, Windows tablets usually trump the rest. Then again, this comes at a cost, literally: high-end tablets running on Windows are usually pricier than flagship-tier tablets that run on Android or iOS.\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have Android tablets, which\u2026have died down in recent times. There are only a handful of really capable tablets running on Android in the market now, and currently, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 is probably the most interesting tablet on the platform.\n\n\nSo how ideal are Android tablets for productivity tasks? Well, it depends on what you\u2019re looking to do. If you\u2019re, say, a digital artist looking for a device to draw on the go, an Android tablet with a stylus like the Galaxy Tab S4 will serve you well. Windows tablets can do the same too if they have dedicated styluses, of course, but most of them are not as compact as Android tablets.\n\n\nBut if you\u2019re looking to edit videos or photos on an Android tablet, Windows\u2019 wider choice of dedicated programs will prove to be superior. While it\u2019s not impossible to do these tasks on an Android tablet, Windows-based tablets are better suited for these work thanks to their better hardware and software offerings.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least are iOS tablets, and if we\u2019re gonna talk about productivity, no iPad is more suited for that purpose than the iPad Pro. As Apple\u2019s most powerful tablets to date, the 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro tablets are faster than even the best Android tablets \u2013 the Cupertino company\u2019s A10X Fusion chip powering these two tablets is very, very good. Couple that with iOS\u2019 superior optimisation and polish, iPads (in general) are more pleasant to use than Android-based ones.\n\n\nHowever, if we were to talk about raw hardware power, Windows tablets still have the upper hand \u2013 Intel\u2019s Core processors typically found in Windows tablets are in a different league altogether.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, one of the main appeals of the iPad Pro tablets are their Retina displays with ProMotion technology. Basically, the iPad Pro have 120Hz displays, which make them more enjoyable for watching videos, playing games, and more importantly, drawing with the Apple Pencil.\n\n\nThanks to the high refresh rate of their displays, drawing on the iPad Pro tablets will feel more natural. On top of that, they are the only tablets in the market now with 120Hz displays too \u2013 you won\u2019t get the same experience on any other tablet. If your only focus is to draw on the go, the iPad Pro will give you the best experience.\n\n\nHow about photo and video editing? Again, Windows tablets are superior in this case; it\u2019s all down to sheer hardware power. Much like Android tablets, it\u2019s possible to edit photos and videos on the iPad Pro tablets, but they are still not on par with Windows tablets\u2019 better hardware and choice of editing programs.\n\n\n\n\nAll things considered, Windows tablets are the most ideal for those who want the versatility of doing light or heavy productivity tasks. Android and iOS tablets, on the other hand, are better suited for lighter productivity work or digital artists who want a portable device to draw on; iPad Pro tablets are best for the latter.\n\n\nThat being said, this is only from the standpoint of productivity. Tablets have matured rapidly over the past few years, and every one of them have their own unique selling points. But as far as productivity is concerned, Windows tablets are still the most ideal choice.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/phone-material-why-glass-or-metal-isnt-necessarily-the-best/", "title": "Phone Material: Why Glass or Metal Isn\u2019t Necessarily the Best", "body": "\n\nMore often than not, we always expect high-end, flagship smartphones to be made of premium material like glass, metal, or even ceramic. If a phone is made from \u201ccheap\u201d material like plastic \u2013 even if it has flagship-tier hardware \u2013 it doesn\u2019t sound quite as appealing.\n\n\nNow, it\u2019s not to say this expectation is unrealistic: if I\u2019m going to shell out a lot of money for a flagship smartphone, it\u2019s only natural to expect the phone to feel as premium as it could be. However, for the majority of consumers, they\u2019ll usually protect their phones with casings anyway \u2013 does it even matter what material their phones are made of?\n\n\nTo a certain extent, yes. But let\u2019s get into detail why smartphones with glass or metal designs aren\u2019t necessarily the best \u2013 plastic phones have their own advantages too.\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s set up a scenario here: say you just bought a brand new smartphone. Chances are, the first think you\u2019d do is slap on a screen protector on it and protect your device with a nice casing. So\u2026whether you have a phone with a sleek glass and metal design, or a plain polycarbonate body (like the \nPocophone F1\n), there\u2019s virtually no difference once you put on a casing.\n\n\nUnless, of course, you\u2019re using a clear, see-through casing. In that case, you\u2019ll still somewhat retain the appearance of the phone. But as far as the\u00a0\nfeel\u00a0\nof the phone goes, you won\u2019t be physically touching your phone\u2019s actual chassis anymore. Then again, there are those of us who use their smartphones without any casing on. In that case, the build material of your phone will definitely play a role.\n\n\nAside from the actual phone material, it\u2019s worth distinguishing between two things here: premium material does not necessarily mean premium build quality too. While most phones with metal or glass design usually feel premium, there are cases where even all-metal phones feel, well, cheap. This is especially true of mid-range smartphones.\n\n\nSo if build quality is your concern, it doesn\u2019t necessarily matter what material your phone is made out of. Take the Pocophone F1: despite its polycarbonate body, it still feels solid and well-built.\n\n\n\n\nAnd that brings us to the next point: cost. One of the major reasons why the Pocophone F1 is so affordable is the fact that it\u2019s made out of plastic, which reduces the overall cost of the phone. While build material isn\u2019t the only thing that impacts the price tag of a phone, it\u2019s certainly one of the easiest ways to reduce the cost of manufacturing. In fact, I imagine there will be folks who will gladly purchase a flagship smartphone made out of high-quality plastic if it is priced right.\n\n\nSpeaking of cost, not only are smartphones with metal or glass designs more expensive to manufacture, there are also costlier to replace \u2013 this is especially true for the latter. To make matters worse, phones with glass backs are not as durable as metal or plastic panels. In the case of a drop, the glass panel has a very high chance of shattering.\n\n\nSure, putting on a casing will lessen the possibility of this happening, but this goes back to the earlier point \u2013 if you won\u2019t even be touching the physical chassis of your phone, what\u2019s the use of it being made out of premium material?\n\n\n\n\nNow, I personally love smartphones with glass and metal designs, but more often than not, I almost always protect my own devices with casings, screen protectors, and sometimes even skins. I baby my devices, and I do think it defeats the purpose of owning a phone made out of premium material if I\u2019m just going to cover it up. To be frank, I\u2019m envious of those who don\u2019t mind using their smartphones without any form of protection; they can really enjoy all the hard work manufacturers have put into their devices\u2019 ergonomics and design.\n\n\nBut until there are smartphones with a glass or metal design that are as durable as plastic phones, I\u2019ll continue to cover up my devices with casings and skins.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-8x-hands-on-a-big-budget-centric-mid-ranger/", "title": "Honor 8X Hands-On: A Big, Budget-Centric Mid-Ranger", "body": "\n\nHonor has been releasing pretty interesting budget-oriented smartphones one after another, and the latest device \u2013 set to be launched in Malaysia next week \u2013 is the Honor 8X. On the surface, this is a mid-range smartphone with a large display, but if Honor prices it right, the 8X may be one of the most compelling devices in its price range.\n\n\nPowering the Honor 8X is Huawei\u2019s very own Kirin 710 chipset, which is said to be equivalent to Qualcomm\u2019s Snapdragon 660 SoC. I\u2019ve played a couple of PUBG Mobile matches on the device, and while there are a few stutters here and there, the battle royale game is very playable on the 8X. You won\u2019t have too much trouble getting your chicken dinner with this device.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of software, the Honor 8X is a smooth operator. Launching multiple apps consecutively is a fuss-free affair on the 8X, and it generally feels very responsive out of the box. While I don\u2019t quite dig the design of the user interface, EMUI 8.2 on the 8X is fast and lightweight.\n\n\nDesign-wise, I love the front design of the Honor 8X. I\u2019m not crazy about the notch, but the minimal bottom bezel really gives the phone an almost bezel-less aesthetic. And if you don\u2019t like the notch, there\u2019s an option to \u201cdisable\u201d it in the settings \u2013 the area surrounding the notch will be darkened to effectively hide it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut there is one design aspect of the Honor 8X I don\u2019t quite get: the left side of the glass back has a different texture than the rest of the panel to emphasise on the horizontal design. It\u2019s reminiscent of the Lenovo Vibe Shot\u2019s design, and while this certainly gives the 8X a unique appearance, it doesn\u2019t look particularly attractive. But hey, beauty is in the eye of the beholder \u2013 you may not share my sentiment.\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s get to one of the reasons why you\u2019d want to consider the Honor 8X: its large 6.5-inch display. Sporting a resolution of 2340 x 1080, this LTPS screen is pretty decent. It\u2019s a bright, vibrant display, and it looks sharp despite sporting \u201conly\u201d a 1080p resolution. If you\u2019re worried the resolution isn\u2019t high enough for a 6.5-inch panel, don\u2019t be. It\u2019s plenty sharp for comfortable day-to-day usage.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEquipped with a 3,750mAh battery, the Honor 8X should be able to return good battery life. The battery capacity may seem small for a phone with a 6.5-inch display, but because it\u2019s a 1080p panel, it shouldn\u2019t be too power hungry. Aside from that, the phone charges via a microUSB port; no USB Type-C here.\n\n\nLike many phones in the market now, the Honor 8X comes with a couple of biometric security options. The rear fingerprint sensor is fast and accurate \u2013 a slight touch is enough for the sensor to recognise my fingerprint \u2013 and the face unlock is equally quick too. Naturally, you can activate both security options if you\u2019d like.\n\n\n\n\nHow\u2019s the camera performance of the Honor 8X? Serviceable. The 20MP f/1.8 + 2MP dual camera system is a decent performer, but don\u2019t expect amazing image output. The AI mode does brighten images quite a bit, but colours are more saturated too. On top of that, the camera application isn\u2019t as responsive as I would\u2019ve liked either. The front-facing camera, on the other hand, is a 16MP f/2.0 shooter.\n\n\nDespite its average camera performance, the Honor 8X is still quite a compelling mid-ranger \u2013 especially if goes for the right price. In China, the 8X retails from only 1,399 Chinese yuan for the 64GB model with 4GB of RAM; that comes up to about RM845.\n\n\n\n\nIf Honor can price the 8X below RM1,000 in Malaysia, it may give a lot of devices in this price range a run for their money. It\u2019s a sleek-looking device \u2013 bar the back glass design, in my opinion \u2013 and the Kirin 710 is a pretty capable chipset. Here\u2019s hoping the Honor 8X will be priced competitively once it\u2019s launched in Malaysia on 9 October.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-iphone-xs-hands-on-incremental-upgrades/", "title": "Apple iPhone XS Hands-On: Incremental Upgrades", "body": "\n\nApple\u2019s \nbrand new iPhones\n are here, and the Cupertino company is finally streamlining the design of its smartphones. Gone are the huge bezels found on the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, and all three iPhone models this year \u2013 regardless of price point \u2013 now sport the iPhone X\u2019s design.\n\n\nToday, we\u2019re gonna take a look at the iPhone XS; essentially the direct successor to the iPhone X. While both of these devices are almost identical to each other, the iPhone XS does bring some notable improvements \u2013 even though some of them are incremental.\n\n\n\n\nMuch like the iPhone X, the iPhone XS also comes with a 5.8-inch 2436 x 1125 Super Retina HD display, and it\u2019s as gorgeous as ever. Because it is an OLED panel, the XS\u2019 display has very deep black levels. On top of that, colours are also vibrant, and viewing angles are great too.\n\n\nWhile the display notch is a polarising design, there\u2019s no denying the stunning screen of the iPhone XS. It\u2019s definitely one of the best displays in the market, even when compared to the screens of other notable flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S9 and Huawei P20 Pro.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlthough Apple didn\u2019t make much changes to the iPhone XS\u2019 display from its predecessor, the company did introduce a large improvement under the hood: the A12 Bionic chip. Said to be up to 15% faster than the A11 Bionic, the XS feels very fast and responsive. Apple also claims that the A12 is up to 50% more power-efficient than the A11 \u2013 the latter is a smaller 7nm chip \u2013 so you can expect to get better battery life on the iPhone XS.\n\n\nWhat\u2019s even more impressive is the new quad-core GPU of the A12 Bionic, which promises up to 50% improved performance. The A11 Bionic\u2019s GPU was already considered to be one of the best in the market right now, so if the A12\u2019s GPU can indeed deliver 50% better performance than its predecessor, it will certainly be\u00a0\nthe\u00a0\nGPU to beat.\n\n\n\n\nIn my testing, PUBG Mobile did feel very, very smooth on the iPhone XS, which is really expected from a device as powerful as it is. I\u2019ll definitely try out a wider range of games on the XS in a full review of the phone \u2013 especially the massively popular Fortnite.\n\n\nPerformance aside, the iPhone XS feels just like the iPhone X when held, and that\u2019s not necessarily a bad thing. After all, the latter was a well-designed phone in the first place. The XS is thick enough to comfortably grip, the stainless steel frame feels very premium, and the glass back is nice to the touch. However, like most glass back panels, it\u00a0\nis\u00a0\na fingerprint magnet. Nothing a quick wipe can\u2019t solve though.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd finally, we have the camera performance of the iPhone XS. Despite the fact that the phone\u2019s rear cameras are still made up of two 12MP sensors like its predecessor, the primary shooter now packs larger pixels for improved performance. Compared to the iPhone X, the XS can definitely take better-looking shots consistently.\n\n\nHowever, I only managed to take daylight shots with the iPhone XS. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how it performs in more challenging lighting situations, though I\u2019m quite optimistic it\u2019ll be a great performer even in low light conditions.\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s address the \u201cbeautygate\u201d of the new iPhones. Basically, images taken with the iPhone XS and XS Max\u2019s 7MP front-facing camera are automatically applied with some form of beauty filter. I took a selfie with the iPhone X and XS for comparison, and it\u2019s quite evident that there\u2019s skin smoothing on the XS\u2019 shot. Plenty of other iPhone XS and XS Max users have reported this issue too.\n\n\n\n\nSelfie shots taken with the iPhone X (top) and iPhone XS.\n\n\nPersonally, I don\u2019t think it\u2019s that big of a deal \u2013 I even prefer the iPhone XS\u2019 selfie shot, even though my skin tone doesn\u2019t look particularly natural. Nonetheless, it would\u2019ve been great if there\u2019s an option to remove this \u201cfeature.\u201d For what it\u2019s worth, Apple is rumoured to be looking into this, so there\u2019s a chance the company will change how the selfie camera\u2019s beautification \u2013 if any \u2013 work in a future update.\n\n\n\n\nThe iPhone XS is a great follow-up to the iPhone X. Although it retains the design of its predecessor, there are meaningful upgrades under the hood, including improved camera performance and a more powerful processor. But is it worth upgrading to?\n\n\nFor now, I\u2019d say it\u2019s not worth it for those who already own an iPhone X. Those who are still on older iPhones, however, will be very happy with the iPhone XS. And if you want a bigger display and better battery life, there\u2019s also the XS Max, though it\u2019s more costly than the XS.\n\n\n\n\nWe always say the latest iPhones are the best ever made every year. While I can\u2019t say that with confidence yet without spending more time with the iPhone XS in a full review, I can say this with conviction: it\u2019s a really, really good iPhone. But it will also cost you a pretty penny.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/smartphone-spec-race-how-much-ram-is-too-much/", "title": "Smartphone Spec Race: How Much RAM Is Too Much?", "body": "\n\nEvery phone maker wants to release the best\n\u00a0\nsmartphone in the market every year. In a bid to do just that, storage capacities get bigger \u2013 most flagship devices come in 512GB variants now \u2013 processors get faster, and camera systems get more sophisticated. All of these, in turn, lead to \u201cthe spec race\u201d \u2013 just put in larger numbers to a device\u2019s specifications to make it appear superior.\n\n\nMost of the time, the spec race isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing; at the end of the day, consumers will be getting better devices. However, there comes a time where we need to question certain decisions. One that comes to find is a rumoured new variant of the Oppo Find X with 10GB of RAM.\n\n\nSo the question is, how much RAM do you really need on a smartphone? Let\u2019s find out.\n\n\n\n\nBefore we get to the meat of the discussion, we have to understand what RAM actually does. An acronym for Random Access Memory, RAM is vital to the most basic function of a smartphone: multitasking. When you launch an app or a game, all of them are stored in RAM. As you open more applications and more background tasks are added, more RAM is used up. If there\u2019s not enough RAM, certain apps will be closed to free up memory.\n\n\nIn short, having more RAM means you can run a lot more apps simultaneously. Say you\u2019re playing a mobile game when you got an urgent message you need to reply; if you have enough RAM, the game will be right where you left it after you\u2019ve replied your message. It eliminates the hassle of launching apps again as you open even more apps.\n\n\nIs there any downside to having more RAM? Certainly, and the most important one is cost \u2013 there\u2019s a reason why the largest RAM capacities are normally reserved for flagship smartphones. The more RAM is offered in a smartphone, the costlier it is to manufacture, which (usually) drives up the price of the device.\n\n\n\n\nSo let\u2019s get back to the question: how much RAM do you\u00a0\nneed\n? Generally, 4GB of RAM is still considered good enough. In fact, even the latest iPhone XS and XS Max only pack 4GB of RAM. The more affordable iPhone XR, on the other hand, comes with 3GB of RAM.\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s worth noting that iOS devices in general don\u2019t require as much RAM as their Android counterparts \u2013 this comes down to how differently both platform works. Not only do they have different memory management systems, Android\u2019s more fragmented nature really necessitates the need for more RAM to compensate for the different versions of Android various manufacturers release \u2013 some are more (or less) optimised than others.\n\n\nSpeaking of optimisation, we also have to take into account how different the smartphone landscape is in China, especially for Android phones. Google services are blocked in China, so Android phones in the country are loaded with a plethora of different app stores to make up for the lack of the Play Store. This is part of the reason why Chinese Android phones from the likes of Oppo and OnePlus come with so much RAM.\n\n\nOn the other side of the field, iOS\u2019 closed ecosystem allows Apple to more efficiently polish and refine the operating system. As a result, iOS devices don\u2019t need as much RAM as Android phones \u2013 it\u2019s simply a more optimised platform.\n\n\n\n\nUnless you\u2019re in China, 4GB of RAM \u2013 regardless of Android or iOS \u2013 is more than enough on a smartphone. However, this may change in the future, especially for Android devices. As mobile games and apps get more sophisticated and demanding, more RAM will be needed. Perhaps the standard may be 6GB of RAM in the near future \u2013 that\u2019s how much RAM flagship smartphones today feature anyway.\n\n\nBut do you need \n10GB of RAM\n on a smartphone? Highly unlikely. Anything more than 6GB is really overkill.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/what-you-need-to-know-lg-v40-thinq/", "title": "LG V40 ThinQ \u2013 What You Need to Know", "body": "\n\nThe LG V40 ThinQ is finally official today, and one of the biggest selling points of LG\u2019s brand new flagship is its five different cameras: two on the front, and three on the back. The unique camera setup gives the V40 a plethora of shooting options, but is this reason alone enough to make it a worthwhile flagship phone?\n\n\nIn a vacuum, yes. The V40 is potentially LG\u2019s best phone to date, but in a flagship landscape dominated by better \u2013 and some even more affordable \u2013 smartphones, the V40 has trouble standing out.\n\n\nSeeing how camera is one of the V40\u2019s most unique hardware, let\u2019s get to that first. The phone\u2019s three rear cameras are made up of a\u00a012MP primary shooter with f/1.5 aperture, a 16MP f/1.9 wide-angle lens, and a 12MP f/2.4 telephoto camera. Whether you want to take a regular shot, a wide-angle image, or a close-up portrait, the V40 can do it all \u2013 that\u2019s the shooting flexibility it gives.\n\n\n\n\nThis flexibility will certainly appeal to some folks, but because the V40 has three separate cameras to do different things, image quality varies widely. Generally, the 12MP primary shooter performs the best (thanks in part to its large aperture), followed by the wide-angle, and telephoto lenses. This isn\u2019t all that surprising: the telephoto lens has the smallest aperture opening of the bunch.\n\n\nAs for the front-facing cameras, the V40 comes equipped with an 8MP f/1.9 standard shooter and a 5MP f/1.9 wide-angle camera. Again, flexibility is the key here: you can rely on the 8MP shooter for taking regular selfies, and switch to the 5MP lens for a wider selfie \u2013 or wefie \u2013 shot.\n\n\nWithout a doubt the V40 is a flexible shooter, but it still remains to be seen how its camera performance stacks up to flagships with excellent cameras like the Huawei P20 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S9. If the V40 can stand toe-to-toe with these behemoths (as unlikely as it may sound), it\u2019ll be a mighty compelling device.\n\n\n\n\nBesides camera, the V40 has a large 6.4-inch 3120 x 1440 OLED FullVision display. Not only is this a sharp screen, OLED panels are generally considered to be more desirable than LCD displays too \u2013 the former has superior black levels and more punchy colours. Chances are, the V40\u2019s LG-made display is one of its strong suits.\n\n\nBut providing power to that high resolution, 6.4-inch display is only a 3,300mAh battery; not a very sizeable cell for a phone this size. Typically, devices as big as the V40 come equipped with batteries much larger than that \u2013 some are even equipped with 4,000mAh cells. Personally, I\u2019m not optimistic the V40 will have very good battery life, but that\u2019s something I can only say with confidence once I have the device in for review.\n\n\n\n\nDesign is subjective, but I\u2019d argue the V40 is a sleek device. Its minimalist glass and metal design gives it a clean aesthetic, and the slim bottom bezel \u2013 said to be 1.6mm thinner than its predecessor \u2013 is a nice design element. I also love the fact that it is IP68-rated; a feature that should be present on any flagship device.\n\n\nHowever, like many, many other phones in the market now, the V40 has a notched display, which can be \u201cdisabled\u201d by darkening the area surrounding the notch. I\u2019m mostly neutral when it comes to display notches, but I\u2019m happy that the V40\u2019s notch isn\u2019t as wide as, say, the \nPocophone F1\n\u2018s. The smaller notch frees up space for more notifications to be shown at the top of the display.\n\n\nOther specifications of the V40 are what you\u2019d expect from a flagship smartphone. It\u2019s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset paired with 6GB of RAM, 64GB or 128GB of fast UFS 2.1 storage, a microSD card slot for further storage expansion, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. However, despite being a newly announced device, the V40 still ships with Android 8.1 Oreo out of the box \u2013 no Android 9 Pie on board for the time being. That\u2019s not exactly a good thing, considering the fact that Android Pie has been out for a couple of months now.\n\n\n\n\nThe LG V40 ThinQ looks to be a promising phone, but beyond its five-camera configuration, its other qualities\u2026don\u2019t stand out. The small 3,300mAh battery is a concern, it doesn\u2019t ship with the latest version of Android, and the overall camera performance may not be on the same level as its competition. To top it off, the V40 is a costly smartphone: it retails from $900 in the US, which comes up to about RM3,735.\n\n\nFor the V40 ThinQ to succeed (especially in this part of the world), the phone has to be priced appropriately to rival its closest competition. That is, if it even arrives here \u2013 LG has been pretty quiet in our region.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/smartphone-buyers-guide-should-you-get-older-flagship-phones/", "title": "Smartphone Buyer\u2019s Guide: Should You Get Older Flagship Phones?", "body": "\n\nThe smartphone market moves very rapidly: the phone you bought just one year ago is suddenly \u201coutdated\u201d the moment its successor is announced. To be on the cutting edge of technology, you\u2019ll have to upgrade your phone every single year; not many people can commit to that.\n\n\nHowever, what if you don\u2019t really care about getting the latest phone, and you just want a good, flagship smartphone that won\u2019t break the bank? While you can consider budget-friendly flagships like the \nPocophone F1\n, older flagship smartphones are worth a gander too \u2013 even if they\u2019ve been in the market for a while.\n\n\nSay you want a smartphone that\u2019s great for photography: flagships that fit the bill range from the Samsung Galaxy S9 to the Huawei P20 Pro. Although prices of these two phones have gotten down for a bit now \u2013 they were introduced half a year ago, after all \u2013 they\u2019re still well above the RM2,000 mark.\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s assume your maximum budget is only RM2,000; what flagship device can you get that\u2019s still great for photography? Well, for starters, there\u2019s the Samsung Galaxy S8+.\u00a0While its camera may not be as good as the Galaxy S9+, it\u2019s still very, very capable. The best part is, you can easily get it for below RM2,000 now \u2013 one retailer on Lazada is offering the Galaxy S8+\u00a0\nfor only RM1,948\n. Considering the fact that the S8+ went for RM3,699 at launch, that\u2019s a huge saving.\n\n\nIt\u2019s only natural for older flagships to be much more affordable, and this reason alone is a great rationale to consider purchasing them over their successors. Sure, last year\u2019s flagships are usually not as powerful or feature-packed, but I\u2019d argue these sacrifices are worth the money you save.\n\n\nBesides saving you some cash, older flagships are still plenty capable, especially when compared to newer devices that cost about the same. Take the standard Galaxy S8, which \nnow retails at RM1,728\n. Its Exynos\u00a08895 processor is faster than the majority of smartphones in this price range, it has an IP68 rating, a stunning Super AMOLED display, and camera performance that not many smartphones at this price point can rival.\n\n\n\n\nThere are, of course, a couple of exceptions. The Pocophone F1, for one, retails from merely RM1,299, undercutting the Galaxy S8\u2019s current price by about RM400. Despite the fact that it\u2019s more affordable, the F1 has a superior Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset, as well as better battery life courtesy of the 4,000mAh cell.\n\n\nHowever, if you\u2019re not looking to get the best performance or battery life, the Galaxy S8 is a better phone overall. It looks and feels more premium, its Super AMOLED display is far superior to the F1\u2019s IPS display, it has better camera performance. and again, the S8 is IP68-rated, giving it water and dust resistance.\n\n\nThese are just a couple of examples. Depending on which part of the world you live in, there are many more choices than just Samsung\u2019s 2017 flagships. There\u2019s the Nokia 8, which now goes \nfor only RM1,699\n (it retailed at RM2,299 at launch), and even the Huawei Mate 10 Pro (\nRM1,999 now\n instead of its original RM3,099 launch price).\n\n\nThat being said, you also wouldn\u2019t want to buy flagship smartphones that are\u2026too old. There comes a point where even mid-range phones are better than flagship devices that were released, say, two years ago. Personally, I\u2019d really only consider purchasing flagship smartphones that were introduced the previous year \u2013 they\u2019re much more relevant than high-end phones from two generations back.\n\n\n\n\nSo if you\u2019re in the market for a new smartphone with a healthy budget, don\u2019t just look at the latest and greatest flagship devices \u2013 older flagships may still offer similar feature set and design for less money. You will be compromising on a couple of areas like camera performance and processing power, but if it saves you a lot more money, why not?\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-hands-on-a-true-gaming-smartphone/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone Hands-On: A True Gaming Smartphone", "body": "\n\nThere are more than a handful of \u201cgaming smartphones\u201d in the market now, but only a few are truly deserving of the title; one of which is the Asus ROG Phone. Beyond its raw hardware power, the ROG Phone\u2019s gaming-centric features make it arguably the most interesting gaming smartphone in the market now.\n\n\nI managed to spend some time with Asus\u2019 brand new phone, and I\u2019m really, really impressed with it. However, you do have to pay a pretty hefty price tag for it.\n\n\nUnlike most flagship smartphones, the ROG Phone comes with a \u201cspecially selected\u201d Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset that is clocked at 2.96GHz. Paired with 8GB of RAM, as well as 128GB or 512GB of fast UFS 2.1 storage, these will allow the phone \u2013 in theory \u2013 to perform better than most phones in various tasks, including gaming.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI\u2019ve played a couple rounds of PUBG Mobile on the ROG Phone, and it can max out the game\u2019s graphics settings without much difficulty. On top of that, the frame rate is also high and consistent, lending to a very pleasant gaming experience.\n\n\nAside from its chipset, the ROG Phone also comes with a\u00a0GameCool \u201cvapour-chamber cooling system,\u201d which promises better CPU cooling efficiency. If you want even better cooling performance, there\u2019s also the\u00a0AeroActive Cooler attachment \u2013 it can supposedly lower the phone\u2019s surface temperature by up to 4.7\u00b0C.\n\n\nWhile I can\u2019t say for sure if the AeroActive Cooler can really lower the temperature of the ROG Phone by that much, the attachment\u2019s fan does bring in plenty of cool air the moment I snap it on. It\u2019s quite an interesting experience, and I imagine it\u2019ll be really useful in long gaming sessions.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut what makes the ROG Phone a truly unique gaming smartphone are the AirTriggers, and I\u2019d argue this is the\u00a0\nbest\u00a0\nreason to get this phone over its competition. Basically, in landscape orientation, the left and right portion of the phone at the top of the display are equipped with ultrasonic touch sensors, which can be programmed accordingly. In PUBG Mobile, for example, I can set the left trigger to aim down sights, and the right trigger to shoot.\n\n\nThe best part is, the AirTriggers work very, very well. I can set how much pressure is needed to activate them, and they work almost like actual buttons; they\u2019re very intuitive to use. Practically any game can make use of it as well: both PUBG Mobile and Fortnite can take advantage of the feature, and I imagine other mobile games \u2013 especially shooters \u2013 can too.\n\n\nAs a gaming smartphone, the ROG Phone has a good display too. Its 6-inch\u00a02160 x 1080 HDR-capable AMOLED panel is bright, vibrant, and has great viewing angles. The display also has a high 90Hz refresh rate, but only certain games can run at that frame rate. I tested Vainglory on the ROG Phone, and that game ran at 90fps consistently \u2013 that\u2019s impressive.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDisplay aside, other aspects of the ROG Phone are equally good too. The matte finish of the phone\u2019s metal frame is nice, the back glass panel looks and feels premium, and tipping the scales at 200g, I love the heft of the phone. After all, it has a sizeable 4,000mAh battery, which should return great battery life.\n\n\nHowever, there are certain aspects of the ROG Phone that are questionable. For one, there\u2019s the odd fingerprint sensor\u2019s placement. Not only is it placed off-centre, it\u2019s also hard to reach up to it. To make matters worse, it\u2019s not the most responsive or accurate fingerprint sensor either.\n\n\nThankfully, the ROG Phone\u2019s face unlock feature works very well. It can accurately recognise my face very quickly, and it can unlock the phone just as quick too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of software, the ROG Phone\u2026has a very gaming-centric user interface. The icons are styled aggressively, black and orange colour scheme can be found in the notification shade and settings page, and there are quite a number of bloatware, though most of them are utility apps like calculator, file manager, and sound recorder.\n\n\nAs a whole, the ROG Phone\u2019s software experience is quite decent. It feels fast and responsive, and I can access the app drawer by swiping up on the home screen; swiping down reveals the notification shade instead. Sure, the user interface\u2019s design may not be to everyone\u2019s taste, but hey, this\u00a0\nis\u00a0\na gaming smartphone. It\u2019s only natural for the software to complement this fact.\n\n\nOh, although it\u2019s a small detail, I love the design of the ROG Phone\u2019s always-on display. The red accent is a very nice touch.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsidering the ROG Phone\u2019s heavy focus on gaming, how good is its camera? Equipped with 12MP f/1.7 and 8MP f/2.2 wide-angle camera sensors, the ROG Phone\u2019s camera performance is\u2026serviceable. It can without a doubt take good shots at daytime \u2013 most phones can do that \u2013 but under more challenging lighting conditions, the camera performance takes a dive.\n\n\nNot only does the camera feel more sluggish in low light conditions, the image output are not great either. Noise is very apparent, details are lacking, and the shutter speed slows down considerably. Not surprisingly, the 8MP wide-angle shooter takes worse images than the primary 12MP camera too. The 8MP f/2.0 front-facing shooter, on the other hand, is a decent selfie camera.\n\n\nThis level of camera performance isn\u2019t entirely unexpected: the ROG Phone focuses on gaming above all else. Is it a horrible phone for photography? Not exactly. While it doesn\u2019t have great camera performance, it can certainly get the job done in a pinch.\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone is easily the Taiwanese company\u2019s most impressive smartphone to date. It\u2019s a blazing fast phone, its gaming features \u2013 the AirTriggers, especially \u2013 are genuinely useful, and its overall build quality and finish rival that of other high-end, flagship smartphones.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for the absolute best gaming smartphone this year, the ROG Phone fits the bill \u2013 even more so than the new Razer Phone 2, in my opinion. Even though the Razer Phone 2 comes with a faster 120Hz display, its design is mostly unchanged from its predecessor. The ROG Phone definitely looks sleeker in comparison, and Razer\u2019s offering does not have the former\u2019s very useful AirTriggers.\n\n\nThat being said, as impressive as the ROG Phone is, it\u2019s priced on the higher side of things. In Malaysia, the 128GB model retails at RM3,499, while the much more generous 512GB variant goes for RM3,999. That puts this phone in the same price range as other high-end flagship devices, and it\u2019s not a great place to be in for a niche product like the ROG Phone.\n\n\nIt\u2019s niche in the sense that the ROG Phone\u2019s design philosophy, feature set, and hardware are meant to appeal to mobile gamers; the average smartphone user will be better served by other flagship smartphones that are more well-rounded. This is the ROG Phone\u2019s main pitfall, but if you\u2019re willing to fork out the money for it, it will serve you very well \u2013 as a gaming smartphone.\n\n\nUpdate, 22 October 7PM:\n This article has been updated with the Malaysian pricing of the Asus ROG Phone.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/should-you-get-the-iphone-x-instead-of-the-iphone-xs-xs-max-or-xr/", "title": "Should You Get the iPhone X Instead of the iPhone XS, XS Max, or XR?", "body": "\n\nGenerally, iPhones are some of the most costly smartphones in the market, and this is further magnified this year with the introduction of the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. Take the recently revealed retail prices of the new iPhones in Malaysia. Retailing from RM3,599 for the iPhone XR, the prices shoot up to RM4,999 and RM5,399 for the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max respectively.\n\n\nNeedless to say, these are very, very hefty price tags. If you\u2019re looking to get a brand new iPhone, should you really even consider getting the new models this year? After all, even the most \u201caffordable\u201d new iPhone goes for RM3,599. That\u2019s\u00a0\na lot\u00a0\nof money.\n\n\nWith the steep price tags of the new iPhones in mind, older iPhone models are worth considering. More specifically, last year\u2019s best Apple device, the iPhone X. Although the iPhone X has been officially discontinued, you can still get the device well below its original retail price now. Let\u2019s take a look at what you\u2019ll miss out if you opt to get the iPhone X instead of the latest iPhone models.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst and foremost, you\u2019ll be sacrificing performance with the iPhone X. It\u2019s powered by Apple\u2019s A11 Bionic chip, and compared to the new A12 Bionic processor found in the new iPhones, the latter offers up to 15% increase in CPU performance. On top of that, it also has a better GPU \u2013 supposedly up to 50% better \u2013 and improved power-efficiency, thanks to the A12\u2019s smaller 7nm size.\n\n\nThat being said, the A11 Bionic is still a plenty capable chip, even if compared to the latest crop of processors found in other high-end Android smartphones in the market now. Yes, that include the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset, Samsung\u2019s Exynos 9810 processor, and Huawei\u2019s Kirin 970 SoC. Although the A12 chip is superior, there\u2019s no denying the high performance level of the A11 processor here.\n\n\nBesides performance, the iPhone X\u2019s camera isn\u2019t quite as good as the iPhone XS and XS Max. Although the XS and XS Max also feature two 12MP camera sensors as their predecessor, the primary 12MP shooter boasts larger pixels for improved camera performance. As for the iPhone XR, it\u2019s not known yet exactly how its single rear camera stacks up to the iPhone X\u2019s dual camera system \u2013 the XR is not officially available in the market yet \u2013 but considering the fact that the XR has the same primary 12MP sensor as the more expensive XS and XS Max, it should have better camera performance than the X.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOkay, so you\u2019ll be sacrificing some performance and camera capability with the iPhone X, but there are some positives. For one, you\u2019re getting a very similar display as the iPhone XS. Both devices feature 5.8-inch 2436 x 1125 Super Retina HD OLED displays, and as far as I can tell, they look virtually the same.\n\n\nHowever, if you opt to get the iPhone XS Max instead, that particular device offers a larger 6.5-inch OLED panel. It\u2019s a different story if you want the more affordable iPhone XR. Not only does the XR come with an LCD panel \u2013 generally considered to be less desirable than an OLED screen \u2013 it\u2019s also a lower resolution\u00a01792 x 828 display. Sure, it\u2019s a larger 6.1-inch screen than the iPhone X\u2019s 5.8-inch panel, but note that the XR lacks 3D Touch support.\n\n\nDisplay isn\u2019t the only aspect of the iPhone X that is similar to the newer iPhones; you\u2019re also getting the same Face ID system on the X. Although the A12 Bionic\u2019s next generation Neural Engine improves Face ID\u2019s recognition speed \u2013 just a tad, in my testing \u2013 it\u2019s still mostly the same hardware.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is design, and\u2026the iPhone X looks and feels a lot like the iPhone XS. Both phones have stainless steel frames, glass backs, and identical appearance. You\u2019d be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the iPhone X and iPhone XS.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the iPhone XR does not look quite as sleek as the iPhone X. The XR has thicker bezels all around the display, and the aluminium frame isn\u2019t as premium as the X\u2019s stainless steel frame. However, you do have a wider variety of colours to choose from with the XR \u2013 it\u2019s available in white, black, blue, yellow, coral, and red.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSo all in all, is the iPhone X worth considering over the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR? Absolutely. You will sacrifice in a couple of areas like performance and camera, but the amount of money you save by getting the iPhone X over the newer iPhones may be worth it.\n\n\nMuch like \nolder flagship smartphones\n, just because the iPhone X is an older model doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s not worth purchasing. Consider how much you\u2019ll save by getting the iPhone X: if the price difference is large enough, by all means, go for it.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/what-you-need-to-know-huawei-mate-20-series/", "title": "Huawei Mate 20 Series \u2013 What You Need to Know", "body": "\n\nAfter months of teasers and leaks, the Huawei Mate 20 series is finally official. Consisting of the Huawei Mate 20, Mate 20 Pro, Mate 20 X,\u00a0\nand\u00a0\nthe Porsche Design Huawei Mate 20 RS, this is Huawei\u2019s most elaborate series yet.\n\n\nWith four different devices to choose from, is the Mate 20 series worth considering? Looking at the phones\u2019 hardware and feature set, they\u2019re certainly very promising. In fact, they could even be Huawei\u2019s best phones to date.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the most \u201cbasic\u201d model, the Mate 20. Like all devices in the new series, the Mate 20 is powered by Huawei\u2019s brand new \nKirin 980 chipset\n. Built on a 7nm process, this is the Chinese company\u2019s most power-efficient SoC right now.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe power efficiency of the Kirin 980 is complemented by the Mate 20\u2019s generous 4,000mAh battery. Together with the phone\u2019s 6.53-inch 2244 x 1080 IPS display, the Mate 20 should be able to return very good battery life. This is, after all, a trademark feature of the Mate series.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Mate 20 has one of the smallest display notches we\u2019ve seen on a smartphone; yes, we\u2019ve come to the point where we\u2019re comparing notch sizes. Because of the shape of the notch, Huawei is calling the Mate 20\u2019s screen a \u201cDewdrop\u201d display. On the back, the Mate 20 comes with a Leica Triple Camera system made up of a 12MP f/1.8 primary shooter, a 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP f/2.4 telephoto shooter. As for the selfie camera, it\u2019s a 24MP f/2.0 snapper.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Mate 20 include a rear fingerprint sensor, up to 6GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, and\u2026a Nano Memory card slot. Basically, it\u2019s a new type of expandable storage introduced by Huawei that is identical in shape and size to a nano-SIM card. Naturally, all four devices in the Mate 20 series feature NM card slots.\n\n\n\n\nRight, so that\u2019s the Mate 20. Next, we have the higher-end Mate 20 Pro. Compared to the standard Mate 20, the Pro model sports a smaller and higher resolution 6.39-inch 3120 x 1440 dual curve OLED display. Unlike the Mate 20\u2019s minuscule display notch, the Pro\u2019s notch is much wider to accommodate a more advanced 24MP front camera with 3D Depth Sensing technology.\n\n\nAside from that, the Mate 20 Pro also comes with an in-screen fingerprint sensor, a 4,200mAh battery, up to 8GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, and a more sophisticated Leica Triple Camera system. The primary shooter is a 40MP f/1.8 shooter, and it\u2019s complemented with a 20MP f/2.2 ultra-wide camera and an 8MP f/2.4 telephoto lens.\n\n\nThere\u2019s no telling yet how good are the new Leica-branded cameras on the Mate 20 and Mate 20 Pro, but if the Huawei P20 Pro\u2019s camera performance is anything to go by, we\u2019re optimistic the new Mate 20 phones will be excellent shooters; especially the Pro model with its more advanced camera system.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the third device in the series, the Mate 20 X. Sporting the same camera system as the Mate 20 Pro, the 20 X\u2019s main appeal is its huge 7.2-inch\u00a02244 x 1080 OLED display, 5,000mAh battery, and stylus support. On top of that, there\u2019s also a gamepad for the Mate 20 X \u2013 it attaches to the left side of the phone \u2013 that adds an analog stick and D-pad.\n\n\nNeedless to say, Huawei is targeting mobile gamers with the Mate 20 X. To further drive this point home, the 20 X also has Huawei\u2019s \u201cSupercool\u201d technology; it\u2019s touted as the \u201cworld\u2019s first liquid multi-dimensional cooling system\u201d with a vapour chamber cooling solution and a graphene film for even better heat management.\n\n\nIf the company\u2019s Supercool cooling solution works as intended on the Mate 20 X, it will be a an ideal phone for mobile gamers. On top of that, the 20 X also gets the exact same camera hardware as the Mate 20 Pro \u2013 it wouldn\u2019t be as one-dimensional, as, say, the \nAsus ROG Phone\n, which is almost solely focused on gaming.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the Porsche Design Huawei Mate 20 RS. Other than its dearer asking price (it retails at a whopping \u20ac1,695), the Mate 20 RS is really a more luxurious version of the Mate 20 Pro with a slightly different design and leather bits. Yeap, that\u2019s it.\n\n\nLooking at the whole Mate 20 lineup, the Mate 20 Pro is the most interesting of the bunch. It\u2019s the sleekest-looking device \u2013 though we\u2019re not crazy about the design of the square-shaped camera module on the back \u2013 its Leica Triple Camera system is promising, the Kirin 980 is a fast chipset, and the phone\u2019s dual curve display is a high resolution, OLED panel.\n\n\nOn top of that, the Mate 20 Pro (and by extension, the Mate 20 RS), is IP68-rated; the standard Mate 20 and Mate 20 X are not resistant to water or dust. And if you\u2019re into wireless charging, you\u2019ll be happy to know that the Mate 20 Pro also support the feature. It can even do\u00a0\nreverse\u00a0\nwireless charging, if you\u2019ve ever wanted to wirelessly charge another device with the phone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow then, is the new Huawei Mate 20 series worth it? They certainly are, especially when we take into account how much they cost in our region. In Malaysia, for example, the Mate 20 retails at RM2,799. The prices go up to RM3,199 and RM3,599 for the Mate 20 X and Mate 20 Pro respectively. The Mate 20 RS, on the other hand, has yet to receive any pricing in the country, but expect it to cost a pretty penny.\n\n\nThe new Mate 20 phones are by no means affordable, per se, but they\u2019re without a doubt competitively priced for flagship-tier devices. We can\u2019t say for sure if either one of these phones are worth recommending until we have them in for review, but one thing\u2019s for sure \u2013 they\u2019re Huawei\u2019s most exciting phones to date.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/how-digis-digital-day-will-give-it-the-competitive-edge/", "title": "How Digi\u2019s Digital Day Will Give It the Competitive Edge", "body": "\n\nEvery year, Digi has two important company-wide events. One of them is Costumer Engagement Day, where over 1,000 \u201cDigizens\u201d \u2013 that is, Digi employees \u2013 go out in public to engage with the telco\u2019s customers. As its name suggests, Digi\u2019s costumers are the focus here.\n\n\nAnd then we have today\u2019s event, Digi\u2019s Digital Day, which focuses instead on its employees. Now at its third instalment, we were invited to Digi\u2019s headquarter to check out just what the telco\u2019s special event has to offer its employees.\n\n\nLike all Digital Day events before this, the main goal of the event is to nurture its employees. In fact, Digi\u2019s employees task for the whole day is to \u201cfocus on learning about new innovations disrupting the market.\u201d Really, that\u2019s all they have to do; you can even consider it to be a \u201cday off\u201d of sorts.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, it\u2019s not exactly a day off per se. Throughout the day, Digi\u2019s headquarter is filled with activities for Digital Day. Some of the highlights include a keynote address by Jordan Schlipf \u2013 the Innovation Partner of Rainmaking \u2013 as well as a talk by AXA\u2019s CEO of life insurance, Rohit Nambiar, who shared how the insurance company is attempting to disrupt the healthcare insurance industry.\n\n\nOn top of that, Digi employees are also challenged to complete at least 40 hours of learning through online learning platforms like Udacity, Coursera, and Lynda.com by the end of the year. In retrospect, Digital Day is probably the furthest thing from a day off.\n\n\nWhat are all of these activities for? Well, in Digi\u2019s words: to equip its employees with new perspectives and competencies to grow with the business. It\u2019s a noble gesture, and the telco believes that by nurturing its employees, it can remain competitive in the market.\n\n\n\n\nDigi also touched on the whole company\u2019s way of work, which revolves around the philosophy of innovation 360-degree. That is, a belief that encourages Digi employees to innovate every day, either by \u201cdoing things differently, or doing different things, whether big or small.\u201d They\u2019re also encouraged to be \u201ccustomer-obsessed,\u201d which places customers at the centre of everything the company and its employees do.\n\n\nIn the grand scheme of things, Digi customers will \u2013 in theory \u2013 benefit the most from all of these. At the end of the day, the telco\u2019s goal is to stay relevant in the market by better equipping its employees with the proper skills. If Digi\u2019s approach works, it should result in better services to customers \u2013 key word here being \u201cshould.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nWe imagine what telco customers want the most, regardless of which provider they belong to, are better coverage, speed, pricing, and services. If Digi \u2013 or any other telco, for that matter \u2013 can deliver on these four fronts, it would\u2019ve accomplished what the telco set out to do with Digital Day.\n\n\nSpeaking of speed, there\u2019s no doubt that telco companies, including Digi, will be pushing for 5G in the near future. In our opinion, whichever telco that can implement the technology first (and properly) in Malaysia, will be on the forefront of the industry. Until then, let\u2019s see how Digi will remain competitive in the market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/smartphone-spec-race-more-camera-modules-are-not-better/", "title": "Smartphone Spec Race: More Camera Modules Are Not Better", "body": "\n\nDual camera systems have been around for the longest time, and only recently phone makers started putting even more camera modules into their mainstream devices. It started with Huawei when it released the Huawei P20 Pro with its Leica Triple Camera system, and now, some manufacturers have followed suit; most notably Samsung with the new Galaxy A7.\n\n\nIn fact, the Korean company pushed things even further by introducing the Samsung Galaxy A9 with\u00a0\nfour\u00a0\ncameras on the back \u2013 in what world will you need that many camera sensors? Well, that\u2019s what we\u2019re here to discuss, and why more is not necessarily better.\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s analyse the P20 Pro\u2019s triple camera system. The primary sensor is a 40MP f/1.8 RGB shooter, and it\u2019s complemented by a 20MP f/1.6 monochrome camera. The monochrome sensor isn\u2019t just there for show: not only does it assist the primary sensor to capture more impressive shots, it\u2019s also used to simulate bokeh effects.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the third sensor, it\u2019s an 8MP f/2.4 telephoto shooter, and I\u2019d argue this is the least necessary component in the P20 Pro\u2019s camera system. Yes, the telephoto shooter does grant the ability to do 3x optical zoom \u2013 allowing\u00a0you to get closer to a subject or get tighter framings \u2013 but the image output from that sensor pales in comparison to the main 40MP shooter.\n\n\nEven without the 8MP telephoto sensor, I reckon the P20 Pro\u2019s excellent image quality will still be retained. I\u2019ve used the P20 Pro as my daily driver for a while in the past, and I honestly don\u2019t recall ever using the phone\u2019s optical zoom in any meaningful way. Of course, that\u2019s just my usage habit: I\u2019m sure there are folks who will appreciate the flexibility of the telephoto sensor.\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s move on to the Galaxy A9, or what Samsung dubs \u201cthe world\u2019s first quad camera smartphone.\u201d The A9\u2019s rear cameras are made up of a\u00a024MP f/1.7 shooter, an 8MP f/2.4 ultra-wide camera, a 10MP f/2.4 telephoto sensor, and finally, a 5MP f/2.2 \u201cdepth camera,\u201d which is used for bokeh simulation.\n\n\n\n\nEssentially, what you\u2019re getting with the Galaxy A9 is shooting flexibility; sort of how it is with the \nLG V40 ThinQ\n. You can use the A9\u2019s main 24MP camera for normal photography, the 8MP ultra-wide sensor for wider shots, and the 10MP telephoto shooter for close-up shots.\n\n\nBut the main issue here lies in camera performance: with so many different camera sensors, the Galaxy A9\u2019s image quality \nwill\n vary widely. The phone\u2019s shooting flexibility has its appeals, but if there\u2019s a large discrepancy in image quality between these different cameras, it will affect the overall user experience.\n\n\n\n\nI haven\u2019t had the Galaxy A9 in my hands yet to see how its cameras perform, but I did manage to spend some time with the Galaxy A7, which has a similar camera setup as the former; it\u2019s only missing the telephoto lens. If the A7\u2019s camera performance is any indication of how the A9\u2019s cameras will perform, it\u2019s not great.\n\n\nThe Galaxy A7\u2019s primary 24MP sensor takes decent-looking shots, but the 8MP ultra-wide camera isn\u2019t quite as capable: images come out looking darker than shots taken with the main sensor, and the colour temperature is on the warmer side of things too. On top of that, the A7\u2019s Live Focus mode \u2013 which uses the 5MP sensor to simulate bokeh effects \u2013 has difficulty properly separating the subject from the background.\n\n\n\n\nSo why are phone makers equipping so many camera sensors on their devices if it doesn\u2019t bring any meaningful user experience? It boils down to marketing. After all, it sounds good to boast that your phone has three, or even four camera sensors compared to only one. It\u2019s the numbers game: bigger numbers simply sound better, even though they don\u2019t necessary translate to better user experience. That\u2019s the same case with the \namount of RAM on your smartphones\n.\n\n\nTake the recently unveiled Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. Even though both of Google\u2019s latest phones only have a single rear camera, their camera performances are considered to be some of the best \u2013 if not \nthe\n \nbest\n \u2013 in the market now. The Pixel 3 phones may not have the shooting flexibility of the Galaxy A9 or P20 Pro, but their superior image qualities more than make up for this \u2013 in my opinion, of course.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to buy any particular new smartphone, don\u2019t be too caught up on the number of cameras it has \u2013 just because a phone has multiple cameras doesn\u2019t necessarily mean it can take amazing images. If Google can deliver excellent camera performance with a single camera sensor on the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, so can other manufacturers.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xenogears-20-years-finish-opinion-fantastic/", "title": "I\u2019ve Finally Finished Xenogears After 20 Years, And It\u2019s Fantastic", "body": "\n\nThe JRPG genre has been around for a very long time, and there\u2019s one particular title that I\u2019ve been eyeing for many years: Xenogears. Considered to be one of the most iconic JRPGs released on the very first PlayStation console, I finally got around to finishing the game after its initial release in 1998 \u2013 that was over 20 years ago.\n\n\nIt may have been two decades since Xenogears was released, but for those who have never played the title, it\u2019s definitely worth picking up \u2013 it\u2019s easily one the most memorable JRPGs I\u2019ve ever played.\n\n\n\n\nOkay, confession time: I actually first played Xenogears about 15 years ago on the original PlayStation, but I didn\u2019t manage to finish the game. I\u2019ve always wanted to complete the game ever since, but I just never got around to it. That is, until Sony released \nthe soundtrack of Xenogears\n\u00a0on the PlayStation Store to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the game.\n\n\nThe soundtrack\u2019s release really got me wanting to play Xenogears again, so I purchased the game on the PlayStation Store \u2013 it\u2019s \nonly going for RM21\n\u00a0on the Malaysian store \u2013 downloaded it to my PlayStation Vita (probably the best use of the portable console now, unfortunately), and spent over 50 hours completing the game. Needless to say, I enjoyed every single hour playing it.\n\n\n\n\nEven though Xenogears was released over 20 years ago, I\u2019d say the game aged really well. Obviously the graphics aren\u2019t particularly great, but it has a retro feel to it, and it looks good enough to not detract you from the game\u2019s immersion. Soundtrack is also another great element of Xenogears: the various music scores fit in very well with the game\u2019s story, settings, and cutscenes.\n\n\nAnd then we have my personal favourite part of Xenogears: combat. The turn-based combat system in the game is split into two parts. Gear combat is relatively straightforward \u2013 your damage output and defense are mostly dependent on how upgraded your giant robot is \u2013 but character combat is where things get really, really fun.\n\n\nIt\u2019s difficult to understand without reading up guides, but the Deathblow system is very interesting. The game doesn\u2019t really explain the mechanics of the system, but it involves pressing certain button combinations to activate flashy combat moves. You\u2019ll also have to \u201clearn\u201d these Deathblows by \nvarying your attack inputs. Without going into too much detail, read up\u00a0\nthis excellent guide\n\u00a0to get a feel for the Deathblow system.\n\n\nOnce you know how the Deathblow system works, it\u2019s very satisfying to pull off these amazing (sometimes bordering on ridiculous) combat moves.\n\n\n\n\nBut what makes for an excellent JRPG lies in the story it tells, and Xenogears has\u00a0\na lot\u00a0\nto\u00a0offer. So much so, in fact, that the game is split into two discs. The first disc is very fleshed out, but the second disc shifts to a more simplistic approach, which relies on narratives to push the story forward.\n\n\nPersonally, I like the shift in storytelling. Not only do I get to skip the sometimes arduous dungeons \u2013 some of them are filled with\u00a0\nso many random encounters\n \u2013 it\u2019s still progressing the story of Xenogears. In fact, the second disc\u00a0\nhad\u00a0\nto be more simplistic \nin order to finish the game in time\n. Otherwise, the game would\u2019ve ended on the first disc itself, and the whole plot of Xenogears wouldn\u2019t have been resolved at all.\n\n\nNonetheless, I\u2019m not gonna talk too much about the main plot of Xenogears; I wouldn\u2019t want to spoil it for you. But trust me when I say it has a very compelling story to tell. There are even some psychological concepts thrown in, giving the game even more depth than what you\u2019d expect to find in a conventional JRPG.\n\n\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is character development, and Xenogears excels in this regard. The main protagonist, Fei, appears to be your typical, amnesiac hero at first glance. But as you progress further into the story and learn about his past, you\u2019ll find that he\u2019s much more than that \u2013 it\u2019s very intriguing. Of course, even the other characters in the game have their own appeals; my favourite is Citan\u2019s backstory.\n\n\nXenogears has its strengths and weaknesses, but what it does best far outweighs any flaw the game has. It\u2019s an excellent game every JRPG fan has to play, and it\u2019s unfortunate we won\u2019t be seeing any sequel of the game, especially considering the fact that the game was meant to be a six-part series.\n\n\n\n\nThat is, unless you take into account the spiritual successors of Xenogears, the Xenosaga and Xenoblade games. While these two game series are not strictly related to Xenogears, all of them are developed by the same person: Tetsuya Takahashi. However, I can\u2019t quite immerse myself with the other two series as much as I am with Xenogears \u2013 it\u2019s just not the same.\n\n\nIf you haven\u2019t had the chance to step into the world of Xenogears, I envy you. To be able to enjoy the game for the first time is something I wish I can experience again. It\u2019s truly a JRPG like no other, and if you\u2019re a fan of the genre, please pick up Xenogears \u2013 you won\u2019t regret it.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-mate-20-pro-hands-on-riding-the-momentum/", "title": "Huawei Mate 20 Pro Hands-On: Riding the Momentum", "body": "\n\nHuawei\u2019s previous high-profile flagship, the Huawei P20 series, generated quite a bit of buzz for the Chinese company. Not only is Huawei the second largest smartphone maker now \u2013 in terms of smartphone shipment \u2013 the P20 Pro is also currently regarded as one of the best flagship smartphones.\n\n\nNow, we have the Huawei Mate 20 Pro; arguably the most interesting device in the Mate 20 series. Sporting a new Leica Triple Camera system, a new chipset,\u00a0\nand\n\u00a0a slew of new features, the Mate 20 Pro has a lot going for it \u2013 but are these enough to make it a compelling smartphone? Let\u2019s find out.\n\n\nRight off the bat, the Mate 20 Pro feels very refined and premium when held. It has great build quality, it has a nice heft to it \u2013 the phone weights about 189g \u2013 and it\u2019s narrow enough for comfortable use with one hand. This is despite the fact that it has a large\u00a06.39-inch display.\n\n\n\n\nTurn the phone around, and you\u2019ll see the Mate 20 Pro\u2019s gradient finish in all its glory. The model here is the Twilight colourway, and it looks darker and subtler than the Twilight P20 Pro. This is really in line with the Mate 20 Pro\u2019s more professional appeal \u2013 the target audience of the Mate series has always been business users.\n\n\nUnlike mainstream Huawei phones in the past, the Mate 20 Pro finally makes use of its glass back: it now supports wireless charging. On top of that, it also offers \nreverse\n wireless charging. Yes, you can wirelessly charge\u00a0other devices by simply placing them on top of the phone\u2019s glass back.\n\n\nThere\u2019s no doubt the gradient finish of the Mate 20 Pro\u2019s rear glass panel is unique, but there is one design element I don\u2019t quite like: the square camera module. It takes up too much space, and it doesn\u2019t look attractive at all. Personally, I find the P20 Pro\u2019s vertical camera arrangement much more aesthetically pleasing.\n\n\n\n\nDesign aside, the Mate 20 Pro is powered by Huawei\u2019s brand new 7nm Kirin 980 chipset. Not surprisingly, the phone feels very fast and zippy, and switching from one app to another is noticeably quicker than other flagship phones I\u2019ve used this year. It\u2019s too early to tell just how capable the Kirin 980 is, but I\u2019m excited to see how well it can run demanding mobile games.\n\n\nPower efficiency is also one of the biggest advantages of the 7nm Kirin 980. Thanks to the Mate 20 Pro\u2019s large 4,200mAh battery, you can expect this phone to return very good battery life.\n\n\n\n\nOn the software front, the Mate 20 Pro runs on EMUI 9.0 based on Android 9.0 Pie out of the box. For the most part, this new version of EMUI still feels a lot like previous iterations of it. It feels relatively lightweight, there are some bloatware, and though I\u2019m not a big fan of the user interface\u2019s design, it\u2019s\u2026a functional version of Android. You also get Android Pie features like Digital Wellbeing, which allows you to track your smartphone usage.\n\n\nNext, we have the Mate 20 Pro\u2019s 6.39-inch dual curve, OLED display. Sporting a resolution of\u00a03120 x 1440, this is a sharp display. Thanks to the inherent property of OLED panels, the Mate 20 Pro\u2019s screen has excellent black levels too. On top of that, I also love the minimal bottom bezel of the phone and curved display, though I\u2019m not too fond of the wide display notch.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, the notch is there for a good reason \u2013 well, to an extent. The wider than usual notch houses Huawei\u2019s own\u00a03D Depth Sensing camera for the Mate 20 Pro\u2019s face unlock feature. It can recognise my face pretty quickly, and in theory, the more sophisticated camera module should be more secure than other facial recognition systems that rely exclusively on conventional selfie cameras.\n\n\nBesides the 3D Depth Sensing camera, the Mate 20 Pro also has another biometric security: an in-screen fingerprint sensor. For the most part, it has little difficulty accurately detecting my fingerprint, though it is noticeably slower than conventional fingerprint sensors.\n\n\n\n\nFinally, we have the Mate 20 Pro\u2019s new Leica Triple Camera system. Now consisting of a 40MP f/1.8 primary shooter, a 20MP f/2.2 ultra-wide camera, and an 8MP f/2.4 telephoto sensor, I\u2019m quite impressed with the phone\u2019s camera performance.\n\n\nWithout a doubt the primary 40MP sensor can take great-looking shots, and surprisingly enough, even the 20MP ultra-wide shooter is quite decent, though the wide-angle nature of the camera can result in some distortion, showcasing a fisheye-like effect. For the most part, however, the phone handles the distortion pretty well.\n\n\n\n\nBut like \nmost phones with multiple cameras\n, the Mate 20 Pro\u2019s image quality differs from one sensor to another. The best one is definitely the 40MP sensor, while the 20MP ultra-wide camera captures images with warmer colour temperature and less details. I didn\u2019t manage to capture any good sample shots with the 8MP telephoto lens, though it\u2019s likely the worst performer compared to the other two sensors.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that I\u2019ve only tested the Mate 20 Pro\u2019s camera performance in good lighting conditions, and most smartphones can usually capture good images in this scenario. The real challenge lies in low light photography, and only that can highlight any possible weakness in the Leica Triple Camera system.\n\n\n\n\nBased on my brief time with the Huawei Mate 20 Pro, it\u2019s potentially the best Mate phone yet. Riding on the momentum generated by the P20 series, I\u2019m pretty positive the Mate 20 series can repeat the success of the former. Although the Mate 20 Pro isn\u2019t an affordable phone \u2013 the 128GB model with 6GB of RAM retails at RM3,599 in Malaysia \u2013 that\u2019s how much premium flagship phones go for in this region; it\u2019s an expected price point.\n\n\nIn a market flooded with so many flagship smartphones, the Mate 20 Pro stands out with its Leica-branded cameras, unique design, and large battery capacity. It has a lot of potential, and I can\u2019t wait to put it through its paces in a full review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopee-11-11-big-sale-starts-today-offers-discount-on-2018-iphones/", "title": "Shopee 11.11 Big Sale Starts Today; Offers Discount on 2018 iPhones", "body": "\n\nSingles\u2019 Day is increasingly becoming one of the most celebrated shopping events in our region, and for this year\u2019s 11.11 sale, Shopee is set to make it its biggest 11.11 sale event yet. Taking place from 25 October to 11 November, the e-commerce platform promises tons of promotions leading up to Singles\u2019 Day.\n\n\nOne of the most notable discounts that\u2019s happening right now is for the new iPhone XS, XS Max, and iPhone XR. To kick off its 11.11 event, Shopee is offering all three models of the new iPhones with 5% discount. The 64GB iPhone XR, for example, is going for only\u00a0RM3,419.05 right now; this particular variant usually retails at RM3,599.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re curious to check out the full list of prices \u2013 and availability \u2013 of the new iPhones, you can do so \nhere\n. Do note that the promotion is only valid while stocks last, and the iPhones will only be shipping next Monday on 29 October.\n\n\n\n\nBesides the new iPhones, Shopee is offering a number of other promotions too. Certain brands like Vivo, Universal Traveller, Tefal, L\u2019Or\u00e9al, and Maybelline, will be absorbing SST on more than 1,000 products during the sale period. Basically, expect products from these brands to cost less on Shopee until 11 November.\n\n\nShopee\u2019s 11.11 Big Sale also sees the return of the platform\u2019s themed days. Featuring three weeks of daily campaigns with deals across different product categories, Shopee promises up to 90% discount on products from Huawei, Samsung, Casio, Levi\u2019s, and more.\n\n\nOf course, which product that goes on promotion is dependent on what day it is. Take 7 November, which is Shopee\u2019s Electronics Day. Needless to say, there should be plenty of discounts on electronic products on that day. If you\u2019re looking to get a new smartphone or electronic, mark this date on your calendar.\n\n\nBargain hunters, on the other hand, should take note of 31 October and 8 November: Shopee will be offering a number of \u201cShocking Sales\u201d on both days. According to the e-commerce platform, there will be 11 rounds of Shocking Sales \u2013 on both days \u2013 featuring items from as low as RM1.10.\n\n\n\n\nThe Shopee Shake game is also slightly revamped for the 11.11 Big Sale. Previously, the in-app game only offered coins \u2013 which can be used to\u00a0offset up to 25% off your purchases \u2013 but now, it is offering both coins\u00a0\nand\u00a0\nprizes worth up to RM1.1 million. The prizes range from a Dyson Fan, Samsung tablets, and get this: gold bars.\n\n\nThat being said, there are only a few time slots available to play the Shopee Shake game. Three time slots are available daily: 11AM, 1PM, and 11PM. These time slots are available throughout the campaign period, but on 2 November and 11 November, there will be as many as 11 time slots from 12AM to 11PM.\n\n\nOf course, you\u2019d have to download Shopee\u2019s app on the \nGoogle Play Store\n or \nApple App Store\n in order to play the Shopee Shake game.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re in tune with social media, check up on Shopee\u2019s Facebook page: it will be running daily contests there. The contests will offer prizes worth up to RM50,000, which include products from Apple, Nintendo, Lego, and Dyson.\n\n\nMore information on Shopee 11/11 Big Sale can be found \nhere\n. Again, the Shopee app is available for download from the \nGoogle Play Store\n and \nApple App Store\n, and the 5% discount on the 2018 iPhones is \nhappening right now\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/what-you-need-to-know-xiaomi-mi-mix-3/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 \u2013 What You Need to Know", "body": "\n\nXiaomi\u2019s last big flagship launch of the year happened yesterday, and the company\u2019s first phone with a sliding mechanism is finally here: the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3. Much like every Mix device that was introduced prior to this one, there\u2019s barely any bezel at the top of the display, but the highlight this time around is the phone\u2019s new sliding cameras.\n\n\nUnlike other phones with a slide-out camera system, the Mi Mix 3 takes a slightly different approach: the front and back portions of the phone are two separate pieces. The front part is just the display, while the back piece houses everything from the phone\u2019s motherboard, chipset, and camera systems.\n\n\n\n\nNot only is there no motor involved in the sliding mechanism, it incorporates what Xiaomi dubs a \u201cmagnetic slider design.\u201d Once you\u2019ve started pushing the display down, the \u201cmagnetic mechanism immediately kicks in and finishes the opening in a snap with just the right amount of force,\u201d as Xiaomi puts it. On top of that, the company also mentioned that\u00a0the slider can be activated over 300,000 times without issue, though this was done in lab tests.\n\n\n\n\nSo what makes up the Mi Mix 3\u2019s camera system? On the back is a dual camera configuration made up of a primary 12MP f/1.8 shooter and a 12MP f/2.4 telephoto lens, which can shoot 960fps slow-motion videos and 4K video recording. What\u2019s even more impressive is the Mi Mix 3\u2019s DxOMark score \u2013 with a total score of 103, its camera performance is on par with the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and HTC U12+.\n\n\nAt least, that\u2019s what DxOMark\u2019s rating and benchmark show. We\u2019ll reserve judgment until we actually have the Mi Mix 3 in for review.\n\n\nAs for the front-facing cameras, the primary sensor is a 24MP shooter and a secondary 2MP sensor for capturing depth information.\u00a0The selfie cameras are also paired with a front-facing flash and AI enhancements for more flattering selfie shots.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the camera system, other hardware of the Mi Mix 3 are what you\u2019d expect from a flagship device. It\u2019s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset, it has a large and vibrant 6.39-inch 1080p AMOLED display \u2013 with a 93.4% screen-to-body ratio \u2013 and a 3,200mAh battery with support for 10W Qi wireless charging; the wireless charger is bundled with the phone.\n\n\nRounding out the Mi Mix 3\u2019s list of hardware is up to 256GB of fast UFS 2.1 storage, and get this: up to \n10GB of RAM\n. We\u2019d argue this is \nway too much RAM for regular consumers\n, but hey, 10GB of RAM sounds impressive on paper. Aside from that, there\u2019s also a 5G variant of the Mi Mix 3, but that\u2019s only slated to be released sometime in Q1 2019.\n\n\nMuch like its predecessor, the Mi Mix 3 retains the ceramic back, and the rear fingeprint sensor is still here too. Unfortunately, there\u2019s no expandable storage, the 3.5mm headphone jack is nowhere to be found, and the phone doesn\u2019t have any noteworthy IP rating either. In this day and age, not sporting water and dust resistance\u2026somewhat makes the Mi Mix 3 less desirable.\n\n\n\n\nBut, at the very least, the Mi Mix 3 is priced competitively. The base model with 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM retails at 3,299 Chinese yuan, while the 8GB models with 128GB and 256GB of storage go for 3,599 and 3,999 yuan respectively. The highest-end \u201cPalace Museum Edition\u201d with 256GB of storage and 10GB of RAM, on the other hand, carries a 4,999 yuan price tag.\n\n\nValue for money has always been a hallmark of Xiaomi devices, and this \u2013 among its other features \u2013 makes the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 a compelling flagship. The magnetic slider design is a unique feature, and if its camera performance is as good as DxOMark claims it to be, the Mi Mix 3 is potentially Xiaomi\u2019s most impressive device yet.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/slide-out-cameras-may-be-the-future/", "title": "Slide-Out Cameras May Be the Future", "body": "\n\nAn all-screen smartphone has always been the dream for many, many years; it\u2019s something you see in drawings of concept smartphones. In a quest to maximise screen real estate, plenty of phone makers resort to notched displays. Some, on the other hand, simply minimise the bezels as much as they can, like Samsung with the Galaxy Note 9 and Galaxy S9 series.\n\n\nBut more recently, Chinese manufacturers like Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi have come up with a rather interesting solution to the notch problem: slide-out cameras. By hiding the front-facing camera with a sliding mechanism, the top bezel of the display can finally be shrunk, bringing us closer to the all-screen dream.\n\n\nChances are, more phone makers will implement a similar solution in the future \u2013 that\u2019s right, slider phones are making a comeback. But not all of them are made equal, so let\u2019s take a look at the different sliding mechanisms available on smartphones today.\n\n\n\n\nSo far, there are three modern smartphones that have slide-out cameras: the Oppo Find X, Vivo Nex, and \nXiaomi Mi Mix 3\n. While all of them have the same feature, their mechanisms are not the same. The Find X and Nex, for example, use a small motor to move the camera module up and down. As for the Mi Mix 3, it relies on manual activation and magnets.\n\n\nChances are, the Mi Mix 3\u2019s implementation will be the most reliable of the bunch. After all, it doesn\u2019t rely on any motor to move the camera, reducing the risk of the mechanism failing. On top of that, Xiaomi also claims that the \u201cmagnetic slider design\u201d can be activated over 300,000 times without any issue, but Oppo also said the same thing about the Find X motorised camera system.\n\n\nPersonally, I find the Mi Mix 3\u2019s slider mechanism the most appealing. Not only is it less prone to failing (in my opinion), it\u2019s also much more satisfying to activate than the Find X and Nex\u2019s motorised slider.\n\n\n\n\nBesides these three phones, there\u2019s another upcoming phone that will sport a slide-out camera too: the Honor Magic 2. Based on leaked footage and images of the phone, it seems like the Magic 2 will feature a similar sliding mechanism as the one found on the Mi Mix 3. The video teaser above shows the unannounced phone\u2019s sliding mechanism very well.\n\n\nNonetheless, we\u2019ll learn more about the Honor Magic 2 once the Chinese company officially unveils the new device on 31 October. it\u2019ll be interesting to see how its slider system will differ from other phones with a similar feature.\n\n\nThat\u2019s not the only upcoming phone that will sport a slide-out camera either; Lenovo will be releasing its own device with this feature on 1 November. Believed to be the Lenovo Z5 Pro, the phone will also sport a manual slider design. Aside from that, it\u2019s likely that the Z5 Pro will come with an in-screen fingerprint sensor too, if the leaked video below is to be believed.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s interesting how the Honor Magic 2 and Lenovo Z5 Pro launch dates are so close to the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3, which was made official just days ago. It\u2019s even more curious when we consider the fact that these three phones will likely sport the same slider design. Moving forward, we won\u2019t be surprised if other phone makers follow suit and introduce their own take of a slider phone in the future.\n\n\nLooking at these two phones that will be introduced this week alone, slide-out cameras will very likely be the next big thing after notched displays. It\u2019s a step closer to an all-screen smartphone, and although the reliability of these sliding mechanisms in the long run will be questioned, only time will tell how robust they are.\n\n\n\n\nNow all that\u2019s left is for phone makers to figure out how to completely eliminate the bottom screen bezel \u2013 almost all smartphones still have a \u201cchin\u201d of sorts under the display, with the notable exception of the \niPhone XS and XS Max\n. Hopefully, we\u2019ll see such smartphones next year in 2019.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-mix-3-hands-on-third-times-the-charm/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 Hands-On: Third Time\u2019s the Charm", "body": "\n\nXiaomi\u2019s Mi Mix series has always been about pushing the envelope of what\u2019s possible in a smartphone. The first Mi Mix was a beautiful device with its ceramic build and almost bezel-less design, but it was a huge device, and it had a rather large chin. The Mi Mix 2 and Mi Mix 2S, on the other hand, were just more practical versions of the original Mix.\n\n\nNow at its third iteration, the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 is arguably the most exciting device of the series yet. Heck, I\u2019d even say it is Xiaomi\u2019s most impressive phone to date. I spent a brief time with the Mi Mix 3 in a media session held in Malaysia, and I\u2019m very impressed with it \u2013 especially its sliding mechanism.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the most unique feature of the Mi Mix 3: its \u201cmagnetic slider design.\u201d Unlike the Oppo Find X and Vivo Nex\u2019s use of a tiny motor to power their \nslide-out cameras\n, the Mi Mix 3\u2019s sliding mechanism requires the user to manually push down on the display to reveal the front-facing cameras. Yes, there are two of them: a 24MP primary shooter, and a secondary 2MP depth sensor.\n\n\n\n\nPersonally, I find the Mi Mix 3\u2019s slider design much more appealing than Oppo or Vivo\u2019s implementation. It is\u00a0\nvery\n\u00a0satisfying to activate \u2013 many other members of the media is of the same opinion here \u2013 and the whole mechanism feels robust. I also love the fact that the slider\u2019s action is customisable: users can choose to launch the selfie camera when the slider is activated, or even change it to answer a phone call. Very neat.\n\n\nSpeaking of customisation, there is an extra button on the left side of the Mi Mix 3. For the Chinese market, the button is used to summon Xiaomi\u2019s own digital assistant, Xiao AI. The best part is, you can change what the button does, whether it\u2019s to launch the camera, take a screenshot, or summon Google Assistant.\n\n\nXiaomi may have taken inspiration here from Samsung with the company\u2019s dedicated Bixby button, but at least Xiaomi is giving consumers the freedom to change what the button does.\n\n\n\n\nOkay, let\u2019s move on to something else, like the Mi Mix 3\u2019s sleek design. Its ceramic back feels premium, the aluminium frame is nice to the touch, and I really dig the phone\u2019s minimal bezels, lending to an almost all-screen design. It would\u2019ve been great if Xiaomi can further reduce the \u201cchin\u201d of the Mi Mix 3 at the bottom of the display, but hey, it\u2019s a much smaller bezel than the one found on its predecessor \u2013 or the \nPocophone F1\n.\n\n\nDisplay is also another strong suit of the Mi Mix 3. Sporting a\u00a06.39-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED display, it\u2019s a vibrant, bright display. On top of that, because it is an AMOLED panel, the Mi Mix 3\u2019s display has very good black levels \u2013 that\u2019s the inherent property of AMOLED.\n\n\nNow then, what about performance? Very good, naturally. Powered by Qualcomm\u2019s best chipset to date, the Snapdragon 845, the Mi Mix 3 feels very fast and zippy. This, paired with up to 10GB of RAM \u2013 that\u2019s right, \n10GB of RAM\n \u2013 and 256GB of fast UFS 2.1 storage, this phone will not disappoint in the performance department.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the Mi Mix 3\u2019s camera performance, and in my brief time with the phone\u2019s primary 12MP f/1.8 + 12MP f/2.4 telephoto lens dual camera system, it\u2019s\u2026well, promising. The camera interface doesn\u2019t feel sluggish, there\u2019s no noticeable shutter delay, and the image output looks great at a glance. Then again, I only managed to try out the Mi Mix 3\u2019s camera in broad daylight \u2013 things may change dramatically in low light conditions.\n\n\nThat being said, DxOMark did give the Mi Mix 3\u2019s camera performance an overall score of 103, edging out the\u00a0Huawei P20 and Samsung Galaxy S9+. But until I can spend more time photographing with the Mi Mix 3\u2019s, I\u2019ll reserve my judgment.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 is the sleekest, most refined device in the Mix series yet. As I\u2019ve said before, I really think this is Xiaomi\u2019s most impressive smartphone to date, and I absolutely cannot wait to take it out for a spin \u2013 okay, perhaps the fun factor of the sliding mechanism plays a role here too.\n\n\nAs for availability, the Mi Mix 3 will not be introduced in Malaysia anytime soon; Xiaomi mentioned that it is only planning to release the device in the country by the end of the year or early 2019. Until then, the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S is the latest Mix device in Malaysia \u2013 its retail price has also been revised to RM1,799.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/what-you-need-to-know-apple-macbook-air-2018/", "title": "Apple MacBook Air (2018) \u2013 What You Need to Know", "body": "\n\nAfter eight long years, Apple is finally giving the MacBook Air a proper refresh. It\u2019s now sleeker, lighter than ever, and more importantly, the Cupertino company is equipping the new laptop with a Retina display. It may have taken Apple this long to properly update the MacBook Air, but hey, it\u2019s finally here.\n\n\nThat being said, the new MacBook Air is also not as affordable as its predecessor anymore; not that MacBook laptops in general are considered to be affordable. Nonetheless, we\u2019re here to break down what\u2019s new \u2013 and what\u2019s hot \u2013 with the 2018 MacBook Air.\n\n\nThe most obvious (and arguably the most important) update to the new MacBook Air is definitely the 13.3-inch Retina display. Now with a resolution of\u00a02560 x 1600 \u2013 and much tinier bezels \u2013 the MacBook Air\u2019s screen is just as sharp as the one found on the higher-end MacBook Pro. That being said, the Pro\u2019s display is said to be brighter by 200 nits. On top of that, the Air\u2019s screen isn\u2019t True Tone either.\n\n\n\n\nAlthough it hasn\u2019t seen a proper refresh in years, the previous generation MacBook Air was still considered to be a pretty light and thin laptop. Well, surprise surprise, Apple managed to slim down the new Air even further, and it\u2019s lighter too. Tipping the scales at 1.25kg \u2013 100g lighter than its predecessor \u2013 it also measures only 15.6mm at its thickest point. In comparison, the previous model had a 17mm thick chassis.\n\n\nBut with a thinner chassis, Apple is also revamping the MacBook Air\u2019s selection of ports. Gone are the full-size USB-A ports, and in their places are a pair of USB-C ports. The great news is, both of them support Thunderbolt 3. The bad news? You\u2019ll have to rely on dongles if you want to transfer data from a good ol\u2019 USB-A flash drive. Of course, the incredibly convenient MagSafe port is also no longer here \u2013 the new Air charges via USB-C.\n\n\nLike every new MacBook laptops today, the revamped MacBook Air comes with Apple\u2019s butterfly switch keyboard. Now at its third generation, the typing experience on the extremely flat keyboard should be identical to other MacBook laptops released in recent times. Basically, expect very little key travel, but based on my previous experience using the 15-inch MacBook Pro (the 2018 model), I like the tactile feedback and larger than usual key size of the keyboard.\n\n\nOh, it\u2019s also worth noting that the new Air comes with Touch ID now too.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the brand new trackpad of the MacBook Air, which is larger than ever. Not only that, it\u2019s also a Force Touch trackpad. Because of the static nature of the trackpad, you\u2019ll get a good clicking sensation through haptic feedback no matter which part of the trackpad you\u2019re clicking on.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the new MacBook Air include an eight generation Intel Core i5 1.6GHz dual-core processor \u2013 with Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz \u2013 Intel UHD Graphics 617, 8GB or 16GB of RAM, and SSD storage that maxes out at 1.5TB. Not an incredible list of hardware, but definitely more than adequate for a productivity-focused laptop.\n\n\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s get to the good bit: how much does the new MacBook Air cost? In Malaysia, the base model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage goes for\u00a0\na whopping RM5,249\n. If you want a 256GB SSD instead, that will set you back RM6,099.\n\n\nWithout a doubt the new MacBook Air is not an affordable laptop, and only time will tell if consumers are willing to fork out that much money to get it. Yes, it\u2019s a drastic upgrade over its predecessor, but that comes at a price \u2013 a very steep one.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-launches-xb273k-xv273k-in-malaysia-4k-144hz-gaming-monitors/", "title": "Acer Launches XB273K & XV273K in Malaysia \u2013 4K 144Hz Gaming Monitors", "body": "\n\nAcer just introduced two new gaming monitors for the Malaysian market: the Predator XB273K, and the Nitro XV273K. Not only are these 27-inch, 4K gaming monitors, they also come with Nvidia\u2019s G-Sync and AMD\u2019s FreeSync technologies respectively. That\u2019s pretty neat.\n\n\nBut are either one of these gaming monitors any good? Well, let\u2019s find out by taking a look at their feature set and retail prices.\n\n\nFor starters, there are not that many 4K gaming monitors in the market with a fast 144Hz refresh rate like these two products here. Yes, both the Predator XB273K and Nitro XV273K\u2019s refresh rates can be overclocked to 144Hz, and that\u2019s really fast for gaming monitors as pixel-dense as these two.\n\n\nHowever, do note that you\u2019ll need a very powerful machine to really take advantage of the 144Hz display. There are only a handful of graphics cards that can push that many frames at 4K resolution.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the Predator XB273K and Nitro XV273K monitors also sport variable refresh rate courtesy of Nvidia and AMD. The former supports Nvidia\u2019s G-Sync technology, while the Nitro monitor features AMD FreeSync. Depending on the kind of GPU you have, you\u2019ll want one monitor over the other. Basically, Nvidia GPUs can take advantage of G-Sync, and vice versa.\n\n\nOh, another feature worth highlighting is the fact that both the Predator and Nitro monitors meet the standards for DisplayHDR 400. It\u2019s the lowest certification granted by VESA for a display to be considered HDR-capable \u2013 in short, these monitors won\u2019t look as impressive as another monitor with DisplayHDR 600 or 1000 certification \u2013 but hey, they can still properly display HDR content.\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is retail price, and it\u2019s no surprise that the Nitro XV273K is the more affordable gaming monitor of the two. In Malaysia, this FreeSync monitor retails at RM2,999 \u2013 a pretty attractive price tag for a 4K monitor with 144Hz refresh rate.\u00a0\n\n\nAs for the Predator XB273K with G-Sync technology, it goes for RM4,599. Although most of its specifications are similar to the more affordable XV273K, the XB273K costs more simply because of its G-Sync capability \u2013 gaming monitors with the feature generally cost more.\n\n\nThe Acer Predator XB273K will only be available in Malaysia sometime in December later this year. The Acer Nitro XV273K, on the other hand, can be purchased in the middle of this month.\n\n\n\n\nBesides launching the two new gaming monitors, Acer also announced its collaboration with Malaysian streetwear brand Pestle & Mortar. Two T-shirts are shown at the launch event: one of them has an Acer Swift laptop as its motive, while the other one is themed after the Predator series.\n\n\nGiven the streetwear status of Pestle & Mortar apparels, these two products do not come cheap. The Acer Swift shirt retails at RM99, while the one with the Predator motive goes for RM109. If you\u2019re keen to get either one of these two shirts, you can do so on \nAcer\u2019s own online store\n \u2013 they are only available for purchase there.\n\n\n\n\nIt may seem odd for a tech company like Acer to work together with a streetwear brand, but this kind of collaboration does happen from time to time. On a different note, if you\u2019re looking to get a new laptop or desktop, check out Acer\u2019s \nGear Up This Season\n\u00a0promotion\n. The company is throwing in a number of freebies with the purchase of selected products, including the Pestle & Mortar T-shirts above.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/htc-vive-vive-pro-finally-land-in-malaysia-should-you-still-care/", "title": "HTC Vive & Vive Pro Finally Land in Malaysia \u2013 Should You Still Care?", "body": "\n\nAfter years of waiting, HTC finally launched its two VR headsets \u2013 the HTC Vive and HTC Vive Pro \u2013 in Malaysia. But retailing from RM2,999, these are very costly VR headsets, especially in comparison to other products of its kind.\n\n\nThat being said, there are good reasons to get the Vive or Vive Pro, depending on what kind of VR experience you want to get. Their prices may be steep, but they\u2019re certainly worth it for folks who like the VR headsets\u2019 feature set and hardware.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the standard Vive headset. Although it was launched way back in 2016, it\u2019s still plenty capable. It has a 3.6-inch dual AMOLED display with a combined resolution of 2160 x 1200, 90Hz refresh rate, an HDMI input, and a USB 2.0 port.\n\n\n\n\nThe higher-end \u2013 and considerably more expensive \u2013 Vive Pro, on the other hand, comes with several notable upgrades. It has a sharper \u2013 though a tad smaller \u2013 3.5-inch dual AMOLED screen with a combined resolution of 2880 x 1600, the same 90Hz refresh rate, a DisplayPort 1.2 input, a USB-C port, as well as support for high-resolution audio.\n\n\nOn top of that, the Vive Pro also has a redesigned head strap, which is more comfortable and supportive than the Vive\u2019s standard strap. In fact, it\u2019s pretty similar in design to the Vive Deluxe Audio Strap, which costs \nRM599 in Malaysia\n.\n\n\nThese specifications are pretty respectable, but the Vive and Vive Pro\u2019s most impressive feature is their ability to do room-scale tracking. However, this setup requires the use of base stations. Thankfully, the Vive Consumer Edition bundle in Malaysia includes the headset itself, two SteamVR base stations, and a pair of Vive Controllers.\n\n\n\n\nIn retrospect, the RM2,999 price tag for the bundle doesn\u2019t sound\u00a0\ntoo\u00a0\nbad \u2013 it lets you immediately set up the Vive for room-scale tracking. Compared to \u201ctraditional\u201d VR setups, where you\u2019re either sitting down or standing up, room-scale tracking makes\u00a0\na lot\u00a0\nof difference in your VR experience. The ability to \u201croam around\u201d in VR games (depending on which title you\u2019re playing) really helps with immersiveness.\n\n\nBut that RM2,999 bundle is only for the standard Vive headset. If you want the higher-end Vive Pro instead, that will set you back a whopping RM6,099 in Malaysia. For that kind of money, the Vive Pro Starter Kit includes the headset itself, two SteamVR base stations \u2013 the 1.0 version, unfortunately \u2013 and two Vive Controllers, just like the Vive Consumer Edition bundle.\n\n\nIt\u2019s a high entry point, that\u2019s for sure, but that\u2019s the price you\u2019ll have to pay for a room-scale VR experience. There\u00a0\nis\u00a0\nthe Oculus Rift, of course, but even that isn\u2019t particularly affordable or available widely; especially in our region.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, there is another reason why you\u2019d want to get the Vive or Vive Pro: access to HTC\u2019s Viveport app store. It\u2019s one of the biggest digital stores for VR content, and if you\u2019re keen, you can even sign up for Viveport\u2019s \nsubscription service\n. Every month, you can select five different paid titles to access for free. HTC said that there are over 500 titles in the digital store now.\n\n\nHowever, note that the Viveport app store is also available to Oculus Rift owners, but not all titles are compatible with the VR headset. Needless to say, this isn\u2019t much of an issue with the Vive and Vive Pro.\n\n\n\n\nThe HTC Vive and Vive Pro are expensive VR headsets, but if you want the best possible VR experience, they are arguably the best offerings in the market now. There are more budget-friendly offerings like the PlayStation VR system, but it doesn\u2019t offer the same level of polish or immersion as HTC\u2019s VR headsets.\n\n\nWhether or not you should go for the Vive or Vive Pro, however, is an entirely different question. The Pro model will definitely offer better experience with its better hardware and features, but whether or not these are worth paying double the price of the standard Vive headset is up to each individual consumer to decide.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/what-is-lifi-and-is-it-better-than-wifi/", "title": "What Is LiFi, and Is It Better Than WiFi?", "body": "\n\nWiFi is as ubiquitous as the internet, but chances are, not many people are familiar with LiFi \u2013 Light Fidelity. On the surface, LiFi is very similar to WiFi: both technologies connect users to the internet. However, LiFi is much more than that, and it may even be better than WiFi in some cases.\n\n\nWe were recently invited by Signify \u2013 formerly known as Philips Lighting \u2013 to check out its LiFi implementation, where the company discussed about the advantages (and disadvantages) of the technology. Without further ado, let\u2019s get to it.\n\n\nAs its name suggests, LiFi connects users to the internet through light waves, in contrast to WiFi\u2019s use of radio waves. This makes LiFi ideal for environments where the use of WiFi (or radio waves, in general) is not ideal. In that sense, LiFi is an alternative solution to WiFi.\n\n\nOn top of that, as LiFi relies on light waves to transmit data, it is not affected by network congestion either. This, in turn, makes for a more stable internet connection.\n\n\n\n\nSo how does LiFi work in the real world? Let\u2019s take Signify\u2019s implementation as an example. First, you\u2019ll need to plug in an ethernet cable to Signify\u2019s LiFi-enabled light fixture. Once you\u2019ve done that, all you need to do is to connect a dedicated LiFi USB access dongle to your laptop or PC.\n\n\nAnd\u2026that\u2019s basically it. You\u2019re now connected to the internet via LiFi. The light fixture will transmit data down to the LiFi dongle \u2013 this is done through modulation, where the light will \u201cflicker\u201d at a frequency that\u2019s invisible to the human eye \u2013 while the dongle itself will use infrared to upload data back to the light fixture.\n\n\nThis sounds like something out of a futuristic concept, but it really does work as seamlessly as that. However, it is not perfect: there are a couple of disadvantages to Signify\u2019s LiFi technology.\n\n\n\n\nThe most evident downside to LiFi technology \u2013 in its current state, at least \u2013 is the fact that you need a line of sight between the light fixture and LiFi dongle; nothing can come in between these two items. Say someone walks up to your desk and casts a shadow on the LiFi dongle \u2013 you\u2019ll immediately be disconnected from the internet.\n\n\nBandwidth is also another issue. According to Signify, its current LiFi technology can only support speeds up to 30Mbps. Upload speed, on the other hand, is limited to 8Mbps. Now, \u201cregular\u201d users who only use the internet for web browsing and video streaming will be alright with this kind of speed, but professional users will need much more.\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s worth noting that LiFi has the potential to be much,\u00a0\nmuch\u00a0\nfaster than this \u2013 emphasis on the potential. In lab tests, scientists managed to reach speeds up to 224Gbps with LiFi. That\u2019s \nridiculously\n fast.\n\n\nDespite these disadvantages, LiFi does afford users one very vital benefit: privacy. Because you need a direct line of sight to the light fixture to get connected, there\u2019s no way for anyone else to get access to the network without actually being in the physical space. In environments where network security is of utmost importance, LiFi will be much preferred over WiFi.\n\n\n\n\nAt the end of the day, LiFi isn\u2019t here to replace WiFi \u2013 not for the time being anyway. Rather, it serves as an alternative in environments where WiFi isn\u2019t the most ideal solution, and that\u2019s where Signify\u2019s LiFi technology comes in. In fact, it\u2019s already working with a number of companies in various industries like banking and automotive to\u00a0implement its LiFi system.\n\n\nCurrently, Signify\u2019s LiFi solution is not available to the general public, and it will be a while before the technology is mature enough to be widely adopted. Not only is LiFi a relatively new technology, there\u2019s also no regulation yet, unlike WiFi.\n\n\nBut Signify\u2019s LiFi solution does give us a glimpse of what\u2019s possible in the near future, and it shows that it\u2019s very possible to implement LiFi in today\u2019s environment. It\u2019s not perfect by any means, but it\u2019s definitely a good start.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/armaggeddon-falcon-iii-mouse-mka-11r-keyboard-quick-review-affordable-rgb-gears/", "title": "Armaggeddon Falcon III Mouse & MKA-11R Keyboard Quick Review: Affordable RGB Gears", "body": "\n\nShopping for a new mouse or keyboard can be a daunting task. Not only are there a ton of choices from various manufacturers, it can be hard to justify paying through the roof for certain products. Well, if you happen to be looking for affordable gears for your new PC, consider Armaggeddon\u2019s Falcon III gaming mouse and MKA-11R mechanical gaming keyboard.\n\n\nNot only are these peripherals budget-friendly, they also come with RGB lighting \u2013 a feature normally reserved for gears well above the asking prices of these two products. Nonetheless, let\u2019s see if the Falcon III and MKA-11R are worth the money.\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Falcon III gaming mouse. It features an Avago 3325 laser sensor, \u201cdouble injection\u201d rubber sides, Japanese Omron switches, and of course, RGB lighting, which is pretty bright. On top of that, the mouse\u2019s cable is also braided, giving it extra durability.\n\n\n\n\nThe MKA-11R mechanical gaming keyboard, on the other hand, comes with Outemu Blue switches \u2013 with a quoted lifespan of over 50 million clicks \u2013 high quality \u201cKevlarTech\u201d keycaps, and much like the Falcon III, RGB lighting.\n\n\nWhat\u2019s particularly unique about the MKA-11R is the fact that its Outemu switches are user-replaceable. Using the provided metal caliper, the switches can be pulled out rather easily. If you need to replace any of the keyboard\u2019s switches, three extra switches are bundled with the keyboard.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nConsidering the affordable price tag of the Falcon III mouse, I\u2019m pleasantly surprised with its performance. I had absolutely no issue gaming with the mouse, it can track my movements accurately, and it has a comfortable design. I especially love the rubber sides of the Falcon III \u2013 it feels great, and it improves grip.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the MKA-11R keyboard, it\u2019s what you\u2019d expect from a mechanical keyboard. The clicky and tactile nature of the Outemu Blue switches make for a satisfying typing experience, though this really depends on your preference. Aside from that, the various lighting effects are fun to play with too.\n\n\nPersonally, I dig the minimalist design of the MKA-11R. It doesn\u2019t have an over-the-top aesthetic, and the small frame reduces the dimensions of the keyboard as much as possible.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nNo peripherals are perfect, and the Falcon III has a couple of downsides. Despite its ambidextrous shape, the two thumb buttons are only on the left side of the mouse \u2013 left-handed folks won\u2019t be able to take advantage of them. The Falcon III\u2019s mouse wheel could\u2019ve been better too. It works as intended, of course, but it doesn\u2019t feel\u2026particularly solid.\n\n\nThat being said, I do like the mouse\u2019s Omron switches. They\u2019re satisfying to click, and they don\u2019t feel cheap either.\n\n\n\n\nWhat about the MKA-11R keyboard? Loud. That\u2019s the first thing that comes to mind when I first typed on it. This is likely the inherent nature of Outemu Blue switches; they\u2019re definitely louder than, say, Cherry MX Blue switches.\n\n\nAnother thing I don\u2019t particularly like about the MKA-11R is its build quality. As far as I can tell, it\u2019s made completely out of plastic, and typing on it feels\u2026well, hollow. But to be fair, a solid typing experience is usually a characteristic of more costly mechanical keyboards, which the MKA-11R isn\u2019t.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you\u2019re in the market for a mouse and keyboard that offer value for money with RGB lighting, then yes, the Armaggeddon Falcon III mouse and MKA-11R keyboard are worth the money. In Malaysia, the Falcon III \nretails at only RM99\n, while the MKA-11R \ngoes for RM149\n.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, not many mouse and keyboard can offer these two peripherals\u2019 feature set and RGB lighting. The Falcon III and MKA-11R are not as refined or premium as peripherals from more established brands, but hey \u2013 they\u2019re affordable.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-2-pro-hands-on-the-new-disruptor/", "title": "Realme 2 Pro Hands-On: The New Disruptor", "body": "\n\nIn the mid-range segment of smartphones, value for money is one of the most important things consumer look out for. For a device to succeed in this crowded segment, it will have to offer competent hardware at a competitive price point.\n\n\nAnd that\u2019s exactly what the Realme 2 Pro offers. It\u2019s priced aggressively, it has great hardware for the money, and it\u2019s a pretty sleek-looking device. Realme was only officially established earlier this year, but this sub-brand of Oppo may very well be onto something big here with the Realme 2 Pro.\n\n\nLet\u2019s cut to the chase and get to the most exciting part of the Realme 2 Pro first: price. For the Malaysian market, the base model with 64GB of storage and 4GB RAM retails at RM849. Another 64GB variant with more RAM at 6GB, on the other hand, goes for RM949.\n\n\n\n\nBut the most exciting variant of the Realme 2 Pro is the 128GB model with 8GB of RAM, which retails at RM1,099. Not only is this the only mid-range phone in the Malaysian market to offer this much RAM, it\u2019s unheard of in this price point. Of course, you \nprobably don\u2019t need that much RAM\n anyway, but it\u2019s certainly nice to have.\n\n\nSo how are these retail prices competitive? For a couple of good reasons. For one, the Realme 2 Pro is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset. It\u2019s considered to be one of the chipmaker\u2019s best mid-range SoCs to date (it\u2019s a step below the Snapdragon 710), and it\u2019s fast enough to provide a pleasant user experience.\n\n\nBesides that, the Realme 2 Pro also comes with a 6.3-inch\u00a02340 x 1080 IPS display, and it\u2019s \nsurprisingly\n bright and vibrant. Considering its affordable price tag, the panel quality really exceed my expectations. It\u2019s a \nreally\n nice display to look at. Colours pop, texts and images look sharp, and viewing angles are great.\n\n\n\n\nDesign is also another strong point of the Realme 2 Pro. I love how minimal the bottom bezel is, and while I\u2019m not thrilled about the notch (Realme calls it a \u201cDewdrop\u201d notch), it\u2019s not as intrusive as wider notches found on other devices.\n\n\nOn the back, the Realme 2 Pro features a glossy polycarbonate back with a \u201c15-layer laminated technology.\u201d To be honest, I initially thought the back panel was made of glass, especially with the way it shimmers. It\u2019s unmistakably plastic, but it\u2019s nice to the touch.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the matte frame of the Realme 2 Pro is also made out of polycarbonate, but it feels reassuring and solid. I really appreciate the extra thickness of the frame too; measuring 8.5mm thick, I can get a good grip on the phone easily. Despite the thicker than usual chassis, however, the Realme 2 Pro only comes with a 3,500mAh battery \u2013 pretty average capacity.\n\n\n\n\nI really dig the Realme 2 Pro\u2019s overall design, but I was a little underwhelmed when I saw that it still uses a microUSB port instead of a USB-C connector. But on the bright side, it has a 3.5mm headphone jack \u2013 an increasingly rare port in today\u2019s smartphones.\n\n\nRunning on ColorOS 5.2 based on Android 8.1 Oreo out of the box, the Realme 2 Pro\u2019s software experience\u2026is relatively good. Given the choice, I\u2019d much rather use a phone that runs on stock Android, but ColorOS isn\u2019t bad by any means. While there are some bloatware here and there (the app drawer is nowhere to be found either), the software experience still feels lightweight and fast.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the Realme 2 Pro\u2019s camera performance. Featuring a\u00a016MP f/1.7 + 2MP f/2.4 dual camera system on the back, it can capture pretty good-looking shots. There\u2019s minimal shutter delay, detail preservation is decent, and the final images look flattering. That being said, I\u2019ve only taken shots in broad daylight \u2013 I haven\u2019t had the chance to try out the camera\u2019s low light performance yet.\n\n\nI\u2019ll definitely put the Realme 2 Pro\u2019s camera through its paces once I\u2019ve spent more time with the phone in a full review. Of course, I\u2019ll test out the phone\u2019s 16MP f/2.0 front-facing shooter too.\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme 2 Pro is an interesting mid-ranger, and its competitive price tag makes it that much more compelling. In the past, it\u2019s usually Xiaomi devices that disrupt the market with their low price tags, but Realme takes that up a notch with this phone right here \u2013 it\u2019s the new disruptor.\n\n\nThen again, until I\u2019ve used the Realme 2 Pro for a longer period of time, I can\u2019t say with confidence if it\u2019s the best mid-range phone you can buy right now. It is, however, a very, very promising smartphone with great value for money.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/pocophone-f1-review-the-king-of-affordable-flagships/", "title": "Pocophone F1 Review: The King of Affordable Flagships", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been a couple of months since the Pocophone F1 was introduced in our region, and it seems to be pretty well-received. In a price-sensitive market like ours, the phone\u2019s success really comes as no surprise \u2013 it\u2019s the most affordable smartphone with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset, after all.\n\n\nBut is this fact alone enough to make the Pocophone F1 a compelling smartphone? Is this sub-brand of Xiaomi worth the hype? Considering its affordable price tag, the F1 does have a couple of drawbacks, but it\u2019s definitely one of the best \u2013 if not\u00a0\nthe best\n \u2013 value for money flagship you can get right now.\n\n\nSpecifications\n\n\nDisplay\n6.18-inch FHD+ IPS LCD (2246 x 1080)\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 845 2.8GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 630\nRAM\n6GB\nStorage\n64/128GB, expandable\nCamera (rear)\n12MP f/1.9 + 5MP f/2.0, PDAF\nCamera (front)\n20MP f/2.0\nBattery\n4,000mAh\nDimensions\n155.5 x 75.3 x 8.8 mm\nWeight\n180g\nOS\nMIUI 10 based on Android 8.1 Oreo\nConnectivity\nLTE\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi\u00a0802.11 a/b/g/n/ac\nUSB Type-C\n\n\nThe Pocophone F1\u2019s main attraction is definitely the fast Snapdragon 845 chipset; the same SoC powering a plethora of flagship devices twice \u2013 or even thrice \u2013 the F1\u2019s asking price. Not only is it the most affordable Snapdragon 845 device, the phone\u2019s other hardware are very good too, including the generous 4,000mAh battery.\n\n\nOur review unit is the 64GB variant with 6GB of RAM, but for those who want more storage, there\u2019s the 128GB model. If that\u2019s still not enough, the Pocophone F1 has a microSD card slot too, not to mention a 3.5mm headphone jack. As far as hardware is concerned, the F1 does a lot of things right.\n\n\nDesign\n\n\nDespite its all-plastic construction, the Pocophone F1 feels solid. It doesn\u2019t creak when pressure is applied, it has a nice heft to it \u2013 it weighs\u00a0180g \u2013 and the phone\u2019s matte finish feels nice to the touch. While it doesn\u2019t feel quite as premium or solid as other flagship smartphones, we have to keep in mind that the F1 is much more affordable. Premium material does make a phone a lot more attractive, but it \nmay not matter as much as you\u2019d think\n.\n\n\n\n\nOn the front of the Pocophone F1 is a 6.18-inch 1080p IPS display, and yes, it has a pretty sizeable notch. So much so, in fact, that there\u2019s no room for notification icons. If I want to check if I\u2019ve received any notification, I\u2019d have to pull down on the notification shade; it can get quite annoying.\n\n\nBesides the notched display, I\u2019m not a fan of the F1\u2019s bottom bezel either. While it\u2019s still relatively small, it\u2019s not as minimal as the bezel of, say, the OnePlus 6.\n\n\n\n\nBut as a whole, I\u2019m quite fond of the Pocophone F1\u2019s design. The rear fingerprint sensor\u2019s placement, for one, is easy to reach with my index finger. The slightly tapered back panel also makes it a comfortable device to hold for long periods of time.\n\n\nPocophone\u2019s no-nonsense design approach with the F1 is clever. It\u2019s a functional design, and the fact that it\u2019s made from inexpensive material further drives down the manufacturing cost of the phone. This, in turn, makes it possible for the device to be as affordable as it is \u2013 it\u2019s a really smart approach.\n\n\nUser Experience\n\n\nMy unit of the Pocophone F1 is running on a beta version of MIUI 10, and for the most part, it feels lightweight and fast. However, I did face a couple of software issues. On more than one occasion, I had several apps, including Facebook and Google Maps, freeze up on me. However, this seems to happen at random \u2013 I couldn\u2019t replicate it often enough for it to be a huge issue.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, some of my notifications weren\u2019t showing up in the notification shade either. One moment it was there, and the next thing I know, it was gone. On top of that, MIUI only allows you to dismiss notifications with a right swipe \u2013 swiping left reveals the snooze option instead.\n\n\nNonetheless, do keep in mind that I\u2019m running a beta version of MIUI 10 on the Pocophone F1. There\u2019s a very good chance the final version of the software won\u2019t suffer from these small, niggling issues. And as a whole, MIUI 10 does run just fine on this phone. Bloatware are not aplenty, there\u2019s an app drawer, and most importantly, the software doesn\u2019t feel like it\u2019s slowing the phone down.\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the Pocophone F1\u2019s\u00a06.18-inch 1080p IPS display, which is pleasant to look at. Colours are vibrant, viewing angles are great, and the 1080p resolution is just fine for a display this size. If I were to nitpick, I\u2019d say the colour temperature of the display is a little bit too cool. Thankfully, you can adjust the screen\u2019s colour temperature to your liking in the settings page.\n\n\nNaturally, performance is without a doubt great on the Pocophone F1. Gaming on it is a joy, I can multitask without any issue, and switching between different apps is fast and zippy. This isn\u2019t unexpected, of course: the Snapdragon 845 is Qualcomm\u2019s best chipset to date.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of fast, I\u2019m pleasantly surprised at how quickly the Pocophone F1\u2019s face unlock feature works. It can identify my face quickly even in complete darkness \u2013 thanks to the front-facing infrared sensor \u2013 and if you\u2019re not a big fan of this feature, you can still rely on the equally quick rear fingerprint sensor.\n\n\nAnd then we have one of the best aspects of the Pocophone F1: battery life. Featuring a 4,000mAh battery, I managed to get well over seven hours of screen on time with this phone. On certain days, I even managed to stretch it to\u00a0\neight hours\n \u2013 that\u2019s ridiculously long.\n\n\n\n\nThroughout the review period, I had no trouble at all getting to the end of a typical work day with the F1, and I\u2019m a pretty heavy smartphone user. I do a lot of mobile gaming, web browsing, and instant messaging. I reckon it\u2019s very possible for lighter users to get up to two days of usage with this phone.\n\n\nCharging rate of the Pocophone F1, on the other hand, isn\u2019t quite as impressive. Within 30 minutes of charging, the phone only charged up to 35%. I tested this by draining the phone completely before connecting it to the provided charger without powering up the device.\n\n\n\n\nAs a whole, the Pocophone F1 is a pleasant phone to use. The only thing I\u2019m not particularly fond of is just MIUI. Beyond the shortcomings in the software experience, I thoroughly enjoyed using the phone as my daily driver.\n\n\nCamera\n\n\nIf there\u2019s one thing affordable smartphones have in common, it\u2019s mediocre camera performance. Thankfully, this isn\u2019t the case with the Pocophone F1. Well, not entirely anyway.\n\n\nEquipped with a\u00a012MP f/1.9 + 5MP f/2.0 dual camera system, the Pocophone F1 rear cameras performed admirably regardless of lighting conditions. The camera is great in daytime, as expected, and though its low light performance could still use some work, it\u2019s pretty darn good for a phone at this price point.\n\n\n\n\nMore often than not, most affordable smartphones\u2019 camera interface gets sluggish in low light conditions, but not the Pocophone F1. Not only is the shutter delay kept to a minimum, the shooting experience is still fun in challenging lighting situations. That\u2019s not something I can\u2019t say for some smartphones that cost much more than the F1.\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s wishful thinking to say that the Pocophone F1 has flagship-tier camera performance; that\u2019s simply not the case. But at the same time, it can take better-looking shots than the majority of mid-range smartphones,\u00a0\nespecially\u00a0\nthose in this price range. The F1 does not have an amazing camera system, but it\u2019s definitely a really good one.\n\n\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nIn Malaysia, the 64GB variant of the Pocophone F1 retails at RM1,299, while the 128GB model goes for RM1,599 \u2013 very competitive price tags. Not many phones can offer the kind of hardware the F1 has in this price point, but there are some that come close.\n\n\nXiaomi Mi 8\n\n\nYeap, one of the Pocophone F1\u2019s closest rivals is from its own family. The Xiaomi Mi 8 offers the same Snapdragon 845 chipset as the F1, a more impressive 6.21-inch 1080p AMOLED display, a superior 12MP + 12MP dual camera system, relatively similar software experience, as well as a more premium design. How much does the phone cost? RM1,599 for the 64GB model with 6GB of RAM, which is only RM300 more than the 64GB Pocophone F1.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, the F1 does outperform the Mi 8 in several key areas. The F1\u2019s 4,000mAh battery, for one, will return better battery life than the Mi 8\u2019s smaller 3,400mAh cell. On top of that, the Mi 8 lacks expandable storage and a 3.5mm headphone jack too \u2013 both of these are available on the F1.\n\n\nHonor Play\n\n\nAnother interesting alternative to the Pocophone F1 is the Honor Play. Even though the Play comes with a slightly slower Huawei Kirin 970 chipset, it has a larger 6.3-inch 1080p IPS display, a sturdier all-metal chassis, and 64GB of expandable storage, much like the F1. Aside from that, Honor\u2019s offering is slightly more affordable as well, retailing at only RM1,249.\n\n\n\n\nBut for only RM50 more, the Pocophone F1 offers a higher level of performance, more RAM at 6GB (instead of only 4GB), a bigger 4,000mAh cell than the Honor Play\u2019s 3,750mAh battery, and better camera performance. The F1\u2019s polycarbonate body may not be as enticing as the Play\u2019s all-metal chassis, but you\u2019re getting a superior device in almost every way.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nThe Pocophone F1 offers flagship performance at an affordable price point, and this alone makes it an extremely compelling smartphone. Couple that with excellent battery life; decent camera performance;\u00a0\nand\n\u00a0desirable features like expandable storage; you have yourself a very complete, very well-rounded flagship device.\n\n\nShould you get the Pocophone F1 over any other flagship smartphone? Well, not exactly. While it offers fantastic value for money, its software experience, build quality, and camera performance still pale in comparison to \u201cproper\u201d flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S9 and Huawei P20 Pro. But those high-end devices are not directly competing with the Pocophone F1. Rather, the F1 is competing with devices in its price range, which is mostly made up of mid-range smartphones.\n\n\n\n\nI am really impressed with the Pocophone F1\u2019s value proposition, and if Pocophone can deliver such a compelling device on its first attempt, I absolutely cannot wait to see what the company has in store for its next smartphone.\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/should-you-build-your-own-pc/", "title": "Should You Build Your Own PC?", "body": "\n\nBuilding a brand new PC from scratch can be daunting, but it\u2019s not an impossible task. In fact, it\u2019s not all that difficult once you get the hang of it; some folks may even find the experience quite entertaining.\n\n\nEven if you\u2019re completely new to PC hardware, it\u2019s definitely worth giving the idea of building your own desktop a consideration. Here are a few reasons why you\u2019d want to do just that, and trust us: it\u2019s very rewarding.\n\n\nCustomisation\n\n\nAs you\u2019ll be picking your own parts for your PC, you can customise it to your heart\u2019s content. Want a portable machine? Get a smaller case. Want more storage drives? Just buy more drives as and when you need them. The possibilities are practically endless.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe most important part is, you\u2019re not stuck with whatever hardware configuration PC manufacturers have chosen for their desktop machines. And that\u2019s not the only downside of pre-built PCs, which brings us to our next point.\n\n\nUpgradability\n\n\nUsually, pre-built PCs parts cannot be upgraded to your liking. Building your own PC, on the other hand, affords you the opportunity to upgrade \u2013 or buy \u2013 individual parts whenever you want. Say you\u2019ve got the funds to build most of your machine, but you don\u2019t have quite enough for that shiny new Nvidia GeForce RTX GPU. That\u2019s fine: just build your machine first, and get the GPU at a later time.\n\n\nWhile you won\u2019t be able to do some serious gaming until you have the GPU, you can still do some light gaming by relying on the processor\u2019s integrated GPU. That\u2019s the beauty of a custom-built PC.\n\n\nThat being said, things have changed to an extent: some PC makers are making it much easier for customers to upgrade their PCs on their own. However, there is one thing PC manufacturers can\u2019t (usually) offer in comparison to building your own machine: value for money.\n\n\nPrice\n\n\nThis is perhaps the best reason to build your own desktop machine. As you\u2019ll be buying different parts of your PC individually, you can look around to get the best deals. This is especially true if you get your PC parts from online retailers on Lazada, Shopee, and other e-commerce sites. The moment you see a good deal on any particular hardware, grab it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, if you opt to do this, it will be a time-consuming process. But say you want to get your components at the same time; certain retailers offer discounts if you buy all of your PC parts from them. This comes down to your  bargaining skills, but more often than not, most retailers have bundle deals \u2013 especially bigger hardware retailers.\n\n\nBetter Warranty\n\n\nThis is a bit of a mixed bag. While it\u2019s much easier to send in a pre-built PC for warranty purposes (depending on the manufacturer you got it from), individual hardware parts usually come with longer warranties. Pre-built PCs normally come with a year\u2019s warranty, but PC hardware may be under warranty for as long  as two to five years.\n\n\nIt \ncan \nbe a hassle to claim for warranty with individual PC parts, but hey, at least you still have your system if you need to send some parts in for warranty claim. Pre-built PCs don\u2019t have that luxury.\n\n\nIt\u2019s Fun!\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the fun factor of building your own PC. Now, this is a subjective thing, but I can say from personal experience that it\u2019s a rewarding experience. From researching which PC part to get, to the actual building process. Once you got your brand new PC up and running, it\u2019s a really satisfying feeling.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe hardest hurdle to cross to start building your own PC is the research process. It\u2019s not as easy as looking for, say, a new laptop, but finding out what each part of your PC does can be really fun.\n\n\nWithout a doubt it won\u2019t be an easy process, and with that in mind, keep an eye out for a PC build guide from us \u2013 it will especially appeal to gamers who are looking to get an AMD-oriented, value for money gaming rig.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/how-to-build-a-pc-step-by-step-video-guide/", "title": "How to Build a PC \u2013 Step-By-Step Video Guide", "body": "\n\nSo you\u2019ve got your PC parts, and you\u2019re ready to start building your own PC \u2013 where do you start? Well, we\u2019re here to help with just that. In this article, we\u2019ll show you how to put your PC parts together to get a complete system.\n\n\nYou need five main components to build a functional PC: motherboard, processor, RAM, storage drive, and PSU. Of course, these are the bare minimum. To really complete your PC, you\u2019ll also need a graphics card for better gaming performance, and a case to house (and protect) all of your components. With that said, let\u2019s start building your PC!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOutside the Case\n\n\nIn our PC build guide video above, we\u2019re setting up the motherboard outside of the case first to make sure that it will actually boot up. There are a couple of reasons why we\u2019re doing this: it\u2019s much easier to install the parts and troubleshoot any possible issue without the cramped enclosure of a case, and if any of the PC components are faulty, you won\u2019t have to go through the trouble of disassembling the system to send it in for warranty.\n\n\nTo check if your system will boot up, you\u2019ll need to install the processor, RAM, and PSU to the motherboard \u2013 we\u2019ll start with the processor.\n\n\nProcessor\n\n\nIn order to install the processor, look for a small triangle on the chip itself. Once you\u2019ve figured out where it is, lift up the bar beside the CPU socket on the motherboard, and line up the processor\u2019s arrow with the arrow on the motherboard.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow, place the processor onto the socket\u00a0\ngently\n \u2013 we cannot stress this enough. It should just fall into place without force, and when you got the processor aligned with the socket, bring down the bar. Install the stock fan next (it has thermal paste pre-applied), and you\u2019re done with the processor\u2019s installation.\n\n\nRAM\n\n\nNext is the RAM. If you bought a kit with two RAM sticks, make sure they are inserted in alternating slots; that\u2019s how they can work in dual-channel mode. Aside from that, make sure that your RAM is facing the right direction \u2013 the middle notch in the RAM should go into the slot easily. Open the tab at either sides of the slot, insert the RAM, and push it in until you hear a distinct click.\n\n\nPSU\n\n\nOkay, we only need to connect the PSU to the motherboard now to check if the system boots up. Connect the 24-pin power connector to the motherboard, and use an eight-pin connector to provide power to the CPU. Do that, and you\u2019re ready to power up your system.\n\n\nGraphics Card (Dependent)\n\n\nThis is an extra step for those who are installing a Ryzen CPU like the one in our system. The thing is, unlike Intel processors, Ryzen CPUs (besides the G series) do not come with any integrated GPU. In order for the PC to display, well, anything, you\u2019ll need a graphics card.\n\n\nInstalling a graphics card is easy. Find for the PCIe slot, open the tab, and push in your graphics card to the slot. Depending on what kind of GPU you have, you may need to provide power to it from the PSU. For example, certain variants of the Radeon RX 560 don\u2019t have PSU connectors; they only need to draw power from the motherboard. But if your GPU does need power from the PSU like our RX 580 graphics card, find the appropriate cable that comes with your PSU, and plug it to the GPU.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOnce you\u2019ve done that, connect your system to a monitor, and see if it boots up. If it does, great, these parts are working properly. You\u2019re now ready to install the motherboard to your case.\n\n\nOh, don\u2019t forget to take out the GPU if you have it installed like we do \u2013 it\u2019s much easier to place the motherboard into the case without the GPU attached to it.\n\n\nInside the Case\n\n\nNow, we need to put all of these parts into a case. Of course, you don\u2019t \nhave \nto put your PC components into a case, but it \nwill \nprotect your precious hardware from the elements. Not only can it protect these sensitive components from dust, a case also discourages anyone from touching them \u2013 especially if you have kids around. Better airflow is also another reason why you\u2019d want to get a case.\n\n\nNonetheless, let\u2019s get to it.\n\n\nPSU\n\n\nBefore we put in the motherboard, install the PSU to your case first, and exactly how you do this will depend on the case you get. Generally, you\u2019d want to make sure that the PSU\u2019s fan is facing down; this will allow it to draw cool air from the bottom of the case. Aside from that, make sure the switch and power cable connector is directly accessible outside of the case.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSecure your PSU to your case with the provided screws (these should come with the case), and you\u2019re done with this part.\n\n\nInstalling the Motherboard\n\n\nThese steps will vary depending on the case you get. For ours, the standoff screws where the motherboard will be placed on are already installed. Line up the screw holes with the motherboard\u2019s, and secure it to the case with the provided screws. Again, these should come with your PC case.\n\n\nIf your motherboard comes with a separate IO shield, install that first to your case before placing your motherboard. Our particular motherboard has the IO shield built-in, so we can skip this step. Like what we did outside of the case earlier in the build, you now need to provide power to the motherboard and CPU by connecting the appropriate cables from the PSU to the dedicated pins.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is connecting the cables from the case to the motherboard, and these may include power cables from the case\u2019s built-in fans. Look for the appropriate labels on the motherboard (refer to the manual otherwise) and insert these connectors accordingly.\n\n\nStorage Drives\n\n\nNow, get either your HDD or SSD, and insert it to your case. From there, you need to connect two cables to it: a SATA power cable from the PSU (to provide power), and a SATA data cable, which is then connected to the motherboard.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur build uses a standard HDD along with an M.2 SSD. The latter, as its name suggests, is installed into an M.2 slot on the motherboard. And that\u2019s it \u2013 power is drawn from the motherboard itself.\n\n\nGraphics Card (Again)\n\n\nFinally, all we need to do now is install the graphics card\u2026for the second time, in our case. First, line up the graphics card with the PCIe slot, and check how many expansion slots you\u2019ll have to take out from the case in order to install the GPU. Remove as many as necessary (usually two slots), plug in your GPU to the PCIe slot, screw it to the case, and provide power to the GPU with the appropriate power cable from the PSU \u2013 if necessary.\n\n\nAnd that\u2019s it! Right now, you\u2019ll have a bunch of wires running through your PC. Tidy them up as much as you want, and you are done building your PC.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere are two things to focus on in our build: the AMD Ryzen 5 2600 processor, and the PowerColor Radeon RX 580 graphics card. We will be reviewing this CPU and GPU combo in the next couple of weeks, and it\u2019s the very reason why we\u2019re building this system.\n\n\nAnyway, we\u2019re not quite done yet with our PC build guide. In the next video, we\u2019ll cover the software side of things, where we will install Windows 10 on our brand new PC. Once we\u2019ve done that, we\u2019ll have our PC up and running. Until then, stay tuned to \nNextrift\u2019s YouTube channel\n!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/smartphone-buyers-guide-battery-size-is-not-everything/", "title": "Smartphone Buyer\u2019s Guide: Battery Size Is Not Everything", "body": "\n\nOne of the most important features of any device is battery life, and it\u2019s a pain point for most folks. Chances are, you\u2019ve brought your power bank out with your phone before because you\u2019re running out of battery. This is especially true if your device is a few years old.\n\n\nWith that in mind, most consumers looking to get a new phone will want a device with a large battery capacity. However, a large battery does not equal to long battery life, and vice versa. There are a number of other factors to consider, including display, chipset, and most importantly, software optimisation.\n\n\nLet\u2019s talk about software first, which I\u2019d argue affects battery life the most \u2013 after battery capacity, of course. The best example here is iOS versus Android. The thing is, iPhones typically have\u00a0\ntiny\n batteries in comparison to their Android counterparts. Take the new iPhone XS Max: it only has a\u00a03,174mAh battery. That\u2019s much smaller than the battery capacity of most Android flagships, which can \ngo up to 4,200mAh\n.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, iPhones still have very good battery life; it\u2019s actually quite amazing how long they can last despite having such \u201csmall\u201d battery capacities. Imagine if Apple had put in even larger batteries into their iPhones \u2013 it may even outlast most Android devices.\n\n\nSo how is this possible? Software optimisation. In comparison to the fragmented nature of the Android platform, the closed ecosystem of iOS makes it much easier for Apple to optimise its mobile operating system. When it comes to software optimisation, there\u2019s no denying the fact that iOS is superior to Android.\n\n\nThe next most crucial factor that affects battery life is a device\u2019s chipset. Depending on the core configuration and size of the processor, it can impact battery life quite a bit. There are typically two types of cores in a chipset: lower-clocked, power-efficient cores, and high performance cores with faster clock speeds. How a particular chip switches between these two kinds of cores will determine how much power it draws.\n\n\n\n\nSize of the chipset is equally important too. Currently, there are mostly 10nm processors in the market, which include the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 and Samsung\u2019s Exynos\u00a09810 SoC. More recently, however, smaller 7nm chipsets are being introduced \u2013 the Huawei Kirin 980 and Apple\u2019s A12 Bionic processors are built on 7nm processes.\n\n\nIt\u2019s a simple rule of thumb: the smaller the chip is, the more power-efficient it is. Moving forward, expect the latest processors powering the next generation of phones to be smaller in size. 7nm \u2013 or even 8nm \u2013 chipsets may make headlines next year.\n\n\nLast but not least is display, one of the most power-hungry hardware. Obviously, larger screens will draw more power, and the same goes for higher resolution panels. Both the battery and GPU of a phone will need to power more pixels as the resolution increases.\n\n\nPanel technology also affects how much power is drawn. Generally, OLED panels are more power-efficient, as each pixel is individually lit as and when it is necessary. Contrast this with LCD screens, which need some form of backlighting for illumination. This, in turn, draws more power than necessary.\n\n\nOn top of that, OLED displays are especially power-efficient when displaying blacks \u2013 the pixels are completely switched off in this case. This also means OLED panels have high contrast ratio, a desirable trait for any high quality display.\n\n\n\n\nBattery size does give us an indication of how long a device can last on a single charge, but don\u2019t take it as a final metric; battery life is not determined by battery capacity alone. Whenever you\u2019re  shopping for your next smartphone, keep this in mind.\n\n\nOf course, if battery life is your main concern, it\u2019s good to narrow down your choices to devices with larger battery capacities. Smartphones with batteries larger than 3,500mAh are generally alright, such as the \nPocophone F1\n and \nHuawei Mate 20 Pro\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hp-spectre-folio-hands-on-a-unique-leather-bound-convertible/", "title": "The Leather-Bound HP Spectre Folio Convertible Lands in Malaysia for RM7,999", "body": "\n\nUpdate, 13 June 2019:\n Surprise surprise, the HP Spectre Folio has just been launched in Malaysia. It retails at RM7,999 for the Intel Core i5-8200Y variant, while the higher-end Core i7-8500Y model goes for RM8,299. The Spectre Folio is exclusively available from Harvey Norman in Cognac Brown.\n\n\nThe original article follows.\n\n\nWe often associate high-end, premium gadgets with \nequally premium material\n like metal, glass, and to some extent, even leather. Well, the latter is exactly what HP had in mind with the HP Spectre Folio. Wrapped in genuine leather, the Folio has the appearance of a leather-bound notebook when it\u2019s closed.\n\n\nBut once you\u2019ve opened it, you\u2019ll see the Folio\u2019s very unique-looking design. However, beyond its unique appearance, is there anything else to like about the Folio? Let\u2019s find out.\n\n\n\n\nDesign is the main highlight of the Spectre Folio, so let\u2019s talk about it first. According to HP, the Folio\u2019s leather exterior is integrated with the convertible itself. It\u2019s not just a simple casing that you can take off, for better or worse.\n\n\nThat being said, HP did mention that the leather is designed for disassembly, suggesting that it may be possible to replace it in the future. After all, it\u00a0\nis\n leather; it\u2019s bound to wear down eventually, and it\u2019ll be bad design if it\u2019s not replaceable at all.\n\n\nNonetheless, the Folio\u2019s leather exterior do feel exquisite and premium. It adds a touch of luxury not many laptops in the market can offer.\n\n\n\n\nUnlike most convertible machines in the market now, the Folio\u2019s 2-in-1 design is quite different. It opens up like a normal laptop, but you can actually unhinge the bottom part of the display and place it right above the trackpad. From there, you can even completely flatten the Folio to use it as a tablet, though do note that this is a pretty heavy machine \u2013 it tips the scales at 1.5kg.\n\n\nIt\u2019s quite a clever design, but I do wish the Folio\u2019s display can be moved further back. The hinge only allows the display to be pushed back far enough for a comfortable viewing angle when you\u2019re using it on a desk, but say you\u2019re trying to type a quick email on your lap. The limited angle may prove to be cumbersome.\n\n\n\n\nPowering the Spectre Folio is Intel\u2019s eight generation Core i5-8200Y or Core-i7-8500Y. That\u2019s right, the Folio is running on Intel\u2019s low-power, Y series processors. While they\u2019re not quite as powerful as the chipmaker\u2019s U series chips, it allows the Folio to use a fanless design. Some sacrifices has to be made to give the convertible its unique leather chassis.\n\n\nProcessing power aside, the Folio also comes with a 13.3-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS touch display protected with Corning Gorilla Glass 4 (with stylus support), up to 16GB of RAM, and NVMe SSD storage with capacities ranging from 256GB to a whopping 2TB. On top of that, HP will introduce a higher-end model with a 4K display in the near future too.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of display, the Folio has a pretty good display. It\u2019s pleasant to look at, colours are punchy, viewing angles are great, and it can get quite bright as well. My only gripe with the display is the amount of bezels surrounding it. In a landscape where more and more laptops have very slim bezels, the Folio\u2019s thick bezels don\u2019t look particularly attractive.\n\n\nArguably the most important hardware on a laptop are the keyboard and trackpad, and both of these are quite decent on the Spectre Folio. The keyboard doesn\u2019t have particularly great amount of travel, but the tactile keys make for a decent typing experience. The leather palm rest is comfortable to rest on too.\n\n\nAs for the Folio\u2019s glass trackpad, my fingers can glide effortlessly on its smooth surface, and it\u2019s largely accurate too. Even though the trackpad isn\u2019t particularly big, it\u2019s large enough to not feel cramped. Trackpad gestures also work great on this convertible.\n\n\n\n\nThe HP Spectre Folio is a unique convertible. Its leather chassis gives it a premium look and feel, and it has a clever \u2013 though imperfect \u2013 2-in-1 design. That being said, this is a very costly machine. In the US, it retails from a whopping $1,299. You also have to live with USB-C ports only; the Folio has three of them.\n\n\nHP is taking a unique approach with the Folio, and it\u2019ll be interesting to see how this approach will benefit the brand in the near future. If you\u2019re keen to get it, don\u2019t hold your breath: HP has no plan to bring in the Folio to the Malaysian market for the time being.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/netflix-is-testing-new-mobile-only-plan-should-you-get-it/", "title": "Netflix Is Testing New Mobile-Only Plan; Should You Get It?", "body": "\n\nEarlier this week, rumour of Netflix testing a new, more affordable plan focusing only on mobile devices started making its round on the internet. Lo and behold, the extremely popular streaming service did just that. Well, for certain markets, anyway.\n\n\nOne such market is Malaysia, and we\u2019re going to discuss if it\u2019s worth subscribing to, especially if the plan is available to you.\n\n\nBefore we get to it, do note that current Netflix subscribers cannot sign up for the plan \u2013 it\u2019s simply not available to them. Rather, only new subscribers has access to the new mobile-only subscription tier. It\u2019s probably because of this reason that this plan is only a test at this point in time.\n\n\n\n\nNow that we\u2019ve got that out of the way, should you sign up for the new plan? Only if you plan to stream Netflix exclusively on your mobile device. As its name suggests, you can only access Netflix either on a smartphone or tablet. You can\u2019t use the service on a laptop, and obviously, you can\u2019t do so on a TV either. Then again, the question still remains whether or not you can cast to a TV from your mobile device with this plan.\n\n\nBut what makes the new mobile-only subscription such an attractive plan is its price. In Malaysia, it\u2019s priced at only RM17. In comparison, the next most affordable plan costs RM33, which is still limited to only one screen at a time. You do, however, have the freedom to stream on a laptop or TV, but you\u2019ll be paying almost double the price for it. Besides that, both of these plans are also limited to only SD quality \u2013 you don\u2019t get HD or Ultra HD (obviously) streaming.\n\n\nWithout a doubt the mobile-only subscription plan offers great value for money, but this is only if you plan on using Netflix as a single individual. If you have others who also want to sign up to the streaming service \u2013 especially family members \u2013 this new plan is not the best choice.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, we\u2019re talking about account sharing. Although this isn\u2019t in line with Netflix\u2019s terms of use, the CEO of the company, Reed Hastings, encourages this practice. However, Hastings did mention that this should be limited to family members. Personally, we agree: sharing your password with a random stranger isn\u2019t advisable.\n\n\nSo with that in mind, which is the most ideal subscription tier for sharing with other people? The premium plan. For the Malaysian market, it costs RM51, and this tier offers simultaneous streaming on four screens, as well as HD and Ultra HD quality.\n\n\nSince this plan offers four screens, you can share this plan with up to four different individuals. If you were to split the cost evenly, each of them will only have to fork out RM12.75 \u2013 that\u2019s more affordable than the new RM17 mobile-only plan. It gets even better if you happen to be using an iOS device in Malaysia: the premium plan costs RM49.90 instead of RM51. It\u2019s only a slight difference, but hey, it\u2019s still more affordable.\n\n\nHowever, you can do this if you\u00a0\nhave\n\u00a0four different people to share with, which is not always possible. But let\u2019s say you\u2019re sharing the premium account with two people \u2013 that\u2019s still only RM25.50 each. Considering the fact that you can get Ultra HD streaming and the ability to stream on a laptop or a TV with this plan, the slight extra is pretty darn worth it.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, Netflix\u2019s new mobile-only plan is certainly a very good deal for those who don\u2019t plan to share their account with anyone. It doesn\u2019t necessarily offer the best value for money (assuming you have people to share your account with), but hey, we imagine it will appeal to some folks. After all, account sharing isn\u2019t something everyone is comfortable with, even with family members.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/are-bend-tests-really-relevant/", "title": "Are Bend Tests Really Relevant?", "body": "\n\nWe don\u2019t really know the origin of the bend test, but it really took off after the iPhone 6\u2019s infamous \u201cbendgate\u201d fiasco back in 2014. Since then, almost every single prominent device is subjected to that test, and more recently, a bend test of the iPad Pro 2018 caught \na lot\n of attention.\n\n\nThis brings up the question: are bend rests really all that necessary? Realistically, there\u2019s no scenario where you would want you apply so much pressure to your expensive new gadget, let alone try to bend it. In this article, we\u2019ll explore if \u2013 and perhaps why \u2013 bend tests are more than just to satisfy people\u2019s need for\u2026well, destruction.\n\n\nSo what\u2019s the video that got so many people talking about the durability of the 2018 iPad Pro? It\u2019s none other than a durability test by\u00a0Zack Nelson of JerryRigEverything on YouTube, where he subjected the brand new iPad Pro to various tests.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the last part of the video, Nelson started bending the iPad Pro, and the tablet folded like it\u2019s made of paper \u2013 well, sort of. Basically, Apple\u2019s latest tablet can be bent very easily. Considering just how costly the new iPad Pro is, this level of durability is quite concerning. No one likes paying so much for a device this fragile.\n\n\nThat being said, it\u2019s not entirely fair to judge the durability of the iPad Pro based on this bend test alone. As mentioned, a regular consumer wouldn\u2019t bend the tablet (or any tablet, for that matter) in any possible usage scenario. At least, not in normal, everyday use.\n\n\nOn top of that, other tablets subjected to a bend test also \u201cfailed\u201d in a similar fashion. Snazzy Labs, for one, released a similar video, where he did a bend test on a Huawei tablet. As expected, even that tablet bent and cracked under pressure.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe thing is, tablets are large devices. With so much surface area, it\u2019s not surprising that tablets (in general) will bend under pressure. However, does that mean bend tests serve no purpose? Not quite. While this test doesn\u2019t necessarily apply to tablets, we\u2019ll argue it can be relevant for certain devices \u2013 especially smartphones.\n\n\nFor example, bend tests actually show how durable a particular phone is. The more resistant it is to bending, the better its build quality \u2013 in theory, anyway. While you wouldn\u2019t be bending your own personal device, it\u2019s a reassuring feeling to know that it \ncan\n\u00a0be bent without permanently damaging it.\n\n\nIn a sense, a bend test is similar to a drop test \u2013 both serve to test the durability of devices. Of course, the latter is much more applicable; you\u2019re a lot more likely to drop your phone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut what if a device fails the bend test? This doesn\u2019t happen very often, but there are cases here and there. One of the most noteworthy ones is the Nexus 6P, which snapped in half right at the power button. But did this deter consumers from getting the phone? Not really.\n\n\nA bend test\u00a0\ncan\n\u00a0show how well-built a phone is, but phones that fail the bend test aren\u2019t necessarily bad. They could\u2019ve been better designed, that\u2019s for sure, but they will serve its users just as fine as any other smartphone. You will have to keep in mind that they will bend under pressure, but let\u2019s be honest \u2013 there are hardly any usage scenario where this will be a concern.\n\n\n\n\nWell then, let\u2019s get back to the question: are bend rests relevant? Only to a certain extent. It can be used as an indication of build quality, but even if a device fails the test, you shouldn\u2019t be too concerned about it \u2013 just be a tad mindful.\n\n\nBesides, in normal usage, it wouldn\u2019t matter that much whether or not a phone passes the bend test. If it does, it\u2019s just nice to know that your device is solid enough to not be bent. Should you put a lot of thought into this before you buy a new phone? Especially if it fails the bend test? You really shouldn\u2019t. There are other more important features to look at.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/i-cant-put-down-ragnarok-m-eternal-love-and-you-shouldnt-either/", "title": "I Can\u2019t Put Down Ragnarok M: Eternal Love, And You Shouldn\u2019t Either", "body": "\n\nI\u2019m going to start with this: I\u2019ve never played Ragnarok all my life. Sure, I\u2019ve seen plenty of folks play the game back in the days, but the game never really appealed to me. Whether it\u2019s the graphics or the game\u2019s mechanics, I just never had the urge to even see what the game\u2019s all about. It\u2019s not that I don\u2019t like the genre either; I\u2019ve played my fair share of MMORPGs.\n\n\nThat changed when Gravity Interactive released the mobile version of the game. Dubbed Ragnarok M: Eternal Love, the mobile game was actually released in China last year \u2013 it\u2019s only now that the game is released to a wider audience. Well, only for Southeast Asia at the moment, unfortunately.\n\n\nHonestly, I wasn\u2019t even going to download the game, but after some coaxing from my colleagues, I caved in. Surprise surprise, I haven\u2019t been able to put down the game ever since. It\u2019s not a perfect MMORPG, but Ragnarok M\u2019s mechanics, graphics, and gameplay just seem to\u00a0\nwork\n\u00a0for a mobile game.\n\n\nNonetheless, here are a few reasons why Ragnarok M is worth checking out, and why certain aspects of the game could\u2019ve been better.\n\n\n\n\nFor starters, Ragnarok M features a botting system of sorts. Basically, the game\u2019s auto combat system can be set to automatically kill monsters, and it\u2019s a really smart implementation. While the most obvious advantage of this system is the fact that it removes the long and arduous \u201cgrinding\u201d aspect of MMORPG, what really impressed me is the limitation set in to prevent exploitation.\n\n\nEvery day, your character only gets 300 minutes of \u201ccombat time,\u201d which takes into account the amount of time you spend hitting monsters. So whether you\u2019re manually or automatically killing monsters, your combat time will be reduced accordingly. Once you\u2019ve hit the threshold, the experience and drop rate you get from monsters will dramatically decrease.\n\n\nI think this is a really smart limitation for two reasons: not only does this limit the amount of time you would spend in the game, it also prevents abuse of the auto combat system. Aside from that, if you didn\u2019t utilise your allotted combat time for the day, it can stack up to 900 minutes. This, in turn, doesn\u2019t punish inactive players.\n\n\n\n\nBut just because Ragnarok M has an auto combat system doesn\u2019t mean there\u2019s no joy in playing it \u201cmanually.\u201d You can go around the game to hunt for MVP bosses \u2013 you can potentially get some high value items too \u2013 and if you\u2019re tired of that, the PVP arena is a great place to blow off some steam. As its name suggests, you can kill other players in PVP, and it\u2019s especially fun if you play classes that are great in this mode.\n\n\nAside from that, I quite dig the graphics of Ragnarok M. In contrast to the original Ragnarok\u2019s art style, the mobile counterpart\u2019s 3D graphics look a lot more modern and pleasing. This is subjective, of course, but I do think the game\u2019s graphics is a nice modern take on the Ragnarok franchise.\n\n\n\n\nNow for the bad stuff. Unlike conventional MMORPGs, there is no trading in Ragnarok M. Say you got a valuable item that you\u2019d like to pass to your friend in the game; the game simply doesn\u2019t allow this. If you want to sell said item to other players, you\u2019ll have to go through the game\u2019s Exchange system. All you have to do is speak to an NPC to list the item on the Exchange, and\u2026the game will set the price for you.\n\n\nI can understand why Ragnarok M has this system in place. Obviously, it makes it impossible for players to sell in-game items or Zeny for real money. The fact that Ragnarok M doesn\u2019t allow players to set their own prices for valuable items also gives the developer the ability to control the game\u2019s economy to some extent. It\u2019s a double-edged sword: it can be a nuisance or a blessing, depending on who you ask.\n\n\n\n\nAnother aspect of Ragnarok M I don\u2019t quite like is the complicated stats and skill build. Depending on your particular job, it can be difficult to decide which skill or attribute is best for your playstyle. This isn\u2019t a \u201cproblem,\u201d per se. Certain players may appreciate the complexity of finding the best build for these different classes. On top of that, some MMORPGs have equally complex systems too.\n\n\nThe thing is, whenever I start a new MMORPG, I\u2019ll make sure that I know exactly what I\u2019m doing. I look for the best class that suits my playstyle, the most ideal equipment, leveling guide, and well, the works. However, Ragnarok M is still relatively new, so there are not that many resources for the game right now.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re like me, and you don\u2019t want to \u201cmess up\u201d your character\u2019s stats and skill build, this can be a frustrating experience. More  guides and builds have appeared since Ragnarok M\u2019s release in Southeast Asia, but chances are, there are some aspects of the game that are still not covered. The game\u2019s odd English translation doesn\u2019t help  either.\n\n\nHeck, I\u2019m still figuring out if I need to feed my pet Poring. I haven\u2019t fed it anything at all since I hatched it a couple of weeks ago, but it\u2026seems to be fine up till now.\n\n\n\n\nDespite its shortcomings, I still can\u2019t stop playing \nRagnarok M: Eternal Love\n. Maybe I just need a good MMORPG to fill my time. Maybe I\u2019ll stop playing once I\u2019m bored with the game after a couple of weeks. Why, it\u2019s entirely possible I\u2019ll put the game down once I hit the third job.\n\n\nBut until then, I\u2019m letting Ragnarok M run on my phone, auto attacking monsters, while I go to bed. It feels great to wake up to a character a couple of levels higher, and it\u2019s equally fun to look at what kind of items I managed to pick up while I AFK farm.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-r17-pro-hands-on-almost-as-good-as-a-flagship/", "title": "Oppo R17 Pro Hands-On: Almost as Good as a Flagship", "body": "\n\nThe Oppo R17 Pro has just been introduced in Malaysia, and at a glance, it looks like a pretty decent upper mid-range smartphone. Sporting a sleek design with a gradient colour on the glass back, it\u2019s a handsome device with adequate  performance power.\n\n\nBut priced as high as it is, the R17 Pro has to contest with a number of more capable, flagship-tier smartphones. In my brief time with Oppo\u2019s latest phone, I\u2019m quite impressed with it. But even though it\u2019s a really solid smartphone, Oppo\u2019s pricing strategy may not appeal to everyone.\n\n\nOne of the highlight features of the R17 Pro is its gradient colourway, \u201cRadiant Mist,\u201d and it\u2019s \nvery\n\u00a0well done. The colour shifts depending on what angle you\u2019re looking at the phone from, and the frosted glass back \u2013 while slippery \u2013 gives it a very unique aesthetic. After all, most phones with gradient colourways have glossy finishes.\n\n\n\n\nOn the front, the R17 Pro has a \u201cwaterdrop\u201d notch, and its overall design is very similar to the Oppo F9, right down to the tiny bottom bezel. What\u2019s different here, of course, is the in-display fingerprint sensor. While it\u2019s not as quick or as accurate as a conventional sensor, it can still recognise my fingerprint relatively well.\n\n\nAside from that, I love how the R17 Pro feels in my hand. It has great, reassuring build quality, and tipping the scales at\u00a0183g, it\u2019s a hefty device too. Basically, this phone looks and feels premium \u2013 almost like a flagship smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nI say almost, because the R17 Pro doesn\u2019t have the processing power of a flagship smartphone. Don\u2019t get me wrong, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 chipset in this phone is plenty capable, but it\u2019s not comparable to the Snapdragon 845\u2019s superior performance. If Oppo had equip the R17 Pro with a Snapdragon 845 SoC, that would\u2019ve made it a very interesting flagship phone.\n\n\nBut as far as performance goes, the R17 Pro feels very responsive and zippy. Now, I\u2019m not a huge fan of ColorOS 5.2 and its oddities, but I do have to commend the smooth user experience of Oppo\u2019s software; I didn\u2019t notice any stutter or lag while using the R17 Pro. Chances are, the phone\u2019s generous 8GB RAM played a role here, and it also comes with 128GB of internal storage.\n\n\n\n\nNext is the R17 Pro\u2019s gorgeous 6.4-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED display. Viewing angles are great, colours are vibrant and punchy, and needless to say, black levels are excellent. It\u2019s an inherent characteristic of OLED panels \u2013 individual pixels are switched off whenever the screen has to show black. \n\n\nOn top of that, even though the R17 Pro \u201conly\u201d has a 1080p display, texts and images are plenty sharp. Paired with the phone\u2019s 3,700mAh battery, it should have good battery life too.\n\n\n\n\nAnd finally, we have the R17 Pro\u2019s camera system. The front-facing shooter is a 25MP f/2.0 shooter, while on the back, there\u2019s a triple camera system. The primary sensor is a 12MP camera with a variable aperture of f/1.5 and f/2.4 \u2013 much like the Samsung Galaxy S9 and Note 9 phones \u2013 and it\u2019s paired with a 20MP f/2.6 sensor for bokeh simulation. The third module, on the other hand, is a time-of-flight sensor, which captures 3D information.\n\n\nIt\u2019s an interesting sensor, but unfortunately, we couldn\u2019t try out the 3D scanning feature \u2013 it wasn\u2019t enabled on our test unit of the R17 Pro.\n\n\n\n\nHow is the camera performance of the R17 Pro? Impressive. While I didn\u2019t manage to try the camera in daytime (most phones can capture great shots in ideal lighting anyway), I did take some low light images with the phone. Interestingly enough, there\u2019s even a Night mode, which allows you to take long exposure shots without the use of a tripod. Yes, it\u2019s similar to Huawei\u2019s implementation, which was first introduced on the P20 Pro.\n\n\n Looking at these images, I\u2019m quite taken aback at how good the R17 Pro\u2019s camera is. It manages to capture a good amount of detail, and overall, these shots look very impressive.\n\n\nNight mode\nWithout Night mode\n\n\nIn fact, I reckon the R17 Pro\u2019s camera performance can rival that of other flagship smartphones. I wouldn\u2019t say it\u2019s as amazing as, say, the Galaxy S9\u2019s camera performance, but it\u2019s definitely up there in flagship territory.\n\n\nThe Oppo R17 Pro is a promising upper mid-range phone. It\u2019s sleek, it has adequate processing power, and its camera performance is quite impressive. I would\u2019ve been more than happy to recommend this phone to anyone looking to buy a premium device, but the thing is, the R17 Pro is priced at the same price point as more capable phones.\n\n\n\n\nRetailing at RM2,699 in Malaysia, the R17 Pro is in the price territory of notable flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S9+, Huawei Mate 20, and even the OnePlus 6T. Not only are these smartphones much faster than the R17 Pro, they are more feature-packed too.\n\n\nI really like the R17 Pro, even more so than the company\u2019s current flagship, the Oppo Find X. But would I spend this much money on an upper mid-range phone, when I can get more bang for my buck with other flagship-tier devices?\n\n\n\n\nWell, that\u2019s the question you\u2019d have to ask yourself if you\u2019re looking to get the R17 Pro. It\u2019s a really good phone, but only in a full review of the phone can I say with conviction whether or not the R17 Pro is worth its steep asking price.\n\n\nFor what it\u2019s worth,\u00a0I\u2019m positive I\u2019ll enjoy reviewing it.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-2-pro-review-real-value-for-money/", "title": "Realme 2 Pro Review: Real Value for Money", "body": "\n\nIt hasn\u2019t even been a year since Realme officially entered the smartphone market. And yet, this sub-brand of Oppo has released quite a number of interesting smartphones. Arguably the most interesting of the bunch now is this phone right here: the Realme 2 Pro.\n\n\nWith a competitive price tag, capable hardware, and no glaring faults, the Realme 2 Pro is a compelling mid-range smartphone. It does have its fair share of downsides, but if you\u2019re in the market for a new, affordable smartphone, this device should be in your list of consideration.\n\n\nSpecifications\n\n\nDisplay\n6.3-inch FHD+ IPS LCD (2340 x 1080)\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 660 1.95GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 512\nRAM\n4/6/8GB\nStorage\n64/128GB, expandable\nCamera (rear)\n16MP f/1.7 + 2MP f/2.4\nCamera (front)\n16MP f/2.0\nBattery\n3,500mAh\nDimensions\n156.7 x 74 x 8.5 mm\nWeight\n174g\nOS\nColorOS 5.2 based on Android 8.1 Oreo\nConnectivity\nLTE\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi\u00a0802.11 a/b/g/n/ac\nmicroUSB\n\n\nFor a mid-range smartphone, the Realme 2 Pro is  pretty well-equipped. It runs on a fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset, up to 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of internal storage. It also has a reasonably sized 3,500mAh cell, which should return decent battery life.\n\n\nDesign\n\n\nFunctional is how\u2019d I describe the Realme 2 Pro\u2019s design language, and that\u2019s a good thing. There\u2019s no design element that\u2019s unnecessary, and it has the essentials covered. These include support for expandable storage, ergonomically-sound design, and even a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\n\n\nIf there\u2019s anything I don\u2019t quite like about this phone, it\u2019s the fact that it doesn\u2019t use USB-C. Then again, this\u00a0\nis\n\u00a0an affordable smartphone. Most devices in this price range still use microUSB ports anyway.\n\n\nDespite the polycarbonate construction of the Realme 2 Pro \u2013 the back panel and matte frame of the phone are plastic \u2013 it feels solid in my hands. It doesn\u2019t feel premium by any means, of course, but it definitely has solid build quality. I also like the Realme 2 Pro\u2019s 8.5mm thick chassis, which makes it easy to get a good grip on the phone.\n\n\n\n\nOn the front, you won\u2019t miss the Realme 2 Pro\u2019s \u201cDewdrop\u201d notch. While it\u2019s a minimal notch, it does get in the way when I\u2019m on certain apps. This can get quite annoying, but there is an option in the settings that forces selected apps to not use the notched area. This way, you can avoid the issue you see in the image above.\n\n\nNotch aside, I do like the small bottom bezel of the Realme 2 Pro. It gives the phone an almost bezel-less aesthetic, and in this price range, it\u2019s a standout design for the phone.\n\n\n\n\nOverall, the Realme 2 Pro has a functional, minimalist design. It doesn\u2019t have any fancy design elements like a gradient finish or glass back, but adding these will only drive up the price of the Realme 2 Pro. After all, this phone\u2019s competitive pricing is one of its most appealing qualities.\n\n\nUser Experience\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with software. Running on ColorOS 5.2 based on Android 8.1 Oreo, the Realme 2 Pro\u2026has decent software experience. It runs fine for the most part, and even though I miss the presence of an app drawer, ColorOS feels responsive and lightweight.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, there is one fundamental flaw with ColorOS 5.2: you\u00a0\ncannot\u00a0\nswipe away notifications. This is a staple feature of the Android operating system, and it\u2019s really mind-boggling that ColorOS doesn\u2019t allow notifications to be swiped away. Instead, you\u2019d have to swipe notifications to the left to reveal the \noption \nto remove them. This proved to be a really, really frustrating experience when I have more than a couple of notifications to remove.\n\n\nThankfully, a recent update fixed this. Now, you can swipe away notifications, but only with a right swipe. A left swipe will still reveal the options; this is very similar to how \nXiaomi\u2019s MIUI software\n handles notifications.\n\n\nBut hey, at least you can swipe away notifications now on ColorOS, even though it\u2019s only with a right swipe.\n\n\n\n\nOn a more positive note, I really like the Realme 2 Pro\u2019s 6.3-inch 1080p display. It\u2019s a bright display with punchy colours, good viewing angles, and overall, it looks like a high quality screen. It\u2019s no OLED display, of course, but at this price point, it\u2019s definitely an above average IPS panel.\n\n\nPerformance is also another strong point of the Realme 2 Pro, especially at this price point. Powered by Qualcomm\u2019s Snapdragon 660 chipset, gaming on this phone is enjoyable \u2013 especially \nRagnarok M\n \u2013 and throughout my time with the phone, I didn\u2019t notice any performance issue either.\n\n\n\n\nBut when it comes to battery life, the Realme 2 Pro\u2026is difficult to measure. The thing is, I don\u2019t know\u00a0\nhow long\n\u00a0it can last on a single charge. Unlike other versions of Android, ColorOS doesn\u2019t let me check the screen on time of the phone. That makes it pretty hard to get a grasp on the Realme 2 Pro\u2019s battery life.\n\n\nThat being said, the phone can last me through a typical workday on a single charge quite comfortably. At the end of the day, I\u2019m usually left with about 20% battery life. I\u2019m a heavy smartphone user, and I\u2019m constantly connected to my phone, so this is quite decent.\n\n\nWhat about the Realme 2 Pro\u2019s charging rate? Well, it\u2019s okay. Plugging in the phone for 30 minutes charged it up to 30% from empty.\n\n\n\n\nI\u2019m not a huge fan of ColorOS on the Realme 2 Pro, but I do like the fact that it feels fast and responsive throughout my time with the phone. I\u2019m also really happy the notification system has been fixed in a recent update, although it\u2019s still limited to removing notifications with only a right swipe.\n\n\nIn spite of that, I really enjoyed using the Realme 2 Pro as my daily driver. Now, let\u2019s get to its camera performance \u2013 a common weak point for affordable smartphones.\n\n\nCamera\n\n\nFeaturing a 16MP + 2MP dual camera system, the Realme 2 Pro is a decent shooter. In daytime, it can take good-looking shots, but this is a given with the majority of smartphones released in recent times. Come nighttime, however, the camera performance takes a dive.\n\n\n\n\nIn less than ideal lighting, the Realme 2 Pro\u2019s camera app gets more sluggish, and the image output leaves much, much to be desired. Noise is apparent in challenging lighting conditions, details are lacking, and on top of that, the absence of optical image stabilisation makes it difficult to capture clear, sharp images.\n\n\nOf course, it\u2019s still very possible to capture good low light shots with the Realme 2 Pro, but you  have to really work for it. With enough patience and composition, it will do in a pinch when shooting under challenging lighting situations.\n\n\nBut, again, you\u2019ll have to be really, really patient.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat about the 16MP front-facing camera? It\u2019s pretty decent. After all, Realme\u00a0\nis\n\u00a0a sub-brand of Oppo \u2013 the company knows a thing or two about selfie cameras. Occasionally, selfies do come  out looking soft, but as a whole, it\u2019s definitely above average for a device in this price point.\n\n\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nHere\u2019s where it gets really interesting. The Realme 2 Pro is priced from only RM849, and that\u2019s for the 64GB model with 4GB of RAM; very reasonable. A tier up is the RM949 variant, which offers 64GB of storage with 6GB of RAM. The highest-end model, on the other hand, comes with 128GB of storage and a whopping 8GB RAM for RM1,049.\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt Realme is pricing this phone aggressively, and do note that the Realme 2 Pro is often discounted even further on certain e-commerce platforms like Shopee. Regardless, there are a couple of noteworthy alternatives to this phone.\n\n\nXiaomi Mi A2\n\n\nWe can\u2019t talk about smartphones with good value for money without Xiaomi, and the Mi A2 is a direct competitor to the Realme 2 Pro. Not only does the Mi A2 run on the same Snapdragon 660 chipset, it also has superior camera performance, an all-metal chassis, and thanks to its status as an Android One device, it has far better software experience and update timing.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, the Mi A2 is  priced very closely to the Realme 2 Pro as well. Not too long ago, Xiaomi revised the Mi A2\u2019s pricing to RM899 and RM1,099 for the\u00a064GB + 4GB and 128GB + 6GB models respectively. Considering the upgrades you\u2019re getting with the Mi A2, why would you get the Realme instead?\n\n\nWell, for a number of reasons. For one, the Realme 2 Pro supports expandable storage, not to mention a larger 3,500mAh battery and more RAM at 8GB for the 128GB variant. Although it doesn\u2019t have the Mi A2\u2019s USB-C port \u2013 it has a microUSB connection instead \u2013 the fact that the Realme 2 Pro retains the 3.5mm headphone jack somewhat makes up for this.\n\n\nHuawei Nova 3i\n\n\nThe Huawei Nova 3i is also a pretty compelling choice over the Realme 2 Pro. Although it features a Huawei Kirin 710 chipset instead of the Realme\u2019s Snapdragon 660 SoC, you should get comparable performance level with these two chipsets. Aside from that, you\u2019re also getting a much sleeker-looking device with Huawei\u2019s offering, thanks to its unique gradient colourway.\n\n\n\n\nBut the Nova 3i does lose out ever so slightly when it comes to value for money. Retailing at RM1,099, the Nova 3i comes with 128GB of storage and only 4GB of RAM; that\u2019s half the amount of RAM the Realme 2 Pro offers with the RM1,049 model.\n\n\nThen again, I\u2019d argue \nyou don\u2019t need that much RAM anyway\n on the Realme. But hey, why settle for less when you can get more? You\u2019re also saving a bit more money with the Realme 2 Pro.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nThe Realme 2 Pro is a \nvery\n good mid-range smartphone. It has a minimalist, no-nonsense design, it has ample amount of RAM and storage (with a good level of performance), and most importantly, it doesn\u2019t cost a fortune.\n\n\n\n\nBut you will have to contend with the oddities of ColorOS, not to mention mediocre camera performance and average battery life. If you can live with the Realme 2 Pro\u2019s drawbacks, you will be very happy with this mid-range phone.\n\n\nEspecially with its excellent value for money.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/do-we-really-need-a-playstation-vita-successor/", "title": "Do We Really Need a PlayStation Vita Successor?", "body": "\n\nUpdate, 29 November 12PM:\n It appears the patent application is merely for Sony\u2019s existing product, the Sony Toio \u2013 a \u201ctoy platform\u201d for kids. Well, it seems like the dream of a new handheld from Sony isn\u2019t as close as we think it is.\n\n\nThe cartridge can be seen at the top left corner\n\n\nOur original article follows, and although the patent isn\u2019t for a new Sony handheld console, we\u2019re going to discuss if Sony should venture back into the handheld market.\n\n\nRecently, a patent application granted to Sony surfaced on the internet. The filing\u2019s details were released by the Korean Intellectual Property Right Information Service (KIPRIS), which shows a patent for an electronic game cartridge.\n\n\nIt\u2019s not known exactly what Sony plans to do with the patent, but there is a chance \u2013 a marginal one, perhaps \u2013 the Japanese company is planning to release a new handheld console; a successor to the ill-fated PlayStation Vita. But let\u2019s assume Sony is doing just that: do we really need a new handheld from PlayStation?\n\n\n\n\nIf Sony does plan to release a successor to the PS Vita, it has a lot on its shoulders. I\u2019m all for a new PlayStation handheld console, but Sony cannot repeat what it did with the Vita. Most importantly, the company has to figure out how a new handheld system will co-exist with its home console.\n\n\nIt will be tough to balance the two types of console, and it\u2019s made even harder with the existence of the Nintendo Switch. It\u2019s unique in the sense that it is both a handheld and home console, and if the Switch\u2019s sales figure is anything to go by, consumers love it. There\u2019s no denying the fact that it\u2019s a hugely successful product for Nintendo.\n\n\n\n\nAnd it\u2019s not like Sony can release a competing product, not when the PlayStation 4 is still around. It\u2019s one of Sony\u2019s most valuable assets right now, and it is easily one of the best (if not\u00a0\nthe best\n) home consoles in the market now. Any new hardware release that will affect the home console in any way will be risky.\n\n\nSo is it viable for Sony to release a new handheld console? Even with the PS Vita\u2019s lacklustre reception? Definitely. I\u2019d argue Sony shouldn\u2019t compete with the Switch head-on. Rather, it should focus on providing a \nbetter \nhandheld gaming experience than what the Switch offers. On top of that, the new handheld can even fill the void left by the Nintendo 3DS, now that Nintendo is putting its focus on the Switch.\n\n\nFor Sony to go against Nintendo in the handheld market, good hardware should be prioritised, and Sony is more than capable at accomplishing this. Not only does it have experience with manufacturing smartphones, Sony also did a very good job with the PS Vita\u2019s hardware. When the handheld was initially released back in 2011, it had cutting-edge specifications and solid build quality. I reckon it won\u2019t be a problem for Sony to replicate this with a new handheld.\n\n\n\n\nBut there are a couple of areas where Sony can still improve upon in the hardware department. More specifically, there should be no proprietary storage or ports, which are some of the Vita\u2019s pain points. Not only is it impossible to charge the device if you lost the original charger, the proprietary memory cards are also\u00a0\nvery\n\u00a0expensive. A microSD card and a microUSB (or preferably, USB Type-C) port would\u2019ve made a world of difference to the PS Vita\u2019s reception.\n\n\nAnother thing that is even more crucial \u2013 and one of the reasons why the Vita isn\u2019t seeing much success \u2013 is offering a wider array of games that are not just from indie developers. After all, what\u2019s the use of good hardware if there are no games worth playing? Software is every bit as important as hardware.\n\n\nConsidering the sheer number of exclusive titles available on the PS4, it\u2019s not impossible for Sony to do the same thing with a new handheld console. Not only will it encourage consumers to pick up the system over any other product in the same category, it\u2019s one way for Sony to get the upper hand when competing against hugely popular mobile games.\n\n\nI can\u2019t speak on behalf of what consumers what, but I do think a full-fledged, elaborate game with good replay value is much more enjoyable than the majority of mobile games. Yes, mobile games have come a long way, but they still don\u2019t offer the same kind of immersion and experience of a proper console title. Of course, this is my own personal opinion.\n\n\n\n\nThere is certainly room for a new handheld console in the market, especially for a company as established and experienced as Sony. But this is assuming Sony is in fact planning to release a new PlayStation handheld console.\n\n\nPersonally, I do think Sony should release a successor to the PlayStation Vita, especially if the company has a solid game plan. Until that happens, I\u2019ll \ncontinue using my Vita to play PlayStation Classic titles\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/artifact-hands-on-valves-dota-2-card-game-is-wonderfully-complex-costly/", "title": "Artifact Hands-On: Valve\u2019s Dota 2 Card Game Is Wonderfully Complex & Costly", "body": "\n\nWhen it comes to digital card games, not that many titles are as prominent as Hearthstone. In fact, I reckon that\u2019s the game most people will think of when it comes to online card game. In a bid to take some of that spotlight from Hearthstone, Valve is introducing its first card game: Artifact.\n\n\nOfficially available on Steam today, Artifact may seem like the card game version of Dota 2, but it is so much more than that. It doesn\u2019t play like your usual card game either, and it is both complex and simple enough for newcomers to take a stab at the game.\n\n\nHowever, those who plan to really get into Artifact will have to invest quite a bit of time and money, though the monetary investment can be offset if you\u2019re extremely proficient at the game. I\u2019ve spent some time exploring Artifact, and while I don\u2019t particularly love its intricacies, Valve\u2019s new game is definitely worth checking out for card game lovers.\n\n\n\n\nUnlike conventional card games, Artifact has three distinct \u201clanes,\u201d much like Dota 2. Each lane is a board of its own, and they all have a tower with 40 health. If a tower is destroyed, it will reveal the Ancient, which has 80 health.\n\n\nTo win the game, all you have to do is destroy two towers, or destroy an Ancient. Simple, right? Nope, not exactly.\n\n\nThe idea is simple, but the process to deal damage to the towers and Ancients is quite complex. You start off the game with five heroes (most of which are existing Dota 2 heroes) in your deck: three are placed at each individual lane randomly, and the fourth and fifth hero will only enter the game in the second and third rounds respectively.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s another layer of intricacy. Depending on the colour of your hero on\u00a0\neach individual lane\n, you can only play cards of that colour. For example, Axe is a red hero, so you can only play red cards on that particular lane. If you don\u2019t have any hero on the lane, you\u2026basically can\u2019t do much.\n\n\n\n\nIf this sounds familiar to seasoned card players, it should: it\u2019s very similar to Magic: The Gathering\u2019s mana colour restriction. This comes at no surprise either, as the lead designer of Artifact, Richard Garfield, is the creator of Magic.\n\n\nOkay, so heroes can obviously deal damage to towers and Ancients, and creeps can do the same thing too. However, this is only when they are not blocked by an opposing creep or hero. Damage will always go through them first before it is dealt to towers, though there are certain exceptions to this rule.\n\n\nGiven all of these restrictions and complexities, a single game of Artifact can \neasily \ntake anywhere between 20 to 30 minutes \u2013 that\u2019s a very lengthy period for one match. This is especially the case if we compare it to other card games like Hearthstone, where some games can wrap up in less than five minutes.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, Artifact does teach players the mechanics very efficiently in the two tutorial matches, so those who are new to the game won\u2019t feel lost out of the gate. On top of that, Artifact\u2019s complex mechanics is not necessarily a bad thing either. In fact, some players will love the many different facets and strategies the game offers. Once some form of meta is established, I imagine Artifact will get even more interesting.\n\n\nBut I\u2019m still not a huge fan of Artifact\u2019s complex nature. It\u2019s easy to learn how the game works, but it\u2019s hard to really master it. To be fair, I\u2019ve only spent a few hours in the game, so my sentiment of Artifact may change as I play more matches. I would really love to get into the game and be somewhat proficient at it, but I\u2019m hesitant for one reason: it requires a lot of investment.\n\n\n\n\nNeedless to say, time investment is a given, but what I\u2019m hesitant about is the price of entry. In Malaysia, Artifact costs RM85 just to start playing. Of course, the price also include two starter packs, 10 packs of cards, and five Event Tickets. But chances are, these are not enough to build a viable competitive deck.\n\n\nThat is, unless you\u2019re amazing at the game. If you are, you can basically spend your time in Expert Play mode to keep getting more packs and Event Tickets to complete your card collection. If you can consistently get five wins in Expert Constructed, you\u2019ll gain two packs (for free, basically) and your Event Ticket back.\n\n\n\n\nFor less skilled players, there are a couple of ways they can complete their card collection. The most obvious choice is to buy packs for RM8 each, which is a bit of a gamble. The more cost-efficient way, on the other hand, is to just buy them on the Steam Community Market.\n\n\nThe thing is, there is no daily quests or challenges \u201cfree to play\u201d players can complete to earn packs in Artifact. The \nonly\n option, as I\u2019ve mentioned, is to be really good at the game. If you can get at least four wins without losing twice in one of the Expert modes (which require one Event Ticket to enter), you will gain one free pack and your Ticket back.\n\n\nIf you opt to complete your card collection through the Steam Community Market instead, you will have to spend quite a bit of money. Take the Axe hero card, which is currently going for RM60; that\u2019s the price of only \none\n\u00a0card. Thankfully, you can only put in one copy of a hero card in your deck, so you really only need to buy one piece.\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s no doubt that Artifact is a very polished digital card game, and anyone who\u2019s a fan of card games will find a lot of things to love. But these folks also know how expensive card games can get, and Artifact is one of them.\n\n\nI will be playing Artifact a lot more in the coming weeks, though I\u2019m doubtful I\u2019ll ever put in more money into the game. Nonetheless, I do enjoy playing the Casual Phantom Draft mode. While I wouldn\u2019t be gaining any pack from it, I\u2019ll still be getting the full drafting experience.\n\n\nAnd if I\u2019m confident enough, I may even use one of my Event Tickets to try out the real Phantom Draft to win some packs. Just maybe.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/how-to-install-a-fresh-copy-of-windows-10-on-your-pc/", "title": "How to Install a Fresh Copy of Windows 10 on Your PC", "body": "\n\nYou\u2019ve \nbuilt your PC\n, got it to boot up, and you\u2019re ready to install Windows 10 on it. In this second and final part of our \nPC build guide\n, we\u2019ll show you guys how to install a fresh copy of Windows 10 on your brand new PC. It\u2019s a surprisingly simple process, so let\u2019s get to it.\n\n\nPreparing an Installation Media\n\n\nFirst things first, you\u2019ll have to create an installation media to install Windows 10. You will need a machine that\u2019s already running on Windows, and an empty flash drive with at least 8GB of storage. Once you\u2019ve got these, head to Microsoft\u2019s site \nhere\n, and download the media creation tool.\n\n\n\n\nIn the installation process, you will be prompted to setup a few things. Most of them are quite self-explanatory, but make sure that you select the architecture to 64-bit. Most modern machines are already running on this architecture, so unless you\u2019re installing Windows 10 on a much older machine, choose 64-bit.\n\n\nJust follow the on-screen instructions \u2013 make sure you select USB flash drive as the installation media \u2013 and when you\u2019re done, you have yourself a bootable USB drive to install Windows 10.\n\n\n\n\nNow, plug in the USB drive to your new PC, and you\u2019re ready for the next step.\n\n\nInstallation Process\n\n\nOkay, so plug in the USB drive (use the motherboard\u2019s USB port instead of the case\u2019s, if possible), and boot up your PC. When you see the BIOS splash screen, press the Delete or F2 key repeatedly to enter the BIOS settings page. The exact key you have to press may differ from one motherboard to another, so just keep an eye at the bottom of the splash screen to look for the correct key.\n\n\nOnce you\u2019re in the BIOS settings screen, look for the name of the USB drive with the installation media, and set it as the \nfirst\n\u00a0priority drive in the boot sequence. This way, the system will load up the USB drive first to start the Windows 10 installation. Now, boot up your system again, and if everything\u2019s done right, it should lead you to the Windows 10 installation menu.\n\n\n\n\nFrom there, follow the on-screen instructions, and when it prompts you to enter your product key, you have two options. Obviously, if you already bought a copy of Windows 10, key in the product key. But if you don\u2019t have any product key, fret not: just select the \u201cI don\u2019t have a product key\u201d option at the bottom.\n\n\nWhat\u2019s the downside of doing this? Not much, really. If you select this option, you are effectively running a \u201cfree copy\u201d of Windows 10. It\u2019s a perfectly functional version of the operating system, but there are a couple of limitations to running a non-activated copy of Windows 10.\n\n\nFor one, you will need to live with a persistent watermark asking you to activate Windows at the bottom right of the screen. On top of that, you don\u2019t have the freedom to change your desktop wallpaper either. Basically, these are mostly cosmetic issues. You will still get Windows updates, and you can use it normally.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, you should definitely buy a product key for Windows 10 as and when you can, especially if you will be using the PC for business purposes.\n\n\nAfter the product key page, you will be asked where you would like to install Windows 10. If you have an SSD and a HDD in your system (like ours), make sure you select the former drive. SSDs are generally much faster than HDDs, so by installing Windows in an SSD, your system will operate much faster. Boot time, for one, will be considerably shorter.\n\n\nSelect your drive, click next, and let the installer do its thing. After it\u2019s done, that\u2019s it \u2013 you\u2019re done installing Windows 10 on your PC!\n\n\nSetting Up Your Second Drive\n\n\nIf you have a second drive on your PC, we\u2019re not quite done yet. By default, your PC won\u2019t recognise it; you\u2019ll have to initialise it for the drive to appear. To do this, run Disk Management, and look for the second drive. Right click on the \u201cUnallocated\u201d space, and select New Simple Volume. It will then guide you through the setup process, so just follow the instructions, and you\u2019re done.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThat is how you install Windows 10 on a brand new PC, and this concludes our PC build guide. Next, we will be reviewing the Ryzen 5 2600 processor and Radeon RX 580 GPU, which we reckon is one of the best CPU and GPU combos for those who are looking to get the most value for their money. Keep an eye out for that!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/why-is-everyone-ignoring-the-smartphone-chin-problem/", "title": "Why Is Everyone Ignoring the Smartphone \u201cChin\u201d Problem?", "body": "\n\nDisplay notches on smartphones, like it or not, are here to stay. Since the \niPhone X\n debuted with a notch \u2013 though it was the Essential Phone that did it first \u2013 many other smartphone makers released their own take on notched displays. In a bid to maximise display area, the notch is a necessary evil, for the lack of a better word.\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s odd how these very same phone makers are not following suit with the iPhone X\u2019s other design element: a \u201cchin-less\u201d display. So far, there are practically no other phones that have a display \nlike the new iPhones\n, and that\u2019s unfortunate.\n\n\nSo the question is, why is everyone still focusing on \u201csolving\u201d the notch problem? Eventually, manufacturers will have to address the chin problem too if they really want to realise the \u201call-screen dream.\u201d With that in mind, we\u2019re gonna take a look at how Apple managed to eliminate the chin, and how other phone makers can possibly do it as well.\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the iPhone X, which arguably started it all. Its notch aside, the phone practically has no bottom bezel, and this sleek design is brought over to the \niPhone XS\n and XS Max too. The iPhone XR, on the other hand, doesn\u2019t exactly have the same aesthetic.\n\n\nWhile it doesn\u2019t technically have a chin, the bezels surrounding the phone are much thicker than those found on the more expensive iPhone models. This, in turn, effectively hides the chin. It\u2019s a smart workaround, and it doesn\u2019t look half bad \u2013 unless you put it next to the iPhone XS.\n\n\nSo why does the iPhone XR have thicker surrounding bezels than its higher-end siblings? Simple: it\u2019s using an LCD panel. The thing is, the iPhone X and its successors\u2019 chin-less displays are achieved with their flexible OLED panels.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPopular YouTuber Marques Brownlee explained this very well in his video above. Basically, Apple folds the iPhone X\u2019s display at the bottom in order to make room for the ribbon connecting the screen to the phone\u2019s logic board. Obviously, this cannot be replicated with the iPhone XR, which uses a rigid LCD panel instead.\n\n\nNot only is this a costly method to eliminate the chin, it also makes the phone thicker as a result. But hey, it\u2019s a sacrifice Apple was willing to make, and it gives the iPhone X and its successors a display no other phone maker managed to replicate\u2026yet.\n\n\nIs it possible for Android manufacturers to use the same method? Sure, it\u2019s very probable. Chances are, it\u2019s a question of whether or not they\u2019re \nwilling \nto do it. After all, not many smartphone makers can follow Apple\u2019s premium pricing strategy with its iPhones.\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi Mix 3\n\n\nThat being said, once there\u2019s a more cost-effective way to remove the display chin, it wouldn\u2019t be far-fetched to assume that more smartphones will sport chin-less displays. However, it\u2019s still up to phone makers to figure out a more efficient method of doing this, and that\u2019s assuming it\u2019s an \u201cissue\u201d these manufacturers are actually looking into.\n\n\nConsidering the creative ways phone makers are solving the notch conundrum \u2013 I\u2019m a fan of the \nXiaomi Mi Mix 3\n\u2018s \nsliding mechanism\n \u2013 it would\u2019ve been fantastic if they can eliminate the bottom bezel too. Aesthetically, it also looks much more symmetrical to have equal amount of bezel at the top and bottom of the display.\n\n\nAnd of course, we\u2019ll\u00a0\nfinally\n\u00a0have a true all-screen smartphone. No notch. No camera hole. No chin.\n\n\n\n\nBut until that day comes, the iPhone X, XS, and XS Max will remain to be the very few phones without a noticeable smartphone chin. In fact, even the iPhone XR is somewhat in the same category too, though it doesn\u2019t look quite as sleek or elegant as its more costly siblings.\n\n\nPersonally, I\u2019m looking forward to the possibility of an Android smartphone without any noticeable chin. While it won\u2019t be the first phone to do it, it\u2019ll definitely capture a lot of attention in the Android space.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-travelmate-x3310-hands-on-for-the-practical-user/", "title": "Acer TravelMate X3310 Hands-On: For the Practical User", "body": "\n\nAcer just launched a bunch of new Windows 10 machines in Malaysia, and among them is the  Acer TravelMate X3310 laptop. The TravelMate series is Acer\u2019s range of business-centric laptops, and the X3310 is the latest one in the lineup.\n\n\nI spent some time with the TravelMate X3310 at Acer\u2019s launch event earlier today, and while it doesn\u2019t offer the best value for money, the laptop definitely has its appeals \u2013 especially for those who want practicality above all else.\n\n\nPowering the TravelMate X3310 is an Intel Core i5-8250U processor paired with 8GB of RAM, and it also has a 256GB M.2 SATA SSD; standard affair for a productivity-focused laptop. There\u2019s no dedicated graphics card here, so the X3310 relies solely on Intel\u2019s integrated UHD Graphics 620 GPU.\n\n\nBusiness laptops don\u2019t usually come with amazing graphics capability, so Acer\u2019s choice of going with an integrated GPU is just fine.\n\n\n\n\nThanks to the fast i5-8250U processor and SSD storage, the TravelMate X3310 should be fast enough for the average business user. In my brief time with the laptop, it certainly feels fast and zippy. It\u2019s a given: the quad-core i5-8250U is a capable processor.\n\n\nHow about the TravelMate X3310\u2019s display? It\u2019s pretty good. Sporting a 13.3-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display, it\u2019s \njust\u00a0\nbright enough for comfortable use outdoor. On top of that, you don\u2019t have to worry too much about reflection either \u2013 the screen has a matte finish.\n\n\nSpeaking of display, I\u2019m not a fan of the TravelMate X3310\u2019s large bezels. Not only does it make the 13.3-inch laptop much bigger than it should be, it lends to a dated-looking design too. If there\u2019s any consolation to this, the whole bezel is actually rubberised, which feels nice to the touch. This is much, much better than the use of plastic.\n\n\n\n\nDesign-wise, the TravelMate X3310 is supposedly a very durable laptop. According to Acer, this laptop can survive a drop from up to 122cm; pretty impressive. The Taiwanese company also elaborated that the X3310 is MIL-STD certified, so it can definitely take a beating or two.\n\n\nPerhaps the most interesting aspect of the TravelMate X3310 is its wide selection of ports, which is in line with its appeal as a business laptop. It comes with a USB Type-C connection, three USB 3.0 ports, an SD card reader, one HDMI port, an RJ45 connection, and even a VGA output.\n\n\nIn a laptop market where the selection of ports are getting increasingly little, the X3310\u2019s generous port offering is a rare \u2013 and very welcomed \u2013 sight.\n\n\n\n\nNow let\u2019s get to the good stuff: the TravelMate X3310\u2019s input devices. Personally, I consider the keyboard one of the most important hardware on a laptop, and the X3310 has a\u2026decent one. While the keyboard doesn\u2019t have much travel, the tactility of the keys make for a pleasant typing experience. I can type on this laptop almost as fast as I can on a full-size mechanical keyboard.\n\n\nAs for the trackpad, it\u2019s quite good too. The trackpad\u2019s smooth surface is nice to the touch, it can track my fingers accurately, and trackpad gestures work as intended. Basically, it\u2019s a functional trackpad.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer TravelMate X3310 is a good business-centric laptop, but it also carries a rather steep price tag. For the Malaysian market, the X3310 retails at RM4,099, and that\u2019s for the 256GB model with 8GB of RAM. Evidently, value for money is not this laptop\u2019s main appeal. You can easily get a different laptop with a similar configuration at a lower price point.\n\n\nBut those laptops may not have the TravelMate X3310\u2019s winning qualities, including its large selection of ports, durable design, and long battery life. Acer claims that the X3310 can last up to 15 hours on a single charge, and if it can really achieve this figure, not many laptops can match it.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to check out the TravelMate X3310, it is now available for purchase in Malaysia. It comes with three years of on-site warranty, along with one year of Acer\u2019s International Travelers Warranty.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/epic-games-opening-its-own-game-store-can-it-take-on-steam/", "title": "Epic Games Opening Its Own Game Store \u2013 Can It Take on Steam?", "body": "\n\nAs far as online game stores go for the PC market, it\u2019s really dominated by one platform: Steam. Valve\u2019s game store is practically synonymous with PC gaming, but in the very near future, it may face stiff competition from Epic Games.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the developer of the massively popular Fortnite battle royale game will be releasing its own game store very soon. Offering better revenue split, support, and a bunch of other benefits, the Epic Games store \u2013 that\u2019s what it will be called \u2013 may be able to take on Steam toe-to-toe.\n\n\nOne of the\u00a0biggest\u00a0benefits the Epic Games store will be offering is a much better revenue split. Typically, Valve takes about 30% of revenue earned from games on Steam, and these include game sales, downloadable content, as well as in-game purchases. Creators, on the other hand, are only left with 70% of revenue.\n\n\n\n\nNeedless to say, this is a sizeable cut for Valve, and Epic Games is taking advantage of this. Creators that sign on with the company\u2019s upcoming game store will get 88% of revenue generated, while Epic will only take 12%. This reason alone may be good enough for creators to go with the Epic Games store instead of Steam.\n\n\nOf course, that\u2019s not the only incentive Epic Games is offering. On top of the attractive revenue split, creators that use Epic\u2019s Unreal Engine on its game store won\u2019t have to pay the 5% royalty fee for the engine. Instead, that 5% will be taken from Epic\u2019s own 12% revenue cut.\n\n\nBut it\u2019s worth noting that Valve recently announced a new revenue split for Steam, though it will only really benefit games that can generate revenue well above $10 million. For games on Steam that garner sales between $10 million to $50 million, Valve will get 25% of the revenue. Games that go above the $50 million mark, on the other hand, will see the revenue split go down to \u201conly\u201d 20% for Valve.\n\n\nAs for games on the platform that generate less than $10 million in revenue, the revenue split is still 30/70, with 30% going to Valve.\n\n\n\n\nMonetarily, it makes a lot of sense to go with the Epic Games store than Steam. The fact that creators who sign on with Epic will receive a larger chunk of revenue generated regardless of how much revenue they can generate will be \nespecially \nbeneficial to smaller indie developers.\n\n\nAlthough money plays a huge role, it\u2019s not the only reason creators would want to go with Epic\u2019s game store. For starters, the company\u2019s Support-A-Creator program from Fortnite will be brought to the game store.\n\n\nBasically, the Support-A-Creator program allows streamers and content creators to earn a set amount of money for publicising certain games. For example, streamers who refer players to buy a developer\u2019s game  will earn a share of the revenue set by said developer. In a way, it\u2019s a channel for developers to market their games to a wider audience.\n\n\nTo encourage developers and publishers to opt-in for the Support-A-Creator program, Epic will be covering 5% of the creator revenue-sharing for the next 24 months \u2013 plenty of time for the program to get some traction.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, can Epic Games really take on Valve\u2019s hugely popular Steam platform? At the end of the day, it will depend on how many creators Epic can persuade to release their games on its platform. In fact, the company will reveal the lineup of third-party games that will be available on its game store at launch this Thursday at\u00a0The Game Awards.\n\n\nNaturally, Epic Games will be releasing its game store for PC and Mac first. Sometime in 2019, Epic is planning to expand its store to the mobile market too, though it will likely be available on Android only. After all, it\u2019s unlikely Apple will be open to having a competitor to its App Store on iOS. Even though Epic\u2019s game store is, well, only limited to games.\n\n\nEpic Games has the infrastructure, experience, and ability to deal with the intricacies of running a game store, and this can be largely attributed to its success with Fortnite. If publishers and developers are keen to work with Epic, there\u2019s a very good chance the Epic Games store will succeed.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/what-you-need-to-know-qualcomm-snapdragon-855/", "title": "Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 \u2013 What You Need to Know", "body": "\n\nQualcomm has revealed its next generation flagship chipset, the Snapdragon 855. Likely to power the majority of high-end smartphones next year, the 855 brings with it a slew of improvements, including 5G support, better power efficiency, and notable performance gains.\n\n\nWell, here\u2019s what you need to know about the Snapdragon 855, Qualcomm\u2019s best chipset yet.\n\n\nMuch like the Apple A12 Bionic and Huawei Kirin 980 chips, the Snapdragon 855 is also built on a 7nm process. The biggest change the smaller manufacturing node brings is superior power efficiency, which should translate to better battery life on devices with the new chipset.\n\n\nOf course, the Snapdragon 855 also offers better performance level. According to Qualcomm, the 855\u2019s\u00a0Kryo 485 cores deliver up to 45% better CPU performance. These eight cores are divided accordingly: one 2.84GHz prime core, three 2.42GHz performance cores, and finally, four 1.8GHz efficiency cores.\n\n\nThe Snapdragon 855\u2019s new Adreno 640 GPU, on the other hand, is said to bring 20% improvement in the graphics department. This isn\u2019t a huge leap in performance, but we\u2019ll reserve judgment until we\u2019ve tested a device powered by the new chipset.\n\n\n\n\nPerformance aside, what\u2019s particularly interesting about the Snapdragon 855 is its focus on 5G technology. However, the chip itself doesn\u2019t offer 5G support. Instead, it\u2019s a separate add-on in the form of the X50 modem that manufacturers can opt to include.\n\n\nOn its own, the Snapdragon 855 comes with the X24 modem, which is still plenty capable. It enables support for Cat 20 LTE speeds of up to 2Gbps \u2013 this is the first chip in the world to offer this capability \u2013 and faster WiFi speeds. Chances are, a lot of manufacturers will go for this X24 modem without the addition of the X50 modem.\n\n\nNot only will the X50 modem add to the cost of the chipset (effectively increasing the price of devices with said modem), 5G network is still\u2026well, not widely available. That being said, we imagine there will be manufacturers which will implement the X50 modem anyway despite the increased cost \u2013 it\u2019s good marketing.\n\n\nAI is also another area Qualcomm is focusing with the Snapdragon 855. The chipset\u2019s fourth generation AI engine \u2013 which is made up of the Kyro 485 CPU, Adreno 640 GPU, and a new Hexagon processor, which is made for accelerating AI-related tasks \u2013 brings up to three times better performance in AI tasks. Supposedly, the 855 has double the performance level of its competitors too in this area.\n\n\n\n\nBut these improvements wouldn\u2019t mean anything if it\u2019s not used, so Qualcomm is working with Google to take advantage of the Snapdragon 855\u2019s AI capability. Google Lens, for one, will work faster on  devices powered by the new chipset. \nAccording to The Verge\n, several key Lens processing are done on the chipset itself, resulting in better efficiency.\n\n\nQualcomm is tweaking how the Snapdragon 855\u2019s image signal processor (ISP) works too. The new Spectra 380 ISP can now do 4K HDR video recording at 60fps, while \nsimultaneously \nallowing depth sensing features. This, in turn, allows manufacturers to, say, enable Portrait Mode in real time.\n\n\nInterestingly, Qualcomm is also adding support for high efficiency image files (HEIF) with the Snapdragon 855, which offers a number of advantages over the JPEG file format. The most immediate benefit of HEIF is the fact that it takes up less space to save images, and more importantly, Android 9 Pie supports the file format too.\n\n\nIf HEIF sounds familiar, it should \u2013 Apple transitioned to this file format for quite some time now on iOS and macOS.\n\n\n\n\nThe Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 is a marked improvement over the Snapdragon 845, and its many new features are quite exciting. It will without a doubt be featured in a large number of flagship smartphones next year, and it will be bringing true 5G connectivity to consumers.\n\n\nBut whether or not the industry is ready for 5G is a different question altogether, especially when it comes to the availability of 5G network. Nonetheless, the Snapdragon 855 is a promising chipset.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-6t-review-one-step-forward-two-steps-back/", "title": "OnePlus 6T Review: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back", "body": "\n\nIn typical OnePlus fashion, the company released a second flagship device in the second half of the year, the OnePlus 6T. On the surface, the 6T isn\u2019t radically different from its predecessor, but it does bring some notable improvements under the hood.\n\n\nBut in its pursuit to make the 6T a better device, OnePlus made several sacrifices here and there too, and some of them could prove to be deal breakers for some folks \u2013 especially for those who believed in OnePlus\u2019 motto to \u201cnever settle.\u201d Nonetheless, the 6T\u00a0\nis\n\u00a0a good flagship smartphone, but it\u2019s not without flaws.\n\n\nSpecifications\n\n\nDisplay\n6.41-inch FHD+ Optic AMOLED (2340 x 1080)\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 845 2.8GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 630\nRAM\n6/8GB\nStorage\n128/256GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n16MP f/1.7 + 20MP f/1.7\nCamera (front)\n16MP f/2.0\nBattery\n3,700mAh\nDimensions\n157.5 x 74.8 x 8.2 mm\nWeight\n185g\nOS\nOxygenOS based on Android 9 Pie\nConnectivity\nLTE\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi\u00a0802.11 a/b/g/n/ac\nUSB Type-C\n\n\nNaturally, the OnePlus 6T is a well-equipped flagship smartphone. Compared to its predecessor, the 6T has a bigger 3,700mAh battery, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, as well as a slightly larger display. All of these are good things, but unfortunately, the 6T also loses its predecessor\u2019s 3.5mm headphone jack and LED notification light.\n\n\nWhile these aren\u2019t necessarily must-have features, there will be folks who won\u2019t be thrilled by these exclusions. On top of that, this doesn\u2019t live up to OnePlus\u2019 \u201cnever settle\u201d motto either. But hey, it is what it is.\n\n\nDesign\n\n\nOnePlus has improved by leaps and bounds when it comes to designing its smartphones, and the OnePlus 6T looks and feels great. The glossy metal frame feels premium, the glass back is nice to the touch, and I like the heft of the phone. It weighs 185g, and measuring\u00a08.2mm thin, the 6T feels surprisingly slim despite packing a sizeable 3,700mAh cell.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, the OnePlus 6T is also way too slippery for my liking. At least, this is the case with the Mirror Black model I\u2019m reviewing. I\u2019ve lost grip on the phone more times than I care to admit throughout the review period, and in the end, I use the device almost exclusively with the provided casing.\n\n\nI legitimately feel like I will drop the phone eventually without the casing, and I\u2019m usually very careful with my devices.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the overall design of the OnePlus 6T is pretty darn sleek. The minimal bottom bezel is nice to look at \u2013 though I do wish it doesn\u2019t have \nany \u201cchin\u201d at all\n \u2013 and the small notch maximises the amount of notifications that are shown in the status bar. I would\u2019ve preferred for there to be no notch at all, of course, but that\u2019s a design limitation we have to live with for the time being.\n\n\nOh, OnePlus\u2019 signature alert slider is also retained on the OnePlus 6T, and it\u2019s\u00a0\nsurprisingly\n\u00a0handy on more than one occasion. I don\u2019t have to fiddle with the volume button anymore to silent my phone, and with a simple flick of the slider, I can exit silent mode easily. It\u2019s a really useful feature.\n\n\n\n\nAs a whole, the OnePlus 6T is a well-designed smartphone with solid build quality, though I still don\u2019t like the slippery nature of the phone. The lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack and LED notification light may be deal breakers for certain folks too.\n\n\nUser Experience\n\n\nOxygenOS on the OnePlus 6T (unsurprisingly) offers a very pleasant user experience. Based on Android 9 Pie, OyxgenOS has always been known as a fuss-free version of Android, and it still remains true here. There are very minimal bloatware, there\u2019s an app drawer, and the phone feels fast and zippy no matter what I throw at it.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, this level of performance and fluidity is expected for a device powered by a Snapdragon 845 SoC, and the OnePlus 6T\u2019s very generous 8GB RAM plays a role too. Gaming on this phone is also without a doubt an enjoyable experience; as it should be for a device as powerful as this.\n\n\nHowever, that is not to say OxygenOS doesn\u2019t have its flaws, and there are a couple of things worth noting. For one, streaming music from the OnePlus 6T to my car\u2019s audio system through Bluetooth hasn\u2019t been a very smooth process. Occasionally, the audio would cut out at random intervals, and I have absolutely no idea what\u2019s causing it.\n\n\nThen again, I wasn\u2019t able to replicate this issue consistently, so it\u2019s not an entirely big issue. But it\u2019s still worth a mention.\n\n\n\n\nAnother aspect of OxygenOS that could\u2019ve been improved on is an always on display of sorts out of the box. Sure, it can be \u201cenabled\u201d with some under the hood tweaking here and there, but it would\u2019ve been great if this feature was offered natively \u2013 even more so now because of the 6T\u2019s lack of a notification LED light. Besides, the ambient display already looks great enough to serve as an always on display.\n\n\nSpeaking of display, the OnePlus 6T has a bright and vibrant 6.41-inch 1080p Optic AMOLED screen. This being an AMOLED panel, it has very deep blacks, and very punchy colours. Viewing angles, as always, are great too on this phone. The 1080p resolution may be off-putting to some folks, but it helps tremendously in battery life.\n\n\n\n\nAnd yes, the OnePlus 6T\u2019s generous 3,700mAh battery can return great battery life. On average, I was getting between five to six hours of screen on time, and it\u2019s effortless to get through a typical work day with this phone. In fact, if you were a lighter user, I\u2019m confident you can get two days worth of usage out of the 6T.\n\n\nAs for the phone\u2019s charging rate, it\u2019s pretty decent. Within 30 minutes of charging, the OnePlus 6T got up to about 50% from empty. Not the fastest charging rate I\u2019ve seen, but still respectable nonetheless.\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, I thoroughly enjoyed using the OnePlus 6T as my daily driver. OxygenOS, despite its shortcomings, is one of my favourite versions of Android. On top of that, the phone\u2019s in-screen fingerprint sensor, despite its slightly finicky nature (all sensors like it virtually share the same weakness), can recognise my fingerprint relatively fast when done right.\n\n\nIf you don\u2019t quite like the in-screen fingerprint sensor, the 6T\u2019s face unlock feature works very quickly too. But it\u2019s worth noting that it will not work in complete darkness \u2013 the front-facing camera lacks any infrared module for the face unlock feature to identify faces in the dark.\n\n\nCamera\n\n\nMore often than not, the camera performance of a flagship smartphone plays a huge rule in how desirable it is, and this is especially true for myself. After all, if I were to pay a premium price tag for a high-end phone like the OnePlus 6T, I\u2019d expect its camera to serve me well.\n\n\nAnd for the most part, the OnePlus 6T is a great shooter. Its\u00a016MP f/1.7 + 20MP f/1.7 dual camera system \u2013 the very same one found in the OnePlus 6 \u2013 works great in daytime, and this comes at no surprise for a flagship smartphone. So the real question is, how good is it at nighttime photography?\n\n\n\n\nWell, it\u2019s decent. The 6T can capture good-looking low light shots without too much effort, and the night mode does help brighten up images quite a bit, though the end results can look rather artificial at times. As a whole, I\u2019m quite satisfied with the phone\u2019s low light camera performance.\n\n\nBut if you were to ask me if the OnePlus 6T can hold a candle to the camera performance of class leaders like the Samsung Galaxy S9+ or Huawei P20 Pro, it\u2019s a definite no. OnePlus has much to do before it can compete on equal ground with those phones.\n\n\n\n\nNight Mode disabled\nNight Mode enabled\nNight Mode disabled\nNight Mode enabled\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nIn Malaysia, the OnePlus 6T prices were recently revised. Now, the base model with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage retails at RM2,458, while the 128GB and 256GB variants with 8GB of RAM go for RM2,738 and RM2,989 respectively.\n\n\nThese price tags are slightly on the higher side of things, and at this price point, the OnePlus 6T has quite a number of noteworthy competition.\n\n\nSamsung Galaxy S9\n\n\nWhen it comes to flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S9 sets the benchmarks on what you should expect from devices in this class, and the OnePlus 6T loses out in a few areas. Not only does Samsung\u2019s offering has superior camera performance, it also has a more impressive display, IP68 water and dust resistance, as well as support for expandable storage.\n\n\nAnd more importantly, the Galaxy S9 is \neven more affordable\n than the OnePlus 6T now \u2013 you can currently get the S9 with 64GB of storage \nfor only RM2,259\n. Sure, that\u2019s only half the storage of the OnePlus 6T\u2019s base model, and yes, this variant of the S9 only has 4GB of RAM, but I\u2019d argue \nyou don\u2019t need any more RAM than that on a smartphone\n.\n\n\nThat is not to say you should forget about the OnePlus 6T, because it does have a couple of winning features. For one, it has better battery life thanks to its larger 3,700mAh battery, and OxygenOS\u2019 similarity to stock Android may be more attractive to consumers, especially Android purists.\n\n\nHuawei Mate 20\n\n\nHuawei has come a long way in the Android space, and the Mate 20 is a testament of this. Retailing at relatively the same price point as the OnePlus 6T at RM2,799, the Mate 20 offers 128GB of expandable storage, 6GB of RAM, a newer Kirin 980 chipset, a more sophisticated 12MP + 16MP + 8MP triple camera system, as well as a larger 4,000mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, EMUI 9 on the Mate 20 is one of Huawei\u2019s weakest points, and generally, the 6T offers better software experience thanks to the intuitive, no-nonsense software approach of OxygenOS. Aside from that, the 6T also has a more vibrant Optic AMOLED display, compared to the Mate 20\u2019s IPS panel.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nThe OnePlus 6T is, in more areas than one, a better smartphone than its predecessor. But OnePlus also took two steps back with the 6T, and for two main reasons: the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack and a notification LED light.\n\n\nOf course, the real issue goes much deeper than that: OnePlus\u2019 motto to \u201cnever settle\u201d is in contradiction with the absence of these two features. When the OnePlus 6 was launched, the company was more than happy to say that most of its users\u00a0\nwant\n\u00a0a headphone jack\u00a0\nand\n\u00a0a notification LED light; two hardware that are on the OnePlus 6.\n\n\nBut several months later, the OnePlus 6T was introduced with these two \u201cimportant\u201d features removed. And in the process, it\u2019s very likely that the company has disappointed some \u2013 or most \u2013 of its avid fans.\n\n\n\n\nOn its own, the OnePlus 6T is a great flagship smartphone with several winning qualities despite its shortcomings. In fact, it\u2019s a phone I\u2019d happily recommend to those who are looking for a device with good software experience and sleek design.\n\n\nHowever, OnePlus has to figure out how to strike a good balance between what its fans want, and what itself, as a smartphone maker, wants to achieve with its products. The next phone OnePlus launches could very well be its most important one yet, and it will decide the company\u2019s future direction.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/pc-hardware-buyers-guide-choosing-the-best-mechanical-keyboard-for-you/", "title": "PC Hardware Buyer\u2019s Guide: Choosing the Best Mechanical Keyboard Switch (For You)", "body": "\n\nThere are a wide variety of mechanical keyboards in the market now, and it can be difficult to find the right one for you. There are clicky keyboards, silent keyboards, and some are even a hybrid of sorts.\n\n\nBut the bottom line is, mechanical keyboards offer a lot of benefits over standard, conventional keyboards. If you\u2019re ready to make the jump, we\u2019re help to help you find the best mechanical keyboard for yourself.\n\n\nIn this article, we will outline three main types of switches found on mechanical keyboards \u2013 these influence the typing experience the most. Along the way, we\u2019ll mention some hybrid keyboards here and there too.\n\n\nClicky Switches\n\n\nThis is perhaps the switch that most consumers associate mechanical keyboards with. Basically, clicky switches are both tactile and\u2026well, clicky. Every time you press down on a clicky key, you\u2019ll get a tactile feedback\u00a0\nand\n\u00a0an audible click. Needless to say, this is the noisiest switch of the lot.\n\n\nSwitches that fall into this category include the very well-known Cherry MX Blue, Razer Green, and Razer\u2019s relatively new Opto-Mechanical switch, which takes advantage of optical technology for actuation. Unlike the former two, the Opto-Mechanical switch feels \u201clighter\u201d to type on \u2013 it requires less force to actuate.\n\n\n\n\nRazer also introduced a hybrid keyboard that implements the mechanism of a clicky switch in a membrane keyboard. Of course, we\u2019re talking about the Razer Ornata with the \u201cRazer Mecha-Membrane\u201d switch. Simply put, the Ornata is a membrane keyboard that feels a lot like a mechanical one with clicky switches. Personally, despite the fact that the Ornata is a membrane keyboard, I really like its typing experience; it\u2019s also much quieter than, say, a conventional Cherry MX Blue keyboard.\n\n\nIf you do a lot of typing, and you love the clickiness of a mechanical keyboard, look out for these switches. However, do note that clicky switches, in general, can get\u00a0\nreally\n\u00a0loud. This is especially the case with more affordable mechanical keyboards.\u00a0\n\n\nTactile Switches\n\n\nIn more ways than one, tactile switches are very similar to clicky switches; the main difference is the absence of any audible clicking. You still get the tactile bump when the keys actuate, so if you don\u2019t want your keyboard to be too noisy, tactile switches are the next best thing.\n\n\nSome well-known tactile switches include Cherry MX Brown, Razer Orange, and if you\u2019re into more premium keyboards, Topre switch. What makes Topre switch particularly unique is its hybrid construction. While it uses rubber domes like membrane keyboards, there\u2019s a spring underneath each dome, lending to a very unique typing experience.\n\n\n\n\nNot only is the Topre switch quieter than MX Brown and Razer Orange switches, the typing experience feels a lot more refined too. While the tactile bump of a Topre switch is more subtle, the keys feel much more solid when actuated.\n\n\nWhat\u2019s the downside of the Topre switch? Cost. Keyboards with Topre switches are a lot more costly than MX Brown or Razer Orange keyboards. But if you ask us, there\u2019s a good reason Topre keyboards are more expensive \u2013 the typing experience is really something else.\n\n\nLinear Switches\n\n\nAnd finally, we have linear switches, which \u2013 more often than not \u2013 are made for gamers. Typically, switches of this kind require very little actuation force, and they don\u2019t have any tactile or audible feedback either. The logic behind this is to provide the fastest response time, which is important for gamers to get their inputs registered as quickly as possible.\n\n\nCherry MX Red and Black switches are some examples of linear switches, and the only thing that differentiates these two switches is the actuation force. MX Black switch is \u201cheavier\u201d than MX Red, in the sense that the former requires more force to actuate. Besides that, the Razer Yellow is also a linear switch.\n\n\n\n\nJust because linear switches are meant to appeal to gamers doesn\u2019t mean they\u2019re not great for other purposes either \u2013 it all comes down to individual preferences. If you want a mechanical keyboard that doesn\u2019t have any tactile bump or click, linear switches are for you.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nThere are more to mechanical keyboards than what we\u2019re covering here, and these three distinct switches only cover the essentials. If you\u2019re still on the fence whether or not you should get a mechanical keyboard, perhaps you can look into \na more affordable one\n\u00a0\u2013 prices of mechanical keyboards have gotten down quite a bit compared to the past.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-display-notch-hole-punch-design-conundrum/", "title": "The Display Notch & Hole-Punch Design Conundrum", "body": "\n\nSmartphone makers have gotten pretty creative over the years to maximise screen real estate on their devices, and arguably the most discussed \u2013 and controversial \u2013 implementation is the display notch. Now, it appears the \u201chole-punch\u201d design will be the next big thing.\n\n\nBut is the new hole-punch design a better alternative to the display notch? Are manufacturers better off with a different approach? That\u2019s what we will be discussing in this article.\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about devices that will be sporting the new hole-punch design. One of them is the Samsung Galaxy A8s, which is the first device officially introduced with the unconventional design. Featuring what Samsung calls an Infinity-O display, the A8s\u2019 top left corner has a cutout for the front-facing shooter.\n\n\n\n\nDoes it look odd? Definitely. And the rather large camera hole makes it look all the more\u2026peculiar. But that\u2019s where the Honor View 20 has the upper hand, which is slated to be revealed later this month on 26 December.\n\n\nEven though we\u2019re still a couple of weeks away from the View 20\u2019s launch, the Chinese company actually revealed some information regarding the unannounced device. While we still don\u2019t have its full list of specifications, we do know that the View 20 sports a smaller hole-punch camera design than the Galaxy A8s.\n\n\nOf course, the camera cutout\u00a0\nstill\n\u00a0looks pretty odd, but based on early images of the View 20, it does look better than Samsung\u2019s implementation. Although the hole-punch on Honor\u2019s phone is only marginally smaller than the Galaxy A8s\u2019, it is tiny enough to not be as distracting as Samsung\u2019s design.\n\n\nThe Honor View 20\nTeaser for the Huawei Nova 4\n\n\nThese two phones are not the only ones that will be sporting a hole-punch design. Huawei will also be revealing its own device, the Nova 4, with the peculiar camera cutout on 17 December. Chances are, the Nova 4 will share some design elements of the View 20 \u2013 both Huawei and Honor are related, after all.\n\n\nSo there are at least three devices that will be featuring the new hole-punch design, and quite possibly more will follow suit. Samsung\u2019s next flagship device, the Galaxy S10, is rumoured to use the Infinity-O display too. It\u2019s not confirmed yet, of course, but we wouldn\u2019t dismiss the possibility either.\n\n\nNow, aesthetically, I do prefer the looks of the hole-punch design than a display notch. The thing is, the amount of space that a notch takes up \u2013 more often than not \u2013 is larger than a small, round cutout for the front-facing camera. As a hole-punch design takes up less screen real estate, devices with the camera cutout looks sleeker as a whole.\n\n\nWell, aside from the obvious downside of having an odd hole in your screen.\n\n\nThe Mi Mix 3\n\n\nBut\u00a0\nthere is\n\u00a0an alternative to either one of these two design approaches: a \nsliding mechanism\n, like the one found on the \nXiaomi Mi Mix 3\n. There are pros and cons to this mechanism \u2013 the long-term durability of the moving parts is one of the biggest concerns \u2013 but this design allows for a\u00a0\ntruly\n\u00a0bezel-less display. You won\u2019t have to worry about any notch or weirdly positioned hole in your smartphone screen.\n\n\nThere is, however, one more thing that needs to be addressed before we get a full, all-screen smartphone. Yeap, I\u2019m talking about the smartphone chin, and it\u2019s something Apple completely removed\u00a0\nlast year\n\u00a0with the \niPhone X\n. Nonetheless, I digress. You can read up all about smartphone chins \nin this article\n.\n\n\n\n\nGiven a choice, I would opt for a phone with a sliding mechanism to get a truly bezel-less display. But if I absolutely have to pick between a notched display or a hole-punch design, I\u2019d go for the latter. The fact that a hole-punch design isn\u2019t as intrusive as a notch does make it more appealing despite its potential downsides.\n\n\nIn fact, how the hole-punch design will affect a smartphone\u2019s user experience will be important, especially when it comes to media consumption. It could very well be a weakness the hole-punch design shares with notched displays, so it\u2019s up to phone makers to ensure the camera cutout does not affect the user experience too much.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-zenfone-max-pro-m2-hands-on-refining-the-formula/", "title": "Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2 Hands-On: Refining the Formula", "body": "\n\nThe Asus ZenFone Max Pro M1 offered a lot of value for the money, and it\u2019s one of the most interesting smartphones you can get for under RM1,000 when it was released earlier this year. Now, we have its successor, the ZenFone Max Pro M2.\n\n\nSporting a faster processor, a more elegant design, and the same 5,000mAh battery capacity, the Max Pro M2 brings quite a number of upgrades while retaining an affordable price tag. But does it improve upon the M1\u2019s weaknesses? Let\u2019s find out.\n\n\n\n\nThe most noticeable difference between the Max Pro M2 and its predecessor is the phone\u2019s sleeker-looking design. Now sporting a glossy frame and reflective back panel, it looks a lot more modern than the M1. The only downside to this, of course, is the fact that the M2 now has a polycarbonate construction instead of metal.\n\n\nHowever, although metal \nsounds more appealing than polycarbonate\n, I definitely prefer the Max Pro M2\u2019s design language. Despite its \u201ccheaper\u201d build material, it still feels plenty solid in my hands.\n\n\nBut if you\u2019re not a fan of notches, you won\u2019t like the ZenFone Max Pro M2\u2019s new display. Now sporting a\u00a06.26-inch 2280 x 1080 IPS display, the M2 has a\u2026reasonably small\u00a0notch at the top of the screen. The bottom bezel, on the other hand, is quite sizeable.\n\n\n\n\nLooking beyond the notch and bottom bezel, the Max Pro M2\u2019s display looks pretty good. It\u2019s a bright panel with punchy colours, and it looks sharp enough despite its 1080p resolution. Battery life is one of the main appeals of the M2, so the 1080p resolution will help with the phone\u2019s battery life.\n\n\nFeaturing a large 5,000mAh battery, I\u2019m positive the Max Pro M2 can return excellent battery life \u2013 I\u2019m pleasantly surprised at how light the phone is too. Tipping the scales at only 175g, it\u2019s even lighter than its predecessor.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, you should see a boost in performance with the Max Pro M2 as well. Compared to its predecessor\u2019s Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 chipset, the Snapdragon 660 SoC powering the M2 is more capable with a higher clock speed and better GPU. I haven\u2019t been able to run any mobile games on the M2, but based on my previous experience with other Snapdragon 660 devices, it should be quite enjoyable to game on.\n\n\nWhat about the software experience of the Max Pro M2? Well, it\u2019s decent. Running on a very stock version of Android, the phone feels fast and zippy with minimal bloatware. These are good qualities, but it remains to be seen if the M2 has any glaring software issues. After all, the Max Pro M1 didn\u2019t have the best software experience.\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the Max Pro M2\u2019s camera performance. On the back, it has a 12MP\u00a0f/1.8 + 5MP f/2.4 dual camera system, and the selfie camera is a 13MP f/2.0 shooter. Overall, the performance of rear cameras seem to be reasonably good: shots are properly exposed, and it can capture decent amount of details.\n\n\nHowever, I only managed to snap some pictures with the M2 in daytime condition. More often than not, the camera performance of smartphones \u2013 especially affordable ones \u2013 takes a dive when shooting under less than ideal lighting. Hopefully, the M2 doesn\u2019t fall into the same category.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2\u2019s main strength lies in its large battery capacity and affordable price tag. Retailing from only RM859 for the 64GB model with 4GB of RAM (complete with a microSD card slot), it offers great value for money. If you want more RAM, the 64GB variant with 6GB of RAM goes for RM999.\n\n\nConsidering the feature set of the ZenFone Max Pro M2 and its asking price, it\u2019s quite a compelling smartphone. But it\u2019s only really worth considering if it can overcome its predecessor\u2019s shortcomings, which include average camera performance and finicky software experience.\n\n\nIf the Max Pro M2 shows improvement in these two areas, it would be one of the most compelling phones in the sub-RM1,000 price point. Of course, only a full review of the phone can shed some light on this.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-zephyrus-s-hands-on-a-slim-capable-expensive-gaming-laptop/", "title": "Asus ROG Zephyrus S Hands-On: A Slim, Capable, Expensive Gaming Laptop", "body": "\n\nThin and light gaming laptops have been around for quite some time now, and in recent times, laptops in this class have gotten much more refined. Take the Asus ROG Zephyrus S GX531GM, which has just landed in Malaysia. Sporting a very thin design with equally thin screen bezel, it\u2019s a really handsome gaming laptop.\n\n\nBut unfortunately, as sleek as the Zephyrus S is, it\u2019s also a very costly gaming laptop \u2013 its hardware does not match its steep asking price either. Nonetheless, let\u2019s see what the laptop is all about.\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt the highlight feature of the Zephyrus S is its slim design, and measuring\u00a014.95mm to 15.75mm thin, this is easily one of the slimmest gaming laptops in the market now. Weighing 2.1kg, it\u2019s not all that heavy either. You\u2019d still feel the weight of the laptop in your backpack, of course, but it\u2019s still relatively lightweight for a gaming machine.\n\n\nBesides that, most of the Zephyrus S\u2019 chassis is made out of metal, and it feels very premium. Build quality is definitely one of the laptop\u2019s strong points, but I don\u2019t particularly like the plastic bezel surrounding the display. It feels cheap, and it doesn\u2019t fit the Zephyrus\u2019 positioning as a premium gaming laptop.\n\n\nOn the bright side, the Zephyrus S does have very thin bezels. This gives the laptop a very modern-looking design, but if I were to nitpick, I wish the bottom bezel can be reduced too. It would\u2019ve made this gaming laptop an even sleeker-looking machine.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to connectivity, the Zephyrus S is quite alright. It features two USB-C ports, three full-size USB connections, an HDMI port at the back of the laptop, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack. It would\u2019ve been great if it had an ethernet port too, but it\u2019s likely Asus didn\u2019t want to sacrifice the Zephyrus\u2019 thin design.\n\n\nOh, interestingly, the Zephyrus S also has a rather ingenious design to help with airflow. It\u2019s something Asus calls Active Aerodynamic System (AAS) \u2013 when you open the lid of the Zephyrus, the bottom portion of the laptop opens up ever so slightly at the back to improve cooling.\n\n\nI can\u2019t say for sure if this unique design will\u00a0\nreally\n\u00a0help with the laptop\u2019s cooling performance, but Asus claims that it improves airflow by up to 22%.\n\n\n\n\nOkay, so that\u2019s the design of the Zephyrus S; what about its other hardware? Powered by an Intel Core\u00a0i7-8750H processor paired with 16GB of DDR4 2666MHz RAM, it should have enough processing power for gaming and everyday usage. However, the Malaysian market will only get the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 GPU option; no choice for a GTX 1070 model.\n\n\nWhile the GTX 1060 GPU \u2013 the 6GB variant, of course \u2013 under the hood of the Zephyrus S is capable enough to run modern games well, it doesn\u2019t match the asking price of the laptop. Anyway, more on that later.\n\n\nAside from that, the Zephyrus S also comes with a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 AHVA display with a 144Hz refresh rate. It\u2019s a fast panel, no doubt, and it\u2019s fitting for a premium gaming laptop. Although it\u2019s not an IPS display, the Zephyrus still has a bright and vibrant screen with good viewing angles.\n\n\nIn terms of storage, the Zephyrus S has a very generous 512GB M.2 NVMe PCIE SSD \u2013 a very fast drive.\n\n\n\n\nMoving on, we have the Zephyrus S\u2019 RGB keyboard, which is positioned on the front of the laptop for better cooling performance. Offering only 1.2mm of travel, the keyboard feels shallow to type on, but the keys are quite tactile. This makes for a rather pleasant typing experience, and even though the Zephyrus S doesn\u2019t offer the best typing experience (not by a long shot), I can adjust pretty seamlessly to the keyboard.\n\n\nMuch like its predecessor, the Zephyrus S\u2019 trackpad\u2026is on the right side of the laptop. I have to be honest: it feels very jarring to use at first. However, I\u2019m positive I can get used to the odd positioning after some time, and the trackpad can track my fingers accurately. I also like the fact that the trackpad also doubles as a numpad with the touch of a button.\n\n\nThat being said, it would\u2019ve been great if the trackpad was slightly larger \u2013 it feels pretty crammed.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Zephyrus S is a premium gaming laptop, and it has several winning qualities, including a slim and light design, fast display, and great build quality. Unfortunately, it carries a very premium price tag too. In Malaysia, the Zephyrus S retails at a whopping RM7,999.\n\n\nFor that kind of money, you can easily get a more capable gaming laptop than the Zephyrus S. In fact, a laptop with a GTX 1070 GPU won\u2019t be all that hard to find at this price point. However, it will be quite a challenge to find a laptop with a similar design as the Zephyrus S.\n\n\nIf there\u2019s any reason you\u2019d want to get the Zephyrus S over any other gaming laptop, it would be for the design of the machine. You can definitely get another laptop with similar hardware for less money, but if you want a slim and light machine like the Zephyrus S, you\u2019ll have to fork out a premium for it.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/pc-hardware-buyers-guide-choosing-the-right-gaming-monitor/", "title": "PC Hardware Buyer\u2019s Guide: Choosing the Right Gaming Monitor", "body": "\n\nWhat makes a \u201cgaming rig\u201d is more than just a high-end CPU and powerful GPU; the monitor you choose will impact your gaming experience quite a bit too. Sure, you could just buy an affordable monitor \u2013 or hook it up to your TV \u2013 but if you really want the best gaming experience, investing in a proper gaming monitor is worth it.\n\n\nIn this article, we\u2019ll outline several important aspects of a gaming monitor. Hopefully, these will help you choose the best gaming monitor for yourself.\n\n\nPanel Technology\n\n\nThere are three main types of LCD display panel: IPS, TN, and VA. Out of the three, an IPS (in-plane switching) display has the best image quality. It has better colours, viewing angles, and generally, a lot more pleasant to look at.\n\n\nHowever, an IPS panel does have a few shortcomings. For one, it has the worst response time (more on that later) compared to TN and VA displays, making it less ideal for competitive gaming. Aside from that, the refresh rate of IPS panels are usually not as high as the other two display technologies. In terms of cost, IPS monitors are usually more pricey too.\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have TN (twisted nematic) display, which is \u2013 most of the time \u2013 the fastest panel technology. Not only does it have the best response time, its refresh rate can go very, very high too. In fact, only TN monitors can offer a 240Hz refresh rate right now.\n\n\nWhat\u2019s the downside? Well, TN panels have the worst image quality. Viewing angles aren\u2019t great, colours will look washed out, and if you\u2019re using a TN monitor for anything other than gaming, you won\u2019t enjoy the experience very much. This is especially the case if you\u2019re a designer who needs accurate colour reproduction.\n\n\nThis is only TN displays in general, of course. It\u2019s very possible to find high quality TN panels with great colour reproduction and what not, but these are usually a rarity.\n\n\nLast but not least is VA (vertical alignment) display, and it can be considered as a hybrid of IPS and TN panels. It has better image quality than TN panels (but not IPS), and it has faster response time and refresh rate over IPS panels (but not TN).\n\n\nIn short, a VA panel is not as fast as TN, and its image quality is not as good as IPS \u2013 it\u2019s the middle ground.\n\n\n\n\nDepending on what you want out of your gaming monitor, either one of these panel technologies will suit your needs. Strictly speaking, TN panels will be the best for competitive gaming with its high refresh rate and response time. But if you don\u2019t need a ridiculously fast monitor, an IPS panel will be much more pleasant to look at.\n\n\nRefresh Rate\n\n\nIf you want a buttery smooth gaming experience, you\u2019ll need a monitor with a high refresh rate. Basically, if your monitor has a 60Hz refresh rate \u2013 that\u2019s the refresh rate of the average monitor \u2013 it can display 60 frames per second. Hence, the higher the refresh rate, the smoother your games will look like, though this will depend on how powerful your GPU is.\n\n\nGenerally, a 144Hz monitor is more than enough for the average gamer, and you have a variety of panel technologies to choose from. Yes, there are even IPS monitors with that high of a refresh rate in the market now.\n\n\nResponse Time\n\n\nIdeally, you\u2019ll want to find a gaming monitor with the lowest response time. What is response time? It\u2019s the amount of time each individual pixel of a monitor takes to change from one colour to another. As far as gaming is concerned, a low response time is very important.\n\n\nIf a monitor has a high response time, you will notice ghosting in fast-moving scenes. As its name suggest, ghosting happens when there\u2019s a trail behind moving objects. Yes, it can be very distracting, and yes, it will impact your gaming experience negatively.\n\n\nResolution\n\n\nLast but not least is resolution, and the rule of thumb is: the higher, the better\u2026in most cases. If your system is powerful enough, you\u2019ll definitely want a high resolution monitor to reap the most benefit. Gaming in 1080p can be sufficient for some folks, but gaming in 1440p, or even 4K, is a completely different experience.\n\n\n\n\nBut going with a higher resolution monitor does have its downsides, and one of the most obvious disadvantages is a lower refresh rate. From what we gathered, the highest refresh rate a 4K monitor can go is 144Hz. This is still plenty fast for the average gamer, but if you want, say, a 240Hz monitor, you\u2019ll have to settle for 1080p resolution.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nA proper gaming monitor will make all the difference in your gaming experience, and even though some of them can be quite costly, it will be worth it. After all, a good monitor will most likely outlast your PC by a couple of generations, and that\u2019s worth investing in.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nNvidia G-Sync & AMD Radeon FreeSync Explained \u2013 Should You Get Them?\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nvidia-g-sync-amd-radeon-freesync-explained-should-you-get-them/", "title": "Nvidia G-Sync & AMD Radeon FreeSync Explained \u2013 Should You Get Them?", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re shopping for a new gaming monitor, you would\u2019ve most likely seen Nvidia G-Sync and AMD Radeon FreeSync listed on a monitor\u2019s list of specifications. Both of these are different adaptive sync technologies meant to eliminate screen tearing, and depending on your budget \u2013 and the GPU that you\u2019ll pair it with, of course \u2013 you\u2019d want one over the other.\n\n\nWe\u2019ll take a closer look at both of these technologies. Even though G-Sync and FreeSync aim to solve the same problem, how they work under the hood is fundamentally different.\n\n\nNvidia G-Sync\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with Nvidia\u2019s G-Sync technology. Compared to FreeSync, G-Sync is the more expensive option. Unlike AMD\u2019s implementation, G-Sync requires a specific \u201cscaler\u201d module from Nvidia. On top of that, manufacturers that want to add G-Sync technology to their monitors will have to meet Nvidia\u2019s strict certification process too.\n\n\n\n\nAll of these, in turn, raise the price of G-Sync monitors by quite a bit. But the high cost\u00a0\nis\n somewhat justified: you have the assurance of a good gaming experience. Regardless of which G-Sync monitor you buy, you will get more or less the same feature set, though more expensive ones will come with extra perks.\n\n\n That\u2019s not the case with FreeSync monitors, but we\u2019ll get to that later.\n\n\nAside from that, G-Sync has no minimum frame rate requirement to function either. Whether your GPU is pushing over 100, or only 30 frames per second, G-Sync \nwill\n\u00a0work. Of course, FreeSync monitors can accomplish the same feat too, but this is reserved only for selected models.\n\n\n\n\nNot too long ago \u2013 and with the advent of HDR monitors \u2013 Nvidia introduced G-Sync HDR, which is currently available on the highest-end gaming monitors. For monitors to carry the HDR badge, a few requirements have to met, including up to 1000 nits brightness, high refresh rate, and of course, HDR capability.\n\n\nBasically, G-Sync HDR monitors will be \nvery\n\u00a0good gaming monitors, and needless to say, they will cost substantially more than \u201cregular\u201d G-Sync displays.\n\n\nAMD Radeon FreeSync\n\n\nBased on VESA\u2019s Adaptive Sync technology \u2013 which is a part of the DisplayPort 1.2a standard \u2013 Radeon FreeSync is available on a wide range of gaming monitors at various price points. This makes FreeSync monitors much more accessible to consumers, and this fact alone is a huge selling point.\n\n\nBut the affordable nature of FreeSync monitors does have a couple of downsides. As mentioned, the feature set of these monitors vary widely from one model to another. AMD\u2019s\u00a0Low Framerate Compensation (LFC) feature, for one, is only available on selected monitors. More often than not, these models are more costly too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLFC is a pretty important feature, given the fact that FreeSync only works within certain frame rate range. This range is different from one monitor to another, and some have very restrictive range. That\u2019s what makes LFC an important feature: it allows for FreeSync to work\u00a0\noutside\n\u00a0of the specified range. It does this by duplicating frames to raise the frame rate to enter the FreeSync range of any given monitor.\n\n\nThis disparity in feature makes it much more difficult to shop for FreeSync monitors, and you\u2019ll have to pay close attention to their specifications. To somewhat address this, AMD introduced FreeSync 2. In order for monitors to be FreeSync 2-certified, they have to include LFC, and meet AMD\u2019s minimum brightness level and colour coverage.\n\n\nIn short, FreeSync 2-certified monitors will be more costly than your standard FreeSync display. It\u2019s a given: FreeSync 2 monitors (for the most part) will perform better.\n\n\nShould You Get Them?\n\n\nDefinitely. Adaptive sync monitors will positively impact your gaming experience by quite a margin, and even if you\u2019re working with a tight budget, there are a wide range of affordable FreeSync monitors to choose from.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re willing to drop the cash for it, G-Sync monitors will deliver a more consistent gaming experience. That is not to say FreeSync monitors are bad; it\u2019s just a much more fragmented market than G-Sync monitors. It\u2019s entirely possible to find for excellent FreeSync monitors, but you\u2019ll have to really do your research to find for the right one \u2013 our \nbuyer\u2019s guide\n should prove to be helpful.\n\n\n\n\nAnd finally, this goes without saying, but make sure that you\u2019re pairing the correct GPU with your gaming monitor. If you plan to get a G-Sync monitor, get an Nvidia GPU. Bought a FreeSync monitor? Use a Radeon GPU. Obviously, an Nvidia GPU cannot take advantage of FreeSync technology, and vice versa.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nPC Hardware Buyer\u2019s Guide: Choosing the Right Gaming Monitor\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/why-am-i-playing-diablo-3-in-2018/", "title": "Why Am I Playing Diablo III in 2018?", "body": "\n\nBecause I don\u2019t have a phone.\n\n\nJokes aside \u2013 I obviously have a phone in this line of work \u2013 I recently got myself the PC version of Diablo III during Blizzard\u2019s Black Friday sale. Of course, I purchased the Reaper of Souls expansion too, along with the Rise of the Necromancer pack. But the real question is: why am I playing Diablo  III, \nsix years\n after its initial release?\n\n\nWell, for starters, it\u2019s my first time going into a Diablo game, so it\u2019s a brand new experience for me. After spending upwards of 50 hours in the game, I definitely see the appeal of Diablo III \u2013 it doesn\u2019t feel out of place at all in 2018.\n\n\n\n\nOn the surface, Diablo III is a loot-based action RPG, and loot impacts your power level the most. There are a few game modes to choose from: Campaign, Adventure, and Challenge Rifts. But before you can access the former two, you\u2019ll have to complete the Campaign first.\n\n\nThat\u2019s totally fine, as Campaign mode is a lot of fun. This is especially the case if you\u2019re into the lore of Diablo, and even though I have absolutely no idea what happened in the previous games, I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline.\n\n\nWhile the Campaign is quite enjoyable, it\u2019s only a small part of what makes Diablo III such a fun game \u2013 the Adventure mode has a lot more content to offer. You will mainly do one of two things: jump into rifts of various difficulties, or do bounties, which require you to complete random objectives in different maps.\n\n\n\n\nYou will be doing \na lot\n\u00a0of these to complete your gear, as bounties and rifts will reward you with various equipment. This is the grinding aspect of Diablo III, which can feel cumbersome after some time. Imagine spending hours on end hunting for a specific Legendary item that refuses to drop; RNG plays a huge role in this game.\n\n\nThankfully, that\u2019s where Seasons come into the picture. One season usually lasts for a few months, and if you complete the Season Journey\u2019s objectives, you will be rewarded with a specific full set for your chosen character. While the sets change every season \u2013 and some are better than others \u2013 it does make it much easier to get good equipment.\n\n\nBut there is a caveat to Seasons: you will have to start a new character. This may sound like a lot of work, but with the right strategy (and friends to play with), you can max out your level in a relatively short amount of time. In fact, seasonal play gives older Diablo III players a reason to return every few months \u2013 it\u2019s really quite smart.\n\n\n\n\nAnd that brings us to the next point. Even after all these years, Diablo III is \nstill \nconstantly updated with patches and balance changes. This keeps the game feeling fresh, and previous equipment considered to be weak have a chance to shine once Blizzard rework them. This opens up the possibility of new builds too, which adds to the game\u2019s overall fun factor.\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the amount of resources available to Diablo III. Not sure which class will suit your playstyle? Look up for gameplay videos of different classes on YouTube. Don\u2019t know which skill build can dish out the most damage? Google them. Sites like \nIcy Veins\n (and even the \nDiablo subreddit\n) has a lot of guides to choose from.\n\n\nIn short, it\u2019s not difficult to look for guidance when it comes to Diablo III, and this will benefit newcomers to the game immensely. I personally used the video below \u2013 from YouTuber Rhykker \u2013 to decide on which class I should start for Season 15.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDiablo III, despite its age, still has a lot to offer in 2018. In fact, it was recently released on the Nintendo Switch, and it has received pretty favourable reviews. There\u00a0\nwas\n\u00a0a lot of commotion with Diablo Immortal, but that isn\u2019t strictly related to this game.\n\n\nIf you haven\u2019t had the chance to play Diablo III, you really should \u2013 it\u2019s still relevant today, and it\u2019s a genuinely fun game.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/amd-ryzen-5-2600-radeon-rx-580-overview-the-amd-gaming-pc-for-the-sensible-gamer/", "title": "AMD Ryzen 5 2600 & Radeon RX 580 Overview: The AMD Gaming PC for the Sensible Gamer", "body": "\n\nChoosing the right processor and GPU for a gaming PC is not an easy task, especially for those who are on a tight budget. But if you\u2019re looking to \nbuild a PC\n that offers the most value for money \u2013 and one that can do more than just gaming \u2013 we have just the combo for you: the AMD Ryzen 5 2600 and Radeon RX 580.\n\n\nOffering a good level of performance at an affordable price point, the Ryzen 5 2600 CPU and RX 580 GPU are excellent choices for budget-conscious gamers. We\u2019ll outline several reasons why this combo has the best value for money.\n\n\nWhy AMD Ryzen 5 2600, Not Intel Core i5-8400?\n\n\nMore often than not, the Ryzen 5 2600 is always compared to the Intel Core i5-8400. While both of them have six cores, the 2600 is a 12-thread CPU. The i5-8400, on the other hand, is only a six-thread processor. Basically, the Ryzen 5 2600 will have the edge when it comes to productivity tasks thanks to the higher thread count. These include\u00a0video processing, image editing, and the likes.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, out of the box, the Core i5-8400 will outperform the Ryzen 5 2600 when it comes to gaming. This comes down to the i5-8400\u2019s higher turbo frequency \u2013 among other things \u2013 at 4GHz. In comparison, the 2600 can \u201conly\u201d boost up to 3.9GHz.\n\n\nSo is the i5-8400 better than the Ryzen 5 2600 in gaming? Not quite. See, unlike Intel\u2019s offering, the 2600 can be overclocked. It will require you to do some tweaking here and there, but if you\u2019re willing to learn how to overclock it, the Ryzen 5 2600 \nwill \noutperform the i5-8400.\n\n\nAnd, more importantly, the Ryzen 5 2600 is more affordable than the Core i5-8400. Right now, you can get the Ryzen CPU for about RM650, while the i5-8400 is going for around RM800 \u2013 that is not a small price gap. Plus, the stock Wraith Stealth cooler that comes with the Ryzen 5 is much, much better than the one you get with the Core i5-8400, though you should definitely get a custom cooler if you plan to do any overclocking.\n\n\nSo that\u2019s the Ryzen 5 2600; let\u2019s move on to the RX 580.\n\n\nWhy Radeon RX 580, not GTX 1060?\n\n\nChoosing between these two GPU are\u2026well, quite difficult. Generally, the performance difference between the Radeon RX 580 and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 isn\u2019t wildly different. Note that we\u2019re comparing the 8GB version of the RX 580 to the GTX 1060 with 6GB of GDDR5 memory. We\u2019re not taking into account the 4GB RX 580 in this review.\n\n\nBut there are a couple of areas where the RX 580 has the upper hand. For one, it\u2019s much easier to find this GPU in the sub-RM1,000 price range. In fact, a quick search on e-commerce sites like Lazada shows that you can get the 8GB RX 580 \nfor as low as RM899\n \u2013 that\u2019s \nridiculously \ngood value for money.\n\n\n\n\nIn comparison, the GTX 1060 (the 6GB model, of course) costs well over RM1,000. The most affordable one that we managed to find \nretails at RM1,049\n \u2013 that\u2019s RM150 price difference. Keep in mind that you\u2019ll get more or less the same level of performance with either one of these GPUs too.\n\n\nAnother reason why the RX 580 is more ideal for budget-conscious gamers than the GTX 1060 is the fact that it offers FreeSync support. FreeSync monitors in general are much, much more affordable than G-Sync monitors, and this allows gamers to enjoy a variable refresh rate monitor at a lower price point.\n\n\nThis reason alone may be enough to justify going with an AMD GPU like the RX 580. Trust us, FreeSync and G-Sync monitors \nwill make your gaming experience a lot more pleasant\n. You won\u2019t have to deal with screen tearing and stuttering anymore.\n\n\n\n\nFor those who are wondering why we\u2019re not taking into account the recently released Radeon RX 590, it comes down to pricing. This being a new GPU, its prices are not as competitive as the RX 580 or the GTX 1060.\n\n\nHow\u2019s the Performance?\n\n\nWell, see these game benchmarks for yourself. We used the PowerColor Red Devil Radeon RX 580 8GB for this benchmark.\n\n\nGames (Maxed Out Settings @ 1080p)\nAverage FPS\nWitcher 3\n43.82\nRise of the Tomb Raider\n38.24\nPlayerUnknown\u2019s Battlegrounds\n60.91\nFortnite\n80.34\n\n\nThese are by no means amazing numbers, but they\u2019re definitely good\u00a0 frame rates \u2013 especially at maximum graphics settings \u2013 for an enjoyable gaming experience. Anything above 30fps is very playable, and in highly competitive games like PlayerUnknown\u2019s Battlegrounds and Fortnite \u2013 where a high frame rate is important \u2013 the RX 580 can sustain over 60fps easily.\n\n\nBasically, you will have absolutely no issues playing modern games with the RX 580, and the Ryzen 5 2600\u00a0\nwill not\n\u00a0bottleneck this GPU.\n\n\nShould I Get This Combo?\n\n\nIf you do more than just gaming, where the AMD Ryzen 5 2600\u2019s extra threads will be very useful for productivity tasks, and you don\u2019t mind learning how to overclock the processor, go for it. The Radeon RX 580, on the other hand, simply offers better value for money compared to its competition like the GTX 1060. Its compatibility with budget-friendly FreeSync monitors is a nice bonus too.\n\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ve used this CPU and GPU combo as our main PC for a few weeks now, and it really is a reasonably powerful \u2013 and sensible \u2013 machine. It doesn\u2019t break the bank, it\u2019s capable enough to do some serious gaming (albeit only at 1080p), and it will work great as a video editing PC as well \u2013 what more can we ask for?\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-launching-lightweight-swift-5-laptop-in-malaysia-soon-should-you-get-it/", "title": "Acer Launching Lightweight Swift 5 Laptop in Malaysia Soon \u2013 Should You Get It?", "body": "\n\nAcer just announced that the slim and light Swift 5 laptop is coming to Malaysia soon. Touted as the world\u2019s lightest 15-inch laptop, the Swift 5 is a very interesting machine. But beyond its lightweight nature, is there anything else that\u2019s interesting about the Swift 5? Let\u2019s find out.\n\n\nSo what makes the Swift 5 such a light laptop? It comes down to the notebook\u2019s build material. The top and bottom cover \u2013 as well as the palm rest area \u2013 of the Swift 5 are made out of\u00a0magnesium-lithium alloy, and in normal usage, it should be durable enough. Of course, you\u00a0\ncan\n\u00a0flex the laptop quite a bit, but the laptop still feels well-built.\n\n\nAgain, in normal usage, the Swift 5\u2019s flex shouldn\u2019t be too much of a concern.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOkay, so how light is the Swift 5? 990g. That\u2019s right, this laptop weighs less than a kilogram, and that\u2019s\u00a0\nreally\n\u00a0impressive. There are only a handful of laptops in the market that are as lightweight as the Swift 5, and even fewer have a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS touch display like this machine.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, I\u2019m a fan of the Swift 5\u2019s minimal bezels \u2013 Acer claims an 87.6% screen-to-body ratio with this laptop. Thanks to this, the footprint of the laptop is reduced quite a bit, and it gives the Swift 5 a modern aesthetic. The best part is, unlike other ultraportables with slim bezels, Acer still manages to put the webcam at the top of the display. You won\u2019t have to worry about awkward angles with this laptop.\n\n\nPowering the Swift 5 is Intel\u2019s latest eight generation Whiskey Lake processors, and the highest-end CPU that can be fitted into this laptop is the Core i7-8565U processor. Sporting four physical cores with eight threads, the i7-8565U has a base frequency of 1.8GHz. When you need more power, it can boost up to 4.6GHz \u2013 a respectable figure.\n\n\n\n\nBasically, for a productivity-focused laptop, the Swift 5 has more than adequate performance level for its intended usage. On top of that, you should be able to do some light gaming on it too. While the Swift 5 doesn\u2019t have any dedicated GPU, its integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 should be powerful enough to, say, play Dota 2.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Swift 5 include up to 16GB of DDR4 RAM \u2013 although it\u2019s not known yet if the Malaysian market will receive this much RAM \u2013 as well as up to 512GB of fast PCIe NVMe SSD storage. Aside from that, the Swift 5 also supports Windows Hello with the laptop\u2019s built-in fingerprint reader.\n\n\nPositioned at the bottom right side of the keyboard, the fingerprint sensor is easily accessible. While it may seem trivial, I\u2019m glad the sensor isn\u2019t placed in the trackpad itself like certain laptops. It takes up precious trackpad space, especially on a trackpad as compact as the one on the Swift 5.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Swift 5 will be available in two colours once it arrives in Malaysia: Charcoal Blue and Steel Grey. Unfortunately, Acer did not reveal the laptop\u2019s local pricing yet, but expect it to cost a premium.\n\n\nIn the US, the Swift 5 retails from $1,099, which comes up to about RM4,595. That\u2019s quite a hefty price tag \u2013 especially for the base model of the laptop \u2013 and at that price point, the Swift 5 would have to compete with plenty of other premium ultraportables.\n\n\nOf course, the Swift 5 stands out from the crowd with its lightweight chassis and sleek design, but it needs more than that to make it a compelling laptop. For example, Acer promises up to 10 hours of battery life with the Swift 5; if the laptop can truly deliver this quoted battery life, it will make this notebook that much more attractive.\n\n\nShould you get the Acer Swift 5? Well, it will largely depend on how much Acer will price the laptop. If priced well \u2013 and it can deliver a good user experience \u2013 the Swift 5 is a lightweight laptop to keep an eye on.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-kg251q-quick-review-budget-friendly-75hz-freesync-gaming-monitor/", "title": "Acer KG251Q Quick Review: Budget-Friendly 75Hz FreeSync Gaming Monitor", "body": "\n\nAnyone who has a PC needs a monitor, and there are a wide variety of displays to choose from. Well, if you\u2019re looking for an affordable monitor with adequate gaming performance, here\u2019s one for your consideration: the Acer KG251Q gaming monitor.\n\n\nSporting a 75Hz refresh rate, good response time, FreeSync support, and decent panel quality, the KG251Q is a very good monitor for budget-conscious gamers. Let\u2019s get the quick review started, shall we?\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe KG251Q is a 24.5-inch 1920 x 1080 gaming monitor with a 75Hz refresh rate; a pretty good refresh rate for an affordable monitor. Aside from that, it also has a TN panel, which makes it possible for the display to achieve a 1ms grey-to-grey response time.\n\n\nBut what makes the KG251Q a \u201cgaming monitor\u201d is its FreeSync capability, which can eliminate screen tearing and stuttering when paired with an AMD Radeon GPU. For this specific monitor, its FreeSync range is from 40Hz to 75Hz \u2013 a wide enough coverage.\n\n\n\n\nAs for connectivity, the KG251Q has two HDMI inputs, a VGA port, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack. Do note that out of the box, this monitor only comes with a VGA cable \u2013 an HDMI cable is not provided.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nNaturally, the main highlight of the KG251Q is its FreeSync support at up to 75Hz, and it really works as intended. I played Witcher 3 and \nDiablo 3\n on this monitor, and they ran beautifully. There was no screen tearing, and I didn\u2019t notice any stuttering either.\n\n\nProvided you have a GPU that\u2019s powerful enough to push at least 40 frames per second in video games, you will be able to enjoy the KG251Q\u2019s FreeSync feature. Not having to deal with annoying screen tearing is quite amazing on a monitor this affordable.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the design of the KG251Q is quite good too. The small bezels give the monitor a sleek appearance, and the minimalist design with its black colour scheme will fit with practically any environment. Whether you\u2019re planning to use this monitor in the office or at home, it wouldn\u2019t look out of place.\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the panel quality of the KG251Q, which I\u2019d say is above average for a TN panel. It can get really bright, colours look pretty good \u2013 when viewed head-on, of course \u2013 and the matte surface eliminates glare well enough.\n\n\nBut at the end of the day, this is still a TN panel \u2013 let\u2019s move on to the not so good stuff.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nOne of the biggest weaknesses of TN panels is limited viewing angle, and colour shifting on the KG251Q is very obvious when you view the monitor from any angle that\u2019s not directly straight. To get the best user experience, you really have to view the monitor head-on.\n\n\nDue to its affordable price tag, the design of the KG251Q has limited functionality too. You cannot adjust the height of the display, and it cannot be swiveled either. You can, however, tilt the panel up or down slightly, so it\u2019s not all bad.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the KG251Q\u2019s OSD, which\u2026isn\u2019t very intuitive to navigate around. But hey, this\u00a0\nis\n\u00a0an affordable monitor \u2013 it comes with the territory.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nFor those who are working with a tight budget, the Acer KG251Q is one of the best gaming monitors you can get at its price point. Although this monitor officially retails at RM559, you can easily get it for much less. In fact, there is one retailer on Lazada that\u2019s offering the monitor \nfor only RM469\n \u2013 that\u2019s RM90 discount.\n\n\n\n\nAt that price point, you can do a lot worse than the KG251Q. If you can live with the TN panel\u2019s limited viewing angles and the monitor\u2019s lack of adjustability, you will be very happy gaming with this entry-level gaming monitor from Acer.\n\n\nPlus, it\u2019s great to have FreeSync support, a 75Hz refresh rate,\u00a0\nand\n\u00a0a good response time at this price point. All of these factors make the Acer KG251Q a good buy for budget-conscious gamers.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-holiday-sale-2018-5-ps4-exclusive-games-you-should-buy/", "title": "PlayStation Holiday Sale 2018 \u2013 5 PS4 Exclusive Games You Should Buy", "body": "\n\nThe PlayStation Holiday Sale 2018 is in full swing, and a plethora of games are on discount right now \u2013\u00a0\nhuge\n\u00a0discounts. If you\u2019ve been eyeing to get a couple of exclusive games on the platform, you should check if they are on discount right now.\n\n\nBut if you can\u2019t decide which game you should buy, here are five exclusive games on the PlayStation 4 that you should absolutely get right now. Do note that PlayStation Plus members will receive further price reductions on these games; it\u2019s definitely worth subscribing to the service if you haven\u2019t already.\n\n\nThe Uncharted Franchise\n\n\nA must-play for anyone who has a PlayStation 4 system. Currently,\u00a0\nUncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection\n is going for only RM22.20. If you\u2019re a PS Plus member, you can \nget the collection\u00a0for merely RM14.80\n\u00a0\u2013 that\u2019s ridiculously cheap. What does the collection include? The first three Uncharted games that were available on the PlayStation 3, which are Drake\u2019s Fortune, Among Thieves, and Drake\u2019s Deception.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt this is one of the best deals in the PlayStation Holiday Sale, and once you\u2019re done with these three games, \nUncharted 4: A Thief\u2019s End\n is going for only RM44.40 now. PS Plus members, on the other hand, can get the game for RM37.\n\n\nAnd if you want to experience the full Uncharted franchise, \nUncharted: The Lost Legacy\n can be purchased for RM44.70 \u2013 it\u2019s only RM29.80 for PS Plus members. Collectively, you\u2019ll be paying for less than RM100 for the\u00a0\nentire Uncharted franchise\n\u00a0if you\u2019re a PS Plus member. That\u2019s insanely cheap, and you\u2019re getting \nfive \ndifferent games.\n\n\nHorizon Zero Dawn: Complete Edition\n\n\nAnother high-profile exclusive title on the PlayStation 4. The \nHorizon Zero Dawn: Complete Edition\n includes the base game, as well as the Frozen Wilds expansion for RM56.70. Naturally, PS Plus members can get the game at an even lower price of RM37.80.\n\n\nThe Last of Us Remastered\n\n\nTouted as one of the best games on the PlayStation 3, \nThe Last of Us Remastered\n was re-released on the PlayStation 4 back in 2014. Developed by Naughty Dog \u2013 the same studio behind the Uncharted series \u2013 the Remastered edition of the game is listed for RM44.40 now \u2013 RM37 only for PS Plus members.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNot only does the Remastered edition of The Last of Us runs at 60fps, it also includes the Left Behind DLC. If you\u2019ve played the main game on the PlayStation 3, and you don\u2019t plan to revisit the game again, \nLeft Behind\n can be purchased on its own for RM10.80 (or RM7.20 for PS Plus members) only.\n\n\nInfamous Second Son\n\n\nAnnounced alongside the original PlayStation 4, \nInfamous Second Son\n is the first \u2013 and still the only \u2013 main Infamous title released on the console. Although it\u2019s been a while since the game was released, it\u2019s definitely still worth playing. Considering the fact that Second Son only costs RM44.40 now \u2013 RM37 if you\u2019re subscribed to PS Plus \u2013 there\u2019s even more reason to pick up the game.\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the \nFirst Light\n expansion is also discounted heavily. Originally going for RM40, the standalone game costs only RM12 now \u2013 RM8 if you\u2019re a PS Plus member.\n\n\nThe Last Guardian\n\n\nDespite its shortcomings, this is still a very endearing game. Initially announced for the PlayStation 3 in 2009 as \u201cProject Trico,\u201d \nThe Last Guardian\n was finally released on the PlayStation 4 in 2016. Fast forward two years, you can now get the game for only RM59.15. For PS Plus members, you can get it for slightly less at\u00a0RM50.70.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere are just some of the games that are heavily discounted in conjunction with the PlayStation Holiday Sale. There are other noteworthy titles on promotion \u2013 including the new \nGod of War\n and \nMarvel\u2019s Spider-Man\n \u2013 but because they are newer games, they\u2019re not quite as cheap as the games we\u2019ve mentioned here.\n\n\nOh, if you plan to get any of these games, don\u2019t forget to apply the discount code NQFTB7THQN for an additional 15% off on your total purchase. The PlayStation Holiday Sale will end next month on 8 January 2019.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-8-pro-review-style-with-a-splash-of-substance/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro Review: Style, with a Splash of Substance", "body": "\n\nXiaomi smartphones, more often than not, offer incredible value for money. Those who are looking to get the most bank for their buck, regardless of price point, will likely consider at least one device from the Chinese company.\n\n\nHowever, the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro takes a slightly different approach. While it still offers decent value for money, it\u2019s one of the most expensive Xiaomi devices released thus far \u2013 can it justify its higher than usual price tag? Let\u2019s find out.\n\n\nSpecifications\n\n\nDisplay\n6.21-inch FHD+ AMOLED (2248 x 1080)\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 845 2.8GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 630\nRAM\n8GB\nStorage\n128GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n12MP f/1.8 + 12MP f/2.4 telephoto, dual pixel AF, OIS\nCamera (front)\n20MP f/2.0\nBattery\n3,000mAh\nDimensions\n154.9 x 74.8 x 7.6 mm\nWeight\n177g\nOS\nMIUI 10 based on Android 8.1 Oreo\nConnectivity\nLTE\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi\u00a0802.11 a/b/g/n/ac\nUSB Type-C\n\n\nWithout a doubt the Mi 8 Pro is a high-end smartphone. It\u2019s powered by Qualcomm\u2019s fast Snapdragon 845 chipset, it has a generous amount of RAM at 8GB, and 128GB of fast UFS storage. On top of that, it even has an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\nThese are respectable hardware for a flagship smartphone, but there is one oddity: the 3,000mAh battery. It\u2019s a very modest capacity, and as a result, the Mi 8 Pro\u2019s battery life\u2026could\u2019ve been better.\n\n\nNonetheless, let\u2019s move on to design \u2013 it\u2019s arguably the Mi 8 Pro\u2019s best quality.\n\n\nDesign\n\n\nUnlike most conventional smartphones in the market now, the Mi 8 Pro comes with a unique see-through glass back. Underneath the glass is a\u00a0\nvery\n\u00a0sleek-looking design, which shows the different \u201ccomponents\u201d of the phone. Although this is \nmerely a plastic panel\n covering the actual parts, it\u2019s still a very unique and appealing design.\n\n\n\n\nTurn the Mi 8 Pro around, and you\u2019ll be greeted with the wide notch and \nnoticeable chin\n. In fact, it\u2019s quite similar to the \nPocophone F1\n\u2018s design, for better or worse. I\u2019m not particularly fond of the bottom bezel\u2019s size, and the wide notch takes up so much space, there\u2019s no room for notification icons.\n\n\nBasically, I don\u2019t know if I\u2019ve received any notification until I pull down on the notification shade. This is not intuitive, and it negatively impacts the user experience.\n\n\n\n\nOn a more positive note, I do like how the Mi 8 Pro feels in my hands. It has a nice heft to it (the phone weighs 177g), the glossy metal frame and the slightly tapered glass back feel nice to the touch, and it has solid build quality. I also love the red accent on the power button \u2013 a nice, small touch.\n\n\nAll in all, the Mi 8 Pro is a well-designed smartphone. While I do wish the front design isn\u2019t quite as generic, I do love the rear panel\u2019s design. It\u2019s sleek, unique, and no other phone in the market looks quite like it.\n\n\nUser Experience\n\n\nSoftware remains one of the biggest shortcomings of Xiaomi devices, and unfortunately enough, the Mi 8 Pro is no exception. Not only is the phone\u2019s MIUI 10 software still based on Android 8.1 Oreo, it has some quirks here and there too.\n\n\nFor one, notifications\u00a0\nstill\n\u00a0cannot be dismissed with a left swipe; it can only be cleared with a swipe to the right. Swiping left on notifications will reveal the snooze option instead, which \u2013 in my opinion \u2013 is rarely a feature most consumers actively search for.\n\n\nBesides that, notifications on the lock screen are not interactive either. If I want to see more information, I\u2019d have to unlock the phone to do so. These are not huge issues by any means, but it does show a need for refinement on Xiaomi\u2019s part.\n\n\n\n\nMIUI 10, of course, still has its good qualities. It\u2019s fast and responsive, and I love the fact that the Mi 8 Pro has an always on display. It\u2019s not as functional as I would\u2019ve liked \u2013 notifications from certain apps don\u2019t appear on the always on display \u2013 but it\u2019s still better than nothing.\n\n\nAnd then we have the in-screen fingerprint sensor, which works pretty alright. It\u2019s largely accurate, but like most sensors of this type, it\u2019s not as quick as a conventional fingerprint sensor. Thankfully, the Mi 8 Pro\u2019s face unlock works very well. It can even recognise my face in complete darkness, thanks to the infrared module.\n\n\nWhen it comes to performance, the Mi 8 Pro doesn\u2019t skip a beat. Multitasking on this phone is seamless, gaming on it is very enjoyable, and there\u2019s no noticeable lag at all throughout my time reviewing it. The Snapdragon 845 powering the Mi 8 Pro is without a doubt a very capable chipset.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDisplay is also another strong point for the Mi 8 Pro. The phone\u2019s 6.21-inch 1080p AMOLED panel has vibrant colours, great viewing angles, and excellent black levels. Sure, this display is not as impressive as a higher resolution 1440p panel, but it\u2019s still plenty sharp. Plus, the 1080p resolution will help with the phone\u2019s\u2026average battery life.\n\n\nYes, the Mi 8 Pro does not have very good battery life. On average, I can only get between four to five hours of screen on time out of the modest 3,000mAh battery. Getting through a typical work day with the phone isn\u2019t too hard, but it\u00a0\ncan\n\u00a0get quite difficult on busier days.\n\n\nIt doesn\u2019t have awful battery life, per se, but the Mi 8 Pro\u2019s 3,000mAh battery certainly shows its limitations. Thankfully, its charging rate is quite decent. Within 30 minutes of charging, the phone charged up to 55%.\n\n\n\n\nAll things considered, the Mi 8 Pro provides a relatively pleasant user experience. MIUI 10 still isn\u2019t my favourite version of Android, but looking beyond its small shortcomings, it\u2019s still a competent software with good performance.\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s get to my personal favourite aspect of this phone: the camera.\n\n\nCamera\n\n\nFeaturing a dual camera system made up of a 12MP f/1.8 sensor and a 12MP f/2.4 telephoto shooter, the Mi 8 Pro has great camera performance. The camera\u2019s dual pixel autofocus is fast, the optical image stabilisation makes it easier to get sharp-looking images (especially in low light conditions), and the camera app \u2013 while not perfect \u2013 is pleasant and intuitive to use.\n\n\n\n\nShooting in broad daylight with the Mi 8 Pro is a non-issue, which is expected of a flagship smartphone. But what particularly impressed me is the camera\u2019s low light performance. Even in challenging lighting situations, the phone can still capture great-looking shots.\n\n\nLow light images are properly exposed, noise level is kept in check pretty well, and while there are some lost details here and there, the shots still look impressive as a whole. However, the Mi 8 Pro\u2019s camera performance still isn\u2019t quite up to par with the best shooters in the segment, which include the Samsung Galaxy S9 and Huawei P20 Pro.\n\n\nBut that doesn\u2019t take away the fact that this phone is a very competent shooter.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nOfficially retailing at RM2,399 in Malaysia, the Mi 8 Pro is one of the most costly Xiaomi devices launched in recent times. At this price point, it has to compete with a number of other equally competent devices; some of which are more affordable.\n\n\nOnePlus 6T\n\n\nEven though it costs ever so slightly more, the OnePlus 6T is a very good alternative to the Mi 8 Pro. It comes with a slightly larger 6.41-inch 1080p Optic AMOLED display, the same Snapdragon 845 chipset, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, a smaller display notch, and superior software experience.\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of pricing, the base model of the OnePlus 6T with 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM retails at\u00a0RM2,458 \u2013 slightly less RAM than the Mi 8 Pro, but 6GB RAM is still \nmore than enough for most consumers\n.\n\n\nOn the flip side, the Mi 8 Pro does have a sleeker-looking, much more unique design. On top of that, the larger notch of the Pro houses a more sophisticated hardware for the face unlock feature, which works even in the dark. You can\u2019t do the same with the OnePlus 6T\u2019s face unlock.\n\n\nXiaomi Mi 8\n\n\nIf you want a more affordable variant of the Mi 8 Pro, you can always consider the standard Mi 8. For the most part, it has similar hardware as the Pro model, right down to the camera hardware. On top of that, the Mi 8 even comes with a larger 3,400mAh battery, which should translate to better battery life.\n\n\n\n\nWhile you don\u2019t get the Mi 8 Pro\u2019s sleek design or in-screen fingerprint sensor with the regular Mi 8, you do get to save a considerable amount of money: the 128GB Mi 8 with 6GB of RAM is\u00a0\ncurrently going for only RM1,829\n. That\u2019s well below the Mi 8 Pro\u2019s dearer asking price.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nThere are no devices in the market now that look quite as unique as the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro, and this differentiates it from the rest of the pack. But as sleek as it is, the phone falters in key areas like battery life and software experience. It has style in spades, but it\u2019s lacking substance.\n\n\nIf you can overlook its average battery life and live with the quirks of MIUI 10, you will be very happy with the Mi 8 Pro. However, you\u2019ll have to then consider the phone\u2019s steeper than usual asking price for a Xiaomi-made smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nWhile the Mi 8 Pro is not quite as expensive as other flagships, it\u2019s not exactly an affordable device either. You\u2019re essentially paying a premium for the phone\u2019s design and in-screen fingerprint sensor, and if you minus these two features, you have yourself\u2026well, the standard Mi 8.\n\n\nThat\u2019s not to say you shouldn\u2019t consider the Mi 8 Pro at all, of course. The phone\u2019s unique see-through design is its biggest appeal, and this reason alone may be enough for consumers to pick it up.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/pc-hardware-buyers-guide-air-or-water-cooling-which-is-superior/", "title": "PC Hardware Buyer\u2019s Guide: Air or Water Cooling \u2013 Which Is Superior?", "body": "\n\nPC building\n involves a lot of decision making, and one of the most important choices you\u2019ll have to make is choosing how to cool your processor. While stock coolers are generally good enough for most consumers, opting for a more robust cooling solution is worth the investment to prolong the lifespan of the CPU.\n\n\nBut the question is, should you go for a more traditional air cooler, or invest in a more expensive water cooling system for your CPU? We will compare the two in several key areas, including cost, performance, aesthetics, and of course, reliability.\n\n\nDo note that we will be talking exclusively about closed-loop water cooling systems in this article, which doesn\u2019t require extra maintenance like costlier custom-made ones.\n\n\nCost\n\n\nIn this regard, air coolers are without a doubt much cheaper than water cooling systems. This, in turn, give air coolers better value for money across the board. Whether you\u2019re looking at an entry-level or a high-end air cooler, they will be more affordable than their water cooling counterparts.\n\n\nBut just because you\u2019ll be paying less for air coolers \ndoesn\u2019t\u00a0mean\n they\u2019re inferior when it comes to cooling performance, and that brings us to the next point.\n\n\nPerformance\n\n\nIf you\u2019re on a tighter budget, air coolers will definitely provide better cooling performance. This ties back to cost: a good, high-end air cooler like the Noctua NH-D15 will \nset you back RM459\n, but for about the same amount of money, you can only get an entry-level to mid-range water cooler like the \nNZXT Kraken X42\n.\n\n\nBut what if budget isn\u2019t an issue to you? Well, just look at the video comparison by Linus Tech Tips below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvidently, there is very little difference in cooling performance between air and water coolers. In fact, air coolers are actually superior in Linus\u2019 tests above. However, performance is only one part of the equation \u2013 there are other key factors to consider too.\n\n\nAesthetics\n\n\nThis is subjective, but generally, one of the main appeals of water cooling systems are their minimalist designs. The water block is the only part that is connected to the CPU, and the rest of the cooling system \u2013 the radiator and fan \u2013 is usually out of view. In fact, NZXT Kraken water coolers have very sleek-looking water blocks, which is further complemented with RGB lighting.\n\n\n\n\nAir coolers, on the other hand, are usually very large, and they are \nvery\u00a0noticeable\n on a motherboard. This may not look very appealing to some folks, but as mentioned, this is a subjective matter.\n\n\nReliability\n\n\nClosed-loop water cooling systems have come a long way, and they\u2019re pretty reliable these days. That being said, there is always the risk of the cooling system leaking, which\u2026well, will be disastrous to your PC hardware. Again, it\u2019s unlikely it will happen, but it \ncan\n happen, and some may not be willing to take the risk.\n\n\nAs for air coolers, the only real point of failure is the fan, which isn\u2019t that big of a deal \u2013 it won\u2019t directly impact (literally and figuratively) other hardware in the PC.\n\n\nSize & Compatibility\n\n\nIt\u2019s important to consider these two things when deciding between an air and water cooler, especially for those who are working with a smaller case. For example, if your case doesn\u2019t have enough clearance, you may not be able to install an air cooler on the CPU. A water cooling system, on the other hand, is more flexible in this regard \u2013 the water block isn\u2019t as intrusive. But you\u2019ll have to make sure the case can accommodate the water cooler\u2019s radiator.\n\n\n\n\nCompatibility aside, due to the sheer size of air coolers, some of them may not play well with other parts of a motherboard. This is especially the case with the RAM slot, which may be obstructed by bigger air coolers.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nDepending on the case you have, how you want your system to look, and how much you\u2019re willing to spend, you\u2019ll want one cooling system over the other. As a whole, however, both air and water cooling systems are\u2026well, viable options.\n\n\n\n\nPersonally, I love the design of a water cooling system, but I\u2019ll have to spend a lot more money to get comparable cooling performance as a good, more affordable air cooler. But if your concern is to get the best cooling performance for the least amount of money, invest in a good air cooler \u2013 it\u2019ll keep your CPU cool without breaking the bank.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/tech-trends-were-excited-to-see-in-2019/", "title": "Tech Trends We\u2019re Excited to See in 2019", "body": "\n\n2018 went by pretty quickly, and we\u2019ve seen some interesting tech trends unfold throughout the year. Display notches on smartphones really exploded, AMD continued its momentum \u2013 especially in the CPU market \u2013 and Fortnite\u2019s massive popularity took the limelight away from PlayerUnknown\u2019s Battlegrounds in the battle royale genre.\n\n\nMoving into 2019, we\u2019re positive we will see even more interesting tech trends emerge, and here are some we\u2019re particularly excited about.\n\n\nCreative Solutions to the Display Notch\n\n\nDisplay notches became a huge thing in 2018, and almost every major smartphone maker introduced a notch of some kind on their devices. Interestingly, some manufacturers \ndid manage to remove the notch\n with creative solutions like a \nsliding mechanism\n and \n\u201chole-punch\u201d design\n.\n\n\n\n\nChances are, we\u2019ll see more implementations like this throughout the year, especially with the hole-punch design approach. Maybe we\u2019ll even see more ingenious designs, and who knows \u2013 perhaps more manufacturers will be able to \neliminate the smartphone chin\n like Apple.\n\n\nNew Smartphone Form Factor\n\n\nNow, \u201cnew\u201d isn\u2019t the most apt description here, but it\u2019s certainly a new take on an \u201cold\u201d design. That\u2019s right, we\u2019re talking about foldable smartphones, which will very likely see the light of day this year.\n\n\nPerhaps the most high profile foldable smartphone unveiled \u2013 well, sort of \u2013 thus far is the prototype from Samsung. Sporting the Korean company\u2019s new Infinity Flex Display, the phone can fold open to reveal a larger, tablet-sized display.\n\n\nIt\u2019s a technological marvel, that\u2019s for sure, but whether or not the foldable display will serve any meaningful functionality still remains to be seen. At the end of the day, it\u2019s up to phone makers to make the best out of the new technology.\n\n\n5G Is Becoming a Reality\n\n\nThe hardware to enable 5G technology \nis here\n, and it\u2019s only a matter of time before network operators start pushing for the new standard. It\u2019s very likely 5G connectivity will be implemented globally in one form or another this year, but whether or not this will happen in Malaysia is an entirely different question.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, it\u2019s always possible 5G connectivity will be a reality even in Malaysia in 2019. If there\u2019s any telco in this country that can accomplish this, it will definitely stand out from the rest.\n\n\nMore Exciting GPU Market\n\n\nThere are two big names in the GPU market: Nvidia, and AMD. In 2018, it was mostly Nvidia\u2019s year with its range of RTX series graphics cards. AMD, on the other hand, only released a couple of \u201cnew\u201d GPUs, which were mostly just revisions of its existing products.\n\n\nFor 2019, however, it should be an exciting year for PC hardware enthusiasts. After all, this is the year AMD will \nfinally\n release its 7nm graphics cards for the consumer market, along with its 7nm Zen 2 processors. How soon will we hear about AMD\u2019s plan for the year? Perhaps as early as next week at CES 2019.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, it\u2019s unlikely that AMD will reveal its highly anticipated Navi GPUs at the trade show next week; that will probably happen much later into the year. Nonetheless, 2019 will be an exciting year for the GPU market.\n\n\nGaming Console Hardware Revisions\n\n\nIt\u2019s a little bit early to say for sure, but there is a chance we will see some notable hardware revisions with gaming consoles in 2019. We \nprobably\n won\u2019t see any big changes with the PlayStation and Xbox ecosystems, but there is one console that will possibly get a hardware revision: the Nintendo Switch.\n\n\nReleased back in 2017, the Switch is still a relatively new portable console, but rumours are suggesting that Nintendo will revise the hardware of the system sometime this year \u2013 one of the biggest upgrades the Switch will supposedly get is a better (and generally more desirable) OLED display. Compared to the current Switch\u2019s LCD display, this hardware upgrade alone may be enough for consumers to get the new version. An OLED panel will be able to deliver better power efficiency, image quality, and superior black levels.\n\n\n\n\nBut it\u2019s still largely a mystery when \u2013 or if \u2013 Nintendo will release a new version of the Switch, though many are convinced it will happen sometime this year. It\u2019ll be interesting to see what kind of hardware updates (aside from the display) the new Switch will bring to the table.\n\n\nWithout a doubt 2019 will be another exciting year for the tech industry in various fields. On top of that, with CES 2019 just around the corner, we won\u2019t have to wait long to see what the year has in store for us too.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/smartphone-trends-that-need-to-die-in-2019/", "title": "Smartphone Trends That Need to Die in 2019", "body": "\n\nWe wrote about tech trends that we\u2019re excited to see in 2019, and we can\u2019t help but to wonder about something else too \u2013 more specifically, trends that we\u2019ve observed in the mobile space.\n\n\nThere were quite a number of\u2026interesting smartphone trends in 2018, and that got us thinking: which of them need to die this year? Here are some noteworthy smartphone trends last year that we don\u2019t need in 2019.\n\n\nNotched Displays\n\n\nThis is probably the trend that most smartphone users are not thrilled about, and for good reason. While a notched display maximises screen real estate, it can be quite bothersome in everyday usage. To make matters worse, some phones have notched displays\u2026for the sake of it.\n\n\n\n\nThankfully, we may not see \nthat\n many smartphones with notched displays this year. After all, some phone makers have already come up with creative solutions to the display notch, including a slide-out display, and even a \u201chole-punch\u201d design. The latter design has a circular cutout on the display for the front-facing camera.\n\n\nBut will the hole-punch design be as disruptive as the display notch? Only time will tell, though we do think it\u2019s a better alternative to the notch.\n\n\nMulti-Camera Systems\n\n\nOf course we have to talk about the increasingly ridiculous number of camera sensors on a smartphone. We \nwrote about this spec race\n before, and we still stand by it: you really don\u2019t need more than one \u2013 okay, or two \u2013 rear cameras on a smartphone. Just look at the Google Pixel 3\u2019s impressive camera performance; it\u2019s achieved with only a \nsingle\n rear shooter.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, if recent leaks of the Huawei Mate 30 and Nokia 9 PureView are to be believed, we will see the debut of rear camera systems with five different sensors. That\u2019s right, five, and we are puzzled as to why there\u2019s a need for so many camera sensors.\n\n\nWho knows, Huawei and Nokia may have good reasons to do so. We\u2019ll find out soon enough as the year progresses.\n\n\n\u201cGaming\u201d Smartphones\n\n\nWe\u2019re not saying gaming smartphones in general shouldn\u2019t be a thing at all this year. Rather, we\u2019re talking about smartphones that have the \u201cgaming\u201d moniker slapped on them for marketing purposes, and nothing else. There are a number of \u201cgaming\u201d smartphones like these, and we talk about it extensively \nhere\n.\n\n\n\n\nWhat we do want to see, of course, are gaming smartphones with unique feature set that further differentiate them from conventional devices. The \nAsus ROG Phone\n does this pretty well with its gaming-centric features, and we\u2019re definitely looking forward to seeing more smartphones makers follow suit.\n\n\nInflated Prices\n\n\nIn a price-sensitive market like Malaysia, this trend is especially bothersome. Of course, no other smartphones define this trend quite like the new iPhones. After all, the most affordable device in the series, the iPhone XR, retails from RM3,599.\n\n\nIf you want the iPhone XS Max instead, which is the highest-end device in the 2018 iPhone lineup, you\u2019ll have to fork out a whopping RM5,399. On top of that, that\u2019s only for the \nbase model\n with 64GB of non-expandable storage \u2013 not something you\u2019d expect out of a smartphone in this price range.\n\n\nConsidering the fact that Apple is lowering its revenue forecast for this year \u2013 a move the company has not made in over 15 years \u2013 it\u2019s not far-fetched to assume that the latest iPhones\u2019 steep price tags played a role here. Nonetheless, we really hope smartphones won\u2019t go over the RM5,000 \u2013 or even the RM4,000 \u2013 mark in 2019 for the Malaysian market.\n\n\n\n\nThere are many more smartphone trends that we don\u2019t need this year, but these are definitely some of the most irksome trends we\u2019ve noticed last year. Now, let\u2019s see what awaits us in 2019 \u2013 we bet it will be quite an exciting year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-10-lite-hands-on-a-reasonably-good-budget-smartphone/", "title": "Honor 10 Lite Hands-On: A Reasonably Good Budget Smartphone", "body": "\n\nHonor just released its latest smartphone, the Honor 10 Lite, in Malaysia. Positioned as yet another budget offering from the Chinese company, the 10 Lite is a promising phone on paper; but is it any good? Retailing from RM749, it\u2019s definitely affordable, but let\u2019s see if it\u2019s worth considering for most folks.\n\n\nOne of the most appealing aspects of the Honor 10 Lite is its design, and I really dig the back panel\u2019s aesthetics on this Sky Blue variant. It\u2019s unmistakably plastic, but despite this, it still looks and feels great for an affordable smartphone. The gradient finish is attractive, and the glossy, plastic frame feels nice to the touch.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBuild quality is pretty great on the 10 Lite too. The phone doesn\u2019t creak, it feels solid in my hands, and the slightly curved back panel makes it a comfortable phone to use for long periods of time. Turn the phone around, and you\u2019ll see the 10 Lite\u2019s small notch and minimal bottom bezel; very aesthetically pleasing.\n\n\nWhile I\u2019m quite impressed with the Honor 10 Lite\u2019s design language, there is one thing I\u2019m not particularly fond off: the microUSB port. This isn\u2019t a huge issue, of course, and we have to keep in mind that this \nis\n an affordable smartphone. Most devices in this price range still use this port anyway.\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the 10 Lite\u2019s 6.21-inch 2340 x 1080 LTPS display, which looks decent. The colour does shift slightly when viewed off-angle, but as a whole, it\u2019s a perfectly acceptable panel quality. Colours are still punchy, and the display is plenty sharp despite its 1080p resolution.\n\n\nIn the performance department, the 10 Lite works well enough. Its Kirin 710 chipset \u2013 said to be equivalent to Qualcomm\u2019s Snapdragon 660 SoC \u2013 delivers a good level of performance, and the phone doesn\u2019t feel particularly sluggish. There is, however, a slight stutter here and there, especially when switching from one app to another. Do note that the unit I tested is the 32GB variant with only 3GB of RAM.\n\n\nPacking a 3,400mAh battery, the Honor 10 Lite should be able to return good battery life. It\u2019s not a very generous battery capacity, but the phone does have a rather compact 6.21-inch 1080p display. Chances are, the 10 Lite should have above average battery life. We\u2019ll definitely put this to the test if we\u2019re able to do a full review of the phone.\n\n\n\n\nAs for software experience, EMUI 9 on the 10 Lite is a functional version of Android. It works as it should, but I\u2019m not a fan of the user interface\u2019s design. It doesn\u2019t look particularly modern, and I find the app icons to be a tad too large. This is a subjective matter, and not everyone will share my sentiment.\n\n\nLike most phones in the market now, the 10 Lite comes with several biometric security options. The rear fingerprint sensor works great, and the face unlock system can recognise my face in a relatively quick manner. However, enabling the face unlock feature does increase the amount of time the phone takes to wake from sleep, which can get quite annoying.\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the Honor 10 Lite\u2019s camera performance, which is not too bad. The phone\u2019s 13MP f/1.8 + 2MP f/2.4 dual camera system can capture decent-looking photos in broad daylight (a given, really), and the camera app is pretty darn responsive.\n\n\nBut in low light conditions, the 10 Lite\u2019s camera performance isn\u2019t as good. The shutter speed slows down considerably, and noise is quite apparent too. To be fair, we haven\u2019t spent a lot of time photographing with the 10 Lite, so we can\u2019t say for sure (yet) if its camera performance isn\u2019t good.\n\n\nPlus, I haven\u2019t extensively tested the 24MP f/2.0 front-facing shooter yet either, which does seem quite promising.\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor 10 Lite is a sleek, budget-friendly smartphone with reasonably good user experience, but this can also be said of another smartphone from the company: the \nHonor 8X\n. Not only are both phones powered by the same Kirin 710 processor, the 8X feels like a more premium device too, thanks to its glass and metal construction.\n\n\nHowever, the 10 Lite is much more affordable. The 32GB base model with 3GB of RAM goes for RM749 in Malaysia, while the 64GB variant with the same amount of RAM retails at RM799. In contrast, the Honor 8X carries a RM949 price tag.\n\n\n\n\nHonor is pricing the 10 Lite aggressively for the Malaysian market, and that\u2019s necessary for the phone to stand out in this highly competitive price segment. But as affordable as it is, it remains to be seen how the 10 Lite compares to other similarly priced phones \u2013 we can only give our final verdict in a full review of Honor\u2019s latest smartphone.\n\n\nUpdate, 8 January 1PM:\n This article has been updated with the Malaysian pricing of the Honor 10 Lite.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ces-2019-most-exciting-laptops-gaming-machines-from-acer-asus/", "title": "CES 2019: Most Exciting Laptops & Gaming Machines from Acer & Asus", "body": "\n\nCES 2019 is happening right now, and as expected, various manufacturers have introduced pretty interesting products. From slim and light productivity-focused laptops to beefy gaming machines, here\u2019s a roundup of the most exciting products from Acer and Asus that were announced at the annual technology conference.\n\n\nAcer Swift 7\n\n\nBezel-less laptops are becoming much more prevalent, and the Acer Swift 7 is the latest entry in the category. Sporting a 92% screen-to-body ratio, the Swift 7 has very, very thin bezels. Because of the lack of bezels, the webcam is now located in the keyboard. That\u2019s right, it\u2019s a pop-up webcam like the one found on the Huawei MateBook X Pro.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Swift 7 include a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS touchscreen, an Intel Core i7-8500Y Amber Lake processor paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR3 RAM, 256GB or 512GB of PCIe SSD storage, and two Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports. On top of that, the laptop is only 9.95mm thin, and it tips the scales at 890g \u2013 it\u2019s a very slim and light laptop.\n\n\n\n\nSet to be available in North America later this year in May 2019, the Swift 7 retails from $1,699, which comes up to about RM6,990. That\u2019s a steep price tag, but it\u2019s not exactly unexpected; the Swift 7 has always been positioned as a premium product.\n\n\nAsus ZenBook S13\n\n\nAsus also revealed its own bezel-less laptop in the form of the ZenBook S13, and it\u2019s more powerful than the new Swift 7 in a couple of areas. Not only does it come with a faster Core i5-8265U or i7-8565U processor, it also features Nvidia\u2019s GeForce MX150 GPU. It may not be a very beefy GPU, but it\u2019s certainly good enough for casual gamers.\n\n\nWhat\u2019s even more impressive about the S13 is its high 97% screen-to-body ratio, and unlike Acer\u2019s implementation, Asus is retaining the webcam at the top of the display. However, this does result in a \u201creverse notch\u201d to create space for the camera. It\u2019s also worth noting that the S13 isn\u2019t as slim or light as the Swift 7 \u2013 the former weighs about 1.1kg, and has a 12.9mm chassis.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Asus ZenBook S13 include a 13.9-inch 1080p IPS display, up to 16GB of LPDDR3 RAM, PCIe SSD storage that maxes out at 1TB, two USB-C ports, one USB-A connection, and a microSD card slot.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, Asus has not revealed the retail price of the ZenBook S13 yet. The company did, however, mention that the laptop will be launched sometime in the first quarter of 2019. Looking at its hardware and feature set, expect the ZenBook S13 to carry a premium price tag.\n\n\nAcer Predator Triton 900\n\n\nInitially teased at IFA 2018, Acer finally revealed more information on the Predator Triton 900 gaming behemoth. What sets this gaming laptop apart from its competition is the hinge mechanism, which is dubbed as the \u201cEzel Aero Hinge.\u201d\n\n\nYou can use the Triton 900 in four different configurations: the standard notebook mode, tablet mode, \u201cEzel mode\u201d \u2013 the display is positioned right above the keyboard \u2013 and display mode, which flips the screen around. There are not many convertible gaming laptops in the market now, which makes the Triton 900 a rather interesting product.\n\n\nThe Predator Triton 900 is a serious gaming machine, so without a doubt it has some powerful hardware under the hood. These include a GeForce RTX 2080 GPU, a 17-inch 4K IPS touch display with Nvidia\u2019s G-Sync technology, Intel\u2019s six-core i7 processor, PCIe NVMe SSD storage, and up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM.\n\n\n\n\nThese are all beefy hardware, so it\u2019s not surprising that the Acer Predator Triton 900 retails from a whopping $3,999 \u2013 that\u2019s about RM16,460. If you\u2019re keen to get it, you won\u2019t have to wait too long either: the gaming machine will be available from March 2019 onwards.\n\n\nAsus ROG Mothership\n\n\nThis is yet another gaming powerhouse, and on the surface, the Asus ROG Mothership is\u2026a gaming tablet. A very powerful one at that.\n\n\nMuch like the Predator Triton 900, the ROG Mothership is equipped with an RTX 2080 GPU, albeit it\u2019s the mobile version. Aside from that, it also has a sizeable 17.3-inch 1080p display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time. Not surprisingly, the display also boasts Nvidia\u2019s G-Sync technology \u2013 a given for a gaming machine of this pedigree.\n\n\nDesign-wise, the ROG Mothership has the form-factor of Microsoft\u2019s Surface tablet, right down to the kickstand design and detachable keyboard. What\u2019s different, of course, is the fact that the keyboard can also work wirelessly. Alternatively, the keyboard can be connected to the Mothership via USB-C if you\u2019re worried about input lag.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the ROG Mothership include an Intel Core i9-8950HK processor, three NVMe SSDs in RAID 0 configuration, up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM, two USB-C ports \u2013 one of which is Thunderbolt 3 \u2013 four USB-A connections, an HDMI port, an SD card slot, as well as an ethernet connection. A very generous selection of ports.\n\n\nMuch like the ZenBook S13, the Asus ROG Mothership does not have any pricing information yet, though it will be available sometime in the first quarter of 2019 as well.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-zenbook-13-ux333-what-you-need-to-know/", "title": "Asus ZenBook 13 (UX333) \u2013 What You Need to Know", "body": "\n\nAsus has unveiled \nquite a number of interesting products\n at CES 2019, but in this article, we\u2019re going to focus on last year\u2019s Asus ZenBook 13 (UX333). Slated to be released in Malaysia tomorrow, it\u2019s a productivity laptop in a very compact form factor, and here\u2019s what you need to know about the ZenBook 13.\n\n\nFirst things first, let\u2019s talk about the ZenBook 13\u2019s most attractive element: design. Measuring only 302 x 189 x 16.9 mm, this laptop is even more compact than the recently announced Asus ZenBook S13. On top of that, you\u2019re also getting very thin bezels \u2013 with no large chin \u2013 on the ZenBook 13.\n\n\nThe newer ZenBook S13 \ndoes\n have thinner bezels, of course, but if you want portability above all else, the ZenBook 13 is the more ideal laptop.\n\n\n\n\nDespite the narrow bezels, Asus still manages to place the ZenBook 13\u2019s webcam at the top of the display; you won\u2019t have to deal with awkward camera angles. To top it off, the webcam also supports Windows Hello authentication, allowing you to log into the laptop by simply looking at the camera.\n\n\nAnother interesting design element of the ZenBook 13 is the trackpad, which also doubles as a numpad. To activate the numpad, all you need to do is tap on the top right of the trackpad. While you don\u2019t get the tactility of a physical numpad, it\u2019s a smart implementation, and you don\u2019t typically get a numpad on 13-inch laptops like the ZenBook 13 anyway.\n\n\n\n\nIn the performance department, the ZenBook 13 comes with an Intel Core i5-8265U processor, and it can be configured with an Nvidia GeForce MX150 GPU or Intel\u2019s integrated UHD Graphics 620. The MX150 is the Max-Q variant, of course, and it\u2019s impressive how a laptop as compact as the ZenBook 13 comes with a discrete GPU \nand\n a U series processor instead of a Y series chip \u2013 the latter is typically slower.\n\n\nWhen it comes to productivity laptops, the selection of ports is quite important, and the ZenBook 13 has the essentials. These include a USB-C port, two USB-A connections \u2013 one of which is a USB 3.1 port \u2013 an HDMI output, and a microSD card slot.\n\n\nThat being said, it would\u2019ve been great if the ZenBook 13 had the much more useful SD card reader instead of a microSD slot. Unfortunately, that\u2019s the trend manufacturers are moving toward \u2013 an SD card reader is an increasingly rare feature in today\u2019s laptops.\n\n\n\n\nAnother important feature of productivity-focused laptops is good battery life. According to Asus, the ZenBook 13\u2019s 50WHr battery can supposedly return up to 14 hours of battery life on a single charge. That\u2019s a very generous estimate, but if the ZenBook 13 can really deliver this kind of battery life, we\u2019d be very impressed.\n\n\nOther specifications of the ZenBook 13 include a 13.3-inch 1920 x 1080 display, 8GB of LPDDR3 RAM, three choices of PCIe SSD storage (256GB, 512GB, or 1TB), dual-band 802.11ac gigabit-class WiFi, as well as Bluetooth 5.0.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ZenBook 13 is an attractive laptop in a very compact form factor, and that makes it a pretty compelling machine for those who are looking for a solid productivity laptop. However, this will still depend on how much the ZenBook 13 will go for in Malaysia.\n\n\nIn the US, the ZenBook 13 retails from $850, which comes up to about RM3,495 \u2013 that\u2019s quite a competitive starting price for a premium laptop. If Asus can replicate this pricing in Malaysia, we reckon the ZenBook 13 will be one of the most attractive compact laptops in the market.\n\n\nNonetheless, we\u2019ll find out for ourselves tomorrow once Asus officially introduced the laptop in Malaysia. Keep your eyes peeled for our hands-on of the ZenBook 13 soon!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-note-7-introduced-with-48mp-camera-what-you-need-to-know/", "title": "Redmi Note 7 Introduced with 48MP Camera \u2013 What You Need to Know", "body": "\n\nThe Redmi lineup is now a sub-brand of Xiaomi, and the first device to be unveiled under the \u201cnew\u201d branding is the Redmi Note 7. Featuring a 48MP primary camera sensor and affordable price tags, the new Note 7 is a mighty interesting mid-ranger.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Redmi Note 7\u2019s impressive 48MP camera. Paired with a 5MP sensor \u2013 it\u2019s responsible for capturing depth information \u2013 the 48MP primary shooter can do pixel binning to improve low light camera performance. Supposedly, this allows the Note 7 to capture the equivalent of a 12MP image with 1.6-micron pixels.\n\n\nThis sounds good in theory, of course, and if implemented well on the Note 7, it will dramatically improve the phone\u2019s low light camera performance. But until we test out the Note 7\u2019s camera for ourselves, we\u2019ll reserve judgment.\n\n\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the Note 7\u2019s camera is also integrated with a number of AI features. Not only can it do \u201chandheld night photography\u201d \u2013 the same feature found on the \nXiaomi Mi Mix 3\n \u2013 the camera also supports AI scene detection, AI beautify, and AI portraits. On the front, the phone has a 13MP selfie camera.\n\n\nOkay, so that\u2019s the Redmi Note 7\u2019s camera, which sounds very promising on paper. Next, we have the phone\u2019s pretty sleek-looking design. The subtle gradient finish on the back panel looks great, the small notch at the top of the display isn\u2019t very intrusive, and the bottom bezel is reasonably small as well.\n\n\nOn top of that, Sporting 2.5D glass panels on the front \nand \nback, we reckon the Note 7 will feel pretty premium in the hand too. Despite its affordable price tag, this phone also comes with a USB Type-C port \u2013 very impressive.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Redmi Note 7\u2019s display, it\u2019s a 6.3-inch 19.5:9 Full HD+ panel protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. Thanks to the display\u2019s 1080p resolution, the phone\u2019s generous 4,000mAh battery should be able to return good battery life.\n\n\nPowering the Redmi Note 7 is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset; a very capable upper mid-range SoC. If you\u2019re wondering if you can play mobile games effectively with this phone, worry not: you should be able to get playable frame rate on popular titles like PUBG Mobile with this phone.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Redmi Note 7 include up to 6GB of RAM, two choices of internal storage (32GB or 64GB), a 3.5mm headphone jack, and even an IR blaster. Interestingly, the Note 7 comes with an 18-month warranty in China as well \u2013 this is touted as a first in the Chinese market.\n\n\n\n\nThe Redmi Note 7 is a well-equipped mid-range smartphone with a sleek design, and its camera performance is very, very promising. The best part is, none of these are the Note 7\u2019s most appealing aspect; in our opinion, of course.\n\n\nWhat makes the Note 7 such a compelling smartphone is its sheer value for money. In China, the base model with 32GB of storage and 3GB of RAM is offered at merely 999 Chinese yuan. That\u2019s only about RM600, which is \nridiculously\n affordable given the Note 7\u2019s feature set.\n\n\nIf you want more RAM and storage capacity, the 64GB models with 4GB and 6GB of RAM retail at 1,199 yuan (approximately RM725) and 1,399 yuan (around RM845) respectively. Still \nvery\n affordable price tags.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, at the time of writing, the Redmi Note 7 is only available in China. It remains to be seen if the mid-ranger will be available anywhere else, especially after the re-positioning of the Redmi brand in Xiaomi\u2019s portfolio. Hopefully, the Note 7 will be sold outside of China in the very near future; according to our sources, there\u2019s a good chance the phone will be made available in Malaysia sometime in February 2019.\n\n\nGiven its competitive pricing and attractive set of features, we\u2019re confident the Redmi Note 7 will be one of the best \u2013 if not \nthe\u00a0best\n \u2013 mid-range smartphones in markets where it is available.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-zenbook-13-ux333-hands-on-the-laptop-of-my-dreams/", "title": "Asus ZenBook 13 (UX333) Hands-On: The Laptop of My Dreams", "body": "\n\nLooking for a good productivity laptop in a sleek, compact form factor has never been easier. Thanks to the shrinking screen bezels on modern laptops, they are now more compact than ever, and one such laptop is the new Asus ZenBook 13 (UX333).\n\n\nLaunched in Malaysia just yesterday \u2013 alongside the ZenBook 14 and 15 \u2013 the ZenBook 13 has an extremely small footprint. On top of that, it is priced pretty competitively too. I managed to spend some time with the ZenBook 13, and simply put\u2026I\u2019m really impressed with Asus\u2019 latest ultraportable.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRight off the bat, the ZenBook 13\u2019s compact form factor is reminiscent of a netbook \u2013 a class of very portable laptops introduced several years ago. But this is no netbook, of course. Not only does it have the processing power of a conventional laptop, the ZenBook 13 has a 13.3-inch 1080p display too with very narrow bezels.\n\n\nThere \nare \nstill some bezels at the top and bottom of the ZenBook 13\u2019s display, but they\u2019re definitely not as chunky as those found in other laptops. According to Asus, the ZenBook 13 also has an impressive 95% screen-to-body ratio, and it looks incredible in person. I also love the fact that I can open the laptop\u2019s lid with only one finger. \n\n\nSo how compact is the ZenBook 13? Measuring only 302 x 189 x 16.9 mm, Asus claims this laptop is even smaller than an A4 paper, and I\u2019m inclined to agree. In fact, it\u2019s quite surreal how Asus managed to cram a 13.3-inch display into this ultraportable \u2013 it\u2019s so ridiculously small.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the ZenBook 13\u2019s 13.3-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display has vibrant colours, and it also has good viewing angles. However, using the laptop in bright outdoors may be troublesome. Even though the display can get quite bright, glare can be an issue with the panel\u2019s glossy finish, so just keep this in mind.\n\n\nDespite its compact form factor, the ZenBook 13 has a rather complete selection of ports. These include a USB-C port, two USB-A connections, an HDMI output, and a microSD card slot. I\u2019ve mentioned this before, but I would\u2019ve really loved to see an SD card reader instead of a microSD slot on this laptop \u2013 it\u2019s a much more useful feature.\n\n\nBut for the average user, I imagine the lack of an SD card reader isn\u2019t that big of an issue. And hey, at least there are two USB-A ports; one of which is a fast USB 3.1 connection.\n\n\n\n\nOkay, now let\u2019s get to the good stuff: performance. Powered by Intel\u2019s Core i5-8265U or i7-8565U Whiskey Lake processor, the ZenBook 13 should be powerful enough for productivity-related tasks. After all, these are Intel\u2019s U series processors, which are typically faster than the company\u2019s more power-efficient Y series chips \u2013 the latter are usually found in other slim and light laptops.\n\n\nIf you want to do a little bit of gaming, you\u2019ll be happy to know that all variants of the ZenBook 13 in Malaysia come with a dedicated Nvidia GeForce MX150 GPU. It\u2019s not a high-end GPU, but you \nwill\n be able to get playable frame rate on games like Fortnite and \nDiablo 3\n with it.\n\n\nIn terms of battery life, the ZenBook 13 can supposedly deliver up to 14 hours of usage on a single charge with its 50WHr battery. This is a very generous estimate, and I\u2019m not entirely convinced the ZenBook 13 can last \nthat\n long. Nonetheless, I\u2019ll put this to the test in a full review of the laptop.\n\n\n\n\nInput devices are very important for a productivity-focused laptop, and in this regard, the ZenBook 13\u2026is a bit of a mixed bag. Let\u2019s start with the keyboard, which is smaller than a conventional keyboard. Despite this, I did manage to adapt pretty quickly to the smaller layout, though I imagine there will be folks who won\u2019t like the cramp keyboard.\n\n\nThankfully, the typing experience on the ZenBook 13\u2019s keyboard is quite pleasant. The 1.4mm key travel is enough for the keyboard to not feel shallow, and the keys\u2019 good tactility make for a pleasant typing experience.\n\n\nAs for the ZenBook 13\u2019s trackpad, it can track my fingers accurately, and the \u201cNumberPad\u201d built into the trackpad works surprisingly well. When activated, the NumberPad is smart enough to recognise between an input or a mouse movement; I can switch seamlessly between scrolling and punching in numbers with the trackpad, and that\u2019s quite remarkable.\n\n\n\n\nI\u2019ve always wanted a capable productivity laptop in a small, compact form factor, and I feel like the Asus ZenBook 13 fits the bill. It has a good level of performance, I can do some gaming with its adequately powerful MX150 GPU, and the keyboard and mouse are more than good enough for their intended purposes.\n\n\nWhat makes the ZenBook 13 that much more compelling is the fact that it offers good value for money. The base model of the laptop, which comes with a Core i5-8265U processor, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of fast PCIe SSD, retails at only RM4,499. There\u2019s also the more powerful Core i7-8565U variant with the same amount of storage and RAM, which goes for RM4,999.\n\n\n\n\nFor its asking price, the ZenBook 13 is an attractive productivity laptop. It\u2019s ridiculously compact, its lack of bezels give it a sleek, modern aesthetic, and as mentioned, it has a good level of performance.\n\n\nIf there\u2019s any reason I wouldn\u2019t recommend the Asus ZenBook 13, it would come down to its battery life, which I will extensively test in a full review of the laptop. I\u2019m excited to put the ZenBook 13 through its paces, and if it can deliver good battery life, it may very well be the laptop of my dreams.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-nova-4-what-you-need-to-know/", "title": "Huawei Nova 4 \u2013 What You Need to Know", "body": "\n\nNotched displays were on many, many smartphones last year, and it\u2019s one of the most \ncontroversial tech trends\n we\u2019ve seen in 2018. In a bid to solve the notch problem, some phone makers are implementing a new design \u2013 the \n\u201chole-punch\u201d\n display.\n\n\nOne such smartphone that will be sporting the new hole-punch design is the Huawei Nova 4, which will be arriving in Malaysia this Wednesday on 16 January. The hole-punch display is just one of the Nova 4\u2019s appeals, so let\u2019s take a closer look at Huawei\u2019s latest mid-ranger.\n\n\nMuch like the recently announced \nRedmi Note 7\n, the Nova 4 also sports a 48MP rear camera; it\u2019s a part of the phone\u2019s triple camera system. Complementing the huge 48MP f/1.8 sensor is a 16MP f/2.2 wide-angle camera, and a 2MP f/2.4 shooter for capturing depth information. All in all, it\u2019s a pretty elaborate camera system.\n\n\nInterestingly, there\u2019s a more affordable variant of the Nova 4 that swaps out the 48MP camera for a 20MP f/1.8 sensor. Placed inside the hole-punch display cut-out on the front of the device, on the other hand, is a 25MP f/2.0 selfie camera.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, let\u2019s move on the Nova 4\u2019s design; more specifically, the hole-punch display. Looking at images of the phone, the size of the cut-out looks to be pretty small. In fact, it\u2019s strikingly similar to the Honor View 20\u2019s hole-punch design, but we digress.\n\n\nLooking beyond the camera cut-out, the Nova 4 also has a minimal bottom bezel, giving the phone a sleek, almost all-screen appearance. It would\u2019ve been nice if it \ndoesn\u2019t have any chin at all\n, but doing so will very likely drive up the price of the phone.\n\n\nEven though we haven\u2019t seen the Nova 4 for ourselves, we reckon the phone should feel premium too, thanks to the glass back panel. Like most Huawei devices, the back of the phone also has a nice, gradient finish, though this will depend on which colour option you get.\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the Nova 4\u2019s display, which is a 6.4-inch 2310 x 1080 IPS panel. While some folks may not be thrilled with the 1080p display, it will help with the phone\u2019s battery life. This display resolution, combined with the Nova 4\u2019s rather generous 3,750mAh cell, should result in good battery life.\n\n\nEven though the Nova 4 is positioned as a mid-range smartphone, it comes with the rather capable Kirin 970 chipset. This is the same SoC powering Huawei\u2019s range of flagship devices in the last couple of years, which include the Mate 10 and P20 series of smartphones. Of course, the Kirin 970 is not quite as powerful as the new Kirin 980 chipset, but hey, the Nova 4 is a mid-range smartphone.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Nova 4 include 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, a rear fingerprint sensor \u2013 no in-screen fingerprint sensor here \u2013 a USB-C connection, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\n\n\nSet to be launched in Malaysia on 16 January, the Huawei Nova 4 will be the first smartphone with a hole-punch display in the country. After all, there\u2019s no indication yet on when the Honor View 20 will be introduced in Malaysia. There\u2019s no indication the Samsung Galaxy A8s will be made available in the country either.\n\n\nBut should you get the Nova 4? On paper, it\u2019s a promising device, but it\u2019s not the most affordable mid-range smartphone. In China, the variant with a 20MP camera retails at 3,099 Chinese yuan, which comes up to about RM1,875. The higher-end model with a 48MP camera, on the other hand, goes for 3,399 yuan \u2013 that\u2019s around RM2,060.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, do note that these prices are for the 128GB models with 8GB of RAM; there is always a possibility Huawei Malaysia will offer more affordable variants of the Nova 4 with less RAM and internal storage. Not only will this lower the price of entry, it\u2019ll make the phone that much more attractive.\n\n\nIn any case, we will just have to wait until 16 January to find out exactly how much the Nova 4 will retail for in Malaysia. Hopefully, it won\u2019t go past the RM2,000 mark \u2013 it would have to compete with a number of flagship smartphones at that price point.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/razer-phone-2-hands-on-meaningful-incremental-upgrades/", "title": "Razer Phone 2 Hands-On: Meaningful Incremental Upgrades", "body": "\n\nSurprise surprise, the Razer Phone 2 has just been officially launched in Malaysia. It\u2019s a pleasant surprise, considering the fact that the first Razer Phone never made it to the Malaysian market \u2013 officially, that is.\n\n\nSporting some upgrades here and there, the Razer Phone 2 doesn\u2019t look all that different from its predecessor. While it still retains the unconventional angular design, the Razer Phone 2 does come with a number of meaningful upgrades under the hood.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re into mobile gaming, this may be the right phone for you.\n\n\n\n\nThe standout feature of the Razer Phone 2 is its 5.72-inch UltraMotion IGZO display with a 120Hz refresh rate; a rare feature for any given smartphone. Thanks to the high refresh rate, the phone feels extremely fluid. In fact, just navigating through the Razer Phone 2\u2019s menu is a pleasant experience.\n\n\nAnimations appear smoother, the high refresh rate give the illusion of extra responsiveness (it\u2019s a plenty responsive phone, of course), and chances are, you will notice the difference the 120Hz display brings. As for the display quality itself, it\u2019s quite good with punchy colours and a high 2560 x 1440 resolution.\n\n\nBut unlike most phones in the market now, the Razer Phone 2 is still sticking with a 16:9 display. As a result, it is much wider and shorter than other phones with taller 18:9 screens. Personally, I would\u2019ve preferred a taller display, but hey, at least it\u2019s a good quality screen.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Razer Phone 2 also has \npretty darn big\n bezels at the top and bottom of the display, giving it a\u2026well, dated-looking design. But to Razer\u2019s credit, the bezels do house a pair of excellent front-facing stereo speakers; this feature alone may be worth the sacrifice for certain folks.\n\n\nSpeaking of design, the Razer Phone 2 is unmistakably a large, thick phone. It can feel unwieldy \u2013 especially for those with smaller hands \u2013 and tipping the scales at 220g, it\u2019s a \nhefty \nphone too. On top of that, the square, angular shape of the phone is not particularly appealing.\n\n\nThankfully, the build quality of the Razer Phone 2 is really good. It feels solid, it is IP67-rated, and the glass back gives the phone a premium look and feel. Oh, of course, the Razer logo on the back of the phone now comes with the company\u2019s signature Chroma lighting too.\n\n\n\n\nPerformance is, without a doubt, excellent on the Razer Phone 2. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM (as well as 64GB of expandable storage), gaming on this phone is really fun and enjoyable, especially with the fast 120Hz display.\n\n\nYes, the Snapdragon 845 isn\u2019t quite as good as the Snapdragon 855 chipset \u2013 which will ship with most 2019 flagship smartphones \u2013 but the 845 is still the best SoC from Qualcomm at this point in time in a consumer-ready device.\n\n\nAs for battery life, I\u2019m positive the Razer Phone 2 can return at least a day\u2019s worth of usability on a single charge. After all, it features a generous 4,000mAh cell, which should be large enough to get all-day battery life. The phone also supports Qualcomm Quick Charge 4+ technology and wireless charging.\n\n\n\n\nGiven the Razer Phone 2\u2019s heavy focus on gaming, it\u2019s perhaps not surprising that the phone\u2019s camera performance leaves much to be desired. In low light conditions, the 12MP f/1.75 + 12MP f/2.6 (telephoto) dual camera system feels particularly sluggish, and it takes much too long to get proper exposure. Basically, it\u2019s not a pleasant phone to photograph with.\n\n\nThat being said, I\u2019ve only managed to test out the Razer Phone 2\u2019s camera for a brief moment; I would need to spend more time with it to give a fair assessment. Besides, I\u2019m sure the camera can deliver good results when shooting under ideal lighting \u2013 same goes to the 8MP f/2.0 front-facing shooter.\n\n\n\n\nIf you plan to get the Razer Phone 2 purely for gaming, it will serve you very well. Its fast 120Hz display will make for a very pleasant gaming experience, and the Snapdragon 845 chipset is more than capable at delivering a good level of performance.\n\n\nHowever, you will have to consider if the Razer Phone 2\u2019s steep asking price is worth it. Retailing at RM3,449 in Malaysia, it is one of the most costly flagship smartphones in the market now, retailing at about the same price point as its biggest competition: the \nAsus ROG Phone\n.\n\n\n\n\nI can\u2019t say with absolute certainty yet if the Razer Phone 2 is worth recommending, but I do think it\u2019s one of very few devices that really lives up to the status of a proper \u201cgaming smartphone.\u201d If you\u2019re an avid mobile gamer, give the Razer Phone 2 a gander; along with the equally compelling ROG Phone, of course.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-nova-4-hands-on-the-future-of-the-notch/", "title": "Huawei Nova 4 Hands-On: The Future of the Notch", "body": "\n\nHuawei Malaysia recently held a launch event for its latest mid-ranger, the Huawei Nova 4, and the company confirmed that the smartphone will be officially entering the Malaysian market on 14 February. Of course, Huawei also revealed the pricing of the Nova 4, and\u2026it\u2019s quite an expensive device.\n\n\nRetailing at RM1,899, the Nova 4 is costlier than the majority of mid-range smartphones by quite a margin. There are, however, a couple of standout features that differentiate the Nova 4 from its competition, and these may be enough to justify its high asking price.\n\n\n\n\nNotched displays were prevalent on many smartphones last year, and the Huawei Nova 3, this phone\u2019s predecessor, was no exception. Well, gone is the notch on the Nova 4, and in its place is Huawei\u2019s new \u201cPunch FullView\u201d display.\n\n\nAs its name suggests, the Nova 4 has a small hole-punch cutout for the 25MP f/2.0 front-facing camera. Is it better than the notch? Of course. Is it jarring to use for the first time? Oh yes, definitely. That being said, I\u2019m sure I can get used to the camera cutout after a while, and it\u2019s certainly not as intrusive as a notch.\n\n\nOn top of that, you\u2019re also getting a lot more display with the hole-punch design; it takes up less space. This, in turn, gives the Nova 4 a very sleek appearance. It\u2019s not a truly \u201call-screen smartphone\u201d \u2013 it still has a \nsmall chin\n at the bottom of the display \u2013 but it\u2019s a step closer to that.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSporting a glass back and metal frame, the Nova 4 looks and feels premium. The subtle gradient finish on the back panel \u2013 on the Crush Blue model \u2013 is aesthetically pleasing, and the glossy metal frame feels nice to the touch. The phone is comfortable to use for long periods of time too, thanks to the slightly curved back.\n\n\nOn the front, the Nova 4 has a 6.4-inch 2310 x 1080 LTPS panel, which looks great. It\u2019s a colourful, vibrant display with good viewing angles, and it\u2019s bright enough for comfortable use in bright outdoors. Thanks to the combination of a 1080p display with a rather generous 3,750mAh battery, I reckon this phone has above average battery life as well.\n\n\n\n\nPerformance wise, the Nova 4\u2019s Kirin 970 chipset provides enough processing power for a fast and zippy user experience. I can switch from one app to another in a relatively quick manner, and I imagine gaming on this phone should be quite pleasant too. After all, the Kirin 970 powered Huawei\u2019s range of flagships in the last two years, including the P20 and Mate 10 series of smartphones.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Nova 4 include 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, and a USB Type-C port. It\u2019s great to see that Huawei isn\u2019t using a microUSB connection on the Nova 4, even though it\u2019s not a flagship smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nPersonally, I was quite excited to try out the Nova 4\u2019s camera performance; more specifically, the \n48MP primary camera sensor\n. Unfortunately, Huawei Malaysia is only bringing in the 20MP variant, and there are currently no plans to bring in the 48MP model into the Malaysian market.\n\n\nNonetheless, the Nova 4\u2019s triple camera system \u2013 made up of a 20MP f/1.8 primary camera, a 16MP f/2.2 wide-angle sensor, and a 2MP f/2.4 shooter \u2013 seems pretty alright. It can capture good-looking images, the camera interface doesn\u2019t feel sluggish, and the wide-angle sensor offers shooting flexibility.\n\n\nThere is, however, one thing that I don\u2019t quite like about the Nova 4\u2019s camera: the AI enhancements. Switched on, the camera has a tendency to oversaturate images, making them look rather unnatural. Most of the time, I prefer disabling the feature.\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei Nova 4, with its Punch FullView display, is a sleek, well-designed mid-range smartphone with a good level of performance courtesy of the Kirin 970 chipset. Right now, it\u2019s also one of very few smartphones with a hole-punch display, giving it the unique factor.\n\n\nBut it won\u2019t be long until more smartphones with a similar design hit the market, and once that happens, the Nova 4 will have a tougher time to stand out in the crowded mid-range segment. Couple this with its steep RM1,899 asking price, Huawei\u2019s latest offering doesn\u2019t sound very attractive.\n\n\nThen again, I haven\u2019t thoroughly reviewed the Nova 4 yet. It\u2019s possible the phone\u2019s other qualities like battery life and low light camera performance can justify its asking price \u2013 maybe.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/smartphone-in-display-fingerprint-sensors-may-get-better-this-year/", "title": "Smartphone In-Display Fingerprint Sensors May Get Better This Year", "body": "\n\nIn-display fingerprint sensors had been a dream for many of us, and it\u2019s a dream realised last year on a range of smartphones. Be that as it may, it\u2019s still a new tech, and new tech is generally rough around the edges \u2013 in-display fingerprint sensors are no exception.\n\n\nBut that could potentially change in the near future. Looking at recent leaks and rumours surrounding the tech, bad in-display fingerprint sensors may be a thing of the past.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with Xiaomi. The co-founder of the company, Lin Bin, recently  \nposted a video on Weibo demonstrating Xiaomi\u2019s new in-display fingerprint sensor. Unlike other offerings in the market now, the sensor shown in the video has a much wider active area; supposedly by up to 25 x 50.2 mm.\n\n\nBasically, it will be much easier to activate the sensor. Users won\u2019t have to look for a specific spot to use it anymore, which is one of the major shortcomings with current implementations of the tech. On top of that, Lin also elaborated that the new sensor allows you to unlock the phone with a single tap.\n\n\nWithout a doubt Xiaomi\u2019s new in-screen fingerprint sensor shows a lot of promise, but there\u2019s no word yet whether or not it will be implemented in future Xiaomi smartphones. Rather, Lin only said the company will consider releasing it in a new product if consumers like it.\n\n\n\n\nBesides Xiaomi, Oppo also confirmed that it is working on a new kind of in-screen fingerprint sensor, which will debut on its products sometime this year. Much like the sensor Xiaomi is working on, Oppo is focusing on expanding the active area of its sensor. According to Oppo, the new sensor has an active area 15 times larger than competing solutions in the current market.\n\n\nThat\u2019s not the only improvement, of course. Oppo also mentioned that the new, wider in-screen fingerprint sensor makes it possible to use two different fingerprints for \u201csimultaneous entry and authentication.\u201d While this isn\u2019t the most groundbreaking feature, it will appeal to those who want an even more robust biometric security.\n\n\nOppo\u2019s teaser for its new in-screen fingerprint sensor\n\n\nInterestingly enough, Oppo\u2019s implementation is similar to what Vivo showcased last year with its Apex concept phone. Not only does the Apex have an in-screen fingerprint sensor with a large active area, it can also recognise two different fingerprint inputs simultaneously. Unfortunately, this sensor did not make it into the Vivo Nex \u2013 the consumer version of the Apex.\n\n\nThat being said, Vivo will be revealing the Apex 2019 next week on 24 January; it wouldn\u2019t be far-fetched to assume it will come with a new and improved in-display fingerprint sensor. Of course, whether or not this year\u2019s iteration of the Apex is also a concept phone still remains to be seen.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s great to see phone makers putting emphasis on the development of in-screen fingerprint sensors to make them better. Chances are, this is only the beginning \u2013 there are still some ways to go before they are as good as traditional sensors.\n\n\nFor starters, in-display fingerprint sensors are still slower than conventional ones. While they can get the job done, regular sensors can recognise fingerprints much quicker. This, in turn, make in-display sensors more cumbersome to use.\n\n\nOn top of that, in terms of accuracy, conventional sensors are still superior. We\u2019ve used quite a number of phones with in-display fingerprint sensors, and more often than not, we would have to activate the sensor a couple of times for them to recognise our fingerprints. Hopefully, newer in-screen sensors will fare better in this regard, especially those with a larger active area.\n\n\n\n\nIn-screen fingerprint sensors, while not as functional as conventional ones (yet), will definitely make their way into more and more devices in the near future; this is especially true of flagship smartphones. With this in mind, it\u2019s important for these sensors to be much more usable than they are now.\n\n\nCurrent iterations of the technology are \u201cokay,\u201d of course, but they have to work more seamlessly to not affect the user experience negatively. Nevertheless, we\u2019re positive in-screen fingerprint sensors will get better this year, and this will be put to the test with the next crop of flagship smartphones.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/pocophone-f1-why-its-still-relevant-in-2019/", "title": "Pocophone F1 \u2013 Why It\u2019s Still Relevant in 2019", "body": "\n\nThe \nPocophone F1\n was released back in the second half of 2018, and it was an excellent flagship smartphone with great value for money. But it\u2019s been a while since it was launched in Malaysia; is the phone still relevant in 2019?\n\n\nWell, in our opinion, the Pocophone F1 is still a very good smartphone to get right now. Here are a few reasons why the F1 is one of the best phones you can buy in early 2019.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst of all, the Pocophone F1 is a powerful smartphone. After all, it\u2019s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset; a fast, flagship-tier SoC. In fact, until the Snapdragon 855 is available in a consumer-ready smartphone, the 845 is still the best chipset you can get from Qualcomm right now.\n\n\nThis reason alone makes the Pocophone F1 an extremely compelling device. Not only are you getting comparable performance to flagship smartphones that cost much more than the F1, you\u2019d be hard-pressed to find a different device with this kind of performance at this price point \u2013 more on that later.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Pocophone F1 has impressive battery life too. Thanks to the phone\u2019s combination of a 1080p screen and a large 4,000mAh battery, we managed to get close to eight hours of screen on time with the F1 \nin our review\n. That\u2019s really impressive, and not many phones can match the Pocophone F1\u2019s battery life. If you\u2019re a light smartphone user, we reckon you can get up to two days of usage with this phone.\n\n\nBut there is one small caveat: the Pocophone F1\u2019s charging rate isn\u2019t particularly impressive. In our testing, the phone only charged up to 35% \u2013 from empty, of course \u2013 within 30 minutes of charging. It\u2019s not a fast charging rate, but at the same time, it\u2019s not particularly bad either.\n\n\n\n\nSurprisingly enough, despite its affordable price tag, the Pocophone F1 has good camera performance as well. The 12MP + 5MP dual camera system performs admirably regardless of lighting conditions, and although the low light performance could still use some work, it\u2019s still really good for a phone at this price point.\n\n\nIf you want even better camera performance on the Pocophone F1, you can just install GCam; a camera app ported from the Pixel smartphones. However, do note that GCam doesn\u2019t have any official support, and you will have to sideload the app.\n\n\nFortunately, you don\u2019t need to root your Pocophone F1 to install the custom camera app. This makes it a lot more accessible to the average smartphone user.\n\n\n\n\nIn my opinion, the best reason to get the Pocophone F1 is for its \nexceptional \nvalue for money. Right now, you can get the 128GB variant of the F1 with 6GB of RAM well below its original RM1,599 launch price; some retailers are offering it for as low as RM1,399. The 64GB model with 6GB of RAM, on the other hand, can easily be bought for only RM1,199. This variant used to retail at RM1,299 when it was first introduced in Malaysia.\n\n\nAt these price points, there are practically no phones in the market now that offer the same package as the Pocophone F1. These include impressive battery life, flagship-level performance, and commendable camera performance.\n\n\nThat being said, you \ndo\n have to live with the Pocophone F1\u2019s inexpensive build material (read: plastic), notched display, as well as lack of NFC. Given the affordable price tag of the phone, sacrifices had to be made here and there.\n\n\n\n\nAs a whole, the Pocophone F1 is still very relevant in 2019. It\u2019s an excellent, polished product, and at this point in time, it\u2019s still comfortably \nthe king of affordable flagship smartphones\n. If you want to learn more about the F1, check out our comprehensive review of the phone \nright here\n.\n\n\nBut as the year progresses, there will be other phones that are superior to the Pocophone F1, either in performance, longevity, or value for money \u2013 it\u2019s bound to happen in the smartphone market. However, if you\u2019re looking to get a new phone \nright\u00a0now\n, the F1 is a fantastic option.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-nex-dual-display-edition-hands-on-no-selfie-camera-no-notch/", "title": "Vivo Nex Dual Display Edition Hands-On: No Selfie Camera, No Notch", "body": "\n\nMore and more phone makers are coming up with creative ways to \nsolve the notched display conundrum\n, and Vivo is taking a rather\u2026unique approach. Enter the Vivo Nex Dual Display Edition, which has no notch, and not even a selfie camera.\n\n\nInstead, as its name suggests, this new variant of the Nex has a second display on the back, so you don\u2019t really need a front-facing camera; the triple camera system on the back now doubles as the selfie shooter. But beyond this one feature, is the Nex Dual Display Edition any good? Let\u2019s find out.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSince there\u2019s no need for a selfie camera, the Nex\u2019s primary 6.4-inch 2340 x 1080 Super AMOLED display doesn\u2019t have a notch or a hole-punch design. The result? An almost all-screen smartphone with a small chin at the bottom of the display. It would\u2019ve been great if the bottom bezel can be eliminated altogether, but to Vivo\u2019s credit, it \nis\n a very minimal bezel.\n\n\nThe real fun, of course, is the Nex\u2019s secondary display on the back. It\u2019s a \u201ctraditional\u201d 5.5-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display with a 16:9 aspect ratio, so you do get huge chunks of bezels at the top and bottom of the screen. This isn\u2019t really a problem, considering the fact that you\u2019ll only use the secondary display on a few occasions.\n\n\n\n\nFor one, you\u2019ll be using the Nex\u2019s secondary display for capturing selfie shots, and Vivo mentioned that you can even use it as an additional input device in mobile games that support the feature. Basically, it works a lot like the \nPlayStation Vita\n\u2018s rear touchpad.\n\n\nIf you want to use the Nex\u2019s face unlock feature \u2013 which is very fast \u2013 you\u2019ll have to use this side of the device too. To be honest, this \ncan\n get quite confusing: there were a couple of times where I tried to use the face unlock feature\u2026while I was looking at the primary display.\n\n\nI didn\u2019t feel particularly clever at that point in time.\n\n\n\n\nIf you don\u2019t plan to use the Nex\u2019s face unlock feature, there\u2019s the in-screen fingerprint sensor, which works as intended. It\u2019s not blazing fast like a conventional fingerprint sensor, but it gets the job done. It can also accurately identify my fingerprint most of the time.\n\n\nIn terms of display quality, both of the Nex\u2019s screens are pleasing to look at. After all, they are both Super AMOLED panels with deep blacks, punchy colours, and great viewing angles. The 1080p resolution of these displays will also help with battery life. Considering the fact that the Nex\u2019s 3,500mAh battery isn\u2019t particularly big, it needs all the help it can get.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re curious, it\u2019s rather seamless to switch between the Nex\u2019s two displays too. I can either swipe across the display with three fingers to switch, or press the two power buttons simultaneously. Yes, the Nex has two power buttons on either sides of the phone \u2013 one for each display.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to design, the Nex looks and feels like a premium, flagship smartphone. The glass and metal construction gives the phone a nice heft \u2013 it weighs 199g \u2013 the glossy metal frame is nice to the touch, and the buttons have nice tactile feedback.\n\n\nThere is, however, one design element I\u2019m not crazy about: the \u201cLunar Ring\u201d on the back of the phone. While it\u2019s functional \u2013 it will light up when you receive notifications, for example \u2013 it looks out of place. On top of that, the ring extends to the display too, which can be quite distracting.\n\n\nNonetheless, let\u2019s move on to the Nex\u2019s processing power. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset, performance shouldn\u2019t be an issue with this phone. Aside from that, the Nex also comes with a whopping 10GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, and even a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\n\n\nFeaturing a 12MP f/1.8 + 2MP f/1.8 + ToF (time-of-flight) triple camera system, the Nex\u2019s camera performance appears to be quite good. Needless to say, it performs well under good lighting. The autofocus speed is also fast, and the camera\u2019s optical image stabilisation makes it easier to capture sharp-looking shots.\n\n\nAs for the camera app itself, the user interface is intuitive to navigate around, and it doesn\u2019t feel sluggish. At least, that\u2019s the case when shooting in ideal lighting. I haven\u2019t had the chance to extensively try out the Nex\u2019s low light camera performance yet, but chances are, it \nshould\n be reasonably good.\n\n\nWhat about the ToF sensor of the Nex\u2019s triple camera system? Well, much like Oppo\u2019s implementation with the \nR17 Pro\n, the ToF sensor allows this phone to capture 3D information. But alas, this unit of the Nex doesn\u2019t seem to have the feature enabled yet, so I can\u2019t test out the ToF sensor.\n\n\n\n\nThe Vivo Nex Dual Display Edition is a pretty unique flagship smartphone. At a glance, the phone\u2019s two displays may seem gimmicky, but it does have its utility. To top it off, the Nex isn\u2019t priced outrageously either \u2013 it retails at RM3,199 in Malaysia.\n\n\nThat\u2019s still a lot of money, even for a flagship smartphone, but the Nex isn\u2019t the most costly device in the segment either. If the prospect of a dual screen smartphone is enticing to you, the Vivo Nex is certainly worth considering \u2013 especially if you want a unique-looking smartphone.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/smartphones-with-no-ports-who-asked-for-this/", "title": "Smartphones With No Ports \u2013 Who Asked for This?", "body": "\n\nUpdate 8 December, 2019, 12PM:\n This article was originally published on 25 January, 2019. It has been updated to include the \nrumour of a port-less iPhone\n in 2021.\n\n\nEvery smartphone maker wants to release a product that is truly unique; something only that particular manufacturer can put forward. In the process to do just that, we\u2019ll come across\u2026some interesting products. The latest one? Smartphones with no ports.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, we\u2019re talking about a smartphone that has absolutely no ports. No 3.5mm headphone, no charging port, and guess what? No buttons either. Do we need a phone like this? Do we \nwant\n a phone with such limitations? We\u2019ll take a look at this \u201ctrend\u201d in this article.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s talk about the Meizu Zero first, which is touted as the \u201cworld\u2019s first holeless phone.\u201d As its name suggests, Meizu\u2019s new device has practically zero openings. Well, except for two small holes: one for the mic, and another to reset the device if anything goes wrong.\n\n\nTo make up for the lack of ports and buttons, the Zero has a couple of interesting features. For one, charging is done with the company\u2019s \u201cSuper mCharge Wireless\u201d technology; it promises up to 18W wireless charging. Not the fastest charging rate we\u2019ve seen, but it\u2019s definitely not bad either.\n\n\n\n\nWhat about data transfer? That\u2019s done via wireless USB connectivity. According to Meizu, this method allows the Zero to transfer data as fast as a conventional USB 3.0 connection. Buttons, on the other hand, are replaced with virtual ones on the side of the phone. These buttons should work similarly to the \nHuawei Mate 30 Pro\n\u2018s touch-sensitive sides, which also uses haptic feedback.\n\n\nDesign wise, the Zero sports a full ceramic unibody, along with small bezels at the top and bottom of the 5.99-inch QHD OLED dual curved display. Yes, there are no notch to be found here, and the top bezel is large enough to house a 20MP front-facing camera.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Zero include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, a 12MP + 20MP dual camera system, and Meizu\u2019s mSound 2.0 technology \u2013 this turns the whole display into a speaker, eliminating the need for a speaker grille.\n\n\nAs futuristic as the Meizu Zero is, the reception for the smartphone is decidedly lukewarm. In fact, the Indiegogo campaign for the Zero failed to meet the goal with only 29 backers. According to Meizu\u2019s founder and CEO, Jack Wong, the port-less phone was merely a marketing stunt, and that it was \u201cnever intended to be mass-produced.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, besides the Meizu Zero, there\u2019s also the Vivo Apex 2019. Of course, the Apex doesn\u2019t have any ports either, but unlike the Zero, Vivo\u2019s device \ndoesn\u2019t even have a front-facing camera\n. Evidently, the Apex 2019 is still just a concept phone like its predecessor.\n\n\nConcept phone or not, the new Apex does have better hardware than the Zero. These include a faster Snapdragon 855 chipset, 256GB of internal storage, a whopping 12GB of RAM, and 5G connectivity via Qualcomm\u2019s X50 modem.\n\n\nInstead of the Zero\u2019s ceramic body, the Apex 2019 also opts for a \u201cSuper Unibody\u201d curved glass design. Despite the glass back, however, the Apex doesn\u2019t support wireless charging \u2013 it uses a magnetic connector on the back of the phone for charging and data transfer.\n\n\n\n\nOther features of the Apex 2019 are similar to the Zero, including a pressure-sensitive frame in place of physical buttons, as well as a dual camera system, though Vivo has yet to detail the technical specifications.\n\n\nInterestingly, the Apex also ships with an in-screen \u201cfull-display fingerprint sensor,\u201d which covers \u201calmost the entire screen.\u201d We\u2019re not entirely convinced the sensor truly covers the phone\u2019s whole display, but its active area should be larger than current iterations of the technology.\n\n\n\n\nThe reveal of these two concept phones may be the start of a worrying trend: will more phone makers release phones with no ports? After all, it\u2019s been reported before that Apple considered removing the Lightning port from the iPhone X.\n\n\nIn fact, a new research note from noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is suggesting that Apple will do just that with its highest-end iPhone in 2021 to \u201cprovide the completely wireless experience.\u201d Sure, 2021 is some way off, but if a large company like Apple is considering to do so, we won\u2019t be surprised if other manufacturers will follow suit.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, we do hope the idea of a port-less phone won\u2019t catch on. There\u2019s no real benefit to doing so, and it will only inconvenient consumers even further. We haven\u2019t even completely transitioned to USB-C yet, and it\u2019s been many years since the standard was introduced.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/resident-evil-2-hands-on-a-terrifying-polished-remake/", "title": "Resident Evil 2 Hands-On: A Terrifying, Polished Remake", "body": "\n\nRemaking old video games is nothing new. In fact, some remasters aren\u2019t particularly enticing, and at worst, they are even viewed as a quick cash grab. Thankfully, the new Resident Evil 2 is not that kind of game: it is a mighty good example of an excellent remake.\n\n\nI\u2019ve spent a brief amount of time playing through the new remake, and I\u2019m very impressed with the game\u2019s mechanics, gameplay, and graphics. But most importantly, I\u2019m absolutely terrified of the game.\n\n\nFull disclosure: the last game in the franchise I completed was Resident Evil 4 on the PlayStation 2. Suffice to say it\u2019s been a while since I\u2019ve laid hands on a Resident Evil game, and going into this new remake, I was hoping it\u2019ll play similarly to Resident Evil 4.\n\n\nBoy, was I wrong.\n\n\n\n\nSure, the over-the-shoulder perspective is reminiscent of Resident Evil 4, but the ambiance and \ngeneral feel of dread\n in Resident Evil 2 make it a fundamentally different game. The enemies are terrifying, the dark environment adds to the tension, and even a simple action like opening doors is nerve-wracking.\n\n\nNote that this was only in the first few moments of the game; I haven\u2019t even encountered more powerful enemies, which are bound to be even more terrifying than the \u201cnormal\u201d zombies I\u2019ve faced. Considering the fact that these zombies are already bullet sponges, I dread to think how resilient the other enemies I\u2019ll face later in the game.\n\n\nTo make matters worse, the zombies you\u2019ve \u201ckilled\u201d aren\u2019t 100% dead. There were a couple of times where I thought a downed enemy are dead for good, so imagine my surprise when it started moving again.\n\n\n\n\nAll of these make Resident Evil 2 a terrifying experience, and again, the generally dark environment of the game further heightens this. There was one instance where I turned around to go up a flight of stairs when I was ambushed by a zombie, and I didn\u2019t see it at all; my flashlight wasn\u2019t pointed at the undead when it jumped at me.\n\n\nOf course, I could just turn up the brightness of the game to make it less intimidating, but that takes away the suspense of Resident Evil 2 \u2013 it\u2019s one of the most appealing parts of the game.\n\n\nNext, we have Resident Evil 2\u2019s various puzzles, which can be frustrating for players who want to just rush through things. The solutions to these puzzles aren\u2019t very straightforward, and it requires players to explore every nook and cranny of the game (including examining closely the items you\u2019ve picked up) to make progress.\n\n\nPersonally, I do find this quite interesting. It encourages players to explore every area of the game, and the mechanics of these puzzles will feel familiar to Resident Evil fans. On top of that, it does add to the challenge of the game without being too cumbersome to complete.\n\n\n\n\nGraphically, Resident Evil 2 looks gorgeous. Character models are very detailed, exposed flesh and injury look extremely gory, and the environment is rendered very well. I played the game on PC, and the amount of settings I can tweak is ridiculously expansive. That\u2019s great, as it allows even gamers with more modest systems to play the game at acceptable frame rate.\n\n\nFor console players, great news: Resident Evil 2 runs pretty close to 60 frames per second. The bad news? Only the PlayStation 4 Pro and Xbox One X can maintain that frame rate. \nAccording to Eurogamer\n, the standard PlayStation 4 and Xbox One S can only do about 40fps. Still relatively good performance, of course, but if you want the best console experience, the game will be more enjoyable on the PlayStation 4 Pro and Xbox One X.\n\n\n\n\nEven though I haven\u2019t spent a fair amount of time playing Resident Evil 2, it\u2019s easily one of the most terrifying survival horror game I\u2019ve played in recent times. The gameplay is fun (and nail-biting), the puzzles aren\u2019t too complicated, and the graphics are stunning.\n\n\nOn top of that, I haven\u2019t even gotten into the plot of Resident Evil 2 yet, and I\u2019m excited to learn about Leon\u2019s past before his time in Resident Evil 4. The branching storyline involving Claire Redfield is quite intriguing too, and I love the fact that I can play through the game again as these two characters to unlock the \u201ctrue\u201d ending \u2013 it adds replay value.\n\n\n\n\nBut the thing is, I\u2019m quite frightened to launch Resident Evil 2 again. It\u2019s a terrifying, \nterrifying\n game, and I will need to prepare myself mentally before heading into the game once more.\n\n\nPlus, I really dread to be ambushed or chased around by zombies again.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-nova-4-review-interesting-design-uninspiring-hardware/", "title": "Huawei Nova 4 Review: Interesting Design, Uninspiring Hardware", "body": "\n\nThe Huawei Nova 4 is the first device from the Chinese company to sport the new \u201cPunch FullView\u201d display. Chances are, this new design will be present on Huawei\u2019s future smartphones \u2013 maybe even on its flagship lineup.\n\n\nBut beyond the hole-punch display, is the Nova 4 an attractive mid-range device? I\u2019ve used it as my daily driver for a couple of weeks now, and while it\u2019s a reasonably good phone, its steep price tag is hard to swallow for a mid-range smartphone.\n\n\nSpecifications\n\n\nDisplay\n6.4-inch FHD+ LTPS (2310 x 1080)\nChipset\nHuawei Kirin 970 2.36GHz octa-core\nGPU\nMali-G72 MP12\nRAM\n8GB\nStorage\n128GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n20MP f/1.8 + 16MP f/2.2 wide-angle + 2MP f/2.4\nCamera (front)\n25MP f/2.0\nBattery\n3,750mAh\nDimensions\n157 x 75.10 x 7.77 mm\nWeight\n172g\nOS\nEMUI 9 based on Android 9 Pie\nConnectivity\nLTE\nBluetooth 4.2\nWiFi\u00a0802.11 a/b/g/n/ac\nUSB Type-C\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the Nova 4 has a lot in common with its predecessor, the Nova 3. It sports the same Kirin 970 chipset, 128GB of internal storage, similar glass and metal construction, and even a 3,750mAh battery.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the Nova 4 loses support for expandable storage. Other features that set this phone apart from its predecessor include the Punch FullView display, as well as a new triple camera system. I\u2019ll elaborate more on these in their respective sections.\n\n\nDesign\n\n\nIn this aspect, the Nova 4 is strikingly similar to the P20 Pro, right down to the lens arrangement of the triple camera system. If you opt for the Crush Blue model, you also get a gradient finish on the back of the phone.\n\n\nEven though the Nova 4\u2019s design isn\u2019t all that different from the P20 Pro \u2013 and of course, the Nova 3 as well \u2013 I do like how it looks. It\u2019s a sleek design language, and it gives the phone premium look and feel. That being said, the Nova 4\u2019s glass back does feel quite slippery. I put on the silicone casing that came with the phone not long after I started using it.\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have one of the Nova 4\u2019s most unique features: the Punch FullView display. When I first started using the phone, it does feel quite jarring to have a circular cutout at the top left of the phone. However, it didn\u2019t take me too long to get used to the hole-punch design, and it\u2019s certainly not as distracting as a notch.\n\n\nOn top of that, if you really don\u2019t like the cutout, you can \u201cremove\u201d it from the settings menu. Once enabled, the top of the display is darkened to effectively hide the hole-punch design.\n\n\nFor what it\u2019s worth, I never had the urge to hide the display cutout. It just doesn\u2019t feel all that intrusive to me, though it\u2019s certainly nice to have the ability to remove it for those who don\u2019t like it.\n\n\n\n\nAs a whole, the Nova 4 is an attractive-looking smartphone. The gradient finish is sleek \u2013 the review unit I got is the Black model, which will suit those who want a more conventional design \u2013 the hole-punch display is a good alternative to a notched screen, and the phone has solid build quality.\n\n\nUser Experience\n\n\nIn the software side of things, the Nova 4 runs on EMUI 9 based on Android 9 Pie. While EMUI is a functional version of Android, it doesn\u2019t feel\u2026particularly polished, and there are some oddities here and there.\n\n\nFor one, you \nstill\n cannot interact with notifications on the lockscreen. If you want to see more information from any given notification, you\u2019ll have to unlock the phone and pull down the notification shade. On top of that, there are quite a number of bloatware too, though they\u2019re not too difficult to uninstall. Basically, software is still Huawei\u2019s weakest point.\n\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s not to say EMUI is not usable; there are some features that I genuinely appreciate. I love the fact that I can pull down the notification shade by simply swiping down on the rear fingerprint sensor, and as a whole, EMUI doesn\u2019t have any glaring faults. It is, as mentioned, a \nfunctional\n version of Android. \n\n\nPowered by a Kirin 970 chipset, the Nova 4 has a decent level of performance too. Obviously it\u2019s not quite as fast as the newer Kirin 980 SoC, but for the average smartphone user, the Kirin 970 is more than enough to provide a pleasant user experience.\n\n\nOn top of that, it\u2019s worth noting that the Nova 4 is a mid-range smartphone \u2013 it\u2019ll be unrealistic to expect flagship-tier performance out of a phone in this segment.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Nova 4 has a reasonably good display. The phone\u2019s 6.4-inch 2310 x 1080 LTPS panel has decent viewing angles, punchy colours, and good white balance. The 1080p resolution may not sound very impressive, but it\u2019s good enough. Plus, this resolution will help a lot with the phone\u2019s battery life, which is one of its strong suits.\n\n\nOn average, I was getting around six hours of screen on time out of the Nova 4\u2019s pretty generous 3,750mAh battery. This is very good battery life, and getting through a typical workday with this phone is a breeze.\n\n\nThe charging rate of the Nova 4, on the other hand, isn\u2019t quite as impressive. Within 30 minutes of charging, the phone only got up to 35% from 0%; quite an average charging rate.\n\n\n\n\nUsing the Nova 4 as my daily driver for the past couple of weeks have generally been a pleasant experience. While EMUI does have its quirks, the phone\u2019s other features \u2013 especially its long battery life \u2013 more than make up for this.\n\n\nCamera\n\n\nUnfortunately, the Malaysian market will only receive one variant of the Nova 4: the one with the 20MP primary camera. Currently, there are no plans to bring in the higher-end model with a 48MP sensor to Malaysia, which is quite disappointing.\n\n\nNormal shot\nWide-angle shot\n\n\nNonetheless, the Nova 4\u2019s camera performance is decent. The triple camera system (20MP f/1.8 + 16MP f/2.2 wide-angle + 2MP f/2.4) performs adequately in ideal lighting conditions, and I appreciate the flexibility the wide-angle shooter offers. That being said, the quality disparity between the 20MP primary camera and 16MP wide-angle sensor is definitely noticeable.\n\n\nAs for low light camera performance, the Nova 4 could do much better. It can still capture good-looking night shots, of course, but low light images do come out looking soft on certain occasions. Chances are, the lack of optical image stabilisation really hurts the Nova 4\u2019s low light camera performance.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, the camera\u2019s AI image enhancement is hit-and-miss. Even though the feature does improve image quality quite a bit in the right situation, it also has a tendency to oversaturate images. I eventually disabled the feature to get more consistent camera performance.\n\n\nOverall, the Nova 4 has a decent camera system, but it\u2019s by no means an amazing shooter \u2013 not at this price point. It\u2019s a shame the higher-end model with a 48MP sensor isn\u2019t launched here yet; I reckon that variant would have much better camera performance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nFor a mid-range smartphone, the Nova 4 is priced quite high at RM1,899. At this price point, it has plenty of competition, and here are some of the most noteworthy ones.\n\n\nHonor View 20\n\n\nSporting a similar hole-punch display as the Nova 4, the Honor View 20 is superior to Huawei\u2019s offering in a number of key areas. For one, the View 20 has a faster Kirin 980 processor, giving it an edge in the performance department.\n\n\nThe View 20 also has a more sophisticated dual camera system with a 48MP primary shooter, which should translate to much better camera performance. When it comes to battery life, the View 20 packs a larger 4,000mAh cell too.\n\n\n\n\nBut the best part about the View 20? It doesn\u2019t cost that much more than the Nova 4. The 128GB model with 6GB of RAM retails at only RM1,999, while the 256GB variant with 8GB of RAM goes for RM2,499.\n\n\nSo why would you consider the Nova 4? Only if you want the flexibility of its triple camera system, which comes with a wide-angle sensor. Aside from that, the Nova 4\u2019s gradient finish on the Crush Blue model is unique to this phone \u2013 the View 20 has more conventional colourways.\n\n\nHuawei P20\n\n\nAnother good alternative to the Nova 4 is the Huawei P20. Currently retailing \nfrom as low as RM2,099\n, this phone is a better device than the Nova 4 in a lot of ways. It\u2019s a more premium phone, it has superior camera performance, and it has the same Kirin 970 chipset \u2013 all of these for only RM200 more.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, the P20 does have a notched display, not to mention the fact that it only has 4GB of RAM instead of the Nova 4\u2019s much more generous 8GB RAM. I\u2019d argue \nyou don\u2019t need that much RAM\n anyway, but it\u2019s still worth mentioning.\n\n\nPocophone F1\n\n\nAny phone that costs more than the \nPocophone F1\n will be compared to it, especially if the phone in question isn\u2019t a flagship device. In comparison to the Nova 4, the Pocophone F1 has comparable performance thanks to its Snapdragon 845 chipset, it has a larger 4,000mAh battery, and most importantly, the 128GB variant of the F1 \nretails at only RM1,399 now\n \u2013 that\u2019s a rather huge price gap.\n\n\n\n\nBut design wise, the Nova 4 is without a doubt the sleeker-looking device. Not only is the phone\u2019s hole-punch design aesthetically nicer than the Pocophone F1\u2019s notched display, it has more premium look and feel too courtesy of its glass and metal construction. But are these worth the price premium over the Pocophone F1? That\u2019s up to you to decide.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nThe Huawei Nova 4 is a relatively good mid-range smartphone, but its steep asking price and average camera performance make it a tough device to recommend. You can get a lot more bang for your buck by going with a more affordable device like the Pocophone F1, and in this price range, there are a lot of other flagship smartphones that are better than the Nova 4.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, if you like the Nova 4 feature set \u2013 such as the flexible triple camera system and hole-punch display \u2013 it\u2019s a phone worth considering. Otherwise, you\u2019ll likely be much happier with the more capable Honor View 20 \u2013 especially if you find the hole-punch design attractive.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deals-grab-the-playstation-4-for-only-rm945-pro-model-for-rm1377/", "title": "Deal: Grab the PlayStation 4 for Only RM945 \u2013 Pro Model for RM1,377", "body": "\n\nIf you have been eyeing to get yourself a PlayStation 4 console, these deals we stumbled upon may interest you. Right now, you can get a brand new PlayStation 4 \u2013 with a two-year warranty to boot \u2013 \nfor only RM945\n.\n\n\nConsidering the fact that the standard PlayStation 4 with 500GB of storage used to retail at well above the RM1,000 mark, this is a very good deal. On top of that, this promotional price is also offered by a LazMall retailer on Lazada. Rest assured, it is very legitimate.\n\n\nIf you want the more powerful PlayStation 4 Pro model with 1TB of storage instead, you can grab it \nfor only RM1,377 now\n instead of its original asking price of RM1,799. Much like the standard model, this Pro variant is also offered by the same retailer on Lazada with a two-year warranty.\n\n\n\n\nSony\u2019s PlayStation 4 system is considered to be one of the best home consoles in the market now. Not only can the Pro model game at 4K resolution, the system also has a very robust lineup of exclusive games you can\u2019t find anywhere else. These include titles like the Uncharted series, The Last of Us, Horizon Zero Dawn, as well as Days Gone, which is set to be released on 26 April 2019.\n\n\nIf you want to enjoy this deal, click on the respective links to get the \nstandard PlayStation 4 for RM945\n, and the \nPlayStation 4 Pro for RM1,377\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apex-legends-the-next-big-battle-royale-game/", "title": "Apex Legends \u2013 The Next Big Battle Royale Game?", "body": "\n\nTitanfall developer Respawn Entertainment dropped a pretty big surprise last week. Not only did the studio announce a brand new game, Apex Legends, it\u2019s also launching the game on the \nsame day\n. Apex is a first-person battle royale game set in the Titanfall universe, and it appears to be a very promising game.\n\n\nOn top of that, much like Fortnite, Apex Legends is also free-to-play, making it accessible to pretty much anyone that has either a PC, PlayStation 4, or Xbox One. That\u2019s right, the game is already available on these platforms.\n\n\nI\u2019ve spent a couple of hours playing through several matches in Apex Legends, and if you haven\u2019t downloaded the game yet, you really should. It\u2019s arguably the next big battle royale game, and it currently has over 25 million players already.\n\n\n\n\nYou read that right: only after a week since its launch, Apex Legends has\u00a0attracted over 25\u00a0million\u00a0players. Granted the game is a free-to-play title, but it\u2019s still a huge milestone nonetheless. So what makes it such a popular game?\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the basics of Apex Legends. Before you begin a match, you have to select between six different classes (or Legends, as they\u2019re referred to in the game). In addition to the six default characters, there are also two additional classes that can be unlocked. You can do so by playing more matches to earn enough currency to unlock them, or buy them outright from the in-game store.\n\n\nApex\u2019s different classes are similar to Overwatch\u2019s unique characters, and each of the Legends in this game have their own set of skills. Bangalore, for one, can drop smoke bombs and call for an air strike, while a support character like Lifeline can heal up teammates and summon supply drops.\n\n\n\n\nThis adds a unique spin to Apex Legends\u2019 gameplay, and the various skills of different classes is probably why the game is exclusively playable in squad mode (for now). A squad consists of three players, and even if you\u2019re going into a match alone, you will always be paired to other players to form a three-man squad.\n\n\nThat being said, it\u2019s possible Respawn will add solo and duo modes to Apex Legends in the future; that\u2019s what \na recent leak\n is pointing at. After all, other battle royale games allow players to play in various modes \u2013 it only makes sense for this game to follow suit.\n\n\nIn terms of gameplay, Apex Legends has very robust mechanics. You don\u2019t get fall damage, moving around the map feels dynamic (especially when sliding down slopes), and most weapons in the game are fun to use. But you will have to get accustomed to the inventory system; it\u2019s not particularly intuitive to juggle between different attachments and bullets you picked up.\n\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s particularly impressive about Apex Legends\u2019 gameplay is the excellent ping system. By clicking on your mouse\u2019s scroll wheel, you can ping practically anything. Spotted an enemy squad? Ping them for your teammates to see. Want to move somewhere else? Ping at your desired location. It\u2019s that easy and seamless, and it\u2019s especially useful if you have a teammate without a mic.\n\n\nI also love the fact that the number of squads left are always shown at the top left. The number of players left are also shown, though it will be hidden once the number of squads are down to a certain amount. Oh, if you\u2019ve been eliminated, you can \nstill\u00a0be\u00a0revived\n. As long as one of your teammates is still alive, they can revive you by taking your emblem to a respawn station.\n\n\n\n\nGraphically, Apex Legends looks fantastic. The environment is very well rendered, character models are detailed, and I didn\u2019t notice any major stutter or lag throughout my time with the game. Basically, it feels very polished and optimised, which is expected from a studio as established as Respawn.\n\n\nHowever, I only played Apex Legends on PC so far, so I can\u2019t say for sure if the game will run as smoothly on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One systems.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re a fan of battle royale games, and you love first-person shooters, you should definitely give Apex Legends a spin. It\u2019s a very polished, very entertaining battle royale game, and Respawn will be adding more content into the game in the near future.\n\n\nAmong them is the introduction of a seasonal battle pass system similar to Fortnite\u2019s, which will offer character costumes, weapon skins, animations, and other cosmetic items. Besides that, Apex Legends will also have more purchasable classes than the current roster.\n\n\nDon\u2019t worry: these future classes \ncan\n be unlocked without the need to spend actual money. You just need to earn enough in-game currency to unlock them.\n\n\n\n\nApex Legends holds a lot of promise, and if Respawn plays its cards right, Apex could very well be one of the most successful battle royale games. It\u2019s free-to-play, it has great gameplay, and it\u2019s a polished, optimised title. Hopefully, Respawn will be able to keep the game feeling fresh and engaging over the next few months.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deals-save-over-rm1500-on-the-samsung-galaxy-s9-galaxy-s9/", "title": "Deal: Save Over RM1,500 on the Samsung Galaxy S9 & Galaxy S9+", "body": "\n\nEven though the Samsung Galaxy S10 series is just around the corner, the Korean company\u2019s Galaxy S9 smartphones are still plenty capable flagship devices. If you\u2019re not interested to get the latest and greatest smartphone, you may want to check out these deals: both the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ are discounted \nheavily\n now.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the more affordable Galaxy S9. Originally retailing at RM3,299, the standard S9 model with 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM can now be bought \nfor merely RM2,099\n. That\u2019s RM1,200 worth of savings right there, and this deal is available on both \nLazada \nand \nShopee\n.\n\n\n\n\nThe Shopee listing is \nparticularly interesting\n. Not only is it a Preferred seller, which allows you to use Shopee coins and exclusive promotions with this particular retailer, several freebies are also bundled with the deal. These include a Bluetooth speaker, a 32GB microSD card, and a USB-C cable.\n\n\nThings get a lot more interesting with the Galaxy S9+. The 64GB variant with 6GB of RAM, which used to go for RM3,799 at launch, is now available \nfor RM2,459 on Lazada\n. This saves you a grand total of RM1,340, and it\u2019s available in Lilac Purple, Coral Blue, and Midnight Black.\n\n\nBut the best deal is for the Galaxy S9+ with 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM. It went for RM3,999 at launch, and now, it\u2019s going \nfor\n only RM2,488\n on Shopee\n \u2013 that\u2019s a whopping RM1,511 discount, and you can get it in Lilac Purple, Sunrise Gold, or Midnight Black.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, all of the listings mentioned here are original Malaysian sets with warranty from Samsung Malaysia. From what we can gather, stocks are limited too. While the Galaxy S9 phones will be succeeded by the S10 series at the end of this month, they\u2019re still worth getting, \nespecially\n at these price points.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/msi-gl63-8se-hands-on-the-most-affordable-rtx-2060-gaming-laptop/", "title": "MSI GL63 8SE Hands-On: The Most Affordable RTX 2060 Gaming Laptop", "body": "\n\nGaming laptops equipped with Nvidia\u2019s latest GeForce RTX GPUs are steadily coming into Malaysia, and one of the most interesting laptops with the new GPU is the MSI GL63 8SE. Equipped with an RTX 2060 GPU, this is \nthe\u00a0most\u00a0affordable\n gaming laptop with the GPU \u2013 that\u2019s a huge selling point.\n\n\nBut beyond its sheer value for money, is the MSI GL63 any good? Let\u2019s find out.\n\n\n\n\nBefore we get into it, we\u2019ll have to talk about the GL63\u2019s attractive price tag. There are two variants of the laptop in Malaysia: an Intel Core i5-8300H model with a 128GB SSD, and a Core i7-8750H variant with twice the amount of SSD storage at 256GB. The former retails at only RM5,399, while the latter goes for RM6,299.\n\n\nWithout a doubt the more affordable model is the most attractive option, and beyond the processor and SSD storage capacity, both variants of the GL63 have similar hardware. These include a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 display, a GeForce RTX 2060 GPU with 6GB of GDDR6 memory, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, a 1TB 7200rpm HDD, as well as a 51WHr battery.\n\n\nIn terms of connectivity, the GL63 has a generous selection of ports. It has three USB-A ports, one USB-C connection, an HDMI port, a Mini DisplayPort, an SD card slot, and an RJ45 connection.\n\n\n\n\nNow that we\u2019ve got its specifications out of the way, let\u2019s talk about the MSI GL63\u2019s display. For the most part, it\u2019s a decent screen with relatively good viewing angles. However, this isn\u2019t an IPS panel, so you do get colour shifts when you\u2019re not looking directly straight at the display.\n\n\nBut on a brighter note (excuse the pun), the GL63\u2019s display can get quite bright. On top of that, thanks to the matte finish of the screen, the display\u2019s outdoor visibility is pretty good too. Unfortunately, the Malaysian market isn\u2019t getting the GL63 with a 120Hz display; that would\u2019ve made it a more compelling gaming machine.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to build quality, the GL63 leaves much to be desired. Although the palm rest area and top chassis of the laptop are made out of metal, plastic is found on many parts of the GL63. The bottom chassis is plastic, the sides are plastic, and the screen can be flexed quite a bit too without too much effort.\n\n\nBesides that, the GL63 is also a thick and heavy laptop. Measuring 29.5mm thick and weighing 2.3kg, you\u2019ll definitely feel the weight of this machine in your backpack. I\u2019m also not a fan of the GL63\u2019s large bezels surrounding the screen, which gives the laptop a dated-looking design.\n\n\nHowever, these shortcomings aren\u2019t exactly surprising: MSI\u2019s GL series of laptops are \nmade to be affordable\n. There are some things that need to be sacrificed here and there, and most buyers in this price segment want value for money above all else \u2013 premium build material and design will drive up the price of the laptop.\n\n\n\n\nIn exchange, the GL63 offers excellent gaming performance for the money. The RTX 2060 GPU powering this laptop is much, much more capable than its predecessor, the GTX 1060. Considering the fact that this laptop only has a 1080p display, the RTX 2060 is powerful enough to run most modern games with maxed out settings at this resolution too.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that you\u2019ll get Nvidia\u2019s full suite of RTX-specific features with the RTX 2060, including ray tracing and Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS). Previously, these features were available exclusively on more costly GPUs like the RTX 2070 and 2080.\n\n\n\n\nA gaming laptop has to have a keyboard that is suitable for gaming, and in this aspect, the GL63 performs just fine. The SteelSeries keyboard has just enough travel for a comfortable typing experience, and the keys are tactile as well. Unfortunately (or not, depending on your preference), the keyboard has a red backlight only. No RGB lighting here.\n\n\nAs for the trackpad, it\u2019s\u2026functional. It\u2019s not the most accurate trackpad \u2013 not by a long shot \u2013 but it will get the job done in a pinch. Considering the GL63\u2019s focus on gaming, you should be using a physical mouse with this laptop anyway.\n\n\n\n\nSo is the MSI GL63 8SE worth it? At a glance, definitely. While its design and build quality could be better, you\u2019re getting great value for money and gaming performance. At the time of writing, the RM5,399 Core i5 variant of the GL63 is \nthe\u00a0most\u00a0affordable\n RTX 2060 gaming laptop in the market now.\n\n\nHowever, the Core i7 variant doesn\u2019t have very good value proposition. Retailing at RM6,299, it\u2019s priced too close to the Asus ROG Strix Hero II, which goes for RM6,499. For that kind of money, the Hero II offers a \nmuch\n sleeker design with minimal bezels, double the SSD storage at 512GB, as well as a fast 15.6-inch 1080p 144Hz IPS display.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want absolute value for money, you cannot go wrong with the base model of the MSI GL63. But if you want more processing power, more SSD storage, and a sleeker-looking laptop, it\u2019s worth looking at the ROG Strix Hero II instead. It\u2019s simply a better buy over the higher-end GL63.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-mix-3-review-sacrificing-practicality-for-good-looks/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 Review: Sacrificing Practicality for Good Looks", "body": "\n\nThe first Xiaomi Mi Mix impressed us with its sleek, almost bezel-less design, and it was released way back in 2016 before every other manufacturer decided to cut down on bezels. It was then followed by the Mi Mix 2, and while it was a more practical device, it lacked the original phone\u2019s \u201cwow factor.\u201d\n\n\nNow, we have the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3, and it retains the series\u2019 signature bezel-less design\u2026with a twist. To avoid having a notched display or a hole-punch cutout, the Mi Mix 3 employs a \nslider design\n, hiding the selfie camera underneath the display.\n\n\nIt\u2019s a great idea on paper, and even though it gives the phone a sleek aesthetic and unique appeal, it\u2019s not the most practical design. But, if you\u2019re willing to live with it, the Mi Mix 3 is a very solid flagship smartphone.\n\n\nSpecifications\n\n\nDisplay\n6.39-inch FHD+ AMOLED (2340 x 1080)\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 845 2.8GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 630\nRAM\n6GB\nStorage\n128GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n12MP f/1.8 + 12MP f/2.4 (telephoto), dual pixel AF, OIS\nCamera (front)\n24MP + 2MP\nBattery\n3,200mAh\nDimensions\n157.89 x 74.69 x 8.46 mm\nWeight\n218g\nOS\nMIUI 10 based on Android 9 Pie\nConnectivity\nLTE\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi\u00a0802.11 a/b/g/n/ac\nUSB Type-C\n\n\nFor a 2018 flagship smartphone, the Mi Mix 3 is well-equipped. It\u2019s powered by Qualcomm\u2019s fastest chipset yet (the Snapdragon 855 isn\u2019t in the market yet), it has generous RAM and storage capacities, and it features a very respectable camera system.\n\n\nHowever, the Mi Mix 3\u2019s average 3,200mAh battery is a cause for concern \u2013 I\u2019ll get into detail further down this review.\n\n\nDesign\n\n\nWithout a doubt the Mi Mix 3\u2019s most exciting design element is its slider mechanism, and it\u2019s really fun to use. It is satisfying to activate, and I love the fact that there\u2019s a sound effect whenever I slide the display down. Naturally, the sound effect is customisable.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, I did face a number of issues with the Mi Mix 3\u2019s slider design. For one, it gathers dust \nvery\n easily, which is quite unsightly. Besides that, there were a couple of occasions where I accidentally pulled down the display when I was taking it out of my jeans pocket.\n\n\nBut the worst thing about the slider design is trying to activate it when I am doing something on the screen. More often than not, I would accidentally tap on something while trying to pull down the display, which can get frustrating.\n\n\n\n\nEvidently, the slider design can be cumbersome to use. But in exchange, you\u2019re getting an undisturbed viewing experience; the Mi Mix 3 has no notch or selfie camera cutout on the display to obstruct your view. Like it or not, this is an increasingly rare feature, especially on a flagship smartphone.\n\n\nIn terms of build quality, the Mi Mix 3 feels solid. The aluminium frame and ceramic back of the phone give it a premium touch, and the slider mechanism feels robust. However, while I do like the phone\u2019s ceramic back, it is \nvery\n slippery. In fact, I used the phone exclusively with the provided casing for this very reason \u2013 I really don\u2019t want to drop it.\n\n\n\n\nSmartphones without notched displays or hole-punch cutouts are becoming increasingly rare, and that makes the Mi Mix 3 an interesting option. Yes, the slider mechanism isn\u2019t perfect, and there is always a possibility it will fail in the future, but hey, you\u2019re getting an (almost) all-screen smartphone.\n\n\nUser Experience\n\n\nRunning on MIUI 10 based on Android 9 Pie, the Mi Mix 3 offers an \u201cokay\u201d software experience. Much like other Xiaomi phones such as the \nMi 8 Pro\n, I still cannot dismiss notifications with a left swipe. Not surprisingly, I can\u2019t interact with notifications on the lock screen either \u2013 other versions of Android don\u2019t have these limitations.\n\n\nBut as a whole, MIUI 10 still offers relatively good software experience. It doesn\u2019t feel sluggish, the user interface looks modern, and there\u2019s an always on display. However, notifications from some apps (such as Telegram) still don\u2019t show up on the always on screen.\n\n\n\n\nAs for biometric security, you have two options to unlock the Mi Mix 3: the fingerprint sensor, or the face unlock feature with the selfie camera. If you opt to choose the latter, you\u2019d have to slide the display down for the feature to work. Yes, it is as troublesome as it sounds, so I mostly use the rear fingerprint sensor instead.\n\n\nOh, there\u2019s also one neat feature I absolutely love while using the Mi Mix 3: the AI button on the left of the phone. The fact that I can change what the button does to my liking makes it an \nincredibly \nuseful feature. I can, for example, double click on the button to activate the flashlight. If you don\u2019t see any use for the button, no worries \u2013 you can outright disable it.\n\n\nSamsung can definitely learn a thing or two from Xiaomi here with the former\u2019s dedicated Bixby button.\n\n\n\n\nGaming on the Mi Mix 3 is unsurprisingly a very pleasant experience. After all, the Snapdragon 845 is a very capable chipset, even though it will be superseded by the Snapdragon 855 in the near future. But until that happens, the 845 is still the best chipset you can get from Qualcomm, and it provides a great level of performance.\n\n\nDisplay quality of the Mi Mix 3 is very good too. Its 6.39-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED display is bright and vibrant, and viewing angles are great as well. Of course, as this is an AMOLED panel, you also get very deep blacks.\n\n\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s talk about the Mi Mix 3\u2019s battery life. On average, I was getting about four to five hours of screen on time. It\u2019s not fantastic battery life, and it\u2019s definitely not the worst, but considering the fact that this phone measures 8.46mm thick and weighs a whopping 218g, you\u2019d be wanting \nbetter \nbattery life.\n\n\nCharging rate of the Mi Mix 3, on the other hand, is also quite average. Within 30 minutes of charging, the phone got up to 50% from 0%.\n\n\n\n\nUsing the Mi Mix 3 as my daily driver is mostly a pleasant experience. It has decent battery life, a great display, and flagship-tier performance. Xiaomi\u2019s MIUI 10 software could still use some work, but overall, it\u2019s still a decent version of Android.\n\n\nCamera\n\n\nSporting a 12MP f/1.8 + 12MP f/2.4 (telephoto) dual-camera system, the Mi Mix 3 has very respectable camera performance. Whether in broad daylight or low light environment, the phone can deliver impressive-looking shots. Judge for yourself with the sample images below.\n\n\nNight mode disabled\nNight mode enabled\n\n\nWhat I particularly like is the Mi Mix 3\u2019s Night mode, which allows the camera to capture better-looking low light shots by slowing down the shutter speed and increasing the ISO. This mode can make images look artificial in certain conditions, but most of the time, the end results are much better than shots taken in the normal mode.\n\n\nShooting with the Mi Mix 3 is a fairly fuss-free affair too. The camera app is responsive, and the interface is intuitive enough \u2013 changing between different shooting modes is quite seamless.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, Xiaomi still has some catching up to do with class leaders like Samsung and Huawei when it comes to camera performance. Yes, the Mi Mix 3 is a great shooter, but I\u2019d still rather shoot with the Galaxy S9+ if I had the choice.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Mi Mix 3 retails at RM2,199 \u2013 quite a decent price tag for a flagship smartphone. At this price point, it has a number of noteworthy competition.\n\n\nOppo Find X\n\n\nJust like the Mi Mix 3, the Find X has an almost all-screen design unblemished by a notch or hole-punch cutout. But instead of a manual slider mechanism, the Find X uses a motorised design. It also has a Snapdragon 845 chipset, a larger 3,730mAh battery, double the internal storage at 256GB, as well as 8GB of RAM.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, the Mi Mix 3 has the edge in one vital area: value for money. Xiaomi\u2019s offering retails at only RM2,199, while the Find X costs a whopping RM3,699. On top of that, I\u2019d also argue the Mi Mix 3 has better camera performance and software experience than the Find X.\n\n\nSamsung Galaxy S9+\n\n\nYes, the Galaxy S10 series is just around the corner, but you shouldn\u2019t dismiss the Galaxy S9+ as a compelling alternative to the Mi Mix 3. Not only can you get the 128GB model for \nonly RM2,488 now\n, the S9+ is superior in a number of key areas, including camera performance, software experience, and display quality.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the biggest disadvantage of the Galaxy S9+ is its top and bottom bezels. Although the display itself doesn\u2019t have a notch or selfie camera cutout, its screen bezels are still larger than the Mi Mix 3\u2019s. Also, the latter is still more affordable than the S9+, even if it\u2019s not by a huge margin.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 is a sleek device with a unique slider mechanism, and overall, it\u2019s a solid flagship smartphone. But there is one thing that holds it back, which is the very feature that makes it a unique product: the slider mechanism.\n\n\nAs with all moving parts, there is always a chance the Mi Mix 3\u2019s slider mechanism will fail; some would argue it\u2019s only a matter of time. On top of that, even though activating the mechanism is a very satisfying experience, it can be quite cumbersome to use in certain situations.\n\n\n\n\nRegardless, if you like the slider mechanism, and you\u2019re perfectly okay with the possibility that it will eventually fail in the future, the Mi Mix 3 is definitely worth a buy. It has impressive camera performance, a fast chipset, decent battery life, and most of all, a sleek, almost all-screen design.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deals-get-the-iphone-xr-with-up-to-rm270-discount-now/", "title": "Deal: Get the iPhone XR with up to RM270 Discount Now", "body": "\n\nBrand new iPhones do not come cheap, and this is especially the case with the latest generation models. But if you\u2019ve been waiting to get Apple\u2019s latest smartphones at a good price, good news: Shopee is now offering the iPhone XR with up to RM270 discount.\n\n\nOriginally retailing at RM3,599, the 64GB iPhone XR is now available from Shopee \nfor only RM3,379\n, saving you exactly RM220. However, only three colours are available in \nvery \nlimited quantities: Black, White, and Blue.\n\n\nAs for the 128GB variant, it\u2019s \ncurrently going for RM3,599\n; that\u2019s RM250 worth of discount. If you want this particular model of the iPhone XR, you may want to act fast \u2013 at the time of writing, only \none \nunit is left in Blue.\n\n\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the best deal is reserved for the 256GB variant of the iPhone XR. Originally retailing at RM4,299, this top-of-the-line model is being offered \nat only RM4,029 now\n, which saves you RM270.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re concerned about the authenticity of these deals, worry not: the retailer, E-Mart, is an official store by Shopee Malaysia itself. Considering the limited availability of these deals on the iPhone XR, it\u2019s best to act fast if you\u2019re interested.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deals-pocophone-f1-with-128gb-storage-now-available-for-only-rm1359/", "title": "Deal: Pocophone F1 with 128GB Storage Now Available for Only RM1,359", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re in the market for an affordable flagship smartphone, the \nPocophone F1\n should definitely be at the top of your list. Even though it was released last year, it\u2019s \nstill a very good buy in 2019\n. If you need another reason to get the phone now, here\u2019s one for you: the 128GB model is currently going \nfor only RM1,359\n.\n\n\nTo put this deal into context, the 128GB variant of the Pocophone F1 originally retails at RM1,599. Basically, you will be saving RM240 with this deal. Considering the fact that the F1 is \nalready\n a very affordable phone, this is quite a sizeable discount.\n\n\n\n\nThis deal is offered by retailer Elite Mobile on Lazada, and right now, there are a total of only \nfive units available\n: two in Graphite Black, and three in Steel Blue. According to the listing, the Pocophone F1 offered in this deal are Malaysian sets with warranty from Xiaomi Malaysia itself.\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about the Pocophone F1, check out our extensive review of the phone \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deals-razer-phone-2-price-drops-to-rm3188/", "title": "Deal: Razer Phone 2 Price Drops to RM3,188", "body": "\n\nThe \nRazer Phone 2\n was launched in Malaysia just last month, and at the time, it was going for RM3,449. That\u2019s quite a steep price tag, even for a flagship device. Well, for those who have been waiting for the price to drop, now\u2019s your chance: the phone just got more affordable.\n\n\nRight now, the Razer Phone 2 \ncan be bought for only RM3,188\n \u2013 saving you exactly RM261 \u2013 on both \nLazada\n and \nShopee\n. Interestingly, these deals are offered by Razer\u2019s official stores on the respective platforms. So rest assured, you will be getting an official, Malaysian unit of the device.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the Razer Phone 2 particularly unique is its 5.72-inch 2560 x 1440 UltraMotion IGZO display. Thanks to the panel\u2019s high 120Hz refresh rate, gaming on the phone is a very pleasant experience; you\u2019re basically getting more frames per second.\n\n\nOf course, RM3,188 is still a lot of money for a 2018 flagship smartphone. But if you\u2019ve been wanting to get the Razer Phone 2 anyway, now is as good a time as any. Not sure if it\u2019s worth getting? Our \nhands-on of the device\n should help.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-v15-pro-hands-on-trickling-down-flagship-features/", "title": "Vivo V15 Pro Hands-On: Trickling Down Flagship Features", "body": "\n\nThe Vivo V15 Pro hasn\u2019t been officially announced yet, but Vivo Malaysia was kind enough to lend us a unit for a quick hands-on. After spending a brief time with the upcoming smartphone, I was left\u2026pretty impressed, especially with the device\u2019s almost all-screen design and motorised selfie camera.\n\n\nThat being said, there are still a lot of unanswered questions surrounding the V15 Pro. Whether or not it\u2019s a phone worth getting will depend on its final hardware and retail price.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the \nVivo V11\n, the V15 Pro is a much more refined smartphone. Although the back of the phone is polycarbonate instead of glass, the V15 Pro still feels plenty solid. The slightly curved back is ergonomic, and the phone looks and feels premium enough.\n\n\nBut the highlight feature of the V15 Pro is the motorised front-facing camera, which was first implemented on the Vivo Nex \u2013 the company\u2019s 2018 flagship smartphone. It\u2019s great to see Vivo bringing a feature that was previously available only on its high-end device to a mid-ranger like the V15 Pro.\n\n\nSo how does the pop-up selfie camera work? Quite seamlessly, actually. The motorised 32MP camera moves fast enough for the face unlock feature to quickly recognise me, and it\u2019s equally fast when activating the front-camera to capture a selfie. All in all, I like it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBecause there\u2019s no need to make space for the selfie camera on the front of the phone, the V15 Pro has a nice, almost all-screen design. There\u2019s still a noticeable bezel at the bottom of the phone, but it\u2019s minimal enough to give the phone a sleek appearance. Plus, you don\u2019t have any notch or \nhole-punch cutout\n at the top of the display to obstruct your video playback or mobile gaming.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the V15 Pro\u2019s display looks pretty decent. While Vivo hasn\u2019t revealed the phone\u2019s full list of specifications yet, I\u2019m quite certain the company is using an AMOLED panel here. It has deep blacks, vibrant colours, and great viewing angles.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMuch like its predecessor, the V15 Pro also comes with an in-screen fingerprint sensor. For the most part, it performs similarly too: it\u2019s relatively quick and accurate, but a conventional sensor is still superior in these two regards. Most of the time, I find myself using the face unlock instead \u2013 it\u2019s simply faster.\n\n\nInterestingly enough, there\u2019s an extra button on the left side of the V15 Pro dubbed the \u201cAI Button.\u201d As its name suggests, clicking on it summons Google Assistant. Unfortunately, even though the button is customisable (you can even disable it), all of the options work around Google Assistant, such as starting a Google Search with a long press of the button.\n\n\nIn the performance department, the V15 Pro feels quick and responsive. Vivo isn\u2019t saying yet what chipset powers this phone, though rumours are suggesting it\u2019s running on Qualcomm\u2019s latest Snapdragon 675 SoC. If this is true, the V15 Pro should be adequately powerful; the 675 is Qualcomm\u2019s best mid-range chipset yet.\n\n\n\n\nAnother neat upgrade the V15 Pro got is a more sophisticated camera system. According to Amazon India\u2019s listing of the device, the primary sensor of the triple camera system is a huge 48MP shooter. As the V15 Pro takes advantage of pixel binning for improved low light performance, the final images are the size of a conventional 12MP shot.\n\n\nOverall, the camera performance is pretty darn good. Shots are properly exposed, details are preserved quite well, and the camera interface doesn\u2019t feel sluggish. Then again, I\u2019ve only tested the phone\u2019s camera performance in broad daylight, and most modern smartphones can capture good shots in this condition. The real challenge lies in low light photography.\n\n\n\n\nThe Vivo V15 Pro is a much more refined device than the V11, and it\u2019s superior in almost every aspect. It is sleeker, faster, and its camera performance is promising, thanks to the huge 48MP sensor. On top of that, you\u2019re also getting a motorised selfie camera, which was previously available only on the flagship Vivo Nex.\n\n\nBut, as I\u2019ve mentioned, most of the V15 Pro\u2019s major hardware are not revealed yet, including the chipset, battery capacity, internal storage, and RAM size. With that in mind, I can\u2019t say for sure if it\u2019s a phone worth getting; not until it\u2019s officially announced on 20 February in India with more details.\n\n\n\n\nMore importantly, the retail price of the V15 Pro has not been revealed yet either. If it\u2019s priced too close to the RM2,000 mark in Malaysia, it will be a difficult device to recommend. Nonetheless, we\u2019ll just have to wait until 26 February \u2013 Vivo Malaysia will reveal pre-order information of the V15 Pro then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-buy-the-xiaomi-mi-a2-from-only-rm769-now/", "title": "Deal: Buy the Xiaomi Mi A2 from Only RM769 Now", "body": "\n\nBack in November last year, Xiaomi\u2019s latest Android One device, the Xiaomi Mi A2, had its retail prices revised to RM899 and RM1,099 for the 64GB and 128GB variants respectively. It\u2019s been a few months since then, so not surprisingly, the Android One device is even more affordable now.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the base model of the Mi A2. One particular retailer on Shopee \u2013 a Preferred seller, to boot \u2013 is currently offering the 64GB model with 4GB of RAM \nfor only RM769\n, which saves you RM130. Three colours are offered by the retailer: Lake Blue, Gold, and Black.\n\n\nAs for the 128GB variant of the Mi A2 with 6GB of RAM, retailer Elite Mobile on Lazada is listing the device \nat only RM999\n. It\u2019s not quite as big of a saving compared to the base model, but hey, RM100 worth of discount is still a good deal. Naturally, all three colours are also available for this deal.\n\n\n\n\nAll of the deals mentioned here are official Malaysian units of the Xiaomi Mi A2 \u2013 we do our best to only cover deals with official warranty coverage. Rest assured, you will be getting warranty support from Xiaomi Malaysia itself if you purchase the device from the links we have provided above.\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi A2 is a great option for those who are looking for a mid-range smartphone with polished software experience and good performance for the money. However, do note that its 3,010mAh battery can only return average battery life, and its lack of support for expandable storage may be a deal breaker to some folks.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-playstation-4-now-going-for-only-rm868/", "title": "Deal: PlayStation 4 Now Going for Only RM868", "body": "\n\nLooking to buy a brand new PlayStation 4 console? Then you\u2019d want to grab this deal. Previously, we wrote that you can get the \nstandard console for RM945\n. But if you\u2019ve been holding out, great: it\u2019s currently going for \nas low as RM868\n.\n\n\nThis particular deal is available on Shopee from retailer JN Gamestore. The standard PlayStation 4 (500GB) with one year of warranty is listed \nat only RM888\n, while the variant with two years of warranty \ngoes for RM939\n. So how can you reduce the price to as low as RM868? Use the voucher code PLAYER10, which offers additional RM20 discount.\n\n\nHowever, note that the code expires on 28 February, and it is only redeemable through the Shopee app \u2013 it\u2019s not available for web checkouts.\n\n\n\n\nBut if you want the more powerful PlayStation 4 Pro model, Preferred Shopee retailer Otakuya is offering it \nfor only RM1,370\n. Much like the deal above, you can use the PLAYER10 code to lower the price down to RM1,350. Naturally, this Pro variant also comes with two-year warranty.\n\n\nThe deals highlighted here all come with warranty support from Sony Malaysia, and not surprisingly, stocks are limited. This is especially the case with the RM888 standard PlayStation 4, so if you got your eyes set on that particular model, it\u2019s best to act fast.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/terragraph-lands-in-penang-malaysia-and-its-a-big-deal/", "title": "Terragraph Lands in Penang, Malaysia, and It\u2019s a Big Deal", "body": "\n\nChances are, you\u2019ve never heard of Terragraph: a multi-node wireless system from Facebook that aims to deliver high-speed internet access in urban areas. Well, surprise surprise, YTL Communications, with support from Facebook,  is launching Terragraph in Penang, Malaysia.\n\n\nBut how big of a deal is Terragraph? Will it be able to replace fibre optic networks in the future? If things go well, it can certainly serve as a viable alternative.\n\n\n\n\nNow, to be specific, YTL is implementing Terragraph in George Town, Penang, which is pretty interesting. Because George Town is a UNESCO heritage city, it\u2019s difficult to install fibre optic network for high-speed internet while adhering to architectural guidelines set by the UN.\n\n\nHowever, implementing Terragraph is much, much easier, as it can be installed on street furniture (such as street lamps) and rooftops. There\u2019s no need for digging works to lay down fibre infrastructure, and it\u2019s much faster to deploy too.\n\n\nHow fast can it be installed? \nAccording to Amanz\n, 25 nodes of Terragraph were installed throughout George Town in just one night. That\u2019s really quite impressive.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, Terragraph can deliver gigabit speeds too, so it\u2019s not like it is inferior to fibre optic networks in this regard. YTL demonstrated that the Terragraph network installed in George Town can achieve download and upload speeds of well over 1Gbps, though the company did clarify more tests need to be done to ensure that the network is capable of delivering consistent speeds.\n\n\nSpeed is not an issue with Terragraph, but because it relies on WiGig technology, the infrastructure has limited range. Terragraph operates in the 60GHz frequency range, so it has shorter wavelength than, say, a typical WiFi network operating in 2.4GHz or 5GHz.\n\n\nFor this very reason, Terragraph is only practical in dense, urban areas, where the multiple nodes can be installed on street lamps and rooftops of buildings. On the bright side, one node consumes about the same amount of electricity as an LED street lamp.\n\n\n\n\nAt this point in time, the Terragraph network in George Town, Penang is not active yet. In fact, the installation of the nodes is to prepare for the pilot study, which will commence from 1 March onwards. According to YTL, it\u2019s the first large-scale pilot of Terragraph in Asia, and it will be held for six months.\n\n\nThe Terragraph pilot test will start from George Town itself; the city would have 60 nodes installed when the test begins. In the next few months, Terragraph will be expanded to other parts of Penang too, and it remains to be seen if the network will be implemented outside of the state.\n\n\nIf you happen to be living in George Town, you\u2019ll love this: the Terragraph network will be accessible to the general public for free. This should put Terragraph through its paces, and if it proved to be robust enough, it\u2019ll be a promising alternative to the more traditional fibre optic infrastructure.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, if Terragraph \nis\n a viable option, the next question that would have to be answered is who exactly will lay out the infrastructure for the technology nationwide. Even though it is cheaper to deploy than conventional fibre optic networks, it will still cost a considerable sum of money.\n\n\nBut we\u2019re getting ahead of ourselves. The bottom line is, Terragraph is a very promising technology, and the 6-month pilot test in Penang will tell if it is good enough to deliver better internet access in urban areas.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-nvidia-rtx-2060-gpu-for-only-rm1499/", "title": "Deal: You Can Get the Nvidia RTX 2060 GPU for Only RM1,499 Now", "body": "\n\nPlanning to build a new PC, but scratching your head over which graphics card to get? Let us help with this deal we stumbled upon. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 GPU offers excellent value for money, and you can buy one at a pretty good price now.\n\n\nWe found this deal on Shopee, where one retailer is listing the Galax GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card \nfor only RM1,499\n. To put this deal into context, Nvidia\u2019s official store on Lazada is offering \nthe very same GPU for RM1,599\n; that\u2019s RM100 more.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re concerned about the legitimacy of the listing, worry not \u2013 Shopee Guarantee ensures that you will get the item you ordered, or you can get your money back.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want a Preferred seller instead, retailer Just IT Technology is also offering the \nGalax RTX 2060 GPU for RM1,509\n. That\u2019s slightly more than the deal above, but you can use the retailer\u2019s RM5 voucher to bring down the price to RM1,504. If you have spare Shopee Coins, that\u2019s even better \u2013 you can use it to further reduce the price of the GPU from this Preferred retailer.\n\n\nThe RTX 2060 is a very capable GPU, and you get to enjoy features like ray tracing and Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) with this graphics card, which is only available on RTX GPUs. Besides that, Galax is also a very well-known manufacturer, and this particular GPU comes with three-year warranty too for peace of mind.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s10-series-hands-on-jack-of-all-trades/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S10 Series Hands-On: Jack of All Trades", "body": "\n\nAfter months of rumours and leaks, the Samsung Galaxy S10 series is official. As expected, there are three different devices in the series: the Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10, and Galaxy S10+. There\u2019s also the Galaxy S10 5G with support for (you guessed it) 5G connection, but that isn\u2019t shipping until the second quarter of 2019.\n\n\nWith three different devices in the lineup, the S10 series is more versatile than ever, and there\u2019s bound to be at least \none\n device that you\u2019d prefer over the other two. I\u2019ve spent some time playing around with these three new shiny phones, and while they\u2019re not the most radical devices to come from Samsung, the S10 series is a solid offering.\n\n\n\n\nOut of the three devices, my personal favourite is the Galaxy S10e. Even though it\u2019s not quite as sleek as the other two devices (it doesn\u2019t have a fancy curved display, triple camera system, or in-screen fingerprint sensor), it\u2019s the most compact phone here. I love the idea of small, powerful smartphones, and this is the S10e\u2019s best quality.\n\n\nJust because the Galaxy S10e is the most affordable device in the series doesn\u2019t mean it has to feel or look cheap. It has solid build quality, it looks premium, and it\u2019s doesn\u2019t lose out much in terms of hardware.\n\n\nIt\u2019s still powered by the same chipset as its more costly siblings \u2013 the Malaysian market is getting the Samsung Exynos 9820 variant \u2013 it still has the same rear camera system (minus the telephoto sensor), it comes with 128GB of expandable storage, 6GB of RAM, a 3,100mAh battery, and hey, even a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\n\n\nThere is, however, one hardware of the Galaxy S10e that is quite different: the display. Packing a 5.8-inch Full HD+ \u201cDynamic AMOLED\u201d display, it\u2019s not quite as sharp and impressive as the S10 and S10+\u2019s Quad HD+ curved screens. But is it a bad display? Not at all. It\u2019s still plenty sharp, it has vibrant colours, and it\u2019s still certified for HDR10+. I also dig the lack of bezel at the top of the display, although there\u2019s still a small \nchin\n at the bottom.\n\n\nOf course, I can\u2019t talk about the Galaxy S10e\u2019s screen without mentioning the new \u201cInfinity-O\u201d display. Basically, there\u2019s a \nhole-punch cutout\n at the top right of the screen for the 10MP selfie camera, and you\u2019ll definitely notice it. But how distracting will it be? I\u2019ll only find out once I got to spend more time with the phone in a full review.\n\n\nBesides the display, I\u2019m not thrilled with the S10e\u2019s side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which also doubles as the power button. Now, I\u2019m perfectly okay with the side placement of the sensor, but I am puzzled at Samsung\u2019s decision to place it \nso\u00a0high\u00a0up\n. It\u2019s hard to reach with my thumb, and it forces me to readjust my grip on the phone every time I want to unlock it.\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the \u201cstandard\u201d Galaxy S10. In comparison to the S10e, the S10 has a larger, higher resolution 6.1-inch 1440p Dynamic AMOLED curved display. It also comes with an extra 12MP telephoto sensor on the back, a larger 3,400mAh battery, and of course, an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor beneath the display.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, I am absolutely blown away by how \nquick\u00a0\nthe in-screen fingerprint sensor is. A light tap is enough for the sensor to recognise my fingerprint, and it feels \nas accurate\n as a conventional sensor \u2013 that\u2019s a huge accomplishment.\n\n\nSamsung may not be the first manufacturer to implement an in-screen fingerprint sensor on a smartphone, but it certainly has the\u00a0best\u00a0sensor in the business right now with the S10 and S10+ \u2013 in my experience, at least.\n\n\n\n\nAnd finally, we have the largest device in the series, the Galaxy S10+. Its hardware is mostly identical to the standard S10, but the S10+ has a bigger 6.4-inch 1440p Dynamic AMOLED curved display, a much more generous 4,100mAh battery, as well as a secondary 8MP RGB depth camera on the front.\n\n\nYes, the Galaxy S10+ has two selfie cameras, and to accommodate these two sensors, this phone has an oblong-shaped hole-punch cutout. This\u2026unique-looking cutout is probably the easiest way to tell the Galaxy S10+ apart from the regular S10. Whether or not it will prove to be more distracting than the circular cutout of the latter remains to be seen.\n\n\nBeyond these differences, the Galaxy S10+ simply feels like a bigger S10. It is as premium as the other devices in the series (perhaps slightly more than the S10e thanks to its curved display), and weighing 175g \u2013 198g for the 512GB and 1TB variants with a ceramic back \u2013 it has a nice heft to it.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the camera performance of the Galaxy S10 smartphones. As mentioned, the Galaxy S10e has the exact same primary 12MP f/1.5 \u2013 f/2.4 shooter + 16MP f/2.2 ultra wide-angle sensor as the S10 and S10+. The only rear camera the S10e doesn\u2019t have is the 12MP f/2.4 telephoto sensor, which is available on the other two devices.\n\n\nOkay, so how is the camera performance of the Galaxy S10 smartphones? At a glance, extremely good. There is almost no shutter lag on all three phones, they can lock in focus extremely quickly, and the end results look fantastic. Plus, the camera configuration of these phones are more versatile than ever. There\u2019s a normal camera, an ultra wide-angle shooter, and in the case of the S10 and S10+, even a telephoto sensor.\n\n\nThat being said, I only had a brief time with these phones, so I did not manage to test their low light camera performance. But seeing how Samsung has consistently delivered great camera systems on its flagship smartphones, I reckon the S10 series will perform admirably when photographing in low light conditions.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S10 series retails from RM2,699 in Malaysia, and that\u2019s for the Galaxy S10e with 128GB of storage. A tier up is the 128GB Galaxy S10, which goes for RM3,299. As for the Galaxy S10+, the 128GB variant can be bought for RM3,699, while the 512GB model carries a RM4,599 price tag.\n\n\nAll in all, the Galaxy S10 series is a great followup to the much more underwhelming Galaxy S9 lineup. While the changes and improvements introduced in this generation aren\u2019t quite as drastic as the jump from the Galaxy S7 to the Galaxy S8, it\u2019s still reasonably good.\n\n\nHowever, competition is getting tougher, and whether or not the S10 series can stand on equal ground with these upcoming phones remain to be seen. It is the jack of all trades \u2013 it does everything extremely well, but it\u2019s not breaking any new ground.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/testing-oppos-new-10x-lossless-zoom-camera-is-it-any-good/", "title": "Testing Oppo\u2019s New 10x Lossless Zoom Camera \u2013 Is It Any Good?", "body": "\n\nMWC 2019 hasn\u2019t opened its doors just yet, but as usual, a number of brands are unveiling their latest products and technologies ahead of time. Oppo, for one, just revealed its new triple camera system. The highlight feature? Its ability to do 10x lossless zoom.\n\n\nI managed to try out a prototype device equipped with the new camera system, and it\u2019s quite an impressive feature. The camera performance still has some ways to go, of course, but it\u2019s definitely an interesting technology.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOppo\u2019s new camera system has three distinct sensors: a primary 48MP shooter, an ultra-wide angle sensor, and a telephoto camera. Yes, it\u2019s quite similar to \nSamsung\u2019s Galaxy S10 camera configuration\n. However, unlike Samsung\u2019s implementation, Oppo\u2019s camera system can do 10x lossless zoom.\n\n\nNormally, a camera with this level of zoom will be much thicker, but Oppo\u2019s new camera system uses a periscope-style prism, which enables the camera to do 10x lossless zoom without making the phone too thick. In fact, the prototype device equipped with the new camera system looks and feels like any other modern smartphone; there\u2019s no extra thickness or weight here.\n\n\nGranted, the device is covered up with a casing, so it\u2019s not entirely clear if there is any noticeable camera bump.\n\n\n\n\nOff the bat, it\u2019s clear the prototype device is installed with a very bare bone camera app. The only thing I could tweak was the level of zoom, and I have to adjust the zoom level manually with a slider. It would\u2019ve been much more convenient if I could just tap on a button to get different zoom levels, but hey, it\u2019s a prototype device.\n\n\nAt 1x zoom, the ultra wide-angle sensor is used, and as you zoom in further, the camera system switches to the other two sensors. At around 2x zoom, I\u2019m positive the camera changes to the primary 48MP sensor \u2013 there\u2019s a clear shift in image quality at that level of zoom.\n\n\nOnce I get to around 8x zoom, the image quality shifts yet again, and I suspect the telephoto sensor is used at that level of zoom. An Oppo representative then told me the prototype phone can do lossless zoom at up to 10x, and going any further is merely digital zoom, which maxes out at 20x.\n\n\nNonetheless, here are some sample shots I managed to capture with Oppo\u2019s new triple camera system.\n\n\n1x zoom\n2x zoom\n10x zoom\n20x zoom\n\n\nQuite impressive, isn\u2019t it? Sure, the image quality isn\u2019t the best, but this \nis\n taken with a prototype device. Besides that, the 10x lossless zoom feature is the main talking point here, and in this regard, Oppo is delivering on its promise.\n\n\nAlso, let me shift your attention to the ultra wide-angle shot above. See, most phones with very wide-angle sensors tend to have noticeable distortions, producing a fisheye-like effect. But just look at the wide-angle image taken with Oppo\u2019s new camera system \u2013 it handles distortion \nvery\u00a0well,\n to the point where it\u2019s barely noticeable.\n\n\nAside from that, Oppo\u2019s triple camera system comes with dual optical image stabilisation too: one is equipped on the primary 48MP sensor, while the other is available on the telephoto shooter. This, in turn, makes it easier to get blur-free images, even when I was shooting at 10x zoom.\n\n\n\n\nSo what\u2019s the takeaway here? Well, Oppo is onto something really good. At its current state, the company\u2019s 10x lossless zoom camera system could still use some work, but it\u2019s a work in progress, and it is \nvery\n promising. Currently, no other phone maker can offer this kind of zooming capability \u2013 not yet, anyway.\n\n\nBut ultimately, whether or not Oppo\u2019s new triple camera system will be a success depends on how well it is implemented in a consumer-ready smartphone. How soon will this happen? Oppo mentioned it will release such a device in the second quarter of 2019, so we can expect it to happen as early as April.\n\n\n\n\nYou may question the practicality of having 10x lossless zoom on a smartphone \u2013 heck, even I do \u2013 but it does give Oppo an edge over its competition in smartphone photography. In the highly competitive smartphone market, phone makers need all the edge they can get.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s10-5g-hands-on-were-not-ready-for-this-phone/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S10 5G Hands-On: We\u2019re Not Ready for This Phone", "body": "\n\nMWC 2019 is now in full swing, so expect a lot of smartphone-related news \u2013 as well as hands-on \u2013 over the next few days. I was going through the MWC show floor when I saw one phone (to my surprise) was showcased at Samsung\u2019s booth: the Galaxy S10 5G.\n\n\nAs its name suggests, this device is the only one in the \nGalaxy S10 series\n to come with 5G connectivity. While the S10 5G probably won\u2019t be available in the majority of markets \u2013 the availability of 5G network is still very limited \u2013 it\u2019s quite an interesting device with some distinct differences here and there.\n\n\nBut is the Galaxy S10 5G a phone worth getting excited over? Hardly, for a number of good reasons. Well, let\u2019s get to it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLike the other devices in the series, the Galaxy S10 5G is also powered by an Exynos 9820 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset (depending on the market) paired with 8GB of RAM. Besides that, it also has a 6.7-inch 1440p curved Dynamic AMOLED display, which is noticeably bigger than the S10+\u2019s already sizeable 6.4-inch screen.\n\n\nOddly enough, the Galaxy S10 5G does not have a microSD card slot, so you\u2019ll have to make do with the phone\u2019s existing 256GB of internal storage. It\u2019s still a large capacity, of course, but it\u2019s an odd omission nonetheless.\n\n\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the Galaxy S10 5G has the largest battery capacity in the series at 4,500mAh. However, it\u2019s hard to say if this will directly translate to better battery life than, say, the Galaxy S10+ (4,100mAh cell). After all, it remains to be seen just how power-hungry 5G connectivity is.\n\n\nIf you think the Galaxy S10+\u2019s triple camera system is plenty already, you\u2019re in for a surprise: the S10 5G has \nfour \ndifferent shooter on the back. See, this phone has a similar camera configuration as the S10+, but it has an additional time-of-flight (ToF) sensor to capture depth information. This, in turn, gives the S10 5G better augmented reality performance, among other things.\n\n\nOh, the phone\u2019s front-facing camera is different too. Complementing the existing 10MP selfie camera is another ToF sensor.\n\n\n\n\nOkay, with the S10 5G\u2019s specifications out of the way, how is it like to hold? Well, to my surprise, it feels\u2026not as premium as I would\u2019ve thought. Now, the back of the phone still has a nice, pearlescent finish, but it feels \na\u00a0lot\n like plastic. This is in stark contrast to the other Galaxy S10 devices with rear glass panels.\n\n\nI was very intrigued with the build material of the S10 5G\u2019s back panel, and when I asked a Samsung spokesperson about it, he said he cannot comment on this. Obviously, I\u2019m even more convinced now it is made of plastic.\n\n\nSporting a 6.7-inch display, the Galaxy S10 5G is unmistakably a large smartphone. I wouldn\u2019t say it\u2019s unwieldy, but it\u2019s not the most ergonomically friendly device either. Reaching for the top of the display with one hand is nigh impossible, and trying to tap on the navigation buttons (especially the farthest one) with my thumb is equally challenging.\n\n\n\n\nWhat about the camera system? I reckon the S10 5G will have very similar \u2013 if not identical \u2013 camera performance as the Galaxy S10 and S10+. I\u2019m excluding the S10e simply because it doesn\u2019t have a telephoto sensor.\n\n\nThe only meaningful difference between the S10 5G\u2019s camera system and the S10 is the former\u2019s ToF sensors on the front and back, which \nmay \n(keyword: may) offer slightly better camera performance. As the ToF sensors capture depth information, it will only come in handy if you\u2019re taking portrait shots with bokeh effects.\n\n\nBasically, you\u2019re looking at marginally better camera performance \u2013 at best.\n\n\n\n\nSo what makes the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G a \u201cbetter\u201d device than the rest of the S10 phones? It doesn\u2019t feel as premium, it may be too large for most users\u2019 liking, and it has similar, if not identical camera performance as the Galaxy S10 and S10+.\n\n\nWell. It\u2019s 5G capability. That\u2019s it. That\u2019s what makes the S10 5G a more compelling device than the rest of the S10 phones. On paper, it\u2019s a legitimate advantage. Not only can you play cloud games with almost no latency, it will be possible to make video calls in 4K quality.\n\n\nBut as impressive as these may be, 5G connectivity is not widely available yet. As much as every phone maker is pushing for 5G technology, we\u2019re simply not ready yet \u2013 it\u2019s merely a spec race at this point in time. On top of that, it\u2019s almost a given the S10 5G will carry a premium price tag.\n\n\n\n\nIf you don\u2019t care about 5G-enabled smartphones, \nthe rest of the Galaxy S10 smartphones\n would serve you better than the S10 5G. That is, until 5G connectivity is more widely available, which would make the phone a lot more relevant.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-10-xperia-10-plus-hands-on-misplaced-priorities/", "title": "Sony Xperia 10 & Xperia 10 Plus Hands-On: Misplaced Priorities", "body": "\n\nSony\u2019s mobile division hasn\u2019t been doing particularly well over the years, and in a bid to revitalise it, the Japanese company is introducing three new smartphones here at MWC 2019. There\u2019s the flagship Sony Xperia 1, as well as the mid-range Xperia 10 and Xperia 10 Plus.\n\n\nLooking at the naming convention of these phones, it\u2019s likely Sony is looking at this as a \u201cnew start\u201d for its mobile business. But after spending some time with the Xperia 10 smartphones at Sony\u2019s booth, I\u2019m starting to think these are Sony\u2019s weakest range of smartphones yet \u2013 they\u2019re \nthat\n unimpressive.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, I only managed to get my hands on the Xperia 10 and Xperia 10 Plus \u2013 there are no units of the Xperia 1 on display at all. Nonetheless, all three of these phones do share one common hardware: a 21:9 display.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the \u201ccinematic\u201d aspect ratio, which is commonly used for movies. As a result, the Xperia 10 smartphones are \nridiculously\n tall and narrow, giving them a very disproportional-looking design. In fact, I\u2019m absolutely positive the Xperia 10 Plus \nwill \nstick out of my jeans pocket if I tried to keep it there.\n\n\nAnd even if I were to ignore the aesthetics side of things, putting a 21:9 display on a smartphone is ergonomically flawed. I\u2019d love to see someone try to pull down the notification shade on the Xperia 10 Plus with only one hand \u2013 that would definitely involve some finger acrobatics.\n\n\n\n\nOkay, enough with the 21:9 display \u2013 what are the specifications of the Xperia 10 phones? Out of the two phones, the Xperia 10 Plus is the beefier offering. It has a 6.5-inch 21:9 Full HD+ LCD display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 chipset paired with 4GB of RAM, 64GB of expandable storage, and a 3,000mAh battery \u2013 a modest list of hardware.\n\n\nAs for the Xperia 10, it comes with a 6-inch 21:9 Full HD+ LCD display, a slower Snapdragon 630 SoC paired with 3GB of RAM, 64GB of expandable storage, as well as a 2,870mAh cell. Much like the Xperia 10 Plus, the standard Xperia 10 also features an 8MP f/2.0 front-facing camera.\n\n\n\n\nHardware wise, the Xperia 10 smartphones are not the most cutting edge or powerful mid-rangers, but there are some redeeming qualities here. For one, both of them come with an all-metal chassis, which looks and feels premium, thanks in part to the matte finish.\n\n\nOn top of that, I also like the small bezel at the bottom of the display, though I\u2019m not particularly fond of the chunky top bezel. But hey, at least there\u2019s no notch or hole-punch cutout here.\n\n\n\n\nInterestingly, Sony is going back to its roots (somewhat) by integrating a fingerprint sensor on the side of the Xperia 10 devices. However, unlike the side-mounted sensor found on, say, the 2016 Sony Xperia XZ, it no longer doubles as the power button. Instead, the power button is placed on top of the sensor, with the volume rocker below it.\n\n\nNow, while I can reach for these buttons quite easily with my thumb, it would\u2019ve been much more intuitive to have the side-mounted fingerprint sensor double as the power button. It\u2019s something Sony \nhas\u00a0done\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0past\n anyway, and heck, even other manufacturers like Samsung with the Galaxy S10e did the same.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, let\u2019s get back to the Xperia 10 phones\u2019 tall and narrow 21:9 displays. I may not be a huge fan of this aspect ratio, but Sony did make a few good cases for it. You can, for example, open two apps simultaneously on the top and bottom of the display without feeling too cramped \u2013 there\u2019s a lot of vertical screen real estate here.\n\n\nBesides that, the 21:9 display would be perfect for watching movies on the go; plenty of movies are shot in this cinematic aspect ratio. But the thing is, how many people watch movies on their mobile devices? Chances are, more smartphone users will be watching YouTube on the go, and most content there are shown in 16:9.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, it wouldn\u2019t be Sony if the company didn\u2019t outline this particular benefit of having such a long and narrow display: a more immersive gaming experience. Essentially, you will be getting a much wider field of view in games like Fortnite and Asphalt Racing \u2013 these are some of the games Sony is working to support the taller display.\n\n\nHowever, there will be a lot more mobile games that won\u2019t support the unconventional screen aspect ratio. In that case, it wouldn\u2019t matter if you have a 21:9 display or 16:9 screen; these games won\u2019t be able to take advantage of the extra screen real estate anyway.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the camera systems of these two phones. The Xperia 10 comes with a 13MP + 5MP dual camera configuration, while the Xperia 10 Plus features a more sophisticated 12MP + 8MP camera setup with 2x optical zoom. So can these two phones capture good-looking shots? Not exactly.\n\n\nEven by mid-range smartphone standards, the camera performance of the Xperia 10 and Xperia 10 Plus are decidedly average. Not only is there a very noticeable shutter lag in between shots, detail preservation is not great either. You can probably take good-looking shots with either one of these two phones with some effort, but don\u2019t expect them to blow you away.\n\n\n\n\nI find it really hard to recommend the Sony Xperia 10 and Xperia 10 Plus smartphones. I won\u2019t deny there are some benefits to the 21:9 screens of these two phones, but Sony is sacrificing too much in terms of practicality and looks. Okay, the latter is a subjective matter, but Sony is misplacing its priorities here.\n\n\nInstead of improving the design or camera performance of its smartphones to make them more compelling, Sony is attempting to stand out in the competitive mobile segment by offering something that is unique, but not necessarily\u2026well, practical. It\u2019s a shame, really, considering the amount of success prior Xperia phones enjoyed.\n\n\nCurrently, there are no pricing information yet for these two phones, though they are set to be available sometime in March next month. If you\u2019re in Malaysia, and you\u2019re hoping Sony Malaysia will be bringing in the Xperia 10 phones, I wouldn\u2019t hold my breath.\n\n\n\n\nOver the past few months, Sony has been very quiet in the Malaysian market. Although it wasn\u2019t made official (yet), we suspect the company is no longer focusing on its mobile efforts in Malaysia. Of course, there is a chance this will change in 2019, but only time will tell.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/energizer-power-max-p18k-pop-hands-on-a-power-bank-running-on-android/", "title": "Energizer Power Max P18K Pop Hands-On: A Power Bank Running on Android", "body": "\n\nOkay, so the Energizer Power Max P18K Pop (try saying that five times quickly) isn\u2019t actually a power bank. Rather, it\u2019s an Android smartphone with an \nabsolutely huge\n 18,000mAh battery. The phone is so thick, it would\u2019ve been more accurate to call it a power bank.\n\n\nNonetheless, the Power Max is very much a full-fledged smartphone, and if you want absolutely amazing battery life, this is the right phone for you \u2013 if you can even get one, that is.\n\n\n\n\nDespite its brand name, the Energizer Power Max isn\u2019t exactly made by Energizer itself; French company Avenir Telecom holds the license for the Energizer branding. For the most part, the company releases entry-level to mid-range devices.\n\n\nHow about the Power Max? It\u2019s comfortably a mid-range smartphone. It features a 6.2-inch 1080p display, a MediaTek Helio P70 chipset paired with 6GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and of course, a huge 18,000mAh battery. Yes, that\u2019s the most important hardware here.\n\n\nNot only is the Power Max extremely thick at 18mm, it\u2019s also a very hefty smartphone. Avenir did not reveal the exact weight of the phone, but you\u2019ll definitely feel it in your pocket. Yes, I tried to put the phone in my jeans pocket, and \nsurprisingly\n, it actually fit! I don\u2019t think it would be particularly pleasant to have it in my pocket for too long though.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHowever, a phone this thick presents some\u2026interesting ergonomic challenges. It\u2019s extremely difficult to use with only one hand, and if you\u2019re a leftie, good luck reaching for the power button on the right side of the phone. I tried, and it\u2019s \nreally\n hard to do.\n\n\nOn the flip side, the metal chassis of the Power Max does feel quite robust. In fact, it feels a lot like a power bank. If you feel like it, you can even treat it like one \u2013 the Power Max can be used to charge other devices. How long will it take to charge the phone itself? About eight hours or so with a fast charger. \n\n\n\n\nDespite its bulky chassis, the Power Max has quite a sleek-looking front design. Its 6.2-inch display is free from any notch or hole-punch cutout, and the bottom screen bezel is quite minimal. The display quality itself, on the other hand, isn\u2019t all that bad either.\n\n\nSo where is the front-facing camera? Well, much like the Vivo V15 Pro, the Power Max has a motorised camera module with two sensors: 16MP + 2MP. Unfortunately, the camera mechanism of the demo unit I tested wasn\u2019t working, so it is permanently sticking out of the phone.\n\n\nConsidering the fact that the device was handled by so many people prior to me \u2013 I suspect it is the only working unit at the booth \u2013 this isn\u2019t all that surprising. This shouldn\u2019t serve as an indication of the module\u2019s durability.\n\n\n\n\nBut when it comes to performance, the Power Max isn\u2019t the most refined device. Even though it runs on Android 9 Pie, the phone has some stuttering here and there, and I was only navigating around the home screen. It\u2019s not like the Helio P70 is a bad chipset \u2013 it should be powerful enough to provide a decent user experience.\n\n\nSporting a 12MP + 5MP + 2MP triple camera system, you shouldn\u2019t expect the Power Max to have great camera performance. The camera interface itself is quite simple, and it\u2019s responsive enough for a decent shooting experience.\n\n\nThe image output, however, isn\u2019t particularly great. It will work in a pinch, but based on a few shots I managed to capture with the phone, you won\u2019t want to do any serious photography with it. This is, after all, a mid-range smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nThe Energizer Power Max P18K Pop will be available sometime in June 2019, and for the European market, it will go for a cool 599 euro, which comes up to about RM2,770. That\u2019s a lot of money for a device in this segment, and it\u2019s not particularly polished either in a number of important areas.\n\n\nNonetheless, I imagine there will be folks who will be interested to get the Power Max just for its sheer battery life. There are probably no other smartphones with a 18,000mAh cell under the hood, and that in itself is a good selling point.\n\n\nThat being said, if you\u2019re in Malaysia, and you want to get the Power Max, you probably wouldn\u2019t be able to. At least, not by official means. If there\u2019s enough interest, I\u2019m positive parallel importers will bring in the Power Max \u2013 just expect to pay a premium price tag for it.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-9-hands-on-super-promising-super-affordable/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi 9 Hands-On: Super Promising, Super Affordable", "body": "\n\nXiaomi\u2019s range of flagship smartphones always had one thing in common: they\u2019re very affordable. However, not all of them are memorable, and some of them \u2013 despite their affordable price tags \u2013 were eclipsed by other flagships that offer better features, or simply better value for money.\n\n\nBut this has been steadily changing over the past couple of years, especially with the introduction of the \nXiaomi Mi 8 series\n of smartphones last year. Now, we\u2019re looking at the Chinese company\u2019s most refined smartphone yet: the Xiaomi Mi 9.\n\n\nIt\u2019s sleek, it offers excellent performance, and most of all, it retains Xiaomi\u2019s competitive pricing. I took the Mi 9 for a spin over at MWC 2019, and I absolutely cannot wait to put it through its paces.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDesign wise, the Mi 9 further improve upon its predecessor\u2019s looks. Yes, the phone still has a notch, but it is much smaller now. The bottom bezel of the phone has been reduced quite a bit too, lending to a much more modern-looking, more aesthetically pleasing design.\n\n\nOn the back, nothing much has changed. The Mi 9\u2019s camera module \u2013 now a triple camera system \u2013 is still placed at the top left side vertically, and it still has a sleek glass panel. Paired with the phone\u2019s glossy metal frame, you have a phone that looks and feels very premium.\n\n\nThere is one new design element of the Mi 9: iridescent colourways. Available on the Lavendar Violet and Ocean Blue colour options, the colour of the back panel changes depending on what angle you\u2019re looking at it. It\u2019s a small, but very nice touch. If you\u2019re not a fan of this, you can always opts for the Piano Black variant I\u2019ve got my hands on here.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to performance, the Mi 9 features Qualcomm\u2019s latest and fastest Snapdragon 855 chipset paired with 6GB of RAM and up to 128GB of fast UFS 2.1 storage. Rest assured, you\u2019re getting very good performance with the Mi 9. After all, the Snapdragon 855 will be powering the majority of flagship smartphones this year, and it will be the default choice for any Android phone maker that wants flagship-tier performance.\n\n\nMuch like its predecessor, the Mi 9 also features an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and it has been improved immensely. In my review of the Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro, I wasn\u2019t particularly impressed with the speed and accuracy of the sensor. Thankfully, the Mi 9\u2019s in-screen sensor is much faster, and much more accurate now.\n\n\nI wouldn\u2019t say it\u2019s quite as fast as the Samsung Galaxy S10\u2019s ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor, but hey, the Mi 9 is considerably more affordable than Samsung\u2019s latest crop of flagship smartphones.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the Mi 9 now sports a slightly larger 6.39-inch 1080p Samsung-made AMOLED display, and it\u2019s pleasant to look at. Colours are punchy and vibrant, viewing angles are great, and thanks to the inherent property of AMOLED panels, you\u2019re getting excellent black levels too.\n\n\nI also like the redesigned \u201cmulti-colour\u201d always on display of the Mi 9. Contrast this with other smartphones\u2019 always on displays, which are usually shown only in white. There are some exceptions, of course, like the \nAsus ROG Phone\u2019s always on display\n with some red accents.\n\n\nPacking a 3,300mAh battery, the Mi 9 should be able to return reasonably good battery life. It\u2019s not a very generous battery capacity, but Xiaomi\u2019s power management is one of the best I\u2019ve tested \u2013 I\u2019m confident the Mi 9 can deliver good battery life.\n\n\n\n\nAnd now, we have perhaps the Mi 9\u2019s most impressive feature: camera performance. It comes with three rear cameras: a primary 48MP f/1.75 sensor, a 16MP f/2.2 ultra wide-angle shooter, and a 12MP telephoto camera. it\u2019s a complete selection of camera sensors, and on the front, it has a 20MP f/2.0 shooter.\n\n\nPhotographing with the Mi 9 is a pleasant experience. There\u2019s no noticeable shutter lag, the autofocus speed is fast, and the camera has little to no difficulty adjusting for exposure quickly and accurately. It\u2019s no wonder the Mi 9 has a DxOMark score of 109, pulling ahead of the iPhone XS Max and Samsung Galaxy Note 9.\n\n\nOf course, as with most hands-on, I only had a limited amount of time with the Mi 9, so I couldn\u2019t assess the camera\u2019s low light performance. Once I have a review unit of the device, this would definitely be the first thing I would test.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi 9 is a sleek, fast, affordable smartphone that shows a lot of promise; extra emphasis on its affordability. In China, the Mi 9 retails from 2,999 yuan, which comes up to only RM1,820. At this price point, the Mi 9 is one of the most affordable smartphones with a Snapdragon 855 chipset.\n\n\nIf Xiaomi Malaysia can price the Mi 9 below the RM2,000 mark in Malaysia (this is an optimistic estimate), I reckon it will be a highly sought-after flagship smartphone. But even if it carries a higher asking price, I still think the Mi 9 is worth considering.\n\n\nThe feature set the Mi 9 offers is simply that good, \nespecially\n when it comes to mobile photography. I\u2019ve said it at the beginning of the article, and I\u2019ll say it again \u2013 I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on this phone.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lg-g8-thinq-hands-on-a-cool-gimmick-on-an-unremarkable-phone/", "title": "LG G8 ThinQ Hands-On: A Cool Gimmick on an Unremarkable Phone", "body": "\n\nI will preface my hands-on of the LG G8 ThinQ with this: I haven\u2019t had this much fun trying out a new phone. Yes, I did say the G8 is an unremarkable phone in my headline, and I fully acknowledge the contrast. However, this one gimmick with the G8 makes it \na\u00a0lot\n of fun to use, and it\u2019s the phone\u2019s most unique feature: the Z Camera.\n\n\nBasically, the Z Camera is a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor on the front of the G8, which allows the phone to capture depth information, among other things. So what makes it so special? Let\u2019s find out.\n\n\n\n\nOkay, I\u2019m going to begin with the G8 ThinQ\u2019s coolest feature \u2013 in my opinion, of course \u2013 the Air Motion gestures. By placing my palm closer to the phone to activate the Z Camera (there\u2019s a small bar right below the notch to show it is active), I can then \u201cbend my fingers into a claw\u201d to perform certain actions.\n\n\nOnce the Z Camera recognised my hand, I can then move to the left or right to launch certain apps. This is customisable, and I can even use Air Motion gestures to answer phone calls, stop an alarm, and my personal favourite: taking a screenshot. I only need to do a pinching motion with my hand to do this, and it\u2019s \nreally\n satisfying once I got the hang of the feature.\n\n\n\n\nBut therein lies the biggest drawback of the Air Motion gestures: it can be tough to grasp (apologies for the pun; I couldn\u2019t help it). It didn\u2019t take me too long to consistently activate the Z Camera, but there are other folks in LG\u2019s booth that were struggling to get the feature to work.\n\n\nNonetheless, the idea behind Air Motion is is to control your device without actually touching it, which can be useful in certain conditions when it\u2019s not convenient to, well, simply tap on the phone\u2019s display. Say you\u2019re cooking in the kitchen, and you want to turn up the volume of your phone. By holding your hand over the G8 and pausing for a bit, another interface would activate, allowing you to increase or lower the phone\u2019s volume.\n\n\nIt\u2019s like turning an invisible knob, and I absolutely love the idea behind this. It feels\u2026futuristic, even though most consumers probably won\u2019t find much use for this feature.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the G8 ThinQ\u2019s Z Camera and Air Motion gestures, the phone as a whole is ever so slightly\u2026underwhelming. Don\u2019t get me wrong, I love how the phone feels in my hands, but it\u2019s already 2019 \u2013 why is LG \nstill\n releasing a phone with a wide notch? It\u2019s as if LG didn\u2019t bother giving the G8 a proper design update from the G7.\n\n\nFortunately, round the back, the G8 has absolutely no camera bump at all \u2013 the triple camera system sits flush on the rear glass panel of the phone. Very little phones have camera modules that don\u2019t stick out prominently, so it\u2019s great to see LG going with a different design decision here. Surprise surprise, the G8 also has a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\n\n\nWhile we\u2019re on the topic of audio, the G8 is also equipped with what LG dubs \u201cCrystal Sound OLED.\u201d As its name suggests, the phone\u2019s 6.1-inch POLED 1440p display \u2013 which looks great \u2013 doubles as a speaker, which explains the lack of an earpiece on the top of the phone.\n\n\nOf course, you still get a dedicated speaker on the bottom of the G8, and even in the noisy environment of MWC 2019\u2019s show floor, the phone\u2019s audio output is still quite discernible.\n\n\n\n\nOther hardware of the G8 ThinQ include a fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset paired with 6GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, an 8MP f/1.7 front-facing camera, a rear fingerprint sensor, a reasonably big 3,500mAh battery, and it\u2019s IP68-rated.\n\n\nOh, I almost forgot: the G8\u2019s Z Camera can also be used for yet another biometric security: Hand ID. Using the Z Camera\u2019s infrared signal, the G8 can map out your veins \u2013 the haemoglobin in your blood absorbs IR signal. According to LG, this form of biometric security is very hard to beat.\n\n\nUnfortunately, I wasn\u2019t able to try out this feature. The feature is blocked on every demo unit of the G8 showcased at LG\u2019s booth.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s get to the camera performance of the G8 ThinQ, which is\u2026pretty standard affair. Like the majority of smartphones today, the G8 has three camera sensors on the back: a primary 12MP f/1.5 shooter, a 16MP /f.19 wide-angle camera, and a 12MP f/2.4 telephoto sensor.\n\n\nI took a few images with all three sensors of the G8, and for the most part, the image quality is relatively good. Naturally, the primary 12MP sensor captures the best-looking images, followed by the wide-angle camera, and the telephoto shooter. As a whole, however, the camera performance doesn\u2019t strike me as particularly impressive.\n\n\nThere\u2019s no denying the G8 is a versatile shooter, of course, thanks to these three different sensors. But even though LG was one of the first phone makers to implement a super wide-angle sensor on its smartphone cameras, other manufacturers have followed suit. As a result, the G8 doesn\u2019t feel particularly\u2026special anymore.\n\n\n\n\nAnd that captures the essence of the LG G8 ThinQ. It\u2019s a good, competent 2019 flagship smartphone with the latest hardware and what not, but it doesn\u2019t have \nthat\n big feature to set it apart from the competition. I\u2019d argue the G8\u2019s Z Camera and accompanying Air Motion gestures is that exact \u201cbig feature,\u201d but when it comes to practically, they\u2019re simply too gimmicky.\n\n\nFor what it\u2019s worth, I had a ton of fun exploring the G8\u2019s Z Camera. It\u2019s just a shame the rest of the phone aren\u2019t all that remarkable, and it doesn\u2019t even have a tentative release date or pricing information yet.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nokia-9-pureview-hands-on-five-cameras-are-better-than-one/", "title": "Nokia 9 PureView Hands-On: Five Cameras Are Better than One", "body": "\n\nThe Nokia 9 PureView is here, and yes, just as the leaks and rumours have suggested, HMD Global\u2019s latest smartphone truly has \nfive\n camera sensors on the back. Why on earth would you need that many lenses, you ask? Well, for a couple of very good reasons.\n\n\nSee, even though the Nokia 9\u2019s five-camera configuration doesn\u2019t have the versatility of other flagships\u2019 camera systems, it could very well deliver \nthe best\n camera performance on a smartphone. At least, that would be the case if HMD can truly deliver what it promises.\n\n\n\n\nSo what\u2019s the deal with the Nokia 9\u2019s five cameras? For starters, all of them are 12MP f/1.82 shooters. What else? Three of them are monochrome sensors, while the other two are standard RGB. Sounds weird? Sure does, but there is a good explanation for the unique camera system.\n\n\nDeveloped in collaboration with Light (yes, the very same company that released the L16 camera with 16 lenses), the Nokia 9\u2019s three monochrome sensors can absorb much more light than the other two RGB shooters. This, in turn, improves the camera performance by quite a bit, especially in low light conditions.\n\n\nWhen you press the shutter button, all five of the Nokia 9 cameras snap a picture at various exposures, which are then combined to form one single image. In theory, this phone would be able to capture very detailed pictures by combining information from these five cameras.\n\n\n\n\nIn my brief time photographing with the Nokia 9, I was quite surprised with the results. Although there is noticeable shutter lag whenever I took a shot, not to mention the extra processing time (hey, it\u2019s capturing and stitching images from five sensors here), the image output is nothing short of impressive. It has great detail preservation, dynamic range, and colour balance.\n\n\nJudge for yourself with these sample images I took, along with comparison shots from a Samsung Galaxy S9+. Do note that the Nokia 9 is still running on pre-production hardware, so the image quality may be different in the final retail version.\n\n\nNokia 9\nSamsung Galaxy S9+\nNokia 9\nSamsung Galaxy S9+\n\n\nOn top of that, with so many camera sensors, the Nokia 9 can capture \na lot\n of depth information; there\u2019s even a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor on the back of the phone to further help in this regard. The most immediate benefit of this is better, more authentic-looking background blur, and it also allows you to refocus a shot \nafter\n you have taken it.\n\n\nThis isn\u2019t a new feature, of course \u2013 plenty of other smartphones allowed you to do this for the longest time. But the Nokia 9\u2019s implementation should be superior, considering the fact that it is working with more depth information.\n\n\n\n\nThen again, this only sounds great in theory at this point in time. Until I have the opportunity to test a final, retail unit of the Nokia 9 for myself, I\u2019d hold off my judgement of the device\u2019s camera performance. But for what it\u2019s worth, I\u2019m very optimistic of the phone\u2019s shooting capability.\n\n\nBut there \nis\n one shortcoming of the Nokia 9\u2019s five-camera system: it is not very versatile. In a market where other flagship smartphones are offering cameras with different focal lengths, the Nokia 9 cannot take ultra wide-angle shots or zoomed in, close-up images.\n\n\nIs this a big deal? Personally, I don\u2019t mind at all, \nespecially\n if the Nokia 9 can take better-looking images. I\u2019d take quality over versatility any day of the week.\n\n\n\n\nOkay, so that\u2019s the camera aspect of the Nokia 9; how about the rest of the phone? Quite decent, actually. It has a nice, solid build quality thanks to the glass and metal construction. It looks premium, and best of all, it doesn\u2019t have any notch or selfie camera cutout to house the 20MP front-facing shooter.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Nokia 9 include a bright and vibrant 5.99-inch 1440p POLED display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset (it\u2019s still a plenty powerful SoC despite not being top-of-the-line anymore) paired with 6GB of RAM, 128GB of non-expandable storage, a decently-sized 3,320mAh battery, and IP67 water and dust resistance.\n\n\n\n\nExcept for the Nokia 9\u2019s Snapdragon 845 chipset, it\u2019s a reasonably good flagship smartphone even in 2019. If you\u2019re particular about software, you\u2019ll be happy to know that this phone \u2013 as with most Nokia devices \u2013 is part of the Android One program. So you\u2019ll get a clean, stock version of Android, as well as timely updates.\n\n\nThe Nokia 9 PureView is expected to be available sometime in March next month, and it will retail at $699 (about RM2,840) in the US. While it may not be the fastest, sleekest, or most desirable smartphone, this is HMD Global highest-end, most ambitious device yet.\n\n\n\n\nThe company is betting big on the Nokia 9\u2019s unique camera system, and considering HMD\u2019s past track record when it comes to its smartphones\u2019 lacklustre camera performance, there\u2019s a lot to prove here. But if the Nokia 9 can truly deliver amazing camera performance, other phone makers will have to pay attention.\n\n\nAs insane as five cameras on the back of a smartphone sounds, it\u2019s not crazy if it works.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-a50-galaxy-a30-hands-on-heating-up-the-mid-range-market/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy A50 & Galaxy A30 Hands-On: Heating up the Mid-Range Market", "body": "\n\nUpdate, 18 March:\n The Samsung Galaxy A50 and A30 are now in Malaysia. As suspected, the Galaxy A30 with 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM retails at RM799, while the higher-end Galaxy A50 (128GB storage + 6GB RAM) goes for RM1,199. These are certainly competitive price tags for both phones, and you should definitely consider them if you\u2019re shopping in this price range.\n\n\nThe original article follows.\n\n\nSamsung\u2019s range of flagship smartphones have seen quite a bit of success, but for the past couple of years, the Korean company\u2019s mid-range offerings haven\u2019t been particularly\u2026interesting. However, with the introduction of the Samsung Galaxy A50 and Galaxy A30, this may change.\n\n\nSporting a modest list of hardware and potentially really good value for money, both the Galaxy A50 and A30 are pretty interesting mid-rangers, especially the former. I got to spend some time with these devices at Samsung\u2019s booth here at MWC 2019, and here are my first impressions.\n\n\nSamsung Galaxy A50\nSamsung Galaxy A30\n\n\nOut of the two devices, the Galaxy A50 is the beefier, more impressive device. It has a 6.4-inch 1080p Super AMOLED \u201cInfinity-U\u201d display, an Exynos 9610 2.3GHz octa-core processor, up to 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, a generous 4,000mAh battery, and get this: an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the demo unit of the Galaxy A50 had this feature disabled, so I couldn\u2019t put it to the test. Chances are, it should be sufficiently quick and accurate, though I highly doubt it\u2019ll be as good as a conventional fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the more affordable Galaxy A30, it has the same design, display, and battery capacity as the Galaxy A50. However, it\u2019s powered by a more modest Exynos 7904 1.8GHz octa-core processor, up to 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, as well as a rear fingerprint sensor \u2013 no fancy in-screen sensor here.\n\n\nDesign wise, there\u2019s no escaping the fact that the Galaxy A50 and A30 are mid-range devices. They feel plasticky, they don\u2019t look particularly premium, and there\u2019s a notch at the top of the display. On the bright side, at least it\u2019s a minimal-looking notch, though I\u2019m not fond of the rather sizeable bottom bezel.\n\n\n\n\nIn the performance department, both the Galaxy A50 and A30 feel plenty responsive. I didn\u2019t notice any noticeable stuttering or lag when navigating through the home screen and switching between different apps on these devices. However, I reckon the Galaxy A50 is the faster device, thanks to its higher clocked chipset.\n\n\nMuch like other newly released Samsung smartphones, the Galaxy A50 and A30 run on the company\u2019s relatively new One UI software based on Android 9 Pie. Basically, you\u2019re getting almost the same software experience as, say, the flagship Galaxy S10 smartphones.\n\n\nHowever, I do think the icons are a \ntad\n too large on these mid-range smartphones, which doesn\u2019t look particularly pleasing. Nonetheless, Samsung has definitely come a long way when it comes to software, and One UI feels very polished here.\n\n\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the 6.4-inch 1080p Super AMOLED displays on the Galaxy A50 and A30 are good, vibrant panels. As AMOLED screens switch off individual pixels when they need to display black colours, you\u2019re getting excellent black levels with these phones. Viewing angles are obviously great here too.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re a bit bummed the Galaxy A50 and A30 only have 1080p displays, don\u2019t be. Texts and images still look plenty sharp on these panels, and combined with these devices large 4,000mAh battery, expect to get really, really good battery life. This will be one of the best qualities of these mid-range smartphones.\n\n\n\n\nBut when it comes to camera performance, don\u2019t expect too much out of the Galaxy A50 and A30. Naturally, these devices have different camera systems. The Galaxy A50, for one, comes with a triple camera system made up of a primary 25MP shooter, an 8MP wide-angle camera, and a 5MP depth sensor. On the front, the A50 features a 25MP camera.\n\n\nInstead of a triple camera system, the Galaxy A30 make do with only two sensors on the back: a 16MP main camera, and a 5MP wide-angle shooter. The front-facing camera, on the other hand, is a 16MP sensor.\n\n\n\n\nAs expected, the Galaxy A50 is the more pleasant smartphone to photograph with. The camera app feels responsive, the autofocus performance is decent, and the image quality is\u2026well, good enough. It\u2019s a different story for the A30 though. Even though the shooting experience isn\u2019t too dissimilar to the A50\u2019s, the A30 has a tendency to hunt for focus more frequently.\n\n\nOverall, the camera performance of the Galaxy A50 and A30 is decidedly average, even for mid-range smartphones. However, it\u2019s only fair to reserve judgment until I\u2019m able to spend more time photographing with either phones in a full review.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy A50 and Galaxy A30 are reasonably good mid-range offerings that excel in certain key areas like battery life and display quality. But what makes them even more enticing are their retail prices. For the Malaysian market, the Galaxy A50 is rumoured to retail at RM1,199, while the Galaxy A30 will supposedly go for only RM799.\n\n\nIf these retail prices are accurate, the Galaxy A50 and A30 will shake the mid-range market quite a bit in Malaysia. After all, Samsung Malaysia hardly price its Galaxy A series devices this competitive, and considering the feature set of these two phones, Samsung may be able to stand toe-to-toe with other players in this price range.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, we\u2019ll just have to wait and see if Samsung will indeed price the Galaxy A50 and A30 this competitively in Malaysia. If it does, these two devices are set to be very good options for those who are shopping for mid-range smartphones.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/royole-flexpai-hands-on-a-foldable-phone-you-can-actually-buy-now/", "title": "Royole FlexPai Hands-On: A Foldable Phone You Can Actually Buy Now", "body": "\n\nFoldable smartphones were the craze over the course of MWC 2019, and two of the most prominent ones are the Samsung Galaxy Fold and Huawei Mate X. These two devices captured a lot of attention at the show floor, and this is despite the fact that the general public \nwasn\u2019t even allowed\n to touch them.\n\n\nBut there is another foldable smartphone that didn\u2019t garner quite as much interest, even though it was shown off in all its glory at the trade show. Of course, I\u2019m talking about the Royole FlexPai, which was officially unveiled back in CES 2019 earlier this year.\n\n\nThere\u2019s no denying that the FlexPai doesn\u2019t look or feel quite as polished as the Mate X or Galaxy Fold, but you know what? You can actually \npurchase it\n right now, giving it\u2026well, somewhat of an edge. Nonetheless, here are my thoughts on the first foldable smartphone to hit the market.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the first thing I did when I got my hands on the FlexPai was to \u2013 you guessed it \u2013 start folding it. Surprisingly enough, the whole \u201cphone\u201d feels quite robust, and I don\u2019t feel like I will break it whenever I fold the display. It\u2019s really quite interesting, and magnets will snap the device into place when you fold it enough.\n\n\nNow, I\u2019m not inclined to call the FlexPai a phone for one simple reason: it doesn\u2019t feel \nanything\n like a phone when it is folded. There\u2019s this huge gap when you close it, and it feels way too chunky for a smartphone. In fact, it feels a lot like the \nequally chunky Energizer Power Max\n with its huge 18,000mAh battery. Okay, I may be exaggerating a bit.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, in tablet mode, the FlexPai feels a lot more usable. The 8-inch 1920 x 1440 AMOLED display with a 4:3 aspect ratio looks relatively good, and it has vibrant, punchy colours like a conventional AMOLED panel. Interestingly, even though this is a plastic display \u2013 for obvious reasons \u2013 my fingers can still glide effortlessly on the surface of the screen.\n\n\nIs it as smooth as glass? Of course not. On top of that, I don\u2019t quite like how the FlexPai doesn\u2019t have any locking mechanism when I open the display fully. Not only will this make it easier to fold the screen by accident, I imagine there will be users who don\u2019t know exactly how much the display can unfold without running into a problem. Just imagine if you break the display by simply folding it too much.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the foldable display, the FlexPai isn\u2019t all that fantastic. According to Royole, this device has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset paired with up to 8GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of expandable storage, a 3,970mAh battery, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.\n\n\nIt\u2019s a relatively good list of hardware, and since it\u2019s powered by a Snapdragon 855 SoC, the FlexPai should have excellent performance, right? Not exactly, and I suspect the fault lies within the software.\n\n\nRunning on Royole\u2019s Water OS software based on Android 9 Pie, the phone doesn\u2019t feel super fluid (I apologise for the pun). Despite running on one of the fastest chipsets in the market now, it certainly doesn\u2019t show when I was testing the phone.\n\n\nChances are, software tweaks may be able to make the FlexPai run a lot faster, but it\u2019s not something I can attest too. After all, Royole isn\u2019t exactly a large corporation like Samsung or Huawei.\n\n\n\n\nI also managed to try out the FlexPai\u2019s camera for a bit, and\u2026it\u2019s not great. Featuring a 16MP + 20MP dual camera system, the image output could use a lot more work, especially with detail preservation. The camera doesn\u2019t feel all that responsive either, negatively impacting the shooting experience. Basically, don\u2019t expect fantastic camera performance here.\n\n\nOn the bright side, the foldable nature of the FlexPai means you can take selfie images with the primary camera, which should return better results than conventional selfie shooters.\n\n\n\n\nThe Royole FlexPai is, in my opinion, more of a proof of concept than anything else. It doesn\u2019t have the polished nature of the Galaxy Fold or Mate X (or even a standard smartphone), and the only feature that makes it stand out is its foldable nature. Beyond that, it\u2019s a decidedly average device running on Android.\n\n\nIf you really want to get your hands on the FlexPai anyway, it\u2019s currently sold in China for 8,999 Chinese yuan, which comes up to about RM5,475. Even though this makes it the most affordable smartphone with a foldable design \u2013 the Mate X and Galaxy Fold costs much more than this \u2013 it\u2019s still \na lot\n of money for a smartphone.\n\n\nBut if you really want a foldable smartphone right now, the FlexPai is your only option. It\u2019s not a great one, but it\u2019s available nonetheless.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nubia-alpha-hands-on-not-quite-the-smartphone-on-your-wrist/", "title": "Nubia Alpha Hands-On: Not Quite the Smartphone on Your Wrist", "body": "\n\nWhen I first heard of the Nubia Alpha, I thought it was a really cool idea. It touts itself as a smartphone in a wearable form factor, and while it\u2019s not the first product to advertise itself as such,  I was really quite intrigued with the Alpha\u2019s flexible display too.\n\n\nHere at MWC 2019, I managed to get some quality time with the Alpha. But while I think its flexible screen is technologically impressive, the product itself ultimately felt like a novelty. It will not replace your smartphone, and chances are, it will not be a very good wearable either \u2013 let\u2019s get to why.\n\n\n\n\nRight off the bat, the Nubia Alpha\u2019s flexible, 4-inch OLED display stands out. With a resolution of 960 x 192, it looks sharp enough, and it has very vibrant colours \u2013 hallmark of an OLED panel. Of course, you also get excellent black levels with this display technology.\n\n\nAnd then we have the flexibility of the Alpha\u2019s display. Because it is such a long screen, it will wrap around your wrist when you put on the wearable. I have to be honest, it feels pretty cool to have a display wrap your wrist like this, and even though it\u2019s not entirely practical \u2013 you won\u2019t be able to see the whole display, especially at the top section \u2013 it certainly feels futuristic.\n\n\n\n\nThere is also this other neat feature aptly called \u201cAlpha Gesture\u201d on this wearable. Basically, there\u2019s a sensor on the left of the Alpha that lets you navigate the interface by simply waving your finger over it. For the most part, it works surprisingly well, but it\u2019s a lot easier to just swipe on the screen itself.\n\n\nIn terms of design, the Alpha is quite a large wearable \u2013 space had to be made for the 4-inch display. Folks with smaller wrists may want to pay extra attention: not only is this device pretty wide, it has quite a thick chassis too. If you\u2019re not a fan of large wearables, you will not like the Alpha\u2019s chunky design or hefty nature. Yes, the stainless steel strap makes it a heavy wearable.\n\n\n\n\nSo what makes the Alpha a \u201csmartphone?\u201d Well, that would be its eSIM support. It runs on Nubia\u2019s very own AlphaOS, and you can do all sorts of\u2026\u201dsmartphone\u201d stuff with the Alpha. You can make calls with it, send text messages, and you can even take selfies with the device\u2019s 5MP camera \u2013 that\u2019s right, this wearable has a camera built-in.\n\n\nHow practical are all of these? Well, not very. While you can definitely make a call with the Alpha without too much difficulty \u2013 you can either use a Bluetooth headset or the built-in speaker \u2013 sending a text message on it isn\u2019t exactly a walk in the park. You only have so much space to work with, and you would have to type out your messages with a \nT9 keyboard\n.\n\n\n\n\nWhile it sounds cool in practice, snapping selfies with the Alpha is the furthest thing from an enjoyable experience. I did just that with the demo unit I had, and it\u2019s really difficult to get a flattering angle with a camera that\u2019s attached to your wrist. Unless you plan to take the Alpha off of your wrist every time you want to take a selfie, you\u2019re better off taking out your phone to do just that.\n\n\nTo top it all off, it\u2019s very hard to say if the Alpha will receive good app support. Because it\u2019s running on a custom operating system instead of something like Google\u2019s own Wear OS, many popular \u2013 and some would say indispensable \u2013 apps such as WhatsApp and Facebook will not work with this wearable out of the box.\n\n\nThis is a huge limitation, and taking into consideration the niche nature of the Alpha, I imagine not many app developers would be too keen to support it.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to hardware, the Alpha isn\u2019t particularly impressive either. For starters, it\u2019s running on Qualcomm\u2019s Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor, which was released way back in 2016 \u2013 that\u2019s over \nthree years\n ago. Other specifications of the Alpha include 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage, a heart rate sensor, and a 500mAh battery. According to Nubia, this allows the Alpha to last anywhere between one to two days on a single charge.\n\n\nAs much as the Nubia Alpha wants to be a \u201csmartphone,\u201d it is more accurate to refer to it as a smartwatch with cellular functionality. This comes down to its inherent form factor, operating system, and limited processing power \u2013 it\u2019s just not on the same playing field as a conventional smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nThere are two versions of the Alpha: one with only Bluetooth support for pairing with a smartphone, and the aforementioned eSIM model. The former will be available from April onwards in Europe for 449 euro (about RM2,080), while the eSIM variant will only start shipping sometime in Q3 2019 for 549 euro (approximately RM2,545).\n\n\nDo note that this is only for the black model; if you want the gold colourway with eSIM support, that will set you back a whopping 649 euro, or around RM3,000.\n\n\n\n\nWould you pay that much for a smartphone, let alone a wearable? As much as I commend Nubia\u2019s creativity with the Alpha (especially the unique flexible display), I find it really hard to justify its steep asking price. It\u2019s a novelty \u2013 a very expensive one, at that.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mwc-2019-recap-our-favourite-phones/", "title": "MWC 2019 Recap: Our Favourite Phones", "body": "\n\nMWC 2019 has come and gone, and as always, we\u2019re left with a lot of mobile devices to look over. Foldable phones are becoming a reality, 5G-ready devices are aplenty, and surprise surprise, the majority of smartphones now come with at least three cameras on the back. Some devices, like the \nNokia 9\n, pushed it all the way to five lenses.\n\n\nIt can be tough to follow every single device introduced at MWC 2019, so we\u2019ll highlight the most interesting products announced at the trade show right here.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHuawei Mate X\n\n\nOf course we have to talk about the Huawei Mate X. Compared to other foldable phones unveiled so far \u2013 including the Samsung Galaxy Fold \u2013 the design of the Mate X is probably the most popular one. When it\u2019s folded, this phone doesn\u2019t have any noticeable gap, and it\u2019s relatively thin too at 11mm. When it\u2019s opened up, it measures only 5.4mm \u2013 that\u2019s pretty darn impressive.\n\n\n\n\nPart of the reason why the Mate X can be so thin lies in the way its display is folded. Unlike the Galaxy Fold, which folds the display inwards, the Mate X has its display folded on the outside. It\u2019s similar to the \nRoyole FlexPai\n\u2018s design, but the Mate X doesn\u2019t have a noticeable gap when it\u2019s folded.\n\n\nOf course, there is one big problem with this design: the display is not protected whatsoever. When folded, the screen wraps around the phone, so it\u2019ll be subjected to daily wear and tear. Considering the fact that the Mate X also has a plastic display, it\u2019ll be very easy to scratch it.\n\n\nAt a glance, the Mate X does not have the most practical design, but who knows \u2013 perhaps Huawei has a solution to this. We\u2019ll only find out once the Mate X starts shipping sometime in the middle of 2019.\n\n\nNokia 9 PureView\n\n\nYes, foldable phones are very impressive, but the \nNokia 9\n is our favourite device at MWC 2019. While its five-camera system isn\u2019t the most versatile configuration (they all have the same focal length), the camera performance is very, very promising.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond its camera performance, other aspects of the Nokia 9 are relatively good too. It looks and feels premium, it doesn\u2019t have any notch or hole-punch cutout, and thanks to its Android One status, this phone offers a clean, stock version of Android with timely updates.\n\n\nThat being said, some of the Nokia 9\u2019s hardware could be better, especially its Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset. It\u2019s still a capable SoC, but the competition are shipping with faster Snapdragon 855 processors.\n\n\nXiaomi Mi 9\n\n\nNot only is the \nXiaomi Mi 9\n a competent flagship smartphone, it\u2019s priced very competitively too. In China, it retails from only 2,999 yuan, which comes up to about RM1,825. If it arrives in Malaysia with a sub-RM2,000 price tag, it will be a very attractive flagship smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nWe only managed to spend a brief time with the Mi 9, but we\u2019re impressed with it. It has promising camera performance, a fast Snapdragon 855 chipset, and a minimalist, functional design. However, it does have a notched display, even though it\u2019s a minimal one.\n\n\nLG G8 ThinQ\n\n\nOkay, the \nLG G8 ThinQ\n isn\u2019t a spectacular flagship, but there\u2019s no denying the sheer fun factor of the Z Camera and its Air Motion gestures. It allows users to control the G8 without actually touching the phone, and the feature works quite seamlessly. It\u2019s a little gimmicky, but it is \ngenuinely\n fun to use.\n\n\n\n\nBut it\u2019s a shame the G8 as a whole isn\u2019t particularly impressive. It has a wide notch, average camera performance, and a conventional rear fingerprint scanner \u2013 no fancy in-screen sensor here.\n\n\nOppo\u2019s 10x Lossless Zoom Camera System\n\n\nUnlike most phone makers, Oppo didn\u2019t come to MWC 2019 with a product. Rather, the company showcased its \nlatest triple camera system\n, which can do 10x lossless zoom. We tried out the camera for ourselves, and we are legitimately impressed with the results.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, the camera is still rough around the edges \u2013 it\u2019s still a prototype, after all. Nonetheless, we\u2019re definitely excited to see the camera system debut on an Oppo smartphone sometime in the second quarter of 2019.\n\n\nEnergizer Power Max P18K Pop\n\n\nYou bet we\u2019re gonna include this \npower bank\n phone in our list. The \nEnergizer Power Max\n is large, chunky, and it has a huge 18,000mAh battery. Does this make up for the fact that it\u2019s a big, impractical phone? Not exactly. But is it an interesting device? Absolutely.\n\n\nWe don\u2019t think there will be huge demand for the Power Max, but for folks that want absolutely amazing battery life, this phone promises just that.\n\n\n\n\nThe annual MWC show has always been interesting, and it\u2019s no different this year. The best part is, we\u2019re still in the first quarter of 2019 \u2013 there are still a lot more devices to look forward to, especially the introduction of more foldable phones.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/maybank-mae-what-you-need-to-know/", "title": "Maybank MAE \u2013 What You Need to Know", "body": "\n\nMaybank just rolled out a new feature to Malaysian consumers. Dubbed MAE (an acronym for Maybank Anytime, Everyone), this feature makes it much easier to open an account with Maybank. How so? For starters, you can open an MAE account with just your smartphone \u2013 it\u2019s that easy.\n\n\nIn this article, we\u2019ll explain exactly what is MAE, and how you can take advantage of Maybank\u2019s own e-wallet.\n\n\nMAE Is Maybank\u2019s E-Wallet\n\n\nMaybank describes MAE as an \u201ce-wallet with banking features,\u201d and that\u2019s basically it. It resides within the Maybank App, and one of the biggest appeals of MAE is the fact that you can register for it through the app itself.\n\n\nThe best part is, you don\u2019t even have to be a Maybank customer to open an MAE account \u2013 anyone can do so by just downloading the Maybank App. Of course, you\u2019ll need to scan your ID for authentication purpose, but the registration can be done through the app itself.\n\n\n\n\nOnce you\u2019ve got your MAE account set up, you\u2019ll have to top it up like any other e-wallet; a minimum amount of RM10 is required to activate it. If you\u2019re already a Maybank customer, you can top up your MAE account with Maybank2u.\n\n\nAlternatively, you can also add funds to your MAE account via interbank transfer, FPX, or debit card. If you\u2019re feeling old school, you can even use a cash deposit machine.\n\n\nIt Has Some Genuinely Useful Features\n\n\nSo why would you sign up for MAE? For a number of good reasons. Unlike the majority of e-wallets, you can transfer money out of your MAE account seamlessly. According to Maybank, you can do just that using the normal bank transfer capability found in the app.\n\n\nBesides that, MAE can be used to perform payment at retailers that accept Maybank QRPay. Maybank said there are over 200,000 merchants that support QRPay, and more are added every day.\n\n\n\n\nBut what if QRPay isn\u2019t supported by your favourite retailer? Well, that\u2019s where the virtual Visa card comes into the picture. Non-Maybank customers that sign up for an MAE account will receive a Visa digital debit card, which can be used at terminals that support Maybank Pay and Samsung Pay. Naturally, the same virtual Visa card can also be used to perform payments online.\n\n\nAnother interesting feature MAE offers is Split Bill, which will be very useful for \u2013 you guessed it \u2013 splitting bills with your friends. MAE can automatically calculate the shared bill, and you can then use the Maybank App to \u201cremind and notify\u201d other users the amount that they owe you.\n\n\n\n\nObviously, this will only work if everyone you\u2019re splitting the bill with has an MAE account, but it\u2019s still a very useful feature nonetheless.\n\n\nThere Are Limitations\n\n\nAt the end of the day, MAE is still just an e-wallet, so you don\u2019t get the perks of a conventional bank account. One of the biggest limitations here is the fact that you cannot withdraw money from an ATM machine. After all, you only have a virtual Visa card with MAE.\n\n\nCertain transactions cannot be done with MAE either, which include making payment for car and mortgage loans. For Maybank customers, these transactions are reserved for the main account, and MAE can serve as a separate account to give you more control (and visibility) over your daily expenditures.\n\n\n\n\nMaybank MAE is certainly an interesting e-wallet, and it can be beneficial to both existing and new Maybank users. Oh, it\u2019s worth noting that only new Maybank customers will receive a virtual Visa card when they sign up for an MAE account. Existing customers won\u2019t get it, but Maybank is planning to offer the virtual card to these customers sometime in the future.\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about Maybank MAE, you can do so over at Maybank\u2019s \nofficial website\n. The Maybank App can also be downloaded on the \nGoogle Play Store\n and \nApple App Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-zenbook-13-ux333-review-the-best-sub-rm5000-ultraportable/", "title": "Asus ZenBook 13 (UX333) Review: The Best Sub-RM5,000 Ultraportable?", "body": "\n\nLight, compact, and light laptops are aplenty in the market, but only a few are truly remarkable; one such ultraportable is the Asus ZenBook 13 (UX333). Not only is it a compact laptop, it has very minimal bezels and good value for money.\n\n\nI\u2019ve used the ZenBook 13 as my daily driver for a few weeks now, and if you\u2019re looking for a productivity laptop within the RM5,000 price range, this is one of the best \u2013 if not \nthe best\n \u2013 options.\n\n\nSpecifications\n\n\nDisplay\n13.3-inch FHD LED-backlit (1920 x 1080)\nProcessor\nIntel Core i5-8265U / i7-8565U\nGPU\nNvidia GeForce MX150 2GB GDDR5 VRAM\nRAM\n8GB 2133MHz LPDDR3\nStorage\n512GB PCIe 3.0\nCamera\nHD (Windows Hello)\nBattery\n50WHr\nDimensions\n302 x 189 x 16.9 mm\nWeight\n1.19kg\nAudio\nBottom-firing stereo speakers\nPorts\n1x USB 3.1 Type-C\n1x USB 3.1 Type-A\n1x USB 2.0 Type-A\n1x HDMI\n1x microSD card reader\n\n\nDesign\n\n\nThanks to its tiny bezels, the ZenBook 13 is a small, compact laptop. This makes it highly portable, and tipping the scales at 1.19kg, it\u2019s pretty light too. These two qualities are what you would want in a productivity laptop, which make the ZenBook 13 ideal for those who are always on the go.\n\n\nBuild quality is also one of the ZenBook 13\u2019s strong suits. The top, bottom, and palm rest area of the laptop are all metal, and it feels very robust. I also love the fact that the display is protected with a sheet of glass, further accentuating the premium look of the laptop.\n\n\nAnd that\u2019s really the highlight of the ZenBook 13\u2019s design: the almost bezel-less display. It gives the laptop a very sleek appearance, and it\u2019s a head-turner.\n\n\n\n\nDespite its slim bezels, Asus still managed to place the webcam at the top of the display, so it won\u2019t be pointing at you from an awkward angle. On top of that, the webcam also supports Windows Hello, and it works very well. A quick glance at the webcam is enough to unlock the laptop.\n\n\nAs for connectivity, the ZenBook 13 has a rather generous selection of ports. These include one USB-C port, two USB-A connections, an HDMI output, and a microSD card slot.\n\n\n\n\nOverall, the ZenBook 13 is a well-designed, compact laptop. It\u2019s sleek, it feels great, and the almost bezel-less display is simply a sight to behold.\n\n\nUser Experience\n\n\nOne of the most important features of a productivity-focused laptop is battery life, and in this regard, the ZenBook 13 delivers. On average, I got between 9 to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge with this laptop, and this is very, very impressive.\n\n\nOf course, I managed to get this kind of battery life after I set the laptop\u2019s power mode to battery saver, and dimming the display to a comfortable \u2013 but still very usable \u2013 brightness. Up to 10 hours of battery life is very good, though it falls short of Asus\u2019 estimate of 14 hours.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the ZenBook 13\u2019s 13.3-inch 1080p display is equally good too. It can get bright enough for comfortable use outdoor, and the colours are vibrant as well. However, glare can be quite an issue with the screen\u2019s glossy finish.\n\n\nA good keyboard is very important for a productivity laptop like the ZenBook 13, and I\u2019m happy to report that it offers a pleasant typing experience. Although the keyboard layout is slightly smaller than a conventional board, I had little to no trouble adapting to it.\n\n\nOnce I\u2019ve accustomed myself to the ZenBook 13\u2019s keyboard, I can type as quickly as I do on a full-size keyboard. The 1.4mm key travel is long enough to offer a comfortable typing experience, I love the tactility of the keys, and when you lift the lid of the laptop, the keyboard is lifted up slightly too, improving ergonomics.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the ZenBook 13\u2019s trackpad, which also doubles as a numpad. I don\u2019t use the numpad all that often, but from what I can gather, it\u2019s smart enough to differentiate between inputs and mouse movements. If you absolutely need a numpad, this should suffice.\n\n\nHow does the trackpad itself perform? Very good. While it\u2019s not in the same league as a MacBook\u2019s trackpad, it\u2019s definitely above average. It feels accurate, my fingers can glide effortlessly on the trackpad\u2019s glass surface, and never did I feel the need to plug a mouse into the laptop throughout the review period \u2013 except when I want to game, of course.\n\n\nBut when it comes to audio, the ZenBook 13 leaves much to be desired. Even at maximum volume, the bottom-firing speakers are simply not loud enough. If you want the best audio experience, just use a pair of headphones with this laptop.\n\n\n\n\nThroughout my time with the ZenBook 13, i thoroughly enjoyed using it. In fact, I was confident enough to use it as my primary laptop when I was travelling for \nMWC 2019\n, and it served me very well.\n\n\nPerformance\n\n\nI tested the highest-end variant of the ZenBook 13 with an Intel Core i7-8565U processor, and it provided very good performance level. It doesn\u2019t skip a beat, I can open multiple tabs on Google Chrome with absolutely no slowdown, and overall, it feels like a really fast laptop.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to do some gaming on the ZenBook 13, the laptop can definitely handle it. The Nvidia GeForce MX150 GPU under the hood may not be very powerful, but it\u2019s capable enough to do some gaming here and there, including Diablo 3, Fortnite, and even Apex Legends.\n\n\nHowever, don\u2019t expect amazing gaming performance, and you will have to lower down the graphics settings and resolution quite a bit to get playable frame rate.\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nThere are two variants of the ZenBook 13 in Malaysia, which have the exact same hardware except for the processor. The Core i5-8265U model retails at RM4,499, while the higher-end variant with a Core i7-8565U processor goes for RM4,999.\n\n\nSo if you\u2019ve got about RM5,000 to spend, what other alternatives do you have? Let\u2019s break it down.\n\n\nHP Envy 13\n\n\nMuch like the ZenBook 13, the HP Envy 13 comes with very similar hardware, along with some extra goodies. The highest-end variant of the Envy 13 also has a Core i7-8565U processor, an MX150 GPU, a 13.3-inch 1080p display, as well as 512GB of SSD storage. But when it comes to RAM, the Envy 13 has double the capacity at 16GB \u2013 very generous.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, the Envy 13\u2019s bottom bezel is noticeably bigger than the ZenBook 13\u2019s, so the latter is arguably the sleeker-looking option. On top of that, HP\u2019s offering is also more costly at RM5,199.\n\n\nLenovo Yoga S730\n\n\nAnother alternative to the ZenBook 13 is the new Lenovo Yoga S730. It has the same Core i7 processor, SSD storage capacity, and display size as the ZenBook, but it features 16GB of RAM \nand\n a much lower RM4,399 price tag. That\u2019s very good value for money.\n\n\n\n\nBut of course, there are some sacrifices here and there. Not only does the Yoga S730 lack a dedicated GPU \u2013 relying instead on Intel\u2019s UHD Graphics 620 integrated solution \u2013 it also has larger bottom bezel than the ZenBook 13, just like the Envy 13.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nThe Asus ZenBook 13 is a polished, compact productivity laptop with commendable battery life and value for money. I really enjoyed using it as my daily driver for the past few weeks, and I love its compact form factor and almost bezel-less display.\n\n\nHowever, there is no such thing as the \u201cperfect laptop,\u201d and the ZenBook 13 is no exception. Its audio performance is decidedly average, the screen\u2019s glossy finish can result in annoying glares, and the keyboard\u2019s small layout may prove to be an issue for users with larger hands.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, you should definitely give the ZenBook 13 a consideration if you\u2019re looking to get a productivity laptop within the RM5,000 price range. If you want absolute value for money, go for the Core i5 model; you\u2019re still getting similar hardware as the higher-end Core i7 variant.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-samsung-galaxy-s9-price-drops-below-rm2000/", "title": "Deal: Samsung Galaxy S9 Price Drops Below RM2,000", "body": "\n\nThe new \nSamsung Galaxy S10 series\n has arrived, but if you\u2019re not a fan of the lineup, you may be interested in this deal we stumbled upon. Now that it\u2019s no longer the latest flagship device, you can now get the Samsung Galaxy S9 way below its original asking price.\n\n\nOriginally going for RM3,299, the standard Galaxy S9 can now be purchased \nfor only RM1,998\n \u2013 that\u2019s exactly RM1,301 worth of savings. This deal is from Shopee retailer CamWorld, so rest assured, this is a legitimate offer along with one year warranty from Samsung Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want the larger Galaxy S9+ instead, good news: you can save even more on the 128GB model. At launch, this particular variant was sold for RM3,999, but it\u2019s now currently listed by iGadget on Lazada \nfor only RM2,299\n, saving you a whopping RM1,700. To sweeten the deal, iGadget is also throwing in a 10,000mAh Pineng power bank. \n\n\nHowever, to get this deal on the Galaxy S9+, you would have to act fast: only two units are left at the time of this writing. Of course, warranty is covered by Samsung Malaysia itself \u2013 we do our best to only write about deals with official warranty support.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-grab-the-huawei-mate-20-pro-for-only-rm2649/", "title": "Deal: Grab the Huawei Mate 20 Pro for Only RM2,649", "body": "\n\nIt has been almost half a year since the \nHuawei Mate 20 Pro\n hit the market, but not too long ago, Huawei Malaysia revised the retail price of its latest flagship from RM3,599 to RM2,999. That\u2019s a pretty good price reduction, but surprisingly enough, some retailers are offering the Mate 20 Pro at an even lower price point.\n\n\nWe saw this deal particular deal from Preferred Shopee retailer GPA Mobile, which is listing the Mate 20 Pro with 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM \nfor only RM2,649\n. That\u2019s a really, \nreally \ngood price for a device of this calibre, and naturally, warranty support is from Huawei Malaysia itself.\n\n\n\n\nNot sure if this device is for you? Then check out our \nhands-on of the Huawei Mate 20 Pro\n \u2013 it should help you make up your mind.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-note-7-hands-on-strong-beginning/", "title": "Redmi Note 7 Hands-On: Strong Beginning", "body": "\n\nPreviously under the Xiaomi branding, the Redmi series of smartphones is now a sub-brand of the Chinese phone maker. The Redmi Note 7 is the first device introduced after the announcement, and it is now in Malaysia.\n\n\nSporting a premium design, large battery capacity, and a competitive price tag, the Redmi Note 7 is an interesting mid-ranger. I\u2019ve spent some time with the device over the weekend, and if you\u2019re shopping for a sub-RM1,000 phone, the Note 7 is definitely one option to look out for.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnlike previous Redmi smartphones, the Redmi Note 7 is a lot more premium. The glass and metal construction give the phone solid build quality, it looks great, and the glass back feels good to the touch. This is a reasonably hefty phone too, tipping the scales at 186g.\n\n\nIt\u2019s no surprise that the Redmi Note 7 is a hefty phone, considering the fact that it has a generous 4,000mAh battery. Even so, it\u2019s not all that thick with a 8.1mm chassis. The phone feels \njust right\n \u2013 it\u2019s neither too thin nor thick.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Redmi Note 7\u2019s large 4,000mAh battery should be able to return excellent battery life. Most Xiaomi devices are long-lasting phones anyway, and I reckon the Note 7 will be no different.\n\n\n\n\nPowering the Redmi Note 7 is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset, and the phone feels fast, zippy, and responsive. Yes, the Snapdragon 660 is not the most capable or newest chipset, but it should be able to offer a good level of performance. Gaming on this phone shouldn\u2019t be much of an issue either.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, three variants of the Redmi Note 7 are available. The base model comes with 32GB of storage and 3GB of RAM, while the 64GB and 128GB variants both feature 4GB of RAM. The unit I have here is the 64GB model, and this amount of storage (and RAM) should be just fine for a device of this class. If you need even more storage space, you can just use the microSD card slot.\n\n\n\n\nIf there\u2019s any element of the Redmi Note 7 that will divide opinion, it would be the display. That\u2019s right, the 6.3-inch Full HD+ display has a notch at the top, and it\u2019s quite noticeable. Compared to its competition \u2013 like the \nRealme 2 Pro\n \u2013 the top and bottom bezels of the phone are noticeably thicker too.\n\n\nBut beyond those, the Redmi Note 7\u2019s display quality is good. It\u2019s bright and vibrant, viewing angles are alright, and it looks sharp despite the 1080p resolution. Of course, a higher resolution display would look better, but that will only drive up the price and power consumption of the phone.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the Redmi Note 7\u2019s dual camera system, which is one of the most interesting hardware of this phone. The primary shooter is a 48MP f/1.8 sensor, while the other 5MP f/2.4 camera captures depth information. On the front, it has a 13MP f/2.2 selfie shooter.\n\n\nSince the Redmi Note 7 has a 48MP sensor, does it take images at this resolution? Not quite. By default, the phone will use pixel binning to improve the camera performance, which effectively reduces the file size to the equivalent of a 12MP image. Of course, you can always shoot at 48MP, but this is only possible in the camera\u2019s Manual mode.\n\n\n\n\nSo how is the camera performance of the Redmi Note 7? It\u2019s\u2026relatively good. I managed to capture some low light shots with the phone, and generally, it performed quite well. Yes, it doesn\u2019t have the best dynamic range or detail preservation, but for a mid-range smartphone, it\u2019s plenty good.\n\n\nI\u2019ll test the camera performance much more extensively in a full review of the phone, including how it performs under ideal lighting, as well as the camera\u2019s Night mode. For what it\u2019s worth, I\u2019m quite positive it won\u2019t disappoint.\n\n\n\n\nThe Redmi Note 7 is the best device in the series yet. It looks and feels premium, it doesn\u2019t have any glaring fault, and most importantly, it retains the brand\u2019s best selling point: value for money.\n\n\nIn Malaysia, the Redmi Note 7 retails from only RM679, and that\u2019s for the 32GB base model. The 64GB and 128GB variants, on the other hand, retail at RM799 and RM949 respectively. These are \nvery\n competitive price tags, and not many devices in this price range can offer the Note 7\u2019s feature set, especially when it comes to build quality.\n\n\n\n\nIf absolute value for money is what you\u2019re looking for, the Redmi Note 7 is an attractive option. In fact, it could very well set the benchmark of what to expect from a mid-range smartphone \u2013 it\u2019s a strong beginning for the sub-brand.\n\n\nUpdate, 19 March:\n The Redmi Note 7 has just been launched in Malaysia. We now know exactly how many variants are available, and how much each of them cost. This article has been updated accordingly.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-the-sony-wh-1000xm3-wireless-headphones-for-rm500-off/", "title": "Deal: Get the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless Headphones for RM500 Off", "body": "\n\nLooking to get a pair of wireless headphones with active noise cancellation? Then this deal is for you. The Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones are arguably one of the best headphones of its kind, and you can now get it with RM500 discount.\n\n\nOriginally going for RM1,599, the WH-1000XM3 can now be yours \nfor only RM1,089\n, saving you exactly RM510. This deal is offered by retailer Kronoshop on Shopee, and it received generally favourable ratings. Of course, these headphones also come with one year warranty from Sony Malaysia, and both colours (Black and Silver) are available too. \n\n\n\n\nThe Sony WH-1000XM3 is an excellent pair of wireless headphones with very good active noise cancellation, and on its own, it\u2019s already a very attractive product. At this price point, it is \nthat \nmuch more compelling.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-save-over-rm1000-on-the-samsung-galaxy-note-9/", "title": "Deal: Save Over RM1,000 on the Samsung Galaxy Note 9", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Note 9 was released in Malaysia back in August last year, so naturally, it has gotten much more affordable since then. Right now, you can save over RM1,000 on a brand new Galaxy Note 9.\n\n\nThis applies to both the 128GB and 512GB variants of the Note 9. If you\u2019re looking to get the more affordable 128GB model with 6GB of RAM, it\u2019s offered by Preferred Shopee retailer AL-ORI \nfor only RM2,658\n. This saves you RM1,041 when compared to the phone\u2019s original RM3,699 asking price.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the 512GB Galaxy Note 9 with 8GB of RAM, which used to go for RM4,599 at launch, retailer CamWorld (also on Shopee) is offering the device \nfor only RM3,588\n, saving you RM1,011. However, at the time of writing, only \ntwo units\n are left: one in Ocean Blue, and another in Midnight Black.\n\n\nBoth deals highlighted here are official sets of the Samsung Galaxy Note 9, so warranty is provided by Samsung Malaysia itself. Those that want to grab these deals \u2013 especially the 512GB model \u2013 should definitely act fast before stocks run out.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dealing-with-toxicity-in-video-games/", "title": "Dealing with Toxicity in Video Games", "body": "\n\nIn most team-based online video games, toxicity is something you will face, possibly on a daily basis. Not only can it negatively impact your gaming experience, it may deter you from playing certain games outright. But as bad as it is, toxicity is part and parcel of video games \u2013 you\u2019ll have to learn to live with it.\n\n\nBut there are certainly ways to deal with it effectively. We\u2019ve faced our fair share of toxicity in video games, and here are some tips on how to make the best of it.\n\n\nFoster Goodwill\n\n\nIf one of your teammates starts getting toxic, try to be helpful and supportive. It\u2019s very easy to just ignore toxic teammates and leave them to their own devices, but there\u2019s no harm in trying to calm them down or encourage them.\n\n\n\n\nIn fact, it could improve your whole team\u2019s performance if everyone is level-headed. It\u2019s easier to work together when there\u2019s no hostility in the team, and it will make the gaming experience a lot more pleasant.\n\n\nBut some teammates can be extra difficult, so if that doesn\u2019t work..\n\n\nThe Mute Button Is a Blessing\n\n\nNo matter how much you try to be helpful, some teammates are as toxic as they get. In this case, the mute button is the next best thing. Yes, it will affect the effectiveness of the team, but chances are, you will perform better if you\u2019re not reading or hearing toxic messages from your teammates.\n\n\nFortunately, some games make it possible to still communicate (to an extent) with your other teammates even if you\u2019ve muted them. \nApex Legends\n, for one, has a very robust ping system. You can use the mouse wheel button to ping enemy locations, supply drops, and equipment.\n\n\n\n\nAlthough it differs from one game to another, it\u2019s still possible to play most games effectively even with muted teammates.\n\n\nPlay with Friends\n\n\nGetting into a game with a group of friends is one of the best ways to minimise the possibility of running into toxic teammates; even more so if you can fill an entire team with friends. More often than not, it\u2019ll be much more fun to play with your friends as well.\n\n\nOf course, friends can be toxic too, but hey, it will be much easier to talk to them and calm them down. Random strangers on the internet? Not so much.\n\n\nTake a Break\n\n\nIf the toxicity starts to get to you, take a break. Even a quick break would help immensely to get you back into the right mindset. After all, playing a game when you\u2019re \u201ctilted\u201d will magnify even the slightest setback, which will affect your enjoyment of the game.\n\n\nTake it from someone who was repeatedly paired with teammates that refused to play as a team in Apex Legends. They landed far from where our teammates are, and swiftly blamed the others when they\u2019re swarmed by other squads before leaving the match.\n\n\n\n\nI wasn\u2019t enjoying the game very much with my streak of bad luck, so I took a break, and waited for my regular squadmates to come online before I get back into the game.\n\n\nEnjoy the Game!\n\n\nAt the end of the day, we play games to have fun; it stops being fun when we get paired with toxic teammates, and we take it too seriously. Taking a break to clear your mind is one way to do it, or you can just enjoy the ride and play for fun.\n\n\nGot a teammate that starts throwing vulgarities at the slightest inconvenience? Mute them, and enjoy the rest of the game without any disturbance from said teammate. Just focus on the game itself, and you\u2019ll have a lot more fun once you\u2019ve stopped taking things too seriously.\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s definitely a time and place for serious gaming sessions, but it\u2019s important to know that it\u2019s not always ideal or possible, especially when you\u2019re paired with random players on the internet. Go for the win when it\u2019s more feasible, and you won\u2019t get tilted as much.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-nova-4e-hands-on-sleek-selfie-focused-mid-ranger/", "title": "Huawei Nova 4e Hands-On: Sleek, Selfie-Focused Mid-Ranger", "body": "\n\nHuawei just announced a brand new device under the Nova series, the Huawei Nova 4e. Marketed as the Huawei P30 Lite in certain markets, it\u2019s quite an interesting mid-range device with a sleek design and a 32MP selfie camera \u2013 a first for a Huawei phone.\n\n\nSurprisingly enough, even though it\u2019s just been announced in China, the Nova 4e will be landing in Malaysia as early as this Saturday on 16 March. It\u2019s a reasonably good mid-ranger, and if you love taking selfies, this may be the phone for you.\n\n\n\n\nNeedless to say, the major selling point of the Nova 4e is its 32MP f/2.0 selfie camera. In my brief time with the phone, it does seem capable of taking good-looking selfie images. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how it performs in more challenging lighting situations.\n\n\nOn the back, the Nova 4e has a triple camera system, which consists of a primary 24MP f/1.8 sensor, an 8MP f/2.2 wide-angle shooter, and a 2MP f/2.4 camera for capturing depth information. Thanks to the combination of a standard camera sensor with a wide-angle camera, the Nova 4e is quite a versatile shooter; much like the higher-end \nHuawei Nova 4\n.\n\n\n\n\nBut how about the camera performance? Well, it\u2019s decent. Based on a few indoor shots I managed to capture, it\u2019s an \u201cokay\u201d camera system. The camera interface is quite responsive, switching between the primary and wide-angle cameras didn\u2019t take too long, and the image output is adequate.\n\n\nThat being said, the 8MP wide-angle camera\u2019s image quality isn\u2019t quite as good as the 24MP shooter (obviously), and the former has noticeable distortion too, resulting in a fisheye-like effect. It\u2019s not pleasant to look at, but hey, this \nis\n a mid-range smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nBesides its camera performance, the Nova 4e is quite a looker. My personal favourite colourway is the Peacock Blue model, which has a gradient-like finish on the glass back. The Pearl White colour looks pretty sleek too, and if you want something a little more\u2026discreet, there\u2019s the Midnight Black option.\n\n\nIt doesn\u2019t just look good, of course. Sporting a glass back and a metal frame, the Nova 4e feels solid and premium. I also love the fact that it has a USB-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a microSD card slot \u2013 very practical features.\n\n\n\n\nPowering the Nova 4e is Huawei\u2019s very own Kirin 710 chipset, which is said to be equivalent to Qualcomm\u2019s Snapdragon 660 SoC. For the most part, the phone feels fast and speedy, but switching from one app to another does take some time. Again, this is a mid-range phone \u2013 this level of performance isn\u2019t exactly unexpected.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the Nova 4e has one design element that \nfeels old in 2019\n: a notched display. It\u2019s not quite as wide as the Nova 4\u2019s notch, but it\u2019s still a noticeable cutout. Thankfully, the bottom bezel is quite minimal, giving this phone a more modern-looking aesthetic.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the notch and bezel size, the 6.15-inch 2312 x 1080 LTPS display looks reasonably good. It can get pretty darn bright, viewing angles are great, colours look punchy, and the white balance is well-calibrated. Basically, this display won\u2019t disappoint you.\n\n\nFeaturing a 3,340mAh battery, the Nova 4e should be able to deliver relatively good battery life too. It doesn\u2019t have a particularly large battery capacity, but the Kirin 710 processor is quite power-efficient, thanks in part to its 12nm size.\n\n\n\n\nRetailing at RM1,199 in Malaysia, the Huawei Nova 4e is priced relatively well. Of course, it\u2019s not the most affordable mid-ranger, but it comes with 128GB of internal storage and 6GB of RAM; pretty generous capacities. On top of that, you\u2019re also getting a sleek-looking smartphone with a 32MP selfie camera.\n\n\nBut if you want absolute value for money, the Nova 4e is not the best option. In this price range, there are a lot of other alternatives to consider, including the upcoming \nRedmi Note 7\n, \nSamsung Galaxy A50\n, and even the \nPocophone F1\n.\n\n\n\n\nSo why would you get the Nova 4e over these alternatives? Well, if you want a device that looks and feels great with a generous amount of RAM and storage \u2013 and you love taking selfies \u2013 the Nova 4e will serve you well. Otherwise, there are better options out there, especially if you want more bang for your buck.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-nvidia-gtx-1660-is-the-default-gpu-for-budget-gamers/", "title": "The Nvidia GTX 1660 Is the Default GPU for Budget Gamers", "body": "\n\nNvidia is releasing one graphics card after another in quick succession. It wasn\u2019t that long ago when the company unveiled the GTX 1660 Ti, and now, we have the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 \u2013 an even more affordable GPU with Nvidia\u2019s Turing architecture.\n\n\nYes, the GTX 1660 is a Turing-based GPU, and it is the cheapest one with this architecture. If you\u2019re building a gaming PC, and you\u2019re working with a limited budget, the GTX 1660 should be your default choice \u2013 it offers good performance level at an affordable price point.\n\n\n\n\nSo where does the GTX 1660 sit in Nvidia\u2019s portfolio? Right below the GTX 1660 Ti, and above its direct predecessor, the GTX 1060. According to Nvidia, the GTX 1660 is about 35% faster than the 3GB variant of the GTX 1060. When compared to the GTX 1060 6GB, you can expect to see around 15% boost in performance.\n\n\nThese are not amazing figures, of course, but the GTX 1660 will definitely bring noticeable performance gain. This is especially the case for those who are upgrading from much older graphics cards. Take the two-generation-old GTX 960: Nvidia said the GTX 1660 is over 130% faster.\n\n\nIn comparison to the GTX 1660 Ti, the GTX 1660 uses the same TU116 GPU, though the latter is equipped with slower GDDR5 memory than the Ti version. Aside from that, the GTX 1660 also has less CUDA cores, but it still comes with 6GB of video RAM \u2013 there will be no 3GB version of the card.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the GTX 1660 particularly enticing is its price tag. For the Malaysian market, this graphics card retails \nfrom as low as RM999\n. Taking into consideration the card\u2019s performance level, this is \nreally\n good value for money.\n\n\nIn the past, this price range is mostly dominated by GTX 1060, and even GTX 1050 Ti cards. As far as raw performance is concerned, it\u2019s no question the GTX 1660 is superior. This makes it a much, much better buy than any other cards in this price range.\n\n\nThat is, unless you\u2019re willing to spend slightly more to get the higher-end GTX 1660 Ti, which cost about RM200 more than a standard GTX 1660 (give or take). In \nAnandTech\u2019s in-depth review of the GTX 1660\n, the site mentioned that the GTX 1660 Ti is about 14% faster; that\u2019s quite a noticeable gap in performance.\n\n\nHowever, this performance difference may not be enough for some folks to justify the price difference, and it may be a significant amount for budget PC builders.\n\n\n\n\nBut say you\u2019re planning to save even more money by getting the much more affordable GTX 1050 Ti. In this case, I\u2019d argue it\u2019s worth saving up for the GTX 1660. You\u2019re getting a lot more bang for your buck with the GTX 1660, and if you\u2019re gaming at 1080p, it will have little to no trouble at maxing out most modern games\u2019 graphics settings. The GTX 1050 Ti, on the other hand, won\u2019t be able to do so.\n\n\nIf you absolutely need to save up, the GTX 1060 6GB is worth looking into, but only if you can get a good deal on it. Now that the GTX 1660 is introduced, prices for the GTX 1060 should drop steadily. In fact, we found a retailer listing a Gigabyte GTX 1060 6GB \nfor only RM790 now\n. That\u2019s a really good price for the 6GB version of the GTX 1060.\n\n\nThat being said, we expect stocks of the GTX 1060 to run out in the near future \u2013 the GTX 1660 will eventually replace it. If you absolutely want to get the GTX 1060, it\u2019s best to act fast.\n\n\n\n\nThe Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 may not be a drastic improvement over its predecessor, but it\u2019s still a plenty good graphics card at an affordable price point. Anyone that is building a budget gaming PC should really consider getting the GTX 1660 just for its sheer value for money.\n\n\nWith the introduction of the GTX 1660, it\u2019s a great time to build a budget-oriented gaming PC. It\u2019s also ideal for those who want to put together a reasonably good gaming machine without breaking the bank.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-samsung-galaxy-s10e-going-for-only-rm2399-now/", "title": "Deal: Samsung Galaxy S10e Going for Only RM2,399 Now", "body": "\n\nThe \nSamsung Galaxy S10 series\n went on sale in Malaysia just last week, but now, the most affordable device in the series \u2013 the Galaxy S10e \u2013 just got cheaper. Currently, you can grab the compact smartphone for RM300 off.\n\n\nWe found this deal from Shopee Preferred retailer GPA Mobile, which is listing the Galaxy S10e \nfor only RM2,399\n instead of its original asking price of RM2,699. On top of that, GPA Mobile has all three colours in stock too, which include Prism White, Prism Black, and Prism Green.\n\n\n\n\nNeedless to say, GPA Mobile is offering the Galaxy S10e with warranty from Samsung Malaysia itself \u2013 we only write about deals with official warranty support. Rest assured, you should have no issue claiming for warranty from Samsung if anything were to go wrong.\n\n\nDespite being the most affordable device in the series, the Samsung Galaxy S10e still has a lot in common with its higher-end siblings. For more information, check out our \nhands-on with the Galaxy S10 series\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-grab-the-samsung-galaxy-s10-with-up-to-rm400-discount/", "title": "Deal: Grab the Samsung Galaxy S10+ with up to RM400 Discount", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S10e isn\u2019t the only device that\u2019s \nmore affordable now\n. That\u2019s right, even the \nrange-topping Galaxy S10+\n received a pretty good discount \u2013 it\u2019s currently cheaper by up to RM400.\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the highest amount of discount is reserved for the highest-end Galaxy S10+ with 512GB of storage. Originally priced at RM4,599, Preferred Shopee retailer GPA Mobile is listing this variant of the phone \nfor only RM4,199\n, saving you RM400.\n\n\n\n\nIf you don\u2019t need that much storage, you can opt to get the 128GB Galaxy S10+, which is \ncurrently offered for RM3,349\n from the same retailer \u2013 that\u2019s RM350 worth of savings. As always, the listings mentioned here are official units of the Galaxy S10+ with warranty support from Samsung Malaysia.\n\n\nTo learn more about the Samsung Galaxy S10+, check out our \nhands-on of the Galaxy S10 series\n. Not particularly interested with the S10+? Then perhaps \nthis deal on the Galaxy S10e\n will catch your fancy.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-m20-hands-on-an-attractive-basic-smartphone/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy M20 Hands-On: An Attractive Basic Smartphone", "body": "\n\nAffordable Samsung devices are usually not particularly interesting, but the Samsung Galaxy M20 is quite different. Not only does it have an attractive price tag, its hardware under the hood aren\u2019t particularly bad either.\n\n\nI got my hands on the Galaxy M20 at its launch event earlier today, and even though this is a basic smartphone, I\u2019m impressed with what it offers \u2013 especially at this price point. If all you want is a long-lasting, affordable smartphone, you should really consider the Galaxy M20.\n\n\n\n\nBefore we get to it, let\u2019s talk about the Galaxy M20\u2019s most attractive aspect: price. There\u2019s only one variant of the M20 in Malaysia, which comes with 64GB of internal storage and 4GB of RAM. How much does it cost? RM799, and it\u2019s available \nexclusively on Shopee\n.\n\n\nFor that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a lot of bang for your buck. 64GB of storage is already quite generous at this price point, and if that\u2019s not enough for you, the Galaxy M20 also features a dedicated microSD card slot. It\u2019s not a hybrid slot, mind you: this phone\u2019s SIM tray can accommodate two SIM cards \nand\n a microSD card at the same time.\n\n\n\n\nMemory capacity aside, the Galaxy M20 feels reasonably snappy too. Powered by an Exynos 7904 1.8GHz octa-core processor (yes, the very same chipset found in the \nGalaxy A30\n), the M20 can switch between apps relatively quickly \u2013 quick enough to not feel cumbersome. Of course, this is by no means a lightning quick smartphone, but it\u2019s definitely good enough for a phone in this segment.\n\n\nIf there\u2019s one area the Galaxy M20 excels in, it would be battery life. Equipped with a huge 5,000mAh battery, I\u2019m confident the M20 can deliver \nexcellent\n battery life. Not many phones have a battery with this capacity, and it charges via USB-C too.\n\n\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the Galaxy M20\u2019s affordable price tag is reflected in the phone\u2019s design and build quality. It feels cheap, plasticky, and yes, it has a \u201cInfinity-V\u201d notch at the top of the display. On a brighter note, the bottom bezel isn\u2019t all that big, giving the phone a relatively sleek appearance.\n\n\nWhat about the Galaxy M20\u2019s display quality? Pretty good. Sporting a 6.3-inch 2340 x 1080 LCD display \u2013 nope, it doesn\u2019t have a Super AMOLED panel \u2013 it\u2019s a good-looking screen with vibrant colours and good brightness. Viewing angles are great too, though colours do shift slightly when you look at the display off-angle.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to software, the Galaxy M20 doesn\u2019t offer Samsung\u2019s latest user interface. Unlike the \nGalaxy A50 and A30\n, the M20 doesn\u2019t run on One UI. Rather, it\u2019s still running on Samsung Experience 9.5 based on Android 8.1 Oreo.\n\n\nThat\u2019s not to say Galaxy M20 doesn\u2019t have good software experience, of course. Samsung Experience is still a good version of Android, and it feels lightweight, polished, and aesthetically pleasing. Besides, Samsung confirmed that the Galaxy M20 will be updated to One UI sometime in the future.\n\n\n\n\nCamera performance is, unfortunately, not one of the Galaxy M20\u2019s best qualities. Sporting a dual-camera system made up of 13MP + 5MP wide-angle sensors \u2013 with an 8MP selfie camera \u2013 it\u2019s not particularly fun to shoot with this phone. The camera interface feels sluggish, the shutter speed is slow, and detail preservation (especially with the 5MP wide-angle sensor) is not great.\n\n\nBut to be fair, I was shooting with the Galaxy M20 in less than ideal lighting; it may be able to deliver better shots in brighter environments. On top of that, most phones in this price range don\u2019t have particularly great camera performance anyway, and the M20 is no exception.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy M20 is an affordable, no-nonsense smartphone with a very generous 5,000mAh battery. It\u2019s certainly a phone worth considering for folks that want a long-lasting device that won\u2019t break the bank, and as a whole, it\u2019s a reasonably fast phone too.\n\n\nSamsung\u2019s range of affordable smartphones have not been particularly exciting for quite some time now, but the Galaxy M20 is changing things up quite a bit. In fact, even the \nGalaxy A50 and A30\n are very respectable mid-rangers too, and both will be introduced in Malaysia tonight.\n\n\n\n\nNow that Samsung is putting more emphasis on its mid-range offerings, it\u2019s an interesting time to be shopping for a smartphone in this segment. Having more options is always a good thing, and the Galaxy M20 is an option worth considering.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-7-hands-on-better-than-ever/", "title": "Redmi 7 Hands-On: Better Than Ever", "body": "\n\nThe Redmi 7 was introduced in China just two days ago, but surprisingly enough, the affordable device made its Malaysian debut yesterday along with the \nRedmi Note 7\n. On top of that, it will be available for purchase on 27 March too.\n\n\nCarrying an affordable price tag and respectable hardware (for the money), the Redmi 7 is ideal for those who want the cheapest possible smartphone\u2026that\u2019s still actually good. But for certain folks, it may be worth it to spend a tad more for the superior Redmi Note 7.\n\n\nNonetheless, I had some quality time with the Redmi 7, and it\u2019s really quite a good device \u2013 especially for its asking price.\n\n\n\n\nDespite how affordable it is, the Redmi 7 doesn\u2019t feel particularly cheap. Yes, it\u2019s mostly made out of plastic, but it doesn\u2019t \nfeel\n plasticky. The polycarbonate frame\u2019s matte finish feels good to the touch, and same goes for the curved plastic back. However, the back panel does pick up fingerprints quite easily.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, I love the design of the Redmi 7\u2019s back panel. The Comet Blue and Lunar Red (my personal favourite colour) have nice, subtle gradient finishes that look really sleek. Of course, if you want a more low-key colour, there\u2019s the Eclipse Black model.\n\n\n\n\nMuch like the Redmi Note 7, the Redmi 7 also has a notched display with larger than usual top and bottom bezels. These are not particularly pleasing to the eyes, but hey, this is not an expensive smartphone; our expectations have to be realistic. As a whole, the Redmi 7 still looks rather sleek and modern, and it has a 3.5mm headphone jack too, though it\u2019s still using a microUSB port for charging.\n\n\nNotch aside, the Redmi 7\u2019s 6.26-inch 1520 x 720 display looks good. Even though it\u2019s only a 720p display, it still looks sharp enough with good colour reproduction, viewing angles, and brightness. Plus, the lower resolution display has one vital advantage: lower power consumption.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFeaturing a generous 4,000mAh battery, I\u2019m quite certain the Redmi 7 will be able to deliver extremely good battery life. After all, its 720p display won\u2019t consume as much power as a higher resolution panel, and under the hood of this phone is a power-efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 chipset.\n\n\nPerformance is not an issue with the Redmi 7 either. I can switch between different apps relatively quickly, there\u2019s no noticeable lag or stutter while I was using the phone, and the phone as a whole feels fast and zippy. The Snapdragon 632 is not an awfully powerful chipset, but it\u2019s certainly capable enough.\n\n\n\n\nIn this price range, it would be unrealistic to hope for great camera performance, and this applies to the Redmi 7. On the back, it has a dual camera system made up of a 12MP f/2.2 sensor and a 2MP shooter. The front-facing camera, on the other hand, is an 8MP shooter.\n\n\nAt the launch event, I managed to snap a few pictures with the Redmi 7\u2019s dual camera system, and while it\u2019s not amazing, it is certainly serviceable. There \nis\n noticeable shutter lag, but the image output isn\u2019t all that bad, and the camera interface is quite intuitive to navigate around.\n\n\nThat being said, I\u2019ve only taken daylight pictures with the Redmi 7. Chances are, the camera performance wouldn\u2019t be quite as good in low light conditions, and that would be totally fine. This is, first and foremost, a very affordable phone \u2013 you really cannot expect amazing camera performance.\n\n\n\n\nThe Redmi 7 will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 27 March onwards, and it is offered in two variants. The 16GB model with 2GB of RAM retails at RM499, while the 32GB variant with 3GB of RAM goes for RM599. If you want more storage capacity, no problem \u2013 this phone has a microSD card slot.\n\n\nWithout a doubt the Redmi 7 is an affordable phone, and it will be worth the purchase for the majority of consumers. That is, unless you can afford to spend \na little bit more\n for the Redmi Note 7, which retails from only RM679.\n\n\n\n\nFor only RM80 more than the 32GB Redmi 7, the Redmi Note 7 offers the same amount of storage and RAM capacities, a faster Snapdragon 660 chipset, a sharper display, superior camera performance, as well as better, more premium build quality. It\u2019s a small price difference, but you\u2019re getting \na lot more\n value for your money.\n\n\nHowever, if you\u2019re on a really tight budget, the Redmi 7 is still a very good purchase, especially if you\u2019re looking to get the RM499 variant. Even though it\u2019s a cheap smartphone, it doesn\u2019t look or feel cheap, and that shows just how far the Redmi series have come.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-predator-triton-500-hands-on-slim-light-premium-rtx-gaming-laptop/", "title": "Acer Predator Triton 500 Hands-On: Slim & Light Premium RTX Gaming Laptop", "body": "\n\nAcer just launched the Predator Triton 500 in Malaysia. Touted as a slim and light gaming laptop, this is definitely a premium product, and that, of course, comes with a matching price tag. However, even though the Triton 500 is not the most affordable gaming machine, it offers plenty of value for money.\n\n\nFor its asking price, you\u2019re getting a powerful, sleek, thin, and light gaming laptop. I played around with the Triton 500 for a while at its launch event earlier today, and I was left \nvery\n impressed. Here\u2019s why you should seriously consider this laptop if you\u2019re looking to get a new gaming machine.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere are several configurations of the Predator Triton 500 in Malaysia, so let\u2019s start with the base model \u2013 my personal favourite model. Retailing at RM6,799, the most affordable model features an Intel Core i5-8300H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 GPU.\n\n\nA tier up is the RM7,599 model, which swaps out the Core i5 processor for a Core i7-8750H chip. The range-topping model, on the other hand, features the same Core i7 processor, and a more powerful RTX 2070 GPU. How much does this variant cost? RM8,699.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the processor and GPU configuration, other hardware of the Triton 500 are exactly the same across the different models. All three variants feature 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS displays with 144Hz refresh rate, 512GB of fast PCIe NVMe SSD storage (two 256GB SSDs in Raid 0 configuration), 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and Windows 10 Home out of the box.\n\n\nThis, in turn, makes the base model of the Triton 500 an attractive option. No other gaming laptop at this price point can offer the same hardware configuration, let alone the portability and premium build quality of the Triton 500.\n\n\n\n\nDespite packing a large 15.6-inch display, the Triton 500 is surprisingly portable; similar in size to a smaller, conventional 14-inch laptop, I would say. Thanks to its small screen bezels, the overall dimension of the laptop can be reduced accordingly. However, it does have a noticeable chin at the bottom of the display.\n\n\nWhat about the display quality of the Triton 500? Excellent. The IPS panel has vibrant colours, great viewing angles, and good brightness level. The matte finish of the screen should help with glare too, and I absolutely love the fast 144Hz refresh rate. Compared to standard 60Hz displays, you \nwill\n notice significant improvement in image clarity (especially in fast moving scenes) and fluidity when you\u2019re using this laptop.\n\n\nThe power adapter is quite compact too\n\n\nMeasuring merely 17.9mm thick, the Triton 500 is a very, very thin gaming laptop. On top of that, it weighs only 2.1kg too, making it one of the lightest gaming laptops with an RTX 2060 GPU. That being said, the thin chassis of the Triton 500 may be a cause for concern \u2013 the laptop\u2019s cooling system has to be robust enough to effectively cool down the machine\u2019s various components in heated gaming sessions.\n\n\nBuild quality is also the Triton 500\u2019s strong suit. Most of the laptop is made out of metal, and I can open the laptop\u2019s lid with only one finger. This may only be a small \u2013 insignificant, even, to certain folks \u2013 thing, but it does speak volume to the Triton 500\u2019s build quality. It feels robust, solid, and I love the minimalist look of the laptop.\n\n\n\n\nBut there is one design element of the Triton 500 that is a bit of a letdown: the bezel surrounding the display is made out of plastic. Don\u2019t get me wrong, the plastic bezel doesn\u2019t feel cheap or anything like that, but it does detract from the laptop\u2019s premium aesthetics.\n\n\nIn terms of gaming performance, I only managed to play a quick round of Fortnite with the Triton 500, and it ran extremely well. Not only can the RTX 2060 GPU run the game effortlessly, the laptop\u2019s fast 144Hz display also make for a truly enjoyable gaming experience.\n\n\nSure, Fortnite isn\u2019t a terribly demanding game, but don\u2019t discount the RTX 2060\u2019s capability. It\u2019s a really good GPU, and at 1080p resolution, I\u2019m confident this GPU can deliver good frame rate in most modern titles at maximum graphics settings. You\u2019re also getting other RTX features like ray tracing and Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) with this GPU.\n\n\n\n\nTo game effectively, you\u2019ll need a good keyboard, and the Triton 500 has a reasonably good keyboard. While it doesn\u2019t have particularly long key travel (making the keyboard feel shallow), the keys don\u2019t feel \u201cmushy.\u201d They have good tactile feedback, which can provide a good typing and gaming experience.\n\n\nOf course, this wouldn\u2019t be a gaming laptop if it doesn\u2019t have some form of RGB lighting. That\u2019s right, it has an RGB keyboard, and I quite dig the slightly see-through WASD keycap.\n\n\nTrackpads on most gaming laptops are usually horrible, but to my surprise, that\u2019s not the case with the Triton 500. My fingers can glide effortlessly on the surface of the trackpad, and it is pretty darn accurate. In fact, I\u2019d say this trackpad is better than most productivity-focused Windows laptops.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Predator Triton 500 is easily one of the most impressive thin and light gaming laptops I\u2019ve seen for a while now. It\u2019s powerful, it has a fast 144Hz display, and it\u2019s a very sleek-looking laptop in a compact form factor \u2013 I definitely wouldn\u2019t mind lugging this laptop around in my backpack.\n\n\nYes, the Triton 500 is not affordable, but it is a \npremium \ngaming laptop. Most RTX 2060 laptops are similarly priced anyway, but not many of them can match this laptop\u2019s feature set, \nespecially\n the base model.\n\n\nIf you want a compact, powerful, premium 15.6-inch gaming laptop, the Triton 500 is a very good option. I will be reviewing this gaming laptop extensively over the next few weeks, and I absolutely cannot wait to put it through its paces.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-the-huawei-mate-20-x-with-rm650-discount-now/", "title": "Deal: Get the Huawei Mate 20 X with RM650 Discount Now", "body": "\n\nThe Huawei Mate 20 X\u2019s retail price was recently revised to RM2,899, but certain retailers are offering the large device at a lower price \u2013 much lower, in fact. Right now, you can get the Mate 20 X \nfor only RM2,549\n.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Preferred Shopee retailer GPA Mobile. Compared to the Mate 20 X\u2019s original retail price of RM3,199, you\u2019re saving exactly RM650 with this offer \u2013 that\u2019s quite a big discount.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, GPA Mobile is offering the Mate 20 X with official warranty support from Huawei Malaysia. On top of that, the retailer is also offering five free gifts with every purchase, which include a case and a Huawei stylus.\n\n\nThat being said, GPA Mobile did not mention exactly which colour of the Mate 20 X it has in stock, so interested buyers would have to check with the retailer. For more information on the device, check out \nour overview of the Mate 20 series\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-grab-an-rtx-2060-gaming-laptop-for-below-rm5000/", "title": "Deal: Grab an RTX 2060 Gaming Laptop for Below RM5,000", "body": "\n\nGaming laptops equipped with RTX GPUs are becoming increasingly common, and thankfully, increasingly more affordable too. If you\u2019re shopping for an RTX 2060 gaming laptop, good news: you can get one for less than RM5,000 now.\n\n\nOf course, we\u2019re talking about the \nMSI GL63 8SE\n gaming laptop. Originally priced at RM5,399, well-known retailer Thunder Match is offering the laptop \nfor only RM5,072\n. To further reduce the price, you can use the retailer\u2019s discount code (TMTLAZRM100) to get additional RM100 discount until 27 March.\n\n\nOnce you\u2019ve keyed in the code at checkout, you can get this gaming laptop \nfor only RM4,972\n \u2013 excluding shipping cost, of course.\n\n\n\n\nThe MSI GL63 8SE is a powerful gaming laptop, and even though its build quality leaves much to be desired, it definitely offers great value for money. If you want to get this deal, act fast: there are only \nthree units left\n at the time of this writing.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-save-rm350-on-a-brand-new-samsung-galaxy-s10/", "title": "Deal: Save RM350 on a Brand New Samsung Galaxy S10", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019ve seen deals on the \nSamsung Galaxy S10+\n and \nGalaxy S10e\n, but if those don\u2019t catch your fancy, perhaps this one will. Now, the standard Galaxy S10 got a reasonably big price cut too \u2013 it\u2019s currently going for RM350 off.\n\n\nOriginally retailing at RM3,299, Thunder Match is offering the Galaxy S10 \nfor only RM2,999 on Shopee\n. To sweeten the deal, the retailer has a RM50 discount code that\u2019s valid with purchases over RM2,000; once you\u2019ve used that code, you can reduce the price down to RM2,949, saving you RM350.\n\n\n\n\nThunder Match is a renowned retailer, so rest assured, this is a legitimate deal. Naturally, it is also offering the Galaxy S10 with official warranty from Samsung Malaysia. However, it\u2019s best to act fast if you want to enjoy this deal. At the time of writing, there are only \ntwo Prism Black units\n of the Galaxy S10. The Prism White model, only the other hand, has \nnine units left\n.\n\n\nTo learn more about the Samsung Galaxy S10, check out our hands-on with the Galaxy S10 series \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s10-review-setting-the-benchmark/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S10+ Review: Setting the Benchmark", "body": "\n\nOver the past year, Samsung has been rather\u2026risk-averse. While the Galaxy S9 and Note 9 smartphones were very respectable flagship smartphones, they\u2019re not particularly exciting or groundbreaking. Rather, they\u2019re refined versions of the Galaxy S8 and Note 8 respectively.\n\n\nAnd now, we have the Samsung Galaxy S10+ \u2013 the range-topping device in the series. Compared to its predecessors, I\u2019d say it sits in the middle of the Galaxy S8 and S9 in terms of \u201cexcitement.\u201d It doesn\u2019t have the wow factor of the Galaxy S8, but it\u2019s not quite as iterative as the Galaxy S9 either.\n\n\nBut one thing is certain: the Galaxy S10+ sets the benchmark on what to expect from a 2019 flagship smartphone, and that\u2019s a good position to be in.\n\n\nSpecifications\n\n\nDisplay\n6.4-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED (3040 x 1440)\nChipset\nSamsung Exynos 9820 2.73GHz octa-core\nGPU\nMali-G76 MP12\nRAM\n8GB\nStorage\n128/512GB, expandable\nCamera (rear)\n12MP f/1.5 \u2013 f/2.4, OIS, Super Speed Dual Pixel AF\n12MP f/2.4 (telephoto), OIS\n16MP f/2.2 (ultra wide)\nCamera (front)\n10MP f/1.9, Dual Pixel AF\n8MP f/2.2 RGB Depth sensor\nBattery\n4,100mAh\nDimensions\n157.6 x 74.1 x 7.8 mm\nWeight\n175g (glass), 195g (ceramic, 512GB model only)\nOS\nOne UI 1.1 based on Android 9 Pie\nConnectivity\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4/5GHz)\n3.5mm headphone jack\nUSB Type-C\n\n\nNaturally, the Galaxy S10+ is as powerful as it gets. It\u2019s powered by Samsung\u2019s latest Exynos 9820 chipset, it has ample amount of RAM at 8GB, it has a huge 4,100mAh battery, and it has a sophisticated camera system too.\n\n\nDoes it lack anything? Not really. Water resistance? Check (it\u2019s IP68-rated). Headphone jack? Check. Support for expandable storage? Also check. Basically, the Galaxy S10+ has an excellent, complete set of hardware.\n\n\nDesign\n\n\nFirst things first, let me just say how much I love the Prism White model. At a glance, it looks like any other white smartphone, but shine some light on it, and you get this very nice reddish tint. Pictures don\u2019t really do it justice: you have to see it in person to get the full effect, and no other phone looks quite like it.\n\n\n\n\nBuild quality is, unsurprisingly, fantastic. The Galaxy S10+ is very well put-together: the metal frame blends seamlessly with the curved front and back panels, it has a nice heft to it, and it feels solid in my hands. Samsung\u2019s flagship phones have always felt very robust, and the S10+ improved upon this even further.\n\n\nOkay, I think it\u2019s time we talk about the elephant in the room \u2013 the oblong-shaped, hole-punch \u201cInfinity-O\u201d display. Honestly, I don\u2019t find it all that distracting or intrusive. After using the phone for a while, I don\u2019t really notice it anymore, and it\u2019s virtually invisible when I\u2019m playing mobile games and watching videos on YouTube. Games and videos simply don\u2019t use the screen real estate past the hole-punch cutout.\n\n\nYou \ncan\n hide the cutout, but you\u2019ll be left with a huge top bezel \u2013 not the most eye-catching solution.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, there is one thing with the hole-punch that bothers me. Because it\u2019s positioned to the right of the display, the clock, signal, and WiFi icons are pushed to the left of the screen, making it look off-centre. It is not aesthetically pleasing, but some folks may not care too much about this \u2013 I certainly do though.\n\n\nAnother thing that I don\u2019t quite like is the sheer length of the screen. The Galaxy S10+ has a 19:9 display, and it\u2019s a \nvery\n tall aspect ratio. The power button and volume rocker are placed way too high on the sides of the phone, and it\u2019s nigh impossible to reach for the top of the display with one hand to pull down the notification shade. Thankfully, I can swipe down on the home screen to achieve the same effect.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, I like the Galaxy S10+\u2019s overall design. It looks great (especially the Prism White model here), it feels premium, and despite packing a large 4,100mAh battery, it\u2019s only 7.8mm thick. Thanks to the curved front and back glass panels, it feels thinner than it really is.\n\n\nUser Experience\n\n\nCompared to Samsung Experience, One UI looks a lot more modern and polished. I love the fact that I can now double tap to wake the phone, and more importantly, the software itself still feels lightweight and zippy. It just does what I want it to without much issue, whether it\u2019s switching quickly from one app to another, or launching the camera with a double click of the power button.\n\n\nHowever, by default, the icons are \ncomically\n large on the home screen. I\u2019ve used the Galaxy S9+ as my daily driver prior to this, so switching to the Galaxy S10+ definitely felt jarring. Thankfully, I can resize the icons quite easily in the settings menu.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the Galaxy S10+\u2019s ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. When I \nfirst tried it\n, I was very impressed with the speed of the sensor. However, after spending more time with it, the sensor \ndoes\n struggle to read my fingerprint accurately on certain occasions.\n\n\nIt can definitely recognise my fingerprint very quickly most of the time, but there are times where it gets finicky too: I had to place my finger on the sensor several times before it actually works, much like the majority of in-screen sensors. And if my fingers are wet, the sensor will struggle even more.\n\n\nThen again, if I were to compare this ultrasonic sensor to other in-screen fingerprint sensors, how good is it? Very good; the best there is right now, I would say. But is it \nas good\n as a conventional sensor? No it isn\u2019t, and I would still prefer a standard, capacitive fingerprint sensor over this ultrasonic one.\n\n\n\n\nOn a more positive note, the Galaxy S10+ is a fast, powerful smartphone. It doesn\u2019t show any sign of slowdown no matter what I throw at it, and gaming on this phone is simply a joy. I can get high, consistent frame rate on PUBG Mobile, and the fantastic front-facing stereo speakers add to the enjoyment too \u2013 there\u2019s clear distinction between the left and right channels.\n\n\nWhat makes the Galaxy S10+ such a fun device to game on can also be attributed to its excellent 6.4-inch 1440p Dynamic AMOLED display. It\u2019s HDR10+ certified \u2013 Samsung claims it\u2019s the first phone with such a certification \u2013 so you can expect vibrant colours and excellent black levels with this display.\n\n\nIn fact, I\u2019d go as far as to say that this is \nthe best display\n I\u2019ve seen on a smartphone thus far. Samsung knows how to produce incredible-looking displays, and the Galaxy S10+ is a testament of this.\n\n\n\n\nBattery life isn\u2019t exactly the Galaxy S series\u2019 forte, but Galaxy S10+ is an exception. Equipped with a very generous 4,100mAh battery, I legitimately had trouble running down the battery to empty in a single day. On average, I was easily getting between five to six hours of screen on time with this phone, and that\u2019s really impressive.\n\n\nI\u2019m a heavy smartphone user, and I set the always on display to be active at all times. I imagine lighter users can stretch the battery life up to two days; even more so if the always on display is disabled.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the charging rate of the Galaxy S10+ isn\u2019t great. Within 30 minutes of charging, the phone only got up to 35% from 0%. Very average charging rate.\n\n\n\n\nI had a lot of fun using the Galaxy S10+ as my daily driver, and even though the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor didn\u2019t live up to expectations, other aspects of the phone more than make up for this \u2013 particularly the brilliant Dynamic AMOLED display.\n\n\nCamera\n\n\nCamera systems with multiple sensors really blew up last year, and Samsung seems to be jumping on the bandwagon with the Galaxy S10+. That\u2019s not necessarily a bad thing: it\u2019s the most versatile camera system the Korean company has ever released.\n\n\n\n\nThe triple camera system on the Galaxy S10+ is made up of a primary 12MP shooter with variable aperture (f/1.5 \u2013 f/2.4), a 12MP f/2.4 telephoto sensor, and a 16MP f/2.2 ultra wide-angle camera \u2013 plenty of focal lengths to choose from for different kinds of shots and compositions.\n\n\nWhile I appreciate having these three sensors on a single smartphone, the disparity in image quality can be bothersome. Naturally, the 12MP primary camera takes the best-looking images, while the 12MP telephoto and 16MP ultra wide sensors produce noticeably worse shots, \nespecially\n in low light environments.\n\n\n16MP ultra wide angle\n12MP primary\n12MP telephoto\n\n\n\n\nBut beyond this small issue, I had a blast photographing with the Galaxy S10+. The camera interface is very responsive, there\u2019s little to no shutter lag regardless of lighting condition, it can lock in focus extremely quickly, and the image output is, as expected, \nexcellent.\n It has a wide dynamic range, great detail preservation, and more often than not, it\u2019s effortless to get sharp, blur-free images.\n\n\nReally, judge for yourself with these shots. The Galaxy S series always had excellent camera performance, and the Galaxy S10+ retains that, while making the camera system even more versatile with lenses of different focal lengths.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nThere are two variants of the Galaxy S10+ in Malaysia: the 128GB variant retails at RM3,699, while the 512GB ceramic model goes for RM4,599. Without a doubt the S10+ is an expensive smartphone, and it has a couple of very interesting competition \u2013 most of which are more affordable.\n\n\nHuawei Mate 20 Pro\n\n\nHuawei has improved by leaps and bounds in the past few years, and the \nHuawei Mate 20 Pro\n is the Chinese company\u2019s most accomplished product yet. It is equally as premium as the Galaxy S10+, it also has a versatile camera system, and it has a slightly bigger 4,200mAh battery. To top it off, you can get the Mate 20 Pro \nfor as low as RM2,649 now\n \u2013 that\u2019s over RM1,000 cheaper than the Galaxy S10+.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, there are many reasons why you should get the Galaxy S10+ over the Mate 20 Pro. The S10+ has a superior, sharper display without a wide notch, it has a more refined software experience, and unlike the Mate 20 Pro, the S10+ still uses a microSD card for expandable storage instead of a proprietary memory card.\n\n\nOh, the Galaxy S10+ still has a 3.5mm headphone jack too \u2013 can\u2019t say the same for the Mate 20 Pro.\n\n\nSamsung Galaxy S9+\n\n\nOf course, the Galaxy S9+ is still a very viable alternative to the Galaxy S10+. Both devices have virtually the same software experience, the S9+ doesn\u2019t have any hole-punch cutout \u2013 albeit at the expense of thicker bezels \u2013 and more importantly, it is \nmuch more affordable\n than the S10+.\n\n\n\n\nBut if you\u2019re willing to spend more for the Galaxy S10+, you \ndo\n get a number of improvements. You will get a more versatile camera system, a faster, more powerful smartphone, and much better battery life too. Yes, the S10+ cost a lot more money, but it also a superior smartphone in almost every way.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S10+ is an excellent flagship smartphone, no doubt about it. Every noteworthy flagship smartphone that\u2019s released after this will inevitably be compared to it, and Samsung has set the bar pretty high up.\n\n\nThat being said, there are still room for improvement with the Galaxy S10+. The ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, for one, could be better. But as I\u2019ve mentioned, other aspects of the phone are \nvery\n good. It has a fantastic display, great battery life, and one of the best (and versatile) camera systems in the market now.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to get the absolute best flagship smartphone in the market now, the Galaxy S10+ fits the bill. But that may not be the case for long; as the year progresses, there will be a lot more competition. Huawei, for one, will be unveiling its latest P30 series of smartphones in the next few days.\n\n\nIt\u2019s an exciting time to be shopping for a flagship smartphone. It\u2019s a highly competitive segment, and it will be interesting to see how upcoming flagships will compare to the Galaxy S10+ \u2013 the benchmark has been set.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/stadia-what-you-need-to-know-about-googles-cloud-gaming-service/", "title": "Stadia \u2013 What You Need to Know About Google\u2019s Cloud Gaming Service", "body": "\n\nGoogle is venturing into the gaming market with Stadia, the company\u2019s new cloud gaming service. With Stadia, consumers won\u2019t need to get any hardware to start gaming on the service \u2013 games are streamed directly to your desktop, TV, tablet, or smartphone. Simply put, it\u2019s the Netflix of gaming.\n\n\nIt\u2019s an interesting proposition, but does Stadia have what it takes to succeed? Let\u2019s take a look at what the service is all about.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt its core, Stadia is a game streaming service not unlike that of PlayStation Now or Microsoft\u2019s upcoming Project xCloud. As long as you have a compatible device, you can start gaming on Stadia. At least, that\u2019s what Google is promising.\n\n\nEven though Stadia is officially announced, there are a lot of information regarding the service that have not been revealed yet. We don\u2019t know how many games will be on Stadia (we only know it will be getting Doom Eternal), there\u2019s no specific launch date, and more importantly, we don\u2019t even know what\u2019s the \nbusiness model\n of the service.\n\n\nWill it be a subscription-based service like Netflix? Can you buy individual games on Stadia and just play that particular title? Or is it mandatory for all users on the service to pay some form of monthly fee? We don\u2019t know yet, and Google will only reveal more information on Stadia in the near future.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDoom Eternal is one of the confirmed games for Stadia\n\n\nNonetheless, Google did share some interesting information on Stadia. For one, it is said to be more powerful than the PlayStation 4 Pro and Xbox One X\u2026combined. Boasting 10.7 teraflops of processing power, Stadia is indeed more capable than the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X, which have 4.2 and 6 teraflops of power respectively.\n\n\nStadia can achieve this level of performance because all of the processing work are done on Google\u2019s servers; AMD is developing a custom GPU to make this possible. Besides that, each Stadia instance will be powered by a custom 2.7GHz x86 processor with 16GB of RAM; quite impressive.\n\n\nHowever, because the games are hosted on remote servers, latency will be an issue with Stadia. Granted, Google has a global infrastructure of data centres, so finding for a server closest to each individual user may not be an issue \u2013 we won\u2019t know for sure until the service is rolled out to consumers.\n\n\n\n\nInterestingly, Google is aiming to offer up to 4K resolution at 60fps on Stadia once the video game streaming service is live. That\u2019s a very lofty goal, and the company said that you only need a 30Mbps connection to stream at \nthat\n high of a resolution and frame rate. To top it off, Stadia will even support 8K resolution and 120fps in the future.\n\n\nBut if you don\u2019t really care about streaming at that resolution, Stadia can supposedly stream at 1080p with connections that are slower than 25Mbps. Unfortunately, the minimum speed required to stream on Stadia effectively has not been specified yet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother noteworthy Stadia feature is what Google dubs \u201cState Share.\u201d Basically, this feature allows players to share a link to a \nspecific \npart of a game without needing to slog through repetitive, bothersome encounters or long cutscenes. Needless to say, State Share has a lot of potential, and no other gaming platform offers a similar feature.\n\n\nOf course, Google is also leveraging its other services to bolster Stadia; more specifically, YouTube and its content creators. Not only can you share your gameplay highlights from Stadia straight to YouTube, you can even play alongside your favourite creators with the game streaming service.\n\n\n\n\nTo make this possible, there\u2019s a Crowd Play feature on Stadia, which is essentially a lobby system. If your favourite creator is streaming a Stadia game on YouTube, you can click on a button to get in queue to play together with said creator. It\u2019s a great idea on paper, but it still remains to be seen how Google will prevent abuse of this feature \u2013 especially with \ntoxic players\n that want to troll YouTube creators.\n\n\nAlthough you don\u2019t need any dedicated hardware to run Stadia, Google did show off a controller (referred simply as the Stadia Controller) for the service. Curiously, it doesn\u2019t connect to your streaming device. Rather, the Stadia Controller connects directly to Google\u2019s server through a WiFi connection, reducing any possible latency.\n\n\nDon\u2019t worry: you can still use existing controllers that are compatible with your PC. The Stadia Controller is optional.\n\n\n\n\nGoogle Stadia shows a lot of promises, but there are also a lot that we still don\u2019t know about the cloud gaming service. If it succeeds, it can very well change the video game industry and how we consume the medium \u2013 assuming that it \nwill\n succeed.\n\n\nThen again, if there\u2019s any company that can make cloud gaming work, it would be Google. Yes, there are still a lot of questions surrounding Stadia, and we will only know the answers to these questions once it is launched sometime this year in the US, UK, Europe, and Canada; no mention of other markets yet.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-p30-pro-hands-on-breaking-new-grounds/", "title": "Huawei P30 Pro Hands-On: Breaking New Grounds", "body": "\n\nUpdate, 3 April:\n We now know how much the Huawei P30 Pro cost in Malaysia. The 256GB model with 8GB of RAM, which is available in Breathing Crystal, Aurora, and Black, retails at RM3,799. The higher-end 512GB variant, on the other hand, goes for RM4,399. Oddly enough, only the Aurora colourway is made available for the 512GB variant.\n\n\nYes, the P30 Pro is not particularly affordable, but it\u2019s worth noting that even the base model offers 256GB of storage. Normally, most phone makers would offer 128GB of storage instead, which would bring down the price quite a bit.\n\n\n\n\nHuawei\u2019s decision to only bring in the 256GB variant as the base model is quite interesting: it raises the entry price of the phone quite a bit. It remains to be seen if this strategy would work out for the company.\n\n\nThe original article follows.\n\n\nThe Huawei P30 Pro is finally here, and it\u2019s better than ever. Sporting a sleeker, more premium design, better performance, and a far more sophisticated camera system, this is easily one of Huawei\u2019s most thrilling phones yet.\n\n\nI got to test out the P30 Pro very briefly, and more importantly, I managed to try out the quad camera system\u2019s \nimpressive\n zooming capability. Suffice to say, I am genuinely excited to get my hands on the P30 Pro again for a more extensive look \u2013 there\u2019s no phone quite like it in the market now.\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt the main highlight of the P30 Pro is its impressive Leica quad camera system, so let\u2019s talk about that first. Made up of a primary 40MP sensor, a 20MP wide-angle shooter, an 8MP telephoto lens with a periscope-style prism, \nand\n a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor, it\u2019s a versatile camera configuration. In fact, the combination of these sensors allow the P30 Pro to do up to to \n50x zoom\n.\n\n\nGranted, it\u2019s really a combination of optical and digital zoom, but the results are pretty darn impressive. Judge for yourself with the sample shots below.\n\n\nWide-angle\n1x zoom\n5x zoom\n10x zoom\n50x zoom\n\n\nCrazy, isn\u2019t it? The image quality isn\u2019t the greatest, but I was using a pre-release unit of the P30 Pro \u2013 the final production model may produce different results. Besides, these are also low light shots; the camera performance should be better in daytime condition.\n\n\nOf course, Huawei\u2019s signature night mode for the camera is still present on the P30 Pro. Take a look at how this performs in comparison to a regular shot.\n\n\nNormal shot\nNight mode enabled\n\n\nEvidently, enabling night mode allows the P30 Pro to capture a brighter, more properly exposed shot. Do note that the night shot above is taken without the use of a tripod \u2013 everything is done handheld.\n\n\nIts predecessor, the Huawei P20 Pro, had one of the best camera systems when it debut last year. At the moment, I\u2019m inclined to say that the P30 Pro could very well retain that title \u2013 I\u2019m definitely excited to put the new quad camera system through its paces again in a full review. I\u2019m curious to see how the 32MP selfie camera would perform too.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond its camera performance, the P30 Pro is also well-designed. It has a sleek, minimalist design, and I really like how the phone feels in my hands. It\u2019s a premium device through and through, and I like the heft of the phone. (It weighs 192g.)\n\n\nPart of the reason why the P30 Pro feels premium can be attributed to its 6.47-inch 1080p dual curved OLED display, which is bright and vibrant. I wouldn\u2019t say the curved screen looks similar to the \nSamsung Galaxy S10+\u2019s curved display\n, but it does remind me of the \nHuawei Mate 20 Pro\n\u2018s screen, which also curves at either sides of the phone.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the P30 Pro\u2019s OLED display has a notch at the top, albeit it\u2019s a minimal one. On a more positive note, the bottom bezel has been shrunk considerably, giving the phone a much more modern-looking design than its predecessor.\n\n\n\n\nOh, the P30 Pro also has an in-screen fingerprint sensor now. It\u2019s an optical sensor instead of an ultrasonic one, but it does prove to be quite fast and accurate. No, it\u2019s still not on the same level of accuracy or speed as a conventional, capacitive fingerprint sensor, but hey, it\u2019s still a reasonably good sensor.\n\n\nPowering the P30 Pro is Huawei\u2019s own Kirin 980 chipset, the very same SoC that is found in the Mate 20 series of smartphones. It\u2019s a fast, powerful processor, and it has good gaming performance too. I played a couple rounds of Fortnite on this phone, and it was definitely an enjoyable experience.\n\n\n\n\nBattery life shouldn\u2019t be an issue with the P30 Pro either. Packing a very generous 4,200mAh battery, I\u2019m positive this phone can deliver \nat the very least\n a day\u2019s worth of usage. Plus, this phone only has a 1080p display too, which isn\u2019t as power-hungry as, say, a 1440p panel.\n\n\nOther specifications of the P30 Pro include 8GB of RAM, 256GB or 512GB of internal storage, dual 4G support, as well as an NM card slot. That\u2019s right, if you want more storage, you\u2019ll have to use Huawei\u2019s proprietary Nano Memory card.\n\n\nFrom left to right: P20 Pro, P30, P30 Pro\n\n\nThe Huawei P30 Pro is an \nexciting\n flagship smartphone, mostly because of its groundbreaking, unique Leica quad camera system. Right now, no other smartphone has a similar camera system. Yes, Oppo \ndoes\n have its \n10x lossless zoom camera system\n, but that isn\u2019t shipping on a consumer-ready device yet \u2013 Huawei simply beat Oppo to it.\n\n\nNonetheless, the P30 Pro is a worthy successor to the P20 Pro. If you\u2019re interested to pick this phone up, you wouldn\u2019t have to wait too long either: it\u2019s set to arrive in Malaysia as early as next week on 2 April 2019.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-p30-hands-on-the-more-affordable-alternative/", "title": "Huawei P30 Hands-On: The More Affordable Alternative", "body": "\n\nUpdate, 3 April:\n The Huawei P30 is now in Malaysia, and only the 128GB variant with 8GB of RAM is available here. Retailing at RM2,699, the phone is available in three colours: Aurora, Breathing Crystal, and Black.\n\n\nSet to go on sale on 6 April, the P30 is priced pretty competitively in Malaysia. In fact, it retails at the exact same price point as the \nSamsung Galaxy S10e\n \u2013 the most affordable device in the Galaxy S10 series.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, for RM2,699, the P30 really does offer good value for money. It may not be quite as impressive as the P30 Pro, but it certainly serves as a good (and much more affordable) alternative.\n\n\nThe original article follows.\n\n\nThe \nHuawei P30 Pro\n may be the star of the show, but the more affordable Huawei P30 has a few tricks up its sleeves too. It can definitely hold its own against the competition, and for those who don\u2019t want to spend top dollar for a smartphone, the P30 is worth considering.\n\n\nPlus, you do get some of the P30 Pro\u2019s impressive zooming capability with the standard P30, not to mention the fact that these two devices share pretty similar set of hardware too. Without further ado, let\u2019s see what the P30 has to offer at a lower price point.\n\n\n\n\nFirst things first, camera. Unlike the P30 Pro\u2019s more elaborate quad camera configuration, the P30 features a Leica triple camera system instead. It consists of a primary 40MP shooter, a 16MP wide-angle sensor, and an 8MP telephoto camera, minus the periscope-style prism. It\u2019s not quite as sophisticated as the Pro\u2019s camera system, but hey, the P30 is still a versatile shooter.\n\n\nBesides, the P30 can do up to 30x digital zoom too. Check it out below.\n\n\nWide-angle\n1x zoom\n3x zoom\n5x zoom\n30x zoom\n\n\nNot quite as impressive as the P30 Pro\u2019s 50x zoom, but still very respectable zoom performance. Also, much like the shots I took with the P30 Pro, these images are captured with a pre-production unit of the P30. You may get different camera performance on a retail unit of the device.\n\n\nOf course, the P30\u2019s camera comes with night mode too. Here are two shots taken with and without night mode enabled.\n\n\nNormal shot\nNight mode enabled\n\n\nJust like how it was with the P30 Pro, enabling night mode on the P30 returns a better, brighter, and more appealing shot. Even though the second shot is taken with a six-second exposure, it still looks plenty sharp, despite the fact that I took the shot handheld without the assistance of a tripod.\n\n\nWhile the P30 doesn\u2019t have its Pro counterpart\u2019s more sophisticated camera system, it still has very respectable camera performance. On top of that, the P30 also has the same 32MP front-facing shooter.\n\n\n\n\nOkay, now that we\u2019re done with the P30\u2019s camera performance, how are other aspects of the phone? Equally good. The P30 I got my hands on is the \u201cBreathing Crystal\u201d variant, and it looks very, very sleek. It changes colour depending on what angle you\u2019re looking at the phone from, and this colourway definitely gives the phone a unique look.\n\n\nIf this colour is too flashy for you, don\u2019t worry: it also comes in black for those who want a more low-key design.\n\n\nThe P30 next to the P20 Pro\n\n\nLooks aside, the P30 is a comfortable phone to hold too. The glass and metal construction feels premium, and even though it doesn\u2019t have the Pro\u2019s dual curved display, the phone as a whole still looks and feels great. Yes, the P30 has a more conventional flat display.\n\n\nFlat or curved, the P30\u2019s 6.1-inch 1080p OLED display looks great anyway. It\u2019s an OLED panel, so you get excellent blacks, great viewing angles, and vibrant colours. The bottom bezel of the phone has been shrunk quite a bit too, but unfortunately\u2026it also has a notch at the top.\n\n\n\n\nIn the performance department, the P30 is also powered by Huawei\u2019s Kirin 980 chipset like the Pro model. It\u2019s the company\u2019s fastest SoC to date, so rest assured, performance will not be an issue with this smartphone. For what it\u2019s worth, I didn\u2019t notice any slowdown when I was testing the phone.\n\n\nBecause the P30 is a smaller phone, it also has a smaller battery than the P30 Pro. That being said, its 3,650mAh battery is still pretty darn big for a phone this size. Chances are, it should be able to deliver above average battery life.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the P30 are 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, support for dual 4G, and an NM card slot; Huawei\u2019s proprietary Nano Memory card. Surprisingly enough, unlike the P30 Pro, this phone has a 3.5mm headphone jack \u2013 no such feature on the former.\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei P30 may not be as groundbreaking as the P30 Pro, but it is a very respectable flagship smartphone. It still has some of the Pro\u2019s camera features, it has the same chipset and OLED display, and more importantly, it is more affordable \u2013 this reason alone may be enough for consumers to opt for the standard P30.\n\n\nMuch like the P30 Pro, the P30 will also be launched in Malaysia next week on 2 April. We don\u2019t know yet how much these phones will cost in Malaysia, but you can expect the P30 to be more affordable than the Pro.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-huawei-mate-20-pro-going-for-only-rm2549-now/", "title": "Deal: Huawei Mate 20 Pro Going for Only RM2,549 Now", "body": "\n\nWe \nwrote about a deal\n for the \nHuawei Mate 20 Pro\n not too long ago, and at the time, it was going for as low as RM2,649. Now, you can get Huawei\u2019s flagship at a much lower price point \u2013 it can be yours \nfor only RM2,549\n.\n\n\nCompared to the Mate 20 Pro\u2019s RM3,599 launch price, this deal saves you exactly RM1,050. Granted, Huawei Malaysia revised the phone\u2019s price to RM2,999 earlier this month, but this is still a very good deal.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, this offer is only reserved for the Emerald Green model. The retailer, Etronics, is selling the Twilight and Black variants for RM2,699 instead. Nonetheless, the Mate 20 Pro listed here comes with official warranty from Huawei Malaysia, so you\u2019ll have peace of mind.\n\n\nWant to learn more about the Huawei Mate 20 Pro? Then check out our hands-on with the flagship smartphone \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-score-the-honor-view-20-for-only-rm1699/", "title": "Deal: Score the Honor View 20 for Only RM1,699", "body": "\n\nThe Honor View 20 is a respectable flagship smartphone, and retailing from RM1,999, it offers really good value for money too. However, it\u2019s even more affordable now: you can grab a brand new unit of the View 20 \nfor only RM1,699\n.\n\n\nThat\u2019s RM300 worth of savings, which is quite a steep discount for a smartphone at this price point. That being said, this promotion is only applicable to the Sapphire Blue model; the Midnight Black variant has to be purchased together with a bundle.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the View 20 a particularly interesting phone lies in its hardware. Not only does it have a 48MP primary camera and a hole-punch design, it\u2019s also powered by Huawei\u2019s fast Kirin 980 chipset. In fact, this is the most affordable Kirin 980 phone in the market now.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the Honor View 20 at RM1,699, you can do so \non Shopee\n. Naturally, warranty is provided by Honor Malaysia itself for this particular listing.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-nvidia-gtx-1060-6gb-now-retailing-at-only-rm699/", "title": "Deal: Nvidia GTX 1060 6GB Now Retailing at Only RM699", "body": "\n\nGraphics cards are getting better and more affordable, and as previous generation GPUs get replaced, their prices will also drop steadily. Take the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 \u2013 you can now buy it \nfor only RM699\n.\n\n\nThis is an extremely good price tag for a GTX 1060 GPU, especially so for the 6GB model. After all, GTX 1060 6GB GPUs used to retail around the RM1,000 mark. Evidently, the introduction of the \nGTX 1660\n \u2013 as well as the Ti version \u2013 is pushing the prices of these cards down.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, this is also a Galax GPU \u2013 the manufacturer is quite well-known in the hardware scene. And if you have any concern over the legitimacy of this deal, worry not: EIT Store is a reputable retailer.\n\n\nEven though the Nvidia GTX 1060 GPU has been around for quite some time now, \nRM699 for a card of this calibre\n is quite a bargain. Do note that this deal is done in conjunction with Lazada\u2019s Birthday Sale \u2013 it\u2019s likely it won\u2019t be valid anymore tomorrow.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-asus-rog-zephyrus-s-is-a-slim-premium-rtx-2080-gaming-laptop-for-rm13999/", "title": "The Asus ROG Zephyrus S Is a Slim, Premium RTX 2080 Gaming Laptop for RM13,999", "body": "\n\nA few months back, we got our hands on the \nAsus ROG Zephyrus S GX531GM\n: a slim, light, and premium gaming laptop. Fast forward to today, we got the brand new Asus ROG Zephyrus S GX701GX. Not only does it retain most of its predecessor\u2019s winning qualities, the latest Zephyrus S is \nfar more\n powerful too.\n\n\nThat being said, all that power and premium qualities come at a price \u2013 a very steep one. Not many people can \u2013 or would \u2013 fork out so much money for a gaming laptop, but for those who can afford such a luxury, the Zephyrus S is certainly an option to consider.\n\n\n\n\nSo how much does the new ROG Zephyrus S cost? A whopping RM13,999. That\u2019s a huge sum of money, to be sure, but you do get a very well-equipped gaming laptop. For starters, it\u2019s powered by an Intel Core i7-8750H hexa-core processor and Nvidia\u2019s powerful RTX 2080 Max-Q GPU.\n\n\nWith that GPU under the hood, the Zephyrus S should be able to run most (if not all) modern games at maxed out graphics settings. After all, it\u2019s one of the most powerful mobile GPUs in the market now. Plus, this laptop only has a 1080p display; the RTX 2080 would have no problem at all to max out games at this resolution.\n\n\n\n\nWhile we\u2019re talking about the display, let\u2019s break down the Zephyrus S\u2019 17.3-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS panel \u2013 yes, it has a larger display than its predecessor. Featuring a fast 144Hz refresh rate, gaming on this laptop is a very, very pleasant experience. On top of that, it also features G-Sync technology, so you won\u2019t have to worry about screen tearing anymore.\n\n\nAs for the quality of the display itself, it\u2019s great. The screen\u2019s matte finish can eliminate glare to a certain extent, it has great colours, and it can get quite bright too. I also love the display\u2019s slim bezels, which also reduces the overall footprint of the laptop. It would\u2019ve been even more compact if the bottom bezel is shrunk too.\n\n\nOh, right. Because there\u2019s barely any bezel at the top of the screen, the new Zephyrus S\u2026doesn\u2019t have a built-in webcam. To make up for this, an external webcam is bundled with the laptop; it can record Full HD videos at 60 frames per second.\n\n\n\n\nConnectivity wise, the Zephyrus S has reasonably good selection of ports. These include two USB-C ports \u2013 one of them is used for charging \u2013 two full-size USB-A connections, as well as an HDMI 2.0b port. Unfortunately, there is no ethernet connection; an odd exclusion for a gaming laptop.\n\n\nMuch like its predecessor, the Zephyrus S features the \u201cROG Active Aerodynamic System (AAS).\u201d Basically, to improve airflow, the bottom portion of the laptop is raised slightly at the back whenever you open the lid \u2013 this supposedly improve airflow by up to 32%. Whether or not this will actually result in better thermal performance, however, is a different question altogether.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the Zephyrus S is a well-designed laptop. It\u2019s mostly made out of metal \u2013 except for the plastic bezel surrounding the display \u2013 it feels very robust, and I dig the different finishes on the lid of the laptop: it gives the laptop a unique and premium look.\n\n\nMeasuring 18.7mm thick, it\u2019s a really slim gaming laptop too, \nespecially\n for a machine with an RTX 2080 GPU. However, tipping the scales at 2.7kg, this is quite a heavy machine; even for a 17.3-inch gaming laptop.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Zephyrus S are 24GB of RAM (8GB on-board + 16GB), 1TB of fast PCie NVMe SSD, and a 78WHr battery.\n\n\n\n\nIf you don\u2019t like the keyboard positioning of the previous model, well, bad news: it\u2019s still placed on the front of the new Zephyrus S. The good news? It still offers good typing experience, even though the keys don\u2019t have particularly long travel. It\u2019s a shallow keyboard, but the tactility of the keys make up for this.\n\n\nOn the right side of the Zephyrus S is where you\u2019d find the trackpad. Yes, the small size of the trackpad still makes it feel crammed, and yes, it still doubles as the numpad with the touch of a button. As a whole, it\u2019s a plenty accurate trackpad.\n\n\nInterestingly, Asus decided to add a volume wheel to the Zephyrus S. Placed on the top left side of the keyboard, it\u2019s really quite satisfying to scroll the volume wheel. If you want to mute the laptop, you can just click the volume wheel too \u2013 yes, it clicks.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Zephyrus S is an expensive, premium gaming laptop, but that\u2019s expected for a high-end machine. Besides, other RTX 2080 laptops are priced similarly too, though this laptop does sit in the upper end of the price range.\n\n\nIf you want the best gaming experience on a laptop, the Zephyrus S promises just that. Not only is it quite compact for a 17.3-inch laptop, it is also a slim and powerful gaming machine. Of course, you\u2019d have to be willing to part with RM13,999 to enjoy this kind of luxury.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-note-7-review-redefining-value-for-money/", "title": "Redmi Note 7 Review: Redefining Value for Money", "body": "\n\nThe mid-range market is a tough segment to compete in. Not only do you have to keep prices low, you need to offer competent hardware too \u2013 it\u2019s not easy to find a good balance between these two aspects. But if there\u2019s any brand that does this very well, it\u2019s Xiaomi.\n\n\nEnter the Redmi Note 7, which is now a sub-brand of Xiaomi. It looks and feels great, it has good hardware, and most importantly, it is priced very competitively. In fact, this is probably one of the best \u2013 if not \nthe best\n \u2013 sub-RM1,000 smartphones you can buy right now.\n\n\nSpecifications\n\n\nDisplay\n6.3-inch FHD+ IPS LCD (2340 x 1080)\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 660 2.2GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 512\nRAM\n3/4GB\nStorage\n32/64/128GB, expandable\nCamera (rear)\n48MP f/1.8 + 5MP f/2.4\nCamera (front)\n13MP f/2.2\nBattery\n4,000mAh\nDimensions\n159.21 x 75.21 x 8.1 mm\nWeight\n186g\nOS\nMIUI 10 based on Android 9 Pie\nConnectivity\nLTE\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)\n3.5mm headphone jack\nUSB Type-C\n\n\nYou\u2019re getting a lot of value for your money with the Redmi Note 7, and this spec sheet shows that perfectly. The base model of the phone, for one, retails at \nonly RM679\n. Granted, you\u2019ll have to make do with only 32GB of storage and 3GB of RAM, but these capacities should be sufficient for the average smartphone user.\n\n\nAnd if you need more storage, just pop in a microSD card into the Redmi Note 7. Despite its affordable price tag, this phone is feature-packed: it has a 48MP camera, a large 4,000mAh battery, a USB-C port for charging, and even a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\nDesign\n\n\nWhen I first took the Redmi Note 7 out of the box, I was very impressed with the phone\u2019s build quality. It feels solid in my hands, it has a nice heft to it, and the glass back looks and feels fantastic, albeit a little bit too slippery for my liking.\n\n\n\n\nIn my \nhands-on of the Redmi Note 7\n, I initially thought it has a metal frame. Well, after using it as my daily driver for a while, I realise that the frame is actually\u2026painted plastic. To be honest, I wasn\u2019t entirely convinced until I saw \nJerryRigEverything\u2019s durability test of the Note 7\n \u2013 that really goes to show how well-built this phone is.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the Redmi Note 7 also has a notched, \u201cDot Drop\u201d display. Even though it\u2019s quite minimal, it is \nstill\n a notch, and it impacts the user experience of the phone quite a bit \u2013 I\u2019ll elaborate more on this further down this review.\n\n\nBesides that, I\u2019m not all that crazy about the size of the bottom bezel either. It\u2019s noticeably thicker than some of its most immediate competition, like, the \nSamsung Galaxy A30\n. If other phone makers can do minimise the bottom bezel (in the same price segment, no less), why can\u2019t Redmi?\n\n\n\n\nNevertheless, the Redmi Note 7 is still a well-designed, minimalist smartphone. It\u2019s a cheap, affordable smartphone, but it does not feel cheap at all, which is quite an accomplishment.\n\n\nUser Experience\n\n\nMIUI 10 on the Redmi Note 7, for the most part, is quite unchanged from previous Xiaomi-branded smartphones like the \nMi Mix 3\n. Yes, that means I still cannot dismiss notifications with a left swipe, and it\u2019s not possible to interact with notifications on the lock screen either.\n\n\n\n\nBut what bothered me the most about the Redmi Note 7 is the fact that notifications icons are \nnot shown\n on the notification bar at all times; it\u2019s only shown for a glimpse when I unlock the phone. This is despite the fact that there are plenty of space for icons to be displayed there, unlike how it was with the \nXiaomi Mi 8 Pro\n\u2018s much wider notch.\n\n\nBasically, it doesn\u2019t matter if the Redmi Note 7 has a minimal notch \u2013 MIUI 10 still treats it like any other notch, even if there\u2019s more than enough screen real estate for notification icons to be shown.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, as a whole, MIUI 10 is still serviceable on the Redmi Note 7. Beyond the aforementioned issues I have with the software, it works as intended. It is lightweight, responsive, and I didn\u2019t run into any serious, deal-breaking bug.\n\n\nWhen it comes to biometric security, the Redmi Note 7 doesn\u2019t have any fancy in-screen fingerprint sensor. Instead, it has a conventional capacitive fingerprint sensor on the back of the phone, and I wouldn\u2019t have it any other way. Not only is it fast, it is also very accurate; these two aspects are all that matter when it comes to practicality.\n\n\n\n\nPerformance is also good on the Redmi Note 7, courtesy of the Snapdragon 660 chipset. Of course, the phone does take some time to launch and switch between apps (especially the camera), but I can play games like PUBG Mobile and Asphalt 9: Legends on this phone relatively well.\n\n\nFeaturing a 6.3-inch 1080p IPS display, the Redmi Note 7 has a reasonably good screen too. It is bright with decent viewing angles, and colours look punchy and vibrant as well. The 1080p resolution is also just fine for a phone in this price range, and it helps immensely in one vital department: battery life.\n\n\n\n\nLike previous Redmi Note smartphones, the Note 7 features a large 4,000mAh battery, and it can return \nridiculously\n good battery life. On average, I got anywhere between six to seven hours of screen on time with this phone.\n\n\nThroughout my time reviewing the phone, there wasn\u2019t a single day where it died on me before I go to bed. Well, actually, there was \none time\n, but only because I forgot to charge it the night before. If you\u2019re a light smartphone user, I\u2019m confident you can effortlessly get two days of battery life with the Redmi Note 7.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the charging rate of the phone leaves much to be desired. From 0%, the Note 7 only charged up to 28% within 30 minutes of charging with the provided charger.\n\n\n\n\nAs a whole, the Redmi Note 7 is a good daily driver. Even though MIUI 10 has its flaws, I love the phone\u2019s long battery life and good performance. And who knows: perhaps Xiaomi will further improve MIUI 10 in the near future, \nespecially\n with the notification icon issue.\n\n\nCamera\n\n\nThere\u2019s a lot of talk about the Redmi Note 7 having a \u201cfake\u201d 48MP sensor, so let\u2019s quickly address this first. See, the phone is equipped with a 48MP Samsung ISOCELL Bright GM1 sensor, which \u2013 as its name suggests \u2013 is in fact a 48MP sensor. However, by default, it \nnatively\n outputs 12MP images through the use of pixel binning to improve low light performance.\n\n\nSo does this mean the Redmi Note 7 is incapable of taking 48MP shots? Not quite. If you go to the camera\u2019s manual mode, you can actually take 48MP images, but you won\u2019t be able to take advantage of pixel binning for, well, better camera performance.\n\n\nBasically, if you want the absolute best image quality with the Redmi Note 7, just shoot in the standard mode. Yes, you\u2019ll \u201conly\u201d be left with 12MP images, but why would you want to take 48MP shots anyway?\n\n\n\n\nNow that we\u2019ve got that out of the way, let\u2019s talk about the phone\u2019s actual camera performance. In ideal lighting, the 48MP + 5MP dual camera system can take good-looking images, as expected. In low light conditions, however, the camera does struggle a little bit.\n\n\nWhile the camera does feel more sluggish in low light environments, the image output is surprisingly good. It is by no means amazing, but in this segment, I\u2019d argue the Redmi Note 7 has one of the best camera performances by a long shot.\n\n\nThat being said, the camera\u2019s night mode is a bit of a mixed bag. While you can capture more details (particularly in bright areas), you may be left with pretty artificial-looking shots too.\n\n\nNormal shot\nNight mode enabled\n\n\nAll in all, I\u2019m really quite impressed with the Redmi Note 7\u2019s camera performance, especially from a smartphone as affordable as it is. Click on each picture below to get a better look at them.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Redmi Note 7 is available in three different variants. The base model (32GB + 3GB) retails at RM679, while the 64GB and 128GB variants (both with 4GB of RAM) go for RM799 and RM949 respectively.\n\n\nAlthough these are very competitive price tags, the Note 7 does have a couple of noteworthy alternatives.\n\n\nSamsung Galaxy A30\n\n\nSamsung is not known for its affordable devices, but the \nGalaxy A30\n is certainly one of the Korean company\u2019s most interesting mid-range smartphones. Compared to the Redmi Note 7, the A30 has a superior 6.4-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display, a more refined software experience (it runs on One UI), and it also retails at RM799 for the 64GB model with 4GB of RAM.\n\n\n\n\nBut the Galaxy A30 does make a number of sacrifices. For one, it feels much cheaper than the Redmi Note 7 with its all-plastic construction, and although its camera configuration is more versatile, thanks to the wide-angle sensor, it pales in comparison to the Note 7\u2019s superior camera performance.\n\n\nAsus ZenFone Max Pro M2\n\n\nAsus has been relatively quiet over the past few months in the smartphone market, but the \nZenFone Max Pro M2\n is certainly a good alternative to the Redmi Note 7. It sports the same Snapdragon 660 chipset as the Redmi, a larger 5,000mAh battery, and it runs on a very clean, stock version of Android.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, the M2 is also more expensive than the Redmi Note 7 by a slight margin: the 64GB variant with 4GB of RAM is priced at RM859. On top of that, the Note 7 also has better build quality, camera performance, as well as design \u2013 its display notch isn\u2019t quite as wide as the one on Asus\u2019 offering.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nRedmi may be a sub-brand of Xiaomi now, but the Redmi Note 7 retains all of the company\u2019s signature features. It has great value for money, long battery life, good level of performance (for the money), and above average camera performance.\n\n\nAs far as I can tell, the only real shortcoming of the Redmi Note 7 lies in its software \u2013 this has always been the case with Xiaomi smartphones. If MIUI 10 is more user-friendly and functional, the Note 7 would\u2019ve been \nthat\n much more compelling.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, as it is, the Redmi Note 7 is still a very attractive, well-built, and remarkable mid-range smartphone. You\u2019d be hard-pressed to find a device as good as it is in this price range, and if you want absolute value for money in this segment, the Redmi Note 7 is the phone to get.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s10e-review-smaller-isnt-inferior/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S10e Review: Smaller Isn\u2019t Inferior", "body": "\n\nThe \nSamsung Galaxy S10\n series is a little different this year. Instead of introducing only two models, the Korean company added a new member to the lineup: the Samsung Galaxy S10e.\n\n\nWhat does the \u201cE\u201d stand for? According to Samsung, it is short for \u201cessential,\u201d and that really describes the Galaxy S10e quite well. It has most of the essential features of the S10 series, packaged it in a smaller, more ergonomic chassis.\n\n\nBut just because the Galaxy S10e is the most affordable (and smallest) phone in the series, doesn\u2019t mean it cuts corners in important areas. In fact, I personally find it to be the most appealing device of the three \u2013 that\u2019s how good the S10e is.\n\n\nSpecifications\n\n\nDisplay\n5.8-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED (2280 x 1080)\nChipset\nSamsung Exynos 9820 2.73GHz octa-core\nGPU\nMali-G76 MP12\nRAM\n6GB\nStorage\n128GB, expandable\nCamera (rear)\n12MP f/1.5 \u2013 f/2.4, OIS, Super Speed Dual Pixel AF\n16MP f/2.2 (ultra wide)\nCamera (front)\n10MP f/1.9, Dual Pixel AF\nBattery\n3,100mAh\nDimensions\n142.2 x 69.9 x 7.9 mm\nWeight\n150g\nOS\nOne UI 1.1 based on Android 9 Pie\nConnectivity\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4/5GHz)\n3.5mm headphone jack\nUSB Type-C\n\n\nDespite its more affordable price tag (RM2,699), the Galaxy S10e has the same Exynos 9820 chipset, software, and camera performance as the Galaxy S10 and S10+. However, the S10e does lose out on the telephoto sensor, which may \u2013 or may not \u2013 be a particularly big deal.\n\n\nIf there\u2019s any cause for concern with the Galaxy S10e\u2019s hardware, it would be the 3,100mAh battery. It\u2019s still reasonably big for a phone this size, but it\u2019s a far cry from the S10+\u2019s much larger 4,100mAh cell. So can the S10e return good battery life? I\u2019ll get into detail further down this review.\n\n\nDesign\n\n\nThis is really the best reason to get the Galaxy S10e over its more expensive siblings. Its smaller size makes it the most ergonomic device of the series, one-handed operation is a breeze, and I love how the phone feels in my hands \u2013 it\u2019s just so compact.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the Galaxy S10e also has great build quality. The metal frame, glass back, and the phone as a whole looks and feels premium. However, the phone does feel quite slippery, so I used the phone almost exclusively with the provided casing. (Side note: I really like design of the casing.)\n\n\nHow about the Infinity-O display of the Galaxy S10e? Well, the hole-punch cutout is not as distracting as I initially thought. While the off-centre look of the notification bar still bothers me \u2013 the camera cutout pushes the icons to the left of the screen \u2013 it\u2019s not quite as jarring as the \nGalaxy S10+\u2019s oblong-shaped cutout\n.\n\n\nYou can hide the hole-punch cutout, but you\u2019ll get this thick top bezel\n\n\nAnd then we have the Galaxy S10e\u2019s side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is a bit of a mixed bag. I love the speed and accuracy of the sensor, and I honestly don\u2019t mind the side placement of it, but it\u2019s positioned \ntoo high up\n. I would have to readjust my grip of the phone every time I want to reach for the sensor.\n\n\nNonetheless, I do appreciate the fact that the sensor also doubles as the power button. It\u2019s a smart implementation, and it\u2019s intuitive too.\n\n\n\n\nOverall, the Galaxy S10e is a well-designed smartphone. One of the phone\u2019s most appealing aspects is the fact that it\u2019s a compact \nflagship\n device; it\u2019s an increasingly rare size for high-end smartphones, making the S10e a unique product.\n\n\nUser Experience\n\n\nOne UI on the Galaxy S10e is largely similar to the software experience of the larger Galaxy S10+. It looks modern, it\u2019s a lot more polished than Samsung Experience, and I can now double tap to wake the phone. Yes, the icons are still comically large, but this can be adjusted easily in the settings.\n\n\nSamsung has made good progress when it comes to software, and One UI is easily one of the most polished versions of Android out in the market now. It\u2019s intuitive to use, it is responsive, and it feels lightweight. Switching between different apps with a double tap of the Recents button is incredibly quick too.\n\n\n\n\nThis level of performance is expected from the Galaxy S10e\u2019s Exynos 9820 chipset. Gaming on this phone is without a doubt an enjoyable experience, and much like the Galaxy S10+, the S10e also has excellent front-facing stereo speakers.\n\n\nPart of what makes the gaming experience such a joy is the phone\u2019s 5.8-inch 1080p Dynamic AMOLED display. Even though it\u2019s not quite as pixel-dense as the S10 and S10+\u2019s 1440p display, it still carries HDR10+ certification. Basically, you\u2019re getting a very high quality display with the S10e.\n\n\n\n\nOkay, what about battery life? Surprisingly good, actually. Thanks to the Galaxy S10e\u2019s 1080p display, its 3,100mAh battery can consistently return five hours of screen on time throughout my time with the phone. This is not a fantastic figure, but it\u2019s definitely above average.\n\n\nCharging rate of the Galaxy S10e, on the other hand, is reasonably good too. Within 30 minutes of charging, the phone got up to around 50% from empty.\n\n\n\n\nI thoroughly enjoyed using the Galaxy S10e as my daily driver for the past few weeks. It has reasonably good battery life, great-looking display, and a polished software experience. If I were to nitpick, I\u2019d definitely want better battery life, but that would be unrealistic to expect from a smartphone this compact.\n\n\nCamera\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the camera performance of the Galaxy S10e is identical to the Galaxy S10 and S10+. After all, the \nonly\n thing you\u2019re losing out with the S10e is the telephoto sensor. Beyond that, you\u2019re still getting the 12MP primary shooter (the most important one) and 16MP ultra wide sensor.\n\n\n\n\nWhether in broad daylight or low light condition, the Galaxy S10e\u2019s dual camera system can deliver good-looking shots easily and effortlessly. The camera feels responsive, the autofocus speed is lightning fast, and the image output is easily one of the best in the business now.\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s worth noting that the image quality between the 12MP primary shooter and 16MP ultra wide sensor differs quite a bit, especially in low light environment. It\u2019s the same case with the Galaxy S10+, and there will always be discrepancy in camera performance on smartphones with multiple camera sensors.\n\n\nIf you want excellent camera performance, you will get exactly that with the Galaxy S10e. On top of that, those who don\u2019t really care for the telephoto sensor found in the S10 and S10+ will be very happy with the S10e\u2019s equally capable dual camera system.\n\n\nNormal shot\nUltra wide-angle shot\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, only the 128GB variant of the Galaxy S10e with 6GB of RAM is brought in. Retailing at RM2,699, it\u2019s also priced quite well for a flagship smartphone, and it has a number of noteworthy competition.\n\n\nHuawei P30\n\n\nAlso retailing at RM2,699, the \nHuawei P30\n goes directly against the Galaxy S10e. Compared to the latter, the P30 offers a larger 6.1-inch 1080p OLED display \u2013 albeit with a notch \u2013 arguably sleeker-looking design (especially the gradient colourways), 8GB of RAM, and a more versatile triple camera system with up to 30x zoom.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, the P30 does not offer the Galaxy S10e\u2019s compact form factor, and One UI can provide a more pleasant software experience than Huawei\u2019s EMUI software. If you place more importance in these two areas, the Galaxy S10e is definitely the better option.\n\n\nXiaomi Mi 9\n\n\nIntroduced in Malaysia just last week, the \nXiaomi Mi 9\n is priced \nvery \ncompetitively at RM1,999 for the 128GB variant with 6GB of RAM. Despite costing RM700 less than the Galaxy S10e, the Mi 9 still offers a large 6.39-inch 1080p AMOLED display, a fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset, as well as a versatile triple camera setup headlined by a 48MP primary shooter.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, the Mi 9 is a much larger phone compared to the compact size of the Galaxy S10e. There are simply no flagship-tier smartphone that is similar to the S10e in terms of size. If a small, compact high-end phone is what you want, the S10e is the \nonly phone\n that offers this.\n\n\nBesides, One UI on the Galaxy S10e is still far more polished than Xiaomi\u2019s MIUI 10 software. Personally, I also find the hole-punch cutout of the S10e less distracting than the Mi 9\u2019s notched display.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S10e is, in my opinion, in a league of its own. It\u2019s the only flagship smartphone in the market with a compact 5.8-inch screen, it offers good battery life, and despite being the most affordable phone in the series, it is still as capable as its larger, more expensive siblings.\n\n\nSure, you don\u2019t get a fancy in-screen fingerprint sensor or a curved screen with the Galaxy S10e, but that is \ncompletely\n fine. Its capacitive fingerprint sensor is quicker and more accurate, and its flat display is more ergonomically-friendly.\n\n\n\n\nBut the Galaxy S10e\u2019s compact form factor does have its fair share of shortcomings. There\u2019s only so much battery you can fit into the compact chassis of the phone, and the absence of the telephoto sensor may discourage consumers from getting the S10e.\n\n\nRegardless, the Galaxy S10e is an attractive flagship smartphone, thanks to its small size, relatively competitive pricing, and excellent dual camera system. Being small, in this case, doesn\u2019t make the S10e an inferior product \u2013 it is one of its greatest strengths.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/4dx-now-in-gsc-ioi-city-mall-is-it-worth-trying/", "title": "4DX Now in GSC IOI City Mall \u2013 Is It Worth Trying?", "body": "\n\nGolden Screen Cinemas just launched a 4DX hall in GSC IOI City Mall, making it the third cinema to feature the \u201ccinematic experience.\u201d The first two cinemas to get the 4DX treatment are GSC Paradigm Mall JB and GSC 1 Utama \u2013 the latter had it installed back in December 2018.\n\n\nSo what is 4DX? GSC invited us to a screening of Wonder Park in 4DX to see what the experience is all about, and we have to say: it\u2019s definitely an interesting experience.\n\n\n\n\n4DX is developed by South Korean company CJ 4DPLEX, and GSC is collaborating with the company to bring the experience to Malaysian moviegoers. Basically, 4DX aims to make the cinema experience more immersive by using 21 special effects.\n\n\nWhat kind of special effects? It ranges from \u201cmotion-synchronised\u201d seats, weather effects (rain, snow, lightning, wind, etc), and get this: scent. These effects are achieved through the use of lighting, fans, motorised seats, and \nactual sprinkles\n of water.\n\n\n\n\nBecause the seats will move (and trust me, it can move quite erratically), you are not allowed to bring in hot drinks into the cinema hall. Actually, I\u2019d advise against bringing any form of liquid if you plan to watch a movie in 4DX: the chance of your drink spilling from the seat movements is quite high. Same goes for popcorn, of course.\n\n\nBut if you really want to bring drinks and popcorn into the 4DX hall, it\u2019s definitely allowed. Only hot drinks are outright banned.\n\n\n\n\nSo how is it like watching a movie in 4DX? Almost like being on a theme park ride \u2013 almost. As mentioned, the seats can move very erratically, and it syncs with what\u2019s going on in the movie. In fact, there was actually a roller coaster scene at one point, and I was hoping I could put on a seat belt. Okay, I may be exaggerating a \nlittle bit\n, but the seat can definitely throw you around quite a bit.\n\n\nAs for the weather effects, it\u2019s quite an elaborate setup too, especially the wind effect. The fans situated at the top of the 4DX hall is capable of producing very strong winds, and it can get pretty chilly. I definitely regret not bringing a jacket into the hall.\n\n\n\n\nThe water sprays also add another layer of immersion to the 4DX hall. Don\u2019t worry, it\u2019s a very light spray; you definitely won\u2019t be soaked by it. If you\u2019re wondering where the water spray comes from, it\u2019s from the back of the seat directly in front of you. Don\u2019t like having water sprayed at you? Thankfully enough, it\u2019s possible to switch the feature off.\n\n\nOverall, I find the 4DX experience quite fascinating, but there is one thing I don\u2019t quite like. Occasionally, the headrest area of your seat will blow a gush of air to the back of your head, which\u2026can get quite annoying. Depending on where you are resting your head, the wind may be blown directly into your ear. Needless to say, this is not a pleasant experience.\n\n\nAlso, even though 4DX supposedly offers scents for further immersion, I didn\u2019t notice any particular smell while I was watching Wonder Park. Granted, it may not be implemented in this particular movie.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, 4DX movies are more costly than your standard cinema hall. On average, you can expect to pay about double the price of a regular movie ticket for the 4DX experience. Personally, I think it\u2019s a fair amount to charge \u2013 the motorised seats, among other things, need more maintenance than your standard cinema hall.\n\n\nTo learn more about 4DX, you can do so \nover here\n. If you\u2019d like to experience it for yourself, there are a few new movies that will be offered in 4DX. These include Dumbo, Shazam, and of course, Avengers: Endgame. It\u2019s definitely worth trying out, but just be mindful of your drinks and popcorn when the seat starts throwing you about.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/black-shark-2-hands-on-a-fast-gaming-smartphone-for-rm2499/", "title": "Black Shark 2 Hands-On: A Fast Gaming Smartphone for RM2,499", "body": "\n\nThe Black Shark 2 was just launched in Malaysia yesterday, and it\u2019s the first Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 smartphone to reach our shores. That\u2019s right, if you\u2019ve been waiting to get a Snapdragon 855 device, this one is for you \u2013 it\u2019s a gaming smartphone to boot.\n\n\nI managed to test out the Black Shark 2 quite a bit, and it\u2019s really quite an attractive gaming smartphone, thanks to its competitive pricing. But beyond its value for money, is the phone any good? Let\u2019s find out.\n\n\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the Black Shark 2 has an aggressive styling. One look at the phone, and you\u2019ll know it\u2019s a gaming smartphone. The all-metal chassis is nice to the touch, it has reasonably small top and bottom bezels (no notch!), and of course, the back panel has an illuminated Black Shark logo with RGB lighting.\n\n\nDespite this being touted as a gaming smartphone, the Black Shark 2\u2026does not have a headphone jack, so you\u2019ll have to rely on adapters, or Type-C earphones. On top of that, this phone doesn\u2019t have a microSD card slot either.\n\n\nFortunately enough, the Black Shark 2 comes with ample amount of storage. For the Malaysian market, you can get the gaming phone with 128GB or 256GB of fast UFS 2.1 storage. The RAM capacity, on the other hand, maxes out at a whopping 12GB.\n\n\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s get to the important bit: how is the Black Shark 2 like to game on? I played a couple rounds of PUBG Mobile with the phone, and it ran beautifully. The frame rate is high and consistent, the game feels very responsive, and overall, I was really enjoying myself.\n\n\nWhat makes the gaming experience even more enjoyable on the Black Shark 2 are the front facing stereo speakers. Even in the noisy environment I was in, the speakers are loud enough to compensate for this. Besides that, I\u2019m also quite impressed with the phone\u2019s vibration system: the vibrations don\u2019t feel particularly generic or cheap.\n\n\n\n\nSporting a 6.39-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED display, the Black Shark 2 has a vibrant, bright display with great viewing angles. This being an AMOLED panel, it has very good black levels too. Despite the 1080p resolution of the display, the screen still looks plenty sharp, and it should help with battery life as well.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Black Shark 2 is equipped with a 4,000mAh battery, and that is\u2026fine. Don\u2019t get me wrong, it\u2019s still a generous capacity, but for a device of this size, it\u2019s not unreasonable to expect a larger battery under the hood. Nonetheless, the 4,000mAh cell should be able to return respectable battery life.\n\n\nThere is one particular aspect of the Black Shark 2 that surprised me: the software. Running on a stock version of Android, the user interface feels very clean and responsive. It\u2019s rare for a gaming phone to come with such a clean version on Android, and I\u2019m glad Black Shark decided to do so.\n\n\n\n\nHonestly, I wasn\u2019t expecting much from the Black Shark 2 when it comes to camera performance, but the 48MP f/1.75 + 12MP f/2.2 (telephoto) dual camera system surprised me quite a bit. The camera feels very responsive, there\u2019s no noticeable shutter lag, and the image output looks pretty darn good.\n\n\nThat being said, I was shooting under great lighting, and most phones worth their salt can take good-looking shots in this kind of condition. The real test lies in low light photography, and it remains to be seen if the Black Shark 2\u2019s dual camera system can still deliver in that aspect.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re into selfies, this phone has a 20MP f/2.0 front-facing camera, which should be able to take decent-looking pictures.\n\n\n\n\nThe Black Shark 2 is a fast, premium gaming smartphone, but there is one area where it is lacking by quite a margin. Unlike, say, the \nRazer Phone 2\n, the Black Shark 2 only has a standard 60Hz display. Yes, you can still game effectively with this kind of refresh rate, but it will be much more enjoyable to game on the Razer Phone 2\u2019s faster 120Hz panel.\n\n\nGranted, the Black Shark 2 is priced at a lower price point: it retails from only RM2,499 for the 128GB model with 8GB of RAM. If you want the higher-end 256GB variant with 12GB of RAM, that will set you back RM2,999 \u2013 still a reasonably good price tag.\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt the Black Shark 2 is not affordable, but for a smartphone with this kind of hardware and storage capacity, it offers good value for money. If you don\u2019t mind the screen\u2019s conventional 60Hz display, you will be very happy with the Black Shark 2; especially when it comes to raw performance.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-pocophone-f1-now-going-for-only-rm1099/", "title": "Deal: Pocophone F1 Now Going for Only RM1,099", "body": "\n\nThe Pocophone F1 was an excellent budget flagship smartphone, and even though it\u2019s been quite some time since it was introduced, it\u2019s still a very relevant smartphone in 2019. If you\u2019ve been eyeing to get it, now\u2019s a good time: the 64GB model is \ncurrently retailing at only RM1,099\n.\n\n\nTo put this into context, this variant of the Pocophone F1 used to go for RM1,299 at launch, saving you exactly RM200. It may not seem like much, but the phone is already affordable to start with \u2013 it\u2019s a reasonably big discount for a phone in this price range.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, this offer is only for the Graphite Black and Steel Blue colourways: the Rosso Red model costs \nslightly more at RM1,199\n. Still quite a good deal, of course, but do note that stocks are limited. At the time of writing, only two units of the Rosso Red variant are left.\n\n\nNaturally, this particular listing of the Pocophone F1 comes with official warranty from Xiaomi Malaysia. Rest assured, you won\u2019t have any problem claiming for warranty if the need arises. To learn more about the Pocophone F1, check out our \nextensive review of the phone\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/waze-details-its-ad-strategy-for-now-the-future/", "title": "Waze Details Its Ad Strategy for Now & the Future", "body": "\n\nChances are, you\u2019ve heard of Waze, and it may even be your preferred navigation app. After all, with over 6.3 million monthly active users, it is easily one of the most used navigation apps in Malaysia. That kind of audience also makes Waze an ideal platform for ads, and like it or not, ads have been an integral part of the app for a while now.\n\n\nThat being said, we\u2019ve sat down with Waze for a quick roundtable discussion, and we were assured that the user experience of users is always prioritised in the company\u2019s ads strategy, among other things. Moving forward, you can expect different kinds of ads to be implemented in the navigation app.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrently, there are several kinds of ads found in Waze. The one you will see the most is probably Branded Pin, which are \u201cdigital billboards\u201d of points of interest placed on the map itself. If you click on it, you\u2019ll get more details on the specific location. Not all that intrusive, right?\n\n\nThe next type of ad, however, is much more noticeable. Dubbed Zero-Speed Takeover, a large image will be revealed at the top of the app. If you think this will be obtrusive, well, it is, which is why this type of ad will only be shown to users who have come to a complete stop. Once you start driving, the ad will be closed automatically.\n\n\nIn the interest of safety, all Zero-Speed Takeover ads will not take you out of the app if you decide to interact with it. Rather, you either have the option to save it for viewing later, or add it as a stop in your journey.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have Promoted Search, which will show specific, paid locations right below the search box if you are looking up a relevant term. These ads are marked appropriately, naturally, and it may even prove to be useful \u2013 only locations that are near you will be shown.\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is Nearby Arrow, which shows a Branded Pin the moment you open the app. It\u2019s meant to show users that a specific location is nearby, and considering the fact that it\u2019s only shown when you launch the app, it shouldn\u2019t be all that intrusive.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, either one of these ads can be quite annoying, but Waze did implement a couple of limitations to the amount of ads that are shown in a single session. For example, not more than four Zero-Speed Takeover ads will be shown in a single session. Same goes for Branded Pins: only up to four locations will be shown on the map at any given time.\n\n\nThese limitations are in place to not negatively affect the user experience too much. Just imagine if there\u2019s no limit to the amount of Branded Pins that are shown on the map. The user interface would be way too cluttered to use the app effectively.\n\n\n\n\nIn the future, Waze plans to incorporate different kinds of ads to bolster these existing ones. Take the Zero-Speed Takeover ad: Waze is currently working to implement an audio component to it. This will be more interactive \u2013 and maybe even more effective \u2013 than just a visual ad.\n\n\nInterestingly, Waze is developing a form of \u201cloyalty targeting\u201d too. If you frequent Starbucks often, the app will suggest recommendations that are tailored towards this. Basically, it\u2019s a form of ad personalisation aimed to \u201cincrease frequency with loyal visitors,\u201d as Waze puts it.\n\n\nThis is not strictly related to ads, but Waze is also planning to allow its users to pay for fuel directly from the app itself. In fact, this is very similar in practice to \nPetronas\u2019 Setel app\n, which allows consumers to pay for fuel through the app at selected Petronas stations.\n\n\n\n\nWaze\u2019s ad strategy is an interesting one, as it still gives emphasis on the overall user experience of navigating with the app; you won\u2019t get too overwhelmed by ads. The company\u2019s future plans for the app are also quite exciting, especially the prospect of paying for fuel with the app itself.\n\n\nIf these ads are becoming too much of a nuisance, you can always switch over to Google Maps. While you won\u2019t be able to enjoy Waze\u2019s range of community-centric features with Google Maps, you will be free from ads.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/living-with-a-chromebook-can-it-replace-your-laptop/", "title": "Living with a Chromebook \u2013 Can It Replace Your Laptop?", "body": "\n\nFor the past couple of weeks, I\u2019ve been using the Acer Chromebook Spin 13 as my daily driver. I did it for two reasons: I needed to review the Chromebook Spin 13, and I wanted to familiarise myself with Chrome OS. I have never used a Chromebook before, so I was quite excited to use one for the first time.\n\n\nThat excitement, unfortunately, dwindled down after a couple of weeks. Don\u2019t get me wrong, I still think there is a market for Chromebooks (especially budget-oriented ones), but for my usage scenario, it\u2019s just not the most ideal operating system.\n\n\nWhile it will not replace my Windows laptop anytime soon, can it replace \nyour\n laptop? Let\u2019s find out.\n\n\n\n\nChrome OS, at its core, relies heavily on the Google Chrome browser. In fact, when I boot up the Chromebook Spin 13, the first thing it does is to open a new Chrome tab. It does this \nvery\n quickly too: the time it takes for the Chromebook to get to the desktop from the initial boot up is easily less than 10 seconds.\n\n\nSo how well does Chromebook run Chrome browser? Well, nothing out the ordinary, actually. It feels just like Chrome on a regular Windows laptop, which is a good thing. If you do most of your work on Chrome browser, you\u2019ll be right at home with a Chromebook.\n\n\nBut once you need to do something \noutside \nof the Chrome browser, that\u2019s when you\u2019ll run into trouble. Honestly, I was doing just fine with the Chromebook to get my daily work routine done\u2026until I needed to edit some images.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, there is a solution to this: I could just fire up the Google Play Store and look for a suitable photo editing app. That\u2019s right, Chrome OS can run Android apps, making it a lot more versatile than ever before. It\u2019s a good feature, no doubt, but I\u2019ll need to get out of my way to familiarise myself with a new photo editor.\n\n\nBasically, it\u2019s not a seamless transition, which may discourage those who are on a different platform to switch over to Chrome OS. The solution \nis \nthere (in the form of Android apps), but it\u2019s highly likely you\u2019ll have to settle for alternatives to your favourite applications on Windows or macOS.\n\n\nAs for myself, I couldn\u2019t look for an app that can replace my favourite photo editing program on Windows. Every time I need to edit images while I was on the Chromebook, I\u2019ll grab my Windows laptop instead. It\u2019s a lot more seamless, and it is so much easier.\n\n\n\n\nAnother thing I don\u2019t quite like about Chromebook is the keyboard layout. On other operating systems like Windows and macOS, the Caps Lock key is located right above the left Shift button. But on Chromebook, it\u2019s replaced with the Search button. If you want to enable Caps Lock, you\u2019d have to press Alt + Search \u2013 not very intuitive.\n\n\nChrome OS has its quirks, but if you can look past them, it\u2019s really quite a good platform. This is especially the case if all you do on a laptop is to fire up Google Chrome. Plus, you have a whole library of Android apps at your disposal with Chrome OS.\n\n\n\n\nOkay, so how about the Acer Chromebook Spin 13 itself? Overall, it\u2019s a premium, refined convertible Chromebook. It is built very well, it has a good keyboard and trackpad, and most importantly, it has \nexcellent\n battery life.\n\n\nAccording to Acer, the Spin 13 can last for up to 10 hours on a single charge. In my testing, I got pretty darn close to this estimate. However, it\u2019s worth noting that I dimmed the display slightly (but still plenty bright for comfortable use) to get this kind of battery life.\n\n\nAs for the display quality itself, it\u2019s definitely above average. The 3:2 aspect ratio offers a lot more vertical space than conventional 16:9 panels, and the 13.5-inch 2256 x 1504 IPS touch display is sharp, bright, and vibrant. That being said, I don\u2019t quite like the large bezels surrounding the display \u2013 it makes the Chromebook a lot bigger than it should be.\n\n\n\n\nPerformance is absolutely not an issue with the Spin 13. Powered by an Intel Core i5-8250U quad-core processor paired with 8GB of RAM, this Chromebook is plenty powerful. Throughout the review period, the Spin 13 stayed fast and responsive. In fact, I\u2019d say it feels ever so slightly more responsive than a standard Windows laptop.\n\n\nConnectivity wise, the Spin 13 offers a good mix of ports. It has two USB-C ports, one full-size USB-A connection, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a microSD card slot. It also has a stylus tucked away underneath the Chromebook, with Wacom EMR pen support.\n\n\nI\u2019m not much of an artist, but I do like using the stylus. It feels responsive, accurate, and I find myself using it to take snippets of the screen more often than I thought I would.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, there is one area where the Spin 13 is lacking: it only comes with 64GB of eMMC storage. Granted, most Chromebooks have very limited storage capacity anyway, and it would\u2019ve been fine if this machine does not cost RM3,599. For that kind of money, you can \neasily\n get a better-equipped Windows laptop.\n\n\nAnd that really is the Spin 13\u2019s biggest shortcoming. It\u2019s a fast, premium Chromebook, but that also demands an equally premium price tag. Not only does this put it in the same price range as other, more capable Windows laptops, it also loses one of the most important appeals of Chromebooks: affordability.\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s get back to the original question: \ncan\n a Chromebook replace your laptop? Definitely. If you\u2019re mostly dependent on Google Chrome, and you can live without Windows-only programs, then this operating system will serve you very well.\n\n\nThis Acer Chromebook Spin 13, in particular, could be a good option too. It\u2019s a premium product with great battery life, fast performance, and solid build quality. The only downside, of course, is its high asking price. But hey, that\u2019s the price of a premium Chromebook.\n\n\n\n\nPersonally, however, Chromebooks are not for me, and I would switch to a Windows laptop in a heartbeat if given the choice. It\u2019s not that I don\u2019t like Chrome OS; I simply prefer the versatility and familiarity of Windows. I can work more effectively with the latter, and I could just fire up \nApex Legends\n or any other games on Steam whenever I want to get entertained.\n\n\nWhen it comes to gaming, Chrome OS simply cannot compete with Windows. It\u2019s a different landscape altogether. Yes, I did try to play PUBG Mobile on the Spin 13, and no, it was not a very pleasant experience.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-razer-official-store-listing-razer-phone-2-with-over-rm1000-discount/", "title": "Deal: Razer Official Store Listing Razer Phone 2 with Over RM1,000 Discount", "body": "\n\nNow this is a deal you don\u2019t often see. Previously, the \nRazer Phone 2\n went for as low as RM3,188. Now, surprisingly enough, it\u2019s retailing at a \nmuch\n lower price point: Razer\u2019s latest gaming smartphone can be yours \nfor only RM2,429\n.\n\n\nCompared to the Razer Phone 2\u2019s RM3,449 launch price, this promotion saves you exactly RM1,020. On top of that, this deal is offered by Razer\u2019s official store on Shopee. Needless to say, you won\u2019t have to worry about the authenticity of this listing.\n\n\n\n\nAt the time of writing, there are 19 units of the Razer Phone 2 left. Plenty of stocks, though it remains to be seen just how long the phone will retail at this price. If you want to learn more about this gaming smartphone, check out our hands-on \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-huawei-p20-pro-can-be-yours-for-only-rm2241-now/", "title": "Deal: Huawei P20 Pro Can Be Yours for Only RM2,241 Now", "body": "\n\nThe \nHuawei P30 series\n is available for purchase today in Malaysia. But if you\u2019re not keen to spend \nat least RM3,799 on a brand new P30 Pro\n, then this deal is for you. Currently, its predecessor, the Huawei P20 Pro, is going for \nas low as RM2,241\n.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Courts\u2019 official online store on Lazada, so rest assured, this is a legitimate promotion. To put this deal into context, the P20 Pro retailed at RM3,299 when it first launched in Malaysia \u2013 this offer saves you well over RM1,000.\n\n\n\n\nLast we checked, there are eight units of the Huawei P20 Pro left, and Courts is offering only the Twilight colourway for this promotion. If you\u2019re interested to get this deal, you should definitely \nact fast\n. The P20 Pro may be last year\u2019s flagship, but it is still a very capable flagship, especially when it comes to camera performance.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/we-need-more-phones-like-the-samsung-galaxy-s10e/", "title": "We Need More Phones Like the Samsung Galaxy S10e", "body": "\n\nI\u2019ve just reviewed the \nSamsung Galaxy S10e\n, and I can\u2019t help but feel that there\u2019s a need for more phones like it. No, I\u2019m not just talking about compact, small form factor smartphones, but \npowerful\n, flagship-tier devices that can comfortably fit into people\u2019s pockets.\n\n\nIn a market where smartphones are getting bigger and bigger with every iteration, it\u2019s high time for small, powerful flagship smartphones to be considered. I reckon there\u2019s increasing need for such devices, especially with the advancement of display technology.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThroughout my time reviewing the Galaxy S10e, I\u2019ve been told by friends and family how much they love the size of the phone. Even though it\u2019s a small device, you\u2019re still getting a lot of screen real estate, thanks to the lack of bezels.\n\n\nPreviously, if you want a compact smartphone, you\u2019d have to live with a small, almost unusable display by today\u2019s standard. Take the iPhone SE: I absolutely love how small the device is, but I simply couldn\u2019t live with the phone\u2019s minuscule 4-inch display.\n\n\nThings are much better now with the introduction of the iPhone X and its successor, the iPhone XS. Just like the Galaxy S10e, the XS sports a very usable 5.8-inch display in a compact chassis. One-handed usage isn\u2019t impossible with a phone this size, and it will fit into your pocket comfortably \u2013 perhaps even with a casing on.\n\n\n\n\nIn fact, the \nexistence\n of the iPhone XS itself is a good enough incentive for other phone makers to follow suit and release their own competition to that particular phone. Like it or not, many brands mimic Apple\u2019s products when it comes to their own product development. Just look at the sheer amount of smartphones with notches after the iPhone X was introduced.\n\n\nAnother issue with the current crop of compact smartphones now are the compromises that come with them. Even though the Galaxy S10e is a very respectable flagship smartphone, it still feels like a lower-end device compared to its more expensive siblings.\n\n\n\n\nThis is particularly the case in the display and camera department, where the S10e loses out on the 1440p display and telephoto sensor. Granted, this phone is meant to be the most affordable option in the Galaxy S10 series, and even Apple does the same with the iPhone XR.\n\n\nBasically, those who are shopping for small smartphones, more often than not, have to settle for mid-range, or even entry-level smartphones. If they want a high-end smartphone in a compact form factor, they have very limited options.\n\n\nUnfortunately, except for a few phone makers, most brands simply aren\u2019t looking to release compact flagship smartphones \u2013 it is seen as a niche segment. This relates back to the spec race, where the most prevalent logic is \u201cthe bigger, the better.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nInstead of sticking with a display size that is practical, most brands (if not all) are trying to fit \nmore\n display into a smartphone. While this does spur advancement in display technology, there comes a point where bigger is not necessarily better anymore, especially when it sacrifices practicality.\n\n\nRight now, there \nare \na couple of good options like the Galaxy S10e, but not nearly enough. On top of that, most of them are not particularly new either. There\u2019s the Pixel 3 (which is not even officially available in Malaysia), and the Samsung Galaxy S9 \u2013 both of which were released last year.\n\n\n\n\nAfter reviewing the Samsung Galaxy S10e, every phone that I use simply felt\u2026unnaturally big. I find myself really missing the compact form factor of the phone, more than anything else. Personally, I think the 5.8-inch display is completely usable too; never did I thought to myself I \nneed\n a bigger screen.\n\n\nIt\u2019s probably something that will never materialise, but I do hope the day comes where there are much more options for those who are shopping for compact flagship smartphones. And hey, maybe these future devices won\u2019t compromise on key features too \u2013 one can dream, right?\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-samsung-galaxy-a80-features-a-slide-out-camera-system-that-rotates/", "title": "The Samsung Galaxy A80 Features a Slide-Out Camera That Rotates", "body": "\n\nSamsung just launched the brand new Galaxy A80 in Bangkok, Thailand, and it is perhaps the Korean company\u2019s most exciting mid-ranger yet. Even though it\u2019s not a flagship smartphone, the A80 has a couple of features never before seen on a Samsung device.\n\n\nYes, just like the rumours have suggested, the Galaxy A80 sports a motorised, slide-out triple camera system. On top of that, the camera module itself also \nrotates\n, allowing you to take regular shots as well as selfie images with only one robust camera system.\n\n\nIt\u2019s definitely a unique approach, but beyond this, is the Galaxy A80 any good? Let\u2019s find out.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThanks to the implementation of the slide-out camera, the Galaxy A80 does not need to make space for the front-facing camera. That\u2019s right, the phone\u2019s display \u2013 dubbed simply as \u201cNew Infinity Display\u201d \u2013 does not have a hole-punch cutout or notch.\n\n\nThe result? An almost all-screen smartphone, and it looks great. Granted, there is a bit of bezel at the bottom of the Galaxy A80, but it\u2019s minimal enough to retain the phone\u2019s sleek appearance.\n\n\nOh, this phone also has an in-screen fingerprint sensor, but I wasn\u2019t able to put it to the test. The demo unit I got my hands on was in retail mode, so the sensor itself was disabled.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the display quality itself, it\u2019s really quite good. The Galaxy A80 features a large 6.7-inch 2400 x 1080 Super AMOLED display, which is bright, vibrant, with very deep blacks. It\u2019s what we\u2019ve come to expect from an AMOLED panel, so rest assured, you\u2019re getting a high quality screen with this phone.\n\n\nBuild quality of the Galaxy A80 is also surprisingly good for a mid-range smartphone. It has a nice heft to it, the metal frame is cool to the touch, and while I\u2019m not entirely sure if the back panel is glass or polycarbonate, the whole phone feels downright premium.\n\n\nIn fact, I\u2019d go as far to say that it looks and feels like a proper flagship smartphone, even though it\u2019s only a mid-ranger.\n\n\n\n\nPowering the Galaxy A80 is Qualcomm\u2019s brand new Snapdragon 730 chipset, which is the chipmaker\u2019s most powerful upper mid-range SoC right now. Based on my short time with the A80, it does feel plenty responsive and quick.\n\n\nOf course, the responsiveness of the Galaxy A80 can be attributed to the lightweight and polished nature of One UI. Basically, you\u2019re getting a very similar software experience as the higher-end \nGalaxy S10\n smartphones on this mid-ranger \u2013 that\u2019s a really good thing.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy A80 include 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage (non-expandable, unfortunately), and a 3,700mAh battery. Considering the size and weight of this phone, the battery capacity does leave much to be desired.\n\n\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s talk about the Galaxy A80\u2019s unique motorised camera system. At a glance, it looks a lot like the Oppo Find X\u2019s camera mechanism, but the A80\u2019s camera module is rotatable. Yes, the 2013 Oppo N1 featured a rotatable camera too, but Samsung\u2019s implementation is quite different.\n\n\nIn the camera app, all I need to do is to \u201cswitch\u201d to the front-facing camera for the whole module to slide up, and the camera would rotate accordingly. This happens pretty quickly, and it never felt slow every time I activated the mechanism.\n\n\nInterestingly, once the camera system is up, I can push down on it to disable the camera. But if I were to pull it up, it would always return back to its original position. Needless to say, I wouldn\u2019t encourage doing this, but it\u2019s still something worth noting.\n\n\n\n\nOkay, it\u2019s time we get to the Galaxy A80\u2019s triple camera setup. Made up of a 48MP f/2.0 primary shooter, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra wide camera, and a 3D depth sensor, the camera system can take reasonably good shots. It can transition between the normal and wide-angle shooting modes quite quickly, and there isn\u2019t too much shutter lag either.\n\n\nSurprisingly enough, the image output looks quite promising too. It performs great under ideal lighting (as most phones should be), and even in low light conditions, it seems to be quite capable still. However, I\u2019ll reserve judgment until I\u2019m able to put the camera through its paces in a full review.\n\n\nNormal shot\nUltra wide-angle shot\nNormal shot (low light)\nUltra wide-angle shot (low light)\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy A80 is easily one of Samsung\u2019s most promising mid-ranger yet. It\u2019s the first Samsung device to sport the unique camera mechanism, and the phone as a whole feels really refined and premium.\n\n\nBut just how attractive of a smartphone the Galaxy A80 will be is entirely dependent on how much it will cost. Samsung has not detailed the pricing of the phone yet, but it is expected to the available in Malaysia by the end of May or early June 2019.\n\n\n\n\nMid-range smartphones are getting increasingly better day by day, and the Galaxy A80 may just give other premium smartphones in this segment a run for their money. But in order to do that, Samsung has to \nabsolutely\n price the Galaxy A80 right, especially in a price sensitive market like Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-samsung-galaxy-a70-is-the-second-best-option/", "title": "The Samsung Galaxy A70 Is the Second Best Option", "body": "\n\nLaunched alongside the \nSamsung Galaxy A80\n is the more affordable Samsung Galaxy A70. As its name suggests, the A70 is not the range-topping model in the series. Rather, it\u2019s the second best option, and that\u2019s not exactly a bad thing.\n\n\nI got to spend some time with the Galaxy A70, and while it\u2019s not the most impressive mid-range device, it is a viable option for those who want a large device with equally big battery capacity.\n\n\n\n\nMuch like the Galaxy A80, the Galaxy A70 is equipped with a new Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, albeit it\u2019s the lower-end, Snapdragon 675 SoC. Nonetheless, it\u2019s still a plenty capable chipset, and it will be powerful enough to provide a good user experience.\n\n\nWhile I didn\u2019t manage to play any mobile games on the Galaxy A70, the phone as a whole does feel plenty responsive and zippy. After all, it\u2019s still running on Samsung\u2019s latest One UI software, which is both lightweight and pleasant to look at.\n\n\nWhen it comes to design, it\u2019s clear the Galaxy A70 is an affordable smartphone. It doesn\u2019t look or feel particularly premium, the plastic construction of the phone leaves much to be desired, and there\u2019s also a \u201cInfinity-U\u201d notch at the top of the display.\n\n\n\n\nBut compared to the \nGalaxy A50 and A30\n, the A70 does have a more minimal bottom bezel. With the exception of the higher-end Galaxy A80 with its New Infinity Display, this phone is definitely more aesthetically pleasing than the rest of the Galaxy A smartphones.\n\n\nSporting a 6.7-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display, the Galaxy A70 has a very good screen too. AMOLED panels are known for their deep blacks, and it is no different here. Coupled with punchy, vibrant colours, and a good level of brightness, most consumers will be happy with the A70\u2019s screen quality.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the Galaxy A70 also comes with an in-screen fingerprint sensor. Unfortunately enough, the sensor is disabled on the demo units I tested, so I couldn\u2019t try it out for myself. Chances are, it should be reasonably good, though I highly doubt it will be as quick or accurate as a conventional fingerprint sensor.\n\n\nOne of the biggest appeals of the Galaxy A70 has to be its generous 4,500mAh battery. Combined with the 1080p display of the phone, I reckon it can return good, if not great battery life. It\u2019s interesting how the A70 has a bigger battery than the higher-end A80; the latter only comes with a 3,700mAh cell despite sporting the same display size as the A70.\n\n\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Galaxy A70 features a triple camera system. The primary camera is a 32MP f/1.7 sensor, and it is complemented by an 8MP f/2.2 ultra wide camera and a 5MP f/2.2 depth sensor. The front-facing camera, on the other hand, is a 32MP f/2.0 shooter.\n\n\nGenerally, the camera performance of the Galaxy A70 is quite good. While it does take some time for the camera to switch between the primary and ultra wide sensors, the image output is alright, even in low light conditions.\n\n\nOf course, I would definitely need more time photographing with the Galaxy A70 before I can give my final verdict on the phone\u2019s camera performance.\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, the Samsung Galaxy A70 is not the best device in the series; that title is reserved for the Galaxy A80. So that leaves the A70 as the second best device, but considering the fact that it will be more affordable than the A80, it\u2019s a good option for those looking to get a mid-range smartphone that won\u2019t break the bank.\n\n\nThat being said, Samsung Malaysia has not revealed the retail price of the Galaxy A70 yet, but you can expect the phone to be available in Malaysia by the end of May, or early June 2019.\n\n\n\n\nIf priced right, the Galaxy A70 could just be Samsung\u2019s most compelling affordable mid-range smartphone yet. It is sleeker than the Galaxy A50, it won\u2019t cost as much as the Galaxy A80, and most of all, it has a large battery capacity and display \u2013 two criteria that can be important to some consumers.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-xiaomi-mi-mix-2s-128gb-going-for-only-rm1239-now/", "title": "Deal: Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S 128GB Going for Only RM1,239 Now", "body": "\n\nIt has been over a year since the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S was introduced, and if you think it\u2019s not worth getting anymore, you may want you check out this deal. Right now, you can grab a brand new unit of the 128GB model \nfor only RM1,239\n on Shopee.\n\n\nFor comparison, the Mi Mix 2S with 128GB of storage used to retail at RM2,199 when it was first launched in Malaysia \u2013 that\u2019s RM960 price difference. However, it\u2019s worth noting that this deal only has the white model in stock.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to reduce the price even further, you can use the code DOUB5 to get additional RM5 discount, \nreducing the price to RM1,234\n. Of course, this is an original unit of the Mi Mix 2S with warranty support from Xiaomi Malaysia itself.\n\n\nConsidering the fact that the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset, this is a very good deal. In fact, it\u2019s rivaled by the \nPocophone F1\n in terms of value for money.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-grab-the-huawei-p30-pro-with-rm400-discount/", "title": "Deal: Grab the Huawei P30 Pro with RM400 Discount", "body": "\n\nThe \nHuawei P30 Pro\n is an impressive flagship smartphone, and even though it\u2019s just been launched last week in Malaysia, you can now get the phone with a pretty sizeable discount. On Shopee, one retailer is offering the P30 Pro \nfor only RM3,399\n.\n\n\nBasically, this deal saves you exactly RM400 from the phone\u2019s original RM3,799 asking price. It\u2019s a really good discount for a recently unveiled flagship smartphone, and for that kind of money, you\u2019re getting 256GB of internal storage, 8GB of RAM, and \nexcellent camera performance\n.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, the retailer is only offering the Black colourway; you\u2019re out of luck if you want the Aurora or Breathing Crystal variants of the P30 Pro. Nonetheless, warranty support is provided by Huawei Malaysia itself for this particular listing.\n\n\nNot sure if the Huawei P30 Pro is right for you? Then check out our hands-on with the phone \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-playstation-classic-retailing-at-only-rm299-now/", "title": "Deal: PlayStation Classic Retailing at Only RM299 Now", "body": "\n\nFeeling nostalgic? Then this is one deal you wouldn\u2019t want to miss. The PlayStation Classic console went on sale in Malaysia last December, and right now, you can get it \nfor only RM299\n on Shopee.\n\n\nOriginally going for RM429, this deal saves you RM130 \u2013 a decent amount of discount for a console like this. This deal is offered by Preferred Shopee retailer Otakuya, and according to the listing, it comes with official warranty by Sony Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\nThe PlayStation Classic is pre-loaded with 20 games found on the original PlayStation, which include Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil: Director\u2019s Cut, Tekken 3, Tom Clancy\u2019s Rainbow Six, and even Grand Theft Auto. On top of that, the console also comes with two wired controllers.\n\n\nAt the time of writing, there are only nine units of the PlayStation Classic left. If you\u2019re keen to \nget it for RM299\n, you may want to act fast.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-launches-range-of-quirky-premium-conceptd-laptops/", "title": "Acer Launches Range of Quirky, Premium ConceptD Laptops", "body": "\n\nAcer unveiled a range of pretty interesting laptops not too long ago. Dubbed ConceptD, these are mobile workstations aimed at professionals. Three laptops are in the series: the ConceptD 9, ConceptD 7, and ConceptD 5.\n\n\nOut of the three, the ConceptD 9 is the most capable and unique machine, while the other two are more conventional, but still very powerful laptops. If you need a mobile workstation, you may be interested in these machines.\n\n\nThe ConceptD 9\nThe Predator Triton 900\n\n\nEssentially, these ConceptD laptops are\u2026well, rehashes of Acer\u2019s gaming laptops. The ConceptD 9, for one, is based on the \nPredator Triton 900\n convertible gaming laptop. Even the ConceptD 7 has a striking resemblance to the \nPredator Triton 500\n.\n\n\nThere are, of course, some major differences here and there to differentiate these machines from their gaming counterpart. Let\u2019s start with the beefiest offering of the bunch, the ConceptD 9.\n\n\n\n\nMuch like the Triton 900, the ConceptD 9 features Acer\u2019s Ezel Aero Hinge, which allows the convertible laptop to be used in several configurations. On top of that, it also has a 17.3-inch 4K IPS touch display with Wacom pen support; perfect for graphic designers and artists.\n\n\nOther specifications of the ConceptD 9 are very impressive too. These include Intel\u2019s 9th generation Core i9 processor paired with up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 GPU (not the Max-Q design, mind you), and either 512GB or 1TB of fast NVMe SSD storage.\n\n\nBut all of that power shows in the weight of the ConceptD 9. Weighing a whopping 4.1kg, this is not the most portable machine.\n\n\n\n\nA tier down is the more budget-friendly ConceptD 7. As mentioned, the design of this laptop is very similar to the Triton 500, and it can be configured with an RTX 2060 or RTX 2080 Max-Q GPU. However, it doesn\u2019t have a 144Hz 1080p display like the Triton 500. Instead, it features a higher resolution 15.6-inch 4K IPS panel.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the ConceptD 7 are a 9th generation Core i7 processor, up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM, and just like the ConceptD 9, 512GB or 1TB of NVMe SSD storage. Tipping the scales at 2.1kg, it\u2019s not a terribly heavy laptop either.\n\n\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the ConceptD 5, the most affordable of the bunch. Unlike its higher-end siblings, the ConceptD 5 doesn\u2019t have a dedicated GPU. Rather, it comes with an AMD Radeon RX Vega M GL integrated GPU. It\u2019s not the most powerful GPU, but it\u2019s certainly capable enough.\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the ConceptD 5\u2019s processor isn\u2019t quite as fast too. It\u2019s powered by Intel\u2019s slightly older 8th generation Core i7 or i5 processor, and the RAM options, on the other hand, are only limited to 8GB or 16GB of DDR4 RAM. As for storage, it can be configured with a 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD.\n\n\nYes, the ConceptD 5 is the least powerful laptop in the series, but it still retains the 15.6-inch 4K IPS display. It also has the upper hand in one area: compared to the other ConceptD laptops, the ConceptD 5 is the lightest of the lot, weighing only 1.5kg.\n\n\n\n\nGiven the premium status of the ConceptD laptops, these machines do not come cheap. Naturally, the ConceptD 9 is the most expensive of the bunch. How expensive? For the US market, it\u2019s set to retail from a whopping $4,999, which comes up to about RM20,560.\n\n\nOpting for the ConceptD 7 would save you a lot more money, with prices starting from $2,299 \u2013 that\u2019s approximately RM9,455. It\u2019s still a costly machine, no doubt about that, but that\u2019s the price you have to pay for a workstation like this.\n\n\nIf you want the most \u201cbudget-friendly\u201d offering in the range, the ConceptD 5 is the one for you. This one retails from $1,699, which converts to around RM6,985. Still not particularly affordable, but it \nis\n the least expensive laptop in the ConceptD series.\n\n\n\n\nAs for availability, the Acer ConceptD 9 will only start shipping sometime in June 2019 in the US, while the ConceptD 5 and 7 are releasing this month in the same market. We don\u2019t know yet if these mobile workstations will be coming to Malaysia, but we\u2019ll definitely keep a close eye on the local availability of these ConceptD machines.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/weekly-giveaway-rm50-shopee-lazada-or-psn-cash-voucher/", "title": "Weekly Giveaway \u2013 RM50 Shopee, Lazada, or PSN Cash Voucher!", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019re kick-starting our weekly giveaway! Starting from this week onwards, we will be giving out one RM50 cash voucher (every week!) to be used on either Shopee, Lazada, or PlayStation Store. We will rotate the cash vouchers accordingly every week, so the same cash voucher won\u2019t be offered twice in a row.\n\n\nSo how do you win the cash voucher? Very simple: just leave a comment either on our site \nright here\n, or over at our \nYouTube channel\n. The best comment will walk away with the RM50 cash voucher, and we will pick the best, most helpful, or insightful comment as the winner.\n\n\n\n\nFor this week, we\u2019re offering a RM50 Shopee cash voucher, and we will announce the winner every Monday on our social media channels. These include \nFacebook\n, \nTwitter\n, as well as \nYouTube\n. Of course, The weekly giveaway will also be updated every Tuesday on these very same channels.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to participate in this giveaway, comment away on \nour site\n and \nYouTube channel\n!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-the-huawei-p30-for-only-rm2399-now/", "title": "Deal: Get the Huawei P30 for Only RM2,399 Now", "body": "\n\nThe \nHuawei P30\n may not be quite as impressive as its \nhigher-end sibling\n, but it is still a very capable flagship smartphone with decent value for money. Well, you can now grab it \nfor only RM2,399\n, and stocks are quite limited too.\n\n\nThis particular deal is offered by Tesco itself on its official Lazada store, so rest assured, this is a legitimate offer. Originally, the P30 retails at RM2,699, so this deal saves you RM300.\n\n\n\n\nRight now, Tesco is offering the P30 in \nBreathing Crystal\n, \nAurora\n, and \nBlack\n for RM2,599. In order to reduce the price down to RM2,399, you\u2019ll have to use the code TESHW200 at checkout to get additional RM200 discount. Do note that stocks are very limited. The Aurora variant, for one, only has two units in stock at the time of writing.\n\n\nNeedless to say, \nRM2,399 is a great price\n for a flagship smartphone like the Huawei P30. If you\u2019re not sure if the device is for you, check out our \nhands-on of the phone\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-f11-arrives-in-malaysia-for-rm1099-with-48mp-camera-128gb-storage/", "title": "Oppo F11 Arrives in Malaysia for RM1,099 with 48MP Camera & 128GB Storage", "body": "\n\nOppo has always been quite focused on its range of mid-range smartphones, and the Chinese company\u2019s latest phone from the segment, the Oppo F11, has just been launched in Malaysia. Basically, the F11 is largely similar to the F11 Pro, though it loses a couple of features to make it a more affordable device.\n\n\nBut are those sacrifices worth it? Let\u2019s find out if the F11 is worth considering over the sleeker F11 Pro.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the biggest differences between the F11 and F11 Pro is the screen design. Unlike the Pro model, the F11 has a \u201cWaterdrop\u201d notch at the top of the display. While it doesn\u2019t look quite as impressive as the F11 Pro\u2019s notch-less screen, it is (at the very least) a minimal notch.\n\n\nThing is, the F11\u2019s display had to have a notch to house the front-facing camera; it doesn\u2019t have the F11 Pro\u2019s motorised camera module. However, it\u2019s still the same 16MP selfie shooter, so it\u2019s not like you\u2019re getting an inferior camera system.\n\n\nAs for the screen quality itself, it\u2019s quite good. The 6.5-inch 1080p IPS display can get really bright, it has good viewing angles, and really, most consumers in this price segment will be happy with this screen.\n\n\n\n\nOn the back, the F11 still has the same 48MP + 5MP dual camera system, and it\u2019s a surprisingly robust camera system. Although there\u2019s a noticeable pause in between shots, the camera interface as a whole feels very responsive. It can lock in focus pretty quickly too.\n\n\nImage quality, on the other hand, is also quite decent. At least, that\u2019s the case when shooting under ideal lighting. Detail preservation is good, the dynamic range isn\u2019t all that bad, and for a mid-range smartphone, it has really good camera performance. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how its camera compares to the \nRedmi Note 7\n, which is one of its biggest competitions.\n\n\n\n\nStorage and RAM capacities of the F11 are also different from the F11 Pro. Instead of the Pro\u2019s 6GB RAM, the standard F11 only gets 4GB of RAM. However, it also has double the amount of expandable storage at 128GB; the F11 Pro comes with only 64GB of storage.\n\n\nBeyond these differences, the F11 and F11 Pro are essentially the same device. For one, the F11 is still powered by a MediaTek Helio P70 chipset, which seems to be quite capable. It\u2019s largely similar to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 in terms of performance, and as far as I can tell, the phone feels fast and responsive.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, I\u2019m still not a fan of Oppo\u2019s software experience. The F11 runs on ColorOS 6.0, and it\u2019s not the most aesthetically pleasing version of Android. The navigation keys are much too big, the icons don\u2019t look particularly modern, and the notification shade\u2019s tile design wastes a lot of space.\n\n\nAt the very least, ColorOS 6.0 is functional. It feels lightweight, it\u2019s quite intuitive to navigate around, and if you\u2019ve used an Android smartphone before, I reckon it won\u2019t be all that hard to adapt to the F11\u2019s software experience.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to design, I quite dig the looks of the F11\u2019s rear panel with its gradient-like finish. Even though the phone is mostly made out of plastic, it doesn\u2019t \nfeel\n plasticky. The plastic frame has a nice, matte finish, and the phone feels well put together.\n\n\nSporting a large 4,000mAh battery, the F11 also has a nice heft to it. It\u2019s a very generous battery capacity, so chances are, it should be able to deliver good, if not great battery life. Unfortunately, the phone charges via a microUSB port \u2013 no Type-C connection here.\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo F11 will be available for purchase in Malaysia this coming Friday on 19 April. Interestingly, if you \npurchase the phone on Shopee\n on that day, you can get it \nfor only RM999\n. That\u2019s a pretty good deal, especially for a phone with 128GB of storage.\n\n\nThose who are looking to get a new mid-range smartphone should give the F11 a consideration or two. But the same can be said of the \nRedmi Note 7\n too, which is even more affordable. Until I can put the F11 through its paces in a full review, it\u2019s tough to compare it against the Redmi Note 7.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-20-lite-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm949-a-striking-mid-ranger/", "title": "Honor 20 Lite Lands in Malaysia for RM949; A Striking Mid-Ranger", "body": "\n\nHonor just launched the Honor 20 Lite in Malaysia. Sporting a modest set of hardware and an affordable price tag, the 20 Lite is a rather interesting mid-ranger. Plus, it\u2019s quite a sleek-looking phone too \u2013 just look at the back design.\n\n\nThat being said, the Honor 20 Lite faces stiff competition from a number of strong contenders, including the recently announced \nOppo F11\n and the \nRedmi Note 7\n. Can the 20 Lite stand toe to toe with these devices? We spent some time with the new phone to find out.\n\n\n\n\nAt a glance, the Honor 20 Lite\u2019s back panel definitely makes an impression. The Phantom Red model we have here is a looker with its gradient finish, and even the Phantom Blue colourway looks equally stunning. Yes, the back panel is made of plastic, but it doesn\u2019t feel cheap or plasticky.\n\n\nUnfortunately, I can\u2019t say the same for the plastic frame of the phone. It doesn\u2019t feel particularly nice to the touch, and unlike other devices in this price segment, the inner parts of the microUSB port, 3.5mm headphone jack, and speaker grille are not painted.\n\n\nAs a result, the phone doesn\u2019t look\u2026well, \u201cfinished.\u201d It \nmay\n save some cost here and there by leaving some parts of the phone unpainted, but if other phone makers can paint the ports of their devices \nand \nstill keep the prices low, why can\u2019t Honor?\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s get back to the Honor 20 Lite. On the front, it has a \u201cDewdrop\u201d notch at the top of the 6.21-inch 2340 x 1080 display. It\u2019s not an awfully big notch, but it\u2019s still a noticeable cutout. Thankfully, the bottom bezel of the phone is reasonably small, lending to a more modern-looking design.\n\n\nHow about the screen quality itself? Quite decent. It can get really bright, viewing angles are good, and colours are punchy. For a mid-range smartphone, you\u2019re getting an adequately good display with the Honor 20 Lite.\n\n\n\n\nPowered by a Kirin 710 processor, this phone feels pretty fast and responsive. Said to be equivalent to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset, the Kirin 710 should be able to provide a good level of performance. Gaming on this phone should be quite pleasant too.\n\n\nIn the software side of things, the Honor 20 Lite runs on EMUI 9 based on Android 9 Pie. For the most part, EMUI 9 looks to be a standard version of Android. It\u2019s not remarkably different from the rest (which is a good thing), and besides the absence of an app drawer, I like the fuss-free, lightweight nature of EMUI 9.\n\n\nThen again, this is only my first impression with the software \u2013 there may be some issues here and there that I\u2019m not aware of\u2026yet.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the Honor 20 Lite\u2019s camera performance. On the front, it sports a 32MP f/2.0 selfie shooter. As for the rear camera, it\u2019s a triple camera system made up of a 24MP f/1.8 primary shooter, an 8MP f/2.4 ultra wide camera, and a 2MP f/2.4 sensor for capturing depth information. So how does the triple camera system perform?\n\n\nWell, it\u2019s\u2026adequate. The image output isn\u2019t anything to shout about, and even though the camera interface is quite responsive, the autofocus speed is frustratingly slow. Of course, there\u2019s only so much one can expect out of a mid-range smartphone, but even other similarly priced devices have better camera performance than the Honor 20 Lite.\n\n\n\n\nSet to go on sale in Malaysia on 24 April next week, the Honor 20 Lite will retail at RM949 on our shores. That kind of money gets you 128GB of expandable storage and 4GB of RAM; good value for money right there.\n\n\nHowever, that puts the 20 Lite in the exact same price point as the \nRedmi Note 7\n, which has better build quality, camera performance, and battery life. After all, the Note 7 has a large 4,000mAh battery, while the 20 Lite only comes with a 3,400mAh cell.\n\n\n\n\nTo be fair, I\u2019ve only spent a brief time with the Honor 20 Lite. Perhaps it would prove to be a really good smartphone once I\u2019m able to review it thoroughly. And for RM949, it offers reasonably good value for money too.\n\n\nAnd the back panel looks \nreally\n good.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/foldable-smartphones-do-we-really-want-them/", "title": "Foldable Smartphones \u2013 Do We Really Want Them?", "body": "\n\nSmartphones with foldable displays used to be a pipe dream not too long ago, until the \nRoyole FlexPai\n came into the picture. It\u2019s then followed by other foldable phones from bigger brands like Samsung and Huawei with the Galaxy Fold and \nMate X\n respectively.\n\n\nBut this brings up the question: do we really \nwant\n foldable smartphones? As impressive as these phones are, the technology is still in its infancy. In this article, we\u2019ll explain why foldable smartphones aren\u2019t necessarily worth the hype\u2026yet.\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with something that\u2019s been catching the headlines lately: durability issues. Recently, Samsung started sending out review units of the Galaxy Fold to some media, and most of them have reported issues with the foldable phone.\n\n\nTake The Verge\u2019s unit\n, for example. In normal use, the Galaxy Fold the site received started developing a bulge of some sort, which eventually damaged the phone\u2019s display. It\u2019s quite a worrying issue, considering the fact that The Verge was only using the Fold like any other phone.\n\n\nImage credit: \nThe Verge\nImage credit: \nThe Verge\n\n\nCertain media, on the other hand, tried to peel off what appeared to be a screen protector on top of the Galaxy Fold\u2019s screen. Turns out, it is actually a protective layer, which is a part of the display structure \u201cdesigned to protect the screen from unintended scratches,\u201d as Samsung puts it.\n\n\nSamsung further elaborated that removing the protective layer or \u201cadding adhesives to the main display\u201d of the Galaxy Fold may cause damage. Basically, you can forget about putting on a screen protector on the Fold \u2013 you\u2019ll have to live with the phone as it is.\n\n\n\n\nPSA: There's a layer that appears to be a screen protector on the Galaxy Fold's display. It's NOT a screen protector. Do NOT remove it.\nI got this far peeling it off before the display spazzed and blacked out. Started over with a replacement. \npic.twitter.com/ZhEG2Bqulr\n\u2014 Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) \nApril 17, 2019\n\n\n\n\nDespite these durability issues, Samsung is still going ahead with the 26 April launch date for the Galaxy Fold in the US. The Korean company also added that it will \u201cthoroughly inspect these units (the broken ones) in person to determine the cause\u201d of the screen breaking. Hopefully, retail units of the Galaxy Fold won\u2019t suffer from this issue.\n\n\nNext, let\u2019s talk about practicality. Looking beyond the Galaxy Fold (which is, in itself, is really thick when folded), the Huawei Mate X isn\u2019t particularly practical either. See, unlike the Fold\u2019s design, which has its display fold inwards, the Mate X\u2019s display wraps \naround\n the phone.\n\n\n\n\nWe don\u2019t know yet just how durable the Mate X\u2019s foldable display is, but if the Galaxy Fold\u2019s screen can break even with the inward-style folding, we can\u2019t imagine if the Mate X will fare any better with its outward-facing screen. On top of that, the screen will be subjected to daily wear and tear too, so expect it to collect scratches here and there.\n\n\nAnd then we have the software side of things. Foldable smartphones that have been unveiled so far are basically Android tablets when their displays are folded out. And\u2026well, Android-based tablets aren\u2019t that great in the first place.\n\n\nGranted, the ability to fold out your phone for a bigger display \nis\n a compelling feature. But this goes back to the practicality standpoint: foldable smartphones now aren\u2019t exactly in a compact form factor.\n\n\n\n\nEven if you can overlook these points, the current crop of foldable smartphones are \nexpensive\n. This is the biggest hurdle with phones of this category now, and you\u2019re basically spending a lot of money for unproven technology. Only time will tell if foldable smartphones will be as reliable as traditional ones.\n\n\nAt the end of the day, that is the reality of being an early adopter. New technology will be costly, and while there\u2019s no denying the impressive engineering that went into developing this new category of smartphones, they\u2019re still ultimately a gimmick at this point in time.\n\n\n\n\nThat is not to say foldable smartphones will never reach mainstream appeal. As the tech matures, prices will go down, and if things go well, we will undoubtedly see better implementations of the technology further down the road. Any possible durability issues should be addressed as well.\n\n\nBut until that day comes, it will remain to be a niche product. Yes, a smartphone with a foldable screen is an engineering marvel in the palm of your hand, but it is not something most of us would want right now \u2013 not yet, anyway.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-samsung-galaxy-s10e-just-hit-its-lowest-price-yet/", "title": "Deal: Samsung Galaxy S10e Just Hit Its Lowest Price Yet", "body": "\n\nWe really like the \nSamsung Galaxy S10e\n for its \ncompact form factor\n, and the last time we checked, it was going for \nas low as RM2,399\n. Now, however, it is ever so slightly more affordable: you can currently \ngrab the Galaxy S10e for only RM2,369\n.\n\n\nAs far as we can tell, this is the lowest price the Galaxy S10e \never\n went for, and we check the prices of smartphones quite often, as some of you may have noticed. However, this is only for the Prism Black model; the Prism White and Prism Green models go for \nslightly more at RM2,469\n.\n\n\n\n\nAs the listing detailed, this deal is offering official Malaysian units of the Galaxy S10e. Warranty coverage is provided by Samsung Malaysia itself, so you won\u2019t have to worry about warranty claim if the need ever arises.\n\n\nNot sure if the Samsung Galaxy S10e is for you? Then check out our extensive review of the compact flagship smartphone \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-sony-wh-1000xm3-wireless-headphones-hit-new-low-price/", "title": "Deal: Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless Headphones Hit New Low Price", "body": "\n\nRemember the last deal we wrote on the Sony WH-1000XM3 wireless headphones? This pair of headphones with active noise cancellation were going \nfor only RM1,089\n then, but now, you can get it for \nas low as RM1,052.50\n.\n\n\nThat\u2019s an odd-looking price tag, but rest assured, this is a legitimate offer. After all, plenty of users have bought the headphones from this particular retailer on Shopee. Both colour options of the WH-1000XM3 \u2013 Black and Silver \u2013 are offered too at the same price.\n\n\n\n\nAlthough there were a couple of times where the WH-1000XM3 went below the RM1,000 mark, those deals were limited time offers. This one, however, seems to be readily available for purchase, but there is always a chance the retailer will change the price tag.\n\n\nNonetheless, if you\u2019re keen to get the Sony WH-1000XM3 \nfor only RM1,052.50\n, you may want to act fast. Of course, it also comes with one-year warranty from Sony Malaysia itself.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-9-review-more-than-just-value-for-money/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi 9 Review: More Than Just Value for Money", "body": "\n\nXiaomi\u2019s range of flagship smartphones are always known for their excellent value for money, but unfortunately enough, that\u2019s the only reason consumers would go for a Xiaomi-branded flagship. Other aspects of the company\u2019s high-end phones simply weren\u2019t up to snuff when compared to their competition.\n\n\nWell, the Xiaomi Mi 9 aims to change. Not only does it still retain the phone maker\u2019s competitive pricing, it \nfinally \nfeels like a good enough flagship smartphone. It definitely has what it takes to go against the best in the segment.\n\n\nSpecifications\n\n\nDisplay\n6.39-inch FHD+ AMOLED (2340 x 1080)\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 855 2.84GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 640\nRAM\n6GB\nStorage\n64/128GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n48MP f/1.75\n12MP f/2.2 (telephoto)\n16MP f/2.2 (ultra wide)\nCamera (front)\n20MP f/2.0\nBattery\n3,300mAh\nDimensions\n157.5 x 74.67 x 7.61 mm\nWeight\n173g\nOS\nMIUI 10.2 based on Android 9 Pie\nConnectivity\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)\nUSB Type-C\n\n\nPowered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset, the Mi 9 is as fast as it gets for a 2019 flagship smartphone. It also has reasonably good storage and RAM capacities at up to 128GB and 6GB respectively. Unfortunately, however, there\u2019s no support for expandable storage.\n\n\nWhat else is missing? Well, there\u2019s the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack, as well as any form of water and dust resistance. The rather average 3,300mAh battery also raises some concern, but surprisingly enough, it can actually return very good battery life.\n\n\nDesign\n\n\nDepending on which colour you get, the Mi 9 can look really minimalist or eye-catching; the Piano Black model I have for this review fits the former. If you want something more striking, the Lavendar Violet and Ocean Blue models have iridescent effects on the back.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the Mi 9 feels great in the hands, thanks to the metal frame and glass back. It looks and feels premium, just like a flagship smartphone should be. However, I do find the back panel a tad too slippery. Thankfully, a casing is bundled together with the phone.\n\n\nOn the front, you have a \u201cDot Drop\u201d notch at the top of the Mi 9\u2019s display. I would\u2019ve preferred for there to be no notch at all, but I didn\u2019t find it all that intrusive throughout my time with the phone. I also like the small bottom bezel of the phone: it gives the device a more modern-looking design.\n\n\nWhile I don\u2019t mind the Mi 9\u2019s notched display, the presence of the notch \ndoes\n negatively affect the user experience of the phone. More specifically, the software experience, which I\u2019ll get to in a bit.\n\n\n\n\nOverall, the Mi 9 is a great-looking phone that feels equally good to hold. I also love the iridescent look of the Lavendar Violet and Ocean Blue colourways, but if you want something more traditional, there\u2019s the Piano Black model here.\n\n\nUser Experience\n\n\nMIUI 10 on the Mi 9 is largely similar to the software experience of previous Xiaomi devices I\u2019ve reviewed, including the \nRedmi Note 7\n and \nMi Mix 3\n. It\u2019s a functional, lightweight version of Android, and I didn\u2019t run into any serious bug throughout the review period.\n\n\nBut remember the software issue I had with the notch? Yeap, just like how it was with the Redmi Note 7, notification icons are not shown on the status bar \ndespite\n the fact that there are plenty of empty space. It doesn\u2019t matter if the notch is small; MIUI 10 will still treat it like a conventional, wide notch.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, notifications can only be dismissed with a right swipe, and I cannot interact with notifications on the lock screen. Small, niggling issues that have plagued MIUI 10 for the longest time. It\u2019s also worth noting that recording videos on Instagram Stories haven\u2019t been a very pleasant experience either: all the videos I took with the app stutter quite badly.\n\n\nThat being said, there are some software features that I really like with MIUI 10. I love that the always on display shows the different positions of the sun throughout the day \u2013 even though some apps are not shown there \u2013 the AI button on the left side of the phone is customisable, and I really appreciate the dynamic wallpaper that changes according to the time of day. These are small, but very nice touches.\n\n\n\n\nAnother thing that I really like is the Mi 9\u2019s in-screen fingerprint sensor, which works incredibly well. This is by far one of the best in-screen sensors I\u2019ve ever used, even in comparison to the \nSamsung Galaxy S10+\n\u2018s more sophisticated ultrasonic sensor. It is fast, accurate, and consistent.\n\n\nPerformance, as expected, is excellent with the Mi 9. The Snapdragon 855 is a blazing fast chipset, and it does not skip a single beat. I can multitask seamlessly, the phone feels very quick, and gaming on this phone is extremely enjoyable.\n\n\n\n\nSporting a 6.39-inch 1080p AMOLED display, the Mi 9 has a good screen too. AMOLED panels are known for their punchy colours with deep blacks, and these qualities are all present on the Mi 9. Naturally, viewing angles and brightness level are great as well.\n\n\nEven though the Mi 9 only comes with a 3,300mAh battery, it has surprisingly good battery life. On average, I can get about five hours of screen on time. On a good day, it can even go up to six hours. Needless to say, this is very good battery life.\n\n\nCharging rate of the Mi 9 isn\u2019t all that bad either. Within 30 minutes of charging, the phone got up to 57% from completely empty. Reasonably good charging rate.\n\n\n\n\nAlthough the software experience of MIUI 10 isn\u2019t particularly great, I had a lot of fun using the Mi 9 as my daily driver for the past few weeks. Now, let\u2019s get to one of the phone\u2019s best qualities: camera.\n\n\nCamera\n\n\nFeaturing a 20MP selfie camera on the front and a triple camera system (48MP + 12M telephoto + 16MP ultra wide) on the back, the Mi 9 has \nexcellent \ncamera performance. You have a choice to take pictures in 48MP with the camera, but by default, the phone shoots in 12MP with pixel binning.\n\n\n\n\nUsing pixel binning improves the camera performance of the Mi 9 quite a bit, so I left it at its default setting throughout the review period. After all, it\u2019s not exactly practical to shoot in 48MP \u2013 there\u2019s only so much space this phone has.\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s get back to the camera performance. Even though there\u2019s noticeable shutter lag in between shots, the camera does not feel sluggish. More importantly, the image output is excellent in all lighting conditions.\n\n\n16MP ultra wide-angle\n48MP primary\n12MP telephoto\n\n\nThat being said, the disparity in image quality between the three sensors is worth pointing out; just look at the difference above. Most folks probably won\u2019t mind it anyway, and the flexibility the different lenses offer may outweigh this disadvantage.\n\n\nThere is also one other feature I have to talk about: the camera\u2019s night mode. Depending on the shooting condition, you can either get a really impressive shot, or\u2026one that looks quite artificial. Nonetheless, it\u2019s certainly a nice feature to have, and it\u2019s quite fun to experiment with.\n\n\nNormal shot\nNight mode enabled\nNormal shot\nNight mode enabled\n\n\nXiaomi devices from a couple of years ago weren\u2019t exactly fun to photograph with, but more recent devices from the phone maker really changed this. However, does the Mi 9 have class leading camera performance? Not exactly. Samsung and Huawei still hold on to that title, and the Mi 9 isn\u2019t quite \nthere \nyet, despite its impressive camera system.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nRetailing at only RM1,699 and RM1,999 for the 64GB and 128GB models respectively, the Mi 9 is priced extremely well. At these price points, no other device can offer the same bang for your buck, but there are certainly noteworthy alternatives to the phone.\n\n\nSamsung Galaxy S10e\n\n\nEven though the \nSamsung Galaxy S10e\n costs considerably more at RM2,699, it is still the most affordable device in the S10 series. For that kind of money, the Galaxy S10e offers a more impressive \u2013 though smaller \u2013 Dynamic AMOLED display, water resistance, support for expandable storage, and better overall camera performance.\n\n\n\n\nOpting for the Mi 9, however, will get you a telephoto sensor, which is not available on the Galaxy S10e. On top of that, the 128GB model (the same storage capacity as the S10e) of the Mi 9 only costs RM1,999. Of course, you will get more features with the S10e, but you\u2019ll have to ask yourself if it\u2019s worth paying RM700 more.\n\n\nBlack Shark 2\n\n\nIf you absolutely want a Snapdragon 855 smartphone, the \nBlack Shark 2\n is your only other option in Malaysia. Besides having the same SoC as the Mi 9, the Black Shark 2 also has a bigger 4,000mAh battery, a cleaner version of Android, a notch-less display, and a more sophisticated vibration system.\n\n\n\n\nThen again, you would have to pay RM2,499 for the 128GB variant of the Black Shark 2. The Mi 9, on the other hand, costs RM500 less, and you will get a more minimalist, subdued-looking phone, as well as superior camera performance.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nNo other phone in the market right now can rival the Xiaomi Mi 9\u2019s \nsheer \nvalue for money. Until we see more 2019 flagship smartphones hit the market, this phone will be the default choice for those who want the absolute best smartphone for the least amount of money.\n\n\nYes, MIUI 10 still has room for improvement, but it\u2019s not like the software suffers from any serious fault. Plus, other aspects of the phone more than make up for this, especially the camera system.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi 9 is a testament to Xiaomi\u2019s immense growth over the past couple of years. It is a refined, premium flagship smartphone that isn\u2019t \njust \ncompetitively priced anymore. The Mi 9 is a high-end offering through and through, and I reckon most owners will be very happy with this smartphone.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-this-rtx-2060-gaming-laptop-is-going-for-less-than-rm4500-now/", "title": "Deal: This RTX 2060 Gaming Laptop Is Going for Less Than RM4,500 Now", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re shopping for a brand new gaming laptop, and you want the most performance for your money, Nvidia RTX 2060 gaming laptops fit the bill just right, \nespecially \nthis one right here. Now, you can grab the MSI GL63 8SE \nfor less than RM4,500\n.\n\n\nOriginally retailing at RM5,399, retailer Thunder Match is offering this gaming laptop \nfor only RM4,508\n. On top of that, you can use the discount code TMTAPR50 to get additional RM50 off, reducing the price to just RM4,458. Do note that this code will expire by the end of April 2019.\n\n\n\n\nConsidering the kind of performance you can get out of the GL63\u2019s RTX 2060 GPU, you\u2019re getting a reasonably powerful gaming laptop for the money. To learn more about this gaming laptop, check out our hands-on \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/theres-never-been-a-better-time-to-buy-a-gaming-laptop/", "title": "There\u2019s Never Been a Better Time to Buy a Gaming Laptop", "body": "\n\nGaming laptops have gotten more powerful over the years, and thankfully, prices of these portable gaming machines have gone down quite a bit too. And with the recent release of the mobile versions of the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti and GTX 1650 GPUs, you can expect budget-friendly gaming laptops to be even more powerful now.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re in the market for a new gaming laptop, it\u2019s the perfect time to purchase one now, especially if you want the most performance for your money. Let\u2019s take a look at what the mobile GTX 1660 Ti and GTX 1650 offer, shall we?\n\n\n\n\nOut of the two new mobile GPUs, the GTX 1660 Ti is naturally the more powerful one. In fact, compared to the mobile RTX 2060 GPU, the GTX 1660 Ti is only slightly slower. \nNotebookcheck\n, for one, went as far as to say that the GTX 1660 Ti is essentially \non par\n with the RTX 2060. At least, when it concerns the mobile versions of both cards.\n\n\nBasically, if you don\u2019t care for RTX-exclusive features like ray tracing and Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), the GTX 1660 Ti is a mighty good option. You will get almost the same level of performance for less money; in theory, at least. Plus, the cost difference will ultimately depend on the pricing strategy of different brands.\n\n\n\n\nTake MSI, for example, which is already offering a couple of GTX 1660 Ti gaming laptops in Malaysia. According to \nTech Hypermart\u2019s listing\n, the MSI GL63 8SD officially retails at RM6,099, though the retailer is discounting the price to only RM5,799.\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the gaming laptop comes with a GTX 1660 Ti GPU, an Intel Core i7-8750H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, a 15.6-inch 1080p display, 512GB of fast PCIe NVMe SSD storage, as well as a 1TB 7200rpm HDD.\n\n\nBut compared to the \nRTX 2060 variant\n of the very same laptop, you only have to pay RM5,899 \u2013 that\u2019s only RM100 price difference. Granted, the GTX 1660 Ti model does come with double the amount of RAM and SSD storage, which explains the small price difference.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s get back to the topic at hand with the GTX 1650. Compared to the GTX 1660 Ti, this mobile GPU is far less powerful. To put its performance into context, the GTX 1650 is only 1.7x faster than the GTX 1050. This comes as no surprise: Nvidia is touting it as a successor to the GTX 1050.\n\n\nWhile the GTX 1650\u2019s performance may not be quite as impressive as the GTX 1660 Ti, it \nis\n quite a capable GPU still. Nvidia claims that the GTX 1650 is able to push over 60fps in popular games such as Apex Legends, Fortnite, as well as PUBG at high settings and 1080p resolution.\n\n\nRight now, there are a couple of brands that are offering GTX 1650 gaming laptops in Malaysia; Acer is one of them. The company\u2019s new \nAcer Nitro 5\n is packing a GTX 1650 GPU, a Core i5-9300H processor paired with 4GB of RAM, 256GB of SSD storage, and a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display. How much does this gaming laptop cost? Only RM3,499 (or RM3,449 from Tech Hypermart). That\u2019s good value for money.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, there are also Max-Q variants of the GTX 1660 Ti and GTX 1650, so it \ncan\n be quite confusing to shop for gaming laptops with either one of these two cards. Max-Q cards, while more power-efficient, are also less powerful than the standard models. You really have to pay close attention to which variant you\u2019re getting to avoid disappointment.\n\n\nNonetheless, the introduction of the GTX 1660 Ti and GTX 1650 mobile GPUs are good news for those who are looking to get a budget-friendly gaming laptop that is still powerful enough. The GTX 1650 is ideal for those who want a good, entry-level gaming machine, while the GTX 1660 Ti is made for gamers who want something more powerful without breaking the bank.\n\n\n\n\nAll that\u2019s left now is for gaming laptops with these new mobile GPUs to arrive in Malaysia, especially ones powered by the GTX 1660 Ti. We reckon gaming laptops with this GPU will offer one of the best \u2013 if not \nthe best\n \u2013 performance-to-price ratio for the near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopee-launches-raya-campaign-new-automall-section-with-attractive-deals/", "title": "Shopee Launches Raya Campaign & New AutoMall Section with Attractive Deals", "body": "\n\nShopee just launched its Raya campaign, and the e-commerce platform is offering quite a number of interesting deals. On top of that, the platform also unveiled a brand new section exclusively for vehicles, which include both cars and motorbikes.\n\n\nAnd get this: you can even purchase properties from S P Setia on Shopee now. Naturally, there are attractive incentives if you buy these properties from Shopee. Let\u2019s break down everything Shopee announced recently.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the most interesting announcements today has to be \nthe new AutoMall section\n. As its name suggests, you can purchase a range of vehicles on AutoMall. These include cars from Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Ford, and BMW.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re into motorbikes instead, YesRide is offering various bikes on AutoMall. It has Yamaha, Kawasaki, KTM, and many other motorbike brands.\n\n\nSo why should you purchase vehicle\u2019s from Shopee AutoMall? Well, for one, the booking fee can be as low as RM1, though this is up to each individual retailer to decide. For example, the booking fee for a \nHonda City\n costs only RM9, while you need to pay RM200 to book a \nToyota Yaris\n.\n\n\n\n\nBut the most attractive deal is definitely the promised interest rate and discount if you purchase vehicles on AutoMall. According to Shopee, you can get interest rates from as low as 1.8% per annum, as well as discounts up to 29%. Sounds good, doesn\u2019t it?\n\n\nIn order to purchase vehicles on AutoMall, you\u2019ll have to first \u201cbuy\u201d your desired vehicle on Shopee (which serves as the booking fee), enable push notifications, fill in a form, and a dealer will contact you to confirm appointment. From there, you\u2019ll have to complete your purchase and paperwork at the dealership.\n\n\nFor motorbikes, the steps are a little different. Once you\u2019ve purchased a bike on Shopee, the seller with contact you for JPJ registration; the motorbike will then be delivered to you once it\u2019s ready. Of course, there is also an option to select 0% instalment plan.\n\n\n\n\nBesides AutoMall, Shopee also talked about S P Setia\u2019s \nfirst digital store\n on its platform. Currently, there are several properties from the developer on Shopee, which are located in Selangor, Penang, and even Johor. You\u2019ll have to pay RM688 booking fee for either of these properties, and once you\u2019ve done that, the developer\u2019s sales assistant will contact you within three working days to proceed with the purchase.\n\n\nRight now, the first eight buyers to (successfully) purchase an S P Setia property on Shopee will get several incentives. You can get up to 25% off on \u201cselected prime locations,\u201d Shopee vouchers worth RM3,888, and a free home kit worth RM5,000, which include electrical and home appliances.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re not looking to get a new property or vehicle, Shopee\u2019s Raya campaign has a number of good deals too. Not only are there different promotions every day until 6 June, you also get free shipping with lowered minimum spend of RM20 with DHL (until 24 May) and J&T Express (until 9 May).\n\n\nBesides that, Maybank Visa Signature Card users can also get 10% Shopee Coin cashback for the whole duration of the Raya campaign. If you don\u2019t have that card, worry not: Visa card holders can get RM15 off with a minimum spend of RM150 on selected days.\n\n\n\n\nWith the launch of the AutoMall section and properties (albeit only limited to S P Setia now), Shopee is really becoming one of the most complete e-commerce platforms now. Granted, Lazada had a short collaboration with Volkswagen last year, but that was a one-off thing \u2013 AutoMall is a permanent fixture on Shopee.\n\n\nNonetheless, if you\u2019re planning to do any Raya shopping, Shopee got you covered with deals until 6 June 2019.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-f11-pro-avengers-limited-edition-now-in-malaysia-for-rm1399/", "title": "Oppo F11 Pro Avengers Limited Edition Now in Malaysia for RM1,399", "body": "\n\nIn conjunction with the release of Avengers: Endgame, Oppo introduced the F11 Pro Avengers Limited Edition. As its name suggests, it\u2019s a limited edition device with Avengers styling here and there, and it looks pretty darn good.\n\n\nThe best part is, it doesn\u2019t cost all that much either in comparison to the standard F11 Pro. But is it worth your hard-earned money? I spent a brief time with the Avengers-themed device to find out.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat you get in the box with the F11 Pro Avengers is a pretty sleek casing that is inspired by Captain America. The casing is nice to the touch, and there\u2019s even Captain America\u2019s shield on the back. It\u2019s not just there for looks either: it doubles as a ring holder.\n\n\nPersonally, I\u2019m not a huge fan of smartphone ring holders, but I wouldn\u2019t mind using this particular casing. When you don\u2019t need the ring, you can just pop it back into the case. Aside from that, the casing is also quick thick, so it should be able to protect the phone quite a bit.\n\n\nAnother thing that is bundled with the phone is a \u201cCollection Certificate\u201d to show that this special edition F11 Pro is a legitimate Avengers product. It\u2019s a nice little token to keep, and I like the heft and design of the badge.\n\n\n\n\nComing back to the phone itself, the back panel has a sleek, gradient-like finish with hexagonal patterns. Oppo calls the colour Space Blue, and of course, there\u2019s also the Avengers logo on the back of the phone in striking red. Overall, I really dig the rear panel\u2019s design \u2013 it gives the phone a unique aesthetic.\n\n\nBesides the rear panel\u2019s design, what differentiates the F11 Pro Avengers edition from the standard model is the storage capacity. Instead of the regular variant\u2019s 64GB of storage, the Avengers edition comes with double the amount of storage at 128GB. RAM capacity, on the other hand, is still 6GB.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, other specifications of the Avengers F11 Pro are identical to the standard model. It still has a MediaTek Helio P70 chipset, a 6.5-inch 1080p IPS display, 48MP + 5MP dual camera system on the back, and a 16MP motorised selfie camera.\n\n\nDespite its plastic construction, I\u2019m really surprised with the build quality of the F11 Pro Avengers edition. It doesn\u2019t feel plasticky at all, and I\u2019m quite sure it can take a beating or two. It\u2019s rather impressive how a plastic phone can have such solid build quality.\n\n\nAnd then we have the phone\u2019s 6.5-inch 1080p IPS display, which is reasonably good. Not only is this a notch-less screen with no cutout to affect your viewing experience, it has bright, vibrant colours too.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, I\u2019m perfectly fine with the display\u2019s 1080p resolution. See, the F11 Pro has a generous 4,000mAh battery. Combined with the 1080p screen, you can expect really good battery life out of this phone. It should have little to no difficulty returning at least a day\u2019s worth of battery life.\n\n\nAs mentioned, powering this phone is a MediaTek Helio P70 chipset. Generally, MediaTek chipsets are seen as\u2026well, \u201cinferior\u201d to processors from other brands, but that is not the case with the Helio P70. It can offer a similar level of performance as Qualcomm\u2019s Snapdragon 660 SoC, and that\u2019s really good enough for a mid-range smartphone like the F11 Pro.\n\n\nIn my brief time with the phone, I didn\u2019t notice any serious stutter or lag. In fact, it actually feels quite responsive. Chances are, this device should be more than adequate to run most mobile games well too.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to camera performance, the F11 Pro Avengers edition is quite capable. The 48MP + 5MP dual camera system can capture good-looking shots, and the camera does not feel sluggish. However, I didn\u2019t manage to try out the camera\u2019s low light performance. Most phones \u2013 especially mid-rangers \u2013 struggle in situations with less than ideal lighting. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how the F11 Pro would fare in this regard.\n\n\nAs for the 16MP motorised selfie camera, I like it. The camera module moves up and down relatively quickly, and it can take flattering selfies too. Of course, as is the case with all moving parts, there is always a chance the camera mechanism could fail, but Oppo claims that it can be activated over 100 times every day for up to six years.\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo F11 Pro Avengers Limited Edition is a sleek and stylish smartphone with a unique design. And retailing at RM1,399, it only costs RM100 more than the standard model. You\u2019re also getting double the amount of storage at 128GB.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re a fan of Avengers, or you\u2019re looking to get the F11 Pro anyway, it\u2019s really quite a good buy. Yes, you can get \nfaster, higher-end phones\n in the same price range, but this \nis\n a limited edition device. Not many phones have a notch-less display like the F11 Pro either.\n\n\nHowever, those who want to get their hands on this Avengers-themed F11 Pro should act fast: there are only 2,000 units of the phone in Malaysia. Pre-orders for the device is currently ongoing, and it will end on 3 May 2019.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-predator-triton-500-review-striking-the-right-balance/", "title": "Acer Predator Triton 500 Review: Striking the Right Balance", "body": "\n\nThe Acer Predator Triton 500 is the Taiwanese company\u2019s latest thin and light gaming laptop, and I\u2019ve been using it as my daily driver for a few weeks now. Not only is it a really impressive gaming machine, the Triton 500 works surprisingly well as a productivity laptop too.\n\n\nEven though it\u2019s not exactly an affordable gaming laptop, the Triton 500 strikes a good balance between price and performance. This is especially the case with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 model I am reviewing here.\n\n\nSpecifications\n\n\nDisplay\n15.6-inch 144Hz FHD IPS (1920 x 1080)\nProcessor\nIntel Core i5-8300H (2.3GHz with Turbo Boost up to 4GHz, 8MB cache)\nGPU\nNvidia GeForce RTX 2060 6GB GDDR6 VRAM\nRAM\n16GB 2667MHz DDR4\nStorage\n256GB + 256GB PCIe NVME SSD (Raid 0)\nCamera\nHD resolution\nBattery\n82WHr\nDimensions\n358.5 x 255 x 17.9 mm\nWeight\n2.1kg\nAudio\nBottom-firing stereo speakers\nPorts\n1x USB Type-C (Thunderbolt 3)\n3x USB 3.0 Type-A\n1x RJ45\n1x HDMI\n1x Mini DisplayPort\n\n\nDesign\n\n\nAs far as gaming laptops go, the Triton 500 has an understated, minimalist design. It doesn\u2019t have any aggressive styling commonly found in other gaming laptops, and the only indicator that this is a gaming machine is the illuminated Predator logo on the lid.\n\n\nPersonally, I really like the Triton 500\u2019s design language. It wouldn\u2019t look too out of place in an office environment, and it\u2019s a breath of fresh air to see a gaming laptop that doesn\u2019t scream \u201cgaming\u201d when you look at it.\n\n\n\n\nAnother strong suit of the Triton 500 is its solid build quality. It feels incredibly robust, the metal chassis feels good to the touch, and it doesn\u2019t creak with applied pressure. The Triton series has always been touted as one of Acer\u2019s more premium offerings, and the build quality of this laptop really shows that.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the Triton 500\u2019s highlight feature: its thin and light nature. Weighing only 2.1kg and measuring 1.79mm thin, it\u2019s one gaming laptop I wouldn\u2019t mind lugging around. In fact, I would happily bring it around in my backpack while I\u2019m out and about covering media events.\n\n\nOf course, you\u2019ll still feel the weight of the laptop, but this \nis\n a powerful gaming machine in a relatively compact form factor.\n\n\n\n\nLike most modern gaming laptops now, the Triton 500 has very small screen bezels. Even though there\u2019s still a chin at the bottom of the display, it still looks very sleek. Plus, the small bezels also reduce the overall footprint of the laptop, making it that much more portable.\n\n\nIn terms of connectivity options, the Triton 500 has plenty of them. It has three full-size USB-A ports, one USB-C connection with support for Thunderbolt 3, an HDMI input, a mini DisplayPort, as well as an RJ45 connection.\n\n\n\n\nOverall, the Triton 500 is a well-designed, lightweight gaming laptop. I love its understated design, small screen bezels, and of course, thin chassis. Now, let\u2019s get to the actual experience of using the laptop \u2013 it has a couple of surprises in store.\n\n\nUser Experience\n\n\nNow, gaming laptops usually have disastrous battery life, but that\u2019s not the case with the Triton 500. With the power plan set to power saver and the display dimmed to a comfortable level, I managed to get about six hours of battery life with this laptop consistently. This is not exactly groundbreaking battery life, but it\u2019s certainly much better than most gaming laptops.\n\n\nI mentioned how the Triton 500\u2019s keyboard could use with more key travel \nin my hands-on\n, but after using it for a few weeks exclusively as my daily driver, it doesn\u2019t bother me as much as I initially thought.\n\n\n\n\nThe keyboard has just enough travel to provide a comfortable typing experience, and I really like the tactility of the keys. I wouldn\u2019t mind doing a lot of typing with the Triton 500, and gaming with this keyboard is an equally pleasant experience too.\n\n\nHowever, I do have one issue with the keyboard\u2019s layout: the key to activate the PredatorSense software is located right beside the backspace key. I hit that key by accident so many times I honestly lost count. It\u2019s quite annoying to have the software pop out every time I\u2019m working on an article.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, let\u2019s move on to the Triton 500\u2019s excellent trackpad. As it uses Windows Precision drivers, the trackpad is very accurate. So much so, in fact, that I didn\u2019t even bother plugging in a mouse when I\u2019m using the laptop to do anything besides gaming. The accuracy of the trackpad really surprised me quite a bit.\n\n\nSporting a fast 144Hz 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display, the Triton 500 has a fantastic screen too. Thanks to the high refresh rate, everything looks incredibly fluid on this display. Whether I\u2019m gaming or working on this laptop, the 144Hz display makes a huge difference compared to a conventional 60Hz panel.\n\n\nAs for the display quality itself, I have no complains at all. It can get really bright, viewing angles are great, and the panel itself is quite colour accurate as well.\n\n\n\n\nWhile the Triton 500\u2019s display is impressive, its audio quality isn\u2019t quite as remarkable. Even at maximum volume, the bottom-firing stereo speakers aren\u2019t quite loud enough. That being said, the stereo separation is really good: I can clearly differentiate between the left and right channels.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the system noise of the Triton 500 is reasonably good too. In heated gaming sessions, the laptop does make itself heard, but it\u2019s not \nall that\n unpleasant. With headphones on, I can barely hear the fans spinning up.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to thermals, the Triton 500 does a respectable job for a thin gaming laptop. Under prolonged gaming sessions, the GPU went up to 75\u00b0C, while the CPU got up to 91\u00b0C. The CPU temperature certainly isn\u2019t ideal, but it\u2019s not in critical territory either. Nonetheless, no matter how hot the laptop got, the palm rest area stayed cool.\n\n\nAll in all, I thoroughly enjoyed using the Triton 500 as a gaming laptop and my daily driver. It has very good battery life for a gaming laptop, and I can\u2019t get enough of that fantastic display. Its input devices are above average too.\n\n\nPerformance\n\n\nPowered by an Intel Core i5-8300H processor paired with 16GB of RAM and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 GPU, the Triton 500 is a very capable gaming machine. Without a doubt it is powerful enough to serve as a productivity-focused laptop, and it can run most \u2013 if not all \u2013 modern games with good frame rates as well.\n\n\n\n\nI tested a number of games with the Triton 500, and even at maxed out graphics settings, the games ran very well. See for yourself with the table below.\n\n\nGames (Maxed Out Settings @ 1080p)\nAverage FPS\nWitcher 3 (HairWorks disabled)\n57.39\nApex Legends\n89.49\nPlayerUnknown\u2019s Battlegrounds\n70.82\nSekiro: Shadows Die Twice\n59.68\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that both Sekiro and Witcher 3 are locked at 60fps, which is why the average frame rates on these two games are not quite as high as the others. Considering the fact that all these games were running at maxed out graphics settings, these are very good numbers.\n\n\nSure, the RTX 2060 can\u2019t quite make full use of the Triton 500\u2019s fast 144Hz display, but these are very playable frame rates. Rest assured, you are getting very good performance level with the Core i5 CPU and RTX 2060 GPU, especially if you take into account the price to performance ratio.\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nThere are three different variants of the Triton 500 in Malaysia, and the one right here is the most affordable one, which retails at RM6,799. Recently, however, Acer refreshed the Triton 500 with Intel\u2019s 9th generation processors.\n\n\nInstead of this review unit\u2019s Core-i5-8300H processor, the newer model ships with a slightly faster Core i5-9300H chip. That being said, the updated Triton 500 also costs more at RM6,999. Nonetheless, at this price point, this gaming laptop has a number of noteworthy competition.\n\n\nMSI GS65 Stealth\n\n\nMuch like the Triton 500, the MSI GS65 Stealth is a thin and light gaming laptop. In fact, it is ever so slightly smaller than the Triton 500, and it also measures only 17.9mm thin. To top it off, it is also a tad lighter, tipping the scales at 1.9kg.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the GS65 Stealth are very impressive too, which include a higher-end Core i7-9750H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, an RTX 2060 GPU, a whopping 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD, as well as an even faster 240Hz 15.6-inch 1080p display.\n\n\nBut all of that power comes at a very dear price: the GS65 Stealth costs RM9,999. That\u2019s RM3,200 more than the Triton 500, and the latter still offers an equally thin and light chassis with only slightly less power and half the SSD storage \u2013 512GB of space is still plenty.\n\n\nAsus ROG Strix Hero II\n\n\nIf you can live with a slightly thicker and heavier gaming laptop, the Asus ROG Strix Hero II is a good alternative to the Triton 500. Although it measures 26.1mm thick and weighs 2.4kg, it still has a sleek-looking design with small screen bezels.\n\n\n\n\nPlus, the Strix Hero II also comes with a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display with 144Hz refresh rate, a faster Core i7-8750H processor (albeit only paired with 8GB of RAM), an RTX 2060 GPU, and a 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD. How much does it cost? RM6,499. That\u2019s right, it\u2019s slightly more affordable than Acer\u2019s offering.\n\n\nOpting for the Triton 500, however, will get you a sleeker gaming machine. Its Core i5-8300H processor isn\u2019t quite as powerful, but you\u2019re getting 16GB of RAM in exchange, as well as a lighter, thinner, and more compact gaming laptop.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nThe Acer Predator Triton 500 is a fantastic thin and light premium gaming laptop that strikes a very good balance between price and performance. Yes, the RM6,799 price tag doesn\u2019t make it a particularly affordable gaming laptop, but considering its feature set, you\u2019re getting a lot of value for your money here.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want a powerful gaming laptop that you can carry around easily, the Triton 500 is a very attractive option. On top of that, it can even serve as a very good productivity laptop with its remarkably good input devices and battery life \u2013 not many gaming laptops can offer what the Triton 500 does.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-grab-the-iphone-xr-with-rm450-discount-now/", "title": "Deal: Grab the iPhone XR with RM450 Discount Now", "body": "\n\nAs far as latest generation iPhones are concerned, the iPhone XR is the most affordable device in the lineup now. Well, you can get it at an even lower price point today: the iPhone XR with 64GB of storage can be yours \nfor only RM3,149\n.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by well-known retailer Thunder Match on its Lazada store. Originally priced at RM3,599, the 64GB iPhone XR is offered by Thunder Match for RM3,199 now. If you use the code TMTAPR50 (only valid until 30 April), you can \nfurther reduce the price to RM3,149\n.\n\n\nIn total, this deal saves you a total of RM450. Pretty good discount for a brand new iPhone XR.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, only the iPhone XR in Blue is offered in this deal. On top of that, two units are left at the time of writing. If you want to get this deal, it\u2019s probably a good idea to act quickly.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-save-rm600-on-a-brand-new-samsung-galaxy-s10/", "title": "Deal: Save RM600 on a Brand New Samsung Galaxy S10+", "body": "\n\nThe \nSamsung Galaxy S10+\n is an impressive flagship smartphone, but it\u2019s not exactly an affordable device. However, it\u2019s been a while since it was introduced, and you can now \nsave over RM600\n on a brand new unit of the flagship smartphone.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Preferred Shopee retailer TOS Wholesales. Originally retailing at RM3,699, TOS is listing the 128GB Galaxy S10+ \nfor only RM3,099\n. That\u2019s quite a sizeable discount.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, only the Prism White and Prism Black models are offered by the retailer; no Prism Green model is available here. Nonetheless, warranty is provided by Samsung Malaysia itself.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re not sure the Samsung Galaxy S10+ is for you, then check out our comprehensive review of the phone \nright here\n. It should help you make up your mind.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-travelmate-p614-with-20-hours-battery-life-lands-in-malaysia-q3-2019-for-rm5699/", "title": "Acer TravelMate P614 with 20 Hours Battery Life Lands in Malaysia Q3 2019 for RM5,699", "body": "\n\nAcer launched a number of business-centric products today, and one of them is the Acer TravelMate P614. It\u2019s a premium, productivity-focused laptop, and not surprisingly, it demands an equally premium price tag too.\n\n\nThat being said, the TravelMate P6 promises up to \n20 hours of battery life\n. If the laptop can really deliver anywhere close to this quoted battery life, that would make it an incredibly attractive productivity laptop. Let\u2019s see what it has to offer.\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt one of the highlight features of the TravelMate P6 is its promised battery life of up to 20 hours. That\u2019s a very lofty estimate, and it will be very interesting to see if the laptop can last that long. Besides that, the TravelMate P6 can charge up to 100% within two hours of charging. If you\u2019re in a rush, you only need 45 minutes to charge it up to 50%.\n\n\nAnother impressive feature of the TravelMate P6 is its lightweight nature. Tipping the scales at only 1.1kg, this is a very light 14-inch laptop. On top of that, it\u2019s relatively thin too, measuring 16.6mm thin. Portability is important for productivity-focused laptops, and in this regard, the P6 fares very well.\n\n\n\n\nSo how is the TravelMate P6 so light? Acer achieved this through the use of magnesium alloy, which is both lightweight and durable. After all, this laptop is MIL-STD 810G certified; it can withstand drops from 122cm and 60kg of pressure. Needless to say, this is one durable laptop.\n\n\nThis durability really shows in the TravelMate P6\u2019s build quality. Despite its lightweight chassis, the laptop feels really solid. It doesn\u2019t creak with applied pressure, it feels premium, and there\u2019s no extreme flexing either.\n\n\nBut in terms of aesthetics, the TravelMate P6 does not look all that premium. This comes down to the thick bezels surrounding the 14-inch display. Yes, the bezels are not \nthat\n thick, but it definitely pales in comparison to the slim bezels of, say, the \nAsus ZenBook 13\n.\n\n\n\n\nLooks aside, I love the security-centric features of the TravelMate P6. The laptop\u2019s webcam, for one, can be completely hidden behind a physical cover. Acer isn\u2019t the first brand to come up with this, of course, but it\u2019s certainly a very nifty feature.\n\n\nIn terms of biometric security, the webcam comes with Windows Hello support, which allows you to log into the laptop by just looking at the webcam. If this isn\u2019t convenient enough for you (especially if you prefer to disable the webcam completely), you can always use the fingerprint sensor that\u2019s built into the power button itself.\n\n\n\n\nSporting a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS touch display, the TravelMate P6 has a decent-looking screen. While I do wish the maximum brightness could be better, it\u2019s still a reasonably good display with great viewing angles and punchy colours. For its intended use (productivity tasks), this display would do just fine.\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s talk about two of the most important hardware for a productivity laptop: the trackpad and keyboard. The TravelMate P6\u2019s trackpad, for one, is protected by Corning\u2019s Gorilla Glass NBT. My fingers can glide effortlessly on the smooth surface of the trackpad, and it\u2019s pretty darn accurate too, thanks to the use of Windows Precision drivers.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, the TravelMate P6\u2019s keyboard isn\u2019t quite as impressive. The key travel is quite short, lending to a \u201cshallow\u201d feeling keyboard. Thankfully, the keys are pretty tactile, so the typing experience is still relatively good. It\u2019s not great (not by a long shot), but I can certainly live with it.\n\n\nThe Acer TravelMate P614 will be arriving in Malaysia sometime in the third quarter of 2019, and it will retail at RM5,699. For that kind of money, the P6 is equipped with an Intel Core i7-8565U processor, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD. Warranty wise, it comes with a three-year on-site warranty.\n\n\n\n\nAt this price point, the TravelMate P6 is certainly not an affordable productivity laptop, but that\u2019s how much you\u2019ll have to pay for a business-class notebook anyway. Plus, if the laptop can indeed deliver 20 hours of battery life, I would gladly fork out the money for it. That kind of battery life, in itself, is a very good selling point.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-black-shark-2-going-for-only-rm2299-now/", "title": "Deal: Black Shark 2 Going for Only RM2,299 Now", "body": "\n\nLaunched just last month in Malaysia, the \nBlack Shark 2\n is now more affordable than ever. Originally retailing at RM2,499, you can currently get the 128GB variant \nfor only RM2,299\n.\n\n\nConsidering the fact that it hasn\u2019t even been that long since it was introduced here, RM200 discount is a relatively good amount of saving. On top of that, this deal is offered by \nG Store on Lazada\n, which is one of the most reputable retailers on the platform.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, this is not an import unit. According to G Store, it is offering original Malaysian units of the Black Shark 2 for this particular listing. Rest assured, warranty claim should not be an issue here.\n\n\nRight now, the Black Shark 2 is only one of only two flagship smartphones in Malaysia with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset \u2013 the other being the \nXiaomi Mi 9\n. While RM2,299 is still quite a sum of money, you\u2019re getting a really good gaming smartphone \u2013 check out \nour hands-on\n if you\u2019d like to learn more about the Black Shark 2.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ipad-mini-2019-hands-on-the-best-small-tablet-to-date/", "title": "iPad mini (2019) Hands-On: The Best Small Tablet to Date", "body": "\n\nAfter four years, the iPad mini is finally refreshed. Even though its design still remains the same, the internal upgrades make it quite an attractive tablet. This is especially the case for folks who want a powerful, compact tablet \u2013 it\u2019s basically a non-existent segment right now.\n\n\nPlus, retailing from RM1,699, the iPad mini 2019 isn\u2019t outrageously expensive either. Yes, it\u2019s not exactly an \u201caffordable\u201d tablet, but for what you\u2019re getting, the iPad mini is a very good buy.\n\n\n\n\nLooks wise, the iPad mini has the exact same design as its predecessors. Thick bezels surround the display, there\u2019s still a physical home button with Touch ID, and on the bottom, you\u2019ll find a Lightning port. Yeap, unlike the iPad Pro tablets, the new mini still doesn\u2019t have a USB-C connection.\n\n\nBut under the hood, the iPad mini gets some much needed upgrades. Powering the compact tablet is Apple\u2019s new A12 Bionic chip, which is the very same processor found in the latest crop of iPhones. Needless to say, this makes it a very capable iOS device.\n\n\n\n\nIn my short time with the iPad mini, the A12 Bionic certainly showed its high level of performance. The tablet felt speedy, responsive, and as far as I can tell, there were no noticeable stuttering or lag as I was using the tablet. While I didn\u2019t manage to run any mobile game on the mini, I reckon it will be a very enjoyable experience.\n\n\nAlthough the iPad mini\u2019s display size still remains the same at 7.9-inch, the screen has been updated. Not only is it brighter and more vibrant now, it also supports Apple\u2019s True Tone technology. On top of that, it is laminated too, so the display doesn\u2019t have any noticeable air gap.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the small display \u2013 and overall size \u2013 of the iPad mini is one of its most attractive features. A powerful tablet in a small form factor like the mini is simply not available at this point in time; it\u2019s in a class of its own. That\u2019s a great position to be in, and personally, I hope the release of the iPad mini will prompt more brands to \ntake small devices more seriously\n.\n\n\nIt feels incredibly surreal to be able to hold a powerful tablet like the iPad mini with only \none\n hand; you can\u2019t do that anymore with the majority of tablets. Plus, the small size of the mini also makes it a lightweight device. Tipping the scales at 300.5g (308.2g for the cellular model), holding the tablet for long periods of time won\u2019t be too tiring.\n\n\n\n\nIn the camera department, the iPad mini has a 7MP f/2.2 front-facing shooter, and an 8MP f/2.4 rear camera. The selfie camera should be good enough for FaceTime calls, and the 8MP rear shooter\u2026is serviceable, to an extent.\n\n\nAlthough the camera interface is very responsive, the autofocus speed and image output of the 8MP camera leaves much to be desired. Then again, it\u2019s not exactly realistic to expect amazing camera performance out of a tablet, let alone from a device in this price range. In a pinch, the 8MP shooter should be good enough.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the new iPad mini is available in several variants. The WiFi only model retail at RM1,699 (64GB) and RM2,349 (256GB), while the cellular variant go for RM2,249 (64GB) and RM2,899 (256GB). If you don\u2019t need cellular connectivity, going with the 64GB WiFi model will give you the most value for your money.\n\n\n\n\nWhen you take into account that you\u2019re basically getting the same level of performance as the latest iPhones with the iPad mini 2019, RM1,699 doesn\u2019t sound all that bad. Granted, comparing a tablet to a smartphone isn\u2019t exactly an apple to apple comparison, but if you just want a capable iOS device, the new iPad mini fits the bill perfectly.\n\n\nAnd if you want a powerful, compact tablet, the iPad mini is basically your \nonly\n choice, for better or worse.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/msi-gf75-thin-with-gtx-1650-9th-gen-core-i7-now-in-malaysia-for-rm5199/", "title": "MSI GF75 Thin with GTX 1650 & 9th Gen Core i7 Now in Malaysia for RM5,199", "body": "\n\nIt was only last week when Nvidia officially unveiled the GeForce GTX 1660 Ti and 1650 mobile GPUs. Now, you can already get MSI laptops with the brand new GPUs in Malaysia, and one such product is the new MSI GF75 Thin.\n\n\nEquipped with a GTX 1650 GPU and 9th generation Intel Core i7-9750H processor, the GF75 is a relatively capable gaming laptop. However, retailing at RM5,199, it doesn\u2019t exactly offer a lot of value for money. Nonetheless, I got to spend some time with the GF75 laptop, and it\u2019s\u2026an \u201cokay\u201d gaming machine.\n\n\n\n\nAs its name suggests, the GF75 Thin is a slim and light gaming laptop, especially for a 17.3-inch gaming laptop. It weighs 2.2kg, and it measures only 23.1mm at its thickest point. Compared to other laptops with a similar display size, these measurements are quite impressive.\n\n\nEven though its slim chassis and lightweight nature are great, the GF75\u2019s build quality is a different story. Like most MSI laptops, the bottom chassis of the GF75 is made out of plastic. This makes it feel like a cheap laptop, which it isn\u2019t at all.\n\n\nThankfully, the palm rest area and lid of the GF75 are metal; the former is especially important to ensure a comfortable gaming experience. Aside from that, I dig the overall minimalist design of the laptop. It doesn\u2019t have the aggressive styling of conventional gaming laptops.\n\n\n\n\nWhile we\u2019re on the topic of design, the slim bezels of the GF75\u2019s 17.3-inch display also give it a sleek aesthetic. Although there\u2019s still a chin at the bottom of the display, it\u2019s not as thick as other competing laptops. Plus, the minimal bezels also reduce the overall footprint of the gaming laptop.\n\n\nAs for the display itself, it\u2019s quite good. The GF75 features a 17.3-inch 1080p IPS display, and it can get bright enough for comfortable use outdoor. Colours and viewing angles are also great on this panel, and I imagine it will be enjoyable to game on this screen.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the display is only a conventional 60Hz panel. In a market where more and more gaming laptops feature high refresh rate screens, the GF75 doesn\u2019t look particularly great in comparison.\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of gaming performance, you can expect to game relatively well on this laptop, thanks to the GTX 1650 GPU and Intel Core i7-9750H processor. I haven\u2019t had the chance to game on the GF75 yet, but considering the fact that the new GTX 1650 is faster than its direct predecessor (the GTX 1050 Ti), it should be powerful enough to run most games well at medium to high graphics settings.\n\n\nAccording to Nvidia, the GTX 1650 can deliver over 60fps in popular battle royale games like Apex Legends, Fortnite, and even PUBG with high graphics settings at 1080p. I\u2019ll definitely put this to the test in a full review of this gaming laptop.\n\n\nWhen it comes to connectivity, the GF75 is reasonably well-equipped. It features three USB Type-A ports, an HDMI output, a USB-C connection, and an RJ45 port.\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the GF75\u2019s keyboard, which comes with red backlighting only; no RGB lighting here. Regardless, the keyboard as a whole is quite good. The key travel is just long enough for a pleasant typing experience, and the keys are plenty tactile too.\n\n\nSurprisingly enough, the trackpad is also very decent. Most gaming laptops have pretty bad trackpads, so the accuracy of the GF75\u2019s trackpad caught me off guard. That being said, the trackpad on the unit I tested felt \u201cloose,\u201d especially on the bottom portion of the trackpad.\n\n\nI\u2019m not entirely sure if this is only an issue with the unit I tested, but it\u2019s worth mentioning nonetheless.\n\n\n\n\nThe MSI GF75 Thin is only available in one variant in Malaysia, which is priced at RM5,199. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting 8GB of RAM, as well as 512GB of SSD storage \u2013 that\u2019s not a lot of RAM capacity. Plus, at this price point, you can easily get more powerful gaming laptops too.\n\n\nBut the GF75 is not meant for gamers who want the best value for their money. Rather, it\u2019s targeted at those that are looking for a thin and light 17.3-inch gaming laptop. If this is what you\u2019re looking for, the GF75 is a good option.\n\n\nNot a particularly fantastic option, but definitely worth a consideration.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-the-samsung-galaxy-note-9-for-as-low-as-rm2359/", "title": "Deal: Get the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 for as Low as RM2,359", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been a while since the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 was introduced, so naturally, it is a lot more affordable now. If you\u2019re quick, you can grab a brand new unit of the Note 9 \nfor only RM2,359\n.\n\n\nTo put this into context, the 128GB Galaxy Note 9 retailed at RM3,699 at launch \u2013 you will save exactly RM1,340 with this deal. On top of that, the retailer is also throwing in a complimentary 32GB microSD card. That\u2019s a nice icing on the cake.\n\n\n\n\nAs far as we can tell, this is the lowest price we\u2019ve seen the Galaxy Note 9 retail at. Of course, warranty for this deal is also provided by Samsung Malaysia itself. If the need arises, you should not have any issue with warranty claim.\n\n\nThere\u2019s no telling when \u2013 or if \u2013 the retailer will adjust the price. So if you\u2019d like to grab the Galaxy Note 9 \nfor only RM2,359\n, it\u2019s best to act fast.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-huawei-mate-20-drops-below-rm2000/", "title": "Deal: Huawei Mate 20 Drops Below RM2,000", "body": "\n\nThe Huawei Mate 20 is the Chinese company\u2019s latest Mate device, and if you\u2019ve been eyeing to get it, good news. Originally retailing at RM2,399 after a price revision back in January, the Mate 20 can now be yours \nfor only RM1,999\n.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Preferred Shopee retailer FinalChoice. On top of the smartphone itself, the retailer is also bundling a number of freebies. These include a tempered glass screen protector, a selfie stick, and an extra USB-C cable.\n\n\n\n\nWarranty for this deal, of course, is covered by Huawei Malaysia itself. At the time of writing, there are only \nfour units of the Midnight Blue model\n in stock. The Black colourway, on the other hand, have seven units left. If you want the Midnight Blue model, you may want to act fast.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-reno-is-coming-to-malaysia-what-you-need-to-know/", "title": "Oppo Reno Is Coming to Malaysia \u2013 What You Need to Know", "body": "\n\nThe Oppo Reno series was introduced globally just last month, and Oppo Malaysia confirmed recently that the company\u2019s latest flagship-tier smartphone will be coming to our shores. Oppo doesn\u2019t release a lot of high-end smartphones, so the Reno is definitely an interesting device.\n\n\nSporting a unique pop-up selfie camera, an all-screen design, and the ability to do 10x hybrid zoom, this is not your run-of-the-mill flagship smartphone. If you\u2019re keen to get this device, here\u2019s what you need to know about the Reno.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBefore we get to the good stuff, it\u2019s worth noting that there are two versions of the Oppo Reno. There\u2019s the regular, mid-range Reno, and the higher-end, flagship Reno 10x Zoom Edition. Yes, as its name suggests, only the flagship model can do 10x hybrid zoom. In fact, it\u2019s the \nvery same camera system we tested\n back in MWC 2019.\n\n\nThanks to the periscope-style lens arrangement, the Reno 10x Zoom Edition has the impressive zooming capability without added thickness. On top of that, the 10x hybrid zoom is made possible with the camera\u2019s three sensors: a primary 48MP f/1.7 shooter, a 13MP f/3.0 telephoto camera, and an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor.\n\n\nAs for the standard Oppo Reno, it features a dual camera system instead, consisting of a 48MP f/1.7 shooter and a 5MP f/2.4 sensor.\n\n\n\n\nDespite the different rear camera systems, both variants of the Reno share the same 16MP f/2.0 pop-up camera module. Unlike other smartphones with a similar camera mechanism, the Reno features a wedge-shaped motorised camera that is said to be much quieter and quicker. According to Oppo, the selfie camera can be activated in only 0.8 seconds.\n\n\nBecause there\u2019s no need to make space for a selfie camera on the front of the phone, the Reno has a sleek, almost all-screen design; there\u2019s still a bit of bezel at the bottom of the display. The standard Reno has a 6.4-inch 1080p AMOLED display, while the higher-end Reno 10x Zoom model comes with a slightly bigger 6.6-inch 1080p AMOLED panel.\n\n\nRegardless of which variant of the Reno you buy, you will get an in-screen fingerprint sensor. Compared to Oppo\u2019s older implementations, the new sensor is said to be up to 28.5% faster. We\u2019ll definitely put this to the test once we got our hands on the Reno smartphones.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the standard Reno and the 10x Zoom model differ quite a bit. The former, for one, is packed with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 chipset paired with up to 8GB of RAM, either 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, and a reasonably big 3,765mAh battery.\n\n\nNaturally, the higher-end Reno 10x Zoom Edition is more well-equipped. It comes with a Snapdragon 855 chipset paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, up to 256GB of storage, and a slightly larger 4,065mAh cell. Both variants of the Reno run on Oppo\u2019s ColorOS 6 software based on Android 9 Pie.\n\n\n\n\nInterestingly, the Reno 10x Zoom also comes with a more robust cooling system. Oppo says that the flagship phone uses three different cooling technologies: cooling gel, triple graphite layering, and copper pipes. Supposedly, these three cooling technologies can bring down the phone\u2019s temperature by 13%. We imagine this will come in handy during heated gaming sessions.\n\n\nAt the time of writing, it\u2019s not known yet if Oppo Malaysia will bring in the standard Reno, or the flagship Reno 10x Zoom Edition. As a matter of fact, it\u2019s entirely possible both models will be made available in Malaysia, though this is only mere speculation on our part.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, both variants of the Oppo Reno are definitely exciting smartphones, and it\u2019ll be interesting to see exactly when Oppo Malaysia will bring either one (or both) of these devices into our market. We were told it will be happening \u201cvery soon,\u201d so rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the local availability of the Reno.\n\n\nNeedless to say, the Malaysian pricing of the Reno will be our top priority too.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-tuf-gaming-fx505-hands-on-ryzen-7-gtx-1660-ti-malaysia-23-may/", "title": "Asus TUF Gaming FX505 with Ryzen 7 & GTX 1660 Ti Landing in Malaysia 23 May", "body": "\n\nAsus\u2019 affordable series of gaming laptops, the TUF Gaming FX505, has been refreshed with AMD\u2019s Ryzen processors and Nvidia\u2019s latest GPUs. As many as five different variants will be offered in Malaysia, and they\u2019re set to be available here on 23 May 2019.\n\n\nI got my hands on the GTX 1660 Ti model with a Ryzen 7-3750H processor, and after testing it out for a while, I can definitely see the FX505\u2019s appeal. If priced right, it could be a really attractive gaming laptop for budget-conscious gamers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt may seem odd for Asus to go with an AMD processor for the new FX505, but the company said there are a couple of reasons why it went for an AMD solution. For one, the Ryzen 7-3750H is a 12nm processor, which gives it an edge when it comes to power efficiency. In comparison, Intel\u2019s latest 9th generation mobile CPUs are still built on 14nm process.\n\n\nBut can the Ryzen 7-3750H provide a good level of performance? Well, it\u2019s still too early to tell, but I reckon it will be powerful enough to not bottleneck this gaming laptop. After all, when it comes to gaming, the GPU is the most important factor.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, powering this variant of the FX505 is a GeForce GTX 1660 Ti, and it\u2019s a very promising GPU. Generally, it\u2019s said to be in the same league as the older GTX 1070 Max-Q. Considering the fact that the GTX 1660 Ti is a successor to the GTX 1060, that\u2019s really quite impressive.\n\n\n\n\nIn fact, even when compared to the newer and costlier RTX 2060 GPU (the mobile variant, of course), Nvidia says the GTX 1660 Ti is only about 5% slower. While you don\u2019t get RTX-specific features like ray tracing, it may not matter too much to some folks. Ultimately, GTX 1660 Ti gaming laptops are more affordable than RTX 2060 machines.\n\n\nI managed to play a couple rounds of Apex Legends with the FX505, and the frame rate hovers around 70 to 80fps. Compared to the \nAcer Predator Triton 500\n with an RTX 2060 GPU, I was getting closer to 90fps. That\u2019s not too big of a difference.\n\n\n\n\nFurther enhancing the gaming experience of the FX505 is its fast 120Hz 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display. Thanks to the high refresh rate, gaming on the laptop is very enjoyable, especially with games that can push more than 60fps. Compared to conventional 60Hz displays, you can definitely see the difference in motion clarity with this laptop\u2019s 120Hz panel.\n\n\nThat being said, I was told by Asus that for the consumer versions of the FX505, only the RTX 2060 model will come with a 120Hz screen. Other variants of the laptop will be equipped with a standard 60Hz display for the Malaysian market. So if you wanted a GTX 1660 Ti model with a 120Hz panel, you\u2019re out of luck.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, when it comes to screen quality, the FX505 has a reasonably good display. While the dynamic range of the panel isn\u2019t the most impressive, it can get quite bright for comfortable use outdoor. On top of that, viewing angles are good too, and the thin bezels give the laptop a modern-looking design.\n\n\nIf there\u2019s any aspect of the FX505 that leaves much to be desired, it would be the laptop\u2019s build quality. You can really see (and feel) the affordability of the FX505 in its build material. Practically all of the laptop\u2019s exterior is made out of plastic, making it feel cheap. Then again, this is unavoidable: Asus had to sacrifice certain things to bring down the price of the FX505.\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of connectivity, the FX505 sports two USB 3.1 and one USB 2.0 Type-A ports, an HDMI 2.0 connection, an RJ45 port, as well as a 3.5mm audio jack. Oddly enough, there\u2019s no Type-C connection available. This variant of the FX505 also comes with 8GB of DDR4 2666MHz RAM and 512GB of fast PCIe NVMe SSD storage.\n\n\nAs for the FX505\u2019s keyboard, I quite like it. It has a decent amount of travel, the keys are tactile, and it has RGB lighting too \u2013 fitting for a gaming laptop. Surprisingly enough, even the trackpad is very accurate, thanks to the use of Windows Precision drivers.\n\n\n\n\nThose who are looking to get a capable gaming laptop that won\u2019t put too much of a dent in your wallet should really give the Asus TUF Gaming FX505 a consideration. Even though its build quality isn\u2019t the best, Asus promises good value for money and gaming performance with this gaming laptop.\n\n\nHowever, the retail prices of the FX505 have not been revealed yet, so it remains to be seen just how competitive it will be priced at. We\u2019ll find out for ourselves come 23 May 2019, when the FX505 series of gaming laptops are set to arrive in Malaysia. This laptop\u2019s review will also be posted around the same time too, so keep your eyes peeled for that.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-razer-phone-2-price-drops-to-only-rm2298/", "title": "Deal: Razer Phone 2 Price Drops to Only RM2,298", "body": "\n\nThe \nRazer Phone 2\n was launched in Malaysia earlier this year, and it retailed at RM3,449 at the time. Since then, the gaming smartphone\u2019s price \nhas steadily dropped\n, and you can now get a brand new unit of the Razer Phone 2 \nfor only RM2,298\n.\n\n\nFor comparison\u2019s sake, this deal will save you exactly RM1,151; that\u2019s a reasonably huge amount of discount for a gaming smartphone like the Razer Phone 2. Granted, it\u2019s a 2018 flagship, but it\u2019s still plenty capable right now. Plus, \nfor RM2,298\n, you\u2019re getting pretty good value for money.\n\n\n\n\nAs always, this particular deal on the Razer Phone 2 is offering official Malaysian unit of the gaming smartphone; we don\u2019t (usually) write about deals on imported devices. At the time of writing, there are only eight units of the phone left.\n\n\nCan\u2019t decide if the Razer Phone 2 is for you? Then check out our hands-on of the gaming smartphone \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/google-unveils-affordable-pixel-3a-pixel-3a-xl-what-you-need-to-know/", "title": "Google Unveils Affordable Pixel 3a & Pixel 3a XL \u2013 What You Need to Know", "body": "\n\nGoogle I/O keynotes are mostly all about software, but surprise surprise, Google unveiled two new phones at this year\u2019s event. Enter the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL, which are Google\u2019s latest mid-range smartphones with a modest set of hardware.\n\n\nBut don\u2019t let that deter you from getting either one of these two smartphones: they have some of the \nbest\n cameras in the business. So much so, in fact, that the camera performance of these two phones is in the same league as more expensive flagship smartphones. Without further ado, let\u2019s get to know the new Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst, hardware. Both phones are powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 chipset; a decidedly mid-range SoC. In terms of performance, the Snapdragon 670 should be able to deliver enough processing power for a relatively good user experience. It wouldn\u2019t be amazing, but hey, some things have to give to lower the price point of the phones.\n\n\nBesides that, these phones also come with 4GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage (non-expandable, unfortunately), and get this: a 3.5mm headphone jack. Even the higher-end Pixel 3 doesn\u2019t have such a port.\n\n\n\n\nWhat differentiate the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL are two things: display size and battery capacity. The standard Pixel 3a comes with a 5.6-inch 1080p display and a 3,000mAh battery, while the XL model sports a bigger 6-inch 1080p screen and 3,700mAh cell. Thankfully, both phones don\u2019t have any display notch or \nhole-punch cutout\n.\n\n\nSurprisingly enough, despite the fact that these are affordable smartphones, both variants of the Pixel 3a come with OLED displays. Basically, you will get punchy colours and very deep blacks with these panels. At this price point, not many smartphones come with OLED screens, except for a number of exceptions like the \nSamsung Galaxy A30 and A50\n.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, what sets the Pixel 3a smartphones apart from other mid-range devices is their camera performance. Both models feature the very same 12.2MP f/1.8 rear camera and 8MP f/2.0 selfie shooter found on the higher-end Pixel 3, Based on user reviews so far, they can capture \nreally \ngood-looking shots.\n\n\nIn theory, the Pixel 3a would be able to take the exact same pictures as the Pixel 3, but there is one catch: the former lacks Google\u2019s custom Pixel Visual Core processor, so the image processing is done with the CPU and GPU instead.\n\n\nThis results in a slight difference in image processing, but unless you\u2019re a professional photographer, you probably won\u2019t notice the difference. But what you \nwill\n notice is image quality that is on par with other flagship smartphones at a fraction of the price; that\u2019s one of the main appeals of the Pixel 3a.\n\n\n\n\nDespite the impressive camera performance, there is no escaping the fact that the Pixel 3a smartphones are mid-range devices. This is made very clear when it comes to design and build material. There are rather thick bezels at the top and bottom of the display, and you don\u2019t get any fancy in-screen fingerprint sensor. Instead, you get a conventional sensor on the back of the phones.\n\n\nOn top of that, both variants of the Pixel 3a also sport polycarbonate chassis. Chances are, they will not feel quite as premium as other smartphones made out of glass and metal; some of which occupy the same price point as these two phones.\n\n\nPersonally, however, I think it\u2019s a worthwhile trade-off. If living with a plastic phone means I can get flagship-tier camera performance at a lower price point, I would take it in a heartbeat. Plus, \nbuild material may not matter all that much\n, especially if you\u2019re just gonna slap on a casing anyway.\n\n\n\n\nThe Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL present a compelling case. Even though they feel and look like standard mid-range smartphones, they feature \nflagship-tier camera performance\n, not to mention the fact that they run on Google\u2019s minimalist version of Android. Thanks to that, you will get the latest Android updates very quickly for three years from the time the phones are introduced.\n\n\nCollectively, these make the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL very interesting mid-range smartphones. Unfortunately, it remains to be seen if they will be made available in Malaysia. After all, previous Pixel smartphones were never sold on our shores.\n\n\nNonetheless, the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL are now available for purchase in the US, and they retail at $399 (about RM1,655) and $479 (around RM1,985) respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-samsung-galaxy-s10e-can-now-be-yours-for-only-rm2219/", "title": "Deal: Samsung Galaxy S10e Can Now Be Yours for Only RM2,219", "body": "\n\nPreviously, we saw the Samsung Galaxy S10e\u2019s price \ndrop down to RM2,369\n. If you\u2019ve been holding out, you\u2019ll be happy to know that it is even more affordable now: you can currently purchase Samsung\u2019s compact flagship \nfor only RM2,219\n.\n\n\nCompared to the Galaxy S10e\u2019s launch price of RM2,699, this deal by Preferred Shopee retailer Mobile Gadgets will save you over RM480. On top of that, the retailer is also offering \nthe full range of colours\n, which include Prism Green, Prism White, and Prism Black.\n\n\n\n\nWarranty is also provided by Samsung Malaysia, so you shouldn\u2019t have any issue with warranty claim if it becomes necessary. You also get a couple of freebies like a selfie stick and USB car charger from Mobile Gadgets itself.\n\n\nAt this price point, the Samsung Galaxy S10e is a very, \nvery\n good buy, especially if you want a \npowerful, compact smartphone\n. To learn more about the S10e, check out our \nextensive review of the phone\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-score-a-samsung-galaxy-s10-for-only-rm3069/", "title": "Deal: Score the Samsung Galaxy S10+ for Only RM3,069", "body": "\n\nDiscounts on the \nSamsung Galaxy S10+\n have been going around quite a bit since its release, and the latest deal we found is the best we\u2019ve seen yet. Originally going for RM3,699, the Galaxy S10+ 128GB can be yours \nfor only RM3,069 now\n.\n\n\nBasically, this deal saves you exactly RM630, and it\u2019s offered by well-known Lazada retailer Wow Phone. Even though the Galaxy S10+ is listed at RM3,099, you can collect a RM30 discount voucher from the retailer to reduce the price \ndown to RM3,069\n.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, only the Prism Black model is listed at RM3,099; the Prism White and Prism Green models cost slightly more at RM3,183. Warranty, on the other hand, is provided by Samsung Malaysia itself.\n\n\nAs always, if you\u2019re unsure if the Samsung Galaxy S10+ is for you, check out our \ncomprehensive review of the phone\n \u2013 it should help quite a bit.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-launches-8k-qled-tv-in-malaysia-for-rm299999/", "title": "Samsung Launches 8K QLED TV in Malaysia for RM299,999", "body": "\n\nSamsung just unveiled its brand new range of QLED TVs in Malaysia, and the star of the show is definitely the Korean company\u2019s impressive 8K QLED TV. However, that kind of cutting edge product also demands a premium price tag: the 98-inch model retails at an eye-watering RM299,999.\n\n\nBut if you want something more\u2026well, within reach, Samsung also launched its other series of QLED TVs. Let\u2019s break them down.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ll start with the flagship QA900R, a true 8K QLED smart TV with a resolution of 7680 x 4320. Yes, there are very limited 8K content right now, but the QA900R can upscale 4K content into 8K. According to Samsung, this is done through machine learning with the Quantum Processor 8K powering the TV.\n\n\nNaturally, the QA900R also supports HDR10+ \u2013 the very same HDR standard the company\u2019s \nGalaxy S10\n smartphones support. Besides that, it also comes with a feature called Direct Full Array Elite. By directly \u201ccontrolling each individual light unit,\u201d this feature promises to improve contrast quite a bit.\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s talk prices. The QA900R is available in three sizes: 75-inch, 82-inch, and 98-inch. The smallest model retails at RM59,999, while the 82-inch and 98-inch variants go for RM99,999 and RM299,999 respectively. Premium price tags for an equally premium QLED TV.\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the more \u201caffordable\u201d QA90R 4K QLED smart TV that sits just below the QA900R. As far as 4K TVs go, the QA90R is Samsung\u2019s most premium offering. It\u2019s powered by Samsung\u2019s Quantum Processor 4K, which upscales content to 4K. Samsung claims that the processor can do so with \u201csharp detail and refined colour.\u201d\n\n\nMuch like the higher-end QA900R, the QA90R also supports HDR10+ and Ultra Viewing Angle. No matter which angle you\u2019re looking at the TV from, you\u2019ll still get a good viewing experience. However, this is at the expense of lower contrast ratio.\n\n\nSpeaking of contrast, the QA90R features Direct Full Array 16X. While it\u2019s not quite as sophisticated as the QA900R\u2019s Direct Full Array Elite system \u2013 it controls the backlight by zones instead \u2013 it would still improve contrast to an extend.\n\n\nOnly two sizes of the QA90R 4K QLED TV are available in Malaysia. The 65-inch model is priced at RM18,999, while the 75-inch variant goes for RM29,999.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want something \neven more\n affordable, there\u2019s the QA75R 4K QLED smart TV. As expected, it\u2019s not quite as feature-rich as the higher-end models. It has a simpler Direct Full Array 4X system for improved contrast, and it doesn\u2019t have Ultra Viewing Angle either. That being said, it does still come with a Quantum Processor 4K and support for HDR10+.\n\n\nThree different sizes of the QA75R are available here. The 55-inch model retails at RM7,999, while the 65-inch and 75-inch models are priced at RM13,999 and RM19,999 respectively.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the most affordable model of the lot: the QA60R 4K QLED smart TV. Just like its higher-end siblings, the QA60R features a Quantum Processor 4K and HDR10+ support, though it lacks any form of Direct Full Array system for improved contrast.\n\n\nFive different sizes of the QA60R are sold in Malaysia: 49-inch (RM4,999), 55-inch (RM6,499), 65-inch (RM8,999), 75-inch (RM13,999,) and 82-inch (RM19,999).\n\n\n\n\nAll of the Samsung QLED smart TVs mentioned here are now available for purchase in Malaysia. On top of that, Samsung is also running a roadshow in Mid Valley right now until 12 May, and there are several interesting promotions. The 49-inch QA60R QLED TV, for one, can be purchased there for only RM3,499 instead of RM4,999.\n\n\nTo learn more about Samsung\u2019s 2019 range of QLED TVs, head on over to company\u2019s \nofficial website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-grab-the-asus-zenbook-13-ux333-with-over-rm600-discount/", "title": "Deal: Grab the Asus ZenBook 13 (UX333) with Over RM600 Discount", "body": "\n\nThe \nAsus ZenBook 13 (UX333)\n was one of the best ultraportables we\u2019ve reviewed in recent times, and you can get it at a pretty good price right now. Originally retailing at RM4,999, you can now get the Intel Core i7 variant of the laptop \nfor only RM4,378\n.\n\n\nThis deal would save you exactly RM621 on the ZenBook 13, and it is offered by Shopee retailer EIT Store. The laptop is listed at RM4,428, so you\u2019ll have to use the retailer\u2019s RM50 voucher code (RYEI501) to reduce the price to RM4,378.\n\n\nHowever, only the Icicle Silver colourway is offered, and there is only \none\n unit left\n at the time of writing.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want the more affordable ZenBook 13 with a Core i5 processor instead, you can get it at a reasonably good discount too. EIT Store is listing this model for only RM4,039, and you can use the same RM50 code to cut the price \ndown to RM3,989\n. Compared to the RM4,499 launch price, you\u2019re saving RM510.\n\n\nOf course, much like the Core i7 variant, there are very limited stocks: only two units of the Core i5 ZenBook 13 in Icicle Silver are available right now.\n\n\n\n\nAt these price points, the Asus ZenBook 13 is a very good buy. To learn more about this ultraportable, check out our \ncomprehensive review\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-3-pro-hands-on-snapdragon-710-malaysia-from-rm899/", "title": "Realme 3 Pro with Snapdragon 710 Now in Malaysia from RM899", "body": "\n\nLast year, I reviewed the \nRealme 2 Pro\n, and it proved to be a really good mid-range smartphone. Today, Realme just launched the successor to the device. Aptly dubbed Realme 3 Pro, it is better in almost every way.\n\n\nSporting a fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 chipset, a large battery capacity, and competitive price tags, those who are looking to get an affordable mid-range smartphone should definitely give the Realme 3 Pro a consideration \u2013 let\u2019s see what Realme\u2019s latest mid-ranger has to offer.\n\n\n\n\nFirst off, specifications. The Realme 3 Pro has a 6.3-inch 1080p IPS display, a Snapdragon 710 chipset paired with up to 6GB of RAM, either 64GB or 128GB of expandable storage, and a generous 4,045mAh battery. On top of that, it also has a 16MP f/1.7 + 5MP f/2.4 dual camera system and a 25MP f/2.0 front-facing shooter.\n\n\nThese are respectable hardware for a mid-range smartphone, but what makes the Realme 3 Pro such a compelling device is its sheer value for money. The base model with 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM goes for RM899, while the 128GB variant with 6GB of RAM retails at RM1,099.\n\n\nConsidering the hardware you\u2019re getting for that kind of money, the Realme 3 Pro offers \nexceptional \nvalue for money. After all, there are no other Snapdragon 710 devices in this price range, and it\u2019s more powerful (on paper) than its closest rival: the \nRedmi Note 7\n.\n\n\n\n\nDesign wise, the Realme 3 Pro is mostly made out of plastic, which isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing. Use of plastic is totally fine for smartphones in this price range, and most importantly, it doesn\u2019t \nfeel \ncheap. The back panel is nice to the touch, and the matte finish frame makes it a comfortable device to hold.\n\n\nAesthetically, the Realme 3 Pro is quite a looker too. Yes, there\u2019s a notch at the top of the display, but at least it\u2019s not a wide one. Besides, the bottom bezel is quite minimal, giving the phone a sleek, modern look. I also love the gradient design of the back panel.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the 6.3-inch 1080p IPS display, it looks reasonably good for a mid-range smartphone. There are no noticeable issues with the screen quality, viewing angles are good, and the colours are punchy too. Plus, the 1080p resolution would help with battery life too.\n\n\nAnd when it comes to battery life, I reckon it will be one of the Realme 3 Pro\u2019s main appeals. Featuring a large 4,045mAh battery, I\u2019m confident this phone can deliver \u2013 at the \nvery least\n \u2013 a day\u2019s worth of battery life. On top of that, it also supports VOOC 3.0 fast charging, which is said to be able to charge up the phone to 50% from empty in 30 minutes.\n\n\n\n\nIn the performance department, the Realme 3 Pro\u2019s Snapdragon 710 chipset should be able to deliver very good performance level. Most smartphones in this price range only offer Snapdragon 6 series SoCs, so the Realme 3 Pro definitely have the upper hand in this area.\n\n\nGranted, I haven\u2019t been able to put this phone through its paces yet, but it seems very capable from the brief time I\u2019ve spent with it. It feels fast, responsive, and I didn\u2019t notice any serious stutter or lag. Powered by an Adreno 616 GPU, the Realme 3 Pro should also be powerful enough to provide an enjoyable gaming experience.\n\n\n\n\nWhen I reviewed the Realme 2 Pro last year, its camera performance leaves much to be desired. Needless to say, I was excited to see if the Realme 3 Pro could change this, and it\u2019s actually\u2026quite promising. The 16MP + 5MP dual camera system can take good, properly exposed daylight pictures, and it can lock in focus pretty quickly too.\n\n\nUnfortunately, I wasn\u2019t able to take any low light pictures with the Realme 3 Pro, but the company claims that the camera\u2019s \u201cSuper Nightscape\u201d mode allows the phone to capture good-looking shots even in less than ideal lighting. Without a doubt I\u2019ll put this feature to the test in a full review of the Realme 3 Pro.\n\n\n\n\nIn the crowded mid-range segment, the Realme 3 Pro stands out by offering a high level of processing power at a competitive price tag. Its improved camera performance is also great to see, not to mention the bigger battery capacity and sleeker, more updated design.\n\n\nIf you want the fastest mid-range smartphone for the least amount of money, the Realme 3 Pro offers just that \u2013 on paper, at least. Until I have the opportunity to test the phone thoroughly in a full review, I can\u2019t say for sure yet if it is \nthe\n mid-range smartphone to get.\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme 3 Pro will be available for purchase in Malaysia from Lazada on 15 May. If you want to get it from a physical store instead, you can do so from 18 May onwards.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-7-pro-hands-on-shooting-for-the-stars/", "title": "OnePlus 7 Pro Lands in Malaysia; Retails from RM2,999", "body": "\n\nUpdate, 21 May:\n The OnePlus 7 Pro is now in Malaysia, and it is available in three variants. The 128GB variant with 6GB of RAM goes for RM2,999, while the more generous 256GB models with 8GB and 12GB of RAM retail at RM3,699 and RM4,199 respectively.\n\n\nThe original article follows.\n\n\nThe OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7 Pro mark a drastic change for the Chinese company. Not only is it launching two new flagship devices simultaneously for the first time, the Pro model is also OnePlus\u2019 most expensive smartphone yet.\n\n\nBut the higher asking price of the OnePlus 7 Pro isn\u2019t for nothing: it comes with a plethora of improvements, including a faster display, sleeker design, and a much improved camera system. I spent a brief time with the 7 Pro, and truth be told, I\u2019m quite excited to review it now \u2013 it\u2019s a really promising flagship smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s talk about specifications first. The OnePlus 7 Pro comes with a fast 90Hz 6.67-inch 3120 x 1440 \u201cFluid AMOLED\u201d dual curve display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset paired with up to 12GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of fast UFS 3.0 storage, and a generous 4,000mAh battery. Very respectable list of hardware.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the OnePlus 7 Pro has a 48MP f/1.6 (primary) + 16MP f/2.2 (wide angle) + 8MP f/2.4 (telephoto) triple camera setup, which is touted to be OnePlus\u2019 most impressive camera system yet. According to DxOMark, the 7 Pro\u2019s camera performance got a \ntotal score of 111\n \u2013 that\u2019s just one point behind the current leader, the \nHuawei P30 Pro\n.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its predecessors, the OnePlus 7 Pro is the first device to come with a 1440p dual curve display. Unlike the majority of smartphones in the market now, it also has a fast 90Hz refresh rate. The only other high profile flagship with a similar refresh rate is last year\u2019s \nAsus ROG Phone\n. But Asus\u2019 offering is a niche gaming smartphone; the 7 Pro has a much more mainstream appeal.\n\n\nNonetheless, the 90Hz display makes a lot of difference. In comparison to a typical flagship\u2019s 60Hz screen, the OnePlus 7 Pro\u2019s 90Hz display is technically 50% faster. The higher refresh rate benefit is very noticeable: everything from animations to scrolling look incredibly fluid.\n\n\nDisplay quality of the 7 Pro is very good as well. It supports HDR10+ (much like the \nSamsung Galaxy S10\n phones), it has vibrant colours with deep blacks, texts and images look sharp on the 1440p display, and viewing angles are good too. \n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to processing power, the OnePlus 7 Pro should be able to deliver a high level of performance. The Snapdragon 855 powering the phone is a very capable flagship-tier chipset, and in my short time with the phone, it feels very responsive and fast. This can also be attributed to the lightweight nature of OxygenOS, of course.\n\n\nBuild quality of the 7 Pro is very good as well. It feels solid, it has a nice heft to it \u2013 though some folks may find it a tad too heavy at 206g \u2013 and overall, it\u2019s a comfortable device to hold for long periods of time. The curved back panel and display definitely help with ergonomics.\n\n\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s address the elephant in the room: the 7 Pro\u2019s pop-up 16MP f/2.0 motorised selfie camera. While it takes a bit of time to activate, it\u2019s fast enough to not feel cumbersome to use. If you\u2019re worried about durability, OnePlus claims that the camera module can be activated over 150 times a day for 5.5 years without any issue.\n\n\nAs there\u2019s no need to make space for a selfie camera on the front of the OnePlus 7 Pro, it has a handsome, all-screen design. There is, however, a small bit of bezel at the bottom of the screen, but it\u2019s small enough to not detract from the phone\u2019s sleek appearance.\n\n\n\n\nOnePlus also improved the in-screen fingerprint sensor of the 7 Pro, which is said to be larger than the sensor found in its predecessor. What caught me by surprise was the \nsheer speed and accuracy\n of the optical sensor. In fact, this is probably the quickest in-screen fingerprint sensor I\u2019ve ever tried \u2013 even more so than the \nXiaomi Mi 9\n and \nGalaxy S10+\n\u2018s sensors.\n\n\nFinally, there\u2019s the triple camera system. Even though the OnePlus 7 Pro has a 48MP primary sensor, it shoots at 12MP by default. This is done because of pixel binning to improve the overall image quality, and from what I\u2019ve observed, it seems to be really quite capable.\n\n\n\n\nNow, I only managed to try out the 7 Pro\u2019s camera for a short while, but it does feel a lot more capable than its predecessor\u2019s camera system. There \nis\n very noticeable shutter lag in between shots, but the image output have good dynamic range, colours, and detail preservation. Plus, the telephoto sensor can do 3x optical zoom \u2013 most telephoto lenses only does 2x zoom.\n\n\nAll in all, I\u2019m eager to put the 7 Pro\u2019s camera system through its paces in a full review \u2013 the 111 DxOMark score has to mean something, right?\n\n\n\n\nI say this with every new iteration of the OnePlus series, but I really do mean it: the OnePlus 7 Pro is the company\u2019s most refined, most impressive flagship smartphone yet. Yes, it still lacks any form of IP rating and wireless charging, but other aspects of the phone make it a very worthwhile option to consider.\n\n\nThat being said, it is also OnePlus\u2019 most expensive smartphone yet. In the US, the 7 Pro retails from $669 (about RM2,790) for the base model with 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM. It goes all the way up to $699 (approximately RM2,920) and $749 (around RM3,125) for the 256GB variants with 8GB and 12GB of RAM respectively.\n\n\n\n\nThese prices are approaching the territory of other flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S10 and \nHuawei P30\n smartphones. It\u2019s not easy to stand toe to toe with these behemoths, and this is especially the case if you don\u2019t have any major price advantage. Regardless, we will only know how much the 7 Pro will cost here once it arrives in Malaysia next week on 21 May.\n\n\nAs impressive as the OnePlus 7 Pro is, it will be tough for it to compete on an equal playing field with other established flagship smartphones that are now priced too closely to it. Is the 7 Pro worth picking over other flagship smartphones? Only a full review of the phone can shed some light on this.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-razer-phone-2-price-drops-further-to-rm2199-comes-with-rm499-freebies/", "title": "Deal: Razer Phone 2 Price Drops Further to RM2,199 \u2013 Comes with RM499 Freebies", "body": "\n\nSince its Malaysian debut earlier this year, The \nRazer Phone 2\n\u2018s price has dropped drastically. Previously, it was going for \nas low as RM2,298\n, but you can now get it \nfor only RM2,199\n. On top of that, you are also getting RM499 worth of freebies.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Lazada retailer Go Mobile, and needless to say, it is offering original, Malaysian units of the Razer Phone 2. What makes this offer particularly interesting are the freebies worth RM499, which include a Razer Hammerhead Pro V2 earphones, a Razer Mugholder, as well as a Huawei SoundStone Portable Bluetooth Speaker.\n\n\n\n\nTo put this deal into context, the Razer Phone 2 used to retail at RM3,449, so you\u2019re saving \nwell over RM1,250 here\n; that\u2019s not even including the cost of the freebies. However, if you want to get this deal, act fast \u2013 there\u2019s a good chance it is only valid for today.\n\n\nNot sure if the Razer Phone 2 is for you? Then check out our \nhands-on of the gaming smartphone\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/pixel-3a-xl-hands-on-the-nexus-5x-lives-on/", "title": "Pixel 3a XL Hands-On: The Nexus 5X Lives On", "body": "\n\nEver since the Pixel smartphones succeeded the Nexus series, there\u2019s a void that was never filled. It\u2019s a void that was previously taken up by the likes of the Nexus 5X and Nexus 4: affordable smartphones that offer excellent, clean Android experiences.\n\n\nNow, we have the \nPixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL\n, and I like to think of them as spiritual successors to the aforementioned Nexus devices. Although they don\u2019t have flagship-tier hardware like the latter, these phones offer a lot of features found in the higher-end Pixel 3 for \nhalf\n the price.\n\n\nI got to play with the Pixel 3a XL for a bit, and if you value excellent software experience and camera performance above all else, this is the phone for you \u2013 if you\u2019re okay with importing it.\n\n\n\n\nBefore we get into detail, let\u2019s outline what features you get from the higher-end Pixel 3 with the Pixel 3a XL. Arguably the most important feature is the 3a XL\u2019s camera systems, which is the very same 12.2MP f/1.8 rear camera and 8MP f/2.0 selfie shooter found in the Pixel 3. But do you get the same camera performance? Not quite.\n\n\nUnlike the Pixel 3, the Pixel 3a XL does not come with Google\u2019s custom Pixel Visual Core processor, so image processing is done with the CPU and GPU instead. This could result in slightly different image output, but for the most part, you\u2019re getting very similar camera performance.\n\n\n\n\nI managed to capture a few shots with the 3a XL, and I was \nvery\n impressed with the camera performance. While it takes some time to process every image I took, the camera is very responsive, there\u2019s no noticeable shutter lag, and the image output is \nfantastic\n. Even the selfie camera\u2019s Portrait mode works extremely well, even though it does have some trouble separating my hair and glasses from the background.\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, I\u2019d say the Pixel 3a XL has my favourite smartphone camera, \nperiod\n. In fact, I would happily photograph with the 3a XL over any other flagship smartphone. Granted, I haven\u2019t tested out the camera extensively yet, but that\u2019s just how favourable my initial impression of the camera is.\n\n\nBeyond camera performance, the Pixel 3a XL also has identical software experience as the Pixel 3, with at least three years of confirmed Android updates. In a market where most Android smartphones are not updated to the latest version of Android, the Pixel smartphones remain the best option for those who want to experience the latest and greatest features Android has to offer.\n\n\nAs expected of a Pixel smartphone, the 3a XL has a very clean version of Android with polished software experience. It is intuitive to use, the user interface is pleasant to look at, and it feels really lightweight.\n\n\n\n\nOkay, now for the not so good aspects of the Pixel 3a XL. At the end of the day, it\u2019s meant to be an affordable mid-ranger, so some things have to be sacrificed. One such thing is processing power: the 3a XL has a decidedly mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 chipset paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of non-expandable storage. While it doesn\u2019t sound very impressive, it should be able to offer a reasonably good level of performance.\n\n\nI didn\u2019t run into any performance issue in my brief time with the 3a XL, but chances are, the Snapdragon 670 will show its limitations as I spend more time with the phone. Apps won\u2019t launch as quickly, it will struggle in graphically demanding mobile games, and overall, it won\u2019t feel quite as zippy as the flagship Pixel 3.\n\n\nThen again, this \nis\n a mid-range smartphone. You would have to manage your expectations accordingly.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to looks, the Pixel 3a XL could definitely be better-designed. It has huge chunks of bezels at the top and bottom of the screen, and the glossy plastic frame makes it a lot more slippery than expected. However, I do like the back design, especially the matte finish on the bottom half of the panel.\n\n\nMost importantly, the 3a XL does not feel cheap despite its all-plastic construction. Okay, I wouldn\u2019t say it feels premium, but it certainly feels rock solid. And if you\u2019re gonna put on a casing, the build material \nwouldn\u2019t really matter anyway\n.\n\n\n\n\nSporting a 6-inch 1080p OLED display, the 3a XL has an above average display. OLED panels have excellent black levels with punchy colours, and that really describes this phone\u2019s screen quality. Naturally, it has great viewing angles too.\n\n\nThanks to the combination of a 1080p display and a sizeable 3,700mAh battery, the Pixel 3a XL should have reasonably good battery life as well. Sure, a larger cell would be appreciated, but it\u2019s still a plenty big battery capacity for a phone of this size.\n\n\nIn the US, the 3a XL retails at $479, which comes up to about RM1,995 \u2013 that\u2019s definitely on the higher side of things for a mid-ranger. Plus, there are other smartphones in this price range that offer flagship-level performance, including the \nXiaomi Mi 9\n and \nPocophone F1\n.\n\n\n\n\nSo why would you get the Pixel 3a XL? For two reasons: you want excellent camera performance and software experience no other smartphones can offer in this price range. You won\u2019t get the best processing power for your money with this phone, but you \nwill\n get to enjoy a fantastic camera system and a clean, constantly updated version of Android.\n\n\nThe only problem? There is no indication the 3a XL will ever arrive here in Malaysia officially. Without a doubt retailers will import in the device, but any form of warranty claim will be difficult. Personally, I\u2019m not keen to purchase a smartphone without official warranty support, no matter how impressive it is.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-reno-hands-on-all-screen-design-arrive-malaysia-rm1999/", "title": "The Sleek Oppo Reno with All-Screen Design Arrives in Malaysia for RM1,999", "body": "\n\nOppo Malaysia confirmed a couple weeks ago \nthe new Oppo Reno\n smartphones are coming to our shores. Well, the most affordable device in the series, the standard Reno, was launched here yesterday; the Reno 10x Zoom Edition will makes its way here on 27 May instead.\n\n\nSporting a modest set of hardware, sleek design, and promising camera performance, the standard Reno is quite an attractive mid-range smartphone. However, retailing at RM1,999, it\u2019s a bit of a tough sell. Without further ado, let\u2019s get to the hands-on.\n\n\n\n\nPowering the Reno is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 chipset paired with 6GB of RAM, putting it in the upper mid-range smartphone segment. While it\u2019s not as powerful as the flagship-tier Snapdragon 8 series, it\u2019s still a reasonably capable SoC. Besides that, it also comes with a very generous 256GB storage, which somewhat explains its high asking price.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Reno include a 6.4-inch 1080p OLED display, a big 3,765mAh battery, a 48MP f/1.7 + 5MP f/2.4 dual camera system, a 16MP f/2.0 front-facing shooter, and ColorOS 6 based on Android 9 Pie.\n\n\n\n\nIf there\u2019s any standout element of the Oppo Reno, it would be the phone\u2019s design. Featuring a sleek, almost all-screen design, the Reno looks quite stunning. There\u2019s still \na bit of a chin\n at the bottom of the display, but it is small enough to not be a distraction.\n\n\nThe all-screen design is possible thanks to the use of a motorised, wedge-shaped 16MP pop-up selfie camera. Unlike other phone makers\u2019 implementations, the unique \u201cshark fin\u201d pop-up camera is a lot quieter when activated. However, it\u2019s also noticeably slower to rise up.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, if you were to drop the Reno while the pop-up camera is activated, the phone would automatically retract the camera module. Although it\u2019s a feature that\u2019s present on almost all phones with a similar camera mechanism, the fall detection works quite well on the Reno.\n\n\nBuild quality of the Reno, on the other hand, is excellent. Even though it has a smaller display than the flagship Reno 10x Zoom, both devices essentially share the same chassis. The metal frame is nice to the touch, it has a good heft to it, and the glass back panel looks and feels great.\n\n\n\n\nThere are two different textures to the back panel, depending on which colour you get. The Jet Black colourway has a glossy finish, while the Ocean Green variant (my personal favourite) has a matte, frosted glass-like appearance that\u2019s more resistant to fingerprints. In fact, it reminds me a lot of the \nOppo R17 Pro\n\u2018s back panel.\n\n\n\n\nComing back to the display, the Reno\u2019s 6.4-inch 1080p OLED screen looks really good. It has vivid, punchy colours, very deep blacks, and although it\u2019s \u201conly\u201d a 1080p display, it looks plenty sharp. Basically, you won\u2019t be disappointed with the screen quality.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the same can\u2019t be said for the Reno\u2019s in-screen fingerprint sensor. Oppo claims it is 28.5% faster, but from what I can tell, it\u2019s\u2026well, quite average. It works as intended, no doubt, but the sensor\u2019s speed and accuracy will not blow you away.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the Reno\u2019s camera performance. In my brief time testing the 48MP + 5MP dual camera system, it feels capable. The camera interface is very responsive, there\u2019s little to no shutter lag, and the image output has good detail preservation.\n\n\nBut I only tested the camera under good lighting; the real test for smartphone cameras lie in low light photography. It will be interesting to see how the Reno\u2019s camera system would fare in less than ideal lighting, especially the \u201cUltra Night Mode 2.0\u201d feature, which promises \u201cstunning detail in low light conditions.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Reno may not be quite as powerful or feature-packed as its higher-end sibling, but it\u2019s still a very respectable mid-range smartphone. After all, you\u2019re getting mostly the same design and build quality here, giving the Reno an edge over other mid-rangers.\n\n\nHowever, it also carries a steep price tag. Retailing at RM1,999, it\u2019s in the same price category as \ncertain flagships\n, and it costs much more than another Snapdragon 710 smartphone: the \nRealme 3 Pro\n. Granted, the 3 Pro doesn\u2019t feel or look as premium, and the Reno definitely has superior camera performance.\n\n\n\n\nAt the end of the day, RM1,999 is still a lot of money for \u201cjust\u201d a mid-ranger like the Reno, even if it has the look and feel of a flagship smartphone. It\u2019s the \nsame conundrum with the R17 Pro\n \u2013 it has style in spades, but it doesn\u2019t offer particularly good value for money.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-save-over-rm2000-on-the-samsung-galaxy-s9/", "title": "Deal: Save Over RM2,000 on the Samsung Galaxy S9+", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S9+ may not be the latest flagship smartphone anymore, but it is \na lot\n more affordable now, making it quite an attractive buy for those who don\u2019t want to pay top dollar. In fact, you can \nsave over RM2,000\n on a brand new Galaxy S9+ right now.\n\n\nThis deal is listed by Lazada retailer Deal Direct, and it is offering original units of the Galaxy S9+ with official warranty from Samsung Malaysia. Originally going for RM4,399 at launch, the 256GB variant of the S9+ is retailing at only RM2,399 now \u2013 that\u2019s a whopping RM2,000 discount.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want the 128GB model instead, the very same retailer is listing it for only RM2,099, saving you RM1,900 from the Galaxy S9+\u2019s launch price. However, only two units of the Midnight Black model are left at the time of writing.\n\n\nWithout a doubt the Samsung Galaxy S9+ is a very good buy at these price points. Even if it\u2019s not the latest device anymore, the Galaxy S9+ is still a very capable smartphone with excellent camera performance, among other things.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/google-pulls-huawei-android-license-what-does-it-mean/", "title": "Google Pulls Huawei\u2019s Android License \u2013 What Does It Mean?", "body": "\n\nThis is likely one of the biggest news the tech industry has ever seen: Google suspended its business with Huawei, which will greatly affect the Chinese company\u2019s smartphone business. On top of that, Google isn\u2019t the only one suspending business with Huawei \u2013 Qualcomm, Intel, and even Broadcom are doing the same.\n\n\nWhy are these companies doing so? Well, it\u2019s in response to the US government\u2019s decision to put Huawei in the \u201cEntity List.\u201d Companies in that list will be unable to buy technology from US companies without government approval.\n\n\nSo what does this mean to you? How will losing the Android license impact Huawei\u2019s smartphone business moving forward? We will outline the most notable implications in this article.\n\n\nYou Can Still Use Google\u2019s Services on Your Huawei Smartphones\n\n\nIf you are currently using a Huawei smartphone, you can still use your device as it is. You will still have access to the Google Play Store, YouTube, Gmail, and so on \u2013 it would be as if nothing happened. At least, that\u2019s the case for the time being. And in case you\u2019re wondering, this applies to Honor devices as well.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, app updates will not be affected either. These updates are delivered from the Google Play Store itself, so rest assured, you will still get proper support for the apps on your phone. If you don\u2019t know about Google\u2019s suspension, you wouldn\u2019t even notice any changes.\n\n\nHowever, you will definitely notice this next issue in the near future, which is..\n\n\nNo More Android Updates \n\n\nThat\u2019s right, there will no more Android updates for current Huawei smartphones. \nAccording to Reuters\n, one of the most notable impacts of this suspension is the fact that Huawei \u201cwill immediately lose access to updates to Google\u2019s Android operating system.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nBasically, whatever version of Android your Huawei phone is running now, you\u2019ll have to live with it for the foreseeable future. Fortunately enough, the company reassured consumers that security updates will still be delivered to existing Huawei and Honor smartphones.\n\n\nUpcoming Huawei Smartphones Will Be Greatly Affected\n\n\nThis goes without saying, of course. Now that Google is suspending business with Huawei, the company \ncannot\n make use of Google\u2019s services on its upcoming smartphones. The Google Play Store is obviously one of the biggest omissions, and so are other indispensable features like Google Assistant.\n\n\nThese Google services practically \ndefine\n the Android experience, so not being able to integrate them into any future Huawei or Honor smartphone is a huge loss. While Huawei can still use the Android operating system itself, which falls under the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), it won\u2019t be possible for the company to include any dedicated services from Google.\n\n\n\n\nGranted, many Chinese phone makers are offering Android smartphones in China without Google\u2019s services, but the Chinese market is very different from the rest of the world. The country practically have alternatives for every application we use everyday, which are not quite as popular outside of China.\n\n\nWhat Are the Future Implications?\n\n\nEven if you\u2019re not a fan of Huawei smartphones, you should care about this suspension. Without a doubt Huawei is one of the biggest players in the Android landscape, and its absence from the market will leave quite a void in the smartphone industry. The \nHuawei Mate X\n? Probably won\u2019t even see the light of day until \nsomething \nchanges.\n\n\nMore importantly, when there are less competition in the market, other phone makers may not be as willing to push the envelope; to innovate in key areas that will ultimately benefit consumers. Take Huawei\u2019s \nincredible improvement in smartphone photography\n. In order to make their own devices more appealing, other brands will attempt to outdo Huawei in this regard.\n\n\n\n\nTo lose that kind of competition in the smartphone market could very well mean a loss for us consumers too. Of course, it\u2019s not that we won\u2019t see innovation in the smartphone market anymore, but there may not be as big of an incentive with the absence of a big competitor like Huawei.\n\n\nWhat Will Huawei Do Moving Forward?\n\n\nBusiness has to go on, and it will be interesting to see exactly how Huawei will deal with this setback. The company has mentioned numerous times it has been developing its own operating system for this very scenario, but there are no concrete details yet on this proprietary software. Is it Android-based? Can it replicate the usability of Google\u2019s services? And will it be compelling enough to consider over any other version of Android?\n\n\n\n\nOnly time will tell if Huawei can pull through out of this. It definitely has the resources to make the best of the situation, but without Google\u2019s Android (and businesses with chipmakers like Qualcomm and Intel), the phone maker has an uphill battle ahead.\n\n\nThat is, unless Huawei is taken out of the US government\u2019s Entity List. But what are the chances of that happening?\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-xiaomi-mi-a2-now-retailing-from-rm699/", "title": "Deal: Xiaomi Mi A2 Now Retailing from RM699", "body": "\n\nEven though the Xiaomi Mi A2 was released last year, it is still one of the most interesting mid-range smartphones under the Android One program. If you happen to be looking for an affordable smartphone with good software experience, this deal may pique your interest: the Mi A2 can be yours \nfrom only RM699\n now.\n\n\nThis offer is available right now from Xiaomi\u2019s official Lazada store, so without a doubt this is a legitimate deal. The Mi A2 with 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM is \nlisted at only RM699\n, which saves you RM200 from the phone\u2019s original asking price.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want more storage, the 128GB variant with 6GB of RAM can be purchased \nfor only RM899\n now. Similar to the 64GB model, this deal is RM200 off the regular RM1,099 price tag. Naturally, both models come with official warranty support from Xiaomi Malaysia.\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi A2 may not be the perfect device (its 3,010mAh battery is decidedly average), but it offers excellent software experience and good camera performance. At these price points, the Mi A2 is really worth a consideration.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-tuf-gaming-fx505-quick-review-a-rare-beast/", "title": "Asus TUF Gaming FX505 Quick Review: A Rare Beast", "body": "\n\nThe Asus TUF Gaming FX505 series of gaming laptops has just been launched in Malaysia, and it\u2019s priced pretty competitively. It\u2019s also one of very few gaming laptops that pairs an AMD CPU with an Nvidia GPU, and if you\u2019re looking for a reasonably powerful gaming machine without breaking the bank, you should really look at this one.\n\n\nI spent a few weeks testing out the GTX 1660 Ti variant of the FX505 extensively, and overall, it\u2019s a good gaming laptop that offers great value for money. That being said, it is not perfect, so let\u2019s see in which area this laptop excels\u2026and where it underperforms.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThere are as many as five different variants of the FX505 in Malaysia, but the one we have here is arguably the most interesting one. It comes with an AMD Ryzen 7-3750H processor paired with 8GB of DDR4 2666MHz RAM, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti GPU, 512GB of PCIe NVMe SSD, and a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display.\n\n\nThat last hardware is quite interesting, to say the least. See, the FX505 I\u2019m reviewing here comes with a 120Hz panel, but the consumer version of the very same GTX 1660 Ti model only gets a 60Hz screen. If you want a 120Hz display, you\u2019ll have to opt for the top of the range RTX 2060 variant.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, pairing the GTX 1660 Ti model with a 60Hz display does lower its price quite a bit: it retails at only RM4,399. The RTX 2060 variant, on the other hand, costs more at RM5,199. Now, you may think the RTX 2060 would be the better option to get higher performance and a faster display, but that\u2019s not the whole picture \u2013 I\u2019ll explain in the next section.\n\n\nConnectivity wise, the FX505 is pretty alright. It has an HDMI 2.0 output, two USB 3.1 and one USB 2.0 Type-A ports, an RJ45 port, as well as a 3.5mm audio jack.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nGaming laptops in this price range don\u2019t typically offer the kind of gaming performance you can get out of the FX505, and that really is its best selling point. If you\u2019re concerned the Ryzen 7-3750H can\u2019t keep up with the GPU, worry not: it can definitely deliver.\n\n\nWell, judge for yourself with the gaming benchmarks below.\n\n\nGames (Maxed Out Settings @ 1080p)\nAverage FPS\nWitcher 3 (HairWorks disabled)\n54.12\nApex Legends\n85.53\nPlayerUnknown\u2019s Battlegrounds\n62.10\n\n\nPreviously, this level of gaming performance is usually reserved for gaming laptops that cost a lot more than the FX505. In fact, it is \nvery close\n to the \nAcer Predator Triton 500\n\u2018s gaming performance, and that laptop comes with an RTX 2060 GPU. While RTX 2060 is still slightly more powerful, the GTX 1660 Ti comes very close to it.\n\n\n\n\nIn the display department, the 15.6-inch 1080p IPS screen is quite good. Now, I can\u2019t say for sure how the 60Hz panel in the consumer model is like (for obvious reasons), but as far as this 120Hz screen is concerned, it\u2019s definitely above average.\n\n\nThe dynamic range could be better, but the brightness is good, it has great viewing angles, and the high refresh rate makes it an enjoyable display to work and game on. Plus, the slim bezels also give the laptop a sleek, modern-looking design.\n\n\n\n\nOne area where the FX505 really surprised me is its battery life. On average, I was getting about six hours of usage out of this laptop \u2013 that\u2019s impressive for a gaming laptop. Of course, I set the power plan to battery saver, and the display was dimmed to a comfortable level to get this kind of battery life. Nonetheless, it\u2019s certainly power-efficient.\n\n\nInput devices of the FX505 are above average too. The keyboard has good amount of travel, the keys are tactile, and the backlight effects are good, even though it only supports single-zone RGB lighting. As for the touchpad, it\u2019s accurate enough for everyday use, thanks to the Windows Precision drivers.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nConsidering the affordable price point of the FX505, some things have to be sacrificed, and the most obvious one is build material and quality. The laptop\u2019s exterior is made completely out of plastic, right down to the palm rest area, bottom chassis, and even the lid.\n\n\n\n\nNow, it\u2019s worth noting that the review unit I have here actually has a metal lid, but the consumer version will come with a plastic lid instead. It\u2019s not all bad news, of course. Despite its all-plastic construction, it feels robust enough. On top of that, it is also MIL-STD 810G certified.\n\n\nAnother area where the FX505 could do better is software. Throughout my time with the laptop, I got numerous pop-ups from McAfee. Granted, I could easily uninstall it, but it\u2019s still an issue worth pointing out; it negatively impacts the user experience. Besides that, the keyboard shortcut to adjust the brightness level doesn\u2019t work sometimes, which can get quite frustrating.\n\n\n\n\nThermal performance of the FX505 could be better too. In extended gaming sessions, the GPU got up to 83\u00b0C, while the CPU is toastier, heating up to 89\u00b0C. These temperatures are still \nokay\n for a gaming laptop, but I definitely expect better numbers from a laptop as thick as the FX505.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nPersonally, I highly recommend the FX505 with the GTX 1660 Ti for one simple reason: it offers the best performance for your money. For RM4,399, it performs very closely to the higher-end RTX 2060 model, which costs RM800 more. For those who are shopping on a budget, that amount of saving could be well worth it.\n\n\nBut if you absolutely want RTX-specific features and a 120Hz screen, the RTX 2060 model isn\u2019t a bad buy either. RM5,199 for an RTX 2060 laptop with the FX505\u2019s feature set is really quite good. \n\n\n\n\nAgain, for those who want the absolute best gaming performance for the money, look no further than the GTX 1660 Ti model. It\u2019s only slightly slower than the RTX 2060, and even if its 60Hz display isn\u2019t quite as impressive as the 120Hz screen found on the higher-end model, some consumers may not care at all about the higher refresh rate.\n\n\nAt the end of the day, which variant to get will depend on each individual\u2019s personal preferences. And to answer the question: the Asus TUF Gaming FX505 gaming laptop is definitely worth it.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-20-review-victim-of-circumstance/", "title": "Honor 20 Review: Victim of Circumstance", "body": "\n\nThe Honor 20 series was introduced at arguably the worst possible time. With Huawei\u2019s \nAndroid license pulled\n \u2013 which also affects Honor \u2013 the future of the Chinese company\u2019s smartphone business is uncertain. In fact, we\u2019re seeing some of the effects right now: even though the Honor 20 has been launched in Malaysia, we still don\u2019t know exactly when it will go on sale.\n\n\nDespite that, the Honor 20 is really quite a good flagship smartphone. When (or if) the device goes on sale in Malaysia, it is worth considering for those who want a competent, affordable flagship smartphone. However, whether or not it\u2019s a wise decision to purchase a Honor or Huawei smartphone right now\u2026is an entirely different question.\n\n\nSpecifications\n\n\nDisplay\n6.26-inch FHD+ LTPS (2340 x 1080)\nChipset\nHuawei Kirin 980 2.6GHz octa-core\nGPU\nMali-G76 MP10\nRAM\n6GB\nStorage\n128GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n48MP f/1.8\n16MP f/2.2 (super wide)\n2MP f/2.4 (macro)\n2MP f/2.4 (depth)\nCamera (front)\n32MP f/2.0\nBattery\n3,750mAh\nDimensions\n154.3 x 74 x 7.9 mm\nWeight\n174g\nOS\nMagic UI 2.1 based on Android 9 Pie\nConnectivity\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)\nUSB Type-C\n\n\nPowered by the same chipset found in the \nHuawei Mate 20\n and \nP30\n smartphones, the Honor 20 has flagship-tier performance. On top of that, it also has reasonably good RAM and storage capacities, even though it doesn\u2019t support expandable storage.\n\n\nBesides that, this phone also has a quad camera system, not to mention a pretty generous 3,750mAh battery. This may not be the biggest battery capacity on a smartphone this size, but it can return \nvery\n respectable battery life. I\u2019ll elaborate more further down this review.\n\n\nDesign\n\n\nSurprisingly enough, there aren\u2019t that many smartphones with \nhole-punch screen cutouts\n like the Honor 20, which gives it a distinguishing feature. Aesthetically, it looks very similar to the Honor View 20\u2019s display \u2013 it looks good without being too intrusive.\n\n\n\n\nI\u2019ve always preferred a hole-punch design, and I think it\u2019s a great compromise between the use of pop-up cameras for an all-screen look \u2013 which in turn introduces moving parts that are susceptible to breaking \u2013 and a notched display. A hole-punch screen doesn\u2019t have any moving parts, and it doesn\u2019t take up as much space as a notch.\n\n\nOverall design of the Honor 20 is also pretty minimalist. At least, that\u2019s the case with the Midnight Black model I have here. It doesn\u2019t have the shimmery effect of the Sapphire Blue variant, and it looks understated enough for those who want a device that isn\u2019t quite as striking.\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of build quality, the Honor 20 feels premium and solid. The metal frame and glass back are nice to the touch, and the rounded corners of the phone help a lot with ergonomics. That being said, the glass and metal construction does make it a really slippery phone \u2013 I lost grip on the phone more times than I care to admit.\n\n\nWithout a doubt the Honor 20 feels like a proper high-end smartphone, and that is always a good thing for an affordable flagship device. If I were to nitpick, the side-mounted fingerprint sensor does feel sharp around the edges.\n\n\nUser Experience\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the Honor 20 has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor that also doubles as the power button, and it works great. Like most capacitive fingerprint sensors, it is very accurate, and it can unlock the phone lightning fast. However, there were some instances where it took some time for the phone to wake from sleep.\n\n\n\n\nNow, I don\u2019t think that\u2019s the fault of the fingerprint sensor. Rather, I suspect it\u2019s a software side issue. It\u2019s an oddity I\u2019ve noticed on other Honor smartphones too, where it occasionally takes slightly longer for the phones to respond once I clicked on the power button. While it doesn\u2019t happen too often, it\u2019s still worth pointing out.\n\n\nSpeaking of software, the Honor 20 runs on Magic UI 2.1 based on Android 9 Pie. As far as I can tell, it feels and looks a lot like Huawei\u2019s EMUI software. Both versions of Android are almost indistinguishable from each other, which leads me to believe it\u2019s merely one way for Honor to differentiate itself further from Huawei.\n\n\n\n\nRegardless, Magic UI 2.1 will take some time to get accustomed to. The app drawer is not enabled by default, the user interface may not be to everyone\u2019s taste, and there are some bloatware here and there. Overall, however, it\u2019s still a responsive, lightweight version of Android with no serious shortcoming.\n\n\nNext, we have performance, and the Honor 20 simply flies in this regard. The Kirin 980 is a very capable chipset, and I can multitask seamlessly with this phone. Switching from one app to another in quick succession proved to be a non-issue, and gaming on it is simply a joy. I\u2019ve played a couple rounds of PUBG Mobile on the Honor 20, and I was getting high and consistent frame rate \u2013 very impressive.\n\n\n\n\nEven though it doesn\u2019t have a fancy OLED display, this phone\u2019s 6.26-inch 1080p IPS display looks great. It has relatively neutral white balance, good viewing angles, and punchy, vibrant colours. Sure, you don\u2019t get the deep blacks of an OLED panel, but this \nis\n an affordable flagship; expectations have to be managed.\n\n\nBut what really blew my expectations is the Honor 20\u2019s battery life. Packed with a 3,750mAh battery, I can consistently get over \neight hours\n of screen on time with this device, and I\u2019m quite a heavy smartphone user. That\u2019s \ninsanely \ngood battery life, and I reckon lighter users can get up to two days of usage effortlessly.\n\n\nCharging rate of the Honor 20, on the other hand, is decent. Within 30 minutes of charging, the phone got up to 46% from empty.\n\n\n\n\nI thoroughly enjoyed using the Honor 20 as my daily driver for this review, even if the software experience isn\u2019t the best in the market. Plus, the excellent battery life and performance more than make up for this.\n\n\nCamera\n\n\nThere are four cameras on the back of the Honor 20: the primary 48MP camera, a 16MP wide angle shooter, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro lens. Even though there\u2019s no telephoto sensor, the camera can still do \u201c2x zoom.\u201d It\u2019s merely digital zoom, of course.\n\n\n\n\n16MP wide angle\n48MP primary\n2x digital zoom\n\n\nWithout a doubt the primary 48MP sensor takes the best-looking shots. Like most smartphone cameras with 48MP cameras, the Honor 20 uses pixel binning to improve low light performance and reduce the image size to 12MP. The result? Well, very good camera performance regardless of lighting condition.\n\n\nThat being said, the shooting experience could definitely be better. The camera interface is not particularly responsive (it gets especially sluggish in low light conditions), and there is noticeable shutter lag in between shots. As a whole, however, the Honor 20 is still a capable shooter. The Super Macro mode \u2013 which uses the 2MP macro lens \u2013 is quite fun to play around with too.\n\n\n2MP macro\n\n\n\n\nConsidering its relatively affordable price tag for a flagship-tier smartphone, you\u2019re getting very respectable camera performance with the Honor 20. It is by no means better than class leaders like the \nSamsung Galaxy S10e\n, but it doesn\u2019t cost as much either.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nRetailing at RM1,699 for the sole 128GB variant with 6GB of RAM, the Honor 20 is one of the most affordable flagship smartphones in Malaysia. At this price point, it has a number of tough competition.\n\n\n\n\nXiaomi Mi 9\n\n\nThis is the closest competitor to the Honor 20. Even though the RM1,699 base model of the \nXiaomi Mi 9\n only offers half the amount of storage at 64GB, it has a number of advantages. It feels more premium, it has slightly better camera performance, and its AMOLED display is more pleasant to look at.\n\n\n\n\nBut there are also a number of areas where the Honor 20 is superior. It has much better battery life, its hole-punch display looks a lot better than the Mi 9\u2019s notched display (although this is subjective), and I\u2019d argue Honor\u2019s Magic UI offers better software experience than MIUI 10.\n\n\nThat last part, however, could dramatically change in the near future. Now that Honor\u2019s Android license has been pulled, it remains to be seen if Magic UI will even be relevant by the end of the year.\n\n\nHonor View 20\n\n\nIf you want a different device that has a lot of similarities with the Honor 20, there\u2019s the Honor View 20. It has the same Kirin 980 chipset, a larger 4,000mAh battery, and more importantly, you can get it \nat a lower price point\n right now.\n\n\n\n\nIf a good, flexible camera system is what you want, the Honor 20 will be better in this regard. Not only does it have a wide angle sensor the View 20 lacks, it also features a macro lens. Besides that, I personally prefer the Honor 20\u2019s side-mounted fingerprint sensor over the View 20\u2019s rear sensor.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nOn its own, the Honor 20 is a very competent flagship smartphone that doesn\u2019t cost all that much. It has fantastic battery life, a capable camera system, fast performance, and a premium design. If it weren\u2019t for the company\u2019s Android licensing issue with Google, I would not hesitate to recommend this phone to anyone.\n\n\nBut that really is the biggest issue plaguing Honor and Huawei smartphones right now. Even if the Honor 20 goes on sale in Malaysia in the next few weeks with all of Google\u2019s services intact, software updates will be another area of concern. Chances are, this phone will not receive Android Q officially.\n\n\n\n\nGranted, Magic UI 2.1 in its current state is still a very functional version of Android. And if you don\u2019t care about Android updates anyway, this issue will not be relevant to you at all. But do note that you will miss out on new features introduced in later versions of Android, and Honor may not be able to do the same.\n\n\nHaving Huawei\u2019s Android license pulled is an unprecedented turn of events, and unfortunately enough, the Honor 20 is caught in the middle of it all. It\u2019s a victim of circumstance, and it makes the phone tough to recommend \nnot because\n it is a bad product, but due to an issue that is out of Honor\u2019s control.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-xiaomi-mi-a2-price-drops-even-further/", "title": "Deal: Xiaomi Mi A2 Price Drops Even Further", "body": "\n\nPreviously, we stumbled upon a \npretty good deal\n on the Xiaomi Mi A2. Surprise surprise, the price dropped even further today. You can now get the Android One device \nfrom only RM639\n.\n\n\nCompared to the original asking price of the 64GB Mi A2, this would \nsave you exactly RM260\n. On top of that, this deal is offered by Xiaomi\u2019s official store on Lazada. Unfortunately, only the Gold model is in stock; the other colours are unavailable.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the higher-end 128GB Mi A2, it sees a pretty good price drop too. Usually retailing at RM1,099, Xiaomi is now listing it \nfor only RM829\n, saving you RM270. Unlike the 64GB model, this variant comes with more colour options: you can either get it in Gold or Black.\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi A2 may not be the best mid-range smartphone money can buy, but its Android One status promises quick Android updates and excellent software experience. If that\u2019s what you look for in a smartphone, look no further than the Mi A2, \nespecially \nat these prices.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-reno-10x-zoom-hands-on-rm3399-malaysia/", "title": "Oppo Reno 10x Zoom Retails at RM3,399 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nA couple of weeks ago, the \nstandard Oppo Reno\n was launched in Malaysia. Today, it\u2019s the bigger brother\u2019s turn: the Oppo Reno 10x Zoom Edition is now available for pre-order on our shores until 17 June. As a full-fledged premium smartphone, the Reno 10x Zoom also carries an equally premium price tag \u2013 it goes for RM3,399 in Malaysia.\n\n\nAt this price point, the Reno 10x Zoom is unmistakably a costly smartphone. But is it worth its asking price? Let\u2019s find out.\n\n\n\n\nDesign wise, the Reno 10x Zoom looks and feels a lot like its more affordable sibling, even though it has a slightly larger 6.6-inch 1080p OLED display. It feels like a proper flagship smartphone, and I love the frosted glass-like finish on the back panel of the Ocean Green variant.\n\n\nAnd then we have the all-screen design of the Reno 10x Zoom. While there\u2019s still \na bit of a chin\n at the bottom of the display, the top bezel is free from \nany notch or hole-punch cutout\n. It gives the phone a very sleek aesthetic, and it really is one of the most visually appealing smartphones in the market now.\n\n\n\n\nIn order to realise the all-screen design, Oppo equipped the Reno 10x Zoom with a motorised \u201cshark fin\u201d 16MP f/2.0 pop-up camera. As I\u2019ve mentioned in my \nhands-on of the standard Reno\n, the unique camera mechanism is a lot quieter to activate, but it is also slower to move up. Overall, however, the slightly slower pop-up action shouldn\u2019t affect regular use too much.\n\n\nWhat differentiates the Reno 10x Zoom from the standard model are a couple of notable hardware. Not only is the former powered by a much more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset (instead of the regular Reno\u2019s Snapdragon 710 SoC), it comes with a much more sophisticated camera system too.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, as its name suggests, the Reno 10x Zoom model can do 10x hybrid zoom, thanks to its triple camera system. It consists of a 48MP f/1.7 shooter, a 13MP f/3.0 telephoto camera, and an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor. The camera system also uses a periscope-style lens arrangement, which makes it possible to have that impressive zooming capability without added thickness.\n\n\nSo how does the 10x hybrid zoom perform? Well, \nit works as advertised\n. Without a doubt both optical and digital zoom are used to achieve 10x zoom, but the results do look quite promising. Then again, this is only my first impression of it: I wasn\u2019t able to test out the phone\u2019s zooming performance extensively.\n\n\n\n\nCamera performance of the Reno 10x Zoom as a whole, on the other hand, is quite good. In fact, it\u2019s very similar to the standard Reno\u2019s image output, though this 10x Zoom model does have the added flexibility of a telephoto lens (obviously) and a wide angle shooter. I\u2019ve only tested the camera\u2019s performance under ideal lighting, so it remains to be seen how well it would perform in low light conditions.\n\n\nAs for performance, the Reno 10x Zoom has ample amount of power. The Snapdragon 855 under the hood of this phone is a very capable chipset, and it lends to a very pleasant user experience. In my brief time with the device, I didn\u2019t notice any stutter or lag; as expected of a flagship smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nMuch like the standard model, the Reno 10x Zoom also comes with an OLED panel. It\u2019s a slightly larger 6.6-inch 1080p display, and it has very deep blacks, punchy colours, and great viewing angles \u2013 common traits of OLED screens. A 1080p display may not sound impressive (especially for a flagship phone at this price range), it does have one major advantage: power efficiency.\n\n\nSince it is a bigger phone, the Reno 10x Zoom also has a larger 4,065mAh battery. With the combination of the generous battery capacity and 1080p display, you can expect to get good battery life out of this device.\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, the Oppo Reno 10x Zoom Edition is a good flagship smartphone \u2013 great, even. Its zooming capability is impressive (even if the \nHuawei P30 Pro\n has a similar camera system), it has a sleek design, and it is a fast smartphone. But the thing is, it\u2019s also priced on the higher side of things.\n\n\nSure, RM3,399 isn\u2019t all that bad for 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM, but Oppo\u2019s decision to bring in only one variant of the Reno 10x Zoom also means there is no lower price of entry. Even if you don\u2019t want that much storage space, you don\u2019t have any other choice.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the Reno 10x Zoom Edition\u2019s feature set and design could justify its steep asking price, and it\u2019s only fair to reserve judgment until I\u2019ve got the device in for a full review. Nonetheless, if you really fancy the phone\u2019s camera system and all-screen design, I reckon it is worth checking out.\n\n\nPlus, this is an Oppo flagship smartphone \u2013 it\u2019s rare for the company to release any device in this particular segment.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-zenbook-pro-duo-reimagines-the-macbook-pros-touch-bar/", "title": "Asus ZenBook Pro Duo Reimagines The MacBook Pro\u2019s Touch Bar", "body": "\n\nComputex 2019 is upon us, and one of the most interesting new products announced so far comes from Asus. This is the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo, and it has \ntwo\n 4K displays: one at the top, and another below the main display, right above the keyboard.\n\n\nThis isn\u2019t the first time we see a similar concept, but the ZenBook Pro Duo does take it further by introducing a much larger secondary display. Asus calls it the ScreenPad Plus, and there are a couple of\u2026interesting use case scenarios for it.\n\n\nIf you think the MacBook Pro\u2019s Touch Bar is interesting, this laptop may be right up your alley.\n\n\n\n\nSo why would you need a secondary display as big as the one found on the ZenBook Pro Duo? Well, Asus outlined a number of applications for the 14-inch 3840 x 1100 ScreenPad Plus, which are aimed at content creators. You can use the bundled stylus (or any active stylus) to write or draw on the screen, use it as a control panel of sorts, or just simply treat it as extra screen real estate.\n\n\nIn reality, the ScreenPad Plus functions just like any standard secondary display in Windows, and it can be used as an extension of the main display. Alternatively, you can even open separate windows on the ScreenPad \u2013 we imagine multitaskers will love this feature.\n\n\n\n\nMoving beyond the ScreenPad Plus, the primary display of the ZenBook Pro Duo is very eye-catching. Much like the secondary screen, the 15.6-inch main display also has 4K resolution, but it is a far more impressive OLED panel. According to Asus, the OLED display has 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut, not to mention very deep blacks and vibrant colours.\n\n\nOn top of that, the ZenBook Pro Duo has very high screen-to-body ratio of 89%, thanks to the minimal bezels on all four sides of the screen. Without a doubt this is a very sleek-looking laptop, and it doesn\u2019t have a display chin like most laptops in today\u2019s market.\n\n\n\n\nHardware wise, the ZenBook Pro Duo is quite powerful. It packs an Intel Core i9-9980HK or i7-9750H processor paired with up to 32GB of DDR4 2666MHz RAM, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 GPU, up to 1TB of fast PCIe SSD storage, and the webcam even has Windows Hello support.\n\n\nHowever, all of that hardware really weigh down the laptop. Tipping the scales at 2.5kg, the ZenBook Pro Duo isn\u2019t something you\u2019d want to lug around too long in your backpack. On top of that, measuring 24mm thick, it\u2019s not particularly slim either.\n\n\nUnfortunately, pricing of the ZenBook Pro Duo has not been revealed yet, but expect it to cost quite a bit. After all, that 4K OLED screen, processor, and GPU combo do not come cheap.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want something more affordable, but still offers the same kind of features, there\u2019s the Asus ZenBook Duo. Basically, it\u2019s a smaller version of the Pro model, albeit with some hardware downgrades here and there to keep the price low.\n\n\nInstead of the Pro variant\u2019s impressive 4K displays, the standard ZenBook Duo only gets a primary 14-inch 1080p display, and a 12.6-inch Full HD ScreenPad Plus. Besides that, you can only equip this model with a Core i7 chip paired with up 16GB of LPDDR3 2133MHz RAM; the GPU is heavily downgraded to an MX250 too.\n\n\nEven though the regular ZenBook Duo isn\u2019t a very powerful laptop, it makes up for it in portability. Weighing only 1.8kg with a 19mm thin chassis, it\u2019s a much more practical machine for those who are always on the go.\n\n\n\n\nMuch like the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo, we still don\u2019t know how much the ZenBook Duo will retail at. But you won\u2019t have to wait too long to find out: both laptops are set to be available sometime in the third quarter of this year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-k20-official-all-screen-design-48mp-camera-1999-yuan-price-tag/", "title": "Redmi K20 Official: All-Screen Design, 48MP Camera, 1,999 Yuan Price Tag", "body": "\n\nThe long-awaited Redmi K20 is now official, and it is Redmi\u2019s first-ever flagship smartphone. Sporting a fast processor, an all-screen design, and a 48MP camera, the K20 is priced \nvery \ncompetitively. In fact, this could very be the most attractive sub-RM2,000 flagship smartphone yet.\n\n\nOn top of that, there\u2019s a very good chance the K20 will arrive in Malaysia sometime next month in June 2019. Should you be excited about Redmi\u2019s first flagship phone? Well, let\u2019s find out.\n\n\n\n\nThere are two variants of the Redmi K20: the standard K20, and the K20 Pro. Interestingly, what separates the two phones from each other are only the choice of chipset and charging rate. The K20 Pro comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 with support for 27W fast charge, while the regular K20 sports a Snapdragon 730 and 18W charging rate.\n\n\nBeyond that, these two devices are identical to each other. They have 6.39-inch 1080p AMOLED displays, 4,000mAh batteries, in-screen fingerprint sensors, 48MP f/1.75 + 8MP f/2.4 (telephoto) + 13MP f/2.4 (wide angle) triple camera systems, and 20MP f/2.2 pop-up selfie shooters.\n\n\nIn terms of RAM and storage capacities, both phones can be configured with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.\n\n\n\n\nAesthetically, the K20 and K20 Pro are pretty sleek-looking devices, thanks to the all-screen design without any notch or hole-punch cutout. However, like most modern smartphones in the market now, there is a small chin at the bottom of the display, though it doesn\u2019t really take away from the phones\u2019 sleek look.\n\n\nOn the back, the K20\u2019s rear panel has a \u201cflame texture,\u201d which is said to change in appearance based on ambient lighting. Personally, I quite like the unconventional design. Those who want a more subdued look can opt for the black model; it has a carbon fibre-like finish instead.\n\n\nAs mentioned, the K20\u2019s all-screen design is possible with the use of a pop-up selfie camera. According to Redmi, the camera mechanism can be activated over 300,000 times without any issue. Chances are, it should be durable enough to outlast the phone itself \u2013 emphasis on the \u201cshould.\u201d With all moving parts, there is always risk of it breaking.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re a music lover, you\u2019ll appreciate the K20\u2019s audio-centric feature. It\u2019s equipped with Qualcomm\u2019s Aqstic audio codec (WCD 9335), which has an integrated DAC that \u201csupports Hi-Fi audio playback up to 192kHz/24bit PCM,\u201d as Qualcomm puts it. Naturally, this phone also has a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\nRedmi also emphasised on the K20\u2019s improved in-screen fingerprint sensor. Even though it\u2019s still an optical sensor (instead of an ultrasonic one found in Samsung\u2019s latest flagships), it\u2019s said to be faster and more reliable. If the \nXiaomi Mi 9\n\u2018s fast in-screen sensor is any indication, the K20\u2019s sensor should perform really well too.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to photography, users will appreciate the K20\u2019s flexible triple camera system. It has all the tools you need for all kinds of shots: there\u2019s the 48MP primary shooter, a 13MP wide angle camera, and an 8MP telephoto sensor.\n\n\nOf course, the 48MP sensor takes advantage of pixel binning to improve the camera\u2019s low light performance, which also reduces the image size down to 12MP. So far, this is the most sophisticated camera system on a Redmi smartphone \u2013 it\u2019ll be interesting to see how it performs in real life.\n\n\n\n\nPricing has always been the main appeal of Redmi smartphones, and the Redmi K20 continues this tradition. In China, the standard K20 with 64GB of storage retails at 1,999 Chinese yuan (about RM1,210), while the 128GB model goes for 2,099 yuan (approximately RM1,270). Both models also come with 6GB of RAM.\n\n\nBut the model you \nreally\n want is the K20 Pro: the 6GB variants with 64GB and 128GB storage capacities go for 2,499 (RM1,515) and 2,599 (RM1,575) yuan respectively, while the 8GB models in 128GB and 256GB options retail at 2,799 (RM1,695) and 2,999 (RM1,820) respectively.\n\n\n\n\nNeedless to say, these are \nvery\n competitive pricing for a device of the Redmi K20\u2019s calibre. If Xiaomi Malaysia can offer the K20 on our shores in the neighbourhood of this price range, the company may have a winner on its hands. Hopefully, we won\u2019t have to wait too long for the Redmi K20 series to arrive here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-new-dell-xps-13-2-in-1-is-finally-a-competent-laptop/", "title": "The New Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 Is Finally a Competent Laptop", "body": "\n\nDell\u2019s range of XPS laptops have always been some of the best productivity laptops, and at Computex 2019, the company finally updated the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 properly. Now sporting a new design, a more powerful processor, and a taller display, the convertible laptop is better than ever.\n\n\nPersonally, the XPS 13 2-in-1\u2019s lack of power has always been my biggest qualm with the laptop. But now that Dell has addressed this \u2013 among other things \u2013 it is now a competent, attractive convertible laptop. In fact, it is potentially better than the standard XPS 13.\n\n\n\n\nUnlike its predecessor\u2019s use of Intel\u2019s Y-series CPUs, the new XPS 13 2-in-1 comes with the chipmaker\u2019s latest generation Ice Lake CPUs from the U-series. The new processors promise up to 2.5 times better performance, making this productivity laptop a lot more capable.\n\n\nHowever, switching to the more powerful processors also necessitates better cooling. Unlike the previous model\u2019s passive cooling system, the revamped convertible has physical fans to cool down the internals. Is it a worthwhile trade-off? In my book, it sure is.\n\n\nAnother area where Dell improved upon is the XPS 13 2-in-1\u2019s display. Previously, the laptop only had a 16:9 display, but the new model is now equipped with a taller 16:10 screen. Basically, it\u2019s the same aspect ratio as Apple\u2019s range of MacBook laptops, and that is a very good thing.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to productivity laptops, a 16:10 display makes a lot more sense for one simple reason: you have more vertical space to work with. Scrolling and reading through documents would be easier, and the display wouldn\u2019t look as narrow as a conventional 16:9 screen. It may seem like a small change, but the extra screen real estate is a godsend on compact laptops like this.\n\n\nNonetheless, the 13.4-inch InfinityEdge display of the XPS 13 2-in-1 can be configured with two resolutions: a regular 1920 x 1200 screen, or a more impressive 3840 x 2400 panel. Whichever resolution you opt for, you will still get a touch display. This is, after all, a convertible laptop. It would make little sense to have a non-touch screen.\n\n\n\n\nIn line with the standard XPS 13\u2019s new design, the XPS 13 2-in-1\u2019s webcam is finally at the top of the display. You don\u2019t have to deal with awkward camera angles anymore, and the top bezel still remains very thin. Speaking of which, the overall bezel size is very minimal too; there\u2019s no chin to be found here.\n\n\nAnd then we have the XPS 13 2-in-1\u2019s new maglev keyboard. If you\u2019re wondering, it is the same keyboard found on the XPS 15 2-in-1. Chances are, the typing experience should be very similar too. I\u2019ve tried out the maglev keyboard on the XPS 15 before, and truth be told, it is not for everyone.\n\n\n\n\nSee, the maglev keyboard relies on magnets to provide tactile feedback, and while it does a very good job in this regard, the key travel is \nvery \nshort. This, in turn, makes for a shallow typing experience. I don\u2019t particularly mind this, but if you\u2019re not a fan of the MacBook\u2019s butterfly keyboard, you wouldn\u2019t like the maglev keyboard either.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the updated XPS 13 2-in-1 are up to 32GB of LPDDR4 RAM, three choices of PCIe SSD storage (256GB, 512GB, or 1TB), a 51WHr battery, and a fingerprint sensor built into the power button.\n\n\n\n\nThe new Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 does not have a release date yet, but it will retail from $1,000 \u2013 that comes up to about RM4,190. Yes, it\u2019s not an affordable convertible, but the XPS lineup has always been positioned as a premium offering.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-samsung-galaxy-s10e-price-hits-below-rm2000/", "title": "Deal: Samsung Galaxy S10e Price Hits Below RM2,000", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S10e is the most affordable phone in the S10 series, and it just hit its lowest price yet. In fact, it is currently \ngoing below the RM2,000 mark\n \u2013 that\u2019s a really good price for Samsung\u2019s latest flagship smartphone.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by well-known Lazada retailer Wow Phone. Originally retailing at RM2,699, the Galaxy S10e is offered \nfor only RM1,989 now\n. On top of that, you can even collect a RM10 voucher from Wow Phone, \nfurther reducing the price to RM1,979\n.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, Wow Phone is offering original Malaysian units of the Galaxy S10e, so any warranty claim from Samsung Malaysia should not be an issue. It is also offering all three colours of the device: Prism White, Prism Black, and Prism Green.\n\n\nAs far as flagship smartphones go, the Samsung Galaxy S10e\u2019s compact form factor and overall feature set make it one of the most \nunique high-end phones\n in the market now. To learn more, check out our \ncomprehensive review of the S10e\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/should-you-buy-a-gaming-laptop-now/", "title": "Should You Buy a Gaming Laptop Now?", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019ve seen \npretty interesting gaming laptops\n in recent times, and with the introduction of \nNvidia\u2019s mobile GTX 1660 Ti and GTX 1650 GPUs\n, even more affordable gaming laptops are very capable now. In fact, right now is arguably \nthe best time\n to buy a gaming laptop.\n\n\nHowever, now that Intel\u2019s latest generation Ice Lake CPUs are official, should you hold out a bit longer? Or should you just take the leap? We\u2019ll look at either sides of the argument.\n\n\nWhy You Should Wait\n\n\nOne of the biggest reasons to hold out from purchasing any gaming laptop right now is to wait for Intel\u2019s new 10th generation processors. Even though the company already unveiled some Ice Lake processors for the generation, the H-series lineup has not been announced yet \u2013 that\u2019s the one typically found in gaming laptops.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the Intel\u2019s 10th generation CPUs exciting is the die shrink: it is Intel\u2019s first real batch of 10nm chips. With the smaller manufacturing process, better power efficiency is the most immediate benefit, and that is always a good thing.\n\n\nAt the moment, there\u2019s not much detail on upcoming 10th generation Intel chips specifically for gaming laptops. Who knows, perhaps there will be other important features that will make these CPUs superior to the current 9th generation H-series processors, especially in terms of processing power. Creative professionals will definitely appreciate that.\n\n\nWhy You Shouldn\u2019t Wait\n\n\nWhile it is important to have a capable CPU that will not bottleneck the system, it is the GPU that affects gaming performance the most. Sure, a faster, more power-efficient CPU is always desired, but it doesn\u2019t bring \nthat\n much of a difference in terms of raw gaming performance.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, future processors will definitely be faster and better than current 9th generation chips found in gaming laptops, but Intel only introduced these processors\u2026well, last month. Although the performance gain isn\u2019t particularly great, it will still take quite some time for the chipmaker to introduce the next generation.\n\n\nEven if you don\u2019t mind waiting, the current crop of mobile GPUs in the market right now already offer some of the best value for money. Take the GTX 1660 Ti: it\u2019s only slightly slower than the higher-end RTX 2060 GPU, but it costs considerably less. The \nAsus TUF Gaming FX505\n, for example, retails at RM4,399 for the GTX 1660 Ti model, and it\u2019s a very capable gaming laptop.\n\n\n\n\nAnd if you\u2019re looking to get something even more affordable, great news: the GTX 1650 fits the bill. You can easily get a gaming laptop with that GPU in the RM3,000 price range, and it has very good performance for the money.\n\n\nWhile it is not quite as fast as the older GTX 1060, the GTX 1650 is a lot faster than its direct predecessor, the GTX 1050 Ti. In fact, it will be relatively easy to get over 60fps in popular games like PlayerUnknown\u2019s Battlegrounds, Apex Legends, and Fortnite at 1080p with high graphics settings.\n\n\nThe point is, whether you\u2019re looking to get a gaming laptop with the best value for money or gaming performance, you have plenty of options to choose from right this instance. As we speak, a number of manufacturers are already bringing in more gaming laptops with the new GTX 1660 Ti and GTX 1650 GPUs to Malaysia.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nThose who are looking to get a gaming laptop right now shouldn\u2019t be worried about missing out on \u201cthe next big thing.\u201d Current gaming laptops in the market already offer excellent performance for the money, and if you\u2019re already eyeing a particular laptop, there\u2019s little reason to wait any longer.\n\n\n\n\nPlus, no matter what, future gaming laptops will always be more capable than current offerings; it\u2019s inevitable in the tech industry. But how big of a leap that would be still remains to be seen, but rest assured, it won\u2019t happen anytime soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-reno-review-a-mid-ranger-in-a-flagship-shell/", "title": "Oppo Reno Review: A Mid-Ranger in a Flagship Shell", "body": "\n\nThe Oppo Reno series is quite interesting. Unlike other smartphone series, the Reno lineup has two devices from separate segments. The standard Reno is a mid-range smartphone, while the \nReno 10x Zoom Edition\n is a high-end, flagship device.\n\n\nI\u2019ve used the regular Reno as my daily driver for the past couple of weeks, and even though it\u2019s \u201conly\u201d a mid-range smartphone, it has some elements of a proper, flagship smartphone too. That being said, it\u2019s also quite a costly mid-ranger. So is it worth getting? Let\u2019s find out.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpecifications\n\n\nDisplay\n6.4-inch FHD+ AMOLED (2340 x 1080)\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 710 2.2GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 616\nRAM\n6GB\nStorage\n256GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n48MP f/1.7 (primary)\n5MP f/2.4 (depth)\nCamera (front)\n16MP f/2.0 (motorised)\nBattery\n3,765mAh\nDimensions\n156.6 x 74.3 x 9 mm\nWeight\n185g\nOS\nColorOS 6 based on Android 9 Pie\nConnectivity\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)\n3.5mm headphone jack\nUSB Type-C\n\n\nPowered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 chipset, the Reno is comfortably an upper mid-range smartphone. Even though it\u2019s not quite as fast as a flagship device, it\u2019s still plenty capable. On top of that, the reasonably big 3,765mAh battery can return good battery life too.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the Reno doesn\u2019t have a microSD card slot, but it does come standard with 256GB of internal storage. The downside? It drives up the price of the phone quite a bit. Nonetheless, having that amount of native storage should be sufficient for most users.\n\n\nDesign\n\n\nAs it shares the same design language as the higher-end Reno 10x Zoom model, the standard Reno feels like a flagship smartphone. It is very well-built, it feels great in the hands, and most of all, it looks really stunning in person.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the Reno unique is its rear glass panel, which has a frosted glass-like finish. It\u2019s reminiscent of the \nOppo R17 Pro\n\u2018s design, and while it does make the phone quite slippery, it feels really nice to the touch. However, this finish is only available on the Ocean Green colourway; the Jet Black model has a glossy, more fingerprint-prone finish instead.\n\n\nOn the front, the Reno has an almost all-screen design with a bit of chin at the bottom of the display. Among all screen types in the current market (notch, \nhole-punch cutout\n, you name it), this is the most aesthetically pleasing design, even if it is not the most practical solution.\n\n\n\n\nLike most smartphones with an all-screen design, the Reno has a \u201cshark fin\u201d 16MP motorised pop-up camera. It\u2019s a good solution in theory, but as with all moving parts, there\u2019s always a chance it will break sometime in the phone\u2019s lifespan. However, Oppo claims that the camera module can be activated over 100 times daily for five years without issue.\n\n\nThat kind of assurance is good, but do note that it can gather dust quite easily. While a quick wipe is enough to clean it, it\u2019s still quite unsightly.\n\n\n\n\nOverall, the Oppo Reno is a mid-range smartphone that looks and feels like a phone above its segment. In fact, if it had a more powerful chipset, I wouldn\u2019t hesitate to call it a flagship smartphone.\n\n\nUser Experience\n\n\nColorOS 6 on the Reno is quite similar to other versions of Android from Chinese phone makers. There is no app drawer (but there is an option to enable it), and there are some bloatware here and there.\n\n\nNow, I don\u2019t particularly mind bloatware if they can be uninstalled easily, but that\u2019s not the case with ColorOS. There is one app in particular that got my attention: the Oppo App Store. As its name suggests, it is the company\u2019s app store, and occasionally, it would even send push notifications.\n\n\nI \ncould\n block the app from sending notifications, but to not be able to outright uninstall it from the phone is quite annoying.\n\n\n\n\nRegardless, it\u2019s a good thing other aspects of ColorOS 6 are good. It is lightweight, there is no major bug, and it feels fast and responsive. One particular feature that I really appreciate is the always on display, although I do wish it was more functional \u2013 it only show notifications from specific apps.\n\n\nBeyond software, the in-screen fingerprint sensor of the Oppo Reno is quite good. It\u2019s not the quickest sensor around, but it can consistently identify my fingerprint accurately. I can\u2019t say the same for the vast majority of in-screen sensors.\n\n\n\n\nIn the performance department, the Reno\u2019s Snapdragon 710 chipset is fast enough to provide a pleasant user experience. I can switch between different apps relatively quickly, I can play games like PUBG Mobile and Hearthstone without issue, and the phone as a whole doesn\u2019t feel sluggish.\n\n\nThat being said, you will notice the deficit in performance if you compare it to a flagship smartphone in the same price point. As capable as the Snapdragon 710 is, it\u2019s not in the same league as the Snapdragon 855. It\u2019s not even comparable to last year\u2019s Snapdragon 845, for that matter.\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s move on to something more positive: the Reno\u2019s 6.4-inch 1080p AMOLED display. Just like every other AMOLED panels, the Reno\u2019s screen has very deep blacks, vibrant colours, great viewing angles, and good brightness level. I\u2019m also quite impressed with the display\u2019s colour temperature: it\u2019s neither too cold nor too hot.\n\n\nBattery life is also quite good on the Reno. ColorOS doesn\u2019t allow me to check the screen on time of the phone, but I\u2019m confident it\u2019s somewhere between four to five hours. While this isn\u2019t particularly impressive for a phone with a 3,765mAh battery, I\u2019m a heavy user, and never did the Reno run out of juice before the day ends throughout the review period.\n\n\nOppo\u2019s proprietary VOOC 3.0 fast charging technology on the Reno is quite decent too. Within 30 minutes of charging, the phone got up to about 50% from completely empty.\n\n\n\n\nUsing the Reno as my daily driver was a mostly positive affair. ColorOS 6 could definitely still use some work, but you can do a lot worse with other versions of Android.\n\n\nCamera\n\n\nIn a market dominated by triple and quad camera systems, it\u2019s pretty surprising to see only two rear cameras on the Reno. The primary shooter is a 48MP f/1.7 camera, while the 5MP f/2.4 sensor is for capturing depth information. So how does the dual camera system perform? Pretty good, actually.\n\n\n\n\nWhether it\u2019s daytime or nighttime, the Reno can take good-looking shots. To improve low light performance, the 48MP sensor takes advantage of pixel binning, which also reduces the file size of images it takes to 12MP. Basically, you won\u2019t be disappointed with the Reno\u2019s camera performance.\n\n\nHowever, having only one \u201creal\u201d camera sensor does limit the Reno\u2019s versatility. After all, it only has one focal length to work with, and the \u201c2x zoom\u201d option in the camera interface relies solely on digital zoom.\n\n\nNormal shoot\n2x digital zoom\nNight mode disabled\nNight mode enabled\n\n\nMost \u2013 if not all \u2013 of the Reno\u2019s competition have a wide array of focal lengths to choose from, so its dual camera system certainly pales in comparison. However, you do get very good camera performance with this phone, and the night mode (even if the results can look artificial in certain conditions) improves low light performance even further.\n\n\nDoes it have the best camera performance in this price range? Well, not exactly. But I definitely enjoyed shooting with this phone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Oppo Reno is offered in Malaysia, which is the 256GB model with 6GB of RAM. That\u2019s a generous amount of storage, but retailing at RM1,999, the Reno has to contend with a number of smartphones that are not only more capable, but also offer better value for money.\n\n\nXiaomi Mi 9\n\n\nAt this price point, the \nXiaomi Mi 9\n is arguably the best smartphone to get. Compared to the Reno, it has a faster Snapdragon 855 chipset, a much more capable and flexible camera system, as well as a better in-screen fingerprint sensor. Although the RM1,999 variant of the Mi 9 only has half the storage at 128GB, you\u2019re still getting a lot more value for your money here.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, there are areas where the Reno is superior. Aesthetically, I\u2019d argue this phone is a lot sleeker than the Mi 9, especially with its all-screen design and unique glass back. That is not to say the Mi 9 isn\u2019t good-looking, but its notched display definitely isn\u2019t quite as eye-catching as the Reno\u2019s notch-free screen.\n\n\nSamsung Galaxy S10e\n\n\nOfficially retailing at RM2,699, you can easily get the \nSamsung Galaxy s10e\n around the \nRM2,000 price point now\n, putting it in the same price bracket as the Reno. The S10e is a smaller device, yes, but it has a more impressive Dynamic AMOLED display, water and dust resistance, superior (and more versatile) camera system, and support for expandable storage.\n\n\n\n\nBut, again, design is where the Reno comes up on top. The Galaxy S10e simply cannot compete with the Reno\u2019s all-screen design and beautiful glass back. Next to Oppo\u2019s offering, the Galaxy S10e looks\u2026pedestrian. Then again, that\u2019s not a bad thing if you want a more minimalist, understated smartphone.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nTo sum it up, the Oppo Reno is a handsome, sleek mid-range smartphone in a flagship shell. After all, it shares the same chassis as the higher-end Reno 10x Zoom model, which is a proper flagship smartphone. It wouldn\u2019t be far-fetched to dub the Reno a \u201cpremium\u201d mid-ranger for this reason alone.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, you will be paying quite the premium simply for the Reno\u2019s aesthetics. See, other aspects of the phone simply aren\u2019t up to par for a smartphone at this price point. It doesn\u2019t offer the latest flagship chipset; it doesn\u2019t have the best camera performance in this price range; and its software experience isn\u2019t particularly fantastic either.\n\n\nThe only saving grace for the Reno is the generous 256GB internal storage, which is probably why it is so costly in the first place. If Oppo were to bring in a more affordable 128GB variant, I reckon that particular model would make a lot more sense for a mid-ranger like the Reno.\n\n\n\n\nFor what it\u2019s worth, I thoroughly enjoyed using the Oppo Reno as my daily driver. I love how it looks, it feels great in my hands, and the all-screen design never gets old. Just know that you are paying a premium not for a faster, more capable smartphone, but simply for the Reno\u2019s sleek design.\n\n\nAnd I\u2019m sure some folks are willing to do just that.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-wwdc-2019-the-biggest-announcements/", "title": "Apple WWDC 2019 \u2013 The Biggest Announcements", "body": "\n\nApple\u2019s WWDC event this year has a couple of pleasant surprises. As usual, a bunch of software updates are coming to Apple\u2019s range of products, but (arguably) the star of the show is the new Mac Pro. It\u2019s a big update, considering the fact that it hasn\u2019t been refreshed in six long years.\n\n\nThere are quite a number of things detailed at WWDC last night, so here are the biggest announcements from the keynote.\n\n\nThe Most Expensive Mac Pro Yet\n\n\nAs Apple\u2019s most powerful Mac device yet, it\u2019s no surprise the Mac Pro will cost a small fortune. Set to retail \nfrom\n $5,999 (that\u2019s a whopping RM25,050 starting price) once it arrives later this fall, the base model of this machine comes with an octa-core Intel Xeon processor paired with 32GB of RAM, an AMD Radeon Pro 580X GPU, and a 256GB SSD.\n\n\n\n\nIf you so desire, the Mac Pro can be customised with a 28-core Xeon processor paired with up to \n1.5TB of RAM\n. According to Apple, the Mac Pro\u2019s cooling system is robust enough for the 28-core Xeon processor to sustain peak performance at all times. In the graphics department, you can fit up to four AMD Radeon Pro Vega II GPUs into the machine, giving you up to \u201c56 teraflops of graphics performance and 128GB of video memory,\u201d as Apple puts it.\n\n\nBesides its raw hardware power, what makes the new Mac Pro an even more impressive machine is its modular design, which addresses one of the biggest shortcomings of the outgoing \u201ctrash can\u201d Mac Pro. However, it remains to be seen just how easy it is to swap out parts and upgrade the Mac Pro, and whether or not consumers can actually do the upgrading themselves.\n\n\nA $999 Monitor Stand for a $4,999 Display\n\n\nAnnounced alongside the new Mac Pro is the $999 Pro Stand (about RM4,170) for the equally costly Pro Display XDR monitor that retails at an eye-watering $4,999 (approximately RM20,865). Yes, even the stand costs over RM4,000, and it has a counterbalance arm that can tilt, heighten, lower, and rotate the monitor.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Pro Display XDR itself \u2013 XDR stands for extreme dynamic range \u2013 it is a 32-inch 6016 x 3384 Retina 6K LCD monitor with bezels only 9mm thin. Its brightness level is also very impressive, peaking at 1,600 nits with the ability to sustain 1,000 nits of brightness. On top of that, it also has Apple\u2019s True Tone technology, P3 wide colour gamut, and 10-bit colour depth.\n\n\nJust like the new Mac Pro, both the Pro Display XDR and Pro Stand will be available in fall 2019.\n\n\niOS 13 Introduces Dark Mode and Faster App Launch\n\n\nAs expected, Apple also detailed some key new features coming to iOS 13. The highlight? A new system-wide dark mode, of course. All first-party apps from Apple will support the new mode, and chances are, every aspect of the user interface will be darkened accordingly too.\n\n\n\n\nVisual update aside, iOS 13 also promises better performance and some new features. Apps will supposedly launch up to two times faster, Face ID will unlock 30% quicker, the keyboard now supports swipe typing (similar to SwiftKey and Gboard), and iOS 13 can finally recognise external storage.\n\n\nBeta version of the iOS 13 will be available for developers to test out starting today, while the public beta program will take place sometime in July. The final consumer version, on the other hand, will arrive in fall 2019.\n\n\niPad Gets Its Own OS\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, iPad will run on its own OS in the future. Aptly dubbed iPadOS, the new platform makes iPads a lot more suitable for productivity tasks. It has a redesigned home screen, there\u2019s now mouse support, it can recognise external storage (much like iOS 13), and there\u2019s also a new copy and paste gesture \u2013 you can pinch with three fingers to copy, and then do a three-finger spread to paste.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, iPadOS will still be very familiar to those who are used to iOS, but that will change moving forward. Apple will further differentiate the \u201ciPad experience\u201d from iPhones through gradual changes here and there, and it\u2019ll be interesting to see where Apple will take iPadOS in the future.\n\n\nExpect the consumer version of iPadOS to roll out later this fall.\n\n\nmacOS Catalina Adds iPad App Support\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the upcoming macOS Catalina update. Arriving sometime in fall 2019, one of the biggest changes is the splitting of iTunes into three separate apps: Podcasts, Apple TV, and Apple Music. It\u2019s worth noting that these applications have already been available on iOS devices for years, so it\u2019s merely macOS catching up here.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, Catalina does add a couple of noteworthy features; one of them is Sidecar, which lets you use an iPad as a secondary display for your Mac. This can be done wired or wirelessly, and certain apps even let you use an Apple Pencil with the iPad as a drawing tablet. Apps that support this include Adobe Illustrator, iWork, and Final Cut Pro X.\n\n\nPerhaps the most interesting addition to macOS Catalina is Project Catalyst. It\u2019s a framework that allows developers to port iPad apps to macOS, and if Catalyst takes off, it will further bolster the Mac\u2019s selection of apps.\n\n\n\n\nWWDC 2019 brought quite a number of interesting news, and we will see for ourselves how these software and hardware will pan out once they are officially released sometime in fall 2019.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/google-stadia-game-service-launches-november-2019-what-you-need-to-know/", "title": "Google Stadia Game Service Launches November 2019 \u2013 What You Need to Know", "body": "\n\nAfter several months \nsince its introduction\n, Google finally revealed more information on its cloud gaming service, Google Stadia. We now know how much it will cost, exactly when it will go live, and even what games that are coming to the service \u2013 it\u2019s quite a respectable lineup too.\n\n\nThat being said, not all of Stadia\u2019s touted features will be available at launch, including the ability to play alongside your favourite YouTuber. Nonetheless, here\u2019s what you need to know about Google Stadia \u2013 it\u2019s set to be an exciting game streaming service.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst of all, let\u2019s talk about the most important part of Stadia: pricing. Many were referring to Stadia as the \u201cNetflix of gaming,\u201d but that is not really the case here. In fact, Google even went as far to say that you should expect to \nbuy\n games on the streaming service (for the same price you pay on other platforms too) rather than rent them.\n\n\nHowever, there will be a list of free games for those who subscribed to the Stadia Pro service that costs $10 (about RM40) a month. The caveat? Only Destiny 2 is in the list right now, and even that has a free-to-play version that\u2019s coming out later this September on Steam.\n\n\n\n\nIf you don\u2019t feel like spending any amount of money on Stadia just yet, good news: a free tier will be introduced sometime in 2020. Unfortunately, it remains to be seen what aspects of Stadia will be available to free users, but the stream quality will be limited to 1080p at 60fps.\n\n\nYou\u2019ll need 20Mbps of bandwidth to play at that quality, but if your connection isn\u2019t quite as fast, you only need 10Mbps of bandwidth to stream at 720p60. That\u2019s pretty good quality with only 10Mbps of speed to work with.\n\n\nOf course, those who are subscribed to Stadia Pro can get much better stream quality. 4K, 60fps streaming is available to these users, and it will come with HDR support and 5.1 surround sound too. In order to get this stream quality, 35Mbps of bandwidth is required.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow then, what kind of games will be available on Stadia? As mentioned, Destiny 2 is in the list, along with Baldur\u2019s Gate 3. In fact, the latter will launch \nsimultaneously \non Stadia as well as PC. Not bad for a brand new cloud gaming service.\n\n\nIn total, there are at least 31 titles coming to Stadia at launch, and these include the Tomb Raider trilogy, Final Fantasy XV, Borderlands 3, Mortal Kombat 11, Assassin\u2019s Creed Odyssey, and even Metro Exodus. Also, there are two exclusive titles in the list: Get Packed and Gylt from Coatsink and Tequila Works respectively.\n\n\nOther big publishers like Capcom, Electronic Arts, and Rockstar Games are also on board Stadia, though they have yet to introduce any titles for the cloud gaming service yet. Regardless, Google promises that more exclusive titles will be added to Stadia in the future.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGoogle Stadia will be available in 14 territories come November 2019, which include US, UK, Canada, and selected European countries. Unfortunately, Malaysia isn\u2019t in the list, and it remains to be seen when (or if) Malaysia will receive the cloud gaming service.\n\n\nMarkets that will get Stadia at launch can opt to purchase the $129 (around RM535) Founder\u2019s Edition, which include a limited-edition Stadia controller in Night Blue, as well as a Chromecast Ultra to plug into your TV to start streaming. On top of that, a three-month subscription to Stadia Pro is also thrown in for you (and a friend).\n\n\n\n\nHopefully, Google Stadia will be available in more markets after its November launch later this year. It\u2019s an interesting game service, and it\u2019s likely the reason why other big players in the gaming industry like PlayStation and Microsoft are focusing more on their respective cloud gaming services.\n\n\nNevertheless, the cloud gaming space is one to watch in the coming months.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-days-of-play-shopping-guide-what-you-should-buy/", "title": "PlayStation Days of Play Shopping Guide \u2013 What You Should Buy", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019ve been waiting to get a good deal on any PlayStation 4 titles, great news: the PlayStation Days of Play sale offers just that, and many more. A bunch of exclusive games are heavily discounted right now; if you haven\u2019t gotten any of these titles yet, you should definitely check them out.\n\n\nOn top of that, you can get further discount by playing PlayStation\u2019s Ultimate Gamer Trivia quiz, which offers a 15% discount code. Without further ado, here\u2019s how you can make the best of the Days of Play sale, and which games you \nreally\nhave to pick up.\n\n\nMarvel\u2019s Spider-Man\n\n\nThis is the first time Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man can be bought below the RM100 mark. The PlayStation 4 exclusive title is now going \nfor only RM84.50\n, and if you want the Deluxe Edition, it can be \nyours for RM112\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOut of the two choices, the Deluxe Edition is arguably the better buy. It bundles The City That Never Sleeps DLC, which provides three additional chapters in the story. Taking into account the small price difference between the standalone game and Deluxe Edition, the latter is very worth it for the extra content.\n\n\nGod of War\n\n\nIn the \nprevious PlayStation sale\n, God of War was still quite costly, but that\u2019s not the case anymore. The game itself now \ncosts only RM74.50\n, while the Deluxe Edition is \nlisted at RM99.50\n. The latter includes some in-game items, digital comic and artbook from Dark Horse, as well as a dynamic theme for your PlayStation 4.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd great news for those who have not caught up to the God of War story yet: God of War III Remastered is \ngoing for merely RM9.90 now\n. Needless to say, that\u2019s a ridiculous good price for a game of this pedigree.\n\n\nDetroit: Become Human\n\n\nQuantic Dream\u2019s latest game is arguably the developer\u2019s best one yet, and it is now more affordable than ever. Detroit: Become Human used to retail well over RM200, but it is now \njust RM47.40\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEven though Detroit: Become Human relies mostly on QTE sequences, the game\u2019s compelling storyline makes it a really enjoyable title to play through. Plus, the branching stories (impacted by the decisions you make in the game) also increase the game\u2019s replay value.\n\n\nDays Gone\n\n\nReleased quite recently in late April 2019, Days Gone can now be bought \nfor RM157.74\n. Considering the fact that it\u2019s a relatively new exclusive game for the PlayStation 4, this is a reasonably good offer. If you\u2019re into zombie apocalypse action games, Days Gone may be worth checking out.\n\n\nThe Last of Us Remastered\n\n\nOf course The Last of Us is in our list of exclusive games you have to buy. The Remastered version was released back in 2014 for the PlayStation 4, and it is now going \nfor only RM29.60\n. That\u2019s a fantastic price for anyone that hasn\u2019t played the game yet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, the Remastered edition also runs at 60fps, and it bundles together the Left Behind DLC. Basically, you\u2019ll get to experience the full story of The Last of Us.\n\n\nUncharted 4\n\n\nMuch like The Last of Us, Uncharted 4 is also developed by renowned studio Naughty Dog. It\u2019s a really good entry that ends the series on a high note, and it is now listed \nat only RM29.60\n. That\u2019s a very attractive price for a proper AAA title like Uncharted 4.\n\n\nPlayStation Plus Subscriptions\n\n\nUnfortunately, PlayStation Plus subscriptions across the range will be more expensive come 1 August 2019. The 12-month subscription will go up to RM159 (from RM129), the 3-month plan RM69 (previously only RM43), and the one month subscription increases to RM29 from RM21.\n\n\n\n\nThankfully, the Days of Play sale is offering the 12-month PlayStation Plus plan at a really good price now: you can get it \nfor only RM90.30\n. On top of that, you can stack the subscription too. In fact, one of our colleagues already stacked his membership \nuntil 2022\n.\n\n\nThose who don\u2019t have an active PlayStation Plus subscription can also get the 3-month membership \nfor only RM30\n. However, this offer is not applicable to current PlayStation Plus subscribers.\n\n\n\n\nFinally, you can head \nhere\n to play the Ultimate Gamer Trivia quiz to get further discount. As its name suggests, it\u2019s a trivia game about everything PlayStation. Once you have collected 300 coins, you can use it to redeem a 15% discount voucher.\n\n\nPlayStation\u2019s Days of Play sale will end on 17 June 2019, so make sure you purchase these games and renew your PlayStation Plus membership before that to enjoy the discounts.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-band-4-launched-with-colour-display-what-you-need-to-know/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi Band 4 Launched with Colour Display \u2013 What You Need to Know", "body": "\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi Band 4 has just been launched in China, and it is superior to its predecessor in almost every way. It has a larger, sharper AMOLED display now (no more monochrome screen here), a bigger battery, and even support for voice control.\n\n\nMost importantly, the Mi Band 4 retains the company\u2019s very competitive pricing strategy. So should you buy it? Let\u2019s find out.\n\n\n\n\nWhat differentiates the Mi Band 4 from its predecessor the most is definitely the new colour screen. The 0.95-inch 240 x 120 AMOLED display (protected by a 2.5D glass) is not only bigger and sharper, it\u2019s also said to be brighter than the OLED display of the Mi Band 3.\n\n\nAnd with that new display, the Mi Band 4 is a lot more customisable now. There are various watchfaces for the new wearable, and Xiaomi also collaborated with a few names like Overwatch to release their own custom watchfaces.\n\n\nIn retrospect, this level of customisation is really quite impressive for a wearable at this price point. Despite the bigger display, it\u2019s worth noting that the Mi Band 4 can still return up to 20 days of battery life.\n\n\n\n\nVoice control is also available on the Mi Band 4 now. Yes, it has a dedicated microphone, and you can give specific voice commands to it. Xiaomi demonstrated several use case scenarios for this new feature, some of which can be really useful.\n\n\nNaturally, the Mi Band 4 works in tandem with Xiaomi\u2019s range of smart home products, so you can issue voice commands to the wearable to control them. You can use the Mi Band 4 to, say, dim your lights, open the curtains, or play some music through a connected smart speaker.\n\n\n\n\nIt doesn\u2019t just stop there, of course: voice commands on the Mi Band 4 goes further than just controlling connected devices. It\u2019s possible to ask the wearable to show your heart rate, start a timer, or even set a reminder. At a glance, it\u2019s almost as powerful as a dedicated digital assistant.\n\n\nHowever, as impressive as the voice command is on the Mi Band 4, it remains to be seen just how much of the feature will be retained outside of China. Hopefully, it will be just as useful once the wearable is available globally.\n\n\nJust like its predecessor, the Mi Band 4 has two models: one with NFC support, and one without. On top of that, it supports payment via QR code with Alipay too, though it\u2019s not confirmed if this feature is only available in China.\n\n\n\n\nBesides the two variants of Mi Band 4, there is also a special limited edition model of the wearable: an Avengers-themed version. It comes with a custom Avengers watchface, a collection certificate, and three different straps \u2013 that\u2019s right, three.\n\n\nOne of the straps is modeled after the Avengers itself, while the other two are inspired by Captain America and Iron Man. It\u2019s quite a neat-looking limited edition model, and we imagine fans of the franchise would be keen to get it.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, you\u2019ll have to pay quite the premium for the Avengers-themed Mi Band 4: it retails for 349 Chinese yuan, which comes up to about RM210. While that\u2019s not awfully expensive, the standard versions of the wearable are a lot more affordable.\n\n\nThe regular, non-NFC variant of the Mi Band 4 retails at only 169 yuan (approximately RM100), while the NFC model goes for 229 yuan (around RM135). All three variants of the Mi Band 4 will be available from 14 June onwards in China.\n\n\n\n\nNeedless to say, the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is one of the most impressive wearables unveiled so far, and it\u2019s certainly Xiaomi\u2019s best offering to date. Its sheer value for money alone makes it a very compelling product, and hopefully, it will be available in more markets soon \u2013 especially Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-grab-the-samsung-galaxy-s10-below-rm3000/", "title": "Deal: Grab the Samsung Galaxy S10+ Below RM3,000", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been quite some time since the \nSamsung Galaxy S10 series\n was launched in Malaysia, and naturally, it is a lot more affordable now. In fact, you can now get a brand new unit of the Galaxy S10+ \nbelow RM3,000\n.\n\n\nOriginally going for RM3,699, Preferred Shopee retailer GPA Mobile is offering the Galaxy S10+ 128GB \nfor only RM2,999\n \u2013 that\u2019s RM700 worth of savings. However, that is only for the Prism Black Model; the Prism White and Prism Green models retail at RM3,049 and RM3,099 respectively.\n\n\n\n\nNeedless to say, RM2,999 for the Galaxy S10+ is a very good price. Of course, GPA Mobile is also offering original Malaysian units of the device, so you won\u2019t have any trouble claiming for warranty from Samsung Malaysia \u2013 if it becomes necessary.\n\n\nIf you want the get the Samsung Galaxy S10+ in Prism Black for only RM2,999, you may want to act fast: only \nfour units are left at the time of writing\n. To learn more about the Galaxy S10+, check out our \ncomprehensive review of the phone\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nubia-red-magic-3-with-90hz-display-snapdragon-855-coming-to-malaysia-for-rm2199/", "title": "Nubia Red Magic 3 with 90Hz Display & Snapdragon 855 Coming to Malaysia for RM2,199", "body": "\n\nHere\u2019s a phone maker you don\u2019t hear about very often: Nubia. Formerly a subsidiary of ZTE, the now independent company will be releasing the brand new Nubia Red Magic 3 gaming smartphone in Malaysia soon, and it\u2019s a \nvery\n interesting device.\n\n\nNot only is it powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset, the Red Magic 3 also has a fast 90Hz display, a built-in physical cooling fan (we kid you not), and a RM2,199 price tag. Needless to say, it offers great value for money.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to get the Red Magic 3, here\u2019s what you need to know about Nubia\u2019s latest gaming phone.\n\n\n\n\nAs a gaming-centric smartphone, it\u2019s no surprise Nubia put a lot of focus on the Red Magic 3\u2019s cooling performance. As mentioned, complementing the phone\u2019s liquid cooling system is a built-in fan, which should come in handy to cool down the phone in prolonged gaming sessions.\n\n\nWould it result in noticeably better thermal performance? Well, we\u2019ll have to test it out for ourselves once we have the Red Magic 3 in for review. Chances are, it wouldn\u2019t be game-changing, but we\u2019ll reserve judgment until we\u2019ve tried it out.\n\n\n\n\nAnother interesting hardware of the Red Magic 3 is its 90Hz display. It\u2019s a 6.65-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED HDR-capable display, and it doesn\u2019t have any \nnotch or hole-punch cutout\n to distract your viewing experience. Instead, it has small bezels at the top and bottom of the display.\n\n\nIf the \nOnePlus 7 Pro\n and \nAsus ROG Phone\n\u2018s 90Hz displays are any indication, the Red Magic 3\u2019s fast display should be very pleasant to use and game on. You\u2019ll definitely notice the difference in fluidity compared to a conventional 60Hz screen.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, under the hood of the Red Magic 3 is a fast Snapdragon 855 chipset. It\u2019s the default SoC for flagship smartphones this year, and paired with 8GB of RAM, you won\u2019t have any performance issue with this gaming smartphone.\n\n\nBut the Red Magic 3 won\u2019t be a gaming smartphone if it doesn\u2019t have any gamer-centric feature. Beyond the fast display and built-in fan, this phone also has two capacitive shoulder buttons on the side. In fact, this is very similar to the ROG Phone\u2019s AirTriggers, which will be very useful in shooters like PUBG Mobile and Fortnite.\n\n\nIf there\u2019s any reason to get the Red Magic 3, it would be for these shoulder buttons. Oh, and perhaps for the phone\u2019s 3.5mm headphone jack and huge 5,000mAh battery too \u2013 it should be able to return very good battery life.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the Red Magic 3\u2019s design language. While the front design is relatively conventional, the rear panel looks a lot more aggressive; there\u2019s even an RGB strip to complete the look. It\u2019s unmistakably a gaming smartphone, that\u2019s for sure.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Red Magic 3 has a 48MP f/1.7 sensor, and\u2026that\u2019s it. In a market dominated by smartphones with \nmultiple camera sensors\n, it\u2019s interesting how Nubia is sticking with only one camera module for this phone. Then again, it \nis \nmarketed as a gaming device; it\u2019s inevitable that non-gaming aspects of the Red Magic 3 won\u2019t get as much emphasis.\n\n\nFor selfies, this phone has a 16MP f/2.0 front-facing camera.\n\n\n\n\nThe Nubia Red Magic 3\u2019s combination of flagship-tier hardware and competitive price tag make it a really compelling high-end smartphone. \nAccording to DirectD\n, the 128GB variant of the phone with 8GB of RAM will be arriving in Malaysia on 21 June for RM2,199.\n\n\nAt this price point, there are not many phones that can match the Red Magic 3\u2019s feature set. Yes, there\u2019s the much more affordable \nXiaomi Mi 9\n, but it doesn\u2019t have a 90Hz display or capacitive shoulder buttons; features that are appreciated by mobile gamers.\n\n\nAs far as 2019 gaming smartphones are concerned, the Red Magic 3 is arguably the most interesting one yet \u2013 even in comparison to the \nBlack Shark 2\n \u2013 thanks to its competitive pricing and good hardware. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how the Red Magic 3 will stack up to future smartphones in this segment, especially once Asus takes the wraps off the ROG Phone 2.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hp-omen-15-hands-on-9th-gen-intel-chip-rtx-gpu-arrive-malaysia-july-2019-rm6399/", "title": "HP Omen 15 with 9th Gen Intel Chip & RTX GPU Arriving in Malaysia for RM6,399", "body": "\n\nBeside launching the \nHP Spectre Folio\n today, the PC maker also showed off its latest gaming laptop in Malaysia, the HP Omen 15. Packing Intel\u2019s latest 9th generation processors and Nvidia RTX GPUs, it\u2019s a reasonably powerful premium gaming machine.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re in the market for a new gaming laptop, the Omen 15 is worth a consideration, and you won\u2019t have to wait too long to get it either: it is coming to Malaysia as early as next month. I\u2019ve spent some time with the Omen 15 earlier today, and here are my first impressions of it.\n\n\n\n\nAesthetically, the Omen 15 is a little bit more understated than its predecessor. Gone are the red accents on the laptop\u2019s lid for a more minimalist single tone design. Personally, I quite like the new design, but I do wish the Omen logo was done in a different colour to make it stand out a tad bit.\n\n\nBuild quality of the Omen 15 is very impressive too. The all-metal chassis gives the laptop reassuring durability, and almost every part of the laptop is nice to the touch \u2013 almost. For some reason, HP decided to use plastic for the Omen 15\u2019s screen bezels, which slightly take away from the premium build of the laptop.\n\n\n\n\nPlastic or not, I do dig the relatively minimal bezels of the Omen 15. Yes, the bottom bezel is a little bit too big for my liking, but the overall bezel size is small enough to give this gaming laptop a modern appearance. On top of that, there\u2019s enough space for HP to pack a webcam at the top of the screen.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Omen 15 for the Malaysian market will receive a pretty darn good display. Only one screen option is available here, which is a 15.6-inch IPS display with a fast 144Hz refresh rate. It\u2019s a screen befitting of a premium gaming laptop like the Omen 15, and the laptop\u2019s GPU should be able to take advantage of the high refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\nThere are two GPU options for this gaming laptop in this side of the world: you can either get it with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 or RTX 2070 Max-Q graphics card. Both are highly capable GPUs, and they should be able to deliver good frame rate in modern AAA titles effortlessly. This is especially the case for the RTX 2070, even though it\u2019s the Max-Q version.\n\n\nChoice of processor for the Omen 15, on the other hand, are available in three options: an Intel Core i5-9300H, a faster Core i7-9750H, or even the very powerful Core i9-9880H processor with eight cores. Unfortunately, HP Malaysia did not specify which of the three chips will be fitted in the Malaysian-specific Omen 15 \u2013 not yet, at least.\n\n\nConnectivity wise, this gaming laptop offers three USB 3.1 ports, a USB Type-C connection with Thunderbolt 3 support, an HDMI output, a mini DisplayPort, and an RJ-45 port. Oh, there\u2019s also an SD card slot \u2013 an increasing rare feature in today\u2019s laptops.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the keyboard of the Omen 15, and\u2026it\u2019s a bit of a mixed bag. The key travel is quite limited, lending to a shallow typing experience, and the keyboard layout feels quite crammed too. Thankfully, the keys don\u2019t require a lot of force to actuate. This, combined with the good tactility of the keys, actually make it a comfortable keyboard to type on \ndespite \nthe short key travel.\n\n\nAs for the trackpad, it\u2019s pretty good. It can track my fingers accurately, it can recognise gestures well, and there are no glaring faults with it. If I were to nitpick, it would\u2019ve been great if the trackpad itself wasn\u2019t static. It\u2019s quite odd to not be able to click on a trackpad, even if it\u2019s on a gaming laptop.\n\n\n\n\nThe HP Omen 15 is set to arrive in Malaysia sometime in July next month, and it will retail from RM6,399. The exact specification of the base model has not been revealed yet, so it\u2019s a little tough to compare it to other laptops in this price range.\n\n\nChances are, however, the most affordable Omen 15 will come with an RTX 2060 GPU. That\u2019s a reasonably good price tag for a RTX 2060 laptop, but whether or not it offers good value for money will depend on what kind of processor it gets \u2013 the RAM and storage capacities will play a vital role too.\n\n\n\n\nBut as far as first impressions go, the Omen 15 does appear to be a competent, premium gaming laptop. If you\u2019re keen to get it, you\u2019ll have to wait until July 2019 to see exactly what RM6,399 gets you.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-tab-a-8-0-2019-quick-review-get-it-for-the-s-pen/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) Quick Review: Get It for the S Pen", "body": "\n\nWhenever someone comes up to me and asks for a tablet recommendation, I would almost always suggest one of Apple\u2019s iPad tablets. After all, they offer excellent user experience, and in most usage scenarios, iPads are simply more suited for the job than Android-based tablets.\n\n\nBut when I was offered the chance to review the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019), I was more than happy to accept for one reason: the S Pen. See, this 8-inch model is the only tablet in the series that comes with Samsung\u2019s signature S Pen, and it is the very reason why you would want to pick it up over any other iPad.\n\n\nAt the end of the day, however, the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 is still an Android tablet with a number of shortcomings. Whether or not you can live with it will depend on how much you value the power of the S Pen.\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nAs its name suggests, the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 is an Android tablet with an 8-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS display. It also comes with a Samsung Exynos 7904 1.8GHz octa-core processor paired with 3GB of RAM, 32GB of expandable storage, a 4,200mAh battery, and of course, an S Pen.\n\n\n\n\nSurprisingly enough, despite its rather affordable price tag (RM1,099), the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 runs on Samsung\u2019s polished One UI software based on Android 9.0 Pie. Basically, you will get a similar software experience as the \nSamsung Galaxy S10\n series \u2013 that\u2019s a really good thing.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nLet\u2019s start off with the best part: the S Pen. If you\u2019re accustomed to the S Pen found on the newer Samsung Galaxy Note smartphones, you will be right at home with the Galaxy Tab A 8.0. As far as I can tell, you\u2019re getting all of the S Pen\u2019s functionalities here, except for the Galaxy Note 9\u2019s Bluetooth-enabled features.\n\n\nThose who need the pinpoint accuracy of the S Pen will absolutely love this tablet. It\u2019s very intuitive to use, there\u2019s a dedicated slot at the bottom of the tablet to store the S Pen, and if you need to do written edits on documents on the go, look no further than this tablet.\n\n\n\n\nYes, \nthe new iPad mini\n can also do the same \u2013 while also providing superior performance \u2013 with an Apple Pencil, but it is not as practical as the Galaxy Tab A 8.0. The Apple Pencil is not as compact as the S Pen (it\u2019s also a separate purchase), and you can\u2019t even store it anywhere inside the iPad mini. Practicality will matter a lot to users who are always on the go.\n\n\nBeside the S Pen, the compact form factor of the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 is a plus point too. It\u2019s easy to bring around, it\u2019s not as tiring to hold while watching videos for long periods of time, and it fits just nicely in my hands. While it\u2019s not quite as nice to hold as the iPad mini, it \nis\n a much more affordable tablet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the 8-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS display, and it\u2019s of reasonably good quality. The colours are vibrant, it can get really bright, and not surprisingly, viewing angles are great too. For the tablet\u2019s asking price, you definitely won\u2019t be disappointed with the screen\u2019s quality.\n\n\nIn the software side of things, One UI looks good and feels lightweight. After all, it is a very polished version of Android, and it shows on this tablet. However, it does suffer from some stuttering here and there, which brings me to my next point..\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWithout a doubt the Galaxy Tab A 8.0\u2019s biggest shortcoming is in the performance department. Throughout my time with the tablet, the Exynos 7904 showed its weaknesses in a number of key areas. The Tab A 8.0 would gradually feel more sluggish the more apps I have running in the background, switching between different apps also takes some time, and\u2026apps just don\u2019t feel particularly responsive on this tablet.\n\n\n\n\nThat is not to say the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 doesn\u2019t have adequate level of performance; you just have to manage your expectations accordingly. Editing documents with the S Pen is a fuss-free affair, it works just fine when I\u2019m casually browsing the web, and it can even run PUBG Mobile relatively well.\n\n\nSure, there is some stuttering here and there in the battle royale game, but I did manage to secure a chicken dinner with the tablet. That\u2019s not too bad now, is it?\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nAsk yourself this question: do you want the functionality of the S Pen? If the answer is yes, then the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 will serve you very well. It may not be the fastest or most sleek-looking tablet in the market, but the practicality of the S Pen makes it a really good buy for those who need it \u2013 the S Pen is one of the biggest reasons the Galaxy Note series is so successful.\n\n\nOn top of that, even though the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 officially retails at RM1,099, some retailers are offering it at a much lower price point. In fact, you can now get it \nfor only RM928\n.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Galaxy Tab A 8.0\u2019s shortcomings are a lot easier to accept, especially in the performance department. It\u2019s not the most impressive tablet out there in the market now, but you won\u2019t be paying top dollar for it either.\n\n\nAnd you\u2019re also getting the excellent features of the S Pen \u2013 that\u2019s a very important plus point for the Galaxy Tab A 8.0.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-samsung-galaxy-s10-price-drops-to-rm2859/", "title": "Deal: Samsung Galaxy S10+ Price Drops to RM2,859", "body": "\n\nPreviously, the \nSamsung Galaxy S10+\n can be bought \nfor RM2,999\n. Now, however, you can get it at an even lower price point: it\u2019s currently retailing \nat only RM2,859\n.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Senheng\u2019s official store on Lazada, so it doesn\u2019t get any more legitimate than that. Listed at RM3,059, you can use the discount code SHSR200 to get RM200 off, reducing the price down to only RM2,859. All three colours of the Galaxy S10+ are offered by Senheng, which include \nPrism White\n, \nPrism Black\n, and \nPrism Green\n.\n\n\n\n\nFor only RM2,859, the Galaxy S10+ is a very, \nvery\n good buy. It is easily one of the best flagship smartphones you can buy right now, and at this price point, not many devices can offer the same level of performance or value for money.\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about the Samsung Galaxy S10+, check out our \ncomprehensive review of the smartphone\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-7-hands-on-2019-edition-of-the-oneplus-6t/", "title": "OnePlus 7 Hands-On: 2019 Edition of the OnePlus 6T", "body": "\n\nThe \nOnePlus 7 Pro\n may be catching all the headlines with its sleek design and 90Hz display, but you shouldn\u2019t dismiss the more affordable device in the series: the standard OnePlus 7. It is also a flagship smartphone through and through, and the best part is, it\u2019s more affordable too.\n\n\nAlthough the regular OnePlus 7 is not available in Malaysia yet, you can expect it to be priced lower than the Pro variant. I\u2019ve got my hands on the OnePlus 7 for a quick hands-on session, and if the Pro\u2019s price tag doesn\u2019t entice you, the standard model may be worth a consideration.\n\n\n\n\nIf the OnePlus 7 looks familiar, you wouldn\u2019t be wrong: it\u2019s almost identical to the \nOnePlus 6T\n, right down to the notched display. That\u2019s right, unlike the Pro model\u2019s all-screen design, the OnePlus 7 still has a notch at the top of the display \u2013 the motorised pop-up camera is exclusive to the higher-end Pro smartphone.\n\n\nThat being said, it\u2019s not an entirely bad thing. With no motorised camera module, there are also no moving parts to fail. Theoretically, then, the OnePlus 7 should be more robust than the Pro in the long run. Only in theory, of course.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the notch, the OnePlus 7\u2019s 6.41-inch 1080p Optic AMOLED display looks great, as an OLED panel should be. The display has true, deep blacks, vibrant colours, and great viewing angles. It may not be as fast or as sharp as the Pro\u2019s 1440p 90Hz display, but the 1080p panel will help with power consumption. Plus, the excellent in-screen fingerprint sensor of the Pro is also found here.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the OnePlus 7 has a 3,700mAh battery; the exact same capacity as the OnePlus 6T\u2019s battery. Chances are, this phone should be able to return similar battery life. In \nmy review of the 6T\n, I managed to get between five to six hours of screen on time.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the OnePlus 7 Pro, the standard OnePlus 7 feels a lot lighter, which really surprised me. Sure, tipping the scales at 182g, it\u2019s not exactly a lightweight smartphone. But for the sake of comparison, the Pro weighs 206g. After using the Pro as my daily driver, I actually prefer the lighter OnePlus 7.\n\n\nBuild quality of the phone, as expected, is excellent. It feels very solid in my hands, the metal frame is nice to the touch, and I really dig the Red colourway of the OnePlus 7. Hopefully, the Malaysian market will receive both the Red and Mirror Grey models once the phone is officially in Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\nSoftware has always been one of the main strengths of OnePlus smartphones, and the same remains true for the OnePlus 7. OxygenOS\u2019 interface looks great, it feels lightweight, it\u2019s very zippy, and it is reminiscent of stock Android with its no-nonsense approach. The last part is especially important: it\u2019s what makes the software so popular among Android purists.\n\n\nThen again, OxygenOS is just one part of the equation. What makes the OnePlus 7 so responsive can be attributed to the phone\u2019s fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset paired with up to 8GB of RAM. It\u2019s the same SoC found in the Pro model, so you should be getting similar performance level.\n\n\nWhen it comes to processing power, you won\u2019t be short-changed with the OnePlus 7.\n\n\n\n\nBut it\u2019s a different story in the camera department. Unlike the OnePlus 7 Pro\u2019s more sophisticated triple camera system, the OnePlus 7 only has two rear cameras: a 48MP f/1.7 primary shooter, and a 5MP f/2.4 depth sensor. There\u2019s no wide angle camera here, and neither is there a telephoto lens.\n\n\nWhile it lacks the versatility of the Pro\u2019s camera system, the OnePlus 7 does seem to be a rather competent shooter. The camera interface isn\u2019t particularly responsive (the same issue that plagues the Pro model), but the image output looks promising with good detail preservation and dynamic range.\n\n\nUnfortunately, I wasn\u2019t able to try out the camera\u2019s low light performance yet \u2013 that would be the real test of the camera\u2019s true capability.\n\n\n\n\nThe OnePlus 7 is not quite as impressive as the OnePlus 7 Pro, but it does offer the same software experience and performance at a lower price point. These two similarities alone may appeal to some consumers, especially for those who want the most value for their money.\n\n\nHowever, at the end of the day, we still don\u2019t know exactly when the OnePlus 7 will be arriving in Malaysia, though we were told it will be coming here in the near future. Nonetheless, until the local pricing of the OnePus 7 is revealed, it remains to be seen if the standard model is worth picking up over the Pro variant \u2013 the price gap has to be big enough.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-7-pro-review-going-upmarket/", "title": "OnePlus 7 Pro Review: Going Upmarket", "body": "\n\nEvery time OnePlus releases a new smartphone, it moves up the price bracket bit by bit. No other smartphone from the company shows this upward trend quite as clearly as the OnePlus 7 Pro, which is also the very first \u201cPro\u201d model in OnePlus\u2019 range of devices.\n\n\nRetailing from RM2,999 up to a whopping RM4,199, this is OnePlus\u2019 most costly smartphone yet. But is it worth getting? Is it every bit as good as it\u2019s claimed to be? Well, I\u2019ve used the OnePlus 7 Pro as my daily driver for a couple of weeks to find out.\n\n\nSpecifications\n\n\nDisplay\n6.67-inch QHD+ Fluid AMOLED (3120 x 1440) 90Hz\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 855 2.84GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 640\nRAM\n6/8/12GB\nStorage\n128/256GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n48MP f/1.6 (primary)\n8MP f/2.4 (telephoto)\n16MP f/2.2 (wide angle)\nCamera (front)\n16MP f/2.0 (motorised)\nBattery\n4,000mAh\nDimensions\n162.6 x 75.9 x 8.8 mm\nWeight\n206g\nOS\nOxygenOS based on Android 9 Pie\nConnectivity\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)\nUSB Type-C\n\n\nWithout a doubt the standout hardware here is the 6.67-inch 1440p Fluid AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. There are only a handful of smartphones with a fast 90Hz screen in the market now \u2013 most of them are \ngaming-oriented phones\n too \u2013 so the OnePlus 7 Pro is definitely unique in this aspect.\n\n\nOther hardware of this phone are definitely high-end. It has a fast Snapdragon 855 chipset paired with up to 12GB of RAM, a generous 4,000mAh battery, and a very capable triple camera system. Unfortunately, there\u2019s no 3.5mm headphone jack or support for expandable storage here.\n\n\nDesign\n\n\nAesthetically, the all-screen design of the OnePlus 7 Pro is one of the headline features of this phone. Thanks to the use of a motorised pop-up selfie camera, there\u2019s no need for a \nnotch or hole-punch cutout\n anywhere on the display. While there\u2019s still a bit of chin at the bottom of the phone, it\u2019s minimal enough to not be bothersome.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the 16MP pop-up camera itself, it can activate fast enough to take a quick selfie. If you\u2019re worried about the durability of the camera module, OnePlus claims that the front camera can be activated over 150 times a day for 5.5 years without issue. That assurance is good enough for some peace of mind, but as with all moving parts, there is always a chance it would malfunction over the years.\n\n\nPersonally, however, I think it\u2019s a worthwhile trade-off to get the all-screen design of the phone.\n\n\n\n\nOnePlus\u2019 build quality has gotten better over the years, and the OnePlus 7 Pro is a testament of this. It is \nvery\n well-built, it has a nice heft to it \u2013 though some of my colleagues think it\u2019s a tad too heavy at 206g \u2013 and the phone feels very premium. This is especially the case with this Nebula Blue model; the gorgeous glass back panel has a matte finish.\n\n\nHowever, there are a couple of ergonomic issues with the OnePlus 7 Pro. Even though the dual curved display gives the phone a very sleek look, the sides of the phone are too thin to get a comfortable grip on it. Besides that, the 19.5:9 aspect ratio of the 6.67-inch display makes it a \nreally\n tall phone. You can forget about reaching for the top of the display with only one hand.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, the OnePlus 7 Pro is a well-designed smartphone, even if it suffers from some minor ergonomic issues. The Nebula Blue model is especially stunning to look at.\n\n\nUser Experience\n\n\nOxygenOS has always been one of the main appeals of OnePlus smartphones, and the OnePlus 7 Pro is no different. The user interface is polished and intuitive, it feels extremely zippy, and it is reminiscent of stock Android with its no-nonsense software approach.\n\n\nI love the fact that there are no unnecessary features or bloatware weighing down OxygenOS; not many phone makers have the same amount of restraint. When it comes to software, less is definitely more, especially if it makes for a fuss-free software experience.\n\n\nThat being said, I do wish OxygenOS came with an always on display \u2013 it would\u2019ve made it a more complete version of Android.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the OnePlus 7 Pro such a fast smartphone isn\u2019t just OxygenOS; the powerful Snapdragon 855 chipset under the hood plays a major role too. It\u2019s a very capable SoC, and no matter what I throw at the phone, it still feels very responsive. Needless to say, gaming on the OnePlus 7 Pro is extremely enjoyable as well, thanks in part to the 90Hz display \u2013 for games that support that frame rate, anyway.\n\n\nAh yes, I can\u2019t praise the 90Hz refresh rate of the 6.67-inch 1440p Fluid AMOLED display enough. Compared to more conventional 60Hz screens, this phone\u2019s 90Hz display makes a world of difference. Not only does \neverything\n look extremely fluid (which is probably why OnePlus calls it a \u201cFluid AMOLED\u201d display), it also gives the impression of extra responsiveness.\n\n\n\n\nBut what about the display quality? As expected, it\u2019s very good. It has deep blacks, great viewing angles, and colours really pop on this display. These are inherent traits of AMOLED panels, and the 1440p resolution translates to sharp-looking texts and images.\n\n\nIn-screen fingerprint sensors have gotten a lot better these days, and the one under the OnePlus 7 Pro\u2019s display is easily one of the most impressive sensors in the market now. It is very quick, very accurate, and very seamless to use.\n\n\n90Hz battery life\n60Hz battery life\n\n\nPacking a 4,000mAh battery, the OnePlus 7 Pro can return above average battery life. On average, I can consistently get around five hours of screen on time. That\u2019s really quite good for a 1440p display of this size, and I set the refresh rate to 90Hz too. If I change it to 60Hz instead, I can get around six hours of screen on time \u2013 that\u2019s very good battery life.\n\n\nCharging rate of the OnePlus 7 Pro is reasonably good too. Within 30 minutes of charging with the provided Warp Charger, the phone got up to 52% from completely empty.\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, using the OnePlus 7 Pro as my daily driver for the past couple of weeks has been a very pleasant experience. On top of that, I do have to commend the phone\u2019s vibration system; it can provide one of the most refined haptic feedback I\u2019ve come across on a smartphone.\n\n\nCamera\n\n\nThis is where it gets really exciting for the OnePlus 7 Pro. With a DxOMark score of 111 \u2013 putting it right behind the current leader (\nHuawei P30 Pro\n) by only \none\n point \u2013 the phone\u2019s triple camera system can really deliver impressive-looking shots.\n\n\nMade up of a 48MP primary shooter, an 8MP telephoto lens, and a 16MP wide angle sensor, this triple camera system can take good shots in daytime and nighttime. Plus, the different focal lengths really make it a versatile shooter, even if there is disparity in image quality between the different sensors.\n\n\n\n\n16MP wide angle\n48MP primary\n8MP telephoto (3x zoom)\n\n\n\n\nHowever, the camera is far from perfect. For one, there is very noticeable shutter delay, and the camera interface as a whole isn\u2019t very\u2026responsive. As a result, taking fast-moving subjects can be quite difficult with this phone, which can get quite frustrating.\n\n\nBut given the time and patience, the OnePlus 7 Pro can really snap some of the most amazing shots; it\u2019s easily up there among the best. Plus, the nightscape mode can brighten up low light shots dramatically, albeit the end results can look overly saturated and artificial at times.\n\n\nNightscape disabled\nNightscape enabled\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nOn \nOnePlus\u2019 official store on Shopee\n, three variants of the OnePlus 7 Pro are offered in Malaysia: the 128GB model with 6GB of RAM goes for RM2,999, while the more generous 256GB variants with 8GB and 12GB of RAM retail at RM3,699 and RM4,199 respectively.\n\n\nNeedless to say, the OnePlus 7 Pro is not an affordable smartphone, and it has to contend with a number of noteworthy competition.\n\n\nSamsung Galaxy S10+\n\n\nIf you\u2019re shopping in this price range, the \nSamsung Galaxy S10+\n is one of the easiest choices to make, and for good reasons. Even though it retails at RM3,699 for the 128GB model with 8GB of RAM, you can now \nget it below the RM3,000 mark\n.\n\n\nFor about the same price as the OnePlus 7 Pro, the Galaxy S10+ offers slightly better camera performance (the interface is a lot more responsive), water and dust resistance, support for expandable storage, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\n\n\nOn the flip side, the 7 Pro is arguably the sleeker-looking device with an all-screen design, not to mention the fact that it has a much more desirable 90Hz display than the Galaxy S10+\u2019s conventional 60Hz screen.\n\n\nXiaomi Mi 9\n\n\nWhen it comes to value for money, not many devices can compete directly with the \nXiaomi Mi 9\n. In comparison to the OnePlus 7 Pro, the Mi 9 has the same Snapdragon 855 chipset, comparable camera performance \u2013 though I\u2019m slightly leaning towards the 7 Pro \u2013 and similar battery life. The best part is, the Mi 9 is \na lot more affordable\n than OnePlus\u2019 offering: the 128GB model with 6GB of RAM retails at only RM1,999.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, as the more costly smartphone, the 7 Pro does have a few advantages. It doesn\u2019t have a notched display like the Mi 9, it has superior software experience, and its Fluid AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate is a lot more impressive. But are these advantages worth the huge price gap? That\u2019s up to you to decide.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nOnePlus was once known for offering incredible value for money with its flagship smartphones, but for better or worse, this has changed dramatically. You can no longer get a OnePlus device below the RM2,000 mark, and even the OnePlus 7 Pro is breaking into the RM4,000 price bracket now. But that doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s not worth getting \u2013 you just have to manage your expectations accordingly.\n\n\nEven though it is the most expensive OnePlus smartphone yet, the 7 Pro can also go head to head with the best in the market. It has excellent camera performance, it looks stunning, and the 90Hz display is something not many manufacturers can offer right now.\n\n\n\n\nIf the OnePlus 7 Pro\u2019s feature set appeals to you, you won\u2019t regret picking it up. It is a fantastic flagship smartphone with very little compromises. But just know that at this price range, you have a lot of other options too \u2013 some of which even offer better value for money.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-9t-hands-on-all-screen-design-malaysia-rm1099/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi 9T with All-Screen Design Now in Malaysia; Early Birds Can Get It for RM1,099", "body": "\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi 9T is finally in Malaysia. Basically the global version of the Redmi K20, the Mi 9T is a pretty interesting mid-ranger for one reason: it\u2019s one of the most affordable all-screen smartphones you can buy in Malaysia right now.\n\n\nBeyond that, other aspects of the Mi 9T are very good too, including its sheer value for money. I took Xiaomi\u2019s latest smartphone for a quick hands-on, and if you\u2019re looking for a relatively affordable phone that looks and feels premium, the Mi 9T should be in your list.\n\n\nEspecially if you can get it for only RM1,099.\n\n\n\n\nFirst up, let\u2019s talk about the Mi 9T\u2019s highlight feature: the all-screen design. Visually, the front of the phone is absolutely stunning to look at, thanks to the absence of any \nhole-punch cutout or notch\n in the display. What you get is an almost all-screen smartphone with \na little bit of chin\n at the bottom of the display.\n\n\nIn order to accomplish this notch-free design, Xiaomi is using a motorised pop-up selfie camera with the Mi 9T. In fact, this is Xiaomi\u2019s first-ever smartphone that utilises this camera module. Unlike the \nXiaomi Mi Mix 3\n\u2018s slider mechanism \u2013 which is not as practical \u2013 I reckon most folks will prefer the Mi 9T\u2019s pop-up camera.\n\n\nThat being said, do note that the pop-up camera does take some time to activate. It\u2019s not horribly slow or anything, but it\u2019s definitely not as quick as, say, the \nOppo Reno\n\u2018s motorised camera module.\n\n\n\n\nOn the back, you will either love or hate the Mi 9T\u2019s \u201cdynamic holographic design.\u201d It tries to mimic the appearance of flames, and personally, I do quite like this design on the Glacier Blue model. Other colours of the Mi 9T include Flame Red and Carbon Black, so if you want something that looks more\u2026subdued, opt for the latter \u2013 it has a carbon fibre-like finish on the back.\n\n\nIn terms of build quality, the Mi 9T definitely feels like a phone a segment above. Not only does the metal frame feel good to the touch, it also gives the phone reassuring build quality. I also love the coloured power button and the extra thickness of the frame; it makes it really easy to get a good, secure grip on the phone.\n\n\nOh, there\u2019s also a 3.5mm headphone jack at the top of the phone. \n\n\n\n\nAs for the display, the Mi 9T is rocking a 6.39-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED screen, and it\u2019s quite the looker with deep blacks and vibrant colours. You don\u2019t often see AMOLED screens in this price range \u2013 with notable exceptions like the \nSamsung Galaxy A30 and A50\n \u2013 so that really goes to show just how much value for money the Mi 9T offers. Did I mention this phone has an in-screen fingerprint sensor too?\n\n\nSpeaking of value for money, under the hood of the Mi 9T is an adequately powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 chipset paired with 6GB of RAM. It may not sound particularly impressive, but the 730 is a capable chip in its own right. After all, it\u2019s the most powerful chipset outside of Qualcomm\u2019s Snapdragon 8 series of flagship-class SoCs, and it\u2019s said to be 35% faster than its predecessor, the Snapdragon 710.\n\n\nPlus, the Snapdragon 730 is also built on an 8nm process, so it will be more power-efficient than the Snapdragon 710 \u2013 the latter is a 10nm chipset.\n\n\n\n\nWith improved power efficiency from the new SoC, you can expect the Mi 9T to return above average battery life too. Sporting a generous 4,000mAh battery, Xiaomi claims that this phone can last for at least a full day on a single charge. Once I have the device in for review, I\u2019ll definitely put this to the test.\n\n\nAnd then we have the triple camera system of the Mi 9T. Like most smartphones in the market now, it has a 48MP f/1.75 primary shooter that uses pixel binning to improve low light camera performance. As a result, this phone will output 12MP images.\n\n\nComplementing the primary sensor are a 13MP f/2.4 wide angle shooter and an 8MP f/2.4 telephoto lens. With three different focal lengths on offer here, the triple camera system of the Mi 9T is a versatile setup.\n\n\n\n\nSo can the Mi 9T take good-looking shots? Well, it\u2019s still too early to tell, as I only spent a brief time photographing with the phone. But as far as first impressions go, the camera performance does seem quite promising. I love the responsiveness of the camera interface, and the wide angle sensor doesn\u2019t seem to suffer from any noticeable distortion.\n\n\nHowever, I only took daylight shots with the Mi 9T, and most phones worth their salt today will perform well in this kind of shooting condition. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if the camera performance would drastically change in more challenging lighting conditions.\n\n\n\n\nValue for money has always been Xiaomi\u2019s strength all these years, so it\u2019s no surprise that the Mi 9T will offer a lot of bang for your buck. For the Malaysian market, the 64GB variant will retail at RM1,199, while the 128GB model goes for RM1,399; the former is now \navailable for \u201cpre-booking\u201d on Lazada\n.\n\n\nThe first sale of the Mi 9T will happen on 25 June at 10AM on Lazada, where you can get the 64GB variant for only RM1,099. At this price point, the Mi 9T is a \nvery \ngood buy. So much so, in fact, that I\u2019m not entirely sure how the Xiaomi Mi 9 SE would fit in between this phone and the flagship \nMi 9\n.\n\n\nSee, even though the Mi 9T is a sleeker, more powerful, and better-equipped smartphone, it undercuts the Mi 9 SE\u2019s RM1,299 price tag \u2013 why would anyone get the Mi 9 SE over the Mi 9T?\n\n\n\n\nXiaomi told us that the Mi 9T doesn\u2019t replace the Mi 9 SE, but it still puts the latter in a pretty bad spot. Granted, the Mi 9 SE\u2019s more compact form factor may appeal to certain folks, but for those that want the most value for their money, they will make a beeline for the Mi 9T instead.\n\n\nAt the end of the day, having these smartphones in the same price range may not be an entirely bad thing. The availability of more options is always a good thing, and consumers will ultimately benefit the most from this.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopee-launches-shopee24-next-day-delivery-7-7-orange-madness-sale/", "title": "Shopee Launches Shopee24 Next-Day Delivery & 7.7 Orange Madness Sale", "body": "\n\nOnline shopping can be a lot of fun, but waiting for days (or even weeks) on end for your items to arrive? Not so fun. In a bid to solve this inconvenience, Shopee is introducing Shopee24. As its name suggests, it\u2019s a next-day delivery service.\n\n\nOn top of that, the e-commerce platform also gave more details on its 7.7 Orange Madness sale, which offers a number of enticing deals from 24 June to 7 July. Here\u2019s what you need to know about Shopee24 and the Orange Madness sale.\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Shopee24 Express Delivery. The most noteworthy aspect of this service is the fact that it \nguarantees\n next-day delivery. If by any chance you don\u2019t get your order on the next day, a free shipping voucher will be credited to your account. No minimum spend required to use that particular voucher.\n\n\nHowever, as expected, there are a couple of caveats to the Shopee24 service. For one, orders have to be made before 2PM to be eligible for next-day delivery, and this is not applicable on Sundays and public holidays. The next caveat is a big one: Shopee24 is only limited to the Klang Valley area for now. But in the near future, Shopee does have plans to expand the service to other parts of Malaysia.\n\n\nSo how do you get to enjoy the next-day delivery service? Well, all you have to do is look for items with the \u201cShopee24\u201d tag. According to Shopee, more than 10,000 items right now carry the tag, which include products from brands such as Nescafe, Dutch Lady, Drypers, Philips, and many more.\n\n\n\n\nIn celebration of the Shopee24 launch, the company is also introducing the 7.7 Orange Madness sale. As mentioned, it will be held from 24 June to 7 July, and it offers RM7 million worth of vouchers, discounts up to 90%, as well as lowered minimum spend (RM27) to enjoy free shipping.\n\n\nNaturally, Shopee will be running a number of Shocking Sales daily throughout the sale period too. It offers deals from as low as RM0.77, and the items on discount can be refreshed up to seven times a day \u2013 great way for discount hunters to look for good bargains.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re feeling lucky, you can take a shot at Shopee\u2019s \u201cOne or Not\u201d promotion, which offers a chance to purchase high-value items for only RM1. Simply put, a number of products will be listed at only RM1, but only one customer who \u201cpurchased\u201d the product for RM1 will walk away with it.\n\n\nOf course, if you\u2019re not the lucky buyer, the RM1 will be refunded back to your credit card or Shopee Wallet. Items that will be offered in the One or Not promotion include the new \nXiaomi Mi 9T\n, a \nSamsung Galaxy S10\n, a Haier 50-inch 4K Smart TV, and even a DJI Tello drone.\n\n\n\n\nThe introduction of the Shopee24 next-day delivery service will certainly make the online shopping experience a little bit more convenient, and the 7.7 Orange Madness sale does offer some pretty sweet deals. To learn more about the upcoming sale, \nhead on to Shopee\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-nova-5-series-unveiled-with-new-kirin-810-chip-quad-camera-system/", "title": "Huawei Nova 5 Series Unveiled with New Kirin 810 Chip & Quad Camera System", "body": "\n\nHuawei just introduced three new smartphones under the Nova brand in China: the Huawei Nova 5, the Huawei Nova 5 Pro, and the Huawei Nova 5i. As usual, these Nova devices are mid-range smartphones, but in the case of the Pro model, it comes with Huawei\u2019s fastest chipset yet, the Kirin 980.\n\n\nOut of the three smartphones, however, the Nova 5 is arguably the most interesting one. Not only does it sit at a lower price point, it also debuts Huawei\u2019s new Kirin 810 chipset.\n\n\n\n\nWith that in mind, let\u2019s break down the Nova 5 first. Much like the higher-end Kirin 980, the Kirin 810 powering this phone is also built on a 7nm process. Basically, you will get better power efficiency with this smartphone, which translates to longer battery life.\n\n\nBesides its 7nm size, the Kirin 810 comes with a Mali-G52 GPU, two 2.27Ghz Cortex-A76 cores, and six Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.88GHz. We can\u2019t say for sure exactly how this would translate to real world performance, but chances are, it should be more than capable to provide a good level of performance.\n\n\nInterestingly, the Kirin 810 also comes with Huawei\u2019s Neural Processing Unit (NPU), making it the first mid-range processor from Huawei to come with that feature.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the Kirin 810, other specifications of the Nova 5 include a 6.39-inch 1080p OLED display (with a notch, unfortunately), 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a 3,500mAh battery.\n\n\nIn the camera department, it has a quad camera configuration. The primary sensor is a 48MP f/1.8 shooter, and it\u2019s paired with a 16MP f/2.2 wide angle camera, a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor. The selfie camera, on the other hand, is a 32MP shooter.\n\n\nMoving up the range is the Nova 5 Pro, and\u2026it\u2019s not all that different from the standard Nova 5. The biggest difference here is the chipset under the hood of the Nova 5 Pro, which is a flagship-class Kirin 980 SoC. On top of that, it can also be configured with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.\n\n\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the most affordable device in the series, the Nova 5i. Interestingly, it has a 6.4-inch 1080 IPS screen with a hole-punch cutout instead of the other phones\u2019 notched displays, and it also comes with a larger 4,000mAh cell.\n\n\nBut the Nova 5i\u2019s hardware are definitely more modest. It has a Kirin 710 chipset, either 6GB or 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of internal storage. It also has a quad camera system, but it\u2019s a simpler 24MP (primary) + 8MP (wide angle) + 2MP (macro) + 2MP (depth) configuration. As for the selfie shooter, it\u2019s a 24MP camera.\n\n\n\n\nFor the Chinese market, the Huawei Nova 5 Pro retails from 2,999 Chinese yuan (about RM1,810), while the Nova 5 and Nova 5i start from 2,799 yuan (approximately RM1,690) and 1,999 yuan (around RM1,205) respectively. These prices are not particularly competitive, but they\u2019re not too exorbitant either.\n\n\nFor the time being, the Huawei Nova 5 series is only available in China, and it remains to be seen when \u2013 or if \u2013 these smartphones will make it to other markets, including Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-strix-g-hands-on-a-promising-affordable-rog-gaming-laptop/", "title": "Asus ROG Strix G Hands-On: A Promising, Affordable ROG Gaming Laptop", "body": "\n\nAsus\u2019 range of \nROG gaming laptops\n are usually known for their high-end gaming performances in a premium package, so that make this particular product rather interesting. This is the Asus ROG Strix G, and it\u2019s the most affordable gaming laptop in the current ROG lineup.\n\n\nRetailing from only RM3,499 in Malaysia, the ROG Strix G is not a premium offering; rather, it aims to offer good value for money. I got my hands on the highest-end variant of the laptop with an Nvidia GTX 1660 Ti GPU, and overall, it\u2019s really quite a promising gaming machine.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow, even though the ROG Strix G retails \nfrom\n RM3,499, this top-of-the-line GTX 1660 Ti model costs quite a bit more: it goes for RM5,499. While that\u2019s not exactly an affordable price tag, you\u2019re getting a lot of bang for your buck here.\n\n\nFor one, that\u2019s really how much you\u2019ll have to pay for the majority of GTX 1660 Ti gaming laptops in the market now. Well, except for the \nAsus TUF Gaming FX505\n, which retails at only RM4,399. But that laptop is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 processor; the Strix G comes with a more powerful Intel Core i7-9750H chip paired with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage.\n\n\n\n\nAs far as gaming laptops are concerned, the Core i7-9750H is one of the most powerful mobile processors right now. It can definitely keep up with the GTX 1660 Ti, and if you\u2019re a creative professional, this processor should be able to offer enough processing power too.\n\n\nBut how does that translate to actual gaming performance? Well, I\u2019ve only managed to play a couple rounds of Apex Legends with the Strix G, so I can\u2019t really judge exactly how capable it is. But I did thoroughly enjoy gaming on the Strix G, even if it was for only a while. Apex Legends ran extremely well with maxed out settings, I didn\u2019t notice any stuttering, and I\u2019m confident I was getting above 70 to 80 frames per second.\n\n\n\n\nPart of what makes the gaming experience so enjoyable is the Strix G\u2019s 15.6-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This high refresh rate allows the screen to show up to 120fps in games, and titles that can push that many frames will look very, very fluid. On top of that, motion blur will also be minimised with the 120Hz display.\n\n\nWhile you will definitely appreciate the 120Hz display when gaming, doing other things on the Strix G will be a lot more pleasant too. The extra motion clarity makes everything look a lot more\u2026smooth. You will notice this even when doing simple actions like moving your cursor around.\n\n\nQuality of the display itself is quite good too. It\u2019s an IPS display, so you get great viewing angles, punchy colours, and good dynamic range. Basically, it\u2019s an above average screen, and it looks great.\n\n\n\n\nTo bring down the price of the ROG Strix G, the chassis of the laptop is made completely out of plastic, including the bottom cover, lid, as well as the palm rest area. It would\u2019ve been great if the laptop had more premium build material, but some things have to be sacrificed to lower the cost of the laptop.\n\n\nThankfully, the Strix G has reassuring build quality. I love how the textured lid look and feel, it doesn\u2019t creak with added pressure, and I can even lift the lid with only one finger. The latter is a small thing (almost inconsequential, even), but it does show the laptop\u2019s level of refinement.\n\n\n\n\nOh, I also really like the RGB underglow of the Strix G. It may be gimmicky, but it completes the \u201cgaming laptop look.\u201d However, there is one thing that bothers me a bit: the Strix G doesn\u2019t have \nany webcam\n. Yes, it has thin screen bezels, but there\u2019s still plenty of space at the top of the display to fit in a camera module there.\n\n\nConnectivity options of the Strix G, on the other hand, is relatively good. It comes with three USB-A ports, one USB-C connection, an HDMI 2.0 output, and an RJ45 port.\n\n\n\n\nLike the keyboard of most gaming laptops, the Strix G has an RGB keyboard, and it\u2019s quite pleasant to type on. The keys have just enough travel for a comfortable typing experience, they are very tactile, and the standard layout of the keyboard takes little to no adjustment to start typing effectively.\n\n\nSurprisingly enough, the Strix G\u2019s trackpad is really good too. Thanks to the use of Windows Precision drivers, it can track my fingers very well, and gestures work seamlessly too. However, I do wish I could click on the trackpad. It doesn\u2019t feel natural to not be able to do that simple, intuitive gesture.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Strix G is a capable gaming laptop that offers good value for money. The fast 120Hz display is a joy to use, you can game very well with the Core i7-9750H and GTX 1660 Ti combo, and the laptop has solid build quality despite its all-plastic construction.\n\n\nOf course, retailing at RM5,499, that\u2019s still quite a sum of money to put down for a gaming laptop. But taking into account the Strix G\u2019s feature set and gaming performance, that price tag doesn\u2019t seem all that bad. Nonetheless, only a full review can reveal any possible weaknesses of this gaming laptop.\n\n\nFor what it\u2019s worth, I\u2019m positive I will enjoy reviewing the ROG Strix G.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-watch-active-quick-review-stripped-down-to-the-essentials/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Watch Active Quick Review: Stripped Down to the Essentials", "body": "\n\nSamsung\u2019s range of smartwatches have steadily improved over the years, especially since the introduction of the much loved Gear S2. Today, we have the latest iteration of the company\u2019s smartwatch: the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active.\n\n\nRetailing at only RM799, the Active is one of Samsung\u2019s most affordable smartwatches. But with the lower price point, certain aspects of this wearable had to be removed. As a whole, however, the essential features are all still here, which make the Active quite an attractive smartwatch.\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nUnlike most smartwatches in the market now, the Galaxy Watch Active runs on Samsung\u2019s very own Tizen software. For the most part, it works really well, but it does have its fair share of weaknesses \u2013 I\u2019ll elaborate more further down this review.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to hardware, the Active features a 1.1-inch 360 x 360 Super AMOLED display, a 1.15GHz dual-core processor paired with 0.75GB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage, a 230mAh cell, and a heart rate monitor. On top of that, this smartwatch also has built-in GPS, along with support for NFC.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nOne of the best qualities of the Galaxy Watch Active has to be its fantastic circular display. The Super AMOLED screen\u2019s vibrant colours and deep blacks are very pleasing to look at, and even under bright sunlight, the display is still very legible.\n\n\nThe always on display looks very good\n\n\nThanks to the Super AMOLED screen, the Active\u2019s always on display looks really good too. While this depends on the watchface that you\u2019re using, most of Samsung\u2019s pre-loaded watchfaces are well-designed.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, enabling the always on display would affect battery life quite a bit. On average, I was getting around one and a half day of usage with the feature enabled. If I disable it, I can get about two to three days of usage \u2013 that\u2019s quite impressive.\n\n\nDo note that I got this kind of battery life with the Active\u2019s default settings. The screen\u2019s brightness was set to seven (out of a maximum of ten), and the smartwatch was set to measure my heart rate continuously.\n\n\n\n\nPerformance of the Galaxy Watch Active is also surprisingly good. I can navigate seamlessly through the smartwatch\u2019s interface, swiping through my various widgets didn\u2019t show any sign of sluggishness, and overall, the Active never felt unresponsive or slow.\n\n\nOf course, one of the most vital features of a smartwatch is getting notifications pushed to your wrist. In this regard, the Galaxy Watch Active does a very good job. Whatever notification my phone gets are pushed properly to the Active, and notifications I dismissed are also reflected on my phone.\n\n\nIt is possible to interact with notifications too, such as messages from WhatsApp and Telegram. I can either send a pre-written reply, use the T9 keypad, or literally \u201cdraw\u201d my own message letter by letter.\n\n\n\n\nDesign wise, I really like the compact form factor of the Active. It is light, it feels robust, and swapping out the straps is a very easy procedure, thanks to the quick release pins. That being said, I do wish the bezel surrounding the display was more minimal \u2013 it\u2019s a tad too thick for my liking.\n\n\nAll in all, the Galaxy Watch Active has a lot of good qualities, and I enjoyed using it. However, it does have a number of shortcomings too, such as..\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nSince it\u2019s running on Samsung\u2019s own Tizen software, third-party apps are still limited, especially in comparison to the large selection of apps for Android Wear devices and Apple Watch. While Tizen still works very well on its own, limited third-party support does make it less attractive of a platform.\n\n\n\n\nWorkout detection of the Active is not particularly great either. I was pretty excited when I saw the sheer number of exercises it can detect, but that quickly changed when I tried them out. In exercises that don\u2019t involve a lot of arm movement, the smartwatch has a hard time detecting the workout.\n\n\nThat\u2019s not to say it doesn\u2019t work at all. In certain exercises, the Active can actually track them very effectively. It\u2019s just a finicky feature.\n\n\n\n\nPart of what makes Samsung\u2019s range of smartwatches so intuitive (and fun) to use is the rotating bezel, so not having that on the Active is a bit of a bummer. Tizen\u2019s user interface was designed with the rotating bezel in mind, and navigating through the menu and widgets without that bezel feels a little bit jarring.\n\n\nGranted, the Active still works just as fine. Plus, Samsung had to remove the rotating bezel to lower the price of the smartwatch, and that could work in favour of the Active for its intended audience.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nFor only RM799, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active is really quite a compelling smartwatch. It is sleek, it has a fantastic display, and Tizen, even with its limited selection of third-party apps, is very polished and intuitive to use.\n\n\nAlso, it\u2019s been a while since the Active was introduced here, so certain retailers are already offering pretty good discounts for the smartwatch. In fact, you can get it \nfor only RM660 now\n \u2013 that\u2019s RM139 worth of savings.\n\n\n\n\nAt this price point, the Galaxy Watch Active is that much more attractive. It\u2019s already a very good smartwatch to begin with, and if you can live with its limitations, the Active will serve you very, very well.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-launches-slew-of-gaming-laptops-in-malaysia-including-predator-triton-900/", "title": "Acer Launches Slew of Gaming Laptops in Malaysia, Including Predator Triton 900", "body": "\n\nAcer just launched a number of gaming laptops in Malaysia, and most of them are priced pretty competitively. These include the Acer Nitro 7, Predator Helios 300, and of course, even the \nPredator Triton 900\n gaming powerhouse. If you\u2019re looking for a new gaming machine, you really should look into either one of these.\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the beefiest offering, the decadent Predator Triton 900. Under the hood of this convertible gaming behemoth are an Intel Core i7-9750H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, a high-end Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 GPU, and two 512GB PCIe NVMe SSDs in Raid 0 configuration. The display, on the other hand, is a 17.3-inch 1080p IPS display with 144Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nAvailable in Malaysia immediately, the Predator Triton 900 will set you back a cool RM15,999.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want something more\u2026well, affordable, there\u2019s the Predator Helios 300. It\u2019s powered by an RTX 2060 GPU, so without a doubt it\u2019s quite a capable gaming laptop. Other hardware of the Helios 300 include a 15.6-inch 1080p 144Hz IPS display, a Core i5-9300H or i7-9750H processor paired with 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Helios 300 are now available for purchase here: the Core i5 model goes for RM5,399, while the Core i7 variant retails at RM6,199.\n\n\n\n\nA tier down is the Nitro 7, and it is a relatively thin gaming laptop, measuring only 19.9mm thin. It\u2019s also a pretty powerful machine thanks to the GTX 1660 Ti GPU under its hood, which is only \nslightly slower\n than the higher-end RTX 2060 GPU.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Nitro 7 include a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate, a Core i7-9750H processor paired with 8GB of RAM, and a reasonably sized 256GB SSD. Oh, there\u2019s a more affordable model with a GTX 1650 GPU too.\n\n\nAlso available immediately on our shores, the GTX 1650 variant of the Nitro 7 is priced at RM4,899, while the more powerful GTX 1660 Ti model goes for RM5,199. Given the rather small price gap, it may be well worth it to go for the GTX 1660 Ti model instead.\n\n\n\n\nFor those who want discounts on these Acer gaming laptops, you can head on to Sunway Pyramid in Bandar Sunway for Acer\u2019s roadshow. Purchasing the Triton 900 there will get you a free ED24QR 24-inch gaming monitor \nand \na Predator gaming chair.\n\n\nOpt for the Predator Helios 300 instead, and you will get a complimentary VG240Y 24-inch gaming monitor. As for the Nitro 7, it is offered with RM150 discount at the roadshow, which will end on 30 June 2019.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-ridiculously-thin-retails-from-rm5999/", "title": "The Ridiculously Thin & Light Acer Swift 7 Lands in Malaysia; Retails from RM5,999", "body": "\n\nInitially unveiled at CES 2019\n, the Acer Swift 7 is now available in Malaysia. Measuring only 9.95mm thin and tipping the scales at 890g, it\u2019s a ridiculously thin and light productivity laptop.\n\n\nHowever, given these two traits, the Swift 7 also carries a rather steep price tag. Regardless, it\u2019s a really impressive laptop, especially when viewed up close.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the Swift 7 such a stunning laptop isn\u2019t just its lightweight and slim nature: the almost bezel-less display is arguably even more impressive. According to Acer, this laptop has a very high screen-to-body-ratio of 92%. In fact, the bezels are so small that there\u2019s no space to put a webcam anywhere near the display.\n\n\nTo solve this issue, Acer placed a pop-up webcam right at the top left corner of the keyboard. It is by no means a perfect solution \u2013 especially with the awkward camera angle \u2013 but it is quite an ingenious solution. Personally, I quite like it.\n\n\n\n\nGoing back to the display, the Swift 7 comes with a 14-inch 1080p IPS display. Acer claims that the display covers 100% of the SRGB colour gamut (72% for NTSC), and as far as I can tell, the display does look really good. It can get reasonably bright too, and I love the fact that it\u2019s a touch display.\n\n\nPowering such a thin laptop is none other than Intel\u2019s Core i5-8200Y or Core i7-8500Y processor. Yes, these are lower-powered Y-series chips from the Amber Lake generation, so you won\u2019t be getting the same level of performance from the latest U-series processors.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s really unavoidable for the Swift 7 to use these Y-series processors, especially given its 9.95m thin chassis. Nonetheless, there is one benefit: this laptop has a completely fanless design. As the Y-series processor can be passively-cooled, there\u2019s no need for Acer to use any cooling fan for the Swift 7.\n\n\nThe result? A dead silent productivity laptop. Sounds appealing, doesn\u2019t it?\n\n\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Swift 7 are 8GB of LPDDR3 RAM, 256GB or 512GB of fast PCIe NVMe SSD storage, as well as Intel UHD Graphics 615. Naturally, the Swift 7 does not come with a dedicated GPU, and that\u2019s totally fine \u2013 it\u2019s meant to be a highly portable productivity laptop.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, a productivity laptop needs a really good set of keyboard, and I\u2019m happy to report that the Swift 7\u2019s keyboard is quite decent despite its slim chassis. As expected, key travel is very short, but it\u2019s not quite a shallow as, say, the latest generation MacBook Pro\u2019s butterfly keyboard \u2013 that\u2019s a very good thing.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes up for the lack of key travel with the Swift 7\u2019s keyboard is the excellent tactility. The keys are very clicky, and combined with the light actuation of these keys, you have yourself a pretty darn comfortable keyboard to type on. Even the trackpad is quite accurate, though I\u2019m not quite sure if I like the sheer\u2026length of it.\n\n\nThe Acer Swift 7 is now available for purchase in Malaysia. The Core i5 model retails at RM5,999, while the higher-end Core i7 variant goes for RM7,599. Without a doubt the Swift 7 is not affordable, but that\u2019s the price you have to pay for a slim, light, and sleek laptop like it.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, you can get the Swift 7 at a discount until 30 June at Acer\u2019s roadshow in Sunway Pyramid. The Core i7 model can be purchased with RM500 discount, while the Core i5 Swift 7 can be yours for RM300 off.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-asus-rog-mothership-gaming-tablet-arrives-in-malaysia-for-rm26999/", "title": "The Asus ROG Mothership Gaming Tablet Arrives in Malaysia for RM26,999", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s always great to see brands trying to push the envelope, and in the case of Asus, it\u2019s hoping to \u201credefine how you play\u201d with the Asus ROG Mothership\u2026gaming tablet. Yes, it\u2019s a gaming machine in a tablet form factor, and it\u2019s touted by Asus to be the future of desktop replacement.\n\n\nBut retailing at a whopping RM26,999 in Malaysia, I\u2019m inclined to think of the Mothership as a concept product more than anything else, even if you can \nactually\n purchase it. If you really are considering to get it, here\u2019s what you need to know about the ROG Mothership.\n\n\n\n\nUnder the hood of this gaming tablet is an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 GPU. According to Asus, the GPU is factory overclocked, so you should be getting better performance than your typical RTX 2080. Not surprisingly, even the tablet\u2019s Intel Core i9-9980HK octa-core processor is factory overclocked.\n\n\nIn the display department, the ROG Mothership comes with a 17.3-inch 1080p IPS display with a fast 144Hz refresh rate. Of course, it even comes with support for Nvidia\u2019s G-Sync technology, so you won\u2019t have to deal with screen tearing when you\u2019re gaming on this tablet.\n\n\nThanks to the high 144Hz refresh rate, everything on the Mothership\u2019s display looks extremely fluid. The high refresh rate also lends to better motion clarity, which will prove to be helpful in fast-paced games.\n\n\n\n\nAs impressive as the display is, there is one thing I don\u2019t quite get: it\u2019s not a touch screen. Granted, it\u2019s positioned as a gaming product, but it\u2019s really quite weird for a \ntablet\n to not come with a touch display \u2013 it\u2019s arguably an inherent characteristic of tablets. Without a touch screen, it might as well be called an AIO PC.\n\n\nNonetheless, the Mothership does come with a kickstand design that\u2019s not unlike the one found on \nMicrosoft\u2019s Surface tablet\n. That in itself makes it a tablet-like machine, and the detachable keyboard completes the look further.\n\n\n\n\nBut unlike the Surface\u2019s keyboard, the Mothership\u2019s keyboard can work wirelessly. Alternatively, you can even connect it to the tablet itself with a USB-C cable, especially if you\u2019re concerned about input lag. Naturally, the keyboard comes with RGB lighting too.\n\n\nSurprisingly enough, the Mothership\u2019s keyboard is really, \nreally\n good. Even among laptops, it\u2019s one of the best keyboards I\u2019ve ever tried. Key travel is aplenty, the keys are very tactile, and the standard layout is very easy to get accustomed to.\n\n\nAside from that, much like other Asus laptops in recent times, the trackpad on the right of the keyboard also doubles as a numpad.\n\n\n\n\nThere is only a single variant of the Asus ROG Mothership in Malaysia, which \u2013 as mentioned \u2013 retails at RM26,999. For that kind of money, you will get a whopping 64GB of DDR4 RAM, as well as \nthree \n512GB PCIe NVMe SSDs in Raid 0 configuration.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get it, the ROG Mothership will be available for purchase on our shores sometime in July next month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-asus-rog-zephyrus-m-is-a-thin-light-gtx-1660-ti-gaming-laptop-for-rm6299/", "title": "The Asus ROG Zephyrus M Is a Thin & Light GTX 1660 Ti Gaming Laptop for RM6,299", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for a thin and light gaming laptop, your options are surprisingly little. At least, that\u2019s the case for the Malaysian market. I personally love the \nAcer Predator Triton 500\n, and now, there\u2019s a promising competition to it: enter the Asus ROG Zephyrus M.\n\n\nMuch like the Triton 500, the Zephyrus M is a slim and light gaming laptop, and it\u2019s adequately powerful too with an Nvidia GTX 1660 Ti under the hood. But how does it compare against Acer\u2019s offering in other areas? Let\u2019s find out.\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of dimension, the Zephyrus M is actually a tad thicker than the Triton 500. Where the latter measures only 17.9mm, the Zephyrus is 1mm thicker at 18.9mm. However, it\u2019s a lighter laptop: the Triton 500 weighs 2.1kg, but Asus\u2019 offering tips the scales at only 1.9kg. 200g may seem negligible, but you will notice the difference.\n\n\nTo make the Zephyrus M as light as possible, the laptop is constructed out of magnesium alloy. I quite like the material choice here, especially on the palm rest area \u2013 it doesn\u2019t have a glossy finish like most laptops. Instead, it\u2019s more of a rougher, matte finish, and it feels really good to the touch.\n\n\n\n\nPowering the Zephyrus M is a GTX 1660 Ti GPU, and in my opinion, it offers the best price to performance ratio in the market now. In terms of performance, it\u2019s only \nslightly slower\n than the higher-end RTX 2060 GPU. Granted you won\u2019t get RTX-exclusive features like Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), but in terms of raw gaming performance, you\u2019re not missing out much.\n\n\nIn the CPU side of things, the Zephyrus M comes with an Intel Core i7-9750H processor \u2013 standard affair for today\u2019s gaming laptops. On top of that, this laptop also has 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD storage.\n\n\n\n\nWhat is becoming increasingly standard on higher-end gaming laptops is a fast display, and I\u2019m happy to report that the Zephyrus M comes with a 144Hz, 15.6-inch 1080p IPS panel. It has great viewing angles, fantastic motion clarity, and it supposedly covers 100% of the SRGB colour gamut \u2013 very impressive.\n\n\nPlus, the slim bezel surrounding the display is a nice bonus too. Not only does it make for a really sleek and modern-looking machine, it also reduces the overall dimensions of the laptop. But there is one caveat here: there\u2019s no webcam anywhere around the display area.\n\n\n\n\nInput devices of the Zephyrus M are also very good. The keyboard\u2019s decent amount of travel and tactile feedback make for a comfortable typing experience, and as expected, you also get RGB lighting here. If I were to nitpick, I\u2019d say the left Shift button could be longer, though I\u2019m not entirely sure if the consumer version would have a different keyboard layout.\n\n\nTrackpads on gaming laptops have also improved dramatically these days, and it\u2019s no different with the Zephyrus M. It can track my fingers accurately, gestures work very well, and I reckon I won\u2019t even need to plug in a mouse to the laptop to do anything outside of gaming. That\u2019s high praise for a trackpad on a gaming laptop.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Zephyrus M, at a glance, feels like a really refined gaming laptop with reasonably powerful gaming performance. On top of that, it\u2019s not all that costly either, retailing at RM6,299 once it is available in Malaysia sometime in July next month.\n\n\nYes, that is not exactly an affordable price tag, but that\u2019s how much you\u2019ll have to pay for a thin and light gaming laptop in this segment. But until I\u2019ve spent more time with it in a full review, it remains to be seen if the Zephyrus M can absolutely command that kind of asking price.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-legion-y540-15-hands-on-a-customisable-gaming-laptop/", "title": "Lenovo Legion Y540 (15\u2033) Hands-On: A Customisable Gaming Laptop", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019ve seen \nquite a number\n of \ngaming laptops\n coming into Malaysia this week, and Lenovo also introduced its latest gaming machine on our shores, the Lenovo Legion Y540. What makes the Y540 particularly unique is its level of customisability; something that is not typically offered by big brands.\n\n\nI\u2019ve spent quite a bit of time gaming with the Legion Y540, and while it\u2019s not the most impressive gaming laptop I\u2019ve come across, its customisability \u2013 and relatively competitive pricing \u2013 may appeal to certain folks.\n\n\n\n\nUnlike gaming laptops from other established PC makers, Lenovo allows you to customise the Legion Y540 to your heart\u2019s content \non its website\n. In fact, it\u2019s similar to Illegear and Level 51\u2019s concept of offering a ton of customisation with their gaming laptops. The options are not quite as elaborate, of course, but the ability to customise certain parts of the laptop is still an attractive selling point.\n\n\nLooking at the Y540\u2019s official page on Lenovo\u2019s website, the base model can be purchased for RM4,188.55 (after discount). For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display, an Intel Core i5-9300H processor paired with 8GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU, and a 1TB 5400rpm HDD.\n\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s quite a steep price tag for a GTX 1650 gaming laptop, but if you opt for the higher-end models, it makes a lot more sense. I\u2019ve configured the Y540 on Lenovo\u2019s website with a 144Hz Full HD IPS display, a Core i7-9750H processor paired with 8GB of RAM, an RTX 2060 GPU, and a 512GB SSD \u2013 how much does this cost? RM5,846.30. That\u2019s really quite a good price to performance ratio.\n\n\nBeyond its list of specifications, other aspects of the Legion Y540 aren\u2019t so bad either. Design wise, the slim bezels of the display give it a modern look. Unfortunately, however, there\u2019s no space for a webcam at the top of the display. Instead, it\u2019s placed right at the bottom, making for an awkward camera angle.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, the Y540\u2019s display itself is quite good. I\u2019ve tried the 144Hz 1080p IPS display, and it looks great with vibrant colours and wide viewing angle. Motion clarity is, as expected, excellent for the 144Hz display. Even though I\u2019ve only played a couple rounds of Dota 2 with this gaming laptop, the high refresh rate is very noticeable.\n\n\nSame goes for the RTX 2060 GPU. Yes, Dota 2 is not a very demanding game at all, but you will be able to play most \u2013 if not all \u2013 modern games with high graphics settings with that GPU. If you\u2019d like to know more about the RTX 2060\u2019s gaming performance, check out \nthis review\n.\n\n\n\n\nBuild quality of the Y540 is good too. The laptop as a whole feels robust, the palm rest area is nice to the touch, and I quite dig the metal lid. Even the hinge feels solid, which is always a good thing \u2013 it holds the screen securely enough for it to not wobble when I\u2019m gaming with the laptop.\n\n\nWhen it comes to connectivity, the Legion Y540 has a pretty complete selection of ports. Most of the ports are located at the back of the laptop, and only two USB-A slots and a 3.5mm headphone jack are located at the sides, for better or worse.\n\n\nAnyway, on the back of the Y540 is where you\u2019ll find a USB-C connection, a mini DisplayPort, an HDMI 2.0 output, another USB-A slot, as well as an RJ45 port. Unfortunately, there\u2019s no card reader of any kind here.\n\n\n\n\nInput devices of the Y540 are also reasonably good. Even though the keyboard only has white backlighting, it has more than enough key travel for a pleasant typing and gaming experience. I also appreciate the full size navigation keys, though I do think the numpad is placed in a rather awkward position.\n\n\nAs for the trackpad, it\u2019s decent. I don\u2019t quite like the fact that I can\u2019t click on it, but it can track my fingers accurately. Gestures, unsurprisingly, also work well on this trackpad.\n\n\n\n\nThe Lenovo Legion Y540 is a good gaming laptop with a ton of customisability, and the higher-end model offers relatively good value for money too. Given the laptop\u2019s good build quality, sleek design, and great gaming performance, you should definitely check it out if you\u2019re looking to get a new gaming laptop. \n\n\nYou can start customising your own Legion Y540 over \nhere\n. There aren\u2019t that many RTX 2060 gaming laptops under the RM6,000 mark now, and that is one of the biggest selling points of the Y540.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-oneplus-7-pro-price-drops-to-rm2855/", "title": "Deal: OnePlus 7 Pro Price Drops to RM2,855", "body": "\n\nThe \nOnePlus 7 Pro\n is an excellent flagship smartphone with a fast 90Hz display and sleek design, among other things. However, retailing from RM2,999, it is also OnePlus\u2019 most costly smartphone yet. If you\u2019ve been waiting for it to be discounted, good news: you can now get the 128GB model \nfor only RM2,855\n.\n\n\nCompared to its original asking price, you will be saving exactly RM144. That may not seem like much, but it\u2019s worth noting that it\u2019s a very recent flagship smartphone. With that in mind, this amount of discount is reasonably good.\n\n\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Shopee retailer Smart World EP, and only the Mirror Grey OnePlus 7 Pro is available. Naturally, warranty is covered by Mobile Technic, which is OnePlus\u2019 authorised service centre in Malaysia.\n\n\nFor RM2,855\n, the OnePlus 7 Pro is quite a good buy, especially if you\u2019re intrigued by its 90Hz display, all-screen design, and excellent camera performance. Check out our \ncomprehensive review of the phone\n if you\u2019d like to learn more about it.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-can-now-resume-business-with-certain-us-companies/", "title": "Huawei Can Now Resume Business with (Certain) US Companies", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been about six weeks since Huawei was put in the US government\u2019s \u201cEntity List,\u201d which bars the Chinese company from buying technology from US companies. Well, in a recent turn of event, it appears the situation would improve for Huawei\u2026ever so slightly.\n\n\nAt the G20 Summit in Japan, US President Donald Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. After said meeting, Trump indicated that trade talks between the two countries will resume, and US companies would be permitted to do business with Huawei again. However, that\u2019s not the whole story.\n\n\n\n\nFollowing Trump\u2019s statement at the G20 Summit, White House Economic Advisor, Larry Kudlow, elaborated that this does not put Huawei off of the Entity List. Instead, more licenses will be granted to Huawei to buy technology from US companies if the sales pose no threat to national security. \u201cThe national security concerns will remain paramount,\u201d Kudlow said.\n\n\nOn top of that, these additional licenses will only be granted if \u201cthere is a general availability\u201d on the parts Huawei are looking to get. Among these are chips that the company would need to manufacture its smartphones.\n\n\n\n\nThat is not the end of it, of course. Now that US is resuming trade talks with China, it was mentioned that Huawei will be a part of the ongoing discussion. Basically, Trump\u2019s statement at the G20 summit \u201cis not the last word,\u201d Kudlow added.\n\n\nRight now, Huawei is in a bit of a limbo. Until trade talks between US and China conclude, the fate of the Chinese company is still uncertain. As it is, Huawei will remain in the Entity List, so it still can\u2019t conduct business with US companies effectively.\n\n\nBeing placed in the Entity List is already hitting Huawei hard. The company expects to take $30 billion in losses (that\u2019s a whopping RM124 billion) over the next two years, it\u2019s no longer allowed to use microSD cards in its smartphones, and even its rapidly growing laptop business is put on halt, to the point where it had to cancel an upcoming laptop.\n\n\n\n\nMore importantly, Google also pulled Huawei\u2019s Android license because of the restriction, which is arguably one of the most important parts of the puzzle. Nonetheless, Huawei\u2019s situation is slowly getting better, though it\u2019s still far from a proper resolution. Hopefully, it won\u2019t be long until Huawei can get back to the market in earnest.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-nova-5-series-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Huawei Nova 5 Series Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nThe \nHuawei Nova 5 series\n was introduced in China recently, and despite the \nongoing restriction\n placed on the Chinese company, Huawei is set to bring in the Nova 5 smartphones to the Malaysian market. If you\u2019re looking to get an upper mid-range device, you may be interested in this series.\n\n\nHowever, no tentative release date was given, and it remains to be seen which of the three devices in the Nova 5 series that will be launched here. Nonetheless, it does show Huawei\u2019s commitment to the Malaysian market, even if it\u2019s \nnot in the best situation now\n.\n\n\n\n\nOut of the three devices in the series, the Nova 5 Pro is the highest-end offering. It comes with Huawei\u2019s most powerful chipset yet, the Kirin 980, and it has four cameras on the back: a 48MP f/1.8 primary shooter, a 16MP f/2.2 wide angle camera, a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Nova 5 Pro include a 6.39-inch 1080p OLED display (there\u2019s a notch at the top of the screen for the 32MP selfie camera), up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, as well as a 3,500mAh battery. That\u2019s not the largest battery capacity, but it should be able to offer decent battery life.\n\n\n\n\nA tier down is the standard Nova 5, and it is very similar to the Pro model. The major differences are the chipset powering the phone (Kirin 810 instead of Kirin 980) and the RAM and storage capacities, which are available only in 8GB and 128GB respectively.\n\n\nEven though the Kirin 810 isn\u2019t quite as powerful as the flagship-tier Kirin 980, it\u2019s a very capable upper mid-range chipset. The Kirin 810 is built on a 7nm process, which should improve the chip\u2019s power efficiency. On top of that, early benchmarks have also shown that the Kirin 810 is faster than the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 \u2013 that\u2019s very impressive.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the most affordable device in the series, the Nova 5i. Unlike its two higher-end siblings, the Nova 5i features a 6.4-inch 1080 IPS display with a \nhole-punch cutout\n instead of a notch. It also has a Kirin 710 chipset paired with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, and a generous 4,000mAh battery.\n\n\nMuch like the other two devices in the series, the Nova 5i has a quad camera system too. It\u2019s made up of 24MP (primary) + 8MP (wide angle) + 2MP (macro) + 2MP (depth) sensors, while the selfie shooter is a 24MP camera.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, it\u2019s not known yet which of the three Nova 5 smartphones will be available in Malaysia, and it\u2019s entirely possible for Huawei to introduce the entire lineup on shores. Until then, we\u2019ll keep you posted on the local availability of the Huawei Nova 5 series.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/jony-ives-departure-from-apple-was-a-long-time-coming/", "title": "Jony Ive\u2019s Departure from Apple Was a Long Time Coming", "body": "\n\nBy now, you\u2019ve probably heard about Jony Ive\u2019s departure from Apple. As the chief design officer of Apple since 1996, Ive was responsible for designing many Apple products you know today. To most people, his departure may seem very sudden.\n\n\nHowever, several reports that surfaced not long after the news went public are suggesting that Ive has been slowly exiting Apple, citing tension between the designer and Apple\u2019s current CEO, Tim Cook. Essentially, his departure from Apple \u201chas been a long time in the making,\u201d said a source to Bloomberg.\n\n\n\n\nIn fact, \nBloomberg\u2019s report\n really goes into detail about Ive\u2019s involvement in Apple over the years. According to Bloomberg, Ive became less involved with the design process after the original Apple Watch was launched back in 2015. In fact, he supposedly only came to Apple\u2019s headquarters \u201cas little as twice a week.\u201d\n\n\nNot surprisingly, Apple\u2019s design team grew frustrated with Ive\u2019s absence since then. In a \nseparate report by The Wall Street Journal\n, Ive was said to be \u201cdispirited\u201d by Tim Cook\u2019s lack of interest in the product development process.\n\n\nOn top of that, Ive also supposedly grew frustrated with Apple\u2019s board of directors. It\u2019s said to be filled with individuals from backgrounds not related to the company\u2019s core business.\n\n\n\n\nExclusive: In scathing email, Apple CEO Tim Cook tells me the \n@WSJ\n report about Jony Ive\u2019s departure \u2014 and his frustration with Cook\u2019s alleged lack of interest in design \u2014 is \u201cabsurd.\u201d Says reporting and conclusions \"don\u2019t match with reality.\u201d\nFull story coming soon \n@NBCNews\n \u2026 \npic.twitter.com/QX9L4MvjFs\n\u2014 Dylan Byers (@DylanByers) \nJuly 1, 2019\n\n\n\n\nOf course, Tim Cook himself responded to the WSJ report, saying that the story is \u201cabsurd,\u201d and the conclusions \u201cjust don\u2019t match with reality.\u201d He further elaborated that Apple\u2019s design team is stronger than ever, and that the projects the team are working on \u201cwill blow you away.\u201d\n\n\nFor a company as secretive as Apple, we don\u2019t often see such a response, especially not from the CEO himself in regards to supposed internal issues. Nonetheless, we probably won\u2019t know the actual reason behind Ive\u2019s departure from Apple.\n\n\n\n\nDespite his exit, Ive will still work closely with Apple through his own design firm, LoveFrom. He will supposedly work on a range of exclusive projects with Apple, and chances are, this collaboration will continue long into the future.\n\n\nNaturally, having Apple as a client will bring in a lot of revenue for LoveFrom. In WSJ\u2019s report, it is said that Ive\u2019s firm will be paid \u201cmillions of dollars a year to continue to work with Apple.\u201d However, it remains to be seen exactly how involved LoveFrom would be with Apple\u2019s product development in the future.\n\n\nAfter all, it\u2019s not specified just what kind of projects the two companies will work on together.\n\n\n\n\nIt will be interesting to see just how Apple will be affected by Jony Ive\u2019s departure from the company. Even though Ive will still work closely with Apple through LoveFrom, it\u2019s not quite the same as having him a part of the same organisation.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-onyx-officially-available-in-mbo-atria-worth-a-try/", "title": "Samsung Onyx Officially Available in MBO Atria \u2013 Worth a Try?", "body": "\n\nEven though it\u2019s been operational for quite some time now, MBO Cinemas officially launched its new outlet in Atria recently. One of the biggest attractions in this cinema is Samsung \u201cCinema LED Technology\u201d dubbed Samsung Onyx. Compared to your conventional cinema screen that uses projection, the Samsung Onyx hall uses\u2026well, a big LED display.\n\n\nOf course, since it\u2019s an actual display, Onyx has a number of distinct advantages over projected screens. On top of that, the hall itself is quite different too. Nextrift was invited to catch a screening of Spider-Man: Far From Home on Onyx, and here\u2019s my impression of it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen I first walked into the hall, what immediately caught my attention was the size of the Onyx screen. In comparison to a typical cinema screen, it appears to be\u2026smaller. This is especially true if you\u2019re used to IMAX halls, but that\u2019s an entirely different category.\n\n\nLooking beyond its size, the Onyx screen looks \nfantastic\n. After all, it\u2019s a proper LED display instead of a projected one. And because this is an LED screen, you get very, very deep blacks. In fact, Samsung calls this technology \u201cOnyx\u201d for this very reason \u2013 it\u2019s a nod to the black gemstone itself.\n\n\nColours also look great on the Onyx, thanks to the HDR-capable screen. Basically, projected screens pale in comparison to Onyx, especially when it comes to colour reproduction and black level.\n\n\n\n\nAnother advantage of Onyx is its 4096 x 2160 4K resolution. Everything looks sharp, crisp, and it\u2019s very easy to read the movie\u2019s subtitles. Again, this is one area projected screens cannot compete with Onyx. It\u2019s almost like watching movies on a really big 4K TV.\n\n\nAudio is also another strong suit of Onyx. Equipped with Harman Professional\u2019s JBL Sculpted Surround technology, the aptly named Onyx Sound supposedly expand upon the \u201caudio sweet spot.\u201d With a bigger optimum listening area, more movie-goers will get to enjoy the best audio experience.\n\n\nPersonally, I can\u2019t say with full confidence the Onyx hall provides superior audio quality, but it does sound slightly better to my ears.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Onyx hall itself, I quite like the seats. It reclines slightly when you rest your back on it, and there is ample amount of legroom. The extra legroom is especially important when you have other viewers trying to get in and out of their seats.\n\n\nOh, another thing to note is the distance of the seats to the Onyx screen. Unlike a conventional hall layout, the front-row seats are placed further away from the screen. In fact, I would personally get those seats if I\u2019m going for an Onyx hall just to get closer to the screen.\n\n\nAnd to me, that really is the Onyx\u2019s biggest shortcoming. The screen doesn\u2019t \nfeel\n big enough for a cinema hall, though I do appreciate the seating arrangement and superior visual fidelity of the LED screen.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Onyx hall is now available for screening at MBO Atria. If you want to experience a different movie viewing experience, Onyx is definitely worth a try. Plus, it\u2019s not all that expensive either, costing only RM3 more than a standard hall.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-note-10-confirmed-for-8-august-launch-what-we-know-so-far/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Confirmed for 8 August Launch \u2013 What We Know So Far", "body": "\n\nSamsung just revealed that the next Galaxy device will be officially announced on 8 August 2019 (adjusted for local time in Malaysia). Chances are, it is the Samsung Galaxy Note 10, and the teaser released by the Korean company is certainly pointing to that direction.\n\n\nAs expected, there are already quite a number of leaks and rumours surrounding the Galaxy Note 10; it\u2019s shaping up to be quite the flagship smartphone. Here\u2019s what we know so far about it.\n\n\n\n\nLooking at leaked images of the supposed Galaxy Note 10, it\u2019s possible Samsung will continue to use its Infinity-O display on the upcoming phone. In fact, even the teaser itself is putting emphasis on a single camera sensor, which will very likely be placed at the top of the display.\n\n\nBut unlike the \nGalaxy S10\n smartphones\u2019 hole-punch cutout, the Note 10 may have the selfie camera placed right in the middle of the screen like smartphones with a notch. This gives the phone a much more symmetrical look, in our opinion.\n\n\nInterestingly, alleged images of the Note 10 also show a very small camera cutout on the front of the phone \u2013 even smaller than the Infinity-O cutouts on the Galaxy S10 devices. Hopefully, the minimal camera cutout will make it onto the production phone. It really gives the phone a clean, all-screen design.\n\n\nAlleged images of the Galaxy Note 10\n\n\nMuch like the Galaxy S10 series, we expect Samsung to release several variants of the Note 10. The Galaxy Note 10+ is supposedly in the picture, along with a standard Note 10 model. Earlier rumours also pointed at a more affordable Galaxy Note 10 variant not unlike the \nGalaxy S10e\n, though we haven\u2019t heard of any new rumour regarding that particular model.\n\n\nPersonally, we would love for there to be a compact, more affordable model of the Galaxy Note 10. After all, the \ncompact form factor\n of the Galaxy S10e is one of its biggest appeals. Even though the Galaxy Note series has always focused on offering big displays, we\u2019re still holding out for a Note 10e variant.\n\n\n\n\nOther alleged specifications of the Galaxy Note 10 include the same Exynos 9820 chipset found under the hood of the S10 series, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, either a triple or quad camera system (the latter could be similar to the \nGalaxy S10 5G\n\u2018s camera configuration), and of course, Samsung\u2019s signature S Pen.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the S Pen found on the Note 9 added Bluetooth support, which allows it to work like a remote to control the phone. As for the S Pen on the Note 10, many are expecting some form of new feature on top of this. Heck, some are even expecting a camera module to be integrated into the S Pen itself.\n\n\n\n\nBottom line is, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 shows a lot of promise, even though we\u2019re only judging it based on leaks and rumours. The Note 10 will be unveiled in New York next month, and the launch event will be livestreamed on 8 August at 4AM Malaysia time.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen, you can even register your interest for the phone over \nhere\n to receive regular updates ahead of the event.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/you-really-should-get-your-2015-macbook-pro-checked/", "title": "You Really Should Get Your 2015 MacBook Pro Checked", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re currently using a 15-inch MacBook Pro (Mid-2015 model) with a Retina screen, you should check if it\u2019s affected by Apple\u2019s \nbattery recall program\n. Announced only a couple of weeks ago, the recall concerns MacBook Pros with batteries that \u201cmay overheat and pose a fire safety risk.\u201d\n\n\nNeedless to say, you should definitely check if you\u2019re affected by the recall; it poses a serious safety issue. If you\u2019re wondering what could potentially happen, well, one unfortunate MacBook Pro owner found out the hard way.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst spotted by \nPetaPixel\n, designer Steve Gagne accounts how his 15-inch MacBook Pro\u2019s battery \u201cblew\u201d \nin a Facebook post\n. According to Gagne, it was enough to set a small fire, which filled his house with smoke. Looking at the images of the MacBook Pro after the incident, the damage is quite severe.\n\n\nMore importantly, it\u2019s worth noting that the MacBook Pro wasn\u2019t even actively used when it all happened. Gagne wrote that the laptop was unplugged, with the screen closed, and it was in sleep mode. However, it\u2019ll be interesting to see if the same would\u2019ve happened if it was shut down completely.\n\n\nThen again, most folks would just put their laptops in sleep mode \u2013 it\u2019s a lot more convenient than to shut it down.\n\n\n\n\nBasically, if you\u2019ve got a Mid-2015, 15-inch MacBook Pro, it\u2019s best to check with Apple \nhere\n if your particular model is eligible for a free battery replacement. Apple said that affected units were sold \u201cprimarily between September 2015 and February 2017.\u201d\n\n\nThose that purchased a 15-inch MacBook Pro in that time period should definitely check if their particular unit is affected; it would take between one to two weeks to get the battery replaced. That\u2019s quite a lengthy time frame, but safety is of utmost priority here.\n\n\n\n\nThe 2015 MacBook Pro was \u2013 well, still is \u2013 considered to be the \u201cbest\u201d MacBook released by Apple. Unlike the latest crop of MacBook laptops, the 2015 model has a much better selection of ports (no dongle life!), superior keyboard, and it doesn\u2019t cost quite as much as its successors.\n\n\nAgain, check \nhere\n with Apple to see if your 15-inch MacBook Pro is eligible for a free battery replacement. It may be a hassle to send it in for service, but hey, you\u2019re getting a brand new battery here. Plus, you can\u2019t \nreally\n put a price on safety.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dell-xps-13-hands-on-of-refinement-improved-webcam-placement/", "title": "Dell XPS 13 Hands-On: Of Refinement & Improved Webcam Placement", "body": "\n\nThe Dell XPS 13 has consistently been one of the best productivity focused premium laptops in the market, and this latest iteration is the best one yet. However, other manufacturers are catching up really fast; competition has never been tougher for the XPS 13.\n\n\nWith that in mind, does the XPS 13 still have what it takes? Does it still stand out among its equally sleek and capable competition? Let\u2019s find out.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the biggest difference the new XPS 13 brings is\u2026the webcam positioning. Believe it or not, this has been the main issue with this laptop for the longest time. The webcam has always been positioned at the bottom of the display, but with this new model, it\u2019s \nfinally\n at the top of the screen.\n\n\nIn order to fit a camera module into such a tiny bezel, Dell had to get creative: the PC maker made its own custom 2.25mm camera module for this one purpose. It\u2019s crazy how much work goes into what seems like a small thing.\n\n\n\n\nWebcam positioning aside, the XPS 13 looks as sleek as ever. It was one of the first laptops to eliminate the bezels surrounding the display, and it still looks really impressive now. That being said, I\u2019m not entirely thrilled about the chin at the bottom of the display. After all, other laptops \u2013 such as the \nAsus ZenBook 13\n \u2013 can eliminate it.\n\n\nNonetheless, I do like the palm rest area of the XPS 13. It consists of woven carbon fibre, and it looks and feels great. This really differentiates it from its competition: no other laptop offers such a unique build material.\n\n\n\n\nAnother one of the XPS 13\u2019s strong suits is its sheer portability. Measuring only 11.6mm at its thickest point, it\u2019s one of the thinnest laptops around. On top of that, it\u2019s also a relatively light laptop, tipping the scales at 1.23kg. That being said, the thin profile of this laptop does not come without compromises.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the new XPS 13 only comes with three USB-C ports; no full-size USB-A connections here. While USB-C accessories are easier to find now, you\u2019ll likely have to use dongles with this laptop. Oh, there\u2019s also a microSD card slot, which would come in handy for those who want to add additional storage space on the cheap.\n\n\n\n\nIn the performance department, the XPS 13 can be configured with an Intel Core i5-8265U or i7-8565U processor. The model I have here comes with the i7 chip, and it is blazing fast, as expected. If you\u2019re using this laptop for general productivity, you shouldn\u2019t be disappointed.\n\n\nHowever, if you plan to do any sort of gaming on the XPS 13, you may want to look elsewhere. It only comes with a Intel UHD Graphics 620 integrated GPU, which isn\u2019t particularly powerful. It would be good enough for some casual games like Dota 2, but you can forget about playing more graphically demanding games like \nApex Legends\n and PlayerUnknown\u2019s Battlegrounds.\n\n\n\n\nWhile it may not be ideal for gaming, you\u2019ll definitely enjoy the XPS 13\u2019s beautiful display. The unit I have here is the top-of-the-line model with a fantastic 13.3-inch 4K InfinityEdge touch display. Everything looks razor sharp, it\u2019s almost impossible to see individual pixels, colours look great, and viewing angles are good too.\n\n\nOf course, some folks would question the practically of 4K resolution on a 13.3-inch display. While I do agree it\u2019s a bit of an overkill, there\u2019s no denying that it is one \nstunning \npanel. Besides, there is also a 1080p option for those who want better battery life, but that particular resolution does not come with a touchscreen.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have two very important hardware for a productivity laptop: the keyboard and trackpad. Generally, typing on the XPS 13 is a pleasant affair with good key travel and tactility. However, on this particular unit I\u2019m testing, some keys (like the spacebar and backspace) squeak, which can get annoying. This is especially the case for a premium laptop like the XPS 13.\n\n\nAs for the trackpad, it\u2019s equally good too. It can track my fingers accurately, it\u2019s large enough to not feel cumbersome to use, and I love just how smooth the surface is.\n\n\n\n\nThe Dell XPS 13 is a refined, handsome-looking premium productivity laptop\u2026with a price to match. The base model, which comes with a 1080p display, a Core i5 processor paired with 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD storage, retails at RM5,709.\n\n\nIf you want the highest-end model here with a 4K touch display, a Core i7 processor paired with 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, it will set you back a whopping RM8,369.\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt the XPS 13 is not an affordable laptop; you can easily get a different laptop with similar hardware configuration for less. But hey, it \nis\n a premium product, and the XPS line has never been particularly affordable either.\n\n\nFor what it\u2019s worth, I\u2019m impressed with the XPS 13\u2019s feature set, and I\u2019m certain I\u2019ll enjoy putting it through its paces in a full review. It may not have an attractive price tag, but it sure is an attractive-looking premium laptop.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/harry-potter-wizards-unite-review-not-just-a-pokemon-go-reskin/", "title": "Harry Potter: Wizards Unite Review: Not Just a Pokemon Go Reskin", "body": "\n\nNiantic, the developer behind the hugely popular Pokemon Go game, is back with a new location-based AR game. Initially announced back in 2017, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite is finally here, and many are comparing the new game to Pokemon Go. Given the fact that both games share a number of similarities, it\u2019s not all that surprising.\n\n\nHowever, after spending some time with Wizards Unite, it\u2019s more than just a \u201cHarry Potter-themed\u201d Pokemon Go. It has a number of unique differences here and there, and I can\u2019t get enough of it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn the surface, you\u2019ll be familiar with Wizards Unite\u2019s interface if you\u2019ve played Pokemon Go. After all, they both share the same map data, though the PokeStops and gyms have been replaced with either one of three structures in Wizards Unite: inn, greenhouse, or fortress.\n\n\nInns function just like PokeStops, in the sense that they give you \u201cenergy\u201d to cast spell. Energy, in this sense, is your \u201cPokeBall\u201d in Wizards Unite. In order to cast spells, you\u2019ll need energy; by default, you can store up to 75 energy. Greenhouses, on the other hand, lets you collect ingredients to brew potions \u2013 they sometimes give you energy too.\n\n\nBy now, you would\u2019ve probably guessed that fortresses are effectively gyms in Wizards Unite. But instead of going against different trainers\u2019 Pokemons, you duel with a wide array of Harry Potter characters in \u201cWizarding Challenges.\u201d You can take on werewolves, death eaters, dark wizards, and so on.\n\n\n\n\nSo how is Wizards Unite \ndifferent\n from Pokemon Go? Now, there\u2019s no denying that the former shares a number of concepts with the popular Pokemon game, but beyond these similarities, they couldn\u2019t be any more different.\n\n\nDueling enemies in Wizarding Challenges, for one, is unlike gym battles in Pokemon Go. In Pokemon, all you have to do is keep tapping for fast attacks, hold to use your charged attack, and dodge occasionally. But in Wizards Unite, you\u2019re required to line up your wand to a certain spot on the enemy you\u2019re facing, and then trace a glyph to cast an attack spell.\n\n\nWhen the enemy is attacking, you can also trace a defense spell to lessen the damage. Basically, it requires more interaction than your typical gym battle in Pokemon Go, and I really like that.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSo what are these Foundables? Well, they can be anything from well-known characters to magical creatures and objects from the Harry Potter universe. In fact, even \u201cmemories\u201d are Foundables. You can save a young Ron Weasley from a Confoundable, or even cast a Patronus spell to rid a Dementor from Sirius Black.\n\n\nGiven this premise, the idea of Foundables certainly don\u2019t seem quite as convincing as catching Pokemons. After all, encountering the same character several times doesn\u2019t exactly sound very\u2026well, logical.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, the Foundables you have recovered will be placed in the Registry; sort of like a sticker album of sorts. Some Foundables only need to be recovered once, but there are others that need to be collected multiple times. In fact, there are Foundables that require to be captured over 15 times for them to be completed.\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve completed a page in the Registry, you can \u201cprestige\u201d it to reset your progress for that particular page. You\u2019d want to do that to upgrade the frame of the page, and it would increase the experience gained from recapturing these Foundables too. This can get grindy, no doubt, but it does make the leveling process a tad easier.\n\n\n\n\nWhat really sold me to Wizards Unite are the three Professions: Auror, Magizoologist, and Professor. These are effectively your \u201cclass\u201d in the game, and each of them have a very elaborate skill tree that impacts your damage output, defense, and special buffs.\n\n\nIn fact, this gives the game a MMORPG-like feel. Not only do you have the freedom to customise your skill build to your liking, each Profession have their own strengths and weaknesses. Aurors, for example, are stronger against Dark Forces, but they take extra damage from Beasts. Professors, on the other hand, deal extra damage to Curiosities, but are weaker to Dark Forces.\n\n\nThese Professions add a layer of complexity to Wizards Unite without being overly complicated, and it really sets it apart from Pokemon Go. Plus, if you don\u2019t quite like the Profession you chose, you can switch \nany time\n. You\u2019re not stuck with only one Profession for the rest of the game.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s been about a week since I started playing Wizards Unite in earnest, but there are still more elements of the game that I have yet to really explore. I haven\u2019t figured out how to plant seeds at greenhouses yet (the game didn\u2019t really explain the mechanic very well), and I\u2019m still wondering how to make the best of potion brewing.\n\n\nOn top of that, I don\u2019t quite like how the game pushes you to spend in-game gold \u2013 which can be bought with cold hard cash \u2013 either to get more energy or storage space. In fact, every time you try to pick up something with a full inventory, a pop-up would ask if you\u2019d like to \npurchase \nmore storage instead of giving an option to clear some space.\n\n\n\n\nInventory management could definitely be improved too. If I want to throw away a certain item, I\u2019ll need to click on it, select \u201cmanage,\u201d and \nthen \nset the quantity of item I\u2019d like to delete. To make matters worse, the inventory system in Wizards Unite is not unified.\n\n\nInstead, you have three distinct inventories to manage. One for potions, another for ingredients, and a third one to store your seeds for use in greenhouses. If you need more space in either one of the three inventories, you\u2019ll have to expand it \nindividually\n. You\u2019ll have to use quite a bit of gold to upgrade all three inventories.\n\n\nGranted, if you manage your items well, you may not need to upgrade at all. That doesn\u2019t make it any less annoying, of course.\n\n\n\n\nHarry Potter: Wizards Unite is not quite as big of a hit as Pokemon Go was when it was introduced three years ago, but that doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s not a good game. It has its own charm, it integrates the Harry Potter universe well (Harry is voiced by Daniel Radcliffe himself in this game!), and I love the Profession system.\n\n\nNow, excuse me while I visit a couple of inns to get more energy \u2013 I\u2019ll need to take on my next Wizarding Challenge.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-wf-1000xm3-wireless-earbuds-promise-32-hours-play-time-for-rm949/", "title": "Sony WF-1000XM3 Wireless Earbuds Promise up to 32 Hours Play Time for RM949", "body": "\n\nSony is back with a new wireless earbuds after the rather lacklustre WF-1000X, which was released back in 2017. The new and improved Sony WF-1000XM3 aims to improve on most of its predecessor\u2019s weaknesses, including better battery life, more reliable connection, and sleeker design.\n\n\nRetailing at RM949 in Malaysia, it\u2019s not priced exorbitantly either. If you\u2019re looking to get a new pair of wireless earbuds, the WF-1000XM3 is one to consider.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the biggest improvements to the WF-1000XM3 is its battery life. On a single charge, the earbuds can provide up to eight hours of play time; six hours if you switch on the active noise cancellation. The carrying case also has enough juice to charge the earbuds three times, so you\u2019re effectively getting up to 32 hours of play time.\n\n\nInterestingly, the earbuds support quick charging too. Within only 10 minutes of charging, the earbuds can provide up to 90 minutes of play time \u2013 that\u2019s really quite impressive. That being said, in order to store enough power to charge up the earbuds so many times, the carrying case is\u2026quite bulky. Chances are, it would be troublesome to fit the case into your pants pocket.\n\n\n\n\nAnother aspect of the WF-1000XM3 that\u2019s been further improved on is the connectivity. The original WF-1000X was plagued by connection dropouts and audio delay, but thanks to a new Bluetooth chip, the two earbuds connect independently to a paired device.\n\n\nBasically, one earbud won\u2019t have to rely on the other for audio syncing: each of them are paired to your phone with their own connection. In that sense, it\u2019s possible to use only one earbud while the other one is charging in the case.\n\n\n\n\nDesign of the WF-1000XM3 has been reworked as well. It looks a lot more subtle now with a matte finish (instead of a glossy one), and there is also a touchpad on each earbud for touch controls. You can, for example, tap and hold on the touchpad to activate ambient sound mode.\n\n\nOverall, the WF-1000XM3 is quite a promising pair of wireless earbuds, but it has one major shortcoming: there\u2019s no water or dust resistance. If you\u2019re planning to hit the gym with these earbuds, you may want to take extra precaution.\n\n\n\n\nThe Sony WF-1000XM3 will be coming to Malaysia sometime in August next month, and it will retail at RM949. It\u2019s more costly than, say, the Samsung Galaxy Buds (RM499), but you\u2019re really paying for the WF-1000XM3\u2019s active noise cancellation and long battery life.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-7a-now-available-in-malaysia-for-only-rm419/", "title": "Redmi 7A Now Available in Malaysia for Only RM419", "body": "\n\nIn the market for a new, affordable smartphone? Then the Redmi 7A should be in your list. Officially available in Malaysia not too long ago, you can now get Redmi\u2019s latest smartphone \nfor only RM419\n \u2013 it was originally retailing at RM459.\n\n\nOn top of that, even though this Redmi 7A is a global unit (it\u2019s offered by Xiaomi\u2019s official global store on Shopee), it comes with after-sales support from Xiaomi\u2019s service centres in Malaysia \u2013 not a bad deal, isn\u2019t it?\n\n\n\n\nHowever, do note that the Xiaomi global store only offers six-month warranty for the Redmi 7A. Despite that, this is without a doubt a legitimate store managed by the folks over at Xiaomi\u2019s headquarters in Beijing. The Redmi 7A offered here is also the global version, so it should have Google\u2019s services installed on the phone.\n\n\nAlternatively, you \ncould\n wait for the Malaysian release of the Redmi 7A: the phone appeared in SIRIM\u2019s database on 6 July with the model number M1903C3EG. Now that the Redmi 7A has been registered with the certification body, we imagine it won\u2019t be long until it\u2019s officially launched here.\n\n\n\n\nIn any case, the Redmi 7A is a decently equipped affordable smartphone. Packing a Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 chipset, it should be able to offer enough processing power for a pleasant user experience. However, the 2GB RAM is a potential pain point. So is the 32GB of internal storage, but that is easily expandable with a microSD card.\n\n\n Design wise, the Redmi 7A won\u2019t be turning heads. It has a decidedly conventional-looking screen (no fancy hole-punch or notched cutout here) surrounded by rather thick bezels, and it\u2019s still using a microUSB port. That being said, the Gem Blue variant does have a rather sleek-looking gradient finish.\n\n\n\n\nThere is also one area where the Redmi 7A will excel: battery life. Featuring a generous 4,000mAh battery, we reckon this phone will be quite long-lasting. Also, it only needs to power a 5.45-inch 720p IPS display, which shouldn\u2019t be all that power-hungry.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Redmi 7A are a single 12MP f/2.2 rear camera, a 5MP f/2.2 front-facing shooter, and dual-SIM support.\n\n\n\n\nThe Redmi 7A can now be purchased on Xiaomi\u2019s official global store on Shopee \nfor RM419\n. It remains to be seen how long it will be listed at that price, so if you\u2019re keen to get it for RM419, you may want to act fast. Not thrilled with the six-month warranty? Well, you can always wait for the Malaysian launch of the Redmi 7A.\n\n\nAlternatively, you can consider getting the \nRedmi 7\n instead  \u2013 it doesn\u2019t cost all that much more for a sleeker, more capable smartphone.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-band-4-passes-through-sirim-malaysian-launch-imminent/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi Band 4 Passes Through SIRIM; Malaysian Launch Imminent?", "body": "\n\nThe \nXiaomi Mi Band 4\n was launched in China last month, and it seems like the company\u2019s latest wearable will be coming to Malaysia very soon. Before electronics can be sold here officially, they have to be registered with SIRIM first, and the Mi Band 4 just appeared in the certification body\u2019s database.\n\n\nRegistered under the model number XMSH07HM, this is the non-NFC variant of the Mi Band 4. Chances are, the Malaysian market won\u2019t receive the NFC model. While some of you may be disappointed at this, don\u2019t be: the non-NFC variant is more affordable.\n\n\n\n\nIn China, the Mi Band 4 without NFC functionality retails at 169 yuan (about RM100), while the NFC model is priced at 229 yuan (around RM135). With this in mind, there\u2019s a good chance the wearable will be priced below RM150 in Malaysia.\n\n\nAfter all, you can actually get your hands on a global version of the Mi Band 4 in our market right now. It\u2019s offered by Xiaomi\u2019s official global store on Shopee, and it is \nlisted at only RM129\n. On top of that, it even comes with official after-sales service in Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\nSo why should you care if the Mi Band 4 is coming to Malaysia officially or not? Well, for one, you won\u2019t have to wait for the wearable to be shipped to you from overseas, which will take some time. Plus, we still don\u2019t know how much Xiaomi Malaysia will price the Mi Band 4 \u2013 it could cost lower than the price listed by Xiaomi\u2019s global store.\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the biggest difference the Mi Band 4 brings is a new colour display. It now comes with a 0.95-inch 240 x 120 AMOLED screen, which is bigger, sharper, and brighter than the OLED display of the Mi Band 3.\n\n\nDespite the larger display, the Mi Band 4 can still return up to 20 days of battery life. On top of that, thanks to the new colour screen, it\u2019s possible to change the Mi Band 4\u2019s watchfaces now, making it that much more customisable.\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is the best iteration of the wearable yet. Now that it\u2019s been registered with SIRIM, there\u2019s a good chance it will be made available here very soon \u2013 perhaps it will be launched alongside the \nRedmi 7A\n, or even with the \nAvengers version of the Mi Band 4\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vaio-sx12-a-small-compact-laptop-with-a-plethora-of-ports/", "title": "Vaio SX12 \u2013 A Small, Compact Laptop with a Plethora of Ports", "body": "\n\nWhen you think of small, compact laptops, chances are you won\u2019t expect these laptops to come with a lot of ports. Well, that doesn\u2019t apply to the Vaio SX12, which has just been released in Japan. In fact, it has practically all the ports you need from of a laptop.\n\n\nTo top it off, the SX12 is a really compact and light productivity laptop. Not only is it smaller than an A4 paper, it tips the scales at only 897g. If your interest is piqued, here\u2019s what you need to know about Vaio\u2019s latest laptop.\n\n\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about the many, \nmany \nports of the SX12. It has three USB-A connections, one USB-C port, an HDMI output, a LAN connection, an SD card slot, and even a \nVGA port\n. Mind you, this is a 12.5-inch laptop \u2013 the amount of ports on a laptop this small is very impressive.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the SX12 has a 12.5-inch 1920 x 1080 display with a matte finish surrounded by relatively thin bezels. Even though the top bezel is on the thicker side of things \u2013 that\u2019s where the WiFi and LTE antenna are placed \u2013 there\u2019s barely any chin at the bottom of the display, giving it a modern-looking design.\n\n\n\n\nPowering the SX12 is Intel\u2019s eight generation Core i5 or Core i7 processor, which is paired with up to 16GB of RAM. For its intended usage (productivity tasks), this choice of processor and RAM capacity should be more than enough.\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the SX12 does not have any dedicated GPU, settling instead for Intel\u2019s integrated UHD Graphics 620. Storage option for this laptop, on the other hand, is very generous. Depending on which model you get, you can get from 128GB of SSD storage up to 1TB of fast PCIe NVMe SSD solution.\n\n\n\n\nDespite its compact form factor, the SX12 supposedly have a \u201cfull-size keyboard,\u201d as Vaio puts it. The company further elaborated that you won\u2019t feel cramped typing on this laptop, and that this is a \u201cquiet keyboard.\u201d Both of these are touted as unique features for Vaio laptops.\n\n\nConsidering just how important the keyboard is for productivity-focused laptops, this is certainly a good selling point for the SX12. As for the trackpad, it\u2019s said to be a high-precision unit with smooth surface. There are also two dedicated buttons at the bottom of the trackpad.\n\n\n\n\nThe Vaio SX12 is currently only available in Japan, and it\u2019s priced between 119,800 Japanese yen (about RM4,555) to 216,800 yen (approximately RM8,245). Needless to say, it\u2019s a costly product, but it\u2019s not far-off from the asking prices of other equally premium productivity laptops.\n\n\nAt the moment, it remains to be seen if the SX12 will be sold outside of Japan, but it\u2019s worth noting that Vaio has a presence here in Malaysia. Hopefully, the SX12 will make its way onto our shores.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-razer-phone-2-price-drops-to-rm1899/", "title": "Deal: Razer Phone 2 Price Drops to RM1,899", "body": "\n\nThe \nRazer Phone 2\n may not be a particularly new gaming smartphone, but that also means it is a lot more affordable now. Originally retailing at RM3,449 when it was launched in Malaysia, you can now get Razer\u2019s latest smartphone \nfor only RM1,899 on Shopee\n.\n\n\nThat is a whopping RM1,550 discount, so without a doubt this is a \nreally\n good price tag for a device like the Razer Phone 2. It has a fast 120Hz display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (still a very capable chipset) paired with 8GB of RAM, 64GB of expandable storage, as well as a 4,000mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\nAccording to the listing by Smart World EP, it is offering original Malaysian units of the Razer Phone 2; local warranty support shouldn\u2019t be an issue. \nRM1,899 \nis a very good price for this device, and if you\u2019d like to learn more about the Razer Phone 2, check out our hands-on \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-updates-macbook-air-now-more-affordable/", "title": "Apple Updates MacBook Air & Entry-Level MacBook Pro; Now More Affordable", "body": "\n\nApple just updated its MacBook lineup with a couple of neat upgrades. The entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro, for one, now comes with a Touch Bar and Touch ID; features that were previously only available on the higher-end MacBook Pro laptops.\n\n\nAs for the \nMacBook Air\n, it receives a minor upgrade in the form of a True Tone display. But the big news here is the fact that it is more affordable than before: it now retails from RM4,699 instead of RM5,249.\n\n\n\n\nAside from the lower price tag and True Tone display upgrade, the MacBook Air still has the same hardware under the hood. It still comes with a 13.3-inch 2560 x 1600 Retina display, an eight generation Intel Core i5 1.6GHz dual-core processor paired with 8GB or 16GB of RAM, an Intel UHD Graphics 617 integrated GPU, Touch ID, as well as two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 support. \n\n\nTwo storage options are available for the MacBook Air (128GB or 256GB), which retail at RM4,699 and RM5,499 respectively. If you want even more storage space, you can configure it accordingly. Of course, that will drive up the price considerably too.\n\n\nBasically, even with the price cut, the MacBook Air is still quite a costly laptop. Especially if you want more than just 128GB of storage.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the new entry-level MacBook Pro, which hasn\u2019t been updated since 2017; this refresh is much overdue. It now features an eight generation Core i5 1.4GHz quad-core processor (with Turbo Boost up to 3.9GHz), the aforementioned Touch Bar, as well as Touch ID support.\n\n\nWith this refresh, all variants of the MacBook Pro now come with the Touch Bar, for better or worse. Unfortunately, this variant of the Pro still only has two USB-C ports. The higher-end models come with four ports instead.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, other hardware of this base model remain largely unchanged. It still comes with a 13.3-inch 2560 x 1600 Retina display with True Tone technology, an Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645 integrated GPU, as well as up to 16GB of RAM.\n\n\nPricing wise, the new entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro now begins from RM5,499 for the 128GB model. The more practical 256GB variant, on the other hand, retails at RM6,299.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve been waiting to get a brand new MacBook Air or Pro, now is as good a time as any to purchase one. On top of that, with the discontinuation of the 12-inch MacBook, the Air is now the most affordable MacBook in Apple\u2019s lineup.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-12-inch-macbook-older-macbook-air-are-no-more/", "title": "The 12-inch MacBook & Older MacBook Air Are No More", "body": "\n\nBesides updating the \nMacBook Air and entry-level MacBook Pro\n, Apple is also discontinuing two other laptops: the 12-inch MacBook, as well as the previous generation MacBook Air \u2013 the one without the Retina display. This, in turn, makes the new Air the most affordable MacBook you can buy now.\n\n\nConsidering the fact that the new MacBook Air retails from RM4,699, you\u2019ll have to pay quite a bit more than, say, for the previous generation model. Nonetheless, discontinuing the old MacBook Air and 12-inch MacBook does streamline Apple\u2019s range of laptops, making it somewhat simpler for consumers to make their choices.\n\n\n\n\nAfter the new MacBook Air was introduced \nlate last year\n, the 12-inch MacBook felt somewhat\u2026redundant. Granted, it\u2019s a lighter, quieter, and thinner laptop, but it\u2019s not like the new Air is a lot heavier or thicker. Plus, the MacBook Air is a more powerful machine, while the 12-inch MacBook hasn\u2019t been updated in two years.\n\n\nWith the discontinuation of the 12-inch MacBook, your next best alternative is none other than the new MacBook Air. Now that its price has been cut down to RM4,699, it is priced relatively similar to the discontinued MacBook. The bad news? That\u2019s how much you\u2019ll have to pay to get into the MacBook ecosystem today.\n\n\nThe new MacBook Air\n\n\nSo what if you really want to get a MacBook below the RM4,000 mark? Well, you can still get the previous generation MacBook Air from Apple resellers like Machines. The retailer is still offering the MacBook Air with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM for RM3,499.\n\n\nHowever, now that it\u2019s been discontinued, it remains to be seen just how long this particular MacBook would be in stock. The promotional price will be effective until the end of September 2019 though, so if you absolutely want a MacBook without paying for the new Air, this is your best option \nright now\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt has only been four years since the 12-inch MacBook was unveiled to the world, and at the time, it was touted to be the lightest and thinnest MacBook yet. In fact, it still holds that title today, but it wasn\u2019t enough for folks to overlook the laptop\u2019s shortcomings.\n\n\nRegardless, we are now pretty much back to square one with Apple\u2019s MacBook lineup. There are only the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro to choose from now, though Apple does mix it up a bit with the \nentry-level model of the MacBook Pro\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-grab-the-pocophone-f1-for-only-rm1059-now/", "title": "Deal: Grab the Pocophone F1 for Only RM1,059 Now", "body": "\n\nIt has been almost a year since the Pocophone F1 was introduced, but even so, it is still \na very good buy right now\n, especially if you can get it at a low price. Well, if you\u2019re looking to buy it, good news: it can be yours \nfor only RM1,059\n.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Wow Phone on Lazada, one of the most reputable retailers on the e-commerce platform. Of course, the \nRM1,059 price tag\n is for the 64GB variant, and only the Graphite Black model is offered in this deal.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, according to the listing, these are official Malaysian units of the Pocophone F1, so you shouldn\u2019t have any issue with local warranty support if it becomes necessary. To learn more about this smartphone, check out our \ncomprehensive review of the Pocophone F1\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-is-the-nintendo-switch-lite-cheaper-smaller-with-non-removable-joy-con/", "title": "This Is the Nintendo Switch Lite: Cheaper, Smaller, With Non-Removable Joy-Con", "body": "\n\nAfter much rumours and speculations, the Nintendo Switch Lite is finally official. As most have expected, this is basically a more budget-friendly version of the original Switch, and it may appeal to those who have always wanted a smaller, more portable Switch console.\n\n\nHowever, given its more affordable price tag, one of the signature hardware of the Switch had to be omitted from the Lite version. That\u2019s right, the Joy-Con controllers are no longer removable, being fixed instead to the console itself.\n\n\nBut does that make the Switch Lite an inferior product? Not at all, and here\u2019s why.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor starters, there is no performance disparity between the Switch Lite and the Switch: you\u2019re getting the same kind of performance level. On top of that, the Switch Lite actually has slightly better battery life, thanks to a more power-efficient chip layout, a smaller display, and not needing to charge the Joy-Con controllers anymore.\n\n\nAs expected, every accessory announced for the original Switch will also work with the Switch Lite. Either it\u2019s the Switch Pro Controller, the Poke Ball Plus (for Pokemon Let\u2019s Go), or heck, even an extra pair of Joy-Con controllers bought separately \u2013 all of them will be compatible.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, you will need a separate pair of Joy-Con controllers if you want to play certain titles on the Switch Lite. Games like 1-2 Switch requires the Joy-Con controllers to be separated from the console, so it wouldn\u2019t be possible to play it with the controllers affixed to the Switch Lite. It\u2019s a bit of a give and take to lower the price of the new console.\n\n\n\n\nOther features omitted from the Switch Lite include the ability to adjust brightness automatically (you\u2019ll have to do so manually now), there\u2019s no more kickstand at the back of the console, and you cannot connect it to a TV at all. It\u2019s a handheld-only console, basically.\n\n\nBut, again, that doesn\u2019t make the Switch Lite inferior to the original Switch \u2013 it\u2019s made for a different audience. It\u2019s meant to appeal to gamers who want a more portable version of the Switch, which is why the screen has been downsized to 5.5 inches. Despite the smaller display, the resolution still remains the same at 720p.\n\n\n\n\nThe more compact form factor of the Switch Lite is certainly nice, but the best selling point of this console has to be its much lower asking price. In the US, it is set to retail at only $199, which comes up to about RM820. For the sake of comparison, the Switch costs $100 (approximately RM415) more in the US.\n\n\nHowever, whether or not the Switch Lite will be priced below the RM1,000 mark once retailers start bringing it into Malaysia still remains to be seen. We\u2019ll have to wait until the new console is officially released on 20 September to find out.\n\n\n\n\nOh, there\u2019s also a special Pokemon Sword and Shield edition of the Switch Lite, which looks really, really good (in our opinion). Unlike the standard version, this Pokemon edition of the Switch Lite will only arrive on 8 November, which is slightly earlier than the release of the game itself on 15 November.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/gaming-on-a-samsung-8k-qled-tv-is-decadent/", "title": "Gaming on a Samsung 8K QLED TV Is Decadent", "body": "\n\nRemember when Samsung launched its \nrange of QLED TVs back in May\n? Well, the Korean company recently invited us over for a little gaming session with the range-topping QA900R 8K QLED TV, which is priced up to RM299,999. It\u2019s a really costly TV, but at the same time, it is also very impressive.\n\n\nIf you want the \nabsolute\n best TV for gaming, the QA900R easily fits that description \u2013 here\u2019s what it\u2019s like to game on the 8K QLED TV.\n\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ve played two games on the QA900R QLED TV: Shadow of the Tomb Raider (Xbox One X), as well as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the Nintendo Switch. That\u2019s right, we connected a Nintendo Switch \u2013 which can only render Breath of the Wild at 900p \u2013 to an 8K TV.\n\n\nHowever, that\u2019s where the QA900R\u2019s Quantum Processor 8K comes into the picture; quite literally. That processor is capable of upscaling content to match the TV\u2019s 7680 x 4320 resolution, so even though the Switch only outputs 900p for Breath of the Wild, the game still looks great on the QA900R.\n\n\nResolution isn\u2019t the only thing that\u2019s improved. According to Samsung, even the colours and audio quality are improved accordingly.\n\n\n\n\nOkay, so how does Breath of the Wild look on the QA900R? Fantastic. The colours pop, there\u2019s no apparent pixelation at all, and the motion clarity is very good too. After all, the QA900R has a native 120Hz refresh rate, including support for FreeSync.\n\n\nWhile the FreeSync support doesn\u2019t really matter for the Nintendo Switch, it\u2019s certainly handy for those who are connecting the TV to a PC or an Xbox One X. With that \nvariable refresh rate technology\n, you won\u2019t have to deal with screen tearing anymore, so long as you have hardware that supports the feature.\n\n\nHow Shadow of the Tomb Raider looks like on the QA900R (right) next to a standard 4K TV\n\n\nSpeaking of which, playing Shadow of the Tomb Raider on the Xbox One X is amazing with the QA900R 8K QLED TV; pictures don\u2019t even begin to do it justice. Lara Croft looks incredibly detailed in 8K (the upscaling is done very, very well here), colours look lifelike, and, again, motion clarity is extremely good. I did not notice any blurring or smudging throughout my time with the game.\n\n\nAnother plus point for the QA900R is the anti-glare \u201cmoth eye\u201d coating. Basically, there are very tiny bumps on the surface of the TV, which make for an anti-reflective surface. That being said, some glare will still be visible on the TV, but it\u2019s minimal enough to not be bothersome.\n\n\nGlare isn\u2019t too obvious here\nThe Samsung QA900R (right) compared to a standard 4K TV\n\n\nGiven its high asking price, it really comes at no surprise that the Samsung QA900R 8K QLED TV is so impressive. To recap, three sizes of this TV are offered in Malaysia: 75-inch, 82-inch, and 98-inch. The 75-inch variant goes for RM59,999, while the 82-inch and 98-inch models retail at a whopping RM99,999 and RM299,999 respectively.\n\n\nNative 8K content are still limited right now, but that shouldn\u2019t deter you from getting the QA900R. It can upscale content very well to match that very high resolution, it has great motion clarity, and it is absolute bliss to game on such a stunning TV.\n\n\nBut you\u2019ll have to come to terms with the steep asking price first, of course.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-nvidia-gtx-1660-going-for-only-rm899-now/", "title": "Deal: Nvidia GTX 1660 Going for Only RM899 Now", "body": "\n\nBudget PC gamers, rejoice: the Nvidia GTX 1660 GPU just got even more affordable. Originally retailing just shy of the RM1,000 mark, one retailer is offering a Galax GTX 1660 \nfor only RM899 now\n.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Dotatech on Shopee; most folks in the hardware scene would be familiar with this retailer. On top of that, Dotatech is also offering a three-year warranty for this particular graphics card, though you\u2019ll have to claim for warranty (if it becomes necessary) from the retailer itself.\n\n\n\n\nAs far as performance goes, the GTX 1660 is an excellent graphics card for its asking price. In fact, you should be able to max out the graphics settings of most modern games at 1080p with it. If you\u2019re keen to get this GPU, act fast: there are only \nthree units left\n at the time of writing.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dell-xps-13-2019-review-refining-a-winning-formula/", "title": "Dell XPS 13 (2019) Review: Refining a Winning Formula", "body": "\n\nThe new Dell XPS 13 is, without a doubt, the best iteration of the very popular premium laptop yet. Its webcam is finally at the right place, it looks as sleek as ever, and even though it\u2019s not super practical, the 4K display looks fantastic too.\n\n\nWithout a doubt the 2019 XPS 13 is a premium, refined product, but that also demands an equally premium price tag. That, in turn, is the hurdle holding back the XPS 13 from being a laptop that I can easily recommend to anyone.\n\n\nSpecifications\n\n\nDisplay\n13.3-inch 1080p InfinityEdge Display (1920 x 1080)\n13.3-inch 4K InfinityEdge Touch Display (3840 x 2160)\nProcessor\nIntel Core i5-8265U / i7-8565U\nGPU\nIntel UHD Graphics 620\nRAM\n8/16GB LPDDR3 2133MHz\nStorage\n256/512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD\nCamera\nHD\nBattery\n52WHr\nDimensions\n302 x 199 x 7.8 \u2013 11.6 mm\nWeight\n1.23kg\nAudio\nSide-firing stereo speakers\nPorts\n1x USB 3.1 Type-C\n2x USB Type-C with Thunderbolt 3\n1x microSD card reader\n\n\nDell sent over the highest-end XPS 13 for this review, which comes with a Core i7 processor paired with 16GB of RAM, a sharp 4K display, as well as 512GB of SSD storage.\n\n\nDesign\n\n\nThis really is one of the XPS 13 strongest suits. Many would agree that this laptop pioneered the bezel-less display design, and this latest model still looks really, really sleek. This is especially the case with the Arctic White model here. Despite having the webcam at the top of the display now, the bezel size is still kept at a minimum too, thanks to the tiny 2.25mm camera module developed by Dell.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, I do have one gripe with the XPS 13\u2019s design: the size of the bottom bezel. Granted, many other laptops with a similar design still has this \u201cchin,\u201d but there are also those with very small bottom bezels. Just take a look at the \nAsus ZenBook 13\n. Thanks to the lack of a chin, the ZenBook is actually more portable than the XPS 13.\n\n\nNonetheless, I do like the XPS 13\u2019s build quality. The whole laptop feels very solid, there\u2019s minimal keyboard flex, and I especially love the carbon fibre texture on the palm rest area. It\u2019s a unique look that no other laptop offers, and it is really nice to the touch, making for a pleasant typing experience.\n\n\n\n\nAnother design point worth highlighting is the thin chassis of the XPS 13. Measuring only 11.6mm at its thickest point, it\u2019s one of the slimmest laptops in the market now. Tipping the scales at 1.23kg, it\u2019s a relatively lightweight machine too \u2013 ideal for those who are always on the go.\n\n\nThen again, the XPS 13\u2019s thin profile has one major drawback: you only have three USB-C ports for your connectivity needs. On the flip side, there\u2019s also a microSD card slot if you need more storage.\n\n\n\n\nAs far as design goes, the XPS 13 is one of the sleekest looking laptops in the market now. Even though I\u2019m not particularly fond of the bottom bezel\u2019s size, the great build quality of the laptop more than makes up for this \u2013 it really matches the XPS 13\u2019s premium positioning.\n\n\nUser Experience\n\n\nBattery life is very important for a productivity-focused laptop, but unfortunately, the XPS 13 didn\u2019t fare as well as I would\u2019ve expected. With the display dimmed down to a comfortable level and the power plan switched to battery saver, I only managed to get six to seven hours of usage.\n\n\nThat\u2019s not exactly bad battery life, per se, but I was expecting more out of the XPS 13. Then again, it \ndoes\n have to sustain a 4K display; I reckon the screen is drawing the most power here. If you want the best battery life, it\u2019s best to go for the 1080p model instead.\n\n\nIn fact, Dell claims that the 1080p variant can get up to 21 hours of battery life. It\u2019s a very optimistic estimate, to be sure, though I\u2019m certain it will at least outlast the 4K model.\n\n\n\n\nEven though it draws a lot of power, there\u2019s no denying just how \nstunning\n the 4K panel of the XPS 13 is. The colours pop, it\u2019s almost impossible to discern individual pixels, and I truly enjoy working on this display. Needless to say, watching movies on the XPS 13 is simply a joy too.\n\n\nYes, a 13.3-inch display with a 4K resolution is not the most practical choice of hardware for a productivity laptop like the XPS 13, but it\u2019s a \nreally impressive display.\n Pictures do not do this HDR-capable screen justice at all.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the 4K display, the keyboard of the XPS 13 is equally good too. I\u2019ve \npreviously mentioned\n how certain keys \u201csqueak,\u201d but thankfully enough, it went away after prolonged typing sessions. Besides that, the keyboard is very pleasant to type on as well.\n\n\nThere\u2019s more than enough key travel for the keyboard to not feel shallow, the standard layout takes little to no adjustment for me to start typing comfortably, and I really like the soft, dampened tactility of the keys. That makes for a silent keyboard to type on, which can be important to some folks.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the trackpad, it\u2019s\u2026a bit of a mixed bag. Don\u2019t get me wrong, it\u2019s a really good trackpad: it can track my fingers accurately, gestures work well, and I love the smooth surface. The thing is, I cannot seem to \ncustomise\n the trackpad to my liking.\n\n\nSee, I like to disable mouse acceleration whenever I\u2019m on a Windows machine, but doing so through the Windows settings has absolutely no effect on the trackpad. It\u2019s not a huge issue by any means, but this \nis \na bit of an annoyance.\n\n\nAudio quality, on the other hand, is nothing to write home about. It\u2019s much too soft for my liking at maximum volume, and the audio quality itself isn\u2019t particularly amazing either.\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, I still thoroughly enjoyed using the XPS 13 as my daily driver over the past couple of weeks. The amazing 4K display is easily the highlight here.\n\n\nPerformance\n\n\nPowered by an Intel Core i7-8565U processor paired with 16GB of RAM, the XPS 13 does not skip a beat. I can open multiple tabs on Google Chrome without any issue at all (we all know how heavy Chrome can get), light image editing is a fuss-free affair, and never did the XPS 13 show any sign of sluggishness throughout my time with it. Well, except when it\u2019s in power saver mode, understandably.\n\n\n\n\nBut when it comes to gaming, don\u2019t expect much. After all, the XPS 13 only has an Intel UHD Graphics 620 integrated GPU under the hood. If you only plan to do some light gaming \u2013 such as Dota 2 \u2013 it should be more than capable. But you won\u2019t have a very good time if you\u2019re thinking of running Apex Legends or PlayerUnknown\u2019s Battlegrounds on the XPS 13.\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nThis is where it gets a lot harder to consider getting the XPS 13 over its competition. For starters, this particular XPS 13 variant retails at a whopping RM8,369. Even the base model is priced at RM5,709, and you\u2019re only getting a Core i5 processor paired with 8GB of RAM, a 1080p non-touch display, and a 256GB SSD storage.\n\n\nWith these price tags in mind, let\u2019s look at the XPS 13\u2019s closest competition.\n\n\nAsus ZenBook 13\n\n\nif you want a sleeker-looking laptop (though this is a subjective matter) that offers better value for money, the \nAsus ZenBook 13\n is the one you\u2019d want to get. Its bezel-less display looks a lot sleeker thanks to the lack of a chin at the bottom of the screen, it\u2019s more portable than Dell\u2019s offering, and the webcam even supports Windows Hello \u2013 you don\u2019t get that on the XPS 13.\n\n\n\n\nTo top it off, the ZenBook 13 is \na lot\n more affordable: the Core i7-8565U model retails at only RM4,999, and it comes with 512GB of SSD storage, 8GB of RAM, and an Nvidia GeForce MX150 dedicated GPU. So not only does it cost less, the ZenBook 13 can run more graphically demanding games too.\n\n\nThat being said, opting for the higher-end XPS 13 does get you a far more impressive 4K touch display; it\u2019s a far cry from the ZenBook\u2019s more conventional 1080p non-touch screen. On top of that, the XPS 13 is also slimmer, albeit at the expense of more limited connectivity options.\n\n\nHP Envy 13\n\n\nAnother good alternative to the XPS 13 is the recently updated HP Envy 13. It comes with the same Core i7-8565U processor paired with 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, a similar bezel-less touch display with a bit of a chin, as well as an MX250 discrete GPU. How much does all of these cost? Only RM5,299.\n\n\n\n\nIn comparison, the XPS 13 is definitely the sleeker-looking laptop with a thinner chassis and a far more impressive 4K display. Then again, you\u2019ll be spending over RM3,000 more to get these.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nThe Dell XPS 13 is an attractive-looking laptop with a fantastic 4K display, a slim profile, and a premium build quality; Dell is refining what was already a winning formula. But compared to other laptops in this segment, the XPS 13 is simply far too costly \u2013 even the base model doesn\u2019t offer particularly good value for money.\n\n\nPersonally, I would only recommend the XPS 13 if you \nabsolutely \nwant the 4K display. The base model, on the other hand, is an \u201cokay\u201d buy if you really dig the laptop\u2019s design. Just know that other laptops at this price point offer significantly more storage space and RAM capacity, as well as better gaming performance.\n\n\n\n\nIn a vacuum, the XPS 13 is a \nreally good\n premium productivity laptop. But it also carries an equally premium price tag, which makes it a less compelling option. For what it\u2019s worth, I really enjoyed using the XPS 13 as my daily driver, and I always look forward to working on that stunning 4K display.\n\n\nBut is it worth spending over RM8,000 just for that display? Well, that\u2019s an entirely different question.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-a3-coming-on-17-july/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi A3 Coming on 17 July", "body": "\n\nXiaomi will be unveiling its latest Android One device very soon. Chances are, it will be called the Xiaomi Mi A3, and this new smartphone will be officially announced on 17 July in Spain.\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the Xiaomi Mi A2, the Mi A3 will supposedly bring a couple of neat upgrades. Of course, these information are not official yet, so things may change come 17 July.\n\n\n\n\nBased on leaks and rumours, many believe that the Mi A3 is essentially the global version of the Xiaomi Mi CC9e. In fact, alleged images of the Mi A3 \nsent to GSMArena\n certainly validate this claim. It has a notched display, a triple camera system, and similar colour choices too.\n\n\nLooking at the leaked images, it appears there won\u2019t be a fingerprint sensor on the back of the Mi A3 either. Instead, it will supposedly come with an in-screen fingerprint sensor, along with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 chipset, as well as a 4,030mAh battery.\n\n\nBasically, the exact same hardware under the hood of the Mi CC9e.\n\n\n\n\nIf the Mi A3 is indeed the global version of the Mi CC9e, we can expect the A3 to mirror the CC9e\u2019s hardware. These include a 6.01-inch 720p AMOLED display, either 4GB or 6GB of RAM, up to 128GB of expandable storage, and a 32MP front-facing camera.\n\n\nAs for the triple camera system on the back of the Mi A3, it\u2019s believed to be made up of a 48MP f/1.8 primary shooter, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra wide-angle sensor, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth camera. Unfortunately, there\u2019s no telephoto sensor here, though we imagine most folks would get more use out of the wide angle sensor.\n\n\n\n\nOur hit Mi A series is coming back with a serious bang! \n#PhotosWithoutLimits\n \npic.twitter.com/ak2MycQN2m\n\u2014 Xiaomi #PhotosWithoutLimits (@Xiaomi) \nJuly 12, 2019\n\n\n\n\nLooking back at the Mi CC9e, there is actually a higher-end variant of the device in the form of the Mi CC9. With that in mind, there is a chance the Mi A3 series will feature two smartphones. After all, even the Mi A2 lineup consisted of  two devices: the Mi A2 and Mi A2 Lite.\n\n\nThen again, this is merely an educated guess at this moment in time; we\u2019ll just have to wait and see exactly what Xiaomi will introduce come 17 July later this week. If you\u2019re a fan of stock Android, the Mi A3 is one to look out for \u2013 there aren\u2019t that many Android One devices in the market now.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/qualcomm-snapdragon-855-official-will-power-asus-rog-phone-2/", "title": "Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ Official \u2013 Will Power Asus ROG Phone 2", "body": "\n\nQualcomm just took the wraps off the Snapdragon 855+, which is basically a faster variant of the \noriginal Snapdragon 855\n. Both the CPU and GPU of the Snapdragon 855+ are overclocked, and in the case of the latter, Qualcomm claims that you can expect up to 15% increase in gaming performance.\n\n\nOn top of that, the new Snapdragon 855+ will be found in devices releasing later this year, which also include the much anticipated Asus ROG Phone 2 gaming smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the standard Snapdragon 855, the new Snapdragon 855+ still features the same Adreno 640 GPU; it has just been overclocked to return up to 15% better performance. It may not be a new GPU, but that is a pretty noticeable performance gain.\n\n\nAs for the CPU, the Kryo 485 \u201cPrime\u201d core in the Snapdragon 855+ is now clocked at up to 2.96GHz instead of 2.84GHz. That\u2019s not a wildly different clock speed, but it should provide some increase in CPU performance.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that Qualcomm did not specifically mention how much performance gain you can expect from the overclocked CPU. The company only say that you can expect \u201can uplift in CPU performance.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nBeyond these two differences, the Snapdragon 855+ is basically identical to the original chipset. It still comes with the same number of cores, it is still a 7nm chip, and it still has support for Quick Charge 4+. Given that the GPU performance gain is the most noticeable change, Qualcomm is marketing the 855+ as a chipset \u201cbuilt for gaming.\u201d\n\n\nAnd with that in mind, it wouldn\u2019t be far-fetched to assume that most gaming smartphones releasing later this year will come with the Snapdragon 855+. In fact, Asus itself has confirmed that the upcoming ROG Phone 2 will be powered by the new chipset.\n\n\n\n\nLooking at supposed leaked images of the ROG Phone 2, it doesn\u2019t seem to be drastically different from its predecessor in terms of design. Thankfully, there\u2019s \nno notch or hole-punch cutout\n on the display. Instead, the upcoming phone will be sticking with traditional bezels, though they do appear to be a little bit smaller than the \noriginal ROG Phone\n\u2018s bezels.\n\n\nEven though its design doesn\u2019t seem to be remarkably different, the ROG Phone 2\u2019s display is a lot faster. Asus confirmed that the new device will be sporting a 120Hz display instead of a 90Hz one, which puts it in the same league as the \nRazer Phone 2\n.\n\n\nUnfortunately, other specifications of the ROG Phone 2 are still relatively unknown.\n\n\nThe original Asus ROG Phone\n\n\nNonetheless, the Asus ROG Phone 2 will be officially unveiled next week on 23 July. If you\u2019re wondering, we were also told that the gaming smartphone will be making its way into Malaysia. Rest assured, we\u2019ll be keeping a close eye on the local availability of the ROG Phone 2.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/no-pokemon-sword-and-shield-is-not-flawed/", "title": "No, Pokemon Sword and Shield Is Not Flawed", "body": "\n\nEver since Pokemon Sword and Shield was announced for the Nintendo Switch, conversations surrounding the game have not been particularly positive. From irate fans not loving the idea of a limited Pokedex (only certain Pokemon can be migrated into the game), to criticisms on the game\u2019s animations.\n\n\nBasically, there\u2019s no shortage of negative comments about the new Pokemon game, and it\u2019s \nnot even out yet\n. While I do see how some of these negative comments can be justified, I personally don\u2019t think Pokemon Sword and Shield is flawed.\n\n\nIn fact, I\u2019m excited to see what it has to offer. After all, it\u2019s the first \u201cproper\u201d Pokemon game for the Switch.\n\n\n\n\nNow, the biggest issue the fan base has with Pokemon Sword and Shield is the absence of the National Pokedex. Basically, only Pokemons native to the Galar region \u2013 that\u2019s the locale of the upcoming game \u2013 will be available in Sword and Shield.\n\n\nThis doesn\u2019t sit well with fans simply because it would render their collection of Pokemon\u2026well, useless. Most fans of the franchise have been collecting Pokemon from various games to complete their collection, and not being able to see their hard work reflected in Sword and Shield is (understandably) frustrating.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, Game Freak\u2019s reasoning for the absence of the National Pokedex is understandable too. According to the producer of the game, Junichi Masuda, it\u2019s a tough task to rebuild the model of every single Pokemon in Sword and Shield.\n\n\nYes, Game Freak mentioned that assets from previous Pokemon games will not be reused in Sword and Shield; every Pokemon model in the game will be built from scratch specifically for the improved visual fidelity of the Nintendo Switch. Needless to say, this is a very, very tall order.\n\n\nGiven the ever growing number of Pokemon every time a new game is announced, it\u2019s inevitable for Game Freak to start limiting the Pokedex. On top of that, to balance the abilities of so many Pokemon will be a very tough task too.\n\n\n\n\nOn a more personal note, a smaller Pokedex is just fine with me: it would be easier to \u201cfinish\u201d the game if I only need to catch every single Pokemon in Sword and Shield. Granted, I would still need to trade some version-exclusive Pokemon to truly complete the collection, but that is still a far easier task than having to somehow acquire Pokemon not found in the game itself.\n\n\nBut this is my personal opinion. I don\u2019t have a huge collection of Pokemon waiting to be migrated into new Pokemon games, and I don\u2019t consider myself to be a hardcore Pokemon player either.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother issue that\u2019s been a topic of hot discussion is the seemingly lazy animation of Pokemon Sword and Shield. Take the Japanese trailer of the game above: in the 48-second mark, you can see that the Charizard\u2026isn\u2019t spewing fire from its mouth. Obviously, that animation could\u2019ve been done better.\n\n\nThat being said, it remains to be seen if this kind of \u201clazy\u201d animation will be present in the final version of Sword and Shield. Plus, the game isn\u2019t even expected to be out until later this year on 15 November; Game Freak still has plenty of time to iron out any bugs the game might have.\n\n\n\n\nDespite the negativity surrounding Pokemon Sword and Shield, I honestly believe it will be the best Pokemon game yet. The Dynamax and Gigantamax mechanisms look interesting, the animations (despite the Charizard thing) are rendered well, and there are still \na lot of details\n not revealed yet.\n\n\nOf course, there are aspects of Sword and Shield that could be better, especially in regard to the National Pokedex. But in order to rebuild the many assets of the game, balancing it, and to ensure that the game itself isn\u2019t rushed, Game Freak had to make a decision.\n\n\nAnd limiting the Pokedex seems to be the best course of action.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-7a-officially-lands-in-malaysia-retails-from-rm399/", "title": "Redmi 7A Officially Lands in Malaysia; Retails from RM399", "body": "\n\nIt wasn\u2019t that long ago when the \nRedmi 7A\n was registered with SIRIM, and now, the budget-centric smartphone is officially available in Malaysia. Two variants of the phone are available here, and it retails from only RM399 \u2013 that\u2019s quite an attractive price tag.\n\n\nOf course, that\u2019s for the base model of the Redmi 7A, which comes with 16GB of storage and 2GB of RAM. The 32GB model (also with 2GB RAM), on the other hand, retails for slightly more at RM439.\n\n\n\n\nThis definitely make the Redmi 7A one of the most affordable smartphones in the market now, and it should be in your list if you\u2019re looking for a budget-friendly smartphone. Given the small price difference between the two variants, it\u2019s definitely worth it to go for the 32GB model instead.\n\n\nHowever, only the 16GB variant of the Redmi 7A is sold online: it will be available for purchase on Shopee this 22 July, and 26 July for Lazada. If you want the 32GB model, you\u2019ll have to visit your nearest Authorised Mi Store. Both variants of the Redmi 7A are now available from these retail outlets.\n\n\n\n\nAlternatively, you can always get the 32GB Redmi 7A from Xiaomi global\u2019s official store on Shopee. It still comes with local warranty support (albeit only for six months instead of a year), and the best part is, it\u2019s \nslightly more affordable at RM419\n.\n\n\nHowever, if you want longer warranty period for the extra peace of mind, it would be better to get the Redmi 7A from an Authorised Mi Store. It\u2019s only RM20 more to get a year\u2019s warranty instead of only six months.\n\n\n\n\nFor its asking price, the Redmi 7A is decently equipped. It comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 chipset, a microSD card slot for easy storage expansion, as well as a generous 4,000mAh battery. In the camera department, it features a single 12MP f/2.2 rear camera, and a 5MP f/2.2 front-facing shooter.\n\n\nAs far as looks are concerned, the Redmi 7A is\u2026decidedly average-looking. There are thick bezels surrounding the 5.45-inch 720p IPS display, it looks plasticky, and it still uses a microUSB connection. But hey, this \nis\n a RM399 smartphone \u2013 there\u2019s only so much you can ask for.\n\n\n\n\nNow that the Redmi 7A is officially available here, the Mi Band 4 may follow suit in the near future. After all, it\u2019s \nalready been registered with SIRIM last week\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-the-xiaomi-mi-9-with-over-rm200-discount/", "title": "Deal: Get the Xiaomi Mi 9 with Over RM200 Discount", "body": "\n\nWhen it comes to value for money, not many flagship smartphones can go against the excellent \nXiaomi Mi 9\n. To sweeten the deal, you can get the 128GB variant of the Mi 9 \nfor only RM1,789\n now.\n\n\nTo put this deal into context, the 128GB model used to retail at RM1,999; you\u2019re saving exactly RM210 with this offer. On top of that, this deal is offered by reputable retailer Wow Phone on Lazada. Rest assured, this is a legitimate deal by a legitimate seller.\n\n\n\n\nWow Phone has the Ocean Blue and Piano Black colourways of the Mi 9 in stock, and the former only has five units left at the time of writing. Naturally, the retailer is offering original Malaysian units of the Mi 9 with official warranty by Xiaomi Malaysia.\n\n\nFor RM1,789\n, the Xiaomi Mi 9 offers really, \nreally\n good value for money. If you\u2019d like to learn more about this phone, check out our \ncomprehensive review of the Mi 9\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-a3-official-android-one-device-with-720p-display-snapdragon-665/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi A3 Official \u2013 Android One Device with 720p Display & Snapdragon 665", "body": "\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi A3 is now official, and \nas expected\n, it is basically the Android One version of the Xiaomi Mi CC9e. That means it has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 chipset, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and yes, even a 720p display.\n\n\nConsidering the fact that the Xiaomi Mi A2 had a higher resolution 1080p display, it\u2019s pretty odd for Xiaomi to \u201cdowngrade\u201d the screen to a 720p panel with the Mi A3. Nonetheless, the new Android One device does improve upon one crucial shortcoming of its predecessor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile the Mi A2 was a really good Android One device in general, it was sorely lacking in one area: battery life. After all, it only had a 3,010mAh battery, which was barely enough for a day\u2019s worth of usage. Well, that shouldn\u2019t be a problem with the Mi A3 \u2013 it has a much more generous 4,030mAh cell.\n\n\nGiven the fact that the Mi A3 only has a 6.088-inch 720p AMOLED display (not to mention a power-efficient 11nm Snapdragon 665 chip), you can expect it to return above average battery life. On top of that, this phone also supports 18W fast charging, but only a 10W charger is bundled with the phone.\n\n\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Mi A3, like most smartphones in the market now, features a 48MP f/1.79 primary shooter. The triple camera system also has an 8MP f/2.2 wide angle sensor complemented by a 2MP f/2.2 depth sensor. Essentially, it\u2019s a much more versatile and sophisticated camera system than the Mi A2\u2019s dual camera configuration.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mi A3 include a 32MP f/2.0 front-facing camera, 4GB of RAM, 64GB or 128GB of expandable storage (up to 256GB), as well as a USB-C port. Surprisingly, it even comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack \u2013 a feature that was missing on the Mi A2.\n\n\n\n\nAt the time of writing, the Xiaomi Mi A3 is only available in Europe. The 64GB model retails at 249 euro (about RM1,150), while the 128GB variant goes for 279 euro (approximately RM1,290). Do note that these prices include VAT, so expect the Mi A3 to be slightly more affordable when it is introduced in other markets.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, Mi A3 will be launched in Malaysia on 31 July. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if Xiaomi Malaysia will bring in both variants of the Android One device, and just how much it will be priced locally.\n\n\nUpdate, 18 July\n: This article has been updated with details on the Malaysian availability of the Xiaomi Mi A3.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nintendo-switch-updated-with-better-battery-life-now-up-to-9-hours/", "title": "Nintendo Switch Updated with Better Battery Life \u2013 Now up to 9 Hours", "body": "\n\nAmid rumours of the Nintendo Switch Pro after the \nSwitch Lite\n was announced, the Japanese company quietly updated the standard Switch console. There are no big changes here: the only thing that has been improved is battery life, which is now dramatically longer.\n\n\nWith this update to the Switch, it\u2019s unlikely we\u2019ll see a Pro version of the console anytime soon. If you\u2019ve been holding out from getting a Switch in hopes of an update, this is as good as it gets \u2013 for this year, anyway.\n\n\n\n\nEven though the new Switch revision only impacts battery life, it\u2019s quite a big improvement. According to Nintendo, the updated console can return up to 4.5 to 9 hours of battery life. Compared to the original Switch\u2019s estimated battery life between 2.5 and 6.5 hours, the new Switch can outlast its predecessor by up to 2.5 hours.\n\n\nTo put this into context, Nintendo says that the updated Switch can run The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for up to 5.5 hours. In comparison, the original console can only last about 3 hours. Needless to say, this makes the new Switch a lot more compelling than the original.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s unclear just what Nintendo did to increase the battery life of the new Switch, but many suspect that it\u2019s a change to the internal of the console; more specifically, the SoC. In fact, some even believe that this is the same SoC found in the new Switch Lite.\n\n\nWith a more power-efficient SoC, it only makes sense for the battery life to improve. Other specifications of the new Switch, on the other hand, are identical to the original console. It still weighs the same, its dimensions are unchanged, and it has the familiar 6.2-inch 1280 x 720 LCD display.\n\n\nThe original Switch\u2019s packaging\nThe updated Switch\u2019s box design\n\n\nGiven how similar the updated Switch is to the original one, it will be a bit tough to differentiate the two consoles. To make sure you\u2019re getting the newer version, take a look at the box\u2019s design: it has a red background instead of white.\n\n\nOn top of that, the serial number is not the same either. The new Switch\u2019s serial number will begin with \u201cXKW,\u201d while the older model starts with \u201cXAW.\u201d You can even look at the model number \u2013 the updated Switch is dubbed HAC-001(-01).\n\n\n\n\nThe new Nintendo Switch will be available from the middle of August 2019 onwards, and it will retail at the same price point as the older version. Chances are, the original Switch will be discounted before the new one arrives on our shores.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-2-key-hardware-revealed-sports-huge-5800mah-battery/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 2 Key Hardware Revealed \u2013 Sports Huge 5,800mAh Battery", "body": "\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone 2 is set to be unveiled next week on 23 July, but surprise surprise, the gaming smartphone just appeared in TENAA\u2019s database. Naturally, several key specifications of the upcoming phone are also revealed in the certification.\n\n\nAmong them is the battery capacity of the ROG Phone 2, which is stated to be a whopping 5,800mAh cell. Needless to say, that is a very, \nvery\n generous battery size \u2013 fitting for a gaming smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nDespite the huge battery capacity, the ROG Phone 2 isn\u2019t all that thick. Sure, with a 9.78mm chassis, it\u2019s not particularly slim either. But looking at the side profile of the phone in TENAA\u2019s listing, it should be thin enough to not feel cumbersome to use.\n\n\nBesides that, the TENAA listing also states that the ROG Phone 2 is 170.99mm tall and 77.6mm wide. Without a doubt, it is quite a large smartphone. For comparison\u2019s sake, the \noriginal ROG Phone\n measures 158.8 x 76.2 x 8.3 mm.\n\n\n\n\nBut the ROG Phone 2 does seem to utilise the space relatively well. Based on leaked images of the phone, the top and bottom bezels of the 6.59-inch display are quite minimal. While the TENAA listing does not mention the exact resolution of the screen, we do know it features a fast 120Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nLooking at the back panel of the ROG Phone 2, it looks\u2026similar to the first iteration of the device. There\u2019s still a dual camera system, the ROG logo looks to be illuminated still, but there is one thing missing here: a fingerprint sensor. Chances are, the ROG Phone 2 will come with an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nGiven the similar design of the ROG Phone 2 with its predecessor, we reckon the \u201cAirTriggers\u201d are retained on the upcoming phone. Basically, the AirTriggers act as shoulder buttons (via the use of ultrasonic touch sensors) when you\u2019re gaming in landscape mode. If this feature is actually present on the ROG Phone 2, we reckon it will work very well \nbased on our time\n with the first ROG Phone.\n\n\nEven though the TENAA listing did not reveal the chipset that will power the ROG Phone 2, we already know it will be one of the first smartphones to feature \nQualcomm\u2019s latest Snapdragon 855+\n chipset. With an overclocked CPU and GPU, gaming on this smartphone should be very enjoyable.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone 2 is shaping up to be a really interesting gaming smartphone; the most exciting one yet, perhaps. We\u2019ll learn more about the device once it is made official on 23 July next week.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-a3-hands-on-its-not-a-downgrade/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi A3 Hands-On: It\u2019s Not a Downgrade", "body": "\n\nWhen Xiaomi unveiled its latest Android One device, the \nXiaomi Mi A3\n, many folks were not thrilled by one key hardware: the 720p display. This choice of resolution is odd, considering the fact that its predecessors (the Mi A2 and Mi A2 Lite) had 1080p displays.\n\n\nHowever, after spending some time with the Mi A3, the 720p display really isn\u2019t that big of a problem. In fact, if priced right, this phone could be the one to beat, especially for those who are looking to get an affordable Android One smartphone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSince it\u2019s the hardware that\u2019s getting the most attention, let\u2019s talk about the Mi A3\u2019s 720p notched display first. It\u2019s a 6.088-inch 1560 x 720 AMOLED screen, and to top it off, it\u2019s also using pentile matrix subpixel arrangement. Basically, it would look more pixelated than a conventional 720p display with a true RGB subpixel arrangement.\n\n\nYes, if I look closely, I can definitely see the pixelation of the Mi A3\u2019s display. \nBut\n, when viewed at a normal distance, the display looks \ntotally fine\n. On top of that, because this is an AMOLED panel, you get good, vibrant colours with excellent black levels.\n\n\nWould it be better if the Mi A3 had a 1080p display instead? Definitely, but it is what it is. Plus, the lower resolution display does have one big benefit: power consumption.\n\n\nWhen viewed up close, you can see the pixelation (especially on the Play Books icon)\nBut when viewed at a normal distance, it\u2019s just fine\n\n\nTheoretically, a 720p display would consume less power than a 1080p screen. Paired with the Mi A3\u2019s generous 4,030mAh battery, this phone should be able to deliver above average battery life. Besides, the Mi A3\u2019s Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 is also an 11nm chipset, which is more power-efficient than the 14nm Snapdragon 660 SoC found in its predecessor.\n\n\nWhen it comes to performance, the Mi A3 feels very fast and responsive. The Snapdragon 665 may only be a slight improvement over the Snapdragon 660, but it can still provide a good level of performance. I didn\u2019t notice any stutter or lag in my brief time with the phone.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, this smooth experience can also be attributed to the clean, stock version of Android running on the Mi A3. If you\u2019re familiar with Google\u2019s Pixel smartphones, you\u2019ll be right at home here. It\u2019s minimalist, there\u2019s virtually no bloatware, and it feels really lightweight \u2013 key features of Android One devices.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Mi A3 are 4GB of RAM, 64GB or 128GB of expandable storage (it supports microSD cards up to 256GB), a USB-C port, and get this: a 3.5mm headphone jack. Yes, it\u2019s finally back after its absence from the Mi A2.\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of design, I quite like how the Mi A3 looks. While I\u2019m not crazy about the notched display or chunky bottom bezel, I appreciate the look and feel of the glass back. Even the metal frame is nice to the touch, giving the phone a premium touch. All in all, it\u2019s a step up in build quality over its predecessor.\n\n\nAnother nice upgrade the Mi A3 got is an in-screen fingerprint sensor, which is\u2026well, decent. It\u2019s an optical sensor, and it can accurately recognise my fingerprint relatively well. It\u2019s not particularly quick, but it can certainly get the job done.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the camera performance of the Mi A3. The triple camera system is made up of a 48MP f/1.79 primary shooter, an 8MP f/2.2 wide angle shooter, and a 2MP f/2.2 depth camera. There\u2019s no telephoto sensor here, but the camera interface does have a 2x zoom option \u2013 digital zoom, of course. The selfie camera, on the other hand, is a 32MP f/2.0 sensor.\n\n\nWhile I\u2019ve only spent a brief time shooting with the Mi A3, I\u2019m generally pleased with the camera performance. The camera isn\u2019t particularly responsive, but the end results look good with proper exposure and detail preservation. Even the autofocus speed is fast too.\n\n\nThat being said, I have not tested the Mi A3\u2019s camera in less than ideal lighting condition \u2013 that\u2019s the real test of a smartphone\u2019s camera performance. Rest assured, I\u2019ll put it through its paces once I have the device in for review.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi A3 is not a downgrade in any sense of the word. Yes, the display resolution is lower compared to its predecessor, but it is now an AMOLED panel instead of an IPS screen. Personally, I\u2019ll take the deep blacks and vibrant colours of an AMOLED display over a slightly higher resolution screen any day.\n\n\nHowever, just how compelling the Mi A3 would be in the Malaysian market will highly depend on its asking price. For comparison, the 64GB variant of the phone retails at 249 euro in Europe, which comes up to about RM1,150. The 128GB model, on the other hand, goes for 279 euro (approximately RM1,290).\n\n\n\n\nDo note that these prices are on the higher side of things because of the inclusion of VAT \u2013 it\u2019s likely that the Mi A3 will be slightly more affordable when it is introduced in other markets, such as Malaysia. In fact, the Android One device will be launched here on 31 July 2019.\n\n\nIt\u2019s not known yet if Xiaomi Malaysia will bring in both variants of the Mi A3 to our market, and we have no estimated local pricing for the device yet either. Nonetheless, if the Mi A3 is priced below the RM1,000 mark \u2013 and this is very possible \u2013 it would be a very attractive smartphone.\n\n\nEven more so for Android purists who want a clean, stock Android experience without breaking the bank.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/never-get-a-laptop-without-an-ssd/", "title": "Never Get a Laptop Without an SSD", "body": "\n\nShopping for a new laptop? Well, whether you\u2019re looking to get an affordable productivity laptop, or even an entry-level gaming machine, keep this in mind: always, \nalways\n look for a laptop with a solid-state drive (SSD) instead of a hard disk drive (HDD), even if the former is more costly.\n\n\nIn this day and age, it is almost inexcusable for modern-day laptops to \nnot\n come with SSD storage \u2013 except maybe for the most affordable of notebooks. Even then, paying a couple hundred more for a laptop with an SSD is well worth it, and I\u2019m going to tell you why.\n\n\n\n\nFor starters, your user experience will be a lot more pleasant with an SSD. You will see a dramatic improvement in boot time, and games will load a lot faster. Just imagine how much more convenient it is to press the power button and get to the desktop within seconds instead of minutes.\n\n\nBesides that, you will also see drastic improvement in speed when launching applications. Heck, even a simple operation like opening a file is faster with an SSD. Again, this relates back to the user experience \u2013 not having to wait more than a couple of seconds for files to open or applications to load is something you would really miss when you\u2019re using a machine with only an HDD.\n\n\n\n\nOkay, confession time: I am actually in the midst of reviewing a laptop with only an HDD drive. Using this laptop as my daily driver really made me realise just how much I take the speed of SSD for granted. In fact, waiting for more than a minute for the laptop to boot into the desktop alone felt\u2026well, wrong. It\u2019s as if the laptop was defective in some manner.\n\n\nNow, long boot time was only the beginning of my \u201cadventure.\u201d It was jarring to have to wait for Chrome to slowly load my tabs after launching it, and I can forget about alt-tab back to the desktop while I am gaming; it takes \nway too long\n. It\u2019s as if I\u2019m using a machine from the early 2000s, and those were not pleasant times.\n\n\n\n\nSince we\u2019re on the topic of gaming, it is absolutely important to get a gaming laptop with an SSD. Granted, some folks may be fine with longer load times, but it can get really bothersome if you\u2019re playing games like Fortnite or Apex Legends.\n\n\nSo here\u2019s what happened: I was in a queue for a Fortnite match, and once I was matched to a game, I was brought to the loading screen\u2026for a very long time. So long, in fact, that by the time the game loaded up, the Battle Bus was already halfway through the map. What if my teammates wanted to jump earlier? I would\u2019ve been left alone at the other side of the map.\n\n\n\n\nNow, I\u2019m not saying that you should totally avoid HDD: there are scenarios where it is more practical than an SSD. If you need a lot of storage space to store a huge number of movies and music, a 2TB HDD is more cost-effective than a 1TB SSD. Plus, access speed doesn\u2019t matter all that much to store your media files.\n\n\nThat\u2019s the reason why some laptops come with both HDD and SSD. The SSD can be used as the boot drive to speed up boot time, while the HDD can be used to store huge amount of data that doesn\u2019t benefit as much from faster access speed.\n\n\n\n\nBut whichever laptop you\u2019re getting, please: opt for one that comes with an SSD; even laptops below the RM2,000 mark now come with a 128GB SSD. If you\u2019re looking to get a laptop that costs more than that, don\u2019t even bother looking at ones that don\u2019t offer any SSD storage. It\u2019s ridiculous for more expensive laptops to not have one.\n\n\nIf you already own a laptop that doesn\u2019t come with an SSD, check to see if you can add one yourself. Trust me, you will appreciate the faster performance, and it\u2019s worth noting that SSDs have gotten a lot more affordable \u2013 gone are the days where HDDs are vastly cheaper than SSDs.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-ii-unveiled-with-6000mah-battery-snapdragon-855-120hz-amoled-display/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone II Unveiled with 6,000mAh Battery, Snapdragon 855+, 120Hz AMOLED Display", "body": "\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone II is finally here, and it is the most powerful Android smartphone yet; until more devices ship with Qualcomm\u2019s latest Snapdragon 855+ chipset, of course. That\u2019s right, the ROG Phone II is the first smartphone to come with the new \u201c\nbuilt for gaming\n\u201d SoC.\n\n\nBeyond that, other specifications of the new gaming smartphone are very impressive too, including an absolutely monstrous 6,000mAh battery and a fast 120Hz AMOLED display.\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone II (left) next to the first ROG Phone\n\n\nTurns out, the \nearlier TENAA listing\n of the ROG Phone II wasn\u2019t particularly accurate, citing \u201conly\u201d a 5,800mAh battery. Thanks to the extremely generous 6,000mAh cell, you can expect to do \na lot\n of gaming on this smartphone without needing to charge it in between gaming sessions.\n\n\nIn fact, Asus claims that the phone can run PUBG Mobile at 60Hz for over seven hours. Needless to say, battery life of the ROG Phone II outside of gaming should be phenomenal too. We reckon it can comfortably provide up to two days of usage, unless you\u2019re doing a ton of gaming. If you need to quickly charge the phone, you\u2019ll be happy to know that it comes with Asus\u2019 HyperCharge 30W fast charging technology.\n\n\nHowever, the large battery capacity does make this a heavy device: it weighs a whopping 240g. It\u2019s also thicker than most smartphones in the market now, measuring 9.5mm thick.\n\n\n\n\nAs expected, the ROG Phone II features a 120Hz display: it\u2019s a 6.59-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED HDR-capable panel, so it should be a high quality screen. This being an AMOLED panel, you will get deep blacks, vibrant colours, and excellent viewing angles.\n\n\nOf course, this wouldn\u2019t be a display worthy of a gaming smartphone if it doesn\u2019t have more underneath the surface. Not only does it have a 120Hz refresh rate, the touch sampling rate is increased to 240Hz \u2013 this lowers the touch latency down to only 49ms. According to Asus, this is the lowest latency of any phone in the market now.\n\n\nOh, there is also a fingerprint sensor under the display. Naturally, it\u2019s an optical unit, similar to other sensors in most smartphones now.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to performance, the ROG Phone II\u2019s Snapdragon 855+ chipset really makes it the fastest Android phone yet; it\u2019s the first device to ship with that SoC, after all. With an overclocked CPU and GPU, you can expect up to 15% increase in gaming performance.\n\n\nCooling is equally important to help the Snapdragon 855+ sustain its peak performance, and Asus has a number of hardware to let the SoC run at its full potential. The ROG Phone II\u2019s cooling system of a vapour chamber and vents can supposedly prevent throttling of the 855+, and if that\u2019s not enough, there\u2019s also the new AeroActive Cooler II fan that clips on to the phone for extra cooling.\n\n\nThere are a couple of other accessories for the gaming smartphone too. The TwinView Dock II, for one, gives you an extra 120Hz screen at the top and an additional 5,000mAh battery for even longer gaming sessions. There\u2019s also the ROG Kunai Gamepad, which looks to be heavily inspired by the \nNintendo Switch\n.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the ROG Phone II include 12GB of RAM, up to 512GB of internal storage (non-expandable, unfortunately), AirTriggers, like the ones found on the original model \u2013 they\u2019re basically ultrasonic shoulder buttons \u2013 and of course, a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the ROG Phone II isn\u2019t particularly impressive. Considering the fact that it\u2019s a gaming-centric smartphone, this is not all that surprising. On the back, it has a dual camera system made up of a 48MP f/1.8 primary sensor and a 13MP f/2.4 wide angle shooter. The front-facing camera, on the other hand, has a 24MP f/2.2 sensor.\n\n\nThe ROG Kunai Gamepad\n\n\nIn the software side of things, Asus is actually offering the option to \nchoose\n which version of Android you\u2019d like to run on the ROG Phone II in the setup process. You can either go with the Taiwanese company\u2019s ROG UI, or a stock version of Android 9.0 Pie.\n\n\nIn a market where most phone makers want users to use their take on Android, Asus\u2019 decision to let its users choose the software experience based on their personal preferences is a breath of fresh air. This is an especially attractive feature for those who prefer the clean, no-nonsense nature of stock Android.\n\n\nThe original ROG Phone\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone II does not have an official price tag yet, but it will supposedly be priced similarly to its predecessor. To put this into context, the \noriginal ROG Phone\n retailed at RM3,499 and RM3,999 for the 128GB and 512GB models respectively. As for availability, the new phone is expected to be launched worldwide in the first week of September 2019, and we were told beforehand that the gaming phone will be coming to Malaysia.\n\n\nInterestingly, there will be two versions of the ROG Phone II: the China-only model will have a glossy back, while the global version will come with a sleeker matte finish. It\u2019s not known yet if there are any other differences beyond aesthetics.\n\n\n(Image credit: \nAmanz\n)\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-fit-2019-quick-review-made-for-fitness/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Fit (2019) Quick Review: Made for Fitness", "body": "\n\nSamsung\u2019s range of wearable devices have improved quite a bit over the years. While the company\u2019s smartwatches are usually the ones making headlines, the Galaxy Fit 2019 is a pretty good wearable too \u2013 especially for those who want a more affordable fitness band.\n\n\nIn a vacuum, the Galaxy Fit is an attractive wearable made for those with an active lifestyle. But when compared to other fitness bands in the market, the Fit simply doesn\u2019t offer the same value for money. And value for money is a very important point for most consumers.\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nAs far as fitness bands go, the Galaxy Fit has an eye-catching, minimalist design. The 0.95-inch 240 x 120 AMOLED display further accentuates the wearable\u2019s sleek aesthetic, and it is also rated for 5 ATM; it can be submerged up to 50m for 10 minutes without any issue.\n\n\n\n\nFor notifications, the Galaxy Fit relies exclusively on vibration, and it\u2019s strong enough to catch my attention. Besides that, it also has a 120mAh battery, which can supposedly provide up to a week\u2019s worth of usage. The weight of the Fit is worth pointing out too: weighing only 23g, you wouldn\u2019t really feel it on your wrist. I certainly didn\u2019t.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nAs with most Samsung products, the Galaxy Fit has a fantastic, vibrant display, and that is easily one of the most impressive aspects of the wearable. It\u2019s an AMOLED screen, so you\u2019re getting deep, true blacks, and punchy colours. There\u2019s no denying just how good the display looks here.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re big on fitness, you will love the amount of workouts the Galaxy Fit can track. Either it\u2019s running, cycling, swimming, or even badminton, this wearable can track it all. Once you start a workout, the Fit will constantly track your heart rate and the amount of calories you\u2019ve burnt.\n\n\nAnother thing worth pointing out is the Galaxy Fit\u2019s automatic workout detection. While it doesn\u2019t trigger when I am doing weight training, it does manage to track a light jogging session. I was also surprised that it can accurately measure how long I\u2019ve been jogging.\n\n\nOf course, if you want the most accurate result, it\u2019s best to select a specific workout manually for the Fit to track.\n\n\n\n\nBattery life is also really good on the Galaxy Fit. Samsung estimates that the Fit can provide up to a week\u2019s worth of usage, and I was getting close to that level of battery life. I didn\u2019t need to charge it at all for a whole week, though I do take it off once I am home at night.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth pointing out that I\u2019m not the most active individual; I only workout on a couple of days a week. Chances are, if you\u2019re more active than I am, you will get shorter battery life.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWhile the Galaxy Fit works great as a fitness tracker, its other features leave much to be desired, especially the notification system. Whenever I receive a new notification, the Fit will only show me the latest message. If I want to look at the previous messages, I would have to whip out my phone.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the best reasons to invest in a wearable is to get notifications pushed to your wrist, so to only be able to read the latest notification doesn\u2019t cut it. In addition to that, I set the Galaxy Fit to switch on the display whenever I get a new notification, but it only seems to work half the time.\n\n\nGranted, the Galaxy Fit is geared towards fitness, but it still would\u2019ve been nice for it to have a more robust notification system. That would\u2019ve made it an even more complete wearable.  \n\n\n\n\nYou may have noticed by now that most of my complaints with the Galaxy Fit concerns the notification system, but this next one isn\u2019t so much a complain as it is\u2026well, wishful thinking. When you get a message, you can only respond with a set of pre-written replies; there\u2019s no option to write your own message. \n\n\nBut, as I\u2019ve mentioned, this is wishful thinking. Realistically, there\u2019s no way to easily compose my own message with the Galaxy Fit\u2019s small display anyway. But it \nis\n possible to add my own pre-written message to respond to texts, and I think this is a nice compromise.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond its notification system, I\u2019m not a fan of the Galaxy Fit\u2019s strap design either. Once I\u2019ve adjusted the strap to my desired size, I would have to push in the excess length \nunder\n the strap. It\u2019s not the easiest strap to put on, and it\u2019s made even harder when I\u2019m in a rush.\n\n\nOn the flip side, it does secure the Galaxy Fit to my wrist very well. In my book, that\u2019s a plus point.\n\n\n\n\nOh, and one more small thing: I wish there was more watchface options. Unlike the \nGalaxy Watch Active\n, the Fit only comes with pre-loaded watchfaces with no way to add more. Then again, the Active is a different category of wearable altogether, not to mention the fact that it also sits in a higher price bracket.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nWell, it\u2019s a tough question to answer. If you like how the Galaxy Fit looks, and you absolutely want the fitness band\u2019s ability to track a wide range of workouts, it will serve you very well. But you would have to pay quite a sum of money for it.\n\n\nRetailing at RM369, this fitness band is considerably more costly than its competition. More specifically, the new \nXiaomi Mi Band 4\n, which can be purchased \nfor as low as RM149\n now. That\u2019s \nmore than half\n of the Galaxy Fit\u2019s asking price.\n\n\n\n\nThat, in turn, makes the Samsung Galaxy Fit look less appealing. It\u2019s still a very good fitness band, of course, but it doesn\u2019t offer particularly good value for money. Nonetheless, if you need a wearable that complements your active lifestyle, the Galaxy Fit is a good fit.\n\n\nExcuse the pun, but I had to.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-s1-arriving-in-malaysia-tomorrow-retails-at-rm1099/", "title": "Vivo S1 Arriving in Malaysia Tomorrow \u2013 Retails at RM1,099", "body": "\n\nVivo is set to introduce its latest smartphone, the Vivo S1, in Malaysia tomorrow. In fact, the smartphone is actually available for pre-order right now, which offers RM100 discount and a complimentary Vshare K1 Bluetooth speaker worth RM99.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with long battery life, the Vivo S1 is right up your alley. Now, let\u2019s see what this phone has to offer.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the biggest selling points of the S1 is its large 4,500mAh battery. Paired with a 6.38-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display and a MediaTek Helio P65 chipset, this phone should have really good battery life. At the very least, we reckon it can offer a day\u2019s worth of usage, even for heavy smartphone users.\n\n\nYes, this phone has a MediaTek chipset, which may not be everyone\u2019s cup of tea. While MediaTek chips are not quite as popular or as desirable in comparison to Qualcomm\u2019s offerings, the Helio P65 is still a 12nm SoC, making it a power-efficient chipset. On top of that, it\u2019s also a 2GHz octa-core processor; it should be able to offer reasonably good processing power.\n\n\nThat being said, until we actually got our hands on the device, we\u2019ll reserve judgment on the performance of the Helio P65.\n\n\n\n\nChipset aside, the S1 also comes with an in-screen fingerprint sensor, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of internal storage. If that amount of space is not quite enough for you, you can easily add more storage with a microSD card slot. The S1 supports cards up to 256GB.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the S1 has a triple camera system on the back. The primary sensor is a 16MP f/1.78 shooter, which is complemented by an 8MP f/2.2 wide angle camera and a 5MP f/2.4 depth sensor. As for the front-facing camera, it\u2019s a 32MP f/2.0 shooter.\n\n\n\n\nThose who are keen to pre-order the Vivo S1 can do so at all Vivo retail stores nationwide. Of course, a RM50 deposit is required to secure your order, but a RM100 instant rebate will be given for the phone, along with a Vshare K1 Bluetooth speaker worth RM99.\n\n\nWant the convenience of online pre-order instead? Well, you can place your order on a number of e-commerce platforms, including \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n. While you will only receive a RM50 discount on these platforms instead of the RM100 rebate, RM150 worth of \u201cmystery gifts\u201d will be included with the pre-order.\n\n\n\n\nThe Vivo S1 will be officially introduced in Malaysia tomorrow on 24 July. Stay tuned for our hands-on of the smartphone then!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/msi-launches-gt76-titan-ge65-raider-gaming-laptops-in-malaysia/", "title": "MSI Launches GT76 Titan & GE65 Raider Gaming Laptops in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nMSI just released two new gaming laptops for the Malaysian market. There\u2019s the big and powerful GT76 Titan, as well as the more subdued (but still very capable) GE65 Raider. Impressively, both laptops can be bought with very fast 240Hz displays.\n\n\nLooking at the hardware under the hood of these two laptops, it\u2019s no surprise that they cost quite a bit of money too. But if you want a high-end gaming laptop, these two machines fit the bill, especially if you want the fast 240Hz screen.\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the more powerful laptop, the GT76 Titan. It comes with an overclockable Intel Core i9-9900K or i7-9700K processor paired with up to 64GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 or RTX 2070 GPU, two 512GB NVMe PCIe SSDs in Super Raid 4, and a 1TB 7200rpm HDD. Very generous storage options there.\n\n\nIn the display department, the GT76 has two different screen options, depending on which variant you get. The Core i9 model has a sharp 17.3-inch 4K panel, while the Core i7 variant features a 1080p screen with a fast 240Hz refresh rate. According to MSI, you\u2019ll get \u201cclose to 100% SRGB\u201d colour coverage with both displays. Despite the thin bezels, the webcam is still placed at the top of the screen.\n\n\nTwo variants of the GT76 Titan are available in Malaysia. The Core i9 variant with a 4K display, an RTX 2080 GPU, and 64GB RAM retails at RM20,999. The Core i7 model with a 1080p 240Hz screen, an RTX 2070 GPU, and 32GB of RAM, on the other hand, goes for RM14,999.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the more affordable GE65 Raider. It\u2019s equipped with a 15.6-inch 1080p 240Hz display (yes there\u2019s only a single option here), a Core i7-9750H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, an RTX 2070 or RTX 2060 GPU, as well as a 1TB NVMe PCIe SSD. It\u2019s a decidedly more modest offering next to the GT76, but in turn, it doesn\u2019t cost quite as much either.\n\n\nJust like the GT76, two variants of the GE65 Raider are offered in Malaysia. The RTX 2070 model is priced at RM9,899, while the RTX 2060 variant can be yours for RM8,099. Note that it is only the choice of GPU that differentiates the two models.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, both of these laptops are not particularly affordable, but they do have very capable hardware. On top of that, the 240Hz display and 1TB SSD do not come cheap either. Besides, not many laptops come with 240Hz screens now too.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to get either one of these two gaming laptops, they are now available for purchase in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-s1-hands-on-decidedly-average/", "title": "Vivo S1 Hands-On: Mediocre", "body": "\n\nEven though we \nalready know\n almost every aspect of the Vivo S1 \u2013 including its retail price \u2013 the mid-range smartphone has just been launched in Malaysia. Made for the \u201cyoung and stylish\u201d consumers, the new S series does have a slightly different design language than other Vivo smartphones.\n\n\nHowever, retailing at RM1,099, the S1 doesn\u2019t exactly offer the best value for money. Nonetheless, it is a solid mid-ranger, even if it is not particularly outstanding.\n\n\n\n\nSince it\u2019s meant to appeal to the younger crowd, the S1 does look pretty sleek. I dig the gradient finish on the back of the phone, and the bottom screen bezel is minimal enough to give it a modern-looking design.\n\n\nThat being said, I\u2019m not really thrilled with the display notch. While it\u2019s not a wide notch, it is more intrusive than, say, \na hole-punch design\n. On top of that, this phone is still using a microUSB port. In a market where more and more smartphones come with USB-C connections, the S1 is lacking behind.\n\n\nAnd then we have the S1\u2019s build quality, which isn\u2019t all that great. The plastic, painted frame doesn\u2019t look or feel particularly premium, and the equally plasticky back panel gives the impression of a\u2026cheaper smartphone. At this price point, you\u2019d expect the phone to feel more solid.\n\n\n\n\nBut the S1 does have some redeeming qualities. The in-screen fingerprint sensor, for one, is \nsurprisingly\n quick. I was legitimately taken aback by how fast and accurate it is. A quick, single tap is enough to unlock the device, and it really reminds me of the \nOnePlus 7 Pro\n\u2018s excellent in-screen sensor. That\u2019s high praise for the S1\u2019s fingerprint sensor.\n\n\nDisplay quality of this phone is really good too. It has a 6.38-inch 1080p Super AMOLED screen, and it looks great. Colours are vibrant, blacks are very deep, and the screen doesn\u2019t wash out when you look at it off-angle. It\u2019s a good display, no doubt.\n\n\n\n\nPerformance wise, the S1 feels relatively speedy. The MediaTek Helio P65 chipset under the hood can provide a zippy user experience, and it doesn\u2019t feel sluggish at all in my brief time with the phone. Yes, MediaTek chipsets aren\u2019t quite on par with Qualcomm\u2019s offerings, but as far as I can tell, the P65 isn\u2019t a \u201cbad\u201d SoC by any means.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the Helio P65 is built on a 12nm process, so it\u2019s quite a power-efficient chip. This, combined with the S1\u2019s very generous 4,500mAh battery and Super AMOLED display, it should have above average battery life.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the S1 are 6GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot (with support for cards up to 256GB), a 32MP f/2.0 front-facing shooter, and Funtouch OS 9 based on Android 9.0 Pie out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to camera performance, the S1\u2026doesn\u2019t feel super great, even for a mid-range smartphone. The triple camera system on the back is made up of a 16MP f/1.78 primary shooter, an 8MP f/2.2 wide angle camera, and a 5MP f/2.4 depth sensor. All in all, there\u2019s room for improvement.\n\n\nFor one, the camera interface doesn\u2019t feel very responsive. That would\u2019ve been fine (for me, anyway) if the end results actually look good. In relatively good lighting, images come out looking soft, and the detail preservation isn\u2019t fantastic either.\n\n\nGranted, I\u2019ve only spent a short time photographing with the S1, so I can\u2019t say with certainty yet whether or not the camera performance is bad. Personally, I\u2019m curious to see exactly how the camera would perform in low light conditions.\n\n\n\n\nRetailing at RM1,099, the Vivo S1 has some tough competition. You\u2019ve got the \nXiaomi Mi 9T\n, the upcoming \nXiaomi Mi A3\n (it\u2019s launching in Malaysia on 31 July next week), and even the \nRealme 3 Pro\n. These devices are either sleeker, more powerful, or more affordable than the S1, which makes it tough to consider Vivo\u2019s offering over them \u2013 it\u2019s a decidedly average smartphone.\n\n\nHowever, if there is any area where the S1 can excel over these alternatives, it would either be in the battery life department or the accuracy of its in-screen fingerprint sensor. Alas, only a full review of this phone can shed some light on these two aspects, especially the former.\n\n\n\n\nThe Vivo S1 is currently available for pre-order in Malaysia until 26 July. If you place your pre-order at a Vivo retail store, you can get a RM100 rebate for the phone. A RM50 deposit is required, of course, but you\u2019ll also get a Vshare K1 Bluetooth speaker worth RM99 with your pre-order.\n\n\nAlternatively, you can pre-order the S1 online from\u00a0\nShopee\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nLazada\n. You won\u2019t get to enjoy the RM100 rebate (though you will receive a RM50 discount instead), you will get RM150 worth of \u201cmystery gifts.\u201d Those who want to purchase the phone outright, on the other hand, can do so on 27 July.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-4k-gaming-monitor-with-nvidia-g-sync-amd-freesync-costs-only-rm1199/", "title": "This 4K Gaming Monitor with Nvidia G-Sync & AMD FreeSync Costs Only RM1,199", "body": "\n\nGaming monitors, especially ones with 4K resolution, are not particularly affordable. Well, not this 4K gaming monitor from Armaggeddon. Dubbed Pixxel+ Elite EFX 27UHD SWITX \u2013 yes, it\u2019s a mouthful \u2013 this is one impressive 4K gaming monitor that offers incredible value for money.\n\n\nOh, that\u2019s right: Armaggeddon is now venturing into the monitor market with its Pixxel+ range, and the EFX 27UHD is the most premium offering in the current lineup.\n\n\n\n\nSo what\u2019s so impressive with this gaming monitor? Well, for starters, it only costs \nRM1,199\n. That\u2019s right, only RM1,199 for a 27-inch 3840 x 2160 Ultra HD AHVA gaming monitor \nwith support\n for \nNvidia\u2019s G-Sync and AMD\u2019s FreeSync\n technologies. As far as we can tell, there are no other monitors that offer the same feature set at this low price point.\n\n\nThat being said, there is one important thing to note: the EFX 27UHD is only a \u201cG-Sync Compatible\u201d gaming monitor. It doesn\u2019t have the specific \u201cscaler\u201d module from Nvidia for it to be a full-fledged G-Sync monitor. While you can still eliminate screen tearing with an Nvidia GPU on this monitor, there are some limitations.\n\n\n\n\nFor example, you may encounter some display issues when gaming on a G-Sync Compatible gaming monitor. These include flickering, artifacting, and a more limited frame rate range for G-Sync to work its magic. Of course, these issues may not be present at all on the EFX 27UHD, but we can only confirm this in a full review of the gaming monitor.\n\n\nBesides that, if you have an AMD GPU, FreeSync should work as it should on the EFX 27UHD. However, Armaggeddon did not specify the effective frame rate range for FreeSync to operate on this monitor. Nonetheless, the adaptive sync technology is definitely available here.\n\n\n\n\nWhile the 4K resolution of the EFX 27UHD is nice, the refresh rate is only limited to 60Hz. But if you turn it down to 1440p, you can set the monitor\u2019s refresh rate to 144Hz. For the majority of gamers, a 144Hz refresh rate at this resolution is more than enough. After all, there are only a handful of GPUs that can push that many frames at 1440p.\n\n\nIn terms of connectivity, you won\u2019t be disappointed with the EFX 27UHD. See, it doesn\u2019t have one, or two, but \nthree\n HDMI ports. On top of that, it also has a DisplayPort connection, which can provide enough bandwidth to drive the display at 144Hz.\n\n\n\n\nThe Armaggeddon Pixxel+ Elite EFX 27UHD SWITX gaming monitor is now available for purchase in Malaysia \nfrom Shopee\n. For RM1,199, it\u2019s definitely worth considering for those who are looking to get an affordable 4K gaming monitor.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/you-can-buy-armaggeddon-gaming-laptops-desktops-in-malaysia-soon/", "title": "You Can Buy Armaggeddon Gaming Laptops & Desktops in Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nChances are, you\u2019ve heard about Armaggeddon before. Mostly known for its range of peripherals, the company is expanding its product portfolio quite a bit. Not only is it offering \ngaming monitors\n now, it is also planning to introduce its own range of gaming laptops and desktops in the near future.\n\n\nOf course, as Armaggeddon is known for its affordable price points, the company\u2019s upcoming gaming laptops and desktops will be priced competitively too. In fact, Armaggeddon is confident it can offer a lower price point for its pre-built desktops than building one yourself \u2013 that\u2019s a really good selling point.\n\n\n\n\nArmaggeddon is doing a couple of things to lower the prices of its desktop machines. For one, the PSU and case will be provided by the company itself, so it can definitely give some discount here and there. If you want a different PSU or case, you\u2019re out of luck: only Armaggeddon-branded options are available.\n\n\nOn top of that, Armaggeddon will also be partnering with MSI for its pre-built desktops, so the GPU and motherboard options will be provided solely by the Taiwanese company. Given the prestige of MSI\u2019s hardware products, this is definitely a plus point.\n\n\nNeedless to say, this partnership would allow Armaggeddon to further lower the prices of its desktop offerings.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the best reasons to buy a pre-built gaming rig from Armaggeddon would have to be its warranty coverage. If any part of the PC malfunction, you can just bring it back to the company for warranty claim. It\u2019s definitely a lot easier (and convenient) to just refer back to Armaggeddon for any issue.\n\n\nSeveral Armaggeddon desktops were shown to us at a press briefing earlier today, and looking at the internals of the gaming rigs, they seem to be put together quite well. The cable management is relatively good, there\u2019s no use of custom extensions, and it looks to be easy to swap out the individual parts.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, Armaggeddon will only offer its pre-built gaming rigs in Malaysia later this year; we were told they will only be rolled out towards the end of 2019. In addition, these desktops will be pre-configured by the company, so consumers won\u2019t have the flexibility of customising their own machines. The good news? Armaggeddon has plans to allow for customisation in the future.\n\n\nAs for its upcoming gaming laptops, they will be based on Clevo\u2019s designs, as expected. It\u2019s a similar practice employed by a number of companies that offer custom gaming laptops, including Illegear and Level 51 \u2013 both of these companies use Clevo-based machines.\n\n\n\n\nBut for Armaggeddon, there is one clear difference: it wouldn\u2019t offer the same level of customisation. The laptop\u2019s hardware configuration would be determined by the company itself, and it won\u2019t be offering super high-end gaming laptops either.\n\n\nSpeaking with a representative of Armaggeddon, we were told to expect gaming laptops from the company to cost below RM6,000, with GPU options that top out at RTX 2070 or (more likely) RTX 2060. Not the most powerful GPU options, but still plenty respectable.\n\n\n\n\nJust like the pre-built desktops, Armaggeddon will only start offering its own gaming laptops towards the end of the year. While that\u2019s still quite some time away, the value for money of these upcoming machines may be well worth waiting for.\n\n\nOn a side note, Armaggeddon will also expand into the gaming chair and table market; the company will share more details on both of these product categories sometime next month. Evidently, Armaggeddon is aggressively venturing into different markets.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-offering-lifetime-access-to-microsoft-office-for-ideapad-ideacentre-products/", "title": "Lenovo Offering Lifetime Access to Microsoft Office for IdeaPad & IdeaCentre Products", "body": "\n\nWhen you buy a new Windows machine, there\u2019s a good chance it doesn\u2019t come with Microsoft Office\u2019s range of applications. Even if it does, you\u2019d still have to activate it one way or another. Well, that\u2019s not the case with Lenovo\u2019s latest range of consumer laptops and AIO.\n\n\nThanks to Lenovo\u2019s partnership with Microsoft, new IdeaPad and IdeaCentre products will come with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2019 pre-installed. Of course, these machines will have lifetime access to the \nfull version\n of Office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. However, only purchases made through Lenovo\u2019s retail store will come with the software.\n\n\nNonetheless, considering the fact that Office Home & Student 2019 costs RM529 when purchased on its own, you\u2019re getting good value for your money here. According to Lenovo, the 15-inch models of the IdeaPad C340, S340, S540, and L340 are confirmed to have the software bundled. If you want an AIO instead, the IdeaCentre A340 AIO is also included.\n\n\n\n\nOut of all the products mentioned, the IdeaPad C340 is the most interesting one; it\u2019s the only convertible in the list. It can be configured with a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS touch display, an Intel Core i5-8265U or i7-8565U processor paired with 8GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce MX230 GPU, a 128GB PCIe-based SSD, and a 1TB 5400rpm HDD.\n\n\nDon\u2019t fancy a convertible? Then you can consider the IdeaPad S340 or S540. Both laptops have a 15.6-inch 1080p display, a Core i5-8265U or i7-8565U processor with 8GB of RAM, as well as a 128GB SSD + 1TB 5400rpm HDD combo.\n\n\nWhat differentiates these two laptops are the display and GPU options. The S540 comes with an IPS screen and an MX250 GPU, while the S340 is equipped with a non-IPS display and a slightly slower MX230 GPU.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the most affordable laptop, the IdeaPad L340. It can be equipped with a 15.6-inch 1366 x 768 or 1920 x 1080 TN display, a Core i3-8145U, i5-8265U, or i7-8565U processor paired with 8GB of RAM, a sole 128GB SSD storage (you can add an HDD or a bigger SSD), as well as two GPU options: an MX110 or MX230 GPU. Alternatively, you can just go with integrated graphics to lower the price.\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the IdeaCentre A340 AIO; it\u2019s quite a sleek-looking machine. It features a 21.5-inch 1080p display, a Pentium Gold 5405U or Core i3-8145U processor paired with 4GB of RAM, and a 1TB 5400rpm HDD. Unfortunately, it can only be configured with Intel\u2019s UHD Graphics 620; there\u2019s no option for a dedicated GPU.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to get an affordable laptop that comes with Microsoft Office, you can\u2019t go wrong with either one of these options \u2013 just \nmake sure you add an SSD\n (if possible) for a more pleasant user experience. Here\u2019s the price breakdown for all of the products above:\n\n\nLenovo IdeaPad C340 \u2013 from RM2,799\n Lenovo IdeaPad S340 \u2013 from RM2,599\n Lenovo IdeaPad S540 \u2013 from RM3,499\n Lenovo IdeaPad L340 \u2013 from RM1,799\n Lenovo IdeaCentre A340 AIO \u2013 from RM2,199\n\n\n\n\nYou can now purchase all of these Lenovo products at the company\u2019s exclusive stores nationwide. Alternatively, they are also available online on \nLenovo\u2019s online store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-nova-5i-pro-introduced-with-kirin-810-2199-yuan-price-tag/", "title": "Huawei Nova 5i Pro Introduced with Kirin 810 & 2,199 Yuan Price Tag", "body": "\n\nMeet the fourth member of the \nHuawei Nova 5 series\n, the Nova 5i Pro. Believed to be marketed as the Huawei Mate 30 Lite in certain markets (the camera design certainly reflects that), the 5i Pro is\u2026sort of like a combination of the standard Nova 5 and Nova 5i.\n\n\nPowered by Huawei\u2019s newly released Kirin 810 chipset, the Nova 5i Pro is quite the interesting mid-ranger. More importantly, it is priced competitively too \u2013 let\u2019s see what it has to offer, shall we?\n\n\n\n\nMuch like the Nova 5, the Nova 5i Pro comes with a Kirin 810 chipset. What makes this SoC particularly impressive is the fact that it\u2019s built on a 7nm process, just like the \nhigher-end Kirin 980\n chip. Not only is this the only 7nm chip in the mid-range segment, the smaller size also means better power efficiency, which translates to better battery life.\n\n\nEven when compared to its closest competition, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 chipset, early benchmarks have shown that the Kirin 810 is superior. Needless to say, this is a very respectable mid-range SoC. Did we mention it\u2019s also the only 7nm chip in this segment? Yeah, it\u2019s \nthat \nbig \u2013 or rather, small \u2013 of a deal.\n\n\n\n\nChipset aside, the Nova 5i Pro also takes cue from the Nova 5i\u2019s hole-punch design. In our opinion, it looks a lot sleeker and modern than the notched displays of the higher-end Nova 5 and Nova 5 Pro. The hole-punch cutout just doesn\u2019t take up as much space.\n\n\nBut similar to the Nova 5i, there is no fingerprint sensor under the 6.26-inch 1080p LTPS display of the Nova 5i Pro. Instead, there\u2019s a sensor on the back of the phone. Depending on your personal preference, this could be a plus point: conventional capacitive fingerprint sensors are usually a lot more accurate and quicker than in-screen sensors.\n\n\n\n\nOn the back of the Nova 5i Pro is a square camera module that looks a lot like the \nMate 20\n\u2018s camera arrangement. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP f/1.8 primary shooter, an 8MP wide angle sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. Just like the Nova 5 and Nova 5 Pro, there is no telephoto camera here.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Nova 5i Pro include a 32MP f/2.0 front-facing shooter, a very generous 4,000mAh battery, 6GB or 8GB of RAM, two storage options (128GB or 256GB), a USB-C port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Unfortunately, this phone does not have a microSD card slot, but it does support the company\u2019s ow proprietary NM cards for storage expansion.\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei Nova 5i Pro is currently available only in China. There are three variants of the phone in the country: the 128GB model with 6GB RAM retails at 2,199 Chinese yuan (about RM1,315), while the 128GB + 8GB and 256GB + 8GB variants go for 2,499 yuan (approximately RM1,495) and 2,799 yuan (around RM1,675) respectively.\n\n\nThese are competitive price tags for a mid-range smartphone like the Nova 5i Pro. Given the fact that Huawei is \nbringing in the Nova 5 series to Malaysia\n, there is a chance the Nova 5i Pro will officially make it here. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the local availability of the Huawei Nova 5 series.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-a80-review-priced-out-of-the-market/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy A80 Review: Priced Out of the Market", "body": "\n\nSmartphones with all-screen designs are becoming increasingly common, and to achieve that kind of aesthetic, phone makers have come up with some creative solutions. One of the most popular implementations is the pop-up camera mechanism, which is found on this smartphone right here: the Samsung Galaxy A80.\n\n\nSamsung even added a twist (quite literally) with the A80. Instead of a conventional motorised camera mechanism, this phone\u2019s camera module\u2026rotates. It\u2019s an interesting design, but all in all, it\u2019s not the best solution. That, coupled with the Galaxy A80\u2019s steep asking price, make it a tough smartphone to recommend.\n\n\nSpecifications\n\n\nDisplay\n6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED (2400 x 1080)\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 730 2.2GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 618\nRAM\n8GB\nStorage\n128GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n48MP f/2.0 (primary)\n8MP f/2.2 (wide angle)\n3D Depth Sensor\nCamera (front)\nNone\nBattery\n3,700mAh\nDimensions\n165.2 x 76.5 x 9.3 mm\nWeight\n220g\nOS\nOne UI 1.1 based on Android 9 Pie\nConnectivity\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)\nUSB Type-C\n\n\nLooking at these specifications, the Galaxy A80 is comfortably an upper mid-range smartphone, thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 chipset. Now, just because it\u2019s not a Snapdragon 8 series SoC doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s not good; it can actually offer a good level of performance.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy A80 are pretty good too. It has 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, and a reasonably big 3,700mAh battery. Unfortunately, this phone has no microSD card slot, and it doesn\u2019t have a 3.5mm headphone jack either.\n\n\nDesign\n\n\nNaturally, the all-screen design of the Galaxy A80 is the highlight here. Simply dubbed \u201cNew Infinity Display,\u201d there is no notch or hole-punch cutout on the screen; only a bit of a chin at the bottom of the display. Overall, it\u2019s a sleek, aesthetically pleasing smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nIn order to realise that all-screen design, the Galaxy A80 has a rotating, motorised camera module. Once the \u201cfront-facing camera\u201d is activated in the camera interface, the camera would pop-up and rotate to the front. Basically, you have one camera system for your selfie and photography needs.\n\n\nWhile this rotating camera module is unique, it\u2019s not exactly very\u2026practical. Not only is it noticeably slower than, say, the \nOnePlus 7 Pro\n\u2018s pop-up camera module, it has more moving parts too. With more moving parts, there\u2019s a higher chance of it malfunctioning over the years.\n\n\nThen again, it\u2019s entirely possible the camera module would outlast the Galaxy A80 itself. Throughout my time with the phone, never did the rotating camera fail to activate properly too.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the motorised camera module, the Galaxy A80 has solid build quality. The glass back and metal frame feel great to the touch, every part is put together well, and I like the heft of the phone. However, it may be a tad too heavy for some folks \u2013 it tips the scales at 220g.\n\n\nWhen it comes to ergonomics, the Galaxy A80 could use some work. For one, the 6.7-inch display makes it a sizeable smartphone; using it with only one hand can prove to be quite a challenge. Besides that, I wish the sides were thicker, so that I can get a better grip of the phone.\n\n\n\n\nAs a whole, the Galaxy A80 is a sleek-looking smartphone with a big, notch-free display. Even if it has some ergonomic issues, there\u2019s no denying the aesthetic appeal of the phone.\n\n\nUser Experience\n\n\nLike most Samsung smartphones, the Galaxy A80 runs on the phone maker\u2019s One UI software based on Android 9 Pie, which is as polished as ever. It is lightweight, responsive, and intuitive to use. Throughout my time with the phone, I didn\u2019t encounter any serious bug with One UI either.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to performance, the Snapdragon 730 can definitely provide more than enough processing power. I can switch between different apps quickly without issue, apps open relatively fast, and gaming is really enjoyable too. In fact, this chipset\u2019s Adreno 618 GPU can run PUBG Mobile very well.\n\n\nOf course, it\u2019s not in the same league as a flagship-tier processor, but the Snapdragon 730 really is a fast, capable chipset. After all, it\u2019s the most powerful chipset outside of the Snapdragon 8 series.\n\n\n\n\nAlso, it\u2019s worth mentioning that the Snapdragon 730 is an 8nm chip, making it quite power-efficient. Combined with the Galaxy A80\u2019s 3,700mAh battery, I managed to get about five hours of screen on time consistently throughout the review period. That\u2019s not fantastic battery life, but it\u2019s not too bad either.\n\n\nAs for the A80\u2019s charging rate, it\u2019s decent. Within 30 minutes of charging, the phone got up to about 55% from completely empty.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the Galaxy A80\u2019s large 6.7-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display, and as expected, it\u2019s a high quality display. Deep blacks, vibrant colours, great viewing angles, you name it: all of that describes the A80\u2019s display. It can get blindingly bright too, so screen legibility under harsh sunlight is really good.\n\n\nNow then, on to the\u2026not so good stuff. Since we\u2019re still on the topic of display, let\u2019s talk about the Galaxy A80\u2019s in-screen fingerprint sensor. On average, I would say that the sensor can only recognise my fingerprint quickly and accurately\u2026half the time?\n\n\n\n\nOkay, maybe it\u2019s not quite that bad, but it certainly felt like it. More often than not, I would have to repeatedly place my finger on the sensor to unlock the phone. On top of that, it\u2019s not particularly quick either, often requiring me to tap and hold on the sensor for quite a bit before it can read my fingerprint.\n\n\nMost of the time, I find myself just keying in my passcode to unlock the phone. It saves me a lot of time (and frustration).\n\n\n\n\nAnother pain point with the Galaxy A80 is the in-screen speaker. See, this phone does not have a conventional earpiece at the top of the display. Instead, the top part of the screen vibrates to transmit sound. It\u2019s a neat hardware trick \u2013 even though it\u2019s not entirely new \u2013 but it doesn\u2019t work very well.\n\n\nEven with the volume maximised, I was still having trouble hearing the person on the other side of the call. It sounds\u2026muddled, and it got to a point where I was using the loudspeaker instead to carry out the conversation.\n\n\nYeah, it\u2019s awkward to do that in a public area, but I was desperate.\n\n\n\n\nDespite these small annoyances, I do enjoy using the Galaxy A80 as my daily driver over the past couple of weeks. One UI provides a good software experience, the big, bright display is pleasant to look at, and the Snapdragon 730 can really keep up with my gaming needs.\n\n\nCamera\n\n\nSporting a triple camera system made up of a 48MP f/2.0 primary shooter, an 8MP f/2.2 wide angle camera, and a 3D Depth Sensor, the Galaxy A80 has reasonably good camera performance. The camera does get more sluggish in less than ideal lighting, but the end results look great regardless of lighting condition. Not quite on the same level as a flagship smartphone, but still good nonetheless.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, as good as the camera performance is, I was expecting\u2026well, a more sophisticated camera system, \nespecially\n at this price point. Given the steep asking price of the Galaxy A80, I was hoping to see a telephoto sensor, which would\u2019ve made it a more complete camera system.\n\n\nSure, some folks may find more use out of the A80\u2019s wide angle shooter than a telephoto lens, but even that isn\u2019t particularly great. While it handles distortion well (image don\u2019t have very noticeable fisheye-like effect), noise is an issue in low light conditions. Detail preservation suffers as well.\n\n\n48MP primary\n8MP wide angle\n48MP primary\n8MP wide angle\n\n\nThat is not to say the Galaxy A80 has a bad camera system; it just doesn\u2019t match the asking price of the smartphone. On the flip side, you do get a very good \u201cfront-facing camera,\u201d considering the fact that selfies are taken with the same camera module.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nCarrying a RM2,499 price tag, the Galaxy A80 is a costly mid-range smartphone. On top of that, it\u2019s also approaching the price territory of flagship devices, which are faster, sleeker, and more feature-packed. With that in mind, let\u2019s look at the A80\u2019s main competition with a similar all-screen design.\n\n\nOnePlus 7 Pro\n\n\nYes, the \nOnePlus 7 Pro\n is even more costly than the Galaxy A80 at RM2,999 for the 128GB variant with 6GB of RAM (2GB less than the A80), but it has so much more to offer. It has a sleeker design, a far more impressive 6.67-inch 1440p Fluid AMOLED 90Hz display, and better performance courtesy of the Snapdragon 855 chipset.\n\n\n\n\nSo why would you get the Galaxy A80 over the OnePlus 7 Pro? Well, only if you want the rotating camera of the former, which offers a better selfie camera in return. Of course, there\u2019s also the fact that the A80 costs RM500 less than the 7 Pro, though you will get a lot more value for your money with OnePlus\u2019 offering.\n\n\nXiaomi Mi 9T\n\n\nIf you want something \nfar more affordable\n, there\u2019s the \nXiaomi Mi 9T\n. Despite retailing at only RM1,399 for the 128GB variant with 6GB of RAM, it offers the same Snapdragon 730 chipset, an all-screen design, a more versatile triple camera system with three different focal lengths, and a bigger 4,000mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, the Galaxy A80 does have a couple of plus points. Although the Mi 9T has a more versatile camera system, the A80 has superior camera performance. Personally, I find One UI to be a lot more pleasant to use than Xiaomi\u2019s MIUI software too. But whether or not these are worth paying RM1,100 more is a different question.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy A80 is a unique, curious smartphone with a rotating camera module and all-screen design. It\u2019s a sleek, premium smartphone, but its high asking price and lack of value for money really work against it. Would you pay RM2,499 for a mid-range smartphone?\n\n\n\n\nGranted, you do get a really good mid-range smartphone for that kind of money. It has a sleek design, a good level of performance, as well as a capable triple camera system with a unique rotating mechanism, even if it\u2019s not the most practical implementation.\n\n\nIf you are intrigued by the Galaxy A80, it\u2019s worth a consideration. Just know that you have a lot of other options at this price point.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-a3-priced-below-rm1000/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi A3 & Mi Band 4 Arrive in Malaysia; Priced Below RM1,000", "body": "\n\nA couple of weeks after its global unveiling, the \nXiaomi Mi A3\n is now in Malaysia. As expected, the Android One device is priced very competitively for our market, retailing below the RM1,000 price point; even for the 128GB variant.\n\n\nOn top of that, the \nXiaomi Mi Band 4\n was also launched at the same time, carrying a RM149 price tag. For folks who are looking to get an affordable smartphone or fitness band, these two products are worth considering.\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Mi A3, Xiaomi\u2019s latest Android One device. Two variants are available in Malaysia: the 64GB model retails at RM899, while the 128GB variant goes for RM999. Without a doubt these are competitive prices for a device of this calibre.\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the Mi A3 brings quite a number of improvements. It has a much more generous 4,030mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, a power-efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon 655 chipset (built on an 11nm process), and a more sophisticated triple camera system, among other things.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, there is one hardware that draws criticism: the 6.088-inch 720p AMOLED display. That\u2019s right, a 720p display, which is \ntechnically\n a downgrade from its predecessor\u2019s 1080p IPS screen. Granted, the shift to an AMOLED panel can be seen as an upgrade, but many (including us) are puzzled at the 720p resolution.\n\n\nThat being said, in our \nhands-on of the Mi A3\n, we mentioned that it\u2019s not \nthat\n big of a deal. Of course, it\u2019s possible to see the pixelation of the display close-up, but when viewed at a normal distance, it doesn\u2019t look particularly blurry or anything. Plus, it\u2019s an AMOLED screen, so you get deep blacks, vibrant colours, and great viewing angles.\n\n\n\n\nBesides the display, other specifications of the Mi A3 are relatively good. It comes with 4GB of RAM, a microSD card slot (a feature that wasn\u2019t available on the Mi A2), a 3.5mm headphone jack (also unavailable on the Mi A2), and a USB-C port.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Mi A3\u2019s triple camera system is made up of a 48MP f/1.79 primary sensor, an 8MP f/2.2 wide angle shooter, and a 2MP f/2.2 depth camera. The front-facing shooter, on the other hand, has a 32MP f/2.0 sensor.\n\n\nAnd then we have the Mi Band 4, Xiaomi\u2019s most complete wearable yet. It features a 0.95-inch 240 x 120 AMOLED display, a 135mAh battery, which can deliver up to 20 days of battery life, and a 5 ATM rating; it can be submerged up to 50m underwater for 10 minutes without problem.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi A3 will be available in Malaysia from Shopee, Lazada, as well as Authorised Mi Stores from 3 August onwards. The Xiaomi Mi Band 4, on the other hand, can be purchased right now from the same channels.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mediatek-unveils-new-helio-g90-series-chipsets-focused-on-gaming/", "title": "MediaTek Unveils New Helio G90 Series Chipsets \u2013 Focused on Gaming", "body": "\n\nMediaTek just introduced two chipsets under the company\u2019s new Helio G series: the Helio G90 and G90T. Essentially, these two SoCs are focused on delivering the best gaming performance\u2026at an affordable price point.\n\n\nWhile it remains to be seen which device will come with either one of these two chipsets, at least one phone maker is on board: Xiaomi. Given the specifications of the Helio G90 series, it could very well offer reasonably good gaming performance for budget-centric smartphones.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat differentiates the Helio G90 and G90T is merely the clock speed of both the CPU and GPU. The G90\u2019s CPU cores max out at 2.0GHz, while the G90T is clocked ever so slightly higher at 2.05GHz. As for the GPU \u2013 which is a Mali G76 MP4 \u2013 it is clocked at 720MHz and 800MHz for the G90 and G90T respectively.\n\n\nMuch like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 and Huawei\u2019s own \nKirin 810\n chipsets, the Helio G90 series also uses ARM\u2019s Cortex-A76 and Cortex-A55 CPU cores. Basically, you can expect similar performance from the G90 chipsets compared to its competition here, though we\u2019ll have to wait until more benchmark results of the chips are available to be sure.\n\n\n\n\nIf we were to take MediaTek\u2019s word for it, however, the Helio G90 series is supposedly up to 26% faster than the Snapdragon 730. Considering the fact that the Snapdragon 730 is one of the most popular upper mid-range chipsets in the market now, that\u2019s certainly a bold claim. We\u2019ll definitely put this claim to the test once we have the opportunity to do so.\n\n\nBut there is one area where the Helio G90 SoCs fall behind: they are still built on a 12nm process. Compared to the Snapdragon 730 (8nm) and Kirin 810 (7nm), the G90 chips won\u2019t be quite as power-efficient. This, in turn, could result in worse battery life \u2013 in theory, anyway.\n\n\n\n\nAs the Helio G90 series is focused on gaming, it comes with MediaTek\u2019s \u201cHyperEngine\u201d technology. It\u2019s a suite of software optimisations to improve gaming performance, which isn\u2019t unlike Huawei\u2019s GPU Turbo tech. On top of that, MediaTek also says that the G90 chips can identify if the WiFi signal is weakening, in which case it will automatically switch to an LTE connection as backup.\n\n\nMediaTek chipsets have always been found in more budget-friendly smartphones, so if the new Helio G90 series can provide good gaming performance for the money, the chipmaker could have a winner here.\n\n\n\n\nThe first smartphone to ship with MediaTek\u2019s new Helio G90 chip will likely come from Xiaomi. The Chinese phone maker recently confirmed that a Redmi-branded smartphone will feature either one of the two new chips. Given Xiaomi\u2019s competitive pricing \u2013 and the affordability of MediaTek\u2019s chips \u2013 it should make for an interesting smartphone.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/black-shark-2-pro-unveiled-with-snapdragon-855-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Black Shark 2 Pro Unveiled with Snapdragon 855+ & Similar Design; Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nBlack Shark just unveiled an update to the \noriginal Black Shark 2\n. Dubbed simply the Black Shark 2 Pro, the new gaming smartphone comes with a faster \nQualcomm Snapdragon 855+\n chipset, as well as UFS 3.0 storage; the previous model only had UFS 2.1 storage instead.\n\n\nBeyond the updated chipset, other specifications of the Black Shark 2 Pro are very similar to its predecessor, including the overall design. There are, however, a few small changes here and there, and it is expected to be coming to Malaysia very soon.\n\n\n\n\nAesthetically, the Black Shark 2 Pro has a new rear panel design. Compared to the regular Black Shark 2\u2019s more bulky-looking design, the Pro model has a more streamlined look with a strip of metal going down the middle of the phone. This isn\u2019t only done for looks, apparently: it supposedly improves grip comfort in long gaming sessions.\n\n\nThanks to the faster Snapdragon 855+ chipset, the Black Shark 2 Pro will have better gaming performance than its predecessor. Even though it still uses the same Adreno 640 GPU, it has been overclocked to return up to 15% better performance. That\u2019s really quite a noteworthy performance gain.\n\n\nBesides the GPU, the CPU of the Snapdragon 855+ is clocked higher too: it runs at up to 2.96GHz instead of 2.84GHz with the standard Snapdragon 855.\n\n\n\n\nResponse time of the Black Shark 2 Pro\u2019s display has also been further improved. Its predecessor already had an impressive 43.5ms input lag, but the Pro model lowered it down to \nonly 34.7ms\n. For comparison, the \nAsus ROG Phone II\n\u2018s input lag is 49ms. On top of that, the 240Hz polling rate of the Pro\u2019s screen is retained too.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the Black Shark 2 Pro \nstill\n comes with a 60Hz display. Given the fact that its competition has 90Hz, or even 120Hz screens, the 60Hz refresh rate of the Pro\u2019s display definitely isn\u2019t impressive. Especially so for a gaming-centric smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nRegardless, at least the 6.39-inch display is still a 2340 x 1080 AMOLED panel, so it should have deep blacks and vibrant colours. Other specifications of the Black Shark 2 Pro include 12GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of non-expandable storage, a 4,000mAh battery, a dual camera system (48MP f/1.75 primary sensor + 12MP f/2.2 telephoto lens), as well as a 20MP f/2.0 front-facing shooter.\n\n\nTwo variants of the gaming smartphone are available: the 128GB model retails at 2,999 Chinese yuan (about RM1,800), while the 256GB variant goes for 3,499 yuan (approximately RM2,100).\n\n\n\n\nCurrently, the Black Shark 2 Pro is only sold in China, but that will change in the coming months. In fact, we were told that the gaming smartphone will be coming to Malaysia soon. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the local availability of the Black Shark 2 Pro.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/fortnite-season-x-introduces-a-giant-mech-controlled-by-two-players/", "title": "Fortnite Season X Introduces a Giant Mech Controlled By Two Players", "body": "\n\nFortnite\u2019s 10th season \u2013 stylised as \u201cSeason X\u201d \u2013 is now live, and it is jam-packed with a number of new cosmetic items, features, and get this: a giant mech suit. That\u2019s right, a giant mech that requires \ntwo players\n to control effectively.\n\n\nIf you haven\u2019t been playing Fortnite for a while now (like myself), you may be interested to jump back into the game for Season X \u2013 I certainly will.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOkay, so let\u2019s start with the new giant mech suit. B.R.U.T.E., as Epic Games calls it, can be operated by two players: one to control the movement, and another to control the various weaponry. Alternatively, you can even use the mech suit alone by switching between moving and shooting.\n\n\nThe maneuverability of B.R.U.T.E. seems to be quite good too. You can dash, super jump, and even \u201cstomp enemies and structures into the ground.\u201d As for weapons, you\u2019ve got two at your disposal: a shotgun and a missile launcher.\n\n\n\n\nOut of the two weapons, the missile launcher is the most interesting one here. Up to 10 missiles can be loaded, and you\u2019ll have to hold down on the Trigger button to start loading them. Once you let go of the Trigger button (or 10 missiles have already been loaded), all missiles will fire automatically.\n\n\nNaturally, there is a way to protect yourself inside the B.R.U.T.E.. By consuming 200 Materials of any type, you will create an \u201covershield,\u201d which will protect you in the mech for five seconds. Not particularly long, but hey, it\u2019s part of balancing.\n\n\nThat being said, we\u2019re sure the giant mech suit will be tweaked again once players start putting it through its paces.\n\n\n\n\nAnother thing that\u2019s new in Season X are Battle Pass-exclusive Missions, which are thematic objectives that grant various rewards. These range from Battle Stars, experience points, and cosmetic items exclusive to these Missions. Aside from that, Season X also allows you to gift Battle Pass to your friends now. If you want to do so, be quick: it will not be possible to gift Battle Pass after 15 August.\n\n\nBesides that, the Season X Battle Pass include your usual rewards as you go up in tiers. You can get emotes, cosmetic items, experience points, and so on. The full list of rewards can be found \nhere\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSeason X of Fortnite is live right now, and it will conclude on 6 October. If you\u2019d like to purchase the Battle Pass, it still costs the same at 950 V-Bucks. For context, you can purchase 1,000 V-Bucks \nfor RM30 on the PlayStation Store\n. The full patch note for Season X can be found on \nFortnite\u2019s official website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-launches-affordable-aspire-3-aspire-5-laptops-rm599-portable-monitor-in-malaysia/", "title": "Acer Launches Affordable Aspire 3, Aspire 5 Laptops & RM599 Portable Monitor in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nIn conjunction with Acer Day 2019, the Taiwanese company just launched two new affordable laptops and a portable monitor in Malaysia. The two laptops are the Aspire 3 and Aspire 5, which are ideal for folks who are looking for a relatively budget-friendly laptop that can also do some gaming on the side.\n\n\nAs for the portable monitor, it is the Acer PM161Q. Featuring a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display, this lightweight, compact monitor is targeted at those who want a second screen on the go.\n\n\n\n\nOut of the two laptops launched today, the Aspire 5 is arguably the more interesting one. It comes with an Intel Core i5-8265U or i7-8565U processor paired with 4GB of on-board DDR4 RAM, a 14-inch 1080p IPS display, a 256GB PCIe SSD, and an Nvidia GeForce MX250 GPU.\n\n\nThanks to the MX250 GPU, the Aspire 5 would be able to run certain games at a playable frame rate. Dota 2, \nDiablo III\n, and even Fortnite (with some tweaking in the graphics settings) should run just fine on this laptop.\n\n\nPricing wise, the Core i5 variant of the Aspire 5 retails at only RM2,499. The higher-end Core i7 model, on the other hand, goes for RM3,099. In terms of warranty, this laptop come with a three-year warranty; the first year is also covered under Acer\u2019s International Travelers Warranty.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the slightly more affordable Aspire 3. Its hardware is pretty similar to the Aspire 5, but it comes with a lower-end GeForce MX230 GPU, a 1TB HDD or 256GB PCIe SSD (depending on which model you get), and a larger 15.6-inch 1080p display.\n\n\nHow much does the Aspire 3 cost? Well, the Core i5 model with a 1TB HDD storage is priced at RM2,399, while the Core i7 variant \u2013 with a faster 256GB SSD \u2013 retails at RM3,099. Much like the Aspire 5, the Aspire 3 is also covered with a three-year warranty.\n\n\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the PM161Q portable monitor. As mentioned, it comes with a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display that covers 45% of the NTSC colour gamut, a 170\u00b0 viewing angle, 200 nits of brightness, and a USB Type-C port.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, this portable monitor connects to devices with a USB-C connection, which supports laptops, tablets, and even smartphones. It\u2019s also quite lightweight and compact, weighing 0.97kg with a 2cm side profile. Retailing at RM599, the PM161Q comes with three years of on-site pickup and return warranty.\n\n\n\n\nCurrently, only the Core i7 variant of the Acer Aspire 5 is available for purchase in Malaysia; the more affordable Core i5 and i3 models will arrive here by the end of August 2019. As for the Aspire 3, it can be purchased right now, while the PM161Q portable monitor will be on store shelves from September 2019 onwards.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-aspire-5-hands-on-an-attractive-laptop-for-the-money/", "title": "Acer Aspire 5 Hands-On: An Attractive Laptop for the Money", "body": "\n\nAffordable laptops may not be the most exciting products, but they certainly have an appeal of their own. It\u2019s interesting to see how PC makers can keep the prices low without sacrificing too much of what makes a laptop\u2026well, actually good.\n\n\nAnd that is why I was quite interested with the Acer Aspire 5, which has just been launched in Malaysia today. Retailing from RM2,499, is this productivity-focused, budget-centric laptop any good? Let\u2019s find out.\n\n\n\n\nUsually, affordable laptops are not built particularly well; not the case with the Aspire 5. Most of the laptop is made out of metal, lending to a premium look and feel. It\u2019s really quite amazing how much better the build quality of budget-friendly laptops have gotten.\n\n\nBut if I were to nitpick, I\u2019m not crazy about the Aspire 5\u2019s screen bezel. No, I\u2019m not talking about the bezel size, but the plastic material of the frame. Granted, this is not a premium product; it\u2019s meant to be an affordable laptop. With that in mind, the use of plastic to lower the production cost of the laptop makes sense.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the display of the Aspire 5 is surprisingly good. It\u2019s a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen, so it is a bright panel with vibrant colours. Of course, even the viewing angles are good, though it does look dimmer when viewed at an angle. All in all, it is still a very usable screen that is pleasant to look at.\n\n\nWhen it comes to connectivity, the Aspire 5 has a bunch of them. There are three full-size USB ports \u2013 two of which are USB 3.1 \u2013 a single USB-C connection, an HDMI 2.0 output, and even an ethernet port.\n\n\n\n\nProductivity laptops have to be portable enough to be brought along easily, and in this regard, the Aspire 5 is reasonably good. Measuring 17.95mm thin and weighing 1.5kg, it\u2019s thin and light enough to lug it around in your backpack without much trouble.\n\n\nWhen it comes to performance, the Aspire 5 is powerful enough to be an effective productivity laptop. It comes with either an Intel Core i5-8265U or i7-8565U processor paired with 4GB of on-board DDR4 RAM, which should be sufficient for most productivity-related tasks. Thanks to the 256GB PCIe SSD storage, you will also enjoy fast boot time and shorter loading times, \namong other things\n.\n\n\nOh, it\u2019s also worth noting that Acer promises up to 12.5 hours of battery life with the Aspire 5. However, this is only for the Core i5 model; the Core i7 variant has a much shorter quoted battery life of up to seven hours.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to do some gaming on the Aspire 5, good news: it comes with a dedicated GPU in the form of the Nvidia GeForce MX250. It\u2019s not an awfully powerful graphics card, but it will be capable enough to run less demanding games like Dota 2 and \nDiablo III\n well.\n\n\nLet\u2019s say you want to run more demanding games on the Aspire 5; how well would it fare? Now, while I have yet to get my hands on a laptop with an MX250 GPU to really put this to the test, I reckon it can deliver playable frame rate in \nFortnite\n, Overwatch, and even \nApex Legends\n.\n\n\nOf course, you\u2019ll definitely have to lower down the graphics settings to get good frame rate on these graphically demanding games.\n\n\n\n\nAnother important hardware of any productivity laptop is the keyboard, which\u2026has room for improvement on the Aspire 5. For starters, the key travel is quite short, lending to a shallow typing experience. On top of that, having the power button at the top right of the keyboard is just begging for it to be pressed accidentally. Thankfully, it doesn\u2019t put the laptop to sleep with a single tap.\n\n\nDespite the short key travel, I do think the keyboard is still very serviceable. I can still type as quickly as I do on a full-size keyboard, and the tactility of the keys do improve the typing experience. It\u2019s not the most enjoyable keyboard to type on, but it\u2019s certainly not the worst either.\n\n\nAs for the trackpad, I\u2019m pleasantly surprised with its accuracy. It can track my fingers well, it can recognise gestures well, and the trackpad itself has a very smooth surface. I\u2019m confident I won\u2019t need to use a physical mouse with this laptop to work efficiently.\n\n\n\n\nAt a glance, the Acer Aspire 5 is a compelling productivity-focused laptop. It has solid build quality, a good level of performance, and a relatively portable form factor. More importantly, it offers quite good value for money too.\n\n\nThe Malaysian market will receive two variants of the Aspire 5: the Core i5 model retails at RM2,499 (though it will only be available by the end of August 2019), while the Core i7 variant goes for RM3,099. While these price tags are not super affordable, the laptop\u2019s feature set does seem to justify the asking price here.\n\n\n\n\nBased on my brief time with the Aspire 5, I honestly don\u2019t think you can go wrong with it, especially if you need a good productivity laptop for work or studies. The only thing that may make it less compelling is the actual battery life, which can only be put to the test in a full review of the Aspire 5.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-nitro-7-review-slim-value-for-money-gaming-laptop/", "title": "Acer Nitro 7 Review: Slim, Value for Money Gaming Laptop", "body": "\n\nAcer\u2019s range of gaming laptops have gotten better over the years. The \nPredator Triton 500\n, for one, is my personal favourite with its sleek profile and good gaming performance for the money. And now, we have something more affordable, but almost equally as good: the Acer Nitro 7.\n\n\nSporting a slim chassis, high performance, fast display, and good value for money, the Nitro 7 should be in your list if these are what you look for in a gaming laptop.\n\n\nSpecifications\n\n\nDisplay\n15.6-inch 144Hz FHD IPS (1920 x 1080)\nProcessor\nIntel Core i7-9750H (2.6GHz with Turbo Boost up to 4.5GHz, 12MB cache)\nGPU\nNvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 6GB GDDR6 VRAM\nRAM\n8GB DDR4\nStorage\n256GB PCIe SSD\nCamera\nHD resolution\nBattery\n55WHr\nDimensions\n363.4 x 259.5 x 19.9 \u2013 23.14 mm\nWeight\n2.5kg\nAudio\nBottom-firing stereo speakers\nPorts\n1x USB Type-C\n2x USB 3.1 Type-A\n1x USB 2.0 Type-A\n1x HDMI\n1x RJ45\n\n\nDesign\n\n\nOne of the biggest selling points of the Nitro 7 is its slim profile, which is touted to be only 19.9mm thin. However, that\u2019s only the front part of the chassis; the back is slightly thicker at 23.14mm. While that doesn\u2019t sound quite as impressive, the Nitro 7 is still slimmer than most gaming laptops in the market now.\n\n\n\n\nAesthetically, this laptop looks quite understated on the outside. The Acer logo blends seamlessly with the black lid, there are subtle red highlights on the vents, and the brushed metal finish looks and feels really nice. But once you lift the lid, there\u2019s no mistaking it for anything other than a gaming laptop.\n\n\nNot surprisingly, black and red colour scheme \u2013 typical of gaming laptops \u2013 are found throughout the Nitro 7. The keyboard has red backlighting (no RGB here), and even the trackpad has red accents surrounding it. Personally, I quite like how the laptop looks overall: it still has a rather minimalist design despite the \u201cgamer\u201d colour scheme.\n\n\n\n\nBuild quality of the Nitro 7 is quite good too. Metal is used extensively \u2013 except for the plastic screen bezel \u2013 it doesn\u2019t creak with added pressure, and it just feels really well put together. However, some of the laptop\u2019s edges are a bit sharp to the touch, especially the bottom lid area.\n\n\nAs for the Nitro 7\u2019s connections, it\u2019s pretty complete. It has three full-size USB-A ports (two of which are USB 3.1), a USB-C connection, an HDMI output, and an RJ45 port. Chances are, these ports will meet most consumers\u2019 demands.\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, the Nitro 7 is a well-designed, understated gaming laptop with a relatively slim body. As mentioned, it has solid build quality too, though I do wish the chassis was a bit more polished to get rid of the sharp edges.\n\n\nUser Experience\n\n\nGaming laptops don\u2019t typically have the best battery life, but the Nitro 7 proved to be an exception. Well, for the most part. With the power plan set to power saver and the display dimmed to a comfortable level, I managed to get five hours of use consistently with this laptop. Not the best battery life, but certainly not the worst either.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Nitro 7\u2019s keyboard, it\u2019s reasonably good. It has ample amount of key travel, good tactility, and a relatively standard layout. Whether I\u2019m using the keyboard to game or to write lengthy articles, I never find it to be subpar or lacking in any meaningful way.\n\n\nThat being said, much like the Predator Triton 500\u2019s keyboard layout, I find it \nreally odd\n for Acer to place the NitroSense software key right next to the backspace button. While I accidentally hit that key less often than I do on the Triton 500, it still happened more often that I would\u2019ve liked. I dread seeing the NitroSense logo pop up every time I hit the key by mistake when I\u2019m writing articles.\n\n\n\n\nOn a brighter note, I love the Nitro 7\u2019s trackpad, which is surprisingly good for a gaming laptop. It can track my inputs accurately, my fingers glide effortlessly on the smooth surface, and using only the trackpad for my productivity tasks proved to be a non-issue. Overall, it\u2019s a really good trackpad, especially for a Windows-based machine.\n\n\nYou know what else that is good? The Nitro 7\u2019s 144Hz 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display. Thanks to the high refresh rate, everything \u2013 and I mean \neverything\n \u2013 looks extra smooth on this screen. Even the simplest action like moving the cursor or scrolling looks \nthat\n much more fluid on this display.\n\n\nOf course, games that can take full advantage of the 144Hz refresh rate also look incredibly smooth, making for an enjoyable gaming experience. It\u2019s made even better with the display\u2019s excellent viewing angles, dynamic range, and vibrant colours.\n\n\n\n\nThermals of the Nitro 7, on the other hand, could be better. In prolonged gaming sessions, the CPU and GPU got up to 95\u00b0C and 83\u00b0C respectively with the fan profile set to Auto. Not particularly great numbers, especially with the CPU. Even in this setting, the fans were already spinning quite audibly. Setting the fan profile to Max make them \neven \nlouder, though it should improve the temperatures.\n\n\nWill you feel the heat on the laptop itself? You bet. While the palm rest area stayed relatively cool, the keyboard does get a bit too warm for my liking. On top of that, you \nreally\n wouldn\u2019t want this laptop on your lap in long gaming sessions; the bottom chassis gets quite toasty.\n\n\n\n\nDespite its average cooling performance, I thoroughly enjoyed using the Nitro 7 as my gaming machine and daily driver. Now, let\u2019s get to the exciting stuff: performance.\n\n\nPerformance\n\n\nPowered by an Intel Core i7-9750H processor and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti GPU, the Nitro 7 is a capable gaming laptop. Sure, the \nGTX 1660 Ti\n is not a gaming powerhouse, but it is powerful enough to run most modern games at maxed out graphics settings above the desired 60fps mark.\n\n\nI\u2019ve tested a number of games with the Nitro 7, and most of them \u2013 with the exception of Witcher 3, as the game is locked at 60fps \u2013 run well above the 60fps mark. See for yourself with the results below.\n\n\nGames (Maxed Out Settings @ 1080p)\nAverage FPS\nWitcher 3 (HairWorks disabled)\n58.70\nFortnite\n83.37\nApex Legends\n81.59 \nPlayerUnknown\u2019s Battlegrounds \n64.39     \n\n\nPretty good results, right? In fact, as I\u2019ve mentioned before in my review of the \nAsus TUF Gaming FX505\n, this level of performance is very close to the RTX 2060\u2019s numbers. While you don\u2019t get RTX-exclusive features like ray tracing and Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), you won\u2019t be spending as much money either.\n\n\n\n\nWhile these games are not really making full use of the Nitro 7\u2019s 144Hz display, you can easily achieve higher frame rate by tweaking the graphics settings. It may even give you a competitive edge in the battle royale titles I\u2019ve tested above.\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nTwo variants of the Nitro 7 are available in Malaysia. The one I\u2019m reviewing here is the GTX 1660 Ti model, which retails at RM5,199. The more affordable GTX 1650 variant, on the other hand, costs RM4,899. Given the small price difference, I would definitely recommend going for the higher-end GTX 1660 Ti model \u2013 it offers much better value for money.\n\n\nFor RM5,199, the Nitro 7 has a number of noteworthy competition; some of which are even more affordable.\n\n\nAsus ROG Zephyrus G\n\n\nJust like the Nitro 7, the Zephyrus G is quite a slim gaming laptop. It has a 19.9mm thin chassis, 8GB of RAM, and a slightly slower 15.6-inch 1080p display with 120Hz refresh rate. Even with the slower display, the Zephyrus G features a much more generous 512GB SSD, a sleeker, almost bezel-less display, and a lower RM4,999 price tag.\n\n\n\n\nBut on the flip side, the Nitro 7 has a faster Core i7-9750H than the Zephyrus G\u2019s AMD Ryzen 7-3750H processor, not to mention the fact that Acer\u2019s offering has a more powerful GPU. See, the Zephyrus G comes with a Max-Q version of the GTX 1660 Ti, which is slower than the Nitro 7\u2019s standard GTX 1660 Ti.\n\n\nLenovo Legion Y540\n\n\nWhile it\u2019s not quite as thin as the Nitro 7 with a 25.9mm thick chassis, the \nLenovo Legion Y540\n is a good alternative to the former. Its customisable nature makes it a lot more versatile when it comes to the choice of hardware, and in terms of looks, I\u2019d argue the Y540 is the sleeker option with its almost bezel-less design.\n\n\n\n\nThen again, you\u2019ll have to pay slightly more for the Legion Y540. The GTX 1660 Ti model with a Core i7-9750H processor, a 144Hz 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB PCIe SSD with a 1TB 7200rpm HDD storage retails at RM5,299.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nThe Acer Nitro 7 is a great option for gamers who want a slim gaming laptop with a good level of performance. Even if there are more affordable options in the market with the same GPU, you\u2019d be hard-pressed to find a different gaming laptop in the same price range with the Nitro 7\u2019s CPU and GPU combo in a slim chassis.\n\n\n\n\nIf there\u2019s anything that is lacking with the Nitro 7, it would be the laptop\u2019s thermal performance and SSD capacity. Even then, you can still game effectively with the average cooling performance, and the storage capacity can be upgraded relatively easily.\n\n\nThose who are looking for a slim, capable gaming laptop should definitely consider the Nitro 7. It may not be perfect, but it offers good value for money and performance in a slim package.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-watch-active-2-official-brings-back-bezel-control/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 Official; Brings Back Bezel Control", "body": "\n\nAfter only six months since the \noriginal Galaxy Watch Active\n was introduced, the new Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is here. On the surface, it looks a lot like its predecessor, but it brings back one vital feature: bezel control.\n\n\nHowever, unlike the bigger Galaxy Watch, the Watch Active 2 doesn\u2019t have a physically rotating bezel. Instead, it\u2019s a \u201ctouch\u201d bezel; the whole bezel of the smartwatch is touch sensitive, so you can scroll through the user interface by running your finger over it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis addition alone makes the Galaxy Watch Active 2 a better smartwatch than the previous model. After all, the Tizen-based operating system was designed with the bezel control in mind, so it would feel a lot more natural to navigate the user interface with the touch bezel.\n\n\nThen again, it remains to be seen just how refined the Galaxy Watch Active 2\u2019s touch bezel is. Given the fact that it\u2019s not a physically rotating bezel, it may not feel as natural to use. Nonetheless, we\u2019ll give it the benefit of the doubt until we\u2019ve tried out the new smartwatch for ourselves.\n\n\n\n\nAside from the touch bezel, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 also comes with improved heart rate sensor and accelerometer, which should make for more accurate workout tracking. On top of that, the wearable now supports ECG too: it will be able to track your heart rate and rhythm more accurately than a conventional heart rate sensor.\n\n\nThat being said, the ECG feature will not be available at launch. Instead, it will only be enabled sometime in the future, but Samsung did not give any specific time frame. Chances are, it needs some form of clearance from relevant regulatory bodies before the ECG feature can be enabled.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy Watch Active 2 are relatively similar to its predecessor, though it does have a larger 1.2-inch or 1.4-inch 360 x 360 Super AMOLED display for the 40mm and 44mm models respectively. Besides that, it also supports GPS, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and 5 ATM rating, which allows for it to be submerged up to 50m for 10 minutes without problem.\n\n\nInterestingly, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 is not replacing the first Watch Active; both products will co-exist in the market. Of course, this also means the Active 2 is more costly: it retails at $279, which comes up to about RM1,170. There\u2019s also an LTE model, but its retail price has not been revealed yet.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 will hit the market on 27 September in the US. Malaysian availability of the new smartwatch, on the other hand, is not known yet at the moment. Rest assured, we\u2019re confident Samsung Malaysia will bring in the Active 2 to our market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/tm-launches-unifi-air-unifi-lite-plans-streamyx-users-migrating-to-unifi-lite-for-rm69-per-month/", "title": "TM Launches Unifi Air & Unifi Lite Plans \u2013 Streamyx Users Migrating to Unifi Lite for RM69 Per Month", "body": "\n\nTelekom Malaysia (TM) has a number of news to share today. Not only is it unveiling the new Unifi Air wireless broadband service, the company also has good news for existing Streamyx users. Those who are on Streamyx will be automatically migrated to the new Unifi Lite plan from 1 September onwards.\n\n\nOn top of that, these existing Streamyx users will only need to pay RM69 per month for Unifi Lite, even if they\u2019re paying more than that amount with their current Streamyx plan. What if you\u2019re paying less than RM69? Well, you can actually \nkeep paying\n that amount. That\u2019s a pretty sweet deal.\n\n\n\n\nDespite the migration to a different plan, Unifi Lite is still based on TM\u2019s copper infrastructure, so you won\u2019t be getting the speed of fibre optic connectivity. That being said, TM did say that users on Unifi Life can get speeds up to 8Mbps (with unlimited data, of course) where applicable \u2013 emphasis on the last part.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re wondering, no, there is no additional contract with the new Unifi Lite plan for existing Streamyx users. On top of that, the migration will be done automatically come 1 September. Those who are eligible for the migration won\u2019t have to do anything to be on Unifi Lite.\n\n\n\n\nTM further elaborated that Unifi Lite is simply an interim solution pending the expansion of its fibre optic infrastructure. In that sense, this is not a permanent solution. It\u2019s possible the company would introduce better plans in the future, though this is merely an educated guess at this point in time.\n\n\nInterestingly, you can sign up for the Unifi Lite plan right now if you wish to do so. If you sign up before 31 August, you\u2019ll get to enjoy the RM69 rate from 1 October onwards. But if you sign up after 1 September, you\u2019ll have to pay RM89 per month instead of only RM69. Clearly, this new plan is meant to benefit existing Streamyx users the most.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have TM\u2019s new wireless broadband plan, Unifi Air. If your area is not under Unifi coverage, or if you\u2019re an existing Streamyx user that wants a faster connection, this is the perfect option. The plan offers speeds up to 20Mbps, and there is no data cap either.\n\n\nHowever, if you want to sign up for Unifi Air, do note that you\u2019ll be tied to a 24-month contract. On the bright side, no upfront payment is necessary, and the LTE device \u2013 complete with a SIM card \u2013 will be given for free. With that in mind, you would only have to pay the monthly fee when you sign up for Unifi Air.\n\n\n\n\nThe introduction of Unifi Lite and Unifi Air are really meant to address consumers\u2019 complaints with Streamyx, and they may be good enough as a stopgap measure until TM can further expand its fibre optic infrastructure. If you\u2019ve got any questions regarding the migration of Streamyx users to Unifi Lite, click \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-grab-the-playstation-classic-for-only-rm199-now/", "title": "Deal: Grab the PlayStation Classic for Only RM199 Now", "body": "\n\nThe PlayStation Classic console was made available here back in December last year. It cost quite a bit of money then \u2013 especially for a novelty product \u2013 but right now, you can get the PlayStation Classic \nfor only RM199\n.\n\n\nTo put this offer into context, the retro console went for RM429 at launch; you\u2019re saving a whopping RM230 with this deal. On top of that, it\u2019s also offered by Preferred Shopee retailer SaveallStore, so rest assured, this is a legitimate deal.\n\n\n\n\nAccording to the listing, the PlayStation Classic comes with official warranty support from Sony Malaysia itself. If you need to claim for warranty (if necessary), there shouldn\u2019t be any issue.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to get the PlayStation Classic for only RM199, act fast \u2013 there are only \nthree units left\n at the time of writing.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-note-10-launching-tomorrow-what-to-expect/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Launching Tomorrow \u2013 What to Expect", "body": "\n\nSamsung will finally take the wraps off the Galaxy Note 10 tomorrow. Based on numerous leaks and rumours surrounding the upcoming device, it\u2019s shaping up to be quite the flagship smartphone; it may just be Samsung\u2019s most exciting product yet.\n\n\nGiven that the Note 10 series will be announced soon \u2013 at 4AM tomorrow morning, in fact \u2013 here\u2019s what you can expect from Samsung\u2019s latest premium smartphones.\n\n\nTwo Different Variants\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, there will be two Galaxy Note devices this year. There\u2019s the standard Galaxy Note 10, and the even bigger Galaxy Note 10+. \nBased on leaks\n \nfrom WinFuture\n, these two devices are separated by a number of key hardware.\n\n\nImage credit: Droid Life\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the smaller Galaxy Note 10. It will supposedly come with a 6.3-inch 1080p display, a Samsung Exynos 9825 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, at least 256GB of UFS 3.0 storage, and a 3,500mAh battery. The Exynos 9825 is particularly interesting: while it\u2019s similar to the Exynos 9820 found inside the \nGalaxy S10\n phones, it\u2019s built on a more power-efficient 7nm process.\n\n\nAs for the bigger Galaxy Note 10+, it\u2019s said to feature a much bigger 6.8-inch 1440p display, the same Exynos 9825 SoC paired with 12GB of RAM, 256GB or 512GB of UFS 3.0 storage, and a very generous 4,300mAh battery.\n\n\nNew Infinity-O Display\n\n\nEven though the Galaxy Note 10 series will continue using the Infinity-O moniker, the design is a lot more refined than the hole-punch cutout of the \nGalaxy S10\n. If leaked images and renders of the Note 10 are accurate, the Infinity-O cutout will be at the top of the display right in the centre. The camera cutout seems to be a lot smaller too, giving it an even sleeker appearance.\n\n\nImage credit: Droid Life\n\n\nBeyond this new screen design, the Note 10 should retain the Dynamic AMOLED display found on the Galaxy S10 smartphones. It should come with HDR10 support as well, along with an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\nS Pen with Gesture Support\n\n\nNaturally, the S Pen is getting an upgrade too. If last year\u2019s S Pen gets Bluetooth support, the new Note 10 will feature an S Pen\u2026with gesture support. This feature is revealed in \nleaked marketing materials\n of the phone, which should further enhance the S Pen\u2019s functionality as a remote control.\n\n\nImage credit: Droid Life\n\n\nAt a glance, the new \u201cair gesture\u201d feature on the S Pen may seem gimmicky, but it\u2019ll be interesting to see what it can really do. There could be useful applications of the feature.\n\n\nImproved Camera System with ToF\n\n\nOf course, as with any new Samsung flagship, the Galaxy Note 10 series will feature a more sophisticated camera system. Both the Note 10 and Note 10+ are rumoured to come with a triple camera system made up of a 12MP f/1.5 \u2013 f/2.4 primary sensor, a 16MP f/2.2 wide angle shooter, and a 12MP f/2.1 telephoto lens. Compared to the Note 9, the Note 10 adds a wide angle sensor.\n\n\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the Note 10+ is expected to feature a slightly more comprehensive camera system. Further complementing the triple camera system is a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor that will improve the camera\u2019s depth perception. This will make Portrait shots look more impressive, though we\u2019ll have to wait and see exactly how Samsung will take advantage of the sensor.\n\n\nNo 3.5mm Headphone Jack & MicroSD Card Support\n\n\nOkay, the microSD card support isn\u2019t \ntotally\n gone from the Galaxy Note 10 series. Rumours are speculating that only the smaller, standard Note 10 will lose support for microSD cards. The bigger Note 10+, on the other hand, will retain the feature.\n\n\nUnfortunately, it is believed that the 3.5mm headphone jack would be completely absent from the Galaxy Note 10 series. This would make it the first mainstream Samsung phone to get rid of the headphone jack. If this turns out to be legitimate, it\u2019s highly likely future flagship devices from Samsung \u2013 such as the Galaxy S11 series \u2013 will eliminate the port too.\n\n\n5G Model(s) Expected\n\n\nNow, this shouldn\u2019t come as a surprise, considering the fact that there\u2019s a \n5G version of the Galaxy S10\n. Rumours are suggesting that Samsung will be releasing not one, but \ntwo \n5G variants of the Note 10; one for each screen size.\n\n\n\n\nIf this rumour pans out, there would be \nfour\n devices in the Galaxy Note 10 series. Regardless, whether or not the 5G models are happening, we probably won\u2019t see them made available here anyway.\n\n\nMost Expensive Note Device Yet\n\n\nConsidering the hardware upgrades the Galaxy Note 10 series are expected to come with, the prices will increase as well. \nFor the Malaysian market\n, the standard Note 10 (256GB) retails at RM3,699, while the Note 10+ (256GB) goes for RM4,199. There\u2019s also a 512GB model of the Note 10+, which costs a whopping RM4,799.\n\n\nAs a point of reference, the 512GB variant of the Galaxy Note 9 went for RM4,599 at launch, so you\u2019re looking at a RM200 price difference.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, these are still unconfirmed leaks and rumours \u2013 except for the Malaysian pricing \u2013 surrounding the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 series, so not every single information here will be accurate. That being said, we\u2019re pretty confident most are right on the money, especially the design of the upcoming smartphone.\n\n\nEither way, we will know for sure once Samsung officially unveils the Galaxy Note 10 tomorrow morning at 4AM Malaysian time. If you\u2019d like, you can register your interest for the Note 10 \nright here\n to get the latest updates.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-note-10-series-confirmed-to-retail-from-rm3699-in-malaysia/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Series Confirmed to Retail from RM3,699 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nNow, this is a surprise: Celcom just revealed the retail prices of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 in Malaysia. On top of that, the telco also confirmed the existence of the Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10+ ahead of their official launch event tomorrow morning.\n\n\nCelcom revealed these information in its Galaxy Note 10 pre-order program. The standard Note 10 with 256GB of storage retails at RM3,699, while the higher-end Note 10+ \u2013 also the 256GB variant \u2013 goes for RM4,199. If you want the 512GB version of the Note 10+ instead, that will set you back RM4,799.\n\n\n\n\nIf you pre-order the Galaxy Note 10 with Celcom, you can get some pretty sweet goodies too. Pre-ordering the standard Note 10 with the telco company will get you a Samsung Galaxy Buds, a Samsung Battery Pack, as well as a one-year extended warranty.\n\n\nIt gets even better for the Galaxy Note 10+: you can get a free upgrade to the 512GB variant by just pre-ordering the 256GB model with Celcom. Of course, the Samsung Battery Pack and a one-year extended warranty will be thrown in too.\n\n\n\n\nYou can place your pre-order of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 with Celcom from tomorrow until 18 August 2019. As for the Note 10 series itself, Samsung will officially unveil it tomorrow at 4AM Malaysian time. In the meantime, check out \nwhat to expect from the launch event\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-note-10-hands-on-the-true-successor/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ Hands-On: The True Successor", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Note 10 smartphones are now official, and the star of the series is definitely this device right here, the Galaxy Note 10+. Even though it carries the \u201cPlus\u201d moniker, make no mistake: this is the true successor to the Samsung Galaxy Note 9, not the regular Note 10.\n\n\nAfter spending a brief time with the Note 10+, I was left pretty darn impressed. In fact, this is easily one of Samsung\u2019s most exciting phones to date; even more so than the \nGalaxy S10 series\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSmartphones with all-screen designs free of notches and hole-punch cutouts are increasingly common, but none of them \u2013 and I mean \nnone\n of them \u2013 look quite as stunning as the Galaxy Note 10+. See, even though there\u2019s a camera cutout at the top of the display right in the middle, the screen \nreally\n stretches to the edges of the phone.\n\n\nNow, the side bezels are virtually gone thanks to the dual curved display, but the most impressive design feat here is the lack of bezel at the top and bottom of the Galaxy Note 10+. There\u2019s no forehead, there\u2019s no big chin, only a very, \nvery\n sleek-looking smartphone. Interestingly, it\u2019s the same size as the Galaxy Note 9 too.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, I\u2019m sure some folks are not thrilled with the Note 10+\u2019s hole-punch cutout at the top of the display. If it\u2019s any consolation, the cutout is really quite minuscule; it\u2019s even smaller than the \nGalaxy S10e\n\u2018s camera hole. Plus, with the 10MP f/2.2 selfie camera positioned right in the middle, it gives the phone a symmetrical look.\n\n\nSpeaking of looks, I really dig the unique Aura Glow colour of the Galaxy Note 10+. While I only managed to get my hands on a regular Note 10 with the colourway, it should look identical on the bigger device. Besides that, this phone has really solid build quality as well. In short, it\u2019s a premium smartphone through and through.\n\n\nThe standard Galaxy Note 10 in Aura Glow\n\n\nBut there is one design element of the Galaxy Note 10+ that I don\u2019t quite like: all of the buttons are positioned on the left side of the phone. If you\u2019re right-handed, it\u2019ll require some finger gymnastics to reach for the volume rocker and power button. On the flip side, lefties will likely love this button arrangement.\n\n\nThen again, it \ndoes\n make sense for a device like the Note 10+. Say you\u2019re taking a note with the S Pen: if you\u2019re right-handed, you would already be holding the phone with your left hand. From there, the buttons are already right there for your thumb to reach.\n\n\nWhile I understand Samsung\u2019s design decision with the button arrangement, that doesn\u2019t mean I have to like it.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the Galaxy Note 10+\u2019s fantastic 6.8-inch 1440p \u201cCinematic\u201d Infinity-O Display. Just like the Galaxy S10 smartphones, the Note 10+ features a Dynamic AMOLED display with support for HDR10+, and it looks brilliant.\n\n\nColours simply pop on this display, the blacks are pitch black, and thanks to the 3040 x 1440 resolution, everything looks razor sharp. On top of that, I imagine the sheer size of the screen would make content consumption on the Note 10+ very enjoyable. Samsung makes some of the best displays in the market, so it\u2019s little surprise this phone has such an impressive screen.\n\n\nThere\u2019s also an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor, though I wasn\u2019t able to put it to the test; the feature is disabled on the demo units I\u2019ve tried. Chances are, it should perform \nlike the Galaxy S10+\u2019s sensor\n.\n\n\n\n\nIn the performance department, the Galaxy Note 10+ is powered by Samsung\u2019s brand new Exynos 9825 chipset paired with 12GB of RAM. While it\u2019s virtually identical to the Exynos 9820 SoC found inside the Galaxy S10 series, it is built on a more power-efficient 7nm process. With that in mind, the Note 10+ should have the same level of performance as the S10 smartphones, but with the added benefit of better power efficiency.\n\n\nComplementing the 7nm Exynos 9825 chipset is a generous 4,300mAh battery. Collectively, both of these hardware should make the Note 10+ a long-lasting smartphone. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if it can offer two days of use once we have the device in for review.\n\n\nOh, DeX is also getting a nice upgrade on the Note 10 series: the desktop interface is now available on both Windows PC and Mac, along with support for drag and drop. Would these new additions make DeX worthwhile? It just might, though I\u2019ll have to use it for myself first.\n\n\n\n\nThis wouldn\u2019t be a Note device without the S Pen, so let\u2019s talk about what\u2019s new. On the Galaxy Note 10, the S Pen now sports a unibody design, as well as gesture support. That\u2019s right, the S Pen now comes with a gyroscope and accelerometer for motion controls.\n\n\nI tried out the new gesture controls in the Gallery app, and it worked relatively well. Swiping left with the S Pen moves to the next item, while swiping up or down reveals more information. However, to get the gestures to work, I would have to hold down on the S Pen\u2019s button, perform a gesture, and release the button.\n\n\nTo be honest, it feels a little unintuitive, and the application doesn\u2019t seem particularly\u2026well, useful. Regardless, Samsung will release an SDK for developers to use the feature (if they want to), though I suspect not many will actually do so.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the Galaxy Note 10+ naturally has an improved camera system. It now comes with a 12MP f/1.5 \u2013 f/2.4 main sensor, a 12MP f/2.1 telephoto lens, a 16MP f/2.2 wide angle camera, and even a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor for better depth perception, among other things.\n\n\nOne of the applications of the ToF sensor is using it as a 3D scanner. Once you\u2019ve scanned an object with the sensor, you can print it with a 3D printer, or even insert it into a photo. Groundbreaking? Not quite. But it does present some interesting possibilities.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, back to the Note 10+\u2019s quad camera system: how good is it? Honestly, it feels a lot like photographing with the \nGalaxy S10+\n, which isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing. The camera interface is responsive, detail preservation and dynamic range are great, and it can lock in focus extremely quickly too.\n\n\nThat being said, I can\u2019t help but to feel\u2026well, a little underwhelmed. Of course, the Note 10+\u2019s camera system is still very good, but next to smartphones like the \nHuawei P30 Pro\n with its incredible zooming capability, it doesn\u2019t feel quite as exciting.\n\n\nRegardless, I will hold my judgment of the Note 10+\u2019s camera performance until I can put it through its paces properly.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ is easily the Korean company\u2019s sleekest, most premium offering to date. Not surprisingly, it also comes with a matching price tag: the 256GB variant retails at RM4,199, while the 512GB model goes for a whopping RM4,799. If you\u2019re keen, you can actually \npre-order it right now\n until 18 August.\n\n\nWithout a shadow of a doubt the Galaxy Note 10+ is an expensive smartphone, but that\u2019s the price you\u2019d have to pay for the latest and greatest Note device yet. It may be able to justify that price tag, but we can only know for sure once we have the Note 10+ in for a full review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-note-10-hands-on-a-new-breed/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Hands-On: A New Breed", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s only natural to think that the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 is the direct successor to the Galaxy Note 9, but that\u2019s not the case at all. Don\u2019t be fooled by its name: the Note 10 is actually a new breed of Note device, and that, in itself, is an exciting prospect.\n\n\nAfter all, one of the most definitive features of a Note device in the past is a large display, but that changes with the Galaxy Note 10. For the first time ever, you can now get a Note device in a compact form factor, and I\u2019m really fond of it \u2013 let me tell you why.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about the size of the Galaxy Note 10. If the \nNote 10+\n is similar in size to the Note 9, the Note 10 is akin to the \nGalaxy S10\n. While it\u2019s not quite as compact as the \nGalaxy S10e\n, the Note 10 is noticeably smaller than the Note 10+, so it doesn\u2019t feel quite as unwieldy.\n\n\nThat\u2019s not to say the Note 10+ is overly big or unwieldy, of course. It\u2019s still in a perfectly usable form factor, but when it comes to ergonomics, the standard Note 10 fares better. it\u2019s easier to fit into your pocket, it\u2019s more lightweight, and more importantly, it would be easier to use with only one hand.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, one-handed usage will still be quite a challenge with the regular Note 10 \u2013 unless you\u2019re left-handed. That\u2019s right, much like the bigger Note 10+, all of the buttons are placed on the left side of the phone. Good news? At least the dedicated Bixby button is gone.\n\n\nWhile this button arrangement makes sense when you\u2019re taking a note with the S Pen (you would be holding the Note 10 with your left hand if you\u2019re right-handed), it would be quite inconvenient when you\u2019re \nnot\n using the S Pen. More often than not, that\u2019s the more prevalent situation.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the odd button arrangement, the Note 10 is as much of a looker as its bigger sibling. The new 6.3-inch 1080p Cinematic Infinity-O Display stretches right to the edges of the phone, resulting in very tiny top and bottom bezels. Side bezels, on the other hand, are effectively gone with the dual curved display.\n\n\nOf course, some would argue that the hole-punch cutout at the top of the display takes away from the all-screen design of the Note 10. Yes, it\u2019s certainly not ideal to have a screen cutout for the 10MP f/2.2 selfie camera, but at least it\u2019s a tiny hole. In fact, it\u2019s actually smaller than the camera cutout of the Galaxy S10e and S10.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the display quality itself, it\u2019s really, really good. Yes, the Galaxy Note 10 \u201conly\u201d has a 1080p resolution, but it is still a Dynamic AMOLED panel. It supports the HDR10+ standard, so you will get a wide colour gamut and excellent black levels. Unless you\u2019re comparing this display side by side with the Note 10+\u2019s, you really won\u2019t notice any difference in quality.\n\n\nIn the performance department, the Note 10 is powered by the same Samsung Exynos 9825 chipset found in the Note 10+. This is essentially the 7nm version of the Exynos 9820 SoC found in the Galaxy S10 smartphones, so you can expect the same level of performance as the latter. On top of that, it should have better power efficiency too, thanks to the smaller 7nm chip; the Exynos 9820 is built on an 8nm process instead.\n\n\n\n\nThe power efficiency of the Exynos 9825 will be needed to get good battery life out of the Note 10, given that it only comes with a 3,500mAh battery. While that\u2019s not particularly small, it\u2019s not very generous either for a phone this size. Nonetheless, the 3,500mAh cell, along with the 7nm chip and 1080p display, may just be good enough to return above average battery life.\n\n\nNaturally, the S Pen of the Note 10 is identical to the one found on the Note 10+. It still has Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to use it as a remote control. With the addition of a gyroscope and accelerometer, the S Pen can now recognise motion gestures too.\n\n\nIt\u2019s an interesting new feature, but I do find the gesture control a bit gimmicky. At the moment, it only works with certain apps, and it remains to be seen if other developers will pick up on this feature. Samsung will release an SDK for them to integrate the motion controls if they so desire.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the camera performance of the Note 10, which should be very similar to the Note 10+. See, these two phones share the same triple camera configuration, minus the time-of-flight (ToF) sensor on the latter for better depth perception.\n\n\nMade up of a 12MP f/1.5 \u2013 f/2.4 main camera, a 12MP f/2.1 telephoto lens, and a 16MP f/2.2 wide angle sensor, the Note 10 is a capable shooter. It can lock in focus very quickly, images look flattering, and overall, it reminds me a lot of the \nGalaxy S10+\n\u2018s camera.\n\n\n\n\nWhile the Galaxy Note 10+ is the higher-end offering in the series, I\u2019d argue the Note 10 is the more exciting product. Not only does it share quite a number of similarities with the Note 10+, it also introduces a brand new category of Note device. The prospect of a \ncompact\n Note is finally realised with the Note 10, and that\u2019s a big deal.\n\n\nBut whether or not there is actually demand for a smaller, more ergonomically-friendly Note is still a question mark. Personally, I love the prospect of a compact Note smartphone. Heck, I\u2019m a fan of \ncompact smartphones in general\n.\n\n\n\n\nThen again, the Galaxy Note 10 is not particularly affordable: it retails at RM3,699 for the 256GB variant with 8GB of RAM. For the sake of comparison, that is the exact price point for the Galaxy Note 9 at launch. Well, granted that variant of the Note 9 only comes with 128GB of storage space, but do note \u2013 excuse the pun \u2013 that the Note 10 no longer comes with a microSD card slot.\n\n\nWhether or not the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 can rightfully command that kind of price tag can only be answered in a full review of the phone. If you\u2019re interested to pick up the phone anyway, the Note 10 is \nnow on pre-order\n until 18 August.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-note-10-note-10-which-should-you-get/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Note 10 & Note 10+ \u2013 Which Should You Get?", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Note 10 series, beyond the hardware and feature upgrades, is quite different from its predecessors. For the first time ever, you get to choose from two different sizes. There\u2019s the smaller \nGalaxy Note 10\n with a 6.3-inch display, and the higher-end \nGalaxy Note 10+\n with a larger 6.8-inch screen.\n\n\nSome folks will be more inclined to pick one over the other, but if you can\u2019t quite make up your mind, we\u2019ll walk you through the major differences \u2013 and similarities \u2013 between these two models.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Galaxy Note 10+\nThe Galaxy Note 10\n\n\nWhat\u2019s the Same?\n\n\nOther than sharing the same design and aesthetics, the Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10+ also have a few key hardware and features in common, so let\u2019s break it down.\n\n\nChipset\n\n\nNo matter which Note 10 device you get, you will find the Samsung Exynos 9825 chipset under the hood. This new chipset is basically the 7nm version of the Exynos 9820 SoC, which powers the Galaxy S10 smartphones. Chances are, you can expect to get the same level of performance with these two chips.\n\n\nS Pen\n\n\nNaturally, the S Pen on the Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10+ are one and the same. The new S Pen still has Bluetooth connectivity for its remote control functions, and the addition of a gyroscope and accelerometer allow you to use motion gestures with the stylus.\n\n\n\n\nCamera (Sort Of)\n\n\nNow, this is a bit of a mixed bag. Even though the Galaxy Note 10 smartphones feature the same triple camera system (12MP f/1.5 \u2013 f/2.4 + 12MP f/2.1 telephoto + 16MP f/2.2 wide angle), the Note 10+ has an additional time-of-flight (ToF) DepthVision Camera.\n\n\n\n\nThe addition of the ToF sensor gives the Note 10+\u2019s camera system better depth perception, which would translate to better portrait shots, among other things. \nBut\n, beyond that, you should get very similar camera performance with the Note 10 too.\n\n\nThe Differences?\n\n\nGiven the price gap between the two Galaxy Note 10 devices, there are obviously some differences here and there. Depending on your priorities, however, these differences may not matter that much to you.\n\n\nDisplay\n\n\nThis is really the biggest difference between the Note 10 and Note 10+. The former has a 6.3-inch 1080p screen, while the Note 10+ has a bigger, sharper 6.8-inch 1440p panel. Of course, given the higher resolution of the Note 10+\u2019s display, it\u2019s the more impressive screen here.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, unless you\u2019re comparing both displays side by side, you won\u2019t really notice the difference in screen quality. After all, both of these are still Dynamic AMOLED displays with support for the HDR10+ standard. Plus, the smaller display of the Note 10 isn\u2019t all bad: not only does it consume less power, it also makes for a more compact, ergonomic smartphone.\n\n\nBattery Size\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the bigger Galaxy Note 10+ comes with a very generous 4,300mAh battery, while the Note 10 has a smaller 3,500mAh cell. Chances are, the Note 10+ should have better battery life, though we can only really put this to the test once we have both devices in for review.\n\n\n\n\nAlso, it\u2019s worth noting that the Note 10 has a smaller, lower resolution display, which wouldn\u2019t use up quite as much power as the Note 10+\u2019s far bigger 6.8-inch 1440p screen. With this in mind, the difference in battery life between the two phones may not be that that far off.\n\n\nRAM Capacity\n\n\nRemember when we talked about \nhow much RAM you really need in a smartphone\n? Well, it\u2019s very relevant here. The Note 10 comes with 8GB of RAM, while the Note 10+ features a whopping 12GB RAM. Yes, it\u2019s always good to have more RAM, but trust us when we say 8GB of RAM is more than enough here.\n\n\n\n\nWhether you\u2019re an avid mobile gamer or a heavy smartphone user who needs to multitask on the go, the Note 10\u2019s 8GB of RAM would prove to be more than enough to meet your requirements. In fact, even the \nGalaxy S10+\n \u201conly\u201d has 8GB of RAM.\n\n\nStorage & Expandability\n\n\nUnfortunately, if you want a lot of storage, you have no choice but to go for the Note 10+. Even though the regular Note 10 comes with 256GB of storage \u2013 which is plenty \u2013 it doesn\u2019t have a microSD card slot. The Note 10+, on the other hand, still has that card slot, and there\u2019s even a 512GB variant of the device.\n\n\nPrice\n\n\nFor most consumers, pricing is the most important factor when making their decision. For the Malaysian market, the Galaxy Note 10 retails at RM3,699, while the Galaxy Note 10+ is priced at RM4,199 and RM4,799 for the 256GB and 512GB models respectively.\n\n\nWhat separates the Note 10 and Note 10+ is RM500, which may be worth the extra cost, considering the amount of hardware upgrades you\u2019re getting with the bigger smartphone. That being said, RM500 is still a lot of money, and if you don\u2019t quite fancy the big size of the Note 10+, the standard Note 10 is still a very good option.\n\n\n\n\nPersonally, I\u2019m more interested with the smaller Samsung Galaxy Note 10: it is a whole new category of Note device, thanks to its compact form factor marks. Plus, it still share a number of similarities with the Note 10+, though the absence of a microSD card slot does make it less appealing.\n\n\nNonetheless, no matter which Note 10 smartphone you get, you will get a very polished, premium product. To learn more about these two devices, check out our hands-on of the \nGalaxy Note 10\n and \nGalaxy Note 10+\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-shopee-offering-rm100-cashback-on-samsung-galaxy-note-10-pre-order/", "title": "Deal: Shopee Offering RM100 Cashback on Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Pre-Order", "body": "\n\nThinking of pre-ordering the new Samsung \nGalaxy Note 10\n series? Then this deal would pique your interest. If you \nplace your Note 10 pre-order\n with Shopee, you can get RM100 in cashback regardless of which variant you get \u2013 that\u2019s quite a big discount.\n\n\nOf course, the cashback would be given in the form of Shopee Coins. To be specific, you will get 10,000 Shopee Coins with this deal, which is worth RM100. For example, you can use 1,000 Shopee Coins to get RM10 discount on products from Shopee Mall and Preferred retailers.\n\n\n\n\nTo enjoy this deal, all you have to do is use the voucher code MOBAUG100 with your Galaxy Note 10 pre-order. However, do note that you will only get the 10,000 Shopee Coins once you\u2019ve gotten your purchase. That\u2019s the mechanism of the Coins: it will only be credited to your account \nafter\n you\u2019ve confirmed receipt of the product.\n\n\nNonetheless, RM100 worth of Shopee Coins is a good amount of cashback. If you\u2019re not keen to pre-order the Galaxy Note 10, no problem: the MOBAUG100 voucher code is valid \non all \nmobile devices that hit the RM3,500 minimum spend. On top of that, the product doesn\u2019t have to be from Shopee Mall or a Preferred retailer either. However, the voucher code is only valid until 18 August.\n\n\nTo learn more about the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+, check out our hands-on with the smartphone \nright here\n or \nhere\n for our Note 10 hands-on. If you\u2019d like to place your pre-order for the Note 10+ on Shopee, \nclick here\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-1-with-4k-display-arriving-in-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Sony Xperia 1 with 4K Display Arriving in Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nUpdate 13 August, 6PM:\n Well, it seems like the Sony Xperia X1 will indeed be coming to Malaysia. This is confirmed in \nLowyat.NET\u2019s report\n, which quoted a Sony Malaysia representative. However, there are no further information yet on the local availability of the phone, though it will be sold at Sony Store outlets.\n\n\nThe original article follows.\n\n\nSony\u2019s mobile division has been absent from the Malaysian market for quite some time now, but there\u2019s a chance the Japanese company will be making a comeback in the very near future. In fact, Sony could be bringing in its latest flagship smartphone: the Sony Xperia 1.\n\n\nSurprisingly enough, Sony Malaysia itself registered the Xperia 1 with SIRIM last week on 8 August. While this does not guarantee the local availability of the smartphone, it\u2019s definitely a promising sign. If it does come to Malaysia, here\u2019s what you need to know about the Xperia 1.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the Xperia 1 a unique flagship lies in its display. While other phone makers are sticking with 19:9 or 19.5:9 screens, the Xperia 1\u2019s display has a taller 21:9 aspect ratio. It\u2019s touted as the \u201ccinematic\u201d aspect ratio, so when you\u2019re watching movies on this phone, you won\u2019t get black bars on the top and bottom.\n\n\nNow, I\u2019d argue the 21:9 display\u2019s sheer length affects the ergonomics of the Xperia 1 \u2013 based on my hands-on with the \nsimilarly proportioned Sony Xperia 10 smartphones\n \u2013 but it does reduce the width of the phone, making it\u2026somewhat easier to use with one hand. However, reaching for the top of the display, on the other hand, will be a challenge.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, the Xperia 1 does have an impressive screen on paper. Sporting a 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED display, this is a \nvery\n sharp and vibrant panel. According to Sony, the colour accuracy of the screen will also \u201cbring you a picture that\u2019s true to the creator\u2019s vision.\u201d\n\n\nIt\u2019s a lofty claim, and we\u2019ll definitely put this to the test if the Xperia 1 does make it here. On top of that, it\u2019ll be interesting to see how the 4K display will impact the phone\u2019s battery life, especially with its rather average 3,330mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Xperia 1 features a triple camera system. All three shooters have different focal lengths and 12MP sensors, so you are getting a wide angle camera, a regular sensor, and a telephoto lens. As for the front-facing camera, it\u2019s an 8MP shooter.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xperia 1 include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset paired with 6GB of RAM, 128GB of fast UFS storage, a microSD card slot, as well as an IP65/68 rating. Basically, befitting hardware for a flagship smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nGiven the cutting edge display and high-end hardware of the Sony Xperia 1, it\u2019s a costly device. In the US, it retails at $950, which comes up to about RM3,985. Even for a flagship smartphone, that\u2019s a pretty steep asking price. If the Xperia 1 arrives in Malaysia in that price range, it may be tough to recommend.\n\n\nOf course, it wouldn\u2019t matter if Sony Malaysia isn\u2019t actually planning to bring in the Xperia 1. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the local availability of the flagship smartphone.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-unveils-108mp-mobile-camera-sensor-made-in-collaboration-with-xiaomi/", "title": "Samsung Unveils 108MP Mobile Camera Sensor \u2013 Made in Collaboration with Xiaomi", "body": "\n\nHigh megapixel count does not automatically make a camera system good, but it is useful in certain applications. Case in point: Samsung\u2019s brand new 108MP camera sensor. Dubbed Samsung ISOCELL Bright HMX, it\u2019s a sensor made for mobile devices, which is said to be an industry\u2019s first.\n\n\nWhile the possibility of capturing 108MP images on a smartphone sound impressive, that\u2019s not the big selling point here. Rather, the high pixel count is used to create high quality \u2013 and more practically sized \u2013 27MP images via pixel binning. In retrospect, it\u2019s a similar implementation used by \ncurrent crop of smartphones\n \nwith 48MP sensors\n.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the Bright HMX sensor is \u201cthe result of close collaboration between Xiaomi and Samsung.\u201d That\u2019s right, Xiaomi plays a part in the development of this camera sensor. Chances are, the Bright HMX will be found in upcoming smartphones from Samsung and Xiaomi.\n\n\nIn fact, rumours are suggesting that the Mi Mix 4 will feature the new 108MP sensor, though there are no concrete details yet. In fact, both Samsung and Xiaomi have not announced which phone will use the new sensor, so we\u2019ll just have to wait and see.\n\n\nAs for the ISOCELL Bright HMX itself, it\u2019s quite an impressive sensor. As mentioned, it combines four pixels into one, which reduces the image output from 108MP to only 27MP. Not only is it a much more practical resolution for smartphones with limited amount of storage, there are a couple of benefits too.\n\n\n\n\nFor one, by combining information from four different pixels into one, you will get a much, much brighter image. This, in turn, would dramatically improve low light performance \u2013 in theory, anyway. At the end of the day, the camera performance would still depend on the image processing algorithm of each individual phone maker.\n\n\nAccording to Samsung, the Bright HMX is also the first mobile camera sensor to adopt a 1/1.33-inch size. This large size allows the sensor to capture more light in less than ideal lighting conditions, which should (again) improve low light performance.\n\n\nBeyond that, the HMX sensor can capture lossless 6K (6016 x 3384) videos at 30 frames per second too. On top of that, depending on the lighting condition, the \u201cSmart-ISO mechanism\u201d of the sensor will automatically adjust the level of ISO accordingly.\n\n\nThe \nXiaomi Mi Mix 3\n\n\nMass production for the Samsung ISOCELL Bright HMX camera sensor will begin later this month, so we should see the sensor debut on a Xiaomi or Samsung smartphone in the coming months. Given that Xiaomi\u2019s next big flagship smartphone is the Mi Mix 4, there\u2019s a very good chance it will feature the HMX sensor.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-9t-pro-launching-on-20-august-malaysian-launch-imminent/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro Launching on 20 August \u2013 Malaysian Launch Imminent?", "body": "\n\nWhen the Xiaomi Mi 9T was unveiled, many were waiting for the eventual launch of the \u201cPro\u201d variant. Well, it\u2019s been a while, but here it is: the Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro will be officially announced on 20 August, and it could be making its way to Malaysia very, very soon.\n\n\nSome were afraid that the Mi 9T Pro is not in the pipeline at all, but Xiaomi Netherlands Facebook page confirmed the existence of the flagship smartphone, complete with a release date on the 20 August next week.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, a device with the model number M1903F11G was also registered with SIRIM under Xiaomi Malaysia. A quick Google search shows that \nthis is indeed the Mi 9T Pro\n\u2018s model number. Chances are, Xiaomi Malaysia is gearing up to launch the device on our shores.\n\n\nCompared to the standard Mi 9T, the Mi 9T Pro should share the exact same design. After all, both of these devices are basically global variants of the Redmi K20 series. While they look the same on the outside, under the hood of the 9T Pro is a faster Snapdragon 855 chipset instead of the regular 9T\u2019s Snapdragon 730 SoC.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the Mi 9T Pro should feature support for 27W fast charging. In comparison, the non-Pro model only has an 18W charging rate.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mi 9T Pro should be similar to the Mi 9T. These include a 6.39-inch 1080p AMOLED display, up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, a generous 4,000mAh battery, as well as an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\nIn the camera department, it has a triple camera system made up of a 48MP f/1.75 primary sensor, a 13MP f/2.4 wide angle shooter, and an 8MP f/2.4 telephoto lens. The front-facing camera, on the other hand, is a 20MP f/2.2 motorised module, so you get a display free of any notch or hole-punch cutout.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro will be launching in Europe on 20 August. Now that the device has been registered with SIRIM, there\u2019s a very good chance it will be made available here in Malaysia, though it remains to be seen exactly when that will happen.\n\n\nOf course, we will keep a close eye on the local availability of the Mi 9T Pro. Who knows, it may just launch on our shores as early as this month, and it\u2019ll be very interesting to see how much Xiaomi Malaysia will price the flagship smartphone.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopee-9-9-super-shopping-day-offers-honda-city-yamaha-bikes-for-rm1/", "title": "Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day Offers Honda City & Yamaha Bikes for RM1", "body": "\n\nShopee\u2019s upcoming 9.9 Super Shopping Day is set to be a big one. Taking place from 19 August to 9 September, you can \u201cpurchase\u201d a Honda City and 21 Yamaha bikes for only RM1 during the promotion period. No, that\u2019s not a typo, but there are (naturally) some terms and conditions.\n\n\nThe Honda City and 21 Yamaha 135LC bikes will be offered as part of Shopee\u2019s \u201cOne or Not\u201d promotion, which allows you to purchase high-value products for only RM1. However, it\u2019s really based on a lucky draw mechanism. Anyone can \u201cpurchase\u201d said products for only RM1, but only one person will walk away with it.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re not selected as the winner, the RM1 will be refunded back to your credit card or Shopee Wallet, as per usual. Do note that the Honda City and 21 Yamaha bikes will be offered throughout the 9.9 Super Shopping Day campaign on different days, based on the \ncalendar of the sale\n.\n\n\nNot particularly keen to try your luck to \u201cwin\u201d a bike for RM1 with the One or Not promotion? Well, then you\u2019ll be happy to know that Hong Leong Yamaha Authorised Dealer will give up to 30% discounts for certain bikes on 9 September itself. These include the Yamaha 135LC, NVX, and Y15ZR.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, beyond this, the 9.9 Super Shopping Day also has a number of interesting promotions leading up to the sale. The minimum spend to be eligible for free shipping, for one, will be lowered to only RM9 \nthroughout\n the campaign period.\n\n\nNot having to pay for shipping is arguably one of Shopee\u2019s most attractive features, and it\u2019s made even better with the lowered minimum spend. However, do note that this is limited to the number of free shipping vouchers in your account, though there\u2019s a chance Shopee will give out additional vouchers during the sale.\n\n\n\n\nThis wouldn\u2019t be a Shopee sale without some form of Shocking Sale, so for the upcoming event, as many as nine deals will be offered in a day. You will get to purchase products from only RM1, so if you\u2019re a sucker for good deals, make sure to keep track of the Shocking Sale section.\n\n\nInterestingly, Shopee will also introduce a new feature in conjunction with the 9.9 Super Shopping Day. Dubbed \u201c9.9 Voucher Mission,\u201d you\u2019ll have to invite your friends to\u2026unlock daily vouchers. The e-commerce platform did not elaborate much on this new mechanism, but it could potentially offer some good discount vouchers.\n\n\n\n\nThe Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day campaign will commence from 19 August to 9 September. If you\u2019d like to learn more about it, check out Shopee\u2019s \nfull calendar of the sale event\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-20-pro-hands-on-potentially-honors-best-flagship-yet/", "title": "Honor 20 Pro Hands-On: Potentially Honor\u2019s Best Flagship Yet", "body": "\n\nThe Honor 20 Pro is finally available in Malaysia, and it is quite possibly the Chinese company\u2019s most impressive flagship smartphone to date. Sporting a sleek design, sophisticated quad camera system, and fast chipset, there is a lot to like here.\n\n\nHowever, the Honor 20 Pro is also the phone maker\u2019s most costly smartphone yet, retailing at RM2,299. While that still makes it a relatively affordable device in the flagship segment, can it really justify that kind of price tag? Let\u2019s find out.\n\n\n\n\nAesthetically, the Honor 20 Pro is almost indistinguishable from the more affordable \nHonor 20\n. It has the same 6.26-inch 1080p LTPS display with a hole-punch cutout, a glass and metal construction, and a very similar-looking finish on the glass back.\n\n\nThat being said, you will feel the difference once you hold the device in your hands. Unlike the standard Honor 20\u2019s flat back panel, the Pro model\u2019s glass back tapers to the edges of the phone. This makes it a more comfortable device to hold for long periods of time, and it feels really premium too.\n\n\n\n\nI also love the fact that Honor is retaining the hole-punch design with the 20 Pro. Compared to a notched display, the circular camera cutout doesn\u2019t take up as much space, so it won\u2019t be quite as distracting. Plus, a hole-punch cutout is a good compromise between an all-screen design \u2013 which requires a \npop-up selfie camera\n or a \nsliding mechanism\n \u2013 and a notched display.\n\n\nAs for the display quality itself, the 6.26-inch 1080p LTPS screen looks good. It\u2019s not the most amazing panel on a smartphone, but it is far from bad. Colours look great, texts and images look sharp enough with the 1080p resolution, and viewing angles are reasonably good as well, even if the display does dim slightly when viewed off-angle.\n\n\n\n\nPowered by a fast Kirin 980 chipset, the Honor 20 Pro feels very fast and responsive. It\u2019s the same SoC found under the hood of the \nHuawei P30\n and \nMate 20\n smartphones, so without a doubt you\u2019re getting a very good level of performance here. On top of that, the Kirin 980 is also built on a 7nm process, making it a power-efficient chipset.\n\n\nThat power efficiency will come in handy when it comes to battery life, which the 20 Pro should excel in. Thanks to its 7nm chip, 1080p display, and generous 4,000mAh battery, I reckon this phone can return excellent battery life.\n\n\nIn fact, seeing how I managed to get \nover eight hours of screen on time\n with the standard Honor 20 \u2013 which had similar hardware, except for a slightly smaller 3,750mAh battery \u2013 I\u2019m confident this Pro variant can last even longer on a single charge.\n\n\n\n\nMany flagship smartphones now come with in-screen fingerprint sensors, but that\u2019s not the case with the Honor 20 Pro, which isn\u2019t exactly a bad thing. Granted, in-screen sensors are considered \u201chigher-end\u201d and more desirable, but traditional capacitive fingerprint sensors are still superior when it comes to speed and accuracy.\n\n\nI\u2019ve used quite a number of phones with in-screen fingerprint sensors, and none of them are as fast as the 20 Pro\u2019s side-mounted capacitive sensor. Not only is it very fast and accurate \u2013 a quick tap is enough to unlock the device \u2013 I can also easily reach for the sensor with my thumb. This is great, given that the sensor also doubles as the power button.\n\n\n\n\nFinally, there\u2019s the Honor 20 Pro\u2019s most talked about hardware: the quad camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP f/1.4 primary sensor, a 16MP f/2.2 wide angle shooter, an 8MP f/2.4 telephoto lens, as well as a 2MP f/2.4 macro sensor. The front-facing shooter, on the other hand, is a 32MP f/2.0 camera.\n\n\nSo how does the quad camera system perform? Pretty darn good, actually. The camera interface is responsive, autofocus speeds are relatively good, and even in low light conditions, it can still deliver properly exposed shots with a good amount of detail.\n\n\n\n\nEvidently, the Honor 20 Pro didn\u2019t receive a high DxOMark rating for nothing; with a \ntotal score of 111\n, it\u2019s positioned right behind the \nP30 Pro\n by only one point. The P30 Pro is considered to be one of the best mobile shooters in the market now, so that\u2019s high praise.\n\n\nEven so, until I can put the 20 Pro\u2019s camera through its paces, I can\u2019t truly say if the camera performance is fantastic or not. But for what it\u2019s worth, it certainly shows a lot of promise. This is especially the case with the telephoto lens, which can do up to 30x zoom \u2013 digitally, of course.\n\n\nOverall, the Honor 20 Pro is potentially the company\u2019s best flagship smartphone yet. However, that also makes it the phone maker\u2019s most \nexpensive \ndevice to date. There is only one variant of the Honor 20 Pro for the Malaysian market, which comes with 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM for RM2,299.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, that price point still means the Honor 20 Pro is one of the more affordable flagship smartphones in our market, which is great. What\u2019s \nnot so great\n is the fact that it will be a challenge for Honor \u2013 a brand that\u2019s usually associated with budget-friendly devices  \u2013 to break into that price point.\n\n\nNonetheless, I have a feeling the Honor 20 Pro can command that kind of price tag, and I can\u2019t wait to see what it can do in a full review of the flagship smartphone.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/black-shark-2-pro-landing-in-malaysia-on-3-september/", "title": "Black Shark 2 Pro Landing in Malaysia on 3 September", "body": "\n\nOfficially introduced just earlier this month, the \nBlack Shark 2 Pro\n gaming smartphone is set to arrive in Malaysia on 3 September 2019. Powered by Qualcomm\u2019s latest Snapdragon 855+ chipset, the Pro variant of the standard \nBlack Shark 2\n brings with it a number of improvements.\n\n\nThis launch date was revealed by Black Shark Malaysia itself \non its Facebook page\n. Even though the phone maker did not specifically mention the Black Shark 2 Pro, the back panel of the device is clearly shown on the teaser image of the launch event.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the biggest difference the Black Shark 2 Pro brings is the new Snapdragon 855+ chipset. Thanks to the overclocked 2.96GHz CPU and Adreno 640 GPU, the updated SoC promises up to 15% better gaming performance.\n\n\nRaw performance aside, the response time of the Black Shark 2 Pro\u2019s display has been improved too: the input lag is reduced from 43.5ms to only 34.7ms. That may not sound like much, but it does complement the phone\u2019s gaming appeal.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, compared to other gaming smartphones in the market now, the Black Shark 2 Pro still only comes with a conventional 60Hz display. Given that most devices in this segment have 90Hz screens \u2013 some even feature a 120Hz refresh rate \u2013 Black Shark\u2019s offering certainly don\u2019t seem quite as attractive.\n\n\nThankfully, the 240Hz polling rate of the Black Shark 2 Pro\u2019s screen is retained, which further reduces the phone\u2019s input lag. This, combined with the phone\u2019s 6.39-inch 1080p AMOLED panel, should make for a pleasant gaming experience \u2013 even if the refresh rate is limited to 60Hz.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Black Shark 2 Pro include a dual camera system (48MP f/1.75 primary shooter + 12MP f/2.2 telephoto sensor), a 20MP f/2.0 selfie camera, 12GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of non-expandable storage, and a generous 4,000mAh battery.\n\n\nFor the Chinese market, two variants of the Black Shark 2 Pro are available: the 128GB model goes for 2,999 Chinese yuan (about RM1,780), while the higher-end 256GB model retails at 3,499 yuan (approximately RM2,075). Pretty competitive pricing, given the high-end hardware of the phone.\n\n\n\n\nThe Black Shark 2 Pro will be arriving in Malaysia on 3 September 2019 next month. It remains to be seen if both variants of the gaming smartphone will be made available here, though we\u2019re pretty confident Black Shark will bring them in. After all, \nthat was the case\n with the original Black Shark 2.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/theres-a-new-htc-wildfire-phone-but-its-not-made-by-htc/", "title": "There\u2019s a New HTC Wildfire Phone, but It\u2019s Not Made by HTC", "body": "\n\nThere have not been any new HTC-branded smartphone hitting the market for quite some time now, but for the Indian market, a new HTC device recently launched there. Enter the HTC Wildfire X, an affordable mid-range smartphone for the masses.\n\n\nHowever, the Wildfire X\u2026isn\u2019t made by HTC. Rather, it\u2019s manufactured by InOne Smart Technology \u2013 HTC is licensing its branding to the Chinese company. InOne is more known for its Lava-branded smartphones in India, so in short, the Wildfire X is unlike HTC smartphones of the past, for better or worse.\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of hardware, the Wildfire X isn\u2019t too shabby. It\u2019s powered by a MediaTek Helio P22 octa-core processor clocked at 2.0GHz, which should be capable enough to offer a reasonably good user experience. It\u2019s not the most desirable mid-range chipset, but this smartphone \nis \nmeant to be an affordable device.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Wildfire X include 3GB or 4GB of RAM, two choices of internal storage (32GB or 128GB), a 3,300mAh battery with support for 10W charging, a rear fingerprint sensor, and Android 9.0 Pie out of the box. Again, not a particularly amazing spec sheet, but far from bad.\n\n\nAside from that, this mid-ranger also comes with a 6.22-inch 720p display, complete with a \u201cwaterdrop\u201d notch at the top of the screen.\n\n\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Wildfire X features a triple camera system on the back. It consists of a 12MP primary shooter, an 8MP telephoto lens that can do 2x optical zoom, and a 5MP depth sensor. The front-facing camera, on the other hand, is an 8MP shooter.\n\n\nSo how much does the Wildfire X cost? In India, the 32GB variant with 3GB of RAM goes for 9,999 Indian rupee (about RM585), while the 128GB model with 4GB of RAM retails at 12,999 rupee (approximately RM765). These are definitely affordable price points, but for that kind of money\u2026you can get better equipped smartphones.\n\n\n\n\nA good example would be the \nRedmi Note 7\n. With a starting price of RM679 for the Malaysian market, Xiaomi\u2019s offering has a much, much faster Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset, a more capable triple camera system, a bigger 4,000mAh battery, as well as a sharper 1080p display.\n\n\nNonetheless, it\u2019s not like the HTC Wildfire X will be made available outside of India. For the time being, it will only be sold in the country from 22 August onwards. Now that HTC has licensed its branding to other companies, it\u2019ll be interesting to see if there will be more devices like the Wildfire X in the near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-reno-2-with-20x-zoom-launching-on-28-august/", "title": "Oppo Reno 2 with 20x Zoom Launching on 28 August", "body": "\n\nIt hasn\u2019t been that long since the \nOppo Reno\n series was introduced to the market, but it seems like the Chinese company is preparing to launch its successor very soon. Based on the phone\u2019s teaser image, the Oppo Reno 2 will be made official on 28 August in India.\n\n\nCompared to its predecessors, which only had two or three rear camera sensors \u2013 the Reno and \nReno 10x Zoom\n respectively \u2013 the Reno 2\u2019s has a quad camera system, which appears to be more sophisticated. While the exact specifications of the camera configuration have not been revealed yet, there\u2019s a good change it will feature a telephoto lens, a wide angle sensor, and of course, a primary shooter.\n\n\nLeaked image of the Oppo Reno 2\n\n\nOn top of that, Oppo will likely retain the periscope-style lens arrangement found in the Reno 10x Zoom model for the telephoto sensor. Interestingly, the company also claims that the Reno 2 will sport better zoom capability: it can supposedly do \n20x zoom\n now.\n\n\nThat does sound really impressive, though that level of zoom is likely achieved with a combination of optical and digital zoom. After all, that\u2019s the same method the Reno 10x Zoom used for its 10x hybrid zoom feature.\n\n\nSo that leaves the fourth camera sensor, which we suspect could either be a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor for better depth perception, or a macro lens for close-up shots. However, this is only an educated guess on our part at this point in time.\n\n\n\n\nNew angles present new possibilities. Get ready for \n#OPPOReno2\n \npic.twitter.com/Uhho6FjJj7\n\u2014 OPPO (@oppo) \nAugust 16, 2019\n\n\n\n\nNot surprisingly, much like its predecessor, the Reno 2 will come with a motorised camera system; even the \u201cshark fin\u201d shape of the module is retained. With this in mind, the upcoming phone should sport an all-screen design without a notch or hole-punch cutout. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if the bottom bezel would be reduced on the new device too.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Reno 2 have not been revealed yet \u2013 or how many devices the series will debut with \u2013 but it\u2019s rumoured to feature an AMOLED display, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a 4,000mAh battery. All in all, hardware you\u2019d expect in a flagship smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Reno 2 will be officially introduced in India on 28 August 2019. While there\u2019s no word yet if the device will be made available outside of the country, there\u2019s a good chance it will reach our shores as well \u2013 Oppo does have a quite the presence here in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/you-can-shoot-landscape-videos-vertically-with-the-motorola-one-action/", "title": "You Can Shoot Landscape Videos Vertically with the Motorola One Action", "body": "\n\nMotorola recently launched a rather interesting mid-range smartphone. This is the Motorola One Action, and one of its most unique features is the ability to record landscapes videos\u2026while holding the phone vertically. How cool is that?\n\n\nThis is accomplished with the 16MP f/2.2 wide angle sensor of the Motorola One Action\u2019s triple camera system. The 16MP shooter is \nphysically rotated\n so that it will record videos in landscape orientation when you\u2019re holding the phone vertically, and vice versa. It\u2019s a little bit odd, but not having to hold the phone horizontally when recording wide angle videos may be a good selling point to some \u2013 or many \u2013 consumers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, the 16MP f/2.2 sensor has a 117-degree field of view, so you can shoot wide angle videos like\u2026well, an action camera. Of course, you can also take still images with the sensor, though you\u2019ll have to get used to photographing in vertical orientation to get those wide angle landscape shots.\n\n\nComplementing the wide angle camera are two other sensors that are decidedly more ordinary. The primary shooter is a 12MP f/1.8 unit, while the other 5MP f/2.2 sensor is for capturing depth information. There\u2019s no telephoto sensor here, but personally, we find more use out of a wide angle camera anyway.\n\n\nInterestingly, the One Action also has a 6.3-inch 1080 LTPS \u201cCinemaVision\u201d display with a hole-punch cutout and 21:9 aspect ratio. It\u2019s a unique feature, given that there aren\u2019t that many smartphones with a similar aspect ratio, except for the \nSony Xperia 1\n and \nXperia 10\n devices.\n\n\n\n\nWhile the 21:9 aspect ratio makes the One Action taller than your usual smartphone with a similar display size, Motorola does say it is ideal for watching movies in their \u201coriginal ultrawide format\u201d \u2013 you won\u2019t get black bars on the top and bottom. The phone maker further elaborated that this aspect ratio allows for more comfortable one-handed use.\n\n\nOddly enough, Motorola isn\u2019t going with a Qualcomm or MediaTek chipset with the One Action. Instead, it\u2019s packing a Samsung Exynos 9609 SoC, which seems to be a rather capable mid-range chip. Rounding out the specifications of the One Action are 4GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, a rear fingerprint sensor, and a 3,500mAh battery.\n\n\nOf course, this One Action is also an Android One device, so it runs on a very stock version of Android \u2013 perfect for Android purists.\n\n\n\n\nThe Motorola One Action is certainly a unique mid-range smartphone, and it is now available in Brazil, Mexico, and other European countries starting at 259 euro, which comes up to about RM1,200. Also, it\u2019s worth noting that the mid-ranger has actually been registered with SIRIM under Lenovo Malaysia with the model number XT2013-2.\n\n\nNow that it\u2019s been certified with SIRIM, there\u2019s a very good chance the Motorola One Action will be made available in Malaysia. As always, we will keep a close eye on the local availability of the One Action. \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-predator-helios-300-review-the-default-rtx-2060-laptop-for-the-budget-conscious/", "title": "Acer Predator Helios 300 Review: The Default RTX 2060 Laptop for the Budget-Conscious", "body": "\n\nAcer\u2019s line of Predator gaming laptops are meant to appeal to gamers who are looking for premium gaming machines. But truth be told, the Acer Predator Helios 300 never quite gave me that impression; until this latest iteration.\n\n\nNow slimmer than ever, more powerful, and with a better design language, the new Helios 300 is finally a proper, premium gaming laptop. Even though it\u2019s not perfect, it is easily one of the most attractive options in its price range.\n\n\nSpecifications\n\n\nDisplay\n15.6-inch 144Hz FHD IPS (1920 x 1080)\nProcessor\nIntel Core i7-9750H (2.6GHz with Turbo Boost up to 4.5GHz, 12MB cache)\nGPU\nNvidia GeForce RTX 2060 6GB GDDR6 VRAM\nRAM\n8GB DDR4\nStorage\n256GB PCIe NVMe SSD\nCamera\nHD resolution\nBattery\n58.7WHr\nDimensions\n361.4 x 254.15 x 22.9 mm\nWeight\n2.3kg\nAudio\nBottom-firing stereo speakers\nPorts\n1x USB 3.1 Type-C\n3x USB 3.1 Type-A\n1x Mini DisplayPort\n1x HDMI\n1x RJ45\n\n\nDesign\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the new Predator Helios 300 is a lot sleeker-looking. It\u2019s not quite as chunky anymore, and it looks like a handsome, modern gaming laptop now. Sure, measuring 22.9mm thick, it\u2019s not a particularly thin gaming machine, but it\u2019s certainly on the slimmer side of things.\n\n\n\n\nMuch like the higher-end \nAcer Predator Triton 500\n, the Helios 300 shares the same black and blue colour scheme; even the Predator logo on the lid is illuminated. Compared to other gaming laptops with more conventional black and red highlights, the Helios 300 certainly stands out from the crowd.\n\n\nBuild quality of the Helios 300 is really good too. The hinge feels solid \u2013 I can even lift up the lid with only one finger \u2013 there\u2019s not much keyboard flex, and the laptop as a whole is very well put together. Basically, it feels like a premium gaming laptop.\n\n\n\n\nThere are, however, a couple of build material I\u2019m not particularly fond of. Not only does this laptop have a plastic bezel surrounding the display, the bottom chassis is also made out of plastic. Granted, this choice of material doesn\u2019t really affect the functionality of the Helios 300, but it doesn\u2019t fall in line with the premium aesthetics of this product.\n\n\nWhen it comes to connectivity options, the Helios 300 is well equipped. It has one USB-C port, three full-size USB-A connections, a mini DisplayPort, an HDMI output, and even an RJ45 port. Chances are, you won\u2019t be wanting for more ports, though I would\u2019ve loved the addition of an SD card slot.\n\n\n\n\nOverall, the Helios 300 is a well-built, sleek gaming laptop. Its build material could\u2019ve been better on certain parts, but given the competitive pricing of this laptop, some things had to be sacrificed.\n\n\nUser Experience\n\n\nBattery life has always been one area gaming laptops struggle with, but the Predator Helios 300 fares quite well in this regard. On average, I was getting about five hours of usage on a single charge. To get this kind of battery life, I dimmed the screen to a comfortable level with the power mode set to power saver.\n\n\nTo game effectively, you need a good set of keyboard, and the Helios 300\u2019s keyboard offers just that. There\u2019s a good amount of travel, the keys are tactile, and of course, it supports RGB lighting too. This is, after all, a premium gaming laptop.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, my gripe with Acer\u2019s range of gaming laptops is still present on the Helios 300. That\u2019s right, much like the Triton 500 and \nNitro 7\n, the key to launch PredatorSense is positioned right beside the backspace key. While the amount of spacing is better than the Triton 500\u2019s keyboard layout, I still find it too close to the backspace key.\n\n\nAnd then we have the trackpad, which is very accurate and pleasant to use. Throughout my time with the Helios 300, I never plugged in a mouse to the laptop unless I needed to do some gaming. When I\u2019m doing productivity tasks on this laptop, I relied exclusively on the trackpad \u2013 it\u2019s \nthat\n good.\n\n\n\n\nMore and more gaming laptops are equipped with fast displays now, and the Helios 300 is no exception. Featuring a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display with a high 144Hz refresh rate, it\u2019s a joy to game and work on this screen. Whenever I\u2019m gaming or just scrolling through articles, the extra frames make everything look extremely fluid.\n\n\nHow about the panel quality itself? Well, it\u2019s great. It can get bright enough for comfortable use outdoor, viewing angles are excellent, and it has vibrant colours too. Whether you\u2019re using this laptop for media consumption or gaming, you won\u2019t be disappointed with this display.\n\n\n\n\nSystem noise, on the other hand, is very good when I\u2019m doing less intensive tasks like writing articles and image processing; rarely are the fans audible. When I start gaming, however, the fans \nreally\n make themselves heard. It is by no means unbearable, of course, but you will certainly notice the noise. If you game with you headphones on, you probably wouldn\u2019t hear them.\n\n\nAs for thermals, it\u2019s not too bad either. In prolonged gaming sessions, the palm rest area stayed relatively cool. As for the CPU and GPU, they go up to 91\u00b0C and 80\u00b0C respectively. Not great temperatures, but reasonable thermals for a laptop like the Helios 300.\n\n\n\n\nOverall, I thoroughly enjoyed using the Helios 300 both for gaming and work. It has good enough battery life for some productivity work, it has a good, fast display, and the input devices are satisfactory too. Now, let\u2019s get to what this laptop is made to do: gaming.\n\n\nPerformance\n\n\nPowered by an Intel Core i7-9750H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 GPU, the Helios 300 is a capable gaming laptop. Thanks to this CPU and GPU combination, this machine can run the majority of modern games very well with good frame rates.\n\n\nAs usual, I ran a few battle royale games and Witcher 3 on the Helios 300 \u2013 here are the results. Do note that Witcher 3 is the only game in the list that\u2019s locked at 60fps.\n\n\nGames (Maxed Out Settings @ 1080p)\nAverage FPS\nWitcher 3 (HairWorks disabled)\n58.41\nFortnite\n88.49\nApex Legends\n85.66\nPlayerUnknown\u2019s Battlegrounds \n73.42  \n\n\nThese figures are very similar to what I got with the Triton 500, which shouldn\u2019t be a surprise, given that both laptops come with the same RTX 2060 GPU. Looking at the results here, you should be able to game very effectively on the Helios 300.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, it\u2019s worth noting that you will also get features like ray tracing and Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) with the RTX 2060. Previously, these were only available on more expensive RTX 2070 and 2080 GPUs; the RTX 2060 is the most affordable GPU to have these RTX-exclusive features.\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nThere are two variants of the Helios 300 in Malaysia. The Core i5-9300H model retails at RM5,399, while the Core i7-9750H variant \u2013 the one in this review \u2013 goes for RM6,199. At these price points, the Helios 300 has a number of alternatives.\n\n\nAsus ROG Strix Hero II\n\n\nJust like the Helios 300, the Asus ROG Strix Hero II comes with an RTX 2060 GPU and a fast 144Hz 15.6-inch 1080p display. What\u2019s different? It has an older Core i7-8750H processor paired with 8GB of RAM, but it makes up for it with a much bigger 512GB SSD storage, slimmer display bezels, and (arguably) a sleeker design.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, the Strix Hero II does cost more at RM6,499, and it\u2019s a thicker, heavier laptop too, measuring 26.1mm thick and tipping the scales at 2.4kg. Of course, there\u2019s also the fact that the Helios 300 comes with a newer, faster Core i7-9750H processor.\n\n\nAcer Predator Triton 500\n\n\nYes, the Helios 300 has competition from its own family, and is is superior in almost every way. Not only is the \nPredator Triton 500\n slimmer, lighter, and sleeker, it also comes with the same RTX 2060 GPU, double the RAM at 16GB, two 256GB SSDs in Raid 0 configuration, as well as better battery life.\n\n\n\n\nThe caveat? It costs a lot more money, especially if you want the Core i7-9750H model, which retails at a whopping RM7,599. However, the older Core i5-8300H variant is currently listed \nat only RM6,099\n by renowned retailer Tech Hypermart. Sure, you\u2019re getting a slower Core i5 processor, but if gaming is your concern, there\u2019s \nno big performance difference\n here.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nThe Acer Predator Helios 300 is a refined, premium, capable gaming laptop, and the Core i5 variant offers \nridiculously \ngood value for money. For only RM5,399, you\u2019re still getting everything else the higher-end Core i7 model gets, including the RTX 2060 GPU.\n\n\nThere is only one other laptop that can offer the same level of value: the \nMSI GL63 8SE\n. But that gaming laptop is not exactly on the same level of refinement as the Helios 300, which has superior build quality, display, and portability.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want an RTX 2060 gaming laptop that offers the best value for money, no other product fits the bill quite like the Predator Helios 300; the Core i5 model, to be specific. It is one of the most affordable laptops with an RTX 2060 GPU, it has a fast 144Hz display, and all of that hardware are packed inside a premium package. What more can you ask for?\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/gamescom-2019-game-trailers-you-have-to-watch/", "title": "Gamescom 2019 Game Trailers You Have to Watch", "body": "\n\nGamescom 2019 is here, so we\u2019ve got a whole bunch of gaming-related news. Last night alone, a number of game trailers were shown, which include Hideo Kojima\u2019s very perplexing Death Stranding, a gameplay trailer of Marvel\u2019s Avengers, an extended look at Witcher 3 running on the Nintendo Switch, and a number of interesting indie games.\n\n\nIf you haven\u2019t been following Gamescom 2019 closely, here are some game trailers you must watch from the event.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou Can Urinate in Death Stranding\n\n\nHideo Kojima, the man behind the Metal Gear Solid franchise, is back with Death Stranding. Developed under the now-independent Kojima Productions studio, the upcoming action game has a star-studded cast. These include Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen, Troy Baker, and even Guillermo del Toro.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn this latest gameplay video, we now know that you can make Norman Reedus\u2019 character\u2026urinate, which then sprouts a mushroom. On top of that, you can even rock the Bridge Baby to calm the infant. If that\u2019s not confusing enough, the video above also gave more details on the character Mama and the baby itself.\n\n\nThere\u2019s no denying the bizarre nature of Death Stranding, and it will be released for the PlayStation 4 system on 8 November 2019.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMarvel\u2019s Avengers Gameplay Trailer Revealed\n\n\nThis gameplay trailer was actually showed behind closed doors at E3 2019 and San Diego Comic-Con, but here it is: an official look at how Marvel\u2019s Avengers will play like. Developed by Crystal Dynamics and Eidos Montr\u00e9al (with Square Enix as the publisher), each character in the game have their own moveset.\n\n\nThor has his mighty Mjollnir to swing around, Iron Man can switch between ground and air combat effortlessly, and Hulk feels like\u2026well, Hulk. You can smash your way through enemies with the green beast. Marvel\u2019s Avengers is set to arrive on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, and Google Stadia on 15 May 2020.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Showcased on Nintendo Switch\n\n\nWho would\u2019ve thought a game like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt will make it onto the Nintendo Switch? Of course, it\u2019s evident the graphics are turned down substantially for the game to be playable on the console, but it\u2019s still very impressive how CD Projekt Red managed to cram such a huge game into the Switch.\n\n\nYou can take a look for yourself how the game runs on the console with the lengthy gameplay video above. If you\u2019ve always wanted to experience Witcher 3 on the go, this is as good as it gets. The Complete Edition of the game is set to arrive on the Nintendo Switch this 15 October 2019.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHotline Miami Collection Coming to Nintendo Switch\n\n\nFor the first time ever, Hotline Miami and Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number are available on the Nintendo Switch. Both games are released on the console as part of the Hotline Miami Collection, which can be purchased right now \non the Nintendo eShop for $24.99\n \u2013 that comes up to about RM105.\n\n\nThe Hotline Miami franchise is well-loved for its fast-paced action sequences, and the top-down view of the game presents a unique perspective. That being said, the violent and gruesome nature of the game may not be for everyone, even if the art style somewhat masks these elements.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOri and the Blind Forest on Nintendo Switch\n\n\nNow this is an interesting one. Ori and the Blind Forest is developed by Moon Studios, and it was originally published by Microsoft for Xbox and Windows back in 2015. Now, the side-scrolling platformer is coming to the Nintendo Switch as a Definitive Edition.\n\n\nFeaturing hand-drawn graphics and beautiful backgrounds, this indie title plays a lot like classic side-scrollers. You can earn new abilities to get to previously inaccessible areas, it has challenging platforming sections, and overall, the game can prove to be pretty difficult. Ori and the Blind Forest will be coming to the Nintendo Switch on 27 September 2019.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst Look at Need for Speed Heat Gameplay\n\n\nAnnounced just earlier this month, this is our first look at the gameplay of the new Need for Speed title. Looking at the trailer, Need for Speed Heat seems to have all of the elements of its predecessors. You can customise your car to your heart\u2019s content, the cops impact your gameplay quite a bit, and obviously, there are tons of racing.\n\n\nInterestingly, you can even download a mobile app \u2013 aptly dubbed \nNFS Heat Studio\n \u2013 to customise your car before the game is released. Your personalised rides can then be imported to the game once it\u2019s out on 8 November for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCyberpunk 2077 Releasing on Google Stadia\n\n\nIt\u2019s a rather short trailer for Cyberpunk 2077, but the big news here is the game\u2019s release on the \nGoogle Stadia cloud gaming service\n. It\u2019s a big addition to the service, which should attract more gamers to subscribe to Stadia once it is officially launched sometime in November 2019.\n\n\nCyperpunk 2077 is CD Projekt Red\u2019s next big project, which is the very same studio responsible for the Witcher series. Needless to say, that \u2013 and the shooter\u2019s vast open-world metropolis \u2013 makes it a highly anticipated title. Plus, Keanu Reeves will be in the game.\n\n\nSo far, there\u2019s no specific release date for Cyberpunk 2077 on Google Stadia; it\u2019s only said to be available on the service in 2020. For every other platform, including PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows, the game will be available on 16 April 2020.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-9t-pro-official-global-variant-of-redmi-k20-pro/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro Official; Global Variant of Redmi K20 Pro", "body": "\n\nAs promised\n, Xiaomi officially introduced the Mi 9T Pro today. Basically, this is the global variant of the \nRedmi K20 Pro\n; only the branding on the back of the phone has been changed. Regardless, the affordable flagship smartphone is finally here, and it will come to Malaysia very soon.\n\n\nNot too long ago, Xiaomi Malaysia started posting teasers of the Mi 9T Pro. Chances are, the phone maker is gearing up to introduce the flagship smartphone on our shores. After all, the device has already been registered with SIRIM earlier this month.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of hardware, the Mi 9T Pro is a carbon copy of the Redmi K20 Pro. It\u2019s powered by Qualcomm\u2019s high-end Snapdragon 855 chipset paired with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM, so rest assured, you\u2019re getting flagship-tier performance with this smartphone.\n\n\nInterestingly, \nXiaomi global\u2019s website\n of this phone states that the Mi 9T Pro with 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM is only available in Indonesia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Other markets will supposedly only get the 64GB and 128GB models with 6GB of RAM. We don\u2019t know yet if this applies to Malaysia as well, so we\u2019ll just have to wait for the phone\u2019s local launch to find out.\n\n\n\n\nJust like the \nstandard Mi 9T\n model, the Mi 9T Pro features an all-screen design without the distraction of a \nnotch or hole-punch cutout\n. To make this design possible, Xiaomi is using a motorised pop-up camera to hide the selfie shooter, which houses a 20MP f/2.2 sensor.\n\n\nOn the back, the Mi 9T Pro comes with a triple camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP f/1.75 primary shooter, an 8MP f/2.4 telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, as well as a 13MP f/2.4 wide angle sensor. If you recall, this is the exact same camera system found in the regular Mi 9T.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mi 9T Pro include a 6.39-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED display, a 4,000mAh battery with support for 27W fast charging \u2013 though the phone is only bundled with an 18W charger \u2013 an in-screen fingerprint sensor, as well as MIUI 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro is currently on sale in certain European countries from 399 euro, which comes up to about RM1,845. Now, do note that VAT is included in the price, so when the Mi 9T Pro is launched here (and in other non-European countries), the price \nshould\n be lower.\n\n\nRight now, there\u2019s no concrete release date yet for the Mi 9T Pro in Malaysia. We will, of course, keep a close eye on the local availability of the budget-friendly flagship smartphone.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-5-realme-5-pro-debut-with-quad-camera-system-sub-rm1000-price/", "title": "Realme 5 & Realme 5 Pro Debut with Quad Camera System & Sub-RM1,000 Price", "body": "\n\nJust recently, the Realme 5 and Realme 5 Pro devices were launched in India, each with a quad camera system to boot. If you\u2019re wondering, no, there was no Realme 4 series; it appears the phone maker is skipping the number four for its successors to the \nRealme 3 lineup\n.\n\n\nOut of the two smartphones, the Realme 5 Pro is naturally the higher-end device. It comes with a 6.3-inch 1080p display with a waterdrop notch at the top, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 chipset paired with up to 8GB of RAM, two choices of internal storage (64GB or 128GB), as well as a microSD card slot.\n\n\nAside from that, this phone also features a generous 4,035mAh battery with support for VOOC 3.0 20W fast charging. Not surprisingly, it charges via a USB-C connection.\n\n\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Realme 5 Pro has four camera sensors on the back. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP primary shooter, an 8MP wide angle sensor, a 2MP depth camera, and a 2MP macro lens. The selfie camera, on the other hand, is a 16MP shooter.\n\n\nThere\u2019s no telephoto sensor here, which isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing. Most folks will probably find more use out of the wide angle shooter anyway. On top of that, this \nis \nan affordable smartphone; there\u2019s only so much you can ask for from a phone below the RM1,000 price point.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the more affordable Realme 5, which is actually larger than the Pro variant. It has a bigger 6.5-inch notched display (though the resolution is down to only 720p), a Snapdragon 665 chipset paired with 3GB or 4GB of RAM, storage capacities from 32GB to 128GB, and a very, very generous 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\nHowever, this phone charges via a microUSB port instead of USB-C with no support for fast charging.\n\n\nPhotography wise, the Realme 5 is equipped with a similar camera configuration as its higher-end Pro sibling, but the 48MP primary shooter is replaced with a 12MP sensor instead. The 16MP front-facing camera is also swapped out for a 13MP shooter.\n\n\n\n\nThe higher-end Realme 5 Pro will be available in India from 4 September onwards, and it retails from 13,999 Indian rupee \u2013 that\u2019s about RM815. As for the more affordable Realme 5, it\u2019s set to arrive in the same market on 27 August starting from only 9,999 rupee (around RM580).\n\n\nAt the moment, the Malaysian release of the Realme 5 and Realme 5 Pro are not confirmed yet. But given Realme\u2019s strong presence in our market, we reckon it\u2019s only a matter of time before the company launches these two smartphones on our shores.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-note-8-series-64mp-camera-mediatek-helio-g90t-29-august/", "title": "Redmi Note 8 Series with 64MP Camera & Helio G90T Coming on 29 August", "body": "\n\nIt seems like Redmi is gearing up to launch the successor to the budget-friendly \nRedmi Note 7\n. To be specific, the Chinese company will be introducing two new devices under the Redmi Note 8 series: the standard Redmi Note 8, and the Redmi Note 8 Pro.\n\n\nBoth of them will be unveiled at the same time next week on 29 August, though the differences between the two models have not been detailed yet. That being said, \nMediaTek has confirmed\n that the Pro variant will come with the chipmaker\u2019s new \nHelio G90T chipset\n.\n\n\n\n\nBuilt on a 12nm process, the G90T isn\u2019t quite as power-efficient as its competition. Take the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 and Huawei\u2019s \nKirin 810\n chipsets: they are built on 8nm and 7nm processes respectively. This, in turn, means that the G90T may not offer quite as good battery life \u2013 in theory, of course.\n\n\nNonetheless, when it comes to performance, MediaTek claims that the G90T is superior to its competition. Compared to the Snapdragon 730, for example, the G90T is said to be up to 26% faster. Without a doubt that\u2019s a bold claim, especially against a Qualcomm SoC.\n\n\n\n\nChipset aside, \nRedmi is teasing\n that the Note 8 Pro will feature a quad camera system with a 64MP primary sensor. In comparison, its predecessor \u201conly\u201d had a 48MP camera. Chances are, the 64MP sensor will use pixel-binning to shoot in 16MP instead, which will improve camera performance; especially in low light conditions.\n\n\nSo what about the standard Redmi Note 8? Well, it will supposedly feature a quad camera system too, but it\u2019s unlikely to come with the same 64MP sensor. Instead, it\u2019s said to be equipped with a 48MP primary camera instead, much like its predecessor.\n\n\n\n\nGiven that the two smartphones will be launching soon, Redmi itself started revealing more of the phone\u2019s design. In fact, the company even posted \na video on Weibo\n with quick shots of the upcoming phone. Looking at these snippets, it\u2019s likely that the Redmi Note 8 smartphones will be the most premium offerings of the series yet.\n\n\nThe Redmi Note 8 series will be launching on 29 August 2019 next week. While there\u2019s no news yet on the Malaysian availability of the upcoming smartphones, we reckon they will be arriving here in the near future. After all, most Redmi devices are sold on our shores officially.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-the-samsung-galaxy-note-10-with-rm1000-discount-tomorrow/", "title": "Deal: Get the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 with RM1,000 Discount Tomorrow", "body": "\n\nThe \nSamsung Galaxy Note 10 series\n is finally available in Malaysia, and Samsung is offering a rather attractive promotion at five different roadshows to celebrate the launch. If you\u2019re quick, you can get the Galaxy Note 10 with RM1,000 discount at these roadshows \u2013 that\u2019s a very good deal for a brand new flagship smartphone.\n\n\nOf course, in order to be eligible for this deal, there are a couple of terms and conditions. For one, you\u2019d have to be the first 500 customers to purchase the Galaxy Note 10 or Note 10+ at these roadshows. On top of that, you\u2019ll have to get two units (of any variant) to enjoy the RM1,000 discount.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re not the first 500 customers to get the RM1,000 discount, don\u2019t worry: there are other promotions at these roadshows. Depending on which Galaxy Note 10 device you get, you\u2019ll be eligible for a number of free gifts worth up to RM1,248.\n\n\nThose who purchase the standard Galaxy Note 10 at the roadshows will receive a \nSamsung Galaxy Fit\n wearable, a one-year extended warranty, as well as a one-time screen protection plan. Collectively, these are worth RM649. If you get the Galaxy Note 10+ (256GB) instead, an extra battery pack will be thrown in along with the aforementioned items, which are worth RM818.\n\n\nNaturally, the best deal is reserved for the 512GB variant of the Galaxy Note 10+. Instead of a Galaxy Fit, you\u2019ll get a \nSamsung Galaxy Watch Active\n smartwatch along with the battery pack, extended warranty, and screen protection. All of these are worth RM1,248.\n\n\n\n\nNeedless to say, these are attractive offers for the Galaxy Note 10 series regardless of which model you\u2019re getting. Either you like the more compact form factor of the standard \nNote 10\n or the bigger, sharper display of the \nNote 10+\n, you will get a good deal at these roadshows.\n\n\nCan\u2019t quite decide which Galaxy Note 10 device to get? Well, \nthis article we put together\n should help you decide. As a refresher, the standard Note 10 with 256GB of storage retails at RM3,699, while the higher-end Note 10+ go for RM4,199 and RM4,799 for the 256GB and 512GB variants respectively.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Note 10 roadshow will start tomorrow from 23 August to 25 August. The five roadshows will take place in Mid Valley, Kuala Lumpur; Queensbah Mall, Penang; Mid Valley Southkey, Johor; East Coast Mall, Pahang; and Imago KK, Sabah. To learn more about these promotions at the roadshows \u2013 including the terms and conditions \u2013 click \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-1-retails-at-rm4299-in-malaysia-early-pre-orders-will-get-wh-1000xm3/", "title": "Sony Xperia 1 Retails at RM4,299 in Malaysia; Early Pre-Orders Will Get WH-1000XM3", "body": "\n\nWe learned not too long ago that Sony Malaysia \nwill be bringing in the Sony Xperia 1\n, marking the return of the Japanese company\u2019s mobile division to our market. Well, pre-order details of the phone have been revealed, and it\u2019s set to go for a whopping RM4,299.\n\n\nThat\u2019s a steep asking price, especially given the fact that you\u2019re only getting 128GB of internal storage and 6GB of RAM with the Xperia 1. Granted, there\u2019s a microSD card slot for further expansion, but that still isn\u2019t quite as good as having bigger native storage.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, if you pre-order the Xperia 1 early, you will get a complimentary pair of Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones, which is one of the best headphones in the market now with active noise cancellation. On top of that, the XM3 is worth RM1,599, so that\u2019s really quite a good deal. Sure, you can easily get it below that price now, but it\u2019s still a good offer nonetheless.\n\n\nThere are, of course, some terms and conditions. There are limited units available, and the promotion is only offered at Sony Stores, Sony Store Online, and selected Sony Centres. For obvious reason, this pre-order deal is only limited to one unit per person as well.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Xperia 1 is Sony\u2019s latest flagship smartphone, and it features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset, an impressive 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED display with a 21:9 aspect ratio, an IP65/68 rating, and a rather average 3,330mAh battery.\n\n\nAs for the camera system, the Xperia 1 features a triple camera setup on the back; all three are fitted with 12MP sensors and different focal lengths. One is a wide angle shooter, another is a telephoto lens, and the last one is a regular sensor. The front-facing camera, on the other hand, is an 8MP shooter.\n\n\n\n\nThe Sony Xperia 1 will go on pre-order in Malaysia from tomorrow onwards on 24 August. The pre-order will end on 6 October, with sales of the phone to begin two days later on 8 October. That\u2019s quite a lengthy pre-order period, though we imagine the WH-1000XM3 will run out well before the pre-order ends.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the Xperia 1, you really should get it during this pre-order period; the XM3 is a \nreally\n good pair of headphones. You can place your pre-order from tomorrow onwards at Sony Stores, Sony Store Online, and selected Sony Centres.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-ii-landing-in-malaysia-q4-2019-will-feature-12gb-ram-1tb-storage/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone II Landing in Malaysia Q4 2019; Will Feature 12GB RAM & 1TB Storage", "body": "\n\nThe \nAsus ROG Phone II\n is arguably one of the most anticipated gaming smartphones this year, and if you\u2019ve been waiting for it to arrive here in Malaysia, good news. Asus Malaysia just revealed that the gaming smartphone will be available on our shores in the fourth quarter of 2019.\n\n\nOn top of that, the company elaborated that the ROG Phone II will be introduced here in early Q4, so it could be launched in Malaysia this October 2019. It\u2019s a bit of a wait, but hey, its predecessor was made available here \naround the same time\n last year.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, Asus also detailed which variant of the ROG Phone II that will be coming to our market. Not only will it feature 12GB of RAM, we will also get the 512GB and 1TB models; that\u2019s plenty of space to download your favourite mobile games. Given that the phone doesn\u2019t have a microSD card slot, you will need the generous storage capacities.\n\n\nInterestingly, Asus Malaysia also detailed the differences between the Malaysian and Chinese versions of the ROG Phone II. Overall, the variant set to arrive here is superior to the China-only Tencent model in almost every aspect. Take a look at the image below for the full comparison.\n\n\n\n\nAs a gaming smartphone, the ROG Phone II has some of the best hardware in the market now. It is one of the first devices to be powered by \nQualcomm\u2019s new Snapdragon 855+\n chipset, which promises up to 15% increase in gaming performance compared to the \nstandard Snapdragon 855\n.\n\n\nOther than that, the ROG Phone II also features a 6.59-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED HDR display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. This is a noticeable upgrade over its predecessor, which had a 90Hz screen instead. To sweeten the pot, the touch sampling rate of the screen has been increased to 240Hz as well, which lowers touch latency down to only 49ms.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the AirTriggers found on the \nfirst ROG Phone\n are back on this year\u2019s model. Basically, these are ultrasonic buttons placed on the right side of the phone to act as shoulder buttons. In shooters like PUBG Mobile and Fortnite, this feature is extremely handy.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the ROG Phone 2 are a very generous 6,000mAh battery, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, a dual camera system (48MP f/1.8 primary + 13MP f/2.4 wide angle), a 24MP f/2.2 selfie camera, and of course, a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone II will be coming to Malaysia sometime in Q4 2019. Of course, there\u2019s still no estimate of the phone\u2019s local pricing yet, but it\u2019s safe to assume it will cost quite a bit of money. After all, even its predecessor retailed from RM3,499, and that\u2019s only for the 128GB model; the 512GB variant \nwent for RM3,999 at launch\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/black-shark-2-pro-hands-on-first-snapdragon-855-gaming-phone-in-malaysia/", "title": "Black Shark 2 Pro Hands-On: First Snapdragon 855+ Gaming Phone in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nThe \nBlack Shark 2 Pro\n is set to land in Malaysia \non 3 September 2019\n, but we managed to get a hold of the gaming smartphone ahead of its official local launch. Powered by Qualcomm\u2019s latest \nSnapdragon 855+ chipset\n, the Pro variant of the \nBlack Shark 2\n is now more powerful than ever.\n\n\nHowever, at the end of the day, it is still an incremental upgrade over its predecessor; it doesn\u2019t quite match up to its competition in certain aspects either. In that sense, exactly how compelling the Black Shark 2 Pro would be will depend on how much the gaming smartphone will cost once it is launched here.\n\n\n\n\nSince this is a gaming smartphone, let\u2019s start with the gaming performance of the Black Shark 2 Pro. As mentioned, this device comes with a Snapdragon 855+ chipset, which is said to offer up to 15% increase in gaming performance.\n\n\nIn order to get this level of performance, the Snapdragon 855+ has its CPU and GPU overclocked. Beyond the fact that these two components are running at higher clock speeds, they\u2019re the same Kryo 485 CPU and Adreno 640 GPU found in the standard Snapdragon 855.\n\n\n\n\nSo how does it feel like to game on the Black Shark 2 Pro? \nVery \nfun. I\u2019ve played PUBG Mobile and Mortal Kombat on this gaming smartphone, and both games feel extremely fluid and responsive. This is especially noticeable in PUBG Mobile: the phone reacts to my inputs incredibly quickly.\n\n\nIn fact, that sheer responsiveness of the touch screen gives the illusion of higher frame rate. I always use PUBG Mobile as my gaming benchmark when I review smartphones, and the game never felt \nthis\n responsive before. Evidently, the Black Shark 2 Pro can run the game seamlessly with very low input lag.\n\n\n\n\nThis is thanks to the 240Hz polling rate of the phone\u2019s display, which Black Shark claims reduces the input delay down to only 34.7ms. For comparison\u2019s sake, the \noriginal Black Shark 2\n had a 43.5ms input delay. Not a huge improvement, but I do believe it will give skilled players the competitive edge.\n\n\nUnfortunately enough, the low input delay isn\u2019t complemented with high refresh rate: the Black Shark 2 Pro still comes with a conventional 60Hz display. Compared to other gaming smartphones with faster 90Hz, or even 120Hz screens, the Pro doesn\u2019t feel quite as\u2026well, impressive.\n\n\nCan you still game just as effectively on this smartphone? Probably, given that not many mobile games go beyond 60fps. Is this still a bummer? Definitely.\n\n\n\n\nGaming aside, other aspects of the Black Shark 2 Pro aren\u2019t hugely different from its direct predecessor, except for a slightly tweaked rear panel. It now sports a more streamlined look with a strip of metal going down the middle of the phone, complete with RGB lighting. According to Black Shark, the redesigned back panel improves grip comfort in longer gaming sessions.\n\n\nThat being said, I didn\u2019t notice any improvement in grip comfort. In fact, I reckon a good casing would provide better grip comfort. But hey, I do like the new design of the rear panel; it gives the phone a sleeker, more modern look.\n\n\n\n\nFeaturing the same 6.39-inch 1080p AMOLED panel as its predecessor, the Black Shark 2 Pro has a great display without any notch or hole-punch cutout. It has vibrant, punchy colours, viewing angles are great, and it has very deep blacks too. These are, after all, inherent characteristics of AMOLED screens.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Black Shark 2 Pro include up to 12GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, a USB-C port, and a 4,000mAh battery. Unfortunately, it still doesn\u2019t come with a 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable storage. Considering the fact that this is a gaming-centric smartphone, not having these two features is really quite odd.\n\n\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Black Shark 2 Pro shares the same camera configuration as the non-Pro model. It still has a dual camera system on the back (48MP f/1.75 primary shooter + 8MP f/2.2 telephoto sensor), and the front-facing camera is a 20MP f/2.0 unit. It goes without saying gaming smartphones don\u2019t have the best camera performance, and it shows when I\u2019m photographing with this phone.\n\n\nShots I took with the Black Shark 2 Pro are either very saturated, or they\u2019re simply overexposed. On top of that, the camera interface itself doesn\u2019t allow me to take another shot until the previous one is done processing, which takes about a second or two. However, in a pinch, I\u2019m sure this phone can take decent-looking pictures for social media postings; just don\u2019t expect particularly great results.\n\n\n\n\nAs a gaming smartphone, the Black Shark 2 Pro is a good option. Even if it doesn\u2019t have a fancy 90Hz or 120Hz display like its competition, the low input lag of the screen \nsomewhat\n makes up for this shortcoming. It would\u2019ve been great if it had a display with higher refresh rate, of course, but do note that this is still a relatively affordable smartphone.\n\n\nFor the Chinese market, the Black Shark 2 Pro retails at 2,999 Chinese yuan (about RM1,770) for the 128GB variant; the 256GB model, on the other hand, goes for 3,499 yuan (approximately RM2,065). If Black Shark can price this gaming smartphone around the same price range, it may just be attractive enough to consider over other offerings in this segment.\n\n\nPlus, once it is introduced in Malaysia on 3 September, the Black Shark 2 Pro would be the first Snapdragon 855+ device to be available here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-9t-pro-coming-to-malaysia-30-august-starts-from-rm1599/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro Coming to Malaysia 30 August; Starts from RM1,599", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s finally official: the \nXiaomi Mi 9T Pro\n will be coming to the Malaysian market this Friday on 30 August. On top of that, the retail price of the affordable flagship smartphone has been revealed too, and it\u2019s pretty darn competitive.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Mi 9T Pro will be available in Malaysia: the 64GB model retails at RM1,599, while the 128GB variant goes for RM1,799. Both models also come with 6GB of RAM, which \nshould be sufficient\n for most users\u2019 needs.\n\n\n\n\nAt these price points, the Mi 9T Pro is easily one of the most affordable smartphones in Malaysia with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset, and this is really its biggest selling point. In a way, the Mi 9T Pro is really the closest thing to a successor of the \nmuch loved Pocophone F1\n.\n\n\nBeyond the Snapdragon 855, other aspects of the Mi 9T Pro are quite good too. Compared to the standard Mi 9T, this Pro variant supports 27W fast charging instead of only 18W. That being said, the charger bundled with the phone can only output 18W.\n\n\n\n\nInterestingly, the Mi 9T Pro also features a more robust cooling solution than the regular model. According to Xiaomi, this phone uses a custom cooling design that uses eight layers of graphite to dissipate heat \u201c650% more effectively.\u201d On top of that, the back of the phone also has heat-transmitting gel, graphite, and copper to help the CPU run at its peak performance.\n\n\nThis, in turn, reduces temperatures by up to 8\u00b0C when compared against more common cooling designs. It\u2019s certainly an interesting claim, which we\u2019ll put to the test in a full review of the device.\n\n\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Mi 9T Pro include a 6.39-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED display free of any notch of hole-punch cutout for the selfie shooter \u2013 thanks to the use of a 20MP f/2.2 motorised pop-up camera module \u2013 a generous 4,000mAh battery, as well as an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\nJust like the standard model, the Mi 9T Pro comes with a triple camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP f/1.75 primary sensor, an 8MP f/2.4 telephoto lens, and a 13MP f/2.4 wide angle camera. The triple camera system can also record 4K videos at 60fps; something the regular Mi 9T cannot do.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 30 August onwards, and four colours will be available for our market: Carbon Black, Flame Red, Glacier Blue, and Pearl White. Curious to know if this affordable flagship smartphone is worth considering? Stay tuned for our hands-on later today!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-9t-pro-hands-on-spiritual-successor-to-the-pocophone-f1/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro Hands-On: Spiritual Successor to the Pocophone F1", "body": "\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro has been anticipated for quite some time now, and it is set to be available in Malaysia \nthis Friday on 30 August\n. Featuring a fast \nQualcomm Snapdragon 855\n chipset and a competitive price tag, this is the ideal device for those who want a flagship smartphone that won\u2019t break the bank.\n\n\nSounds familiar? It should be: it\u2019s the very same strategy that made the \nPocophone F1\n such a successful product. In fact, I would even consider the Mi 9T Pro to be the spiritual successor to the F1.\n\n\n\n\nTo be clear, the Mi 9T Pro was never said to be a followup to the Pocophone F1, but in my opinion, it\u2019s the closest thing to a successor for the latter. Sure, both devices don\u2019t exactly have the same branding or design language, but they do share one important element; one that made the F1 such a compelling product.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, it is \nsheer\n value for money. The Mi 9T Pro is easily one of the most \u2013 if not \nthe most\n \u2013 affordable smartphones with Qualcomm\u2019s flagship-tier chipset (Snapdragon 855) with 6GB of RAM under the hood right now. If you recall, that was the case with the F1 when it was introduced with the Snapdragon 845 last year.\n\n\n\n\nIn retrospect, the two devices are actually priced pretty close to each other at launch. The Pocophone F1 retailed at RM1,299 and RM1,599 for the 64GB and 128GB models respectively, while the Mi 9T Pro is going for RM1,599 (64GB) and RM1,799 (128GB). Looking at these prices, the 64GB variant of the Pro actually sits at the exact same price point as the 128GB Pocophone F1.\n\n\nGranted, you\u2019re getting half the storage with the Mi 9T Pro, and it doesn\u2019t support expandable storage like the Pocophone F1. On the flip side, you do get a sleeker, far more premium product with the Pro.\n\n\n\n\nOkay, that\u2019s enough comparison with the Pocophone F1; let\u2019s focus on the Mi 9T Pro itself. As mentioned, it is a sleek, premium device in terms of look and feel. I love the aesthetic of the Flame Red colourway, the glass and metal construction feel great, and it has a nice heft to it, tipping the scales at 191g.\n\n\nOn the front of the Mi 9T Pro, you\u2019ve got a 6.39-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED display with no \nnotch or hole-punch cutout\n to distract you. There\u2019s no need to make room for the selfie camera as the phone uses a 20MP f/2.2 motorised module that pops up when activated.\n\n\nBut with all moving parts, there is a chance the camera mechanism would break over time, though Xiaomi did assure consumers that the module can be activated over 300,000 times without issue.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Mi 9T Pro\u2019s screen quality itself, it\u2019s a great-looking display. It\u2019s an AMOLED, HDR-capable panel, so it has deep blacks, vibrant colours, and good level of brightness. Basically, you won\u2019t be disappointed with this display, especially at this price point.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re concerned with the display\u2019s 1080p resolution, don\u2019t be: everything looks sharp enough on the 6.39-inch screen. Plus, the lower power consumption of the 1080p display \u2013 compared to a sharper 1440p panel \u2013 paired with the phone\u2019s generous 4,000mAh cell, should return above average battery life too.\n\n\nAnd then we have the Mi 9T Pro\u2019s gaming performance, which is excellent. I managed to play a full match of PUBG Mobile with this phone, and never did the game feel sluggish throughout the whole match. Even the thermals are quite good; while the phone did get quite warm, it didn\u2019t get to the point where it\u2019s uncomfortable to the touch.\n\n\nEvidently, the \ngraphite cooling system\n is working well.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to camera performance, the Mi 9T Pro is reasonably capable. The Pro\u2019s triple camera system (48MP f/1.75 primary + 8MP f/2.4 telephoto + 13MP f/2.4 wide angle) can output good-looking images, especially the 48MP primary sensor. However, the 8MP telephoto lens isn\u2019t quite as good: the detail preservation isn\u2019t great, and this is amplified in low light conditions.\n\n\nAs for the 13MP wide angle sensor, there is noticeable edge distortion, though this effect may not be evident in wider landscape shots. Nonetheless, I definitely need to spend more time photographing with the phone to get a feel for the camera performance.\n\n\nAlso, it\u2019s worth noting that even though the regular Mi 9T has a similar camera configuration, the Pro model features a Sony IMX 586 sensor, which allows it to do 4K video recording at 60fps. The regular Mi 9T, on the other hand, can only do 4K recording at 30fps with its IMX 582 sensor.\n\n\n\n\nAs far as first impressions go, I\u2019m impressed with the Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro. It is fast, it looks and feels premium, and most of all, it is priced \nvery \ncompetitively. Not many phones can rival the Mi 9T Pro when it comes to sheer value for money, except maybe for the \nXiaomi Mi 9\n. Then again, the Mi 9 doesn\u2019t look quite as sleek as the Pro with its notched display, and it still costs slightly more.\n\n\nThose who are looking to get an affordable flagship smartphone \u2013 or have been holding out for a successor to the Pocophone F1 \u2013 should definitely take a look at the Mi 9T Pro. With a starting price of RM1,599, you\u2019d be hard-pressed to find another phone that can offer similar value for your money.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-nova-5t-debuts-in-malaysia-kirin-980-quad-camera-rm1599-price-tag/", "title": "Huawei Nova 5T Debuts in Malaysia; Kirin 980, Quad Camera, RM1,599 Price Tag", "body": "\n\nPhone makers don\u2019t often hold the global unveiling of their devices here in Malaysia, but Huawei did just that today with the brand new Huawei Nova 5T. Compared to \nother devices\n \nin the Nova series\n, the 5T is actually pretty well equipped; it\u2019s even powered by the same chipset found in the flagship \nHuawei P30\n and \nMate 20\n devices.\n\n\nUnder the hood of the Nova 5T is a \nKirin 980 chipset\n, which is currently Huawei\u2019s best SoC to date. Built on a 7nm process, it is also quite power efficient. This, in turn, should translate to good battery life, especially with the phone\u2019s 3,750mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Nova 5T also comes with a 6.26-inch 1080p LTPS display with a hole-punch cutout on the left side of the screen. According to Huawei, this phone has an impressive 91.7% screen-to-body ratio. On top of that, compared to a notch, the hole-punch cutout takes up less space, so it should be less distracting.\n\n\nFor photography, the Nova 5T is packed with a quad camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP primary shooter, a 16MP wide angle camera, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The front-facing shooter, on the other hand, is a 32MP unit.\n\n\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Nova 5T are 8GB of RAM, 128GB of fast UFS 2.1 storage \u2013 albeit there\u2019s no support for expandable storage \u2013 as well as EMUI 9.1 based on Android 9 Pie out of the box. Now, looking at the hardware and design of the Nova 5T, you won\u2019t be wrong if this smartphone seems\u2026familiar.\n\n\nSee, it is essentially a Huawei-branded \nHonor 20\n; even the side-mounted fingerprint sensor of the device is found on the 5T. Given that both companies are affiliated with each other, this isn\u2019t exactly a surprise. But there is one distinct difference: the Nova 5T comes with 8GB of RAM, while the Honor 20 only has 6GB RAM.\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei Nova 5T will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from 29 August to 5 September for RM1,599, which is really quite a competitive price tag. Those who place their pre-orders in this period will also receive two Huawei Mini Bluetooth speakers, a SuperCharge car charger, and one-year extended warranty.\n\n\nThree distinct colours of the Nova 5T are available for the Malaysian market: Midsummer Purple, Crush Blue, and Black. Our hands-on of the latest Nova smartphone will be up shortly, so keep your eyes peeled!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-nova-5t-hands-on-more-affordable-honor-20-new-guise/", "title": "Huawei Nova 5T Hands-On: A More Affordable Honor 20 in a New Guise", "body": "\n\nHuawei and Honor always had some similarities with their smartphone offerings. Whether it\u2019s a familiar camera system or design, there\u2019s no denying that both phone makers share some engineering here and there. After all, they \nare\n affiliated with each other.\n\n\nBut the new Huawei Nova 5T takes things to a whole new level. Take away the Nova branding on the back, and you have yourself a \nHonor 20\n. No, I\u2019m not kidding; they are both \nliterally\n the same smartphone. As far as I can tell, at least.\n\n\n\n\nOkay, let\u2019s break it down: how are these two devices similar to each other? Well, for starters, they look identical, except for some different styling cues on the back of the phone. Side-mounted fingerprint sensor? Check. Hole-punch display? Check.  Same screen size, battery capacity, and quad camera system? Check, check, and check. The resemblance is \nuncanny\n.\n\n\nThat being said, there is one difference. Instead of the Honor 20\u2019s 6GB of RAM, the Nova 5T for the Malaysian market gets 8GB of RAM instead, though both phones still come with 128GB of UFS 2.1 storage. Beyond this \u2013 and the different back panel design \u2013 there really isn\u2019t anything else that differentiates the two smartphones.\n\n\nThe Huawei Nova 5T\nThe Honor 20\n\n\nOf course, there may be some differences when it comes to software. The Nova 5T runs on EMUI 9.1, while the Honor 20 operates on Magic UI 2.1. But despite the \u201cdifferent\u201d versions of Android, I honestly don\u2019t see any major difference between the two software. Nonetheless, this is something I can only really put to the test in a full review of the Nova 5T. \n\n\nNow, that\u2019s enough comparison with the Honor 20. When it comes to build quality and design, i really dig the Nova 5T\u2019s premium look and feel, thanks to the glass and metal construction. On top of that, I love the Midsummer Purple colourway, which has tiny Nova brandings throughout the back of the phone.\n\n\nIf that\u2019s a bit too much for you, there\u2019s also the Crush Blue and Black models; the latter is a lot more subtle-looking.\n\n\n\n\nOn the front of the device, you\u2019ve got the hole-punch cutout at the top left of the display for the 32MP f/2.0 selfie camera. Personally, I\u2019ve always preferred this design over a notched screen. It takes up less screen real estate, so it won\u2019t be quite as distracting. I do wish the cutout is a bit smaller though, but you can only ask for so much from a smartphone at this price point.\n\n\nAs for the screen itself, the 6.26-inch 1080p LTPS display looks good with vibrant colours and wide viewing angles. Naturally, it can get reasonably bright too, though it remains to be seen if it can get bright enough to be usable under bright sunlight \u2013 I only managed to try out the phone in a dimly lit environment.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to performance, the \nKirin 980 chipset\n under the hood of the Nova 5T is without a doubt powerful enough to provide a pleasant user experience. It is Huawei\u2019s fastest SoC to date, and the 7nm size of the Kirin 980 also makes it a power efficient chip.\n\n\nThat power efficiency will come in handy when it comes to battery life. Packed with a 3,750mAh battery, I\u2019m pretty confident the Nova 5T can return above average battery life. The 1080p resolution of the display should help in this regard too.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the Nova 5T\u2019s quad camera system. The primary sensor is a 48MP f/1.8 shooter, which is complemented by a 16MP f/2.2 wide angle camera, a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor for bokeh simulation. Collectively, this camera setup can capture really good-looking shots.\n\n\nEven in low light conditions, the quad camera system can capture a good amount of detail and exposure; even the noise level is kept in check really well. That being said, the shutter speed does slow down quite a bit, though the camera interface still feels responsive.\n\n\nBased on my brief time with the Nova 5T, I\u2019m quite impressed with the camera performance. It would be interesting to see how the camera would fare against the Honor 20 \u2013 the latter is actually \nquite respectable in the camera department\n.\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei Nova 5T is an interesting smartphone. It is one of the most impressive Nova devices to date, and it is priced very competitively too. Only a sole 128GB variant of the phone is available in Malaysia, and it retails at only RM1,599.\n\n\nTo put this into context, the Honor 20 (which is almost identical to the 5T) retails for slightly more at RM1,699. Again, it\u2019s worth noting that Honor\u2019s offering only comes with 6GB of RAM, compared to the Nova 5T\u2019s 8GB RAM \u2013 peculiar, isn\u2019t it?\n\n\n\n\nEvidently, Huawei is aiming to dominate the affordable flagship segment with the Nova 5T. It doesn\u2019t just have the Honor 20 in its sights; the company is obviously looking to compete directly with the Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro as well, which also retails from RM1,599.\n\n\nAll in all, the Nova 5T could just be Huawei\u2019s most exciting sub-RM2,000 smartphone yet, even if the Chinese company is still \ncaught up with the US government\n. But whether or not the 5T is really as good as it seems can only be revealed in a full review of the smartphone.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen enough to purchase the Nova 5T, it will be available for pre-order \nfrom 29 August to 5 September 2019\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-wf-1000xm3-launch-malaysia-rm949/", "title": "Sony WF-1000XM3 Officially Launched in Malaysia for RM949", "body": "\n\nAnnounced globally \njust last month\n, the Sony WF-1000XM3 has just been launched in Malaysia. Retailing at RM949, these are not exactly affordable wireless earbuds, but you are getting quite a number of features, including very good active noise cancellation performance.\n\n\nLooking at the WF-1000XM3\u2019s feature set, the active noise cancellation is one of its biggest selling points. I managed to try it out for a bit at the launch event, and it\u2019s really quite impressive. On its own, the noise cancellation does feel quite \u201cdeafening.\u201d But once I start playing some songs, this effect is reduced, and I can barely hear the outside world.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the audio quality, I can\u2019t really say with certainty how good \u2013 or bad \u2013 these earbuds sound; I only spent a brief time with the WF-1000XM3. However, I do notice a good amount of bass, and it doesn\u2019t sound muddled at all, even in more complicated sections of a song.\n\n\nI\u2019m also particularly impressed with the fit of these wireless earbuds. It\u2019s a little bit difficult to put them into my ears, but once they do, the fit is very snug and secure. I have absolutely no fear of them falling off, which is a great thing for truly wireless earbuds such as these.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re concerned you won\u2019t get a good fit, don\u2019t worry: they come with different tip sizes to accommodate a wide range of users.\n\n\n\n\nThere are, however, a couple of things that I don\u2019t quite like about the WF-1000XM3. For one, the earbuds feel quite\u2026cheap. The plastic build material doesn\u2019t exactly inspire confidence, and the lack of heft doesn\u2019t help either. Granted, you\u2019d \nwant\n them to be lightweight, but they certainly don\u2019t feel like a RM949 product.\n\n\nAnd then we have the carrying case, which also doubles as the charger. The case, when fully charged, has enough juice to charge the earbuds three times, so needless to say, it is quite chunky. This, in turn, makes it difficult to keep in my pocket, especially when I\u2019m wearing jeans.\n\n\nThat being said, the case does feel solid. I also love the fact that it\u2019s magnetised, so the lid closes with a satisfying thud, and even the earbuds just fall into place when I place them inside the case.\n\n\n\n\nPrevious iteration of the WF-1000XM3 \u2013 the WF-1000X, which was released back in 2017 \u2013 suffered from connection issues and audio delay, but I didn\u2019t notice either of these with the new generation earbuds. Thanks to a new Bluetooth chip, the two earbuds connect independently to a paired device, so audio delay is minimal, and there wasn\u2019t any connection dropout.\n\n\nSo what else is there to know about the WF-1000XM3? Well, it has up to eight hours of battery life (six if you switch on the active noise cancellation), it\u2019s able to offer up to 90 minutes of play time within only 10 minutes of charging, and\u2026it doesn\u2019t have water or dust resistance.\n\n\nYes, the WF-1000XM3 doesn\u2019t have any form of water resistance, which is a little bit disheartening for truly wireless earbuds like these. If you plan to hit the gym or go on a jogging session with the earbuds, take extra precaution; there\u2019s no telling how prone they are to water damage.\n\n\n\n\nThe Sony WF-1000XM3 truly wireless earbuds are now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM949. While that\u2019s not a particularly affordable price tag, you\u2019re getting a great pair of earbuds with impressive active noise cancellation performance, among other things.\n\n\nAt least, that\u2019s my takeaway based on my brief time with the WF-1000XM3. If you\u2019re interested to pick it up, it\u2019s best to try it out for yourself first.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-reno-2-series-launched-with-3-devices-mid-rangers-with-quad-camera-systems/", "title": "Oppo Reno 2 Series Launched with 3 Devices; Mid-Rangers with Quad Camera Systems", "body": "\n\nOppo officially unveiled the new Oppo Reno 2 series in India, and there are three different devices in the lineup: the Reno 2, Reno 2 Z, and Reno 2 F. Interestingly, unlike the \noriginal Reno series\n, all three of these smartphones are mid-rangers; the \nReno 10x Zoom\n is still the company\u2019s latest flagship.\n\n\nWith that in mind, the Reno 2 series is really a followup to the \nstandard Reno\n, and there are quite a number of improvements. The Reno 2 itself, for one, comes with a newer Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G chipset paired with up to 8GB of RAM. In comparison, the first Reno had an older Snapdragon 710 SoC with 6GB of RAM.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Reno 2 also features a quad camera system. It consists of a 48MP f/1.7 primary sensor, an 8MP f/2.2 wide angle shooter, a 16MP f/2.4 telephoto lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 monochrome sensor. According to Oppo, the combination of these sensors allow the Reno 2 to do 5x hybrid zoom, and up to 20x digital zoom.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the quad camera system does not use the periscope-style lens arrangement found in the higher-end Reno 10x Zoom, so it can only do 5x hybrid zoom. The 10x hybrid zoom capability remains exclusive to the Reno 10X Zoom model.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Reno 2 include a 6.5-inch 1080p AMOLED display, a 4,000mAh battery, 256GB of internal storage, and of course, a motorised \u201cshark fin\u201d 16MP f/2.0 selfie camera.\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the Reno 2 Z, which comes with a MediaTek Helio P90 chipset instead. On top of that, it also loses the shark fin motorised camera module; it\u2019s replaced with a more conventional-looking pop-up camera, though the sensor is still a 16MP shooter.\n\n\nAs for the rear camera system, the Reno 2 Z still has four different sensors, but the telephoto shooter is replaced with a 2MP depth camera. Beyond that, it still has a 6.5-inch 1080p AMOLED display, 8GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of storage, and a 4,000mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the most affordable device in the series, the Reno 2 F. Just like the Z, the F has the same pop-up camera module, but the chipset has been swapped out for a Helio P70 SoC. The rear camera also gets a slight change: the 48MP f/1.7 primary shooter is replaced with a different 48MP sensor with f/1.79 aperture.\n\n\nBesides that, the Reno 2 F is the same as the Z model. It also comes with a 6.5-inch 1080p AMOLED display, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage (there\u2019s no option for 256GB), as well as a 4,000mAh cell.\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Reno 2 series is now available in India. The Reno 2 retails at 36,990 Indian rupee (about RM2,175), while the Reno 2 Z will set you back 29,990 rupee (approximately RM1,765). Oddly enough, the Reno 2 F does not have any pricing detail yet, and it\u2019s only set to be available sometime in November 2019.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-note-8-series-official-with-64mp-camera-helio-g90t/", "title": "Redmi Note 8 Series Official with 64MP Camera & Helio G90T", "body": "\n\nThe Redmi Note 8 series is here, and as expected, there are two devices in the series: the standard Redmi Note 8, and the higher-end Redmi Note 8 Pro. Naturally, the latter is the more exciting device, thanks to its 64MP camera sensor and \nMediaTek Helio G90T chipset\n under the hood.\n\n\nIn fact, the Redmi Note 8 Pro is the first smartphone to officially debut with the 64MP sensor. On top of that, it is also the first device to be announced with the Helio G90T chipset, which promises good gaming performance for the money. According to MediaTek, the G90T is up to 26% faster than the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the 64MP camera, it\u2019s the Samsung ISOCELL Bright GW1 sensor, which uses pixel binning to output brighter, better-looking 16MP images. Complementing the 64MP sensor are three other shooters: an 8MP wide angle camera, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor.\n\n\nWhat about selfies? For that, the Redmi Note 8 Pro has a 20MP front-facing camera housed in the notch at the top of the display. That\u2019s right, this phone has a 6.53-inch 1080p notched display; there\u2019s no hole-punch cutout or all-screen design here, for better or worse.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Redmi Note 8 Pro are up to 8GB of RAM, 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, a generous 4,500mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging, and even a liquid cooling system for better thermal performance.\n\n\n\n\nThose who want something more affordable can opt for the standard Redmi Note 8 instead. For the most part, it looks relatively similar to the Pro variant, except for the camera sensors, which are placed on the left side of the back panel. On top of that, the primary sensor is a 48MP unit, so only the Pro model gets the 64MP camera.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Redmi Note 8 include a more compact 6.3-inch 1080p display (still with a notch), a Snapdragon 665 chipset paired with up to 6GB of RAM, 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, a quad camera system (48MP primary + 8MP wide angle + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), a 13MP selfie camera, and a smaller 4,000mAh cell.\n\n\n\n\nNow then, let\u2019s get to pricing. Three variants of the Redmi Note 8 Pro are available: the 64GB model with 6GB RAM goes for 1,399 Chinese yuan (about RM825), while the 128GB variants with 6GB and 8GB of RAM retail at 1,599 yuan (approximately RM940) and 1,799 yuan (around RM1,060) respectively.\n\n\nThese are competitive price tags, and the Redmi Note 8 is \neven more\n affordable. The 64GB + 4GB model goes for only 999 yuan (about RM590), while the 64GB + 6GB and 128GB + 6GB variants are priced at 1,199 yuan (around RM705) and 1,399 yuan (approximately RM825) respectively.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, the Redmi Note 8 Pro is set to go on sale in China on 3 September, while the regular Redmi Note 8 will be sold from 17 September onwards in the country. Malaysian release of these two phones are not confirmed yet, but we reckon Xiaomi Malaysia will bring them in soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-sets-10-september-special-event-iphone-11-expected/", "title": "Apple Sets 10 September Special Event; iPhone 11 Expected", "body": "\n\nApple just released a teaser for a \u201cspecial event\u201d next month on 10 September. It\u2019s a simple teaser, with the words \u201cby innovation only\u201d written below a colourful Apple logo. While this doesn\u2019t tell us much, a September Apple event usually mean one thing: new iPhones.\n\n\nEvery year, Apple introduces its new smartphones \nin September\n, so it is very likely the Cupertino company will unveil the iPhone 11 at the upcoming event. According to rumours, at least three new iPhones will be announced, which will succeed the current iPhone XR, \niPhone XS\n, and iPhone XS Max.\n\n\nThe iPhone XS\n\n\nIf rumours are to be believed, two of the new iPhones will be Apple\u2019s first smartphones to feature triple camera systems. Up until now, iPhones only had up to two camera sensors: one primary shooter, and a telephoto lens. Chances are, the new triple camera configuration will add a wide angle sensor.\n\n\nBesides that, the upcoming iPhones will follow last year\u2019s lineup when it comes to display technology. Two of them will potentially feature OLED screens, while the other one will supposedly come with an LCD display; just like how it was with the iPhone XR.\n\n\nInterestingly, Apple may introduce two-way wireless charging with the iPhone 11 series. Basically, on top of the support for wireless charging, the phone itself can act as a wireless charger. While it\u2019s not a new feature \u2013 both Huawei and Samsung already did this \u2013 it\u2019s a nice feature to have.\n\n\n\n\nOther new features the new iPhones are rumoured to come with include a better face ID system, improved battery life, and of course, faster performance. More likely than not, the iPhone 11 will be powered by Apple\u2019s yet to be announced A13 chip. No details of the processor have been leaked yet, but it should offer noticeable performance gain.\n\n\nApple events rarely revolve around only one segment of products, so we can expect to see other notable announcements or updates at the launch event. After all, last year\u2019s Apple event saw the introduction of the Apple Watch Series 4. Perhaps the company will introduce some form of update to the Apple Watch?\n\n\n\n\nThe Apple special event will take place on 10 September at 10AM Pacific Time. If you want to catch the livestream to see for yourself the new iPhone 11, just log on to \nApple\u2019s website\n on 11 September at 1AM Malaysian time.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/garmin-fenix-6-sport-watches-now-in-malaysia-cost-up-to-rm5699/", "title": "Garmin Fenix 6 Sport Watches Now in Malaysia; Cost up to RM5,699", "body": "\n\nGarmin\u2019s range of sport watches are made for the most dedicated of fitness folks, and the company\u2019s latest products, the Fenix 6 series, are now available in Malaysia. However, given the pedigree of these sport watches, they cost quite a bit of money: one even retails at a whopping RM5,699.\n\n\nThat, of course, is the highest-end Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar, which \u2013 as its name suggests \u2013 supports solar charging. In the right condition, the solar charging can extend the watch\u2019s battery life by up to three days in smartwatch mode. This is on top of the already impressive quoted battery life of up to 21 days.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Fenix 6X Pro Solar also comes with a 1.4-inch 280 x 280 transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display, which is actually \nmore visible\n under harsh sunlight, though the viewing angle isn\u2019t particularly great. This is not your typical display technology; on its own, this screen is not even illuminated, relying instead on a more traditional backlight system. Basically, think of G-Shock\u2019s lighting system.\n\n\nThere are two variants of the Fenix 6X in Malaysia: the standard Carbon Grey model (without solar charging, of course) with sapphire glass retails at RM4,199, while the Pro Solar variant in Titanium Carbon Grey goes for RM4,699. So where\u2019s the RM5,699 Fenix 6X? Well, that\u2019s the Pro Solar model with a titanium bracelet instead of a silicone strap.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want something smaller, there\u2019s the Fenix 6, which shares many features of the Fenix 6X. In fact, all sport watches in this series have similar features, with the size of each watch \u2013 and, in turn, battery life \u2013 being the most obvious difference. Well, except for the Fenix 6X Pro Solar; that\u2019s the only model here that has solar charging.\n\n\nOkay, moving on: the Fenix 6 has a slightly smaller 1.3-inch 260 x 260 MIP display, along with up to 13 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. Much like the Fenix 6X, this particular sport watch is also rated for 10 ATM; it can be submerged up to 100m underwater with no issue.\n\n\nTwo models of the Fenix 6 are available here. The standard Silver model with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 is priced at RM2,999, while the Carbon Grey variant with sapphire glass carry a RM3,950 price tag.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the smallest sport watch in the series, the Fenix 6S. Depending on which colour you get, it\u2019s a decidedly more feminine-looking sport watch. it also comes with a 1.2-inch 240 x 240 MIP screen, up to nine days of battery life in smartwatch mode, and of course, 10 ATM water resistance rating.\n\n\nAs many as three variants of the Fenix 6S are sold here, with the Silver model with Gorilla Glass 3 retailing at RM2,999. Both the Rose Gold and Carbon Grey colourways with sapphire glass, on the other hand, go for RM3,950.\n\n\n\n\nAt these price points, the Fenix 6 watches are definitely not meant for \u201cregular\u201d consumers. Instead, they are meant to appeal to consumers with an active lifestyle; those who would want to track their activities with utmost accuracy, among other things. Also, don\u2019t think of these as \u201ctraditional smartwatches\u201d \u2013 they don\u2019t even have touch screens.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, you navigate through the user interface of the Fenix 6 with the five buttons around the watch case. Given that these watches are primarily meant for outdoor use (especially if you\u2019re swimming), a touch screen isn\u2019t the most ideal feature to have.\n\n\n\n\nThe Garmin Fenix 6 series of sport watches can now be purchased in Malaysia, but the Fenix 6X Pro Solar with a titanium bracelet is not available just yet. That model will be arriving on our shores at a later date.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-band-5-arrives-in-malaysia-for-rm149/", "title": "Honor Band 5 Arrives in Malaysia for RM149", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to get an affordable fitness band, consider this: Honor Malaysia just launched its latest wearable on our shores, the Honor Band 5. Retailing at only RM149, this fitness band is priced at the exact same price point as its (arguably) biggest competition, the \nXiaomi Mi Band 4\n.\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Honor Band 5 offers a 0.95-inch 240 x 120 AMOLED display, a 100mAh battery that promises up to 14 days of battery life, a heart rate sensor, and a 5 ATM water resistance rating; it can be submerged up to 50m underwater for 10 minutes.\n\n\n\n\nInterestingly, while the Honor Band 5 is capable of measuring your blood oxygen level \u2013  which will prove to be useful to check if you can handle more strenuous workouts \u2013 the model for our market\u2026does not support the feature. While the measurement probably won\u2019t be awfully accurate, it would have certainly been a nice feature to have.\n\n\nOf course, as a fitness band, the Honor Band 5 can track various workouts as well. According to the company, this wearable has 10 distinct \u201cfitness modes,\u201d which include running, cycling, swimming, and even free training. Once you\u2019re done with your workout, the Band 5 will present to you a number of data, including your heart rate, workout time, distance, and speed.\n\n\n\n\nI managed to play around with the Honor Band 5 for a brief period of time, and it\u2019s really quite an impressive fitness band. The AMOLED display, for one, is bright and vibrant. Thanks to the inherent characteristic of AMOLED panels, you\u2019re getting very deep blacks here too.\n\n\nPerformance wise, I didn\u2019t notice any stutter or lag while operating the Honor Band 5. I can scroll through the menu seamlessly, and it is responsive enough to not feel sluggish. I also love the fact that display (and the chassis itself) has a slight curvature to better fit your wrist \u2013 very ergonomic.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, if I were to nitpick, I\u2019d say the strap itself could be better. Now, it\u2019s not like the strap is flawed in any way, but I do wish it was a little bit softer to improve comfort. That being said, I only strapped it to my wrist for a brief moment; it wouldn\u2019t be fair to judge the comfort of the wearable based on this alone.\n\n\nThe Honor Band 5 is now available for purchase online on \nHonor Malaysia\u2019s website\n for RM149. Alternatively, you can check out the wearable for yourself at Honor\u2019s roadshow, which is happening right now until 1 September in Sunway Pyramid, Bandar Sunway.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-mate-30-series-launching-on-19-september/", "title": "Huawei Mate 30 Series Launching on 19 September", "body": "\n\nHuawei\u2019s next big flagship smartphone will be announced later this month on 19 September, and it\u2019s the Huawei Mate 30 series. The teaser for the launch event is accompanied with the tagline \u201cRethink Possibilities.\u201d Given the circumstances \nsurrounding the Chinese phone maker now\n, it\u2019s really quite an apt description.\n\n\nSee, the Mate 30 series \ncannot \nship with Google\u2019s suit of services and apps out of the box. The upcoming smartphones will not be pre-loaded with incredibly vital apps like Google Maps, YouTube, Gmail, and more crucially, the Google Play Store. This was \nconfirmed by Google itself\n, so it\u2019ll be interesting to see how Huawei will work around this issue.\n\n\n\n\nDid you get it right? The countdown to \n#HuaweiMate30\n starts now!\nWe're going full circle in Munich on 19.09.2019.\nJoin us live: \nhttps://t.co/9ugi5gG9ci\n#RethinkPossibilities\n \npic.twitter.com/etRYjrBVEC\n\u2014 Huawei Mobile (@HuaweiMobile) \nSeptember 1, 2019\n\n\n\n\nGranted, Huawei does have its own alternative to the Google Play Store with the company\u2019s App Gallery. While the latter does have a rather robust selection of apps, it is still incomparable to the sheer size of the Play Store. Nonetheless, it could be a feasible solution to fill in the void left by Google\u2019s huge selection of apps.\n\n\nBeyond this issue, there\u2019s a good chance the Mate 30 series will still run on Android, albeit based on the open-source version instead. It would still be inherently an Android smartphone, but it won\u2019t include any dedicated services from Google.\n\n\n\n\nCan be 100% sure, this is a real poster leaked. \npic.twitter.com/WgUiaGUTR4\n\u2014 Ice universe (@UniverseIce) \nAugust 27, 2019\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Mate 30 series itself, we still don\u2019t know how many devices will be launched under that moniker. But based on numerous leaks and rumours, at least one variant of the Mate 30 will come with a circular rear camera module. Sort of like\u2026Lumia devices of old, if you will.\n\n\nBesides that, leaked render of the Mate 30 series have also surfaced on the internet, and it appears to be sporting a notched display \u2013 a pretty wide notch, at that \u2013 along with a dual curved screen. It\u2019s not super noticeable in the render, but looking at other (alleged) images of the device, the curve looks very pronounced.\n\n\nIn fact, it\u2019s a lot more pronounced than, say, the \nSamsung Galaxy Note 10+\n\u2018s dual curved display.\n\n\n\n\nThe Mate 30 Pro was discovered in the subway and features a waterfall screen design.\nIts back side matches the leaking protective case.\nImage from anonymous leaker to Weibo@\u950b\u6f6e\u79d1\u6280 \npic.twitter.com/XKCyLSJI2v\n\u2014 Ice universe (@UniverseIce) \nAugust 16, 2019\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, we\u2019ll find out for ourselves exactly how the Huawei Mate 30 series will look like come 19 September 2019. While it\u2019s not confirmed yet, it\u2019s highly likely the company\u2019s yet to be announced Kirin 990 chipset will power the upcoming smartphones too. That SoC will be made official on 6 September at IFA 2019.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/black-shark-2-pro-lands-in-malaysia-retails-from-rm2499/", "title": "Black Shark 2 Pro Lands in Malaysia; Retails from RM2,499", "body": "\n\nThe \nBlack Shark 2 Pro\n has just been launched in Malaysia, making it the first gaming smartphone with a \nQualcomm Snapdragon 855+\n chipset to arrive on our shores. If you want the fastest gaming smartphone right now \u2013 at least, until the \nAsus ROG Phone II\n with the same SoC gets here \u2013 the Black Shark 2 Pro is one to consider.\n\n\nCompared to \nits predecessor\n, this Pro variant has a number of notable improvements. The Snapdragon 855+ chipset, for one, promises up to 15% better gaming performance. This is thanks to the overclocked CPU and GPU of the 855+, even if the standard Snapdragon 855 shares the same components.\n\n\n\n\nAnother noteworthy upgrade is the improved response rate of the Black Shark 2 Pro\u2019s 6.39-inch 1080p AMOLED display. Just like the previous model, the screen has a 240Hz polling rate, but Black Shark managed to reduce the input delay from 43.5ms down to only 34.7ms. This may seem like a small difference, but more serious mobile gamers would definitely appreciate it.\n\n\nUnfortunately enough, the Black Shark 2 Pro also retains the 60Hz display of its predecessor. In a market where other gaming smartphones are shipping with faster 90Hz or 120Hz displays, the Pro certainly don\u2019t stand out quite as much. If there\u2019s any consolation, at least it has the lowest input delay among its competition \u2013 that\u2019s what Black Shark is claiming.\n\n\n\n\nDesign wise, the Black Shark 2 Pro gets a new back design with a strip of metal going down the middle of the phone. Of course, it even comes with RGB lighting that can be customised to your liking. The new design isn\u2019t just for show, apparently: Black Shark claims that the redesigned back panel will improve grip comfort in longer gaming sessions.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Black Shark 2 Pro include 8GB or 12GB of RAM, up to 256GB of non-expandable internal storage, a dual camera system (48MP f/1.75 primary + 8MP f/2.2 telephoto), a 12MP front-facing camera, a USB-C port, as well as a generous 4,000mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\nThe Black Shark 2 Pro will go on sale in Malaysia later today on Shopee. The 128GB model with 8GB RAM retails at RM2,499, while the 256GB variant with 12GB RAM goes for RM2,999. If you\u2019re quick, you can get a complimentary Black Shark power bank (worth RM99) along with a RM150 Shopee voucher \u2013 only usable for the phone \u2013 if you\u2019re the first 200 customers to purchase the phone on Shopee.\n\n\nCurrently, only the Shadow Black and Iceberg Grey are available here; the Gulf Blue colourway will only arrive in Malaysia by the end of September 2019. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the Black Shark 2 Pro, check out our hands-on \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-swift-5-2019-weighs-only-990g-with-ice-lake-cpu-mx250-gpu/", "title": "Acer Swift 5 (2019) Weighs Only 990g with Ice Lake CPU & MX250 GPU", "body": "\n\nAcer just unveiled a slew of products ahead of IFA 2019, and one of the most interesting laptops is this one right here: the new 2019 Acer Swift 5. Weighing only 990g, this 14-inch productivity laptop also comes with Intel\u2019s latest 10th generation Ice Lake CPU and a dedicated Nvidia GeForce MX250 GPU.\n\n\nGiven that the new Swift 5 comes with a discrete GPU, it\u2019s really quite impressive how it weighs only 990g \u2013 even less if you forego that GPU for the integrated Intel Iris Pro Graphics. According to Acer, this makes it the world\u2019s lightest 14-inch laptop.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, the Swift 5 is a relatively thin laptop too. Its chassis measures only 14.95mm thin, making it quite the portable machine. This, combined with the narrow screen bezels, reduce the overall footprint of the laptop. The slim, lightweight nature of the Swift 5 really makes it the ideal notebook for those who are always on the go.\n\n\nPowered by Intel\u2019s latest 10 generation processors \u2013 it can be configured up to a Core i7-1065G7 chip \u2013 the Swift 5 will be powerful enough for everyday use. If you want to do some gaming, the MX250 GPU should be capable enough to run certain games well too, including Dota, \nDiablo III\n, and even Fortnite with lowered graphics settings.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to connectivity, the Swift 5 is reasonably well equipped. It comes with a USB-C port (with Thunderbolt 3 support), two full-size USB-A connections, as well as an HDMI output. Considering the fact that many PC makers are moving away from USB-A ports \u2013 especially on slim and light laptops, such as the Swift 5 \u2013 it\u2019s great to see Acer retaining this port.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Swift 5 include a 14-inch 1080p IPS touch display, up to 512GB of SSD storage, a fingerprint reader, and up to 12.5 hours of battery life.\n\n\nBesides the Swift 5, there\u2019s also the more affordable Swift 3. Its choice of CPU and GPU are similar to the former, but the Swift 3 weighs 1.19kg with a 15.95mm chassis. It also comes with a 14-inch Full HD IPS display, up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage, as well as the same 12.5 hours battery life of the Swift 5.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Swift 5 and Swift 3 will be available in selected markets from this month onwards. The Swift 5 starts from $900 (about RM3,785), while the Swift 3 retails from $700 (approximately RM2,945). As of this writing, it remains to be seen exactly when these two laptops will arrive in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-introduces-predator-triton-300-thin-light-entry-level-gaming-laptop/", "title": "Acer Introduces Predator Triton 300; Thin & Light Entry-Level Gaming Laptop", "body": "\n\nAcer just unveiled a new Triton laptop under its Predator line of gaming laptops. Dubbed Predator Triton 300, the new product serves as the most affordable gaming machine within the Triton series, which is reserved for slim and light gaming laptops.\n\n\nTipping the scales at 2.3kg, the Triton 300 isn\u2019t exactly the lightest gaming machine, but it is not particularly heavy either. Its chassis, on the other hand, measures 22.9mm thin. Again, not the slimmest machine around, but definitely thinner than your typical gaming laptop.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLike its bigger brother, the \nPredator Triton 500\n, the Triton 300 also comes with a fast 144Hz 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display. Thanks to the high refresh rate, gaming on this laptop should be very enjoyable; the display is capable of showing more frames per second.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the Triton 300 can\u2019t quite make full use of the 144Hz screen, powered only by an \nNvidia GeForce GTX 1650\n GPU. Now, it\u2019s still quite a respectable GPU, and it can definitely run most games well with some tweaking in the graphics settings, but can it push out 144fps? Only in certain titles like Dota 2 and \nDiablo III\n.\n\n\n\n\nOn the flip side, the Triton 300 can be configured with Intel\u2019s 9th generation Core i7 processor, which should be from the H series. As far as processors for gaming laptops are concerned, it is fast enough to fulfill most gamers\u2019 needs. To cool down these components, Acer equipped this laptop with its signature 4th generation AeroBlade 3D metal fans.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Triton 300 are 16GB of DDR4 2666MHz RAM \u2013 upgradable to 32GB \u2013 support for up to two 1TB PCIe NVMe SSDs in Raid 0 configuration, an RGB keyboard with zoned lighting, three USB-A ports, a USB-C connection, an HDMI output, and a RJ45 port.\n\n\nBeyond the new Triton 300, Acer also refreshed the Triton 500 with a new display option: the 144Hz screen can now be swapped out for a 300Hz panel. Besides that, other hardware of the Triton 500 remain the same.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Predator Triton 300 is set to arrive in the EMEA regions this October with a starting price of 1,299 euro, which comes up to about RM6,000. The new Predator Triton 500 will also be available in the same regions in November, retailing from 2,699 euro (approximately RM12,495).\n\n\nDo note that these prices include VAT, so the gaming laptops should be priced lower in other markets outside of Europe. As for the Malaysian market, it remains to be seen if the new Triton 300 and Triton 500 will make it here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-acer-predator-thronos-air-is-a-decadent-rm58000-gaming-chair/", "title": "The Acer Predator Thronos Air Is a Decadent RM58,000 \u201cGaming Chair\u201d", "body": "\n\nRemember the original Acer Thronos gaming chair? Well, there\u2019s a more \u201caffordable\u201d option now, the Acer Thronos Air. Retailing at a whopping $14,000 (that\u2019s about RM58,675) in the US, this \u201cgaming chair\u201d is actually quite a bit more affordable than the first model, which retailed at $20,000 (approximately RM83,825) in the same market.\n\n\nSo what did Acer do to bring down the price of the Thronos Air? By simply removing the automatic motorised monitor arm, which has been replaced with a manually operated arm. Beyond this one change, the Thronos Air is still encased in a steel structure.\n\n\nActually, there is \none\n other thing that differentiates the Thronos Air from the original: the chair has a massage function now. Interesting, isn\u2019t it?\n\n\n\n\nOther features of the Thronos Air are similar to its predecessor. It can still house three monitors, with a handle right below the middle monitor\u2019s stand to raise or lower them manually. Of course, the keyboard and mouse tray remain adjustable, so you can get into a comfortable position regardless of your seating angle.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Thronos Air also has a foot rest to keep your feet elevated for maximum comfort. Really, this gaming chair is all about keeping you comfortable in your gaming sessions. Given just how costly the Thronos Air is, this is something you\u2019ve come to expect.\n\n\n\n\nInterestingly, if you plan to livestream your gaming sessions, it\u2019s possible to place a camera right above the middle monitor. What about your PC itself? For that, a platform is placed right behind the chair to accommodate your desktop PC, complete with a cable management system to keep everything neat.\n\n\nNot surprisingly, you can also customise the Thronos Air with a number of additions. These include a seat stabiliser \u2013 it prevents the chair from moving around when you\u2019re gaming \u2013 a headset holder, a USB hub, and even a cup holder (because why not). To complete the look, the chair has a teal blue lighting that emits \u201ca soft cool glow.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Predator Thronos Air gaming chair will be available globally from the fourth quarter of 2019. If you\u2019re keen to get it, there\u2019s a good chance the Thronos Air will be made available in Malaysia. After all, the first Thronos eventually made it here.\n\n\nJust expect to pay a small fortune for this decadent gaming chair.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopback-shopfest-back-for-2019-with-millions-of-vouchers-to-give-away/", "title": "ShopBack ShopFest Back for 2019 with Millions of Vouchers to Give Away", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019re entering the fourth quarter of 2019 now, so expect to see quite a number of online sales taking place in this period. To make things a little easier, ShopBack is bringing back its ShopFest event, which aims to help you get the best deals from six major online sales.\n\n\nThese events include the upcoming 9.9 sale, #MyCyberSale, 11.11, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, 12.12, as well as the year end sale. How ShopFest works is really quite simple: just visit the official site \nhere\n, where ShopBack would collect the best deals from various sites along with upsized cashback offers.\n\n\n\n\nAmong the sites that you can get cashback from with ShopBack are Shopee, Lazada, Taobao, Nike, Zalora, Booking.com, Expedia, and so on. In fact, ShopBack is working with over \n500 sites\n to offer cashback via its platform. Needless to say, that\u2019s a huge number.\n\n\nOver the course of ShopFest \u2013 it\u2019s happening right now until the end of the year \u2013 as many as 1.5 million voucher codes will be given out by ShopBack. In the same time period, the company expects to give out over RM20 million worth of cashback too.\n\n\nThese are huge numbers, but that\u2019s because ShopFest is a regional event, which includes countries in the APAC region. Last year alone, over 10 million transactions took place during ShopFest.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of these upsized cashback offers and discount vouchers, ShopBack is also introducing two new games: Voucher Hunt and Coin Monster. The former is an in-app game in \nShopback\u2019s \nmobile app\n. Taking place at 11AM \u2013 12PM and 7PM \u2013 8PM every day until 9 September, you can win Lazada vouchers worth up to RM50.\n\n\nAll you have to do is open the ShopBack app in the specified time, and look for \u201ctreasure chest icons.\u201d Three of them will be available, but only one will unlock a Lazada voucher.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s Coin Monster, a Facebook game that\u2019s accessible from \nShopBack Malaysia\u2019s Facebook page\n from 9 to 15 September. The exact mechanics of the game have not been revealed yet, but players can get vouchers codes from the game. On top of that, the top scorer will also walk away with RM1,000.\n\n\n\n\nIf you don\u2019t want to feel overwhelmed, ShopBack\u2019s ShopFest event can certainly help you navigate the slew of online sales that will take place over the next few months. To learn more about ShopFest, check out the official site \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-swift-5-swift-3-hands-on-incredibly-light-productivity-laptops/", "title": "Acer Swift 5 & Swift 3 Hands-On: Incredibly Light Productivity Laptops", "body": "\n\nUnveiled to the world \njust a couple of days ago\n, we managed to spend some time with the brand new Acer Swift 5 and Swift 3 productivity laptops here in Malaysia. Out of the two products, the Swift 5 is definitely the more impressive one here. After all, it weighs \nonly 990g\n.\n\n\nAlthough there\u2019s no word yet on the local availability of these two laptops, I absolutely can\u2019t wait for the Swift 5 to arrive in Malaysia; especially if it\u2019s priced competitively.\n\n\nThe Swift 5 (left) and Swift 3\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the specifications of both laptops. The Swift 5 is powered by Intel\u2019s latest 10th generation Ice Lake chips, with the highest configuration being the Core i7-1065G7 processor. In the GPU side of things, this laptop can either be equipped with an Nvidia GeForce MX250 GPU, or Intel\u2019s integrated Iris Pro Graphics.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Swift 5 include a 14-inch 1080p IPS touch display, up to 512GB of SSD storage, a fingerprint reader, and up to 12.5 hours of battery life. Although Acer did not reveal the RAM capacity of this laptop, it should be able to accommodate up to 16GB of RAM.\n\n\nThe Swift 5\nThe Swift 3\n\n\nAs for the Swift 3, most of its hardware are similar to the Swift 5, including the processor, GPU, display size, SSD capacity, and battery life. The differences lie in the weight and thickness of the laptop, which are 1.19kg and 15.95mm respectively. Besides that, it also has a slightly bigger footprint.\n\n\nNow that we\u2019ve got the specifications out of the way, let\u2019s talk about the Swift 5 itself. As mentioned, it weighs only 990g, making it a ridiculously light laptop. In fact, just lifting it up feels very unreal; it\u2019s unbelievable how a laptop as light as this has a fast processor and dedicated GPU.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, the Swift 5 is also a relatively thin laptop, measuring 14.95mm thin. Despite its slim chassis, it still comes with a good selection of ports. These include a USB-C port with Thunderbolt 3 support, two full-size USB-A connections, and an HDMI output.\n\n\nThe Swift 3, on the other hand, is not quite as lightweight as the Swift 5. But tipping the scales at 1.19kg, it is still reasonably light. Its connectivity options are also similar to the latter.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to display quality, the 14-inch IPS screens on the Swift 5 and Swift 3 look identical to my eyes. Viewing angles are good, colours look vibrant, and they can get reasonably bright too. The only real difference is the absence of a touch display on the Swift 3. Nonetheless, the screen bezels on the two laptops are similarly minimal, lending to a sleek, modern-looking design.\n\n\nAlthough I didn\u2019t manage to really get a feel for the performance levels of both laptops, they should be more than capable to provide a good user experience. Intel\u2019s Ice Lake processors are fast enough for most productivity tasks, and the MX250 GPU will be able to run certain games well.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have two important hardware of a productivity laptop: the keyboard and trackpad. Between the two laptops, the Swift 5 has better input devices. The keyboard has decent amount of travel to not feel shallow, and I like the tactility of the keys.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the same cannot be said of the Swift 3. Not only does the keyboard feel shallow with minimal key travel, I\u2019m not a fan of the gritty finish on the keys. It doesn\u2019t feel \u201ccheap,\u201d per se, but the keyboard definitely lacks the same level of polish as the Swift 5.\n\n\n\n\nSame goes for the Swift 3\u2019s trackpad: while it can track my fingers pretty accurately, the trackpad itself\u2026doesn\u2019t feel particularly well-built. It has a bit of play \u2013 almost like it\u2019s loose \u2013 and the clicking sensation isn\u2019t as \u201cfull\u201d as I would\u2019ve hoped; it has a hollow feel.\n\n\nIt\u2019s a different story for the Swift 5, thankfully. Its trackpad is a lot more robust, and it seems to be a little bit more accurate than the Swift 3\u2019s trackpad. However, this may be a placebo effect purely because of the trackpad\u2019s better build quality.\n\n\nThe New Swift 5 (top) and its predecessor (bottom)\n\n\nThe Acer Swift 5 and Swift 3 are the best iterations of their respective series yet, especially with the former. Next to its predecessor, it\u2019s almost as if the new Swift 5 is from a different series, which is a really good thing. Not only is it sleeker, it also has a smaller footprint, making it more portable.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re planning to get a polished, lightweight, and slim productivity laptop, consider to put a hold on your purchase until the Swift 5 and Swift 3 are available locally. Acer Malaysia did not reveal exactly when \u2013 or if, for that matter \u2013 the two laptops will be launched here, but there\u2019s a good chance they\u2019ll arrive here in the near future.\n\n\n\n\nAfter all, Acer has a strong presence right here in Malaysia, and most of its products do make it here eventually. For now, the Swift 5 and Swift 3 will only be available in EMEA regions sometime this month. Pricing wise, the Swift 5 retails from $900 (about RM 3,760), while the Swift 3 starts from $700 (approximately RM2,925).\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-conceptd-5-pro-3-pro-hands-on-for-the-creative-professionals/", "title": "Acer ConceptD 5 Pro & 3 Pro Hands-On: For the Creative Professionals", "body": "\n\nThe \nAcer Swift 5 and Swift 3\n weren\u2019t the only laptops that were shown to us here in Malaysia after their IFA 2019 debut; the Taiwanese company\u2019s brand new workstation laptops were there for us to get some brief hands-on time too. The two products are the Acer ConceptD 5 Pro and ConceptD 3 Pro, which are meant to appeal to creative professionals.\n\n\nUnlike the \nprevious generation ConceptD laptops\n, these new machines are now proper workstation laptops with appropriate GPUs for the task at hand. The ConceptD 5 Pro, for one, is powered by Nvidia\u2019s new Quadro RTX 3000 GPU \u2013 it is based on the TU106 chip found inside the RTX 2070 GPU.\n\n\nThe ConceptD 5 Pro\nThe ConceptD 3 Pro\n\n\nWhat differentiates the Quadro RTX 3000 over the more gamer-centric RTX 2070 GPU are a number of things: the former has reduced clock speeds, shaders, and memory bandwidth. While these make the Quadro GPU less ideal for gaming, it offers certified drivers, so it is more optimised for professional applications like CAD, DCC, or visualising software.\n\n\nWhat about the ConceptD 3 Pro\u2019s GPU? Well, as its name suggests, it is a more affordable offering, so it has a slower Quadro T1000 GPU. It is based on the TU117 Turing chip \u2013 the very same one the GTX 1650 GPU uses \u2013 so it doesn\u2019t come with RTX-specific features like ray tracing and Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS).\n\n\nThe ConceptD 5 Pro\nThe ConceptD 3 Pro\n\n\nBeyond their GPUs, both the ConceptD 5 Pro and 3 Pro can be configured up to Intel\u2019s 9th generation Core i7 processors, so they should be powerful enough to run professional programs efficiently. More importantly, these workstation laptops have Pantone Validated displays too.\n\n\nBut\u2026what does that even mean? Basically, the certification promises that the displays on these two laptops have wide colour gamuts, which can cover 100% of the Adobe RGB colour space. Now, I\u2019m not a creative professional, but I\u2019d definitely say the screens of these two machines look noticeably better than your average laptop, especially the ConceptD 5 Pro.\n\n\n\n\nSee, unlike the ConceptD 3 Pro 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display, the ConceptD 5 Pro has a much sharper 15.6-inch 4K IPS screen. When compared side by side, you\u2019d definitely notice the difference in clarity between the two panels. That is not to say the 3 Pro\u2019s display is bad; it\u2019s still a colour accurate, bright, vibrant screen.\n\n\nOther specifications of the ConceptD 5 Pro include up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM, NVMe SSD options that maxes out at 2TB, up to 2TB of HDD storage, three USB-A ports, one USB-C connection, an HDMI output, and an RJ45 port. The ConceptD 3 Pro, on the other hand, offers the same hardware and connectivity options, but the SSD storage maxes out at 1TB instead.\n\n\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s talk about design, and\u2026both of these workstation laptops actually look relatively similar to each other. Their lids are almost devoid of any branding (except for an engraved ConceptD lettering), they both have metal chassis, and overall, the build quality is solid with no noticeable creaking with added pressure.\n\n\nWhat\u2019s \nnot \nso solid, however, is the ConceptD 3 Pro\u2019s keyboard. Not only does it feel really shallow, the tactile feedback could\u2019ve been better too. In fact, I imagine my fingers would be fatigued quite quickly if I had to do a lot of typing on this laptop. It\u2019s just \nmuch\n too shallow to provide a comfortable typing experience.\n\n\nThe ConceptD 3 Pro\nThe ConceptD 5 Pro\n\n\nThankfully, the same does not apply to the ConceptD 5 Pro. Its keyboard has a lot more travel, which offers a pleasant typing experience. That being said, the keys do feel a little bit too \u201cmushy\u201d for my liking, but it still has better tactile feedback than the 3 Pro\u2019s keyboard \u2013 that\u2019s a good thing.\n\n\nAs for the trackpad, both workstation laptops seem to have similar ones. They\u2019re not the most accurate trackpads (not even by Windows standard), but they will work in a pinch. Plus, my fingers can glide effortlessly on the smooth surface of the trackpads.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer ConceptD 5 Pro is made for creative professionals that need a good level of performance without stretching the dollar too much, while the Acer ConceptD 3 Pro is for individuals who don\u2019t quite need the extra power of the 5 Pro\u2019s RTX 3000 GPU. While the 3 Pro\u2019s Quadro T1000 isn\u2019t as capable, it can still get the job done.\n\n\nThat being said, as a workstation laptop, the ConceptD 3 Pro is still quite costly: it retails from $1,700, which comes up to about RM7,105. Needless to say, opting for more RAM and storage capacities will drive up the price even further. And then we have the ConceptD 5 Pro, which is set to go from $2,000 \u2013 that\u2019s approximately RM8,360.\n\n\n\n\nNeedless to say, these workstation machines are not particularly affordable, but that is generally the case for laptops in this segment. Malaysian availability of the ConceptD 5 Pro and ConceptD 3 Pro are not revealed yet, but the former will be sold in EMEA regions sometime in October 2019, while the 3 Pro is set to go on sale in the same regions in November 2019.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-the-sony-wh-1000xm3-wireless-headphones-for-only-rm939/", "title": "Deal: Get the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless Headphones for Only RM939", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019ve been eyeing to get the excellent Sony WH-1000XM3 wireless headphones, great news: it is now going \nfor only RM939\n in conjunction with Shopee\u2019s 9.9 sale. Needless to say, this is an incredibly good offer, and it is likely valid for only a short period of time.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by renowned retailer All IT on Shopee, which is listing the Black variant of the WH-1000XM3 \nfor only RM999\n. The Silver model, on the other hand, costs more at RM1,278.\n\n\n\n\nSo how do you get the RM939 price? Well, with Shopee\u2019s 9.9 vouchers, which can be claimed over \nhere\n. You\u2019d want to claim the 11% coins cashback voucher, which is applicable for products under the mobile and gadgets category (with a minimum spend of RM499). Do note that this voucher is only applicable on Shopee\u2019s mobile app.\n\n\nOnce you\u2019ve applied the voucher, you will get 6,000 Shopee coins \u2013 the maximum amount for said voucher \u2013 with the purchase, which is equivalent to RM60. So effectively, you\u2019re getting the WH-1000XM3 for only RM939, though the RM60 discount is offered via Shopee coins.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, \nRM999 for the Sony WH-1000XM3\n is a fantastic buy on its own, especially with the excellent active noise cancellation feature of the wireless headphones. If you want to enjoy this deal, act fast: there\u2019s no telling how long the voucher would be valid for, or if the price of the headphones would be revised.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-iphone-11-event-happening-tonight-what-to-expect/", "title": "Apple iPhone 11 Event Happening Tonight \u2013 What to Expect", "body": "\n\nThe \nApple Special Event\n is finally taking place tonight \u2013 at 1AM in the morning for those in Malaysia, to be specific \u2013 and the Cupertino company is expected to introduce its latest smartphones, the iPhone 11 series. Based on numerous leaks and rumours surrounding the new phones, here\u2019s what to expect from the event.\n\n\nThree iPhone 11 Models\n\n\nJust like last year\u2019s lineup, the iPhone 11 is set to be available in three distinct models. Curiously, the \niPhone XS\n and XS Max are said to be succeeded by the iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max. The iPhone XR, on the other hand, will be replaced by the standard iPhone 11; it could even be dubbed iPhone 11R.\n\n\n\n\nIn line with last year\u2019s models, the iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max will supposedly retain its predecessors\u2019 5.8-inch and 6.5-inch OLED displays respectively. The iPhone 11, on the other hand, is said to follow the same pattern, featuring a 6.1-inch LCD screen like the iPhone XR. In fact, all three iPhone models this year..\n\n\nWill Have Similar Designs (Including the Notch)\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve been hoping for a brand new iPhone design, you\u2019d be disappointed: rumours are suggesting otherwise. Not only will the overall designs of the iPhone 11 series remain the same (except maybe for new colours), even the wide display notch is kept.\n\n\n\n\nBut not \neverything\n will be the same: some iPhone 11 models may feature a matte finish on the back panel, as \nBloomberg reported\n. Chances are, this new material could improve the overall grip of the phone.\n\n\nTriple Camera System\n\n\nFor the first time ever, Apple will reportedly debut a triple camera system on the new iPhone 11, but \nonly\n for the Pro and Pro Max models. The regular iPhone 11, on the other hand, will likely come with a dual camera setup instead; an upgrade over the single rear shooter of the iPhone XR.\n\n\n\n\nAlleged next iPhone case moldings show what we discussed in our story last week in terms of new cameras. 3 on the high end, 2 on the new XR. Plus all models apparently getting a square, at least based on this one mold floating around. \nhttps://t.co/BhAFTZZL6u\n \npic.twitter.com/QlNJTsApzX\n\u2014 Mark Gurman (@markgurman) \nMay 13, 2019\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the next question is, what does the third camera sensor do? Well, \naccording to Bloomberg\n, it\u2019s a wide angle shooter. If this is the case, the iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max should have three different focal lengths, courtesy of the regular sensor, telephoto lens, and wide angle shooter.\n\n\nImproved Face ID System\n\n\nOne of the biggest complaints with Apple\u2019s Face ID system is the limited angle for the feature to work, but this could very well change with the iPhone 11 series. Again, \nin Bloomberg\u2019s report\n, it\u2019s said that the revamped Face ID system on the upcoming phones can \u201ccapture a wider field of view.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nThis, in turn, supposedly allows Face ID to recognise your facial data even if the phone is lying flat on a table. Sounds great, doesn\u2019t it? This would certainly make the feature a lot more convenient to use.\n\n\nFaster A13 Chip\n\n\nNaturally, the new iPhone 11 should come with Apple\u2019s yet to be announced A13 processor. Not much is known about the upcoming chip, but it\u2019s believed to come with a co-processor to handle \u201cmath-heavy\u201d tasks. Apparently, this will improve the augmented reality capability of the new iPhones.\n\n\nGoodbye 3D Touch\n\n\nYou may or may not miss this feature, but 3D Touch is likely axed with the iPhone 11 series. Instead, it is said to be replaced by the equivalent Haptic Touch feature first introduced on the iPhone XR. Basically, instead of pushing harder on the screen to access a different menu, you just need to do a long-press to achieve the same effect.\n\n\n\n\nWhether you\u2019ll miss 3D Touch or not, you\u2019ll like this next bit of rumour: the iPhone 11 may feature a new type of Taptic Engine. iPhones already have some of the best haptic feedback systems in the market now, so it\u2019ll be interesting to see how this can be improved further with the new vibration system.\n\n\nNo Two-Way Wireless Charging\n\n\nPrevious rumours pointed at the possibility of two-way wireless charging on the new iPhone 11 series, but this may not be happening now. this was \nrevealed by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo\n, noting that the reverse wireless charging may be scrapped because the \u201ccharging efficiency may not meet Apple\u2019s requirements.\u201d\n\n\nGiven that other phone makers have already implemented this feature \u2013 that would be Samsung and Huawei \u2013 it\u2019s a little bit of a letdown. Nonetheless, at least the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max will get a fast charger in the box. Unfortunately, that doesn\u2019t include the standard iPhone 11; it\u2019s said to ship with a much slower 5W charger still.\n\n\n\n\nLooking at these leaks and rumours, the iPhone 11 series doesn\u2019t seem to be a huge leap over its predecessor. Regardless, it\u2019ll be interesting to see if these details are accurate once the devices are officially unveiled later tonight at 1AM Malaysian time.\n\n\nBesides the iPhone 11, expect Apple to make other announcements at the event, including the Apple Watch Series 5, the Apple Arcade subscription service, and maybe even \u201cone more thing.\u201d You can catch the livestream of the Special Event \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-introduces-apple-watch-series-5-new-rm1449-10-2-inch-ipad/", "title": "Apple Introduces Apple Watch Series 5 & New RM1,449 10.2-inch iPad", "body": "\n\nThe new \niPhone 11 series\n was definitely the star of the show at Apple\u2019s launch event earlier today, but the Cupertino company also introduced two other new hardware: the Apple Watch Series 5, and the 7th generation 10.2-inch iPad.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the new Apple Watch. Compared to its predecessor \u2013 which has been discontinued, curiously \u2013 the Series 5\u2026isn\u2019t all that different. It has the same design, case size, and the ability to measure EKG readings. What \nis \nnew is a feature that many have been asking for: an always-on display.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDespite the new always-on display, the Series 5 watch still boasts the same 18-hour battery life of its predecessor. This is thanks to the use of low-temperature polysilicone and oxide (LTPO) display, low-power display driver, and an efficient power management integrated circuit, as Apple puts it.\n\n\nAnother new hardware under the hood of the Series 5 watch is the built-in compass, which allows users to see heading, incline, latitude, longitude, and current elevation. While it\u2019s not exactly a feature many folks will use, it\u2019s certainly nice to have.\n\n\n\n\nCustomisation is also a big part of Apple Watch Series 5. In fact, the wearable is available in a wide variety of finishes, ranging from stainless steel, aluminium, titanium, and even ceramic. If you want to take things further, you can take advantage of Apple Watch Studio, which allows you to choose your preferred case and band combination.\n\n\nHowever, it remains to be seen if Apple Watch Studio will be available in Malaysia. If it does, you can do your customisation right from Apple\u2019s website.\n\n\nLocal pricing and availability of the Apple Watch Series 5 have not been revealed yet either, but for the US market, it will start shipping from 20 September onwards. The GPS-only model retails at $399 (about RM1,665), while the cellular variant goes for $499 (around RM2,085). Don\u2019t quite dig the Series 5? Well, you can get the Series 3 watch instead: its price has been revised to RM849 for the Malaysian market.\n\n\n\n\nNext is the new 7th generation 10.2-inch iPad, which replaces the 6th generation 9.7-inch iPad. Not only is the Retina display bigger now, the 10.2-inch iPad also comes with a Smart Connector. This, in turn, allows it to work with Apple\u2019s Smart Keyboard case.\n\n\nBut beyond the bigger display and Smart Connector, the 10.2-inch iPad has a lot in common with the 9.7-inch model it\u2019s replacing. It is still powered by the A10 Fusion chip, it still comes with 32GB or 128GB of internal storage, and it\u2019s still compatible with the first generation Apple Pencil.\n\n\n\n\nPricing wise, the 10.2-inch iPad starts from only RM1,449 for the 32GB WiFi model; RM1,849 if you want 128GB of storage instead. The cellular model, on the other hand, go for RM1,999 and RM2,399 for the 32GB and 128GB configurations respectively. At the time of writing, Malaysian availability of the new iPad is not known yet.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-11-series-official-3-devices-3-rear-cameras-rm3399-starting-price/", "title": "iPhone 11 Series Official: 3 Devices, 3 Rear Cameras, RM3,399 Starting Price", "body": "\n\nThe iPhone 11 series is now official, and as expected, it is made up of three devices: the standard iPhone 11, the higher-end iPhone 11 Pro, and the biggest of the bunch, the iPhone 11 Pro Max. There are quite a number of improvements with these three new iPhones, so let\u2019s break them down, shall we?\n\n\niPhone 11 Pro & Pro Max\n\n\nDon\u2019t let the \u201cPro\u201d moniker fool you: the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max are basically successors to the \niPhone XS\n and XS Max respectively. While they still have 5.8-inch and 6.5-inch OLED panels like their predecessors, these are actually new screens dubbed Super Retina XDR Displays with an impressive peak brightness of 1,200 nits.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEven with the higher peak brightness, Apple still managed to make the display 15% more energy-efficient; that\u2019s pretty impressive. Unfortunately (or not, depending on who you ask), 3D Touch is gone. In its place is Haptic Touch, which does the same thing\u2026but requires a long-press instead.\n\n\nDesign wise, nothing much has changed. There\u2019s still the wide notch at the top of the display, the overall look of the phone remains the same, and the only real change is the new matte finish on the back panel. The texture is available on all four colours of the iPhone 11 Pro: Midnight Green, Space Grey, Silver, and Gold.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, there\u2019s also the brand new Apple A13 Bionic chip. Built on the same 7nm process as its predecessor, it is touted as the Cupertino company\u2019s most efficient chip yet. On top of that, it\u2019s said to have the best CPU \nand\n GPU in a smartphone as well. Given that Apple\u2019s processors have always been in the lead in these two departments, we\u2019re inclined to agree.\n\n\nThanks to the increased power efficiency of the A13 chip, battery life has never been better too. According to Apple, the iPhone 11 Pro offers four hours more battery life than the iPhone XS. What about the Pro Max? Well, it can supposedly deliver up to \nfive hours\n more usage than its predecessor, the XS Max.\n\n\nTo sweeten the deal, an 18W fast charger is now bundled with the iPhone 11 Pro smartphones too; the same cannot be said for the regular iPhone 11.\n\n\n\n\nOh, there\u2019s also the iPhone 11 Pro\u2019s new triple camera system. As usual, there\u2019s the regular 12MP f/1.8 wide angle shooter along with a 12MP f/2.0 telephoto lens. What\u2019s new here is the third sensor, which is a 12MP f/2.4 ultra wide angle camera. Collectively, all three of these sensors offer \u201c4x optical zoom\u201d range, and all of them can shoot 4K videos at 60fps. There\u2019s a new night mode as well, which improves the camera\u2019s low light performance.\n\n\nInterestingly, Apple also showcased a new camera feature that will only be available after a software update sometime in fall 2019. It\u2019s called Deep Fusion, which uses machine learning to combine \nnine different images\n to produce a single image with added detail and low noise level. It\u2019s impressive, but it is by no means a new thing: Google itself used a similar implementation with its Pixel smartphones.\n\n\n\n\nThe front-facing camera of the iPhone 11 Pro is getting a nice upgrade too. It is now a 12MP TrueDepth camera, and it can shoot both 4K and slow-motion videos. The latter is quite interesting: it opens up new selfie possibilities. Did we mention that Face ID is now 30% faster as well? Not only that, it works farther away and at more angles too. Neat.  \n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the new iPhone 11 Pro or iPhone 11 Pro Max, you\u2019ll be happy to know that both phones will be available in Malaysia on 27 September. Local pricing of the two phones have also been revealed: the iPhone 11 Pro with 64GB of storage retails at RM4,899, while the 256GB and 512GB models go for RM5,599 and RM6,499 respectively.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the iPhone 11 Pro Max, the 64GB base model is priced at RM5,299, which goes up to RM5,999 and a whopping RM6,899 for the 256GB and 512GB variants respectively.\n\n\niPhone 11\n\n\nWant something more affordable? Then there\u2019s the standard iPhone 11, which succeeds the iPhone XR. Instead of the Pro model\u2019s more premium stainless steel chassis, the iPhone 11 has an aluminium and glass design just like its predecessor. Besides that, the iPhone 11 also retains the 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, but it has an extra hour of battery life compared to the XR.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the iPhone 11 also has the same A13 Bionic chip as its Pro siblings, along with the 12MP TrueDepth front-facing camera. On the back, it gets a dual camera system made up of a 12MP f/1.8 wide angle shooter and a 12MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle sensor. That\u2019s right, there\u2019s no telephoto lens on the most affordable 2019 iPhone.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the iPhone 11 will start from RM3,399 in Malaysia for the 64GB variant, making it the most affordable device in the series. If you want the the 128GB or 256GB models instead, those will set you back RM3,599 and RM4,099 respectively.\n\n\n\n\nJust like the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max, the iPhone 11 will be available in Malaysia from 27 September onwards. You can get it in six different colours: Green, Purple, Yellow, White, Black, and of course, Product RED.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/google-pixel-4-xl-leaked-again-may-launch-on-15-october-with-90hz-display/", "title": "Google Pixel 4 XL Leaked Again; May Launch on 15 October with 90Hz Display", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019re nearing the launch of the Google Pixel 4, and surprise surprise, even more leaks of the upcoming smartphone have surfaced. These leaks offer the closest look yet at the Pixel 4 XL, and there is a good chance the phone will be introduced on 15 October.\n\n\nThis supposed launch date comes from a leaked render of the Pixel 4 courtesy of \nEvan Blass\n, which shows 15 October on the screen of the phone. It\u2019s \na bit\n of a stretch to say this is a confirmation of the Pixel 4\u2019s launch date, but it\u2019s certainly a promising sign.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the leaks of the Pixel 4 XL, where do we even start? For one, there\u2019s the video by AnhEm TV showcasing the phone in all its glory. What\u2019s particularly interesting is the menu setting for Smooth Display, which dynamically changes the screen\u2019s refresh rate between 60Hz to 90Hz. If you\u2019ve been hoping for a faster display on the Pixel 4, this is great news.\n\n\nOther details of the Pixel 4 XL confirmed by AnhEm TV\u2019s video include a 6.23-inch 3040 x 1440 display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset, 6GB of RAM, Android 10 out of the box, and unfortunately enough, a large\u2026forehead. While that\u2019s not a great-looking design, there could be a good reason for the size of the top bezel: it may house vital hardware for the gesture-based Project Soli feature.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have yet another video of the Pixel 4 XL from Rabbit TV, where three different colours of the phone are shown. Out of the three models, only the black variant seems to have a glossy finish. Personally, I love the white colourway, especially with its matte black frame.\n\n\nRabbit TV also showed a number of camera samples taken with the Pixel 4 XL\u2019s dual camera system, and they look marginally better than shots captured with the Pixel 3 XL. Then again, it\u2019s very likely the Pixel 4 XL isn\u2019t running on final software here. After all, the phone isn\u2019t even officially launched yet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLooking at these very elaborate leaks, the Pixel 4 really is Google\u2019s worst kept secret. So much so, in fact, that the company even revealed a number of key features the phone will come with, including Project Soli. It\u2019ll be interesting to see just how that gesture-based feature would work on the Pixel 4. Perhaps it\u2019ll be similar to \nLG\u2019s Z Camera on the G8 ThinQ\n.\n\n\nIt\u2019s not made official yet, but there\u2019s a chance the Google Pixel 4 will be introduced on 15 October next month. It\u2019s not a far-fetched estimation, given that previous Pixel smartphones were launched in the same time frame.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-nova-5t-review-same-phone-different-guise/", "title": "Huawei Nova 5T Review: Same Phone, Different Guise", "body": "\n\nThe Huawei Nova 5T is an especially interesting smartphone for the Chinese company, given its striking resemblance to the \nHonor 20\n. While both Honor and Huawei devices have some similarities here and there in the past, none of them are as \nidentical \nas the Nova 5T and Honor 20.\n\n\nOf course, this isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing, especially with the phone\u2019s competitive RM1,599 price tag. If you\u2019re looking to get an affordable flagship smartphone, the Nova 5T is a great option.\n\n\nSpecifications\n\n\nDisplay\n6.26-inch FHD+ LTPS (2340 x 1080)\nChipset\nHuawei Kirin 980 2.6GHz octa-core\nGPU\nMali-G76 MP10\nRAM\n8GB\nStorage\n128GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n48MP f/1.8\n16MP f/2.2 (wide angle)\n2MP f/2.4 (macro)\n2MP f/2.4 (depth)\nCamera (front)\n32MP f/2.0\nBattery\n3,750mAh\nDimensions\n154.25 x 73.97 x 7.87 mm\nWeight\n174g\nOS\nEMUI 9.1 based on Android 9 Pie\nConnectivity\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM1,599\n\n\nLooking at the Nova 5T\u2019s specifications, they are literally the same hardware found inside the Honor 20. Except, of course, for the RAM capacity; the Honor 20 only has 6GB of RAM, while the Nova 5T comes with 8GB RAM.\n\n\nBeyond that one thing, other hardware are the same, including the processor, camera configuration, display size, and even battery capacity. In fact, even benchmarking apps recognise these two phones as the same device with the model number YAL-L21.\n\n\nDesign\n\n\nWhen it comes to design, the Nova 5T has a slightly different look, though this is only limited to the back panel of the Midsummer Purple and Crush Blue models. Instead of the Honor 20\u2019s single tone colour, the 5T has a gradient-like finish, especially with this Crush Blue variant in this review.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s a small difference, but I do prefer the Nova 5T\u2019s colourway: it\u2019s a much more striking-looking device. If you want something more subdued, there\u2019s the Black model. That one, in particular, looks just like the Honor 20 in Midnight Black, except for some branding differences.\n\n\nAnd then we\u2019ve got the hole-punch cutout of the Nova 5T at the top left of the screen. Personally, I\u2019ve always preferred this design over a notched display: it takes up less space, which makes it less intrusive. On top of that, the hole-punch cutout of the Nova 5T itself is quite small, especially when compared to other devices with a similar design.\n\n\n\n\nAs for build quality, it\u2019s a solid smartphone. The metal chassis feels great, the glass and metal construction add a premium touch, and the curved sides of the phone make for a comfortable device to hold for long periods of time. It also helps that the Nova 5T isn\u2019t a particularly big smartphone; it\u2019s small enough to not feel unwieldy.\n\n\nAll in all, the Nova 5T is a sleek-looking smartphone with no glaring design fault. But if I were to nitpick, I\u2019d say the side-mounted fingerprint sensor feels a little sharp around the edges \u2013 just like how it is with the Honor 20.\n\n\nUser Experience\n\n\nRunning on EMUI 9.1 based on Android 9 Pie, the Nova 5T offers a reasonably good software experience. While it still has the common traits of Chinese-based software \u2013 the app drawer is not enabled by default, along with some bloatware \u2013 it\u2019s still a functional version of Android.\n\n\n\n\nThroughout my time with the phone, the software ran as it should. There weren\u2019t any weird bugs or glitches, it\u2019s responsive, and I can switch between different apps seamlessly. Of course, the fast Kirin 980 chipset definitely helps in this regard too in providing a pleasant user experience.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Kirin 980 is a capable chipset. It\u2019s fast enough to fulfill my multitasking needs, and gaming on this phone is quite enjoyable. However, if I were to compare it to, say, devices with Snapdragon 855 chipsets, the Kirin 980 doesn\u2019t provide quite as good gaming performance.\n\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t get me wrong, the Kirin 980 is still a capable chipset, but it\u2019s not on par with the Snapdragon 855. It\u2019s a relevant comparison, seeing that you can get a Snapdragon 855 smartphone at this price point. Of course, I\u2019m talking about the \nXiaomi Mi 9T Pro\n, which is one of the Nova 5T\u2019s biggest competition.\n\n\nRegardless, let\u2019s move on to another hardware of the phone that impressed me quite a bit: the side-mounted fingerprint sensor. Not only is it blazing fast, it can also accurately recognise my fingerprints reliably and consistently. I also love the fact that the sensor doubles as the power button, and unlike how it was with the Honor 20, waking the phone from sleep is almost instantaneous.\n\n\n\n\nIn the display department, the Nova 5T\u2019s 6.26-inch 1080p LTPS display is reasonably good. It\u2019s a bright, vibrant display, and it looks sharp enough even if it\u2019s \u201conly\u201d a 1080p screen. However, the display does dim slightly when viewed at an angle; the colour temperature is a bit too cool as well.\n\n\nWhen it comes to battery life, the Nova 5T is \nincredibly\n good. On average, I was getting well over seven hours of screen on time with the phone. This is especially impressive, given that the 5T only has a 3,750mAh battery. I reckon this phone can offer up to two days of battery life for lighter smartphone users.\n\n\nCharging rate of the Nova 5T is reasonably good too. Within 30 minutes of charging with the provided adapter, the phone got up to 50% from completely empty.\n\n\n\n\nFor a smartphone that costs RM1,599, the Nova 5T definitely delivers a good user experience. EMUI 9.1 isn\u2019t the best version of Android, but it\u2019s definitely one of the better takes on Android among Chinese phone makers. Plus, the 5T has fantastic battery life.\n\n\nCamera\n\n\nAs many as four camera sensors are found on the back of the Nova 5T: a 48MP f/1.8 primary shooter, a 16MP f/2.2 wide angle camera, a 2MP f/2.4 macro len, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor. No, there\u2019s no telephoto sensor, but I\u2019d much rather have a wide angle shooter than a zoom lens \u2013 I find more use out of it.\n\n\n\n\nOkay, so how does the camera perform? Pretty good, actually. The quad camera system can take good-looking shots regardless of lighting condition, though the camera interface and shutter speed do get slower in low light environments. On top of that, the camera has a tendency to oversaturate images too, especially with the AI camera enabled.\n\n\nWhile the saturation can make images look more pleasing to the eye, it can also make them look artificial, depending on the shot.\n\n\nAI camera enabled\nAI camera disabled\n2MP macro shot\n\n\nNonetheless, for the Nova 5T\u2019s asking price, you\u2019re definitely getting respectable camera performance. And I quite like experimenting with the 2MP macro shooter too; you can really get up-close to a subject with that sensor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Nova 5T is available in Malaysia, which is priced at RM1,599 for 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. It\u2019s a competitive price tag for a device of this calibre, and there are a number of interesting alternatives to the 5T.\n\n\nXiaomi Mi 9T Pro\n\n\nThis is really the Nova 5T\u2019s main competitor. Compared to Huawei\u2019s offering, the \nMi 9T Pro\n features a faster Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset, a better 6.39-inch 1080 AMOLED display without any notch or hole-punch cutout \u2013 which makes for a sleeker looking phone \u2013 and a more versatile triple camera system with three different focal lengths.\n\n\nTo sweeten the deal, the Mi 9T Pro also retails at RM1,599 like the Nova 5T, although that\u2019s only for the 64GB model. If you want the 128GB variant to match the Nova 5T\u2019s storage capacity, that will set you back RM1,799.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Nova 5T also offers more RAM at 8GB; the Mi 9T Pro only comes with 6GB of RAM. When it comes to software, I actually prefer Huawei\u2019s EMUI too. It\u2019s simply more polished and functional than \nXiaomi\u2019s MIUI software\n.\n\n\nHonor 20\n\n\nGiven the similarities between the Nova 5T and \nHonor 20\n, the latter is obviously a natural alternative to the 5T. Based on the time I\u2019ve spent reviewing both devices, they \u2013 more or less \u2013 offer identical user experience. The camera behaves the same way, battery life is similar, and one phone isn\u2019t noticeably faster than the other.\n\n\n\n\nThere are, of course, a few notable differences here and there. The Honor 20 only has 6GB of RAM, while the Nova 5T features 8GB of RAM. The design of the rear panel is also different, though this doesn\u2019t really apply to the Black models of both phones, for obvious reasons.\n\n\nOh, the Nova 5T\u2019s RM1,599 price tag also undercuts the Honor 20\u2019s asking price by RM100; the latter costs RM1,699.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nThe Huawei Nova 5T is a competitively priced smartphone in the affordable flagship segment, and it\u2019s really quite a good device. It has excellent battery life, a good level of performance, respectable quad camera system, and premium design.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to get a flagship smartphone in this price range, you cannot go wrong with the Nova 5T. Despite the company\u2019s \nongoing debacle with the US government\n, it wouldn\u2019t directly affect this phone very much: it\u2019s already cleared to ship with Google\u2019s range of services.\n\n\nHowever, it may prove to be an issue with later Android updates if the issue is prolonged, but this is something we will only know in the future. For now, the Nova 5T remains to be a great option for those who want an affordable flagship smartphone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-v17-pro-with-dual-pop-up-camera-arriving-in-malaysia-1-october/", "title": "Vivo V17 Pro with Dual Pop-Up Camera Arriving in Malaysia 1 October", "body": "\n\nVivo Malaysia will be introducing a new smartphone on our shores soon, the Vivo V17 Pro. It is the successor to the \nV15 Pro\n, and it\u2019s set to be unveiled in India on 20 September. What makes this device particularly unique is its pop-up camera module: while most phone makers make do with only a single camera, Vivo equipped the V17 Pro with two sensors.\n\n\nCouple that with the phone\u2019s quad camera system on the back, the V17 Pro has six different camera sensors; quite an elaborate configuration. Unfortunately, official specifications of the camera systems have not been revealed yet. After all, the phone hasn\u2019t even been launched yet.\n\n\nOf course, we do have rumoured details of the V17 Pro\u2019s camera setup. The two front-facing shooters are said to be a combination of a 32MP f/2.0 camera and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor. The quad camera system on the back of the phone, on the other hand, is supposedly made up of a 48MP f/1.8 primary shooter, an 8MP f/2.2 wide angle lens, a 2MP f/2.4 monochrome camera, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor.\n\n\n\n\nIt takes two to be spectacular.\nSelfies get \n#ClearAsReal\n. Introducing World's 1st 32MP Dual Pop-up Selfie in the all-new \n#vivoV17Pro\n. Launching on 20th September. \npic.twitter.com/wWzKtfNAV2\n\u2014 Vivo India (@Vivo_India) \nSeptember 10, 2019\n\n\n\n\nAside from its camera system, the V17 Pro is also rumoured to come with a 6.44-inch Super AMOLED display. This is ever so slightly bigger than the V15 Pro\u2019s 6.39-inch screen, which was also an AMOLED panel. Another feature carried over from its predecessor is the in-screen fingerprint sensor. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if it\u2019s been improved in any meaningful way.\n\n\nRumours also suggest that the V17 Pro will retain the Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 chipset of the V15 Pro. While this doesn\u2019t sound particularly impressive, the Snapdragon 675 is still a capable mid-range processor. For everyday use, it should be fast enough to provide a pleasant user experience.\n\n\nOther rumoured specifications of the V17 Pro include up to 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, a generous 4,100mAh battery, as well as a USB-C port. A nice upgrade, given that its predecessor only had a microUSB connection.\n\n\n\n\nThe Vivo V17 Pro will make its global debut in India on 20 September, while the Malaysian launch of the device is happening on 1 October. No retail price has been revealed yet, though it should sit in the same price range as its predecessor \u2013 the V15 Pro retailed at RM1,799 when it was first introduced here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-a50s-retail-from-rm899/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy A50s & A30s Land in Malaysia; Retail from RM899", "body": "\n\nSamsung just launched the successors to the \nGalaxy A50 and A30\n in Malaysia, the Samsung Galaxy A50s and Galaxy A30s. Featuring some hardware upgrades and a slight redesign, these two phones are ideal for those on a budget. This is especially the case with the Galaxy A30s, which retails at only RM899.\n\n\nEven though it\u2019s the more affordable device of the two, the Galaxy A30s gets some pretty nice upgrades. Most notably, it now comes with a triple camera system instead of its predecessor\u2019s dual camera configuration. It is made up of a 25MP primary shooter, an 8MP wide angle camera, and a 5MP depth sensor. The selfie camera, on the other hand, is the same 16MP sensor as the first A30.\n\n\n\n\nAnother neat upgrade the Galaxy A30s received is an in-screen fingerprint sensor. That\u2019s right, this RM899 smartphone has an in-screen sensor, and it\u2019s surprisingly good. Of course, this optical sensor isn\u2019t the best in the business, but it\u2019s definitely serviceable.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy A30s include a 6.4-inch 720p Super AMOLED Infinity-V display, an Exynos 7904 chipset \u2013 the same chip its predecessor had \u2013 paired with 4GB of RAM, 64GB of expandable storage, and a generous 4,000mAh battery with support for 15W fast charging.\n\n\nThree colours of the A30s are available in Malaysia: Prism Crush Green, Prism Crush White, and Prism Crush Black.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the higher-end device of the two, the Galaxy A50s. Compared to the original Galaxy A50, the new model features a more sophisticated triple camera system. It consists of a 48MP primary sensor, an 8MP wide angle camera, and a 5MP depth sensor. The front-facing camera has also been upgraded to a 32MP shooter.\n\n\nPowering the Galaxy A50s is a Samsung Exynos 9611 chipset instead of its predecessor\u2019s Exynos 9610 SoC, though it\u2019s not clear exactly what improvements the former bring. As far as core count and clock speeds are concerned, both are still octa-core chipsets clocked at up to 2.3GHz.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Galaxy A50s are a 6.4-inch 1080p Super AMOLED Infinity-U display, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, as well as a 4,000mAh battery with 15W fast charging. Much like the Galaxy A30s, you can also get the Galaxy A50s in the same three colour options.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy A50s and Galaxy A30s will be available in Malaysia from 21 September onwards. They retail at RM1,299 and RM899 respectively, which is RM100 more than the \nasking prices of their predecessors\n. A fair price increase, given the hardware upgrades. It\u2019s also worth noting that these two phones now support Samsung Pay too.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-a50s-a30s-hands-on-good-mid-rangers-in-a-crowded-segment/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy A50s & A30s Hands-On: Good Mid-Rangers in a Crowded Segment", "body": "\n\nEver since Samsung replaced its Galaxy J series of smartphones with the Galaxy A, the Korean company\u2019s mid-range offerings have gotten steadily better. The new \nGalaxy A50s and Galaxy A30s\n are no exceptions: they are now sleeker, more feature-packed, and still relatively affordable.\n\n\nHowever, these improvements do come at a price. Compared to \nits predecessors\n, the Galaxy A50s and A30s cost RM100 more, which puts them in a slightly unfavourable position, especially for the Galaxy A50s. With that in mind, are these two new Galaxy A series devices any good? Let\u2019s find out.\n\n\nThe Galaxy A30s\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Galaxy A30s, which I personally think this is the more exciting smartphone of the two. See, for only RM899, this phone has an in-screen fingerprint sensor along with 64GB of storage. Honestly, I can\u2019t think of any other smartphone with an in-screen sensor at this price point.\n\n\nGranted, it\u2019s a mediocre sensor, but it is definitely serviceable. While it takes a couple of tries for the sensor to recognise my fingerprint, it is fast enough to not feel cumbersome to use. Is it as fast as a conventional capacitive sensor? Well, no, but the positioning of the in-screen fingerprint sensor right underneath the display is arguably better.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the higher-end RM1,299 Galaxy A50s also has an in-screen fingerprint sensor. As far as I can tell, it behaves similarly to the Galaxy A30s\u2019 sensor. Meaning it\u2019s relatively quick, but it does struggle to recognise my fingerprint on the first try.\n\n\nAesthetically, both the Galaxy A50s and A30s look pretty sleek, thanks to the new rear panel design. The pattern may look a little\u2026unconventional, but I like it. There\u2019s also a slight difference in design between the A50s and A30s\u2019 back panel.\n\n\nFrom left to right: Prism Crush White, Black, and Green\n\n\nBuild quality of the two phones, on the other hand, is alright. To keep costs down, the Galaxy A50s and A30s retain the plastic constructions of their predecessors, which don\u2019t feel particularly premium. But hey, at least they look good \u2013 my personal favourite is the Prism Crush Green model.\n\n\nJust like their predecessors, the Galaxy A50s and A30s feature 6.4-inch Super AMOLED displays, but the A50s has a 1080p screen, while the A30s comes with a lower resolution 720p panel; a downgrade over the original A30\u2019s 1080p display. On top of that, the A50s also features a slightly better-looking Infinity-U notch than the A30s\u2019 Infinity-V notch.\n\n\n\n\nWhat about the display quality of both phones? Well, given that they are Super AMOLED screens, you\u2019ll get vibrant colours, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. Naturally, the Galaxy A50s has the more impressive display, thanks to its higher resolution count.\n\n\nIn the performance department, the Galaxy A50s and A30s feel quick and responsive in my brief time with the two smartphones. That being said, considering the fact that the A50s has a higher clocked Exynos 9611 2.3GHz octa-core chipset (with 6GB RAM), it\u2019s the faster device of the two. The A30s, on the other hand, is powered by an Exynos 7904 1.8GHz octa-core processor paired with 4GB of RAM.\n\n\nBattery capacities of the Galaxy A50s and A30s, on the other hand, remain the same at 4,000mAh. Both phones also support 15W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\nCamera performance of these two new Galaxy A smartphones have been improved accordingly too. The Galaxy A30s now comes with a triple camera system (from only a dual camera configuration), which is made up of a 25MP primary shooter, an 8MP wide angle camera, and a 5MP depth sensor. The selfie camera, on the other hand, is the same 16MP sensor as its predecessor.\n\n\nAs for the Galaxy A50s, the primary shooter of the triple camera setup is upgraded from a 25MP sensor to a more capable 48MP camera, which should improve the overall camera performance. Beyond that, the other two shooters are the same 8MP wide angle camera and 5MP depth sensor as the Galaxy A50.\n\n\nGalaxy A30s (25MP primary)\nGalaxy A30s (8MP wide angle)\nGalaxy A50s (48MP primary)\nGalaxy A50s (8MP wide angle)\n\n\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the Galaxy A50s takes better-looking shots. The primary shooter can capture more detail with better exposure and dynamic range. The same can be seen in the wide angle shots too, despite the fact that both phones feature 8MP sensors.\n\n\nEven with this disparity in image quality, it\u2019s not that the A30s has bad camera performance; it\u2019s just not \nas good\n as the A50s\u2019 more sophisticated camera system. In a pinch, the A30s will definitely suffice. However, it could be a different story in less than ideal lighting. Only a full review of both phones can shed some light on their low light camera performances.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy A50s and Galaxy A30s are really quite good mid-range smartphones, and they\u2019re relatively affordable as well, retailing at RM1,299 and RM899 respectively. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting 128GB of storage with the A50s, and 64GB of space for the A30s. Both devices support expandable storage too.\n\n\nBut, despite their affordable price tags, they are surrounded by other similarly priced devices that can either offer faster performance, more solid build quality, or better camera systems. Just to name a few, there\u2019s the \nRedmi Note 7\n, the \nXiaomi Mi A3\n, and even the \nXiaomi Mi 9T\n.\n\n\nIt\u2019s no coincidence that these are all smartphones from Xiaomi: this price range has always been dominated by the Chinese company. The new Galaxy A series is directly competing with Xiaomi in this highly competitive price segment, and it will be tough for the Galaxy A50s and A30s to stand out.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, until I\u2019ve managed to put these two phones through its paces in a full review, it\u2019s hard to say if Xiaomi devices are superior to Samsung\u2019s new mid-rangers, and vice versa. For what it\u2019s worth, I reckon the Galaxy A50s and A30s can offer \u2013 at the very least \u2013 better software experience.\n\n\nAfter all, they are running on Samsung\u2019s One UI software, which is also found on the company\u2019s higher-end smartphones, including the \nGalaxy S10\n and \nNote 10\n series. On top of that, software isn\u2019t exactly Xiaomi\u2019s strong suit either, though it makes up for this with sheer value for money.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-launches-vivobook-s14-s15-in-malaysia-from-rm3199/", "title": "Asus Launches VivoBook S14 & S15 in Malaysia from RM3,199", "body": "\n\nThe Asus VivoBook series is meant to appeal to consumers who want a laptop that looks a tad more\u2026unconventional, and that\u2019s exactly what the new VivoBook S14 and S15 promise. With over five different colours to choose from, these two laptops are ideal for those who want a productivity laptop with a bit of flair.\n\n\nOut of the two laptops, the VivoBook S14 is the better equipped machine for our market. It come with a 14-inch 1080p display with a matte finish, an Intel Core i7-8565U processor paired with 8GB of RAM, Intel\u2019s UHD Graphics 620 integrated GPU, as well as 512GB of fast PCIe SSD storage.\n\n\n\n\nFor a productivity laptop, it\u2019s important for it to be lightweight and thin enough to be carried around effortlessly, and the VivoBook S14 excels in these two areas. Measuring only 18mm thin, it\u2019s definitely slim enough to slip into most backpacks. On top of that, tipping the scales at only 1.4kg, you wouldn\u2019t really feel the weight of the laptop in your bag either.\n\n\nAs for the VivoBook S15, it\u2019s for those who want a bigger laptop. It has the same design as the S14, but it comes with a larger 15.6-inch 1080p display, as well as an Nvidia GeForce MX250 dedicated GPU. Unfortunately, it only comes with a Core i5-8265U processor paired with 4GB of RAM. Thankfully, the 512GB PCIe SSD and 18mm thin chassis are retained, though it is naturally heavier at 1.8kg.\n\n\nThis is the Moss Green model\n\n\nWhat makes the VivoBook S15 particularly unique is the fact that it\u2019s available in five distinct colours: Moss Green (we kid you not), Cobalt Blue, Punk Pink, Gun Metal, and Transparent Silver. Out of the five colours, the Moss Green is arguably the most unique model; it\u2019s a darker, almost jade-like shade of green.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the VivoBook S14 is only available in Gun Metal and Transparent Silver for our market; the other three colour options are exclusive to the bigger S15 model.\n\n\n\n\nI\u2019ve managed to spend a brief time with the VivoBook S15, and it\u2019s a reasonably good productivity laptop. Its keyboard is decent with just enough key travel to not feel shallow, the slim bezels surrounding the display make for a sleek-looking laptop, and I really quite like the colour options.\n\n\nThat being said, there are a couple of things I don\u2019t quite like about the VivoBook S15. While it is mostly made out of metal, Asus decided to use plastic for the bottom chassis, which detract from the laptop\u2019s otherwise solid (almost premium, in fact) build quality.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus VivoBook S15 can now be purchased in Malaysia for RM3,199, while the VivoBook S14 is expected to arrive here by the end of this month. Given its faster processor and bigger RAM capacity, it also costs slightly more at RM3,899.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-a9-2020-a5-2020-four-cameras-in-malaysia-from-rm699/", "title": "Oppo A9 2020 & A5 2020 with Four Cameras Unveiled in Malaysia; Priced from RM699", "body": "\n\nOppo recently introduced two new mid-range smartphones in Malaysia under the Chinese company\u2019s new A Series 2020 lineup. These include the A9 2020, as well as the more affordable A5 2020. Pretty odd to have the 2020 moniker there, isn\u2019t it?\n\n\nWell, according to Oppo, there\u2019s good reason for the\u2026peculiar naming convention. We were told that the A9 2020 and A5 2020 are named as such because they will remain relevant until then, which seems to suggest that they won\u2019t be succeeded until next year. Still, it\u2019s quite an odd decision.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, let\u2019s get to the specifications of both phones. Out of the two devices, the A9 2020 is naturally the higher-end offering. It comes with a 6.5-inch 720p notched display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 655 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, and a very generous 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the A9 2020 features a quad camera system on the back. It is made up of a 48MP primary shooter, an 8MP wide angle lens, a 2MP monochrome sensor, and a 2MP depth camera for bokeh simulation. The front-facing shooter, on the other hand, is a 16MP unit.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the much more affordable A5 2020, which shares the exact same chassis as the higher-end A9 2020. There are, of course, a number of notable differences. For starters, the A5 only features 64GB of storage and 3GB of RAM; a far cry from the A9\u2019s much more generous 8GB RAM.\n\n\nAnother area where the A5 2020 differs from the A9 2020 is the camera configuration. On the back, the 48MP primary shooter is replaced with a 12MP camera for the A5. The selfie camera is also swapped out for an 8MP sensor, instead of the A9\u2019s 16MP shooter.\n\n\n\n\nIf you can live with these downgrades, the A5 2020 actually offers reasonably good value for money. See, it retails at only RM699, and it still retains the A9\u2019s Snapdragon 665 chipset, 6.5-inch 720p display, and of course, the sizeable 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\nBut if you want the A9 2020\u2019s more generous amount of RAM and internal storage \u2013 not to mention better camera performance \u2013 you\u2019ll have to fork out RM1,199 instead. It\u2019s a much dearer price tag, which puts it in the same price category as other devices that can \narguably offer better value for money\n.\n\n\n\n\nIn any case, the Oppo A Series 2020 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 27 September. Both the A9 2020 and A5 2020 will be on store shelves from 28 September onwards.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-ii-hands-on-a-serious-gaming-smartphone/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone II Hands-On: A Serious Gaming Smartphone", "body": "\n\nAs far as gaming smartphones are concerned, the Asus ROG Phone II is easily one of the most anticipated devices in this segment. After all, it is bigger, faster, and much better equipped than its predecessor; what more can you ask for?\n\n\nWell, after spending a couple of days with the ROG Phone II, there are a few areas where it could be better. But as a gaming smartphone, it is very, very impressive, and I\u2019ll explain why in this hands-on.\n\n\n\n\nSince this is a gaming smartphone, let\u2019s talk about the gaming experience of the ROG Phone II first. I\u2019ve played a couple matches of PUBG Mobile to get a feel for the phone\u2019s gaming performance, and the game ran \nextremely \nwell. Even with maxed out graphics settings, I was still getting a stable frame rate.\n\n\nOf course, the \nQualcomm Snapdragon 855+\n chipset under the hood is one fast chipset. According to Qualcomm, the 855+ promises up to 15% increase in gaming performance, and it certainly shows in PUBG Mobile. In fact, Asus\u2019 built-in game tool shows that the game was consistently running at 60fps.\n\n\n\n\nOkay, while 60fps is a very good frame rate for PUBG Mobile, it doesn\u2019t quite take advantage of the ROG Phone II\u2019s 120Hz display. Unfortunately, there are only a handful of mobile games that can run at that frame rate, and PUBG Mobile isn\u2019t one of them. Despite that, it\u2019s still very enjoyable to game on this smartphone, and I can\u2019t wait to test out games that can actually run at 120fps with this device.\n\n\nAnother feature that further improve the ROG Phone II\u2019s gaming experience  are the AirTrigger buttons. Basically, the right side of the phone has two ultrasonic buttons that act as shoulder buttons when the phone is in landscape orientation. These buttons can be customised to \u201csimulate screen touch in games.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nAgain, let\u2019s take PUBG Mobile as an example. I can set the left shoulder button to scope in (I can do this by just dragging the icon to the aim button), while the right button is set to fire. Once that\u2019s done, I can quickly scope in, fire, and \nstill\n control my movement and camera with my thumbs. In my opinion, this makes shooters far more enjoyable to play.\n\n\nThe AirTriggers themselves are also very easy to activate. They never felt difficult or cumbersome to activate, and if you want them to be even more sensitive, you can lower the threshold for the buttons to recognise your input.\n\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s the gaming experience of the ROG Phone II; what about other aspects of the device? Design wise, not much has changed from the first ROG Phone. It still retains the same design language, but it is far, \nfar\n bigger now, which affects the ergonomics of the phone.\n\n\nSee, its predecessor only had a 6-inch display, while the ROG Phone II has a much larger 6.59-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED HDR screen. On top of that, it\u2019s also a lot heavier, tipping the scales at 240g. For context, the original ROG Phone weighed 200g.\n\n\nCollectively, these make the ROG Phone II a large and heavy smartphone, so it is quite unwieldy to use as a daily driver. The glass back and matte frame of the phone are pretty slippery too, making it harder to get a good grip on the phone. Sure, there\u2019s a bumper case bundled with the phone, but the plastic finish doesn\u2019t exactly add any extra grip.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond design, I do like the rest of the ROG Phone II. It has ample amount of storage \u2013 the Malaysian market will receive the 512GB and 1TB models \u2013 the 12GB RAM is plentiful, there\u2019s a very generous 6,000mAh battery, and its in-screen fingerprint sensor is surprisingly fast.\n\n\nAnother hardware worth mentioning again is the ROG Phone II\u2019s 6.59-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. Thanks to the high refresh rate, everything looks extremely smooth, even in the simplest of actions like scrolling and swiping through the home screen. Mobile games that can run at 120Hz will definitely feel a lot more responsive and smooth too.\n\n\n\n\nQuality of the AMOLED display itself is good as well. This being an AMOLED panel, it has deep blacks, vibrant colours, and great viewing angles. Even though the 1080p resolution isn\u2019t particularly impressive \u2013 especially for a display this large \u2013 texts and images look sharp enough when viewed at a normal distance. You can definitely see pixelation if you view the display up-close though.\n\n\n\n\nCamera performance of the ROG Phone II, on the other hand, is decidedly mediocre. It\u2019s not a horrible shooter by any means, but it doesn\u2019t appear to be a great performer either. The primary 48MP f/1.8 sensor can take relatively good-looking shots, but for some reason, the 13MP f/2.4 wide angle shooter feels a lot more sluggish with much more noticeable noise level.\n\n\nIn any case, I\u2019ll need to spend more time photographing with the phone to really give the camera performance a fair assessment, especially in low light conditions.\n\n\n\n\nAfter using the Asus ROG Phone II for a couple of days, there\u2019s no denying its appeal as a gaming smartphone. It has a fast 120Hz display, excellent performance, a huge 6,000mAh battery, and the AirTrigger ultrasonic buttons\u2019 functionality cannot be found on other smartphones. At least, not without the addition of other accessories.\n\n\nWithout a doubt the ROG Phone II is a serious, powerful gaming smartphone, but until its pricing for the Malaysian market is revealed, it remains to be seen just how compelling it would be. Yes, it\u2019s a high-end, premium smartphone that can command equally premium pricing, but in a price-sensitive market like Malaysia, it will be tough to consider if it\u2019s priced too high.\n\n\nNonetheless, we will find out for ourselves once Asus officially launch the ROG Phone II on our shores \nnext month on 16 October\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-note-8-appears-in-sirim-malaysian-launch-imminent/", "title": "Redmi Note 8 Appears in SIRIM; Malaysian Launch Imminent?", "body": "\n\nThe \nRedmi Note 8 series\n was launched in China about three weeks ago, and there\u2019s a good chance the device will be arriving here in Malaysia in the near future. After all, the Redmi Note 8 has already been registered with SIRIM, which usually means it will be introduced in our market soon.\n\n\nRegistered under Xiaomi Malaysia with the model number M1908C3JG on 13 September, this should be the regular Redmi Note 8. The Pro variant, on the other hand, doesn\u2019t appear to be in SIRIM\u2019s database just yet.\n\n\n\n\nGiven that both devices are part of the same series, it wouldn\u2019t be far-fetched to assume that the Redmi Note 8 and Note 8 Pro will be launched here together. Plus, it\u2019s the Pro model that\u2019s the more interesting device of the two; it would be quite odd to not bring in that particular device.\n\n\nInterestingly, there are two other smartphones registered under Xiaomi Malaysia with the model numbers M1908C3IG and M1908C3KG. A quick Google search shows that these two devices could be the yet to be released Redmi 8 and Redmi 8A, which are slated to be launched in India on 25 September.\n\n\nChances are, now that they\u2019ve been registered with SIRIM, the Redmi 8 and Redmi 8A should be coming to Malaysia as well. Of course, it remains to be seen exactly when this could happen, or if they\u2019ll be introduced alongside the Redmi Note 8 series on our shores.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Redmi Note 8 is a reasonably well-equipped mid-range smartphone. It features a 6.3-inch 1080p notched display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 chipset paired with up to 6GB of RAM, 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, a quad camera system (48MP primary + 8MP wide angle + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), a 13MP selfie shooter, and a 4,000mAh battery.\n\n\nAs for the higher-end Redmi Note 8 Pro, it has a larger 6.53-inch 1080p notched display, a MediaTek Helio G90T chipset \u2013 it\u2019s the first device to debut with this SoC \u2013 paired with up to 8GB of RAM, two storage options (64GB or 128GB), a generous 4,500mAh battery, and a liquid cooling system.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Redmi Note 8 Pro is also equipped with a quad camera system. The only difference is the primary shooter, which is a more sophisticated 64MP sensor. The selfie camera is also upgraded accordingly to a 20MP shooter.\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s no word yet from Xiaomi Malaysia on the local launch of the Redmi Note 8 series, but we reckon it\u2019s only a matter of time before we hear from the company. There\u2019s a good chance the Redmi 8 and Redmi 8A will make their way here too; we\u2019ll keep our eyes peeled on the local availability of these smartphones.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-mate-30-series-unleashed-kirin-990-7680fps-slow-mo-video-android-10/", "title": "Huawei Mate 30 Series Unleashed: Kirin 990, 7680fps Slow-Mo Video, Android 10", "body": "\n\nThe Huawei Mate 30 series is here, and instead of last year\u2019s plethora of Mate 20 smartphones, Huawei is making it simpler this year with only two main devices: the standard Mate 30, and the Mate 30 Pro. Despite the Chinese company\u2019s \nongoing debacle with the US government\n \u2013 blocking its access to Google\u2019s suite of services \u2013 these phones are still shipping with EMUI 10 based on Android 10.\n\n\nBut make no mistake: even if the Mate 30 smartphones are still running on Android, they do not come with Google\u2019s software and services. These include Google Chrome, Maps, YouTube, Gmail, and even the all-important Google Play Store. It\u2019s unfortunate, really, given just how impressive the Mate 30 series is.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes, as expected of Huawei, the Mate 30 smartphones are high-end flagship devices through and through. Both of them ship with the latest Kirin 990 chipset, which is Huawei\u2019s first processor with a built-in 5G modem. Compared to the Kirin 980, the Kirin 990 should bring noticeable performance gain.\n\n\nProcessing power aside, the Mate 30 Pro also features an impressive quad camera system capable of recording \n7680fps\n slow-motion videos. Of course, this incredibly high frame rate is only limited to 720p video recording. If you want to do 4K video recording instead, it can do so at 60fps.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, out of the two phones, the Mate 30 Pro has a more sophisticated quad camera configuration. It\u2019s made up of a 40MP primary shooter, a 40MP wide angle \u201cCine Camera\u201d sensor, an 8MP telephoto lens, and a 3D depth camera. It also has a very high ISO of up to 409,600.\n\n\nThe regular Mate 30, on the other hand, swaps out the 40MP Cine Camera and 3D depth sensors for 16MP wide angle and \u201claser focus\u201d modules instead. Its ISO is also lowered to 204,800; half that of the Pro model\u2019s camera system, but still a remarkable figure.\n\n\nInterestingly, the Mate 30\u2019s 24MP (32MP on the Pro model) front-facing camera can also recognise gestures, allowing users to perform certain actions to control the phone without actually touching it. Sounds familiar? Well, that\u2019s exactly what the \nLG G8 ThinQ\n can do with its Z Camera. Even the upcoming Google Pixel 4 will feature the same thing with \nProject Soli\n.\n\n\n\n\nAnother interesting feature \u2013 that\u2019s only available on the Mate 30 Pro \u2013 are the touch-sensitive sides, which replace the physical volume buttons on the phone. What you need to do is just double tap on either sides of the phone to summon the volume controls, and just slide along the sides to do your adjustment.\n\n\nSo why is Huawei ditching the physical volume keys on the Mate 30 Pro? Well, that\u2019s because the phone\u2019s 6.53-inch 2400 x 1176 OLED notched display now wraps around the edges of the phone; even more so than the dual curved screens of the \nSamsung Galaxy Note 10\n and \nS10\n smartphones. As for the Mate 30, it makes do with a more conventional 6.62-inch 1080p OLED flat display with a smaller notch.\n\n\n\n\nBattery capacities of Mate smartphones have always been pretty generous, and it\u2019s no different with the new Mate 30 devices. The standard Mate 30 features a 4,200mAh battery, while the Mate 30 Pro comes with a bigger 4,500mAh cell. Both phones also support 40W wired fast charging, and they can do 27W fast wireless charging too.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Mate 30 and Mate 30 Pro include 8GB of RAM, 128GB (Mate 30) or 256GB (Mate 30 Pro) of internal storage \u2013 only expandable with Huawei\u2019s proprietary NM memory card \u2013 in-screen fingerprint sensors, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack\u2026on the regular Mate 30. The Pro variant, unfortunately, does not have this port.\n\n\nNot surprisingly, there\u2019s also the Porsche Design Mate 30 RS, which has similar hardware as the Mate 30 Pro, but with more RAM and storage at 12GB and 512GB respectively. On top of that, it also has a different design on the back of the phone; it\u2019s even finished in leather for that extra bit of premium touch.\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of pricing, the Huawei Mate 30 retails at 799 euro \u2013 that comes up to about RM3,700. As for the Mate 30 Pro, it goes for 1,099 euro (approximately RM5,090) and 1,199 euro (around RM5,555) for the 4G and 5G models respectively. And then there\u2019s the luxurious Porsche Design Mate 30 RS that can be yours for a cool 2,095 euro (about RM9,705).\n\n\nDo note that these prices include VAT for the European market, so expect them to be more affordable in other countries. At the moment, Malaysian availability of the Mate 30 smartphones are not known yet either, but given Huawei\u2019s strong presence here, we reckon it\u2019s only a matter of time before they\u2019re launched locally.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, considering that the Mate 30 smartphones do not have Google\u2019s software and services, how attractive will these smartphones be? We\u2019ll just have to wait to find out.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/relive-nostalgia-with-the-nokia-2720-flip-phone-now-with-4g-connectivity-for-rm359/", "title": "Relive Nostalgia with the Nokia 2720 Flip Phone; Now with 4G Connectivity for RM359", "body": "\n\nHMD Global just introduced the new Nokia 2720 flip phone in Malaysia. Initially unveiled at IFA 2019 earlier this month, the 2720 Flip feature phone is a part of HMD\u2019s \u201cNokia Originals\u201d line, which include the redesigned Nokia 3310 and Nokia 8110 \u201cbanana phone.\u201d\n\n\nWhat makes the 2720 Flip particularly interesting is the operating system it\u2019s running on. Dubbed KaiOS, it allows features phones like the 2720 to have access to popular, vital apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, YouTube, Facebook, and even Google Assistant.\n\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, this flip phone has Google Assistant built-in. You can use it to dictate texts, open apps with voice command, or check the weather. Chances are, it won\u2019t be quite as powerful as Google Assistant on Android smartphones, but it doesn\u2019t seem awfully limited either.\n\n\nAnother nice modern upgrade the 2720 Flip gets is 4G connectivity, complete with dual SIM support. If you\u2019re not too reliant on smartphone apps, this phone could very well be your daily driver. It can even serve you well as a secondary device, given that it can also be used as a WiFi hotspot.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the 2720 Flip include a Qualcomm 205 chipset paired with 512MB of RAM, a 2.8-inch 320 x 240 display, a 1.3-inch 240 x 240 screen on the outside of the phone, 4GB of storage \u2013 expandable with a microSD card up to 32GB \u2013 a 2MP camera, and a 1,500mAh battery that can provide up to 27 days of standby time.\n\n\nBeyond its hardware, the 2720 Flip is just like the flip phone we all know and love. When you receive a call, you can see who\u2019s the caller with the external display, and flipping the phone open would answer the call. To end the call, just flip the phone shut. Without a doubt, it feels very satisfying to flip the phone open and close.\n\n\n\n\nAside from the 2720 Flip, HMD also introduced the new Nokia 110 feature phone on our shores. It\u2019s a slight upgrade over the Nokia 105, which adds some useful features like a QVGA camera, built-in radio, and the ability to use it as an MP3 player. You can keep your songs in the microSD card (up to 32GB) of the phone.\n\n\n\n\nThe Nokia 110 will be available in Malaysia early October next month for RM120 with three colour options: Ocean Blue, Black, and Pink. The Nokia 2720 Flip, on the other hand, can be purchased right now for RM359, but it is only available in Black for our market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-ii-launching-in-malaysia-16-october/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone II Launching in Malaysia 16 October", "body": "\n\nAsus\u2019 latest gaming smartphone, the \nAsus ROG Phone II\n, finally got a release date for the Malaysian market. Set to be introduced on our shores on 16 October, the ROG Phone II is arguably the most exciting gaming smartphone yet; it\u2019s a very complete gaming machine.\n\n\nThe launch date of the ROG Phone II for our market was revealed by Asus Malaysia itself on its Republic of Gamers Facebook page, so it doesn\u2019t get more official than that. If you\u2019re curious, even its predecessor were introduced here \nin the same month\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven its status as a gaming smartphone, the ROG Phone II naturally has high-end hardware. This include Qualcomm\u2019s best chipset yet, the Snapdragon 855+. Compared to the regular Snapdragon 855, the 855+ promises up to 15% increase in gaming performance, thanks to the overclocked CPU and GPU.\n\n\nAnother hardware that\u2019s equally important for a gaming smartphone is the display, and the ROG Phone II has a fast panel. Unlike the first ROG Phone\u2019s 90Hz display, the new gaming machine now comes with a faster 120Hz 6.59-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED HDR display. The touch sampling rate has been increased according too: it is now set at 240Hz, which lowers the touch latency down to only 49ms.\n\n\nInput delay isn\u2019t discussed much outside of gaming smartphones, but for competitive mobile gamers, the 49ms response rate is vital to perform at their very best.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the most impressive features of the original ROG Phone are the AirTriggers, which are ultrasonic buttons placed on the right side of the phone to act as shoulder buttons. If you\u2019re into shooters like PUBG Mobile and Fortnite, the AirTriggers will definitely benefit you.\n\n\nFor example, you can set the left trigger to use your scope, and the right button to shoot. Not only would this feel more natural, it would be as if you\u2019re playing the game with a dedicated controller too.\n\n\nOther specifications of the ROG Phone II for the Malaysian market include 12GB of RAM, 512GB or 1TB of non-expandable storage, an extremely generous 6,000mAh battery, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, a dual camera system (48MP primary + 13MP wide angle), as well as a 24MP front-facing shooter. If you\u2019re wondering, yes, this phone still has a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone II will be launched in Malaysia on 16 October next month. There\u2019s no word yet on the local pricing of the phone, but expect it to be priced in the same price range as its predecessor. For context, the first ROG Phone \nretailed at RM3,499 and RM3,999\n for the 128GB and 512GB models respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nokia-7-2-prices-start-from-rm899/", "title": "Nokia 7.2 & Nokia 6.2 Debut in Malaysia; Prices Start from RM899", "body": "\n\nAside from launching the \nNokia 2720 Flip and Nokia 110\n feature phones in Malaysia, HMD Global also introduced the Nokia 7.2 and Nokia 6.2 smartphones. Retailing from RM899, these two devices are reasonably good mid-range offerings, especially for those who value good software experience.\n\n\nLike most Nokia smartphones, the Nokia 7.2 and 6.2 are Android One devices, so they run on a very stock version of Android with very little to no bloatware. On top of that, they will also receive the latest Android updates \u2013 as well as security patches \u2013 very quickly; two things HMD highlighted at the launch event of these two phones.\n\n\n\n\nAs its name suggests, the Nokia 7.2 is the higher-end smartphone of the two. It features a 6.3-inch 1080p IPS notched display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset paired with 6GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, and a 3,500mAh battery. Pretty standard list of hardware for a mid-range smartphone.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Nokia 7.2 has a triple camera system made up of a 48MP primary shooter, an 8MP wide angle lens, and a 5MP depth sensor. As for the front-facing shooter, it\u2019s a 20MP camera. Also, it\u2019s worth noting that all of these camera sensors are using Zeiss optics.\n\n\nThe Nokia 6.2\n\n\nIf you want something more affordable, there\u2019s the Nokia 6.2. Instead of the 7.2\u2019s Snapdragon 660 chipset, this model is powered by a Snapdragon 636 SoC instead. While it\u2019s not quite as fast, it should be capable enough to offer a good level of performance for everyday use.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Nokia 6.2 include a 6.3-inch 1080p IPS display, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage, and a 3,500mAh battery. For photography, it also has a triple camera system like the 7.2, but it\u2019s a simpler 16MP primary + 8MP wide angle + 5MP depth camera configuration.\n\n\n\n\nThe Nokia 6.2 will be available in Malaysia sometime in early October next month for RM899. Only the Ceramic Black model is offered here, and we were told it will be sold exclusively on \nNokia\u2019s official Lazada store\n. The higher-end Nokia 7.2, on the other hand, retails for RM1,299, and it can be purchased right now at all authorised Nokia retailers.\n\n\n\n\nInterestingly, if you get the Nokia 7.2 from these retailers, you will receive a complimentary backpack along with a 16GB microSD card. Of course, this offer is only valid while stocks last. Three colour options of the Nokia 7.2 are offered in Malaysia: Charcoal, Cyan Green, and Ice.\n\n\nOnly the Charcoal model is available right now, while the latter two colour options can be purchased in the near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/google-pixel-4-xl-rumours-leaks-hands-on/", "title": "This Is (Possibly) the Pixel 4 XL, and We Got Our Hands on One", "body": "\n\nThe Google Pixel 4 XL is arguably the most leaked smartphone in recent memory. Its features, design, and so much more have been leaked numerous times; there are even \nhands-on videos\n of the yet to be released smartphone. In fact, we\u2026actually got our hands on a unit too.\n\n\nAt least, we\u2019re \nalmost certain\n this is the Pixel 4 XL. Given that the device hasn\u2019t even been announced yet, we can\u2019t say for sure this is indeed Google\u2019s upcoming flagship phone, though it does match official images released by the company. Nonetheless, this is our hands-on of the (alleged) Pixel 4 XL.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow, before we get to it, do note that this device is still running on pre-release software, so some features \u2013 especially the camera \u2013 do not work quite as well. This comes as no surprise, of course; the Pixel 4 XL hasn\u2019t even been officially introduced by Google yet.\n\n\nThen again, we\u2019re likely looking at the final hardware of the Pixel 4 XL, so there\u2019s a good chance this is how the phone would look and feel. While I\u2019m not too crazy about the large bezel at the top of the display (possibly to fit the radar technology for \nProject Soli\n), it\u2019s certainly a premium device. The matte frame feels great to the touch, and same goes for the glass back (also with a matte finish). \n9to5Google\n believes that this colourway will be called \u201cClearly White.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nBut I\u2019ve got to be honest here: the back panel\u2019s texture isn\u2019t what I expected. Even though it \ndoes\n have a matte texture, it\u2019s a very light finish, to the point where it almost feels like regular glass. I was expecting something like the \nOppo Reno\n\u2018s frosted glass-like finish, which is a lot smoother to the touch.\n\n\nHowever, if that was the case, the Pixel 4 XL would be a lot more slippery too. I imagine this isn\u2019t something most folks would want, so I\u2019d consider the light matte finish a plus point. In retrospect, it\u2019s the best of both worlds: the rear panel still feels like regular glass, but the matte texture is a lot more resistant to fingerprint marks.\n\n\n\n\nSo that\u2019s the design of the Pixel 4 XL; let\u2019s get to the other hardware parts now. One of the most interesting new hardware is the phone\u2019s 90Hz display, which I can confirm is available on this particular unit under the Smooth Display option. Basically, the feature \u201cdynamically adjusts the refresh rate between 60Hz and 90Hz.\u201d\n\n\nAs far as I can tell, the display is locked at 90Hz at all times with Smooth Display enabled; I\u2019m not entirely sure exactly when the panel would be set to 60Hz instead. Chances are, only apps that don\u2019t support 90Hz would run at the lower refresh rate.\n\n\nWhat about the display quality itself? Well, it\u2019s really quite good. I believe the Pixel 4 XL has an AMOLED screen, given that it has deep blacks with vibrant colours. Diagnostics tool AIDA64 also shows that this phone has a 6.23-inch 3040 x 1440 display \u2013 definitely a flagship-tier panel.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Pixel 4 XL shown on AIDA64 include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset \u2013 not the \nnewer and faster 855+ SoC\n, unfortunately \u2013 paired with 6GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, a 12.2MP rear camera, an 8.1MP selfie shooter, and a relatively generous 3,700mAh battery. It\u2019s not the biggest battery capacity we\u2019ve seen, but it\u2019s probably good enough to return a day\u2019s worth of usage.\n\n\nAnd then we have a pretty big new feature on the Pixel 4 XL: Face Unlock, which appears to be Google\u2019s answer to Apple\u2019s Face ID. For the most part, it works a lot like Apple\u2019s implementation. Even the setup process for Face Unlock is very similar to Face ID, requiring me to move my head in a circular motion.\n\n\nOnce the feature is set up, a quick glance is enough to unlock the Pixel 4 XL, and it seems to work even in darker environments. On top of that, it can still recognise my face even when I\u2019m holding the phone sideways or upside down. However, if the Pixel 4 XL is set flat on a table, it wouldn\u2019t be able to recognise my face. I would have to be looking directly at the phone for the biometric security to do its thing.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of biometrics, Face Unlock is the \nonly \nbiometric security option available on the Pixel 4 XL. That\u2019s right, this phone does not have a fingerprint reader. There isn\u2019t any in-screen fingerprint sensor, or even a conventional capacitive one. Clearly, Google is putting a lot of trust on Face Unlock; perhaps as much as Apple is with Face ID.\n\n\nPixel smartphones have always been lauded for their amazing camera performance, so I was quite excited to put the Pixel 4 XL\u2019s dual camera system through its paces. But after taking some shots with the phone, the camera performance\u2026may not appeal to everyone. Judge for yourself with these sample shots comparing it against the Samsung Galaxy S10+.\n\n\nPixel 4 XL\nGalaxy S10+\n Pixel 4 XL \n Galaxy S10+ \n Pixel 4 XL \n Galaxy S10+ \n\n\n\n\nAt a glance, it may seem like the Galaxy S10+ takes better-looking shots, but upon closer inspection, the Pixel 4 XL is actually superior. Not only does its shots have better detail preservation, the colour reproduction is more true to life too.\n\n\nOf course, some (or most) folks would prefer the Galaxy S10+\u2019s saturated shots \u2013 a typical trait of Samsung\u2019s image processing, really \u2013 as they are more pleasing to the eye. But if you want more neutral colour reproduction, the Pixel 4 XL offers just that. That being said, the phone does have some difficulty focusing on closer subjects; this is evident in the last set of images above.\n\n\n\n\nAgain, do note that the Pixel 4 XL I\u2019m testing is not running on final software, and the camera app still looks like a work in progress. As a matter of fact, there isn\u2019t any quick shortcut to use the (supposed) 16MP telephoto sensor. In order to zoom in, I\u2019d have to pinch to zoom on the camera interface; it seems to switch to the telephoto sensor around the 2x zoom mark.\n\n\nOnce the camera application and its image processing have been properly tweaked by Google, I reckon the Pixel 4 XL would have even better camera performance. Personally, I\u2019m hoping the autofocus speeds and accuracy would be much better in the finalised software.\n\n\n\n\nThe Google Pixel 4 XL looks to be a meaningful upgrade over its predecessor, and this is only based on my time with an early pre-release unit. Without a doubt the true potential of the phone will be fully realised once it\u2019s running on consumer-ready software.\n\n\nGoogle\u2019s \nProject Soli\n on the Pixel 4 XL is especially intriguing, which allows for motion controls. Unfortunately, this feature isn\u2019t enabled on my pre-release unit, so I couldn\u2019t put it to the test. Regardless, Soli is similar in practice to the Z Camera on the \nLG G8 ThinQ\n, as well as the \nHuawei Mate 30 series\n\u2018 Gesture Sensor.\n\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s left now is for Google to introduce the Pixel 4 XL and reveal exactly how much it will cost, which is happening next month on 15 October. Hopefully, Google\u2019s flagship smartphone will make its way to Malaysia as well, even if the Pixel series never made it here officially.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nCloser Look at the Pixel 4 XL: Next Gen Google Assistant, Selfie Camera, Face Unlock Limitations\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/closer-look-pixel-4-xl-next-gen-google-assistant-selfie-camera-face-unlock-security/", "title": "Closer Look at the Pixel 4 XL: Next Gen Google Assistant, Selfie Camera, Face Unlock Limitations", "body": "\n\nSince we posted our \nhands-on of the Pixel 4 XL\n, we received quite a number of questions regarding the device, so we\u2019ll try to address some of them in this article. On top of that, we\u2019re also taking a closer look at some of its features, including the next generation Google Assistant, Active Edge \u2013 yes, it\u2019s retained on this phone \u2013 and the limitations of Face Unlock.\n\n\nWe\u2019ve mentioned this a number of times in our previous article, but it\u2019s worth repeating again. This unit of the Pixel 4 XL is running on pre-release software, so some of the features outlined here may be different on the final retail unit. With that out of the way, let\u2019s get to it!\n\n\nHow Big Is It?\n\n\nFeaturing a 6.23-inch 3040 x 1440 display, the Pixel 4 XL is a reasonably big smartphone. It\u2019s not quite as large as the \nSamsung Galaxy Note 10+\n, but it\u2019s about the same size as the \nGalaxy S10+\n and \nPixel 3A XL\n.\n\n\n\n\nInterestingly, the top bezels of the Pixel 4 XL and Pixel 3A XL are about the same size, which\u2026isn\u2019t exactly a great thing. Of course, the former does (possibly) need to house the radar technology for\u00a0\nProject Soli\n, which explains the thick bezel. Soli is essential for Motion Sense to work, though our unit does not have the feature enabled.\n\n\nNext Generation Google Assistant Is Crazy Fast\n\n\nBack at Google I/O 2019, the capabilities of the new Google Assistant were revealed, and we\u2019re happy to report that it\u2019s available on our pre-release unit of the Pixel 4 XL. Basically, the new Assistant now runs on-device, allowing it to work \na lot quicke\nr than it used to.\n\n\n\n\nAnd it really is fast: the next generation Assistant is noticeably quicker at processing our requests, which makes it a lot more seamless to use. Thanks to \nContinued Conversation\n, we can also issue new requests to the Assistant one after another without having to say \u201cHey Google\u201d every time.\n\n\nOh, we also dig the Assistant\u2019s new interface. Very eye-catching.\n\n\nFace Unlock May Not Be Very Secure\n\n\nWhile the Pixel 4 XL\u2019s Face Unlock feature works pretty well in our testing, there is one big caveat: it may not be as secure as Apple\u2019s Face ID. In the Face Unlock settings page, there\u2019s a disclaimer below that warns your phone can be unlocked by someone \u201cwho looks a lot like you.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nNow, we don\u2019t know any identical twins to really put this to the test, but it is interesting for Google to put that disclaimer there; whether or not Face Unlock can be fooled by your evil twin remains to be seen. At least, until the device is in the hands of consumers to try out more comprehensively.\n\n\nAmbient EQ: Google\u2019s Version of True Tone\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve always wanted Apple\u2019s True Tone technology on an Android smartphone, you can get just that with the Pixel 4 XL\u2019s Ambient EQ feature. Once enabled, the phone would adjust the white balance of the display to match your ambient lighting.\n\n\n\n\nOn our pre-release unit, enabling the Ambient EQ feature does make the screen warmer or cooler, depending on the surrounding lighting.\n\n\nActive Edge Is Retained\n\n\nYes, just as the leaks and rumours have suggested, Active Edge is still available on the Pixel 4 XL. You can adjust the sensitivity of the feature, summon the new Google Assistant with a quick squeeze, and even squeeze to silence alarms, notifications, and incoming calls.\n\n\n\n\nNo Expandable Storage, Single SIM Slot\n\n\nJust like previous Pixel smartphones, the Pixel 4 XL does not have a microSD card slot. On top of that, our unit can only accommodate a single SIM card, and we can\u2019t find any indication of eSIM support in the settings menu either.\n\n\n\n\nBut, again, this unit of the Pixel 4 XL is running on pre-release software, so it\u2019s entirely possible eSIM support is still in the cards.\n\n\nWhat About the Selfie Camera?\n\n\nFor the most part, the 8.1MP front-facing shooter can take good-looking selfies with more natural colour reproduction. We took a normal shot and another one in portrait mode with the Pixel 4 XL, and we did the same with the Galaxy S10+ as a point of comparison.\n\n\nPixel 4 XL (normal mode)\nGalaxy S10+ (normal mode)\nPixel 4 XL (portrait mode)\nGalaxy S10+ (Live Focus mode)\n\n\nJust like shots taken with the \nrear camera systems of both phones\n, the Pixel 4 XL\u2019s selfie shots look more true to life. Not surprisingly, its bokeh simulation is a lot better too, with more precise separation between the subject and the background. It\u2019s not perfect by any means, but it\u2019s certainly better than the majority of phones we\u2019ve tested in the past.\n\n\nAs mentioned before, these shots are taken with a Pixel 4 XL running on pre-release software; we expect the camera performance to be further improved on retail units with finalised software.\n\n\n\n\nThe Google Pixel 4 XL really has a number of features that are quite exciting. The new generation Google Assistant is a lot faster and more seamless to use, Project Soli could be very interesting (even if our pre-release unit doesn\u2019t have it enabled), and Ambient EQ is a nice feature to have for those who are particular about white balance on their screens.\n\n\nHowever, it remains to be seen exactly how secure Face Unlock would be. Considering that this is \nthe only\n biometric security option on the Pixel 4 XL, it\u2019s very important for it to be as secure as possible. Nonetheless, we\u2019ll just have to wait for Google to officially unveil the Pixel 4 series on 15 October to learn more.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-mix-alpha-has-a-display-that-wraps-around-the-phone-for-20000-yuan/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi Mix Alpha Has a Display That Wraps Around the Phone for 20,000 Yuan", "body": "\n\nXiaomi\u2019s Mi Mix smartphones has always been the company\u2019s most unconventional series, and the new Xiaomi Mi Mix Alpha pushes this idea even further. See, it has a display that basically \nwraps around\n the phone \u2013 sounds crazy, doesn\u2019t it?\n\n\nWell, as far-fetched as that may sound, it\u2019s the reality: the Mi Mix Alpha has a 7.92-inch 2088 x 2250 flexible OLED \u201cSurround Display,\u201d which covers almost every inch of the phone, except for a ceramic strip on the back to house the triple camera system. According to Xiaomi, this gives the Alpha an impressive screen-to-body ratio of 180.6%.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow, with that unique wraparound display, there\u2019s no space for physical buttons on the side, so the sides of the Mi Mix Alpha are pressure-sensitive to make up for this. The phone also relies on a linear motor to \u201csimulate the touch of real buttons.\u201d\n\n\nWe imagine it won\u2019t be quite as seamless to use the pressure-sensitive sides than traditional buttons, but it\u2019s hard to say without actually trying it out for ourselves. Oh, the physical earpiece has been removed too, which is replaced by a new display acoustic technology.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mi Mix Alpha include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ chipset paired with 12GB of RAM, 512GB of fast UFS 3.0 storage, a 4,050mAh battery, support for 40W fast charging, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\nThe triple camera system of the Mi Mix Alpha is also very impressive: it\u2019s the first phone to feature Samsung\u2019s \nISOCELL Bright HMX\n 108MP camera sensor. Like most smartphone cameras with high megapixel count, the Alpha uses pixel binning to capture brighter, more detailed shots in 27MP.\n\n\nAside from the 108MP f/1.69 primary shooter, this phone also has a 20MP f/2.2 wide angle sensor and a 12MP f/2.0 telephoto lens that offers 2x optical zoom. Naturally, there\u2019s no need for a selfie camera, since you can just snap a selfie by turning the phone around.\n\n\n\n\nWhile the Xiaomi Mi Mix Alpha looks very sleek with its unique display, its form factor is not very practical. But that\u2019s beside the point: Xiaomi wants to \u201cmake a truly disruptive product without considering the costs and return, and without considering mass production\u201d with the Alpha.\n\n\nAnd that really is the case. The Mi Mix Alpha will only be produced in limited quantities at the end of December 2019, and it costs a whopping 20,000 Chinese yuan, which comes up to about RM11,760.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-last-of-us-part-ii-coming-on-21-february-2020-new-trailer-revealed/", "title": "The Last of Us Part II Coming on 21 February 2020; New Trailer Revealed", "body": "\n\nWe finally have a release date for The Last of Us Part II. The exclusive title for the PlayStation 4 system will be dropping on 21 February 2020, and in conjunction with the announcement of the release date, there is also a new trailer.\n\n\nArguably the biggest reveal in the trailer is the appearance of Joel, who was the main character in the first instalment of the game. Given that previous trailers of The Last of Us Part II never featured him at all, it\u2019s a pretty big deal to see that he\u2019s a part of the new game. Then again, it remains to be seen just how prominent of a role he will play.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnnounced alongside the new trailer and release date are also the many editions of The Last of Us Part II. There are four physical editions of the game: Standard Edition, Special Edition, Collector\u2019s Edition, and\u2026Ellie Edition. That\u2019s right, there\u2019s an Ellie Edition, which is naturally the most elaborate one.\n\n\nBundled inside the $230 (about RM965) Ellie Edition of the game are a number of interesting items, including a \u201cfull-sized, fully functional recreation of Ellie\u2019s backpack\u201d from the game. There\u2019s also a 12-inch Ellie statue, a 7-inch vinyl record with music from the original soundtrack, a life-size replica of Ellie\u2019s bracelet, and an embroidered patch.\n\n\n\n\nThe $170 Collector\u2019s Edition (approximately RM710) of the game has mostly the same items as the Ellie Edition, but it doesn\u2019t have Ellie\u2019s backpack, the vinyl record, and the patch. You are, however, still getting the six enamel pins, a lithograph art print, a set of five stickers, a 48-page mini art book from Dark Horse, and of course, a custom Steelbook case.\n\n\nIf you want something more affordable, there\u2019s the Special Edition, which contains the mini art book and Steelbook case. You\u2019re also getting the digital content, which include a PS4 dynamic theme, and a set of six PSN Avatars. This edition goes for $80 (around RM335) in the US.\n\n\nWhat about the regular Standard Edition? Well, pre-ordering it would get you two in-game items: the ammo capacity upgrade, and crafting training manual. It\u2019s not much, but it\u2019s the most affordable at only $60 (about RM250).\n\n\n\n\nCurrently, Malaysian pricing for the physical editions of The Last of Us Part II have not been revealed yet, but you can place your pre-order for the online copies now on the Malaysian PS Store. There\u2019s the \nStandard Edition (RM239)\n and \nDigital Deluxe Edition (RM299)\n.\n\n\nPre-ordering either one of these digital copies will get you a PSN Avatar with Ellie\u2019s tattoo, along with the same items you get for pre-ordering the physical Standard Edition and Special Edition (for the Digital Deluxe), but in digital form instead.\n\n\n\n\nThe Last of Us Part II will be exclusively available on the PlayStation 4 on 21 February 2020. As we approach the release date of the game, Malaysian pricing of the physical editions should be revealed. Hopefully, the Ellie Edition will be coming to our shores too.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-7t-receives-90hz-display-upgraded-camera-system/", "title": "OnePlus 7T Receives 90Hz Display & Upgraded Camera System", "body": "\n\nOnePlus just announced an update to the OnePlus 7, which was released back in May this year. Aptly dubbed OnePlus 7T, it has a more sophisticated camera system now, along with a feature that\u2019s been trickled down from the \nOnePlus 7 Pro\n: the Fluid AMOLED display.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the OnePlus 7T is a much more attractive smartphone than its direct predecessor, thanks to the addition of the Fluid AMOLED display with a fast 90Hz refresh rate. Compared to conventional 60Hz panels, you\u2019ll definitely notice the extra smoothness with the 90Hz display.\n\n\nThe OnePlus 7T also has a slightly bigger 6.55-inch 2400 x 1080 display than the OnePlus 7, though it\u2019s not quite as impressive as the Pro model\u2019s sharper and bigger 6.67-inch 1440p screen.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnlike the OnePlus 7 Pro\u2019s sleek all-screen design, the 7T still retains the notch at the top of the display. Fortunately, OnePlus says that the notch is exactly 31.6% smaller than the one on the OnePlus 7, so it\u2019s not all bad. On top of that, it is also a HDR10+ panel.\n\n\nAs for the OnePlus 7T\u2019s camera system, it is now a triple camera system housed in a circular module. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP f/1.6 primary sensor, a 12MP f/2.2 telephoto lens, and a 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter. It can also shoot 4K videos at 60fps, not to mention 960fps slow-motion video recording.\n\n\nHowever, the 970fps recording is only limited to 720p, and it will be made available through an OTA update at a later date.\n\n\n\n\nInterestingly, the OnePlus 7T is a faster smartphone than its Pro counterpart. Instead of a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset, the 7T comes with the newer and more capable Snapdragon 855+ SoC. Compared to the regular Snapdragon 855, the 855+ promises up to 15% better performance, thanks to the overclocked CPU and GPU.\n\n\nOther specifications of the OnePlus 7T include 8GB of RAM, 128GB of fast UFS 3.0 storage, an in-display fingerprint sensor, a 3,800mAh battery, and a 16MP f/2.0 front-facing camera. Naturally, it also ships with OxygenOS based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe OnePlus 7T will be available for purchase in the US from 18 October onwards for $599, which comes up to about RM2,505. It remains to be seen exactly when the flagship phone will be coming to Malaysia, but we reckon it will arrive here eventually like the \nOnePlus 7 Pro\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/msi-opens-new-concept-store-in-low-yat-plaza-offers-laptops-pc-hardware-more/", "title": "MSI Opens New Concept Store in Low Yat Plaza; Offers Laptops, PC Hardware & More", "body": "\n\nMSI opened the doors to its new concept store in Low Yat Plaza earlier today, and it\u2019s pretty unique. Unlike most MSI physical retail stores, this particular outlet offers a wide range of products from the Taiwanese company. These include gaming laptops (of course), graphics cards, motherboards, monitors, and even PC casings.\n\n\nTo celebrate the opening of the new store, MSI also showcased a new gaming laptop at the launch event: the MSI GL65. Powered by an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti GPU, it\u2019s a decently powerful gaming laptop. In fact, with some tweaks to the graphics settings, you can definitely get playable frame rate on most AAA titles with this GPU.\n\n\n\n\nLike most gaming laptops worth their salt in the market now, the GL65 also has a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display with a high 120Hz refresh rate. Thanks to the 120Hz screen, everything will look extra smooth. Trust us: you\u2019ll notice the higher refresh rate by just moving the mouse cursor around the desktop.\n\n\nAside from that, the GL65 also comes with an Intel Core i7-9750H processor paired with 8GB of RAM. That\u2019s not an awfully generous RAM capacity, so thankfully, you can equip this gaming machine with up to 32GB of RAM. As for storage, you\u2019ll get a 512GB NVMe SSD, with an extra slot for a HDD. The keyboard, as with most MSI gaming laptops, are by SteelSeries; complete with per key RGB lighting.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the MSI GL65 gaming laptop, it costs RM5,699 with a two-year warranty from MSI.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, there are more than just gaming laptops offered at the new MSI concept store. If you\u2019re thinking of building a PC, you can definitely get most \u2013 if not all \u2013 of your parts from the outlet. Besides MSI-branded motherboards, graphics cards, and gaming monitors, the store also carries processors from AMD and Intel. PSUs are sold there too, though we only spotted ones from Thermaltake.\n\n\nPC peripherals are also available in the concept store, so whether you\u2019re looking for a mouse, keyboard, or mouse pad, they\u2019re all on the shelves. Hey, even MSI backpacks can be purchased there.\n\n\n\n\nThe new MSI concept store is now open in Low Yat Plaza. If you\u2019d like to check it out, it is located on the ground floor.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-band-4-quick-review-fitness-band-for-the-frugal/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi Band 4 Quick Review: Fitness Band for the Frugal", "body": "\n\nFitness bands, thanks to Xiaomi, have gotten considerably more affordable over the years. Of course, the Chinese company\u2019s wearables have also gotten better with every new iteration, and the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is easily its most impressive fitness band yet.\n\n\nRetailing at only RM149, there\u2019s no denying the value proposition of the Mi Band 4. But given its affordable price tag, does the fitness band fall short in any crucial area? Let\u2019s find out. \n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe Mi Band 4 is Xiaomi\u2019s latest fitness band, and one of the biggest changes over its predecessor is the addition of a colour AMOLED display. It\u2019s a 0.95-inch 240 x 120 AMOLED screen, so not only is it a bigger than the Mi Band 3\u2019s display, it is also sharper.\n\n\n\n\nThanks to the new colour display, the Mi Band 4 is now more customisable than ever. The Mi Fit app itself already has quite a number of watchfaces to choose from, so chances are, you will find one that suits you. The Mi Band 4 housing itself can also be detached from the strap, making it easier to clean the device, or swap out the strap if you want to.\n\n\nAnother big selling point of the Mi Band 4 is its impressive battery life. Xiaomi claims that the fitness band\u2019s 135mAh battery can return up to 20 days of use, which is a very lofty estimate. While I didn\u2019t quite manage to get that level of battery life, it\u2019s definitely a long-lasting wearable; more on that in the next section.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nWhat took me by surprise as I started using the Mi Band 4 is its sheer longevity. As mentioned, I couldn\u2019t achieve Xiaomi\u2019s quoted battery life of up to 20 days, but the fitness band did manage to last through about two weeks of use before needing a charge.\n\n\n\n\nSee, I\u2019m a heavy smartphone user, so I get a ton of notifications every day. Needless to say, getting so many notifications pushed to the Mi Band 4 will drain its battery quite a bit. On top of that, I set the wearable to take my heart rate every minute, compared to the default setting of only once every 30 minutes.\n\n\nIf you don\u2019t get quite as many notifications as I do, and you set the Mi Band 4 to only measure your heart rate every 30 minutes, I reckon you can get close to Xiaomi\u2019s claim of 20 days battery life.\n\n\n\n\nDisplay quality of the Mi Band 4 is worth a mention too. It\u2019s an AMOLED panel, so it has all the characteristics of that screen technology. These include deep, pitch blacks, vibrant colours, and good viewing angles. But if I were to nitpick, I\u2019d say the display could be a tad sharper; you can definitely see the individual pixels if you look at it closer.\n\n\nThen again, when viewed from a normal distance, it\u2019s not an issue at all. Plus, the AMOLED screen can get really bright, so outdoor visibility is not a problem with this fitness band.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the Mi Band 4 is also rated for 5 ATM, which allows it to be submerged up to 50m for 10 minutes. Given that this fitness band is able to track your swimming routine \u2013 and it\u2019s meant to appeal to those with an active lifestyle \u2013 this feature is imperative.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, I love how the Mi Band 4 tracks my workouts. Even though it can only identity a handful of workouts, it presents the tracking data in a clean and easy to read interface. At a glance, I can see how much calories I\u2019ve burnt, my heart rate, and what activity \u201czone\u201d I\u2019m in.\n\n\n\n\nOverall, the Mi Band 4 works great as a fitness band, but it does have a couple of shortcomings in other areas, such as..\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nOne of the best reasons to invest in a wearable is to get notifications pushed to your wrist, but in this regard, the Mi Band 4 could do better. While notifications do get sent to the fitness band in a timely manner, it\u2019s not arranged particularly well. The notifications themselves don\u2019t look very flattering either.\n\n\n\n\nTo top it off, you cannot really interact with the notifications too. It\u2019s as if the Mi Band 4 is only designed to show these notifications, and nothing more. Granted, this is a fitness band, and notifications are not exactly \u201cvital\u201d (per se) to its functionality. Still, having a better notification system would make it \nthat\n much more compelling.\n\n\nBesides that, the user interface of the Mi Band 4 could also use some work. In order to access other features of the wearable, I need to swipe up or down from the watchface. If I want to go back to the previous screen, I can either swipe to the left (or right) or press the capacitive button at the bottom of the display.\n\n\n\n\nThese gestures make it a bit of a chore to navigate around the Mi Band 4\u2019s interface, and it doesn\u2019t help that there is no quick way to get back to the home screen; there\u2019s no home button to use. Instead, I\u2019ll have to repeatedly tap on the capacitive button until I\u2019m back to the watchface. Not a very pleasant experience.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nDespite its shortcomings, the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is still very easy to recommend to folks who are looking for an affordable fitness band to track their daily activities. After all, it costs only RM149; not many wearables can offer the same feature set at this price point.\n\n\n\n\nYes, the Mi Band 4\u2019s notification system and user interface could have been better, but these two factors may not matter to some users, \nespecially \nif they\u2019re buying it for the wearable\u2019s fitness functionalities. And, again, this fitness band is only RM149 \u2013 what more can you ask for?\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-note-10-review-excellent-in-most-areas-but-one/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ Review: Excellent in Most Areas but One", "body": "\n\nJust like how it was with the \nGalaxy S10 series\n, the new \nSamsung Galaxy Note 10 smartphones\n bring quite a number of improvements over its predecessor. Both the Note 10 and Note 10+ sport sleeker designs, more versatile camera systems, and the S Pen now comes with gesture support too.\n\n\nAfter spending a few weeks using the bigger Galaxy Note 10+ as my daily driver, there\u2019s no doubt that these improvements make the flagship smartphone superior to its predecessor in almost every way. That being said, there is one crucial area where it could still use some innovation.\n\n\nIf that were to be addressed, the Galaxy Note 10+ would easily be one of the best flagship smartphones money can buy right now.\n\n\nSpecifications\n\n\nDisplay\n6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED (3040 x 1440)\nChipset\nSamsung Exynos 9825 2.7GHz octa-core\nGPU\nMali-G76 MP12\nRAM\n12GB\nStorage\n256/512GB, expandable\nCamera (rear)\n12MP f/1.5 \u2013 f/2.4, OIS, Super Speed Dual Pixel AF\n16MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide angle)\n12MP f/2.1 (telephoto), OIS, PDAF\nVGA DepthVision (ToF)\nCamera (front)\n10MP f/2.2\nBattery\n4,300mAh\nDimensions\n162.3 x 77.2 x 7.9 mm\nWeight\n196g\nOS\nOne UI based on Android 9 Pie\nConnectivity\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4/5GHz)\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM4,199 (256GB), RM4,799 (512GB)\n\n\nHardware of the Galaxy Note 10+ are what you\u2019d expect from a flagship smartphone. It has a fantastic (and large) 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display, a fast 7nm Exynos 9825 chipset paired with 12GB of RAM, a generous 4,300mAh battery, and an IP68 rating \u2013 both for the phone and the S Pen.\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s quite underwhelming to see that the Note 10+ has a similar camera system as the Galaxy S10. This is my biggest qualm with the phone, and in my opinion, the lack of innovation in this area is the Note 10+\u2019s main shortcoming. I\u2019ll elaborate more further down this review.\n\n\nDesign\n\n\nWe received the Galaxy Note 10+ in Aura Glow for this review, which I think is Samsung\u2019s most eye-catching colour yet. Depending on the lighting condition, the colour shifts accordingly, giving it a unique aesthetic. Then again, I imagine some folks won\u2019t be thrilled by the sheer reflectivity of this colourway.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Galaxy Note 10+ has solid build quality too. It has a nice heft to it, it feels premium, and I love how the back panel and screen virtually blend into the frame. Samsung\u2019s flagship smartphones always had excellent build quality, and it goes without saying the same applies to the Note 10+.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the new Infinity-O Display; Samsung\u2019s own take on a hole-punch design. But instead of placing the cutout on either sides of the Galaxy Note 10+, the phone maker decided to put it right in the middle of the screen at the top. Honestly, I prefer this orientation: it gives the phone a symmetrical look.\n\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s even more impressive are the lack of bezels surrounding the screen. Thanks to the curved nature of the display, the side bezels are virtually gone. The top and bottom bezels are very minimal too, further accentuating the all-screen design of the phone.\n\n\nBut if there\u2019s any design aspect of the Galaxy Note 10+ that is a downgrade from its predecessor, it would be the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack. Samsung says this had to be done to increase the battery capacity of the phone, which the company certainly did. Still, I\u2019m sure there will be consumers who will miss the headphone jack.\n\n\n\n\nRegardless, the Galaxy Note 10+ is a well-designed, handsome device with an eye-catching finish. Compared to other smartphones in this segment, the Note 10+ easily stands out.\n\n\nUser Experience\n\n\nSamsung improved by leaps and bounds when it comes to the software experience on its smartphones, and One UI on the Galaxy Note 10+ is no exception. It\u2019s a polished, lightweight version of Android with an eye pleasing user interface. Throughout my time with the phone, never did I face any major bug or issue with One UI.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the same can\u2019t be said of another software feature: DeX. Previously, DeX only works when you connect your phone to a monitor, but with the Note 10+, there are now DeX apps for Windows and Mac machines. This, in turn, allows you to use DeX with your laptop.\n\n\n\n\nSo I installed the DeX app on my Windows PC to see how well it would run, and\u2026it just wasn\u2019t very pleasant to use. It feels sluggish, it\u2019s difficult to transfer multiple files between my PC and the phone, and the interface looks blurry to boot. In the end, I just transferred files from the phone to my PC the old-fashioned way.\n\n\nLet\u2019s move on to something more positive: the new S Pen\u2019s Air Actions feature. As its name suggests, you can use gestures to do certain actions. In the camera app, for example, you can flick the S Pen up or down to switch cameras, and change shooting modes with a left or right swipe.\n\n\n\n\nTruth be told, Air Actions feel gimmicky in my opinion, and it\u2019s not super intuitive to perform the gestures either. I\u2019ll have to press on the S Pen\u2019s button, perform the gesture, and release the button for Air Actions to work; that\u2019s far from intuitive. Sure, there are instances where this feature would come in handy, but I really don\u2019t see myself using it all too often.\n\n\nAs for the S Pen itself, it works as intended. It is still Bluetooth-enabled, so you can use it as a remote, and Screen Off Memo \u2013 which allows you to take notes by just taking out the S Pen without unlocking the device \u2013 is still here too. Basically, it\u2019s the S Pen fans of the Note series know and love.\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the Galaxy Note 10+\u2019s 6.8-inch 1440p Dynamic AMOLED display that looks \nfantastic\n. It can get searingly bright, colours are very vibrant, and the deep blacks make for a very enjoyable screen for content consumption. Samsung makes some of the best displays in the market, and the Note 10+ is a testament of this.\n\n\nUnderneath that excellent display is an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, which works\u2026reasonably well. It\u2019s not the most accurate or fastest in-screen sensor I\u2019ve ever tried \u2013 that honour goes to the \nOnePlus 7 Pro\n \u2013 but it\u2019s definitely functional and fast enough to not feel \ntoo\n cumbersome to use.\n\n\n\n\nPerformance level of the Galaxy Note 10+ is also very good. I can switch between different apps seamlessly and quickly, there was absolutely no stuttering throughout my time with the phone, and gaming is (naturally) very enjoyable. Rest assured, you\u2019re getting flagship-level performance with this phone.\n\n\nAnother thing worth noting is the fact that the Exynos 9825 is built on a 7nm process, making it more power-efficient than the Exynos 9820 SoC found in the Galaxy S10 smartphones. This, coupled with the Note 10+\u2019s generous 4,300mAh battery, can return reasonably good battery life.\n\n\n\n\nOn average, I was getting between five to six hours of screen on time with the Galaxy Note 10+. It\u2019s not an amazing figure, but it\u2019s certainly far from bad. Charging rate of the phone, on the other hand, is quite impressive: the Note 10+ charged up to 65% from completely empty in only 30 minutes.\n\n\nI genuinely enjoyed using the Galaxy Note 10+ as my daily driver. While I wish the DeX app was more robust, other aspects of the phone are great; some are even fantastic. Now, let\u2019s talk about the area where the Note 10+ could use some\u2026innovation.\n\n\nCamera\n\n\nOn the back of the Galaxy Note 10+ are four different camera sensors: a 12MP main shooter with a variable aperture (f/1.5 or f/2.4), a 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor, a 12MP f/2.1 telephoto lens, and a VGA DepthVision sensor. If we were to exclude the depth sensor, the Note 10+\u2019s quad camera system is actually very similar to the Galaxy S10+\u2019s camera configuration.\n\n\nGiven the similarity between these two devices\u2019 camera systems, I decided to take some comparison shots with them. Surprisingly enough, the results are not what I expected.\n\n\nGalaxy Note 10+\n Galaxy S10+\n Galaxy Note 10+ \n Galaxy S10+\n Galaxy Note 10+ \nGalaxy S10+\n\n\nEven if the camera hardware of both phones are similar, the Note 10+ takes slightly brighter, more flattering-looking images; this is especially the case with the last set of images. On top of that, the Note 10+ also handles lens flare ever so slightly better.\n\n\nBased on these images, it\u2019s evident that the Galaxy Note 10+ can take good-looking shots in low light conditions. Of course, it can do the same under ideal lighting as well. Just take a look at these shots taken with the three different camera sensors.\n\n\n12MP primary\n12MP telephoto\n16MP ultra-wide\n\n\nHowever, as good as these images look, they\u2019re not\u2026outstanding. Don\u2019t get me wrong, the Note 10+ has very respectable camera performance, but it doesn\u2019t compare favourably to the likes of the \nHuawei P30 Pro\n with its amazing zooming capability.\n\n\nI\u2019ve said it before, and I\u2019ll say it again: Samsung sorely needs to innovate in the camera department. After all, the camera performance of its flagship smartphones have not improved drastically in the last couple of years. If it had an even more capable camera system, the Note 10+ would be \nthat\n much more desirable.\n\n\nRegardless, this phone is still very fun to photograph with, and it will almost certainly serve most consumers very well. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nRetailing at RM4,199 and RM4,799 for the 256GB and 512GB models respectively, the Galaxy Note 10+ is costly, even for a flagship smartphone. At this price point, it has a number of noteworthy competition. \n\n\nOnePlus 7 Pro\n\n\nOnePlus is gradually going upmarket with its flagship smartphones, and the \nOnePlus 7 Pro\n is the company\u2019s most premium offering yet. Just like Note 10+, the 7 Pro with 256GB of storage and 12GB RAM retails at RM4,199 as well. For the same amount of money, the OnePlus 7 Pro offers a faster 90Hz display, a sleeker all-screen design, and a cleaner software experience.\n\n\n\n\nOn the flip side, the Note 10+ offers several features the OnePlus 7 Pro simply do not have: S Pen and DeX. The latter may not be quite as important, but the S Pen certainly is. It\u2019s the signature hardware of Note smartphones, and many Note users swear by it.\n\n\nBesides that, the Note 10+ also has superior camera performance, water and dust resistance, as well as support for expandable storage.\n\n\nSamsung Galaxy Note 10\n\n\nNaturally, the smaller \nGalaxy Note 10\n is a great alternative to the Note 10+. Not only is it more affordable \u2013 it costs RM3,699 for the sole 256GB model \u2013 it also shares a number of features with its bigger sibling. The Note 10 has the same Exynos 9825 chipset, similar camera performance (it just doesn\u2019t have the depth sensor), and most importantly, it sports the same S Pen.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, there are a number of distinct differences between the two devices. The standard Note 10 comes with a smaller and lower resolution 6.3-inch 1080p Dynamic AMOLED display, a smaller 3,500mAh battery, no support for expandable storage, and only 8GB of RAM instead of 12GB.\n\n\nObviously, the Note 10+ is the better equipped phone in the series, but if you\u2019ve always wanted a Note device in a smaller form factor, that\u2019s exactly what the Note 10 offers.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ is a premium flagship smartphone through and through, and as with most new iterations of Note devices, it is Samsung\u2019s best Note yet. It has a fantastic display, respectable battery life, sleek-looking design, and a very capable camera system.\n\n\nBut other phone makers are rapidly catching up to the Note 10+, especially when it comes to camera performance. Next to these smartphones, the Note 10+\u2026isn\u2019t \nquite \nas desirable. Its high asking price doesn\u2019t really help in this regard either.\n\n\n\n\nThat is not to say the Galaxy Note 10+ isn\u2019t worth considering: it still has its own unique feature set, including the signature S Pen. Air Actions are gimmicky in my opinion, but I\u2019m also certain some folks will find some use out of it. Same goes for DeX: it\u2019s not a feature I see myself using too much, but the ability to project the phone to a display can be a powerful tool.\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve always been a fan of Note devices, and you absolutely need the functionality of the S Pen, the Galaxy Note 10+ is a great option \u2013 just know that you\u2019ll be paying a premium for it.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-mate-30-series-launching-in-malaysia-this-week/", "title": "Huawei Mate 30 Series Launching in Malaysia This Week", "body": "\n\nHuawei will be introducing its latest flagship smartphones, the \nMate 30 series\n, in Malaysia on 3 October this week. Evidently, \nbeing in the US government\u2019s \u201cEntity List\u201d\n \u2013 which bars the company from using Google\u2019s suite of services on its smartphones \u2013 isn\u2019t stopping the Chinese company from releasing the Mate 30 series in our market.\n\n\nWhile Huawei Malaysia didn\u2019t explicitly mention which of the Mate 30 smartphones are coming to our shores, it\u2019s likely that the company will launch the regular Mate 30 and Mate 30 Pro here. The extravagant Porsche Design Mate 30 RS, on the other hand, may only be made available at a later date, though there\u2019s always a chance all three devices will be introduced simultaneously this week.\n\n\n\n\nIn the Mate 30 series, the Pro model is naturally the most premium offering. It features Huawei\u2019s latest Kirin 990 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, along with a 6.53-inch 2400 x 1176 OLED notched display that wraps around the edges of the phone; even more so than the dual curved screens of the \nSamsung Galaxy Note 10\n and \nS10\n smartphones.\n\n\nCamera capability of the Mate 30 Pro is very impressive too. It has a quad camera system made up of a 40MP primary shooter, a 40MP wide angle \u201cCine Camera\u201d sensor, an 8MP telephoto lens, and a 3D depth camera. It also has a very high ISO of up to 409,600.\n\n\nBut what makes this camera system even more impressive is its slow-motion video recording: it can shoot at 7680fps in 720p, a feat that no other smartphone can offer right now.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mate 30 Pro include 256GB of internal storage, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, a generous 4,500mAh battery with support for 40W wired fast charging \u2013 27W wirelessly \u2013 and touch-sensitive sides for volume adjustment. For the most part, the Mate 30 RS shares the same hardware as the Pro, but it sports a different design, as well as more RAM and storage at 12GB and 512GB respectively.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the standard Mate 30, which comes with a 6.62-inch 1080p OLED flat display with a smaller notch, the same Kirin 990 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, and a 4,200mAh battery. It has a similar camera system as the Pro too, but it swaps out the 40MP Cine Camera and 3D depth sensors for 16MP wide angle and laser focus sensors instead.\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei Mate 30 series will be unveiled in Malaysia this Thursday on 3 October. We don\u2019t know yet exactly how much they will cost in Malaysia, but for the sake of comparison, the standard Mate 30 and Mate 30 Pro retail from 799 euro (about RM3,655) and 1,099 euro (approximately RM5,025) respectively in Europe.\n\n\nThese prices include VAT for the European market, so it\u2019s likely the Mate 30 series will be more affordable here in Malaysia. We\u2019ll find out for ourselves in the coming days.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-v17-pro-with-dual-pop-up-camera-now-in-malaysia-for-rm1699/", "title": "Vivo V17 Pro with Dual Pop-Up Camera Now in Malaysia for RM1,699", "body": "\n\nThe Vivo V17 Pro has just been launched in Malaysia, and if you love taking selfie shots, this phone is right up your alley. See, the V17 Pro has two pop-up selfie cameras: one is a regular 32MP primary sensor, while the other is an 8MP ultra-wide angle shooter.\n\n\nNeedless to say, the ultra-wide angle lens of the 8MP camera will definitely open up new shooting possibilities. Given that not many smartphones have this kind of hardware \u2013 especially at this price point \u2013 it\u2019s certainly a big selling point for the V17 Pro. Of course, this is only the case if the selfie camera is important to you.\n\n\n\n\nBut what about the pop-up camera mechanism itself? Well, even though the module is much larger than your typical pop-up camera, it actually seems quite robust. It doesn\u2019t feel too slow to activate when I switch to the selfie camera, it\u2019s relatively quiet, and it even has a front-facing flash for taking selfie shots in low light conditions.\n\n\nBeyond its selfie camera system, the V17 Pro also has a quad camera configuration on the back. For our market, it\u2019s made up of a 48MP main shooter, an 8MP ultra-wide angle lens, a 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth sensor. There\u2019s also an option for 2x zoom in the camera interface, but this is merely digital zoom.\n\n\n\n\nPowering the V17 Pro is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 chipset, which is paired with a generous 8GB RAM. Storage wise, it offers 128GB of storage, which is unfortunately not expandable. Nonetheless, that amount of storage capacity should be good enough for most folks, though it would\u2019ve been nice to have a microSD card slot.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re concerned about battery life, you\u2019ll be happy to know that the V17 Pro features a large 4,100mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging via USB-C. I haven\u2019t had the opportunity to use it as my daily driver yet, but I\u2019m quite positive it can deliver above average battery life. After all, the phone\u2019s 6.44-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display wouldn\u2019t take up too much power.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the V17 Pro\u2019s \u201cUltra FullView\u201d display is said to deliver an impressive screen-to-body ratio of 91.65%. As there\u2019s no need to make space for the front-facing cameras, the phone also has an eye pleasing, all-screen design. The small bezel at the bottom of the display doesn\u2019t detract from the phone\u2019s sleek appeal either.\n\n\nAs for the display quality itself, it appears to be a decent screen. AMOLED panels have vibrant colours and deep blacks, which are all present on the V17 Pro. Chances are, you won\u2019t be disappointed with this panel\u2019s quality.\n\n\nAnother hardware worth pointing out is the V17 Pro\u2019s in-screen fingerprint sensor, which is \nsurprisingly\n quick. A quick tap is enough to unlock the device, and it can accurately recognise my fingerprints most of the time. While it\u2019s still not as fast or accurate as a conventional capacitive fingerprint reader, it\u2019s definitely one of the better in-screen sensors in the market.\n\n\n\n\nDesign wise, I really quite like how the V17 Pro looks, especially the Crystal White variant we have here. While the back panel doesn\u2019t feel particularly premium, it does look good. In fact, it\u2019s almost as if it has a pearlescent finish, which seems to shift colours depending on the lighting.\n\n\nThat being said, I\u2019m not thrilled about the build quality and ergonomics of the V17 Pro. The plastic frame doesn\u2019t feel particularly great, the back panel flexes a bit too easily with added pressure, and I can feel the camera bump whenever I\u2019m holding the phone normally. At this price point, I definitely expected more solid build quality.\n\n\n\n\nSo how much does the V17 Pro cost? For the Malaysian market, it retails at RM1,699, which is quite a steep asking price for a mid-range smartphone. At this price point, it has to compete with a number of other devices that offer better value for money, build quality, and feature set. These include the excellent \nHuawei Nova 5T\n, \nXiaomi Mi 9T Pro\n, and even the \nXiaomi Mi A3\n.\n\n\nGranted, none of them can quite offer the functionality of the V17 Pro\u2019s dual pop-up selfie camera, especially the front-facing ultra-wide angle shooter. That particular feature really is one of the best reasons to get this smartphone. However, if you don\u2019t care about selfie cameras, the V17 Pro isn\u2019t made for you; a different phone in this price range will serve you better.\n\n\n\n\nThe Vivo V17 Pro is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM1,699. It is available in two colour options: Crystal White, and the more subdued Knight Black.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-fold-malaysia-9-october-rm8388/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Fold Malaysian Pre-Order Begins 9 October for RM8,388", "body": "\n\nUpdate 4 October, 4PM:\n Samsung Malaysia just revealed pre-order details and pricing of the Galaxy Fold. The foldable phone retails at a whopping RM8,388, and you can place your pre-order from 9 October onwards \nat these participating outlets\n. You\u2019ll need to pay a RM800 non-refundable deposit to secure your order.\n\n\nOnce you\u2019ve placed your pre-order, you can collect your Galaxy Fold at your preferred outlet from 16 to 31 October. To learn more about this pre-order campaign, just click \nhere\n.\n\n\nThe original article follows.\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Fold had a \nrocky launch earlier this year\n, but that hasn\u2019t stopped the Korean company from going ahead with the launch of its foldable smartphone in Malaysia this month. That\u2019s right, the Galaxy Fold will be arriving on our shores very soon, and you can bet it will cost a small fortune.\n\n\nIf you haven\u2019t been following news surrounding the Galaxy Fold, here\u2019s a summary. The first iteration of the Fold was more fragile than expected, with reports of the display being damaged after regular use. Besides that, some folks tried to peel off what seemed like a screen protector, only to find out that it\u2019s actually \na part\n of the display\u2019s structure after the screen started malfunctioning.\n\n\n\n\nThese reports were widespread and worrying enough for Samsung to put a hold on the launch of the Galaxy Fold for a few months. Come September, the phone maker unveiled the redesigned Galaxy Fold at IFA 2019. For the most part, it\u2019s the same device, but with some important changes here and there.\n\n\nNow, there are plastic bits surrounding the display of the Fold to prevent dust and debris from getting underneath the screen. The top protective layer has also been extended to go under the bezels, so it won\u2019t be possible \u2013 or at the very least, a lot more difficult \u2013 to peel off. The hinge supposedly feels more durable now too, and the gaps around the device have been reduced as well.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond these changes, the fixed Galaxy Fold has the same hardware as the original model. These include a 7.3-inch 2152 x 1536 Dynamic AMOLED primary display, a smaller 4.6-inch screen on the outside of the device, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset \u2013 despite the fact that the \nfaster Snapdragon 855+\n is already available now \u2013 paired with 12GB of RAM, and 512GB of internal storage.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of this foldable phone are a triple camera system (12MP primary + 16MP ultra-wide angle + 12MP telephoto), two front-facing shooters (10MP main + 8MP depth), a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and a 4,380mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\nEven though the Samsung Galaxy Fold is confirmed to be arriving in Malaysia this month, there is still no specific launch date for the foldable smartphone. Samsung did, however, mention that the pre-order campaign for the Fold is \u201ccoming soon.\u201d\n\n\nRest assured, we will keep a close eye on the local availability of the Galaxy Fold, especially the Malaysian pricing of the device. As a point of comparison, the phone costs a whopping $1,980 in the US, which comes up to about RM8,305. Chances are, the Fold will be priced in the same region once it\u2019s available here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-mate-30-pro-hands-on-possibly-the-best-smartphone-you-wont-buy/", "title": "Huawei Mate 30 Pro Hands-On: Possibly the Best Smartphone You Won\u2019t Buy", "body": "\n\nEven with the \ncurrent restriction placed on Huawei\n, which blocks the Chinese company from using Google\u2019s services on its smartphones, the Huawei Mate 30 Pro will be making its \nMalaysian debut tomorrow\n. We managed to spend some time with the flagship smartphone ahead of its local launch, and boy, this is one \nimpressive \ndevice.\n\n\nBut given Huawei\u2019s current predicament, the Mate 30 Pro does not ship with vital apps that practically define the Android experience. That\u2019s unfortunate, because this device has the potential to be one of the best flagship smartphones in the market.\n\n\n\n\nDesign wise, the Mate 30 Pro is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, it has a notched display, and it\u2019s a pretty wide notch at that. But on the other hand, this phone feels very, very premium and comfortable to hold. In fact, I\u2019d even go as far as to say that the Mate 30 Pro feels more robust than its main rivals.\n\n\nPart of the reason lies in the ergonomics of the phone. Unlike most devices in the market with a similar display size, the Mate 30 Pro is a lot narrower, making it a lot easier (and comfortable) to hold with one hand. This is thanks to the 6.53-inch 2400 x 1176 OLED display, which has an unconventional 18.4:9 aspect ratio.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the display\u2019s unique \u201cultra curved\u201d nature makes the Mate 30 Pro even narrower. Surprisingly enough, the palm rejection of the curved screen is very good too. In my brief time with the phone, never did the sides of the display accidentally activate.\n\n\nNow, given the extremely curved screen of the Mate 30 Pro, Huawei decided to forego the volume rocker, though the power button is retained on the right side of the phone. To make up for this, you simply have to double tap on either sides of the screen to summon the volume controls. From there, you can simply slide up or down to adjust the volume.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s incredibly intuitive and easy to activate, and there are subtle haptic feedback when you\u2019re adjusting the volume. However, only the top half of the sides are touch-sensitive; double tapping on the bottom half does nothing.\n\n\nAs for the display itself, it looks to be a decent quality panel. At a glance, it doesn\u2019t look quite as vibrant as, say, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+\u2019s display, but it\u2019s not a \u201cbad screen\u201d by any stretch of the word. It still has vibrant enough colours with deep blacks and great viewing angles, which are inherent characteristics of OLED panels.\n\n\nUnderneath the display of the Mate 30 Pro is an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and it\u2019s reasonably quick. While it\u2019s not the most accurate sensor of its kind, it will suffice for most users.\n\n\n\n\nIn the performance department, the Mate 30 Pro is powered by Huawei\u2019s latest Kirin 990 chipset. As far as I can tell, it can deliver a good level of performance. The phone feels fast, zippy, and very responsive with no sluggishness at all. Chances are, the Kirin 990 should be able to offer flagship-level performance.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mate 30 Pro include a 32MP front-facing camera, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage (it\u2019s expandable, but only with Huawei\u2019s proprietary NM cards), as well as a generous 4,500mAh battery with support for 40W wired fast charging or 27W wirelessly.\n\n\n\n\nFinally, there\u2019s the quad camera system of the Mate 30 Pro. It\u2019s made up of a 40MP primary shooter, a 40MP wide angle \u201cCine Camera\u201d sensor, an 8MP telephoto lens, and a 3D depth camera. On top of that, this camera setup can also take 7680fps slow-motion video in 720p, though I didn\u2019t manage to try it out for myself.\n\n\nWhat I did manage to do is take some shots with the Mate 30 Pro, and they look very promising. The three focal lengths make it a versatile camera system, and the image quality of all three sensors look very good too. Judge for yourself with these sample shots.\n\n\n40MP primary\n40MP wide angle\n8MP telephoto\n\n\n\n\nGranted, most phones \u2013 especially flagships \u2013 can take good-looking images under great lighting. It\u2019ll be interesting to see just how the quad camera system would perform in low light conditions, which we\u2019ll definitely put to the test in a full review.\n\n\nThe Huawei Mate 30 Pro, based on my brief time with the phone, is easily one of the most impressive flagship smartphones released this year. It\u2019s well-designed, it has a unique, ultra curved display, and the camera performance shows a lot of promise too. Under normal circumstances, this is a very attractive high-end device.\n\n\nBut not having access to Google\u2019s range of services severely affects the Mate 30 Pro\u2019s appeal, even if it is a fantastic product. Google\u2019s services are too important to forego, even if Huawei\u2019s own AppGallery can somewhat make up for the absence of the Google Play Store.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, there is a chance the Mate 30 Pro could have its access to Google\u2019s services officially restored sometime in the future, though this will remain a pipe dream until the company\u2019s \nongoing debacle with the US government\n blows over.\n\n\nFor now, we\u2019ll just have to wait and see exactly what Huawei will announce at the Mate 30 Pro\u2019s launch event tomorrow, including the Malaysian pricing of the flagship smartphone.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-mate-30-series-arrives-in-malaysia-retailing-from-rm2799/", "title": "Huawei Mate 30 Series Arrives in Malaysia, Retailing from RM2,799", "body": "\n\nHuawei just launched the Huawei Mate 30 series in Malaysia, which is highlighted by the company to be the first country outside of China to receive the new flagship smartphones. On top of that, quite a number of other Huawei products will also be coming to Malaysia, including the Huawei Watch GT 2, Huawei Band 4, FreeBuds 3 wireless earbuds, and the Huawei x Gentle Monster smart glasses.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the most interesting device, the \nMate 30 Pro\n. It features a 6.53-inch 2400 x 1176 OLED \u201cultra curved\u201d notched display, a fast Kirin 990 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage \u2013 expandable with Huawei\u2019s proprietary NM cards \u2013 and a generous 4,500mAh battery with support for 40W fast charging; 27W for wireless charging.\n\n\n\n\nCamera capability of the Mate 30 Pro is also one of its best qualities. It comes with a quad camera system made up of a 40MP main shooter, a 40MP wide angle \u201cCine Camera\u201d sensor, an 8MP telephoto lens, and a 3D depth camera. The three different focal lengths of the camera setup make it a versatile shooter, and paired with the ability to shoot 7680fps slow-motion videos in 720p, the Mate 30 Pro is a powerful smartphone for photography. Did we mention the ISO can go up to 409,600 as well?\n\n\nNext is the more affordable Mate 30. It shares many of the Pro model\u2019s hardware, but it has a more conventional 6.62-inch 1080p OLED flat display. While that\u2019s not quite as impressive as the Pro\u2019s ultra curved screen, it\u2019s worth noting that the standard Mate 30\u2019s display has a smaller notch. Besides that, it comes with half the storage at 128GB (still expandable only with Huawei\u2019s NM cards), 8GB RAM, along with a slightly smaller 4,200mAh battery.\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the regular Mate 30\u2019s camera system isn\u2019t quite as sophisticated as it\u2019s higher-end sibling: it swaps out the Pro\u2019s 40MP Cine Camera and 3D depth sensors for 16MP wide angle and laser focus sensors instead.\n\n\n\n\nBesides these two smartphones, Huawei also announced the Malaysian availability (and pricing) of its other products. There\u2019s the GT Watch 2, which retails from RM799 for both the 46mm and 42mm models. There are also the Huawei Band 4 (RM139), FreeBuds 3 wireless earbuds (RM729), and the unique Gentle Monster smart glasses (RM1,599).\n\n\nAll of these products mentioned above are set to arrive in Malaysia sometime in November 2019, except for the 46mm Watch GT 2 and Huawei Band 4. These two products are now available for pre-order on \nHuawei\u2019s online store\n.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Huawei Mate 30 series itself, the Pro model retails at RM3,899, while the standard model goes for RM2,799. So far, only the Mate 30 Pro is \navailable for pre-order\n until 22 October, and you\u2019ll have to meet a number of requirements to do so. For one, you have to acknowledge that the phone is \u201coperated by Huawei Mobile Services,\u201d which is to say it doesn\u2019t come with Google\u2019s services.\n\n\nAside from that, you\u2019ll also have to prove that you own two (yes, \ntwo\n) Huawei Mate series smartphones to place your pre-order; a very peculiar requirement. In order to do this, you\u2019ll have to upload either two different images of your Mate devices, receipts of your purchases, or images with the Mate series watermark.\n\n\nOnce you\u2019ve done all of that, you can finally place your pre-order by paying a RM300 non-refundable deposit.\n The Mate 30 Pro itself can then be picked up between 25 October to 7 November.\n\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ll have to jump through a few hoops to secure a unit of the Mate 30 Pro, but those who managed to pre-order the device will get quite a number of freebies. These include a DJI Osmo Mobile 3, a Huawei in-car charger, a PU casing, as well as Huawei Care \u2013 it offers one-year extended warranty and six-month screen crack warranty. Collectively, all of these are worth RM1,155.\n\n\nWant to get more freebies? Well, if you managed to refer five different people to pre-order the Mate 30 Pro, you will get a complimentary Huawei Watch GT worth RM799. No, that\u2019s not a typo: according to the terms and conditions of the pre-order, it is the previous generation Watch GT. Those who have successfully refered five people will get the smartwatch delivered to them from 18 November onwards. \n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about the Huawei Mate 30 Pro, \ncheck out our hands-on\n. Before you place your pre-order for the phone (if you do plan to get the flagship device), just be aware that it does not ship with Google\u2019s services; it\u2019s a very big omission, especially if you rely heavily on Google\u2019s apps and services. You can place your pre-order of the Mate 30 Pro \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-peculiar-acer-predator-helios-700-gaming-laptop-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm17999/", "title": "The Peculiar Acer Predator Helios 700 Gaming Laptop Lands in Malaysia for RM17,999", "body": "\n\nIf you somehow always wanted a gaming laptop with a keyboard that can slide out, the Acer Predator Helios 700 offers just that, and then some. Featuring a unique HyperDrift keyboard that slides down, the Helios 700 is a high-end gaming laptop with some serious power under the hood.\n\n\nGiven that the HyperDrift keyboard is the laptop\u2019s most unique hardware, let\u2019s talk about that first. On the surface, it looks like a regular keyboard, but you can actually pull the keyboard and trackpad towards you to reveal the laptop\u2019s cooling fans. Of course, the palm rest area would then act as a wrist rest, which is really quite interesting.\n\n\n\n\nExposing the cooling fans of the Helios 700 isn\u2019t just for show either. According to Acer, this allows for better airflow that further improves the performance of the gaming laptop. On top of that, there\u2019s also a satisfying click when you slide the keyboard in and out. Rest assured, the mechanism feels very robust.\n\n\nAnother benefit of sliding out the keyboard is the improved ergonomics when typing. With the trackpad acting as the wrist rest, it\u2019s a lot more comfortable to type on the keyboard in this odd \u2013 but ergonomically-sound \u2013 position. The \u201cMagForce\u201d keys of the keyboard also offer a lot of travel, which makes for an even more pleasant typing experience.\n\n\nThe trackpad of the Helios 700 is really good too. My fingers can glide effortlessly on the surface, it has accurate tracking, and gestures work seamlessly too.\n\n\n\n\nBesides the HyperDrift keyboard, other specifications of the Helios 700 are equally interesting. Powering this gaming laptop is an Intel Core i9-9980HK processor \u2013 overclockable, naturally \u2013 paired with 32GB of DDR4 RAM, so there is ample amount of processing power and RAM here.\n\n\nGraphics card of the Helios 700 is equally powerful too: it features an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 GPU that is \nspecifically\n mentioned to not be the Max-Q variant. With such a powerful CPU and GPU combination, the extra airflow the HyperDrift keyboard affords will definitely come in handy to cool down these components.\n\n\n\n\nTo make full use of these high-end hardware, the Helios 700 also has a fast 144Hz 17.3-inch IPS display with G-Sync support. Given that the screen only has a Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution, this gaming laptop should be able to deliver frame rate in excess of 60fps easily in modern AAA games with maxed out graphics. In fact, we reckon the 144Hz display can even be fully utilised in certain titles.\n\n\nIt\u2019s great that the Helios 700 has a fast screen, but what\u2019s not so great are the thick bezels surrounding the display. This gives the laptop a dated-looking design, which doesn\u2019t really do justice to the machine\u2019s cutting-edge hardware. Plus, the bezels are made out of plastic too; this cheapens the premium appeal of the Helios 700.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to connectivity options, this laptop offers quite a number of them. It has three USB-A 3.1 ports, two USB-C connections (one even supports Thunderbolt 3), a DisplayPort, an HDMI output, as well as an RJ45 port. Unfortunately, there is no card reader of any kind, despite the large chassis of the laptop.\n\n\nSince we\u2019re on the topic, the Helios 700 is a \nheavy\n gaming laptop. It tips the scales at 4.8kg, so this is not a laptop you\u2019d want to lug around too much. Then again, it\u2019s not particularly portable either, given that the chassis measures 42mm thick. After all, this is a desktop replacement; it\u2019s not exactly designed with portability in mind.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Predator Helios 700 is a powerful, high-end gaming laptop, so it goes without saying it will cost quite a bit of money. For the Malaysian market, only one variant of the machine is offered, which costs a cool RM17,999. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting 32GB of DDR4 RAM, as well as two 512GB PCIe NVMe SSDs in Raid 0 configuration.\n\n\nThat is a steep price tag, to be sure, but the Helios 700 is without a doubt a powerful gaming machine with a unique keyboard mechanism. If you\u2019re keen to get it, it is now available for purchase in Malaysia on Acer\u2019s official online store, as well as Acer authorised resellers nationwide.\n\n\n\n\nAlso announced at the Predator Helios 700\u2019s launch event is the return of the PC maker\u2019s Asia Pacific Predator League, which will be held in Manila, the Philippines on 22 and 23 February 2020. Participants from 17 countries will compete in Dota 2 and PUBG for a total prize pool of $400,000 \u2013 the Malaysian leg alone offers $25,000, which is about RM104,635.\n\n\nRegistration for the Predator League is now open in Malaysia. Those who are confident in their Dota 2 or PUBG skills can sign up \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopee-10-10-brands-festival-celebrates-malaysian-made-products/", "title": "Shopee 10.10 Brands Festival Celebrates Malaysian-Made Products", "body": "\n\nShopee is partnering with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (MDTCA) for its 10.10 Brands Festival campaign to bolster the sales of Malaysian-made products on the e-commerce platform. According to Shopee, the Buy Malaysian campaign aims to help local entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.\n\n\nThe company will carry out a number of initiatives to help these local businesses. One of them is to highlight Malaysian-made products on Shopee: a dedicated \n\u201cBuy Malaysia\u201d category\n will be added to the e-commerce platform. This will boost visibility and make it easier for shoppers to find local products.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the Buy Malaysian campaign doesn\u2019t just end with Shopee\u2019s 10.10 Brands Festival. The company elaborated that the campaign will still be emphasised in the next two sale events, which are 11.11 and 12.12. The surge in traffic from these two campaigns will definitely benefit local businesses, Shopee added.\n\n\nInterestingly, Shopee is also making it easier for Malaysian businesses to export their products internationally. This is dubbed Shopee International Platform (SIP), an initiative that offers \u201clogistical, payments, and customer service arrangements\u201d to local sellers free of charge.\n\n\nThe aim of SIP is to help those who want to expand to international market, but don\u2019t have the means to do so because of operational difficulties. At the moment, SIP is only limited to Singapore, though Shopee did say it plans to add more countries to the list in the future.\n\n\n\n\nAs with all of Shopee\u2019s sale campaigns, there are a number of interesting deals offered for the 10.10 Brands Festival. The minimum spend to be eligible for free shipping, for one, is reduced to only RM10 throughout the campaign period. If you\u2019re a bargain hunter, keep your eyes peeled for the RM10 deals \u2013 these are posted on a daily basis.\n\n\nNaturally, there are different \u201cthemes\u201d for each day leading up to the 10.10 Brands Festival. For example, 8 October is the Home Brands Sale, which \u2013 as its name suggests \u2013 focuses on household items. Different vouchers will also be offered every day; you can get either get discounts or cashbacks in the form of Shopee Coins with these vouchers.\n\n\n\n\nThe Shopee 10.10 Brands Festival campaign is going on right now, and it will end on 11 October 2019. If you want to learn more about it, including the full breakdown of the calendar for the sale event, just click \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/tcl-plex-malaysia-rm1199-bundled-rm199-headphones/", "title": "TCL Plex Enters Malaysian Market for RM1,199; Bundled with RM199 Headphones", "body": "\n\nChance are, most folks know TCL for its range of televisions, but surprise surprise, the Chinese company released its very own smartphone back at IFA 2019. It is the TCL Plex, and you can now get this mid-range Android smartphone in Malaysia for RM1,199.\n\n\nNow, TCL isn\u2019t exactly new in the smartphone industry. After all, both the BlackBerry and Alcatel brand names are owned by the company. But the TCL Plex is the first smartphone to be released with its own branding, and it\u2019s actually a pretty decent mid-ranger.\n\n\n\n\nIts list of specifications comfortably place the Plex in the upper mid-range segment. It comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 chipset paired with 6GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot \u2013 it supports cards up to 256GB \u2013 as well as a reasonably big 3,820mAh battery.\n\n\nGiven TCL\u2019s expertise in display technology, the company is very proud of the Plex\u2019s 6.53-inch 1080p \u201cDotch\u201d IPS display. The Dotch is basically what TCL dubs the hole-punch design (it\u2019s even trademarked by the manufacturer), and it\u2019s a reasonably small cutout.\n\n\nOn top of that, the Plex\u2019s display, not surprisingly, is manufactured by TCL itself. It comes with a mode called NXTVISION, and once enabled, it improves the visual quality of the screen with a \u201csix-axis colour enhancement.\u201d This, in turn, allows it to play SDR videos with HDR-like colours; certainly a lofty claim.\n\n\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Plex features a triple camera system made up of a 48MP main shooter, a 16MP super-wide angle camera, and a 2MP \u201clow-light\u201d sensor. I haven\u2019t had the chance to try out the camera performance extensively yet, but it\u2019ll be interesting to see how the triple camera setup fares in low light conditions.\n\n\nAnother feature that\u2019s highlighted by TCL is the Plex\u2019s ability to connect to four different audio sources via Bluetooth simultaneously. It\u2019s dubbed Super Bluetooth, and it certainly works as advertised. There is, however, one limitation: the feature only works with two audio sources if the phone is connected to a 2.4GHz WiFi network.\n\n\n\n\nThe TCL Plex is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM1,199 in Opal White or Obsidian Black, and you can get your hands on it from the company\u2019s \nofficial store on Shopee\n. To sweeten the deal, a pair of TCL MTRO wireless headphones worth RM199 is bundled with the smartphone too.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/garmin-venu-smartwatch-launches-in-malaysia-for-rm1799/", "title": "Garmin Venu Smartwatch Launches in Malaysia for RM1,799", "body": "\n\nLast month, Garmin launched the \nFenix 6 smartwatches on our shores\n, which are made for the most dedicated of fitness folks, If you want something more\u2026toned down, the Garmin Venu is just for you, and it has just been introduced in Malaysia.\n\n\nUnlike other Garmin smartwatches, the Venu sports a vibrant 1.2-inch 390 x 390 AMOLED touch display, giving it the look and functionality of a conventional smartwatch. On top of that, it also has an always on display, so you can just glance at it to check the time.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the Venu is \nstill\n a Garmin smartwatch, so fitness-centric features remain a big part of the wearable. The Venu is able to track over a dozen different activities, including a wide range of cardio workouts, yoga, pilates, and even strength training.\n\n\nThose who need help with some of the exercises will be happy to know that the Venu can also show animated workouts demonstrating the proper form of the movements step-by-step. In fact, under the strength section, it even has animations of core workouts like deadlift and bench press.\n\n\nThis attention to detail on the Venu\u2019s fitness capabilities is really quite impressive; Garmin surely knows a thing or two in this particular aspect.\n\n\n\n\nWhat is not so impressive, however, is the build quality of the device. While the bezel is made out of stainless steel \u2013 with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protecting the display \u2013 the case itself is made out of \u201cfibre-reinforced polymer with polymer rear cover.\u201d Basically, that\u2019s plastic, and it doesn\u2019t exactly feel very premium.\n\n\nDespite the plasticky feel of the Venu, I\u2019m positive this is a durable smartwatch. Plus, the plastic case also makes it a lightweight wearable, so you wouldn\u2019t particularly feel its presence on your wrist. Rated for 5 ATM, the Venu can be used while showering, swimming, or snorkeling as well.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Venu include up to five days of battery life in GPS mode, the ability to stream music to an audio source \u2013 it can supposedly store \u201cup to 500 songs\u201d \u2013 a Pulse OX sensor to measure your blood oxygen level, GPS, and of course, a heart rate sensor.\n\n\nThe Garmin Venu will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 9 October onwards, and it is offered in four different variants: Black with Slate hardware, another Black model but with Gold hardware instead, Light Sand, and Granite Blue. As for pricing, the Venu retails at RM1,799.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s a steep price tag for a wearable, but given its feature set and fitness capabilities, the Venu may be worth the price premium for certain folks. After all, not many smartwatches can offer the same features.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-note-8-series-with-64mp-camera-arrives-in-malaysia-starts-from-rm599/", "title": "Redmi Note 8 Series with 64MP Camera Arrives in Malaysia; Starts from RM599", "body": "\n\nThe \nRedmi Note 8 series\n has just been launched in Malaysia, and both the standard Redmi Note 8 and Redmi Note 8 Pro are brought into our market. Packing respectable hardware and competitive price tags, these two products are ideal for those who are looking to get an affordable smartphone.\n\n\nOut of the two phones, the Redmi Note 8 Pro is the most interesting one. After all, its quad camera system features a 64MP main shooter, which should be able to capture a lot of detail. Complementing that camera is an 8MP ultra-wide angle sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. There\u2019s no telephoto shooter here, but most consumers will probably find more use out of the wide angle camera.\n\n\n\n\nPowering the Redmi Note 8 Pro is a \nMediaTek Helio G90T processor\n. While MediaTek chipsets are not quite as attractive as Qualcomm\u2019s offerings, the G90T is a very respectable chip. According to MediaTek, this processor is up to 26% faster than Qualcomm\u2019s Snapdragon 730 SoC.\n\n\nWhile I\u2019ve only spent a brief time with the Redmi Note 8 Pro \u2013 so I couldn\u2019t really get a feel for the phone\u2019s overall level of performance \u2013 it seems to be a zippy, responsive smartphone. Rest assured, I\u2019ll put the phone through its paces (especially when it comes to gaming) once the device is in for a full review.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the Redmi Note 8 Pro\u2019s 6.53-inch 2340 x 1080 IPS display. Now, I\u2019m not thrilled about the notch at the top of the screen, but at least it\u2019s not a particularly wide one. As for the screen quality itself, it\u2019s a reasonably bright display with vibrant colours and good viewing angles.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Redmi Note 8 Pro include 6GB of RAM, 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, a 20MP selfie camera, a capacitive fingerprint sensor right below the quad camera system on the back, and a generous 4,500mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\nNext is the more affordable Redmi Note 8. Unlike the Pro model, this standard variant is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 chipset. It\u2019s not quite as powerful as the Pro\u2019s G90T SoC, but if you prefer Qualcomm\u2019s processor over MediaTek, you\u2019ve got this regular model as an alternative.\n\n\nAnother noteworthy difference between the Pro and the Redmi Note 8 is the camera system. It is still a quad camera configuration, but instead of a 64MP sensor, the main shooter is a 48MP unit. The other three sensors, on the other hand, are similar to the Pro\u2019s 8MP (ultra-wide angle) + 2MP (macro) + 2MP (depth) setup.\n\n\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Redmi Note 8 are a 6.3-inch 1080p display (still with a notch at the top), 3GB or 4GB of RAM, three choices of internal storage \u2013 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB \u2013 a 13MP front-facing shooter, and a 4,000mAh battery.\n\n\nSo how much does the Redmi Note 8 series cost in Malaysia? Well, the higher-end Redmi Note 8 Pro retails at RM1,099 and RM1,199 for the 64GB and 128GB variants respectively. If you pre-order the 64GB model on Shopee or Lazada from today until 11 October, you can get for only RM999 instead.\n\n\nWhat about the 128GB Redmi Note 8 Pro? Of course, it has its own promotion: those who placed their pre-orders for this particular variant until 11 October will receive a complimentary Black Shark gaming controller worth RM169.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the standard Redmi Note 8, as many as three different models are offered in Malaysia: the base model with 32GB of storage and 3GB goes for only RM599, while the 64GB and 128GB variants with 4GB of RAM are priced at RM799 and RM899 respectively. Do note that the 32GB and 128GB models will only be available in Malaysia from 18 October onwards.\n\n\nJust like the Pro model, there is also a pre-order deal for the regular Redmi Note 8, although this is only offered for the 64GB variant. Pre-orders of the device on Shopee and Lazada will get a Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic worth RM99 \u2013 that\u2019s a pretty good deal.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Redmi Note 8 smartphones weren\u2019t the only products launched today: Xiaomi also introduced three different audio products for the Malaysian market. The Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic is one of them (RM99), while the other two products are the Mi True Wireless Earbuds (RM179) and Mi True Wireless Earphones (RM329).\n\n\nThat\u2019s not all: now that the Redmi Note 8 series is available in Malaysia, it\u2019s only a matter of time before the new Redmi 8 and Redmi 8A smartphones make their way here. I\u2019ve reached out to Xiaomi regarding this, and the company confirmed that these two devices will in fact be available here in the near future.\n\n\n\n\nThe Redmi Note 8 smartphones are really the most refined devices in the series yet, bringing a number of improvements over the well-received \nRedmi Note 7\n. Those who are looking to get an affordable mid-range smartphone should definitely consider these two options.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-reno-ace-supports-65w-fast-charging-fully-charge-4000mah-battery-in-30-minutes/", "title": "Oppo Reno Ace Supports 65W Fast Charging; Fully Charge 4,000mAh Battery in 30 Minutes", "body": "\n\nOppo just added yet another device to its Reno series of smartphones. The new Oppo Reno Ace is arguably the most interesting device in the lineup, thanks to its ridiculously fast 65W fast charging. According to Oppo, the Ace can be fully charged in only 30 minutes.\n\n\nGiven that the Reno Ace comes with a generous 4,000mAh battery, this charging rate is very, \nvery\n impressive. Of course, to achieve that level of fast charging, you\u2019ll need to use Oppo\u2019s proprietary SuperVOOC 2.0 charger and cable. Otherwise, the phone would default to Qualcomm\u2019s 18W Quick Charge for chargers that support that.\n\n\n\n\nBesides its impressive charging rate, the Reno Ace also comes with a 6.5-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a fast 90Hz refresh rate. This makes it the only device in the Reno series to sport that fast display, though there is a waterdrop notch at the top of the screen that houses the 16MP selfie camera.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right: unlike the other Reno smartphones, the Reno Ace doesn\u2019t feature the unique motorised \u201cshark fin\u201d pop-up camera. As a result, space had to be made for the selfie shooter on the front of the phone, so it doesn\u2019t have the all-screen design of its peers.\n\n\nOn the flip side, since there are no moving parts for the pop-up camera mechanism, you won\u2019t have to worry about the camera module breaking over time.\n\n\n\n\nPowering the Reno Ace is a fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ chipset, making it the fastest device in the Reno series. Paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, the Ace is definitely a well-equipped flagship smartphone.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Reno Ace features a quad camera system made up of a 48MP primary shooter, a 13MP telephoto lens with 5x hybrid zoom, an 8MP ultra-wide angle sensor, and a 2MP monochrome shooter. On top of that, it also has an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, the Oppo Reno Ace is only available in China. There are three different variants of the Ace: the base model with 128GB of storage and 8GB RAM goes for 2,999 Chinese yuan (about RM1,765), while the 256GB + 8GB and 256GB + 12GB variants retail at 3,199 yuan (approximately RM1,880) and 3,799 yuan (around RM2,235) respectively.\n\n\nInterestingly, there is also a Mobile Suit Gundam special edition of the Reno Ace with 256GB of storage and 8GB RAM. This particular model, which even comes with matching accessories, is priced at 3,599 yuan (about RM2,120).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-8-with-5000mah-battery-launches-in-malaysia-from-rm499-redmi-8a-coming-soon/", "title": "Redmi 8 with 5,000mAh Battery Launches in Malaysia from RM499; Redmi 8A Coming Soon?", "body": "\n\nThe affordable Redmi 8 was officially unveiled in India only a couple of days ago. If you\u2019re interested to get the new device, good news: the device has just been launched in Malaysia. On top of that, there\u2019s a good chance the even more affordable Redmi 8A will be coming to our market too.\n\n\nWe got confirmation that the Redmi 8 series will be made available in Malaysia back at the local launch of the \nRedmi Note 8 smartphones\n. However, only the arrival of the Redmi 8 have been announced today; there\u2019s still no word yet on the local availability of the Redmi 8A.\n\n\nThen again, given that both the Redmi 8 and Redmi 8A \nhave been registered\n with our local certification body, SIRIM, it may only be a matter of time before the latter comes to Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\nOut of the two smartphones, the Redmi 8 is the higher-end offering. One of its best selling points is the large 5,000mAh battery, which should be able to offer very, very good battery life. If you\u2019re not a heavy smartphone user, it would be possible to get up to two days of use with this phone.\n\n\nEven though it\u2019s an affordable smartphone, it\u2019s great to see that the Redmi 8 comes with a USB-C port. In comparison, its predecessor only had a microUSB connection. The phone supports 18W fast charging too, but the phone is only bundled with a 10W charger.\n\n\n\n\nPowering the Redmi 8 is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 2.0GHz octa-core chipset paired with either 3GB or 4GB of RAM. It\u2019s not an awfully powerful SoC, but it should be fast enough for everyday use. Just don\u2019t expect the same level of performance as a Snapdragon 6 series chipset.\n\n\nIt is an affordable smartphone, so the Redmi 8\u2019s display\u2026.isn\u2019t particularly impressive. It\u2019s a 6.22-inch 1520 x 720 IPS panel with a Dot Drop notch at the top of the screen. With a maximum brightness of 400 nits, the screen is also protected by 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass 5.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Redmi 8 are 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot that can accommodate cards up to 512GB, a dual camera system (12MP primary + 2MP depth), an 8MP front-facing shooter, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\n\n\nAlthough its Malaysian availability have not been confirmed yet, it\u2019s worth talking about the Redmi 8A as well. Surprisingly enough, despite being positioned below the Redmi 8, both devices have a lot in common. The Redmi 8A has the same Snapdragon 439 chipset, 6.22-inch 720p IPS display, 12MP rear camera, and 8MP selfie shooter.\n\n\nMore importantly, the Redmi 8A also features a 5,000mAh battery, so its battery life should match that of the Redmi 8.\n\n\nSo what are the differences between the Redmi 8 and Redmi 8A? Well, for starters, the Redmi 8A\u2019s rear camera system does not have a 2MP depth sensor. It also lacks a fingerprint reader, while the RAM and storage capacities max out at 3GB and 32GB respectively.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, only the Redmi 8 is available in Malaysia. Two variants of the device are offered here: the 64GB model with 4GB of RAM retails at RM599, while the more affordable 32GB variant with 3GB of RAM goes for only RM499. All three colours of the device are launched in our market: Sapphire Blue, Ruby Red, and Onyx Black.\n\n\nYou can place your order for the 64GB variant of the Redmi 8 tomorrow on 12 October at all Authorised Mi Stores, Shopee, as well as Lazada. Those who purchase the phone on 12 October itself will also receive a Mi Compact Bluetooth Speaker 2 worth RM49.\n\n\nIf you want the more affordable Redmi 8 with 32GB of storage, this particular model will only arrive here on 18 October. It is also sold exclusively online from Shopee and Lazada.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-7t-pro-unveiled-with-incremental-upgrades-mclaren-edition/", "title": "OnePlus 7T Pro Unveiled with Incremental Upgrades & McLaren Edition", "body": "\n\nMany were anticipating the launch of the OnePlus 7T Pro since the \nOnePlus 7T\n was introduced, and here it is. Not surprisingly, the 7T Pro is an incremental upgrade \nover its predecessor\n, so to spice things up, the phone maker also introduced a McLaren Edition of the phone.\n\n\nA couple of changes differentiate the OnePlus 7T Pro from its direct predecessor. Just like the OnePlus 7T, this new Pro model comes with a \nQualcomm Snapdragon 855+\n chipset too, which promises up to 15% better performance. This is accomplished by overclocking the CPU and GPU of the processor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the OnePlus 7T Pro has a slightly bigger battery as well. Instead of the previous model\u2019s 4,000mAh battery, the 7T Pro features a 4,085mAh cell. It\u2019s hard to say just how much the extra 85mAh will impact battery life, but hey, it\u2019s still a bigger capacity.\n\n\nOf course, the 90Hz display is also kept on the OnePlus 7T Pro, so everything will look extra smooth on this phone. On top of that, the 6.67-inch 3120 x 1440 AMOLED display is retained too, along with the all-screen design. That\u2019s right, this phone is still using the 16MP f/2.0 motorised pop-up camera.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the triple camera system on the back of the OnePlus 7T Pro is unchanged as well. It is still made up of a 48MP f/1.6 main shooter, a 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor, and an 8MP f/2.4 telephoto lens. Basically, it\u2019s a versatile shooter with its three different focal lengths.\n\n\nOther specifications of the OnePlus 7T Pro include 8GB or 12GB of RAM, 256GB of fast UFS 3.0 storage, OxygenOS based on Android 10, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor, which should still be very quick and accurate. Unfortunately enough, there is still no headphone jack or water resistance.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the McLaren Edition of the OnePlus 7T Pro. Beyond the aesthetic changes, which paints the phone in McLaren\u2019s signature black and orange colour scheme, this special edition model also features 256GB of storage and 12GB RAM. Other hardware are the same as the standard phone.\n\n\nAs for pricing, the OnePlus 7T Pro will retail at \u00a3699 in the UK, which comes up to about RM3,700. The McLaren Edition, on the other hand, goes for \u00a3799 (approximately RM4,230). The regular model will be available in the same market on 17 October, while the McLaren Edition will hit store shelves on 5 November.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/these-3-smartphones-are-launching-in-malaysia-this-week-including-a-5g-phone/", "title": "These 3 Smartphones Are Launching in Malaysia This Week, Including a 5G Phone", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019re looking at a pretty busy launch schedule in the smartphone industry this week. As many as three devices will make their Malaysian debut in the next few days, including the \nAsus ROG Phone II\n, the \nOppo Reno 2 series\n, as well as the Vivo Nex 3. The last one is particularly interesting: it\u2019s a 5G smartphone.\n\n\nUnlike most phone makers, which chose not to launch 5G versions of their smartphones on our shores \u2013 such as Samsung with the \nGalaxy S10 5G\n \u2013 Vivo is set to introduce the 5G variant of the Nex 3 here on 17 October. It\u2019s an interesting decision, given that 5G network in our country is not fully established yet.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, 5G connectivity isn\u2019t even the most interesting feature of the Nex 3: it\u2019s the Waterfall FullView display of the phone. The waterfall moniker is a reference to the extreme curvature of the large 6.89-inch 1080p Super AMOLED screen. In fact, it\u2019s akin to the \nHuawei Mate 30 Pro\n\u2018s ultra curved display, although it\u2019s worth noting that the Nex 3 debut first.\n\n\nGiven the dual curved nature of the display, the Nex 3 doesn\u2019t have traditional buttons. Instead, it has a static power button on the right side of the phone, which uses haptic feedback to simulate a button press. I managed to try it out in person, and it is surprisingly easy to activate.\n\n\nFor volume adjustment, all I had to do was to press on the top or bottom area of the power button to increase and decrease the volume respectively.\n\n\n\n\nVivo also claims that the Nex 3 has an impressive 99.6% screen-to-body ratio, thanks to the tiny bezels surrounding the display. On top of that, it has a 16MP f/2.1 pop-up camera too that is hidden behind the screen; there\u2019s no need for any cutout on the display itself to make space for the selfie shooter.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Vivo Nex 3 for the Malaysian market include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, 256GB of fast UFS 3.0 storage, a triple camera system (64MP f/1.8 primary + 13MP f/2.2 wide angle + 13MP f/2.5 telephoto), and an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the Nex 3 also features a generous 4,500mAh battery with support for Vivo\u2019s Super FlashCharge 44W fast charging tech.\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the Asus ROG Phone II, which is launching in Malaysia a day before the Vivo Nex 3 on 16 October. The ROG Phone II is easily one of the most anticipated gaming smartphones this year, and for good reasons too: it has a number of gaming-centric features that will surely appease the most demanding of mobile gamers.\n\n\nOne of these features are the AirTriggers of the ROG Phone II. These are two ultrasonic buttons on the right side of the phone that act as shoulder buttons when the phone is in landscape orientation, and they can be customised to \u201csimulate screen touch in games.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nBasically, I can set these buttons to simulate screen touch anywhere on the display. In PUBG Mobile, for example, I can customise the left AirTrigger to zoom in on my weapon, and the right button to fire. With this setup, I can shoot my weapon while \nstill\n controlling my movement and camera with my thumbs. This makes shooters far more enjoyable to play.\n\n\nTo top it off, the AirTriggers themselves are also very easy to activate. A quick tap is enough for the ultrasonic buttons to recognise my input, and never did they feel cumbersome to use. In fact, if I want to, I can make these buttons even more sensitive to my inputs in the settings menu.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, other hardware of the ROG Phone II are suited for a high-end gaming smartphone. It comes with a 6.59-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, a Snapdragon 855+ chipset paired with 12GB of RAM, 512GB or 1TB of internal storage \u2013 the Malaysian market will only receive these two capacities \u2013 and a very large 6,000mAh battery.\n\n\nSurprisingly enough, the in-screen fingerprint sensor of the ROG Phone II is also very fast, and its dual camera system (48MP f/1.8 main + 13MP f/2.4 wide angle) seems to be quite capable too. The front-facing shooter, on the other hand, has a 24MP f/2.2 sensor.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the Oppo Reno 2 series. Set to be launched in Malaysia on 15 October \u2013 making it the first phone in this list to debut on our shores \u2013 there are three different devices in the series. While we don\u2019t know yet if Oppo Malaysia is bringing in the full lineup, we do know the Reno 2 itself is making its way here.\n\n\nJust like its \ndirect predecessor\n, the Reno 2 features a unique motorised \u201cshark fin\u201d 16MP f/2.0 selfie camera, so it retains the sleek, all-screen design of the phone. It also has a slightly larger 6.5-inch 1080p AMOLED display than its predecessor\u2019s 6.4-inch screen, along with a more powerful Snapdragon 730G chipset paired with 8GB of RAM.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Reno 2 include 256GB of internal storage, a generous 4,000mAh battery, and a new quad camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP f/1.7 primary sensor, an 8MP f/2.2 wide angle shooter, a 16MP f/2.4 telephoto lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 monochrome sensor. Oppo says that this combination of sensors allow the Reno 2 to do 5x hybrid zoom.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s not often we see so many smartphones debut in the same week in Malaysia, and it will surely be an exciting time for those who are looking to get either a mid-ranger, a high-end gaming device, or a sleek-looking 5G smartphone. To recap, the Oppo Reno 2 series will be the first to be launched here on 15 October, followed by the ROG Phone II and Vivo Nex 3 on 16 and 17 October respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-ii-pre-orders-live-on-shopee-offers-rog-kunai-gamepad-rm200-cashback/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone II Pre-Orders Live on Shopee; Offers ROG Kunai Gamepad & RM200 Cashback", "body": "\n\nAhead of its official debut this coming Wednesday on 16 October, pre-orders for the \nAsus ROG Phone II\n (512GB model) gaming smartphone \nare now open on Shopee\n. If you place your pre-order with the e-commerce platform, you\u2019ll get a number of freebies too, including a ROG Kunai Gamepad and RM200 cashback.\n\n\nOf course, there are a couple of caveats here. For one, the RM200 cashback \u2013 you have to use the code ROG2COIN at checkout \u2013 is offered in the form of 20,000 Shopee Coins, which can only be redeemed from Preferred or Shopee Mall retailers. Sure, 20,000 Shopee Coins still translate to RM200, but you\u2019ll have to figure out how to spend them all.\n\n\nAs for the ROG Kunai Gamepad itself, that accessory will only be delivered to pre-order customers from 11 November onwards.\n\n\n\n\nIn order to secure your pre-order, you\u2019ll need to fork out a RM999 non-refundable deposit. Once the ROG Phone II is officially unveiled locally on 16 October at 4PM, those who have placed their pre-order will receive a RM999 discount code to offset the phone\u2019s full price. \nAccording to the listing\n, full payment must be done by 20 October.\n\n\nOnce you\u2019ve done all of that, you will receive your ROG Phone II from 17 October onwards. In fact, if you\u2019re in the Klang Valley area \u2013 and you\u2019ve completed payment for the gaming smartphone \u2013 Shopee says you can expect to get the device on 17 October itself.\n\n\nIf you do plan to get the ROG Phone II, this pre-order deal is pretty good, even if the cashback is only offered in Shopee Coins. However, you\u2019ll have to wait until 15 October at 12AM to place your order; the first batch of stocks are already sold out for today.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the ROG Phone II itself, it\u2019s a high-end gaming smartphone. It features a 6.59-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ chipset paired with 12GB of RAM, 512GB or 1TB of internal storage, and a very generous 6,000mAh battery.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the ROG Phone II include an in-screen fingerprint sensor, a dual camera system (48MP f/1.8 primary sensor + 13MP f/2.4 wide angle shooter), a 24MP f/2.2 front-facing camera, and of course, a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone II will be launched here in Malaysia on 16 October this Wednesday; our full review of the gaming smartphone will be published then. More information on the phone\u2019s pre-order on Shopee can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/tcl-plex-quick-review-a-good-starting-point/", "title": "TCL Plex Quick Review: A Good Starting Point", "body": "\n\nTCL is not a brand name most of us are familiar with, but chances are, you\u2019ve heard of BlackBerry and Alcatel; two brand names that are owned by TCL. Now, the Chinese company is releasing smartphones with its own branding, starting with this one right here, the TCL Plex.\n\n\nAfter using the Plex as my daily driver for quite some time, there\u2019s definitely plenty of room for improvement. However, given that this is TCL\u2019s \u201cfirst\u201d smartphone, it\u2019s really a reasonably good device.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.53-inch FHD+ IPS (2340 x 1080)\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 675 2.0GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 612\nRAM\n6GB\nStorage\n128GB, expandable\nCamera (rear)\n48MP f/1.8 (primary), PDAF\n16MP f/2.4 (ultra-wide angle)\n2MP f/1.8 (low light video)\nCamera (front)\n24MP f/2.0\nBattery\n3,820mAh\nDimensions\n162.2 x 76.6 x 8 mm\nWeight\n192g\nOS\nTCL UI based on Android 9 Pie\nConnectivity\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)\nUSB Type-C\n3.5mm headphone jack\nPrice\nRM1,199\n\n\nFor a mid-range smartphone, the Plex is relatively well-equipped, even if it doesn\u2019t offer particularly great value for money. After all, at this price point, you can get the \nXiaomi Mi 9T\n, which has a faster Snapdragon 730 chipset, a more vibrant AMOLED display, as well as a sleeker-looking design.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, the 128GB variant of the Mi 9T (the same storage capacity as the Plex) also costs slightly more at RM1,399. The RM1,199 variant, on the other hand, only comes with 64GB of storage. While you\u2019re still getting a better package with the Mi 9T, the Plex does have its own strong points \u2013 let\u2019s get to it.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nWhat really caught me off guard as I started using the Plex as my daily driver is its sheer battery life. Even though the phone\u2019s 3,820mAh battery isn\u2019t particularly large, I was consistently getting between seven to eight hours of screen on time with this phone. That is \nridiculously\n good battery life.\n\n\nOn top of that, the charging rate isn\u2019t too bad either. Within 30 minutes of charging, the phone got up to 47% from empty. Not the fastest charging rate I\u2019ve seen, but still respectable.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to performance, the Plex is no slouch either. Sure, the Snapdragon 675 may only be a mid-range chipset, but it can offer reasonably good level of performance. I can play Call of Duty: Mobile on it without issue, and I can multitask with this phone relatively well too.\n\n\nSure, compared to, again, the Mi 9T with its faster Snapdragon 730 SoC, the Plex doesn\u2019t feel quite as zippy or responsive. However, never did the phone feel cumbersome to use, and that is important for a pleasant user experience.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of user experience, TCL UI on the Plex is \nsurprisingly\n good. It\u2019s close to stock Android, so it is intuitive to use, it feels polished, and it\u2019s a lightweight version of Android too. Given that this is TCL\u2019s first take on Android, I\u2019m really quite impressed with the software\u2019s level of polish.\n\n\nAnother software feature I like is the dedicated Smart Key on the left side of the Plex, and it is completely programmable. There are three customisable actions: single, double, or long press of the button. I can set either one of these actions to summon Google Assistant, open an app, or even activate the flashlight. It\u2019s a neat little feature, and I imagine most folks will get some use out of it.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the most highlighted features of the Plex is its 6.53-inch FHD+ IPS hole-punch display with TCL\u2019s \u201cNXTVISION visual technology.\u201d In a nutshell, this tech allows the phone to upscale SDR content to HDR, and it certainly delivers. Whether I\u2019m on Netflix or YouTube, enabling NXTVISION does make colours look more vibrant and bring out the details in darker areas.\n\n\nSo much so, in fact, that I\u2019d argue the IPS display\u2019s colour reproduction rivals that of an AMOLED panel, and that is high praise. Of course, it doesn\u2019t offer the deep blacks of AMOLED screens, but it\u2019s still a very visually pleasing display to look at. Evidently, TCL\u2019s expertise in the TV business helps it to deliver a great-looking screen on the Plex.\n\n\n\n\nBuild quality of the Plex is pretty good too, thanks to the glass back of the phone. It gives the phone a premium touch, and I\u2019m quite a fan of the glass back\u2019s iridescent effect. The painted frame also does a good job of hiding the fact that it is made out of plastic.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nThis is TCL\u2019s first-ever smartphone to be released under its own branding, so there\u2019s bound to be a number of shortcomings. For example, the Plex has one too many bloatware, though they can be easily disabled or uninstalled. Even so, it is still troublesome (and confusing) for a regular user to comb through some of these duplicate apps.\n\n\n\n\nCamera performance of the Plex could use some work too. Don\u2019t get me wrong, the 48MP f/1.8 primary shooter is actually quite good, but the 16MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle sensor struggles quite a bit in darker environments. It feels sluggish in low light conditions, detail preservation isn\u2019t great, and noise level is very noticeable as well.\n\n\nFortunately, the same doesn\u2019t apply to the 48MP main camera, which takes advantage of pixel binning to improve low light performance and reduce the file size to the equivalent of a 12MP image. With some patience and effort, it can really capture good-looking shots that are properly exposed with flattering (albeit saturated) colours.\n\n\n48MP primary\n16MP ultra-wide angle\n48MP primary\n16MP ultra-wide angle\n48MP primary\n16MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, my other qualms with the Plex are relatively minor. The auto brightness could\u2019ve been much better \u2013 it has difficulty adjusting to the right level of brightness occasionally \u2013 it has tinny-sounding speakers, the chassis is a bit too slippery, and there is no in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\nGiven that a number of smartphones in this price range (like the Xiaomi Mi 9T) has in-screen sensors, it would\u2019ve been great if the Plex had one too. Granted, some folks may prefer the quicker and more accurate capacitive fingerprint sensor on the back of the phone.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nRetailing at RM1,199, the TCL Plex has to compete with a number of more established players like Xiaomi, Samsung, and even Realme. In order for a newcomer like TCL to stand out from its competition with the Plex, it has to offer a device of the same calibre (or even exceed them) to gain consumer confidence in the brand.\n\n\nBased on my time with the Plex, I\u2019d say this mid-range smartphone has what it takes to stand toe to toe with other phone makers in this price range. The Plex has incredible battery life, a good quality display, decent camera system (bar the ultra-wide angle sensor in low light conditions), and reasonably pleasant software experience, even if there are a number of bloatware.\n\n\n\n\nBut, again, TCL has to build consumer trust as a \nsmartphone\n brand now, and the Plex is a good starting point. If the company can show that it will continue to support the Plex in the form of software updates, bug fixes, and so on, I\u2019m sure TCL will be a phone maker to watch out for in the foreseeable future.\n\n\nAfter all, the Plex is only the beginning for TCL\u2019s smartphone journey. At least, that was what conveyed to me when I spoke with the company.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-reno-2-starts-from-rm1599/", "title": "Oppo Reno 2 & Reno 2 F Launched in Malaysia; Starts from RM1,599", "body": "\n\nOppo just introduced two new mid-range smartphones for the Malaysian market: the Oppo Reno 2, as well as the Oppo Reno 2 F. Interestingly, the third member of the series, the \nReno 2 Z\n, doesn\u2019t appear to be making its way onto our shores.\n\n\nNonetheless, it\u2019s the Reno 2 itself that is the star of the show. Just like its \ndirect predecessor\n, the Reno 2 features a motorised 16MP f/2.0 pop-up camera module in the shape of a \u201cshark fin.\u201d Since this selfie camera is hidden behind the display, it\u2019s possible for the Reno 2 to retain its all-screen design.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Reno 2 comes with a 6.5-inch 1080p AMOLED display, which looks great. After all, AMOLED panels usually have very deep blacks along with vibrant colours; the same characteristics are present on this phone\u2019s screen. Oh, it\u2019s also worth noting that there is a fingerprint sensor underneath the display.\n\n\nUnlike the first Oppo Reno, which had a Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 chipset, the Reno 2 is powered by a faster and newer Snapdragon 730G SoC. Paired with 8GB of RAM, you\u2019ll be getting a good level of performance out of this phone, whether you\u2019re gaming or just multitasking.\n\n\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Reno 2 now sports a quad camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP f/1.7 primary sensor, an 8MP f/2.2 wide angle shooter, a 16MP f/2.4 telephoto lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 monochrome sensor. According to Oppo, this camera configuration allows the Reno 2 to do 5x hybrid zoom, and up to 20x digital zoom.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Reno 2 include 256GB of internal storage, a generous 4,000mAh battery, as well as two colour options: Luminous Black and Sunset Pink.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the more affordable Reno 2 F. One of the biggest differences between this phone and the Reno 2 is the selfie camera, which has been replaced with a more conventional-looking 16MP pop-up camera module. On top of that, it also comes with a MediaTek Helio P70 chipset instead of a Qualcomm SoC.\n\n\nWhile the Reno 2 F comes with a quad camera system as well, it\u2019s not quite as sophisticated as the Reno 2\u2019s camera setup. The former has a different 48MP main sensor with f/1.79 aperture, and the telephoto shooter is replaced with a 2MP depth sensor. The other two cameras, on the other hand, are the same 8MP f/2.2 wide angle and 2MP f/2.4 monochrome sensors.\n\n\nRounding out the hardware of the Reno 2 F are 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and a 4,000mAh battery. It is available in Sky White and Lake Green.\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Reno 2 and Reno 2 F are now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 25 October; both devices will officially go on sale on 26 October. The Reno 2 retails at RM2,299, while the Reno 2 F goes for RM1,599.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/google-pixel-4-pixel-4-xl-finally-official-with-radar-chip-90hz-display-face-unlock/", "title": "Google Pixel 4 & Pixel 4 XL Finally Official with Radar Chip, 90Hz Display, Face Unlock", "body": "\n\nThe Pixel 4 XL is easily one of the most leaked smartphones in recent memory, and Google has (finally) officially unveiled the phone along with the Pixel 4 today. Much of the \nphone\u2019s new features\n have been tested by us \nin various articles\n, but there are still a number of new details shared by Google at the launch event, including pricing information.\n\n\nFirst up, let\u2019s talk about the differences between the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL. There are just two things that separate these two phones apart: display and battery capacity. The Pixel 4 comes with a 5.7-inch FHD+ OLED display, while the XL model features a bigger and sharper 6.3-inch QHD+ OLED screen. Both are, of course, \u201cSmooth Displays\u201d with a fast 90Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nAs for battery capacity, the Pixel 4 only has a 2,800mAh battery; a far cry from the Pixel 4 XL\u2019s much more practical 3,700mAh cell. Then again, the XL does need to power a larger and sharper display.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond these two differences, both Pixel smartphones are identical to each other. They are powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset (not the \nfaster 855+\n, unfortunately) paired with 6GB of RAM, they come with either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, and they are IP68-certified too. These phones also has a Pixel Neural Core coprocessor, which allows them to do some pretty cool stuff.\n\n\nFor example, the Neural Core makes it possible for the Pixel 4 smartphones to understand spoken English without communicating with Google\u2019s server. This, in turn, makes the new Google Assistant work \na lot\n faster. Besides that, it also allows a new app, Recorder, to do real-time transcribing of audio recordings \ncompletely\n offline.\n\n\nNow, we don\u2019t imagine this is a feature a lot of consumers would take advantage of, but it is impressive nonetheless.\n\n\n\n\nAnother big addition to the Pixel 4 smartphones is Face Unlock, which isn\u2019t unlike Apple\u2019s Face ID security system. As we\u2019ve confirmed in our \nearly hands-on\n, it works incredibly quickly, and it is the only biometric security available on the Pixel 4, for better or worse.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s Motion Sense, a feature enabled by Google\u2019s Project Soli that\u2019s been in development for years. Basically, Motion Sense uses radar to detect your presence. If you\u2019re reaching out for the Pixel 4, it will activate the screen and Face Unlock. When you walk away from the phone, Motion Sense will switch off the always on display.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond these two use case scenarios, other features offered by Motion Sense include waving your hand over the Pixel 4 to dismiss calls or snooze your alarm, or even using hand gestures to control music playback. Unfortunately, Motion Sense is only available in selected regions, and Malaysia doesn\u2019t seem to be a part of it.\n\n\nWhat about the camera system? Well, Google finally added a secondary camera to the Pixel 4 smartphones, so it now has a dual camera system. The primary shooter is a 12.2MP f/1.7 unit, while the other one is a 16MP f/2.4 telephoto lens. Nope, there is no ultra-wide angle shooter here.\n\n\nIn fact, Google even mentioned on stage that a telephoto sensor is more important than an ultra-wide angle camera.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBe that as it may, Google is implementing a number of cool software tricks to the Pixel 4\u2019s camera. The camera app, for example, now allows you to adjust two sets of exposure: one for brightness, and another one just for shadows. This, in turn, opens up quite a number of shooting possibilities. It\u2019s a tool photographers will especially appreciate.\n\n\nAside from that, Google also added a big quality of life improvement to the camera app: the viewfinder will now show real-time preview of what your final shot will look like. It\u2019s called Live HDR+, and it is accomplished through the use of machine learning to \u201capproximate HDR+\u201d in the viewfinder. Pretty cool, isn\u2019t it?\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, the new Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are shaping up to be very, very interesting flagship smartphones. They have fast, vibrant 90Hz OLED displays, a sophisticated Face Unlock system, a faster and more seamless Google Assistant \u2013 thanks to the new Pixel Neural Core coprocessor \u2013 as well as a unique Motion Sense radar system.\n\n\nThere are, of course, a number of things that could have been improved on the Pixel 4. One of the biggest complaints against the new phone is the sheer size of the top bezel, which looks at odds with the much smaller bottom bezel. Granted, the top of the phone has to house the Motion Sense radar chip, but there has to be a more\u2026elegant solution.\n\n\nOn top of that, battery life may be an issue with these two phones, especially the smaller Pixel 4 with its below average 2,800mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\nRegardless, only a full review of the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL will reveal any possible weaknesses. Both phones are available for pre-order in the US right now, and they will ship on 24 October. The Pixel 4 starts from $799 (about RM3,350), while the Pixel 4 XL retails from $899 (approximately RM3,765). These are the prices for the 64GB models; you\u2019ll have to add $100 (around RM420) to double the storage to 128GB.\n\n\nThree colour options are available for the Pixel 4 in very Google-like names: Clearly White (pictured in this article), Just Black, and the limited edition Oh So Orange. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the Pixel 4 XL, check out our early hands-on \nright here\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-ii-unleashed-in-malaysia-retails-from-rm3499/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone II Unleashed in Malaysia; Retails from RM3,499", "body": "\n\nMobile gamers, rejoice: the \nAsus ROG Phone II\n gaming smartphone has just been launched in Malaysia. Sporting a slew of gaming-centric features and fast performance, this is easily one of the most complete gaming smartphones in the market.\n\n\nTwo variants of the ROG Phone II are available in Malaysia: the 512GB model retails at RM3,499, while the higher-end 1TB variant goes for RM4,499. That\u2019s a lot of money for the latter, but hey, you\u2019re getting a whopping 1TB storage.\n\n\n\n\nAlternatively, there\u2019s also a \u201cSuper Pack\u201d of the ROG Phone II, which offers a number of accessories along with the 512GB variant of the phone. These include the ROG Kunai Gamepad, Asus TwinView Dock II, two different casings, and even a ROG-branded luggage bag. This bundle pack will be available sometime next month in November (exclusively on Lazada) for a cool RM6,999.\n\n\nIf you want the best value for your money, you should really look at the standalone 512GB model. Given the ROG Phone II\u2019s list of specifications and feature set, RM3,499 is actually a rather competitive price tag. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a \nQualcomm Snapdragon 855+ chipset\n, which promises up to 15% better gaming performance compared to its predecessor.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, there\u2019s also the ROG Phone II\u2019s AirTriggers: two ultrasonic buttons on the right side of the phone that act as shoulder buttons in landscape orientation. If you\u2019re into shooters like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile, these AirTriggers will definitely give you an edge.\n\n\nOf course, there\u2019s also the ROG Phone II\u2019s 6.59-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. Thanks to the high refresh rate, the screen can effectively show up to 120 frames per second, though not every mobile game can support this kind of frame rate.\n\n\n\n\nGaming smartphones have to be able to offer good battery life to last through long gaming sessions, and the ROG Phone II does not disappoint in this regard. After all, it comes with a huge 6,000mAh cell, which will surely deliver above average battery life.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the ROG Phone II include 12GB of RAM, a quick in-screen fingerprint sensor, a dual camera system (48MP f/1.8 primary + 13MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle sensors), as well as a 24MP f/2.0 front-facing shooter.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone II is now available for purchase in Malaysia, but this is only for the 512GB model. Much like the Super Pack bundle, the 1TB variant will only reach our shores in November next month. Same thing for the accessories, including the ROG Kunai Gamepad (RM499), Mobile Desktop Dock (RM599), TwinView Dock II (RM899), and Lightning Armor Case (RM199).\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-nex-3-with-5g-connectivity-waterfall-display-now-in-malaysia-for-rm3899/", "title": "Vivo Nex 3 with 5G Connectivity & Waterfall Display Now in Malaysia for RM3,899", "body": "\n\nVivo has just launched its first 5G smartphone for the Malaysian market, the Vivo Nex 3. It\u2019s a rather interesting move to launch the 5G variant of the device here, given that 5G network is not fully established yet on our shores. Regardless, there are a number of other features that make the Nex 3 an attractive flagship smartphone.\n\n\nNot only does it come with 5G connectivity, the Nex 3 also features an unconventional display dubbed Waterfall FullView, which curves at a steep angle at either sides of the phone. In a way, the Waterfall display is similar to the \nHuawei Mate 30 Pro\n\u2018s ultra curved screen, though the Nex 3 is a much bigger smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nAfter all, it has a large 6.89-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display. Thanks to the use of a 16MP f/2.1 pop-up selfie camera, the Nex 3 sports a sleek all-screen design too. According to Vivo, this gives the phone an impressive screen-to-body ratio of 99.6%. Of course, the small bezels definitely play a part as well.\n\n\nBecause the curvature of the Nex 3\u2019s display is so extreme, Vivo decided to ditch physical buttons altogether. Instead, there\u2019s a static power \u201cbutton\u201d on the right side of the phone, which uses haptic feedback to simulate a button press. To adjust the volume, I only need to press on the top and bottom areas of the power button.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to performance, the Nex 3 is powered by Qualcomm\u2019s best chipset yet, the \nSnapdragon 855+\n. Compared to the standard Snapdragon 855, this new SoC has its CPU and GPU overclocked, which promises up to 15% better performance. Paired with 8GB of RAM, performance should not be an issue with the Nex 3.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Nex 3 include 256GB of fast UFS 3.0 storage, a triple camera system (64MP f/1.8 primary + 13MP f/2.2 wide angle + 13MP f/2.5 telephoto), an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a generous 4,500mAh battery with support for Vivo\u2019s 44W Super FlashCharge technology. \n\n\n\n\nThe Vivo Nex 3 is now available for purchase in Malaysia, and only the Glowing Night colourway is brought into our market. On top of that, it\u2019s only offered in a single variant, which comes with 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. If you\u2019re keen to get this 5G smartphone, it will set you back RM3,899.\n\n\nIt\u2019s a steep asking price, to be sure, but hey, the Nex 3 has 5G connectivity \u2013 it\u2019s not a feature typically offered by other phone makers in Malaysia. At least, not at the moment anyway.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-watch-active-2-now-available-in-malaysia-from-rm1099/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 Now Available in Malaysia from RM1,099", "body": "\n\nInitially unveiled to the world \nback in August this year\n, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is now available in Malaysia. There are quite a number of variants offered on our shores, which include both sizes (40mm and 44mm) and even the Under Armour edition.\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 brings back one vital feature: bezel control. However, it\u2019s not a physically rotating bezel anymore. Instead, the whole bezel is now touch-sensitive, allowing you to use it as an input device by running your finger around it.\n\n\n\n\nTizen OS on Samsung\u2019s smartwatches were designed with the bezel control in mind, so it should be more intuitive to navigate the user interface of the Galaxy Watch Active 2 with the touch bezel. Then again, it\u2019ll be interesting to see just how natural it would feel, given that the bezel itself doesn\u2019t rotate anymore.\n\n\nOther than that, the Galaxy Watch Active 2\u2019s heart rate sensor and accelerometer are improved accordingly too, giving it better workout tracking accuracy. On top of that, it also has support for ECG, which allows it to track your heart rate and rhythm more accurately than a regular heart rate sensor.\n\n\nHowever, the ECG feature is not enabled yet on the smartwatch; it will only be added sometime in the near future.\n\n\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Galaxy Watch Active 2 include a 1.2-inch or 1.4-inch 360 x 360 Super AMOLED display for the 40mm and 44mm models respectively, GPS support, a 5 ATM rating (it can be submerged up to 50m underwater for 10 minutes), and NFC.\n\n\nYou can choose from three different versions of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 in Malaysia: Stainless Steel, Aluminium, and the Under Armour edition. The full price breakdown of all variants (and sizes) of the smartwatch is as follow:\n\n\nStainless Steel \u2013 RM1,299 (40mm), RM1,399 (44mm)\nUnder Armour \u2013 RM1,099 (40mm), RM1,199 (44mm)\nAluminium \u2013 RM1,099 (44mm)\n\n\n\n\nRetailing from RM1,099, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 is without a doubt more costly than its predecessor, which retails for only RM799 at launch. Regardless of which size you want, you\u2019ll still have to fork out RM1,099, given that the most affordable Aluminium model only comes in 44mm.\n\n\nBut if you want something more affordable \u2013 and you don\u2019t really care for the new model\u2019s added features \u2013 the first Galaxy Watch Active \nis still worth a consideration\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-watch-series-5-costs-up-to-rm4849-in-malaysia-available-1-november/", "title": "Apple Watch Series 5 Costs up to RM4,849 in Malaysia; Available 1 November", "body": "\n\nApple\u2019s latest smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 5, is finally coming to Malaysia on 1 November. On top of that, we now know the full pricing details of the smartwatch too. The most affordable model goes for RM1,749, but if you\u2019re feeling\u2026fancy, you can customise it to cost a whopping RM4,849.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, Apple Watch Studio, which allows you to customise your Apple Watch, is available in Malaysia. You can change the case material, size, and even the band of the Apple Watch Series 5. Anyway, the variant that costs a cool RM4,849 is the 44mm Stainless Steel model (cellular support included) paired with a Space Black Link Bracelet.\n\n\nOh, right: Apple is finally bringing in the cellular version of smartwatch with the Apple Watch Series 5 on our shores. Compared to the standard GPS-only model, cellular supports costs extra RM450.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the Series 4, the Apple Watch Series 5 isn\u2019t remarkably different. The biggest addition is the always-on display, a feature that many users have been asking for. Thanks to the use of a low-temperature polysilicone and oxide (LTPO) display, a low-power display driver, and a more efficient power management, the Series 5 can still offer the same 18-hour battery life of its predecessor.\n\n\nAside from that, the Series 5 now comes with a built-in compass too. This gives you details on heading, incline, latitude, longitude, and current elevation. We don\u2019t imagine it\u2019s a feature many folks will use, but it will certainly come in handy for those with an active lifestyle.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Series 5 are similar to the Series 4. The new Series 5 still has the same design, case sizes (40mm or 44mm), as well as the ability to provide EKG readings, though it\u2019s not a feature enabled in all countries. If you\u2019re wondering, no, the Apple Watch\u2019s EKG sensor is not activated in Malaysia.\n\n\nThere are also a number of options for the Series 5 that are not offered in our local market. For starters, only the Stainless Steel and Aluminium models of the smartwatch are sold here; the higher-end Titanium and Ceramic finishes are nowhere to be found.\n\n\nThankfully, the band options are more elaborate. You can select from a wide variety of Sport Bands, Sport Loops, Leather straps, and of course, a number of Stainless Steel options too.\n\n\n\n\nThe Apple Watch Series 5 will be available in Malaysia from 1 November onwards. Although you can\u2019t purchase the new smartwatch just set, you can start customising the Series 5 with \nApple Watch Studio\n on Apple\u2019s local website.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/which-gaming-smartphone-should-you-buy-now/", "title": "Which Gaming Smartphone Should You Buy Now?", "body": "\n\nGaming smartphones have really taken off this year. What began as a niche segment has slowly become more mainstream, especially with the rise of more affordable options. Now that we\u2019re almost at the end of the year, there are quite a number of choices for those who are looking for a gaming smartphone in Malaysia.\n\n\nIt can be a little overwhelming to go through each one of them, so we\u2019re highlighting some of the most noteworthy smartphones for gaming in the market right now. Whether you want the absolute best gaming device or one that offers the most value for money, this list should help you find the best fit for you.\n\n\nAsus ROG Phone II\n\n\nOut of all the smartphones in this list, the \nROG Phone II\n is really the most complete gaming device here. It has a fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ chipset paired with 12GB of RAM, a 6.59-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a high 120Hz refresh rate, as well as the very useful AirTriggers ultrasonic buttons, which will give you an edge in shooters like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the ROG Phone II include 512GB or 1TB of internal storage, a huge 6,000mAh battery, a dual camera system (48MP f/1.8 primary + 13MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle), a 24MP f/2.2 front-facing shooter, and a quick in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\nWithout a doubt the ROG Phone II is a premium, high-end gaming smartphone through and through, so it\u2019s no surprise that it is also the most costly option in this list. For the Malaysian market, the 512GB variant retails at RM3,499, while the 1TB model goes for a whopping RM4,499.\n\n\n\n\nIt is not an affordable device, but for those who want a no compromise gaming smartphone, the Asus ROG Phone II fits the bill.\n\n\nBlack Shark 2 Pro\n\n\nIf the ROG Phone II\u2019s asking price is a bit too steep for you, there\u2019s the \nBlack Shark 2 Pro\n. just like Asus\u2019 offering, this gaming smartphone is also powered by a Snapdragon 855+ chipset paired with up to 12GB of RAM; it should be able to match the ROG Phone II in the performance department.\n\n\nBut that\u2019s where the similarity ends, unfortunately. See, the Black Shark 2 Pro only comes with a conventional 6.39-inch 1080p AMOLED display locked at 60Hz. Sure, a 60Hz refresh rate is still good enough to provide an enjoyable gaming experience, but it\u2019s not quite as impressive as a much faster 120Hz, or even 90Hz screen.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, the Black Shark 2 Pro does make up for this with its more affordable pricing. The 128GB + 8GB model retails at RM2,499, while the 256GB + 12GB option costs RM2,999. For that kind of money, you\u2019re also getting a 4,000mAh battery, two rear cameras (48MP f/1.75 primary + 8MP f/2.2 telephoto), a 12MP selfie shooter, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\nNubia Red Magic 3\n\n\nWant something even more affordable? Then the \nNubia Red Magic 3\n is the perfect option. Unlike the other two aforementioned devices, the Red Magic 3 has a slightly older Snapdragon 855 SoC paired with up to 12GB of RAM. While this means it is not quite a powerful, it has a fast 90Hz 6.65-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED display, giving it the edge over the more expensive Black Shark 2.\n\n\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Red Magic 3 are two touch-sensitive shoulder buttons (just like the ROG Phone II\u2019s AirTriggers), 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, a single 48MP f/1.7 rear camera, a 16MP f/2.0 selfie shooter, and a generous 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\nSo much how does the Nubia Red Magic 3 cost? Currently, the more affordable 128GB model with 8GB of RAM goes \nfor only RM1,999\n, and the 256GB variant with 12GB of RAM is \npriced at RM2,699\n. Given its feature set, the Red Magic 3 definitely offers great value for money.\n\n\nRazer Phone 2\n\n\nEven though the \nRazer Phone 2\n is the oldest device in this list, it is still worth a mention. After all, its asking price has dropped drastically since it was introduced in Malaysia earlier this year. Originally going for RM3,449, you can now get it \nfor only RM1,899\n.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, it\u2019s also the least powerful gaming smartphone here, given that it comes with last year\u2019s Snapdragon 845 chipset. But on a brighter note, it\u2019s also the only other device in this list with a fast 120Hz 5.72-inch UltraMotion IGZO 1440p display, so that\u2019s a plus point.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Razer Phone 2 include 8GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage, a dual camera configuration (12MP f/1.75 main + 12MP f/2.6 telephoto), an 8MP f/2.0 front-facing shooter, IP67 rating (other devices here don\u2019t have this feature), and a 4,000mAh battery.\n\n\nXiaomi Mi 9T Pro\n\n\nNow, even though the \nMi 9T Pro\n is not marketed as a gaming smartphone, it\u2019s a great option for those who are tight on budget. After all, it offers similar hardware as the rest of the smartphones in this list for a lot less money. Retailing from only RM1,599, it undercuts the ROG Phone II\u2019s asking price by \nmore than half\n.\n\n\n\n\nThen again, it\u2019s also not quite as powerful as the Asus device. The Mi 9T Pro features a Snapdragon 855 chipset paired with 6GB of RAM, 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, a 6.39-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED all-screen display \u2013 thanks to the use of a 20MP f/2.2 pop-up camera \u2013 an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a 4,000mAh battery.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Mi 9T Pro also has the most versatile camera system. It has three shooters on the back: a 48MP f/1.75 primary sensor, an 8MP f/2.4 telephoto lens, and a 13MP f/2.4 wide angle camera. As for pricing, the Mi 9T retails at RM1,599 and RM1,799 for the 64GB and 128GB variants respectively.\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, any of the smartphones in this list will serve you well as a gaming device. The Asus ROG Phone II and Black Shark 2 Pro are made for those who want the best gaming performance, while the Nubia Red Magic 3 and Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro are meant to appeal to those who want the most bang for their buck.\n\n\nAs for the Razer Phone 2, it\u2019s a great option if you want a 120Hz display at a lower price point, not to mention the IP67 rating of the phone. Compare the feature set of these phones against your budget, and go from there to choose the best device for you.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-7t-hands-on-now-with-pro-features/", "title": "OnePlus 7T Hands-On: Now With Pro Features", "body": "\n\nWhen the OnePlus 7 was launched alongside the \nOnePlus 7 Pro\n, it wasn\u2019t particularly impressive, given its incremental upgrades over the \nOnePlus 6T\n. But that changes with the \nOnePlus 7T\n, thanks to a couple of new additions. Not only is it faster now, it also comes with the Pro\u2019s Fluid AMOLED display.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the OnePlus 7T features a 90Hz screen, making it a far more exciting device than its predecessor. Of course, other aspects of the phone have been improved accordingly too, including the camera system. We got our hands on the OnePlus 7T ahead of its Malaysian launch, and here\u2019s our hands-on of OnePlus\u2019 latest flagship smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nFirst off, let\u2019s talk about the OnePlus 7T\u2019s 6.55-inch 2400 x 1080 Fluid AMOLED display, which is very pleasant to look at. This is thanks to the high 90Hz refresh rate, so everything looks extra smooth on this screen. Whether it\u2019s scrolling through the settings page or navigating the use interface, you\u2019ll definitely appreciate the extra frames the 90Hz display offers.\n\n\nScreen quality of the OnePlus 7T is great as well. It is an AMOLED panel, so you get deep blacks, vibrant colours, and excellent viewing angles with this display. It can get really bright too, so outdoor visibility should not be an issue at all with this smartphone.\n\n\nSure, the notch at the top of the display (which houses a 16MP f/2.0 selfie camera) doesn\u2019t look fantastic, but at least it doesn\u2019t take up too much screen real estate.\n\n\n\n\nIn the performance department, the OnePlus 7T is powered by a \nQualcomm Snapdragon 855+\n chipset paired with 8GB of RAM. Compared to the standard Snapdragon 855 SoC, the former promises up to 15% better performance, thanks to the overclocked CPU and GPU. Paired with the fast 90Hz display, gaming should be very enjoyable on this phone.\n\n\nThat being said, I didn\u2019t manage to play any graphically demanding mobile games on the OnePlus 7T, but I reckon it will be able to offer very, very good gaming performance. After all, it has the same Snapdragon 855+ chipset found in other high-end smartphones like the \nAsus ROG Phone II\n and \nBlack Shark 2 Pro\n. For what it\u2019s worth, the 7T feels very zippy and responsive in my brief time with the phone.\n\n\n\n\nBuild quality of the OnePlus 7T is, without a doubt, excellent. The glossy metal frame gives the phone a premium touch, and I love the glass back finished in matte; it feels fantastic to the touch. While it does make the phone more slippery, it can hide fingerprints quite well.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the in-screen fingerprint sensor of the OnePlus 7T is just as quick as the one found underneath the OnePlus 7 Pro\u2019s display. Even though it\u2019s only an optical sensor \u2013 unlike, say, the \nSamsung Galaxy S10+\n and \nNote 10+\n\u2018s fancy ultrasonic unit \u2013 it\u2019s easily one of the fastest in-screen sensors in the market now.\n\n\nIn fact, I\u2019d say the 7T\u2019s fingerprint sensor rivals the speed and accuracy of conventional capacitive sensors; that\u2019s a big praise.\n\n\n\n\nIf there\u2019s anything to be concerned about when it comes to the OnePlus 7T\u2019s hardware, it would be the 3,800mAh battery. While this isn\u2019t an awfully small battery capacity, it\u2019s not particularly generous either. Given that it has to power a 6.55-inch 1080p display with a high 90Hz refresh rate, it\u2019ll be interesting to see if it can deliver reasonably good battery life.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the camera performance of the OnePlus 7T. Unlike the OnePlus 7\u2019s dual camera system, the 7T features a much more sophisticated triple camera configuration. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP f/1.6 primary sensor, a 12MP f/2.2 telephoto lens, and a 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter. With three different focal lengths to choose from, this is a very versatile setup.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, my initial impression of the 7T\u2019s camera performance isn\u2019t great, especially with the 16MP ultra-wide angle shooter. Its detail preservation leaves much to be desired, and the camera interface feels sluggish in low light conditions. As for the 48MP main sensor and 12MP telephoto lens, they seem to be quite competent.\n\n\nOf course, it wouldn\u2019t be fair to give any verdict on the OnePlus 7T\u2019s camera performance so quickly; I\u2019ll need to spend more time photographing with the phone to really get a feel for the camera performance. Chances are, this triple camera system should perform \nsimilarly as the OnePlus 7 Pro\n.\n\n\n\n\nThe OnePlus 7T is a far more attractive phone than the OnePlus 7. It has a more sophisticated, versatile camera system, a fast 90Hz display, and equally fast performance too, courtesy of the Snapdragon 855+ chipset. If priced right, this phone could give the OnePlus 7 Pro a run for its money.\n\n\nUnfortunately, we still don\u2019t know exactly how much the OnePlus 7T would cost in Malaysia; the only information that\u2019s confirmed is the fact that the flagship will be arriving here sometime next month in November. Only one variant of the 7T will be made available locally, which is the 128GB model with 8GB of RAM.\n\n\nFor the sake of comparison, the OnePlus 7T retails from $599 in the US; that comes up to about RM2,505. If the 7T is priced in the same neighbourhood on our shores, it will almost certainly be well-received.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-9-lite-lands-in-malaysia-1-november-starts-at-rm1199/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi 9 Lite Lands in Malaysia 1 November; Starts at RM1,199", "body": "\n\nRemember the China-only Xiaomi Mi CC9? Well, the Xiaomi Mi 9 Lite is the global variant of the device, and it is coming to Malaysia on 1 November. Starting from RM1,199, the Mi 9 Lite is a reasonably good option for those looking to get a mid-range smartphone.\n\n\nDesign wise, the Mi 9 Lite looks very similar to the \nflagship Mi 9\n, right down to the notched display and camera arrangement on the back of the phone. In fact, the Mi 9 Lite also has a triple camera system, but it\u2019s not quite as sophisticated; it loses the telephoto lens.\n\n\nInstead, the Mi 9 Lite\u2019s triple camera setup is made up of a 48MP f/1.79 primary sensor, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 2MP depth sensor. Not having a telephoto lens does limit the camera\u2019s utility, but we imagine most folks will get more use out of the ultra-wide angle sensor anyway.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Mi 9 Lite is also powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 chipset paired with 6GB of RAM. While it\u2019s not quite as capable as, say, the similarly priced \nXiaomi Mi 9T\n\u2018s Snapdragon 730 SoC, the Snapdragon 710 should still be able to offer relatively good level of performance, especially for everyday use.\n\n\nJust like the rest of Xiaomi\u2019s Mi 9 smartphones, the Mi 9 Lite also features a 6.39-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED display. You can expect to get deep blacks and vibrant colours with this screen, and under the panel is an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mi 9 Lite include 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, a 32MP f/2.0 front-facing camera, as well as a generous 4,030mAh battery,\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi 9 Lite will be available in two variants for the Malaysian market: the 64GB model retails at RM1,199, while the 128GB variant goes for RM1,299. Interestingly, the 64GB model will only be available online on Shopee and Lazada; physical Authorised Mi Stores will only carry the 128GB variant.\n\n\nAt these price points, the Mi 9 Lite sits in the same price range as another Xiaomi smartphone: the Mi 9T. In fact, the 64GB variant of the latter costs \nexactly\n the same at RM1,199. For the same asking price, the Mi 9T offers a lot more value for your money, including better performance, sleeker design, and a more versatile camera system, thanks to the telephoto lens.\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi 9T\n\n\nGranted, the Mi 9T does not have a microSD card slot, and the Mi 9 Lite sports a 32MP selfie camera rather than the Mi 9T\u2019s 20MP motorised front-facing shooter. On top of that, if you want 128GB of storage, you\u2019ll have to pay RM100 more for the Mi 9T (RM1,399) over the Mi 9 Lite (RM1,299).\n\n\nNonetheless, the Mi 9 Lite will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 1 November onwards. Three colours of the device are available: Aurora Blue, Pearl White, and Onyx Grey.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/micron-introduces-rugged-crucial-x8-its-first-consumer-portable-ssd/", "title": "Micron Introduces Rugged Crucial X8, Its First Consumer Portable SSD", "body": "\n\nMicron, one of the biggest manufacturers of storage and memory solutions, just unveiled its very first consumer-oriented portable SSD here in San Francisco at Micron Insight 2019. The Crucial X8 Portable SSD is encased in a rugged chassis, which allows it to survive drops up to 7.5 feet \u2013 that\u2019s quite an impressive feat.\n\n\nYes, the rugged nature of the Crucial X8 is one of its biggest selling points. Besides being drop-resistant, this portable SSD\u2019s unibody core made from anodised aluminium also allows it to withstand \u201cextreme temperatures, shock, and vibration,\u201d as Micron puts it. The aluminium chassis lets it dissipate heat efficiently too in order to maximise performance.\u00a0\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting the sheer portability of the X8; you can see how it compares to the Apple Magic Mouse below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the Crucial X8 itself is also a fast portable SSD with sequential read speeds of up to 1,050MBps. According to Micron, this makes the X8 up to 1.8 times faster than other portable SSDs in the same price range. Naturally, when compared to portable hard drives, it\u2019s immensely faster by up to 7.5 times.\n\n\nThis being a Crucial product \u2013 a global brand of Micron \u2013 reliability should not be an issue with the X8. After all, Crucial is one of the leading flash storage manufacturers in the world. If anything were to go wrong, however, the X8 is backed by a three-year limited warranty worldwide.\n\n\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the Crucial X8 also works with a wide range of devices. These include PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Chromebook, Android, and even the iPad Pro. However, only the 2018 iPad Pro with a USB-C port is compatible with the X8. \n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Crucial X8 can connect to these devices via USB-C or USB-A; a Type-C to USB-A adapter is provided with the portable SSD. Of course, if you want the best performance, connect via USB-C to get up to 10Gbps transfer speed. If you use the USB-A adapter instead, you\u2019ll only get half of that speed at up to 5Gbps.\n\n\n\n\nThe Crucial X8 Portable SSD is offered in two capacities: 500GB and a whopping 1TB. It is also available right now in selected markets, though the Malaysian availability and pricing of the portable drive have not been announced yet.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/micron-x100-touted-as-worlds-fastest-ssd-made-with-3d-xpoint-memory/", "title": "Micron X100 Touted as World\u2019s Fastest SSD; Made with 3D XPoint Memory", "body": "\n\nThis is arguably one of the most interesting products unveiled at Micron Insight 2019 happening right now in San Francisco. Enter the Micron X100, which is touted as the world\u2019s fastest SSD. It offers more than 9GBps bandwidth in read, write, and mixed workloads, so without a doubt the X100 is an extremely fast SSD.\n\n\nIn order to achieve this level of performance, Micron takes advantage of 3D XPoint memory, making the X100 the company\u2019s very first product to use the technology. 3D XPoint was co-developed by Micron and Intel, and prior to the announcement of the X100, Intel was the only company that offered 3D XPoint products under its Optane branding.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow then, besides its impressive 9GBps bandwidth \u2013 Micron claims this is up to three times faster than other NAND products \u2013 the X100 also features up to 2.5 million input/output operations per second (IOPS). Again, this is said to be more than \u201cthree times faster than today\u2019s competitive SSD offerings.\u201d\n\n\nLow latency is also one of the X100\u2019s biggest features. With a latency of only 8 microseconds, this SSD is faster than Intel\u2019s Optane SSDs, which has a latency of 10 microseconds. Given that the X100 uses the standard NVMe interface too, there will not be any compatibility issue.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, as impressive as the Micron X100 is, this SSD is not meant for regular consumers; not yet, anyway. At the moment, the X100 is made only for enterprise use like data centres, and it is available in limited sampling with selected customers this quarter. Not surprisingly, capacity options and pricing of this SSD have not been announced either.\n\n\nThat being said, we spoke with a Micron representative on the prospect of 3D XPoint memory \u2013 which is what makes the X100 such a fast SSD \u2013 trickling down to consumer-oriented products in the future. While the technology will be limited to enterprise use for now, we were told that there\u2019s a chance 3D XPoint memory will be implemented in consumer products somewhere down the line.\n\n\n\n\nBut for the foreseeable future, 3D XPoint products from Micron will be focused on enterprise applications. Then again, as with all memory technologies, we reckon 3D XPoint will eventually trickle down to consumer products \u2013 it\u2019s just a matter of time.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/getting-a-portable-storage-drive-consider-the-crucial-x8-ssd/", "title": "Getting a Portable Storage Drive? Consider the Crucial X8 SSD", "body": "\n\nWhen it comes to portable storage drives, most of us will probably think of portable hard disk drives (HDD). After all, they are inexpensive, and they offer a lot of storage capacity for the money. But if you want something that is far more durable and compact, consider the new \nCrucial X8 Portable SSD\n.\n\n\nI\u2019ve spent a brief time with a retail unit of the Crucial X8 at Micron Insight 2019, and it\u2019s really quite an impressive portable drive. The best part is, it\u2019s not as costly as you might have thought either.\n\n\n\n\nWhat surprised me the most about the Crucial X8 when I first held it in hands is its sheer portability; official images of the drive really don\u2019t do it justice. In fact, it\u2019s compact enough to slip into my jeans pocket with absolutely no trouble. Try doing that with a portable HDD.\n\n\nOn top of that, the Crucial X8 has solid build quality as well. The unibody core itself is made out of anodised aluminium, which feels robust and really nice to the touch. It\u2019s worth noting that the aluminium chassis also lets this portable SSD dissipate heat more efficiently in order to maximise performance.\n\n\nAside from that, either ends of the X8 have rubberised textures in order to improve grip. Did we mention that it can also survive drops up to 7.5 feet? Granted, that\u2019s only on carpeted floors. Drops onto hard surfaces, on the other hand, is limited to 3 feet.\n\n\n\n\nThis being an SSD, the Crucial X8 has blazing fast sequential read speeds of up to 1,050MBps. This level of performance should be more than good enough for consumers, especially for those who plan to use it with gaming consoles like PlayStation 4 and Xbox One to store their games.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the X8 is compatible with a wide range of devices. Besides the aforementioned gaming consoles, this portable SSD also works with a Windows PC, macOS, Chromebook, Android, and even the 2018 iPad Pro with USB-C. The X8 can be connected to these devices either via USB-C or USB-A; an adapter is provided with the portable drive.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the Crucial X8 does have some shortcomings. For one, it uses QLC NAND with a dynamic SLC cache, so the transfer speed will drop dramatically once the cache is filled up. While this isn\u2019t great, it will only happen if you\u2019re transferring bigger file sizes. The threshold is about 90GB for the 500GB model, or 180GB for the 1TB drive.\n\n\nThe Crucial X8 Portable SSD is available in two capacities: 500GB and 1TB. The former retails at $120 (about RM500) while the much more generous 1TB variant goes for $190 (approximately RM795). Not surprisingly, the 1TB model offers much better value for money, and the X8 comes with a three-year limited warranty to boot.\n\n\nThese prices are definitely a lot steeper than what you\u2019d have to pay for a portable HDD, but to certain consumers, it\u2019s worth the extra penny. Not only does the X8 offer much faster transfer speeds, it\u2019s also a lot more durable than spinning drives, given that it doesn\u2019t have any moving parts. Plus, it\u2019s packaged in a sleek, compact form factor too.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, Malaysian availability of the Crucial X8 still remains to be seen. But given that some Micron products are available in our market \u2013 which include Crucial SSD storage and Ballistix RAM sticks \u2013 it wouldn\u2019t be far-fetched to assume that the X8 will eventually arrive here. Hopefully, it will still carry a competitive price tag on our shores.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-releases-airpods-pro-with-noise-cancellation-available-in-malaysia-for-rm1099/", "title": "Apple Releases AirPods Pro with Noise Cancellation; Available in Malaysia for RM1,099", "body": "\n\nApple finally took the wraps off the AirPods Pro. Just like rumours have suggested, the new pair of wireless earbuds come with active noise cancellation; a feature that\u2019s becoming increasingly common on truly wireless earbuds.\n\n\nNoise cancellation isn\u2019t the only feature that differentiates the AirPods Pro from the regular AirPods. For starters, the premium earbuds sport a new design with a shorter stem, along with flexible ear tips for better fit. Three different sizes of silicone tips are provided with the wireless earbuds, so you should be able to find one that fits you just right.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re not quite sure you\u2019ve chosen the right tip size, the AirPods Pro offer an \u201cear tip fit test.\u201d According to Apple, the earbuds would \u201cmeasure the sound level in the ear and compare it to what is coming from the speaker driver\u201d to determine if you\u2019ve got a good fit. It remains to be seen just how well this would work, but it will certainly make it easier for users to find the right tip size.\n\n\nLike other wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation, the AirPods Pro also has an ambient mode, which allows you to hear your surrounding. Apple calls it Transparency Mode, and it can be activated by pressing and holding on the new Force Sensor located on the stem of the earbuds.\n\n\nOf course, the Force Sensor can also be used to control music playback. Press on it once to play or pause \u2013 you can also answer a phone call this way \u2013 press twice to skip forward, or press the sensor three times to go back a track.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, Apple promises superior audio quality with the AirPods Pro. One way it does this is with Adaptive EQ; it supposedly \u201ctunes the low- and mid-frequencies of music to the shape of an individual\u2019s ear,\u201d as Apple puts it. The Cupertino company elaborated that this would offer a rich, immersive listening experience.\n\n\nActive noise cancellation on the AirPods Pro, on the other hand, detects external sound with an outward-facing mic, which are then canceled out by the earbuds. There\u2019s also a second inward-facing mic that listens toward the ear, allowing the AirPods Pro to cancel any remaining noise detected. Apple says this is done continuously 200 times per second.\n\n\nOther specifications of the AirPods Pro include sweat and water resistance (IPX4), up to five hours of battery life \u2013 switching on active noise cancellation and Transparency Mode bring it down to 4.5 hours \u2013 a charging case that can provide up to 24 hours of listening time, as well as support for wireless charging.\n\n\n\n\nWhile the exact availability of the new AirPods Pro in Malaysia has not been revealed yet, we do know how much it will cost here. Retailing at RM1,099, the AirPods Pro are not particularly affordable. As a point of comparison, Sony\u2019s own \nWF-1000XM3\n offers similar feature set for only RM949.\n\n\nThen again, the audio quality of the AirPods Pro could justify the asking price. We\u2019ll just have to wait for the earbuds to start shipping to consumers to find out.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-7t-pro-now-in-malaysia-for-rm3399/", "title": "OnePlus 7T Pro Now in Malaysia for RM3,399", "body": "\n\nThe OnePlus 7T Pro was officially unveiled \njust a few weeks back\n, so it\u2019s a pleasant surprise to see that the flagship smartphone is now available in Malaysia. Unlike the \nOnePlus 7 Pro\n \u2013 which was offered in a number of options \u2013 only a single variant of the 7T Pro is brought into our market.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, you can only get the 256GB model of the OnePlus 7T Pro with 8GB of RAM here, and it\u2019s priced at RM3,399. Compared to its direct predecessor, this is actually a pretty good price tag: the 7 Pro with the same storage and RAM capacities retailed at RM3,699 when it was first launched in Malaysia. Needless to say, the 7T Pro offers better value for money.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSo how does the OnePlus 7T Pro differ from its predecessor? For starters, it now sports a faster Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ chipset, which promises up to 15% better performance. This is thanks to the overclocked GPU and CPU of the SoC.\n\n\nBesides that, the battery capacity of the 7T Pro has been slightly improved too. Instead of the 7 Pro\u2019s 4,000mAh cell, the successor features a 4,085mAh cell. It\u2019s hard to say just how much of an impact the extra 85mAh would bring, but it \nis\n a bigger capacity.\n\n\n\n\nOther aspects of the OnePlus 7T Pro remain unchanged from its predecessor. Naturally, it still has a 6.67-inch 3120 x 1440 AMOLED display with a fast 90Hz refresh rate. The all-screen design is retained too, given that the 16MP f/2.0 motorised pop-up camera is also present.\n\n\nOn the back of the 7T Pro, there\u2019s the familiar triple camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP f/1.6 main shooter, a 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor, and an 8MP f/2.4 telephoto lens. Given that this is the same camera configuration as the 7 Pro, you should get \nsimilar camera performance too\n.\n\n\nOf course, the 7T Pro has an in-screen fingerprint sensor as well, along with OxygenOS based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe OnePlus 7T Pro is now available for purchase in Malaysia \nfor RM3,399\n. Just like other markets, this flagship smartphone is only offered in Haze Blue. If you want the McLaren Edition instead, it is set to arrive in Malaysia sometime in November next month \u2013 expect to pay a small premium for that particular model.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-launches-slew-of-conceptd-products-in-malaysia-including-rm18999-conceptd-9-pro/", "title": "Acer Launches Slew of ConceptD Products in Malaysia, Including RM18,999 ConceptD 9 Pro", "body": "\n\nAcer just unveiled a number of ConceptD products in Malaysia, which include workstation laptops, a desktop, and even monitors. As these products are launched under the ConceptD branding, they are meant to appeal to creative professionals.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the ConceptD laptops. As many as five different workstation machines are available here: there\u2019s the premium ConceptD 9 Pro, the ConceptD 7 Pro, the regular ConceptD 7, the ConceptD 5 Pro, and the most affordable of the lot, the ConceptD 3 Pro.\n\n\nConceptD 9 Pro\n\n\nNaturally, the ConceptD 9 Pro is the highest-end offering. It comes with an Intel Core i7-9750H processor paired with 32GB of DDR4 2666MHz RAM, an Nvidia Quadro RTX 5000 GPU, a whopping 1TB of fast PCIe NVMe SSD, and of course, a Panton Validated 17.3-inch 4K IPS touch display.\n\n\n\n\nThat display is one of the best features of the ConceptD 9 Pro. Not only does it cover 100% of the Adobe RGB and sRGB colour spaces, it also has a colour accuracy of Delta E <1. Besides that, this workstation also features Acer\u2019s unique Ezel Aero Hinges; the same one found on the \nAcer Predator Triton 900\n.\n\n\nAll of these hardware comes at a price: the ConceptD 9 Pro retails at a cool RM18,999. Interestingly, this laptop\u2019s specifications can be customised to your liking.\n\n\nConceptD 7 & ConceptD 7 Pro\n\n\nNext are the standard ConceptD 7 and ConceptD 7 Pro. Basically, these two laptops are identical to each other except for the graphics card option: the ConceptD 7 comes with a GeForce RTX 2060 GPU, while the Pro model can be configured with a Quadro RTX 5000 or RTX 3000 GPU.\n\n\nOther specifications of these two workstation laptops include a 15.6-inch 4K IPS display \u2013 Pantone Validated with a Delta E <2 colour accuracy \u2013 a Core i7-9750H processor paired with 16GB of DDR4 2666MHz RAM, as well as a 512GB PCIe SSD. The ConceptD 7 laptops are also slim and light machines: they tip the scales at only 2.1kg with a 17.9mm thin chassis.\n\n\n\n\nGiven their beefy hardware, these two laptops do not come cheap. The ConceptD 7 Pro retails at RM12,999 and RM8,699 for the Quadro RTX 5000 and RTX 3000 options respectively. The ConceptD 7 with an RTX 2060 GPU, on the other hand, goes for RM9,999.\n\n\nJust like the ConceptD 9 Pro, the ConceptD 7 Pro is a customisable order, but this does not apply to the regular ConceptD 7.\n\n\nConceptD 5 Pro\n\n\nIf you want a more affordable option, there\u2019s the \nConceptD 5 Pro\n. It comes with a 17.3-inch or 15.6-inch 4K IPS display (Pantone Validated, Delta E <2), a Core i7-9750H processor paired with 16GB of DDR4 2666MHz RAM, a 512GB PCIe SSD, and two GPU options: Quadro RTX 3000 or T1000.\n\n\n\n\nPricing wise, the 17.3-inch ConceptD 5 Pro with a Quadro RTX 3000 GPU retails at RM8,699, while the 15.6-inch variant is priced at RM7,999 and RM6,999 for the Quadro RTX 3000 and T1000 options respectively. As per the other Pro workstations, the ConceptD 5 Pro is a customisable order.\n\n\nConceptD 3 Pro\n\n\nAnd then we\u2019ve got the most affordable option, the \nConceptD 3 Pro\n. Only a single variant of the laptop is available here, which comes with a Core i7-9750H processor, a Quadro T1000 GPU, 16GB of DDR4 2666MHz RAM, a 512GB PCIe SSD, and a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display. Yes, it\u2019s Pantone Validated with a Delta E <3 colour accuracy.\n\n\nEven though the ConceptD 3 Pro is the most affordable workstation laptop launched today, it still demands quite a hefty price tag, retailing at RM5,999. Is it a customisable order? Certainly.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to purchase any of these ConceptD laptops, you\u2019ll have to send an email to Acer at \n[email\u00a0protected]\n. But if you want the standard ConceptD 7 instead, you can purchase it at selected retail stores, as well as online on Shopee and Lazada.\n\n\nConceptD 500 Desktop\n\n\nWorkstation laptops not quite your thing? Then you may be interested with the ConceptD 500 desktop. It\u2019s a rather sleek-looking, minimalist machine with some wood effect at the top of the desktop. In fact, there\u2019s even a Qi wireless charger beside the ports here.\n\n\nInside the ConceptD 500 you\u2019ll find a Core i7-9700K processor paired with 16GB of DDR4 RAM, a Quadro P2000 GPU, a 256GB SSD, and a 1TB 7200rpm HDD. Reasonably good hardware for a workstation desktop.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, you\u2019ll have to pay quite a bit for the ConceptD 500: it retails at RM7,999. Those who are keen to get it can now purchase this desktop at selected Acer Concept Stores or online via Shopee and Lazada.\n\n\nConceptD CP7 & CP3 Monitors\n\n\nLaunched alongside the products above are the ConceptD CP7271K P and CP3271K P monitors. Given that these are made for creative professionals, the 27-inch 3840 x 2160 IPS displays (with a fast 144Hz refresh rate) of both monitors are Pantone Validated with a Delta E <1 colour accuracy.\n\n\nSo what differentiates the two monitors? For starters, the CP7 supports Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate with a 99% Adobe RGB colour gamut; the CP3 is only G-Sync Compatible with a 90% DCi-P3 colour gamut. Beyond that, both monitors have the same design.\n\n\n\n\nThe ConceptD CP7 and CP3 monitors will be available in Malaysia sometime next month in November 2019. The CP7 retails at RM6,999, while the CP3 goes for RM3,399.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-7t-pro-mclaren-edition-starts-at-rm2599/", "title": "OnePlus 7T Pro McLaren Edition & Standard OnePlus 7T Malaysian Pricing Revealed; Starts at RM2,599", "body": "\n\nThe Malaysian pricing of the \nOnePlus 7T Pro McLaren Edition\n and standard \nOnePlus 7T\n have just been announced. Surprisingly enough, these two smartphones offer reasonably good value for money, especially the OnePlus 7T, which is set to go for only RM2,599.\n\n\nFor that kind of money, you\u2019re getting the 128GB variant of the OnePlus 7T with 8GB of RAM, which is\u2026reasonably good value for money, given the feature set of the smartphone. The McLaren Edition of the OnePlus 7T Pro, on the other hand, is priced at RM3,899 for the 256GB model with 12GB of RAM.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile RM3,899 doesn\u2019t make the OnePlus 7T Pro McLaren Edition particularly affordable, it\u2019s not an exorbitant asking price, which is usually the case for limited edition smartphones. Plus, the McLaren Edition is actually priced lower than the previous \nOnePlus 7 Pro\n: the 256GB variant (also with 12GB of RAM) retailed at RM4,199 when it was launched here.\n\n\nAnyway, if you want the best value for money, the OnePlus 7T is definitely the better option. For RM2,599, the 7T features a fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ chipset. Compared to the regular Snapdragon 855 SoC, the 855+\u2019s overclocked CPU and GPU promises up to 15% better performance.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the OnePlus 7T also has a 6.55-inch 2400 x 1080 Fluid AMOLED display with a high 90Hz refresh rate, though it has a notch at the top of the screen. Other specifications of the flagship include a triple camera system (48MP f/1.6 primary + 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle + 12MP f/2.2 telephoto), a 16MP f/2.0 selfie camera, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a 3,800mAh battery.\n\n\nAs for the McLaren Edition, it has the same hardware as the regular OnePlus 7T Pro. These include a 90Hz 6.67-inch 3120 x 1440 Fluid AMOLED display with an all-screen design \u2013 thanks to the use of a 16MP f/2.0 motorised pop-up camera \u2013 a Snapdragon 855+ chipset, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a 4,085mAh battery.\n\n\nOn the back, this limited edition device features a triple camera system made up of a 48MP f/1.6 primary shooter, a 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor, and an 8MP f/2.4 telephoto lens.\n\n\n\n\nThe OnePlus 7T Pro McLaren Edition and OnePlus 7T are now available for pre-order in Malaysia. The latter will ship from 4 November onwards, while the McLaren Edition will be delivered the next day on 5 November.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/micron-unveils-7300-5300-ssds-for-enterprise-use/", "title": "Micron Unveils 7300 & 5300 SSDs for Enterprise Use", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nMicron X100\n and \nCrucial X8\n, Micron also introduced the 7300 and 5300 series SSDs for enterprise use at Micron Insight 2019. Compared to their respective predecessors, they bring quite a number of notable improvements.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Micron 7300 series of SSDs. Curiously enough, it is a direct successor to the Micron 7100 series; there was no 7200 family. Nonetheless, the 7300 SSDs are low-power NVMe drives that use Micron\u2019s latest 96-layer 3D TLC NAND flash memory, which lets the company to increase the maximum capacity of the drives while retaining the same size.\n\n\n\n\nThere are two models in the Micron 7300 series: the 7300 Max and 7300 Pro. The 7300 Max is the higher endurance option \u2013 with endurance rating between 3.0 to 4.2 DWPD \u2013 and it is available in capacities ranging from 800GB to 6.4TB for the U.2 (7mm) form factor. The M.2 format is limited to 400GB and 800GB.\n\n\nAs for the Micron 7300 Pro, it is available in U.2 (7mm) standard with capacities ranging from 960GB to 7.68TB; the M.2 (80mm, 110mm) option, on the other hand, is available in 480GB to 3.84TB. Endurance rating of the 7300 Pro is between 1.1 to 1.6 DWPD.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the Micron 5300 series, which are made up of the 5300 Max, 5300 Pro, and 5300 Boot. According to Micro, these successors to the 5200 family are the first enterprise SATA SSDs to be built on 96-layer 3D TLC NAND; the 5200 series only used 64-layer 3D TLC.\n\n\nOut of the three options, the 5300 Max has the best endurance rating between 3.5 to 5.0 DWPD, with capacities ranging from 240GB to 3.84TB. This particular drive is only available in 2.5-inch form factor, while the 5300 Pro is offered in both 2.5-inch and M.2 options.\n\n\nHowever, not all capacities of the 5300 Pro are available in both form factors. The 3.84TB and 7.68TB variants, for example, is only offered in 2.5-inch. Other capacities of the drive, which range from 240GB to 1.92TB, can be purchased in M.2 and 2.5-inch options. As for the endurance rating of the 5300 Pro, it is rated from 0.6 to 1.5 DWPD.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the 5300 Boot; this particular SSD is offered with only 240GB of storage in M.2 format. As its name suggests, it\u2019s meant to be used as a boot drive. The 5300 Boot also has a 1.0 DWPD endurance rating.\n\n\nThe Micron 7300 series SSDs will be available for order from December 2019 onwards, while there\u2019s no official release date for the Micron 5300.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/touch-n-go-ewallet-now-on-shopback-new-users-get-rm10-cashback/", "title": "Touch \u2018n Go eWallet Now on ShopBack; New Users Get RM10 Cashback", "body": "\n\nShopBack just introduced its first ewallet partner, which is none other than Touch \u2018n Go eWallet. Thanks to this collaboration, you can now receive cashback by simply reloading your TNG eWallet account. In fact, you can get up to RM10 in cashback.\n\n\nOf course, there are some caveats here. For one, the RM10 cashback is limited to new users only, and they would have to top-up at least RM10 \u2013 that\u2019s the minimum reload amount for TNG eWallet \u2013 to be eligible for the cashback. On top of that, the RM10 cashback is only valid until 11 November; it will be reverted to RM9 after that.\n\n\nExisting users, on the other hand, can get a decent amount of cashback too. Each month, you can get RM3 cashback by simply reloading your TNG eWallet. If you, say, top-up RM10, you\u2019re effectively getting 30% back in cashback. That being said, you can only receive the RM3 cashback once a month, and there\u2019s a 60-day waiting period before you can redeem the cashback.\n\n\n\n\nBesides announcing its collaboration with Touch \u2018n Go eWallet, ShopBack also shared with us a number of other announcements. For the upcoming 11.11 sale, the platform will offer up to 30% upsized cashback on various sites, including Lazada, Taobao, Lenovo, Zalora, and even Nike. Here are some of the deals outlined by ShopBack:\n\n\nTaobao \u2013 up to 30%, 1 \u2013 11 November\nLazada \u2013 double cashback, up to 20% from 6PM to 8PM on 11 November\nZalora \u2013 up to 15%, 8 \u2013 12 November\nNike \u2013 15% on 11 November\nLenovo \u2013 14%, 10 \u2013 11 November\nBooking.com \u2013 9%, 8 \u2013 11 November\nKlook \u2013 up to 7.5% on 11 November\n\n\nInterestingly, a new in-app game called \u201cCashback Troopers\u201d will also be available in the ShopBack app from 4 November onwards. All you have to do is just connect three or more icons in the game to earn diamonds, which can then be used to redeem rewards like discounts and free shipping vouchers to be used on Shopee, Lazada, Lenovo, Senheng, and many more.\n\n\nYou will also be in the running to win a number of big-ticket items like a RM5,000 Senheng voucher, RM8,000 worth of Dyson products, a RM2,500 Sephora voucher, and a grand prize of RM12,000 Agoda travel voucher.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about these upcoming offers, check out ShopBack\u2019s \nofficial site\n. More information on the Touch \u2018n Go eWallet cashback can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/google-acquires-fitbit-for-rm8-7-billion-made-by-google-wearables-in-the-horizon/", "title": "Google Acquires Fitbit for RM8.7 Billion; Made by Google Wearables in the Horizon", "body": "\n\nThis was only a rumour earlier this week, but lo and behold, it is \nnow official\n: Google is buying Fitbit for a whopping $2.1 billion, which comes up to about RM8.7 billion. With this acquisition, Google will have the resources it needs to enter the wearable market.\n\n\nPreviously, Google\u2019s role in the wearable market was limited to the software side of things with its Wear OS platform. But now that it owns Fitbit, the search giant can now release its own wearable hardware too. It may not be that long before we start seeing smartwatches and fitness bands with Google\u2019s very own branding.\n\n\nAccording to the Google\u2019s Senior Vice President of devices and services, Rick Osterloh, the Fitbit acquisition will allow the company to \u201cinvest even more in Wear OS as well as introduce Made by Google wearable devices into the market.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nBut what about existing Fitbit users? How will this affect them? Well, both Google and Fitbit assure these users that their health and wellness data obtained by Fitbit will not be used for Google ads. Google also elaborated that existing Fitbit users \u201cwill be given the choice to review, move, or delete their data.\u201d\n\n\nGiven Google\u2019s continued push to move beyond providing software for smartphones and wearables, its acquisition of Fitbit isn\u2019t all that surprising. After all, it took over a part of HTC\u2019s smartphone team just two years ago to further bolster the development of its Pixel phones. That particular deal seems to be going relatively well for the company, especially with the release of the \nPixel 3A\n and \nPixel 4\n.\n\n\n\n\nThen again, it remains to be seen just how Google\u2019s purchase of Fitbit will benefit Wear OS in the long run; a smartwatch platform that has been largely ignored for the past couple of years. While there\u2019s still a lack of new Wear OS devices in the market, Apple is making strides with its \nApple Watches\n, Samsung has its own \nTizen-based smartwatches\n, and heck, even Fitbit itself doesn\u2019t use Wear OS.\n\n\nHopefully, Google\u2019s acquisition of Fitbit will see even better Wear OS offerings in the near future. If that\u2019s the case, Android \u2013 and even iOS \u2013 users will have even more options when it comes to smartwatches, which should make the wearable market that much more competitive.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/illegear-laguna-se-hands-on-a-powerful-value-for-money-rtx-2070-gaming-laptop/", "title": "Illegear Laguna SE Hands-On: A Powerful, Value for Money RTX 2070 Gaming Laptop", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re a PC gamer, you would\u2019ve probably heard of Illegear, which is quite well-known for offering gaming laptops with a lot of customisation options. One such laptop is this one right here: the Illegear Laguna SE. Sporting a sleek chassis and a powerful RTX 2070 GPU, this is one capable gaming laptop.\n\n\nAfter spending a brief time with the Laguna SE, I\u2019m impressed with its feature set. If you want a light, portable gaming machine with fast performance, you really should consider this laptop.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the biggest selling points of the Laguna SE is its slim profile and lightweight chassis. Measuring only 21mm thin, this is a reasonably slim gaming laptop, \nespecially\n for an RTX 2070 machine. On top of that, it weighs only 1.9kg too, so lugging around this laptop in your backpack shouldn\u2019t be too cumbersome.\n\n\nBuild quality of the Laguna SE is great as well. It feels solid, there\u2019s not much keyboard flex, and the mostly metal construction feels great to the touch. However, I\u2019m not too crazy about the bottom chassis of the laptop, which is made out of plastic. It doesn\u2019t quite live up to the premium positioning of the Laguna SE.\n\n\nThat being said, I do like the top lid\u2019s design, especially the gold accent. Did I mention the accent is also illuminated?\n\n\n\n\nLike most gaming laptops in the market now, the Laguna SE has a fast 144Hz 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display. According to Illegear, this panel is capable of showing 100% of the sRGB colour space. While I don\u2019t have the tools to verify this, it does look very impressive with a good level of brightness, vibrant colours, as well as great viewing angles.\n\n\nAnd thanks to the high 144Hz refresh rate, everything \u2013 and I mean \neverything\n \u2013 looks incredibly smooth on this display. Whether you are just moving the mouse cursor or gaming, you will definitely notice the higher frame rate.\n\n\n\n\nConsidering the fact that the Laguna SE can be configured with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 GPU, you will be able to make full use of the 144Hz display. While I wasn\u2019t able to thoroughly test out the gaming performance of this laptop, I\u2019m positive the RTX 2070 can return high and consistent frame rate in many \u2013 if not all \u2013 AAA titles.\n\n\nIt is also worth mentioning that the Laguna SE comes with an RTX 2070 \u201cMax-Performance\u201d GPU, which is quite a bit faster than an equivalent RTX 2070 with Max-Q design. Compared to the latter, the RTX 2070 Max-P should offer about 20% better performance \u2013 that\u2019s a noticeable difference.\n\n\n\n\nNext are the input devices of the Laguna SE, starting with the three-zone RGB keyboard. For the most part, it\u2019s a decent keyboard with just enough travel for a comfortable typing experience. I also love just how \u201clight\u201d the keys are: it doesn\u2019t take too much force to actuate the keys, allowing me to type quite fast on this keyboard.\n\n\nThat being said, I do have one major qualm with the Laguna SE\u2019s keyboard, and it has to do with the layout. Now, the keyboard itself is fine when I\u2019m typing, but it can get really frustrating when I need to access the right side. See, in order to fit a full-size number pad to the right of the keyboard, the backspace and enter keys are shortened.\n\n\n\n\nWhenever I wanted to press the enter key, I ended up hitting the number 4 on the numpad. When you need to type quickly and accurately, this can get frustrating real fast. Can I get used to this odd keyboard layout in the long run? Maybe. But should this have been an issue in the first place? Absolutely not.\n\n\nAs for the Laguna SE\u2019s trackpad, it\u2019s reasonably good. My fingers can glide easily on the smooth surface, and it\u2019s pretty darn accurate too. However, I\u2019m not thrilled with the build quality of the trackpad. It\u2019s not as well-assembled as it should be, with a bit of play when I press down on it slightly.\n\n\n\n\nThe Illegear Laguna SE may have some shortcomings (especially the input devices), but as a whole, it\u2019s really quite an attractive gaming laptop. On top of that, it offers relatively good value for money too. Right now, you can get this RTX 2070 model with an Intel Core i7-9750H processor, 16GB of RAM, 512GB of fast PCIe NVMe SSD, and Windows 10 installed \nfor only RM7,047\n \u2013 RM6,695 if you pay in cash instead.\n\n\nAt that price point, not many of its competition can offer the same value for money as the Laguna SE, let alone a different gaming laptop that is packaged in a slim and light package like it. If you\u2019re keen to get this machine, you can do so on Illegear\u2019s \nofficial site\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-zenbook-pro-duo-hands-on-do-you-need-two-screens-on-a-laptop/", "title": "Asus ZenBook Pro Duo Hands-On: Do You Need Two Screens on a Laptop?", "body": "\n\nSurprisingly enough, quite a number of PC makers have experimented with two screens on a laptop; even Apple did the same (to an extent) with the MacBook Pro\u2019s Touch Bar. But Asus takes things even further with this laptop right here: the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo.\n\n\nNot only does it have an absolutely gorgeous 4K OLED main display, this laptop also comes with a wide 14-inch 3840 x 1100 ScreenPad Plus secondary display right above the keyboard. This may seem like a gimmick, but it could be very functional \u2013 here\u2019s our hands-on of the ZenBook Pro Duo.\n\n\n\n\nSo what\u2019s the deal with the ScreenPad Plus? Well, it\u2019s basically an extension of the primary display. To move things to the secondary screen, all you need to do is drag it down from the main display; Windows treat it as an extended screen.\n\n\nGiven the wide aspect ratio of the ScreenPad Plus, you\u2019d really want to open at least two windows on it. Just like the main OLED panel, this secondary screen is also touch-enabled, which makes it a lot more intuitive to use. The matte finish of the screen is also a nice touch, allowing my fingers to glide effortlessly on the ScreenPad Plus.\n\n\nI\u2019ve got to be honest though: I don\u2019t really see the utility of the secondary display. At least, not after spending only a brief time with the ZenBook Pro Duo. But I do see how it can be useful to place \u201cdistractions\u201d like Twitter and Facebook on the ScreenPad Plus, and leave the primary OLED display for whatever task at hand.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the main 15.6-inch 4K OLED display is simply \nstunning\n. Thanks to the inherent characteristic of OLED panels, you get deep, true blacks, bright vibrant colours, as well as great viewing angles. Coupled with the high 4K resolution, this is a sharp, crisp, and very, \nvery\n pleasant display to look at.\n\n\nPlus, you don\u2019t often see OLED screens on laptops, making the ZenBook Pro Duo rather unique in this aspect. If you want the best display quality on a laptop, this machine easily fits that description. Even the best IPS LCD screen is simply not in the same league as this incredible OLED panel.\n\n\nIf I have any qualm with the OLED display, it would be the refresh rate, which is only set to 60Hz. Granted, this isn\u2019t a gaming laptop, so a high refresh rate isn\u2019t exactly a priority.\n\n\n\n\nUnder the hood of the ZenBook Pro Duo is an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 GPU. For the target audience of this laptop (creative professionals), this GPU is reasonably suited for the task. Of course, an Nvidia Quadro GPU would be the better option, but the RTX 2060 gives you more versatility if you want to do some gaming on the side.\n\n\nNow, just because the ZenBook Pro Duo has a 4K display doesn\u2019t mean you can game at that resolution. As capable as the RTX 2060 is, it will struggle to deliver good frame rate in 4K, especially with more demanding games. 1080p is the sweet spot for this GPU, or even 1440p in some titles.\n\n\n\n\nDespite the sheer size of the ZenBook Pro Duo, its port selection is surprisingly limited. It only comes with two USB-A ports, a USB-C connection, an HDMI output, and\u2026that\u2019s it. It doesn\u2019t even have an SD or microSD card slot, which is an odd omission for a laptop that\u2019s meant to appeal to creative professionals.\n\n\nRegardless, let\u2019s move on to the keyboard of the ZenBook Pro Duo. I\u2019m not a fan of front-loaded keyboards on laptops, and the same still applies here. Not only is it uncomfortable to type on the keyboard with the laptop on my lap, it still doesn\u2019t feel particularly comfortable even on a desk without the included palm rest.\n\n\n\n\nBut as for the keyboard itself, it\u2019s decent. There\u2019s enough key travel for a comfortable typing experience, the keys are very tactile, and the standard layout takes little to no adjustment for me to start typing as quickly as I do on a standard full-size keyboard.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the unconventional trackpad to the right of the keyboard, which also doubles as the numpad. For the most part, it\u2019s an accurate trackpad with a smooth surface, though I do wish it was slightly wider for a more comfortable experience.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ZenBook Pro Duo is an intriguing laptop. I\u2019m not entirely sold on the utility of the ScreenPad Plus secondary display, but I absolutely \nlove\n the main OLED screen. The whole laptop also feels very well-built and robust, though I do wish it had more ports for a laptop this size.\n\n\nAs interesting as the ZenBook Pro Duo is, exactly how attractive of a laptop it would be will depend on how much Asus Malaysia will price this machine for our market in relation to the hardware offered. After all, the exact specifications of the Pro Duo for the Malaysian market have not been revealed yet.\n\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ll find out exactly how much the ZenBook Pro Duo will cost along with its full list of specifications once the laptop is launched locally on 14 November next week. If priced right, the Pro Duo may attract more than just creative professionals.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-cc9-pro-unveiled-with-108mp-penta-camera-on-par-with-mate-30-pro/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi CC9 Pro Unveiled with 108MP Penta-Camera; On Par with Mate 30 Pro", "body": "\n\nXiaomi just introduced a new smartphone in China with an impressive camera system. It is the Xiaomi Mi CC9 Pro, which features a penta-camera system (that\u2019s five lenses) with a 108MP primary sensor. The kicker? It\u2019s said to be on par with the camera system of the \nHuawei Mate 30 Pro\n.\n\n\nThis is based on DxOMark\u2019s rating of the Mi CC9 Pro\u2019s camera system, which gave it a total score of 121 \u2013 the same score the Mate 30 Pro received. According to the \nfull analysis\n, the CC9 Pro offers great zoom performance, fast autofocus, and good detail preservation for the wide angle sensor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThanks to the combination of a 12MP f/2.0 telephoto lens (50mm) and an 8MP f/2.0 longer telephoto sensor (94mm), the Mi CC9 Pro can do either 10x hybrid zoom or 50x digital zoom; that\u2019s pretty darn impressive. DxOMark says that the 12MP shooter provides 2x optical zoom, while the 8MP camera does around 4x optical zoom.\n\n\nAs mentioned, the primary sensor in the penta-camera configuration is an 108MP f/1.69 shooter with a 7P (or 8P for the Premium Edition) lens. As it uses pixel binning for improved camera performance, this sensor outputs 27MP images instead. The other two cameras, on the other hand, are a 20MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor and a f/2.4 macro shooter.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond its camera system, other specifications of the Mi CC9 Pro put it comfortably in the upper mid-range segment. For one, it\u2019s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G chipset paired with up to 8GB of RAM. This is no flagship smartphone, even if it has an impressive camera system.\n\n\nLike most Xiaomi smartphones in this segment, the Mi CC9 Pro features a 6.47-inch 2340 x 1080 dual curved AMOLED (notched) display along with an optical in-screen fingerprint sensor underneath it. Given the 1080p resolution and the CC9 Pro\u2019s very generous 5,260mAh battery, this phone should be able to offer excellent battery life.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mi CC9 Pro include a 32MP f/2.0 front-facing camera, 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, a 3.5mm headphone jack, NFC, and an infrared sensor.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi CC9 Pro is currently only available in the Chinese market. Three variants of the phone are offered: the 128GB + 6GB and 256GB + 8GB models are priced at 2,799 Chinese yuan (about RM1,650) and 3,099 yuan (approximately RM1,830) respectively, while the 256GB + 8GB Premium Edition with an 8P lens for the 102MP camera goes for 3,499 yuan (around RM2,065).\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-xiaomi-mi-watch-looks-like-an-apple-watch-running-on-wear-os/", "title": "The Xiaomi Mi Watch Looks Like an Apple Watch Running on Wear OS", "body": "\n\nThere are quite a number of smartwatches released under the Xiaomi ecosystem, but this is the Chinese company\u2019s first smartwatch to bear the Mi branding. This is the Xiaomi Mi Watch, and it seems to take design cues from the Apple Watch quite a bit.\n\n\nAesthetic similarities aside, the Mi Watch is actually quite an interesting smartwatch. It comes with a bright and vibrant 1.78-inch 448 x 368 AMOLED display, so you\u2019ll get deep blacks, punchy colours, and great viewing angles with this screen.\n\n\n\n\nBuild quality is also one of the Mi Watch\u2019s strong suits. The back of the case is ceramic, and the casing itself is made out of aluminium alloy \u2013 stainless steel for the pricier Premium Edition. The glass protecting the display is also very interesting: the Standard Edition uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3, while the Premium Edition is equipped with more scratch-resistant sapphire glass.\n\n\nInterestingly, the Mi Watch runs on Google\u2019s Wear OS platform, but Xiaomi added its own customisation to the software. The result is a custom user interface dubbed MIUI For Watch, and right off the bat, it is pre-loaded with 40 popular apps for the Chinese market. These include TikTok, QQ Messenger, and QQ Music, to name a few.\n\n\n\n\nPowering the Mi Watch is a Snapdragon Wear 3100 4G chipset, which uses four Cortex-A7 cores clocked at 1.2GHz. Thanks to this SoC, the Mi Watch comes with eSIM support, so it doesn\u2019t need to be paired to a smartphone to access all of its functionalities.\n\n\nBattery life should be great on the Mi Watch as well. It is packed with a 570mAh battery that promises up to 36 hours of use with 4G connectivity switched on. Chances are, you can extend the battery life even further if the watch is connected to a smartphone.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Mi Watch include water resistance \u2013 you can use it while swimming \u2013 GPS support, NFC, a dedicated speaker, and a heart rate sensor.\n\n\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the Xiaomi Mi Watch is priced very competitively. The Standard Edition goes for only 1,299 Chinese yuan (about RM765), while the Premium Edition with a stainless steel bracelet retails at 1,999 yuan (approximately RM1,180). At the moment, the Mi Watch is only available in China; it will go on sale in the country on 11 November.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-zenbook-pro-duo-zenbook-duo-arrive-in-malaysia-14-november/", "title": "Asus ZenBook Pro Duo & ZenBook Duo Arrive in Malaysia 14 November", "body": "\n\nAlways wanted a laptop with two screens? Well, you can purchase such a laptop as early as next week: Asus will be introducing the \nAsus ZenBook Pro Duo\n and ZenBook Duo in Malaysia on 14 November. The former is especially interesting: it features a stunning 4K OLED display.\n\n\nNot many laptops use an OLED display, so the ZenBook Pro Duo is definitely a unique laptop in this regard. The primary display is a 15.6-inch 4K OLED touch-enabled screen, while the ScreenPad Plus secondary screen \u2013 it sits right above the keyboard \u2013 is a 14-inch 3840 x 1100 touch panel.\n\n\n\n\nPerformance of the ZenBook Pro Duo is worth highlighting too. Although we still don\u2019t know which variant will be brought into Malaysia, the laptop is available in two processor options in other markets. It can be configured with either a beefy Intel Core i9-9980HK processor, or a more modest Core i7-9750H chip.\n\n\nIn the graphics department, the Pro Duo features an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 GPU. While you can\u2019t exactly game in 4K with the RTX 2060 \u2013 it will struggle to provide playable frame rate at that resolution \u2013 it should be powerful enough for tasks required by creative professionals.\n\n\nOther specifications of the ZenBook Pro Duo include up to 32GB of RAM, as well as 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of fast PCIe SSD.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the ZenBook Duo, it\u2019s a more affordable and smaller alternative to the ZenBook Pro Duo. It comes with a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 display, a 12.6-inch Full HD ScreenPad Plus secondary screen, a 10th generation Core i7-10510U or i5-10210U processor paired with up to 16GB of RAM, and three PCIe SSD storage options (256GB, 512GB, 1TB).\n\n\nUnfortunately, the GPU of the ZenBook Duo is heavily downgraded from its higher-end sibling: under the hood of this laptop is only a GeForce MX250 GPU. Now, even though it\u2019s not quite as impressive as the ZenBook Pro Duo, the ZenBook Duo is a much more portable laptop. After all, it weighs only 1.5kg with a 19.9mm thin chassis.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ZenBook Pro Duo and ZenBook Duo will be launched in Malaysia next week on 14 November. Given the high-end hardware of the Pro Duo, expect to pay a premium for it. Of course, you can always go for the more affordable (and far more compact) ZenBook Duo instead \u2013 you\u2019re still getting two screens on a laptop.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-note-10-unleashed-likely-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Unleashed; Likely Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nXiaomi just took the wraps off the Xiaomi Mi Note 10, and it is\u2026basically the global version of the recently announced \nXiaomi Mi CC9 Pro\n. That\u2019s not exactly a bad thing, of course, given the impressive feature set of the CC9 Pro. On top of that, there\u2019s a good chance the Mi Note 10 will arrive in Malaysia soon.\n\n\nJust yesterday, Xiaomi Malaysia registered a device with the model number M1910F4G on SIRIM, Malaysia\u2019s certification body. Of course, that device is the Mi Note 10; it\u2019s likely Xiaomi is gearing up to launch the new smartphone on our shores.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the Mi Note 10 such an impressive smartphones is its penta-camera system \u2013 it received a DxOMark score of 121 \u2013 with a 108MP f/1.69 primary shooter. That sensor uses pixel binning to improve camera performance, so it outputs 27MP images instead. Don\u2019t worry, you won\u2019t be running out of storage space quickly with this device.\n\n\nThere are also two different telephoto sensors in the penta-camera configuration. One of it is a 12MP f/2.0 telephoto lens (50mm), while the other one is a longer 8MP f/2.0 telephoto sensor (94mm). Collectively, these two cameras allow the Mi Note 10 to do 10x hybrid zoom or 50x digital zoom.\n\n\nAs for the other two camera sensors, it\u2019s a 20MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter and a f/2.4 macro lens.\n\n\n\n\nInterestingly, despite its sophisticated camera system, the Mi Note 10 is not a flagship smartphone: it\u2019s only powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G chipset paired with 6GB of RAM. This comfortably puts it in the upper mid-range segment, which isn\u2019t too bad if it\u2019s priced right.\n\n\nIn the display department, the Mi Note 10 is equipped with a 6.47-inch 2340 x 1080 dual curved AMOLED screen with a notch at the top. Thanks to the 1080p resolution of the display, the phone\u2019s huge 5,260mAh battery should be able to return excellent battery life.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mi Note 10 include a 32MP f/2.0 front-facing camera, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, 128GB of non-expandable storage, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi Note 10 will be available in Europe in a single 128GB + 6GB variant, which is priced at 549 euro (about RM2,515). If you want more storage, there\u2019s the Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Pro; it\u2019s virtually identical to the standard edition, but it comes with 256GB of storage, 8GB of RAM, and the 108MP sensor has an 8P lens. The Pro model goes for 649 euro (approximately RM2,975).\n\n\nDo note that these prices for the European market include VAT, so expect the Mi Note 10 and Mi Note 10 Pro to be more affordable in countries outside of the region. Given that the smartphone has already been registered with SIRIM, we reckon it will be launched in Malaysia very, very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dji-mavic-mini-lightweight-drone-now-available-in-malaysia-from-rm1599/", "title": "DJI Mavic Mini Lightweight Drone Now Available in Malaysia from RM1,599", "body": "\n\nDJI just launched a new drone for the Malaysian market, the DJI Mavic Mini. As its name suggests, the Mavic Mini is DJI\u2019s smallest and lightest drone yet. Despite its small size, it\u2019s actually quite a capable drone, and it doesn\u2019t cost all that much either.\n\n\nObviously, one of the \u201cbiggest\u201d appeals of the Mavic Mini is its portability. Weighing only 249g, it is light enough to be categorised under the safest category of drones. In fact, it doesn\u2019t even need to be registered under the Federal Aviation Administration in the US.\n\n\nOn top of that, the legs of the Mavic Mini can also be folded, making it a lot easier to store in your backpack.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven the lightweight nature of the Mavic Mini, flight time of the portable drone is quite impressive. On a single battery pack, the Mavic Mini can return up to 30 minutes of use. Besides that, you can control the drone either with the dedicated remote controller or the DJI Fly app.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the Mavic Mini doesn\u2019t offer 4K video recording. Instead, it can capture 2.7K videos at 30fps. If you want to shoot in 1080p instead, the drone can shoot at that resolution at 60fps. Still photos, on the other hand, are limited to 12MP shots. Of course, the camera on the drone is stabilised with a three-axis motorised gimbal.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s talk about the DJI Fly app. According to the drone maker, the app allows you to do a couple of neat tricks with the Mavic Mini, making it easy to \u201ccreate stunning cinematic content.\u201d These are called QuickShots, which are pre-programmed flight manoeuvres.\n\n\nDJI outlined a number of QuickShots you can do with the Mavic Mini. One of them is Helix: the drone will fly upwards and away, \u201cspiraling around your subject\u201d as it does that. It\u2019s a neat shooting mode for those who want an overall shot of their surroundings, and you can even set the height limit of the shot to 40, 60, 80, or 120 feet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe DJI Mavic Mini is now available for pre-order in Malaysia from VSTECS\u2019 resellers and DJI authorised retailers. The drone is offered in two packages: the standard bundle offers the Mavic Mini itself, the remote controller, one battery, and one set of extra propellers for RM1,599.\n\n\nBut if you want more value for money, it\u2019s worth going for the Fly More combo. It adds on a 360-degree Propeller Cage, the Two-Way Charging Hub \u2013 it can charge up to three batteries at once \u2013 two additional batteries, three sets of extra propellers, and a carrying case for RM1,999.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThose who pre-order the Mavic Mini will receive the drone as early as next week. Accessories for the drone, on the other hand, will be available for pre-order at the end of this month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-9x-coming-to-malaysia-very-soon/", "title": "Honor 9X Coming to Malaysia \u201cVery Soon\u201d", "body": "\n\nThe Honor 9X was introduced in China back in July, but it wasn\u2019t until October that the device was introduced in the European market. Well, according to Honor Malaysia, the mid-range smartphone is expected to be launched on our shores \u201cvery soon.\u201d\n\n\nHowever, no specific launch date for the Honor 9X was given by the phone maker, but if we were to take a guess, there\u2019s a good chance the device will be introduced here sometime this month. After all, it\u2019s been a while since Honor launched a new smartphone locally; the last phone the company unveiled here was the \nHonor 20 Pro\n.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the Honor 9X particularly interesting it its all-screen design. Thanks to the use of a 16MP f/2.2 pop-up motorised camera, there\u2019s no need to make room for the selfie camera on the front of the phone. As a result, you don\u2019t have any notch or hole-punch cutout on the 6.59-inch 2340 x 1080 IPS FullView display.\n\n\nWhile the 1080p display doesn\u2019t sound particularly impressive, it will help with battery life. Considering the fact that the Honor 9X has a generous 4,000mAh battery, it should be able to offer above average battery life. Plus, Honor smartphones are \ngenerally quite long-lasting\n.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re wondering, yes, the Honor 9X will come with Google\u2019s full suite of apps and services, including the Play Store, YouTube, Google Maps, and so on. It\u2019s really quite interesting, given Huawei\u2019s \u2013 and by extension, Honor\u2019s \u2013 \ncurrent debacle with the US government\n.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Honor 9X sports a triple camera system. The primary shooter is a 48MP f/1.8 unit, which uses pixel binning to improve camera performance. As a result, the phone outputs 12MP images. The other two sensors, on the other hand, are 8MP f/2.4 super-wide angle and 2MP f/2.4 depth cameras.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Honor 9X include 6GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot \u2013 it can accommodate cards up to 512GB \u2013 a rear fingerprint sensor, and EMUI 9.1 based on Android 9 Pie out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor 9X, as mentioned, will be coming to Malaysia very soon. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the local availability of the mid-range smartphone. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how much the phone will cost here; it goes for 299 euro in the European market, which comes up to about RM1,365. Also, stay tuned for our hands-on of the Honor 9X!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/micron-insight-2019-what-you-need-to-know/", "title": "Micron Insight 2019 \u2013 What You Need to Know", "body": "\n\nMicron Insight 2019 saw the announcement of several interesting products from the company. These range from enterprise solutions like the \nMicron X100 SSD\n \u2013 this is Micron\u2019s very first product to use 3D XPoint technology \u2013 to more consumer-oriented ones like the \nCrucial X8 Portable SSD\n.\n\n\nIn case you missed our coverage of the event, here\u2019s what you need to know about Micron Insight 2019 \u2013 more specifically, storage products unveiled by the company.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMicron X100\n\n\nWhat makes the Micron X100 SSD particularly interesting is the fact that it offers more than 9GBps bandwidth in read, write, and mixed workloads. Thanks to this extremely fast performance, Micron is touting the X100 \u201cthe world\u2019s fastest SSD.\u201d This performance figure is made possible by the use of 3D XPoint technology, which was co-developed by Micron and Intel.\n\n\nWithout a doubt the Micron X100 is a very impressive SSD, but it is made only for enterprise use like data centres at this point in time. In fact, the X100 is only available in limited sampling with selected customers this quarter.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHowever, we did speak to Micron\u2019s Vice President of emerging memory, Bob Brennan, on the possibility of 3D XPoint technology tricking down to consumer products. While Brennan emphasised Micron\u2019s focus on using the tech for enterprise applications, there\u2019s a chance it will eventually be implemented in consumer products in the future.\n\n\nAfter all, as 3D XPoint technology matures (and prices are brought down), it\u2019s only a matter of time before it\u2019s available to general consumers.\n\n\nCrucial X8\n\n\nUnlike the Micron X100, the Crucial X8 Portable SSD is a consumer product. Encased in a unibody core made out of anodised aluminium, this SSD feels very solid; the finish is also nice to the touch. On top of that, it can also survive drops up to 7.5 feet, though this is limited to carpeted floors.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerformance wise, the Crucial X8 has a sequential read speeds of up to 1,050MBps, which should be more than enough for most consumers. This is especially the case for those who plan to use the portable SSD with their gaming consoles to store games.\n\n\nThe Crucial X8 Portable SSD is available in two capacities: 500GB and 1TB for $120 (about RM495) and $190 (approximately RM785) respectively. Obviously, the 1TB model offers better value for money, and it comes with a three-year limited warranty. Curious to learn more? Check out \nour hands-on of the Crucial X8\n.\n\n\nMicron 7300 & 5300 Series SSDs\n\n\nLast but certainly not least are the Micron 7300 and 5300 series of enterprise SSDs. The 7300 SSDs are low-power NVMe drives that use Micron\u2019s latest 96-layer 3D TLC NAND flash memory, so the maximum capacity can be increased while retaining the same physical size.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Micron 5300 series, they are touted as the first enterprise SATA SSDs to be built on the company\u2019s 96-layer 3D TLC NAND; the 5200 series, its predecessor, only used 64-layer 3D TLC. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the Micron 7300 and 5300, click \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/readyset-heroes-quick-review-diamond-in-the-rough/", "title": "ReadySet Heroes Quick Review: Diamond in the Rough", "body": "\n\nIf you like dungeon crawler games, you would\u2019ve probably heard of ReadySet Heroes. Developed by Robot Entertainment and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, it\u2019s touted as a \u201cfast-paced multiplayer dungeon crawler that packs a big twist.\u201d\n\n\nUnfortunately, the multiplayer aspect of ReadySet Heroes could use some work, and while the \u201cbig twist\u201d offers some potential, other aspects of the game can get downright frustrating.\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nAs mentioned, ReadySet Heroes is a dungeon crawler. There are two game modes: Tower Crawl (basically the single player mode) and Crawl N\u2019 Brawl, which can be played online or locally. Once you\u2019ve chosen the game mode, you pick one of six characters \u2013 four more need to be unlocked by completing certain challenges \u2013 and you\u2019ll be thrown right into the game.\n\n\n\n\nTower Crawl is a local-only mode; up to two players can cooperate to clear 30 randomly generated rooms, and you\u2019ve only got three lives. As you progress to new rooms, they get progressively more difficult, and you\u2019ll meet four different bosses too. You may even stumble upon \u201csecret rooms\u201d that offer extra loot.\n\n\nOnce you\u2019ve cleared a room, you\u2019ll get a chest that offer a number of things: weapons, equipment, gears, or spells. Each of them have different rarities too, ranging from Common to Legendary, though the game doesn\u2019t really explain how rarity impacts the gameplay.\n\n\nOh, as you progress through the game, you can break barrels and kill enemies to gather \u201cgems\u201d of different colours, which improve your stats accordingly. Red gems, for example, increase your attack power.\n\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s generally what Tower Crawl is all about. Crawl N\u2019 Brawl, on the other hand, works on the same premises, but there\u2019s a timer. Once it counts down to zero, all players duke it out in a mini-game to determine the winner. However, I only managed to play very little of this mode \u2013 I\u2019ll elaborate more on this further down this review.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nAlthough the characters you choose in ReadySet Heroes do not impact the gameplay, the different weapons you get from chests do. There are five weapons in the game: Sword, Axe, Staff, Daggers, and\u2026a Lute. No kidding, you can use the musical instrument as a weapon in this game.\n\n\nEach of these weapons have their own unique attacks and animations. All weapons have a normal three-hit attack, and you can tap and hold on the attack button to unleash a charged attack. With the Sword, for example, a charged attack is a 360-degree roundslash.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, there is also a secondary attack. Again, let\u2019s take the Sword as an example. Once I\u2019ve activated the secondary attack, the character will hold a pose. If I\u2019m attacked in this pose, the character will perform a counterattack. As you probably can tell by now, the Sword is my favourite weapon.\n\n\nWhile ReadySet Heroes isn\u2019t the most impressive-looking game graphically, I do like the cute art style with bright and vibrant colours. On top of that, I didn\u2019t face any performance issue either \u2013 I played the game on a PlayStation 4 Pro system.\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, I do like the versatility of the weapons in ReadySet Heroes, though it\u2019s too bad this is affected by RNG. This is especially the case if you\u2019re looking to get a specific weapon to suit your playstyle.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nUnfortunately, there are quite a number of things that aren\u2019t particularly great about ReadySet Heroes, and the multiplayer aspect is the worst offender. See, it\u2019s \nextremely \ndifficult to be matched with anyone online, with the matchmaking process often timing out.\n\n\nThere are a couple of times where I did manage to get into a Crawl N\u2019 Brawl with a couple of players, but even then the connection quality wasn\u2019t great; I even got disconnected in one match. Really, it got to the point where \u201conline multiplayer\u201d almost feels like a redundant feature in this game.\n\n\nSwitching over to local multiplayer isn\u2019t any better either, no thanks to the split-screen with huge black bars, leaving a rather small screen for each player.\n\n\nMatchmaking times out after 10 minutes\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the RNG aspect of ReadySet Heroes, which impacts the game a little bit too much. Depending on your luck, you may get better equipment earlier in your Tower Crawl run, much later, or never at all. In fact, the game gets a lot easier if you manage to acquire the most powerful item in the game: the \nShovel\n gear. Without this one item, I doubt I could finish the Tower Crawl mode.\n\n\nWhat makes the Shovel such a broken item is the fact that it can dig up gems to power up your character accordingly. Since there is no time limit in Tower Crawl mode, you can just slowly dig up for gems until all of your attributes are maxed out.\n\n\n\n\nNo, it\u2019s not fun and it\u2019s time-consuming, but without this, it\u2019s pretty difficult to clear all 30 room, given that gems are only dropped by slain enemies and breaking barrels. It also doesn\u2019t help that health potions drop very rarely, which is also the \nonly\n way to heal up. Did I mention it\u2019s also possible to get potions with the Shovel?\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the fact that ReadySet Heroes doesn\u2019t really teach you how to play the game. When I started my first match, it took me a while to figure out the controls. If I hadn\u2019t go through the menu to look at the controls, I probably wouldn\u2019t know about the secondary attack.\n\n\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nReadySet Heroes it not a \nbad\n game, per se: it just needs more polishing here and there to really shine. If the online multiplayer actually worked, and the RNG isn\u2019t so punishing, it can actually be a really fun game to play with friends and families.\n\n\n\n\nIn its current state, ReadySet Heroes is a hard game to recommend, even if it costs \nonly RM79 on the PlayStation Store\n. But for what it\u2019s worth, it felt \nvery\n satisfying when I finally managed to clear the Tower Crawl mode. I can definitely see myself getting back into the game occasionally to just relax and wind down.\n\n\nMaybe I can finally enjoy a proper online match then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-sony-wh-1000xm3-now-only-rm864/", "title": "Deal: Sony WH-1000XM3 Now Only RM864", "body": "\n\nOne of the biggest online sales is finally upon us. For 11.11, one retailer on Shopee is offering an extremely good deal for the Sony WH-1000XM3 wireless headphones: it can be yours \nfor only RM864 now\n.\n\n\nNeedless to say, RM864 is an absolute \nsteal\n for the WH-1000XM3, which is easily one of the best wireless headphones with active noise cancellation. This promotion is offered by Preferred Shopee retailer C Plus Digital, so rest assured, this is a legitimate deal.\n\n\nIn order to reduce the price down to RM864, just claim the RM35 discount voucher from C Plus Digital.\n\n\n\n\nAt the time of writing, there are only \nfour\n units of the Sony WH-1000XM3 in stock. If you want to grab it \nfor only RM864\n, act fast!\n\n\nUpdate 11 November, 1:30AM:\n Not surprisingly, the deal above sold out very quickly! Afraid not, we still managed to find some good prices for the WH-1000XM3. Shopee retailer Stars Picker is offering the headphones \nfor only RM989\n, but if you want a Preferred seller instead, renowned retailer All IT is listing it for \nslightly more at RM999\n. Be quick if you want these deals!\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-9x-hands-on-sleek-budget-friendly-smartphone/", "title": "Honor 9X Hands-On: Sleek, Budget-Friendly Smartphone", "body": "\n\nAffordable smartphones aren\u2019t usually very sleek-looking devices, but the same doesn\u2019t apply to the Honor 9X. Thanks to its use of a pop-up camera module, there\u2019s no need for a cutout on the front of the phone to fit in the selfie camera. The result? A smartphone with a sleek, all-screen design.\n\n\nIf Honor Malaysia prices the Honor 9X right for our market, this may be the ideal device for those who want a handsome-looking smartphone that doesn\u2019t break the bank \u2013 other aspects of the phone are reasonably good too.\n\n\n\n\nSince design is one of the Honor 9X\u2019s strongest suits, let\u2019s start with that. As mentioned, the phone\u2019s 6.59-inch 2340 x 1080 IPS FullView display is free of any notch or hole-punch cutout, giving it a sleek, modern aesthetic. That being said, the bezels surrounding the screen are a little bit too thick for my liking, especially right below the display.\n\n\nBesides that, the quality of the 6.59-inch 1080p display itself is quite alright. While it\u2019s not a fancy AMOLED panel, the IPS screen is good enough for a device at this price point. It can get reasonably bright, it has good colour reproduction, and the viewing angles are decent.\n\n\n\n\nBuild quality of the Honor 9X is surprisingly solid for an affordable device. Not only does the curved glass back feels great to the touch, it also improves the ergonomics of the phone. I can\u2019t quite discern if the frame is made out of plastic or metal (I suspect it\u2019s the former), but it certainly doesn\u2019t feel cheap at all.\n\n\nUnlike most smartphones in the market now, the Honor 9X is still sticking with a conventional capacitive fingerprint sensor on the back of the phone. While it doesn\u2019t sound quite as impressive on paper, I\u2019m sure there are folks that still prefer this kind of sensor over an in-screen one. I certainly do, especially at this price point.\n\n\n\n\nSee, even though in-screen fingerprint sensors are becoming increasingly common in more affordable smartphones, they\u2019re not particularly\u2026fast or accurate. With that in mind, I\u2019d gladly settle for the rear fingerprint sensor of the 9X. It is fast, accurate, and I can even slide down on it to pull down the notification shade.\n\n\nAnother hardware that\u2019s worth a mention is the battery capacity of the Honor 9X. Featuring a generous 4,000mAh battery, I\u2019m positive this phone can return \nat the very least\n a full day of use. After all, the 1080p display shouldn\u2019t consume too much power.\n\n\n\n\nGiven Huawei\u2019s \nongoing debacle with the US government\n \u2013 which also affects Honor, given the relationship between the two brands \u2013 the Honor 9X still ships with Google\u2019s full suite of apps and services. These include the all-important Google Play Store, YouTube, Google Maps, Gmail, and so on.\n\n\nPart of the reason why the Honor 9X still has access to Google\u2019s services is simple: it\u2019s actually\u2026an upgraded version of Huawei\u2019s existing smartphone. It carries the model number STK-LX3, which is shared with the Huawei Y9 Prime 2019. In retrospect, this is very similar to the relationship between the \nHuawei Nova 5T\n and \nHonor 20\n \u2013 these two are one and the same phone.\n\n\nAs for the software experience itself, it\u2019s decent. The Honor 9X runs on EMUI 9.1 based on Android 9 Pie out of the box, and it feels lightweight and responsive.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we\u2019ve got the triple camera system of the Honor 9X. Unlike the Y9 Prime 2019, the 9X swaps out the 16MP f/1.8 main sensor for a more sophisticated 48MP f/1.8 shooter, which uses pixel binning for improved camera performance. As a result, this phone outputs 12MP images with the primary sensor.\n\n\nAs for the other two camera sensors, they are unchanged. There\u2019s still an 8MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor to simulate bokeh effects. The pop-up motorised selfie camera, on the other hand, is a 16MP f/2.2 unit.\n\n\n\n\nSo how is the camera performance of the Honor 9X? Well, it\u2019s\u2026decent. The camera interface is relatively responsive, autofocus speeds aren\u2019t too bad, and it can adjust for proper exposure pretty quickly. However, detail preservation isn\u2019t very good; even more so for the 8MP ultra-wide angle camera.\n\n\nThen again, I\u2019ve only spent a brief time photographing with the Honor 9X. It\u2019s only fair to reserve judgment until I\u2019ve put the triple camera system of the phone through its paces in a full review. For what it\u2019s worth, I reckon its camera performance is in line with other smartphones in this price range.\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor 9X is a handsome, affordable mid-range smartphone, though the  pricing of the device for our market has not been revealed yet. Chances are, it should be priced below the RM1,000 mark. After all, the Huawei Y9 Prime 2019 only retailed at RM899 when it was launched here.\n\n\nLocal launch of the Honor 9X is said to be happening\n \u201cvery soon,\u201d\n so it wouldn\u2019t be far-fetched to assume that the smartphone will be arriving in Malaysia sometime this month. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the availability of the Honor 9X here \u2013 it could be the mid-ranger to get if priced right.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-9x-launching-in-malaysia-21-november/", "title": "Honor 9X Launching in Malaysia 21 November", "body": "\n\nAfter much teasing, we finally know exactly when the \nHonor 9X\n will be coming to Malaysia. Set to be launched here on 21 November, it\u2019ll be interesting to see how much the mid-range smartphone will cost on our shores.\n\n\nAs a point of comparison, the Honor 9X retails at 299 euro in the European market, which comes up to about RM1,365. However, given that this pricing includes VAT, it should be more affordable in other markets like Malaysia. In fact, we reckon the 9X will be priced below the RM1,000 mark.\n\n\n\n\nAfter all, the Honor 9X is actually based on an existing smartphone in our market. That\u2019s right, it\u2019s almost identical to the Huawei Y9 Prime 2019, which went for RM899 at launch. As mentioned in \nour hands-on of the 9X\n, both smartphones share the same STK-LX3 model number.\n\n\nThat\u2019s also one reason how the Honor 9X still ships with Google\u2019s range of services and apps despite \nHuawei\u2019s ongoing fiasco with the US government\n. These include the indispensable Play Store, YouTube, Google Maps, Gmail, and so on. Rest assured, you\u2019ll get the full Android experience with this smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nDespite its similarities with the Huawei Y9 Prime 2019, the Honor 9X does have one distinct difference: it comes with a more sophisticated triple camera system, thanks to the 48MP f/1.8 main shooter. The other two sensors remain unchanged, including an 8MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor.\n\n\nWhat about the selfie camera? Well, the 16MP f/2.2 front-facing shooter is hidden right behind the display via a pop-up mechanism. As a result, the whole front of the Honor 9X has a sleek, all-screen design. There\u2019s no \nnotch or hole-punch cutout\n to distract your viewing experience.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Honor 9X has a rather sizeable 6.59-inch 2340 x 1080 IPS FullView display. Sure, the 1080p resolution doesn\u2019t sound particularly enticing, but it will help in the battery life department. Packing a generous 4,000mAh cell, this phone should be able to return above average battery life.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Honor 9X include 6GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot (it can accommodate cards up to 512GB), a rear fingerprint sensor, and EMUI 9.1 based on Android 9 Pie out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor 9X will make its Malaysian debut on 21 November next week. Hopefully, it will retail below the RM1,000 mark \u2013 it should make for an interesting mid-range smartphone if it is priced as such.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-incredibly-light-acer-swift-5-arriving-in-malaysia-19-november/", "title": "The Incredibly Light Acer Swift 5 Arriving in Malaysia 19 November", "body": "\n\nInitially \nunveiled at IFA 2019\n a couple of months back, the new \nAcer Swift 5\n is now confirmed to be coming to Malaysia on 19 November. Weighing merely 990g, the Swift 5 is easily one of the lightest productivity laptops in the market now.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the Swift 5 tips the scales at only 990g, which is ridiculously light for a 14-inch laptop. I\u2019ve \nspent a brief time with the Swift 5\n back in September, and just holding up the laptop felt unreal. It\u2019s really quite impressive just how lightweight this machine is.\n\n\n\n\nDespite weighing so little, the Swift 5 doesn\u2019t compromise on performance: it\u2019s powered by Intel\u2019s latest 10th generation Ice Lake chips, with the highest-end configuration being the Core i7-1065G7 processor. On top of that, it also has an Nvidia GeForce MX250 GPU or Intel\u2019s integrated Iris Pro Graphics.\n\n\nAlthough the MX250 GPU isn\u2019t awfully powerful, it should be more than capable to run a number of games like Dota, \nDiablo III\n, and even Fortnite \u2013 with reduced graphics settings \u2013 at a reasonable frame rate. Plus, for a laptop this lightweight and thin, it\u2019s pretty impressive how Acer managed to fit in an MX250 into the chassis.\n\n\nOh, right, the Swift 5 measures only 14.95mm thin. Thankfully enough, despite the slim chassis, this productivity laptop still comes with a good selection of ports. It has two full-size USB-A ports, a USB-C connection with Thunderbolt 3 support, and an HDMI output.\n\n\n\n\nThanks to the thin bezels surrounding the 14-inch 1080p IPS touch display, the Swift 5 looks like a proper, modern productivity laptop; the overall footprint of the laptop is reduced accordingly too. When I tested the Swift 5 a couple of months back, the display certainly looks pleasant with a good level of brightness and punchy colours.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Swift 5 include up to 512GB of SSD storage, a fingerprint reader, and an impressive quoted battery life of up to 12.5 hours. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if it can really deliver this level of battery life in a full review of the laptop.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Swift 5 will be launched in Malaysia next week on 19 November. There\u2019s no word yet on exactly how much it will cost on our shores, but for the US market, this laptop retails from $900 \u2013 that\u2019s about RM3,730. If the Swift 5 retails in the same price range here, it would be quite the attractive productivity machine.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-fold-hands-on-the-first-mainstream-foldable-phone/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Fold Hands-On: The First Mainstream Foldable Phone", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Fold is finally here in Malaysia, and despite the \nrocky launch earlier this year\n, it is basically the first mainstream foldable smartphone that you can buy right now. Without a doubt the Fold is a technological marvel; who knew foldable smartphones would become a reality this soon?\n\n\nHowever, as it has always been with new technology, the Galaxy Fold does have its fair share of shortcomings. I got my hands on the foldable phone, and while it\u2019s an impressive device, it\u2019s not the most practical one.\n\n\n\n\nAs its name suggests, the Galaxy Fold has a foldable display. On the outside, it has a more conventional (and tiny) 4.6-inch 1680 x 720 Super AMOLED display with a tall 21:9 aspect ratio. But once you\u2019ve \u201cunfolded\u201d the Fold, you\u2019ll be greeted by the stunning 7.3-inch 2152 x 1536 Dynamic AMOLED \u201cInfinity Flex\u201d display.\n\n\nWhile the 7.3-inch display sounds big, it has a squarer 4.2:3 aspect ratio, so the Galaxy Fold has the form factor of a small tablet. It\u2019s small enough to hold with only one hand comfortably, and the whole device doesn\u2019t feel particularly unwieldy either.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, as the whole display folds when you close the Galaxy Fold, there is a crease running down the middle of the 7.3-inch screen. Looking straight at the display, you won\u2019t notice the crease, but you\u2019ll definitely see it at an angle. Is this a huge issue? Not really, given that it\u2019s almost invisible in normal use.\n\n\nWhat is \npotentially\n a huge issue is the long-term durability of the Galaxy Fold\u2019s polymer screen (which is basically plastic). Before you can even use the device, there\u2019s a disclaimer in the setup process detailing how to take care of the display; it\u2019s quite an exhaustive list.\n\n\n\n\nIn fact, one of it even warns users to avoid pressing hard on the screen. This could result in indentations on the display, especially if your fingernails are in contact with the soft, plastic screen. If you want to keep your RM8,388 phone in pristine condition, consider cutting your fingernails on a regular basis.\n\n\nThankfully, the Galaxy Fold comes with a Premier Service that offers a number of benefits. The most important one is the Care Pack Coverage: those who registered their Galaxy Fold with Samsung Members will receive a one-time accidental screen crack replacement or repair within a year from the date of purchase.\n\n\nAs for the screen quality itself, it\u2019s fantastic. After all, the primary display is a Dynamic AMOLED panel. It supports HDR10+ standard, so it has deep blacks, very vibrant colours, and excellent brightness.\n\n\n\n\nOkay, enough with the Galaxy Fold\u2019s flexible display; what about other aspects of the phone? Well, the build quality of the hinge, for one, is really quite impressive. It feels solid whenever I open up the phone, and it closes with a reassuring \u201cthud,\u201d thanks to the use of strong magnets. Rest assured, the phone won\u2019t accidentally open up once you\u2019ve closed it.\n\n\nHowever, with the Galaxy Fold closed, it\u2019s\u2026a very thick device. The hinge part is 17mm thick, while the other side measures 15.2mm. It can still fit into my jeans pocket, but there will be a pronounced bulge. Besides that, there\u2019s also a tiny gap when the device is closed \u2013 the screen simply cannot fold completely flat.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to performance, the Galaxy Fold is a fast, zippy smartphone. It\u2019s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset \u2013 the Fold only uses this chip worldwide \u2013 and while it\u2019s not quite as fast as the Snapdragon 855+, it\u2019s still a very capable chip.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy Fold include 12GB of RAM, 512GB of non-expandable storage, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, two front-facing cameras (10MP main + 8MP depth) at the top right corner of the main screen, another 10MP selfie camera above the 4.6-inch outside display, and a 4,380mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\nWhat about the camera performance of the Galaxy Fold? Given that this phone has the exact same triple camera system as the \nSamsung Galaxy S10\n (12MP primary + 16MP ultra-wide angle + 12MP telephoto), it should have similar camera performance too. If it does, the Fold will be able to take good-looking shots regardless of lighting condition.\n\n\nOf course, I\u2019ll definitely put the Galaxy Fold\u2019s camera system through its paces in a full review, though I\u2019m positive it won\u2019t disappoint in this particular aspect. After all, the camera performance of Samsung\u2019s flagship smartphones rarely disappoints.\n\n\n\n\nInnovation in the smartphone space is always exciting, and the Samsung Galaxy Fold is easily one of the most innovative \u2013 and experimental \u2013 devices to come from the Korean company. While the long-term durability of the flexible screen is concerning, the Fold certainly has the \u201cwow\u201d factor. How cool is it to be able to fold your smartphone in half?\n\n\nThen again, you will be paying a hefty amount of money for the Galaxy Fold; RM8,388, to be specific. Not only is it a costly smartphone, you\u2019ll have to take very good care of the device (even more so with the main display) too.\n\n\n\n\nIf that sounds manageable to you, the Galaxy Fold will be one of the most unique and awe-inspiring smartphones you\u2019ll ever use; at least, at this point in time. I\u2019ll be using the Fold as my daily driver for the next few days, and I can\u2019t wait to see how well it would fare, especially in terms of durability.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-zenbook-pro-duo-costs-up-to-rm15999/", "title": "Asus ZenBook Pro Duo & ZenBook Duo Now in Malaysia; Costs up to RM15,999", "body": "\n\nAsus just launched the \nAsus ZenBook Pro Duo\n and ZenBook Duo in Malaysia. What makes these two laptops particularly interesting is the ScreenPad Plus secondary display, which is placed right above the keyboards of both machines. It may sound like a gimmick, but it could just be the tool some creative professionals need.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the higher-end offering of the two, the aptly named ZenBook Pro Duo. It features a wide 14-inch 3840 x 1100 ScreenPad Plus secondary display, a stunning 15.6-inch 4K OLED display, and two processor options: an Intel Core i7-9750H or a beefier Core i9-9980HK chip.\n\n\n\n\nIn the graphics department, the ZenBook Pro Duo comes with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 GPU. While an Nvidia Quadro GPU would be better suited for creative professionals \u2013 the target audience of this laptop \u2013 the RTX 2060 will still do. After all, you can do some gaming on the side with this GPU instead of a Quadro solution.\n\n\nOther specifications of the ZenBook Pro Duo include 32GB of RAM, a 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD, two USB-A ports, a USB-C connection, and one HDMI output. Surprisingly enough, this laptop has a limited connectivity options despite its large chassis.\n\n\nPricing wise, the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo retails at RM12,999 and a whopping RM15,999 for the Core i7 and Core i9 models respectively. Yes, it\u2019s a costly laptop.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want something more affordable, there\u2019s the ZenBook Duo. Not only does it cost less, it\u2019s also a much more portable laptop, thanks to its compact form factor. After all, it has a smaller 14-inch 1920 x 1080 display and a 12.6-inch Full HD ScreenPad Plus secondary screen. That\u2019s right, it also has a screen above the keyboard like its higher-end sibling.\n\n\nHowever, given its lower price point, the ZenBook Duo isn\u2019t quite as powerful. It\u2019s only powered by a Core i5-10210U or Core i7-10510U processor, and its GeForce MX250 GPU pales in comparison to the Pro Duo\u2019s much beefier RTX 2060.\n\n\nThen again, as mentioned, the ZenBook Duo is a more portable machine: it weighs only 1.5kg with a 19.9mm thin chassis. Compare this to the ZenBook Pro Duo, which tips the scales at 2.5kg, along with a thicker 24mm profile.\n\n\n\n\nTwo variants of the Asus ZenBook Duo are available in our market. The Core i5 model with 8GB of RAM goes for RM4,699, while the Core i7 variant with 16GB of RAM retails at RM5,699; both models also has a 512GB SSD. Just like the ZenBook Pro Duo, the ZenBook Duo is now available for purchase in Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-iconic-motorola-razr-is-back-with-a-foldable-display-snapdragon-710-but-should-you-get-it/", "title": "The Iconic Motorola Razr Is Back with a Foldable Display & Snapdragon 710, but Should You Get It?", "body": "\n\nEven though it has been leaked numerous times, it is finally official now: Motorola is bringing back one of its most iconic devices, the Motorola Razr flip phone. Of course, it has a modern twist to it: not only does it retain the clamshell design, it also has an \nimpressive\n foldable display now.\n\n\nUnlike other smartphones with a foldable screen, the Razr\u2019s display doesn\u2019t have any noticeable crease when opened. On top of that, the screen also closes completely flat even though it folds inwards. This feat alone is quite impressive, given that the \nSamsung Galaxy Fold\n with a similar foldable display still has a tiny gap when closed.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the display itself, it is a 6.2\u201d foldable pOLED \u2013 that\u2019s plastic OLED \u2013 display with a 2142 x 876 resolution. That\u2019s right, it only has a HD resolution, there\u2019s a wide notch at the top, and the tall 21:9 \u201cCinemaVision\u201d aspect ratio makes the Razr quite a tall smartphone. Then again, this is likely done on purpose to stay (relatively) true to the original Razr\u2019s design.\n\n\nOn the outside of the foldable phone is a smaller 2.7-inch \u201cgOLED\u201d 800 x 600 screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio; the G in the name stands for glass. Motorola dubs this screen Quick View, and even though it\u2019s quite a small screen, it can still show notifications you\u2019ve received. On top of that, you can even use it as a viewfinder to take selfies with the primary 16MP f/1.7 camera.\n\n\nNaturally, there is also a 5MP f/2.0 front-facing camera right above the main display if you want to take selfie shots with the phone unfolded.\n\n\n\n\nOn the bottom bezel of the Razr is a conventional capacitive fingerprint sensor; you are not getting any fancy in-screen fingerprint sensor with this foldable phone. Even though this doesn\u2019t sound very enticing on paper, physical sensors are still superior when it comes to speed and accuracy, so it\u2019s not all bad.\n\n\nWhat is \u201cbad\u201d is the chipset powering the Razr. Oddly enough, despite its premium positioning, this is not a flagship device: this phone is only powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 chipset. While this comfortably puts the Razr in the upper mid-range segment of smartphones, you won\u2019t be getting flagship-tier performance out of it.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s entirely possible Motorola decided to use the Snapdragon 710 instead of a more powerful (and power hungry) chipset: power consumption. See, the Razr only has a 2,510mAh battery, which is quite small for an Android smartphone. Thanks to the power-efficiency of the Snapdragon 710, the Razr may be able to provide good battery life.\n\n\nIn fact, Motorola itself claims that this battery capacity and processor combination is enough to provide all-day battery life. Of course, we will only know for sure once we have the Razr in for review; it\u2019ll be interesting to see just how long-lasting this phone would be.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the new Motorola Razr include 6GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, a USB-C port for charging \u2013 it can do 15W TurboPower fast charging \u2013 and get this: eSIM support. It\u2019s a very interesting feature, given that this phone has \nno physical SIM slot\n.\n\n\n\n\nHaving only eSIM support will limit the number of carriers that can potentially work with the Razr, which is definitely not a great thing. In fact, in the US, this phone is exclusive to Verizon. While there\u2019s no telling if the Razr will be locked down in other markets, there\u2019s certainly a good chance of that happening.\n\n\nBesides the lack of a physical SIM slot, what could potentially deter potential consumers from picking up the Razr is the camera capability. After all, Motorola smartphones of the past few years don\u2019t exactly offer incredible camera performance. On top of that, this phone only has a single camera sensor.\n\n\nIn a smartphone landscape where there are more sophisticated camera systems that are far more versatile \u2013 wide angle, zoom lens, you name it \u2013 the Razr certainly doesn\u2019t stand out here.\n\n\n\n\nEven if you are willing to overlook its camera performance and lack of a physical SIM slot, you cannot ignore the premium price tag of the Razr. For the US market, this foldable phone is set to go for a whopping $1,499 once it is available there sometime in January 2020. That comes up to about RM6,230.\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the new Motorola Razr only offers the performance of a mid-range smartphone with the Snapdragon 710 chipset, along with the aforementioned (potential) shortcomings above. Sure, the Razr is still a very sleek, unique smartphone with a very impressive foldable display, but you\u2019d have to live with a number of sacrifices just for that.\n\n\nIf you think you can, great: you\u2019ll likely be very happy with the Razr and its handsome looks. For the rest of us, it may be worth it to see how the phone is like to use once reviews are in.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/thin-light-acer-swift-5-lands-in-malaysia-from-rm3699/", "title": "Thin & Light Acer Swift 5 Lands in Malaysia from RM3,699", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019ve been looking to get a productivity laptop that\u2019s ridiculously lightweight and thin, you\u2019d want to check out the new \nAcer Swift 5\n. Now available for purchase in Malaysia, the Swift 5 tips the scales at only 990g; it\u2019s a very, \nvery\n light machine, thanks to the use of magnesium alloy.\n\n\nGiven that the Swift 5 is a 14-inch laptop, it\u2019s really quite incredible how light it is. Besides its lightweight chassis, this laptop also measures only 14.95mm thin. Despite its slim profile, the Swift 5 still has good connectivity options. It has two full-size USB-A ports, a USB-C connection with Thunderbolt 3 support, and an HDMI output.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the biggest possible issues with thin and light laptops like the Swift 5 is battery life, but Acer claims that this productivity machine can return up to 12.5 hours of use. That\u2019s a lofty estimate for any given laptop, and we\u2019ll definitely put this to the test in a full review of the Swift 5.\n\n\nIn the display department, the Swift 5 has a 14-inch 1080p IPS touch display with a matte finish, so glare shouldn\u2019t be an issue with this laptop. On top of that, the display quality itself is quite good too with punchy colours, wide viewing angles, and a good level of brightness.\n\n\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Acer Swift 5 comes in three distinct variants. The most affordable model retails at only RM3,699, and it comes with a Core i5-1035G1 processor paired with 8GB of RAM, 512GB of fast PCIe SSD storage, and Intel UHD Graphics. This variant is available in both Moonstone White and Charcoal Blue.\n\n\nA tier up is the RM3,999 Swift 5, which adds an Nvidia GeForce MX250 dedicated GPU for extra graphics performance. However, this particular model is only available in Moonstone White. If you want more processing power instead, there\u2019s the Core i7-1065G7 variant with 16GB of RAM and Intel Iris Plus Graphics. This model is priced at RM4,699, and it can only be purchased in Charcoal Blue.\n\n\n\n\nInterestingly, the Swift 5 is also pre-installed with genuine Microsoft Office 2019 worth RM529, which includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. If you use any of these applications, you won\u2019t have to purchase it with this laptop. Curious to learn more about the Swift 5? Then check out our hands-on of it \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-introduces-star-wars-inspired-galaxy-note-10-with-striking-red-accents/", "title": "Samsung Introduces Star Wars-Inspired Galaxy Note 10+ with Striking Red Accents", "body": "\n\nSamsung often give its flagship smartphones the special edition treatment over the course of their respective life cycles, and the latest device to get a fresh coat of paint is the \nSamsung Galaxy Note 10+\n. This time around, it\u2019s a collaboration with Star Wars, and the result is one mean-looking smartphone.\n\n\nDubbed Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ Star Wars Special Edition, this unique device is released to celebrate the upcoming release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Naturally, the special edition Note 10+ has a number of Star Wars-inspired aesthetics; more specifically, Kylo Ren.\n\n\n\n\nOn the back of this Galaxy Note 10+, for one, is the First Order emblem imprinted right in the middle of the phone. There\u2019s also the familiar Star Wars logo right below that, along with red accents around the camera lens and buttons of the device. Oh, even the S Pen is painted in striking red \u2013 almost like a lightsaber, in fact.\n\n\nInterestingly, Samsung is also bundling matching Galaxy Buds with the Star Wars-themed Galaxy Note 10+. While the Buds are no different from the normal black model, the inner part of the casing is red. Other items packaged together with the phone include an embossed leather case, a metal badge as a collector\u2019s item, as well as special Star Wars wallpapers, shutdown animations, icons, and sounds.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond these changes, this special edition Galaxy Note 10+ is no different from its regular counterpart. It still comes with a 6.8-inch 3040 x 1440 Dynamic AMOLED display \u2013 with a hole-punch cutout at the top of the screen \u2013 a Samsung Exynos 9825 octa-core chipset paired with 12GB of RAM, up to 512GB of expandable storage, and a 4,300mAh battery.\n\n\nOf course, even the camera configuration is the same. On the back, the triple camera system is made up of a 12MP f/1.5 \u2013 f/2.4 main shooter, a 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle camera, a 12MP f/2.1 telephoto lens, and a VGA DepthVision ToF sensor. As for the selfie camera, it\u2019s a 10MP f/2.2 shooter.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ Star Wars Special Edition will be available in selected markets like US, UK, Korea, Australia and Hong Kong from 10 December onwards; no word yet on the Malaysian availability of this smartphone. Pricing wise, this Star Wars-inspired Note 10+ retails at $1,300 in the US, which comes up to about RM5,405.\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about the Galaxy Note 10+, check out our comprehensive review of Samsung\u2019s latest flagship smartphone \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-ii-review-gaming-first-smartphone-second/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone II Review: Gaming First, Smartphone Second", "body": "\n\nGaming smartphones are tricky. On one hand, it has to offer features that meaningfully improve the mobile gaming experience. Whether it\u2019s in the form of better performance, faster display, or other gaming-centric features, there has to be \nsomething\n that sets gaming smartphones apart from \u201cmainstream\u201d options.\n\n\nBut on the other hand, gaming smartphones are still that: smartphones. I\u2019ve used the Asus ROG Phone II as my daily driver for a few weeks now, and while it\u2019s a fantastic gaming device, the smartphone aspect of it takes a back seat.\n\n\nSpecifications\n\n\nDisplay\n6.59-inch FHD+ AMOLED (2340 x 1080) 120Hz\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 855+ 2.96GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 640\nRAM\n12GB\nStorage\n512GB/1TB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n48MP f/1.8\n13MP f/2.4 (ultra-wide angle)\nCamera (front)\n24MP f/2.0\nBattery\n6,000mAh\nDimensions\n170.99 x 77.6 x 9.48 mm\nWeight\n240g\nOS\nROG UI based on Android 9 Pie\nConnectivity\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)\nUSB Type-C\n3.5mm headphone jack\nPrice\nRM3,499 (512GB), RM4,499 (1TB)\n\n\nWithout a doubt the ROG Phone II is a well-equipped gaming smartphone. The Snapdragon 855+ is Qualcomm\u2019s best chipset yet, it has a fast 120Hz display, and the 6,000mAh battery capacity is \nridiculously \ngenerous. If there\u2019s one thing you don\u2019t have to worry about this phone, it\u2019s battery life.\n\n\nOn top of that, even if the ROG Phone II lacks expandable storage, the base model for the Malaysian market still comes with 512GB of internal storage. In fact, you can even go up to a whopping 1TB if you wish to.\n\n\nDesign\n\n\nOne look at the ROG Phone II, and you\u2019ll immediately recognise it as a gaming smartphone, for better or worse. The ROG logo on the rear panel of the phone lights up \u2013 in RGB, of course \u2013 the back design has an aggressive styling, and it has two front-facing stereo speakers.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the ROG Phone II is also a large, heavy smartphone. To put this into context, this phone is taller and heavier than the \nSamsung Galaxy Note 10+\n, which is \nalready \na sizeable device. While I wouldn\u2019t say the ROG Phone II is too cumbersome to use on a daily basis, its sheer size and weight don\u2019t exactly make it a very ergonomic smartphone.\n\n\nOn the flip side, Asus\u2019 gaming smartphone does have solid build quality. The glass back and metal frame feel good to the touch (even if they are quite slippery), and the extra weight does give the impression of a premium smartphone, which it really is.\n\n\n\n\nOh, the ROG Phone II also has two USB-C ports on the left side of the phone, so it has a grand total of three USB-C connections. The side-mounted ports are meant to be used with Asus\u2019 range of accessories for the phone, but it can also be used to charge the phone when you\u2019re gaming.\n\n\nThis way, the charging cable won\u2019t be blocking your right hand when you are gaming on this phone. It\u2019s quite a thoughtful design that emphasises the phone\u2019s focus on mobile gamers.\n\n\nUser Experience\n\n\nOkay, so how is it like to game on the Asus ROG Phone II? Absolute bliss. The Snapdragon 855+ can keep up even in the most demanding of games, providing high and consistent frame rate in games that I\u2019ve tested with the phone. Either it\u2019s PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile, gaming on this phone is very, \nvery \nenjoyable.\n\n\n\n\nBut performance alone doesn\u2019t quite describe the whole gaming experience of the ROG Phone II: the AirTrigger buttons are what make it such a joy. Basically, there are two ultrasonic buttons on the right side of the phone that act as shoulder buttons, which can be configured to activate certain parts of the screen.\n\n\nSo what I can do is set the left AirTrigger to aim, and the right one to shoot, freeing my thumbs to control the camera and continue moving my character. It mimics the functionality of a physical gamepad, and it makes shooter games \na lot\n easier. In fact, it feels like\u2026an unfair advantage, if I were to be honest.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, you can also adjust the sensitivity of the AirTrigger buttons if you\u2019re having difficulty activating them, though I never had any trouble with this feature. It\u2019s almost as easy as pressing physical buttons \u2013 that\u2019s how good the AirTriggers are.\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s move on to the fast 120Hz 6.59-inch 1080p AMOLED display. It\u2019s a bright, vibrant display, and thanks to the high refresh rate, every element on the screen looks extremely smooth. Whether I\u2019m gaming or just using the phone for other tasks, the extra frames make a lot of difference. If you\u2019re transitioning from a \u201cconventional\u201d smartphone with a 60Hz display, you\u2019ll definitely notice the higher refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, for games to truly take advantage of the 120Hz display, they have to first support it. Thankfully, there are quite a number of games that can run at this frame rate, including Rayman Adventures (pictured above), Assassin\u2019s Creed Rebellion, Don\u2019t Starve, and even Vainglory. You can find the full list of games that support 120Hz in \nthis list prepared by Asus\n.\n\n\nWhen it comes to software, the ROG Phone II is quite interesting. When you\u2019re setting up the phone, you\u2019ll be prompted to \u201cchoose system style\u201d between the default ROG UI and Classic. Unfortunately, this change is only skin deep; they\u2019re basically different themes. It\u2019s not like you can choose between stock Android or Asus\u2019 own version of Android. \n\n\n\n\nBut, thankfully enough, ROG UI is very close to stock Android. Throughout my time with the phone, never did I encounter any major bug or issue with it. It feels lightweight, responsive, and there aren\u2019t that many bloatware either. There\u2019s also a game launcher of sorts that places all of your games in a single place.\n\n\nAnd then we\u2019ve got the ROG Phone II\u2019s incredible battery life courtesy of the large 6,000mAh cell. On average, I was getting between eight to nine hours of screen on time with this phone; not many devices can match this level of battery life. If you\u2019re a lighter smartphone user (and you set the refresh rate to 60Hz), I reckon you can get up to two days of usage out of this phone.\n\n\n\n\nAnother area where the ROG Phone II is quite impressive is the in-screen fingerprint sensor. A quick tap is enough to unlock the phone, and it can accurately recognise my fingerprint most of the time too. Sure, a conventional capacitive sensor is still quicker and more accurate, but this in-screen one isn\u2019t bad either.\n\n\nNext up is the camera performance of the ROG Phone II, which is\u2026surprisingly adequate.\n\n\nCamera\n\n\nGiven its focus on the gaming experience, I wasn\u2019t expecting much out of the ROG Phone II when it comes to photography. After all, it only has a dual camera system made up of a 48MP f/1.8 main shooter and a 13MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle camera. In a market where triple \u2013 or even quad \u2013 camera systems are commonplace on mobile devices, the ROG Phone II doesn\u2019t quite stand out.\n\n\n\n\nBut to my surprise, it can actually capture good-looking shots. Sure, the pictures can be quite oversaturated, but for the most part, they are pleasing to the eyes. Detail preservation is decent, colour reproduction isn\u2019t half bad, and it can lock in focus relatively quickly.\n\n\nHowever, nighttime photography is a bit of a hit-and-miss. The camera interface is more sluggish in less than ideal lighting \u2013 which also affects the autofocus speed \u2013 and the results can sometimes look\u2026dull with limited dynamic range. But given some time and patience, you \ncan \ncapture good night shots with this phone.\n\n\nJust don\u2019t expect it to be a painless experience.\n\n\n48MP primary\n13MP ultra-wide\n48MP primary\n13MP ultra-wide\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the ultra wide-angle sensor. It\u2019s a decent performer under good lighting, but it gets a lot worse in low light conditions; just look at the sample shots above. It can capture a good amount of detail in daytime, but in nighttime, the wide angle sensor has issues with noise control, detail preservation, and exposure.\n\n\nBut at the end of the day, the ROG Phone II \nis\n a gaming smartphone: camera performance is not exactly a priority here. For what it\u2019s worth, I do think this phone has above average camera performance, and the ultra wide-angle \u2013 even if it\u2019s not particularly great \u2013 can be useful to fit more subject into a frame.\n\n\nYes, you get definitely get better camera performance with other smartphones in this price range. But if photography is your priority, the ROG Phone II\u2026shouldn\u2019t even be in your list to begin with.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nRetailing from RM3,499 for the 512GB model (RM4,499 for the 1TB variant), the ROG Phone II is positioned slightly above the price range when compared with other gaming smartphones. At this price point, it has a number of noteworthy competition.\n\n\nNubia Red Magic 3S\n\n\nCompared to the ROG Phone II, the Nubia Red Magic 3S\u2019 much lower asking price gives it a distinct advantage. The 128GB model with 8GB of RAM goes for only RM2,299, while the 256GB variant with 12GB of RAM retails at RM2,899. This undercuts the ROG Phone II\u2019s starting price by RM1,200 \u2013 that\u2019s a big price gap.\n\n\nDespite its far more affordable price tag, the Red Magic 3S still has a Snapdragon 855+ chipset, so it should be able to offer the same level of gaming performance as the ROG Phone II. On top of that, the 3S also comes with two touch-sensitive shoulder buttons that are just like the ROG Phone II\u2019s AirTriggers.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the ROG Phone II does still offer a number of advantages over the Red Magic 3S. For one, the former\u2019s 120Hz display is faster than the 3S\u2019 6.65-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. You\u2019re also getting a bigger battery (6,000mAh instead of 5,000mAh), an in-screen fingerprint sensor, an ultra-wide angle camera, and far more storage capacity at 512GB.\n\n\nBlack Shark 2 Pro\n\n\nAnother decent alternative is the \nBlack Shark 2 Pro\n. Just like the ROG Phone II, this gaming smartphone is powered by a Snapdragon 855+ chipset, and it\u2019s more affordable too. It starts from RM2,499 for the 128GB + 8GB model, which goes up to RM2,999 for the 256GB + 12GB option.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, pricing is really the Black Shark 2 Pro\u2019s only advantage. After all, it only comes with a 6.39-inch 1080p AMOLED display locked at 60Hz, a smaller 4,000mAh battery, and the storage capacity is only limited to 256GB; even the base model of the ROG Phone II has twice the amount of space at 512GB.\n\n\nOn top of that, Black Shark\u2019s gaming smartphone doesn\u2019t  offer the utility of the ROG Phone II\u2019s AirTriggers either. At least, not without adding attachments to the phone.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone II is easily one of the most \u2013 if not \nthe\n most \u2013 complete gaming smartphones in the market now. It has a fast 120Hz display, excellent performance, incredibly long battery life, and the AirTriggers make gaming on this device \nthat\n much more fun and enjoyable.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, too much emphasis was given to the \u201cgaming\u201d aspect of this gaming smartphone. Its sheer size and weight can be a dealbreaker to those who prefer a more compact and ergonomic device, and the camera performance leaves much to be desired.\n\n\nHowever, there is no denying this: the ROG Phone II is a fantastic, no-compromise mobile gaming machine. If that\u2019s what you\u2019re looking for, look no further than the ROG Phone II. Even if its starting price is a little steep, you\u2019re getting a lot of value for your money here, especially with the generous amount of storage to store all of your games.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-9x-with-all-screen-design-arrives-in-malaysia-for-rm999/", "title": "Honor 9X with All-Screen Design Arrives in Malaysia for RM999", "body": "\n\nHonor just launched its latest mid-range smartphone in Malaysia, the \nHonor 9X\n. Featuring an all screen-design (thanks to the motorised pop-up selfie camera) and affordable price tag, the 9X is quite an interesting option for those looking to get a sleek Android smartphone that won\u2019t break the bank.\n\n\nGiven Huawei\u2019s \nongoing debacle with the US government\n \u2013 which also affects Honor, given the relationship between the two brands \u2013 many were wondering if the Honor 9X will still come with Google\u2019s suite of services and apps. Well, you don\u2019t have to worry about that: essential apps like the Google Play Store and YouTube are available on the 9X.\n\n\n\n\nSo why is the Honor 9X unaffected by the US government\u2019s sanction? Well, it\u2019s actually\u2026based on an existing smartphone. That\u2019s right, it\u2019s really a slightly upgraded Huawei Y9 Prime 2019. Both devices share the design and hardware \u2013 and model number \u2013 though the 9X does bring one notable upgrade in the camera department.\n\n\nInstead of the Y9 Prime 2019\u2019s 16MP f/1.8 main sensor in the triple camera system, the Honor 9X swapped out that camera for a more sophisticated 48MP f/1.8 shooter. The other two sensors, on the other hand, are still the same 8MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle shooter and 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor to simulate bokeh effects.\n\n\nThe selfie camera, on the other hand (which is hidden behind the display), is a 16MP f/2.2 unit.\n\n\n\n\nPowering the Honor 9X is a 12nm Kirin 710F chipset that should be able to offer reasonably good performance. It\u2019s also a relatively power-efficient 12nm chip, and paired with the 9X\u2019s generous 4,000mAh battery, expect to get above average battery life with this mid-ranger.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Honor 9X include a 6.59-inch 2340 x 1080 IPS display with an all-screen design, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, a rear fingerprint sensor, as well as a USB-C port.\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor 9X will be available for pre-order in Malaysia for RM999 from tomorrow onwards on 22 November; it will then be sold online on Shopee, Lazada, and Hihonor on 28 November. Interestingly, Honor is offering a number of deals if you pre-order the 9X online.\n\n\nThose who pre-order the Honor 9X on Hihonor and Lazada from 22 to 27 November will be able to purchase the Honor Sport Pro Bluetooth earphones (worth RM299) for only RM0.99. Alternatively, you can also opt to get the Honor Band 5 Sport instead with a gift box at no additional cost.\n\n\n\n\nIf you miss the pre-order period, you can still get the Honor 9X with a complimentary Band 5 Sport and gift box or add RM199 to get the Honor Sport Pro earphones. The latter offer is only valid until 1 December 2019.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-is-the-unreleased-honor-magicbook-14-and-its-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "This Is the Unreleased Honor MagicBook 14, and It\u2019s Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nHonor will be unveiling a number of new products in China on 26 November, and one of them is this laptop right here: the new Honor MagicBook 14. That\u2019s right, we managed to spend some time with the yet to be released laptop, and it\u2019s set to arrive in Malaysia soon.\n\n\nThe unreleased MagicBook 14 was shown to the media at the \nlaunch event\n of the \nHonor 9X\n. Although a Honor representative did not specifically tell us it\u2019s the new MagicBook 14, we\u2019re quite confident it is based on the design and size of the display. In fact, we found a listing of the laptop on Tmall with various images of the upcoming product.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, we don\u2019t have much info on what\u2019s under the hood of the MagicBook 14, but we \ndo know\n there will (at least) be a variant that comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 processor based on the sticker on the laptop. It remains to be seen if Honor will also use Intel processors for the MagicBook 14, though there\u2019s a good chance it is.\n\n\nWhat about the laptop itself? Well, we weren\u2019t allowed to power on the MagicBook 14 to really test it out, but we did manage to try out other aspects of the machine. The display, for one, has a matte finish, and we were told that it is not a touch-enabled screen. Just like Huawei\u2019s MateBook laptop, the webcam of the MagicBook 14 is also hidden underneath the keyboard in a pop-up mechanism. It\u2019s a clever piece of engineering.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the keyboard itself, it\u2019s decent. The keys don\u2019t have an awful lot of travel, so the typing experience is decidedly shallow. As a matter of fact, it\u2019s very similar to Apple\u2019s flat butterfly switch keyboard found on older MacBook laptops, though the MagicBook 14\u2019s keyboard does have slightly more travel in comparison.\n\n\nNow, despite the short key travel, I reckon I\u2019ll enjoy doing a lot of typing on the MagicBook 14\u2019s keyboard. Yes, it feels shallow, but I love how \u201clight\u201d the keys feel. It doesn\u2019t need a lot of force to actuate, tactile feedback is great, and the larger than usual key size makes it a lot easier to type accurately \u2013 for myself, anyway.\n\n\nRight below the keyboard is a relatively big trackpad. I wasn\u2019t able to try out the accuracy of the MagicBook 14\u2019s trackpad \u2013 given that we weren\u2019t allowed to switch it on \u2013 but it does have a smooth surface. This lets my fingers glide effortlessly on the trackpad, and it feels solid too when I press down on it.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of solid, the build quality of the MagicBook 14 is worth a mention as well. While the top lid flexes a bit with added pressure, the rest of the laptop feels very robust. Aside from the plastic bezel surrounding the display, other parts of the laptop are made out of metal.\n\n\nWhen it comes to port selection, the MagicBook 14 is adequately equipped. There are two full-size USB-A ports, a single USB-C connection \u2013 this should double as the charging port \u2013 an HDMI output, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. A decent connectivity option for a slim and light laptop.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, we still have no concrete release date for the new Honor MagicBook 14 in Malaysia, but we were told that the Chinese company is aiming to release the upcoming laptop locally sometime this year. We\u2019ll learn more about the MagicBook 14 once it is released in China next week on 26 November.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-note-10-series-launching-in-malaysia-3-december/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Series Launching in Malaysia 3 December", "body": "\n\nInitially launched earlier this month, the \nXiaomi Mi Note 10 series\n is set to arrive in Malaysia very, very soon. The Mi Note 10 is basically the global variant of the \nXiaomi Mi CC9 Pro\n, and both devices in the lineup are coming here, which include the standard Mi Note 10 and Mi Note 10 Pro.\n\n\nXiaomi Malaysia itself confirmed the local launch of the Mi Note 10 series on its Facebook page. It\u2019s a simple teaser, prompting consumers to \u201cstay tuned on 3rd December.\u201d Chances are, Xiaomi will launch the device then, though we haven\u2019t received any official invite yet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, Xiaomi Malaysia is also running a rather interesting contest for the Mi Note 10. You\u2019ll just need to make your way to Pavilion KL in Bukit Bintang, and take a selfie with the Mi Note 10 billboard. Once you\u2019ve done so, just upload your selfie to Facebook \nwith the appropriate hashtags\n to be in the running to win a Mi Note 10.\n\n\nOf course, you\u2019ll have to set the privacy setting of the post to Public to participate in the contest. On top of that, two winners will be selected to walk away with the new Mi Note 10, though Xiaomi Malaysia didn\u2019t elaborate on the selection criteria. Oh, this contest will also end on 6 December, so make sure to post your selfie before that date.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Mi Note 10 itself, it\u2019s a mid-range smartphone with an impressive penta camera system with a 108MP f/1.69 main sensor. The camera configuration also features two telephoto lenses: a 12MP f/2.0 telephoto sensor (50mm), and a longer 8MP f/2.0 telephoto camera (94mm).\n\n\nThanks to the combination of the two telephoto sensors, the Mi Note 10 can do 10x hybrid zoom or 50x digital zoom, which is really quite impressive. The other two camera sensors, on the other hand, are a 20MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter and a f/2.4 macro lens.\n\n\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Mi Note 10 include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G chipset paired with 6GB of RAM, a 6.47-inch 1080p dual curved AMOLED notched screen, a very generous 5,260mAh battery, a 32MP f/2.0 selfie camera, 128GB of non-expandable storage, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\nWhat about the Mi Note 10 Pro? Well, it\u2019s virtually identical to the standard edition, but it has double the internal storage at 256GB, 8GB of RAM, and the 108MP primary camera is packed with an 8P lens.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi Note 10 series is expected to be launched in Malaysia next month on 3 December. Given the sophisticated camera system, expect these two smartphones to cost slightly more than other Xiaomi devices, even if they are mid-rangers.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-wf-1000xm3-wireless-earbuds-quick-review-noise-cancelling-bliss/", "title": "Sony WF-1000XM3 Wireless Earbuds Quick Review: Noise-Cancelling Bliss", "body": "\n\nWireless earbuds with active noise cancellation aren\u2019t particularly common in the market now. In fact, besides the Sony WF-1000XM3 we have here, the only other notable alternative is the Apple AirPods Pro, which also costs quite a bit more at RM1,099.\n\n\nThat, in turn, makes the WF-1000XM3 particularly interesting. It is not priced exorbitantly at RM949, the active noise cancellation is good, and most importantly, it has very, very long battery life. If you want a pair of compact wireless earbuds that can drown out the outside world, consider the WF-1000XM3.\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe WF-1000XM3 wireless earbuds succeed the WF-1000X, which had its fair share of shortcomings. Compared to its predecessor, the XM3 brings a number of notable improvements. For one, it promises much, much longer battery life. Sony claims that these earbuds can return up to eight hours of usage on a single charge; six hours with noise-cancellation switched on.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, the charging case can also fully recharge the WF-1000XM3 three times. Effectively, you\u2019re getting up to 32 hours of play time with this pair of wireless earbuds. It\u2019s a \nvery \nimpressive battery life, and throughout my time with the earbuds, I didn\u2019t need to charge the case at all.\n\n\nAside from that, the connection strength of the WF-1000XM3 has been improved accordingly too. See, each earbud establishes its own connection to a paired device, so you can even use only one earbud while the other is charging in the case. It\u2019s a neat little feature.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the most important feature of the WF-1000XM3 is the addition of active noise cancellation \u2013 I\u2019ll elaborate more on this particular aspect in the next section.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nIf there\u2019s one reason to get the WF-1000XM3, it would be for the performance of the active noise cancellation, which is excellent for earbuds this compact. I\u2019ve used it primarily in the office to help me focus, and it can drown out ambient noise really well. This is especially the case with low frequency noise.\n\n\nThat being said, the active noise cancellation is not perfect. It doesn\u2019t totally isolate the outside world, but it certainly does once I\u2019ve started playing some songs. I didn\u2019t need to crank up the volume either to enjoy this level of isolation, so the risk of damaging my hearing in the long run is reduced.\n\n\n\n\nAudio quality of the WF-1000XM3 is very good too. Now, I\u2019m not much of an audiophile, and as far as I can tell, they sound just fine. To give the XM3 a fairer assessment, I passed the earbuds around to my more perceptive colleagues to try out.\n\n\nSo what did they say? Well, the WF-1000XM3 has reasonably good audio quality for the money. It has punchy bass (but not particularly detailed), the mids are average, and the highs are not piercing. All in all, perfectly acceptable audio quality for a pair of wireless earbuds in this price range.\n\n\n\n\nBattery life of the WF-1000XM3 is excellent as well. I didn\u2019t quite manage to hit Sony\u2019s quoted battery life, but I was comfortably getting well over four to five hours of listening time with active noise cancellation activated on a single charge. This isn\u2019t too far off from Sony\u2019s six-hour estimate.\n\n\nAs for connection quality, I had absolutely no issue with connection dropouts throughout my time with the WF-1000XM3. While it\u2019s a little jarring for the two earbuds to connect independently to my paired phone, they are perfectly in sync once they are connected.\n\n\n\n\nOh, I also love the fact that the WF-1000XM3 pauses the music when I take off just one of the earbuds. This is especially useful when I need to talk to someone at a moment\u2019s notice. Alternatively, I can also just tap and hold on the left sensor to activate ambient sound.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the sensors on the WF-1000XM3 have rather limited controls. While I can tap on the right sensor to pause, skip, or go back a track \u2013 and toggle between ambient sound and noise-cancellation with the left one \u2013 there is absolutely no way to control the volume. Instead, I\u2019ll need to reach out for my phone to lower or increase the volume. It\u2019s not the end of the world, but it is an annoyance if my phone is not within reach.\n\n\nUpdate, 28 November:\n Sony pushed \na new firmware update\n to add volume controls to the WF-1000XM3! You can now tap on the left or right sensor to increase the volume, and tap and hold to lower the volume.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the fact that the WF-1000XM3 doesn\u2019t have sweat or water resistance, so you won\u2019t be able to use it when you\u2019re out for a run or sweating it out in the gym. Well, you \ncan\n, but there\u2019s no guarantee it won\u2019t break. It\u2019s a big omission, especially for a pair of wireless earbuds at this price point.\n\n\nBesides that, there\u2026isn\u2019t much to complain about the WF-1000XM3. If I were to nitpick though, I wish the charging case was more portable. It\u2019s a little bit too bulky to fit into my jeans pocket comfortably.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nFor RM949, the Sony WF-1000XM3 is a decent buy. I\u2019d argue the official pricing is a little bit steep, so thankfully enough, its market price has dropped quite a bit since it was introduced in Malaysia. Right now, you can easily get this pair of wireless earbuds \nfor only RM899\n.\n\n\n\n\nAt this price point, the WF-1000XM3 is that much more attractive. Not only is it one of few wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation (a very good one, at that), it is also long-lasting with good audio quality. Sure, it would\u2019ve been great if it had sweat and water resistance, but other positives of the WF-1000XM3 more than make up for this absence.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/level51-vapor-15-pro-hands-on-a-compact-lightweight-powerful-gaming-laptop/", "title": "Level51 Vapor 15 Pro Hands-On: A Compact, Lightweight, Powerful Gaming Laptop", "body": "\n\nUpdate 13 January 2020:\n Our full review of the Level51 Vapor 15 Pro is up! \nClick here\n to learn more.\n\n\nAs gaming laptops get thinner and lighter, you\u2019d think they\u2019d be more portable too, but that simply isn\u2019t the case. In terms of dimension, gaming laptops are still quite sizeable. It doesn\u2019t help either that even the smallest gaming notebooks come with 15.6-inch displays.\n\n\nWell, that\u2019s where Level51\u2019s Vapor 15 Pro particularly excel in. Not only is it a lightweight machine \u2013 it tips the scales at only 1.87kg \u2013 it\u2019s also noticeably more compact than your average gaming laptop. On top of that, it has capable hardware under the hood too. If you want a portable gaming laptop, the Vapor 15 Pro is one to look out for.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBefore we get to the laptop itself, some background: the Level51 Vapor 15 Pro \u2013 also marketed under Aftershock (Level51\u2019s parent company) with the same name in certain markets \u2013 shares the same chassis as the Eluktronics Mag-15 for the US market. Why is this important? Well, that\u2019s because this chassis is also developed by Intel itself.\n\n\nIn fact, it can be said that the Vapor 15 Pro is the result of Intel\u2019s collaboration with Level51, and the result is fantastic. The whole laptop has solid build quality thanks to the use of magnesium alloy, the lid can be lifted with only one finger, and the palm rest area is nice and cool to the touch. Basically, it\u2019s a refined, well-designed chassis.\n\n\nThe ThinkPad T480s on top of the Vapor 15 Pro\n\n\nAnother strong point with the Vapor 15 Pro\u2019s design is the small bezel surrounding the display, \nespecially\n the bottom part. This is the very reason why the Vapor 15 is a lot more portable than other gaming laptops with a similar display size. I\u2019ve compared it to my own 14-inch Lenovo ThinkPad T480s, and the gaming laptop is only marginally wider \u2013 \nthat\u2019s \nhow compact it is.\n\n\nBesides that, the Vapor 15 Pro is also a lightweight and slim gaming laptop. As mentioned, it weighs only 1.87kg, and it has a 20.5mm chassis. Sure, that doesn\u2019t make it the slimmest machine around \u2013 the \nAcer Predator Triton 500\n, for example, is only 17.9mm thin \u2013 but it\u2019s certainly thinner than the majority of other gaming laptops.\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s one more thing I\u2019d like to bring your attention to: the clean, blank lid of the Vapor 15 Pro. Surprisingly enough, there is virtually no branding at all on this gaming laptop, which I personally love. It\u2019s really quite an understated, minimalist laptop that wouldn\u2019t look out of place even in a professional setting.\n\n\nPort selection of the Vapor 15 Pro is great too. On the back, it has an HDMI output, a USB-C port with Thunderbolt 3 support, as well as an ethernet jack. Either sides of the laptop, on the other hand, house three USB-A ports, a microphone jack, a headphone jack, and get this: an SD card slot.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond design, the Vapor 15 Pro is a capable gaming laptop. The display, for one, is a fast 144Hz 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display. The high refresh rate allows the screen to show more frames per second, so everything looks extra smooth on this laptop. The 144Hz display is a very important feature for a high-end gaming laptop like the Vapor 15 Pro.\n\n\nOf course, a high refresh rate wouldn\u2019t matter if the GPU isn\u2019t powerful enough to take advantage of it. In this regard, the Vapor 15 Pro can be configured with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q or a GTX 1660 Ti GPU paired with an Intel Core i7-9750H processor. Both options are equally viable, but if you want the best performance, the RTX 2070 Max-Q is definitely the better one.\n\n\n\n\nThat doesn\u2019t mean the GTX 1660 Ti is a \u201cbad\u201d choice by any means; the review unit I got is actually packing this GPU. I\u2019ll put the GTX 1660 Ti through its paces in a full review of the Vapor 15 Pro, but if you\u2019re curious, you can check out \nmy previous laptop reviews\n \nwith this GPU\n.\n\n\nAs for the display quality itself, it\u2019s quite good. The Vapor 15 Pro\u2019s 1080p IPS display can get reasonably bright, viewing angles are great, and colours are vibrant too. It\u2019s also worth noting that Level51 offers a 30-day zero dead pixel policy with this laptop. If you\u2019re particular about getting a unit with dead pixels \u2013 I certainly am \u2013 you won\u2019t have to worry.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Vapor 15 Pro include 16GB of RAM, a 512GB M.2 NVMe SSD, and a generous 94WHr battery. This being a Level51 gaming laptop, you can also customise its hardware \non the company\u2019s website\n.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the input devices of the Vapor 15 Pro, which is quite interesting. See, this laptop has a \u201csilent\u201d mechanical keyboard of sorts with 2mm of key travel. For the most part, it can provide a pleasant typing experience. The keys definitely have a good amount of travel, and it\u2019s not overly loud either.\n\n\nHowever, some may not be a fan of this mechanical keyboard. Unlike normal laptop keyboards, the tactile feedback isn\u2019t quite as pronounced. After all, it doesn\u2019t have any rubber dome; the keys don\u2019t \u201cbounce\u201d back up the same way conventional laptop keyboards do. The actuation force is quite low as well, so the keys feel lighter than usual.\n\n\nAnyway, the trackpad of the Vapor 15 Pro is reasonably good. It has a nice, smooth surface, and it\u2019s a largely accurate trackpad. However, I don\u2019t quite like how \u201cloose\u201d it feels. It feels wobbly when I tap lightly on the trackpad.\n\n\n\n\nThe Level51 Vapor 15 Pro is easily one of the most interesting gaming laptops I\u2019ve come across, thanks to its lightweight, compact chassis, and minimalist design. Performance wise, I\u2019m sure this laptop won\u2019t disappoint either with its GTX 1660 Ti GPU and Core i7-9750H processor.\n\n\nBut what about pricing? Well, the Vapor 15 Pro retails at RM5,999 and RM7,499 for the GTX 1660 Ti and RTX 2070 models respectively; only the GPU differentiates the two variants. Yes, this is quite a costly machine, but it \nis\n a premium, compact gaming laptop with a lightweight chassis.\n\n\n\n\nI will be using the Vapor 15 Pro as my daily driver in the next couple of weeks, and I\u2019m pretty excited to see if it can even serve as a decent productivity laptop, given its large battery capacity and compact form factor. Of course, I\u2019ll be doing a lot of gaming on the Vapor 15 Pro too \u2013 stay tuned for the full review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-x2-pro-with-90hz-display-snapdragon-855-coming-to-malaysia-2-december/", "title": "Realme X2 Pro With 90Hz Display & Snapdragon 855+ Coming to Malaysia 2 December", "body": "\n\nRealme\u2019s very first flagship smartphone, the Realme X2 Pro, is coming to Malaysia as early as next week. Sporting a fast 90Hz display and a \nQualcomm Snapdragon 855+\n chipset, the X2 Pro is quite an interesting flagship device.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, Realme\u2019s first-ever flagship smartphone comes with a 6.5-inch 2400 x 1080 Super AMOLED display with a fast 90Hz refresh rate. Given that there are only a handful of non-gaming smartphones with that kind of refresh rate \u2013 especially in the Malaysian market \u2013 it\u2019s definitely a good selling point.\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of performance, the X2 Pro features a Snapdragon 855+ chipset. Compared to the standard Snapdragon 855, the 855+ promises up to 15% better gaming performance, thanks to the overclocked GPU and CPU. At the moment, the 855+ is Qualcomm\u2019s best chipset yet, so you\u2019ll be getting top-notch performance with this device.\n\n\nAside from that, the X2 Pro also comes with 50W \u201cSuperVOOC Flash Charge\u201d technology. According to the phone maker, this fast charging tech allows the phone to be fully recharged in only 35 minutes. That\u2019s a really impressive charging rate, especially with the phone\u2019s rather generous 4,000mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Realme X2 Pro features a quad camera system. The primary shooter is a 64MP f/1.8 unit, which is also paired with a 13MP f/2.5 telephoto lens. The latter is quite interesting: it can do 5x \u201chybrid optical zoom\u201d or 20x digital zoom. The other two sensors, on the other hand, are an 8MP f/2.2 wide angle shooter and a 2MP f/2.4 portrait lens.\n\n\nOther specifications of the X2 Pro include up to 12GB of RAM, three storage options (64GB, 128GB, or 256GB), an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and ColorOS 6.1 based on Android 9 Pie out of the box. Of course, it also has a 3.5mm headphone jack, if you\u2019re wondering.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the Realme X2 Pro such an interesting flagship smartphone is its sheer value for money. For the Chinese market, the 64GB + 6GB variant retails at only 2,699 Chinese yuan, which comes up to about RM1,605. The prices don\u2019t go up that much for the higher capacity models either: the 128GB + 8GB and 256GB + 12GB variants are priced at 2,899 yuan (approximately RM1,720) and 3,299 yuan (around RM1,960) respectively.\n\n\nIf the Realme X2 Pro retails in the same price range here in Malaysia, we reckon it will be a very attractive flagship smartphone. After all, there aren\u2019t many high-end devices in the sub-RM2,000 price point. We will find out exactly how much the X2 Pro will cost locally come 2 December next week.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-v30-v30-pro-official-with-kirin-990-5g-support/", "title": "Honor V30 & V30 Pro Official With Kirin 990 & 5G Support", "body": "\n\nHonor just unveiled its latest flagship smartphones in China, the Honor V30 and Honor V30 Pro. Not surprisingly, these two smartphones are powered by Huawei\u2019s latest Kirin 990 chipset, and they come with 5G support too, making them Honor\u2019s first smartphones with 5G connectivity.\n\n\nCuriously enough, the 5G implementation of the two phones are not quite the same. The V30 Pro, for example, uses the Kirin 990 5G chipset, which has 5G support built-in. The regular V30, on the other hand, make do with a regular Kirin 990 SoC paired with a Balong 5000 5G modem.\n\n\n\n\nThe triple camera system of these two phones differ slightly as well. While the V30 and V30 Pro share the same 40MP primary shooter, the Pro model has a faster f/1.6 aperture; the standard V30 features a f/1.8 lens instead. Besides that, the ultra-wide angle sensor is different too. The Pro has a 12MP f/2.2 shooter, while the V30 comes with an 8MP f/2.4 sensor.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the 8MP f/2.4 telephoto camera, which can do 3x optical zoom; both the V30 and V30 Pro share this one sensor. Beyond that, these two phones are similar to each other.\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the display: the V30 and V30 Pro feature a 6.57-inch 1080p display with a hole-punch cutout at the top left of the screen. If the oblong-shaped cutout looks similar, you wouldn\u2019t be wrong: it\u2019s almost identical to the Infinity-O display of the \nSamsung Galaxy S10+\n.\n\n\nBut unlike Samsung\u2019s implementation, the V30 and V30 Pro has two dedicated selfie cameras. There\u2019s a regular 32MP f/2.0 shooter, as well as an 8MP f/2.2 wide angle camera for wider selfies. This configuration is really more versatile than the Galaxy S10+\u2019s combination of a 10MP selfie camera and 8MP depth sensor.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of both phones include a 4,100mAh battery, 6GB of RAM (8GB for the Pro model), 128GB of internal storage \u2013 the Pro maxes out at 256GB \u2013 and Magic UI 3.0.1 based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor V30 and V30 Pro will be available for pre-order in China from 5 December onwards. The V30 retails at 3,299 Chinese yuan (about RM1,960) and 3,699 yuan (approximately RM2,195) for the 128GB + 6GB and 128GB + 8GB models respectively. As for the V30 Pro, the 128GB + 8GB and 256GB + 8GB variants go for 3,899 yuan (around RM2,315) and 4,199 yuan (about RM2,495) respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hp-elite-dragonfly-retails-from-rm5499/", "title": "HP Elite Dragonfly & Spectre x360 13 Now in Malaysia; Retails from RM5,499", "body": "\n\nHP just launched two new laptops in Malaysia: the extremely lightweight HP Elite Dragonfly business-class laptop, and the more consumer-oriented HP Spectre X360 13. These are both premium-tier laptops, so expect to pay quite a bit of money for either one of them.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Elite Dragonfly, a very, very lightweight commercial convertible laptop. Although HP did not mention the exact weight of the Dragonfly, it\u2019s said to be \u201cunder 1kg.\u201d Besides that, it\u2019s a relatively slim machine too, measuring 16.1mm thin.\n\n\n\n\nThere are also a number of screen options for the Elite Dragonfly. The 13.3-inch IPS display with an 86% screen-to-body ratio can either be configured with a 1080p touch panel, or a more pixel-dense 4K screen; also touch-enabled. On top of that, the display is also protected with Corning Gorilla Glass 5.\n\n\nGiven its status as a business laptop, battery life is particularly important for the Elite Dragonfly. Well, according to HP, this laptop has an impressive battery life; it can supposedly last up to 24.5 hours on a single charge. That\u2019s a lofty estimate, to be sure, and it\u2019ll be interesting to see if it can really deliver this level of battery life in real life testing.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Elite Dragonfly include 8th generation Intel Core processors \u2013 which maxes out at a Core i7-8665U chip \u2013 paired with 16GB of RAM, SSD storage options between 128GB to 512GB, Intel UHD Graphics 620 integrated GPU, and a 720p webcam with a physical privacy shutter.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Spectre x360 13, it\u2019s also a convertible laptop like the Dragonfly. Interestingly, it has a higher screen-to-body ratio than the more costly Dragonfly at 90%, and it can be configured with an impressive 13.3-inch 4K AMOLED touch screen. Of course, you can also opt for a 1080p IPS panel if you want a more affordable option.\n\n\nUnlike the Dragonfly, the Spectre x360 13 ships with Intel\u2019s latest 10th generation processor. It can be purchased with a Core i7-1065G7 or i5-1035G4 chip, which also comes with Intel Iris Plus Graphics. That\u2019s right, there\u2019s no dedicated GPU here.\n\n\nOther hardware under the hood of the Spectre x360 13 are 16GB of RAM, up to 2TB of fast PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage, and a webcam \u201ckill switch,\u201d which cuts off power to the webcam.\n\n\n\n\nBoth the HP Elite Dragonfly and Spectre x360 13 are now available in Malaysia. The Dragonfly retails from RM6,500, while the x360 13 starts at RM5,499.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-reno-ace-gundam-edition-quick-look-what-you-get-in-the-box/", "title": "Oppo Reno Ace Gundam Edition Quick Look \u2013 What You Get in the Box", "body": "\n\nThere\u2019s still no news on the Malaysian availability of the \nOppo Reno Ace\n, but despite that, we managed to get our hands on the Mobile Suit Gundam edition of the flagship smartphone. On top of that, we\u2019ve got this particular unit from Oppo Malaysia itself, no less.\n\n\nWhile this isn\u2019t necessarily a confirmation of the Reno Ace\u2019s availability in Malaysia, it is a promising sign. Regardless, let\u2019s take a look at what you get with the Oppo Reno Ace Gundam edition.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst up is the phone itself. On the back of the special edition Reno Ace are a number of Gundam-inspired elements. The red accent on the back has Oppo\u2019s logo on it, there\u2019s a tiny Gundam head at the bottom of the phone, and the Earth Federation Space Force (EFSF) is printed right beside the camera module.\n\n\nAside from that, the back panel is really quite nice to the touch. It has a frosted glass-like finish, which doesn\u2019t catch fingerprints easily. There is, however, one downside: it makes the phone quite slippery. But hey, that\u2019s where the bundled casing come in handy.\n\n\n\n\nThe casing is modeled after the RX-78-2 Gundam\u2019s shield, and it looks pretty sweet. The inside of the casing has a soft, fabric-like finish, and the outer shell has a rubberised texture, so you\u2019ll be able to get a good grip on the phone with this casing on. Besides that, it fits the Reno Ace quite snugly too.\n\n\nNaturally, the charging cable and charger share the same colour scheme as the rest of the special edition Reno Ace. The cable is red with some white and orange (yellow?) accents, while the charger has the SuperVOOC lettering in orange too.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the collectible medal to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Gundam; it has a nice heft to it despite the small size.\n\n\n\n\nOther aspects of the Reno Ace Gundam edition are basically the same as the standard model. These include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, a 6.5-inch AMOLED display with a fast 90Hz refresh rate, 256GB of internal storage, and a rather generous 4,000mAh battery.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Reno Ace supports Oppo\u2019s latest SuperVOOC 2.0 fast charging technology. Why is this noteworthy? Well, it\u2019s a 65W fast charging tech that can fully charge up the Ace\u2019s 4,000mAh battery in only \n30 minutes\n. Needless to say, this is very, very impressive.\n\n\nFor photography, the Reno Ace has a quad camera system made up of a 48MP primary shooter, a 13MP telephoto lens with 5x hybrid zoom, an 8MP ultra-wide angle sensor, and a 2MP monochrome camera. It also has an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Reno Ace Gundam edition is quite a sleek-looking flagship smartphone, and surprisingly enough, it\u2019s actually quite affordable. At least, that\u2019s the case for the Chinese market, where it retails at only 3,599 yuan (about RM2,135). If \u2013 and it\u2019s a big if \u2013 this device comes to Malaysia at this price point, we reckon it will sell very well.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/one-of-the-biggest-flaws-of-the-sony-wf-1000xm3-is-finally-addressed/", "title": "One of the Biggest Flaws of the Sony WF-1000XM3 Is Finally Addressed", "body": "\n\nWe \nrecently reviewed the Sony WF-1000XM3\n, and while it was an excellent pair of wireless earbuds with good active noise cancellation, one of its biggest shortcomings is the inability to adjust the volume with the earbuds\u2019 controls. Well, this is finally addressed in a new firmware update, making this a much more complete product.\n\n\nOnce you\u2019ve installed the new update, you can set the touch sensor on either the left or right earbud for volume controls. It\u2019s a pretty smart implementation too: to raise the volume, you only need to tap on the sensor. Lowering the volume, on the other hand, requires you to tap and hold on the sensor.\n\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ve tried the new controls with our unit of the WF-1000XM3, and it\u2019s really quite intuitive. Continuously tapping on the sensor increases the volume at the same pace, but reducing the volume takes a bit more time for the sensor to recognise the gesture. \n\n\nOn top of that, the new firmware update also allows you to check the battery level of the charging case now. However, Sony wrote that the information will only be updated the moment the earbuds are removed from the case. It\u2019s a little peculiar, but hey, at least the feature is here now.\n\n\n\n\nIn order to initiate the new firmware update, you need to have Sony\u2019s Headphones Connect app installed on your paired device; you can download it on the \nGoogle Play Store\n and \nApple App Store\n. Once you\u2019ve got the app installed and the WF-1000XM3 paired, it should start downloading the update.\n\n\nWith this updated controls, the WF-1000XM3 is that much more practical. Sure, it\u2019s still not sweat or water-resistant \u2013 a big omission for wireless earbuds at this price point \u2013 but it offers good audio quality, excellent active noise cancellation, and very long battery life.\n\n\nIn our experience, we managed to get well over four to five hours of usage on a single charge with these earbuds, and that is with noise cancellation active. It\u2019s also worth noting that the charging case can fully charge the earbuds three times.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about the Sony WF-1000XM3 wireless earbuds, check out our review right here. Although it originally retails at RM949, you can easily get it \nfor only RM899 now\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-note-10-series-launched-in-malaysia-starts-at-rm2099/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Series Launched in Malaysia; Starts at RM2,099", "body": "\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi Note 10 series has just been launched in Malaysia, and it\u2019s touted by the Chinese company to be the first smartphones with a 108MP penta camera system. It\u2019s a sophisticated camera configuration, and to top it off, it\u2019s said to be just as good as the \nHuawei Mate 30 Pro\n\u2018s camera performance.\n\n\nAt least, that\u2019s the rating \nDxOMark gave the Mi Note 10 Pro\n. With a total score of 121, this phone sits at the top of the ranking with the Mate 30 Pro. According to the site, the Mi Note 10 Pro offers fast autofocus, great zoom performance, and good detail preservation for the wide angle sensor. The last one is impressive, given that most wide angle shooters aren\u2019t particularly good.\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt the highlight of the Mi Note 10 series\u2019 penta camera system is the 108MP f/1.69 main shooter with a 7P \u2013 or 8P for the Pro model \u2013 lens. It uses pixel binning to further improve the camera performance, so it effectively outputs 27MP images; you won\u2019t have to worry about not having enough storage space to store all your images.\n\n\nAside from that, both the Mi Note 10 and Mi Note 10 Pro also have a 12MP f/2.0 telephoto lens (50mm) and an 8MP f/2.0 longer telephoto sensor (94mm). This allows the two phones to do 10x hybrid zoom or 50x digital zoom, which is really quite impressive. The other two sensors in the penta camera system are a 20MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor and a f/2.4 macro shooter.\n\n\n\n\nGiven its sophisticated camera system, you\u2019d think the Mi Note 10 and Mi Note 10 Pro are flagship smartphones. Unfortunately, that\u2019s not the case: these two devices are only powered by an upper mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G chipset.\n\n\nIn fact, both phones are essentially the same device, though the Pro variant does come with 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. The standard model, on the other hand, has 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM. Oh, there\u2019s no support for expandable storage either.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mi Note 10 series include a 6.47-inch 1080p dual curved AMOLED notched screen, a very generous 5,260mAh battery with 30W fast charging (a 30W charger is provided in the box), a 32MP f/2.0 selfie camera, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi Note 10 series will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 7 December onwards. The standard Mi Note 10 retails at RM2,099, while the Mi Note 10 Pro goes for RM2,499. Early birds will get some nice freebies too: those who place their order between 7 to 15 December will get a RM100 PWP discount on a Mi store product. For the Pro model, you\u2019ll also get a 12-month screen replacement warranty.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/book-a-proton-x70-for-only-rm99-during-shopee-12-12-birthday-sale/", "title": "Book a Proton X70 for Only RM99 During Shopee 12.12 Birthday Sale", "body": "\n\nShopee is running a number of interesting promotions for its ongoing 12.12 Birthday Sale. One of the most eye-catching deals for the campaign is definitely this: you can book a brand new Proton X70 for only RM99 on the e-commerce platform. On top of that, you\u2019ll also get RM2,000 worth of Shopee vouchers.\n\n\nOf course, there are a number of caveats. For one, the RM99 booking fee for the Proton X70 is only available from today until 31 December 2019. Aside from that, to enjoy the RM2,000 Shopee vouchers, you\u2019ll have to be the first 50 customers to \u201csuccessfully register\u201d your vehicle too; this has to be done before 31 December.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that only the top-of-the-range Proton X70 Premium 2WD is offered for this deal, which costs RM123,800 excluding insurance. If you want other variants of the SUV, you\u2019re out of luck. This deal is available only for this particular trim.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to book the Proton X70 with Shopee, you can do so through Proton\u2019s official store on the platform \nright here\n. Once you\u2019ve made the payment for the SUV, Shopee\u2019s Proton representative will get in touch with you within three working days to complete the hire purchase loan.\n\n\nChanged your mind? Worry not: the booking fee is refundable, according to the listing.\n\n\n\n\nBesides the Proton X70, Shopee is also partnering with the Ministry of Rural Development (KPLB) to launch \nDesaauto@KPLB\n, which is expected to benefit \u201cover 200 rural entrepreneurs manufacturing and distributing automotive parts.\u201d These include tyres, engine oils, and spare parts.\n\n\nNeedless to say, rural entrepreneurs can reach more people by having their products listed on Desaauto. Plus, thanks to the Shopee International Platform initiative, they have the potential to further expand their target audience beyond Malaysia. At the moment, over 100 products are available in the store.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, there are also a number of deals offered throughout Shopee\u2019s 12.12 Birthday Sale. There will be RM12 daily deals, 12 million Shopee coins to be won through its mobile game, Shopee Catch, as well as lowered minimum spend (RM12) to be eligible for free shipping.\n\n\nTo sweeten the deal, several banks will have their own discount vouchers on Shopee too. Although the specific amount is not revealed yet, we do know which banks are a part of the offer. If you\u2019re a Standard Chartered, CIMB, RHB, HSBC, or UOB cardholder, pay with your respective credit cards from these banks to enjoy the discount.\n\n\n\n\nShopee\u2019s 12.12 Birthday Sale is currently ongoing, and it will end on 12 December itself. To learn more about the sale campaign, head on to the \nofficial site\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/qualcomm-snapdragon-865-only-one-has-5g-built-in/", "title": "Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 & Snapdragon 765 Official; Only One Has 5G Built-In", "body": "\n\nQualcomm just announced its latest chipsets at the company\u2019s annual Snapdragon Tech Summit, and it\u2019s quite a peculiar lineup. There\u2019s the flagship Snapdragon 865, which will power most of 2020\u2019s flagship smartphones, and the upper mid-range Snapdragon 765 family. What\u2019s so peculiar about this? Well, out of the two chips, only the Snapdragon 765 has integrated 5G.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the mid-range Snapdragon 765 has 5G built-in, but not the flagship Snapdragon 865. Instead, the top-of-the-line chipset has to rely on a separate 5G modem instead. In this case, it would be Qualcomm\u2019s own X55 modem.\n\n\nTo top it off, if manufacturers want to use the Snapdragon 865, they \nhave\n to get the X55 modem as well; it\u2019s a package deal, according to \nQualcomm\u2019s statement to The Verge\n.\n\n\n\n\nRegardless, the X55 modem that\u2019s paired with the Snapdragon 865 offers fast performance. When connected to a 5G network, it can do 7Gbps and 3Gbps peak download and upload speeds respectively. Of course, the X55 modem also has LTE, 3G, and 2G support, which is important for markets where 5G connectivity is not widely available yet (like Malaysia).\n\n\nAs for the Snapdragon 765 \u2013 which is also available in 765G form \u2013 its integrated \u201cX52\u201d 5G modem is, unsurprisingly, slower. With a peak download speed of 3.7Gbps, that\u2019s about half of what the X55 modem is capable of. Granted, the Snapdragon 765 is meant to power mid-range devices anyway, so this level of performance is expected.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, not much information has been revealed for both the Snapdragon 865 and Snapdragon 765/765G; more information on these two new chipsets will only be revealed tomorrow. What we do know, however, is the fact that the Snapdragon 865 will be found in a number of flagship smartphones next year, including the Xiaomi Mi 10 and an upcoming Oppo flagship phone.\n\n\nQualcomm also unveiled its second generation ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint reader. Dubbed 3D Sonic Max, this new sensor is 17 times bigger than its predecessor. In fact, it\u2019s large enough to authenticate two separate fingerprints at the same time. Thanks to this change, it should be easier to activate the sensor.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, Qualcomm mentioned that 3D Sonic Max will still take roughly the same amount of time to authenticate a fingerprint, so there won\u2019t be any improvement in speed. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if it will be more accurate though, given that the first generation sensor \u2013 which is used in \nSamsung\u2019s flagship\n \nsmartphones \n\u2013 isn\u2019t particularly great in this aspect.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/illegear-announces-onyx-pro-offers-240hz-or-4k-oled-display/", "title": "Illegear Announces Onyx Pro & Selenite Pro Gaming Laptops; Offers 240Hz or 4K OLED Display", "body": "\n\nIllegear just added two new gaming laptops to its product lineup: the 15.6-inch Illegear Onyx Pro, and the bigger 17.3-inch Illegear Selenite Pro. These are touted to be Illegear\u2019s \u201ccream of the crop\u201d gaming laptops, and the Onyx Pro is especially interesting, weighing merely 1.55kg with a slim 18mm chassis.\n\n\nYou read that right. Despite its beefy hardware, the Onyx Pro tips the scales at only 1.55kg, which is very, \nvery\n impressive for a gaming laptop of this calibre. On top of that, measuring only 18mm thin, it\u2019s almost as slim as the \nAcer Predator Triton 500\n; the latter is ever so slightly thinner at 17.9mm.\n\n\nAs for the Selenite Pro, it\u2019s also quite light and thin for a 17.3-inch laptop: it weighs 2kg with a 19mm case.\n\n\n\n\nDimensions aside, the Onyx Pro\u2019s 15.6-inch screen can be configured with two options: a fast 240Hz 1920 x 1080 IPS panel, or a vibrant Samsung-made 4K AMOLED display. The Selenite Pro, on the other hand, has a 17.3-inch 1080p IPS panel with a 144Hz or 240Hz refresh rate. There\u2019s no option for an OLED screen with the Selenite Pro, unfortunately.\n\n\nWhen it comes to performance, both the Onyx Pro and Selenite Pro feature an Intel Core i7-9750H processor paired with up to 32GB of RAM. There are also two GPU options for either laptops: an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060, or a beefier RTX 2070 GPU. Needless to say, you will be able to play AAA titles quite seamlessly with these gaming laptops.\n\n\nOh, by default, the Onyx Pro and Selenite Pro also come with a 512GB NVMe SSD. Of course, these being Illegear products, you can customise the laptops\u2019 specifications to your liking.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDesign wise, the chassis of the Onyx Pro and Selenite Pro are made out of magnesium alloy, which is the very reason why they are so lightweight. According to Illegear, a layer of protective coating is also applied to \u201cpreserve the look and feel\u201d of the chassis.\n\n\nWhile we\u2019re on the topic of design, it\u2019s worth noting the webcam position of the Onyx Pro and Selenite Pro. Since the top bezel is so thin, the webcam had to be placed\u2026right below the display. It\u2019s not a flattering angle, but hey, it supports Windows Hello.\n\n\n\n\nThe Illegear Onyx Pro and Selenite Pro are now available for pre-order in Malaysia, and they are expected to ship on 17 December. The Onyx Pro retails from RM6,499, while the Selenite Pro starts at RM6,699. More information on these gaming laptops can be \nfound on Illegear\u2019s website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-macbook-pro-16-inch-hands-on-the-wait-is-over/", "title": "Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch Hands-On: The Wait Is Over", "body": "\n\nOne of the biggest complaints against newer MacBooks over the past few years is the butterfly keyboard design. Not only does the flat keyboard offer very little key travel, quite a number of MacBook users report of reliability issues with the butterfly switch. Well, the new 16-inch MacBook Pro solves all of that.\n\n\nEnter the new Magic Keyboard. Instead of a butterfly design, the keyboard uses a more traditional scissor mechanism, which should be much more reliable. On top of that, the keyboard layout sees some important changes too. If you\u2019ve been waiting for Apple to fix the MacBook\u2019s keyboard, this is it.\n\n\nBut beyond the new keyboard, is the 16-inch MacBook Pro any good? Let\u2019s find out.\n\n\n\n\nRight, so what\u2019s so great about the new Magic Keyboard of the 16-inch MacBook Pro? As mentioned, it now uses a scissor mechanism, which offers 1mm of key travel; that\u2019s about 0.5mm more than the older butterfly keyboard. Thanks to the longer travel, it doesn\u2019t feel quite as jarring to type on.\n\n\nThat being said, I still consider this a pretty shallow keyboard. After all, only 1mm of key travel is hardly impressive. While the new Magic Keyboard isn\u2019t quite as flat as the controversial butterfly keyboard, it doesn\u2019t exactly offer a \u201cpillowy\u201d typing experience.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, despite the short key travel, I actually enjoy typing on this keyboard. Don\u2019t get me wrong, it still feels shallow, but the good tactile feedback and quiet nature of the keyboard make for a pleasant typing experience. Plus, there\u2019s a physical Esc key now, along with the \u201cinverted-T\u201d arrow keys.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the trackpad, which is \nabsolutely\n huge. It looks a little odd, but I do appreciate the sheer size of the trackpad. There\u2019s more than enough space for comfortable use, the simulated click is as refined as ever, and like any other MacBook trackpad, it can track my fingers very accurately.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond its input devices, the other noteworthy hardware of the 16-inch MacBook Pro is the\u202616-inch Retina display. It\u2019s a 3072 x 1920 IPS screen, and as expected, it also supports Apple\u2019s True Tone technology. Retina displays had always been colour-accurate and pleasant to look at, and the same still applies to this new MacBook Pro.\n\n\nDesign wise, the 16-inch MacBook Pro is largely similar to the now-discontinued 15-inch model; it\u2019s just ever so slightly bigger than the latter in all three dimensions. At a glance, you\u2019d be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the two machines.\n\n\n\n\nBuild quality of the 16-inch MacBook Pro is unsurprisingly good too. After all, Apple products typically excel in this area. It feels rock solid, there are no rough edges, and I can lift the lid with only one finger. That being said, it\u2019s worth noting that this is not exactly a lightweight laptop, tipping the scales at 2kg. But measuring only 16.2mm thin, it\u2019s quite a slim machine.\n\n\nConnectivity options of the new MacBook Pro is unchanged from the 15-inch version. It still has four USB Type-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 support, and nothing else. You still don\u2019t get a dedicated card slot with the 16-inch MacBook Pro despite the fact that it is meant to appeal to creative professionals.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, under the hood of the 16-inch MacBook Pro are pretty beefy hardware. It can be configured with a 9th generation Intel Core i7 hexa-core processor; a reasonably powerful chip. But if you need the extra power, you can go all the way up to a Core i9 octa-core processor from the same generation.\n\n\nIn the graphics department, this MacBook Pro can be customised with an AMD Radeon Pro 5300M GPU, or a beefier Radeon Pro 5500M GPU \u2013 both come with 4GB of GDDR6 memory. Of course, there\u2019s an option to get the 5500M with 8GB of GDDR6 memory instead, though you\u2019ll probably have to fork out quite a bit of money for that piece of upgrade.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the 16-inch MacBook Pro include 16GB of RAM (upgradable to 32GB or 64GB), at least 512GB of SSD storage \u2013 you can configure it up to a whopping 8TB if you so desire \u2013 and of course, the Touch Bar with Touch ID authentication.\n\n\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, there\u2019s still no word yet on the exact availability of the 16-inch MacBook Pro, but the starting prices of the laptop have already been announced. The base model with a Core i7 processor paired with 16GB of RAM, a Radeon Pro 5300M GPU, and 512GB of SSD storage retails at RM10,499.\n\n\nA tier up is the Core i9 model with a more powerful Radeon Pro 5500M GPU (4GB memory), 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD; this variant is set to go for RM12,199 in Malaysia. Without a doubt the new 16-inch MacBook Pro is a costly machine, but that has always been the case for MacBooks of this calibre.\n\n\n\n\nIf you need the size, power, and better typing experience of the 16-inch MacBook Pro \u2013 and you\u2019re already invested in the Apple ecosystem \u2013 I imagine you\u2019ll be very happy with this machine. Sure, it commands a premium price tag, but you\u2019re getting an equally premium laptop too. Hopefully, it\u2019ll be available in Malaysia very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/expect-many-more-iphone-variants-in-the-next-2-years-including-a-port-less-one/", "title": "Expect Many More iPhone Variants in The Next 2 Years, Including a Port-Less One", "body": "\n\nOver the years, the number of iPhones introduced by Apple in every new cycle are growing bit by bit. Back in 2012, potential iPhone buyers only had one new option to consider, the iPhone 5. In contrast, you\u2019ve got as many as \nthree new models\n to choose from this year: the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max.\n\n\nIt\u2019s a sound marketing strategy, of course. By offering more variants of the iPhone in different price segments, the amount of potential buyers will grow too, increasing the number of iPhones the company can sell. Well, in the next two years, Apple is expected to push this strategy even further \u2013 there\u2019s even plan for a completely port-less iPhone.\n\n\n\n\nAccording to prominent Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo\u2019s \nnew research note\n, 2020 will see the release of not three, but \nfive\n new variants of the iPhone; that\u2019s quite a big number. Kuo said that for the first half of 2020, Apple will introduce a successor to the iPhone SE, tentatively dubbed iPhone SE 2 or even \niPhone 9\n.\n\n\nJust like the original iPhone SE \u2013 it was basically an upgraded iPhone 5s \u2013 it appears the iPhone SE 2 will be modeled after an existing iPhone, the iPhone 8. That means it will still use an LCD panel, along with a relatively compact form factor. After all, the iPhone 8 only had a 4.7-inch display.\n\n\n\n\nThings get a lot more hectic come Apple\u2019s annual iPhone launch in 2020, which typically take place sometime in September. Kuo expect Apple to unveil as many as four different iPhones at the launch event. All four models will supposedly come with OLED displays, and unsurprisingly, 5G connectivity is set to be offered with these iPhones too.\n\n\nWhat differentiates these four iPhones are said to be the display size and camera configuration. There will be a compact 5.4-inch model with a dual camera system, along with a 6.1-inch variant with a similar camera setup. Chances are, the dual camera system could offer a wide angle sensor and a standard shooter, just like the iPhone 11\u2019s two rear cameras.\n\n\nKuo elaborated that there would also be a higher-end 6.1-inch iPhone and a 6.7-inch model with a more sophisticated triple camera configuration with a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor to capture 3D information.\n\n\n\n\nCuriously, Kuo said that the four new iPhones launching in late 2020 will apparently take design cues from a pretty old device: the iPhone 4. It\u2019ll be interesting to see just how Apple will modernise the design language of the iPhone 4 for its 10th anniversary next year.\n\n\nLooking further forward in 2021, Kuo only mentioned two iPhones for that year. Just like how the iPhone SE 2 (or iPhone 9) is expected to be released in the first half of 2020, a followup to that particular device will reportedly be introduced in the same period in 2021. What will it be called? The iPhone SE 2 Plus.\n\n\nGiven the \u201cPlus\u201d in the moniker, the iPhone SE 2 Plus is expected to feature a larger display than its predecessor; Kuo believe that it will either come with a 5.5-inch or 6.1-inch screen. On top of that, it will also feature an all-screen design without a home button.\n\n\n\n\nApparently, there won\u2019t be Face ID authentication for the iPhone SE 2 Plus. Kuo\u2019s research note said that the upcoming iPhone will supposedly have Touch ID integrated into the power button itself on the side of the phone. If this turns out to be accurate, we imagine some folks will be happy to see the return of a physical fingerprint sensor on an iPhone.\n\n\nFinally but certainly not least is the 2021 flagship iPhone, which Kuo predict will finally do away with the Lightning port\u2026quite literally. According to the analyst, Apple isn\u2019t replacing the Lightning connection with a different standard; it\u2019s simply removing it, making for a port-less iPhone.\n\n\n\n\nThis, in turn, would \u201cprovide the completely wireless experience,\u201d Kuo said. Whether it\u2019s charging or transferring files to a computer, everything will be done wirelessly, for better or worse. Kuo then elaborated that Apple is only planning to remove the Lightning port from the \u201chighest-end model\u201d first, so not all iPhones in 2021 will be port-less.\n\n\nWhile Kuo\u2019s research note gives us a glimpse of Apple\u2019s plans for the iPhone in the next two years, it is still too early to say for sure if this is truly Apple\u2019s future strategy. Kuo may be one of the most prominent Apple analysts in the industry \u2013 and he has a good reputation for predicting Apple\u2019s plans \u2013 but the Cupertino company still has plenty of time to make changes between now and then.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, the next two years is shaping up to be an exciting time for the iPhone. Hopefully, we\u2019ll see some innovation from Apple with the next iterations of the iPhone \u2013 it could be the most diverse lineup yet.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-fold-review-fold-this-round/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Fold Review: Fold This Round", "body": "\n\n\u201cWhy are you using such a bulky phone?\u201d I was asked by a friend, as I was reading an article on the Samsung Galaxy Fold. I then proceeded to open up the Fold, much to the surprise of my curious friend. Needless to say, he was more than excited to get his hands on the foldable smartphone to try it out for himself.\n\n\nReally, the Galaxy Fold is an eye-catching, unique device. After all, it\u2019s the first mainstream foldable device, and that in itself is an impressive feat. However, that also means it has a number of big shortcomings. Paired with an exorbitant price tag, the Fold is a tough device to recommend.\n\n\nBut oh boy, is it a \nstunning\n engineering marvel.\n\n\nSpecifications\n\n\nDisplay\n7.3-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED (2152 x 1536)\n4.6-inch HD+ Super AMOLED (1680 x 720)\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 855 2.8GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 640\nRAM\n12GB\nStorage\n512GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n12MP f/1.5 \u2013 f/2.4, OIS, Super Speed Dual Pixel AF\n12MP f/2.4 (telephoto), OIS\n16MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide angle) \nCamera (front)\n10MP f/1.9, Dual Pixel AF\n8MP f/2.2 RGB Depth sensor\n10MP f/1.9, Dual Pixel AF (folded)\nBattery\n4,380mAh\nDimensions\n160.9 x 117.9 x 6.9 mm\n160.9 x 62.8 x 15.7-17.1 mm (folded)\nWeight\n276g\nOS\nOne UI based on Android 9 Pie\nConnectivity\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4/5GHz)\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM8,388\n\n\nHardware wise, the Galaxy Fold is a flagship smartphone / tablet through and through, and it has a total of \nsix\n camera sensors. There\u2019s the triple camera system on the back, two front-facing cameras, and a single selfie shooter above the 4.6-inch secondary display.\n\n\n\n\nNow, you may be concerned about battery life, considering that the Fold\u2019s 4,380mAh battery has to power a large 7.3-inch display. Surprisingly enough, it\u2019s actually quite a long-lasting device; more on that further down this review.\n\n\nDesign\n\n\nThe foldable nature of the Galaxy Fold is definitely the design highlight here. It\u2019s a solid mechanism: the hinge feels tight, it closes with a reassuring thud, and I\u2019m not overly concerned about breaking the screen whenever I open up the phone \u2013 the last one is especially important.\n\n\nTruth be told, my biggest concern throughout my time with the Galaxy Fold was accidentally breaking the display. Thankfully, that didn\u2019t happen, though I did baby the phone quite a bit. After all, the display isn\u2019t made out of glass. It\u2019s a polymer screen, which is basically plastic.\n\n\n\n\nGiven that plastic isn\u2019t as scratch-resistant as glass, expect the Fold\u2019s main display to collect scratches quite a bit. In fact, the review unit I got \u2013 which was rotated to other members of the media prior to me \u2013 already has some hairline scratches. On top of that, you can\u2019t even use a screen protector with this phone, not to mention the fact that it gathers dust quite a bit near the hinges.\n\n\nIt\u2019s a bit of an annoyance, but that\u2019s the reality of using the Galaxy Fold, or any other foldable smartphone in this generation. It\u2019s not an issue unique to the Fold: until manufacturers find a way to fold a glass screen without breaking it, a plastic display is the only viable solution for devices in this category.\n\n\n\n\nDisplay aside, the Galaxy Fold is a sleek-looking smartphone\u2026unfolded. Opened up, the main Dynamic AMOLED display looks gorgeous with minimal bezels, but it\u2019s a different story when it is folded. It\u2019s bulky, it\u2019s much too tall, and the bezels surrounding the small 4.6-inch screen don\u2019t look flattering at all.\n\n\nOn top of that, the Fold is also a heavy device, tipping the scales at 276g. Whether you\u2019re using it folded or unfolded, you\u2019ll feel the weight of the phone; ergonomics is not the Fold\u2019s strong suit.\n\n\n\n\nDespite that, there\u2019s no denying the appeal of the Galaxy Fold\u2019s foldable display. It\u2019s a unique, novel piece of hardware that will (almost) always impress anyone.\n\n\nUser Experience\n\n\nSo how is it like to use the Galaxy Fold as a daily driver? Honestly, it\u2019s more awkward than I initially thought. Here\u2019s the thing: I actually find myself using the smaller 4.6-inch display for most tasks. Whether it\u2019s web browsing or replying to texts \u2013 yes, it\u2019s possible to type on the narrow screen, though it\u2019s not particularly comfortable \u2013 I\u2019ve always thought twice before unfolding the phone.\n\n\n\n\nThere are a couple of reasons why I\u2019m not particularly keen to open up the Fold. For one, I don\u2019t quite need the expanse of the 7.3-inch display all the time. The other reason? Well, I simply enjoy being able to use the device with only one hand when it\u2019s folded.\n\n\nBut when I do open up the Galaxy Fold, I\u2019m usually glad I did. It\u2019s a gorgeous 7.3-inch 2152 x 1536 Dynamic AMOLED display, and no matter what I\u2019m doing on this screen, it\u2019s an enjoyable experience. The colours are punchy, the blacks are deep, it can get searingly bright, and it supports HDR10+ standard too.\n\n\n\n\nWhat about the crease running down the middle of the main display? Well, it\u2019s a non-issue for me. Sure, it\u2019s visible at times \u2013 especially if you\u2019re looking at the screen at an angle \u2013 and you can feel the crease, but for the most part, it\u2019s not super noticeable in normal use. I treat it like a display notch: it\u2019s there, but I eventually learnt to ignore it.\n\n\nSpeaking of notch, I\u2019m not too thrilled about the screen cutout at the top right of the display for the two selfie cameras. Don\u2019t get me wrong, I barely notice it in everyday use, but certain apps don\u2019t play well with it. One such app is YouTube: when playing a video in landscape mode, the app simply ignores the notch, so you lose some of the video\u2019s content.\n\n\n\n\nYouTube isn\u2019t the only app that does that. I\u2019ve played a couple of games on the Galaxy Fold; both PUBG Mobile and Fortnite ignore the notch too. Granted, I didn\u2019t encounter any game breaking issue from this, but it\u2019s still pretty annoying to lose a portion of the screen.\n\n\nThankfully, there are some apps that scale appropriately, such at Netflix. If the streaming service can play nice with the notch, I imagine it won\u2019t be too difficult for other apps (especially YouTube) to follow suit.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to performance, the Galaxy Fold excels. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 under the hood can keep up even in the most demanding of tasks, and although the Fold isn\u2019t designed for gaming, it can run most \u2013 if not all \u2013 graphically intensive games very well.\n\n\nSoftware wise, One UI on the Galaxy Fold isn\u2019t all that different from other Samsung smartphones. The user interface is intuitive, it feels lightweight, and it\u2019s easily one of the most polished versions of Android in the market now. On top of that, the Fold also gets its own multitasking feature.\n\n\n\n\nYou can open as many as three different apps with the Galaxy Fold, which really takes advantage of the screen real estate the 7.3-inch display affords. Personally, I don\u2019t find much use for this, but I imagine it\u2019s a feature power users would appreciate.\n\n\nOh, if you feel like it, you can even have a different app open on a floating window as you\u2019re gaming. Again, this isn\u2019t something I find particularly useful, but hey, it could be useful for those who are playing slow-paced games like Hearthstone.\n\n\n\n\nUnlike its other flagship smartphones, the Galaxy Fold doesn\u2019t have an in-screen fingerprint sensor. Instead, it has a physical sensor on the right side of the phone right under the power button. That\u2019s right, it\u2019s a separate sensor, unlike the \nGalaxy S10e\n\u2018s side-mounted fingerprint sensor that also doubles as the power button.\n\n\nAlthough the Galaxy Fold\u2019s implementation is not quite as intuitive or convenient, it\u2019s still a fast, accurate sensor. Compared to Samsung\u2019s \nultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor\n (which can be finicky), some may prefer this solution.\n\n\n\n\nHow about battery life? Surprisingly good. Even though the Fold\u2019s  4,380mAh cell isn\u2019t awfully generous \u2013 especially for a device this big and heavy \u2013 it can still deliver above average battery life. I was consistently getting between five to six hours of screen on time with this phone, and that\u2019s quite respectable.\n\n\nOverall, I really do enjoy using the Galaxy Fold as my daily driver. It has reasonably good battery life, a large, stunning display, and a good level of performance. I just wish more apps and games will scale properly with the phone\u2019s notch.\n\n\nCamera\n\n\nSporting the same triple camera system as the \nGalaxy S10+\n, the Galaxy Fold offers similar camera performance as the former, which is a good thing. Under ideal lighting, the 12MP f/1.5 \u2013 f/2.4 main camera, 12MP f/2.4 telephoto sensor, and 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter can take great-looking shots.\n\n\n12MP primary\n 12MP telephoto\n16MP ultra-wide angle\n 12MP primary \n  12MP telephoto \n 16MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\n\n\nIn low light conditions, the same still applies\u2026to an extent. While the 12MP primary shooter performs admirably, the other two sensors struggle a bit, especially the 16MP ultra-wide angle camera. While they can still take good-looking low light shots, don\u2019t expect the same image quality in both lighting conditions.\n\n\nAll in all, the Galaxy Fold has respectable camera performance; it\u2019s easily up there among the best smartphones for photography. It can lock in focus quickly, the camera app is responsive regardless of lighting condition, and while Samsung\u2019s camera algorithm has a tendency to oversaturate images, they do make for more visually striking shots.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nBeing the first mainstream foldable smartphone that\u2019s readily available, there aren\u2019t exactly any alternative to the Galaxy Fold. Well, unless we take into account other foldable devices that are releasing in the near future.\n\n\nHuawei Mate X\n\n\nAlthough it was unveiled to the world around the same time as the Galaxy Fold, the Huawei Mate X\u2019s launch was delayed numerous times. Now, it\u2019s only available in China, and it costs quite a bit of money. For the Chinese market, the Mate X costs a whopping 16,999 Chinese yuan, which is about RM10,050.\n\n\nIn comparison, the Galaxy Fold\u2019s RM8,388 asking price doesn\u2019t seem all that bad, not that it\u2019s even remotely affordable. But for that extra bit of money, the Mate X does offer a number of advantages over the Fold, including 5G connectivity, a larger display when it\u2019s folded \u2013 since the main screen folds outward \u2013 and a slimmer profile.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, those winning qualities don\u2019t really matter if you can\u2019t even get the Mate X in the first place. Given Huawei\u2019s \nongoing debacle with the US government\n, it\u2019s unlikely to ship with Google\u2019s apps and services either. To top it off, the durability of the Mate X still remains to be seen as well. It has an outward-facing display, so it\u2019s quite a big concern. At least the Fold\u2019s display is protected when it\u2019s folded.\n\n\nMotorola Razr\n\n\nThis is arguably the most practical foldable smartphone in the market now. Unlike the Galaxy Fold and Mate X, the new \nMotorola Razr\n is the most \u201cphone-like\u201d device. Not only does it retain the iconic clamshell design, the Razr also sports a foldable display that folds \nflat\n when closed. There\u2019s no noticeable crease when the screen is unfolded too.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, the Razr isn\u2019t quite as powerful as the Galaxy Fold, powered only by a Snapdragon 710 chipset. Its battery life may not be quite as good either despite the smaller screen, given the phone\u2019s rather average 2,510mAh battery. There\u2019s also the price tag: it costs $1,499 (about RM6,245) once it\u2019s available in the US sometime in January 2020.\n\n\nEven though that makes the Razr more affordable than the Galaxy Fold, Samsung\u2019s offering definitely offers better value for money. The Fold has better performance, battery life, and camera performance as well, to name a few.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Fold is a unique, eye-catching, surreal, incredible technological marvel. But it is also impractical, bulky, fragile, and most of all, \nexpensive\n. RM8,388 is a very dear price tag for a gadget, let alone a smartphone / tablet hybrid. Even if you can afford it, you\u2019ll likely be happier with a dedicated smartphone and tablet.\n\n\n\n\nStill, there\u2019s no denying one thing about the Galaxy Fold: it\u2019s an innovative piece of hardware. It\u2019s a tough device to recommend now, but as foldable screens get more durable and prices go down, maybe \u2013 just \nmaybe\n \u2013 the next iteration of the Galaxy Fold is worth considering.\n\n\nUntil then, don\u2019t gamble on the durability of the Galaxy Fold \u2013 fold your hand while you still can.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/microsoft-launches-surface-laptop-3-costs-up-to-rm8299/", "title": "Microsoft Launches Surface Laptop 3 & Surface Pro 7 in Malaysia; Costs up to RM8,299", "body": "\n\nMicrosoft Malaysia just launched a number of products on our shores. There\u2019s the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 \u2013 both the 13.5-inch and 15-inch models \u2013 as well as the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 tablet. On top of that, the company also teased the Malaysian availability of the Microsoft Surface Pro X.\n\n\nSurface Laptop 3\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Surface Laptop 3. For the 13.5-inch model, as many as three different variants are offered. The base model features a Core i5-1035G7 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD storage. That\u2019s right, only 128GB of storage space, and this model retails at a whopping RM4,499; it\u2019s only available in Platinum colourway too.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want 256GB of storage instead for the 13.5-inch Surface Laptop 3, that will cost you RM5,699 for the same processor and RAM configuration. Those who want more power can opt for the Core i7-1065G7 model, which also comes with a 256GB SSD and 16GB of RAM. Both variants are only offered in Matte Black, and the latter commands a RM7,099 price tag.\n\n\nOther specifications of the 13.5-inch Surface Laptop 3 include a 13.5-inch 2256 x 1504 PixelSense touch display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, Intel Iris Plus Graphics integrated GPU, one USB-C port, and a full-size USB-A connection.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the 15-inch Surface Laptop 3, it is only available in a single variant for the Malaysian market. This singular model features a 15-inch 2496 x 1664 PixelSense touch display \u2013 also with a 3:2 aspect ratio \u2013 an AMD Ryzen 53580U processor paired with 8GB of RAM, a Radeon Vega 9 GPU, and 256GB of SSD storage. The 15-inch Surface Laptop 3 is available in Matte Black for our market, and it costs RM6,799.\n\n\nSurface Pro 7\n\n\nDon\u2019t fancy a laptop? Then the Surface Pro 7 could be right up your alley. It popularised the tablet form factor for Windows-based machines, and the latest iteration is available in three variants for our market. The most affordable model retails at RM5,499, and it comes with a Core i5-1035G4 processor paired with 8GB of RAM, 256GB of SSD storage, and two colour options: Platinum and Matte Black.\n\n\n\n\nA tier up is the Core i7-1065G7 variant, which retains the 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD for RM6,799. The highest-end Surface Pro 7, on the other hand, has the same configuration, but offers twice the amount of SSD storage at 512GB; this model goes for RM8,299 in Malaysia. If you\u2019re keen to get either one of these two models, they\u2019re only offered in Matte Black.\n\n\nWithout a doubt the Surface Pro 7 is a costly product, but it \nis\n a premium Windows tablet. It has a sharp 12.3-inch 2736 x 1824 PixelSense touch-enabled display (3:2 aspect ratio), it weighs only 775g \u2013 the Core i7 model is slightly heavier at 790g \u2013 and the Signature Type Cover with Alcantara fabric feels very premium.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the regular Type Cover, the Signature model with Alcantara fabric feels a lot smoother and more pleasant to the touch; I definitely wouldn\u2019t mind typing for long periods of time on this keyboard. Of course, it also helps that the keys have a good amount of travel and tactile feedback, along with an accurate trackpad.\n\n\nOh, it\u2019s worth noting that there will be an even more affordable variant of the Surface Pro 7 that\u2019s set to be introduced in Malaysia sometime in January next month. It comes with a Core i5 processor paired with 8GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD. While its retail price has not been revealed yet, expect it to be more affordable than the current RM5,499 base model.\n\n\nSurface Pro X\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the Surface Pro X, an ARM-based Windows tablet. It runs on the Microsoft SQ1 processor, which is really a custom variant of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx chip. The SQ1 is co-developed by Microsoft and Qualcomm for the Pro X, and it offers a number of benefits.\n\n\n\n\nFor one, it doesn\u2019t require active cooling, so the Surface Pro X has absolutely no fans, allowing it to be both thinner and lighter than your average Windows machine. Besides that, it\u2019s also a lot more power-efficient, so expect to get good battery life out of this tablet.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Surface Pro X include a 13-inch 2880 x 1920 PixelSense touch display (again, with a 3:2 aspect ratio), 8GB or 16GB of RAM, three SSD storage options (128GB, 256GB, or 512GB), two USB-C ports, and LTE connectivity.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, there\u2019s still no concrete release date for the Microsoft Surface Pro X locally. However, we were assured that the Windows tablet is in fact coming to Malaysia, though that will only happen sometime in 2020 next year.\n\n\nAs for the Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Pro 7, they are now available for purchase in Malaysia from various retailers, including Microsoft\u2019s official stores on \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-k30-5g-k30-4g-official-120hz-display-snapdragon-765g-from-1599-yuan/", "title": "Redmi K30 5G & K30 4G Official: 120Hz Display, Snapdragon 765G, from 1,599 Yuan", "body": "\n\nRedmi just unveiled the successors to the Redmi K20 series. Aptly dubbed Redmi K30, there are two devices in the lineup: the K30 5G, and the more affordable K30 4G. One of the most noteworthy upgrades these two phones receive is the display: it is now a 120Hz panel.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, both the Redmi K30 5G and K30 4G feature a 6.67-inch 2400 x 1080 IPS display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. Unfortunately, it\u2019s no longer sporting an AMOLED panel, but you do get a faster 120Hz screen now. In our opinion, it\u2019s a good trade-off.\n\n\n\n\nAnother thing you don\u2019t get with the new K30 phones is an all-screen design. Instead, Redmi decided to go with a hole-punch display for the new devices. It looks very familiar too: the oblong-shaped cutout is placed at the top right corner of the phone, just like the \nSamsung Galaxy S10+\n.\n\n\nSimilarity aside, the cutout houses two selfie cameras. One is a 20MP primary shooter, while the other one is a 2MP depth sensor. On the back, both phones have a quad camera system made up of a 64MP f/1.9 main shooter, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle camera, a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor, and a 5MP f/2.4 macro lens (2MP for the 4G model).\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to performance, the K30 5G is naturally the more powerful option. It\u2019s powered by the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset, which has an integrated 5G modem. On top of that, it\u2019s also built on a 7nm process, making it more power-efficient than the Snapdragon 730G chipset of the K30 4G \u2013 the latter is an 8nm processor.\n\n\nCuriously, unlike their predecessors, the K30 5G and K30 4G do not have an in-screen fingerprint sensor. Instead, they have a side-mounted fingerprint sensor that seems to double as the power button. While a physical sensor doesn\u2019t sound quite as impressive as an in-screen solution, the former is still the faster and more accurate option.\n\n\nOther specifications of both K30 phones include a 4,500mAh battery with support for 30W fast charging (27W for the 4G variant), 6GB or 8GB of RAM, up to 256GB of expandable storage, and MIUI 11 based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, the Redmi K30 5G and K30 4G are only available in China, and as expected, they are priced very competitively. The K30 4G starts at 1,599 Chinese yuan (about RM945), while the K30 5G retails from only 1,999 yuan (approximately RM1,180).\n\n\nHopefully, the Redmi K30 smartphones will make it to other markets in the near future. Although they no longer feature notch-less, AMOLED screens \u2013 not to mention in-screen fingerprint sensors \u2013 the addition of 120Hz refresh rate and 5G support are good trade-offs.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-pro-display-xdr-now-in-malaysia-for-a-cool-rm19999-mac-pro-prices-start-from-rm25999/", "title": "Apple Pro Display XDR Now in Malaysia for a Cool RM19,999; Mac Pro Prices Start from RM25,999", "body": "\n\nApple just updated its Malaysian website with a number of products. These include the Mac Pro, the Pro Display XDR, and the Pro Stand for the monitor. Unfortunately, the Mac Pro is not available for purchase yet, but we do know the starting prices of Apple\u2019s most powerful Mac yet.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Mac Pro are \nlisted in Apple\u2019s site\n. There\u2019s the regular tower model, and the rack-mounted version for use in more professional settings, such as data centres. The tower variant retails from an eye-watering RM25,999, while the rack commands a RM2,000 premium, listed at RM27,999.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Mac Pro offers some very beefy hardware\u2026if you upgrade it accordingly. As it is, the base model \u201conly\u201d comes with an Intel Xeon octa-core processor paired with 32GB of RAM, an AMD Radeon Pro 580X GPU, and 256GB of SSD storage. Yes, you read that right: this RM25,999 machine comes with only 256GB of SSD storage.\n\n\nBut there is plenty of room to upgrade the Mac Pro. If you\u2019re up for it, you can customise it with a 28-core Xeon processor paired with \u2013 wait for it \u2013 \n1.5TB of RAM\n. That\u2019s \na lot\n of RAM, and Apple mentioned that the Mac Pro\u2019s cooling system is good enough for the 28-core processor to sustain peak performance at all times.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, you can even fit up to four graphics cards into the Mac Pro; the most powerful configuration available from Apple is the AMD Radeon Pro Vega II GPU. Storage capacity, on the other hand, can be configured up to 8TB, which is made up of two 4TB solid-state drives. It\u2019s worth noting that the Mac Pro also features a modular design, though it remains to be seen just how user-upgradable it is.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the Pro Display XDR. Basically, it\u2019s a 32-inch 6016 x 3384 Retina 6K LCD monitor. According to Apple, this \u201cextreme dynamic range\u201d display has a searingly bright 1,600 nits maximum brightness, though it can only sustain 1,000 nits of brightness. Naturally, it also features True Tone technology, 10-bit colour depth, and P3 wide colour gamut.\n\n\n\n\nUnlike the Mac Pro, the Pro Display XDR is now \navailable in Malaysia\n. The regular model retails at RM19,999, while the \u201cnano-texture\u201d glass option costs RM25,999. Oh, you can get the Pro Stand for the monitor too, which goes for RM4,499.\n\n\nAlternatively, you can get the more affordable VESA mount adapter to attach the Pro Display XDR to a stand or desk mount \u2013 this will cost you RM899.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-magicwatch-2-launching-in-malaysia-18-december/", "title": "Honor MagicWatch 2 Launching in Malaysia 18 December", "body": "\n\nHonor is launching its latest smartwatch in Malaysia as early as next week. Initially introduced a couple of weeks ago, the Honor MagicWatch 2 is quite the interesting wearable; it\u2019s said to offer up to 14 days of battery life, which is really quite impressive.\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s worth noting that the 14-day battery life only applies to the 46mm MagicWatch 2; the 42mm version can only provide half of that, with a quoted battery life of seven days. On top of that, it remains to be seen if Honor Malaysia will bring in both models. So far, the company is only teasing the 46mm variant.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, other features of the MagicWatch 2 are quite compelling. For one, the smartwatch\u2019s case is made out of stainless steel, giving it a premium, sleek-looking finish. In fact, it almost looks like a regular wristwatch, and that\u2019s a good thing as a fashion accessory.\n\n\nBesides that, the 46mm MagicWatch 2 also has a vibrant 1.4-inch 454 x 454 AMOLED display, while the 42mm model has a 1.2-inch 390 x 390 AMOLED screen. Of course, like with most smartwatches, this wearable has a 5 ATM water resistance rating, allowing it to be submerged up to 50m underwater for 10 minutes.\n\n\n\n\nAnother interesting feature of the MagicWatch 2 is the ability to stream music straight from the smartwatch itself; all you have to do is just connect a pair of wireless earphones to the wearable. However, Honor mentioned that this feature is not available on iOS, so do take note.\n\n\nOther specifications of the MagicWatch 2 include a Kirin A1 chipset, 4GB of internal storage, a 455mAh battery (215mAh for the 42mm model), a heart rate sensor, and even a speaker. Along with the built-in microphone, you can even have a phone call with just the watch.\n\n\nThe Honor MagicWatch 2 will be making its Malaysian debut next week on 18 December. While there\u2019s still no details on the local pricing of the smartwatch, the MagicWatch 2 retails from 1,099 Chinese yuan (about RM650) in China; this is for the 42mm model in Agate Black.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want the Sakura Gold variant instead, that will set you back 1,399 yuan (approximately RM825). As for the bigger 46mm MagicWatch 2, the Charcoal Black option is priced at 1,199 yuan (approximately RM710), while the Flax Brown colourway retails at 1,399 yuan (around RM825).\n\n\nIf the Honor MagicWatch 2 retails at these price points in Malaysia, it may be a smartwatch worth considering. After all, it undercuts the retail price of the \nSamsung Galaxy Watch Active 2\n \u2013 which starts at RM1,099 \u2013 quite a bit.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-the-sony-wf-1000xm3-with-rm200-discount/", "title": "Deal: Get the Sony WF-1000XM3 With RM200 Discount", "body": "\n\nThe \nSony WF-1000XM3\n is a great pair of wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation, and it is now more affordable than ever. Originally going for RM949, you can get it \nfor only RM749 now\n \u2013 that\u2019s RM200 worth of discount.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by retailer Asashi on Shopee. If you want to get the WF-1000XM3 for only RM749, act fast: there are only \ntwo units left\n at the time of this writing. Unfortunately, only the black model is available right now.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want a Preferred Shopee retailer instead, Cplus Digital is offering a reasonably good deal for the WF-1000XM3 too. It\u2019s listing the wireless earbuds \nfor only RM769.90\n, and you can use the store\u2019s RM12 discount to reduce the price \ndown to RM757.90\n.\n\n\nAt these price points, the Sony WF-1000XM3 is an excellent buy. Be quick though: there\u2019s no telling just how long these deals are valid for, given that today is \nShopee\u2019s 12.12 Birthday Sale\n. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the wireless earbuds, check out our comprehensive review \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-x2-pro-master-edition-hands-on-familiar-finish-same-hardware/", "title": "Realme X2 Pro Master Edition Hands-On: Familiar Finish, Same Hardware", "body": "\n\nThe Realme X2 Pro was launched in Malaysia not too long ago, and now, the Chinese company is bringing in the Master Edition to our shores. Compared to the standard model, this particular version of the flagship smartphone features a unique finish on the glass back.\n\n\nI managed to spend a brief time with the Realme X2 Pro Master Edition, and it\u2019s really quite an unconventional \u2013 albeit familiar \u2013 smartphone. If you want a flagship that\u2019s a little bit more quirky, consider this special edition X2 Pro.\n\n\n\n\nThere are two distinct variants of the Realme X2 Pro Master Edition: Red Brick and Concrete. Evidently, the model we have right here is the former option. Realme says that Naoto Fukasawa \u2013 a Japanese industrial designer \u2013 and the company itself \u201crefined the material and texture of brick\u201d for the back finish of the Red Brick model. The result is\u2026well, rather interesting.\n\n\nWhen I first touched the back of the special edition Realme X2 Pro, I was reminded of another phone maker\u2019s signature finish. That\u2019s right, I\u2019m talking about OnePlus\u2019 Sandstone finish. Really, the texture on the back of the Red Brick model is very reminiscent of that.\n\n\nThis isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing, of course, though I imagine it can be underwhelming for those who were expecting something truly different or \u201cbrick-like.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nFamiliarity aside, I do dig the textured back of the Realme X2 Pro Master Edition. It adds a lot more grip, it\u2019s a unique touch, and it looks pretty eye-catching. However, do note that you\u2019ll have to take care of the finish quite a bit. According to Realme, \u201coil, alcohol, coloured drinks, and other abrasive materials\u201d should not come into contact with the back cover.\n\n\nBesides the textured back finish, other specifications of the Realme X2 Pro Master Edition are identical to the standard model. But it\u2019s worth noting that this special edition only comes with 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM; there\u2019s no other memory configuration.\n\n\n\n\nHardware wise, one of the best features of the Realme X2 Pro is its fast 90Hz 6.5-inch 2400 x 1080 Super AMOLED notched display. Thanks to the high refresh rate, everything looks extra smooth on the screen. Whether you\u2019re just navigating the interface or scrolling through an article, the extra frames do make a difference.\n\n\nQuality of the display itself, on the other hand, is in line with other Super AMOLED panels. It has vibrant colours, excellent viewing angles, and deep, true blacks. Sure, the 1080p resolution isn\u2019t particularly impressive, but it will help with battery life; not that the phone has a small battery capacity.\n\n\nGranted, there are other smartphones with bigger batteries than the X2 Pro\u2019s 4,000mAh cell, but it should be able to return a day\u2019s worth of use. On top of that, the fast charging capability of this phone is worth a mention too: it features 50W \u201cSuperVOOC Flash Charge technology,\u201d which can supposedly fully charge the phone in only 35 minutes.\n\n\n\n\nPerformance is also another strong point for the X2 Pro. Powered by a \nQualcomm Snapdragon 855+\n chipset, this is a fast flagship smartphone. It feels zippy, apps open up very quickly, and chances are, gaming on the X2 Pro will be a real treat. After all, the 855+ promises up to 15% better performance than its predecessor.\n\n\nWhat impress me quite a bit is the Realme X2 Pro\u2019s in-screen fingerprint sensor. Not only is it accurate, the sensor can also recognise my fingerprint relatively quickly. It\u2019s still not quite as fast as the \nOnePlus 7 Pro\n\u2018s speedy scanner, but as far as in-screen sensors go, this is one of the better implementations.\n\n\n\n\nFinally, we have the X2 Pro\u2019s camera performance. On the back, this phone comes with a quad camera system, which is made up of a 64MP f/1.8 main shooter, a 13MP f/2.5 telephoto sensor, an 8MP f/2.2 wide angle shooter, and a 2MP f/2.4 portrait lens. As for the selfie camera, it\u2019s a 16MP f/2.0 unit.\n\n\nSo how is it like shooting with this flagship smartphone? Well, it\u2019s\u2026decent? The quad camera system seems capable of taking good-looking shots under ideal lighting, but in low light conditions, it\u2019s a day and night difference (literally). The camera feels a lot more sluggish \u2013 especially the telephoto lens \u2013 detail preservation takes a dive, and noise is apparent too.\n\n\nThat being said, I do need to spend more time photographing with the X2 Pro to give it a fair assessment. But so far, I\u2019m not exactly blown away with the image quality.\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme X2 Pro Master Edition is a unique-looking smartphone, thanks to its textured back. But beyond this one aesthetic change, it still shares the X2 Pro\u2019s shortcomings, such as the mediocre camera performance. Although Realme has yet to reveal the local pricing of the Master Edition, expect it to cost more than the standard X2 Pro as well, which retails at RM2,399.\n\n\nExactly how compelling the X2 Pro Master Edition would be will depend on how much the device will cost in Malaysia; we\u2019ll find out next week on 16 December. As unique as the phone\u2019s textured back finish may be, price will impact the desirability of the X2 Pro more than looks, especially in a price-sensitive market like Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/you-can-now-buy-a-rm233000-apple-mac-pro-16-inch-macbook-pro-in-malaysia/", "title": "You Can Now Buy a RM233,000 Apple Mac Pro & 16-inch MacBook Pro in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019ve been waiting to get your hands on Apple\u2019s \nMac Pro\n or the \n16-inch MacBook Pro\n, your wait is over: both products can now be purchased on \nApple\u2019s \nMalaysian website\n. However, as expected, prepare to fork out quite a bit of money for either one of these two machines.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the 16-inch MacBook Pro. One of the biggest additions to Apple\u2019s latest laptop is a new keyboard design. Gone are the butterfly switches in favour of a more traditional scissor mechanism with the new Magic Keyboard. Thanks to this change, the keyboard should be a lot more reliable than its predecessor.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the Magic Keyboard has a physical Esc key now, along with the \u201cinverted-T\u201d arrow keys.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the 16-inch MacBook Pro comes with a 16-inch 3072 x 1920 Retina IPS display too. It\u2019s a sharp, colour-accurate display, and it also supports Apple\u2019s True Tone technology. Naturally, the Touch Bar display right above the keyboard is retained as well.\n\n\nOther specifications of the 16-inch MacBook Pro include 9th generation Intel Core processors (up to a Core i9), three GPU options (AMD Radeon Pro 5300M 4GB GDDR6, Radeon Pro 5500M 4GB GDDR6, or a 5500M with 8GB of GDDR6 memory), 16GB of RAM (upgradable to 32GB or 64GB), 512GB of SSD storage (configurable to a whopping 8TB), and Touch ID authentication.\n\n\n\n\nHow much does the new 16-inch MacBook Pro cost? Well, the base model with a Core i7 chip paired with 16GB of RAM, a Radeon Pro 5300M GPU, and 512GB of SSD storage retails at a cool RM10,499. The most expensive variant, on the other hand, costs an eye-watering RM28,818.80, complete with Final Cut Pro X and Logic Pro X software. Check out our \nhands-on of the 16-inch MacBook Pro\n if you\u2019d like to learn more about this laptop.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the Mac Pro. Touted as the most powerful Mac to date, it can be configured to your heart\u2019s content. For the base model, it comes with an Intel Xeon octa-core processor paired with 32GB of RAM, an AMD Radeon Pro 580X GPU, and a 256GB SSD. This base configuration retails at RM25,999.\n\n\n\n\nGiven the plethora of customisation options, the Mac Pro\u2019s top-of-the-range configuration can get pretty ridiculous. If you\u2019re curious, a decked out Mac Pro comes with a 28-core Xeon processor with 1.5TB (!) of RAM, two Radeon Pro Vega II Duo GPUs, 4TB of SSD storage, an Apple Afterburner card, wheels (yes, wheels), Magic Mouse 2, Magic Trackpad 2, and a RM231,608 price tag.\n\n\nOh, opting to get Final Cut Pro X and Logic Pro X software will cost an addition RM2,099.80, bringing the grand total to RM233,707.80. Of course, you\u2019ll need a monitor to go along with the Mac Pro, so why not get the \nApple Pro Display XDR\n? The standard model costs RM19,999, or you can go for the nano-texture glass option instead for RM25,999.\n\n\n\n\nWithout a shadow of a doubt the Mac Pro costs a pretty penny, but it goes without saying it is also a \nvery\n powerful machine. The cooling system, for one, is said to be robust enough to cool the 28-core Xeon processor for it to sustain peak performance at all times. On top of that, it sports a modular design as well.\n\n\nAt the time of writing, the 16-inch MacBook Pro will ship within three to five business days, while the Mac Pro will be sent out in six to seven weeks. Don\u2019t worry: shipping is free.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-watch-active-2-quick-review-still-the-best-smartwatch-for-android/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 Quick Review: Still the Best Smartwatch for Android", "body": "\n\nWhen it comes to smartwatches for Android, Samsung is easily at the top of the list with its excellent wearables. The \nGalaxy Watch Active\n, for one, is a great smartwatch with decent value for money. Now, we have its successor, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2.\n\n\nWhat makes the Watch Active 2 particularly interesting is the return of the bezel controls. But it\u2019s not a physically rotating one; rather, it\u2019s a touch-sensitive bezel. So should you get Samsung\u2019s latest smartwatch? Read on to find out.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 is similar to its predecessor, but there are some notable changes. The most obvious one is the addition of the touch-sensitive bezel. The size of the bezel surrounding the display has also been reduced, so the screen size is actually slightly bigger now. This 40mm model is sporting a 1.2-inch 360 x 360 Super AMOLED display.\n\n\nBesides that, the Active 2 also comes in a number of different case materials. This one right here is the Stainless Steel model, which looks and feels great; it really gives the smartwatch a premium touch. Of course, like every other Samsung smartwatch, this wearable runs on the company\u2019s own Tizen software, which is reasonably good\u2026for the most part. More on this later.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy Watch Active 2 include an Exynos 9110 dual-core processor paired with 768MB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage, a 247mAh battery, 5 ATM / IP68 rating, as well as a heart rate sensor with support for ECG. However, the ECG feature is not enabled yet at the time of this review. No word yet whether it\u2019ll be activated in Malaysia either.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nSince the touch-sensitive bezel is the biggest addition to the Galaxy Watch Active 2, let\u2019s talk about that first. Generally, it actually works reasonably well. Once it detects the first \u201cclick,\u201d the bezel does follow my finger movement quite accurately. However, it is by no means as accurate or as satisfying to use as the physical rotating bezel of the bigger Galaxy Watch.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, let\u2019s move on to the Galaxy Watch Active 2\u2019s battery life, which is actually better than its predecessor. Previously, I could only get around one and a half day of use with the always on display enabled. With the Active 2, however, I can comfortably get two days of battery life. That\u2019s quite impressive for a smartwatch of this calibre.\n\n\nTo get this level of battery life, I left the smartwatch at its default settings, though I did set it to measure my heart rate continuously. If you want even better battery life, you can disable the always on display and set the heart rate sensor to only activate every 10 minutes \u2013 or not at all.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the fantastic circular Super AMOLED display. Samsung manufactures one of the best \u2013 if not \nthe best\n \u2013 displays in the market, and it really shows on the Galaxy Watch Active 2. It can get quite bright (it\u2019s still very legible under bright sunlight), it has vibrant colours, and this being an AMOLED panel, you also get deep, true blacks.\n\n\nOh, the always on display on the Active 2 is slightly tweaked too. Instead of a static image that only refreshes every minute, the watchface is now animated, complete with a ticking second hand. It\u2019s a small touch, but Samsung\u2019s attention to detail here is very commendable.\n\n\nThe reworked always on display\n\n\nHaving the smartwatch on my wrist for long periods of time is surprisingly comfortable too, and the leather strap on this particular variant holds up reasonably well after a few weeks of use. Swapping out the straps is also a fuss-free affair, thanks to the quick release pins.\n\n\nAnother feature I really like on the Galaxy Watch Active 2 is the ability to reply to certain notifications. This can be done with pre-written texts, emojis, the T9 keypad, or using the touchscreen to \u201cdraw\u201d my message one letter at a time. It\u2019s the same feature found on its predecessor, and I\u2019m glad it\u2019s unchanged with the new smartwatch.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, as with any smartwatch worth its salt, every notification I get on my phone is pushed to the Active 2 accordingly. Any notification I dismiss on the wearable is also reflected on the phone, and vice versa. Personally, this is the best reason to get a smartwatch, and the Active 2 (as expected) does this very well.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nGiven its similarities to its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 also shares the same weaknesses. For one, third-party app support is still limited. Tizen on its own is still a good platform with an intuitive user interface, but don\u2019t expect good quality third-party apps with this smartwatch.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, despite its \u201cactive\u201d moniker, the workout detection of the Active 2 isn\u2019t particularly fantastic. Sure, it\u2019s able to detect certain workouts effectively \u2013 it managed to track my jogging and badminton sessions \u2013 but for exercises with minimal arm movement, the smartwatch struggles to detect them accurately.\n\n\nGranted, it\u2019s a limitation many smartwatches struggle with. After all, there\u2019s only so much data the Watch Active 2 can collect from the wrist. Nonetheless, this smartwatch does have a wide list of exercises it can supposedly track.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the price of the Active 2. This particular variant, the 40mm Stainless Steel model, retails for RM1,299. In comparison, the first Galaxy Watch Active only went for RM799 at launch; that\u2019s \nRM500 less\n. Granted, you can get the 40mm Under Armour model or the 44mm Aluminium model for RM1,099, but that\u2019s still RM300 price difference.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIs the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 a good smartwatch? Yes. Is it worth a recommendation? Yes; but only if you don\u2019t already own the first Galaxy Watch Active. Even then it may be more worth it to get that instead of this new model to save a good chunk of money.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, there\u2019s no doubt the Galaxy Watch Active 2 is the superior smartwatch. It has a slightly bigger display thanks to the smaller bezels, it has better battery life, and this Stainless Steel model (despite its high asking price) gives the impression of a much more premium device.\n\n\nIf you want the absolute best smartwatch for Android smartphones right now, and you don\u2019t mind its steep price tag, give the Galaxy Watch Active 2 a gander or two \u2013 you won\u2019t find a more complete wearable for the money.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-predator-triton-300-with-144hz-display-lands-in-malaysia-from-rm3699/", "title": "Acer Predator Triton 300 With 144Hz Display Lands in Malaysia from RM3,699", "body": "\n\nAcer Malaysia just announced the availability of its latest gaming laptop, the \nAcer Predator Triton 300\n. This is the most affordable machine in the Triton series, and it\u2019s quite a respectable gaming laptop for the money.\n\n\nOne of the most attractive features of the Triton 300 is its fast 144Hz display; not a common feature among gaming laptops in this price range. The 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display is also surrounded by relatively thin bezels, lending to a sleek, modern-looking aesthetic.\n\n\n\n\nGiven its positioning in the Triton lineup, the Triton 300 isn\u2019t an awfully powerful gaming laptop, powered by an Nvidia GTX 1650 GPU with 4GB of GDDR5 memory. While it\u2019s not a particularly high-end graphics card, it should be able to run most modern games well with some graphics tweaking here and there.\n\n\nGaming laptops are not particularly slim or light, but the Triton 300 is surprisingly quite portable. Its chassis measures 22.9mm, and it tips the scales at 2.3kg. Sure, these figures don\u2019t exactly make it the lightest or thinnest gaming laptop around, but it\u2019s still a reasonably compact machine.\n\n\n\n\nTwo variants of the Triton 300 are offered in Malaysia. There\u2019s the Intel Core i5-9300H model, and the more powerful Core i7-9750H variant. Besides the CPU option, both models share the same hardware, including 8GB of RAM and 512GB of fast PCIe NVMe SSD storage.\n\n\nSo how much does the Acer Predator Triton 300 cost for the Malaysian market? Well, the Core i5 variant retails at RM3,699, while the higher-end Core i7 model goes for RM4,799. Both options of the Triton 300 are now available for purchase in Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t quite fancy a gaming laptop? Then consider the Acer Swift 3, which has been revised with a number of upgrades and price change. Now, the productivity laptop comes pre-installed with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2019 (worth RM529), giving you full access to Office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. That\u2019s a pretty sweet inclusion.\n\n\nOn top of that, the 256GB SSD storage of the Swift 3 has been swapped out for a much more generous 512GB SSD, so you won\u2019t have to worry about not having enough storage space. Other specifications of this laptop include a 14-inch Full HD IPS display, an 8th generation Core i5 processor paired with 8GB of RAM, and two GPU options: an Intel UHD Graphics 620 or an Nvidia MX250 GPU.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the pricing of the Acer Swift 5 has been revised as well. The base model with UHD Graphics 620 now goes for only RM2,399, while the MX250 variant carries a RM2,699 price tag. Given the hardware (and software) you\u2019re getting with the Swift 3, it offers pretty good value for money.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-v17-launched-in-malaysia-sports-tiny-hole-punch-cutout-rm1699-price-tag/", "title": "Vivo V17 Launched in Malaysia; Sports Tiny Hole-Punch Cutout & RM1,699 Price Tag", "body": "\n\nThe Vivo V17 mid-range smartphone has just been launched in Malaysia. What makes this mid-ranger particularly interesting is its hole-punch cutout for the front-facing camera. Measuring only 5mm in diameter, it\u2019s said to be the smallest one in the market.\n\n\nThanks to the small camera cutout, the V17 does look sleeker than other smartphones with a similar design language, including the \nSamsung Galaxy S10e\n and \nHuawei Nova 5T\n. Vivo calls this the \u201cUltra O\u201d screen, and it houses a 32MP f/2.45 selfie camera.\n\n\n\n\nAside from the hole-punch cutout, the display itself is a 6.44-inch 2400 x 1080 Super AMOLED screen. This being an AMOLED panel, you can expect to get deep blacks and vibrant colours. On top of that, Vivo says that the V17 has an impressive 91.38% screen-to-body ratio.\n\n\nLike most smartphones in the market now, underneath the display of the V17 is an in-screen fingerprint sensor. According to Vivo, this sensor now comes with a 3P lens. Along with Vivo\u2019s \u201cintelligent algorithm,\u201d the sensor is supposedly faster at recognising fingerprints now.\n\n\n\n\nPowering the V17, on the other hand, is a decidedly mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 chipset. It\u2019s not the most capable processor \u2013 especially in this price range \u2013 but it should be fast enough to provide a relatively good user experience. Whether you\u2019re gaming or multitasking on this phone, the Snapdragon 675 should be up for the task.\n\n\nOn the back of the V17 is a rather unique-looking rear camera system. It\u2019s a quad camera configuration made up of a 48MP f/1.8 primary shooter with PDAF, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle camera, a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor, and another 2MP f/2.4 macro lens. Unfortunately, there is no telephoto shooter here.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, battery life is one of the V17\u2019s main selling points. After all, it comes with a generous 4,500mAh battery, which should be able to get you through a day\u2019s worth of use comfortably. If you need to quickly charge up the phone, the V17 supports 18W fast charging via USB-C.\n\n\nOther specifications of the V17 include 8GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot for further expansion, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and two colour options: Admiral Blue and Crystal White.\n\n\n\n\nThe Vivo V17 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia for RM1,699 on Vivo\u2019s \nofficial online store\n; you can also use a RM50 discount code over there. While RM1,699 is a pretty hefty price tag for a mid-range smartphone, you do get 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. The V17 will hit store shelves on 21 December 2019.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/tng-boost-get-rm30-credit-from-15-january-2020/", "title": "TNG, Boost & GrabPay Chosen for e-Tunai Rakyat Initiative; Get RM30 Credit from 15 January 2020", "body": "\n\nBack at Budget 2020, the government announced that eligible Malaysians will receive RM30 worth of credit to an unspecified ewallet service. Well, we now know which are chosen for the e-Tunai Rakyat initiative, and there are three of them: Touch \u2018n Go eWallet, Boost, and GrabPay.\n\n\nIn a \npress release prepared by Khazanah Nasional\n, these ewallet services were chosen based on the fulfillment of four criteria. Firstly, they have to boast a large number of users to ensure that the e-Tunai Rakyat initiative \u201chas a broad reach among eligible Malaysians.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nSecondly, these ewallet services are also required to have large merchant networks for traders to take advantage of the incentive spending. Of course, consumers can also use the respective ewallet services at a wide number of retailers; the key is to not be limited by the availability of the service.\n\n\nThe third criterion is for the ewallet services to have \u201cthe ability to handle a large number of transactions in a short period of time.\u201d Evidently, all three ewallet services chosen for this initiative are more than capable at fulfilling this requirement.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is for the selected ewallet services to have already invested \u201csignificantly in their respective services in Malaysia.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn order to make this initiative possible, the government is allocating up to RM450 million to Khazanah Nasional to implement it. The e-Tunai Rakyat is expected to benefit up to 15 million Malaysians; that\u2019s quite a significant number.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the exact mechanism for the \u201cone-time RM30 digital stimulus\u201d has not been revealed yet, though we expect TNG, Boost, and GrabPay to announce more details as we approach closer to the 15 January 2020 commencement date. The whole initiative will run for two months, ending on 14 March 2020.\n\n\nSo how do you know if you\u2019re eligible for the RM30 credit? Well, as long as you are above 18 years of age, and your annual income is less than RM100,000, you will be able to receive the RM30 credit to your TNG, Boost, or GrabPay account.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, you\u2019ll have to first verify your identity on either one of these ewallet services to be eligible for the RM30 credit. For example, Touch \u2018n Go eWallet users would need to take a snapshot of their identification card (IC) \u2013 along with a selfie \u2013 and fill in their personal details.\n\n\nDo note that the RM30 credit given for the e-Tunai Rakyat initiative is only valid until 14 March 2020 regardless of which ewallet service you choose. Any balance left after that date will \u201cexpire and cannot be used again,\u201d \naccording to TNG\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-magicwatch-2-now-in-malaysia-for-rm699/", "title": "Honor MagicWatch 2 Now in Malaysia for RM699", "body": "\n\nHonor just launched its latest smartwatch in Malaysia, the \nHonor MagicWatch 2\n. However, the Chinese company is only bringing in the 46mm model at the moment; the Flax Brown (46mm) and 42mm models will only be made available here at a later date.\n\n\nNonetheless, the MagicWatch 2 is quite an interesting smartwatch. One of the best selling points of the wearable is its quoted battery life. According to Honor, it can last up to 14 days on a single charge. For a smartwatch, that\u2019s very impressive battery life.\n\n\nOf course, that level of battery life is only applicable to the 46mm model, which is the only variant introduced in our market at this point in time. If you\u2019re curious, the 42mm version only has a quoted battery life of seven days.\n\n\n\n\nDesign wise, the MagicWatch 2 is a handsome smartwatch. In fact, it looks almost like a traditional wristwatch, thanks to its stainless steel case. It looks premium, classy, and more importantly, it doesn\u2019t look like a gadget on your wrist. An important requirement for certain folks, we imagine.\n\n\nThe best smartwatches have AMOLED displays for great screen quality, so naturally, the MagicWatch 2 has such a panel. Sporting a 1.4-inch 454 x 454 circular AMOLED display, expect it to be bright, vibrant, and pleasant to look at.\n\n\nOh, this smartwatch also has a 5 ATM water resistance rating, so you can submerge it up to 50m underwater for up to 10 minutes. If you plan to wear it for a quick swim, you won\u2019t have to worry about taking it off.\n\n\n\n\nAnother feature of the MagicWatch 2 that\u2019s worth highlighting is music streaming. That\u2019s right, you can stream music straight from the smartwatch itself to a pair of wireless earphones. Sure, this particular feature isn\u2019t unique to the MagicWatch 2, but it\u2019s certainly a nice thing to have.\n\n\nThat being said, do note that music streaming with the wearable isn\u2019t available if you pair it with an iOS device. Unfortunately, it\u2019s an Android-only feature.\n\n\nOther specifications of the MagicWatch 2 include a Kirin A1 chipset, 4GB of internal storage, a 455mAh battery (215mAh for the 42mm model), a heart rate sensor, and a speaker. On top of that, it also has a built-in microphone, making it possible to make a phone call with just the watch.\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor MagicWatch 2 is now available for purchase in Malaysia from Honor\u2019s \nofficial website\n, \nShopee\n, as well as Honor Experience Stores nationwide for RM699. Again, that\u2019s for the 46mm model; the Flax Brown model of the same size will be coming at a later date for RM749, while the upcoming 42mm variant has no official pricing yet.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hideo-kojimas-death-stranding-is-my-game-of-the-year/", "title": "Hideo Kojima\u2019s Death Stranding Is My Game of the Year", "body": "\n\nIf there\u2019s any word to describe Hideo Kojima\u2019s Death Stranding, it would be \u201cpolarising.\u201d On one side of the camp, you\u2019ve got players calling the game an absolute bore; it\u2019s even been described as a very detailed \u201cwalking simulator.\u201d But on the other side of the camp, there are also players that consider Death Stranding to be Kojima\u2019s best masterpiece yet.\n\n\nGoing by the headline, you already know which of the two camps I\u2019m in. After 32 hours, I\u2019ve finally completed Death Stranding\u2019s epic story, and what an adventure it was. Sure, there are aspects of the game that could be better, but as a whole, it\u2019s the best game I\u2019ve played this year.\n\n\nAnd I wish I could do it all over again.\n\n\n\n\nSo what\u2019s so great about Death Stranding? Well, for one, it has a star-studded cast. You\u2019ve got Norman Reedus (he plays Sam, the protagonist), Mads Mikkelsen, L\u00e9a Seydoux, Margaret Qualley, and of course, even Troy Baker, who\u2019s well-known for voicing Joel in The Last of Us.\n\n\nGranted, an accomplished cast of actors and actresses don\u2019t exactly guarantee an amazing performance, but this was certainly the case with Death Stranding. I was especially captivated by Mikkelsen\u2019s performance as Clifford Unger. The voice acting is strong, the facial expressions are on point, and throughout the game, I was anticipating the next scene with him in it. He was \nthat\n good.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the other casts also did an excellent job in their own right. Reedus convincingly played Sam as a jaded, post-apocalyptic deliveryman, and I was quite surprised at how well he delivered certain lines. After all, Death Stranding is a Kojima game: some of the dialogues can get quite\u2026bizarre.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s Troy Baker, who plays the antagonist Higgs Monaghan. Honestly, nothing much needs to be said of Baker\u2019s voice acting prowess. Each one of his dialogue, regardless of how ridiculous or strange, is delivered with gusto and necessary emotions \neffortlessly\n. This is easily one of Baker\u2019s best performances yet.\n\n\n\n\nBesides its strong lineup of cast, what makes Death Stranding such an incredible game is the storytelling; it\u2019s something you\u2019ve come to expect from Kojima. If you\u2019re familiar with the Metal Gear Solid series, you\u2019ll know what you\u2019re in for in this game. From lengthy cutscenes to a story of epic proportions in a post-apocalyptic world, there\u2019s no shortage of the Kojima flair here.\n\n\nIn fact, I\u2019m pretty sure I spent half of my play time in Death Stranding watching cutscenes and reading through dialogues. According to the game completion screen, I spent about 16 hours (my total play time is 32 hours) \u201cresting,\u201d which I assume were time spent outside of gameplay.\n\n\nThat is a \nlong\n period of time to be doing nothing, but I honestly enjoyed just sitting back and see the events of the game unfold. It\u2019s almost like watching an interactive movie.\n\n\n\n\nIt also helps that Death Stranding is such a gorgeously rendered game. The character models are \npainfully \ndetailed \u2013 especially the facial structures \u2013 the sprawling landscapes are awe-inspiring, and in certain parts of the game, you\u2019d really be amazed at the level of detail. The Decima engine powering this game (which is also used with Horizon Zero Dawn) is nothing short of breathtaking.\n\n\nComplementing the stunning graphics are equally great soundtracks. As you progress through the game, songs would occasionally play in the background. This usually happens as you\u2019re beginning your next journey or approaching your destination, and it really adds to the whole \u201cambiance\u201d of the game.\n\n\n\n\nSo far, I haven\u2019t talked about the core gameplay of Death Stranding, so let\u2019s get to it. Basically, your main mission is to reconnect America \u2013 now known as the UCA for the United Cities of America \u2013 by travelling westward and making contact with different settlements to connect them to the \u201cChiral Network.\u201d Essentially, it is an internet network\u2026of sorts.\n\n\nAs you make your way from one settlement to the next, you will be tasked to deliver a number of items as well. These can either range from transporting small cargo, to delivering large amounts of raw material. Based on the task at hand, it\u2019s important to bring the necessary equipment during the loadout stage.\n\n\n\n\nWill you be traversing difficult terrain? Then bring along a couple of ladders and climbing anchors. Afraid you\u2019ll come across hostile entities? Bring along some weapons. You can only carry so many items at a certain weight limit, so it can be quite tricky to choose exactly what you need to bring into the field.\n\n\nThankfully, if you do forget to bring certain items, that\u2019s where other players come in. As you head out into new areas, you\u2019ll occasionally come across items left by other players. Throughout my time with the game, these items were essential to help me get from one point to another.\n\n\nOn top of that, you\u2019ll see structures built by other players too. Whether these are generators to charge batteries or bridges to cross rapid rivers, they will help you on your journey.\n\n\n\n\nOh, right, I should probably explain what kind of \u201chostile entities\u201d are there in Death Stranding. There are two main categories: human enemies, and BTs. Human enemies are further divided into MULEs and Terrorists. The former are just interested to steal your cargo, while Terrorists use more deadly forces.\n\n\nEarly encounters with these enemies can get quite annoying, but as you unlock more tools and equipment, they\u2019re a cinch to deal with. Okay, maybe not Terrorists, given their more sophisticated weaponry, which include shotguns and assault rifles.\n\n\n\n\nBTs, on the other hand, are supernatural enemies you\u2019ll come across throughout the game, and they are far more prevalent than human hostiles. Whenever it\u2019s raining (referred to as timefall in the game), there\u2019s a chance you\u2019ll come across a field of these ghostly BTs, or \u201cBeached Things.\u201d\n\n\nWhen you set foot in such an area, the Odradek sensor will activate. Together with your BB (that\u2019s the Bridge Baby, an infant that is attached to Sam), the sensor will continuously flap in the direction of the nearest BT. The intensity increases as you get closer to one of the ghostly apparitions, and you wouldn\u2019t want to get \ntoo\n close.\n\n\n\n\nIf you do get too close to a BT, you can still hold your breath by pressing the R1 button, and slowly sneak past it; nothing will happen as long as you\u2019re not caught by the apparition. But if you \ndo\n get caught, well\u2026get ready for a battle with the BT.\n\n\nOnce you\u2019re caught, you\u2019ll be dragged on the ground for a bit, so you may drop some of your cargo in the process. To get yourself out of this battle, you can either get away from the affected area, or defeat the BT. That being said, you can only do the latter once you\u2019ve unlocked a specific weapon; I\u2019ll try to be vague to avoid spoiling it.\n\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ve probably noticed by now that I haven\u2019t really elaborated about my personal opinion of Death Stranding\u2019s unique gameplay. Truth be told, I\u2026actually find it quite interesting. Sure, traveling the vast landscape can get quite arduous and repetitive, but the payout, which is advancing the story to find out more about Death Stranding, is worth all the trouble.\n\n\nBut, in order to get to \nthat\n fun part of the game, you\u2019ll have to be patient. Like, really, patient. See, the early parts of the game are a slog; there\u2019s no sugar coating it. For me, the first 10 hours of the game felt like an extended prologue, and I was already rushing through it to finish the story as quickly as I can.\n\n\nOnce I got that particular section of the game over with, though, I was really enjoying myself.\n\n\n\n\nI\u2019ve mentioned that Death Stranding\u2019s story is very compelling, and I would wholeheartedly recommend folks to just watch the game\u2019s cutscenes for the storyline and cinematography aspects, especially if they don\u2019t plan to play the game at all. But as much as I love Death Stranding\u2019s plot, it is also convoluted and overly complex, making it hard to grasp the gist of the story.\n\n\nTo make matters worse, the game doesn\u2019t go to great lengths to explain the jargons that are thrown around. What does DOOMS mean? Every living being has their own \u201cBeach?\u201d What\u2019s the Seam? Being a repatriate is a gift in this game? What?\n\n\n\n\nNow, even with these imperfections, Death Stranding was an \nabsolute joy\n to experience. If you have a PlayStation 4 system, play it. If you don\u2019t have the console, consider buying one solely for this game. Or\u2026you can wait for it to be released on PC sometime in 2020 next year.\n\n\nDeath Stranding is a slow burn. It takes some time to warm up before it hits its stride. But once it does, you\u2019re in for a ride, and I absolutely envy those who are playing the game for the first time.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-y15-2020-with-5000mah-battery-arrives-in-malaysia-for-rm599/", "title": "Vivo Y15 2020 With 5,000mAh Battery Arrives in Malaysia for RM599", "body": "\n\nIn the market for a new budget-friendly smartphone? Then you may be interested in Vivo\u2019s latest affordable smartphone, the Vivo Y15 2020. Sporting a large 5,000mAh battery, this should be a long-lasting device; even for the most demanding of mobile users.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right. Despite its rather compact form factor \u2013 it has a 6.35-inch display with a notch \u2013 the Y15 2020 has a very generous 5,000mAh cell. Chances are, you can comfortably get up to two days of use out of this budget smartphone, especially with the 1544 x 720 IPS display.\n\n\nSure, a higher resolution display would look better, but there\u2019s only so much you can ask for from a smartphone in this price range. Besides, it has a good screen-to-body ratio at 89%, not to mention the fact that the 720p resolution wouldn\u2019t be as power-hungry.\n\n\n\n\nGiven its positioning as an affordable smartphone, it\u2019s no surprise that the Y15 2020 features a much older MediaTek MT6762 Helio P22 chipset. Introduced back in 2017, it\u2019s an octa-core processor utilising eight ARM Cortex-A53 cores. It won\u2019t provide amazing performance, but as long as you manage your expectations, it should be good enough for day-to-day use.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Y15 2020 has a surprisingly complete triple camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 13MP f/2.2 primary shooter, an 8MP f/2.2 wide angle lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor. While you don\u2019t get a telephoto camera here, the fact that it has a wide angle shooter is quite impressive for a budget-oriented smartphone.\n\n\nAs for the front-facing camera, it\u2019s a 16MP f/2.0 unit placed right above the display in the notch.\n\n\n\n\nFor biometric security, you get a conventional fingerprint sensor on the back of the smartphone. It\u2019s not quite as fancy as an in-screen sensor, but hey, it\u2019s still much more accurate and quicker, especially if we\u2019re talking about sensors found in more affordable devices. Only the best flagship smartphones have reasonably good in-screen fingerprint sensors.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Y15 2020 include 4GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot that can accommodate cards up to 256GB, a microUSB port \u2013 no USB-C, unfortunately \u2013 and Funtouch OS 9 based on Android 9 Pie out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Vivo Y15 2020 is now available for purchase in Malaysia, including \nVivo\u2019s online store\n and e-commerce platform \nShopee\n. Retailing at RM599, it is offered in two colour options: Phantom Black and Burgundy Red.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-mediapad-m6-now-available-in-malaysia-for-rm1899/", "title": "Huawei MediaPad M6 Now Available in Malaysia for RM1,899", "body": "\n\nHuawei just launched a new Android tablet for the Malaysian market, the Huawei MediaPad M6. Sporting a large 10.8-inch display with a sharp 2560 x 1600 WQXGA resolution and good processing power, it\u2019s a reasonably good tablet for productivity purposes.\n\n\nOne of the key selling points of the MediaPad M6 is its 10.8-inch 2K IPS display. Not only is it quite a pixel-dense panel, the screen also comes with Huawei\u2019s ClariVu technology. According to the Chinese company, ClariVu uses \u201cintelligent algorithms to enhance contrast and clarity\u201d when you\u2019re watching movies or playing games on this tablet.\n\n\n\n\nI managed to spend a brief time with the MediaPad M6, and the screen does look good. It can get quite bright, colours are vibrant and punchy, and really, it\u2019s a pleasant screen to look at. Whether you\u2019re using it for media consumption or productivity tasks, you won\u2019t be disappointed with the screen quality.\n\n\nBesides that, powering the MediaPad M6 is Huawei\u2019s own \nKirin 980 chipset\n; the same SoC found in other flagship smartphones from the company, including the \nHuawei P30\n and \nMate 20\n series. It may not be the latest \nKirin 990 chipset\n, but rest assured, the Kirin 980 is still a very capable chip.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, it\u2019s also worth noting that the Kirin 980 processor is built on a 7nm process, so it\u2019s quite a power-efficient chipset. This, paired with the MediaPad M6\u2019s generous 7,500mAh battery, should allow the tablet to return above average battery life.\n\n\nGiven its focus on productivity, the MediaPad M6 supports a number of accessories to complement this particular aspect of the tablet. There\u2019s the Smart Magnetic Keyboard, which (obviously) magnetically attaches to the tablet, and the M-Pen stylus for the creative folks. Oh, it also has a PC Mode to mimic a desktop environment.\n\n\n\n\nYou wouldn\u2019t really want to photograph with a tablet this big, but if it ever becomes necessary, the MediaPad M6 will do in a pinch. On the back, it comes with a 13MP f/1.8 shooter. If you want to take selfie shots or make a video call with the tablet instead, there\u2019s the 8MP f/2.0 front-facing camera.\n\n\nOther specifications of the MediaPad M6 include 4GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot (it supports cards up to 512GB), a 3.5mm headphone jack, a USB Type-C port, and EMUI 10 based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei MediaPad M6 is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM1,899. Offered only in Titanium Grey, early birds will also get the Smart Magnetic Keyboard and M-Pen stylus bundled with the tablet; these accessories are worth RM568.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-9x-quick-review-decidedly-average/", "title": "Honor 9X Quick Review: Decidedly Average", "body": "\n\nHonor\u2019s mid-range smartphones are really quite popular among consumers, thanks to their affordable pricing and sleek designs. The new Honor 9X, for the most part, fulfill these two criteria. In a vacuum, it\u2019s a reasonably good mid-ranger.\n\n\nBut competition in the mid-range segment is a lot tougher now. Next to these devices, the Honor 9X doesn\u2019t stand out quite as much. Is it a good smartphone? Yes, but you can also do better at this price point.\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.59-inch FHD+ IPS (2340 x 1080)\nChipset\nKirin 710F 2.2GHz octa-core\nGPU\nARM Mali-G51 MP4\nRAM\n6GB\nStorage\n128GB, expandable\nCamera (rear)\n48MP f/1.8 (primary)\n8MP f/2.4 (ultra-wide angle)\n2MP f/2.4 (depth)\nCamera (front)\n16MP f/2.2\nBattery\n4,000mAh\nDimensions\n163.5 x 77.3 x 8.8 mm\nWeight\n196.8g\nOS\nEMUI 9.1 based on Android 9 Pie\nConnectivity\nLTE\nBluetooth 4.2\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz)\nUSB Type-C\n3.5mm headphone jack\nPrice\nRM999\n\n\nLooking at this list of hardware, the Honor 9X sits comfortably in the mid-range segment. The Kirin 710F chipset is reasonably quick, the 6.59-inch 1080p display is big and vibrant, and the 4,000mAh battery can return very good battery life.\n\n\n\n\nIn fact, that is one of the best reasons to get the Honor 9X: it\u2019s a \nreally\n long-lasting smartphone. Unfortunately, other aspects of the phone leave much to be desired, especially the camera performance.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nBut let\u2019s talk about what I do like about the Honor 9X first, starting with battery life. On average, I get about seven to eight hours of screen on time with the phone\u2019s 4,000mAh cell, which is \nvery\n impressive. Not many smartphones with a similar battery capacity can deliver this kind of battery life.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the charging rate isn\u2019t quite as good. Within 30 minutes of charging, the phone only got up to 30% from empty.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, I do like the design of the Honor 9X. The all-screen design free of any notch or hole-punch cutout lends to a very modern-looking smartphone, and the curved back panel is ergonomically-friendly. That being said, I do wish the bottom bezel was smaller.\n\n\nWhat about the display quality? It\u2019s actually quite good. The 6.59-inch 1080p IPS display is pleasant to look at, with vibrant colours and good brightness level. Sure, the display does get darker when viewed at an angle, but the same can be said of most smartphones\u2019 screens in this price range. Well, unless they use OLED panels.\n\n\n\n\nPerformance of the Honor 9X is relatively good too. While the Kirin 710F isn\u2019t an awfully powerful chipset, it can provide a pleasant user experience. It doesn\u2019t take too long to switch between different apps, there\u2019s no noticeable stuttering, and its gaming performance is perfectly acceptable too.\n\n\nOf course, there are frame rate drops in certain games like PUBG Mobile \u2013 especially when I\u2019m moving the camera quickly \u2013 but tweaking the graphics settings do make the game run better. Basically, don\u2019t expect amazing performance out of the Kirin 710F, and you won\u2019t be disappointed.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nI\u2019ll start with my biggest complaint about the Honor 9X: the triple camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP f/1.8 main shooter, an 8MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle sensor, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth camera. While it performs admirably in daytime, the camera performance takes a dive in low light conditions.\n\n\n\n\nThis is \nvery\n evident with the 8MP wide angle shooter. Detail preservation is bad (most shots look smudged), noise level is high, and forget about accurate colour reproduction. Things do improve with the primary 48MP sensor, but not exactly by a huge margin. Take a look at the sample shots below.\n\n\n48MP primary\n8MP ultra-wide angle\n 48MP primary \n 8MP ultra-wide angle\n 48MP primary \n 48MP primary \n\n\nBesides that, there\u2019s also a noticeable whirring sound whenever the Honor 9X\u2019s front camera activates, so you can forget about taking selfie shots discretely. If there\u2019s any consolation, at least the camera mechanism pops up pretty quickly.\n\n\nMy last gripe with the Honor 9X is its value proposition. Retailing at RM999, it\u2019s not the most affordable mid-range smartphone, and you can get better bang for your buck with other devices at the same price point. To put things into context, let\u2019s look at another smartphone in this price range, the \nRedmi Note 8 Pro\n.\n\n\n\n\nAlthough the 128GB variant of the Note 8 Pro with 6GB of RAM officially retails at RM1,199 \u2013 that\u2019s the same storage and RAM capacities as the Honor 9X \u2013 you can get it for \nas low as RM1,070 now\n. That\u2019s only RM71 more for the Redmi phone, and you\u2019re getting so much more for your money.\n\n\nFor one, the Redmi Note 8 Pro has a much faster \nMediaTek Helio G90T chipset\n. Now, don\u2019t be quick to judge the G90T processor; it\u2019s said to be up to 26% faster than Qualcomm\u2019s Snapdragon 730 SoC. In comparison, the Kirin 710F doesn\u2019t even belong in the same league as either one of these two chips.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the Redmi Note 8 Pro\u2019s more sophisticated quad camera configuration. Headlined by a 64MP main shooter, this phone also has an 8MP ultra-wide angle camera, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. In short, you can expect better camera performance from the Note 8 Pro.\n\n\nGiven that you get all of these upgrades \nfor only RM71 more\n, the Honor 9X pales in comparison when it comes to value for money. Granted, the 9X is the sleeker-looking device with its all-screen design, but I\u2019d happily live with the Redmi Note 8 Pro\u2019s notched display for all of the extra upgrades.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nFor RM999, the Honor 9X is not an easy phone to recommend. That\u2019s not an exorbitant asking price, but the fact that other smartphones in this price range offers so much more for the money\u2026the 9X doesn\u2019t seem all that attractive.\n\n\n\n\nIs the Honor 9X a bad smartphone? Not at all; it\u2019s just eclipsed by other superior smartphones. It may offer long battery life and a sleek design, but its value proposition isn\u2019t as good as other mid-rangers.\n\n\nAnd value for money is more often than not the deciding factor in this highly competitive segment.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-reno-3-series-official-with-5g-90hz-display-mediatek-dimensity-1000l/", "title": "Oppo Reno 3 Series Official With 5G, 90Hz Display, MediaTek Dimensity 1000L", "body": "\n\nThe first Oppo Reno series was only unveiled to the world back in April this year, but now, the Chinese company just launched the Oppo Reno 3 lineup. The new series is made up of the standard Reno 3 and Reno 3 Pro, and not surprisingly, both smartphones come with 5G support and a number of interesting features for mid-range devices.\n\n\nOut of the two smartphones, the Reno 3 Pro is obviously the higher-end offering. As mentioned, it has 5G connectivity thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G under the hood. On top of that, the Reno 3 Pro also comes with a fast 90Hz 6.5-inch 1080p AMOLED display. The panel curves on either sides of the phone, giving it a rather premium appearance.\n\n\n\n\nOddly enough, unlike its predecessors, the Reno 3 Pro does not have a pop-up selfie camera. Instead, the front-facing shooter is placed in a hole-punch cutout on the top left of the screen. It doesn\u2019t look quite as sleek, but hey, you do get a 90Hz display now.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Reno 3 Pro features a quad camera system on the back. It consists of a 48MP f/1.7 primary shooter, a 13MP f/2.4 telephoto lens, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor, and a 2MP f/2.4 monochrome shooter. The selfie camera, on the other hand, is a 32MP f/2.4 sensor.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Reno 3 Pro are up to 12GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a 4,025mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the regular Reno 3. Unlike the Pro variant, the standard model doesn\u2019t have a curved 90Hz display. Instead, it comes with a more conventional, flat 6.44-inch 1080p AMOLED screen. Oh, it doesn\u2019t have a hole-punch cutout either: it comes with a waterdrop notch at the top of the screen instead.\n\n\nBut what makes the Reno 3 particularly interesting is the chipset powering this phone: a MediaTek Dimensity 1000L SoC. This is the chipmaker\u2019s new 7nm processor, and not only does it support 5G networks, it also comes with four of ARM\u2019s fast Cortex-A77 cores clocked at 2.6GHz.\n\n\nWhile we don\u2019t have performance figures of the Dimensity 1000L ourselves, an \nearly benchmark\n shows that it is actually more capable than the Snapdragon 765 processor found in the Pro model. Curious, isn\u2019t it?\n\n\n\n\nCamera configuration of the Reno 3 is quite different from the Pro too. While it still has a quad camera system, it\u2019s made up of a 64MP f/1.8 main shooter, an 8MP ultra-wide angle sensor, a monochrome lens, and a depth camera. Basically, not quite as sophisticated as the Reno 3 Pro\u2019s camera system, but still relatively good.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Reno 3 include 8GB or 12GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, a 4,025mAh battery, and just like the Pro variant, it supports 30W VOOC Flash Charge 4.0; it can supposedly charge up the device to 50% from empty in only 20 minutes.\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Reno 3 series is currently available only in China. The standard Reno 3 retails at 3,399 Chinese yuan (about RM2,005) and 3,699 yuan (approximately RM2,180) for the 128GB + 8GB and 128GB + 12GB variants respectively. As for the Reno 3 Pro, it costs 3,999 yuan (around RM2,360) and 4,499 yuan (about RM2,655) for the 128GB + 8GB and 256GB + 12GB versions respectively.\n\n\nOh, there is also a special edition of the Pro model dubbed Reno 3 Pro Pantone 2020. It\u2019s similar to the regular Pro model with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM, just with some aesthetic changes celebrating Pantone\u2019s 2020 colour, Classic Blue. This variant is priced at 4,199 yuan (about RM2,480).\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-holiday-sale-2019-shopping-guide-which-exclusive-games-to-buy/", "title": "PlayStation Holiday Sale 2019 Shopping Guide \u2013 Which Exclusive Games to Buy?", "body": "\n\nThe PlayStation Holiday Sale is back for 2019, and there are quite a number of noteworthy discounts for a wide range of games. It can get a little overwhelming to go through all of the games \nthat are discounted\n, so here\u2019s a neat list of exclusive titles that you should consider.\n\n\nDeath Stranding\n\n\nIf you own a PlayStation 4 system, \nHideo Kojima\u2019s Death Stranding\n should definitely be in your list of games to play. Originally going for well over RM200, you can now get it \nfor only RM167.30\n. A great deal for a game that was only released last month.\n\n\nIf you want the Deluxe Edition, it\u2019s \ngoing for RM230.30 now\n. It includes a number of in-game items in gold, 10 PSN avatars of various characters in the game, and a digital album of original music from Death Stranding along with a behind the scenes video.\n\n\n\n\nThese are good deals for the game, but if you prefer getting a physical copy, good news: you can get it for around the same price. A Preferred Shopee retailer is listing the regular version \nfor only RM169\n, while the Special Edition \nis priced at RM289\n.\n\n\nNot sure if Kojima\u2019s latest game is for you? Then check out our review of Death Stranding \nright here\n.\n\n\nMarvel\u2019s Spider-Man\n\n\nArguably one of the best superhero games released thus far, Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man is an incredibly fun game. Even if you\u2019re not a big fan of the Marvel superhero, we reckon you\u2019ll enjoy the game regardless; it\u2019s jam-packed with content in a big open-world setting.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, only the Game Of The Year Edition is available now for Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man. \nListed at only RM101.40\n, this version of the game offers the complete DLC story arc for The City That Never Sleeps, which offers three additional chapters in the story.\n\n\nGod of War\n\n\nConsidered to be the best entry in the franchise yet, God of War is now more affordable than ever. The standalone game is \npriced at merely RM47.40\n, while the Deluxe Edition \ncan be yours for RM77.40\n. The latter is bundled with additional goodies like in-game items, a dynamic theme for your PlayStation 4, and even digital comic and artbook from Dark Horse.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you just want to experience the story of God of War, the regular version of the game will suffice. After all, the extra RM30 can go towards a different game in this list.\n\n\nDays Gone\n\n\nEven though it\u2019s not quite the success most were hoping for, Days Gone is still a decent buy for this promotion. Initially priced at RM169, you can get the game \nfor only RM101.40 now\n. The Deluxe Edition, on the other hand, \ncosts RM125.40\n; it includes a dynamic theme, in-game items, and a digital art book by Dark Horse Comics.\n\n\nHorizon Zero Dawn: Complete Edition\n\n\nPowered by the same Decima engine used in Death Stranding, Horizon Zero Dawn is a fantastic game from Guerrilla Games. It\u2019s an open-world game with a pretty compelling storyline, and the combat system is quite interesting as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Complete Edition of the game is now offered \nfor only RM47.40\n, and the Frozen Wilds expansion is bundled along with this version of Horizon Zero Dawn.\n\n\nUncharted 4: A Thief\u2019s End\n\n\nOf course, this list wouldn\u2019t be complete without a Naughty Dog game. Uncharted 4: A Thief\u2019s End marks the end (excuse the pun) of Nathan Drake\u2019s journey in the series, and it\u2019s easily one of the best \u2013 if not \nthe\n best \u2013 entries in the franchise.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrently listed at only \nRM37\n, it\u2019s a steal for a big title like Uncharted 4. While that\u2019s not the lowest price we\u2019ve seen the game go for (it was priced at RM29.60 \nearlier this year\n), that\u2019s still a good deal.\n\n\nThe Last of Us Remastered\n\n\nIf you missed this game when it was offered for free to PlayStation Plus members back in October, you can now get The Last of Us Remastered at a pretty low price. It normally costs RM74, but you can now get it \nfor only RM37\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThose who have played this game when it was first released for the PlayStation 3 should still give the Remastered edition another playthrough. Not only does it look better and run at 60 frames per second, the Left Behind DLC is also bundled with this game.\n\n\nGiven that The Last of Us Part II is releasing on 29 May 2020, it\u2019s a great idea to catch up with the story before the second instalment is released. Yes, it\u2019s still some time away, but there\u2019s no telling when the original game will be discounted again.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that PlayStation \nwill charge 6% SST\n from next year onwards for items sold in the PlayStation Store; this is in line with the Malaysian government\u2019s decision to implement digital tax in 2020. With this in mind, you may want to grab these games at the discounted prices before SST comes into effect.\n\n\nThe PlayStation Holiday Sale 2019 will end on 5 January 2020, but do note that price adjustments for SST will take place on the PlayStation Store between 4 to 6 January next year. To be safe, it\u2019s best to make your purchases before those dates.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-k30-hands-on-120hz-screen-on-a-sub-rm1000-smartphone/", "title": "Redmi K30 Hands-On: 120Hz Screen on a Sub-RM1,000 Smartphone", "body": "\n\nIt was only in the middle of this year when Redmi introduced the \nK20 smartphones\n, but that didn\u2019t stop the phone maker from releasing the Redmi K30 series \nearlier this month\n. Although the K30 5G and K30 4G lose out on some of its predecessors\u2019 features \u2013 including the sleek all-screen design \u2013 the upgrades they do get more than make up for this.\n\n\nIn fact, we got our hands on the Redmi K30 4G, and it\u2019s a pretty darn impressive smartphone. If it ever makes it to markets outside of China, the K30 is one to look out for, especially if you want the most value for your money.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the Redmi K30 particularly impressive is its fast display. Previously, the K20 had a conventional 60Hz 6.39-inch 1080p AMOLED screen. The K30, on the other hand, features a faster (and bigger) 120Hz 6.67-inch 2400 x 1080 IPS display.\n\n\nSure, it\u2019s no longer an AMOLED panel, but the higher 120Hz refresh rate is a worthy trade-off \u2013 in my opinion, that is. Thanks to the 120Hz screen, everything looks extra smooth. Whether I\u2019m just casually navigating around the home screen or scrolling through an article, the extra frames really make for a pleasant user experience.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the panel quality of the IPS display itself, it\u2019s good. It can get reasonably bright, the colours are punchy, and viewing angles are alright. The screen does get darker when viewed at an angle, and the blacks are not as deep as what you get with an AMOLED screen, but hey, this \nis\n an affordable smartphone. Plus, the 120Hz refresh rate is a great addition.\n\n\nBeyond the display, the K30 is a rather handsome smartphone with good build quality. I like the heft of the phone, the glass back looks and feels great, and the metal frame is nice to the touch. Really, it\u2019s hard to believe this is a budget-friendly smartphone.\n\n\nOf course, the hole-punch cutout on the top right of the screen does slightly mar the aesthetics of the phone, but at least it\u2019s a small cutout. In fact, it\u2019s slightly smaller than the similarly-shaped cutout on the \nSamsung Galaxy S10+\n\u2018s display; I consider that a plus point.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to performance, the K30 4G is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G chipset. It\u2019s a reasonably powerful upper mid-range chipset, and given that this is an 8nm chipset, its power efficiency should be good too. Together with the phone\u2019s generous 4,500mAh battery, it will be able to return above average battery life.\n\n\nTo sweeten the pot, the K30 can also charge up relatively quickly. This 4G variant supports 27W fast charging, while the 5G model supports 30W. Either way, expect these two phones to charge up in a relatively quick manner. This charging rate is especially impressive for a pair of mid-range smartphones.\n\n\nOh, another thing. Unlike its predecessor use of an in-screen fingerprint sensor, the K30 only comes with a side-mounted capacitive sensor that doubles as the power button. While it doesn\u2019t sound quite as impressive on paper, the physical sensor is \na lot\n more accurate and faster. I\u2019d take this over the finicky in-screen sensor of the K20 / \nMi 9T\n.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we\u2019ve got the camera performance of the K30 4G. On the back, it has a quad camera system made up of a 64MP f/1.9 main sensor, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor, and a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens. There are also two front-facing cameras: a 20MP primary shooter paired with a 2MP depth sensor.\n\n\nSo how is the camera performance of the K30? Well, it\u2019s reasonable good for a phone at this price point. Given enough light, the quad camera system can take good-looking shots, but there\u2019s a noticeable drop in image quality \u2013 especially with the ultra-wide angle and telephoto sensors \u2013 in darker environments. Detail preservation suffers, noise level is amplified, and it has difficulty locking in focus.\n\n\nHowever, I only managed to spend a brief time photographing with the K30. My initial impressions of the camera performance isn\u2019t fantastic, but I do need to put it through its paces to see if the camera has any redeeming qualities.\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, given just how affordable the Redmi K30 4G is, I\u2019m really impressed with the phone\u2019s feature set. It comes with a fast 120Hz display, it has great build quality, and while the camera performance isn\u2019t incredible, it\u2019s above average for a device at this price point.\n\n\nFor the Chinese market, the K30 4G retails from only 1,599 Chinese yuan (about RM940) for the 64GB model with 6GB of RAM. The price goes up to 1,699 yuan (approximately RM1,000) for the 128GB + 6GB variant, while the 128GB + 8GB and 256GB + 8GB models retail at 1,899 yuan (around RM1,115) and 2,199 yuan (about RM1,290) respectively.\n\n\nAt these price points, the K30 4G offers incredibly good value for money. You\u2019d be hard-pressed to find another smartphone in this price range with a similar set of features, \nespecially\n the 120Hz screen.\n\n\n\n\nThen again, it doesn\u2019t matter how impressive the Redmi K30 is if it is not accessible. Currently, the smartphone is only offered in China; there\u2019s no news yet on the global availability of the K30 series. However, given that its predecessor was brought to the global market as the Xiaomi Mi 9T, there\u2019s a good chance the same would apply to the K30 as well.\n\n\nFor now, we can only hope the K30 will be made available outside of China. It\u2019s one heck of a budget-friendly smartphone, and it\u2019s certainly a worthy successor to the well-received K20 / Mi 9T series.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-5i-launching-6-january-2020-likely-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Realme 5i Launching 6 January 2020; Likely Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nRealme is set to introduce a new smartphone soon, and it\u2019s expected to be a budget-friendly offering. The phone in question is the Realme 5i, and it is launching next week on 6 January 2020 in Vietnam.\n\n\nThis bit of news comes from a teaser posted on Realme Vietnam\u2019s official Facebook page. While the post is light on detail, we do know Vietnam will be one of the first countries to receive the upcoming Realme 5i. In fact, Malaysia could be in the list too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe were going through SIRIM\u2019s database when we noticed a particularly interesting mobile device with the model number RMX2030. Turns out, this mysterious phone is the Realme 5i. Given that it\u2019s already registered with SIRIM, there\u2019s a very good chance Realme Malaysia is gearing up to launch the unannounced smartphone on our shores.\n\n\nAs far as specifications are concerned, however, not much is known about the Realme 5i; officially, that is. Ahead of the phone\u2019s official debut next week, Vietnamese e-commerce site FPTShop \nhas a listing of the device already\n. Naturally, several key specifications are detailed in the listing.\n\n\nNot surprisingly, it appears the Realme 5i has rather similar hardware as the \nRealme 5\n. At least, that\u2019s what FPTShop\u2019s listing is suggesting here. It will supposedly come with a 6.52-inch 1600 x 720 display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 chipset, a very generous 5,000mAh battery, and a quad camera system.\n\n\n\n\nJust like the Realme 5, the Realme 5i\u2019s quad camera configuration is supposedly made up of a 12MP primary shooter, an 8MP ultra-wide angle lens, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro camera. The selfie camera, however, isn\u2019t the same: the 5i is said to feature an 8MP shooter instead of the Realme 5\u2019s 13MP selfie camera.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Realme 5i include 4GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, a microUSB port, a rear fingerprint sensor, and ColorOS 6.0.1 based on Android 9 Pie out of the box. All in all, it\u2019s your average mid-range smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nBut the Realme 5i\u2019s biggest selling point would be its asking price. Looking at FPTShop\u2019s listing of the device, the 5i will supposedly retail for 4,290,000 Vietnamese dong, which comes up to about RM760. That\u2019s a reasonably inexpensive price tag, but it may not reflect the pricing of the phone in Malaysia.\n\n\nSee, the Realme 5 is considered to be a higher-end offering compared to the Realme 5i, but the former costs only RM599 for the 64GB model with 3GB of RAM. The 128GB variant of the Realme 5 with 4GB of RAM, on the other hand, goes for RM799.\n\n\n\n\nChances are, the Realme 5i will cost less than the Realme 5 once it is launched in Malaysia, especially if its rumoured list of hardware are accurate. Nonetheless, we\u2019ll find out exactly how much the upcoming phone will cost come 6 January 2020, where it will make its debut in Vietnam.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-could-be-the-pixel-4a-and-it-has-a-hole-punch-display/", "title": "This Could Be the Pixel 4A, and It Has a Hole-Punch Display", "body": "\n\nThe \nGoogle Pixel 4\n series may not have met the expectations of folks, but it seems like things are looking better for the (supposed) Pixel 4A. 91Mobiles, in collaboration with prominent leaker OnLeaks, published renders of \nwhat the Pixel 4A could look like\n. Compared to the Pixel 4, the more budget-friendly 4A is noticeably a lot sleeker.\n\n\nThis is thanks to the lack of bezels at the top of the display, which is said to be 5.7-inch or 5.8-inch in size. Instead, the Pixel 4A has a hole-punch cutout at the top left corner of the screen. The result? A much more modern-looking smartphone, though some would argue it looks generic and iterative.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven the absence of the thick bezel at the top of the screen that the Pixel 4 had, there\u2019s a good chance the Pixel 4A won\u2019t come with Motion Sense; a feature enabled by Google\u2019s Project Soli. After all, the sheer size of the Pixel 4\u2019s top bezel was necessary to house the Motion Sense radar chip.\n\n\nAnd of course, there\u2019s also the fact that the Pixel 4A \u2013 if Google is even considering to release such a device \u2013 is meant to be budget-friendly. In order to drive down the price of the smartphone, we wouldn\u2019t be surprised if Motion Sense is cut.\n\n\nPlus, it\u2019s not exactly a \u201ckiller feature\u201d to begin with. We reckon most consumers won\u2019t miss it.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, the unofficial renders also show off other rumoured details of the Pixel 4A, including a single rear camera. Despite not having the second camera sensor of the Pixel 4, the renders suggest that Google will still stick with the square camera module. Apparently, the module will house \u201cmore sensors,\u201d though OnLeaks didn\u2019t get into much detail beyond that.\n\n\nAlso of note is the return of the 3.5mm headphone jack at the top of the Pixel 4A, along with the same orange-accented power button found on the Pixel 4. On the back, there\u2019s also a physical fingerprint sensor, so there is a chance Face Unlock won\u2019t be available on the 4A. After all, the Pixel 4 doesn\u2019t have any fingerprint sensor, relying exclusively on facial recognition for its biometric security.\n\n\n\n\nThese are interesting details on a possible Pixel 4A, though it\u2019s worth noting that we still don\u2019t know if the phone is in development or not. Granted, OnLeaks does have a good track record of being accurate in the past, so we\u2019ll just have to wait and see. If the Pixel 4A is really happening, it could be announced sometime in May this year at Google I/O 2020.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/laptop-buyers-guide-choosing-the-best-laptop-for-students/", "title": "Laptop Buyer\u2019s Guide: Choosing the Best Laptop for Students", "body": "\n\nShopping for a brand new laptop can be a tough task, given the sheer amount of choices available in the market now. If you\u2019re a student on a tight budget, it gets even harder; it\u2019s not easy to find for an affordable laptop that also offers good feature set for students.\n\n\nBut just because you\u2019re limited by budget doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019ll have to settle for a sub-par laptop. In a bid to make the shopping experience easier for you students out there, this buyer\u2019s guide will highlight what you need to prioritise when shopping for a shiny new laptop to get your assignments done.\n\n\nIt Has to Be Affordable, But Not \nToo\n Affordable\n\n\nGranted, different individuals have their own definition of what \u201caffordable\u201d really is, so here\u2019s a general rule of thumb: any laptop below the RM3,000 mark is deemed affordable. Of course, the lower you can go, the better! But you have to be careful about not looking \ntoo\n far down the price range.\n\n\n\n\nHow far down is too far? Well, full-fledged laptops below the RM2,000 price point are usually not that great. Sure, these machines will work as intended, but if you want a pleasant user experience, it\u2019s best to spend a few hundred more now than regret later.\n\n\nSee, laptops in this price range usually compromise on many crucial aspects, including processing power, RAM capacity, and \nespecially\n the type of storage you\u2019re getting. The bottom line is, it\u2019s simply not worth the headache just to save a couple hundred ringgit. Unless\u2026these sub-RM2,000 laptops can still fulfill the following criteria, though they usually cannot.\n\n\nGood Processing Power\n\n\nWhen you\u2019re going through the spec sheet of any laptop, look for an Intel Core i5 processor \u2013 from the U series family \u2013 as the bare minimum. Also, make sure it\u2019s (at the very least) from the 8th Gen family. Compared to their 7th Gen counterparts, the newer 8th Gen Core i5 chips from the U series now come with four cores instead of only two. The extra two cores will offer noticeable performance gain.\n\n\n\n\nWhat about graphics card? Generally, you don\u2019t need a dedicated GPU for most productivity tasks; the integrated graphics from the processor will suffice. Plus, having a beefy GPU would only drive up the price of any given laptop.\n\n\nSSD Storage & Good RAM Capacity\n\n\nNow this is the reason why we\u2019re looking for laptops above the RM2,000 mark. Regardless of your usage scenario as a student, always, \nalways\n get a laptop with an SSD storage; never get a machine with only a hard disk drive as the main storage solution. Trust us, an SSD makes \na ton of difference\n. Programs open quicker, you get faster loading times, and the laptop itself will feel far more responsive.\n\n\nNever get a laptop with only HDD storage\n\n\nOn top of that, look at how much RAM the laptop comes with out of the box. Ideally, you want at least 8GB of RAM for the best usage experience. The more RAM you have, the more applications you can have opened at the same time, among other benefits.\n\n\nThin & Light Design\n\n\nCan you imagine lugging around a thick, heavy laptop wherever you go? Students are usually always on the go, so it\u2019s essential to get a laptop that is both thin and light. Shop for laptops that weigh as little as possible while still sticking to the sub-RM3,000 budget. Less than 1.5kg is ideal, and it\u2019ll be great if they\u2019re also thinner than, say, 15mm.\n\n\n\n\nEssential Software for Students\n\n\nChances are, you\u2019ll need a number of important applications as a student, and no software is quite as essential as Microsoft Office. Whether you need to work on a lengthy assignment on Word, familiarise yourself with Excel\u2019s range of formulas, or prepare for a presentation with PowerPoint, having Microsoft Office on your laptop is a godsend.\n\n\nUnfortunately, not many laptops come with the full version of Office applications. While most are pre-installed with the software, you\u2019ll need to purchase it in order to gain full access. Needless to say, this will cost you quite a bit.\n\n\nIs There Any Laptop That Fulfill These Criteria?\n\n\nAs a matter of fact, there is: enter the Acer Swift 3. Not only is it an affordable laptop with great value for money, it also comes with an activated copy of Microsoft Office Home & Student 2019 pre-installed worth a whopping RM529. This gives you \nlifetime access \nto the full version of the application, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the Swift 3 also fulfills all of the criteria mentioned above. It comes with a Core i5-8265U quad-core processor paired with 8GB of RAM, a generous 512GB SSD storage, a 14-inch 1080p IPS display, and tipping the scales at only 1.35kg, it\u2019s a lightweight laptop. It also has a pretty slim chassis, measuring only 14.9mm thin.\n\n\nAs an added bonus, you can even purchase a variant of the Swift 3 with a dedicated GPU in the form of the Nvidia GeForce MX250. If you plan to play popular games like Dota 2 and Fortnite on the side, this GPU can definitely manage.\n\n\nMore importantly, the Swift 3 is a very affordable laptop. The base model with UHD Graphics 620 retails at only RM2,399, while the MX250 model costs merely RM2,699. Beyond the choice of GPU, other specifications of these two models are exactly the same. Did we mention this laptop also comes with a two-year local warranty?\n\n\n\n\nThanks to its great value for money, generous storage capacity, and portable nature (not to mention having full access to Microsoft Office), the Acer Swift 3 is definitely the ideal laptop for many students. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the Swift 3, head on to \nAcer\u2019s official website\n.\n\n\nDisclosure: This article is sponsored by Acer Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-new-dell-xps-13-now-feature-a-sexy-1610-infinityedge-display-with-no-chin-bezel/", "title": "The New Dell XPS 13 Features a Sexy 16:10 InfinityEdge Display With No Chin Bezel", "body": "\n\nAhead of CES 2020, Dell just introduced the latest iteration of its premium laptop. Meet the new Dell XPS 13, and it\u2019s sleeker than ever. Unlike most Windows-based productivity laptops in the market now, the XPS 13 features a taller 16:10 screen, with no bottom bezel to boot.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, Dell\u2019s signature InfinityEdge bezel-less display on the XPS 13 is now extended to all four sides of the screen, lending to a very sleek, modern-looking laptop. As mentioned, it\u2019s no longer sporting a 16:9 display either, opting instead for a 16:10 screen.\n\n\n\n\nWhy is Dell going with a 16:10 display? Well, it makes sense for a productivity-focused laptop like the XPS 13 to have this kind of screen. In fact, all modern MacBooks come with this very aspect ratio. Unlike 16:9 screens, 16:10 displays are slightly taller, so you get more vertical space.\n\n\nSay you\u2019re reading an article on the XPS 13: having a taller display allows more of the article to be shown at any one point. Basically, any workflow that involves a lot of scrolling will benefit from the 16:10 screen, and it\u2019s great to see that Dell is going with this direction for the XPS 13.\n\n\nAs for the display itself, it\u2019s now a slightly larger 13.4-inch screen \u2013 the previous model \nhad a smaller 13.3-inch panel\n. Just like its predecessor, there are also three screen options: the top-of-the-line model comes with a sharp 3840 x 2400 touch display, while the more affordable models feature a 1920 x 1200 touch or non-touch screen.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re wondering, yes, the webcam is still placed at the top of the screen right in the middle. To make things even better, it even comes with Windows Hello support now, which is quite impressive for such a tiny camera module. If facial recognition isn\u2019t quite your thing, you\u2019ll be happy to know that the power button still doubles as a fingerprint sensor.\n\n\nIn terms of processing power, the new XPS 13 can be configured with an Intel Core i3-1005G1, Core i5-1035G1, or Core i7-1065G7 processor paired with up to 32GB of on-board RAM and a whopping 2TB PCIe SSD. Not surprisingly, there\u2019s no dedicated GPU either; it only comes with Intel UHD Graphics or Iris Plus Graphics, depending on your choice of processor.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, port selection of the XPS 13 remains rather limited. Oddly enough, it even loses out on a USB-C 3.1 connection, so this premium laptop only comes with two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 support now. Thankfully, there\u2019s still a microSD card reader, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB-C to USB-A adapter bundled with the laptop.\n\n\nDesign wise, the XPS 13 is still a very premium-looking laptop. Just like its predecessors, the palm rest area of the silver model is covered with carbon fibre composite, while the white version features a woven glass fibre finish. Interestingly, the keyboard now stretches edge-to-edge, allowing the keys to be 9% larger.\n\n\n\n\nBut it\u2019s worth noting that the new XPS 13\u2019s keyboard doesn\u2019t have as much key travel anymore. The previous model\u2019s keyboard offered 1.3mm of key travel, but the new laptop only has 1mm of travel. For context, that\u2019s the same amount of travel the new 16-inch MacBook Pro\u2019s keyboard offers, which feels \npretty shallow in my experience\n.\n\n\nGranted, I haven\u2019t had the opportunity to try out the XPS 13\u2019s keyboard for myself yet, so it\u2019s only fair to reserve judgment until I\u2019ve tried typing on the new keyboard. But given the limited amount of key travel, I\u2019m not particularly optimistic it\u2019ll be able to provide a pleasant typing experience.\n\n\nOn a brighter note, at least the glass Precision trackpad is now 17% larger. Navigating with the trackpad should be more comfortable with a bigger surface area to work with.\n\n\n\n\nBattery life is important for a productivity laptop like the XPS 13, and traditionally, it fares really well in this regard. However, Dell is still using a 52WHr battery with the new model, and the quoted battery life is lower now: it\u2019s said to last up to 19 hours instead of the previous model\u2019s lofty 21 hours estimate.\n\n\nOf course, 19 hours of usage is still very impressive, but manufacturers\u2019 estimates rarely line up with real life usage. Regardless, I\u2019ll definitely put the XPS 13\u2019s battery life to the test once it\u2019s available for review. I\u2019m especially interested to see if the 4K model can return better battery life \nthan its predecessor\n.\n\n\n\n\nThe new Dell XPS 13 will be available in the US, UK, France, Germany, and Sweden from 7 January 2020 onwards; other regions will only receive the laptop sometime in February next month. As for pricing, the regular Windows 10 model retails from $1,000 (about RM4,085), while the XPS 13 Developer Edition \u2013 it runs on Ubuntu 18.04 LTS \u2013 starts at $1,200 (approximately RM4,905). The latter will be available in US, Canada, and several European countries from 4 February.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/level51-vapor-15-pro-review-my-almost-perfect-gaming-laptop/", "title": "Level51 Vapor 15 Pro Review: My (Almost) Perfect Gaming Laptop", "body": "\n\nFor the longest time, I\u2019ve been looking for the \u201cperfect\u201d gaming laptop that suits my needs. It must come with a fast display, a capable GPU, good battery life (to double as a productivity machine), and most importantly, it has to be in a compact form factor. Well, one such laptop that fulfills all of my requirements is this one right here: the Level51 Vapor 15 Pro.\n\n\nNeedless to say, I was more than excited to put the Vapor 15 Pro through its paces. After spending a few weeks with this laptop, I\u2019m more than happy to say that it really does live up to my expectations. However, it is by no means faultless \u2013 there are a couple of things the Vapor 15 Pro could still improve upon.\n\n\nSpecifications\n\n\nDisplay\n15.6-inch 144Hz FHD IPS (1920 x 1080)\nProcessor\nIntel Core i7-9750H (2.6GHz with Turbo Boost up to 4.5GHz, 12MB cache)\nGPU\nNvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 6GB GDDR6 VRAM\nNvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q 8GB GDDR6 VRAM\nRAM\n16GB DDR4\nStorage\n512GB M.2 NVMe SSD\nCamera\nIR webcam with Windows Hello support\nBattery\n94WHr\nDimensions\n356.4 x 233.66 x 20.5 mm\nWeight\n1.87kg\nAudio\nBottom-firing stereo speakers\nPorts\n1x USB 3.1 Type-C (Thunderbolt 3)\n3x USB 3.1 Type-A\n1x HDMI 2.0\n1x SD card reader\n1x RJ45\nPrice\nRM5,999 (GTX 1660 Ti), RM7,499 (RTX 2070 Max-Q)\n\n\nDesign\n\n\nGaming laptops are usually \u201cloud\u201d with aggressive styling and striking colours, but that\u2019s not the case at all with the Vapor 15 Pro. In fact, if you switch off the illumination of the RGB keyboard and light strip right beneath the trackpad, you\u2019ve got a laptop that won\u2019t look out of place in a professional setting.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, I\u2019m a big fan of the Vapor 15 Pro\u2019s completely blank and unblemished top lid. Not only is it free of any branding, it gives the gaming laptop a very understated, minimalist design. Of course, if you so desire, you can easily personalise the lid with your own customisations. It\u2019s basically a blank canvas.\n\n\nBut the absolute best design element of the Vapor 15 Pro \u2013 to me, at least \u2013 is its sheer portability. Compared to other 15-inch gaming laptops in the market now, this notebook is a lot more compact, thanks to its minimal bezels on all four sides of the screen.\n\n\nTo put into context just how small the Vapor 15 Pro\u2019s footprint is, I\u2019ve compared it to my own 14-inch Lenovo ThinkPad T480s. Admittedly, the latter isn\u2019t the most portable productivity laptop, but the Level51 laptop is only a tad wider than the T480s \u2013 that\u2019s impressive.\n\n\nThe bottom bezel is smaller than most gaming laptops\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the Vapor 15 Pro is a lightweight, slim gaming laptop. It measures only 20.5mm thin, and it tips the scales at an impressive 1.87kg. Given that this machine has an absolutely generous 94WHr battery, I\u2019m surprised it\u2019s as light as it is.\n\n\nSo how is the Vapor 15 Pro so lightweight despite the huge battery capacity? Well, its chassis is made out magnesium alloy, which is a lot lighter than the aluminium chassis of other gaming laptops. Not only is it a lightweight material, it gives this laptop robust build quality too.\n\n\nIn terms of connectivity, the Vapor 15 Pro is very complete. On the back, there\u2019s an HDMI output, a USB-C port with Thunderbolt 3 support, as well as an RJ45 jack. Either sides of the laptop, on the other hand, house three USB-A ports, a microphone jack, a headphone jack, and even an increasingly rare SD card slot.\n\n\n\n\nOverall, I love the minimalist, compact design of the Vapor 15 Pro. Its lightweight nature and slim profile also make it easy to lug around, which is not something you can say of many other gaming laptops.\n\n\nUser Experience\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with something that you\u2019ll either love or hate: the Vapor 15 Pro\u2019s mechanical keyboard. On paper, this keyboard offers 2mm of key travel, which sounds great. However, once you start typing on it, you may not be quite fond of the typing experience.\n\n\n\n\nUnlike the tactility of normal laptop keyboards with rubber dome constructions, the mechanical switches of the Vapor 15 Pro\u2019s keyboard don\u2019t offer the same \u201cbounce\u201d or feedback. It doesn\u2019t have very pronounced tactile feedback, and coupled with the light actuation force of the keys, you will bottom out quite often.\n\n\nPersonally, I don\u2019t quite mind the typing experience of this mechanical keyboard. I\u2019m used to keyboards with lighter actuation forces, so I feel right at home with the Vapor 15 Pro; the long 2mm key travel is also very nice. Even though it doesn\u2019t have fantastic tactile feedback, I can definitely type comfortably on this keyboard for long periods of time.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the trackpad of the Vapor 15 Pro. Generally, it\u2019s a relatively accurate trackpad, but I do have a couple of issues with it. For one, the build quality isn\u2019t particularly great, feeling \u201cloose\u201d and wobbly whenever I tap lightly on the surface.\n\n\nBesides that, throughout my time with the laptop, the trackpad would occasionally become unresponsive. While it usually fixes itself after a couple of minutes (a quick restart works too), it\u2019s an oddity that\u2019s worth pointing out. Given that this only happens occasionally, I suspect it\u2019s a software issue.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s move on to more positive aspects of the Vapor 15 Pro, such as its incredibly long battery life. Thanks to its large 94WHr battery, I was getting between seven to eight hours of use \nconsistently\n on a single charge. This is \nvery \ngood battery life for a gaming laptop.\n\n\nOf course, when I was testing the battery life, I wasn\u2019t doing any gaming on this laptop. Instead, I was using it like a productivity laptop, with lots of web browsing, writing, and content consumption. I also set the power mode to power saver and dimmed the display to a comfortable level to maximise battery life.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of display, the Vapor 15 Pro\u2019s 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen with a fast 144Hz refresh rate is pleasant to look at and game on. It is bright, colours pop, and viewing angles are more than good enough. The high refresh rate also makes everything look extra smooth and fluid, especially when I\u2019m gaming.\n\n\nGiven the relatively thin chassis of the Vapor 15 Pro, I expected the system noise to be quite pronounced; the cooling solution has only so much room to work with. Unfortunately, the fans do get quite loud when the laptop is running demanding games, so you may want to put on headphones when you\u2019re gaming on this machine.\n\n\n\n\nThe good news? It\u2019s whisper quiet when I\u2019m using the Vapor 15 Pro as my work laptop. Whether I\u2019m writing a long review or bingeing on the latest Netflix series, the fans never make themselves heard in situations outside of gaming, and that\u2019s a very good thing.\n\n\nThermals of this gaming laptop is quite good too. While the palm rest area does get warmer when I\u2019m running demanding games, it never gets to the point where it is too hot to the touch. Rest assured, you can still game comfortably on this laptop in extended gaming sessions.\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, I enjoy using the Vapor 15 Pro as my daily driver. It has long battery life, the fast display is a joy to game and work on, and while its mechanical keyboard may not appeal to some folks, I really quite like it.\n\n\nPerformance\n\n\nThere are two variants of the Vapor 15 Pro for the Malaysian market, and only the GPU differentiates the two models. There\u2019s the GTX 1660 Ti variant (the one I\u2019m reviewing here), and the higher-end RTX 2070 Max-Q model. Both GPUs are paired to a fast Core i7-9750H CPU.\n\n\nNow, even though the GTX 1660 Ti doesn\u2019t sound quite as impressive as the RTX 2070, it\u2019s still a very capable GPU that can return respectable gaming performance. Judge for yourself with the results below.\n\n\nGames (Max settings @ 1080p)\nAverage FPS\nWitcher 3 (HairWorks disabled)\n59.18\nBorderlands 3 (DX11)\n46.92\nFortnite (DX11)\n90.09\nPlayerUnknown\u2019s Battlegrounds\n77.92\n\n\nLooking at these results, the GTX 1660 Ti\u2019s performance isn\u2019t very different than, say, the higher-end RTX 2060 GPU found in the \nAcer Predator Triton 500\n. Granted, you\u2019re not getting RTX-specific features like ray tracing with the GTX 1660 Ti, but hey, it still provides comparable frame rate.\n\n\n\n\nYes, the frame rate at which these games run on the Vapor 15 Pro don\u2019t exactly make full use of the laptop\u2019s fast 144Hz display, but I was testing them at maxed out settings. If you want better frame rate, you can do so by just tweaking the graphics settings.\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nThis GTX 1660 Ti variant of the Vapor 15 Pro retails at RM5,999, while the RTX 2070 Max-Q goes for RM7,499. Without a doubt these are steep price tags, and there are a number of noteworthy alternatives to this laptop at this price range.\n\n\nIllegear Onyx Pro\n\n\nJust like the Vapor 15 Pro, the \nIllegear Onyx Pro\n is a slim and light gaming laptop, weighing only 1.55kg with an 18mm thin chassis. On top of that, both laptops are pretty similar in terms of dimensions too, with the Onyx Pro being ever so slightly wider and taller.\n\n\n\n\nBut unlike the Vapor 15 Pro, the Onyx Pro (by default) ships with an even faster 240Hz 15.6-inch 1080p screen with an RTX 2060 GPU. This particular variant retails at RM6,499, and upgrading the GPU to a more powerful RTX 2070 Max-P card drives up the price to RM7,598.\n\n\nWhile that\u2019s quite a bit more money than what the Vapor 15 Pro costs, you\u2019re getting good value for money with the Onyx Pro. Not only is the 240Hz display more impressive than the 144Hz screen of the former, you\u2019re getting more powerful GPU options too, along with the same Core i7-9750H processor, 512GB of RAM, and 16GB of RAM.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that you can even upgrade the Onyx Pro\u2019s display to a sharper 4K AMOLED panel for RM799 more; Level51 doesn\u2019t offer the same customisation.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, there is one area where the Vapor 15 Pro is superior: battery life. Given that the Illegear Onyx Pro only has a 63WHr battery and a more power-hungry 240Hz screen, it wouldn\u2019t be able to match the Vapor 15 Pro\u2019s impressive battery life, thanks to its far bigger 94WHr cell.\n\n\nAcer Predator Triton 500\n\n\nWhile it\u2019s not quite as compact as the Vapor 15 Pro, the \nAcer Predator Triton 500\n is a much slimmer gaming laptop. With a chassis that\u2019s only 17.9mm thin, the Triton 500 also features a Core i7-9750H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, a fast 144Hz 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display, GPU options that include  RTX 2060 and RTX 2070 GPUs, 512GB of SSD storage, as well as \nrespectable battery life\n.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, the Triton 500 is also a costlier machine. The Core i7-9750H model with an RTX 2060 GPU retails at RM6,999, while the RTX 2070 option with the same CPU goes for RM7,999. Evidently, you need to pay a premium for the slim chassis of the Triton 500, though it\u2019s worth noting that Acer\u2019s offering already comes with an activated copy of Windows 10 Home.\n\n\nOh, right. Both the Level51 Vapor 15 Pro and Illegear Onyx Pro only come with a trial edition of Windows 10. You need to add RM439 to get Windows 10 Home for the Onyx Pro, and RM479 for the Vapor 15 Pro.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nThe Level51 Vapor 15 Pro is not the fastest gaming laptop in the market now, and neither does it offer the best value for money. But it is still my favourite gaming laptop for its sheer portability, long battery life, and very respectable performance.\n\n\n\n\nTo me, this combination makes the Vapor 15 Pro almost the perfect gaming laptop, and it is legitimately one of very few gaming machines that I will gladly use as my daily driver. The only thing that would\u2019ve made it even better if it was more affordable, but that is wishful thinking: a premium laptop of this calibre demands an equally premium price tag.\n\n\nSo if you want a gaming laptop with long battery life in a compact form factor, look no further than the Level51 Vapor 15 Pro. As far as I know, it is the only laptop in the market now that offers such a package.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-samsung-galaxy-s10-lite-is-here-but-theres-nothing-lite-about-it/", "title": "The Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite Is Here, but There\u2019s Nothing \u201cLite\u201d About It", "body": "\n\nAfter many leaks and rumours, the Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite is finally introduced. Now, don\u2019t be fooled by its \u201cLite\u201d moniker: this is actually a pretty capable smartphone that can take on other flagship-tier devices in the current market.\n\n\nJust like its regular \nGalaxy S10 siblings\n \u2013 at least, those in the US market \u2013 the Galaxy S10 Lite features a fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset. Granted, this is last year\u2019s flagship chipset, but there\u2019s no denying the high level of performance this SoC offers.\n\n\n\n\nBesides the high-end chipset, the Galaxy S10 Lite also has a new design language taken from the \nSamsung Galaxy Note 10\n series. That\u2019s right, it has an Infinity-O Display with a hole-punch cutout at the top of the screen right in the middle. In our opinion, we like the position of the cutout: it gives the phone a symmetrical look.\n\n\nOn top of that, Samsung made sure to mention that the Galaxy S10 Lite has a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED \nPlus\n screen with a resolution of 2400 x 1080. According to the Korean company, this Plus panel \u201ccreates ergonomic design with thin and light display panel by adopting flexible OLED technology.\u201d\n\n\nWhile it seems to suggest that the Galaxy S10 Lite has a flexible, curved OLED panel of sorts, the render images don\u2019t quite show this. If we didn\u2019t know any better, we\u2019d assume it\u2019s just a regular, flat OLED screen.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s move on to the camera department, and it\u2019s quite an interesting change. Unlike other Galaxy S10 smartphones, the S10 Lite sports a triple camera system on the back arranged in a square module. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP f/2.0 \u201cSuper Steady OIS AF\u201d primary shooter, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor, and a 5MP f/2.4 macro lens.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, it doesn\u2019t have a telephoto lens like the \nGalaxy S10+\n and S10 models, opting instead for a macro shooter in its place. It\u2019s a curious change, and we\u2019re excited to see how the triple camera configuration would perform. As for the front-facing camera, it\u2019s a 32MP f/2.2 unit.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Galaxy S10 Lite include 6GB or 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, a generous 4,500mAh battery, and Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, there\u2019s no word yet on the price and availability of the Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite, though the company did say it will be offered \u201cat an accessible price point.\u201d The new smartphone will be on display at CES 2020 next week, and it\u2019s available in three colour options: Prism Blue, Prism White, and Prism Black.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-note-10-lite-offers-the-s-pen-at-a-lower-price-point/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lite Offers the S Pen at a Lower Price Point", "body": "\n\nUnveiled alongside the new \nGalaxy S10 Lite\n is none other than the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lite. Just like its name suggests, the latest Note device offers the utility of the S Pen at a lower price point, along with the same design language as the higher-end \nGalaxy Note 10\n smartphones.\n\n\nMuch like the S10 Lite, the Galaxy Note 10 Lite has a similarly-sized 6.7-inch 1080p Super AMOLED Infinity-O Display with a hole-punch cutout at the top of the screen in the middle. Going by the official spec sheet by Samsung, the Note 10 Lite does not have the exact same Super AMOLED Plus display of the S10 Lite, though it remains to be seen just how different the two screens are.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Galaxy Note 10 Lite also comes with the series\u2019 indispensable S Pen. However, this stylus is more similar to the Galaxy Note 9\u2019s S Pen than the latest Note 10. While the Lite model\u2019s S Pen still features Bluetooth connectivity (allowing you to use it as a remote), it doesn\u2019t have the Note 10\u2019s Air Actions gesture controls.\n\n\nSpeaking of the Note 9, the Galaxy Note 10 Lite also shares the same Samsung Exynos 9810 chipset as the former. It\u2019s a curious decision, given that the S10 Lite ships with a more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset. In comparison, the Exynos 9810 is two whole generations behind the Snapdragon 855; that\u2019s quite a noteworthy (excuse the pun) difference.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, at least the triple camera configuration of the Galaxy Note 10 Lite is more versatile than the one found in the Note 9. The new Note device features a 12MP f/1.7 primary shooter with Dual Pixel AF and optical image stabilisation, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor, and a 12MP f/2.4 telephoto lens with OIS.\n\n\nWhile the Note 10 Lite doesn\u2019t get the S10 Lite\u2019s 48MP main sensor and macro lens, some may prefer the versatility of the Note\u2019s three focal lengths, though we\u2019d really prefer whichever camera configuration that can take the best-looking shots. The phone\u2019s front-facing camera, on the other hand, is a 32MP f/2.2 shooter.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy Note 10 Lite include a generous 4,500mAh battery \u2013 that\u2019s even bigger than the higher-end Note 10+\u2019s 4,300mAh cell \u2013 6GB or 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, and Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lite\u2019s price and availability have not been disclosed yet, much like how it is with the Galaxy S10 Lite. Nonetheless, expect it to cost less than the flagship Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10+ phones, and it will be offered in three colour options: Aura Glow, Aura Black, and a striking Aura Red colourway.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-unveiling-its-next-flagship-smartphones-on-11-february-120hz-displays-in-tow/", "title": "Samsung Unveiling Its Next Flagship Smartphones on 11 February; 120Hz Displays in Tow?", "body": "\n\nThe first wave of flagship smartphones for 2020 is coming soon, and as usual, Samsung is one of the earliest to announce its latest flagship devices. In fact, the Korean company\u2019s next Galaxy Unpacked event is \nset for next month on 11 February\n, and we can expect more than one product to be introduced then.\n\n\nNot surprisingly, like its previous invites for Unpacked events, not much is revealed from the teaser. Only two\u2026square blocks are shown in the video, spelling out the Galaxy branding. Samsung also mentioned that it will \u201cunveil new, innovative devices that will shape the next decade of mobile experiences,\u201d so we\u2019ll likely see the unveiling of quite a number of devices at the event.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEven though the teaser is very vague, many suspect that the first square is a nod to the next Galaxy S\u2019 camera module. Previous leaks have shown that the successor to the Galaxy S10 \u2013 which will either be called the S11 or S20, as odd as that may be \u2013 will come with a square camera module. Very similar to the design of the \nGalaxy S10 Lite\n and \nNote 10 Lite\n\u2018s camera sensors, in fact.\n\n\nWhat about the second square? Well, that particular one is said to be none other than the \nMotorola Razr\n-esque Galaxy Fold 2; the rendering by Max J. below certainly make these speculations seem plausible. Given that the Fold 2 will supposedly come with a glass display, it\u2019s really quite an interesting device.\n\n\n\n\nThe \n#GalaxyUnpacked\n promo material reimagined! \npic.twitter.com/RoP4xKgEDq\n\u2014 Max J. (@Samsung_News_) \nJanuary 4, 2020\n\n\n\n\nAlleged leak of the Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 (Image credit: \n\u738b\u5954\u5b8f\n)\n\n\nBesides the announcement of the launch date, renowned leaker Ice Universe also gave some details on the upcoming Galaxy S smartphones. Just like last year, as many as three S devices will be introduced: a standard model, a Plus variant, and lastly, an \u201cUltra\u201d version.\n\n\nOther than the name change (there\u2019s no \u201ce\u201d device like the Galaxy S10e), there\u2019s also the refresh rate of the devices\u2019 displays. If Ice Universe is accurate, all three Galaxy S smartphones will feature fast 120Hz screens. It\u2019s quite an attractive upgrade, given that 120Hz refresh rate on smartphone displays still remain relatively rare.\n\n\n\n\nGalaxy\n   S\n120Hz\n   S\n120Hz\n   +\n   S\n120Hz\n Ultra\n\u2014 Ice universe (@UniverseIce) \nJanuary 5, 2020\n\n\n\n\nThis is how the Galaxy S11 / S20 could look like (Image credit: \n91Mobiles\n)\n\n\nBased on these details, Samsung\u2019s Unpacked event on 11 February next month is shaping up to be a rather exciting launch; even more so than last year\u2019s Unpacked.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-announces-a-ludicrous-360hz-gaming-monitor-for-esports-with-advanced-g-sync/", "title": "Asus Announces a Ludicrous 360Hz Gaming Monitor for esports With \u201cAdvanced\u201d G-Sync", "body": "\n\nCES 2020 is in full swing tomorrow, and one of the most exciting products announced before the trade show opens its doors is the Asus ROG Swift 360Hz. As its name suggests, this is a gaming monitor with an incredibly fast 360Hz refresh rate. Needless to say, this display is made for esports.\n\n\nDeveloped in collaboration with Nvidia, Asus\u2019 ROG Swift 360Hz monitor naturally comes with G-Sync support. Not just regular G-Sync: it features an \u201cadvanced\u201d G-Sync processor, though it\u2019s not very clear exactly what it brings to the table.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSo let\u2019s talk about the 360Hz refresh rate of this gaming monitor. To put into context just how fast this panel is, it\u2019s (technically) 50% faster than 240Hz monitors; that\u2019s quite a noteworthy difference. On top of that, the 360Hz refresh rate also offers better \u201cmotion clarity, smoothness, and responsiveness,\u201d as Asus puts it.\n\n\nGiven its ridiculously high refresh rate, the Swift 360Hz\u2019s resolution is limited to only 1920 x 1080, which is more than good enough for its intended purpose. After all, only selected graphics card can push more than 360 frames per second in certain games, and most of them are competitive titles like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Overwatch.\n\n\n\n\nSince it is focused on esports, it\u2019s no surprise that the ROG Swift 360Hz isn\u2019t an awfully big gaming monitor, measuring only 24.5 inches diagonally. While some folks may want a larger screen, a 24.5-inch panel should still be sizeable enough for comfortable competitive play.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, neither Asus nor Nvidia detailed the exact specifications of the panel used in the Swift 360Hz. But given the high 360Hz refresh rate, we reckon it is using a TN display. While an IPS or VA panel would provide better viewing angles and more punchy colours than a TN screen, we doubt either one of the screen technologies can hit 360Hz.\n\n\nDesign wise, the Swift 360Hz doesn\u2019t look all that different from other Asus ROG gaming monitors. The back of the monitor has an illuminated ROG logo \u2013 presumably with RGB lighting \u2013 the stand is aggressively styled (complete with illumination at the base), and there\u2019s intuitive joystick control to navigate the on-screen display (OSD).\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Swift 360Hz will be shown off at CES 2020, though the price and availability of this gaming monitor have not been revealed yet. Nonetheless, expect to pay a premium for a monitor of this calibre.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/amds-7nm-ryzen-4000-mobile-cpus-bring-the-fight-to-intel/", "title": "AMD\u2019s 7nm Ryzen 4000 Mobile CPUs Bring the Fight to Intel", "body": "\n\nAt CES 2020, AMD unveiled its new 7nm Ryzen 4000 series of mobile processors, and they are pretty darn impressive. Not only are they fabricated on a 7nm process \u2013 making them more power-efficient than Intel\u2019s offerings \u2013 the performance level of these new chips are said to be superior too.\n\n\nThe new Ryzen 4000 processors are divided into two categories: 15W and 45W TDP. The former, which are dubbed U-series, will be found in productivity-focused laptops, while the 45W H-series processors are made for gaming notebooks. Notice how AMD\u2019s naming convention matches that of Intel\u2019s equivalent mobile processors.\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the 15W chips. As many as five different processors are available across the most affordable Ryzen 3 4300U chip to the highest-end Ryzen 7 4800U. According to AMD, the latter is the first processor in the market to offer an eight-core, 16-thread design for ultraportable laptops.\n\n\nPerformance level of the Ryzen 7 4800U is particularly impressive too. Against the comparable Intel Core i7-1065G7 processor, AMD\u2019s offering is 4% better in single-thread performance, 90% faster in multi-thread tasks, and even the integrated graphics perform 28% better in 3DMark\u2019s Time Spy synthetic benchmark.\n\n\nAs for the Ryzen 4000 series in general, the fact that they\u2019re 7nm chips give them an edge when it comes to power consumption. AMD claims that the new processors are twice as power-efficient compared to their predecessors, which were built on a 12nm process.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there are the 45W chips, consisting of the Ryzen 5 4600H, Ryzen 7 4800H, and the Asus-exclusive Ryzen 7 4800HS. Basically, the 4800HS offers similar performance as the 4800H, but in a 35W envelope, making it more power-efficient. However, it\u2019s worth noting that even the regular 4800H\u2019s TDP can be set to 35W, so the difference between the two chips isn\u2019t crystal clear.\n\n\nBut what \nis\n made clear is Asus\u2019 exclusivity on the Ryzen 7 4800HS processor that\u2019s used in the recently announced Asus ROG Zephyrus G14. The Taiwanese company will be the only manufacturer that can use this particular naming / chip for the first six months. After that, other laptop makers are free to use it.\n\n\n\n\nSo how does AMD\u2019s H-series processors compare to Intel\u2019s counterpart? Well, looking at AMD\u2019s own benchmarks, very favourably. The chipmaker compare the Ryzen 7 4800H chip to Intel\u2019s Core i7-9750H processor (which are found in most gaming laptops right now), and the 4800H performs 39% better in 3DMark\u2019s FireStrike Physics test.\n\n\nProcessing power of the Ryzen 7 4800H is said to be better than the Core i7-9750H as well. The former is 5% better in single-thread performance, and it\u2019s also 46% faster in multi-thread tasks. Evidently, the 4800H looks to be a very capable chip, not to mention the fact that it\u2019s also 7nm in size, compared to the 14nm i7-9750H.\n\n\n\n\nExpect laptops featuring AMD\u2019s new Ryzen 4000 processors to hit the market in the next few months. If you\u2019re in the market for a new productivity laptop or gaming machine, you may want to wait for the arrival of notebooks with the new chips \u2013 they\u2019re very promising.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-is-a-compact-14-rtx-2060-gaming-laptop-with-unique-led-dot-matrix-lid/", "title": "The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Is a Compact 14\u2033 RTX 2060 Gaming Laptop With Unique LED Dot-Matrix Lid", "body": "\n\nAsus is usually relatively quiet during CES 2020, but \nthat\u2019s not the case at all\n this year. Among the slew of new products unveiled at the trade show is the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, a 14-inch gaming laptop running on AMD\u2019s latest Ryzen 4000 processor and Nvidia\u2019s GeForce RTX 2060 GPU. Without a doubt this is a powerful gaming laptop in a compact form factor.\n\n\nWhat makes the ROG Zephyrus G14 particularly interesting is the fact that this is, again, a compact 14-inch gaming laptop. Measuring only 17.9mm thin with a 1.6kg chassis, this is a lightweight, slim machine as well. Really, the compact form factor and portable nature of this gaming laptop is one of its best selling points.\n\n\nIn a market where such a powerful notebook practically doesn\u2019t exist in this size anymore, the G14 is a very unique product; there\u2019s no other gaming laptop quite like it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOh, there\u2019s also the LED dot-matrix display on the lid of the Zephyrus G14 dubbed \u201cAniMe Matrix,\u201d giving it a one of a kind aesthetic. You can display GIFs, build custom animations, or even type text messages on the display. It\u2019s a nice personalisation tool, though some may think it\u2019s a gimmick. If you think so, don\u2019t worry: the AniMe Matrix a completely optional feature.\n\n\nOf course, this being a 14-inch laptop means you\u2019ll be missing out on a larger display, though we imagine there will be folks who are completely fine with the Zephyrus G14\u2019s 14-inch screen. Three panel options are available for the laptop: a standard 1080p display, a faster 120Hz screen of the same resolution, or a sharper 1440p panel with a standard 60Hz refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that regardless of which display you\u2019re getting with the Zephyrus G14, they are all Pantone Validated. Thanks to this certification, you should get good colour accuracy, and the screens will be able to cover 100% of the sRGB colour space. Interestingly, all three display options support Adaptive Sync too, though this is only available with the Ryzen 4000 processor\u2019s integrated Radeon graphics.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Zephyrus G14 can be configured with the recently announced \nRyzen 7 4800HS chip\n. Based on early benchmarks of the CPU from AMD, the 4800HS is noticeably more powerful than the comparable Intel Core i7-9750H chipset. On top of that, the Ryzen 7 4800HS is also a 7nm chip, which is more power-efficient than the 12nm i7-9750H.\n\n\n\n\nGaming laptops don\u2019t usually have great battery life, but Asus is promising up to 10 hours of usage on a single charge with the Zephyrus G14. Again, this can be attributed to the power efficiency of the 7nm processor powering this laptop, not to mention its relatively generous 76WHr battery.\n\n\nWhile Asus did not reveal GPU options available for the Zephyrus G14, the company did mention the most powerful GPU the laptop can be configured with is an RTX 2060 graphics card. It may \u201conly\u201d be the most affordable GPU with ray tracing, but it will have no issue running most \u2013 if not all \u2013 modern games with high frame rate.\n\n\n\n\nWhile the Zephyrus G14 looks to be a very promising, compact gaming laptop, it does have its fair share of shortcomings. For one, it doesn\u2019t come with a webcam, despite the fact that there\u2019s more than enough space at the top bezel to squeeze one in. On top of that, it would\u2019ve been great if the bottom bezel was more minimal.\n\n\nNonetheless, other specifications of the Zephyrus G14 are befitting of a premium gaming laptop. It comes with up to 32GB of DDR4 3200MHz RAM, up to 1TB of fast M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD, and a fingerprint sensor underneath the power button; this is said to be the first ROG laptop with such a feature.\n\n\nConnectivity options of this gaming laptop is decent too. It has two full-size USB-A ports, two USB-C connections, an HDMI 2.0b output, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Interestingly, you can charge up the Zephyrus G14 with the laptop\u2019s USB-C port, but you\u2019ll still need to plug in the normal 180W barrel connector to get maximum performance.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, Asus has yet to reveal exactly how much the ROG Zephyrus G14 would cost, though it did say the laptop will be offered at a price \u201cthat brings gaming to an even wider audience.\u201d Hopefully, it wouldn\u2019t cost \ntoo much\n, even if slim, lightweight (and portable) gaming laptops usually don\u2019t come cheap.\n\n\nAs for availability, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 will hit the market sometime in March 2020, while the AniMe Matrix model will follow suit in the month that follows. You can get the G14 in two colour options: Moonlight White and Eclipse Grey.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/microsoft-surface-pro-x-malaysian-pre-order-starts-at-rm4599-should-you-get-it/", "title": "Microsoft Surface Pro X Malaysian Pre-Order Starts at RM4,599 \u2013 Should You Get It?", "body": "\n\nMicrosoft just confirmed the Malaysian availability of its latest tablet, the Microsoft Surface Pro X. Set to go on pre-order tomorrow on 9 January, the ARM-based Windows tablet will retail from RM4,599 in Malaysia. Needless to say, that\u2019s quite a hefty price tag, so should you get it?\n\n\nWell, if all you want is a Windows system to do some light work on, you may be happy with the Surface Pro X\u2019s slim form factor and sleek design. But if you need to do more \u201cserious\u201d work on the machine that requires a number of applications to work seamlessly\u2026maybe not.\n\n\nHere\u2019s the thing: as the Surface Pro X is an ARM-based Windows tablet, app compatibility is an issue with the machine. In order to run apps made for Windows, the Pro X relies on emulation. Even then it is only limited to 32-bit x86 programs.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, performance is also not fantastic on the Surface Pro X. Not only is it running Windows apps in an emulation layer, it\u2019s also only powered by the Microsoft SQ1 processor, which is a custom variant of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx chip. It pales in comparison to, say, the performance level of the Intel Core i5-1035G4 processor found in the \nSurface Pro 7\n.\n\n\nNonetheless, there\u2019s no denying the sleek appearance of the Surface Pro X. Compared to, again, the Surface Pro 7, the former is noticeably thinner with smaller screen bezels. On top of that, the Pro X also comes with a larger 13-inch 2880 x 1920 PixelSense touch display over the Pro 7\u2019s smaller 12.3-inch screen.\n\n\n\n\nAnother new addition to the Surface Pro X is the slimmer and lighter stylus, appropriately dubbed Surface Slim Pen. Unlike the stylus for previous Surface devices, there\u2019s a slot right above the Pro X\u2019s keyboard to store (and charge) the Slim Pen. It\u2019s a small, but very convenient touch.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to get the Microsoft Surface Pro X, you\u2019ll have to pay quite a bit of money for it. Two variants of the Windows tablet are available in Malaysia. The base model with 128GB of SSD storage and 8GB of RAM retails at RM4,599, while the 256GB variant with the same RAM capacity goes for a whopping RM5,799. LTE connectivity is available on both models.\n\n\nHowever, only the 256GB Surface Pro X will be available for pre-order on 9 January; it\u2019ll hit store shelves on 17 January. As for the more affordable 128GB variant, it will reach our shores much later on 21 February next month.\n\n\n\n\nAt these price points, the Surface Pro X is tough to recommend. For that kind of money \u2013 especially for the 256GB version \u2013 other Windows machine can offer better value for money. In fact, even the most affordable Surface Pro 7 variant with 256GB of storage \u2013 along with a Core i5-1035G4 processor paired with 8GB of RAM \u2013 costs less at only RM5,499.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-sleek-huawei-matebook-d-15-landing-in-malaysia-18-january-for-only-rm2499/", "title": "The Sleek Huawei MateBook D 15 Landing in Malaysia 18 January for Only RM2,499", "body": "\n\nHuawei\u2019s affordable MateBook D 15 productivity laptop is coming to Malaysia, the first market outside of China to receive the product. Retailing at only RM2,499, those who are looking to get a reasonably fast laptop with a sleek design (without breaking the bank) should give the MateBook D a gander or two.\n\n\nWhat makes the MateBook D 15 particularly attractive is\u2026well, how attractive it looks. With slim bezels surrounding the display, this laptop sports a modern aesthetic with an 87% screen-to-body ratio. On top of that, the minimal bezels also reduce the overall footprint of the notebook, making it that much more compact.\n\n\nAs for the display itself, it\u2019s a vibrant 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen complete with an anti-glare coating.\n\n\n\n\nGreat productivity laptops are designed to be portable, and the MateBook D is no different. Weighing 1.62kg (or 1.53kg without an HDD), it\u2019s not an awfully heavy notebook. Measuring 16.9mm thin, you shouldn\u2019t have any issue slipping the laptop into your backpack either.\n\n\nAnother design element of note is the MateBook D 15\u2019s 1MP webcam, which is hidden under the keyboard in a pop-up mechanism. This particular feature is also available on other Huawei-made laptops, and it\u2019s quite a clever piece of engineering. It also acts as a privacy shutter of sorts.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the MateBook D is a reasonably fast laptop too. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 3500U quad-core processor paired with 8GB of RAM, this notebook should be powerful enough to serve as a good productivity-focused machine. Unfortunately, there\u2019s no dedicated GPU here, so you\u2019ll have to make do with the built-in Radeon Vega 8 Graphics.\n\n\nWhen it comes to connectivity, the MateBook D 15 features a relatively good selection of ports. It has a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, three full-size USB-A connections \u2013 one of which is a USB 3.0 port \u2013 an HDMI output, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\nOther specifications of the MateBook D include 256GB of fast PCIe NVMe SSD storage, a 1TB HDD for even more storage space, a 42WHr battery, a fingerprint sensor underneath the power button, and Windows 10 Home out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei MateBook D 15 will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 18 January onwards. Only one variant of the laptop in Mystic Silver is sold here for RM2,499. That\u2019s really quite an attractive price tag, especially for a productivity laptop as sleek as the MateBook D 15.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-5i-with-5000mah-battery-launching-in-malaysia-14-january/", "title": "Realme 5i With 5,000mAh Battery Launching in Malaysia 14 January", "body": "\n\nJust as we reported last week, the Realme 5i is indeed \ncoming to the Malaysian market\n. Set to be launched here on 14 January next week, the affordable smartphone is quite interesting, thanks to its huge 5,000 battery and affordable price tag. Chances are, it should serve as an even more affordable alternative to the Realme 5.\n\n\nAfter all, the Realme 5i shares a lot in common with the Realme 5; the former is only ever so slightly different in certain aspects. For one, it has an 8MP f/2.0 selfie camera instead of the Realme 5\u2019s 13MP f/2.0 front-facing shooter. On top of that, the Realme 5i also sports a different back design (and colour) without the diamond-cut pattern.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, other specifications of the Realme 5i mirror that of the Realme 5. It has a 6.5-inch 1600 x 720 HD+ IPS display with an 89% screen-to-body ratio, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 chipset, a rear fingerprint sensor, and of course, a very generous 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Realme 5i features a quad camera system on the back. It\u2019s made up of a 12MP f/1.8 main shooter, an 8MP f/2.25 ultra-wide angle sensor, a 2MP portrait camera, and a 2MP macro lens. Basically, the very same camera configuration as the Realme 5.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Realme 5i include a microSD card slot \u2013 it supports cards up to 256GB \u2013 a microUSB port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and ColorOS 6.0.1 based on Android 9 Pie out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nDespite its similarities to the Realme 5, the Realme 5i\u2019s main selling point is its lower asking price. For the Indian market, the 5i retails at only 8,999 Indian rupee for the sole 64GB model with 4GB of RAM. Converted to our currency, that\u2019s only about RM515.\n\n\nTo put this into context, the most affordable Realme 5 for the Malaysian market is the 32GB variant with 3GB of RAM, which goes for RM549. If the 64GB Realme 5i does make its way here with a similar price tag, it\u2019ll be a really good buy for those on a tight budget.\n\n\n\n\nGranted, there\u2019s a chance the Indian pricing of the Realme 5i won\u2019t be reflected here once the smartphone reaches our shores. Nonetheless, we\u2019ll just have to wait until 14 January next week to find out exactly how much the Realme 5i would cost in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopee-cny-sale-offers-rm1-gold-bars-rm8-prosperity-deals/", "title": "Shopee CNY Sale Offers RM1 Gold Bars & RM8 Prosperity Deals", "body": "\n\nIn conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration, Shopee is holding its annual CNY Sale. Offering a number of RM8 prosperity deals, RM18 free shipping, and RM1 gold bars \ndaily\n \u2013 yes, we\u2019re talking about legitimate gold bars here \u2013 Shopee really is making it a festive sale.\n\n\nNaturally, the RM1 gold bars are offered as part of Shopee\u2019s One or Not promotion. Basically, it works on a lucky draw mechanism. You can \u201cpurchase\u201d the gold bar \u2013 or any other product offered in the One or Not category throughout the sale period \u2013 for only RM1, but that doesn\u2019t secure the product for yourself.\n\n\nInstead, you\u2019ll only walk away with any product you\u2019ve purchased for RM1 if you are selected as the lucky buyer. If you\u2019re not picked as the winner, fret not: the RM1 would be refunded back to you. Depending on your method of payment, the refund will be processed to your credit card or Shopee Wallet.\n\n\n\n\nThroughout the promotion period, Shopee will also offer RM8 prosperity deals. Some of the products that will be sold for only RM8 include Chinese New Year hampers, a 24-can Coca-Cola pack, Tefal Cookware set, and of course, even Cheongsams to celebrate the festive season.\n\n\nBut what you really need to look out for is 13 January for the \u201c\nHuat Ah! Huat Ah! Sale\n\u201d \u2013 that\u2019s this coming Monday. This particular day will be the highlight of Shopee\u2019s CNY Sale, and you can expect \u201cunbeatable promotions from all categories\u201d on the e-commerce platform. Upsized Shocking Sale will be offered, along with a 10g gold bar worth a whopping RM2,250 for only RM1. Of course, the gold bar is a part of the One or Not promotion.\n\n\n\n\nShopee also revealed that it has appointed third-party logistics partner Ninja Van to prepare for the influx of orders for Chinese New Year. Given that Ninja Van can handle shipments of up to 90kg, this appointment is likely part of the reason why Shopee is able to offer free delivery for heavy, bulky items like washing machines, air conditioners, refrigerators, and more.\n\n\n\u201cThe appointment of Ninja Van was imperative in order for us to ensure that our users are able to get their parcels on time,\u201d said the Regional Managing Director of Shopee, Ian Ho. Hopefully, this means delivery times would remain consistent throughout the sale period.\n\n\n\n\nThe Shopee CNY Sale is currently ongoing, and it will end on 28 January. For more information on the sale, head on to the dedicated section \nright here\n. You can also check on the latest deals over there.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/new-asus-rog-phone-ii-variant-arrives-in-malaysia-for-just-rm2499/", "title": "New Asus ROG Phone II Variant Arrives in Malaysia for Just RM2,499", "body": "\n\nThe \nAsus ROG Phone II\n is arguably one of the best gaming smartphones in the market now, but its RM3,499 starting price doesn\u2019t make it a particularly accessible smartphone. Well, that\u2019s no longer the case: there\u2019s now a far more affordable variant of the ROG Phone II for the Malaysian market.\n\n\nThis new variant of the ROG Phone II was announced by renowned retailer DirectD, and it costs only RM2,499 \u2013 that\u2019s RM1,000 less than the most affordable model launched late last year. So what\u2019s the catch? Only the fact that this variant comes with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. We\u2019ve also confirmed with Asus Malaysia that this new model does come with official warranty support.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the storage and RAM capacities, this model of the ROG Phone II is identical to the higher-end variants. It still features a fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ chipset, which promises up to 15% better performance, thanks to the overclocked CPU and GPU.\n\n\nOf course, the very useful AirTrigger buttons are still here too. Basically, there are two ultrasonic buttons on the right side of the phone that act as shoulder buttons. You can customise these buttons to activate certain parts of the screen, so in mobile games like PUBG Mobile, you can set the left button to aim, and the right one to shoot.\n\n\nOn top of that, you can even adjust the sensitivity of the AirTrigger buttons. This is especially useful if you\u2019re having trouble activating them.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the ROG Phone II include a fast and vibrant 120Hz 6.59-inch 1080p AMOLED display, an absolutely huge 6,000mAh battery that can provide excellent battery life, a dual camera system (48MP f/1.8 primary + 13MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle), a 24MP f/2.0 front-facing shooter, and ROG UI based on Android 9 Pie out of the box.\n\n\nAt a glance, this new variant of the ROG Phone II is great for those who can\u2019t quite swallow the RM3,499 asking price of the previous base model. But do keep in mind that this gaming smartphones does not have a microSD card slot. If you do get this variant, you\u2019ll have to make do with the 128GB internal storage, so keep that in mind.\n\n\n\n\nKeen to get this new variant of the Asus ROG Phone II anyway? Then head on to \nDirectD\u2019s online store\n. If you\u2019re not sure this gaming smartphone is for you, then check out our \ncomprehensive review of the ROG Phone II\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s20-name-confirmed-with-leaked-live-images-more-details-emerge/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S20 Name Confirmed With Leaked Live Images; More Details Emerge", "body": "\n\nThis is our best look yet at the upcoming \nSamsung Galaxy S20 series\n, thanks to \na series of leaked images\n. That\u2019s right, the successor to the \nGalaxy S10\n series will not be called the S11. On top of that, we\u2019ve got several interesting details of the Galaxy S20 too.\n\n\nFor one, alleged images of the Galaxy S20 pretty much confirm previous renders of the new smartphone. Just like the \nSamsung Galaxy Note 10\n devices, the upcoming S20+ will sport the Korean company\u2019s Infinity-O Display \u2013 the hole-punch cutout for the camera is placed at the top of the screen right in the middle.\n\n\n\n\nWhile it\u2019s a little hard to gauge from the leaked image, it \nseems\n like the circular cutout on the alleged Galaxy S20+ is a little smaller compared to the Galaxy Note 10+. Looking at the overall design of the phone, the S20+ does look sleeker than the latter, thanks to its more rounded corners. Did we mention it\u2019s \nsaid to be a 120Hz screen\n too?\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the Galaxy S20+\u2019s display appears to be quite different than the dual curved screen of its predecessor. According to XDA\u2019s source, the display \u201cfelt flat,\u201d so it\u2019s possible Samsung is doing away with the curved screen. At least, that seems to be the case for the S20+ \u2013 things could be different for the other devices in the series.\n\n\nBut the Galaxy S20+ not having a dual curved display could be a good thing. Ergonomically, a flat display makes a lot more sense, and users won\u2019t have to worry about palm rejection with such a display. However, for better or worse, it appears the glass back panel of the S20+ still has sharp curves at either sides.\n\n\n\n\nOn the back of the phone, as expected, is the square camera module housing four separate lenses. The camera configuration for the Galaxy S20+ is rumoured to include a regular shooter, an ultra-wide angle sensor, a telephoto lens, and a macro camera. The rumoured macro sensor is quite interesting, given that previous Samsung flagships had a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor instead for better depth perception.\n\n\nThere\u2019s also a rumour going around that concerns the primary camera sensor of the upcoming smartphone. Apparently, both the Galaxy S20 and S20+ would feature a new 12MP 1.8\u03bcm sensor, while the Galaxy S20 Ultra is said to come with a different main shooter. For the sake of comparison, previous Samsung flagships only had a 1.4\u03bcm camera sensor.\n\n\nBasically, that\u2019s a measurement of the sensor\u2019s pixel size: the bigger it is, the more light it can collect, which should translate to better camera performance. This will be especially useful when shooting in low light environments.\n\n\n\n\nS20 and S20 + will use the new 12MP 1.8\u03bcm sensor, which is also worth looking forward to.\n\u2014 Ice universe (@UniverseIce) \nJanuary 11, 2020\n\n\n\n\nAnother thing to note is the button arrangement of the Galaxy S20+. Just like how it was with the Galaxy Note 10 smartphones, the dreaded Bixby dedicated button is no longer present. Instead, both the power button and volume rocker are now located on the right side of the S20+. It\u2019s quite an interesting design change, given that these two buttons were placed on different sides of the phone for the longest time.\n\n\nOf course, we cannot ignore the splash screen of the Galaxy S20+, showing that it will indeed come with 5G connectivity. In fact, all of the devices in the Galaxy S20 series are said to support 5G networks. These include the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and the top-of-the-range Galaxy S20 Ultra. Samsung is going all in with 5G here.\n\n\n\n\nBut what about markets that still don\u2019t have 5G coverage? Will Samsung release 4G-only versions of the Galaxy S20 smartphones? As a matter of fact, it will; at least, that\u2019s what XDA is saying. Both the Galaxy S20 and S20+ will have 4G-only variants, but that\u2019s not the case for the Galaxy S20 Ultra. That particular model will supposedly come in a sole 5G model.\n\n\nBesides that, well-known leaker Ice Universe also gave more details on the Galaxy S20 smartphones. Supposedly, all three devices in the series will come with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM. It\u2019s an interesting decision on Samsung\u2019s part, given that this will definitely make each of the device costlier than usual.\n\n\nOf course, that\u2019s assuming this bit of information is accurate, though Ice Universe has a solid track record of being on the mark.\n\n\n\n\nThe standard configuration\uff1a12GB LPDDR5\n\u2014 Ice universe (@UniverseIce) \nJanuary 13, 2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S20 series is expected to be launched on 11 February at the company\u2019s Galaxy Unpacked event next month. Of course, the Galaxy Fold 2 \u2013 which is now expected to be called the Galaxy Z Flip \u2013 will likely make an appearance there too.\n\n\nEvidently, Samsung is starting 2020 on a strong note. With the (possible) introduction of four flagship-tier devices next month, it\u2019s a big launch for the phone maker.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-5i-retails-at-rm299-rm599/", "title": "Realme 5i & Realme Buds Air Land in Malaysia; Retails at RM299 & RM599", "body": "\n\nRealme just launched two new products for the Malaysian market. There\u2019s the \nRealme 5i mid-range smartphone\n, and a new pair of true wireless earbuds, the aptly dubbed Realme Buds Air. Both of these products are meant to be budget-friendly, and if you\u2019re quick, you can even get the Buds Air with a pretty good discount.\n\n\nOut of the two products, the Realme Buds Air will be available for sale online first; it\u2019ll be offered on Shopee from 21 January onwards. Retailing at only RM299, it\u2019s a reasonably inexpensive pair of wireless earbuds with some interesting features.\n\n\nIf you want to get the Buds Air at an even lower price, get it from Shopee at 12AM on 21 January; it\u2019ll be offered for merely RM199 on that day only. A RM100 discount is nothing to sneeze at.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Realme 5i, the sole 64GB variant with 4GB of RAM is priced at RM599. At this price point, it\u2019s really quite a good buy for those on a tight budget. For the sake of comparison, the Realme 5 \u2013 which is a slightly higher-end device than the Realme 5i \u2013 retailed at RM549 for the 32GB + 3GB model when it was launched here.\n\n\nSo what does RM599 get you with the Realme 5i? Well, for one, this budget-friendly smartphone has a very generous 5,000mAh battery. Paired with a relatively power-efficient 11nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, you should be able to get above average battery life \u2013 perhaps even up to two days of usage on a single charge.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Realme 5i also has a sizeable 6.5-inch 1600 x 720 HD+ IPS display. With an 89% screen-to-body ratio, it\u2019s a rather sleek-looking device too, though we do wish it came with a smaller bottom bezel. Nonetheless, we\u2019re quite a fan of the rear panel\u2019s design, especially this Aqua Blue variant. If blue isn\u2019t quite your thing, this phone is also offered in Forest Green.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Realme 5i comes with a rear fingerprint sensor too. Not quite as fancy as an in-screen sensor, but it should be quicker and far more accurate. After all, even in-screen sensors used in flagship smartphones still can\u2019t quite match the performance of conventional capacitive fingerprint readers.\n\n\n\n\nJust like the Realme 5, the Realme 5i features a quad camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 12MP f/1.8 main shooter, an 8MP f/2.25 ultra-wide angle sensor, a 2MP portrait camera, and a 2MP macro lens. There\u2019s no telephoto sensor here, but we imagine most folks will find more use out of the ultra-wide angle shooter anyway.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Realme 5i include an 8MP f/2.0 selfie camera, a microSD card slot that can accommodate cards up to 256GB, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and ColorOS 6.0.1 based on Android 9 Pie out of the box. Unfortunately, this phone still charges via a microUSB port; a common trait of budget smartphones.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the Realme Buds Air. One of the best selling points of this audio product is its low latency, making it ideal for gamers who don\u2019t want to deal with the hassle of wired earphones. According to Realme, the Buds Air has a 119.3ms latency in Gaming Mode. In regular usage, it has a latency of 243.8ms.\n\n\nRealme says that the Buds Air\u2019s latency can be reduced this much thanks to the R1 Chip under the hood. Not only can it provide low latency, it also offers a stable connection along with better battery performance. Of course, it uses the newer Bluetooth 5.0 standard as well.\n\n\n\n\nBattery life of the Buds Air is quite respectable too. On a single charge, it can last up to three hours. With the provided charging case, it offers a total of 17 hours music playback. When you need to charge up the case, you can either plug in a USB-C cable, or charge it wirelessly. That\u2019s right, the charging case supports 10W Qi wireless charging; not a feature you usually find on wireless earbuds at this price point.\n\n\nLike many other wireless earbuds, the Buds Air support a number of touch controls. A double tap either answers a call or play / pause your music playback, a triple tap skips to the next song, while a long press on one side of the earbuds launches Google Assistant or ends / declines a call. Oh, there\u2019s also a quick shortcut to enter or exit Gaming Mode to reduce latency. A a long press on both earbuds will do the trick.\n\n\nWhile the touch controls of the Buds Air are reasonably good, it would\u2019ve been great if it was possible to control the volume as well. But hey, this \nis\n an affordable pair of wireless earbuds.\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme Buds Air will be available for purchase on Shopee from 21 January onwards at 12AM. For the time being, it will only be offered in White; the Yellow and Black models will arrive here sometime in the future. The Realme 5i, on the other hand, can be purchased at physical retail stores on 18 January. If you want to get the smartphone online instead, it\u2019ll be available on Lazada from 28 January.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/more-samsung-galaxy-s20-series-details-leaked-108mp-camera-120hz-1440p-display-5000mah-battery/", "title": "More Samsung Galaxy S20 Series Details Leaked: 108MP Camera, 120Hz 1440p Display, 5,000mAh Battery", "body": "\n\nAnother day, \nanother set\n \nof leaks\n surrounding the Samsung Galaxy S20+. Just like the previous one, these new details are courtesy of XDA\u2019s Max Weinbach. This time around, his source gave us a closer look at several key specifications of the Galaxy S20+.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the quad camera configuration of the upcoming smartphone. Just like previous rumours have suggested, this new leak confirms the Galaxy S20+\u2019s 12MP primary sensor with a 1.8\u03bcm pixel size. While that doesn\u2019t sound particularly impressive, keep in mind that its predecessor\u2019s main camera \u2013 while also a 12MP sensor \u2013 had a pixel size of 1.4\u03bcm.\n\n\nGiven the larger 1.8\u03bcm sensor of the Galaxy S20+, which allows it to take in more light, it\u2019s safe to say it will have much improved camera performance.\n\n\n\n\nAnother interesting sensor in the quad camera system is the 64MP shooter. Surprisingly enough, this is thought to be the telephoto lens. It remains to be seen exactly why Samsung decided to use such a high megapixel sensor for the telephoto lens, but XDA\u2019s source confirmed that the S20+ can do between 3x zoom up to 30x zoom.\n\n\nWhat about the other two sensors? Well, renowned leaker Ice Universe seems to know a thing or two. Apparently, the quad camera setup also includes a 12MP sensor and a time-of-flight (ToF) shooter. If we were to take a guess, we\u2019d say the 12MP unit is an ultra-wide angle camera.\n\n\nOn top of that, if Ice Universe is accurate \u2013 which is usually the case \u2013 it\u2019ll confirm that there\u2019s no macro lens with the Galaxy S20 smartphones.\n\n\n\n\nS20\uff1a12MP+64MP+12MP\nS20+\uff1a12MP+64MP+12MP+ToF\nS20U\uff1a108MP+48MP+12MP+ToF\n\u2014 Ice universe (@UniverseIce) \nJanuary 14, 2020\n\n\n\n\nAnother thing to note is the supposed camera configuration of the Galaxy S20 Ultra. Instead of the 12MP main shooter of the other Galaxy S20 smartphones, the Ultra comes with the much anticipated 108MP camera. It\u2019s not known yet if this is the same 108MP sensor found in the \nXiaomi Mi Note 10\n, but there\u2019s a good chance it is. After all, that sensor is a collaboration between the two companies.\n\n\nAlso, instead of a 64MP telephoto lens, the Galaxy S20 Ultra features a 48MP telephoto shooter. Now, despite its lower megapixel count, this is actually a far more interesting sensor. \nAccording to Weinbach\n, that 48MP shooter can do a whopping 10x optical zoom.\n\n\nBeyond the camera configuration of the Galaxy S20 smartphones, we\u2019ve still got a number of interesting details with the Galaxy S20+. The rumoured 120Hz display? It seems to be accurate. XDA\u2019s source revealed that the S20+\u2019s screen does have a 120Hz refresh rate, but there\u2019s a caveat here.\n\n\n\n\nEven though the Galaxy S20+ (allegedly) has a 6.7-inch 3200 x 1440 WQHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display with a tall 20:9 aspect ratio, it\u2019s only possible to set the screen\u2019s refresh rate to 120Hz\u2026in Full HD+ resolution. There is a chance this is merely a software limitation in the interest of battery life, but at this point in time, it doesn\u2019t seem to be possible to set the display to 120Hz in WQHD+.\n\n\nDesign wise, the Galaxy S20+ really does sport a flatter display than its predecessor; a short hands-on video of the smartphone shows this quite well. Unfortunately, the 3.5mm headphone jack is also gone on the Galaxy S20+, making it the first Galaxy S phone to remove the port.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFortunately enough, expandable storage is still available on the Galaxy S20+ and S20 Ultra. There\u2019s no word yet whether or not the standard Galaxy S20 will come with a microSD card slot as well, and given that the \nGalaxy Note 10\n doesn\u2019t have one (while the higher-end \nNote 10+\n does), it\u2019s really quite hard to say.\n\n\nOh, there\u2019s also an image of the Galaxy S20+ right next to its direct predecessor, the \nGalaxy S10+\n. Due to the taller 20:9 display, the S20+ is noticeably bigger than the S10+. It\u2019s not immediately obvious from the picture, but it does seem like the S20+ is ever so slightly narrower too.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re wondering, all three models in the Galaxy S20 family will supposedly feature 120Hz WQHD+ AMOLED screens with 20:9 aspect ratio.\n\n\n\n\nLast but definitely not least are the battery capacities of the Galaxy S20 smartphones, which seem to be upgraded quite a bit. Looking at the \nleaked images of the specifications\n, the Galaxy S20+ is packing a generous 4,500mAh battery. In comparison, the Galaxy S10+ had a slightly smaller 4,100mAh cell.\n\n\nThings get a lot more interesting with the Galaxy S20 Ultra. In a tweet, Weinbach wrote that the top-of-the-line device gets a sizeable 5,000mAh battery. Not only that, it can supposedly do 45W fast charging, allowing it to be fully charged from completely empty in 74 minutes.\n\n\n\n\nThe S20 Ultra 5G is going to keep the SD Card slot. Support for up to 1TB. \nIt will also be available in 128GB/256GB/512GB and have a 12GB and 16GB RAM option. \n108MP main, 48MP 10x optical, 12MP ultra wide. \n5000 mAh battery with 45W option fast charge. 0 to 100% in 74 min.\n\u2014 Max Weinbach (@MaxWinebach) \nJanuary 13, 2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S20 series is shaping up to be Samsung\u2019s most exciting one yet. The sophisticated camera system is extremely promising, the 120Hz display is enticing, and the bigger battery capacities should translate to better battery life. Samsung will officially introduce the Galaxy S20 smartphones on \n11 February\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/final-fantasy-vii-remake-hands-on-a-classic-reimagined/", "title": "Final Fantasy VII Remake Hands-On: A Classic, Reimagined", "body": "\n\nNo Final Fantasy game is quite as iconic as the seventh entry of the main franchise, so needless to say, Final Fantasy VII Remake is one of \nthe\n most anticipated games this year. Developed completely from the ground up, FFVIIR seems to be a very promising JRPG, and I managed to spend some time with a demo of the upcoming game.\n\n\nWhile I only played a brief portion of FFVIIR, I was left pretty impressed with the overall gameplay. Even though its release date has been delayed to 10 April from 3 March, I\u2019m excited to see more of the game once it is out.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe FFVIIR demo I played through \u2013 the very same demo shown in the video above \u2013 takes place in the first Mako reactor, and it showcases one very important change: it\u2019s a very, \nvery\n fleshed out game. The boss fight (Scorpion Sentinel) in this sequence of the demo, for one, has a lot more depth now. What was once a straightforward boss fight in the original game is now divided into several phases, which involves the Sentinel frantically moving from one area to the next.\n\n\nAs I battle the boss, the fight will progress to the next phase once its health goes down a certain point. Naturally, the difficulty increases as its health gets even lower. All in all, it feels like a very dynamic boss fight, and that\u2019s a good thing. Clearly, Square Enix put some serious thought into making the game feel like a brand new experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the turn-based combat system of the original game has been completely overhauled too. As with most modern JRPG titles, FFVIIR uses a real-time combat system. You can perform normal attacks by hitting the Square button, while dodging is done with the Circle button.\n\n\nDespite this new combat system, there\u2019s still a \u201cturn-based element\u201d here. Any time during combat, I can hit X to summon the Commands menu. Once I\u2019m here, time slows down to a halt while I navigate the menu, which allows me to use abilities, spells, or items. When I\u2019ve selected a target for my spell or ability, the game resumes.\n\n\nPersonally, I don\u2019t quite like this system. I prefer a more \u201cfluid\u201d combat experience, and this menu disrupts the overall flow of battle. Thankfully, I can summon the shortcut menu with the L1 button. Here, I can perform four different actions instantly, eliminating the pause of accessing the Commands menu.\n\n\n\n\nAnother turn-based element present in FFVIIR is the need of Active Time Battle (ATB) to perform\u2026practically every action except for normal attacks. If I want to use an item, spell, or ability, I need at least one ATB bar to do it. The bar will refill on its own gradually, but landing attacks will fill it up faster.\n\n\nYou can also alternate between different characters during combat. In the demo, I can switch between Cloud and Barrett by pressing up or down on the D-pad. Cloud is a close range attacker, so when I need some long distance attacks, that\u2019s where Barrett is useful. Naturally, both characters have different sets of abilities and spells as well.\n\n\nIt can get a little overwhelming switching between these two characters (imagine if there were more!), and it feels quite clunky when I tried it out for myself. Then again, I imagine this is something most players can get used too in the long run with some familiarity.\n\n\n\n\nIn traditional Final Fantasy fashion, Limit Breaks are also present in FFVIIR. The Limit bar fills up as you get damaged or stagger enemies, and once it\u2019s full, you can unleash a unique Limit Break for each character. Cloud\u2019s Limit Break is Cross-Slash, while Barrett\u2019s is Fire in the Hole. As expected, these attacks are very powerful and equally flashy.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the ability to stagger enemies. Larger, more powerful enemies have a focus gauge right under their life bar, and once it\u2019s filled, they will be staggered. In this state, enemies are defenseless, and they will take more damage. It\u2019s the perfect time to unleash all of your characters\u2019 Limit Breaks.\n\n\n\n\nOverall, I dig the real-time combat system of FFVIIR. It\u2019s easy enough to grasp in one sitting, and there\u2019s enough depth here for more advanced players to explore. That being said, I do feel like it could be a \ntad\n more dynamic. As it is, it feels a little too rigid.\n\n\nFor example, once I\u2019ve committed to an attack, it\u2019s not possible to cancel it with a dodge. Sure, it would\u2019ve been fair if I was using a special attack ability, but even normal attacks cannot be cancelled. There were a couple of times where I wanted to dodge quickly, but it simply wouldn\u2019t register until the attack\u2019s animation is finished.\n\n\nIt\u2019s not certain if this quirk will be present in the finished game, but I\u2019m hoping it wouldn\u2019t be. Granted, it\u2019s possible this is done on purpose to punish players that are reckless or those who overcommit to an attack. More methodical and careful players will be rewarded in this case.\n\n\n\n\nRegardless, I really enjoyed playing through the Final Fantasy VII Remake demo. However, there are a number of issues that need to be pointed out, which isn\u2019t all that surprising for an early build of the game. These include some performance issues, limited access, and\u2026well, just how the game looks as a whole.\n\n\nThroughout the demo, the frame rate doesn\u2019t feel particularly consistent. While the game runs at 30 frames per second for the most part, the frame rate fluctuates at certain scenes or when I turn the camera around. As a result, there\u2019s noticeable stuttering as I navigate within the first Mako Reactor.\n\n\nIt\u2019s not a huge deal (especially for an early demo), but it does warrant some concern for the game\u2019s performance in the final version. This is especially the case for those who plan to play it on the standard PlayStation 4 \u2013 I played the demo on a Pro system.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the FFVIIR demo doesn\u2019t look quite that great in the graphics department. Cloud\u2019s hair is a bit of a blurry mess, the environment doesn\u2019t look like it\u2019s rendered in high resolution, and the character models aren\u2019t particularly detailed. Again, it\u2019s worth noting that this is merely a demo of the game. Hopefully, the finished build of the game will look a lot better.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the limited access of the FFVIIR demo. While I can use a number of spells, abilities, and Limit Breaks of both Cloud and Barrett, a key element of the gameplay is missing: the ability to switch modes. Each character in FFVIIR have two modes; Cloud, for example, has Operator mode \u2013 the default one \u2013 and Punisher mode.\n\n\nOperator mode allows Cloud to move and attack quicker, while Punisher mode slows down his sword swings, but increases his damage output. The ability to switch modes would\u2019ve added even more depth to the combat system, so it\u2019s unfortunate I couldn\u2019t try it out for myself in this demo.\n\n\n\n\nEven with these issues I faced in the demo version, I\u2019m pretty darn excited to get my hands on Final Fantasy VII Remake once it is released on 10 April 2020. It would\u2019ve been great if the game is launching on the original 3 March release date, but if an extra month is all it takes to ensure a better, more polished game, I\u2019m all for it.\n\n\nYou can now pre-order Final Fantasy VII Remake on the PlayStation Store \nfor RM243\n. If you want the Digital Deluxe Edition instead \u2013 it adds on a digital artbook, a mini-soundtrack, as well as several extra summon Materia \u2013 it\u2019s \npriced at RM354\n.\n\n\nAlternatively, you can also purchase the physical copies of the game for about the same price from your local game store or retailers on e-commerce platforms.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s20-series-full-specifications-leaked-10x-optical-zoom-40mp-selfie-camera/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S20 Series Full Specifications Leaked: 10x Optical Zoom, 40MP Selfie Camera", "body": "\n\nAs we get closer to the Samsung Galaxy S20 series\u2019 \nofficial launch on 11 February\n, we\u2019re getting even more leaked information on Samsung\u2019s upcoming flagship smartphones. This latest leak is quite substantial: it\u2019s supposedly the full spec sheet of all three S20 phones.\n\n\nThis spec sheet comes from \nIshan Agarwal\n and \nMySmartPrice\n, citing an exclusive report containing the full specification of the Galaxy S20 smartphones. As expected, the Galaxy S20 Ultra is the highest-end device in the series with some interesting features.\n\n\n\n\nSamsung Galaxy S20 Ultra\n\n\nCompared to previous Galaxy S series smartphones, the Galaxy S20 Ultra is shaping up to be the biggest device in the lineup yet. Sporting a huge 6.9-inch 3200 x 1440 Dynamic AMOLED display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, this is quite a sizeable smartphone. Naturally, as previous leaks have shown, it has an Infinity-O Display with a similar hole-punch cutout as the \nSamsung Galaxy Note 10\n devices.\n\n\nGoing down the spec sheet, there\u2019s the Galaxy S20 Ultra\u2019s impressive quad camera system. It\u2019s supposedly made up of a 108MP main shooter, a 48MP telephoto lens with 10x (!) optical zoom, a 12MP ultra-wide angle camera, and a ToF sensor. The zooming capability of the telephoto lens is very impressive, and it\u2019s said to offer up to 100x digital zoom too.\n\n\nSelfie lovers will also be happy to learn that the S20 Ultra has a 40MP wide front-facing camera. On top of that, this particular shooter can also record 4K videos at 60 frames per second \u2013 that\u2019s quite impressive.\n\n\n\n\nNot surprisingly, this leak seemingly confirms two different versions of the Galaxy S20 smartphones for different regions: a \nQualcomm Snapdragon 865\n model and an Exynos 990 variant. As usual, the Malaysian market should be getting the Exynos 990 model, so unlike earlier rumours, it doesn\u2019t seem like Samsung will use the Snapdragon 865 chip for all markets.\n\n\nWhile some folks may not be thrilled by this, we still don\u2019t know exactly how the Exynos 990 stacks up to the Snapdragon 865 in terms of performance. But what we do know is the fact that the Exynos 990 is also built on a 7nm process like the Snapdragon 865; it\u2019s possible the power consumption of these two chips would be similar.\n\n\n\n\nGiven its large dimensions, the Galaxy S20 Ultra also has a very generous battery capacity. According to the leaked spec sheet, the S20 Ultra is (\nyet again\n) said to come with a huge 5,000mAh battery. This large cell also makes the flagship smartphone a pretty hefty device, supposedly tipping the scales at 221g.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy S20 Ultra include storage capacities from 128GB to 512GB, a microSD card slot, IP68 dust and water resistance, as well as One UI 2.0 based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\nSamsung Galaxy S20+\n\n\nWhat was previously the highest-end offering in the series now sits right in the middle between the regular S20 and S20 Ultra. Now that it\u2019s no longer the top-of-the-line offering, the Galaxy S20+ doesn\u2019t come with a number of features the Ultra model has, including a different camera configuration.\n\n\nUnlike the S20 Ultra\u2019s 108MP primary sensor and 48MP telephoto shooter, the Galaxy S20+ make do with a 12MP main camera and a 64MP telephoto lens. Now, just because the S20+\u2019s telephoto shooter has a higher megapixel count doesn\u2019t make it better. According to an earlier leak, the 64MP telephoto lens can only do between 3x zoom up to 30x zoom.\n\n\nWhile that pales in comparison to the S20 Ultra\u2019s (alleged) 10x optical zoom and 100x digital zoom, the S20+\u2019s quad camera system still has respectable zooming capability.\n\n\nPrevious leaks of the Galaxy S20+\n\n\nBesides the Galaxy S20+\u2019s primary and telephoto sensors, the other two shooters include a 12MP ultra-wide angle lens and a ToF sensor. The front-facing camera, on the other hand, is a 10MP shooter. Not quite as potent as the Ultra\u2019s 40MP sensor, but it can still do 4K video recording at 60fps.\n\n\nJust like the S20 Ultra, the S20+ also has a 120Hz 3200 x 1440 Dynamic AMOLED display, though it is a slightly smaller 6.7-inch screen. Battery capacity of the S20+, on the other hand, is a very respectable 4,500mAh battery. In comparison, its direct predecessor, the \nGalaxy S10+\n, only had a 4,100mAh cell.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Galaxy S20+ are an Exynos 990 chipset, at least 128GB of expandable storage, an IP68 rating, and One UI 2.0 based on Android 10.\n\n\nThe Galaxy S20+ (right) next to the Galaxy S10+\n\n\nSamsung Galaxy S20\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the most affordable device in the series, the standard Galaxy S20. Based on its moniker, it succeeds the Galaxy S10, so unfortunately enough, there doesn\u2019t seem to be any follow-up to the \ncompact Galaxy S10e\n.\n\n\nDespite being the smallest device in the series, the Galaxy S20 shares quite a number of features with its higher-end siblings. These include a 6.2-inch 1440p Dynamic AMOLED display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, an Exynos 990 chipset, and a similar camera configuration as the Galaxy S20+ \u2013 minus the ToF sensor.\n\n\nThe rest of the Galaxy S20\u2019s hardware detailed in the leak are befitting of a flagship smartphone too. It has a reasonably big 4,000mAh battery, a 10MP selfie camera, 128GB of storage (complete with a microSD card slot), IP68 water resistance, and of course, the same One UI 2.0 software based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nIf this leak turns out to be accurate, the Samsung Galaxy S20 series is arguably the Korean company\u2019s most complete flagship lineup yet. While there are still some big hardware differences between the three different smartphones, they still have WQHD+ 120Hz displays, large battery capacities, and the same level of performance.\n\n\nThe Galaxy S20 series will officially be unveiled come 11 February 2020 next month. According to Agarwal, all three S20 smartphones will likely hit store shelves around 13 March the following month, which is a reasonably quick rollout. Hopefully, that\u2019s when the Galaxy S20 series will arrive in Malaysia as well.\n\n\n(Featured image: MINU via \nTwitter [Ice Universe]\n)\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-powerstick-jet-vs9000-quick-review-worth-rm3599/", "title": "Samsung Powerstick Jet VS9000 Quick Review: Worth RM3,599?", "body": "\n\nMost folks would associate Samsung with its mobile business, but the Korean company\u2019s home appliances are pretty darn popular among consumers too. Well, that\u2019s exactly what we have here: the Samsung Powerstick Jet VS9000, a high-end cordless vacuum cleaner with some very interesting features.\n\n\nGiven its premium positioning, the Powerstick Jet is without a doubt a costly product. So the question is, can this vacuum cleaner justify its exorbitant RM3,599 price tag? Let\u2019s find out.\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe Powerstick Jet VS9000 is a versatile cordless vacuum cleaner. For the Malaysian market, the sole variant of the VS9000 comes with a wide array of attachments. These include the Turbo Action Brush, Soft Action Brush, Mini Motorised Tool, and even the Spinning Sweeper.\n\n\nTurbo Action Brush\nSoft Action Brush\nSpinning Sweeper\nMini Motorised Tool\nExtension Crevice Tool\nCombination Tool\n\n\nThe Spinning Sweeper attachment is particularly interesting, as it turns the vacuum cleaner into a mop. It can also be attached with two kinds of cloths: disposable wet ones, or a microfibre cloth. Of course, you also get a number of attachments to extend the length of the vacuum cleaner.\n\n\nAlso bundled with the Powerstick Jet is a pretty elaborate charging stand. While some may not be a fan of the bulky design, it\u2019s certainly functional. The vacuum cleaner\u2019s various attachments can be clipped to the stand itself, and there\u2019s even a charging slot in the base for a spare battery. It\u2019s really quite a nice touch.\n\n\nYou can charge your spare battery here\nAttachments can be clipped here\n\n\nAs mentioned, what makes the Powerstick Jet particularly enticing is its Spinning Sweeper attachment, which no other cordless vacuum cleaner offers. This, in turn, makes it a more versatile cleaning product.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nFor starters, the Powerstick Jet is a joy to use. Swapping between the different attachments, for one, is an easy and painless process. The three-button operation of the vacuum is also intuitive enough to use. Hitting the middle button switches it on, while the left and right buttons reduces and increases the power accordingly.\n\n\nThere are three power options: Min, Mid, and Max. At the maximum power setting, the vacuum does make itself heard, but it\u2019s certainly quieter than your standard vacuum cleaner. Besides that, I wish I had more precise control over the power options. The difference in suction power between the three modes feels a tad too drastic for my liking.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Powerstick Jet\u2019s suction power is more than adequate for all kinds of usage scenarios. Whether it\u2019s to take dirt out of a carpet or using the Spinning Sweeper to mop the floor, this vacuum cleaner does it all very, \nvery\n well. In fact, I was confident enough to use it to clean up little bits of broken glass.\n\n\nWhat about battery life? On average, I was getting about 30 minutes of usage when alternating between the Med and Max power settings. That\u2019s reasonably good battery life for a 3,000mAh cell, though I\u2019m not entirely convinced it can achieve Samsung\u2019s quoted usage of up to an hour.\n\n\nAnother aspect of the Powerstick Jet that I really like is the ability to clean the \nwhole \ndust bin; that\u2019s not something most of its competition can do. The bin itself is completely removable, and practically every single one of its component can be washed. That being said, the 0.5l bin is on the smaller side of things.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the overall design of the Powerstick Jet. The vacuum cleaner itself looks sleek, solid, and dare I say, futuristic. When it\u2019s placed in the charging stand, it really does draw the attention of friends and family members that happened to glance at it. Since most vacuum cleaners are clumsy contraptions usually hidden away in a closet, the Powerstick Jet\u2019s modern design is a breath of fresh air.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nFor a product that costs as much as the Powerstick Jet VS9000, you would think it\u2019s the \nperfect\n cordless vacuum cleaner. But alas, as with any given product, there are some aspects of the VS9000 that could be improved upon.\n\n\nThere were a couple of times where I was trying to dock the Powerstick Jet to the charging station right after I\u2019ve used it, but it wasn\u2019t possible\u2026because I\u2019ve got the Combination Tool attachment on. There isn\u2019t enough clearance, so I had to remove it, clip it to the stand, and only then it\u2019s possible to dock the vacuum as per usual. It\u2019s a minor issue, I admit, but if the stand was a couple of inches taller, it would have been great.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, choosing from the myriad of attachments bundled with the Powerstick Jet can be a little overwhelming sometimes, especially when I\u2019m looking for the right one for a certain task. I wanted to clean some small debris on my carpet with the vacuum cleaner, and I switched between the Soft Action Brush and Turbo Action Brush before finally settling on the smaller Combination Tool to get the job done.\n\n\nAnother minor issue I have with the Powerstick Jet is the weight of it. Granted, tipping the scales at 2.7kg, it\u2019s not a particularly heavy vacuum cleaner, but it does get slightly tiring to use for extended periods of time. Carrying the vacuum around as I\u2019m cleaning cobwebs on the ceiling or dusts on window sills isn\u2019t exactly fun.\n\n\n\n\nAnd of course, my last gripe with the Powerstick Jet is the sheer cost of it. Retailing at RM3,599, it sits right at the top of the price range of high-end vacuum cleaners. The good news? Retailers are actually listing this product for a lot less now. In fact, a Preferred seller on Shopee is offering it \nfor only RM2,813\n \u2013 that\u2019s exactly RM786 off, not including the various vouchers you can apply to get additional discounts.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nThere\u2019s no denying it: the Samsung Powerstick Jet VS9000 is a costly product, but so are its closest competition. If you want the absolute best, premium cordless vacuum cleaner money can buy, the VS9000 fits the bill. To make it that much more enticing, it costs considerably less than its original asking price now, giving it an edge over, say, the even more costly Dyson V11 series.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, the Powerstick Jet\u2019s ability to double as a mop \u2013 thanks to the Spinning Sweeper attachment \u2013 is something other cordless vacuum cleaners simply do not offer. It also helps that this is a sleek, modern-looking product that won\u2019t look out of place even in the most stylish living spaces.\n\n\nI mean, it even looks good when it\u2019s docked at the charging station. Evidently, Samsung has put a lot of thought into the design language \u2013 and functionality \u2013 of the Powerstick Jet.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/get-the-samsung-galaxy-fold-with-36-month-instalment-rm699-rebate/", "title": "Get the Samsung Galaxy Fold With 36-Month Instalment & RM699 Rebate", "body": "\n\nSamsung Malaysia is running a rather interesting promotion for the unique \nSamsung Galaxy Fold\n. From now until 16 February 2020, you can purchase the foldable smartphone with a 12-month, 24-month, or even 36-month instalment plan. To sweeten the deal, you can also get RM699 rebate from this promotion.\n\n\nOf course, as with any promotion, there are a number of caveats. For one, this Easy Payment Plan for the Galaxy Fold is limited to the first 1,000 units sold. On top of that, you\u2019ll also need to pay with a credit card issued by participating banks at participating outlets.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the RM699 rebate, it\u2019ll be given in the form of instalment waivers. Those who opt to get the Galaxy Fold with a 12-month instalment, for example, won\u2019t have to pay the first month\u2019s RM699 instalment. If you get the 24-month or 36-month instalment plan, the first two (RM349.5) or three (RM233) monthly instalments are waived respectively.\n\n\nNaturally, this Galaxy Fold promotion is only available to regular customers who are not affiliated with Samsung, dealers, or resellers. They would also have to be above 18 years of age to enjoy this deal. Obviously, this Easy Payment Plan campaign is also limited to the Galaxy Fold only.\n\n\nGiven the steep RM8,388 asking price of the Galaxy Fold, this instalment plan from Samsung does make the foldable smartphone more accessible to consumers. Whether or not it\u2019s a wise choice to get the device, however, is an entirely different question.\n\n\n\n\nIn our \ncomprehensive review of the Galaxy Fold\n, we commend the phone\u2019s camera performance, battery life, and display quality. Besides that, it\u2019s also a very, \nvery\n eye-catching smartphone, thanks to its foldable nature. There really aren\u2019t any device quite like it in the Malaysian market right now, and that\u2019s a good spot to be in.\n\n\nThat being said, the Galaxy Fold is also far from perfect. The durability of the phone is one of the biggest concerns we have, especially with the polymer screen, which is essentially plastic. In fact, our review unit already had a few hairline scratches by the time we were done with it, and you can\u2019t even use a screen protector with this phone.\n\n\n\n\nRegardless, if you\u2019re still keen to get the Samsung Galaxy Fold, you can find more information on the Easy Payment Plan on \nSamsung\u2019s website\n. Not sure if the Galaxy Fold is for you? Then check out our review of the foldable smartphone \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-illegear-ionic-is-a-lightweight-long-lasting-ultraportable-for-rm3899/", "title": "The Illegear Ionic Is a Lightweight, Long-lasting Ultraportable for RM3,899", "body": "\n\nIllegear is mostly known for its range of gaming laptops, so it\u2019s a bit of a surprise when the company unveiled its latest product, the Illegear Ionic. For starters, this isn\u2019t a gaming laptop; rather, it\u2019s an ultraportable that would appeal to those who are looking for a long-lasting, lightweight productivity laptop.\n\n\nFeaturing a 15mm thin chassis and tipping the scales at only 1.45kg, the Illegear Ionic is a reasonably lightweight and slim productivity laptop. Sure, it\u2019s not the lightest laptop in the market now, but that\u2019s because it comes with a \nvery generous \n92WHr battery.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlthough Illegear did not provide any battery life estimate for the Ionic, we reckon it\u2019ll last for quite some time. After all, most productivity laptops are not packed with such a huge battery capacity. Take the 2019 Dell XPS 15, which only had a 56WHr cell.\n\n\nPowering the Illegear Ionic is an Intel Core i7-10510U processor paired with 16GB of RAM. This chip should be powerful enough for most productivity work, and if you want to do some gaming on the side, this laptop\u2019s Nvidia GeForce MX250 GPU should be up for the task. Sure, the MX250 isn\u2019t the most powerful dedicated graphics card, but it\u2019ll do for a laptop of this segment.\n\n\n\n\nJust like other Illegear laptops, the Ionic comes with very slim display bezels, reducing the overall footprint of the ultraportable; an important plus point for productivity machines. The screen itself, on the other hand, is a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS \u201ciRIS\u201d display, which supposedly covers 100% of the sRGB colour space.\n\n\nConnectivity options of the Ionic are reasonably good as well. It has a USB Type-C port, an HDMI 2.0 port, three USB-A connections, an RJ-45 port, and a microSD card slot. Other specifications of the laptop include 512GB of fast M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD storage, an \u201cultra-tactile\u201d keyboard with white backlighting, and a webcam with Windows Hello support.\n\n\n\n\nThe Illegear Ionic is now available for purchase and customisation on Illegear\u2019s website from RM3,899. If you plan to pay with cash, you can get a 5% discount, reducing the price down to RM3,705. However, do note that this laptop does not come with an activated copy of Windows 10. You\u2019ll need to pay additional RM439 for Windows 10 Home, or RM649 if you want Windows 10 Pro instead.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-mothership-hands-on-a-rm26999-gaming-behemoth/", "title": "Asus ROG Mothership Hands-On: A RM26,999 Gaming Behemoth", "body": "\n\nWhen it was \nfirst unveiled to the world\n at CES 2019, the \nAsus ROG Mothership\n stood out for its unique tablet-like form factor (for a product in its segment) and the fact that it\u2019s a monster of a gaming machine. Launched in Malaysia back in June last year, I finally got some hands-on time with the gaming behemoth.\n\n\nRetailing at RM26,999, the ROG Mothership is a decadent gaming machine, and it\u2019s tough to justify that kind of asking price. But what does that kind of money get you? Well, let\u2019s find out.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the most unique aspects of the ROG Mothership has to be its form factor. Most would be inclined to call it a gaming tablet, given the machine\u2019s kickstand design and detachable keyboard. But that\u2019s not the most appropriate description, given its lack of a touch-enabled display. With that in mind, it\u2019s more apt to call this product an all-in-one PC.\n\n\nPutting that aside, the ROG Mothership certainly has a unique design. The kickstand can be deployed by just pushing down the bottom part of the machine on a surface; there are two buttons on the bottom area that pushes out the kickstand. It\u2019s a neat trick to prop up the Mothership on a table easily, especially since it\u2019s such a heavy PC.\n\n\n\n\nSo how heavy is the ROG Mothership? A whopping \n4.8kg\n. Moving this machine from one place to another is quite the challenge, and it doesn\u2019t help that this PC needs \ntwo\n AC adapters to power up. Of course, this isn\u2019t exactly a surprise: the Mothership \nis\n touted as \u201cthe future of desktop replacement\u201d by Asus.\n\n\nAesthetically, there\u2019s no mistaking the ROG Mothership for anything but a gaming machine. On the front, the bottom bezel features a sizeable RGB bar, and right behind the kickstand, there\u2019s even some RGB lighting that acts as an underglow of sorts. Basically, this is a \u201cloud\u201d gaming machine, for better or worse.\n\n\nPersonally, I really dig the RGB lighting on the bottom bezel of the ROG Mothership, but it would\u2019ve been great if the surrounding bezels weren\u2019t so sizeable. It gives the machine a rather\u2026dated-looking design.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, the ROG Mothership is a gaming powerhouse. It features a factory overclocked Intel Core i9-9980HK octa-core processor paired with \n64GB \nof DDR4 2666MHz RAM. As for the GPU, the Mothership is packing an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 GPU, which is also factory overclocked like the CPU.\n\n\nThanks to this CPU and GPU combination, you will have absolutely no issue running even the most demanding games on the ROG Mothership. Granted, I have not put this PC through its paces yet, but I\u2019m confident it\u2019ll deliver excellent gaming performance.\n\n\nConnectivity option of the ROG Mothership, on the other hand, is also very respectable. It comes with two USB-C ports, four USB-A connections, an HDMI 2.0 output, an RJ-45 jack, and get this: the Mothership even has the increasingly rare SD card slot. Chances are, you won\u2019t be left wanting for more ports with this gaming machine.\n\n\n\n\nAs expected, the ROG Mothership has a display made for gaming. It sports a 17.3-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display with a fast 144Hz refresh rate. On top of that, this panel also supports Nvidia\u2019s G-Sync technology, so screen tearing won\u2019t be an issue with the Mothership.\n\n\nWhile it\u2019s a great display for gaming, I do have a couple of qualms with the ROG Mothership\u2019s display quality. Don\u2019t get me wrong, it has good colour reproduction and decent brightness level, but I wish it was \na tad\n brighter with better viewing angles. Given that this is a premium gaming machine with a premium price tag, I was expecting better screen quality.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the detachable keyboard of the ROG Mothership. Naturally, it can be connected to the Mothership itself, but you can always detach it. That\u2019s right, it is also a wireless keyboard, but if you\u2019re worried about input lag, you can connect the keyboard to the Mothership with a USB-C cable. Interestingly, you can also fold the keyboard in half to make it more compact.\n\n\nSurprisingly enough, the ROG Mothership\u2019s keyboard is \nvery\n pleasant to type on. The keys have plenty of travel, the tactile feedback is pronounced, and the standard layout is easy to get accustomed to. In short, it provides a very \u201cpillowy\u201d typing experience, and I love it.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, I\u2019m not thrilled by the amount of flex the keyboard has when it\u2019s connected to the ROG Mothership. It\u2019s not as stable as I would\u2019ve liked, which will be an issue in\u2026well, heated gaming sessions, or even for those who type with a lot of force.\n\n\nAs for the trackpad positioned to the right of the keyboard, it\u2019s a decent performer. Despite its unconventional and narrow shape, I have no issue using it in lieu of a dedicated mouse. It can also track my fingers quite accurately, and I like the fact that it also doubles as a numpad.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Mothership is a powerful, unique gaming machine, and it shows the Taiwanese company\u2019s willingness to push the envelope. However, the exorbitant asking price of the Mothership makes it a niche product, and in my opinion, it\u2019s more of a concept PC that you can also purchase.\n\n\nReally, RM26,999 is a very dear price tag for a gaming machine, and it\u2019s very unlikely the ROG Mothership will see much in terms of sales. But that\u2019s not the end goal of this product: the Mothership is a showcase of what Asus is capable of, and any purchase of the decadent gaming machine is simply a nice bonus.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/level51-launches-terra-15-gaming-laptops-rtx-2070-model-costs-only-rm6229/", "title": "Level51 Launches Terra 15 Gaming Laptops; RTX 2070 Model Costs Only RM6,229", "body": "\n\nLevel51 just introduced two new gaming laptops, the Level51 Terra 15 and Terra 15 Lite. What makes these two gaming machines particularly interesting is their sheer value for money. The Terra 15 with an RTX 2070 GPU, for one, retails at only RM6,229 \u2013 that\u2019s \nreally\n good value for money.\n\n\nBased on their monikers, the Terra 15 is naturally the higher-end offering. It\u2019s powered by an Intel Core i7-9750H processor paired with 8GB of RAM, and there are two GPU options: an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060, or a faster RTX 2070 graphics card. It\u2019s worth noting that the RTX 2070 under the hood of the Terra 15 is the Max-P variant, which is about 20% more powerful than its Max-Q counterpart.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, just like any other gaming laptop worth its salt, the Terra 15 features a fast 144Hz 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 display. Thanks to the high refresh rate, every movement on this screen should look a lot smoother and fluid. Needless to say, gaming on this fast display should be very pleasant too, provided you\u2019re running a game that can push out that many frames per second.\n\n\nDesign wise, the Terra 15 looks like your average gaming laptop, which isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing. The top lid has orange accents, the keyboard comes with RGB lighting, and the chassis is made out of aluminium. On top of that, it\u2019s a relatively lightweight gaming laptop too, tipping the scales at only 2.1kg. Not the lightest machine around, but not particularly heavy either.\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of connectivity, the Terra 15 has a healthy amount of ports. It comes with three USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A ports, a single USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C connection, an HDMI output, a mini DisplayPort, as well as an RJ45 jack. Rounding out the specifications of the Terra 15 include 512GB of SSD storage and a 64WHr battery.\n\n\nAs for the Terra 15 Lite, it shares the same chassis as the Terra 15, but there are a number of differences in the hardware department. Its GPU, for one, is only limited to the GTX 1660 Ti. It\u2019s also slightly lighter at 1.9kg, since this model features a smaller 47WHr battery.\n\n\n\n\nBoth the \nLevel51 Terra 15\n and \nTerra 15\n \nLite\n are now available for purchase and customisation on the company\u2019s \nonline store\n. The Terra 15 Lite retails from only RM4,615, while the Terra 15 starts at RM5,375 and RM6,229 for the RTX 2060 and RTX 2070 models respectively.\n\n\nIn conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration, Level51 is throwing in a number of free upgrades. For the Terra 15 Lite, the RAM will be increased to 16GB. The Terra 15 gets the same RAM upgrade, but the 512GB SSD is also swapped out for a very generous 1TB SSD.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-new-dell-xps-13-2020-is-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "The New Dell XPS 13 (2020) Is Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nThe new \nDell XPS 13\n was launched at CES 2020 earlier this month. If you\u2019ve been eyeing to get the new productivity laptop, you may not have to wait that long: there\u2019s a good chance the 2020 XPS 13 will be made available in Malaysia very, very soon.\n\n\nWhile we were going through SIRIM\u2019s database, we noticed a particularly interesting laptop registered with the certification body under Dell. Sporting the model number P117G, we managed to trace this number to the new XPS 13 9300\u2019s \nuser guide\n. Curiously, Dell registered this laptop twice: once on 8 November 2019, and another time just yesterday on 22 January 2020.\n\n\n\n\nNow that the new XPS 13 is registered with SIRIM, we reckon Dell Malaysia is gearing up to launch the laptop on our shores very soon. Of course, it\u2019s still much too early to tell, but given that the XPS 13 line has always made it here, we\u2019re confident it\u2019s only a matter of time before the new iteration is introduced here.\n\n\nCompared to \nits predecessor\n, the 2020 XPS 13 sports a number of interesting upgrades. One of the biggest changes is a new, taller 13.4-inch 16:10 screen with barely any bezel at the bottom of the screen. That\u2019s right, the PC maker\u2019s signature InfinityEdge bezel-less display is now extended to all four sides of the screen, giving it a much sleeker-looking design.\n\n\n\n\nAs usual, three screen options are available for the XPS 13. The range-topping configuration is a sharp 3840 x 2400 4K touch display, while the other two options are 1920 x 1200 touch and non-touch panels. Just like its predecessor, the latest XPS 13\u2019s webcam is still placed at the top of the screen, and it even comes with Windows Hello support now. That\u2019s pretty impressive for a such a tiny camera module.\n\n\nProcessing power of the XPS 13 comes from an Intel Core i3-1005G1, Core i5-1035G1, or Core i7-1065G7 processor paired with up to 32GB of on-board RAM. If you so desire, this productivity laptop can be configured with a whopping 2TB PCIe SSD, though it remains to be seen if this option would also be available in Malaysia.\n\n\nAs for the GPU of the laptop, it\u2019s either an Intel UHD Graphics or Iris Plus Graphics, depending on the choice of processor.\n\n\n\n\nWe haven\u2019t heard yet from Dell Malaysia of any upcoming launch event, but it\u2019s likely the local launch of the new Dell XPS 13 will happen soon. After all, the premium laptop is set to be available in more regions sometime in February next month, although Malaysia was not specifically mentioned.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-launches-4-new-smartphones-in-malaysia-including-galaxy-s10-lite-note-10-lite/", "title": "Samsung Launches 4 New Smartphones in Malaysia, Including Galaxy S10 Lite & Note 10 Lite", "body": "\n\nSamsung just announced the arrival of four different smartphones in Malaysia. These include the recently unveiled \nSamsung Galaxy S10 Lite\n, \nGalaxy Note 10 Lite\n, as well as the mid-range Galaxy A71 and A51 smartphones. If you pre-order these devices between 3 to 5 February next week, you can get some pretty neat freebies too.\n\n\nOut of the four smartphones, the Galaxy S10 Lite is arguably the most interesting one; it\u2019s also the most costly device here. Retailing at RM2,699, the S10 Lite is offered in three distinct colours for our market: Prism Blue, Prism White, and Prism Black. Pre-ordering this smartphone next week will also get you a complimentary Galaxy Fit wearable worth RM369.\n\n\nDespite the \u201cLite\u201d moniker of this smartphone, the Galaxy S10 Lite is quite a powerful device. It features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, a 6.7-inch 1080p Super AMOLED Plus Infinity-O Display (that\u2019s right, the same hole-punch design as the \nNote 10\n smartphones), a generous 4,500mAh battery, and 128GB of internal storage.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, unlike other Galaxy S10 smartphones, the S10 Lite has a different triple camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP f/2.0 primary shooter with \u201cSuper Steady OIS AF,\u201d a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor, and a 5MP f/2.4 macro lens. The selfie camera, on the other hand, is a 32MP f/2.2 shooter.\n\n\nIf you want something more affordable, there\u2019s the Galaxy Note 10 Lite. While it\u2019s not quite as powerful as the S10 Lite, this smartphone offers the functionality of the S Pen at a lower price point, which could very well be something many consumers have been waiting for. Set to go for RM2,299 in Malaysia, the Note 10 Lite is available in Aura Glow, Aura Red, and Aura Black on our shores.\n\n\nOh, just like the S10 Lite, pre-orders of the Note 10 Lite between 3 to 5 February next week will also receive the Galaxy Fit wearable.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Note 10 Lite isn\u2019t quite as capable as the S10 Lite; the former is only powered by Samsung\u2019s Exynos 9810 chipset. To put this into context, that\u2019s the same SoC found in the Galaxy Note 9 released \nback in 2018\n. Granted, it should still be a reasonably powerful chipset, especially for day-to-day use.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Note 10 Lite features a triple camera system, which is made up of a 12MP f/1.7 main shooter with Dual Pixel AF and optical image stabilisation, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor, and a 12MP f/2.4 telephoto lens with OIS. Basically, a versatile camera configuration.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy Note 10 Lite include a 6.7-inch 1080p Super AMOLED Infinity-O Display, a sizeable 4,500mAh battery, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, and a 32MP f/2.2 front-facing camera.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least are the Galaxy A71 and A51 smartphones, retailing at RM1,799 and RM1,299 respectively. Pre-ordering either one of these two smartphones will entitle you to a Protection Plus plan worth RM119 that includes a one-year extended protection and one-time screen protection.\n\n\nAll four of these Samsung smartphones will be available for pre-order in Malaysia next week from 3 to 5 February 2020 \nright here\n. They will then hit store shelves nationwide from 7 February onwards.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-mate-30-pro-5g-arriving-in-malaysia-7-february-for-rm4199/", "title": "Huawei Mate 30 Pro 5G Arriving in Malaysia 7 February for RM4,199", "body": "\n\nHere\u2019s a rather curious news: despite the lack of 5G network in Malaysia, Huawei just announced the availability of the Huawei Mate 30 Pro 5G on our shores. In fact, the Chinese company added that this smartphone is the first 5G device to be certified by SIRIM.\n\n\nWhat differentiates the Mate 30 Pro 5G from its standard counterpart is more than just the addition of 5G connectivity. Instead of a Kirin 990 chipset, this smartphone features a Kirin 990 5G SoC. Compared to the former, the 5G variant of the chip is clocked at a higher frequency, so you can expect slightly better performance.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, the Mate 30 Pro 5G is almost identical to the standard variant. Well, except for the colour option. For the Malaysian market, this device is only offered in Orange, which has a unique vegan leather texture on the back of the phone. If you want a different shade of colour, you\u2019re out of luck.\n\n\nNonetheless, the Mate 30 Pro 5G is a high-end, premium smartphone through and through. It features a 6.53-inch 2400 x 1176 OLED \u201cultra curved\u201d notched display, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage \u2013 expandable with Huawei\u2019s own NM cards \u2013 and a sizeable 4,500mAh battery.\n\n\nNaturally, this flagship smartphone also supports 40W wired fast charging; 27W if you want to charge the phone wirelessly.\n\n\n\n\nThe camera capability of the Mate 30 Pro 5G is very respectable as well. Its quad camera system is made up of a 40MP primary shooter, a 40MP wide angle \u201cCine Camera\u201d sensor, an 8MP telephoto lens, and a 3D depth camera. This camera configuration also offers ISO of up to 409,600.\n\n\nSo what\u2019s so impressive about this quad camera setup? Well, it\u2019s capable of recording 7680fps slow-motion videos, and it is the only smartphone in the market now that offers such a feature. However, it\u2019s worth noting that recording at this incredibly high frame rate is only limited to 720p.\n\n\n\n\nSet to be available from 7 February onwards, the Huawei Mate 30 Pro 5G retails at RM4,199 in Malaysia. To sweeten the deal, every purchase of the 5G-enabled smartphone will come with one-year extended warranty and a Huawei SuperCharge Wireless Car Charger. The extended warranty and in-car charger are said to be worth RM537.\n\n\nOn top of that, you can also get the Mate 30 Pro 5G from selected telcos on 7 February, including Maxis, Celcom, and U Mobile. If you\u2019re a Digi customer, fret not: the 5G smartphone will also be offered by the telco soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-nova-7i-with-kirin-810-lands-in-malaysia-14-february/", "title": "Huawei Nova 7i with Kirin 810 Lands in Malaysia 14 February", "body": "\n\nHuawei is set to launch a brand new smartphone here in Malaysia next week. The new device is the Huawei Nova 7i, and it seems to be quite an interesting mid-range smartphone, complete with a Kirin 810 chipset, a hole-punch display, and not to mention a square camera module.\n\n\nThat being said, the Nova 7i appears to be a based on an existing smartphone in China, the Huawei Nova 6 SE. Both devices share the exact same design, and even the specifications of the the two smartphones are similar. That\u2019s not necessarily a bad thing, of course, especially since the Nova 6 SE was only launched in China back in December 2019.\n\n\n\n\nPowered by a Kirin 810 chipset, you can expect to get respectable performance out of the Nova 7i. It\u2019s touted to be one of the best processors in the mid-range segment, and thanks to its 7nm size, power efficiency of the chip should be great as well.\n\n\nComplementing the 7nm processor is the Nova 7i\u2019s generous 4,200mAh battery. Thanks to these two hardware, battery life shouldn\u2019t be an issue with this smartphone. On top of that, the Nova 7i also comes with Huawei\u2019s proprietary 40W SuperCharge technology; it can supposedly charge the device up to 70% in only 30 minutes.\n\n\n\n\nJust like the \nHuawei Nova 5T\n, the Nova 7i features a hole-punch cutout at the top left of the screen to house the selfie camera. The display itself is a 6.4-inch 2310 x 1080 IPS display with a 83.5% screen-to-body ratio, which is reasonably good for a device in this segment, though we do wish the bottom bezel was a tad thinner.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Nova 7i features a quad camera system. While Huawei Malaysia only confirmed the 48MP primary sensor, we reckon the other three sensors in the camera setup are exactly the same as the Nova 6 SE. These include an 8MP ultra-wide angle shooter, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Nova 7i include 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, a 16MP front-facing camera, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and EMUI 10 based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, we have no details on the local pricing of the Huawei Nova 7i. But given its similarity to the Nova 6 SE, it wouldn\u2019t be far-fetched to assume the 7i will be priced similarly as well. In China, the Nova 6 SE retails at 2,199 Chinese yuan, which comes up to about RM1,290. We\u2019ll have to wait and see exactly how much the Nova 7i will cost in Malaysia once it\u2019s launched here on 14 February.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/poco-is-back-with-the-poco-x2-rebranded-redmi-k30/", "title": "Poco Is Back With the Poco X2; Rebranded Redmi K30", "body": "\n\nAfter introducing the \nPocophone F1\n back in 2018, Poco is back with a brand new smartphone, the Poco X2. Except, it\u2019s not \nactually\n a new device: it\u2019s a rebranded \nRedmi K30\n for the Indian market. It\u2019s not quite the successor to the \nwell-received Pocophone F1\n, but the Poco X2 itself is not a bad smartphone by any means.\n\n\nIn fact, the Poco X2 \u2013 and by extension, the Redmi K30 \u2013 is really quite a respectable mid-range smartphone with some interesting features. Its standout feature has to be the 6.67-inch 2400 x 1080 IPS display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate; a pretty rare feature on a mid-ranger.\n\n\n\n\nThanks to the high refresh rate, every movement on the Poco X2\u2019s display would look extra smooth. Whether you\u2019re just scrolling through the settings menu or playing mobile games that support that particular refresh rate, you\u2019ll definitely notice the extra frames afforded by this screen.\n\n\nWhat about the display quality? Well, if our \nhands-on of the Redmi K30\n is anything to go by, the Poco X2 should have a reasonably good screen. We found the K30\u2019s display to be bright with good viewing angles and punchy colours, so the same should apply to the Poco X2.\n\n\nOh, there\u2019s also a hole-punch cutout at the top right of this phone\u2019s screen. Definitely an improvement over the Pocophone F1\u2019s wide notch.\n\n\n\n\nPowering the Poco X2 is none other than a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G chipset; a relatively powerful upper mid-range chipset. It\u2019s also built on an 8nm process, so it should be quite power-efficient. This, combined with the phone\u2019s generous 4,500mAh battery, should translate to above average battery life.\n\n\nAs with most modern smartphones in today\u2019s market, the Poco X2 supports fast charging as well at 27W. The best part is, the 27W charger is provided in the box of the phone, so you won\u2019t have to purchase it separately. While 27W charging is not the fastest we\u2019ve seen, it\u2019s perfectly acceptable for a phone in this segment.\n\n\n\n\nCamera capability of the Poco F2 is quite good too. It features a quad camera system made up of a 64MP f/1.9 main sensor, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor, and a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens. This phone also has two front-facing cameras: a 20MP primary shooter paired with a 2MP depth sensor.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Poco X2 include 6GB or 8GB of RAM, three storage options (64GB, 128GB, 256GB), and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nThe Poco X2 is currently only sold in India, and it remains to be seen if it will be made available outside of the country. Nonetheless, three variants of the X2 are offered in the Indian market: the 64GB + 6GB model retails at 15,999 Indian rupee (about RM925), while the 128GB + 6GB and 256GB + 8GB variants go for 16,999 rupee (approximately RM985) and 19,999 rupee (around RM1,155) respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-grab-the-sony-wh-1000xm3-with-over-rm750-discount/", "title": "Deal: Grab the Sony WH-1000XM3 With Over RM750 Discount", "body": "\n\nEven though it\u2019s been in the market for quite some time now, the Sony WH-1000XM3 is still considered to be one of the best wireless headphones with active noise cancellation. If you\u2019ve been eyeing to get it, good news: it is now more affordable than \never\n.\n\n\nOriginally retailing at RM1,599 when it was first launched here, the WH-1000XM3 is now going \nfor only RM848.90\n; that\u2019s over \nRM750 \nworth of savings. This particular deal is a Flash Sale that\u2019s ending today, and it\u2019s offered by Lazada retailer WeSave.my, which looks to be rather reputable.\n\n\nOf course, this particular listing of the WH-1000XM3 comes with original warranty support from Sony Malaysia, so any form of warranty claim shouldn\u2019t be a problem. On top of that, both the Black and Silver models are offered at this low price tag.\n\n\n\n\nGiven the sheer affordability of the Sony WH-1000XM3 now, it\u2019s a very good buy for anyone that\u2019s looking to get an excellent pair of wireless headphones with equally good active noise cancellation performance. Granted, its successor is coming very soon \u2013 the WH-1000XM4, even though it\u2019s not introduced yet, is already listed in SIRIM\u2019s database \u2013 but \nfor only RM848.90\n, you can\u2019t go wrong with this deal.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-sony-playstation-4-pro-now-only-rm1259-rm799-for-standard-model/", "title": "Deal: Sony PlayStation 4 Pro Now Only RM1,259 (RM799 for Standard Model)", "body": "\n\nThe Sony PlayStation 5 system is set to be launched by the end of this year, but that doesn\u2019t mean getting the PlayStation 4 now is a bad idea; there are still a number of excellent titles coming to the platform, including \nFinal Fantasy VII Remake\n. Plus, you can now get the PlayStation 4 Pro \nfor only RM1,259\n.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by My Gameland on Lazada, and at the time of writing, there are \nonly two units\n of the PlayStation 4 Pro left. Needless to say, if you\u2019re keen to get the console, it\u2019s probably best to act fast. It\u2019s also worth noting that this unit comes with a two-year warranty (and three extra months) from Sony Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t quite fancy spending that kind of money on the Pro model? Well, we found a pretty good promo for the standard PlayStation 4 too. The 500GB variant of the regular PlayStation 4 is now going \nfor only RM799\n from LazMall retailer TechMall. That\u2019s a reasonably good deal.\n\n\nAgain, getting a PlayStation 4 system now isn\u2019t a bad idea at all, even if the PlayStation 5 is just beyond the horizon. Check out \nthis article\n if you\u2019re looking for existing titles to play on the console, including the bizarre (but very captivating) \nDeath Stranding\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-sony-wf-1000xm3-price-drops-to-rm569/", "title": "Deal: Sony WF-1000XM3 Price Drops to RM569", "body": "\n\nHere\u2019s another great deal for the \nSony WF-1000XM3\n. Originally retailing at RM949, this excellent pair of wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation can be purchased \nfor only RM569 now\n \u2013 that\u2019s a \nwhopping RM380 discount\n.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Preferred Shopee retailer Kronoshop as part of the platform\u2019s Shocking Sale. At the time of writing, there are a total of 13 stocks left: four units of the Black model, and nine stocks of the Cream colourway.\n\n\n\n\nAs this is offered as a Shocking Sale on Shopee, this deal will end at 4PM later today. If you\u2019re keen to get the Sony WF-1000XM3 \nfor only RM569\n, it\u2019s best to act fast, especially if you want the Black model. Want to learn more about this pair of wireless earbuds? Then check out \nour review right here\n.\n\n\nThanks for the tip, Pang!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/petronas-setel-now-available-nationwide-at-over-700-stations/", "title": "Petronas Setel Now Available Nationwide at Over 700 Stations", "body": "\n\nPetronas just announced the availability of its Setel service nationwide, so it is no longer limited to Petronas stations in the Klang Valley area. Launched back in July 2018, Setel is the company\u2019s \u201ce-payment solution\u201d \u2013 Petronas made it very clear it\u2019s not an ewallet service \u2013 that lets you make fuel purchases directly from mobile devices, making it more seamless and convenient whenever you have to refuel your vehicle.\n\n\nNow, even though Setel is expanding nationwide, not every Petronas station supports the payment service right now. Rather, it\u2019s only available over 700 stations throughout Malaysia. That being said, Petronas did say it is rapidly expanding the service nationwide in the next few weeks, so expect Setel to be available in more stations soon.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, Setel lets you pay for fuel through the app, simplifying the refueling process. This is especially useful if you don\u2019t have access to a credit card, or if you\u2019d rather not have RM200 withheld every time you use a debit card. Of course, the one big limitation of Setel is the fact that it only works at Petronas stations.\n\n\nBesides announcing the nationwide availability of Setel, Petronas also revealed its future plans for the payment service. For one, it\u2019ll introduce a drive-through service of sorts. While waiting for the fuel pump to be activated using the Setel app, you can purchase items like mineral water and snacks within the app itself.\n\n\nAfter you\u2019re done refueling, you can just drive to the \u201cSetel Pit Stop\u201d to pick up your order. It\u2019s really quite a good feature that\u2019ll make purchasing items from Petronas stations a lot more convenient.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, Petronas is also planning to add a family feature to the Setel app. Basically, this lets users manage the fuel expenses of their family members. For example, from the Setel app, you can allow your family member to pay for fuel with your Setel wallet. Pretty neat, isn\u2019t it?\n\n\nFinally, Petronas also teased a rather nifty feature. Once you\u2019ve driven to a Petronas station that supports Setel, your in-car entertainment unit will prompt you if you\u2019d like to refuel with the payment service. This is definitely a lofty integration, and Petronas said that it is already in talks with a car manufacturer to make this possible.\n\n\nIf we had to take a guess, we\u2019d say Petronas is working with Proton to integrate the Setel service into the car maker\u2019s GKUI head unit, though it\u2019s worth noting that both companies didn\u2019t make any mention of this.\n\n\n\n\nPetronas didn\u2019t give any specific timeline for the availability of these three new features, so we\u2019ll just have to keep a close eye for their eventual (hopefully) arrival. Keen to try out Setel? The app can be downloaded from the \nGoogle Play Store\n and \nApple App Store\n. The full list of Petronas stations that support Setel can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-snatch-the-samsung-galaxy-s10e-for-only-rm1799-now/", "title": "Deal: Snatch the Samsung Galaxy S10e for Only RM1,799 Now", "body": "\n\nThe \nSamsung Galaxy S20 series\n is just beyond the horizon, so needless to say, the current Galaxy S10 smartphones are discounted pretty heavily. The \nSamsung Galaxy S10e\n, for one, can now be yours \nfor only RM1,799\n.\n\n\nTo put into context just how good of a deal this is, the Galaxy S10e retailed at RM2,699 when it was first launched in Malaysia. Now that it can be purchased \nfor merely RM1,799\n, that\u2019s a \nwhopping RM900 discount\n. It\u2019s a great deal for a compact flagship smartphone like the S10e.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by LazMall retailer TechMall on Lazada, so rest assured, it is a very legitimate listing.\n\n\n\n\nWhile the Samsung Galaxy S10e may be the smallest, most affordable device in the S10 series, that doesn\u2019t mean it doesn\u2019t have its own unique charm. To learn more about the Galaxy S10e, check out our \ncomprehensive review of the flagship smartphone\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/armaggeddon-mka-17-hands-on-surprisingly-good-wireless-mechanical-keyboard/", "title": "Armaggeddon MKA-17 Hands-On: Surprisingly Good Wireless Mechanical Keyboard", "body": "\n\nArmaggeddon is known for its range of affordable peripherals, but this time around, we\u2019ve got something a little different. Enter the Armaggeddon MKA-17 Avenger, a wireless mechanical keyboard that costs RM299. While that\u2019s not particularly costly, it\u2019s pretty rare for a peripheral from the company to sit at this price point.\n\n\nNonetheless, the MKA-17 is a pretty darn interesting mechanical keyboard. It offers decent value for money, and its feature set is quite compelling. After all, this is a wireless mechanical keyboard.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with design: there\u2019s no mistaking the MKA-17 for anything other than a gaming keyboard. It has sharp, angular angles, and the RGB lighting (which is reasonably bright) further drives the point home that this is a peripheral made to appeal to gamers. That\u2019s not necessarily a bad thing, of course.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, there as as many as 19 different lighting effects for the MKA-17, and you don\u2019t need to install any driver to change the mode. All you need to do is use the scroll wheel at the top left of the keyboard to cycle through the different lighting effects.\n\n\nThis method sounds good in theory, but it\u2019s not particularly refined. While the scroll wheel has a soft feedback to let you know the lighting effect has changed, it\u2019s a little bit \ntoo\n soft. On top of that, the scroll wheel itself doesn\u2019t feel very solid either.\n\n\n\n\nBut that doesn\u2019t mean there are no good design points with the MKA-17. For one, the two feet on the bottom can lift up the keyboard quite a bit, so it\u2019s easy to get a good angle for a comfortable typing experience. On top of that, it feels reasonably solid too. While most of the keyboard is made out of plastic, it has a metal top cover for improved build quality.\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s talk about the most important aspect of any mechanical keyboard: the switch. The MKA-17 can be purchased with Blue or Black switches, and unlike the Outemu switches used on previous Armaggeddon keyboards, the MKA-17 uses \u201cMEN\u201d mechanical switches. Really, those three letters are printed on the housing of the switches.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, how is it like typing on the MEN switch? I only managed to try out the Black switch \u2013 I\u2019ll only have access to the Blue model in the next couple of weeks \u2013 and it\u2019s just like any other Black linear switches I\u2019ve tried. There\u2019s no tactile feedback whatsoever, and because the actuation force is higher than a Blue or Red switch, it feels \u201cheavy.\u201d\n\n\nThis is not an issue by any means. Black switches, whether it\u2019s from Cherry or Kailh, are known to be a lot heavier than other types of switch. Although I\u2019ve never heard of this MEN switch before, it does feel like your everyday Black switch, and that\u2019s a good thing.\n\n\nHowever, I do have one small gripe with the MEN Black switch. It\u2019s not super noticeable, but there is a faint sound of plastic rubbing against each other whenever the switch is depressed. It\u2019s not bothersome by any means, but it does show a need for refinement.\n\n\n\n\nBesides the mechanical switch, pairing the MKA-17 to my desktop via Bluetooth is a fuss-free affair. On top of that, I can also switch between three connected devices with a button combination, which works \nseamlessl\ny. As far as I can tell, there\u2019s no huge latency issue either. Did we mention that this keyboard also works with Android, iOS, and Mac devices?\n\n\nIf you want absolutely no latency at all, you can always connect the MKA-17 to your desktop via a USB-C cable. That\u2019s right, this keyboard comes with a USB-C port, so you won\u2019t have to dig through your collection of cables for an older standard.\n\n\n\n\nGiven that this is a wireless keyboard, it\u2019s important for the MKA-17 to have good battery life. Well, packed with a 2,000mAh battery, this keyboard should last for quite a bit on a single charge. Armaggeddon didn\u2019t give any specific battery life estimate, so I\u2019ll definitely put this to the test in a full review of this gaming keyboard.\n\n\nAt a glance, the Armaggeddon MKA-17 Avenger is a surprisingly good wireless mechanical keyboard. Retailing at RM299, it doesn\u2019t cost all that much either, and you\u2019re getting a number of really good features at this price point. What more can you ask for?\n\n\n\n\nWell, better build quality would be great, and it remains to be seen if there are other issues that might crop up as I use the MKA-17 as my daily driver for the next few weeks. Until then, I\u2019m pretty darn impressed with this wireless gaming keyboard.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the MKA-17 Avenger, you can purchase it over at Armaggeddon\u2019s official store on \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n. Not sure if it\u2019s the right wireless keyboard for you? Then stay tuned for the full review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-launches-slew-of-new-products-in-malaysia-including-spin-3-travelmate-p6/", "title": "Acer Launches Slew of New Products in Malaysia, Including Spin 3 & TravelMate P6", "body": "\n\nAcer just introduced a wide range of products in Malaysia. Among them are three pretty interesting one: the convertible Acer Spin 3, the business-class (and rugged) Acer TravelMate P614, as well as the successor to one of Acer\u2019s most popular gaming monitor, the Acer Predator XB273UGS. \n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the TravelMate P6. It\u2019s worth noting that this isn\u2019t exactly a brand new laptop: it was teased to arrive here in Malaysia \nback in the third quarter of 2019\n. While it\u2019s not a new product, it\u2019s been refreshed with Intel\u2019s 10th generation processors for our market, so that\u2019s a good thing.\n\n\nAs mentioned, the TravelMate P6 is a rugged commercial laptop that is MIL-STD-810G and 810F certified. On top of that, thanks to its magnesium alloy chassis, it weighs only 1.1kg; that\u2019s remarkably light for a 14-inch laptop. It\u2019s quite a slim machine too, measuring only 16.6mm thin.\n\n\n\n\nGiven its intended target audience, the TravelMate P6 is naturally a long-lasting laptop. According to Acer, it can provide up to a whopping 20 hours of battery life on a single charge. On top of that, it can do fast charging as well. Acer estimates that it can be charged to 50% in only 45 minutes.\n\n\nOther specifications of the TravelMate P6 for the Malaysian market include a 14-inch 1080p IPS touch display, an Intel Core i7-10210U or i5-10510U processor paired with 8GB of RAM, 512GB or a whopping 1TB of fast PCIe NVMe SSD storage, Intel UHD Graphics or an Nvidia GeForce MX250 dedicated GPU, and Windows 10 Pro out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want something more affordable and consumer-friendly, there\u2019s the Spin 3 convertible laptop. What makes this laptop particularly unique is the Acer Active Stylus it\u2019s bundled with; there\u2019s even a dedicated slot to store the stylus. As it uses Wacom AES technology, this stylus has 4,096 levels of pressure. Needless to say, the Active Stylus should be good enough for consumers that need this kind of input device.\n\n\nOf course, as the Spin 3 is a productivity laptop, it\u2019s meant to be a portable machine. Weighing 1.5kg with a 16.9mm thin chassis, you won\u2019t have any issue lugging it around. With a quoted battery life of up to 16 hours, it\u2019s quite a long-lasting laptop too. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if it can really deliver this kind of battery life in real life usage.\n\n\n\n\nAnother important aspect of any productivity laptop are port selections, and the Spin 3 has plenty of them. It has a two USB-C ports with support for Thunderbolt 3, two full-size USB-A connections, an HDMI output, and a microSD card slot. It would\u2019ve been great if it had an SD card slot instead, but hey, at least there\u2019s a card reader.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Spin 3 are a 14-inch 1080p IPS touch-enabled display, a Core i5-1035G1 or i3-1005G1 processor paired with up to 8GB of RAM, as well as a generous 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the Predator XB273UGS gaming monitor, the successor to the well-received XB271HU. Just like its predecessor, the XB3 is a 27-inch WQHD gaming monitor with an IPS panel. But unlike the XB1, the XB3 now supports 165Hz refresh rate natively. In comparison, its predecessor only had a native refresh rate of 144Hz, though it can be overclocked to 165Hz.\n\n\nBesides that, the Predator XB3 swaps out the aggressive styling of the XB1 for a more minimalist design language with a much sleeker-looking stand. Of course, it still looks very much like a gaming monitor. There are even two stripes of RGB lighting on the bottom bezel.\n\n\nOther features of the Predator XB3 include 1ms grey-to-grey response time, Nvidia G-Sync technology, two HDMI 2.0 outputs, a DisplayPort 1.2 port, an audio out connection, and 90% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, along with support for the DisplayHDR 400 standard.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Predator XB273UGS gaming monitor is now available for purchase in Malaysia, while the Acer Spin 3 will only arrive here sometime in March 2020. It\u2019s not mentioned exactly when the Acer TravelMate P6 will be sold here, but we do have its retail prices: this business-class laptop goes for RM4,899 and RM6,299 for the Core I5 (512GB SSD, Intel UHD Graphics) and Core i7 (1TB SSD, MX250 GPU) respectively.\n\n\nAs for the Predator XB273UGS, it\u2019s priced at RM2,199, which is really quite good value for a gaming monitor of this calibre. The Spin 3 convertible laptop, on the other hand, is offered in two variants for the Malaysian market. The Core i3 model with 4GB of RAM retails at RM2,699, while the higher-end Core i5 variant with 8GB of RAM costs RM3,199.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-nova-7i-retails-at-rm1099-in-malaysia-pre-orders-begin-14-february/", "title": "Huawei Nova 7i Retails at RM1,099 in Malaysia; Pre-Orders Begin 14 February", "body": "\n\nThe \nHuawei Nova 7i\n will be launching in Malaysia on 14 February, and surprisingly enough, the Chinese company revealed the pricing of the mid-range smartphone ahead of its launch. Set to retail at RM1,099, the Nova 7i offers reasonably good value for money.\n\n\nHuawei revealed the price tag of the Nova 7i over at its official Facebook page. \nAccording to the post\n, the smartphone will be available for pre-order from 14 to 21 February. Those who placed their pre-order in this period will also receive a complimentary Huawei Band 4 fitness band worth RM139, though this is only available while stocks last.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBased on the Huawei Nova 6 SE, which was launched in China late last year, the Nova 7i is a respectable mid-range smartphone. Powered by a Kirin 810 chipset, which is considered to be one of the best upper mid-range processors in the market now, you can expect to get a good level of performance with this smartphone.\n\n\nOn top of that, the Kirin 810 is also built on a 7nm process, giving it an edge when it comes to power efficiency. Complemented by the Nova 7i\u2019s generous 4,200mAh battery, we reckon this phone would be able to return above average battery life.\n\n\nDid we mention that the Nova 7i supports Huawei\u2019s proprietary 40W SuperCharge technology as well? The company estimates that the phone can charge up to 70% in only 30 minutes.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Nova 7i also has a hole-punch cutout at the top left of the screen, much like the \nHuawei Nova 5T\n. The display itself, on the other hand, is a 6.4-inch 2310 x 1080 IPS display with a 83.5% screen-to-body ratio. It\u2019s not the best ratio, but it\u2019s really quite good for a device at this price point.\n\n\nOn the back, the Nova 7i has a square camera module that houses the phone\u2019s quad camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide angle shooter, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The front-facing camera, on the other hand, is a 16MP shooter.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Nova 7i include 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and EMUI 10 based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nNow, even though the Huawei Nova 7i runs on Android 10, it doesn\u2019t ship with Google Mobile Services, so it doesn\u2019t have essential Google apps like the Google Play Store, YouTube, and Gmail pre-installed. Keep this in mind if you\u2019re thinking of pre-ordering this smartphone between 14 to 21 February for RM1,099.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/alienware-aurora-r9-quick-review-a-quirky-powerful-gaming-machine/", "title": "Alienware Aurora R9 Quick Review: A Quirky, Powerful Gaming Machine", "body": "\n\nPre-built desktop systems are often overlooked in favour of building a PC from scratch, but some folks don\u2019t have the time or experience to do so. If you\u2019re simply not interested to get a custom rig, here\u2019s a desktop for your consideration: the Alienware Aurora R9.\n\n\nSporting a quirky design, powerful hardware, and reasonably good (not to mention easy) upgradability, the Aurora R9 is quite an impressive pre-built desktop system. But is it worth its premium asking price? That\u2019s what we\u2019re here to find out.\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nProcessor\nIntel Core i7-9700K octa-core (3.6GHz with Turbo Boost up to 4.9GHz, 12MB cache), liquid cooling\nGPU\nNvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super 8GB GDDR6 VRAM\nRAM\n16GB HyperX Fury DDR4 2666MHz\nStorage\n512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD\n1TB 7200RPM SATA HDD\nPSU\n850W\nDimensions\n481.6 (H) x 222.8 (W) x 431.9 (L) mm\nWeight\n17.8kg\nPorts\nFront\n1x Headphone / line out\n1x Microphone / line in\n1x Type-C USB 3.1 Gen 1\n3x Type-A USB 3.1 Gen 1\nRear\n1x Type-C USB 3.1 Gen 2\n1x Type-A USB 3.1 Gen 2\n3x Type-A USB 3.1 Gen 1\n5x Type-A USB 2.0\n1x DisplayPort 1.2 output\n1x RJ-45 Killer E2500 Gigabit Ethernet\n 1x SPDIF digital output TOSLINK\n1x SPDIF digital output coax\n1x Microphone in\n1x Line in\n1x Line out\n1x Centre / subwoofer output\n1x Rear surround output\n1x Side surround output \nPrice\nRM11,398.99\n\n\nThe Aurora R9 we received for this review comes with a Core i7-9700K processor \u2013 complete with liquid cooling \u2013 and a beefy RTX 2080 Super GPU. Thanks to these two key hardware, practically every AAA game runs incredibly well on this machine. If there\u2019s any shortcoming, it would be the machine\u2019s 16GB RAM, though this can be easily upgraded by end users.\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nObviously, the performance of the Aurora R9 is the highlight of this machine. I ran a number of graphically demanding games at 1440p to see just what the R9 is capable of, and I\u2019m really impressed with the results. Of course, all of the games below were tested with maxed out graphics settings.\n\n\nGames (Max settings @ 1440p)\nAverage FPS\nWitcher 3 (HairWorks disabled)\n94.61\nBorderlands 3 (DX11)\n63.74\nFortnite (DX11)\n117.53\nApex Legends\n122.58\n\n\nNot many machines can run these games at such high frame rates, and the Aurora R9 managed to deliver this level of performance without even breaking a sweat. Thanks to the liquid cooling system, the CPU\u2019s temperature was kept in check \nextremely\n well. In prolonged gaming sessions, I never see the processor go past 55\u00b0C, though the GPU did get quite toasty at around 80\u00b0C.\n\n\nThat being said, it\u2019s worth noting that I tested the Aurora R9\u2019s thermals in an air-conditioned room. Needless to say, expect the system temperatures to be higher in other room conditions.\n\n\n\n\nSystem noise of the Aurora R9 is pretty good too. With the thermal plan set to balanced, it\u2019s almost whisper quiet when I\u2019m not gaming. Naturally, setting the thermal plan to performance does make the fans quite audible, especially in extended gaming sessions. However, they are by no means unbearably loud, and that\u2019s great.\n\n\nBesides that, upgrading certain components of the Aurora R9 is relatively easy, and it\u2019s equally effortless to get inside the system. All I have to do is just remove one screw, and\u2026that\u2019s it. The side panel can then be removed, and pushing on a couple of tabs unlocks the PSU door, which swings out to reveal the components.\n\n\n\n\nOnce you\u2019re here, you can easily add more storage drives, swap the GPU, or even install more RAM. If you ever want to mess with the CPU and PSU, you\u2019d need a screwdriver. Not many pre-built desktop systems allow this kind of upgradability, so it\u2019s great to see that this is possible with the Aurora R9.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the design of this gaming desktop. Unlike other products in this segment, the Aurora R9 actually looks quite understated and minimalist. In fact, the only RGB lighting is at the front of this \u201cDark Side of the Moon\u201d colourway. As expected, the colour of the RGB strip and Alienware logo are both customisable from the Alienware Command Centre software.\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWhile some may be fond of the Aurora R9\u2019s minimalist design, I imagine there are also folks that think otherwise. Personally, I\u2019m not too keen with the system\u2019s aesthetics. The quirky design language doesn\u2019t appeal to me, and it would\u2019ve been great if the side panel had a window to peek into the system\u2019s powerful hardware. Basically, like a conventional gaming PC.\n\n\nGranted, the inner components of the Aurora R9 don\u2019t look particularly\u2026well, eye-catching. That\u2019s usually the case with pre-built desktops anyway, which is one of the reasons why I prefer to build my own machine. I have the freedom to choose individual parts that suit my design preferences, among other things.\n\n\n\n\nAnd that brings me to the next point: the Aurora R9 doesn\u2019t offer particularly good value for money in comparison to a custom gaming PC. This highest-end configuration costs a whopping RM11,398.99 from Dell\u2019s online store; building a custom PC with the same hardware would easily cost RM2,000 less.\n\n\nThat\u2019s not really a surprise, of course. Pre-built desktop systems are often more costly than custom gaming machines, though you do (usually) get better after-sales service and easier warranty claim with the former.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nWell, that\u2019s not an easy question to answer. If you don\u2019t want to deal with the headache of building your own PC, troubleshooting issues whenever they crop up, and you don\u2019t mind paying the extra money, then yes, the Alienware Aurora R9 is worth it.\n\n\n\n\nBut if you don\u2019t want to spend more than what\u2019s \u201cnecessary\u201d to get the same level of performance, and you\u2019re comfortable with either building your own PC or let a retailer do it for you, then the Aurora R9 isn\u2019t exactly the best option. It can be a hassle \ngoing down this route\n, but it \ncan also be a rewarding experience\n.\n\n\nThat is not to say the Aurora R9 is not a good product. It certainly is for what it is: a powerful pre-built gaming desktop with a minimalist design and room for easy upgrades. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Aurora R9, especially when I\u2019m gaming at over 100 frames per second with maxed out graphics settings.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-is-the-samsung-galaxy-z-flip-in-all-its-glory/", "title": "This Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip in All Its Glory", "body": "\n\nSamsung\u2019s next foldable smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, is expected to be launched tomorrow morning. But ahead of its official unveiling, the Korean company aired a commercial of the Z Flip, showcasing the device in all its glory. As expected, the foldable phone is in fact sporting a clamshell design, just like \nthe new Motorola Razr\n.\n\n\nBut unlike the Razr, it appears the Galaxy Z Flip doesn\u2019t fold completely flat. Looking at the commercial, the Z Flip has a small gap when the display is closed. While that doesn\u2019t sound particularly impressive, it doesn\u2019t seem to be a huge gap \u2013 it\u2019s much smaller than the \nSamsung Galaxy Fold\n\u2018s screen gap. At least, that\u2019s assuming the video is true to life.\n\n\n\n\nSamsung just showed off the entire Z Flip during its Oscars ad. Small print says screen crease is normal, heh \npic.twitter.com/uBesJ0FonT\n\u2014 nilay patel (@reckless) \nFebruary 10, 2020\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, there\u2019s an interesting disclaimer in the Galaxy Z Flip video too, stating that \u201cyou may notice a crease at the centre of the main screen, which is a natural characteristic of the screen.\u201d That\u2019s right, just like how it was with the Galaxy Fold, the Z Flip will also have a crease running across the display. But if it\u2019s anything like the Fold\u2019s crease, it shouldn\u2019t be very noticeable in normal use.\n\n\nAlso shown in the video is the Galaxy Z Flip\u2019s secondary display on the clamshell of the phone right beside the rumoured 12MP + 12MP dual camera module. Not only is it a full colour display, it also seems to be a touch-enabled screen as well. That\u2019s quite a surprise, given how minuscule the display is.\n\n\n\n\na detour \npic.twitter.com/AirJTtIn3h\n\u2014 WalkingCat (@h0x0d) \nFebruary 10, 2020\n\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s not all: there is also a separate leaked video showing a special edition of the foldable smartphone. It\u2019s called the Galaxy Z Flip Thom Browne Edition, which \u2013 as its name suggests \u2013 is a collaboration between Samsung and Thom Browne, a New York-based fashion designer. Beyond the aesthetic changes, it\u2019s not clear if there are any other differences compared to the regular model.\n\n\nThere have been quite a number of leaks surrounding the Galaxy Z Flip, and based on these rumours, we have a pretty good idea regarding the smartphone\u2019s hardware. It\u2019s expected to feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ chipset, a 6.7-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a tall 22:9 aspect ratio, and a 3,300mAh battery with support for wireless charging.\n\n\n\n\nWhether or not these rumoured specifications of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip are true or not will be revealed early morning tomorrow on 12 February at 3AM. You can catch the Galaxy Unpacked livestream \nright here\n and also sign up for your interest.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s20-ultra-hands-on-ultra-impressive-ultra-expensive/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra Hands-On: Ultra Impressive, Ultra Expensive", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S20 series is finally official, and the Galaxy S20 Ultra sits at the top of the range. Sporting a huge 6.9-inch display, a generous 5,000mAh battery, \nand\n a powerful quad camera system capable of doing up to 100x zoom, it\u2019s a very feature-packed flagship smartphone.\n\n\nI managed to spend some time with the S20 Ultra, and it really does live up to its Ultra moniker. It is easily Samsung\u2019s most impressive mainstream smartphone to date, but that also entails an equally premium price tag. Retailing at RM4,999, the S20 Ultra is Samsung\u2019s most expensive Galaxy S series smartphone yet.\n\n\nSo what do you get for that kind of money? Let\u2019s find out.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt one of the most highlighted features of the Galaxy S20 Ultra is its camera performance, so let\u2019s start with that. This phone\u2019s quad camera system is made up of a 108MP f/1.8 primary shooter, a 48MP f/3.5 telephoto sensor, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle lens, and a DepthVision (ToF) shooter.\n\n\nCollectively, this quad camera system can do 10x \u201cHybrid Optic Zoom,\u201d and up to 100x digital zoom. While this sounds impressive on paper, it\u2019s less so in actual usage. Yes, it\u2019s capable of 100x zoom as advertised \u2013 and I really appreciate the viewfinder at the side when I\u2019m doing more than 30x zoom \u2013 but the results are not exactly picture perfect.\n\n\nGranted, I only had limited time with the S20 Ultra, but pictures I shot at 100x zoom were usually blurry, washed out, and lacking any real detail. Is it impressive? Of course. Is it groundbreaking? Well\u2026I\u2019ll need to spend more time photographing with the phone first before I can answer that.\n\n\n\n\nHow about the 108MP main camera? Very promising, actually. It\u2019s capable of capturing images at 108MP, but by default, it shoots at 12MP using what Samsung dubs \u201cnona binning\u201d \u2013 it\u2019s a 9-in-1 pixel binning method. Thanks to this, the low light performance of the camera should be greatly improved.\n\n\nAgain, I\u2019ve only spent a very brief time with the S20 Ultra, so it still remains to be seen just how good the phone\u2019s quad camera system really is. But for what it\u2019s worth, it does feel like a very capable shooter with a responsive camera interface. Plus, mobile photography has always been Samsung\u2019s strong suit \u2013 I reckon this will remain true for the S20 Ultra.\n\n\n\n\nNot surprisingly, Samsung also added a number of new camera features with the S20 Ultra, and one of the more interesting ones is Single Take. Basically, it\u2019s a burst mode of sorts. All I have to do is press on the shutter button in Single Take mode to start recording whatever I want to capture, and the AI would do its thing.\n\n\nOnce you\u2019ve hit the 10-second mark (or whenever you decide to end the recording before that), Single Take will generate a number of images in various formats. These can either be videos, images with filters added, or even shots focusing on a single subject matter. Single Take does seem like a fun feature to experiment with, but I\u2019m not entirely convinced it\u2019d be something I\u2019d use on a regular basis.\n\n\n\n\nOkay, so that\u2019s the camera system of the Galaxy S20 Ultra; what about other aspects of the phone? Design wise, I quite dig the aesthetics of the S20 Ultra\u2026when I\u2019m looking at the front of the phone. The hole-punch cutout for the 40MP f/2.2 selfie camera on the Infinity-O Display is smaller than the \nSamsung Galaxy Note 10+\n\u2018s cutout, the bottom \u201cchin\u201d bezel is reasonably small, and the display no longer curves on either sides, making it a more ergonomically-friendly device.\n\n\nBut turn the S20 Ultra around, and you\u2019ll be greeted by the absolutely \nhuge\n camera module. Not only does it take up a big chunk of space, it protrudes from the back panel quite a bit too. If you think camera bumps on older smartphones were bad, you should see this one right here.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s move on to something more positive: the Galaxy S20 Ultra\u2019s 6.9-inch 3200 x 1440 Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen. As is always the case with Samsung-made displays, it\u2019s an incredibly good screen with searing brightness, punchy colours, deep blacks, and well-tuned white balance. On top of that, the screen\u2019s refresh rate can now be changed to 120Hz, and it \nabsolutely \ntransforms the usage experience.\n\n\nOnce the 120Hz refresh rate is enabled, every single motion on the S20 Ultra\u2019s display looks extra smooth. Whether I\u2019m just swiping around the home screens or scrolling through the settings page, it\u2019s a very, \nvery\n noticeable change. Really, once you\u2019re accustomed to 120Hz screens, you wouldn\u2019t want to go to back to 60Hz.\n\n\nThat being said, there is one caveat: the 120Hz refresh rate cannot be enabled if the display\u2019s resolution is set to WQHD+. It\u2019s only available if the resolution is lower, which is either Full HD+ or simply HD+.\n\n\n\n\nPersonally, this isn\u2019t a huge issue for me. Even with my own personal \nGalaxy S10+\n, I always set the resolution to Full HD+ for the best balance between power efficiency and visual fidelity. Don\u2019t get me wrong, it would\u2019ve been great if the 120Hz refresh rate can be enabled in WQHD+, but it\u2019s certainly something I can live without.\n\n\nNext is performance. For our market, the Galaxy S20 Ultra is powered by a Samsung Exynos 990 chipset; no Snapdragon 865 variant here. I didn\u2019t manage to really put this SoC through its paces, but the phone itself does feel very zippy and responsive. It\u2019s also a 7nm chip, so it should be power-efficient too.\n\n\nThat power efficiency will be further bolstered by the S20 Ultra\u2019s generous 5,000mAh battery. Chances are, this phone should be able to return above average battery life, even with the power-hungry 120Hz screen.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra is an impressive flagship smartphone. It shows just what Samsung can achieve in the mobile space, and the company is finally innovating in \none area it was sorely lacking\n in its \nprevious smartphones\n. Is there anything about the S20 Ultra that can be faulted?\n\n\nAs a matter of fact, there is one thing: pricing. For the Malaysian market, the S20 Ultra costs a whopping RM4,999. Sure, this is a 5G-enabled smartphone, but for that kind of money, you are only getting 128GB of internal storage (expandable, thankfully) and 12GB of RAM.\n\n\n\n\nSo the question is: can the Galaxy S20 Ultra justify this kind of price tag? Well, only a full review of the flagship smartphone can shed some light on this. But if you\u2019re already keen to get it anyway, you can place your pre-order right now until 26 February on \nSamsung\u2019s official site\n. Available in Cosmic Grey and Cosmic Black, every pre-order of the S20 Ultra also comes with a complimentary Galaxy Buds+ wireless earbuds worth RM599.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s20-s20-hands-on-moving-up-the-price-range/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S20 & S20+ Hands-On: Moving up the Price Range", "body": "\n\nThe \nSamsung Galaxy S20 Ultra\n is one impressive smartphone, but it also costs quite a bit of money. If the S20 Ultra is a bit too rich for you, there are still two other devices in the series for you to consider: the Samsung Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S20+.\n\n\nEven though these two smartphones aren\u2019t quite as feature-packed as their higher-end sibling, they do have their own appeal. This is especially the case with the standard S20, thanks to its compact size. In fact, after spending some time with both smartphones, I find the S20 more compelling than the S20+.\n\n\nHowever, even though these two devices cost less than the S20 Ultra, they\u2019re still not particularly affordable. If you want to get Samsung\u2019s 2020 flagship smartphones, prepare to pay more.\n\n\nThe Galaxy S20 in Cloud Pink\nThe Galaxy S20+ in Cloud Blue\n\n\nBefore we get to it, let\u2019s break down the specifications of the Galaxy S20 and S20+. Aside from the different display size and battery capacity, both smartphones are virtually identical to each other. They share the same design, an Exynos 990 chipset, a 3200 x 1440 Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (with a fast 120Hz refresh rate), and similar camera configuration.\n\n\nOkay, it\u2019s not \ncompletely\n the same camera system. The Galaxy S20 features a triple camera system, which is made up of a 12MP f/1.8 main sensor, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 64MP f/2.0 telephoto lens. The S20+, on the other hand, has the same three sensors, but it adds on a DepthVision time-of-flight camera.\n\n\nNow, even though the standard S20 doesn\u2019t have a ToF sensor, you can still expect very similar camera performance as the S20+. Plus \u2013 no pun intended \u2013 the S20 has one big advantage over its bigger sibling: ergonomics.\n\n\n\n\nBecause it has a smaller 6.2-inch display (the S20+ has a bigger 6.7-inch screen), the Galaxy S20 is a lot easier to use with one hand. Reaching for the right side of the screen with my left hand isn\u2019t impossible, though the sheer length of the screen still makes it very hard to reach for the top to pull down the notification shade.\n\n\nOn top of that, the Galaxy S20 just feels \nreally\n nice to hold in my hands. Given that there\u2019s no successor to the even more compact \nSamsung Galaxy S10e\n \u2013 a big \npersonal lost to me\n \u2013 the S20 is the next best thing. It\u2019s not quite the same, but it\u2019s better than nothing.\n\n\n\n\nBut enough of that: what about other aspects of the Galaxy S20 and S20+? Aesthetically, these two smartphones are very eye-catching, courtesy of the Infinity-O Display. It\u2019s similar to the \nSamsung Galaxy Note 10\n\u2018s hole-punch cutout, but the camera cutout for the 10MP f/2.2 selfie camera of the S20 and S20+ is markedly smaller.\n\n\nJust like the Galaxy S20 Ultra, the S20 and S20+ no longer have the dual curved display of their predecessors; a good call on Samsung\u2019s part. Sure, the curved screen has been Samsung\u2019s signature design element for many years, but it\u2019s not very ergonomically-friendly, especially when it comes to palm rejection.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the display quality of these two phones, they\u2019re great. Samsung makes some of the best screens in the market, and it\u2019s perfectly shown here with the Galaxy S20 series. Their displays have deep blacks, punchy colours, excellent viewing angles, and relatively neutral colour temperature. To make things even better, the refresh rate has also been bumped up to 120Hz from 60Hz, though this can only be enabled in Full HD+ or HD+ resolution.\n\n\nI\u2019ve said it many times before, and I\u2019ll say it again: high refresh rate screens dramatically improve the user experience. Once you\u2019ve used a smartphone with such a display, you really wouldn\u2019t want to go back to a conventional 60Hz screen. Practically every motion on the S20 and S20+\u2019s displays look incredibly smooth. They also give the impression of snappier, more responsive performance.\n\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s not to say the Galaxy S20 and S20+ are not fast to begin with, of course. The Exynos 990 chipset under the hood of these two phones should be able to deliver flagship-tier performance. In my brief time with the S20 and S20+, both of them feel very quick with absolutely no slowdowns at all. The Exynos 990 may not seem as attractive compared to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, but that doesn\u2019t mean the former can\u2019t offer comparable performance.\n\n\nBattery life of the S20 and S20+ are perfectly adequate too. The S20 features a 4,000mAh cell, while the S20+ has a more generous 4,500mAh battery. These large battery capacities are complemented by the power efficiency of the 7nm Exynos 990, so these two phones should be able to return (at the very least) all-day battery life.\n\n\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the camera performance of the Galaxy S20 and S20+. While I wasn\u2019t able to really test out the camera of both phones, they do seem like capable shooters. The camera interface is snappy, intuitive to navigate, and I really appreciate the zoom selectors. It makes it more seamless to pick my desired zoom level.\n\n\nAlthough the Galaxy S20 and S20+\u2019s camera system cannot do 100x zoom like the S20 Ultra, they can still achieve 30x digital zoom. I didn\u2019t extensively try out the zoom performance, but it doesn\u2019t feel particularly\u2026well, amazing. More often than not, it\u2019s a blurry mess at 30x zoom.\n\n\nThen again, it\u2019s still too early to tell if the S20 and S20+\u2019s camera (and zoom) performance is bad or not. It\u2019s only fair to give them a more thorough test in a full review.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S20 and S20+ are meant to serve as more affordable alternatives to the range-topping S20 Ultra while still offering a similar feature set. These include the same display, performance level, and design. In short, they don\u2019t feel like compromises, though the S20 Ultra does have a more sophisticated camera system.\n\n\nThat being said, the Galaxy S20 and S20+ still cost quite a bit of money. For the Malaysian market, the S20 retails at RM3,599, while the S20+ goes for RM3,999. It\u2019s also worth noting that these phones are only offered with 128GB of expandable storage and 8GB of RAM.\n\n\n\n\nSure, compared to the Galaxy S20 Ultra\u2019s steep RM4,999 price tag, the S20 and S20+ don\u2019t appear quite as expensive. But given that their predecessors didn\u2019t cost this much when they were launched here, it\u2019s evident Samsung is moving up the price range of the Galaxy S series. To put this into context, the Galaxy S10 and S10+ \nretailed at RM3,299 and RM3,699 respectively\n.\n\n\nOf course, the Galaxy S20 and S20+ bring quite a number of upgrades to the table compared to their direct predecessors. But as Samsung raises the price of their flagship smartphones, so do expectations. Hopefully, the Galaxy S20 series\u2019 high asking prices are well-justified, and I can\u2019t wait to see if this is the case once these premium flagships are in for review.\n\n\nThose who can\u2019t wait to get their hands on the Galaxy S20 series can now pre-order them until 26 February on \nSamsung\u2019s official site\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-10-108mp-camera-ranks-first-on-dxomark/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi 10 & Mi 10 Pro with Snapdragon 865 Official; 108MP Camera Ranks First on DxOMark", "body": "\n\nXiaomi just unveiled its first flagship smartphones for 2020, the Xiaomi Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro. But unlike their predecessors, these two phones cost quite a bit of money. Then again, they are packed with some high-end hardware, including a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset and a sophisticated camera system.\n\n\nThe latter is especially true of the Mi 10 Pro, the higher-end smartphone of the two. In fact, this device is sitting at the top of DxOMark\u2019s mobile camera ranking with a total score of 124. For comparison, it takes the crown from the \nHuawei Mate 30 Pro 5G\n, which is now in second place with 123 points.\n\n\n\n\nAccording to DxOMark\n, the Mi 10 Pro\u2019s quad camera system is capable of good detail preservation (even at medium- to long-range zoom), great depth estimation, and accurate white balance. The ultra-wide angle shooter is said to be able to capture a good amount of detail as well.\n\n\nHowever, DxOMark also mentioned that the Mi 10 Pro\u2019s camera has a tendency to lose focus on faces, with \u201coccasional dull colours.\u201d On top of that, it\u2019s worth noting that the Mi 10 Pro has similar camera hardware as the \nXiaomi Mi Note 10\n; the main differences lie in the software side of things and the performance boost from the Snapdragon 865 chipset.\n\n\n\n\nRight, so the Mi 10 Pro\u2019s quad camera system is made up of a 108MP f/1.69 primary shooter \u2013 it uses pixel binning to improve performance, so it outputs 27MP images by default \u2013 a 12MP f/2.0 telephoto lens (50mm), a longer 8MP f/2.0 telephoto sensor (94mm), and a 20MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter. Basically, exactly the same camera system as the Mi Note 10, minus the macro lens.\n\n\nAs for the standard Mi 10, it also has a quad camera setup headlined by the 108MP main sensor, but the other three sensors are not quite as sophisticated, which include a 13MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle shooter, a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the camera configuration, both the Mi 10 Pro and Mi 10 are quite similar to each other. Both smartphones feature a 6.67-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display with a hole-punch cutout at the top left to house the 20MP f/2.0 selfie camera. Oh, it\u2019s also a 90Hz panel, so every motion on the screen will look extra smooth.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mi 10 Pro and Mi 10 include a Snapdragon 865 chipset, up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of non-expandable storage (256GB for the Mi 10), 5G connectivity, as well as an in-screen optical fingerprint sensor. Curiously, the Mi 10 has a 4,780mAh battery, but the higher-end Mi 10 Pro comes with a smaller 4,500mAh cell.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, the Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro and Mi 10 are currently only sold in China; no word yet on the global availability of the flagship smartphones. For the Chinese market, the Mi 10 retails from 3,999 Chinese yuan (about RM2,370), while the Mi 10 Pro starts at 4,999 yuan (approximately RM2,960).\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/you-can-soon-pay-for-fuel-with-tng-rfid-at-shell-stations/", "title": "You Can Soon Pay for Fuel with TNG RFID at Shell Stations", "body": "\n\nTouch \u2018n Go and Shell recently announced a new collaboration that is quite exciting. From today until 31 March 2020, 10,000 complimentary RFID tags will be given out at selected Shell stations. On top of that, you will also be able to pay for your fuel at Shell stations with just your RFID tag in the near future.\n\n\nNow that Touch \u2018n Go\u2019s RFID tags are no longer offered for free, it\u2019s great that you can still get it fitted to your car at no cost at certain Shell stations. Normally, the RFID tag would cost you RM35, though you do get a one-time replacement for the same vehicle if anything were to happen to it \u2013 there\u2019s no time limit for the replacement either.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, do note that there is one condition to get the complimentary RFID tag fitment from Shell: you\u2019ll have to spend a minimum of RM50 using TNG eWallet. Once you\u2019ve done that, you can claim the RFID tag, though it is only limited to 10,000 tags.\n\n\nOf course, not all Shell stations are offering the free RFID tag. According to Touch \u2018n Go, you can enjoy this promotion at 10 different locations:\n\n\nShell Wangsa Maju\nShell Taman Connaught\nShell STN Minyak Kota Warisan 1\nShell PLUS Highway Jalan Duta Klang Bound (Entrance of NKVE Jalan Duta)\nShell Desa Aman Puri\nShell Jalan Kuchai Lama 2\nShell Kota Damansara Seksyen 6\nShell Sri Hartamas\nShell Jalan Kepong 2 (Lot 4086 Jln Kepong Mukim Batu, Kuala Lumpur, 52100)\nShell Jalan Cheras KM 5.5 (PT 7430 HSD 111856, Kuala Lumpur, 56100)\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, there\u2019s also an interesting upcoming promotion for TNG eWallet users that claimed their e-Tunai Rakyat credit with the ewallet service. From 17 February to 14 March, these e-Tunai recipients can get RM5 + RM2 cashback when they spend a minimum of RM20 at Shell stations nationwide. That\u2019s a pretty good deal.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the future implementation of using RFID to pay for your fuel at Shell stations. The concept is simple: a fueling bay would have \u201can overhead scanner that reads the radio frequency from the TNG RFID tag.\u201d It can then deduct the amount of fuel that you\u2019ve purchased from your ewallet balance.\n\n\nOnce this system is implemented, it\u2019ll definitely make the refueling process much more seamless for those who have TNG RFID installed on their vehicles. Unfortunately, there\u2019s no tentative date on when we can expect the availability of this feature.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, this collaboration between Touch \u2018n Go and Shell is interesting, and it\u2019ll benefit those who have yet to to install TNG RFID on their vehicles. Do note that in order to be an RFID user, you\u2019ll have to install the TNG eWallet app first. It can be downloaded over at the \nGoogle Play Store\n and \nApple App Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s20-spiritual-successor-to-the-galaxy-s10e/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S20: Spiritual Successor to the Galaxy S10e", "body": "\n\nI\u2019ll be honest: I was quite bummed when Samsung didn\u2019t introduce a successor to the \nGalaxy S10e\n. Instead, the Korean company only unveiled follow-ups to the Galaxy S10 and S10+ with the \nGalaxy S20 and S20+\n respectively. Of course, there\u2019s also the most premium (and biggest) device of the bunch, the \nGalaxy S20 Ultra\n.\n\n\nWhile there is no direct successor to the Galaxy S10e, there is one device that comes pretty close: the Galaxy S20. Yes, it is technically the Galaxy S10\u2019s successor, but it actually has a number of qualities that made the S10e such a compelling little device.\n\n\nI consider the Galaxy S20 the spiritual successor to the Galaxy S10e, and that makes it my new favourite smartphone in the S20 series. Not quite convinced the S20 is similar to the S10e? Well, let\u2019s break it down.\n\n\nThe Galaxy S20\nThe Galaxy S10e\n\n\nOne of the best appeals of the Galaxy S10e is its compact form factor, and believe it or not, the Galaxy S20 is actually quite a compact smartphone too. In fact, the S20 is actually \nnarrower\n than the S10e; the former measures only 69.1mm wide, while the S10e is wider at 69.9mm. Granted, that\u2019s only 0.8mm of difference, but it will make the S20 easier to use with one hand. This is especially the case when you need to reach for the other side of the screen.\n\n\nHowever, Samsung actually made a rather interesting decision with the new Galaxy S20 smartphones: their screens are now taller than ever. Previously, the S10 series had 19:9 displays, but Samsung changed the aspect ratio to a taller 20:9 format with the S20 phones.\n\n\nThis, in turn, makes the Galaxy S20 an unusually tall device. Measuring 151.7mm tall, it\u2019s not \nquite \nas compact as the S10e, which is only 142.2mm tall. Nevertheless, the S20 is still small enough to fit in most pockets.\n\n\n\n\nDimensions of the Galaxy S20 aside, it also has flagship-tier hardware under the hood like the S10e. The S20 is powered by the same Samsung Exynos 990 chipset found in the more costly S20+ and S20 Ultra, just like how the S10e had the same Exynos 9820 SoC as the S10 and S10+. Basically, you\u2019re getting the same level of processing power regardless of which device you get in the S20 series.\n\n\nThat being said, one of the biggest shortcomings of the Galaxy S10e was the fact that it felt like a \u201ccompromise.\u201d Sure, it had the same processor as the rest of the S10 devices, but it still had a lower resolution 1080p display, no telephoto camera, and a rather average battery capacity \u2013 it was only packed with a 3,100mAh cell.\n\n\n\n\nThankfully, the Galaxy S20 doesn\u2019t share the same fate. While it still has the smallest battery capacity of the bunch, its 4,000mAh battery should be able to deliver above average battery life. On top of that, the S20 also has a similar camera system as the S20+, which include a 12MP f/1.8 main sensor, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 64MP f/2.0 telephoto lens.\n\n\nOf course, the Galaxy S20 is still a \u201ccompromise\u201d in some way. For example, only the Galaxy S20 Ultra comes with the sophisticated quad camera system capable of doing 100x digital zoom. The regular S20 and S20+, on the other hand, can \u201conly\u201d achieve 30x zoom. Not quite as impressive, but still very commendable zooming performance.\n\n\n\n\nBut what the Galaxy S20 lacks in any possible area is made up by the fact that it doesn\u2019t cost quite as much. See, the Galaxy S20 Ultra costs a whopping RM4,999, which makes the S20\u2019s RM3,599 price tag a lot easier to swallow. Don\u2019t get me wrong, RM3,599 is still a lot of money, even for a flagship smartphone like the S20.\n\n\nUnfortunately, that\u2019s one area where the Galaxy S20 is unlike the Galaxy S10e; the latter went for only RM2,699 at launch. That\u2019s almost \nRM1,000 price difference\n, so the price of entry for Samsung\u2019s 2020 flagship smartphone is markedly higher this year.\n\n\n\n\nEven so, it doesn\u2019t change the fact that the Samsung Galaxy S20 is a worthy (spiritual) successor to the Galaxy S10e. It\u2019s not quite as affordable anymore, but it does come with a number of excellent upgrades. There\u2019s the bigger, sharper 6.2-inch 3200 x 1440 Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a versatile camera system.\n\n\nIf you, like me, are not thrilled by the absence of a successor to the Galaxy S10e, you should really give the Galaxy S20 a consideration or two. It may not be quite as compact as the S10e, but the S20 is still one of very few flagship smartphones in the market now that you can use comfortably with only one hand.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2020-proton-x70-ckd-with-new-volvo-7dct-launched-from-rm95k-what-you-need-to-know/", "title": "2020 Proton X70 CKD With New Volvo 7DCT Launched From RM95k \u2013 What You Need to Know", "body": "\n\nAfter many months of anticipation, the 2020 Proton X70 in CKD form is finally launched. One of the biggest changes the CKD version brings is a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission; both Geely and Volvo co-developed this wet DCT. Now, the X70 truly has Volvo technology in it.\n\n\nThanks to the new 7DCT, the Proton X70 CKD actually has slightly better performance even though it\u2019s still using the familiar 1.8L turbocharged direct injection engine. According to Proton, the new transmission gives the C-segment SUV 5% more torque, bringing the figure up to 300Nm from 285Nm. Power output of the engine, on the other hand, remains the same at 181hp.\n\n\n\n\nEven though this performance increase doesn\u2019t seem particularly amazing, it does improve the car\u2019s acceleration by a fair margin. The 2020 Proton X70 can now go from zero to 100kmph in only 9.5 seconds. Compared to the previous CBU model, that\u2019s a whole second faster. Quite an impressive feat with just a transmission change.\n\n\nOn top of that, the new 7DCT also improves fuel economy. The Proton X70 CKD now has a quoted fuel consumption of 7.6L/100km versus its predecessor\u2019s official figure of 7.8L/100km. A small difference, yes, but definitely not negligible. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how closely this estimate matches real life fuel economy \u2013 quoted figures are usually very optimistic.\n\n\n\n\nWhile the Proton X70 CKD\u2019s 7DCT is practically a complete upgrade over the CBU model\u2019s conventional six-speed torque converter automatic, we\u2019re sure some folks are not too keen about it. This comes down to reliability issues of DCTs in the past, but Proton is very confident its 7DCT will not suffer the same fate.\n\n\nFor one, the 7DCT in the Proton X70 uses a more robust wet clutch design instead of a dry one, so any overheating issues won\u2019t really be a problem with this gearbox. To top it off, this 7DCT adheres to Volvo\u2019s strict durability requirement too: it\u2019s said to have a service life of more than 350,000km. To put this into context, the industry standard is only 240,000km.\n\n\nBut if you\u2019re still convinced the X70\u2019s 7DCT is not as reliable as it\u2019s made out to be, Proton is giving the SUV itself a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty. That should give you some peace of mind, right?\n\n\n\n\nMoving on. Another neat upgrade the new Proton X70 received is a powered tailgate; a feature many existing owners have asked for. Not only is it height-adjustable, the top two variants of the X70 also include a foot sensor. You\u2019ll just have to \u201ckick\u201d the bottom of the SUV when you\u2019re at the tailgate for it to automatically open. That being said, do note that the base Standard model doesn\u2019t have a foot sensor or a powered tailgate.\n\n\nOn the inside, Proton also added a number of amenities. Regardless of which X70 model you get, the rear seats can now be reclined, so those long journey back to the hometown will be that much more comfortable. The front seats got a nice upgrade too: they are now ventilated, so you can get cool air blown from the seats themselves. However, much like the powered tailgate, ventilated seats are not offered in the Standard model.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond these upgrades, other aspects of the Proton X70 CKD remain the same as its predecessor, which isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing. Build quality, for one, remains indistinguishable from the previous fully-imported CBU model, and that\u2019s a really good thing. In fact, Proton went as far as to say that the CKD-based X70 \u201chave matched and exceeded the quality standards of the (previous) model.\u201d\n\n\nBut there is one thing that might disappoint some potential customers: the 2020 Proton X70 basically shares the same design as its predecessor. The only way to distinguish the new CKD model from the CBU is to either look at the gear lever \u2013 it\u2019s now an electronic shift-by-wire lever \u2013 or the new Proton logo on the front grille, steering wheel, and centre wheel caps.\n\n\n\n\nSurprisingly enough, there is one thing from the CBU model that\u2019s not carried over to the new CKD X70: an AWD variant. Proton says that this model has been dropped due to low demand from customers, unfortunately enough. Despite that, there are still four variants (all in 2WD) offered: Standard, Executive, Premium, and Premium X. Just like their names suggest, the latter two models are actually very similar.\n\n\nAfter all, the only thing that differentiates the Premium and Premium X models is the panoramic sunroof; only the Premium X variant has it. So if you don\u2019t care for the sunroof, but you still want all the bells and whistles, the Premium trim is the one to get.\n\n\n\n\nThe new 2020 Proton X70 CKD is now available for purchase in Malaysia. As mentioned, four variants are offered here. The Standard model costs RM94,800, while the Executive variant is priced at RM106,800. The top-of-the-range Premium and Premium X trims, on the other hand, go for RM119,800 and RM122,800 respectively. All prices mentioned here are on-the-road without insurance.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-player-celebration-offers-physical-platinum-trophy-rm400-store-voucher/", "title": "PlayStation Player Celebration Offers Physical Platinum Trophy & RM400 Store Voucher", "body": "\n\nPlayStation just launched a rather interesting promotion. Dubbed PlayStation Player Celebration, everyone who signs up for the campaign (no purchase necessary!) stands a chance to win a physical, real-life version of the PlayStation Platinum Trophy, RM400 store vouchers, and a number of other freebies.\n\n\nOf course, as with any given promotion, there are a number of caveats. For one, only \ntwo winners\n will be selected for the physical Platinum Trophy, RM400 voucher, and digital copies of four exclusive PlayStation 4 titles: The Last of Us Remastered, God of War, Horizon Zero Dawn: Complete Edition, and Uncharted 4: A Thief\u2019s End. That\u2019s right, two winners will walk away with all of these prizes.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, in order to be selected as one of the two winners, participants are required to answer \u201ca skill-based question\u201d on 17 March at 10AM in Malaysia. Of course, you\u2019ll have to be registered for the PlayStation Player Celebration event beforehand to be able to access the question. The two quickest entrants to answer the question correctly will be deemed the winners.\n\n\nNeedless to say, it\u2019s pretty tough to win the \u201cexclusive PlayStation kit,\u201d and it\u2019s not clear if participants have to compete with other entrants in the same region or just their home country. If it\u2019s decided by region, those of us here in Malaysia are competing with Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, and even New Zealand. It\u2019s a big pool of entrants.\n\n\nIt\u2019s RM400 store voucher for the Malaysian market\n\n\nBut that\u2019s just one half of the PlayStation Player Celebration event. The other half involves players combining their efforts to unlock rewards. The task? It\u2019s pretty simple: just play games on the PlayStation 4 \u2013 at least an hour on each game for it to be counted \u2013 and earn trophies. It\u2019s divided into three stages, and each stage will unlock different rewards.\n\n\nThe first stage will earn players an exclusive PlayStation 4 static theme and a PSN avatar. Stage two unlocks five additional PSN avatars, and the last stage gives players a dynamic theme. Naturally, the number of trophies earned and games participants have to play will increase in each stage. In fact, the last stage requires players to earn a whopping 2.7 million trophies and play 675,000 games.\n\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s a very high figure, but we reckon there are more than enough PlayStation 4 owners out there to complete all three stages. The first stage will take place on 24 February, and you can sign up for the PlayStation Player Celebration event \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-rtx-2060-compact-gaming-laptop-coming-malaysia/", "title": "The Compact Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Gaming Laptop with RTX 2060 Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nRemember the \nAsus ROG Zephyrus G14\n the Taiwanese company introduced back at CES 2020? Well, the compact, powerful 14-inch gaming laptop is finally arriving on our shores soon. In a market where such a compact gaming laptop virtually doesn\u2019t exist, the Zephyrus G14 is definitely a unique offering.\n\n\nWhile going through SIRIM\u2019s database, three different companies (VSTECS Astar, Servex, and Build Technology Supply) registered a laptop with the model number GA401I. Of course, that model number can be traced back to Asus\u2019 very own specification list for the Zephyrus G14, though we don\u2019t know if it\u2019s the variant with the LED dot-matrix \u201cAniMe Matrix\u201d display on the lid.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, now that the Zephyrus G14 is registered with SIRIM, it\u2019s only a matter of time before Asus officially introduce the gaming laptop in Malaysia. We still don\u2019t have any tentative date on when this could happen, but given that the Zephyrus G14 is set to be available globally sometime in March next month, the local launch could happen then.\n\n\nBesides its compact 14-inch form factor, the Zephyrus G14\u2019s performance level is also one of its main appeals. Under the hood of this laptop is \nAMD\u2019s new Ryzen 7 4800HS processor\n. Not only does it perform better than Intel\u2019s equivalent Core i7-9750H chip \u2013 based on early benchmark results \u2013 the Ryzen 7 4800HS is also built on a more power-efficient 7nm process against the i7-9750H\u2019s 12nm process.\n\n\nIn fact, Asus claims that the Zephyrus G14 can last up to 10 hours on a single charge; quite impressive for a gaming laptop. This can be attributed to the power efficiency of the 7nm processor, along with the laptop\u2019s rather generous 76WHr battery.\n\n\n\n\nLike the display of most modern gaming laptops, the Zephyrus G14 features a fast 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate. On top of that, there are two other screen options: a Full HD 60Hz panel, or a higher resolution 1440p display with the same 60Hz refresh rate. But given that this is a powerful gaming laptop, the 1080p 120Hz screen is definitely the most enticing option.\n\n\nDepending on which variant of the Zephyrus G14 you\u2019re getting, you\u2019ll either get an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti GPU or a more feature-packed RTX 2060 graphics card. Regardless of which GPU you go for, you will get comparable performance, though the RTX 2060 will give you more features like ray tracing and Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS).\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Zephyrus G14 include up to 32GB of DDR4 3200MHz RAM, 512GB or a whopping 1TB of fast M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD, a 17.9mm thin chassis (or 19.9mm for the AniMe Matrix model), and 1.6kg of heft; 1.7kg for the dot-matrix variant.\n\n\n\n\nHopefully, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 will be coming to Malaysia very soon. There\u2019s still no word yet on exactly how much it\u2019ll cost locally, though Asus did say it\u2019ll be offered at a price \u201cthat brings gaming to an even wider audience.\u201d\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nAsus ROG Zephyrus G14 Receives Overwhelmingly Positive Reviews\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-appears-in-sirim-available-in-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Appears in SIRIM; Available in Malaysia Soon?", "body": "\n\nSo far, Samsung only confirmed the arrival of the \nSamsung Galaxy S20 series\n in Malaysia. Well, there\u2019s a very good chance another highly anticipated smartphone is coming to our shores. That\u2019s right, we believe the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip will be made available locally in the near future.\n\n\nAs usual, we were going through SIRIM\u2019s database to look for anything peculiar. Turns out, Samsung registered a smartphone with the model number SM-F700F/DS back in 31 January 2020. We then managed to trace this model number to a \nuser manual of the Galaxy Z Flip\n on Samsung\u2019s website.\n\n\n\n\nGranted, a SIRIM certification doesn\u2019t guarantee the local availability of the Galaxy Z Flip, but it is a very promising sign. After all, it wouldn\u2019t make sense for Samsung Malaysia to go through the trouble of registering the foldable smartphone with SIRIM and not launch the phone here, even if this has happened before with other manufacturers.\n\n\nNonetheless, the Galaxy Z Flip is Samsung\u2019s second foldable smartphone after the \nGalaxy Fold\n. Instead of the latter\u2019s tablet-like form factor, the Z Flip employs a more \u201ctraditional\u201d clamshell design, much like the new \nMotorola Razr\n. Thanks to this, the Z Flip is a more ergonomically-friendly.\n\n\n\n\nSporting a 6.7-inch 2636 x 1080 Dynamic AMOLED display with a 21.9:9 aspect ratio, the Galaxy Z Flip is a rather tall smartphone when it is unfolded. Powering this device, on the other hand, is a \nQualcomm Snapdragon 855+\n chipset. Not quite as quick as the latest Snapdragon 865 SoC, but it\u2019s still a plenty capable processor.\n\n\nBesides that, the Galaxy Z Flip is also equipped with a 3,300mAh battery, which should be able to return reasonably good battery life. Of course, it would\u2019ve been great if the phone had a higher capacity cell, but there\u2019s only so much battery that can be fitted inside the relatively compact chassis.\n\n\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Galaxy Z Flip doesn\u2019t have a sophisticated camera system like the \nGalaxy S20 series\n. Instead, it has a more conventional dual camera configuration, made up of a 12MP f/1.8 primary shooter, and a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor. Not the most impressive camera setup, but should be good enough for most folks.\n\n\nBut there is one design element of the Galaxy S20 series that is also available on the Galaxy Z Flip: the hole-punch cutout at the top of the display for the 10MP f/2.4 selfie camera. It\u2019s not called the Infinity-O Display though; it\u2019s dubbed Infinity Flex Display, for obvious reasons.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, we haven\u2019t heard from Samsung Malaysia on the availability of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip on our shores. Rest assured, now that the foldable smartphone has been registered with SIRIM, we will keep a close eye on this matter.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dell-xps-13-2020-malaysia-rm6899/", "title": "Dell XPS 13 (2020) Lands in Malaysia; Retails From RM6,899", "body": "\n\nWe first spotted the \nnew Dell XPS 13\n in SIRIM\u2019s database \nabout a month ago\n, and now, it is officially available here in Malaysia. It\u2019s a very sleek-looking productivity laptop, but you\u2019ll have to fork out quite a bit of money for this premium machine: it retails from a whopping RM6,899.\n\n\nDell just listed the new XPS 13 on its \nMalaysian online store\n, and the base model, as mentioned, is priced at a steep RM6,899. If you\u2019re wondering why it costs so much, that\u2019s because only the Intel Core i7-1065G7 variant is available here at the moment.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, for RM6,899, the most \u201caffordable\u201d XPS 13 2020 comes with a 13.4-inch 1920 x 1200 InfinityEdge non-touch display, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of fast PCIe NVMe SSD storage. You read that right: this RM6,899 variant only comes with 8GB of RAM, not to mention the fact that it only has a Full HD+ display.\n\n\nA tier up is the RM7,299 variant of the XPS 13, which upgrades the RAM and SSD capacity to 16GB and 1TB respectively. Other specifications of this model remains the same as the previous one, so without a doubt, you\u2019re getting better value for your money with this variant. After all, you\u2019re only paying RM400 more to get double the RAM and storage.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want the 4K display option with a touchscreen, you\u2019ll be happy to know that Dell also brought this variant of the XPS 13 here. That being said, you\u2019ll have to pay RM7,399 for this particular model. On top of that, you\u2019re only getting 8GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage as well.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the top-of-the-range XPS 13 2020, which features the same 13.4-inch 3840 x 2400 touch-enabled display as the model before this, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. How much does this model cost? A cool RM7,799. It\u2019s also worth noting that this variant is only available in the white Frost colour. The other three models mentioned here are the Platinum Silver colourway.\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt the new XPS 13 carries a steep price tag, but that\u2019s not exactly a surprise: this premium productivity laptop had always been positioned at this price point. Its predecessor, for one, was going for as much as RM8,369 \nwhen we reviewed it\n.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the Dell XPS 13 2020, you can do so over at Dell\u2019s online store \nright here\n. Regardless of which variant you get, Dell is also throwing in a complimentary laptop sleeve.\n\n\nUpdate, 21 February\n: This article has been updated with pricing for the Windows 10 Home version of the XPS 13 2020. Previously, we covered the Windows 10 Pro models, which cost RM300 more each.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/armaggeddon-pixxel-xc27hd-quick-review-a-165hz-curved-gaming-monitor-for-rm736/", "title": "Armaggeddon Pixxel+ XC27HD Quick Review: A 165Hz Curved Gaming Monitor for RM736", "body": "\n\nGaming monitors have gotten increasingly more affordable over the years, but budget-friendly options are not usually very good or feature-packed. However, there are a couple of exceptions, like this gaming monitor right here: the Armaggeddon Pixxel+ XC27HD Super.\n\n\nYes, Armaggeddon offers gaming monitors now. Even though the name is a mouthful, the XC27HD is a legitimately good gaming monitor. It sports a blazing fast 165Hz refresh rate, a curved display, and even support for AMD FreeSync.\n\n\nWhat\u2019s the best part? It doesn\u2019t cost all that much either, \nretailing at only RM736\n. If you want a reasonably good sub-RM1,000 monitor, you should really consider the XC27HD.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nAs its name suggests, the Pixxel+ XC27HD Super is a 27-inch gaming monitor with a 1920 x 1080 curved (1800R) AHVA panel. On top of that, it also has a native refresh rate of 165Hz, making it ideal for any fast-paced games that need good motion clarity.\n\n\nBesides that, it also has a relatively good 2ms response time, along with support for AMD FreeSync and G-Sync. That being said, do note that this is only a G-Sync Compatible monitor; It doesn\u2019t have the specific \u201cscaler\u201d module from Nvidia for it to be a full-fledged G-Sync monitor. But can it eliminate screen tearing? Definitely.\n\n\nAs for connectivity, the XC27HD features a DisplayPort connection, an HDMI input, and even a DVI port. Not a very elaborate selection of ports, but these should be sufficient for most users.\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nWhat makes the Pixxel+ XC27HD particularly interesting is its high 165Hz refresh rate. This makes every single motion on this monitor look \nextremely\n smooth. From the most simple of actions like moving the cursor to playing highly competitive games like Fortnite, you will definitely appreciate the 165Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nBesides that, the XC27HD has decent colour reproduction too. It may not have an IPS panel, but this AHVA screen is not bad at all. Sure, it does look washed out when compared to an IPS display, but it is far better than, say, a cheaper TN panel. I\u2019m also quite surprised at how good the viewing angles are \u2013 there\u2019s barely any colour shifting when looking at the screen from an angle.\n\n\n\n\nBut how well does the XC27HD handle screen tearing? Very well, actually. I hooked up this gaming monitor to the \nAlienware Aurora R9\n with an RTX 2080 Super GPU, and it exceeded my expectations. It could be the high refresh rate masking any possible screen tearing, but I honestly cannot tell if there was \nany \ntearing. All in all, I\u2019m thoroughly impressed.\n\n\nBeyond that, I really quite like the design of the XC27HD. It has a slim side profile, the stand is minimalist, the bezels surrounding the display are tiny, and the curved nature of the monitor gives it a\u2026premium vibe, even if it doesn\u2019t particularly impact the usage or gaming experience. The curvature isn\u2019t very noticeable on this 16:9 monitor.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nSince the XC27HD is such an affordable gaming monitor, it\u2019s no surprise that it has several niggling issues here and there. For one, this monitor has absolutely no height adjustment, not to mention the fact that it cannot be swiveled either. The only adjustment that\u2019s possible is tilting it ever so slightly.\n\n\n\n\nAnother pain point are the unintuitive controls positioned on the back of the monitor at the right side. Navigating through the on-screen display (OSD) is a pain with the four-button combination, and more often than not, I would accidentally change a setting, or close the menu altogether.\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the sheer difficulty of installing the XC27HD\u2019s stand. It\u2019s not an easy task to screw in the stand to the display, and I actually dropped one of the screws \ninto\n the back of the monitor. Thankfully enough, I managed to recover the screw.\n\n\nBut overall, these are just minor issues with the XC27HD. After all, \nfor only RM736\n, what more can you ask for?\n\n\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you want a 27-inch curved gaming monitor with a fast 165Hz refresh rate, the Armaggeddon Pixxel+ XC27HD Super is a great buy. Not only does it offer good value for money, it also comes with a three-year warranty. If anything were to happen to it in this time period, you will get a \none-to-one replacement\n. Not many companies can offer this kind of warranty.\n\n\nThat being said, if you don\u2019t care for the curved panel of the XC27HD, there is one very good alternative: the Acer Nitro XV270. Just like Armaggeddon\u2019s offering, the Nitro XV270 is a 27-inch 1080p gaming monitor, but it doesn\u2019t sport a curved display, and it is slightly costlier at RM879. Its native refresh rate also maxes out at \u201conly\u201d 144Hz, though it can be overclocked to 165Hz.\n\n\n\n\nSo why would you consider the Nitro XV270 over the Pixxel+ XC27HD? Well, it boils down to one hardware: Acer\u2019s offering features an IPS panel instead of the XC27HD\u2019s AHVA screen. In short, you\u2019ll get better colour reproduction, viewing angles, and (generally) a more pleasant screen to look at with the XV270. You\u2019ll lose out on the curved panel, of course, but this may not matter to certain consumers.\n\n\nNonetheless, there\u2019s no denying the appeal of the Armaggeddon Pixxel+ XC27HD gaming monitor. It\u2019s affordable, it has a fast 165Hz refresh rate, its panel quality is perfectly fine, and it looks sleek too. For only RM736, it\u2019s an excellent monitor for budget-conscious gamers.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/should-you-wait-for-the-ps5-or-get-the-ps4-now/", "title": "Should You Wait for the PS5, or Get the PS4 Now?", "body": "\n\nEver since the PlayStation 5 was confirmed to be released by the end of 2020, sales of the PlayStation 4 have steadily dropped. It\u2019s not exactly a surprise, of course: why would you want to buy a product if its successor is just around the corner?\n\n\nWell, even if the PS5 will be hitting store shelves in less than a year, there are still good reasons to buy the PS4 right now. This is especially the case if you\u2019ve been eyeing to get it for quite some time now. If you\u2019re still not convinced, read on.\n\n\nThere\u2019s a Great Library of Games\n\n\nAs far as exclusive games go, the PS4 arguably has the best library. You\u2019ve got Naughty Dog\u2019s excellent Uncharted series and The Last of Us Remastered \u2013 though the latter was originally released on the PS3 \u2013 Guerrilla Games\u2019 Horizon Zero Dawn, God of War, Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man, and of course, Hideo Kojima\u2019s latest masterpiece, \nDeath Stranding\n.\n\n\nHideo Kojima\u2019s Death Stranding\n\n\nTo top it off, these are just some of the titles that were released in the past few years exclusively for the PS4: you cannot access any of these games on a different platform. At least, not until the PC version of Death Stranding is released sometime this year, though that\u2019s the only exception here.\n\n\nTrust us, you\u2019ll definitely have a vast library of games \u2013 exclusive or not \u2013 to go through if you\u2019re new to the PS4 system. The best part is, the platform\u2019s selection of games are still growing.\n\n\nMore Big Titles Are Coming to PS4\n\n\nThat\u2019s right. Just because the PS5 is due to be released this year, that doesn\u2019t mean the PS4 isn\u2019t getting any new games. Just to name a few, there\u2019s \nFinal Fantasy VII Remake\n, Sucker Punch\u2019s Ghost of Tsushima, and arguably one of the most anticipated games of 2020, The Last of Us Part II.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPersonally, I believe The Last of Us Part II itself makes the PS4 a must-buy, even if it\u2019s already this late into the system\u2019s life cycle. Naughty Dog\u2019s games are known for their amazing storytelling, and I\u2019m absolutely positive The Last of Us Part II will be the studio\u2019s best story yet.\n\n\nThe PS4 Is a Lot More Affordable Now\n\n\nIt\u2019s been quite some time since the latest revision of the PS4 and PS4 Pro hit the market \u2013 back in 2016, in fact \u2013 so it\u2019s only natural their retail prices have dropped tremendously since then. The standard PS4, for one, can be bought \nfor merely RM799 now\n. If you want the Pro system, it\u2019s \ncurrently listed at only RM1,259\n.\n\n\n\n\nGiven that the PS4 and PS4 Pro used to retail at RM1,349 and RM1,799 respectively when they were launched in Malaysia, you\u2019re already saving quite a bit of money by purchasing either one of the two consoles now. Who doesn\u2019t like to save money wherever they can?\n\n\nThe PS5 Is Still Shrouded in Mystery\n\n\nThere have been a lot of chatter on what to expect with the upcoming PS5, but plenty of details regarding the console itself are still under wraps. Does it \ntruly\n have backwards compatibility as suggested? And if it does, will it work with physical PS4 games? Or can it only play digital versions of them?\n\n\nMore importantly, we don\u2019t even know how much the PS5 would cost. Without a doubt the upcoming console will cost more than the PS4 at launch, but the question is: how much more? If rumours are to be believed, the PS5 may be priced close to the RM2,000 mark. That\u2019s drastically more than what you would have to pay for a brand new PS4  \u2013 or even the Pro model \u2013 right now.\n\n\n\n\nBut If You Can Wait..\n\n\nIf you\u2019re willing to wait, and you don\u2019t care about playing upcoming PS4 titles as and when they are released, it may be worth waiting for the release of the PS5. It will definitely cost more than the PS4, but the PS5 will also likely be superior in almost every way.\n\n\nNot only will the PS5 be more powerful than the PS4, it will finally ditch slow hard disk drives in favour of much faster solid-state drives for storage. So not only will you be able to enjoy more graphically demanding games on the PS5, loading times will be cut down considerably as well.\n\n\nEven though it remains to be seen how backwards compatibility will work on the PS5, it will very likely support PS4 titles. Given that the PS5 will be launching before the end of this year, it\u2019s not a horribly long wait either, and it could be worth it for certain folks.\n\n\n\n\nBut if you\u2019ve been waiting to get your hands on the PS4 for the longest time, don\u2019t feel bad about buying it now. Not only does it have a huge catalogue of excellent games, it has gotten a lot more affordable since its release. Plus, you\u2019ll be able to play highly anticipated titles like Final Fantasy VII Remake and The Last of Us Part II right when they are released in April and May 2020 respectively.\n\n\nCan you play these games on the PS5 as well? Probably. But can you wait until the next generation console is released? That\u2019s the \nRM799 question\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-civic-facelift-finally-launching-in-malaysia-on-26-february/", "title": "Honda Civic Facelift Finally Launching in Malaysia on 26 February", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been a while since the Honda Civic facelift was teased by Honda Malaysia for our market. In fact, bookings for the C-segment sedan were opened five months ago back in September 2019. Well, the wait is coming to an end: the facelifted Civic is launching in Malaysia this Wednesday on 26 February.\n\n\nHonda Malaysia revealed the launch date of the new Civic on its Facebook page just yesterday. It\u2019s a rather simple post, with the wording \u201c3 days to go\u201d above a silhouette of the facelifted car. The Civic pictured in the post should be the range-topping 1.5 TC-P variant, based on the design of the alloy wheels.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSo what differentiates the new Civic from the pre-facelift model? Well, the bulk of the change is for the top-of-the-line 1.5 TC-P variant. Besides some styling changes to the front and rear bumpers, the new TC-P model will sport bigger 18-inch alloy wheels with a new design; it was previously equipped with 17-inch alloys.\n\n\nBut the most interesting new feature of the 1.5 TC-P is the addition of Honda Sensing; the Japanese company\u2019s suite of safety and driver assistance systems. This makes the facelifted Civic the third CKD car from Honda to come with this safety feature.\n\n\nHonda Sensing is really quite a big feature for the new Civic. The safety suite includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow (LSF), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Auto High-Beam (AHB).\n\n\nComplementing the above features is the Honda LaneWatch camera, which enhances the driver\u2019s view of the left side of the car.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond Honda Sensing, Honda is also adding front parking sensors to the facelifted Civic, along with 60:40 split-folding rear seats, automatic wipers, and a volume knob to the infotainment system. The 1.5 TC-P will come with the same 1.5L VTEC turbocharged engine as well that outputs 173hp and 220Nm of torque mated to Honda\u2019s Earth Dreams continuously variable transmission (CVT).\n\n\nAs for the more affordable 1.5 TC and 1.8 S models of the Civic, the former will feature the same 1.5L turbocharged engine, while the base 1.8 S comes with the familiar 1.8L SOHC i-VTEC engine with 141hp and 174Nm of torque. Both variants will also have the same CVT, naturally.\n\n\nIt remains to be seen just how much of the 1.5 TC-P\u2019s features will trickle down to these variants, but what\u2019s for certain is the fact that Honda Sensing will only be available on the 1.5 TC-P variant, along with the new 18-inch wheels.\n\n\n\n\nThe new Honda Civic facelift will be unveiled in Malaysia this Wednesday on 26 February. Pricing of the new models have not been revealed yet, but expect them to cost more with the added features. For context, the current pre-facelift Civic costs RM108,165 for the base 1.8 S, while the 1.5 TC and 1.5 TC-P go for RM120,855 and RM128,631 respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-1-ii-introduced-with-5g-snapdragon-865-4k-oled-display/", "title": "Sony Xperia 1 II Introduced With 5G, Snapdragon 865, 4K OLED Display", "body": "\n\nSony just unveiled its latest flagship smartphone, the Sony Xperia 1 II \u2013 that\u2019s pronounced Xperia 1 Mark II. Unconventional naming aside, this flagship smartphone improves upon its predecessor in several aspects, though it still largely retain the same design, for better or worse.\n\n\nThat means the Xperia 1 II is still a tall, narrow smartphone with a 21:9 display, which remains to be a 6.5-inch 3840 x 1644 OLED panel with HDR support. That\u2019s right, Sony is still retaining the power-hungry 4K screen, though battery life should see some improvement, thanks to the larger, more practical 4,000mAh cell. Its predecessor only had a 3,330mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of the display, Sony isn\u2019t going down the route of other smartphone makers in implementing a display with a higher refresh rate. Instead, the Xperia 1 II features \u201cMotion Blur Reduction,\u201d which can supposedly match the user experience of 90Hz screens. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how true this is once we have the device in for review.\n\n\nSony also added two features that weren\u2019t available on the original Xperia 1: wireless charging and a 3.5mm headphone jack. On top of that, the Xperia 1 II features 5G connectivity too, though this is only the case for Europe; the US market will get a 4G only version of the flagship smartphone, curiously. It remains to be seen if we\u2019ll get the 5G or 4G variant in Malaysia.\n\n\nBesides that, the Xperia 1 II naturally comes with some performance upgrade, courtesy of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM. It also comes with 256GB of internal storage.\n\n\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Xperia 1 II feature a triple camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 12MP f/1.7 primary shooter, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor, and a 12MP f/2.4 telephoto lens. There\u2019s also a 3D iToF sensor to improve focus speeds, along with a dedicated camera button on the side of the phone.\n\n\nOne of the headline features of the Xperia 1 II\u2019s camera performance is the ability to take up to 20fps in burst mode \u2013 that\u2019s up to 20 images taken in a single second. Sony claims this is a first for a smartphone camera, though we can\u2019t imagine if most consumers will actually find a use out of this feature.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Xperia 1 II include an IP65 / IP68 rating, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, two front-facing speakers, and an 8MP f/2.0 selfie camera.\n\n\n\n\nThe Sony Xperia 1 II will be available in Europe from late spring onwards for a steep \u20ac1,199 \u2013 that comes up to about RM5,500. But do note that VAT is included in that price for European markets, so the Xperia 1 II should cost less in other regions. It remains to be seen if it will be launched in Malaysia though.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-mate-xs-hands-on-small-upgrades-big-absence/", "title": "Huawei Mate Xs Hands-On: Small Upgrades, Big Absence", "body": "\n\nHuawei just launched the \u201csecond\u201d iteration of its first foldable smartphone, the Huawei Mate Xs. Even though this is technically a new device, it looks pretty much identical to its predecessor, the Mate X. That being said, it does come with some neat upgrades here and there.\n\n\nBut even with those upgrades, one big thing is still absent from the Mate Xs. That\u2019s right, it doesn\u2019t ship with Google Mobile Services, which severely limits its appeal to general consumers. That\u2019s a shame, really: after spending some time with Huawei\u2019s latest foldable smartphone, I\u2019m quite impressed with the Mate Xs, even if it\u2019s lacking vital Google services.\n\n\n\n\nSo what kind of upgrades did the Mate Xs receive? For one, it now sports an upgraded hinge design that is made out of \u201czirconium-based liquid metal.\u201d The result is supposedly a more durable and smoother hinge. While I can\u2019t say if it\u2019s clearly better than the hinge of the original Mate X, it definitely feels robust enough for me to fold and unfold the smartphone without feeling nervous.\n\n\nAnother neat upgrade the Mate Xs got lies in the construction of the flexible screen; notice how these improvements are meant to make the foldable phone more durable. Anyway, there are now two layers of \u201cpolyamide films\u201d \u2013 Huawei made sure to mention that this material is more expensive than gold \u2013 on top of the screen to make it more robust. But\u2026does the film really make a difference?\n\n\n\n\nWell, for what it\u2019s worth, I do think the Mate Xs\u2019 screen feels more resistant to scratches than, say, the \nSamsung Galaxy Fold\n\u2018s display. While the screen of the Mate Xs is still soft enough for my fingernail to leave a mark, it doesn\u2019t feel quite as effortless to do this compared to the Fold. Regardless, we\u2019re still looking at an all-plastic display with this foldable smartphone, so don\u2019t hope for glass-like durability here.\n\n\nBeyond these two changes, the Mate Xs is virtually identical to its predecessor aesthetically, which isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing. The display still folds around the outside of the phone, allowing it to be closed flat when it\u2019s folded. While there is some tension when trying to fold the device completely, it feels solid enough once it\u2019s locked into place with a mechanism.\n\n\n\n\nTo unfold the Mate Xs, all I need to do is just press on the locking mechanism to release the screen. I can then proceed to fully unfold the display, and it really is quite satisfying to do this. Once the display is unfolded, the Mate Xs feels like a fully functional tablet in a thin, compact form factor.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re wondering, yes, there is a crease running down the middle of the screen when the Mate Xs is fully unfolded. However, it\u2019s not quite as obvious as the crease on the Galaxy Fold\u2019s display. In fact, it\u2019s barely noticeable in normal use, unless you \nreally\n look for it. I tried to take a picture of the phone to make the crease as visible as possible, and\u2026it\u2019s not an easy task.\n\n\nThe crease is barely noticeable\n\n\nOkay, what about the display quality of the Mate Xs? As expected, it\u2019s great. The 8-inch 2480 x 2200 OLED display \u2013 or 6.6-inch 2480 x 1148 when folded \u2013 looks stunning with deep blacks, vibrant colours, and good viewing angles. On top of that, it can get reasonably bright as well. Basically, it\u2019s a high quality panel befitting of a flagship smartphone.\n\n\nIn the performance department, the Mate Xs is equipped with Huawei\u2019s latest Kirin 990 5G chipset with (obviously) integrated 5G. This means it doesn\u2019t have to rely on a separate modem anymore like the original Mate X, which had a Kirin 980 SoC. Naturally, the Kirin 990 can provide a good level of performance; it can run PUBG Mobile effortlessly.\n\n\nAs for battery life, the Mate Xs should behave like its predecessor. After all, it still comes with a 4,500mAh battery that supports Huawei proprietary 55W SuperCharge fast charging technology.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the camera performance of the Mate Xs. Just like the original Mate X, the new Xs still has the same Leica-branded quad camera system. It consists of a 40MP f/1.8 primary shooter, a 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle camera, an 8MP f/2.4 telephoto lens, and a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor. There\u2019s no front-facing shooter, as the rear sensors also double as a selfie camera, thanks to the secondary screen.\n\n\nI only managed to take a couple of shots with the Mate Xs, and as a whole, the camera feels\u2026alright. It doesn\u2019t feel particularly amazing, but it\u2019s not exactly bad either, though I do wish it had better detail preservation (especially with the ultra-wide angle and telephoto sensors) as well as a more responsive camera interface. All in all, it\u2019s a decent camera system.\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei Mate Xs, as far as foldable smartphones go, is a polished, attractive-looking device. Its only real competition is Samsung\u2019s Galaxy Fold, and compared to its Korean rival, the Mate Xs features a much more usable outer display, sleeker design, and maybe even better durability with the revised hinge system and display construction.\n\n\nBut no matter how impressive the Mate Xs is, the fact that it doesn\u2019t ship with Google Mobile Services is a big, \nbig\n absence. Out of the box, it won\u2019t come with essential Google apps like the Play Store, Gmail, Maps, and even YouTube. Sure, Huawei is aggressively growing its own AppGallery to fill the void left by the Google Play Store, but it will take a while before it can be considered a worthy alternative.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, there\u2019s no denying the fact that the Mate Xs is one impressive foldable smartphone, even if it doesn\u2019t have essential Google apps. If you\u2019re interested to get your hands on the Mate Xs, good news: it\u2019s set to arrive here in Malaysia next month on 20 March.\n\n\nThere\u2019s still no word yet on the local pricing of the Mate Xs, but for the European market, this foldable phone goes for a whopping \u20ac2,499; that\u2019s about \nRM11,440\n for the sole 512GB model with 8GB of RAM. Granted, that price tag includes VAT, so this foldable smartphone should cost less for the Malaysian market.\n\n\nStill, don\u2019t expect the Mate Xs to be positioned in the same price range as conventional smartphones \u2013 it will likely cost just as much (or even more) as the \nRM8,388 Samsung Galaxy Fold\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-matepad-pro-takes-aim-at-apples-ipad-pro/", "title": "Huawei MatePad Pro Takes Aim at Apple\u2019s iPad Pro", "body": "\n\nThe Huawei MatePad Pro is now available in Malaysia. The high-end tablet was initially launched in China back in November last year, but the Malaysian debut of the device brings a new feature to the table: 5G connectivity.\n\n\nOn top of the support for 5G networks, the MatePad Pro also comes with a number of features that are aimed to take on Apple\u2019s iPad Pro. Not only does it have a stylus in the form of the Huawei M-Pencil \u2013 it can detect 4,096 levels of pressure \u2013 it even has a keyboard case that works surprisingly well. I can actually type rather comfortably despite the compact layout.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, Huawei also added a number of features to the MatePad Pro that the iPad Pro does not have. One of the most interesting additions is the ability to do two-way wireless charging. That\u2019s right, you can use this tablet to charge any of your device that supports wireless charging. In fact, that\u2019s how the keyboard case and stylus (when it\u2019s attached to the side of the tablet) are charged with the MatePad Pro.\n\n\nBesides that, this Android tablet sports a 10.8-inch 2560 x 1600 panel with a 16:10 aspect ratio. Thanks to the small bezels surrounding the display, the MatePad Pro has a claimed screen-to-body ratio of 90%. Compared to other tablets in the market now, it does look particularly sleek. Oh, the screen also has a hole-punch cutout for the 8MP f/2.0 front-facing camera.\n\n\n\n\nPowering the MatePad Pro is none other than Huawei\u2019s latest flagship chipset, the Kirin 990. It\u2019s the same processor found in the company\u2019s other devices like the recently announced Mate Xs and \nMate 30\n smartphones, so needless to say, the MatePad Pro offers more than enough processing power. In my brief time with the tablet, it feels very responsive and zippy.\n\n\nWhen it comes to battery life, the MatePad Pro has a rather generous 7,250mAh battery, which supposedly allows the tablet to be used up to 12 hours. It can also do 20W wired fast charging or 15W wirelessly; Huawei says that just 30 minutes of charging gives you three hours of battery life. That\u2019s a reasonably good charging rate.\n\n\nOther specifications of the MatePad Pro include a 13MP f/1.8 rear camera, up to 8GB of RAM, three storage options (128GB, 256GB, 512GB), and EMUI 10.0.1 based on Android 10 out of the box. Speaking of which, this tablet does not have Google Mobile Services, so it doesn\u2019t come pre-installed with essential Google apps like the Play Store and YouTube; keep that in mind if you plan to purchase this Android device.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei MatePad Pro is now available in Malaysia. The WiFi only model retails at RM2,399, while the 5G version costs RM3,299. It is offered in Pearl White and Midnight Grey, while the 5G variant is finished in Forest Green.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-p40-series-launching-on-26-march-likely-no-google-apps/", "title": "Huawei P40 Series Launching on 26 March; Likely No Google Apps", "body": "\n\nHuawei will be unveiling its first 2020 flagship smartphone on 26 March next month. Of course, it\u2019s the Huawei P40 series, and the lineup is expected to be made up of not two, but (possibly) three different smartphones. These include the standard P40, P40 Pro, and the range-topping P40 Pro Premium Edition.\n\n\nThis launch date was revealed by Richard Yu himself, the CEO of Huawei\u2019s Consumer Business Group. He mentioned the release date of the P40 series during yesterday\u2019s product announcements, which also included the new and improved \nHuawei Mate Xs\n foldable smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nWhile the P40 smartphones are still shrouded in mystery, there are a couple of noteworthy rumours. The standard P40, for one, is expected to sport a triple camera system with the usual focal lengths: regular wide-angle sensor, an ultra-wide angle shooter, and a telephoto lens.\n\n\nAs for the P40 Pro, it\u2019s said to come with a more sophisticated quad camera configuration that can do up to 5x optical zoom; it could sport a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor as well to capture depth information. Last but definitely not least is the P40 Pro Premium Edition, which may pack up to \nfive\n different camera sensors that can do 10x optical zoom.\n\n\nIf these information are accurate, Huawei is clearly aiming to compete with the \nSamsung Galaxy S20\n series\u2019 camera performance, especially when it comes to the level of zoom. On top of that, the P40\u2019s square camera module looks very similar to the S20\u2019s design as well. In extension, they\u2019re also not too different from the aesthetic of the \niPhone 11\u2019s camera module\n.\n\n\nAlleged render of the Huawei P40 series\n\n\nAnyway, besides the camera system, other rumoured specifications of the P40 series include a 120Hz OLED dual curved screen with an oblong-shaped hole-punch cutout \u2013 not unlike the Infinity-O Display of the \nSamsung Galaxy S10+\n \u2013 a Kirin 990 chipset, and unfortunately enough, no 3.5mm jack. It remains to be seen if the absence of the headphone jack will also affect the standard P40, given that its direct predecessor, the \nHuawei P30\n, had one.\n\n\nWhile this hasn\u2019t been confirmed yet, it\u2019s very likely the upcoming P40 smartphones won\u2019t come with Google Mobile Services either. Yes, it is still expected to run on the open-source version of Android 10, but all devices in the series will not be pre-loaded with popular Google apps like the Play Store, Gmail, YouTube, Maps, and so on.\n\n\nInstead, like other recently released Huawei and Honor smartphones, it\u2019ll possibly come with Huawei Mobile Services, which include the Chinese company\u2019s replacement of the Play Store dubbed AppGallery.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, these are just educated guesses at this point in time. We\u2019ll just have to wait until 26 March to see exactly what the Huawei P40 smartphones will offer. It\u2019ll be quite an exciting announcement, since Richard Yu claims that the P40 Pro will be the \u201cworld\u2019s most powerful 5G flagship.\u201d\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-civic-facelift-with-honda-sensing-now-in-malaysia-price-increase-across-the-board/", "title": "Honda Civic Facelift With Honda Sensing Now in Malaysia; Price Increase Across the Board", "body": "\n\nAs promised\n, the facelifted Honda Civic has just been launched in Malaysia today after months of delay due to pricing issues. With some styling changes and added features, it\u2019s no surprise that prices of the C-segment sedan are up across the board: the new Civic now starts from RM113,600 to RM139,600, which is about RM5,000 to RM11,000 more compared to the pre-facelift models.\n\n\nNaturally, the trim that sees the most change is the range topping 1.5 TC-P Civic. Not only does it get a new piano black grille, boot spoiler, and 18-inch alloy wheels \u2013 the other variants do not have these \u2013 it now comes with Honda Sensing too, the Japanese company\u2019s suite of safety and driver assistance systems. In fact, it\u2019s the third locally assembled (CKD) car from Honda to come with this safety feature after the Accord and CR-V.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThanks to Honda Sensing, the 1.5 TC-P model gets a number of nice features. These include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow (LSF), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Auto High-Beam (AHB).\n\n\nBesides that, the 1.5 TC-P (along with the 1.5 TC trim) also gains Honda LaneWatch. Basically, the passenger side mirror has an integrated camera that\u2019ll display what\u2019s on the left side of the car on the Civic\u2019s infotainment screen whenever you\u2019re signalling to the left. This effectively eliminates any possible blind spot for safer lane change. Unfortunately, the base 1.8 S model does not get Honda LaneWatch.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond these two additions, there are some styling changes with the facelifted Civic. The grille, as mentioned, is now finished in piano black (chrome for the 1.5 TC and 1.8 S models), the front bumper has a new, full width lower air intake, and there\u2019s a small strip of chrome at the lower rear bumper. While these are just minor exterior changes, the black grille does add some nice contrast with lighter shades of the car.\n\n\nHonda also added some new equipment across the three models of the facelifted Civic. There are now 60:40 split-folding rear seats \u2013 they were previously fixed in place \u2013 front parking sensors, automatic wipers, and a physical volume knob for the infotainment system. The last bit is a small addition, but it is something many existing owners have asked for.\n\n\n18-inch (235/40ZR18) alloys of the 1.5 TC-P\n17-inch (215/50R17) alloys of the 1.5 TC\n16-inch (215/55R16) alloys of the 1.8 S\n\n\nEngine choices remain the same for the new Civic. The base 1.8 S model soldiers on with the familiar 1.8L SOHC i-VTEC engine that offers 141hp and 174Nm of torque. As for the 1.5 TC and 1.5 TC-P, they get the more powerful 1.5L VTEC turbocharged engine with 173hp and 220Nm of torque. Both engine options are mated to Honda\u2019s Earth Dreams continuously variable transmission (CVT).\n\n\nOkay, so what\u2019s the price breakdown of the facelifted Honda Civic? Here are the on-the-road prices without insurance:\n\n\nCivic 1.8 S: RM113,600 (RM5,435 increase)\nCivic 1.5 TC: RM129,600 (RM8,745 increase)\nCivic 1.5 TC-P: RM139,600 (RM10,969 increase)\n\n\n\n\nObviously, the 1.5 TC-P sees the most drastic price increase, given the number of upgrades it received. While the new 1.5 TC noticeably costs more too, its list of equipment is very similar to the pre-facelift 1.5 TC-P (RM128,631), so it can be thought of as a replacement for that particular trim. After all, the new 1.5 TC now has LED headlights, LED fog lights, chrome door handles, and Honda LaneWatch to boot.\n\n\nFive colour options are available for the new Civic: White Orchid Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, and a new option, Passion Red Pearl. As usual, it also comes with a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty. More information on the facelifted Civic be found on \nHonda\u2019s official website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-x50-pro-offers-snapdragon-865-5g-for-less-than-rm2500/", "title": "Realme X50 Pro Offers Snapdragon 865 & 5G for Less Than RM2,500", "body": "\n\nRealme recently unveiled its first-ever 5G smartphone in India, the Realme X50 Pro 5G. Not only does it support 5G connectivity \u2013 an increasingly common feature on flagships \u2013 Realme\u2019s latest device is a high-end smartphone through and through, and it is set to arrive in Malaysia soon.\n\n\nAs expected, the X50 Pro is powered by Qualcomm\u2019s most powerful chipset yet, the Snapdragon 865. Without a doubt you can expect to get flagship-tier performance out of this smartphone. After all, most phone makers are using this SoC for their respective high-end devices.\n\n\n\n\nIn line with the current trend of smartphones with fast displays, the X50 Pro comes with a 6.44-inch 2400 x 1080 Super AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. Sure, it\u2019s not quite as fast as, say, the 120Hz displays of the \nSamsung Galaxy S20 series\n, but 90Hz is still better than conventional 60Hz panels.\n\n\nBesides that, the X50 Pro has a hole-punch cutout on the top left of the screen; very similar-looking to the \nSamsung Galaxy S10+\n\u2018s Infinity-O Display. That cutout houses two selfie cameras: a 32MP f/2.5 primary shooter, and an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor. Underneath the screen, on the other hand, is an optical in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\nDesign wise, the X50 Pro\u2026doesn\u2019t appear to be particularly unique. It still looks very similar to Realme\u2019s other devices, and that also means it has a rather generic design. But what \nis\n eye-catching are the colour options: Rust Red and Moss Green. Odd names, yes, but these shades do give the phone an interesting, unique appearance.\n\n\n\n\nAnother interesting feature of the X50 Pro is its fast charging capability. According to Realme, the phone comes with 65W \u201cSuperDart\u201d fast charging, which can supposedly charge the phone\u2019s 4,200mAh dual-cell battery to full in only 35 minutes. If it can really achieve this, that\u2019s an impressive charging rate.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the X50 Pro has a quad camera system. It consists of a 64MP f/1.8 sensor, an 8MP f/2.3 ultra-wide angle shooter, a 12MP f/2.5 telephoto lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 monochrome portrait camera. Collectively, this camera system can do up to \u201c20x hybrid zoom,\u201d though it remains to be seen exactly how good is the zoom performance.\n\n\nOther specifications of the X50 Pro include up to 12GB of RAM, two storage options (128GB and 256GB), and Realme UI based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme X50 Pro will go on sale in India on 5 March. Three variants are offered there: the 128GB model with 6GB of RAM goes for 37,999 Indian rupee (about RM2,240), while the 128GB + 8GB and 256GB + 12GB variants go for 39,999 rupee (approximately RM2,355) and 44,999 rupee (around RM2,650) respectively.\n\n\nWe still don\u2019t know exactly when the X50 Pro will reach Malaysian shores, though Realme did say the 5G smartphone \nwill be coming here soon\n. If priced right, we reckon the X50 Pro will be quite popular on our shores.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/all-new-honda-accord-lands-in-malaysia-1-5l-vtec-turbo-honda-sensing-rm186k-to-rm196k/", "title": "All-New Honda Accord Lands in Malaysia: 1.5L VTEC Turbo, Honda Sensing, RM186k to RM196k", "body": "\n\nLaunched alongside the \nHonda Civic facelift\n is the new tenth-generation Honda Accord. The Japanese company\u2019s D-segment sedan brings with it a number of upgrades, including Honda Sensing, a new 1.5L VTEC turbocharged engine, and of course, new looks.\n\n\nGiven the amount of improvements the new Accord brings, prices of the big sedan have increased accordingly too. Two variants are available in Malaysia: 1.5 TC and 1.5 TC-P, which are priced at RM185,900 and RM195,900 respectively. These are on-the-road prices without insurance, and the Accord also comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere are a couple of features that differentiate the 1.5 TC and 1.5 TC-P models. For one, Only the 1.5 TC-P comes with Honda Sensing, which is a suite of safety and driver assistance systems. These include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Low Speed Follow (LSF), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Auto High-Beam (AHB).\n\n\nOn top of that, only the Accord 1.5 TC-P gets Tyre Deflation Warning System, Multi-View Camera System (360\u00b0 camera), Cross Traffic Monitor, and Smart Parking Assist System. Quite an exhaustive list of features exclusive to the 1.5 TC-P, isn\u2019t it?\n\n\n\n\nBeyond these features, the Accord 1.5 TC-P also gets 18-inch alloys wrapped with 235/45R18 tyres, while the 1.5 TC comes with smaller 17-inch alloys with 225/50R17 tyres. Acceleration times are slightly different too: the 1.5 TC can go from 0 to 100kmph in 9 seconds, while the 1.5 TC-P takes 9.1 seconds.\n\n\nSpeaking of acceleration, under the hood of the new Accord is the very same 1.5L VTEC turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in the Civic and CR-V, but the outputs are higher: it produces 201hp with 260Nm of torque. In comparison, the Civic outputs 173hp and 220Nm, while the CR-V does 193hp and 243Nm.\n\n\n\n\nEven though Honda Sensing is only available on the top-of-the-range model, Honda LaneWatch is a standard feature for both variants of the Accord. LaneWatch uses an integrated camera mounted on the passenger side mirror to display what\u2019s on the left side of the car on the infotainment screen. This happens whenever you signal to the left, making lane change safer.\n\n\nOther standard safety features of the new Accord include six airbags (front, side, curtain), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), front and rear parking sensors with a multi-angle rearview camera, and rear seat ISOFIX. Thanks to these safety features, this sedan is granted five-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating.\n\n\n\n\nThe all-new Honda Accord is now available at over 100 Honda dealerships nationwide, and it is offered in four colours: Crsytal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, and Platinum White Pearl. More information on the D-segment sedan can be found on \nHonda\u2019s official website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-plus-free-games-for-march-2020-include-shadow-of-the-colossus-sonic-forces/", "title": "PlayStation Plus Free Games for March 2020 Include Shadow of the Colossus & Sonic Forces", "body": "\n\nPlayStation Plus subscribers will get a number of free games every month, and for March 2020, they\u2019ll be getting two titles: Shadow of the Colossus and Sonic Forces. Out of the two games, Shadow of the Colossus is arguably the more interesting title.\n\n\nShadow of the Colossus was first released on the PlayStation 2 \n15 long years ago\n in 2005, and it was then remastered for the PlayStation 3 in 2011. This particular version, however, is a proper remake for the PlayStation 4, which was released just two years ago in 2018.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEven though Shadow of the Colossus has been re-released a few times in the past, the core gameplay still remains the same. You play as the mysterious Wander, who roams the vast environment looking for (surprise) colossi to take down in order to save a girl. It\u2019s a tall task \u2013 sorry for the pun \u2013 especially considering the fact that Wander only has his trusty horse, Agro, a sword, and a bow.\n\n\nOn top of that, each colossus in Shadow of the Colossus has its own set of weaknesses, and you\u2019ll have to figure out what they are to defeat them. To make the task a little easier, you can use Wander\u2019s sword to reflect sunlight, which you can then move around until the ray of light is focused on a single point of any given colossus: that\u2019s the weak point.\n\n\n\n\nOnce you\u2019ve identified a colossus\u2019 weak point, that doesn\u2019t mean you can just start shooting arrows and swing your sword at it to take down the imposing figure. Rather, you\u2019ll need a strategy to defeat them, and it doesn\u2019t help that some of them can actually fly and dig underground. If you\u2019re having trouble figuring out how to take them down, the game does give some hints, but most of them are quite vague and cryptic.\n\n\nThese don\u2019t necessarily make Shadow of the Colossus a difficult game; finding out exactly how to defeat each colossus is what gives this title its charm. The story is also one of the game\u2019s appeals, though it may not be for everyone, given the limited narration.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, Shadow of the Colossus is a great free game for PlayStation Plus subscribers for March 2020 \u2013 there\u2019s a reason why it\u2019s considered one of the best cult classics for the PlayStation 2. Plus, who doesn\u2019t like taking down huge bosses?\n\n\nIf you\u2019re not subscribed to PlayStation Plus yet, you can do so over at \nthe PlayStation Store\n. Both Shadow of the Colossus and Sonic Forces will be available to claim from 3 March until 6 April. Of course, once you\u2019ve claimed these games, you\u2019ll have access to them as long as you have an active PlayStation Plus membership.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-hands-on-the-most-practical-foldable-phone-yet/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Hands-On: The Most Practical Foldable Phone Yet", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Z Flip is the Korean company\u2019s second foldable phone after the \nGalaxy Fold\n. But instead of the latter\u2019s tablet-like form factor, the Z Flip goes for a more practical clamshell design, much like the new iteration of the \niconic Motorola Razr\n.\n\n\nWhile it\u2019s not confirmed yet exactly when the Galaxy Z Flip will be launched in Malaysia \u2013 though it has \nalready been registered with SIRIM\n \u2013 I managed to get my hands on a unit of the foldable phone. After spending a brief time with the device, it\u2019s definitely one of the most polished phones of its kind.\n\n\nBut should you actually buy one once it\u2019s launched in Malaysia? Well, maybe not, unless you\u2019re willing to be extraordinarily careful with it.\n\n\n\n\nRight off the bat, I absolutely love the clamshell design of the Galaxy Z Flip. It sits in the palm of my hand very comfortably when it\u2019s folded, and the compact form factor makes it very pocketable, even if it\u2019s quite thick. Unlike the Galaxy Fold, the Z Flip doesn\u2019t have much of a gap when the screen is folded too.\n\n\nWhile there\u2019s still a little bit of gap when the screen is folded, it\u2019s minimal enough to not be particularly worrying. On top of that, the hinge itself feels pretty darn robust when I unfold the Galaxy Z Flip. Unfortunately, because the hinge is quite stiff, it\u2019s not easy to \u201cflip\u201d the display out like flip phones of the past.\n\n\nBut given the sheer cost of this foldable phone, you may not want to do that in the first place.\n\n\n\n\nSo how is it like to use the Galaxy Z Flip when it\u2019s unfolded in all its glory? Surreal. When foldable displays were first introduced, \nthis\n is the smartphone form factor that I personally envisioned. It\u2019s incredible to finally see this become a reality, even if it\u2019s not quite there yet.\n\n\nSee, when I open up the Galaxy Z Flip, there\u2019s no distinct click or mechanism to let me know that the display is fully unfolded. Don\u2019t get me wrong, the display still holds itself pretty well \u2013 it\u2019s not like it feels flimsy \u2013 but there\u2019s no obvious sign that the screen is \nreally \nlocked into place. It just\u2026unfolds with no feedback whatsoever.\n\n\nThis is in stark contrast to, say, the \nHuawei Mate Xs\n, and even Samsung\u2019s own Galaxy Fold; there\u2019s a noticeable click whenever these two devices\u2019 displays are fully unfolded. Granted, the Z Flip has a different design, but it just doesn\u2019t feel very satisfying to unfold than the aforementioned foldables.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Galaxy Z Flip also has a rather noticeable crease in the middle of the flexible display. Does it affect the user experience? Well, not to me, at least. You can feel the crease with your fingers \u2013 and you can definitely spot it if you look carefully \u2013 but it\u2019s not exactly super visible when you\u2019re using the phone normally.\n\n\nAs for the display quality itself, the 6.7-inch 2636 x 1080 Dynamic AMOLED \u201cInfinity Flex\u201d Display looks fantastic; like any other flagship-tier Samsung devices. Of course, it\u2019s not quite as impressive as the 120Hz, 1440p screens of the latest \nGalaxy S20\n \nsmartphones\n, but it\u2019s still a very pleasant screen to look at.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, I do have one gripe with the Galaxy Z Flip\u2019s screen: it\u2019s \nawfully \ntall. Unlike the Galaxy S20 phones\u2019 20:9 displays (which are already quite tall), the Z Flip\u2019s screen sports an even taller 21.9:9 aspect ratio. With only one hand, it\u2019s very difficult to reach for the top of the display. It feels quite peculiar to use such a tall phone too.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Galaxy Z Flip\u2019s screen, even though it\u2019s now covered with a thin glass, is still protected by a plastic layer on top. Basically, it\u2019s not quite as scratch-resistant as the glass screen of conventional smartphones, and the soft nature of the plastic layer also means your fingernails will leave a mark on the display.\n\n\nJust watch Zack Nelson\u2019s durability test of the Z Flip to get a feel for the robustness of the foldable screen.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, let\u2019s move on to other aspects of the Galaxy Z Flip, like performance. Under the hood of this foldable phone is a fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ chipset. It may not be the latest Snapdragon 865 or Samsung\u2019s own Exynos 990 SoC, but the 855+ is still a very capable chip. The phone feels fast, responsive, and I can switch between different apps effortlessly.\n\n\nBattery life should be reasonably good with the Galaxy Z Flip too, thanks to its 3,300mAh battery. Storage and RAM capacities of this foldable phone are also quite generous at 256GB and 8GB respectively. Unfortunately, it doesn\u2019t support expandable storage.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the camera performance of the Galaxy Z Flip. which I really quite like. Sure, it doesn\u2019t have the Galaxy S20 series\u2019 sophisticated camera system, but the dual camera setup of this phone (12MP f/1.8 primary + 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor) can take surprisingly good shots.\n\n\n\n\nI managed to take a few daylight shots with the Galaxy Z Flip, and I\u2019m quite impressed with the results. Detail preservation is reasonably good, it has a wide dynamic range, and the colours look flattering too, though some may be put-off by the saturation.\n\n\nHowever, even though the Galaxy Z Flip has reasonably good camera performance, it is by no means in the same league as other flagship smartphones; not even when compared to the one-year-old \nSamsung Galaxy S10e\n, for example. For a phone at this price point, it should have better camera performance.\n\n\n\n\nAnd that really is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip\u2019s biggest shortcoming: price. Of course, as it\u2019s not launched here in Malaysia yet \u2013 though it\u2019s \nonly a matter of time\n \u2013 we\u2019ll have to take the price of the foldable phone in other markets as an estimate. In Singapore, for one, the Z Flip costs a whopping SG$1,998 (about RM6,040), though it goes for slightly less in the US for $1,380 (approximately RM5,815).\n\n\nThat puts the Galaxy Z Flip well within premium territory, which is expected for a foldable smartphone. While you\u2019re getting flagship-tier performance for the money, you\u2019ll have to contend with good, but not fantastic camera performance. More importantly, the Z Flip is a fragile piece of technology that you will carry around on a daily basis \u2013 can you live with that?\n\n\n\n\nIf you can, then the Galaxy Z Flip could be the foldable phone for you. It\u2019s an engineering marvel, it\u2019s eye-catching, and it\u2019s a \u201cmodern-day\u201d flip phone that most will find appealing. It\u2019s not for everyone \u2013 especially given its steep asking price \u2013 but that doesn\u2019t change the fact that the Galaxy Z Flip is a unique, head-turning smartphone.\n\n\nI just wish it has a more durable screen.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-sony-wh-1000xm3-price-drops-below-rm800/", "title": "Deal: Sony WH-1000XM3 Price Drops Below RM800", "body": "\n\nSony\u2019s excellent WH-1000XM3 wireless headphones with active noise cancellation is getting more and more affordable, given that its successor (WH-1000XM4) is just around the corner. How affordable? Well, you can get it now for \nless than RM800\n.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right: the WH-1000XM3, which used to go for RM1,599 at launch, can now be yours \nfor exactly RM794.20\n. This deal is offered by Shopee retailer Otakuya, which is listing the wireless headphones for RM844.20. To bring down the price to RM794.20, collect the 18% cashback voucher (mobile and gadgets) from \nthis page\n and apply it to get 5,000 Shopee coins worth RM50.\n\n\nHowever, do note that the voucher only works with the Shopee app, and only the Black model is listed at RM844.20; the Silver colourway is priced higher at RM939. Of course, warranty is provided by Sony Malaysia itself.\n\n\n\n\nFor only RM794.20\n \u2013 even if RM50 is in the form of Shopee coins \u2013 the Sony WH-1000XM3 is almost a no-brainer purchase for anyone that wants an excellent pair of wireless headphones with active noise cancellation. There\u2019s no telling when the 18% cashback voucher will run out, so act fast if you want to grab it at this low, low price.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/buy-a-samsung-galaxy-s20-get-a-free-50-4k-tv-or-rm400-rebate/", "title": "Buy a Samsung Galaxy S20 & Get a Free 50\u2033 4K TV (Or RM400 Rebate)", "body": "\n\nSamsung just launched the Galaxy S20 series in Malaysia, and as usual, the Korean company will be doing a roadshow for its latest flagship smartphones. This time around, early birds who purchase any of the Galaxy S20 smartphones will walk away with a brand new Samsung 50-inch 4K Smart TV (worth RM2,599) or RM400 rebate \u2013 pretty sweet deals.\n\n\nOf course, there are some terms and conditions. For one, only 500 units of the 50-inch 4K TV is offered; the RM400 rebate are also limited to the first 500 redemptions. If you\u2019re one of the early birds, you can choose either one of these two deals. Basically, the first 1,000 consumers will get either gifts, though we reckon most folks will go for the higher value 50-inch TV.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, the number of units available for these two gifts are allocated to each region differently. Here\u2019s the breakdown:\n\n\nMid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur: 220 units\nQueensbay Mall, Penang: 120 units\nMid Valley Southkey, Johor: 80 units\nEast Coast Mall, Kuantan: 30 units\nImago Mall, Kota Kinabalu: 50 units\n\n\nAlso, do note that the RM400 rebate for the Galaxy S20 is treated like a trade in campaign: you\u2019ll have to trade in \u201cany electronic device with a camera function\u201d to claim the RM400 rebate. It\u2019s not quite as straightforward as the complimentary 50-inch 4K TV, but it\u2019s still a reasonably good promotion.\n\n\nThose that miss out on these two big-ticket items can still get some freebies for purchasing the Galaxy S20 at the roadshow. These include a Samsung Wireless Charger Pad and a 128GB microSD card. Not surprisingly, stocks are limited to the first 2,000 consumers for these items.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, these freebies are valid for all three devices in the Galaxy S20 series, including the standard Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and the biggest device of the bunch, the Galaxy S20 Ultra. Given that the free gifts are the same regardless of which phone you get, the S20 would offer the best value for money; it\u2019s the most affordable device in the series, after all.\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about the Samsung Galaxy S20 series, click \nhere\n for our hands-on of the S20 and S20+. Our thoughts on the S20 Ultra, on the other hand, can be found \nhere\n. More information on the roadshow, which is happening from 6 to 8 March, can be found \non Samsung\u2019s official website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/final-fantasy-vii-remake-demo-now-available-for-download/", "title": "Final Fantasy VII Remake Demo Now Available for Download", "body": "\n\nOriginally, \nFinal Fantasy VII Remake\n was supposed to be launched tomorrow on 3 March 2020 for the PlayStation 4. If you\u2019re not thrilled the game\u2019s been delayed to 11 April, you\u2019ll be happy to know that you can download the demo of the game \non the PlayStation Store now\n.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the demo of Final Fantasy VII Remake can now be played by the general public, and it\u2019s quite an extensive demo. In fact, it\u2019s much, \nmuch\n more elaborate than \nthe demo we\u2019ve played back in January\n, though it\u2019s still focused in the first Mako reactor part of the story.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, the demo also includes the ability to switch modes; a feature that was missing from our demo. Basically, every character in FFVIIR have two modes. Cloud, for example, defaults to Operator mode, which can be switched to Punisher mode if you want to deal extra damage at the cost of slower attacks. This dual mode system adds more depth to the revamped combat system.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the turn-based approach of the original game is now based on a real-time combat system, though there are still some turn-based elements here and there. Normal attacks and dodges can be performed with the Square and Circle buttons respectively, but any time during combat, hitting the X button summons the Commands menu.\n\n\n\n\nOnce you\u2019re in this menu, you can perform a number of actions, like selecting abilities, spells, or items. Time is also slowed down quite a bit when accessing this menu, allowing you to \u201cpause\u201d the action. If you prefer a more fluid combat experience, you can perform pre-selected actions instantly with the L1 button instead.\n\n\nAnother improvement the FFVIIR demo brings lies in performance. In the demo we played through a couple of months ago, the frame rate was not consistent, the environment didn\u2019t look like it was rendered in high resolution, and the character models were not very detailed. Well, the new demo seems to have resolved most of these issues, especially when it comes to frame rate consistency.\n\n\n\n\nThe Final Fantasy VII Remake demo can now be downloaded \nfrom the PlayStation Store\n. If you download the demo before 11 May, you can also get an \u201cexclusive theme\u201d on 10 April. Considering the sheer length of the demo, it should keep fans satiated until the full game is released on 11 April next month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-c3-with-helio-g70-5000mah-battery-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm499/", "title": "Realme C3 With Helio G70 & 5,000mAh Battery Lands in Malaysia for RM499", "body": "\n\nThe Realme C3 mid-range smartphone has just been launched in Malaysia. Sporting a MediaTek Helio G70 chipset \u2013 it\u2019s touted as a gaming-oriented processor \u2013 and a generous 5,000mAh battery, the C3 is quite an interesting device for those on a tight budget.\n\n\nEven though MediaTek chipsets aren\u2019t particularly favoured by consumers, the Helio G70 is a very respectable mid-range processor. If you\u2019re an avid mobile gamer, the G70 should be able to deliver a good level of performance for a pleasant gaming experience, even in popular games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile.\n\n\nOf course, it\u2019s not in the same league as higher-end chips like, say, the \nQualcomm Snapdragon 730\n, but the G70 really does offer good performance for the money.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Realme C3 also has a generous 5,000mAh battery, which will come in handy for those long gaming sessions. Thanks to this large battery capacity, we reckon the C3 will be able to return above average battery life, especially with the 720p display.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the Realme C3\u2019s 6.5-inch IPS display only has a resolution of 1600 x 720. While a 1080p screen would look more pleasing with better clarity, this \nis\n a budget-friendly smartphone; expectations have to be managed. Plus, the 720p display is less power-hungry than a sharper 1080p panel.\n\n\nThis, together with the phone\u2019s large 5,000mAh battery, should translate to even better battery life.\n\n\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Realme C3 features a triple camera system on the back. It is made up of a 12MP f/1.8 primary shooter, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor. There\u2019s no ultra-wide angle or telephoto sensor here, which is really expected for a smartphone at this price point. The selfie camera, on the other hand, is a 5MP f/2.4 shooter.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Realme C3 include 32GB of storage, a microSD card slot, 3GB of RAM, a rear fingerprint sensor, a microUSB port, and Realme UI 1.0 based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, only the 32GB + 3GB variant of the Realme C3 is available here, and it retails at only RM499. You can purchase the C3 later today at 4PM from Realme\u2019s \nofficial store on Shopee\n, and for today only, you can even get RM20 discount.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/death-stranding-coming-to-pc-on-2-june-with-new-features-retails-at-rm239/", "title": "Death Stranding Coming to PC on 2 June With New Features; Retails at RM239", "body": "\n\nPC gamers will soon be able to experience Hideo Kojima\u2019s latest masterpiece. Originally released for the PlayStation 4 system back on 8 November 2019, the PC version of \nDeath Stranding\n is coming seven months later on 2 June 2020. On top of that, the PC version will get several new features too.\n\n\nAmong them is support for ultra-wide monitors, which is fantastic for a game like Death Stranding. After all, you\u2019ll be traversing through awe-inspiring landscapes making deliveries in the game, so being able to see more of the environment will further enhance the gaming experience.\n\n\nOf course, the many, many lengthy cinematic cutscenes of Death Stranding will also benefit from this. They will look that much better in ultra-wide resolution.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, Death Stranding will also support high frame rate on PC, though this does depend on how powerful your system is. Given that the game only runs at 30 frames per second on the PlayStation 4, the game will definitely feel more responsive on PC. That being said, it remains to be seen if there\u2019s any frame rate cap.\n\n\nInterestingly, the PC version of Death Stranding will also see the introduction of Photo Mode; a feature that is still not available on the PlayStation 4 version. But given that Photo Mode is coming to PC, it wouldn\u2019t be far-fetched to assume that it\u2019ll also be made available on Sony\u2019s console in the near future.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of these additions, there appears to be some sort of crossover with Half-Life on the PC version of Death Stranding. This is shown with cosmetic items taken from Half-Life, including the headcrab, Alyx Vance\u2019s gloves, and Gordon Freeman\u2019s glasses. Of course, even the iconic valve from Valve\u2019s logo makes an appearance, which is placed on the back of Sam Bridges\u2019 head, the protagonist.\n\n\nThe PC version of Death Stranding is now available for pre-order on \nSteam \nand the \nEpic Games Store\n for RM239, and it will be released on 2 June 2020. As usual, there are a number of pre-order goodies, which include HD wallpapers of the game, special cosmetic items, and new colours for certain in-game equipment.\n\n\n\n\nDeath Stranding is a bizarre title, but it\u2019s definitely a game worth checking out for its star-studded cast, compelling storyline, and stunning graphics. If you\u2019re not sure Kojima\u2019s latest game is worth the hype, check out \nour comprehensive review of the game\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lexus-ux-200-test-drive-luxurious-city-slicker/", "title": "Lexus UX 200 Test Drive: Luxurious City Slicker", "body": "\n\nLexus is known for its range of big premium SUVs and sedans, but if you\u2019ve always wanted something a little more compact from the Japanese luxury carmaker for city driving, this is the SUV for you. Enter the Lexus UX, the company\u2019s first-ever compact crossover.\n\n\nWith a starting price of RM243,888, the fully-imported UX is the most affordable offering in Lexus\u2019 lineup. On top of that, it\u2019s also packing a number of neat features, not to mention excellent driving experience. I managed to take the UX out for a quick drive around KL, and it certainly impresses in many areas.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst up, let\u2019s get to the prices and trim levels of the Lexus UX first. Three variants are offered in Malaysia: Urban, Luxury (pictured here), and F Sport. The base Urban, as mentioned, goes for RM243,888, while the more well-equipped Luxury and F Sport models are priced at RM283,888 and RM299,888 respectively. These are steep price tags, but it\u2019s par for the course with a luxury crossover like the UX.\n\n\nAnyway, all three variants of the UX are equipped with the same 2.0L naturally aspirated Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine that produces 169hp and 205Nm of torque. This is paired to a Direct-Shift continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a 10-speed virtual ratio, which allows the car to sprint from 0 to 100kmph in 9.2 seconds with a top speed of 190kmph.\n\n\n\n\nSo why is it called a Direct-Shift CVT? Well, there\u2019s actually an additional gearset for starting off from a stop, giving the UX better, quicker acceleration from standstill. I\u2019ve tried flooring the pedal to see how this transmission behaves, and it really does feel like a conventional automatic gearbox without the usual \u201crubber band effect\u201d of CVTs.\n\n\nIn fact, the UX\u2019s Direct-Shift CVT actually feels very, very refined with silky smooth acceleration whenever I floor it. There\u2019s zero sign of roughness, power delivery feels direct, and the car pulls quite a bit even when I\u2019m doing 80 to 90kmph. This may not be the fastest luxury crossover in the market, but the engine and transmission do feel extremely refined.\n\n\n\n\nIn my brief time driving the UX \u2013 I tried out the Luxury trim \u2013 I was pretty darn impressed with the handling of the car. This crossover is built on Lexus\u2019 Global Architecture \u2013 Compact (GA-C) platform; a premium version of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA). This gives the UX a low centre of gravity and rigid chassis, which in turn improve the handling of the car.\n\n\nWhile I wasn\u2019t able to throw the UX into hard corners to see how well-composed it would be, it does feel agile with direct steering as I make my way across KL\u2019s heavy traffic; I especially love how much feel and feedback I get from the steering wheel. Of course, it also helps that this is a rather compact car, so squeezing through tight spaces doesn\u2019t feel particularly intimidating.\n\n\n\n\nNVH of the UX, on the other hand, is befitting of the crossover\u2019s premium positioning. The moment I closed the door, the outside world is filtered out, and even at high speeds the car remains quiet with minimal road noise. Tyre roar does get into the cabin a tad \u2013 the engine also makes itself heard in hard acceleration \u2013 but it is by no means unpleasant.\n\n\nGiven the premium appeal of the UX, you\u2019d expect to be comfortable whenever you step into the cabin. Not surprisingly, this is a given with the UX, and I absolutely love the leather upholstery with \u201csashiko quilting\u201d \u2013 a technique used on Japanese martial arts uniforms. It gives the leather seats a unique-feeling texture, and I can\u2019t get enough of it.\n\n\n\n\nOther aspects of the UX\u2019s cabin are equally good too. Every button has a satisfying tactile feedback, the digital meter is bright and vibrant, and I really like the large 10.3-inch freestanding centre display. That being said, I\u2019m not sure I like navigating through the infotainment system with the trackpad right beside the gear lever; a touchscreen would feel a lot more intuitive.\n\n\nOverall, the Lexus UX feels like a premium, luxurious compact crossover through and through. Personally, I like the aggressive styling of the car too, especially the LED taillights that extend across the width of the car in a single line. It gives the car a very\u2026\u201dcontemporary\u201d appeal. This, paired with the car\u2019s excellent driving experience and compact size, make it the perfect city car.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth highlighting the car\u2019s extensive safety features, courtesy of the Lexus Safety System+. This gives the car Pre-Collision System, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Adaptive High Beam System (AHS). There are also additional safety features like Panoramic View Monitor, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert that are exclusive to the Luxury and F Sport trims.\n\n\nThe Lexus UX is now open for booking in Malaysia. All prices mentioned here are on-the-road without insurance, and it comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty as well. More information on the premium compact crossover can be found on \nLexus\u2019 official site\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/armaggeddon-mka-17-quick-review-affordable-wireless-mechanical-keyboard/", "title": "Armaggeddon MKA-17 Quick Review: Affordable Wireless Mechanical Keyboard", "body": "\n\nWireless mechanical keyboards aren\u2019t particularly rare in the market, but more often than not, they\u2019re quite costly. This, in turn, makes the Armaggeddon MKA-17 Avenger quite an attractive product. Not only is it pretty affordable, it\u2019s also quite a good mechanical keyboard with a number of neat features.\n\n\nIt may not offer the best typing experience, but the MKA-17 is definitely worth considering for anyone looking for a decent wireless mechanical keyboard without breaking the bank. Without further ado, let\u2019s get to the review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe MKA-17 is a Bluetooth-enabled, wireless mechanical TKL (tenkeyless) keyboard that is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. That\u2019s right, it can be used with the mobile operating systems too, making it quite the versatile keyboard. Besides that, it is also offered either with Blue or Black \u201cMEN\u201d mechanical switches.\n\n\n\n\nUnlike Outemu switches found on \nprevious Armaggeddon mechanical keyboards\n, it appears the company switched (excuse the pun) to these MEN switches for the MKA-17. For the most part, the Blue and Black switches on this keyboard don\u2019t feel remarkably different from similar switches of other manufacturers, which is a good thing.\n\n\nOf course, the MKA-17 also sports 19 different RGB lighting effects. To cycle through the different effects, all I have to do is use the scroll wheel at the top left of the keyboard; no software necessary. The lighting itself is also quite bright, so you don\u2019t have to worry about it being too dim.\n\n\n\n\nTo connect the MKA-17 to your PC or Mac, you just need a USB Type-C cable that\u2019s provided with the keyboard; you can also charge the 2,000mAh battery this way. Thanks to the reasonably sized battery capacity, this wireless keyboard can last quite a bit on a single charge as well. I\u2019ll elaborate more on its battery life further down this review.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nTyping experience of the MKA-17, as expected, is like your everyday mechanical keyboard. The Blue switch model, for one, has a low actuation force with a pronounced tactile bump and audible click with every key press. Basically, it has the characteristics of any Blue mechanical switch in the market now.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the MKA-17 with Black switches, it\u2019s a linear switch with a higher actuation force, so it feels \u201cheavier\u201d than the Blue switch. But thanks to this, the Black switches give a more solid, muted typing experience. In contrast, the Blue switches feel more hollow and louder, though I do prefer the lighter actuation force and tactile feedback of these Blue switches.\n\n\nBattery life is also one of the MKA-17\u2019s best features. After charging it to full, I\u2019ve used the wireless keyboard for at least 50 hours now, and it is still going strong. Of course, I switched off every lighting on this keyboard to get this kind of battery life. Regardless, this wireless keyboard can definitely last quite a bit with the 2,000mAh battery.\n\n\nOh, have I mentioned that this keyboard charges via USB-C? Yes, it\u2019s worth repeating.\n\n\n\n\nI also quite like the RGB lighting of the MKA-17. With over 19 different lighting effects to choose from, you should be able to find at least one effect that you like. As mentioned, the backlighting is reasonably bright too, though I do wish it\u2019s possible to change the colour ofasd the lighting effects.\n\n\nThroughout my time with the MKA-17, its Bluetooth connection is stable when connected to my desktop system or laptop. On top of that, with a simple key combination, I can switch between three paired devices seamlessly. If you want to use the same keyboard across devices, you\u2019ll love this feature.\n\n\n\n\nBut most importantly, the MKA-17 is a reasonably affordable wireless mechanical keyboard, retailing at only RM299. Sure, this makes it Armaggeddon\u2019s most costly keyboard yet, but I do think it\u2019s a fair asking price for a keyboard of this pedigree. You\u2019d be hard-pressed to find for another wireless, mechanical keyboard at this price point.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nOne of my biggest qualms with the MKA-17 is its build quality in several areas. The scroll wheel to change the lighting effect doesn\u2019t feel very robust, the mostly plastic construction doesn\u2019t give the keyboard a particularly solid feel (though it does have a metal top cover), the keycaps get scratched easily, and the typing experience feels quite hollow, especially with the Blue switch model.\n\n\nGranted, it\u2019s a relatively affordable mechanical keyboard, so expectations have to be managed. Plus, a solid typing experience is usually a trait found on much more expensive keyboards.\n\n\nNotice the scratches on the bottom side of the keycaps\n\n\nAnother issue I have with the MKA-17 is a small one. While the battery life of this wireless keyboard is very respectable, I don\u2019t quite like the fact that it\u2019s not possible to check the battery percentage. In this case, not having any dedicated software for the keyboard is not a good thing.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nFor RM299, the Armaggeddon MKA-17 Avenger is a good buy, especially if you want an affordable wireless mechanical keyboard. It has good battery life, a decent typing experience, stable Bluetooth connection, and the RGB lighting is a nice addition. You\u2019re getting pretty good value for your money here.\n\n\n\n\nIf there\u2019s any shortcoming with the MKA-17, it would be the build quality and refinement of the keyboard. It would\u2019ve been great if it felt more solid with higher quality keycaps, but, again, this \nis\n an affordable wireless keyboard. Plus, the MKA-17 is still a feature-packed keyboard that will serve its purpose well.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the MKA-17 comes with a two-year warranty, which should give you peace of mind. If you\u2019re keen to get your hands on this wireless mechanical keyboard, you can do so over at Armaggeddon\u2019s official store on \nShopee\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nLazada\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-wh-1000xm4-images-leaked-manufactured-in-malaysia/", "title": "Sony WH-1000XM4 Images Leaked; Manufactured in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019ve been waiting for the successor to the excellent Sony WH-1000XM3 for quite some time now, and it seems like the wait is coming to an end soon. Not only has it been registered with our local certification body, SIRIM, we finally got a look at the design of the upcoming Sony WH-1000XM4 thanks to a new leak.\n\n\nThese leaked images of the WH-1000XM4 come from Brazil\u2019s Anatel, which is SIRIM\u2019s equivalent in the country. These images were tweeted by \nMishaal Rahman\n with English description, who got the original pictures from another Twitter user, \nEverton Favretto\n. Anyway, these images show the yet to be released wireless headphones in multiple angles.\n\n\n\n\nPhotos and the manual of the Sony WH-1000XM4, the successor to Sony's excellent XM3 Bluetooth wireless headphones, just went up on Brazil's Anatel (equivalent to the FCC).\nh/t \n@evefavretto\n \npic.twitter.com/sjXb4XaCN9\n\u2014 Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) \nMarch 6, 2020\n\n\n\n\nLooking at these alleged images of the WH-1000XM4, it bears a striking resemblance to its predecessor. It still comes with a USB Type-C port on the bottom for charging, along with the 3.5mm headphone jack. It\u2019s also worth noting that there\u2019s a label that shows the wireless headphones are manufactured right here in Malaysia, just like the XM3.\n\n\nOn top of that, the user manual of the WH-1000XM4 was leaked too. While it doesn\u2019t reveal much of the headphones specifications, it does state that the XM4 can last for up to 40 hours in wired mode with active noise cancellation switched on. That\u2019s reasonably good battery life.\n\n\nOther details mentioned in the manual include support for Bluetooth 5.0 and a \u201cspeak to chat\u201d function. The latter is quite vague, but it should be a new feature.\n\n\n\n\nChances are, the WH-1000XM4 will bring some notable upgrades over the XM3. Now that it ships with Bluetooth 5.0, it\u2019s possible the headphones will be able to pair with more than one device now; this is one of the biggest shortcomings of the current XM3 headphones. If it does pair with more than one device, the XM4 will be a lot more seamless to use with multiple audio sources.\n\n\nBesides that, it wouldn\u2019t be unreasonable to expect better active noise cancellation performance with the upcoming WH-1000XM4. Audio quality of the headphones could be further improved too, which would make the XM4 a worthy upgrade over its predecessor.\n\n\n\n\nGiven that the Sony WH-1000XM4 has been registered with our very own SIRIM and photographed by Brazil\u2019s Anatel, we reckon the wireless headphones will be made official very soon. But does that mean you shouldn\u2019t get the XM3 until then? Not necessarily, given that it\u2019s currently going for \nwell below its original\n \nasking price\n.\n\n\n(Source: \nTwitter (Mishaal Rahman)\n via \nAmanz\n)\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-find-x2-pro-unleashed-with-5g-120hz-qhd-display-65w-charging/", "title": "Oppo Find X2 Pro Unleashed with 5G, 120Hz QHD+ Display, 65W Charging", "body": "\n\nOppo just introduced its latest flagship smartphone, the Oppo Find X2 Pro. Sporting a fast 120Hz QHD+ display, 5G connectivity, and an impressive 65W charging rate, the Find X2 is quite a complete flagship device. In fact, it could very well be Oppo\u2019s best premium smartphone yet.\n\n\nWhat makes the Find X2 Pro such a compelling smartphone is the fast 120Hz display. Sure, even the \nSamsung Galaxy S20\n \nsmartphones\n\u2018 screens have this refresh rate, but what gives the X2 Pro an edge is the fact that the 120Hz option can be enabled even in QHD+ resolution. The S20 phones, on the other hand, can only be set to 120Hz at Full HD+ resolution.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the display itself, the Find X2 Pro has a 6.7-inch 3168 x 1440 OLED panel with a hole-punch cutout at the top left of the screen that houses the 32MP f/2.4 selfie camera. It\u2019s a searingly bright panel too, with a peak brightness of up to 1,200 nits. The dual curved nature of the screen is also a nice design element.\n\n\nPowering the Find X2 Pro is none other than Qualcomm\u2019s best chipset yet, the Snapdragon 865. Without a doubt this SoC will be able to deliver excellent performance, and in combination with the X55 modem, this flagship smartphone supports 5G connectivity as well.\n\n\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Find X2 Pro is quite capable too, topping the DxOMark ranking \nwith a total score of 124\n. It has a triple camera system made up of a 48MP f/1.7 primary shooter, a 48MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor, and a 13MP f/3.0 telephoto lens with a periscope structure.\n\n\nCollectively, this triple camera configuration can do 10x hybrid zoom. If you want to push it even further, it can even do up to 60x digital zoom, though we can\u2019t imagine the image output to be particularly great at that level of zoom. Nonetheless, it is a nice feature to have.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Find X2 Pro include 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM, 512GB of non-expandable storage, a 4,260mAh battery with support for 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 fast charging (the phone can supposedly be fully charged in only 38 minutes), an optical in-screen fingerprint sensor, and ColorOS 7.1 based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Find X2 Pro is certainly a promising flagship smartphone, and it\u2019s set to arrive here in Malaysia as early as next week on 10 March. We don\u2019t know yet how much it will cost locally, but we were told it will be priced quite competitively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-find-x2-pro-hands-on-oppos-best-flagship-to-date/", "title": "Oppo Find X2 Pro Hands-On: Oppo\u2019s Best Flagship to Date", "body": "\n\nOppo doesn\u2019t put a lot of focus in the flagship segment, so when the Oppo Find X2 Pro was officially introduced yesterday, it was quite an exciting announcement. After all, it succeeds the Find X, which was released back in 2018. The fact that the X2 Pro is also feature-packed makes it that much more attractive.\n\n\nI got to spend a brief time with the Find X2 Pro, and I\u2019d argue it is by far the Chinese company\u2019s most promising flagship smartphone to date. If priced right, not many premium-tier phones can stand toe-to-toe with it.\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with one of the most highlighted features of the Find X2 Pro: the 120Hz display. It may not be the first smartphone to offer this refresh rate, but it \nis\n the first to support 120Hz at QHD+ resolution. This is in contrast with its Korean rival, the \nSamsung Galaxy S20\n \nseries\n, which limits the 120Hz refresh rate to Full HD+ resolution only.\n\n\nBut does this make a lot of difference? Well, I can\u2019t say with absolute confidence I can tell the difference between FHD+ and QHD+, but the option is definitely there. This gives the Find X2 Pro an edge over the Galaxy S20 series, even if the advantage of QHD+ at 120Hz refresh rate is not immediately noticeable.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the screen quality itself, the Find X2 Pro\u2019s 6.7-inch 3168 x 1440 OLED panel looks great with vibrant colours and wide viewing angles. Given that this is an OLED display, it has very deep blacks too, making it ideal for content consumption. Basically, you will get a very pleasant screen to look at with this flagship smartphone.\n\n\nAnother unique selling point of the Find X2 is its impressive 65W charging rate, thanks to the company\u2019s propriety SuperVOOC 2.0 technology. This fast charging rate is made possible with the two-series connected cells of the phone, which are rated at 2,130mAh each. Combined, it\u2019s a reasonably generous 4,260mAh battery; Oppo says that this cell capacity be fully charged in only 38 minutes.\n\n\nOf course, whether or not SuperVOOC 2.0 can truly deliver this level of charging rate can only be tested in a full review of this phone.\n\n\n\n\nDesign wise, the Find X2 Pro is a handsome smartphone. I love the feel of the ceramic back panel, the dual curved screen feels great in my hands, and the bezels surrounding the display are relatively minimal. I also like that the hole-punch cutout at the top left of the screen for the 32MP f/2.4 selfie camera is quite small, so it doesn\u2019t look particularly intrusive.\n\n\nWhen it comes to performance, the Find X2 Pro is no slouch. Powering this smartphone is none other than the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, the chipmaker\u2019s best SoC to date. While I haven\u2019t run any graphically demanding games on the phone yet, I reckon the X2 Pro can take whatever I throw at it. It also helps that this phone comes with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB of fast UFS 3.0 storage.\n\n\nFor biometric security, the Find X2 Pro features an optical in-screen fingerprint sensor, and it is blazing quick. While it\u2019s still not quite as fast or as accurate as conventional capacitive sensors, it doesn\u2019t feel cumbersome to use, and that\u2019s important.\n\n\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the camera performance of the Find X2 Pro. Unlike other flagship smartphones\u2019 wide array of camera lenses, the X2 Pro \u201conly\u201d has a triple camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP f/1.7 primary shooter, a 48MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor, and a 13MP f/3.0 telephoto lens with a periscope structure.\n\n\nOptically, the 13MP f/3.0 telephoto camera can only do 5x zoom, but Oppo is emphasising the 10x \u201chybrid zoom\u201d capability of the sensor. On top of that, it can even do up to a whopping 60x digital zoom. Shots taken at 10x zoom still look rather good in my testing, but at 60x, detail preservation and colour reproduction suffer quite a bit.\n\n\n\n\nBut as a whole, I\u2019m quite impressed with the camera performance of the Find X2 Pro. The primary and ultra-wide angle sensors can take great-looking shots, the camera interface is responsive, and it can lock in focus \nvery\n quickly. However, I can\u2019t say the same for the telephoto sensor, which has a tendency to hunt for focus.\n\n\nRegardless, I cannot wait to put the Find X2 Pro\u2019s triple camera system through its paces. After all, there must be a reason why it\u2019s at the top of DxOMark\u2019s ranking for mobile devices, with an impressive \ntotal score of 124\n. That puts it in the same league as the \nXiaomi Mi 10 Pro\n, which shares the same total score.\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Find X2 Pro is the Chinese company\u2019s most complete flagship smartphone yet. It is IP68-rated (finally), it has a fast, vibrant 120Hz display, its camera performance is very promising, and it features flagship-tier performance courtesy of the Snapdragon 865 chipset.\n\n\nIf there\u2019s anything that could be improved upon, it would be the addition of expandable storage and a 3.5mm headphone jack, though this phone does come with 512GB of internal storage as standard. Beyond that, the Find X2 Pro really does seem like an extremely competent flagship smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nThe only thing that\u2019s left now is for Oppo Malaysia to reveal the price of the X2 Pro for our market. The phone maker says that it will be priced competitively here, but it\u2019s worth noting that in Europe, this phone goes for \u20ac1,199, which comes up to about RM5,645. Granted, this price tag includes VAT, so expect the X2 Pro to cost less in markets outside of Europe.\n\n\nBut exactly how much less the Find X2 Pro will cost once it\u2019s made available here in Malaysia still remains to be seen. We\u2019ll find out for ourselves once the flagship smartphone is launched locally on 10 March next week.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-10-series-arriving-in-malaysia-soon-global-launch-on-27-march/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi 10 Series Arriving in Malaysia Soon; Global Launch on 27 March", "body": "\n\nAfter the initial delay caused by the cancellation of Mobile World Congress 2020, the \nXiaomi Mi 10\n series\u2019 global launch is finally taking place on 27 March. While it was officially unveiled in China last month, the global launch could mark the availability of the flagship smartphones in other markets, including Malaysia.\n\n\nIn fact, there\u2019s a very good chance the Mi 10 series will be sold in Malaysia very, very soon. While we were going through SIRIM\u2019s database, we noticed that Xiaomi Malaysia registered a device with the model number M2001J2G on 6 March. We can\u2019t quite pinpoint whether this is the regular Mi 10 or Mi 10 Pro, but it\u2019s definitely one of the two smartphones.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven that the Mi 10 series has shown up in SIRIM\u2019s database, we reckon Xiaomi Malaysia is gearing up to launch its latest flagship smartphones on our shores. For comparison, its predecessor, the \nXiaomi Mi 9\n, was introduced here on 3 April 2019. It\u2019s entirely possible the Mi 10 series will be made available here around the same time.\n\n\nOut of the two devices in the series, the Mi 10 Pro is naturally the higher-end smartphone. The headline feature is its quad camera system, which is made up of a 108MP f/1.69 primary shooter \u2013 it outputs 27MP images by default thanks to the use of pixel binning to improve performance \u2013 a 12MP f/2.0 telephoto lens (50mm), a longer 8MP f/2.0 telephoto sensor (94mm), and a 20MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter.\n\n\nAs for the standard Mi 10, it has the same 108MP primary sensor, but the other three sensors are not quite as sophisticated. It has a 13MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle shooter, a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor.\n\n\n\n\nBesides the different camera configuration, both the Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro share quite a bit of hardware. These include a Snapdragon 865 chipset paired with up to 12GB of RAM, a 6.67-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display with a fast 90Hz refresh rate, 512GB of non-expandable storage (256GB for the Mi 10), as well as 5G connectivity.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of these two phone are a 20MP f/2.0 selfie camera, an in-screen optical fingerprint sensor, and a 4,780mAh battery for the Mi 10. Oddly enough, despite its Pro moniker, the higher-end Mi 10 Pro comes with a slightly smaller 4,500mAh cell.\n\n\n\n\nThe global launch of the Xiaomi Mi 10 series will be happening on 27 March. Now that the Mi 10 has been registered with SIRIM, we expect the flagship series to arrive here in Malaysia soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-march-special-3onus-offers-up-to-rm10000-discount-on-selected-models/", "title": "Honda March Special 3onus Offers up to RM10,000 Discount on Selected Models", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re considering to get a new Honda car, good news: the Japanese car maker is offering up to RM10,000 discount on selected models for its March Special \u201c3onus\u201d promotion. These include the popular Honda City, Jazz, HR-V, CR-V, and even the fully-imported (CBU) Honda Odyssey MPV.\n\n\nThis promotion include 2019 and 2020 models, and as expected, the best deals are reserved for the former. The discounts are divided into three parts: a \u201cthank you bonus,\u201d March rebate, and an additional RM500 discount given either in cash form or a petrol card.\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s get to the discounts, starting with the 2019 models. The total savings start from RM4,000 for the petrol variants of the HR-V, and it goes up to RM4,500 for all trim levels of the CR-V. The compact B-segment hatchback, Jazz, on the other hand, gets RM5,000 discount. As for its sedan counterpart, the City, you can get RM6,000 in savings \u2013 that\u2019s quite a bit of money. Lastly, there\u2019s the Odyssey, which also receives RM6,000 discount.\n\n\nIf you want even \nmore\n savings, consider the hybrid variants of the HR-V, City, and Jazz. The B-segment hybrid cars get RM9,000 in total savings, while the HR-V Hybrid receives a whopping RM10,000 discount. In fact, the HR-V Hybrid gets the highest amount of cashback in this promotion.\n\n\n\n\nNot keen to get 2019 models? Then the discounts for the 2020 makes could catch your fancy. Naturally, these savings are not quite as generous, but they\u2019re still quite attractive. Four 2020 models are discounted for this promotion: the CR-V, HR-V, City, and Jazz. Do note that there are no 2020 hybrid variants on offer for the latter three models.\n\n\nSo how much saving will you get for these 2020 models? It starts from RM2,000 for the HR-V, which goes up to RM2,500 for the compact Jazz. The City and CR-V, on the other hand, each receives RM3,000 in rebate. These total savings are the same across all trim levels for the respective four models.\n\n\n\n\nHonda\u2019s March Special 3onus promotion is currently ongoing, but do note that it is only applicable for vehicles registered in March 2020. These discounts are also only valid which stocks last, so you may want to act quickly to secure these savings.\n\n\nWondering why the \nHonda Civic facelift\n and \nnew Honda Accord\n are not part of this promotion? Given that these two models were only launched a couple of weeks ago, it\u2019s not much of a surprise.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-find-x2-pro-with-512gb-storage-5g-retails-at-rm4599-in-malaysia/", "title": "Oppo Find X2 Pro With 512GB Storage & 5G Retails at RM4,599 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nThe Oppo Find X2 series has just been launched in Malaysia, and we finally know the local pricing of the two 5G smartphones in the lineup. The standard Find X2 retails at RM3,999, while the higher-end \nFind X2 Pro\n goes for RM4,599. While these are unmistakably steep price tags, you do get a lot for your money with these two devices.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the more exciting phone of the two, the Find X2 Pro. One of the most highlighted features of this flagship is its triple camera system, which is made up of a 48MP f/1.7 primary shooter, a 48MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor, and a 13MP f/3.0 telephoto lens with a periscope structure. Collectively, this camera configuration offers 10x \u201chybrid zoom,\u201d with up to a whopping 60x digital zoom.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, it\u2019s also worth noting that the Find X2 Pro\u2019s camera performance earns it the top spot in DxOMark\u2019s ranking for mobile devices. With an impressive total score of 124, this phone is in the same league as the \nXiaomi Mi 10 Pro\n, which shares the same score.\n\n\nBeyond its camera setup, the Find X2 Pro also comes with a fast 120Hz 6.7-inch 1440p OLED screen with a hole-punch cutout at the top left of the screen for the 32MP f/2.4 selfie camera. What makes this display particularly attractive is the fact that it still supports 120Hz refresh rate even in 1440p; this is not possible with the \nSamsung Galaxy S20\n \nseries\n.\n\n\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Find X2 Pro include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset paired with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM, an in-screen optical fingerprint sensor, 512GB of fast UFS 3.0 storage (not expandable, however), and a 4,260mAh battery with support for Oppo\u2019s proprietary 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 fast charging technology.\n\n\nAs for the more affordable Find X2, it shares many of the Pro variant\u2019s hardware, though it comes with a less sophisticated triple camera setup. It consists of a 48MP f/1.7 primary shooter, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor, and a 13MP f/2.4 telephoto lens. The battery capacity is also slightly smaller at 4,200mAh, with half the internal storage of the Pro at 256GB.\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Find X2 and Find X2 Pro are now \navailable for pre-order\n in Malaysia. The regular Find X2 will be available on 14 March, while the Pro model is arriving later on 21 March. All pre-orders will receive a complimentary VOOC Powerbank, a one-year extended warranty, and 90 days of screen protection. In total, all of these are said to be worth RM528.\n\n\nIf you want to try your luck, you can also attend Oppo\u2019s roadshow for the Find X2 series at Pavilion KL. The first 100 pre-order or walk-in customers will walk away with an Oppo Enco Free wireless earbuds, which are worth RM499. More information on the roadshow can be found \nhere\n. Curious to learn more about the Find X2 Pro? Then check out \nour hands-on\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/msi-gs66-stealth-gaming-laptop-with-300hz-screen-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "MSI GS66 Stealth Gaming Laptop With 300Hz Screen Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nInitially unveiled at CES 2020, the thin and light MSI GS66 Stealth seems to be making its way to Malaysia soon. Sporting an incredibly fast 300Hz display and a very generous 99.9WHr battery, the GS66 is one impressive gaming laptop.\n\n\nAs usual, we were combing through SIRIM\u2019s database when we noticed that the GS66 was registered under two applicants just today: Ingram Micro Malaysia and VSTECS Astar. These two companies are reputable distributors on our shores, and since the gaming laptop have appeared in SIRIM, it\u2019s possible MSI Malaysia will be launching the new gaming laptop locally soon.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the GS66 Stealth a particularly enticing gaming machine is its extremely fast 15.6-inch 1080p 300Hz screen. In a market flooded by gaming laptops with 120Hz or 144Hz panels, the GS66 definitely has the unique factor in this respect. While most games won\u2019t be able to run at that refresh rate \u2013 especially on more graphically demanding games \u2013 we reckon competitive gamers will appreciate this fast screen.\n\n\nBesides that, the GS66 is also equipped with a huge 99.9WHr battery. Even though MSI did not give any estimate on the battery life of this gaming laptop, it\u2019s safe to assume it will be quite long-lasting. After all, that\u2019s practically the biggest battery capacity that can be fitted into a laptop before it\u2019s not allowed to be brought on a flight \u2013 100WHr is the limit.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, fitting such a large battery into the GS66\u2019s chassis does make it a heavier, thicker laptop than its predecessor, the GS65. For comparison, the previous iteration weighed 1.9kg, while the GS66 tips the scales at about 2.1kg. Its chassis, on the other hand, measures 19.8mm thin, compared to the GS65\u2019s 17.9mm thin profile.\n\n\nUnfortunately, other specifications of the GS66 have not been revealed yet, even though it\u2019s been two months since its debut at CES 2020. The processor options, for one, are only said to be from Intel\u2019s 10th generation Comet Lake-H CPUs, which have not been officially announced yet by the chipmaker.\n\n\nSame goes for the GS66\u2019s GPU: MSI only mentioned that the gaming laptop will be packing Nvidia\u2019s latest RTX GPUs. Given the vagueness surrounding the GS66\u2019s key hardware, there\u2019s a good chance it will come with the next generation of Nvidia\u2019s GPUs. Perhaps the mobile version of the company\u2019s Super graphics cards?\n\n\n\n\nRegardless, we expect to hear more about the Malaysian availability of the MSI GS66 in the coming weeks, now that it\u2019s been registered with SIRIM. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how much this premium thin and light gaming laptop will go for once it\u2019s officially available here.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nMSI GS66 Stealth With New 10th Gen Core i9 & RTX 2080 Super Now in Malaysia for RM16,999\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-swift-5-quick-review-excellent-lightweight-productivity-laptop/", "title": "Acer Swift 5 Quick Review: Excellent Lightweight Productivity Laptop", "body": "\n\nLightweight, premium productivity laptops usually don\u2019t come cheap, but the Acer Swift 5 is the exception here. Not only does it weigh only 990g \u2013 that\u2019s \nridiculously\n light \u2013 it\u2019s also a relatively affordable laptop that offers good value for money, sleek design, and decent performance.\n\n\nWhile it doesn\u2019t particularly excel in any one area, the Swift 5 does everything just right in a very portable and lightweight chassis, and that makes it a pretty darn attractive laptop.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n14-inch FHD IPS touch-enabled (1920 x 1080)\nProcessor\nIntel Core i5-1035G1 quad-core (1.0GHz with Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz, 6MB cache)\nGPU\nNvidia GeForce MX250 2GB GDDR5 VRAM\nRAM\n8GB LPDDR4 \nStorage\n512GB PCIe SSD\nCamera\nHD resolution\nBattery\n56WHr\nDimensions\n318.7 x 210.5 x 14.95 mm\nWeight\n990g\nAudio\nBottom-firing stereo speakers\nPorts\n1x USB 3.1 Type-C (Thunderbolt 3)\n1x USB 3.1 Type-A\n1x USB 2.0 Type-A\n1x HDMI\nPrice\nRM3,699 (Core i5), RM3,999 (Core i5, MX250), RM4,699 (Core i7, Iris Plus Graphics, 16GB RAM)\n\n\nThere are three variants of the Swift 5 for the Malaysian market, and the one in this review is the RM3,999 Core i5 model with an MX250 dedicated GPU. In my opinion, this is the variant to get if you want the best mix of processing power and graphics performance, given that the other two variants don\u2019t have any dedicated graphics card.\n\n\n\n\nOverall, the Swift 5 is a well-equipped productivity laptop. The Core i5-1035G1 processor is more than enough for most productivity tasks, the MX250 is good enough for some light gaming, and with a 14.95mm chassis, this is without a doubt a slim notebook. You should be able to slide it into your backpack effortlessly.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nOf course, one of the best reasons to get the Swift 5 has to be for its ridiculously lightweight nature. As mentioned, it weighs \nmerely 990g\n, and it feels very surreal every time I pick up this 14-inch laptop. Needless to say, I can barely feel the weight of the Swift 5 when I\u2019m carrying it around in my backpack.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, this is quite a sleek-looking laptop too, and I especially like the Moonstone White colourway pictured here. The thin bezels surrounding the Swift 5\u2019s 14-inch display also give it a modern aesthetic, though I do wish the bottom bezel was a tad smaller to further reduce the footprint of this laptop.\n\n\nDisplay quality of the Swift 5\u2019s 14-inch 1080p IPS panel is quite good as well. It can get bright enough for comfortable use outdoors, the matte finish helps to minimise glare, and I appreciate the fact that this is a touch-enabled screen. Usually, laptops with a touchscreen come with glossy panels.\n\n\n\n\nThroughout my time with the Swift 5, I never encountered any performance-related issue. Granted, I only did light photo editing, a ton of web browsing, and word processing with this machine, but that\u2019s really the usage scenario of a laptop in this segment. It\u2019d be unrealistic to expect the Core i5-1035G1 and MX250 combo to handle heavy video editing or intensive gaming.\n\n\nThat being said, you \ncan\n do some gaming on the Swift 5, provided it\u2019s not too graphically demanding. With the right graphics settings, I managed to get over 60fps in Diablo III. Even with maxed out settings, the MX250 can churn out over 30fps \u2013 that is a very playable frame rate.\n\n\nIf there\u2019s any hardware that a productivity laptop absolutely need to excel in, it would be the keyboard. In the case of the Swift 5, its keyboard is reasonably good. It\u2019s not the best keyboard I\u2019ve ever used on a laptop, but the keys do have enough travel to not feel shallow. The tactility of the keyboard is good too, which make for a comfortable typing experience.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the Swift 5\u2019s battery life. Acer\u2019s quoted battery life for this laptop is up to 12.5 hours, but in my testing, I only managed to get seven to eight hours of use on a single charge. This isn\u2019t exactly fantastic battery life, but it is not terrible by any means either. To get this level of battery life, I set the power mode to power saver with the screen dimmed to a comfortable brightness.\n\n\nOverall, these qualities make the Swift 5 a joy to use as my daily driver, but it does have its fair share of shortcomings.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWhile the Swift 5\u2019s keyboard is pleasant to use, I can\u2019t say the same for the trackpad. It\u2019s accurate enough when I\u2019m using it to surf the web and what not, but it\u2019s not \nquite as sensitive\n as I would\u2019ve liked, especially when I need to do more precise selections. If the trackpad was a little bit more responsive to my inputs, it would be a lot more pleasant to use.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Swift 5\u2019s selection of ports are not super great either. Not only does it lack any form of card reader \u2013 it doesn\u2019t even have a microSD card slot \u2013 it also has only one USB-C connection that isn\u2019t even accessible when you\u2019re charging the laptop. Thankfully, it still offers two USB-A ports, so it\u2019s not too bad.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nRetailing from only RM3,699, the Acer Swift 5 is notably more affordable than other productivity laptops while offering an incredibly lightweight chassis, a generous 512GB SSD storage, and a sleek-looking design. If you want some extra graphics performance, I highly recommend this RM3,999 option, which adds on an MX250 dedicated GPU for only RM300 more.\n\n\n\n\nAt these price points, the Swift 5 is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a lightweight productivity laptop that offers great value for money. Despite its finicky trackpad and limited connectivity options, you\u2019d be hard-pressed to find for a better alternative in this price range. This is especially true if you want a laptop as lightweight as the Swift 5.\n\n\nAfter all, there are only a handful of 14-inch laptops that weigh below 1kg, and the Swift 5 is the most affordable one you can find in the Malaysian market now.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/call-of-duty-warzone-is-an-accessible-beginner-friendly-battle-royale/", "title": "Call of Duty: Warzone Is an Accessible, Beginner-Friendly Battle Royale", "body": "\n\nOver the past few years, many battle royale (BR) games have flooded the market. PlayerUnknown\u2019s Battlegrounds really started the whole craze, followed by arguably even more successful titles like \nFortnite \nand \nApex Legends\n. The latest entry in this genre to take on these big titles is from an equally big franchise \u2013 Call of Duty: Warzone.\n\n\nNot only is it free to play, Warzone is also a very accessible BR game in the sense that even the most casual of gamers can thoroughly enjoy it. On top of that, it also has a number of unique elements not found in other games of its kind, which adds a breath of fresh air to the BR genre.\n\n\nIf BR games were never quite your thing, give Warzone a chance \u2013 it might surprise you.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes Call of Duty: Warzone particularly different from other BR games is what happens after you\u2019ve been eliminated. In PUBG, for example, you\u2019re done the moment you kicked the bucket. It\u2019s a punishing mechanic, and to address this, Apex Legends \u2013 followed by Fortnite \u2013 introduced a way for teammates to revive you after you\u2019ve been eliminated.\n\n\nWarzone, on the other hand, takes this a step further. There\u2019s still the same mechanic of reviving your fallen teammates with in-game cash earned in every match, but that\u2019s not the only way to get back into the game. After your first death in Warzone, you\u2019ll be taken to a gulag to duke it out with another eliminated player.\n\n\nFrom here, all you need to do is to win the one on one match to be redeployed back to the field to join your teammates. Pretty cool, right?\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, you can even purchase a self-revive kit from buy stations scattered throughout the map. This, along with the gulag and ability to revive teammates with cash you\u2019ve collected in every new match, give players plenty of second chances. So even if you\u2019re not particularly great at BR games, all of these mechanics ensure that not all deaths are frustrating.\n\n\nBesides that, the inventory system is Warzone is very simplified too. In fact, there\u2019s actually\u2026no inventory system to speak of. Instead, you can carry two primary weapons, a couple of bombs, and armor plates. Ammo, on the other hand, are picked up automatically when you walk over them, so you don\u2019t need to juggle various types of ammo in your inventory at all.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of armor plates, that\u2019s the only kind of protection Warzone offers. In the beginning of the game, you\u2019re equipped with two armor plates, and you can put on another one if you manage to find any in the battlefield. In essence, you can equip up to three armor plates, and you can carry another five in your reserve.\n\n\nIt\u2019s a very simple armor system, and I absolutely love it. I don\u2019t have to worry about getting helmets or armors of a specific level for the best protection, and it\u2019s easy to equip more armor plates as and when necessary with the single tap of a button. This, complemented by the regenerating health bar, is very beginner-friendly.\n\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, in Warzone, your health bar will regenerate back to full when you haven\u2019t received any damage in a fixed period of time. In other BR games, if you\u2019re low on health and out of med kits, you would have to resort to more defensive plays. Let\u2019s be honest here: that\u2019s not a very fun thing to do.\n\n\nThanks to the regenerating health bar, Warzone encourages a more active, dynamic approach to battle. You won\u2019t have to hide and patch yourself up for the next skirmish anymore, and taking damage \u2013 so long as it\u2019s not lethal \u2013 is a lot more forgiving than other games of this genre.\n\n\nI\u2019m also a big fan of the combat system in Warzone, which is attuned to those who are not particularly keen to their environment, like myself. See, whenever someone drives a vehicle or fires a weapon in your vicinity, a red dot will appear in the mini-map. The game will even show you the direction of the enemy in the compass above you.\n\n\n\n\nInstead of trying to determine the direction of enemies based on audio cues in games like PUBG, these red dots make it incredibly easy to spot enemies in Warzone. On top of that, opposing players using scopes aiming at your direction will also give out lens flare, so you won\u2019t be caught off-guard (too much) by sneaky sniper shots.\n\n\nGraphically, Warzone looks good too, and you don\u2019t need a particularly powerful GPU to get more than 60fps on PC. I played the game with a \nmodest Radeon RX 580 GPU\n paired with an AMD Ryzen 5 2600 processor, and I was getting more than 60fps consistently at 1080p with the graphics settings maxed out.\n\n\n\n\nAs far as battle royale games go, Call of Duty: Warzone is by far one of the most accessible, beginner-friendly games of its kind. The combat system is easy to grasp, spotting enemies isn\u2019t super difficult, and there are plenty of ways to get back into the battlefield even after you\u2019ve been eliminated. Permadeath is one of the most punishing and frustrating aspects of BR games, and Warzone implemented a very smart mechanic to address it.\n\n\nBeyond that, Warzone is simply a blast to play, especially with friends to form a three-man squad. Unfortunately, that\u2019s the only mode available at the moment, and I\u2019m personally hoping for a solo mode in the near future. Until then, I\u2019ll still be having a lot of fun in Warzone, even if I\u2019m paired with two other strangers.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/its-official-samsung-galaxy-z-flip-coming-to-malaysia/", "title": "It\u2019s Official: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Coming to Malaysia", "body": "\n\nA few weeks ago, we spotted the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip\n in \nSIRIM\u2019s database\n. Fast forward to today, the product page of the foldable smartphone is now up on \nSamsung Malaysia\u2019s website\n. This basically confirms the imminent arrival of the Z Flip on our shores.\n\n\nUnfortunately, that\u2019s all the details we have on the Galaxy Z Flip. The exact availability and local pricing of the foldable smartphone have not been revealed yet. But given that the device has already appeared in Samsung Malaysia\u2019s website, we expect to learn more about the phone\u2019s local availability in the coming weeks.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the Galaxy Z Flip such a unique smartphone is its foldable nature. But unlike the \nSamsung Galaxy Fold\n\u2018s tablet-like nature, the Z Flip sports a clamshell design, which is similar to the form factor of the new \nMotorola Razr\n. it\u2019s a \u201cmodern flip phone,\u201d if you will, and it\u2019s a lot more pocketable than the bulkier Fold.\n\n\nThe Galaxy Z Flip\u2019s screen itself is a 6.7-inch 2636 x 1080 Dynamic AMOLED \u201cInfinity Flex\u201d Display. Just like the \nSamsung Galaxy S20\n \nsmartphones\n, there\u2019s a hole-punch cutout at the top of the screen for the 10MP f/2.4 selfie camera. It\u2019s also quite a tall screen, with a 21.9:9 aspect ratio.\n\n\n\n\nPowering the Galaxy Z Flip is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ chipset. While it\u2019s not quite as new as the latest Snapdragon 865 or Samsung\u2019s Exynos 990 SoC, the 855+ can still deliver very respectable performance. After all, it\u2019s the same chipset found in, say, the \nAsus ROG Phone II\n gaming smartphone.\n\n\nBattery life of the Galaxy Z Flip should be reasonably good too, thanks to its 3,300mAh battery. It\u2019s not the largest battery capacity we\u2019ve seen on a smartphone, but given the phone\u2019s rather compact chassis and unique two-part construction, it\u2019s a respectable capacity.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Galaxy Z Flip include a dual camera system (12MP f/1.8 primary + 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor), 8GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nNow that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip is promoted on Samsung Malaysia\u2019s website, it\u2019s only a matter of time before it\u2019s officially launched here in Malaysia. Rest assured, we\u2019ll keep a close eye on the local availability of the Z Flip. In the meantime, check out \nour hands-on of the foldable smartphone\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-with-unannounced-gtx-1650-ti-gpu-listings-leak-priced-upwards-of-rm5000/", "title": "Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 With Unannounced GTX 1650 Ti GPU Listings Leak; Priced Upwards of RM5,000", "body": "\n\nThe compact Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 gaming laptop is slated to be available globally sometime this month, and it could be happening very soon: listings of the G14 have \nstarted appearing online\n. If these listings are accurate, the 14-inch gaming laptop could go for upwards of RM5,000.\n\n\nListings of the ROG Zephyrus G14 came from \nAmazon China\n and \nNewegg Canada\n. For the Chinese market, the G14 with an AMD Ryzen 7 4800HS processor is \nlisted at 10,094.20 Chinese yuan\n (about RM6,145) for the Nvidia GTX 1650 Ti model; it\u2019s worth noting that this GPU has not even been announced yet. The higher-end GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q variant, on the other hand, \nretails for 11,776.64 yuan\n (approximately RM7,170) on Amazon China.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\ud83d\ude0e CAD\nRelease Date: 03/16/2020 \npic.twitter.com/GUHpJIMuMx\n\u2014 188\u53f7 (@momomo_us) \nMarch 10, 2020\n\n\n\n\nAs for the listing on Newegg Canada, the Zephyrus G14 is noticeably more affordable. The GTX 1660 Ti variant of the gaming laptop with a Ryzen 7 4800HS processor, for one, is listed at CA$1,699 \u2013 that\u2019s around RM5,235. The beefier RTX 2060 model with a faster Ryzen 9 4900HS processor and the AniMe Matrix LED dot-matrix display, on the other hand, costs CA$2,499 (about RM7,705).\n\n\nAt these price points, the Zephyrus G14 is without a doubt positioned as a premium gaming laptop. After all, it is a compact, lightweight machine with a reasonably slim chassis. This combination of features \u2013 especially for a gaming laptop \u2013 do not come cheap, and these price tags certainly reflect that.\n\n\nOf course, there is a chance these early listings are subject to change, so it may not reflect the official price tags of the Zephyrus G14. That being said, don\u2019t expect it to be much more affordable that what these listings are suggesting.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the ROG Zephyrus G14 has already been registered with SIRIM, so it\u2019s possible Asus Malaysia is preparing to launch the compact gaming laptop on our shores soon. With its very promising choice of 7nm Ryzen 4000 series processors, fast 120Hz 14-inch 1080p display, and generous amount of SSD and RAM storage, it\u2019s an attractive laptop, especially if you want a portable gaming machine.\n\n\nNonetheless, now that multiple listings of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 have appeared online, we reckon the compact gaming laptop will also be arriving here in Malaysia very, very soon. It\u2019ll be interesting to see just how well the new Ryzen 4000 processor \u2013 and the unannounced GTX 1650 Ti GPU \u2013 would perform with the G14.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/exclusive-new-dell-xps-13-2020-variant-now-in-malaysia-for-rm5999/", "title": "Exclusive: New Dell XPS 13 (2020) Variant Now in Malaysia for RM5,999", "body": "\n\nWhen the new \nDell XPS 13\n was \nintroduced in Malaysia\n, it retails from RM6,899, which is quite a steep starting price. If you wanted a more affordable variant of the premium productivity laptop, good news: it appears Dell just introduced a new option of the XPS 13.\n\n\nWe first spotted this new variant of the XPS 13 on \nDell\u2019s online store\n. Previously, the laptop can only be purchased with an Intel Core i7 processor, but that\u2019s no longer the case. Now, there\u2019s a Core i5-1035G1 variant of the premium notebook, which retails at just under RM6,000.\n\n\n\n\nFor RM5,999 (well, RM5,998.99, to be specific), this variant of the XPS 13 offers the aforementioned Core i5-1035G1 processor paired with 8GB of RAM, a 13.4-inch 1920 x 1200 InfinityEdge non-touch display with an anti-glare coating, 512GB of fast M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD storage, Intel UHD Graphics, and Windows 10 Home out of the box.\n\n\nIf that\u2019s not quite enough processing power or storage for your needs, you can still opt for the highest-end configuration of the XPS 13. This range-topping RM7,799 model comes with a much sharper 13.4-inch 3840 x 2400 touch-enabled display, a Core i7-1065G7 processor paired with 16GB of RAM, and a whopping 1TB SSD.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the new XPS 13 brings a number of new features. The display, for one, is now a slightly bigger 13.4-inch screen with a taller 16:10 aspect ratio. The bottom bezel of the display is also very minimal, giving the laptop a much sleeker-looking design with very little bezels on all four sides of the screen.\n\n\nBesides that, the latest iteration of the XPS 13 retains the webcam at the top of the screen; it even comes with Windows Hello support now. That\u2019s quite an impressive feat for such a tiny camera module. If you don\u2019t want to enable the facial recognition feature, you can use the fingerprint sensor  built into the power button instead for biometric security.\n\n\nOther specifications of the XPS 13 include a new keyboard that stretches edge-to-edge (allowing the keys to be 9% larger), two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 support, a microSD card reader, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB-C to USB-A adapter bundled with the laptop.\n\n\n\n\nThe new Dell XPS 13, including the new RM5,999 option, can now be purchased on \nDell\u2019s online store\n. All variants of the premium laptop  also come with a complimentary laptop sleeve.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-note-9-series-official-with-fresh-new-design-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Redmi Note 9 Series Official With Fresh New Design; Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nRedmi just unveiled its latest mid-range series in India, the Redmi Note 9. Two devices are in the lineup: the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max, and the \u201cstandard\u201d Redmi Note 9 Pro. Unlike their predecessors, the Redmi Note 9 smartphones sport a new design language.\n\n\nNext to the \nRedmi Note 8 series\n, it\u2019s not immediately obvious the new Redmi Note 9 smartphones are the successors. Unlike their predecessors\u2019 notched displays, the Note 9 series features a hole-punch cutout at the top of the screen, right in the centre. In fact, this is aesthetically similar to the \nSamsung \nGalaxy S20\n\u2018s design.\n\n\n\n\nOn the back, gone are the vertically stacked camera module in favour of a square one. It houses a 64MP f/1.89 primary shooter (48MP f/1.79 for the standard Redmi Note 9 Pro), an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle camera, a 5MP macro lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor.\n\n\nUnfortunately, there\u2019s no telephoto shooter here, which isn\u2019t really a surprise. After all, their predecessors didn\u2019t have one either. As for the selfie camera, the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max has a 32MP front-facing sensor, while the Redmi Note 9 Pro comes with a 16MP shooter instead.\n\n\n\n\nBesides the front-facing camera, there are a couple more differences between the Pro Max and Pro models. The Pro Max supports 33W fast charging, while the Pro can only do 18W. Besides that, the highest RAM option of the Pro Max goes up to 8GB; the Pro model maxes out at 6GB.\n\n\nBeyond these differences, the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max and Redmi Note 9 Pro share the same hardware. These include a 6.67-inch 2400 x 1080 IPS display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G chipset, as well as a generous 5,020mAh battery. Rounding out the specifications of both phones include a 3.5mm headphone jack, an IR blaster, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nThe Redmi Note 9 Pro will be available in India from 17 March onwards, while the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max will arrive slightly later in the same market on 25 March. The Note 9 Pro retails from 12,999 Indian rupee (about RM745), while the Note 9 Pro Max starts at 14,999 rupee (approximately RM860).\n\n\nThere\u2019s no word yet whether or not the new Redmi Note 9 series will be available outside of India, but we did spot the newly launched smartphone in SIRIM\u2019s database. It\u2019s registered under Xiaomi Malaysia with the model number M2003J6A1G, so it\u2019s entirely possible the Redmi Note 9 smartphones will be launched here in the near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-magicbook-laptop-launching-in-malaysia-this-month/", "title": "Honor MagicBook Laptop Launching in Malaysia This Month", "body": "\n\nAs promised, Honor is expanding its lineup of products in Malaysia, starting with the Honor MagicBook. This is the Chinese company\u2019s productivity-focused laptop, and it is slated to be launched on our shores sometime this month.\n\n\nHowever, do note that this is not the \nlatest iteration of the MagicBook\n that we tested back in November 2019. Rather, this model is one generation behind, so you don\u2019t get the sexy new bezel-less display of the current model. Regardless, the MagicBook could still be an attractive productivity laptop if it\u2019s priced right for our market.\n\n\n\n\nCuriously, only the AMD variant of the MagicBook will be introduced here. It features an AMD Ryzen 5-3500U processor paired with 8GB of RAM, along with a Radeon Vega 8 GPU. It\u2019s not an awfully powerful GPU, but it should be able to deliver reasonably good frame rates in less demanding games like Dota 2.\n\n\nBesides that, the MagicBook has a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display that can get reasonably bright with vibrant colours. That being said, the viewing angles aren\u2019t as wide as expected; the panel noticeably dims when looking at the screen from an angle. Nonetheless, the display also has a matte finish, which should help minimise glare.\n\n\nWhen it comes to storage, the MagicBook offers a generous 512GB SSD; only this sole variant will be sold in Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\nConnectivity options of the MagicBook, on the other hand, are decent. It has a single USB-C port \u2013 it\u2019s used for charging and data transfer \u2013 two USB-A ports, an HDMI output, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Not the most complete selection of ports, but certainly not the worst either.\n\n\nAny productivity laptop worth its salt has to have a good set of keyboard and trackpad. In the case of the MagicBook, it\u2019s\u2026okay. While the trackpad is quite accurate with a smooth surface, the keyboard isn\u2019t particularly great. The thing is, it has limited key travel, giving it a shallow feel.\n\n\nOn top of that, the MagicBook\u2019s keyboard doesn\u2019t have very pronounced tactile feedback either, so you don\u2019t know exactly when you\u2019ve actuated the keys. But there is one saving grace: the keyboard provides a \u201cpillowy\u201d typing experience, so it\u2019s not all bad news.\n\n\n\n\nWe don\u2019t know know yet exactly when the Honor MagicBook will be launching in Malaysia, and the local pricing of the productivity laptop has not been announced yet either. Rest assured, we were told the MagicBook will arrive here sometime this month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-p40-pro-pays-a-visit-to-sirim-malaysian-launch-confirmed/", "title": "Huawei P40 Pro Pays a Visit to SIRIM; Malaysian Launch Confirmed?", "body": "\n\nThe Huawei P40 series will be introduced later this month on 26 March, but surprisingly enough, one of the devices in the lineup has already appeared in our local certification body\u2019s database. This could very well be a confirmation of the P40 series\u2019 availability here in Malaysia.\n\n\nJust today, both Huawei and Zitron registered a device with the model number ELS-NX9 with SIRIM. A quick Google search shows that this is likely the Huawei P40 Pro, and looking at the SIRIM certification, it comes with 5G connectivity as well.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, at this point in time, only the P40 Pro has appeared in SIRIM\u2019s database. The standard P40 \u2013 which is believed to carry the model number ANA-NX9 \u2013 has not been registered with the certification body yet. That being said, we imagine it would only be a matter of time before it makes an appearance there, since the P40 Pro is already registered.\n\n\nSo what can we expect from the new P40 series? Well, looking at leaked renders of the phone, the P40 and P40 Pro are expected to feature an oblong-shaped hole-punch cutout for two selfie cameras at the top left of the screen. Besides that, the devices will likely sport rectangular camera modules as well.\n\n\n\n\nLike previous P series smartphones, camera will be a big focus for the P40 series. If rumours are to be believed, the P40 Pro will come with as many as \nfive\n cameras on the back of the phone. It\u2019s said to be made up of a 52MP primary shooter, a 40MP ultra-wide angle sensor, a telephoto lens with 3x zoom, another telephoto shooter with a periscope structure to achieve 10x optical zoom, and a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor.\n\n\nAs for the standard P40, it\u2019s expected to feature a simpler camera configuration. No concrete details have leaked yet, but it should (at the very least) come with a standard primary shooter, an ultra-wide angle camera, and a telephoto lens. Basically, the standard three focal lengths all flagship smartphones are expected to ship with.\n\n\n\n\nWe're excited to bring you the next chapter of \n#VisionaryPhotography\n at our upcoming online launch \u2013 stay tuned and we\u2019ll see you on March 26th! \n#HUAWEIP40\n \npic.twitter.com/vSsR3K7mCP\n\u2014 Huawei Mobile (@HuaweiMobile) \nMarch 10, 2020\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei P40 series will be made official later this month on 26 March. Given Huawei\u2019s heavy focus on the Malaysian market \u2013 and the fact that the P40 Pro is already in SIRIM\u2019s database \u2013 it\u2019s entirely possible the Chinese company\u2019s upcoming flagship smartphones will be available here not long after the official launch.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-mate-xs-retails-at-rm11111-in-malaysia-available-20-march/", "title": "Huawei Mate Xs Retails at RM11,111 in Malaysia; Available 20 March", "body": "\n\nAhead of its official availability this Friday on 20 March, Huawei revealed the price tag of the \nHuawei Mate Xs\n foldable smartphone for the Malaysian market. Retailing at RM11,111, this is without a doubt a very costly device. In fact, it is the most expensive foldable phone in the market now.\n\n\nBut you do get a number of freebies with every purchase of the Mate Xs. Not only will you get a complimentary Huawei FreeBuds 3, you\u2019ll also get an Envelope Leather Case for the foldable phone. Collectively, both of these items are worth RM978.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, if you purchase the Mate Xs from specific retailers, you\u2019ll get extra freebies too. Those who get the foldable phone from Harvey Norman or Senheng will get a Huawei GT2 smartwatch thrown in for free. If you\u2019re a CIMB credit card holder, you can get the Mate Xs online \nhere\n to grab the free smartwatch as well, along with 10X CIMB bonus points for eligible cards. But do note that this offer is only limited to the first 20 units.\n\n\nAs for the Mate Xs itself, it\u2019s an interesting foldable smartphone. Instead of the \nSamsung Galaxy Fold\n\u2018s screen that folds inward, the Xs\u2019 flexible panel wraps around the outside of the phone. This, in turn, allows it to be closed flat when folded.\n\n\nOn top of that, when folded, the Mate Xs has a very usable 6.6-inch 2480 x 1148 OLED display. Opened up, the phone offers a larger 8-inch 2480 x 2200 panel, which looks great with true, deep blacks, punchy colours, and wide viewing angles.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, powering the Mate Xs is none other than Huawei\u2019s latest Kirin 990 5G chipset. Not only does this SoC give the phone 5G connectivity, it\u2019s also a fast, flagship-tier processor. We tested PUBG Mobile on the Mate Xs, and the game ran incredibly well, so expect a very enjoyable gaming experience with this foldable phone.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mate Xs include a Leica-branded quad camera system (40MP f/1.8 primary + 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle + 8MP f/2.4 telephoto + time-of-flight (ToF) sensor), 8GB of RAM, 512GB of internal storage, and a 4,500mAh battery with support for Huawei\u2019s proprietary 55W SuperCharge fast charging technology.\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei Mate Xs will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 20 March onwards for RM11,111. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the foldable phone, check out our \nhands-on of the Mate Xs\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-magicwatch-2-quick-review-incredibly-long-lasting-smartwatch/", "title": "Honor MagicWatch 2 Quick Review: Incredibly Long-Lasting Smartwatch", "body": "\n\nOne of the biggest pain points of wearables is limited battery life, which is especially true for full-fledged smartwatches. Well, that doesn\u2019t really apply to this particular smartwatch: the Honor MagicWatch 2. Not only is it a handsome, sleek-looking smartwatch that looks almost like a traditional wristwatch, it also has incredibly good battery life.\n\n\nAfter using the MagicWatch 2 as my daily driver for the past few weeks, I\u2019m really quite impressed with how long it can last on a single charge. It does have its fair share of shortcomings, but if you want a long-lasting smartwatch, the MagicWatch 2 is one to consider.\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThis variant of the MagicWatch 2 is the RM749 Flax Brown (46mm) model; the Charcoal Black variant \u2013 also 46mm in size \u2013 is slightly cheaper at RM699. Personally, I prefer the aesthetics of the Flax Brown option with its genuine leather strap and stainless steel case.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the MagicWatch 2 has very good battery life, thanks to its 455mAh battery. According to Honor, this battery capacity can return up to 14 days of use on a single charge, which is really, really impressive. I didn\u2019t quite hit Honor\u2019s quoted battery life, but I\u2019ll elaborate more on this further down the review.\n\n\nBesides that, the MagicWatch 2 also has a 1.4-inch 454 x 454 circular AMOLED display, a Kirin A1 chipset, 4GB of internal storage, 5 ATM water resistance rating, a heart rate sensor, and a speaker with a built-in microphone. This allows you to carry a phone conversation with just the watch.\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nOkay, so how good is the battery life of the MagicWatch 2? Well, I managed to squeeze about nine days of use out of the smartwatch. That\u2019s not quite as long as Honor\u2019s claim of 14-day use, but I \ndid\n switch on the always on display. On top of that, I set the watch to measure my heart rate continuously.\n\n\nIf I had disabled these features, I\u2019m pretty optimistic the MagicWatch 2 can last as long as 14 days. Or at the very least, close to that quoted figure. In any case, even though I didn\u2019t get 14 days of use with this smartwatch, I\u2019m still very happy with the battery life I got.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, the MagicWatch 2\u2019s AMOLED display is worth a mention too. Thanks to the bright, vibrant nature of AMOLED screens, this watch looks great with practically any watchface I select. The deep, true blacks further accentuate this, especially with the always on display.\n\n\nI also really, really dig the design of the MagicWatch 2, \nespecially\n this Flax Brown colourway. From a distance, it\u2019s easy to mistake this smartwatch for a traditional wristwatch, though some may not be a fan of the watch\u2019s sheer size. Regardless, I think the brown leather strap looks great, and it\u2019s also quite comfortable on my wrist.\n\n\nOn that note, it also helps that this is a relatively light smartwatch, tipping the scales at only 41g. Personally, I like my watches to carry a bit more heft, but if you plan to use this smartwatch to track your workouts, you\u2019ll appreciate its lightweight nature.\n\n\n\n\nOh, right. The MagicWatch 2\u2019s workout tracking is quite good too. Although it doesn\u2019t automatically track my workouts, it\u2019s easy to begin and end a workout, and it presents all the data in a very clear manner. These include the duration of my exercise, calories burnt, and my heart rate throughout the workout.\n\n\nOnce you\u2019re done with your workouts, you can always refer back to them at a later time on the MagicWatch 2 itself. Every single tracked workouts are saved to the watch itself, so you don\u2019t even need to look it up with the app on your phone.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nUnfortunately, the MagicWatch 2 is better as a fitness tracker than a smartwatch. For example, its notification system is not quite as robust as its competition. I cannot interact with any of the notifications, they are cluttered, and I can\u2019t even get additional details. In the end, I just resorted to taking out my phone to check the notifications whenever the watch vibrates.\n\n\n\n\nAnother gripe I have with the MagicWatch 2 is the sluggish nature of its operating system, LiteOS. Waking the watch from sleep isn\u2019t immediate, and the user interface doesn\u2019t feel particularly responsive at times. Granted, this had to be done to maximise the power efficiency of the smartwatch, but it does affect the user experience a tad.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the issue I faced when trying to pair the MagicWatch 2 to my phone with Huawei Health. I wasn\u2019t using a Huawei or Honor device when I was trying to pair the watch with the app, and for some reason, it kept crashing during the setup process.\n\n\n\n\nIn the end, I had to download a separate, more updated APK of the Huawei Health app from a third-party site to finally pair the MagicWatch 2 to my phone. Oddly enough, the app in the Google Play Store was not updated to the latest version at the time.\n\n\nOf course, the Huawei Health app has been updated since then, but this should have never been an issue in the first place.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nRetailing from only RM699, the Honor MagicWatch 2 is a pretty affordable smartwatch, and it\u2019s certainly worth the money if you fancy its feature set. It has incredibly good battery life, a bright, vibrant AMOLED display, and it\u2019s arguably one of the sleekest-looking smartwatches in the market now.\n\n\n\n\nThe MagicWatch 2 does have some shortcomings here and there, but for the most part, it\u2019s a good wearable. Plus, not many full-fledged smartwatch can match the MagicWatch 2\u2019s fantastic battery life.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-costs-rm5888-in-malaysia-pre-orders-start-today/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Costs RM5,888 in Malaysia; Pre-Orders Start Today", "body": "\n\nUpdate 18 March, 6PM:\n Samsung Malaysia just confirmed that \npre-orders of the Galaxy Z Flip\n has been extended to 22 March. All three colours of the foldable phone are still available at the time of writing, including Mirror Purple, Mirror Black, and Mirror Gold.\n\n\nThe original article follows.\n\n\nAs expected, the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip\n is set to be available in Malaysia soon, and it will be up for pre-order later today at 10AM. How much does this foldable phone cost on our shores? A cool RM5,888 \u2013 not quite as costly as the \nSamsung Galaxy Fold\n, but still a very steep price tag.\n\n\nWe managed to get the Malaysian pricing of the Galaxy Z Flip \nthanks to a post\n on the popular Lowyat Forum. User Khainiz94 seems to have received an EDM from Samsung regarding the foldable phone\u2019s pre-order campaign, and the RM5,888 price tag was revealed in the pre-order page.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, those who pre-order the Galaxy Z Flip later today (17 March) from 10AM to 10PM will also receive a one-time screen replacement for the inner, foldable display within the 12-month warranty period. If you\u2019re worried about the durability of the flexible panel, this screen replacement service should give you some peace of mind.\n\n\nFor RM5,888, you do get quite a bit of smartphone with the Galaxy Z Flip. After all, it\u2019s still considered a flagship device, given the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ chipset under the hood of this foldable phone. It may not be the latest Snapdragon 865 or Samsung\u2019s own Exynos 990 chipset, but the Snapdragon 855+ is still a very capable SoC.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Galaxy Z Flip also sports a clamshell design instead of the Galaxy Fold\u2019s tablet-like form factor, which is a lot more practical. Not only does it feel much more like a conventional smartphone, it\u2019s a lot more pocketable once it\u2019s folded. If you\u2019re wondering, yes, there\u2019s still a bit of display gap when the phone is closed. It\u2019s just like how it was with the Galaxy Fold, though it\u2019s a lot less noticeable with the Z Flip.\n\n\nOnce you open up the Galaxy Z Flip, you\u2019ll be greeted by the 6.7-inch 2636 x 1080 Dynamic AMOLED \u201cInfinity Flex\u201d Display. Sporting a 21.9:9 aspect ratio, this is quite a tall display, so it may feel a little awkward to use. As for the quality of the panel itself, it\u2019s great: expect vibrant colours, excellent viewing angles, and very deep blacks.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Galaxy Z Flip include a dual camera setup (12MP f/1.8 primary + 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle), 8GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage, a 3,300mAh battery, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Z Flip will be available for pre-order in Malaysia later today from 10AM to 10PM for RM5,888; you can place your order \nhere\n. Want to learn more about Samsung\u2019s second foldable smartphone? Then check out our \nhands-on of the Galaxy Z Flip\n.\n\n\nThanks for the tip, Pang!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hearthstone-is-exciting-again-year-of-the-phoenix-adds-new-demon-hunter-class-slew-of-changes/", "title": "Hearthstone Is Exciting Again: Year of the Phoenix Adds New Demon Hunter Class & Slew of Changes", "body": "\n\nBlizzard just released a slew of announcements for Hearthstone, and they are quite exciting. Not only is a new class coming to the card game for the first time \never\n since its release, there are also a large number of changes across the board for the Year of the Phoenix. These include a new ranking system, balance changes, and an overhaul of the Priest class.\n\n\nThere are a lot to talk about here, so we\u2019ll break it down to the biggest new changes coming to Hearthstone in the next few weeks.\n\n\nNew Demon Hunter Class Starring Illidan Stormrage\n\n\nIllidan Stormrage is finally a playable Hero, and he belongs to a whole new class: Demon Hunter. The 10th class in Hearthstone has access to an exclusive new keyword, Outcast, which triggers a powerful effect when the card with the keyword is played from the most left or right position in your hand.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother unique aspect of Demon Hunter is its hero power, Demon Claws. It costs only one mana, and it gives the hero +1 attack power. It may seem like an underwhelming hero power, but its low cost could allow for a more consistent mana curve.\n\n\nNaturally, the Demon Hunter class will be available to everyone for free once they complete the prologue of the class. It\u2019s divided into four single-player missions, which retell the story of Illidan in the Hearthstone universe. The prologue is releasing on 2 April, and the Demon Hunter class itself will be unlocked on 7 April.\n\n\nMore Rewarding Ranking System\n\n\nThe current ranking system in Hearthstone is divided into 25 different ranks (excluding the other 25 for new players), and as you climb the ladder, you\u2019ll need more stars to progress to the next one. Well, from April 2020 onwards, this will change into a league system divided into five leagues: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Above these leagues are the Legend ranks, which remain the same.\n\n\n\n\nIn each of the league, there are 10 different ranks, and you need to get three stars before you get to the next one. Once you\u2019ve reached rank 10 or rank 5 in each respective league, you won\u2019t drop down to the previous rank; these are the rank floors. Blizzard also says that matchmaking will be based on matchmaking rating (MMR) now, so you\u2019ll be matched more precisely with players of similar skill levels.\n\n\nGiven the sheer amount of stars you need to gain in order to reach the Legend rank, it may seem very grindy, but Blizzard is also introducing the Star Bonus multiplier system. Based on your performance in the previous season, you\u2019ll get a specific multiplier, which can be as high as 10x. Needless to say, this would make the ladder climb a lot faster.\n\n\n\n\nWhat about the end of season reward? Well, that\u2019s getting an overhaul too. Each time you hit a new rank floor from Bronze 5 onwards, you\u2019ll get additional rewards, which include Rare cards, Epic cards, and even packs from the latest expansion. There are also additional rewards that are given to those that reach these rank floors for the first time.\n\n\nNo More Duplicates From Card Packs\n\n\nHere\u2019s another sweet change: you will no longer get duplicate cards of \nany rarity\n every time you open a new card pack, unless you\u2019ve already got two copies of all cards of that particular rarity in the set. This used to apply only to Legendary cards, so it\u2019s great to see that it now extends to Epic, Rare, and Common cards too.\n\n\nPriest Is Getting a Rework\n\n\nTired of Priest\u2019s same strategies over the years? Then you\u2019ll be happy to know that Blizzard is reworking the class. Not only are a number of Classic and Basic cards from the class are moving to the Hall of Fame (banning them from Standard play), a good number of Priest cards will see some balance updates too.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, six new cards will be added back to the class\u2019 Classic and Basic sets to make up for this, and they certainly look more in line with Priest\u2019s class identity of a control-oriented archetype. This balance change will go into effect on 26 March.\n\n\nMore Cards Moving to Hall of Fame\n\n\nBesides the six Priest cards, five neutral cards are also rotating to the Hall of Fame as part of the balance update. These cards are seen as \u201cpushing classes in directions different than the rest of their tools,\u201d which is why they are moving out of Standard play.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMost of these changes will take place on 26 March, with the exception of the Demon Hunter class. The new class will be released alongside the Year of the Phoenix\u2019s first expansion, Ashes of Outland, on 7 April. These are definitely exciting new changes coming to Hearthstone, and it\u2019ll be interesting to see how they would impact the card game, especially with the addition of Demon Hunter as the 10th class.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-new-macbook-air-ipad-pro-from-rm3499-malaysia/", "title": "Apple Reveals New MacBook Air & iPad Pro; Retails From RM3,499 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nHere\u2019s a bit of a surprise announcement: Apple just announced two new products. There\u2019s the updated MacBook Air with a new keyboard and faster performance, as well as the new iPad Pro with a rather unique keyboard cover. On top of that, the Malaysian pricing of both products have been revealed too.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the MacBook Air. Just like the \n16-inch MacBook Pro\n, the new Air sports the Magic Keyboard, which promises better durability and typing experience than the previous butterfly keyboard. That being said, with only 1mm of key travel, it\u2019s still a pretty shallow keyboard. Of course, the inverted-T arrow keys are here too.\n\n\n\n\nAside from the new keyboard, the updated MacBook Air also has \u201cup to two times faster performance,\u201d thanks to the new 10th Gen Intel Core processors under the hood. For the Malaysian market, the base model ships with a Core i3 dual-core chip, while the higher-end variant features a faster Core i5 quad-core processor. As always, you can configure the Air with an even faster Core i7 chip if you so desire.\n\n\nStorage options of the new MacBook Air has been updated too: the base model now comes with a much more practical 256GB SSD instead of its predecessor\u2019s limited 128GB storage. If you want a higher capacity SSD, you can go for the Core i5 model, which has twice the amount of storage at 512GB.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the new MacBook Air include a 13.3-inch 2560 x 1600 Retina IPS display with True Tone, 8GB of RAM (configurable up to 16GB), Intel Iris Plus Graphics, a Touch ID sensor, as well as two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 support.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the new iPad Pro. Aesthetically, it still shares the same chassis as the previous iteration, but it does come with a new square camera module now. It houses a 12MP f/1.8 primary shooter, a 10MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle lens, and a LIDAR sensor for better depth perception and augmented reality use.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s even more exciting is the new keyboard cover, which is also compatible with older iPad Pro models. It attaches magnetically to the tablet, and it can raise the screen to a more comfortable viewing position. The keyboard itself carries the Magic Keyboard moniker too, and right below it is a dedicated trackpad.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the iPad Pro now comes with trackpad support. Evidently, Apple is really pushing its tablet as a laptop replacement, though this keyboard cover won\u2019t be available until May 2020.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the iPad Pro include a new A12Z Bionic chip \u2013 which Apple says is \u201cmore powerful than most Windows PC laptops\u201d \u2013 an 11-inch 2388 x 1668 or 12.9-inch 2732 x 2048 Liquid Retina display with ProMotion and True Tone, up to 1TB of internal storage, and optional LTE support.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe new \nMacBook Air\n and \niPad Pro\n are now listed on Apple\u2019s Malaysian online store, but only their retail prices have been revealed; it remains to be seen exactly when these two products will start shipping. The iPad Pro retails from RM3,499 and RM4,399 for the 11-inch and 12.9-inch models respectively, while the MacBook Air starts at RM4,399 \u2013 RM5,599 if you want the Core i5 model with 512GB of storage.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-5-hardware-finally-revealed-amd-zen-2-3-5ghz-cpu-825gb-ssd-expandable-nvme-ssd-slot/", "title": "PlayStation 5 Hardware Finally Revealed: AMD Zen 2 3.5GHz CPU, 825GB SSD, Expandable NVMe SSD Slot", "body": "\n\nSony finally revealed more details on the hardware of the upcoming PlayStation 5 system. Many of the console\u2019s specifications detailed today are quite technical, but we do have a picture of what to expect from Sony\u2019s next-generation console, including its performance level, SSD capacity, and even support for expandable storage.\n\n\nAs expected, the PS5 will indeed be powered by a custom AMD Zen 2 CPU with eight physical cores and 16 threads, and we now know how fast these cores are clocked at: 3.5GHz. In comparison, the PlayStation 4\u2019s eight AMD Jaguar cores were only running at 1.6GHz.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the GPU side of things, the PS5 features a custom GPU based on AMD\u2019s RDNA 2 architecture, which promises 10.28 teraflops and 36 compute units clocked at 2.23GHz. Do note that the clock speed of the GPU and CPU are variable, so they may run slower under certain conditions. It\u2019s also worth mentioning that this GPU supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing as well.\n\n\nWhat about the SSD? Well, that\u2019s where it gets pretty darn interesting. Unlike conventional SSD capacities you find in the market now, the PS5 uses a custom 825GB M.2 SSD for the best price to performance ratio, among other things. On top of that, it is also a blazing fast PCIe 4.0 NVMe drive, which is a relatively new standard in the market now.\n\n\nIt\u2019s important to put emphasis on the PCIe 4.0 standard used by the PS5\u2019s SSD, given that the console will have an extra NVMe SSD slot for further expansion if you\u2019ve filled up the 825GB drive. Basically, not all M.2 drive will work best with the PS5; it\u2019s best to wait for some form of validation from Sony on compatible SSDs with the next-gen console before you actually buy one.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of storage, the PS5 will still support external drives via USB, but these slower storage solutions will be mainly used to play backward-compatible PS4 games. It still remains to be seen if the PS5 can run physical copies of PS4 games, but with this revelation, at least digital copies of PS4 titles are confirmed to work with the upcoming console.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the PS5\u2019s \u201cTempest Engine.\u201d In short, it\u2019s a 3D audio engine that aims to deliver immersive audio, and you won\u2019t have to invest in high-end audio hardware to enjoy this; just a pair of headphones will do. It\u2019s a very interesting tech, but we\u2019ll have to wait and see exactly how developers will take advantage of the Tempest Engine.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, today\u2019s announcement did not reveal any launch title or the design of the PS5 system \u2013 Sony is still keeping those under tight wraps. Nonetheless, today\u2019s announcement do shed some light on Sony\u2019s next-generation console, which will be launching by the end of 2020.\n\n\nNot sure if the PS5 is worth waiting for? Then check out \nthis article\n, where we discuss whether or not you should just get the PS4 now instead of waiting for the PS5 to hit the market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2021-hyundai-elantra-official-wireless-android-auto-aggressive-new-design-hybrid-option/", "title": "2021 Hyundai Elantra Official: Wireless Android Auto, Aggressive New Design, Hybrid Option", "body": "\n\nIf you think the current Hyundai Elantra for the Malaysian market looks unconventional, the all-new 2021 Elantra pushes the envelope even further. Sporting an even more aggressive design language than its predecessor, a high-tech interior, and a hybrid option, the seventh-generation Elantra is quite interesting.\n\n\nUnlike the previous model, the new Elantra has a more coupe-like design, not to mention the fact that it is longer, lower, and wider too. To be specific, the C-segment sedan is now 56mm longer (4,676mm), wider by 25mm (1,826mm), and lower by 20mm (1,415mm). The wheelbase has also been stretched by 20mm, measuring 2,720mm long.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAesthetically, the 2021 Elantra has a \u201cSensuous Sportiness\u201d design identity, as Hyundai puts it. The sedan has a wide, cascading grille on the front, an \u201cH-Tail Lamp\u201d that stretches across the width of the car in a single line \u2013 I personally really like how futuristic the taillights look \u2013 and 15- to 17-inch wheel designs that match the car\u2019s \u201cParametric Dynamics\u201d theme.\n\n\nInside the cabin of the new Elantra, you\u2019ve got a much more modern-looking interior than the outgoing model. Not only does it support wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (this is said to be a segment-first), there\u2019s also a sizeable 10.25-inch infotainment system. The instrument cluster is digital now too, measuring 10.25-inch in size.\n\n\n\n\nUnder the hood of the Elantra is a 2.0L MPI Atkinson Cycle engine that produces 147hp and 179Nm of torque, which is paired to the Korean company\u2019s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). In essence, IVT is Hyundai\u2019s take on CVT: it\u2019s said to provide \u201csuperior efficiency and simulates gear shifts\u201d like conventional automatic transmissions.\n\n\nWant a more economical engine? Then consider the Elantra Hybrid, which has a smaller 1.6L GDI Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine. Together with a permanent-magnet electric motor that delivers 43hp (32kW), you\u2019ve got a combined system output of 139hp and 264Nm of torque. This engine is mated to Hyundai\u2019s six-speed dual-clutch transmission.\n\n\n\n\nThe 2021 Hyundai Elantra will enter production later this year in September, and it\u2019s set to go on sale sometime in the fourth quarter of 2020. On top of that, the sedan will be getting the N Line treatment as well, though no tentative release date was given for the sportier, performance-centric model.\n\n\nRegardless, here\u2019s hoping the new Hyundai Elantra will be coming to the Malaysian market not long after it enters production in other countries. Perhaps sometime in 2021?\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-nokia-8-3-5g-is-hmd-globals-first-5g-smartphone/", "title": "The Nokia 8.3 5G Is HMD Global\u2019s First 5G Smartphone", "body": "\n\nHMD Global just introduced a number of smartphones earlier this morning. Headlining the new lineup of devices is the Nokia 8.3 5G, the company\u2019s first-ever 5G smartphone. The selling point of this device is a simple one: it\u2019s compatible with a wide range of 5G networks around the world.\n\n\nIn fact, HMD bills the Nokia 8.3 as the world\u2019s first \u201ctruly global 5G smartphone\u201d for this one reason. The device\u2019s support of a wider range of 5G bands compared to its competition does merit this, and the wide compatibility may attract consumers who want a painless 5G data roaming experience \u2013 when 5G networks see a wider rollout anyway \u2013 across the globe.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the 5G connectivity of the Nokia 8.3 comes from a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset with Qualcomm\u2019s 5G RF Front End module solution. While the Snapdragon 765G isn\u2019t quite as powerful or as attractive as, say, the Snapdragon 865 SoC found in many other 5G smartphones, it\u2019s still a reasonably capable chipset outside of the Snapdragon 8 series.\n\n\nNaturally, HMD is putting quite a bit of emphasis on the camera capability of the Nokia 8.3, promising great detail preservation and low-light performance. It features a PureView-branded quad camera system on the back with Zeiss Optics, which is made up of a 64MP primary shooter, a 12MP ultra-wide angle lens, a 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth sensor. Unfortunately, there\u2019s no telephoto shooter here, oddly enough.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond its camera configuration, the Nokia 8.3 sports a 6.81-inch 1080p PureDisplay with a 20:9 aspect ratio, making it quite a tall smartphone. There is also a hole-punch cutout at the top left of the screen for the 24MP selfie camera, along with a rather sizeable chin with the Nokia logo at the bottom of the display.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Nokia 8.3 include 6GB or 8GB of RAM, up to 128GB of storage, a microSD card slot for further storage expansion, a relatively generous 4,500mAh battery, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and Android 10 out of the box. This is also an Android One device, so expect a clean, near-stock software experience.\n\n\n\n\nThe Nokia 8.3 5G will be available globally sometime in summer this year. Two variants are offered: the 64GB model with 6GB of RAM goes for \u20ac599 (about RM2,825), while the 128GB option with 8GB of RAM retails at \u20ac649 (approximately RM3,060). Do note that these price tags include VAT for the European market, so expect the Nokia 8.3 to cost less in other regions.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-6-with-90hz-screen-rm799-for-early-birds/", "title": "Realme 6 With 90Hz Screen & Helio G90T Lands in Malaysia for RM999; RM799 for Early Birds", "body": "\n\nRealme just launched its latest mid-range smartphone in Malaysia, the Realme 6. Sporting a fast 90Hz screen and a \nMediaTek Helio G90T\n chipset, this mid-ranger is aimed at mobile gamers that want a good gaming experience on a budget-friendly phone. Retailing at RM999, the Realme 6 is certainly an affordable device.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re quick, you can even get a pretty good discount for this smartphone. In conjunction with Lazada\u2019s 8th Birthday Sale, the Realme 6 can be purchased \nfor only RM799\n on 27 March. However, do note that this is a limited time deal: it will only be sold at this price from 12AM to 2AM on that day.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Realme 6 features a fast 90Hz screen; not many smartphones at this price point has a panel with this kind of refresh rate. The display itself, on the other hand, is a 6.5-inch 2400 x 1080 IPS display. It also has a 120Hz sampling rate, so it should be more responsive to your inputs \u2013 an important factor for mobile gamers.\n\n\nPowering the Realme 6 is a Helio G90T chipset, which is a reasonably capable processor, especially at this price point. After all, MediaTek says that the G90T is up to 26% faster than the Snapdragon 730. Given just how affordable the Realme 6 is, you\u2019re getting a good level of performance for your money here.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Realme 6 also comes with a quad camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 64MP f/1.8 primary shooter, an 8MP f/2.3 ultra-wide angle camera, a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 monochrome sensor. The front-facing shooter, on the other hand, is a single 16MP f/2.0 camera positioned at the top left of the phone in the hole-punch cutout.\n\n\nGood battery life is essential for any phone that wants to appeal to mobile gamers, and in this regard, the Realme 6 is packed with a generous 4,300mAh battery. When you do run low on battery, the phone\u2019s 30W Flash Charge technology can supposedly charge the phone to full in just an hour. Quite an impressive charging rate for a mid-range smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme 6 is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM999, and that\u2019s for the sole 128GB model with 4GB of RAM. If you\u2019re up for it, you can get it for only RM799 on 27 March \nfrom Lazada\n if you\u2019re quick. The Realme 6 is also offered in two colours: Comet Blue and Comet White.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-note-9s-arrives-in-malaysia-for-rm799-rebranded-redmi-note-9-pro/", "title": "Redmi Note 9S Arrives in Malaysia for RM799; Rebranded Redmi Note 9 Pro", "body": "\n\nThe \nRedmi Note 9 series\n was launched in India just a couple of weeks ago, and it was also registered with SIRIM at the same time, so we expected the new mid-range smartphone to arrive in Malaysia very soon. Well, here we are: the Redmi Note 9S has just landed on our shores.\n\n\nGiven its different moniker from the other Redmi Note 9 smartphones, the Note 9S is technically the third entry in the series. But a closer look at its list of hardware reveal that it\u2019s basically a rebranded Redmi Note 9 Pro. This isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing, though it is a tad confusing.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, the Redmi Note 9S, like the rest of the devices in the lineup, features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G chipset, which should be able to offer a reasonably good level of performance. Besides that, it also has a 6.67-inch 2400 x 1080 IPS screen with a hole-punch cutout at the top of the screen for the 16MP selfie camera.\n\n\nDesign wise, the Redmi Note 9S is (unsurprisingly) identical to the Redmi Note 9 phones launched two weeks earlier. Compared to its predecessors, the Note 9S is a much sleeker-looking smartphone. As mentioned, it now has a hole-punch display instead of a notched one, and the vertically stacked camera module of the previous model is replaced with a square one.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Redmi Note 9S comes with a quad camera system. It consists of a 48MP f/1.79 primary shooter, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle camera, a 5MP f/2.4 macro lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor. Unfortunately, the Note 9S, just like its predecessor, doesn\u2019t offer a telephoto shooter.\n\n\nRedmi Note smartphones are usually packed with sizeable batteries, and this trend continues with the Redmi Note 9S. Thanks to its generous 5,020mAh battery \u2013 with support for 18W fast charging \u2013 you should be able to get very respectable battery life with this smartphone; maybe even up to two days of usage.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Redmi Note 9S include 4GB or 6GB of RAM, two storage capacities (64GB or 128GB), a microSD card slot, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and MIUI 11 based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nTwo variants of the Redmi Note 9S are offered in Malaysia: the base 64GB model with 4GB of RAM is \npriced at RM799\n, while the 128GB option with 6GB of RAM \nretails at RM899\n. All three colourways of the phone are available here, which include Aurora Blue, Glacier White, and Interstellar Black. The 64GB model can be purchased from 27 March onwards, while the 128GB variant will be sold on 1 April.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mega-man-x-dive-hands-on-nostalgia-marred-by-microtransactions/", "title": "Mega Man X DiVE Hands-On: Nostalgia Marred by Microtransactions", "body": "\n\nMega Man \u2013 or Rockman, as it\u2019s called in the Japanese market \u2013 is a big franchise with a long history, and it\u2019s filled with nostalgia. To capitalise on this, Capcom Taiwan just released a new mobile game based on the Mega Man X series, aptly dubbed Mega Man X DiVE. This is the first Mega Man X game released after \n16 long years\n \u2013 that\u2019s quite a big deal.\n\n\nWhile it does remain relatively faithful to the series, there are some elements of DiVE that could\u2019ve been better. On top of that, this is inherently a gacha game, so expect a number of mictotransactions, which do spoil the nostalgic appeal of the game to an extent.\n\n\nAnyway, after spending some time with the mobile game, here are my thoughts on Mega Man X DiVE. Even though the gacha aspect of the game isn\u2019t great, I do thoroughly enjoy it.\n\n\nX\u2019s pose here is definitely a nod to Mega Man X6\n\n\nGreat-Looking Graphics\n\n\nThe moment I jumped into the game, this was the first thing that came to mind. I fondly remember the very first stage of Mega Man X, and it\u2019s been reworked with a modern twist for DiVE. Even when compared to other mobile platformers in the market now, this game\u2019s graphics still look great.\n\n\nWhat about the overall performance of the game? I tested DiVE on the \nSamsung Galaxy S10+\n and \nS20 Ultra\n, and it ran beautifully on both devices. I was getting 60fps consistently throughout my playthrough of the game, and I didn\u2019t notice any drop in frame rate either.\n\n\nGranted, these two are flagship smartphones, but if you do have issues running the game, you can tweak the graphics settings accordingly.\n\n\n\n\nPlenty of Different Modes\n\n\nAside from the standard story mode \u2013 which is divided into several chapters \u2013 DiVE also offers quite a number of other game modes. These include co-op, PvP, and even boss challenges. If you\u2019re having trouble with certain stages in story mode, you can always jump into the other modes to wind down.\n\n\nNow, a bit of a disclaimer: I haven\u2019t gotten far enough to unlock anything else besides story mode, so I can\u2019t say for sure just how polished the other modes are. Nonetheless, they are there, and if the gameplay is any indication, I reckon the other modes will be quite fun.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nForgiving, But Not Necessarily Easy Gameplay\n\n\nSpeaking of gameplay, DiVE is a lot more forgiving when you make mistakes, especially in comparison to other Mega Man X titles in the past. For example, you don\u2019t get collision damage when you run into enemies \u2013 though certain enemies will still damage you \u2013 and when you \nare\n hit by a projectile or enemy attack, you don\u2019t get knocked back either.\n\n\nThat being said, you\u2019re no longer invulnerable for a couple of seconds after getting damaged, so if you\u2019re standing in the path of a barrage of projectiles, your health will trickle down much faster than you would expect. I was certainly surprised when I was constantly damaged by every single projectile that came my way.\n\n\n\n\nOh, falling into pits or spikes will not instantly kill you in DiVE. Instead, it will only take a good chunk of your health, so it\u2019s not all that bad. However, there\u2019s a good reason why the gameplay is a lot more forgiving than previous Mega Man X games, because..\n\n\nIt Has Clunky Controls\n\n\nAs expected, the touch controls in DiVE can get incredibly frustrating. Not only does the on-screen buttons can obstruct enemies at times, they are not quite as responsive as I would\u2019ve liked too. There are times where X was just standing in place while I was furiously tapping on the attack button after activating some special attacks.\n\n\n\n\nBut I do have to commend the mechanics that are in place to make the controls easier and feel more intuitive. Take X\u2019s charged shot: tapping on it charges up the weapon, and you can just tap it again to shoot. To make things \neven\n easier, the game automatically aims at enemies too, so you won\u2019t have to position yourself.\n\n\nBesides that, I quite like the movement controls as well. I can slide my finger from the dash button to the jump button to perform a dash jump, and vice versa. I can even perform a dash, jump, and attack in that particular order. All I have to do is just swipe my finger over the respective buttons.\n\n\n\n\nWhile it can be a little fidgety to get these button combinations to work, it\u2019s not exactly impossible to pull off consistently. Again, there \nare\n times where the buttons don\u2019t seem to work as intended, but it could just be a mistake on my part. Nonetheless, if you do want the best gaming experience, it\u2019s best to connect a gamepad to your phone.\n\n\nReliant on Microtransactions\n\n\nAs mentioned, DiVE is inherently a gacha game, so you do have to deal with a number of microtransactions to get the best weapons and characters. That\u2019s right, not only do you have to get lucky enough to score a good character, you\u2019ll have to do the same for weapons as well. It also doesn\u2019t help that the drop rates are incredibly low too.\n\n\nUnderstandably, microtransactions are unavoidable for most mobile games; it\u2019s their main source of revenue, as is the case with many other gacha titles. When implemented right, microtransactions are not always bad, but you do have to spend a specific sum of money into DiVE to get the best setup. This is very much shaping up to be a pay to win game.\n\n\n\n\nRegardless, I really do enjoy playing Mega Man X DiVE, and I\u2019ll be spending even more time with this mobile game for the foreseeable future. Whether it\u2019s the nostalgic music, characters, or just the fact that I\u2019m playing a brand new Mega Man X game after all these years, I really can\u2019t get enough of the game.\n\n\nSure, I\u2019m still not a big fan of the controls and microtransactions \u2013 I\u2019ll refrain from putting in any money into the game as much as I can \u2013 but this \nis\n a brand new Mega Man X game after Mega Man X8 was released back in 2004. For that reason alone, any Mega Man fan should check this game out.\n\n\n\n\nMega Man X DiVE is currently available on the \nGoogle Play Store\n and \nApple App Store\n in most Asian markets, including Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and of course, Taiwan. Alternatively, you can grab the APK file of the game over at \nCapcom Taiwan\u2019s website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-k30-pro-packs-snapdragon-865-all-screen-design-for-less-than-rm2000/", "title": "Redmi K30 Pro Packs Snapdragon 865 & All-Screen Design for Less Than RM2,000", "body": "\n\nRedmi just launched its latest flagship smartphone in China, the Redmi K30 Pro. Compared to the standard \nRedmi K30\n \u2013 which was rebranded to the \nPoco X2\n for certain markets \u2013 the K30 Pro is a much more capable device. Not only is it a proper flagship smartphone, it also sports a different design language with a notchless display.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, Redmi is bringing back the pop-up camera mechanism of the \nK20 series\n with the K30 Pro. The camera module houses a 20MP selfie shooter, and since there\u2019s no need to make space for the front-facing camera on the display, the K30 Pro has a sleek, all-screen design completely free of any cutout.\n\n\n\n\nSince we\u2019re talking about the display, let\u2019s break it down. The K30 Pro features a 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 180Hz touch response rate, so it\u2019ll recognise your inputs faster. That\u2019s not to be mistaken for the refresh rate of the panel itself, which is only set to 60Hz. You\u2019re not getting the regular K30\u2019s faster 120Hz screen with the Pro model, oddly enough.\n\n\nPowering the K30 Pro, on the other hand, is Qualcomm\u2019s latest and greatest chipset, the Snapdragon 865. It\u2019s a high-end SoC found in much more expensive flagship smartphones, so it\u2019s really quite impressive how Redmi still managed to price the K30 Pro at such a low price point.\n\n\nOn the back, the K30 Pro features a circular camera module with a quad camera configuration arranged in a\u2026square, for some reason. Beyond the odd-looking design, it\u2019s a reasonably comprehensive camera setup made up of a 64MP primary shooter with optical image stabilisation, a 13MP ultra-wide angle sensor, a 2MP depth camera, and a 5MP telephoto macro lens.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want even better zoom capabilities, there\u2019s the K30 Pro \u201cZoom Edition,\u201d which replaces the 5MP macro sensor with a longer 8MP telephoto lens that can do 3x optical zoom. Naturally, it can go all the way up to 30x digital zoom while also offering OIS, EIS, and four-axis image stabilisation. Beyond this one camera hardware, the Zoom Edition is no different than the standard K30 Pro.\n\n\nOther specifications of the K30 Pro include 5G connectivity, 8K video recording, 6GB or 8GB of RAM, up to 256GB of internal storage, a 4,700mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging, an in-screen optical fingerprint sensor, and MIUI 11 based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Redmi K30 Pro is currently only available in China, but there is a good chance it will be introduced in other markets in the future. Given that its predecessor was launched in Malaysia as the \nXiaomi Mi 9T Pro\n, perhaps the K30 Pro will be released here as the Mi 10T Pro.\n\n\nAnyway, for the Chinese market, the K30 Pro retails from only 2,999 Chinese yuan for the base 128GB model with 6GB of RAM; that comes up to about RM1,880. As for the K30 Pro Zoom Edition, it starts at 3,799 yuan (around RM2,380) for the 128GB option with 8GB of RAM.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/youtube-video-quality-drop-for-one-month/", "title": "YouTube Video Quality to Drop for the Next Month", "body": "\n\nGiven the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, many folks \u2013 including us here in Malaysia \u2013 are either staying put at home or working remotely to stop the spread of the virus. To cope with the increase in internet traffic, many streaming sites have lowered their video quality to lessen broadband strain; YouTube is the latest platform to do so.\n\n\nThis bit of news \ncomes from Bloomberg\n, and YouTube is the first video site to lower its streaming quality around the world instead of only one region. This decision comes just one week after the company implemented this limitation in Europe, one of the most affected regions by the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, YouTube isn\u2019t reducing its streaming quality for good; the platform is merely changing the default video quality to standard definition (480p). If you want YouTube videos to play at a higher resolution, you can still do so, though you\u2019ll have to it manually now.\n\n\n\u201cWe continue to work closely with governments and network operators around the globe to do our part to minimise stress on the system during this unprecedented situation,\u201d YouTube said in a statement to Bloomberg.\n\n\nCompared to other internet services, video streaming demands more internet bandwidth because of the sheer size of files that are being transmitted. YouTube\u2019s decision to reduce its default video quality will definitely ease up internet traffic, given just how big of a platform it is.\n\n\n\n\nBesides YouTube, Netflix has also reduced its streaming quality, but this is only limited to Europe at the moment. If the COVID-19 outbreak worsens in other parts of the world, there\u2019s a good chance the company will limit its video quality in other markets as well; maybe even Malaysia will be affected.\n\n\nOther companies that have implemented similar limitations (in Europe) to ease internet traffic include Apple, Amazon, and even PlayStation. Granted, PlayStation isn\u2019t primarily a video streaming service, but it is currently slowing down the download speeds of games in Europe. The Japanese company assured gamers that the multiplayer experience will be unaffected by this.\n\n\n\n\nA quick check on YouTube shows that it still default to 1080p video quality for us, though we expect this to change in the coming days. This limit in streaming quality on YouTube will be in effect for one whole month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-introduces-new-nitro-5-model-in-malaysia-gtx-1660-ti-with-120hz-screen-for-rm4499/", "title": "Acer Introduces New Nitro 5 Model in Malaysia; GTX 1660 Ti With 120Hz Screen for RM4,499", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for a brand new gaming laptop that offers good value for money, then you may be interested in the Acer Nitro 5. The Taiwanese company just brought in two new variants of the laptop, complete with a beefy Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti GPU and a generous amount of storage.\n\n\nGiven that these new models of the Nitro 5 for the Malaysian market start at only RM4,499, you\u2019re getting very good gaming performance for the money. After all, the GTX 1660 Ti is no slouch: in our testing, it is only \nmarginally slower\n than the higher-end \nRTX 2060 GPU\n.\n\n\nGranted, you don\u2019t get RTX-specific features with the GTX 1660 Ti, but this may not matter to certain consumers \u2013 especially if they want higher frame rate instead of ray tracing.\n\n\n\n\nBesides the GPU, the updated Nitro 5 also comes with a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. While that\u2019s not the fastest screen we\u2019ve seen on a gaming laptop, it\u2019s quite an upgrade from conventional 60Hz panels. If you do want a faster display though, you can opt for the bigger 17.3-inch model with a 144Hz 1080p panel.\n\n\nUnder the hood of both Nitro 5 models is an Intel Core i7-9750H processor paired with 8GB of RAM. The Core i7 chip is more than adequate to not bottleneck the GTX 1660 Ti, and it\u2019s powerful enough for other tasks too. However, you may want to upgrade the RAM to 16GB if you plan to do more than just gaming; 8GB is really the bare minimum.\n\n\n\n\nFortunately, storage capacity won\u2019t be an issue with the Nitro 5 with its generous 512GB PCIe SSD. This gaming laptop also has reasonably good connectivity options, including a USB 3.1 Type-C connection, three USB-A ports (two USB 3.1, one USB 2.0), as well as an HDMI 2.0 output with HDCP support.\n\n\nThe two new Acer Nitro 5 models are now available for purchase in Malaysia. The 15.6-inch variant retails \nat only RM4,499\n, while the larger 17.3-inch option \ngoes for RM5,299\n. Beyond the different screen size, both laptops sport identical hardware, so you\u2019ll have to fork out quite a bit more money for the bigger screen.\n\n\n\n\nWith that in mind, the smaller 15.6-inch Nitro 5 offers the best value for money. On top of that, in conjunction with Lazada\u2019s 8th Birthday Sale tomorrow on 27 March, this particular variant will be \ndiscounted to RM4,184\n \u2013 that\u2019s exactly RM315 worth of savings. Quite a good deal for a gaming laptop of this calibre.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nAcer Nitro 5 With 10th-Gen Intel CPU & 144Hz Screen Lands in Malaysia; Starts at RM3,799\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-p40-series-unleashed-ultra-vision-leica-camera-100x-zoom-90hz-oled-screen/", "title": "Huawei P40 Series Unleashed: Ultra Vision Leica Camera, 100x Zoom, 90Hz OLED Screen", "body": "\n\nThe Huawei P40 series is finally here, and there are three different devices in the lineup. These include the standard P40, the higher-end P40 Pro, and the top-of-the-range P40 Pro+. Camera performance has always been the P series\u2019 main focus, and this remains true for these three new smartphones.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the highest-end device of the lot, shall we?\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHuawei P40 Pro+\n\n\nAs its name suggests, the P40 Pro+ is the main highlight of the series. What differentiates it from the other two smartphones is the Leica-branded penta camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 50MP RYYB f/1.9 primary shooter, a 40MP f/1.8 ultra-wide angle sensor, an 8MP f/4.4 SuperZoom periscope telephoto lens that can do 10x optical zoom, a shorter 8MP f/2.4 periscope telephoto shooter (3x optical), and finally, a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor.\n\n\nIt\u2019s a very elaborate camera system, and just like the \nSamsung Galaxy S20 Ultra\n, the P40 Pro+ can do up to 100x digital zoom. According to Huawei, the Pro+ can return sharper shots with superior detail preservation at that level of zoom. It\u2019s a lofty claim, and it\u2019ll be interesting to see if this is really the case once we have the device in for review.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the P40 Pro+ also sports a rather unique quad-curve \u201cOverflow\u201d Display. Basically, the glass protecting the display wraps around all four edges of the phone, which makes it more ergonomically-friendly than devices with a flat design. That being said, the display itself doesn\u2019t curve accordingly at the top and bottom; only the sides do, so you\u2019ve got a bit of a chin at the bottom of the screen.\n\n\nAs for the display itself, the P40 Pro+ has a 6.58-inch 2640 x 1200 OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. That\u2019s right, it doesn\u2019t go up to 120Hz like its main rivals, but that\u2019s still a reasonably high refresh rate. Plus, 90Hz is not quite as power-hungry too. At the top left of the screen is also an oblong-shaped hole-punch cutout that houses the 32MP f/2.2 selfie camera with a depth sensor.\n\n\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the P40 Pro+ include Huawei\u2019s own Kirin 990 5G chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, 512GB of internal storage \u2013 expandable with the company\u2019s proprietary NM cards \u2013 a 4,200mAh battery with 40W fast charging (both wired \nand\n wireless), an in-screen fingerprint sensor, as well as an IP68 rating.\n\n\nHuawei P40 Pro\n\n\nA tier down is the P40 Pro, which is actually very similar to the P40 Pro+. It has the same chassis, design, and even battery capacity as the Pro+. The only difference, of course, lies in the camera department and memory option. It doesn\u2019t have the 10x optical zoom periscope telephoto lens, and it has half the internal storage at 256GB.\n\n\n\n\nOh, the P40 Pro only supports 27W wireless charging too, but it can still do 40W charging in wired mode. It is also ever so slightly thinner (8.95mm vs. 9mm) and lighter (209g vs. 226g) than the Pro+, given that it lacks the extra telephoto lens found in the range-topping model.\n\n\nHuawei P40\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the regular P40. Compared to its other two higher-end siblings, it differs quite a bit. Not only does it have a smaller 6.1-inch 2340 x 1080 OLED display, it doesn\u2019t have the fancy quad-curve screen design or 90Hz panel of the other two phones in the series.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, it also has a simpler camera system: it comes with a triple camera setup made up of a 50MP f/1.9 main shooter, a 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor, and a regular 8MP f/2.4 telephoto lens. The selfie camera, on the other hand, is a 32MP f/2.0 unit paired with an IR sensor.\n\n\nOther specifications of the P40 include a Kirin 990 5G chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, a 3,800mAh battery with support for 22.5W fast charging (no wireless charging support here), an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and an IP53 rating.\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt the Huawei P40 series is impressive, but like other recently launched Huawei smartphones, they don\u2019t ship with Google Mobile Services. This means it doesn\u2019t come with essential Google services out of the box, including the all-important Play Store, Maps, Gmail, and so on.\n\n\nOf course, there is a replacement in the form of the Huawei Mobile Services, which includes the Chinese company\u2019s own app store dubbed AppGallery. Huawei is aggressively pushing its own ecosystem, but it will take some time before it can match Google\u2019s immense offering.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, the Huawei P40 and P40 Pro will be available from 7 April for \u20ac799 (about RM3,820) and \u20ac999 (approximately RM4,775) respectively. The highest-end P40 Pro+, on the other hand, will only be released sometime in June for \u20ac1,399 (around RM6,685). No official word yet on the Malaysian availability of the P40 series.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-grab-the-sony-wf-1000xm3-with-almost-rm400-discount/", "title": "Deal: Grab the Sony WF-1000XM3 With Almost RM400 Discount", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s only been about half a year since the \nSony WF-1000XM3\n wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation were launched in Malaysia, but its retail price has been steadily dropping over the months. In fact, you can grab it \nfor only RM559.90 now\n \u2013 that\u2019s almost RM400 worth of savings.\n\n\nTo be specific, that\u2019s exactly RM389.10 less than the WF-1000XM3\u2019s original RM949 launch price; this deal is offered by Preferred Shopee retailer C Plus Digital. Although the earbuds are listed at RM569.90, you can collect the store voucher to get additional RM10 discount to \nbring it down to RM559.90\n.\n\n\nAccording to the listing, it comes with official warranty support from Sony Malaysia itself as well.\n\n\n\n\nAt that price point, you really cannot go wrong with the Sony WF-1000XM3 wireless earbuds. Not only does it have good battery life and audio quality, the active noise cancellation feature is easily one of the best in the market now. To learn more about the WF-1000XM3, check out our review \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-samsung-galaxy-watch-active-2-price-drops-to-rm699/", "title": "Deal: Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 Price Drops to RM699", "body": "\n\nThere are quite a number of smartwatches in the market now, but if you\u2019re using an Android smartphone, there is one standout wearable: the \nSamsung Galaxy Watch Active 2\n. Originally retailing upwards of RM1,399, you can now grab this smartwatch \nfrom only RM699\n.\n\n\nOf course, that\u2019s for the most affordable 40mm Aluminium model of the Galaxy Watch Active 2, which went for RM999 at launch. With this offer, you\u2019re getting \nRM300 worth of savings\n. This deal is offered by Samsung Authorised Partner on Lazada for today only, and it\u2019s also a LazMall retailers.\n\n\nRest assured, this is a legitimate deal with official warranty support from Samsung Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t quite dig the looks of the Aluminium model? Well, then consider the 40mm Stainless Steel variant of the Galaxy Watch Active 2, which feels and looks a lot more premium, thanks to the stainless steel case. At launch, it was priced at RM1,299, but you can grab it \nfor only RM999 now\n.\n\n\nCompared to other smartwatches in the market \u2013 especially for Android users \u2013 the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is easily one of the best options in the market now. Now that it\u2019s been discounted this much, it is \nthat\n much more attractive. Read \nour review of the Galaxy Watch Active 2\n to learn more about Samsung\u2019s latest smartwatch.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-matepad-pro-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Huawei MatePad Pro Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nHuawei just confirmed that its latest Android-based tablet, the \nMatePad Pro\n, will be made available in Malaysia. Although the Chinese company did not give any concrete release date, we did receive word that a local launch will be taking place very soon.\n\n\nIn the tablet space, it\u2019s evident that the market is dominated by Apple\u2019s range of iPads, and the MatePad Pro sports a number of features to take them on; more specifically, the iPad Pro. On top of the MatePad\u2019s Huawei M-Pencil stylus \u2013 which can detect 4,096 levels of pressure \u2013 it also comes with a keyboard case to compete with Apple\u2019s offering.\n\n\n\n\nSure, the MatePad Pro\u2019s keyboard case doesn\u2019t have a dedicated trackpad or look quite as sleek as the \nnew iPad Pro\u2019s keyboard cover\n, but I can comfortably type on the MatePad\u2019s keyboard despite its compact layout. The key travel could have been better, but hey, there\u2019s only so much you can expect from a keyboard case.\n\n\nThere is, of course, one feature that is exclusive to the MatePad Pro: it supports two-way wireless charging. Basically, you can use the tablet to wirelessly charge other devices. The stylus and keyboard case of the MatePad are also charged wirelessly when they are connected to the tablet, which is a pretty cool implementation.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the MatePad Pro also has a 10.8-inch 2560 x 1600 display with a 16:10 aspect ratio. With small bezels surrounding the screen, Huawei claims that this tablet has an impressive screen-to-body ratio of 90%. At the top right of the display, on the other hand, is a hole-punch cutout for the 8MP f/2.0 selfie camera.\n\n\nUnder the hood of the MatePad Pro is none other than Huawei\u2019s latest chipset, the Kirin 990. It\u2019s a high-end flagship processor, so you can expect to get a good level of performance. After all, it\u2019s the same chipset powering the rest of the company\u2019s current crop of flagship smartphones, including the recently announced \nHuawei P40 series\n.\n\n\nOther specifications of the MatePad Pro include a 13MP f/1.8 rear camera, up to 8GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, a 7,250mAh battery, as well as EMUI 10 based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei MatePad Pro should be arriving in Malaysia in the very near future. If we were to take a guess, there\u2019s a very good chance the Android tablet will be launched here sometime in April next month. Rest assured, we\u2019ll keep a close eye on the local availability of the MatePad Pro.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-samsung-galaxy-s20-now-going-for-only-rm3249/", "title": "Deal: Samsung Galaxy S20+ Now Going for Only RM3,249", "body": "\n\nNow this is a big deal to close off Lazada\u2019s 8th Birthday Sale: the \nSamsung Galaxy S20+\n, which went for RM3,999 at launch, can now be yours \nfor only RM3,249\n \u2013 that\u2019s a whopping RM750 discount. Needless to say, it\u2019s an absolutely great deal for Samsung\u2019s latest flagship smartphone.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Senheng on Lazada, so without a doubt this is a legitimate offer. The retailer is listing the Galaxy S20+ for RM3,799, and in order to bring the price \ndown to only RM3,249\n, you\u2019ll have to collect the RM550 discount voucher from Senheng. At the time of writing, the Cosmic Grey and Cloud Blue colourways are still available; the Cosmic Black model is already sold out.\n\n\nTo sweeten the deal, Senheng will also throw in a complimentary wireless charger and 10,000mAh powerbank, though this is only available while stocks last.\n\n\n\n\nFor only RM3,249\n, it\u2019s an absolute steal for a premium smartphone like the Samsung Galaxy S20+. Do note that this deal is only valid today, so be quick if you want to grab it at this low price. To learn more about the Galaxy S20+, check out our hands-on \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-10-lite-5g-is-here-snapdragon-765g-48mp-camera-e349-price-tag/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G Is Here: Snapdragon 765G, 48MP Camera, \u20ac349 Price Tag", "body": "\n\nAt the global launch of the \nXiaomi Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro\n, the Chinese company also unveiled a new addition to the series: enter the Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G. As its name suggests, it\u2019s not quite as high-end as its other two siblings, but that\u2019s the whole point. It is meant to be an affordable 5G smartphone for the masses.\n\n\nNow, even though the Mi 10 Lite is not as powerful as the standard Mi 10 or Mi 10 Pro, it\u2019s still quite a capable device. Under the hood of this smartphone is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G SoC, which is no slouch. After all, outside of the Snapdragon 8 series, the 765G is the chipmaker\u2019s next best offering.\n\n\nXiaomi also mention that the Mi 10 Lite\u2019s Snapdragon 765G chip comes with LiquidCool. The company didn\u2019t go into much detail, but we reckon it\u2019s a form of liquid cooling.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Mi 10 Lite also comes with a 6.57-inch AMOLED TrueColour display with a notch at the top. It would\u2019ve been great if this affordable phone also sports the hole-punch cutouts of the other Mi 10 devices, but at least it\u2019s a relatively small notch; it shouldn\u2019t be too bothersome in day-to-day usage.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Mi 10 Lite sports a quad camera system headlined by a 48MP primary shooter. Unfortunately, Xiaomi did not elaborate what the other three sensors are yet. Rest assured, we\u2019ll update this article once we have the information, though the company did mention this phone has a 16MP selfie camera.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to battery life, the Mi 10 Lite should be quite a long-lasting smartphone, thanks to its 4,160mAh battery. It\u2019s not an awfully big capacity, but it should be more than enough to return (at the very least) a full day of use. On top of that, it also supports 20W fast charging.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Mi 10 Lite include either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, a USB Type-C connection, a 7.98mm thin chassis, and tipping the scales at 192g, it\u2019s not too heavy either. In fact, Xiaomi says that part of the reason why this phone carries the \u201cLite\u201d moniker is because it \u201cliterally is light.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G will be available sometime in early May 2020. In Europe, it will retail from \u20ac349, which comes up to about RM1,665. Do note that this price tag includes VAT for the European market, so expect the Mi 10 Lite to cost less in other parts of the world. Still no word yet on the Malaysian availability of this affordable 5G smartphone.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-the-samsung-galaxy-note-10-note-10-with-over-rm800-discount/", "title": "Deal: Get the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 & Note 10+ With Over RM800 Discount", "body": "\n\nIf you missed Lazada and Shopee\u2019s big sale on Friday, you\u2019ll be happy to know that there are still some deals to be found, like this one right here. You can now get the \nSamsung Galaxy Note 10+\n and the regular Note 10 \nwith over RM800 discount\n \u2013 that\u2019s quite substantial.\n\n\nBoth of these deals are offered by Wow Phone on Lazada. For the Galaxy Note 10+, the retailer is listing the 256GB variant \nat only RM3,359\n. Compared to its RM4,199 launch price, you\u2019re saving exactly RM840. On top of that, Wow phone is also offering the Note 10+ in three colourways: Aura Glow, Aura White, as well as Aura Black.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the smaller \u2013 and more affordable \u2013 Galaxy Note 10, it can be yours \nfor only RM2,849 now\n, saving you RM850. However, do note that this is for the Aura Pink option; the Aura Black variant is (oddly enough) still listed at RM3,699, which is the phone\u2019s original asking price.\n\n\nNonetheless, these are great deals for the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 series. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the Note 10+, check out our \ncomprehensive review of the phone\n. Alternatively, you can also read up on \nour comparison between the two flagships\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-malaysia-introduces-perfect-warranty-program-covers-accidental-damage/", "title": "Asus Malaysia Introduces Perfect Warranty Program; Covers Accidental Damage", "body": "\n\nAsus Malaysia just announced a new warranty program for its range of laptops. Dubbed \u201cPerfect Warranty,\u201d this is a one-year additional protection service that covers a number of scenarios, including damages from spills, electrical surges, and even accidental breakages from drops and so on.\n\n\nThe best part is, the Perfect Warranty service is provided to eligible laptops \u2013 both from the company\u2019s consumer and gaming lineup \u2013 at no additional cost. However, do note that this is only applicable to Asus laptops that were launched in Malaysia from 2019 onwards.\n\n\nIn other words, if you\u2019re planning to purchase a brand new Asus laptop sometime this year, it won\u2019t be eligible for the Perfect Warranty service if it was launched locally in, say, 2018.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, keep in mind that the Perfect Warranty service is not a total coverage. If something does happen to your laptop, Asus will only cover \u201c80% of the total repair cost.\u201d The remaining 20% will have to be paid by the consumer, along with labour fee. It would\u2019ve been great if it was a complete protection, but only having to pay 20% of the repair (with the labour fee) is not bad at all.\n\n\nSo what other caveats should you be aware of? Obviously, the Perfect Warranty service is only applicable to Asus-branded consumer or gaming laptops that are purchased in Malaysia itself. On top of that, components that are repaired or replaced as part of this service will be covered under warranty for one month or the remainder of the manufacturer warranty period. \u201cWhichever is applicable,\u201d as Asus puts it.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, there are also a number of situations that are not covered under the Perfect Warranty service. These include cosmetic damages (dent, scratches), lost or stolen products, intentional damage, or damages from \u201cincorrect or inadequate customer installation.\u201d Of course, you can only claim this service once during the one-year warranty period from the date of purchase.\n\n\nAll in all, Asus\u2019 new Perfect Warranty service is a nice add-on for anyone that\u2019s thinking of purchasing a laptop from the Taiwanese company. Some of the laptops that are covered under this program include the \nZenBook 13\n, \nTUF Gaming FX505\n, \nROG Zephyrus M\n, and even the exorbitant \nZenBook Pro Duo\n. The full terms and conditions of the Perfect Warranty service can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-8-leaks-show-funky-new-interstellar-glow-colour-120hz-qhd-display-on-board/", "title": "OnePlus 8 Leaks Show Funky New \u201cInterstellar Glow\u201d Colour; 120Hz QHD+ Display on Board?", "body": "\n\nThe \nOnePlus 7\n series was launched \nback in May 2019\n, and there\u2019s a good chance the OnePlus 8 devices will be unveiled even earlier this year. After all, a number of leaks surrounding the upcoming phones have started appearing, and the latest one reveals the standard model\u2019s new \u201cInterstellar Glow\u201d colourway.\n\n\nThis new leak comes from Ishan Agarwal and WinFuture. Three colours of the OnePlus 8 are shown: the aforementioned Interstellar Glow shade, Glacial Green, and the more traditional Onyx Black. Out of the three colourways, the first one is definitely the most eye-catching and unique, though some may not be a fan of the bright colours.\n\n\n\n\n#OnePlus8\n Official Renders have leaked! I know what the marketing name for these colours will be:\n-Interstellar Glow\n-Glacial Green\n-Onyx Black\nLooks amazing in my opinion! What do you think?\nSource: \n@rquandt\n / \nhttps://t.co/sd7Pw4nGHg\n \npic.twitter.com/FWMlSuZzii\n\u2014 Ishan Agarwal (@ishanagarwal24) \nMarch 29, 2020\n\n\n\n\nWhile there\u2019s a chance these leaks are not representative of the final version of the OnePlus 8, they do look very convincing. Plus, Agarwal has a pretty good track record \u2013 he got \nearly details\n of the Samsung Galaxy S20 series right in the past. There\u2019s a good chance these leaks are the real deal.\n\n\nAnyway, looking at the renders, it seems like the OnePlus 8 will sport very similar design language as sister brand Oppo\u2019s \nFind X2 Pro\n. Both phones have dual curved displays, along with hole-punch cutouts at the same position. There\u2019s also the fact that the OnePlus 8 Pro is rumoured to feature a 6.78-inch QHD+ OLED display with a high 120Hz refresh rate \u2013 that closely resembles the X2 Pro\u2019s panel.\n\n\n\n\nExclusive: They're coming! Here is the full specification list of the \n#OnePlus8\n & 8 Pro. Seems like \n#OnePlus8Pro\n is gonna be a beast with 6.78\" 120hz QHD+ Display and 48+48+8+5MP Camera Setup. Will have 30W Wireless Charging & IP68 Rating too. I'm so excited! \n#OnePlus8Series\n \npic.twitter.com/j1AAo19q4J\n\u2014 Ishan Agarwal (@ishanagarwal24) \nMarch 25, 2020\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the OnePlus 8 series (like last year) is expected to consist of two variants: the standard OnePlus 8 and the higher-end OnePlus 8 Pro. The Pro is said to come with the mentioned 120Hz screen, while the regular model will feature a slightly slower \u2013 but still quite respectable \u2013 90Hz panel.\n\n\nOther rumoured specifications of the OnePlus 8 Pro include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset paired with up to 12GB of RAM, two storage options (128GB or 256GB), a quad camera system (48MP + 48MP + 8MP + 5MP), a 16MP front-facing shooter, a 4,510mAh battery, and finally, an IP68 rating.\n\n\nAs for the (presumably) more affordable OnePlus 8, it\u2019s said to come with the same chipset, RAM, and storage options as the Pro model. But it does feature a simpler triple camera configuration (48MP + 16MP + 2MP), a slightly smaller 4,300mAh battery, and unfortunately enough, no IP rating.\n\n\n\n\nIf these are the final design and specifications of the OnePlus 8 series, it\u2019s shaping up to be a decent follow-up to the OnePlus 7 lineup. It\u2019s not officially confirmed yet, but the OnePlus 8 smartphones are expected to be unveiled next month on 15 April 2020.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-receives-overwhelmingly-positive-reviews-ryzen-9-4900hs/", "title": "Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Receives Overwhelmingly Positive Reviews", "body": "\n\nInitially announced at CES 2020, it appears the review embargo for the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 has finally been lifted globally. Generally, reviews sing praises for the gaming laptop\u2019s new AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS processor based on the \nZen 2 architecture\n, which brings incredibly good CPU performance with excellent power efficiency.\n\n\nIn fact, even when compared to Intel\u2019s best mobile processor in the market now, the Core i9-9980HK, the Ryzen 9 4900HS still compares very favourably. Just take a look at the results Linus Tech Tips got, which compared the Zephyrus G14 to much costlier, heavier, and bigger laptops with the Core i9 chip.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is a very impressive feat, given the sheer portability of the ROG Zephyrus G14. Evidently, this octa-core, 16-thread CPU is the chipmaker\u2019s most impressive mobile solution yet. To top it off, there\u2019s still one vital area where the Ryzen 9 4900HS exceeds expectations: power efficiency.\n\n\nAll Ryzen 4000 series processors are fabricated on a 7nm process, which gives them superior performance per watt than their competition. In \nmost reviews\n of the Zephyrus G14, the gaming laptop can return \nwell over eight hours\n of continuous use on a single charge.\n\n\nOf course, this was achieved not during gaming, but in productivity-related tasks. Many other factors are at play to achieve this level of battery life, but the 4900HS\u2019 power efficiency definitely plays a big role here.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Zephyrus G14 itself, it\u2019s a really solid gaming laptop. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Max-Q GPU offers \ncommendable gaming performance\n even in AAA titles, the 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display has good colour accuracy, and its input devices (keyboard and trackpad) are great too.\n\n\nThat being said, it does have some shortcomings. For one, it doesn\u2019t have a built-in webcam, which can be a nuisance to some folks. Besides that, the bottom screen bezel is fairly thick too, and many are reporting of \nloud fan noises\n, even in silent mode.\n\n\nGranted, this 14-inch gaming laptop has some beefy hardware under the hood, and the cooling solution only has so much space to work with.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, we still haven\u2019t heard from Asus Malaysia on the local availability of the ROG Zephyrus G14, even though we \nalready spotted it in SIRIM\u2019s database\n. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on this, along with any tentative pricing of the compact gaming laptop on our shores.\n\n\nIf priced right, Asus could have a real winner here with the Zephyrus G14. For the sake of comparison, this laptop retails from $1,050 (about RM4,520) for the Ryzen 7 4800HS model with a GTX 1650 GPU in the US market, though this model will only hit store shelves sometime in Q2 2020.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-8-series-launching-on-14-april/", "title": "OnePlus 8 Series Launching on 14 April", "body": "\n\nAs expected, the \nOnePlus 8 series\n will be made official next month, and it\u2019s happening slightly earlier than expected on 14 April. Given the current COVID-19 situation, the launch event will be done via an online live stream; at least two devices are expected to be announced by the company.\n\n\nJust like last year, we expect the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro to be unveiled at the launch event. However, if a recent rumour is to be believed, there\u2019s a chance the company could revive the OnePlus X mid-range smartphone. According to Max Weinbach. it\u2019ll be dubbed OnePlus Z this time around.\n\n\n\n\nThe source referred to it as \"OnePlus Z\" and said the hardware matched the previous OnePlus 8 Lite render. \nhttps://t.co/zB5PN9nQjW\n\u2014 Max Weinbach (@MaxWinebach) \nMarch 28, 2020\n\n\n\n\nRegardless, let\u2019s bring back our attention to the OnePlus 8 series. Naturally, the Pro model is set to be the highlight of the two models in the lineup. It\u2019s said to sport a fast 120Hz 6.78-inch QHD+ OLED display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset paired with up to 12GB of RAM, and for the first time ever on a OnePlus device, an IP68 rating.\n\n\nAnother highly requested feature supposedly coming to the OnePlus 8 Pro is wireless charging, which is said to be as fast as 30W. On top of that, it\u2019s claimed to support reverse wireless charging as well. Complemented with the phone\u2019s rumoured 4,510mAh battery, you should get reasonably good battery life too.\n\n\nOther leaked specifications of the OnePlus 8 Pro include a quad camera system (48MP + 48MP + 8MP + 5MP), a 16MP selfie shooter, and up to 256GB of internal storage.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the standard OnePlus 8, which is pictured above. This particular colour is said to be the Interstellar Glow option that\u2019s exclusive to the regular model \u2013 the Pro won\u2019t be getting this colourway. If this colour is too bright for your liking, there are supposedly two other options: Glacial Green and Onyx Black.\n\n\nOther rumoured specifications of the OnePlus 8 include the same Snapdragon 865 chipset as the Pro variant, up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, a 90Hz 6.55-inch 1080p OLED screen, a triple camera configuration (48MP + 16MP + 2MP), as well as a slightly smaller 4,300mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\nThe \n#OnePlus8Series\n is coming. April 14.\n\u2014 OnePlus (@oneplus) \nMarch 30, 2020\n\n\n\n\nAlthough these renders and specifications are not official, there\u2019s a good chance they\u2019re reflective of the actual OnePlus 8 series. We\u2019ll find out for ourselves once OnePlus introduces these two smartphones on 14 April at 11PM for us here in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-p40-series-launching-in-malaysia-tomorrow-on-2-april/", "title": "Huawei P40 Series Launching in Malaysia Tomorrow on 2 April", "body": "\n\nJust one week after its global debut, the \nHuawei P40 series\n is set to arrive in Malaysia tomorrow. On top of that, the Chinese company is also launching a number of other products locally at the same time, including the \nMatePad Pro\n and Huawei Watch GT 2e.\n\n\nOf course, this launch event is happening via an online live stream, and those that watch it stand a chance to win some Huawei products. That being said, the exact mechanic has not been revealed yet, and it remains to be seen what products are being offered.\n\n\nRegardless, the P40 series is quite exciting. It\u2019s made up of three devices: the standard P40, P40 Pro, and P40 Pro+. Out of the three phones, the latter is the highest-end offering with the most sophisticated camera system.\n\n\n\n\nA Leica-branded penta camera system is found on the back of the P40 Pro+. It consists of a 50MP RYYB f/1.9 primary shooter, a 40MP f/1.8 ultra-wide angle sensor, an 8MP f/4.4 SuperZoom periscope telephoto lens (10x optical), a shorter 8MP f/2.4 periscope telephoto shooter (3x optical), and a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor.\n\n\nAside from that, the P40 Pro+ also has a unique quad-curve OverFlow Display that wraps around all four edges of the device. The display itself is a 6.58-inch 2640 x 1200 OLED panel with a 90Hz refresh rate; not quite as fast as its competition, but still reasonably good.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the P40 Pro+ include a Kirin 990 5G chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, 512GB of internal storage, a 32MP f/2.2 selfie camera with a depth sensor, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, a 4,200mAh battery, and an IP68 rating.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the P40 Pro, it\u2019s not that much different from the Pro+. Both devices share the same design, chipset, battery capacity, and camera configuration. Well, for the most part anyway: the regular Pro doesn\u2019t come with the extra 10x optical zoom periscope telephoto lens. It also has half the internal storage at 256GB.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the standard P40. the most affordable device in the series. It comes with a smaller 6.1-inch 2340 x 1080 OLED display without the quad-curve screen design or 90Hz refresh rate, a simpler triple camera setup (50MP f/1.9 primary + 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle + 8MP f/2.4 telephoto), and a 32MP f/2.0 selfie camera paired with an IR sensor.\n\n\nOther specifications of the P40 include a Kirin 990 5G chipset, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, a 3,800mAh battery, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and an IP53 rating.\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei P40 series, along with the MatePad Pro and Watch GT 2e, will be launched in Malaysia tomorrow on 2 April via an online live stream at 6PM. You can catch the launch event over at the phone maker\u2019s \nFacebook page\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-tops-dxomark-ranking-again-with-p40-pro/", "title": "Huawei Tops DxOMark Ranking Again With P40 Pro", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been quite some time since Huawei has a new entry in DxOMark\u2019s mobile camera ranking, but the Chinese phone maker is back with the \nHuawei P40 Pro\n. Once again, it is back at the top of the ranking: the Pro got an \nimpressive total score of 128\n.\n\n\nAccording to DxOMark, the P40 Pro\u2019s Leica-branded quad camera system offers wide dynamic range, fast and accurate autofocus, excellent texture to noise balance, and good detail across the zoom range. On top of that, the site also mention that the Pro is the \u201cbest device for recording video.\u201d\n\n\nDxOMark further elaborate that \u201cif you want the best camera in a smartphone, there is currently no better alternative.\u201d Evidently, the P40 Pro impresses quite a bit.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, the phone\u2019s quad camera configuration also has a number of shortcomings. As DxOMark points out, the P40 Pro has a tendency to slightly underexposure in bright light conditions, and it has some issues getting the white balance right both in stills and video recordings. But overall, it still has excellent camera performance.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re wondering why the P40 Pro is tested here instead of the more capable P40 Pro+ model, it\u2019s likely Huawei is still getting the phone ready for release. After all, the Pro+ is only set to be available sometime in June 2020 globally. With the addition of another telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom, we imagine it\u2019ll get an even higher score.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the extra telephoto lens, the P40 Pro has the same camera configuration as the Pro+ model. These include a 50MP RYYB f/1.9 main shooter, a 40MP f/1.8 ultra-wide angle sensor, an 8MP f/2.4 periscope telephoto shooter with 3x optical zoom, and a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor. The selfie camera, on the other hand, is a 32MP f/2.2 unit with a depth sensor.\n\n\nOther specifications of the P40 Pro include a 6.58-inch 2640 x 1200 OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, Huawei\u2019s very own Kirin 990 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, as well as an IP68 rating.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the Pro has a 4,200mAh battery with support for 40W fast charging, but this is only in wired mode. Wirelessly, it can do 27W, which is still a reasonably fast rate.\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei P40 series will be \nlaunching in Malaysia\n tomorrow on 2 April. You can tune in to the live stream of the launch event on \nHuawei\u2019s Facebook page\n at 6PM tomorrow.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/msi-gs66-stealth-with-new-10th-gen-core-i9-rtx-2080-super-now-in-malaysia-for-rm16999/", "title": "MSI GS66 Stealth With New 10th Gen Core i9 & RTX 2080 Super Now in Malaysia for RM16,999", "body": "\n\nAfter its initial announcement at CES 2020, MSI is finally ready to take the wraps off the powerful \nMSI GS66 Stealth\n gaming laptop. Not only does it have a blazing fast 300Hz screen, it also comes with Intel\u2019s brand new 10th generation Core i9-10980HK processor and Nvidia\u2019s latest GeForce RTX 2080 Super Max-Q mobile GPU.\n\n\nThis makes the GS66 Stealth one of the first gaming laptops to feature the new components from Intel and Nvidia. In fact, according to Intel, the Core i9-10980HK\u2019s peak clock speed \u2013 for a single core \u2013 of 5.3GHz offers up to 50% boost in performance. However, note that this figure is compared to the Core i7-9750H processor.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, there\u2019s also the new RTX 2080 Super Max-Q with 8GB of GDDR6 memory under the hood of the GS66. No performance figures were given by MSI, but it\u2019s safe to assume it\u2019ll bring notable performance gain over its non-Super counterpart. Aside from the RTX 2080 Super, the GS66 can be configured with an RTX 2070 Super Max-Q (8GB GDDR6) as well.\n\n\nOf course, there\u2019s also the GS66\u2019s impressive 15.6-inch 1080p screen with a very high 300Hz refresh rate. Competitive and casual gamers alike will definitely appreciate this very quick panel, but if you\u2019d rather spend less to get a slightly slower display, there\u2019s a more affordable variant of this gaming laptop with a 240Hz screen.\n\n\n\n\nAnother interesting hardware of the GS66 is the sheer size of its battery. Rated at a whopping 99.9WHr, this battery capacity should be able to return reasonably good battery life. Even with such a big cell, it\u2019s still quite a slim and light machine: it measures 19.8mm thin and weighs 2.1kg.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, three variants of the MSI GS66 Stealth are offered. The range-topping model comes with a Core i9-10980HK processor paired with 32GB of RAM, an RTX 2080 Super Max-Q, a 300Hz screen, and a whopping 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD. How much does this variant cost? A cool RM16,999.\n\n\n\n\nA tier down is the GS66 with the same display and processor, but the GPU is swapped for an RTX 2070 Super Max-Q. The SSD and RAM capacities are reduced by half as well, to 1TB and 16GB respectively. This particular variant is priced at RM13,999.\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the most affordable model of the GS66, which comes with a Core i9-10750HK processor paired with 16GB of RAM, an RTX 2060 (6GB GDDR6) GPU, a 240Hz screen, and 1TB of SSD storage. For this configuration, you\u2019ll just have to fork out RM8,399.\n\n\n\n\nMSI Malaysia did not mention exactly when these three variants of the GS66 will go on sale locally, but given that their retail prices have been revealed, expect them to be available very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-zephyrus-duo-15-hands-on-two-screens-on-a-gaming-laptop/", "title": "Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 Hands-On: Two Screens on a Gaming Laptop?", "body": "\n\nThis is the new Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 gaming laptop, and if it looks familiar, you wouldn\u2019t be wrong. See, it has a striking resemblance to the \nAsus ZenBook Pro Duo\n, which means it is a gaming laptop\u2026with two screens. One at the top, and another at the bottom, right above the keyboard.\n\n\nThis may seem like an especially odd concept \u2013 especially for a gaming machine \u2013 but Asus does present some interesting use case scenarios that take advantage of the secondary display. I spent a brief time with the Zephyrus Duo, and while I\u2019m not entirely sold on the concept, I do see how it can be appealing to some users.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSo let\u2019s talk about the secondary display first. Unlike the one on the ZenBook Pro Duo, the Zephyrus Duo\u2019s bottom display (dubbed ScreenPad Plus) props up at an angle when the lid is opened. It\u2019s a much better implementation, as it gives better visibility of the bottom screen.\n\n\nAccording to Asus, the ScreenPad Plus can display a number of things that will benefit a wide range of users. The company further elaborated that it is already working with a number of developers to create specific content for the secondary display, which include Adobe and Techland for Dying Light 2.\n\n\nAsus itself has also made apps with Overwolf to work with selected games like Fortnite, League of Legends, and even Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.\n\n\n\n\nEvidently, Asus poured quite a bit of effort to make the Zephyrus Duo\u2019s secondary display more feature-rich. But exactly how useful it\u2019ll be, especially to gamers, still remains to be seen. Personally, I don\u2019t quite see the utility of it, but I\u2019m sure some folks will appreciate the additional screen.\n\n\nHardware wise, the ScreenPad Plus is a 14.1-inch 3840 x 1100 touch-enabled screen. It\u2019s a good quality display that can get reasonably bright with punchy colours and wide viewing angles. The matte finish of the screen also allows me to effortlessly glide my fingers on the surface while also reducing glare.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Zephyrus Duo\u2019s main 15.6-inch IPS panel, it is available in two options: a 4K 60Hz screen, or a 1080p display with a much faster 300Hz refresh rate. Regardless of which option you go for, both panels are Pantone Validated \u2013 promising good colour accuracy \u2013 with G-Sync support.\n\n\nThe Zephyrus Duo I spent a brief time with was equipped with the 4K display, and it\u2019s certainly a very pleasant screen to look at. It\u2019s not quite as impressive as the gorgeous 4K OLED screen of the ZenBook Pro Duo with true blacks and vibrant colours, but it\u2019s certainly befitting of a premium gaming machine.\n\n\n\n\nUnder the hood of the Zephyrus Duo are the latest components from Intel and Nvidia. The highest-end configuration comes with the recently announced Core i9-10980HK processor paired with 16GB of on-board RAM, a GeForce RTX 2080 Super GPU \u2013 there\u2019s also a more affordable RTX 2070 Super model \u2013 and 1TB of fast M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD.\n\n\nI wasn\u2019t able to run any games on the Zephyrus Duo, but rest assured, you \nwill\n get one of the best gaming performances on a gaming laptop with it. After all, the RTX 2080 Super \u2013 which impacts gaming performance more so than the processor \u2013 is currently Nvidia\u2019s most powerful mobile GPU.\n\n\nEven with all of these beefy hardware, the Zephyrus Duo is surprisingly quite a slim gaming laptop too. Its chassis measures only 20mm thick, which is quite impressive for a notebook as powerful as this. That being said, tipping the scales at 2.4kg, it is not a lightweight machine.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, even if the Zephyrus Duo can deliver amazing gaming performance, it wouldn\u2019t be a very enjoyable experience if the keyboard isn\u2019t up to par. Thankfully, this laptop has a very comfortable keyboard. It is tactile, it has just enough key travel to not feel shallow, and I like the \u201cpillowy\u201d typing experience.\n\n\nAs for the trackpad \u2013 which also doubles as the numpad \u2013 it\u2019s good enough for most tasks. While it can accurately track my finger movements, I do wish it was a little bit wider for a more comfortable experience. Regardless, I appreciate the trackpad\u2019s smooth surface, making it a breeze to use.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 offers a unique experience with its two-screen design \u2013 something that you don\u2019t often find on a gaming laptop. While I personally don\u2019t quite see the appeal of it, I do think it will suit the needs of certain consumers. This is a feature no other laptop offers, except for the company\u2019s own ZenBook Pro Duo, of course.\n\n\nMalaysian availability of the Zephyrus Duo has not been revealed yet by Asus Malaysia, but the gaming laptop is expected to hit global markets sometime in June 2020. Given the premium appeal of this machine, expect it to cost quite a bit of money. In the US market, for example, the Zephyrus Duo retails from $2,999 \u2013 that comes up to about RM13,065.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-p40-series-malaysia-rm2799-rm4999/", "title": "Huawei P40 Series Lands in Malaysia; Retails From RM2,799 to RM4,999", "body": "\n\nHuawei Malaysia just introduced the brand new Huawei P40 series on our shores, just one week after the global debut of the smartphones. Three devices make up the lineup: the standard P40, the higher-end P40 Pro, and the range-topping P40 Pro+.\n\n\nNaturally, out of the three devices, the P40 Pro+ is the most exciting one. It comes with the most sophisticated Leica-branded penta camera system, which is made up of a 50MP RYYB f/ 1.9 main sensor, a 40MP f/1.8 ultra-wide angle shooter, an 8MP f/4.4 SuperZoom periscope telephoto lens (10x optical), a shorter 8MP f/2.4 periscope telephoto shooter (3x optical), and a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor.\n\n\nCollectively, these five cameras allow the P40 Pro+ to do up to 100x digital zoom, and it can supposedly take higher quality images at this level of zoom compared to its main competition.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the P40 Pro+ also has a quad-curve OverFlow Display. It wraps around all four edges of the phone, making it more ergonomic and more comfortable to hold. As for the display itself, it\u2019s a 6.58-inch 2640 x 1200 OLED panel with a 90Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the P40 Pro+ include a Kirin 990 5G chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, 512GB of internal storage, a 32MP f/2.2 selfie camera complemented by a depth sensor, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, a 4,200mAh battery, and an IP68 rating.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the P40 Pro, which is largely similar to the Pro+ model except for a number of hardware differences. For one, it doesn\u2019t have the latter\u2019s extra 10x optical zoom periscope telephoto lens, so its zooming performance won\u2019t be quite as impressive. Besides that, it has 256GB of internal storage as well; half of the Pro+\u2019s capacity.\n\n\nFinally, we have the most affordable device in the series, the standard P40. Just like its other two higher-end siblings, the P40 is powered by a Kirin 990 5G chipset, 8GB of RAM, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor. But beyond these hardware, it\u2019s quite a different smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nIn the camera department, the P40 sports a simpler triple camera setup made up of a 50MP f/1.9 primary sensor, a 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, and an 8MP f/2.4 telephoto) lens. The selfie camera, on the other hand, is a 32MP f/2.0 unit paired with an IR sensor.\n\n\nOn top of that, the P40 also has a smaller 6.1-inch 2340 x 1080 OLED display without the quad-curve screen design or 90Hz refresh rate of the other two smartphones in the series. Other specifications of this variant include 128GB of internal storage, a 3,800mAh battery, and an IP53 rating.\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei P40 and P40 Pro will be \navailable for pre-order in Malaysia\n from tomorrow onwards until 10 April; deliveries will be made on 11 April. The P40 retails at RM2,799, while the P40 Pro goes for RM3,899. As for the P40 Pro+, it will be made available at a later date for RM4,999.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-matepad-pro-watch-gt-2e-pre-orders-begin-tomorrow-in-malaysia/", "title": "Huawei MatePad Pro & Watch GT 2e Pre-Orders Begin Tomorrow in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nLaunched alongside the \nHuawei P40 series in Malaysia\n today are two other products: the Huawei MatePad Pro Android tablet and the Huawei Watch GT 2e smartwatch. Just like the P40 smartphones, these two devices will also be available for pre-order tomorrow.\n\n\nBefore we get to the devices, let\u2019s talk about their local prices first: the MatePad Pro retails at RM2,399 here, while the Watch GT 2e goes for only RM599. These are pretty competitive price tags, especially for the smartwatch, which is almost identical to the RM799 Watch GT 2.\n\n\n\n\nWhat differentiates the Watch GT 2e from its predecessor boils down to its aesthetics. Where the Watch GT 2 is meant to look like a traditional wristwatch, the GT 2e sports a more\u2026well, sporty design. It features a stainless steel frame, rubber or TPU straps, and the same 14-day battery life of the original Watch GT 2. \n\n\nOther specifications of the Watch GT 2e include a 1.39 inch 454 x 454 AMOLED screen, a Kirin A1 chipset, 4GB of internal storage, a 455mAh battery, GPS support, and a 5 ATM water resistance rating, which allows it to be submerged underwater up to 50m.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the MatePad Pro, it\u2019s a premium Android tablet with some neat features. Like many other tablets in the market now, it comes with a keyboard case dubbed Smart Magnetic Keyboard. Despite its compact layout, it\u2019s actually quite comfortable to type on.\n\n\nBesides that, the MatePad Pro also has a stylus in the form of the Huawei M-Pencil; it can detect 4,096 levels of pressure. It\u2019s worth noting that the keyboard case (RM499) and stylus (RM299) do not come with the tablet, but those who pre-order the MatePad Pro will receive these two items for free while stocks last.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the MatePad Pro include two-way wireless charging, a 10.8-inch 2560 x 1600 display, a Kirin 990 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, a 13MP f/1.8 rear camera, an 8MP f/2.0 selfie shooter, 256GB of internal storage, and a 7,250mAh battery.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re thinking of getting the MatePad Pro, do note that it doesn\u2019t ship with Google Mobile Services, so it doesn\u2019t come pre-installed with essential Google apps like the all-important Play Store, Gmail, Maps, and so on. Instead, you\u2019ll have to use Huawei\u2019s AppGallery to look for alternative apps.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBoth the Huawei MatePad Pro and Huawei Watch GT 2e will be available for pre-order in Malaysia tomorrow on \nHuawei\u2019s official online store\n. To recap, the MatePad Pro retails at RM2,399, while the Watch GT 2e goes for RM599.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-samsung-galaxy-s20-price-drops-to-new-low-rm3239/", "title": "Deal: Samsung Galaxy S20+ Price Drops to New Low \u2013 RM3,239", "body": "\n\nPreviously, we saw the \nSamsung Galaxy S20+\n go for \nas low as RM3,249\n. Well, in conjunction with the 4.4 Shopee Brands Festival sale, the flagship smartphone can be yours \nfor only RM3,239 toda\ny\n. Needless to say, that\u2019s a very, \nvery\n good deal for a device of this calibre.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Shopee retailer Ninja Mobile. It is listing the Galaxy S20+ for RM3,249, but you can collect a RM10 voucher from the store to bring down the price \nto merely RM3,239\n. Of course, warranty is provided by Samsung Malaysia itself.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve been eyeing to get the Samsung Galaxy S20+, this is an incredibly good deal for the Korean company\u2019s latest flagship smartphone. Be quick though: at the time of writing, there are only \nfive units\n of the Cosmic Black model in stock\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-grab-the-samsung-galaxy-s20-ultra-with-rm560-discount/", "title": "Deal: Grab the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra With RM560 Discount", "body": "\n\nNot too keen to get the \nGalaxy S20+ for only RM3,239\n? Then this deal for its higher-end sibling, the \nSamsung Galaxy S20 Ultra\n, may catch your fancy. Originally going for RM4,999, you can now get this flagship smartphone \nfor only RM4,439\n.\n\n\nBasically, you will be saving exactly RM560 with this deal. Just like the Galaxy S20+ offer, this promotional price for the Galaxy S20 Ultra is offered by Shopee retailer Ninja Mobile. While the phone is listed at RM4,449, you can collect a RM10 voucher from the store to reduce the price down to RM4,439.\n\n\nNinja Mobile is also offering the Galaxy S20 Ultra in Cosmic Grey and Cosmic Black; a total of 13 units are still available at the time of writing.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, RM4,439 is still a lot of money for a smartphone, but you \nare\n \nsaving RM560 with this deal\n. Plus, warranty is also provided by Samsung Malaysia itself. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, you can do so \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/unreleased-xiaomi-mi-note-10-lite-landing-in-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Unreleased Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite Landing in Malaysia Soon?", "body": "\n\nPreviously, we reported that the \nMi 10 series\n is already on its way to Malaysia, given that the \nMi 10 Pro appeared in SIRIM\u2019s database\n. Well, it appears Xiaomi registered yet another device with the certification body, which could be the yet to be released Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite.\n\n\nBack in 2 April, Xiaomi Malaysia registered a mobile device with the model number M2002F4LG with SIRIM. A quick Google search shows that this is very likely the Mi Note 10 Lite, so there\u2019s a good chance Xiaomi is bringing in the upcoming phone to the Malaysian market.\n\n\n\n\nEven though it carries the Lite moniker, the Mi Note 10 Lite is actually quite similar to its more costly siblings. That is, if leaks and rumours surrounding the unreleased phone are to be believed, which claim that the device will be powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 chipset as the Mi Note 10 smartphones.\n\n\nBesides that, the Mi Note 10 Lite is believed to feature a similar 6.47-inch 1080p AMOLED screen along with a 5,260mAh\u00a0battery with 30W fast charging. Given these similarities, there\u2019s a good chance this phone will share the same chassis as the other Mi Note 10 smartphones.\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi Note 10\n\n\nSo what differentiates the Mi Note 10 Lite from the rest of its siblings? Well, it\u2019s said to be the camera system. Instead of the Mi Note 10\u2019s sophisticated penta camera system headlined by a 108MP sensor, the Lite is said to sport a simpler camera system, though it will still offer five different sensors.\n\n\nMost leaks are indicating that the primary camera of the Mi Note 10 Lite will be a 64MP shooter, which is complemented by two other 8MP sensors, a 5MP lens, and a 2MP camera. Unfortunately, there\u2019s still no detailed breakdown of the penta camera configuration, though we reckon there will at least be an ultra-wide angle sensor.\n\n\nOther rumoured specifications of the Mi 10 Lite include a 16MP selfie camera, at least two variants with different RAM and storage capacities, as well as Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, there\u2019s still no launch date given for the Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite, which could be because of the current situation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, we will keep a close eye on any announcement regarding the upcoming smartphone, including its Malaysian availability.\n\n\nCorrection 13 April, 4PM:\n This article originally stated the SIRIM certification could\u2019ve been for the Mi 10 Lite 5G; recent developments show that it\u2019s possibly the unreleased Mi Note 10 Lite instead. We regret the error.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-plus-members-can-grab-uncharted-4-for-free-tomorrow-on-7-april/", "title": "PlayStation Plus Members Can Grab Uncharted 4 for Free Tomorrow on 7 April", "body": "\n\nPlayStation Plus members are in for a treat this month. If you have an active subscription with the service, you can grab Uncharted 4: A Thief\u2019s End for free tomorrow on 7 April. On top of that, the off-road racing game Dirt Rally 2.0 is available as a free download as well.\n\n\nOf course, these two games are offered as PlayStation Plus\u2019 free games for the month of April 2020. Currently, \nShadow of the Colossus\n and \nSonic Forces\n \u2013 along with \nMonster Hunter: World\n \u2013 are still available for download as part of \nlast month\u2019s free games\n. These two titles will be unavailable for download tomorrow, where they will be replaced by Uncharted 4 and Dirt Rally 2.0.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOut of the two games, Uncharted 4 is definitely the more exciting title. Not only does it mark the end of Nathan Drake\u2019s journey \u2013 he\u2019s the protagonist of the three prior games \u2013 it is also Naughty Dog\u2019s latest work. At least, until The Last of Us Part II is out, which is currently delayed indefinitely.\n\n\nAnyway, Uncharted 4 was released back in 2016, and its story is one of the game\u2019s strongest suits. In fact, that\u2019s what makes most of Naughty Dog\u2019s games so compelling \u2013 the studio definitely knows a thing or two when it comes to storytelling. This entry in the franchise also introduces Nate\u2019s older brother, Samuel Drake, which plays quite a big role in the game.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, before you jump into Uncharted 4, it\u2019s highly recommended that you go through Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection \u2013 which includes the first three games in the franchise \u2013 first to get up to speed. This game was actually offered for free to PlayStation Plus subscribers back in January 2020.\n\n\nGraphically, Uncharted 4 is a very gorgeous-looking game with sprawling landscapes, detailed character models, and overall, it just looks very polished and refined. These, complemented by the incredible voice acting of Nolan North and Troy Baker, really make this a must play game for anyone that owns a PlayStation 4 system.\n\n\nNow that it\u2019s offered as a free title for PlayStation Plus members, there\u2019s no better time to dive into Uncharted 4 \u2013 provided you\u2019ve played through the first three Uncharted titles to really take in the story.\n\n\n\n\nUncharted 4\n and \nDirt Rally 2.0\n will be available for download tomorrow for every PlayStation Plus subscriber. Once you\u2019ve redeemed these two games, they are yours to keep as long as you have an active subscription with the service.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-xiaomi-mi-power-bank-3-10000mah-with-18w-fast-charge-now-only-rm53/", "title": "Deal: Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 3 (10,000mAh) With 18W Fast Charging Now Only RM53", "body": "\n\nXiaomi\u2019s annual Mi Fan Festival 2020 is happening right now, so expect a number of good deals on Xiaomi products from today until 9 April. In fact, you can now get the Chinese company\u2019s Mi Power Bank 3 (10,000mAh capacity) \nfor only RM53\n \u2013 that\u2019s a really good deal.\n\n\nWhat makes this power bank particularly interesting is its 18W fast charging capability, and that\u2019s \ntwo-way\n. Xiaomi says that the Mi Power Bank 3 can be fully charged in four hours, and it can output 18W for single-port charging. So if you\u2019re using both of the power bank\u2019s USB-A ports to charge your devices, you won\u2019t get the 18W output.\n\n\nBesides that, the Mi Power Bank 3 also supports two inputs for recharging: USB-C or microUSB. While this power bank is offered in both Silver and Black, only the latter is in stock at the moment.\n\n\n\n\nFor only RM53\n, the 10,000mAh Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 3 is a really, really good buy for anyone that\u2019s looking to get a slim, compact power bank. If you want to grab it at this low price, do so quickly: this deal is under Shopee\u2019s Shocking Sale, so it\u2019s only valid until 8AM today.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-9x-pro-with-kirin-810-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm999/", "title": "Honor 9X Pro With Kirin 810 Lands in Malaysia for RM999", "body": "\n\nHonor just launched its new mid-range smartphone on our shores, the Honor 9X Pro. Aesthetically, the 9X Pro bears a striking resemblance to the regular \nHonor 9X\n. In fact, both phones actually share the very same chassis, though the Pro does come with a number of upgrades.\n\n\nFor one, the 9X Pro features a faster and more efficient Kirin 810 chipset. Unlike the 12nm Kirin 710F SoC found in the standard 9X, the Kirin 810 is built on a more power-efficient 7nm process. Thanks to this, you can expect to get better battery life out of the Pro \u2013 in theory anyway.\n\n\n\n\nAnother area where the 9X Pro has an edge over the regular model is the amount of storage it offers. Featuring 256GB of internal storage \u2013 further expandable with a microSD card \u2013 that\u2019s twice as much over the standard 9X\u2019s 128GB capacity.\n\n\nBeyond the chipset and storage capacity, the 9X Pro is identical to the regular model. It features the same 6.59-inch 2340 x 1080 IPS display, which is quite vibrant with a good level of brightness. The viewing angles of the screen could be better, but there\u2019s only so much you can ask from an affordable mid-range smartphone.\n\n\nBattery life of the 9X Pro should see some improvement too, even though it\u2019s still packing a 4,000mAh cell. As mentioned, the Kirin 810 chipset powering this phone is more power-efficient, so it\u2019s entirely possible it can last even longer than the non-Pro model on a single charge.\n\n\n\n\nTo put this into context, we got about seven to eight hours of screen on time \nin our review of the standard 9X\n. If the Pro model can deliver even better battery life than this, we would be very, very impressed.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the 9X Pro include a triple camera system (48MP f/1.8 primary + 8MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle + 2MP f/2.4 depth), a 16MP f/2.2 selfie shooter with a pop-up mechanism, and EMUI 9.1 based on Android 9 Pie out of the box.\n\n\nSpeaking of software, it\u2019s worth noting that the 9X Pro does not come with Google Mobile Services like the regular 9X. Instead, it ships with Huawei Mobile Services, so you won\u2019t get a number of Google services out of the box, including the Play Store, Gmail, Maps, and so on. To find for alternative apps, you\u2019ll have to rely on Huawei\u2019s own AppGallery store.\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor 9X Pro is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM999. Every purchase of the mid-range smartphone will also come with an Honor Band 5i, though this is only available while stocks last.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-magicbook-laptop-now-in-malaysia-for-rm2299/", "title": "Honor MagicBook Laptop Now in Malaysia for RM2,299", "body": "\n\nHonor just launched its very first laptop for the Malaysian market in the form of the \nHonor MagicBook\n. While we\u2019re not getting \nthe latest iteration of the notebook\n for our market \u2013 this model is one generation behind \u2013 it is still a rather attractive productivity-focused laptop, thanks to its excellent value for money.\n\n\nSince this is the MagicBook\u2019s best selling point, let\u2019s talk about its local pricing first. Only one variant of the laptop is available here, which comes with a very generous 512GB SSD storage and 8GB of RAM. How much does it cost with this configuration? Only RM2,299.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, you\u2019re getting 8GB of RAM \nand\n 512GB of storage for only RM2,299. In a market where most laptop manufacturers are only offering half of the RAM and storage capacities at this price point, the MagicBook certainly stands out when it comes to value for money.\n\n\nOn top of that, Honor is also throwing in a number of freebies (worth RM1,017) for those who purchase the MagicBook early. Not only will you get a Bluetooth mouse and a Honor-branded laptop bag, you will also receive a complimentary \nHonor MagicWatch 2\n. Of course, these free gifts are only available while stocks last.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the MagicBook itself, it\u2019s a reasonably well-equipped laptop for productivity tasks. Even though its AMD Ryzen 5-3500U processor isn\u2019t quite as popular as Intel\u2019s offering, it offers relatively comparable performance, as, say, a Core i5-8265U chip \u2013 that\u2019s quite respectable.\n\n\nBesides that, the MagicBook also features a Radeon Vega 8 integrated GPU. It\u2019s not an awfully powerful GPU, but it should be able to deliver high enough frame rates in less demanding games like \nDiablo III\n and Dota 2. For an integrated solution, the Vega 8 actually offers rather impressive performance.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the MagicBook\u2019s 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display. It can get reasonably bright with vibrant colours, but the viewing angles are not quite as wide as expected. In our \nbrief time with the laptop\n, we notice that the screen noticeable dims when looking at it from an angle. All in all, however, it should be good enough for most folks.\n\n\nOther specifications of the MagicBook include a single USB-C port \u2013 which can be used for both charging and data transfer \u2013 two USB-A ports, an HDMI output, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. There\u2019s also a fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button.\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor MagicBook will go on sale in Malaysia \nlater today on Shopee\n at 2PM for RM2,299. Alternatively, you can also purchase the laptop on \nHonor Malaysia\u2019s online store\n, Senheng, as well as SenQ from tomorrow onwards (8 April) at 12AM.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-is-the-new-dualsense-controller-for-the-playstation-5/", "title": "This Is the New DualSense Controller for the PlayStation 5", "body": "\n\nWhile we still don\u2019t even know what the PlayStation 5 will look like, at least we\u2019re getting a look at the controller that will accompany the upcoming console. This is the new \nDualSense controller\n for the PlayStation 5, and its design is quite a departure from previous iterations of PlayStation controllers.\n\n\nNot only is the DualSense controller not using the DualShock moniker anymore, it also sports a number of new features that are quite interesting. These include adaptive triggers and haptic feedback; we imagine these two features are the inspiration for the DualSense naming.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, the adaptive triggers are implemented in the L2 and R2 buttons of the new controller. Based on what you\u2019re doing in any given game, the \u201ctension\u201d of the triggers will adapt accordingly. We reckon this change in resistance of the triggers will add a new sense of immersion in games.\n\n\nAs for the haptic feedback of the DualSense controller, PlayStation didn\u2019t elaborate too much on this. However, the company did say that it \u201cadds a variety of powerful sensations you\u2019ll feel when you play, such as the slow grittiness of driving a car through mud.\u201d Regardless, it should be able to provide a more refined vibration system than the current controller.\n\n\nDesign wise, Sony is moving away from the single colour scheme of its base controllers, opting instead for a two-tone design. Most of the DualSense\u2019s exterior is finished in white, while a portion of the bottom half \u2013 surrounding the analog sticks \u2013 is painted black.\n\n\n\n\nAt a glance, the DualSense controller looks bulkier than its predecessors with a more rounded shape. PlayStation mention that the angle of the hand triggers has been changed, and subtle updates have also been made to the overall grip. Hopefully, these changes will make the controller feel more comfortable in extended gaming sessions.\n\n\nOther notable changes the DualSense controller brings include an integrated microphone, a USB-C port, and a new \u201cCreate\u201d button in place of the Share button on the DualShock 4. It supposedly allows gamers to \u201ccreate epic gameplay content to share with the world,\u201d and more details on this feature will be revealed closer to the launch of the PlayStation 5.\n\n\n\n\nNow that we\u2019ve got a look at the DualSense controller, there\u2019s a good chance the design reveal of the PlayStation 5 is happening soon. According to Sony Interactive Entertainment President and CEO, Jim Ryan, more information will be revealed in the coming months, \u201cincluding the console design.\u201d\n\n\nThe PlayStation 5 is set to be introduced by the end of 2020.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-v19-finally-official-with-quad-camera-33w-fast-charging/", "title": "Vivo V19 Finally Official With Quad Camera & 33W Fast Charging", "body": "\n\nThe Vivo V19 has been teased many, many times over the past few months, and it\u2019s finally official now. Sporting a quad camera system, a hole-punch design, and fast 33W fast charging, this is quite a good mid-range smartphone that\u2019s also rather sleek-looking.\n\n\nCompared to \nits predecessor\n, the V19 brings a number of upgrades. For one, it is now powered by a faster Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 chipset. Paired with 8GB of RAM, you should get a reasonably good level of performance with this smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the V19 also features a 6.44-inch 2400 x 1080 Super AMOLED display. Given the inherent properties of OLED panels, you can expect to get deep, dark blacks, vibrant colours, and good viewing angles. Oh, there\u2019s also an oblong-shaped hole-punch cutout on the top right of the screen for the two selfie cameras.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the V19 now comes with two front-facing cameras. The primary sensor is a 32MP f/2.08 unit, which is complimented by an 8MP f/2.28 super-wide angle shooter. This camera combination gives you the flexibility to take both regular selfies and a wide-angle shot for group selfies.\n\n\n\n\nOn the back, the V19 sports a quad camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP f/1.79 main shooter, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle lens, a 2MP f/2.4 depth camera, and a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens. There\u2019s no telephoto sensor offered here, which isn\u2019t exactly a surprise \u2013 mid-range smartphones usually omit the zoom lens.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the fast charging capability of the V19. According to the phone maker, the 33W Vivo FlashCharge 2.0 technology can charge up the device\u2019s 4,500mAh to 54% from completely empty in 30 minutes. That\u2019s a reasonably fast charging rate, and the 4,500mAh battery should be able to return above average battery life.\n\n\nOther specifications of the V19 include 128GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and FunTouch OS based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Vivo V19 will be coming to Malaysia soon, though it remains to be seen exactly when this will happen or how much the phone would cost locally. Based on the \nV19\u2019s product page\n on Vivo Malaysia\u2019s website, it will be offered in two colours here: Sleek Silver \u2013 which seems to have a blue shade \u2013 and the more conventional-looking Gleam Black.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dreams-universe-quick-review-so-much-potential-waiting-to-be-realised/", "title": "Dreams Universe Quick Review: So Much Potential (Waiting to Be Realised)", "body": "\n\nThere is probably no game that is quite as unique as Dreams Universe, a PlayStation 4 exclusive title. In fact, it is both a video game \nand\n a platform for creators to envision their idea of a game, animation, or even music, and\u2026well, realise it. Dreams give players the tools they need to produce almost anything they want, and for this reason alone, it\u2019s a very interesting title.\n\n\nHowever, this game also relies quite a bit on user-generated content, which comes with its own set of shortcomings. But given some time, along with the right creators, Dreams Universe could really transform itself and reach its full potential.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDeveloped by Media Molecule \u2013 the same studio behind the LittleBigPlanet franchise \u2013 Dreams Universe offers two main components: Dream Surfing and Dream Shaping. The former allows you to explore the creations of other \u201cdreamers\u201d (that\u2019s what creators are called in the game), while Dream Shaping allows you to make your own creation.\n\n\nChances are, most users will be spending the bulk of their time Dream Surfing; that\u2019s certainly the mode I find myself playing the most. I tried my hand at Dream Shaping, and while the tutorials are well-crafted, they are very elaborate and can get quite overwhelming.\n\n\n\n\nUnder Dream Surfing, there\u2019s also a story mode of sorts in the form of a creation by Media Molecule itself: Art\u2019s Dream. It\u2019s meant to be a showcase of what can be accomplished in Dreams, and it\u2019s really quite an interesting game.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the aforementioned Art\u2019s Dream. Media Molecule has a number of creations in Dreams Universe, but this is by far the most elaborate one. It follows the story of Art, who is struggling with fear and doubt. In order to help him, players would have to delve into his dreams (obviously).\n\n\n\n\nThe whole of Art\u2019s Dream consists of several different types of game genres. At one point, I\u2019m playing through a point and click sequence, and in the next section, it shifts to a rather cute platform game. It reminds me quite a bit of LittleBigPlanet, in fact.\n\n\nArt\u2019s Dream is not a particularly long game \u2013 lasting only about two to three hours \u2013 but it\u2019s certainly a fun experience that highlights Dreams\u2019 potential. There are even a number of musical sequences in the game, and they are quite enjoyable, if not a little quirky.\n\n\n\n\nThat really is the biggest pull of Dreams Universe: the possibilities are practically endless, provided there are enough creators on board. I\u2019ve looked through a number of other creations while Dream Surfing, and I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon a \nrecreation of Avatar\n by \nElca Gaming\n. No, not James Cameron\u2019s movie, but the animated series.\n\n\nHowever, the Avatar fan game is far from finished, but it does show what can be done within Dreams Universe. There are also a number of other surprisingly polished creations, including a kaiju simulator titled \nRuckus \u2013 Just Another Natural Disaster\n. It\u2019s a short, simple game, but it\u2019s absolutely satisfying to knock down buildings and shoot laser beams as a cute \nlittle\n large kaiju.\n\n\n\n\nGraphically, some creations on Dreams can look really, really good. Naturally, Art\u2019s Dream looks fantastic with gorgeously rendered models and environments. Frame rate is also consistent, with no noticeable dip. But do note that I played through this game on the more powerful PlayStation 4 Pro system instead of the base model.\n\n\nThough this depends on individual creations made in Dreams, most games have good, tight controls. Thanks to this, platforming sequences are a breeze to solve, and it never feels frustrating even when I fail to complete a complicated part.\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nUnfortunately, Dreams Universe does have a number of shortcomings that can be a dealbreaker to some. As I\u2019ve mentioned early on, this game is very reliant on user-generated content. While there are quite a number of creations available right now, most of them feel\u2026unpolished. It\u2019s understandable, of course, given that these are not made by a team of professional developers.\n\n\nGranted, there are a handful of creations by Media Molecule in Dreams, which are a lot more refined. But most of them can be completed in a short period of time, so you\u2019ll run out of content from the studio very quickly. At the end of the day, the creations of other dreamers are the ones that will pull in players to Dreams.\n\n\nThe only objective in this game: run \nreally fast\n around the map\n\n\nWhat about Dream Shaping? Well, if you\u2019re thinking of making your own game in Dreams, prepare to put in a lot of work. Yes, very powerful tools are at your disposal, but you\u2019ll need a lot of time and effort to really take advantage of them.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIt depends on your expectations. Dreams Universe, on paper, offers so much potential. But that potential can only be realised in the form of user-generated content, which is a tall task that will take quite some time to materialise, if at all.\n\n\n\n\nGames that rely on user-generated content \ncan\n succeed, but it requires a large number of users with the right level of expertise. Take Super Mario Maker: before it was even an official game, there\u2019s a whole community that\u2019s been building Mario levels for many years. This is one of the biggest reasons behind the game\u2019s success.\n\n\nSo the question is: can Dreams Universe achieve the same dream? It\u2019s a possibility, but the quality and quantity of its creations \u2013 and creators \u2013 will need to grow, which will take time. Until then, Dreams will not reach its full potential.\n\n\n\n\nAt least, not yet. It\u2019s still much too early to tell, given that Dreams has only been released for a couple of months. If you\u2019re keen to get this game, it\u2019s now available on the Malaysian PlayStation Store \nfor RM169\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/more-google-pixel-4a-details-leak-snapdragon-730-hole-punch-design-no-xl-model/", "title": "More Google Pixel 4a Details Leak; Snapdragon 730, Hole-Punch Design, No XL Model", "body": "\n\nThere have been quite a number of leaks and rumours surrounding Google\u2019s upcoming mid-range smartphone, the \nPixel 4a\n. Thanks to an exclusive \nnew leak by 9to5Google\n, we now know almost everything about the device, including its list of specifications.\n\n\nFor starters, 9to5Google claims that the Pixel 4a will only be available in one screen size, indicating that there may not be an XL model like the \nPixel 3a\n. If this is true, it\u2019s quite an interesting decision, given that Google had always released its Pixel smartphones in two sizes prior to this.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSince the Pixel 4a is believed to be offered in only one screen size, Google will supposedly split the difference in size between its two predecessors. 9to5Google says that the mid-ranger will sport a 5.81-inch 2340 x 1080 OLED panel, which is slightly larger than the Pixel 3a\u2019s 5.6-inch display, and a tad smaller than the 3a XL\u2019s 6-inch screen.\n\n\nBesides that, the Pixel 4a is said to feature a plastic construction, just like its predecessor. This should keep the price of the phone low \u2013 well, relatively \u2013 while offering the Pixel experience; it\u2019s a winning formula, given the success of the Pixel 3a. If the build quality of the 3a is any indication, the 4a should still feel solid despite its plastic body.\n\n\nNaturally, the Pixel 4a will come with a number of upgrades, most notably in the performance department. Leaks suggest that it will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 SoC, which is faster and more power-efficient than the Snapdragon 670 found in the Pixel 3a.\n\n\nPrevious render of the Pixel 4a\n\n\nIf the Pixel 4a does come with a Snapdragon 730 chipset, it will address one of the biggest complaints with the Pixel 3a, which had a number of performance issues. Granted, the Snapdragon 730 isn\u2019t Qualcomm\u2019s most powerful or latest chipset \u2013 even in its own series \u2013 but it should still be able to offer a respectable level of performance.\n\n\nDesign wise, the Pixel 4a will very likely sport a hole-punch cutout on the top left of the screen for the 8MP f/2.0 selfie camera; it\u2019s said to be the very same sensor used by its predecessor. Given the lack of a top bezel, the Motion Sense radar chip \u2013 enabled by Google\u2019s Project Soli \u2013 found in the \nPixel 4 smartphones\n is unlikely to be offered by the Pixel 4a.\n\n\nImage source: \nEvan Blass\n\n\nThis may or may not be a disappointment to some folks, but we do think it\u2019s not an exclusion many will miss. After all, Motion Sense doesn\u2019t exactly offer much utility, not to mention the fact that the feature itself is disabled in a number of countries, including here in Malaysia.\n\n\nAnyway, the camera system of the Pixel 4a is also detailed by 9to5Google. According to the site, the 4a will feature a single 12.2MP camera on the back, and\u2026that\u2019s it. There\u2019s no telephoto or ultra-wide angle lens on offer here, just like how it was with the Pixel 3a, for better or worse.\n\n\nUnderstandably, this is likely done to bring down the cost of the phone, but we imagine some folks will be disappointed that the new telephoto lens found in the Pixel 4 will not be brought to the more affordable Pixel 4a. Nonetheless, the singular camera module should still be able to offer the excellent picture quality Pixel smartphones are known for.\n\n\n\n\nIn the software side of things, the Pixel 4a will offer a similar software experience as the higher-end Pixel 4 smartphones. Not only is it said to feature the \nnew Google Assistant\n that\u2019s very fast and seamless to use, it\u2019ll also come with three years of guaranteed software updates.\n\n\nWhen it comes to battery capacity, the Pixel 4a is believed to be packing a 3,080mAh battery. While that\u2019s just barely bigger than the Pixel 3a\u2019s 3,000mAh cell, it\u2019s worth noting that the 4a is expected to feature a more power-efficient 8nm Snapdragon 730 chipset. With that in mind, it\u2019s possible the Pixel 4a will have slightly better battery life than the Pixel 3a.\n\n\nRounding out the rumoured specifications of the Pixel 4a include 6GB of RAM, 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, 18W fast charging via a USB-C port \u2013 no wireless charging support here \u2013 a rear fingerprint sensor, and the return of the 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\n\n\nGoogle Pixel 4a is On It's Way\u2026 \npic.twitter.com/rJclXg1Yqo\n\u2014 TechDroider (@techdroider) \nApril 9, 2020\n\n\n\n\nThe Google Pixel 4a was supposedly set to be unveiled at Google I/O 2020, but given the current COVID-19 situation, the event had to be cancelled. That being said, retail boxes of the Pixel 4a recently appeared in a leak, so it\u2019s entirely possible the mid-range phone will be released in the next couple of months.\n\n\nAs for how much the Pixel 4a will go for, it\u2019s expected to retail from $399, which comes up to about RM1,720. The phone will likely be offered in two colour options: Barely Blue and Just Black.\n\n\n(Featured image: \nEvan Blass\n)\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-could-have-been-the-google-pixel-4a-xl-with-dual-camera/", "title": "This Could Have Been the Google Pixel 4a XL With Dual Camera", "body": "\n\nYesterday, we reported that \nonly one variant of the Google Pixel 4a\n will be released, thanks to a leak by 9to5Google. Well, it seems like during the development of the upcoming mid-range phone, Google mulled the idea of a \nPixel 4a XL\n, and get this: it had a dual camera system.\n\n\nThis is based on an \neBay listing\n of what is claimed to be the back panel of the Pixel 4a XL. While it looks strikingly similar to the \nPixel 4 XL\n, the addition of a cutout for the rear fingerprint sensor puts it more in line with the leaked design of the Pixel 4a.\n\n\n\n\nBut as mentioned, what makes this alleged Pixel 4a XL so intriguing is the camera module, which appears to be able to house two camera sensors. Chances are, Google considered to use the Pixel 4\u2019s dual camera system with the Pixel 4a XL \u2013 if this back panel is indeed made for the latter.\n\n\nIf Google had decided to proceed with the Pixel 4a XL, the dual camera system would\u2019ve been an interesting hardware to differentiate the XL model from the regular one. Alas, with 9to5Google\u2019s report that Google will only introduce the smaller Pixel 4a \u2013 and the site does have a good track record \u2013 the XL model will remain a prototype.\n\n\nImage source: \nEvan Blass\n\n\nNonetheless, the Pixel 4a itself does look like a promising mid-range smartphone, even if it\u2019s said to only offer a singular 12.2MP camera on the back. Unlike the Pixel 4 smartphones, which had large top bezels, the more affordable 4a model will likely sport a much sleeker hole-punch cutout on the top left of the screen. The cutout supposedly houses an 8MP f/2.0 selfie camera.\n\n\nAs for the display itself, the Pixel 4a is believed to feature a 5.81-inch 2340 x 1080 OLED panel. It\u2019s worth noting that this screen size is slightly larger than the Pixel 3a\u2019s 5.6-inch panel, and a bit smaller than the 3a XL\u2019s 6-inch display. It\u2019s a good screen size that\u2019s neither too big nor too small.\n\n\nOther leaked specifications of the Pixel 4a include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 chipset paired with 6GB of RAM, 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, a 3,080mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging, a rear fingerprint sensor, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s no release date yet for the Google Pixel 4a, but given that its \nretail packaging has been leaked\n, it may be introduced very soon. The mid-range smartphone is expected to retail from $399, which comes up to about RM1,720.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-the-samsung-galaxy-s10-1tb-with-over-rm2600-discount/", "title": "Deal: Get the Samsung Galaxy S10+ (1TB) With Over RM2,600 Discount", "body": "\n\nIf the new \nSamsung Galaxy S20\n \nseries \ndoesn\u2019t quite catch your fancy, you may be interested in one of its predecessors. While the \nSamsung Galaxy S10+\n is no longer the latest flagship from the Korean company, it\u2019s discounted very, very heavily now: you can even grab the 1TB variant with \nover RM2,600 discount\n.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Shopee Mall retailer Urban Republic, so rest assured, this is a legitimate offer. The 1TB Galaxy S10+ with 12GB of RAM is listed by the retailer \nfor only RM3,399\n. Compared to its original RM5,999 price tag, you\u2019re saving a whopping RM2,600.\n\n\nHowever, only one unit of the Ceramic White model is left at the time of writing. It\u2019s best to act quick if you\u2019re keen to grab it at this price.\n\n\n\n\nBut even if the 1TB model is sold out, there\u2019s still the very practical 512GB option. This variant of the Galaxy S10+ is offered \nfor only RM3,199\n, which is RM1,400 off the original asking price (RM4,599). At the moment, only three units are available: one of them is the Ceramic Black model, while the other two are Ceramic White units.\n\n\nAlthough it\u2019s been a year since the Samsung Galaxy S10+ was introduced, it\u2019s still a very capable smartphone with a lot more storage than the company\u2019s current S20 series, which only offers 128GB of space for our market. Not sure if the S10+ is for you? Then check out \nour comprehensive review of the 2019 flagship\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-6i-with-helio-g80-coming-to-malaysia-on-16-april/", "title": "Realme 6i With Helio G80 Coming to Malaysia on 16 April", "body": "\n\nAfter introducing the \nRealme 6 on our shores last month\n, the Chinese company will be adding a new member to the series later this week: the Realme 6i. Set to be unveiled on 16 April, the 6i is a more affordable alternative to the Realme 6.\n\n\nGiven its more affordable price point, the Realme 6i isn\u2019t quite as well-equipped as the Realme 6. Instead of the latter\u2019s MediaTek Helio G90T chipset, the 6i is powered by a Helio G80 processor. Even though it\u2019s not as powerful as the G90T, the G80 should still be able to provide a reasonably good level of performance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo ensure the Realme 6i can keep going in long gaming sessions, this mid-range smartphone features a very generous 5,000mAh battery; this is even larger than the Realme 6\u2019s 4,300mAh battery. Thanks to the sizeable battery capacity, the 6i should be able to return respectable battery life, and it supports 18W fast charging too via the USB Type-C port.\n\n\nUnlike the higher-end Realme 6, the Realme 6i does not come with a fast 90Hz 1080p display. Instead, it has a conventional 6.5-inch 1600 x 720 IPS display. On top of that, it doesn\u2019t have a hole-punch cutout for the selfie camera either, opting instead for a notched screen.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, this phone comes with a 16MP f/2.0 selfie shooter.\n\n\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Realme 6i sports a quad camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP f/1.8 primary shooter, an 8MP f/2.3 ultra-wide angle camera, a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor. It\u2019s not a very sophisticated camera configuration, but it will do in a pinch.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Realme 6i are up to 4GB of RAM, two storage options (64GB and 128GB), a microSD card slot, a rear fingerprint sensor, Realme UI based on Android 10 out of the box, and two rather unique-looking colour options: Green Tea and White Milk.\n\n\nIt remains to be seen if Realme Malaysia will bring in both colour options of the device, but based on the teasers posted on its \nFacebook page\n, it\u2019s highly likely.\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme 6i will be launching in Malaysia this Thursday on 16 April at 8:30PM. It\u2019ll be interesting to see just how affordable this mid-range smartphone will be for our local market. For comparison, the Realme 6i retails from 249,900 kyat (about RM760) in Myanmar for the 64GB variant with 3GB of RAM.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s20-ultra-review-first-generation-troubles/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra Review: First-Generation Troubles", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S20 series marks a new chapter for the Korean company. More specifically, this range-topping model of the lineup, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra. Not only is it the biggest Galaxy S series device so far, it also sports the phone maker\u2019s most ambitious camera system yet.\n\n\nWhile the Galaxy S20 Ultra\u2019s quad camera setup is impressive \u2013 it can take some amazing shots \u2013 it also falls short in areas you wouldn\u2019t expect Samsung would; something you would expect from first-generation tech. On top of that, with its steep asking price, the S20 Ultra is not for everyone.\n\n\nSpecifications\n\n\nDisplay\n6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (3200 x 1440)\nChipset\nSamsung Exynos 990 2.73GHz octa-core\nGPU\nMali-G77 MP11\nRAM\n12GB\nStorage\n128GB, expandable\nCamera (rear)\n108MP f/1.8, PDAF, OIS\nPeriscope 48MP f/3.5 (telephoto), PDAF, OIS, Hybrid Optic Zoom (10x)\n12MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide angle)\nDepthVision (ToF)\nCamera (front)\n40MP f/2.2, PDAF\nBattery\n5,000mAh\nDimensions\n166.9 x 76.0 x 8.8 mm\nWeight\n220g\nOS\nOne UI 2.1 based on Android 10\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4/5GHz)\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM4,999\n\n\nHardware wise, the Galaxy S20 Ultra is very well-equipped. The quad camera system is sophisticated, it has a large 5,000mAh battery, it is IP68-rated, there\u2019s 5G connectivity, and the Exynos 990 can keep up with any given task. Whether it\u2019s multitasking or gaming, expect this chipset to deliver excellent performance.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, there is one piece of hardware that doesn\u2019t quite fit in: the 128GB internal storage. While it\u2019s not particularly small, you\u2019d expect at least 256GB of storage for a phone at this price point. You \ncan\n use the microSD card slot for further expansion, but more native storage would\u2019ve been much better.\n\n\nDesign\n\n\nThere\u2019s no denying that the Galaxy S20 Ultra is Samsung\u2019s sleekest-looking device yet. The tiny Infinity-O hole-punch cutout at the top of the screen doesn\u2019t look all that distracting, the bezels surrounding the display are quite minimal, and the screen now has much more subtle curves on either sides, which make for a more ergonomically-sound device.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, I do have one gripe with the new curved display: the palm rejection isn\u2019t great. Throughout my time with the S20 Ultra, the phone would occasionally register taps from my palm just \nslightly \ntouching the edge of the screen. Needless to say, this can get annoying quick.\n\n\nBut there is one easy way to solve this issue. Once I\u2019ve slapped on the casing that comes with the S20 Ultra, it\u2019s not as easy for my palm to touch the sides of the display anymore. Does this solve the problem? Yes. Could it have been avoided entirely if it had better palm rejection? Definitely.\n\n\nGiven that this is a RM4,999 device though, I would highly recommend protecting it with a casing as soon as possible.\n\n\n\n\nOn the back of the S20 Ultra, there\u2019s the curved glass panel, which makes the phone quite comfortable to hold. However, I\u2019m not a huge fan of the equally huge camera module on the back of the phone. On top of that, the whole module protrudes out of the back panel quite a bit. I haven\u2019t seen or felt a camera bump this noticeable for a long time.\n\n\nAnyway, as a whole, the Galaxy S20 Ultra feels like a premium, high-end smartphone with excellent build quality. It\u2019s also quite a heavy phone, tipping the scales at 220g. I like the extra heft, but some folks may not be a fan of this.\n\n\nUser Experience\n\n\nOne UI 2.1 on the Galaxy S20 Ultra feels very polished and intuitive to navigate around, and this has been the case with the software experience of Samsung smartphones for the past couple of years. I\u2019ve been using this phone for well over a month now, and never did I encounter any major software issue.\n\n\n\n\nThis really speaks volume for how far Samsung has come when it comes to software, and to date, I still think One UI has one of the best always on displays. At a glance, I can see if there are any missed calls, messages, or notifications from any given app. The best part is, it just \nworks\n. I didn\u2019t have to fumble around the settings page for it to show notifications from specific apps and what not.\n\n\nWhile the Galaxy S20 Ultra\u2019s software experience is great, the same can\u2019t be said of the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor under the screen. Just like its predecessor, it\u2019s a finicky sensor that has trouble recognising my fingerprint consistently. It does feel \na tad\n more accurate, but it\u2019s still not quite as quick or seamless to use as, say, the \nOnePlus 7 Pro\n\u2018s optical fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nBut let\u2019s move on to something more positive: the gorgeous 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. Thanks to the high refresh rate, every single motion on this screen looks \nextra\n smooth, giving the impression of an even faster device.\n\n\nEven if I\u2019m just casually browsing through the home screen, or playing a mobile game that supports 120Hz, there\u2019s a noticeable difference. In fact, when I switch back to 60Hz, it feels like the phone is \u201cstuttering,\u201d even if it\u2019s not at all. Really, the extra frames afforded by the 120Hz refresh rate improves the user experience quite a bit.\n\n\nOf course, we can\u2019t ignore one of the biggest limitations of the 120Hz mode on the S20 Ultra: this high refresh rate is only limited to 1080p. If I change the resolution to native 1440p, the refresh rate can only be set to 60Hz. Personally, I don\u2019t find this to be a big issue. It\u2019s not easy to tell the difference between 1440p and 1080p resolution on a screen this size.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen itself, it\u2019s fantastic. After all, Samsung is one of the biggest display makers in the industry, and it only makes sense for its range of smartphones to feature some of the best screens in the market. The S20 Ultra\u2019s display have vibrant colours, wide viewing angles, deep, true blacks, and as far as I can tell, the white balance is calibrated wonderfully well too.\n\n\nWhat about performance? As expected, the Exynos 990 powering the Galaxy S20 Ultra can deliver excellent processing power. No matter what I throw at the phone, it can handle any given task effortlessly and seamlessly. The phone is unfazed even when I\u2019m multitasking with different apps or playing games like PUBG Mobile at maxed out settings.\n\n\n\n\nBattery life of the Galaxy S20 Ultra is, for the most part, more than good enough for most users. On average, the 5,000mAh battery can return between five to six hours of screen on time, which is really quite good for any given smartphone. I\u2019m quite a heavy user too, and I enabled the 120Hz mode at 1080p along with the always on display activated to get this level of battery life.\n\n\nI\u2019m confident I can get even better battery life if I set the display\u2019s refersh rate to 60Hz, but I wasn\u2019t able to test this before the movement control order (MCO) is in effect in Malaysia. Any battery life estimate I get in this period wouldn\u2019t reflect actual real life use, which is why it\u2019s not included in this review.\n\n\nCharging rate of the S20 Ultra is quite respectable as well. Within 30 minutes of charging with the in-box charger, the battery percentage got up to about 60% from completely empty.\n\n\n\n\nOverall, I thoroughly enjoy using the Galaxy S20 Ultra as my daily driver. It\u2019s fast, the software experience is pleasant, the Dynamic AMOLED display is stunning to look at, and it has above average battery life. Now, let\u2019s move on to the phone\u2019s most troubled hardware: camera.\n\n\nCamera\n\n\nWhen the Galaxy S20 Ultra\u2019s quad camera system was unveiled on stage, it shows a lot of potential. The 108MP sensor promises an incredible amount of detail, the 48MP telephoto lens is lauded for its 100x zoom, and to top it off, Samsung already proved itself when it comes to mobile photography. So then, it \nhas\n to be a good camera system, right?\n\n\nUnfortunately, the reality is not quite as picturesque.\n\n\n\n\nFor one, since launch, the Galaxy S20 Ultra has received numerous updates to improve the camera performance. That\u2019s good, because it shows that Samsung is actively improving the camera of its flagship smartphone. However, it also shows a lack of refinement in the first place.\n\n\nAnyway, after the slew of updates it received, the S20 Ultra\u2019s quad camera system certainly got better. One of the most noticeable improvements is much faster autofocus. Before this, it takes quite some time for the phone to lock in focus, and it had a tendency to hunt for focus too.\n\n\n\n\nWhile the autofocus performance definitely improved after the updates, it\u2019s \nstill\n not quite as seamless for the S20 Ultra to lock in focus at a moment\u2019s notice \u2013 something that is expected of a Samsung flagship. I\u2019ve compared the autofocus performance between the S20 Ultra and the one-year-old \nGalaxy S10+\n, and the latter is noticeably faster.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the S20 Ultra\u2019s 108MP primary sensor has very, \nvery\n shallow depth of field. Basically, close-up shots will be affected the most by this: the area that is in focus will be quite limited in tighter shots, so what you end up with is an image that is only focused on a small area.\n\n\nThe shallow depth of field does make for a more dramatic-looking shot\nBut oftentimes, subject matters are not properly focused. The focus point is on the ground in this picture, rather than the felines\n\n\nGranted, this is an inherent trait of larger sensors like the one in the S20 Ultra, and you can always use the telephoto shooter instead if you want sharper close-up shots right? Well, not really. As is the case with other smartphones with multiple camera sensors, the telephoto lens simply cannot match the image quality of the 108MP camera.\n\n\nBeyond this issue with close-up shots, the Galaxy S20 Ultra\u2019s quad camera configuration can deliver in other areas. The 108MP main sensor takes good-looking shots with subjects that are a certain distance away (I leave it at its default setting to output 12MP images), wide angle snaps are handled very well by the 12MP ultra-wide shooter, and the 48MP telephoto camera \u2013 which kicks in at 4x zoom \u2013 can take great-looking images too.\n\n\nOkay, but what about the much highlighted 100x zoom capability of the S20 Ultra? Yes, you can achieve that level of zoom, but the results are often a blurry mess; even at 30x zoom things don\u2019t look particularly great. But keep it below 10x, and you\u2019ll be very happy with the results.\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n108MP primary\n48MP telephoto (5x)\n48MP telephoto (10x)\n48MP telephoto (30x)\n48MP telephoto (100x)\n\n\nThe 100x zoom may be a gimmick \u2013 and let\u2019s be honest, it sounds great on paper \u2013 but there\u2019s no denying the fact that the Galaxy S20 Ultra\u2019s telephoto sensor can take some impressive shots. Perhaps even better than most smartphones in the market now.\n\n\nAll in all, except for the iffy autofocus performance and the 108MP sensor\u2019s shallow depth of field, I do enjoy shooting with the Galaxy S20 Ultra. Could it have been better? Of course, but this \nis \nSamsung\u2019s first attempt at a new camera system in quite some time. With some refinement here and there down the road, I\u2019m sure this quad camera array can really shine; just not right this moment.\n\n\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n108MP primary\n48MP telephoto (5x)\n\n\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nRetailing at RM4,999, the Galaxy S20 Ultra sits at the top of the price range for flagship smartphones. Granted, its price has gone down since launch, even \nhitting the RM4,439 mark during big sales\n. Still, even at this price point, it has a number of alternatives, and most of them are more affordable too.\n\n\nOnePlus 8 Pro\n\n\nWhat was once a brand that offers flagship smartphones at an affordable price point has steadily risen in both cost and refinement. The \nOnePlus 8 Pro\n is the Chinese company\u2019s latest offering, and it impresses in a number of areas. For one, the range-topping model with 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM retails at RM4,099 \u2013 that\u2019s RM900 less than the S20 Ultra\u2019s official price tag, which also offers only half the amount of storage at 128GB.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the OnePlus 8 Pro comes with an equally fast 120Hz 6.78-inch 3168 x 1440 Fluid AMOLED screen, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, a rather promising quad camera system (48MP f/1.78 main + 48MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle + 8MP f/2.44 telephoto + 5MP f/2.4 colour filter), as well as OxygenOS, an arguably cleaner version of Android compared to Samsung\u2019s One UI.\n\n\nNaturally, the S20 Ultra does have its fair share of advantages over the OnePlus 8 Pro. Its zooming performance is most definitely better, thanks to its periscope-style telephoto lens that can get closer to further subjects. On top of that, the S20 Ultra should have better battery life too: its 5,000mAh battery is markedly more generous than the OnePlus 8 Pro\u2019s 4,510mAh cell.\n\n\nSamsung Galaxy S20+\n\n\nIf you still want a big and vibrant screen, Samsung\u2019s software experience, as well as a fuss-free camera, then the \nSamsung Galaxy S20+\n is a great alternative. It has a similar 120Hz 6.7-inch 1440p Infinity-O display as the Galaxy S20 Ultra, it offers the exact same software experience, and its camera system, while not quite as far-reaching, doesn\u2019t suffer from any autofocus issue or shallow depth of field.\n\n\n\n\nBut the best reason to get the Galaxy S20+ over the S20 Ultra is its price advantage. Right now, you can easily get the S20+ well below its RM3,999 launch price. If you look hard enough, you can even get it for \nas low as RM3,239 on a good day\n. That\u2019s well over RM1,000 of difference compared to the Ultra, even at its discounted price.\n\n\nBut what are you missing out by going with the S20+? Well, the S20 Ultra still offers a more sophisticated and versatile camera system (even though it has its own issues), along with better battery life. After all, you\u2019re paying a lot more money for this range-topping smartphone.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra impresses in many areas, but it also falls short in a number of vital aspects. Its camera performance isn\u2019t what we\u2019ve come to expect from Samsung, the screen has finicky palm rejection, and most of all, it is an \nexpensive\n smartphone. In a price-sensitive market like Malaysia, any device at this price point has to have little to no flaws to really succeed.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, the Galaxy S20 Ultra isn\u2019t quite there yet: it has one too many first-generation troubles. While the hardware of the quad camera system is very impressive, the overall refinement of it leaves much to be desired. That really is the Ultra\u2019s biggest shortcoming, which is usually not something you\u2019d have to worry about with a Samsung flagship.\n\n\nBut is the Galaxy S20 Ultra a flagship smartphone worth buying? Yes, it is. The screen quality is excellent, it\u2019s a fast smartphone with an equally fast 120Hz display, and the camera can still shine even in its current state. I\u2019ve never used a smartphone that can deliver this level of zoom performance until now, and that\u2019s an amazing feat.\n\n\nAs with all new technology, the Galaxy S20 Ultra\u2019s camera needs some time to fully mature. As it stands, there is still room for improvement, but it\u2019s entirely possible the camera performance will only get better in time through software updates.\n\n\n\n\nThe Galaxy S20 Ultra may not meet the lofty expectations set by Samsung, but the continued improvement of the phone\u2019s camera does show the Korean company\u2019s commitment to deliver better user experience. This level of support is not something you get from all phone makers, and Samsung deserves commendation for it.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-ace-2-official-with-40w-wireless-charging-snapdragon-865/", "title": "Oppo Ace 2 Official With 40W Wireless Charging & Snapdragon 865", "body": "\n\nOppo just launched a new high-end smartphone in China, the Oppo Ace 2. As its name suggests, it is the successor to the \nOppo Reno\n \nAce\n, though the Chinese company is dropping the Reno brand name with the Ace 2. What makes this phone particularly unique is its fast charging capability, which is rated at 40W\u2026wirelessly.\n\n\nThanks to that, the Ace 2 has one of the fastest wireless charging rates in the market along with the \nHuawei P40 Pro+\n, which also supports 40W wireless charging. That being said, Oppo\u2019s offering can charge up even faster in wired mode with the company\u2019s proprietary 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 technology. It offers two-way wireless charging as well.\n\n\n\n\nJust like its predecessor, the Ace 2 comes with some pretty high-end hardware. For one, under the hood of this phone is an even faster Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, which also gives it 5G connectivity. In comparison, the Reno Ace was powered by a Snapdragon 855+ SoC.\n\n\nWhen it comes to display, the Ace 2 features a 6.55-inch 2400 x 1080 OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. While that\u2019s not quite as fast as 120Hz panels found in other high-end smartphones, 90Hz is still plenty fast. There\u2019s also a hole-punch cutout on the top left of the screen for the 16MP f/2.4 selfie camera.\n\n\n\n\nCuriously, Oppo is going against the current trend of square camera modules with the Ace 2. This phone has a circular camera module that houses four sensors: a 48MP f/1.7 primary shooter, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle lens, a 2MP f/2.4 monochrome camera, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, for some reason, the Ace 2 does not offer a telephoto lens. Given that its other hardware are decidedly high-end \u2013 and the fact that its predecessor actually had a telephoto sensor \u2013 this quad camera system does appear quite pedestrian.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Ace 2 include 8GB or 12GB of RAM, two storage options (128GB and 256GB), a 4,000mAh battery, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and ColorOS 7.1 based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, the Oppo Ace 2 is only available in China. It will be sold there from 20 April onwards starting at 3,999 Chinese yuan (about RM2,460) for the 128GB variant with 8GB of RAM. The 256GB model with 8GB or 12GB RAM, on the other hand, goes for 4,399 yuan (approximately RM2,705) or 4,599 yuan (around RM2,825) respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-nubia-redmagic-5g-is-the-first-gaming-phone-with-a-144hz-screen-for-rm2500/", "title": "The Nubia RedMagic 5G Is the First Gaming Phone With a 144Hz Screen for RM2,500", "body": "\n\nAs more and more phone makers adopt 120Hz screens for their smartphones, Nubia takes it a step further with its 2020 gaming smartphone, the Nubia RedMagic 5G. Not only does it offer excellent value for money, it is also the first-ever smartphone to sport a 144Hz screen.\n\n\nYou read that right, the RedMagic 5G gaming smartphone comes with a blazing fast 144Hz display. No other mobile device until now offered that high of a refresh rate, which really makes the RedMagic 5G a unique, compelling smartphone.\n\n\nAs for the panel itself, it\u2019s a 6.65-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED display with a touch sampling rate of up to 240Hz. Thanks to this, you will get very little to no input lag when you\u2019re gaming; an ideal feature for a gaming smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the RedMagic 5G\u2019s display is free of any cutout, so you don\u2019t have to worry about any notch or hole-punch cutout obstructing the viewing area of any given game. The only downside of this? You do get some bezels at the top and bottom of the phone. They\u2019re not ridiculously large by any means, but it certainly doesn\u2019t look quite as sleek as other smartphones in the market now.\n\n\nPerformance wise, the RedMagic 5G naturally has Qualcomm\u2019s best chipset to date under the hood, the Snapdragon 865 chipset. Given the phone\u2019s relatively affordable pricing (for a high-end smartphone, that is), it\u2019s really quite a surprise to get this level of performance at this price point. Of course, you also get 5G connectivity with this SoC.\n\n\n\n\nTo cool down the phone in long gaming sessions, the RedMagic 5G also has a dedicated fan \ninside\n of the phone in tandem with the liquid cooling system. Together, both of these features should be able to keep the phone cool, though we\u2019d have to put them to the test first to see if they\u2019re a gimmick or not.\n\n\nOther specifications of the RedMagic 5G include two capacitive shoulder buttons on the side of the phone, up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro), an 8MP selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery with support for 55W fast charging, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nThe RedMagic 5G is now available for pre-order in certain markets. In the US, for example, the gaming smartphone retails from only $579, which comes up to about RM2,510. That\u2019s a very, very good price tag for a device of this calibre, and given \nNubia\u2019s presence here in Malaysia\n, there\u2019s a good chance the RedMagic 5G will officially land here in the near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-8-series-unveiled-120hz-1440p-display-quad-camera-30w-wireless-charging/", "title": "OnePlus 8 Series Unveiled: 120Hz 1440p Display, Quad Camera, 30W Wireless Charging", "body": "\n\nThe OnePlus 8 series is here, and as expected, there are two devices in the lineup: the standard OnePlus 8, and the higher-end OnePlus 8 Pro. Compared to their predecessors, these two new phones naturally come with some notable upgrades, including faster displays and more sophisticated camera systems.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the range-topping OnePlus 8 Pro. One of the most highlighted hardware of this device is its 6.78-inch 3168 x 1440 Fluid AMOLED display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. This is a slight upgrade over the \nOnePlus 7 Pro\n\u2018s 90Hz screen.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the quad camera system of the OnePlus 8 Pro. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP f/1.78 main sensor with optical image stabilisation, a 48MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, an 8MP f/2.44 telephoto lens that can do 3x hybrid zoom or 30x digital zoom, and a 5MP f/2.4 colour filter camera. On paper, it\u2019s not an amazing camera system, but it\u2019s befitting of a flagship smartphone.\n\n\nNaturally, the OnePlus 8 Pro features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset as well. You can expect to get excellent processing power out of the SoC, and the inclusion of that chip also gives the device 5G connectivity \u2013 as with all high-end smartphones in the market now.\n\n\n\n\nThanks to the OnePlus 8 Pro\u2019s 4,510mAh battery, you should get reasonably good battery life with this smartphone. On top of that, OnePlus is \nfinally\n adding wireless charging support to this device, and it\u2019s rated at 30W too for both wired and wireless charging. Interestingly, it can also do two-way wireless charging.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the OnePlus 8 Pro include up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of fast UFS 3.0 storage, a 16MP f/2.45 selfie camera, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and get this: IP68 rating. This is the first OnePlus device to be water- and dust-resistant.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want something more affordable, there\u2019s the regular OnePlus 8. Unlike the Pro variant, this standard model is a smaller, more compact flagship smartphone with a 6.55-inch 2400 x 1080 Fluid AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. That\u2019s right, only 90Hz; it doesn\u2019t get the Pro\u2019s faster 120Hz panel.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the OnePlus 8 doesn\u2019t have the Pro\u2019s more sophisticated quad camera array either. Instead, it has a triple camera system made up of a 48MP f/1.75 main sensor with OIS, a 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens. There\u2019s no telephoto camera on offer here, which is quite odd for a flagship-tier smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nAnother rather big exclusion on the OnePlus 8 is wireless charging support and an IP68 rating. Unfortunately, these two features are only available on the Pro model. The good news? At least this more affordable variant still gets 30W wired charging.\n\n\nOther specifications of the OnePlus 8 include a 16MP f/2.45 selfie camera positioned in the hole-punch cutout on the top left of the screen, up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, a 4,300mAh battery, 5G connectivity, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nBoth the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro are now available for pre-order in selected markets. In the US, the standard OnePlus 8 retails at $699 (RM3,030) and $799 (RM3,460) for the 128GB + 8GB and 256GB + 12GB options respectively.\n\n\nAs for the OnePlus 8 Pro, the 128GB + 8GB variant goes for $899 (RM3,895), while the top-of-the-range 256GB + 12GB option costs $999 (RM4,325). As usual, Malaysian availability of the two phones have not been revealed yet, though there is a good chance they will be sold here in the near future.\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt the OnePlus 8 series is more expensive than its predecessor, and this upward trend has been OnePlus\u2019 pricing strategy over the years. Of course, it\u2019s entirely possible the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro can command these premium price tags \u2013 we\u2019ll reserve judgment until we have the devices in for review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/does-the-oneplus-8-have-ip68-rating-some-models-do/", "title": "Does the OnePlus 8 Have IP68 Rating? Some Models Do", "body": "\n\nThe \nOnePlus 8 series\n has just been announced, and as expected, the OnePlus 8 Pro gets all the neat upgrades, including support for fast 30W wireless charging and an IP68 rating. Officially, the standard OnePlus 8 doesn\u2019t have these two features, but as it turns out, there\u2019s a chance the more affordable flagship phone \nis in fact\n IP68-rated.\n\n\nIn the US market, OnePlus 8 models sold by certain carriers (including T-Mobile and Verizon) do in fact carry IP68 rating. However, unlocked models \u2013 units that are not bought from carriers \u2013 do not have any IP rating. This lines up with official information from OnePlus itself: only the OnePlus 8 Pro is confirmed to be IP68-rated by the phone maker.\n\n\n\n\nI'm seeing lots of confusion around the OnePlus 8's water/dust resistance, which isn't surprising! \nHere's what I heard:\n-Carrier models (T-Mo, VZ) *are* IP68\n-The unlocked ones aren't\n-BUT the carrier & unlocked models are nearly identical\nErgo: they're all effectively IP68 \nhttps://t.co/qTrBMBmnqV\n\u2014 Michael Fisher (@theMrMobile) \nApril 14, 2020\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, there doesn\u2019t seem to be any significant difference between carrier models and regular units of the OnePlus 8. In fact, Michael Fisher, one of the most prominent figures in the mobile industry, believes that all variants of the OnePlus 8 are effectively IP68-rated.\n\n\nChances are, it\u2019s possible that carriers pay for the IP68 certification for the OnePlus 8, which lets them advertise the device with the rating. On top of that, previous OnePlus smartphones \u2013 such as the OnePlus 7 series \u2013 were actually \nquite water-resistant\n despite not being IP-rated.\n\n\nHowever (and this is important), if the device \ndoes\n get damaged by water, there\u2019s a good chance it will not be covered under warranty because of the lack of IP rating.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, the OnePlus 8 itself, even if it\u2019s not dust- or water-resistant, is quite a respectable flagship smartphone. For starters, it features a 6.55-inch 2400 x 1080 Fluid AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. That\u2019s not quite as fast as the Pro model\u2019s 120Hz screen, but it\u2019s still better than a conventional 60Hz panel.\n\n\nBesides that, powering the OnePlus 8 is none other than Qualcomm\u2019s best offering to date, the Snapdragon 865. This gives the phone 5G connectivity along with an excellent level of performance. After all, the Snapdragon 865 is found in the majority of flagship smartphones this year.\n\n\n\n\nIn the camera department, the OnePlus 8 is packed with a triple camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP f/1.75 main sensor with optical image stabilisation, a 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens. That\u2019s right, this phone does not offer any dedicated zoom lens, which is quite an odd omission for a flagship smartphone.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the OnePlus 8 include a 16MP f/2.45 front-facing camera, up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, a 4,300mAh battery with support for 30W fast charging (no wireless charging here), and an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, Malaysian availability of the OnePlus 8 series has not been revealed yet. But given that the OnePlus 7 series eventually made its way here, there\u2019s a good chance the OnePlus 8 smartphones will be officially available in Malaysia in the near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-new-level51-forge-15r-features-desktop-grade-amd-ryzen-3000-cpu-refreshed-rtx-gpus/", "title": "The New Level51 Forge 15R Features Desktop-Grade AMD Ryzen 3000 CPU & Refreshed RTX GPUs", "body": "\n\nLevel51 just added a new gaming laptop to its lineup, and it\u2019s quite an interesting machine. This is the Level51 Forge 15R, and not only can you configure it with desktop-grade AMD Ryzen 3000 series processors, it\u2019s also shipping with the quietly refreshed Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 and RTX 2070 GPUs.\n\n\nWhile fitting a desktop-class processor into a laptop is not a new concept, the Forge 15R has a trick up its sleeve. According to Level51, it\u2019s possible to swap out the processor of this gaming laptop for another, giving users the freedom to upgrade accordingly. Of course, the processor would have to be compatible with the CPU socket.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Forge 15R can be configured with a range of Ryzen 3000 series processors. The most affordable option is the Ryzen 5 3500 CPU, but if you want the best possible performance, you can opt for the blazing fast Ryzen 9 3950X. Given the amount of heat this processor can generate, it\u2019ll be interesting to see if the laptop\u2019s cooling solution can cope with it.\n\n\nThere are quite a number of GPU options for the Forge 15R as well. You can choose from a GTX 1660 Ti GPU \u2013 which provides \nexcellent performance for the money\n \u2013 or the new 115W RTX 2060 and RTX 2070 Max-P graphics cards. According to \nNotebookcheck\n, these refreshed GPUs boast higher clock speeds than their previous iterations, so you can expect to get slightly better gaming performance.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the CPU and GPU, you can also customise the Forge 15R\u2019s screen. After all, Level51 lets customers pick the parts they want for its range of gaming laptops, and the Forge 15R is no exception. Anyway, all display options for this laptop are 15.6-inch 1080p panels; only the refresh rates are different, which are either 60Hz, 120Hz, or 144Hz.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Forge 15R include 16GB of RAM, a 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD, an RGB keyboard (naturally), and a 62WHr battery. Of course, you can add more RAM and storage if you wish to do so on \nLevel51\u2019s website\n, though do note that the laptop does not come with an activated copy of Windows 10 by default.\n\n\n\n\nThe Level51 Forge 15R is now available for pre-order in Malaysia. The most affordable \nGTX 1660 Ti model\n starts at RM3,899, while the higher-end \nRTX 2060 variant\n retails from RM4,950. The gaming laptop is expected to start shipping to customers by the end of April 2020.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-is-the-iphone-se-2020-as-powerful-as-the-iphone-11-for-less-than-rm2000/", "title": "This Is the iPhone SE 2020: As Powerful as the iPhone 11 for Less Than RM2,000", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been expected for quite some time now, but here it is: the second-generation iPhone SE is finally official. While it doesn\u2019t look particularly modern \u2013 it shares the same chassis as the iPhone 8 \u2013 the iPhone SE 2020 is one serious smartphone; it has the same processing power as the latest iPhone 11 for a \nfraction \nof the price.\n\n\nYou definitely read that right. Under the hood of the new iPhone SE is none other than Apple\u2019s A13 Bionic chip, the very same one that powers the iPhone 11 smartphones. The best part is, you\u2019ll only have to fork out RM1,999 for the iPhone SE \nright here in Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, that\u2019s for the 64GB variant. If you want the more practical 128GB option, it\u2019ll cost you RM2,199 \u2013 that\u2019s only RM200 more for twice the amount of storage. If you want even more space, you can opt for the 256GB model for RM2,699. Three colour options are available: White, Black, and Product Red.\n\n\nSo what\u2019s the caveat with the iPhone SE? Well, for one, it doesn\u2019t look particularly sleek with thick bezels at the top and bottom of the 4.7-inch 1334 x 750 IPS screen. After all, this \nis\n the very same chassis used by the iPhone 8, which was released back in 2017.\n\n\n\n\nIn fact, you can think of the iPhone SE as the iPhone 8 with a much more powerful processor and camera. Speaking of which, the new SE sports a singular 12MP f/1.8 camera with optical image stabilisation. Naturally, there are no ultra-wide angle or telephoto sensor to be found here, which isn\u2019t surprising given the relatively low asking price of this device \u2013 by Apple\u2019s standards, that is.\n\n\nNonetheless, Apple proudly claims that the iPhone SE\u2019s sole 12MP camera is the \u201cbest single-camera system ever in an iPhone.\u201d We\u2019ll have to put this to the test ourselves, but given Apple\u2019s expertise when it comes to mobile photography, we\u2019re inclined to take the Cupertino company\u2019s word for it.\n\n\nOther specifications of the new iPhone SE include a 7MP f/2.2 front-facing camera, Touch ID fingerprint sensor, battery life that\u2019s \u201cabout the same as iPhone 8,\u201d and an IP67 rating, allowing it to be submerged up to 1m for 30 minutes.\n\n\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the iPhone SE 2020 is priced from RM1,999. However, even though the local pricing of the compact smartphone has been revealed, it remains to be seen exactly when it will start shipping. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the local availability of the new iPhone SE.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-10-pro-arriving-in-malaysia-22-april/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro Arriving in Malaysia 22 April", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019ve been closely following the Malaysian availability of the Xiaomi Mi 10 series, and after \nappearing in SIRIM\u2019s database\n for quite some time now, Xiaomi Malaysia is finally teasing the arrival of its latest flagship smartphone. Chances are, the range-topping Mi 10 Pro will be launched here first on 22 April.\n\n\nThis teaser image of the Mi 10 series was posted by Xiaomi Malaysia on its social media accounts. The camera module shown in the teaser is that of the Mi 10 Pro, so at least we know the Pro model is coming to our market. It remains to be seen if the regular Mi 10 \u2013 or even the Mi 10 Lite \u2013 will be launched at the same time.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe headline feature of the Mi 10 Pro has to be its sophisticated quad camera system, which consists of a 108MP f/1.69 primary shooter, a 12MP f/2.0 telephoto lens (50mm), a longer 8MP f/2.0 telephoto sensor (94mm), and a 20MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle camera.\n\n\nIf this camera configuration looks familiar, that\u2019s because it is: it\u2019s the exact same camera hardware found in the \nXiaomi Mi Note 10\n, just without the addition of a macro lens. That doesn\u2019t mean it has the same camera performance, of course.\n\n\nAccording to Xiaomi, improvements have been made in the software side of things with the Mi 10 Pro\u2019s camera. It also gets performance boost from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset under the hood.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, you will definitely get an excellent level of performance with the Mi 10 Pro\u2019s Snapdragon 865 chipset; this SoC is found in the majority of high-end smartphones launched this year, after all. Of course, you also get 5G connectivity with the Snapdragon 865.\n\n\nAnother interesting hardware of the Mi 10 Pro is its 6.67-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display with a hole-punch cutout on the top left of the screen for the 20MP f/2.0 selfie camera. What makes this panel particularly intriguing is its 90Hz refresh rate, which will noticeably improve motion clarity.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Mi 10 Pro are up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of non-expandable storage, a 4,500mAh battery with support for 50W fast charging or 30W wirelessly, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nMore details on the Malaysian availability of the Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro is expected to be revealed on 22 April next week. Hopefully, the local pricing of the flagship smartphone will also be detailed then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-6i-with-5000mah-battery-lands-in-malaysia-starts-at-rm699/", "title": "Realme 6i With 5,000mAh Battery Lands in Malaysia; Starts at RM699", "body": "\n\nAs promised, Realme just launched its latest mid-range smartphone in Malaysia, the Realme 6i. Based on its hardware and positioning in the series, the 6i is meant to serve as a more affordable alternative to the higher-end \nRealme 6\n, and it\u2019s certainly priced as such.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Realme 6i are available for the Malaysian market. The 64GB model with 3GB of RAM retails at RM699, while the 128GB option with 4GB of RAM goes for RM899. Two colour options are offered: Green Tea and White Milk.\n\n\n\n\nEven though it\u2019s not the most well-equipped mid-range smartphone, the Realme 6i offers reasonably good value for money. Powering this device is none other than the MediaTek Helio G80 chipset, which should be fast enough for day-to-day use. Realme says that the 6i is the first device with the Helio G80 in our market.\n\n\nBut processing power is not the Realme 6i\u2019s most appealing hardware: it\u2019s battery life. Featuring a generous 5,000mAh battery \u2013 this is even larger than the Realme 6\u2019s 4,300mAh cell \u2013 this phone should be able to return very respectable battery life. It also supports 18W fast charging (as well as reverse charging) through the USB-C port.\n\n\n\n\nUnlike the Realme 6\u2019s 90Hz screen, the Realme 6i settles for a more modest 6.5-inch 1600 x 720 IPS notched display with a conventional 60Hz refresh rate. While this panel doesn\u2019t sound quite as impressive, the lower resolution and refresh rate do reduce the power consumption of the screen, which should further improve the phone\u2019s battery life.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Realme 6i features a quad camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP f/1.8 main shooter, an 8MP f/2.3 ultra-wide angle sensor, a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth camera. Not the most sophisticated camera setup, but certainly good enough for a smartphone at this price point.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Realme 6i include a 16MP f/2.0 selfie camera, a microSD card slot, a rear fingerprint sensor, and Realme UI based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Realme 6i is priced at RM699 and RM899 for the 64GB and 128GB models respectively. The base 64GB variant will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 23 April onwards, while the 128GB option will be sold on 25 April. Early birds can also grab the 64GB model for only RM599 from Shopee on 23 April at 12AM.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/kia-seltos-appears-on-local-website-launch-happening-soon/", "title": "Kia Seltos Appears on Local Website & Spotted in Malaysia; Launch Happening Soon?", "body": "\n\nKia\u2019s brand new B-segment SUV, the Kia Seltos, could be launching in Malaysia very soon. Not only has it appeared in Kia Malaysia\u2019s official website \u2013 revealing some of its key equipment \u2013 the SUV has also been spotted on a trailer right here on our shores.\n\n\nIn fact, the Seltos was actually previewed in Malaysia back in February at a dealer-only event, so it\u2019s no secret that the SUV will be making its way here. That being said, it\u2019s worth noting that the Seltos was only briefly shown on Kia Malaysia\u2019s website; the product page has since been taken down.\n\n\n\n\nBut before it disappeared from the website, we did manage to get a glimpse of the SUV\u2019s list of equipment for the Malaysian market. For one, it appears we\u2019re only getting the 1.6L MPI four-cylinder petrol engine that outputs 123hp and 151Nm of torque paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Yes, it\u2019s unlikely we will get any turbo mill for our market.\n\n\nBesides that, two trim levels of the Seltos are shown, which are the EX and GT Line models. The differences between the two variants are not specifically outlined, but expect the GT Line to get most of the creature comforts. These include fully automatic temperature control, faux leather seats with the GT Line logo, a 7-inch LCD supervision instrument cluster, and even a head-up display (HUD).\n\n\n\n\nBased on what we\u2019ve learned over the past few months, the Seltos for our local market are likely completely built-up (CBU) units from India. Since it\u2019s not locally assembled (CKD), expect the Seltos to cost quite a bit more than other B-segment SUVs in the market now, such as the CKD Honda HR-V.\n\n\nAs mentioned, what seems to be local units of the Seltos have also been spotted being transported on a trailer. This image was posted by \nThe Ajerul on its Facebook page\n, which shows three different colours of the SUV. These should be the Intense Red, Glacier White Pearl, and Gravity Grey colourways.\n\n\nImage source: \nThe Ajerul\n\n\nIt remains to be seen exactly when the Kia Seltos will be launched in Malaysia, but it should be happening very soon, based on its appearance on Kia Malaysia\u2019s website \u2013 albeit only briefly \u2013 and the presence of the car locally. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how much Naza Kia Malaysia will price the Seltos once it\u2019s available in our market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-se-2020-1821mah-battery-3gb-ram-should-you-be-concerned/", "title": "iPhone SE 2020 Only Has 1,821mAh Battery & 3GB RAM \u2013 Should You Be Concerned?", "body": "\n\nThe second-generation \niPhone SE\n was unveiled a few days ago, and it didn\u2019t take long for folks to figure out the exact RAM capacity and battery size of the compact smartphone. As expected, the new iPhone doesn\u2019t really impress in these two hardware: it\u2019s said to only feature a 1,821mAh battery and 3GB of RAM.\n\n\nThese two hardware details \ncome from 9to5Mac\n, which found the relevant information from a \nChinese telco\u2019s listing of the iPhone SE\n. That being said, it\u2019s worth noting that the battery and RAM capacities of the iPhone have since been removed from the listing; quite peculiar.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegardless, given the similarities between the new iPhone SE and the iPhone 8, we\u2019re quite confident the 1,821mAh battery is accurate; it\u2019s the exact same cell capacity found in the latter. To be sure, it\u2019s a small capacity, and in a market where most \u2013 if not all \u2013 smartphones come with batteries \ntwice\n as big as that 1,821mAh cell, it doesn\u2019t look great for the iPhone SE.\n\n\nHowever, when we talk about battery capacities, iPhones usually don\u2019t have the largest cells, but they still deliver reasonably good battery life. This can be attributed to iOS\u2019 power optimisation, which is quite impressive. Of course, you can only squeeze so much battery life out of the 1,821mAh cell, but will you struggle to get at least a day\u2019s worth of use?\n\n\n\n\nWell, until we have the iPhone SE in for review, we can\u2019t say with pinpoint accuracy. But given that the iPhone 8 can return good enough battery life for most consumers, we see no reason why the iPhone SE wouldn\u2019t be able to do the same. According to the Cupertino company, the SE has about the same battery life as the iPhone 8.\n\n\nOkay, but what about the \u201cmeasly\u201d 3GB RAM of the iPhone SE? Well, to put this into context, both the \niPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max\n only has 4GB of RAM; that\u2019s just 1GB more than the SE. Trust us, the 3GB of RAM is enough to keep up with the phone\u2019s fast A13 Bionic chip.\n\n\nReally, you should be able to get comparable performance as the far more expensive iPhone 11 smartphones with the second-generation iPhone SE. After all, these devices are powered by the very same chip.\n\n\n\n\nYou might be wondering: if an Android smartphone only has a 1,821mAh battery and 3GB of RAM, it wouldn\u2019t be as well-received as the iPhone SE 2020. But that is precisely the point \u2013 you cannot compare Android and iOS smartphones based on hardware alone (well, to an extent). Both operating systems behave differently, and the truth of the matter is, Apple makes better use of hardware with iOS.\n\n\nSee, iOS\u2019 closed ecosystem allows Apple to optimise the operating system on many levels. Compare this to Android\u2019s far more fragmented nature; it\u2019s a lot harder to achieve the same level of optimisation on the platform. iOS\u2019 restrictive nature and Android\u2019s openness each have its own benefits and drawbacks, but when it comes to efficient use of hardware, iOS is \u2013 most of the time \u2013 superior.\n\n\n\n\nSo to answer the question: should you be concerned about the iPhone SE\u2019s 1,821mAh battery and 3GB RAM? Performance wise, you have nothing to worry about, but you do have to manage your expectations when it comes to battery life. We reckon the SE will be able to last through a day of use for most users, but don\u2019t expect it to last as long as the iPhone 11 series.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-v19-set-to-launch-in-malaysia-on-23-april/", "title": "Vivo V19 Set to Launch in Malaysia on 23 April", "body": "\n\nVivo just confirmed that its latest mid-range smartphone, the \nVivo V19\n, will be landing in Malaysia later this week on 23 April. Featuring a quad camera system, a reasonably sleek design, and 33W fast charging, the V19 is quite an interesting smartphone.\n\n\nNaturally, the V19 comes with a number of notable upgrades over its predecessor, \nthe V17\n. For one, it\u2019s powered by a faster Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 chipset; the V17 only had a Snapdragon 675 SoC. Paired with 8GB of RAM, the V19 should be able to offer a good level of performance.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the phone\u2019s quad camera system, it is made up of a 48MP f/1.79 primary shooter, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor, a 2MP f/2.4 depth camera, and a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens. It would\u2019ve been nice if it offered a telephoto sensor as well, but it\u2019s typically not offered in this segment.\n\n\nVivo smartphones have always focused on delivering good selfie cameras, and the V19 is no different. Positioned on the top right of the phone\u2019s screen in a hole-punch cutout, there are two front-facing cameras: a 32MP f/2.08 main shooter, and an 8MP f/2.28 super-wide angle shooter. Thanks to this camera configuration, you can take both regular selfies and a wide-angle shot for group selfies.\n\n\n\n\nThe display itself, on the other hand, is a 6.44-inch 2400 x 1080 Super AMOLED screen. This being an OLED panel, you can expect to get vibrant, punchy colours, along with wide viewing angles. On top of that, this screen should offer very deep blacks as well, which would make content consumption that much more enjoyable.\n\n\nWhen it comes to battery life, the V19 features a 4,500mAh battery. It\u2019s a generous battery capacity, which should be able to return respectable battery life. It also supports 33W Vivo FlashCharge 2.0 technology; Vivo claims that the battery can be charged up to 54% from completely empty in 30 minutes.\n\n\nOther specifications of the V19 include 128GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot if you need even more space, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and FunTouch OS based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Vivo V19 will be launched in Malaysia this Thursday on 23 April via an online live stream on \nVivo Malaysia\u2019s Facebook page\n. It\u2019s set to take place at 6PM, and those who watch the online launch event also stand a chance to win one of three units of the V19.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/black-shark-3-gaming-smartphone-launching-in-malaysia-30-april/", "title": "Black Shark 3 Gaming Smartphone Launching in Malaysia 30 April", "body": "\n\nOne of the first gaming smartphones unveiled this year is finally making its way here. Black Shark Malaysia confirmed on its Facebook page that the Black Shark 3 will be launching on our shores next week on 30 April. Sporting a high level of performance with a slew of gamer-centric features, it\u2019s an enticing smartphone for mobile gamers.\n\n\nThere are two variants of the gaming smartphone: there\u2019s the standard Black Shark 3, and the more feature-packed Black Shark 3 Pro. It\u2019s not confirmed yet if both models will be brought here; we\u2019ll just have to wait for the local launch event to find out.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOut of the two devices, the Black Shark 3 Pro is naturally the higher-end model. Not only does it have a massive 7.1-inch 3120 x 1440 AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, it is also powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset like the majority of other flagship smartphones in the market now.\n\n\nAs this is marketed as a gaming smartphone, the Black Shark 3 Pro screen also supports 270Hz touch sampling rate. What this basically does is improve the responsiveness of the panel, which should reduce any input lag to a minimum. Needless to say, this is an important feature for gamers.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Black Shark 3 Pro also comes with two physical shoulder buttons on the right side of the phone. That\u2019s right, \nphysical\n shoulder buttons that actually \npop-up\n when you need to use them. This is a very unique feature, and we imagine mobile gamers will appreciate it.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Black Shark 3 Pro include up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, a triple camera system (64MP f/1.8 primary + 13MP f/2.3 ultra-wide angle + 5MP f/2.2 depth), a 20MP f/2.2 selfie camera, a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and of course, 5G connectivity.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the more affordable Black Shark 3, it shares some of the Pro model\u2019s hardware, including a Snapdragon 865 chipset, a 90Hz screen with 270Hz touch sampling rate, the same camera system (including the selfie shooter), and even 65W fast charging, though the battery capacity has been reduced slightly to 4,720mAh.\n\n\nBesides that, the regular Black Shark 3 also has a more compact 6.67-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED panel, though it is by no means a small screen. It doesn\u2019t have the physical shoulder buttons of the Pro model either, opting instead for more conventional capacitive buttons.\n\n\nAs for storage and RAM capacities, the Black Shark 3 comes with either 128GB or 256GB of storage, while its RAM capacity maxes out at 12GB.\n\n\n\n\nThe Black Shark 3 will be launching in Malaysia on 30 April next week. Hopefully, Black Shark Malaysia will bring in both variants of the high-end gaming smartphone.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/raya-bersama-shopee-campaign-offers-daily-necessities-for-only-rm10/", "title": "Raya Bersama Shopee Campaign Offers Daily Necessities for Only RM10", "body": "\n\nThe COVID-19 pandemic and the movement control order (MCO) that follow to contain the disease in Malaysia are making it quite difficult to get daily necessities and what not. To make it easier \u2013 and cheaper \u2013 to get these items, Shopee is launching the Raya Bersama Shopee campaign; you can get daily necessities from only RM10 throughout the sale period.\n\n\nFrom today until 26 May 2020, Shopee will offer a number of daily essentials from RM10. These include products like Milo, chicken, beef, dates, rice, and even cooking oil. On top of that, certain home appliances will also be offered for only RM10, including a Tefal blender worth RM149.\n\n\nOf course, Shopee usually throws in free shipping for purchases made on the e-commerce platform, and you won\u2019t have to pay for shipping with a minimum spend of RM19.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, the minimum spend to be eligible for free shipping on Shopee will be reduced to only RM10 on four dates: 23 and 24 April (Jualan Hebat Raya), and well as 14 and 15 May (Pesta Jualan Raya). However, do note that the lowered minimum spend is only valid from 12AM to 2AM on the specified dates.\n\n\nWhile getting free shipping is nice, that\u2019s not the only reason to get your shopping done in those four days. According to Shopee, the platform will offer up to 80% discounts on these dates, along with RM1 deals for certain items. Chances are, we reckon it will also give out discounts vouchers to further entice users.\n\n\n\n\nBesides these sales, Shopee is also introducing a new section in its app: Salam by Shopee. This section is meant to make it easier for users to look for halal products, prayer items, and even Muslim fashion on the platform. There are also a number of deals and vouchers exclusive to the Salam by Shopee section.\n\n\n\u200bIf you want to, you can even donate to charity organisations such as the Islamic Aid Malaysia, MERCY Malaysia, MAKNA, and NKF from the Salam by Shopee section itself. In fact, Shopee has raised over RM450,000 as of 20 April for the Malaysian Medical Association Foundation to help medical frontline workers.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Raya Bersama Shopee campaign is happening right now, and it will end next month on 26 May. Whether you\u2019re looking to get daily necessities or Raya-related products, you\u2019d want to check out this campaign. The Shopee app can be downloaded over at the \nGoogle Play Store\n and \nApple App Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-a31-with-5000mah-battery-quad-camera-arriving-in-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy A31 With 5,000mAh Battery & Quad Camera Arriving in Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nSamsung may be more known for its range of high-end, flagship smartphones, but the Korean company\u2019s more affordable devices are actually quite interesting as well. This is especially the case with its newer offerings, such as the Samsung Galaxy A31 \u2013 we believe this mid-range smartphone is coming to Malaysia very soon.\n\n\nWhile we were going through SIRIM\u2019s database, we notice that Samsung Malaysia registered a device with the model number SM-A315G/DS just yesterday on 20 April. We did a little digging, and we managed to find a support page of the device in question on \nSamsung Malaysia\u2019s website itself\n. This is, in fact, the recently launched Galaxy A31.\n\n\n\n\nIntroduced to the world late last month, the Galaxy A31 offers a number of features that are quite interesting for a budget-oriented smartphone. For one, it comes with a large 5,000mAh battery with support for 15W fast charging. Not the fastest charging rate we\u2019ve seen, but good enough for a phone in this segment.\n\n\nBesides that, the Galaxy A31 also features a quad camera system on the back. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP f/2.0 main sensor, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, a 5MP f/2.4 depth camera, and a 5MP f/2.4 macro lens. While it doesn\u2019t have a telephoto sensor, this is quite an elaborate camera setup for a mid-ranger.\n\n\n\n\nJust like any other Samsung smartphones, the Galaxy A31 features a 6.4-inch 2400 x 1080 Super AMOLED screen with an Infinity-U design; that is, there\u2019s a U-shaped notch at the top of the display. What\u2019s even more interesting is the fact that this smartphone also has an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\nHowever, some folks may not be thrilled by the chipset that powers the Galaxy A31: a MediaTek Helio P65 SoC. It\u2019s a decidedly mid-range processor launched last year, and while it\u2019s not an awfully powerful chip, it should be able to offer a reasonably good level of performance for everyday use.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy A31 include a 20MP f/2.2 selfie camera, 4GB or 6GB of RAM, two storage options (64GB and 128GB), a microSD card slot, as well as four colour options: Prism Crush Blue, Black, Red, and White.\n\n\n\n\nIt remains to be seen exactly when the Samsung Galaxy A31 will be offered in Malaysia, but given that it has already been registered with SIRIM, we reckon it will be happening very soon. It\u2019ll be interesting to see exactly how much Samsung Malaysia will price the Galaxy A31 for our market. For the sake of comparison, the Galaxy A51 \nretails at RM1,299 when it was first launched here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-10-series-now-in-malaysia-retails-up-to-rm3899/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi 10 Series Now in Malaysia; Retails up to RM3,899", "body": "\n\nXiaomi just launched its latest flagship smartphones in Malaysia. Both the Xiaomi Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro have landed here, and retailing from RM2,799 to RM3,899, these are the Chinese company\u2019s most expensive smartphones yet for our market.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, for the first time ever, the Mi 10 series is approaching the RM4,000 mark. Naturally, it\u2019s the Mi 10 Pro that is priced at RM3,899. For that kind of money, the Pro model comes with 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM; reasonably big capacities. Only this sole variant is available for our market.\n\n\nAs for the more affordable Mi 10, two options are offered here: the 128GB model goes for RM2,799, while the 256GB variant retails at RM2,999. Regardless of which option you go for, you\u2019ll get 8GB of RAM.\n\n\n\n\nGiven the steep asking prices of the two phones, they do offer some impressive hardware. The Mi 10 Pro, for one, features a sophisticated quad camera system. It consists of a 108MP f/1.69 main shooter, a 12MP f/2.0 telephoto lens (50mm), a longer 8MP f/2.0 telephoto sensor (94mm), and a 20MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle camera.\n\n\nIn DxOMark\u2019s review of the Mi 10 Pro\u2019s camera performance, the phone receives a \ncombined score of 124\n, putting it in third place alongside the \nOppo Find X2 Pro\n. It\u2019s right behind the \nHuawei P40 Pro\n and Honor 30 Pro+, which is not a bad spot to be in.\n\n\nPowering the Mi 10 Pro, on the other hand, is a fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset with 5G connectivity. Other specifications of this flagship smartphone include a 6.67-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a 20MP f/2.0 selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery with support for 50W fast charging \u2013 30W wirelessly \u2013 and an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the standard Mi 10, which shares a number of hardware as the Pro model. These include the same Snapdragon 865 chipset with 5G, a 90Hz display, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a 20MP front-facing camera. That being said, the regular Mi 10 comes with a simpler quad camera system made up of a 108MP primary sensor, a 13MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle shooter, a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor.\n\n\nInterestingly, despite sharing the same chassis as the Mi 10 Pro, the standard Mi 10 is packing a slightly larger 4,780mAh battery. But the wired fast charging of this model is only limited to 30W, though it can also do 30W charging wirelessly along with support for reverse wireless charging, just like the Pro variant.\n\n\n\n\nThe \nXiaomi Mi 10 Pro\n and \nMi 10\n are now available for pre-order in Malaysia. Those who place their order by 30 April will also receive a freebie: every pre-order of the Mi 10 Pro will come with a Mi True Wireless Earphones worth RM329, while pre-orders of the Mi 10 will come with a \nMi Band 4\n worth RM149.\n\n\nTo recap, the Mi 10 Pro retails at RM3,899 for the sole 256GB + 8GB variant, while the standard Mi 10 costs RM2,799 and RM2,999 for the 128GB + 8GB and 256GB + 8GB options respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-tuf-gaming-a15-first-ryzen-4000-gaming-laptops-in-malaysia/", "title": "Asus TUF Gaming A15 & A17 Coming in May 2020; First Ryzen 4000 Gaming Laptops in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019ve just received word that Asus is bringing in two of its latest gaming laptops to Malaysia: the Asus TUF Gaming A15 and A17. Initially unveiled at CES 2020, these products are set to be the first \nAMD Ryzen 4000\n gaming laptops to reach our shores, and that\u2019s quite a big deal.\n\n\nCompared to Intel\u2019s offerings, the new Ryzen 4000 processors \u2013 which are based on the chipmaker\u2019s Zen 2 architecture \u2013 can deliver excellent performance in a power-efficient package. After all, AMD\u2019s new mobile chips are fabricated on a 7nm process, giving them superior performance per watt than the competition.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, for both the TUF Gaming A15 and A17, they can be configured with either a Ryzen 9 4900H, Ryzen 7 4800H, or Ryzen 5 4600H processor. It remains to be seen exactly which option will be available here in Malaysia, but there\u2019s a good chance the Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 5 models will be brought in first. The former is actually quite exciting: early benchmarks have shown that the Ryzen 7 chip is \nquite the performer\n.\n\n\nBut what impacts gaming performance the most is the GPU, and in this regard, the TUF Gaming A15 comes with either an Nvidia RTX 2060 or a GTX 1660 Ti GPU. The TUF Gaming A17, on the other hand, is listed only with a GTX 1660 Ti option.\n\n\nRegardless, both of these GPUs are powerful enough to handle most \u2013 if not all \u2013 AAA titles with high graphics settings. The \nperformance disparity between the two\n are not that big either if you don\u2019t care about RTX-specific features like ray tracing.\n\n\n\n\nMore and more gaming laptops are now shipping with fast displays, and the same applies to the TUF Gaming A15 and A17. The A15 comes with a 15.6-inch 1080p \u201cIPS-level\u201d screen with a fast 144Hz refresh rate, and there is also a 60Hz option. The A17, on the other hand, has a larger 17.3-inch panel with a 120Hz or 60Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nOther specifications of the TUF Gaming A15 and A17 include up to 32GB of DDR4 3200MHz RAM, up to 1TB of PCIe 3.0 SSD, two SSD slots for storage expansion as and when necessary, and of course, these wouldn\u2019t be gaming laptops without an RGB keyboard.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus TUF Gaming A15 and A17 are expected to arrive here in Malaysia sometime next month in May 2020. No local pricing have been revealed yet, though it\u2019s worth noting that the TUF Gaming lineup usually offers good value for money, such as the \nFX505\n we reviewed a while ago.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nAsus Launches AMD Ryzen 4000 Laptops in Malaysia, Including TUF Gaming A15 From RM3,499\n\n\nAsus TUF Gaming A15 Hands-On: Powerful, Affordable Ryzen 4000 Gaming Laptop\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-v19-with-dual-selfie-camera-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm1699/", "title": "Vivo V19 With Dual Selfie Camera Lands in Malaysia for RM1,699", "body": "\n\nVivo has launched its latest mid-range smartphone in Malaysia, the Vivo V19. Priced at RM1,699 for our market, the V19 is quite costly for a mid-ranger, though that\u2019s exactly how much its predecessor, the \nVivo V17\n, was priced at when it was launched here back in December 2019.\n\n\nCompared to the V17, the V19 brings a number of notable improvements. One of the most important upgrades is in the performance department: powering the V19 is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 chipset, which is faster than the V17\u2019s Snapdragon 675 SoC.\n\n\nOn top of that, the V19 also comes with 8GB of RAM, so you should be able to get reasonably good performance and multitasking capability with this mid-range smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the V19 has a quad camera system too. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP f/1.79 primary shooter, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor, a 2MP f/2.4 depth camera, and a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens. There\u2019s no telephoto camera here, but the zoom lens is typically omitted in this segment anyway.\n\n\nIf there\u2019s any feature that has always been an area of focus for Vivo, it would be the selfie camera. In this regard, the V19 is packed with two front-facing cameras: a 32MP f/2.08 main shooter, and an 8MP f/2.28 super-wide angle shooter. This camera configuration gives you the flexibility of capturing both regular selfies and wider shots for group selfies.\n\n\n\n\nAnother hardware of the V19 that\u2019s worth highlighting is its 4,500mAh battery. That\u2019s quite a generous battery capacity, and we reckon it would be able to return above average battery life. Thanks to Vivo\u2019s 33W FlashCharge 2.0 technology, the company claims that the V19 can be charged up to 54% from empty in 30 minutes.\n\n\nOther specifications of the V19 include a 6.44-inch 2400 x 1080 Super AMOLED screen, 128GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot for further expansion, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, FunTouch OS based on Android 10 out of the box, and two colour options: Sleek Silver and Gleam Black.\n\n\n\n\nThe Vivo V19 will go on sale in Malaysia from 25 April onwards for RM1,699. Again, it\u2019s quite a hefty price tag for a smartphone in this segment, but if its feature set catches your fancy \u2013 such as the dual selfie camera \u2013 it may be worth the money for certain folks. You can purchase the V19 on \nVivo\u2019s official online store\n as well as \nShopee\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-8-series-malaysian-pricing-revealed-retails-from-rm2899-to-rm4099/", "title": "OnePlus 8 Series Malaysian Pricing Revealed; Retails From RM2,899 to RM4,099", "body": "\n\nUnveiled globally just last week, the Malaysian pricing of the \nOnePlus 8 series\n has just been revealed. Both the standard OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro will be made available on our shores, and the pair of flagship smartphones are priced pretty competitively for our market.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the higher-end OnePlus 8 Pro. Two variants are available here: the 128GB base model with 8GB of RAM goes for RM3,699, while the 256GB option with 12GB of RAM is priced at RM4,099. Curiously, these price tags are actually \nlower\n than the pricing of the smartphone for the US market \u2013 that\u2019s quite a surprise.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the more affordable OnePlus 8, two variants are also offered here. The 128GB + 8GB model carries a RM2,899 price tag, whereas the 256GB + 12GB option retails at RM3,299. Again, these prices are lower than how much the phone costs in the US, which is quite peculiar.\n\n\nAnyway, at these price points, the OnePlus 8 series still cost more than their predecessors here in Malaysia, but they do offer quite a number of upgrades. The OnePlus 8 Pro, for one, features a 6.78-inch 3168 x 1440 Fluid AMOLED screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate; an upgrade over the previous model\u2019s 90Hz panel.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the OnePlus 8 Pro also has a more elaborate quad camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP f/1.78 primary sensor with optical image stabilisation, a 48MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, an 8MP f/2.44 telephoto lens, and a 5MP f/2.4 colour filter camera. Not the most sophisticated camera array, but it does look promising.\n\n\nOther specifications of the OnePlus 8 Pro include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, 5G connectivity, a 16MP f/2.45 selfie camera, a 4,510mAh battery with support for 30W wired and wireless charging, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and an IP68 rating.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the standard OnePlus 8, it\u2019s quite a well-equipped flagship smartphone too, though it\u2019s not quite as feature-rich as its Pro sibling. It\u2019s still powered by a Snapdragon 865 chipset with 5G connectivity, but it comes with a smaller 6.55-inch 2400 x 1080 Fluid AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nAside from that, it also has a simpler triple camera configuration consisting of a 48MP f/1.75 main sensor with OIS, a 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens. Rounding out the specifications of the OnePlus 8 are a 16MP f/2.45 selfie camera, a 4,300mAh battery, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and \u2013 though \nthis is debatable\n \u2013 an IP68 rating for certain models.\n\n\n\n\nThe OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro will be available for pre-order in Malaysia later tonight at 12AM. Early pre-orders will also get a number of added benefits, including a two-year warranty, a year of screen crack protection, and several freebies. You can place your pre-order over at \nShopee \nas well as \nLazada\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-zephyrus-g15-with-ryzen-7-4800hs-cpu-240hz-screen-appears-on-malaysian-website/", "title": "Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 With Ryzen 7 4800HS CPU & 240Hz Screen Appears on Malaysian Website", "body": "\n\nWe know that Asus is bringing in at least \ntwo gaming laptops\n with AMD\u2019s new \nRyzen 4000 series processor\n to Malaysia, and it seems like the Taiwanese company is planning to offer even more product with the chip locally. Enter the new Asus ROG Zephyrus G15, which is now listed on Asus Malaysia\u2019s official website.\n\n\nNow, to be clear, the Zephyrus G15 is an existing product in our market, but it was refreshed back at CES 2020 with AMD\u2019s new Ryzen chips. We spotted this new model on Asus Malaysia\u2019s website, which shows that it is packing a Ryzen 7 4800HS processor and a fast 240Hz screen.\n\n\nHowever, clicking on the link only directs \nto the older model\n with a Ryzen 7 3750H chip and an Nvidia GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q GPU.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the Zephyrus G15 particularly interesting is the processor under the hood of the gaming laptop. As mentioned, it\u2019s powered by a Ryzen 7 4800HS processor. It\u2019s quite a big deal, given just how \ncapable and power-efficient\n AMD\u2019s new chip is.\n\n\nBesides that, the new Zephyrus G15 is also expected to feature a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 display with a blazing fast 240Hz refresh rate for our market, as reflected in the local product listing. On top of that, it\u2019s said to be powered by an RTX 2060 GPU too, which should be powerful enough to run AAA titles with high graphics settings.\n\n\n\n\nThis being a Zephyrus-branded product, the Zephyrus G15 is quite a thin and light machine \u2013 at least, for a gaming laptop. Measuring only 19.9mm thin and tipping the scales at 2.1kg, it\u2019s not the lightest or slimmest laptop around, but it\u2019s certainly more portable than most gaming notebooks.\n\n\nConnectivity wise, the Zephyrus G15 has a good selection of ports. These include a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C connection with Power Delivery and DisplayPort 1.4 support, three USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, an HDMI 2.0b output, as well as an RJ-45 jack.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Zephyrus G15 include up to 32GB of DDR4 3200MHz RAM, 512GB or 1TB of fast M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD storage, and either Windows 10 Home or Pro out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ve reached out to Asus Malaysia regarding the local availability of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G15, and the company confirmed that this product will in fact be launched alongside the Asus TUF Gaming A15 and A17. These AMD-powered gaming laptops are \nexpected to arrive next month\n.\n\n\nUpdate 9PM:\n We\u2019ve updated the article with the confirmed local availability of the Zephyrus G15\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-will-offer-its-range-of-smart-tvs-in-malaysia-this-year/", "title": "Xiaomi Will Offer Its Range of Smart TVs in Malaysia This Year", "body": "\n\nThis has been asked for a long, long time now, and it appears Xiaomi is finally doing it: the Chinese company will bring in its smart TVs to Malaysia soon. In fact, this could happen as early as this year. It\u2019s really quite exciting, given the sheer value for money the company\u2019s range of Mi TVs offer.\n\n\nThe Malaysian availability of the Mi TV series is confirmed in an \ninterview between Xiaomi and Amanz\n. This bit of information comes directly from the Country Manager of Xiaomi for Malaysia and Singapore, Nicolas Shi. \u201cWe are planning to bring the Mi TV into the market within this year. That is something that everyone can look forward to,\u201d he said.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, Shi added that Xiaomi is also gearing up to launch a number of other products in Malaysia, including a gaming monitor, router, and even the Mi Watch. It remains to be seen exactly when this will happen, but it\u2019s great to see that the company is focusing to offer more of its products on our shores officially.\n\n\nIt\u2019s not confirmed yet which generation of the Mi TV that Xiaomi is planning to offer here in Malaysia, but we can look at our neighbouring country, Indonesia, for what could possibly be sold here as well. For the Indonesian market, both the Mi TV 4 and Mi TV 4A are available.\n\n\n\n\nOut of the two smart TVs, the Mi TV 4 is the higher-end offering. Two sizes are sold in Indonesia: 43-inch and 55-inch. The former offers a 1920 x 1080 screen, while the bigger 55-inch model comes with a sharper 3840 x 2160 panel. How much does these two models of the Mi TV 4 cost?\n\n\nWell, that\u2019s where it gets really exciting. The range-topping 55-inch Mi TV 4 costs only 4,999,000 Indonesian rupiah (about RM1,400), while the more affordable 43-inch model goes for 3,499,000 rupiah \u2013 that comes up to only \nRM980\n. Needless to say, you\u2019re getting a lot of value for your money with these two smart TVs.\n\n\nAs for the Mi TV 4A, two sizes are also available. The 43-inch model with a 1080p display carries a 3,499,000 rupiah price tag (the same price as the 43-inch Mi TV 4), while the 32-inch option with a 1366 x 768 panel retails at 1,899,000 rupiah (around RM530).\n\n\n\n\nIf Xiaomi can offer the Mi TV 4 or Mi TV 4A at these price points for the Malaysian market, we reckon it will be very well-received. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the local availability of the Mi TV.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-motorola-edge-is-the-companys-first-flagship-smartphone-in-4-years/", "title": "The Motorola Edge+ Is The Company\u2019s First Flagship Smartphone in 4 Years", "body": "\n\nMotorola is making its foray back into the high-end smartphone market after four long years \u2013 its last flagship was the 2016 Moto Z \u2013 with the Motorola Edge+. On paper, the new flagship device offers a number of impressive features, including a dual curved 90Hz screen and a triple camera system with a 108MP sensor. There\u2019s also the more affordable, regular Motorola Edge for folks that want a mid-range smartphone instead.\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Motorola Edge+ has a dual curved display, but it\u2019s not like the curved screens of, say, the \nSamsung Galaxy S10+\n or \nOnePlus 7 Pro\n. Rather, it\u2019s more akin to the \u201cWaterfall\u201d display of the \nVivo Nex 3\n. According to Motorola, the Endless Edge display of its new phone wraps around the sides at a nearly 90-degree angle.\n\n\n\n\nLooking at renderings of the Edge+, the steep curvature of the screen does give the phone a rather unique, sleek-looking design. However, it\u2019ll be interesting to see if it would suffer from any major ergonomic issue, especially when it comes to proper palm rejection.\n\n\nAnyway, the panel itself is a 6.7-inch 2340 x 1080 OLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. It\u2019s not quite as fast as the displays found on its main competition, but it\u2019s still much better than a conventional 60Hz screen. Plus, the 90Hz refresh rate won\u2019t be as power-hungry, which should improve battery life.\n\n\nRight, the Edge+ features a huge 5,000mAh battery, so you can expect to get very respectable battery life. However, it only supports 18W wired charging; that\u2019s not particularly fast. It also comes with wireless charging, but it\u2019s only limited to 15W.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the triple camera system of the Motorola Edge+. The primary sensor is a 108MP f/1.8 unit with optical image stabilisation, which is complemented by a 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter and an 8MP f/2.4 telephoto lens (also optically stabilised) that can do 3x optical zoom. There is also a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor to capture depth information.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Edge+ include Qualcomm\u2019s Snapdragon 865 chipset with 5G connectivity, 12GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage, a 25MP f/2.0 selfie camera, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and even a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\n\n\nIf the Edge+ is too rich for your blood, there\u2019s also the standard Edge. This more affordable model has the same design as the Edge+, but its list of hardware are not quite as potent. It\u2019s powered by a Snapdragon 765 chipset \u2013 so it still gets 5G connectivity \u2013 and it has a smaller 4,500mAh battery with no wireless charging support.\n\n\nOf course, the Edge\u2019s triple camera system isn\u2019t quite as sophisticated either. It sports a 64MP f/1.8 main sensor, a 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, and an 8MP f/2.4 telephoto lens that can do 2x optical zoom instead of 3x. The front-facing camera, on the other hand, is the same 25MP f/2.0 unit found in the Edge+.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Edge are 4GB or 6GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot (you don\u2019t get this with the Edge+ for some reason), and just like its higher-end sibling, a \u201cpure version of Android,\u201d as Motorola puts it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Motorola Edge+ will be available in selected markets from May 2020 onwards. In the US, it is exclusive to Verizon, and it retails at $1,000 \u2013 that\u2019s about RM4,360. As for the regular Motorola Edge, it is set to be rolled out in the coming months to certain markets in Asia Pacific; Italy will get the device in May for \u20ac699 (around RM3,295). It\u2019s not known yet if the Edge or Edge+ will be landing here in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-this-18w-fast-charging-power-bank-for-only-rm49-90/", "title": "Deal: Get This 18W Fast Charging Power Bank for Only RM49.90", "body": "\n\nPower banks are indispensable to some smartphone users, so if it\u2019s time for a replacement, this deal may pique your interest. You can now grab the Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 3 with a 10,000mAh capacity and 18W fast charging \nfor only RM49.90\n.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Lazada retailer Dasher, and both the Silver and Black models are currently in stock. On top of that, a silicone casing is also bundled with the power bank, and looking at the comments from buyers for this listing, it appears the retailer is still shipping even during this MCO period.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the most attractive features of the Mi Power Bank 3 is its ability to do 18W fast charging, and that applies to both input and output. Basically, you can charge a connected device at 18W, and the power bank itself can also be recharged at the same charging rate. Xiaomi says that the 10,000mAh cell can be fully charged in four hours.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to grab the Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 3 for only RM49.90, head on to the \nlisting on Lazada right now\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-tab-s6-lite-with-s-pen-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite With S Pen Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nSamsung has been releasing quite a number of Android tablets with S Pen support over the past couple of years \u2013 including the \nGalaxy Tab A 8.0\n \u2013 and the latest tablet with such a feature is coming to Malaysia very soon. Of course, we\u2019re talking about the recently unveiled Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite.\n\n\nAs usual, we were doing our routine check of SIRIM\u2019s database when we came across two new devices registered under Samsung Malaysia. These two devices are the SM-P615 and SM-P610, which appeared in SIRIM just today on 27 April. Using these two model numbers, we manage to locate the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite\u2019s \nsupport page\n on \nSamsung Malaysia\u2019s website itself\n.\n\n\n\n\nSo what\u2019s the difference between the two model numbers of the Galaxy S6 Lite? Well, looking at the SIRIM certification of both devices, the SM-P615 is the LTE model, while the SM-P610 is the WiFi only variant. This means that Samsung Malaysia will likely offer both options for our market.\n\n\nWhat makes the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite particularly interesting is the accompanying S Pen, which has been redesigned for the tablet. It weighs 7.03g, and it\u2019s said to feature improved pen latency and a 0.7mm pen tip to deliver \u201cgreater precision for note-taking and drawing.\u201d The S Pen also snaps magnetically to the right side of the tablet.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the Tab S6 Lite doesn\u2019t have any slot to store the S Pen, though there is a casing for the tablet that has a compartment for the stylus.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is a reasonably capable tablet. It\u2019s powered by an Exynos 9611 chipset, which is the same SoC found in the \nSamsung Galaxy A50s\n mid-range smartphone. The Tab S6 Lite also has a 10.4-inch 2000 x 1200 TFT LCD display with relatively slim bezels surrounding it, giving the tablet a rather sleek-looking design.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite include 4GB of RAM, 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, an 8MP f/1.9 rear camera, a 5MP f/2.0 selfie camera, a 7,040mAh battery, and One UI 2 based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, we have yet to hear from Samsung Malaysia on the local availability and pricing of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite. For the sake of comparison, this Android tablet starts at $350 for the US market, which comes up to about RM1,525. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the Malaysian availability of the Tab S6 Lite.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nSamsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite With S Pen Support Now in Malaysia for RM1,699\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-10-youth-edition-5g-launches-in-china-with-50x-zoom-2099-yuan-price-tag/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi 10 Youth Edition 5G Launches in China With 50x Zoom & 2,099 Yuan Price Tag", "body": "\n\nXiaomi just added a new device to the Mi 10 series in China, the Xiaomi Mi 10 Youth Edition 5G. At a glance, it looks very similar to the \nXiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G\n. In fact, it appears both smartphones share the same chassis, but the former does come with a more sophisticated camera system that can even do 50x zoom.\n\n\nThis is evident with the branding on the rear camera module of both smartphones. On the Mi 10 Lite, the 48MP primary sensor is highlighted, but the Mi 10 Youth Edition focuses on the 50x zooming capability instead. Granted, the Mi 10 Lite\u2019s full camera hardware has not been revealed yet, so it\u2019s not quite as clear-cut that these two camera systems are different.\n\n\nThis is the Mi 10 Youth Edition: notice the periscope-style telephoto sensor on the bottom right\nThe Mi 10 Lite doesn\u2019t have the same sensor\n\n\nBut looking closer at the four camera modules of the Mi 10 Youth Edition, it\u2019s clear that the sensor on the bottom right of the camera module is a periscope-style telephoto lens. The Mi 10 Lite, on the other hand, does not have a similar sensor on the same location, so we believe these two devices are different from each other.\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s talk about the quad camera configuration of the Mi 10 Youth Edition. The primary sensor is a 48MP f/1.79 unit, which is complemented by the aforementioned 8MP periscope telephoto lens that can do 5x optical or 50x digital zoom. The other two sensors are an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter and a macro lens.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the camera system, the Mi 10 Youth Edition shares most of the Mi 10 Lite\u2019s hardware. It has a 6.57-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED notched display with a 180Hz touch sampling rate, which is not to be confused with a screen\u2019s refresh rate. The 180Hz sampling rate improves the responsiveness of the display to touch inputs, reducing input lag.\n\n\nPowering the Mi 10 Youth Edition, on the other hand, is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset, giving the phone 5G connectivity and a good level of performance. Other specifications of this phone include 6GB or 8GB of RAM, three storage options (64GB, 128GB, and 256GB), a 16MP selfie camera, a 4,160mAh battery, as well an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi 10 Youth Edition 5G will be sold in China from 30 April onwards in four distinct variants:\n\n\n64GB + 6GB: 2,099 yuan (~RM1,290)\n128GB + 6GB: 2,299 yuan (~RM1,415)\n128GB + 8GB: 2,499 yuan (~RM1,535)\n256GB + 8GB: 2,799 yuan (~RM1,720)\n\n\nAt the moment, it remains to be seen if the Mi 10 Youth Edition will be made available outside of China. If it does, it\u2019ll be interesting to see if Malaysia will receive this particular model or the Mi 10 Lite 5G, given the similarities between the two smartphones.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-last-of-us-part-ii-releasing-on-19-june-ghost-of-tsushima-delayed-to-july/", "title": "The Last of Us Part II Releasing on 19 June; Ghost of Tsushima Delayed to July", "body": "\n\nGreat news: Sony Interactive Entertainment \njust confirmed\n that The Last of Us Part II will be released on 19 June 2020. Previously slated for a 29 May release, the highly anticipated game from Naughty Dog was delayed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, the actual delay isn\u2019t as long as some had though.\n\n\nThat being said, the new release date for The Last of Us Part II does mean another PlayStation 4 exclusive will be delayed: Ghost of Tsushima. Originally set for a 26 June release, Sucker Punch\u2019s new game since Infamous Second Son (which was released back in 2014) will arrive on 17 July 2020 now. Not too long of a wait from the initial release date.\n\n\n\n\nRegardless, it\u2019s great that these two exclusive games for the PlayStation 4 platform are still releasing within a month of their original launch dates. However, it\u2019s worth noting that this is actually the third release date for The Last of Us Part II.\n\n\nAfter all, the game was planned to be released as early as 21 February. According to Naughty Dog, the game had to delayed to May (at the time) to make more time for the final polishing process of the game. This is done instead of compromising parts of the game, which is a good step in our opinion.\n\n\n\n\nThe announcement of the new release date for The Last of Us Part II comes after a leak of the game, which supposedly contains major spoilers for the story. \u201cIt\u2019s disappointing to see the release and sharing of pre-release footage from development,\u201d Naughty Dog said on Twitter. \u201cDo your best to avoid spoilers and we ask that you don\u2019t spoil it for others,\u201d the studio added.\n\n\nNeedless to say, we will not be linking any coverage of the leak to avoid any form of spoiler. Personally, we\u2019re also doing our best to avoid spoiling the story for ourselves. Given that it\u2019s been seven long years since The Last of Us was released, it would\u2019ve been disheartening to get the story spoiled merely months before the sequel is released later in June 2020.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, The Last of Us Part II will be released exclusively on the PlayStation 4 on 19 June. Ghost of Tsushima, on the other hand, will be coming the following month on 17 July. At the moment, \nonly the latter\n is available for pre-order on the PlayStation Store; The Last of Us Part II was previously removed from the store when it was delayed indefinitely. We expect the game to be listed again very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/new-realme-6-variant-with-8gb-ram-now-in-malaysia-for-rm1199/", "title": "New Realme 6 Variant With 8GB RAM Now in Malaysia for RM1,199", "body": "\n\nThe \nRealme 6\n was launched in Malaysia last month, and the Chinese company just announced a new variant of the mid-range smartphone on our shores today. What makes this new option interesting is its amount of RAM: with 8GB of RAM, this new model has twice as much RAM over the more affordable variant.\n\n\nWhen the Realme 6 was launched locally back in March last month, only the 128GB model with 4GB of RAM was offered. It\u2019s a decent amount of RAM, and given the RM999 price tag of this variant, it\u2019s a fair trade-off. This new model, on the other hand, still offers 128GB of storage, but the RAM has been bumped up considerably to 8GB.\n\n\nOf course, that also drives up the price of the Realme 6 quite a bit: this new model goes for RM1,199. You\u2019ll be paying RM200 more to get double the amount of RAM.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the RAM upgrade, other specifications of this new Realme 6 model remain the same as the more affordable option. It\u2019s still powered by a MediaTek Helio G90T chipset, which promises \nup to 26% faster performance\n than the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 SoC. It\u2019s a lofty claim, but it does show the G90T\u2019s level of performance.\n\n\nBesides that, complementing the relatively fast chipset is a 6.5-inch 2400 x 1080 IPS display with a 90Hz refresh rate. At this price point, not many devices have a screen with this kind of refresh rate. On top of that, the panel also has a 120Hz touch sampling rate, making it more responsive to touch inputs to minimise input lag.\n\n\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Realme 6 features a quad camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 64MP f/1.8 main shooter, an 8MP f/2.3 ultra-wide angle sensor, a 2MP f/2.4 macro camera, and a 2MP f/2.4 monochrome lens. As for the selfie camera, it\u2019s a 16MP f/2.0 sensor positioned in the hole-punch cutout on the top left of the screen.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Realme 6 include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, a generous 4,300mAh battery with support for 30W fast charging \u2013 the company claims that the phone can be fully charged in only an hour \u2013 Realme UI based on Android 10 out of the box, and two colour options: Comet Blue and Comet White.\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme 6 with 8GB of RAM will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 2 May onwards. Priced at RM1,199, it\u2019s not quite as affordable as the RM999 model with 4GB of RAM, but the price difference may be acceptable to folks that really need the extra RAM.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/another-mysterious-xiaomi-smartphone-appears-in-sirim-redmi-note-9/", "title": "Another Mysterious Xiaomi Smartphone Appears in SIRIM; Redmi Note 9?", "body": "\n\nIt seems like Xiaomi has been quite busy here in Malaysia. Not only has the yet to be released \nXiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite\n appeared in SIRIM\u2019s databse, we spotted yet another device registered under the Chinese company. Chances are, this is the Redmi Note 9, which is also \u2013 you guessed it \u2013 not released yet.\n\n\nIn our routine check of SIRIM\u2019s database, we notice that Xiaomi Malaysia registered a device with the model number M2003J15SS just today on 29 April. We did some digging, and \nmultiple\n \nsources \nbelieve that this is the Redmi Note 9. For the Chinese market, this device could be marketed as the Redmi 10X instead.\n\n\n\n\nLooking at its list of leaked specifications, the Redmi Note 9 seems to be a more affordable alternative to the existing Redmi Note 9 Pro \u2013 rebranded as the \nRedmi Note 9S\n for the Malaysian market \u2013 and Redmi Note 9 Pro Max. While its higher-end siblings sport a Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G chipset, the regular Redmi Note 9 is believed to be powered by the upcoming MediaTek Helio G85 processor.\n\n\nBesides that, the Redmi Note 9 has a slightly different design as well. Its hole-punch cutout, for one, is positioned on the left side of the screen instead of the middle. It also has a rear fingerprint sensor rather than a side-mounted one, which is positioned right under the square camera module.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, the Redmi Note 9\u2019s exact camera hardware still remain unconfirmed, though the primary sensor is said to be a 48MP shooter. Chances are, it should also feature an ultra-wide angle lens, just like the rest of its siblings. The front-facing camera, on the other hand, is said to be a 13MP unit.\n\n\nOther rumoured specifications of the Redmi Note 9 include a 6.53-inch 1080p IPS screen \u2013 slightly smaller than the Redmi Note 9S\u2019 6.67-inch display \u2013 up to 6GB of RAM, three storage options (32GB, 64GB, and 128GB), a microSD card slot, a generous 4,920mAh battery, and MIUI 11 based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt remains to be seen exactly when the Redmi Note 9 will be officially revealed, though Xiaomi is planning to introduce a new member of the Redmi Note 9 series tomorrow on 30 April \nalongside the Mi Note 10 Lite\n. We\u2019ll find out tomorrow whether it will be the Redmi Note 9, or just the global variant of the \nRedmi Note 9 Pro Max\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/black-shark-3-gaming-smartphone-malaysia-rm2799/", "title": "Black Shark 3 Gaming Smartphone Lands in Malaysia for RM2,799", "body": "\n\nThe Black Shark 3 is now in Malaysia, and it\u2019s priced pretty competitively for a high-end gaming smartphone. Retailing at RM2,799, you\u2019re getting good value for your money here. On top of that, early birds can also get it for only RM2,649.\n\n\nIn order to grab the Black Shark 3 for RM2,649, you\u2019ll have to be the first 400 buyers to purchase the device when it is available later tonight on the company\u2019s \nofficial Shopee store\n. On top of that, the first 150 buyers will also receive RM800 worth of freebies. These include the FunCooler Pro, screen crack protection warranty for one year, a mousepad, and a \u201cmystery merchandise set.\u201d\n\n\nBut what about the \nBlack Shark 3 Pro\n? Well, unfortunately, the range-topping model will only be arriving here sometime next month in May.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, the standard Black Shark 3 still offers quite a bit of impressive hardware. For one, it\u2019s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, so rest assured, you will get top-notch gaming performance with this smartphone. Of course, you also get 5G connectivity with the Snapdragon 865.\n\n\nBesides that, the Black Shark 3 also has a 6.67-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. It would\u2019ve been great if it had a faster display, but at 90Hz, it should still be able to provide reasonably good motion clarity.\n\n\n\n\nMore importantly, the Black Shark 3\u2019s screen has a blazing fast 270Hz touch sampling rate. This improves the responsiveness of the display, so input lag will be minimised quite a bit. Needless to say, mobile gamers who want every advantage they can get will definitely appreciate this feature.\n\n\nAs the Black Shark 3 is a gaming smartphone, there are also two capacitive shoulder buttons on the right side of the phone. It\u2019s not quite as impressive as the physical shoulder buttons of the Pro model, but they do offer the same functionality.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Black Shark 3 include a triple camera system (64MP f/1.8 primary + 13MP f/2.3 ultra-wide angle + 5MP f/2.2 depth), a 20MP f/2.2 selfie camera, a 4,720mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nThe Black Shark 3 will be available for purchase later tonight at 12AM from the company\u2019s \nShopee store\n. As mentioned, the first 400 buyers can grab the phone for only RM2,649. The Black Shark 3 Pro, on the other hand, will be coming to Malaysia sometime in May next month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lg-gx-gallery-4k-oled-tv-coming-to-malaysia/", "title": "LG GX \u201cGallery\u201d 4K OLED TV Is Coming to Malaysia", "body": "\n\nBack at CES 2020, LG unveiled a number of new OLED 4K TVs, which is headlined by the GX \u201cGallery\u201d series. If you\u2019ve been waiting for the high-end TV to be available for purchase, you\u2019ll be happy to know that it is coming to Malaysia very soon.\n\n\nSo far, we can confirm that the 65-inch model of the GX OLED TV will be sold on our shores; it is the only variant so far (OLED65GXPTA) that\u2019s been registered under LG Electronics in SIRIM\u2019s database. That being said, this TV is also offered in 55-inch and 77-inch sizes in other regions, so we reckon the Malaysian market will receive these two options as well.\n\n\n\n\nLG\u2019s GX lineup of OLED TVs are dubbed the Gallery series for their slim, minimalist designs. They can also be placed flush against a wall thanks to a new custom mount design; LG describes this as being \u201cakin to a piece of art in a gallery.\u201d In fact, this is a similar approach taken by Samsung\u2019s The Frame 4K QLED TV.\n\n\nBut in comparison to Samsung\u2019s offering, LG\u2019x GX series has very tiny bezels surrounding the screen, not to mention the fact that it is a slim TV as well. The 65-inch model, for example, measures only 20mm thin. Given that all of the key components and ports are built into the TV itself, this is really quite impressive.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the thin profile of the GX series can be achieved through the use of OLED panels. After all, OLED screens do not require any form of backlighting, so this allows for LG to \u201cintegrate state-of-the-art picture quality in an ultra-thin form factor,\u201d as the Korean company puts it.\n\n\nGiven the premium positioning of the GX series, it offers a number of high-end features. For one, the 3840 x 2160 OLED panel has a native 120Hz refresh rate, and it is also Nvidia G-Sync compatible. It supports AMD FreeSync too, so if you plan to game on this TV, you will not be disappointed.\n\n\n\n\nAt the time of writing, we have yet to hear from LG on the Malaysian availability of the GX Gallery series of 4K OLED TVs, though it should be landing here soon after appearing in SIRIM\u2019s database. Local pricing has not been revealed either, but expect it to cost quite a bit of money. After all, for the US market, the GX series retails from $2,699 for the 55-inch model, which comes up to about RM11,590.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-6-pro-finally-confirmed-for-malaysia-launches-11-may/", "title": "Realme 6 Pro Finally Confirmed for Malaysia; Launches 11 May", "body": "\n\nAfter launching the \nRealme 6\n and \nRealme 6i\n on our shores, the Chinese phone maker is finally ready to introduce the range-topping model of the series in Malaysia. Of course, we\u2019re talking about the Realme 6 Pro, which is quite a bit more capable than the other two devices in the lineup.\n\n\nFor one, the Realme 6 Pro is the only device in the series that\u2019s powered by a Qualcomm chipset, the Snapdragon 720G. This puts it in direct competition with another budget-friendly smartphone that features the very same SoC, the \nRedmi Note 9S\n.\n\n\n\n\nBut unlike Xiaomi\u2019s offering, the Realme 6 Pro sports a more sophisticated quad camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 64 MP f/1.8 main sensor, a 12MP f/2.5 telephoto shooter, an 8MP f/2.3 ultra-wide angle camera, and a 2MP /2.4 macro lens. That\u2019s right, it has a telephoto sensor, which isn\u2019t typically offered in this segment.\n\n\nOn the front, the Realme 6 Pro has two selfie cameras: a standard 16MP f/2.0 sensor, and an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter. If you take a lot of selfies, you will appreciate the flexibility afforded by these two cameras. You can snap regular selfies with the 16MP camera, and switch to the 8MP ultra-wide shooter when you need to take group selfies.\n\n\nThe two camera sensors are positioned in an oblong-shaped hole-punch cutout on the top left of the screen.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Realme 6 Pro also comes with a rather fast 6.6-inch 2400 x 1080 IPS display with a 90Hz refresh rate. Thanks to this, every motion on the screen will look extra smooth, giving the impression of a faster device. Compared to standard 60Hz screens, you will get better motion clarity with the 90Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nBattery life of the Realme 6 Pro should be quite good too with its 4,300mAh battery. It\u2019s not the largest cell we\u2019ve seen in a mid-range smartphone, but it does support 30W fast charging. According to Realme, this allows the phone to be fully charged in only one hour.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Realme 6 Pro include 6GB or 8GB of RAM, two storage options (64GB and 128GB), a microSD card slot, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and Realme UI based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme 6 Pro will be introduced in Malaysia through an online live stream on \nRealme\u2019s Facebook page\n. The launch event is set to take place on 11 May at 11AM.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-note-9-official-arriving-malaysia-may/", "title": "Redmi Note 9 & Redmi Note 9 Pro Official; Retails From $199, Arriving in Malaysia Mid-May", "body": "\n\nXiaomi just unveiled the Redmi Note 9 and Redmi Note 9 Pro today. As expected, the latter is basically the global variant of the \nRedmi Note 9 Pro Max\n for the Indian market. As for the Redmi Note 9, it\u2019s a brand new device that\u2019s meant to serve as the most affordable option in the series.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Redmi Note 9 Pro. Most of its hardware are shared with the \nRedmi Note 9S\n, including a 6.67-inch 2400 x 1080 IPS display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G chipset, and a very generous 5,020mAh battery. However, it does have a number of neat upgrades, including support for 30W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, the Redmi Note 9 Pro also comes with a slightly more sophisticated camera system. It consists of a 64MP f/1.89 main shooter, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle camera, a 5MP macro lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor. Still no telephoto shooter, but it\u2019s not typically offered in this segment anyway.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Redmi Note 9 Pro include a 32MP front-facing camera, 6GB of RAM, two storage options (64GB and 128GB), a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, an IR blaster, and even a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the regular Redmi Note 9. Given its more affordable price tag, it\u2019s not quite as well-equipped as its other two siblings. That being said, it\u2019s still quite capable, powered by MediaTek\u2019s brand new Helio G85 chipset. In fact, this is the first smartphone to feature the chipmaker\u2019s new processor.\n\n\nAs for the display, the Redmi Note 9 has a 6.53-inch 1080p IPS screen; slightly smaller than the Pro\u2019s 6.67-inch panel. It also offers a quad camera configuration, though it\u2019s not quite as sophisticated. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP f/1.79 primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide angle sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The selfie camera, on the other hand, is a 13MP shooter.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Redmi Note 9 are 3GB or 4GB of RAM, two storage capacities (64GB and 128GB), a 5,020mAh battery with 18W fast charging, and a rear fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nSo how much does these two smartphones cost? Well, the Redmi Note 9 retails at only $199 (~RM855) and $249 (~RM1,070) for the 64GB + 3GB and 128GB + 4GB variants respectively. As for the Redmi Note 9 Pro, it goes for $269 (~RM1,155) and $299 (~RM1,285) for the 64GB and 128GB models respectively.\n\n\nBoth the Redmi Note 9 and Redmi Note 9 Pro will be hitting store shelves in the middle of May next month, including Malaysia. That\u2019s not a surprise, given that the Redmi Note 9 has already been \nregistered with SIRIM yesterday\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-note-10-lite-announced-with-e349-price-tag-launching-in-malaysia-mid-may/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite Announced With \u20ac349 Price Tag; Launching in Malaysia Mid-May", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nRedmi Note 9 and Redmi Note 9 Pro\n, Xiaomi also introduced a brand new smartphone under a separate series: the \nXiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite\n. Like its name suggests, it shares quite a bit of hardware as the other two \nMi Note 10\n smartphones, though it does remove some features to bring the price down.\n\n\nWhat differentiates the Mi Note 10 Lite from its higher-end siblings is the camera system, and\u2026that\u2019s it. Instead of a penta camera system, this Lite model has a more pedestrian quad camera configuration. It is made up of a 64MP primary shooter, an 8MP ultra-wide angle sensor, a 5MP depth camera, and a 2MP macro lens.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the Mi Note 10 Lite does not offer any form of telephoto sensor. Besides that, the selfie camera has also been swapped for a 16MP shooter.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond these differences in the camera configuration of the Mi Note 10 Lite, it is practically identical to the other two Mi Note 10 smartphones. For one, it\u2019s still packing a 6.47-inch 1080p AMOLED screen with a notch at the top. The panel itself curves at either sides as well, giving the phone a sleek and premium aesthetic.\n\n\nOf course, the Mi Note 10 Lite is also powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G chipset. It\u2019s not an awfully powerful processor, but it should be fast enough to provide a good user experience. After all, the Snapdragon 7 series chips are no slouch, and it\u2019s worth noting that the 730G is built on a power-efficient 8nm process.\n\n\n\n\nThis power efficiency should translate to good battery life, and the Mi Note 10 Lite should be able to ace it in this particular aspect. After all, it features a huge 5,260mAh battery with support for 30W fast charging. Xiaomi also claims that this phone can deliver \u201cmore than two days of battery life.\u201d\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mi Note 10 Lite include 6GB of RAM, 64GB or 128GB of internal storage \u2013 there\u2019s no microSD card slot, so you\u2019ll have to make do with the provided storage \u2013 an in-screen fingerprint sensor, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and MIUI 11 based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite will be available in Malaysia sometime in the middle of May this month. Local pricing has not been revealed yet, though it\u2019s set to go for \u20ac349 (~RM1,640) and \u20ac399 (~RM1,875) for the 64GB and 128GB models respectively in European markets. Do note that these prices include VAT, so expect the Mi Note 10 Lite to be more affordable once it reaches our shores.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-x50-pro-5g-with-snapdragon-865-affordable-price-making-its-way-to-malaysia/", "title": "Realme X50 Pro 5G With Snapdragon 865 & Affordable Price Making Its Way to Malaysia", "body": "\n\nRealme has been mainly focusing on its mid-range offerings for the Malaysian market, but this may change in the near future. We have good reason to believe that the Chinese company\u2019s current flagship, the Realme X50 Pro 5G, will be arriving in Malaysia very soon.\n\n\nIn our routine search of SIRIM\u2019s database, we notice that Jie Communication registered a device with the model number RMX2075 last week on 30 April. A quick Google search shows that this is in fact the Realme X50 Pro, which was introduced in India back in February 2020.\n\n\n\n\nPowered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, the X50 Pro is a fast high-end smartphone. Of course, with the inclusion of this SoC, 5G connectivity is also on board. When it comes to raw processing power, you will be getting the best performance with the Snapdragon 865 \u2013 at least, that\u2019s the case in the Android space.\n\n\nThe display of the X50 Pro is worth a mention too: it\u2019s a 6.44-inch 2400 x 1080 Super AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. While this is not the fastest panel we\u2019ve seen on a smartphone, it\u2019s still markedly better than a conventional display with a 60Hz refresh rate. Plus, it won\u2019t be quite as power-hungry as faster 120Hz screens too.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the X50 Pro has a reasonably big 4,200mAh dual-cell battery. A cell of this capacity should be able to comfortably offer (at the very least) a day\u2019s worth of use, and if you do need to charge it up, the phone supports 65W \u201cSuperDart\u201d fast charging. According to Realme, the phone can be fully charged in only 35 minutes.\n\n\nWhen it comes to photography, the X50 Pro features a quad camera system. The main sensor is a 64MP f/1.8 unit, and it\u2019s complemented by an 8MP f/2.3 ultra-wide angle shooter, a 12MP f/2.5 telephoto lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 monochrome portrait camera. According to Realme, this camera configuration lets the phone do \u201c20x hybrid zoom.\u201d\n\n\nOther specifications of the X50 Pro include two selfie cameras (32MP f/2.5 primary + 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle), up to 12GB of RAM, two storage options (128GB and 256GB), an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and Realme UI based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nIt remains to be seen exactly when the Realme X50 Pro 5G will be launched in Malaysia, though we expect it to happen soon since it has appeared in SIRIM\u2019s database. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how much the X50 Pro costs here, given that it retails from 37,999 Indian rupee in India \u2013 that comes up to only about RM2,175.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-a92-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm1199-features-5000mah-battery-snapdragon-665/", "title": "Oppo A92 Lands in Malaysia for RM1,199; Features 5,000mAh Battery & Snapdragon 665", "body": "\n\nOppo just launched its brand new mid-range smartphone in Malaysia, the Oppo A92. Sporting a generously sized 5,000mAh battery, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 chipset, and a quad camera system, the A92 is a reasonably good mid-ranger with a sleek design.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Oppo A92 is offered with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM; only this sole variant is sold here for RM1,199. Pre-orders of the phone \nare open now\n, and two colour options are available: Shining White and Twilight Black. \n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the A92 has a number of pretty nifty features, including a sizeable 5,000mAh battery. Thanks to this large capacity, the A92 should be able to return very respectable battery life. If you\u2019re not a heavy smartphone user, we reckon it\u2019s possible to get up to two days of use out of this phone. Besides that, there\u2019s also support for 18W fast charging.\n\n\nPowering the A92, on the other hand, is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 chipset. Built on an 11nm process, it\u2019s a reasonably power-efficient processor, even if it\u2019s not a particularly new chip. Regardless, the Snapdragon 665 should be able to offer a good level of performance for day-to-day use.\n\n\n\n\nDesign wise, the A92 is quite a sleek-looking smartphone, thanks to its hole-punch design and gradient colourway of the Shining White. On top of that, it also comes with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which also doubles as the power button. It\u2019s a neat design element that also makes it a more ergonomically-friendly device.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the A92 is packed with a quad camera system on the back. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide angle shooter, a 2MP monochrome lens, and a 2MP portrait camera. Unfortunately, there\u2019s no telephoto sensor here. On the front, it features a 16MP selfie shooter.\n\n\nOther specifications of the A92 include a 6.5-inch 2400 x 1080 IPS display with a claimed 90.5% screen-to-body ratio, a microSD card slot for further storage expansion, stereo speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and ColorOS 7.1 based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo A92 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia; you can place your order with a \nRM100 deposit on Oppo\u2019s online store\n. Those who pre-order the mid-range smartphone will also receive a complimentary Bluetooth speaker (worth RM199) and a year of extended warranty valued at RM99.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/garmin-vivomove-style-quick-review-a-smartwatch-in-disguise/", "title": "Garmin Vivomove Style Quick Review: A Smartwatch in Disguise", "body": "\n\nGarmin isn\u2019t exactly a brand name that comes to mind when we think of mainstream smartwatches. Mostly known for its range of high-end, rugged wearables, I was quite excited when Garmin unveiled the latest iterations of the company\u2019s Vivomove hybrid smartwatches.\n\n\nAfter spending a few weeks with the Garmin Vivomove Style, I\u2019m genuinely impressed by it. Not only does it have very respectable battery life, it is also both sleek and functional. If you\u2019re looking for a solid, stylish smartwatch, you should really consider it.\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThere are a number of smartwatches under the Vivomove series, and the Style is the more premium offering. It features a 42mm watchface with a hidden 240 x 240 AMOLED screen protected by a domed Corning Gorilla Glass 3, a 20mm silicone or nylon strap, 5 ATM water resistance rating, and an anodised aluminium casing.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the VivoMove Style particularly interesting is its quoted battery life. In smartwatch mode, it can deliver up to five days of use, which is reasonably good given the feature set of this wearable. On top of that, it will still work as a regular wristwatch up to an additional week after the battery\u2019s drained.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Vivomove Style looks just like a regular wristwatch, which is great for those that don\u2019t want a smartwatch that looks too much like a\u2026well, smartwatch. Whenever you receive a notification, the minute and hour hands will sweep aside and display said notification under the watchface. It\u2019s oddly satisfying to see the sweeping motion of the hands.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nGarmin\u2019s range of wearables don\u2019t usually look particularly handsome, but the Vivomove Style is easily the company\u2019s sleekest-looking smartwatch yet. I absolutely love the traditional wristwatch look: it\u2019s understated, it doesn\u2019t look out of place in the gym or in the office, and most of all, it still retains many smartwatch-like features.\n\n\n\n\nThis is thanks to the hidden AMOLED screen underneath the watchface, which only switches on when necessary. It\u2019s not the brightest panel \u2013 it\u2019s quite hard to see under bright sunlight \u2013 but it is still very usable. Notifications are also easy to read on the screen, so I can just take a quick glance at the watch before taking my phone out (if it was an important message).\n\n\nBesides that, notifications are pushed to the Vivomove Style from my paired phone quite seamlessly without delay. I can even read through some of the notifications like emails, but there are some shortcomings here and there. I\u2019ll get back to this further down this review.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the battery life of the Vivomove Style. Much to my surprise, I can actually get five days of use out of this smartwatch comfortably, which is in line with Garmin\u2019s claim. It\u2019s worth noting that I wore the watch almost all the time throughout the five days, even when I\u2019m asleep to test out the sleep tracking feature. I can\u2019t say for sure if it can last for another week in watch mode, but I do love the fact that it still retains the timekeeping feature after the battery\u2019s drained.\n\n\nSo how well does the Vivomove Style track sleep? Well, I wouldn\u2019t say it\u2019s awfully accurate or insightful, but it is fun to use. It can detect when I fall asleep and get out of bed relatively accurately, though the accompanying Garmin Connect app shows that I spend barely an hour in deep sleep. It\u2019s an interesting feature, but I do question the accuracy of the tracking.\n\n\n\n\nWhat about workout tracking? In this regard, the Vivomove Style does a good job. It can track quite a number of workouts, and during the workout itself, the watch hands will show my heart rate and what HR zone I\u2019m in. At the end of the workout, it will also display how long the workout was, my average heart rate, and distance traveled for certain activities.\n\n\nAll in all, the Vivomove Style is not a super sophisticated fitness tracker, but it will serve regular, everyday consumers (myself included) well enough for workout tracking purposes.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nOne of the biggest shortcomings of the Vivomove Style is its notification system. While notifications are pushed to the watch seamlessly, the watch has issues with certain apps. I use Telegram regularly, but the Style simply refuses to show any notifications from the messaging app. To me, this issue alone defeats the purpose of having a smartwatch.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, some notifications don\u2019t show up particularly well on the Vivomove Style, especially emails. Messages are split between the top and bottom area of the watchface, and the layout is simply\u2026not flattering. It\u2019s difficult to navigate around too, which requires swiping to the left and right to read the rest of the message.\n\n\nIt would\u2019ve been more seamless to do that if the Vivomove Style can recognise my inputs better. Not only does it have trouble recognising swiping gestures, double tapping on the screen to wake the watch doesn\u2019t work consistently either. It\u2019s not a huge issue, but it can get annoying. Understandably, this is not a traditional touchscreen, so it would be unrealistic to expect the same level of responsiveness.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the cost of the Vivomove Style itself. \nRetailing at RM1,499\n for this Silver model with Moss Green strap, it\u2019s quite a costly smartwatch. At this price point, it has a number of other \nmore affordable\n alternatives, including the equally sleek \nSamsung Galaxy Watch Active 2\n. It\u2019s not a hybrid smartwatch, but Samsung\u2019s wearable does offer a better notification system and superior feature set, though it cannot match the Style\u2019s battery life.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nThat depends on whether or not you\u2019re willing to fork out a premium for the Garmin Vivomove Style\u2019s design. \nRM1,499 is not an affordable price point\n \u2013 the price even \ngoes up to RM1,750\n if you want the Graphite and Light Gold options with nylon straps instead \u2013 and while there\u2019s the more affordable Vivomove 3 with a similar design and monochrome display, it\u2019s still \nquite costly at RM1,250\n.\n\n\n\n\nBut if the looks of the Vivomove Style appeal to you, it may be worth the premium asking price. For what it\u2019s worth, I\u2019ve received a lot more compliment with the Style on my wrist than I ever got with other smartwatches. It may not be a very feature-rich wearable, but it sure is a handsome, stylish hybrid smartwatch.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-unveils-new-13-macbook-pro-with-magic-keyboard-now-starts-at-rm5599/", "title": "Apple Unveils New 13\u2033 MacBook Pro With Magic Keyboard; Now Starts at RM5,599", "body": "\n\nThis is earlier than expected: Apple just updated its 13-inch MacBook Pro. Now featuring the Cupertino company\u2019s new Magic Keyboard and Intel\u2019s 10th generation processors, the refreshed MacBook Pro is better than ever. Of course, that also means there\u2019s a slight price increase, though you do get more for your money now.\n\n\nPreviously, the 13-inch MacBook Pro with two USB-C ports (complete with Thunderbolt 3 support) \nretails from RM5,499\n. While that\u2019s lower than the current starting price, that model only shipped with 128GB of SSD storage and 8GB of RAM. The updated base model we have now, on the other hand, costs RM5,599, but it offers \ntwice\n the amount of SSD storage at 256GB; that\u2019s a much more practical capacity.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, on top of that, the refreshed 13-inch MacBook Pro is also equipped with the new Magic Keyboard, which should be more durable than the previous butterfly keyboard. The typing experience is markedly better too, offering longer key travel and more pronounced tactile feedback. Basically, it will feel more like a traditional laptop keyboard.\n\n\nBesides that, the new 13-inch MacBook Pro comes with Intel\u2019s latest 10th generation processors as well, but this is limited to the higher-end model with four USB-C ports. Currently, only the variant with a quad-core Core i5 processor has its prices revealed on Apple\u2019s Malaysian website; it remains to be seen just how much the faster Core i7 option will cost locally.\n\n\n\n\nAside from the new processor and Magic Keyboard, the updated 13-inch MacBook Pro is similar to its predecessor. It still comes with a 13.3\u2011inch 2560 x 1600 IPS display with True Tone technology, support for P3 wide colour gamut, and up to 500 nits of brightness. All in all, it\u2019s the same screen people know and love, though it would\u2019ve been great if the bezels surrounding the display were reduced too.\n\n\nBesides that, all variants of the 13-inch MacBook Pro remain equipped with the Touch Bar, for better or worse. The Touch ID fingerprint sensor is also present, along with a physical Esc key now. Other specifications of this laptop include up to 32GB of LPDDR4X 3733MHz RAM and a whopping 4TB SSD storage, as well as Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645 or Iris Plus Graphics integrated GPU.\n\n\n\n\nThe new 13-inch MacBook Pro retails from RM5,599 for the base model with an 8th generation Core i5 chip, 256GB of storage, and 8GB of RAM. It goes all the way up to RM8,799 for the 10th generation Core i5 option with 16GB of RAM and a generous 1TB SSD. Although the \nlocal pricing of the new MacBook Pro\n has been revealed, it\u2019s not known yet exactly when it will be available for purchase in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/more-lenovo-legion-gaming-smartphone-details-leak-144hz-display-90w-charging-side-pop-up-camera/", "title": "More Lenovo Legion Gaming Smartphone Details Leak: 144Hz Display, 90W Charging, Side Pop-Up Camera", "body": "\n\nLenovo has been teasing its first-ever gaming smartphone \u2013 believed to be called the Lenovo Legion \u2013 for quite some time now, but we don\u2019t really know exactly what to expect. But thanks to an \nexclusive report from XDA Developers\n, we now know what the device will look like, along with some of the features it offer; there is even a side-mounted pop-up camera.\n\n\nAccording to XDA, it managed to get a hold of a number of teaser videos of the unreleased Legion gaming smartphone from a trusted source. These videos show almost the entirety of the device\u2019s aesthetic, including its quirky design elements, such as the pop-up camera mechanism on the side of the phone.\n\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the Legion is said to have a side-mounted selfie camera. Given the gaming appeal of this smartphone, it sort of makes sense for the front-facing camera to be in this position: when held in landscape orientation, the camera can act as a webcam. We imagine Lenovo is targeting streamers with this camera orientation.\n\n\nBesides the unconventional placement of the selfie shooter, the Legion is believed to come with a fast 144Hz screen; that\u2019s the same refresh rate as the \nNubia RedMagic 5G\n\u2018s display. On top of that, it\u2019s said to support a high 270Hz touch sampling rate as well, so any form of input lag can be minimised. It\u2019s the sort of feature you\u2019d want on a gaming-oriented smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nAnother impressive hardware of the Legion is its claimed 90W charging rate. This is a \nvery fast\n charging rate, so many were sceptical of it. Well, Lenovo confirmed that this is really the case, and it can supposedly charge up the rumoured 5,000mAh dual-cell battery to full in only 30 minutes. There are also two USB-C ports for charging: one on the bottom, and another on the side.\n\n\nOther leaked specifications of the Lenovo gaming smartphone include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, a dual camera system (64MP primary + 16MP ultra-wide angle), a 20MP front-facing camera, and Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nIf these leaked information of the Lenovo Legion are accurate, we\u2019re looking at quite a peculiar gaming smartphone. It remains to be seen exactly when Lenovo will officially introduce the Legion, but given the plethora of leaks surrounding the upcoming device, it may be launched in the very near future. \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-reno-3-series-confirmed-for-malaysian-release/", "title": "Oppo Reno 3 Series Confirmed for Malaysian Release", "body": "\n\nInitially unveiled for the global market earlier this year in March, we just heard from Oppo Malaysia that the Oppo Reno 3 series is finally coming to our shores. Although the Chinese company did not specifically mention this, we reckon our market will receive the global variants of the Reno 3 and Reno 3 Pro, instead of the \nones for the Chinese market\n.\n\n\nOut of the two phones, the Reno 3 Pro is naturally the higher-end device, and it\u2019s quite a handsome smartphone. Its back panel has a sleek gradient finish, it has tiny bezels, and the 6.4-inch 1080p AMOLED display with an oblong-shaped hole-punch cutout on the top left gives the phone a rather sleek aesthetic.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Reno 3 Pro also comes with a quad camera system. It consists of a 64MP f/1.7 main shooter, a 13MP f/2.4 telephoto lens, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor, and a 2MP f/2.4 monochrome camera. This device is equipped with two selfie cameras too: a 44MP f/2.4 primary shooter and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Reno 3 Pro include a MediaTek Helio P95 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, a 4,025mAh battery with support for 30W fast charging, and ColorOS 7 based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the regular Reno 3. Unlike the Pro model, the standard variant is powered by a Helio P90 chip instead. Given its more affordable price tag, it doesn\u2019t look quite as sleek either. Rather than a hole-punch cutout, this model has a more conventional 6.44-inch 1080p AMOLED screen with a waterdrop notch at the top.\n\n\nIts quad camera system, on the other hand, is actually quite similar to the Pro model, with just the primary sensor swapped out. The standard Reno 3 features a 48MP f/1.8 main camera, a 13MP f/2.4 telephoto shooter, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 monochrome sensor. The 44MP f/2.4 selfie shooter is also retained.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Reno 3 are 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, a 4,025mAh battery with 30W fast charging, as well as an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Oppo Malaysia, the Oppo Reno 3 series will arrive in Malaysia \u201cin the coming weeks,\u201d so there\u2019s a good chance it will be launched here sometime this month. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how much the Reno 3 series will cost locally.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-note-9-series-arriving-in-malaysia-11-may/", "title": "Redmi Note 9 Series Arriving in Malaysia 11 May", "body": "\n\nUnveiled globally just last week, Xiaomi just confirmed that the \nRedmi Note 9 and Redmi Note 9 Pro\n are arriving in Malaysia next week on 11 May. Sporting a new design language and affordable price tags, those who are looking for a sleek, value for money mid-range smartphone should consider these two smartphones.\n\n\nThis announcement comes from Xiaomi Malaysia\u2019s Facebook page. Looking at the teaser of the online launch event, both the Redmi Note 9 and Redmi Note 9 Pro will be introduced locally on that day. If you\u2019re hoping the \nXiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite\n will also be launched at the same time \u2013 since these three devices are confirmed for a mid-May release in Malaysia \u2013 that\u2019s unfortunately not happening; we\u2019ve reached out to Xiaomi Malaysia to confirm this.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, in the Redmi Note 9 series, the Redmi Note 9 Pro is the higher-end offering. It features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G chipset paired with 6GB of RAM, a 6.67-inch 2400 x 1080 IPS screen, and a generous 5,020mAh battery. Basically, same hardware as the more affordable \nRedmi Note 9S\n, but the Pro model does support faster 30W fast charging.\n\n\nBesides that, the Redmi Note 9 Pro also comes with a slightly more sophisticated quad camera system. It is made up of a 64MP f/1.89 primary shooter, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor, a 5MP macro lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth camera. The front-facing camera, on the other hand, is a 32MP shooter.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Redmi Note 9 Pro are two storage options (64GB or 128GB), a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, an IR blaster, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Redmi Note 9, despite its more affordable price tag, is still a reasonably adequate mid-range smartphone. For one, it is powered by a MediaTek Helio G85 chipset. This is a brand new SoC from the chipmaker, and this is the first smartphone to ship with it.\n\n\nJust like its higher-end siblings, the Redmi Note 9 is equipped with a large 5,020mAh battery, though its charging rate is limited to 18W. Other specifications of this phone include a 6.53-inch 1080p IPS display, a quad camera setup (48MP f/1.79 primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), a 13MP selfie camera, 3GB or 4GB of RAM, two storage capacities (64GB and 128GB), as well as a rear fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nThe Redmi Note 9 and Redmi Note 9 Pro will be launched in Malaysia via an online live stream on Xiaomi Malaysia\u2019s Facebook page; it is taking place next week on 11 May at 2PM. Hopefully, the Mi Note 10 Lite will also be introduced here not long after.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-thinkpad-x1-carbon-2020-pre-orders-live-in-malaysia-starts-at-rm7299/", "title": "Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (2020) Pre-Orders Live in Malaysia; Starts at RM7,299", "body": "\n\nLenovo\u2019s range of ThinkPad are considered to be some of the best business-class laptops in the market, and the flagship model, the 8th-generation Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon, is now available for pre-order in Malaysia. Retailing from RM7,299, it\u2019s not an affordable product, but this has always been the case with premium ThinkPad machines.\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor \u2013 which overhauled quite a number of things \u2013 the 2020 ThinkPad X1 Carbon is more of a hardware refresh. In fact, its chassis remains the same as the 2019 model. While that\u2019s not particularly exciting, it\u2019s not necessarily a bad thing either.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the best qualities of the X1 Carbon is its lightweight nature, thanks to the use of carbon fibre. Starting at only 1.09kg, it\u2019s markedly lighter than most business-oriented laptops in the market. Measuring 14.9mm, it\u2019s quite a slim machine as well. The slim, lightweight nature of the X1 Carbon makes it ideal for those who are always on the go.\n\n\nPowering this new laptop is none other than Intel\u2019s latest 10th-generation Comet Lake processors. The base model comes with a Core i5-10210U chip, which can be upgraded to a Core i7-10610U processor if you want the absolute best option for the laptop. Given the thin nature of the X1 Carbon, there\u2019s no option for a dedicated graphics card, so you\u2019ll have to make do with the integrated GPU of the processor.\n\n\n\n\nThere are also a number of screen options for the X1 Carbon. For the Malaysian market, two different displays are available. The default panel is a 14-inch 1080p IPS non-touch screen, while the other option is a RM420 upgrade for a higher resolution 1440p screen. If you want an even better display, there is actually an optional 4K IPS panel with support for Dolby Vision HDR, but we were told this is not offered in Malaysia.\n\n\nOther base specifications of the X1 Carbon include 8GB of LPDDR3 2133MHz on-board RAM (upgradable to 16GB), 256GB of fast M.2 2280 SSD storage \u2013 adding RM250 gets you 512GB of storage, while the 1TB option costs RM720 \u2013 a fingerprint reader, and a 51WHr battery. According to Lenovo, this battery capacity can return up to 18 hours of use on a single charge.\n\n\n\n\nThe Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (2020) is now available for pre-order in Malaysia. Starting at RM7,299, you can place your order on \nLenovo\u2019s official online store\n. You can also customise some of the laptop\u2019s hardware there, and it is expected to ship within four weeks.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-10-lite-5g-finally-coming-to-malaysia-most-affordable-5g-phone/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G Finally Coming to Malaysia; Most Affordable 5G Phone?", "body": "\n\nThe \nXiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G\n was officially unveiled a couple of months ago alongside the global debut of the \nXiaomi Mi 10 series\n. It\u2019s been some time since the mid-range smartphone was introduced, and it is finally coming to Malaysia. Once the Mi 10 Lite is sold here, it could be the most affordable 5G phone on our shores.\n\n\nJust today, a device with the model number M2002J9G was registered under Xiaomi Malaysia in SIRIM\u2019s database. We have cross-referenced this model number with multiple sources, and we\u2019re confident this is the Mi 10 Lite. The 5G certification in SIRIM\u2019s listing supports this as well.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its higher-end siblings, the Mi 10 Lite isn\u2019t quite as well-equipped, but it is still a very respectable mid-range smartphone. After all, it\u2019s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset. This is currently the chipmaker\u2019s most powerful SoC outside of the Snapdragon 8 series.\n\n\nBesides that, instead of the Mi 10 or Mi 10 Pro\u2019s hole-punch design, the Mi 10 Lite has a more conventional-looking notched display. While this doesn\u2019t look particularly pleasing to the eyes, it is quite a small notch, so it shouldn\u2019t be too distracting in day-to-day use.\n\n\nAs for the panel itself, it\u2019s a 6.57-inch 1080p AMOLED TrueColour display. Thanks to the inherent properties of AMOLED panels, you can expect to get deep blacks and punchy colours with this screen.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to battery life, the Mi 10 Lite should be quite long-lasting. It features a 4,160mAh battery, and while this isn\u2019t a very big capacity, it will likely return (at the very least) a day\u2019s worth of use on a single charge. When you do need to recharge the battery, the phone\u2019s 20W fast charging should be able to top it up relatively quickly.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Mi 10 Lite sports a quad camera system with a 48MP primary shooter. Unfortunately, Xiaomi \nstill\n has not released any details on the other three camera sensors, but one of them could be an ultra-wide angle lens. Given its more affordable positioning in the Mi 10 series, the Lite would likely omit a telephoto camera as well.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mi 10 Lite include a 16MP selfie camera, 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, and a USB Type-C connection.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, we have yet to hear from Xiaomi Malaysia on the local availability of the Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G, though it\u2019s worth noting that it is said to be available globally sometime this month. Nonetheless, we\u2019ll keep a close eye on the Malaysian availability of the Mi 10 Lite. Perhaps it will debut alongside the \nMi Note 10 Lite\n, which is expected to arrive here this month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-microsoft-surface-book-3-is-official-and-its-coming-to-malaysia/", "title": "The Microsoft Surface Book 3 Is Official, and It\u2019s Coming to Malaysia", "body": "\n\nMicrosoft just updated its 2-in-1 laptop, the Surface Book 3. While the design remains similar to its predecessor, there are some important updates internally. In fact, Microsoft says that the new convertible is now up to 50% faster; that\u2019s quite a lofty claim.\n\n\nOf course, given that the Surface Book 2 was launched back in 2017, it makes sense for there to be such a big performance gain. The Surface Book 3, as with most new laptops in the market now, ships with Intel\u2019s latest 10th generation processors. The base model comes with a Core i5-1035G7 chip, which can be upgraded to a more powerful Core i7-1065G7 processor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the GPU side of things, there are as many as four options: Intel Iris Plus Graphics (integrated), Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, GTX 1660 Ti, or Quadro RTX 3000. It\u2019s quite an extensive list of GPUs that are meant to appeal to a wide range of audience, including gamers, professionals, and even mainstream users.\n\n\nJust like its predecessor, the Surface Book 3 is available in 13.5-inch and 15-inch variants. The former has a 13.5-inch 3000 x 2000 display, while the bigger model features a 15-inch 3240 x 2160 panel. Both are PixelSense touch-enabled displays with a 3:2 aspect ratio.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the Surface Book lineup more unique than the rest of Microsoft\u2019s Surface products is its form factor, which combines the portability of a tablet and familiarity of a laptop. Most of the Surface Book 3\u2019s parts are housed inside the display, while the keyboard is packed with a larger battery and GPU.\n\n\nDepending on how you want to use the Surface Book 3, you can disconnect it from the keyboard to transform it into a tablet, and dock it back to get the functionality of a laptop. This level of flexibility is one of the Surface Book\u2019s best qualities.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Surface Book 3 include up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of fast M.2 2280 SSD (only for the 1TB and 2TB capacities), two USB-A ports, a single USB-C connection (still no Thunderbolt support, unfortunately), as well as an SD card reader.\n\n\nThe Microsoft Surface Book 3 is now available for pre-order in certain markets. In the US, the base 13.5-inch model starts at $1,599 (~RM6,915), while the more feature-packed 15-inch variant retails from $2,299 (~RM9,940). Without a doubt these are steep asking prices, but this has always been the case with the Surface Book lineup.\n\n\n\n\nWe haven\u2019t heard from Microsoft yet on the Malaysian availability of the Surface Book 3, but it\u2019s worth noting that both the 13.5-inch (model number 1900) and 15-inch (model number 1899) variants have already been registered with SIRIM, our local certification body. Chances are, the Surface Book 3 will be made available in Malaysia very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/microsoft-surface-go-2-features-faster-performance-malaysian-launch-imminent/", "title": "Microsoft Surface Go 2 Features Faster Performance & Bigger Display; Malaysian Launch Imminent", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nSurface Book 3\n, Microsoft also introduced the new Surface Go 2. Succeeding the \noriginal Surface Go\n \u2013 which was launched back in 2018 \u2013 Microsoft\u2019s smallest Surface tablet has gotten bigger in a few areas. Not only does it have a slightly larger display now, it also offers faster performance and better battery life.\n\n\nPreviously, the first Surface Go had a 10-inch 1800 x 1200 screen. While that\u2019s still quite usable, some users may find it a tad too small. To address this, Microsoft fit the Surface Go 2 with a larger (and sharper) 10.5-inch 1920 x 1280 PixelSense display. Naturally, it still has a 3:2 aspect ratio.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that despite the larger display, the Surface Go 2 shares the same dimensions and ports as the original Surface Go; the company merely reduced the bezels of the tablet to fit in the bigger screen. This gives it a sleeker-looking design, and the existing Surface Go Type Cover \u2013 along with any other accessories for the first Surface Go \u2013 will work with the new tablet seamlessly.\n\n\nAnother important upgrade is the processor of the Surface Go 2. While the base model still comes with an Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y processor \u2013 slightly better than the 4415Y chip in the previous Surface Go \u2013 Microsoft is now also offering an even faster 8th generation Core m3 processor. According to the company, the Core m3 brings up to 64% better performance.\n\n\n\n\nThe last notable improvement is the battery life of the Surface Go 2. Microsoft, \nin an interview with The Verge\n, confirms that the new Surface tablet has a larger battery. This, coupled with the power efficiency of the new processor, promises up to 10 hours of use on a single charge.\n\n\nBeyond that, the Surface Go 2 also features an Intel UHD Graphics 615 integrated GPU, up to 8GB of RAM, either 64GB eMMC or 128GB SSD storage, and even LTE connectivity. Of course, that\u2019s an optional feature; the WiFi only model is still offered.\n\n\nThe Microsoft Surface Go 2 will be sold in a number of markets from 12 May onwards. In the US, it starts at only $399, which comes up to about RM1,725. In comparison, the first Surface Go retails from RM1,749 when it was launched in Malaysia almost two years ago.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, we expect the Surface Go 2 to be available in Malaysia very soon; the LTE model (1927) has already been registered with SIRIM last month on 16 April. Rest assured, we will keep an eye on the local availability of this affordable and compact Surface tablet.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-launching-complete-amd-ryzen-4000-laptops-in-malaysia-on-12-may/", "title": "Asus Launching Complete AMD Ryzen 4000 Laptops in Malaysia on 12 May", "body": "\n\nAs promised, Asus is launching its \u201ccomplete lineup\u201d of AMD Ryzen 4000 laptops in Malaysia next week. More specifically, it\u2019s happening on 12 May, and a number of laptops will be introduced for the local market on that day, including the \nAsus TUF Gaming A15, A17\n, as well as the \nROG Zephyrus G15\n.\n\n\nUnfortunately, one highly anticipated gaming laptop from the Taiwanese company won\u2019t be making an appearance at the launch: the compact \nAsus ROG Zephyrus G14\n. We\u2019ve spoken to Asus Malaysia on this, and we were told that the G14 will only be available here at a later date. Rest assured, it \nis\n coming to Malaysia.\n\n\nThe Asus TUF Gaming A15\n\n\nAside from these gaming laptops, it\u2019s likely Asus will also update some of its VivoBook machines with Ryzen 4000 processors; the itinerary of the launch mentioned the VivoBook series. It remains to be seen exactly which laptop in the lineup will be updated with AMD\u2019s new chips, but \nit\u2019s rumoured\n that at least the VivoBook 14 will be refreshed with the 15W, power-efficient Ryzen 5 4500U and Ryzen 7 4700U processors.\n\n\nComing back to the gaming laptops that will be launched on 12 May, we\u2019ve got confirmation on the exact model of the TUF Gaming A15 that will be available in Malaysia. So far, only the Ryzen 7 4800H option is confirmed for our market. It\u2019s not known yet exactly when (or if) the Ryzen 5 4600H variant will be sold here.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, the Ryzen 7 4800H processor of the TUF Gaming A15 will be paired with an Nvidia RTX 2060 GPU for the Malaysian market, so you will get very respectable gaming performance out of this gaming laptop. We reckon Asus will also bring in other GPU options here, including the GTX 1660 Ti for more affordable models.\n\n\nTo further improve the gaming experience, the TUF Gaming A15 comes with a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS screen with a fast 144Hz refresh rate as well. Thanks to this high refresh rate, you will get better motion clarity in fast-paced games. This is especially important in competitive titles like \nCall of Duty: Warzone\n and \nApex Legends\n.\n\n\nOther specifications of the TUF Gaming A15 for our market include 16GB of DDR4 3200MHz RAM, a 48WHr battery, a whopping 1TB of fast PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage, and a two-year global warranty coverage; the first year is covered under the company\u2019s \nPerfect Warranty program\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus TUF Gaming A15 and a number of other Ryzen 4000 laptops will be landing in Malaysia on 12 May. Stay tuned to Nextrift on that day for our coverage of the launch.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-note-10-lite-landing-in-malaysia-11-may/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite Landing in Malaysia 11 May", "body": "\n\nWell, this is a bit of a surprise. Although we were initially told the Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite won\u2019t be \nlaunched alongside the Redmi Note 9 series\n next week, this is no longer the case. We just heard from Xiaomi Malaysia that the premium mid-range smartphone is also landing on our shores on 11 May.\n\n\nDespite its more affordable price point, the Mi Note 10 Lite actually shares a number of hardware as its \nhigher-end siblings\n; they are almost indistinguishable from each other. For example, the Lite is still powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G chipset, so you will get a respectable level of performance with this smartphone. It\u2019s also worth noting that the 730G is built on a rather power-efficient 8nm process.\n\n\n\n\nComplementing the power efficiency of the Mi Note 10 Lite\u2019s Snapdragon 730G is a generous 5,260mAh battery; the very same cell capacity found in the other two Mi Note 10 devices. Thanks to this large battery, Xiaomi is confident that the phone can deliver \u201cmore than two days of battery life.\u201d\n\n\nBesides that, the Mi Note 10 Lite also has a 6.47-inch 1080p AMOLED screen with a notch at the top. While some may not be a fan of the notch, at least it\u2019s quite a minimal cutout. It\u2019s also worth noting that the display itself curves at either sides, giving the phone a sleek and premium aesthetic.\n\n\n\n\nSo what differentiates the Mi Note 10 Lite from the rest of its siblings? Just one aspect: camera. Instead of a sophisticated 108MP penta camera system, the Lite comes with a more pedestrian quad camera configuration. It consists of a 64MP primary shooter, an 8MP ultra-wide angle sensor, a 5MP depth camera, and a 2MP macro lens.\n\n\nWhile the camera setup of the Mi Note 10 Lite is not quite as impressive as the other devices in the series, it will be ideal for consumers that don\u2019t put much importance on camera performance. Plus, this \nis\n a more affordable device that retains many of the Mi Note 10\u2019s qualities.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mi Note 10 Lite include a 16MP selfie camera, 6GB of RAM, 64GB or 128GB of non-expandable storage \u2013 there\u2019s no microSD card slot \u2013 an in-screen fingerprint sensor, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and MIUI 11 based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite will be launched in Malaysia next week on 11 May alongside the Redmi Note 9 series. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if the company will unveil even more devices, given that the \nXiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G\n has been \nregistered with SIRIM\n a couple of days ago.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-6-pro-with-snapdragon-720g-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm1399/", "title": "Realme 6 Pro With Snapdragon 720G Lands in Malaysia for RM1,399", "body": "\n\nThe Realme 6 Pro has finally been launched in Malaysia; two months after the \nlocal debut of the Realme 6\n. Compared to the other devices in the series, the Pro model features a number of notable upgrades, including a Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G chipset. This makes it the only smartphone in the lineup with a Qualcomm SoC.\n\n\nThanks to the Snapdragon 720G chipset, you can expect to get a reasonably good level of performance with the Realme 6 Pro. Of course, that puts it in direct competition with another notable mid-range smartphone that is powered by the same chip, the \nRedmi Note 9S\n.\n\n\nXiaomi\u2019s offering costs only RM799 \u2013 or RM899 for the 128GB option \u2013 while the Realme 6 Pro is markedly pricier, retailing at RM1,399 for the sole 128GB model with 8GB of RAM.\n\n\n\n\nBut in comparison to the Redmi Note 9S, the Realme 6 Pro does offer a number of hardware advantages. For one, it comes with a faster 6.6-inch 2400 x 1080 IPS screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. Thanks to the high refresh rate, every animation and motion will look extra smooth on this display.\n\n\nOn top of that, the Realme 6 Pro also sports a more sophisticated quad camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 64 MP f/1.8 primary sensor, a 12MP f/2.5 telephoto shooter, an 8MP f/2.3 ultra-wide angle camera, and a 2MP /2.4 macro lens. A telephoto sensor isn\u2019t typically offered in this segment, so this gives the Pro an edge.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re into selfies, you\u2019ll be happy to know that the Realme 6 Pro features two front-facing cameras. The main shooter is a standard 16MP f/2.0 unit, which is paired with an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle lens. Thanks to these two sensors, you\u2019re getting the flexibility of snapping regular selfies with the 16MP camera, and switch to the 8MP ultra-wide shooter when you need to take group selfies instead.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Realme 6 Pro include a 4,300mAh battery with support for 30W fast charging, a microSD card slot for further storage expansion, an ergonomically-friendly side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and Realme UI based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme 6 Pro will be available for purchase later tonight at 12AM\n on Lazada\n. Authorised dealers, on the other hand, will start offering the device from 16 May onwards. Retailing at RM1,399, every purchase of the Realme 6 Pro will come with seven different casings worth RM149, along with a 12-month extended warranty. \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-note-9-series-starts-at-rm649/", "title": "Redmi Note 9 Series & Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite Now in Malaysia; Starts at RM649", "body": "\n\nAs promised, Xiaomi just launched three new mid-range smartphones in Malaysia. These include the \nRedmi Note 9, the Redmi Note 9 Pro\n, as well as the premium \nXiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite\n. If you\u2019re looking for a budget-friendly smartphone, consider these three options.\n\n\nRedmi Note 9\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the most affordable phone of the bunch, the Redmi Note 9. This is the very first device to ship with the new MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, which should be able to provide enough processing power for day-to-day use. Given its positioning as a gaming-centric chipset, you should get good gaming performance as well.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Redmi Note 9 comes with a 6.53-inch 1080p IPS screen with a hole-punch cutout on the top left of the screen. The cutout houses a 13MP front-facing camera, and on the back, there\u2019s a quad camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP f/1.79 main sensor, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth camera.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Redmi Note 9 include a microSD card slot, a generous 5,020mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging, and a rear fingerprint sensor. For our market, the Redmi Note 9 retails at RM649 and RM749 for the 64GB + 3GB and 128GB + 4GB models respectively.\n\n\nThe Redmi Note 9 is available for pre-order in Malaysia right now until 17 May, and it will be on store shelves the very next day.\n\n\n\n\nRedmi Note 9 Pro\n\n\nNext, we have the Redmi Note 9 Pro, the range-topping model of the series. It shares many of the \nRedmi Note 9S\n\u2018 hardware, including a 6.67-inch 2400 x 1080 IPS display, a Snapdragon 720G chipset, and a sizeable 5,020mAh battery. But unlike the Note 9S, the Pro supports faster 30W fast charging.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Redmi Note 9 Pro also features a more sophisticated camera system. The four rear cameras consist of a 64MP f/1.89 primary shooter, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor, a 5MP f/2.4 macro lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth camera.\n\n\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Redmi Note 9 Pro include a 16MP front-facing camera, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. Set to be available on 18 May in Malaysia \u2013 it\u2019s also on pre-order until 17 May \u2013 the Redmi Note 9 Pro carries a RM1,099 price tag.\n\n\nXiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the Mi Note 10 Lite, the most premium offering of the three phones launched today. It\u2019s powered by a Snapdragon 730G chipset, the very same SoC found in the more costly \nMi Note 10 and Mi Note 10 Pro\n. On top of that, it features a large 5,260mAh battery as well, and Xiaomi says that this phone can deliver \u201cmore than two days of battery life.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nOther hardware of the Mi Note 10 Lite include a 6.47-inch 1080p AMOLED dual curved screen with a notch at the top, a quad camera configuration (64MP f/1.89 primary + 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle + 5MP f/2.4 depth + 2MP f/2.4 macro), a 16MP selfie camera, as well as an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\nHere in Malaysia, the Mi Note 10 Lite is offered with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM for RM1,599. It will go on sale locally tomorrow on 12 May.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-matebook-x-pro-2020-coming-to-malaysia-16-may-for-rm7999/", "title": "Huawei MateBook X Pro (2020) Coming to Malaysia 16 May for RM7,999", "body": "\n\nHuawei\u2019s latest flagship laptop, the MateBook X Pro (2020), will be landing in Malaysia later this week on 16 May. Sporting Intel\u2019s latest chip, a sleek design, and a unique new colour option, this thin and light productivity laptop is a premium machine through and through.\n\n\nOf course, given its premium positioning, the MateBook X Pro does not come cheap. For the Malaysian market, only the range-topping model is offered. Packed with 16GB of RAM and a whopping 1TB NVMe PCIe SSD, this laptop carries a steep RM7,999 price tag.\n\n\n\n\nTo be sure, that\u2019s a dear asking price, though Huawei \nis\n throwing in quite a number of freebies with every purchase of the MateBook X Pro. These include the new Huawei Sound X Bluetooth speaker, a Huawei Band 4, a wireless Bluetooth mouse, and a Huawei-branded backpack. However, do note that these free gifts are only available while stocks last.\n\n\nAs for the MateBook X Pro itself, it still shares the same chassis as its predecessors, which is not necessarily a bad thing; it\u2019s still a very sleek-looking laptop. As mentioned, the processor has been updated with Intel\u2019s latest 10th-generation chips too, but only the Core i7-10510U option is available in Malaysia.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re thinking of doing some light gaming on the MateBook X Pro, good news: the dedicated Nvidia GeForce MX250 GPU under the hood of this laptop should be able to do just that. It won\u2019t be able to keep up with more graphically demanding AAA titles, but this isn\u2019t exactly a gaming laptop to begin with.\n\n\n\n\nFor its intended use (productivity tasks), the MateBook X Pro has all the necessary hardware, including a sharp 13.9-inch 3000 x 2000 LTPS touch-enabled display. It has a 3:2 aspect ratio, so you\u2019ve got more screen real estate to work with; it\u2019s not quite as narrow as conventional 16:9 displays of other laptops.\n\n\nThere are also a number of neat design elements with the MateBook X Pro. Not only is it a lightweight laptop \u2013 it tips the scales at 1.33kg \u2013 it\u2019s also relatively slim with a 14.6mm thin chassis. The smart pop-up webcam mechanism is, of course, still built into the laptop\u2019s keyboard.\n\n\nOther specifications of the MateBook X Pro include two USB-C ports, a single USB-A connection, a 56WHr battery, a fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button, and Windows 10 Home out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei MateBook X Pro (2020) will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 16 May onwards in Space Grey; the unique Emerald Green colour option will only be coming at a later date \u201cin limited quantity.\u201d With a RM7,999 price tag, it\u2019s a costly laptop, but this is a premium laptop with top-of-the-line configuration. After all, you\u2019re getting 1TB of fast SSD storage here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-launches-amd-ryzen-4000-laptops-in-malaysia-including-tuf-gaming-a15-from-rm3499/", "title": "Asus Launches AMD Ryzen 4000 Laptops in Malaysia, Including TUF Gaming A15 From RM3,499", "body": "\n\nAsus just launched a slew of laptops in Malaysia. All of these are powered by the new \nAMD Ryzen 4000\n processors, making them the first wave of laptops to be available in Malaysia with the highly anticipated chips. As many as four laptops are introduced here today: \nTUF Gaming A15 and A17\n, \nROG Zephyrus G15\n, as well as the VivoBook S14.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the TUF Gaming A15, the most affordable gaming laptop of the bunch. The base model with a Ryzen 5 4600H processor and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU retails at only RM3,499, and the price goes up to RM5,899 for the range-topping Ryzen 9 4900H model with an RTX 2060 GPU. Here\u2019s the full price breakdown of the TUF Gaming A15:\n\n\nRyzen 5 4600H, GTX 1650, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD \u2013 RM3,499\nRyzen 5 4600H, GTX 1650 Ti, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD \u2013 RM3,799\nRyzen 7 4800H, GTX 1650, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD \u2013 RM4,099\nRyzen 7 4800H, GTX 1660 Ti, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD \u2013 RM4,699\nRyzen 9 4900H, GTX 1660 Ti, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD \u2013 RM4,999\nRyzen 7 4800H, RTX 2060, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD \u2013 RM5,699\nRyzen 9 4900H, RTX 2060, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD \u2013 RM5,899\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegardless of which model you get, all variants of the TUF Gaming A15 feature a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display with a fast 144Hz refresh rate. On top of that, the panel also supports adaptive sync, so you won\u2019t have to deal with screen tearing on this gaming laptop. All configurations of the TUF Gaming A15 listed above are now available for purchase in Malaysia.\n\n\nNext is the TUF Gaming A17, which is very similar to the A15, except for some of its hardware options and screen size. It sports a larger 17.3-inch 1080p IPS display with an equally fast 144Hz refresh rate, and the highest-end configuration comes with a Ryzen 9 4900H processor and GTX 1660 Ti GPU. Here are the two models available in Malaysia right now:\n\n\nRyzen 7 4800H, GTX 1650 Ti, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD \u2013 RM4,299\nRyzen 9 4900H, GTX 1660 Ti, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD \u2013 RM5,199\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the more premium ROG Zephyrus G15. Only one variant of the gaming laptop is offered here, which features a Ryzen 7 4800HS processor, a GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q GPU, a fast 15.6-inch 1080p IPS screen with a 144Hz refresh rate, 8GB of RAM, and a whopping 1TB SSD. The Zephyrus G15 is available right now in Malaysia for RM5,299, and if you\u2019re wondering about the local availability of the \nROG Zephyrus G14\n, this compact gaming laptop will reach our shores next month in June.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the productivity-focused VivoBook S14. Two variants are offered locally, with just the choice of processor differentiating them. The Ryzen 5 4500U model costs RM2,899, while the Ryzen 7 4700U option goes for RM3,199. Both variants feature a 14-inch 1080p IPS panel, integrated Radeon Graphics, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD storage.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, all of the laptops announced by Asus today are now available for purchase in Malaysia. This is a pretty big launch, given that there are no other Ryzen 4000 laptops in our market right now. Regardless, stay tuned for our \nhands-on of the TUF Gaming A15\n!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2020-proton-x70-receives-n95-cabin-filter-upgrade-rm79-retrofit-for-existing-owners/", "title": "2020 Proton X70 Receives N95 Cabin Filter Upgrade; RM79 Retrofit for Existing Owners", "body": "\n\nProton just announced a new upgrade for the \n2020 Proton X70\n across all trim levels. Dubbed Proton Intelligent Air Purification System (P-IAPS), it\u2019s basically an update to the C-segment SUV\u2019s existing air purifier system. Now, it is fitted with an N95 cabin filter, improving in-cabin air quality of the vehicle even further.\n\n\nPreviously, the X70\u2019s air purifier system was fitted with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, which can remove 99.97% of particles larger than 0.3 microns in size. The new N95 cabin filter, on the other hand, can remove 95% of particles larger than 0.3 microns \nand\n 98% of PM2.5 dust particulates.\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Proton, this makes the N95 cabin filter an effective barrier against smoke particulates, dust, bacteria, and other pollutants. It offers a \u201chigh level of protection against airborne pollutants for a cleaner and healthier environment,\u201d the national carmaker added.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re an existing owner of the Proton X70 \u2013 whether it\u2019s the CBU or CKD model \u2013 you will be able to have the new N95 cabin filter retrofitted. It costs RM79 to do so, but note that this amount does not include labour charges. Service appointments to fit the new filter can be made from tomorrow onwards on 13 May.\n\n\nBesides that, Proton will also be running a service campaign from 18 May to 18 August. In this time period, existing X70 owners can purchase the N95 cabin filter with 15% discount.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Proton X70 is the company\u2019s latest SUV. Initially introduced in late 2018, the locally assembled (CKD) version of the car was launched earlier this year. The new model brings a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission co-developed by Geely and Volvo.\n\n\nThanks to this new transmission, the X70 has slightly better performance than the previous CBU model, even though it soldiers on with the familiar 1.8L turbocharged direct injection engine. Proton said that the 7DCT gives the X70 5% more torque, bringing the figure up to 300Nm from 285Nm. Power output of the engine, on the other hand, remains the same at 181hp.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, only the Proton X70 will be fitted with the new P-IAPS feature. However, the CEO of Proton, Li Chunrong, said that \u201cour designers and engineers are working to fit the N95 cabin filter in our other models too.\u201d Chances are, P-IAPS will also be implemented in future Proton vehicles, which may include the carmaker\u2019s highly anticipated B-segment SUV, the Proton X50.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-reno-3-series-lands-in-malaysia-starts-at-rm1699/", "title": "Oppo Reno 3 Series Lands in Malaysia; Starts at RM1,699", "body": "\n\nOppo just launched its latest mid-range smartphones in Malaysia, the Oppo Reno 3 series. As expected, we are getting the global variant of the Reno 3 and Reno 3 Pro. Though it\u2019s not quite as impressive as the \nChina-only models\n, they are still reasonably sleek mid-range smartphones with a gradient finish on their back panels.\n\n\nOut of the two devices, the Reno 3 Pro is naturally the higher-end offering. It comes with a 6.4-inch 1080p AMOLED display with relatively small bezels, and there is also an oblong-shaped hole-punch cutout on the top left of the screen. The cutout houses two selfie cameras: a 44MP f/2.4 primary shooter and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Reno 3 Pro also comes with a quad camera system on the back. It is made up of a 64MP f/1.7 main shooter, a 13MP f/2.4 telephoto lens, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor, and a 2MP f/2.4 monochrome camera. It\u2019s quite a versatile camera system with three different focal lengths, which is not typically found in this segment.\n\n\nPowering the Reno 3 Pro, on the other hand, is a MediaTek Helio P95 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM. Other specifications of this phone include 256GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and ColorOS 7 based on Android 10 out of the box. It\u2019s also worth noting that the Reno 3 Pro\u2019s 4,025mAh battery supports 30W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the regular Reno 3. Given its more affordable price tag, it\u2019s not quite as sophisticated as the Pro model. For one, it doesn\u2019t have a hole-punch display. Instead, it features a more conventional 6.44-inch 1080p AMOLED screen with a waterdrop notch at the top. It doesn\u2019t look quite as sleek, but at least it\u2019s still an AMOLED panel.\n\n\nAside from that, the Reno 3 also comes with a quad camera configuration, though it\u2019s a more pedestrian setup. It consists of a 48MP f/1.8 main camera, a 13MP f/2.4 telephoto shooter, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 monochrome sensor. If you\u2019re a big fan of selfies, you\u2019ll be happy to know that the standard model retains the 44MP f/2.4 front-facing camera, but it doesn\u2019t have the 2MP depth sensor.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Reno 3 are a MediaTek Helio P90 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, a 4,025mAh battery with 30W fast charging, as well as an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Reno 3 and Reno 3 Pro are now available for purchase in Malaysia. The standard model retails at RM1,699, while the Pro variant costs RM2,399. These are rather costly mid-range smartphones, though the Reno series has always occupied this price range.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-poco-f2-pro-is-here-and-its-a-rebranded-redmi-k30-pro/", "title": "The Poco F2 Pro Is Here, and It\u2019s a Rebranded Redmi K30 Pro", "body": "\n\nAfter much anticipation, the successor to the \nPoco F1\n is finally here: enter the Poco F2 Pro. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, it\u2019s a powerful flagship smartphone with a sleek all-screen design. On top of that, it\u2019s also a rebranded \nRedmi K30 Pro\n.\n\n\nOf course, that\u2019s not necessarily a bad thing; the K30 Pro itself is a handsome phone that offers excellent value for money. Complementing the fast Snapdragon 865 chipset of the Poco F2 Pro is a notchless 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 180Hz touch response rate, which is something mobile gamers will appreciate. The high touch response rate ensures that any form of input lag is minimised.\n\n\n\n\nBut that\u2019s not to be mistaken with refresh rate: the AMOLED screen of the Poco F2 Pro is still only a 60Hz panel. It would\u2019ve been great if it had a higher refresh rate, but given the sheer value for money this device offers, we imagine it\u2019s a \u201ccompromise\u201d many consumers won\u2019t mind, especially those that want the best performance for the least amount of money.\n\n\nPhotography wise, the Poco F2 Pro features a quad camera system on the back. The primary sensor is a 64MP shooter with optical image stabilisation, and the other three sensors are a 13MP ultra-wide angle camera, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 5MP telephoto macro lens. The pop-up selfie camera, on the other hand, is a 20MP unit.\n\n\n\n\nBattery capacity of the Poco F2 Pro is quite sizeable too, rated at 4,700mAh. Poco claims that this gives the phone up to two days of battery life, which can certainly be achieved if you\u2019re a light smartphone user. Besides that, it supports 30W fast charging as well; this supposedly allows the phone to be fully charged in 63 minutes.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Poco F2 Pro include 6GB or 8GB of RAM, two storage options (128GB and 256GB), 5G connectivity, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and Poco Launcher 2.0.\n\n\nThe Poco F2 Pro is now available in selected markets. In Europe, the 128GB model with 6GB of RAM retails at 499 euro (about RM2,345), while the 256GB variant with 8GB of RAM goes for 599 euro (approximately RM2,815). Do note that these price tags include VAT, so expect the phone to cost less in non-European markets.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Poco F2 Pro will be launched in Malaysia in the very near future. After all, it has already been registered with SIRIM. We will keep a close eye on the local availability of the affordable flagship smartphone.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-launches-swift-3-with-amd-ryzen-4000-cpu-spin-3-in-malaysia/", "title": "Acer Launches Swift 3 With AMD Ryzen 4000 CPU & Spin 3 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nAcer just launched two new laptops in Malaysia, the \nAcer Swift 3\n and Acer Spin 3. Between the two products, the former is arguably the more exciting machine. After all, the Swift 3 is now powered by AMD\u2019s new \nRyzen 4000 processor\n, which is a very capable chip.\n\n\nOf course, the Swift 3 is also available with Intel\u2019s chip, but in terms of sheer value for money, the AMD variant is the one to go for. Only one configuration of the AMD-powered Swift 3 is available in Malaysia. It comes with a 7nm Ryzen 5 4500U hexa-core processor, 8GB of RAM, and a generous 512GB SSD. How much does this model cost? \nOnly RM2,599\n.\n\n\n\n\nIn comparison, the Intel-powered Swift 3 \nstarts at RM3,099\n. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting the same amount of RAM and SSD storage as the AMD model, but the processor is (obviously) swapped out for a 10nm Core i5-1035G1 quad-core chip. Essentially, you\u2019re paying RM500 more for this Intel model compared to the AMD variant.\n\n\nAnyway, there\u2019s also the range-topping configuration of the Swift 3 with a 10nm Core i7-1065G7 processor, 16GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and a dedicated Nvidia GeForce MX250 GPU. If you want to do some gaming on the side, this is the model to go for, though you\u2019ll have to \nfork out RM4,299\n.\n\n\n\n\nRegardless of which configuration you go for, all variants of the Swift 3 features a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display. As for connectivity options, this productivity laptop has a single USB-C port, two USB-A connections, as well as an HDMI output. It\u2019s worth noting that you will get an activated copy of Microsoft Office Home & Student 2019 with the Swift 3 too.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the convertible Spin 3. One of the selling points of this laptop is the bundled Acer Active Stylus, complete with a dedicated slot to store it in the laptop. The stylus also uses WACOM AES technology, and it offers 4,096 levels of pressure.\n\n\n\n\nTwo variants of the Spin 3 are offered in Malaysia: the Core i3-1005G1 model with 4GB of RAM \nretails at RM2,799\n, while the Core i5-1035G1 option with 8GB of RAM \ngoes for RM3,299\n. Beyond the choice of processor and RAM capacity, other specifications of these two models are the same. These include a 512GB SSD, as well as a 14-inch 1080p IPS touch-enabled display.\n\n\nIf you place your order of the Spin 3 by 15 May on \nAcer Malaysia\u2019s official store on Shopee\n, you can get a number of freebies. The Core i3 model is bundled with Acer\u2019s SuperCare 2 warranty, Redmi AirDots wireless earbuds, a Bluetooth speaker, and an Acer backpack. Collectively, all of these are worth RM746.\n\n\nAs for the Core i5 variant of the Spin 3, you won\u2019t be getting the Redmi AirDots, but three extra goodies are offered: an Acer wireless mouse, a USB 2.0 portable DVD writer, and a Predator-branded cap. All of these are worth RM1,024.\n\n\n\n\nDo note that these free gifts are only offered while stocks last, so if you want to grab them, place your order of the Acer Spin 3 quickly \non Shopee\n. As mentioned, this promotion will end on 15 May.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dell-xps-15-2020-promises-25-hours-battery-life-rm7999-malaysia/", "title": "The Sexy Dell XPS 15 (2020) Promises up to 25 Hours of Battery Life; Starts at RM7,999 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nDell just launched the new XPS 15, and it\u2019s sexier than ever. Sporting the very same four sided InfinityEdge screen of the \nXPS 13\n (with very little bottom bezel), the premium laptop can supposedly deliver up to \n25 hours of battery life\n \u2013 that\u2019s a very lofty claim.\n\n\nOf course, that quoted battery life is for the XPS 15 with a 1080p display and large 86WHr battery \u201cwhen using productivity applications like Word or Excel.\u201d It\u2019s worth noting that this is not the only battery capacity of the laptop; there is also a smaller 56WHr cell for certain variants. Regardless, Dell is confident that the XPS 15 \u201cdelivers the longest battery life of any 15-inch laptop.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the XPS 15 sports a new InfinityEdge bezel-less display that stretches to all four sides of the screen. This gives the laptop an impressive 92.9% screen-to-body ratio, and the 15.6-inch panel (available in either 3840 x 2400 or 1920 x 1200 resolution) has a 16:10 aspect ratio as well. It\u2019s not as narrow as a 16:9 screen, so you get more vertical space to work with.\n\n\nNaturally, the XPS 15\u2019s display itself comes with a number of impressive features. Not only does it support VESA DisplayHDR 400, Dell also says that this panel covers 100% of the Adobe RGB colour space and 94% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut. In short, it promises excellent colour accuracy, making it ideal for professionals that need such a display.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re wondering, yes, the webcam is located at the top of the display now.\n\n\n\n\nUnder the hood of the XPS 15 is none other than Intel\u2019s latest 10th-generation chips paired with up to 64GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage. The top-of-the-line configuration comes with a Core i7-10875H processor, while the most affordable model features a Core i5-10300H chip. There is also a more powerful Core i9-10885H option, but this will only be made available at a later date.\n\n\nIn the GPU side of things, there are only two options for the XPS 15: Intel UHD Graphics (integrated) or a dedicated Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti graphics card. While the GTX 1650 Ti is a reasonably capable GPU, it would\u2019ve been great if there were a wider range of options.\n\n\nThe keyboard and trackpad of the XPS 15 have been revamped as well. The keycaps are now 9.7% larger with less lattice in between the keys, and the touchpad itself has grown by a a whopping 62%. The larger trackpad will definitely make it much more comfortable to use. \n\n\n\n\nSet to be available in Malaysia from 15 May onwards, the new Dell XPS 15 starts at RM7,999 for the Core i5 model with a GTX 1650 Ti GPU. Yes, it is not an affordable product, but that\u2019s the going price of premium laptops in the market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-tuf-gaming-a15-hands-on-powerful-affordable-ryzen-4000-gaming-laptop/", "title": "Asus TUF Gaming A15 Hands-On: Powerful, Affordable Ryzen 4000 Gaming Laptop", "body": "\n\nThe highly anticipated \nAMD Ryzen 4000 mobile processors\n are now available in Malaysia after Asus unveiled its range of laptops with the new chips locally a couple of days ago. One of the most interesting products launched then is this one right here: the Asus TUF Gaming A15.\n\n\nConfigurable with a fast Ryzen 9 4900H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 GPU, this is a powerful gaming laptop. More importantly, it also offers \nexcellent\n value for money. If you\u2019re looking to get a gaming laptop with the absolute best performance for the least amount of money, the A15 should be at the top of your list.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSince sheer value for money is one of the TUF Gaming A15\u2019s best selling points, let\u2019s talk about that first. The model we received for review is the Ryzen 7 4800H variant with an RTX 2060 GPU. Coupled with 16GB of RAM and a \nwhopping\n 1TB SSD, this particular model retails at RM5,699. That\u2019s not exactly an affordable price tag, but you \ndo\n get some impressive hardware for that kind of money.\n\n\nOf course, if you want even better processing power, you can swap out the Ryzen 7 chip for an even faster Ryzen 9 4900H processor. How much will this upgrade cost? Only RM200. However, benchmarks have shown that the Ryzen 9 \nisn\u2019t remarkably faster\n than the Ryzen 7 due to thermal and TDP constraints, so the extra cost may not be worth it.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, given the beefy Ryzen 7 processor and RTX 2060 GPU of the A15, it will be able to offer excellent gaming performance. I haven\u2019t managed to run any AAA games on the machine yet, but I\u2019m confident it will have no issue in delivering high enough frame rates for a pleasant gaming experience. I\u2019ll definitely put this to the test in a full review of this gaming laptop.\n\n\nFurther enhancing the gaming experience of the laptop is the fast display of the TUF Gaming A15. Regardless of which variant you go for, you will get a 15.6-inch 1080p display with a 144Hz refresh rate. This high refresh rate ensures that every motion on the screen looks extra smooth, even something as trivial as mouse movement.\n\n\nOf course, the 144Hz panel also means that the A15 can show up to 144 frames per seconds, so games that can push out that many frames with the RTX 2060 GPU will be able to take full advantage of the fast screen.\n\n\n\n\nWhat about the display quality of the A15? Well, it\u2019s quite good. Asus says that this laptop has an \u201cIPS-level\u201d display, and for the most part, it does look like an IPS panel. It can produce relatively vibrant colours, and the brightness level is good. But I\u2019m not too thrilled by the viewing angles. It\u2019s not horrible by any means, but it does dim noticeably when you look at the screen at a slight angle.\n\n\nDesign wise, the A15 is a sleek-looking gaming laptop. The screen bezels are quite minimal (though I do wish the bottom bezel was smaller), the lid now sports the TUF Gaming logo instead of the simple Asus branding of the previous FX505 laptop, and it\u2019s actually slightly thinner now, measuring 24.9mm at its thickest point. However, tipping the scales at 2.3kg, it\u2019s a hefty machine.\n\n\n\n\nIn order to bring down the price of the A15, plastic is found throughout the gaming laptop. The bottom chassis, display bezel, and even the palm rest area are made out of plastic. This doesn\u2019t give the laptop a particularly premium appeal, but it \nis\n MIL-STD-810H certified, so you know it\u2019s a durable machine.\n\n\nAnd then we have the input devices of the TUF Gaming A15. The keyboard, for one, is reasonably good. It has a good amount of travel and tactile feedback, which make for a comfortable typing experience. I also rather like the see-through WASD keycaps; it complements the RGB lighting of the keyboard quite well.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, I\u2019m not a fan of the keyboard\u2019s layout. I appreciate the separated arrow keys, but Asus decided to fit a compressed numpad on the right side of the keyboard. As a result, the other keys are \u201cshifted\u201d to the left side, and I find myself accidentally hitting the num lock key whenever I want to reach for the backspace button. I imagine I can get used to this layout over time, but there will be an adjustment period.\n\n\nAs for the trackpad, it\u2019s surprisingly good for a gaming laptop. It can track my fingers accurately, gestures work as intended, and the smooth surface makes it effortlessly to use. It\u2019s a decent trackpad, but I do wish it wasn\u2019t static; I can only tap on it or use the two dedicated buttons below the trackpad for mouse clicks.\n\n\n\n\nBased on my brief time with the Asus TUF Gaming A15, it looks to be a solid gaming laptop with excellent value for money. It has a fast 144Hz screen, a reasonably sleek design, and most of all, it offers fantastic performance for the money. I\u2019ll be putting the Ryzen 7 4800H through its paces in a full review, and based on many benchmarks of the chip, I\u2019m confident it will be one of the fastest chips you can get at this price point.\n\n\nIf you want something more affordable, you can always opt for the Ryzen 5 4600H configurations of the A15, which retails from only RM3,499. Check out our full coverage of \nAsus\u2019 other Ryzen 4000 laptops in Malaysia\n to learn more.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dell-xps-15-2020-full-prices-revealed-in-malaysia-costs-up-to-rm10499/", "title": "Dell XPS 15 (2020) Full Prices Revealed in Malaysia; Costs up to RM10,499", "body": "\n\nAs promised, the \nDell XPS 15\n is now available for purchase in Malaysia. When it was made official a couple of days ago, we only know the RM7,999 starting price of the premium productivity laptop. Now, we\u2019ve got the full price list, and as expected, it\u2019s a costly machine.\n\n\nFour different configurations of the XPS 15 are offered locally. The RM7,999 base model features Intel\u2019s 10th-generation Core i5-10300H processor paired with 8GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1200 InfinityEdge non-touch display. If you need more processing power, you can swap out the Core i5 chip for a faster Core i7-10750H processor; this particular model retails at RM8,299.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the RM9,999 variant of the XPS 15. Just like the previous configuration, it comes with a Core i7-10750H chip, but the RAM and SSD storage are doubled to 16GB and 1TB respectively. On top of that, the display is upgraded to a much sharper 15.6-inch 3840 x 2400 touch-enabled panel as well. This is the model to get if you want the best possible screen quality.\n\n\nFinally, there\u2019s the range-topping configuration of the XPS 15 that costs a cool RM10,499. For the most part, it shares the same hardware as the RM9,999 option, but you\u2019re getting 32GB of RAM instead. Basically, you\u2019re paying additional RM500 for the RAM upgrade.\n\n\n\n\nRegardless of which variant you go for, all configurations of the XPS 15 come with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Max-Q GPU with 4GB of GDDR6 memory; there\u2019s no option for integrated graphics. This does explain why the starting price of the premium laptop is considerably higher than other markets.\n\n\nBesides that, all models of the XPS 15 for the Malaysian market feature a sizeable 86WHr battery as well. This is a good thing, given that certain markets get a smaller 56WHr cell. Thanks to the large battery capacity, Dell promises that the XPS 15 \u201cdelivers the longest battery life of any 15-inch laptop.\u201d The Full HD+ model, for one, is said to be able to return \nover 25 hours of battery life\n.\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the new XPS 15 has a revamped InfinityEdge screen with very little bottom bezel, giving the laptop a very sleek-looking bezel-less design. The keyboard has been tweaked too: the keycaps are now 9.7% larger with less lattice in between the keys. The trackpad has also grown by 62%, so you get more space to work with.\n\n\n\n\nThe updated Dell XPS 15 is now available for purchase in Malaysia on the company\u2019s \nonline store\n. The RM7,999 starting price is steep, but it\u2019s expected for a premium laptop of this calibre.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-10-ii-with-219-oled-screen-ip68-rating-lands-in-malaysia-july-2020-for-rm1799/", "title": "Sony Xperia 10 II With 21:9 OLED Screen & IP68 Rating Lands in Malaysia July 2020 for RM1,799", "body": "\n\nSony has been really quiet in the Malaysian smartphone market, but it just confirmed the availability of its mid-range device on our shores, the Xperia 10 II. Featuring a tall 6-inch OLED screen with a tall 21:9 aspect ratio and an IP65 / IP68 rating, it\u2019s quite an interesting mid-range smartphone.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, unlike most mid-rangers in the market, the Xperia 10 II \u2013 pronounced as the Xperia 10 Mark II \u2013 actually has dust and water resistance. It\u2019s a feature that\u2019s only typically found in flagship smartphones, so it\u2019s nice that you don\u2019t have to worry about water damage with this device.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Xperia 10 II also comes with a rather unique 6-inch 1080p OLED screen with a 21:9 aspect ratio. Smartphones don\u2019t typically come with such a tall display, which certainly gives the phone an unconventional look. Then again, it does mean the phone is narrower than other devices, making it easier to use with only one hand.\n\n\nGiven that the Xperia 10 II features an OLED screen, you will get vibrant, punchy colours with this display, along with good viewing angles. More importantly, OLED panels can produce true, deep blacks as well, which makes content consumption that much more enjoyable. You can even enable dark mode to improve battery life \u2013 OLED panels don\u2019t consume as much power when displaying blacks.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Xperia 10 II has a 3,600mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging. It\u2019s not an awfully large capacity, but for a phone this size, it\u2019s certainly big enough. We reckon it will be able to return reasonably good battery life on a single charge.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Xperia 10 II features a pretty good triple camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 12MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and another 8MP telephoto lens that can do 2x optical zoom. It\u2019s a versatile camera array with three different focal lengths, which isn\u2019t something many mid-range smartphones offer.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xperia 10 II include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 chipset paired with 4GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, a microSD card slot, an 8MP front-facing camera, a 3.5mm headphone jack, as well as Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Sony Xperia 10 II will be available for purchase in Malaysia sometime in July 2020. It\u2019s quite some time away, but Sony Malaysia did reveal that the phone will retail at RM1,799 once it arrives here. That\u2019s quite a steep price tag for a mid-range phone with a Snapdragon 665 chip, but you do get a number of other neat features.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-magicbook-pro-2020-brings-10th-gen-intel-chips-16-1-screen-for-5999-yuan/", "title": "Honor MagicBook Pro 2020 Brings 10th Gen Intel Chips & 16.1\u2033 Screen for 5,999 Yuan", "body": "\n\nHonor just launched the latest iteration of the Honor MagicBook Pro 2020 in China. This is largely a hardware refresh, so most of the changes are under the hood of the 16-inch productivity laptop. It now comes with Intel\u2019s latest 10th Gen processors and Nvidia\u2019s new GeForce MX350 GPU.\n\n\nTwo Intel processors are offered with the MagicBook Pro 2020: a Core i5-10210U processor, or a faster Core i7-10510U chip. These are the chipmaker\u2019s U-series processors, so you can expect to get a modest level of performance. After all, they are built to be power-efficient, so these chips are not quite as powerful as Intel\u2019s H-series processors.\n\n\n\n\nBut the power efficiency of the processor does give the new MagicBook Pro respectable battery life. According to Honor, the 56WHr battery of the laptop can return up to 14 hours of continuous use. For video playback, it has a quoted battery life of 11.5 hours instead. If the laptop can really deliver this level of battery life, it would be quite impressive.\n\n\nAside from that, the MagicBook Pro also comes with a rather sleek-looking design headlined by the 16.1-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display with a matte finish to reduce glare. Thanks to the small bezels surrounding the screen, this laptop has a claimed screen-to-body ratio of 90%. What about the webcam? Well, it\u2019s built into the keyboard itself, just like the \nHuawei MateBook X Pro\n.\n\n\n\n\nProductivity laptops are meant to be portable, and in the case of the refreshed MagicBook Pro, it\u2019s relatively slim and light for a 16-inch notebook. It tips the scales at 1.7kg, and measuring 16.9mm thin, you wouldn\u2019t have much issue carrying this laptop around.\n\n\nIf you want to do some gaming on the side, you\u2019ll be happy to know that the MagicBook Pro features a dedicated MX350 GPU. It\u2019s not a very powerful graphics card, but in less demanding games like \nDiablo III\n and Dota 2, this GPU will be able to deliver high enough frame rate for a pleasant gaming experience.\n\n\nOther specifications of the refreshed MagicBook Pro include 16GB of DDR4 2666MHz RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, a fingerprint sensor, a single USB-C port, three full-size USB-A connections, an HDMI output, and Windows 10 Home out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor MagicBook Pro 2020 is now available for purchase in China. The Core i5 model retails at 5,999 Chinese yuan (~RM3,665), while the Core i7 option goes for 6,699 yuan (~RM4,090). At the moment, it remains to be seen if the new MagicBook Pro will be sold outside of China.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/5-standout-features-of-the-samsung-galaxy-s20-ultra-5g/", "title": "5 Standout Features of the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G \u2013 Now Available in Cloud White", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra is the Korean company\u2019s most ambitious flagship smartphone yet, and it offers a number of very impressive features. Not only does it have a far-reaching 108MP quad camera system capable of doing 100x zoom, it\u2019s also a handsome, sleek smartphone; a sexy new colourway of the device is available now too.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to get one of the best flagship smartphones in the market now, look no further than the Galaxy S20 Ultra. Not quite sure if it\u2019s the device for you? Then here are five reasons why you should get it.\n\n\n\n\nSophisticated 108MP Quad Camera With 100x Space Zoom\n\n\nCompared to other smartphones in the market now, the Galaxy S20 Ultra has one of the most sophisticated quad camera configurations. The primary sensor, for one, is a 108MP f/1.8 shooter that can capture fantastic shots with a shallow depth of field. Thanks to the natural bokeh afforded by the 108MP camera, you can isolate subjects from the background very well, opening up many possibilities for any kind of photography.\n\n\nThe shallow depth of field gives you the ability to shoot a more dramatic-looking shot like this\nThe 108MP sensor can snap great-looking landscape images as well\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the 48MP f/3.5 periscope telephoto lens, which can do up to 100x Space Zoom. This gives you the ability to get \nreally\n up close to subjects, and it lets you isolate them more effectively too. In combination with the 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor, you\u2019ve got a wide range of focal lengths to choose from with the S20 Ultra, making it a versatile shooter.\n\n\nTo illustrate the different focal lengths of the Galaxy S20 Ultra\u2019s camera, here are several shots taken with the primary sensor, telephoto lens, and ultra-wide angle shooter. It also demonstrates the 100x Space Zoom.\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n108MP primary\n48MP telephoto (5x)\n48MP telephoto (10x)\n48MP telephoto (30x)\n48MP telephoto (100x)\n\n\nSleek Design\n\n\nThis is also one of the main highlights of the Galaxy S20 Ultra. Just like the Galaxy Note 10, the S20 Ultra features an Infinity-O Display with a centre hole-punch cutout at the top of the screen. Not only is the cutout unobtrusive, it gives the phone a symmetrical look too. The bezels surrounding the display are very small to boot, so you get a sleek all-screen design.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, the Galaxy S20 Ultra is currently available in two minimalist colour options: Cosmic Grey and Cosmic Black. If you want something flashier, there\u2019s the new Cloud White variant, which is available for purchase right now in Malaysia.\n\n\nSo just how unique is the new Cloud White colourway for the Galaxy S20 Ultra? Well, depending on how light hits the back panel, you\u2019ll get a nice iridescent effect. In fact, if you look at it from certain angles, it doesn\u2019t even look like a white smartphone. Basically, it\u2019s a very eye-catching colour that will stand out in a crowd.\n\n\nAlso launched alongside the new Cloud White Galaxy S20 Ultra is the Samsung Galaxy Buds+ in Cloud Blue. The blue pastel shade certainly compliments the phone\u2019s new colour option well, and how often do you see a pair of wireless earbuds in this colourway?\n\n\n\n\nFast, Vibrant Screen\n\n\nEvery flagship smartphone worth its salt has to have a fast display with great image quality, and in the case of the Galaxy S20 Ultra, it aces these two criteria. Not only does it have a blazing fast 120Hz panel, the 6.9-inch 3200 x 1440 Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen looks fantastic too. It has vibrant, punchy colours, deep blacks, excellent viewing angles, and it supports HDR10+ as well.\n\n\nStrong Performance\n\n\nUnder the hood of the Galaxy S20 Ultra is the Samsung Exynos 990 chipset, and it\u2019s a powerful SoC. In our review of the S20 Ultra, we were impressed by the performance level of the Exynos 990. No matter what we throw at the phone, it can handle any given task effortlessly and seamlessly.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, when it comes to gaming, you won\u2019t have issues running practically any mobile games on the Galaxy S20 Ultra. Whether you\u2019re planning to play PUBG Mobile or Mobile Legends at maxed out settings, this phone can handle it without breaking a sweat.\n\n\nLong Battery Life\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the Exynos 990 is fabricated on a 7nm process, which brings one important benefit: excellent power efficiency. This, combined with the Galaxy S20 Ultra\u2019s huge 5,000mAh battery, gives the phone incredibly good battery life. On average, we can get over six hours of screen on time with the S20 Ultra, and that\u2019s with the 120Hz mode enabled.\n\n\nIf you want even better battery life, setting the screen\u2019s refresh rate to 60Hz will easily give you an extra hour of screen on time. And when you do need to recharge the phone, 30 minutes of charging with the provided charger can bring the battery level up to 60% from completely empty \u2013 that\u2019s a very respectable charging rate.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra really is one of the best flagship smartphones in the market, and you can get it in Malaysia for RM4,999. Those who purchase the phone now will also receive a complimentary wireless charger and a 128GB microSD card. Collectively, these two items are worth RM378.\n\n\nOn top of that, you will also be eligible to enter Samsung\u2019s 2020 Hari Raya Campaign with every purchase of the Galaxy S20 Ultra; the grand prize is a 65-inch Samsung Q800T QLED 8K Smart TV \nand \nRM500 Boost credit. Of course, there are a wide range of other Samsung products that are eligible for this campaign as well, including the Galaxy S10 Lite, Note 10 Lite, and the Galaxy A series.\n\n\nYou can learn more about Samsung\u2019s 2020 Hari Raya Campaign \nright here\n. Winners will be selected on a weekly basis, so keep checking the campaign page for the latest list of winners!\n\n\nDisclosure: This article is sponsored by Samsung Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-viewpad-6-official-with-kirin-985-5g-chip-magic-pencil-support/", "title": "Honor ViewPad 6 Official With Kirin 985 5G Chip & Magic Pencil Support", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nMagicBook Pro 2020\n, Honor also introduced a brand new tablet in China, the Honor ViewPad 6. Sporting the recently announced Kirin 985 5G chip, stylus support, and a sleek design, this is quite an interesting Android tablet.\n\n\nThanks to the Kirin 985 chipset under the hood of the ViewPad 6, you can expect to get reasonably good performance. After all, it is the Chinese company\u2019s best processor after the flagship Kirin 990 SoC; it\u2019s not just some run-of-the-mill chip. On top of that, it gives the tablet 5G connectivity a well.\n\n\n\n\nAnother selling point of the ViewPad 6 is stylus support courtesy of the Honor Magic Pencil. It\u2019s said to support 4,096 levels of pressure, so it should be a good enough stylus for folks that need it. Of course, the tablet also comes with a Bluetooth keyboard case to get some work done on the go. At this point, it\u2019s practically a must-have accessory for tablets.\n\n\nYou need a good screen to get work done comfortably, and the ViewPad 6 offers just that. Packing a 10.4-inch 2000 x 1200 display, it\u2019s a large enough display for most users. There are also rather minimal bezels surrounding the screen, giving the tablet a sleek, modern-looking design. According to Honor, the ViewPad 6 has an 84% screen-to-body ratio as well.\n\n\nDespite the tablet\u2019s small bezels, there\u2019s still enough space to fit an 8MP selfie camera above the screen. On the back, there\u2019s a 13MP shooter.\n\n\n\n\nBattery life of the ViewPad 6 should be quite good as well, thanks to the generous 7,250mAh battery. Honor claims that this battery capacity can deliver up to 13 hours of video playback. When you need to charge it, the tablet\u2019s 22.5W fast charging support via the USB-C port should be able to top it up quickly.\n\n\nJust like other recently launched Honor and Huawei Android-based products, the ViewPad 6 likely does not ship with Google Mobile Services. This basically means the tablet does not have essential Google apps pre-installed, including the Play Store, Gmail, Maps, and so on. Instead, you\u2019ll have to rely on Huawei\u2019s AppGallery to look for alternative apps.\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei ViewPad 6 is set to be available globally sometime in June 2020. At the moment, the pricing of the tablet has not been revealed yet either; we were told its retail price will only be revealed next month in China on 13 June. Chances are, the ViewPad 6 should be a relatively affordable tablet.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-limited-edition-ps4-pro-for-the-last-of-us-part-ii-looks-amazing/", "title": "This Limited Edition PS4 Pro for The Last of Us Part II Looks Amazing", "body": "\n\nWell, this is quite possibly the very last limited edition of the PlayStation 4 Pro system, and it\u2019s made to celebrate what is likely the biggest game in the franchise yet, The Last of Us Part II. Unlike other limited edition takes of the console, this one is quite special: the design is engraved onto the system itself.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, this limited edition PlayStation 4 Pro has Ellie\u2019s tattoo design \nphysically engraved\n to the top lid, and it looks stunning. In fact, the whole design of the console actually looks quite understated. Of course, the DualShock 4 controller has the same fern tattoo as well, with The Last of Us Part II\u2019s logo on the touchpad.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBesides the custom PS4 Pro and DualShock 4 controller, PlayStation is also releasing a limited edition Gold Wireless Headset with the same design theme. It has a Steel Black matte finish with contrasting crimson inner ear cups. Ellie\u2019s fern tattoo and the game\u2019s logo are printed on the headband too. Again, it\u2019s quite a minimalist-looking design.\n\n\nOn top of that, PlayStation is also working with Seagate to release the limited edition \u201cThe Last of Us Part II Officially Licensed Seagate 2TB Game Drive\u201d \u2013 yes, it\u2019s a mouthful. Anyway, it\u2019s a regular hard drive with 2TB of storage and a laser-etched design of Ellie\u2019s tattoo. As far as external hard drives go, it\u2019s really quite a sleek-looking product.\n\n\n\n\nWe\u2019re reached out to PlayStation regarding the Malaysian availability of this limited edition PlayStation 4 Pro, and unfortunately, we were told it will not be available on our shores. Instead, only the DualShock 4 and Gold Wireless headset will be sold here for RM279 and RM449 respectively; no word on the local availability of the Seagate drive.\n\n\nIt\u2019s quite disappointing for the limited edition console to not be available here, but we reckon local retailers will import it here. Regardless, the custom DualShock 4 and Gold Wireless Headset can be purchased in Malaysia on 19 June itself, the same day as the game\u2019s release date.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, The Last of Us Part II can now be pre-ordered on the PlayStation Store. The Standard Edition is \npriced at RM239\n, while the Deluxe Edition \ngoes for RM299\n. Those who pre-order either versions will receive a PSN Avatar of Ellie\u2019s tattoo, while the Deluxe Edition adds on a dynamic theme, six more PSN Avatars, as well as the digital soundtrack and mini art book from Dark Horse of the game.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-x3-superzoom-lands-in-malaysia-28-may-60x-zoom-120hz-screen-snapdragon-855/", "title": "Realme X3 SuperZoom Lands in Malaysia 28 May; 60x Zoom, 120Hz Screen, Snapdragon 855+", "body": "\n\nRealme has been launching quite a number of smartphones in Malaysia over the past couple of months, but the next device it is introducing on our shores is quite different. Set to be unveiled here next week on 28 May, the Realme X3 \u201cSuperZoom\u201d has hardware that can take on flagship smartphones.\n\n\nAs its name suggests, the Realme X3 SuperZoom is said to come with a rather far-reaching camera system. According to Realme, the X3 sports a quad camera system that can do up to 60x zoom. The primary sensor, on the other hand, is confirmed to be a 64MP shooter by Realme itself.\n\n\nA teaser of the Realme X3 SuperZoom\u2019s telephoto sensor\n\n\nThese are official details of the X3 SuperZoom, and given that the phone has not been launched yet, the exact camera hardware is still shrouded in mystery. However, if rumours and leaks are to be believed, the quad camera system of the phone will be made up of the aforementioned 64MP main sensor, an 8MP periscope telephoto lens that can do 5x optical zoom, an 8MP ultra-wide angle camera, and a macro sensor.\n\n\nBesides the camera configuration, the X3 SuperZoom will come with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ chipset as well. It may not be the latest Snapdragon 865 SoC, but the 855+ is still a very capable processor. Whether you\u2019re a heavy multitasking smartphone user or an avid mobile gamer, you will get more than enough processing power to meet your needs.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, gamers will appreciate the Realme X3 SuperZoom\u2019s fast 120Hz screen. Thanks to the high refresh rate, every single motion and animation will look extra smooth on this display. There is also an oblong-shaped hole-punch cutout on the top left of the screen to house a (supposedly) 32MP selfie camera and an 8MP ultra-wide angle shooter.\n\n\nOther rumoured specifications of the X3 SuperZoom include a 6.6-inch 1080p screen, 12GB of RAM, 256GB of non-expandable storage \u2013 no microSD card slot here \u2013 a 4,200mAh battery with support for 30W fast charging, Realme UI based on Android 10 out of the box, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor that also doubles as the power button.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme X3 SuperZoom will be introduced in Malaysia next week on 28 May at 11AM; the launch will be streamed live on \nRealme\u2019s Facebook page\n. Realme smartphones usually offer pretty good value for money, so we\u2019ll see if the same remains true for the X3 SuperZoom.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nRealme X3 SuperZoom Lands in Malaysia for RM1,999\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-introduces-20-day-trial-program-for-find-x2-series-in-malaysia/", "title": "Oppo Introduces 20-Day Trial Program for Find X2 Series in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nOppo just launched a rather interesting loan program for its latest flagship smartphones, the \nOppo Find X2\n and \nFind X2 Pro\n. This program is dubbed \u201cLendX2GO,\u201d and those who are interested to try out either one of the two phones can do so for 20 days; they can even get a discount if they decide to purchase the device after the trial period.\n\n\nNaturally, there are more than a few caveats here. For one, the trial program is limited to only 100 participants. 50 of them will receive the Find X2 Pro, while the other 50 will get the standard Find X2 instead. On top of that, those who are selected would have to pay a deposit of the devices\u2019 full price before they can start the loan program, so that\u2019s RM3,999 for the Find X2, and RM4,599 for the Find X2 Pro.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, after the 20-day trial period, you can get the deposit back once the device is returned. But if you do decide to purchase the phone, Oppo is offering a 10% discount. You can get RM400 off for the Find X2, and RM460 for the Find X2 Pro \u2013 reasonably good offers.\n\n\nHowever, you do have to jump through hoops to secure the discount. For one, you\u2019ll have to shoot five \u201caesthetically taken photos\u201d with the phone\u2019s camera, complete with the Find X2 watermark. Once you\u2019ve done that, the five pictures and a 30-word testimonial highlighting certain features of the device have to be posted either on \nLowyat.NET forum\u2019s Android section\n or \nCari forum\n.\n\n\nThis loan program is only open to Malaysians above 18 years of age, and selected participants have to collect the Find X2 or Find X2 Pro from the Oppo store in these four locations: Pavilion Kuala Lumpur; The Gardens Mall, Kuala Lumpur; Prangin Mall, Penang; and Mid Valley Southkey, Johor.\n\n\n\n\nNeedless to say, it\u2019s not a straightforward process to sign up for the trial program, but it does give 100 consumers a chance to try out the Find X2 or Find X2 Pro for 20 days without actually purchasing the device. Granted, they have to fork out a deposit for the phone\u2019s full price, but it will be refunded when the device is returned.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to try out the Oppo Find X2 or Find X2 Pro for 20 days, you can submit your application \nright here\n. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the Find X2 Pro, check out our \nhands-on of the flagship smartphone\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-zephyrus-s15-with-rtx-2080-super-300hz-screen-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Asus ROG Zephyrus S15 With RTX 2080 Super & 300Hz Screen Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nLast week, Asus unveiled a number of \nAMD Ryzen 4000 laptops in Malaysia\n, and it appears the Taiwanese company is gearing up to launch yet another gaming laptop here. Enter the new Asus ROG Zephyrus S15: not only is it packing a powerful Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super GPU, it also comes with a blazing fast 300Hz screen.\n\n\nWe spotted this updated model of the Zephyrus S15 on Asus Malaysia\u2019s official website. According to the listing, the refreshed gaming laptop comes with the aforementioned RTX 2080 GPU and 300Hz screen. On top of that, it\u2019s also equipped with Intel\u2019s latest 10th generation Core i7-10875H processor.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the updated internals, other aspects of the Zephyrus S15 remain the same as its predecessor. It still has the same chassis, which isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing. Measuring only 18.9mm thin and tipping the scales at 2kg, it\u2019s a relatively slim and lightweight gaming laptop with some serious power under the hood.\n\n\nAfter all, the RTX 2080 Super is currently the most powerful GPU in the market now as far as gaming laptops are concerned. In fact, it\u2019s quite impressive Asus managed to pack such beefy hardware into the slim chassis of the Zephyrus S15. If you\u2019re concerned the Core i7-10875H can\u2019t keep up with this GPU, worry not: it will not bottleneck the RTX 2080 Super.\n\n\n\n\nFurther enhancing the gaming experience of the Zephyrus S15 is the 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS-level display with a blazing fast 300Hz refresh rate. Thanks to the high refresh rate, this panel will offer superior motion clarity even in fast-paced competitive games. It\u2019s also worth noting that this display supports Nvidia\u2019s G-Sync technology, so you won\u2019t have to deal with screen tearing.\n\n\nDesign wise, the Zephyrus S15 is quite a sleek-looking gaming laptop. The slim bezels surrounding the screen give it a modern, eye-catching design, though we do wish the bottom bezel was smaller. Unfortunately, this laptop does not have a webcam: there\u2019s not enough space on the top bezel to fit a camera module.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Zephyrus S15 include up to 48GB of DDR4 3200MHz RAM, either 512GB or 1TB of fast M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD in Raid 0 configuration, a USB Type-C connection with Thunderbolt 3 support, three USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.0b output, and even an RJ-45 jack.\n\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ve reached out to Asus Malaysia on the local availability of the Asus ROG Zephyrus S15, and we were told the gaming laptop will be arriving here sometime in the third quarter of 2020. With that in mind, we can expect the Zephyrus S15 to be launched in Malaysia as early as July 2020. Given the high-end hardware of this laptop, expect it to cost quite a bit of money.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s20-ultra-in-cloud-white-lands-in-malaysia-cloud-blue-buds-too/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra in Cloud White Lands in Malaysia; Cloud Blue Buds+ Too", "body": "\n\nSamsung just introduced new colourways for two of its products. The flagship \nSamsung Galaxy S20 Ultra\n, previously only available in either Cosmic Black or Cosmic Grey, is now offered in Cloud White as well. Besides that, the Samsung Galaxy Buds+ wireless earbuds can now be purchased in Cloud Blue as well.\n\n\nOf course, beyond the different colour shades, these are the same Galaxy S20 Ultra and Galaxy Buds+ as previously offered. If you\u2019ve always wanted a flashier colourway for either one of these two products, you\u2019ll definitely appreciate the availability of these new colour options. Personally, I\u2019m a fan of the Cloud White S20 Ultra: it\u2019s more eye-catching than the more minimalist Cosmic Grey and Cosmic Black models.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to other devices in the Galaxy S20 series, the S20 Ultra is the range-topping model. What makes it particularly different from the other S20 smartphones is its sophisticated quad camera system. The primary shooter is a 108MP sensor, and it\u2019s complemented by a 48MP periscope telephoto lens that can do up to 100x zoom.\n\n\nAs for the other two shooters, it\u2019s a 12MP ultra-wide angle lens and a DepthVision time-of-flight (ToF) sensor to capture depth information. Thanks to this quad camera array, the S20 Ultra is a versatile shooter with three different focal lengths for different shooting situations.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Galaxy S20 Ultra also has a fast 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X\u00a0screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, an Exynos 990 chipset \u2013 complete with 5G support \u2013 paired with 12GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, a 40MP selfie camera, and a generous 5,000mAh battery. \n\n\nAs for the Galaxy Buds+, one of the wireless earbuds\u2019 best selling point is battery life. According to Samsung, the Buds+ can return up to 11 hours of use on a single charge. With the addition of the charging case \u2013 which has enough juice to fully charge up the earbuds once \u2013 the Buds+ offers up to 22 hours of use. That\u2019s really quite impressive.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy Buds+ include a two-way dynamic speaker system with boosted driver, three mics (two outer, one inner) for better mic quality, and support for wireless charging. \n\n\n\n\nThe new Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra in Cloud White and the Cloud Blue Galaxy Buds+ are now available for purchase in Malaysia on Samsung\u2019s online store; they retail at \nRM4,999 \nand \nRM599\n respectively. Expect other retailers to stock up on these new colourways as well.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/razer-updates-blade-pro-17-with-300hz-screen-rtx-2080-super/", "title": "Razer Updates Blade Pro 17 With 300Hz Screen & RTX 2080 Super", "body": "\n\nRazer just updated its premium Blade Pro 17 with a faster display and beefier GPU. Now, the thin 17-inch gaming laptop can be configured with a 300Hz screen, along with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super Max-Q or RTX 2070 Max-Q graphics card.\n\n\nUnlike last year\u2019s model, this new iteration of the Blade Pro 17 only comes with these two GPU options; the RTX 2060 variant is no longer offered. Regardless, given that this is a gaming laptop targeted at consumers that want the best possible performance in a premium package, we imagine it\u2019s not an option that will be missed.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the Blade Pro 17\u2019s upgraded screen. Previously, the 17.3-inch 1080p display had a 240Hz refresh rate, which has now been bumped up to 300Hz. Thanks to this high refresh rate, motion blur will be reduced immensely, especially in fast-paced games like \nCall of Duty: Warzone\n and \nApex Legends\n.\n\n\nIf you don\u2019t need the blazing fast 300Hz refresh rate, you can go for the 4K touch-enabled screen option that\u2019s mainly targeted at creative professionals. Not only is it far more pixel-dense \u2013 and it still has a respectable 120Hz refresh rate \u2013 it also cover 100% of the Adobe RGB colour space. On top of that, its peak brightness is rated at 400 nits; 100 nits more than the 1080p panel.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the updated Blade Pro 17 comes with Intel\u2019s latest 10th-generation Comet Lake Core i7-10875H octa-core processor with a base clock speed of 2.3GHz and a boost clock of up to 5.1GHz. Whether you\u2019re an avid gamer or a creative professional, this chip will get the job done. It\u2019s paired with 16GB of DDR4 2933MHz RAM as well, which can be upgraded up to 64GB.\n\n\nBeyond these hardware upgrades, other aspects of the Blade Pro 17 remain relatively similar to the previous model. It still has the same 19.9mm thin chassis, though it appears the keyboard has been slightly tweaked with a longer right shift key and shorter arrow keys. Previously, the up arrow key took up some of the right shift key\u2019s space, so the latter had to be shortened.\n\n\nOther specifications of the refreshed Blade Pro 17 include 512GB or 1TB of PCIe NVMe SSD storage, a 70.5WHr battery, an IR webcam with Windows Hello, as well as a keyboard with per-key RGB lighting and Razer Chroma.\n\n\n\n\nThe new Razer Blade Pro 17 will be available in the US later this month. The base model with a Full HD 300Hz display, an RTX 2070 Max-Q GPU, and 512GB of storage goes for $2,600 (~RM11,350); upgrading the GPU to an RTX 2080 Super Max-Q drives up the price to $3,200 (~RM13,970). The 4K variant with the same RTX 2080 Super GPU and a 1TB SSD, on the other hand, demands a $3,800 (~RM16,585) price tag.\n\n\nRazer\u2019s range of laptops are usually not offered here in Malaysia, so we don\u2019t expect the Blade Pro 17 to be made available here officially.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-tab-s6-lite-s-pen-support-malaysia-rm1699/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite With S Pen Support Now in Malaysia for RM1,699", "body": "\n\nSamsung Malaysia just announced the local availability of its new mid-range Android tablet, the \nSamsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite\n. What makes this tablet particularly interesting is the fact that it supports the Korean company\u2019s signature S Pen. On top of that, it\u2019s not an exorbitantly priced tablet either.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite \nretails at RM1,699\n. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM. Not very generous capacities, but should be enough for most consumers. Two colours of the tablet are offered in our market: Oxford Grey and Angora Blue.\n\n\nTo sweeten the deal, Samsung is running a launch promo for the Tab S6 Lite. Those who purchase the new tablet now will also receive the Tab S6 Lite Keyboard Cover worth RM409. Given the tablet\u2019s focus on productivity, this is really quite an essential accessory.\n\n\nThe storage capacity of this listing has since been updated to 64GB; it has been unlisted as well\n\n\nAs mentioned, one of the best features of the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is its S Pen support. Unlike the S Pen offered with other Samsung products, the stylus has been redesigned for this tablet. Not only does it weigh only 7.03g, it also has improved pen latency and a 0.7mm pen tip. According to Samsung, this gives the S Pen \u201cgreater precision for note-taking and drawing.\u201d\n\n\nUnfortunately, while the Tab S6 Lite doesn\u2019t have a dedicated slot to store the S Pen \u2013 a feature we\u2019re very fond of with the \nGalaxy Tab A 8.0\n \u2013 the redesigned stylus does snap on magnetically to the right side of the tablet. It\u2019s not super secure or practical to store the S Pen this way, but there is a separate casing for the tablet with a dedicated compartment for the stylus.\n\n\n\n\nAside from the S Pen, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is a reasonably well-equipped mid-range tablet. It\u2019s powered by Samsung\u2019s own Exynos 9611 chipset, the same SoC found in the \nGalaxy A50s\n mid-range smartphone. It\u2019s not a very powerful processor, but it should be able to deliver a pleasant user experience.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Tab S6 Lite include a 10.4-inch 2000 x 1200 TFT LCD display with relatively thin bezels surrounding it, a microSD card slot for futher storage expansion, an 8MP f/1.9 rear camera, a 5MP f/2.0 selfie camera, a 7,040mAh battery, and One UI 2 based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM1,699. It\u2019s not a particularly affordable product, but given its feature set and inclusion of the S Pen, it could be the ideal tablet for those who need a relatively compact device with stylus support. Plus, those who \npurchase the Tab S6 Lite now\n will also receive the Keyboard Cover worth RM409.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-is-realmes-first-smartwatch-and-its-coming-to-malaysia/", "title": "This Is Realme\u2019s First Smartwatch, and It\u2019s Coming to Malaysia", "body": "\n\nRealme just unveiled its very first smartwatch in India, aptly called the Realme Watch. Just like most products from the Chinese company, this smartwatch carries a very competitive price tag while offering a number of useful features. On top of that, this wearable will be launching in Malaysia as well.\n\n\nIn fact, the Realme Watch was actually registered with our local certification body, SIRIM, back in April last month; it was listed under Jie Communication with the model number RMA161. Now that it has already been approved by SIRIM \u2013 and given Realme\u2019s strong presence here in Malaysia \u2013 we expect the smartwatch to make its local debut very soon.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Realme Watch itself, it\u2019s quite a feature-packed smartwatch, especially at this price point. It has a square case with a 1.4-inch 320 x 320 touch-enabled display, sporting 10 levels of brightness that peak at 380 nits. The panel technology itelf isn\u2019t mentioned, though we reckon it\u2019s an LCD screen given the affordable price tag of the wearable.\n\n\nJust like other smartwatches in the market now, notifications from a paired smartphone are pushed accordingly to the Realme Watch. Among the apps that the Watch support for notifications include Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, and Gmail. It remains to be seen if the smartwatch can also show notifications from apps that are not mentioned by the company.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the Realme Watch is also able to track your workouts; 14 of them, in fact. These include outdoor run, badminton, basketball, yoga, and even strength training. The Watch will also show your heart rate throughout the workout, along with the duration and distance (for applicable workouts) you have covered.\n\n\nIn terms of battery life, the Realme Watch\u2019s 160mAh battery is said to offer up to nine days of use with the heart rate sensor disabled; enabling the feature will bring it down to seven days, which is still very respectable. According to Realme, the battery life can be stretched up to 20 days in power saving mode.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Realme Watch include IP68 water and dust resistance, a heart rate sensor, the ability to measure blood oxygen level, and 12 built-in watchfaces. If that doesn\u2019t sound like much, worry not: Realme says that it is planning to add 100 new watchfaces in the future.\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme Watch will be available for purchase in India from 5 June onwards. As mentioned, it\u2019s an affordable smartwatch, retailing at only 3,999 Indian rupee \u2013 that comes up to about RM230. If the Watch is sold at this price point once it\u2019s launched in Malaysia, we reckon it will be quite well-received.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-x3-superzoom-official-5x-optical-zoom-120hz-screen-snapdragon-855/", "title": "Realme X3 SuperZoom Official: 5x Optical Zoom, 120Hz Screen, Snapdragon 855+", "body": "\n\nRealme just launched its latest flagship smartphone, the Realme X3 SuperZoom. As its name suggests, the zooming performance of the device is the focus here: the quad camera system can do 5x optical zoom, or up to 60x digital zoom. Besides that, other specifications of the flagship phone are quite impressive too.\n\n\nIn order to achieve this level of zoom, the X3 SuperZoom features an 8MP f/3.4 telephoto lens with a periscope structure. On top of that, the telephoto sensor also comes with optical image stabilisation, so capturing blur-free images would be easier. The primary sensor, on the other hand, is a 64MP f/1.8 shooter.\n\n\nThe other two sensors are an 8MP f/2.3 ultra-wide angle camera and a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens.\n\n\n\n\nAside from its camera system, the Realme X3 SuperZoom has a fast 6.6-inch 2400 x 1080 screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. This high refresh rate gives the panel superior motion clarity, so every animation and motion on the display will look extra smooth. This, in turn, improves the user experience of the phone.\n\n\nThere is also an oblong-shaped hole-punch cutout on the top left of the screen to house the two front-facing cameras. The main sensor is a 32MP f/2.5 unit, which is complemented by an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter. This gives users the flexibility to take regular selfies with the 32MP camera, and switch to the 8MP lens for group selfies.\n\n\n\n\nPerformance wise, the X3 SuperZoom is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ chipset. It may not be the latest high-end SoC offered by the chipmaker, but the 855+ is still a plenty capable processor, though it doesn\u2019t come with 5G connectivity. Nonetheless, it will be able to deliver flagship-tier performance.\n\n\nWhen it comes to battery life, the Realme X3 SuperZoom should be quite a long-lasting smartphone, thanks to its relatively generous 4,200mAh battery. Of course, like other noteworthy flagship smartphones in the market now, the X3 supports 30W fast charging as well, which can supposedly charge up the phone to full in only 55 minutes.\n\n\nOther specifications of the X3 SuperZoom include 8GB or 12GB of RAM, two non-expandable storage options (128GB and 256GB), a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and Realme UI based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nFor the European market, the Realme X3 SuperZoom retails at \u20ac499 \u2013 that comes up to about RM2,380. Do note that this price tag includes VAT, so expect the phone to cost less in other markets, including Malaysia. In fact, the X3 SuperZoom will be \nlanding on our shores tomorrow on 28 May\n; stay tuned for our coverage of the launch event.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-9x-lite-with-google-mobile-services-launches-in-malaysia-for-rm699/", "title": "Honor 9X Lite With Google Mobile Services Launches in Malaysia for RM699", "body": "\n\nHonor just unveiled a new budget smartphone in Malaysia, the Honor 9X Lite. At a glance, this device looks strikingly similar to the \nHonor 8X\n, which is\u2026no coincidence. In fact, the 9X Lite is basically a refresh of the 8X \u2013 it was released back in 2018 \u2013 with an upgraded camera system.\n\n\nWhile that means the 9X Lite doesn\u2019t look particularly modern with a large notch at the top of the screen, it does come with one big benefit: it still ships with Google Mobile Services. Out of the box, the phone will be pre-installed with a range of essential Google apps, including the Play Store, Gmail, Maps, and even YouTube.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the dual camera system of the 9X Lite is also slightly better now. Instead of the 8X\u2019s 20MP f/1.8 primary sensor, the 9X Lite comes with a superior 48MP f/1.8 shooter, which should be able to capture better-looking images. The second lens, on the other hand, is a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor.\n\n\nNow, even with the upgraded sensor, the dual camera configuration of the 9X Lite still pales in comparison to its competition. After all, smartphones at this price point feature triple \u2013 or even quad \u2013 camera setups now with more focal lengths and features. While we reckon the 9X Lite\u2019s camera performance will still be serviceable, don\u2019t expect too much out of it.\n\n\n\n\nPowering the 9X Lite is the familiar Kirin 710 chipset. This processor is said to be equivalent to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 SoC in terms of processing power, and even though it\u2019s a two-year-old chip now, it should still be able to provide a reasonably good level of performance for comfortable day-to-day use.\n\n\nBattery life of the 9X Lite should be alright as well. It\u2019s packed with a 3,750mAh battery, and while that\u2019s not a particularly generous capacity,  Honor says that it can return a day\u2019s worth of use on a single charge. Given that this device is based on an older model, charging is done via a microUSB port; no USB-C connection here.\n\n\nOther specifications of the 9X Lite include a 6.5-inch 2340 x 1080 LTPS LCD screen, 4GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, a microSD card slot that can accomodate cards up to 512GB, a rear fingerprint sensor, and EMUI 9.1 based on Android 9 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor 9X Lite is now available for purchase in Malaysia. \nRetailing at RM699\n, two colours of the smartphone are offered in our market: Emerald Green and Midnight Black.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/poco-f2-pro-launching-in-malaysia-tomorrow-on-28-may/", "title": "Poco F2 Pro Launching in Malaysia Tomorrow on 28 May", "body": "\n\nUnveiled globally just a couple of weeks ago, it appears the \nPoco F2 Pro\n will be arriving here in Malaysia tomorrow on 28 May. Sporting a sleek design, fast performance, and excellent value for money, the F2 Pro is one interesting flagship smartphone.\n\n\nThe local release date of the Poco F2 Pro was revealed by Poco Malaysia\u2019s Facebook page. It\u2019s a simple teaser that merely mention the \u201cwait ends tomorrow,\u201d and we reckon the company will be revealing the Malaysian availability and pricing of the device then.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEssentially the global version of the \nRedmi K30 Pro\n, the Poco F2 Pro is powered by a fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset. This gives the phone 5G connectivity, and it also provides flagship-tier performance. Whether you\u2019re an avid gamer or a power user that juggles between different apps, the Snapdragon 865 will be able to keep up.\n\n\nBesides that, the Poco F2 Pro features a 20MP motorised pop-up camera. As there\u2019s no need to make room for the selfie camera on the front of the phone, the F2 Pro has a sleek, all-screen design. The 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED display comes with a 180Hz touch response rate as well, which should reduce input lag; an important feature for mobile gamers.\n\n\n\n\nBut the screen\u2019s touch response rate should not be confused with refresh rate: the F2 Pro still has a conventional 60Hz display. Even though this doesn\u2019t sound particularly exciting, at least it\u2019s an AMOLED panel with vibrant colours, deep blacks, and great viewing angles. To some folks, it\u2019s worth trading a high refresh rate screen for a better quality one.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Poco F2 Pro features a quad camera system made up of a 64MP primary shooter with optical image stabilisation, a 13MP ultra-wide angle lens, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 5MP telephoto macro camera. It\u2019s not a very sophisticated camera configuration \u2013 especially for a flagship smartphone \u2013 but it should do in a pinch.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Poco F2 Pro include 6GB or 8GB of RAM, two storage options (128GB and 256GB), an in-screen fingerprint sensor, a very generous 4,700mAh battery with 30W fast charging, and Poco Launcher 2.0.\n\n\n\n\nLooking back at the teaser on \nPoco Malaysia\u2019s Facebook page\n, the Poco F2 Pro is expected to be launched in Malaysia tomorrow on 28 May. Hopefully, it will be priced competitively in our market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-x3-superzoom-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm1999/", "title": "Realme X3 SuperZoom Lands in Malaysia for RM1,999", "body": "\n\nUnveiled to the world just a couple of days ago, the Realme X3 SuperZoom has just landed in Malaysia. Sporting a quad camera system that can do 5x optical zoom along with a fast 120Hz screen, it\u2019s a respectable flagship smartphone that offers pretty good value for money as well.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the X3 SuperZoom retails at only RM1,999 for the 128GB model with 8GB of RAM; it will be available for purchase on 2 June through Lazada. The more generous 256GB variant with 12GB of RAM, on the other hand, goes for RM2,299, and it can be purchased from 6 June onwards.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Realme X3 SuperZoom, as mentioned, comes with a rather sophisticated quad camera system. The highlight of this camera configuration is the 8MP f/3.4 telephoto lens with a periscope structure. It offers 5x optical zoom, and it can also do up to 60x zoom; digitally, of course.\n\n\nThe primary sensor of the quad camera setup, on the other hand, is a 64MP f/1.8 shooter, which is complemented by an 8MP f/2.3 ultra-wide angle sensor and a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens. All in all, it\u2019s quite a versatile camera system with plenty of focal lengths to choose from; befitting of a flagship smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of versatility, the X3 SuperZoom comes with two front-facing cameras as well. The main sensor is a 32MP f/2.5 unit, and it\u2019s paired with an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter. This gives you the flexibility to shoot regular selfies with the 32MP camera, and bigger group selfies with the wider 8MP sensor.\n\n\nAnother noteworthy hardware of the Realme X3 SuperZoom is its 6.6-inch 2400 x 1080 screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. Thanks to the high refresh rate, motions and animations on this display will look extra smooth, giving the impression of a faster smartphone. That\u2019s not to say this is a sluggish device. After all, it\u2019s powered by the capable Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ chipset.\n\n\nOther specifications of the X3 SuperZoom include a pretty sizeable 4,200mAh battery with support for 30W fast charging \u2013 Realme says this allows the phone to be fully charged in only 55 minutes \u2013 a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and Realme UI based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme X3 SuperZoom with 128GB of storage will be offered in Malaysia first through Lazada on 2 June at 12AM for RM1,999. If you\u2019re quick, you can even get a RM200 discount, \nbringing down the price to RM1,799\n. As for the 256GB option, it will be available from 6 June onwards for RM2,299; every purchase of this variant will come with a Realme Buds Air.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/poco-f2-pro-now-in-malaysia-for-rm2199-most-affordable-snapdragon-865-phone/", "title": "Poco F2 Pro Now in Malaysia for RM2,199; Most Affordable Snapdragon 865 Phone", "body": "\n\nAs expected, the Poco F2 Pro has just been launched in Malaysia today. Just like its predecessor, it\u2019s a flagship smartphone that offers immensely good value for money. Although it\u2019s not quite as affordable anymore, you\u2019re still getting a lot of bang for your buck with the F2 Pro.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Poco F2 Pro are available in Malaysia. The base model with 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM retails at RM2,199, while the 256GB option with 8GB of RAM goes for RM2,599. Those who opt for the 256GB variant will also receive a complimentary Black Shark FunCooler to cool down your phone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStarting at only RM2,199, that makes the Poco F2 Pro the most affordable flagship smartphone in Malaysia with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset right now. On top of that, you\u2019re getting 5G connectivity as well. 5G networks may not be widely available here yet, but it does future-proof the device to an extend.\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the Poco F2 Pro is a much sleeker-looking phone too. Thanks to its 20MP motorised pop-up front-facing camera, there\u2019s no need to make space for the selfie shooter on the front of hte phone. This, in turn, allows the F2 Pro to feature a distraction-free all-screen design.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the screen itself, it\u2019s a 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. It\u2019s not quite as impressive as other flagship smartphones\u2019 displays with higher refresh rates, but the fact that this is an AMOLED panel means you will get vibrant, punchy colours with deep blacks and great viewing angles. If you\u2019re an avid mobile gamer, you\u2019ll also appreciate the screen\u2019s 180Hz touch response rate to minimise input lag.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Poco F2 Pro is equipped with a quad camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 64MP main sensor with optical image stabilisation, a 13MP ultra-wide angle lens, a 2MP depth shooter, and a 5MP telephoto macro camera. Not a very elaborate camera configuration \u2013 especially for a flagship smartphone \u2013 but this \nis\n a very affordable flagship.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Poco F2 Pro include a very generous 4,700mAh battery with support for 30W fast charging \u2013 Poco claims this allows the phone to be charged up to full in 63 minutes \u2013 an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and Poco Launcher 2.0.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Poco F2 Pro retails at RM2,199 and RM2,599 for the 128GB + 6GB and 256GB + 8GB models respectively. It will go on sale in Malaysia next month from 10 June onwards, and those who place their order through Lazada on that day itself can get it for only RM1,999 \u2013 that\u2019s RM200 worth of savings.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-legion-ryzen-4000-10th-gen-intel-malaysia-from-rm3749/", "title": "New Lenovo Legion Gaming Laptops With Ryzen 4000 & 10th Gen Intel Chips Land in Malaysia; Retails From RM3,749", "body": "\n\nLenovo just introduced a slew of new gaming laptops in Malaysia. These include the Legion 5 series \u2013 it is made up of four different models \u2013 as well as the more premium Legion 7i. All of these laptops can be built to order, allowing you to customise some of their hardware.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with arguably the most interesting machine of the bunch here: the standard \nLegion 5\n gaming laptop, which can only be built to order right now. This is also the only model here that features AMD\u2019s new \nRyzen 4000 mobile processor\n, and it\u2019s the most affordable option too, retailing from RM3,749.\n\n\n\n\nBut it\u2019s worth noting that you\u2019re getting a barebone configuration of the Legion 5 for that kind of money. These include a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Ryzen 5 4600H processor paired with 8GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU, and 128GB of SSD storage. That\u2019s right, only 128GB of SSD storage, though you can add more storage in the customisation page.\n\n\nIf you want to upgrade the processor to a faster Ryzen 7 4800H processor, you\u2019ll have to add RM390. Swapping the GPU to a GTX 1650 Ti, on the other hand, costs RM280. Unfortunately, these are the highest-end CPU and GPU options available for the Legion 5 in our market. Nonetheless, the Legion 5 will ship within four weeks once the order is placed.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the Legion 5i, which is basically the Intel version of the aforementioned model. Available in both \n15-inch\n and \n17-inch\n configurations, the Legion 5i starts at RM3,959 (15-inch) or RM4,559 (17-inch). At these price points, you\u2019re getting a Core i5-10300H processor and a GTX 1650 GPU for both sizes.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the highest-end configuration of the Legion 5 comes with a Core i7-10750H processor paired with 16GB of RAM along with an RTX 2060 GPU. Pre-configured models will ship within two weeks, while built to order ones will take four weeks.\n\n\nMoving up the price range is the \nLegion 5Pi\n, which is only available in built to order configuration at the moment. Starting at RM4,179, the base model is equipped with a Core i5-10300H processor paired with 8GB of RAM, a GTX 1650 GPU, a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate, and 128GB of SSD storage.\n\n\nYes, it\u2019s quite odd for a gaming laptop at this price point to only feature a 60Hz screen, and there\u2019s no option to upgrade it with a faster panel either \u2013 at least, this is the case right now. Regardless, the Legion 5Pi will start shipping to consumers within four weeks.\n\n\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the \nLegion 7i\n, the most premium and powerful option of the lot. Unlike the Legion 5 series, this gaming laptop has an aluminium chassis, and the base model \u2013 which costs RM6,319 \u2013 is quite well-equipped too. It has a Core i5-10300H processor paired with 8GB of RAM, a GTX 1660 Ti GPU, a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display with a fast 144Hz refresh rate, and a 256GB SSD storage.\n\n\nThe range-topping Legion 7i, on the other hand, is equipped with a Core i7-10850H processor paired with 32GB of RAM, an RTX 2070 Super GPU, as well as 1TB of SSD storage. This particular model retails at a cool RM10,699, and it ships within two weeks. If you want to build your own configuration of the laptop, it will only be shipped in four weeks.\n\n\n\n\nAll of the Lenovo Legion gaming laptops mentioned here are now available to order on \nLenovo Malaysia\u2019s online store\n. If you purchase the Legion 5i and Legion 5Pi between 1 June to 15 June, you can score free gifts worth up to RM5,436, including a Legion Y44w-10 gaming monitor. More information will be posted \nhere\n once the promotion is live on 1 June.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-legion-gaming-smartphone-coming-to-malaysia-this-year/", "title": "Lenovo Legion Gaming Smartphone Coming to Malaysia This Year", "body": "\n\nEven though the \nLenovo Legion gaming smartphone\n is not even official yet, we received word that the device will be arriving in Malaysia sometime this year. Once this happens, it could mark Lenovo\u2019s proper return to the smartphone market in Malaysia.\n\n\nThis bit of info comes directly from the General Manager of Lenovo Malaysia. Considering that the Lenovo Legion gaming smartphone has not been launched yet, no specific release date was given. That being said, we were told it will be launched here in Malaysia by the end of the year.\n\n\n\n\nSo what do we know about the gaming-centric Legion smartphone? Well, based on numerous leaks and rumours surrounding the device, it\u2019s believed to be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset. It makes sense for a gaming smartphone like the Legion to sport this flagship SoC, which also supports 5G networks.\n\n\nAside from that, the Legion is rumoured to feature a fast 144Hz screen; the same refresh rate as the \nNubia RedMagic 5G\n\u2018s display. There are very little smartphones with such a fast screen in the market now, so it would definitely give the Legion a unique appeal \u2013 if it does come with such a display, of course.\n\n\n\n\nAnother unique feature of the Legion gaming smartphone that was recently leaked is a pop-up camera\u2026mounted on the side of the phone. That\u2019s right, this phone supposedly has a side-mounted pop-up camera. It sounds odd, but when the device is held in landscape orientation, the camera can actually act as a webcam. We imagine this camera orientation will be appreciated by streamers.\n\n\nThe rumoured battery capacity and charging rate of the Legion gaming smartphone are quite interesting too. According to an \nexclusive report from XDA Developers\n, the Legion will feature a large 5,000mAh dual-cell battery that also supports 90W fast charging. That\u2019s a \nvery fast\n charging rate, and it can supposedly charge up the phone to full in only 30 minutes.\n\n\nRounding out the rumoured specifications of the Legion phone include a dual camera system (64MP primary + 16MP ultra-wide angle), a 20MP front-facing camera, and Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s still no release date for the Lenovo Legion gaming smartphone yet, but at least we know now it will be made available in Malaysia. Given the high-end hardware of the device, expect it to cost quite a bit of money.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-a31-with-5000mah-battery-now-available-in-malaysia-for-rm1099/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy A31 With 5,000mAh Battery Now Available in Malaysia for RM1,099", "body": "\n\nWe reported\n that the Samsung Galaxy A31 was on its way to Malaysia back in April after we spotted the device in SIRIM\u2019s database, and now, you can purchase the mid-range smartphone on our shores. Retailing at RM1,099, it\u2019s not particularly affordable, but it does bring a number of neat features, including a large 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\nWe got wind of the Malaysian availability of the Galaxy A31 from DirectD\u2019s Facebook post. According to the popular retailer, the A31 \u2013 with official warranty support from Samsung Malaysia, of course \u2013 is offered in a single variant, which has 128GB of internal storage and 6GB of RAM for RM1,099. Three colours are available: Prism Crush Blue, Black, and White.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, one of the main selling points of the Galaxy A31 is its generous 5,000mAh battery. This battery capacity should be able to return excellent battery life, and if you\u2019re a light smartphone user, we reckon it can last up to two days on a single charge. Naturally, the A31 supports 15W fast charging as well.\n\n\nBesides that, the Galaxy A31 has a pretty respectable quad camera system for a mid-range smartphone. The primary sensor is a 48MP f/2.0 unit, and it\u2019s complemented by an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle lens, a 5MP f/2.4 depth sensor, as well as a 5MP f/2.4 macro shooter. The front-facing camera, on the other hand, is a 20MP f/2.2 sensor.\n\n\n\n\nMost \u2013 if not all \u2013 Samsung smartphones feature AMOLED screens, so it\u2019s no surprise that the Galaxy A31 comes with such a panel. It sports a 6.4-inch 2400 x 1080 Super AMOLED screen with an Infinity-U design, so there\u2019s a U-shaped notch at the top of the screen. This being an AMOLED display, it should offer deep blacks, vibrant colours, and good viewing angles.\n\n\nIf there\u2019s any hardware of the Galaxy A31 that isn\u2019t quite as exciting, it would be the MediaTek Helio P65 chipset powering this phone. It\u2019s a mid-range processor launched last year, and while it\u2019s not a very powerful chip, it should be able offer enough processing power for day-to-day use.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy A31 include a microSD card slot for further storage expansion, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and even a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy A31 can now be purchased in Malaysia \nfrom DirectD for RM1,099\n. To sweeten the deal, the retailer is also throwing in a number of freebies, including a car holder, a portable juice blender, and a pair of headphones.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-5-launch-games-unveiling-5-june-some-may-be-exclusives/", "title": "PlayStation 5 Launch Games Will Be Unveiled on 12 June; Some May Be Exclusives", "body": "\n\nThis was revealed in a leak last night, but Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) has finally confirmed it: games that are coming to the PlayStation 5 will be revealed later this week on 12 June. On top of that, some of the upcoming titles may be exclusive to the next-generation console.\n\n\nIn an \ninterview with Gameindustry.biz\n, the CEO and President of SIE, Jim Ryan, said that there will be games that are only playable on the PS5. \u201cIt is time to give the PlayStation community something new, something different, that can really only be enjoyed on PS5,\u201d he was quoted as saying.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, it remains to be seen if the launch games PlayStation is revealing this Friday morning will be exclusive to the PS5 system, but it\u2019s certainly a possibility. According to the company, the 12 June online event will be about an hour long, so we can expect to see a good number of games showcased on that day.\n\n\nIn the updated announcement post on \nPlayStation Blog\n, Ryan also said that \u201cthe games coming to PS5 represent the best in the industry from innovative studios that span the globe. Studios, both larger and smaller, those newer and those more established, all have been hard at work developing games that will showcase the potential of the hardware.\u201d\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the launch game reveal is a part of a series of PS5 updates moving forward. \u201cRest assured, after next week\u2019s showcase, we will still have much to share with you,\u201d Ryan added.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re hoping the PS5 event next week will also give us a glimpse at the actual design of the console, it\u2019s not likely to happen. Naturally, the exact pricing and availability of the next-generation console are even more unlikely to be revealed then. Nonetheless, the PS5 will be hitting the market by the end of the year; this much is confirmed.\n\n\nIt\u2019ll be interesting to see just how upcoming games for the PS5 will take advantage of the \nconsole\u2019s raw power\n. Not only does it have a beefy CPU, GPU, and a blazing fast SSD, the new \nDualSense controller\n for the next-gen system is another tool for developers to further enhance immersion. After all, the adaptive triggers and improved haptic feedback of the controller are some of the most exciting innovations we\u2019ve seen thus far.\n\n\n\n\nThe PlayStation 5 event will be happening this Friday on 12 June at 4AM Malaysian time. You can catch the online event on YouTube, Twitch, a well as the \nofficial PS5 website\n.\n\n\nUpdate 9 June:\n This article has been updated with the new timing for the PlayStation 5 event. Previously, it was set to take place on 5 June.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s20-quick-review-more-than-just-an-alternative/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S20 Quick Review: More Than Just an Alternative", "body": "\n\nIn the Samsung Galaxy S20 series, attention is mainly focused on the range-topping \nGalaxy S20 Ultra\n. After all, it\u2019s the most well-equipped model of the series, but I\u2019d argue the Galaxy S20 is the more attractive option. It\u2019s more ergonomic, it\u2019s more affordable, and most importantly, it\u2019s more than just an alternative.\n\n\nI\u2019ve spent a good few weeks using the Galaxy S20 as my daily driver, and it really made me realise just how much I miss using a compact smartphone. The S20 as a whole is also a good all-rounder, though it does have its fair share of shortcomings.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.2-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (3200 x 1440), 120Hz\nChipset\nSamsung Exynos 990 2.73GHz octa-core\nGPU\nMali-G77 MP11\nRAM\n8GB\nStorage\n128GB, expandable\nCamera (rear)\n12MP f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF, OIS\n64MP f/2.0 (telephoto), PDAF, OIS, Hybrid Optic Zoom (3x)\n12MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide angle)\nCamera (front)\n10MP f/2.2, Dual Pixel AF\nBattery\n4,000mAh\nDimensions\n151.7 x 69.1 x 7.9 mm\nWeight\n163g\nOS\nOne UI 2.1 based on Android 10\nConnectivity\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4/5GHz)\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM3,599\n\n\nOn paper, the Galaxy S20 is a high-end smartphone through and through. It has the same Exynos 990 chipset as its more costly siblings, similar design language \u2013 complete with an IP68 rating \u2013 and a pretty generous 4,000mAh cell that can return respectable battery life. Sure, the triple camera system isn\u2019t quite as sophisticated, but it can still capture good-looking shots; more on that in the next section.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nThe biggest selling point of the Galaxy S20 has to be its compact form factor, just like how it was with the \nGalaxy S10e\n. In fact, compared to the latter, the S20 is actually ever so slightly narrower by 0.8mm. This makes it possible to operate the phone with only one hand, which is not something you can say with the majority of smartphones in the market now.\n\n\nThat being said, the 6.2-inch QHD+ screen of the S20 has a tall 20:9 aspect ratio, so it\u2019s pretty difficult to reach for the top of the display.\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S20 (left) next to the Galaxy S20 Ultra\n\n\nNonetheless, the Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen of the Galaxy S20 is by far one of the best \u2013 if not \nthe best\n \u2013 displays I\u2019ve seen on a smartphone. It\u2019s similar to the S20 Ultra\u2019s panel quality, which is to say it has very punchy colours, true blacks, great viewing angles, and wide colour gamut. Suffice to say it\u2019s a fantastic screen that not many smartphones can match.\n\n\nOf course, the 120Hz refresh rate of the Galaxy S20\u2019s AMOLED panel further improves the overall user experience of the phone. Thanks to the high refresh rate, every single motion shown on the screen looks extra smooth. Yes, the resolution of the screen can only be set to 1080p at 120Hz, but this is a non-issue for me: I personally can\u2019t see the difference between 1080p and the screen\u2019s native 1440p resolution.\n\n\n\n\nPerformance wise, the Galaxy S20 does not disappoint either. Gaming on it is very enjoyable with high, stable frame rates, and multitasking on the phone feels seamless. The Exynos 990 may not be as popular as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, but there\u2019s no denying the fact that it is a fast chipset.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the Exynos 990 is fabricated on a 7nm process, making it quite a power-efficient chip. This, in turn, improves the battery life of the Galaxy S20. Throughout the review period, its 4,000mAh cell can return four to five hours of screen on time with the screen\u2019s refresh rate set to 120Hz. Switching to 60Hz got me another extra hour, which is respectable.\n\n\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the Galaxy S20\u2019s camera performance. For the most part, the triple camera system is fun to shoot with. The autofocus, for one, is fast and accurate, and it\u2019s quite effortless to capture sharp, flattering shots with the camera.\n\n\nAnd unlike the Galaxy S10e \u2013 which I consider to be the S20\u2019s closest predecessor \u2013 the Galaxy S20 has all the focal lengths you need. It sports a 12MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 64MP telephoto lens. While the telephoto camera isn\u2019t quite as far-reaching as the S20 Ultra\u2019s periscope sensor, some folks may not find that level of zoom necessary.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAs good as the Galaxy S20 is, there are a few aspects of the phone that could be improved upon. The screen, for one, doesn\u2019t have good palm rejection. This is especially evident when operating the phone with one hand: just slightly touching the edge of the screen with my palm is enough for it to register as a touch input.\n\n\nThankfully, putting on a casing stops this from happening. It\u2019s not an ideal solution, but at least it mitigates the issue.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Galaxy S20\u2019s ultrasonic fingerprint sensor under the screen isn\u2019t fantastic either. It works great at times, but there are more than a few instances where it would take a few tries before the sensor can properly recognise my fingerprint. Basically, it has trouble accurately reading my fingerprint consistently.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the camera performance of the Galaxy S20. Don\u2019t get me wrong, it \nis\n a competent shooter, but it doesn\u2019t impress in certain areas. The camera interface, for one, can feel sluggish at times. This is most noticeable in low light conditions, which mars the user experience.\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n12MP primary\n64MP telephoto (3x)\n64MP telephoto (10x)\n64MP telephoto (20x)\n64MP telephoto (30x)\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n12MP primary\n64MP telephoto (3x)\n64MP telephoto (10x)\n64MP telephoto (20x)\n64MP telephoto (30x)\n\n\nThere\u2019s also the discrepancy in image quality between the three sensors. Obviously, the 12MP main sensor can take flattering shots easily, but it\u2019s not quite as effortless with the ultra-wide angle and telephoto shooters. They can perform in good lighting, but in more challenging lighting situations, these two sensors struggle to deliver. Just look at the sample shots above.\n\n\nBut most of all, the Galaxy S20 is an expensive smartphone. Retailing at RM3,599, it is markedly more expensive than the Galaxy S10\u2019s RM2,699 starting price. Of course, it\u2019s been a while since the phone was launched here, so you can get it \nas low as RM3,049 now\n. Still, that\u2019s a steep price tag, especially for only 128GB of internal storage.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you want a compact, but still very capable flagship smartphone, then the Samsung Galaxy S20 is absolutely worth it. After all, it is one of very few options in the market now in this pocketable form factor. Although it has some shortcomings here and there, its strengths \u2013 the compact body and screen quality, to name a couple \u2013 more than make up for it.\n\n\n\n\nThe Galaxy S20 is not an affordable smartphone, but that\u2019s the price you have to pay for a flagship device of this calibre. Personally, I\u2019d be more than happy to pay this amount of money for the S20 \u2013 I absolutely love how well it fits in my hands.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-a21s-with-exynos-850-quad-camera-quietly-launched-in-malaysia-for-rm939/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy A21s With Exynos 850 & Quad Camera Quietly Launched in Malaysia for RM939", "body": "\n\nOfficially announced just last month, it appears the budget-friendly Samsung Galaxy A21s is now available for purchase in Malaysia. Sporting a quad camera system, a generous 5,000mAh battery, and a power-efficient Exynos 850 chipset, those who are looking for an affordable Android smartphone should consider the A21s.\n\n\nWe first spotted the Galaxy A21s in SIRIM\u2019s database, which prompted us to check the availability of the phone from popular retailers. Well, turns out, DirectD is already offering the A21s for RM939 with official warranty from Samsung Malaysia. There are also two other Galaxy A devices that are launched alongside the A21s: the \nGalaxy A31\n (RM1,099) and Galaxy A11 (RM599).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOut of three smartphones, we reckon the Galaxy A21s is the most interesting one. Not only is it the sleekest-looking phone of the bunch \u2013 in our opinion, of course \u2013 it\u2019s also powered by the recently unveiled Exynos 850. Fabricated on an 8nm process, this gives the processor very good power efficiency. Considering that most (if not all) budget-friendly processors are built on less power-efficient processes, it\u2019s really quite a big deal.\n\n\nBut given the affordable positioning of the Exynos 850 chip, it\u2019s not exactly a powerhouse. It\u2019s an octa-core processor made up entirely of ARM Cortex-A55 cores, which are clocked up to 2GHz. The GPU, on the other hand, is a Mali-G52 GPU. While these are not super powerful components, they should suffice for everyday use.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Galaxy A21s also has a quad camera configuration. The primary sensor is a 48MP f/2.0 shooter, which is complemented by an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle camera, a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor. A reasonably good camera setup for an affordable smartphone.\n\n\nOn the front of the Galaxy A21s, the phone\u2019s 6.5-inch 1600 x 720 HD+ LCD screen has an Infinity-O hole-punch cutout on the top left to house the 13MP f/2.2 selfie camera. The LCD panel can\u2019t quite compare to the visual fidelity of a Super AMOLED screen, but the small bezels and hole-punch cutout do give the phone a sleek aesthetic.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy A21s include 6GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, a large 5,000mAh battery with support for 15W fast charging, and a rear fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy A21s is now available for purchase in Malaysia with a \nRM939 price tag\n. For our market, the budget smartphone is offered in three different colours: Blue, Black, and White.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-zephyrus-m15-to-receive-4k-screen-upgrade-rtx-2070-in-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Asus ROG Zephyrus M15 To Receive 4K Screen Upgrade & RTX 2070 in Malaysia Soon?", "body": "\n\nAsus has been steadily launching \nnew gaming laptops in Malaysia\n, and it appears the Taiwanese company is keeping up the momentum with another new machine: the Asus ROG Zephyrus M15. Previously only available with a 1080p display, this premium gaming laptop might receive a 4K screen upgrade very soon.\n\n\nWe first spotted the new Zephyrus M15 while browsing through Asus Malaysia\u2019s official website; that\u2019s also how we got wind of the \nrefreshed Asus ROG Zephyrus S15\n for the Malaysian market. According to the listing, the updated M15 will be powered by an Intel Core i7-10875H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 GPU.\n\n\n\n\nBut what\u2019s even more interesting is the upgraded screen of the refreshed Zephyrus M15. Last year\u2019s iteration only came with a 1080p IPS screen with a 144hz or 240Hz refresh rate, but the updated model will supposedly introduce a 4K screen option that covers 100% of the Adobe RGB colour space. This makes it ideal for creative professionals, and it is also Pantone Validated for colour accuracy.\n\n\nAlthough the listing of the new Zephyrus M15 doesn\u2019t mention the availability of a faster screen, we reckon Asus Malaysia will retain (at the very least) the Full HD option with a 144Hz refresh rate. After all, the M15 is still inherently a gaming laptop; it would be pretty odd for it to only come with a 4K display for the Malaysian market.\n\n\n\n\nAside from the upgraded internals, the Zephyrus M15 shares the same chassis as its predecessor, but there are a couple of aesthetic changes here and there. For one, there are two new colour options now: Prism Black and Prism Grey. Compared to the regular Brushed Black model \u2013 which has a more traditional gaming laptop design \u2013 the Prism variants look more minimalist and understated with a two-tone lid.\n\n\nHowever, while the Prism models look quite unique, there is one caveat: they are slightly thicker than the Brushed Black model. The latter measures only 18.9mm thin, while the Prism variants are ever so slightly thicker at 19.9mm. That still makes it a pretty slim gaming laptop, of course, and tipping the scales at only 1.9kg, it\u2019s quite lightweight too.\n\n\nOther specifications of the updated Zephyrus M15 include up to 48GB of DDR4 3200MHz RAM, either 512GB or 1TB of fast M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD with Raid 0 support, an RGB keyboard \u2013 per-key lighting for the Brushed Black model \u2013 a USB-C port with Thunderbolt 3 support, three USB-A connections, and an HDMI 2.0b output.\n\n\n\n\nBased on our previous conversation with Asus Malaysia, the new Asus ROG Zephyrus M15 is expected to be launched in Malaysia sometime in the third quarter of 2020, just like the Zephyrus S15. If everything goes to plan, we can expect Asus to introduce these two gaming laptops here \u2013 and maybe even more \u2013 as early as next month in July 2020.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-br-v-facelift-launched-in-malaysia-priced-from-rm90k-to-rm97k/", "title": "Honda BR-V Facelift Launched in Malaysia; Priced From RM90k to RM97k", "body": "\n\nThree months after orders were opened for the facelifted Honda BR-V, the new model is now available in Malaysia. For the most part, the updated seven-seater MPV looks similar to the previous model, but there are some notable changes here and there \u2013 along with a pretty steep price hike.\n\n\nJust like its predecessor, two variants of the new BR-V are offered. The E trim costs RM89,900 \u2013 the pre-facelift E model went for RM80,989 \u2013 while the range-topping V variant goes for RM96,900; up from RM87,701. That\u2019s quite a big price increase, but as mentioned, you do get more for your money with the facelifted model.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor one, the new BR-V gets some styling changes that lend to a more \u201cmasculine look,\u201d as Honda puts it. Both the E and V trims are now equipped with a new front grille, front bumper, and lower bumper garnish, though it\u2019s worth noting that only the V variant gets fog lamps. Besides that, the facelift gets new 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheel design too, along with a revised rear bumper (with vertical reflectors) and shark fin antenna.\n\n\nOf course, the cabin of the updated BR-V gets some neat changes too. Standard equipment across the two variants include tweeter speakers, cabin filter, automatic air-conditioning, keyless entry, and push-start button. The range-topping V trim, on the other hand, gets a seven-inch infotainment screen, paddle shifters, leather seats with red accents, and a gear knob with red stitching.\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s also a new colour option for the BR-V: Marine Purple Pearl. In fact, this is the first Honda model in Malaysia to be offered with this paint job. Other paint options of the BR-V include White Orchid Pearl, Passion Red Pearl, as well as the existing Modern Steel Metallic and Lunar Silver Metallic colours.\n\n\nBeyond these changes, the facelifted BR-V is identical to the previous model. It soldiers on with the familiar 1.5L four-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC engine, which outputs 120hp and 145Nm of torque. It is also mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) just as before with drive sent to the front wheels.\n\n\nSafety equipment of the updated BR-V remains the same as the pre-facelift model. These include driver and front passenger airbags, vehicle stability assist (VSA), traction control system (TCS), anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD), and three-point seat belts for all seven seats.\n\n\n\n\nThe facelifted Honda BR-V is now available for purchase in Malaysia. To recap, the base E model costs RM89,900, while the more feature-packed V trim is priced at RM96,900. More information on the new MPV can be found on \nHonda Malaysia\u2019s website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/microsoft-surface-go-2-pre-orders-live-in-malaysia-starts-at-rm1955/", "title": "Microsoft Surface Go 2 Pre-Orders Live in Malaysia; Starts at RM1,955", "body": "\n\nAnnounced globally just last month, the \nMicrosoft Surface Go 2\n is now available for pre-order in Malaysia. Retailing from only RM1,955, it\u2019s quite an affordable Windows tablet. The smallest Surface tablet in the lineup also offers a number of neat upgrades over its predecessor.\n\n\nThree different variants of the Surface Go 2 are available in Malaysia. The RM1,955 base model comes with an Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage. Not super great hardware, but should suffice for lighter users.\n\n\nIf you want more RAM and storage, you can get the RM2,665 variant. It has the same Pentium Gold processor, but it upgrades the RAM to 8GB along with a faster 128GB SSD.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the range-topping configuration, which costs RM3,455. This variant of the Surface Go 2 features a faster 8th generation Core m3 processor, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of SSD storage, and even LTE connectivity. There\u2019s also another model that upgrades the SSD to 256GB, but this option is only available to commercial customers.\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the Surface Go 2 brings a number of notable upgrades. For one, it comes with a larger and sharper 10.5-inch 1920 x 1280 PixelSense display now. The 3:2 aspect ratio is retained too, and even with the bigger screen, this tablet still has the same dimensions and ports as the previous model \u2013 only the bezels have been reduced to fit in the larger display.\n\n\n\n\nGiven that the Surface Go 2 essentially has the same chassis as the original Surface Go, existing accessories for the latter \u2013 including the Surface Go Type Cover \u2013 will work with this new tablet seamlessly. This is great news for current owners of the first Surface Go who are planning to upgrade to get better performance, especially with the more capable Core m3 model.\n\n\nAside from improved processing power, the Surface Go 2 offers better battery life as well. According to Microsoft, this new tablet is packed with a larger battery now, which promises up to 10 hours of use on a single charge. Reasonably good battery life for a tablet this size.\n\n\n\n\nThe Microsoft Surface Go 2 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia \nfrom RM1,955\n. It\u2019s really quite an affordable Windows tablet, but do note that the Type Cover is not bundled together, which costs RM420 for the standard Black version or RM578 for the Signature models. The Surface Go 2 will hit local store shelves from 18 June onwards.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/microsoft-surface-book-3-malaysia-up-to-rm13088/", "title": "Microsoft Surface Book 3 Lands in Malaysia, and It Costs up to RM13,088", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nSurface Go 2\n, the \nMicrosoft Surface Book 3\n is also available for pre-order in Malaysia now. This is a premium 2-in-1 laptop, so as expected, it costs quite a bit of money. For the Malaysian market, the 13.5-inch model starts at RM7,788, while the bigger 15-inch variant costs a whopping RM13,088.\n\n\nThree different configurations of the 13.5-inch Surface Book 3 are offered here. The RM7,788 base model features a 10th-generation Intel Core i5-1035G7 processor, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of SSD storage, and integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics. A tier up is the RM9,688 configuration, which comes with a more capable Core i7-1065G7 processor, 16GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD, and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q GPU.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the top-of-the-line Surface Book 3, it has the same Core i7-1065G7 processor and GTX 1650 Max-Q GPU, but the RAM and SSD capacities are doubled to 32GB and 512GB respectively. This particular variant retails at RM11,688, so you\u2019re essentially paying RM2,000 to get twice the amount of RAM and SSD storage.\n\n\nWhat about the 15-inch Surface Book 3? Only a single variant is offered to regular consumers, which carries a hefty RM13,088 price tag. It comes with a Core i7-1065G7 processor, 32GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and a pretty beefy GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q GPU. Oddly enough, the Quadro RTX 3000 model is available here too, but it is only offered to commercial customers.\n\n\n\n\nIf the Surface Book 3 looks just like its predecessor, that\u2019s because it is; the new laptop just has updated internals. The 13.5-inch model still features a 3000 x 2000 screen, while the 15-inch variant sports a sharper 3240 x 2160 panel. Both are touch-enabled PixelSense displays with a spacious 3:2 aspect ratio, which is ideal for productivity tasks.\n\n\nWhat makes the Surface Book particularly unique is its form factor that combines the portability of a tablet and familiarity of a laptop. The screen can be detached from the keyboard to transform it into a tablet, and you can dock it back to get the functionality of a laptop. This level of flexibility is one of the best reasons to get the Surface Book 3 than other competing laptops.\n\n\n\n\nThe Microsoft Surface Book 3 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia, and it will ship on 23 June. To recap, the 13.5-inch model \nstarts at RM7,788\n, while the sole 15-inch configuration \ncosts RM13,088\n. These are unmistakably steep price tags, but it\u2019s really not that surprising \u2013 the Surface Book series has always been a premium offering.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/black-shark-3-pro-available-in-malaysia-tonight-on-shopee-for-rm4199/", "title": "Black Shark 3 Pro Available in Malaysia Tonight on Shopee for RM4,199", "body": "\n\nBlack Shark just revealed the price of the Black Shark 3 Pro in Malaysia. Set to go on sale later tonight on Shopee, the flagship gaming smartphone retails at RM4,199 here. Those who place their order early will also get a number of freebies worth up to RM600.\n\n\nFor RM4,199, the Black Shark 3 Pro comes with 256GB of internal storage and 12GB of RAM; only this one variant is offered in Malaysia. That\u2019s quite a steep price tag, and given that this gaming smartphone doesn\u2019t have a microSD card, it would\u2019ve been great if it came with more storage space.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, there\u2019s no denying the fact that the Black Shark 3 Pro is a powerful gaming device. Under the hood of the phone is Qualcomm\u2019s best chipset yet, the Snapdragon 865. Not only does it offer an excellent level of performance \u2013 you should be able to play any mobile games with no issue \u2013 it also comes with 5G connectivity.\n\n\nFurther enhancing the gaming experience of the Black Shark 3 Pro is the huge 7.1-inch 3120 x 1440 AMOLED screen. This being an AMOLED panel, it will offer deep blacks, vibrant colours, and great viewing angles. It\u2019s also worth noting that this display has a 90Hz refresh rate, giving it superior motion clarity compared to conventional 60Hz panels.\n\n\n\n\nAnother important feature for any gaming smartphone is a responsive screen, and in the case of the Black Shark 3 Pro, its display supports 270Hz touch sampling rate. This improves the responsiveness of the panel, which reduces input lag to a minimum. Needless to say, this is an important feature for gamers.\n\n\nWhat gives the Black Shark 3 Pro a unique appeal compared to other gaming smartphones in the market now are the two physical shoulder buttons on the right side of the phone. In normal use, the buttons are recessed, and only when you need to use it the buttons will actually pop-up. It\u2019s really quite a unique feature.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Black Shark 3 Pro include a triple camera system (64MP f/1.8 primary + 13MP f/2.3 ultra-wide angle + 5MP f/2.2 depth), a 20MP f/2.2 front-facing camera, a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging, as well as an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nThe Black Shark 3 Pro will be available for purchase \nlater tonight at 12AM on Shopee for RM4,199\n. As mentioned, early birds will get a number of freebies when they purchase the gaming smartphone. For one, the first 10 buyers will receive a RM100 voucher from Shopee after placing the order; that\u2019s quite a good deal.\n\n\nOn top of that, the first 80 buyers of the Black Shark 3 Pro on 4 June will also receive a Black Shark Gamepad (the left side), a one-year screen crack protection, and a mystery Black Shark merchandise. All of these items are worth RM600. As for those who purchase the gaming smartphone on 5 June, the first 70 buyers will receive the same items except for the gamepad, which is replaced with a Black Shark FunCooler instead.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/illegear-onyx-v-starts-at-rm3499/", "title": "Illegear Onyx V & Rogue Gaming Laptops Now Available With AMD Ryzen 4000 CPU; Starts at RM3,499", "body": "\n\nIllegear just updated two of its gaming laptops with \nAMD Ryzen 4000\n processors: the Onyx V and Rogue. Retailing from only RM3,499, both of the laptops can be configured with a powerful Ryzen 7 4800H chip and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 GPU \u2013 reasonably capable hardware.\n\n\nWhat differentiates the Onyx V and Rogue is just one hardware: display size. The Onyx V features a 15.6-inch screen, while the Rogue features a larger 17.3-inch panel. Both displays also support 120Hz refresh rate, making them ideal for gaming. Thin bezels surround their screens too, giving them a sleek, modern-looking design.\n\n\nThe Illegear Onyx V\n\n\nOut of the two gaming laptops, we\u2019d argue the Onyx V is the more exciting one. Not only is it a more compact machine, it\u2019s also a lighter, slimmer laptop. Its chassis measures only 19mm thin, and it tips the scales at 1.85kg. In comparison, the Rogue \u2013 due its bigger 17.3-inch screen \u2013 weighs 2.1kg with a 25mm profile. It\u2019s also worth noting that the Rogue has a plastic build, compared to the Onyx V\u2019s more premium aluminium chassis.\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s talk about CPU options of the Onyx V and Rogue. Both machines can be customised with a fast Ryzen 7 4800H octa-core processor or a more modest \u2013 but still very capable \u2013 Ryzen 5 4600H hexa-core chip. The base model of either laptops naturally comes with the latter processor, and upgrading to the Ryzen 7 option costs only RM299.\n\n\nGiven the small premium for the more powerful chip, it\u2019s definitely worth it to go for the Ryzen 7 upgrade. After all, you will get two extra cores and higher peak clock speed.\n\n\nThe Illegear Rogue\n\n\nIn the GPU side of things, there are three choices available: GTX 1650, GTX 1650 Ti, and RTX 2060. If you want to do some serious gaming, you really do need to go for the RTX 2060 graphics card, which is a RM1,299 upgrade from the GTX 1650 option. The other two GPUs are good enough to run less demanding games without a hitch, but they\u2019re not exactly in the same league as the far more powerful RTX 2060.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Onyx V and Rogue include up to 64GB of DDR4 3200MHz RAM, two PCIe SSD slots (the Rogue gets an extra 2.5-inch SATA slot), single-zone RGB keyboards, and 47WHr batteries. Illegear has an option to upgrade the battery capacity to 63WHr, but the customisation page shows that it is currently out of stock.\n\n\n\n\nThe \nIllegear Onyx V\n and \nIllegear Rogue\n gaming laptops are now available for pre-order and customisation on the company\u2019s online store; they are expected to start shipping to consumers in the middle of July next month. The Onyx V retails from RM3,499, while the Rogue starts at RM3,899.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-watch-launching-in-malaysia-on-11-june/", "title": "Realme Watch Launching in Malaysia on 11 June", "body": "\n\nRealme\u2019s first-ever smartwatch, the \nRealme Watch\n, will be landing in Malaysia next week on 11 June. What makes this wearable particularly interesting is its affordable price tag, along with a number of neat features such as an IP68 rating and long battery life.\n\n\nThe Malaysian availability of the Realme Watch was revealed by the Chinese company on its Facebook page. Aside from the smartwatch, Realme will also be launching a number of other products, including a fitness band and a couple of wireless earbuds.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDesign wise, the Realme Watch has a square case with a 1.4-inch 320 x 320 touch-enabled display. It offers 10 levels of brightness that peak at 380 nits, so outdoor visibility of the screen should be reasonably good. Overall, it\u2019s quite a handsome smartwatch, though we do wish the bottom bezel was smaller; the Realme branding there doesn\u2019t seem very necessary.\n\n\nOne of the best reasons to invest in a smartwatch is to get notifications from your phone displayed on your wrist, and the Realme Watch can obviously do just that. According to Realme, the wearable supports notifications from apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, and Gmail. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if the Watch also supports apps not mentioned here, such as Telegram.\n\n\n\n\nBattery life of the Realme Watch is quite respectable too. Realme claims that the smartwatch\u2019s 160mAh battery can return up to nine days of use on a single charge; seven days if the heart rate sensor is enabled. The company added that the battery life can even be stretched up to 20 days in power saving mode.\n\n\nNaturally, the Realme Watch can track a number of workouts as well. 14 activities are mentioned by Realme, which include badminton, basketball, strength training, yoga, and outdoor run. As expected, the Watch will show your heart rate for the whole duration of the workout, along with the time and distance (for certain workouts) you\u2019ve covered.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Realme Watch are a heart rate sensor, the ability to measure blood oxygen level, as well as 12 different watchfaces. That doesn\u2019t sound like much, but Realme did say it is planning to add 100 new watchfaces in the future through OTA updates.\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme Watch will be launched in Malaysia on 11 June via an online live stream on \nRealme\u2019s Facebook page\n at 11AM. Hopefully, the smartwatch will carry a competitive price tag here. For the sake of comparison, the Watch goes for only 3,999 Indian rupee in India \u2013 that comes up to about RM225.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/13-inch-macbook-pro-2020-malaysia-price-from-rm5599/", "title": "You Can Now Purchase the 13-inch MacBook Pro (2020) in Malaysia; Retails From RM5,599", "body": "\n\nThe \nnew 13-inch MacBook Pro\n was unveiled just last month, and it is now available for purchase in Malaysia. On the surface, the updated MacBook Pro doesn\u2019t look all that different from the previous model, but it does bring a couple of notable changes. These include a new and improved keyboard, faster processors, and more storage.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the base model of the new 13-inch MacBook Pro; the one with two USB-C ports. While this variant still ships with Intel\u2019s 8th-generation Core processors \u2013 the 10th-gen chips are only reserved for the higher-end model with four USB-C ports \u2013 it does get the new Magic Keyboard.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the previous 13-inch MacBook Pro\u2019s butterfly keyboard, the Magic Keyboard will offer superior typing experience. Not only does it have longer key travel \u2013 which makes it more comfortable to type on \u2013 it also has more pronounced tactile feedback. Most importantly, this Magic Keyboard should be more durable too.\n\n\nAnyway, the base model of the 13-inch MacBook Pro in the previous model was only offered with 128GB of SSD storage. Now, you get twice as much storage at 256GB, which is a lot more practical. But that does drive up the price of the laptop ever so slightly to RM5,599, though that\u2019s only RM100 difference compared to the previous pricing. It\u2019s a worthwhile price increase to get more storage space.\n\n\nIf you want even more storage, you can swap out the 256GB SSD for a 512GB drive, but it will bring up the price to RM6,399 \u2013 that\u2019s RM800 more.\n\n\n\n\nThose who want even more processing power can go for the higher-end 13-inch MacBook Pro with four USB-C ports and 10th-generation Core processors. The base model of this particular variant retails at RM7,999, and if that seems a little too steep, there\u2019s good reason: it\u2019s equipped with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD by default.\n\n\nBesides that, the base model also gets a 10th-gen Core i5 quad-core processor. It can be upgraded to a more powerful Core i7 quad-core chip, but that will cost RM800. Besides that, swapping the 512GB SSD storage to a more generous 1TB drive entails the same RM800 price increase as well.\n\n\n\n\nThe new 13-inch MacBook Pro can now be purchased on \nApple\u2019s Malaysian online store\n. You can also customise some of the hardware, and the laptop will be shipped to consumers within one to five business days, depending on the configuration.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s20-in-striking-aura-red-now-available-in-malaysia/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S20+ in Striking Aura Red Now Available in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nSamsung Malaysia just launched a new colour option for the \nSamsung Galaxy S20+\n. Previously offered in Cloud Blue, Cosmic Grey, and Cosmic Black, the S20+ is now available in a striking Aura Red colourway. In fact, it is the only one in the S20 series to get this new colour option.\n\n\nCompared to the other colour options available in the Galaxy S20 series, the Aura Red colourway is by far the most eye-catching one. This is actually an exclusive model in the South Korean market for telco operator KT. Over there, it\u2019s actually referred to as \u201cJennie Red,\u201d which is named after the popular Blackpink member.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the new shade, the Aura Red Galaxy S20+ is just like the standard model. It\u2019s still packing a fast and vibrant 6.7-inch 3200 x 1440 Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. There\u2019s also the Infinity-O hole-punch cutout at the top of the display for the 10MP f/2.2 selfie camera.\n\n\nUnder the hood of the Galaxy S20+ for our market is none other than the Samsung Exynos 990 chipset. It may not be quite as popular as Qualcomm\u2019s flagship Snapdragon 865 SoC, but make no mistake: the Exynos 990 is no slouch. \nIn our review of the S20 Ultra\n, we remarked just how capable Samsung\u2019s own chipset is.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Galaxy S20+ also has a sophisticated quad camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 12MP f/1.8 main sensor, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, a 64MP f/2.0 telephoto lens, and a DepthVision time-of-flight camera. Collectively, this camera configuration allows the S20+ to do up to 30x digital zoom.\n\n\nBattery life of the Galaxy S20+ should be very good as well. Equipped with a generous 4,500mAh battery, it will be able to return (at the very least) a day\u2019s worth of use on a single charge. The power efficiency of the 7nm Exynos 990 chip also helps in this regard.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy S20+ include 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot for further storage expansion, and an in-screen ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S20+ in Aura Red is now available for purchase in Malaysia from \nSamsung\u2019s online store\n. Just like the regular S20+, this striking new colourway of the flagship phone costs RM3,999.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/15-million-malaysians-will-receive-rm50-ewallet-credit-rm50-discount-vouchers/", "title": "15 Million Malaysians Will Receive RM50 Ewallet Credit & RM50 Discount Vouchers", "body": "\n\nThe Malaysian government just announced several new initiatives to kick-start the economy due to the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the Short-Term Economic Recovery Plan (PENJANA), 15 million eligible Malaysians will get RM50 credited into their ewallet accounts to encourage the use of contactless payments.\n\n\nOn top of that, the chosen ewallet services for this initiative will also match the RM50 credit given by the government. This will be done in the form of vouchers, cashbacks, and discounts, though it\u2019s worth noting that these \u2013 and the RM50 credit itself \u2013 are said to be applicable to offline and physical purchases only.\n\n\nNonetheless, eligible Malaysians will effectively get a total of RM100 in benefits from this initiative.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s not revealed yet exactly which ewallet services will be a part of this exercise, though there\u2019s a chance the same ones from the \nprevious E-Tunai Rakyat intiative\n will be chosen. These include Touch \u2018n Go eWallet, Boost, as well as GrabPay.\n\n\nTo be eligible for the RM50 credit and RM50 discount vouchers, you\u2019d have to be above 18 years of age with an annual salary below RM100,000. As much as RM75 million will be allocated for this initiative, and it will begin as early as next month in July until September 2020.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-last-of-us-part-ii-hands-on-a-promising-swan-song-for-the-playstation-4/", "title": "The Last of Us Part II Hands-On: A Promising Swan Song For the PlayStation 4", "body": "\n\nThe Last of Us Part II will finally launch on 19 June 2020. Ahead of its release date, we got our hands on the final build of the game, and we\u2019re allowed to share our first impressions of Naughty Dog\u2019s latest work based on a single chapter. Rest assured, this is a spoiler-free hands-on; we will not reveal any plot details to preserve the story experience for you guys.\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s get to our first impressions of The Last of Us Part II \u2013 suffice to say it\u2019s one game you wouldn\u2019t want to miss out on.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor reference, our impression is based on the gameplay sequence shared during the game\u2019s State of Play. Compared to the first instalment, the Last of Us Part II features a much more engaging, complex gameplay with a more robust combat system. There is more than one way to negotiate an encounter, and you even have the option to avoid them altogether.\n\n\nOf course, that\u2019s not always possible, though you can always make a run for it if you\u2019re low on health or ammo. As Naughty Dog has highlighted several times, running away from combat is a viable option, allowing you to be better prepared and reestablish stealth when you return to the encounter.\n\n\nWhen you do decide to engage the enemies, you\u2019ve got a lot of tools at your disposal. A well-placed headshot with a handgun, for one, will immediately kill human enemies. Paired with a silencer, you can eliminate them without alerting the others. However, if the person you\u2019ve killed is in the line of sight of their teammates, they will be alerted.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to save your ammo, melee combat is a lot more fleshed out in The Last of Us Part II. There is a dodge button now, and coupled with Ellie\u2019s agility, you can take down \u2013 or outrun \u2013 enemies much bigger than her. That being said, melee combat is only really viable with smaller crowds; it\u2019s easy to get overwhelmed by enemies in bigger encounters.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the world of The Last of Us part II is a lot bigger too. While it\u2019s not expansive enough to be considered an open-world setting, the world \u201cfeels\u201d large, and that\u2019s a good thing. There are plenty of areas to explore and scour for resources, and it\u2019s completely up to the players to find these areas or not.\n\n\n\n\nAnd that brings us to the graphics of the game, and it looks downright gorgeous. Character models are well-detailed, the environments look lush, and facial expressions are absolutely fantastic. Honestly, we\u2019ve never seen a game that translates facial expressions at \nthis\n level of fidelity before. It really adds to the immersion and experience of the game.\n\n\nAs you can probably tell from the various trailers of the game, The Last of Us Part II sets a much darker tone than the first title. The overarching theme of the game is the cycle of violence, and it follows Ellie\u2019s quest for revenge. There\u2019s only so much we can talk about at this point in time, but rest assured, we will reveal more in due time \u2013 spoiler-free, of course.\n\n\n\n\nBased on our first impressions of The Last of Us Part II, it is easily Naughty Dog\u2019s best work to date. It\u2019s a gorgeous-looking game with a new and improved combat system set in a much larger world. It also continues Ellie and Joel\u2019s story from the first game, and given the studio\u2019s excellent storytelling chops, you know you\u2019re in for a good time.\n\n\nStill not quite sure The Last of Us Part II is worth picking up? Then stay tuned for our full review of the game this coming Friday on 12 June.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-presents-425-units-of-facelifted-civic-1-8-s-to-pdrm/", "title": "Honda Presents 425 Units of Facelifted Civic 1.8 S to PDRM", "body": "\n\nHonda Malaysia just handed over 425 units of the \nfacelifted Civic 1.8 S\n to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM). The C-segment sedan will be used by the police force as patrol and enforcement vehicles, and even though it\u2019s the base model, the 1.8 S is still a reasonably fast car.\n\n\nThe delivery of the Civic 1.8 S to PDRM was originally planned for March, but the Movement Control Order (MCO) delayed it until now. \u201cWe are delighted that we are now able to resume the plan to deliver these new mobile patrol and enforcement vehicles which are expected to assist in the tasks and responsibilities of the police force,\u201d said the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia, Toichi Ishiyama.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the 1.8 S trim is the base model of the current Civic lineup. The facelift was launched back in February, and it\u2019s powered by the familiar 1.8L SOHC i-VTEC engine. It outputs 141hp and 174Nm of torque, with drive sent to the front wheels through Honda\u2019s Earth Dreams continuously variable transmission (CVT). Unfortunately, no paddle shifters here; only the 1.5 TC and 1.5 TC-P models get that.\n\n\nBesides that, compared to the pre-facelift model, the updated Civic 1.8 S sports a number of noteworthy changes too. While it still has 16-inch alloy wheels shod with 215/55R16 tyres, it comes with a different design now. Previously, the rear seats are also fixed in place, but the facelifted model features 60:40 split-folding rear seats, giving you more boot space when you need it.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, all facelifted models of the Civic come with automatic wipers now, along with a physical volume knob for the 7-inch infotainment system.\u00a0The latter is a small addition, but still a noteworthy change that\u2019s been asked by existing owners for quite some time now. Previously, it had touch-only volume buttons, which are not particularly intuitive to use.\n\n\nOther features of the new Civic 1.8 S include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, halogen headlights, LED daytime running lights, fabric upholstery, six airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD).\n\n\n\n\nThe facelifted Honda Civic is now available for purchase in Malaysia. The base 1.8 S retails at RM113,600, while the range-topping 1.5 TC-P goes for RM139,600. It\u2019s worth noting that in the government\u2019s recently announced Short-Term Economic Recovery Plan (PENJANA), locally assembled (CKD) cars like the Civic will get 100% sales tax exemption until the end of 2020.\n\n\nSales tax accounts for 10% of a car\u2019s price tag, so we can expect the Civic\u2019s pricing to be adjusted in the coming weeks. More information on the C-segment sedan can be found on \nHonda Malaysia\u2019s website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-expertbook-b9-launching-in-malaysia-15-june-weighs-only-870g/", "title": "Asus ExpertBook B9 Launching in Malaysia 15 June; Weighs Only 870g", "body": "\n\nAsus usually doesn\u2019t put much emphasis on its business-centric laptops in Malaysia, but that seems to be changing soon: the Taiwanese company is launching the extremely lightweight Asus ExpertBook B9 in Malaysia next week on 15 June.\n\n\nThe arrival of the ExpertBook B9 on our shores is confirmed by Asus Malaysia itself on its Facebook page. Naturally, the teaser focuses on the lightweight nature of the laptop. In fact, tipping the scales at only 870g, it\u2019s touted as \u201cthe world\u2019s lightest 14-inch business laptop.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHowever, that\u2019s the weight of the model with a 33WHr battery; the variant with a much more generous 66WHr battery weighs 1.05kg. Of course, that still makes the ExpertBook B9 a very lightweight laptop, and we\u2019ve confirmed with Asus Malaysia that both battery capacities will be offered here.\n\n\nNot only is the ExpertBook B9 a lightweight laptop, it\u2019s quite a slim machine too: its chassis measures only 14.9mm thin. Portability is important for a business-class laptop, and without a doubt its slim and light chassis make it ideal for those who are always on the go.\n\n\n\n\nAnother important feature of any business laptop is good battery life, and in this regard, the ExpertBook B9 promises up to \n24 hours\n of use on a single charge. That\u2019s the quoted battery life for the model with a 66Whr battery; the smaller 33WHr cell, on the other hand, is said to offer 12 hours of use. Still a very respectable estimate.\n\n\nUnder the hood of the ExpertBook B9 is the latest 10th-generation Intel Core i7-10510U or Core i5-10210U processor. Paired with 8GB or 16GB of RAM, it should be able to offer more than enough processing power for most productivity tasks. As for the GPU, it uses an integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620.\n\n\n\n\nDesign wise, the ExpertBook B9 is quite a sleek-looking laptop as well. Its 14-inch 1080p IPS display is surrounded by thin bezels \u2013 it\u2019s said to offer a whopping 94% screen-to-body ratio \u2013 and the magnesium\u2011lithium alloy chassis gives the laptop a premium, understated look.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the ExpertBook B9 include three SSD storage options (512GB, 1TB, and 2TB), a webcam with Windows Hello support, two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 support, a full-size USB-A connection, an HDMI output, and an RJ45 port via the micro HDMI connection.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ExpertBook B9 will be launched in Malaysia next week on 15 June. It remains to be seen exactly how much it will cost on our shores, but given its premium positioning, expect it to cost quite a bit of money.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-saga-best-selling-car-of-may-2020-in-malaysia/", "title": "Proton Saga Best-Selling Car of May 2020 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nThe automotive industry in Malaysia is slowly recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, and Proton is seeing a notable improvement in its sales too. In the month of May 2020, the national carmaker managed to sell 5,676 vehicles, which translates to 23.3% market share for the month. On top of that, the Proton Saga was the best-selling car of May 2020 as well.\n\n\nIn fact, this is the first time the Saga managed to grab that title since it was facelifted last year in August. Naturally, it was also the most popular A-segment sedan in the country last month, pulling ahead of the equally popular Perodua Bezza. That\u2019s quite an achievement.\n\n\n\n\nThere are also several Proton models that were class-leading in sales last month. The X70, for one, remains to be the best-selling C-segment SUV in Malaysia. It\u2019s worth noting that the X70 was \nupdated with a new N95 cabin filter last month\n, which likely helped bolster the sales of the SUV. Other models from the carmaker that led their respective segments are the B-segment sedan Proton Persona, as well as the C-segment MPV Proton Exora.\n\n\nCollectively, Proton is still the second most popular car brand in Malaysia with a 21.1% year-to-date (YTD) market share. The company added that this is in line with its target set for the year.\n\n\n\u201cProton is thankful our sales have not contracted as much as expected and we also need to say thank you to our vendors who worked tirelessly to ensure we could regain our footing as quickly as possible. It will take a few more months to get an accurate reading of market conditions but we are quietly confident from this point onwards, we will see steady growth for the rest of the year,\u201d said the CEO of Proton, Li Chunrong.\n\n\n\n\nLast Friday, the government laid out its Short-Term Economic Recovery Plan (PENJANA), which will further stimulate the automotive industry in Malaysia. Locally assembled (CKD) cars \u2013 which are all of Proton\u2019s models right now \u2013 will receive 100% sales tax exemption until the end of 2020.\n\n\nWith this in mind, expect the pricing of all Proton models to be revised in the coming weeks. But do keep in mind that sales tax only account for 10% of a car\u2019s price tag, and even then it doesn\u2019t mean that prices will be slashed by the same percentage. Regardless, we will keep a close eye on the pricing of Proton models \u2013 as well as other brands \u2013 for any changes.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-tuf-gaming-a15-review-best-value-for-money-ryzen-4000-gaming-laptop/", "title": "Asus TUF Gaming A15 Review: Best Value for Money Ryzen 4000 Gaming Laptop", "body": "\n\nThe gaming laptop scene has seen some exciting developments in recent times, thanks to new processor and GPU options in the market. The former is particularly exciting with \nAMD\u2019s Ryzen 4000 series o\nf\n processors\n. Not only does it bring excellent performance, laptops powered by the new chips are also offered at competitive price points.\n\n\nOne such gaming laptop is the Asus TUF Gaming A15. I\u2019ve spent a few weeks using it as my daily driver and gaming machine, and while it does have some shortcomings, the level of performance it offers at this price point makes it an incredibly attractive value for money gaming laptop.\n\n\nIf you want the best gaming performance for the least amount of money, you should seriously consider the TUF Gaming A15.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpecifications\n\n\nDisplay\n15.6-inch 144Hz FHD IPS (1920 x 1080)\nProcessor\nAMD Ryzen 7 4800H (8C/16T, 2.9GHz with boost up to 4.2GHz)\nGPU\nNvidia GeForce RTX 2060 6GB GDDR6 VRAM\nRAM\n16GB DDR4 3200MHz\nStorage\n1TB PCIe Gen3 SSD\nCamera\n720p\nBattery\n48WHr\nDimensions\n359.8 x 256 x 22.8 \u2013 24.7 mm\nWeight\n2.3kg\nAudio\nBottom-firing stereo speakers\nPorts\n1x USB 3.2 Type-C\n2x USB 3.2 Type-A\n1x USB 2.0 Type-A\n1x HDMI 2.0b\n1x RJ45\nPrice\nRM5,699\n\n\nDesign\n\n\nThe TUF Gaming A15 looks like your average gaming laptop, which isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing. It has an RGB keyboard, see-through WASD keys, and \ncompared to its predecessor\n, it does look sleeker with a cleaner top lid design. The slim bezels surrounding the screen also give it a modern aesthetic, though we do wish the bottom bezel was smaller.\n\n\n\n\nGiven the affordable positioning of the TUF Gaming A15, plastic is used quite extensively throughout the laptop. The top lid is made out of metal, but other parts of the machine are all plastic. These include the palm rest area, the sides, and even the bottom chassis.\n\n\nWhile the plastic construction doesn\u2019t feel premium, the TUF Gaming A15 does feel solid. It is MIL-STD-810H certified, so you know it\u2019s a durable gaming laptop that can take a few knocks and bumps of everyday use. Asus also says that the laptop has been \u201ctested to survive short falls.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of connectivity, the TUF Gaming A15 offers a good selection of ports. These include a USB-C connection, three full-size USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.0b output, and even an RJ45 connection. It would have been great if it had an SD card reader as well; that would\u2019ve made it an even more appealing laptop.\n\n\nOverall, the TUF Gaming A15 is a reasonably sleek-looking gaming laptop. It\u2019s not particularly slim or lightweight \u2013 it weighs 2.3kg with a 24.7mm thick chassis \u2013 but at this price point, you can\u2019t really complain.\n\n\nUser Experience\n\n\nTo game effectively, you need a good keyboard, and the TUF Gaming A15 fares quite well in this regard. The keys have pronounced tactile feedback, enough key travel to not feel shallow, and overall, it\u2019s a comfortable keyboard that is more than serviceable in long gaming sessions. The RGB lighting looks pretty good as well.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, I have one major qualm with the keyboard: the layout. In order to fit a (compressed) numpad on the right side, the whole keyboard is shifted to the left, which feels awkward when I first started using the laptop. I did manage to get used to it after some time, but I still occasionally hit the num lock key whenever I reach for the backspace button.\n\n\nAs for the trackpad of the TUF Gaming A15, it\u2019s decent. It\u2019s largely accurate, gestures work as intended, and I never felt the need to plug in a mouse to the laptop whenever I\u2019m using it for non-gaming tasks. I do wish I could physically click on the trackpad though \u2013 instead of only relying on taps \u2013 but this is just my own personal preference.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display of the TUF Gaming A15, which is fantastic for gaming. This is thanks to the 144Hz refresh rate of the panel. Not only does it provide excellent motion clarity \u2013 fast-paced games will especially benefit from this \u2013 the extra frames also make every single animation on the screen look extra smooth.\n\n\nBut the quality of the display itself does leave much to be desired. Compared to other IPS panels, the TUF Gaming A15\u2019s screen doesn\u2019t look quite as vibrant. Colours appear muted, viewing angles are not great, and while the maximum brightness is good enough for indoor use, it\u2019s a tad too dim in brighter environments.\n\n\nRegardless, it\u2019s still a good display for gaming purposes with the 144Hz refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\nGaming laptops don\u2019t usually have very good battery life, but that\u2019s not the case with the TUF Gaming A15. After all, it\u2019s powered by the new Ryzen 7 4800H processor. Fabricated on a 7nm process, it\u2019s a power-efficient chip; this is one of the biggest benefits of Ryzen 4000 series processors.\n\n\nThroughout my time with the TUF Gaming A15, I was consistently getting five hours of use on a single charge; that\u2019s good for a gaming laptop. Of course, I only managed to get this level of battery life when I was using the laptop for word processing, web browsing, and some video playback. The power mode was set to power saver too, with the display dimmed to a comfortable level.\n\n\n\n\nOkay, five hours of use may not sound very impressive, and it certainly doesn\u2019t show the true extend of the Ryzen 7 4800H\u2019s power efficiency. But it\u2019s worth noting that the TUF Gaming A15 for the Malaysian market \u2013 the review unit we got \u2013 only has a 48WHr battery; it\u2019s not a big battery capacity. In fact, in other markets, this laptop can be configured with a much larger 90WHr cell, which would\u2019ve offered \neven better\n battery life.\n\n\nNonetheless, let\u2019s move on to the system noise of the TUF Gaming A15. Outside of gaming, it\u2019s a quiet machine\u2026when the power profile is set to Silent. On Performance or Turbo profile, the fans definitely make themselves heard, even when I\u2019m just browsing the web. Needless to say, the fans get even louder when I\u2019m running intensive games.\n\n\n\n\nThermals of the TUF Gaming A15, on the other hand, are decent. In prolonged gaming sessions, the palm rest area remains cool. Not so much for the internals though: the GPU hit 77\u00b0C, while the CPU got up to 94\u00b0C. Not great numbers, but the high performance figures do justify these equally high temperatures; more on that in the next section.\n\n\nPerformance\n\n\nWe received the Ryzen 7 4800H variant of the TUF Gaming A15 for review, and to see just how capable the chip is, I put it through its paces in Cinebench R20. In the multi-core test, the processor got 4,106 points, and in the single-core test, it returned 481 points. Evidently, it\u2019s a \nfast\n chip, especially when it comes to multi-core performance. Just imagine how much faster the Ryzen 9 4900H could be in the range-topping configuration.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, compared to its closest Intel competition, the Core i7-10750H, the Ryzen 7 4800H got about the same score in the single-core test, but it absolutely blew Intel\u2019s offering out of the water in the multi-core test. On average, the Core i7-10750H only got about 3,000 points in this test; that pales in comparison to the Ryzen 7\u2019s 4,106 score.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the Ryzen 7 4800H is an octa-core processor with 16 threads, which explains its much higher score in the multi-core test. In comparison, the Core i7-10750H is a hexa-core CPU with 12 threads; it\u2019s missing two physical cores than the Ryzen 7. Given that these two chips are offered in laptops in the same price range, this is a fair, relevant comparison.\n\n\n\n\nOkay, what about gaming performance of the TUF Gaming A15? Well, packed with an RTX 2060 GPU, this is a reasonably powerful gaming laptop. Just look at the results below.\n\n\nGames (Max settings @ 1080p)\nAverage FPS\nWitcher 3 (HairWorks disabled)\n68.28\nBorderlands 3 (DX11)\n50.12\nCall of Duty: Warzone\n89.88\nApex Legends\n99.39\n\n\nWithout a doubt the TUF Gaming A15 can run AAA titles with high frame rates, and it\u2019s worth noting that I ran these games at maxed out settings. If you want higher frame rates to take advantage of the screen\u2019s 144Hz refresh rate, you can always tweak the graphics settings.\n\n\nCompetition\n\n\nThere are \nquite a number of configurations of the TUF Gaming A15\n in Malaysia, and in my opinion, the most interesting option is the GTX 1660 Ti variant. I will be comparing this particular SKU of the A15 in this section.\n\n\nAcer Nitro 5\n\n\nThe \nnew Acer Nitro 5\n for the Malaysian market doesn\u2019t come with AMD Ryzen 4000 chips, but it is a good alternative to the TUF Gaming A15. The highest-end configuration of the Nitro 5 is quite interesting: it comes with a Core i7-10750H processor paired with 8GB of RAM, a GTX 1660 Ti GPU, a 512GB SSD, and a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS screen with a 144Hz refresh rate for RM4,899.\n\n\n\n\nClosest configuration of the TUF Gaming A15 to this variant of the Nitro 5 is the aforementioned GTX 1660 Ti model. Retailing at RM4,699, it costs RM200 less, but it offers a faster Ryzen 7 4800H CPU, the same GTX 1660 Ti GPU, 8GB RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage. Clearly, Asus\u2019 laptop offers better value for money.\n\n\nOf course, the Nitro 5 does have a couple of advantages over the TUF Gaming A15. For one, the former is not quite as plasticky, and measuring 23.9mm at its thickest point, the Nitro 5 is ever so slightly slimmer than the 24.7mm chassis of the A15.\n\n\nAsus ROG Zephyrus G15\n\n\nIf you still want a Ryzen 4000 gaming laptop, there\u2019s the \nAsus ROG Zephyrus G15\n. It\u2019s a more premium offering than the TUF Gaming A15, so it does cost more than a similarly configured A15. Only one variant of the G15 is offered here, which retails at RM5,299.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the sole configuration of the Zephyrus G15 features a Ryzen 7 4800HS processor \u2013 it\u2019s basically a 35W version of the Ryzen 7 4800H chip, so it will be slightly slower \u2013 a GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q GPU, a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS screen with a 144Hz refresh rate, 8GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. While it\u2019s not quite as powerful as the TUF Gaming A15, the G15 is lighter and slimmer: it weighs 2.1kg with a 19.9mm chassis.\n\n\nBut if you want better value for money, and you don\u2019t mind the thicker, plastic chassis, the TUF Gaming A15 is the better option. Even though the RM4,699 configuration only has a 512GB SSD instead of a 1TB drive, it offers a faster Ryzen 7 4800H chip and a beefier GTX 1660 Ti GPU for RM600 less.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nThe Asus TUF Gaming A15 may not be the most premium or sleekest-looking gaming laptop, but it offers incredibly good performance for the money courtesy of the fast Ryzen 4000 chips. For folks that just want the best value for their money, the A15 is really one of the most \u2013 if not \nthe most\n \u2013 ideal option. This is especially true with the RM4,699 GTX 1660 Ti configuration.\n\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s not to say the RTX 2060 variant of the TUF Gaming A15 in this review doesn\u2019t offer good value for money. Yes, the RM5,699 price tag is a lot of money, but it comes with 16GB of RAM, a whopping 1TB SSD, and the RTX 2060 offers features like ray tracing and DLSS. To some folks, these extras are worth the RM1,000 difference.\n\n\nBut regardless of which variant you go for, there\u2019s no denying the sheer value for money the TUF Gaming A15 offers. It has its fair share of shortcomings (especially in the display department), but the level of performance afforded by the Ryzen 4000 CPUs more than make up for it.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-reduces-car-prices-by-3-to-6-effective-immediately/", "title": "Perodua Reduces Car Prices by 3% to 6%, Effective Immediately", "body": "\n\nIn line with the government\u2019s Short-Term Economic Recovery Plan (PENJANA), which offers 100% sales tax exemption on locally assembled (CKD) cars, Perodua just announced price cuts for its entire lineup of vehicles. These include the popular Myvi, Axia, Bezza, Alza, and Aruz.\n\n\nOf course, the amount of discount will be different for each model. Perodua itself has not revealed the new prices yet, but the \nfolks over at Paultan\n managed to get their hands on the revised pricing structure. According to the site, the Axia is discounted between RM723 to RM1,763, depending on the trim level.\n\n\nWith this new price revision, the Axia now starts at only RM23,367.\n\n\n\n\nNext is the Bezza, which sees a RM1,124 to RM1,624 price reduction, lowering the base model\u2019s price tag to RM33,456. The Myvi, on the other hand, gets slightly higher discounts ranging from RM1,498 to RM1,893. Thanks to this, the Myvi now starts at RM41,292.\n\n\nIf you want a bigger car, there\u2019s the Alza. It is between RM1,546 to RM2,165 more affordable now, bringing down the starting price to RM49,944.\n\n\nNot surprisingly, out of all Perodua models, the Aruz gets the biggest price cut from the SST exemption. The 1.5 X model currently costs only RM68,526 \u2013 RM4,374 off the original price \u2013 while the range-topping 1.5 Advance is going for RM73,226 now; that\u2019s RM4,674 worth of savings. The full list of price changes \ncan be seen on Paultan\n.\n\n\n\n\nDo note that these new prices for Perodua models will only be applicable from 15 June onwards until 31 December; that\u2019s the time period set out by the government for the SST exemption. But if you do decide to purchase any Perodua model before the new prices are in effect, the carmaker will offer the same amount of savings in cash rebate.\n\n\n\u201cPerodua will offer cash rebates between 3% and 6% for the purchase of our vehicles beginning today (Wednesday),\u201d said the CEO of Perodua, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad. \u201cWe want everyone to take this opportunity to own a Perodua without worrying about being left out. Please visit any Perodua sales outlet and speak to our authorised sales advisors for the total cash rebate amounts and the full price list that will be effective 15 June,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth mentioning that Perodua is the first carmaker to reveal its new price structure in line with the government\u2019s PENJANA initiative. We expect other brands to follow suit in the coming weeks.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-watch-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm299-early-birds-get-rm50-off/", "title": "Realme Watch Lands in Malaysia for RM299; Early Birds Get RM50 Off", "body": "\n\nRealme just launched a number of products today, including the Chinese company\u2019s first-ever smartwatch, the Realme Watch. Sporting an affordable price tag, long battery life, and a number of other neat features, it\u2019s quite an interesting wearable.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Realme Watch retails at RM299; a reasonably affordable price tag for a smartwatch. But if you purchase it through Shopee tomorrow on 12 June, you can grab it for only RM249. Of course, this RM50 discount is only available on that day itself on the e-commerce platform.\n\n\n\n\nAt a glance, the Realme Watch does seem to take some design cues from the Apple Watch, especially with its square form factor. It also features a 1.4-inch 320 x 320 touch-enabled display, which comes with 10 levels of brightness that peak at 380 nits. Overall, it\u2019s a reasonably handsome smartwatch, though we do wish the bottom bezel was smaller.\n\n\nAside from that, the Realme Watch is quite a long-lasting smartwatch as well. According to the company, the Watch\u2019s 160mAh battery offers up to nine days of use; seven days if the heart rate sensor is enabled. In power saving mode, Realme claims that the battery life can even be stretched to 20 days.\n\n\n\n\nGetting notifications from your phone pushed to your wrist is one of the best reasons to invest in a smartwatch, and of course, the Realme Watch can do just that. The wearable supports notifications from apps such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Gmail, though it remains to be seen just how well it would mirror notifications from a paired phone.\n\n\nNaturally, the Realme Watch is able to track a number of workouts. Realme says that the smartwatch can track 14 different activities, including badminton, yoga, basketball, strength training, and outdoor run. Throughout any of the workout, the Watch will also show your heart rate and time elapsed.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Realme Watch include IP68 dust and water resistance, a heart rate sensor, the ability to measure your blood oxygen level, and 12 different watchfaces. That\u2019s not a lot of options, so Realme promises that as many as 100 more watchfaces will be added in the future.\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme Watch will be available for purchase tomorrow on 12 June for RM299. As mentioned, you can grab it for only RM249 if you get the smartwatch on Shopee tomorrow \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-last-of-us-part-ii-review-devastating/", "title": "The Last of Us Part II Review: Devastating", "body": "\n\nFrom the get-go, we know The Last of Us Part II will be much darker, more brutal than the first game. It takes place five years after Ellie and Joel settled down in Jackson, Wyoming, and both of them are living in relative peace and stability \u2013 until a \u201cviolent event disrupts that peace.\u201d\n\n\nOn the surface, The Last of Us Part II follows Ellie\u2019s quest for revenge, but as I progress further into the game, it\u2019s much more than that. It\u2019s a multi-faceted, emotionally charged story that shows Naughty Dog\u2019s masterful storytelling skills, and I honestly don\u2019t remember being \nthis\n invested in a game\u2019s narrative.\n\n\n\n\nWhich is why this is such a devastating game to play. While the dark tone of the story itself contributes to that, it\u2019s the divisive plot that gets to me, and it \nwill \ndivide fans of the franchise. That said, I still thoroughly enjoyed The Last of Us Part II \u2013 it is easily Naughty Dog\u2019s best work to date.\n\n\nStory\n\n\nIt\u2019s tough to deliberate the story of The Last of Us Part II without going into spoiler territory \u2013 don\u2019t worry, this is a spoiler-free review \u2013 but as mentioned, it\u2019s a divisive story. I didn\u2019t quite like it in the beginning, but as the narrative unfolds, I can understand why Naughty Dog is going with this direction. It feels like a natural progression of the story from the first game, and it\u2019s a strong plot overall.\n\n\nDo I wish some story elements were different? Definitely. But I do think these (likely) unpopular plot points are important to make the story as impactful as it is. There are some powerful moments in the game that will stay with me long after I\u2019m done with it.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, character development in The Last of Us Part II is \nexcellent\n. Almost every single character in the game is appropriately fleshed out, and characters that I initially didn\u2019t care about eventually warmed up to me. Really, it\u2019s crazy how my impression of these characters can change from one play session to another, and I\u2019ve even grown to genuinely care about their fate.\n\n\nThis, in turn, makes certain decisions in the game hard to swallow. There are more than a few instances in my playthrough where I wish I could make different choices instead of the options that was offered to me. This is just one way how the game can be so devastating; I \ndon\u2019t want\n to commit to these decisions.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, the narrative of The Last of Us Part II is a compelling one. If you\u2019re expecting the usual Naughty Dog storytelling magic with this sequel, you will not be disappointed. You may not be a fan of the story\u2019s direction in the beginning \u2013 trust me, you won\u2019t be alone \u2013 but there\u2019s a good chance your opinion will change as you progress through the story.\n\n\nGameplay\n\n\nThe story is usually the main focus of Naughty Dog\u2019s titles, but that doesn\u2019t mean other aspects of this game are not up to par. In fact, compared to the previous entry in the franchise (or even Uncharted 4), The Last of Us Part II is a thrill to play with plenty of gameplay elements to love.\n\n\n\n\nEnemy encounters, for one, feel genuinely frightening, especially when the Infected are involved. I dread having to deal with any of them; they feel far deadlier than the last game. Thankfully, it\u2019s possible to slip past them if I\u2019m smart about it, but just \nhearing \nthem around me adds to the terror. Clickers are the bane of my existence.\n\n\nWhat about human enemies? Well, they can be equally as deadly too. The AI is a lot smarter now, so I can no longer just slog through them. They cannot be taken lightly anymore, and the presence of guard dogs make these encounters even more tense. I\u2019ve tried pushing through a crowd of human enemies with sheer firepower before, and\u2026let\u2019s just say it didn\u2019t end well for me.\n\n\n\n\nTo make encounters feel more dynamic in The Last of Us Part II, two new mechanics are introduced: proning and dodging. Going prone is incredibly useful when you need to quickly hide in tall grasses (or even under a car) to heal or craft, and dodging makes melee combat a lot more viable than the previous game.\n\n\nThese two mechanics seem simple enough, but they open up so many more possibilities when negotiating encounters. Whenever possible, I would engage enemies in melee combat to conserve ammo, and I can defeat them unscathed if I time my dodges properly. Oh, you can also jump and vault over obstacles much more seamlessly now, which is very useful when you need to make a break for it.\n\n\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the sheer scale of The Last of Us Part II\u2019s world. Now, it\u2019s not an open-world game, but the environment feels vast enough to explore for hours on end. I\u2019ve spent over 23 hours in my first playthrough of the game, and there are still quite a number of areas I haven\u2019t explored. I even missed a couple of interactions that will only trigger in specific areas.\n\n\nAside from that, you can also get better equipment and upgrades as you explore the world. Simply put, the game encourages exploration by offering these rewards, and it\u2019s completely up to the player to do it or not. It may sound troublesome if you just want to progress through the game for the next big cutscene, but rarely do I regret taking the time to check out that one house or room before making my way to the objective.\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, The Last of Us Part II offers very robust gameplay that is far more dynamic and immersive than the original game. The vast environment also warrants a second playthrough to see exactly what I missed the first time around.\n\n\nGraphics\n\n\nNaughty Dog pushed the PlayStation 3 to its limits with The Last of Us, and it\u2019s doing the same now with The Last of Us Part II on the PlayStation 4. I\u2019ve played the game on a PS4 Pro system, and for the most part, performance is solid at a stable 30fps throughout the game. There are some instances where the frame rate noticeably dips, but it doesn\u2019t happen often enough to warrant concern.\n\n\n\n\nSo how does the game look? Stunning. The whole world is rendered beautifully with awe-inspiring landscapes, lush greenery, and detailed textures. What particularly impressed me is just how realistic organic elements like foliage are portrayed in the game, especially in areas reclaimed by nature.\n\n\nBut what \nreally\n took me by surprise are the characters\u2019 facial expressions. Many emotions can be conveyed through subtle facial cues, and Naughty Dog absolutely nailed it. You can easily tell if a character is uncomfortable, content, or terrified by their facial expressions in this game, and that is not an easy feat to accomplish.\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s no denying that The Last of Us Part II looks fantastic, but there are some graphical issues here and there. Texture pop-in is one of the most common problems I encountered, and some artifacting were present too, though it doesn\u2019t happen quite as regularly. Do these issues detract from the overall experience of the game? Not really, but it is worth mentioning.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nThe Last of Us Part II is a worthy sequel to the original The Last of Us. It tells a dark, devastating story that will divide fans, but it is also a very compelling narrative that feels very much like a continuation of the first game. It\u2019s not a sequel for the sake of it, and the story\u2019s direction doesn\u2019t feel forced either.\n\n\n\n\nIt is also a stunning-looking game with excellent gameplay elements that will keep you at the edge of your seat. Whether you will like the story or not, there\u2019s no denying the fact that this is Naughty Dog\u2019s most accomplished game yet. Just like its predecessor, The Last of Us Part II defines this generation of console gaming.\n\n\nThe Last of Us Part II launches on the PS4 on 19 June.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-predator-triton-500-with-300hz-screen-retails-from-rm7999/", "title": "Acer Predator Triton 500 With 300Hz Screen & RTX 2070 Super Now in Malaysia; Retails From RM7,999", "body": "\n\nThe slim and light \nAcer Predator Triton 500\n has just been updated in Malaysia with some new hardware. Now, the range-topping model comes with a blazing fast 300Hz display, along with an equally fast Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q. Of course, with the beefy new hardware, the Triton 500\u2019s retail prices have gone up as well.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Triton 500 are offered in Malaysia. The base model, which retails at RM7,999, features an RTX 2070 Max-Q GPU, a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS screen with a 144Hz refresh rate, and 8GB of RAM. The highest-end option, on the other hand, has a more powerful RTX 2070 Super Max-Q GPU, a faster 300Hz screen with Nvidia G-Sync support, and 16GB of RAM.\n\n\nHow much does this top-of-the-line model cost? RM8,999.\n\n\nThe previous generation Predator Triton 500\nThe updated model no longer has the Predator wording below the logo\n\n\nRegardless of which model you get, both variants of the Triton 500 come with Intel\u2019s latest 10th-generation Core i7-10875H processor; there\u2019s no more Core i5 model for this gaming laptop. This, and the lack of an RTX 2060 option, explains the higher entry price of the updated Triton 500. To put this into context, the base model \nwent for RM6,799\n when it was first launched here.\n\n\nAnyway, the refreshed Triton 500 does offer more with the added cost, and all of the beefy hardware are still packed into the same 17.9mm thin chassis. This makes it one of the slimmest gaming laptops in the market now, and tipping the scales at 2.1kg, it\u2019s a reasonably lightweight laptop too, especially for a gaming machine of this calibre.\n\n\n\n\nThough it looks identical to its predecessor, the new Triton 500, as mentioned, is more powerful now. Not only is it powered by a Core i7-10875H processor, the RTX 2070 Super Max-Q GPU \u2013 regular RTX 2070 Max-Q for the base model \u2013 offers excellent gaming performance as well. The fast 300Hz screen of the highest-end variant would also provide fantastic motion clarity.\n\n\nOther specifications of the updated Triton 500 include 512GB of SSD storage (for both models), a USB-C port with Thunderbolt 3 and DisplayPort support, three USB-A connections, an HDMI 2.0 output, as well as a mini DisplayPort. This gaming laptop also comes with a two-year on-site warranty.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Predator Triton 500 will be available for purchase in Malaysia from next week onwards on 15 June. Those who place their order on \nAcer\u2019s online store\n or Lazada between 15 to 19 June will also receive a number of freebies, including a Predator gaming chair, a Predator Cestus 330 mouse, and even a Predator Galea 350 gaming headset.\n\n\nOf course, these freebies are only available while stocks last, so if you want to grab them, it\u2019s best to act fast on 15 June itself.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/marvels-spider-man-miles-morales-coming-to-playstation-5-later-this-year/", "title": "Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man: Miles Morales Coming to PlayStation 5 Later This Year", "body": "\n\nA large number of games have been announced for the PlayStation 5, and one of them is a big one. Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man: Miles Morales will be launching alongside the next-generation console later this year. Based on the trailer, it seems to be a continuation of 2018\u2019s Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man, which starred Peter Parker.\n\n\nMiles Morales assumes the mantle of Spider-Man in this upcoming PS5 game, and compared to the first title, there are some nice visual upgrades. \nAccording to PlayStation\n, the game will have \u201chighly-detailed character models and enhanced visuals across the game (to) intensify the story of Miles Morales as he faces great, new challenges while learning to be his own Spider-Man.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, based on reports circulating online, Spider-Man: Miles Morales will not be on the same level of scale as the original title. Instead, it\u2019s meant to \u201cbuild on and expand Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man (the first game) through an all-new story,\u201d as PlayStation puts it.\n\n\nAccording to a report from Bloomberg\n, Spider-Man: Miles Morales will instead \u201cbe smaller than a traditional console game but will be sold as a stand-alone product,\u201d citing a person familiar with the development of the new game. This statement is corroborated by the developer itself, Insomniac Games.\n\n\n\n\nMarvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales is the next adventure in the Marvel's Spider-Man universe. We will reveal more about this standalone game at a future date. \n#MilesMoralesPS5\n \npic.twitter.com/GOTAvNhUaF\n\u2014 Insomniac Games (@insomniacgames) \nJune 12, 2020\n\n\n\n\nThe Bloomberg report further added that Spider-Man: Miles Morales will follow the formula of Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, which is a spin-off of 2016\u2019s Uncharted 4: A Thief\u2019s End. While the former plays similarly to the original, it\u2019s a shorter, smaller experience. Of course, this is reflected in the lower price tag of The Lost Legacy, even if it was a stand-alone game.\n\n\nThis may come off as a disappointment to fans who are hoping for a full-fledged Spider-Man game with Miles Morales. But given that the first one was only released back in September 2018, it\u2019ll be unrealistic to expect a full-fledged sequel in such a short period of time.\n\n\nNonetheless, we\u2019re optimistic the new game will give Miles Morales justice as the new Spider-Man. Some of the improvements that we can expect from the upcoming title include \u201cnear-instantaneously fast-travel across Marvel\u2019s New York City,\u201d thanks to the fast SSD of the PS5.\n\n\n\n\nMarvel\u2019s Spider-Man: Miles Morales will be launching on the PlayStation 5 later this year. It\u2019s said to be available sometime in \u201choliday 2020,\u201d which is the same period as the PS5\u2019s tentative launch.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-is-the-playstation-5-also-offered-in-digital-only-version/", "title": "This Is the PlayStation 5; Also Offered in Digital-Only Version", "body": "\n\nThe day has finally come: Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) finally revealed the design of the PlayStation 5. Just like the DualSense controller, the PS5 sports the same white-and-black colour scheme with a rather futuristic-looking design. On top of that, it is offered in two distinct variants as well.\n\n\nNo, it\u2019s not a PS5 Pro model. Rather, it\u2019s a digital-only version of the next-generation console, aptly dubbed PS5 Digital Edition. It looks identical to the standard PS5, but the digital-only model doesn\u2019t have an optical disc drive. This gives the Digital Edition a slimmer, more symmetrical design.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, in the hardware reveal trailer above, it\u2019s pretty clear PlayStation is highlighting the \u201cV\u201d silhouette of the PS5 when it is placed vertically. This is likely a nod to the Roman numeral for the number five, which is quite a nice touch in our opinion. There are also some nice underglow surrounding the console.\n\n\nAt a glance, it seems like the PS5 cannot be placed horizontally on its side; both sides of the console appear to be curved, after all. However, the \nclosing sizzle trailer\n of today\u2019s PS5 event does show the console placed on its side; there seems to be an attachment of sorts that makes this possible. It\u2019s possible the same stand is used to place the console vertically and horizontally.\n\n\n\n\nPort selection of the PS5 has been revamped as well. At least, that\u2019s the case for the front of the console. The PS4 offered two USB-A connections at the front of the system, but the PS5 features a USB-A port as well as a USB-C connection. The console seems to have pretty elaborate vents for heat dissipation as well, suggesting a pretty robust cooling system.\n\n\nWhile PlayStation finally revealed the actual design of the PS5, pricing and availability of the next-generation console have not been detailed yet. However, we do know that the PS5 will hit store shelves by the end of the year, and several big games, such as Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, will be launched alongside the system.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s quite interesting that PlayStation is introducing two different variants of the PS5, though we imagine most gamers will stick with the standard model; physical copies of games are still preferred in many parts of the world. That being said, there\u2019s a good chance the Digital Edition will be more affordable, given that it doesn\u2019t have a disc drive. We\u2019ll just have to wait for the PS5\u2019s retail prices to be revealed to find out.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-nitro-5-with-10th-gen-intel-cpu-starts-at-rm3799/", "title": "Acer Nitro 5 With 10th-Gen Intel CPU & 144Hz Screen Lands in Malaysia; Starts at RM3,799", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nupdated Predator Triton 500\n, Acer Malaysia also brought in the refreshed Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop to our local market. Now sporting Intel\u2019s latest 10th-generation Core processors and a fast 144Hz screen, it\u2019s a great gaming machine for those who want good value for money.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Nitro 5 are offered here in Malaysia. The base model comes with a Core i5-10300H processor as well as an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti GPU for RM3,799; reasonably good value for money. The range-topping option, on the other hand, is equipped with a faster Core i7-10750H processor and a beefier GTX 1660 Ti graphics card for RM4,899.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its 2019 iteration, the new Nitro 5 sports several neat upgrades. For one, it now features an RGB keyboard that can be customised through the company\u2019s NitroSense software. Of course, it\u2019s not per-key lighting \u2013 it\u2019s four-zone instead \u2013 but that\u2019s typically a feature of more expensive gaming laptops.\n\n\nBesides that, Acer says that the updated Nitro 5 has a new cooling system: it improves upon the 2019 model\u2019s thermal performance by up to 25%, which is quite a notable gain. It remains to be seen just how effective the new cooling solution is, but it does sound promising.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond these changes, both variants of the Nitro 5 share quite a bit of hardware. For one, they come with a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen with with a fast 144Hz refresh rate. It\u2019s an improvement over last year\u2019s model that only had a 120Hz panel. Thanks to the high refresh rate, this display should offer good motion clarity.\n\n\nStorage wise, regardless of which model you get, the Nitro 5 comes with a 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD along with 8GB of DDR4 2933MHz RAM. If that amount of RAM isn\u2019t quite enough for you, it\u2019s possible to upgrade it to 32GB. If you want to do some serious gaming and productivity work, we\u2019d recommend installing at least 16GB of RAM.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Nitro 5 include a USB Type-C connection, three full-size USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.0 output with HDCP support, and a two-year local warranty support; the first year is covered under international warranty.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop is now available for purchase in Malaysia, and if you get it from tomorrow onwards (15 June) until 19 June on \nAcer\u2019s online store\n or Lazada, you will get freebies worth up to RM827. These include a Predator Galea 350 gaming headset, a Predator-branded backpack, and either a Predator Cestus 310 gaming mouse or a pair of Redmi AirDots wireless earbuds. Naturally, these free gifts are only available while stocks last.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-cuts-prices-up-to-rm9500-effective-until-31-december/", "title": "Honda Cuts Prices up to RM9,500; Effective Until 31 December", "body": "\n\nHonda just revealed the new retail prices for its entire model lineup. This is in line with the government\u2019s Short-Term Economic Recovery Plan (PENJANA), which offers 100% sales tax exemption on locally assembled (CKD) cars or 50% for fully imported (CBU) models.\n\n\nOf course, the highest amount of discount is reserved for the most expensive model in the Japanese carmaker\u2019s lineup, the Odyssey. Imported directly from Japan, the MPV receives RM9,502.47 discount, bringing down the price of the sole 2.4 EXV model to RM249,393.53.\n\n\n\n\nBesides the Odyssey, the \nall-new Honda Accord\n receives quite a hefty price cut as well. Depending on which trim you get, the D-segment sedan is now up to RM8,454.63 more affordable; that\u2019s for the range-topping 1.5 TC-P model in Platinum White Pearl. As for the 1.5 TC variant, it receives a RM7,733.36 price reduction for the same colourway.\n\n\nAlso discounted heavily is the Honda CR-V; it is now between RM6,470.34 to RM7,470.63 less. This lowers the price of the 2.0 2WD model to RM144,629.66, while the top-of-the-line 1.5 TC-P 2WD trim now retails at RM168,829.37.\n\n\nNaturally, the recently introduced \nHonda BR-V facelift\n also has its prices revised. The E trim now starts at RM86,726 (after the RM3,174 discount), while the better equipped V model goes from RM93,693 \u2013 that\u2019s RM3,507 worth of savings.\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the \nfacelifted Honda Civic\n. The base 1.8 S model is now going for up to RM4,300.76 less, so the C-segment sedan now starts at only RM109,326.51. This puts it closer to the pre-facelift\u2019s price tag for the same trim level; the previous 1.8 S variant went for RM108,165. Not a bad deal, given the new features introduced in the facelifted model.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for something more affordable, there\u2019s the Honda Jazz, which is discounted between RM2,788.46 to RM3,755.46. This means the base S trim of the B-segment hatchback can now be purchased for RM72,511.54, making it the most affordable model in Honda\u2019s lineup.\n\n\nThose who want a bigger car can opt for the Honda City. The discount for the B-segment sedan ranges from RM3,204.64 to RM4,010.27, lowering the price of entry for the City to RM75,295.36. Honda\u2019s new price list for all of its models can be found below:\n\n\n\n\nAs per the government\u2019s PENJANA initiative, these new prices will be valid from today onwards until 31 December 2020. If you\u2019ve been eyeing any of the Honda models here, now\u2019s the time to get it.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-models-discounted-up-to-rm7000-proton-x70-now-starts-at-rm89900/", "title": "Proton Models Discounted up to RM7,000; Proton X70 Now Starts at RM89,900", "body": "\n\nFollowing the government\u2019s decision to give 100% sales tax exemption on locally assembled (CKD) cars, Proton is the latest carmaker to reveal the revised retail prices of its entire model lineup. The discounts range from 1.2% to 5.7%, and the new prices will be valid until 31 December 2020.\n\n\nOut of all models from the national carmaker, the \nProton X70\n gets the highest amount of discount. The base Standard model of the SUV is now going for RM4,900 less. That brings down the price to \nonly RM89,900\n \u2013 that\u2019s a very good price for a C-segment SUV of this calibre.\n\n\n\n\nMoving up the trim level is the Executive variant of the X70, which is now going for RM101,000; that\u2019s RM5,800 worth of savings compared to before. The discount is even better for the higher-end Premium model: it receives a RM6,700 price cut, reducing its asking price to RM113,100.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the range-topping Premium X. This variant gets a whopping RM7,000 discount, lowering the price to RM115,800. Before the sales tax exemption, the X70 was already considered to be one of the best premium SUVs for the money. Needless to say, with this price revision, it now offers even more value.\n\n\n\n\nAside from the X70, the Exora gets quite a good amount of discount as well. The Executive model, for one, is now RM2,500 more affordable. Oddly enough, the higher-end Premium trim receives a lower RM2,000 price cut. Nonetheless, it\u2019s still a rather substantial discount for the MPV.\n\n\nOther Proton models, on the other hand, don\u2019t get quite as substantial discounts. Take the Proton Saga, which gets between RM400 to RM500 price cuts. It\u2019s slightly better for the Iriz (RM500 to RM800), while the Persona \u2013 depending on the trim level \u2013 are discounted from RM500 to RM900.\n\n\n\u201cProton would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone looking for a new vehicle that there has never been a better time to own a new Proton. With our industry leading number of 3S/4S outlets, refreshed model range, periodic improvements we have introduced, as well as the new prices, our customers will receive even better value for their money,\u201d said the CEO of Proton, Li Chunrong.\n\n\n\n\nProton\u2019s new price list for its whole model lineup is shown above. As mentioned, consumers can take advantage of these discounted prices until 31 December 2020.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-expertbook-b9-now-in-malaysia-870g-24-hour-battery-life-from-rm6299/", "title": "Asus ExpertBook B9 Now in Malaysia; 870g, 24-Hour Battery Life, From RM6,299", "body": "\n\nAsus just launched its latest business laptop in Malaysia, the Asus ExpertBook B9. Not only does it weigh only 870g, this premium machine promises up to 24 hours of battery life; that\u2019s quite impressive for a laptop as light as it is.\n\n\nFive different variants of the ExpertBook B9 are available in Malaysia. The base model, which retails at RM6,299, features a 10th generation Intel Core i5-10210U processor, 8GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and Windows 10. This is also the only variant with a 33WHr battery that offers up to 12 hours of use, making it the sole model that weighs 870g.\n\n\n\n\nThe other four variants of the ExpertBook B9, on the other hand, are equipped with a much more generous 66WHr battery. While this capacity increases the weight of the laptop to 995g, it does double the quoted battery life to 24 hours. In our opinion, it\u2019s a worthy trade-off to get twice as long battery life.\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s get back to the pricing of the other four models. A tier up from the aforementioned model has the same configuration, but it swaps the 33WHr battery for the bigger 66WHr cell, along with Windows 10 Pro and TPM support. This model costs RM6,599, so you\u2019re essentially forking out RM300 to get a bigger battery; a worthy upgrade for some consumers.\n\n\n\n\nNext up is the Core i7-10510U model, which also doubles the RAM and SSD storage to 16GB and 1TB respectively. This variant of the ExpertBook B9 costs RM8,299, and you can add RM300 to upgrade the operating system to Windows 10 Pro with TPM support.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the range-topping ExpertBook B9. It has the same hardware as the previous two, but it features \ntwo 1TB SSD drives\n, giving you a whopping 2TB of storage. Of course, this drives up the price \u2013 excuse the pun \u2013 to RM9,299, though it also comes with Windows 10 Pro and TPM support.\n\n\nFor easy reference, here\u2019s the price breakdown of the ExpertBook B9 for the Malaysian market.\n\n\nIntel Core i5-10210U, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Windows 10 \u2013 RM6,299\nIntel Core i5-10210U, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Windows 10 Pro \u2013 RM6,599\nIntel Core i7-10510U, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 10 \u2013 RM8,299\nIntel Core i7-10510U, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 10 Pro \u2013 RM8,599\nIntel Core i7-10510U, 16GB RAM, 2TB SSD, Windows 10 Pro \u2013 RM9,299\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ExpertBook B9 is now \navailable for pre-order in Malaysia\n, and it will hit store shelves on 30 June. It\u2019s not an affordable laptop, but it is a lightweight, premium notebook with sleek looks. The 14-inch 1080p IPS display with thin bezels \u2013 offering a 94% screen-to-body ratio \u2013 certainly gives it a modern aesthetic.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s20-bts-edition-galaxy-buds-arrive-in-malaysia-for-rm4399-rm899/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S20+ BTS Edition & Galaxy Buds+ Arrive in Malaysia for RM4,399 & RM899", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been leaked for quite some time now, and it\u2019s finally official: this is the Samsung Galaxy S20+ BTS Edition. Finished in the K-pop band\u2019s signature purple shade, there are also a number of other neat details. Also released alongside the special edition S20+ is a Galaxy Buds+ in the same colourway, and both of them are available here in Malaysia.\n\n\nAside from the purple finish, the Galaxy S20+ BTS Edition also has the band\u2019s logo right beneath the Samsung branding on the rear panel. There is a purple heart iconography on the camera module as well, and naturally, the phone itself is pre-installed with BTS-inspired themes. The Weverse app (a fan community platform for the band) is pre-loaded too.\n\n\nAs for the Galaxy Buds+ BTS Edition, the charging case and touchpad of the wireless earbuds are finished in purple. The band\u2019s logo and purple heart iconography are found on each of the earbuds as well.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond these aesthetic changes, the Galaxy S20+ BTS Edition should be identical to \nthe standard S20+\n. It\u2019s still powered by Samsung\u2019s own Exynos 990 chipset, and based on our review of the \nGalaxy S20 Ultra\n \u2013 which sports the same SoC \u2013 it should be able to offer fast, flagship-tier performance.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the bright and vibrant 6.7-inch 3200 x 1440 Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen of the Galaxy S20+. Coupled with the panel\u2019s fast 120Hz refresh rate, every motion on this display will look extra smooth, giving the impression of a faster smartphone. There\u2019s also the Infinity-O hole-punch cutout at the top of the screen for the 10MP f/2.2 selfie camera.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Galaxy S20+ has respectable camera performance as well, thanks to its sophisticated quad camera system. It consists of a 12MP f/1.8 main sensor, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, a 64MP f/2.0 telephoto lens, and a DepthVision time-of-flight camera. This camera configuration allows the S20+ to do up to 30x digital zoom.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy S20+ include a generous 4,500mAh battery, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot for further storage expansion, and an in-screen ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S20+ BTS Edition and the Galaxy Buds+ will be available for pre-order in Malaysia between 19 June to 5 July \nright here\n. The special edition S20+ retails at RM4,399, while the custom Buds+ goes for RM899.\n\n\nTo sweeten the deal, those who pre-order the Galaxy S20+ can purchase the Buds+ with 50% discount. If you place an order for the Buds+ instead, Samsung will throw in a complimentary BTS-themed wireless charger worth RM199.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-predator-triton-500-2020-hands-on-blazing-fast-300hz-screen-rtx-2070-super/", "title": "Acer Predator Triton 500 (2020) Hands-On: Blazing Fast 300Hz Screen & RTX 2070 Super", "body": "\n\nThe new Acer Predator Triton 500 is now \navailable for pre-order in Malaysia\n, and it is better than ever. Not only does it come with a fast 300Hz screen now, the range-topping model features an equally fast Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q as well. These two hardware alone make it a powerful, high-end gaming laptop.\n\n\nOf course, that also means the Triton 500 sits at an even higher price point now, though it does bring a number of other notable improvements. Plus, it\u2019s a thin, lightweight, premium gaming machine: these qualities don\u2019t come cheap. We\u2019ve got the range-topping RM8,999 configuration of the laptop for review, so here\u2019s our hands-on of the refreshed Triton 500.\n\n\n\n\nOn the surface, the updated Triton 500 isn\u2019t all that different \nfrom its predecessor\n. It\u2019s still using the same chassis, but there are a couple of aesthetic changes. The top lid, for one, no longer sports the \u201cPredator\u201d branding below the logo. The RGB keyboard now supports per-key lighting customisation as well, which is a nice addition.\n\n\nBut one of the most notable changes with the new Triton 500 is the display. As mentioned, this top-of-the-line model features a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display with a blazing fast 300Hz refresh rate \nand\n G-Sync support. Previously, the Triton 500 was only available with a 144Hz panel, so you\u2019re effectively getting \ntwice\n as many frames per second now.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the difference between 300Hz and 144Hz is not immediately noticeable: I personally can\u2019t tell the difference. But if you\u2019re a competitive gamer that want every single advantage you can get, the Triton 500\u2019s 300Hz panel certainly offers that. Fast-paced games like \nCall of Duty: Warzone\n and \nApex Legends\n will benefit the most from the high refresh rate.\n\n\nBut can the RTX 2070 Super Max-Q of the Triton 500 make full use of the screen\u2019s 300Hz refresh rate? Well, not in demanding AAA games, but it\u2019s definitely a beefy GPU. I haven\u2019t had the chance to extensively test out the GPU yet, but rest assured, I\u2019ll do just that in the full review of this gaming laptop.\n\n\nAs for the quality of the display itself, it looks great. Colours are vibrant, viewing angles are good, and it\u2019s a pretty darn bright panel as well. It\u2019s certainly a display befitting of a premium laptop.\n\n\n\n\nAnother big update the Triton 500 received is a 10th generation Intel Core i7-10875H processor. Not only does it have eight cores and 16 threads, its peak clock speed is a whopping 5.1GHz. The previous model only had a Core i7-9750H chip that offered six cores, 12 threads, and a 4.5GHz peak clock speed. Needless to say, the new processor of the updated Triton 500 will bring some notable gains.\n\n\nOf course, qualities we loved from the original Triton 500 are all here in the updated model. It still measures only 17.9mm thin, making it one of the slimmest gaming laptops in the market now. On top of that, it tips the scales at 2.1kg too. Not the lightest machine I\u2019ve seen, but it\u2019s light enough to be carried around in a backpack without much trouble.\n\n\nPort selection of the Triton 500 remains the same as its predecessor. These include a USB-C connection with Thunderbolt 3 and DisplayPort support, three USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.0 output, as well as a mini DisplayPort.\n\n\n\n\nThe same remains true for the keyboard of the Triton 500: it\u2019s still just as good to type on. It has enough key travel to not feel shallow, the tactile feedback is great, and the standard layout takes little to no time to get familiar with. I can type as quickly as I do on a full-size keyboard the moment I start using the laptop.\n\n\nThat being said, my one qualm with the Triton 500\u2019s keyboard layout has not been addressed: the key to launch the PredatorSense software is still placed right beside the backspace key. It\u2019s very easy to launch the software by accident whenever I reach for the backspace key, which can get quite annoying.\n\n\nBut let\u2019s move on to something more positive, the trackpad. It uses Windows Precision drivers, and it is easily one of the most accurate trackpads I\u2019ve used. It can track my fingers extremely well, gestures work seamlessly, and the smooth surface of the trackpad makes it effortless to use.\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s no denying the premium appeal of the Acer Predator Triton 500. It has a fast 300Hz screen, a powerful processor, a beefy GPU, and a slim, lightweight design. The only downside? It\u2019s an expensive gaming laptop. This particular variant of the Triton 500 costs RM8,999, which offers 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage.\n\n\nIt\u2019s a steep asking price, but that\u2019s how much you have to pay for a high-end, premium gaming laptop like the Triton 500. I\u2019m really looking forward to putting this laptop through its paces in a full review, and whether or not it can really justify the RM8,999 price tag.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-proton-x70-is-the-best-c-segment-suv-to-get-with-100-tax-exemption/", "title": "The Proton X70 Is the Best C-Segment SUV to Get With 100% Tax Exemption", "body": "\n\nMost carmakers have announced new pricings for their models after the government\u2019s announcement to give 100% sales tax exemption on locally assembled (CKD) cars or 50% for fully imported (CBU) models. Among all the vehicles that had their prices slashed, one caught our eyes: the \nProton X70\n.\n\n\nEven before the price revision, the X70 was already considered one of the best C-segment SUVs for the money. Needless to say, it is \nthat\n much more attractive now with the tax exemption. If you\u2019re in the market for a new car in this segment, we\u2019d argue the X70 is the best option; it\u2019s tough to ignore the value proposition here.\n\n\n\n\nSo how much cheaper is the Proton X70 now? Let\u2019s start with the base Standard model. Previously retailing at RM94,800, it received a RM4,900 price cut, so it now costs only RM89,900. The Executive trim, on the other hand, is going for RM101,000; that\u2019s RM5,800 worth of savings.\n\n\nMoving up the price range is the Premium model, which got a RM6,700 discount, bringing down the price to RM113,100. Last but definitely not least is the range-topping Premium X trim: now retailing at only RM115,800, it\u2019s RM7,000 cheaper than its original asking price.\n\n\nAs per the government\u2019s announcement, these prices will be valid until 31 December 2020. Here\u2019s a breakdown of the old and new prices for easy reference.\n\n\nProton X70 CKD variant\nPrice with SST\nPrice with SST exemption\nPrice difference\nStandard\nRM94,800\nRM89,900\n-RM4,900\nExecutive\nRM106,800\nRM101,000\n-RM5,800\nPremium\nRM119,800\nRM113,100\n-RM6,700\nPremium X\nRM122,800\nRM115,800\n-RM7,000\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt these are pretty significant discounts, which undercut the asking prices of the X70\u2019s competition by quite a margin. Take one of the most popular C-segment SUVs in the market now, the Honda CR-V. \nEven with sales tax exemption\n, the CR-V still starts at around the RM145,000 mark; that\u2019s RM30,000 more than the \ntop-of-the-line\n Premium X trim of the Proton X70.\n\n\nOn top of that, the X70 comes with a lot of neat features for the money too, even for the most basic model. The Standard variant, as mentioned, costs just under RM90,000 now, and it\u2019s packed with quite a number of creature comforts. These include the same 8-inch infotainment system as the higher-end models, automatic headlights, as well as \nthe new air purifier system\n.\n\n\n\n\nMore importantly, regardless of which trim level you go for, all variants of the X70 is equipped with the same 1.8L turbocharged direct injection engine. It outputs 181hp and 300Nm of torque, with drive sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission co-developed by both Volvo and Geely. Performance wise, the X70 can do the century sprint in 9.5 seconds.\n\n\nThe list of equipment for the range-topping Premium X model is even more attractive. Sure, RM115,800 is a lot of money, but you\u2019re getting items like premium Nappa leather seats, a powered tailgate (with foot sensor), 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, tyre pressure monitoring system, and ADAS active safety suite.\n\n\nDon\u2019t fancy the sunroof? Then opt for the regular Premium trim. It has the exact same list of equipment as the Premium X, minus the sunroof.\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of sheer value for money, the Proton X70 simply trumps its competition. Not only does it offer more features for less money, it\u2019s a really competent SUV. The X70\u2019s build quality, for one, is far better than any previous Proton model. Really, you have to see it to believe it; the local carmaker has come a long way.\n\n\nBut there is another concern that many folks still associate with Proton: reliability. This is especially the case with the new 7DCT gearbox of the X70. DCTs in the past have a tendency to overheat, but Proton assures customers its 7DCT will be as reliable as conventional transmissions. See, it uses a wet clutch design, so any overheating issues will be mitigated.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, it\u2019s worth noting that the 7DCT in the X70 adheres to Volvo\u2019s strict durability requirement. It\u2019s said to have a service life of more than 350,000km, which is a lot higher than the industry standard\u2019s 240,000km estimate. Still not convinced it\u2019s a reliable transmission? Well, Proton gives the SUV itself a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty. That should give you some peace of mind, right?\n\n\nWith all of these in mind, we consider the Proton X70 to be the most attractive C-segment SUV to get throughout the tax exemption period in Malaysia, especially if you want the best value for your money. It is now more affordable than ever, it \njust got its air purifier system upgraded\n, and it\u2019s just a \nreally competent \nSUV.\n\n\nThe Geely Binyue\n\n\nLooking forward, things will get even more exciting for Proton as it gears up to launch its second SUV later this year. It\u2019s expected to be a B-segment compact SUV based on the Geely Binyue, and it\u2019s widely believed to be launched as the Proton X50. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the local availability of the highly anticipated model.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-lands-in-malaysia-29-june-goes-up-to-rm7699/", "title": "Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Lands in Malaysia 29 June; Goes up to RM7,699", "body": "\n\nAsus just confirmed that the highly anticipated Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 gaming laptop will be arriving here in Malaysia on 29 June. On top of that, we also got details on one of the many variants that will be introduced here; it even comes with the \u201cAniMe Matrix\u201d panel on the top lid.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, Asus Malaysia will be offering the AniMe Matrix model of the Zephyrus G14 on our shores. In fact, our review unit sports this feature, and it\u2019s really quite fun to experiment with. Granted, it\u2019s not a super practical hardware \u2013 it also makes the laptop slightly thicker and heavier \u2013 but it is very eye-catching.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, the Zephyrus G14 we received for review is a Malaysian unit, and it\u2019s one of the highest-end variants with some powerful hardware under the hood. For one, it features AMD\u2019s new Ryzen 9 4900HS processor. Not only is it more power-efficient than its competition (thanks to its 7nm size), it\u2019s also a very fast chip.\n\n\nBesides that, this configuration of the Zephyrus G14 comes with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Max-Q GPU too. Given that this is the Max-Q design of the RTX 2060, expect it to be slightly slower \nthan the regular graphics card\n. Nonetheless, it is still quite a capable GPU, and we\u2019ll put it through its paces very soon.\n\n\n\n\nIn the screen department, this high-end model is equipped with a 14-inch 2560 x 1440 IPS screen with a 60Hz refresh rate. Unfortunately, it seems like the Full HD 120Hz display will not be offered in this configuration, which is quite odd for a gaming laptop. It remains to be seen if the high refresh rate panel will be offered with other variants of the Zephyrus G14 for the Malaysian market, though we certainly hope so.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Zephyrus G14 we got for review include 16GB of DDR4 3200MHz RAM, a generous 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD, a 76WHr battery that promises up to 10 hours of battery life \u2013 we think this is achievable with the power efficiency of the Ryzen 4000 series processor \u2013 and a 19.9mm thick chassis that tips the scales at 1.7kg.\n\n\nGiven the high-end hardware under the hood, it\u2019s no surprise that this variant of the gaming laptop retails at RM7,699. Yes, it\u2019s quite a steep price tag, especially for an RTX 2060 Max-Q machine.\n\n\n\n\nThen again, value for money isn\u2019t the main appeal of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14: it\u2019s the compact, slim, and lightweight 14-inch form factor of the gaming laptop that is the main selling point here. These features do not come cheap, but Asus will reveal more affordable variants of the G14 for the Malaysian market come 29 June.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/upcoming-proton-x50-rumoured-to-feature-1-4l-turbo-engine-cbu-units-in-testing/", "title": "Upcoming Proton X50 Rumoured to Feature 1.4L Turbo Engine; CBU Units in Testing", "body": "\n\nThe much rumoured Proton X50 (tentative model name) is set to be introduced sometime this year by the national carmaker, and it\u2019s been confirmed to be launched here as a locally assembled (CKD) car. However, there are reports that imported (CBU) units of the Geely Binyue Pro \u2013 which the X50 will be based on \u2013 has arrived in Malaysia, and it\u2019s sporting a new 1.4L turbocharged engine as well.\n\n\nWe first caught wind of this from a \nFacebook post by The Ajerul\n that dates back to 12 June. According to the page, CBU units of the Proton X50 have arrived in Port Klang, and it will supposedly be launched as the first batch of the new model. Of course, the 1.4L turbocharged engine is said to be offered as well.\n\n\nThe Geely Binyue\n\n\nOn top of that, a \nrecent report by Funtasticko\n \u2013 a local automotive site \u2013 citing an anonymous source, confirmed that CBU units of the X50 have indeed made it here. However, according to its source, these units are the Binyue Pro, and they are only brought here to serve as test mules. The source added that Proton has no plans to introduce any CBU variants of the X50.\n\n\nSo why did Proton bring in the Binyue Pro here? Well, one theory suggests that the national carmaker is planning to add a 1.4L turbocharged engine option to the B-segment compact SUV. Previously, it was widely believed to be powered by a 1.5L turbocharged engine co-developed by both Geely and Volvo.\n\n\n\n\nBut, again, why would Proton consider doing this? Well, for one, even though the 1.5L engine is more powerful \u2013 it outputs 174hp and 255Nm of torque \u2013 it\u2019s a three-cylinder engine. Compared to more conventional four-cylinder mills, the former is usually not as refined; it will vibrate and rattle more harshly. \n\n\nAnd that\u2019s what makes the 1.4L engine more attractive, as it\u2019s a four-cylinder mill. It\u2019s still a decently powerful engine too, generating 141hp and 235Nm of torque. Not quite as capable as the 1.5L engine, but these are still very respectable figures.\n\n\nThat being said, it\u2019s worth noting that the 1.4L engine option is only offered in the base configuration of the Binyue Pro for the Chinese market. Chances are, this could be mirrored for the Malaysian market as well, though this is only an educated guess at this point in time.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, we can only wait for the Proton X50 to be officially unveiled to find out. There\u2019s no concrete release date yet, though booking for the B-segment compact SUV is rumoured to begin as early as next month in July 2020. As for pricing, the X50 is expected to be positioned right behind the \nProton X70\n, which now \nstarts at only RM89,900\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ios-14-will-support-pip-widgets-app-clips-and-a-less-intrusive-siri/", "title": "iOS 14 Will Support PiP, Widgets, App Clips, and a Less Intrusive Siri", "body": "\n\nApple WWDC 2020 is happening right now, and the Cupertino company just previewed some new features coming to iOS 14. One of the most significant new additions is picture-in-picture support, along with widget support on the home screen. On top of that, Siri will be a lot less intrusive in the new version of iOS as well.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the new PiP mode. Naturally, it\u2019s a system-wide implementation, and it works a lot like how it is on Android. If you swipe up to the home screen while you\u2019re watching a video, it will continue to play in PiP mode. You can then open other apps while watching the video.\n\n\n\n\nIt sounds pretty simple, but what makes PiP mode on iOS 14 particularly interesting is the ability to adjust the size of the video on the fly. You can simply pinch to zoom to change the size of the video, which is something that\u2019s not possible on Android smartphones. If the video\u2019s getting in the way, but you don\u2019t want to close it, you can even hide it to the side of the screen; quite a neat touch.\n\n\nOkay, so that\u2019s PiP. Apple also previewed the new widget support for iOS 14. As its name suggests, you can now add widgets to the home screen\u2026just like on an Android smartphone. Of course, Apple is adding a couple of nifty tricks to differentiate its widget implementation from Google\u2019s design philosophy.\n\n\n\n\nFor one, widgets on iOS 14 come in various sizes, and there\u2019s even a \u201cSmart Stack\u201d widget that will automatically show you relevant apps based on the time of day. It can show you the news in the morning, your calendar as the day progresses, and so on. It\u2019ll be interesting to see just how intelligent and useful Smart Stack would be in real life use.\n\n\nSpeaking of intelligent, Apple is also introducing App Clips with iOS 14. In a way, it\u2019s a smarter take on Android\u2019s instant apps. Basically, App Clips are small, card-based snippet of apps that give users access to certain features of said apps without the need to install the full version. It can be used to access parking apps, or even a store\u2019s reward program.\n\n\n\n\nApp Clips use Apple Pay and your Apple login credentials, so there\u2019s no need to fumble with creating new accounts and what not. That being said, given that Apple Pay isn\u2019t available here in Malaysia, we may not be able to take advantage of App Clips.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is Siri, which gets a UI update on iOS 14. Previously, summoning Siri would take up the whole screen, but in iOS 14, the digital assistant will only appear as a small overlay on the bottom of the display. To make it even more seamless, certain search results from Siri will only appear as a notification at the top of the screen. This makes Siri a lot less intrusive.\n\n\n\n\niOS 14 will be rolled out sometime in fall 2020 to the iPhone 6s and later, while the beta version will be available to developers starting today. These new features coming to iOS 14 are not exactly groundbreaking, but they will certainly improve the user experience of iPhones that support the new update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-will-use-its-own-processors-for-future-macs-enabling-native-ios-app-support/", "title": "Apple Will Use Its Own Processors for Future Macs, Enabling Native iOS App Support", "body": "\n\nThis is arguably the biggest announcement at Apple\u2019s WWDC 2020 keynote: the Cupertino company will be transitioning to its own processors for future Macs. Not only does this promise huge performance gains and better power efficiency, switching to Apple\u2019s own chips also allow for native iOS and iPadOS app support on macOS.\n\n\nWhile no technical specifications of the upcoming Apple chips for Macs were announced at the event, there were a number of pretty interesting (though vague) details. According to the company, there will be a family of SoCs made for Mac products, and they will bring \u201cindustry-leading performance per watt and higher performance GPUs.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nTo show just what its own processors are capable of, Apple demonstrated a Mac \u2013 powered by one of its new chips, of course \u2013 effortlessly running Photoshop and Lightroom with extremely smooth animations. On top of that, the gaming performance of the Mac was previewed too with Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Based on these examples, the new chips do show a lot of promise.\n\n\nBut transitioning to the new architecture will present some compatibility issues, but Apple claims that the next macOS update, macOS Big Sur, will allow developers to update their apps \u201cin a matter of days.\u201d Even apps that have not been updated for Apple\u2019s new chips will be able to run seamlessly with Rosetta 2, though it remains to be seen just how well this can be accomplished.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, updating Apple\u2019s lineup of Macs with its own chips also allows for apps made for iOS and iPadOS to run on the new platform without a hitch. Apple says that no modifications are necessary to make this possible, which does sound very enticing,\n\n\nNow, even though future Macs will be powered by Apple\u2019s own processors, the company will only release its first Mac with the new chip by the end of the year. Apple added that the transition from Intel processors to its own chips for Macs will take about two years.\n\n\nOn top of that, this doesn\u2019t mean Intel-based Macs will not be abandoned; Apple will continue to support and release new versions of macOS for these machines in the years to come. In fact, new Intel-based Macs are still in development, and they\u2019re expected to be released in the near future.\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt Apple has the know-how to make fast, powerful processors, and it showed that much with the iPhone and iPad. It\u2019ll be interesting to see just what the Cupertino company can accomplish with its new chips for Macs \u2013 we\u2019re absolutely excited to see how this will pan out.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-unveils-new-swift-5-with-11th-gen-intel-tiger-lake-chips-conceptd-3-ezel/", "title": "Acer Unveils New Swift 5 With 11th Gen Intel Tiger Lake Chips & ConceptD 3 Ezel", "body": "\n\nAcer\u2019s Next@Acer Global Press Conference is a big affair for the Taiwanese company, and we got an early look at two products unveiled at the event today. These include the unique ConceptD 3 Ezel convertible, as well as the refreshed Swift 5 productivity laptop, which sports \u201cthe latest Intel processors.\u201d\n\n\nIt\u2019s curious that Acer doesn\u2019t outright detail the Swift 5\u2019s processor, given that it does so with its other products. However, the company does mention that the Swift 5 comes with Intel\u2019s new Xe graphics architecture, which is found in the upcoming 11th generation Tiger Lake chips. It makes sense, given that Tiger Lake is the successor to the current Ice Lake CPUs for Intel\u2019s U-series chips; these processors are typically found in productivity laptops.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, compared to its predecessor, the updated Swift 5 doesn\u2019t look all that different, though it does have some aesthetic changes here and there. The 14-inch 1080p IPS display, for one, is now protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, giving the productivity laptop a more premium look. Of course, it\u2019s still a touch-enabled screen as well.\n\n\nJust like the previous model, the new Swift 5 retains its lightweight nature, weighing less than 1kg. Coupled with the 14.95mm thin chassis, it\u2019s a portable laptop that\u2019s easy to carry around. In the graphics department, it can be configured with an Nvidia GeForce MX350 GPU. All in all, the new Swift 5 is a solid update over its predecessor.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the ConceptD 3 Ezel, and it\u2019s one interesting convertible laptop. As its name suggests, it features Acer\u2019s signature Ezel Hinge, which allows you to move the screen around in various orientations. This is meant to appeal to creative professionals, so this laptop comes with Acer\u2019s Active Stylus too. It features 4,096 levels of pressure, and there\u2019s even a slot to store the stylus.\n\n\nAvailable in two sizes (14-inch and 15.6-inch), the ConceptD 3 Ezel features a 1920 x 1080 Pantone Validated screen. This promises good colour accuracy, and the display is said to cover 100% of the sRGB colour gamut; features that are important to its target audience. It can also be configured with Intel\u2019s 10th generation Core processors, and a choice between Nvidia\u2019s Quadro and GTX graphics cards.\n\n\nAnother interesting feature of the ConceptD 3 Ezel is its lightweight nature. The 15.6-inch model weighs 1.95kg, while the 14-inch variant tips the scales at only 1.68kg.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Swift 5 and ConceptD 3 Ezel will be coming to Malaysia in the future, though we don\u2019t know exactly when or how much they will cost here. Rest assured, will keep a close eye on the local availability of the two laptops.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-acer-predator-gaming-chair-x-osim-can-massage-you-while-youre-gaming/", "title": "The Acer Predator Gaming Chair x Osim Can Massage You While You\u2019re Gaming", "body": "\n\nAcer has been releasing pretty unique gaming chairs over the past couple of years, and the latest one is the Acer Predator Gaming Chair x Osim. If you\u2019re familiar with Osim, then you wouldn\u2019t be surprised to learn that this is both a gaming chair and a massage chair; it\u2019s really quite a peculiar product.\n\n\nAccording to Acer, the Predator Gaming Chair features Osim\u2019s V-Hand Massage Technology. This supposedly \u201cemulates the agile hands of a professional masseuse on the user\u2019s neck and shoulder,\u201d and it allows the chair to perform massage techniques like kneading, pressing, rolling, and tapping. Curious, isn\u2019t it?\n\n\n\n\nAs for the chair itself, it can recline 145-degree, and there are buttons on the right-side arm rest to control two sets of rollers. The position of the rollers can also be changed to accommodate the user\u2019s shoulder position for maximum comfort, and the width can be adjusted to suit different body types.\n\n\nDesign wise, the Predator Gaming Chair does look like your conventional gaming chair with teal accents, and it\u2019s made out of carbon fibre patterned PVC leather. On top of that, there are also two Bluetooth speakers built into the chair\u2019s headrest. They are meant to \u201cintensify gaming immersion without the hassle of a headset,\u201d as Acer puts it.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, pricing and availability of the Acer Predator Gaming Chair x Osim have not been revealed yet, and it remains to be seen if it will ever be brought into Malaysia. Nonetheless, we do hope it will be made available here with a reasonable price tag \u2013 who doesn\u2019t want to game in comfort?\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-thinkpad-e14-e15-amd-ryzen-4000-malaysia-price-rm3449/", "title": "Lenovo ThinkPad E14 & E15 With AMD Ryzen 4000 CPU Now in Malaysia; Starts at RM3,449", "body": "\n\nLenovo just introduced two new entry-level ThinkPad laptops in Malaysia, the Lenovo ThinkPad E14 and ThinkPad E15. What makes them particularly interesting is the fact that both of them are powered by AMD\u2019s excellent Ryzen 4000 series processors, and they\u2019re pretty thin and light laptops as well.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the ThinkPad E14. As its name suggests, this business laptop features a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 TN or IPS display with a maximum brightness of 250 nits; 220 nits for the TN panel. Not particularly bright, but should be good enough for indoor use. It also has a matte finish to minimise glare.\n\n\n\n\nBut the most exciting hardware of the ThinkPad E14 has to be the processor under the hood, which is either a Ryzen 5 4500U or Ryzen 7 4700U chip. Fabricated on a 7nm process, these two processors are much more power-efficient than its competition. In fact, Lenovo claims that the E14\u2019s 45WHr battery can return up to 13 hours of use on a single charge.\n\n\nAs mentioned, the ThinkPad E14 is also a relatively slim, lightweight laptop. Its starting weight is only 1.59kg, and the chassis measures 17.9mm thin. Other specifications of the E14 include integrated AMD Radeon graphics, up to 24GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage, as well as a 720p webcam with Lenovo\u2019s ThinkShutter physical cover.\n\n\n\n\nNext up is the ThinkPad E15. For the most part, it has the same hardware as the E14, but it has a bigger 15.6-inch 1080p TN or IPS display with the same peak brightness of 250 nits for the IPS panel. The TN option, as expected, is dimmer at 220 nits.\n\n\nChoice of processor for the ThinkPad E15 is the same as the E14, as are the RAM, SSD, and battery capacities. The fact that the E15 has the same 45WHr battery as the E14 is quite odd, given that it is a bigger laptop. Nonetheless, it\u2019s said to be able to offer up to 12.7 hours of battery life.\n\n\nNaturally, given its larger dimensions, the ThinkPad E15 is slightly heavier and thicker than the E14, but not by much. It weighs from 1.7kg, and it has a 18.9mm chassis.\n\n\n\n\nThose who are interested to purchase the Lenovo ThinkPad E14 and ThinkPad E15 in Malaysia can contact \nSNS Network\n for a quotation, given that these laptops are customisable. According to Lenovo, the ThinkPad E15 retails from RM3,449, while the ThinkPad E14 starts at RM3,499 on our shores.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-acer-enduro-n3-is-a-surprisingly-sleek-rugged-laptop/", "title": "The Acer Enduro N3 Is a Surprisingly Sleek Rugged Laptop", "body": "\n\nRugged, durable laptops are usually bulky and heavy, but that\u2019s not the case with the new Acer Enduro N3. Despite only weighing 1.99kg with a 24.85mm chassis, the N3 still comes with MIL-STD 810G and IP53 certifications; that\u2019s quite impressive. In fact, the Taiwanese company touts this as the thinnest and lightest 14-inch laptop with an IP53 rating.\n\n\nOf course, the Enduro N3 is still noticeably thicker and heavier than a productivity laptop with the same hardware, but this \nis\n a rugged notebook that\u2019s meant to survive harsh environments. It has reinforced corners to withstand drops, Corning Gorilla Glass to protect the display from water, and an \u201cAquafan\u201d that repels water from all angles.\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of hardware, the Enduro N3 is your typical productivity laptop. It can be configured with Intel\u2019s 10th generation Core i7 processor, up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM, 1TB of HDD storage, and an optional PCIe NVMe SSD that goes up to 1TB. It\u2019s also possible to get a dedicated Nvidia GeForce MX230 GPU with the laptop, though it\u2019s not a particularly powerful graphics card.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Enduro N3 include a 14-inch display, up to 13 hours of battery life, and the Acer Enduro Management Suite (AEMS). It\u2019s a system that allows IT workers to remotely enable and disable ports, monitor the hardware and software, as well as perform remote deployment of BIOS changes and Windows updates.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Enduro N3 will be available in North America from August onwards with a $899 starting price; that comes up to about RM3,840. It remains to be seen if the N3 will enter the Malaysian market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dell-g7-15-gaming-laptop-lands-in-malaysia-14-july-for-rm6499/", "title": "Dell G7 15 Gaming Laptop Lands in Malaysia 14 July for RM6,499", "body": "\n\nDell is launching a new gaming laptop in Malaysia next month: the completely redesigned Dell G7 15. Sporting a slimmer design with sleeker looks, it\u2019s quite an interesting gaming laptop with reasonably powerful hardware under the hood.\n\n\nThe full list of configuration for the G7 15 has not been revealed yet for the Malaysian market, but we do know the specifications of one variant. The most affordable model of the gaming laptop retails at RM6,499 here, and if that seems quite steep, you do get some capable hardware for that kind of money.\n\n\n\n\nFor one, this variant of the Dell G7 15 features an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics card. Granted, it\u2019s not the most powerful GPU in the market now, but it \nis\n capable enough to run most AAA titles with high frame rates. In fact, its level of performance is very close to that of the higher-end RTX 2060, though you don\u2019t get RTX-specific features like ray tracing with the GTX 1660 Ti.\n\n\nProcessing power, on the other hand, is handled by a 10th generation Intel Core i7-10750H processor. Compared to its direct predecessor, the Core i7-9750H, the new chip is an incremental upgrade with only higher clock speeds. Regardless, it will be able to keep up with the GTX 1660 Ti GPU.\n\n\n\n\nIn the display department, the G7 15 features a fast 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 display with a 144Hz refresh rate. Thanks to the high refresh rate, every motion on the screen will look extra smooth; ideal for fast-paced games. The bezels surrounding the display have also been shrunk, giving the gaming laptop a modern-looking design.\n\n\nFurther highlighting the sleek appeal of the G7 15 is its reduced thickness. Compared to its predecessor, the chassis of the G7 is now thinner by 4mm, reducing the side profile to 20.5mm at its thickest point. The all-metal construction of the chassis \u2013 and the strip of light that runs through the front of the laptop \u2013 also gives the machine premium look and feel.\n\n\nOther specifications of the G7 15 include 8GB of RAM, 512GB of fast PCIe NVMe SSD storage, a four-zone RGB keyboard, and a 56WHr battery or an optional 86WHr cell.\n\n\n\n\nThe Dell G7 15 gaming laptop will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 14 July onwards. As mentioned, it starts at RM6,499, and it\u2019ll be interesting to see if the Malaysian market will receive the 4K OLED screen option; you don\u2019t often see a gaming laptop with an OLED panel in the market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-swift-5-2020-hands-on-the-first-11th-gen-intel-tiger-lake-laptop/", "title": "Acer Swift 5 (2020) Hands-On: The First 11th Gen Intel Tiger Lake Laptop", "body": "\n\nThe Acer Swift 5 has been \nupdated for 2020\n, and while it\u2019s not a major overhaul, the refreshed productivity laptop does have one exciting new hardware: Intel\u2019s unannounced 11th generation Tiger Lake processor. This makes the Swift 5 the first laptop to be announced with the upcoming chip.\n\n\nOf course, beyond the new processor, the updated Swift 5 improves upon \nits predecessor\n in a number of key areas. I managed to spend a brief time with the slim and light laptop, and I really can\u2019t wait for it to be available here in Malaysia. It could very well be the best productivity laptop for those who want a lightweight, slim premium notebook.\n\n\n\n\nSo let\u2019s talk about the Tiger Lake processor of the Swift 5 first. Now, it\u2019s worth noting that Acer itself did not outright mention that this laptop features Intel\u2019s 11th generation chip. But, the Taiwanese company did say that the Swift 5 comes with Intel\u2019s new Xe graphics architecture, which is used by Tiger Lake chips.\n\n\nAnd the new integrated graphics is one of the most exciting features of the new Tiger Lake processors. According to Intel, the Xe graphics architecture is said to be twice as fast compared to the previous generation solution. Unfortunately, I didn\u2019t manage to run any games on the new Swift 5 in the brief hands-on session to see just how fast the new integrated GPU is.\n\n\nAnyway, there\u2019s also an option to configure this laptop with a dedicated Nvidia GeForce MX350 GPU.\n\n\n\n\nAnother big change introduced in the refreshed Swift 5 is the Corning Gorilla Glass protecting the display. The previous model only had a matte display surrounded by plastic bezels, so the new glass covering definitely gives the refreshed model a more premium-looking design. It\u2019s also quite impressive how the laptop still retains its lightweight nature despite sporting a glass screen now.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the new Swift 5 weighs just under 1kg, and this is really quite surreal for a 14-inch laptop. Acer managed to trim down the weight of the Swift 5 by using a combination of high-grade magnesium-lithium and magnesium-aluminium for the chassis. Not only does it look good, the material feels good to the touch as well.\n\n\nOn top of that, the Swift 5 measures only 14.95mm thin, so it is just as portable as its predecessor. You can easily slip it into your backpack and forget about it.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS touch-enabled screen of the Swift 5, it\u2019s reasonably good. The maximum brightness seems to be bright enough for comfortable indoor use, colours look vibrant, and viewing angles are alright too. However, as the display is now protected by a Corning Gorilla Glass, it\u2019s a glossy panel, so it won\u2019t be able to minimise glare quite as effectively.\n\n\nAcer did not give any estimate of the Swift 5\u2019s battery life, though it did mention that the laptop can return four hours of use within 30 minutes of charging. Chances are, the 56WHr can (at the very least) match the battery life of the previous model; we got about seven to eight hours of use in our \nreview of the 2019 Swift 5\n.\n\n\n\n\nPort selection of the new Swift 5 remains the same as its predecessor as well, which is to say it\u2019s not super great. There\u2019s only one USB-C port with Thunderbolt 3 support, two USB-A connections, and an HDMI output. Pretty limited options, but they should be good enough for most consumers.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the keyboard of the Swift 5. It has just enough travel to not feel shallow, the keys are quite tactile, and the standard layout of the keyboard is easy to get accustomed to. It\u2019s not the best keyboard I\u2019ve ever used, but it\u2019s certainly not bad either. I definitely wouldn\u2019t mind typing extensively on this keyboard.\n\n\nAs for the trackpad of the Swift 5, it\u2019s decent. It\u2019s not fantastic, but it is largely accurate. My fingers can also glide effortlessly on the smooth surface of the trackpad.\n\n\n\n\nThe new Acer Swift 5 improves upon its predecessor in almost every single way while retaining its winning features. It is just as lightweight, it looks even sleeker now, and it\u2019s set to ship with Intel\u2019s latest and greatest processors yet, though there are still quite a bit we don\u2019t know about the upcoming Tiger Lake chips.\n\n\nRegardless, if you want to get your hands on the updated Acer Swift 5, you\u2019ll have to wait until October 2020; that\u2019s when the productivity laptop is set to be made available globally. That\u2019s quite some time away, but it\u2019s not exactly surprising, given that Intel hasn\u2019t even announced the Tiger Lake processors yet.\n\n\n\n\nMore importantly, how much will the Swift 5 go for? Well, for the US market, it retails from $999 (about RM4,275). For EMEA regions, it starts at $1,099 instead, which comes up to approximately RM4,700. These are not exactly affordable price tags, but the Swift 5 is a premium machine after all.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-odyssey-g7-240hz-qled-curved-gaming-monitor-now-in-malaysia-pre-orders-get-free-rm799-soundbar/", "title": "Samsung Odyssey G7 240Hz QLED Curved Gaming Monitor Now in Malaysia; Pre-Orders Get Free RM799 Soundbar", "body": "\n\nSamsung is opening pre-orders for its latest high-end gaming monitor in Malaysia next week. Enter the Samsung Odyssey G7: sporting a fast 240Hz refresh rate, a curved QLED panel, and a fast response time, it\u2019s an attractive gaming monitor. Those who pre-order the Odyssey G7 will also receive freebies worth up to RM799.\n\n\nTwo sizes of the Odyssey G7 gaming monitor are offered in Malaysia. The 27-inch model retails at RM2,399, while the 32-inch variant goes for RM2,899. Beyond the different screen sizes, both variants have the exact same features, you won\u2019t have to worry about missing out on anything by going with either options.\n\n\n\n\nBut the pre-order gifts for the two Odyssey G7 monitors are different. Those who purchase the 32-inch model early will get the HW-T450 Soundbar (2020) worth RM799, while pre-orders of the 27-inch variant will receive a complimentary HW-T420 Soundbar (2020) worth RM649. Pretty sweet pre-order gifts.\n\n\nOne of the most attractive features of the Odyssey G7 has to be the fast 240Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for playing fast-paced games like \nApex Legends\n and \nCall of Duty: Warzone\n. Coupled with the 1ms grey-to-grey response time, this really is a monitor made for gaming. It\u2019s also worth noting that it is a G-Sync Compatible product, and it supports AMD\u2019s FreeSync Premium Pro technology too.\n\n\n\n\nAnother big feature of the Odyssey G7 is the 2560 x 1440 QLED panel itself. Not only does it support HDR600, it\u2019s also a curved screen. In fact, according to Samsung, the G7 is the first gaming monitor with a 1000R curvature. Basically, the smaller the value, the \u201cdeeper\u201d the curvature of the screen.\n\n\nDesign wise, the Odyssey G7 is quite the looker. It has relatively thin bezels surrounding the screen, there are two triangular vents on the bottom of the monitor, and on the back, there is a rather eye-catching circular lighting where the stand meets the monitor. Speaking of which, the stand\u2019s height is adjustable, and the monitor itself can be pivoted and swiveled too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Odyssey G7 will be available for pre-order in Malaysia on \nSamsung\u2019s official online store\n from 29 June until 5 July. To recap, the 27-inch model retails at RM2,399, while the bigger 32-inch variant goes for RM2,899. Do note that the pre-order gifts are only available while stocks last, so act fast if you want to secure them.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/unboxing-the-last-limited-edition-ps4-pro-for-the-last-of-us-part-ii/", "title": "Unboxing the Last Limited Edition PS4 Pro for The Last of Us Part II", "body": "\n\nApologies for the pun attempt with the headline, but this could really be the last limited edition PlayStation 4 Pro system to hit the market. Released in conjunction with the launch of \nThe Last of Us Part II\n, this is one of the most unique PS4 Pro models. After all, the custom design is engraved onto the console itself.\n\n\nI knew I had to get it the moment the console was announced, and\u2026I did exactly that. This limited edition PS4 Pro is not available here in Malaysia, so I had to import it from Singapore. It\u2019s a little troublesome, but after seeing the console with my own two eyes, it was definitely worth the hassle.\n\n\n\n\nOkay, so let\u2019s get to the unboxing. The front of the box prominently features the limited edition PS4 Pro system with an engraving of Ellie\u2019s tattoo, along with the custom DualShock 4. All in all, a pretty standard design. But what really caught my eye is the back of the box: just look at that artwork.\n\n\nInside, There is a plain white box with the PS4 Pro lettering; the outer packaging is really just a covering for this box. There\u2019s nothing much to see here, so let\u2019s get to the main event: the sexy console.\n\n\n\n\nDoesn\u2019t it just look amazing? When I first took it out of the box, I was actually surprised by the build quality of this PS4 Pro. See, I\u2019m currently using the limited edition Monster Hunter: World PS4 Pro, and while it looks great, the plastic creaks quite a bit whenever I hold it up. That\u2019s not the case at all with this particular model.\n\n\nOf course, I also love the fact that the top lid is matte, which should be able to resist scratches better than other limited edition designs with a glossy finish. Now then, let\u2019s take a closer look at the physical engravings on the console.\n\n\n\n\nBelieve me when I say pictures don\u2019t do the design justice. In person, the engraving looks sublime, and just running my finger through the fern and moth engravings feel fantastic. In my opinion, this is the most aesthetically pleasing limited edition PS4 Pro system to be released.\n\n\nAs for the DualShock 4 \u2013 finished in Steel Black \u2013 Ellie\u2019s fern tattoo in found on the lower right hand side of the controller. The touchpad has the title of the game written on it too, which I personally don\u2019t quite like. It\u2019s a little too much branding, and the lettering messes with the smooth surface of the touchpad.\n\n\n\n\nAlso bundled with the limited edition PS4 Pro is a copy of the game, and PlayStation was generous enough to throw in the Steelbook case featuring an artwork of Ellie. The back of the Steelbook case looks equally good too, but in the interest of preserving the story experience of the game, I\u2019m not showing it here.\n\n\nWhile it\u2019s not an outright spoiler, I do consider it to be a pretty big hint at what the game has in store. Anyway, a number of digital content is included with this copy of the game. There\u2019s a \ncustom dynamic theme\n, a set of six PSN Avatars, the digital soundtrack of the game, and a digital mini art book from Dark Horse.\n\n\n\n\nOverall, I\u2019m really happy with this limited edition PS4 Pro made for The Last of Us Part II. As for the game itself, it\u2019s a must-play in my opinion, and given that \nover four milion copies of the game was sold\n as of 21 June \u2013 making it the fastest-selling first party PS4 game \u2013 it\u2019s safe to say other PS4 owners think so too.\n\n\nStill not convinced The Last of Us Part II is for you? Then check out our full review of the game \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-magicbook-14-coming-to-malaysia-6-july-sleeker-looks-lighter-chassis/", "title": "Honor MagicBook 14 Coming to Malaysia 6 July; Sleeker Looks, Lighter Chassis", "body": "\n\nHonor launched its first-ever laptop \u2013 the \nHonor MagicBook\n \u2013 for the Malaysian market back in April this year, and the Chinese company is set to introduce the successor here as early next week on 6 July. Sporting a sleeker design in a more lightweight chassis, the MagicBook 14 improves upon its predecessor quite a bit.\n\n\nIn fact, the MagicBook 14 was actually \nshown of here back in November\n last year before it was even made official. Compared to the first MagicBook, this updated model is a more compact laptop, thanks to the small bezels surrounding the screen. The bottom bezel is still quite thick, but that\u2019s the case with most laptops in the market now anyway.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the MagicBook 14 is also a more lightweight machine than its predecessor. It tips the scales at 1.38kg, making it ever so slightly lighter than the original MagicBook, which weighs 1.45kg. Not a huge difference, yes, but it\u2019s always good to have a lighter, more compact laptop when you need to lug it around.\n\n\nHonor Malaysia has not told us the MagicBook 14\u2019s hardware yet for our local market, but the \nproduct page for the laptop\n is actually live on the company\u2019s local website right now. According to the listing, it will be powered by the same AMD Ryzen 5 3500U processor as the previous model. Graphics are still handled by the integrated Radeon Vega 8 GPU as well.\n\n\n\n\nOddly enough, the product page also shows that the MagicBook 14 only features 256GB of SSD storage; that\u2019s half of the first MagicBook\u2019s much more generous 512GB SSD. Given the smaller drive capacity, it\u2019ll be interesting to see exactly how much the laptop will be priced at, especially in comparison to the older model. Thankfully, it still ships with 8GB of RAM.\n\n\nIn the display department, the MagicBook 14 \u2013 as its name suggests \u2013 comes with a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen. As mentioned, this laptop has slim bezels, and there isn\u2019t even any space for the webcam. Instead, the webcam is hidden underneath the keyboard in a pop-up mechanism; a clever piece of engineering\n\n\nBattery life of the MagicBook 14 is decent too: Honor promises that the 56WHr battery of the laptop can return up to 10 hours of use on a single charge.\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor MagicBook 14 will be launched in Malaysia next week on 6 July. We\u2019ll find out then exactly how much the productivity laptop will be priced at for the local market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-launched-in-malaysia-starts-at-rm4499/", "title": "Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Launched in Malaysia; Starts at RM4,499", "body": "\n\nThe highly anticipated Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 has just been launched in Malaysia, and quite a number of configurations are offered here. In fact, the most affordable variant retails at only RM4,499 \u2013 that\u2019s quite a good price tag for a premium gaming laptop.\n\n\nOf course, the hardware offered at that price point aren\u2019t particularly impressive, but it will be sufficient for more casual gamers. We\u2019d argue it\u2019s even ideal for those who want to use the Zephyrus G14 primarily for non-gaming tasks; it has all the qualities of a good productivity laptop, esepcially in terms of battery life.\n\n\n\n\nFor easy reference, here\u2019s the full price breakdown of all Zephyrus G14 configurations available in Malaysia:\n\n\nRyzen 5 4600HS, GTX 1650, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD \u2013 RM4,499\nRyzen 5 4600HS, GTX 1650 Ti, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD \u2013 RM5,299\nRyzen 7 4800HS, GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD \u2013 RM6,199\nRyzen 9 4900HS, RTX 2060 Max-Q, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD \u2013 RM7,699\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that all variants of the Zephyrus G14 come with a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, but with one exception: the range-topping RTX 2060 Max-Q variant with a Ryzen 9 4900HS processor. This particular configuration is also available with a 2560 x 1440 screen, but the refresh rate is limited to only 60Hz.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want the best gaming experience, it\u2019s best to go for the 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Sure, a higher resolution panel is nice to have, but a fast screen is especially important for a gaming laptop. Plus, regardless of which screen option you go for, both are Pantone Validated panels with 100% sRGB colour coverage, and there is no price difference either.\n\n\nBesides that, all configurations of the Zephyrus G14 comes with the unique AniMe Matrix LED panel on the top lid\u2026except for the most affordable GTX 1650 variant. This explains the rather big RM800 price difference between the base model and the GTX 1650 Ti option; it\u2019s not just the GPU that\u2019s different.\n\n\n\n\nThose who want the best value for their money should opt for the GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q variant. This configuration of the Zephyrus G14 may not come with the most powerful GPU or CPU combination, but it will offer comparable gaming performance as the highest-end RTX 2060 Max-Q model.\n\n\nSee, in terms of raw power, the performance gap between the two GPUs are not very big. Of course, you won\u2019t get RTX-specific features with the GTX 1660 Ti graphics card, but this may not matter to some folks.\n\n\n\n\nWhile the full local pricing of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 has been revealed, only the highest-end RTX 2060 Max-Q variant \u2013 with a QHD screen \u2013 and the GTX 1650 Ti model can be purchased right now in Malaysia. The GTX 1650 and GTX 1660 Ti configurations will land here sometime in August, while the range-topping RTX 2060 Max-Q variant with a 1080p 120Hz screen will be available in September 2020.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/maybank-shopee-visa-platinum-credit-card-unveiled-early-birds-get-rm500-voucher/", "title": "Maybank Shopee Visa Platinum Credit Card Unveiled; Early Birds Get RM500 Voucher", "body": "\n\nShopee and Maybank just launched a new credit card. Aptly dubbed Maybank Shopee Visa Platinum credit card, it offers a number of benefits for those who do a lot of shopping on Shopee. On top of that, those who apply for the card can also get a RM500 discount voucher for use on Shopee; that\u2019s a sweet sign-up gift.\n\n\nBefore we get to the sign-up gift, let\u2019s talk about the Maybank Shopee credit card itself first. Basically, any spending made with the card will reward cardholders with Shopee Coins. Normal purchases are rewarded with 1x Coins, while purchases made on Shopee, dining, and entertainment \u2013 along with contactless payments \u2013 will get you 2x Coins.\n\n\n\n\nThese are decent rewards, but the amount of Shopee Coins you can get will be a lot more if you make your purchases every 28th of the month or on \u201cSpecial Days\u201d like Shopee\u2019s upcoming 9.9, 11.11, and 12.12 sales. On these dates, contactless, dining, and entertainment purchases are upsized to 4x Coins. Purchases on Shopee, on the other hand, are rewarded with 5x Coins.\n\n\nHowever, do note that the maximum amount of Shopee Coins you can get per statement cycle is capped at 5,000 Coins, which is worth RM50. Any other spending beyond this cap will be converted to Maybank\u2019s TreatsPoints, so you\u2019re still getting something out of your purchases.\n\n\n\n\nOkay, so what about the RM500 Shopee discount voucher for early birds? Well, as expected, there are a couple of terms and conditions to be eligible for the sign-up gift. For one, it is only valid for new-to-bank customers who have signed up for the card on Maybank\u2019s website and have their applications approved between 1 to 7 July.\n\n\nBesides that, only the first 200 approved applicants will receive the RM500 voucher, provided they spend a minimum of RM300 in retail transactions within 45 days of the card\u2019s approval date. If you\u2019re not part of the first 200 approved applicants, you will get a pair of SoundPeats wireless earbuds instead.\n\n\n\n\nInterestingly, applicants \u2013 new-to-bank, of course \u2013 who place their applications between 8 July to 31 August will get a RM200 Shopee discount voucher instead if they are the first 500 successful applicants. Naturally, the minimum RM300 retail spend within 45 days of the card\u2019s approval date apply here as well to be eligible for the discount voucher.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that regardless of the sign-up gifts above, every successful applicant of this credit card will get 5,000 Shopee Coins as a welcome gift. To be eligible for it, RM300 in spending have to be done within the first two months of the card\u2019s approval date.\n\n\n\n\nThe Maybank Shopee Visa Platinum credit card will be \nopen for applications starting tomorrow (1 July) on Maybank\u2019s website\n. Do note that to be eligible for the card, you need an annual income of at least RM36,000, and it is free for life with no annual fee.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/could-this-be-the-proton-x50s-interior/", "title": "Could This Be the Proton X50\u2019s Interior?", "body": "\n\nProton is expected to introduce its second SUV in Malaysia sometime this year. Based on the Geely Binyue, the highly anticipated B-segment compact SUV is widely believed to be called the Proton X50, and a new image purporting to be the interior of the car has made it online.\n\n\nThis latest leak of the Proton X50 comes from \nThe Ajerul\n, who claims that this is the interior of the upcoming SUV. Looking at the image, it does seem pretty legitimate. It doesn\u2019t look like a mirrored image of the Binyue\u2019s interior, and more importantly, the new Proton logo can be seen on the steering wheel.\n\n\nImage source: \nThe Ajerul\nThe interior of the Geely Binyue\n\n\nGiven the two-tone design of the interior, there\u2019s a good chance this is the higher-end Sport trim of the X50. If it is, it will be powered by a 1.5L three-cylinder turbocharged engine co-developed by both Geely and Volvo. It outputs 174hp and 255Nm of torque, which are very respectable figures.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that this 1.5L engine is widely tipped to be powering the X50, so it wouldn\u2019t be surprising if this really is the case once the SUV is launched here. That being said, there\u2019s a new rumour suggesting that Proton is \nconsidering to add a 1.4L four-cylinder\n \nturbocharged engine\n \u2013 it puts out 141hp and 235Nm of torque \u2013 as an alternative.\n\n\nThe Geely Binyue\n\n\nThis came to light after several reports claiming that the units of the Binyue Pro \u2013 which is powered by the 1.4L engine \u2013 have arrived here in Malaysia. Obviously, there\u2019s no official explanation for this, though one theory suggests that the national carmaker is testing out the 1.4L engine for the locally assembled X50.\n\n\nIf Proton does add a 1.4L engine option to the X50, there\u2019s a good chance it will be used for the more affordable variants of the SUV; that\u2019s the case with the Binyue Pro in the Chinese market. Of course, this is only an educated guess on our part, but using the 1.4L engine instead of the same 1.5L mill for all variants of the X50 will give the carmaker more room to price the car competitively.\n\n\n\n\nNo release date has been given yet for the imminent arrival of the Proton X50 in Malaysia, though rumours claim that the B-segment compact SUV will be open for booking as early as July next month. But until Proton itself confirms the existence of the X50, it\u2019s best to hold off putting down any form of deposit with sales agents or dealers.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-is-a-surprisingly-good-productivity-laptop/", "title": "The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Is a Surprisingly Good Productivity Laptop", "body": "\n\nThe Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is \nfinally available in Malaysia\n, and I\u2019ve been using it as my daily driver for a while now. I haven\u2019t extensively tested the gaming performance of the G14 yet, but I have been putting it through its paces as a work laptop. Surprisingly enough, it\u2019s really, \nreally\n good.\n\n\nIn fact, the Zephyrus G14 is easily one of the best laptops I\u2019ve used for productivity work, which is not something typically said of a gaming machine. Not only is it a powerful laptop, it also has \nincredibly long\n battery life. That, in itself, makes the G14 an excellent productivity laptop.\n\n\n\n\nSo exactly how good is the battery life of the Zephyrus G14? Well, Asus says that the 76WHr battery can return up to 10 hours of use on a single charge, which is definitely a lofty claim for a gaming laptop. But surprisingly enough, I can \nactually\n get this level of battery life. On average, I was getting between nine to 10 hours of use; that\u2019s crazy for a laptop as powerful as this.\n\n\nOf course, to squeeze this much battery life out of the Zephyrus G14, I switched on battery saver mode with the display dimmed to a comfortable level. Nonetheless, this is a \nvery\n long-lasting gaming laptop, though it\u2019s worth noting that I\u2019ve only completely drained the battery of the Zephyrus G14 a couple of times at the moment. I\u2019ll need to run the test a few more times to get more definitive results; stay tuned to the full review for that.\n\n\n\n\nBesides battery life, other aspects of the Zephyrus G14 make it an ideal productivity laptop as well. For one, the AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS under the hood of this review unit \u2013 the highest-end option available for this laptop \u2013 is a fast, power-efficient processor. This chip is the very reason why the G14 has such good battery life, thanks to the fact that it\u2019s fabricated on a 7nm process.\n\n\nThis excellent power efficiency of the Ryzen 9 4900HS is paired with very, \nvery\n good performance level. It\u2019s an octa-core processor with 16 threads, and in my initial testing, it\u2019s noticeably faster than the Ryzen 7 4800H chip found in the \nAsus TUF Gaming A15\n. The latter is already a very capable chip to begin with, which really shows just how good the performance level of the Ryzen 9 4900HS is.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, the Zephyrus G14 is also quite a compact machine, which is not something you can say for literally any other gaming laptop. After all, the G14 is the only 14-inch machine in its segment; this lets Asus call it \u201cthe world\u2019s most powerful 14-inch gaming laptop.\u201d It simply doesn\u2019t have any direct competitor.\n\n\nAside from its compact form factor, it\u2019s a rather minimalist-looking gaming laptop as well. There\u2019s no RGB keyboard, the overall design is understated \u2013 provided you switch off the flashy AniMe Matrix LED lighting on the top lid \u2013 and it wouldn\u2019t look out of place in a meeting room or professional setting. Basically, it can easily pass off as a productivity laptop.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, there is one design element of the Zephyrus G14 that can be a dealbreaker to those who are looking to use it as a productivity laptop: it doesn\u2019t have a webcam. That\u2019s right, it has no camera at all, so if you need one for online meetings and teleconferences, you\u2019ll have to get an external webcam.\n\n\nBut if you can look past the absence of a webcam, the Zephyrus G14 really is a competent productivity laptop. Take the keyboard: it\u2019s comfortable to type on with more than enough key travel for a pleasant typing experience, the keys are tactile, and the keyboard layout has no big issues either. I especially like the dedicated volume buttons at the top left of the keyboard.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the trackpad, it\u2019s equally good. Clicks feel surprisingly solid, the smooth, glass surface allows my fingers to glide effortlessly, and more importantly, it\u2019s largely accurate as well. However, I do have one small issue with it: I can\u2019t seem to disable the mouse acceleration. Changing the option from the Windows settings did nothing, which is a little annoying.\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s move on to the display. This review unit of the Zephyrus G14 comes with a 14-inch 2560 x 1440 IPS screen with a 60Hz refresh rate, which looks pretty good. It has punchy colours, good viewing angles, and as far as I can tell, it\u2019s properly calibrated as well. If you don\u2019t fancy this 1440p display, there\u2019s a 1080p panel option with a faster 120Hz refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\nThere are a lot of gaming latops in the market now with their own strengths and weaknesses, but I\u2019d argue none of them are quite as compelling or as versatile as the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14. It is compact, it has incredibly good battery life, and paired with equally good performance level, it\u2019s the complete package. Whether you want a portable gaming laptop or a fast productivity machine, the G14 fits both criteria.\n\n\nOf course, this comes at a price: this particular variant of the Zephyrus G14 is the range-topping model, which comes with a Ryzen 9 4900HS processor, an RTX 2060 Max-Q GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD for a whopping RM7,699. It\u2019s a steep price tag for an RTX 2060 gaming laptop, and even the most affordable configuration of the G14 costs RM4,499.\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s no denying the fact that the Zephyrus G14 is a costly product, but it \nis\n a premium gaming laptop with a lot going for it. I\u2019ll be putting the G14 through its paces in a full review soon, and we\u2019ll see then if it can really justify costing so much.\n\n\nPersonally, I\u2019m pretty confident the Zephyrus G14 will exceed expectations.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-x50-pro-5g-launching-in-malaysia-6-july-affordable-snapdragon-865-phone/", "title": "Realme X50 Pro 5G Launching in Malaysia 6 July; Affordable Snapdragon 865 Phone", "body": "\n\nWe spotted the Realme X50 Pro 5G in SIRIM\u2019s database \ntwo months ago\n, which suggests that the Chinese company is gearing up to launch the flagship smartphone in Malaysia. Well, Realme just confirmed that the X50 Pro will be launched here next week on 6 July.\n\n\nAs is the case with many launch events now \u2013 because of the COVID-19 pandemic \u2013 the X50 Pro will be launched virtually via live stream on Realme\u2019s Facebook page. It\u2019s quite an exciting smartphone, given that it is the first 5G smartphone from Realme.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, the X50 Pro is a high-end device as well. Powering this device is none other than Qualcomm\u2019s best chipset yet, the Snapdragon 865. Not only does it give the phone 5G connectivity, it also provides flagship-tier performance. Whether you\u2019re multitasking or gaming on this phone, it will be able to deliver.\n\n\nSpeaking of gaming, the X50 Pro features a pretty fast display as well: it has a 6.44-inch 2400 x 1080 Super AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. While that\u2019s not quite as impressive as other flagship smartphones with faster 120Hz panels, it will be good enough to provide smooth animations. Plus, it won\u2019t be quite as power-hungry as 120Hz screens either.\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of battery life, the X50 Pro comes with a reasonably generous 4,200mAh dual-cell battery. This cell capacity should be able to provide a day\u2019s worth of use, and when you need to charge it up, the phone supports Realme\u2019s 65W \u201cSuperDart\u201d fast charging. According to the company, this allows the phone to be fully charged in only 35 minutes.\n\n\nAs a flagship smartphone, the X50 Pro is naturally equipped with a rather sophisticated quad camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 64MP f/1.8 primary sensor, an 8MP f/2.3 ultra-wide angle shooter, a 12MP f/2.5 telephoto lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 monochrome portrait camera. Realme also highlights the fact that this camera configuration allows the phone to do \u201c20x hybrid zoom.\u201d\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the X50 pro are two selfie cameras (32MP f/2.5 primary + 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle), up to 12GB of RAM, two storage options (128GB and 256GB), an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and Realme UI based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme X50 Pro 5G will be launched in Malaysia via an online live stream on \nRealme\u2019s Facebook page\n; it\u2019s set to take place at 11AM on 6 July next week. It\u2019ll be quite exciting to see how much the phone will cost here. For the sake of comparison, the X50 Pro retails from 37,999 Indian rupee in India, which comes up to about RM2,155.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-zenbook-13-zenbook-14-with-10th-gen-intel-cpu-arriving-in-malaysia-this-month/", "title": "Asus ZenBook 13 & ZenBook 14 With 10th Gen Intel CPU Arriving in Malaysia This Month", "body": "\n\nAsus recently updated the Asus ZenBook 13 and ZenBook 14, and the Taiwanese company just confirmed that these two productivity laptops will be landing in Malaysia sometime this month. What makes them particularly interesting is their thin and light chassis, and they\u2019re also powered by Intel\u2019s latest 10th generation Ice Lake processors.\n\n\nBeyond the difference in screen size, the new ZenBook 13 and ZenBook 14 are basically identical. Both have all-metal chassis that measure only 13.9mm, making them noticeably slimmer than other productivity laptops in the market now. They are lightweight machines as well: the ZenBook 13 tips the scales at only 1.07kg, while the ZenBook 14 weighs 1.13kg.\n\n\n\n\nDespite the slim profile of these ZenBook laptops, their connectivity options are surprisingly complete. They have two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 support, a USB-A connection, an HDMI output, and even a microSD card reader. However, oddly enough, there\u2019s no 3.5mm headphone jack, though a dongle for it is provided.\n\n\nPort selection aside, the new ZenBook 13 and ZenBook 14 are very sleek machines too, thanks to the small bezels surrounding their displays. In the case of the ZenBook 14, it has a screen-to-body ratio of 90%; very respectable. The ZenBook 13, on the other hand, is rated at 88%.\n\n\nInterestingly, these two laptops can be configured with a power-efficient 1W display to further improve battery life. Despite the low-power nature of the panel, it can get quite bright: the screen can go up to 450 nits for the ZenBook 13, and 400 nits for the larger ZenBook 14.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, how good is the battery life of these new ZenBook laptops? Well, both of these machines are equipped with a 67WHr battery, which promises to 22 hours of use on a single charge. According to Asus, the charging rate of these two laptops are quite impressive too: they can supposedly charge up to 60% in 49 minutes.\n\n\nPowering the ZenBook 13 and ZenBook 14 are none other than the latest 10th generation Intel processors. These include the Core i7-1065G7 \u2013 the range-topping option \u2013 the Core i5-1035G1, and the Core i3-1005G1 chips. It\u2019s worth noting that the ZenBook 14 can also be configured with AMD\u2019s \nexcellent Ryzen 4000 mobile processors\n, but we don\u2019t know exactly when this variant will be introduced in Malaysia.\n\n\nNonetheless, we were told by Asus Malaysia that the AMD-powered ZenBook 14 will eventually make it here.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Intel-powered Asus ZenBook 13 and ZenBook 14, they will be launched in Malaysia sometime this month in July. We\u2019ll find out then just how much these two productivity laptops will cost here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x70-remains-best-selling-c-segment-suv-in-malaysia-1909-units-sold-in-june-2020/", "title": "Proton X70 Remains Best-Selling C-Segment SUV in Malaysia; 1,909 Units Sold in June 2020", "body": "\n\nProton just released its sales report for the month of June 2020, and it\u2019s looking pretty good for the national carmaker. With 9,623 units sold last month, it is Proton\u2019s second best sales month in 2020. To top it off, this June sales figure is actually a 26.3% increase over the company\u2019s sales performance in the same month last year.\n\n\nEvidently, Proton\u2019s sales are recovering quite well amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The carmaker attributes this encouraging sales number to the sales tax exemption and the Proton Saga: 4,447 units of the A-segment sedan were sold last month, which is the best sales performance for the car in 70 months. This eclipses the previous top sales figure of the Saga back in October 2019, where 4,275 units were sold.\n\n\n\n\nBesides the Saga, the Proton X70 maintains its position as the best-selling C-segment SUV in June with 1,909 units sold. In fact, it\u2019s the top selling SUV in its segment for the first half of 2020. In our opinion, \nthe X70 is by far the best SUV you can get\n while the 100% sales tax exemption is in effect in Malaysia; it\u2019s discounted up to RM7,000 right now.\n\n\nAnyway, while the company didn\u2019t reveal the exact sales figure for the Proton Persona, it remains at the top of the B-segment sedan in the local market. Same goes for the Proton Exora in the C-segment MPV category, while the Proton Iriz sits at the third place in its segment last month.\n\n\n\n\nWith the 100% sales tax exemption on locally assembled cars in full effect here in Malaysia, we expect Proton\u2019s sales \u2013 and other carmakers, really \u2013 to grow even further this month. With the imminent arrival of the \nProton X50\n later this year, things are looking up for the national carmaker.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-civic-facelift-top-c-segment-market-6500-bookings-2900-units-delivered/", "title": "Honda Civic Facelift Tops C-Segment Market; 6,500 Bookings, 2,900 Units Delivered", "body": "\n\nLaunched back in February this year\n, the facelifted Honda Civic continues to lead the C-segment market in Malaysia. As of June 2020, as many as 6,500 bookings were made for the car, with 2,900 units delivered thus far. These figures alone certainly show the popularity of the Civic.\n\n\nAccording to Honda, the facelifted Civic makes up 70% of the market share for its segment, though this is based on data gathered in April 2020. On top of that, there\u2019s even a one month waiting period to get the facelifted Civic now, though the Japanese company assures customers that stocks are available to meet demand.\n\n\n\n\nIn Honda\u2019s lineup, the Civic is currently its third best-selling model. 44% of total sales come from the central region, while the southern and northern regions make up 17% and 15% of the Civic\u2019s sales respectively. In terms of colour choice, White Orchid Pearl is the most popular option: over 42% units of Civic sold were delivered with this paint job.\n\n\n\u201cWith Malaysia moving into Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) period, most businesses are resuming operations in accordance to guidelines and standard operating procedure set by the government. All industries, including the automotive industry, are eager to recover from the pandemic and help the nation towards economic recovery,\u201d said the CEO and Managing Director of Honda Malaysia, Toichi Ishiyama.\n\n\n\n\nNow that the facelifted Honda Civic is discounted by almost RM5,000 \u2013 thanks to the 100% sales tax exemption on locally assembled cars \u2013 the C-segment sedan is more attractive than ever. With the tax exemption, the new Civic retails from RM109,326.51; this will be the case until 31 December 2020.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-x50-series-with-gimbal-style-camera-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Vivo X50 Series With Gimbal-Style Camera Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nThere seems to be a lot of products carrying the X50 moniker lately. There\u2019s the \nRealme X50 Pro 5G\n \u2013 which is launching locally next week on 6 July \u2013 the much rumoured \nProton X50\n, and now, the Vivo X50 series of premium smartphones. The Chinese company just confirmed that the X50 lineup will be arriving here in Malaysia, though there\u2019s no concrete release date yet.\n\n\nNonetheless, three devices make up the Vivo X50 series: the regular X50, the X50 Pro, and the range-topping X50 Pro+. However, we believe that only the former two are set to arrive here for now; they are \nalready listed on Vivo Malaysia\u2019s website\n. The X50 is said to be offered in Frost Blue and Glaze Black, while the X50 Pro is available in Alpha Grey.\n\n\n\n\nOut of the two devices listed on Vivo Malaysia\u2019s website, the X50 Pro is naturally the higher-end smartphone. What makes this phone particularly interesting is its quad camera system: the 48MP f/1.6 primary sensor uses a gimbal system for stabilisation, promising better stability over conventional optical image stabilisation.\n\n\nThe other three sensors of the X50 Pro\u2019s camera configuration are quite good too. There\u2019s an 8MP f/3.4 periscope telephoto lens, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 13MP f/2.5 portrait camera. According to Vivo, this combination of sensors allow the phone to do up to 60x \u201cHyper Zoom.\u201d\n\n\nBesides the camera system, the X50 Pro also has a 6.56-inch 1080p AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. Not the fastest panel we\u2019ve seen, but certainly better than conventional 60Hz displays. The AMOLED panel itself should be good too, offering true, deep blacks and vibrant colours for a pleasant viewing experience.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the X50 Pro include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset \u2013 giving the phone 5G connectivity \u2013 8GB of RAM, up to 256GB of non-expandable storage, a 32MP f/2.5 selfie camera, a 4,315mAh battery, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\nAs for the regular X50, it looks similar to the Pro model, but it sports a more pedestrian quad camera setup. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP f/1.6 main sensor, a 13MP f/2.5 portrait shooter, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle lens, and a 5MP f/2.5 macro camera. It also has a 32MP f/2.5 selfie camera.\n\n\nRounding out the hardware of the X50 are the same 6.56-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a Snapdragon 765G chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, up to 256GB of internal storage, a 4,200mAh battery, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nIt remains to be seen exactly when the Vivo X50 and X50 Pro will be introduced in Malaysia, though we reckon it will be happening very soon. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the local availability of these two smartphones.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-predator-triton-500-2020-quick-review-a-slim-incredibly-fast-gaming-laptop/", "title": "Acer Predator Triton 500 (2020) Quick Review: A Slim, Incredibly Fast Gaming Laptop", "body": "\n\nThe new Acer Predator Triton 500 isn\u2019t remarkably different \nfrom its predecessor\n, but the hardware upgrades under the hood bring some notable performance gains. Not only does it ship with a beefier Nvidia RTX 2070 Super Max-Q GPU now, the display has also been swapped for a blazing fast 300Hz panel.\n\n\nOf course, these upgrades come at a cost: the new Triton 500 now starts at RM7,999. This review unit is the range-topping configuration, which costs a whopping RM8,999. It\u2019s a steep asking price, but I can definitely see why it costs so much after spending some time with this slim, \npowerful \ngaming laptop.\n\n\nFor some folks, the premium asking price for the equally premium Triton 500 is certainly worth it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n15.6-inch 300Hz FHD IPS (1920 x 1080), G-Sync\nProcessor\nIntel Core i7-10875H (8C/16T, 2.3GHz with boost up to 5.1GHz)\nGPU\nNvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q 8GB GDDR6 VRAM\nRAM\n16GB DDR4 2933MHz\nStorage\n512GB PCIe NVMe SSD\nCamera\n720p\nBattery\n82WHr\nDimensions\n358.5 x 255 x 17.9 mm\nWeight\n2.1kg\nAudio\nBottom-firing stereo speakers\nPorts\n1x USB 3.1 Type-C (Thunderbolt 3, DisplayPort)\n3x USB 3.2 Type-A\n1x HDMI 2.0\n1x mini DisplayPort 1.4\n1x 3.5mm headphone jack\nPrice\nRM8,999\n\n\nFor RM8,999, the Triton 500 naturally offers some powerful hardware. The Core i7-10875H octa-core processor is fast, the RTX 2070 Super (even in Max-Q form) can deliver high frame rates in AAA titles, and the 300Hz screen is absolutely fantastic. All of these hardware are packed inside a 17.9mm thin chassis, which is one of the reasons why this laptop costs as much as it is.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nLet\u2019s get to the most exciting aspect of the Triton 500 first: performance. As mentioned, the Core i7-10875H is a fast processor that can easily keep up with the RTX 2070 Super Max-Q. To see just how capable this chip is, I put it through its paces in CineBench R20. It returned 3,773 points in the multi-core test, and 483 points in single-core performance; good numbers that are similar to other high-end mobile processors in the market now.\n\n\n\n\nWhat about gaming performance? Well, this is where the Triton 500 took me by surprise. The RTX 2070 Super Max-Q is one serious powerhouse, and I ran the following games in Turbo mode, which automatically overclocks the GPU.\n\n\nGames (max settings @ 1080p)\nAverage FPS\nWitcher 3 (HairWorks disabled)\n100.93\nBorderlands 3 (DX11)\n75.09\nCall of Duty: Warzone (Ray tracing disabled)\n118.70\nApex Legends\n126.89\n\n\nImpressive numbers, right? Sure, these games still don\u2019t quite take advantage of the Triton 500\u2019s 300Hz panel, but you can get even higher frame rates by tweaking the graphics settings. After all, I tested these games with maxed out settings.\n\n\nThermals of the Triton 500 are surprisingly good too, especially for a thin and light gaming machine. The palm rest area stays cool in heated gaming sessions, and while the CPU gets quite toasty, the GPU remains well below 80\u00b0C. Do note that I tested the temperatures of the laptop when it\u2019s running on Turbo mode, which allows the fans to run at max speed. It gets quite loud, but the results are well worth it.\n\n\n\n\nAnd that brings me to the noise level of the Triton 500 outside of gaming, which is basically whisper quiet. Whether I\u2019m doing some light photo editing, browsing the web, or watching some shows on Netflix, the fans are barely audible.\n\n\nSpeaking of content consumption, the Triton 500\u2019s 15.6-inch 1080p IPS screen simply looks stunning. Without a doubt the 300Hz refresh rate itself makes gaming on it extremely enjoyable \u2013 not to mention the G-Sync support \u2013 but the quality of the panel itself is worth praising too. Colours pop, viewing angles are good, and it\u2019s well-calibrated as well.\n\n\nThat being said, I do wish the display was ever so slightly brighter. It\u2019s not dim by any means \u2013 it can get bright enough for comfortable use indoor \u2013 but it does wash out in much brighter conditions outdoor.\n\n\n\n\nLast but definitely not least are the input devices of the Triton 500, which are great. The keyboard \u2013 now with per-key RGB lighting \u2013 is comfortable to type on with tactile keys and just enough key travel for a pleasant typing experience. I\u2019m not a fan of the PredatorSense shortcut key right beside the backspace \u2013 it\u2019s easy to launch the software by accident \u2013 but at least the keyboard as a whole is great.\n\n\nAs for the trackpad, I absolutely love it, which is a peculiar thing to say for a gaming laptop\u2019s trackpad. See, even compared to the trackpad of premium productivity laptops, this is by far one of the most \naccurate \ntrackpads I\u2019ve used on a Windows machine. The smooth surface of the glass trackpad also allows my fingers to glide across it effortlessly.\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWhile the Core i7-10875H under the hood of the Triton 500 can return good numbers, it\u2019s actually not quite as fast as AMD\u2019s excellent Ryzen 4000 chip; more specifically, the Ryzen 7 4800H. In my review of the \nAsus TUF Gaming A15\n, the Ryzen 7 chip powering the laptop proved to be superior to Intel\u2019s offering. Just look at the performance disparity below in CineBench R20:\n\n\nProcessor\nSingle-core test\nMulti-core test\nIntel Core i7-10875H\n483\n3773\nAMD Ryzen 7 4800H\n481\n4106\n\n\nWhile both of them are basically comparable in the single-core test, the Ryzen 7 4800H has a noticeable lead over the Core i7-10875H in the multi-core test. Yes, this Core i7 chip is still a capable chip, but given the fact that the Ryzen 7 processor is found in even more affordable gaming laptops, Intel\u2019s offering doesn\u2019t look to offer very good value for money.\n\n\n\n\nAnother area where the Core i7-10875H fall short on is power consumption. It\u2019s fabricated on a 14nm process, so its power efficiency isn\u2019t quite as good as the 7nm Ryzen 7 4800H. As a result, the battery life of the Triton 500 suffers, especially in comparison to its predecessor. I managed to get six hours of use with the previous model, but with this new iteration, I only got about four hours of use.\n\n\nGranted, the 300Hz panel takes up quite a bit of power too, but just imagine if Acer equipped the Triton 500 with the Ryzen 7 4800H processor instead. Not only will it be a \nfaster\n gaming laptop, it will offer much better battery life as well. Sure, the latter isn\u2019t quite as important for a gaming laptop, but faster performance certainly is.\n\n\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for a thin and light gaming laptop that offers incredibly good gaming performance, then yes, the Acer Predator Triton 500 is worth it. This RM8,999 configuration is costly, but you do get a quick 300Hz screen, a powerful RTX 2070 Super Max-Q GPU, and although it\u2019s not the best processor in the market now, the Core i7-10875H chip is still very capable.\n\n\nThose who don\u2019t need this level of performance, but are enticed by the sleek chassis of the Triton 500, can always opt for the RM7,999 model instead. This configuration comes with a 144Hz screen, an RTX 2070 Max-Q GPU, the same Core i7-10875H processor, and 8GB of RAM. It\u2019s still reasonably powerful, though you should definitely upgrade the RAM to 16GB.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Predator Triton 500, with its slim chassis and powerful performance, is an accomplished gaming laptop. But personally, I wish there was an AMD option for the machine, which would\u2019ve made it \nthat\n much more enticing by offering even better performance and battery life.\n\n\nHopefully, Acer will consider doing so with the next iteration of the Triton 500.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-x50-pro-5g-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm2999/", "title": "Realme X50 Pro 5G Lands in Malaysia for RM2,999", "body": "\n\nRealme just launched its first-ever 5G smartphone in Malaysia, the Realme X50 Pro 5G. What makes this device particularly interesting is the sheer value for money it offers, but for the Malaysian market, that\u2019s not quite the case. On our shores, the X50 Pro goes for RM2,999.\n\n\nWhile that doesn\u2019t make the X50 Pro a particularly costly flagship smartphone, it\u2019s certainly higher than expected. That\u2019s because Realme isn\u2019t introducing more affordable variants of the X50 Pro here: only the range-topping 256GB model with 12GB of RAM is offered locally. In other markets, the phone can be purchased with only 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM, which is a lot more affordable.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, for RM2,999, the Realme X50 Pro does offer a number of neat hardware. Naturally, it\u2019s powered by Qualcomm\u2019s best chipset yet, the Snapdragon 865. Not only does it offer 5G connectivity, it also provides an excellent level of performance. Rest assured, this is a fast smartphone that will be able to meet any user\u2019s demand.\n\n\nSpeaking of fast, the Realme X50 Pro features a 6.44-inch 2400 x 1080 Super AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. Yes, not quite as impressive as other flagship smartphones\u2019 faster 120Hz displays, but it\u2019s still much better than a conventional 60Hz panel. Plus, the 90Hz refresh rate is good enough to provide smooth animations.\n\n\nUnder the screen of the phone, there\u2019s also an optical fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, as a flagship smartphone, the X50 Pro features a rather elaborate quad camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 64MP f/1.8 primary sensor, an 8MP f/2.3 ultra-wide angle shooter, a 12MP f/2.5 telephoto lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 monochrome portrait camera. Collectively, this allows the phone to do \u201c20x hybrid zoom.\u201d Besides that, this phone also has two selfie cameras: a 32MP f/2.5 primary sensor paired with an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter.\n\n\nAnother interesting feature of the X50 Pro is its reasonably big 4,200mAh dual-cell battery. But the capacity is not the highlight here: it\u2019s the charging rate. According to Realme, the 4,200mAh cell can be fully charged in only 35 minutes, thanks to the company\u2019s 65W \u201cSuperDart\u201d fast charging technology.\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme X50 Pro 5G will be available for purchase from tomorrow onwards (7 July) \nfor RM2,999 on Lazada\n; retail stores will carry the flagship smartphone from 11 July onwards. Two colours are offered: Moss Green and Rust Red.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-magicbook-14-costs-rm2499-in-malaysia-pre-orders-get-rm966-worth-of-freebies/", "title": "Honor MagicBook 14 Costs RM2,499 in Malaysia; Pre-Orders Get RM966 Worth of Freebies", "body": "\n\nHonor\u2019s second laptop for the Malaysian market, the Honor MagicBook 14, will be available for pre-order locally from tomorrow onwards on 7 July. Retailing at RM2,499, it\u2019s a reasonably inexpensive productivity laptop. On top of that, those who place their pre-orders early will also receive a number of freebies worth RM817.\n\n\nThose who pre-order the MagicBook 14 between 7 to 13 July on \nShopee \nor \nHonor\u2019s online store\n will get a complimentary laptop sleeve \u2013 it\u2019s said to be limited edition Honor-branded sleeve \u2013 a Bluetooth mouse, a backpack, and an Honor Watch Magic. Collectively, these items are worth RM966; a pretty good deal.\n\n\n\n\nIf you don\u2019t fancy pre-ordering the laptop online, you can place your pre-order with physical retailers instead from 7 to 16 July. You get about the same items as the online pre-order \u2013 except for the laptop sleeve, which seems to be online-exclusive \u2013 though the Watch Magic is interchangeable with an Honor Band 5i. These freebies are worth up to RM817, and naturally, they are only available while stocks last.\n\n\nAs for the MagicBook 14 itself, it\u2019s a reasonably good productivity laptop. Granted, it actually costs RM200 more than the first MagicBook despite the fact that both laptops have identical hardware. In fact, the newer MagicBook 14 actually comes with \nhalf\n the internal storage of its predecessor. That\u2019s right, the former only has a 256GB SSD.\n\n\nThe MagicBook 14\nThe first MagicBook\n\n\nSo why does the new MagicBook 14 cost more despite offering less storage? Well, for one, it\u2019s a much sleeker, modern-looking laptop. It has noticeably smaller bezels surrounding the screen, which also reduces the overall dimensions of the machine. So not only does it look better, it\u2019s a more compact laptop as well.\n\n\nBesides that, the MagicBook 14 weighs less than its predecessor as well. It tips the scales at 1.38kg, making it \never so slightly\n lighter than the first MagicBook\u2019s 1.45kg chassis. While this doesn\u2019t sound like a huge difference, it does give the MagicBook 14 an edge when it comes to portability.\n\n\nOther specifications of the MagicBook 14 include a 14-inch 1080p IPS screen, an AMD Ryzen 5 3500U processor paired with 8GB of RAM, an integrated Radeon Vega 8 GPU, and a webcam hidden underneath the keyboard.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Honor MagicBook 14 will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from tomorrow onwards on \nShopee \nand \nHonor\u2019s online store\n. For RM2,499, its value for money isn\u2019t quite as good as the first MagicBook, but you do get a sleeker-looking laptop.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-grab-the-samsung-galaxy-s20-with-over-rm800-discount/", "title": "Deal: Grab the Samsung Galaxy S20+ With Over RM800 Discount", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been a while since the \nSamsung Galaxy S20+\n was introduced, so naturally, the market price for the flagship smartphone has dropped quite a bit since then. In fact, in conjunction with Lazada\u2019s 7.7 mid-year sale, you can now grab the S20+ \nfor only RM3,199\n \u2013 that\u2019s RM800 worth of savings.\n\n\nNeedless to say, this is an incredibly good offer for a flagship smartphone like the Galaxy S20+. This deal is also listed by Senheng, so rest assured, this is a legitimate offer. On top of that, the retailer has both the Cosmic Grey and Cosmic Black colours in stock.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve been eyeing to get the Samsung Galaxy S20+, this is as good a time as any to grab it. For a flagship smartphone of this calibre, \nRM3,199 is a great deal\n. Not quite convinced? Then check out our hands-on of the S20+ \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-samsung-galaxy-s20-ultra-now-going-for-rm4155/", "title": "Deal: Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra Now Going For RM4,155", "body": "\n\nBesides the Galaxy S20+\n, the range-topping \nSamsung Galaxy S20 Ultra\n is also discounted heavily for Lazada\u2019s 7.7 mid-year sale. Originally retailing at RM4,999, the premium flagship smartphone is now \ngoing for only RM4,155\n, saving you a whopping RM844.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by well-known retailer G Store, so without a doubt this is a legitimate promotion. Although the Galaxy S20 Ultra is listed for RM4,239, you can collect a RM84 discount voucher from G Store to \nbring down the price to RM4,155\n. Both the Cosmic Grey and Cosmic Black models are available as well, with official warranty from Samsung Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra is a very capable flagship smartphone, even if it has its own shortcomings. Nonetheless, RM4,155 is a very good price for a phone of this calibre; check out our \ncomprehensive review of the S20 Ultra\n to find out more.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/msi-modern-14-with-amd-ryzen-5-4500u-chip-now-in-malaysia-for-rm2999/", "title": "MSI Modern 14 With AMD Ryzen 5 4500U Chip Now in Malaysia for RM2,999", "body": "\n\nThere aren\u2019t that many AMD Ryzen 4000 laptops in the Malaysian market now \u2013 especially in the productivity laptop segment \u2013 but we\u2019re getting one new addition from MSI. Enter the MSI Modern 14, which was quietly launched here with a Ryzen 4000 processor earlier this month.\n\n\nRetailing at RM2,999, the Modern 14 is a reasonably affordable productivity laptop. Only a single configuration of the machine is offered in Malaysia at the moment, which comes with a Ryzen 5 4500U processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD. There is also a RM3,269 model, though it is virtually identical to the aforementioned configuration; only the RAM is upgraded to 16GB.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, one of the most appealing aspects of the Modern 14 has to be its design. Thanks to the slim bezels surrounding the 14-inch 1920 x 1080 screen, MSI says that this laptop has a \u201cclose to 90% screen-to-body ratio.\u201d While the bottom bezel isn\u2019t quite as small, it is minimal enough to give the Modern 14 a modern-looking (excuse the pun) aesthetic. There\u2019s also a webcam located above the screen.\n\n\nBesides that, the Ryzen 5 4500U hexa-core processor is one of the best reasons to get the Modern 14 as well. Not only does it offer very respectable performance for the money, it is also more power-efficient than its competition. After all, it\u2019s fabricated on a 7nm process, while Intel\u2019s chips in this segment are still built on a 10nm process.\n\n\n\n\nOkay, so what kind of battery life can you expect out of the Modern 14? Well, according to MSI, this laptop\u2019s 50WHr battery can return up to 10 hours of use on a single charge. Sure, it\u2019s not the best battery life for a productivity laptop, but it\u2019s certainly not the worst either.\n\n\nProductivity laptops have to be compact and portable, and in the case of the Modern 14, it\u2019s a pretty slim and lightweight machine. Its chassis measures 16.9mm thin, and tipping the scales at 1.3kg, you wouldn\u2019t really feel the weight of this laptop in your backpack. This makes it an ideal notebook for those who are always on the go.\n\n\n\n\nThe MSI Modern 14 with AMD\u2019s Ryzen 4000 chip is now available for purchase in Malaysia \nfor RM2,999\n on MSI\u2019s local online store; \nRM3,269 \nif you want to upgrade the RAM to 16GB. According to the listing, every purchase of the Modern 14 will come with a laptop sleeve as well.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/poco-m2-pro-launched-in-india-closely-resembles-redmi-note-9-pro/", "title": "Poco M2 Pro Launched in India; Closely Resembles Redmi Note 9 Pro", "body": "\n\nPoco just launched yet another smartphone for the Indian market, the Poco M2 Pro. At a glance, it looks like a reasonably good new mid-range smartphone, though upon closer inspection, it actually \nclosely resembles\n the \nRedmi Note 9 Pro\n. In fact, it even has some of the \nRedmi Note 9S\n\u2018 hardware.\n\n\nDesign wise, there\u2019s no mistaking the similarities between the Poco M2 Pro and the Redmi Note 9 Pro. Both smartphones have the same display size with a hole-punch cutout, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and even the same dual-tone back design.\n\n\nThe Poco M2 Pro\nThe Redmi Note 9 Pro\n\n\nThere is, however, one difference: the primary camera sensor of the Poco M2 Pro\u2019s quad camera system is a 48MP f/1.8 shooter \u2013 just like the Redmi Note 9S \u2013 while the Redmi Note 9 Pro features a 64MP f/1.89 lens. But beyond that, the other three sensors are the same, which include an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, a 5MP f/2.4 macro lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth camera.\n\n\nSimilarities aside, the Poco M2 Pro is really quite an attractive mid-range smartphone that offers good value for money. For one, it\u2019s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G chipset. While it\u2019s not the most exciting processor in the market now, it should be fast enough to provide a pleasant user experience.\n\n\n\n\nIn the display department, the M2 Pro sports a 6.67-inch 2400 x 1080 IPS display protected by a Corning Gorilla Glass 5; even the rear panel is covered with the same glass. As mentioned, there\u2019s also a hole-punch cutout at the top of the display for the 16MP selfie camera.\n\n\nWhen it comes to battery life, the M2 Pro should be a long-lasting smartphone. After all, it\u2019s equipped with a very generous 5,000mAh battery. According to Poco, you can play PUBG Mobile continuously for up to 11 hours with this smartphone. It also supports 33W fast charging, which allows the battery to be charged from zero to 50% in less than 30 minutes.\n\n\nOther specifications of the M2 Pro include up to 6GB of RAM, 64GB or 128GB of expandable storage, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\n\n\nThe Poco M2 Pro will be available for purchase in India from 14 July onwards with a starting price of 13,999 Indian rupee, which comes up to about RM800. It remains to be seen if the M2 Pro will be sold outside of India, though given its similarity to the Redmi Note 9 Pro, we reckon it\u2019s unlikely to happen.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-note-20-series-launching-on-5-august-galaxy-z-fold-2-also-expected/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Series Launching on 5 August; Galaxy Z Fold 2 Also Expected", "body": "\n\nSamsung just sent out the invitation for its next Galaxy Unpacked event. Set to take place on 5 August, this is likely the launch event for the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 20 series. In fact, we may even see the introduction of the \nGalaxy Fold\n\u2018s successor.\n\n\nLooking at the teaser video for the Unpacked event, it clearly shows the signature S Pen of the Galaxy Note series in the beginning. It makes a droplet with a splash of colour, likely showcasing the new \u201cMystic Bronze\u201d colourway of the Note 20. After all, images of the unreleased phone with the colour option have already circulated online since earlier this month.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBased on recent leaks of the Galaxy Note 20, we do have some idea of what the flagship smartphone could offer. For one, it seems to sport a smaller Infinity-O cutout at the top of the screen for the front-facing camera; the panel itself is also expected to feature a fast 120Hz refresh rate like the \nGalaxy S20 smartphones\n. The overall design of the phone, on the other hand, seems to remain largely the same with a squared-off body.\n\n\nOn the back of the Galaxy Note 20, there\u2019s the new camera module. It looks pretty similar to the Galaxy S20\u2019s equally large array of sensors \u2013 complete with the big camera bump \u2013 and the bottom lens appears to be a periscope-style telephoto shooter. Rumours claim that the Note 20 won\u2019t feature the same 100x Space Zoom of the S20 Ultra, though we reckon it will still be quite far-reaching.\n\n\nJust like last year\u2019s \nGalaxy Note 10 series\n, there will supposedly be two different variants of the Galaxy Note 20.\n\n\nLeaked image of the Galaxy Note 20\n\n\nAs for the successor to the eye-catching Galaxy Fold, it\u2019s expected to be introduced as the Galaxy Z Fold 2 at the Unpacked event. This is likely done to streamline the branding for the Korean company\u2019s foldable smartphones, which include the \nGalaxy Z Flip\n. Speaking of which, the 5G version of the Z Flip is also said to be unveiled at the same launch event.\n\n\nAnyway, compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is believed to come with larger displays. The internal screen is said to be increased to 7.7-inch, while the secondary, outer display will be bigger too, though no exact figure has been leaked yet. Naturally, the Z Fold 2 is tipped to come with the latest high-end hardware as well.\n\n\nThe first Samsung Galaxy Fold\n\n\nSamsung\u2019s next Galaxy Unpacked event will be streamed online on 5 August; you can catch the live stream on Samsung\u2019s official website at 10PM Malaysian time. You can also register your interest for \u201cthe next Galaxy\u201d \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/get-assassins-creed-valhalla-for-free-with-selected-asus-gaming-laptops/", "title": "Get Assassin\u2019s Creed Valhalla for Free With Selected Asus Gaming Laptops", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to get a new gaming laptop, and you also happen to be a fan of Assassin\u2019s Creed, good news: every purchase of selected Asus gaming laptops will come with a copy of Assassin\u2019s Creed Valhalla. Laptops that are a part of this promotion include the \nAsus ROG Zephyrus G14\n, the Zephyrus G15, and even the \nTUF Gaming A15\n and A17 gaming laptops.\n\n\nThis promotion is offered by Asus in conjunction with AMD, which is why only Ryzen 4000 gaming laptops are qualified to get a free copy of Assassin\u2019s Creed Valhalla. But do note that only specific Ryzen processors are a part of this deal, including the Ryzen 7 4800H and Ryzen 9 4900H; their HS counterparts \u2013 like the chips powering the Zephyrus G14 \u2013 are eligible too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith this in mind, the most affordable Asus gaming laptop you can purchase to redeem a free copy of Valhalla is the TUF Gaming A15; more specifically, the RM4,099 configuration. Naturally, this variant is powered by a Ryzen 7 4800H processor, which is paired with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU. Besides that, it also comes with 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD; plenty of storage space for the money.\n\n\nAs for the TUF Gaming A15 itself, we believe it\u2019s the best value for money Ryzen 4000 gaming laptop in the market now. The TUF Gaming series has always focused on delivering the best performance for the money, and the TUF Gaming A15 offers just that. After all, regardless of which configuration you go for, all variants of the gaming laptop in our market come with a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen with a fast 144Hz refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, it\u2019s also worth highlighting just how powerful the Ryzen 4000 processors are. \nWe reviewed the TUF Gaming A15\n with the Ryzen 7 4800H chip, and it was \nblazing fast\n. In fact, compared to Intel\u2019s much more power-hungry (and costly) Core i7-10875H processor, the Ryzen 7 chip offers \nsuperior multi-core performance\n \nwhile \nconsuming less power.\n\n\nThe fact that AMD\u2019s Ryzen 4000 processors are fabricated on a 7nm process give them much better power efficiency. To put this into context, in our review of the TUF Gaming A15, we managed to consistently get five hours of use on a single charge. If that doesn\u2019t sound particularly impressive, note that Malaysian units of the A15 only come with a 48WHr battery.\n\n\nIn other markets, this gaming laptop can be configured with a much larger 90WHr cell, which would\u2019ve improved the battery life even more.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, the promotion period to get Assassin\u2019s Creed Valhalla with selected Asus laptops will commence from 7 July to 3 October 2020. Not sure if the TUF Gaming A15 is the right one for you? Then check out our \ncomprehensive review of the gaming laptop\n. If you want something more premium, consider the \nZephyrus G14\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-saga-anniversary-edition-launched-1100-units-n95-cabin-filter-rm39300/", "title": "Proton Saga Anniversary Edition Launched: 1,100 Units, N95 Cabin Filter, RM39,300", "body": "\n\nIn celebration of the Proton Saga\u2019s 35th anniversary, the national carmaker is introducing a special edition of the model: enter the Proton Saga Anniversary Edition. Sporting some unique styling cues in a new shade of colour, an N95 cabin filter, \nand\n the same price tag as the regular Premium AT trim \u2013 which this model is based on \u2013 only 1,100 units will be produced.\n\n\nUnique to the Saga Anniversary Edition is the Quartz Black paint job; the same shade used for Proton models made for the government. This in itself makes the special edition Saga stand out, but to further set it apart from the regular models, yellow accents are added throughout the A-segment sedan.\n\n\n\n\nFor one, there\u2019s a yellow streak across the front grille, and the side mirrors are finished in yellow as well. At the rear, the lower bumper also gets a yellow strip. But to really complete the look, you\u2019ll have to go for the optional bodykit, which adds on side and front skirts; all with a black-yellow colour scheme, naturally.\n\n\nOf course, the interior gets some yellow highlights here and there as well. The instrument panel has a splash of yellow now, and same goes for the centre console and air conditioning vents. If you\u2019re wondering why Proton decided to go with a black and yellow colour scheme for this Saga, it\u2019s actually a nod to the carmakers motorsports division, R3.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond these cosmetic changes, the Saga Anniversary Edition is identical to the regular models. It\u2019s still powered by a 1.3L four-cylinder engine that outputs 95hp and 120Nm of torque, which is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission sourced from Hyundai. The CVT option was phased out when the Saga was facelifted last year.\n\n\nOther specifications of this special edition Saga include 15-inch alloy wheels (finished in matte grey for this particular model), LED daytime running lights, an Android-based infotainment system, a reverse camera, two airbags, electronic stability control, traction control system, as well as ABS with EBD. Oh, there\u2019s also the addition of an N95 cabin filter, which is now offered across all Proton models.\n\n\n\n\nThe Proton Saga Anniversary Edition is now available for booking, and you can even do so \nonline on Proton\u2019s website\n. On top of that, it\u2019s priced exactly the same as the regular Premium AT model at RM39,300, though only 1,100 units of the special edition will be produced.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-new-dell-xps-desktop-s-series-monitors-are-coming-to-malaysia/", "title": "The New Dell XPS Desktop & S Series Monitors Are Coming to Malaysia", "body": "\n\nDell just unveiled the sexy new Dell XPS Desktop. Sporting a sleeker, much more modern aesthetic, the desktop system is touted as \u201cthe most powerful XPS system ever built.\u201d Besides that, the company also introduced several new S series monitors, and these products will be coming to Malaysia soon.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the XPS Desktop. Redesigned from the ground up, it now sports a more eye-catching design in a more compact form factor; a big improvement over its predecessor\u2019s more\u2026traditional looks. Anyway, the XPS Desktop doesn\u2019t just look good, it\u2019s functional as well.\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Dell, the tool-less chassis of the new desktop system allows for easy upgradability, almost like the \nAlienware Aurora R9\n gaming powerhouse. It comes with a 500W PSU with room to accommodate four storage bays and three expansion slots. The airflow of the chassis is said to maximise performance too, with \u201cstrategic venting placement\u201d and high RPM fans.\n\n\nIn terms of hardware, the XPS Desktop can be configured with Intel\u2019s latest 10th generation processors; up to a fast Core i9 chip from the K series, which is overclockable for even higher performance. In the GPU side of things, this desktop system can be equipped with a beefy Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super. Whether you\u2019re a creative professional or a gamer, the XPS desktop choice of hardware will be able to fulfill your needs.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the new Dell S series monitors. The lineup is made up of three products: the Dell 32-inch Curved 4K Monitor (S3221QS), the Dell 27-inch 4K Monitor (S2721QS), and the most affordable option of the lot, the Dell 27-inch QHD Monitor (S2721DS). Besides the difference in size and resolution, all three of the monitors here come with 99% sRGB colour coverage, integrated speakers, and AMD FreeSync support.\n\n\nWhat makes these monitors particularly interesting is the fact that they are a part of the Dell Premium Panel Exchange program. Basically, if there is any defective pixel on the screen (even if it\u2019s just a single one), the panel can be replaced for free. However, it remains to be seen if this program will be offered here in Malaysia as well.\n\n\n\n\nThe Dell XPS Desktop will be available in Malaysia by the end of this month with a RM3,499 starting price. For that kind of money, it comes with a Core i5-10400 processor, a GTX 1650 Super graphics card, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. As for the three Dell S series monitors, they are expected to be sold here sometime in late August 2020; local pricing for these monitors have not been revealed yet.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/all-proton-models-now-come-with-n95-cabin-filter-retrofit-available-for-rm50/", "title": "All Proton Models Now Come With N95 Cabin Filter; Retrofit Available for RM50", "body": "\n\nAt the virtual launch of the \nProton Saga Anniversary Edition\n, the national carmaker also made a pretty big announcement: all Proton models now come with an N95 cabin filter. This makes Proton the first carmaker to offer such a feature here in Malaysia; that\u2019s quite an achievement.\n\n\nProton models purchased after 9 July will be fitted with the new N95 cabin filter at no additional cost. These include the Iriz, Persona, Exora, and of course, the Saga as well. This cabin filter was \nfirst offered on the Proton X70\n, and it promises to provide a cleaner environment in the cabin.\n\n\n\n\nBut what if you\u2019re an existing owner of either one of these four Proton models? Well, you can have the N95 filter retrofitted to your car. From now until 9 October, the filter can be purchased for only RM50.15, excluding labour charges. After that period of time, it will cost RM59 instead.\n\n\nAs mentioned, the N95 cabin filter is meant to improve air quality in the car\u2019s cabin. According to Proton, this filter is capable of removing 95% of particles larger than 0.3 microns and 98% of PM2.5 dust particulates. It\u2019s an effective barrier against smoke particulates, dust, bacteria, and other pollutants, as the carmaker puts it.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to fit the N95 cabin filter to your Proton car \u2013 provided you\u2019re an owner of the four models mentioned here \u2013 you can book for an appointment to get it done \nover here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/qualcomm-snapdragon-865-official-will-debut-with-asus-rog-phone-3-lenovo-legion-on-22-july/", "title": "Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ Official; Will Debut With Asus ROG Phone 3 & Lenovo Legion on 22 July", "body": "\n\nJust like last year\u2019s Snapdragon 855 chipset, Qualcomm is giving its 2020 flagship processor, the Snapdragon 865, a mid-cycle refresh. Aptly dubbed Snapdragon 865+, the updated chip naturally features faster performance, and it will debut with two gaming smartphones on 22 July: the Asus ROG Phone 3 and Lenovo Legion.\n\n\nAs expected, the Snapdragon 865+ is very similar to the regular Snapdragon 865; the updated chip features the same CPU and GPU. However, these two components are clocked at a higher frequency in the Snapdragon 865+ to return better performance.\n\n\n\n\nThe  Kryo 585 CPU cores of the processor, for one, now has a peak clock speed of 3.1GHz; its predecessor maxes out at 2.84GHz. According to Qualcomm, this translates to 10% better CPU performance. As for the chip\u2019s Adreno 650 GPU, it\u2019s said to be 10% faster as well, which suggests that it is also clocked at a higher frequency now.\n\n\nBasically, the Snapdragon 865+ can be seen as an overclocked version of the regular Snapdragon 865, which is not necessarily a bad thing. After all, the latter is a very capable chipset, and the Snapdragon 865+ improves upon that with even faster performance. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if it does bring noticeable performance gain in real life use.\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone II\n\n\nThe Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ will be powering the Asus ROG Phone 3 and Lenovo Legion gaming smartphones, which are (curiously) slated to be launched later this month on the same day on 22 July.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-band-5-spotted-in-sirim-launch-happening-on-15-july/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi Band 5 Spotted in SIRIM; Global Launch Happening on 15 July", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s generally agreed that Xiaomi\u2019s range of wearables are very popular, thanks to its affordable pricing and feature set. If you\u2019re looking to pick one up, you\u2019ll be happy to know that the Chinese company\u2019s latest fitness band, the Xiaomi Mi Band 5, is set to be unveiled globally next week.\n\n\nXiaomi Malaysia sent out an invitation for its ecosystem product launch happening on 15 July. Looking at the teaser image, there\u2019s a very good chance the company is set to introduce the new Mi Band 5 on our shores, alongside a number of other products.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, just to be sure if Xiaomi really is introducing the Mi Band 5 in Malaysia, we looked through SIRIM\u2019s database to see if the fitness band has been registered with the certification body. True enough, it\u2019s registered under Rainbow Distribution with the model number XMSH10HM just yesterday, so we\u2019re pretty confident the wearable will go on sale here very soon.\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the Mi Band 5 isn\u2019t remarkably different, but it does bring some neat improvements. Its AMOLED display, for one, now measures 1.1-inch with a 294 x 126 resolution. The \nMi Band 4\n, on the other hand, had a smaller 0.95-inch 240 x 120 AMOLED screen.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, it is far easier to charge the Mi Band 5 now. Previously, users had to completely remove the device itself from the strap to place it into the charger, but that\u2019s no longer necessary with the Mi Band 5. There are now two contact points beneath the heart rate sensor for a magnetic charger to connect to, which makes for a much more seamless charging experience.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Mi Band 5\u2019s PPG heart rate sensor is said to be 50% more accurate now, and it can even warn users of any abnormality with their heart rate. The wearable\u2019s sleep monitoring capability has been improved as well \u2013 by 40%, supposedly \u2013 with the added ability to measure REM sleep and even short naps.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi Band 5 will be launched globally next week on 15 July. It remains to be seen exactly when it will arrive in Malaysia, or even how much it will cost locally, though we reckon it wouldn\u2019t go past the RM200 mark. For the sake of comparison, the Mi Band 5 retails from only 189 Chinese yuan in China \u2013 that comes up to about RM115.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dell-inspiron-14-with-amd-ryzen-4000-chip-lands-in-malaysia-starts-at-rm2899/", "title": "Dell Inspiron 14 With AMD Ryzen 4000 Chip Lands in Malaysia; Starts at RM2,899", "body": "\n\nDell has quietly launched the new Dell Inspiron 14 5000 productivity laptop in Malaysia, and it\u2019s equipped with AMD\u2019s Ryzen 4000 series processors. Given that there aren\u2019t that many laptops in this segment with the excellent Ryzen processors on our shores, the Inspiron 14 is quite an interesting product; it doesn\u2019t cost all that much either with a sleek design.\n\n\nTwo variants of the AMD-powered Inspiron 14 are offered here. The base model, which retails at RM2,899, comes with a Ryzen 5 4500U processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The higher-end RM3,399 configuration, on the other hand, upgrades the processor to a Ryzen 7 4700U chip with double the SSD storage at 512GB. If you want the best value for your money, the Ryzen 7 model is the one to go for.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond these hardware differences, both variants of the Inspiron 14 are identical to each other. They feature a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen with slim bezels surrounding it, giving the laptop a sleek, modern aesthetic. Dell doesn\u2019t specify the exact screen-to-body ratio, but it does look good with a reasonably small bottom bezel. There\u2019s also enough space for a webcam above the display.\n\n\nBesides that, the Inspiron 14 is quite a thin and light laptop as well. It measures 18.4mm at its thickest point, and tipping the scales at 1.36kg, it\u2019s an ideal machine for those who are always on the go. Sure, it\u2019s not the lightest or thinnest productivity laptop in the market, but it doesn\u2019t cost all that much money either.\n\n\nThe power button has an integrated fingerprint sensor\n\n\nOf course, what makes the Inspiron 14 particularly interesting is the fact that it\u2019s powered by the Ryzen 4000 series chip. It offers good performance for the money, and given that it\u2019s fabricated on a 7nm process, it is also a very power-efficient processor. This is especially impressive for the Ryzen 7 4700U, which is an octa-core processor; the Ryzen 5 4500U is a hexa-core chip.\n\n\nBut while the Ryzen 4000 chip\u2019s power efficiency is great, we\u2019re not entirely sure the Inspiron 14 will be able to offer respectable battery life. For one, Dell doesn\u2019t have any quoted battery life for the laptop, and to top it off, it\u2019s only equipped with a 40WHr battery. Considering that the Intel counterpart of the Inspiron 14 features a larger 53WHr battery, this is an odd disparity.\n\n\nNonetheless, we can only get a good idea of the laptop\u2019s battery life in a full review; it\u2019ll be interesting to see if the 40WHr battery is good enough.\n\n\n\n\nThe Dell Inspiron 14 5000 is now available for purchase in Malaysia on \nDell\u2019s online store\n. To recap, the Ryzen 5 4500U model retails at RM2,899, while the range-topping Ryzen 7 4700U configuration costs RM3,399.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-zephyrus-duo-15-appears-on-local-website-launching-in-malaysia-this-august/", "title": "Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 Appears on Local Website; Launching in Malaysia This August", "body": "\n\nThe \nAsus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15\n is a unique gaming machine, to say the least. Launched back in April, this laptop features two displays \u2013 one at the top, and another at the bottom. If you\u2019ve been waiting for the arrival of the Duo 15 in Malaysia, good news: it \njust appeared on Asus Malaysia\u2019s official website\n.\n\n\nOf course, we reached out to Asus Malaysia regarding the local availability of the Zephyrus Duo 15, and we were told that the gaming laptop will in fact be launching here sometime in August next month. It makes sense, given that the \nZenBook 13 and ZenBook 14\n are already set to be introduced on our shores this month.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, we don\u2019t know which variant of the Zephyrus Duo 15 will be available in the Malaysian market, though there\u2019s a good chance we\u2019ll get (at the very least) the highest-end configuration. After all, the Zephyrus lineup is Asus\u2019 premium offering; it only makes sense to bring in the range-topping model.\n\n\nIf Asus Malaysia does bring in the highest-end configuration of the Zephyrus Duo 15, it will be packing a fast Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super with Intel\u2019s latest 10th generation Core i9-10980HK processor. Needless to say, these are two beefy hardware that will be able to deliver an excellent level of performance.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there are the two displays of the Zephyrus Duo 15. The 15.6-inch primary display \u2013 available in either 4K 60Hz or 1080p 300Hz \u2013 is Pantone Validated with Nvidia G-Sync support, while the secondary \u201cScreenPad Plus\u201d panel above the keyboard is a 14.1-inch 3840 x 1100 touch-enabled display. It\u2019s worth noting that the bottom screen also props up at an angle when the lid is opened, giving better visibility.\n\n\nDespite sporting two displays \u2013 and some beefy hardware under the hood \u2013 the Zephyrus Duo 15 is still a surprisingly slim laptop. Its chassis measures only 20mm, which is really quite thin for a gaming machine as powerful as it is. That being said, tipping the scales at 2.4kg, this is not exactly a lightweight laptop.\n\n\n\n\nBased on our conversation with Asus Malaysia, the Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 is set to be launched in Malaysia sometime in August next month. Chances are, the Taiwanese company could be launching a number of other refreshed gaming laptops at the same time, including the \nZephyrus M15\n and \nZephyrus S15\n; all of these are Intel-powered machines.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ghost-of-tsushima-review-living-samurai-dream-stunning-feudal-japan/", "title": "Ghost of Tsushima Review: Living the Samurai Dream in Stunning Feudal Japan", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been a while since we\u2019ve seen a new game from Sucker Punch. In fact, the last game the studio released was back in 2014 with Infamous Second Son and Infamous First Light; they were some of the earliest PlayStation 4 exclusive games. Fast forward six years later, we\u2019ve now got Ghost of Tsushima from the studio, which is the last exclusive title for the PS4.\n\n\nSet in feudal Japan in an open-world setting, Ghost of Tsushima is a stunning samurai adventure with solid gameplay elements. While there are some aspects of the game that could be improved upon, Tsushima is easily one of the best open-world titles I\u2019ve played. To top it off, it is jam-packed with content as well, which is sure to entertain you for hours on end.\n\n\n\n\nStory\n\n\nYou play as Jin Sakai, one of the last surviving samurai on the island of Tsushima to defend against the Mongol invasion led by Khotun Khan. Jin starts off as an honourable samurai, but as the game progresses, he needs to devise new tactics to get the edge over the Mongols, setting him down the path of the Ghost.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re familiar with Infamous games, you\u2019d know of the Karma system. Well, Ghost of Tsushima doesn\u2019t have it: there is only one storyline in this game. The decision to abandon your samurai ways to become the Ghost isn\u2019t yours to make, though you are free to swap between the two playstyles throughout the game.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, I digress. As for the main story itself, it\u2019s quite entertaining with a good plot and solid character development. My only issue with the story is the fact that it\u2019s a little too short. Don\u2019t get me wrong, there are plenty of things to do in Ghost of Tsushima, but the main story itself isn\u2019t awfully long.\n\n\nBut that\u2019s where side-quests come into the picture. Thing is, I usually avoid side-quests in open-world games, but I don\u2019t feel like that at all with Ghost of Tsushima. A surprising amount of work goes into the story development of these side-quests, and a number of them are divided into several parts as well.\n\n\nIn fact, I find myself completing quite a lot of side-quests before I decide to jump back into the main story. That\u2019s not to say the main plot isn\u2019t as exciting; side-quests are just a lot of fun in Tsushima. I\u2019ll elaborate more on this further down this review.\n\n\n\n\nOverall, Ghost of Tsushima tells quite a compelling story, even in the plethora of side-quests available. But this isn\u2019t the game\u2019s strong suit: it\u2019s gameplay.\n\n\nGameplay\n\n\nThis is by far my favourite aspect of Ghost of Tsushima, especially the combat mechanics. There are plenty of tools at my disposal, but it\u2019s the Stances that stood out to me the most. Each of the Stance changes my attacks, and it is meant to counter specific enemies. On top of that, you can even swap between the four Stances during combat in real-time.\n\n\n\n\nThese Stances add a layer of complexity to the combat system without feeling overly complicated, and it is very fun to switch between them when I\u2019m facing different enemies. Once you upgrade each individual Stance, they feel even more engaging and fleshed out. Of course, beyond this, other combat elements are equally fun too.\n\n\nParrying and dodging, for example, are very satisfying to pull off. If you time them right, and you\u2019ve got the skill upgraded, you can immediately perform a high damage counterattack. Granted, other games (such as Sekiro) have similar implementations, but the timing is far more forgiving here. The fact that it\u2019s easier to perform counterattacks in this game doesn\u2019t make them any less satisfying though, in my opinion.\n\n\nFocused Hearing comes in handy to spot enemies behind obstacles\n\n\nOkay, so just how difficult is combat in this game? I\u2019d say it\u2019s quite well-balanced. I played the game on normal difficulty, and it feels just right. If I rush into a crowd of enemies, I can get overwhelmed quite quickly, and each hit by them takes off quite a big chunk of my health. But if I\u2019m smart about it, and pick off some of them from afar with a bow before engaging in close combat, it\u2019s very manageable.\n\n\nIn short, I can\u2019t just power through enemies without proper planning; the game is quite punishing in this aspect, which is fair. Plus, if you\u2019re not keen to engage enemies head-on, you can always take the stealth approach with Ghost tactics. You can sneak around behind them for instant kills, eliminate a group of enemies with a bomb, or poison them with a blowgun.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, the stealth gameplay isn\u2019t particularly polished in Ghost of Tsushima. The enemy AI, for one, is\u2026not very intelligent. There was one time where I failed to kill an enemy archer with one shot while I was on a roof, and I was sure the other enemies were alerted when the archer started shouting. But once I killed him off, the enemies \u2013 who are right below me \u2013 simply acted as if nothing happened.\n\n\nBasically, Ghost of Tsushima gets much easier when you take the stealth approach; too easy, even. There\u2019s no feeling of dread as I sneak around Mongol camps, enemies take much too long to detect my presence (even when I\u2019m almost out in the open), and in short, the stealth gameplay just doesn\u2019t match the difficulty curve of the \u201csamurai gameplay,\u201d if you will. It would\u2019ve been great if playing as the Ghost was a bit more challenging.\n\n\n\n\nThat aside, let\u2019s talk about the open-world nature of the Ghost of Tsushima, which is \nvast\n. Side-quests are littered across the map, along with a number of hidden landmarks to discover. It\u2019s quite fun to just ride across the island on the horse without any destination in mind, though if I want to get to certain points quicker, I can simply fast travel to any location I\u2019ve discovered. This makes it very easy to traverse across the map, and I love it.\n\n\nI\u2019ve mentioned how I\u2019m often sidetracked by side-quests throughout the game, and I\u2019m surprised by the sheer amount of them. Naturally, not all of them are particularly enjoyable \u2013 such as the dreaded trailing quests \u2013 but the ones I\u2019ve completed are really quite fun. This is especially the case with Mythic Tales: their plots are very entertaining, and the quest rewards are worth the time as well.\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, Tsushima has excellent gameplay with plenty of content to offer. Sure, the stealth gameplay isn\u2019t as polished as it should be, but I still thoroughly enjoyed assassinating enemies from the shadow.\n\n\nGraphics\n\n\nSucker Punch promised that the Ghost of Tsushima will feature beautiful, awe-inspiring landscapes of feudal Japan, and I\u2019m happy to report that this is really the case. I played this game on a PlayStation 4 Pro system, and the sprawling island looks stunning no matter where I travel to on the map. The dynamic weather as well as the day and night cycle further add to the realism of the game. Just look at the screenshots below:\n\n\n\n\nBut as impressive as the environment of the game is, there are a couple of graphical elements that I\u2019m not fond off. Take the facial expressions of the characters in the game, or lack thereof. The characters don\u2019t look very expressive, giving them a stiff appearance in cutscenes. Even the studio\u2019s own Infamous Second Son \u2013 which was released back in 2014 \u2013 had better facial expressions, which really surprised me.\n\n\nThis is unfortunate, given just how good the voice acting is in Ghost of Tsushima. The emotions are all there, but the animations just don\u2019t capture them very well. Fortunately, other graphical aspects of the game look fantastic, and I had a ball playing around with the photo mode to capture the stunning scenery.\n\n\nYes, you can pet the fox\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nAs the last exclusive title for the PlayStation 4 system, many will have big expectations for Ghost of Tsushima; so did Sucker Punch deliver? Well, it definitely exceeded my expectations. While the stealth gameplay isn\u2019t particularly refined, other positive aspects of the game more than make up for this, especially the combat system and \nawe-inspiring\n landscapes.\n\n\nOn top of that, Tsushima will keep you entertained for many, many hours. I\u2019ve easily spent over 50 hours in the game, and there are still a lot of side-quests that I have yet to complete. I rarely go for the platinum trophy \u2013 even more so in open-world titles \u2013 but I definitely feel motivated to do so with this game. I really want to complete Tsushima to its fullest extent, which really shows just how fun it is.\n\n\n\n\nPlus, you get to play as a very skilled samurai in beautifully rendered feudal Japan. What\u2019s not to love?\n\n\nGhost of Tsushima launches on the PS4 on 17 July.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dualsense-controller-appears-in-sirim-malaysia-first-market-playstation-5/", "title": "DualSense Controller Appears in SIRIM; Malaysia One of the First Markets to Get PlayStation 5?", "body": "\n\nThe \nPlayStation 5\n is expected to be introduced globally by the end of the year, though it\u2019s not certain if Malaysia will be one of the first markets to receive the next-generation console. Well, we now have an answer (sort of): the DualSense controller for the PS5 has just been spotted on SIRIM, suggesting that we could be getting the console at launch.\n\n\nOf course, this is only an educated guess at this point in time, but it \nis\n an encouraging sign that Malaysians will be able to get their hands on the PS5 the moment it hits the market. As for the DualSense controller itself, it was registered with the certification body just today under Sony Malaysia with the model number CFI-ZCT1G.\n\n\n\n\nThe SIRIM listing itself doesn\u2019t outright confirm that the CFI-ZCT1G is the DualSense controller; it was simply described as a hybrid wireless game controller. But after a bit of digging online, we\u2019re confident this is the DualSense controller. Ruliweb, a Korean site, \nseems to think so as well\n. Plus, the first DualShock 4 carried the model number CUH-ZCT1H \u2013 see the similarity?\n\n\nCompared to the DualShock 4, the new DualSense controllers bring quite a number of upgrades. The two big features are adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, which is probably why the new controller is called DualSense. Anyway, the adaptive triggers are implemented in the L2 and R2 buttons, and the \u201ctension\u201d of the triggers \u2013 depending on what\u2019s happening in-game \u2013 will change accordingly.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the haptic feedback of the DualSense controller, PlayStation says that it \u201cadds a variety of powerful sensations you\u2019ll feel when you play, such as the slow grittiness of driving a car through mud.\u201d Beyond that, we don\u2019t know too much about this new feature, though we reckon it will offer more refined vibrations than the current DualShock 4 controller.\n\n\nDesign wise, the ergonomics of the DualSense controller is said to be superior now. PlayStation mention that the angle of the hand triggers has been changed, and subtle updates have also been made to the overall grip. Hopefully, these changes will make the controller feel more comfortable in extended gaming sessions.\n\n\nOther notable changes the DualSense controller brings include an integrated microphone, a USB-C port, and a new \u201cCreate\u201d button in place of the Share button on the DualShock 4.\n\n\n\n\nThe DualSense controller is set to be launched alongside the PlayStation 5 system by the end of this year. Now that the controller has been registered with SIRIM, the PS5 itself may make an appearance there soon, and there\u2019s a very good chance Malaysia will be one of the first markets to get the next-generation console.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-note-9-pro-quick-review-the-mid-range-benchmark/", "title": "Redmi Note 9 Pro Quick Review: The Mid-Range Benchmark", "body": "\n\nRedmi smartphones are known for offering excellent value for money, and naturally, the same goes for the Redmi Note 9 Pro. I\u2019ve been using it as my daily driver for a few weeks now, and I\u2019m really quite happy with this mid-range smartphone, especially with its RM999 starting price in mind.\n\n\nIn fact, I\u2019d go as far as to say that the Redmi Note 9 Pro sets the bar on what to expect from a mid-range smartphone. If you want the most bang for your buck, consider this affordable gem, though do note that it has some shortcomings here and there.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.67-inch FHD+ IPS (2400 x 1080)\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 720G 2.3GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 618\nRAM\n6GB\nStorage\n64/128GB, expandable\nCamera (rear)\n64MP f/1.89\n8MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide angle)\n5MP f/2.4 (macro)\n2MP f/2.4 (depth)\nCamera (front)\n16MP f/2.48\nBattery\n5,020mAh\nDimensions\n165.75 x 76.68 x 8.8 mm\nWeight\n209g\nOS\nMIUI 11 based on Android 10\nConnectivity\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM999 (64GB), RM1,099 (128GB)\n\n\nAs far as mid-range smartphones go, the Redmi Note 9 Pro is reasonably well-equipped. The Snapdragon 720G is fast enough for most tasks, the quad camera system can capture good-looking shots, and the generous 5,020mAh battery can return \nincredibly long\n battery life; more on that in the next section.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nSo exactly how good is the Redmi Note 9 Pro\u2019s battery life? Well, on average, I was getting between eight to nine hours of screen on time; I can even \u2013 comfortably, if I might add \u2013 get two days of use out of this phone. This is \nridiculously\n good battery life, even compared to other smartphones with a similar battery capacity.\n\n\n\n\nCharging rate of the Redmi Note 9 Pro is pretty darn good as well. Rated at 30W, the phone got up to about 65% from completely empty within 30 minutes of charging. Very respectable charging rate, given that it has a large 5,020mAh battery.\n\n\nBesides that, the Snapdragon 720G is no slouch either. Sure, it doesn\u2019t provide blazing fast performance, but it does offer good enough processing power regardless of the task at hand. Whether I\u2019m multitasking or gaming, the chipset manages just fine.\n\n\n\n\nAnother aspect worth highlighting is the Redmi Note 9 Pro\u2019s build quality. Even though it has a plastic frame, the curved glass back panel improves the perceived build quality of this affordable device. I wouldn\u2019t say it feels like a premium smartphone, but it certainly doesn\u2019t feel cheap.\n\n\nAs for the 6.67-inch 1080p IPS display, it\u2019s decent with good peak brightness and vibrant colours. While it doesn\u2019t look incredibly good \u2013 this is an affordable smartphone, after all \u2013 I do like the hole-punch cutout at the top of the screen. It gives the phone a symmetrical, modern aesthetic.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the camera performance of the Redmi Note 9 Pro. As expected, the primary 64MP f/1.89 sensor can capture very good-looking shots under ideal lighting. Detail preservation is good, the camera interface feels responsive, and it feels quite effortless to use as well.\n\n\nHowever, in more challenging lighting conditions, the camera does show its weaknesses. It feels a lot more sluggish in low light environments with worse detail preservation, but with some effort and patience, I can still get good results. It\u2019s not amazing by any means, but it is more than acceptable for a phone at this price point.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOverall, the Redmi Note 9 Pro has a lot of good qualities. But as I\u2019ve said in the beginning of this review, it does have its fair share of shortcomings, such as\u2026the camera performance.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWhile the Redmi Note 9 Pro \ncan\n capture nice shots, that\u2019s mostly applicable to the primary 64MP sensor; the same can\u2019t be said of the 8MP ultra-wide angle shooter. It\u2019s more than serviceable when there\u2019s enough light, but in low light conditions, the results leave much to be desired. Just take a look at the comparison below of the same scene shot with the 64MP main sensor and 8MP ultra-wide angle camera.\n\n\n64MP primary\n8MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\nA stark difference, isn\u2019t it? Of course, this isn\u2019t exactly an issue that\u2019s exclusive to the Redmi Note 9 Pro. Other smartphones in this price range with multiple camera configurations suffer from this disparity in image quality between different sensors, unfortunately enough.\n\n\nBesides that, MIUI 11 on the Redmi Note 9 Pro isn\u2019t quite as polished as it should be either, with niggling issues here and there. Notifications (still) cannot be dismissed with a left swipe, and if there are any notifications on the lock screen, they will be gone after I\u2019ve unlocked the phone \u2013 even if I didn\u2019t interact with any of them.\n\n\nBut beyond these small issues, there are no major bugs with MIUI 11, though it would\u2019ve been great if it handled notifications better.\n\n\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for a mid-range smartphone that gives you the best value for your money, the Redmi Note 9 Pro fits the bill. Retailing from only RM999, it offers incredibly long battery life, more than adequate processing power for a comfortable user experience, and its camera performance \u2013 even if the ultra-wide angle sensor isn\u2019t quite up to snuff \u2013 is more than acceptable at this price point.\n\n\nThat being said, if you don\u2019t mind a less sophisticated camera system, and you\u2019re fine with a slower charging rate, consider the \nRedmi Note 9S\n instead. It\u2019s almost identical to the Pro model, with the only difference being two things: the primary camera sensor is a 48MP shooter instead of a 64MP unit, and it has a slower 18W charging rate.\n\n\n\n\nIf these two differences don\u2019t sound like too much of a downgrade to you, then the Redmi Note 9S is a good alternative to the Pro model. On top of that, the former starts at only RM799, so you\u2019ll be saving RM200. This may not seem like a big price difference, but in this segment, every penny counts.\n\n\nOf course, that is not to say the Redmi Note 9 Pro doesn\u2019t offer good value for money, because it certainly does. For RM200 more, you\u2019re getting superior camera performance and a much faster 30W charging rate. To some folks, these two upgrades are worth the extra dough.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-tv-stick-official-supports-android-tv-chromecast-for-less-than-rm200/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi TV Stick Official: Supports Android TV & Chromecast for Less Than RM200", "body": "\n\nXiaomi just introduced a slew of new products, and one of the most exciting ones is the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick. As its name suggests, it connects to a regular TV to transform it into a smart TV. On top of that, the Mi TV Stick supports both Android TV and Chromecast, not to mention the fact that it\u2019s quite affordable.\n\n\nJust like Google\u2019s own Chromecast dongle, the Mi TV Stick is plugged into a TV\u2019s HDMI port. Once you\u2019ve done that, just connect it to the internet to enjoy all the features of Android TV, including access to the Google Play Store to download streaming and gaming apps.\n\n\n\n\nAlso bundled with the Mi TV Stick is a dedicated Bluetooth remote, complete with a built-in microphone. This allows you to give voice commands to perform various tasks, thanks to the integration of Google Assistant. It\u2019s also a rather simple remote, with dedicated buttons to access Netflix and Amazon\u2019s Prime Video.\n\n\nOf course, the Mi TV Stick\u2019s Chromecast support also allows you to cast content directly to the connected TV from your phone, laptop, or tablet. However, this is only limited to 1080p, but given the affordable pricing of the TV Stick, it\u2019s not really a surprise.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick retails at \u20ac40 globally, which comes up to about RM195. Unfortunately, the Malaysian availability and pricing of the media player have not been announced yet.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-myvi-updated-with-asa-2-0-new-electric-blue-paint/", "title": "Perodua Myvi Updated With ASA 2.0 & New Electric Blue Paint", "body": "\n\nThe popular Perodua Myvi has just been updated for 2020, and the B-segment hatchback is now safer than ever. Not only has it been added with Perodua\u2019s latest Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0 system, the Myvi is now offered with a new Electric Blue colour option too.\n\n\nPreviously, the original ASA \u2013 a suite of driver assistance safety systems \u2013 was available only in the range-topping 1.5 AV Myvi. But moving forward, the updated ASA 2.0 is offered as a standard feature on the 1.5 AV as well as the 1.5 H models. On top of that, it\u2019s also now an optional add-on for the 1.3 X trim, leaving only the base 1.3 G without the safety feature.\n\n\n\n\nASA 2.0 is quite a significant update to the first version of the safety system. For one, it adds on Pedestrian Detection, which works at up to 50km/h. Besides that, the operational speeds of the Pre-Collision Warning and Pre-Collision Braking features have been increased to 100km/h and 80km/h respectively. Previously, they were only limited to 30km/h.\n\n\n\u201cWith the inclusion of ASA 2.0, the Perodua Myvi takes advanced safety to a whole new level at this price point, and it\u2019s now more widely available within the line-up,\u201d said the CEO of Perodua, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad. As for the new Electric Blue colour option, it is available on all variants of the Myvi.\n\n\n\n\nThe new Perodua Myvi retains its RM41,292 starting price \u2013 with the \n100% sales tax exemption\n applied \u2013 for the base 1.3 G model with a manual transmission. Same goes for the RM44,959 1.3 X, though adding on ASA 2.0 will cost extra RM2,000. As for the 1.5 H, it costs RM50,530 now, which is a RM2,000 increase.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the range-topping 1.5 AV trim of the Myvi. Retailing at RM52,697, it now costs RM500 more.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-x50-series-with-gimbal-camera-lands-in-malaysia-21-july-x50-pro-excluded/", "title": "Vivo X50 Series With Gimbal Camera Lands in Malaysia 21 July; X50 Pro+ Excluded", "body": "\n\nVivo will be launching its range of premium smartphones, the \nX50 series\n, here in Malaysia next week on 21 July. These include the standard X50 as well as the X50 Pro, but unfortunately, we were told the range-topping X50 Pro+ will not be offered in the Malaysian market.\n\n\nIt\u2019s a little bit of a letdown, given that the X50 Pro+ is the true flagship smartphone in the series; it is the only device in the lineup with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset. The other two devices, on the other hand, are powered by a more modest Snapdragon 765G SoC. It\u2019s still quite a capable chip, of course, but it doesn\u2019t exactly offer flagship-tier performance.\n\n\nThe Vivo X50 Pro\nThe standard Vivo X50\n\n\nNonetheless, the X50 and X50 Pro are still pretty interesting premium smartphones, especially the latter. What makes this phone particularly unique is its quad camera system; more specifically, the 48MP f/1.6 primary sensor, which features a gimbal system for stabilisation. This promises better stability over conventional optical image stabilisation, and based on my brief time with the phone, it certainly does.\n\n\nAs for the other three sensors in the X50 Pro\u2019s quad camera system, they\u2019re quite adequate. There\u2019s an 8MP f/3.4 periscope telephoto sensor, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 13MP f/2.5 portrait lens. According to Vivo, this combination of sensors allow the phone to do up to 60x \u201cHyper Zoom.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the X50 Pro also comes with a 6.56-inch 1080p AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. Not only is it a reasonably fast display with bright, vibrant colours \u2013 it\u2019s an AMOLED panel, after all \u2013 it curves on either sides of the phone as well. This definitely adds a premium touch to the X50 Pro, even though other phone makers have done it before.\n\n\nOther specifications of the X50 Pro include 5G connectivity, 8GB of RAM, up to 256GB of non-expandable storage, a 32MP f/2.5 selfie camera, a 4,315mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\nAs for the standard X50, it\u2019s largely similar to the Pro model, but it doesn\u2019t have the sophisticated gimbal-style camera or dual curved display. Instead, it sports a more conventional quad camera system made up of a 48MP f/1.6 main sensor, a 13MP f/2.5 portrait shooter, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle lens, and a 5MP f/2.5 macro camera. It also features a slightly smaller 4,200mAh battery, but the 33W fast charging is retained.\n\n\nThe Vivo X50 Pro\u2019s curved screen\n\u2026compared to the Vivo X50\u2019s more flat panel\n\n\nThe Vivo X50 and X50 Pro will be introduced in a Malaysia next week on 21 July via an online live stream on \nVivo Malaysia\u2019s Facebook page\n. We\u2019ll find out then exactly how much these two smartphones will cost locally.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-ideapad-flex-5-quietly-launched-in-malaysia-amd-ryzen-4000-convertible-laptop-from-rm2259/", "title": "Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Quietly Launched in Malaysia; AMD Ryzen 4000 Convertible Laptop From RM2,399", "body": "\n\nMore and more laptops with \nAMD\u2019s excellent Ryzen 4000 processors\n are arriving in Malaysia, and the latest one is a convertible notebook from Lenovo. This is the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5, and not only is it powered by AMD\u2019s latest Ryzen 4000 chips, it is also pre-installed with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2019.\n\n\nWith the inclusion of the software, the IdeaPad Flex 5 will have lifetime access to the full version of Office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This makes it ideal for folks that are planning to get Microsoft Office anyway, and it\u2019s worth noting that not many laptops offer full access to the software for free.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the IdeaPad Flex 5 itself, we first spotted it on Shopee from renowned local retailer EIT Store. Looking at the shop\u2019s listings, it is offering the laptop \nfrom only RM2,259\n \u2013 the original retail price is RM2,399 \u2013 for the Ryzen 3 4300U model, which is also equipped with 4GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage.\n\n\nIf you want more processing power, you can opt for the higher-end IdeaPad Flex 5 with a faster Ryzen 5 4500U processor and a more generous 8GB RAM \nfor RM2,929\n. Unfortunately, the SSD capacity remains the same at 256GB. Still, it\u2019s decent list of hardware, though it would\u2019ve been great if it offered more storage.\n\n\nAfter all, its competition, such as the \nAcer Swift 3\n, offers similar hardware with a much more generous 512GB SSD. Granted, the Swift 3 is not a convertible laptop like the IdeaPad Flex 5.\n\n\n\n\nCuriously, on Lenovo Malaysia\u2019s online store, the IdeaPad Flex 5 is \nlisted with a different configuration\n. Not only does it feature a faster Ryzen 7 4700U processor paired with 16GB of RAM, it also comes with a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display; the model offered by EIT Store \u2013 and other retail outlets as well \u2013 has a less desirable TN panel instead.\n\n\nWhile the configuration of the IdeaPad Flex 5 on Lenovo\u2019s online store looks more appealing, do note that it is equipped with a 1TB HDD instead of a faster SSD storage. Besides that, it doesn\u2019t seem to be bundled with Microsoft Office Home & Student as well. And to top it off, with a RM3,949 price tag (before discounts, at the time of writing), it\u2019s quite a bit more costly too.\n\n\n\n\nThe lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 is now available in Malaysia. To recap, the Ryzen 3 4300U model \ncan be purchased for RM2,259\n from EIT, while the higher-end Ryzen 5 4500U option \ncosts RM2,929 from the same retailer\n. Alternatively, you can also get it from \nLenovo\u2019s online store\n for the faster Ryzen 7 4700U variant, though you\u2019ll have to fork out RM3,949.\n\n\nUpdate 27 July:\n Lenovo Malaysia amended the pricing of the IdeaPad Flex 5 on its online store. The article has been updated to reflect this.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-10-ii-hands-on-a-curious-rm1799-mid-ranger/", "title": "Sony Xperia 10 II Hands-On: A Curious RM1,799 Mid-Ranger", "body": "\n\nThe Sony Xperia 10 II \u2013 pronounced Xperia 10 Mark II \u2013 was unveiled to the world back in February this year, and it\u2019s finally available for purchase in Malaysia now. On paper, it\u2019s a mid-range smartphone powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, which doesn\u2019t sound all that impressive, especially for RM1,799.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the Xperia 10 II is a Snapdragon 665 device that costs RM1,799; that is a lot of money for a mid-range smartphone. At a glance, it\u2019s tough to justify that kind of price tag for a phone in this segment, but the thing is\u2026the Xperia 10 II \nactually\n has a couple of winning qualities here. Let\u2019s talk about them in this hands-on, shall we?\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor one, the Xperia 10 II has a rare feature for any mid-range smartphone: its chassis is IP65/IP68-rated, giving it dust and water resistance. In fact, in the sub-RM2,000 price range, only the \nlatest iteration of the iPhone SE\n \u2013 which costs RM1,999 \u2013 immediately comes to mind with any form of water resistance. Chances are, this certification is what drives up the price of the Xperia 10 II to an extent.\n\n\nBesides that, another unique feature of this mid-ranger is its 6-inch 1080p OLED screen with a 21:9 aspect ratio. Not many phones have a display with such a wide aspect ratio, which gives the Xperia 10 II a rather\u2026well, disproportionate look. That being said, the tall screen allows the device to be narrower, so it\u2019s easier to operate the phone with only one hand; something that you cannot say of the majority of smartphones in the market now.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the OLED panel of the Xperia 10 II is worth a mention here too. Not only does it offer bright, punchy colours, it also has great viewing angles and extremely good black level. After all, the latter is an inherent property of OLED screens, which are generally considered to be more desirable than LCD panels.\n\n\nAnother benefit of OLED panels is better power efficiency, which complements the Xperia 10 II\u2019s 3,600mAh battery very well. It is not an awfully big battery capacity, but this \nis\n a compact smartphone. While I haven\u2019t had the chance to extensively test the battery life of this phone yet, I\u2019m confident it will be quite a long-lasting device.\n\n\n\n\nSo far, I\u2019ve only been highlighting unique aspects of the Xperia 10 II that could appeal to folks, so let\u2019s talk about its less-than-stellar hardware now. The most glaring shortcoming of this smartphone has to be its decidedly mid-range Snapdragon 665 chipset. Compared to more modern processors that are faster and more power-efficient \u2013 especially at this price point \u2013 the Snapdragon 665 certainly pales in comparison.\n\n\nGranted, in my brief time with the Xperia 10 II, it doesn\u2019t feel particularly sluggish or slow, though it remains to be seen exactly how well it would perform in other tasks that are more demanding. Rest assured, I will put the Snapdragon 665 through its paces in the full review; it\u2019ll be interesting to see if it can offer a pleasant gaming experience.\n\n\n\n\nDesign wise, I\u2019m not too crazy about the looks of the Xperia 10 II. While I do appreciate the narrow chassis of the phone (it helps with ergonomics), the sizeable top and bottom bezels \u2013 and even the sides, actually \u2013 doesn\u2019t give it a particularly sleek appeal. Sure, space had to be made on the bottom bezel to fit the front-facing speaker, but it would\u2019ve been great if Sony retained the minimal chin of \nthe phone\u2019s predecessor\n.\n\n\nAnyway, at least the Xperia 10 II feels great in my hands. Its plastic frame doesn\u2019t exactly scream premium, but the matte finish does feel nice to the touch. The simple, relatively unblemished rear design looks good too, and the Corning Gorilla Glass 6 protecting the front and back of the phone gives it solid, reassuring build quality.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the triple camera system of the Xperia 10 II. It is made up of a 12MP f/2.0 primary sensor, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, and get this: another 8MP f/2.4 telephoto lens that can do 2x optical zoom. Mid-range smartphones don\u2019t typically offer a telephoto camera, so it\u2019s nice to see that Sony is including such a sensor in the Xperia 10 II.\n\n\nHowever, even though this phone has a versatile camera array with three different focal lengths, the actual image quality and shooting experience don\u2019t seem super promising. See, every time I hit the shutter button, the phone wouldn\u2019t immediately take the shot. Instead, it will attempt to lock in focus again, even though the shot was already focused.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the speed of the autofocus system isn\u2019t very impressive either, and same goes for detail preservation, \neven \nin reasonably well-lit environment. Of course, it\u2019s still much too early to give any verdict on the camera performance of the Xperia 10 II, but I\u2019m not exactly thrilled to shoot with the phone at the moment. Nonetheless, stay tuned for the full review.\n\n\nThe Sony Xperia 10 II is not a mid-range smartphone that is immediately appealing, especially with its steep RM1,799 price tag. But if you can look past its high asking price, there are some really good qualities here that are unique to the phone in this segment. But whether or not these are worth forking out a premium for it is an entirely different question, even if you do get 128GB of expandable storage and 4GB of RAM.\n\n\n\n\nBut for what it\u2019s worth, I am quite excited to use the Xperia 10 II as my daily driver, mostly for its unique, compact form factor. Yes, I\u2019ll admit I wasn\u2019t a fan of the tall, narrow design \nwhen it debut on the first Xperia 10\n, but there\u2019s just something about the Xperia 10 II that piqued my interest. Whether or not my interest will diminish in the next few weeks will depend on just how good the phone really is. \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/watch-the-dualsense-controller-for-the-playstation-5-in-action/", "title": "Watch the DualSense Controller for the PlayStation 5 in Action", "body": "\n\nThe \nPlayStation 5\n is only set to be launched towards the end of the year, but we get to see the DualSense controller for the next-generation console in action much earlier. In a hands-on session with Geoff Keighley \u2013 the man behind The Game Awards \u2013 he demonstrated the features of the DualSense in a demo of Astro\u2019s Playroom.\n\n\nIn fact, Astro\u2019s Playroom will be pre-installed on all PlayStation 5 systems as a sort of \u201corientation\u201d for the DualSense controller. It\u2019s meant to show off what the new controller is capable of, including the new adaptive triggers, improved haptic feedback system \u2013 which should be more refined than the DualShock 4\u2019s vibration motor \u2013 and even the built-in microphone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSurprisingly enough, in the hands-on session, it\u2019s the integrated speaker of the DualSense that impressed Keighley quite a bit. According to him, the speaker quality is noticeably better than the one in the DualShock 4. He added that the DualSense\u2019s speaker feels like it has much more range, with more variety in the types of sound that it can produce.\n\n\nOf course, in the demo of Astro\u2019s Playroom, Keighley also had a chance to feel how the DualSense\u2019s new adaptive triggers work. He \u201cnever felt something like this before,\u201d and it seems to be possible to feel the tension of the in-game spring-loaded frog suit as he pushes down on the L2 and R2 triggers. Keighley mentioned that the new adaptive triggers are programmable as well, though it remains to be seen to what extent.\n\n\nThe DualShock 4 next to the DualSense\n\n\n\n\nA new member of the family. \n#PlayStation5\n \n#SummerGameFest\n \npic.twitter.com/xuCTkBmq8h\n\u2014 Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) \nJuly 17, 2020\n\n\n\n\nAs for the physical characteristic of the DualSense itself, it does look noticeably bigger than the DualShock 4 when they are next to each other. On top of that, Keighley also said that the new controller is noticeably heavier. The DualSense \u201chas more heft to it in a good way,\u201d he elaborated.\n\n\nBeyond the DualSense controller, Keighley also interviewed the head of marketing for PlayStation, Eric Lempel, to get some information on the PlayStation 5. Not surprisingly, no major news were shared, though Lempel did mention that pre-orders for the console will be announced ahead of time, and that new colour options for the system and controller will be talked about \u201cat some point.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nThis is the \n#PlayStation5\n DualSense Controller. Tomorrow at Noon ET / 9 am PT, it's time to go hands on. Can't wait to tell you about my experience. \nhttps://t.co/Hp7WuLrjXk\n \n#SummerGameFest\n \npic.twitter.com/hvxTouNrc1\n\u2014 Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) \nJuly 16, 2020\n\n\n\n\nThis is the very first time we got to see an extensive look at how the DualSense controller works, and it\u2019s certainly building up anticipation for the PlayStation 5. Hopefully, more details will be revealed in the near future ahead of the system\u2019s release by the end of the year. Given that the DualSense controller has \nalready been certified by SIRIM\n, there\u2019s a chance Malaysia will be one of the first markets to receive the next-generation console.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-wf-sp800n-wireless-earbuds-with-anc-ip55-rating-now-in-malaysia-for-rm849/", "title": "Sony WF-SP800N Wireless Earbuds With ANC & IP55 Rating Now in Malaysia for RM849", "body": "\n\nSony\u2019s range of wireless earbuds have gotten pretty good in recent times, and the Japanese company\u2019s latest product, the Sony WF-SP800N, seems to continue the trend. It\u2019s now available here in Malaysia, and it brings some notable improvements, including active noise cancellation, improved battery life, and better water resistance.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the WF-SP800N retail at RM849. While that\u2019s not a particularly affordable price tag, it\u2019s not exactly the most costly earbuds either. Plus, you\u2019re getting active noise cancellation here; not many wireless earbuds come with this feature, especially at this price point.\n\n\nBesides that, all four colours of the WF-SP800N earbuds are offered locally as well, including Orange, Blue, White, and of course, Black.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the WF-SP700N \u2013 which only had an IPX4 rating \u2013 the new WF-SP800N sports a better IP55 water and dust resistance. This makes it much more ideal for those who want to use the earbuds while working out; you won\u2019t have to worry about water damage in the long run. Sony says that the earbuds can even be washed to keep it clean after strenuous workouts.\n\n\nAlso improved accordingly is the battery life of the WF-SP800N. According to Sony, the wireless earbuds can last for up to \n13 hours\n on a single charge, and the charging case has enough juice to recharge the earbuds once. Basically, you\u2019re getting up to 26 hours of play time here, which is really quite impressive.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, you can only get that level of battery life with the active noise cancellation disabled. With the feature switched on, the WF-SP800N can offer up to nine hours of use instead. That\u2019s still very good battery life, of course, and it can be extended up to 18 hours with the charging case.\n\n\nSony is also highlighting the audio quality of the WF-SP800N; more specifically, the bass performance. Sony promises that these earbuds can deliver \u201cpowerful, punchy low-end sound,\u201d so it\u2019ll be interesting to see if this is really the case. We\u2019ll definitely put this to the test once we have it in for review.\n\n\n\n\nThe Sony WF-SP800N wireless earbuds are now \navailable for purchase in Malaysia for RM849\n. If you\u2019ve been looking to get a pair of earbuds for your workouts, consider this one \u2013 especially if you want a lot of bass.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-3-coming-to-malaysia-in-september-16gb-ram-similar-pricing-as-rog-phone-ii/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 3 Coming to Malaysia in September; 16GB RAM, Similar Pricing as ROG Phone II", "body": "\n\nAsus will be launching its latest gaming smartphone, the ROG Phone 3, this Wednesday on 22 July. Well, we just heard from the Taiwanese company on the Malaysian availability of the phone: it\u2019s expected to be landing here sometime in the middle of September, and it will be priced similarly to the \nAsus ROG Phone II\n as well.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the ROG Phone 3 will be priced \u201cvery close\u201d to its predecessor, as Asus Malaysia put it. For comparison, the ROG Phone II retails from RM2,499 to RM4,499, so we can expect the upcoming gaming phone to be positioned within this price range. Not bad at all for a device powered by the fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ chipset.\n\n\nOfficial teaser of the Asus ROG Phone 3.\n\n\nActually, there is one variant of the gaming phone that won\u2019t be powered by a Snapdragon 865+ processor, which is the ROG Phone 3 Strix. Instead, this model is said to be packing a regular Snapdragon 865 chip instead; still a very capable processor, of course. It\u2019s also equipped with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.\n\n\nBesides that, Asus Malaysia also detailed two other ROG Phone 3 variants that will be offered locally. Both will come with a Snapdragon 865+ chipset and 512GB of internal storage, with only the RAM capacity \u2013 either 12GB or 16GB of RAM \u2013 differentiating the two. You read that right: 16GB of RAM on a smartphone.\n\n\nTENAA listing of the Asus ROG Phone 3.\n\n\nUnfortunately, that\u2019s all the details we got from Asus Malaysia on the ROG Phone 3. Looking at the many leaks and rumours surrounding the phone, it\u2019s expected to be largely similar in design to its predecessor with some small changes here and there. The camera, for one, is said to be a triple camera system now.\n\n\nNo changes to the display size of the ROG Phone 3, which is believed to still be a 6.59-inch 2340 x 1080 display with an in-screen fingerprint sensor. The refresh rate of the panel has not been revealed yet, though there is a chance it will be upgraded from 120Hz to 144Hz. Either way, it is almost guaranteed to be sporting a fast display; this is a gaming smartphone, after all.\n\n\nOther rumoured specifications of the ROG Phone 3 include a large 6,000mAh battery, a 24MP front-facing camera, stereo speakers, as well as Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone 3\u2019s global launch will be happening on 22 July this Wednesday at 11PM Malaysian time. The launch event will be live streamed online on \nAsus\u2019 website\n as well as \nYouTube\n in the embedded video above.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/laptop-buyers-guide-choosing-the-best-gaming-laptop-for-your-needs/", "title": "Laptop Buyer\u2019s Guide: Choosing the Best Gaming Laptop for Your Needs", "body": "\n\nShopping for the most ideal gaming laptop for your use can be a tall task, especially if you\u2019re not quite sure what to look out for. Well, to make your shopping experience for a gaming laptop much easier, we\u2019ve prepared a list of features you should consider for your needs.\n\n\nRanging from raw performance to more specific features like a good set of keyboard, this list will definitely help you choose the right gaming laptop for yourself. Without further ado, let\u2019s get to it!\n\n\nPowerful Enough For Your Needs\n\n\nThere are two main components to consider when you\u2019re shopping for a gaming laptop: the processor and graphics card. These two hardware, depending on your gaming appetite, has to be powerful enough to meet your demands. This is especially the case with the GPU, which impacts gaming performance the most.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want a budget-friendly option, look for a gaming laptop with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650; this is the most cost-effective GPU for a good gaming experience. While it is an entry-level offering, the GTX 1650 will be able to deliver high enough frame rates in modern AAA titles with some adjustments in the graphics settings.\n\n\nIn the CPU side of things, we highly recommend AMD\u2019s excellent Ryzen 4000 processors. Not only do they deliver an incredibly good level of performance, these chips are also very power-efficient. After all, all Ryzen 4000 mobile processors are fabricated on a 7nm process, making them a lot more power-efficient than their competition.\n\n\n\n\nFast Display With High Refresh Rate\n\n\nAny gaming laptop worth its salt has to come with \u2013 at the very least \u2013 a 120Hz panel for the best gaming experience. Not only is a high refresh rate useful in fast-paced games \u2013 the screen is refreshed 120 times every second for a 120Hz panel \u2013 it will also provide better motion clarity, which is great in practically any game.\n\n\nIn order to get the best balance between image quality and performance, you can opt for a 1080p screen. After all, to take advantage of a fast panel, the frame rate has to be able to keep up as well; most mobile GPU can maintain a high frame rate at 1080p.\n\n\n\n\nA Keyboard That\u2019s Fit for Gaming\n\n\nTo game effectively, you\u2019ll need a good set of keyboard. There are a few things to look out for in this regard, with the layout of the keyboard being one of the most important factors. It has to be as close to a standard layout as possible with full-size keys, and it\u2019ll be even better if the power button isn\u2019t actually a part of the keyboard to avoid accidentally powering down the laptop.\n\n\nBesides that, it\u2019s also essential for the keyboard to feature important gamer-centric features like anti-ghosting, quick response time, and of course, good tactility for the best feedback. A nice bonus would be RGB lighting as well; it would really complete \u201cthe look\u201d of a gaming laptop, though this is a subjective matter.\n\n\n\n\nSSD Storage & Good Amount of RAM\n\n\nMost gaming laptops in the market now (thankfully) feature SSD storage, but there are still some that are equipped with only spinning hard disk drives. HDD is great for getting a lot of storage space on the cheap, but it is far from ideal to get the best loading times.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that SSD prices have steadily decreased, so it\u2019s no longer as expensive as it used to be. With this mind, there\u2019s little reason to go for HDD; SSD storage is so much faster for not too much more money. On top of that, if you\u2019re a big fan of open world games, it\u2019s absolutely essential to get an SSD to reduce \u201chitching\u201d and texture pop-in.\n\n\n\n\nAlso necessary is enough RAM to run demanding games. A good rule of thumb is 8GB RAM being the bare minimum to not bottleneck other vital components; 4GB RAM simply isn\u2019t enough for modern games. If possible, it\u2019s best to get 16GB of RAM instead, which should be more than enough for even AAA titles.\n\n\nAny Gaming Laptops That Fulfill These Criteria?\n\n\nWell, Lenovo\u2019s range of Legion gaming laptops fulfill all of these criteria. The Lenovo Legion 5, in particular, is available with a wide range of configuration. It comes with a fast 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rates, a Ryzen 5 4600H or an even more capable Ryzen 7 4800H processor paired with up to 16GB of RAM, and to top it off, it has two storage drives: a fast SSD, and a larger capacity HDD for mass storage \u2013 it\u2019s the best of both worlds.\n\n\nOf course, the legion 5 comes with reasonably good gaming performance as well, thanks to the GTX 1650 GPU under the hood. This keeps the price of the gaming laptop affordable \u2013 it starts at only RM3,599 \u2013 while also providing high frame rates even in AAA games with some tweaks to the graphics settings.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, all Lenovo Legion gaming laptops feature what the company calls Legion TrueStrike keyboard. It supports 100% anti-ghosting on all keys, ensuring that all of your inputs are recognised by the system. Lenovo also said that the keyboard has sub-millisecond response times, so any form of user input lag can be minimised.\n\n\nAnother point worth mentioning is the fact that the Legion TrueStrike keyboard sports some features brought over from Lenovo\u2019s much loved ThinkPad laptops. These include a standard keyboard layout, curved keycaps, and soft-landing switches that offer good key travel and tactile feedback. \u201cUsers will experience the same enjoyable typing experience on Legion laptops as they do on ThinkPads,\u201d the company told us.\n\n\nAs an added bonus, Legion 5 laptops also ship with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2019 (worth RM529) out of the box. If you use Office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, you\u2019ll appreciate this bonus.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want a gaming laptop that is fast, well-equipped, and feature a keyboard that is fit for gaming, Lenovo\u2019s range of Legion gaming laptops can do all of that. To learn more about them, check out \nLenovo\u2019s official website\n.\n\n\nDisclosure: This article is sponsored by Lenovo Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-x50-series-with-gimbal-camera-pre-orders-live-in-malaysia-starts-at-rm2399/", "title": "Vivo X50 Series With Gimbal Camera Pre-Orders Live in Malaysia, Starts at RM2,399", "body": "\n\nVivo\u2019s latest range of smartphones, the Vivo X50 series, is now \navailable for pre-order in Malaysia\n ahead of its scheduled launch later today. Retailing from RM2,399, these are not exactly affordable smartphones, but they \nare \npremium devices with some neat features. This is especially the case with the X50 Pro, which comes with a gimbal-style camera.\n\n\nOf course, the\n RM2,399 starting price is for the standard X50\n with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. The higher-end X50 Pro, on the other hand, is markedly more expensive \nwith a RM3,199 price tag\n, 256GB of storage, and 8GB of RAM. These are the only two devices in the series that will be offered in Malaysia; as mentioned in our earlier report, the \nrange-topping X50 Pro+ will not make it here\n.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, the X50 Pro is naturally the more exciting smartphone. The highlight feature is definitely its quad camera system, where the primary 48MP f/1.6 sensor is stabilised with a gimbal system. This lets you stabilise your shot better than a conventional optical image stabilisation, and based on our brief test with the phone, the gimbal system does offer superior stability.\n\n\nThe other three camera sensors of the X50 Pro are befitting of a device in this segment as well. These include an 8MP f/3.4 periscope telephoto sensor, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 13MP f/2.5 portrait lens. This combination of sensors allow the phone to do up to 60x \u201cHyper Zoom,\u201d though it remains to be seen just how good the image quality is at that level of zoom.\n\n\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the X50 Pro include a 6.56-inch 1080p AMOLED dual curved screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset \u2013 which gives it 5G connectivity \u2013 a 32MP f/2.5 selfie camera, a 4,315mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\nThe regular X50, on the other hand, is very similar to the Pro variant, though it does have some distinct differences here and there. For one, its camera doesn\u2019t have the gimbal system. Instead, it features a more pedestrian quad camera system made up of a 48MP f/1.6 main sensor, a 13MP f/2.5 portrait lens, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 5MP f/2.5 macro camera.\n\n\nBesides that, the standard X50 also has a flat screen instead of the Pro\u2019s more premium-looking dual curve display. It comes with a slightly smaller 4,200mAh battery too, but the 33W fast charging is retained.\n\n\n\n\nThe Vivo X50 and X50 Pro are now \navailable for pre-order in Malaysia\n. Shipping will commence from 25 July onwards, and every purchase of either phones will come with a complimentary air purifier and wireless speaker from SenQ.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-nord-finally-official-snapdragon-765g-90hz-fluid-amoled-screen-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "OnePlus Nord Finally Official: Snapdragon 765G, 90Hz Fluid AMOLED Screen, Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nAfter weeks of teasing, the OnePlus Nord is finally here. Unlike other recent smartphones from the Chinese company, the Nord is a mid-range device with some pretty neat features, including an AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chip, and of course, 5G connectivity.\n\n\nAesthetically, the Nord is unmistakably a OnePlus product. It has a minimalist rear panel design with an oblong-shaped hole-punch cutout on the top left of the screen housing two selfie cameras. That\u2019s right, the Nord has a dual selfie camera system, which is made up of a 32MP f/2.45 primary sensor and an 8MP f/2.45 ultra-wide angle lens for capturing group selfies.\n\n\n\n\nOn the back, the Nord has a quad camera system with the same 48MP f/1.75 main sensor as the \nOnePlus 8\n, complete with optical image stabilisation. The other three sensors, on the other hand, are made up of an 8MP f/2.25 ultra-wide angle lens, a 5MP f/2.4 depth camera, and a 2MP f/2.4 macro shooter. Unfortunately, there\u2019s no telephoto sensor here, just like the OnePlus 8.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Nord\u2019s 6.44-inch 1080p AMOLED screen also has a 90Hz refresh rate like the OnePlus 8. While that\u2019s not quite as fast as the OnePlus 8 Pro\u2019s 120Hz panel, it\u2019s still good enough to provide a smooth user experience. Plus, it\u2019s an AMOLED display, so you can expect to get vibrant colours, deep blacks, and great viewing angles. Not a bad screen at all for a mid-range smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nIn the performance department, the Nord is powered by a Snapdragon 765G. Not only does it give the phone 5G connectivity, it\u2019s also a reasonably powerful chipset. After all, it\u2019s Qualcomm\u2019s best SoC outside of the flagship-tier Snapdragon 8 series chips, so you should get pretty good processing power out of the Snapdragon 765G.\n\n\nBattery capacity of the Nord is quite generous as well. Rated at 4,115mAh, this cell will be able to offer above average battery life. On top of that, OnePlus says that this battery can be charged up to 70% from completely empty in just 30 minutes. This is thanks to the phone maker\u2019s Warp Charge 30T fast charging technology.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Nord include either 8GB or 12GB of RAM, two storage options (128GB and 256GB), an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and OxygenOS based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe moment you've all been waiting for. We'll let the numbers do the talking.\n\u2014 OnePlus (@oneplus) \nJuly 21, 2020\n\n\n\n\nThe OnePlus Nord will be making its way to Malaysia in the very near future. While we don\u2019t know exactly when this will happen, a \nlocal Shopee store\n \nand\n a \nFacebook page\n have already been set up for the mid-range smartphone. Naturally, no local pricing has been revealed yet for the Nord, though it does start at 24,999 Indian rupee for the Indian market, which comes up to about RM1,430.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-smart-band-5-arriving-in-malaysia-24-july/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 5 Arriving in Malaysia 24 July", "body": "\n\nUnveiled to the world just last week, the \nXiaomi Mi Smart Band 5\n is set to land in Malaysia this Friday on 24 July. Packed with some neat upgrades over its predecessor, the fitness band is now more attractive than ever. To top it off, its affordable price tag is retained as well.\n\n\nUnfortunately, local pricing of the Mi Smart Band 5 has not been revealed yet, though we imagine it wouldn\u2019t cost considerably more than the Mi Smart Band 4; the latter retailed at RM149 when it was first launched here. To estimate how much the Smart Band 5 could cost locally, it starts at only 189 Chinese yuan in China, which comes up to about RM115.\n\n\nOf course, the new fitness band won\u2019t retail at the same price point here, though we do hope it won\u2019t be markedly more expensive than its predecessor\u2019s local pricing.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the previous model, the Mi Smart Band 5 comes with a few upgrades. For one, its AMOLED display has been increased to 1.1-inch with a 294 x 126 resolution; its predecessor had a smaller 0.95-inch 240 x 120 AMOLED screen. Given that the new wearable still features an AMOLED panel, you can expect to get vibrant colours and deep blacks.\n\n\nBesides that, the Mi Smart Band 5 is far easier to charge now. There are two contact points beneath the heart rate sensor of the fitness band for a magnetic charger to connect to, which makes for a much more seamless charging experience. Previously, the whole housing of the Mi Smart Band 4 had to be removed from the strap to place it into a charger.\n\n\n\n\nAlso worth a mention is the Mi Smart Band 5\u2019s PPG heart rate sensor: it is said to be 50% more accurate. On top of that, it can warn users of any abnormality with their heart rate now. Its sleep monitoring capability has been improved as well, with the added ability to measure REM sleep and even short naps.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mi Smart Band 5 include a 14-day battery life \u2013 it can be extended up to 20 days in power-saving mode \u2013 5 ATM water resistance rating, and the ability to track 11 different sports activities, including jump rope, rowing machine, treadmill, and even yoga.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 5 will be arriving in Malaysia on 24 July this Friday. We\u2019ll find out then just how much it will cost locally.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-3-unleashed-snapdragon-865-144hz-amoled-screen-6000mah-battery/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 3 Unleashed: Snapdragon 865+, 144Hz AMOLED Screen, 6,000mAh Battery", "body": "\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone 3 is here, and as expected, it\u2019s one powerful gaming smartphone. At a glance, it doesn\u2019t look remarkably different from its predecessor, but there are some big changes under the hood, including a faster processor, a display with a higher refresh rate, and even a redesigned chassis.\n\n\nPowering the ROG Phone 3 is none other than the recently announced \nQualcomm Snapdragon 865+ chipset\n. Compared to the regular Snapdragon 865, the new SoC promises up to 10% increase in CPU and GPU performances; both of the components are overclocked to achieve this.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, not all variants of the gaming smartphone will feature the new processor: the ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition is equipped with a standard Snapdragon 865 chip instead. The Strix Edition is meant to serve as a more affordable alternative, with only the processor, RAM, and storage capacities being different from the full-fledged ROG Phone 3.\n\n\nAnyway, regardless of which variant you go for, this gaming smartphone comes with a 6.59-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED display with a very high 144Hz refresh rate. While the ROG Phone 3 is not the first smartphone to pack such a fast screen \u2013 that title goes to the \nNubia RedMagic 5G\n \u2013 it\u2019s still quite a unique feature. To top it off, the display sports a fast 270Hz touch sampling rate as well.\n\n\n\n\nDesign wise, the ROG Phone 3 looks and feels more refined now; it\u2019s more \u201csmartphone-like\u201d than its predecessor. Compared to the previous model, the new phone feels better in the hands, thanks to the redesigned rear panel. Unlike the \ntextured back of the ROG Phone II\n, the ROG Phone 3\u2019s rear panel is just a single piece of glass now, just like a regular smartphone.\n\n\nThe camera configuration of the ROG Phone 3 is upgraded accordingly as well. It now features a triple camera system made up of a 64MP f/1.8 primary sensor, a 13MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle lens, and a 5MP f/2.0 macro shooter. Unfortunately, it still doesn\u2019t have a telephoto camera.\n\n\nOther specifications of the ROG Phone 3 include two ultrasonic shoulder buttons, a 24MP f/2.0 selfie camera, a huge 6,000mAh battery with 30W fast charging, as well as an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone 3 will be arriving in Malaysia in the middle of September. Three variants will be brought in, including the Strix Edition with a standard Snapdragon 865 chipset, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. The other two models, on the other hand, feature a Snapdragon 865+ SoC and 512GB of storage, with only the RAM capacity \u2013 either 12GB or 16GB of RAM \u2013 differentiating the two variants.\n\n\nLocal pricing of the ROG Phone 3 has been revealed yet, though Asus Malaysia says that it will be priced closely to the ROG Phone II. To put this into context, the latter retailed from RM2,499 to RM4,499 here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-3-hands-on-faster-sleeker-gaming-powerhouse/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 3 Hands-On: Faster, Sleeker Gaming Powerhouse", "body": "\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone 3 is here, and it\u2019s better than ever with cutting-edge hardware under the hood. It\u2019s powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ chipset, it has a blazing fast 144Hz screen, and the phone feels a lot more refined than its predecessor.\n\n\nAfter spending a brief time with the ROG Phone 3, I\u2019m really quite impressed with this gaming smartphone. It\u2019s superior to the ROG Phone II in almost every single aspect, and to top it off, it will (supposedly) cost about the same as its predecessor. However, it does fall short in certain areas, so should you even consider getting it? Read on to find out.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRight off the bat, the ROG Phone 3 feels \nvery responsive\n. This is thanks to the phone\u2019s blazing fast 6.59-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED display with a high 144Hz refresh rate. On top of that, the panel also supports 270Hz touch sampling rate, which reduces input lag to a minimum. The result? You get a super speedy phone that responds to your inputs almost immediately.\n\n\nOf course, mobile games will benefit the most from the screen\u2019s high refresh rate and touch sampling rate. Not only will games look extra smooth on the 144Hz display \u2013 provided the games support the refresh rate \u2013 the 270Hz sampling rate will also ensure that your inputs are reflected immediately. Even normal day-to-day will benefit greatly from these two features.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the display quality itself, it\u2019s great. The ROG Phone 3\u2019s AMOLED panel supports HDR 10+, so you get great dynamic range, vibrant, punchy colours, and deep blacks. Basically, it\u2019s a stunning screen befitting of a high-end smartphone, and you will not be disappointed with it. Besides that, there\u2019s also a fingerprint sensor underneath the display.\n\n\nIn the performance department, the ROG Phone 3 is equipped with a powerful Snapdragon 865+ chip. It\u2019s Qualcomm\u2019s best SoC yet, so rest assured, you will get the best level of performance Android smartphones can offer. I haven\u2019t put the phone through its paces yet, but I\u2019m confident it will be able to run any mobile games with no difficulty.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that there is actually a more affordable variant of the ROG Phone 3: the Strix Edition. Unlike the regular model, the Strix variant is powered by a standard Snapdragon 865, along with less RAM and storage capacities. Beyond these differences, the Strix Edition is identical to the regular ROG Phone 3 in other aspects.\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s get back to the phone itself. To me, one of the biggest improvements this new gaming smartphone brings is the redesigned back panel. Its predecessor had a weird texture on the rear panel, but this is no longer the case with the ROG Phone 3: it is now just a single piece of glass, so it feels and looks like a regular smartphone now.\n\n\nWell, except for the illuminated ROG logo on the back.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the most important aspects of a gaming smartphone is long battery life, and in this regard, the ROG Phone 3 will not disappoint. After all, it retains the huge 6,000mAh battery of its predecessor, which will be able to provide very respectable battery life on a single charge.\n\n\nUnfortunately, there is one feature that isn\u2019t carried over to the ROG Phone 3: the 3.5mm headphone jack. For some reason, the new smartphone doesn\u2019t have a 3.5mm jack anymore, which is really quite odd for a gaming device. Granted, wireless solutions have gotten much better over the years, but I imagine there are still plenty of gamers who are still relying on the 3.5mm connector to eliminate audio latency.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s move on to the camera performance of the ROG Phone 3, which is \nsurprisingly\n good. It comes with a triple camera system now that\u2019s made up of a 64MP f/1.8 primary shooter, a 13MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle lens, and a 5MP f/2.0 macro sensor. I would\u2019ve loved for there to be a telephoto camera, but given that this is a gaming smartphone \u2013 where the camera system simply isn\u2019t the focus \u2013 it\u2019s a reasonable exclusion.\n\n\nI took the ROG Phone 3\u2019s camera for a quick spin, and I\u2019m quite pleased with the image quality. While it\u2019s not the best in the market, detail preservation is good with reasonably fast autofocus. I also love that the camera feels very responsive, which make for a more pleasant shooting experience.\n\n\n64MP primary\n13MP ultra-wide angle\n64MP primary\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone 3 is the Taiwanese company\u2019s most refined gaming smartphone yet. It has the fastest chipset available in the Android space now, it comes with a blazing fast 144Hz screen, and most of all \u2013 to me, at least \u2013 it looks and feels more like a regular smartphone now.\n\n\nThat being said, the ROG Phone 3 is still a sizeable, heavy smartphone, which may not be for everyone. In fact, compared to its predecessor, it is ever so slightly bigger, though fortunately, it still weighs the same at 240g. Still, there\u2019s no denying the fact that this is a big, hefty phone.\n\n\nBut the same can be said of other gaming smartphones in the market now. If you\u2019re looking for a mobile gaming machine, you probably wouldn\u2019t mind the large size of the phone to accommodate a big screen. The generous 6,000mAh battery adds quite a bit of weight as well.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re eyeing to get the Asus ROG Phone 3, you\u2019ve got until the middle of September to start saving up; that\u2019s when the gaming smartphone will be available here. In terms of pricing, the new phone is expected to be priced closely to the ROG Phone II, which retailed from RM2,4999 to RM4,499 here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-grab-the-samsung-galaxy-s20-ultra-with-rm1000-discount/", "title": "Deal: Grab the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra With RM1,000 Discount", "body": "\n\nToday is Samsung\u2019s Super Brand Day on Shopee, and there are quite a number of very good deals for the Korean company\u2019s range of products. One of them is the \nSamsung Galaxy S20 Ultra\n: you can now get the flagship smartphone \nwith over RM1,000 discount\n.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right. Originally retailing at RM4,999, the Galaxy S20 Ultra is now listed \nat only RM3,999\n by Samsung\u2019s official store on Shopee. That\u2019s exactly RM1,000 off, and you can even bring down the price further with \ndiscount vouchers from Shopee\n.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, you may want to be quick if you want to grab the Galaxy S20 Ultra at this price point: there are only \nfour units\n left at the time of writing, and only the Cosmic Grey model is part of this deal. On top of that, this is a Shocking Sale, so it\u2019s only valid until 4PM today.\n\n\nFor only RM3,999\n, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra is a \nvery\n good buy. Not quite sure it\u2019s the flagship smartphone for you? Then check out our \ncomprehensive review of the phone\n.\n\n\nThanks for the tip, Pang!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-smart-band-5-costs-rm169-in-malaysia-available-today/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 5 Costs RM169 in Malaysia, Available Today", "body": "\n\nAs promised, Xiaomi just launched its latest fitness band in Malaysia, the Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 5. Retailing at RM169, it is slightly more expensive than its predecessor, which went for RM149 here. But the price hike isn\u2019t exactly a surprise; the latest iteration of the wearable is more feature-packed now.\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 5 features a larger display. It\u2019s packed with a 1.1-inch 294 x 126 AMOLED screen now, while the previous model featured a smaller 0.95-inch 240 x 120 AMOLED screen. If you think last year\u2019s model didn\u2019t have a big enough display, you should find the Smart Band 5 better in this aspect.\n\n\nPlus, you will also get vibrant colours and deep blacks with the AMOLED panel.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Mi Smart Band 5 is now much, much easier to charge. Previously, the Mi Smart Band 4 required users to completely remove the housing of the wearable from the strap to place it into a charger. Thankfully, this is no longer necessary with the Smart Band 5; there are two contact points beneath the heart rate sensor of the fitness band for a magnetic charger to connect to.\n\n\nNaturally, the Mi Smart Band 5 is a lot more accurate than the previous model. According to Xiaomi, the wearable\u2019s PPG heart rate sensor is said to be 50% more accurate now. This also gives it the ability to warn users of any abnormality with their heart rate. Also improved is the sleep monitoring of the Smart Band 5, with the added ability to measure REM sleep and even short naps.\n\n\n\n\nBattery life has always been a strong suit for the Mi Smart Band series, and the latest model continues this trend. Xiaomi says that the Smart Band 5 can return up to 14 days of use on a single charge, which is quite respectable. If you need even better battery life, you can stretch it to 20 days in power-saving mode.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the 11 different sports activities that the Mi Smart Band 5 can track. These include indoor (and outdoor) cycling, power walking, outdoor running, and even yoga. Thanks to the 5 ATM water resistance rating, you can even use it to track your swim routines.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 5 is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM169. You can place your order on \nShopee\n as well as \nLazada\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-saga-anniversary-edition-sold-out-in-5-days/", "title": "Proton Saga Anniversary Edition Sold Out in 5 Days", "body": "\n\nLaunched just two weeks ago, Proton revealed that the \nProton Saga Anniversary Edition\n was sold out in just five days; that\u2019s quite an impressive feat. Granted, there were only 1,100 units of the limited edition model, but there\u2019s no denying the sheer popularity of the one-off Saga.\n\n\nCompared to its regular counterpart, the Saga AE is finished in a Quartz Black paint job; no other Proton models for consumers come with such a colour. Yellow accents are also added throughout the exterior and interior of the A-segment sedan to further set it apart from other Saga models.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond these cosmetic changes, the Saga AE is identical to the Premium AT trim of the regular Saga, which this model is based on. That means it is still powered by a 1.3L four-cylinder engine that outputs 95hp and 120Nm of torque, with drive sent to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission sourced from Hyundai. The CVT option was phased out when the Saga was facelifted last year.\n\n\nBesides that, the Saga AE also has 15-inch alloy wheels finished in matte grey, which is unique to this model. Other specifications of this special edition Saga include LED daytime running lights, an Android-based infotainment system, a reverse camera, two airbags, electronic stability control, traction control system, as well as ABS with EBD.\n\n\nNaturally, it features an N95 cabin filter too; this is offered across all Proton models now.\n\n\n\n\nEven though the Proton Saga Anniversary Edition is a special model, it retailed at the same price point as the normal Premium AT variant, which goes for RM39,300. Chances are, this is one of the reasons why the Saga AE sold out so quickly.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2020-honda-city-teased-by-honda-malaysia-local-launch-happening-soon/", "title": "2020 Honda City Teased by Honda Malaysia; Local Launch Happening Soon?", "body": "\n\nIt seems like the all-new fifth-generation Honda City is arriving in Malaysia earlier than expected. Initially unveiled in Thailand back in November last year, the brand new B-segment sedan has just been teased by Honda Malaysia on its Facebook page.\n\n\nIt\u2019s a simple teaser of the new City, which showcases the side profile of the sedan. Honda Malaysia also wrote that \u201cthe game will no longer be the same\u201d with the updated City, suggesting that it could be bringing something big to the table.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, we still don\u2019t have any specific details on the local specifications of the new City, and it remains to be seen exactly when it will be launched here. Nonetheless, now that Honda Malaysia has started teasing the popular sedan, we imagine it wouldn\u2019t be long until the fifth-generation City is officially introduced here.\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the new City naturally looks a lot more modern. On the front, it sports the Japanese car maker\u2019s signature Solid Wing Face, along with full LED headlamps with an integrated L-shaped LED turn signal. As for the rear end, there are sleeker-looking two-piece LED taillights now.\n\n\n\n\nEngine options of the updated City, on the other hand, are market-dependent. For the Thailand market, the B-segment sedan is offered with a sole 1.0L turbocharged three-cylinder DOHC engine that outputs 122hp and 173Nm of torque. Drives are sent to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with seven virtual speeds.\n\n\nBut in India, the all-new City comes with two 1.5L four-cylinder engine options: an upgraded i-VTEC petrol mill with DOHC \u2013 instead of SOHC \u2013 that puts out 121hp and 145Nm of torque, and an i-DTEC diesel engine that churns out 100hp and 200Nm of torque. For the sake of comparison, the current fourth-generation City for the Malaysian market has a 1.5L i-VTEC SOHC engine with 120hp and 145Nm of torque.\n\n\nLooking at these engine options, the turbocharged one for the Thailand market looks the most appealing, though some may not be thrilled by the small displacement and three-cylinder construction. The latter is often regarded as being \u201cless refined\u201d than a four-cylinder engine, where it\u2019s said to be vibrate and rattle more harshly.\n\n\n\n\nRegardless, we\u2019ll just have to wait for Honda Malaysia to release more information on the local specification of the all-new fifth-generation Honda City. It\u2019s regarded as one of the most popular B-segment sedans here, so needless to say, the new model is highly anticipated.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-zephyrus-duo-15-rm19999-malaysia-pre-orders-open/", "title": "The Dual Screen Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 Costs RM19,999 in Malaysia; Pre-Orders Open Now", "body": "\n\nUnveiled to the world back in April, the unique \nAsus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15\n is now available for pre-order in Malaysia. While the retail price of the gaming laptop has not been revealed by retailers yet, we\u2019ve got confirmation from a trusted source: the dual screen gaming laptop retails at RM19,999 locally.\n\n\nOf course, RM19,999 is a \nsteep \nasking price, but the Zephyrus Duo 15 does come with some serious power under the hood. Two configurations of the gaming laptop will be offered in Malaysia with the same price tag; only the screen option differentiate them. One is offered with a fast 15.6-inch 300Hz panel, while the other one comes with a sharper 4K display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nRegardless of which variant you go for, both screens are Pantone Validated with support for Nvidia\u2019s G-Sync technology.\n\n\n\n\nAside from the main display, there is also a secondary ScreenPad Plus screen right above the keyboard. It\u2019s a 14.1-inch 3840 x 1100 touch-enabled panel, which can be used as an extension of the main display. It also props up at an angle when the lid is opened to give you better visibility of the screen.\n\n\nDisplays aside, under the hood of the Zephyrus Duo 15 are some very beefy hardware. Powering this gaming laptop is an overclockable Intel Core i9-10980HK processor paired with 32GB of RAM; plenty of processing power for all kinds of users. In the graphics department, it features an equally powerful RTX 2080 Super Max-Q GPU with 8GB of VRAM.\n\n\n\n\nGiven the premium price tag of the Zephyrus Duo 15, it also comes with two 1TB SSD drives for a \ncombined storage of 2TB\n; you won\u2019t have to worry about running out of storage space with this machine. Even with all of these powerful hardware, this is still quite a thin laptop, measuring only 20mm thin.\n\n\nAlso bundled with the Zephyrus Duo 15 are a few accessories for the Malaysian market. Every purchase of the premium gaming laptop comes with a backpack, an ROG Gladius mouse, as well as a pair of ROG Delta gaming headset.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 is expected to be officially launched in Malaysia sometime in August next month. To recap, the unique gaming laptop retails at RM19,999 here, and the configuration with a 4K screen will be available here very soon. The variant with a faster 1080p 300Hz panel, on the other hand, will only be offered here sometime in September.\n\n\nTo learn more about the Zephyrus Duo 15, check out our \nhands-on of the gaming laptop\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/black-shark-3-pro-quick-review-a-huge-unique-gaming-smartphone/", "title": "Black Shark 3 Pro Quick Review: A Huge, Unique Gaming Smartphone", "body": "\n\nThe gaming smartphone market has gotten increasingly crowded, and most of them are\u2026well, pretty generic. But that\u2019s not the case at all with this phone right here, the Black Shark 3 Pro. Not only is it a powerful gaming smartphone, it also has one unique feature to set it apart from its competition: physical shoulder buttons that pop-up when you need them.\n\n\nThat being said, it is far from the most practical smartphone due to its imposing size, not to mention the fact that it\u2019s also one of the most costly devices in the market now with a RM4,199 price tag. But should you fork out that amount of money for the Black Shark 3 Pro? Read on to find out.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n7.1-inch QHD+ AMOLED (3120 x 1440), 90Hz refresh rate, 270Hz touch sampling rate\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 865 2.84GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 650\nRAM\n12GB\nStorage\n256GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n64MP f/1.8\n13MP f/2.25 (ultra-wide angle)\n5MP f/2.2 (depth)\nCamera (front)\n20MP f/2.2\nBattery\n5,000mAh\nDimensions\n177.79 x 83.29 x 10.48 mm\nWeight\n253g\nOS\nJoyUI 11 based on Android 10\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 (2.4/5GHz)\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM4,199\n\n\nOn paper alone, it\u2019s clear that the Black Shark 3 Pro is a capable flagship smartphone. Granted, it no longer has the fastest chipset in the market \u2013 not since the Snapdragon 865+ chip entered the market \u2013 but the regular Snapdragon 865 is still a speedy chipset that will be able to keep up with anything you throw at it.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nSince the Black Shark 3 Pro is a gaming smartphone, let\u2019s talk about performance first. Basically, it\u2019s incredibly enjoyable to game on this smartphone. I\u2019ve played PUBG Mobile extensively on it, and never did I encounter any performance issue. Frame rate is high and stable, my inputs are immediately reflected \u2013 thanks to the high 270Hz touch sampling rate \u2013 and the physical pop-up shoulder buttons are a game changer.\n\n\n\n\nUnlike other gaming smartphones in the market that rely on capacitive buttons, the Black Shark 3 Pro actually has physical shoulder buttons that pop-up when you launch a game. When not in use, the buttons will just retract back into the chassis of the phone. It\u2019s quite surreal watching this in action, and the buttons themselves are also \nvery\n tactile, which is very satisfying to press on.\n\n\nComplementing the fast performance and physical shoulder buttons of the Black Shark 3 Pro is the sizeable 7.1-inch 1440p AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. Yes, it\u2019s not quite as fast as other smartphones\u2019 120Hz screens, but it\u2019s still a marked improvement over conventional 60Hz panels.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, thanks to the fast 90Hz refresh rate, every animation on the Black Shark 3 Pro\u2019s screen looks extra smooth. This is noticeable even when I\u2019m just navigating around the home screen. Obviously, games that can support this refresh rate will feel faster as well. After all, the screen is capable of showing 90 frames per second.\n\n\nBesides that, the battery life of the Black Shark 3 Pro is very respectable too. On average, I was able to consistently get anywhere between six to seven hours of screen-on time out of the 5,000mAh battery. This is \nvery\n good battery life, which is quite a surprise considering that it has a large 7.1-inch 1440p screen.\n\n\nCharging rate of this gaming smartphone is extremely impressive as well. In only 30 minutes of charging, the phone\u2019s 65W fast charging support managed to recharge the 5,000mAh battery to \n90% from empty\n. Do note that I tested this charging rate right after the phone was completely drained without switching it on.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the camera performance of the Black Shark 3 Pro. Given that this is a smartphone focused on delivering the best gaming experience, I wasn\u2019t putting much expectation on the camera performance. But to my surprise, the triple camera system (64MP f/1.8 primary + 13MP f/2.25 ultra-wide angle + 5MP f/2.2 depth) can capture some great-looking shots.\n\n\nThis is especially the case with the 64MP primary sensor. It has good detail preservation, it can lock in focus pretty quickly, and the camera interface feels responsive regardless of lighting situation. Judge for yourself the image quality of the 64MP sensor with the shots below.\n\n\n\n\nBut not everything is peachy about the camera system, and that brings us to the next section..\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWhile the main 64MP sensor of the Black Shark 3 Pro\u2019s triple camera system is quite capable, the same cannot be said for the 13MP ultra-wide angle lens. It has worse dynamic range, detail preservation, and even the camera interface feels more sluggish when I switch to the ultra-wide angle shooter.\n\n\n\n\nOne other area where the Black Shark 3 Pro don\u2019t quite impress is in the software department. Throughout my time with the phone, there were more than a few times where my background apps were cleared out of the blue. This is likely done by the OS to conserve battery life, but it can get quite annoying when I have important apps or games paused in the background.\n\n\nAnother negative \u2013 or a positive for certain folks \u2013 of the Black Shark 3 Pro is its \nsheer size\n to accommodate the 7.1-inch screen. In fact, it\u2019s almost \ncomically big\n for a smartphone. While I can still keep it in my jeans pocket, it\u2019s a snug fit, and it even sticks out in certain pockets. It\u2019s also worth noting that this is a hefty smartphone, tipping the scales at 253g.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the fact that the Black Shark 3 Pro is a RM4,199 device. That\u2019s \na lot\n of money, even for a flagship gaming smartphone. While you do get quite a bit of features for that kind of money, you\u2019re essentially paying extra for the large 7.1-inch 90Hz screen, physical pop-up shoulder buttons, and fast 65W charging.\n\n\nSo the question is: are these two features worth the price premium?\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nFor RM4,199, the Black Shark 3 Pro is a costly device, but you are getting a gaming smartphone like no other. If you want the huge 90Hz display \u2013 which is either a plus or a negative, depending on each individual\u2019s personal preference \u2013 the physical pop-up button, and the very fast charging rate, then yes, this is a phone worth considering.\n\n\n\n\nBut if you can live without these features, other gaming smartphones will potentially serve you better. That is not to say the Black Shark 3 Pro is not worth it. No other devices offer the unique pop-up shoulder buttons, and if you find that appealing, RM4,199 is the price to pay.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-launches-slew-of-intel-powered-zephyrus-gaming-laptops-in-malaysia-including-rm16999-zephyrus-s17/", "title": "Asus Launches Slew of Intel-Powered Zephyrus Gaming Laptops in Malaysia, Including RM16,999 Zephyrus S17", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nAsus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15\n gaming powerhouse, the Taiwanese company also introduced a number of other ROG gaming laptops powered by Intel for the Malaysian market. These include the Zephyrus M15, the Zephyrus S15, and the largest product of today\u2019s launch, the Zephyrus S17.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the biggest gaming laptop of the bunch, the Zephyrus S17. The base model \u2013 which retails at RM13,999 \u2013 features an Intel Core i7-10875H processor paired with 32GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super GPU, a 17.3-inch 1080p display with a blazing fast 300Hz screen (with G-Sync support), and 1TB of fast M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen3x4 SSD.\n\n\nA tier up is the RM16,999 model of the Zephyrus S17. it has the same hardware as the aforementioned model, but it swaps out the RTX 2070 Super GPU for a beefier RTX 2080 Super Max-Q graphics card.\n\n\n\n\nNext is the Zephyrus S15. Only one variant of the gaming laptop is available in Malaysia right now, which is priced at RM15,999. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a Core i7-10875H processor paired with 32GB of RAM, an RTX 2080 Super Max-Q GPU, a 15.6-inch 1080p screen with a 300Hz refresh rate and support for G-Sync, as well as a two 512GB SSD in Raid 0 configuration.\n\n\nIf that price tag is a little too steep, there is actually a more affordable configuration of the Zephyrus S15 with an RTX 2070 Super. This model is expected to be coming to Malaysia soon, though the pricing for this particular variant has not been revealed yet.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the most affordable Zephyrus gaming laptop launched today, the Zephyrus M15. The sole RM6,999 variant for the Malaysian market features a Core i7-10750H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, a GTX 1660 Ti GPU, a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 panel with a pretty fast 240Hz refresh rate, and 1TB of SSD storage.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that all of the Zephyrus gaming laptops mentioned here feature a Pantone Validated screen, which promises good colour accuracy. On top of that, the processors are applied with Thermal Grizzly\u2019s liquid metal compound as well. This supposedly lowers CPU temperatures by up to 12\u00b0C.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Zephyrus S17, Zephyrus S15, and Zephyrus M15 are now available for purchase in Malaysia. These are unmistakably costly gaming laptops, but that\u2019s how much you have to pay for a premium, slim gaming machine. After all, the Zephyrus series is Asus\u2019 most premium offering.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-strix-gaming-laptops-with-10th-gen-intel-chips-land-in-malaysia-starts-at-rm6199/", "title": "Asus ROG Strix Gaming Laptops With 10th Gen Intel Chips Land in Malaysia; Starts at RM6,199", "body": "\n\nAsus unveiled quite a number of gaming laptops powered by Intel\u2019s latest 10th gen processors, and besides the \npremium Zephyrus machines\n, the Taiwanese company also brought in several Strix gaming laptops to Malaysia. Three of them are now available locally: the Strix G15, the Strix G17, and the more premium Strix Scar 15.\n\n\nThe most affordable of the lot is the Strix G17, which starts at RM6,199. For that kind of money, it comes with a Core i7-10750H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti GPU, a 17.3-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a generous 1TB SSD.\n\n\nThere is also a more powerful variant of the Strix G17 with an RTX 2060 GPU for RM6,699; other specifications of this configuration remain the same as the GTX 1660 Ti variant.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the Strix G15. This is essentially the 15-inch version of the Strix G17, though it features a faster 15.6-inch screen with a 144Hz refresh rate. Other hardware under the hood of this laptop include a Core i7-10750H processor, 16GB of RAM, an RTX 2060 GPU, and 1TB of SSD storage. How much do you have to pay for these hardware? RM6,699.\n\n\nUnfortunately, only this configuration of the Strix G15 is available in Malaysia right now, but three more variants of the laptop will be released locally soon. Two of them are equipped with a Core i7-10750H processor with a GTX 1660 Ti or GTX 1650 Ti GPU, while the third one \u2013 the most affordable model \u2013 is packed with a Core i5-10300H chip and a GTX 1650 Ti graphics card.\n\n\n\n\nIf these laptops don\u2019t quite offer the level of performance you want, consider the Strix Scar 15. It features a Core i7-10875H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, an RTX 2060 or RTX 2070 GPU, a blazing fast 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 display with a 240Hz refresh rate, and a 1TB SSD. Price wise, the RTX 2060 model costs RM7,499, while the RTX 2070 configuration goes for RM7,999.\n\n\nThese are not the only variants of the Strix Scar 15 available here: an even more powerful model with an RTX 2070 Super will be offered in Malaysia too, though the local pricing has not been revealed yet. On top of that, the Strix Scar 17 will also be offered here with three different GPU options: an RTX 2060, RTX 2070, or an RTX 2080 Super card.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Strix G15, Strix G17, and Strix Scar 15 are available for purchase in Malaysia right now. While these gaming laptops are not quite as budget-friendly as Asus\u2019 \nTUF Gaming lineup\n, they do offer a middle ground between the latter and the more premium \nZephyrus series\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-zenbook-13-zenbook-14-10th-gen-intel-cpu-malaysia-rm3999/", "title": "Asus ZenBook 13 & ZenBook 14 With 10th Gen Intel CPU Now in Malaysia; Starts at RM3,999", "body": "\n\nInitially set to be launched here this month\n, the new Asus ZenBook 13 and ZenBook 14 are now available for purchase in Malaysia. Two variants of each model are offered here, and with a \nRM3,999 starting price\n, these thin and light productivity laptops aren\u2019t priced exorbitantly either.\n\n\nWe first spotted the Malaysian availability of the updated ZenBook 13 and ZenBook 14 on Thunder Match\u2019s online store, a well-known local retailer. Looking at the company\u2019s listings, the Core i5 configuration of both laptops \ncost RM3,999\n, while the faster Core i7 models \ngo for RM4,699\n.\n\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, similar configurations of the ZenBook 13 and ZenBook 14 have no price difference, which makes sense. After all, both models are very similar to each other; only the size of their displays \u2013 13.3-inch for the ZenBook 13 and 14-inch for the ZenBook 14 \u2013 set them apart. Aesthetically, these two laptops practically look the same.\n\n\nPowering the ZenBook 13 and ZenBook 14 are none other than Intel\u2019s latest 10th generation Ice Lake processors. As mentioned, two chips are offered for the Malaysian market: the Core i5-1035G1 processor, or the beefier Core i7-1065G7 chip. Regardless of which configuration you go for, you\u2019ll get 8GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage; it\u2019s just the processor that\u2019s different with the two variants.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the most appealing aspects of the ZenBook 13 and ZenBook 14 is the fact that they are both slim and light laptops. Both laptops have a 13.9mm thin chassis, so they\u2019re slimmer than most productivity laptops in the market now. What about the weight of these two laptops? Well, the ZenBook 13 tips the scales at only 1.07kg, while the ZenBook 14 weighs 1.13kg.\n\n\nEven though these ZenBook laptops have a slim profile, their connectivity options are surprisingly complete. They have two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 support, a USB-A connection, an HDMI output, and a microSD card reader. But oddly enough, there\u2019s no 3.5mm headphone jack, though a dongle for it is provided with the laptops.\n\n\nOther specifications of the ZenBook 13 and ZenBook 14 include a 67WHr battery \u2013 which can supposedly return up to 22 hours of use on a single charge \u2013 a 1080p display, as well as Microsoft Office Home & Student pre-installed.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ZenBook 13 and ZenBook 14 are now available for purchase in Malaysia. To recap, the Core i5 models of both laptops are \npriced at RM3,999\n, while the Core i7 variants \nretail at RM4,699\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-acer-predator-helios-300-2020-is-an-rtx-2060-gaming-laptop-for-only-rm4599-now-available-in-malaysia/", "title": "The Acer Predator Helios 300 (2020) Is an RTX 2060 Gaming Laptop For Only RM4,599; Now Available in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nAcer just announced the Malaysian availability of its latest gaming laptop, the new Acer Predator Helios 300. What makes this machine particularly interesting is the fact that it offers very, \nvery\n good value for money: it\u2019s an RTX 2060 gaming laptop for only RM4,599.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the updated Helios 300 starts at only RM4,599, making it one of the most affordable gaming laptops in the market now with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 GPU. Besides that, it also has a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display with a fast 144Hz refresh rate, which is ideal for fast-paced games.\n\n\n\n\nThis variant of the Helios 300 also features Intel\u2019s latest 10th generation Core i5-10300H chip, along with 8GB of RAM and a generous 512GB SSD storage. The Core i5 processor may not sound super impressive, but it should be fast enough to keep up with the RTX 2060 GPU. As for the RAM capacity, we\u2019d highly recommend upgrading it to 16GB for the best gaming experience.\n\n\nBesides this Core i5 model, there is also a higher-end configuration of the Helios 300 for our market. It has the same hardware as the aforementioned variant, but the range-topping model comes with a faster Core i7-10750H processor. How much does this upgrade cost? An additional RM600, bringing the price to RM5,199.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to \nits predecessor\n, the new Helios 300 looks very similar, which isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing. It measures only 22.9mm thin, and weighing 2.2kg, it\u2019s not awfully heavy either. Even though it looks almost identical to the previous model, there is one small change: the Predator wording below the logo on the lid has been removed.\n\n\nConnectivity options of the Helios 300 are quite good as well. It features a USB-C port, three full-size USB-A connections, an HDMI 2.0 output, a mini DisplayPort 1.4, and even an SD card reader. It also comes with a two-year on-site warranty with accidental damage or theft protection, so you\u2019ll have peace of mind if anything were to happen.\n\n\n\n\nThe new Acer Predator Helios 300 is now available for purchase on \nAcer Malaysia\u2019s official\n \nShopee store\n, and in conjunction with Acer Day 2020, the gaming laptop will be offered with a RM100 discount between 2 to 4 August. A complimentary Predator mousepad, flask, and backpack are also bundled.\n\n\nOn top of that, every purchase of the Helios 300 comes with one of three free gifts: a Predator Cestus gaming mouse, an Acer wireless mouse, or a pair of Redmi AirDots wireless earbuds.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-predator-helios-700-launched-in-malaysia-rtx-2080-super-laptop-for-rm17999/", "title": "Acer Predator Helios 700 Launched in Malaysia; RTX 2080 Super Laptop for RM17,999", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nupdated Predator Helios 300\n, Acer Malaysia also introduced the refreshed Acer Predator Helios 700 on our shores. Designed as a desktop replacement, this is a high-end gaming laptop with a unique feature: its keyboard can be pulled down to reveal the machine\u2019s cooling system.\n\n\nOf course, this isn\u2019t done only for show (though it does look pretty cool). By sliding out the Helios 700\u2019s keyboard \u2013 Acer calls it the HyperDrift keyboard \u2013 the improved airflow allows the laptop to deliver better performance. On top of that, with the keyboard pulled down, it acts as a wrist rest for a more comfortable typing experience.\n\n\n\n\nAside from its unique keyboard, the Helios 700 is naturally a gaming powerhouse as well. For the Malaysian market, it is offered with two different processors: an Intel Core i7-10875H chip, or a faster, overclockable Core i9-10980HK processor. Regardless of which chip you go for, it is paired with (oddly enough) only 16GB of RAM. It would\u2019ve been great if it had more RAM, given that this is a high-end, premium gaming laptop.\n\n\nAnyway, there are also two GPU options for the Helios 700 over here. The base Core i7 model features an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super GPU, while the range-topping variant with a faster Core i9 chip comes with an equally powerful RTX 2080 Super graphics card.\n\n\nAs for storage, the Core i7 model of the Helios 700 is packed with a 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD paired with a 1TB 7200RPM HDD. The Core i9 variant, on the other hand, comes with two 512GB SSD in Raid 0 configuration.\n\n\n\n\nIn the display department, the Helios 700 is equipped with a 17.3-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate. On top of that, it also supports Nvidia\u2019s G-Sync technology, so you won\u2019t have to deal with screen tearing as you\u2019re playing your favorite game.\n\n\nGiven that the Helios 700 is touted as a desktop replacement, it has a generous selection of ports. These include two USB-C connections, three full-size USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.0 output, a DisplayPort 1.4 connection, and even an RJ-45 port.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Helios 700 is now available for pre-order on \nAcer Malaysia\u2019s online store\n; there is a six to eight weeks of lead time upon purchase. The base Core i7 + RTX 2070 Super model retails at RM12,999, while the higher-end Core i9 + RTX 2080 Super configuration costs a cool RM17,999.\n\n\nThose who pre-order the Helios 700 will also get free gifts worth up to RM2,767. These include a Predator gaming chair, a backpack, and a choice between a Redmi TV soundbar or a Predator RGB mousepad.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/these-sony-bravia-tvs-are-ready-for-the-playstation-5-arriving-in-malaysia-soon-from-rm4299/", "title": "These Sony Bravia TVs Are Ready for the PlayStation 5; Arriving in Malaysia Soon From RM4,299", "body": "\n\nSony Malaysia just announced the local availability of two Sony Bravia TVs: the Bravia Z8H (the flagship model) and the more affordable \u2013 but still high-end \u2013 Bravia X90H range of smart TVs. What makes these two TV series particularly interesting is the fact that they carry the \u201cReady for PlayStation 5\u201d tagline, which promises the best gaming experience with the next-gen console.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the much more accessible Bravia X90H series. For the Malaysian market, four sizes of the X90H are offered: 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, and 85-inch. The most affordable 55-inch model costs RM4,299 here, while the bigger 65-inch variant costs RM6,999. Unfortunately, the pricing for the 75-inch and 85-inch models have not been revealed yet, but expect them to cost quite a bit of money\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven that the Bravia X90H is marketed as an ideal TV for the PlayStation 5, it can naturally deliver 120 frames per second at 4K resolution. Same goes for the Bravia Z8H, even though it has a much higher resolution 8K panel. Regardless, Sony says that \u201cboth TVs will provide extremely smooth gaming experiences with the PS5 console.\u201d\n\n\nOn top of that, these two TVs also come with \u201cBravia Game Mode.\u201d This allows users to play games on the PS5 system with low latency, along with the ability to wake both the TV and PS5 with just the \nDualSense controller\n at the same time. It\u2019s even possible to control the next-gen console with the TV remote. Not exactly a big feature, but it can be convenient on certain occasions.\n\n\n\n\nOn paper, the Bravia X90H features a 3840 x 2160 LCD panel with full array LED backlighting, local dimming support, as well as support for HDR10. Like most high-end Sony TVs, the X90H runs on Android TV too, giving users access to apps like Netflix and YouTube. Of course, Chromecast is also offered with this TV.\n\n\nAs for the higher-end Bravia Z8H, only the sole 85-inch model is set to be offered locally, which is set to go for a whopping RM79,999. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting many of the Bravia X90H\u2019s features, along with a much higher resolution 7680 x 4320 panel.\n\n\n\n\nBoth the Sony Bravia Z8H and Bravia X90H smart TVs will be sold in Malaysia sometime next month in August. If you want a high-end TV that can fully take advantage of the PlayStation 5\u2019s power, consider these two options.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/stand-a-chance-to-get-a-oneplus-nord-for-only-rm99-on-4-august/", "title": "Stand a Chance to Get a OnePlus Nord for Only RM99 on 4 August", "body": "\n\nThe \nOnePlus Nord\n is confirmed to be coming to Malaysia, but we still don\u2019t know exactly when or how much the mid-range smartphone will cost here. Nonetheless, OnePlus does have a pretty interesting thing in store for Malaysian fans: you stand a chance to get a OnePlus Nord for only RM99 on 4 August next week.\n\n\nThis deal is offered as a mystery box on \nOnePlus\u2019 official Shopee store\n. As many as 450 boxes are available, but only two of them will include the OnePlus Nord. Yes, the odds are not great, but there are a number of other items included in the boxes that don\u2019t contain the phone.\n\n\n\n\nThese include the new OnePlus Buds \u2013 as many as 10 of the wireless earbuds will be included in the 450 mystery boxes \u2013 as well as 15 limited edition OnePlus Nord Tyvek Jackets. If you don\u2019t get any of these items, the other boxes will be filled with a number of OnePlus-branded merchandises, such as a T-shirt, a tote bag, a water bottle, or a set of waterproof stickers.\n\n\nOf course, it wouldn\u2019t feel great if you don\u2019t win any of the big ticket item, so every mystery box will include a RM99 voucher code to be used on OnePlus\u2019 official Shopee store. If you already plan to purchase the Nord, the OnePlus Buds, or any other product from the store anyway \u2013 even if nothing else is listed on the store yet \u2013 it\u2019s a win-win situation.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, the Nord itself is quite an interesting mid-range smartphone. It\u2019s powered by a reasonably fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset \u2013 giving it 5G connectivity \u2013 which is paired with 12GB of RAM; that\u2019s the RAM capacity listed in the mystery box product page. It should come with 256GB of storage as well, so it\u2019s likely we\u2019re getting the range-topping configuration of this mid-range smartphone.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Nord include a 6.44-inch 1080p AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, a quad camera system (48MP f/1.75 primary + 8MP f/2.25 ultra-wide angle + 5MP f/2.4 depth + 2MP f/2.4 macro), two selfie cameras (32MP f/2.45 main + 8MP f/2.45 ultra-wide angle), a 4,115mAh battery with support for 30W fast charging, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nThe OnePlus Nord\u2019s Malaysian availability and pricing have not been revealed yet, but you can try to get it through OnePlus\u2019 mystery box promotion for RM99. You can make your purchase \nright here\n on 4 August.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/google-pixel-4a-finally-launching-on-3-august/", "title": "Google Pixel 4a Finally Launching on 3 August", "body": "\n\nThe \nPixel 4a\n has been leaked for many months now, and it seems like Google will finally launch the mid-range smartphone next week on 3 August. Rumoured to retail for less than RM1,500, the Pixel 4a is set to be Google\u2019s most enticing mid-ranger yet.\n\n\nFirst spotted by \n9to5Google\n, a \nteaser for the Pixel 4a\n appeared on Google\u2019s online store. At a glance, it looks like an incomplete page with \u201clorem ipsum\u201d texts, but upon closer inspection, there are some interesting keywords describing the phone. These include words like \u201clowlightena,\u201d \u201cbokehus,\u201d and even \u201clonglastingis batterum.\u201d\n\n\nOh, if you tap on the boxes at the top of the page to match the colours of Google\u2019s logo (blue, red, yellow, blue, green, and red) the 3 August launch date will be revealed.\n\n\n\n\nSo what do we know about the Pixel 4a? Well, based on leaks and rumours surrounding the phone \u2013 which are likely to be accurate \u2013 Google\u2019s upcoming mid-range smartphone is said to be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 chipset. It\u2019s not the fastest SoC in the segment, but it should be able to provide a reasonably good level of performance.\n\n\nBesides that, the Pixel 4a is rumoured to feature a single 12.2MP camera on the back. That\u2019s right, there is no telephoto or ultra-wide angle sensor to be found here. which is unfortunate. While we\u2019re confident the Pixel 4a can still deliver very good camera performance with the single camera system, it wouldn\u2019t look quite as attractive as other mid-range smartphones\u2019 camera arrays that offer multiple focal lengths.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, in the display department, the Pixel 4a is believed to sport a 5.81-inch 2340 x 1080 OLED screen with a hole-punch cutout at the top left of the display to house the rumoured 8MP f/2.0 selfie camera. This is said to be the very same front-facing camera found on the \nPixel 3a\n, so you can expect to get similar results.\n\n\nOther leaked specifications of the Pixel 4a include a 3,080mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging, 6GB of RAM, 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, a rear fingerprint sensor, and the return of the 3.5mm headphone jack; it was missing on the \nPixel 4\n.\n\n\n\n\nThe Google Pixel 4a is expected to be announced on 3 August next week. Rumours indicate that the mid-range phone could go for as low as $349, which comes up to about RM1,480. We\u2019ll find out next week if this really is the starting price of the Pixel 4a.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-tv-stick-now-available-in-malaysia-for-rm149/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi TV Stick Now Available In Malaysia for RM149", "body": "\n\nAnnounced globally just a couple of weeks ago, the \nXiaomi Mi TV Stick\n is now available for purchase here in Malaysia. This streaming device allows any TV with an HDMI port to become a smart TV, and the best part is, it is very affordable too: it can be yours \nfor merely RM149\n.\n\n\nWe spotted this listing of the Mi TV Stick on \nXiaomi Global\u2019s official store on Shopee\n. Although it is based in China \u2013 meaning the product is shipped from the country too \u2013 the listing mentions that the TV Stick comes with a one-year local warranty. Rest assured, this is not a grey import \u2013 you wouldn\u2019t get official local warranty support if that was the case.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, what makes the Mi TV Stick particularly interesting \u2013 besides its competitive price point \u2013 is its ability to transform any regular TV to a smart TV. Once it\u2019s plugged into an HDMI port, just connect it to the internet to enjoy all the features of Android TV. That\u2019s right, this little, compact device supports Android TV.\n\n\nThanks to this feature, the Mi TV Stick has access to the Google Play Store, giving users the ability to download various apps. Whether you\u2019re looking for streaming apps like Netflix or YouTube, you\u2019re only limited by apps that are made for the platform, which is\u2026well, quite a lot.\n\n\n\n\nAlso bundled with the Mi TV Stick is a dedicated Bluetooth remote. Not only does it look rather premium, it even comes with a built-in microphone. This allows you to give voice commands to perform various tasks, thanks to the integration of Google Assistant. It\u2019s also quite a simple, minimalist remote, with dedicated buttons to access Netflix and Amazon\u2019s Prime Video.\n\n\nOf course, as with most streaming devices, the Mi TV Stick also supports Chromecast. Basically, you can cast content directly to a connected TV from your phone, laptop, or tablet. The only real limitation to this is the fact that the TV Stick can only stream content at 1080p. But given the affordable price of this device, this is not exactly a surprise.\n\n\n\n\nThe Mi TV Stick is now available for purchase in Malaysia on Shopee \nfor only RM149\n. At the time of writing, there are 11 units left, which is not exactly a lot. If you want to get this streaming device for merely RM149, it\u2019s best to act fast.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/black-shark-3s-launched-in-china-with-faster-120hz-screen-joyui-12/", "title": "Black Shark 3S Launched in China With Faster 120Hz Screen & JoyUI 12", "body": "\n\nBlack Shark recently introduced a new gaming smartphone in China, the Black Shark 3S. As its name suggests, it is an incremental upgrade over the \nBlack Shark 3\n, which was unveiled back in March this year. In fact, there is really only one major hardware upgrade that differentiates the two phones: the screen.\n\n\nPreviously packed with a 90Hz screen on the Black Shark 3, the new Black Shark 3S comes with a faster 120Hz panel. Beyond this higher refresh rate, the updated gaming smartphone still features a 6.67-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED display; no changes to the size or resolution of the screen. Of course, the 270Hz touch sampling rate is retained as well to minimise input lag.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Black Shark 3S\u2026is practically identical to the Black Shark 3. Well, except for one more thing: it ships with the latest JoyUI 12 software, which adds screen mirroring capability to the device. This is done via the gaming phone\u2019s USB-C port, and while this is only offered on the Black Shark 3S at the moment, we reckon the Black Shark 3 (as well as the Pro model) will also receive the JoyUI 12 update in the future.\n\n\nSoftware aside, the Black Shark 3S is still powered by a fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset. It would\u2019ve been great if this gaming phone was updated with the newer Snapdragon 865+ SoC \u2013 which offers 10% better CPU and GPU performances \u2013 but at least the regular Snapdragon 865 processor can still deliver a respectable level of performance.\n\n\n\n\nA gaming smartphone has to deliver good battery life, and in this aspect, the Black Shark 3S wouldn\u2019t disappoint. It comes with a generous 4,720mAh battery, which should be able to offer above average battery life. On top of that, the 65W fast charging support ensures that the battery can be charged up very quickly.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Black Shark 3S features a familiar triple camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 64MP f/1.8 primary shooter, a 13MP f/2.3 ultra-wide angle lens, and a 5MP f/2.2 depth sensor. Not a super impressive camera configuration, but this is expected from a gaming smartphone; camera performance isn\u2019t exactly the main focus here.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Black Shark 3S include a 20MP f/2.2 selfie camera, 12GB of RAM \u2013 an upgrade over the Black Shark 3\u2019s 8GB RAM \u2013 up to 512GB of internal storage, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\n\n\nThe Black Shark 3S is currently only available in China with a 3,999 Chinese yuan starting price, which comes up to about RM2,430. No word yet on the Malaysian availability of the gaming smartphone, but we\u2019re optimistic it will eventually arrive here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-reno-4-series-lands-in-malaysia-with-rm1699-starting-price/", "title": "Oppo Reno 4 Series Lands in Malaysia With RM1,699 Starting Price", "body": "\n\nThe Oppo Reno 4 series has just been launched here in Malaysia, and it\u2019s made up of two devices: the standard Reno 4, and the Reno 4 Pro. With a RM1,699 starting price, these two mid-range devices are not exactly affordable, but you do get a number of interesting features, including support for fast 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 charging.\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s get the pricing of the two phones out of the way first. The regular Reno 4 \u2013 which has 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage \u2013 retails at RM1,699, while the more feature-packed Reno 4 Pro goes for RM2,399. Given the higher asking price of the Pro model, it does come with twice the amount of storage at 256GB, though it\u2019s still packed with 8GB of RAM.\n\n\nThe Oppo Reno 4 Pro\n\n\nCompared to the standard model, the Reno 4 Pro does come with a number of upgrades that can justify the added cost. For one, it supports Oppo\u2019s 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 fast charging technology. According to the Chinese company, this allows the phone\u2019s 4,000mAh battery to be fully charged in only 36 minutes; that\u2019s quite impressive. As for the standard Reno 4, it features a slightly bigger 4,015mAh cell with 30W fast charging.\n\n\nAside from that, the Reno 4 Pro also sports a faster 6.55-inch 1080p AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. The regular Reno 4, on the other hand, is equipped with a more conventional 6.43-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate. Regardless of which device you go for, there\u2019s a fingerprint sensor underneath the screen.\n\n\nThe Oppo Reno 4\n\n\nBeyond these differences, both the Reno 4 and Reno 4 Pro are powered by the same chipset: a Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G SoC. It\u2019s not the fastest processor in the market \u2013 and you\u2019d expect to get a more powerful chip at this price point \u2013 but it should still be able to offer a reasonably good level of performance for a pleasant user experience.\n\n\nIn the camera department, these two mid-range smartphones have a similar quad camera system made up of a 48MP f/1.7 primary shooter, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor, a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 monochrome camera. On the front, both devices come with a 32MP f/2.4 selfie camera.\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Reno 4 and Reno 4 Pro are now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 7 August. To recap, the standard model goes for RM1,699, while the Reno 4 Pro costs RM2,399. They will hit store shelves from 8 August onwards.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/google-announces-3-new-smartphones-349-pixel-4a-pixel-4a-5g-pixel-5/", "title": "Google Announces 3 New Smartphones: $349 Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a (5G), & Pixel 5", "body": "\n\nIn a surprise announcement, Google just introduced \nthree\n new smartphones today. These include the much leaked \u2013 and very affordable \u2013 Pixel 4a, the Pixel 4a (5G), as well as the flagship Pixel 5. It\u2019s interesting how Google is basically revealing its smartphone lineup for the year.\n\n\nHowever, today\u2019s announcement is very much focused on the Pixel 4a; Google is still keeping the 5G variant of the Pixel 4a and the flagship Pixel 5 under wraps. Nonetheless, the company did mention that the two smartphones will be revealed sometime this fall. On top of that, Google also confirmed that the Pixel 4a (5G) will retail at $499 (about RM2,110). No word on exactly how much the Pixel 5 will go for, however.\n\n\nTeaser of the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a (5G)\n\n\nAs for the standard Pixel 4a itself, it\u2019s really quite an interesting mid-range smartphone, mostly because of its affordable price tag. After all, it retails at only $349 \u2013 that comes up to approximately RM1,475. That makes it \nthe most affordable\n smartphone Google has ever released in recent times. For the sake of comparison, the Pixel 3a retailed at $399 (around RM1,685) when it was launched last year.\n\n\nFor only $349, the Pixel 4a offers the best feature of any Pixel smartphones: excellent camera performance. Even though it only has a single 12.2MP f/1.7 sensor on the back, Google says that the Pixel 4a has \u201cthe same incredible camera experiences from Pixel 4.\u201d Based on early reviews of the phone, this certainly seems to be the case, which is incredible for the mid-ranger.\n\n\n\n\nCamera performance aside, the processor under the hood of the Pixel 4a is quite respectable as well. It\u2019s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G chipset, which should be fast enough to provide a pleasant user experience. Whether you\u2019re gaming or multitasking, we reckon the Snapdragon 730G is up for the task. It also helps that Pixel smartphones have a very clean version of Android.\n\n\nIn the display department, the Pixel 4a sports a rather compact 5.8-inch 2340 x 1080 OLED display with a hole-punch cutout on the top left of the screen for the 8MP f/2.0 selfie camera. Compared to the sizeable top bezel of the \nPixel 4\n, the hole-punch design of the Pixel 4a is certainly a breath of fresh air.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Pixel 4a include 6GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, a 3,140mAh battery, and a rear fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nThe Google Pixel 4a is currently open for pre-order in the US. There\u2019s very slim chance of the phone ever making it onto Malaysian shores officially, though it\u2019s almost certain parallel importers will offer the Pixel 4a here one way or another. Just make sure you\u2019re not paying too high of a premium for a phone that costs less than RM1,500 in the States.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-commerce-offers-hp-loan-with-2-98-interest-rate-for-fresh-graduates/", "title": "Proton Commerce Offers HP Loan With 2.98% Interest Rate for Fresh Graduates", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re a fresh graduate looking to get your first car, good news: Proton Commerce Sdn Bhd (PCSB) \u2013 a company under Proton \u2013 is offering hire purchase loans with as low as 2.98% interest rate for fresh graduates. According to PCSB, this is the lowest rate offered in the segment.\n\n\nOf course, to be eligible for the Fresh Graduate Campaign, there are a number of conditions that have to be met. For one, applicants need a minimum monthly income of RM1,500. Besides that, only diploma holders (or higher) aged between 18 to 30 can apply for this campaign.\n\n\n\n\nIf you meet these conditions, all you need is a letter of employment or a month\u2019s salary slip to apply for a hire purchase loan with Proton Commerce. According to the company, this makes it much easier for fresh graduates to apply for a car loan.\n\n\n\u201cA key deterrent for this segment of buyers has often been the ability to obtain a HP loan without having the proof of income for three months, a common requirement for most HP loans,\u201d Proton Commerce said in a statement.\n\n\n\n\nProton Commerce\u2019s Fresh Graduate campaign will run until 31 December 2020. More information on this offer can be found over at the company\u2019s \nofficial website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-saga-leads-a-segment-sedan-market-in-july-2020-5421-units-sold/", "title": "Proton Saga Leads A-Segment Sedan Market in July 2020; 5,421 Units Sold", "body": "\n\nProton just posted its sales report for July 2020, and it\u2019s been a very good month for the national carmaker. As many as 13,216 total sales were made by Proton, and the Proton Saga make up for almost half of that figure. As many as 5,421 units of the model were sold, making it the best-selling A-segment sedan last month.\n\n\nOn top of that, July 2020 was Proton\u2019s highest monthly sale since June 2012. In comparison to the same month in 2019, Proton sees a notable 45.7% improvement in sales. Evidently, the launch of the \nProton Saga Anniversary Edition\n bolstered these numbers quite a bit. After all, all 1,100 units of the limited edition model were sold out in just five days.\n\n\n\n\nBesides the Saga, three other Proton models led their respective segments as well. The popular \nProton X70\n, for one, remains the best-selling SUV in Malaysia with 3,087 units sold. Not far behind is the Proton Persona: 3,043 units of the B-segment sedan leader were sold last month.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the Proton Exora. With 792 units moved, it is the best-selling C-segment MPV locally in July 2020. Rounding out Proton\u2019s sales performance for last month is the Proton Iriz \u2013 as many as 873 units of the B-segment hatchback were sold, putting it in third place in its respective segment.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cFor August, Proton will look to continue to excite the market and stimulate sales in preparation for more model introductions later in the year,\u201d said Roslan Abdullah, the CEO of Proton Edar. This could be a hint at the imminent arrival of the carmaker\u2019s highly anticipated B-segment SUV, which is believed to be the called the \nProton X50\n. Hopefully, the model will be introduced very soon to take advantage of the \n100% sales tax exemption\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-note-20-note-20-ultra-hands-on-two-steps-forward-one-step-back/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Note 20 & Note 20 Ultra Hands-On: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Note 20 series is finally here, and as expected, it is made up of two smartphones: the standard Galaxy Note 20, and the higher-end Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. Compared to their predecessors \u2013 yes, I consider the Note 20 Ultra to be the successor to the \nNote 10+\n \u2013 both devices sport some serious upgrades, and this is especially the case with the Ultra.\n\n\nHowever, the hardware disparity between the two flagship smartphones is a lot more drastic now, and in my opinion, it\u2019s a step back. That is not to say the Note 20 series is not quite as exciting; the Note 20 Ultra is a fantastic followup to the Note 10+. It\u2019s just that\u2026if you\u2019re a fan of last year\u2019s \nNote 10\n, the Note 20 series will not be quite as appealing to you.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Note 20\nThe Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra\n\n\nNow, I say this because the Galaxy Note 20 is hardly a successor to the Galaxy Note 10. The latter was a compact flagship smartphone that shares a similar camera system as the higher-end Note 10+, but this is not quite the case anymore with the Note 20. Not only is it a much bigger device now with a 6.7-inch screen \u2013 the Note 10 had a smaller 6.3-inch panel \u2013 it even has a very different camera configuration than the Note 20 Ultra.\n\n\nThis, in turn, makes the Note 20 a similarly sized phone with a more pedestrian camera system next to the Note 20 Ultra. You no longer have a compact Note device this year, which was introduced with the Note 10. As a fan of compact smartphones, this is a bit of a letdown to me, though the Note 20 will serve as a better alternative to the Note 20 Ultra now with the similarly big screen at a more affordable price point.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s move on to the star of the new Note devices, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. One of the biggest new features introduced on the new flagship is the improved triple camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 108MP f/1.8 primary sensor with optical image stabilisation, a 12MP f/3.0 periscope telephoto lens that can do 5x optical zoom, as well as a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter.\n\n\nThis camera setup is not too different from the \nGalaxy S20 Ultra\n\u2018s configuration, but there is one major difference with the Note 20 Ultra: a laser autofocus sensor. Thanks to the addition of this sensor, the autofocus performance of the Note 20 Ultra is \nmuch better \nthan the S20 Ultra. This basically solves the latter\u2019s inconsistent autofocus performance, which was my biggest qualm with the phone.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the performance of the Note 20 Ultra\u2019s camera itself, it does seem to be able to take great-looking shots with good detail preservation and dynamic range; as expected of Samsung. However, I\u2019ve only tested the camera in a well-lit setting, so it remains to be seen just how well it would perform under less than ideal lighting. But, again, this \nis\n Samsung: its camera performance rarely disappoints.\n\n\nWhat about the standard Galaxy Note 20? Even though its triple camera system (12MP f/1.8 primary + 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle + 64MP f/2.0 telephoto) doesn\u2019t have the laser autofocus sensor, it can still lock in focus very quickly, thanks to the Dual Pixel autofocus system of the main camera. Image quality of the camera is great too, though it doesn\u2019t feel quite as capable as the Ultra\u2019s more sophisticated camera array.\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the Note 20 Ultra\u2019s bright and vibrant 6.9-inch 3088 x 1440 Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, just like the S20 Ultra. The display also curves on either sides of the phone at a pretty steep angle now, which I quite like. Of course, this is a HDR10+ certified panel as well, so rest assured, this is a very, very pleasant display to look at.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the regular Note 20 doesn\u2019t have a similar display. Instead, it only comes with a flat 6.7-inch 2400 x 1080 Super AMOLED Plus screen with a conventional 60Hz refresh rate; not very impressive, is it? On top of that, the Infinity-O cutout at the top of the screen is noticeably bigger than the Ultra\u2019s cutout too. Thankfully, it is still a HDR10+ certified panel, so it still looks pretty good.\n\n\n\n\nDespite these differences, there is one vital hardware both smartphones share: the new and improved S Pen. According to Samsung, the latency of the S Pen has been reduced, so it will feel more responsive as you write and draw on the Note 20 smartphones. The Air Actions feature is also more functional now, which can be used to go to the home screen, access the recent apps page, and even take a screenshot.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the overall design of the two phones. Naturally, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra feels markedly more premium, thanks to the curved display and back panel. Because of the curvature on the sides of the phone, it feels thinner than it actually is as well.\n\n\n\n\nObviously, this is not the case with the regular Note 20. Because it has a flat screen, it feels a lot thicker than its Ultra counterpart, even though there\u2019s only a 0.2mm difference in thickness between the two phones. On top of that, I\u2019m not a fan of the Note 20\u2019s back panel either. It feels\u2026plasticky. Almost cheap, even. That being said, I do like the matte finish of the Mystic Bronze colourway pictured above.\n\n\nBattery life of the two phones is worth a mention too. The Note 20 features a 4,300mAh battery, while the Note 20 Ultra comes with a slightly bigger 4,500mAh cell. These are pretty generous battery capacities, and paired with the 7nm Exynos 990 chip of both phones \u2013 yes, the Malaysian market is still getting the Exynos variant \u2013 they should be able to return respectable battery life.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Note 20 series, as with every new iteration of the Note, is better than ever. It\u2019s just disheartening (to me) that the compact Note 10 doesn\u2019t get a proper successor. Instead, what we get is a more affordable alternative to the Note 20 Ultra with the regular Note 20, which\u2026well, isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing.\n\n\nRegardless, I\u2019m definitely excited to put the Galaxy Note 20 series through its paces, especially the Note 20 Ultra. The 108MP camera system doesn\u2019t seem to suffer from inconsistent autofocus performance anymore, the fast 120Hz screen looks fantastic, and its battery life should be better than its predecessor too.\n\n\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Galaxy Note 20 series starts at RM3,899 for the 4G variant of the regular Note 20. The 5G version, on the other hand, costs RM4,299; both models feature 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. As for the range-topping Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, it costs a whopping RM5,199. For that kind of money, you get 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-2-official-with-bigger-screens-snapdragon-865/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Official With Bigger Screens & Snapdragon 865+", "body": "\n\nAlso unveiled at Samsung\u2019s Galaxy Unpacked event besides the new \nNote 20 devices\n is the successor to the \nGalaxy Fold\n, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2; it\u2019s been renamed to streamline the branding for the Korean company\u2019s foldable smartphones. Compared to the original Galaxy Fold, the Z Fold 2 is better in every way. For one, it has a much bigger, far more practical secondary screen on the front of the phone now.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the display on the exterior of the Z Fold 2 has been upsized to a much more practical 6.23-inch 2260 x 816 Super AMOLED screen. It even covers almost the entire front of the foldable phone with tiny bezels surrounding the panel, which looks really good. That being said, it\u2019s also a very tall display with a 25:9 aspect ratio.\n\n\n\n\nOpen up the Z Fold 2, and you\u2019ll be greeted by the even bigger 7.6-inch 2208 x 1768 Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. The bezels have been shrunk as well, and there\u2019s no longer the weird cutout at the top right of the screen for the front-facing cameras. Instead, the Z Fold 2 now comes with a much sleeker-looking hole-punch cutout for a single 10MP selfie camera.\n\n\nOf course, just like the \nGalaxy Z Flip\n, the Z Fold 2\u2019s foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen is protected by Samsung\u2019s UTG \u2013 that stands for Ultra Thin Glass. However, the glass itself is covered with a plastic protective layer, so you won\u2019t actually feel the glass material.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the Z Fold 2 is also powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ chipset; there\u2019s no Exynos variant here. Thanks to this SoC, you\u2019ll get the best level of performance available in the Android space. It\u2019s worth noting that the Snapdragon 865+ also provides this foldable phone with 5G connectivity.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Z Fold 2 include a triple camera system (12MP f/1.8 primary + 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle + 12MP f/2.4 telephoto), 12GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage, a 4,500mAh battery with support for 25W fast charging \u2013 11W for wireless charging \u2013 a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and One UI based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nMalaysian availability and price of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 have not been revealed yet, though we\u2019re optimistic it will eventually arrive here in the near future. After all, Samsung Malaysia already has a dedicated product page for the Z Fold 2, not to mention the fact that both the Galaxy and Z Flip are also officially sold on our shores.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-note-20-series-malaysian-pricing-revealed-from-rm3899-to-rm5199/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Series Malaysian Pricing Revealed; From RM3,899 to RM5,199", "body": "\n\nSamsung Malaysia just revealed the local pricing of the brand new \nGalaxy Note 20 series\n. Given the premium positioning of the two new Note 20 smartphones, it\u2019s not surprising that these are costly devices: they retail from RM3,899 to a whopping RM5,199.\n\n\nOf course, the RM3,899 starting price is for the 4G variant of the standard Galaxy Note 20. The 5G model, on the other hand, goes for RM4,299. Regardless of which variant you go for, the Note 20 will come with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. Three colour options are available: Mystic Grey, Mystic Bronze, and Mystic Green \u2013 the last one is exclusive to the 5G model.\n\n\nThe Galaxy Note 20\nThe Galaxy Note 20 Ultra\n\n\nAs for the higher-end Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, only one variant of the premium device is offered. Packed with 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM, this flagship smartphone costs RM5,199 in Malaysia. Just like the regular Note 20, it is offered in three different shades: Mystic Bronze, Mystic Black, and Mystic White.\n\n\nTo sweeten the deal, those who purchase the Galaxy Note 20 or Note 20 Ultra will be bundled with a pair of wireless earbuds. Every pre-order of the Note 20 will come with a complimentary Galaxy Buds+ (worth RM599), while those who place a pre-order for the Note 20 Ultra will receive the new Galaxy Buds Live worth RM699.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the new Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is the more exciting phone of the two. Not only does it come with a new 108MP triple camera system with a laser autofocus sensor \u2013 along with a a 12MP f/3.0 periscope telephoto lens and a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter \u2013 it also features a HDR+ certified 6.9-inch 1440p Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nAs for the regular Note 20, it doesn\u2019t have the sophisticated 108MP triple camera system of the Ultra, but it still offers three different focal lengths: a 12MP f/1.8 primary sensor, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 64MP f/2.0 telephoto lens. As for the display, it features a more conventional 6.7-inch 1080p Super AMOLED Plus screen with a 60Hz refresh rate; it is also HDR10+ certified.\n\n\nBoth Galaxy Note 20 devices are powered by the same Samsung Exynos 990 chipset, and the S Pen of the two phones have been improved with better latency as well. There are also other neat new features for the S Pen, including more practical Air Actions gestures.\n\n\n\n\nPre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 series will open tomorrow on 6 August at 10AM until 20 August or while stocks last. If you\u2019d like to learn more about Samsung\u2019s latest flagship smartphones, check out our hands-on of the two Note 20 devices \nright here\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-watch-3-priced-from-rm699/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 & Galaxy Buds Live Now in Malaysia; Priced From RM699", "body": "\n\nThe recently announced Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 smartwatch and Galaxy Buds Live wireless earbuds have been confirmed for the Malaysian market. Unveiled alongside the new \nGalaxy Note 20 series\n, these two products are quite interesting, especially the Buds Live.\n\n\nHere in Malaysia, the Galaxy Buds Live earbuds retail at RM699, and it is available in three colours: Mystic Bronze, Mystic Black, and Mystic White. As for the Galaxy Watch 3, it goes for RM1,699 or RM1,799 for the 41mm and 45mm models respectively. The 41mm variant is offered in Mystic Bronze and Mystic Silver, while the bigger 45mm version comes in Mystic Black and Mystic Silver.\n\n\n\n\nOut of the two products, the Galaxy Buds Live is arguably the more exciting product, especially with its\u2026unique bean-like design. In fact, this is not your traditional pair of wireless earbuds: they don\u2019t actually come with any ear tips. Because of this unconventional design, these earbuds basically just sit in your ears\u2019 contours, so you\u2019ll definitely hear the outside world with the earbuds \u201con.\u201d\n\n\nThat\u2019s a little odd, given that the Buds Live actually comes with active noise cancellation. It wouldn\u2019t be able to cut down on ambient noise quite as well as traditional earbuds like Sony\u2019s WF-1000XM3, but according to Samsung, it will be able to \u201creduce background noises without missing what\u2019s important, like voices and announcements.\u201d\n\n\nAs for battery life, the Buds Live can last for six hours \u2013 eight hours with ANC and Bixby Voice switched off \u2013 on a single charge. With the charging case, you can get a total of 21 hours of use or 29 hours with ANC disabled.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the Galaxy Watch 3, the successor to 2018\u2019s Galaxy Watch. For the most part, it looks largely the same as the previous model, complete with a rotating bezel and rugged-looking design. There are some notable changes, of course. Not only is it thinner and smaller, it\u2019s also 15% lighter now, which should make it feel more comfortable on the wrist.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy Watch 3 include an OLED screen, a stainless steel case, better sleep tracking capability \u2013 the algorithm has been reworked \u2013 and in the near future, it will be able to monitor blood oxygen (SpO2 and VO2 Max). It can also measure blood pressure and electrocardiography (EKG), though these two features will only be enabled in certain markets.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 20 August; those who place their order of the smartwatch in this time period will get a complimentary wireless charger worth RM239. The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live, on the other hand, will go on sale locally on 21 August.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-wh-1000xm4-finally-here-improved-anc-multipoint-support-rm1599-price-tag/", "title": "Sony WH-1000XM4 Finally Here: Improved ANC, Multipoint Support, RM1,599 Price Tag", "body": "\n\nThe Sony WH-1000XM4 has been rumoured for quite some time now, and it is finally official now. The successor to the highly regarded WH-1000XM3 brings with it a suite of improvements, including better active noise cancellation, the ability to pair with two devices at the same time over Bluetooth, and improved microphones. On top of that, the XM4 is now available here in Malaysia as well.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, you can purchase the WH-1000XM4 locally right now. \nPriced at RM1,599\n \u2013 the exact same price tag as the WH-1000XM3 at launch \u2013 the new wireless headphones are available in two colours: Black and Silver. To sweeten the deal, early birds will also receive a limited edition 1000X headphones stand for free, along with a RM50 Starbucks gift card.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the previous model, the updated WH-1000XM4 doesn\u2019t look all that different; you\u2019d be hard-pressed to differentiate between the two wireless headphones. But under the hood, there are some notable improvements. The performance of the active noise cancellation, for one, is better now, thanks to a new algorithm and Bluetooth Audio SoC.\n\n\nIn fact, thanks to the addition of the SoC, the WH-1000XM4 can analyse music, noise signals, and even the \u201cacoustic characteristics between the driver unit and ears\u201d over 700 times per second. Collectively, this allows the XM4 to cancel out ambient sounds more effectively, making for a more pleasant listening experience.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the WH-1000XM4 can \nfinally\n pair with two devices at the same time with Bluetooth multipoint. This was one of the biggest issues with its predecessor, so it\u2019s great to see that Sony is listening to its customers. Of course, you can also quickly switch between two paired devices with the touch of a button.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is better voice call quality. The WH-1000XM4 now comes with Precise Voice Pickup Technology that combines the five built-in microphones of the headphones with advanced audio signal processing. The result? Clearer voice quality in your calls. There\u2019s even a neat Speak-to-Chat feature that automatically pauses the music when you start talking.\n\n\n\n\nThe Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones are now available for purchase in Malaysia. \nFor RM1,599\n, it\u2019s not a particularly affordable product, but you do get a very good pair of cans with excellent noise cancellation. After all, there\u2019s a reason its predecessor was so successful, and it\u2019s even better now with the XM4.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-poco-f2-pro-going-for-only-rm1799-tomorrow/", "title": "Deal: Poco F2 Pro Going for Only RM1,799 Tomorrow", "body": "\n\nThe Poco F2 Pro is one of the most affordable flagship smartphones in the market now, and it\u2019s about to be \neven more affordable\n. In conjunction with Lazada\u2019s 8.8 sale tomorrow, you can get this Snapdragon 865 smartphone \nfor only RM1,799\n.\n\n\nOriginally going for RM2,199, you can save RM400 on the 128GB + 6GB Poco F2 Pro with this deal tomorrow. That\u2019s quite a sizeable discount, especially for a phone at this price point. Of course, this deal is offered by Xiaomi itself on its official Lazada store, so rest assured, it is a legitimate deal.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, do note that this promo price for the Poco F2 Pro is part of Lazada\u2019s flash sale that will begin at 12AM tonight. If you want to grab this Snapdragon 865 smartphone \nfor only RM1,799\n, it\u2019s best to act fast \u2013 we reckon stocks will run out quite fast.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/msi-creator-17-with-mini-led-screen-now-in-malaysia-retails-from-rm11499/", "title": "MSI Creator 17 With Mini-LED Screen Now in Malaysia; Retails From RM11,499", "body": "\n\nThe MSI Creator 17, which is touted by the Taiwanese company as the world\u2019s first laptop with a Mini-LED display, is now available in Malaysia. If you\u2019re a creative professional, you might want to look into this machine; it could be for you.\n\n\nOf course, the most exciting hardware of the Creator 17 has to be its 17.3-inch 4K Mini-LED display. Compared to regular LCD panels, this Mini-LED screen allows for better control of local dimming, which enhances contrast ratio quite a bit. According to MSI, this laptop\u2019s display has 240 local dimming zones; that\u2019s quite a lot for a panel of this size.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Mini-LED display screen also has a peak brightness of 1000 nits. This, complemented by the superior local dimming and 4K resolution of the panel, should make for a very pleasant screen to look at. This is especially the case with HDR content, which needs a high level of brightness to really shine.\u00a0\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s talk about the other hardware under the hood of the Creator 17. Its processing power, for one, comes from Intel\u2019s latest 10th generation Core i7-10875H processor, which should be fast enough for most tasks. Besides that, it is packed with either 16GB or 32GB of RAM, depending on which variant you go for.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, you can either get the Creator 17 with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 GPU or a more powerful RTX 2070 Super Max-Q graphics card. The former option comes with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage, while the RTX 2070 Super model features 32GB of RAM with a generous 1TB SSD.\n\n\nDespite all of these beefy hardware under the hood of the Creator 17, it\u2019s a surprisingly thin machine. With a 20.25mm side profile, it is noticeably thinner than the majority of other similarly equipped laptops in the market now. It also has pretty good connectivity options, including two USB-C ports, three full-size USB-A connections, an HDMI output, a microSD card reader, and even an RJ45 port.\n\n\n\n\nThe MSI Creator 17 is now available for purchase in Malaysia. The RTX 2060 variant retails at RM11,499, while the higher-end RTX 2070 Super Max Q model goes for RM13,999. Given that the latter offers a faster GPU \nand\n twice the amount of RAM and SSD storage for RM2,500 more, it\u2019s the model to go for if you want the best value for your money.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-matepad-pro-quick-review-surprisingly-good-without-google/", "title": "Huawei MatePad Pro Quick Review: Surprisingly Good Without Google", "body": "\n\nThe Huawei MatePad Pro is the Chinese company\u2019s latest flagship Android tablet, and it\u2019s a premium device through and through. Not only does it pack flagship-tier performance, it also offers a large, vibrant screen in a sleek form factor. But there is one thing that holds it back: it doesn\u2019t ship with Google Mobile Services.\n\n\nWhile that limits the amount of apps the MatePad Pro can access, it is \nactually\n a pretty good tablet without Google. For certain folks, the MatePad Pro can certainly serve them well, especially if you\u2019re planning to use it for browser-based tasks.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n10.8-inch WQXGA IPS (2560 x 1600)\nChipset\nHuawei Kirin 990 2.86GHz octa-core\nGPU\nARM Mali-G76\nRAM\n8GB\nStorage\n256GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n13MP f/1.8\nCamera (front)\n8MP f/2.0\nBattery\n7,250mAh\nDimensions\n246 x 159 x 7.2 mm\nWeight\n492g\nOS\nEMUI 10 based on Android 10\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nBluetooth 5.1\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM2,399 (LTE), RM3,299 (5G)\n\n\nAs a premium tablet, the MatePad Pro got some high-end hardware under the hood. It\u2019s powered by a Kirin 990 chipset \u2013 the very same one found in Huawei\u2019s current crop of flagship smartphones \u2013 and the 10.8-inch display is sharp and vibrant as well. On top of that, it also comes with a very generous 7,250mAh battery, which can return \nvery good\n battery life.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nSince we\u2019re already on the topic, let\u2019s talk about the impressive battery life of the MatePad Pro first. Throughout my time with the tablet as my work device, I managed to squeeze well over a day\u2019s worth of use out of it. In fact, I actually find it quite difficult to completely drain the battery in a single work day; that\u2019s how long-lasting this tablet is.\n\n\n\n\nTo really put the MatePad Pro\u2019s battery life to the test, I continuously played YouTube videos on the tablet with the volume and screen brightness set to a comfortable level. Surprisingly enough, the tablet reached almost \n15 hours of playback\n before it shut itself down. Needless to say, this is \nridiculously\n good battery life.\n\n\nComplementing the excellent battery life of the MatePad Pro is the Huawei Kirin 990 chipset, which is fabricated on a 7nm process. This makes it a power-efficient chip, and it offers high-end performance too. Whether I\u2019m multitasking or playing demanding games on the tablet, the Kirin 990 can keep up with ease.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the 10.8-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS screen. It\u2019s a very pleasant display to look at with punchy colours, good maximum brightness, and wide viewing angles. But what I like the most about this panel is its 16:10 aspect ratio: thanks to the extra vertical space, this is an ideal screen for productivity work.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of work, the keyboard case is surprisingly good to type on. While the cramp, compact layout is not for everyone, I can type quite comfortably on it. Sure, the limited key travel isn\u2019t great, but they are tactile enough to provide a reasonably good typing experience.\n\n\nIf you need a stylus, there\u2019s the Huawei M-Pencil for the MatePad Pro. I don\u2019t use it too much throughout the review period, but it does feel quite natural when I use it to scribble some notes. The M-Pencil can also detect 4,096 levels of pressure, which is something digital artists will appreciate.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the quad speaker system of the MatePad Pro, which offers one of the best audio qualities I\u2019ve heard from a tablet. It can get really loud without noticeable distortion, and the amount of bass it can produce is quite commendable as well.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nThere\u2019s no denying the robust hardware of the MatePad Pro, but there is one major shortcoming of the MatePad Pro: app support. Due to the US sanction, Huawei isn\u2019t allowed to use Google Mobile Services on its Android devices. This means that a number of essential Android apps are not pre-installed on this tablet, including Google Chrome, YouTube, Google Drive, and of course, the indispensable Play Store.\n\n\n\n\nEven if you don\u2019t use any of Google\u2019s apps, not having access to the plethora of apps available on the Google Play Store really limits the MatePad Pro\u2019s usability. Sure, Huawei has its own AppGallery in lieu of Google\u2019s offering, and while there are a quite a number of apps there, it still pales in comparison to the sheer scale of the Play Store.\n\n\nOf course, there are a few ways to circumvent this limitation, one of which is to install a third-party app store. While this somewhat solves the lack of popular apps on the MatePad Pro, it\u2019s not exactly something an average user is comfortable doing. There\u2019s also the fact that third-party app stores are not as secure as the Google Play Store.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, depending on how you plan to use the MatePad Pro, not having access to these apps may not be that big of a deal. If you, say, want to use this tablet as more of an alternative to a laptop \u2013 like how I did \u2013 the built-in browser is more than good enough for this purpose. I can even force the browser to display websites in desktop view; I didn\u2019t encounter any compatibility issues by doing so either.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nLooking at its hardware alone, the Huawei MatePad Pro is an excellent, high-end Android tablet. It offers fast performance, a vibrant display, great audio quality, and most of all, \nfantastic\n battery life. It doesn\u2019t cost all that much either at RM2,399, though you\u2019d have to pay quite a bit more \u2013 RM3,299, to be specific \u2013 for the 5G model.\n\n\n\n\nReally, the \nonly thing\n holding the MatePad Pro back is the lack of Google support. As mentioned, depending on how you use the tablet, this may not be an issue at all. Of course, not having access to the Play Store does limit the usability of the MatePad Pro to an extend, but there are ways around this. It\u2019s not an ideal solution, but it\u2019s definitely viable for more tech-savvy folks.\n\n\nIt\u2019s unfortunate the MatePad Pro doesn\u2019t have access to Google\u2019s apps services; it would\u2019ve been the complete package. On its own, it\u2019s a very accomplished flagship Android tablet with a competitive price point, marred only by the lack of Google.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/htc-wildfire-e2-launches-in-russia-starting-from-rm500/", "title": "HTC Wildfire E2 Launches in Russia, Starting From RM500", "body": "\n\nThe HTC Wildfire E2 was quietly launched in Russia last week. Given the entry-level positioning of the new device, it doesn\u2019t exactly have any groundbreaking features, though it does carry a pretty affordable price tag.\n\n\nPowering the Wildfire E2 is a MediaTek Helio P22 chipset, an octa-core processor clocked at 1.8GHz. It can be bought with either 3GB or 4GB of RAM, along with two storage options (32GB and 64GB). If you need more storage space, you can take advantage of the microSD card slot \u2013 it supports cards up to 128GB.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, the Wildfire E2 comes with a 6.22-inch 1560 x 720 IPS notched screen with an aspect ratio of 19.5:9. It would\u2019ve been great if it had a higher resolution panel or a more modern-looking screen design, but it would be unrealistic to expect these from an entry-level device.\n\n\nCamera wise, the Wildfire E2 offers a 16MP primary camera with a 2MP depth sensor on the back. On the front of the phone, there\u2019s an 8MP shooter for selfies. Other notable features of the Wildfire E2 include a 4,000mAh battery, a rear fingerprint sensor, and Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe HTC Wildfire E2 is now available in Russia. Retailing from 8,760 Russian ruble \u2013 which is roughly RM500 \u2013 it\u2019s really quite an affordable smartphone. At the moment, it remains to be seen if the Wildfire E2 will ever be launched in other markets.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-c11-with-5000mah-battery-now-offers-3gb-of-ram-for-rm479/", "title": "Realme C11 With 5,000mAh Battery Now Offers 3GB of RAM for RM479", "body": "\n\nThe Realme C11 was launched here in Malaysia just last month, but at the time, it only came with 2GB of RAM. That\u2019s not an awful lot of RAM, even for an entry-level Android smartphone. Thankfully, you can now get the C11 locally with a much more practical 3GB RAM for not a lot more money.\n\n\nOriginally retailing at RM429 for the 2GB RAM model, the new Realme C11 variant with 3GB of RAM costs RM479. You\u2019re essentially paying RM50 more to get 1GB more RAM, which is definitely worth it for a more pleasant user experience. After all, as apps get more demanding and resource-hungry, you need all the RAM you can get.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the extra RAM capacity, other specifications of the C11 remain the same. For one, it still features a large 5,000mAh battery that should be able to to deliver excellent battery life on a single charge. In fact, you can even use it as a power bank to charge other devices, thanks to its support for reverse charging.\n\n\nBesides that, the Realme C11 is powered by a MediaTek Helio G35 chipset. Sure, it\u2019s a decidedly entry-level chip, but it\u2019s suited for a device at this price point. Plus, the Helio G35 is fabricated on a 12nm process; MediaTek says that this gives the chip good power efficiency, which will further improve the battery life of the C11.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the C11 comes with a 6.5-inch 1600 x 720 display. It would\u2019ve been great if it came with a higher resolution 1080p screen, but that would also take up more power than the 720p panel of the C11. Given that excellent battery life is one of the most highlighted features of this phone \u2013 and this \nis\n an entry-level device \u2013 it\u2019s an understandable compromise.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Realme C11 comes with two rear cameras: a 13MP f/2.2 primary sensor and a 2MP f/2.4 portrait lens. On the front, it features a 5MP f/2.4 selfie camera. Not the most sophisticated camera system, but it should do in a pinch, especially for a sub-RM500 phone.\n\n\nOther specifications of the C11 include 32GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, a microUSB port, and Realme UI based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe new Realme C11 variant with 3GB of RAM will be available for purchase from retail outlets in Malaysia from 15 August onwards for RM479. Alternatively, you can get the C11 online from \nRealme\u2019s official Lazada store\n on 28 August; a complimentary Realme Buds 2 will be bundled on that day.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-nord-launching-in-malaysia-on-18-august/", "title": "OnePlus Nord Launching in Malaysia on 18 August", "body": "\n\nOnePlus finally confirmed the Malaysian launch of its latest mid-range smartphone, the \nOnePlus Nord\n. Set to arrive here next week on 18 August, the Nord will compete against other premium mid-range smartphones in Malaysia; its local pricing will determine if it can stand toe-to-toe with them.\n\n\nThe Malaysian launch of the OnePlus Nord is confirmed by the company itself on its Facebook page. Details are light, but the \u201cspecial launch\u201d event is said to take place on 18 August at 11AM. Chances are, this will be an online-only affair.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the Nord particularly interesting is the whole package it offers. Not only does it sport a premium glass and metal build, it also features a 6.44-inch 1080p AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate; perfectly suited for a mid-range device like it. There\u2019s also an oblong-shaped hole-punch cutout on the top left of the screen, which houses two selfie cameras.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the Nord come with two front-facing shooters. One is a 32MP f/2.45 primary sensor, while the other lens is an 8MP f/2.45 ultra-wide angle lens that\u2019s ideal for capturing wider group selfies. In fact, the ultra-wide angle selfie camera is a first for OnePlus. No other smartphone from the company offers that.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, powering the Nord is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset, giving the phone a reasonably good level of performance and 5G connectivity. Granted, this is not the fastest processor in the market, but it \nis \nQualcomm\u2019s best SoC outside of the range-topping Snapdragon 8 series chips. That\u2019s a good position to be in.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Nord include a generous 4,115mAh battery with support for OnePlus\u2019 Warp Charge 30T fast charging technology \u2013 it can supposedly charge up the phone to 70% from empty in just 30 minutes \u2013 an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and OxygenOS based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe OnePlus Nord is set to be launched in Malaysia next week on 18 August. We don\u2019t know yet exactly how much the mid-range smartphone will cost here, but the company already listed two different variants of the Nord on its local Shopee store. Two models of the phone will be offered here: the \n128GB variant with 8GB of RAM\n, and the range-topping \n256GB option with 12GB of RAM\n.\n\n\nAside from that, based on the listings, both the Blue Marble and Grey Onyx colourways of the Nord will be available here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2020-asus-zenbook-13-priced-from-rm3999/", "title": "2020 Asus ZenBook 13 & ZenBook 14 Officially Launched in Malaysia; Priced From RM3,999", "body": "\n\nAsus has officially introduced the 2020 iterations of the ZenBook 13 and ZenBook 14 for the Malaysian market. Packing Intel\u2019s latest 10th generation Ice Lake processors in a sleek, thin chassis, these two productivity laptops are made for those who are always on the go.\n\n\nAs we\u2019ve \npreviously reported\n, there are two different variants for both the ZenBook 13 and ZenBook 14. The Core i5-1035G1 model for the two laptops cost RM3,999, while the more powerful Core i7-1065G7 configurations go for RM4,699. That\u2019s right, there is no price difference between the ZenBook 13 and ZenBook 14.\n\n\n\n\nThis makes sense, given that both laptops are almost identical to each other. Only the display size and weight of the two machines are different: the ZenBook 13 weighs 1.07kg with a 13.3-inch 1080p display, while the ZenBook 14 tips the scales at 1.13kg with a bigger 14-inch 1080p screen. It\u2019s also worth noting that the former has an 88% screen-to-body ratio; the ZenBook 14 is slightly better at 90%.\n\n\nAs mentioned, both ZenBook laptops can be purchased with either a Core i5-1035G1 or Core i7-1065G7 processor for the Malaysian market. Regardless of which configuration you go for, the ZenBook 13 and ZenBook 14 still come with 512GB of SSD storage and 8GB of RAM; you won\u2019t get more RAM or storage with the higher-end Core i7 model.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond these hardware, what makes the ZenBook 13 and ZenBook 14 particularly interesting is its portable nature. After all, both laptops measure only 13.9mm thin. It\u2019s really quite interesting that Asus manage to retain the thin profile of the more compact ZenBook 13 with the larger ZenBook 14 as well.\n\n\nDespite their slim profiles, the connectivity options of the ZenBook laptops are surprisingly complete. They have two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 support, a USB-A connection, an HDMI output, and a microSD card reader. However, the 3.5mm headphone jack is omitted on both machines, though a dongle for it is provided with the laptops.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ZenBook 13 and ZenBook 14 are now available for purchase in Malaysia. To recap, the Core i5 models cost RM3,999, while the Core i7 configurations go for RM4,699. To celebrate the launch of the new ZenBook laptops, Asus is offering a RM100 rebate for the first 20 buyers of the two products on its \nofficial Shopee store\n. This deal is only available until 12 August tomorrow, and users have to use the ASUSZB100 discount code at checkout.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-10-ultra-unleashed-120x-zoom-120w-fast-charging-120hz-screen-rm3200-starting-price/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra Unleashed: 120x Zoom, 120W Fast Charging, 120Hz Screen, RM3,200 Starting Price", "body": "\n\nXiaomi just unveiled the Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra for the Chinese market, and it\u2019s sporting some very high-end hardware. Not only does it have a camera system that can do 120x zoom, it also comes with a 120Hz screen \nand\n support for fast 120W charging.\n\n\nAesthetically, The Mi 10 Ultra looks similar to the \nother Mi 10 phones\n, except for the new camera module on the back. The quad camera system now comes with a 48MP f/1.85 primary sensor, a 48MP f/4.1 periscope telephoto lens capable of 10x optical zoom or 120x digital zoom, a 20MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 12MP f/2.0 portrait camera.\n\n\n\n\nNeedless to say, this is an impressive camera configuration. In fact, the Mi 10 Ultra is currently \nsitting at the top of DxOMark\u2019s ranking\n. According to the site, the quad camera system has excellent detail preservation, accurate white balance, wide dynamic range \u2013 even for the ultra-wide angle sensor \u2013 and good bokeh effect with natural-looking blur.\n\n\nOf course, the Mi 10 Ultra\u2019s camera performance does have a number of shortcomings too. For one, there are some artifacts and unnatural texture rendering in HDR shots, along with a more noticeable noise level and loss of detail in ultra-wide angle shots. But all in all, the Ultra still gets a total score of 140; the highest score DxOMark ever gave for a smartphone camera.\n\n\nBesides that, there\u2019s the extremely fast 120W fast charging rate of the Mi 10 Ultra. According to Xiaomi, this allows the phone\u2019s 4,500mAh battery to be fully charged in only \n23 minutes\n. If you\u2019re in a rush, a five-minute charge is enough to get the battery from completely empty to 41% \u2013 this is \nvery\n impressive charging rate.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the equally fast 120Hz screen of the Mi 10 Ultra; an improvement over the regular Mi 10\u2019s 90Hz display. Beyond the faster refresh rate, this is still a 6.67-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED panel with a hole-punch cutout on the top left of the screen for the 20MP selfie camera.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mi 10 Ultra include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset \u2013 not the newer Snapdragon 865+ SoC, oddly enough \u2013 up to 16GB of RAM, three storage options (128GB, 256GB, and 512GB), an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and MIUI 12 based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra will be available for purchase in China from 16 August onwards with a 5,299 Chinese yuan starting price; that comes up to about RM3,200. Naturally, there\u2019s no word yet on the Malaysian availability of the Mi 10 Ultra.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-k30-ultra-unveiled-with-mediatek-dimensity-1000-chip-120hz-screen-for-rm1200/", "title": "Redmi K30 Ultra Unveiled With MediaTek Dimensity 1000+ Chip & 120Hz Screen for RM1,200", "body": "\n\nAside from the Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra, the Redmi K30 Ultra was also introduced in China. Although it\u2019s not quite as high-end as the former, the new K30 Ultra does come with a number of interesting features. These include a fast 120Hz screen, along with a new processor: the MediaTek Dimensity 1000+.\n\n\nCompared to other flagship-tier chipsets in the market now, the Dimensity 1000+ is a reasonably capable SoC with support for 5G networks. While it\u2019s not quite as fast as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, you can still expect to get a very good level of performance with the Dimensity 1000+. After all, it\u2019s MediaTek\u2019s best chip to date.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the K30 Ultra also comes with a fast 120Hz panel now with a 240Hz touch sampling rate. It\u2019s a marked improvement over the \nK30 Pro\n\u2018s screen, which only had a 60Hz refresh rate with a 180Hz touch sampling rate. Beyond the faster and more responsive display, the K30 Ultra still features a 6.67-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED panel.\n\n\nIn fact, other aspects of the K30 Ultra are almost identical to the K30 Pro. It has the same quad camera system (64MP main + 13MP ultra-wide angle + 5M telemacro + 2MP depth), a 20MP pop-up front-facing camera, 6GB or 8GB of RAM, up to 512GB of internal storage, as well as an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\nThat being said, it\u2019s worth noting that the K30 Ultra comes with a slightly smaller 4,500mAh battery; the K30 Pro had a bigger 4,700mAh cell.\n\n\n\n\nThe Redmi K30 Ultra will go on sale in China from 14 August onwards. With a 1,999 Chinese yuan starting price \u2013 that comes up to about RM1,205 \u2013 it\u2019s definitely an affordable smartphone. Here\u2019s hoping the K30 Ultra will be made available in Malaysia as well.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-tab-s7-malaysian-launch-imminent/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Malaysian Launch Set for 28 August", "body": "\n\nUpdate 13 August:\n\u00a0Samsung Malaysia just confirmed that the Galaxy Tab S7 tablets will be available for purchase locally from 28 August onwards. Three colours are offered: Mystic Bronze, Mystic Black, and Mystic Silver.\n\n\nThe original article follows.\n\n\nThe new Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 series was launched globally just last week alongside the \nGalaxy Note 20 smartphones\n. At the time, Malaysian availability of the Tab S7 was not revealed, but we\u2019ve got good reason to believe that the new Android tablet will be arriving here very soon.\n\n\nAs usual, we were going through SIRIM\u2019s database when we saw that Samsung Malaysia registered a new device with the model number SM-T975 just today. After a little bit of digging, we found a support page for the Galaxy Tab S7+ with the very same model number on \nSamsung Australia\u2019s website\n.\n\n\n\n\nChances are, the Galaxy Tab S7+ will be landing here in Malaysia very soon. While the standard Galaxy Tab S7 isn\u2019t registered with SIRIM yet, we\u2019re confident it will be launched alongside the higher-end Tab S7+ as well. After all, the \nproduct page for the Tab S7\n is already up on Samsung Malaysia\u2019s website.\n\n\nBoth the Galaxy Tab S7 and Tab S7+ are flagship tablets, so they\u2019re packing some high-end hardware under the hood. These include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ chip, 5G connectivity, and fast 120Hz screens. The Tab S7+ features a 12.4-inch 2800 x 1752 Super AMOLED display, while the Tab S7 has a slightly smaller 11-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS panel.\n\n\n\n\nIt remains to be seen exactly when the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 series will be launched here in Malaysia, but given that the Tab S7+ has already been registered with SIRIM, we reckon it will be happening very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-zephyrus-duo-15-malaysian-launch-happening-on-17-august/", "title": "Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 Malaysian Launch Happening on 17 August", "body": "\n\nAsus already launched \na slew of gaming laptops\n powered by Intel\u2019s latest 10th generation processors in Malaysia, but one machine hasn\u2019t been officially launched yet: the dual screen \nAsus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15\n. According to Asus, the high-end gaming laptop will be landing in Malaysia next week on 17 August.\n\n\nNow, it\u2019s worth noting that the Zephyrus Duo 15 is already available for pre-order from certain local retailers. While the retail price of the gaming laptop has not been announced yet, we\u2019ve got the details from a trusted source: the Zephyrus Duo 15 will go for RM19,999 here.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to the same source, two variants of the Zephyrus Duo 15 will be offered here. One will come with a 15.6-inch 4K display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate, while the other features a faster 300Hz panel with a 1080p resolution. Both variants retail at the same RM19,999 price point, but only the former is available this month; the 300Hz configuration will be sold sometime in September next month.\n\n\nBeyond its display option, other specifications of the Zephyrus Duo 15 are decidedly high-end. It features a secondary 14.1-inch 3840 x 1100 touch-enabled screen above the keyboard, a Core i9-10980HK processor paired with 32GB of RAM, a beefy RTX 2080 Super Max-Q GPU, and 2TB of SSD storage. Basically, powerful hardware for a premium product.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 will be officially launched in Malaysia next week on 17 August. If you\u2019d like to learn more about this unique gaming laptop, check out \nour hands-on\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/microsoft-surface-duo-specs-price-revealed-dual-screen-android-phone-for-1399/", "title": "Microsoft Surface Duo Specs & Price Revealed: Dual Screen Android Phone for $1,399", "body": "\n\nInitially unveiled in October last year, the Microsoft Surface Duo\u2019s full specifications have finally been revealed. On top of that, the unique, dual screen Android smartphone is also available for pre-order in the US now, and as expected, it\u2019s quite a costly device.\n\n\nIn the States, the Surface Duo carries a steep $1,399 price tag, which comes up to about RM5,860. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting 128GB of internal storage; the more generous 256GB variant demands an additional $100 (about RM420). Needless to say, the Duo is not an affordable smartphone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut given the unique appeal of the Surface Duo, the hefty asking price is not exactly a surprise. For one, this Android smartphone has two 5.6-inch 1800 x 1350 AMOLED displays. When connected together, they form a single 8.1-inch 2700 x 1800 panel with a 3:2 aspect ratio. This unique dual screen setup will definitely come in handy for users that need it, especially for productivity work.\n\n\nBesides the two AMOLED screens, other specifications of the Surface Duo are akin to that of a 2019 flagship smartphone. It features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset paired with 6GB of RAM, a single 11MP f/2.0 camera \u2013 it serves as the rear and front-facing camera \u2013 a 3,577mAh battery, and Microsoft Surface Duo UI based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Microsoft Surface Duo is now available for pre-order in the US; it will start shipping on 10 September. Naturally, there\u2019s no word yet on the Malaysian availability of the Duo.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2020-honda-city-now-open-for-booking-in-malaysia-1-5l-engine-253nm-torque-q4-launch/", "title": "2020 Honda City Now Open for Booking in Malaysia: 1.5L Engine, 253Nm Torque, Q4 Launch", "body": "\n\nAfter weeks of teasers, Honda Malaysia finally revealed more information on the brand new 2020 Honda City for the Malaysian market, and it\u2019s very interesting. Not only are we the very first market to receive the City RS intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) hybrid model, booking for the new B-segment sedan is now open locally too.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, Honda Malaysia says that the introduction of the City RS i-MMD on our shores will be the \u201cworld premiere\u201d of the hybrid model. On top of that, this range-topping variant is also the most powerful offering: its i-MMD powertrain is able to output 253Nm of torque, thanks to the hybrid\u2019s electric motor.\n\n\nAccording to Honda, this allows the City RS to have \u201ca powerful and smooth acceleration that performs better than a C-segment and D-segment model.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re not keen to get a hybrid model, other variants of the fifth generation City \u2013 four of them in total, including the RS trim \u2013 will be powered by a new 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine. It produces 121PS and 145Nm of torque, and just like the current fourth generation model, it is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).\n\n\nAside from that, there are also a number of improvements to the all-new City, which are touted as a first in the segment. One of them is a Honda LaneWatch camera positioned on the left side mirror: whenever you signal to the left, the infotainment screen in the centre console will display what\u2019s on the left side of the car to allow for safer lane changes. Unfortunately, this feature is only offered on the RS and V models.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, other items that are exclusive to the RS and V trims of the new City include LED headlights and 16-inch aluminium wheels with a two-tone design. Naturally, there are some features that are only offered on the RS model as well, such as black door mirror caps and an electric parking brake.\n\n\n\n\nThe all-new Honda City will be launching in Malaysia sometime in the fourth quarter of 2020. Local pricing has not been revealed yet, though booking for the B-segment sedan is now open. To sweeten the deal, those who book the new City will also receive a RM1,000 service voucher with a one-year validity.\n\n\nTo learn more about the fifth generation City, head on to Honda Malaysia\u2019s \nofficial website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-9c-with-3gb-ram-64gb-storage-landing-in-malaysia-for-rm479/", "title": "Redmi 9C With 3GB RAM & 64GB storage Landing in Malaysia for RM479", "body": "\n\nThe Redmi 9C was released here in Malaysia last June, but it only came with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. While that\u2019s not bad for an entry-level smartphone, you can now get the 9C with more RAM and storage for just a little bit more cash.\n\n\nPreviously, the Redmi 9C with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage retailed at RM429. This new variant, on the other hand, features 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage for only RM50 more, bringing the price up to RM479. In our opinion, it\u2019s worth paying extra for the new model to get more RAM and \ndouble\n the internal storage.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the extra RAM and storage, this new variant of the Redmi 9C still comes with the same hardware. It\u2019s powered by a MediaTek Helio G35 octa-core processor clocked at 2.3GHz, and fabricated on a 12nm process, it should be power-efficient enough to allow the 9C to return respectable battery life. After all, it\u2019s packing a very generous 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\nMoving on to the camera, the Redmi 9C has a triple camera system made up of a 13MP f/2.2 primary camera, a 2MP f/2.4 macro shooter, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor. Not the most sophisticated camera system, but it should do in a pinch, especially for a phone at this price point.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Redmi 9C include a 6.53-inch 1600 x 720 display, a 5MP f/2.2 front camera, as well as a rear fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Redmi 9C with 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage is now available for pre-order in Malaysia for RM479 until 21 August; it will hit store shelves on 22 August onwards. If you can\u2019t wait, you can still purchase the slightly more affordable Redmi 9C with 2GB RAM and 32GB of storage \nfor only RM399 today\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmis-first-gaming-laptop-features-large-16-1-144hz-screen-gtx-1650-ti/", "title": "Redmi\u2019s First Gaming Laptop Features Large 16.1\u2033 144Hz Screen & GTX 1650 Ti", "body": "\n\nRedmi just launched its first-ever gaming laptop in China, the Redmi G. Featuring a large 16.1-inch display with a fast 144Hz refresh rate and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti GPU, it\u2019s a reasonably capable gaming laptop. On top of that, it\u2019s priced quite competitively as well.\n\n\nThree different variants of the Redmi G are available in China. The most affordable base model comes with an Intel Core i5-10200H processor, a GTX 1650 GPU, and a 16.1-inch 1080p screen with a 60Hz refresh rate. Not very impressive hardware, but given that this variant costs only 5,299 Chinese yuan (about RM3,195), it offers decent value for money.\n\n\n\n\nA tier up is the GTX 1650 Ti variant of the Redmi G. Not only does this model come with a beefier GPU, it also has a better Core i5-10300H processor and a much faster 144Hz screen. Of course, given the higher-end hardware, it also costs quite a bit more over the base model at 6,299 yuan (approximately RM3,800).\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the range-topping Redmi G. Compared to the previous configuration, this model swaps out the processor for an even faster Core i7-10750H chip, and\u2026that\u2019s it. For this processor upgrade, you\u2019ll have to fork out 6,999 yuan, which comes up to around RM4,220.\n\n\nRegardless of which configuration you go for, this gaming laptop is packed with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond these hardware, the Redmi G has a pretty good selection of connectivity options as well. It features a single USB-C port, three full-size USB-A connections, a mini DisplayPort 1.4, an HDMI 2.0 output, and an RJ45 connection. It would\u2019ve been great if it had an SD card reader as well, given the large size of the laptop.\n\n\nDesign wise, the Redmi G looks like your everyday gaming laptop. It has angular lines, relatively small bezels surrounding the screen \u2013 though the bottom bezel is quite thick \u2013 and a pretty unique-looking textured top lid. If there\u2019s any odd design element of the laptop, it would be the positioning of the webcam right below the screen. It\u2019s not exactly the most flattering angle.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, the Redmi G gaming laptop is only available in China. Chances are, it won\u2019t be officially offered outside of the country, though we\u2019ll definitely keep a close eye on this.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-zephyrus-duo-15-now-in-malaysia-two-screens-rtx-2080-super-rm19999-price-tag/", "title": "Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 Now in Malaysia: Two Screens, RTX 2080 Super, RM19,999 Price Tag", "body": "\n\nAsus officially launched the high-end, unique \nAsus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15\n in Malaysia. Sporting two screens, a fast Nvidia RTX 2080 Super Max-Q GPU, as well as a sleek design, it is the Taiwanese company\u2019s most ambitious gaming laptop yet. Not surprisingly, it comes with a price to match as well.\n\n\nAs we\u2019ve previously reported, there are two variants of the Zephyrus Duo 15 for the Malaysian market. Both configurations retail at the same RM19,999 price point, with only the screen differentiating the two models: one features a sharp 15.6-inch 4K panel \u2013 this is also the configuration available for purchase right now \u2013 while the other comes with a faster 1080p panel with a 300Hz refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, the Zephyrus Duo 15 with the more responsive 300Hz screen option will only be available in Malaysia by the end of September next month; you\u2019ll have to wait just a bit more to get your hands on that configuration. Anyway, regardless of which display you go for, both are Pantone Validated panels with support for Nvidia\u2019s G-Sync technology.\n\n\nBesides the primary screen of the Zephyrus Duo 15, there\u2019s also a smaller secondary ScreenPad Plus display right above the gaming laptop\u2019s keyboard. It\u2019s a 14.1-inch 3840 x 1100 touch-enabled panel, which is configured as an extension of the main display. It also props up at an angle when the lid is opened for better visibility of the screen.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the Zephyrus Duo 15 also has some very beefy hardware under the hood. Its processor, for one, is Intel\u2019s latest 10th generation Core i9-10980HK processor paired with 32GB of RAM and a whopping 2TB of SSD storage. This is also an overclockable chip, so you can squeeze even more processing power out of the Core i9 processor if you want to.\n\n\nIn the graphics department, the Zephyrus Duo 15 is powered by the very capable RTX 2080 Super Max-Q GPU. Together with the Core i9-10980HK processor, you can expect to get top-tier gaming performance out of this gaming laptop.\n\n\nEven with all of these powerful hardware, the Zephyrus Duo 15 is still a surprisingly slim gaming laptop with a 20mm thin chassis. But tipping the scales at 2.4kg, this is not exactly a machine you\u2019d want to lug around too often.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 is now available for purchase in Malaysia, but this is only the case for the 4K screen model. The configuration with a faster 300Hz display will only reach our shores by the end of September next month. Check out our \nhands-on of the Zephyrus Duo 15\n if you\u2019d like to learn more.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-c12-with-6000mah-battery-coming-to-malaysia-25-august/", "title": "Realme C12 With 6,000mAh Battery Coming to Malaysia 25 August", "body": "\n\nRealme just launched another entry-level smartphone, the Realme C12. Given its budget-friendly positioning, the C12 doesn\u2019t exactly have very impressive hardware, though it does come with a very generous 6,000mAh battery. On top of that, it\u2019s also set to arrive here in Malaysia next week.\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Realme C12 features a sizeable 6,000mAh battery, so without a doubt you will get \nexcellent\n battery life with this smartphone. After all, not many devices are equipped with such a large battery capacity. If you\u2019re a light smartphone user, we reckon you can comfortably get two days of use on a single charge.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the C12 is powered by a MediaTek Helio G35 octa-core processor clocked at 2.3GHz. Thanks to the fact that it\u2019s fabricated on a 12nm process, it\u2019s a power-efficient chip. This complements the generous battery capacity of the phone very well to further improve the battery life.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Realme C12 has a triple camera system, which consists of a 13MP f/2.2 primary camera, a 2MP f/2.4 monochrome lens, and a 2 MP f/2.4 macro shooter. Judging from the camera hardware, it\u2019s not very sophisticated, but it\u2019s expected for an entry-level smartphone.\n\n\nOther specifications of the C12 include a 6.5-inch 1560 x 720 notched screen, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of expandable storage, a 5MP f/2.0 front camera, and a rear fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme C12 is set to be launched in Malaysia next week on 25 August. Naturally, its local pricing has not been revealed yet, but it is listed at 1,899,000 Indonesian rupiah (about RM535) in Indonesia. We\u2019ll find out next week exactly how much the C12 will cost here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-nord-launched-in-malaysia-from-rm1799/", "title": "OnePlus Nord Launched in Malaysia From RM1,799", "body": "\n\nAfter almost a month since its global debut, the \nOnePlus Nord\n is finally here in Malaysia. The premium mid-range smartphone brings with it some pretty neat features, including 5G connectivity, a fast 90Hz screen, and great build quality. On top of that, it doesn\u2019t cost all that much money either.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Nord is offered in two configurations: the 128GB variant with 8GB of RAM \nretails at RM1,799\n, while the more generous 256GB option with 12GB of RAM goes for RM2,399 with a OnePlus Buds bundled. The former is available later today on Shopee, while the 256GB variant will go on sale on 25 August.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, you\u2019re getting quite the complete package with the OnePlus Nord. At least, that\u2019s the case for a premium mid-range smartphone. Anyway, one of the main highlights of the Nord has to be its 6.44-inch 1080p AMOLED screen with a fast 90Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nWhile this refresh rate isn\u2019t quite as high as other smartphones with 120Hz screens, the Nord \nis\n a mid-range smartphone. For a device in this segment, 90Hz is plenty fast, and it\u2019s a marked improvement over conventional 60Hz panels. It also helps that this is an AMOLED screen, so you\u2019ll get vibrant colours with deep blacks.\n\n\n\n\nAside from its display, the Nord is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset; the chipmaker\u2019s best SoC outside of the range-topping Snapdragon 8 series processors. With that in mind, you\u2019ll get a good level of performance out of the Snapdragon 765G, not to mention the fact that it gives the phone 5G connectivity as well.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Nord features a quad camera array. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP f/1.75 main sensor, an 8MP f/2.25 ultra-wide angle lens, a 5MP f/2.4 depth camera, and a 2MP f/2.4 macro shooter. For selfies, this phone has two front-facing cameras: a 32MP f/2.45 primary sensor and an 8MP f/2.45 ultra-wide angle lens for group selfies.\n\n\nOther specifications of the OnePlus Nord include a 4,115mAh battery with support for OnePlus\u2019 Warp Charge 30T fast charging technology \u2013 this lets the phone charge up to 70% from empty in just 30 minutes \u2013 an in-screen fingerprint sensor, as well as OxygenOS based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe OnePlus Nord with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM can be purchased later today \non Shopee for RM1,799\n. The 256GB variant with 12GB of RAM, on the other hand, will be sold on 25 August; it\u2019ll be priced at RM2,399 with a OnePlus Buds bundled.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ghost-of-tsushima-legends-arriving-in-fall-2020-free-co-op-online-multiplayer/", "title": "Ghost of Tsushima: Legends Arriving in Fall 2020; Free Co-Op Online Multiplayer", "body": "\n\nGhost of Tsushima\n is getting a co-op mode later this fall, and it will be offered for free to existing owners of the game. Dubbed \nGhost of Tsushima: Legends\n, it\u2019s an online multiplayer mode that can be played with up to four players.\n\n\nLooking at the trailer for Legends, it seems to be a pretty fleshed out gameplay mode. Designed to be an exclusively cooperative gameplay experience, players can choose between four different classes: Samurai, Ronin, Assassin, and Hunter. In this online co-op mode, you\u2019ll be battling against enemies with supernatural abilities, as Sucker Punch puts it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, the studio has yet to reveal more information on the four different classes in Legends, but it\u2019s confirmed that each of them will have unique abilities and advantages. We can get an idea of the differences based on the short trailer above. The Hunter, for one, wields a bow, and the Ronin seems to have a special skill of sorts.\n\n\nLegends is an additional gameplay mode for Ghost of Tsushima, so it\u2019s not related to the game\u2019s main story mode at all, which follows the journey of Jin Sakai. Instead, Legends focuses on \u201cfour warriors who have been built up as legends in stories told by the people of Tsushima.\u201d If you\u2019ve played through the game, you might have come across these stories.\n\n\n\n\nInterestingly, Legends has a number of Story co-op missions reserved for two players. These missions will have increasing difficulty with the same combat system based on the single-player campaign, but with \u201cnew magical twists.\u201d Given that you\u2019ll be going against supernatural enemies, you can expect to get some new skills to be on equal grounds with them.\n\n\nAlternatively, you can play with up to four player in Legends, but there are no Story missions with this amount of players. Instead, they will take on wave-based Survival missions. If this doesn\u2019t sound particularly enticing, there\u2019s the four-player Raid, which will be introduced shortly after the launch of Legends.\n\n\nAccording to Sucker Punch, the Raid will \u201csend you and your partners to an entirely new realm to challenge a brutal, terrifying enemy.\u201d Sounds almost like Monster Hunter, doesn\u2019t it?\n\n\n\n\nGhost of Tsushima: Legends is expected to arrive on the PlayStation 4 system later this year in fall. Not sure if the game is for you? Then check out our \ncomprehensive review of the exclusive game\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-8s-now-offers-3gb-ram-and-64gb-storage-for-rm429-in-malaysia/", "title": "Honor 8S Now Offers 3GB RAM and 64GB Storage for RM429 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nThe Honor 8S was released in Malaysia last December, but it only came with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage; small capacities, even for an entry-level smartphone. The good news is, the device is now available with more RAM and storage, along with a new colour option for slightly more money.\n\n\nWhen the Honor 8S was first launched here with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, it retailed at RM399. Now, this variant can be purchased for only RM369. Of course, if you want even more storage and RAM, you can opt for the new configuration: it offers 3GB of RAM and double the internal storage at 64GB for only RM429.\n\n\n\n\nAside from the extra RAM and storage, other specifications of the Honor 8S still remain the same. This include a 13MP primary camera, a 5MP front-facing shooter, a 3,020mAh battery, and a MediaTek MT6761 quad-core processor clocked at 2.0GHz. Besides that, it also has a 5.71-inch 1520 x 720 notched display.\n\n\nAs mentioned, there\u2019s also a new colour for the Honor 8S: Aurora Blue. This new shade is exclusively offered on the new 64GB variant, and compared to the regular Blue of the 32GB model, it\u2019s a lighter, almost teal-like colour. It looks pretty unique.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor 8S with 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 22 August onwards. You can get it on \nHonor\u2019s own online store\n as well as its \nofficial Shopee store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-note-20-series-malaysian-launch-promo-include-uv-steriliser/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Series Malaysian Launch Promo Include UV Steriliser", "body": "\n\nThe \nSamsung Galaxy Note 20 series\n has just been launched in Malaysia, and the Korean company got a pretty interesting freebie for those who buy its latest flagship smartphones. Between 21 August to 31 October, every purchase of the Note 20 will come with a complimentary UV steriliser.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, Samsung will bundle a UV steriliser with every purchase of the Note 20 series; quite a useful accessory in this current pandemic. It\u2019s worth noting that the steriliser itself also features wireless charging, which should come in handy. On top of that, Samsung is also throwing in a regular wireless charger alongside the UV steriliser.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, there is also a trade-up program for the Galaxy Note 20 series; the company is offering up to RM4,005 for an iPhone 11 Pro Max with 512GB of storage. The full list of smartphones in the trade-up program can be found \nhere\n.\n\n\nAs for the Galaxy Note 20 series itself, it\u2019s made up of two devices: the regular Galaxy Note 20, and more premium Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. Naturally, the Note 20 Ultra is the more exciting product of the two, even though both devices are powered by the same Exynos 990 chip.\n\n\nCompared to the standard model, the Note 20 Ultra has a faster 6.9-inch 1440p Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a 120Hz refresh rate; the regular Note 20 is only packing a 60Hz 6.7-inch 1080p AMOLED Plus screen. Aside from that, the Ultra also has better build quality, along with a much more sophisticated triple camera system.\n\n\n\n\nIn fact, the camera is one of the most exciting new features of the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. It comes with a 108MP f/1.8 primary sensor with a laser autofocus system, a 12MP f/3.0 periscope telephoto lens that can do 5x optical zoom, as well as a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter. As for the Note 20, it has a more pedestrian triple camera configuration made up of a 12MP f/1.8 main shooter, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle lens, and a 64MP f/2.0 telephoto sensor.\n\n\nOf course, the Galaxy Note 20 smartphones also have an enhanced S Pen. Not only does it have better latency now, the Air Actions gestures are more useful as well. It can be used to access the recent apps page, go to the home screen, and even take a screenshot now.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Note 20 series is now available for purchase in Malaysia. The Note 20 starts at RM3,899 \u2013 RM4,299 for the 5G model \u2013 while the Note 20 Ultra costs RM5,199. Check out our \nhands-on of the Note 20 series\n if you\u2019d like to learn more.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-zenfone-7-series-set-to-launch-in-taiwan-26-august/", "title": "Asus ZenFone 7 Series Set to Launch in Taiwan 26 August", "body": "\n\nAsus will be launching the new ZenFone 7 series in its home country Taiwan next week. Based on previous leaks and rumours, two devices are expected to be introduced: the regular ZenFone 7, as well as the higher-end ZenFone 7 Pro.\n\n\nWhat (supposedly) differentiates the two phones is the chipset powering them, among other things. The ZenFone 7 Pro is said to be powered by the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ chipset, while the ZenFone 7 is believed run on a standard Snapdragon 865 SoC instead.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMore interestingly, \naccording to a report from GSMArena\n, the ZenFone 7 series will retain the flipping camera mechanism. This allows users to take selfie shots with the same rear camera system, so you get higher quality images. As for the camera module itself, the primary sensor is believed to be a 64MP unit complemented by a 12MP ultra-wide angle lens. \n\n\nOn top of that, if the ZenFone 7 series still uses the flipping camera mechanism, we can expect the two devices to have an all-screen screen without the disturbance of a notch or hole-punch cutout. Looking at the teaser of the upcoming phone below, this seems likely.\n\n\n\n\nGet ready to defy ordinary.\n#ZenFone7\n is coming soon. \npic.twitter.com/5pGf4PPfsC\n\u2014 ASUS (@ASUS) \nAugust 18, 2020\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Asus ZenFone 7 series is scheduled to be released on 26 August in Taiwan. If you\u2019re looking forward to get the device here in Malaysia, don\u2019t hold your breath. We\u2019ve spoken to an Asus representative, and we were told that it\u2019s unlikely the ZenFone 7 lineup will be officially launched here, unfortunately enough.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/you-can-redeem-a-50-4k-tv-with-every-purchase-of-the-samsung-galaxy-note-20/", "title": "You Can Redeem a 50\u2033 4K TV With Every Purchase of the Samsung Galaxy Note 20", "body": "\n\nThe \nSamsung Galaxy Note 20 series\n was officially launched in Malaysia yesterday, and the Korean company revealed some pretty neat promotions, including a \ncomplimentary UV steriliser\n with every purchase. But this offer is even more interesting: those who bought any of the two Note 20 smartphones can redeem a\n 50-inch 4K TV worth RM2,599\n.\n\n\nOf course, there are a couple of caveats here. For one, only 1,200 units of the 50-inch 4K TV are available for redemption, and it\u2019s on a first-come, first-served basis. If you\u2019ve purchased a Note 20 smartphone, redemption for the TV will begin on 23 August at 10PM \nright here\n until 27 August at 11:59PM.\n\n\n\n\nNeedless to say, you\u2019ll have to be very quick to score yourself the 4K TV. In order to redeem the TV, you\u2019re also required to register for a Samsung Account. Besides that, Samsung said that a \u201cclear image of proof of purchase or receipt with device IMEI stated\u201d is necessary as well.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re the first 1,200 customers to successfully place your redemption for the 4K TV, it will be delivered to you within 30 working days. Naturally, this promo is only limited to one customer per delivery address; you won\u2019t be able to redeem for multiple TVs if you purchased more than one Note 20 smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nObviously, getting a free 50-inch 4K TV by just purchasing the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 is a very good deal, though we reckon it won\u2019t be easy to be the first 1,200 customers to redeem the TV. More information on this promotion can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-nord-hands-on-a-better-second-attempt/", "title": "OnePlus Nord Hands-On: A Better Second Attempt", "body": "\n\nOver the years, OnePlus focused solely on its flagship smartphones. This has been the case for quite some time now, so when the company added another series to its lineup of smartphones last month \u2013 the \nOnePlus Nord\n \u2013 it\u2019s a pretty big deal.\n\n\nBut this isn\u2019t exactly OnePlus\u2019 first attempt to expand its lineup. Back in 2015, the phone maker released the OnePlus X, which didn\u2019t see much success. So then, will the Nord will suffer from the same fate? Well, after spending a brief time with the phone, I\u2019m positive it will be well-received; it has some genuinely great features for a premium mid-ranger.\n\n\n\n\nFirst and foremost, let\u2019s talk about the Malaysian pricing of the OnePlus Nord. Two variants of the smartphone are available here: the 128GB model with 8GB of RAM retails at RM1,799, while the 256GB option with 12GB of RAM is sold as a bundle with the OnePlus Buds for RM2,399. At the moment, it\u2019s unlikely the 256GB variant will be sold separately.\n\n\nAnyway, with a RM1,799 starting price, the Nord isn\u2019t exactly cheap, but it \nis\n one of the most affordable 5G-enabled smartphones in the Malaysian market now. Of course, 5G networks are not even available here yet, but it does future-proof the Nord to an extend, which is a good thing.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a pretty darn complete smartphone with the Nord. Its 5G connectivity, for one, comes from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset. It\u2019s not as impressive as the Snapdragon 865 chip found in most flagship smartphones, but as far as I can tell, it can provide a very good level of performance. The phone feels fast and zippy in my short time with it.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the Nord feels extra responsive thanks to its 6.44-inch 1080p Fluid AMOLED screen with a reasonably fast 90Hz refresh rate. Basically, every single animation on this screen will look very smooth; even just navigating through the home screen feels very satisfying.\n\n\nTrust me, if you\u2019re upgrading from a phone with a 60Hz screen, you \nwill \nnotice the smoother animations and superior motion clarity of the Nord\u2019s faster 90Hz panel. This goes for any phone with a high refresh rate, really.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Nord\u2019s Fluid AMOLED screen itself, it\u2019s pleasant to look at. After all, it\u2019s an AMOLED panel, so it can produce vibrant colours, very deep blacks, and good viewing angles. It can get quite bright as well, so outdoor visibility with the phone is definitely a non-issue.\n\n\nJust like the OnePlus 8 series, the Nord has a hole-punch cutout on the top left of the screen for the front-facing camera. But there is a small difference: it\u2019s an oblong-shaped cutout instead of a circle. That\u2019s because the Nord actually has two selfie cameras: a 32MP f/2.45 primary sensor and an 8MP f/2.45 ultra-wide angle lens for capturing wider group selfies.\n\n\n\n\nAnother feature worth mentioning is the Warp Charge 30T fast charging technology of the Nord. According to the company, the phone\u2019s 4,115mAh battery can be recharged from completely empty to 70% in just 30 minutes; pretty impressive charging rate. Of course, I haven\u2019t had the chance to put this to the test yet, but I\u2019m confident it can do just that.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the overall design of the Nord, which I quite like. It has a reasonable heft to it (tipping the scales at 184g), the glass back feels good to the touch, and the frame feels solid. It also looks quite premium, especially this bright Marble Blue colourway of the Nord. If you want something more subtle, there\u2019s the Grey Onyx option.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the camera performance of the Nord. It comes with a quad camera system, which is made up of a 48MP f/1.75 main sensor \u2013 the same one found in the OnePlus 8 \u2013 an 8MP f/2.25 ultra-wide angle lens, a 5MP f/2.4 depth camera, and a 2MP f/2.4 macro shooter. It would\u2019ve been great if it had a telephoto lens as well, but at least it\u2019s a reasonably capable camera system.\n\n\nIn my short time testing the camera of the Nord, it can take some flattering-looking shots. Detail preservation is good, dynamic range is quite wide, it can lock in focus quickly, and the camera interface feels responsive too. However, I only shot with the Nord in broad daylight, where most phones \u2013 especially at this price point \u2013 will excel.\n\n\nOnce I have the device in for review, I\u2019ll definitely put the camera through its paces. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if it can still perform just as well in more challenging lighting situations.\n\n\n\n\nThe OnePlus Nord, even though it\u2019s not a particularly affordable mid-range smartphone, does offer a number of appealing features. It has a fast 90Hz display, a good level of performance, as well as 5G connectivity; all packed in a sleek, premium chassis.\n\n\nGranted, the Nord\u2019s RM1,799 starting price puts it close to the price range of flagship smartphones like the \nPoco F2 Pro\n, but I\u2019d argue the former has enough going for it to warrant that kind of asking price. Sure, the Nord\u2019s processing power isn\u2019t exactly the best in the market, but it can stand toe-to-toe with flagship smartphones in the same price range in other areas.\n\n\n\n\nBut until I\u2019ve tested the Nord thoroughly in a full review, I can\u2019t exactly say with certainty it\u2019s a phone worth getting. For what it\u2019s worth, I am quite impressed with the Nord; even more so than the \nflagship OnePlus 8 series\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomis-144hz-mi-curved-gaming-monitor-34-coming-to-malaysia-24-august/", "title": "Xiaomi\u2019s 144Hz Mi Curved Gaming Monitor 34\u2033 Coming to Malaysia 24 August", "body": "\n\nThis is a bit of a surprise: Xiaomi just confirmed that its new 34-inch Mi Curved Gaming Monitor is coming to Malaysia on 24 August. Sporting a wide aspect ratio, curved display, \nand\n a high 144Hz refresh rate at an affordable price point, this is one interesting monitor.\n\n\nXiaomi Malaysia revealed the Malaysian availability of the Mi Curved Gaming Monitor on its Facebook page. Also shown alongside the monitor is the Mi Portable Photo Printer, though the company didn\u2019t reveal the local pricing of either products for our market.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegardless, we can take the retail price of the Mi Curved Gaming Monitor in other markets to get an idea on how much it might cost here. In Europe, the monitor goes for \u20ac399, which comes up to about RM1,970. Do note that the European pricing of the monitor includes VAT, so it\u2019s entirely possible it will be priced lower in Malaysia.\n\n\nAs mentioned, what makes the Mi Curved Gaming Monitor particularly interesting is the sheer value for money it offers. It has a wide 34-inch 3440 x 1440 VA panel \u2013 that\u2019s a 21:9 aspect ratio \u2013 with a 144Hz refresh rate, 1500R curvature, 121% sRGB colour coverage, and AMD FreeSync Premium support. Basically, a pretty darn good monitor for gaming purposes with a wide, curved display.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi Curved Gaming Monitor and Mi Portable Photo Printer will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 24 August onwards. We\u2019ll find out then exactly how much they cost locally.\n\n\nThanks for the tip, Pang!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/novelkeys-nk65-milkshake-edition-perfect-custom-keyboard-beginners/", "title": "NovelKeys\u2019 NK65 Milkshake Edition Is the Perfect Custom Keyboard for Beginners", "body": "\n\nGetting a custom mechanical keyboard is not quite as simple as buying a mass-produced keyboard from any retail store, but this has been steadily changing over the years. Thanks to lower price tags and an easier setup process, it\u2019s not that intimidating anymore to get your own custom keyboard. One such product that offers all of these is \nNovelKeys\u2019 new NK65 Milkshake Edition\n.\n\n\nNot only is the NK65 Milkshake sold as a completely assembled keyboard, it also comes with very compelling features. These include a hotswap PCB, per-key RGB lighting, and even an attractive design at an affordable price point. If you want to dip your toes in the custom mechanical keyboard scene, this keyboard is a great way to get into it.\n\n\n\n\nSo exactly how much does the NK65 Milkshake cost? Set to be available for pre-order from 18 September onwards, it retails at only $190; that comes up to about RM795. If that seems a little steep \u2013 especially when compared to \u201cmainstream\u201d mechanical keyboards \u2013 trust me when I say you\u2019re getting a lot of value for your money here.\n\n\nAs mentioned, the NK65 Milkshake is a \nfully assembled\n mechanical keyboard. In fact, it\u2019s actually a custom version of the \nNK65 Entry Edition\n, which sold out extremely quickly when it was in stock back in June for $95 (about RM395). But unlike the Entry, this special Milkshake variant comes with custom switches and keycaps.\n\n\nBasically, the NK65 Milkshake will be ready to go right out of the box; you can just plug it in and start typing away. Of course, as this is a custom mechanical keyboard, it comes with switches you cannot find on any other mass-produced keyboard. It\u2019s installed with NovelKeys\u2019 own Silk Yellow \nlinear switch\n, but it\u2019s recoloured to match the \u201cmilkshake\u201d theme of the board.\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View this post on Instagram\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nA post shared by biip (@biipmk)\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the NK65 Milkshake is actually a collaboration between NovelKeys and Biip; the latter is the designer behind the Milkshake keycaps featured on this board. They are made out of PBT \u2013 a very durable type of plastic \u2013 in Cherry profile, and the legends are dye-sublimated; they will not fade even after many years of extensive use.\n\n\nStill not convinced the NK65 Milkshake offers a lot of bang for your buck? Well, keep in mind that it has a hotswap PCB. This allows you to just pull out the Silk Yellow switches on this keyboard and replace them with different switches without having to solder them on. This is what makes the NK65 (among other features) such a beginner-friendly keyboard.\n\n\nOn top of all of that, NovelKeys is also throwing in a colour-matched coiled cable in red and pink, as well as a carrying case with the NK65 Milkshake. For $190, it\u2019s quite impressive how many items are bundled with the keyboard.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, compared to mass-produced, mainstream keyboards, the NK65 Milkshake\u2019s value proposition isn\u2019t quite on the same level. After all, companies that make custom mechanical keyboards \u2013 such as NovelKeys itself, which was only established in 2017 \u2013 don\u2019t have the same economy of scale as big brands like Razer, Ducky, and Logitech.\n\n\nAs much as the custom mechanical keyboard market has grown over the years, it\u2019s not quite in the same playfield as these bigger players yet. Be that as it may, I\u2019d argue you\u2019re getting a superior product with the NK65 Milkshake compared to mainstream keyboards. They simply don\u2019t offer the same level of customisation, build quality, and feature-set as the NK65, especially at this price point.\n\n\n\n\nIf there\u2019s any downside to getting the NK65 Milkshake, it would be the waiting time. Pre-orders for the keyboard will run from 18 September until 2 October 2020, but it will only start shipping to customers in January and February of 2021. While three to four months of wait isn\u2019t awfully long, some folks may not have the patience.\n\n\nBesides that, NovelKeys is also based in the US, so if you\u2019re thinking of getting the NK65 Milkshake, you\u2019ll have to pay quite a bit for shipping and taxes to import it into Malaysia, not to mention even longer waiting time. Having an Asian proxy would alleviate some of these issues, but NovelKeys said it is \u201cuncertain on that (regarding proxies),\u201d unfortunately enough.\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View this post on Instagram\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nA post shared by NovelKeys (@novel.keys)\n\n\n\n\nRegardless, NovelKeys\u2019 NK65 Milkshake Edition is a fantastic keyboard for anyone that wants to get into the custom mechanical keyboard scene. Granted, the $190 price tag may be a bit much to spend on a keyboard for certain folks, but if you\u2019re an avid gamer, or you spend a lot of time typing on a keyboard \u2013 like yours truly \u2013 it\u2019s a worthy investment.\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to get updated on the NK65 Milkshake or other products from NovelKeys, you can sign up for the newsletter on its \nofficial website\n.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nNovelKeys NK65 Milkshake Edition Now Available for Pre-Order\n\n\nNovelKeys NK65 Milkshake Edition Proxies Confirmed; Wider Global Availability\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-nitro-5-with-ryzen-7-4800h-gtx-1650-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm4099/", "title": "Acer Nitro 5 With Ryzen 7 4800H & GTX 1650 Lands in Malaysia for RM4,099", "body": "\n\nAcer just introduced a new variant of its mid-range gaming laptop \u2013 the Nitro 5 \u2013 in Malaysia. Previously offered with only Intel\u2019s processors, you can now get the Nitro 5 with AMD\u2019s excellent Ryzen 4000 chip; ideal for those that want even more processing power.\n\n\nOnly one version of the AMD-powered Ryzen 5 is offered here, and it\u2019s quite a beefy one. It comes with a fast Ryzen 7 4800H processor paired with 8GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU, as well as a 512GB SSD. For this kind of hardware, the Nitro 5 goes for RM4,099 in Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Nitro 5 still retains the fast 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen with a 144Hz refresh rate. Thanks to the high refresh rate, you can expect a smooth gameplay experience with great motion clarity, provided the game you\u2019re playing can push enough frames to take advantage of the 144Hz screen.\n\n\nAlso worth a mention is the new RGB keyboard of the Nitro 5; a feature its predecessor did not have. Of course, it\u2019s not per-key RGB lighting \u2013 it\u2019s divided into four zones instead \u2013 but you can still customise the lighting effect through Acer\u2019s NitroSense software.\n\n\n\n\nThe AMD-powered Acer Nitro 5 is now available for purchase in Malaysia at a promotional price of RM3,999; this price will be valid until 30 September. You can also get free gifts worth up to RM478, which include an Acer wireless mouse, a pair of Redmi AirDots wireless earbuds, or a Predator Cestus 310 gaming mouse.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomis-144hz-mi-curved-gaming-monitor-34-costs-rm1999-in-malaysia/", "title": "Xiaomi\u2019s 144Hz Mi Curved Gaming Monitor 34\u2033 Costs RM1,999 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nAs promised, Xiaomi Malaysia revealed the retail price of the 34-inch Mi Curved Gaming Monitor for our local market today. Set to go for RM1,999, it\u2019s not quite as affordable as expected, but it does offer a number of attractive features at this price point.\n\n\nFor one, the Mi Curved Gaming Monitor has a 34-inch 3440 x 1440 VA panel (that\u2019s a 21:9 aspect ratio) with a high 144Hz refresh rate. Thanks to this wide aspect ratio and high refresh rate \u2013 along with the 1500R curvature of the screen \u2013 you\u2019ve got an excellent monitor for gaming.\n\n\n\n\nBesides gaming, the Mi Curved Gaming Monitor is ideal for productivity use as well. After all, the wide nature of the display gives users a lot of screen real estate to work with. It\u2019s also worth nothing that this panel covers 121% of the sRGB colour gamut; ideal for creative professionals, to an extent.\n\n\nAnother feature of the Mi Curved Gaming Monitor worth highlighting is its support for AMD\u2019s FreeSync Premium technology. Basically, this feature will be able to eliminate screen tearing to further enhance your gaming experience. However, given that this is AMD\u2019s technology, it will only work with Radeon graphics cards from the company.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi Curved Gaming Monitor is now available for purchase in Malaysia at all Mi Stores nationwide. Alternatively, you can also get it online from \nXiaomi\u2019s official Lazada store\n, though it\u2019s still out of stock at the time of writing.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-c12-launched-in-malaysia-for-rm529/", "title": "Realme C12 Launched in Malaysia for RM529", "body": "\n\nThe entry-level Realme C12 has just been launched in Malaysia. With an affordable price tag, a very generous 6,000mAh, as well as a reasonably sleek device, it\u2019s ideal for those that want a long-lasting, budget-friendly smartphone.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Realme C12 retails at RM529; a pair of Realme Buds Classic earphones is also bundled with the phone. Only a single variant of the device is available, which features 32GB of internal storage \u2013 which is further expandable with a microSD card \u2013 and 3GB of RAM. Good capacities for an entry-level smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, for that kind of money, the Realme C12 doesn\u2019t have particularly impressive hardware, but it does come with a sizeable 6,000mAh battery. Thanks to this large battery capacity, this phone should be able to return impressive battery life. In fact, if you\u2019re a light smartphone user, you can expect to comfortably get two days of use on a single charge.\n\n\nOther specifications of the C12 include a 6.5-inch 1560 x 720 notched screen, a MediaTek Helio G35 chipset, a triple camera system (13MP f/2.2 primary + 2MP f/2.4 monochrome + 2 MP f/2.4 macro), a 5MP f/2.0 front-facing camera, and a rear fingerprint sensor. Basically, decent hardware for a phone at this price point.\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme C12 will be available for purchase in Malaysia later today on Lazada for RM529 with a Realme Buds Classic bundled together. If you want to get it from a physical retail store instead, you can do so from 31 August onwards.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/motorola-moto-g9-launched-in-india-with-affordable-price-tag/", "title": "Motorola Moto G9 Launched in India With Affordable Price Tag", "body": "\n\nMotorola\u2019s latest smartphone, the Moto G9, has just been launched in India. It features a modest set of hardware with a decidedly mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset, and while that doesn\u2019t sound particularly enticing, the phone does carry an affordable price tag.\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Moto G9 is powered by a Snapdragon 662 quad-core processor. While it\u2019s not a particularly powerful chip, you can still expect a decent level of performance out of it. It\u2019s also fabricated on an 11nm process, making it quite power-efficient. Complemented by the phone\u2019s 5,000mAh battery, you should be able to get good battery life.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOnto the camera department, the Moto G9 has a triple camera setup on the back, which consists of a 48MP f/1.7\u00a0primary sensor, a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor. This is not the most sophisticated camera array, but it should do in a pinch, especially for a device at this price point.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Moto G9 include a 6.5-inch 1600 x 720 notched display \u2013 which houses an 8MP f/2.2 front-facing camera, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of expandable storage, as well as a fingerprint sensor on the back of the phone. It\u2019s also offered in two colour options: Forest Green and Sapphire Blue.\n\n\n\n\nThe Motorola Moto G9 is set to hit retail stores in India on 31 August for 11,499 Indian rupee (around RM645). It will be dubbed Moto G9 Play for the global market, though it remains to be seen if it will ever be made available here in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/own-a-proton-perdana-replace-the-faulty-takata-airbags/", "title": "Own a Proton Perdana? Replace the Faulty Takata Airbags", "body": "\n\nProton Perdana owners, take note: if your model is built from 2012 to the end of August 2018, you\u2019ll need to get the (potentially faulty) passenger airbag inflator replaced. This recall is part of a global initiative for cars equipped with Takata airbags.\n\n\nOf course, this is not the first time Proton made this announcement: the recall was actually issued back in January last year. However, there are still some Perdana owners that have not gotten the airbags replaced. According to Proton, it has replaced 5,625 of 6,342 units affected so far; that\u2019s a completion rate of 87.5%.\n\n\n\n\nThe national carmaker managed to contact these owners of the Perdana, but the company added that it has \u201cnot been able to connect with all affected owners due to obsolete or incomplete contact information.\u201d With that in mind, Proton is urging owners of the Perdana to get in touch with the carmaker if they haven\u2019t already done so.\n\n\nIf you want to get the airbags of your Perdana replaced, you can arrange for an appointment with Proton\u2019s service centres. The replacement will be performed free of charge, naturally, and Proton says that it will take approximately one hour.\n\n\n\n\nFor more information on this airbag recall for the Proton Perdana, you can give Proton\u2019s customer care hotline a call at 1-800-888-398. Alternatively, you can also drop an email at \n[email\u00a0protected]\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-sexy-acer-aspire-5-in-magic-purple-is-now-in-malaysia-for-rm2599/", "title": "The Sexy Acer Aspire 5 in Magic Purple Is Now in Malaysia for RM2,599", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nAMD-powered Nitro 5 gaming laptop\n, Acer also introduced an affordable productivity laptop in Malaysia, the Acer Aspire 5. What makes it particularly interesting is the Magic Purple colourway: depending on the angle you\u2019re looking at the laptop from, the colour \nactually\n changes; it\u2019s a very unique paint job.\n\n\nIn fact, this is the sole colour option for the Aspire 5 in Malaysia, and it\u2019s also offered in only one variant. Priced at RM2,599, it comes with Intel\u2019s latest 10th generation Core i5-1035G1 processor paired with 4GB of RAM (upgradable to 12GB). Though it would\u2019ve been great if it had more RAM, the Core i5 chip should be able to offer good processing power.\n\n\nBesides that, the Aspire 5 also features a generous 512GB SSD; a large enough capacity for most users.\n\n\n\n\nIn the display department, the Aspire 5 features a 14-inch 19020 x 1080 IPS screen. In our brief time with the laptop, we notice that the display doesn\u2019t get particularly bright, but at least it has a matte coating to help eliminate glare to a certain extend.\n\n\nAs for the Aspire 5\u2019s connectivity options, it has a good selection of ports. These include two full-size USB-A connections, a USB-C port, as well as an HDMI output with HDCP support. It also supports WiFi 6 networks and Bluetooth 5.0.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Aspire 5 is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM2,599. It comes with a three-year local warranty \u2013 the first year is covered under international warranty \u2013 and it will also be bundled with an activated copy of Microsoft Office Home & Student 2019.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-launches-spin-5-convertible-laptop-with-15-hours-battery-life-in-malaysia-starts-at-rm4399/", "title": "Acer Launches Spin 5 Convertible Laptop With 15 Hours Battery Life in Malaysia; Starts at RM4,399", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re in the market for a convertible laptop, the new Acer Spin 5 could be for you. Sporting a premium, thin and lightweight design, as well as \nvery long\n (quoted) battery life, it\u2019s an accomplished productivity-focused laptop, though it does cost quite a bit of money too.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Spin 5 are offered in Malaysia. The base model comes with an Intel Core i5-1035G4 processor paired with 8GB of RAM for RM4,399. The higher-end Core i7-1065G7 variant, on the other hand, features double the RAM (16GB) with a RM5,299 price tag.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the different chipset and RAM capacity, other hardware of the two Spin 5 models are identical. The display, for one, is a sharp 13.5-inch 2256 x 1504 touch-enabled IPS screen. It also supports the Acer Active Stylus bundled with the laptop, which offers 4,096 different levels of pressure.\n\n\nBattery life of the Spin 5 is very impressive as well. According to Acer, the laptop can last up to 15 hours on a single charge. It\u2019s a very lofty claim, so it\u2019ll be interesting to see if it can actually deliver this level of battery life. We\u2019ll definitely put this to the test once it is in for review.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Spin 5 include 512GB of SSD storage, a thin 14.9mm chassis that tips the scales at 1.2kg, and Intel Iris Plus Graphics.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Spin 5 is now available in Malaysia. To recap, the Core i5 model costs RM4,399, while the Core i7 configuration retails at RM5,299. If you purchase it before 30 September, you can get a RM100 discount for either laptops, along with a number of freebies.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-zenbook-14-2020-quick-review-long-lasting-thin-light-productivity-laptop/", "title": "Asus ZenBook 14 (2020) Quick Review: Long-Lasting Thin & Light Productivity Laptop", "body": "\n\nThe latest iteration of the Asus ZenBook 14 was launched here in Malaysia \nearlier this month\n, and it continues to improve upon its predecessor. Not only is it thinner and lighter now, this productivity-focused laptop also offers \nvery respectable\n battery life.\n\n\nHowever, with a RM3,999 starting price, the ZenBook 14 isn\u2019t exactly an affordable product. But for that kind of money, you are getting a refined, premium laptop. Read on to find out if it is worth your money.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n14-inch FHD IPS (1920 x 1080)\nProcessor\nIntel Core i5-1035G1 (4C/8T, 1.0GHz with boost up to 3.6GHz)\nIntel Core i7-1065G7 (4C/8T, 1.3GHz with boost up to 3.9GHz)\nGPU\nIntel UHD Graphics (Core i5)\nIntel Iris Plus Graphics (Core i7)\nRAM\n8GB LPDDR4X 3200MHz\nStorage\n512GB PCIe NVMe SSD\nCamera\n720p (Windows Hello support)\nBattery\n67WHr\nDimensions\n319 x 208 x 13.9 mm\nWeight\n1.13kg\nAudio\nBottom-firing stereo speakers\nPorts\n2x USB Type-C (Thunderbolt 3)\n1x USB 3.2 Type-A\n1x HDMI\n1x microSD card slot\nPrice\nRM3,999 (Core i5), RM4,699 (Core i7)\n\n\nFor this review, we received the Core i7 variant of the ZenBook 14. Besides the faster processor, this configuration is identical to the Core i5 model. So if you don\u2019t need the extra power of the Core i7 chip, you\u2019ll be perfectly fine with the more affordable base model. After all, both processors are still quad-core chips with eight threads.\n\n\nAnother hardware worth mentioning is the 67WHr battery of the ZenBook 14. It\u2019s not an awfully big capacity, but it can return \nexcellent\n battery life \u2013 more on that in the next section.\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nSo exactly how good is the battery life of the ZenBook 14? Well, on average, I can comfortably get between nine to 10 hours of use on a single charge. But to get this level of battery life, I set the power plan to battery saver with the display dimmed to a comfortable level. Regardless, this battery life is still very impressive for a laptop as thin and light as this.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the slim and lightweight nature of the ZenBook 14 is easily one of its main appeals. It measures only 13.9mm thin, and tipping the scales at 1.13kg, you can just slide this laptop into your backpack and forget about it; I certainly did.\n\n\n\n\nDespite its slim chassis, it has a pretty complete selection of ports. These include two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 support, a USB-A connection, an HDMI output, and a microSD card reader. However, oddly enough, there\u2019s no 3.5mm headphone jack, though a USB-C dongle for it is bundled with the laptop. Definitely not an ideal solution, but at least it\u2019s given.\n\n\nAside from that, the ZenBook 14\u2019s Core i7-1065G7 processor can easily keep up with my demands. I used it extensively as my work laptop, and whether I\u2019m editing photos, writing reviews, or browsing the web, it doesn\u2019t show any sign of slowdown. For its intended use as a productivity laptop, it has ample processing power.\n\n\n\n\nAnother hardware of the ZenBook 14 worth highlighting is the 14-inch 1080p IPS screen. Not only does it have tiny bezels surrounding the screen \u2013 lending to a sleek, modern-looking design \u2013 the panel itself is pleasant to look at too; it can get reasonably bright with vibrant colours and good viewing angles. The matte finish helps to reduce glare as well.\n\n\nAnd then there are the input devices of the ZenBook 14. The trackpad, for one, is much wider than usual, so it doesn\u2019t feel cramped at all. It can also accurately track my fingers, and if you ever need to use a numpad, just tap and hold the top right corner of the trackpad to activate it.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the ZenBook 14\u2019s keyboard, it\u2019s surprisingly comfortable to type on. Even though it doesn\u2019t offer a lot of key travel, the large size of the keycaps and tactility of the keys can provide a pleasant typing experience. While I find the keyboard perfectly adequate to type on, it still has some aspects that I don\u2019t quite like..\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nFor some reason, Asus decided to add an extra column of keys to the right of the ZenBook 14\u2019s keyboard, so the layout of the keyboard is shifted slightly to the left. This, coupled with the oddly long modifier keys (shift and enter, for example) make for an awkward layout. Granted, I eventually got used to the layout, but it did take a couple of days.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, unlike its predecessor, this new ZenBook 14 does not feature a dedicated GPU, so you won\u2019t be able to game quite as effectively. Sure, it\u2019s not like the Nvidia GeForce MX250 GPU of the previous model is particularly powerful, but it\u2019s certainly more capable than the integrated Iris Plus Graphics (for the Core i7 model) or UHD Graphics (the Core i5) of the current generation ZenBook 14.\n\n\nBeyond that, there are actually no other notable downsides with the ZenBook 14, aside from maybe the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack. It\u2019s \nreally \nquite puzzling why Asus decided to omit that feature.\n\n\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nFor what it offers, the Asus ZenBook 14 is definitely worth it; especially so for the RM3,999 Core i5 option. Unless you really need the extra processing power of the Core i7 processor \u2013 which costs RM4,699 \u2013 I\u2019d definitely recommend going for the more affordable base model. After all, only the processor differentiates the two variants. You\u2019re essentially paying RM700 just for the Core i7 chip.\n\n\nNo matter which configuration of the ZenBook 14 you go for, you will still get a slim, lightweight premium productivity laptop with excellent battery life, not to mention a bright, vibrant display, as well as a good selection of ports. You can even easily add more storage on the cheap with the microSD card slot of the laptop.\n\n\n\n\nUnless you\u2019re not a fan of the limited key travel and layout of the ZenBook 14\u2019s keyboard (not to mention the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack), you really can\u2019t go wrong with it. In fact, you\u2019d be hard-pressed to look for a different thin and light productivity laptop that offers the same feature set at this price point.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-zenfone-7-series-official-flipping-camera-90hz-amoled-screen-snapdragon-865/", "title": "Asus ZenFone 7 Series Official: Flipping Camera, 90Hz AMOLED Screen, Snapdragon 865+", "body": "\n\nThe Asus ZenFone 7 series has just been introduced in Taiwan, and as expected, it is made up of two devices. There\u2019s the regular ZenFone 7, as well as the higher-end ZenFone 7 Pro. Regardless of which device you go for, both of them feature the ZenFone 6\u2019s flipping camera mechanism, which has been revamped.\n\n\nPreviously, the ZenFone 6\u2019s flipping camera module only had two sensors. Now, the ZenFone 7 smartphones come with three different camera lenses. These include a 64MP f/1.8 primary shooter, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor, and an 8MP f/2.4 telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. Both phones have the same sensors, but the primary and telephoto cameras of the Pro model are optically stabilised.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the mechanism of the ZenFone 7\u2019s flipping camera itself is more durable now as well. According to Asus, the module can be activated over \n200,000 times\n. Basically, you can flip the camera over 100 times every day for five years without issue, provided Asus\u2019 estimation is accurate. The company also mentioned that the module can withstand up to 35kg of force.\n\n\nBeyond the unique camera mechanism, other specifications of the ZenFone 7 are fitting for a flagship series. Naturally, they are powered by Qualcomm\u2019s fastest chip to date. Under the hood of the standard ZenFone 7 is a Snapdragon 865 SoC, while the ZenFone 7 Pro comes with a faster Snapdragon 865+ processor.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond this difference, both ZenFone 7 smartphones essentially have the same hardware. For one, they feature a 6.67-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. Not the fastest display we\u2019ve seen on a flagship smartphone, but it\u2019s still a marked improvement over the ZenFone 6\u2019s more conventional 60Hz IPS panel.\n\n\nOther specifications of the ZenFone 7 series include up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of expandable storage \u2013 the regular ZenFone 7 maxes out at 128GB \u2013 a generous 5,000mAh battery, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, ZenUI 7 based on Android 10 out of the box, as well as two choices of colour: Aurora Black and Pastel White.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ZenFone 7 series is now available for purchase in Taiwan. The standard ZenFone 7 starts at NT$21,990 (about RM3,125), while the ZenFone 7 Pro goes for NT$27,990 (approximately RM3,975). As we\u2019ve mentioned in \nour previous article\n, Asus Malaysia does not plan to offer the ZenFone 7 series on our shores, unfortunately enough.\n\n\nEvidently, the Taiwanese company is focusing on the \nAsus ROG Phone 3\n instead for the Malaysian market. The gaming smartphone is expected to be launched here in the middle of September next month. \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-tab-s7-series-malaysia-pricing-revealed-starts-at-rm3299/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Series Malaysia Pricing Revealed; Starts at RM3,299", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019ve just got pricing details of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 series for the Malaysian market. As expected, the two flagship Android tablets do not come cheap: the Galaxy Tab S7 costs RM3,299, while the higher-end Galaxy Tab S7+ goes for a whopping RM4,599.\n\n\nOf course, for that kind of money, you \nare \ngetting a capable tablet with the Galaxy Tab S7 series. Both of them are powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ chipset, so you know you\u2019re getting the best level of performance available right now in the Android space.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, both the Galaxy Tab S7 and Tab S7+ feature fast 120Hz screens; you don\u2019t typically see an Android tablet with such a high refresh rate panel. Naturally, given its higher-end offering, the Tab S7+ does come with a more impressive 12.4-inch 2800 x 1752 Super AMOLED display. The Tab S7, on the other hand, has a smaller 11-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS screen.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy Tab S7 series include 5G connectivity, S Pen support, as well as a keyboard cover (worth RM999) that is bundled with the two tablets. The Tab S7 also features 6GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, and an 8,000mAh battery.\n\n\nAs for the Tab S7+, it has 8GB of RAM, 256GB of expandable storage, and a more generous 10,090mAh cell.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 and Tab S7+ will be available for purchase in Malaysia this Friday on 28 August. To recap, the Tab S7 retails at RM3,299, while the Tab S7+ costs RM4,599. Early birds who purchase either tablets can also get a year\u2019s subscription to Microsoft Office 365, along with a complimentary 128GB microSD card.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-proart-studiobook-one-launched-in-malaysia-for-a-cool-rm49999/", "title": "Asus ProArt StudioBook One Launched in Malaysia For a Cool RM49,999", "body": "\n\nAsus just launched one of its most expensive laptops in Malaysia: the Asus ProArt StudioBook One. At a glance, it looks like a conventional 15.6-inch workstation laptop, but it actually has some serious power under the hood with a unique design element.\n\n\nSee, unlike most laptops, the major components of the StudioBook One are actually housed right behind the screen. In fact, when the laptop is opened up, the outer cover of the lid at the back of the display automatically opens to increase airflow, improving the thermal performance of the machine. It\u2019s really quite an interesting design choice.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the StudioBook One is packing some serious power under the hood. These include a fast Intel Core i9-9980HK processor paired with a whopping 64GB of RAM, an Nvidia Quadro RTX 6000 GPU \u2013 the StudioBook One is actually touted as the first and only laptop with this GPU \u2013 as well as 1TB of SSD storage.\n\n\nGiven the StudioBook One\u2019s status as a workstation laptop, it also has a very impressive Pantone Validated screen. Not only is the 15.6-inch IPS display a 3840 x 2160 4K panel that covers 100% of the Adobe RGB colour gamut, it also has a fast 120Hz refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ProArt StudioBook One is now available for purchase in Malaysia for a cool RM49,999. That\u2019s a steep price tag, to be sure, but it does offer very high-end hardware.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-3-launching-in-malaysia-5-september/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 3 Launching in Malaysia 5 September", "body": "\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone 3 gaming smartphone was unveiled to the world last month, and it\u2019s set to arrive here in Malaysia very, very soon. Initially set to be launched locally in the middle of September next month, it appears the Taiwanese company moved the date forward to 5 September.\n\n\nThis launch date was revealed by well-known retailer DirectD on its Facebook page. First spotted by \nLowyat.NET\n \u2013 which has confirmed the launch date with Asus itself \u2013 three different variants of the ROG Phone 3 will be offered here.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that out of the three variants, the base model is the ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition. This particular version of the gaming smartphone features a standard Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chip, while the other two higher-end models is powered by the newer Snapdragon 865+ SoC. Regardless of which model you go for, you can still expect flagship-tier performance.\n\n\nOther specifications of the ROG Phone 3 include a 6.59-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED display with a fast 144Hz refresh rate, a large 6,000mAh battery, a triple rear camera system (64MP f/1.8 primary + 13MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle + 5MP f/2.0 macro), a 24MP f/2.0 front-facing camera, as well as an in-display fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone 3 will be landing in Malaysia next week on 5 September. Naturally, the local retail price of the gaming smartphone has not been revealed yet, though Asus Malaysia did tell us it will be priced closely to the \nROG Phone II\n; the latter retailed from RM2,499 to RM4,499 at launch.\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about the ROG Phone 3, check out our \nhands-on right here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-1-ii-with-4k-oled-screen-arriving-in-malaysia-november-2020/", "title": "Sony Xperia 1 II With 4K OLED Screen Arriving in Malaysia November 2020", "body": "\n\nSony\u2019s latest flagship smartphone, the Sony Xperia 1 II, is finally confirmed to be coming to Malaysia. Set to arrive here in November, it\u2019s definitely taking much longer that expected. After all, the high-end smartphone was introduced globally back in February this year.\n\n\nNonetheless, the Xperia 1 II does come with a number of intriguing features, such as its sharp 6.5-inch 3840 x 1644 OLED panel with HDR support. That\u2019s right, the Japanese company is retaining the power-hungry 4K screen of its predecessor, along with the tall 21:9 aspect ratio.\n\n\n\n\nIn fact, this aspect ratio is similar to the company\u2019s mid-range smartphone, the \nXperia 10 II\n. While the tall screen of the device looks odd at first, it actually improves the ergonomics of the Xperia 10 II; and by extension, the Xperia 1 II right here. It allows the chassis to be narrower than usual, so it\u2019s easier to use either phones with only one hand; something that you cannot say of the majority of smartphones in the market.\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s get back to the Xperia 1 II itself. With such a pixel-dense display, we can\u2019t help but to wonder if it will be able to return good enough battery life. Granted, the 4,000mAh battery of the phone is reasonably big, but we\u2019ll have to wait until we have the device in for review to really get a feel for the battery life.\n\n\n\n\nLike most flagship smartphones in the market now, the Xperia 1 II is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset. Not only will it be able to provide a very good level of performance, it also gives the phone 5G connectivity; practically a feature every flagship smartphone worth its salt support now, even though 5G networks are not widely available yet.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Xperia 1 II comes with a triple camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 12MP f/1.7 primary shooter, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle sensor, and a 12MP f/2.4 telephoto lens. There\u2019s also a \u201c3D iToF\u201d sensor to improve the autofocus performance of the camera, along with a dedicated shutter button on the side of the phone.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xperia 1 II include an 8MP f/2.0 front-facing camera, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage \u2013 expandable with a microSD card up to 1TB \u2013 a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, an IP65/68 rating, as well as Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Sony Xperia 1 II is expected to arrive here in Malaysia later this year in November. We\u2019ll find out then exactly how much this flagship smartphone will cost here. As a point of comparison, it retails at $1,200 in the US; that\u2019s about RM5,000. You can register your interest for the Xperia 1 II \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hyundai-kona-open-for-booking-in-malaysia-3-variants-q4-launch-from-rm11xxxx/", "title": "Hyundai Kona Open for Booking in Malaysia \u2013 3 Variants, Q4 Launch, From RM11X,XXX", "body": "\n\nThe Hyundai Kona, the Korean company\u2019s B-segment SUV, is finally landing here in Malaysia. Set to be launched here sometime in the fourth quarter of 2020, the Kona is also open for booking now. In fact, those who placed a booking will also get a \u201cspecial introductory package.\u201d\n\n\nThe local availability of the Kona was revealed by Hyundai Malaysia itself on its \nFacebook page\n. According to the post, customers can book the SUV for only RM288. They can also enjoy the aforementioned special introductory package, though specific details of the package have not been revealed yet.\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Paul Tan\n, the Kona will be offered in three different variants: 2.0 Standard, 2.0 Mid, and the range-topping 1.6 T-GDI High. The former two is believed to be powered by a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine that can output 149PS and 179Nm of torque, and it will be paired to a six-speed automatic torque converter.\n\n\nAs for the top-of-the-line 1.6 T-GDI High Kona, it\u2019s naturally the most exciting model. Under the hood of this variant is a more powerful 1.6L T-GDI turbo engine that puts out 177PS and 265Nm of torque. It\u2019s also paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which should be more responsive than the six-speed automatic gearbox of the Standard and Mid models.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Hyundai Kona is set to be available in Malaysia sometime in Q4 2020, so it could be launched here as early as October. You can also \nregister your interest\n for the Kona on Hyundai\u2019s website, and the B-segment SUV is expected to be priced from RM11X,XXX locally.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-10-ii-quick-review-a-unique-mid-ranger-marred-by-sub-par-camera/", "title": "Sony Xperia 10 II Quick Review: A Unique Mid-Ranger Marred by Sub-Par Camera", "body": "\n\nMid-range smartphones usually have a standard list of hardware with not too much variance from one another. While some devices offer better value for the money, most of them are not particularly unique. So when the Sony Xperia 10 II was introduced, it got my attention quite a bit.\n\n\nNot only is it sporting a tall and narrow 21:9 display, this phone also carries a IP65/68 rating; not many mid-rangers come with these two features. However, the Xperia 10 II features a rather outdated chipset. This, paired with a sub-par camera system \nand\n a steep asking price, it\u2019s tough to recommend this smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.0-inch FHD+ OLED (2520 x 1080)\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 665 2.0GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 610\nRAM\n4GB\nStorage\n128GB, expandable\nCamera (rear)\n12MP f/2.0\n8MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide angle)\n8MP f/2.4 (telephoto)\nCamera (front)\n8MP f/2.0\nBattery\n3,600mAh\nDimensions\n157 x 69 x 8.2 mm\nWeight\n151g\nOS\nAndroid 10\nConnectivity\nLTE\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM1,799\n\n\nOn paper, the Xperia 10 II doesn\u2019t look very impressive, especially when it comes to value for money. For RM1,799, it\u2019s only powered by a pretty dated Snapdragon 665 chipset. Given that you can get a smartphone with a flagship-tier Snapdragon 865 chip \nfor even less\n, it doesn\u2019t look great for the Xperia 10 II.\n\n\nThat is not to say this is a bad smartphone, of course. Even though its list of specifications don\u2019t look great, it has quite a number of winning qualities; let me explain in the next section.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nOne of the best qualities of the Xperia 10 II has to be its unique form factor. Featuring a 6.0-inch 1080p OLED screen with a tall 21:9 aspect ratio, this phone is narrow enough for comfortable one-handed use. This is something that cannot be said of many, many other smartphones in the market.\n\n\nGranted, the tall aspect ratio makes it harder to reach for the top of the screen, but it\u2019s a sacrifice I\u2019m more than willing to make for easier one-handed use.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Xperia 10 II\u2019s OLED screen itself, it\u2019s really quite good. After all, it\u2019s an OLED panel, so it naturally has deep blacks and vibrant colours. If you do a lot of content consumption on your phone, you will not be disappointed by the display quality of the Xperia 10 II.\n\n\nIn fact, you can watch videos for hours on end with the Xperia 10 II. Even though its 3,600mAh battery isn\u2019t awfully big, it can actually return very, \nvery\n good battery life. On average, I got between six to seven hours of screen on time consistently with this phone. That\u2019s \nridiculously\n good for a phone of this size.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the charging rate isn\u2019t quite as impressive. Within 30 minutes of charging, the phone only got up to 26% from empty.\n\n\n\n\nAnother noteworthy feature of the Xperia 10 II has to be its water-resistant chassis. Thanks to its IP65/68 rating, I don\u2019t have to be extra cautious to avoid water damage. Given that such a feature is a rarity in the mid-range segment, it definitely gives this phone a unique edge.\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the processing power of the Xperia 10 II. Yes, I\u2019ve mentioned how the Snapdragon 665 isn\u2019t particularly impressive for a phone at this price point, but it can still deliver good enough performance for day-to-day use. I was really quite surprised at how zippy the phone feels.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, at the end of the day, the Snapdragon 665 still doesn\u2019t quite match the phone\u2019s high asking price, which brings us to the next section.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the processing power of the Xperia 10 II. While its Snapdragon 665 chipset can provide a sufficient level of performance, the phone should\u2019ve come with a beefier, newer processor at this price point. After all, you can easily get a faster smartphone that costs less than the Xperia 10 II \u2013 that\u2019s not a great spot to be in.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, if a good camera system is what you look for in a mid-range smartphone, you\u2019d want to look elsewhere. On paper, the Xperia 10 II\u2019s triple camera system is actually quite promising. It\u2019s made up of a 12MP f/2.0 primary shooter, an 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle lens, and an 8MP f/2.4 telephoto sensor. Basically, a versatile camera array with three different focal lengths.\n\n\nHowever, the image quality of these three sensors leaves a lot to be desired, especially in low light conditions. Not only does the camera feel very sluggish, its detail preservation, dynamic range, and shutter speeds are not great either. Judge for yourself with these sample shots taken with the three sensors.\n\n\n12MP primary\n8MP ultra-wide angle\n8MP telephoto\n12MP primary\n8MP ultra-wide angle\n8MP telephoto\n\n\nThankfully, under ideal lighting, you can capture decent-looking shots with the Xperia 10 II. The image quality still isn\u2019t fantastic, but you do get the versatility of the three focal lengths. Not many mid-range smartphones offer such a camera array.\n\n\nOn top of that, it\u2019s worth mentioning that the Xperia 10 II\u2019s 12MP primary sensor can capture noticeably better shots than the ultra-wide angle and telephoto sensors. Yes, it does suffer from the same aforementioned issues, but with some effort and patience, it can return some great-looking shots.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the steep asking price of the Xperia 10 II. For RM1,799, you\u2019d have to really like the feature set of the phone to look past its middling camera performance and chipset. At this price point, there are plenty of other smartphones that are either faster, more affordable, or both.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nI wouldn\u2019t recommend the Sony Xperia 10 II to folks who want the best value for their money; this phone simply does not offer that. However, if you\u2019re looking for a phone that you can actually use with one hand comfortably, coupled with long battery life and a water-resistant chassis, no other mid-range device offers this package.\n\n\n\n\nFor what it\u2019s worth, I thoroughly enjoyed using the Xperia 10 II as my daily driver. If it had better camera performance, it would\u2019ve easily been one of my favourite mid-range smartphones this year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-malaysia-running-survey-for-playstation-5-launch-imminent/", "title": "Sony Malaysia Running Survey for PlayStation 5; Launch Imminent?", "body": "\n\nNow this is a bit of a surprise: Sony Malaysia is currently running a survey for the \nPlayStation 5\n. Looking at the survey itself, it seems the Japanese company is gauging consumer interest for its next-generation console \u2013 along with a range of accessories for the system \u2013 in the Malaysian market.\n\n\nThe PlayStation 5 survey was shared by Sony Malaysia on its Facebook page. As expected, there aren\u2019t any noteworthy details in the post; the company is merely asking consumers to \u201cbe ready for PlayStation 5.\u201d Whether or not this means the console will be coming to Malaysia soon still remains to be seen, of course.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the survey itself, it contains pretty standard questions. It asks whether you would be more keen to get the standard PlayStation 5 or the digital-only version, upcoming PS5 games you\u2019d be interested to play, as well as interest check on accessories made for the next-generation console. No indication on the local pricing or availability of the PS5, unfortunately.\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s worth noting that the \nDualSense controller\n for the PlayStation 5 has \nalready been registered\n with our local certification body, SIRIM, as early as last month. While this doesn\u2019t necessarily mean Malaysia will be one of the first markets to get the upcoming console, it\u2019s surely a promising sign.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to complete the PlayStation 5 survey, you can do so \nhere\n. Hopefully, we\u2019ll learn more about the availability and pricing of the next-generation console closer to its release by the end of the year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/kbdfans-kbd67-lite-is-another-excellent-custom-keyboard-for-beginners/", "title": "KBDfans\u2019 KBD67 Lite Is Another Excellent Custom Keyboard for Beginners", "body": "\n\nIt seems like the custom mechanical keyboard scene is getting some much-needed attention in the budget segment lately. There is \nNovelKeys\u2019 NK65 Milkshake Edition\n, which is an ideal pre-built custom keyboard for beginners. But if that board isn\u2019t quite what you\u2019re looking for, consider this (equally affordable) new offering from KBDfans: the \nKBD67 Lite\n.\n\n\nJust like the NK65 Milkshake Edition, the KBD67 Lite is a budget-friendly custom keyboard. According to KBDfans, the board will retail from only $99; that comes up to about RM410. Given the feature set of the KBD67 Lite, this is a \nvery good\n price tag, though it doesn\u2019t come with switches or keycaps. You\u2019ll have to purchase these separately to complete the keyboard.\n\n\nThis is what you get with the KBD67 Lite kit\n\n\nRegardless, what makes KBDfans\u2019 new budget keyboard particularly interesting is the fact that it is gasket-mounted; a mounting system typically employed by much more expensive custom keyboards. Needless to say, it\u2019s practically unheard of for a keyboard at this price point to use a gasket system.\n\n\nSo what exactly does it mean for the KBD67 Lite to be a gasket-mounted keyboard? Basically, the plate and PCB of this keyboard will be isolated from the case by silicone gaskets, which will offer a softer, quieter typing experience. Well, in theory, at least. Suffice to say it\u2019s a very desirable mounting system for these benefits.\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s worth nothing that every keyboard sounds different, and it remains to be seen exactly how well KBDfans will implement the gasket system on the KBD67 Lite. Just because the keyboard is gasket-mounted doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s guaranteed to deliver good acoustics and typing feel.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the KBD67 Lite also has a plastic case \u2013 just like the NK65 Milkshake Edition \u2013 to bring down the price of the keyboard. While plastic doesn\u2019t look or feel quite as premium as aluminium, it does have its own advantages. For one, it wouldn\u2019t suffer from any pinging sounds, which is a common issue with aluminium cases.\n\n\nAs mentioned, you\u2019ll need to get switches and keycaps to complete the KBD67 Lite; the keyboard itself only comes with the plastic case, an aluminium plate, as well as the PCB, which is available in hotswap or solder-only option. Chances are, the former will cost slightly more, but we\u2019d recommend going with that option if you\u2019re a beginner \u2013 a hotswap PCB allows you to install switches without soldering.\n\n\n\n\nAccording to KBDfans, it is aiming to release the KBD67 Lite on Black Friday, which is taking place on 27 November. It\u2019s quite a long wait, but given the feature set of the affordable custom keyboard \u2013 especially the gasket mounting system \u2013 it might be worth the wait.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nKBDfans\u2019 KBD67 Lite Pre-Orders Open 27 November for $109\n\n\nKBDfans Releases KBD67 Lite Sound Test\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-finally-teased-in-merdeka-video/", "title": "Proton X50 Finally Teased in Merdeka Video", "body": "\n\nThe wait for Proton\u2019s highly anticipated B-segment compact SUV \u2013 widely believed to be called the Proton X50 \u2013 may be coming to an end very soon. The national carmaker just posted a video to celebrate Malaysia\u2019s 63rd Merdeka Day, and surprise surprise, the X50 is teased quite a bit in the video.\n\n\nOf course, we only get quick shots and glances at the upcoming SUV with a blue paint job. As expected, the X50 looks very similar to the model it is based on, the Geely Binyue. The video shows these similarities, including the LED headlights, alloy wheels, and of course, even the quad exhaust tips.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to rumours, three different trims of the Proton X50 will be introduced. All of them are said to be powered by a 1.5L turbocharged engine co-developed by both Geely and Volvo, which outputs 174hp and 255Nm of torque. Needless to say, this is quite a powerful engine, especially for a B-segment SUV.\n\n\nAs for the transmission, the X50 is believed to be equipped with the same seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox as its bigger brother, the \nProton X70\n. This transmission, like the engine, is also co-developed by Geely and Volvo. According to official performance figure of the Geely Binyue in other markets \u2013 which has the same engine and gearbox combination \u2013 it can do the century sprint in only 7.9 seconds.\n\n\nThe X50 in blue can be seen in the background\nThe new Proton logo on the X50\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow that Proton has finally teased the Proton X50, there\u2019s a good chance the compact SUV will be officially introduced very soon. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on this.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-announces-tab-p11-pro-with-oled-display-snapdragon-730g-for-499/", "title": "Lenovo Announces Tab P11 Pro With OLED Display & Snapdragon 730G For $499", "body": "\n\nLenovo recently introduced a new premium tablet, the Tab P11 Pro. Set to compete against other high-end tablets from the likes of Samsung and Apple, the 11.5-inch Android tablet \u2013 Lenovo consider this to be its flagship offering \u2013 has a decent set of hardware like. These include an OLED display, as well as a generous battery capacity.\n\n\nWithout a doubt the headline feature of the Tab P11 Pro is its 11.5-inch 2560 x 1600 OLED display; not a feature you often find on an Android tablet at this price point. On top of that, the display supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision as well, along with a good peak brightness of 500 nits.\n\n\n\n\nFurthermore, the Tab P11 Pro is powered by a Snapdragon 730G SoC paired with up to 6GB of RAM. Granted, the 730G is not a very powerful processor, but you should still get a good level of performance out of it. Fabricated on an 8nm process, it\u2019s a power-efficient chip too. Paired with a large 8,600mAh battery, you can expect this tablet to return good battery life.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Tab P11 Pro has a pretty standard camera system made up of a 13MP primary shooter and a 5MP ultra-wide angle lens. Other specifications of this tablet include 128GB of storage, an 8MP front-facing camera, four JBL-branded speakers, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Lenovo, the Tab P11 Pro will arrive sometime in November this year. The tablet retails from $499 in the US, which comes up to about RM2,070. At the moment, it remains to be seen if the Tab P11 Pro will be launched in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-2-retails-at-2000-malaysian-launch-likely/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Retails at $2,000; Malaysian Launch Likely", "body": "\n\nSamsung just revealed more details on the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 2\n; more specifically, its retail price and availability in the US. Set to go for $2,000 \u2013 that comes up to about RM8,300 \u2013 the foldable phone is set to be available in the States from 18 September onwards.\n\n\nFor context, this price tag is actually identical to the asking price of the original \nGalaxy Fold\n in the US, which suggests that the Galaxy Z Fold 2 could be priced similarly to its predecessor here in Malaysia. Although the local availability of the Galaxy Z Fold 2 has not been confirmed yet, we\u2019re confident the foldable phone will be landing on our shores very soon.\n\n\nAfter all, the product page for the Z Fold 2 is \nalready live on Samsung Malaysia\u2019s website\n.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 comes with a number of notable improvements. The so-called \u201ccover screen\u201d on the front of the foldable phone, for one, has been upsized to a much more sizeable (and practical) 6.2-inch 2260 x 816 Super AMOLED display.\n\n\nIn fact, the much bigger exterior display of the Z Fold 2 covers almost the entire front of the phone with tiny bezels and a hole-punch cutout for the 10MP selfie camera. While this gives the device a much sleeker, modern aesthetic, it\u2019s also a very tall, narrow panel with a 25:9 aspect ratio. Until we have the phone in for review, we can\u2019t say just how usable this screen is yet.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, the primary foldable screen of the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is now bigger too. It is a 7.6-inch 2208 x 1768 Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a faster 120Hz refresh rate, which should make for an even more pleasant user experience. The weird cutout at the top right corner of the screen for the selfie cameras is gone as well. Samsung is using a less obtrusive hole-punch cutout for the single 10MP front-facing camera now.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the Z Fold 2\u2019s foldable screen is protected by Samsung\u2019s Ultra Thin Glass (UTG), just like the Galaxy Z Flip. However, the glass itself is still covered with a plastic protective layer. You won\u2019t actually be able to feel the glass material.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy Z Fold 2 include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ chipset, 5G connectivity, a triple camera system (12MP f/1.8 primary + 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle + 12MP f/2.4 telephoto), 12GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage, a 4,500mAh battery, as well as a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 will start shipping on 18 September in the US for $2,000. Malaysian pricing and availability have not been announced yet, but we reckon it will be available here in the near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-legion-slim-7i-touted-as-worlds-lightest-15-rtx-gaming-laptop/", "title": "Lenovo Legion Slim 7i Touted As World\u2019s Lightest 15\u2033 RTX Gaming Laptop", "body": "\n\nLenovo introduced a number of new laptops recently, and one of the most interesting machines unveiled is the Lenovo Legion Slim 7i. It\u2019s touted by the Chinese company to be the \u201cworld\u2019s lightest 15-inch RTX gaming laptop,\u201d and tipping the scales at 1.86kg, it\u2019s certainly a lightweight gaming machine.\n\n\nTrue to its name, the Legion Slim 7i is quite a thin gaming laptop as well. Its chassis measures only 17.9mm, making it one of the slimmest gaming laptops in the market. In fact, it\u2019s on par with the equally slim \nAcer Predator Triton 500\n, which also has a 17.9mm thin body.\n\n\n\n\nDespite its lightweight and slim nature, the Legion Slim 7i is still packed with a rather generous 71WHr battery. According to Lenovo, this allows the Slim 7i to last up to 7.75 hours on a single charge. For a gaming laptop, this is quite a respectable battery life, though it remains to be seen if it can actually last this long.\n\n\nBesides that, powering the Legion Slim 7i is none other than Intel\u2019s latest 10th generation chips. In fact, the highest-end model can be configured with a fast Core i9-10980HK processor. It can also be paired with 32GB of RAM and a whopping 2TB SSD, which are generous capacities that will be enough for most folks.\n\n\n\n\nIn the graphics department, the Legion Slim 7i is configurable with an Nvidia RTX 2060 Max-Q GPU; this is the most powerful GPU available for this gaming laptop. Granted, the RTX 2060 Max-Q isn\u2019t the fastest GPU in the market, but it does come with sought-after RTX-specific features like ray tracing and Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS).\n\n\nFurther enhancing the gaming experience of the Legion Slim 7i is the 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 screen with a fast 144Hz refresh rate. This makes it perfect for fast-paced games like Apex Legends and Valorant, as the high refresh rate gives better motion clarity than conventional 60Hz panels.\n\n\nIf you want a more pixel-dense display, there\u2019s also an option for a sharper 4K IPS screen, though the refresh rate is only limited to 60Hz.\n\n\n\n\nThe Lenovo Legion Slim 7i will be available for purchase from October 2020 onwards; Malaysian availability of the gaming laptop has not been revealed yet. As for pricing, the Slim 7i is set to retail from $1,329 (about RM5,505) in the US.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-x7-x7-pro-official-120hz-screen-65w-charging-5g-support/", "title": "Realme X7 & X7 Pro Official: 120Hz Screen, 65W Charging, 5G Support", "body": "\n\nRealme just unveiled two new smartphones in China, the Realme X7 and X7 Pro. Not only are they pretty affordable devices, both of them also come with a number of interesting features, including 5G connectivity and support for 65W fast charging.\n\n\nOut of the two, the Realme X7 Pro is naturally the more exciting smartphone. It\u2019s powered by MediaTek\u2019s best chip to date, the Dimensity 1000+ chipset, which gives the device 5G connectivity. In fact, it\u2019s the very same processor found under the hood of the X7 Pro\u2019s main competitor, the \nRedmi K30 Ultra\n.\n\n\n\n\nAnother hardware where the X7 Pro equally matches the K30 Ultra is in the display department. Just like the latter, Realme\u2019s new phone comes with a 6.55-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. On top of that, it also has a 240Hz touch sampling rate; this reduces any form of input lag to a minimum.\n\n\nAs mentioned, the X7 Pro supports 65W fast charging. According to Realme, this allows the 4,500mAh battery of the X7 Pro to be fully charged in only 35 minutes. The Chinese company mentioned that users can even use the phone while charging without the device heating up too much.\n\n\nOther specifications of the X7 Pro include a quad camera system (64MP f/1.8 primary + 8MP f/2.25 ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro + 2MP portrait), a 32MP front-facing camera, either 6GB or 8GB of RAM, two storage options (128GB and 256GB), as well as Realme UI based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the more affordable Realme X7, it sports a more pedestrian list of hardware. These include a more conventional 6.4-inch 1080p AMOLED screen with a 60Hz refresh rate, up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, a slightly different quad camera array (64MP f/1.8 main + 8MP f/2.3 ultra-wide angle + 2MP f/2.4 monochrome + 2MP f/2.4 macro), and a 32MP f/2.5 selfie camera.\n\n\nFortunately, the X7 still supports 5G networks, thanks to its Dimensity 800U chip. Besides that, the 65W fast charging is retained as well, though the phone\u2019s battery capacity is slightly smaller at 4,300mAh.\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme X7 and X7 Pro are now available for pre-order in China. The X7 retails from 1,799 Chinese yuan (about RM1,090), while the X7 Pro starts at 2,199 yuan (approximately RM1,335). Naturally, it remains to be seen if the Realme X7 series will be offered in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-yoga-duet-7i-starts-at-rm4599/", "title": "Lenovo Yoga Duet 7i & Yoga Slim 7i Pre-Orders Open in Malaysia; Starts at RM4,599", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re in the market for a new Windows laptop or tablet, this may pique your interest. Two Lenovo products are now available for pre-order in Malaysia: there\u2019s the Yoga Slim 7i productivity laptop, as well as the Yoga Duet 7i tablet. Retailing from RM4,599, these two Windows machines are not exactly affordable, but they do offer some neat features.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Yoga Duet 7i, the more\u2026affordable product of the two. At least, that\u2019s the case for the base model, which carries a RM4,599 price tag. For that kind of money, the Duet 7i comes with an Intel Core i5-10210U processor, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage.\n\n\n\n\nIf you need more processing power, you can opt for the higher-end model; it swaps out the Core i5 processor for a faster Core i7-10510U chip. This variant of the Duet 7i is also equipped with twice the amount of RAM and SSD capacities at 16GB and 1TB respectively. How much does these upgrades cost? A cool RM5,699.\n\n\nAside from these differences, both models of the Duet 7i feature the same hardware, including a 13-inch 2160 x 1350 IPS screen, integrated Intel UHD Graphics, as well as a wireless Bluetooth keyboard that can be attached to the tablet. There\u2019s also an adjustable kickstand to prop up the Duet 7i, much like \nMicrosoft\u2019s Surface tablets\n.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Yoga Slim 7i, only one variant is offered for the Malaysian market, which costs RM4,999. It\u2019s packed with a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display with small bezels, a Core i7-1065G7 processor paired with 8GB of RAM, as well as a 512GB SSD. Decent list of hardware for a productivity-focused laptop.\n\n\nEven though the Slim 7i is not a gaming laptop, you can still do some gaming on the side, thanks to the Nvidia GeForce MX350 GPU under the hood. If you\u2019re planning to play games like Valorant or Overwatch with this laptop, the MX350 can certainly deliver high enough frame rate for a good gaming experience.\n\n\n\n\nThe Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i and Yoga Duet 7i are now available for pre-order in Malaysia, though Lenovo will only officially launch these two products on our shores next week on 10 September. Visit Lenovo\u2019s online store if you\u2019d like to place a pre-order for the \nSlim 7i\n or \nDuet 7i\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-m51-with-7000mah-battery-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy M51 With 7,000mAh Battery Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy M51 was recently launched in Europe, and it appears the mid-range smartphone will also be arriving here in Malaysia very soon. Packing a huge 7,000mAh battery and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G chipset, it\u2019s ideal for those who want a long-lasting smartphone.\n\n\nWe first caught wind of the Galaxy M51\u2019s local availability as we were going through SIRIM\u2019s database; it was registered under Samsung Malaysia with the model number SM-M515F on 2 September. Of course, a SIRIM certification doesn\u2019t guarantee the Malaysian availability of the M51, but it is a promising indication.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Galaxy M51 carries a large 7,000mAh battery, which would undoubtedly offer \nvery good\n battery life. Not a lot of smartphones feature such a large battery capacity, so it\u2019s definitely a big selling point for the M51. On top of that, this phone supports 25W fast charging as well.\n\n\nAside from that, the Galaxy M51 is also powered by a Snapdragon 730G octa-core processor paired with 6GB of RAM. Not only is this a good amount of RAM for a mid-range smartphone, the 730G should be able to offer a reasonably good level of performance too; you wouldn\u2019t have to worry about any deficit in processing power.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy M51 include a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display, 128GB of storage, a 32MP f/2.0 front-facing camera, as well as a quad camera array (64MP f/1.8 primary + 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide + 5 MP f/2.4 macro + 5MP f/2.4 portrait).\n\n\n\n\nOf course, it remains to be seen exactly when \u2013 or if, for the matter \u2013 the Samsung Galaxy M51 will be arriving in Malaysia, though we imagine it won\u2019t be too long from now. As for pricing, it retails at \u20ac360 in Europe, which comes up to about RM1,770. Do note that this price tag includes VAT, so we can expect the M51 to be more affordable outside of Europe.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-records-11378-sales-in-august-2020-proton-x70-leads-suv-segment-with-2791-units-sold/", "title": "Proton Records 11,378 Sales in August 2020; Proton X70 Leads SUV Segment With 2,791 Units Sold", "body": "\n\nProton continues its strong sales numbers in the month of August 2020. With 11,378 units sold last month, it was the national carmaker\u2019s second best month, right behind July\u2019s sales figure of \n13,216 units\n. In fact, Proton is currently 46 units ahead of its 2019 sales in the same period of time.\n\n\nThis is a quite an impressive feat by Proton, given that the automotive industry is adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidently, the \n2020 sales tax exemption\n for passenger vehicles introduced by the government is boosting sales quite a bit. According to Proton, its August 2020 sales performance is 24.7% better over the same month in 2019.\n\n\n\n\nThree Proton models also continue to lead their respective segments. The Proton X70, for one, continues to be the best-selling SUV in Malaysia with 2,791 units sold in August 2020. The Persona and Exora, on the other hand, sold 2,411 and 630 units respectively.\n\n\n\u201cProton is pleasantly surprised by how quickly we have been able to recover the lost sales during the MCO period, as it only took us three months to get back on track,\u201d said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah. \u201cWe hope to continue this trend until the end of the year so as to give the automotive industry ecosystem a strong boost,\u201d he added.\n\n\nOfficial teaser of the Proton X50\n\n\nGiven Proton\u2019s sales performance in the past couple of months, it\u2019s likely the national carmaker can maintain this momentum in the coming months; especially with the imminent arrival of its highly anticipated B-segment SUV, the \nProton X50\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopee-9-9-super-shopping-day-starts-tomorrow-9-samsung-galaxy-note-20-up-for-grabs/", "title": "Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day Starts Tomorrow; 9 Samsung Galaxy Note 20 up for Grabs", "body": "\n\nShopee\u2019s annual 9.9 Super Shopping Day is happening tomorrow, and the e-commerce platform is offering quite a number of interesting deals. For one, as many as nine units of the new \nSamsung Galaxy Note 20\n are up for grabs tomorrow.\n\n\nThe Galaxy Note 20 is offered as a prize on the platform\u2019s \nShopee Farm game\n, which requires players to \u201cplant and grow\u201d items that are given out from the Lucky Tree. Basically, it\u2019s a lucky draw of sorts. Aside from this, players also stand a chance to win prizes in other Shopee Games \u201cworth up to RM99,000,\u201d as the company puts it.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, there will be a number of promotions running throughout the day on 9.9 itself as well. At the stroke of midnight, the minimum spend to be eligible for free shipping will be lowered to just RM9 until 2AM. A number of special deals will take place too, including RM30 off promotions at 1AM, 25% discounts at 7AM, and RM20 off deals at 9AM, among other offers.\n\n\nOn top of that, you can also get the brand new Poco X3 NFC on Shopee from tomorrow onwards until 10 September at promotional prices. The base model with 64GB of storage will go for \nonly RM799\n (instead of RM899), while the 128GB option will be \ndiscounted to RM949\n from RM1,099.\n\n\nReally, it\u2019s a fantastic deal for anyone that wants a mid-range smartphone with excellent value for money.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day will commence tonight at 12AM. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the campaign, \nhead on to Shopee\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/black-shark-3s-landing-in-malaysia-8-september-starts-at-rm3199/", "title": "Black Shark 3S Landing in Malaysia 8 September; Starts at RM3,199", "body": "\n\nWe just got word on the Malaysian availability of the \nBlack Shark 3S\n. Set to arrive here next week on 8 September, the gaming smartphone will retail from RM3,199 on our shores. That\u2019s slightly more than what its predecessor was \ngoing for at launch\n (RM2,799), thought you do get a number of neat upgrades with the new device.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Black Shark 3S will be offered in Malaysia. The base model with 128GB of storage and 12GB of RAM \u2013 that\u2019s 4GB more RAM than the original Black Shark 3 \u2013 costs RM3,199, while the 256GB variant with the same amount of RAM retails at RM3,499. Essentially, you\u2019re paying extra RM300 to get twice the amount of storage.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, compared to the previous model, the Black Shark 3S is actually not all that different. Aside from its more generous RAM and storage capacities, the refreshed model also features a faster 120Hz panel. In comparison, its predecessor only had a 90Hz screen. It\u2019s a small upgrade, yes, but it definitely makes the phone more appealing to mobile gamers.\n\n\nAside from that, the panel of the Black Shark 3S itself is still a 6.67-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED display, so you can expect to get vibrant colours and deep blacks; these are qualities we\u2019ve come to expect from OLED screens. On top of that, the 270Hz touch sampling rate of the display is retained as well to minimise any form of input lag.\n\n\n\n\nAnother noteworthy upgrade the Black Shark 3S got is the updated JoyUI 12 software: it adds screen mirroring capability to the gaming smartphone. This is done via the device\u2019s USB-C port, and while the feature is only offered on the 3S at the moment, we imagine the Black Shark 3 (as well as the \nPro model\n) will also receive the JoyUI 12 update in the future.\n\n\nIn the performance department, the Black Shark 3S retains its predecessor\u2019s Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset. Of course, it would\u2019ve been great if it was updated with the newer Snapdragon 865+ SoC \u2013 which has 10% faster CPU and GPU \u2013 but there\u2019s no denying that the regular Snapdragon 865 processor can still deliver a respectable level of performance.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Black Shark 3S include a generous 4,720mAh battery with 65W fast charging, a triple camera system (64MP f/1.8 primary + 13MP f/2.3 ultra-wide angle + 5MP f/2.2 depth), a 20MP f/2.2 selfie camera, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\n\n\nThe Black Shark 3S will be available for purchase exclusively on Shopee from 8 September onwards at 12AM in two colours: Crystal Blue and Skyfall Black. The first 50 customers to purchase the gaming phone will also get RM850 worth of gifts, including a carrying case, the Black Shark FunCooler, a one-year screen crack protection, a RM100 Shopee voucher, as well as a \u201cmystery merchandise.\u201d\n\n\nIf you\u2019re not the first 50, the next 50 buyers will also get RM850 worth of goodies. These items are similar to the aforementioned freebies, but the carrying case is swapped out for a Black Shark Gamepad 2.0 (left side) and a Gamepad 3.0 Holder.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-will-likely-cost-below-rm90000-in-malaysia/", "title": "Proton X50 Will Likely Cost Below RM90,000 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nThe Proton X50 was \nfinally teased by Proton\n in its Merdeka celebration video. While it remains to be seen exactly when the national carmaker will officially launch the new model \u2013 let alone how much it will cost \u2013 we have reason to believe that the upcoming B-segment SUV will cost below RM90,000 in Malaysia.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, we are confident the range-topping variant of the Proton X50 will be priced below the RM90,000 mark once it is introduced here. See, Affin Bank is \ncurrently running a campaign\n for its new Affin Duo credit card, and the grand prize is a \u201cnew exclusive Proton.\u201d\n\n\nObviously, this piqued our interest, and that\u2019s when we took a closer look at the campaign image below. More specifically, the silhouette of the Proton model in question in the background.\n\n\nThe Proton X50 teaser shared by Proton. Does the LED DRL look familiar?\n\n\nWithout a doubt the Proton model shown in the campaign page looks very much like the Proton X50, especially the outline of the car and the shape of the LED DRL in the headlights. Of course, we then went through the \nterms and conditions of the Affin Duo campaign\n to look for more information, and that\u2019s when we came across something very, \nvery interesting\n.\n\n\n\u201cEach eligible cardmember is in a running to win one (1) brand new exclusive Proton car worth up to RM90,000,\u201d as Affin Bank wrote in the terms and conditions. Of course, the bank further clarified that this excludes insurance and road tax, and that the final price is \u201csubject to Proton\u2019s announcement upon the launch of the new exclusive Proton variant in Malaysia\u2019s market.\u201d\n\n\nThe terms and conditions of the Affin Duo campaign\nImage source: \nLowyat.NET\u2019s forum\n\n\nGranted, Affin Bank does not outright mention that the Proton model is the X50, but then we came across this thread of the Affin Duo credit card \non Lowyat.NET\u2019s forum\n (thanks for the tip, Pang!). A forum member by the name of voonmingloo shared an image of the \u201cmarketing strategy\u201d for the Affin Duo credit card, which specifically mentions the X50 as the grand prize.\n\n\nWith all of these in mind, we are confident that Affin Bank is indeed offering the Proton X50 as the grand prize for the Affin Duo campaign, and that the upcoming SUV will be priced below RM90,000. Of course, this price is subject to change by Proton itself, as pointed out by Affin Bank.\n\n\n\n\nRegardless, this is definitely an exciting development for the Proton X50, and we cannot wait for the B-segment SUV to be officially launched by the national carmaker. Stay tuned to Nextrift for the latest updates on the X50.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-soft-launch-supposedly-happening-this-month/", "title": "Proton X50 Soft Launch Supposedly Happening This Month", "body": "\n\nEver since Proton \nofficially teased the Proton X50\n in its Merdeka Day video, we\u2019re getting more and more information on the national carmaker\u2019s upcoming B-segment SUV. Not only do we have a \ngood indication of the X50\u2019s price\n, we now have a possible launch window for the SUV.\n\n\nThis latest news \ncomes from Funtasticko\n. Citing a source familiar with the matter, the site wrote that a soft launch for the Proton X50 will be happening as early as this month. More specifically, sometime in the middle of the month. On top of that, the soft launch is said to take place in Proton\u2019s Tanjung Malim plant as well, which is where the X50 is set to be manufactured.\n\n\nOfficial teaser of the Proton X50\n\n\nBesides that, Funtasticko\u2019s source further elaborated that Proton will also be launching special edition versions of four different models: the X70, Persona, Iriz, and even the Exora. Just like the \nProton Saga Anniversary Edition\n, all of them will supposedly sport a similar black paint job with yellow (or gold) accents.\n\n\nEvidently, Proton is keeping itself busy with these models, especially so for the X50. After all, the B-segment SUV has been in development for quite some time now, and it may be ready to hit the road very, very soon. If the soft launch does take place this month as Funtasticko\u2019s source claims, AmInvest\u2019s October timeline for the X50\u2019s arrival is very likely to happen.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegardless, we\u2019ll just have to wait until the middle of the month to learn more about the Proton X50. No official pricing has been revealed yet, but we\u2019re confident the B-segment SUV will be priced \nbelow the RM90,000 price point\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2020-nissan-almera-turbo-booking-opens-tomorrow-in-malaysia-priced-from-rm80000/", "title": "2020 Nissan Almera Turbo Booking Opens Tomorrow in Malaysia; Priced From RM80,000", "body": "\n\nThe B-segment sedan market in Malaysia is getting more interesting by the day. Joining the \nnew Honda City\n in this hotly contested segment is the 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo, which will be open for booking from tomorrow onwards on 5 September.\n\n\nAccording to Paul Tan\n, the all-new Almera Turbo will be offered in three variants. Local pricing of the sedan has not been released yet, though the carmaker did give a ballpark figure. Both the base VL and mid-spec VLP trims of the Almera Turbo will go for RM8x,xxx, while the range-topping VLT will sit at the RM9x,xxx price point.\n\n\n\n\nYes, the 2020 Almera Turbo does cost markedly more than its predecessor, but the new model is also a much, \nmuch\n more accomplished sedan. For one, all three variants of the Almera Turbo will be powered by a new 1.0L turbocharged three-cylinder engine that outputs 100PS and 152Nm of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels with an X-Tronic CVT with D-Step Logic and Sport Mode.\n\n\nThanks to the efficiency of the 1.0L engine, the fuel consumption of the Almera Turbo is one of its biggest advantages. According to Nissan, this sedan has a fuel efficiency of 18.4km/l; that\u2019s a very impressive figure. Of course, it\u2019ll be interesting to see if the new Almera is really this fuel-efficient in real world conditions.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, another feature worth highlighting is the fact that all variants of the Almera Turbo come with Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (IFCW) with Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking (IFEB). Basically, it\u2019s an autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system, which will apply the brakes to avoid front collisions.\n\n\nNaturally, the highest-end Almera Turbo VLT is equipped with even more safety features. These include Intelligent Around View Monitor (IAVM) with Moving Object Detection (IMOD) \u2013 it\u2019s a 360-degree view camera \u2013 Blind Spot Warning System (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and six airbags. It\u2019s worth noting that the mid-spec VLP trim also gets six airbags, though the base VL model only comes with two airbags.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo is expected to be sold in Malaysia sometime in October next month. If you\u2019d like to check out the new B-segment sedan for yourself, you can actually do so from tomorrow onwards at selected Nissan showrooms. To learn more about the Almera Turbo, head on to \nNissan\u2019s official website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-3-unleashed-in-malaysia-starts-at-rm2999/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 3 Unleashed in Malaysia; Starts at RM2,999", "body": "\n\nThe \nAsus ROG Phone 3\n has just been launched in Malaysia. As promised, three variants of the gaming smartphone are offered here, and it starts at RM2,999. Quite a bit more than the starting price of its predecessor (RM2,499), but still relatively well-priced for a device of this calibre.\n\n\nOf course, the RM2,999 price tag is for the base ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition, which features a regular Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The other two variants of the gaming smartphone, on the other hand, come with a newer Snapdragon 865+ SoC, 512GB of storage, as well as either 12GB (RM3,799) or 16GB (RM4,499) of RAM.\n\n\n\n\nBesides the different processor, RAM, and storage capacity, all variants of ROG Phone 3 have the same hardware, including a 6.59-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED display with a very high 144Hz refresh rate. While this is not the first smartphone to pack such a fast screen \u2013 the\u00a0\nNubia RedMagic 5G\n\u00a0did it first \u2013 it\u2019s still quite a unique feature. To top it off, the display sports a fast 270Hz touch sampling rate too.\n\n\nThe design of the ROG Phone 3 got an overhaul as well, giving it a more refined, \u201csmartphone-like\u201d aesthetic. Compared to the previous model, the new phone feels better in the hands, thanks to the redesigned rear panel. Unlike the textured back of the \nROG Phone II\n, the ROG Phone 3\u2019s back panel is just a single piece of glass now.\n\n\n\n\nAnother noteworthy improvement is the camera system of the ROG Phone 3. Its triple camera array is made up of a 64MP f/1.8 primary sensor, a 13MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle lens, and a 5MP f/2.0 macro shooter. Still no telephoto sensor, unfortunately, but this \nis\n a gaming smartphone; camera isn\u2019t exactly the main focus here.\n\n\nOther specifications of the ROG Phone 3 include two ultrasonic shoulder buttons on the right side of the phone \u2013 perfect for playing shooters like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile \u2013 a 24MP f/2.0 selfie camera, a huge 6,000mAh battery with 30W fast charging, as well as an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nAll three variants of the Asus ROG Phone 3 are now available for purchase in Malaysia. To recap, the base Strix Edition with 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM retails at RM2,999, while the standard ROG Phone 3 with 512GB of storage and 12GB RAM goes for RM3,799. If you want to upgrade the RAM to a whopping 16GB, it will cost you a cool RM4,499.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-predator-gaming-chair-x-osim-arrives-in-malaysia-october-2020-for-rm2399/", "title": "Acer Predator Gaming Chair x Osim Arrives in Malaysia October 2020 for RM2,399", "body": "\n\nOne of the most interesting products announced by Acer back at its Next@Acer Global Press Conference event is this one right here, the \nAcer Predator Gaming Chair x Osim\n. The biggest selling point of this gaming chair is its ability to give you a massage while you game in comfort, and it is now open for pre-orders in Malaysia,\n\n\nThe Predator Gaming Chair is currently listed by Osim on its \nMalaysian online store\n. Said to originally retail at RM4,899, you can place your pre-order for RM2,399 now. Yes, it\u2019s not exactly an affordable product, but that\u2019s the going rate of premium gaming chairs in the market now anyway.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Predator Gaming Chair doubles as a massage chair, thanks to the integration of Osim\u2019s V-Hand Massage Technology. This supposedly \u201cemulates the agile hands of a professional masseuse on the user\u2019s neck and shoulder,\u201d and it allows the chair to perform massage techniques like kneading, pressing, rolling, and tapping.\n\n\nAs for the chair itself, it can recline 145-degree, and there are buttons on the right-side arm rest to control two sets of rollers. The position of the rollers can be changed to accommodate to different users\u2019 shoulder position for maximum comfort, and the width can be adjusted to suit different body types as well. Did we mention that there are also two Bluetooth speakers built into the chair\u2019s headrest?\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Predator Gaming Chair x Osim is now available for pre-order in Malaysia on \nOsim\u2019s website for RM2,399\n. As for shipping time, the chair is expected to be delivered by the end of October next month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/novelkeys-nk65-milkshake-edition-proxies-confirmed-wider-global-availability/", "title": "NovelKeys NK65 Milkshake Edition Proxies Confirmed; Wider Global Availability", "body": "\n\nNovelKeys\u2019 \nNK65 Milkshake Edition\n is easily one of the most promising custom keyboards for beginners to pick up, and if you\u2019ve been eyeing to get it, great news: NovelKeys just confirmed the proxies for the upcoming keyboard. Whether you\u2019re in Asia, Europe, or the US, it\u2019s a lot easier to get the NK65 now.\n\n\nProxies for the NK65 Milkshake were revealed by NovelKeys on its Instagram page. According to the post, proxies for the keyboard include \nzFrontier\n (Asia), \nOblotzky Industries\n (Europe), \nDailyClack\n (Australia), and of course, \nNovelKeys\n itself for the US market.\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View this post on Instagram\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nA post shared by NovelKeys (@novel.keys)\n\n\n\n\nHaving proxies for the NK65 Milkshake is important to ensure a much smoother shopping experience for everyone worldwide. If you\u2019re here in Malaysia, for example, ordering from a proxy that\u2019s closest to us \u2013 that would be zFrontier \u2013 will give you the best shipping time and cost.\n\n\nOn top of that, it\u2019s worth noting that orders over $100 from zFrontier will be eligible for free shipping. Given that the NK65 Milkshake retails at $190 (about RM790), you won\u2019t have to pay for shipping at all to get the keyboard shipped to Malaysia. Sounds great, doesn\u2019t it?\n\n\n\n\nThe NK65 Milkshake Edition will be open for pre-orders from 18 September until 2 October 2020, but keep it mind that it will only start shipping to customers in March 2021. Five months of wait isn\u2019t exactly short, but given the feature set of the NK65, it could \nvery well be worth it\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/poco-x3-nfc-official-snapdragon-732g-120hz-screen-rm799-price-tag/", "title": "Poco X3 NFC Official: Snapdragon 732G, 120Hz Screen, RM799 Price Tag", "body": "\n\nAfter much teasing, the Poco X3 NFC is finally official, and it\u2019s one impressive mid-range smartphone with a very, \nvery\n competitive price tag. Not only is it the first device to be powered by Qualcomm\u2019s new Snapdragon 732G chipset, it also features a fast 120Hz screen and large 5,160mAh battery \nfor only RM799\n.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, only RM799 for this Snapdragon 732G smartphone. Needless to say, the Poco X3 offers \nincredibly\n good value for money at this price point. Granted, this is an early bird offer for the 64GB model with 6GB of RAM; it will go \nfor only RM799\n instead of RM899 from 9 to 10 September on Shopee.\n\n\nIf you need more storage and RAM, you can opt for the 128GB variant with the same 6GB RAM; you can get this \nfor merely RM949\n instead of RM1,099 during the early bird period.\n\n\n\n\nSo what is the Snapdragon 732G under the hood of the Poco X3? Well, as its name suggests, it is a slight upgrade over the Snapdragon 730G chipset. The Kryo 470 prime core of the chip is now clocked at up to 2.3GHz instead of 2.2GHz, which should net a modest gain in processing power. In the graphics department, the difference is a lot more tangible: the Snapdragon 732G\u2019s Adreno 618 GPU offers up to 15% better performance.\n\n\nAside from that, the Poco X3 also comes with a 6.67-inch 2400 x 1080 LCD screen with a high 120Hz refresh rate; it\u2019s quite surreal how a phone at this price point has such a fast display. On top of that, the panel also has a 240Hz touch sampling rate to reduce input lag to a minimum. Perfect for mobile gamers who want all the advantage they can get.\n\n\n\n\nAnother noteworthy hardware of the Poco X3 has to be its very generous 5,160mAh battery. According to Poco, this allows the X3 to last over two days \u201cunder moderate usage,\u201d which does sound very plausible. On top of that, the phone also supports 33W fast charging, allowing the 5,160mAh battery to be charged to 62% from empty in only 30 minutes.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Poco X3 include a quad camera system (64MP f/1.89 primary + 13MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle + 2MP f/2.4 macro + 2MP f/2.4 depth), a 20MP f/2.2 selfie camera, a microSD card slot \u2013 it supports cards up to 256GB \u2013 a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and MIUI 12 based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Poco X3 NFC will be available for purchase from 9 September onwards on Shopee. Early birds can get the 64GB model \nfor only RM799\n instead of RM899, while the 128GB option will be \ndiscounted to RM949\n from RM1,099.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/another-playstation-5-accessory-is-coming-to-malaysia/", "title": "Another PlayStation 5 Accessory Is Coming to Malaysia", "body": "\n\nBack in July, we \nspotted the DualSense controller\n for the PlayStation 5 on SIRIM, which suggests that the Malaysia could be one of the first markets to get the next-generation console. Not convinced? Well, yet another accessory for the PS5 has just appeared in SIRIM\u2019s database.\n\n\nJust last week on 2 September, Sony Malaysia registered a device with the model number CFI-ZMR1. We did some digging, and we\u2019re confident this is in fact the \nmedia remote for the PS5\n. This model number is tied to the media remote \nhere\n and \nhere\n, among other sources.\n\n\n\n\nSo what does this mean? Well, it\u2019s definitely a promising sign that Sony Malaysia is working hard to get the PS5 console and its range of accessories on our shores. Although the system itself hasn\u2019t made an appearance in SIRIM\u2019s database yet, we reckon it\u2019s only a matter of time before it\u2019s registered with the certification body.\n\n\nHowever, just because the DualSense and media remote for the PS5 have been registered with SIRIM, it doesn\u2019t guarantee that Malaysia will be one of the first countries to get the next-generation console. Of course, we\u2019re still hoping for the best, especially now that Sony Malaysia is \nalready running a survey for the PS5\n.\n\n\n\n\nThe PlayStation 5 is expected to be launched by the end of this year. Hopefully, we\u2019ll hear more on the pricing and availability of the console very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-2-malaysian-pre-orders-begin-11-september-costs-rm7999/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Malaysian Pre-Orders Begin 11 September; Costs RM7,999", "body": "\n\nMalaysian availability of the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 2\n is finally revealed. Set to arrive here on 25 September, the foldable smartphone will be open for pre-order this Friday on 11 September. To sweeten the deal, every pre-order will be bundled with some freebies too.\n\n\nGiven the premium positioning of the Galaxy Z Fold 2, it\u2019s naturally a very costly smartphone, retailing at a cool RM7,999 on our shores. It\u2019s worth noting that the Z Fold 2 actually costs slightly less over the \noriginal Galaxy Fold\n, which retailed at RM8,388 when it was first launched here.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, there are also a number of freebies that are bundled with every pre-order of the Galaxy Z Fold 2. These include a pair of Galaxy Buds Live wireless earbuds worth RM699, as well as a Montblanc card holder worth RM655. Pretty good accessories to go with the premium foldable smartphone.\n\n\nAside from that, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 also comes with a sizeable 7.6-inch 2208 x 1768 Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. Thanks to the high refresh rate, every single animation on this panel will look extra smooth. It\u2019s definitely a good upgrade over the original Fold\u2019s more conventional 60Hz screen.\n\n\n\n\nAlso worth a mention is the 6.2-inch 2260 x 816 Super AMOLED \u201ccover screen\u201d on the exterior of the Z Fold 2. It covers almost the entire front of the foldable phone, giving it a sleeker, more modern aesthetic compared to its predecessor. On top of that, you also get more screen space to work with now, though the tall, narrow aspect ratio of the display can be cumbersome to use.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Z Fold 2 features a triple camera system (12MP f/1.8 primary + 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle + 12MP f/2.4 telephoto) as well as two 10MP selfie camera. One is housed in a hole-punch cutout on the cover screen, while the other is placed in the same cutout on the bigger primary display.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Z Fold 2 include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ chipset paired with 12GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage, 5G connectivity, a 4,500mAh battery with support for 25W fast charging \u2013 11W for wireless charging \u2013 and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from 11 September onwards for RM7,999. Stay tuned for our hands-on with Samsung\u2019s latest foldable smartphone!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/poco-m2-unveiled-with-5000mah-battery-affordable-price-tag/", "title": "Poco M2 Unveiled With 5,000mAh Battery & Affordable Price Tag", "body": "\n\nThe Poco M2 was recently released in India, and it is basically a more budget-friendly version of the \nPoco M2 Pro\n. Sporting a large 5,000mAh battery and a MediaTek Helio G80 chipset, it\u2019s quite an attractive mid-range smartphone with an affordable price tag.\n\n\nThanks to the Poco M2\u2019s generous 5,000mAh battery, you can expect to get very respectable battery life. In fact, if you\u2019re not a heavy smartphone user, we reckon you can get two days of use quite effortlessly. This device also supports 18W fast charging, which is really a necessity with a battery this large.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, powering the Poco M2 is a Helio G80 chipset paired with 6GB of RAM. It\u2019s an octa-core processor clocked at 2GHz, so you can expect to get a reasonably good level of performance. As for internal storage, you can opt for the 64GB or 128GB variant. There is also a microSD card slot if you need even more storage space.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Poco M2 include a 6.53-inch 2340 x 1080 IPS LCD notched display, a quad camera system 13MP f/2.2 primary + 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle + 5MP f/2.4 macro + 2MP f/2.4 depth), an 8MP f/2.0 front-facing camera, as well as three colour options: Brick Red, Slate Blue, and Pitch Black.\n\n\n\n\nThe Poco M2 is set to hit the store shelves on 15 September in India; it retails from 10,999 Indian rupee, which comes up to about RM620. At the moment, it remains to be seen if the Poco M2 will be launched in other markets outside India.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-sets-time-flies-15-september-event-new-apple-watch-likely/", "title": "Apple Sets \u201cTime Flies\u201d 15 September Event; New Apple Watch Likely", "body": "\n\nApple has finally revealed the date for its next major launch event. Set to take place next week on 15 September, the \u201cTime Flies\u201d event will likely see the introduction of a new Apple Watch, among other things. If you\u2019re hoping the Cupertino company will also unveil new iPhones at the event, don\u2019t hold your breath.\n\n\nWhile September is typically when the latest iPhones debut, it\u2019s unlikely to happen this year. After all, in the company\u2019s \nlatest earnings call\n, it\u2019s been confirmed that the new iPhones will not be shipping this month. The new phones should only arrive sometime in October next month.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, looking back at the teaser for the Time Flies event, it\u2019s evident Apple is foreshadowing the introduction of a new Apple Watch. Naturally, not much details have been revealed yet, but rumours are suggesting that the upcoming Series 6 will add on the ability to monitor blood oxygen, better sleep tracking, and of course, a faster processor.\n\n\nOn top of that, Apple could also be launching a new Apple Watch to replace the Series 3, which is still being sold by the company as a more affordable alternative to the Series 5. Beyond its wearable business, Apple could show off a new iPad as well at next week\u2019s event.\n\n\n\n\nApple\u2019s Time Flies event will happen next week on 15 September. For us here in Malaysia, the event will go live on 16 September at 1AM \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-is-possibly-the-proton-x50s-key-fob/", "title": "This Is Possibly the Proton X50\u2019s Key Fob", "body": "\n\nProton\u2019s highly anticipated B-segment SUV \u2013 widely believed to be called the Proton X50 \u2013 is arriving very, very soon. As we lead up to the launch of the new model, more leaks are slowly making their way to the internet. This time around, it\u2019s the alleged key fob of the X50.\n\n\nThis bit of leak \ncomes from Paultan\n, which was tipped by a reader with an image of a key fob that likely belongs to the X50. After all, it looks very similar to that of the Geely Binyue\u2019s key fob \u2013 which the X50 is based on \u2013 as evident in \nthis listing\n. (It\u2019s humourously described as the X50\u2019s key fob as well.)\n\n\n\n\nGiven that the X50 will possibly share the same key fob as the Binyue, there\u2019s a good chance Proton\u2019s upcoming SUV will also come with remote engine start. As its name suggests, this feature allows the car to be started with just the key fob, which can prove to be useful in certain situations.\n\n\nAside from the key fob, there are also chatters that the X50 will not in fact be called\u2026the X50. Apparently, the new model will carry the Proton SX11 name instead, which was actually the codename for the Geely Binyue. However, keep in mind that this is merely a rumour at this point in time. At least, until the national carmaker itself officially reveals the name.\n\n\n\n\nWe expect Proton to share more details on the X50 \u2013 or the SX11 \u2013 very soon. This will likely happen as early as next week, as per our \nearlier report\n. As for how much the B-segment SUV will cost, we\u2019re confident it will go \nbelow the RM90,000 mark\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-v20-se-launching-in-malaysia-24-september/", "title": "Vivo V20 SE Launching in Malaysia 24 September", "body": "\n\nVivo is launching its next smartphone, the Vivo V20 SE, right here in Malaysia later this week. According to the smartphone maker, the new device will sport a slim and lightweight design, along with an emphasis on its selfie capability.\n\n\nSince the device hasn\u2019t been launched yet, details are still light on the V20 SE, though we do have leaked specifications of the phone. These include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 paired with 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, and a microSD card slot.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, released images of the V20 SE also show a notched display, which is said to be a 6.44-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED screen. There doesn\u2019t seem to be any visible fingerprint sensor either, so there\u2019s a good chance it will feature an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\nCamera wise, the V20 SE seems to come with a triple camera array, which is believed to consist of a 48MP primary shooter, an 8MP ultra-wide angle lens, as well as a 2MP depth sensor. On the front, Vivo confirmed that the phone is equipped with a 32MP selfie camera; perfect for selfie lovers.\n\n\nOther specifications of the V20 SE include a generous 4,100mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging, a USB-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and two colour options: Gravity Black and Oxygen Blue.\n\n\n\n\nThe Vivo V20 SE will be launched here in Malaysia this Thursday on 24 September. We\u2019ll find out exactly how much this mid-range smartphone would cost then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-yoga-slim-7-with-amd-ryzen-5-4500u-chip-arrives-in-malaysia-for-rm3499/", "title": "Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 With AMD Ryzen 5 4500U Chip Arrives in Malaysia for RM3,499", "body": "\n\nLast week, we wrote about the Malaysian availability of the \nLenovo Yoga Slim 7i and Duet 7i\n. Today, Lenovo officially launched these two products on our shores, along with the AMD version of the Yoga Slim 7. If you want a thin and light productivity laptop with a Ryzen 4000 processor, consider this new laptop.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, only one variant of the AMD-powered Yoga Slim 7 is offered here. It comes with a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen, a Ryzen 5 4500U processor paired with 8GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and AMD Radeon Graphics. How much does these hardware cost? RM3,499 \u2013 not a bad price at all for a thin and light productivity laptop.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, one of the best features of the Yoga Slim 7 \u2013 as its name suggests \u2013 has to be its portable nature. Measuring only 14.9mm thin with a 1.4kg chassis, it\u2019s made for folks who are always on the go. You can easily slip this into your backpack and forget about it.\n\n\nAside from that, the Yoga Slim 7 is said to offer very long battery life as well; Lenovo claims that it can last up to 19 hours on a single charge. It\u2019s certainly a very lofty estimate, and it\u2019ll be interesting to see if Lenovo\u2019s claim holds up in real life usage.\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Lenovo, the Yoga Slim 7 is now available for purchase on Lenovo\u2019s online store for RM3,499, though it is out of stock at the time of writing. You can check the availability of the productivity laptop \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-poco-f2-pro-with-snapdragon-865-now-only-rm1499/", "title": "Deal: Poco F2 Pro With Snapdragon 865 Now Only RM1,499", "body": "\n\nNow this is one interesting deal. The \nPoco F2 Pro\n, one of the most affordable flagship smartphones with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, is even more affordable today. Originally retailing from RM2,199, you can now get the F2 Pro \nfor only RM1,499\n.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, only RM1,499 for this Snapdragon 865 smartphone. Needless to say, this is an \nincredibly\n good deal; you\u2019re saving a whopping RM700 with this offer. This is also a listing by Xiaomi Global\u2019s official store on Shopee, so rest assured, this is a legitimate deal.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, it\u2019s worth noting that the Poco F2 Pro listed here also comes with local warranty support, so you won\u2019t have to worry if anything were to go wrong. However, only the Phantom White colour option is currently available; the Electric Purple and Cyber Grey models are out of stock.\n\n\nIf you want to grab the Poco F2 Pro for only RM1,499, head on to Xiaomi Global\u2019s official Shopee store \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2020-proton-x70-exported-to-brunei-first-market-to-receive-malaysian-made-model/", "title": "2020 Proton X70 Exported to Brunei, First Market to Receive Malaysian-Made Model", "body": "\n\nProton launched the latest \n2020 Proton X70\n in Brunei last weekend on 6 September, making it the first export market to receive the Malaysian-made model, which is assembled at the national carmaker\u2019s Tanjung Malim plant. It\u2019s worth noting that Brunei was also the first export market to get the X70 in CBU form last year.\n\n\nJust like its predecessor, three variants of the 2020 Proton X70 are offered in Brunei: Standard, Executive, and Premium X. Of course, the specs of these trims are identical to the ones offered here in Malaysia, including the 1.8L turbocharged direct injection engine that outputs 181hp and 300Nm of torque.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the CBU X70, the 2020 model swaps out the six-speed torque converter automatic gearbox for a more responsive seven-speed (wet) dual-clutch transmission co-developed by Geely and Volvo. Thanks to the new 7DCT, the updated X70 can sprint from zero to 100kmph in only 9.5 seconds; a whole second faster than the previous model.\n\n\nProton also gave some updates on the sales figure of the 2020 Proton X70 right here in Malaysia. According to the national carmaker, as many as 12,732 units of the C-segment SUV has been delivered up to the end of August 2020. Proton added that this makes up 25.9% of the total Malaysian SUV market.\n\n\n\n\nEvidently, the 2020 Proton X70 is selling very well in the Malaysian market. Chances are, Proton\u2019s sales figure will be further amplified by the launch of its \nupcoming B-segment SUV\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/kia-seltos-now-open-for-booking-in-malaysia-1-6l-engine-only/", "title": "Kia Seltos Now Open for Booking in Malaysia; 1.6L Engine Only", "body": "\n\nAfter months of wait, the Kia Seltos is finally available for booking in Malaysia at certain Kia showrooms. \nAs we\u2019ve reported back in April\n, two variants of the B-segment SUV will be offered here; both will be powered by the same 1.6L Gamma naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, it\u2019s confirmed now that the Seltos for the Malaysian market will only come with one engine option \u2013 we are not getting the turbocharged mill. Anyway, the 1.6L Gamma MPI engine outputs 123PS and 151Nm of torque, with drive sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, two variants of the Seltos are available here. There\u2019s the base EX trim, and the more well-equipped GT-Line model. What differentiates these two models are a number of creature comforts and design elements. Exclusive to the GT-Line variant are ventilated front seats, full LED headlights, a head-up display, a wireless charging pad, and automatic air-conditioning.\n\n\nStandard equipment offered on both the EX and GT-Line trims are quite neat as well. These include leather seats \u2013 though the design is different between the two models \u2013 Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, passive cruise control, as well as 17-inch wheels.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile the Kia Seltos is now open for booking in Malaysia, local pricing of the B-segment SUV has not been revealed yet. But given that it is now available for viewing at selected showrooms, we can expect to hear more about the Seltos in the coming weeks.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-will-release-2-more-locally-developed-models-after-the-proton-x50/", "title": "Proton Will Release 2 More Locally Developed Models After the Proton X50", "body": "\n\nProton just confirmed that it will release two locally developed models in the future. According to an exclusive interview between \nAstro Awani\n and Li Chunrong \u2013 the CEO of Proton \u2013 the national carmaker will begin local development of the new models after the launch of its highly anticipated B-segment SUV, the \nProton X50\n.\n\n\nIn the interview, Li mentioned that the two new Proton models will be released in the next three to five years. They will be developed completely locally, unlike the \nProton X70\n and upcoming X50; these two models were based on the Geely Boyue and Geely Binyue respectively.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, the local development of the two models will be done simultaneously as well, though it wasn\u2019t mentioned if these models will be a sedan, hatchback, or an SUV. As it is, Proton only has one SUV in its model lineup (X70), with one hatchback (Iriz), an MPV (Exora), and a few sedans, including the Saga, Persona, and Perdana.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that Li is confident the SUV market will continue to grow in Malaysia, especially after the release of the Proton X50 in the near future. This is despite the fact that sedans are very popular here, though the amount of excitement surrounding the X50 certainly suggests it will be a very popular model.\n\n\n\n\nFor the time being, Proton is gearing up to launch its second SUV very, very soon. We will keep a close eye on any news regarding the X50, including its \nlocal pricing\n and \navailability\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/these-are-official-images-of-the-proton-x50/", "title": "These Are Official Images of the Proton X50", "body": "\n\nProton just dropped a huge teaser on its Facebook page: the national carmaker is finally showing off its upcoming B-segment SUV in all its glory. Although the company still isn\u2019t revealing the name of the new model yet \u2013 it\u2019s widely believed to be called the Proton X50 \u2013 this does show we are approaching very closely to the release date.\n\n\nAs expected, the Proton X50 looks strikingly similar to the model it is based on, the Geely Binyue. Of course, there are some Proton touches here and there, including its signature Infinite Weave grille design and new logo on the front of the SUV.\n\n\n\n\nThese teaser images also confirm two more colour options for the X50, aside from the blue model we\u2019ve seen in Proton\u2019s \nprevious teaser\n. We reckon these two colourways will be reserved for the highest-end configuration of the SUV, given that this dual tone paint job with blacked-out roof is only offered on the most well-equipped Binyue.\n\n\nWe also get a look at the black and red interior of the X50, and there\u2019s a small surprise here: it appears Proton added rear air-conditioning vents to the SUV. This was not offered on the Binyue, so it\u2019s great to see that the carmaker is adding genuinely useful features that consumers will appreciate.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProton is still keeping things under wraps for now, though Proton\u2019s CEO, Li Chunrong, said to expect big news on 15 September next Tuesday; a day before Malaysia Day. Hopefully, we\u2019ll get more details on the availability and pricing of the X50 then \u2013 we expect it to cost \nbelow the RM90,000 mark\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ps5-event-set-for-17-september-price-availability-reveal/", "title": "PS5 Event Set for 17 September; Price & Availability Reveal?", "body": "\n\nPlayStation is holding another event for the PS5 next week on 17 September. It\u2019s said to be a showcase for the next-generation console, and while it\u2019s not specifically mentioned, the retail price and availability of the PS5 could very well be revealed on that day.\n\n\nAccording to PlayStation, the digital showcase next week for the PS5 is to give us \u201cone more look at some of the great games coming to PS5 at launch.\u201d it\u2019s said to last for about 40 minutes, and it will \u201cfeature updates on the latest titles from Worldwide Studios and our world-class development partners,\u201d the company added.\n\n\n\n\nThis announcement comes right after a slew of leaks surfaced on the internet surrounding Microsoft\u2019s own next-generation consoles. The retail price and availability Xbox Series X and Series S were later confirmed by Microsoft itself, so there\u2019s a good chance PlayStation will follow suit with the two PS5 systems.\n\n\nUnlike Microsoft\u2019s strategy, both the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition feature the same level of performance. The only difference between the two consoles is the lack of an optical disc drive in the Digital Edition, which brings down the cost (and retail price) of the system. It\u2019ll be interesting to see just how much more affordable it would be over the standard PS5.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe PlayStation 5 showcase will be taking place next week on 17 September at 4AM Malaysian time. Hopefully, we\u2019ll finally get details on the pricing and availability of the next-generation console then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-sets-another-unpacked-event-for-23-september-likely-for-galaxy-s20-fan-edition/", "title": "Samsung Sets Another Unpacked Event for 23 September, Likely for Galaxy S20 Fan Edition", "body": "\n\nSamsung just scheduled yet another Unpacked event. Set to take place next week on 23 September, it\u2019s said to be a \u201cGalaxy Unpacked for Every Fan.\u201d Chance are, this is referencing the rumoured Samsung Galaxy S20 Fan Edition, which is believed to be a more affordable alternative to the \nmain Galaxy\n \nS20 phones\n.\n\n\nGiven its more budget-friendly positioning, it\u2019s no surprise that early leaks are suggesting the Galaxy S20 FE wouldn\u2019t be quite as impressive as its higher-end siblings. Leaked renders of the phone, for example, show a more pedestrian-looking device with a \nflat screen and slightly bigger bezels\n.\n\n\nLeaked render of the Galaxy S20 Fan Edition\n\n\nBut surprisingly enough, the Galaxy S20 FE will supposedly retain quite a bit of the regular S20\u2019s hardware. For one, it\u2019s tipped to come with a fast 120Hz screen, not to mention the same chipset as the rest of the S20 smartphones. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how the upcoming phone will differ in other aspects.\n\n\nLooking back at the teaser for the Galaxy Unpacked event, it\u2019s likely that the Korean company is also teasing the colour option of the Galaxy S20 FE in the image. More specifically, the dark blue and mint green colourways of the phone, which had already been leaked. Besides these two colours, the S20 FE is said to be available in red and pink as well.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S20 Fan Edition is expected to be unveiled next week on 23 September at 10PM Malaysian time. You can catch the Unpacked live stream \u2013 and register your interest for the phone \u2013 \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-7-realme-7-pro-launching-in-malaysia-24-september/", "title": "Realme 7 & Realme 7 Pro Launching in Malaysia 24 September", "body": "\n\nRealme has confirmed to release two new mid-range smartphones in Malaysia next week: the Realme 7 and the Realme 7 Pro. These two devices have a number of interesting features, including reasonably fast processors and equally fast charging rates.\n\n\nNaturally, the Realme 7 Pro is the more exciting phone of the two. It\u2019s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G chipset clocked at 2.3GHz, which should be able to deliver a good level of performance. Paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of expandable storage, you wouldn\u2019t have any issue multitasking with this device either.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Realme 7 Pro comes with a 6.4-inch 2400 x 1080 Super AMOLED screen with a hole-punch cutout on the top left of the display for the 32MP f/2.5 front-facing camera. While the AMOLED panel is an improvement over its predecessor\u2019s LCD screen, it only has a 60Hz refresh rate. In contrast, the \nRealme 6 Pro\n actually had a faster 90Hz screen.\n\n\nBattery life of the Realme 7 Pro should be above average as well, thanks to its generous 4,500mAh battery. According to Realme, the phone\u2019s fast 65W charging rate also allows the battery to be fully charged from empty in only 34 minutes. That\u2019s quite impressive.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Realme 7 Pro features a quad camera array made up of a 64MP f/1.8 primary shooter, an 8MP f/2.3 ultra-wide angle lens, a 2MP f/2.4 macro shooter, a 2MP depth sensor.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the more affordable Realme 7. This phone, as expected, comes with a slightly scaled-down set of hardware. For one, instead of an AMOLED screen, it sports a 6.5-inch 2400 x 1800 IPS LCD\u00a0display. However, it\u2019s worth noting that it\u2019s actually a 90Hz panel; an odd contrast over the 60Hz screen of the Pro model.\n\n\nBeyond the display, the Realme 7 is powered by a MediaTek Helio G95 chipset paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It also has a similar camera system as the Pro model \u2013 even though the module looks different \u2013 as well as a 5,000mAh battery with support for 30W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme 7 and Realme 7 Pro will be landing in Malaysia next week on 24 September. Local pricing of the two phones have not been revealed yet, but expect them to be quite affordable \u2013 Realme devices are typically priced competitively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-2-hands-on-more-polished-slightly-more-affordable/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Hands-On: More Polished, Slightly More Affordable", "body": "\n\nThe \nSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 2\n is the Korean company\u2019s latest and most refined foldable smartphone to date. Not only does it look far sleeker now, it also feels a lot more robust and polished; all while managing to be more affordable than its predecessor.\n\n\nHowever, retailing at RM7,999 in Malaysia, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is still a very costly smartphone. While it is easily one of the best foldable phones you can get now, you\u2019d have to be willing to part with a huge sum of money for the experience. But then again, using such a unique smartphone is really quite the experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about the folding mechanism of the Galaxy Z Fold 2. Compared to the \noriginal Fold\n, this new hinge feels far more robust. Don\u2019t get me wrong, it\u2019s not that the previous model had a bad hinge; the Z Fold 2\u2019s folding mechanism simply feels a lot more reassuring.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the new display of the Z Fold 2 is worth a mention too. The first Fold featured a polymer screen \u2013 it\u2019s essentially plastic \u2013 but that changes with this latest iteration. Instead of a completely plastic display, the Z Fold 2\u2019s screen uses Samsung\u2019s Ultra Thin Glass (UTG). I can\u2019t say for sure if the UTG makes the display more durable, but the panel itself does feel more rigid.\n\n\nThat being said, you won\u2019t \nactually\n physically touch the glass screen; there is still a plastic protective layer on top of it. Basically, the display will pick up dings and scratches like any other plastic screen protector, unfortunately enough.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, let\u2019s move on to the Galaxy Z Fold 2\u2019s screen quality, which is \nexcellent\n. It\u2019s a bigger 7.6-inch 2208 x 1768 Dynamic AMOLED 2X display now with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. So not only does this screen look fantastic with vibrant colours, wide viewing angles, and deep blacks, every single motion on this display looks absolutely fluid as well, thanks to the high refresh rate.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the Z Fold 2 no longer has the weird cutout on the primary screen for the front-facing camera. Now, there\u2019s only a single hole-punch cutout for the 10MP f/2.2 selfie shooter, which looks a lot cleaner and more pleasing to the eyes.\n\n\n\n\nAnother hardware that looks better now is the cover screen of the Galaxy Z Fold 2; it is no longer a tiny display. Upsized to a much more usable 6.2-inch 2260 x 816 Super AMOLED panel that covers almost the entire front of the phone, there\u2019s much more screen real estate to work with. There is also a 10MP f/2.2 selfie camera in the hole-punch cutout of the display.\n\n\nEven though the Z Fold 2\u2019s cover screen is a lot bigger now, it can still be quite cumbersome to use with its tall and narrow 25:9 aspect ratio. This makes it difficult to reach for the top of the display, and it\u2019s too narrow to comfortably type a message with two hands. If it\u2019s any consolation, at least the screen looks great.\n\n\n\n\nIn the performance department, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is powered by a flagship-tier Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ chipset paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Needless to say, the phone feels very fast and zippy with this processor under the hood. As an added bonus, this SoC comes with 5G support as well, which will come in handy once 5G networks are widely available here.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the camera performance of the Z Fold 2. It features a triple camera system made up of a 12MP f/1.8 primary sensor, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle lens, and a 12MP f/2.4 telephoto shooter. Not quite as sophisticated as the \nS20 Ultra\n or \nNote 20 Ultra\n\u2018s 108MP camera configuration, but still good enough to capture good-looking shots.\n\n\n\n\nI briefly tested the foldable phone\u2019s camera performance, and it does feel quite capable. The camera feels responsive, detail preservation is good, and the autofocus speed is (as usual) very quick and accurate. We\u2019ve come to expect excellent camera performance out of Samsung\u2019s flagship smartphones, and the Z Fold 2 certainly doesn\u2019t disappoint.\n\n\nBut it\u2019s worth noting that I only shot with this phone under great lighting conditions; it remains to be seen just how well the Z Fold 2 would perform in darker environments. However, as I\u2019ve mentioned, Samsung usually delivers very good camera performance, so I reckon this foldable phone will be able to take flattering low light shots just fine.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 is an impressive smartphone that will definitely turn heads when you unfold it. It\u2019s also a lot more refined than its predecessor with a more robust hinge, a glass screen \u2013 even if it\u2019s covered by a plastic protective layer \u2013 and a far sleeker design. But all of these cost a whopping RM7,999; that\u2019s \na lot of money\n for a smartphone.\n\n\nThere\u2019s no denying the unique factor of the Galaxy Z Fold 2, but you\u2019ll be paying a premium just for the foldable nature of the phone. If that\u2019s really what you want, then perhaps it\u2019s worth the price of entry \u2013 that\u2019s the RM7,999 question you have to ask yourself.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-note-20-quick-review-a-decent-alternative/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Quick Review: A Decent Alternative", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Note 20 series is quite different compared to last year\u2019s iteration. Previously, the \nregular Note 10\n is markedly smaller than the \nNote 10+\n, which makes the former more appealing to folks that want a compact flagship. However, this size difference is no longer offered with the Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra; both devices are almost the same size.\n\n\nSo then, who is the Galaxy Note 20 for? After spending a few weeks with this device, I do see how it can be appealing to folks that want a more affordable alternative to the far costlier Note 20 Ultra. However, with its more budget-friendly price tag, it does sacrifice on a number of features.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED Plus (2400 x 1080)\nChipset\nSamsung Exynos 990 2.73GHz octa-core\nGPU\nMali-G77 MP11\nRAM\n8GB\nStorage\n256GB, expandable\nCamera (rear)\n12MP f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF, OIS\n64MP f/2.0 (telephoto), PDAF, OIS, Hybrid Optic Zoom (3x), Digital Zoom (30x)\n12MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide angle)\nCamera (front)\n10MP f/2.2, Dual Pixel AF\nBattery\n4,300mAh\nDimensions\n161.6 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm\nWeight\n192g\nOS\nOne UI based on Android 10\nConnectivity\n5G (optional)\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4/5GHz)\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM3,899 (LTE), RM4,299 (5G)\n\n\nWithout a doubt the hardware disparity between the Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra is quite big. Not only does the former lack the Ultra\u2019s faster, sharper 1440p screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, it doesn\u2019t get the more sophisticated 108MP camera system either. Granted, you are saving \nup to RM1,300 here\n; that\u2019s an equally big price gap.\n\n\n\n\nEven though it doesn\u2019t compare very favourably to the Note 20 Ultra, the standard Note 20 is still a capable flagship smartphone. It\u2019s powered by the same Exynos 990 chip, its screen is very pleasant to look at, and its triple camera array can take some really good-looking shots. More on that further down this review.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nGiven that the S Pen is the Note\u2019s signature hardware, let\u2019s start with that. \nCompared to its predecessor\n, the S Pen on the Galaxy Note 20 got a couple of neat upgrades. It has better latency now \u2013 translating to a more fluid writing experience \u2013 and the stylus\u2019 Air Actions feature is more fleshed out as well.\n\n\n\n\nPreviously, Air Actions can only be used to perform a limited number of things, but it\u2019s now possible to use it to navigate around the phone to an extent. There are gestures to access the recent apps page, go to the home screen, and even going back to the previous page. Basically, it\u2019s more functional now, which can be useful to certain folks.\n\n\nAside from that, there\u2019s the fantastic screen of the Galaxy Note 20. Even though it\u2019s not quite as impressive as the Note 20 Ultra\u2019s faster, sharper display, the standard Note 20\u2019s 6.7-inch 1080p Super AMOLED Plus panel is still plenty impressive with vibrant colours and deep, true blacks.\n\n\nWould it be better if it had a 120Hz refresh rate just like the Ultra? Of course. But that doesn\u2019t take away the fact that this is still a high quality screen.\n\n\n\n\nIn the performance department, the Exynos 990 chip under the hood of the Galaxy Note 20 can keep up with any task I throw at it; as expected of a flagship-tier processor. Yes, the Note 20 in other markets do get the faster Snapdragon 855+ SoC, but it\u2019s not like the Exynos 990 is sorely outclassed by the former. It\u2019s still a very fast, very capable chipset.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the excellent camera performance of the Note 20. Its triple camera configuration, while not super sophisticated \u2013 it\u2019s made up of a 12MP primary sensor, a 64MP telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter \u2013 is very fun to shoot with. Just take a look at the sample shots below.\n\n\n\n\nRegardless of lighting situation, the camera can consistently return amazing-looking shots. Sure, the final images are saturated quite a bit \u2013 especially the blue sky of the first picture \u2013 but it does make for a more appealing shot without looking too artificial. On top of that, the camera interface itself is very responsive, and it can lock in focus very quickly and accurately.\n\n\nThat being said, not everything about the Note 20\u2019s camera is great, which brings us to the next section.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nNow, I\u2019m a fan of the Galaxy Note 20\u2019s camera performance, but the difference in quality between the three sensors does mar the user experience. Judge for yourself with these shots taken with the three sensors.\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n12MP primary\n64MP telephoto (5x)\n64MP telephoto (10x)\n64MP telephoto (20x)\n64MP telephoto (30x)\n\n\nEvidently, the 12MP primary sensor takes the best shots, while the 12MP ultra-wide angle and 64MP telephoto shooters don\u2019t quite stack up with worse detail preservation and more visible noise. But to Samsung\u2019s credit, the zooming capability of the Note 20 is quite decent, which can prove to be useful in certain scenarios.\n\n\nBesides that, the battery life of the Galaxy Note 20 could be better too. On average, I was getting between four to five hours of screen on time with the phone throughout the review period. This figure is not bad by any means, but I expected more out of the phone\u2019s pretty sizeable 4,300mAh battery.\n\n\nThankfully, the charging rate of the Note 20 is reasonably good. The phone got up to 57% from completely empty within 30 minutes of charging \u2013 quite respectable.\n\n\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the build quality of the Note 20; more specifically, the build material. Oddly enough, Samsung decided to use a polycarbonate (essentially plastic) back with this \nflagship\n smartphone. You\u2019d expect the phone to come with a more premium material at this price point.\n\n\nTo be fair, I do like the matte finish of the rear panel, but you can really tell that it\u2019s made out of plastic. I cannot stress this enough: the plastic back is really at odds with the premium asking price of the Note 20. RM3,899 \u2013 or RM4,299 for the 5G model \u2013 is a lot of money, even for a flagship smartphone.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Note 20 has its shortcomings, but in my opinion, its strong points outweigh them. If you don\u2019t need the 120Hz screen and 108MP camera system of the Note 20 Ultra, this regular Note 20 will serve as a fine alternative. Plus, you\u2019re saving a good chunk of money with this phone, and you\u2019ll still get the new and improved S Pen \u2013 arguably the most important hardware of any Note device.\n\n\n\n\nAre there other flagship smartphones that offer better value for your money than the Galaxy Note 20? Definitely. But no other device in the market now offers the same utility of the S Pen, which is the defining feature of the Note series. If the new S Pen is what you want, the Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra are your only options.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-booking-finally-opens-tomorrow-rm500-booking-fee-4-variants/", "title": "Proton X50 Booking Finally Opens Tomorrow \u2013 RM500 Booking Fee, 4 Variants", "body": "\n\nThe wait is finally over. Proton just revealed that booking for its highly anticipated B-segment SUV, the \nProton X50\n, will begin tomorrow on 16 September. Pricing details have not been announced yet \u2013 though there\u2019s a good chance \nit\u2019ll cost below the RM90,000 mark\n \u2013 but the national carmaker did reveal several key specifications of the new model.\n\n\nFour different variants of the X50 will be offered: Standard, Executive, Premium, and Flagship. The former three will be powered by a 1.5L turbocharged three-cylinder MPI engine that puts out 150PS and 226Nm of torque, while the Flagship trim gets a more powerful 1.5L TGDi mill, which churns out 177PS and 255Nm of torque.\n\n\nRegardless of which engine you get, drive is sent to the front wheels with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Just like the aforementioned engine options, this gearbox is also co-developed by Geely and Volvo.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow then, let\u2019s break down the four variants of the X50. Despite being the most affordable model, the Standard trim still comes with a good list of equipment. These include 17-inch alloy wheels, full LED headlamps, rear air-conditioning vents, an 8-inch infotainment head unit, a reverse camera, fabric seats, and four airbags.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re not to keen with the seat material and airbag amount of the Standard model, you can opt for the higher-end Executive variant. Not only does this configuration of the X50 come with leatherette seats and six airbags, it adds on auto headlamps, front fog lamps, and a leather wrapped steering wheel as well.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the Premium variant of the X50, which gets even more goodies. These include larger 18-inch alloy wheels, a bigger 10-inch infotainment head unit, a tyre pressure monitoring system, driver power seat, and even a 360-degree camera. A very useful feature for an SUV.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the most well-equipped Flagship model, which gets all the bells and whistles. Not only is it the only variant to come with an Advanced Driver Assistance System (which include parking assist and adaptive cruise control), it also gets dual tone exterior with blacked-out roof and a panoramic sunroof.\n\n\n\n\nThe Proton X50 will be available for booking tomorrow on 16 September; those who are keen to book the B-segment SUV would have to fork out a RM500 booking fee. According to Proton, \u201ccustomer preview sessions will be held at four separate locations beginning 19 September, though these will be closed-door events.\u201d\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-watch-series-6-adds-the-ability-to-measure-blood-oxygen-levels-from-rm1749/", "title": "Apple Watch Series 6 Adds the Ability to Measure Blood Oxygen Levels From RM1,749", "body": "\n\nApple is unveiling quite a number of new products today, and one of them is the Apple Watch Series 6. While the design of the smartwatch remains largely the same, it does pack some new sensors, enabling it to measure blood oxygen levels and more accurately track your sleep.\n\n\nWhile the ability to measure blood oxygen levels isn\u2019t exactly new in the smartwatch market \u2013 the Series 6 can get a reading in about 15 seconds \u2013 Apple does leverage on this feature by partnering with health networks for studies. Take the current COVID-19 pandemic: the Cupertino company can test if blood oxygen levels can be used to detect infected individuals.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Series 6 comes with Apple\u2019s latest (you guessed it) S6 processor. This chip promises up to 20% better performance, and it\u2019s based on Apple\u2019s very own A13 chip. It\u2019s a good performance upgrade over its predecessor, which was powered by the S5 processor \u2013 essentially a rebranded S4 chip.\n\n\nAnother big feature introduced with the Series 6 is more colour option. You can now get the new smartwatch in a range of colours, including blue, gold, graphite, and even Product (RED). That\u2019s right, the company\u2019s signature bright red hue is now available on the Apple Watch with the Series 6.\n\n\nThe Apple Watch SE\n\n\nThe Apple Watch Series 6 \nranges from RM1,749 to a steep RM3,499\n for the gold stainless steel case with leather loop. If you want something more affordable, you can opt for the equally new Apple Watch SE \nfrom only RM1,199\n. The SE doesn\u2019t have the fancy new sensors of the Series 6, but it does sport many of the Series 5\u2019s features.\n\n\nAt the moment, it remains to be seen exactly when these two smartwatches will be landing in malaysia. Rest assured, we\u2019ll keep a close eye on their local availability.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-new-ipad-air-is-sleeker-starts-at-rm2599/", "title": "The New iPad Air Is Sleeker & Faster With 5nm Apple A14 Chip; Starts at RM2,599", "body": "\n\nAnnounced alongside the new \nApple Watch Series 6\n is the revamped iPad Air. Now sporting a far sleeker design, a USB-C port, and a faster, more impressive Apple A14 Bionic chip, the new Air is better than its predecessor in every way.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the visual upgrade the iPad Air received. Gone are the huge bezels on the top and bottom of the screen in favour of slimmer bezels, giving the tablet a much more modern-looking design. But given that there\u2019s no more space for the Touch ID home button, the fingerprint sensor has been moved to the power button instead.\n\n\nThis, in turn, makes the new iPad Air the first Apple product to have Touch ID integrated into the power button.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother neat upgrade the updated iPad Air got is the brand new A14 Bionic chip. Not only does this six-core processor promises up to 40% better performance, it\u2019s also built on an impressive 5nm process. This makes it a very power-efficient chip, which will further improve the battery life of this tablet.\n\n\nOther noteworthy specifications of the iPad Air include a larger 10.9-inch 2360 x 1640 Liquid Retina display \u2013 it\u2019s now a fully laminated panel with True Tone support \u2013 a USB-C connection, a 12MP rear camera, a 7MP front-facing shooter, and compatibility with the Cupertino company\u2019s latest Apple Pencil.\n\n\nThe 8th generation iPad\n\n\nMalaysian availability of the new iPad Air has not been revealed yet, but we do have the local pricing of the tablet already. The WiFi only model with 64GB of storage \nretails at RM2,599\n, while the 256GB configuration costs RM3,249. If you want cellular support, you\u2019d have to add on RM550.\n\n\nIf this iPad Air doesn\u2019t quite fit your budget, consider the more budget-friendly 8th generation iPad, which has been updated with Apple\u2019s A12 chip. For the Malaysian market, the new iPad retails \nfrom only RM1,449\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-5-coming-to-malaysia-19-november-starts-below-rm2000/", "title": "PlayStation 5 Coming to Malaysia 19 November; Starts Below RM2,000", "body": "\n\nPlayStation finally revealed the price and availability of the PS5. Set to debut worldwide on 19 November \u2013 which should also include Malaysia \u2013 the next generation console carries a pretty competitive starting price of only $399; that comes up to about RM1,650.\n\n\nOf course, that\u2019s the price of the PS5 Digital Edition, which doesn\u2019t come with a disc drive. The standard PS5, on the other hand, retails at $499 (approximately RM2,060). These price tags put the PS5 squarely against Microsoft\u2019s own next generation consoles, which also go for $499 and $299 (around RM1,235) for the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S respectively in the US.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the global debut of the PS5 on 19 November should also include the Malaysian market, even if this hasn\u2019t been explicitly mentioned yet. After all, the \nDualSense controller\n and the \nmedia remote\n for the PS5 have already passed through SIRIM. It\u2019s only a matter of time before the console itself appears in the certification body\u2019s database.\n\n\nAs for how much the PS5 would cost here, we reckon the Digital Edition won\u2019t go past the RM2,000 mark, given that a direct conversion of its $399 price tag in the US comes up to only about RM1,650. The standard PS5, on the other hand, should be priced slightly above the RM2,000 price point. As expected, the PS5 will cost quite a bit more over the PS4, which retailed for \nas low as RM799 to RM1,259\n.\n\n\n\n\nRegardless, we\u2019ll keep a close eye on the local availability of the PlayStation 5 as we approach closer to 19 November. Even though it\u2019s not quite as affordable as its predecessor, it does come \nwith some impressive features\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honors-first-gaming-laptop-features-10th-gen-intel-cpu-rtx-2060-144hz-screen/", "title": "Honor\u2019s First Gaming Laptop Features 10th Gen Intel CPU, RTX 2060 & 144Hz Screen", "body": "\n\nHonor recently launched its first-ever gaming laptop in China, the Honor Hunter V700. Not only does it sport a rather unique design, it\u2019s also packing some capable hardware, including Intel\u2019s 10th generation processors, an optional upgrade to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 GPU, as well as a 144Hz screen.\n\n\nThree different variants of the Hunter V700 are offered in China. The base model comes with a GTX 1660 Ti GPU, a Core i5-10300H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. This particular configuration costs  7,499 Chinese yuan, which comes up to about RM4,560.\n\n\n\n\nA tier up is the RTX 2060 variant of the Hunter V700. Not only does it come with a better GPU, it\u2019s paired with a faster Core i7-10750H processor too. Other specifications of this model is identical to the aforementioned configuration, and it\u2019s priced at 8,499 yuan (approximately RM5,175).\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the range-topping Hunter V700, which swaps out the 512GB SSD of the previous model for a much more generous 1TB drive. For this storage upgrade, you\u2019d have to fork out 9,999 yuan (around RM6,075).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegardless of which variant you go for, all configurations of the Hunter V700 feature the same 16.1-inch IPS 1920 x 1080 screen with a fast 144Hz refresh rate. If you\u2019re into fast paced games, you can expect to get superior motion clarity with this display to give you a competitive edge.\n\n\nDesign wise, the Hunter V700 has a relatively minimalist look with an aluminium body and a backlit logo on the top lid. It also has quite an interesting cooling system: when the laptop is opened up, the bottom cover is slightly exposed for better thermal performance. According to Honor, this improves air flow by up to 40%.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, the Honor Hunter V700 is only available for pre-order in China, where it will hit store shelves in the country on 24 September. Given that Honor \noffers its range of laptops here in Malaysia\n, there\u2019s a chance the company will introduce the Hunter V700 locally.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-details-free-ps5-game-upgrade-for-ps4-titles-digital-physical-copies-eligible/", "title": "Sony Details Free PS5 Game Upgrade for PS4 Titles; Digital & Physical Copies Eligible", "body": "\n\nSony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) \ndropped a lot of new information\n on the PS5 earlier today, and one of the most exciting details revealed is the free PS5 game upgrade for PS4 titles. If you own either the digital or physical copy of a PS4 game that is backward-compatible with the next generation console, you will be able to upgrade to the PS5 version for free.\n\n\nThat being said, there is a caveat: if you\u2019ve got a physical copy of a PS4 game, you can only get the free upgrade on the regular PS5. Here is SIE\u2019s statement regarding this:\n\n\nThe PS4 digital versions of launch games include a free upgrade on both PS5 consoles, while the PS4 disc versions of these games include a free upgrade on the PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-Ray disc drive.\n\n\n\n\nBasically, if you\u2019ve got the digital copy of a PS4 game in your account, you will be able to play the game on both version of the PS5 \u2013 the standard model and the more affordable Digital Edition. However, if you only own the physical version, you\u2019ll need to get the regular PS5 with a disc drive to enjoy the free upgrade.\n\n\nThis suggests that you\u2019ll need to insert the PS4 disc into the PS5 in order to play the game, which makes sense to prove that you own the game. Obviously, this cannot be done with the disc-less Digital Edition, so if the majority of your PS4 games are in physical format, it\u2019s best to go for the standard PS5.\n\n\nDespite not sporting a disc drive, the PS5 Digital Edition should prove to be a viable option for gamers who prefer the convenience of digital copies. On top of that, it\u2019s definitely a good alternative for those who are on a tighter budget. After all, it costs $100 less than the standard model, and you\u2019re still getting the same level of performance.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the standard PlayStation 5 retails at $499 (about RM2,065), while the Digital Edition costs $399 (approximately RM1,650) in the US. Both PS5 systems will be available globally from 19 November onwards, which should also include the Malaysian market.\n\n\nPre-orders for the PS5 have already started in certain markets, so there\u2019s a very good chance Malaysian pre-order of the next generation console will begin very soon. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on this.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-sony-xperia-5-ii-is-a-compact-flagship-with-a-120hz-oled-screen-likely-coming-to-malaysia/", "title": "The Sony Xperia 5 II Is a Compact Flagship With a 120Hz OLED Screen; Likely Coming to Malaysia", "body": "\n\nSony just introduced its latest flagship smartphone, the Sony Xperia 5 II. Compared to the Japanese company\u2019s previous high-end device, the \nXperia 1 II\n, this new flagship is arguably more attractive. Not only does it come with a faster 120Hz OLED screen, it\u2019s also a lot more compact.\n\n\nThe Xperia 5 II sports a 6.1-inch 2520 x 1080 OLED screen with a tall 21:9 aspect ratio, so it\u2019s actually very similar in size to the equally compact \nXperia 10 II\n with a slightly smaller 6.0-inch panel. Granted, this doesn\u2019t sound quite as impressive as the Xperia 1 II\u2019s bigger and sharper 6.5-inch 4K OLED panel, but the Xperia 5 II\u2019s much faster 120Hz display more than make up for this, in our opinion.\n\n\nPlus, in a flagship landscape dominated by much bigger smartphones, it\u2019s refreshing to see Sony release a high-end device like the Xperia 5 II in a compact form factor.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, under the hood of the Xperia 5 II is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chip. Of course, it would\u2019ve been great if it was powered by the newer and faster Snapdragon 865+ SoC, but the former is still a very capable processor that will be able to deliver flagship-tier performance. Plus, you also get 5G connectivity.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xperia 5 II include a triple camera system (12MP f/1.7 primary + 12MP f/2.4 telephoto + 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle), an 8MP f/2.0 front-facing camera, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of expandable storage, a 4,000mAh battery, IP65/68 water resistance, and surprise surprise, a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\n\n\nThe Sony Xperia 5 II will hit store shelves on 4 December in the US with a $949 price tag (about RM3,925). Malaysian availability of the flagship phone has not been confirmed yet, but given that it\u2019s \nalready listed on Sony Malaysia\u2019s website\n, we reckon it will eventually be offered here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-debunks-fake-pricing-of-proton-x50/", "title": "Proton Debunks Fake Pricing of Proton X50", "body": "\n\nThe Proton X50 is finally \nopen for booking\n, but the pricing for the highly anticipated B-segment SUV has not been revealed yet. Naturally, everyone is eager to know exactly how much the new model will cost, so much so that an old viral post alleging to be the price list of the X50 started circulating again.\n\n\nProton, however, is quick to debunk the fake pricing of the X50. The national carmaker confirmed this on its Facebook page, further mentioning that \u201cprice list for the upcoming Proton X50 has not been released or disclosed at this point in time.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlthough Proton has not detailed the pricing of the X50 yet, there is a very good chance it will not be priced below the RM90,000 price point \nas per our previous report\n. At least, that\u2019s what Affin Bank wrote in the terms and conditions for its Affin Duo campaign, which offers a \u201cnew exclusive Proton\u201d \u2013 very likely the X50 \u2013 as the grand prize.\n\n\nOf course, Affin Bank also mentioned that the RM90,000 price ceiling excludes insurance and road tax, and that the final price is still \u201csubject to Proton\u2019s announcement upon the launch of the new exclusive Proton variant in Malaysia\u2019s market.\u201d\n\n\nTerms and conditions of the Affin Duo campaign\n\n\nNonetheless, if the Proton X50\u2019s highest-end Flagship configuration is priced below the RM90,000 price point, it would offer incredibly good value for money. Click \nhere\n if you\u2019d like to learn more about the X50.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-5-ii-coming-to-malaysia-december-2020/", "title": "Sony Xperia 5 II Coming to Malaysia December 2020", "body": "\n\nThe Sony Xperia 5 II was just unveiled yesterday, and we now have confirmation that the compact flagship smartphone will be coming to Malaysia sometime in December this year. While that\u2019s quite a long wait, that\u2019s actually when the device is set to ship globally.\n\n\nUnfortunately, local pricing of the Xperia 5 II has not been revealed yet, much like Sony\u2019s other flagship smartphone, the \nXperia 1 II\n. The latter is set to arrive here in November, so Sony Malaysia is essentially launching two flagship smartphones back to back.\n\n\n\n\nEven though both of them are flagship smartphones, the Xperia 5 II is really meant to appeal to a different crowd. Unlike the Xperia 1 II, the former is a more compact flagship smartphone with a 6.1-inch 2520 x 1080 OLED screen with a tall 21:9 aspect ratio. On top of that, it also sports a fast 120Hz refresh rate; the Xperia 1 II only features a conventional 60Hz panel.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xperia 5 II include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage, a triple camera system (12MP f/1.7 primary + 12MP f/2.4 telephoto + 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle), an 8MP f/2.0 front-facing camera, a 4,000mAh battery, IP65/68 water resistance, and even a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\n\n\nThe Sony Xperia 5 II will be landing in Malaysia sometime in December 2020. It remains to be seen exactly how much it will cost here, but for the sake of comparison, it retails at $949 (about RM3,915) in the US market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/rm1500-mechanical-keyboard-assembly-should-you-do-it/", "title": "RM1,500 Mechanical Keyboard Assembly \u2013 NovelKeys NK65 & C3 Tangerine V2", "body": "\n\nThere are plenty of mechanical keyboards in the market now, but to some folks, these pre-built keyboards leave much to be desired. To achieve the best typing experience, many turn to building a custom mechanical keyboard to suit their needs. This piqued my interest: how much better can these \u201cbespoke\u201d keyboards be?\n\n\nTo find out just what the fuss is all about, I decided to get the parts necessary to build my own custom mechanical keyboard. Before I know it, I already spent (approximately) RM1,500 in this endeavour. Is it worth spending that much money on \u201cjust\u201d a keyboard? After putting together my own board, it\u2019s a resounding yes.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s break down the parts that I purchased. The first thing I got is the \nNovelKeys NK65 v2 Aluminium Edition\n, a 65% keyboard with a hotswap PCB. It retails for $185, which comes up to about RM765. However, to get it shipped to me here in Malaysia, I paid an additional RM150. Why did it cost so much? Well, it\u2019s a \nheavy\n keyboard (it weighs around 1.2kg) made out of solid aluminium.\n\n\nAnyway, that brings the cost to around RM900. Since the NK65 comes with an aluminium case, plate, and a hotswap PCB, all I need are switches and a keycap set to complete my build. For the switch, I got the C3 Tangerine V2 linear switches from a local retailer, \nKeys\n. Even though I only need exactly 68 switches to populate the NK65, I got 80 of them\u2026just to be safe. Combined with shipping cost, I paid a total of RM250 for the Tangerine V2.\n\n\n\n\nNext, I needed to get a keycap set. I actually joined the group buy for the \nGMK MiTo Laser set on Drop\n, but that will only be shipped later this year in December. Of course, being the impatient person that I am, I got the \nDrop Skylight keycap set\n in the meantime, which retails at $45 (approximately RM185). To get it shipped to Malaysia, it cost me a total of about RM250.\n\n\nSo that brings up my total expenditure to RM1,400; where\u2019s the other RM100? Enter the Deskeys switch films and Krytox GPL 205 Grade 0 lube. The switch films are to be installed in the Tangerine V2 switches to make them quieter and reduce stem wobble for a more \u201cstable\u201d typing experience, while the lube \u2013 also for the switches \u2013 will make them even quieter and smoother.\n\n\nBesides that, I can also use the lube to tune the stabilisers found in longer keys like the shift, enter, and spacebar. By lubing them (properly), any wire rattle can be eliminated, further improving the typing experience.\n\n\n\n\nIt took me almost a month to secure all of these parts, which is actually quite normal in this hobby. Certain items, such as the NK65 and Tangerine V2 switch, sell out \nvery fast \nthe moment they are in stock. Basically, I needed some careful planning, a bit of luck, and a lot of patience to grab them. Now then, let\u2019s get to the assembly.\n\n\nThanks to the hotswap PCB of the NK65, all I needed to do was to insert the Tangerine V2 switches into the appropriate slot, and\u2026that\u2019s it. Absolutely no soldering is required to make the switch work, which is the beauty of hotswap boards. Once I\u2019ve completed this, all that\u2019s left is to install the keycaps.\n\n\nAnd that\u2019s it. I\u2019ve got a working keyboard. Doesn\u2019t sound very hard, does it?\n\n\n\n\nBut assembling the parts was really only half of the work. Completely stock, I thought my custom keyboard was already good enough, but there\u2019s actually still a lot of room for improvement. In the video of my build above, I haven\u2019t lubed or filmed the switches yet, and the stabilisers were not tuned at all.\n\n\nFast forward to today, I\u2019ve done all of that, and I\u2019m \namazed \nhow much better the keyboard is now. In fact, it feels and sounds like a completely different keyboard from the video above; we\u2019ll do another sound test in a separate video soon to show just how much of a difference it is.\n\n\n\n\nTo bring up the question again: is it worth it to spend so much money on a custom mechanical keyboard, and \nthen\n go through the trouble of assembling, lubing, and tuning it? To me, it absolutely is. In my line of work, I spend a lot of time in front of a computer typing away, and doing that with a personalised, refined keyboard that I spent so much effort on feels\u2026very rewarding.\n\n\nPlus, no pre-built keyboard offers the level of customisability I got with this keyboard. I can choose the exact design I want, the keycap set I like, and perhaps most importantly, \na ton\n of switch options to choose from; switches that are not offered on off-the-shelf keyboards. This reason alone makes it worthwhile to build a custom mechanical keyboard.\n\n\n\n\nPlus, it doesn\u2019t have to cost as much as it did for me to start getting into this hobby. \nNovelKeys\u2019 NK65 Milkshake Edition\n, for one, offers exactly what you need to get started. A hotswap PCB, one of the best linear switches in the market, and a set of dye-sublimated PBT keycaps \nfor only $230\n (around RM945) \u2013 shipping cost to Malaysia included.\n\n\nIf you want the best typing experience, customisability, and access to a slew of switch options, consider getting into the custom mechanical keyboard scene. It takes quite a bit of work and research, but once you start typing on the finished product, it\u2019ll be well worth it.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/novelkeys-nk65-milkshake-edition-now-available-for-pre-order/", "title": "NovelKeys NK65 Milkshake Edition Now Available for Pre-Order", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re thinking of \ngetting into the custom mechanical keyboard scene\n \u2013 and you\u2019re not quite sure where to start \u2013 consider this one right here: the NovelKeys NK65 Milkshake Edition. It\u2019s the perfect board for those who are new to the hobby, and it\u2019s \nfinally available for pre-order now\n.\n\n\nYou can pre-order the NK65 from four different proxies, and it\u2019s best to get the keyboard from the proxy closest to your location even if they\u2019re priced differently on each site. These proxies are \nzFrontier \n(Asia), \nOblotzky Industries\n (Europe), \nDailyClack \n(Australia), and \nNovelKeys \nitself for the US market.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re here in Malaysia, pre-ordering the NK65 from zFrontier is the best option. Sure, it costs $230 (about RM945) to get it from there \u2013 which is $40 more than getting it directly from NovelKeys \u2013 but keep in mind that zFrontier is including shipping cost in the price. Plus, zFrontier is the Asian proxy, so shipping time to Malaysia will be better than getting it from the other three proxies.\n\n\nWhat makes the NK65 such an attractive keyboard, especially for those who are new to the hobby, is the fact that it\u2019s a completely assembled keyboard with neat features. It has a hotswap PCB with per key RGB lighting, NovelKeys\u2019 own Silk Yellow linear switches (factory lubed with the popular Krytox 205g0), and dye-sublimated PBT keycaps in Cherry profile.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about the NovelKeys NK65 Milkshake Edition, \nclick here\n. Pre-order for the keyboard will run until 3 October, and do note that it will only start shipping sometime in February or March 2021. It\u2019s a bit of a long wait, but the NK65 is easily one of the best keyboards for beginners.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-10t-samsung-galaxy-s20-fan-edition-appear-in-sirim/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi 10T & Samsung Galaxy S20 Fan Edition Appear in SIRIM", "body": "\n\nThis is a bit of a surprise: two intriguing smartphones have just appeared in SIRIM. Based on the model number of the two devices, we believe they are the Xiaomi Mi 10T and \nSamsung Galaxy S20 Fan Edition\n \u2013 two smartphones that have not been announced yet.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the unannounced Xiaomi device. Registered just today under Xiaomi Malaysia with the model number M2007J3SY, this smartphone is said to belong to the new Mi 10T series. It\u2019s expected to be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chip, and to top it off, it is widely believed to be \nsporting a fast 144Hz screen\n.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Samsung device, it\u2019s also registered under Samsung Malaysia just today with the model number SM-G781B. A quick Google search shows that this is very likely the upcoming Galaxy S20 Fan Edition, which is set to be introduced \nlater this week on 23 September\n.\n\n\nBased on the SIRIM listing, the Galaxy S20 Fan Edition comes with 5G connectivity, which lines up with leaked specifications of the more budget-friendly flagship smartphone. Other rumoured specifications of this device include a 120Hz screen, a triple camera system, and four distinct colours: dark blue, mint green, red, and pink.\n\n\n\n\nNow that the Xiaomi Mi 10T and Samsung Galaxy S20 Fan Edition have appeared in SIRIM, it\u2019s only a matter of time before we hear more about the local availability of these two smartphones. This is especially true of the S20 Fan Edition, which is expected to be be unveiled \nthis Wednesday at 10PM\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-civic-rm273-surcharge/", "title": "Honda Civic & BR-V Now Available in Platinum White Pearl; RM273 Surcharge", "body": "\n\nHonda just announced a new colour option for two of its models: the popular \nHonda Civic\n C-segment sedan and the \nHonda BR-V\n seven-seater MPV. This new paint job is Platinum White Pearl, which is actually replacing the White Orchid Pearl colour.\n\n\nFirst introduced on the Honda Odyssey and \n10th generation Honda Accord\n, the Platinum White Pearl colour is said to be well-received by Honda customers. In fact, 33% of Accord buyers went with this colour option, which does show the popularity of the paint job.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cThe glossy finish of the new Platinum White Pearl not only highlights the elegant look of the cars, it also accentuates the bodyline for a sleek and smooth exterior,\u201d said the managing director and CEO of Honda Malaysia, Toichi Ishiyama.\n\n\nHonda also took the opportunity to highlight that both the Civic and BR-V are leading their respective segments \u201cwith substantial contribution to the total Honda Malaysia\u2019s overall sales.\u201d According to Honda Malaysia\u2019s last report, as many as \n2,900 units of the C-segment sedan have been delivered\n as of June 2020.\n\n\n\n\nAs usual, opting for the new Platinum White Pearl colour for the Civic or BR-V entails a RM272.73 surcharge. The new colour option is now available for the Civic, while the BR-V will be offered in this shade sometime in November.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-narzo-20-series-official-with-helio-g95-6000mah-battery/", "title": "Realme Narzo 20 Series Official With Helio G95 & 6,000mAh Battery", "body": "\n\nThe Realme Narzo series made its debut in India, and it is made up of three different models. There\u2019s the entry-level Narzo 20A, the standard Narzo 20, as well as the range-topping Narzo 20 Pro. These devices sit at different price points to meet the budget of different consumers.\n\n\nOut of the three phones, the Realme Narzo 20 Pro is naturally the most exciting one in terms of hardware. This smartphone is powered\n \nby a MediaTek Helio G95 SoC paired with up to 8GB of RAM. It also comes with a 6.5-inch 1080p IPS screen with a 90Hz refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Narzo 20 Pro also comes with a 4,500mAh battery, up to 128GB of storage, and a quad camera system made up of a 48MP f/1.8 primary shooter, an 8MP f/2.3 ultra-wide lens, a 2MP f/2.4 macro shooter, as well as a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the Narzo 20, a slightly scaled-down version of the Pro. Even though it comes with a similar 6.5-inch screen, the resolution is lowered to 720p; it\u2019s also a more conventional 60Hz panel. Powering this phone, on the other hand, is a Helio G85 SoC with up to 4GB of RAM.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Narzo 20 include a generous 6000mAh battery and a triple camera system, which consists of a 48MP f/1.8 primary shooter, an 8MP f/2.3 ultra-wide angle lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 macro shooter.\n\n\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the Narzo 20A. This is the only model from the series to feature a Qualcomm chipset, the Snapdragon 665. If you\u2019re not a fan of the MediaTek chipsets powering the other two devices, this is the one to go for. It may be an older SoC, but it should be able to offer a relatively good level of performance.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Narzo 20A include a 5,000mAh battery, up to 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM, an 8MP selfie camera, as well as a triple camera configuration (12MP f/1.8 primary + 2MP f/2.4 monochrome + 2MP f/2.4  \u201cretro lens\u201d).\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme Narzo 20 series will hit store shelves in India on 30 September. The entry-level Narzo 20A is priced from 8,499 Indian rupee (about RM480), while the standard Narzo 20 starts at 10,499 rupee (about RM595). The range-topping Narzo 20 Pro, on the other hand, retails from 14,999 rupee (about RM850).\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-tuned-for-malaysian-roads-but-without-proton-ride-handling/", "title": "Proton X50 \u201cTuned for Malaysian Roads,\u201d But Without Proton Ride & Handling", "body": "\n\nEven though the Proton X50 is already available for booking now, there are still quite a number of details regarding the B-segment SUV that have not been revealed yet \u2013 \nincluding its pricing\n. Nonetheless, in a closed-door preview event for the X50, the national carmaker did share more details: the new model is supposedly \u201ctuned for Malaysian roads.\u201d\n\n\nAccording to Proton, over 75,000 man hours of testing were poured into the X50, with over 1.9 million km of local road testing conducted to tune the SUV for our roads. Evidently, a lot of work went into the local development of the X50, which is actually still ongoing, \naccording to Paul Tan\n.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, Proton also confirmed with Paul Tan that the X50 \u2013 even though it\u2019s tuned for our roads \u2013 doesn\u2019t exactly come with the carmaker\u2019s famed ride and handling. Instead, the tuning involves minor adjustments, just like how it was with the \nCKD version of the Proton X70\n.\n\n\nOf course, it would\u2019ve been great if the X50 came with Proton\u2019s ride and handling, but it\u2019s still undeniably a very complete B-segment SUV, especially the \nrange-topping Flagship model\n. It\u2019s the only variant to get the 1.5L TGDi three-cylinder engine, which outputs 177PS and 255Nm of torque, along with an Advanced Driver Assistance System that includes parking assist and adaptive cruise control.\n\n\n\n\nThe Proton X50 is available for booking right now for only RM500. It remains to be seen exactly when the official launch for the highly anticipated B-segment SUV will take place, though there\u2019s a good chance it will happen next month in October.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/tesla-model-s-plaid-revealed-0-96-km-h-in-under-2-seconds-1100-hp-139990-price-tag/", "title": "Tesla Model S Plaid Revealed: 0-96 km/h in Under 2 Seconds, 1,100+ hp, $139,990 Price Tag", "body": "\n\nTesla just unveiled the \u201cPlaid\u201d version of the Model S, the fastest model of the electric sedan yet. Thanks to its three electric motors, the Plaid has a combined horsepower of over 1,100, allowing the car to sprint from zero to 96km/h in under two seconds. In comparison, the Ludicrous variant of the Model S can \u201conly\u201d do the same sprint in 2.3 seconds.\n\n\nBesides that, the Plaid Model S also has a top speed of 200mph, which is about 322km/h. Needless to say, it\u2019s a very fast car with equally fast acceleration. That\u2019s not the only impressive thing about the Plaid; according to Tesla, this model has a range of up to a whopping 520 miles (around 835km).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo show just how fast the Plaid Model S is, Tesla put it through the Laguna Sega raceway, where it managed to complete a lap in only 1 minute and 30.3 seconds. Compared to the original run of the prototype Plaid \u2013 seen in the video above \u2013 it\u2019s a six-second improvement.\n\n\nOf course, all of these do not come cheap: the Plaid Model S retails from $139,990 in the US, which comes up to about RM580,000. Deliveries for the car, on the other hand, will only take place in late 2021 next year; quite some time away.\n\n\n\n\nThe only thing beyond Ludicrous is Plaid\n\u2014 Tesla (@Tesla) \nSeptember 23, 2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Tesla Model S Plaid is without a doubt a very impressive electric car. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if the company will offer the Plaid powertrain in its other models.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s20-fe-official-malaysian-market-getting-snapdragon-865-version-for-rm3399/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S20 FE Official; Malaysian Market Getting Snapdragon 865 Version for RM3,399", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is official, and as expected, this \u201cFan Edition\u201d is a (slightly) more affordable take on the Korean company\u2019s flagship S20 series. Even though it sits at a lower price point, the S20 FE actually retains quite a bit of its higher-end siblings\u2019 hardware, including a fast 120Hz screen and 5G connectivity.\n\n\nSpeaking of 5G support, only the 5G version of the Galaxy S20 FE will be offered in Malaysia. This means that we are getting the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 version of the flagship smartphone; great news for those who aren\u2019t fans of the Exynos 990. If you\u2019re wondering, yes, there is still an Exynos 990 variant of the new device, but it only supports 4G networks.\n\n\n\n\nIts processor aside, the Galaxy S20 FE also features a 6.5-inch 2400 x 1080 Super AMOLED display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. Although it is now sporting only a Full HD screen with a conventional flat screen instead of a curved panel, at least the high refresh rate is retained. It\u2019s a far more important feature for a more pleasant user experience.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Galaxy S20 FE comes with a triple camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 12MP f/1.8 primary sensor, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, and an 8MP f/2.4 telephoto lens. Naturally, this camera configuration isn\u2019t quite as sophisticated as the other S20 smartphones, but given Samsung\u2019s track record when it comes to photography, we\u2019re confident the S20 FE will still be able to capture great-looking shots.\n\n\n\n\nAnother area where this phone sacrifices to lower its asking price is the build material. Just like the \nGalaxy Note 20\n, the S20 FE has a polycarbonate (read: plastic) back panel. Obviously, this means it wouldn\u2019t feel quite as premium, but if you plan to slap a case on the phone anyway, this is a non-issue.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy S20 FE include a 32MP f/2.2 selfie camera, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of expandable storage \u2013 it supports microSD cards up to 1TB \u2013 a generous 4,500mAh battery, an optical fingerprint sensor under the screen, as well as an IP68 rating.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S20 FE will be available for pre-order in Malaysia tomorrow (24 September) at 10AM for RM3,399 \nhere\n until 8 October. It\u2019s worth noting that this is actually RM100 more than the \nlaunch price of the standard S20\n, though you do get a Snapdragon 865 chip and 5G support with the S20 FE \u2013 features not found on the S20.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-7-starts-at-rm1299/", "title": "Realme 7 & Realme 7 Pro Land in Malaysia; Starts at RM1,299", "body": "\n\nThe Realme 7 and Realme 7 Pro have just been launched in Malaysia. If you\u2019re in the market for a mid-range smartphone with support for very fast charging, consider these two new offerings, though it\u2019s worth noting that they don\u2019t offer the best value for money in this segment.\n\n\nOf course, the Realme 7 Pro \u2013 as its name suggests \u2013 is the higher-end phone of the two. Only a single variant of the device is available in Malaysia, which comes with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM for RM1,499. As for the more affordable Realme 7, it comes with the same storage and RAM capacities for RM1,299.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to other mid-range smartphones \u2013 especially the \nPoco X3 NFC\n \u2013 the Realme 7 Pro and the standard Realme 7 don\u2019t offer particularly good value for money at this price range. That being said, these two phones do have their own unique selling points, especially with the Pro model\u2019s fast 65W charging rate.\n\n\nAccording to Realme, this charging rate allows the Realme 7 Pro\u2019s generous 4,500mAh battery to be fully charged from completely empty in only 34 minutes. Not many smartphones \u2013 especially in this segment \u2013 can do the same, which gives the phone a unique edge.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Realme 7 Pro include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G chipset, a 6.4-inch 1080p Super AMOLED screen, a quad camera system (64MP f/1.8 primary + 8MP f/2.3 ultra-wide angle + 2MP f/2.4 macro + 2MP f/2.4 monochrome portrait), and a 32MP f/2.5 selfie camera.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the more affordable Realme 7, it\u2019s touted by the company to be the first phone to ship with MediaTek\u2019s Helio G95 processor. Realme added that the chip will be able to run games well, thanks to the ARM Mali-G76 GPU under the hood. Complementing the gaming performance of this phone is a 6.5-inch 2400 x 1800 IPS display with a 90Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nRounding out the hardware of the Realme 7 include the same quad camera system as the Pro model, a 16MP f/2.1 front-facing camera, a larger 5,000mAh battery \u2013 but with a more modest 35W charging rate \u2013 and a microSD card slot (just like the Pro version) for those who need even more storage space.\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme 7 will be available for pre-order from tomorrow onwards on 25 and 26 September; early birds will get a complimentary neck massager. Pre-orders for the Realme 7 Pro, on the other hand, is open from today until 2 October. A Realme Buds Q White Edition will be thrown in for free for those who pre-order the phone in this period.\n\n\nAlternatively, you can also purchase the Realme 7 Pro \non 29 September at 12AM from Shopee\n to get a Realme Watch (worth RM299) for free.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-v20-se-costs-rm1199-in-malaysia-snapdragon-665-amoled-screen-4100mah-battery/", "title": "Vivo V20 SE Costs RM1,199 in Malaysia \u2013 Snapdragon 665, AMOLED Screen, 4,100mAh Battery", "body": "\n\nYet another mid-range smartphone has been launched today, the Vivo V20 SE. Sporting a modest set of hardware, the phone retails at RM1,199 here in Malaysia. Given what\u2019s under the hood of the V20 SE, this is actually quite a steep price tag.\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the V20 SE features 128GB of storage with 8GB of RAM; this is the sole variant available locally. While that\u2019s a decent amount of storage and RAM, this mid-ranger is only powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 chipset; not a lot of value for the money there.\n\n\nThe Snapdragon 665 isn\u2019t a bad processor per se, but at this price point, you can easily get a different phone with a newer, faster chip \u2013 the \nPoco X3 NFC\n is a prime example.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, the V20 SE does have a number of interesting features. One of them is the 6.44-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED screen, which should offer vibrant colours, deep blacks, and good viewing angles. Aside from that, it also has a reasonably big 4,100mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging; it allows the phone to be charged up to 62% in 30 minutes.\n\n\nOther specifications of the V20 SE include a triple camera system (48MP f/1.8 primary + 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle + 2MP f/2.4 depth), a 32MP f/2.0 front-facing camera, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, as well as two colour options: Gravity Black and Oxygen Blue.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Vivo V20 SE is now available in Malaysia for RM1,199. Those who purchase the phone from today until 2 October will receive a complimentary mini speaker and car phone holder worth RM199.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-10t-series-launching-in-malaysia-6-october/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi 10T Series Launching in Malaysia 6 October", "body": "\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi 10T series is launching globally next week on 30 September. Set to be another range of premium smartphones, we just got confirmation that the new devices will be arriving here in Malaysia the following week on 6 October. This comes after we spotted the phone in SIRIM\u2019s database \nearlier this week\n.\n\n\nNot much has been revealed about the Mi 10T series, but according to leaks and rumours, it will be made up of at least two phones: the regular Mi 10T and the (logically) higher-end Mi 10T Pro. Both phones will supposedly support 5G networks as well, and one of them will ship with a new 5G-enabled Qualcomm chipset, which is likely the Snapdragon 750G SoC.\n\n\n\n\nWe're going to launch a new 5G smartphone this September and it will start from \u20ac2XX!\nAs a new member of our \n#Mi10\n Series, it will be the first to feature an upcoming brand-new \n@Qualcomm\n Snapdragon 7-Series 5G Mobile Platform. Amazing value for money to allow \n#5GForEveryone\n! \npic.twitter.com/yR3r0cEOmZ\n\u2014 Xiaomi (@Xiaomi) \nSeptember 1, 2020\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Mi 10T Pro is said come with a fast 144Hz AMOLED screen too. If it does, it will be Xiaomi\u2019s first smartphone to sport such a high refresh rate display. Granted, it\u2019s not the first phone to feature a 144Hz panel \u2013 it\u2019s been done by \nNubia\n and \nAsus\n \u2013 but it will give the phone a nice hardware advantage over other flagship smartphones.\n\n\nOther rumoured specifications of the Mi 10T Pro include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, a quad camera system headlined by a 108MP sensor, as well as a very generous 5,000mAh battery. Basically, it\u2019s set to be a flagship smartphone through and through.\n\n\n\n\nThe global launch for the Xiaomi Mi 10T series will be taking place next week on 30 September. It will then make its Malaysian debut the following week on 6 October.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hyundai-kona-to-cost-rm115k-to-rm140k-in-malaysia-3-variants-1-6-t-gdi-october-launch/", "title": "Hyundai Kona to Cost RM115k to RM140k in Malaysia: 3 Variants, 1.6 T-GDI, October Launch", "body": "\n\nThe B-segment SUV market in Malaysia is heating up quite a bit. Hot on the heels of the \nProton X50\n is the Hyundai Kona, which is currently available for public preview at Sunway Pyramid. We went there to check out the SUV for ourselves, and we got some interesting details.\n\n\nFor one, we got the Malaysian price range for the Kona. At the public preview, we were told that the B-segment SUV \u2013 CBU from South Korea \u2013 will retail from RM115k to RM140k locally. Three variants will be offered: 2.0 Standard, 2.0 Mid, and the range-topping 1.6 T-GDI High.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Standard and Mid variants of the Kona are powered by a 2.0L naturally aspirated Nu MPI engine that outputs 149PS and 179Nm of torque, which is paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox. The highest-end T-GDI High trim, on the other hand, is equipped with a more powerful 1.6L direct-injected turbocharged engine that puts out 177PS and 265Nm of torque.\n\n\nUnlike the first two models, the T-GDI High Kona features a more responsive seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Together with the 1.6L turbo engine, this model can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in only 7.7 seconds. In fact, this makes the Kona \neven faster\n than the \nFlagship Proton X50\n, which takes 7.9 seconds to get to the same speed.\n\n\n\n\nSpeed isn\u2019t the only thing that\u2019s impressive about the range-topping Kona. Safety wise, the T-GDI model is packed with Hyundai\u2019s SmartSense suite of active safety features. These include automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane keeping assist (LKA), adaptive cruise control, and even high beam assist. Naturally, the Standard and Mid models are not equipped with SmartSense.\n\n\nAside from that, the Standard Kona gets 17-inch wheels, six airbags, manual air-conditioning, and halogen lights. As for the Mid and High models, they come with 18-inch wheels, LED lights, automatic climate control, driver power seat, and a head-up display.\n\n\nStandard equipment across all variants of the Kona include a seven-inch touchscreen head unit, six speakers, and support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.\n\n\n\n\nAs for when the Malaysian launch of the Hyundai Kona is happening, we were told it\u2019s likely to take place towards the end of next month in October. If you\u2019d like to see the B-segment SUV for yourself, you can do so until this weekend (27 September) at Sunway Pyramid. You can also place a booking for the Kona \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2020-honda-city-features-honda-sensing-safety-suite-ckd-production-ongoing/", "title": "2020 Honda City Features Honda Sensing Safety Suite; CKD Production Ongoing", "body": "\n\nAs we approach the local launch of the 2020 Honda City, Honda Malaysia is sharing more details on the new B-segment sedan. Not only is CKD production of the City already happening, the Japanese carmaker also confirmed that the range-topping City RS i-MMD will feature the Honda Sensing safety suite.\n\n\nThanks to the addition of Honda Sensing, the City RS will be one of the safest sedans in its segment. The safety suite includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and even Auto High-Beam (AHB).\n\n\nYes, it\u2019s quite an exhaustive list of safety features.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, CKD production of the fifth generation City is currently ongoing as well, so there\u2019s a good chance customers will be able to get the car as soon as it is officially launched. That means the City will be able to enjoy the \n100% sales tax exemption\n introduced by the government for locally assembled CKD models.\n\n\nTo recap, four variants of the City will be offered in Malaysia, including the range-topping RS i-MMD hybrid variant. Unlike the other three models \u2013 which will be powered by a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine that churns out 121PS and 145Nm of torque \u2013 the RS\u2019 powertrain can deliver 253Nm of torque, thanks to the hybrid\u2019s electric motor.\n\n\n\n\nThe all-new fifth generation Honda City is set to be launched locally in Q4 2020, so we can expect the B-segment sedan to be officially introduced as early as next month in October. Booking for the City is now open as well \u2013 customers who have placed a booking will receive a RM1,000 service voucher with a one-year validity.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-note-20-ultra-quick-review-worth-rm5199/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Quick Review: Worth RM5,199?", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra brings some much needed upgrades to the Note series. Not only does it have an improved S Pen with added functionalities, it also comes with a more sophisticated camera system and a fast 120Hz screen. Basically, it\u2019s an improvement in almost every way, just like how it was with the \nGalaxy S20 Ultra\n and its respective predecessor.\n\n\nBut those improvements also entail a premium price tag \u2013 RM5,199, to be exact. For that kind of money, you are getting an excellent flagship smartphone, but whether or not it\u2019s worth spending so much will depend on how indispensable the S Pen is to you.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (3088\u00a0x 1440), 120Hz\nChipset\nSamsung Exynos 990 2.73GHz octa-core\nGPU\nMali-G77 MP11\nRAM\n12GB\nStorage\n256GB, expandable\nCamera (rear)\n108MP f/1.8, PDAF, Laser AF, OIS\n12MP f/3.0 (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, Optical Zoom (5x), Digital Zoom (50x)\n12MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide angle)\nCamera (front)\n10MP f/2.2, Dual Pixel AF\nBattery\n4,500mAh\nDimensions\n164.8 x 77.2 x 8.1 mm\nWeight\n208g\nOS\nOne UI based on Android 10\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4/5GHz)\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM5,199\n\n\nIf we\u2019re talking about the hardware of a typical Android flagship smartphone, the Note 20 Ultra fits the bill. But it\u2019s worth noting that the Malaysian market is only getting the Exynos 990 model. The more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ variant of the phone is only offered in certain markets, unfortunately enough.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, that doesn\u2019t mean the Exynos 990 is a \u201cbad\u201d chipset; it\u2019s just not quite as fast as the Snapdragon 865+. This is really the main issue with the Note 20 Ultra for our market: if you\u2019re going to pay RM5,199 for a smartphone, you would want to get the best level of performance.\n\n\nAnyway, aside from the SoC, other hardware of the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra are really on par with the best flagship smartphones. Let\u2019s move on to the good stuff now.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nJust like the \nmore affordable Note 20\n, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra also gets the new and improved S Pen. The design remains largely the same, but the reduced latency make for a more responsive and fluid writing experience. This is made even better with the high 120Hz refresh rate of the screen.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the S Pen\u2019s Air Actions is more comprehensive as well. There are now gestures to access the recent apps page, go to the home screen, and even to go back to the previous page. While this is not a feature I personally use extensively, I do see how it can be useful to certain folks.\n\n\nMoving on, there\u2019s the stunning 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display of the Note 20 Ultra. Samsung makes some of the best screens in the market, and the image quality of this display is a testament to that. It has deep, true blacks, vivid colours, and extremely high peak brightness. Trust me: it can get \nsearingly\n bright.\n\n\nCoupled with support for HDR10+, the Note 20 Ultra\u2019s screen is perfect for any kind of content consumption.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to performance, the Exynos 990 under the hood of the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra can keep up with my demands. Granted, it\u2019s not quite as fast as the Snapdragon 865+ model found in other markets, but it\u2019s still a very capable flagship-tier chipset. Throughout my time with the phone, I didn\u2019t encounter any performance issue.\n\n\nDesign wise, the Note 20 Ultra looks and feels like a high-end, premium smartphone. The glass back with a matte finish feels great to the touch, the dual curved screen makes the phone feel thinner than it actually is \u2013 not to mention the fact that it looks sleek \u2013 and I like the heft of the phone. However, I\u2019m not crazy about the \nhuge\n camera bump, though it won\u2019t be quite as noticeable with a casing on.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the camera performance of the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. Its triple camera system is made up of a 108MP f/1.8 primary sensor, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 12MP f/3.0 periscope telephoto lens., Suffice to say it\u2019s a sophisticated camera array that can take great-looking shots in any lighting situation.\n\n\nWhat really impressed me was the zooming performance of the Note 20 Ultra\u2019s camera. Even though the Space Zoom is only limited to 50x \u2013 instead of 100x on the S20 Ultra \u2013 the image quality is noticeably better. Of course, it still doesn\u2019t look particularly great at 50x zoom, but at 10x and 20x zoom, the image quality is more than acceptable. Judge for yourself with these shots.\n\n\n12MP telephoto (5x)\n12MP telephoto (10x)\n12MP telephoto (20x)\n12MP telephoto (50x)\n\n\nOn top of that, thanks to the new laser autofocus system, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra can lock in focus \nmuch\n faster than the S20 Ultra. This was one of my biggest gripes with the latter, so it\u2019s great to see that the autofocus performance is addressed with the Note 20 Ultra. All in all, this phone is very enjoyable to photograph with.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nEven though the camera performance of the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is impressive, there are some shortcomings here and there. As is the case with camera systems that offer multiple sensors, the low light performance of the ultra-wide angle shooter and telephoto lens leave much to be desired.\n\n\n108MP primary\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n12MP telephoto\n\n\nLooking at the image samples above, the 108MP primary sensor takes the best-looking shot, while the other two sensors struggle quite a bit. Noise is very apparent, detail preservation is lacking, and they can\u2019t quite get the right level of exposure.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the 108MP main camera also has its own weaknesses. It\u2019s a large sensor, so it has a shallow depth of field. This is especially noticeable in close-up shots, where only a small area is in focus. Of course, you can get some dramatic-looking shots with the shallow depth of field, but it can also be cumbersome to use in certain situations.\n\n\nNotice how shallow the depth of field is\n\n\nJust like how it was with the Galaxy Note 20, the Note 20 Ultra\u2019s battery life could be better too. On average, I was only getting between four to five hours of screen on time with the 4,500mAh battery. Granted, I set the screen to 120Hz throughout the review period; lowering it to 60Hz should improve the battery life a little bit.\n\n\nBut the biggest issue with the Note 20 Ultra has to be its steep asking price. Retailing at RM5,199, it\u2019s an expensive product, even for a flagship device. Yes, you\u2019re getting an excellent smartphone for that kind of money, but unless you absolutely want the S Pen, there are better options in the market for less.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is the best Note device money can buy right now, but it is also the most expensive one yet. If you\u2019ve always been a fan of the Note series, and you want a no compromise Note device no matter the cost \u2013 RM5,199 in this case \u2013 the Note 20 Ultra will be worth it. After all, there are no smartphones from other brands that offer the same utility as the Note device, especially the signature S Pen.\n\n\n\n\nBut if you don\u2019t need the Note 20 Ultra\u2019s 120Hz screen, 108MP triple camera system, and premium build quality, consider the standard Note 20 instead. Starting at RM3,899 \u2013 that\u2019s a whopping RM1,300 price difference \u2013 it\u2019s a far more affordable smartphone. Plus, you\u2019re still getting the same S Pen \u2013 the core feature of a Note device.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-legion-phone-duel-appears-in-sirim-malaysian-launch-soon/", "title": "Lenovo Legion Phone Duel Appears in SIRIM \u2013 Malaysian Launch Soon?", "body": "\n\nLenovo\u2019s first-ever gaming smartphone, the Lenovo Legion Phone Duel, was introduced globally two months ago. Now, it seems like the phone is launching here in Malaysia very soon \u2013 we just spotted the device in SIRIM\u2019s database.\n\n\nRegistered under Lenovo Technology with the model number Lenovo L79031, a quick Google search shows that this is indeed the Legion Phone Duel. Plus, there\u2019s only a handful of Lenovo phones with 5G connectivity, as detailed in the SIRIM listing.\n\n\n\n\nHardware wise, there\u2019s no denying that the Legion Phone Duel is a high-end gaming smartphone. Not only does it feature Qualcomm\u2019s latest Snapdragon 865+ chipset, it also comes with a 6.65-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED display with a fast 144Hz refresh rate, just like the \nAsus ROG Phone 3\n.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Legion Phone Duel include 12GB or 16GB of RAM, two UFS 3.1 storage options (256GB or 512GB), two rear cameras (64MP f/1.89 primary + 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle), a 20MP front-facing camera \u2013 located on the right side of the phone under a pop-up mechanism \u2013 as well as a generous 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the range-topping 512GB variant of the gaming phone also supports a whopping 90W fast charging. This allows the large 5,000mAh battery to be fully charged in only 30 minutes, which is really quite impressive.\n\n\n\n\nWe haven\u2019t heard from Lenovo Malaysia yet on the local launch of the Lenovo Legion Phone Duel, but now that the phone has been registered with SIRIM, we reckon it\u2019s happening very soon. After all, we were told the gaming phone will be launched here \nbefore the end of the year\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-thinkpad-x1-nano-unveiled-less-than-1kg-17-hour-battery-life-intel-tiger-lake/", "title": "Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Unveiled: Less Than 1kg, 17-Hour Battery Life, Intel Tiger Lake", "body": "\n\nLenovo just introduced one of its most exciting ThinkPad laptops in quite some time; enter the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano. Weighing less than 1kg with up to 17.3 hours of battery life, the X1 Nano also features Intel\u2019s latest Tiger Lake chips.\n\n\nTipping the scales at 962g, the ThinkPad X1 Nano is the lightest laptop to be released under the ThinkPad series of business-class notebooks. On top of that, it\u2019s quite thin as well, measuring just 13.87mm thin. If you\u2019re always on the go, you\u2019d want a thin and light machine like this laptop.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the X1 Nano also comes with Intel\u2019s latest Tiger Lake chips. The highest-end configuration is equipped with the Core i7 processor from the series, and it can be paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of fast PCIe SSD; good storage capacities for most folks.\n\n\nOther specifications of the X1 Nano include Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, a 13-inch 2160 x 1350 screen with 100% sRGB colour coverage \u2013 there are touch and non-touch options \u2013 a 48WHr battery that promises up to 17.3 hours of battery life, and an IR camera with a physical ThinkShutter.\n\n\n\n\nThe Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano is set to be available sometime in the fourth quarter of 2020 with a starting price of $1,399 \u2013 that comes up to about RM5,815. No word yet on the Malaysian availability of the X1 Nano.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dell-xps-13-with-intel-tiger-lake-chips-arriving-in-malaysia-next-month-starts-at-rm6399/", "title": "Dell XPS 13 With Intel Tiger Lake Chips Arriving in Malaysia Next Month; Starts at RM6,399", "body": "\n\nDell just announced the refreshed Dell XPS 13. Now sporting Intel\u2019s latest Tiger Lake chips, this update is largely a spec bump with no changes to the design of the premium laptop. Surprisingly enough, Dell Malaysia also revealed the local availability of the new XPS 13.\n\n\nSet to arrive here in Malaysia in October next month, the updated XPS 13 will retail from RM6,399 on our shores. We still don\u2019t know which configuration of the laptop we\u2019re getting, but at least one variant will feature a Core i5-1135G7 processor, Intel\u2019s new Iris Xe integrated graphics, 8GB of RAM, as well as a 512GB SSD.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the processor \u2013 and integrated GPU \u2013 upgrade, the new XPS 13 also comes with faster RAM now; more specifically, 4267MHz LPDDR4x RAM instead of 3733MHz. Of course, thanks to the Tiger Lake chip, the refreshed XPS 13 supports Thunderbolt 4 too.\n\n\nNaturally, the XPS 13\u2019s signature 13.4-inch InfinityEdge screen with tiny bezels and a taller than usual 16:10 aspect ratio are still retained. This aspect ratio is ideal for productivity tasks, thanks to more vertical screen real estate. Two screen resolutions (touch or non-touched) should be offered for the Malaysian market as well: a 1920 x 1200 panel or a sharper 3840 x 2400 display.\n\n\n\n\nThe new Dell XPS 13 with Intel\u2019s new Tiger Lake chips will be arriving in Malaysia next month in October. To recap, the premium productivity laptop will retail from RM6,399 here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/new-tiger-lake-dell-xps-13-2-in-1-also-coming-to-malaysia-in-october-from-rm5999/", "title": "New Tiger Lake Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 Also Coming to Malaysia in October; From RM5,999", "body": "\n\nAside from the new \nXPS 13\n, Dell also refreshed the convertible XPS 13 2-in-1. Just like the former, there are no drastic changes to the design of the laptop; the biggest change lies under the hood in the form of Intel\u2019s new Tiger Lake chips and better graphics performance. Of course, we\u2019ve also got word on the Malaysian availability of the XPS 13 2-in-1.\n\n\nSet to arrive here in October next month \u2013 much like the regular XPS 13 \u2013 the updated XPS 13 2-in-1 will retail from RM5,999. No word yet on which variant the Malaysian market is getting, but Dell confirmed that one of them will be packing a Core i5-1135G7 processor paired with 8GB of RAM, Intel Iris Xe graphics, and a 256GB SSD.\n\n\n\n\nAnother neat upgrade the new XPS 13 2-in-1 received is a new IR camera for Windows Hello authentication. Previously, the convertible laptop only had a regular webcam. Despite the new camera sensor, Dell still manages to retain the minimal bezels surrounding the screen.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the XPS 13 2-in-1 continues using the 13.4-inch InfinityEdge touch-enabled screen as its predecessor, complete with the 16:10 aspect ratio. This hasn\u2019t been confirmed by Dell Malaysia yet, but we reckon both the Full HD+ and UHD+ screen options will be offered locally.\n\n\n\n\nThe Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 will be available in Malaysia sometime in October next month. Starting at RM5,999, it\u2019s definitely positioned as a premium convertible laptop \u2013 just like other XPS products from Dell.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-test-drive-disrupting-the-market/", "title": "Proton X50 Test Drive: Disrupting the Market", "body": "\n\nThere is probably no SUV that generated quite as much hype in Malaysia as this one right here, the Proton X50. Set to shake up the B-segment SUV market very soon, I had the opportunity to take the X50 out for a spin through a series of tests. Overall, I am absolutely thrilled by the power, driving dynamics, and intelligent features of the SUV.\n\n\nAfter I was done, I had a sense of relief as well, given that I have already placed a booking for the X50 on \n16 September itself\n. Did the SUV meet my expectations? No \u2013 it exceeded them all.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about the engine of the X50. Two options are available: a 1.5L turbocharged port-injected engine that outputs 150PS and 226Nm of torque, and a more powerful 1.5L turbocharged direct-injected mill with 177PS and 255Nm of torque. The former is found under the hood of the Standard, Executive, and Premium models, while the 1.5L TGDi engine is only offered in the range-topping Flagship variant.\n\n\nWithout a doubt these two engines are powerful \u2013 especially for a B-segment SUV \u2013 but here\u2019s the kicker: they are both three-cylinder engines. This doesn\u2019t sit well with a number of potential buyers who had bad experiences with three-cylinder mills, which inherently vibrate more than four-cylinder engines.\n\n\n\n\nBut is this really a problem? While the X50\u2019s engine doesn\u2019t sound particularly pleasant when I\u2019m right beside the car, this is almost completely muted the moment I enter the cabin with the doors shut. In fact, in my brief time driving the X50, I barely felt any harsh vibration or unpleasant engine note. Really, the three-cylinder engine is not an issue at all: gone are the days when it is considered \u201cinferior\u201d to a four-cylinder engine.\n\n\nOkay, so how about the performance of the X50\u2019s turbocharged engine? Unfortunately, only the top-of-the-line Flagship model is available for the media to try out, so I can\u2019t say if the 1.5L port-injected engine is any good. But what I \ncan\n say is how impressed I am with the 1.5L TGDi engine \u2013 it\u2019s one powerful unit.\n\n\nThe Proton X50 can actually outpace the BMW X1 and Honda HR-V\n\n\nWhile it\u2019s a little bit slow off the line (likely caused by turbo lag) the X50 just \npulls\n the moment the turbocharger kicks in. The engine does make itself heard under hard acceleration \u2013 it sounds good to my ears though \u2013 but it can effortlessly and quickly get to highway cruising speeds. It\u2019s a\n \nfast\n, fast\n SUV, and the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts gears very seamlessly too.\n\n\nHandling wise, there are some body rolls when I put the X50 through its paces in a brief slalom test, but it still feels planted when taking sharp turns. Feedback from the steering wheel, on the other hand, could be better, though it\u2019s not exactly \u201cnumb\u201d either. In short, the X50 handles just fine, but I\u2019ll definitely need to spend more time with it to get a more definitive answer.\n\n\nAfter all, there\u2019s only so much a slalom test can reveal.\n\n\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s talk about the intelligent features of the car; more specifically, the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). This feature is only offered on the range-topping Flagship X50, and it includes a slew of active safety systems. These include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and even Auto Park Assist (APA).\n\n\nSimply put, AEB allows the X50 to automatically apply the brakes to avoid front collisions, and it works surprisingly well when this was demonstrated to us. While it is a very neat feature, it\u2019s the latter two that are particularly interesting, especially at this price point.\n\n\n\n\nACC, for one, lets the SUV automatically adjust the speed to the vehicle in front of you, and this works even in stop-and-go traffic; perfect for rush hour in KL. As for APA, this feature lets the X50 \npark itself\n. It can perform three maneuvers: reverse parking, parallel parking, and getting out of a parallel parking.\n\n\nOut of the three situations, only the latter two were demonstrated to us. It takes the X50 quite some time to get itself in and out of the parking space, but the fact that the car can basically do these automatically \u2013 you still have to hold a button for the car to start moving on its own \u2013 is already very impressive.\n\n\n\n\nThe Proton X50 is arguably the national carmaker\u2019s most important, most anticipated model yet. Not only will it (likely) be an affordable B-segment SUV, it even offers features that were never available in this price range. Granted, Proton has not revealed the pricing of the X50 yet, though there is a chance it will go \nbelow the RM90,000 price point\n.\n\n\nWhen exactly is the local launch of the Proton X50 happening? No word yet on that either, though I was told it will be taking place very, very soon. Going by \nAmInvest\u2019s original estimate\n, the SUV will be making its debut sometime this month in October. Once that happens, the X50 will most definitely disrupt the market \u2013 maybe even outside of the SUV segment.\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/google-pixel-5-official-snapdragon-765g-90hz-oled-screen-from-699/", "title": "Google Pixel 5 Official: Snapdragon 765G, 90Hz OLED Screen, From $699", "body": "\n\nThe Google Pixel 5 is here, and just as rumours have suggested, it\u2019s not quite the flagship smartphone \nlike its predecessor\n. There is only one new Pixel phone now \u2013 there\u2019s no XL variant \u2013 and it is only powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset. While this isn\u2019t exactly a flagship-tier processor, at least the Pixel 5 still retains its excellent camera performance.\n\n\nCompared to the \nPixel 4\n, the Pixel 5 no longer has a telephoto lens. Instead, its primary 12.2MP f/1.7 sensor is now paired with a 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle lens, which should prove to be a more practical setup than the zoom lens previously offered. Now, even though this is not a super sophisticated camera array, we have no doubt it can capture amazing-looking shots; this is essentially the Pixel lineup\u2019s forte.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the large forehead of its predecessor is no more, now that the Motion Sense feature has been cut from the Pixel 5. Instead, this latest Pixel phone has a sleeker-looking hole-punch cutout for the 8MP f/2.0 selfie camera. The screen, on the other hand, is a 6-inch 1080p OLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate; pretty standard affair.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Pixel 5 include 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, a rather generous 4,080mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging, an IP68 rating, a rear fingerprint sensor, and of course, 5G connectivity. Judging by these hardware, the Pixel 5 is definitely more of an upper mid-range smartphone than a flagship.\n\n\n\n\nBut that also allows Google to price the Pixel 5 more competitively: it is set to retail from $699, which comes up to about RM2,900. Yes, that\u2019s still quite a steep price tag for a device of this calibre, but this has always been the case with Pixel smartphones. As usual, it\u2019s unlikely the Pixel 5 will be officially offered here in Malaysia \u2013 Google doesn\u2019t offer its range of smartphones on our shores.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-proton-x50-test-drive-drag-race-handling-adas/", "title": "Video: Proton X50 Test Drive! Drag Race, Handling, ADAS", "body": "\n\nAfter much anticipation, we finally \ngot to drive the Proton X50\n! We headed to Sepang International Circuit to put the national carmaker\u2019s new B-segment SUV through its paces in several tests, including a drag race, slalom test, and a number of demonstrations showcasing the X50\u2019s Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).\n\n\nIn the video below, you can see the X50 go against the Honda HR-V and BMW X1 in a drag race. Not surprisingly, the X50 is the quickest of the lot, and it handles quite well in the slalom test too. Completing the whole package is the SUV\u2019s ADAS, a suite of intelligent features meant to make the driving experience that much more pleasant.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe expect the Proton X50 to be launched here very, very soon; perhaps sometime in the middle of this month. How much will it cost? Well, there\u2019s a chance the X50 will \nretail below the RM90,000 price point\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/garmin-venu-sq-lands-in-malaysia-from-rm999-fitness-centric-smartwatch-with-gps/", "title": "Garmin Venu Sq Lands in Malaysia From RM999; Fitness-Centric Smartwatch With GPS", "body": "\n\nGarmin just launched its latest smartwatch in Malaysia, the Venu Sq. As its name suggests, it retains many of the features found on the \nmore expensive Venu smartwatch\n at a more affordable price point. The design has been tweaked too: the Venu Sq has a square screen instead of the Venu\u2019s circular display.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Venu Sq are offered in Malaysia. The standard model retails at RM999, while the Venu Sq Music Edition costs RM1,250. The only difference between the two models is built-in storage; the latter can store music for offline listening with Bluetooth headphones.\n\n\n\n\nJust like the regular Venu, the Venu Sq can detect up to 20 different workouts. These include running, yoga, swimming, cycling, aerobics, golf, and even weight training. Together with the built-in GPS, the Sq will be able to even more accurately track your activities, especially when it comes to running and cycling.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Venu Sq include a 1.3-inch 240 x 240 touch-enabled LCD screen protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, a fibre-reinforced polymer case, anodised aluminum bezels, a heart rate sensor, as well as the ability to measure blood oxygen level. Overall, features fit for a fitness-centric smartwatch.\n\n\n\n\nThe Garmin Venu Sq is now available for purchase in Malaysia. To recap, the standard model \ncosts RM999\n, while the Venu Sq Music Edition goes for slightly more \nat RM1,250\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/3-9-october-fuel-price-ron-95-ron-97-up-3-sen-diesel-down-1-sen/", "title": "3 \u2013 9 October Fuel Price: RON 95 & RON 97 Up 3 Sen, Diesel Down 1 Sen", "body": "\n\nPetrol prices are going up again this weekend, except for diesel. Both RON 95 and RON 97 will go up by 3 sen per litre this midnight, while the price of diesel is going down slightly by 1 sen per litre.\n\n\nThis brings the price of RON 95 to RM1.71 per litre (up from RM1.68) and RON 97 to RM2.01 per litre (RM1.98 previously) at the stroke of midnight. As for diesel, it will cost RM1.70 per litre, down from RM1.71.\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 3 to 9 October next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Friday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-playstation-5-pulse-3d-wireless-headset-passes-through-sirim/", "title": "Sony PlayStation 5 Pulse 3D Wireless Headset Passes Through SIRIM", "body": "\n\nYet another PlayStation 5 accessory just passed through SIRIM. This time around, it\u2019s the Pulse 3D wireless headset for the next generation console. This suggests that Sony Malaysia could be gearing up to launch the PS5 on our shores once it is \navailable globally on 19 October\n.\n\n\nThe Pulse 3D wireless headset was registered with SIRIM under Sony Malaysia with the model number CFI-ZWH1 earlier this week on 30 September. This makes it the third PS5 accessory to appear in SIRIM\u2019s database, right after the \nmedia remote for the console\n and the \nDualSense controller\n.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, the PS5 itself has not been registered with SIRIM yet, but given that its other accessories have already gone through the certification body, we reckon it\u2019s only a matter of time before it makes an appearance. After all, Sony Malaysia \nalready ran a survey for the PS5\n in late August.\n\n\nHowever, whether or not the PS5 will be available in Malaysia on 19 November itself \u2013 that\u2019s the global release date for the console \u2013 is an entirely different question. Pre-orders for the console already ran in other markets (including Singapore), but Sony Malaysia is still relatively quiet about any form of pre-order for the console.\n\n\n\n\nRegardless, we will keep a close eye on the local availability of the PlayStation 5. Hopefully, we will also be getting the next generation console on 19 November; the fact that the Pulse 3D wireless headset has appeared in SIRIM is certainly a promising sign.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-soars-past-20000-bookings-in-2-weeks/", "title": "Proton X50 Soars Past 20,000 Bookings in 2 Weeks", "body": "\n\nProton just confirmed that bookings for its highly anticipated B-segment SUV, the \nProton X50\n, has went past the 20,000 mark. That\u2019s right, in only two weeks, over 20,000 bookings were placed for the X50; that\u2019s a very, \nvery\n impressive figure.\n\n\n\u201cProton would like to thank all its customers for the tremendous interest shown in the Proton X50. We are pushing to ensure fulfilment over the last three months of 2020, while continuing to emphasise product quality,\u201d said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, Proton also shared its sales figure for the month of September 2020. The national carmaker managed to move 11,935 units in that month, which is Proton\u2019s second highest monthly sales. Overall, the company already sold 73,607 models this year, placing it second in Malaysia\u2019s automotive sales.\n\n\nThree of Proton models also continue to lead their respective segments. These include the Proton X70 (2,849 units), Proton Persona (2606 units), and the Proton Exora (748 units). Proton added that the latter two are expected to end the year as cumulative sales leaders.\n\n\n\n\nEvidently, many Malaysians are interested to get their hands on the Proton X50. Here\u2019s hoping the national carmaker can really fulfill these orders in the last three months of 2020 to enjoy the \n100% sales tax exemption\n. If you\u2019d like to learn more about this B-segment SUV, check out our first impressions of the X50 \nright here\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-pricing-leaks-again-likely-fake/", "title": "Proton X50 Pricing \u201cLeaks\u201d Again; Likely Fake", "body": "\n\nThere\u2019s no doubt the \nProton X50\n is garnering a lot of interest. After all, \nover 20,000 bookings\n for the B-segment SUV have already been placed, even though its full price list has not been revealed yet. Naturally, many are anxious to find out how much the X50 would cost, and some have taken it upon themselves to \u201cleak\u201d the pricing of the new model.\n\n\nWe stumbled upon this alleged pricing of the X50 on \nLowyat.NET\u2019s forum\n. According to the price list, the SUV will retail from around RM75,000 (1.5T Standard) to RM103,000 for the range-topping 1.5 TGDi Flagship trim. These are supposedly on-the-road prices with insurance included.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe\u2019re not convinced these prices are legitimate for a couple of reasons. One, this price list is too close to the previous alleged pricing of the X50 that Proton already said was fake. Surely it\u2019s no coincidence that both of these price lists are almost the same, even if this new pricing took into account the cost of insurance.\n\n\nSecond of all \u2013 and this is a big one \u2013 it doesn\u2019t make sense for the price difference between the Standard, Executive, and Premium trims to be more than RM10,000 for each variant. After all, all of these models are powered by the same engine, and the difference in equipment don\u2019t exactly command that kind of price premium either.\n\n\n\n\nTake the Standard and Executive models of the X50. According to the alleged pricing, you\u2019d be paying RM10,000 more for the Executive variant \njust\n for the addition of leatherette seats, two extra airbags, auto headlamps, front fog lamps, and a leather wrapped steering wheel. It\u2019s a little bit much to pay five figures for these upgrades, isn\u2019t it?\n\n\nTo further drive this point home, look at the claimed price difference between the 1.5T Premium and 1.5 TGDi Flagship. For only about RM7,000 extra (!), you\u2019re getting a more powerful engine, a panoramic sunroof, and even the \nimpressive Advanced Driver Assistance System\n (ADAS).\n\n\nTaking all of these into account, this supposed price list of the X50 makes very little sense. If anything, the price difference between the Premium and Flagship models should be the most drastic, given all of the extra features you\u2019re getting with the latter.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re worried this latest \u201cleaked\u201d pricing of the Proton X50 is legitimate, you can rest easy now. If you really want to know exactly how much the B-segment SUV will cost, we have a good idea \nhere\n. The official launch of the highly anticipated B-segment SUV is happening very soon, and until then, check out our \nfirst impressions of the X50\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/exclusive-proton-x50-citric-orange/", "title": "Exclusive: This Is the Proton X50 in Citric Orange", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019ve seen the Proton X50 in all shades of colour in the \nprevious media preview\n, but we have yet to see the B-segment SUV in one particular paint job: Citric Orange. Well, we were lucky enough to get a glance at this colour recently on the road.\n\n\nWe spotted the X50 in Citric Orange earlier today along the AKLEH highway. Interestingly, it was accompanied by two other colours, Passion Red and Ocean Blue. All three of them had a police escort, so chances are, the national carmaker is shooting an advertisement for the new SUV on the highway.\n\n\n\n\nAt a glance, the X50 in Citric Orange actually looks like a shade of red. Of course, once you compare it to the Passion Red model \u2013 it\u2019s right behind the Citric Orange in the image above \u2013 you can see how different the two colours are. If you don\u2019t quite like how bright the Passion Red model looks, the Citric Orange colour option is certainly a good alternative.\n\n\nAccording to Proton, \nover 20,000 bookings for the X50\n have been made in just two weeks. The carmaker mentioned that it will do its best to fulfill these orders in the last three months of 2020 \u2013 like to take advantage of the \n100% sales tax exemption\n \u2013 and that it will do so without sacrificing the product quality of the SUV.\n\n\n\n\nAs for how much the Proton X50 will cost, a number of \nshady price lists\n have circulated online. We don\u2019t know exactly how much the highly anticipated B-segment SUV will go for, but there is a good chance it will retail \nbelow the RM90,000 price point\n. If you\u2019d like to learn more about Proton\u2019s latest model, check out our \nfirst impressions of the X50\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-cr-v-facelift-open-for-booking-in-malaysia-lanewatch-standard-powered-tailgate-q4-launch/", "title": "Honda CR-V Facelift Open for Booking in Malaysia; LaneWatch Standard, Powered Tailgate, Q4 Launch", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nall-new Honda City\n, it appears Honda Malaysia is set to launch yet another new model by the end of the year: the facelifted fifth generation Honda CR-V. For the most part, it\u2019s a minor exterior revision, with most of the changes happening under the hood.\n\n\nCompared to the pre-facelift model, the new CR-V is now sporting a black grille instead of chrome, much like the \nfacelifted Honda Civic\n. The rear gets some revisions too, along with redesigned dual-tone 18-inch alloy wheels. All in all, pretty subtle changes to the exterior of the C-segment SUV.\n\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s more exciting is the addition of Honda LaneWatch on all variants of the facelifted CR-V. This safety feature relies on a camera mounted on the left side mirror; once you signal to the left, the infotainment screen will display what\u2019s on the left side of the SUV to allow for safer lane changes.\n\n\nAside from that, the updated CR-V will also come with a powered tailgate, though it remains to be seen exactly which variant will get this feature. As usual, Honda Sensing will continue to be offered, and it will even be extended to the 4WD model. The engine, on the other hand, is still a 1.5L VTEC turbocharged engine that churns out 193PS and 243Nm of torque.\n\n\n\n\nThe facelifted Honda CR-V is now \navailable for booking in Malaysia\n at all authorised Honda dealers nationwide. It\u2019s expected to be launched before the end of 2020, so there\u2019s a chance the new model will be able to enjoy the \n100% sales tax exemption\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-10t-pro-lands-in-malaysia-snapdragon-865-144hz-screen-for-rm1999/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro Lands in Malaysia; Snapdragon 865 & 144Hz Screen for RM1,999", "body": "\n\nXiaomi just launched its latest high-end smartphone in Malaysia, the Mi 10T Pro. Sporting a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, a fast 144Hz screen, \nand\n a competitive price tag, the Mi 10T Pro is a very attractive flagship smartphone with excellent value for money.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, only one configuration of the Mi 10T Pro is offered. Packed with 256GB of internal storage and 8GB of RAM, this sole variant of the phone retails at RM1,999. Needless to say, this is a very competitive price tag, especially when you take into account what the Mi 10T Pro offers.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the most attractive features of the Mi 10T Pro has to be its 6.67-inch 1080p IPS screen with a high 144Hz refresh rate. Not many smartphones feature such a fast screen, and given that this is a feature \nonly typically found\n \non gaming smartphones\n, it\u2019s great that Xiaomi is bringing this feature to a more mainstream smartphone.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mi 10T Pro include a Snapdragon 865 chipset, a triple camera system (108MP f/1.7 primary + 13MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle + 5MP f/2.4 macro), a 20MP f/2.2 selfie camera, a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. All in all, it\u2019s a pretty complete high-end smartphone, though it would\u2019ve been great if it also came with a telephoto camera.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 9 October onwards on Lazada. Again, \nretailing at RM1,999\n, it offers very good value for money. To sweeten the deal, the first 300 customers who purchase this phone will also get a complimentary Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic. More information on this promo can be found on the \nMi 10T Pro\u2019s product page on Lazada\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-10t-also-arrives-in-malaysia-144hz-screen-snapdragon-865-rm1699-price-tag/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi 10T Also Arrives in Malaysia: 144Hz Screen, Snapdragon 865, RM1,699 Price Tag", "body": "\n\nAside from the range-topping \nMi 10T Pro\n, Xiaomi also brought in this equally high-end phone at an \neven\n lower price point, the Xiaomi Mi 10T. Just like the Pro variant, this device comes with a fast 144Hz screen, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, and a very, very competitive price tag.\n\n\nAt the moment, only one variant of the Mi 10T is confirmed for the Malaysian market: it comes with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM for only RM1,699. That\u2019s right, only RM1,699 for a Snapdragon 865 phone with a 6.67-inch 1080p 144Hz display \u2013 not many phones can offer this level of hardware at this price point.\n\n\n\n\nIn fact, the Mi 10T shares a lot of the Pro\u2019s hardware, though it does feature a less sophisticated triple camera system. Instead of a 108MP primary sensor, it comes with a more pedestrian 64MP f/1.89 main shooter with a 13MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle lens and a 5MP f/2.4 macro sensor.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mi 10T include a 20MP f/2.2 front-facing camera, a large 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. Basically, the exact same hardware as its Pro counterpart.\n\n\n\n\nIf you don\u2019t need the Mi 10T Pro\u2019s more sophisticated camera system and 256GB storage, the regular Xiaomi Mi 10T will serve as a very good alternative. It will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 23 October onwards \non Lazada for RM1,699\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apples-iphone-12-series-coming-on-14-october/", "title": "Apple\u2019s iPhone 12 Series Coming on 14 October", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s a little bit later than usual, but here it is: Apple just set an event for 14 October (Malaysian time) next week. Chances are, the Cupertino company will be introducing its latest iPhone at the event; a month later than it usually does.\n\n\nIn typical Apple fashion, the invite for the event is a very simple one. The teaser image shows the Apple logo surrounded by four circles \u2013 perhaps a hint at the four possible variants of the iPhone 12 \u2013 with the phrase \u201cHi, Speed.\u201d This is likely a nod at the improved performance of the new iPhone, courtesy of the A14 Bionic chip.\n\n\n\n\nThere are plenty of rumours surrounding the upcoming iPhone 12 series, and one of the most prevalent leaks is the fact that there could be four different iPhones. These four models will supposedly range from a compact 5.4-inch variant to a much bigger 6.7-inch option; the latter would be the largest iPhone yet if this leak turns out to be accurate.\n\n\nAnother interesting rumour also suggests that all of the iPhones set to be introduced this year will be sporting OLED screens, which is great. Compared to LCD panels, OLED displays have deeper blacks, more vibrant colours, and generally more pleasant to look at. This is a good upgrade, but unfortunately enough, the refresh rate of the screen will supposedly be kept at 60Hz.\n\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ll hear more on the new iPhone 12 from Apple itself next week on 14 October. The live stream will start at 1AM Malaysian time.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/we-hope-sales-tax-exemption-on-cars-will-be-extended-proton-edar-ceo/", "title": "We Hope Sales Tax Exemption on Cars Will Be Extended \u2013 Proton Edar CEO", "body": "\n\nIn line with the government\u2019s Short-Term Economic Recovery Plan (PENJANA), locally assembled (CKD) cars \nwill receive 100% sales tax exemption\n. But this initiative is only effective until 31 December; in order to keep driving car sales, Proton Edar hopes that the tax exemption period will be extended.\n\n\nThe CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah, expressed this in an interview with \nBerita Harian\n. \u201cWe\u2019re hoping the government will consider extending the tax exemption period another six month until June 2021, or at least until March next year,\u201d he was quoted as saying.\n\n\nThe CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah\n\n\nBased on the \nsales performance of Proton\n over the past few months, it\u2019s evident that the tax exemption period helped the national carmaker recover lost sales during the Movement Control Order (MCO). \u201cExtending the tax exemption period will also support the entire automotive and industrial supply chain,\u201d Roslan added.\n\n\nIf the government does extend the tax exemption period, carmakers and consumers will benefit greatly from it. Proton, for one, will be able to offer its upcoming B-segment SUV, the \nProton X50\n, at a more competitive price point for a longer period of time. After all, the new model hasn\u2019t even been officially launched yet.\n\n\n\n\nHopefully, the government will consider to extend the sales tax exemption on cars. Given the current COVID-19 situation in our country, we may need it beyond 2020.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-the-sony-wh-1000xm4-with-over-rm300-discount/", "title": "Deal: Get the Sony WH-1000XM4 With Over RM300 Discount", "body": "\n\nThe \nSony WH-1000XM4\n was launched here in Malaysia two months ago, and you can now get the excellent wireless headphones with active noise cancellation with a pretty big discount. Originally retailing at RM1,599, it\u2019s now going \nfor only RM1,269\n \u2013 that\u2019s exactly RM330 worth of savings.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Preferred Shopee retailer Otakuya. The WH-1000XM4 offered in the listing comes with warranty support from Sony Malaysia, and both the Black and Silver models are in stock. However, it\u2019s worth noting that there are only three units left for the latter colour option.\n\n\n\n\nWhile the WH-1000XM4 isn\u2019t drastically different than its predecessor, it does feature a number of improvements. Not only does it have better active noise cancellation, the voice call quality is improved accordingly as well. More importantly, the XM4 can now pair with two devices at the same time with Bluetooth multipoint.\n\n\nFor RM1,269\n, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is a very good buy, especially if you want a pair of wireless headphones with one of the best active noise cancellation.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-warns-against-third-party-bookings-of-x50/", "title": "Proton Warns Against Third-Party Bookings of X50", "body": "\n\nThe \nProton X50\n is easily the national carmaker\u2019s most anticipated models yet, and with so much hype surrounding the B-segment SUV, people tend to take advantage of it. So much so, in fact, that Proton released a statement regarding \u201cthird-party\u201d bookings of the X50.\n\n\n\u201cIt has been brought to our (Proton) attention that some irresponsible parties are seeking to profit from this situation by misrepresenting themselves,\u201d the statement read. \u201cProton would like to unequivocally state that only bookings made via authorised Proton dealers and outlets are legitimate,\u201d the carmaker added.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, \nwith over 20,000 bookings\n already made for the X50, there will be anxious buyers that want to \u201cjump the queue\u201d in a bid to be one of the first to get the SUV. This makes it easy for certain parties to target these individuals and make promises they simply cannot fulfill, such as guaranteeing early delivery of the car if bookings are made through them instead of an authorised Proton dealer or outlet.\n\n\nRegardless of the situation, it\u2019s best to perform any kind of financial transactions with official parties; the RM500 booking fee is not exactly a small amount. Don\u2019t fall victim to third-parties that make promises which are too good to be true. This is especially true of \u201conline bookings\u201d \u2013 there\u2019s no such thing for the X50.\n\n\n\n\nThe Proton X50 is expected to be officially launched sometime this month in October. Until then, check out our \ncoverage of the B-segment SUV\n, including its \npossible pricing\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-5-teardown-shows-huge-cooling-fan-easy-storage-upgrade/", "title": "PlayStation 5 Teardown Shows Huge Cooling Fan & Easy Storage Upgrade", "body": "\n\nThe \nPlayStation 5\n is only about a month away before it hits the market globally, and Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) just released a teardown video of the next generation console. Not only do we have a good idea of how big the PS5 is \u2013 it\u2019s quite a unit \u2013 SIE also detailed the impressive cooling system and easy upgradability of the console.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the cooling system of the PS5. The console is equipped with a huge 120mm diameter, 45mm thick double-sided air intake fan. The sheer size of the fan itself will ensure that the console will remain as quiet as possible, and there are even two dust catchers to keep the system clean. Dust collected in the two holes can then be vacuumed out.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFurther enhancing the cooling performance of the PS5 is a sizeable heatsink. According to SIE, the design of the heatsink is able to achieve the same level of performance as a vapour chamber. Liquid metal is also used as the Thermal Interface Material (TIM) for the PS5 to more effectively cool the console\u2019s SoC.\n\n\nThroughout the teardown video, it\u2019s clear that the PS5 is designed to be easily serviceable. Almost all of the components \u2013 including the disc drive, cooling fan, and PSU \u2013 can be accessed with relative ease. End users can even add more storage through the M.2 slot, which is compatible with PCIe 4.0 SSD storage.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s great that we get to see the inner workings of the PlayStation 5 before it\u2019s officially available on 19 November globally. Hopefully, Malaysian pre-orders for the PS5 will begin soon. After all, a number of its accessories \nhave already been\n \ncertified with SIRIM\n, including the \nDualSense controller\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dell-xps-13-2020-with-tiger-lake-chips-full-malaysian-pricing-revealed-from-rm6399-to-rm8199/", "title": "Dell XPS 13 (2020) With Tiger Lake Chips Full Malaysian Pricing Revealed; From RM6,399 to RM8,199", "body": "\n\nAs promised\n, the new Dell XPS 13 with Intel\u2019s latest Tiger Lake chips are now available in Malaysia. All variants of the premium productivity laptop are now listed on Dell Malaysia\u2019s online store, and with that, we have the full price list of the XPS 13 for the local market.\n\n\nThe base model of the updated XPS 13, as mentioned in our previous report, retails at RM6,399. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a 13.4-inch 1920 x 1200 Full HD+ InfinityEdge non-touch screen, a Core i5-1135G7 processor paired with 8GB of RAM, integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics, and 512GB of SSD storage.\n\n\n\n\nA tier up is the RM7,399 variant of the XPS 13, which comes with a faster Core i7-1165G7 processor and twice the amount of RAM at 16GB. Other specifications of this configuration remain the same, but you can add RM300 to upgrade the 512GB SSD to a whopping 1TB drive.\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the range-topping XPS 13 with a much sharper 13.4-inch 3840 x 2400 UHD+ touch-enabled screen. This model retails at RM7,899, and it retains the Core i7 chip, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD of the previous configuration. Want a 1TB SSD instead? An additional RM300 gets you just that.\n\n\n\n\nThe new Dell XPS 13 with Tiger Lake chips are now \navailable for purchase on Dell Malaysia\u2019s online store\n. Of course, retailing from RM6,399, it\u2019s not an affordable productivity laptop, but that\u2019s how much you have to pay for a premium machine like the XPS 13.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/tiger-lake-dell-xps-13-2-in-1-malaysian-variants-detailed-rm5999-to-rm7999/", "title": "Tiger Lake Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 Malaysian Variants Detailed; RM5,999 to RM7,999", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nregular XPS 13\n, the full Malaysian pricing of the convertible \nDell XPS 13 2-in-1\n with Intel\u2019s latest Tiger Lake chips has been revealed as well. Retailing from RM5,999, it is ever so slightly more affordable than the XPS 13, though it\u2019s still very much priced like a premium laptop.\n\n\nFor RM5,999, the base model of the XPS 13 2-in-1 offers a Core i5-1135G7 processor, integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of SSD storage, and a 13.4-inch 1920 x 1200 touch-enabled InfinityEdge screen. Of course, the convertible laptop now comes with an IR camera too for Windows Hello authentication.\n\n\n\n\nA tier up is the RM6,699 variant of the XPS 13 2-in-1. It retains the base model\u2019s Full HD+ screen, but its other hardware are upgraded quite a bit. Not only does it come with a faster Core i7-1165G7 processor, it also features double the RAM and SSD storage at 16GB and 512GB respectively. Quite a number of upgrades for RM700 more.\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the top-of-the-line XPS 13 2-in-1. It has the exact same hardware as the previous configuration, but the range-topping variant comes with a sharper 13.4-inch 3840 x 2400 UHD+ touch-enabled screen. How much do you have to pay for the display upgrade? A cool RM7,999, which is a whopping RM1,300 more than the aforementioned model.\n\n\n\n\nThe new Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 is now available for purchase on \nDell Malaysia\u2019s online store\n. Every purchase of the convertible laptop will come with a sleeve as well.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/10-16-october-fuel-price-ron-95-ron-97-down-4-sen-diesel-by-1-sen/", "title": "10 \u2013 16 October Fuel Price: RON 95 & RON 97 Down 4 Sen, Diesel By 1 Sen", "body": "\n\nUnlike last week, petrol prices are going down this weekend. Both RON 95 and RON 97 will go down by 4 sen per litre this midnight, while the price of diesel continues going down by 1 sen per litre.\n\n\nThis brings the price of RON 95 to RM1.67 per litre (down from RM1.71) and RON 97 to RM1.97 per litre (RM2.01 previously) at the stroke of midnight. As for diesel, it will cost RM1.69 per litre, down from RM1.70.\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 10 to 16 October next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Friday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/you-may-not-be-able-to-buy-older-playstation-games-on-pc-mobile-soon/", "title": "You May Not Be Able to Buy Older PlayStation Games on PC & Mobile Soon", "body": "\n\nThe PlayStation Store is reportedly getting a revamp soon. In a leaked email addressed to developers from Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), a \u201cbrand new PlayStation Store\u201d will be rolled out on 19 October, which will remove a number of features. Most notably is the ability to purchase older games through web browsers and mobile.\n\n\nThis news come from \nPlan\u00e8te Vita\n, which managed to get its hands on the email. If the content of the email is to be believed, games and DLC initially released on the PS3, PSP, and Vita will no longer be accessible through a web browser from 19 October onwards. On mobile, the change will take effect on 28 October instead.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, you can still search for these content, but only on each respective system. PS3 games and DLC can only be accessed directly with a PS3 console, and the same apply to the PSP and Vita for their content. Basically, it just won\u2019t be quite as convenient anymore to look for games for these older consoles.\n\n\nOn top of that, apps, themes, and avatars for the PS4 will no longer be accessible on web browsers and mobile as well. The Wishlist feature on the PlayStation Store will supposedly be removed too, so if you use the feature quite a bit, you may want to take note of what\u2019s in the list while you still can.\n\n\n\n\nChances are, these changes are meant to streamline and simplify the PlayStation Store before the PS5 arrives. After all, by (essentially) removing PS3, PSP, and Vita content from the store on web browsers and mobile, it\u2019ll be easier to find more relevant content for the next generation console. We\u2019ll find out soon enough if these changes to the PlayStation Store are legitimate.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/see-how-the-proton-x50-fares-in-a-crash-test-5-star-asean-ncap-rating/", "title": "See How the Proton X50 Fares in a Crash Test: 5-Star ASEAN NCAP Rating", "body": "\n\nProton confirmed last week that the \nProton X50\n got a five-star rating in the  New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asia (ASEAN NCAP), but we didn\u2019t get any specific details of the test then. Well, ASEAN NCAP has just released the full report of the X50\u2019s crash test, and we have some interesting details to glean through.\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about the crash test itself. For the most part, the X50 aced all aspects of the test; we\u2019re especially impressed by the rigidity of the A-pillars in the frontal crash test. On top of that, it\u2019s worth noting that ASEAN NCAP tested the Standard variant of the B-segment SUV.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, even the base model of the X50 \u2013 with only four airbags \u2013 managed to get a five-star rating. Also tested by ASEAN NCAP is the blindspot monitoring system of the B-segment SUV. As expected, it functioned to the requirements of the independent body on both the left and right sides of the SUV. \n\n\nBeyond the X50\u2019s crash test and other parameters tested by ASEAN NCAP, this assessment also gives us the best look yet at the Standard variant of the SUV. After all, Proton has only shown off the Flagship model of the X50, so it\u2019s great to finally see how the base model looks like.\n\n\n\n\nDespite not sporting the blacked-out roof, red brake callipers, and large 18-inch alloy wheels of the Flagship configuration, the Standard X50 is still quite the looker. It doesn\u2019t look cheap at all, it still comes with a spoiler, and the design of the 17-inch alloys is pretty darn eye-catching as well.\n\n\nIf you watched the video above, you can actually see the X50 in Citric Orange at around the one minute mark. The lighting isn\u2019t great \u2013 it even looks like a shade of red \u2013 but it\u2019s unmistakably the orange model, given that the Passion Red colourway is exclusive to the Premium and Flagship models.\n\n\nWant to see how the Citric Orange paint job looks like on the Flagship X50 outdoors? We\u2019ve got an \nexclusive on that\n.\n\n\nThe Citric Orange under direct sunlight\n\n\nWithout a doubt the Proton X50 did very well in ASEAN NCAP\u2019s assessment; if you want to read the full report for yourself, you can do so \nright here\n. The official launch of the highly anticipated B-segment SUV is expected to happen sometime this month, so until then, check out our \nother coverage of the X50\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-5-ii-retails-at-rm4099-in-malaysia-arriving-in-december/", "title": "Sony Xperia 5 II Retails at RM4,099 in Malaysia; Arriving in December", "body": "\n\nIt was previously confirmed that the Sony Xperia 5 II is \narriving in Malaysia sometime in December\n, but its local retail price was not revealed yet. Well, we now know exactly how much it will cost here in Malaysia, and as expected, it\u2019s not a cheap flagship smartphone.\n\n\nFirst spotted by Amanz\n, the Xperia 5 II is only offered in a single variant for our market. Retailing at RM4,099, you\u2019re getting 8GB of RAM and 256GB of fast UFS storage. Not a particularly big capacity, but at least there\u2019s a microSD card slot (it supports cards up to 1TB) for further expansion if you need more storage space.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the Xperia 5 II particularly unique is its compact form factor. It features a 6.1-inch 2520 x 1080 OLED screen with a tall 21:9 aspect ratio, so it\u2019s actually very similar in size to the slightly smaller \nXperia 10 II\n. On top of that, the Xperia 5 II\u2019s OLED display also has a fast 120Hz refresh rate; a feature mobile gamers will definitely appreciate.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Xperia 5 II include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, a triple camera system with three different focal lengths (12MP f/1.7 primary + 12MP f/2.4 telephoto + 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle), an 8MP f/2.0 front-facing camera, a 4,000mAh battery, IP65/68 water resistance, and even a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\n\n\nThe Sony Xperia 5 II is expected to arrive in Malaysia sometime in December. Although its RM4,099 price tag is quite steep, you are getting a flagship smartphone in a compact form factor \u2013 a category of device phone makers often disregard.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-1-ii-costs-rm4999-in-malaysia-available-in-november/", "title": "Sony Xperia 1 II Costs RM4,999 in Malaysia; Available in November", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nXperia 5 II\n, Sony Malaysia also revealed the local pricing of its other flagship smartphone, the Sony Xperia 1 II. Given that it is a bigger smartphone with a much sharper 4K OLED screen, the Xperia 1 II is naturally costlier than the more compact RM4,099 Xperia 5 II.\n\n\nJust like the Xperia 5 II, only one variant of the Xperia 1 II is offered for the Malaysian market. \nAs reported by Amanz\n, the flagship retails at RM4,999, and it comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. That\u2019s not a lot of storage \u2013 especially for a phone at this price point \u2013 but at least there\u2019s a microSD card slot that can accommodate cards up to 1TB.\n\n\n\n\nEven though the Xperia 1 II doesn\u2019t feature the Xperia 5 II\u2019s fast 120Hz screen (it only has a conventional 60Hz panel), the former does have a much sharper 6.5-inch 3840 x 1644 OLED panel with HDR support. Of course, as is the case with Sony\u2019s recent smartphones, the screen sports a tall 21:9 aspect ratio as well.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xperia 1 II include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, a triple camera system (12MP f/1.7 primary + 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle + 12MP f/2.4 telephoto), an 8MP f/2.0 front-facing camera, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, IP65/68 rating, and a 4,000mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\nThe Sony Xperia 1 II is expected to arrive here in Malaysia sometime next month in November. Without a doubt it\u2019s a costly flagship smartphone for RM4,999, though you are paying for the impressive 4K OLED screen.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-unveils-yoga-slim-7i-carbon-weighs-just-966g-with-rm4399-starting-price/", "title": "Lenovo Unveils Yoga Slim 7i Carbon; Weighs Just 966g With RM4,399 Starting Price", "body": "\n\nLenovo just introduced a new productivity laptop, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon. As its name suggests, this is a slim, lightweight laptop. Not only does it measure 14.25mm thin, it also weighs merely 966g. Needless to say, it\u2019s a very lightweight laptop that\u2019s ideal for those who are always on the go.\n\n\nDespite its lightweight chassis, Lenovo says that the Yoga Slim 7i Carbon is still a durable machine. The laptop\u2019s cover is constructed with \u201clayers of carbon fibre and second generation \u2018Web-Core 2.0 Carbon Fibre\u2019 that reduces material weight by up to 40% while increasing durability,\u201d as the company puts it.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Yoga Slim 7i Carbon also features a 13.3-inch 2560 x 1600 QHD screen with very slim bezels, giving the laptop a sleek, modern-looking aesthetic. On top of that, it also covers 100% of the sRGB colour space, and the 16:10 aspect ratio makes it ideal for productivity tasks.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Yoga Slim 7i Carbon include Intel\u2019s latest 11th generation Core i7-1165G7 or Core i5-1135G7 processor paired with up to 16GB of RAM, integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics, three SSD storage options (256GB, 512GB, or 1TB), and Windows 10 Home out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon will retail from RM4,399 in Malaysia, though the company mentioned that the productivity laptop will only be arriving here \u201cat a later date.\u201d Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the local availability of the Yoga Slim 7i Carbon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-belongs-in-a-class-of-its-own/", "title": "The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Belongs in a Class of Its Own", "body": "\n\nWhen the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 made its \nfirst appearance at CES 2020\n, it was easily one of the most exciting gaming laptops to be unveiled at the trade show. Not only does it sport a unique dot-matrix top lid, it is also a modern 14-inch gaming laptop. You don\u2019t often see a gaming machine in such a portable form factor.\n\n\nTo top it off, the Zephyrus G14 is a \npowerful \ngaming laptop as well, thanks to the combination of AMD\u2019s excellent Ryzen 9 4900HS processor and Nvidia\u2019s RTX 2060 Max-Q GPU in the range-topping configuration. It\u2019s not quite the end of the year yet, but this is easily the most exciting gaming laptop of 2020 \u2013 the G14\u2019s feature set simply puts it in a class of its own.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s So Good About It?\n\n\nFirst and foremost, the Zephyrus G14 is a 14-inch gaming laptop. This alone gives it a unique, appealing factor compared to other modern gaming laptops in the market now, which usually comes with (at the very least) a 15.6-inch screen. Thanks to the G14\u2019s much more compact form factor, I can comfortably carry it around in my backpack.\n\n\nIn fact, the G14 is actually my daily driver right now; it serves double duty as my work laptop and gaming machine. Not many gaming laptops can strike such a good balance in these two regards, and let me tell you: the G14 can serve as a \nsurprisingly\n good productivity laptop\n.\n\n\n\n\nNow, one of the most important aspects of a good productivity-focused laptop has to be battery life, and the Zephyrus G14 simply excels in this area. On average, I can easily get between nine to 10 hours of use on a single charge. Granted, I got this level of battery life with the power plan set to battery saver, and the screen was dimmed to a comfortable level.\n\n\nStill, it\u2019s amazing how the G14 can deliver over 10 hours of use despite packing some beefy hardware under the hood. The configuration I tested is powered by the excellent Ryzen 9 4900HS; a 35W TDP octa-core processor. Compared to the more power-hungry Intel Core i7-10875H chip, the Ryzen 9 offers notably better multi-core performance in CineBench R20.\n\n\n\n\nSurprisingly enough, even in the single-core test, both processors return very similar results. Just look at how these two chips compare to each other in the table below. We also include the Ryzen 7 4800H to show just how capable \nAMD\u2019s Ryzen 4000\n processors are.\n\n\nProcessor\nSingle-core test\nMulti-core test\nAMD Ryzen 9 4900HS (Asus ROG Zephyrus G14)\n481\n4173\nAMD Ryzen 7 4800H (Asus TUF Gaming A15)\n481\n4106\nIntel Core i7-10875H (Acer Predator Triton 500)\n483\n3773\n\n\nGames (max settings @ 1080p)\nAverage FPS\nWitcher 3 (HairWorks disabled)\n65.38\nBorderlands 3 (DX11)\n47.91\nApex Legends\n102.05\n\n\nNot only does the Zephyrus G14 offer incredibly good CPU performance, the RTX 2060 Max-Q GPU in this range-topping model can provide high enough frame rates in AAA titles too. Of course, this being the Max-Q design, it is ever so slightly slower than the \nregular RTX 2060\n. Nonetheless, it can still offer a respectable level of performance, as you can see above.\n\n\nFurther enhancing the gaming experience of the G14 is the 14-inch display. Two screen options are available: a 1920 x 1080 IPS display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, or a higher resolution 2560 x 1440 IPS panel with a more conventional 60Hz refresh rate. Regardless of which option you go for, both screens are Pantone Validated with 100% sRGB colour coverage.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, I only managed to test the 1440p panel of the Zephyrus G14. While it\u2019s a sharp, high quality screen with good colour reproduction, the 60Hz refresh rate isn\u2019t exactly ideal for a gaming laptop of this calibre. Plus, the RTX 2060 Max-Q wouldn\u2019t be able to deliver particularly high frame rates in 1440p either.\n\n\nUnless you absolutely need the higher resolution screen, I highly recommend the 1080p screen option with a 120Hz refresh rate if you want the best gaming experience on the G14. The 1080p resolution is a much more ideal pairing with the RTX 2060 Max-Q, and the 120Hz refresh rate will provide a smoother gaming experience with superior motion clarity.\n\n\nHowever, I was told by Asus Malaysia that the 1080p screen option for the range-topping Ryzen 9 Zephyrus G14 will only be arriving here sometime next month in December 2020. Just hold out a bit longer if you can afford to wait.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the screen, the Zephyrus G14 has a pretty darn good keyboard as well. It offers plenty of key travel with pronounced tactile feedback, both of which lend to a \u201ccushiony,\u201d comfortable typing experience. That being said, the white backlighting doesn\u2019t look particularly good with the white keys, but it will do in a pinch.\n\n\nAs for the trackpad, it works as intended. Every click feels solid, the trackpad\u2019s smooth glass surface allows my fingers to glide effortlessly on it, and it\u2019s accurate too. While I am a little annoyed that I can\u2019t disable the trackpad\u2019s mouse acceleration \u2013 disabling it from the Windows settings did nothing \u2013 it is ultimately a small issue.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the flashy AniMe Matrix LED lighting on the top lid of the Zephyrus G14. Sure, it may seem gimmicky to some folks, but I had a ball playing around with the feature. The extra layer of personalisation afforded by the AniME Matrix display gives the laptop a truly unique aesthetic that is not offered by any of its competition.\n\n\nAny Shortcomings?\n\n\nLike with any laptop, there are some aspects of the Zephyrus G14 that could be further improved. Besides the fact that it doesn\u2019t even have a webcam, the laptop\u2019s system noise is a tad too loud in heated gaming sessions. Thankfully, it\u2019s relatively quiet when I\u2019m doing productivity tasks.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the G14 can get quite toasty as well. While the palm rest area doesn\u2019t get uncomfortably warm when I\u2019m gaming, the CPU does get alarmingly hot. In my testing, the Ryzen 9 4900HS heated up to a whopping 95\u00b0C, though the RTX 2060 Max-Q is kept in check much better, only hitting up to 77\u00b0C.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the asking price of the Zephyrus G14: this range-topping configuration of the gaming laptop costs a steep RM7,699. Of course, you do get 16GB of RAM and a generous 1TB SSD for that kind of money, but there\u2019s no denying that it is a costly gaming laptop.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nDespite its high asking price, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is a premium gaming laptop in a 14-inch form factor; a combination that is simply not offered by any other brands. As I\u2019ve said before in the beginning of this article, this puts the G14 in a class of its own. Coupled with its powerful performance and incredibly long battery life, you\u2019ve got the perfect compact gaming machine that also serves as an excellent productivity laptop.\n\n\n\n\nYes, the Zephyrus G14\u2019s system noise and thermals could be better, but that\u2019s the trade-off we have to make to get such powerful hardware in a compact form factor; Asus only has so much space to work with. Hopefully, the next iteration of the gaming laptop would address these issues \u2013 I\u2019m absolutely thrilled by the prospect of an even more refined Zephyrus G14 next year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2020-honda-city-launched-in-malaysia-from-rm74000-rs-ehev-model-arriving-january-2021/", "title": "2020 Honda City Launched in Malaysia From RM74,000; RS e:HEV Model Arriving January 2021", "body": "\n\nHonda Malaysia just launched its latest B-segment sedan on our shores, the 2020 Honda City. Four different variants of the sedan are offered in Malaysia, including the range-topping RS e:HEV variant. In fact, this is the global debut of the hybrid model, and Malaysia is the first market to receive it.\n\n\nAt least, that will be the case once the RS variant of the City is actually available in Malaysia. Unfortunately, this hybrid model will only arrive here sometime in January 2021. Honda Malaysia has not revealed the price of the RS model either, and given that it will only be delivered next year, it will not enjoy the \n100% sales tax exemption\n.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, Honda did reveal the local pricing of the other three variants of the fifth generation City. The base S trim costs RM74,191.27, while the E and V models go for RM81,664.82 and RM86,561.45 respectively. These prices are with sales tax exemption applied, which is why the figures look a little odd.\n\n\nAs per the government\u2019s original announcement, the 100% sales tax exemption will only be valid until 31 December 2020. Once this is over, here\u2019s how much you would have to pay for the new City \u2013 Honda Malaysia was kind enough to provide us the prices of the City with and without tax exemption in the table below.\n\n\nHonda City Variant\nPrice with sales tax exemption\nPrice without sales tax exemption\nPrice difference\nS\nRM74,191.27\nRM76,800\nRM\n2,608.73\nE\nRM81,664.82\nRM84,800\nRM3,135.18\nV\nRM86,561.45\nRM89,800\nRM3,238.55\n\n\n\n\nThese three variants of the City are powered by the same 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine that outputs 121PS and 145Nm of torque, and it is paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with drive sent to the front wheels. As for the RS e:HEV model, it features a Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain that delivers 109PS and 253Nm of torque.\n\n\nAside from that, the RS City is also the only variant to get Honda Sensing, a suite of driver assistance safety systems. These include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigating Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Auto High Beam (AHB).\n\n\n\n\nWhile the other three models of the City don\u2019t get Honda Sensing, their safety equipment are still quite good. Standard safety equipment across the range include Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), ISOFIX anchor points, and rear seatbelt reminder.\n\n\nHowever, in terms of airbag count, only the RS and V trims get six airbags; the E and S models get four airbags instead. Aside from that, the former two are also the only variants to get Honda LaneWatch, which uses a camera mounted on the left side mirror to show what\u2019s on the left side of the car (through the infotainment screen) whenever the driver signals to the left.\n\n\nOther noteworthy equipment of the new City include keyless entry with push start button, rear air-conditioning vents, and 15-inch wheels, though the higher-end RS and V trims get larger 16-inch wheels with different designs. The City comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support as well, but this is not offered on the base S model.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the fifth generation Honda City starts from RM74,191.27 to RM86,561.45. After the tax exemption period is over, it will go from RM76,800 to RM89,800 instead. The range-topping RS e:HEV model, on the other hand, will only be available in Malaysia sometime in January 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/these-are-the-iphone-12-iphone-12-mini-oled-notched-screens-a14-bionic-from-rm3399/", "title": "These Are the iPhone 12 & iPhone 12 mini: OLED Notched Screens, A14 Bionic, From RM3,399", "body": "\n\nToday\u2019s the day: Apple just unveiled its new iPhone models for 2020. For starters, the Cupertino company introduced the standard iPhone 12 and the very compact iPhone 12 mini. Not only are both of these iPhones equipped with 5G connectivity, they are using OLED screens as well.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, it seems like Apple is moving away from LCD panels with its latest iPhones. The standard iPhone 12 sports a 6.1-inch 2532 x 1170 Super Retina XDR OLED display, while the iPhone 12 mini has a 5.4-inch 2340 x 1080 OLED panel. On top of that, the screen of both phones are protected by a new \u201cCeramic Shield\u201d glass, which is said to be four times more resistant to breaking.\n\n\nThese are all great upgrades, but the wide notch at the top of the screen is still retained, unfortunately enough.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s move on to performance. The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini are powered by the new A14 Bionic chip, which is touted to be the \u201cfastest chip on a smartphone.\u201d That\u2019s quite a lofty claim, but given that past Apple chips have always proved to be extremely capable, we\u2019re inclined to take the company\u2019s word for it.\n\n\nIn the camera department, both of these iPhones have a dual camera system made up of a 12MP f/1.6 primary sensor and a 12MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle camera. Thanks to Apple\u2019s computational photography, the company promises that these two phones \u2013 despite the rather pedestrian hardware \u2013 can capture great-looking shots.\n\n\n\n\nThe iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini are meant to be affordable alternatives to the more premium iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max, so naturally, they don\u2019t cost quite as much. For the Malaysian market, the iPhone 12 mini retails from RM3,399, while the iPhone 12 starts at RM3,899.\n\n\nAs usual, even though the Malaysian pricing of the two new iPhones have been revealed, it remains to be seen exactly when they will be available locally.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-12-pro-iphone-12-pro-max-bring-lidar-scanner-bigger-screens-from-rm4899/", "title": "iPhone 12 Pro & iPhone 12 Pro Max Bring LIDAR Scanner & Bigger Screens From RM4,899", "body": "\n\nThe \nregular iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini\n not quite up your alley? Then the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max could be for you. Compared to the standard iPhone 12, the Pro and Pro Max models feature a LIDAR scanner, more premium build quality, and in the case of the Pro Max, an even bigger screen.\n\n\nPacked with a 6.7-inch 2778 x 1284 Super Retina XDR OLED screen, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is the largest iPhone yet. The Pro model, on the other hand, comes with a smaller 6.1-inch 2532 x 1170 OLED screen. The display of these two phones are also protected by Apple\u2019s new Ceramic Shield glass, which is said to be four times more resistant to breaking when dropped.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately enough, just as rumours have suggested, Apple isn\u2019t going with a high refresh rate screen with this year\u2019s iPhones. The large notch at the top of the display is still retained as well, though the screen now extends further to the edges of the phone. This gives it more of an all-screen design, even though the notch is still up there.\n\n\nUnder the hood of the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max is none other than the new A14 Bionic chip that made its debut on the new \niPad Air\n. It\u2019s an impressive processor that promises the best performance you can get on a smartphone, and built on a 5nm process, it\u2019s also a very power-efficient chip.\n\n\n\n\nGiven the more premium positioning of iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max, they are built as such. Instead of an aluminium chassis \u2013 like the standard iPhone 12 \u2013 these two models feature a stainless steel frame. Based on product images of the two phones, the chassis seems to have a glossy finish too, which should feel great to the touch.\n\n\nOf course, there\u2019s also the LIDAR scanner; a feature that\u2019s not offered on the more affordable iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini. Basically, it allows for more sophisticated AR features. It works in tandem with the triple camera system of the iPhone 12 Pro as well (12MP f/1.6 primary + 12MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle + 12MP f/2.0 telephoto) for six times faster autofocus performance in low light conditions.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the iPhone 12 Pro Max actually comes with a different 12MP f/2.2 telephoto sensor. While the Pro can do 2x optical zoom, the Pro Max model can go slightly further at 2.5x optical zoom.\n\n\n\n\nMalaysian availability of the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max has not been detailed yet, but we do have the local pricing of both phones. The iPhone 12 Pro starts at RM4,899, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max retails from RM5,299.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-legion-phone-duel-launching-in-malaysia-20-october/", "title": "Lenovo Legion Phone Duel Launching in Malaysia 20 October", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019ve just received an invite from Lenovo Malaysia for the local launch of its first-ever gaming smartphone, the Lenovo Legion Phone Duel. Set to take place next week on 20 October, we\u2019ll finally learn more about the local availability and pricing of the gaming phone then.\n\n\nWhat makes the Legion Phone Duel particularly unique is its design; more specifically, the placement of its 20MP selfie camera. It\u2019s hidden underneath a pop-up mechanism on the right side of the phone, so when you\u2019re gaming with the phone in landscape mode, the camera won\u2019t be obstructed by your hands. This is purposely designed with streamers in mind.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, under the hood of the Legion Phone Duel are naturally very beefy hardware. Not only is it equipped with Qualcomm\u2019s latest Snapdragon 865+ chipset, it also comes with a 6.65-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED display with a high 144Hz refresh rate. Mobile gamers will definitely appreciate this fast screen.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Legion Phone Duel include 12GB or 16GB of RAM, two UFS 3.1 storage options (256GB or 512GB), two rear cameras (64MP f/1.89 primary + 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle), as well as a generous 5,000mAh battery. The 512GB variant of the gaming phone also supports 90W fast charging, which can fully charge the phone in only 30 minutes.\n\n\n\n\nThe Lenovo Legion Phone Duel will be launched in Malaysia next week on 20 October. Stay tuned to Nextrift then for the local price and availability of the gaming phone!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-8t-arriving-in-malaysia-22-october/", "title": "OnePlus 8T Arriving in Malaysia 22 October", "body": "\n\nThe OnePlus 8T was unveiled just last night, and we now know exactly when the new smartphone will be launched in Malaysia. Set to arrive on our shores next week on 22 October, the OnePlus 8T will be another option for those who want a flagship-tier phone.\n\n\nOnePlus revealed the local launch of the OnePlus 8T on its social media pages. According to the Facebook post, the Malaysian launch will take place on 22 October at 12PM. Unfortunately, no word yet on exactly how much the flagship phone will cost here, though it\u2019s probably safe to assume it will be priced close to the OnePlus 8, which \nretailed from RM2,899\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the OnePlus 8T comes with several notable improvements. Not only does it come with a faster 120Hz 6.55-inch 1080p AMOLED screen now, it features a quad camera system as well. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP f/1.75 primary sensor, a 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, a 5MP macro lens, and a 2MP monochrome camera. Unfortunately, there\u2019s still no telephoto sensor.\n\n\nOther specifications of the OnePlus 8T include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, 16MP f/2.4 selfie camera, 8GB or 12GB of RAM, two UFS 3.1 storage options (128GB or 256GB), a 4,500mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging, and OxygenOS 11 based on Android 11 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe OnePlus 8T will be arriving in Malaysia next week on 22 October; we\u2019ll find out then exactly how much the flagship smartphone will cost locally. For the sake of comparison, the OnePlus 8T retails at $749 (about RM3,105) in the US for the 256GB model with 12GB of RAM.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-grab-the-samsung-galaxy-note-20-ultra-with-over-rm1000-discount/", "title": "Deal: Grab the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra With Over RM1,000 Discount", "body": "\n\nThe \nSamsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra\n is the Korean company\u2019s latest and greatest Note device yet, but retailing at RM5,199, it\u2019s also a costly smartphone. Well, if you\u2019ve been waiting for a good discount, here it is: you can get the Note 20 Ultra \nfor only RM4,188 now\n.\n\n\nThat\u2019s a whopping RM1,011 worth of discount, which is no small amount. This deal for the Note 20 Ultra is also offered by the reputable G Store on Lazada, so rest assured, this is a very legitimate offer. The retailer also has all three colours in stock: Mystic Bronze, Mystic Black, and Mystic White.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, do note that this is a limited time deal; it is only valid today on 15 October. On top of that, G Store is only listing 10 stocks for each colour of the Note 20 Ultra. At the moment, there are only nine units of the Mystic Bronze model left.\n\n\nNeedless to say, \nRM4,188 \nfor the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is a fantastic deal, especially if you want the best Note device yet. Not sure if it\u2019s the flagship phone for you? Then check out \nour review of the Note 20 Ultra\n.\n\n\nThanks for the tip, Pang!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hp-envy-x360-now-in-malaysia-ryzen-5-4500u-convertible-laptop-for-rm3799/", "title": "HP Envy x360 Now in Malaysia; Ryzen 5 4500U Convertible Laptop for RM3,799", "body": "\n\nHP recently launched the new HP Envy x360 convertible laptop in Malaysia. Sporting AMD\u2019s excellent Ryzen 4000 series chip, the Envy x360 is a good option for those who want a relatively portable productivity laptop for not too much money.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, only one variant of the Envy x360 is offered. For RM3,799, the convertible laptop is packed with a Ryzen 5 4500U hexa-core processor, which should be fast enough for most tasks. Coupled with the integrated Radeon Graphics, you should be able to do some gaming on the side as well.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Envy x360 also comes with a 13.3-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS touch-enabled screen. Thanks to the slim bezels surrounding the display \u2013 giving it a sleek, modern-looking design \u2013 the laptop has a screen-to-body ratio of 88%, which is really quite good for a notebook in this price segment.\n\n\nThe dimensions of the Envy x360 is worth a mention too. Measuring 16.4mm at its thickest point with a 1.32kg chassis, it\u2019s a machine most users can easily lug around. Other specifications of this convertible laptop include 8GB of RAM, 512GB of internal storage, and a 51WHr battery that promises up to 13 hours of battery life.\n\n\n\n\nThe HP Envy x360 is now \navailable for purchase in Malaysia\n. Retailing at RM3,799, it\u2019s not a particularly affordable productivity-focused machine, but you are getting quite a premium-looking convertible laptop.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-employee-tests-positive-for-covid-19-low-risk-of-exposure-to-customers/", "title": "Proton Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19; Low Risk of Exposure to Customers", "body": "\n\nProton just sent out a press release confirming that one of its employees tested positive for COVID-19. The employee belongs to the Research and Development Department of the national carmaker in Shah Alam, and the individual was confirmed to be positive on 14 October.\n\n\nGiven that the employee \u201cwas not in any way customer facing,\u201d as Proton said in a statement, it is unlikely that customers were exposed to the virus. Proton added that it immediately took appropriate actions to ensure prevention of further spread, and that contract tracing is already underway.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cRespective departments have been asked to stay away from the office and self-quarantine, followed by deep cleansing and a disinfection of the premises and any suspected areas,\u201d Proton added. The carmaker assures customers that it will continue to strictly follow all guidelines and procedures laid out by the authorities in this pandemic, as it has always done from the very beginning.\n\n\nBeyond that, Proton did not elaborate further on how this would affect the launch timeline of its upcoming model, the Proton X50. The launch event for the highly anticipated B-segment SUV was widely believed to happen sometime this month, but given that Selangor, KL, and Putrajaya are under CMCO until 27 October (for now), it\u2019s likely that the event is postponed.\n\n\n\n\nRegardless, we will keep a close eye on any news related to the Proton X50. Until then, check out \nour coverage of the X50 so far\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/should-you-pre-order-the-playstation-5/", "title": "Should You Pre-Order the PlayStation 5?", "body": "\n\nThere\u2019s a lot of hype and excitement surrounding the \nPlayStation 5\n. After all, pre-orders for the next generation console is practically sold out globally; even the \nsecond wave of pre-orders\n for the Singaporean market is not enough to satiate gamers.\n\n\nIn short, it can be difficult (and frustrating) for gamers to get their hands on the PS5. This is amplified for us here in Malaysia, given that there isn\u2019t even any confirmation of pre-order for the console in our market. If you\u2019re disheartened about not being able to secure an order for the PS5, here are a number of reasons why it may be worth it to just\u2026wait it out.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo Exclusive Games Yet\n\n\nEven though PlayStation showed off a lot of exciting new games for the PS5, most of them (if not all) are playable on the PS4 or other platforms. Take \nMarvel\u2019s Spider-Man: Miles Morales\n, one of the launch games for the PS5. If you\u2019ve got a PS4, you can still play the same game.\n\n\n\n\nSure, you don\u2019t get the performance upgrades of the PS5 or any possible interaction with the \nnew DualSense controller\n, but you\u2019re still not missing out on any PS5 title if you\u2019re an existing PS4 owner at the moment. Plus, when you do get a PS5..\n\n\nFree Upgrade When You\u2019re Ready\n\n\nIn the case of Spider-Man: Miles Morales \u2013 or any first-party PS5 game that is also available on the PS4 \u2013 those who purchase the PS4 version of the title will receive a free upgrade to the PS5 version. So when you\u2019re ready to get a PS5, you will have access to the improved version of the game from the get-go.\n\n\n\n\nEssentially, you\u2019re not \u201cwasting\u201d any money by purchasing the PS4 version of games that are available on the PS5, and you\u2019re basically getting two games for the price of one. Really, it\u2019s a win-win situation that benefits current owners of the PS4 quite a bit. Existing PS4 owners will still remain very relevant in the next couple of years.\n\n\nWider Availability\n\n\nThis is probably the biggest reason to not pre-order the PS5. As mentioned earlier, it\u2019s quite difficult to secure an order for the next generation console right now, which can get quite frustrating. Once the PS5 is more widely available, you can save yourself the frustration. You won\u2019t have to deal with long waiting time either.\n\n\nMore Colour Options in the Future\n\n\nAs with any PlayStation console released thus far, it\u2019s only a matter of time before the Japanese company introduces different colour options for the PS5. Those who are not a fan of the sole white model available right now may want to hold out until more colours are released.\n\n\n\n\nBetter yet, wait for special editions of the PS5 if you want something more unique. Granted, it will be a while before this happens, but if you\u2019re already an existing PS4 owner, you can still enjoy a number of PS5 games on the system. Well, until the PS5 gets exclusive games, anyway.\n\n\nWait for Actual User Reviews\n\n\nAlthough we have plenty of information on the PS5 already, there are no user review of the console just yet. While we\u2019re confident there would be no huge issue with the system, it\u2019s always wise to wait and see if there are any possible aspects of the PS5 that might not sit well with you.\n\n\n\n\nSo then, should you pre-order the PlayStation 5? It will no doubt offer incredibly good performance upgrades over its predecessor, and to be one of the first gamers to get their hands on the next generation console is enticing to some folks. But just keep in mind the points we\u2019ve mentioned above: you\u2019re not missing out too much by not pre-ordering the PS5, especially if you\u2019re an existing PS4 owner.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/17-23-october-fuel-price-ron-95-ron-97-up-1-sen-diesel-by-5-sen/", "title": "17 \u2013 23 October Fuel Price: RON 95 & RON 97 Up 1 Sen, Diesel By 5 Sen", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s Friday again, so here\u2019s the weekly update on fuel prices. Unfortunately, it\u2019s an upward trend this week. Both RON 95 and RON 97 will go up by 1 sen per litre this midnight, while the price of diesel is also going up by 5 sen per litre.\n\n\nThis brings the price of RON 95 to RM1.68 per litre (up from RM1.67) and RON 97 to RM1.98 per litre (RM1.97 previously) at the stroke of midnight. As for diesel, it will cost RM1.74 per litre, up from RM1.69.\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 17 to 23 October next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Friday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-long-term-review-how-is-this-gacha-game-so-good/", "title": "Genshin Impact Long-Term Review: How Is This Gacha Game So Good?", "body": "\n\nGacha games are aplenty in the market, but none of them are quite like Genshin Impact. Not only does it offer cross-platform progression across a wide range of systems \u2013 though this is not applicable to the PS4 version \u2013 Mihoyo\u2019s latest title also feels like a full-fledged, content-rich, proper RPG game with an engrossing storyline \u2013 it\u2019s free-to-play to boot.\n\n\nOf course, Genshin Impact is still inherently a gacha game, so there are some typical gacha pitfalls here. That being said, I\u2019ve been playing the game since release day, and while the gacha aspect of Genshin Impact is very much present, it doesn\u2019t feel like the sole focus of the game. This makes it an incredibly fun game, and I haven\u2019t been able to put it down.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nGenshin Impact, as mentioned, is developed by Mihoyo, the same company behind Honkai Impact. But unlike the latter, Genshin Impact is available on a wider range of platforms, including PC, Android, iOS, and even PS4. The best part is, your progression continues across the first three platforms, with the PS4 version being the only exception.\n\n\nIf you followed the development of Genshin Impact, you must\u2019ve seen it being compared to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Yes, the RPG\u2019s open-world exploration and art style do look reminiscent to Nintendo\u2019s hit game, but Genshin Impact is much more than that \u2013 I\u2019ll explain in the next section.\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nWhat drew me to Genshin Impact the most is the fact that it has a \nvery\n engrossing storyline. You play the game as the Traveler, and you\u2019re looking for your twin sister \u2013 or brother, depending on who you choose in the beginning of the game \u2013 in a foreign world. In your journey to do so, you\u2019ll meet quite a number of characters, each with their own unique personality and excellent character development.\n\n\nWithout getting into spoiler territory, it\u2019s suffice to say that Genshin Impact\n \nhas one of the best storylines I\u2019ve played through. Not even by the standards of a mobile game; it is \neasily\n on par with the majority of other proper AAA RPG games on PC and console. That\u2019s how engaging the story of Genshin Impact is.\n\n\n\n\nFurther complementing this is the fantastic voice acting. Not only can you select between four different languages \u2013 English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean \u2013 I\u2019m pleasantly surprised at how good the English voice acting is. Unfortunately, lip-syncing is practically non-existent regardless of which language you choose, but it doesn\u2019t bother me too much, especially for a free-to-play game.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the overall gameplay of Genshin Impact. The combat system, for one, offers a lot of depth and different playstyles. You need to build a team of four, and each character in the game are aligned with one of seven elements, though there are only six playable elements at the moment.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, in order to maximise damage output, you\u2019re required to combine certain elements in a specific order. Further adding to this combat mechanic are the different skills each character wield and deciding which artifact set will be perfect for them. Basically, there are many ways to build a team that will suit your playstyle; there\u2019s a surprising amount of sophistication here.\n\n\nAside from that, the beautifully rendered world of Genshin Impact itself offers plenty of exploration. The vast environment is packed to the brim with chests, materials, and even puzzles to solve for some neat rewards. While it can feel tedious at times \u2013 especially if you need to farm for specific materials for character or weapon ascension \u2013 the game does reward exploration quite a bit with Primogems (which are required to \u201croll\u201d for characters), experience, and achievements.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of Primogems, Mihoyo is actually quite generous with them. Whenever the developer issues a fix for bugs, it will compensate players with Primogems. Heck, even scheduled maintenances reward players with Primogems; the longer the servers are down, the more Primogems will be issued. On top of that, there are quite a bit of in-game events as well that give \u2013 you guessed it \u2013 Primogems.\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the cross-platform progression of Genshin Impact. In short, it\u2019s amazing. I prefer to play the game on PC, but whenever this isn\u2019t possible, I can just launch the game on my smartphone to continue where I left off. Sure, the controls are not as precise on mobile, but at least I can still complete my daily missions and what not without much difficulty.\n\n\nAs mentioned, those who are playing the PS4 version won\u2019t be able to enjoy this, though there is a chance this could change in the future.\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nEven though Genshin Impact has a lot of good qualities, it still has a number of pain points. The biggest one is the fact that this is still a gacha game, so if you want a specific character or weapon, you\u2019ll have to keep rolling for either one of them using Primogems. Needless to say, it can be frustrating if you fail to get what you\u2019re aiming for.\n\n\nNow, if you decide to purchase more Primogems with cash to get more opportunities to roll, this is the real \u201cdanger\u201d with gacha games like Genshin Impact. It can get very expensive very quickly, and the monetary investment may not be worth it in the long run, especially if you lose interest in the game down the road.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Resin system of Genshin Impact is also one of the biggest limitations in the game. In order to claim rewards from defeating special bosses and dungeons, you need to use Resin, which takes quite some time to regenerate. Naturally, you can use Primogems or a limited item called Fragile Resin to instantly get more Resin, but you really should be saving the former to roll for characters or weapons.\n\n\nGranted, Version 1.1 of Genshin Impact \u2013 which went live just last week \u2013 made things better by increasing the Resin cap from 120 to 160. Still, the limitation is still there; the amount of gears and level up material you can get daily will be dictated by how much Resin you have.\n\n\n\n\nAnd that brings us to the next pain point. Not only are you limited by Resin when you\u2019re farming for equipment and materials, looking for a gear with desirable stats is entirely decided by chance. Besides that, level up materials for different characters and weapons are only available on certain days as well, so you have to pay close attention to not miss them.\n\n\nIs It Worth Playing?\n\n\nEven though some aspects of the game could be better, Genshin Impact is absolutely worth playing. Yes, it\u2019s a gacha game, but it doesn\u2019t \nfeel\n like a gacha game with its incredible storyline, sophisticated gameplay, and a vast, beautiful world to explore. I also love the fact that it supports cross-platform progression.\n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact is easily one of the best \u2013 if not \nthe best\n \u2013 free-to-play RPG games released this year. After all, it has already proven to be a financial success for Mihoyo on a global scale. I haven\u2019t outright purchased Primogems with cash yet \u2013 though I did get the Battle Pass and monthly subscription for daily Primogems \u2013 but I\u2019m still having an \nabsolute\n ball in the game.\n\n\nMore importantly, I don\u2019t feel the \u201cpaywall\u201d in Genshin Impact yet despite not pouring all that much money into the game. Hopefully, Mihoyo will continue to improve the gaming experience for free-to-play players moving forward \u2013 it\u2019s certainly doing a good job at that right now, in my opinion.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nI\u2019ve Played Genshin Impact for Over a Year \u2013 Still Worth Playing?\n\n\nI Play Genshin Impact Almost Exclusively on the PS5 Now\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-production-not-affected-by-covid-19-but-launch-delayed/", "title": "Proton X50 Production Not Affected by COVID-19, but Launch Delayed", "body": "\n\nSince the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) came into effect last week for Selangor, KL, and Putrajaya, many were worried that the release of the \nProton X50\n will be delayed. Well, while the official launch is indeed moved back, production of the highly anticipated B-segment SUV in still ongoing.\n\n\nThis bit of news came from \nFuntasticko\n. Citing a source familiar with the matter, the site mentioned that the X50\u2019s local launch has been postponed to a later date due to CMCO. Besides that, it was also pushed back as the Prime Minister (who was likely set to officiate the event) was still under home quarantine, though that\u2019s no longer the case now.\n\n\n\n\nBut even though the official launch of the X50 has been delayed, Funtasticko\u2019s source said that production of the SUV at the national carmaker\u2019s Tanjung Malim plant in Perak is unaffected. In fact, Proton is supposedly producing as many units of the X50 as possible to reduce the waiting period.\n\n\nAfter all, \nover 20,000 bookings for the X50\n were made in only two weeks. While it\u2019s unlikely everyone who placed a booking for the SUV will get it this year \u2013 many are hoping to take advantage of the 100% sales tax exemption for locally assembled (CKD) cars in 2020 \u2013 Proton is evidently doing its best to meet consumer demand.\n\n\n\n\nAs for exactly when the Proton X50 will be officially launched, it\u2019s likely happening after CMCO is lifted on 27 October, assuming it won\u2019t be extended. Until then, check out our \nother coverage of the X50\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/49-more-proton-employees-test-positive-for-covid-19/", "title": "49 More Proton Employees Test Positive for COVID-19", "body": "\n\nLast week, Proton confirmed that one of its employees \ntested positive for COVID-19\n, and it appears more have been infected. The national carmaker just sent us an update on the situation, mentioning that 49 other employees have tested positive for the virus.\n\n\nAccording to Proton, all 49 of the infected are from the Engineering Division in Shah Alam, and all of these cases have been reported to the authorities. In light of this, the company \u201chas requested all non-essential personnel who work within the Shah Alam facility to work from home as a precautionary measure.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nProton added that it has been adhering to official protocols concerning COVID-19 prevention, and it will continue to do so with more stringent actions to ensure no further spread of the virus. \u201cContact tracing is ongoing and a COVID-19 team is monitoring the situation very closely,\u201d the company added.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re wondering if this will affect the official launch and production of the Proton X50, the carmaker did not elaborate on this. But \nbased on our earlier report\n, production of the B-segment SUV shouldn\u2019t be affected, given that it is assembled at Proton\u2019s Tanjung Malim plant in Perak.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the local launch of the \nProton X50\n, it remains to be seen exactly when it will take place, given that Selangor, KL, and Putrajaya are still under CMCO until 27 October. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on any news related to the X50.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-legion-phone-duel-unleashed-in-malaysia-from-rm3399/", "title": "Lenovo Legion Phone Duel Unleashed in Malaysia From RM3,399", "body": "\n\nLenovo just launched its first-ever gaming smartphone in Malaysia, the Lenovo Legion Phone Duel. Featuring some high-end hardware under the hood with a unique pop-up selfie camera on the side, the Legion Phone Duel is quite an intriguing gaming smartphone.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, two variants of the Legion Phone Duel are offered. The 256GB model with 12GB of RAM retails at RM3,399, while the more generous 512GB option with a whopping 16GB of RAM costs RM3,999. Two colour options are available as well: Vengeance Red and Blazing Blue.\n\n\n\n\nNow, what makes the Legion Phone Duel particularly unique is the placement of its 20MP selfie camera. It\u2019s hidden underneath a pop-up mechanism on the right side of the phone, so when you\u2019re gaming with the phone in landscape mode, the camera won\u2019t be obstructed by your hands. This is purposely designed with streamers in mind.\n\n\nAside from that, the Legion Phone Duel is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ chipset, so you can expect to get an excellent level of performance. it also comes with a 6.65-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED display with a high 144Hz refresh rate; something mobile gamers will definitely appreciate.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Legion Phone Duel include two rear cameras (64MP f/1.89 primary + 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle) and a generous 5,000mAh battery. The 512GB variant of the gaming phone also supports 90W fast charging, which can fully charge the phone in only 30 minutes.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Lenovo Legion Phone Duel retails at RM3,399 and RM3,999 for the 256GB and 512GB models respectively in Malaysia. The high-end gaming smartphone will be available for purchase locally from 26 October onwards.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-wh-1000xm4-quick-review-better-than-ever/", "title": "Sony WH-1000XM4 Quick Review: Better Than Ever", "body": "\n\nThe Sony WH-1000XM3 was one of the best wireless headphones with active noise cancellation, and the successor, the Sony WH-1000XM4, adds some notable features and upgrades. I\u2019ve been using the XM4 for a few weeks now, and as an existing XM3 owner, I\u2019m really impressed with the improvements.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to get one of the best noise-cancelling headphones in the market now, look no further than the WH-1000XM4. Not only does it offer excellent audio quality and features, it\u2019s also surprisingly affordable now.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nEven though the WH-1000XM4 looks practically identical to its predecessor, it does come with a number of added features. For starters, it can now connect to two audio sources at the same time thanks to Bluetooth multipoint. This makes it \na lot\n easier to switch between two different devices. With the XM3, I would have to unpair from the current device before I can connect it to a different audio source.\n\n\nAside from that, the XM4 also sports better noise cancellation and audio quality, but more on these in the next section.\n\n\nThe WH-1000XM4 (top) and the WH-1000XM3\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nSince the XM3 was known for its excellent noise cancellation, let\u2019s talk about how the XM4 improves upon this. While the former did a very good job silencing ambient noise, the XM4 does it \neven better\n. The moment I put on the headphones, I feel completely isolated from the outside world. Even voices can be muted by the XM4 more effectively than the XM3, as per Sony\u2019s claim of better noise-cancelling with mid-high frequencies.\n\n\nWhat about audio quality? Though both the XM3 and XM4 have similar sound profiles, the XM4 has a wider soundstage, lending to a more comfortable, less fatigue-inducing listening experience. In contrast, the XM3 has a more narrow soundstage with stronger bass response, which may not be to everyone\u2019s taste. Personally, I prefer the audio quality of the XM4 ever so slightly.\n\n\n\n\nComfort is also another one of the XM4\u2019s strong point. The overall fit of the headphones has been revised here and there for a more snug fit, and the larger earcups feel noticeably more comfortable. This is especially evident in prolonged usage; even after hours of use, I don\u2019t feel like the headphones are applying too much pressure on my head.\n\n\nSpeaking of long hours of use, the XM4 still has \nridiculously \nlong battery life. I\u2019ve used the headphones (easily) in excess of 25 hours, and it\u2019s still going strong. Sony quotes a total usage of up to 30 hours, and I\u2019m confident I can get this level of battery life easily, even with noise-cancelling enabled.\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s also one other new feature of the XM4 that I really like. Whenever I take the headphones off, my music will be automatically paused. The moment I put it back on, it will resume my music playback. This is possible with a proximity sensor inside the left earcup and two acceleration sensors that detect whether I\u2019m wearing the headphones or not.\n\n\nYes, this is not exactly a groundbreaking feature, but it\u2019s a very meaningful quality of life improvement for me personally.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nOverall, there are no big issues with the WH-1000XM4, but there are some small niggling issues here and there. The \u201cSpeak-to-Chat\u201d feature, for one \u2013 which automatically activates ambient sound mode whenever I start speaking \u2013 takes a bit too long to deactivate after I\u2019m done with my conversation. Granted, I can always just double tap on the right earcup to resume playback quicker.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that\u2026there really isn\u2019t any aspect of the XM4 that I don\u2019t like. Okay, it would\u2019ve been nice if it gets more obvious styling changes over the XM3, but it\u2019s not like there\u2019s any huge issue with the design of the two headphones in the first place anyway.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you\u2019re not an existing owner of the WH-1000XM3, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is definitely worth it. While the XM4 improves upon its predecessor in meaningful ways, it\u2019s not exactly a big enough leap to warrant an upgrade. Sony is refining an already great pair of headphones with the XM4.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the XM4 even more attractive is the fact that it\u2019s actually quite a bit more affordable now since it was launched here \nback in August\n. Originally retailing at RM1,599, you can easily grab the wireless headphones for \nwell below that asking price during promotions\n. Of course, you\u2019ve got to wait for the right time, but what\u2019s certain is the fact that you won\u2019t have to pay retail price for the XM4 anymore.\n\n\nIf you can get a good deal, the WH-1000XM4 is a fantastic buy. It has excellent active noise cancellation, it offers great audio quality, and it has incredibly long battery life. What more can you ask for from a pair of wireless headphones at this price point?\n\n\nLi Jin Soh contributed to this article.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-matebook-14-lands-in-malaysia-ryzen-4000h-laptop-from-rm3799/", "title": "Huawei MateBook 14 Lands in Malaysia; Ryzen 4000H Laptop From RM3,799", "body": "\n\nHuawei just launched a new laptop in Malaysia, the Huawei MateBook 14. Unlike most productivity laptops, what makes this relatively thin and light notebook particularly unique is the processor under the hood: it\u2019s powered by AMD\u2019s Ryzen 4000H series processors.\n\n\nTypically, Ryzen 4000H processors are found in gaming laptops, so it\u2019s quite interesting that Huawei decided to use them for the MateBook 14. Anyway, two variants of the laptop are offered in Malaysia: the Ryzen 5 4600H model costs RM3,799, while the higher-end Ryzen 7 4800H configuration \u2013 complete with a touch-enabled screen \u2013 retails at RM4,399.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the choice of processor and touchscreen, other hardware of the two MateBook 14 models are identical. Both feature a 14-inch 2160 x 1440 IPS display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, which offers more vertical space than a conventional 16:9 screen; perfect for productivity tasks.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the MateBook 14 include 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, integrated Radeon Graphics, a chassis that weighs 1.49kg and 15.9mm thin, a 56WHr battery, a fingerprint sensor underneath the power button, as well as a webcam that\u2019s hidden under a pop-up mechanism in the keyboard.\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei MateBook 14 will be \navailable for pre-order in Malaysia on 26 October\n. To recap, the Ryzen 5 4600H model costs RM3,799, while the Ryzen 7 4800H variant retails at RM4,399. \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-will-now-be-launched-online/", "title": "Proton X50 Will Now Be Launched Online", "body": "\n\nMany are waiting for the official launch of the \nProton X50\n, but with CMCO in place, it\u2019s not exactly feasible to hold a physical launch event. In light of this, Proton said that it will now launch the highly anticipated B-segment SUV through a live stream.\n\n\nThis is confirmed in a report by \nSoyaCincau\n, which got a statement from a Proton spokesperson on the matter. Here\u2019s the pertaining statement:\n\n\nWith regards to the Proton X50 launch, we are continuing according to the schedule for a virtual launch of our new SUV. Initially, we planned to have a physical launch but even before the implementation of the CMCO the company had decided that such an event would not be in tandem with the mood of the nation and decided to scale things down considerably.\n\n\n\n\nThere you have it: official confirmation from Proton itself that the X50 will be launched through a virtual event. Of course, it remains to be seen as to when exactly this will happen, but we imagine it will be taking place very soon.\n\n\nAs per our previous report\n, Proton also reiterated that production of the X50 is not affected at all by COVID-19. This is despite the fact that 50 employees from the Engineering Division \ntested positive for the virus\n. \u201cWe do not expect it to impact our production volumes,\u201d the company added.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, the wait for the official launch of the Proton X50 is coming to an end very soon. No word yet on exactly how much it will cost, though there is a chance the B-segment SUV will retail \nbelow the RM90,000 price point\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-swift-3x-with-intel-iris-xe-max-dedicated-gpu-unveiled-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Acer Swift 3X With Intel Iris Xe Max Dedicated GPU Unveiled; Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nAcer just introduced the Acer Swift 3X at its Next@Acer launch event. As the name suggests, this laptop isn\u2019t quite like the regular Swift 3. What makes it particularly unique is the GPU under its hood: the Swift 3X features Intel\u2019s yet to be announced Iris Xe Max dedicated GPU.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, a brand new dedicated GPU from Intel in a laptop. While this is quite exciting, the performance level of the Iris Xe Max GPU has not been revealed yet, so we\u2019ll have to wait until the Swift 3X is available for review to really find out. On a more positive note, we were told that the laptop will be arriving in Malaysia very soon.\n\n\n\n\nAside from the GPU, the Swift 3X is naturally powered by Intel\u2019s latest 11th generation Core processors, and it can be paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage. On top of that, the Taiwanese company also mentioned that the new laptop weighs just 1.37kg; lightweight enough for folks who are always on the go.\n\n\nAside from that, the Swift 3X offers a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen as well with an 84% screen-to-body ratio. Not exactly the best figure we\u2019ve seen on a laptop, but definitely good enough to give the Swift 3X a modern-looking design. Acer also said that this laptop can provide up to 17.5 hours of battery life on a single charge.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Acer Swift 3X is expected to arrive here in Malaysia very soon. No word yet on exactly how much it will cost locally, though it does retail from $900 in the US, which comes up to about RM3,735.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-mate-40-pro-hands-on-class-leading-camera/", "title": "Huawei Mate 40 Pro Hands-On: Class-Leading Camera", "body": "\n\nDespite its current predicament, Huawei continues to release some impressive flagship smartphones, and the Huawei Mate 40 Pro is no different. After spending a brief time with the device, I\u2019m convinced it\u2019s high-end smartphone through and through, and it can easily go against the best in the market now.\n\n\nBut the fact that the Mate 40 Pro doesn\u2019t ship with Google\u2019s apps and services is still its biggest shortcoming, though Huawei is taking steps to fill the void left by Google. Nonetheless, there\u2019s no denying the fact that the Mate 40 Pro is an excellent flagship smartphone with some fantastic hardware, including a killer camera.\n\n\n\n\nSince camera performance is usually one of the biggest talking points of any flagship Huawei device, let\u2019s get to that first. The Mate 40 Pro features a triple camera system made up of a 50MP \u201cUltra Vision\u201d f/1.9 primary sensor, a 20MP f/1.8 ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 12MP f/3.4 periscope telephoto lens. There is also a laser autofocus system to lock in focus quickly and accurately.\n\n\nSo how is it like shooting with the Mate 40 Pro? As expected, it can take some amazing shots. Not only does its ultra-wide angle lens\u2019 distortion correction is great, the camera as a whole has excellent colour reproduction as well. Even noise level is kept to a minimum with good detail preservation. Though there\u2019s a lot of post-processing involved, the results look great.\n\n\nBasically, if you want a smartphone that can take very flattering-looking shots, you will not be disappointed with the Mate 40 Pro.\n\n\n20MP ultra-wide angle\n50MP primary\n12MP telephoto (5x zoom)\n12MP telephoto (10x zoom)\n\n\nIn the performance department, the Mate 40 Pro is powered by Huawei\u2019s very own Kirin 9000 chipset. Not only does it still support 5G networks (naturally), it\u2019s also built on a 5nm process. In fact, Huawei is the second company to do so after Apple with its own A14 Bionic chip.\n\n\nThe fact that the Kirin 9000 is a 5nm chip means that it will be more power-efficient than its predecessor, the 7nm Kirin 990. This power efficiency, paired with the Mate 40 Pro\u2019s 4,400mAh battery, means you can expect to get good battery life out of this phone.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Mate 40 Pro also supports 66W SuperCharge wired charging. On top of that, the phone can also do 50W wireless charging. It\u2019s an impressive feat, given that not many smartphones support this level of wireless fast charging.\n\n\n\n\nAs for build quality, it goes without saying the Mate 40 Pro is a solid smartphone that feels premium in the hands. Despite the aggressive curve of the display, it still feels surprisingly comfortable to hold. It\u2019s ergonomically-sound too with very good palm rejection.\n\n\nThe screen itself is also befitting of a flagship smartphone. The Mate 40 Pro sports a bright and vibrant 6.76-inch 1080p OLED display with an oblong-shaped hole-punch cutout for the 13MP f/2.4 selfie camera and 3D depth sensing sensor. On top of that, the screen has a 90Hz refresh rate as well.\n\n\nWhile this refresh rate isn\u2019t quite as impressive as its competitions\u2019 faster 120Hz displays, it still offers good motion clarity and smooth animations. Plus, it\u2019s not exactly easy to tell the difference between 90Hz and 120Hz, unless you\u2019re comparing the two refresh rates side by side.\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt the Huawei Mate 40 Pro is a refined, capable flagship smartphone with a very promising camera system. However, the lack of Google Mobile Services is the phone\u2019s biggest shortcoming. After all, Google\u2019s range of apps and services practically define an Android smartphone.\n\n\nOf course, Huawei is doing its best to address the lack of Google on its smartphones. According to the company, it is actively adding more apps to the AppGallery \u2013 which is basically Huawei\u2019s answer to the Google Play Store \u2013 so that it would be a viable alternative to the Play Store. In fact, Huawei said that over 90% of Malaysian\u2019s most frequently used apps are available there.\n\n\n\n\nBut at the end of the day, most consumers still rely heavily on Google\u2019s apps and services. It won\u2019t be easy to get accustomed to the absence of these features on the Mate 40 Pro, or any recent Huawei device for that matter. Yes, it\u2019s a compelling flagship smartphone, but without Google, it\u2019s still tough for the average user to consider getting this device.\n\n\nOf course, it\u2019s still possible to access some of Google\u2019s services with the Mate 40 Pro, but you would have to jump through hoops to get that done. If you\u2019re willing to do that, and you want a flagship smartphone with easily one of the best hardware in the market now, this phone fits the bill.\n\n\nNow all that\u2019s left is for Huawei to officially introduce the Mate 40 Pro in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-finally-launching-on-27-october/", "title": "Proton X50 Finally Launching on 27 October", "body": "\n\nHere it is! Proton just confirmed that its highly anticipated B-segment SUV, the Proton X50, will be launched next week on 27 October. As per our \nprevious report\n, it will be launched online through a live stream. It won\u2019t be long now until we find out exactly how much the new model will cost.\n\n\nProton revealed the launch date of the X50 on its Facebook page in a video teaser showcasing the different aspects of the SUV. The virtual launch will be taking place on 27 October next week at exactly 10:50AM on the company\u2019s Facebook page, just like how it was for the \nProton Saga Anniversary Edition\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the X50 particularly attractive is its feature set. Four different variants of the B-segment SUV are offered, with the range-topping Flagship model getting all the bells and whistles. These include a 1.5L turbocharged direct-injected three-cylinder engine with 177PS and 255Nm of torque, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and level 2 semi-autonomous driving.\n\n\nWe\u2019ve put the X50 through its paces\n not too long ago, and we\u2019re really impressed with what the new model offers. Even though its pricing has not been revealed yet, many are eager to get their hands on the X50. After all, in a span of only two weeks, \n20,000 bookings were already placed\n for the SUV; that\u2019s a very impressive figure.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Proton X50 will be launched online next week on 27 October at 10:50AM. You can catch the live stream of the virtual launch on Proton\u2019s Facebook page \nright here\n. In the meantime, check out our \nother coverage of the X50\n \u2013 there\u2019s a good chance it will cost \nbelow the RM90,000 price point\n too.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-8t-lands-in-malaysia-from-rm2699-to-rm2999/", "title": "OnePlus 8T Lands in Malaysia; From RM2,699 to RM2,999", "body": "\n\nAs promised, the OnePlus 8T has just been launched in Malaysia. Sporting a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, a fast 120Hz screen, and a new quad camera system, it\u2019s quite a decent flagship smartphone with a reasonably competitive price tag.\n\n\nTwo variants of the OnePlus 8T are offered in Malaysia. The base model with 128GB of non-expandable storage and 8GB of RAM \nretails at RM2,699\n, while the 256GB option with 12GB of RAM costs \nslightly more at RM2,999\n. The 128GB variant is only available in Lunar Silver, while the 256GB model is offered in the sole Aquamarine Green colourway.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the OnePlus 8T is a Snapdragon 865 smartphone, so it should be able to offer flagship-tier performance. On top of that, it also comes with a 6.55-inch 1080p Fluid AMOLED screen that\u2019s sporting a high 120Hz refresh rate; an improvement over its predecessor\u2019s 90Hz panel.\n\n\nOther specifications of the OnePlus 8T include a quad camera system (48MP f/1.75 primary + 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle + 5MP macro + 2MP monochrome), a 16MP f/2.4 selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging, and OxygenOS 11 based on Android 11 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe OnePlus 8T will be available for purchase next week on 28 October at 12AM from Lazada. Alternatively, you can also get it from authorised retail stores from 31 October onwards. To recap, the OnePlus 8T retails at \nRM2,699\n and \nRM2,999 \nfor the 128GB + 8GB and 256GB + 12GB models respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-mate-40-pro-unveiled-with-5nm-kirin-9000-chip-90hz-screen/", "title": "Huawei Mate 40 Pro Unveiled With 5nm Kirin 9000 Chip & 90Hz Screen", "body": "\n\nHuawei\u2019s latest flagship smartphone is here, the Huawei Mate 40 Pro. Though it\u2019s not radically different from its predecessor, it does bring a number of improvements, including a faster screen, a more power-efficient Kirin 9000 chip, and a new triple camera system.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the chipset under the hood of the Mate 40 Pro. Just like Apple with its A14 Bionic chip, Huawei is moving to a 5nm process for the new Kirin 9000 chip. This means it will be more power-efficient than the Kirin 990, and naturally, it still supports 5G networks.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, it also has a 6.76-inch 1080p OLED screen with a fast 90Hz refresh rate, just like the \nP40 Pro\n. It would\u2019ve been great if it had a faster 120Hz screen like its competition, but at least it\u2019s not a conventional 60Hz display. Plus, the 90Hz screen won\u2019t be quite as power-hungry as a 120Hz panel, which should translate to better battery life.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the new triple camera system of the Mate 40 Pro. It\u2019s made up of a 50MP \u201cUltra Vision\u201d f/1.9 primary sensor, a 20MP f/1.8 ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 12MP f/3.4 periscope telephoto lens that can do 5x optical zoom and 50x digital zoom. There is also a laser autofocus system to lock in focus quicker and more accurately.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mate 40 Pro include a 13MP f/2.4 selfie camera paired with a 3D depth sensing camera, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage, and EMUI 11 based on Android 10 out of the box. No, it still doesn\u2019t come with Google Mobile Services.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, we only know the Huawei Mate 40 Pro\u2019s retail price in Europe, which is set at \u20ac1,199 (about RM5,880) for the sole 256GB model with 8GB of RAM. Do note that this price tag includes VAT, so expect it to cost less in markets outside of Europe, including Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/new-proton-x50-teaser-shows-off-the-citric-orange-model/", "title": "New Proton X50 Teaser Shows Off the Citric Orange Model", "body": "\n\nWe are only four days away from the \nofficial launch of the Proton X50\n, and the national carmaker is putting up more teasers of the highly anticipated B-segment SUV on its social media accounts. This latest teaser shows off the X50 in Citric Orange, a colour option that we haven\u2019t seen too much of.\n\n\nWe actually \nspotted the X50 in Citric Orange\n earlier this month, but that was during the daytime. In the teaser video below, we got a glimpse of how the Citric Orange model looks like when it is nighttime. You can see this at about the six-second mark in the video below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHow the Citric Orange model looks like in daytime\n\n\nBesides that, the video also highlights the performance of the X50. More specifically, the 1.5L turbocharged direct-injected engine that outputs 177PS and 255Nm of torque. This mill is only offered in the range-topping Flagship model; the other three models (Standard, Executive, and Premium) get a 1.5L turbocharged port-injected engine instead with 150PS and 226Nm of torque. Still very respectable figures.\n\n\nRegardless of which engine option you go for, it will be paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which is the very same one found in the \nProton X70\n. According to Proton, the combination of the 1.5L TGDi engine and 7DCT allow the Flagship model to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in only 7.9 seconds.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about the Proton X50, check out our \ntest drive of the B-segment SUV\n; we also reported on its \npossible pricing\n. We\u2019ll find out exactly how much the X50 will cost once it is launched in Malaysia next Tuesday on 27 October.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/24-30-october-fuel-price-ron-95-ron-97-down-diesel-remains/", "title": "24 \u2013 30 October Fuel Price: RON 95 & RON 97 Down, Diesel Remains", "body": "\n\nGood news this week! If you plan to fuel up tonight, wait until tomorrow: prices for both RON 95 and RON 97 will go down by 4 sen per litre this midnight, while the price of diesel remains the same.\n\n\nThis brings the price of RON 95 to RM1.64 per litre (down from RM1.68) and RON 97 to RM1.94 per litre (RM1.98 previously) at the stroke of midnight. As for diesel, it will still cost RM1.74 per litre.\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 24 to 30 October next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Friday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopee-lists-proton-x50-for-rm120000-stand-a-chance-to-buy-it-for-rm1/", "title": "Shopee Lists Proton X50 for RM120,000 \u2013 Stand a Chance to Buy It for RM1", "body": "\n\nNow this is a little bit of a surprise: Shopee just released a listing for the \nProton X50\n. Not only is this done by Shopee itself, the e-commerce site could very well have revealed the pricing of the B-segment SUV. How much exactly? \nA cool RM120,000\n.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, RM120,000 for what appears to be the Flagship model of the X50. Shopee is offering the SUV as part of its \u201cOne or Not\u201d promotion, which gives customers a chance to purchase the X50 for only RM1 instead of the SUV\u2019s full price. Basically, it\u2019s a lucky draw of sorts where only one customer who \u201cpurchased\u201d the X50 for RM1 will walk (or rather, drive) away with it.\n\n\n\n\nSo will the X50 really go for RM120,000? Well, there are a couple of things to keep in mind here. Although the Shopee listing shows that the SUV is intended to retail at RM120,000, there\u2019s a chance this is simply a placeholder for the One or Not promotion. We\u2019re inclined to believe this is the case, given that this pricing is too close to the range-topping \nProton X70\n, which retails at RM122,800 (without the 100% tax exemption).\n\n\nAs for the One or Not promotion itself, Shopee is throwing in quite a number of benefits alongside the X50. Not only will the e-commerce site provide insurance for the SUV \u2013 supposedly covered up to RM2,800 for one year \u2013 it will also cover the road tax (one year), registration fee, and even the cost to get the number plate done.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to try your luck to score the Proton X50 for only RM1 from Shopee, you can do so \nhere\n. As for how much the highly anticipated B-segment SUV will really cost, we\u2019ll find out \ntomorrow from Proton itself on 27 October\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-sony-wh-1000xm4-going-for-only-rm1129-today/", "title": "Deal: Sony WH-1000XM4 Going for Only RM1,129 Today", "body": "\n\nThe \nSony WH-1000XM4\n is currently one of the best noise-cancelling wireless headphones in the market, and if you\u2019ve been waiting to grab it at a good price, now\u2019s your chance. For today only, you can get the XM4 \nfor merely RM1,129\n.\n\n\nOriginally retailing at RM1,599, you\u2019re saving a whopping RM470 with this offer from Viewnet\u2019s official store on Lazada. Rest assured, this is a legitimate deal, though only the Silver XM4 is discounted. If you want the Black model, you would have to fork out RM1,358 instead.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, this deal for the Sony WH-1000XM4 is only valid today, so best be quick if you want to \nget it for RM1,129\n. Needless to say, this is a very good price for a pair of noise-cancelling headphones of this calibre. Not sure it\u2019s for you? Then check out our review of the XM4 \nright here\n.\n\n\nThanks for the tip, Pang!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-executive-variants-interior-shown/", "title": "Proton X50 Executive Variant\u2019s Interior Shown", "body": "\n\nIn less than 24 hours, the \nProton X50\n will finally be launched here in Malaysia. Ahead of its official launch tomorrow, the B-segment SUV is already making its way to showrooms nationwide. Of course, more images of the X50 started making their round on the internet, and we even got a closer glimpse of the Executive variant\u2019s interior.\n\n\nThese images were shared to the \nProton X50 Community Malaysia\n Facebook page. According to the author, this is the interior of the Executive model. Unlike the Flagship and Premium variants, the Executive trim \u2013 and presumably the Standard as well \u2013 sports a single tone interior finished in black. Folks that want a more minimalist aesthetic may find this more appealing.\n\n\n\n\nAside from the different colour scheme of the interior, the Executive trim of the X50 also sports a smaller 8-inch infotainment screen in the centre console. This is in contrast to the bigger and wider 10-inch screen of the Premium and Flagship models.\n\n\nAnother noteworthy difference is the instrument cluster of the Executive X50. Instead of the completely digital instrument panel of the higher-end models, the Executive trim make do with a semi-digital unit. Though it may not sound quite as exciting, it does look quite good.\n\n\nThe digital instrument cluster of the Flagship model\nThe instrument panel of the Executive variant\n\n\nThe Proton X50 is set to be launched online via a live stream on \nProton\u2019s Facebook page\n at 10:50AM tomorrow on 27 October. We\u2019ll find out then exactly how much the B-segment SUV will cost in Malaysia.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nProton X50 Pricing Revealed: From RM79k to RM103k\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-price-revealed-rm79k-to-rm103k/", "title": "Proton X50 Price Revealed: From RM79k to RM103k", "body": "\n\nThe \nProton X50\n has just been launched in Malaysia, and we finally have the full pricing of the new model. Retailing from RM79,200 to RM103,300, the X50 is certainly a competitively priced B-segment SUV. On top of that, it\u2019s also a very feature-packed model.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the range-topping Flagship model. Retailing at RM103,300, it is the only X50 variant to get the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). The safety suite include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and even Auto Park Assist (APA), which allows the SUV to park itself.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Flagship variant of the X50 is also the sole model to be powered by the 1.5L turbocharged direct-injected three-cylinder engine that can do 177PS and 255Nm of torque. It\u2019s paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the very same one found in the \nProton X70\n.\n\n\nNext, we have the Premium X50, which costs RM93,200. Unlike the Flagship model, the Premium is powered by a 1.5L port-injected engine that outputs 150PS and 226Nm of torque. Still very respectable figures, and it\u2019s also mated to the same 7DCT as the other variants.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Executive and Standard models of the X50, they retail at RM84,800 and RM79,200 respectively. The engine under the hood of these two variants is the same 1.5L port-injected mill of the Premium model, though they come with smaller 17-inch alloy wheels. The aforementioned Premium and Flagship trims, on the other hand, come with 18-inch wheels.\n\n\nAside from that, it\u2019s worth noting that the Standard X50 only gets four airbags, but this is still enough for the SUV to get a \nfive-star rating\n in the New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asia (ASEAN NCAP). Needless to say, even though it doesn\u2019t have six airbags like the other models, the Standard trim is quite safe in the event of a crash.\n\n\n\n\nProton mentioned that these prices for the Proton X50 are only valid until December 2020; that\u2019s when the 100% sales tax exemption from the government is set to end. The X50 also gets a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage, five years of data package (capped at 1GB per month), five times free labour service \u2013 though this is limited to the first 30,000 bookings \u2013 as well as interest rate from only 2.22% per annum.\n\n\nThere is also the Proton Insurance Program, which comes with a number of benefits. These include agreed value coverage, key care cover (up to RM1,000), flood relief allowance (up to RM1,000), and personal accident coverage up to RM15,000.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/razer-blade-gaming-laptops-finally-coming-to-malaysia-starts-at-rm8999/", "title": "Razer Blade Gaming Laptops Finally Coming to Malaysia; Starts at RM8,999", "body": "\n\nRazer\u2019s range of gaming laptops have been absent from the Malaysian market for quite some time, but that\u2019s no longer the case now. We just got word that Razer is finally bringing in the latest Blade gaming laptops to our shores, starting with the Razer Blade 15 and \nRazer Blade Pro 17\n.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the more compact gaming machine of the two, the Blade 15. It is offered in two distinct variants: there\u2019s the base model with a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 OLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate, and the Advanced configuration with a similar screen but with a faster 300Hz refresh rate. It\u2019s worth noting that the 300Hz option is also a touch-enabled screen protected by Corning Gorilla Glass.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Blade 15 Advanced comes with an Intel Core i7-10875H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, which should be fast enough for AAA games. Besides that, the Advanced model can be configured with either an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q or a more powerful RTX 2080 Super Max-Q GPU. As for storage, it features a 512GB or 1TB SSD.\n\n\nAs for the base model of the Blade 15, it comes with a more modest Core i7-10750H processor paired with 16GB of RAM. Interestingly, it can be purchased with three different GPU options: a GTX 1660 Ti, an RTX 2060 Max-Q, or an RTX 2070 Max-Q graphics card. Aside from that, it is also equipped with a 256GB or 512GB SSD.\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the bigger Blade Pro 17. All variants of this gaming laptop is powered by a Core i7-10875H processor, including the most affordable model with an RTX 2070 Super Max-Q GPU. This variant also features a fast 300Hz 17.3-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD storage.\n\n\nA tier up is the RTX 2080 Super Max-Q model of the Blade Pro 17, which shares the exact same hardware as the aforementioned model except for the choice of GPU (naturally). The range-topping model of the laptop, on the other hand, also features an RTX 2080 Super Max-Q GPU, but it swaps out the display for a sharper 17.3-inch 3840 x 2160 touch-enabled screen, though it\u2019s not quite as fast with a 120Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nOn top of that, the top-of-the-line configuration features a more generous 1TB SSD as well.\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Razer, the Razer Blade 15 and Razer Blade Pro 17 are now available for purchase in Malaysia from selected retailers. The Blade 15 retails from RM8,999, while the Blade Pro 17 starts at RM12,499.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-powered-tailgate-offered-as-optional-upgrade/", "title": "Proton X50 \u2013 Powered Tailgate Offered as Optional Upgrade", "body": "\n\nThe \nProton X50\n has finally been launched yesterday. Now that the B-segment SUV is in most showrooms nationwide, we\u2019ve been made known that a powered tailgate can be fitted to the X50. Of course, this is offered as an optional upgrade, so it\u2019s absolutely not a compulsory add-on.\n\n\nLooking at the internal memo of this upgrade that started circulating online, the powered tailgate is offered in two separate packages. The Urban package, which costs RM3,500, includes the powered tailgate, a built-in toll reader, a coiled mat, and magnetic sun shades.\n\n\nThe other one is the Utility package that offers the powered tailgate with three different items: a PVC mat, a boot tray, and door scuff plates.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, this is an optional upgrade. If you\u2019re told otherwise by a dealer or sales advisor, know that it\u2019s not a compulsory add-on. Aside from that, if you\u2019re only interested to get the powered tailgate, it appears this is not offered independently at the moment.\n\n\nTo recap, the X50 retails from RM79,200 for the Standard model, while the range-topping Flagship variant is priced at RM103,300. Naturally, the Flagship is the only trim to get the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), which includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Auto Park Assist (APA).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKeep in mind that these prices for the Proton X50 are only valid until the end of the year; that\u2019s when the 100% sales tax exemption from the government is set to end. To learn more about the B-segment SUV, check out our other coverage of the X50 \nright here\n, including our \ntest drive\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/amd-radeon-rx-6000-gpus-promise-better-performance-than-nvidias-rtx-3000-series/", "title": "AMD Radeon RX 6000 GPUs Promise Better Performance Than Nvidia\u2019s RTX 3000 Series", "body": "\n\nAMD just unveiled three new graphics cards today as part of the Radeon RX 6000 family. These include the top-of-the-line Radeon RX 6900 XT, the RX 6800 XT, and the most affordable of the lot, the RX 6800. According to AMD, these GPUs offer better performance than their equivalent Nvidia cards, which is quite a lofty claim.\n\n\nAll three of these graphics cards are based on AMD\u2019s latest RDNA 2 technology; the same one powering the \nPlayStation 5\n and Xbox Series X. That also means all three of the GPUs support hardware-accelerated ray tracing, so you won\u2019t have to opt for an Nvidia card anymore just for the feature.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, AMD claims that these RX 6000 graphics cards provide superior performance than Nvidia\u2019s own offerings. Benchmarks provided by AMD show that the RX 6900 XT and RX 6800 XT outperform the RTX 3090 and RTX 3080 respectively in most demanding games at 4K and 1440p resolutions.\n\n\nAs for the most affordable GPU in the series (at the moment), the RX 6800, AMD compared it against the RTX 2080 Ti. As a point of comparison, the RTX 2080 Ti offers about the same level of performance as the newer RTX 3070 card. Anyway, AMD shows that the RX 6800 is able to outpace the RTX 2080 Ti by a pretty big margin in popular AAA titles.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the RX 6000 series graphics card all come with 16GB of GDDR6 memory, which is a lot more than the 10GB and 8GB memory of the RTX 3080 and RTX 3070 respectively. That being said, Nvidia\u2019s offerings use faster GDDR6X modules, and the RTX 3090 actually features 24GB of memory instead.\n\n\nLooking at the specifications and benchmarks of the new RX 6000 graphics cards, they do look very promising against Nvidia\u2019s own RTX 3000 series GPUs. Of course, we would have to review them for ourselves first to verify AMD\u2019s claims. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if the RX 6000 cards will in fact draw less power.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, despite offering a similar level of performance as Nvidia\u2019s RTX 3000 cards, AMD promises that the RX 6000 GPUs are more power-efficient. The use of GDDR6 memory instead of GDDR6X definitely contribute to this.\n\n\n\n\nThe AMD RX 6800 and RX 6800 XT are set to hit store shelves in the US on 18 November, while the range-topping RX 6900 XT will be available later on 8 December. The RX 6800 retails at $579 (about RM2,405), while the RX 6800 XT and RX 6900 XT go for $649 (approximately RM2,695) and $999 (around RM4,150) respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s20-fe-4g-lands-in-malaysia-11-november-for-rm2699/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G Lands in Malaysia 11 November for RM2,699", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019ve been waiting for the 4G variant of the \nSamsung Galaxy S20 FE\n to be available in Malaysia, good news: the more affordable model is set to arrive on our shores next month on 11 November. Set to retail at RM2,699 locally, the S20 FE costs RM700 less than the 5G variant \u2013 that\u2019s quite a bit of savings.\n\n\nOf course, there is one notable hardware difference between the Galaxy S20 FE 4G and its 5G counterpart. Instead of the latter\u2019s Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, the 4G model is powered by Samsung\u2019s own Exynos 990 SoC. While it may not sound quite as impressive as the Snapdragon 865, you \nare\n saving RM700 here. Plus, you should be getting about the same level of performance with both chips.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, S20 FE 4G also comes with a smaller storage capacity. While the 5G variant of the phone features 256GB of internal storage, this 4G model only offers 128GB of storage. Thankfully, you can use a microSD card to get more storage space.\n\n\nBeyond the different chipset and storage capacity, the Galaxy S20 FE 4G is identical to the 5G model in other aspects. It still has 8GB of RAM, a 6.5-inch 2400 x 1080 Super AMOLED display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (12MP f/1.8 primary + 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle + 8MP f/2.4 telephoto), a 32MP f/2.2 selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery, as well as an IP68 rating.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G is set to arrive in Malaysia next month on 11 November. Retailing at RM2,699, it is one of Samsung\u2019s most affordable flagship-tier smartphones in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hyundai-kona-launched-in-malaysia-rm116k-to-rm144k-faster-than-proton-x50/", "title": "Hyundai Kona Launched in Malaysia: RM116k to RM144k, Faster Than Proton X50", "body": "\n\nThe Hyundai Kona has just been launched in Malaysia, and it\u2019s quite an exciting B-segment SUV \u2013 just like the \nProton X50\n. Although it costs quite a bit more than the X50, the Kona is definitely a more unique-looking SUV; it can do the century sprint faster too.\n\n\nThree variants of the Kona \u2013 all fully imported CBU units \u2013 are offered in Malaysia. The base 2.0 model costs RM115,888, while the 2.0 Active goes for RM130,888. As for the range-topping 1.6 Turbo, it retails at RM143,888. Do note that these prices are with sales tax exemption applied until the end of 2020. Come next year, these variants will retail at RM123,888, RM138,888, and RM151,888 respectively.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the 1.6 Turbo trim of the Kona is the most exciting of the lot. It\u2019s powered by a Gamma 1.6 T-GDI engine that outputs 177PS and 265Nm of torque. Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, it can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in only 7.7 seconds. This makes it even faster than the top-of-the-line Flagship Proton X50, which has a quoted figure of 7.9 seconds to reach the same speed.\n\n\nAside from that, the 1.6 Turbo Kona is also the only model to get Hyundai\u2019s SmartSense suite of active safety features. These include Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), and even Lane Keeping Assist (LKA).\n\n\n\n\nAs for the base 2.0 and 2.0 Active configurations of the Kona, both of them are powered by a 2.0L Nu MPI Atkinson-cycle engine with 149PS and 180Nm of torque. Instead of a 7DCT, these two models feature a more conventional six-speed automatic transmission. Still, the combination of this engine and gearbox allows the 2.0 and 2.0 Active to do the century sprint in 10 seconds.\n\n\nOther standard equipment of the Kona across the range include six airbags, ABS, ESC, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, LED daytime running lights, auto up and down for all four windows, six speakers, and even a 7-inch touch-enabled infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the 1.6 Turbo Kona is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, while the 2.0 and 2.0 Active come with 17-inch alloys. The 1.6 Turbo gets full leather seats too; leather and cloth combination for the 2.0 Active, and fabric for the base 2.0 model.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Hyundai Kona starts at RM115,888 for the most affordable 2.0 trim. A tier up is the 2.0 Active, which costs RM130,888. The range-topping 1.6 Turbo, on the other hand, retails at RM143,888. As mentioned, these prices are only valid until the end of the year with sales tax exemption applied.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/31-october-6-november-fuel-price-ron-95-ron-97-diesel-prices-remain/", "title": "31 October \u2013 6 November Fuel Price: RON 95, RON 97 & Diesel Prices Remain", "body": "\n\nLast week, fuel prices went down, and things are unchanged this week. Prices for RON 95 and RON 97 remain the same as last week, and the same goes for diesel. If you\u2019re planning to refuel tonight, you can do so without worries.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 95 will remain at RM1.64 per litre, while RON 97 will cost RM1.94 per litre. As for diesel, it will still be RM1.74 per litre.\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 31 October to 6 November next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Friday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-kommu-promises-plug-play-self-driving-tech-for-affordable-cars/", "title": "Video: Kommu Promises Plug & Play Self-Driving Tech for Affordable Cars", "body": "\n\nAny level of self-driving is usually reserved for more expensive cars, but Kommu aims to change this. We sat down for a chat with Wong Kean Wei and Kok Yuan Ting from Kommu to talk about its plug and play self-driving solution, which essentially adds self-driving capability to (almost) any car.\n\n\nHowever, this is by no means an autopilot feature. We were told that Kommu aims to achieve level 2 semi-autonomous driving with its solution, which allows the car to maintain longitudinal and lateral controls automatically. Of course, driver\u2019s attention is still needed, and there are some measures in place to ensure this.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKommu plans to release the finished product by March 2021 next year. If you\u2019re keen to give it a try, you can head on to Kommu\u2019s website \nright here\n to register your interest. You may even be able to try out the self-driving tech for yourself in January 2021; that\u2019s when Kommu plans to hold an early test drive event. Enjoy the video!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-flagship-is-it-worth-rm103k/", "title": "Proton X50 Flagship \u2013 Is It Worth RM103k?", "body": "\n\nEarlier this week, Proton finally revealed \nthe full pricing\n of its highly anticipated B-segment SUV, the \nProton X50\n. Without a doubt the most exciting model is the range-topping Flagship variant, which is the only one to get the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and a more powerful engine \u2013 all for RM103,300.\n\n\nNow, compared to other B-segment SUVs in the Malaysian market now, this is a very competitive price tag for a top-of-the-line model. But what if you\u2019re contemplating between the Flagship and Premium variants of the X50? Well, although the price difference is quite big \u2013 by exactly RM10,100 \u2013 here are a number of reasons why it\u2019s worth paying extra for the Flagship model.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMore Elaborate Safety Features\n\n\nThis is arguably the best reason to go for the Flagship model of the X50. ADAS offers a ton of active safety features, including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), as well as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS).\n\n\nReally, it\u2019s an exhaustive list of safety features. On top of these, ADAS also includes Auto Park Assist (APA), which allows the X50 to park itself. Though it takes a while for the SUV to do so, it\u2019s certainly a neat feature that will be appreciated by some folks.\n\n\n\n\nBetter Performance\n\n\nEven if you can do without the extra safety features, it\u2019s worth noting that the Flagship X50 is also the only model to get the 1.5L TGDi engine. This direct-injected turbo engine outputs 177PS and 255Nm of torque, which is quite a bit more than the 1.5L port-injected mill (150PS/226Nm) found under the hood of the other three X50 variants.\n\n\nThis 1.5L TGDi engine, combined with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, allows the Flagship X50 to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in only 7.9 seconds. It\u2019s an impressive figure, especially for an SUV at this price point.\n\n\nThe Proton X50 can even outpace the BMW X1 and Honda HR-V in a drag test\n\n\nSleeker Exterior & More Feature-Packed Interior\n\n\nAnother thing that\u2019s only offered on the Flagship X50 is a dual tone exterior with blacked-out roof and side mirrors. This gives it a more unique, sportier appearance than other variants of the SUV. While this may not sound like a big deal to some folks, it\u2019s definitely a difference worth pointing out.\n\n\nAside from that, both the Flagship and Premium trims feature an almost identical dual tone interior, but the former does have a couple of added features. Not only does it come with an auto dimming rear view mirror, it also has a rain sensor for the auto wiper feature. Small amenities, yes, but they do add up.\n\n\n\n\nPanoramic Sunroof\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the addition of a panoramic sunroof on the Flagship X50. Of course, in a hot, humid country like Malaysia, a sunroof \u2013 panoramic or not \u2013 is not exactly the most practical feature. But hey, at least it comes with a powered sunblind that can block out sunlight quite well.\n\n\nPlus, it\u2019s nice to open up the sunroof once in a while for some fresh air.\n\n\nThe sunblind blocks out sunlight very well\n\n\nSo, to answer the question: is it worth it to go for the range-topping Flagship variant of the Proton X50 for RM103,300? In my opinion, absolutely. Though the RM10,100 price difference between the Flagship and Premium models is no small amount, you\u2019re getting a lot of additional features for the money.\n\n\nBut if you don\u2019t need the suite of driver assistance features, more powerful engine, or panoramic sunroof of the Flagship model, the Premium X50 is still a very good buy at RM93,200. At the end of the day, it all depends on each individual\u2019s preferences.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2020-nissan-almera-turbo-price-released-from-rm80k-to-rm91k/", "title": "2020 Nissan Almera Turbo Price Released: From RM80k to RM91k", "body": "\n\nInitially opened for booking two months ago, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) finally released the full pricing of the 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo. Retailing from RM79,906 to RM91,310, the new B-segment sedan is offered in three distinct variants.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the base VL trim of the Almera, which retails at RM79,906. The better equipped VLP and VLT variants, on the other hand, cost RM85,715 and RM91,310 respectively. These prices are with tax exemption applied for 2020, so come next year, the VL will go for RM83,888, VLP at RM89,888, and the range-topping VLT at RM95,888.\n\n\n\n\nAll three variants of the new Almera are powered by the same 1.0L turbocharged three-cylinder engine that outputs 100PS and 152Nm of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels via an X-Tronic CVT with D-Step Logic and Sport Mode for more spirited driving.\n\n\nBesides that, regardless of which model you go for, the new Almera comes with Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (IFCW) with Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking (IFEB). Basically, it\u2019s an autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system, which will automatically apply the brakes to avoid frontal collisions. That being said, the base VL only comes with two airbags, while the VLP and VLT trims get six airbags.\n\n\nAs the range-topping model, the VLT Almera naturally has some additional features. These include Intelligent Around View Monitor, Blind Spot Warning System, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Cruise Control, and LED headlamps.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the all-new Nissan Almera retails from RM79,906 for the most affordable VL model; the price goes up to RM85,715 and RM91,310 for the VLP and VLT models respectively. Again, do note that these prices are only valid this year with tax exemption. More information on the B-segment sedan can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2020-toyota-yaris-facelift-open-for-booking-toyota-safety-sense-android-auto-rm72k-to-rm86k/", "title": "2020 Toyota Yaris Facelift Open for Booking: Toyota Safety Sense, Android Auto, RM72k to RM86k", "body": "\n\nUMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) just opened bookings for the new 2020 Toyota Yaris facelift. Not only does the updated B-segment hatchback sport a slightly different front end design, the new Yaris also comes with Toyota Safety Sense now, which adds a number of active safety features.\n\n\nAccording to UMWT, Safety Sense for the Yaris includes two major features: Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Lane Departure Alert (LDA). The former, as its name suggests, warns the driver and automatically applies the brakes when there\u2019s a risk of frontal collision. As for LDA, it alerts the driver when the car is (unintentionally) getting out of the lane.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the front end of the Yaris is slightly reworked as well. LED headlights are now standard across the range, and the lower grille is much wider now. While these changes don\u2019t radically change the looks of the Yaris, they do give the hatchback a cleaner, more aggressive styling, in our opinion.\n\n\nBeyond these changes, the updated Yaris should be powered by the same Dual VVT-i 2NR-FE 1.5L engine that outputs 107PS and 140Nm of torque; drive is sent to the front wheels by a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Besides that, the infotainment system now supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay too.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, UMWT only released \nestimated pricing of the 2020 Toyota Yaris\n. The base J variant is said to cost RM71,688, while the higher-end E and G models go for RM80,591 and RM85,587 respectively. Curiously, these price tags are with SST included; it\u2019ll be interesting to see if the Yaris will be able to enjoy the 100% sales tax exemption offered until the end of the year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-received-27400-bookings-so-far-447-units-delivered-in-october/", "title": "Proton X50 Received 27,400 Bookings So Far; 447 Units Delivered in October", "body": "\n\nConsumer demand for the \nProton X50\n continues to grow. According to the national carmaker, the highly anticipated B-segment SUV has received over 27,400 bookings as of the end of October with 447 units delivered in the same month.\n\n\n\u201cProton would like to thank all its customers for the tremendous interest shown in the Proton X50. We are pushing to ensure fulfilment over the last three months of 2020, while continuing to emphasise product quality,\u201d said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah. If you\u2019re concerned about the build quality of the X50, you can rest easy now.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, Proton also detailed some interesting sales figure. Last month, the carmaker moved 11,392 units in domestic and export sales. Collectively, Proton has sold 84,999 units this year, which is 6.2% ahead of 2019 and \u201cequivalent to an estimated 21.3% market share,\u201d the company added.\n\n\nThree of Proton models continue to lead their respective segments as well. The \nProton X70\n maintains its lead in the SUV segment with 2,216 units sold, while the Proton Persona is also leading the B-segment sedan market with 2,360 units sold. Same goes for the Proton Exora in the C-segment MPV market with 580 units moved.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019ll be interesting to see how many units of the Proton X50 the national carmaker can deliver this month in November. Given that the tax exemption for locally assembled (CKD) cars is only valid until the end of 2020, we reckon most who placed a booking for the SUV would want to get the X50 this year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-sets-one-more-thing-event-for-11-november-apple-silicon-powered-macbooks-expected/", "title": "Apple Sets \u201cOne More Thing\u201d Event for 11 November; Apple Silicon-Powered MacBooks Expected", "body": "\n\nEven after announcing the \niPhone 12\n \nseries\n, Apple isn\u2019t quite done yet for the year. The Cupertino company just sent out invitations for another launch event next week on 11 November, and chances are, we\u2019ll see the introduction of new MacBook laptops powered by Apple\u2019s own processors then.\n\n\nAs with all of Apple\u2019s teasers for its launches, the \u201cOne More Thing\u201d event invite is a simple one with the company\u2019s logo surrounded by rays of light of different colours. While this is vague, the AR teaser is a look more\u2026illuminating, if you will. It seems to mimic the opening and closing of a laptop.\n\n\n\n\nThis is super cool. The Apple event logo in AR resembles opening and closing a MacBook. \nA new MacBook powered by Apple Silicon is coming. \npic.twitter.com/R6pIpJTWPC\n\u2014 Neil Cybart (@neilcybart) \nNovember 2, 2020\n\n\n\n\nApple initially shared its plan to switch from Intel\u2019s chips to its own processors for the MacBook \nback at WWDC 2020\n in June. The company promises that its family of SoCs made for Macs will offer \u201cindustry-leading performance per watt and higher performance GPUs,\u201d which certainly sound promising.\n\n\nOn top of that, switching to Apple Silicon chips for the MacBook will also allow apps made for iOS and iPadOS to run on the new platform without a hitch. According to the company, no modifications are necessary at all to make this possible.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, it remains to be seen just how these new Apple Silicon-powered MacBooks will fare against their Intel counterpart, especially when it comes to compatibility with current macOS programs. We\u2019ll find out more next week on 11 November at 2AM Malaysian time.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-narzo-20-series-now-in-malaysia-from-rm699/", "title": "Realme Narzo 20 Series Now in Malaysia From RM699", "body": "\n\nThe Realme Narzo 20 series has just been launched in Malaysia. Made up of the Narzo 20 and Narzo 20 Pro, these two smartphones are meant to be budget-friendly. Retailing from RM699, this is certainly the case.\n\n\nOf course, it\u2019s the Narzo 20 that costs RM699. Only one variant of the device is offered for the Malaysian market, which comes with 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM. As for the higher-end Narzo 20 Pro, it costs RM1,199 with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM.\n\n\nIf you want to get these two phones at an even lower price tag, you can actually do so next week on 11 November from Lazada. For that day only, the Narzo 20 will \ngo for RM549\n, while the Narzo 20 Pro will be priced \nat only RM899\n.\n\n\nThe Realme Narzo 20 Pro\nThe Realme Narzo 20\n\n\nIn terms of hardware, the Narzo 20 Pro comes with a 6.5-inch 1080p screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Helio G95 chipset, a quad camera system (48MP f/1.8 primary + 8MP f/2.3 ultra-wide + monochrome + macro), a 16MP f/2.1 selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery with 65W fast charging, and a rear fingerprint sensor.\n\n\nGiven its more affordable price tag, the Narzo 20 isn\u2019t quite as impressive in the hardware department. It features a 6.5-inch 720p display, a Helio G85 chipset, a triple camera system (48MP f/1.8 main + 8MP f/2.3 ultra-wide angle + macro), an 8MP f/2.0 selfie camera, as well as a very generous 6,000mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging via USB-C.\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme Narzo 20 and Narzo 20 Pro will be available for purchase on Lazada next week on 11 November. The Narzo 20 will \ngo for RM549\n then (instead of RM699), while the Narzo 20 Pro will retail \nat only RM899\n (discounted from RM1,199).\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/psa-number-plates-purchased-on-mysikap-are-valid-for-6-months/", "title": "PSA: Number Plates Purchased on mySIKAP Are Valid for 6 Months", "body": "\n\nMost may not be familiar with JPJ\u2019s mySIKAP portal, which allows members of the public to purchase vehicle registration numbers without going through any agent or runner. It\u2019s a very convenient service, and if you\u2019re wondering how long you have before the purchased number has to be registered to a vehicle, we have the answer.\n\n\nI actually bought a number plate through mySIKAP back in September in anticipation for the \nProton X50\n, and the general consensus online is that the number has to be registered to a vehicle within three months. It didn\u2019t help either that the original receipt doesn\u2019t show the validity of the registration number, but thankfully enough, the copy of the receipt has the relevant details.\n\n\n\n\nSo there you have it: number plates purchased through mySIKAP are valid for six months. If you don\u2019t register it to a vehicle within this time frame, the registration number will be forfeited, and you won\u2019t get any refund either. Basically, you will not get back the RM310.\n\n\nAlso, do note that number plates purchased on mySIKAP are for individual or company use only. You cannot, for example, purchase a registration number on behalf of a friend. That being said, while the number is usually not transferrable, it is possible to transfer it to an immediate family member, though you\u2019ll have to provide relevant supporting documents.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to register for a mySIKAP account, it\u2019s necessary to head to a JPJ branch to get your first time login details. Unfortunately, it\u2019s not possible to register for an account online.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2020-honda-cr-v-facelift-launched-in-malaysia-from-rm140k-to-rm163k/", "title": "2020 Honda CR-V Facelift Launched in Malaysia: From RM140k to RM163k", "body": "\n\nHonda just launched the facelifted Honda CR-V in Malaysia. Compared to the pre-facelift model, the updated C-segment SUV gets some minor styling changes and added features, including Honda LaneWatch \u2013 standard across the range \u2013 and remote engine start for the turbo variants.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, three different variants of the CR-V are offered here. There\u2019s the 2.0L 2WD base model (RM139,912.53), the 1.5L TC-P 2WD mid-tier variant (RM157,615.91), and the range-topping 1.5L TC-P 4WD trim (RM162,910.18). These prices are with tax exemption applied until the end of the year, so come 2021, they will go for RM145,400, RM164,300, and RM169,900 respectively.\n\n\n\n\nThe most affordable 2.0L 2WD model is powered by a 2.0L SOHC i-VTEC engine that puts out 154PS and 189Nm of torque. The other two turbo variants, on the other hand, are packed with a more powerful 1.5L DOHC VTEC turbocharged engine with 193PS and 243Nm of torque. Both engine options are paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with drive sent to the front wheels, except for the all-wheel drive 1.5L TC-P 4WD model.\n\n\nAs mentioned, Honda LaneWatch is standard across the range for the new CR-V, but only the turbo variants get the Honda Sensing suite of safety features. These include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Low Speed Follow (LSF), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), and Auto High Beam (AHB).\n\n\nOn top of that, the two turbo variants of the CR-V also come with a powered tailgate that can now be activated with a foot sensor underneath the rear bumper. They feature larger 18-inch alloy wheels too, while the base 2.0L 2WD model gets 17-inch wheels.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the facelifted Honda CR-V starts at RM139,912.53 for the 2.0L 2WD trim, and the price goes up to RM157,615.91 and RM162,910.18 for the 1.5L TC-P 2WD and 1.5L TC-P 4WD models respectively. These prices are only valid until the end of the year; that\u2019s when the tax exemption period is set to end.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mitsubishi-xpander-costs-rm91k-in-malaysia-over-2000-bookings-received/", "title": "Mitsubishi Xpander Costs RM91k in Malaysia; Over 2,000 Bookings Received", "body": "\n\nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) just revealed the Malaysian pricing of the locally assembled (CKD) Mitsubishi Xpander seven-seater crossover. Since bookings for the Xpander were opened on 22 October, over 2,000 bookings were already placed for the seven-seater.\n\n\nSet to retail at RM91,369, only one variant of the Xpander is offered here. Do note that this price is on-the-road without insurance, and the 100% tax exemption for CKD cars have already been applied. The exemption is only valid until the end of the year, so expect to Xpander to cost more in 2021.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Xpander is powered by a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine that outputs 105PS and 141Nm of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. Aside from that, the seven-seater is also shod with 16-inch alloy wheels.\n\n\nOther equipment of the Xpander include LED headlights, two airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, hill start assist, a 9-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, leather seats, a 360-degree camera, a dashcam, as well as keyless entry with push start button.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKeen to check out the Mitsubishi Xpander for yourself? You can do so \u2013 and test drive the new model \u2013 at your nearest Mitsubishi Motors authorised showrooms nationwide from 20 November onwards. Four colour options are available: Red Metallic, Titanium Grey, Quartz White, and Diamond Black.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-glorious-gmmk-pro-looks-like-a-fantastic-170-gasket-mounted-75-keyboard/", "title": "The Glorious GMMK Pro Looks Like a Fantastic $170 Gasket-Mounted 75% Keyboard", "body": "\n\nGlorious released quite a number of PC peripherals over the years, but its latest keyboard, the \nGlorious GMMK Pro\n, looks to be the company\u2019s most exciting one yet. For only $170 (about RM705), the GMMK Pro offers a slew of features typically found on custom keyboards twice its price.\n\n\nOne of the most enticing features of the GMMK Pro has to be its gasket-mounted plate. According to Glorious, this \u201cnaturally dampens keystrokes for a unique haptic and acoustic experience.\u201d One of the defining features of a premium board is a gasket mounting system of sorts, so it\u2019s great to see this implemented on a keyboard at this price point.\n\n\nThe GMMK Pro in Black Slate\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the GMMK Pro has a CNC aluminium case, not to mention the fact that it has a hotswap PCB to easily swap between different switches; both three-pin and five-pin switches are supported. Not only does this make it very beginner-friendly board, the PCB has per-key RGB lighting as well with south-facing LEDs for maximum compatibility with keycaps of varying profiles.\n\n\nOther specifications of the GMMK Pro include support for both screw-in and clip-in stabilisers \u2013 it is pre-installed with Glorious\u2019 own screw-in GOAT stabilisers that are pre-lubed \u2013 a USB-C connection, as well as QMK and VIA compatibility for easy key customisation. This will be especially handy for folks that want to change what the rotary encoder on the top right of the keyboard does.\n\n\nThe GMMK Pro in White Ice\n\n\nThe Glorious GMMK Pro will be available for pre-order on 11 November next week for $170, which comes up to about RM705. Keep in mind that switches and keycaps are not included; you\u2019d have to purchase these two separately to complete the keyboard. Still, you\u2019re getting a lot of value for your money with this barebone board.\n\n\nShipping for the GMMK Pro, on the other hand, will begin sometime in the first quarter of 2021. Glorious mentioned that this board will be kept in stock, so you won\u2019t have to worry about missing out on it. More details on the GMMK Pro can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopee-11-11-big-sale-offers-proton-x50-for-rm1-50-discount-vouchers/", "title": "Shopee 11.11 Big Sale Offers Proton X50 for RM1 & 50% Discount Vouchers", "body": "\n\nIn anticipation of the Shopee 11.11 Big Sale happening next week on 11 November, the e-commerce platform is already running some notable promotions leading up to the sale. One of the biggest ones has to be the \nProton X50\n, which is offered \nfor only RM1\n.\n\n\nAs we\u2019ve reported before, Shopee is offering the X50 as part of its \u201cOne or Not\u201d promotion, which gives customers a chance to purchase the SUV for only RM1 instead of the model\u2019s full price. Basically, it\u2019s a lucky draw of sorts where only one customer who \u201cpurchased\u201d the X50 can actually get it for RM1.\n\n\nOf course, if you\u2019re not selected as the winner, the RM1 will be refunded back to your ShopeePay Wallet within five working days.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, a number of brands will also offer 50% discount vouchers leading up to the 11.11 Big Sale. These include Acer, Oppo, Realme, Philips, Nestle, and more. As with all of Shopee\u2019s past sales, the minimum spend to be eligible for free shipping will be reduced throughout the campaign period as well from RM40 to only RM11.\n\n\nNaturally, you\u2019d want to play the Shopee Games as well to win a number of attractive gifts. Users stand a chance to win a Nintendo Switch and a share of 11 million Shopee Coins from the platform\u2019s slew of games, including Shopee Shake, Shopee Farm, Shopee Poly, Shopee Claw, and so on.\n\n\n\n\nThe Shopee 11.11 Big Sale campaign is happening right now until 11 November next week. More information on the sale can be found \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/razer-book-13-unveiled-productivity-laptop-with-tiger-lake-chip-1610-screen-from-1200/", "title": "Razer Book 13 Unveiled: Productivity Laptop With Tiger Lake Chip & 16:10 Screen From $1,200", "body": "\n\nRazer made a name for itself as a gaming brand, so it\u2019s quite a surprise when the company introduced the new Razer Book 13 \u2013 a productivity laptop with a 16:10 screen as one of the headline features. Retailing from $1,200 (about RM4,965), it\u2019s positioned as a premium machine.\n\n\nThree variants of the Razer Book 13 are offered. The base model features a 13.4-inch 1920 x 1200 screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio, an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor paired with 8GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage, and of course, integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics; no dedicated GPU here. This variant, as mentioned, retails at $1,200, which comes up to about RM4,965.\n\n\n\n\nA tier up is the $1,600 (approximately RM6,610) Razer Book 13. Compared to the previous model, the processor is upgraded to a Core i7-1165G7 chip. The RAM has been increased to 16GB as well, along with the addition of a touchscreen. As for the highest-end $2,000 (around RM8,260) configuration, it adds on a 4K touch-enabled screen and a 512GB SSD.\n\n\nLooking at these hardware, the Razer Book 13 does seem like a promising productivity laptop. It has a sleek, modern-looking design, the 16:10 screen is ideal for productivity tasks, and it has a quoted battery life of up to 14 hours. With a starting weight of 1.34kg and a 15.15mm chassis, you wouldn\u2019t have any trouble lugging it around either.\n\n\n\n\nThe Razer Book 13 will be available for purchase sometime this month. Malaysian availability has not been revealed yet, but given that Razer is \nbeginning to offer its range of laptops here\n, there\u2019s a chance the Razer Book 13 will be sold here in the near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/7-13-november-fuel-price-all-prices-down/", "title": "7 \u2013 13 November Fuel Price: All Prices Down", "body": "\n\nFuel prices are down across the board this week! Both RON 95 and RON 97 will go down by 3 sen per litre this midnight, while diesel sees a steeper drop of 6 sen per litre.\n\n\nThis brings the price of RON 95 to RM1.61 per litre (down from RM1.64) and RON 97 to RM1.91 per litre (RM1.94 previously) at the stroke of midnight. As for diesel, it will cost RM1.68 per litre this coming week compared to RM1.74 previously.\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 7 to 13 November next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Friday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-is-the-proton-x50-1-5t-standard-worth-it-over-executive/", "title": "This Is the Proton X50 1.5T Standard \u2013 Worth It Over Executive?", "body": "\n\nChances are, your local Proton showroom doesn\u2019t have the \nProton X50\n 1.5T Standard on display; it\u2019s usually the range-topping Flagship that gets all the attention. Well, if you\u2019re wondering how the Standard model of the X50 looks like, here are exterior and interior shots of the most affordable variant.\n\n\nThese images of the X50 1.5T Standard (in Armour Silver) were shared by Shakirin Tuah on the \nProton X50 Community Malaysia\u2019s Facebook page\n. For the most part, the exterior looks strikingly similar to other variants of the X50, except for the absence of LED fog lights, as well as the blacked-out roof and side mirrors of the Flagship model.\n\n\nOf course, just like the Executive X50, the Standard variant comes with 17-inch alloy wheels too; only the Flagship and Premium models get bigger 18-inch wheels.\n\n\n\n\nOnce you get inside the Standard X50, you\u2019ll immediately see some major differences. It gets fabric seats instead of leatherette, the steering wheel is not wrapped in leather \u2013 urethane is used instead \u2013 and there\u2019s no centre armrest for the rear passengers.\n\n\nBeyond these differences, the Standard X50 gets the same single tone interior finished in black \nas the Executive model\n. It also has an 8-inch infotainment screen in the centre console \u2013 compared to the larger 10.25-inch display of the Premium and Flagship models \u2013 and a semi-digital instrument cluster.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to get the Standard variant of the X50, there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019re also contemplating to upgrade to the Executive trim. After all, the price difference between the Standard (RM79,200) and Executive (RM84,800) models are not particularly big at RM5,600. So then: it is worth paying extra for the Executive model?\n\n\nUnless you\u2019re not a fan of leatherette seats, we recommend going for the Executive X50; it offers enough added features to justify the price difference. Not only are you getting leatherette seats, you also get a leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto headlights, front parking sensors, and most importantly, six airbags \u2013 the Standard only gets four airbags.\n\n\nBesides that, the Executive X50 also gets more colour options than the Standard. The latter is only available in Armour Silver, Snow White, and Ocean Blue, while the Executive adds on Jey Grey and Citric Orange. The Passion Red colour, on the other hand, is only offered on the Premium and Flagship models.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, despite the fact that the Proton X50 1.5T Standard is the most affordable model in the lineup, there\u2019s no denying that it still looks quite handsome. If you\u2019d like to learn more about this B-segment SUV, check out our \nother coverage of the X50\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-thinkpad-x1-fold-now-in-malaysia-foldable-pc-for-rm10849/", "title": "Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold Now in Malaysia; Foldable PC for RM10,849", "body": "\n\nInitially unveiled at CES 2020 earlier this year, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold is now available for purchase in Malaysia. What makes the X1 Fold particularly unique is its foldable screen; it\u2019s touted as the world\u2019s first PC with such a feature.\n\n\nNaturally, you do have to pay a premium for such a unique form factor. The ThinkPad X1 Fold starts at a cool RM10,849 for the Malaysian market. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting an Intel Core i5-L16G7 processor paired with 8GB of RAM, 256GB of SSD storage, and of course, the 13.3-inch 2048 x 1536 flexible touch-enabled OLED screen.\n\n\n\n\nThanks to the foldable OLED screen, the ThinkPad X1 Fold can practically transform into various form factors. When it\u2019s completely unfolded, you can use it as a large tablet. You can even prop it up with the built-in stand of the leather folio and connect the X1 Fold to a wireless keyboard to get the functionality of a laptop. After all, this machine runs on Windows 10 Home out of the box.\n\n\nThen again, RM10,849 \u2013 and this is the starting price \u2013 for the ThinkPad X1 Fold is a lot of money for any laptop or tablet. Granted, you\u2019re getting a very unique product, but it\u2019s still an unproven form factor at the moment. Of course, we will reserve judgment until we have the X1 Fold in for review.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get your hands on the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold, you can do so over at \nLenovo Malaysia\u2019s online store\n. According to the listing, the X1 Fold will only start shipping to consumers in \u201cmore than eight weeks,\u201d which is quite a bit of wait.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-5-digital-edition-to-retail-at-rm1660-in-malaysia/", "title": "PlayStation 5 Digital Edition to Retail at RM1,660 in Malaysia?", "body": "\n\nThere are still no news on the Malaysian availability of the PlayStation 5, but we may have the local pricing of the next generation console already. Supposedly retailing from RM1,660, the PS5 is priced quite competitively \u2013 assuming this is the actual retail price of the system.\n\n\nWe got this alleged pricing of the PS5 from an \nongoing campaign by RinggitPlus\n; it is offering the console \u2013 which is supposedly worth RM1,660 \u2013 for every third successful applicant of a Citibank credit card. Naturally, this is for the more affordable Digital Edition of the PS5 instead of the standard model with a Blu-ray disc drive.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, if the PS5 Digital Edition does retail at RM1,660 here, it wouldn\u2019t be too far off the official pricing of the same model in the US, which is set at $400 (about RM1,645). In fact, this price tag is \neven lower\n than the Singaporean pricing of the PS5. The Digital Edition goes for SG$599 there, which comes up to about RM1,835.\n\n\nOf course, there is a chance this isn\u2019t the official local pricing of the PS5 Digital Edition, though it is the first time we\u2019ve heard of any indicative pricing of the console for the Malaysian market. According to RinggitPlus, instructions to claim the PS5 will be sent via email to winners within 90 days.\n\n\n\n\nHopefully, we\u2019ll hear more from Sony Malaysia or PlayStation on the Malaysian availability of the PlayStation 5 very soon. After all, many Malaysians \u2013 including us \u2013 are eager to get their hands on the next generation console.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-unveils-slew-of-laptops-with-11th-gen-intel-chips-in-malaysia-starts-from-rm3099/", "title": "Asus Unveils Slew of Laptops With 11th Gen Intel Chips in Malaysia; Starts From RM3,099", "body": "\n\nAsus just introduced a whole range of laptops powered by Intel\u2019s latest 11th generation Tiger Lake processors for the Malaysian market. These include the ZenBook 13, the ZenBook 14, the VivoBook 13, the VivoBook 14, as well as the VivoBook S15. If you\u2019re looking to get a new productivity-focused laptop, consider these options.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the highest-end, sleekest offering of the lot, the ZenBook series. Both the ZenBook 13 and ZenBook 14 can be configured with a Core i5-1135 or Core i7-1165 processor paired with 8GB of RAM. The Core i5 variants of the two ZenBook laptops retail at RM3,999, while the Core i7 models cost RM4,699.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the different choice of processor, other hardware of the ZenBook 13 and ZenBook 14 are similar. They both have a 1920 x 1080 screen \u2013 13.3-inch for the ZenBook 13, 14-inch for the ZenBook 14 \u2013 512GB of SSD storage, and integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the more affordable VivoBook S15, which is only offered in one variant for the Malaysian market. The sole configuration comes with a 15.6-inch 1080p screen, a Core i5-1135 processor paired with 8GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, as well as Iris Xe Graphics for RM3,399.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the most affordable laptops introduced today, the VivoBook 14 and VivoBook 15. Both models share the same hardware and pricing, which include a Full HD screen, a Core i5-1135 processor paired with 8GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and integrated Iris Xe Graphics for RM3,099.\n\n\nInterestingly, the VivoBook 15 actually gets a second configuration for the local market. It has the same hardware as the aforementioned model, but it adds on a dedicated Nvidia GeForce MX350 GPU; ideal for those that want a little bit better graphics performance. Of course, you do have to pay slightly more (RM3,299) for this variant.\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Asus, all of the laptops launched today will be available for purchase sometime this week. There will also be a \u201claunch special\u201d for these productivity laptops next week on 20 November from Shopee.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-2-quick-review-closer-to-practicality/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Quick Review: Closer to Practicality", "body": "\n\nThe original \nSamsung Galaxy Fold\n was a unique, eye-catching device, but it had some pretty major shortcomings. Naturally, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 aims to solve all of these issues with an improved design, a more robust hinge, and a fast screen that\u2019s \nactually \nmade of glass now.\n\n\nHowever, retailing at RM7,999, the Z Fold 2 is still a very costly device that\u2019s tough to recommend. But if you\u2019re willing to part with that kind of money, the Z Fold 2 will be able to serve you much better than its predecessor, though there are still a number of shortcomings.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n7.6-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (2208 x 1768), 120Hz\n6.2-inch HD+ Super AMOLED (2260 x 816), outer screen\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 865+ 3.09GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 650\nRAM\n12GB\nStorage\n256GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n12MP f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF, OIS\n12MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide angle)\n12MP f/2.4 (telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 2x optical zoom\nCamera (front)\n10MP f/2.2\n10MP f/2.2 (cover)\nBattery\n4,500mAh\nDimensions\n159.2 x 128.2 x 6.9 mm\n159.2 x 68.0 x 13.8-16.8 mm (folded)\nWeight\n282g\nOS\nOne UI based on Android 10\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4/5GHz)\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM7,999\n\n\nWithout a doubt the Galaxy Z Fold 2 features flagship-level hardware. Not only is the main screen a fast 120Hz panel, it\u2019s also powered by Qualcomm\u2019s best chipset yet, the Snapdragon 865+. On top of that, it has a reasonably large 4,500mAh battery as well, which can return very good battery life.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, there are some oddities here and there. The Z Fold 2\u2019s storage capacity, for one, is limited to only 256GB. Granted, this isn\u2019t exactly a small capacity, but you\u2019d expect to get a more generous storage space out of a RM7,999 device. Aside from that, the triple camera system isn\u2019t quite as sophisticated as Samsung\u2019s other 2020 flagship smartphones either, though it can still take some good-looking shots.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the most noticeable upgrade the Z Fold 2 received is a sleeker and bigger 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display. The weird screen cutout is no longer here, and in its place is a minimal notch. The result? More screen real estate that offers better utility.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the screen quality itself is also top-notch with deep blacks, vibrant colours, and wide viewing angles. The 120Hz refresh rate lends to a \nvery\n smooth user experience as well with excellent motion clarity. All in all, it\u2019s a fantastic screen, and thanks to the use of Samsung\u2019s Ultra Thin Glass (UTG), the panel itself feels more rigid and less \u201cspongy\u201d than the original Fold\u2019s all-plastic screen.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Galaxy Z Fold 2\u2019s cover screen is also much more usable now. It\u2019s been upsized to a 6.2-inch 2260 x 816 Super AMOLED panel that covers almost the entire front of the phone, and I can actually use this display quite comfortably for my day-to-day tasks. Whether it\u2019s replying to a message or reading an article, I don\u2019t find the cover screen all that cumbersome to use, though I do wish it\u2019s a tad wider.\n\n\n\n\nPerformance is also one of the Z Fold 2\u2019s strong suits. After all, it\u2019s powered by the latest Snapdragon 865+ chipset, which can keep up with any tasks I throw at it. Complemented by the 120Hz screen, gaming on this foldable phone is quite a joy, especially on such a big display.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the hinge of the Galaxy Z Fold 2, which feels far more solid than its predecessor\u2019s. It unfolds in a smoother, more reassuring manner, and it can even hold itself up at different angles. The size of the gap when the phone is folded has been reduced as well, so it\u2019s ever so slightly less awkward to hold in this position.\n\n\n\n\nJust like its predecessor, the Z Fold 2 has excellent battery life too. On average, I was able to get around six hours of screen on time throughout the review period. Needless to say, this is \nvery\n impressive battery life, especially for a device with such a big screen.\n\n\nWell, now that we\u2019ve got the good stuff out of the way, let\u2019s talk about the shortcomings of this foldable phone.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nMy biggest qualm with the Galaxy Z Fold 2 has to be its screen; more specifically, the plastic protective layer. Now, even though this foldable phone does have a glass screen, it is only one of five layers. The topmost layer is still (as mentioned) a plastic protective layer, so you\u2019re not actually physically touching the glass layer.\n\n\n\n\nNow, I\u2019m not against screen protectors, but the one applied on the Z Fold 2 is\u2026not great. It does not offer the same smooth surface as a glass panel, and it\u2019s much too easy to leave fingerprints on it. To make matters worse, it\u2019s difficult to clean as well.\n\n\nBesides that, even though the Galaxy Z Fold 2\u2019s cover screen is much more usable now, the phone itself still feels awkward to use in its folded position. It\u2019s much too thick to comfortably hold for long periods of time, and the sheer heft of the phone \u2013 it weighs 282g \u2013 doesn\u2019t help either.\n\n\n\n\nNext is the camera performance of the Z Fold 2. It features a triple camera system made up of a 12MP f/1.8 primary sensor, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 12MP f/2.4 telephoto lens. Overall, these sensors can take good-looking shots, but they are by no means fantastic.\n\n\nGiven the price point at which this foldable phone sits, it wouldn\u2019t be unrealistic to expect (at the very least) the same level of camera performance as, say, the \nSamsung Galaxy S20 Ultra\n or \nNote 20 Ultra\n. Yes, the Z Fold 2\u2019s camera system isn\u2019t bad by any means, but it\u2019s still not quite on the same playing field as the best in the market now, which isn\u2019t great for a device that commands such a high asking price.\n\n\n\n\nAnd that brings us to the biggest shortcoming of the Galaxy Z Fold 2: it\u2019s expensive. Retailing at RM7,999, it\u2019s not meant for the mainstream market, and you\u2019ll be paying that amount of money simply for the fact that it is a smartphone with a foldable screen. Phones that cost half as much will still be able to offer the same level of performance minus the foldable display.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIt\u2019s tough to recommend the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 to the general public, given its steep asking price and niche nature. But that doesn\u2019t take away the fact that it is a very eye-catching, technologically impressive device. If you\u2019re absolutely sure you want the utility of a foldable screen, the Z Fold 2 may just be the device for you.\n\n\n\n\nMore importantly, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is a marked improvement over the original Fold in almost every way. With every iteration of this foldable phone, Samsung makes some meaningful changes. Hopefully, the day will come when Samsung releases a foldable phone that is just as practical as a conventional smartphone.\n\n\nAnd maybe not cost as much.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/motorola-razr-2020-may-be-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Motorola Razr (2020) May Be Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019ve seen quite a number of smartphones with foldable screens in Malaysia, but if you want one in a flip phone form factor, only the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip\n offers such a design. Well, that could be changing in the near future: the Motorola Razr (2020) could be released in Malaysia very soon.\n\n\nWhile we were going through SIRIM\u2019s database, one device registered with Lenovo Malaysia just yesterday caught our eye. Carrying the model number XT2071-4, this is none other than the updated Razr flip phone. Curiously, SIRIM doesn\u2019t state that the phone comes with 5G connectivity, even though it comes with the 5G-capable Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to \nits predecessor\n, the new Razr does bring a number of notable updates, including the aforementioned Snapdragon 765G chip instead of a slower Snapdragon 710 SoC. On top of that, it also has a slightly larger 2,800mAh battery now, which should be able to provide better battery life than the 2,510mAh cell of the previous model.\n\n\nOther 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; all for a cool $1,400 (about RM5,765).\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, we haven\u2019t heard from Lenovo Malaysia on the local availability of the 2020 Motorola Razr. But now that the phone has been registered with SIRIM, there\u2019s a good chance we\u2019ll hear from the company very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/official-you-dont-need-to-scan-mysejahtera-when-refuelling/", "title": "Official: You Don\u2019t Need to Scan MySejahtera When Refuelling", "body": "\n\nMany were confused whether or not they would need to use the MySejahtera app when they\u2019re refuelling at a fuel station, and we finally have the answer to this conundrum. Basically, if you\u2019re not entering the shop itself, and there is no face-to-face interaction involved, you don\u2019t need to use the MySejahtera app.\n\n\nThis was confirmed by Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in a press briefing. Those who are refuelling either with a credit or debit card \u2013 where no face-to-face interaction with another individual is involved \u2013 there is no need at all to look for a MySejahtera QR code to scan.\n\n\n\n\nEven if you\u2019re paying for your fuel with cash, you won\u2019t have use the MySejahtera app if you\u2019re not entering the shop itself. So long as you\u2019re using the provided counter outside of the store to perform the payment, you\u2019re good to go; no scanning is required.\n\n\nHowever, if you \nare\n entering the shop, toilet, or surau, it is required to scan the MySejahtera QR code. Failure to do so will entail a RM1,000 fine.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-grab-the-sony-wh-1000xm4-for-less-than-rm1000-on-11-11/", "title": "Deal: Grab the Sony WH-1000XM4 For Less Than RM1,000 on 11.11", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019ve seen some good discounts for the \nSony WH-1000XM4\n, but this one tops them all by quite a big margin. In conjunction with Lazada\u2019s 11.11 sale, the noise-cancelling wireless headphones will drop \nbelow the RM1,000 price point\n \u2013 that\u2019s a big discount for a relatively new product.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by TechMall, a LazMall Flagship Store, so you know this is a legitimate promotion. According to the listing, the WH-1000XM4 will be priced \nat only RM9x9\n come 12PM on 11 November tomorrow, though the product image seems to suggest that the sale will start from 12AM to 2AM instead.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, \nfor less than RM1,000\n, the Sony WH-1000XM4 offers a lot of value for money. If you\u2019re not quite sure it\u2019s the right pair of noise-cancelling wireless headphones for you, check out our \nreview of the XM4\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/macbook-pro-first-arm-powered-macbooks-with-up-to-20-hour-battery-life/", "title": "MacBook Pro & MacBook Air With Apple M1 Chip Unveiled; First ARM-Powered MacBooks With up to 20-Hour Battery Life", "body": "\n\nThe next generation of Macs powered by Apple\u2019s own chip are here, starting with the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. For the most part, these new MacBooks look identical to their Intel counterparts, but they\u2019re powered by the Cupertino company\u2019s brand new M1 chip, which promises \u201cthe world\u2019s fastest CPU core and integrated GPU\u201d \u2013 very lofty claims.\n\n\nOn the surface, this looks like a simple processor swap, but the M1 chip itself \u2013 aside from its promised high level of performance \u2013 introduces a slew of improvements and added capability to the new MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. For one, apps made for iOS and iPadOS will be able to run \nnatively\n on these new M1-powered MacBooks, which is quite a big deal.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, Apple also said that the octa-core M1 chip is packed with the world\u2019s fastest CPU core and integrated GPU. In fact, the M1-powered MacBook Air is claimed to be \u201cfaster than 98% of PC laptops sold in the last year.\u201d As for the MacBook Pro, it is \u201cup to three times faster than the best-selling Windows laptops in its class,\u201d as Apple puts it. Basically, these two laptops (supposedly) offer incredibly good level of performance.\n\n\nAnother area where the M1 chip \u2013 which is built on a 5nm process \u2013 dramatically improves upon is power efficiency. For the MacBook Pro, users can expect to get up to \n20 hours of battery life\n on a single charge with the new processor; 18 hours for the MacBook Air. It\u2019s worth noting that the battery capacities of these new MacBooks are unchanged, so it\u2019s purely the power efficiency of the M1 processor that\u2019s returning better battery life.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, it remains to be seen if the M1 chip can truly deliver in these areas, though Apple is confident enough to say that the M1 is \u201cthe best chip it has ever created.\u201d Anyway, the new MacBook Air will retail from RM4,399 here in Malaysia, while the MacBook Pro starts at RM5,599; both base models feature 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage.\n\n\nAs usual, even though the Malaysian pricing of these M1-powered MacBooks have been announced, it remains to be seen exactly when they will be arriving on our shores. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the local availability of the new MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-5-arrives-in-malaysia-11-december-from-rm1869/", "title": "PlayStation 5 Arrives in Malaysia 11 December; From RM1,869", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s finally here: the PlayStation 5 is set to arrive in Malaysia next month on 11 December. On top of that, the local pricing of the console has been revealed too. Retailing from RM1,869, it\u2019s quite a well-priced next generation console.\n\n\nOf course, RM1,869 is for the more affordable PS5 Digital Edition; the standard PS5 with a Blu-ray disc drive retails at RM2,299 instead. Pre-orders for both systems will begin from tomorrow onwards on 12 November from \nthese participating retailers.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, PlayStation also shared the pricing of accessories for the PS5. The DualSense controller, for one, is set to retail at RM349. You can also get the charging station for the DualSense (which can charge two of them at the same time) for RM149. There\u2019s also the Pulse 3D wireless headset (RM469), HD Camera (RM279), and Media Remote (RM149).\n\n\nWhile we won\u2019t be getting the PS5 at the same time as other markets \u2013 it\u2019s set to be available globally on 19 November \u2013 it\u2019s still a pleasant surprise that the Malaysian market will receive the console this year. After all, the PS5 is practically sold out globally; consumer demand for the next generation console is definitely high.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition retails at RM1,869, while the standard PS5 costs RM2,299. You can pre-order both models tomorrow from \nthese retailers\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/peroduas-next-suv-spotted-in-malaysia/", "title": "Perodua\u2019s Next SUV Spotted in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019ve seen a a lot of SUVs enter the Malaysian market these past few months, including the highly anticipated \nProton X50\n. If none of them piqued your interest, Perodua\u2019s upcoming SUV \u2013 codenamed D55L \u2013 may be the one for you; it\u2019s just been spotted here in Malaysia.\n\n\nThe \nfolks over at Paul Tan\n managed to get a shot of the Perodua D55L right outside of JPJ\u2019s Putrajaya office. Despite the camouflage, there\u2019s no mistaking it for any other SUV. Compared to the Daihatsu Rocky or Toyota Raize \u2013 which the D55L is based on \u2013 the camouflaged SUV definitely looks similar.\n\n\n\n\nSeeing how the Perodua D55L will be based on the Daihatsu Rocky, the former should be sporting similar equipment as Daihatsu\u2019s offering. The Rocky sits on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA), and under the hood is a 1.0L turbocharged three-cylinder engine that outputs 98PS and 140Nm of torque. Paired with this engine is a continuously variable transmission (CVT).\n\n\nAside from that, the Rocky also features a suite of active safety features. These include autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and a parking assist system. It\u2019s not confirmed yet if these features will be made available on the Perodua D55L as well, though it is said to come with level 2 autonomous driving.\n\n\nThe Daihatsu Rocky\n\n\nThe Perodua D55L is expected to be introduced in Malaysia sometime next year in 2021; perhaps in the first quarter of the year. No word yet on exactly how much it will cost, but given its more modest list of equipment, expect the D55L to be more affordable than the \nProton X50\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/you-can-pre-order-the-playstation-5-on-shopee-tonight/", "title": "You Can Pre-Order the PlayStation 5 on Shopee Tonight", "body": "\n\nThe PlayStation 5 will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from tomorrow onwards, and if you\u2019re eager to get your hands on the next generation console, you can do so from tonight onwards at 12AM from Shopee\u2019s Sony Flagship Store.\n\n\nNow, do note that this Shopee store is handled by Sony Centre Sunway Pyramid; not Sony Malaysia itself. Anyway, as expected, stocks of the PS5 are limited. Based on the listing, only 50 units of the \nstandard PS5 (RM2,299)\n are available from Sony\u2019s store on Shopee. Stocks for the \nDigital Edition of the console (RM1,869)\n, on the other hand, are \neven more limited\n at only nine units.\n\n\n\n\nAside from the console, other accessories for the PS5 will be available for purchase as well. These include the \nDualSense controller (RM349)\n, \nPulse 3D wireless headset (RM469)\n, \nHD Camera (RM279)\n, and \ncharging station for the DualSense (RM149)\n. Interestingly enough, the Media Remote (RM149) for the PS5 isn\u2019t listed yet.\n\n\nPre-orders for the PlayStation 5 and its accessories will begin at 12AM tonight on Sony\u2019s Flagship Store on Shopee. Be quick if you want to be one of the first to get your hands on the next generation console.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-launches-its-own-website-for-pre-owned-cars-aims-to-boost-resale-value-of-proton-models/", "title": "Proton Launches Its Own Website for Pre-Owned Cars; Aims to Boost Resale Value of Proton Models", "body": "\n\nProton just launched its \nused car website\n, which offers a range of Proton Certified Pre-Owned (PCPO) vehicles, as well as cars from other brands that available at 36 dealers nationwide. On top of that, the PCPO website also allows customers to quickly trade-in their existing cars.\n\n\nOf course, cars sold on the PCPO website are checked thoroughly; each of them underwent a comprehensive 201-point inspection. On top of that, they are also given a new battery, fresh engine oil, and the oil filter is replaced too. To sweeten the deal, PCPO cars get an extended one-year warranty for the engine and transmission too, as well as one free service that\u2019s redeemable up to six months from the date of registration.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, PCPO cars are also required to meet a number of criteria. Not only do they have to be less than seven years old, their mileage has to be less than 130,000km at the time of trade-in. Naturally, only vehicles that have no flood or major accident damage are accepted as PCPO cars, as these may affect their structural integrity.\n\n\nAs mentioned, cars from other brands are also offered on the PCPO website, though these vehicles won\u2019t come with extended warranty from Proton. Of course, they are still thoroughly inspected and repaired if necessary before they are put up for sale.\n\n\nAccording to the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah, the aim of PCPO \u201cis to help stabilise and gradually build the residual value of Proton vehicles.\u201d \u201cBy offering high quality used cars, we hope to see a general lifting of prices for all our models, making it easier for customers to obtain competitive financing rates and raising trade-in values when they want to buy a new car,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to check out these PCPO cars, head on to the website \nright here\n. You can also trade-in your current car on the website.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/rama-works-kara-finally-available-for-pre-order-60-keyboard-with-mute-mounting-for-160/", "title": "Rama Works\u2019 Kara Finally Available for Pre-Order \u2013 60% Keyboard With MUTE Mounting for $160", "body": "\n\nRama Works is renowned in the custom mechanical keyboard scene for its range of high-end, premium keyboards. Of course, these products don\u2019t come cheap, which is why the company\u2019s latest keyboard, the \nRama Works Kara\n, is very exciting. Not only is it Rama\u2019s most affordable keyboard to date, it\u2019s also quite unique-looking.\n\n\nOf course, retailing at $160 (about RM660) it\u2019s not exactly a super budget-friendly custom mechanical keyboard. But for that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a lot of neat features. These include Rama\u2019s own MUTE mounting system, which is \u201cengineered for a responsive typing feedback experience and dampened sound signature.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Kara also has an ABS housing with a PC plate. While the ABS case wouldn\u2019t feel quite as premium as aluminium, it does bring down the price of the keyboard. Plus, Rama added that ABS was chosen for its flexible properties and minimal warping, which allows for a better assembly experience by \u201cproviding an allowance for comfortable interlocking of parts,\u201d as Rama puts it.\n\n\nAs for the plate material, Rama added that the PC plate is meant to complement the MUTE mounting system with its rigidity. This, in turn, provides a \u201cdynamic yet stable typing experience.\u201d Of course, if you prefer an aluminium plate instead, it\u2019s offered as an add-on, though the Kara will still ship with the PC plate.\n\n\n\n\nAnother neat feature of the Kara has to be its hotswap PCB. This lets users easily swap out switches without the need to solder them, making it a very beginner-friendly custom keyboard. Naturally, the PCB can be configured with VIA and QMK as well, along with support for per-key RGB.\n\n\nDo note that since the Kara is a keyboard kit, it doesn\u2019t include three major components for a complete build. These include switches, keycaps, and stabilisers. You can either buy these parts separately or opt for Rama\u2019s \nStarter Kit for the Kara\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Rama Works Kara is now available for pre-order \nright here\n until 31 December. It\u2019s expected to start shipping sometime in Q1 2021, which is quite a short waiting period for the company. After all, Rama\u2019s other keyboards usually take much longer to ship, up to a year even.\n\n\nIf you want something even more affordable, consider KBDfans\u2019 upcoming \nKBD67 Lite\n; it\u2019s a gasket-mounted 65% keyboard \u2013 also with an ABS case and hotswap PCB \u2013 for only $99 (about RM410). Alternatively, there\u2019s also the \nGlorious GMMK Pro\n for those who want a 75% custom keyboard instead.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dont-pre-order-the-ps5-above-retail-price/", "title": "Don\u2019t Pre-Order the PS5 Above Retail Price", "body": "\n\nThe PlayStation 5 is finally coming to Malaysia \nnext month on 11 December\n, and pre-orders for the next generation console just started yesterday. Of course, quite a number of folks didn\u2019t manage to get into the pre-order list, which opens up the possibility for certain folks to take advantage of the situation.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re one of many who didn\u2019t manage to pre-order the PS5 (myself included), try to not purchase the console with marked up prices. After all, stocks will always be limited at launch, but eventually, the system will be widely available. Why benefit scalpers who want to make a quick buck?\n\n\n\n\nOf course, there\u2019s no telling exactly when more stocks of the PS5 will be available locally, but it is really only a matter of time. Impulse Gaming, one of the most renowned local game stores, urged those who didn\u2019t manage to pre-order a unit to be patient. \u201cThis is not a limited time release, most retailers in Malaysia will have restocks for it,\u201d the store wrote \nin a Facebook post\n.\n\n\nSpeaking of game stores, in the flurry of PS5 pre-orders yesterday, there is one retailer that drew ire from Malaysian gamers: Gamers Hideout. When the store took pre-orders for the console, Gamers Hideout made it compulsory to get the console with a number of additional items. These include one PS5 title, a \u201cMystery Game Pack\u201d which include three PS4 titles of a specific genre, as well as a silicone case and \u201ctrigger kit\u201d for the DualSense controller.\n\n\nImage source: \nTwitter (@najmi)\n\n\nCollectively, this drives up the price of the console \u2013 the standard PS5 with a Blu-ray disc drive \u2013 to a whopping RM3,098.60 instead of RM2,299. Not surprisingly, Gamers Hideout\u2019s pre-order for the PS5 is still sold out despite these compulsory add-ons.\n\n\nWith this in mind, we strongly believe that no one should be paying more than what\u2019s necessary for the PS5. Granted, the willing buyer, willing seller sentiment applies here, but it\u2019s not exactly very ethical to take advantage of the situation (the limited availability of the PS5) for a quick profit.\n\n\n\n\nWhile it would be nice to be one of the first in Malaysia to own the PlayStation 5, you\u2019re not exactly missing out on \ntoo\n much by waiting it out a little bit longer for future restocks of the next generation console. We\u2019ve laid out a number of reasons why it\u2019s \nokay\n to not pre-order the PS5 right now in a \nprevious article\n \u2013 give that a read if you\u2019re disheartened about not being able to secure an order for the system!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/14-20-november-fuel-price-prices-up-across-the-board/", "title": "14 \u2013 20 November Fuel Price: Prices up Across the Board", "body": "\n\nFuel prices are going up across the board this coming week. Both RON 95 and RON 97 go up by 1 sen per litre this midnight, while diesel sees a higher price hike of 6 sen per litre.\n\n\nThis brings the price of RON 95 to RM1.62 per litre (down from RM1.61) and RON 97 to RM1.92 per litre (RM1.91 previously) at the stroke of midnight. As for diesel, it will cost RM1.74 per litre this coming week compared to RM1.68 previously.\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 14 to 20 November next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Friday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-novelkeys-nk65-entry-edition-quick-review/", "title": "Video: NovelKeys NK65 Entry Edition Quick Review", "body": "\n\nWe took a look at the \nNK65 Aluminium Edition\n previously, and now, we bring you a review of (essentially) the more affordable variant of the custom mechanical keyboard, the NovelKeys NK65 Entry Edition. Sporting a polycarbonate case instead of aluminium, the NK65 Entry offers fantastic value for money with a $95 price tag, which comes up to about RM390.\n\n\nBeyond the different case material, the NK65 Entry is practically identical to the costlier Aluminium model. In fact, thanks to the fact that it has a polycarbonate case, it doesn\u2019t suffer from any case pinging, which is typically associated with aluminium cases. This makes for a more neutral sound profile, which could be a desirable trait for certain folks.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to pick up the NovelKeys NK65 Entry Edition, you can do so sometime \ntowards the end of this month\n \u2013 that\u2019s when 1,000 units of the NK65 Entry (in N65 Purple) will be available for purchase \non NovelKeys\u2019 website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dont-buy-ps5-skins-dbrand/", "title": "Don\u2019t Buy PS5 Skins \u2013 Dbrand", "body": "\n\nDbrand is one of the most well-known names when it comes to skins for a wide range of tech products, including the \nPlayStation 5\n. Well, if you\u2019re lucky enough to get your hands on the PS5, the company is \nactually\n urging customers to not skin the next generation console \u2013 bizarre, isn\u2019t it?\n\n\nIn fact, Dbrand will refund everyone who pre-ordered any form of PS5 skin from the company. The logic behind its decision is simple: \nthe skin wouldn\u2019t look great\n. Dbrand even took a video from Dave Lee to show its point.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs you can see in the video, the inner panel of the PS5 will still be white; Dbrand\u2019s \u201csimple to apply\u201d skin for the console would look very similar to that. Of course, the company considered to make a \u201cfull coverage\u201d version of the skin, but it would be too difficult for the average consumer to apply. \u201cThe truth here is that we have no interest in selling a product that will generate a dozen customer complaints for every purchase,\u201d the company said.\n\n\nEven if the skin was applied perfectly to the PS5, Dbrand mentioned that \u201chigh-contrast white seams\u201d would still be visible. While some consumers may not mind this, it\u2019s enough of a shortcoming for Dbrand to cancel selling skins for the PS5, unfortunately enough.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re thinking of slapping on a skin to the PlayStation 5 in hopes of getting a black version of console, you may want to reconsider. After all, even a renowned skin company like Dbrand \u2013 which stands to earn quite a bit of profit from such a product \u2013 says so.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2020-toyota-vios-facelift-teased-launching-together-with-yaris-facelift/", "title": "2020 Toyota Vios Facelift Teased; Launching Together with Yaris Facelift?", "body": "\n\nAfter \nopening bookings for the facelifted Yaris\n earlier this month, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) recently started teasing the 2020 Toyota Vios facelift on its Facebook page. Chances are, both the new Vios and Yaris will be launched together in the near future.\n\n\nIn fact, the updated Vios was actually \nteased together\n with its hatchback sibling side by side. It would make a lot of sense for the two models to be launched simultaneously; both of them are essentially the same B-segment car, only with different body styles.\n\n\n\n\nGiven the similarities it shares with the new Yaris, the facelifted Vios should feature similar \u2013 if not the exact same \u2013 equipment. The range-topping G model, for one, should be equipped with Toyota Safety Sense. It includes two major features: Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Lane Departure Alert (LDA). The former warns the driver and automatically applies the brakes when there\u2019s a risk of frontal collision, while LDA alerts the driver when the car is unintentionally getting out of lane.\n\n\nUnder the hood of the new Vios should be the same Dual VVT-i 2NR-FE 1.5L engine that outputs 107PS and 140Nm of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels by a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with seven-speed Shiftmatic mode. Of course, the infotainment system should be updated to support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well.\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on exactly when the new Toyota Vios will be launched or open for booking, but now that UMWT is already teasing the facelifted B-segment sedan, we expect it to happen very soon. As for pricing, expect it to cost \nslightly more than the Yaris\n. You can register your interest for the updated Vios \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hp-envy-13-with-11th-gen-intel-chips-now-in-malaysia-from-rm4499/", "title": "HP Envy 13 With 11th Gen Intel Chips Now in Malaysia; From RM4,499", "body": "\n\nA number of laptops powered by Intel\u2019s latest 11th generation processors are \nslowly making their\n \nway into Malaysia\n, and the latest one to arrive here is the HP Envy 13. Sporting a rather sleek-looking design with a dedicated GPU \nand \nMicrosoft Office pre-installed, it\u2019s quite an interesting productivity laptop.\n\n\nWe spotted the Malaysian availability of the new Envy 13 from renowned retailer Tech Hypermart. Two variants of the laptop are offered in Malaysia: the base model with a Core i5-1135G7 processor paired with 8GB of RAM \nretails at RM4,499\n, while the higher-end Core i7-1165G7 configuration with 16GB of RAM \ncosts RM5,499\n.\n\n\n\n\nBasically, you\u2019re paying RM1,000 extra to get the Envy 13 with a more powerful processor and double the RAM. As mentioned, this laptop also comes with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2019 pre-installed, which makes it ideal for folks who need access to the software for productivity tasks.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Envy 13 include a 13.3-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen, an Nvidia GeForce MX450 dedicated GPU, 512GB of SSD storage, as well as a 51WHr battery that can be charged up to 50% in 30 minutes. Weighing 1.3kg with a 16.9mm chassis, it\u2019s quite a portable laptop too.\n\n\n\n\nThe HP Envy 13 is currently available for purchase in Malaysia. To recap, the Core i5 model \ngoes for RM4,499\n, while the Core i7 configuration \nretails at RM5,499\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2020-toyota-vios-facelift-bookings-open-priced-from-rm76k-to-rm89k/", "title": "2020 Toyota Vios Facelift Bookings Open; Priced From RM76k to RM89k", "body": "\n\nNot long after UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) \nstarted teasing the 2020 Toyota Vios facelift\n, bookings for the new B-segment sedan are now open. On top of that, we have estimated pricing of the updated Vios too. Set to retail from RM75,701 to RM89,232, the sedan is priced very closely to its closest competition, the 2020 Honda City.\n\n\nThree variants of the Vios are offered in Malaysia. The base J variant is said to cost RM75,701.00, while the mid-tier E model goes for RM85,674. As for the range-topping G trim, it is priced at RM89,232. Interestingly, these estimated prices are with SST included, which suggests that deliveries for the car may only begin next year.\n\n\nAfter all, the 100% sales tax exemption for locally assembled (CKD) cars is only valid until the end of 2020.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, just like the \nfacelifted Yaris\n, the new Vios will come with Toyota Safety Sense. The two safety features highlighted are Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Lane Departure Alert (LDA). PCS automatically applies the brakes \u2013 and warns the driver \u2013 when there\u2019s a risk of frontal collision, while LDA will alert the driver if the car is unintentionally going out of lane.\n\n\nUnder the hood of the facelifted Vios should be the familiar Dual VVT-i 2NR-FE 1.5L engine that does 107PS and 140Nm of torque paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with seven-speed Shiftmatic mode. On top of that, the new sedan will support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well.\n\n\n\n\nThe facelifted Toyota Vios is now available for booking at Toyota showrooms nationwide. More details on the new B-segment sedan can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dell-exits-retail-market-in-malaysia-singapore/", "title": "Dell Exits Retail Market in Malaysia & Singapore", "body": "\n\nIt appears retail stores in Malaysia and Singapore will not be carrying Dell products in the near future. According to an official statement from the company, Dell will \u201ctransition out of the retail market in Singapore and Malaysia,\u201d though that doesn\u2019t mean you cannot buy a Dell laptop anymore in these two markets.\n\n\nThis news was \nfirst shared by Lowyat.NET\n, which has received an internal memo sent to Dell retailer partners in Malaysia and Singapore. According to the memo, Dell is exiting the retail market in these two countries after the company reviewed its presence in a number of regions. As such, effective immediately, Dell will no longer accept new orders from retail stores.\n\n\nOf course, any form of existing contractual agreement between Dell and its retail partners \u2013 as well as customers \u2013 will still be honoured despite this move.\n\n\n\n\nNow, it\u2019s worth noting that this does not mean retail stores will immediately cease the sales of Dell products. You can still head to your local retail store and pick up a Dell laptop, but if you want the latest product offerings from the company, you can only get them from \nDell\u2019s Malaysian online store\n.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, that will be the only channel to get new Dell products \u2013 for those in Malaysia and Singapore \u2013 moving forward. These include the \nlatest XPS 13\n and \nXPS 13 2-in-1\n with Intel\u2019s 11th generation Tiger Lake processors. Basically, retail stores will only be carrying older Dell products from now on.\n\n\n\n\nIn the grand scheme of things, this does not affect the availability of Dell products in Malaysia and Singapore; you can still purchase them directly from the company \non its online store\n. Of course, this does mean you won\u2019t be able to try out new Dell laptops at retail stores in the near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-pay-now-in-malaysia-but-only-for-icbc-unionpay-cardholders/", "title": "Huawei Pay Now in Malaysia, But Only for ICBC UnionPay Cardholders", "body": "\n\nHuawei just announced the arrival of Huawei Pay in Malaysia. This service is brought here locally thanks to the Chinese company\u2019s partnership with UnionPay International as well as Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), making it easier for Huawei users to perform cashless payments.\n\n\nHowever, according to Huawei, only ICBC UnionPay cardholders will be able to use Huawei Pay; credit or debit cards issued by other banks are not supported by the service just yet. After all, Huawei Pay takes advantage of UnionPay QuickPass to perform the cashless transaction.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, quite a number of Huawei smartphones support Huawei Pay, though it\u2019s mainly made up of its flagship series. These include the Mate lineup \u2013 ranging from the Mate 9 to the latest Mate 40 \u2013 the P10 to P40 smartphones, as well as the Nova 7 5G.\n\n\nAs for where you can use Huawei Pay, the company gave quite an exhaustive list. These include McDonald\u2019s, KFC, Family Mart, 99 Speedmart, Parkson, Village Grocer, Adidas, Nike, and even Sports Direct. Basically, anywhere that supports UnionPay QuickPass.\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei Pay service is now live in Malaysia. To celebrate the launch of the payment method here, ICBC UnionPay cardholders who register their cards with Huawei Pay can get up to 50% cashback for every transaction above RM20. On top of that, the top monthly spenders also stand a chance to win a Huawei P40, Huawei FreeBuds 3, Huawei Watch GT 2E, or a number of other prizes.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/logitech-mx-anywhere-3-arrives-in-malaysia-for-rm399/", "title": "Logitech MX Anywhere 3 Arrives in Malaysia for RM399", "body": "\n\nLogitech makes some of the best mice in the market, and its range of MX mice are particularly well-liked by consumers. If you\u2019re in the market for a new compact wireless mouse, consider the Logitech MX Anywhere 3, which has just landed in Malaysia.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the MX Anywhere 3 retails at RM399. It\u2019s worth noting that there are actually two variants of the compact mouse, though the difference between the two is very minor. The standard model comes with a USB-C to USB-A cable, while the \u201cMX Anywhere 3 for Mac\u201d is packaged with a USB-C to USB-C cable instead.\n\n\nAside from that, it\u2019s worth noting that the Mac version is only offered in Pale Grey, while the regular model is available in two additional shades: Graphite and Rose.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the biggest upgrades the MX Anywhere 3 received is the new MagSpeed scroll wheel; the very same one that was first introduced on the MX Master 3. The scroll wheel is made out of machined steel, and it employs an electromagnetic scrolling system that lets you easily switch between ratchet or \u201chyper-fast\u201d mode for a resistance-free scrolling experience.\n\n\nOf course, since the MX Anywhere series is basically the downsized version of the MX Master mice, the MX Anywhere 3 is designed to be a compact mouse. Now, despite its smaller footprint, Logitech says that this mouse will still be comfortable to use for hours. On top of that, it also offers up to 70 days of battery life on a single charge.\n\n\n\n\nThe Logitech MX Anywhere 3 will be available for purchase on \nLogitech.com\n and retail stores in Malaysia from 24 November onwards for RM399. The Mac version, on the other hand, will be released sometime in the near future. It\u2019s worth noting that the regular MX Anywhere 3 will still work with macOS and iPadOS, so it\u2019s not entirely necessary to wait for the Mac version.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-oppo-x-2021-is-a-concept-phone-with-a-rollable-screen/", "title": "The Oppo X 2021 Is a Concept Phone With a Rollable Screen", "body": "\n\nOppo just showed off a rather interesting smartphone at its second annual Inno Day: the Oppo X 2021. What makes this device particularly unique is its rollable screen, which transforms the phone to a tablet in a matter of seconds.\n\n\nOf course, the Oppo X 2021 is still just a concept smartphone, so it\u2019s not a consumer-ready product yet. Regardless, it\u2019s still a very intriguing piece of tech, and you can see the rollable display in action below. A simple gesture is all that\u2019s needed to activate the motors that roll the flexible OLED screen.\n\n\n\n\npic.twitter.com/rhoApUh05q\n\u2014 Ice universe (@UniverseIce) \nNovember 17, 2020\n\n\n\n\nNeedless to say, it looks very impressive in action. Curiously, the user interface seems to adjust accordingly too as the Oppo X 2021\u2019s 6.7-inch screen is expanded to a squarer, tablet-like 7.4-inch panel. Then again, we imagine this won\u2019t be the case with any given app.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that Oppo isn\u2019t the only phone maker that teased a similar form factor. LG, for one, is said to be releasing a smartphone with a rollable screen in March next year. Codenamed Project B, it\u2019ll be interesting to see how that phone will compare to this Oppo concept device.\n\n\n\n\nGiven that the Oppo X 2021 is a concept smartphone, it\u2019s hard to say if the rollable screen tech will make it into a consumer-ready device from the Chinese company in the near future. Chances are, however, we may see more devices with a similar form factor in 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-honda-civic-prototype-unveiled-with-more-traditional-looks/", "title": "2022 Honda Civic Prototype Unveiled With More Traditional Looks", "body": "\n\nThe 11th generation Honda Civic is taking shape: the Japanese carmaker just revealed the prototype of the upcoming C-segment sedan. Sporting a more traditional look with some design cues from the \nHonda Accord\n, the new sedan may appeal to folks who didn\u2019t quite like the much more aggressive-styling of the \ncurrent 10th generation Civic FC\n.\n\n\nNow, although this is only the prototype of the 11th generation Civic, it should be very close to the design of the final production unit. Gone are the \u201cketam\u201d C-shaped taillights of the Civic FC for a more subtle L-shaped LED lighting; the front DRLs has the same L-shaped lighting too. The silhouette of the new Civic, on the other hand, is very reminiscent of its D-segment sibling, the Accord.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the new Civic\u2019s interior, we only get a sketch of what it would look like. Just like the exterior, it appears the cabin will also be a lot more minimalist and modern. There\u2019s now a floating infotainment screen, the centre armrest is no longer partly exposed, and the air vents are cleverly integrated into the honeycomb mesh that stretches across the dashboard.\n\n\nOf course, this being just the reveal of the prototype 11th generation Civic, we don\u2019t know what engine will be found under the hood of the new sedan yet. All Honda said is that the new Civic will come with \u201cmore powerful engine options,\u201d so expect it to be faster than the current model.\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Honda Civic is set to debut sometime in spring 2021, though it\u2019ll be much longer before the production-ready version of the C-segment sedan arrives here in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-open-for-booking-in-brunei/", "title": "Proton X50 Open for Booking in Brunei", "body": "\n\nIt seems the \nProton X50\n is already heading to Brunei; bookings for the B-segment SUV is now open in the country. This makes it the first market outside of Malaysia to get the Malaysian-made SUV, just like how it was with the \nProton X70\n.\n\n\nThe availability of the X50 in Brunei was revealed by \nPad Motors Proton Brunei\n on its Facebook page. Although the dealer did not detail the variants available for the market, it should be similar to the models offered here. After all, this was the case with the X70.\n\n\n\n\nIf all variants of the X50 are available in Brunei, four models will be offered there: Standard, Executive, Premium, and Flagship. The first three variants are powered by a 1.5L turbocharged three-cylinder MPI engine that outputs 150PS and 226Nm of torque, while the range-topping Flagship trim gets a more powerful 1.5L TGDi mill, which churns out 177PS and 255Nm of torque. Both engine options are paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.\n\n\nNaturally, the Flagship X50 is also the only model to get the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). This suite of active safety features include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), as well as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS).\n\n\n\n\nAs of October 2020, as many as \n27,400 bookings were already made\n for the Proton X50 in Malaysia with 447 units delivered. With such high local demand, it\u2019ll be interesting to see how Proton will handle the fulfillment of bookings made locally and in Brunei.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-swift-3x-with-intel-iris-xe-max-dedicated-gpu-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm3799/", "title": "Acer Swift 3X With Intel Iris Xe Max Dedicated GPU Lands in Malaysia for RM3,799", "body": "\n\nUnveiled just last month globally, the \nAcer Swift 3X\n with the Intel Iris Xe Max dedicated GPU is now available in Malaysia. On top of that, the refreshed \u2013 and more affordable \u2013 Acer Aspire 5 with Intel\u2019s latest 11th generation Tiger Lake chip has also arrived on our shores.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Swift 3X are offered in Malaysia. The base model with a Core i5-1135G7 processor paired with 8GB of RAM retails at RM3,799, while the higher-end Core i7-1165G7 configuration with double the RAM (16GB) goes for RM4,599. Regardless of which model you go for, you get the brand new Iris Xe Max discrete GPU, a 14-inch 1080p IPS screen, and a 512GB SSD.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Swift 3X is also quite a portable laptop. Weighing 1.37kg with a 17.95mm thin chassis, you can easily lug it around in your backpack. On top of that, it also has a quoted battery life of up to 17.5 hours. It\u2019s a very impressive figure, and it\u2019d be interesting to see if it can really achieve that in real life usage.\n\n\nAs for the Aspire 5, it is offered in two sizes (14-inch and 15.6-inch), either a Core i5-1135G7 or Core i7-1165G7 processor, as well as an optional Nvidia GeForce MX350 dedicated GPU for extra graphics performance. All variants of the Aspire 5 also come with 4GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. Here\u2019s the full list of Aspire 5 configurations (and retail prices) for the local market:\n\n\n\n\nBoth the Acer Swift 3X and Acer Aspire 5 are now available for purchase in Malaysia. It\u2019s worth noting that both of these laptops come with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2019 pre-installed, and those that purchase either laptops can also redeem up to RM100 Touch \u2018n Go eWallet credit, a personalised laptop sleeve, and a backpack. These gifts can be redeemed right \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2020-honda-city-received-close-to-9000-bookings-2400-units-delivered/", "title": "2020 Honda City Received Close to 9,000 Bookings; 2,400 Units Delivered", "body": "\n\nThe \nall-new 2020 Honda City\n was launched here in Malaysia just last month, and the Japanese carmaker just revealed that close to 9,000 bookings have been made for the B-segment sedan. On top of that, over 2,400 units have been delivered to customers as well.\n\n\nOf the 9,000 bookings, the V variant of the City \u2013 it sits right below the range-topping RS e:HEV model \u2013 is the most popular option, making up 54% of the total bookings. Speaking of which, it\u2019s worth noting that the 9,000 bookings are solely from the three variants (V, E, and S) launched. After all, the top-of-the-line RS model will only be available here sometime in January 2021.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, powering the V, E, and S variants of the new City is a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine that outputs 121PS and 145Nm of torque. It is paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with drive sent to the front wheels. As for the RS e:HEV model, it features a Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain that delivers 108PS and 253Nm of torque.\n\n\nStandard safety equipment across the range of the 2020 City include Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), ISOFIX anchor points, and rear seatbelt reminder. As for airbag count, only the RS and V variants get six airbags; the E and S models get four airbags instead.\n\n\nOf course, one of the contributing factors for the City\u2019s popularity has to be the 100% sales tax exemption for locally assembled (CKD) cars until the end of 2020. The full price list of the sedan \u2013 including with and without tax exemption \u2013 can be found below.\n\n\nHonda City Variant\nPrice with sales tax exemption\nPrice without sales tax exemption\nPrice difference\nS\nRM74,191.27\nRM76,800\nRM\n2,608.73\nE\nRM81,664.82\nRM84,800\nRM3,135.18\nV\nRM86,561.45\nRM89,800\nRM3,238.55\n\n\n\n\nThe all-new Honda City is now available for viewing and test drive at 102 Honda authorised dealerships nationwide. You can also learn more about the B-segment sedan \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/logitech-g-pro-x-superlight-gaming-mouse-weighs-only-60g-for-150/", "title": "Logitech G Pro X Superlight Gaming Mouse Weighs Only 60g for $150", "body": "\n\nLogitech just released a new wireless gaming mouse, and it\u2019s \nextremely\n lightweight. Weighing just 63g, the Logitech G Pro X Superlight is even lighter than Logitech\u2019s other high-end gaming mouse, the G Pro Wireless. Of course, such a lightweight mouse does demand a higher asking price.\n\n\nFor the US market, the G Pro X Superlight retails at $150, which comes up to about RM615. For the sake of comparison, the G Pro Wireless costs $130 (approximately RM530) there. Without a doubt the Superlight is a costly gaming mouse, though you do get some impressive features for that kind of money.\n\n\n\n\nFor starters, even though the Superlight weighs 63g, you can actually remove the magnetic plate on the bottom of the mouse to reduce the weight to merely 60g. It also has much larger \u201czero-additive\u201d PTFE feet for a smoother glide, not to mention up to 70 hours of battery life on a single charge.\n\n\nBut compared to the G Pro Wireless, the G Pro X Superlight does exclude a number of features. It doesn\u2019t have as much LED lighting, the DPI button on the bottom of the mouse has been removed, and despite its ambidextrous shape, it no longer has the modular, removable buttons on the right side of the mouse for left-handed gamers.\n\n\nOn the bright side, the Superlight does use the same sensor as the G Pro Wireless, so you can expect to get the same level of performance.\n\n\n\n\nThe Logitech G Pro X Superlight will be available for purchase in the US from 3 December onwards. Malaysian availability of the wireless gaming mouse has not been revealed yet, but given that Logitech\u2019s range of peripherals are usually available here, we expect the Superlight to arrive on our shores eventually.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/21-27-november-fuel-price-prices-are-up-again/", "title": "21 \u2013 27 November Fuel Price: Prices Are Up Again", "body": "\n\nFuel prices are going up yet again across the board this coming week. Both RON 95 and RON 97 go up by 2 sen per litre this midnight, while diesel sees an even higher price hike of 7 sen per litre.\n\n\nThis brings the price of RON 95 to RM1.64 per litre (up from RM1.62) and RON 97 to RM1.94 per litre (RM1.92 previously) at the stroke of midnight. As for diesel, it will cost RM1.81 per litre this coming week compared to RM1.74 previously.\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 21 to 27 November next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Friday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/kbdfans-kbd67-lite-pre-orders-open-27-november-for-109/", "title": "KBDfans\u2019 KBD67 Lite Pre-Orders Open 27 November for $109", "body": "\n\nInitially announced \nback in August\n, KBDfans finally revealed more information on its latest budget-friendly custom mechanical keyboard, the KBD67 Lite. As promised, the keyboard kit will be available for pre-order next week on 27 November in conjunction with Black Friday.\n\n\nHowever, KBDfans made a number of changes to the KBD67 Lite. Curiously, the price has been increased to $109 (about RM445) from $99 (approximately RM405), though a keyboard case is now bundled with the keyboard kit. Aside from that, the plate is no longer aluminium either; it\u2019s been swapped for a polycarbonate plate instead.\n\n\n\n\nKBDfans did not elaborate exactly why it made these changes, but the vendor did mention production will be faster for polycarbonate plates than aluminium. On top of that, KBDfans also said that if less than 1,000 pre-orders are made for the KBD67 Lite, it will only take a month to deliver the keyboard kit to buyers \u2013 that\u2019s pretty darn quick.\n\n\nDelivery time aside, other specifications of the KBD67 Lite remain the same. It\u2019s still a gasket-mounted 65% keyboard with a \u201cmute silicone\u201d in between the plate and PCB, option for solderable or hotswap PCB with support for VIA and QMK \u2013 with what appears to be south-facing LEDs for best compatibility with various keycap profiles \u2013 an ABS case, and Cherry screw-in stabilisers.\n\n\n\n\nIt would\u2019ve been great if KBDfans retained the KBD67 Lite\u2019s original retail price, but for $109 \u2013 which is, again, about RM445 \u2013 it\u2019s still a keyboard kit that offers great value for money. If you\u2019re planning to pre-order it next week on 27 November at 8AM (Malaysian time) \nright here\n, do note that you need switches and a keycap set to complete the build.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-yoga-slim-7i-carbon-with-966g-chassis-now-in-malaysia-from-rm4629/", "title": "Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon With 966g Chassis Now in Malaysia From RM4,629", "body": "\n\nOfficially introduced \njust last month\n, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon is now available for purchase in Malaysia. What makes this productivity-focused laptop particularly interesting is its lightweight nature: it weighs merely 966g, making it one of the lightest laptops in the market now.\n\n\nOddly enough, although we were told last month the Yoga Slim 7i Carbon will retail from RM4,399 here, this doesn\u2019t seem to be the case. At least, that\u2019s what the listing on the \ncompany\u2019s online store\n is suggesting. The most affordable variant with an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor costs RM4,629, while the higher-end configuration with a Core i7-1165G7 chip goes for RM5,159.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the different processor, both variants of the Yoga Slim 7i Carbon have identical hardware. These include an Intel Iris Xe integrated GPU, 8GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and a 50WHr battery that promises up to 15 hours of use on a single charge. On top of that, this laptop is also pre-installed with Microsoft Home & Student 2019.\n\n\nAnother interesting hardware of the Yoga Slim 7i Carbon has to be its 13.3-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS non-touch screen. Not only does it cover 100% of the sRGB colour space, it is also has a 16:10 aspect ratio. Compared to a more conventional (and narrower) 16:9 display, you get more vertical space with this laptop\u2019s screen, which is ideal for productivity tasks.\n\n\n\n\nThe Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon is now available for purchase on \nLenovo\u2019s Malaysian online store\n. To recap, the base Core i5 model retails at RM4,629, while the Core i7 variant costs RM5,159.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/rumour-2021-proton-persona-no-new-proton-model-next-year/", "title": "Rumour: 2021 Proton Persona & Iriz Facelift to Sport 4AT Gearbox; No New Proton Model Next Year", "body": "\n\nHere\u2019s a Proton news that\u2019s not related to the highly sought-after \nProton X50\n for a change. After the introduction of the X50, the national carmaker is expected to give its B-segment offerings, the Persona and Iriz, another facelift for 2021. One of the biggest changes is expected to be a switch from the current CVT to a four-speed automatic gearbox.\n\n\nThis bit of news comes from \nFuntasticko\n, which spoke with a source familiar with the matter. According to the source, the upcoming 2021 Persona and Iriz will be equipped with the same four-speed automatic transmission \u2013 which is sourced from Hyundai \u2013 that\u2019s currently found in the \nProton Saga\n. If you\u2019re not a fan of CVT, we imagine you\u2019ll like this (rumoured) change.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, Funtasticko\u2019s source also said that there\u2019s a chance Proton won\u2019t be introducing any new model next year. Instead, the national carmaker will focus on updating its current lineup, such as the aforementioned Persona and Iriz facelift. Speaking of which, a crossover-styled variant of the Iriz could be in the pipeline as well.\n\n\nFuntasticko\u2019s source elaborated that Proton\u2019s Tanjung Malim plant in Perak is currently assembling quite a number of two special edition models: the Persona \u201cBlack Edition\u201d and the Iriz R3. Just like the \nProton Saga Anniversary Edition\n, these two new models are said to be clad in black with some yellow accents.\n\n\nNow, despite the \u201cR3\u201d branding of the Iriz R3, expect it to come with the same engine as the regular Iriz.\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on exactly when Proton will introduce these special edition Persona and Iriz. But given that it\u2019s already approaching the end of the year, we expect it to only happen in early 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/msi-modern-series-laptops-with-11th-gen-intel-chips-land-in-malaysia-from-rm3699/", "title": "MSI Modern Series Laptops With 11th Gen Intel Chips Land in Malaysia; From RM3,699", "body": "\n\nMSI just launched its latest Modern series productivity laptops in Malaysia, which is made up of the Modern 14 and Modern 15. Retailing from RM3,699, these two laptops with Intel\u2019s latest Tiger Lake processors are pretty sleek-looking machines with some eye-catching colours.\n\n\nFor the Modern 14, only one variant of the laptop is available here. Retailing at RM4,499, it\u2019s packed with a 14-inch 1080p screen, a Core i7-1165G7 processor paired with 16GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, as well as an Nvidia GeForce MX450 dedicated GPU. It\u2019s only offered in the Bluestone colourway at the moment, though MSI said more colour options will be available soon.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Modern 15, two configurations are sold here. The more affordable model (RM3,699) features a Core i7-1165G7 processor paired with 8GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, as well as a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 screen that covers 45% of the NTSC colour space.\n\n\nThe higher-end Modern 15, on the other hand, features similar hardware as the model above, but it has a better 15.6-inch Full HD screen that covers 72% of the NTSC colour space, just like the Modern 14. It also features a dedicated MX450 GPU for better graphics performance, all for RM4,399. In terms of colour choice, only the Carbon Grey option is available at the moment. \n\n\n\n\nBoth the MSI Modern 14 and Modern 15 are now available for purchase in Malaysia, including MSI\u2019s own \nofficial store on Shopee\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2021-hyundai-elantra-with-wireless-android-auto-arriving-in-malaysia-soon/", "title": "2021 Hyundai Elantra With Wireless Android Auto Arriving in Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nIt appears Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) is gearing up to launch the 2021 Hyundai Elantra here in Malaysia very soon. Compared to its predecessor, the new C-segment sedan sports a much more aggressive design language; it definitely stands out against its segment rivals.\n\n\nHSDM started teasing the local availability of the seventh generation Elantra \non its Facebook page\n. Unfortunately, the teaser image doesn\u2019t reveal any estimated launch date or pricing for the new sedan, though the post does seem to suggest that the new sedan will be arriving here in the near future.\n\n\nThe teaser posted by HSDM\n\n\nAs mentioned, the 2021 Elantra\u2019s unique, aggressive styling is one of its standout features. It wears the \u201cSensuous Sportiness\u201d design identity, with a wide, cascading grille on the front and sharp lines throughout the exterior. The interior is quite modern-looking too, and the 10.25-inch infotainment screen \u2013 or an 8-inch display for the base model \u2013 supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well, which is said to be a segment-first.\n\n\nUnder the hood of the new Elantra is a 2.0L MPI Atkinson Cycle engine that produces 147hp and 179Nm of torque. It\u2019s paired to the Korean carmaker\u2019s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), its own version of a CVT gearbox. IVT is said to provide \u201csuperior efficiency and simulates gear shifts\u201d like conventional automatic transmissions.\n\n\nThere\u2019s also the Elantra Hybrid, which has a smaller 1.6L GDI Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that delivers 43hp (32kW), giving a combined output of 139hp and 264Nm of torque. This engine is mated to Hyundai\u2019s six-speed dual-clutch transmission.\n\n\n\n\nNo details yet on exactly when the 2021 Hyundai Elantra will be launched in Malaysia, but given that HSDM has started teasing the new C-segment sedan, it should arrive here very soon. That being said, the government\u2019s sales tax exemption \u2013 which is ending next month \u2013 is unlikely to be applicable to the new Elantra.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/microsoft-surface-laptop-go-now-available-in-malaysia-from-rm2758/", "title": "Microsoft Surface Laptop Go Now Available in Malaysia From RM2,758", "body": "\n\nInitially opened for pre-orders earlier this month, Microsoft\u2019s latest laptop, the Surface Laptop Go, is now available for purchase in Malaysia. Positioned below the \nSurface Laptop range\n, this productivity-focused machine is meant to appeal to those who want a more budget-friendly Microsoft laptop.\n\n\nThree variants of the Surface Laptop Go are offered for the Malaysian market. The base model (RM2,758) comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage, while the mid-tier variant features 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage for RM3,388.\n\n\nThe top-of-the-line configuration, on the other hand, sports 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage for RM4,288. There\u2019s actually a higher-end model with 16GB of RAM instead, but that\u2019s only offered to business customers.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the different RAM and storage configurations, all three variants of the Surface Laptop Go have the same hardware. These include an Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor \u2013 yes, it\u2019s still just a 10th generation chip \u2013 and a 12.4-inch 1536 x 1024 PixelSense touch-enabled screen with a 3:2 aspect ratio; the extra screen real estate makes this aspect ratio ideal for productivity tasks.\n\n\nAside from that, it\u2019s also worth noting that this is Microsoft\u2019s most lightweight Surface Laptop yet. Tipping the scales at 1.1kg with a 15.69mm thin chassis, you can easily lug this laptop around in your backpack. It also has a quoted battery life of up to 13 hours on a single charge.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go is now available for purchase in Malaysia, including \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n. The 64GB + 4GB base model retails at RM2,758, while the 128GB + 8GB and 256GB + 8GB variants go for RM3,388 and RM4,288 respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/poco-m3-official-snapdragon-662-6000mah-battery-from-rm499/", "title": "Poco M3 Official: Snapdragon 662, 6,000mAh Battery, From RM499", "body": "\n\nPoco\u2019s latest smartphone is here, and it\u2019s quite an intriguing budget-friendly device. Not only does the Poco M3 come with a very generous 6,000mAh battery, it also sports a rather interesting back design with a competitive price tag.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Poco M3 is offered in two variants. The base model features 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM for RM599, while the 128GB option \u2013 also with 4GB RAM \u2013 costs RM699. Early birds can save RM100 on either one of these two variants \nfrom Lazada\n this Friday on 27 November.\n\n\n\n\nDesign wise, the Poco M3 certainly looks quite unique with an \u201canti-fingerprint\u201d textured back. It mimics the appearance of leather \u2013 though it doesn\u2019t feel like leather at all, since it\u2019s plastic \u2013 and the camera module, while quite sizeable, certainly gives the phone a unique aesthetic.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Poco M3 include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset, a 6.53-inch 1080p notched screen, a triple camera system (48MP f/1.79 primary + 2MP f/2.4 macro + 2MP f/2.4 depth), an 8MP f/2.05 selfie camera, a huge 6,000mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nThe Poco M3 will go on sale this Friday on 27 November from Xiaomi\u2019s \nofficial global store on Lazada\n. The 64GB model costs RM599 (RM499 for early birds), while the 128GB variant goes for RM699 (RM599 for early buyers).\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s20-fe-quick-review-keeping-the-essentials/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S20 FE Quick Review: Keeping the Essentials", "body": "\n\nSamsung\u2019s flagship smartphones are usually positioned as premium products with equally premium price tags, which is why the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE \u2013 that stands for Fan Edition \u2013 is particularly interesting. Not only does it cost quite a bit less than its higher-end siblings, it still retains the essential hardware of a flagship device.\n\n\nIf you want a flagship smartphone that doesn\u2019t cost upwards of RM4,000, consider the Galaxy S20 FE \u2013 it retains the essential features of a high-end phone at a more affordable price point.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.5-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED (2400 x 1080), 120Hz\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 865 2.8GHz octa-core\nSamsung Exynos 990 2.73GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 650 (Snapdragon 865)\nMali-G77 MP11 (Exynos 990)\nRAM\n8GB\nStorage\n256GB (Snapdragon 865), 128GB (Exynos 990), expandable\nCamera (rear)\n12MP f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF, OIS\n12MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide angle)\n8MP f/2.4 (telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom\nCamera (front)\n32MP f/2.2\nBattery\n4,500mAh\nDimensions\n159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm\nWeight\n190g\nOS\nOne UI based on Android 10\nConnectivity\n5G (Snapdragon 865 only)\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4/5GHz)\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM3,399 (Snapdragon 865), RM2,699 (Exynos 990)\n\n\nCompared to the rest of the \nGalaxy S20\n smartphones, the S20 FE sacrifices on a number of hardware. These include a more modest triple camera system, a lower resolution 1080p screen, and a less premium plastic construction. However, it still has \nessential\n flagship features like a fast 120Hz screen, a high-end processor \u2013 either a Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 chip \u2013 and an IP68 rating.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nEven though the Galaxy S20 FE doesn\u2019t have the sharp QHD+ displays of its other siblings, at least the 120Hz refresh rate is retained. This is a very good tradeoff: I would happily use a fast 120Hz screen instead of a higher resolution display with only a conventional 60Hz refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\nThanks to the Galaxy S20 FE\u2019s bright and vibrant Super AMOLED 120Hz screen, every single animation on the display looks extra smooth. This, in turn, makes gaming on this phone particularly enjoyable, though only certain mobile games support the high refresh rate. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed playing games like Genshin Impact on this device.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Galaxy S20 FE offers fast performance as well. Samsung sent over the higher-end S20 FE 5G model with a Snapdragon 865 chipset for this review, and without a doubt it can keep up with any tasks I throw at it. Based on my experience with other Samsung flagship smartphones, I reckon even the Exynos 990 chip \u2013 which powers the 4G variant of the S20 FE \u2013 will be able to deliver a similar level of performance.\n\n\n\n\nThe battery life of the Galaxy S20 FE is also one of its winning qualities. On average, the 4,500mAh battery can consistently return over six hours of screen on time throughout the review period. It\u2019s worth noting that I got this level of battery life with the display set to 120Hz; turning down the refresh rate to 60Hz should further improve the phone\u2019s already impressive battery life.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the camera performance of the Galaxy S20 FE. Its triple camera system is made up of a 12MP f/1.8 primary sensor, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, and an 8MP f/2.4 telephoto camera. Collectively, these three sensors can take good-looking shots, especially the 12MP primary shooter, as expected. Judge for yourself with these sample shots.\n\n\n\n\nOverall, the Galaxy S20 FE has plenty of good qualities. Despite having to sacrifice on a number of hardware to bring down the price, it still feels like a proper flagship smartphone. That being said, no smartphone is perfect, so let\u2019s get to the negatives of the S20 FE.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nGiven its more affordable price tag, the Galaxy S20 FE certainly feels a notch below its higher-end siblings when it comes to build quality. It has a polycarbonate (read: plastic) back panel, which doesn\u2019t feel quite as premium as the other S20 phones with a more solid glass back. Of course, if you plan to slap a case onto the phone, this won\u2019t be a problem at all.\n\n\nAside from that, there\u2019s also the finnicky fingerprint sensor of the S20 FE. Unlike its other competition with a similar sensor, this phone\u2019s optical fingerprint reader isn\u2019t quite as accurate as I would\u2019ve hoped. This is by no means a huge issue, but it is a little annoying having to try multiple times before the sensor can accurately read my fingerprint.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the asking price of the Galaxy S20 FE. Yes, it offers good value for money, but there are other devices at this price point that offers \neven better\n bang for your buck. The \nXiaomi Mi 10T\n, for one, offers a faster 144Hz screen with the same Snapdragon 865 chipset for only RM1,699 \u2013 that\u2019s \nhalf\n the S20 FE 5G\u2019s RM3,399 price tag. Granted, the FE does have a more impressive Super AMOLED screen along with superior camera performance over the Mi 10T.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve always wanted a flagship smartphone from Samsung that doesn\u2019t cost too much money, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is made for that very reason. It may not offer the best value for money, but it has a fast, vibrant 120Hz screen, high-end performance, great battery life, and a reasonably good camera system.\n\n\n\n\nYes, RM3,399 for the 5G variant of the Galaxy S20 FE with a Snapdragon 865 processor is a little steep, but that\u2019s why Samsung released the 4G model as well. It costs quite a bit less at RM2,699, and while you\u2019ll only get 128GB of storage (instead of 256GB) and an Exynos 990 chipset, it\u2019s still very similar to the costlier 5G variant.\n\n\nAll in all, the Galaxy S20 FE is a fantastic flagship smartphone from Samsung, and it\u2019ll be interesting to see if the Korean company will replicate this strategy with its other flagship-tier phones, such as the Galaxy Note series. Keeping the essential features of a flagship device while lowering the price tag is proving to be a winning strategy for the S20 FE.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2021-hyundai-elantra-for-malaysia-will-come-with-ivt-1-6l-engine-123ps-154nm-torque/", "title": "2021 Hyundai Elantra for Malaysia Will Come With IVT & 1.6L Engine \u2013 123PS & 154Nm Torque", "body": "\n\nHyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) just dropped \nanother teaser\n for the \n2021 Hyundai Elantra\n for Malaysia. The company now confirmed the exact engine that will be under the hood of the new C-segment sedan for the local market, including the transmission it will be paired with.\n\n\nAccording to HSDM, the seventh generation Elantra will come with Hyundai\u2019s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), which is essentially its take on a CVT gearbox. Compared to a conventional CVT, the Korean carmaker\u2019s IVT uses a chain belt instead of a metallic belt, which improves efficiency in power delivery. The chain belt is said to be maintenance-free with a longer lifespan as well, making it more reliable.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, Hyundai\u2019s IVT also mimics the shifting pattern of a manual transmission with eight virtual speeds. This \u201cbetter reflects the driver\u2019s intent and driving conditions, making it feel more responsive in general,\u201d as Hyundai puts it. The carmaker further elaborated that in the case of the IVT fitted into the Elantra, it offers 4.2% better fuel economy and a 5-8% reduction in engine power loss.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the engine that will be powering the Elantra for the Malaysian market is a 1.6L SmartStream four-cylinder MPI engine that offers 123PS and 154Nm of torque. As a point of comparison, the previous sixth generation Elantra for our local market had a bigger 2.0L Nu MPI engine that outputs 152PS and 192Nm of torque paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, we still don\u2019t know exactly when HSDM will officially launch the 2021 Hyundai Elantra in Malaysia. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on any news regarding the local availability of the C-segment sedan.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/m1-powered-macbook-air-macbook-pro-available-in-malaysia-soon/", "title": "M1-Powered MacBook Air, MacBook Pro & Mac Mini Registered With SIRIM; Available in Malaysia Soon?", "body": "\n\nInitially unveiled to the world \non 11 November\n, the new MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini powered by Apple\u2019s brand new M1 chip may be available in Malaysia very soon. After all, all three of these products have been certified by SIRIM.\n\n\nIn fact, the Mac mini with the new M1 chip just appeared in SIRIM\u2019s database today; it was registered under Apple Malaysia with the model number A2348. As for the M1-powered MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, both of them were certified by SIRIM with the model number A2337 and A2338 respectively earlier this week on 23 November.\n\n\nThe Mac mini\nThe MacBook Air\nThe MacBook Pro\n\n\nEven though we already know the Malaysian pricing of these three M1 products, Apple did not reveal exactly when they will be arriving in Malaysia. Chances are, the Cupertino company wants to get them certified with SIRIM first before announcing their local availability.\n\n\nTo recap, the M1 Mac mini retails from RM2,999 for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage; you can get the RM3,799 model if you want to upgrade the SSD storage to 512GB. The M1 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, on the other hand, start at RM4,399 and RM5,599 respectively; both base models feature 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD.\n\n\n\n\nNow that the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini with Apple\u2019s M1 chip have been certified by SIRIM, we reckon they will be sold here very, very soon. We\u2019ll keep you guys updated on the local availability of these products, so stay tuned to Nextrift!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/kbdfans-releases-kbd67-lite-sound-test-ahead-of-tomorrows-pre-order/", "title": "KBDfans Releases KBD67 Lite Sound Test Ahead of Tomorrow\u2019s Pre-Order", "body": "\n\nKBDfans\u2019 budget-friendly \nKBD67 Lite\n custom mechanical keyboard kit will be available for (unlimited) pre-order \ntomorrow on 27 November at 8AM\n. If you\u2019d like to hear how the keyboard sounds like before you place your pre-order for it, good news: KBDfans just released a sound test of the board.\n\n\nIt\u2019s a rather short sound test done with the new Gateron Cap switches, but it does give us a good idea of the KBD67 Lite\u2019s sound profile. Thanks to its polycarbonate plate, plastic case, and \u201cmute silicone\u201d between the PCB and plate, the keyboard does sound like a gasket-mounted board with a clean sound profile. We\u2019re quite a fan of the tone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the video above, KDBfans also showed off the different lighting effects of the KBD67 Lite. The effects can be cycled with a keyboard shortcut, and the brightness can be adjusted on the fly as well. These come as no surprise, of course: the PCB can be customised with VIA and QMK, after all.\n\n\nOther specifications of the KBD67 Lite include a hotswap PCB \u2013 you can easily install and swap out switches without the need to solder them \u2013 with per-key RGB lighting, Cherry screw-in stabilisers, as well as a USB-C port. A carrying case is also bundled with the keyboard kit.\n\n\n\n\nThe KBDfans KBD67 Lite will be \navailable for pre-order tomorrow\n on 27 November until 3 December for $109, which comes up to about RM445. Three colour options are offered (Transparent, Black, White) \u2013 shipping will begin sometime in the first quarter of 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-iphone-12-mini-is-the-most-exciting-iphone-this-year/", "title": "The iPhone 12 mini Is the Most Exciting iPhone This Year", "body": "\n\nThe \niPhone 12\n \nseries \nis quite a bit more exciting than its predecessors. For the first time in many years, Apple released a brand new iPhone in a compact form factor, the iPhone 12 mini. But unlike other phone makers, the Cupertino company isn\u2019t compromising (too much) on the hardware of the compact phone.\n\n\nSporting the same processor, camera, and OLED screen as the bigger iPhone 12, the iPhone 12 mini is easily the most exciting 2020 iPhone to me. In a smartphone landscape dominated by much bigger devices, it\u2019s refreshing to see such a compact phone that doesn\u2019t sacrifice on processing power, among other aspects.\n\n\nPlus, the iPhone 12 mini is also the most affordable 2020 iPhone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhy Is the iPhone 12 mini So Exciting?\n\n\nThe biggest reason is definitely its compact form factor. Not only can I easily operate the iPhone 12 mini with only one hand, it just feels incredibly comfortable to hold. It\u2019s lightweight, it feels proportionate to my hand, and I love the squared-off aluminium sides of the iPhone 12 mini, which makes it easy to get a good grip on the phone.\n\n\nWhat about the iPhone 12 mini\u2019s display? Is it too small for practical use? Of course, a small screen is one of the major shortcomings of a compact phone, but in the case of the mini, its 5.4-inch 2340 x 1080 OLED panel is completely usable. Sure, it\u2019s not the most ideal display size for content consumption or gaming, but it\u2019s certainly big enough without feeling too cramped or cumbersome to use.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the quality of the screen itself, it\u2019s befitting of a premium phone like the iPhone 12 mini. It\u2019s an OLED panel, so it has inherently deep blacks, vibrant colours, and wide viewing angles. On top of that, this display can get very bright as well, so outdoor visibility will not be an issue at all. Basically, it\u2019s a high quality screen through and through, and I love that the bezels surrounding the screen are so minimal.\n\n\nWhen it comes to processing power, you get the same level of performance as any other 2020 iPhone \u2013 yes, even the top-of-the-line iPhone 12 Pro Max \u2013 with the iPhone 12 mini. The A14 Bionic is one of the fastest (if not \nthe fastest\n) mobile processors in the market now, and the fact that a compact phone like the mini is powered by this chip is very\u2026exciting. How often do you see a phone this pocketable that packs so much power under the hood?\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the camera performance of the iPhone 12 mini. Just like the iPhone 12, the mini features a dual camera system made up of a 12MP f/1.6 primary sensor and a 12MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle lens. Not a super sophisticated camera system \u2013 and it would\u2019ve been great if it had the telephoto shooter of the Pro models \u2013 but it can still take some good-looking shots.\n\n\nIn my brief time photographing with the iPhone 12 mini, it feels very competent with a fuss-free shooting experience; this is what we\u2019ve come to expect of any modern iPhone. Granted, I haven\u2019t put the camera through its paces yet \u2013 especially in more challenging lighting situations \u2013 but I\u2019m confident the mini will not disappoint.\n\n\n\n\nSurely the iPhone 12 Mini Has Some Shortcomings?\n\n\nOf course. There\u2019s only so much space to work with for a compact phone like the iPhone 12 mini, so naturally, it has a smaller battery capacity than the rest of its siblings. This means its battery life won\u2019t be quite as good as other 2020 iPhones, which can be a dealbreaker to some folks. I haven\u2019t had the chance to use the iPhone 12 mini as my daily driver yet to get a feel for its battery life, but I\u2019ll do so in the near future.\n\n\nAside from that, the iPhone 12 mini \u2013 as well as the rest of the 2020 iPhones \u2013 still has the wide notch at the top of the screen for Face ID. This doesn\u2019t give the phone a particularly modern aesthetic, not to mention the fact that the screen\u2019s refresh rate is still limited to 60Hz.\n\n\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the asking price of the iPhone 12 mini. Even though it\u2019s the \u201cmost affordable\u201d 2020 iPhone, it \nstill\n \nstarts at RM3,399\n for the base model; that\u2019s a lot of money for a phone with only 64GB of storage. If you want the 128GB or 256GB variant instead, it will cost you RM3,599 and RM4,099 respectively here in Malaysia.\n\n\nIs the iPhone 12 mini Worth It?\n\n\nIf you like the idea of a compact smartphone with class-leading performance, competent camera, and vibrant OLED screen, the iPhone 12 mini is absolutely worth it. It may not have the more sophisticated camera setup of the Pro models, but its compact form factor easily makes it the most exciting iPhone this year. Well, to me at least.\n\n\n\n\nYes, retailing from RM3,399, the iPhone 12 mini is still not exactly an affordable smartphone, but this has always been the case with the latest and greatest iPhones. If given the choice, I\u2019d happily go with the iPhone 12 mini over the rest of the iPhone 12 models \u2013 it\u2019s not so hard on my pocket, and it can fit into my pocket much more comfortably.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2021-hyundai-elantra-open-for-booking-in-malaysia-priced-at-rm1xx888/", "title": "2021 Hyundai Elantra Open for Booking in Malaysia; Priced at RM1xx,888", "body": "\n\nHyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) just opened bookings for the \n2021 Hyundai Elantra\n in Malaysia. According to the company, the new C-segment sedan will actually be launched here before the end of 2020, and it will only be offered in a single variant.\n\n\nHSDM did not reveal exactly how much the seventh generation Elantra will cost in our market, though it did say the sedan will retail at RM1XX,888. The sole variant will be powered by a 1.6L SmartStream four-cylinder MPI engine that offers 123PS and 154Nm of torque paired with Hyundai\u2019s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), its version of a CVT gearbox.\n\n\n\n\nJust like the rest of its competition, the Elantra will come with a suite of driver assistance systems as well, courtesy of Hyundai SmartSense. These include Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA), Blind-spot Collision-avoidance Assist (BCA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with stop and go function, and Lane Following Assist (LFA).\n\n\nAside from that, the new Elantra for the Malaysian market will also come with 17-inch wheels, a 10.25-inch Supervision digital instrument cluster, an 8-inch infotainment screen with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as a wireless charging pad for smartphones. More features of the C-segment sedan will be revealed closer to launch.\n\n\n\n\nThe 2021 Hyundai Elantra is now available for booking in Malaysia with a RM777 booking fee. You can register your interest for the seventh generation sedan \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/28-november-4-december-fuel-price-prices-are-up-yet-again/", "title": "28 November \u2013 4 December Fuel Price: Prices Are Up Yet Again", "body": "\n\nFuel prices are going up across the board yet again this coming week. Both RON 95 and RON 97 go up by 3 sen per litre this midnight, while diesel sees a higher price hike of 4 sen per litre.\n\n\nThis brings the price of RON 95 to RM1.67 per litre (up from RM1.64) and RON 97 to RM1.97 per litre (RM1.94 previously) at the stroke of midnight. As for diesel, it will cost RM1.85 per litre this coming week compared to RM1.81 previously.\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 28 November to 4 December next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Friday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-rm3000-custom-mechanical-keyboard-vega-by-ai03-kevinplus/", "title": "Video: RM3,000 Custom Mechanical Keyboard \u2013 Vega By ai03 & Kevinplus", "body": "\n\nThis is the Vega, a custom mechanical keyboard by ai03 and Kevinplus. We were lucky enough to secure a unit during the in-stock drop, and we spent a total of RM3,000 to complete the keyboard\u2026give or take. That\u2019s right, RM3,000 for a (\nfantastic\n) mechanical keyboard.\n\n\nNow, it\u2019s worth noting that the Vega itself \u201conly\u201d cost $359, which comes up to about RM1,460. But shipping and import duties drove the price up to approximately RM1,700, and together with the GMK Fuyu keycaps \u2013 which cost us RM1,000 since we got it from the extras sale \u2013 C3 Tangerine V2 switches (RM250), and JWK screw-in stabilisers (RM50), the total cost is RM3,000.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes, RM3,000 is a lot of money for \u201cjust\u201d a keyboard, but the Vega is an \nabsolute joy\n to type on; watch the video above to see what we mean. If you\u2019re keen to get the Vega, the group buy is set to begin this Sunday on 29 November at 1AM Malaysian time \nright here\n. It will cost $329 (about RM1,340) for the group buy instead of $359, and the keyboard kit will begin shipping sometime in the middle of 2021 next year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/zhongli-coming-to-genshin-impact-on-1-december-joined-by-xinyan-razor-chongyun/", "title": "Zhongli Coming to Genshin Impact on 1 December; Joined by Xinyan, Razor & Chongyun", "body": "\n\nMihoyo just confirmed exactly when Zhongli will be added to Genshin Impact. Set to drop this Tuesday on 1 December, the new 5-star character\u2019s \u201cGentry of Hermitage\u201d banner will be joined by three other 4-star characters: Xinyan (who is new), Razor, and Chongyun.\n\n\nAs with all of Genshin Impact\u2019s event banner, the \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Zhongli, Xinyan, Razor, and Chongyun will be increased. In the case of Zhongli, the first 5-star character that you get will have a 50% chance to be him. If it wasn\u2019t Zhongli, the \nnext\n 5-star character you roll is guaranteed to be him.\n\n\nDo note that Genshin Impact\u2019s pity system ensures that you will get at least one 5-star item every 90 attempts, so you\u2019ll need to roll 180 times for a guaranteed Zhongli.\n\n\n\n\nSame goes for the 4-star characters, but given that there are three 4-star units featured in this event banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random. Basically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Xinyan, Razor, or Chongyun.\n\n\nBesides the new banner, the story quest for Zhongli, Historia Antiqua Chapter, will also be added on 1 December. Genshin Impact offers one the most \nengrossing storylines of any RPG game\n, so we\u2019re confident the new story will expand the character development of Zhongli quite a bit. Plus, completing the story quest will reward players with adventure experience as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe new Gentry of Hermitage banner with Zhongli will go live on Genshin Impact this Tuesday on 1 December. For us here in Malaysia, the banner will be available from 6PM onwards on that day.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-swift-3x-hands-on-well-rounded-productivity-laptop/", "title": "Acer Swift 3X Hands-On: Well-Rounded Productivity Laptop", "body": "\n\nAcer\u2019s range of thin and light Swift laptops got more interesting with the Acer Swift 3X. Not only is it the first laptop to come with Intel\u2019s very own dedicated GPU \u2013 the Iris Xe Max \u2013 it\u2019s also a well-rounded (and premium) productivity machine that doesn\u2019t cost too much money.\n\n\nAfter spending a brief time with the Swift 3X, I\u2019m quite impressed with its feature set and performance. Of course, it does have a number of shortcomings here and there, but overall, it\u2019s definitely a thin and light productivity laptop worth considering.\n\n\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about hardware. The Swift 3X I tested is the top-of-the-line RM4,599 model with a Core i7-1165G7 processor paired with 16GB of RAM, the aforementioned Iris Xe Max discrete GPU, a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen, and a 512GB SSD. There\u2019s also the more affordable Core i5-1135G7 model with 8GB of RAM that costs RM3,799; its other specifications are the same as the Core i7 configuration.\n\n\nYes, the Swift 3X is not exactly a super affordable productivity laptop, but this has always been the case with the company\u2019s Swift series. After all, for that kind of money, you are getting a slim and light machine. The Swift 3X weighs only 1.37kg with a 17.95mm chassis, so it\u2019s really quite a portable laptop that you can easily lug around.\n\n\n\n\nNow then, let\u2019s talk about the user experience of the Swift 3X, starting with performance. Naturally, powered by a Core i7-1165G7 processor, this laptop feels very fast and responsive. As for the Iris Xe Max dedicated GPU, it can run less demanding games like \nGenshin Impact\n, Dota 2, and \nDiablo III\n without much issue, though don\u2019t expect to get particularly high frame rates in more graphically intensive games without tweaking the graphics settings.\n\n\nMoving on, we have the 14-inch 1080p IPS display of the Swift 3X, which is quite good. It\u2019s a bright panel with vibrant colours and wide viewing angles, making it ideal for both content consumption and productivity tasks. I do wish the bottom bezel of the screen was a bit smaller for a sleeker-looking design, but the laptop still has a screen-to-body ratio of 84%; a respectable figure.\n\n\n\n\nGiven its focus as a productivity laptop, the battery life of the Swift 3X has to be good. According to Acer, this laptop\u2019s 58.7WHr battery can return up to \n17.5 hours of use\n on a single charge. This is a very lofty estimate, so I\u2019ll definitely put it to the test in a full review.\n\n\nWhen it comes to port selection, the Swift 3X is\u2026alright in this regard. It offers two USB-A ports, a single USB-C connection with Thunderbolt 4 support, and an HDMI output. Not the best connectivity options we\u2019ve seen on a productivity laptop, but it\u2019s not exactly the worst either. Besides that, the fingerprint reader is quite fast too.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s my biggest qualm with the Swift 3X: its keyboard. While it\u2019s great that it has a standard keyboard layout, the typing experience itself leaves a lot to be desired. The keys have \nvery\n limited travel, which make for a shallow typing experience. The tactile feedback isn\u2019t particularly pronounced either, so I tend to mistype quite a bit with this keyboard. Granted, I\u2019m sure I can get used to it over time, but as far as first impressions go, it\u2019s not very favourable.\n\n\nWhat about the trackpad of the Swift 3X? For the most part, it\u2019s serviceable. I wish it was a tad bit more responsive with a smoother surface, but overall, the trackpad is accurate enough to not feel cumbersome to use. It can recognise gestures without any issue either.\n\n\n\n\nEven though the Acer Swift 3X\u2019s input devices are not particularly great (especially the keyboard), it\u2019s still a well-rounded productivity-focused laptop. It offers a good level of performance, the screen is bright and vibrant, and its lightweight, slim chassis makes it easy to lug around, which can be an important factor for folks who are always on the go.\n\n\nBut whether or not it\u2019s worth spending RM4,599 for the Swift 3X \u2013 or RM3,799 for the Core i5 model \u2013 only a full review can shed some light on this. If the laptop can really deliver up to 17.5 hours of use on a single charge, I will wholeheartedly recommend the Swift 3X to anyone that wants a good productivity machine.\n\n\nBesides that, it\u2019s great that the Swift 3X also comes with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2019 pre-installed. This will be especially useful to those that need access to this software.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-nvidia-geforce-rtx-3060-ti-is-the-new-value-champion-faster-than-rtx-2080-super-for-rm1880/", "title": "The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Is the New Value Champion \u2013 Faster Than RTX 2080 Super for RM1,880", "body": "\n\nNvidia released a slew of new graphics cards lately, and this latest one, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti, is arguably its most exciting GPU yet. Not only is it faster than the RTX 2080 Super (!), it is also the most affordable RTX 3000 series graphics card so far.\n\n\nAccording to \nLowyat.NET\n, the RTX 3060 Ti will retail from only RM1,880 for the Malaysian market. Given the level of performance it offers, you are getting a lot of value for your money at this price point. After all, even the RTX 2080 Super \u2013 which is, again, slower than the RTX 3060 Ti \u2013 is still listed above the RM3,000 price point \nright now\n.\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of hardware, the RTX 3060 Ti is actually very similar to the RTX 3070. Both of them use the same GA104 GPU with 8GB of GDDR6 memory, though the 3060 Ti do come with less CUDA cores (4864 versus 5888) and lower clock speeds.\n\n\nDespite that, the RTX 3060 Ti can actually match the performance level of the RTX 3070 quite a bit. Looking at early benchmarks done by \nTom\u2019s Hardware\n, the 3060 Ti is only about 2% to 7% slower compared to its higher-end sibling; that\u2019s very, very respectable.\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Nvidia, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti will be available for purchase in Malaysia from today onwards. Gigabyte, for one, already revealed the local prices of its RTX 3060 Ti GPUs, which start at only RM1,969 for the Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Eagle 8G.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/you-can-now-get-the-2020-honda-city-with-rm2000-discount/", "title": "You Can Now Get the 2020 Honda City With RM2,000 Discount", "body": "\n\nThe \nall-new 2020 Honda City\n was officially launched in Malaysia just a couple of months ago, but you can already get the B-segment sedan with RM2,000 discount. This is offered by Honda Malaysia itself as part of its 12.12 Special Sales campaign.\n\n\nOf course, there are a number of caveats. For one, only the S and E variants of the City are eligible for the RM2,000 discount; the higher-end V variant is not a part of the promotion. On top of that, only bookings made until 12 December will be eligible for the discount.\n\n\n\n\nHonda City Variant\nPrice with sales tax exemption\nPrice without sales tax exemption\nPrice difference\nS\nRM74,191.27\nRM76,800\nRM\n2,608.73\nE\nRM81,664.82\nRM84,800\nRM3,135.18\nV\nRM86,561.45\nRM89,800\nRM3,238.55\n\n\nEven though you are required to place a booking for the City by 12 December to enjoy the RM2,000 discount, you do have until 31 December 2020 to register your City. Of course, you will be able to take advantage of the 100% sales tax exemption from the government as well, which is only valid until the end of this year. Refer to the table above for the prices before and after tax exemption.\n\n\nUnder the hood of the S and E variants of the new City is a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine that outputs 121PS and 145Nm of torque. It is paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with drive sent to the front wheels. Speaking of which, these two models also feature 15-inch alloys.\n\n\nAs for safety, the S and E City come with four airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), ISOFIX anchor points, and rear seatbelt reminder.\n\n\n\n\nHonda Malaysia\u2019s 12.12 Special Sales promotion for the 2020 Honda City is certainly a good opportunity for folks that are interested to get the S or E variants of the new B-segment sedan. It would\u2019ve been great if the V model can enjoy the RM2,000 discount as well, but given that it accounts for \n54% of total bookings\n, perhaps Honda Malaysia wants to focus on the other two variants instead.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopee-working-together-with-brick-and-mortar-businesses-for-its-12-12-birthday-sale/", "title": "Shopee Working Together With Brick-and-Mortar Businesses For Its 12.12 Birthday Sale", "body": "\n\nFor Shopee\u2019s 12.12 Birthday Sale, the e-commerce platform is working with a number of brick-and-mortar businesses, which are adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of this, Shopee is engaging over 1,000 of these offline businesses to offer a number of products.\n\n\nBrick-and-mortar businesses Shopee has roped in for the 12.12 Birthday Sale include FamilyMart, Starbucks, Gong Cha, TGV Cinemas, and even MBO Cinemas. Among the items that can be purchased on Shopee from these businesses include merchandise, set deals, and even cash vouchers.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, as with all of Shopee\u2019s sale events, a number of promotions will also be running throughout the 12.12 Birthday Sale. From now until 12 December, the minimum spend to be eligible for free shipping will be reduced to only RM12. Aside from that, there will be RM1 deals as part of the platform\u2019s Shocking Sale.\n\n\nThere\u2019s also a rather interesting game called Shopee Kotak Duit, which offers shoppers a chance to win up to a whopping RM12,000. According to Shopee, two winners have already walked away with that amount of money. To join the Kotak Duit game, you just need to get a unique code through the Shopee app, and tune in to the Shopee Live event \u2013 from Monday to Thursday \u2013 to see if your code is chosen.\n\n\nNaturally, there will be special Kotak Duit sessions on 11 and 12 December as well.\n\n\n\n\nShopee\u2019s 12.12 Birthday Sale is currently ongoing, with the best deals happening on 12 December itself. More details on the sale event can be found \nright here\n. You can also download the Shopee app on the \nApple App Store \nand the \nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-1756-units-delivered-in-november-2020-best-selling-b-segment-suv/", "title": "Proton X50: 1,756 Units Delivered in November 2020, Best-Selling B-Segment SUV", "body": "\n\nProton just released its monthly sales report, and that includes sales number for the national carmaker\u2019s very popular B-segment SUV, the \nProton X50\n. For the month of November 2020, 1,756 units of the new model have been delivered to customers.\n\n\nAccording to Proton, this is enough to place the X50 as the best-selling (five-seater) B-segment SUV for the month of November 2020 in Malaysia. Aside from that, the carmaker also delivered 11,411 vehicles last month for both local and export markets. This brings the total number of vehicles sold by Proton to 96,410 units this year.\n\n\n\n\nGiven that over 27,400 bookings have been placed for the X50, the total number of units delivered so far \u2013 which is 2,203, taking into account the other 447 units delivered in October \u2013 isn\u2019t exactly a whole lot. Well, according to the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah, \u201cdeliveries of the Proton X50 have not ramped up to maximum capacity.\u201d\n\n\n\u201cWe are being deliberate in our approach to ensure our customers get the best product that meets their expectations. Still, we target to increase our volume each month to shorten waiting times so we urge everyone to please remain patient,\u201d added Roslan.\n\n\n\n\nHopefully, more units of the Proton X50 will be delivered to customers before the end of the year; that\u2019s when the 100% sales tax exemption from the government is set to end. What do you think? Have Proton done enough to meet consumer demands for the X50? Let us know in the comments section below.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-launches-its-first-smart-tv-in-malaysia-from-rm899-to-rm1499/", "title": "Realme Launches Its First Smart TV in Malaysia; From RM899 to RM1,499", "body": "\n\nSurprise surprise, Realme is entering the smart TV market in Malaysia. The aptly named \u2013 if not particularly imaginative \u2013 Realme Smart TV is offered in two sizes, and given its rather affordable price point, it is ideal for those who are on a tight budget.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the most affordable 32-inch Realme Smart TV, which retails at only RM899 in Malaysia. It\u2019s a decent price tag for a TV running on Android TV \u2013 not to mention the fact that it\u2019s powered by a MediaTek chip \u2013 though as with most 32-inch TVs, this model only features a 1366 x 768 display.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the 43-inch Realme Smart TV. Naturally, it\u2019s better equipped than the aforementioned model, given its bigger size and price tag (RM1,499). For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a 43-inch 1920 x 1080 panel with the same Android TV operating system.\n\n\nOne of the major selling points of the Realme Smart TV has to be its proprietary \u201cChroma Boost Picture Engine\u201d technology. According to Realme, this tech uses \u201cadvanced algorithms to enhance overall picture quality and improve brightness, colour, contrast, and clarity.\u201d The panel itself is said to have a peak brightness of 400 nits as well.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Realme Smart TV retails at RM899 and RM1,499 in Malaysia for the 32-inch and 43-inch models respectively. Even though the local pricing has been revealed, it still remains to be seen exactly when the smart TV will be available on our shores.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-this-is-the-most-affordable-nvidia-geforce-rtx-3060-ti-gpu-in-malaysia/", "title": "Deal: This Is the Most Affordable Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti GPU in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nThe brand new Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti is now available for purchase in Malaysia. If you\u2019re eyeing to get the most affordable version of the graphics card, we got you covered: the Colorful GeForce RTX 3060 Ti NB-V Battle Ax can be yours for only RM1,899.\n\n\nAt the moment, two retailers currently have this particular GPU in stock: Colourful Malaysia\u2019s own \nFlagship Store on Lazada\n, as well as the renowned \nBrightstar Computer\n. The former only has one unit in stock, while Brightstar has five units available right now.\n\n\n\n\nGiven that this is one of the most affordable variants of the RTX 3060 Ti, its clock speeds are very similar to the Founders Edition, maxing out at 1665MHz. Still, you can expect to get a good level of performance out of this GPU, given just how similar it is to the higher-end RTX 3070.\n\n\nIf you want to grab the Colorful GeForce RTX 3060 Ti NB-V Battle Ax for only RM1,899, you can do so \nhere\n and \nhere\n. Not many units are left at the time of writing, so be quick!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2020-honda-city-over-5100-units-delivered/", "title": "2020 Honda City: Over 5,100 Units Delivered", "body": "\n\nThe \n2020 Honda City\n is proving to be a popular choice in the B-segment sedan market. Previously, Honda Malaysia revealed that \n9,000 bookings have been placed\n for the new City with over 2,400 units delivered. Well, that number has now grown to over 5,100.\n\n\nAccording to \nPaul Tan\n, which got in touch with Honda Malaysia, total deliveries of the 2020 City stands at 5,100 units at the end of November. As a point of comparison, only \n2,203 units of the Proton X50\n \u2013 which was launched just two weeks after the City \u2013 have been delivered by the end of last month.\n\n\nThe Honda City 1.5L V\n\n\nNo variant breakdown of units delivered for the new City, though it\u2019s worth noting that the V trim \u2013 the range-topping petrol variant of the B-segment sedan \u2013 make up \n54% of total bookings for the City\n. The top-of-the-line RS e:HEV model is not taken into account, given that it is only set to be available here sometime in January 2021.\n\n\nAnyway, under the hood of the S, E, and V variants of the City is the same 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine that outputs 121PS and 145Nm of torque. It is paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with drive sent to the front wheels. The V model gets 16-inch alloy wheels, while the more affordable S and E trims get 15-inch alloys.\n\n\n\n\nHonda City Variant\nPrice with sales tax exemption\nPrice without sales tax exemption\nPrice difference\nS\nRM74,191.27\nRM76,800\nRM\n2,608.73\nE\nRM81,664.82\nRM84,800\nRM3,135.18\nV\nRM86,561.45\nRM89,800\nRM3,238.55\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to purchase the all-new 2020 Honda City, you can actually get a RM2,000 discount right now \non top\n of the 100% sales tax exemption (outlined above) given by the government until the end of the year. Granted, this discount is only offered for the S and E models, but it\u2019s still a noteworthy offer. More details on this can be found in our \nprevious article\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-dell-g5-15-review-your-average-gaming-laptop/", "title": "Video: Dell G5 15 Review \u2013 Your Average Gaming Laptop", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019ve been using the Dell G5 15 for about a month now, and overall, it\u2019s a decent gaming laptop with strong gaming performance and relatively long battery life. However, despite its positioning as a value-oriented product, it doesn\u2019t offer particularly good value for money; it\u2019s rather lacklustre in a number of areas too.\n\n\nFor this review, we tested the G5 15 with an Intel Core i7-10750H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 GPU, 512GB of SSD storage, as well as a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 VA screen with a 144Hz refresh rate. Overall, a decent list of hardware, so you can definitely game quite effectively with this machine.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut a good gaming laptop isn\u2019t entirely defined by just raw performance, and unfortunately enough, the Dell G5 15 doesn\u2019t impress quite as much in other areas. Watch our review video above to find out why.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asuz-rog-zephyrus-g14-with-ryzen-9-4900hs-120hz-screen-now-in-malaysia-for-rm7499/", "title": "Asuz ROG Zephyrus G14 With Ryzen 9 4900HS & 120Hz Screen Now in Malaysia for RM7,499", "body": "\n\nThe \nAsus ROG Zephyrus G14\n is one of the most exciting gaming laptops introduced this year, and now, you can finally get the range-topping model with a faster screen. Previously only offered with a 1440p 60Hz panel, the AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS configuration of the laptop is now available with a more gamer-centric 1080p 120Hz screen.\n\n\nOriginally retailing at RM7,699, you can actually get this variant of the Zephyrus G14 at a lower price point right now. \nThis listing on Shopee\n, for one, is offering the gaming laptop for only RM7,499. The retailer only has one unit in stock at the time of writing, so if you want to get it at this price point, act fast.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the faster 1080p screen, other hardware of this particular Zephyrus G14 is identical to the previous \nrange-topping model we reviewed\n. It still comes with the blazing fast Ryzen 9 4900HS processor paired with 16GB of RAM, along with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Max-Q GPU. On top of that, there\u2019s also a very generous 1TB SSD.\n\n\nWhat makes the Zephyrus G14 particularly interesting is the fact that it is a premium gaming laptop in a 14-inch form factor; a combination that is not offered by any other brands. It also brings excellent processing power and long battery life, so it can serve as a pretty darn good productivity laptop. That being said, do keep in mind that this gaming machine \u2013 for some reason \u2013 does not have a webcam.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, check out our \ncomprehensive review\n of the gaming laptop. Now that it is available with a 120Hz screen, it\u2019s that much more compelling to folks that want a gaming laptop in a compact form factor.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-version-1-2-details-revealed-free-wishes-quality-of-life-improvements/", "title": "Genshin Impact Version 1.2 Details Revealed: Free Wishes & Quality-of-Life Improvements", "body": "\n\nMihoyo just revealed quite a number of details for \nGenshin Impact\n\u2018s upcoming \nVersion 1.2 update\n. Most of them are quality-of-life improvements, but one of the new changes is quite interesting: ascending characters will now reward free wishes.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, once Version 1.2 of Genshin Impact is live, ascending characters will reward players with Acquaint Fates, which can be used for the standard banner. One Fate will be given each time a character is ascended at level 20, 50, and 70; that\u2019s a total of three free wishes for every character. Pretty good, isn\u2019t it?\n\n\n\n\nDeveloper v1.2 Notes Summary\n\u2013 Chat messaging\n\u2013 Notes or avatar to specific friend\n\u2013 Trackable map pins\n\u2013 Repeat Domain option\n\u2013 Domain/Leyline item straight to inv\n\u2013 Auto-play dialog\n\u2013 Travel Log\n\u2013 Acquaint Fate when ascending a character at lvl 20,50, or 70\n#GenshinImpact\n \n#\u539f\u795e\n \npic.twitter.com/mvu8yxMJS6\n\u2014 Zeniet (@Zeniiet) \nDecember 4, 2020\n\n\n\n\nWhat about characters that players have already ascended prior to Version 1.2? Don\u2019t worry: you can still claim your Acquaint Fates for these characters from the Ascension Materials Preview page. Of course, you will only be able to do so once Version 1.2 rolls out.\n\n\nOther new features that will be added to Genshin Impact in Version 1.2 include a chat function, trackable map pins for easier navigation, the option to repeat Domains (so you don\u2019t have to leave and enter the same Domain again), as well as autoplay dialogues. Loots from Domains and Ley Line Outcrops will also be automatically added to your inventory in the next update.\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on exactly when Version 1.2 of Genshin Impact will go live, though we expect it to happen sometime this month. There\u2019s a chance it will be rolled out not long after the \ncurrent Zhongli banner\n (Gentry of Hermitage) ends on 22 December.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nGenshin Impact 1.2 Arrives 23 December; Ganyu, Albedo & Dragonspine Incoming\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/5-11-december-fuel-price-prices-are-up-again/", "title": "5 \u2013 11 December Fuel Price: Prices Are Up (Again)", "body": "\n\nFuel prices are going up across the board for the fourth time in a row this coming week. Both RON 95 and RON 97 go up by 3 sen per litre this midnight, while diesel sees a higher price hike of 5 sen per litre.\n\n\nThis brings the price of RON 95 to RM1.70 per litre (up from RM1.67) and RON 97 to RM2.00 per litre (RM1.97 previously) at the stroke of midnight. As for diesel, it will cost RM1.90 per litre this coming week compared to RM1.85 previously.\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 5 to 11 December next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Friday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-mate-40-pro-costs-rm4299-in-malaysia-goes-on-sale-12-december/", "title": "Huawei Mate 40 Pro Costs RM4,299 in Malaysia; Goes on Sale 12 December", "body": "\n\nInitially unveiled back in October, the \nHuawei Mate 40 Pro\n is finally landing in Malaysia later this week. Set to go on sale here on 12 December, only the Pro model will be available on our shores; the more affordable Mate 40 doesn\u2019t seem to be arriving here anytime soon.\n\n\nAnyway, only one variant of the Mate 40 Pro is offered here in Malaysia. Priced at RM4,299, it features 256GB of internal storage and 8GB of RAM. Not particularly generous capacities \u2013 especially at this price point \u2013 but should be enough for most users.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the standout features of the Mate 40 Pro has to be its triple camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 50MP \u201cUltra Vision\u201d f/1.9 primary sensor, a 20MP f/1.8 ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 12MP f/3.4 periscope telephoto lens that can do 5x optical zoom and 50x digital zoom. There is also a laser autofocus system to lock in focus quicker and more accurately.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mate 40 Pro include a Kirin 9000 chip (fabricated on a 5nm process), a 6.76-inch 1080p OLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, a 13MP f/2.4 selfie camera paired with a 3D depth sensing camera, 5G connectivity, and EMUI 11 based on Android 10 out of the box. Naturally, it still doesn\u2019t come with Google Mobile Services.\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei Mate 40 Pro will be available in Malaysia later this week on 12 December for RM4,299. Those who purchase the flagship phone can also redeem a Huawei Sound X Bluetooth speaker worth RM1,299, though this is limited to 1,000 units. The Sound X speaker can be redeemed through the Huawei Member Center app from 18 to 20 December.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2020-ducky-year-of-the-rat-is-duckys-first-hotswap-keyboard/", "title": "2020 Ducky Year of the Rat Is Ducky\u2019s First Hotswap Keyboard", "body": "\n\nWell this is quite a surprise: Ducky announced its first-ever keyboard with a hotswap PCB. This is the 2020 Ducky Year of the Rat limited edition keyboard, which is a collaboration between the Taiwanese company and graffiti artist Bounce.\n\n\nEvery year, Ducky releases a limited edition keyboard that is themed after the Chinese zodiac of the year. Since 2020 is the Year of the Rat, we have this 60% keyboard right here. As mentioned, it\u2019s a collaboration with graffiti artist Bounce, who designed the looks of the keyboard.\n\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s particularly interesting about the 2020 Year of the Rat keyboard is its hotswap PCB, which allows users to easily swap out the switches without the need for soldering. According to Ducky, this keyboard is \u201cbased on the newest version of Ducky\u2019s hotswap keyboard.\u201d Perhaps this is an indication that the company will release more keyboards with hotswap capability in the future.\n\n\nOther specifications of the 2020 Year of the Rat keyboard include Cherry MX switches, dye-sublimated PBT keycaps, RGB lighting, a plastic case, a stainless steel plate, plate-mounted stabilisers, and a USB-C connection. All in all, it looks to be a promising 60% keyboard. After all, this \nis\n a Ducky product, though it\u2019s worth noting that it is limited to only 2020 units.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, no word yet on the exact pricing or availability of the 2020 Ducky Year of the Rat keyboard, though we\u2019re optimistic it will be sold here in Malaysia soon. After all, \nDucky Malaysia\n itself posted about this keyboard on its Facebook page, and Ducky\u2019s previous Chinese zodiac keyboards eventually made it to our shores as well.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-premium-lenovo-yoga-9i-convertible-laptop-lands-in-malaysia-from-rm6499/", "title": "The Premium Lenovo Yoga 9i Convertible Laptop Lands in Malaysia From RM6,499", "body": "\n\nAside from the very lightweight \nYoga Slim 7i Carbon\n, the equally premium Lenovo Yoga 9i has been launched in Malaysia as well. Although it\u2019s not quite as light as the former, the Yoga 9i is a convertible laptop with a rather unique leather cover.\n\n\nAt the moment, only the 14-inch model of the Yoga 9i is offered in Malaysia. According to Lenovo, two variants of the convertible laptop are available here. The more affordable aluminium model features an Intel Core i7-1185G7 processor paired with 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, and a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS touch-enabled screen for RM6,499.\n\n\n\n\nDo note that the above variant of the Yoga 9i is only offered at retail stores in Malaysia. If you want the leather-covered model instead, it will set you back RM6,909 for the same internals. Basically, you\u2019ll be paying RM410 for the leather cover, and this variant \u2013 unlike the aluminium model \u2013 will only be sold on \nLenovo\u2019s online store\n.\n\n\nAs a premium productivity laptop, the Yoga 9i does have a number of must-have features for a machine in this segment, including good portability and long battery life. With a 14.6mm chassis that weighs 1.37kg, this laptop can also deliver up to 18 hours of battery life for the Full HD model, which is the only variant set to be available in our market.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, no word yet on exactly when the Lenovo Yoga 9i will be sold in Malaysia, though we were told it will be available on our shores very soon. To recap, the Yoga 9i with an aluminium case retails at RM6,499, while the leather-covered model costs RM6,909.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/you-can-get-the-proton-x50-in-only-7-days-from-flux/", "title": "You Can Get the Proton X50 in Only 7 Days From Flux", "body": "\n\nDon\u2019t want to wait for months to get your hands on the exceedingly popular \nProton X50\n? Then consider getting the B-segment SUV from Flux, a car subscription service. The company just added the Proton X50 to its list of available cars, and you only need to wait \nseven days to get the SUV\n instead of months.\n\n\nAccording to Flux, it has both the Flagship and Premium variants of the X50 for subscription, but only the Premium model is available at the time of writing. Evidently, the Flagship model is the one everyone is going for. In fact, Flux \neven has a waitlist for the X50\n if you don\u2019t quite fancy the Premium model.\n\n\n\n\nBut if you do want the Premium X50, Flux is offering it \u2013 a brand new unit, to boot \u2013 for RM1,969.48 per month (with 6% service fee included and 1,250km monthly mileage) on a 36-month contract; you will need to pay an upfront fee of RM3,009 as well. While that\u2019s quite a large sum of money, you won\u2019t need to worry about insurance, road tax, maintenance, or wear and tear with Flux. All of these are included in the monthly cost.\n\n\nIf you want to outright purchase the Premium X50 after your subscription ends, you can actually do so with Flux\u2019s \u201cSubscribe to Own\u201d feature. For the 36-month contract, you will need to pay RM68,000 to own the car. On top of that, Flux also allows you to swap cars if you don\u2019t like the X50 during your subscription period.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKeen to subscribe to the Proton X50 on Flux? You can do so \nright here\n. Given that the Flagship models were snatched up so quickly, you may want to act quickly if you want the remaining Premium variants.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mihoyo-zhongli-working-as-intended-in-genshin-impact/", "title": "Mihoyo: Zhongli Working as Intended in Genshin Impact", "body": "\n\nGenshin Impact\u2019s newest 5-star character, \nZhongli\n, got very mixed receptions from players. This prompted Mihoyo to give a response on the power level of the character, and while there \nis \na bug with one of Zhongli\u2019s abilities, the character itself is basically working as intended.\n\n\nMihoyo gave a rather lengthy response addressing Zhongli\u2019s power level on \nGenshin Impact\u2019s forums\n. The developer wrote that Zhongli is designed as a support character, and his core abilities do just that. His Jade Shield provides \u201ceffective absorption and cover without relying on any other equipment,\u201d while his Elemental Burst, Planet Befall, \u201cexerts effective control over groups of enemies without relying on elemental reactions or equipment bonuses.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\u201cFrom a design standpoint, these two features enable Zhongli to fulfill his role as a support character, and from a review of actual game data, we have discovered that Zhongli is, in fact, effectively improving Travelers\u2019 survival capabilities,\u201d Mihoyo added.\n\n\nWhat about the bug with Zhongli\u2019s ability? Turns out, when his Level 2 Constellation ability is active, casting an Elemental Burst may not trigger the damage boost given by the Elemental Resonance effect of Enduring Rock (which increases attack damage by 15% when protected by a shield). This will be fixed with an update on 10 December, and as compensation, Mihoyo will give 100 Primogems to all players.\n\n\n\u201cWe are engaged in a deep analysis of Zhongli. In future versions, we will continue to analyse, assess, and adjust things so that all the characters you love have their roles to play and moments to shine. We can only ask that Travelers continue to be patient in the meantime,\u201d said Mihoyo.\n\n\n\n\nI managed to pull for Zhongli in the current banner, and while he\u2019s not the most ideal DPS character, the utility of his shield and Elemental Burst (which hits quite hard) are nice to have for survivability and crowd control. Of course, some players are of the opinion that these abilities do not match his status as a 5-star character, but it\u2019s worth pointing out that this may change in the future.\n\n\nAfter all, if rumours are to be believed, more Geo characters are coming to Genshin Impact. The upcoming Version 1.2 update, for one, is said to add Albedo as another 5-star Geo character. We\u2019ll find out soon if Zhongli and Albedo will be able to complement each other\u2019s abilities.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hp-omen-15-with-gtx-1650-now-in-malaysia-for-rm4439/", "title": "HP Omen 15 With GTX 1650 Now in Malaysia for RM4,439", "body": "\n\nHP just launched its latest gaming laptop in Malaysia, the HP Omen 15. Compared to its predecessor, the new Omen 15 has a much more subdued, minimalist design that looks a lot more modern. On top of that, it also has a thinner chassis now for better portability.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Omen 15 is available for the Malaysian market right now. Retailing at RM4,439, this model comes with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU, an Intel Core i5-10300H processor paired with 8GB of 2933MHz DDR4 RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen with a conventional 60Hz refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\nNow, it\u2019s worth noting that there are more powerful variants of the Omen 15 with much beefier GPU options \u2013 up to an RTX 2070 Super \u2013 and even a blazing fast 300Hz screen. At the moment, only this one configuration of the gaming laptop is offered for the Malaysian market, though we wouldn\u2019t be surprised if more variants are offered in the future.\n\n\nNonetheless, one of the best aspects of the Omen 15 has to be its much more understated design. There\u2019s only a simple diamond logo on the gaming laptop\u2019s lid, and measuring 22.5mm tall, it\u2019s actually 11% slimmer than its predecessor. But weighing 2.36kg, it\u2019s still quite a hefty machine.\n\n\n\n\nWe were told that the HP Omen 15 is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM4,439, though it\u2019s not in stock yet on \nHP\u2019s Malaysian online store\n at the time of writing. According to HP, a RM100 ewallet voucher will also be given out to buyers.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-swift-5-from-rm3299/", "title": "Acer Swift 5 & Swift 3 With Intel Tiger Lake Chips Now in Malaysia; From RM3,299", "body": "\n\nMore laptops powered by Intel\u2019s latest 11th generation Tiger Lake chips are coming to Malaysia. Enter the new Acer Swift 5 and Acer Swift 3; thin and light productivity laptops that don\u2019t cost quite as much as their competition. This is especially true with the Swift 3.\n\n\nSince it\u2019s the more affordable option, let\u2019s talk about the Swift 3 first. With a 15.95mm thin chassis that weighs only 1.2kg, it\u2019s an ideal productivity laptop for those who are always on the go. Two variants of the Swift 3 are offered for the Malaysian market: the Core i5-1135G7 model with 8GB of RAM costs RM3,299, while the higher-end Core i7-1165G7 configuration with 16GB of RAM goes for RM4,199.\n\n\nRegardless of which variant you go for, you will get 512GB of SSD storage, a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen, and Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics.\n\n\nThe Acer Swift 3\nThe Acer Swift 5\n\n\nAs for the more premium Swift 5, it\u2019s even lighter and thinner than the Swift 3. It measures only 14.95mm thin, and tipping the scales at merely 1.05kg, this is a very lightweight, very portable productivity laptop. Acer managed to trim down the weight of the Swift 5 using a combination of high-grade magnesium-lithium and magnesium-aluminium.\n\n\nJust like the Swift 3, there are two variants of the Swift 5 for the local market. The base model comes with a Core i5-1135G7 processor paired with 8GB RAM for RM3,999, while the Core i7-1165G7 model with 16GB of RAM is priced at RM4,999. Both configurations also have a 14-inch 1080p IPS screen with a 512GB SSD.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Acer Swift 5 and Swift 3 retail from RM3,999 and RM3,299 respectively, and they are now available for purchase in Malaysia. Do note that both of these productivity laptops also come with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2019 pre-installed.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2020-honda-cr-v-facelift-received-1700-bookings-1300-units-already-delivered/", "title": "2020 Honda CR-V Facelift Received 1,700 Bookings; 1,300 Units Already Delivered", "body": "\n\nThe \n2020 Honda CR-V facelift\n was launched here in Malaysia just last month, and it has garnered over 1,700 bookings to date. According to Honda Malaysia, this is a 180% increase in bookings within a month. What\u2019s even more impressive is the fact that 1,300 units of the C-segment SUV have already been delivered to customers.\n\n\nOut of the 1,700 bookings, the 1.5L TC-P 2WD variant of the CR-V \u2013 which sits just below the range-topping 1.5L TC-P 4WD trim \u2013 is the most popular model, accounting for 45% of the total booking. As for colour option, the Dark Olive Metallic is the most preferred one, with 30% of buyers going for that shade.\n\n\nAgain, with over 1,300 units already delivered, Honda Malaysia \u201cassures that the New CR-V will be delivered to customers in a timely manner.\u201d If you\u2019re worried the SUV wouldn\u2019t be able to take advantage of the 100% tax exemption given by the government \u2013 which is ending this month \u2013 you can rest easy now.\n\n\n\n\nThe facelifted CR-V is offered with two engine options. The base 2.0L 2WD model is powered by a 2.0L SOHC i-VTEC engine that puts out 154PS and 189Nm of torque, while the other two turbo variants are packed with a more powerful 1.5L DOHC VTEC turbocharged engine with 193PS and 243Nm of torque.\n\n\nBoth engine options are paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with drive sent to the front wheels, except for the all-wheel drive 1.5L TC-P 4WD model. Honda LaneWatch is also offered as standard, but only the turbo variants get the Honda Sensing suite of safety features, which include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Low Speed Follow (LSF), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), and Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS).\n\n\n\n\nThe facelifted Honda CR-V starts at RM139,912.53 for the 2.0L 2WD trim, and the price goes up to RM157,615.91 and RM162,910.18 for the 1.5L TC-P 2WD and 1.5L TC-P 4WD models respectively. Note that these prices are only valid until 31 December 2020, since the tax exemption period is set to end then. Come 2021, they will go for RM145,400, RM164,300, and RM169,900 respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-sleek-starts-at-rm4699/", "title": "The Sleek & Rugged Acer Enduro N3 Lands in Malaysia; Starts at RM4,699", "body": "\n\nInitially unveiled back at Acer\u2019s Next@Acer Global Press Conference in June, the rugged Acer Enduro N3 is now available in Malaysia. Despite its rugged nature, it is still surprisingly sleek. In fact, Acer touts this as the thinnest and lightest 14-inch laptop with an IP53 rating.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the Enduro N3 is IP53-rated, so it is resistant to both dust and water to a certain extent. Tipping the scales at 1.99kg with a 24.85mm chassis \u2013 along with MIL-STD-810G certification \u2013 the N3 is also noticeably thinner and lighter than other rugged laptops.\n\n\n\n\nTwo variants of the Enduro N3 are available in Malaysia. The base model features an Intel Core i5-10210U processor paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage for RM4,699, while the higher-end Core i7-10510U model with the same amount of RAM \u2013 but with a more generous 512GB SSD \u2013 goes for RM5,699.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Enduro N3 include a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen, up to 13 hours of battery life, reinforced corners to withstand drops, Corning Gorilla Glass to protect the display from water, and an \u201cAquafan\u201d that repels water from all angles.\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Acer Malaysia, the Acer Enduro N3 will be available for pre-order on its \nofficial website\n. If you need a rugged laptop for your work environment, consider the Enduro N3 \u2013 it\u2019s far sleeker than other laptops in this segment.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/m1-macs-are-now-available-in-malaysia/", "title": "M1 Macs Are Now Available in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nWe \nfirst spotted the new M1 Macs on SIRIM\n a couple of weeks ago, and they are now officially available for purchase here in Malaysia. These include the M1-powered MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini; just in time for the holidays.\n\n\nOut of the three new products, the MacBook Air will ship the earliest on \nApple\u2019s Malaysian online store\n. Both the 256GB and 512GB configurations are said to be delivered to customers in three to five business days. As for the MacBook Pro and Mac mini, they are set to ship between five to seven business days.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the M1 Mac mini retails from RM2,999 for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage; you can get the RM3,799 model if you want to upgrade the SSD storage to 512GB. The M1 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, on the other hand, start at RM4,399 and RM5,599 respectively; both base models feature 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD.\n\n\nCompared to their Intel counterparts, the M1 chip powering these new Macs bring some notable improvements. For one, as it is built on a 5nm process, its power efficiency is far better. With the MacBook Pro, for example, users can expect to get up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge with the new processor; 18 hours for the MacBook Air.\n\n\nOn top of that, Apple also promises that the M1 chip is packed with the world\u2019s fastest CPU core and integrated GPU.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to get the new M1-powered Macs before the Christmas holiday, you may want to order it as soon as possible on \nApple\u2019s Malaysian online store\n. Alternatively, you can also head to your nearest Apple reseller.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2021-hyundai-elantra-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm158888-cbu-from-south-korea/", "title": "2021 Hyundai Elantra Lands in Malaysia for RM158,888; CBU From South Korea", "body": "\n\nHyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) officially launched the 2021 Hyundai Elantra in Malaysia today. The new C-segment sedan is certainly more eye-catching than its competition thanks to its aggressive styling, and since the seventh generation Elantra is fully imported (CBU) from South Korea, it costs quite a bit more too.\n\n\nAs we\u2019ve previously reported\n, only a single variant of the new Elantra is offered for the Malaysian market. Retailing at RM158,888 (excluding insurance), this price is actually with tax exemption applied, so expect the C-segment sedan to cost even more come next year.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the latest Elantra does come with some nice bells and whistles. Aside from its unique looks, it also features Hyundai\u2019s SmartSense suite of active safety features, which include Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA), Blind-spot Collision-avoidance Assist (BCA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with stop and go function, and Lane Following Assist (LFA).\n\n\nAs for what\u2019s under the hood, the Elantra is powered by a 1.6L SmartStream four-cylinder MPI engine that offers 123PS and 154Nm of torque paired with Hyundai\u2019s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), the Korean company\u2019s version of a CVT gearbox. It is said to offer \u201csuperior efficiency and simulates gear shifts\u201d like a conventional automatic transmission.\n\n\nOther specifications of the new Elantra include 17-inch alloy wheels, two choices of interior colour scheme (black or light grey), leather seats, six airbags, and four colour options: Intense Blue, Amazon Grey, Electric Shadow, and Polar White.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra is now on sale in Malaysia for RM158,888. This being a CBU from South Korea, it obviously doesn\u2019t offer as good value for money as other C-segment sedans, such as the locally assembled (CKD) \nHonda Civic\n. Nonetheless, the new Elantra is easily one of the most eye-catching sedans in the market now, though its aggressive styling may not be to everyone\u2019s taste.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-watch-lite-official-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite Official, Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nXiaomi just revealed its latest smartwatch, the Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite. Basically, it\u2019s the global version of the Redmi Watch, which was recently launched in China. Aside from that, we also have good reason to believe that the affordable smartwatch will be made available in Malaysia very soon.\n\n\nWhile we were going through SIRIM\u2019s database, we notice that both Era International Network and Rainbow Distribution registered a smartwatch with the model number REDMIWT02. In the latter\u2019s listing, it\u2019s described as the Mi Watch Lite, signaling that the smartwatch is in fact making its way here.\n\n\n\n\nDesign wise, there\u2019s no denying that the Mi Watch Lite looks very similar to the \nApple Watch\n. It has a rectangular 1.4-inch 320 x 320 screen, which is an LCD panel. Of course, it would\u2019ve been great if it was an OLED display instead, but given the affordable positioning of this smartwatch, some sacrifices had to be made.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mi Watch Lite include a 230mAh battery that can deliver up to nine days of battery life, a heart rate sensor for activity and sleep monitoring, 11 workout modes, over 120 different watch faces, as well as a 5 ATM water resistance rating.\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on the Malaysian availability or local pricing of the Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite. But given that it has already been registered with SIRIM, we reckon it\u2019s only a matter of time before the smartwatch is officially launched here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/glorious-panda-switch-quick-review-great-tactile-switches-for-enthusiasts/", "title": "Glorious Panda Switch Quick Review: Great Tactile Switch (For Enthusiasts)", "body": "\n\nGlorious has been in the PC peripheral market for quite some time, but it seems to be focusing quite a bit on the \ncustom mechanical keyboard\n scene in recent times. Enter the company\u2019s first-ever switch, the Glorious Panda, which is based on the very popular Holy Panda tactile switch.\n\n\nOverall, the Glorious Panda switch left quite a favourable impression on me, but there are some noteworthy shortcomings that could be a dealbreaker to some. But if you want one of the most accessible \u2013 and affordable \u2013 \u201cHoly Panda variants\u201d in the market now, the Glorious Panda fits the bill.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nWhat makes the Glorious Panda quite a bit more interesting than other Holy Panda clones in the market now is Glorious\u2019 claim that its switch is made using the original Invyr Panda housing molds, which were thought to be either destroyed or damaged. The stem, however, is Glorious\u2019 own design that supposedly offers less pre-travel and stronger upstroke.\n\n\nBesides that, the Glorious Panda bottoms out at 67g with a three-pin design \u2013 making this a plate-mounted switch \u2013 and it is shipped completely unlubed. For the Malaysian market, a box of Glorious Panda switches (which include 36 pieces) \ncosts RM109\n. Not exactly affordable, but certainly cheaper than, say, \nDrop\u2019s Holy Panda switch\n.\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nSwitches that are modelled after the Holy Panda offer very pronounced tactile bump, and the same applies to the Glorious Panda. But unlike other \u201chighly tactile\u201d switches that aim for maximum tactility \u2013 this is not always a good thing \u2013 the Glorious Panda has a rounded tactile bump that makes for a more\u2026comfortable typing experience.\n\n\nOn top of that, there is almost no pre-travel before the tactile bump either, so the bump starts at the very beginning of the downstroke. Granted, I tend to bottom out quite often because of this, but my typing accuracy actually improved after switching (no pun intended) to the Glorious Panda. The pronounced \u2013 but not overly so \u2013 tactile feedback definitely contribute to this.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, I quite dig the sound profile of the Glorious Panda too. Every activation of the switch produces a \u201csnappy\u201d sound of sorts, and while it\u2019s quite loud, it is not at all unpleasant. Once the Glorious Panda is lubed and filmed, I imagine it will sound even better. There\u2019s definitely potential for the switch to produce a \u201cthockier\u201d sound profile.\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the packaging of the Glorious Panda. Granted, this does not directly impact the performance of the switch itself, but I really applaud Glorious\u2019 effort to package the switch in such a nice-looking box. In a landscape where most mechanical keyboard switches ship in a simple ziplock bag, Glorious\u2019 packaging certainly stands out.\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nNow, while I do like the sound profile of the Glorious Panda, it does have some other unpleasant sounds too. One of the most prominent issues is the pinging of the spring, especially at faster typing speeds. On top of that, a number of the switches have noticeably louder ticking sounds from the leaf as well, along with some audible scratchiness.\n\n\nThese two issues can be attributed to the unlubed nature of the Glorious Panda, which brings me to the other shortcoming of this switch. While enthusiasts will appreciate the fact that they can control exactly how much lube to apply to these switches, those that are not comfortable with lubing (especially beginners) will not be able to bring out the maximum potential of the Glorious Panda.\n\n\nIn that sense, this is not the best switch for beginners or folks that don\u2019t plan to lube or film the switches.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the Glorious Panda\u2019s wobble, which isn\u2019t great for a 67g switch. While it doesn\u2019t have much vertical wobble, the horizontal wobble is far more pronounced. Paired with a set of MT3 keycaps, the horizontal wobble is definitely noticeable. Granted, MT3 keycaps are quite a bit taller than Cherry profile keycaps, so any form of wobble will be more evident.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nOut of the box, the Glorious Panda isn\u2019t the best stock tactile switch, though it is far from the worst. To get the most out of this switch, it absolutely needs to be lubed to remove the scratchiness, spring ping, and ticking of the leaf. Once it is lubed, this is easily one of the best \nand \nmost accessible Holy Panda variants in the market now.\n\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, even here in Malaysia, you can get the Glorious Panda switch from local retailers. Dotatech and Sun Cycle are the two authorised retailers for Glorious products locally, so hopefully, these two companies will also bring in the \nGMMK Pro\n custom mechanical keyboard in the near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-to-focus-on-export-markets-in-2021-including-proton-x50s-international-debut/", "title": "Proton to Focus on Export Markets in 2021, Including Proton X50\u2019s International Debut", "body": "\n\nProton just revealed more details on its export business. Despite the current COVID-19 pandemic, the national carmaker\u2019s export business has actually grown by 10.6% this year. This month itself, Proton will be entering more international markets, including the international debut of the highly sought-after \nProton X50\n.\n\n\nOf course, we\u2019ve actually covered this in our previous report when the X50 was \nopen for booking in Brunei\n. According to the press release sent by Proton, the B-segment SUV is only set to debut in Brunei at the moment, though there is a good chance the X50 will also be sold in other markets in the future.\n\n\n\n\nAside from the X50, Proton will commence CKD and sales operations in two markets as well: Kenya and Pakistan. The carmaker did not reveal which particular model will be sold in these two countries, but according to a \nFacebook post by State House Kenya\n, at least the Proton Saga is confirmed for the Kenyan market.\n\n\nSpeaking of the Saga, both Bangladesh and Egypt will be launching the A-segment sedan in their respective markets sometime this month, followed by Nepal before the end of the year. Evidently, Proton is focusing on the Saga quite a bit for its export business.\n\n\n\n\nNow, despite putting more emphasis on export markets in 2021, Proton will definitely continue to meet local demand as well. \u201cThe company (Proton) strives to meet strong local demand for its products in December,\u201d the carmaker said. Hopefully, this means more customers will get their X50 soon, given that only \n2,203 units of the SUV\n have been delivered as of the end of November.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/12-18-december-fuel-price-another-price-increase/", "title": "12 \u2013 18 December Fuel Price: Another Price increase", "body": "\n\nFuel prices are going up across the board for the \nfifth\n time in a row this coming week. RON 95, RON 97, and even diesel will go up by 3 sen per litre this midnight. Consider fueling up later tonight if you need to.\n\n\nThis brings the price of RON 95 to RM1.73 per litre (up from RM1.70) and RON 97 to RM2.03 per litre (RM2.00 previously) at the stroke of midnight. As for diesel, it will cost RM1.93 per litre this coming week compared to RM1.90 previously.\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 12 to 18 December next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Friday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-playstation-5-unboxing/", "title": "Video: PlayStation 5 Unboxing!", "body": "\n\nThe \nPlayStation 5\n is officially available in Malaysia today! We were lucky enough to pre-order a unit of the standard model, so if you\u2019re wondering what you get with Sony\u2019s next generation console, here\u2019s our unboxing of the PS5!\n\n\nWhat surprised us quite a bit is the sheer size of the PS5, and it\u2019s a pretty hefty console too, tipping the scales at 4.5kg. Unlike its predecessors, the PS5 is actually bundled with a stand, which is actually necessary to lay the console horizontally. The console can actually be propped up vertically without using the stand, but we\u2019d definitely install it for better airflow.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on future restocks of the PlayStation 5 for the Malaysian market, but we reckon more units of the console will arrive here in the near future; we don\u2019t recommend \npurchasing the system above retail price from scalpers\n. To recap, the standard PS5 goes for RM2,299 here, while the PS5 Digital Edition costs RM1,869.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-1-2-arrives-23-december-ganyu-albedo-dragonspine-incoming/", "title": "Genshin Impact 1.2 Arrives 23 December; Ganyu, Albedo & Dragonspine Incoming", "body": "\n\nMihoyo just revealed a lot more details on Genshin Impact\u2019s upcoming Version 1.2 update. Not only are we getting a new area (Dragonspine), the 1.2 update will also see the debut of two new 5-star characters: Ganyu and Albedo.\n\n\nIt\u2019s not confirmed yet just which of the two 5-star characters will be introduced first, but given that Ganyu\u2019s \u201cSinae Unicornis\u201d story quest will only be released in mid-January 2021 \u2013 while Albedo\u2019s \u201cPrinceps Cretaceus\u201d quest is set to go live after the Version 1.2 update \u2013 it\u2019s likely that Albedo\u2019s banner will go live first on 23 December.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt makes sense for Albedo to be available in the game earlier, given that Version 1.2 will introduce a new seasonal event called The Chalk Prince and the Dragon. This event will see the Traveler joining forces with Albedo to investigate a mysterious sword called the Festering Desire. In fact, players can actually obtain and fully refine that sword (it\u2019s a 4-star weapon) through this event.\n\n\nOf course, there\u2019s also the new Dragonspine map, which introduces the new Sheer Cold mechanic. Given the cold climate of Dragonspine, players will need to find ways to keep warm in the new area. Otherwise, Sheer Cold will slowly chip away at the player\u2019s health. Naturally, new enemies and craftable weapons can also be found in Dragonspine.\n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact\u2019s Version 1.2 update will go live on 23 December 2020, right after the \ncurrent Zhongli banner\n (Gentry of Hermitage) ends on 22 December. For other new changes that will be introduced in Version 1.2, check out \nour previous article\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-tuf-gaming-a17-laptop-with-rtx-3060-ryzen-7-5800h-surfaces/", "title": "Asus TUF Gaming A17 Laptop With RTX 3060 & Ryzen 7 5800H Surfaces", "body": "\n\nGaming laptops are about to get more powerful next year. According to an early product listing, the 2021 Asus TUF Gaming A17 gaming laptop will come with the yet to be announced AMD Ryzen 5800H processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU. If these hardware are accurate, the A17 is shaping up to be a reasonably capable gaming laptop.\n\n\nFirst spotted by \nVideoCardz\n, a listing for the new TUF Gaming A17 is still live on \nExpert.de\n; the listing also revealed some key specifications of the new Ryzen 7 5800H. It\u2019s said to have a base clock speed of 3.0GHz, which can be boosted up to 4.3GHz. For comparison, these clock speeds are 100MHz faster than its direct predecessor, the Ryzen 7 4800H.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the RTX 3060, only the GPU\u2019s 6GB GDDR6 memory is revealed in the listing. But given the general performance improvement the RTX 30 series brings to the table, we reckon this mobile RTX 3060 Will be quite a bit faster than the RTX 2060 GPU found in most gaming laptops in the market now.\n\n\nOther specifications of the TUF Gaming A17 shown in the listing include a 17.3-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen with a 144Hz refresh rate, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 512GB SSD storage. Basically, standard hardware for a gaming laptop in this segment. There doesn\u2019t seem to be any drastic design changes either.\n\n\n\n\nGiven that CES 2021 is happening very soon, there\u2019s a good chance the new Asus TUF Gaming A17 will make its debut at the trade show. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if Asus\u2019 other gaming laptops \u2013 especially the compact \nROG Zephyrus G14\n \u2013 will also be updated with the new Ryzen 5000 processors and RTX 30 series GPUs then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopee-12-12-birthday-sale-120-milo-packs-were-sold-every-minute/", "title": "Shopee 12.12 Birthday Sale \u2013 120 Milo Packs Were Sold Every Minute", "body": "\n\nShopee just revealed some rather interesting figures for its 12.12 Birthday Sale last weekend. Not only did over 875,000 items were sold in \nSelangor\n alone within the first hour of the sale, as many as 120 packs of Milo were sold \nevery minute\n on the platform in the morning of 12 December \u2013 that\u2019s a lot of Milo to go around.\n\n\nBesides that, one individual actually made 180 orders on Shopee that morning on 12 December, though the e-commerce platform didn\u2019t reveal exactly what the user bought. Even more impressive is the fact that in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, 12 million items were collectively sold on Shopee in the first 24 minutes of its 12.12 Birthday Sale.\n\n\n\n\nOther interesting figures throughout the Shopee 12.12 Birthday Sale for the Malaysian market include over 1.2 million home and living items sold, 670,000 stationary items purchased with more than 200,000 school uniforms, bags, shoes, and pencil cases sold, as well as the purchase of over half a million snacks.\n\n\n\u201cBeing able to record another groundbreaking 12.12 Birthday Sale and coming a long way the past five years is extremely humbling for all of us at Shopee. This year especially as 2020 has presented us with a whirlwind of experiences. Given the unprecedented circumstances, we wanted to ensure that our fifth birthday would be a special day not just for Shopee but more so, for the people we serve,\u201d said the regional managing director of Shopee, Ian Ho.\n\n\n\n\nOnline shopping adoption has definitely increased quite a bit here in Malaysia, especially more so this year with the current COVID-19 pandemic. Shopee\u2019s 12.12 sales figures show that online shopping has grown immensely on our shores.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2020-honda-city-rm2000-discount-extended-to-31-december-5800-units-delivered/", "title": "2020 Honda City RM2,000 Discount Extended to 31 December; 5,800 Units Delivered", "body": "\n\nDidn\u2019t manage to book the \n2020 Honda City\n to be eligible for the \nRM2,000 discount\n? Well, good news: Honda Malaysia announced that the promotion has now been extended to 31 December. Any customer that placed a booking and registered their City by the end of the year will get the RM2,000 rebate.\n\n\nOf course, just like the previous promotion, this RM2,000 discount is only applicable to the S and E variants of the new City. The V trim, which is the range-topping petrol model, is not part of the promotion. Neither is the top-of-the-line RS e:HEV variant, which is only set to be available in Malaysia sometime in January next month.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, the Japanese company also revealed that close to 5,800 units of the City have already been delivered to customers. The number of bookings have also grown to 11,100, though Honda Malaysia did not reveal the variant breakdown. \u201cWe endeavour to continue to work hard to meet customer demand and deliver the cars to all customers in a timely manner,\u201d said the managing director and CEO of Honda Malaysia, Toichi Ishiyama.\n\n\nAnyway, under the hood of the S, E, and V variants of the City is the same 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine that outputs 121PS and 145Nm of torque. It is paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with drive sent to the front wheels. The V model gets 16-inch alloy wheels, while the more affordable S and E trims get 15-inch alloys.\n\n\n\n\nHonda City Variant\nPrice with sales tax exemption\nPrice without sales tax exemption\nPrice difference\nS\nRM74,191.27\nRM76,800\nRM\n2,608.73\nE\nRM81,664.82\nRM84,800\nRM3,135.18\nV\nRM86,561.45\nRM89,800\nRM3,238.55\n\n\nYou can now head to your nearest Honda dealership to place a booking for the 2020 Honda City; those who book the S or E variant and register their vehicle by 31 December 2020 will also receive a RM2,000 rebate. Of course, the 100% sales tax exemption will be included as well \u2013 the prices before and after tax are shown in the table above.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-watch-lite-lands-in-malaysia-20-december-for-rm249-early-birds-get-rm50-discount/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite Lands in Malaysia 20 December for RM249; Early Birds Get RM50 Discount", "body": "\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite is landing in Malaysia very soon. We first spotted the smartwatch \njust last week on SIRIM\n, and we just got word from Xiaomi Malaysia that the wearable will be available locally from 20 December onwards for RM249 \u2013 a reasonably low price tag.\n\n\nIf you want an even better deal for the Mi Watch Lite, you can actually place a pre-order for the smartwatch tomorrow on 17 December from Xiaomi\u2019s official store on Lazada. Instead of RM249, the wearable will be sold \nat only RM199\n, though we were told that limited quantities are available.\n\n\n\n\nAs far as looks go, the Mi Watch Lite is very similar to the \nApple Watch\n; it even has a rectangular 1.4-inch 320 x 320 LCD screen. While it would\u2019ve been great if it came with an OLED display instead, this \nis\n an affordable smartwatch. Some sacrifices had to be made to bring down the price of the wearable.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mi Watch Lite include a 230mAh battery that can deliver up to nine days of battery life, a heart rate sensor for activity and sleep monitoring, 11 workout modes, over 120 different watch faces \u2013 though only five are available out of the box \u2013 as well as a 5 ATM water resistance rating.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite will be available for pre-order tomorrow in Malaysia through Lazada \nfor only RM199\n instead of RM249. If you want to check out the smartwatch at a physical outlet instead, you can do so from 20 December onwards.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/logitech-g-pro-x-superlight-gaming-mouse-costs-rm649-in-malaysia/", "title": "Logitech G Pro X Superlight Gaming Mouse Costs RM649 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nThe extremely lightweight \nLogitech G Pro X Superlight\n gaming mouse seems to be arriving in Malaysia very soon. Introduced globally just last month, the Superlight will cost RM649 on our shores \u2013 a premium price tag for an equally premium gaming mouse.\n\n\nWe first spotted the Malaysian pricing of the G Pro X Superlight on \nLogitech\u2019s official Malaysian website\n. The gaming mouse is said to cost RM649 here, though the exact local availability has not been revealed yet. It\u2019s worth noting that at this price point, the Superlight is actually slightly more affordable than the original asking price of Logitech\u2019s other high-end, lightweight gaming mouse, the G Pro Wireless (RM669).\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, you do get a very impressive mouse. The G Pro X Superlight tips the scales at 63g, but you can actually remove the magnetic plate on the bottom of the mouse to reduce the weight to \nonly 60g\n. It also has much larger \u201czero-additive\u201d PTFE feet (in comparison to the G Pro Wireless) for a smoother glide, along with up to 70 hours of battery life on a single charge.\n\n\nBesides that, the G Pro X Superlight also uses the same sensor as the G Pro Wireless, which is still considered to be one of the best wireless gaming mice in the market now. However, compared to the latter, the Superlight does exclude a number of features. It doesn\u2019t have as much LED lighting, the DPI button on the bottom of the mouse has been removed, and it no longer has the modular, removable buttons on the right side of the mouse for left-handed gamers.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Logitech G Pro X Superlight retails at RM649 in Malaysia. We\u2019ve reached out to Logitech to confirm exactly when the lightweight gaming mouse will be available for purchase locally; we\u2019ll update this article accordingly once we hear back from the company.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-glorious-panda-switch-review-sound-test/", "title": "Video: Glorious Panda Switch Review & Sound Test", "body": "\n\nThe Holy Panda is easily one of the most popular switches in the custom mechanical keyboard scene, so it\u2019s no surprise then that a lot of \u201cHoly Panda variants\u201d have been released over the years. One of which is this one right here: the Glorious Panda.\n\n\nBut unlike the majority of switches in the market now, the Glorious Panda is far more accessible; at least for us here in Malaysia. Right now, you can get a box of the switch (which include 36 pieces) \nfor RM109\n. Compared to other Holy Panda-inspired switches, the Glorious Panda is actually one of the more affordable options.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStill not quite sure the Glorious Panda is for you? Then check out the video above and our written review of the switch \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/marvels-spider-man-miles-morales-ps5-quick-review-must-play-ps5-launch-title/", "title": "Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man: Miles Morales (PS5) Quick Review: Must-Play PS5 Launch Title", "body": "\n\nMarvel\u2019s Spider-Man for the PlayStation 4 was easily one of the best \u201csuperhero games\u201d to hit the market in recent times, and Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man: Miles Morales builds upon the original to deliver a fresh new experience. Taking advantage of the PlayStation 5\u2019s extra power, Miles Morales is a fantastic-looking game with some meaningful additions over the previous entry in the series.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re a new PS5 owner, Miles Morales is a must-play to showcase the sheer power of the next generation console. The game does have some shortcomings here and there, but it\u2019s still a proper AAA title that does the series justice.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nSpider-Man: Miles Morales takes place some time after the events of the first game. Miles is the new Spider-Man protecting New York on his lonesome while Peter Parker is away on vacation. If you\u2019ve played the original, you would be right at home with Miles Morales. Both games play very similarly with some small differences here and there.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nOne of the best features of Spider-Man: Miles Morales has to be its \ngorgeous\n graphics. Thanks to the PS5\u2019s much beefier hardware, the game can run at 60fps \neven\n with ray tracing enabled. Really, the extra frames and improved fidelity make this game an absolutely joy to behold, even as I\u2019m just swinging around the streets of New York.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, compared to Peter, Miles has more tricks up his sleeves. Not only can he turn invisible \u2013 making stealth gameplay a lot easier \u2013 he can also channel bioelectricity. This gives him a suite of (very flashy) electro-powered special attacks that make for a more dynamic combat system. Even his finishers look more stylish!\n\n\nOf course, the immersive world exploration of the first game is very much present in Miles Morales too. It\u2019s essentially the same map as before, though Miles do get his own side missions to pad up the post-story content of the game. Just like the original, Miles Morales has a New Game+ mode as well, which unlocks a number of abilities not available on the initial playthrough.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the main storyline of Miles Morales, it\u2019s quite enjoyable. While I do wish it was a tad longer, it still has a fleshed out plot that doesn\u2019t feel rushed or too brief. It explores Miles\u2019 own struggle as Spider-Man, and it feels unique to his character.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nDespite leveraging on the extra graphics power of the PS5, Spider-Man: Miles Morales didn\u2019t take advantage of the new DualSense controller as much as I had hoped. There were a number of in-game moments that used the more refined haptic feedback of the controller, but these instances were few and far between.\n\n\n\n\nSame goes for the DualSense\u2019s other big new feature, the adaptive triggers. As I was swinging around New York with Miles, I can feel the adaptive triggers giving \nsome \nresistance, but they don\u2019t exactly add much to the immersion of the game. In comparison, Astro\u2019s Playroom used the DualSense\u2019s new features much more effectively, but granted, that game was designed to showcase the capabilities of the new controller.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the cost of Miles Morales. Even though it \nretails at RM209\n \u2013 the going rate for a typical AAA title \u2013 you\u2019re not getting a whole lot of content with the game. Don\u2019t get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed Miles Morales, but it doesn\u2019t exactly compare to, say, the sheer amount of content offered in the original game.\n\n\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nEven though Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man: Miles Morales is quite expensive for the amount of content that\u2019s included in the game, it\u2019s definitely worth it for those who plan to play it on the PS5 system for the gorgeous graphics, more dynamic combat system, and storyline that expands upon the first game.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re new to the series, Miles Morales is even easier to recommend with the Ultimate Edition, which includes the remastered version of the first game for only RM299. You\u2019re getting \nmuch more\n value for your money with this bundle, given that the remastered edition includes all of the DLCs that were previously released for the game \nand\n upgraded visuals.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019ll be exciting to see what direction Insomniac Games will take with its Spider-Man series after Miles Morales. With two Spider-Mans co-existing in the same universe, this franchise has a lot of potential for growth, and I absolutely cannot wait to play the next instalment of the game.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2021-toyota-yaris-facelift-lands-in-malaysia-toyota-safety-sense-android-auto-from-rm71k-with-sst/", "title": "2021 Toyota Yaris Facelift Lands in Malaysia: Toyota Safety Sense & Android Auto From RM71k With SST", "body": "\n\nUMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) launched a slew of new models in Malaysia today, and one of them is the 2021 Toyota Yaris facelift. Now equipped with Toyota\u2019s Safety Sense \u2013 the Japanese company\u2019s suite of driver assistance systems \u2013 the new B-segment hatchback also comes with a slightly different front end design along with support for Android Auto.\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk prices; the final prices of the Yaris are actually lower than the \nestimated pricing unveiled last month\n. The base J variant goes for RM70,940, while the higher-end E and G models cost RM80,380 and RM84,808 respectively. These are on-the-road prices with SST included, suggesting that deliveries for the hatchback will only begin next year.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the biggest upgrades the facelifted Yaris received is Toyota Safety Sense. Available on the E and G variants \u2013 the base J model doesn\u2019t get this \u2013 it includes two major features: Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Lane Departure Alert (LDA). The former warns the driver and automatically applies the brakes when there\u2019s a risk of frontal collision, while LDA alerts the driver when the car is (unintentionally) getting out of lane.\n\n\nUnder the hood of the new Yaris is the very same Dual VVT-i 2NR-FE 1.5L engine found in the pre-facelift model. It outputs 107PS and 140Nm of torque, with drive sent to the front wheels by a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a seven-speed Shiftmatic mode.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the front end of the Yaris is slightly reworked as well. LED headlights are now standard across the range, and the lower grille is much wider now. These changes don\u2019t radically change the looks of the Yaris, but they do give the hatchback a cleaner, more aggressive styling, in our opinion. As for wheels, the J model gets 15-inch alloys, while the E and G trims come with larger 16-inch alloy wheels.\n\n\nOn the inside, all variants of the updated Yaris come with fabric seats and seven airbags. The J and E models get urethane steering wheels with manual air-conditioning, while the range-topping G models has a leather-wrapped steering wheel with single-zone automatic air-conditioning. It\u2019s also worth noting that the infotainment system of the E and G models now supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay too.\n\n\n\n\nThe 2021 Toyota Yaris facelift is now available for viewing and test drive at all Toyota dealerships and UMWT branches nationwide. The B-segment hatchback is offered in three colours: Red Mica Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, and Silver Metallic.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2021-toyota-vios-facelift-vios-gr-s-launched-in-malaysia-rm72k-to-rm95k/", "title": "2021 Toyota Vios Facelift & Vios GR-S Launched in Malaysia \u2013 RM75k to RM95k", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nfacelifted Yaris\n, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) also introduced its sedan sibling in Malaysia, the \n2021 Toyota Vios facelift\n. On top of that, the company unveiled the sportier Vios GR-S on our shores too. Compared to the regular Vios, the GR-S model has a more aggressive styling with a sports-tuned suspension, among other things.\n\n\nFour different models of the Vios are offered here. The most affordable J variant costs RM74,623, while the E and G trims go for RM82,593 and RM87,584 respectively. As for the sporty Vios GR-S \u2013 which is based on the G variant of the regular Vios \u2013 it is priced at RM95,284.\n\n\nJust like the facelifted Yaris, these prices are with SST included, suggesting that deliveries of the Vios will only start next year.\n\n\nThe regular Vios\nThe Vios GR-S\n\n\nRegardless of which variant you go for \u2013 yes, even the Vios GR-S \u2013 the updated Vios soldiers on with the same Dual VVT-i 2NR-FE 1.5L engine that does 107PS and 140Nm of torque. It is paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a seven-speed Shiftmatic mode, though the Vios GR-S gets a 10-speed CVT instead.\n\n\nThe 10-speed CVT isn\u2019t the only equipment that\u2019s unique to the Vios GR-S. It also comes with the aforementioned sports-tuned suspension for \u201cincreased handling and confidence in high speed as well as comfort,\u201d 17-inch alloy wheels, sports seats wrapped in leather and suede, and a more aggressively-styled aerokit than the regular Vios.\n\n\n\n\nThese differences aside, other aspects of the Vios GR-S are identical to the G model. That means it still features the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance systems, which is actually offered in all variants of the Vios except for the base J trim. Safety Sense includes Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Lane Departure Alert (LDA), and these two features can be switched off if the driver doesn\u2019t need them.\n\n\nEvery model of the Vios also gets seven airbags, but only the G variant gets leather wrapped steering wheel and seats; other trims of the regular Vios feature urethane steering wheels and fabric upholstery instead. Besides that, the facelifted Vios supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well, though the base J model does not.\n\n\n\n\nThe 2021 Toyota Vios facelift is now available for viewing and testing at all Toyota dealerships and UMWT branches. The Vios GR-S, on the other hand, can only be test driven at \nselected showrooms\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/19-25-december-fuel-price-ron-95-ron-97-up-5-sen-diesel-up-3-sen/", "title": "19 \u2013 25 December Fuel Price: RON 95 & RON 97 Up 5 Sen, Diesel Up 3 Sen", "body": "\n\nFuel prices are going up yet again across the board for the sixth time in a row this coming week. RON 95 and RON 97 will go up by 5 sen per litre this midnight, while diesel sees a smaller price increase of 3 sen per litre.\n\n\nThis brings the price of RON 95 to RM1.78 per litre (up from RM1.73) and RON 97 to RM2.08 per litre (RM2.03 previously) at the stroke of midnight. As for diesel, it will cost RM1.96 per litre this coming week compared to RM1.93 previously.\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 19 to 25 December next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Friday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-dell-xps-13-hands-on/", "title": "Video: Dell XPS 13 Hands-On", "body": "\n\nWhen it comes to premium productivity laptops, few are quite as accomplished as Dell\u2019s XPS series, and the 2020 Dell XPS 13 exemplifies this. Sporting a compact chassis, a fantastic 16:10 screen, and a minimalist, sleek-looking design, the XPS 13 is a great option for those that want a compact, premium laptop for productivity tasks.\n\n\nBut first, a disclaimer: Dell sent us this unit of the XPS 13. Of course, we will still give the productivity laptop a fair, honest assessment. Rest assured, we will not be misleading our dear readers in this hands on and the subsequent review!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe new Dell XPS 13 with Intel\u2019s latest Tiger Lake processors are now available for purchase in Malaysia from RM6,399. The full model lineup can be found \nover here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-1-3-update-will-buff-zhongli-geo-element/", "title": "Genshin Impact 1.3 Update Will Buff Zhongli & Geo Element", "body": "\n\nMihoyo \njust announced\n some exciting changes coming to \nGenshin Impact\n Version 1.3. Once the update is rolled out, the 5-star character Zhongli will receive some pretty significant buffs. The Geo element will also see some notable changes that will provide much more utility.\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about the (tentative) buffs to Zhongli. One of the most significant changes lies in his passive talent, Dominance of Earth. Currently, this talent only increases the damage of his Elemental Burst (Planet Befall), but once Version 1.3 is here, the damage of his normal attacks and Elemental Skill (Dominus Lapidis) will also be increased based on his max HP.\n\n\nZhongli\u2019s buffed normal attack (left) in Version 1.3\nHolding Dominus Lapidis (left) will also summon a Stone Stele in Version 1.3\nThe increased interruption resistance (left) of Dominus Lapidis in action\n\n\nAside from that, Zhongli\u2019s Dominus Lapidis Elemental Skill will be reworked too. Right now, holding the skill will only create a shield, but the new version will \nalso\n summon a Stone Stele. On top of that, the interruption resistance of the skill in holding mode will be significantly increased too; Zhongli can even tank a hit from a \nMitachurl\u2019s shield attack\n thanks to this.\n\n\nThe Geo element will also be reworked in Version 1.3 of Genshin Impact. A Geo shield, for one, will be able to absorb 150% physical \nand\n elemental damage (instead of only 250% Geo damage) in the future update, making it much more effective at blocking different sources of damage. This effect applies to Geo shields created by Zhongli, Noelle, and even Geo crystals dropped by Geovishap Hatchlings.\n\n\n\n\nOh, the Geo Resonance \u201cEnduring Rock\u201d effect will be changed too in Version 1.3. Not only will it increase shield strength by 15%, characters protected by a shield will also deal 15% more damage. To make things even better, the Geo resistance of attacked enemies will also be lowered by 20% for 15 seconds.\n\n\nEvidently, these tentative changes to Version 1.3 of Genshin Impact are meant to make Zhongli and a Geo-based team much more viable. But Mihoyo mentioned that these changes are not final, and more testing will be done in the 1.3 beta test server first before these reworks make it into the official game.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, no word yet on exactly when the Genshin Impact 1.3 update will be released. But given that Version 1.2 will go live \nnext week on 23 December\n \u2013 about 40 days after Version 1.1 was introduced \u2013 we expect the 1.3 update to arrive sometime in February 2021.\n\n\nNow that Zhongli is set to be buffed, there\u2019s extra incentive to roll for him \u2013 his \ncurrent banner\n (Gentry of Hermitage) will be ending this Tuesday on 22 December.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-albedo-banner-revealed-bennett-sucrose-fischl-confirmed/", "title": "Genshin Impact Albedo Banner Confirmed for 23 December With Bennett, Sucrose & Fischl", "body": "\n\nMihoyo just confirmed Albedo\u2019s banner for \nGenshin Impact\n, which will be released right after the Version 1.2 update this Wednesday on 23 December. Aside from the 5-star character Albedo, the \u201cSecretum Secretorum\u201d banner will also be joined by Bennett, Sucrose, and Fischl \u2013 these are some of the best 4-star characters in the game.\n\n\nJust like Genshin Impact\u2019s previous character event banners, the \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Albedo, Bennett, Sucrose, and Fischl will be increased. In the case of Albedo, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be him. If it\u2019s not Albedo, the \nnext\n 5-star character you roll is guaranteed to be him.\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s pity system ensures that you will get at least one 5-star item every 90 wishes, you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Albedo.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the 4-star characters featured in Albedo\u2019s banner are some of the best in Genshin Impact. Fischl \u2013 which was actually featured before in Venti\u2019s banner \u2013 is a great bow-wielding DPS character. Sucrose, on the other hand \u2013 she appeared in Klee\u2019s banner before \u2013 is one of the best enablers in the game, which allows for absurd damages from elemental reactions.\n\n\nBennett is also a very good enabler like Sucrose, and this is the first time he is featured on a character banner. These two characters are basically essential to any team composition that wants to take advantage of elemental reactions, making this a very good banner to spend your precious Primogems on. Plus, Fischl is a good DPS character too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlbedo\u2019s Secretum Secretorum banner will be released this Wednesday on 23 December right after the Version 1.2 update, which is scheduled to go live at 11AM for us here in Malaysia. Check out our \nprevious article\n to learn more about the other changes coming to \nVersion 1.2 of Genshin Impact\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-1-2-update-rewards-free-primogems-to-returning-players/", "title": "Genshin Impact 1.2 Update Rewards Free Primogems to Returning Players", "body": "\n\nVersion 1.2 of Genshin Impact\n will be going live this Wednesday on 23 December, and Mihoyo just announced that returning players will receive a number of rewards through the \u201cStellar Reunion\u201d event. These include free Primogems, Fragile Resins, and even a complimentary 4-star weapon.\n\n\nOf course, in order to be eligible for the Stellar Reunion event, a number of criteria have to be met. Only players that have not logged in for 14 days can activate the event, and they would have to be at Adventure Rank 10 or above as well.\n\n\n\n\nThe Stellar Reunion event is divided into four parts. The \nReunion Rewards\n give out free Primogems, Fragile Resin, and other rewards for a one-time claim. Aside from that, there\u2019s also the \nPassage of Time\n login reward, which requires players to log in daily to claim \u201cPrimogems, Fragile Resin, Hero\u2019s Wit, Mystic Enhancement Ore, and other rewards.\u201d\n\n\nNext, there\u2019s \nHomeward Path\n. By completing designated quests every day, returning players can claim rewards and accumulate points. Once you\u2019ve got enough points, you can get the 4-star sword Prototype Rancour. The list of quests for this particular event refreshes every day at 4AM.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is \nReunion Blessing\n. Basically, this event gives returning players three extra opportunities (each day) to get double drops from \u201cPetrified Trees in Domains, Blossoms of Wealth, and Blossoms of Revelation\u201d using Original Resin.\n\n\n\n\nIf you haven\u2019t logged into \nGenshin Impact\n for 14 days, the Stellar Reunion event will certainly help you catch up to other players. If you\u2019d like to know what other changes are coming to Genshin Impact 1.2, \nwe\u2019ve got you covered\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/evil-airy-switch-quick-review-no-holy-panda-but-a-decent-tactile-switch/", "title": "Evil Airy Switch Quick Review: No Holy Panda, But a Decent Tactile Switch", "body": "\n\nThe Evil Airy and Evil Miami tactile switches went up for group buy on \niLumkb\n in late September, and I finally received the former not too long ago. Now, one of the most interesting features of the Airy is the fact that it is \u201cmade by Panda factory,\u201d which seems to suggest that this is another Holy Panda-inspired switch.\n\n\nBut after testing out the switch extensively, the Evil Airy is not quite in the same archetype as other Holy Panda variants. It\u2019s a good tactile switch, no doubt, but if you were hoping it would be a good alternative to the Holy Panda, you should look elsewhere.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe Evil Airy is a tactile switch with a 67g spring and a three-pin design, so it is a plate-mounted switch. Besides that, while the product page of the switch didn\u2019t mention if it was factory lubed, the spring was definitely coated in some sort of lube to remove any possible pinging. We opened up a few of the switches just to make sure, and aside from the spring, other parts of the Airy seem to be dry.\n\n\nAs mentioned, I got the Airy from iLumkb\u2019s group buy, which listed the switch at S$8.5 (about RM25) for 10 switches. This brings the price of the Airy to about RM2.50 per switch, so it\u2019s reasonably affordable, especially when compared to other Holy Panda-esque switches like the \nGlorious Panda\n.\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nWhat immediately stood out to me when I started typing on the Evil Airy is the lack of any pre-travel. Thanks to this, the tactile bump of the switch starts at the very top of the downstroke, just like how it was with the Glorious Panda. In that sense, both switches have a similar typing characteristic, which is a good thing in my book.\n\n\nWhile we\u2019re still comparing the Airy to the Glorious Panda, the former also has a smaller (but still rounded) tactile bump compared to the Panda. If you\u2019re not a fan of tactile switches with overly pronounced tactile bumps, you will like the Airy. That being said, despite its less pronounced tactile event, it\u2019s still a reasonably tactile switch.\n\n\n\n\nTo better describe the Airy\u2019s typing characteristic, let\u2019s compare it to a more mainstream tactile switch, the Cherry MX Brown. The Airy \u2013 without a shadow of a doubt \u2013 has a much more pronounced tactile bump at the very beginning of the downstroke. The MX Brown, on the other hand, offer a very subtle, almost\u2026mushy tactile bump towards the end of the downstroke.\n\n\nAside from that, I\u2019m actually quite a fan of the Airy\u2019s colour scheme too. With a white stem, light blue top housing, and grey bottom housing, the Airy definitely stands out from the majority of other switches in the market now. I quite like the EVIL branding on the top housing as well \u2013 it\u2019ll definitely match keycap sets like the GMK Evil Dolch.\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nGiven that the Evil Airy is described as a switch made by \u201cthe Panda factory,\u201d you\u2019d be inclined to believe it is a Holy Panda-inspired switch of sorts. Unfortunately, this is not quite the case. Yes, it does have a more pronounced tactile bump than a mainstream tactile switch like the MX Brown, but I wouldn\u2019t categorise it as a \u201chighly tactile switch\u201d \u2013 one of the defining features of switches modeled after the Holy Panda.\n\n\nAgain, let\u2019s compare the Airy to the Glorious Panda. Not only does the Panda have a much more pronounced tactile bump, the Airy doesn\u2019t feel quite as \u201csnappy\u201d either. For lack of a better word, the Airy doesn\u2019t have the \u201ceagerness\u201d of the Panda\u2019s upstroke, for example.\n\n\n\n\nAnother area where the Airy could improve upon is the audible scratchiness of the switch. Granted, this is not exactly unexpected from an unlubed switch \u2013 only the spring is lubed, after all \u2013 but you definitely need to lube it for a quieter, smoother typing experience. In fact, consider filming it as well; the stem wobble isn\u2019t very good, with very noticeable horizontal wobble.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nWell, it depends. If you want a tactile switch that doesn\u2019t shoot for maximum tactility, while still maintaining a modest tactile bump, then you will be very happy with the Evil Airy. But if you want a switch that\u2019s akin to the Holy Panda with a strong tactile event, then the Airy doesn\u2019t quite fit the bill.\n\n\n\n\nSimply put, the Airy has a similar typing characteristic as the Holy Panda, but with a less pronounced tactile bump. If this is exactly what you\u2019re looking for, great \u2013 consider picking it up. On top of that, it\u2019s not the most expensive switch either, but the only problem is\u2026you can\u2019t actually purchase the Airy at the time of writing.\n\n\nSo far, the Evil Airy has only been offered as a \ngroup buy on iLumkb\n, and the Singapore-based retailer is currently fulfilling these orders. Once that\u2019s done, there\u2019s a chance iLumkb will list the switch as an in stock item sometime in the near future. if you\u2019re interested to get the Airy, keep an eye on the retailer for any possible restock.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/tan-chong-motor-signs-mou-to-sell-chinas-gac-vehicles-in-malaysia-vietnam/", "title": "Tan Chong Motor Signs MoU to Sell China\u2019s GAC Vehicles in Malaysia & Vietnam", "body": "\n\nTan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad (TCMH) \njust announced\n that it is looking into the possibility of assembling and selling China\u2019s GAC vehicles in Malaysia and Vietnam. If this cooperation goes forward, the local automotive industry will see the entry of another established brand.\n\n\nTCMH\u2019s wholly-owned subsidiary, TC Overseas Assets Holdings Labuan (TCOAHL), entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GAC Motor International Limited (GAC International) just today to \u201cstudy on the potential and feasibility of the business opportunity.\u201d That is, to introduce GAC vehicles in Malaysia and Vietnam.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, the MoU also states that the sales, distribution, assembly, and provision of aftersales services for GAC models in the said countries (Malaysia and Vietnam) will be appointed exclusively to TCMH, or any company under it. Having GAC vehicles locally assembled here in Malaysia will be a great thing, given that the lower taxation \u2013 compared to full imported (CBU) models \u2013 will allow TCMH to offer these GAC vehicles at a more competitive price point.\n\n\nOf course, given that this is only an MoU at this point in time, it\u2019s not confirmed yet if Tan Chong Motor will in fact sell GAC models here in Malaysia and Vietnam. The MoU will be valid until 1 July 2021, unless revised by mutual agreement in writing.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-evil-airy-switch-review-sound-test/", "title": "Video: Evil Airy Switch Review & Sound Test", "body": "\n\nThe \nEvil Airy\n is a curious tactile switch. Said to be \u201cmade by Panda factory,\u201d most would be inclined to believe that it is modeled after the hugely popular Holy Panda switch. However, after putting the Airy through its paces, this is not exactly the case.\n\n\nEven though the Airy has the typing characteristic of a typical \u201cHoly Panda variant,\u201d its tactile bump isn\u2019t particularly pronounced. In short, it can be described as a Holy Panda switch\u2026with a less pronounced tactile event. If this is exactly what you\u2019re looking for, then you may like the Airy.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, the Evil Airy switch is not available for purchase, though we reckon iLumkb \u2013 which ran the \noriginal group buy\n \u2013 will be listing it for sale once pre-orders of the switch have been fulfilled. Check out our written review of the Airy \nhere\n and the video review above to learn more about this tactile switch!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/26-december-1-january-fuel-price-prices-are-up-yet-again/", "title": "26 December \u2013 1 January Fuel Price: Prices Are Up Yet Again", "body": "\n\nFuel prices are going up yet again across the board for the \nseventh\n time in a row this coming week. RON 95, RON 97, and even diesel will go up by 2 sen per litre this midnight. Consider fueling up tonight if you need to!\n\n\nThis brings the price of RON 95 to RM1.80 per litre (up from RM1.78) and RON 97 to RM2.10 per litre (RM2.08 previously) at the stroke of midnight. As for diesel, it will cost RM1.98 per litre this coming week compared to RM1.96 previously.\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 26 December to 1 January next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Friday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-165hz-gaming-monitor-costs-only-rm499/", "title": "This 165Hz Gaming Monitor Costs Only RM499", "body": "\n\nLooking for a gaming monitor with a high refresh rate on a budget? Then consider Tech Armory\u2019s brand new Commandos Spectrum series of monitors. Retailing from only RM499, these gaming-centric monitors will definitely appeal to budget-conscious gamers.\n\n\nCurrently, the Commandos Spectrum series are made up of two gaming monitors. The G2411FN is a 24-inch 1080p gaming monitor with a RM499 price tag, while the higher-end G2711CA sports a larger 27-inch 1920 x 1080 curved screen for only RM699. To top it off, both of these monitors feature a fast 165Hz refresh rate with support for adaptive sync.\n\n\nThe Commandos Spectrum G2711CA\n\n\nOut of the two products, we reckon the G2711CA is the more exciting gaming monitor despite its slightly higher asking price. After all, it has a curved screen with a 1500R curvature for a more immersive gaming experience. The display itself is also a VA panel, which should offer good contrast ratio at the expense of slightly worse viewing angles compared to an IPS display.\n\n\nAs for the G2411FN, it\u2019s a no-frills, affordable gaming monitor. But given its affordable price tag, do note that it only has a \u201cSuper TN\u201d screen. Compared to the VA panel of the G2711CA monitor, the viewing angles of the G2411FN\u2019s TN display won\u2019t be quite as good. Keep this in mind if you\u2019re thinking of going with this more affordable option.\n\n\nThe Commandos Spectrum G2411FN\n\n\nBoth of the Commandos Spectrum gaming monitors are now available for purchase on \nTech Armory\u2019s online store\n. Check out the product listings of the \nG2411FN\n (RM499) and \nG2711CA\n (RM699) to learn more about them.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ckd-car-prices-in-malaysia-wont-increase-in-2021-excise-duty-remains-the-same/", "title": "CKD Car Prices in Malaysia Won\u2019t Increase in 2021 \u2013 Excise Duty Remains the Same", "body": "\n\nHere\u2019s a bit of good news to end the year: the prices of locally assembled (CKD) cars will not increase come 2021. Originally, new excise duty regulations set by the customs department would\u2019ve increased prices of CKD cars next year, but this is no longer the case.\n\n\nThis was confirmed by the President of Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), Datuk Aishah Ahmad, when contacted by the folks over at \nPaul Tan\n. This is great news, given that CKD car prices would\u2019ve increased by \nup to 20%\n if the new excise duty regulations were put into effect.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s worth noting that car prices in general will increase in 2021: the sales tax exemption on CKD and fully imported (CBU) cars as part of the government\u2019s Short-Term Economic Recovery Plan (PENJANA) will be ending on 31 December 2020 this Thursday. Unfortunately, it seems like the tax exemption period will not be extended.\n\n\nNonetheless, at least the prices of CKD cars will only be affected by the reintroduction of sales tax, instead of yet another price hike due to new excise duty regulations.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-11-official-first-snapdragon-888-phone-with-120hz-amoled-screen/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi 11 Official \u2013 First Snapdragon 888 Phone With 120Hz AMOLED Screen", "body": "\n\nThe very first smartphone powered by Qualcomm\u2019s latest flagship chipset, the Snapdragon 888, is here. Enter the Xiaomi Mi 11, which has just been launched in China. Beyond the processor powering the phone, the Mi 11\u2019s other hardware are reasonably high-end too.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the curved display of the Mi 11. It\u2019s a rather sizeable 6.81-inch 1440p AMOLED\u00a0panel with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, and not only does it has a 480Hz touch sampling rate \u2013 making it ideal for gamers that want the best responsiveness \u2013 this screen also has a searingly bright max brightness of 1,500 nits along with HDR 10+ certification.\n\n\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Mi 11 has a triple camera system made up of a 108MP f/1.85 primary sensor, a 13MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 5MP f/2.4 telemacro lens. Not a super sophisticated camera system, but it should be able to capture good-looking shots. \n\n\nOther specifications of the Mi 11 include a 20MP f/2.4 front-facing camera, a 4,600mAh battery, an in-screen fingerprint sensor \u2013 which can even measure heart rate \u2013 up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of non-expandable storage, as well as MIUI 12.5 based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi 11 is now available for pre-order in China, though the global availability of the flagship smartphone has not been revealed yet. It retails from only 3,999 Chinese yuan (about RM2,480) in Xiaomi\u2019s home country, and it\u2019ll be interesting to see if the Mi 11\u2019s competitive price tag will be retained in other markets too, including Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sales-tax-exemption-on-ckd-cbu-cars-extended-to-30-june-2021/", "title": "Sales Tax Exemption on CKD & CBU Cars Extended to 30 June 2021", "body": "\n\nGreat news! The sales tax exemption for locally assembled (CKD) and fully imported (CBU) cars in Malaysia \u2013 which was set to end this Thursday on 31 December \u2013 will be extended to 30 June 2021. This was officially confirmed by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) yesterday evening.\n\n\nAccording to MoF, its decision to extend the sales tax exemption under the government\u2019s Short-Term Economic Recovery Plan (PENJANA) is to keep up the momentum of the local automotive sector\u2019s growth. This is evident from the \nencouraging sales figures\n posted by car brands in Malaysia despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.\n\n\n\n\nSiaran media berkenaan lanjutan pengecualian cukai jualan ke atas kereta penumpang (termasuk MPV & SUV) completely knocked-down (CKD), completely built- up (CBU) import baharu & CBU import terpakai di bawah PENJANA. \npic.twitter.com/Amn0RE8HLi\n\u2014 Ministry of Finance\ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe (@MOFmalaysia) \nDecember 29, 2020\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the amount of sales tax exemption for CKD and CBU cars (including MPV and SUV) remain the same at 100% and 50% respectively. This tax exemption will be valid until 30 June 2021; ample amount of time for car buyers to enjoy the discount.\n\n\nAside from this tax exemption, it\u2019s worth noting that the \nnew excise duty regulations\n set by the customs department \u2013 which would have increased prices of CKD cars by up to 20% \u2013 will not be implemented come next year. In short, it\u2019s a great time to purchase a new car until 30 June 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-deliveries-stand-at-3200-units-delay-caused-by-cmco/", "title": "Proton X50 Deliveries Stand at 3,200 Units; Delay Caused by CMCO", "body": "\n\nMany customers are eagerly waiting to take delivery of their \nProton X50\n, which is proving to the one of the most popular B-segment SUVs in the market now. Unfortunately, according to Proton, the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) have delayed the production of the X50.\n\n\nIn an interview with \nThe Malaysian Reserve\n, the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah, revealed that 3,200 units of the X50 have been delivered to customers. Besides that, total bookings of the SUV have passed the 30,000 mark too. Clearly, the X50 is a highly sought-after model.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, due to CMCO and the closure of international borders, it is difficult to secure parts necessary for the production of the X50. \u201cWe have about 60 local vendors for the X50, of which one had to shut down operations as a COVID-19 cluster was detected in the area. This is affecting the supply chain and we cannot simply make substitutes as we need to maintain the quality promised to the customers,\u201d said Roslan.\n\n\nRoslan further elaborated that Proton is looking to deliver the X50 for existing bookings within the next two months. Those who made new bookings, on the other hand, would need to wait between three to four months for the SUV. Pretty optimistic timelines in our opinion, but that\u2019s what the national carmaker is aiming for.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, now that the sales tax exemption for locally assembled (CKD) and fully imported (CBU) cars have been \nextended to 30 June 2021\n, there should be ample time for Proton to deliver the X50 to customers who want to take advantage of the discount. Hopefully, those who placed their bookings on \n16 September itself\n will get the B-segment SUV very, very soon.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mihoyo-buffs-zhongli-again-in-genshin-impact/", "title": "Mihoyo Buffs Zhongli (Again) in Genshin Impact", "body": "\n\nIt seems like Mihoyo is giving Zhongli yet another buff in \nGenshin Impact\n. After receiving feedback from testers and players, \nthe developer revealed\n that the 5-star character\u2019s Jade Shield created by holding down his Elemental Skill (Dominus Lapidis) will provide more utility in Version 1.3 of the game.\n\n\nAside from providing damage absorption, Zhongli\u2019s reworked Jade Shield will now reduce the elemental and physical resistance of nearby enemies by 20%. Do note that this change will be applied on top of the \nprevious buffs to the Elemental Skill\n, which significantly increases the interruption resistance of the skill in holding mode and summoning a Stone Stele if the \u201cmaximum number of Stone Steles has not been reached.\u201d\n\n\nDominus Lapidis\u2019 reworked Jade Shield (left) in Version 1.3\n\n\nThe previously announced Zhongli buff also made some changes to his passive talent, Dominance of Earth. Currently, this talent only increases the damage of his Elemental Burst (Planet Befall), but once Version 1.3 is here, the damage of his normal attacks and Elemental Skill will also be increased based on his max HP.\n\n\nObviously, these buffs to Zhongli are great news to those who managed to get the character when his banner was live. But do note that these changes are not final. More testing will be done in the 1.3 beta test server of Genshin Impact first before these reworks make it into the official game.\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Mihoyo, it will continue to monitor data on the test server to see how the Zhongli adjustments are performing; the developer will also continue listening to players\u2019 feedback. The final adjustment to Zhongli will be announced before \nVersion 1.3 of Genshin Impact\n arrives in the future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/5-must-play-games-of-2020-genshin-impact-the-last-of-us-part-ii-more/", "title": "5 Must-Play Games of 2020: Genshin Impact, The Last of Us Part II & More", "body": "\n\nThe year is coming to an end, so let\u2019s taking a look at some of the most noteworthy games that were released in 2020. Of course, I\u2019ve personally played these games, and in my opinion, these titles are absolutely worth checking out. This is especially the case if you have the relevant system \u2013 such as the PlayStation exclusives \u2013 to play them.\n\n\nWithout further ado, let\u2019s get to the list, starting with the game that I have invested hours of gameplay into.\n\n\nGenshin Impact\n\n\nIf there\u2019s any game that I can\u2019t get enough of this year, it\u2019s \nGenshin Impact\n. Developed by Mihoyo \u2013 the same developer behind Honkai Impact \u2013 this is a free-to-play gacha game\u2026that doesn\u2019t feel too much like a gacha game. With its incredible storyline, sophisticated gameplay, and a vast, beautiful world to explore, Genshin Impact is much more than just a gacha game.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, it is still inherently a gacha game, so there are some typical gacha pitfalls here. Say you want a specific character or weapon: you\u2019ll have to keep rolling for either one of them using Primogems, the in-game premium currency. Needless to say, it can be frustrating if you fail to get what you\u2019re aiming for.\n\n\nBut even so, the sheer amount of content packed into Genshin Impact makes it an incredibly worthwhile game to invest both time and money into. Just when I was starting to get bored of the game, Mihoyo adds \neven more\n content to keep the experience fresh. I also love the fact that Genshin Impact supports cross-platform progression, unless you\u2019re playing on a PS4 or PS5.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Last of Us Part II\n\n\nNaughty Dog\u2019s latest title is a devastating, heart-wrenching game that showcases the studio\u2019s masterful storytelling. \nThe Last of Us Part II\n, despite its divisive story, tells a very engrossing narrative that no other game has managed to accomplish.\n\n\nAside from that, The Last of Us Part II also features \nstunning\n graphics that pushes the PS4 to its limits. Coupled with the game\u2019s excellent gameplay elements, you\u2019ve got yourself one of the best \u2013 if not \nthe best\n \u2013 games of 2020. If you\u2019re a PS4 owner, this is simply a must-play title.\n\n\n\n\nUnless, of course, you haven\u2019t played the first instalment of the game yet. To truly enjoy this sequel, you definitely have to play The Last of Us first.\n\n\nMarvel\u2019s Spider-Man: Miles Morales\n\n\nIf you were lucky enough to get yourself a PS5, \nMarvel\u2019s Spider-Man: Miles Morales\n is a fantastic launch title. Thanks to the PS5\u2019s much beefier hardware compared to its predecessor, the game can run at 60fps \neven \nwith ray tracing enabled. The extra frames and improved fidelity make this game an absolutely joy to play through, even as I\u2019m just swinging around the streets of New York.\n\n\n\n\nGranted, at RM209, Miles Morales does not offer a whole lot of content to justify that price tag. But if you\u2019re new to the series, the Ultimate Edition of the game is much easier to recommend, which includes the remastered version of the first game (along with all of the DLCs that were previously released) for only RM299.\n\n\nEven if you don\u2019t own a PS5 system, you can still play Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man: Miles Morales on the PS4. Owning either versions of the game also gives you access to the game on both consoles, so you can actually carry your progress from the PS4 to the PS5 with relative ease.\n\n\nGhost of Tsushima\n\n\nYes, this is another PlayStation exclusive, but that just goes to show the quality of exclusives on the platform. \nGhost of Tsushima\n is an open-world game set in beautifully rendered feudal Japan, and it\u2019s a stunning samurai adventure with a solid, exciting gameplay.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve always wanted to play as a samurai in an open-world setting, Ghost of Tsushima is basically that. If being a samurai is not quite your thing, you can even employ \u201cGhost tactics\u201d that rely on stealth and deception. While the enemy AI is not particularly\u2026intelligent, I still had a ball in this game.\n\n\nOnce you\u2019re done with the single-player story, you can jump into the \nLegends mode\n for some online multiplayer fun. You can play with up to three other players in this mode.\n\n\nAnimal Crossing: New Horizons\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is one of Nintendo\u2019s biggest games of the year, Animal Crossing: New Horizons. I was never interested in the Animal Crossing franchise, but that changed when the government issued a lockdown to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Boy, was I glad I had the game then to keep me company in isolation.\n\n\n\n\nThe laid-back, calming nature of New Horizons was a much-needed escape from the dreary reality brought on by the (ongoing) pandemic. There\u2019s no real \u201cobjective\u201d in the game, aside from shaping my island to how I envision it to be, catching some bugs and fishes to complete the museum, as well as recruiting animal villagers to my island.\n\n\nTo top it off, I could also keep in touch with friends and families by visiting their own islands in Animal Crossing: New Horizons during the lockdown. Even though I haven\u2019t visited my island for quite some time now, I will certainly cherish my time in the game when I needed a distraction. I\u2019m sure it kept a lot of people company during isolation too.\n\n\n\n\nAnd there you have it: five must-play games of 2020. In a year filled with many challenges of different shapes and sizes, these games make it easier to get through a difficult year for many of us. If you need a good distraction or some stress relief, take a look at either one of these five games \u2013 you\u2019ll definitely enjoy yourself.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2-8-january-fuel-price-ron-95-ron-97-up-4-sen-diesel-up-3-sen/", "title": "2 \u2013 8 January Fuel Price: RON 95, RON 97 Up 4 Sen, Diesel Up 3 Sen", "body": "\n\nHappy new year! Unfortunately, fuel prices are going up yet again across the board for the \neighth\n time in a row this coming week. RON 95 and RON 97 will go up by 4 sen, while diesel sees a slightly lower increase of 3 sen per litre this midnight. Consider fueling up tonight if you need to!\n\n\nThis brings the price of RON 95 to RM1.84 per litre (up from RM1.80) and RON 97 to RM2.14 per litre (RM2.10 previously) at the stroke of midnight. As for diesel, it will cost RM2.01 per litre this coming week compared to RM1.98 previously.\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 2 to 8 January next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Friday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2021-proton-iriz-r3-edition-images-leaked-launching-with-saga-r3-edition/", "title": "2021 Proton Iriz R3 Edition Images Leaked \u2013 Launching With Saga R3 Edition?", "body": "\n\nWhile everyone\u2019s attention is on the highly sought-after \nProton X50\n, the national carmaker is working on a number of new models behind the scenes. Well, not entirely new ones, but limited editions of its existing models: leaked images of the R3-branded Proton Iriz and Proton Saga have started circulating online.\n\n\nJust recently, \nWapCar\n received a several images of the special edition Iriz with R3 brandings from one of its readers. In the meantime, we\u2019re gonna call this the Iriz R3 Edition for the sake of clarity, though it obviously doesn\u2019t have an official name yet.\n\n\nImage source: \nWapCar\n\n\nAnyway, just like how it was with the \nProton Saga Anniversary Edition\n, the leaked images show that the exterior of the Iriz R3 Edition has some yellow accents here and there. These include a yellow streak across the front end of the B-segment hatchback, as well as side mirrors finished in the same colour. It seems to be sporting new blacked-out alloy wheels as well, though any performance upgrade is unlikely.\n\n\nOn the inside, only the front seat of the Iriz R3 Edition is pictured with the R3 design. In fact, this looks very similar to the seat of the Saga R3 Edition. Leaked pictures of this limited edition A-segment sedan were shared by \nCareta\n, which also gave us a look at the dashboard of the upcoming model. As expected, the black and yellow colour scheme continues in the interior.\n\n\nImage source: \nCareta\n\n\nLooking back at \nour previous report\n, the Proton Iriz \u2013 along with its sedan sibling, the Proton Persona \u2013 will be facelifted sometime this year with a four-speed automatic gearbox, among other changes. Given that the Iriz R3 Edition looks similar to the existing model, we reckon this is not the facelifted version.\n\n\nAnyway, now that leaked images of the R3-branded Iriz and Saga have started appearing online, we reckon Proton will launch these two models in the near future. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on this.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/official-samsung-galaxy-s21-series-coming-14-january/", "title": "Official: Samsung Galaxy S21 Series Coming 14 January", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s official: Samsung just confirmed the launch date of its next flagship smartphones. The Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2021 event is happening next week on 14 January, where the Galaxy S21 series is expected to be unveiled.\n\n\nAs with Samsung\u2019s previous teasers for its Unpacked events, this one gives us an idea of what to expect, even if the Galaxy S21 series has been leaked extensively. Anyway, the \u201cWelcome to the Everyday Epic\u201d teaser image seems to be showing off the camera module of the upcoming flagship smartphone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Galaxy S21 series, just like last year, will reportedly include three devices: the standard Galaxy S21, the Galaxy S21+, and of course, the range-topping Galaxy S21 Ultra. All three smartphones will supposedly feature 120Hz flat screens (instead of curved) with support for variable refresh rate, though the S21 and S21+ are said to feature 1080p displays. Naturally, the S21 Ultra is believed to retain the 1440p screen of its predecessor.\n\n\nOther rumoured specifications of the Galaxy S21 series include either an Exynos 2100 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset for selected markets, a triple camera system with the usual three focal lengths \u2013 the S21 Ultra will reportedly feature a quad camera setup instead with two telephoto sensors \u2013 as well as 4,000mAh, 4,800mAh, and 5,000mAh batteries for the S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra respectively.\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S21 (left) and Galaxy S21+. Image source: WinFuture\nThe Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. Image source: WinFuture\n\n\nOf course, these are only leaked specifications of the Samsung Galaxy S21 series, so things may change once the flagship smartphones are officially unveiled next week on 14 January. You can register your interest for the Galaxy S21 series \nright here\n \u2013 those who registered successfully will be entitled to a complimentary Galaxy Fit 2 (worth RM179) if they decide to pre-order any of the S21 smartphones.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/3787-proton-x50-delivered-in-2020-ranked-third-in-b-segment-suv-market/", "title": "3,787 Proton X50 Delivered in 2020; Ranked Third in B-Segment SUV Market", "body": "\n\nProton just released its full sales figure for 2020, and we got some interesting details from the report. The \nProton X50\n, for one, was delivered to 3,787 lucky owners in 2020. This is enough to make the X50 the third most popular B-segment SUV in Malaysia.\n\n\nGiven that the X50 was only launched in \nlate October last year\n, the fact that it managed to place third in the B-segment SUV market for 2020 is quite impressive. While it falls short of the 4,000 units Proton was aiming for, 3,787 units delivered isn\u2019t too far off the mark. \u201cThe X50 surpassed expectations despite its later than planned arrival,\u201d Proton said in the press release.\n\n\n\n\nWith over \n30,000 bookings placed for the SUV\n \u2013 as confirmed by the national carmaker \u2013 this is certainly the case. Moving forward, we reckon the X50 will sit at the top of the B-segment SUV market in 2021, assuming Proton can meet customer demand. Now that the government\u2019s sales tax exemption for locally assembled (CKD) and fully imported (CBU) cars have been \nextended to 30 June 2021\n, the carmaker definitely has more breathing room to fulfill the rest of the 30,000 bookings.\n\n\nAside from that, three other Proton models lead their respective segments in 2020. These include the \nProton X70\n (21,944 units), Proton Persona (23,917 units), and Proton Exora (5,849 units). As for the Iriz, 7,636 units were sold, ranking it third in the B-segment hatchback market. The Saga, on the other hand, is the most popular Proton model with 46,527 units delivered; it sits in the second position in the A-segment sedan market.\n\n\n\n\nCollectively, Proton sold over 109,716 cars in 2020, which is an improvement of 8.8% compared to its 2019 sales figure of 100,821 units sold. With the hugely popular X50, X70, and the soon-to-be released \nR3-branded Iriz and Saga\n \u2013 not to mention the \nPersona and Iriz facelifts\n \u2013 in its product lineup, Proton may just achieve higher sales numbers in 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-legion-slim-7i-now-in-malaysia-worlds-lightest-15-rtx-gaming-laptop-from-rm7599/", "title": "Lenovo Legion Slim 7i Now in Malaysia; World\u2019s Lightest 15\u2033 RTX Gaming Laptop From RM7,599", "body": "\n\nLenovo\u2019s latest thin and light gaming laptop, the \nLenovo Legion Slim 7i\n, is set to be available here in Malaysia very soon. Touted as the lightest 15-inch gaming laptop with an RTX graphics card, it\u2019s an interesting option for those who want a portable gaming machine.\n\n\nOf course, given its portable nature, the Legion Slim 7i is not an affordable product. At the moment, we only got details on one variant of the gaming laptop, which costs RM7,599. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Max-Q GPU with 6GB of GDDR6 memory, as well as an Intel Core i7-10750H processor.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, this variant of the Legion Slim 7i also features a fast 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen with a 144Hz refresh rate, 16GB of RAM, a generous 1TB SSD, Windows 10 Home out of the box, and a 71WHr battery that promises up to 7.75 hours of battery life on a single charge. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if it can really deliver this level of battery life.\n\n\nAs mentioned, the portability of the Legion Slim 7i is the highlight of this gaming laptop; after all, it\u2019s touted as the world\u2019s lightest 15-inch gaming laptop with an RTX GPU. It tips the scales at 1.86kg, and while this doesn\u2019t sound particularly impressive, it \nis\n quite lightweight for a gaming machine of this calibre. It also has a 17.9mm thin chassis, making it one of the slimmest gaming laptops in the market.\n\n\n\n\nWe were told that the Lenovo Legion Slim 7i will be available for purchase in Malaysia sometime in early 2021. The gaming laptop will also be available for pre-order and customisation on \nLenovo\u2019s Malaysian online store\n sometime this month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-offering-up-to-rm10000-discount-for-cny/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Offering up to RM10,000 Discount for CNY", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019ve been eyeing to get any new Honda model, now\u2019s a great time to place your booking. Although Chinese New Year is only happening in February, Honda Malaysia is already starting its CNY promotion, offering up to a whopping RM10,000 discount.\n\n\nOf course, this steep discount is only reserved for specific models. The \nHonda Accord\n 1.5 TC (2020 model year) is offered with a huge RM10,000 discount, while the higher-end 1.5 TC-P trim (also 2020 model year) receives a RM5,000 discount. The Honda Odyssey MPV (2020 model) is discounted heavily by RM10,000 as well.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want something more compact, there\u2019s Honda\u2019s B-segment hatchback, the Honda Jazz. Naturally, these discounts are for the 2020 models: the base S variant is offered with RM5,500 worth of savings, while the better equipped E and V models are discounted by RM4,500. Given that the current generation Jazz has been in the Malaysian market for quite some time now, these discounts are appropriate.\n\n\nOther notable discounts given by Honda Malaysia include the \nall-new Honda City\n (RM2,000 for the S and E models, RM1,000 for the V trim), RM2,000 for all variants of the \nHonda Civic\n, and RM3,000 discounts for both the Honda HR-V and \nHonda BR-V\n. Of course, these discounts are reserved for 2020 models of the respective cars.\n\n\n\n\nIn order to be eligible for these discounts, you would have to register your new Honda model by 31 January 2021. The discounts are also only valid while stocks last, and you can refer to \nHonda Malaysia\u2019s website\n for the full list of discounts for 2020 and 2021 Honda models.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2020-honda-city-10800-units-delivered-with-15200-total-bookings/", "title": "2020 Honda City: 10,800 Units Delivered With 15,200 Total Bookings", "body": "\n\nHonda Malaysia just released its sales figures for the 2020. With over 60,469 units sold, the Japanese company maintains its position as the top non-national car brand in Malaysia for the sixth consecutive year. Aside from that, the carmaker also delivered 10,800 units of the \nall-new Honda City\n to date; that\u2019s really quite impressive.\n\n\nIn December 2020 alone, Honda Malaysia delivered 5,500 units of the City, which is the highest monthly sales in the history of the B-segment sedan. On top of that, the City also received 15,200 bookings \u2013 it\u2019s proving to be a real winner for the Japanese carmaker.\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Honda Malaysia, the V model of the City \u2013 the range-topping petrol variant \u2013 accounts for 52% of total sales. The Platinum White Pearl colour option is also the most popular choice, representing 26% of overall sales for the City. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if the highest-end RS e:HEV variant \u2013 this hybrid model is expected to be launched sometime this month \u2013 will further bolster the sales of the sedan.\n\n\nOf the 60,469 units sold by Honda Malaysia, the City actually made up 34% of that figure; it is the carmaker\u2019s most popular model in 2020. This is followed by the \nHonda Civic\n; the C-segment sedan accounts for 20% of total sales. In third place is the Honda HR-V with 17% contribution.\n\n\n\n\nNow that the government\u2019s sales tax exemption for locally assembled (CKD) cars \u2013 which is the majority of Honda models sold here in Malaysia \u2013 has been \nextended to 30 June 2021\n, we reckon the carmaker\u2019s strong sales performance will maintain its momentum. Not only is the range-topping RS e:HEV variant of the City arriving here soon, Honda Malaysia is also running a \nChinese New Year promotion until 31 January 2021\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-the-sony-wh-1000xm4-for-only-rm989/", "title": "Deal: Get the Sony WH-1000XM4 for Only RM989", "body": "\n\nThe \nSony WH-1000XM4\n, one of the best noise-cancelling wireless headphones in the market now, is more affordable than ever. Originally retailing at RM1,599, you can now get the XM4 \nfor only RM989\n.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Preferred Shopee retailer Cplus Digital. It is listing the WH-1000XM4 for RM999, and you can collect a RM10 voucher from the retailer to bring down the price \nto only RM989\n. Compared to the launch price of the headphones, you\u2019re saving a whopping RM610 with this deal.\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt RM989 for a pair of noise-cancelling wireless headphones of this calibre is a very, \nvery\n good deal. Not quite convinced? Then check out our \nreview of the Sony WH-1000XM4\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dells-new-latitude-business-laptops-feature-an-automatic-webcam-shutter/", "title": "Dell\u2019s New Latitude Business Laptops Feature an Automatic Webcam Shutter", "body": "\n\nCES 2021 is happening very soon, and Dell already unveiled a number of rather interesting products. These include the new Dell Latitude 9420 and Latitude 9520 business-class laptops, which feature a physical webcam shutter that will automatically open and close \u2013 quite a neat feature for users that value privacy above all else.\n\n\nDubbed SafeShutter, Dell claims that this automated webcam shutter \u2013 it\u2019s an optional add-on \u2013 is an industry first. The Latitude 9420 and Latitude 9520 are the first Dell laptops to come with this neat little feature, which allows the webcam shutter to \u201cautomatically open or close by syncing with your video conferencing applications,\u201d as Dell puts it.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Latitude 9420 also comes with Intel\u2019s latest 11th Gen vPro chips that tops out at a Core i7 processor. You can get this laptop in two form factors too: the convertible version features a sharp 2560 x 1600 touch-enabled screen, while the more conventional laptop variant has a 1920 x 1280 display. Regardless of which model you go for, both are equipped with 14-inch 16:10 panels.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Latitude 9420 include Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, up to 32GB of on-board RAM and 1TB of SSD storage, as well as optional LTE or 5G connectivity. The Latitude 9520, on the other hand, is very similar to the 9420; the only difference is the former\u2019s larger 15.6-inch screen.\n\n\n\n\nThe Dell Latitude 9420 and Latitude 9520 business-class laptops will be arriving in Malaysia sometime in March 2021. Local pricing of the two laptops have not been revealed yet, but given that they \nare\n business-centric machines, expect them to cost quite a bit of money.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-joi-book-sk3000-is-a-snapdragon-850-windows-10-laptop-for-rm2199/", "title": "The Joi Book SK3000 Is a Snapdragon 850 Windows 10 Laptop for RM2,199", "body": "\n\nIf you want an affordable Windows 10 laptop with 4G connectivity, consider this product from SNS Network, a local retailer. Not only is the Joi Book SK3000 a rather affordable laptop, it\u2019s also powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 chipset.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Joi Book SK3000 is offered at the moment. Retailing at RM2,199, it features the aforementioned Snapdragon 850 processor \u2013 which also gives it 4G connectivity \u2013 4GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, a 4,500mAh battery that promises up to 10 hours of use on a single charge, and Windows 10 Pro out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the SK3000 also has a 12.5-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen with relatively thin bezels surrounding the display, though the bottom bezel is quite sizeable. Nonetheless, the laptop as a whole does look quite modern with a full aluminium chassis.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the SK3000 has a pretty slim and light chassis. It measures less than 15mm thin, and tipping the scales at 1.05kg, it\u2019s an ideal laptop for those who are always on the go. Connectivity wise, this laptop has one USB-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and\u2026that\u2019s it, unfortunately enough.\n\n\n\n\nThe Joi Book SK3000 is now available for purchase on \nShopee\n, as well as SNS Network\u2019s own online store, \nGloo\n. To recap, this Windows laptop retails at only RM2,199. More details on the SK3000 can be found on its \nofficial product page\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-paying-rm500-for-a-gmk-keyboard-keycap-set/", "title": "Video: Paying RM500 for a (GMK) Keyboard Keycap Set", "body": "\n\nAsk any keyboard enthusiast which part of the keyboard that they purchased the most, and they will (very) likely say keycap sets. More specifically, GMK keycap sets that can cost up to $120, which comes up to about RM500 with shipping included\u2026give and take.\n\n\nYes, that is \na lot\n of money to fork out for keycaps, but there are a number of reasons why it\u2019s worth the investment. Not only will you get a superior typing experience \u2013 after all, it\u2019s the part of the keyboard that you touch the most \u2013 GMK keycaps also hold their value quite well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNot quite convinced? Then watch our video above! We also compare the sound profile of GMK and MT3 keycap sets in the video.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-11-with-snapdragon-888-arriving-in-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi 11 With Snapdragon 888 Arriving in Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nUnveiled to the world just last week, there\u2019s a very good chance the \nXiaomi Mi 11\n is arriving here in Malaysia very soon. If it does land on our shores soon, the Mi 11 will be the first Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 flagship smartphone to be sold here.\n\n\nIn our routine search through SIRIM\u2019s database, we noticed that Xiaomi Malaysia registered a new phone with the model number M2011K2G two days ago on 5 January. After some digging around, we\u2019re confident that this is in fact the Mi 11.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the major highlights of the Mi 11 is definitely the Snapdragon 888 chipset powering the phone. Fabricated on a more power-efficient 5nm process \u2013 in comparison to the 7nm Snapdragon 865 \u2013 Qualcomm\u2019s latest flagship processor promises up to 25% and 35% better CPU and GPU performance respectively.\n\n\nOther 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, up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of non-expandable storage, as well as an in-screen fingerprint sensor that can even measure heart rate.\n\n\n\n\nNow that the Xiaomi Mi 11 has been registered with SIRIM, we reckon it\u2019s only a matter of time before Xiaomi Malaysia officially launch the device on our shores. Of course, we will keep a close eye on the local availability of the Mi 11.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/kia-seltos-suv-finally-launched-in-malaysia-rm116k-to-rm134k/", "title": "Kia Seltos SUV Finally Launched in Malaysia \u2013 RM116k to RM134k", "body": "\n\nAfter many months of waiting, the \nKia Seltos\n has finally been launched here in Malaysia. The B-segment SUV is fully imported (CBU) from India, so compared to its locally assembled (CKD) competition, the Seltos \u2013 as expected \u2013 costs quite a bit more.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Seltos are offered on our shores. The base EX model is priced at RM115,888, while the better equipped GT-Line trim goes for RM133,888. These are on-the-road prices without insurance, along with 50% sales tax exemption applied until 30 June 2021. This SUV also has a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty.\n\n\n\n\nRegardless of which variant you get, both models of the Seltos are powered by the same 1.6L Gamma MPI engine that outputs 123PS and 151Nm of torque; our market is not getting the turbocharged engine. Aside from that, drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.\n\n\nWhat differentiates the EX and GT-Line trims of the Seltos are a number of creature comforts and design elements. Exclusive to the GT-Line variant are ventilated front seats, full LED headlights, a head-up display, a Qi wireless charging pad, automatic air-conditioning, and a 7-inch multi-info display \u2013 the EX gets a smaller 3.5-inch screen instead.\n\n\nStandard equipment offered on both the EX and GT-Line models, on the other hand, are quite neat. These include six airbags, leather seats \u2013 though the design is different between the two \u2013 Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, passive cruise control, as well as 17-inch alloy wheels.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Kia Seltos retails at RM115,888 and RM133,888 for the EX and GT-Line models respectively. Do note that these prices are only valid \nuntil 30 June 2021\n; that\u2019s when the government\u2019s sales tax exemption for CBU and CKD cars is set to end.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/second-ps5-pre-orders-in-malaysia-happening-tomorrow-on-8-january/", "title": "Second PS5 Pre-Orders in Malaysia Happening Tomorrow on 8 January", "body": "\n\nGreat news! Sony Malaysia just announced on its \nFacebook page\n that the second batch of pre-orders for the highly sought-after \nPlayStation 5\n console is happening tomorrow on 8 January. However, as expected, stocks will be limited.\n\n\nAccording to Sony Malaysia, this second pre-order for the PS5 will only be done at Sony Stores in KLCC and The Curve. Yes, you are required to visit either one of these two physical stores to place your pre-order of the console. At the time of writing, it remains to be seen if other retailers will also open pre-orders for the PS5.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, there are two versions of the PS5. The PS5 Digital Edition retails at only RM1,869 here in Malaysia, while the standard PS5 with a Blu-ray disc drive costs slightly more at RM2,299. If you prefer to buy your games digitally, the more affordable Digital Edition is certainly a good option.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re considering to get other PS5 accessories with this pre-order, do note that you are limited to only one item per console. If you need a refresher, the DualSense controller costs RM349, while the charging station for the DualSense (which can charge two of them at the same time) retails at RM149. There\u2019s also the Pulse 3D wireless headset (RM469), HD Camera (RM279), and Media Remote (RM149).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the event that you are still unable to get the PlayStation 5 from this pre-order, we don\u2019t recommend \npurchasing the system above retail price from scalpers\n. More stocks \nwill\n be made available eventually. Plus, if you\u2019re an existing PS4 owner, you \ndon\u2019t have to upgrade just yet\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-ideapad-5-pro-comes-with-next-gen-amd-ryzen-chips-rtx-gpus/", "title": "Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro Comes With Next Gen AMD Ryzen Chips & RTX GPUs", "body": "\n\nMore CES 2021 news are coming from various brands, including the new Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro. Touted as the most powerful IdeaPad laptop yet, the IdeaPad 5 Pro features next generation AMD Ryzen chips and Nvidia RTX GPUs \u2013 it\u2019s really quite an exciting laptop that should be able to serve as a good productivity and gaming machine.\n\n\nOf course, Lenovo did not disclose exactly what new Ryzen CPUs and RTX GPUs will be found under the hood of the IdeaPad 5 Pro. Chances are, these should be the upcoming mobile versions of the Ryzen 5000 CPU and RTX 3000 series GPU. We\u2019ll have to wait for official announcements from AMD and Nvidia to be sure, which should be happening very soon.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, there are also two variants of the IdeaPad 5 Pro. The 14-inch model with a 14-inch 2880 x 1800 IPS screen (90Hz) can be configured with an Nvidia MX450 GPU, while the bigger 16-inch version with a 16-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS display (120Hz) is the one packing next generation RTX GPUs. That\u2019s right, both variants of the IdeaPad 5 Pro feature relatively fast screens with a productivity-focused 16:10 aspect ratio.\n\n\nNaturally, the IdeaPad 5 Pro can be equipped with up to 16GB of RAM (32GB for the 16-inch model) and 1TB of SSD storage as well; large enough capacities for most users. Lenovo will also release an Intel version of this laptop, dubbed IdeaPad 5i Pro. Just like the AMD model, this Intel variant is offered with similar hardware in two sizes (14-inch and 16-inch), but with 11th generation Intel CPUs instead.\n\n\n\n\nThe Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro and IdeaPad 5i Pro will be available in EMEA markets sometime in March 2021, though the 16-inch model of the former will only be arriving in May 2021. The AMD models will start at \u20ac799 (approximately RM3,960), while the Intel machines retail from \u20ac699 (about RM3,465).\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sonys-2021-bravia-xr-tvs-support-120hz-at-4k-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Sony\u2019s 2021 Bravia XR TVs Support 120Hz at 4K & Google TV; Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nSony just introduced its range of 2021 Bravia XR TVs, and they are quite a bit better than their predecessors. Not only do these TVs support 120Hz at 4K resolution with variable refresh rate \u2013 making it ideal for those that are looking for a new TV to complement the \nPlayStation 5\n \u2013 it runs on Google TV as well.\n\n\nThe 2021 Bravia XR TV offerings include four distinct lineups: there\u2019s the range-topping Master Series Z9J 8K LED TV, Master Series A90J 4K OLED TV, A80J 4K OLED TV, and the most affordable of the lot, the X90J 4K LED TV. Naturally, these TVs feature HDMI 2.1, allowing them to run 4K content at 120Hz.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, Sony also highlighted the fact that these Bravia XR TVs come with a Cognitive Processor XR chip, which goes beyond \u201cconventional AI.\u201d By dividing the screen into hundreds of zones, this chip can \u201ccross-analyse around a few hundred thousand different elements that make up a picture in a second\u201d to produce more lifelike image quality.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the underlying operating system of the Bravia XR TVs, Google TV. Basically, the user interface of these TVs will be very similar to that of Google\u2019s latest Chromecast. There will be personalised recommendations, the ability to bookmark shows and movies to the Watchlist \u2013 you can even do so with your phone or laptop \u2013 and of course, voice control with the \u201cHey Google\u201d command.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrice and availability of the 2021 Sony Bravia XR TVs have not been revealed yet, though Sony Malaysia confirmed that these TVs will be making their way here. In the meantime, you can check out Sony\u2019s current TV lineup \non its website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/9-15-january-fuel-price-ron-95-ron-97-remain-diesel-up-1-sen/", "title": "9 \u2013 15 January Fuel Price: RON 95, RON 97 Remain, Diesel Up 1 Sen", "body": "\n\nThe prices of RON 95 and RON 97 are not going up this coming week for a change! That being said, diesel still sees a small price increase of 1 sen per litre this midnight. Consider fueling up tonight if you need to.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 95 remains at RM1.84 per litre; same goes to RON 97, where it stays at RM2.14 per litre at the stroke of midnight. As for diesel, it will cost RM2.02 per litre this coming week compared to RM2.01 previously.\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 9 to 15 January next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Friday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-9t-with-6000mah-battery-snapdragon-662-lands-in-malaysia-from-rm599/", "title": "Redmi 9T With 6,000mAh Battery & Snapdragon 662 Lands in Malaysia From RM599", "body": "\n\nThe just-announced Redmi 9T will be coming to Malaysia next week on 15 January. Sporting a very generous 6,000mAh battery and a reasonably good Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset, you may want to consider this phone if you\u2019re looking for a budget-friendly device.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Redmi 9T are offered in Malaysia. The base model with 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM retails at RM599, while the more practical 128GB variant with 6GB of RAM costs RM699. If you need more storage space, you\u2019ll be happy to know that this phone has a microSD card slot.\n\n\n\n\nGiven its affordable price tag, the Redmi 9T\u2019s hardware are decidedly mid-range. The main highlight is definitely its generous 6,000mAh battery, which should be able to deliver excellent battery life. If you\u2019re a light smartphone user, it\u2019s very possible to get up to two day of use on a single charge.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Redmi 9T include a 6.53-inch 1080p notched display, an 11nm Snapdragon 662 octa-core chipset, a quad camera system (48MP f/1.79 primary + 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle + 2MP f/2.4 macro + 2MP f/2.4 depth), an 8MP f/2.05 selfie camera, and MIUI 12 based on Android 10 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Redmi 9T will be \navailable for purchase on Lazada\n next week on 15 January. To recap, the 64GB + 4GB model costs RM599, while the 128GB + 6GB variant retails at RM699. Four colour options are available: Carbon Grey, Twilight Blue, Sunrise Orange, and Ocean Green.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-ganyu-banner-arrives-12-january-with-xingqiu-xiangling-noelle/", "title": "Genshin Impact Ganyu Banner Arrives 12 January With Xingqiu, Xiangling & Noelle", "body": "\n\nMihoyo just confirmed the arrival of Ganyu in \nGenshin Impact\n. The 5-star character is set to be available in the game this Tuesday on 12 January. The three other 4-star characters joining her banner have been confirmed as well, which include Xingqiu, Xiangling, and Noelle.\n\n\nJust like Genshin Impact\u2019s \nprevious character event banners\n, the \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Ganyu, Xingqiu, Xiangling, and Noelle will be increased. In the case of Ganyu, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be her. If it\u2019s not her, the \nnext\n 5-star character you roll is guaranteed to be Ganyu.\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s 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 Ganyu.\n\n\n\n\nSame goes for the 4-star characters, but given that there are three of them featured in the event banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random. Basically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Xingqiu, Xiangling, or Noelle. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will likely have to roll a few times.\n\n\nBesides the new banner, the story quest for Ganyu, Sinae Unicornis Chapter, will also be added to Genshin Impact on 12 January. Completing the story quest will reward players with Primogems, adventure experience, and a number of other rewards. However, to unlock the story quest, you\u2019d have to be at least Adventure Rank 40; you\u2019re also required to complete the Archon Quest \u201cA New Star Approaches.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, Ganyu\u2019s Adrift in the Harbor banner will be released this Tuesday on 12 January. For us here in Malaysia, the banner will go live at 6PM alongside Ganyu\u2019s Sinae Unicornis Chapter story quest.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-ideapad-5-pro-with-next-gen-amd-ryzen-cpu-coming-to-malaysia/", "title": "Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro With Next Gen AMD Ryzen CPU Coming to Malaysia", "body": "\n\nThe \nLenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro\n, which is touted as the most powerful IdeaPad laptop to date, is arriving here in Malaysia very soon. Sporting next generation AMD Ryzen processors and Nvidia RTX GPUs \u2013 both of which have not been officially announced yet \u2013 it\u2019s certainly an interesting laptop.\n\n\nLenovo Malaysia just registered the IdeaPad 5 Pro 14ITL6 with SIRIM today on 11 January. Curiously, the company also submitted another model (IdeaPad 5 Pro 14ACN6) with the certification body last month on 22 December 2020. Based on their model numbers, we reckon these two are the Intel and AMD configurations of the 14-inch IdeaPad 5 Pro.\n\n\n\n\nIf one of the two models really is the AMD version of the IdeaPad 5 Pro, it will be one of the first productivity laptops with a (unconfirmed, but very likely) Ryzen 5000 chip to be made available in Malaysia. The Intel version, on the other hand, is said to be packing 11th generation Intel processors instead, though it remains to be seen if these belong to the U or H series. If it\u2019s the latter, it would be a new offering from Intel.\n\n\nOther specifications of the IdeaPad 5 Pro include a 14-inch 2880 x 1800 IPS screen with a relatively fast 90Hz refresh rate, an Nvidia MX450 GPU, as well as up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage. What about the next generation RTX GPU? Well, that\u2019s reserved for the higher-end 16-inch model.\n\n\n\n\nNow that the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro has been registered with SIRIM, it\u2019s almost a certainty the laptop will be sold in Malaysia. That being said, the IdeaPad 5 Pro is only set to be available in selected markets sometime in March 2021, so we\u2019ll have to wait until then for the laptop to be launched locally.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-watch-finally-arriving-in-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi Watch Finally Arriving in Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nPreviously, Xiaomi Malaysia teased that the Xiaomi Mi Watch was set to arrive in Malaysia sometime in December last month. Evidently, this didn\u2019t pan out, but we have good reason to believe that the wearable will be arriving on our shores very soon.\n\n\nAs usual, we were scouring SIRIM\u2019s database when we noticed that Era International Network and Rainbow Distribution registered a smartwatch with the model number XMWTCL02. We\u2019re confident this is the Mi Watch, given that the same model number is listed on the \nofficial product page of the wearable\n.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the budget-friendly Mi Watch Lite, the Mi Watch is a more premium offering. Its circular display, for one, is a sharper, vibrant 1.39-inch 454 x 454 AMOLED screen. It also has a much larger 420mAh battery that promises up to 16 days of use on a single charge.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mi Watch include 117 workout modes, over 100 watchfaces, a heart rate sensor, the ability to measure blood oxygen level, a 5 ATM water resistance rating, as well as a \u201chigh-end\u201d 12nm GPS chip. It\u2019s said to take advantage of customised mileage optimisation algorithms to improve movements and mileage accuracy for more precise fitness data.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, we haven\u2019t heard from Xiaomi Malaysia on the local availability of the Xiaomi Mi Watch. Given that the smartwatch has already been registered with SIRIM, we reckon it will be launched here very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-ganyu-gameplay-trailer-released-showcases-her-abilities/", "title": "Genshin Impact Ganyu Gameplay Trailer Released; Showcases Her Abilities", "body": "\n\nMihoyo just released the gameplay trailer for Genshin Impact\u2019s next 5-star character, \nGanyu\n. Not only do we get a better look at her in-game appearance in this video, we also get to see some of her unique Cryo skills in action.\n\n\nGanyu is a bow user with a Cryo Vision, but unlike other characters that wield the same weapon, her Charged Attack has two levels. A level one Charged Attack fires an arrow that deals Cryo damage, while charging it to level two fires a \u201cFrostflake Arrow\u201d that deals Cryo damage \nand\n a second instance of AoE Cryo damage.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven that no other bow user in Genshin Impact has two levels of Charged Attack, this makes Ganyu a particularly unique bow-wielding character. Her Elemental Skill (Trail of the Qilin), on the other hand, leaves an Ice Lotus that deals AoE Cryo damage. The Ice Lotus will taunt enemies, and once it is destroyed by enemies (or its duration ends), it will deal AoE Cryo damage again.\n\n\nAs for Ganyu\u2019s Elemental Burst, Celestial Shower, a \u201cSacred Cryo Pearl\u201d is summoned in a pretty big AoE. While the skill is active, shards of ice will continuously rain down on enemies in the AoE that will deal Cryo damage. If the Elemental Burst is activated on water, it seems to freeze the surface of the water (in the affected area) as well.\n\n\n\n\nGanyu will be available in Genshin Impact \ntomorrow on 12 January\n; for those who are here in Malaysia, Ganyu\u2019s Adrift in the Harbor banner will go live at 6PM. Accompanying her are three other 4-star characters, including Xingqiu, Xiangling, and Noelle.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovos-new-thinkpad-x1-titanium-yoga-is-only-11-5mm-thin-slimmest-thinkpad-yet/", "title": "Lenovo\u2019s New ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga Is Only 11.5mm Thin; Slimmest ThinkPad Yet", "body": "\n\nLenovo just unveiled a number of new ThinkPad notebooks today, including the impressively thin ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga convertible laptop. Measuring only 11.5mm thin, this is the slimmest ThinkPad to date. On top of that, it also has a number of other interesting features.\n\n\nAs its name suggests, the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga is said to be \u201ccovered in titanium material,\u201d which suggests that it is not entirely made out of titanium. Nonetheless, its 11.5mm chassis is definitely one of the laptop\u2019s best features, but since it is so thin, the X1 Titanium only features two USB-C ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga also has a 13.5-inch 2256 x 1504 touch-enabled screen with a 3:2 aspect ratio; ideal for productivity-focused tasks. This being a business-class laptop, it is powered by Intel\u2019s latest 11th generation vPro chips too; the options top out at a Core i7 processor.\n\n\nOther specifications of the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga include Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, a 44.5WHr battery that promises up to 10.9 hours of use on a single charge \u2013 that\u2019s pretty respectable \u2013 a 1.15kg chassis, up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage, as well as optional 5G connectivity.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Lenovo, the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga will be available for purchase sometime this month with a $1,899 starting price, which comes up to about RM7,700. At the moment, it remains to be seen exactly when the premium business-class laptop will arrive in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-acer-predator-triton-300-se-is-a-14-gaming-laptop-with-rtx-3060-gpu-11th-gen-intel-h-series-chip/", "title": "The Acer Predator Triton 300 SE Is a 14\u2033 Gaming Laptop With RTX 3060 GPU & 11th Gen Intel H-Series Chip", "body": "\n\nAcer just took the wraps off arguably its most exciting gaming laptop to date. Enter the Acer Predator Triton 300 SE: a compact, premium gaming laptop in a 14-inch form factor. This is one of its best selling points, given that its only other competition is the similarly sized \nAsus ROG Zephyrus G14\n gaming laptop.\n\n\nCompared to 2020 gaming laptops, the Predator Triton 300 SE is seemingly a more powerful gaming machine, thanks to the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU under the hood. That\u2019s right, it is packing Nvidia\u2019s brand new Ampere graphics cards for laptops. In the case of the RTX 3060, it promises up to 1.3x better performance than the \nPlayStation 5\n.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Triton 300 SE also features Intel\u2019s just-announced 11th generation H-series chip; the highest-end configuration is powered by a Core i7-11375H processor that offers a whopping 5GHz peak clock speed. While this sounds impressive, it\u2019ll be interesting to see how it would compare to AMD\u2019s latest Ryzen 5000 mobile CPU once we have them in for review.\n\n\nOther hardware of the Predator Triton 300 SE include a fast 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen with a 144Hz refresh rate, a 1.7kg chassis that measures only 17.9mm thin \u2013 it\u2019s definitely a thin and light gaming laptop \u2013 and up to 10 hours of battery life. As for RAM and storage capacities, Acer will reveal these specifications in the near future.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Predator Triton 300 SE will start shipping sometime in February next month with a $1,400 starting price (about RM5,675). Malaysian availability of this compact gaming laptop has not been revealed yet, but we did manage to spend a brief time with the Triton 300 SE. Our hands-on is coming very soon!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-flow-x13-a-13-convertible-gaming-laptop-with-amd-ryzen-9-5980hs/", "title": "Asus ROG Flow X13: A 13\u2033 Convertible Gaming Laptop With AMD Ryzen 9 5980HS", "body": "\n\nAsus released some very interesting gaming laptops recently. Last year, it was the first brand to release a modern, very capable 14-inch gaming laptop (the \nROG Zephyrus G14\n), and now, we\u2019ve got the Asus ROG Flow X13. Not only does it come with AMD\u2019s new Ryzen 9 5980HS processor, it is also a \nconvertible\n gaming laptop in an \neven more compact\n 13-inch form factor.\n\n\nIn fact, the ROG Flow X13 can actually be configured with three different processors: the aforementioned Ryzen 9 5980HS, Ryzen 9 5900HS, and Ryzen 7 5800HS. According to Asus, the Ryzen 9 5980HS processor \u2013 which can go up to 4.8GHz on a single core \u2013 is reserved for the \u201cFlow X13 Supernova Edition.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nWhile the CPU options for the ROG Flow X13 are very powerful, the GPU under the hood of this laptop\u2026isn\u2019t quite on the same level. It\u2019s only packing an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU, which is a decidedly entry-level graphics card. For a gaming laptop of this calibre, you\u2019d expect it to be equipped with a far more powerful GPU.\n\n\nWell, that\u2019s where the ROG XG Mobile comes into the picture. It is an external GPU enclosure that only works with the ROG Flow X13 at the moment, since it has a proprietary connection that can deliver 63Gbps of bandwidth. This allows you to take full advantage of the performance offered by the GPU in this enclosure; it can be configured with an RTX 3080 or RTX 3070 laptop graphics card.\n\n\nOn top of that, the XG Mobile is also very, very compact. It is only \u201c6% the size of typical eGPUs\u201d \u2013 as Asus puts it \u2013 and the enclosure also takes advantage of vapour chamber cooling to enhance thermal performance.\n\n\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s get back to the ROG Flow X13, which is actually closer to a productivity-focused laptop rather than a gaming machine. We say this because it has a 13.4-inch 3840 x 2400 touch-enabled IPS screen (60Hz) with a 16:10 aspect ratio; a display you\u2019d usually find on a premium productivity laptop. Of course, if you want a panel that\u2019s more suited for gaming, there\u2019s a 1920 x 1200 screen option with a faster 120Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nOther specifications of the ROG Flow X13 include up to 32B of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage, a 1.3kg chassis that measures only 15.8mm thin, as well as a 62WHr battery that promises up to 10 hours of video playback. All in all, it\u2019s an interesting gaming laptop that should be able to serve as a very good productivity machine as well.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Flow X13 convertible gaming laptop is now available for pre-order in the US for a cool $3,000 (about RM12,115), which also includes the ROG XG Mobile eGPU with an RTX 3080. Malaysian price and availability have not been announced yet, but we reckon it will arrive on our shores in the near future, as with most of Asus\u2019 gaming laptops.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s21-series-hands-on-sleeker-faster-but-at-what-cost/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S21 Series Hands-On: Sleeker, Faster, But at What Cost?", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S21 smartphones are here, and while they don\u2019t look radically different \nfrom their\n \npredecessors\n, there are noteworthy upgrades under the hood. Not only are they faster now thanks to the new Exynos 2100 processor, there are also other incremental upgrades that make them more polished, complete flagship smartphones.\n\n\nHowever, there are some odd hardware changes here and there that won\u2019t sit quite well with folks who have certain expectations of the new phones, especially with the Galaxy S21 and S21+. Anyway, without further ado, let\u2019s get to the hands-on.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFrom left: Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, Galaxy S21 Ultra\nGalaxy S21\nGalaxy S21+\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about one of the biggest hardware revisions: both the Galaxy S21 and S21+ feature 6.2-inch and 6.7-inch screens respectively with only a 1080p resolution. That\u2019s right, they no longer have the 1440p screens of their predecessors, which is quite odd for high-end, flagship smartphones at this price point. Did I mention that the S21 also has a polycarbonate back?\n\n\nGranted, the Galaxy S21 and S21+ still have 120Hz screens with support for adaptive refresh rate now. This allows the two phones to dynamically switch between 48Hz to 120Hz refresh rate depending on what\u2019s shown on the screen, which should meaningfully improve battery life. The Galaxy S21 Ultra, on the other hand, is even better in this regard: its 6.8-inch 1440p screen can adjust between 10Hz to 120Hz.\n\n\nBeyond the refresh rate of these screens, all three Galaxy S21 smartphones have Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels, which look \nfantastic\n. Even though the S21 and S21+ only have 1080p displays now, they still look great with bright, vibrant colours and excellent viewing angles. It\u2019s worth noting that these two devices have flat screens, while the S21 Ultra has subtle curves on either sides of its display.\n\n\nGalaxy S21 Ultra\n\n\nAnother feature that\u2019s exclusive to the Galaxy S21 Ultra is S Pen compatibility, though the stylus is not built into the phone itself like the Galaxy Note series. Instead, you\u2019d have to get the S Pen from either the \nGalaxy Tab S7\n or the dedicated case for the phone that comes with the stylus as well. Basically, if you want a built-in S Pen, you still need to get the \nGalaxy Note\n \n20 \nor \nNote 10\n series.\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Galaxy S21 series is powered by Samsung\u2019s brand new Exynos 2100 chipset fabricated on a power-efficient 5nm process. According to Samsung, this processor offers 20% faster CPU and 35% better GPU performance compared to its direct predecessor. These are pretty big numbers, though we\u2019d have to put it through real life use first to see if there are any tangible improvements.\n\n\nFor what it\u2019s worth, these phones certainly feel very fast in my brief time with them.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of fast, I am absolutely \namazed\n by the new ultrasonic fingerprint sensor under the screens of the Galaxy S21 smartphones. Not only is it 1.7 times bigger now, the sensor can accurately recognise my fingerprint almost \ninstantaneously\n \u2013 a quick tap is all it takes for me to unlock the phone. It\u2019s great that Samsung finally improved its finicky ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.\n\n\nWhen it comes to battery life, I\u2019m confident the Galaxy S21 smartphones will be able to deliver better longevity than their respective predecessors. After all, they are powered by a more power-efficient 5nm chipset now, not to mention the fact that both the S21 and S21+ have lower resolution \u2013 but not quite as power hungry \u2013 screens now.\n\n\nAs for battery capacity, the S21 retains the 4,000mAh battery of the S20, while the S21+ gets a larger 4,800mAh cell (compared to the S20+\u2019s 4,500mAh battery). The S21 Ultra, on the other hand, sports a 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\nGalaxy S21 in Phantom Violet\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the camera system of the Galaxy S21 smartphones, which is now housed in a \u201cContour Cut\u201d camera design that gives the phones a unique aesthetic that I personally quite like. This is especially the case with the Phantom Violet colourway of the S21 and S21+, which draws attention to the phones\u2019 dual tone design.\n\n\nBoth the standard Galaxy S21 and S21+ have the same triple camera system. It is made up of a 12MP f/1.8 primary sensor, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 64MP f/2.0 telephoto lens that can do 3x optical zoom or 30x Space Zoom, which is really digital zoom. These two phones also have a 10MP f/2.2 selfie camera on the front.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the Galaxy S21 Ultra is equipped with a more sophisticated quad camera system headlined by a 108MP f/1.8 primary shooter. There\u2019s also a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle lens, a 10MP f/2.4 telephoto sensor (3x optical zoom), and get this: \nanother\n 10MP f/4.9 telephoto camera that can do 10x optical zoom. Collectively, this allows the S21 Ultra to do 100x Space Zoom. It also has a laser autofocus system and a 40MP f/2.2 selfie camera.\n\n\nIn my short time photographing with the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra, they certainly feel more capable than their predecessors. This is especially true with the S21 Ultra \u2013 the laser autofocus system can lock in focus quickly, and the two telephoto sensors noticeably improve the camera\u2019s zoom performance.\n\n\nBut it\u2019s worth noting that I only managed to test out the camera performance of these phones in a well-lit environment. For a fairer assessment, I\u2019d need to put the camera systems through their paces in more challenging lighting situations in a full review.\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, the Samsung Galaxy S21 series is definitely more polished than its predecessor with some meaningful (albeit incremental) upgrades. Based on my brief time with the three smartphones, they seem to improve on many aspects that matter to end users, including better performance, improved camera systems, fast screens with adaptive refresh rate, and of course, sleeker-looking designs.\n\n\nThat being said, we\u2019re still missing a vital piece of information that will set expectations for the Galaxy S21 lineup: pricing. It\u2019s a given that the retail prices of these new phones will be higher than before, and it\u2019s really a matter of \nhow much\n Samsung will increase them. For context, the Galaxy S20 series retailed from RM3,599 to RM4,999 at launch last year \nhere in Malaysia\n.\n\n\n\n\nWhile I\u2019m quite impressed with the refinement of the Galaxy S21 smartphones \u2013 and I can see the justification for a price increase \u2013 pricing the phones too high from their predecessors may drive potential customers away, especially in a price sensitive market like Malaysia. We expect Samsung Malaysia to reveal the local pricing of the Galaxy S21 series soon, and we\u2019ll update this hands-on once we have the relevant information.\n\n\nUpdate:\n Samsung just revealed the Malaysian pricing of the Galaxy S21 series; it retails from RM3,699 to RM5,899. Click \nhere\n to learn more!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-predator-triton-300-se-hands-on-a-minimalist-powerful-compact-gaming-laptop/", "title": "Acer Predator Triton 300 SE Hands-On: A Minimalist, Powerful Compact Gaming Laptop", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to get a compact gaming laptop, you don\u2019t have a lot of choices. Last year, only the \nAsus ROG Zephyrus G14\n fits the bill, so thankfully enough, you have another option now. This is the \nAcer Predator Triton 300 SE\n, which is basically Acer\u2019s answer to the Zephyrus G14.\n\n\nPacked with Nvidia\u2019s brand new RTX 3060 GPU for laptops and Intel\u2019s latest 11th generation H-series chips, the Triton 300 SE packs quite a punch for a compact gaming laptop. On top of that, it also sports a very understated design that wouldn\u2019t look out of place in a professional setting.\n\n\nAfter spending a brief time with the Triton 300 SE, I am definitely impressed with what it has to offer. Consider this gaming laptop if you want a capable gaming machine in a compact form factor.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Predator Triton 300 SE is powered by Intel\u2019s new 11th gen H-series processors. The highest-end configuration of this gaming laptop is equipped with a Core i7-11375H processor that offers a whopping 5GHz peak clock speed. It offers promising CPU performance, and it\u2019ll be interesting to see how it would compare to AMD\u2019s latest Ryzen 5000 mobile CPUs once we have them in for review.\n\n\nUnfortunately, I didn\u2019t manage to run any games on the Triton 300 SE to see just how capable it is; I was told that the driver for the RTX 3060 GPU is not ready yet. Nonetheless, Nvidia promises up to 1.3 times better performance than the \nPlayStation 5\n with this graphics card, so it\u2019s very likely that this gaming laptop will be able to run most (if not all) AAA titles with little difficulty.\n\n\n\n\nFurther complementing the gaming experience of the Predator Triton 300 SE is the 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen with a 144Hz refresh rate \u2013 perfectly suited for a gaming laptop of this calibre. If you\u2019re into fast-paced games, you would definitely appreciate the high refresh rate. The quality of the panel itself is also quite good with vibrant colours and wide viewing angles.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the understated design of the Triton 300 SE, which I really, really like. Despite its positioning as a gaming laptop, I love the fact that it has such a subtle, almost professional-looking design that\u2019s usually only reserved for productivity-focused laptops. It\u2019s a breath of fresh air when compared to loud, aggressively-styled gaming laptops.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, I reckon the Predator Triton 300 SE can serve double duty as a productivity laptop and portable gaming machine. After all, it\u2019s said to offer up to 10 hours of battery life. Not the best battery life for a laptop, of course, but this \nis\n a gaming-oriented notebook with some beefy hardware under the hood.\n\n\nBesides that, with a 1.7kg chassis that measures only 17.9mm thin, the Triton 300 SE is also a very portable gaming laptop that you can easily lug around in your backpack. As for connectivity, this laptop has two full-size USB-A ports, a USB-C connection, an HDMI output, and of course, a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\n\n\nLast but definitely not least are the input devices of the Predator Triton 300 SE. The keyboard, for one, is\u2026alright. While it has decent key travel, the keyboard itself doesn\u2019t offer very pronounced tactile feedback, so I can\u2019t type quite as accurately as I usually do. Granted, I\u2019m sure I can get used to it over time, but it\u2019s certainly not the best laptop keyboard I\u2019ve come across.\n\n\nThe trackpad of the Triton 300 SE, on the other hand, works as intended. It is largely accurately, it can recognise gestures reasonably well, and there\u2019s even a fingerprint sensor on the top left of the trackpad for quick authentication. Basically, I wouldn\u2019t mind using the trackpad exclusively for productivity tasks.\n\n\n\n\nOverall, as a fan of compact gaming laptops, I\u2019m really intrigued by the Acer Predator Triton 300 SE. More brands are finally focusing on this particular segment, which was previously (solely) occupied by Asus\u2019 ROG Zephyrus G14. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if other laptop makers will also follow suit.\n\n\nOf course, the only thing that remains now is for Acer Malaysia to reveal the local availability and pricing of the Triton 300 SE. For the US market, it retails from $1,400, which comes up to about RM5,660. Yes, it is not an affordable gaming laptop, but it is a premium product with some beefy hardware under the hood.\n\n\n\n\nI absolutely cannot wait to put the Predator Triton 300 SE through its paces in a full review to see just how powerful the RTX 3060 GPU and Intel\u2019s 11th gen H-series chips really are. I\u2019m curious to see if the Triton 300 SE can serve as a good productivity laptop as well, given its compact form factor and quoted battery life of up to 10 hours.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s21-series-malaysian-pricing-revealed-from-rm3699-to-rm5899/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S21 Series Malaysian Pricing Revealed; From RM3,699 to RM5,899", "body": "\n\nSamsung \njust revealed\n the Malaysian pricing of the \nSamsung Galaxy S21 series\n. As expected, the new flagship smartphones cost quite a bit more than their respective predecessors, with prices ranging from RM3,699 to a whopping RM5,899.\n\n\nOf course, the RM3,699 price tag is for the most affordable device in the series \u2013 the standard Galaxy S21 \u2013 which comes with 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. The Galaxy S21+, on the other hand, costs RM4,299 for the same storage and RAM capacities. As for the range-topping Galaxy S21 Ultra, it costs RM5,299 for the 256GB + 12GB model, and an eye-watering RM5,899 for the 512GB + 16GB variant.\n\n\nGalaxy S21 Ultra\nGalaxy S21+\nGalaxy S21\n\n\nThese are steeper price tags compared to the previous \nGalaxy S20\n \nseries\n, but for that kind of money, you do get some high-end hardware. The S21 Ultra, for one, features a 6.8-inch 1440p Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, a 5nm Exynos 2100 processor, a quad camera system (108MP f/1.8 primary + 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle + 10MP f/2.4 telephoto sensor [3x zoom] + 10MP f/4.9 telephoto [10x zoom]), a 40MP f/2.2 selfie camera, and a generous 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\nAs for the Galaxy S21 and S21+, both devices have similar hardware. These include 6.2-inch and 6.7-inch 1080p Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays respectively \u2013 complete with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate \u2013 the same Exynos 2100 processor as the Ultra, a triple camera system (12MP f/1.8 primary + 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle + 64MP f/2.0 telephoto [3x zoom]), a 10MP f/2.2 selfie camera, and a 4,000mAh (4,800mAh for the S21+) battery.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Samsung Galaxy S21 retails at RM3,699, while the Galaxy S21+ and Galaxy S21 Ultra go for RM4,299 and RM5,299 (RM5,899 for the 512GB model) respectively. These phones are available for pre-order in Malaysia \nright now\n, and early birds will also get the Galaxy Buds Live \u2013 the new Buds Pro for those who pre-order the S21 Ultra \u2013 and Galaxy SmartTag for free.\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about the Galaxy S21 series, check out our hands-on of \nthese flagship smartphones\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/is-the-samsung-galaxy-s21-too-expensive/", "title": "Is the Samsung Galaxy S21 Too Expensive?", "body": "\n\nThe \nSamsung Galaxy S21 smartphones\n were unveiled much earlier than anticipated last week, and we\u2019ve got the \nMalaysian pricing of the new devices too\n. But unlike other markets, where the starting price of the S21 series is actually \nlower \nthan the \nS20 lineup\n, we see the opposite here in Malaysia. In fact, local prices of the S21 smartphones are up across the board.\n\n\nSo that brings us to the question: is the Galaxy S21 series \ntoo expensive\n in our market? Well, the answer to that question is actually not very straightforward. While they are priced higher than their predecessors, the S21 phones are \nnot exactly\n more expensive now \u2013 we\u2019ll break it down below.\n\n\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s take the \nstandard Galaxy S20\n as a point of comparison. When it was launched in Malaysia last year, it retailed at RM3,599. The Galaxy S21, on the other hand, costs RM3,699 \u2013 that\u2019s a RM100 price difference. However, keep in mind that the S20 only had 128GB of internal storage and 8GB of RAM; the S21 features \ntwice \nthe amount of storage at 256GB with the same amount of RAM.\n\n\nEssentially, you\u2019re paying RM100 to get more storage space \u2013 and a slew of other upgrades \u2013 with the Galaxy S21; not a bad deal at all. It\u2019s a similar scenario with the Galaxy S21+, though there\u2019s a bigger price gap. It offers 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM for RM4,299, while its predecessor, the Galaxy S20+, came with 128GB of storage and 8GB RAM for RM3,999 \u2013 a RM300 price difference.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the range-topping Galaxy S21 Ultra, same story here. The S20 Ultra only had 128GB of storage and 12GB of RAM for RM4,999 at launch, but the S21 Ultra has 256GB of storage with the same RAM capacity for RM5,299. You\u2019re paying the extra RM300 not just for the larger storage capacity, but also for a more polished and capable flagship smartphone.\n\n\nIf you need even more storage space, there\u2019s the S21 Ultra with 512GB of storage and a whopping 16GB RAM for RM5,899. Without a doubt this is a steep price tag, but compared to, say, the iPhone 12 Pro Max with 512GB storage \u2013 which costs an eye-watering RM6,699 \u2013 the S21 Ultra does offer better value for money.\n\n\n\n\nSo then, is the Samsung Galaxy S21 series more expensive in Malaysia compared to other markets? Well, yes and no. The thing is, Samsung Malaysia is not bringing in more affordable variants of the S21 smartphones with less storage capacities, which in turn drives up the prices of the devices. If the Korean company had brought in the base 128GB models, it\u2019s entirely possible the prices of the Galaxy S21 phones could be lower like other markets.\n\n\nWill more Galaxy S21 variants be introduced in the near future? Perhaps, though we do expect the retail prices of these phones to steadily drop in the coming months. This was the case with Samsung\u2019s previous flagship smartphones, and in the current economic uncertainty brought on by COVID-19, it\u2019s not far-fetched to assume the same will happen to the Galaxy S21 series.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/16-22-january-fuel-price-petrol-up-5-sen-diesel-up-3-sen/", "title": "16 \u2013 22 January Fuel Price: Petrol up 5 Sen, Diesel up 3 Sen", "body": "\n\nFuel prices are going up this coming week folks. Both RON 95 and RON 97 will go up by 5 sen per litre this midnight, while diesel sees a slightly smaller price hike of 3 sen per litre. If you need to be out and about during MCO, consider fueling up tonight.\n\n\nThis brings the price of RON 95 to RM1.89 per litre (up from RM1.84) and RON 97 to RM2.19 per litre (RM2.14 previously) at the stroke of midnight. As for diesel, it will cost RM2.05 per litre this coming week compared to RM2.02 previously.\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 16 to 22 January next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Friday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-flow-x13-coming-to-malaysia-soon-13-convertible-gaming-laptop/", "title": "Asus ROG Flow X13 Coming to Malaysia Soon; 13\u2033 Convertible Gaming Laptop", "body": "\n\nOne of the most interesting gaming laptops unveiled by Asus at CES 2021 was the \nAsus ROG Flow X13\n, a 13-inch convertible gaming laptop that can be connected to an eGPU for even better gaming performance. Well, if you\u2019re eyeing to get this compact gaming machine, you\u2019ll be happy to know that it is coming to Malaysia very soon.\n\n\nIn fact, the ROG Flow X13 was actually registered with SIRIM last week on 8 January by three companies under the GV301Q model number. This is the very same model number reflected in the gaming laptop\u2019s \nofficial product page on Asus Malaysia\u2019s website\n, which suggests that the gaming laptop will be arriving here in the near future.\n\n\n\n\nBased on the spec sheet of the ROG Flow X13 on Asus Malaysia\u2019s website, the gaming laptop will feature AMD\u2019s brand new Ryzen 9 5900HS processor paired with 16GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU with 4GB GDDR6 memory, a 13.4-inch 1920 x 1200 touch-enabled IPS screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, as well as a 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re wondering why a gaming laptop of this calibre only features an entry-level GTX 1650 GPU, that\u2019s because the Flow X13 is meant to be paired with the ROG XG Mobile external GPU enclosure. The product page for the eGPU is already up on \nAsus Malaysia\u2019s website\n, though it did not detail the exact GPU the Malaysian market will receive. If you\u2019re wondering, this eGPU enclosure can be configured with an RTX 3080 or RTX 3070 laptop GPU.\n\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ve contacted Asus Malaysia regarding the local availability of the Asus ROG Flow X13, and we were told that the more details will be revealed sometime next month in February 2021. On top of that, the Taiwanese company will also announce the availability of other ROG products for the Malaysian market then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/logitech-g-pro-x-superlight-now-available-in-malaysia-for-rm649/", "title": "Logitech G Pro X Superlight Now Available in Malaysia for RM649", "body": "\n\nPreviously, we reported on the \nMalaysian pricing\n of the \nLogitech G Pro X Superlight\n gaming mouse, but its local availability was not revealed then. Well, if you\u2019ve got your eyes on this extremely lightweight mouse since its official launch two months ago, you\u2019ll be happy to know that it\u2019s now available for purchase in Malaysia.\n\n\nWe first spotted the local availability of the G Pro X Superlight on Logitech\u2019s official \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n stores. According to the listing, every purchase of the RM649 gaming mouse will be bundled with a Valorant-branded mousepad, as well as a pouch for the mouse. Both the \nWhite\n and \nBlack\n colourways are offered too.\n\n\nCuriously, if you get the Superlight on Shopee, you can get an additional 8% discount voucher from the shop, bringing down the price \nto exactly RM597.08\n.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the best features of the G Pro X Superlight has to be its lightweight nature. Tipping the scales at only 63g, you can even remove the magnetic plate on the bottom of the mouse to reduce the weight to\u00a0\nonly 60g\n. It also has much larger \u201czero-additive\u201d PTFE feet (in comparison to the G Pro Wireless) for a smoother glide, along with up to 70 hours of battery life on a single charge.\n\n\nBesides that, the G Pro X Superlight also uses the same sensor as the G Pro Wireless, which is still considered one of the best wireless gaming mice in the market now. However, compared to the latter, the Superlight does exclude a number of features. It doesn\u2019t have as much LED lighting, the DPI button on the bottom of the mouse has been removed, and it no longer has the modular, removable buttons on the right side of the mouse for left-handed gamers.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, the Logitech G Pro X Superlight still looks to be a very competent gaming mouse, especially if you want a very lightweight mouse. You can now purchase the Superlight here in Malaysia on \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n for RM649.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-tuf-dash-f15-with-rtx-3070-240hz-screen-arriving-in-malaysia-this-month-for-rm6999/", "title": "Asus TUF Dash F15 With RTX 3070 & 240Hz Screen Arriving in Malaysia This Month for RM6,999", "body": "\n\nAsus Malaysia just revealed the local availability of its latest slim gaming laptop, the Asus TUF Dash F15. With a 19.9mm thin chassis, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070, as well as a very fast 240Hz screen, this is a very compelling gaming laptop in a slim package.\n\n\nAt the moment, only one variant of the TUF Dash F15 is set to arrive here in Malaysia. This model will feature the aforementioned RTX 3070 GPU, a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 screen with a fast 240Hz refresh rate, an Intel Core i7-11370H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, as well as a 1TB SSD. How much does this laptop cost? RM6,999 \u2013 a decent price tag for a gaming laptop of this calibre.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to other TUF-branded gaming laptops released previously, the TUF Dash F15 is a much slimmer and lighter gaming machine. After all, it measures only 19.9mm thin, which is really quite thin for a laptop with a beefy RTX 3070 GPU. Tipping the scales at 2kg, it\u2019s not a very heavy gaming machine either.\n\n\nDespite its thin chassis, the TUF Dash F15 actually has a pretty complete connectivity option. These include three full-size USB-A ports, a single USB-C connection with support for Thunderbolt 4 and DisplayPort, an HDMI 2.0b output, an RJ45 port, and of course, a 3.5mm headphone jack.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus TUF Dash F15 will be arriving here in Malaysia by the end of January 2021 this month for RM6,999. At the moment, only the Eclipse Grey model is offered; the Moonlight White colour option will be introduced locally sometime in the second quarter of 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2021-asus-tuf-gaming-a15-coming-to-malaysia-soon-from-rm5299-offers-up-to-rtx-3070-ryzen-7-5800h/", "title": "2021 Asus TUF Gaming A15 Coming to Malaysia Soon From RM5,299 \u2013 Offers up to RTX 3070 & Ryzen 7 5800H", "body": "\n\nAside from the slim \nTUF Dash F15\n, Asus also revealed the local availability of its more affordable \u2013 but still very capable \u2013 gaming laptop, the 2021 Asus TUF Gaming A15. Retailing from only RM5,299, it\u2019s the ideal gaming machine for those who want the best value for money.\n\n\nSo far, two variants of the TUF Gaming A15 are set to be available in Malaysia. The RM5,299 base model, for one, features an AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU with 6GB GDDR6 memory, a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 screen with a fast 144Hz refresh rate, as well as 512GB of SSD storage.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the higher-end TUF Gaming A15 with the same processor and RAM capacities, but with some noteworthy upgrades. The GPU, for one, is a more powerful RTX 3070 GPU with 8GB GDDR6 memory; it also has a faster and higher quality 240Hz 15.6-inch Full HD display with 100% sRGB colour coverage and a 1TB SSD. All of these upgrades bring up the price to a cool RM6,699.\n\n\nWe\u2019ve \nreviewed quite a number of gaming laptops\n powered by AMD\u2019s Ryzen chips \u2013 even the previous \nTUF Gaming A15 with a Ryzen 7 4800H\n \u2013 and what impressed us the most is the power efficiency of the processors. The new TUF Gaming A15 seems to continue this trend, with a quoted battery life of up to 14.5 hours on a single charge \u2013 that\u2019s very impressive for a gaming laptop with such beefy hardware under the hood.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Asus TUF Gaming A15 with an RTX 3070 retails at RM6,699, while the more affordable model with an RTX 3060 goes for RM5,299. The former will be available in Malaysia by the end of January this month, while the RTX 3060 variant will arrive here in the middle of February 2021.\n\n\nInterestingly, we were also told by Asus Malaysia that even more affordable TUF Gaming models will be arriving here sometime in the second quarter of 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-watch-retails-at-rm469-in-malaysia-available-tomorrow/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi Watch Retails at RM469 in Malaysia \u2013 Available Tomorrow", "body": "\n\nXiaomi just revealed the Malaysian pricing of its latest smartwatch, the \nXiaomi Mi Watch\n. Set to go on sale tomorrow on 20 January, the Mi Watch retails at RM469 for our local market \u2013 a decent price tag for a smartwatch of this calibre.\n\n\nOf course, at this price point, the Mi Watch \nis\n quite a bit more costly than the far more affordable \nMi Watch Lite\n, which retails at only RM249. But you do get a number of notable upgrades with the former, including a circular display with a higher quality panel.\n\n\n\n\nInstead of the Mi Watch Lite\u2019s LCD screen, the Mi Watch is equipped with a sharper, more vibrant 1.39-inch 454 x 454 AMOLED display. It also has a much larger 420mAh battery that promises up to 16 days of use on a single charge. In comparison, the Mi Watch Lite only has a quoted battery life of up to nine days.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mi Watch include 117 workout modes, over 100 watchfaces, a heart rate sensor, the ability to measure blood oxygen level, a 5 ATM water resistance rating, as well as a \u201chigh-end\u201d 12nm GPS chip. It\u2019s said to take advantage of customised mileage optimisation algorithms to improve movements and mileage accuracy for more precise fitness data.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite will be available for purchase in Malaysia tomorrow on \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n for RM469. Three colour options are offered: Black, Navy Blue, and Beige.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-legion-5-pro-appears-in-sirim-16-gaming-laptop-with-rtx-3070-ryzen-7-5800h/", "title": "Lenovo Legion 5 Pro Appears in SIRIM \u2013 16\u2033 Gaming Laptop With RTX 3070 & Ryzen 7 5800H", "body": "\n\nMore and more gaming laptops powered by the latest hardware from Nvidia and AMD are making their way into Malaysia. This time around, it\u2019s the big and powerful Lenovo Legion 5 Pro \u2013 a 16-inch gaming laptop that can be configured with a GeForce RTX 3070 GPU and a Ryzen 7 5800H processor.\n\n\nWe spotted the Legion 5 Pro in our routine search through SIRIM\u2019s database; it was registered with the certification body just today on 19 January with the model numbers 16ACH6H and 16ACH6. Since the gaming laptop is in SIRIM\u2019s database now, we reckon it\u2019s only a matter of time before the Legion 5 Pro is officially launched on our shores.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the highest-end configuration of the Legion 5 Pro is equipped with the new RTX 3070 GPU and Ryzen 7 5800H processor. These are pretty darn beefy hardware, so without a doubt this gaming laptop will be able to run most (if not all) AAA games with high graphics settings quite effortlessly.\n\n\nFurther enhancing the gaming experience of the Legion 5 Pro is its large 16-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS screen with a fast 165Hz refresh rate. Yes, not only is this a high refresh rate display, it also has a 16:10 aspect ratio; quite an unconventional aspect ratio for a gaming laptop. Aside from that, it can also be configured with up to 16GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, we haven\u2019t heard from Lenovo yet on the Malaysian availability of the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro. But given that the gaming laptop is only set to be launched in selected markets sometime in March 2021, it\u2019s safe to assume we\u2019ll have to wait until then for the local launch to happen.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/new-xiaomi-mi-10t-variant-now-in-malaysia-snapdragon-865-for-rm1599/", "title": "New Xiaomi Mi 10T Variant Now in Malaysia \u2013 Snapdragon 865 for RM1,599", "body": "\n\nIt appears Xiaomi quietly introduced a new variant of the \nXiaomi Mi 10T\n here in Malaysia. Previously offered with 8GB of RAM, this Snapdragon 865 smartphone now comes with 6GB of RAM instead for only RM1,599 \u2013 a RM100 price cut compared to the former model.\n\n\nWe spotted this new variant of the Mi 10T on Xiaomi\u2019s official \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n stores. Although the RAM capacity of this RM1,599 model has been reduced to 6GB from 8GB, the internal storage (thankfully) remains the same at 128GB. At the time of writing, only the Cosmic Black colour is available on Shopee, while the Lazada listing still has the aforementioned colour option and Lunar Silver in stock.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the slightly lower RAM capacity, other hardware of this Mi 10T variant remain the same as the previous model. It\u2019s still powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, and it even retains the 6.67-inch 1080p IPS hole-punch display with a fast 144Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mi 10T include a triple camera system (64MP f/1.89 primary + 13MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle + 5MP f/2.4 macro) a 20MP f/2.2 front-facing camera, a large 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nThis new Xiaomi Mi 10T model with 6GB of RAM is now available for purchase in Malaysia on \nShopee\n as well as \nLazada\n for RM1,599. Given the sheer value for money this phone offers, you may want to grab it before stocks run out.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-1-3-update-will-add-more-resin-ios-controller-support-more/", "title": "Genshin Impact 1.3 Update Will Add More Resin, iOS Controller Support & More", "body": "\n\nMihoyo just revealed new features that will be coming to \nGenshin Impact\n in the Version 1.3 update. Set to be rolled out early next month in February, the update will offer players more resin, support for controllers on iOS devices, and a number of other quality-of-life improvements.\n\n\nOne of the biggest changes that will be added with the Genshin Impact 1.3 update is definitely the opportunity for players to get more resin. According to Mihoyo, the Battle Pass will now reward players with one Fragile Resin every 10 levels from Level 5 onwards. This applies to both the free and paid battle passes, so those who purchased the battle pass will get two Fragile Resins instead of only one when they reach the required levels.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, controller support for iOS devices is also coming with the Version 1.3 update. Supported controllers include the PlayStation 4\u2019s DualShock 4 controller, Bluetooth version of the Xbox Wireless Controller, Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, and certain Bluetooth controllers made for iOS devices. Of course, in order to enjoy this feature, your Apple device has to be updated to iOS 14.\n\n\nOther changes that will be added to Genshin Impact 1.3 include support for pre-loading future updates of the game prior to release on mobile devices \u2013 this was previously available on the PC version only \u2013 a material conversion mechanic of sorts (more details will be revealed soon), as well as the ability to hold down a button over weapon enhancement materials to add or remove them.\n\n\n\n\nThese changes will be added to Genshin Impact once Version 1.3 of the game is live. Mihoyo did not reveal exactly when the new update is set to drop, though it is very likely to go live right after \nGanyu\u2019s Adrift in the Harbor banner\n ends on 2 February next month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-grab-the-xiaomi-mi-watch-lite-for-only-rm229/", "title": "Deal: Grab the Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite for Only RM229", "body": "\n\nThe \nXiaomi Mi Watch Lite\n was launched here in Malaysia just last month, and if the new \nMi Watch\n with a circular display doesn\u2019t quite catch your fancy, consider this one instead. Right now, you can get the Mi Watch Lite \nfor only RM229\n.\n\n\nCompared to the original RM249 asking price of the Mi Watch Lite, you are saving RM20 with this deal by \nXiaomi\u2019s official store on Shopee\n. Sure, that\u2019s not a particularly big discount, but the smartwatch was already competitively priced to begin with.\n\n\n\n\nAt the time of writing, all three colours of the Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite (Navy Blue, Black, Ivory) are still in stock. There\u2019s no telling exactly how long this deal would last, so you may want to place your order soon if you\u2019re keen to get this smartwatch \nfor only RM229\n!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-aopen-32hc5qr-31-5-165hz-curved-gaming-monitor-for-rm759/", "title": "Acer AOpen 32HC5QR \u2013 31.5\u2033 165Hz Curved Gaming Monitor for RM759", "body": "\n\nAcer just announced the Malaysian availability of two budget-friendly gaming monitors: the Acer AOpen 24MV1YP and AOpen 32HC5QR. Both of these monitors are equipped with fast 165Hz panels, and on top of that, they are priced very competitively as well.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the more interesting gaming monitor (in our opinion) of the two, the AOpen 32HC5QR. Not only does it sport a fast 165Hz refresh rate, this monitor also comes with a sizeable 31.5-inch 1920 x 1080 VA panel with a 1800R curvature for a more immersive gaming experience. How much does the AOpen 32HC5QR cost? Only RM839.\n\n\nThe AOpen 32HC5QR\nThe AOpen 24MV1YP\n\n\nAs for the more affordable AOpen 24MV1YP, it has a smaller 23.8-inch 1920 x 1080 VA screen with the same 165Hz refresh rate for merely RM599. Now, despite their affordable price tags, both of these AOpen monitors come with a number of attractive features, including support for AMD FreeSync Premium and almost bezel-less designs.\n\n\nTo celebrate the Malaysian launch of the AOpen 24MV1YP and AOpen 32HC5QR, Acer will be running a special sale for these two monitors this midnight at 12AM on \nLazada\n. During this promotion, the AOpen 24MV1YP will be listed \nat only RM569\n, while the AOpen 32HC5QR will go \nfor only RM759\n. According to Acer Malaysia, this sale will also be extended to \nShopee\n on 22 January from 12AM to 9AM.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for a fast gaming monitor that won\u2019t break the bank, these two Acer AOpen monitors certainly fit the bill. Head on to Acer Malaysia\u2019s official \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n listings for the two monitors to grab them at these promotional prices from 21 to 22 January 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-yoga-slim-7i-carbon-quick-review-lightweight-sleek-productivity-laptop/", "title": "Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon Quick Review: Lightweight, Sleek Productivity Laptop", "body": "\n\nFor those who are always on the go, a thin and light productivity laptop would help greatly, and the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon is just that. With a 15mm chassis, this laptop tips the scales at only 966g. That\u2019s right, it weighs \nless than 1kg\n, making it one of the lightest and most portable laptops in the market now.\n\n\nOf course, that also means the Yoga Slim 7i Carbon demands a premium price tag. Retailing from RM4,399, it\u2019s not exactly the most budget-friendly option. But for those who are willing to fork out that kind of money, you will get a very competent productivity laptop.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n13.3-inch QHD IPS (2560 x 1600)\nProcessor\nIntel Core i7-1165G7 (4C/8T, 2.8GHz with boost up to 4.7GHz)\nGPU\nIntel Iris Xe Graphics\nRAM\n16GB LPDDR4X 4266MHz\nStorage\n1TB M.2 PCIe SSD\nCamera\n720p (Windows Hello support)\nBattery\n50Wh\nDimensions\n295.9 x 208.85 x 14.25-15 mm\nWeight\n966g\nAudio\nBottom-firing stereo speakers\nPorts\n1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort, Power Delivery)\n2x USB-C Thunderbolt 4 (DisplayPort, Power Delivery)\nPrice\nRM5,399\n\n\nFor this review, we received the \nRM5,399 Core i7 variant\n of the Yoga Slim 7i Carbon. If you want the more affordable Core i5 model \u2013 this is the one \nthat costs RM4,399\n \u2013 it still has similar hardware, with the exception of the RAM and SSD capacities, which are reduced to 8GB and 512GB respectively.\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nNaturally, the lightweight nature of the Yoga Slim 7i Carbon is one of its best selling points. Lenovo managed to reduce the weight of this laptop to merely 966g thanks to the use of carbon fibre and magnesium alloy. Really, it\u2019s \nsurreal\n how light this laptop is. I can just slip it into my backpack and forget it\u2019s even there.\n\n\nAside from that, the 13.3-inch QHD display of the Yoga Slim 7i Carbon is quite good as well; it can get quite bright with vibrant colours and wide viewing angles. The fact that it also has a 16:10 aspect ratio \u2013 along with slim bezels surrounding the screen \u2013 makes it ideal for any sort of productivity tasks. Compared to more conventional 16:9 panels, this aspect ratio offers more vertical screen real estate.\n\n\n\n\nThroughout my time with the Yoga Slim 7i Carbon, never did I come across any performance issue either. The Core i7-1165G7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and fast 1TB SSD ensures that everything runs smoothly. Applications open in an instant, light photo editing is no issue at all, and I can even play \nGenshin Impact\n with the integrated Iris Xe graphics. The game does stutter occasionally, but it\u2019s definitely playable at Full HD resolution.\n\n\nAnd then we have one of the most important features of any productivity laptop: battery life. In this regard, the Yoga Slim 7i Carbon fares quite well. On average, I can get between six to seven hours of use before it runs out of juice. Reasonably good battery life for a laptop with a QHD screen and 50Wh battery.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the keyboard of the Yoga Slim 7i Carbon, it is\u2026alright, though I imagine it won\u2019t be to everyone\u2019s liking. The thing is, the keyboard doesn\u2019t offer much key travel, so you get a shallow typing experience. That being said, I absolutely love the very pronounced tactile feedback of the keys. The keyboard may feel shallow, but I can still type rather comfortably on it.\n\n\nThe trackpad, on the other hand, works as intended. It can track my fingers accurately, it can recognise gestures well, and I like the matte, almost rough-like surface of the trackpad. It\u2019s not overly rough by any means, of course \u2013 my fingers can still glide effortlessly on the trackpad.\n\n\n\n\nAnother aspect of the Yoga Slim 7i Carbon that\u2019s worth highlighting is its noise level. When I\u2019m using it as my work laptop, the fans are rarely audible; they only ramp up when I start gaming on the laptop. Basically, it is whisper quiet outside of gaming.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWhile the Yoga Slim 7i Carbon has quite a number of positives, there are some aspects of the laptop that could be better, like its selection of ports. Given the slim chassis, the Yoga only has three USB-C ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack. There are no full-size USB-A ports at all, so you have to rely on dongles if you need to connect any USB-A device.\n\n\n\n\nBuild quality of the Yoga Slim 7i Carbon is not its strong suit either. Although its lightweight nature is very impressive, the chassis also creaks with applied pressure. This gives the impression that this is not a particularly solid laptop, even though Lenovo says that it has been \u201crigorously tested for durability.\u201d\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the asking price of the Yoga Slim 7i Carbon, especially for this range-topping RM5,399 model. Sure, the RM4,399 starting price is a little easier to swallow, but that\u2019s still quite a lot of money. Granted, slim, lightweight productivity laptops like this don\u2019t usually come cheap \u2013 you have to pay a premium for an equally premium product. \n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nDespite its rather steep asking price and limited connectivity options, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon is a very easy productivity laptop to recommend. Even more so if you want an \nabsurdly\n lightweight laptop in a slim form factor with a sleek, minimalist design.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond its lightweight nature, the Yoga Slim 7i Carbon also offers good performance, battery life, as well as a bright and vibrant QHD screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio. If all of these tick your boxes, this lightweight laptop will serve you very well.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-samsung-galaxy-s21-review/", "title": "Video: Samsung Galaxy S21 Review", "body": "\n\nOur review of the \nSamsung Galaxy S21\n is here! As the most affordable device in the series, it is in no way inferior to the rest of its bigger, \nmore expensive siblings\n. The S21 is still a compelling device meant for folks who want a powerful (but still very compact) flagship smartphone.\n\n\nAfter all, all Galaxy S21 devices are powered by the same Exynos 2100 chipset, which offers an excellent level of performance. On top of that, since it is fabricated on a 5nm process, it is more power-efficient than its predecessor as well. As a result, the Galaxy S21 can deliver very good battery life.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Samsung Galaxy S21 also offers a fast 120Hz screen \u2013 that still looks very pleasant even though it\u2019s only a 1080p panel now \u2013 and a reasonably competent camera system. Watch our review of the Galaxy S21 in the video above to learn more!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/win-a-playstation-5-every-week-from-burger-king-malaysia/", "title": "Win a PlayStation 5 Every Week From Burger King Malaysia", "body": "\n\nBurger King Malaysia is organising a rather interesting contest. From 22 January onwards, the fast food franchise will be giving away one unit of the \nPlayStation 5\n to a lucky winner every week. If you didn\u2019t manage to get your hands on the next generation console, perhaps you can try your luck with this contest.\n\n\nTo be in the running to win the PS5, you\u2019ll need to purchase a large \u201cPepper King\u201d set from Burger King. You will then need to take a upload a picture of yourself with the meal on Facebook or Instagram and mention which PS5 game you\u2019re looking forward to play in the caption. You\u2019re also required to add the #BurgerKingPepperKing hashtag to the post.\n\n\n\n\nOnce you\u2019ve done all of that, you\u2019ll need to write your full name and contact number on your receipt and snap a photo of it; you have to then fill up a Google form \nright here\n to submit your entry and upload your receipt. You\u2019ll have to jump through hoops to be eligible for this contest, but hey, it is a free console if you\u2019re lucky enough to be chosen.\n\n\nAs mentioned, one unit of the PS5 will be given out to a winner every week from 22 January onwards. A total of five units are available, so the contest will end on 25 February 2021. According to the \nterms and conditions of the contest\n, the winners will be chosen at random.\n\n\n\n\nMore details on this contest can be found on \nBurger King Malaysia\u2019s Facebook post\n. If you\u2019re planning to enter this contest, good luck!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/get-more-primogems-in-genshin-impacts-charming-slime-paradise-web-event/", "title": "Get More Primogems in Genshin Impact\u2019s Charming Slime Paradise Web Event", "body": "\n\nMihoyo just released a new web event for \nGenshin Impact\n. Dubbed Slime Paradise, this browser-based game will rewards players with Primogems, Mora, experience books, and other rewards. On top of that, it\u2019s quite a simple, but very charming game as well.\n\n\nBasically, all you need to do is adorn the park with a number of decorations to attract certain monsters. These decorations can be purchased with \u201cParadise Coins,\u201d which can be obtained by completing simple daily tasks, such as logging into Genshin Impact or visiting the Slime Paradise itself.\n\n\n\n\nBut what you really want are Paradise Tickets; these are required to purchase items from the Rewards Shop. The shop offers Primogems \u2013 you can get up to 120 Primogem from this event \u2013 Mora, Hero\u2019s Wits, and Fine Enhancements Ores.\n\n\nIn order to obtain Paradise Tickets, just keep purchasing decorations, which will generate Paradise Tickets at 12AM every day. You can complete certain event tasks as well to get more Paradise Tickets, and even monsters that visit the Slime Paradise (for the first time) will reward players with more tickets.\n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact\u2019s Slime Paradise web event is happening right now until 31 January; you can get to the browser game \nright here\n. More information on the event can be found on the \nofficial website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/23-29-january-fuel-price-prices-are-up-again/", "title": "23 \u2013 29 January Fuel Price: Prices Are up Again", "body": "\n\nFuel prices are going up yet again this coming week folks. Both RON 95 and RON 97 will go up by 1 sen per litre this midnight, while diesel sees a higher price hike of 4 sen per litre. If you need to be out and about during MCO, consider fueling up tonight.\n\n\nThis brings the price of RON 95 to RM1.90 per litre (up from RM1.89) and RON 97 to RM2.20 per litre (RM2.19 previously) at the stroke of midnight. As for diesel, it will cost RM2.09 per litre this coming week compared to RM2.05 previously.\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 23 to 29 January next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Friday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-1-3-arrives-3-february-xiao-keqing-banners-confirmed/", "title": "Genshin Impact 1.3 Arrives 3 February \u2013 Xiao & Keqing Banners Confirmed", "body": "\n\nMihoyo just revealed some very interesting new details for \nGenshin Impact 1.3\n. Not only is the Version 1.3 update confirmed for 3 February, both Xiao \u2013 a new 5-star character \u2013 and Keqing will be featured in their respective character banners. That\u2019s right, an existing 5-star character will be in the character banner for the very first time.\n\n\nAccording to Mihoyo, Xiao will be available in Genshin Impact on 3 February right after the Version 1.3 update is released. Keqing, on the other hand, will be featured in her own character banner on 17 February. As usual, the 4-star characters that will be accompanying Xiao and Keqing in their respective banners have not been revealed yet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, Genshin Impact 1.3 will also have a number of new content, including the Lantern Rite festival. Throughout the event period, players can claim 10 free Intertwined Fates through a daily login event, over 1,600 Primogems, and a number of other rewards.\n\n\nAlso coming to Genshin Impact 1.3 is a tower defense strategy game dubbed Theater Mechanicus, a new Geovishap world boss, and get this: you can even pick one of six 4-star Liyue characters to be added to your roster. These include Ningguang, Beidou, Xingqiu, Xinyan, Xiangling, and Chongyun.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, Genshin Impact 1.3 will go live on 3 February alongside Xiao. If you\u2019d like to know about other changes coming to Version 1.3 of the game, check out our \nprevious article\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/gazzew-bobagum-quick-review-whisper-quiet-silent-linear-switch/", "title": "Gazzew Bobagum Quick Review: Whisper Quiet Silent Linear Switch", "body": "\n\nIf you think about mechanical keyboards, there\u2019s a good chance you would imagine a board with switches that click or clack with every key press. Well, there\u2019s actually a lesser-known switch variant that eliminates all of that noise, which is exactly what the Gazzew Bobagum is: a silent linear switch.\n\n\nNot only does it have excellent housing tolerance, it is also one of the \nquietest\n silent linear switches in the market now\u2026out of the box. If you want a silent switch that performs great without the need for lubing or filming, I wholeheartedly recommend the Bobagum.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nLike with other switches from Gazzew \u2013 one of the most reputable switch makers in the mechanical keyboard scene \u2013 the Bobagum is a silent linear switch manufactured by Outemu. Even though the company is not quite as well-known as JWK or Gateron, it is steadily delivering some very impressive switches that offer excellent housing tolerance with Gazzew \u2013 more on that later.\n\n\nAnyway, I got the Bobagum with 68g springs from Taobao. Alternatively, you can also get it from \nPantheon\n if you\u2019re here in Malaysia or Singapore, where the vendor is based in. Priced at S$9.50 for 10 switches \u2013 that comes up to about RM3 per switch \u2013 the Bobagum is honestly reasonably priced for a switch of this quality.\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nAs mentioned, one of the best qualities of the Bobagum has to be its \ntight\n tolerance to eliminate any form of stem wobble. Out of all the switches I\u2019ve reviewed so far, the Bobagum \neasily\n sits at the top in this regard. There\u2019s hardly any horizontal stem wobble, and although the vertical wobble is a bit more pronounced, it is still barely noticeable with keycaps on.\n\n\nAside from that, the Bobagum absolutely nails the \u201csilent\u201d part of a silent linear switch. According to Gazzew, the spring and leaf of the switch are lubed, eliminating any form of pinging or ticking for a \nwhisper quiet\n typing experience. The downstroke and upstroke are also completely muted with the dampeners on the stem.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, I absolutely love the bottom out feeling of the Bobagum. The dampened (but not overly mushy) downstroke is a refreshing change over the harsher, more solid bottom out of non-silent switches. The softer bottom out of the Bobagum actually reminds me of membrane keyboards quite a bit, which is not necessarily a bad thing, in my opinion.\n\n\nAlso worth noting is the smoothness of the Bobagum. Despite the fact that the slide rail and rail slot are completely dry, it doesn\u2019t feel scratchy at all, which surprised me quite a bit. Of course, with a bit of lube, I\u2019m sure these switches can be even smoother, but I\u2019m not really in a rush to lube them \u2013 they already feel great out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the bright pink colourway of the Bobagum switch. The dark pink stem and light pink housing lend to a unique, eye-catching design that sets it apart from other switches in the market now. Personally, I\u2019m not a big fan of the colour pink, but I do quite like the aesthetic of the Bobagum.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nIn order to silent the downstroke and upstroke of a key press, the stems of silent switches have dampeners to absorb the impact. But the thing is, this (usually) reduces the travel distance of the switch. In the case of the Bobagum, it definitely has reduced travel compared to, say, a regular linear switch like the C3 Tangerine V2. Basically, the Bobagum will provide a more shallow typing experience \u2013 this can be a dealbreaker to some.\n\n\nNotice the height difference between the Bobagum (left) and the C3 Tangerine V2\n\n\nBut besides that\u2026there\u2019s really no big major negative with the Bobagum. If I were to nitpick, perhaps the price of the switch could be lower, though at around RM3 per piece, it sits in the same price range as other high-end switches. On top of that, the Bobagum performs just as well as other similarly priced switches in the market now.\n\n\nIn fact, it\u2019s even superior to other switches in certain aspects \u2013 not many of them can match the Bobagum\u2019s excellent stem wobble and quiet, dampened typing experience.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you want one of the quietest silent linear switches in the market now, right out of the box, the Gazzew Bobagum is definitely one of the best options. It is whisper quiet, it has excellent housing tolerance, and of course, it is very eye-catching (but not to the point where it\u2019s obnoxious) in pink.\n\n\n\n\nIf there\u2019s any room for improvement, it would be great if the Bobagum\u2019s slide rail and rail slot are also lubed for an even smoother typing experience. That being said, as I\u2019ve mentioned many times throughout this review, the Bobagum still performs great as a stock switch.\n\n\nI would even go as far as to say that it is the best switch for folks who want an excellent silent linear switch without the need to put any effort into lubing or filming \u2013 the Bobagum is \nthat good\n out of the box.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hp-spectre-x360-convertible-laptop-with-11th-gen-intel-cpu-now-in-malaysia-from-rm5699/", "title": "HP Spectre x360 Convertible Laptop With 11th Gen Intel CPU Now in Malaysia From RM5,699", "body": "\n\nHP just launched the new HP Spectre x360 convertible laptop with Intel\u2019s latest 11th generation processors here in Malaysia. Both the Spectre x360 13 and Spectre x360 14 are available locally, and given that these are premium products, they have equally premium price tags too.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Spectre x360 13 are offered here. The base model \u2013 which retails at RM5,699 \u2013 comes with a Core i5-1135G7 processor paired with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. The higher-end RM6,899 variant, on the other hand, features a faster Core i7-1165G7 processor with twice the amount of RAM and SSD capacities at 16GB and 1TB respectively.\n\n\nRegardless of which variant you get, both models feature a 13.3-inch 1920 x 1080 touch-enabled screen that covers 100% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut and integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the slightly bigger Spectre x360 14. Just like the previous model, two variants are available for our local market. The RM6,099 base model features a Core i5-1135G7 processor paired with 8GB of RAM and a generous 1TB SSD. The more powerful Core i7-1165G7 model, on the other hand, costs RM7,099 with 16GB of RAM and the same 1TB SSD.\n\n\nNaturally, the Spectre x360 14 has a bigger screen than the Spectre x360 14. It comes with a 13.5-inch 1920 x 1080 touch-enabled screen with HP\u2019s Sure View technology. Basically, it\u2019s an integrated screen privacy feature; when the screen is viewed at an angle, the content will not be visible. Of course, this laptop also runs on an Iris Xe integrated GPU.\n\n\n\n\nBoth the HP Spectre x360 13 and Spectre x360 14 are now available for purchase in Malaysia. More information can be found on \nHP\u2019s Malaysian online store\n.\n\n\nUpdate 29 January, 5PM:\n\u00a0This article previous states that the Spectre x360 13 has an OLED screen, but we were just told that the Malaysian market will not receive this display option. However, it\u2019s worth noting that HP\u2019s Malaysian online store is still listing the OLED screen in the product page of the Spectre x360 13.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-zephyrus-duo-15-se-hands-on-review-fast-rtx-3080-laptop/", "title": "The Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 SE Is a Fast RTX 3080 Laptop for RM19,999", "body": "\n\nThe embargo for the Nvidia RTX 3000 series GPUs for laptops has finally been lifted, so here\u2019s our hands-on of the Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 SE. Powered by the beefiest GPU in the lineup, the RTX 3080, this is one \nserious gaming powerhouse\n.\n\n\nIf you want one of the most powerful gaming laptops in the market now, the Zephyrus Duo is a great option. Of course, given that this is a high-end, premium gaming machine, you do have to fork out a large sum of money for it \u2013 more on that further down this hands-on.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSince performance is the highlight of the Zephyrus Duo 15 SE, let\u2019s get to that first. This laptop can be configured with an RTX 3070 or a more powerful RTX 3080 GPU, but in this hands-on, we\u2019re testing the latter. As the most powerful GPU option for laptops right now, the RTX 3080 can keep up with \nany game\n that I throw at it.\n\n\nSince this variant of the Zephyrus Duo is equipped with a 4K screen, I ran the games below with maxed out graphics settings at 4K resolution. Granted, this laptop GPU can\u2019t quite match the performance of the desktop-class RTX 3080 graphics card, but hey, these \nare\n impressive figures nonetheless.\n\n\nGames (max settings @ 4K)\nAverage FPS\nGenshin Impact (1.5 render resolution, locked at 60fps)\n60.358\nBorderlands 3 (DX11)\n38.01\nWitcher 3 (HairWorks disabled)\n55.948\n\n\nProcessor\nSingle-core test\nMulti-core test\nAMD Ryzen 9 5900HX (Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 SE)\n566\n5461\nAMD Ryzen 9 4900HS (Asus ROG Zephyrus G14)\n481\n4173\nAMD Ryzen 7 4800H (Asus TUF Gaming A15)\n481\n4106\nIntel Core i7-10875H (Acer Predator Triton 500)\n483\n3773\n\n\nAside from its GPU performance, I ran CineBench R20 on the Zephyrus Duo 15 SE as well to see just how the brand new AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX processor compares to the Ryzen 4000 series. Judging by the figures above, it \ndefinitely \nbrings notable performance gains.\n\n\n\n\nThermals of the Zephyrus Duo, on the other hand, are reasonably good too considering the beefy hardware under the hood of this laptop. In heated gaming sessions, the RTX 3080 got up to 78\u00b0C, while the Ryzen 9 5900HX hit a peak temperature of 90\u00b0C \u2013 quite a bit more toasty than the GPU. Keep in mind that I got these figures with the laptop set to Turbo mode, where the fans are spinning a lot more frequently (and louder).\n\n\nNow that we\u2019ve got performance out of the way, let\u2019s talk about other aspects of the Zephyrus Duo 15 SE, such as its sharp 15.6-inch 4K IPS screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. Granted, most games can\u2019t take advantage of this refresh rate at 4K resolution, but it is still an \nabsolutely\n stunning display for both gaming and content consumption.\n\n\n\n\nNow, who can ignore the secondary display underneath the primary one? Just like last time, the ScreenPad Plus is a 14.1-inch 3840 x 1100 touch-enabled screen with a matte finish that props up at an angle when the lid is opened. Truth be told, I wasn\u2019t convinced this secondary display will offer much utility, but after spending some time with the laptop, there were a few times where it came in handy.\n\n\nWhether it\u2019s to monitor the system\u2019s temperatures or to look at an interactive map of Genshin Impact while I\u2019m farming for certain materials in the game, the ScreenPad Plus is\u2026surprisingly useful.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then the have the keyboard of the Zephyrus Duo 15 SE. Unfortunately, it doesn\u2019t offer a lot of key travel, which makes for a shallow typing experience. Thankfully enough, the keys do have a pretty pronounced tactile feedback, so I can still type rather comfortably on this keyboard.\n\n\nAs for the trackpad positioned to the right of the keyboard, it\u2019s surprisingly natural to use. I do wish it was a tad larger for a more comfortable browsing experience, but all in all, it\u2019s quite an accurate trackpad with a smooth surface. Oh, just like its predecessor, the trackpad also doubles as a numpad.\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, the Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 SE looks to be a pretty complete gaming laptop with some powerful hardware under the hood. Naturally, this also means it does not come cheap: this particular configuration of the laptop costs a cool RM19,999 in Malaysia, and it\u2019s set to be available here by the end of this month in January 2021. For that kind of money, you do get 2TB of SSD storage and 32GB of RAM.\n\n\nAlternatively, there\u2019s also the RTX 3070 variant of the Zephyrus Duo, which is more \u201caffordable\u201d at RM12,999. For the most part, it has similar hardware as the RTX 3080 model, though it does come with a lower resolution 15.6-inch 1080p screen \u2013 but with a faster 300Hz refresh rate \u2013 as well as a 1TB SSD. This model, unlike the higher-end RTX 3080 configuration, will only arrive in Malaysia in the middle of February 2021 next month.\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt the ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 SE is not an affordable gaming laptop, but this has always been the case for the Taiwanese company\u2019s line of premium Zephyrus gaming machines. If you can look past the high asking price of the Zephyrus Duo \u2013 and you like the fact that it has two screens \u2013 I reckon you will be very happy with this gaming powerhouse.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/gazzew-boba-u4t-thocky-quick-review-potentially-better-than-holy-panda/", "title": "Gazzew Boba U4T Thocky Quick Review: Potentially Better Than Holy Panda", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere are a lot of tactile switches in the custom mechanical keyboard scene now, so it can be tough to decide exactly which one of them is right for you. Well, if you want a highly tactile switch with a deep, \u201cthocky\u201d sound profile, then the Gazzew Boba U4T Thocky is one of the best \u2013 if not \nthe best\n \u2013 options.\n\n\nReally, I was downright impressed with the Boba U4T, which will certainly give other popular tactile switches in the market a run for their money. It has a deep sound profile, extremely good housing tolerance, and a prominent tactile bump \u2013 what more can you ask for?\n\n\nWhat Is It\n\n\nJust like Gazzew\u2019s other new switch, the \nBobagum\n, the Boba U4T is also manufactured by Outemu. Available with either 62g or 68g springs \u2013 I got the latter for this review \u2013 it is a tactile switch with lightly lubed spring and leaf out of the box. The slide rail and rail slot are completely dry, so it does have room for improvement \u2013 more on this further down the review.\n\n\n\n\nAs for pricing, the Boba U4T (in my research) is only available from two vendors so far: \nMKZealots on AliExpress\n and \nGKESports on Taobao\n. I got the U4T from the latter for about RM3 per switch (with shipping to Malaysia included), but if you\u2019re not comfortable shopping on Taobao, you can get it from AliExpress instead for $11 (around RM45) for a pack of 10 switches, which brings up the price to about RM4.5 per switch\u2026not including shipping.\n\n\nHopefully, more vendors \u2013 such as the Singapore-based \nPantheon\n, which has the Bobagum in stock \u2013 will carry the Boba U4T. By right, it should cost about the same as the Bobagum at approximately RM3 per switch.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nLike its namesake, the Boba U4T Thocky does actually offer a deep, low pitch \u201cthock\u201d sound upon actuation free of any spring or leaf noise right out of the box. Now, even though the slide rail and rail slot of the switch are not lubed, Gazzew himself still recommend using the U4T in its stock form.\n\n\n\n\nBut if you \ndo \ndecide to lube and film the Boba U4T \u2013 which I did \u2013 you will get an \neven deeper\n sound profile. While it already performs great out of the box with relatively smooth downstroke, it does sound a tad too high-pitched for my liking at faster actuations. There\u2019s also an ever so slight scratch that is easily eliminated with some lube.\n\n\nOf course, just like Gazzew\u2019s Bobagum switch, the Boba U4T has excellent housing tolerance as well to minimise stem wobble. While the stem does have a hair more vertical wobble than horizontal wobble, it\u2019s almost indistinguishable with keycaps on. Gazzew\u2019s collaboration with Outemu is definitely producing some insanely good results in this regard.\n\n\nThe tactile event of the Boba U4T, on the other hand, has a very slight pre-travel right before the tactile bump, but it still starts quite early on in the downstroke. It\u2019s also a strong (but rounded) tactile bump, which is actually quite similar to the \nGlorious Panda\n. In my book, that\u2019s a very good thing.\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAs I\u2019ve mentioned earlier on, while the Boba U4T has a full-bodied, deep sound signature out of the box, there is still a noticeable high-pitched \u201cclack\u201d in the switch\u2019s upstroke. Typing quickly only further magnify this, especially if you\u2019re using low profile, ABS keycaps like GMK. This is the very reason why I recommend lubing and filming the U4T for a more refined, deeper sound profile.\n\n\nBeyond that, the strong tactile bump of the Boba U4T may not be for everyone either. Sure, some folks may find the pronounced tactile bump very satisfying, but it can also be quite fatiguing in longer typing sessions. If you\u2019re coming from, say, a linear switch, you might find yourself hankering to jump back. Granted, this may not be much of a problem with the lighter 62g version.\n\n\nThe Glorious Panda (left) and Boba U4T\n\n\nLast but not least is the design of the Boba U4T. This is by no means a major downside, but the design of this switch is really nothing to write home about; some might even pass it off as just another Holy Panda clone. In fact, I would best describe the colour scheme of the U4T as\u2026a \u201cdirtier\u201d version of the Glorious Panda.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIn my opinion, the Gazzew Boba U4T Thocky is what the Glorious Panda strives to be. It feels and sounds good in stock form, and it is even free of any leaf ticking and spring noise. While \u201cthe best switch\u201d still comes down to personal preference, I do think the U4T has the potential to stand above every other tactile switch in the market now \u2013 yes, even against the iconic Holy Panda.\n\n\n\n\nGiven that the custom mechanical keyboard scene is basically flooded with a bunch of JWK and Gateron switches \u2013 with many more being merely recolours of the same ones \u2013 it\u2019s great to see Gazzew putting the Outemu name back on the map with the Boba U4T and Bobagum. I absolutely cannot wait to see more offerings from him \u2013 I\u2019m personally looking forward to a Gazzew-branded non-silent linear switch.\n\n\nLi Jin Soh contributed to this article.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-gazzew-boba-u4t-thocky-review-sound-test/", "title": "Video: Gazzew Boba U4T Thocky Review & Sound Test", "body": "\n\nThe \nGazzew Boba U4T Thocky\n is one of the best tactile switches we\u2019ve reviewed, and we\u2019re confident it has the potential to be the absolute best choice for folks that want a switch with a very pronounced tactile bump and a deep, low pitch \u201cthocky\u201d sound signature. Not quite convinced? Then check out our video review below with a sound test of the switch on the ai03 Vega!\n\n\nManufactured by Outemu, the Boba U4T is available in either 62g or 68g springs; we got the latter for this review. As mentioned, the U4T has a deep sound signature and strong tactile bump. Thanks to its \ntight\n housing tolerance, it also has (practically) no stem wobble at all.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf there\u2019s any downside to the Gazzew Boba U4T, it would be the relatively limited availability of this switch. As far as we can tell, only \nMKZealots on AliExpress\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGKESports on Taobao\n have the switch in stock right now. Nonetheless, there\u2019s no denying that the Boba U4T is a fantastic tactile switch that can even take on the iconic Holy Panda.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-travelmate-p4-business-laptop-with-intel-11th-gen-cpu-now-in-malaysia-from-rm4099/", "title": "Acer TravelMate P4 Business Laptop With Intel 11th Gen CPU Now in Malaysia From RM4,099", "body": "\n\nAcer just introduced its latest business-centric laptop here in Malaysia, the Acer TravelMate P4. Sporting Intel\u2019s latest 11th generation processors, the P4 is a relatively thin and light laptop made for business professionals who are always on the go.\n\n\nTwo variants of the TravelMate P4 are available in Malaysia. The base model features a Core i5-1135G7 processor for RM4,099, while the higher-end RM4,899 configuration comes with a faster Core i7-1165G7 chip. Beyond the different processor, both variants share the same hardware.\n\n\n\n\nThese include a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen, integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, 8GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and up to 14.5 hours of battery life. The TravelMate P4 also has a fingerprint sensor built into the power button, along with a webcam that supports Windows Hello for faster authentication.\n\n\nPortability is one of the TravelMate P4\u2019s most highlighted features too. Measuring 17.9mm thin with a 1.42kg semi-metal chassis, it is slim and light enough to be lugged around without much trouble. The P4 also has a MIL-STD-810G certification, so you know it\u2019s a durable business laptop.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer TravelMate P4 is now available for purchase in Malaysia on Acer\u2019s official online stores and selected Acer authorised resellers. Those who purchase the P4 \u2013 and other selected Acer models \u2013 by 31 March 2021 can also claim for a RM80 Touch \u2018n Go or Boost credit \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-gazzew-bobagum-review-sound-test/", "title": "Video: Gazzew Bobagum Review & Sound Test", "body": "\n\nHere it is! Our video review of the Gazzew Bobagum. If you\u2019ve already \nread our review\n and can\u2019t quite imagine just how \nquiet\n this silent linear switch is, we\u2019ve got you covered. Trust us: the Bobagum is easily one of the quietest (and eye-catching) silent linear switches in the market now.\n\n\nFor this review, we got the 68g version of the Bobagum; the heaviest spring available for the switch. As you\u2019ll see in the video review below, the Bobagum is free of any spring ping or leaf ticking right out of the box. Just like Gazzew\u2019s other switches, the Bobagum also has \nvery tight\n housing tolerance, reducing any form of stem wobble to a minimum.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re here in Malaysia or Singapore, you can get the Gazzew Bobagum from \nPantheon\n, a vendor based in Singapore. Priced at S$9.50 for 10 switches, you\u2019re paying only about RM3 per switch \u2013 that\u2019s quite a good price tag for a switch of this quality.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-the-logitech-g-pro-x-superlight-gaming-mouse-for-less-than-rm600/", "title": "Deal: Get the Logitech G Pro X Superlight Gaming Mouse For Less Than RM600", "body": "\n\nLaunched here in Malaysia \njust last week\n, the \nextremely\n lightweight Logitech G Pro X Superlight is now more affordable than ever. Originally retailing at RM649, you can now get the gaming mouse for \nless than RM600\n \u2013 that\u2019s quite a bit of savings for a recently released product.\n\n\nOn top of that, this deal is offered by \nLogitech\u2019s official store on Shopee\n. Although the G Pro X Superlight is still listed at RM649, you can grab an 8% discount voucher from the store to bring down the price of the gaming mouse \nto RM597.08\n \u2013 you\u2019re saving exactly RM51.92 with this deal.\n\n\n\n\nNow, do note that this 8% discount voucher from Logitech is expiring in two days. If you want to grab the Logitech G Pro X Superlight \nfor only RM597.08\n, you may want to act fast. At the time of writing, both the \nWhite\n and \nBlack\n models are still in stock.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/30-january-5-february-fuel-price-diesel-down-by-2-sen/", "title": "30 January \u2013 5 February Fuel Price: Diesel Down by 2 Sen", "body": "\n\nFuel prices are going down this coming week! Well, sort of. Diesel will go down by 2 sen this midnight, while the prices of both RON 95 and RON 97 will maintain. Great news for diesel users!\n\n\nThis brings the price of RON 95 to RM1.90 per litre and RON 97 to RM2.20 per litre at the stroke of midnight; the same prices last week, basically. As for diesel, it will cost RM2.07 per litre this coming week compared to RM2.09 previously.\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 30 January to 5 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!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-2021-proton-persona-iriz-facelift-seen-with-led-headlights/", "title": "Spy Shot: 2021 Proton Persona & Iriz Facelift Seen With LED Headlights", "body": "\n\nAnother day, another set of spy shots of the \n2021 Proton Persona and Iriz facelift\n have made it onto the internet. This time around, it reveals a new feature for the upcoming B-segment cars: LED headlights. This will be a departure from the current models\u2019 halogen lights.\n\n\nThese spy shots were captured by a reader of \nFuntasticko\n. The new Persona and Iriz pictured in the images below were captured in Kuantan, and looking at the headlights of the two models, they do appear to be LED lights instead of halogen. This is evident from the bright, white beam of the headlights.\n\n\nImage source: \nFuntasticko\n\n\nAside from that, an anonymous source also told Funtasticko that the 2021 facelifted Persona and Iriz will in fact be upgraded with LED headlights. Unfortunately enough, this feature will supposedly be limited to the range-topping Premium variants of the respective models.\n\n\nAnother noteworthy upgrade that is rumoured to be coming to the new Persona and Iriz is a different transmission. Instead of a CVT gearbox, the facelifted models are said to be equipped with the same four-speed automatic transmission \u2013 which is sourced from Hyundai \u2013 that\u2019s currently found in the \nProton Saga\n.\n\n\nImage source: \nThe Ajerul\n\n\nAt the moment, it remains to be seen exactly when the 2021 Proton Persona and Iriz facelift will be released, though rumours are suggesting that these two new models will be unveiled as early as April 2021. It\u2019s also worth noting that Proton is currently working on the \nR3-branded Proton Iriz and Proton Saga\n as well \u2013 plenty of new Proton models to look forward to this year!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-xiao-keqing-banners-revealed-diona-xinyan-return/", "title": "Genshin Impact Xiao & Keqing Banners Revealed \u2013 Diona & Xinyan Return", "body": "\n\nThe featured 4-star characters for the upcoming Xiao and Keqing banners in \nGenshin Impact\n have been revealed. These include Diona, Xinyan, Beidou, Ningguang, Bennett, and Barbara. That\u2019s right, Diona and Xinyan are back on the character banner after initially appearing in Tartaglia\u2019s and \nZhongli\u2019s banners\n respectively.\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve been hoping to get these two characters in the same banner, you\u2019re in luck. Both Diona and Xinyan will be featured in Xiao\u2019s banner, which is set to go live \nthis Wednesday on 3 February\n. Beidou will also be available in the same banner, and given that she is also featured in the store now \u2013 not to mention the fact that she \ncan be claimed for free soon\n \u2013 it\u2019s a good time to collect her constellations.\n\n\n\n\nThat means Keqing\u2019s banner will be accompanied by Ningguang, Bennett, and Barbara; a reasonably good roster of 4-star characters. After all, Bennett is considered to be one of the best support in the game, thanks to his ability to buff the active character\u2019s attack while healing them at the same time.\n\n\nNingguang, on the other hand, can be a deadly DPS character with the potential to output some serious damage, especially with maxed constellations. Just like Beidou, Ningguang can also be claimed for free from 10 February to 7 March during the \nLantern Rite festival\n. The other 4-star Liyue characters that you can choose from include Xingqiu, Xinyan, Xiangling, and Chongyun.\n\n\n\n\nXiao\u2019s banner will be added to Genshin Impact first on 3 February right after the \nVersion 1.3 update\n is live. Keqing, on the other hand, will be featured in the character banner on 17 February.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-swift-3-quick-review-relatively-affordable-thin-light-laptop/", "title": "Acer Swift 3 Quick Review: Relatively Affordable Thin & Light Laptop", "body": "\n\nMore often than not, thin and light productivity laptops cost quite a bit of money. After all, a laptop with a slim profile and lightweight chassis usually sits in the higher-end, more premium price range. But that\u2019s not entirely true of this laptop: the new Acer Swift 3.\n\n\nMeasuring only 15.95mm thin with a 1.2kg chassis, the Swift 3 is quite a portable productivity laptop with a price tag that\u2019s not too exorbitant. If you want a thin and light laptop that is relatively affordable, the Swift 3 is a good option, even if there are certain aspects of the laptop that could be better.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n14-inch FHD IPS (1920 x 1080)\nProcessor\nIntel Core i7-1165G7 (4C/8T, 2.8GHz with boost up to 4.7GHz)\nGPU\nIntel Iris Xe Graphics\nRAM\n16GB LPDDR4X\nStorage\n512GB PCIe NVMe SSD\nCamera\n720p\nBattery\n47Wh\nDimensions\n323.4 x 218.9 x 15.95 mm\nWeight\n1.2kg\nAudio\nBottom-firing stereo speakers\nPorts\n1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort)\n1x HDMI 2.0\n2x USB-A 3.2\nPrice\nRM4,199\n\n\nFor this review, we received the range-topping Swift 3 with Intel\u2019s latest 11th generation Core i7-1165G7 processor paired with 16GB of RAM. The more affordable Core i5-1135G7 model with 8GB of RAM, on the other hand, carries a lower RM3,299 price tag. Beyond the different RAM capacity and processor, both variants share the same hardware.\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nAcer\u2019s line of Swift laptops are usually slim and light, so it goes without saying that the same applies to the Swift 3. Granted, tipping the scales at 1.2kg with a 15.95mm thin chassis, it\u2019s not the slimmest or lightest productivity laptop in the market now. But given its relatively affordable price point, we can\u2019t exactly expect too much here.\n\n\nPowered by an 11th generation Core i7-1165G7 processor paired with 16GB of RAM, the Swift 3 can easily meet the needs of a regular consumer looking to get a productivity laptop for college or office work. Throughout my time with the laptop as my daily driver, it feels very fast and responsive with no noticeable slowdown.\n\n\n\n\nLight photo editing proved to be a non-issue with the Swift 3, and I\u2019m also happy to report that this laptop can do some gaming on the side. I\u2019ve tested \nGenshin Impact\n on this machine, and although I can\u2019t quite max out the graphics settings at 1080p, the Iris Xe integrated GPU can certainly run the game quite well.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the battery life of the Swift 3. Acer claims that this laptop can return up to 11 hours of battery life on a single charge, but for my use case, it \u201conly\u201d lasted me about seven to eight hours of use before needing to be charged. Still, this is \nvery respectable\n battery life.\n\n\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the Swift 3\u2019s connectivity options. It has two full-size USB-A ports, a USB-C connection with DisplayPort support, and also an HDMI 2.0 output. Given that most thin and light laptops in the market now are removing the USB-A port, it\u2019s great to see that Acer is retaining this connectivity option on the Swift 3.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nConsidering the fact that the Swift 3 is quite a budget-friendly productivity laptop, there are some key areas where it proved to be a little lacklustre. Its 14-inch 1080p IPS screen, for one, looks more muted than its competition with dull-looking colours. Thankfully, this being an IPS panel, its viewing angles are still quite good, and it can get reasonably bright too.\n\n\nAside from that, there\u2019s the keyboard of the Swift 3. As is the case with most thin and light laptops, the keyboard doesn\u2019t offer a lot of key travel, lending to a shallow typing experience that isn\u2019t very pleasant. While the tactility of the keys somewhat improve the typing experience, the harsh bottom out negates this.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond these two shortcomings, however, other aspects of the Swift 3 are really up to par for a laptop in this price range. But if you\u2019re particular about a laptop\u2019s keyboard or screen quality, you may want to check out the Swift 3 in person first before considering to purchase it.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nEven though the Acer Swift 3\u2019s display and keyboard aren\u2019t particularly great, it\u2019s still a competent productivity laptop with a thin and light chassis. Plus, retailing from RM3,299, it offers reasonably good value for money too, though the range-topping RM4,199 model doesn\u2019t quite offer the same value proposition.\n\n\n\n\nWith its slim, lightweight chassis, long battery life, good performance, and adequate connectivity options, the Swift 3 is a compelling productivity laptop for college or office work. Not many of its competition can match the feature set of this laptop for the same amount of money.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/only-1082-proton-x50-bookings-fulfilled-in-january-2021-4809-units-delivered-to-date/", "title": "Only 1,082 Proton X50 Bookings Fulfilled in January 2021; 4,809 Units Delivered to Date", "body": "\n\nProton just released its monthly sales reports, and things are not looking particularly great. In January 2021 last month, only 1,082 units of the \nProton X50\n were delivered to eager buyers. To date, only 4,809 units of the highly anticipated B-segment SUV have been delivered.\n\n\nNaturally, this figure dwarfs the total bookings of the Proton X50, which has actually exceeded the 30,000 mark \nback in December 2020\n. As for the national carmaker\u2019s other (equally) popular SUV, the \nProton X70\n, only 892 units were delivered last month. Still, both SUVs are leading their respective segments in Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Proton, these figures are merely a \u201creflection of supply not being able to meet demand rather than a reduction in bookings\u201d \u2013 the carmaker added that it is working hard to meet customer demand. \u201cOur 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,\u201d said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s 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,\u201d he added. Naturally, the extension of the Movement Control Order (MCO) to 18 February will further affect Proton\u2019s ability to produce as many cars as it possibly can.\n\n\n\n\nProton added that despite the delays, the national carmaker still \u201cintends to pursue its product launch plans for 2021,\u201d so we can expect the much rumoured \nProton Persona and Proton Iriz facelift\n to be launched sometime this year. Hopefully, more units of the X50 \u2013 and the X70 \u2013 will be delivered to eager buyers (myself included) as well in the near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-asus-rog-zephyrus-duo-15-se-review/", "title": "Video: Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 SE Review", "body": "\n\nHere\u2019s our video review of the \nAsus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 SE\n, one of the most \npowerful\n 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.\n\n\nWhile it\u2019s 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 \ntwo screens\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, retailing from RM12,999 \u2013 or RM19,999 for the RTX 3080 model \u2013 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!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/you-can-get-the-last-of-us-part-ii-for-only-rm129-now/", "title": "You Can Get The Last of Us Part II For Only RM129 Now", "body": "\n\nPlayStation is running a rather interesting sale in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration. Dubbed \u201cPlayful New Year\u201d sale, you can get a number of games and a 12-month PlayStation Plus subscription at a pretty big discount.\n\n\nNow, one of the most noteworthy games on discount as part of this sale is definitely \nThe Last of Us Part II\n; 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.\n\n\n\n\nEven 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\u2019s masterful storytelling. Coupled with stunning graphics and excellent gameplay elements, this was easily one of \nthe best \u2013 if not \nthe best\n \u2013 games of 2020\n. It\u2019s an absolute must-play game for PS4 owners.\n\n\nAnyway, other games that are discounted as part of the Playful New Year sale include \nGhost of Tsushima\n (RM169) and \nFinal Fantasy VII Remake\n (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.\n\n\nOf course, as mentioned, you can also get a 12-month subscription to PlayStation Plus with a 25% discount, bringing down the price to \nonly RM119\n instead of RM159.\n\n\n\n\nThese discounts will be valid until 21 February 2021. You can also check out the \nPlayStation Store\n for a number of other games discounted as part of the Playful New Year sale.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s21-ultra-camera-review-samsungs-best-camera-to-date/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Camera Review \u2013 Samsung\u2019s Best Camera to Date", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, as the range-topping model in the \nS21 series\n, 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.\n\n\nBut 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.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s talk about the specifications of the Galaxy S21 Ultra\u2019s 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\u2019s also a laser autofocus system.\n\n\nGenerally, shooting with the S21 Ultra is a pleasant experience. The camera interface is responsive, it\u2019s (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\u2019s \nS20 Ultra\n was my biggest issue with the phone, so it\u2019s great to see that this is finally addressed with its successor right here.\n\n\n\n\nWhile the camera interface is responsive for the most part, it\u2019s a different story once I switch to the S21 Ultra\u2019s 10x telephoto lens. Not only does the camera feel more sluggish, it\u2019s 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.\n\n\nBut the thing is, I \nstill\n want to use the S21 Ultra\u2019s 10x telephoto camera despite these shortcomings, and I\u2019m 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:\n\n\n10MP telephoto (10x)\n10MP telephoto (10x)\n10MP telephoto (10x)\n10MP telephoto (10x)\n\n\nBut what if you want to take close-up shots? Well, that\u2019s where the Galaxy S21 Ultra\u2019s 12MP ultra-wide angle sensor comes into the picture. That\u2019s right, the ultra-wide camera can actually take macro shots, and you can get \nreally\n up-close to a subject and still be able to capture a good amount of detail.\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s a little bit finicky to get these shots. For best results, it\u2019s best to get close to your subject and wait for the \u201cfocus enhancer\u201d 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 \u2013 with some image processing magic \u2013 from using such a wide lens for macro shots.\n\n\nReally, the end results look \ngreat\n. Just take a look at these close-up shots.\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\n108MP primary\n108MP primary\n\n\nAs for the Galaxy S21 Ultra\u2019s camera performance as a whole, it\u2019s fantastic. Yes, it has a tendency to capture images with more intense, saturated colours, but it\u2019s not to the point where they look artificial. It\u2019s no secret that Samsung phones don\u2019t produce the most natural-looking shots, but they \ndo\n look pleasant to the eyes \u2013 well, to my eyes anyway.\n\n\nHowever, while the Galaxy S21 Ultra\u2019s camera performance is excellent, it\u2019s worth noting that the phone also heats up quite a bit as I\u2019m 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.\n\n\nThis is not an issue unique to the S21 Ultra either: I encountered the same problem with the \nstandard Galaxy S21\n.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, I will take a closer look at this thermal issue \u2013 among other things, of course \u2013 in the full review of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, which is coming very, very soon. It\u2019s more challenging to review smartphones thoroughly in this second Movement Control Order (MCO) set by the government, so do bear with us!\n\n\nIn the meantime, if you\u2019re looking for a smartphone with a fantastic, versatile camera system, the Galaxy S21 Ultra easily fits the bill. However, depending on how much you\u2019re 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!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dell-xps-13-11th-gen-intel-rm5399-malaysia/", "title": "Dell XPS 13 With 11th Gen Intel CPU Now Starts at RM5,399 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nLaunched in Malaysia \nback in October last year\n, the latest \nDell XPS 13\n with Intel\u2019s 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 \u2013 that\u2019s a whopping RM1,000 price difference.\n\n\nWe spotted this new pricing of the XPS 13 on \nDell\u2019s Malaysian online store\n. The most affordable model, as mentioned, is now listed at only RM5,399. For that kind of money, you\u2019re 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.\n\n\n\n\nIf 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.\n\n\nIf you want to upgrade the SSD of this XPS 13 variant to 1TB, you\u2019ll just have to fork out an extra RM500, bringing the total price to RM7,499. It\u2019s worth noting that the Frost White colourway of the XPS 13 is also only available in this particular configuration.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow 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.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/6-12-february-fuel-price-petrol-up-3-sen-diesel-up-4-sen/", "title": "6 \u2013 12 February Fuel Price: Petrol up 3 Sen, Diesel up 4 Sen", "body": "\n\nFuel 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.\n\n\nThis 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.\n\n\n\n\nThese 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!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-dell-xps-13-review-a-premium-productivity-laptop-from-rm5399/", "title": "Video: Dell XPS 13 Review \u2013 A Premium Productivity Laptop From RM5,399", "body": "\n\nPrevious iterations of the \nDell XPS 13\n 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 \n2020 XPS 13\n right here. I\u2019ve been using it as my daily driver for quite some time now, and I can say this with confidence: it\u2019s a \nfantastic\n premium laptop.\n\n\nNow, there\u2019s 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\u2019re also testing a slightly older variant of the XPS 13 with Intel\u2019s 10th generation processor instead of the newer model with the chipmaker\u2019s 11th generation Tiger Lake chips.\n\n\nThat 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.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven that the Dell XPS 13 now starts \nat only RM5,399\n \u2013 instead of RM6,399 \u2013 here in Malaysia, it\u2019s a good buy for anyone that\u2019s looking to get a refined, premium productivity laptop. Watch our video review above if you\u2019re not convinced!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/motorola-razr-2020-now-in-malaysia-for-rm5999/", "title": "Motorola Razr (2020) Now in Malaysia for RM5,999", "body": "\n\nBack in November last year, we reported that the Motorola Razr (2020) was \nregistered with SIRIM\n under Lenovo Malaysia, and it appears the foldable smartphone is finally available for purchase here in Malaysia. As expected, this \u201cmodern flip phone\u201d does not come cheap.\n\n\nWe first spotted the Malaysian availability of the Motorola Razr on \nDirectD\u2019s Facebook page\n. 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.\n\n\n\n\nCompared 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.\n\n\nOther 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.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Motorola Razr (2020) can now be purchased in Malaysia for RM5,999. If you\u2019re keen to grab this decadent flip phone, you can do so over at \nDirectD\u2019s online store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-reveals-full-gpu-specs-of-its-rtx-30-series-gaming-laptops/", "title": "Asus Reveals Full GPU Specs of Its RTX 30 Series Gaming Laptops", "body": "\n\nIn light of Nvidia\u2019s 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\u2019s latest range of gaming laptops. These include the powerful \nAsus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 SE\n, the unique \nAsus ROG Flow X13\n, and even the laptop\u2019s accompanying ROG XG Mobile external GPU enclosure.\n\n\nLet\u2019s 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 \nreview of the RTX 3080 Zephyrus Duo\n, it can certainly deliver very good performance.\n\n\n\n\nAs 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.\n\n\nBut when paired with the ROG XG Mobile external GPU, the Flow X13 should bring some \nbig\n performance upgrades. After all, the RTX 3080 variant of the XG Mobile enclosure \u2013 which is the only configuration set to be available in Malaysia \u2013 has a boost clock speed of 1810MHz with a whopping 150W TGP. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if the proprietary connection that pairs the XG Mobile to the Flow X13 will have any performance degradation.\n\n\n\n\nThe full list of GPU specifications for Asus\u2019 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.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-flow-x13-retails-from-rm5999-to-rm13499-in-malaysia/", "title": "Asus ROG Flow X13 Retails From RM5,999 to RM13,499 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nAsus just revealed the Malaysian pricing of its most unique (convertible) gaming laptop yet, the \nAsus ROG Flow X13\n. 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.\n\n\nThree 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.\n\n\n\n\nMoving 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\u2019re getting a faster Ryzen 9 5900HS processor \nand\n 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.\n\n\nLast 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\u2019re 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.\n\n\nAs for the XG Mobile external GPU enclosure itself, it\u2019s packed with a beefy RTX 3080 mobile GPU with a \nhigh 150W TGP\n.\n\n\n\n\nThe 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.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-spot-r3-branded-proton-saga-iriz-spotted-on-trailer-launching-soon/", "title": "Spy Spot: R3-Branded Proton Saga & Iriz Spotted on Trailer \u2013 Launching Soon?", "body": "\n\nImages of the R3-branded Proton Saga and Iriz \nstarted circulating online not too long ago\n, 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.\n\n\nThese images were shared by the readers of \nPaul Tan\n. Looking at these shots, it\u2019s evident that the Saga R3 shares quite a bit of the \nProton Saga Anniversary Edition\n\u2018s design language. The same black and yellow colour scheme is present, and there\u2019s even an R3 badge on the rear of the upcoming Saga model.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Iriz R3, it has the same colour scheme as the Saga R3. Its side mirrors are finished in yellow, there\u2019s 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\u2019s also a yellow strip on the lower bumper of the Iriz R3.\n\n\nBased 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.\n\n\nImage source:\u00a0\nCareta\n\n\nGiven that the Proton Iriz R3 looks similar to the existing model, this is unlikely the 2021 facelifted model, so it\u2019s possible it will be introduced by the national carmaker earlier than the \nfacelifted Iriz and Persona\n. Anyway, we\u2019ll keep a close eye on any announcement from Proton concerning the R3-branded Iriz and Saga.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s21-ultra-quick-review-expensive-but-worth-it/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Quick Review: Expensive, But Worth It", "body": "\n\nWe \nreviewed the camera performance\n of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, so it\u2019s time we get to the full review of the flagship smartphone itself. I\u2019ve been using it as my daily driver for quite some time now, and while it is unmistakably an expensive smartphone, it\u2019s definitely one of the most refined flagship phones I\u2019ve \never\n used.\n\n\nIf you can look past its steep price tag, you will be very happy with the Galaxy S21 Ultra \u2013 it sets the bar high on what to expect from a 2021 flagship smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (3200 x 1440), 10Hz \u2013 120Hz (adaptive refresh rate)\nChipset\nSamsung Exynos 2100 2.9GHz octa-core\nGPU\nMali-G78 MP14\nRAM\n12/16GB\nStorage\n256/512GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n108MP f/1.8, PDAF, OIS\n12MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide angle), Dual Pixel AF\n10MP f/2.4 (telephoto), Dual Pixel AF, OIS, 3x zoom\n10MP f/4.9 (telephoto), Dual Pixel AF, OIS, 10x zoom\nLaser autofocus system\nCamera (front)\n40MP f/2.2\nBattery\n5,000mAh\nDimensions\n75.6 x 165.1 x 8.9 mm\nWeight\n229g (mmW), 227g (sub6)\nOS\nOne UI 3.1 based on Android 11\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.2\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM5,299 (256GB), RM5,899 (512GB)\n\n\nNaturally, 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.\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nFirst and foremost, let\u2019s talk about the most eye-catching hardware of the Galaxy S21 Ultra: its \nstunning\n 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.\n\n\nSpeaking 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\u2019t even lock the screen\u2019s refresh rate to 60Hz to get this level of battery life, though I did set the resolution to 1080p instead of the screen\u2019s native QHD+ resolution.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the performance of the Galaxy S21 Ultra. As mentioned, the Exynos 2100 chipset provides a high level of performance. Whether I\u2019m 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.\n\n\nAside from that, I really like the design of the Galaxy S21 Ultra as well, especially the \u201cContour Cut\u201d 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\u2026well, disguising the fact that this phone has a huge camera bump.\n\n\nOverall, 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\u2019s \nmuch\n faster and far more accurate now.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the camera performance of the Galaxy S21 Ultra. I\u2019ve covered this aspect of the phone \nextensively in my camera review\n, and it\u2019s 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.\n\n\nRegardless 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 \na lot\n of fun photographing with the 10MP telephoto camera with 10x optical zoom \u2013 it opens up a lot of possibilities to frame tighter shots to highlight certain subjects.\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n108MP primary\n10MP telephoto (3x zoom)\n10MP telephoto (10x zoom)\n10MP telephoto (30x zoom)\n10MP telephoto (100x zoom)\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n108MP primary\n10MP telephoto (3x zoom)\n10MP telephoto (10x zoom)\n10MP telephoto (30x zoom)\n10MP telephoto (100x zoom)\n\n\nOf 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\u2019s a fun party trick, yes, but beyond 30x zoom, you won\u2019t get very satisfactory results.\n\n\nAll in all, I had a blast photographing with the Galaxy S21 Ultra, which practically solved all of the issues that plagued \nits predecessor\n. 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.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAs 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\u2019m photographing or gaming with the phone \u2013 the top half of the phone (especially the frame) gets too hot to the touch.\n\n\nGranted, 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 \nuser \nreviews\n, 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.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, there\u2019s 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.\n\n\nThat being said, you do get \nmore value for your money\n 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\u2019re \nalso\n losing the microSD card slot with the S21 Ultra, which makes it somewhat necessary to get more built-in storage.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nWell, if you\u2019re looking to get one of the best flagship smartphones in the market now \u2013 and you\u2019re willing to part with at least RM5,299 \u2013 then the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is really one of the best options right now. It has a large, stunning screen, \nexcellent\n camera performance, good battery life, and to top it all off, it\u2019s a sleek, handsome smartphone too.\n\n\n\n\nSure, 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\u2019ve said it before, and I\u2019ll say it again \u2013 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.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/novelkeys-nk87-pre-orders-opening-soon-below-300-custom-tkl-keyboard/", "title": "NovelKeys NK87 Pre-Orders Opening Soon \u2013 Below $300 Custom TKL Keyboard", "body": "\n\nNovelKeys seems to be working on a new custom mechanical keyboard. Currently, the vendor only has two 65% keyboards \u2013 the \nNK65 Aluminium\n and \nNK65 Entry\n \u2013 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).\n\n\nThe existence of the NK87 was first confirmed by NovelKeys itself on one of \nTaeha Types\u2019 streams\n 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.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, 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 \u201colder cameras\u201d \u2013 seemingly only for certain colour options \u2013 and it will be largely similar to the NK65, but with improved acoustics for a better sound signature.\n\n\nOf 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 \u2013 that comes up to about RM1,010 to RM1,210. Do note that it\u2019s likely the NK87 will not include \nswitches \nand \nkeycaps\n, so you need to get these two components separately to complete the keyboard.\n\n\n\n\nYes, the NovelKeys NK87 does cost quite a bit more money than an off-the-shelf keyboard of the same size, but it \nis\n a proper custom mechanical keyboard, which is (really) \ninherently superior\n. We should hear more from NovelKeys soon on exactly when the NK87 will be available \u2013 pre-orders for the keyboard are said to be open sometime this month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-launching-special-edition-saga-persona-iriz-exora-on-18-february/", "title": "Proton Launching Special Edition Saga, Persona, Iriz & Exora on 18 February", "body": "\n\nNew Proton models are coming! Well, not entirely new ones, but special editions of the national carmaker\u2019s existing models. These include the Proton Saga, Persona, Iriz, and even the Exora \u2013 basically, all of Proton\u2019s \u201clegacy\u201d models prior to its partnership with Geely.\n\n\nProton revealed the existence of these new special edition models on its \nFacebook page\n not too long ago. Set to be unveiled next week on 18 February via a virtual launch event at 11AM \u2013 no surprise, given that MCO is still in effect \u2013 online bookings for the new models will also take place at the same time. \n\n\n\n\nBased on the \nplethora of\n \nprevious leaks\n, the special edition Saga and Iriz are the R3-branded models that we\u2019ve seen so far, which have been confirmed by Proton itself. Just like the \nProton Saga Anniversary Edition\n, the R3-stylised Saga and Iriz will also carry a black and yellow colour scheme throughout the exterior and interior.\n\n\nAs for the special edition Persona and Exora, they will be the \u201cBlack Edition\u201d of the existing cars. As the name suggests, these two models will be painted black with some exterior updates, as teased by Proton \nright here\n. Basically, all of the special edition Proton models that will be unveiled soon will sport a black paint job, a colour option that\u2019s usually not offered by the national carmaker these days.\n\n\n\n\nTo 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\u2019s Facebook page. If you\u2019re interested to learn more about these new models, you can register your interest with Proton \nover here\n.\n\n\nUpdate 15 February, 12PM:\n\u00a0We\u2019ve updated this article with a new trailer by Proton for the Persona Black Edition and Exora Black Edition.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-proton-iriz-r3-persona-black-edition-arrive-at-showrooms/", "title": "Spy Shot: Proton Iriz R3 & Persona Black Edition Arrive at Showrooms", "body": "\n\nProton will be unveiling \nfour new limited edition models\n this Thursday on 18 February, and it appears two of them \u2013 the Proton Iriz R3 and Persona Black Edition \u2013 have made their way to showrooms already. These images give us a closer look at the soon to be launched models.\n\n\nThese images were first spotted by \nFuntasticko on\n \nFacebook\n. 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 \nProton Saga Anniversary Edition\n.\n\n\nImage source: \nFacebook\nImage source: \nFacebook\nImage source: \nFacebook\nImage source: \nFacebook\n\n\nOn 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\u2019s even an R3 badge on the back of the car, complete with an R3-branded spoiler.\n\n\nThe 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\u2019s also an \u201cR3 Limited Edition\u201d badge on the left side of the dashboard.\n\n\nAs 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.\n\n\nImage source: \nFacebook\nImage source: \nFacebook\n\n\nThe Proton Iriz R3, Saga R3, Persona Black Edition, and Exora Black Edition will be officially unveiled this Thursday on 18 February at 11AM on \nProton\u2019s Facebook page\n. We\u2019ll find out then exactly how much these new models would cost. If you\u2019re keen to get either one of them, you can register your interest \nright here\n.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nProton Saga & Iriz R3 Limited Edition Unveiled \u2013 Cosmetic Changes From RM42,300\n\n\nProton Persona & Exora Black Edition Official \u2013 Only 500 Units, From RM54,700\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/kbdfans-kbd67-lite-quick-review-the-best-budget-custom-keyboard/", "title": "KBDfans KBD67 Lite Quick Review: The Best Budget Custom Keyboard", "body": "\n\nMost 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 \nKBDfans KBD67 Lite\n.\n\n\nNot only is it affordable \u2013 well, for a custom keyboard \u2013 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.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe KBD67 Lite is a budget-oriented custom keyboard kit that costs only $109 \u2013 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.\n\n\nNow, 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 \u201ctrue\u201d gasket mounting system, it\u2019s not inaccurate to describe this as a gasket-mounted keyboard either.\n\n\n\n\nAside 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 \u201cless desirable\u201d plate-mounted stabilisers. I\u2019ll elaborate in the following section on the difference between these two types of stabilisers.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nOne 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\u2019t as stiff as, say, the \nNovelKeys NK65 Entry\n, which has an aluminium plate and a modified top mount system.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the Cherry screw-in stabilisers of the KBD67 Lite; they feel \nvery solid\n 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 \u2013 only the wires are lubed. That being said, since the housings are dry, the mod keys do feel \u201csticky\u201d and scratchy, especially the left shift.\n\n\nThe 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\u2026well, screwed into the PCB. Plate-mounted stabilisers, on the other hand, merely clip onto the plate, which doesn\u2019t offer the same level of tightness.\n\n\nReally, 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.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s 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.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the sheer value for money the KBD67 Lite offers. Not only is it packed with compelling features I\u2019ve 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.\n\n\n\n\nAt this price point, you\u2019d be hard-pressed to find another keyboard kit with a similar feature set, though NovelKeys\u2019 NK65 Entry \u2013 even if it uses plate-mounted stabilisers and a different mounting system \u2013 does come close.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAs 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.\n\n\n\n\nBut the biggest negative of the KBD67 Lite has to be the fact that it\u2019s\u2026well, not available for purchase right now. See, I was only able to get a unit of the KBD67 Lite as I joined the \npre-order in late November 2020\n, 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.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf 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 \u2013 if not \nthe best\n \u2013 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.\n\n\n\n\nAfter all, you\u2019re getting a gasket mounting system and screw-in stabilisers with the KBD67 Lite for only $109. Once KBDfans manage to get this keyboard kit \nback in stock\n, I reckon it will sell very, very quickly \u2013 it is simply a fantastic budget custom mechanical keyboard with excellent value for money.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-saga-iriz-r3-limited-edition-unveiled-cosmetic-changes-from-rm42300/", "title": "Proton Saga & Iriz R3 Limited Edition Unveiled \u2013 Cosmetic Changes From RM42,300", "body": "\n\nProton 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\u2019s R3 branding, there are no performance upgrades here. Rather, the changes are mostly cosmetic.\n\n\nThe Saga R3 Limited Edition, for one, is almost identical to the \nProton Saga Anniversary Edition\n 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.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn 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.\n\n\nAs for the Iriz R3 \u2013 which is also based on the Premium trim \u2013 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\u2019s R3 branding for a more aggressive, sporty look.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond 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\u2019re wondering, no, this special edition Iriz is not based on the \nfacelifted model\n, which is expected to only arrive later this year.\n\n\nGiven 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 \n500 units\n, 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.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, now that the government\u2019s sales tax exemption for CKD and CBU cars have been \nextended to 30 June 2021\n, 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.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-persona-exora-black-edition-official-only-500-units-from-rm54700/", "title": "Proton Persona & Exora Black Edition Official \u2013 Only 500 Units, From RM54,700", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nProton Saga R3 and Iriz R3\n, 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.\n\n\nLet\u2019s 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.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 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.\n\n\nSince 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.\n\n\n\n\nAs 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.\n\n\nBoth the Proton Persona Black Edition and Exora Black Edition are limited to 500 units each, so without a doubt you\u2019d 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.\n\n\n\n\nBut thanks to the \nextended sales tax exemption\n 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.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-d55l-suv-open-for-booking-level-2-autonomous-turbo-engine-from-rm62500/", "title": "Perodua D55L SUV Open for Booking \u2013 Level 2 Autonomous, Turbo Engine, From RM62,500", "body": "\n\nPerodua 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 \u2013 that\u2019s right, this (relatively) affordable SUV is capable of level 2 autonomous driving.\n\n\nAvailable 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\u2019s upcoming model will be one of the more affordable SUVs in the market now, and it\u2019s packed with a number of attractive features too.\n\n\nThe Daihatsu Rocky, the SUV the Perodua D55L is based on\n\n\nOne 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.\n\n\nComplementing 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.\n\n\n\u201cThe Perodua D55L AV is Malaysia\u2019s most affordable level 2 autonomous vehicle, bringing state-of-the-art safety and convenience to a wider audience,\u201d said the CEO of Perodua, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\n\n\n\n\nAside from these safety features, the D55L is also Perodua\u2019s 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\u2019t reveal the exact capacity of the engine, it\u2019s 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.\n\n\nOther 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.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cAs the government\u2019s sales tax exemption is set to expire in end-June, don\u2019t wait to book \u2013 our authorised sales advisors are eager to serve you and tell you more about the Perodua D55L at all our sales outlets nationwide,\u201d said Dato\u2019 Zainal. With its competitive pricing and compelling features, we expect a lot of eager consumers would want to get their hands on the D55L.\n\n\nIn fact, the Perodua D55L may even drive some customers away from the \nProton X50\n with its \nlong wait\n, even if both of these SUVs don\u2019t exactly belong in the same class.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nPerodua Ativa D55L SUV Brochure Leaks \u2013 1.0L Turbo Engine & AEB as Standard\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopee-promises-next-day-delivery-for-most-states-in-peninsular-malaysia/", "title": "Shopee Promises Next-Day Delivery For Most States in Peninsular Malaysia", "body": "\n\nTo ensure its \n3.3 Supermarket Sale\n 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 \u2013 this is even applicable on weekends.\n\n\nUnfortunately, 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 \u201cNext-Day Delivery\u201d tag. Nonetheless, it\u2019s certainly a good service most folks will find useful, especially during the ongoing MCO in Selangor, KL, Penang, and Johor.\n\n\n\n\nAs 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\u2019t get your order the following day, you will receive a free shipping voucher to be used on your next Shopee Mart purchase \u2013 not a bad compensation at all.\n\n\nTo learn more about Shopee\u2019s 3.3 Supermarket Sale, head on to Shopee\u2019s official page for the sale \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/novelkeys-nk87-custom-tkl-keyboard-will-cost-265-unlimited-pre-orders/", "title": "NovelKeys NK87 Custom TKL Keyboard Will Cost $265 \u2013 Unlimited Pre-Orders", "body": "\n\nNovelKeys just revealed the more information on its upcoming custom mechanical keyboard, the \nNK87 Aluminium Edition\n. Set to retail at $265 \u2013 that comes up to about RM1,070 \u2013 the custom TKL keyboard will enter unlimited pre-order towards the end of this month.\n\n\nUnfortunately, that\u2019s all the information that was revealed by NovelKeys on the NK87, though the vendor did say that it is \u201calmost ready to show all of this (the NK87) off.\u201d 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.\n\n\n\n\nSo 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 \u201colder cameras\u201d \u2013 seemingly only for certain colour options \u2013 and it will be largely similar to the \nNK65\n, but with improved acoustics for a better sound signature.\n\n\nExpect to learn more about the NovelKeys NK87 Aluminium Edition by the end of this month. For $265, it\u2019s a reasonably affordable custom TKL keyboard.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/20-26-february-fuel-price-petrol-up-4-sen/", "title": "20 \u2013 26 February Fuel Price: Petrol up 4 Sen", "body": "\n\nPetrol 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 \u2013 depending on where you where \u2013 consider fueling up tonight.\n\n\nThis 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.\n\n\n\n\nThese 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!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-ativa-d55l-suv-brochure-leaks-1-0l-turbo-engine-aeb-as-standard/", "title": "Perodua Ativa D55L SUV Brochure Leaks \u2013 1.0L Turbo Engine & AEB as Standard", "body": "\n\nNot long after Perodua \nopened bookings for the D55L SUV\n, 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\u2019s key specifications, including its engine capacity and safety equipment.\n\n\nJust 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.\n\n\n\n\nPaired 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 \u2013 standard across the range, by the way \u2013 and the 17-inch alloy wheels were pictured in the brochure as well.\n\n\nAnother interesting feature the leaked Ativa brochure detailed are the safety features found on the SUV. Unlike, say, the \nProton X50\n, \nall variants\n of Perodua\u2019s new SUV come with AEB \nand\n six airbags as standard. On top of that, it\u2019s worth noting that the Ativa\u2019s AEB feature \u2013 as part of Perodua\u2019s new version of ASA \u2013 will work at higher operating speeds compared to the carmaker\u2019s ASA system on its other models (like the \nMyvi\n) at the moment.\n\n\n\n\nLooking 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\u2019re keen to get this compact SUV, you may want to place your booking as soon as possible, given that the current sales tax exemption \nwill end on 30 June 2021\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-ativa-d55l-gearup-accessories-revealed-rm2500-for-bodykit/", "title": "Perodua Ativa D55L GearUp Accessories Revealed \u2013 RM2,500 for Bodykit", "body": "\n\nMore details on the brand new \nPerodua Ativa\n \nD55L SUV\n have come to light. This time around, it\u2019s 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.\n\n\nThe folks over at \nFuntasticko\n 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 \u201cBlaze\u201d bodykit, for one, costs RM2,500 for Peninsular Malaysia, or RM2,563 for East Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\nAside 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.\n\n\nAs 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\u2019t even shown off the final design of the SUV, though it should still look similar to the Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize \u2013 the Ativa is based on these two SUVs, after all.\n\n\nThe Daihatsu Rocky\n\n\nThe 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\u2019s upcoming SUV.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nPerodua Ativa D55L SUV Brochure Leaks \u2013 1.0L Turbo Engine & AEB as Standard\n\n\nPerodua Ativa D55L SUV Open for Booking \u2013 Level 2 Autonomous, Turbo Engine, From RM62,500\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/kbdfans-kbd67-lite-r2-pre-orders-open-march-2021-now-with-bluetooth-more-colours/", "title": "KBDfans\u2019 KBD67 Lite R2 Pre-Orders Open March 2021 \u2013 Now With Bluetooth & More Colours", "body": "\n\nKBDfans just revealed the second round of pre-orders for the excellent \nKBD67 Lite\n 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.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, there will be a Bluetooth option for this second version of the KBD67 Lite, which will appeal to folks that don\u2019t 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.\n\n\nThe first KBD67 Lite\n\n\nPerhaps in the interest of battery life, the Bluetooth version of the KBD67 Lite won\u2019t feature RGB lighting. It\u2019s also not configurable with VIA or QMK, though it \ncan\n still be programmed with a software called TMK. Aside from that, this revision of the KBD67 Lite won\u2019t be pre-assembled either, but KBDfans does say that this will allow the vendor to ship the keyboard faster.\n\n\nOther changes to the second version of the KBD67 Lite include the use of KBDfans\u2019 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.\n\n\n\n\nThe second round of pre-orders for the KBDfans KBD67 Lite will be opened sometime in March 2021 next month \nright here.\n Prices have not been revealed yet, though it\u2019s safe to assume the Bluetooth version will cost more than the wired one. If you\u2019d like to learn more about this budget-friendly custom keyboard, check out our \nreview of the first KBD67 Lite\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-xiaomi-mi-tv-stick-now-going-for-rm129/", "title": "Deal: Xiaomi Mi TV Stick Now Going for RM129", "body": "\n\nAvailable here in Malaysia back in August 2020, the \nXiaomi Mi TV Stick\n is now more affordable than ever. Previously retailing at RM149, you can currently get this budget-friendly streaming device \nfor only RM129\n.\n\n\nGranted, a RM20 price difference isn\u2019t 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\u2019s official store on Shopee, so rest assured, it is a legitimate offer with local Malaysian warranty.\n\n\n\n\nReally, 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.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-mate-x2-official-with-inward-folding-screen-18999-yuan-price-tag/", "title": "Huawei Mate X2 Official With Inward-Folding Screen & 18,999 Yuan Price Tag", "body": "\n\nHuawei just unveiled its third foldable smartphone, the Huawei Mate X2. Sporting a brand new inward-folding screen design akin to the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 2\n, the Mate X2 now features two displays instead of only one, along with a number of other notable improvements.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Mate X2\u2019s 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.\n\n\n\n\nInternally, the Mate X2 is powered by Huawei\u2019s very own Kirin 9000 chipset, the very same processor found under the hood of the \nMate 40 Pro\n. 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\u2019s own operating system, HarmonyOS, sometime in April 2021.\n\n\nIn 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 \u201cSuperZoom\u201d telephoto camera that can do 10x optical zoom. All in all, quite a sophisticated camera configuration.\n\n\n\n\nThe 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.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-fantastic-ikki68-aurora-budget-custom-keyboard-available-for-pre-order-tonight/", "title": "The Fantastic Ikki68 Aurora Budget Custom Keyboard Available for Pre-Order Tonight", "body": "\n\nQuite a number of \nbudget-friendly custom\n \nmechanical keyboards\n have made it onto the market in recent times, but Wuque Studio\u2019s Ikki68 Aurora \nmay just\n be the most promising one yet. If you\u2019re looking to get into the custom keyboard scene without spending too much, you may want to pre-order this keyboard tonight.\n\n\nSo what\u2019s 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 \u201cvariable gasket mount system,\u201d which gives users the option to install (or omit) four \u201cchips\u201d to change the sound profile and typing feel of the keyboard.\n\n\n\n\nIf 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\u2019s a pretty smart implementation that\u2019s not found on other custom keyboards, especially at this price point.\n\n\nAside from its gasket mounting system, the Ikki68 Aurora also supports multiple layouts \ndespite the fact \nthat 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\u2019s multiple layout support is definitely a unique feature.\n\n\n\n\nAnother 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\u2019ll need to get a separate battery for the keyboard as well, much like the \nBluetooth version\n of KBDfans\u2019 \nKBD67 Lite\n.\n\n\nOther 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\u2019t come with stabilisers either.\n\n\n\n\nNow, 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.\n\n\nThe 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.\n\n\nAs 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.\n\n\n\n\nEven though Wuque Studio\u2019s 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 \nright here\n, along with the list of vendors that will have pre-orders for the keyboard.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re here in Malaysia, you can place your pre-order of the Ikki68 Aurora from Singapore-based vendor \nHex Keyboards\n this midnight at 12AM. Alternatively, you can also pre-order the keyboard directly from \nWuque Studio\n the next day at 12AM on 25 February.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s21-series-now-starts-at-rm3499-in-malaysia/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S21 Series Now Starts at RM3,499 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nThe \nSamsung Galaxy\n \nS21 series\n was notably \nmore expensive\n 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.\n\n\nThis 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.\n\n\nHowever, 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.\n\n\n\n\nAlthough 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\u2019ve reviewed both the standard \nGalaxy S21\n and range-topping \nGalaxy S21 Ultra\n, and overall, we\u2019re impressed with the feature set of both devices, especially the compact form factor of the regular S21.\n\n\nAs 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 \nreviewed the camera performance extensively\n, and suffice to say it is Samsung\u2019s best camera system to date.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo 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.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-ativa-d55l-launching-next-week-on-3-march/", "title": "Perodua Ativa D55L Launching Next Week on 3 March", "body": "\n\nOpened for booking \njust last week\n, the brand new \nPerodua Ativa\n is set to be launched here in Malaysia next week on 3 March. Evidently, the carmaker isn\u2019t waiting very long to unveil its upcoming compact SUV \u2013 based on the Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize \u2013 to Malaysians.\n\n\nOne 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.\n\n\nThe Daihatsu Rocky\n\n\nUnder 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.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Ativa include a CVT gearbox, an impressive rated fuel efficiency of 18.9km/l, LED headlights \u2013 standard across the range \u2013 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.\n\n\n\n\nThe 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\u2019s quite a competitively priced compact SUV; it\u2019ll be interesting to see exactly how many bookings have already been placed for the Ativa.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nPerodua Ativa D55L GearUp Accessories Revealed \u2013 RM2,500 for Bodykit\n\n\nPerodua Ativa D55L SUV Brochure Leaks \u2013 1.0L Turbo Engine & AEB as Standard\n\n\nPerodua Ativa D55L SUV Open for Booking \u2013 Level 2 Autonomous, Turbo Engine, From RM62,500\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-kbdfans-kbd67-lite-review/", "title": "Video: KBDfans KBD67 Lite Review", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019ve reviewed KBDfan\u2019s excellent \nKBD67 Lite\n, but if you\u2019ve 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.\n\n\nAs we\u2019ve mentioned in our review, the KBD67 Lite is really one of the best budget custom keyboards in the market now. It provides a softer, \u201cbouncier\u201d typing experience than the \nNovelKeys NK65 Entry\n \u2013 thanks to its gasket mounting system \u2013 and the KBD67 Lite\u2019s screw-in stabilisers are much more secure and tight than the NK65\u2019s plate-mounted stabilisers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHowever, even though the KBD67 Lite is one of the best budget custom keyboards right now, it\u2019s a hotly contested segment with more competition arriving later this year, such as Wuque Studio\u2019s \nvery promising Ikki68 Aurora\n. We\u2019ve pre-ordered that keyboard, and we can\u2019t wait to see how it compares to the KBD67 Lite.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the KBD67 Lite, watch out for the \nsecond round of pre-orders\n sometime next month in March 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-buds-pro-quick-review-excellent-water-resistant-earbuds-with-anc/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro Quick Review: Excellent Water-Resistant Earbuds With ANC", "body": "\n\nWireless 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. \n\n\nRetailing at RM799, the Galaxy Buds Pro is not awfully expensive either. In fact, taking into account its feature set, you\u2019re \nactually \ngetting a lot of value for your money here. Not quite convinced? Then keep on reading this review.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe Galaxy Buds Pro takes some design cues from last year\u2019s \nGalaxy Buds Live\n, 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 \u2013 again, which goes for RM799 \u2013 is also priced quite closely to the RM699 Buds Live.\n\n\nOn 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.\n\n\n\n\nIn 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.\n\n\nBut can the Buds Pro really deliver this level of battery life? I\u2019ll get to that further down this review.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nThe fact that the Galaxy Buds Pro is IPX7 water-resistant is what I personally consider to be these earbuds\u2019 best feature. As I\u2019ve mentioned, not many wireless earbuds have this certification, and it\u2019s amazing to know that I can put on the Buds Pro and start working out (and wash it afterwards) without worrying that I\u2019ll damage it.\n\n\n\n\nAudio quality of the Galaxy Buds Pro is good as well. It is able to separate the different instruments in the guitar solo of Eagles\u2019 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 \u201cbass boost.\u201d\n\n\nThe active noise cancellation of the Galaxy Buds Pro is quite good as well. While it\u2019s not quite on the same level as the \nSony WF-1000XM3\n, it can still filter out ambient noise effectively. With ANC activated and my favourite tunes playing, the outside world simply disappears.\n\n\n\n\nComfort is also a strong point for the Galaxy Buds Pro. It\u2019s easy to get a good, snug fit with these earbuds, and they\u2019re 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.\n\n\nAnother feature of the Galaxy Buds Pro that I absolutely love is the \u201cvoice detect\u201d feature. When I start speaking, the Buds Pro will automatically let in ambient noise so that I can have a conversation. It\u2019s similar to the \u201cSpeak-to-Chat\u201d feature on the \nSony WH-1000XM4\n, but that\u2019s a pair of wireless headphones \u2013 not many earbuds offer this very convenient feature.\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nEven 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\u2026surprisingly 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.\n\n\nBattery life of the Galaxy Buds Pro isn\u2019t particularly long either. While I did get close to Samsung\u2019s quoted battery life of five hours, its competition offers far longer battery life. For what it\u2019s 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.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the finnicky touch controls of the Galaxy Buds Pro. Even when I\u2019m 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\u2019ve been even better if there\u2019s a way to adjust the sensitivity of the touch controls instead.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nAbsolutely. For RM799, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro undercuts its competition while offering more features for the money. Not only is it IPX7 water-resistant \u2013 yes, I really think this is the Buds Pro\u2019s best feature \u2013 it also has convenient features like voice detect, which is not offered by any other earbuds in the market now.\n\n\n\n\nAgain, the fact that the Galaxy Buds Pro offers all of these features for RM799 make it a very good buy, in my opinion. Samsung\u2019s 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.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-11-is-the-first-snapdragon-888-phone-in-malaysia-starts-at-rm2799/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi 11 Is the First Snapdragon 888 Phone in Malaysia \u2013 Starts at RM2,799", "body": "\n\nWe spotted the \nXiaomi Mi 11\n in SIRIM\u2019s database \nlast month\n, 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.\n\n\nTwo 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.\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt the Mi 11 is Xiaomi\u2019s 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.\n\n\nOther 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.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi 11 is now open for pre-order in Malaysia, but this is only for the \n256GB model that costs RM2,999\n. The slightly more affordable 128GB variant (RM2,799), on the other hand, will only be sold here at a later date.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-giving-away-7-special-edition-cars-to-celebrate-1-million-units-sold/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Giving Away 7 Special Edition Cars to Celebrate 1 Million Units Sold", "body": "\n\nHonda 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 \nall-new City\n, Jazz, \nCivic\n, HR-V, CR-V, BR-V, and the \nAccord\n.\n\n\nThese 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 \u201c1 Million Dreams Signature Emblem\u201d on the front fenders of the cars.\n\n\nOn the inside, the one-of-a-kind models also have \u201c1 Million Dreams\u201d embossed on the headrest, along with red stitching on the steering wheels.\n\n\n\n\nIn 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 \nShopee\n, \nWatsons\n, and \nCuckoo\n; 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.\n\n\nAs 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 \nHonda Malaysia\u2019s website\n. Test driving, booking, servicing, or registering a Honda car by 24 March 2021 also gets you different amounts of entries.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMore information on Honda\u2019s 1 Million Dreams campaign can be found \nright here\n. You can also submit your entries with the carmaker \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/27-february-5-march-fuel-price-petrol-up-5-sen/", "title": "27 February \u2013 3 March Fuel Price: Petrol up 5 Sen", "body": "\n\nPetrol 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 \u2013 depending on where you where \u2013 consider fueling up tonight.\n\n\nThis 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.\n\n\n\n\nThese 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!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/final-fantasy-vii-remake-is-free-next-month-for-playstation-plus-members/", "title": "Final Fantasy VII Remake Is Free Next Month for PlayStation Plus Members", "body": "\n\nThis is a big one: PlayStation just revealed the PlayStation Plus free games for the month of March 2021, which includes the much loved \nFinal Fantasy VII Remake\n. It\u2019s an exciting announcement, given that it hasn\u2019t even been a year since the game was launched on the PlayStation 4.\n\n\nGamers 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.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, 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.\n\n\nAnyway, joining Final Fantasy VII Remake as part of PlayStation Plus\u2019 March 2021 free games include Knack 2, Farpoint (VR), as well as the PS5 version of Maquette.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-perodua-ativa-d55l-arriving-at-showroom/", "title": "Spy Shot: Perodua Ativa D55L Arriving at Showroom!", "body": "\n\nThis is it: we finally have our first glance at the upcoming \nPerodua Ativa D55L\n, thanks to a series of spy shots of the new SUV arriving at a showroom. While the Ativa largely resembles the Daihatsu Rocky \u2013 which it is based on \u2013 there are some minor differences here and there.\n\n\nThese spy shots of the Ativa were shared by \nRiderAth\n. 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.\n\n\nImage source: \nRiderAth\nThe Daihatsu Rocky\n\n\nGiven that the Ativa is set to be launched \nnext week on 3 March\n, it\u2019s 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.\n\n\nAside 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\u2019ll be interesting to see if it can really achieve this figure in real life usage.\n\n\nThis SUV also has LED headlights \u2013 standard across the range \u2013 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.\n\n\n\n\nThe Perodua Ativa D55L SUV is set to make its debut next week on 3 March. We\u2019ll find out then if its estimated pricing between RM62,500 to RM73,400 are the final prices.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hu-tao-finally-confirmed-arriving-in-genshin-impact-soon/", "title": "Hu Tao Finally Confirmed \u2013 Arriving in Genshin Impact Soon?", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re an avid \nGenshin Impact\n player, there\u2019s 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.\n\n\nThough 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.\n\n\n\n\nHer Elemental Skill (Guide to Afterlife), consumes part of her HP and knocks back nearby enemies. She also enters the \u201cParamita Papilio\u201d 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 \u201cBlood Blossom\u201d effect to enemies hit by her charged attack in this state, which deals Pyro damage every four seconds.\n\n\nWhile Hu Tao\u2019s 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\u2019s HP is below or equal to 50% when the enemy is hit, the damage and HP regeneration of Spirit Soother are increased too.\n\n\nEvidently, the \nStaff of Homa\n \u2013 which grants attack bonus when the wielder\u2019s health is below 50% \u2013 in the current weapon banner is made for Hu Tao.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow that Mihoyo has released these details on Hu Tao, we reckon it\u2019s 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\u2019s a good chance Hu Tao will replace Keqing\u2019s banner, which is set to end on 2 March next week.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hu-tao-banner-coming-to-genshin-impact-on-2-march-joined-by-xingqiu-chongyun-xiangling/", "title": "Hu Tao Banner Coming to Genshin Impact on 2 March \u2013 Joined by Xingqiu, Chongyun & Xiangling", "body": "\n\nJust yesterday, Mihoyo revealed some \nkey details on Hu Tao\n, 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.\n\n\nJust like Genshin Impact\u2019s\u00a0\nprevious character\n \nevent banners\n, the \u201cdrop rate\u201d 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\u2019s not her, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be Hu Tao.\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s 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.\n\n\n\n\nSame goes for the 4-star characters, but given that there are three of them featured in the event banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random. Basically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Xingqiu, Chongyun, or Xiangling. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will likely have to roll a good number of times.\n\n\nBesides 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\u2019d have to be at least Adventure Rank 40; you\u2019re also required to complete the Archon Quest \u201cFarewell, Archaic Lord.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, Hu Tao\u2019s 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\u2019s Papilio Charontis Chapter story quest.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/get-more-primogems-in-genshin-impacts-new-daily-check-in-event/", "title": "Get More Primogems in Genshin Impact\u2019s New Daily Check-In Event", "body": "\n\nMihoyo is rewarding players with more Primogems through a new daily check-in event on \nGenshin Impact\n\u2018s forum, Hoyolab. Aside from a set number of Primogems, the daily check-in rewards also include experience books, Mora, and enhancement ores.\n\n\nIn order to join this daily check-in event, you will need to login to \nHoyolab\n with your Genshin Impact credentials. Once you\u2019ve done that, you can head on to the \ndaily check-in page\n 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.\n\n\n\n\nOf 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.\n\n\nAside 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\u2019 artifact set, equipped weapons, and even unlocked constellations.\n\n\n\n\nMore information on the new Genshin Impact daily check-in event can be found over \nhere\n. Don\u2019t forget to claim your 100 Primogems and 10,000 Mora on the \ndaily check-in page\n!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-perodua-ativa-with-aggressive-gearup-kit-spotted/", "title": "Spy Shot: Perodua Ativa With Aggressive GearUp Kit Spotted", "body": "\n\nAs we approach the \nPerodua Ativa\n\u2018s 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.\n\n\nThese images of the Ativa were posted on the Facebook group \nAtiva Club Malaysia\n; the GearUp branding can be clearly seen on the rear and front lower bumpers. Compared to \nprevious spy shots of the Ativa\n without the bodykit, the GearUp kit does give the SUV a more aggressive look. There\u2019s even a shot of the interior showing off the floating infotainment screen.\n\n\n\n\nWe previously wrote about the \nGearUp accessories available for the Ativa\n, and chances are, the kit seen here is the \u201cBlaze\u201d 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.\n\n\nAside from these GearUp accessories, there\u2019s 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.\n\n\nImage source: \nFuntasticko\n\n\nThe 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\u2019s a competitively priced SUV with some attractive features, including level 2 autonomous driving.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nSpy Shot: Perodua Ativa D55L Arriving at Showroom!\n\n\nPerodua Ativa D55L GearUp Accessories Revealed \u2013 RM2,500 for Bodykit\n\n\nPerodua Ativa D55L SUV Brochure Leaks \u2013 1.0L Turbo Engine & AEB as Standard\n\n\nPerodua Ativa D55L SUV Open for Booking \u2013 Level 2 Autonomous, Turbo Engine, From RM62,500\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-5-restock-happening-on-shopee-soon/", "title": "PlayStation 5 Restock Happening on Shopee Soon", "body": "\n\nThe \nPlayStation 5 \nis 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.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by \nSony Brand Store on Shopee\n, 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.\n\n\n\n\nAs with every restock of the PlayStation 5, limited units are available, though we don\u2019t know exactly how many are up for grabs. Head on to the product listing \nright here\n if you want to try your luck at 12PM on 3 March this Wednesday. In the meantime, check out our \nunboxing of the PS5\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/3345-proton-x50-delivered-in-february-2021-with-8141-bookings-fulfilled/", "title": "3,345 Proton X50 Delivered in February 2021 With 8,141 Bookings Fulfilled", "body": "\n\nGreat news for those who are waiting to get their \nProton X50\n; 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 \u2013 the highest monthly figure yet \u2013 as many as 8,141 bookings of the X50 have been fulfilled.\n\n\nWhile it\u2019s 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.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, 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\u2019s quite an achievement.\n\n\nProton 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.\n\n\n\u201cThanks 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,\u201d said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re like me, who have placed a booking for the Proton X50 on day one (16 September), there\u2019s 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.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-acknowledges-issues-with-aftersales-service-revamp-in-progress/", "title": "Proton Acknowledges Issues With Aftersales Service \u2013 Revamp in Progress", "body": "\n\nWhile Proton\u2019s product quality and brand image have improved immensely over the past few years \u2013 especially with the launch of the \nProton X50\n and \nProton X70\n \u2013 its aftersales service didn\u2019t 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.\n\n\n\u201cProton 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,\u201d said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n\n\u201cThis 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,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, as mentioned, Proton is taking necessary steps to improve its aftersales service. Roslan further elaborated that \u201cwe (Proton) are working on these issues around the clock to overcome them in the shortest time possible.\u201d\n\n\nFor what it\u2019s 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\u2019m sure there are folks that have a completely different experience, but it\u2019s important to note that Proton\u2019s aftersales service is not all bad.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, if you are facing delays with regular servicing or accident repairs for your Proton car, you can get in touch with Proton\u2019s customer care hotline at 1-800-88-8398.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-1-4-update-raises-condensed-resin-cap-allows-players-to-lower-world-level/", "title": "Genshin Impact 1.4 Update Raises Condensed Resin Cap & Allows Players to Lower World Level", "body": "\n\nMihoyo just revealed new changes that will be coming to Version 1.4 of \nGenshin Impact\n. 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\u2019re having difficulty clearing content.\n\n\nThese changes coming to Version 1.4 of Genshin Impact were detailed by Mihoyo in the latest \nDevelopers\u2019 Discussion\n. 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.\n\n\n\n\nInstead, 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.\n\n\nOther changes coming to Genshin Impact in the Version 1.4 update include an improved weapon upgrade system \u2013 more slots could be added for the weapon upgrade materials \u2013 the ability to \nfinally \nuse the Crafting Bench in co-op mode, and if you\u2019ve hit the maximum Adventure Rank (which is currently capped at 60), excess Adventure experience earned will be converted to Mora.\n\n\n\n\nNow 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!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/new-fuel-prices-now-announced-every-wednesday-prices-unchanged-until-10-march/", "title": "New Fuel Prices Now Announced Every Wednesday \u2013 Prices Unchanged Until 10 March", "body": "\n\nNow 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.\n\n\nTo 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\u2019s worth noting that RON 95 and diesel have reached their respective price ceilings, so these prices will not go up any further.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, 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!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-novelkeys-nk65-entry-vs-kbdfans-kbd67-lite/", "title": "Video: NovelKeys NK65 Entry vs. KBDfans KBD67 Lite", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for a budget custom mechanical keyboard, there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019ve seen these two keyboard kits: NovelKeys\u2019 \nNK65 Entry\n and KBDfans\u2019 \nKBD67 Lite\n. If you\u2019re wondering which of the two keyboards is better, watch our comparison video!\n\n\nWe 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.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, both the NK65 Entry and KBD67 Lite are not in stock at the time of writing, though the KBD67 Lite will have its \nsecond round of pre-orders very soon\n. Hopefully, NovelKeys will restock the \nNK65 Entry\n soon as well.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-ativa-official-level-2-autonomous-1-0l-turbo-cvt-from-rm61500/", "title": "Perodua Ativa Official \u2013 Level 2 Autonomous, 1.0L Turbo CVT, From RM61,500", "body": "\n\nHere it is: the \nPerodua Ativa\n 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 \u2013 this is actually lower than the estimated pricing \u2013 the Ativa is quite a compelling new model from Perodua.\n\n\nAs 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.\n\n\n\n\nOf 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\u2019s 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.\n\n\nRegardless 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\u2019ll be interesting to see if the SUV can actually deliver this fuel economy in real life use.\n\n\n\n\nTo 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 \u2013 Perodua said that deliveries of the Ativa will start from tomorrow onwards.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-ativa-received-over-5000-bookings-3000-units-to-be-delivered-every-month/", "title": "Perodua Ativa Received Over 5,000 Bookings; 3,000 Units to Be Delivered Every Month", "body": "\n\nInitially opened for booking just two weeks ago, the \nPerodua Ativa\n 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\u2019t take too long for the Ativa to be delivered to eager customers either.\n\n\n\u201cWe (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,\u201d said the CEO of Perodua, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\n\n\n\n\nPriced from RM61,500 to RM72,000 \u2013 lower than the estimated pricing given by Perodua \u2013 the Ativa is packed with a number of attractive features. The range-topping AV model, for one, gets level 2 autonomous driving. It\u2019s equipped with Lane Keep Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control.\n\n\nAside 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.\n\n\n\n\nThe 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\u2019ve placed your booking earlier.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2021-nintendo-switch-will-feature-oled-screen-4k-graphics/", "title": "2021 Nintendo Switch Will Feature OLED Screen & 4K Graphics", "body": "\n\nThe \nNintendo Switch\n 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 \nBloomberg report\n, the new Switch will come with an OLED panel and support for 4K graphics.\n\n\nThat\u2019s 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.\n\n\n\n\nAside 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.\n\n\nAs for exactly when the updated Switch will hit the market, we\u2019re 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 \u201cthe displays are slated for shipment to assemblers around July.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re 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\u2019s a chance the new Switch will cost more as well.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-note-10-redmi-note-10-pro-malaysia-rm699/", "title": "Redmi Note 10 & Redmi Note 10 Pro Coming to Malaysia Soon \u2013 Starts at RM699", "body": "\n\nThe Redmi Note 10 series is official, and two of the devices in the lineup \u2013 the Redmi Note 10 and Redmi Note 10 Pro \u2013 will be coming to Malaysia next week. Starting at RM699, these mid-range smartphones offer really good value for money.\n\n\nLet\u2019s 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\u2019re getting a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G chipset, and a large 5,020mAh battery.\n\n\nIn 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.\n\n\n\n\nAs 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\u2019s hardware are not quite as impressive as the Pro model, though it still comes with a 6.43-inch AMOLED screen.\n\n\nOther 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.\n\n\n\n\nThe 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!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sackboy-a-big-adventure-ps5-quick-review-excellent-platformer-you-can-physically-feel/", "title": "Sackboy: A Big Adventure (PS5) Quick Review: Excellent Platformer You Can Physically Feel", "body": "\n\nThe PlayStation 5, while very impressive, still don\u2019t have games that \nreally \ntake advantage of the next generation console\u2019s range of new features. But Sackboy: A Big Adventure, despite the fact that it\u2019s available on both the PS5 and PS4, \nfeels \nlike it was made for the PS5 \u2013 quite literally, actually.\n\n\nOf course, I\u2019m talking about Sackboy\u2019s clever use of the PS5\u2019s DualSense controller, which offers incredibly refined haptic feedback to further enhance the gaming experience. This, coupled with great level design and music, make Sackboy an absolutely fun platformer.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nSackboy is a platformer with some clever twists here and there. Almost every stage has its own unique mechanic, and with five different worlds to explore \u2013 with a few hidden areas \u2013 you\u2019ve got \na lot\n of stages to play through. The game also has a story campaign of sorts, though it\u2019s not a particularly compelling one.\n\n\nBut the main appeal of Sackboy isn\u2019t the story. Rather, it\u2019s the clever level design and catchy tunes of the game that really elevate this platformer. Let\u2019s get to the good stuff now, shall we?\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nWhat stood out to me the most throughout my time with Sackboy is its tight controls; a very important feature for any platformer. I can navigate the titular Sackboy around the different stages very efficiently, and if I do fall down a pit or get damaged, it is entirely on me. Never did I feel like I was being held back by the game\u2019s controls, which is (again) great for a platform game.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of controls, I \nabsolutely love\n how Sackboy make use of the DualSense\u2019s haptic feedback. Unlike, say, \nMarvel\u2019s Spider-Man: Miles Morales\n, this game takes full advantage of the controller\u2019s much more refined haptic feedback than its predecessor. I can \nphysically feel\n the static of an electrified floor, or even the beats of the background music \u2013 no other game has ever given me \nthis\n level of immersion before.\n\n\nNaturally, Sackboy also uses the adaptive triggers of the DualSense controller. I can feel the resistance change as I\u2019m pulling on a mechanism, or when I lift up a bomb to be thrown at certain enemies. While the adaptive triggers are not used quite as extensively as the haptic feedback of the DualSense controller, they still positively impact the gaming experience.\n\n\n\n\nI\u2019ve been saying a number of times about how clever Sackboy\u2019s level design is, but that\u2019s how much I like it. Sure, not every single level is fun to play through, but most of them are really quite enjoyable with a fair bit of exploration. In fact, I find myself nodding my head to the music of certain stages. In the interest of preserving the experience for you guys, I won\u2019t go too much into detail, but suffice to say that they\u2019re \nvery\n good. Heck, I even revisit some of these stages \njust\n for the tunes.\n\n\nGraphically, Sackboy offers a beautifully rendered, charming little world. Every element looks as if it was hand-stitched \u2013 especially the texture of Sackboy itself \u2013 and it\u2019s just incredibly soothing to look at the overall aesthetics of the game. Well, except for the more eerie stages, of course \u2013 those stages make my skin crawl quite a bit, as it should be.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the difficulty of Sackboy, which is quite forgiving. You\u2019re given four lives at the start of every stage, and if you\u2019re damaged twice, you will lose a live and be transported back to the previous checkpoint. If you\u2019re only hit once, your damage threshold will actually be reset when you reach a new checkpoint.\n\n\nEven if you do lose a live, the game is very generous to give you even more lives from defeating enemies or destroying boxes. Basically, it\u2019s almost as if you have unlimited lives in this game. The game gets even easier (and more fun, of course) in co-op mode: as long as one player is alive, you can proceed through the stage. Reaching a checkpoint will respawn your teammate.\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nEven though most of the stages in Sackboy are fun, some stages are\u2026well, a chore to get through. Some stage elements are a bit too punishing, and getting through them feel more frustrating than challenging. Thankfully, as I\u2019ve mentioned above, the game gives you a lot of lives, so you can eventually clear the stage, albeit after much frustration.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the uninspiring story of Sackboy. Granted, this is not the main focus of the game, but it would\u2019ve been great if it had a more compelling story as an incentive to progress through the game. Sure, the story has its own charms, but I never felt invested in it at all.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the price of Sackboy. Retailing at RM249, it\u2019s quite an expensive game, though this is really the new price standard for PS5 games moving forward.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nWhile Sackboy: A Big Adventure is not a cheap game, it\u2019s an excellent platformer with clever level design and fantastic music; it also showcases new possibilities afforded by the PS5\u2019s DualSense controller. The fact that I can \nphysically feel\n the different elements of the game with such refined haptic feedback adds another layer of immersion that was never possible until now.\n\n\n\n\nReally, this is something that you absolutely have to feel for yourself. If you own a PS5, and you want a platformer that will entertain you for hours on end, it\u2019s definitely worth it to drop down RM249 for Sackboy. It\u2019s the perfect game to unwind at the end of a busy day \u2013 well, unless you don\u2019t fancy platformers.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-1-4-arrives-17-march-venti-rosaria-tartaglia-banners-confirmed/", "title": "Genshin Impact 1.4 Arrives 17 March \u2013 Venti, Rosaria & Tartaglia Banners Confirmed", "body": "\n\nMihoyo just revealed a number of interesting details on \nGenshin Impact\n\u2018s Version 1.4 livestream. Not only did the developer reveal Rosaria, a brand new 4-star Cryo character, it also confirmed that the 5-star characters Venti and Tartaglia will be featured in their respective event banners again.\n\n\nOut of the two 5-star characters, Venti is arguably the character many Genshin Impact players have wanted to grab. After all, he has one of the best Elemental Bursts in the game, which does a lot of damage and provides incredible crowd control. He is especially potent in the Spiral Abyss.\n\n\nUnfortunately, it remains to be seen if Venti or Tartaglia\u2019s banner will go live first, though Mihoyo did reveal that Rosaria will be featured on Tartaglia\u2019s banner.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, Version 1.4 of Genshin Impact will also introduce a number of quality of life improvements. As we reported in our \nprevious article\n, the cap for Condensed Resin will be increased to five from three, and you can lower your world level. However, do note that you can only do this once you\u2019ve reached world level 5, and it can only be done once every 24 hours.\n\n\nOf course, a number of in-game events will also be happening in Version 1.4 of Genshin Impact, which will give players quite a number of rewards, including \u2013 you guessed it \u2013 Primogems. Speaking of which, the version 1.4 livestream also gave us three codes to redeem in Genshin Impact, which reward players with a total of 300 Primogems. Claim the codes below before they expire:\n\n\nKTNSCQWW922M\nET7ADQFF8KJR\nPSNTC8FEQK4D\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact Version 1.4 will go live on 17 March 2021. Are you more excited for the return of Venti and Tartaglia\u2019s banners, or the introduction of Rosaria? Let us know in the comments section below!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/more-novelkeys-nk87-details-revealed-pre-orders-until-2-april/", "title": "More NovelKeys NK87 Details Revealed \u2013 Pre-Orders Until 2 April", "body": "\n\nNovelKeys has finally revealed more information on its first TKL keyboard, the \nNovelKeys NK87 Aluminium Edition\n. Available for pre-order right now until 2 April, the NK87 sports a number of improvements over NovelKeys\u2019 previous custom mechanical keyboards, such as the \nNK65 Aluminium\n and \nNK65 Entry\n.\n\n\nUnlike NovelKeys\u2019 previous keyboards, the NK87 actually supports screw-in stabilisers, although it will come with NovelKeys-branded plate-mounted stabilisers out of the box. The vendor also clarified that while the NK87 can use screw-in stabilisers, some of them may be very tight in the plate, depending on the brand of the stabilisers.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the NK87 also uses a modified top-mount system with quite a number of silicones to enhance the sound profile of the keyboard. There are eight \u201cthock absorber\u201d silicone strips between the plate and top case, as well as two silicone dampening pads; one on the bottom, and another one between the plate and PCB. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how these silicones will affect the sound profile of the NK87.\n\n\nOther specifications of the NK87 include a hotswap PCB, a CNC aluminium case, an aluminium plate, as well as five different colours: Cosmic Purple, Solar Yellow, Universal Beige, Black Anodised, and E-White. It\u2019s worth noting that the first three colours have a \u201cNovelKote\u201d texture, which is a spray coating with a light texture to it that is \u201creminiscent of the coatings on vintage cameras,\u201d as NovelKeys puts it.\n\n\nA close-up of the NovelKote texture\n\n\nThe NovelKeys NK87 Aluminium Edition is now \navailable for pre-order on NovelKeys\u2019 website\n for $265 (about RM1,090) until 2 April, and it will start shipping sometime in Q4 2021. Once pre-orders have ended, the NK87 will retail at $285 (approximately RM1,175) instead, so make sure you place your order before 2 April if you want to enjoy the $20 discount.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-city-rs-ehev-deliveries-begin-this-month-first-model-to-feature-honda-connect/", "title": "Honda City RS e:HEV Deliveries Begin This Month \u2013 First Model to Feature Honda Connect", "body": "\n\nHonda Malaysia just unveiled its new Honda Connect telematics system smartphone app, which offers a range of useful features for Honda models that support it. At the moment, Honda Connect will only be available in the all-new \nHonda City RS e:HEV\n, which will begin delivering to customers this month.\n\n\nThere are three main components of Honda Connect: safety, security, and convenience. Within the safety and security categories, the app offers Automatic Collision Detection System, Security Alarm Detection, Speed Alert, Find My Car, and Geo-Fencing Alert; the latter will send a push notification to the owner if the car is driven out of a set radius.\n\n\n\n\nIn the event of a collision or airbag deployment, the Automatic Collision Detection System will send a notification to Honda\u2019s 24-hour roadside assist call centre; emergency support will also be dispatched. Security Alarm Detection, on the other hand, will also notify the call centre \u2013 as well as the the owner via a push notification \u2013 if the car\u2019s door, trunk, or bonnet is forcibly opened.\n\n\nAs for the convenience category within the Honda Connect app, there\u2019s Remote Vehicle Control. As its name suggests, this lets owners control certain aspects of the car, such as unlocking the doors, start the engine, control the air-conditioning, and even switching on the headlights; it\u2019s quite a nifty feature.\n\n\n\n\nEvidently, Honda Connect is quite a powerful app, though as we\u2019ve mentioned before, only the Honda City RS e:HEV supports it currently. Nonetheless, this is certainly a good selling point for the range-topping City model, and given that deliveries of the RS trim will begin sometime this month, we imagine Honda Malaysia will reveal the price of the variant soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-city-rs-ehev-costs-rm106k-in-malaysia/", "title": "Honda City RS e:HEV Costs RM106k in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nThe retail price of the range-topping \nHonda City RS e:HEV\n has just been revealed. Retailing at exactly RM105,950.45, this variant of the B-segment sedan is markedly more expensive than the petrol models, which tops out at only RM86,561.45.\n\n\nDo note that this price for the City RS is with the sales tax exemption applied, given the odd-looking figure. Come July 2021 \u2013 that\u2019s when the exemption will end \u2013 the price will be increased even further, though Honda Malaysia has not revealed exactly how much the City RS will cost then.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the City RS particularly unique is its Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain that delivers 109PS and 253Nm of torque out of an electric motor; this is what powers the car most of the time. The City also comes with a 1.5L four-cylinder engine that does 98PS and 127Nm of torque, but it mainly acts as a generator for the electric motor. The 1.5L mill is only used at higher speeds.\n\n\nAside from that, the City RS is also the only variant of the sedan to get Honda Sensing, a suite of driver assistance safety systems. These include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigating Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Auto High Beam (AHB).\n\n\nOther specifications of the City RS include 16-inch alloy wheels, Honda LaneWatch, rear air-conditioning vents, an 8-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and of course, support for the \nHonda Connect telematics system app\n.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Honda City RS e:HEV costs RM105,950.45 until the end of June 2021. Deliveries of the City RS, on the other hand, will begin this month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-city-received-over-20000-bookings-13100-units-delivered/", "title": "Honda City Received Over 20,000 Bookings; 13,100 Units Delivered", "body": "\n\nAside from revealing the price of the \nHonda City RS e:HEV\n, Honda Malaysia also detailed total bookings of the B-segment sedan. With over 20,000 bookings placed for the City, it\u2019s evidently very popular among Malaysians, and this figure is enough to make it the best-selling (non-national) sedan in its segment.\n\n\nWhat\u2019s even more impressive is the total units delivered by Honda Malaysia. According to the carmaker, 13,100 bookings of the City have been fulfilled, though the company did not give us a breakdown of variant sold. Chances are, most of the remaining bookings are of the RS e:HEV trim, which will begin delivery this month.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of the City RS, it is the only model of the sedan to get Honda Sensing, a suite of driver assistance safety systems. These include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigating Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Auto High Beam (AHB).\n\n\nThe City RS also features a Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain that delivers 109PS and 253Nm of torque out of an electric motor; this is what powers the car most of the time. The City comes with a 1.5L four-cylinder engine too that does 98PS and 127Nm of torque, but it mainly acts as a generator for the electric motor. The 1.5L mill is only used at higher speeds.\n\n\nUnder the hood of the S, E, and V variants of the City, on the other hand, is a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine that outputs 121PS and 145Nm of torque. It is paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with drive sent to the front wheels. The V (and RS) model gets 16-inch alloy wheels, while the more affordable S and E trims get 15-inch alloys.\n\n\n\n\nCurrently, the all-new Honda City retails from RM74,191.27 for the base S model to RM105,950.45 for the range-topping RS e:HEV variant. Do note that these prices are with sales tax exemption applied, which will only be valid until June 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/kbd67-lite-second-pre-orders-live-135-for-bluetooth-version/", "title": "KBD67 Lite Second Pre-Orders Live \u2013 $135 for Bluetooth Version", "body": "\n\nThe second round of pre-orders for KBDfans\u2019 budget-friendly custom keyboard, the \nKBD67 Lite\n, is now live. Compared to the first version of the keyboard, there are a number of changes, including the introduction of a Bluetooth model.\n\n\nOf course, you do have to pay more to get Bluetooth support with the KBD67 Lite. The regular model still retails at $109 (about RM450), while the Bluetooth version costs $135 (approximately RM555). Do note that you will need to purchase a battery separately to get Bluetooth working; KBDfans recommends \nthis particular battery\n.\n\n\n\n\nAside from Bluetooth support with the new KBD67 Lite, it is also offered in three new colours: Transparent Tiffany (green, basically), a grey and white colour combo, as well as pink. The former is translucent, while the latter two are solid colours. Naturally, the original three colours (transparent, black, and white) are still available too.\n\n\nOther changes to the updated KBD67 Lite include an injection-molded polycarbonate plate \u2013 the previous version uses a CNC polycarbonate plate \u2013 and instead of Cherry-branded stabilisers, the keyboard now comes with KBDfans\u2019 own screw-in stabilisers. On top of that, the KBD67 Lite is no longer pre-assembled either for faster shipping times.\n\n\nThe first KBD67 Lite\n\n\nAccording to KBDfans, the KBD67 Lite will be available for pre-order until 10 April; it is expected to ship on 30 May 2021, which is really quite fast for a custom mechanical keyboard. You can place your pre-order \nhere\n if you\u2019re keen to grab this budget keyboard. Not sure it\u2019s the right keyboard for you? Then check out our \nreview of the KBD67 Lite\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-5-series-official-snapdragon-888-gaming-phone-from-rm2999/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 5 Series Official \u2013 Snapdragon 888 Gaming Phone From RM2,999", "body": "\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone 5 is here, and the gaming phone is more elaborate than ever. While \nits predecessor\n was only offered in one model, the ROG Phone 5 is now a series of three smartphones: there\u2019s the standard ROG Phone 5, the ROG Phone 5 Pro, and the ROG Phone 5 Ultimate. Retailing from only RM2,999 for the Malaysian market, it also offers pretty good value for money.\n\n\nOf course, the RM2,999 starting price is for the regular ROG Phone 5 with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM; opting for the 256GB model with 16GB of RAM will set you back RM3,799 instead. The ROG Phone 5 Pro, on the other hand, costs RM4,499 for 512GB of storage and 16GB of RAM.\n\n\nWhat about the ROG Phone 5 Ultimate? Well, this model retails at RM4,999, and you get 512GB of storage and 18GB (!) of RAM for that kind of money.\n\n\nThe standard Asus ROG Phone 5\nThe Asus ROG Phone 5 Pro\nThe Asus ROG Phone 5 Ultimate\n\n\nWhat differentiates the three versions of the ROG Phone 5 are a number of features. The Pro and Ultimate models, for one, come with a \u201cROG Vision\u201d back panel, which is basically a small PMOLED screen that shows charging information or an incoming call.\n\n\nCuriously, the ROG Phone 5 Pro model gets a colour PMOLED screen, while the Ultimate variant has a monochrome panel instead; possibly to match the black and white colour scheme of the phone. As for the regular ROG Phone 5, it has a dot-matrix ROG logo on the back \u2013 quite similar to the lid design of the \nAsus ROG Zephyrus G14\n.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, the ROG Phone 5 Pro and Ultimate also feature two extra capacitive buttons on the rear panel, which work in tandem with the ultrasonic shoulder buttons on the left side of the phone. Beyond these differences, all variants of the ROG Phone 5 have the same hardware. Not surprisingly, they are all powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset clocked at 2.84GHz.\n\n\nOther specifications of the three ROG Phone 5 devices include a 6.78-inch 2448 x 1080 AMOLED screen with a fast 144Hz refresh rate and 300Hz touch sampling rate, a triple camera system (64MP f/1.8 primary + 13MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle + 5MP f/2.0 macro), a 24MP f/2.45 selfie camera, a large 6,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging, and ROG UI based on Android 11 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone 5 series will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from tomorrow onwards until 25 March. The standard ROG Phone 5 will arrive here sometime next month in April, while the Pro and Ultimate models will only be available locally in May 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/11-17-march-fuel-price-ron-97-up-5-sen/", "title": "11 \u2013 17 March Fuel Price: RON 97 up 5 Sen", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 is going up 5 sen per litre for the next seven days. Thankfully enough, as the price ceiling of RON 95 and diesel have been reached, there are no changes to the price of the two.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 95 remains the same at RM2.05 per litre, while RON 97 costs RM2.40 per litre (up from RM2.35). As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre until 17 March next week.\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 11 to 17 March next week. New fuel prices will now be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-proton-x50-review-worth-waiting-6-months/", "title": "Video: Proton X50 Review \u2013 Worth Waiting 6 Months?", "body": "\n\nThe \nProton X50\n is easily one of the most anticipated new cars in recent times, and with over 30,000 bookings placed for the B-segment SUV, the waiting time for the X50 is (unsurprisingly) very long. I myself have waited over six months for the Flagship model now, so after putting the SUV through its paces for a few days, is it \nreally\n worth the wait?\n\n\nAbsolutely. If anything, I\u2019m even more excited to take delivery of my X50 when \u2013 or if, at this point \u2013 it finally comes. Really, it\u2019s simply a fantastic SUV for the money. Watch our review below if you\u2019re not quite convinced!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn this video review, I take a look at the X50\u2019s overall design, interior, and of course, driving experience. In these three regards, the X50 easily surpasses the standard set by other B-segment SUVs. In fact, it\u2019s no exaggeration to say that the X50 can even rival C-segment cars in terms of refinement, ride quality, and even NVH.\n\n\nThat being said, the X50 does have its fair share of shortcomings. While its NVH is impressive, there\u2019s a very noticeable wind noise coming from the A-pillars once I hit around 80kmph. The faster I go from this point onwards \u2013 especially at the national speed limit \u2013 it\u2019s very hard to ignore the wind noise; you can hear for yourself in the video review.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, there\u2019s no denying that the X50 is a very fast SUV. This flagship unit is equipped with a 1.5L TGDi three-cylinder engine that outputs 177PS and 255Nm of torque. These are impressive figures, especially for a car at this price point (RM103,300 for the Flagship trim). Even when I\u2019m going at about 90kmph, the X50 can still surge forward with quite a bit of pull if I floor the accelerator pedal.\n\n\nAnother feature of the X50 that I absolutely love is Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), which is a part of the SUV\u2019s Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). With the feature activated, the X50 can steer itself, accelerate, and even apply the brakes as and when necessary. In fact, when I first got the SUV, I intentionally took a road with heavy traffic to see how the ICC would fare \u2013 suffice to say I was very impressed.\n\n\n\n\nThese are just some aspects of the Proton X50 that I discuss at length in the video review. I\u2019ll be honest: it\u2019s frustrating to wait so long for the SUV, but only because I cannot wait to get back in the driver\u2019s seat of the X50. Hopefully, Proton will be able to deliver even more units of the highly anticipated SUV to eager customers soon, including myself.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-zenbook-duo-14-offers-2-screens-11th-gen-intel-cpu-from-rm5499/", "title": "Asus ZenBook Duo 14 Offers 2 Screens & 11th Gen Intel CPU From RM5,499", "body": "\n\nAsus just unveiled a slew of new laptops powered by Intel\u2019s latest 11th generation processors, and one of them is the Asus ZenBook Duo 14. As its name suggests, this laptop has two screens, much like the \nAsus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 SE\n. But unlike that gaming machine, the ZenBook is a far more affordable productivity laptop.\n\n\nTwo variants of the ZenBook Duo 14 are offered in Malaysia. The base model with an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor and 8GB RAM retails at RM5,499, while the higher-end Core i7-1165G7 configuration with 16GB RAM costs RM6,499. Beyond the different processor and RAM capacity, other specifications of the two models are the same.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the ZenBook Duo 14 features two screens. The primary display is a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS panel, and right below it is a secondary 12.6-inch Full HD screen. Naturally, both of these displays are also touch-enabled, and depending on your usage scenario, you may find this dual screen setup appealing.\n\n\nOther specifications of the ZenBook Duo 14 include an Nvidia GeForce MX450 GPU, 512GB of SSD storage, a 16.9mm thin chassis, as well as a 70Wh battery. According to Asus ,this battery capacity can return a whopping 17 hours of use on a single charge. If the laptop can really deliver this level of battery life, it would be really impressive.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ZenBook Duo 14 is now available for purchase in Malaysia. To recap, the Core i5-1135G7 model retails at RM5,499, while the Core i7-1165G7 variant costs RM6,499.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-unveils-2-convertible-laptops-in-malaysia-with-oled-screens-starts-at-rm4699/", "title": "Asus Unveils 2 Convertible Laptops in Malaysia With OLED Screens \u2013 Starts at RM4,699", "body": "\n\nAside from the unique \nAsus ZenBook Duo 14\n, Asus Malaysia also introduced two other productivity-focused convertible laptops: the Asus ZenBook Flip S, and the Asus ZenBook Flip 13 OLED. The best selling point of these two machines have to be their OLED screens, which isn\u2019t a hardware you typically find on a mainstream laptop.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the more affordable laptop of the two, the ZenBook Flip 13 OLED. Two models of the laptop are available here in Malaysia: the Intel Core i5-1135G7 variant costs RM4,699, while the Core i7-1165G7 configuration goes for RM5,199. Basically, only the choice of processor differentiates the two models.\n\n\nThe ZenBook Flip 13 OLED\n\n\nThe fact that the ZenBook Flip 13 OLED comes with a 13.3-inch 1920 x 1080 OLED screen at this price point really is the main appeal of the laptop, and its other specifications are reasonably good too for a productivity machine. These include integrated Iris Xe graphics, 8GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and a 67Wh battery that promises up to 11 hours of battery life.\n\n\nAs for the ZenBook Flip S, it looks similar to the Flip 13 OLED, though it is positioned as a more premium product with a different colour scheme. The sole RM6,799 variant features a much sharper 13.3-inch 4K OLED screen, a Core i7-1165G7 processor paired with 16GB of RAM, 1TB of SSD storage, Iris Xe integrated graphics, and the same 67Wh battery as the Flip 13 OLED, but it has a longer quoted battery life of 15 hours instead.\n\n\nThe ZenBook Flip S\n\n\nBoth the Asus ZenBook Flip S and ZenBook Flip 13 OLED are now available for purchase in Malaysia. If you want a convertible laptop with an OLED screen, consider either one of these two products.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-only-deal-with-authorised-sales-advisors-for-the-ativa/", "title": "Perodua: Only Deal With Authorised Sales Advisors for the Ativa", "body": "\n\nWith over 6,000 bookings placed for the \nPerodua Ativa\n already in only three weeks, it\u2019s definitely a hot-selling compact SUV. But as with all sought-after products, people are already taking advantage of the situation, which is enough for Perodua to warn potential customers to only deal with authorised sales advisors for the Ativa.\n\n\n\u201cWe (Perodua) have discovered at least two fraudulent rebate offers online for the newly-launched Perodua Ativa, which is not our practice,\u201d said the CEO of Perodua, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad. He further added that such promotions do not come from Perodua or any of its outlets nationwide.\n\n\n\n\nThis is a \nsimilar situation faced by Proton\n when the \nProton X50\n was opened for booking, and the national carmaker issued a similar warning. Perodua also said that scammers are even posing as Perodua sales advisors to lure potential customers into transferring a deposit for a new car \u2013 the Ativa is likely a popular target now \u2013 into their own personal bank accounts, which is definitely not recommended.\n\n\nRegardless of the situation, it\u2019s best to perform any kind of financial transactions with official parties. Make sure that you are only making payments to \ncompany\n accounts; never transfer money to personal accounts no matter what you are told.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, there\u2019s no denying the popularity of the Perodua Ativa, thanks to its range of attractive features. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the compact SUV, check out our \nother coverage of the Ativa\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-premium-xiaomi-mi-note-10-lite-with-5260mah-battery-now-retails-at-rm1399-in-malaysia/", "title": "The Premium Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite With 5,260mAh Battery Now Retails at RM1,399 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nLaunched here in Malaysia last year in May 2020, a new variant of the \nXiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite\n is now available locally. Previously offered with 128GB of internal storage and 8GB of RAM, this new configuration comes with half the storage at 64GB and slightly less RAM capacity with a more affordable price tag.\n\n\nWe spotted this new variant of the Mi Note 10 Lite on \nXiaomi\u2019s official Shopee store\n. Originally retailing at RM1,599 for the 128GB model, this 64GB variant with 6GB of RAM \nretails at RM1,399\n. Of course, as this listing is from Xiaomi\u2019s official Shopee store, the phone comes with local warranty support as well.\n\n\n\n\nAlthough it\u2019s been almost a year since the Mi Note 10 Lite hit the market, it\u2019s still a reasonably good mid-range smartphone with premium build quality. Not only does it feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G chipset, it\u2019s also packed with a large 5,260mAh battery that can return \u201cmore than two days of battery life,\u201d as Xiaomi puts it.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mi Note 10 Lite include a 6.47-inch 1080p AMOLED dual curved screen with a notch at the top, a quad camera configuration (64MP f/1.89 primary + 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle + 5MP f/2.4 depth + 2MP f/2.4 macro), a 16MP selfie camera, as well as an in-screen fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to grab the Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite for RM1,399, you can do so over at \nXiaomi\u2019s official Shopee store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/why-the-dell-xps-13-is-still-my-favourite-premium-productivity-laptop-in-2021/", "title": "Why the Dell XPS 13 Is Still My Favourite Premium Productivity Laptop in 2021", "body": "\n\nQuite a number of premium productivity laptops have been released this year, and while some of them are pretty intriguing, the \nDell XPS 13\n is still my favourite laptop in this segment. Not only is it one of the sleekest-looking laptops in the market now, it offers excellent user experience as well.\n\n\nThe XPS 13 has been my daily driver for quite some time now, and really, it\u2019s definitely worth a gander if you\u2019re shopping for a premium productivity laptop. As a disclaimer, I received this unit of the XPS 13 from Dell itself, but rest assured, this is my honest opinion of the laptop.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSleek, Minimalist Design\n\n\nThis is one of the best selling points of the XPS 13. The InfinityEdge screen of the laptop has very, very minimal bezels, which makes for a sleek, modern-looking laptop. The slim bezels also reduce the overall footprint of the XPS 13, so it is notably more portable than its competition.\n\n\nI\u2019m also quite a fan of the XPS 13\u2019s minimalist design. The top lid is only taken up by Dell\u2019s logo, and I really dig the woven glass fibre palm rest area of this Arctic White colourway. Not only does it look unique \u2013 it is also soft to the touch \u2013 Dell also said that the palm rest has a \u201cstain-resistant coating to prevent yellowing and staining.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nSolid Build Quality\n\n\nNot only does it look premium, the XPS 13 has solid build quality as well. The chassis has absolutely no creaking at all, it has tight tolerances with no irregular gaps, and even the hinge feels sturdy. Basically, the XPS 13 feels like a premium laptop through and through.\n\n\nSharp and Vibrant 4K Screen\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the screen quality of the XPS 13. Featuring a 13.4-inch 3840 x 2400 touch-enabled display, it\u2019s a very sharp, very vibrant panel that\u2019s \nabsolutely stunning\n to look at. However, more affordable variants of the XPS 13 has a 13.4-inch 1920 x 1200 non-touch screen instead, and while it won\u2019t look quite as impressive, the tradeoff is better battery life.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the 16:10 aspect ratio of the XPS 13\u2019s display also makes it ideal for productivity work. Compared to more conventional 16:9 panels, you get more vertical screen real estate with the 16:10 screen of the XPS 13. Thanks to this, the display won\u2019t feel quite as cramped, which is a godsend on a compact productivity-focused laptop.\n\n\nGood Battery Life\n\n\nThroughout my time with the XPS 13, it proved to be quite long-lasting as well. On average, I can get about six to seven hours of use on a single charge. Keeping in mind that this is a compact laptop with a sharp 4K screen, this is respectable battery life. If you want even better battery life, opt for the Full HD display option \u2013 I reckon that configuration will be able to outlast this 4K model quite a bit.\n\n\n\n\nStrong Performance\n\n\nJust like the majority of other premium productivity laptops in the market now, the XPS 13 comes with Intel\u2019s latest 11th generation Tiger Lake chips. When it comes to productivity tasks, this processor \u2013 whether it\u2019s the Core i5-1135G7 or faster Core i7-1185G7 \u2013 will be able to keep up.\n\n\nPaired with the 11th generation Tiger Lake chip is an Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, which lets you do some gaming on the side with the XPS 13. More importantly \u2013 to me, at least \u2013 this integrated GPU can even run \nGenshin Impact\n quite well at Full HD resolution. Of course, you will have to tweak the graphics settings quite a bit, but it\u2019s definitely playable.\n\n\nIt\u2019s Much More Affordable Now\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the value proposition of the XPS 13. When it was first made available here in Malaysia last year in October 2020, it retailed \nfrom RM6,399\n, which is quite a bit of money. But fast forward to February last month, the XPS 13 now \nstarts at only RM5,399\n \u2013 that\u2019s a whopping RM1,000 price difference.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the RM5,399 starting price is for the base model of the XPS 13. This configuration of the laptop comes with a 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 non-touch display \u2013 reasonably good hardware for a premium laptop at this price point.\n\n\nIf you want the higher-end XPS 13 with a sharper 13.4-inch 3840 x 2400 touch-enabled screen and a faster Core i7-1185G7 processor, it will set you back RM6,999; you also get 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. 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.\n\n\n\n\nWith all of these in mind, the Dell XPS 13 is easily my favourite premium productivity laptop that is still very relevant in 2021. Plus, the fact that it is more affordable now makes it that much more compelling, even if it\u2019s not exactly \u201caffordable\u201d with a RM5,399 starting price.\n\n\nThen again, that really is how much you have to pay for a premium laptop like the XPS 13. After all, you \nare\n getting a sleek machine with solid build quality, good battery life, and most importantly, a stunning display. As I\u2019ve mentioned earlier in this article, if you\u2019re looking to get a high-end productivity laptop, consider the XPS 13.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/alienware-aurora-r12-dell-xps-desktop-with-new-11th-gen-intel-desktop-chips-coming-to-malaysia-starts-at-rm3699/", "title": "Alienware Aurora R12 & Dell XPS Desktop With New 11th Gen Intel Desktop Chips Coming to Malaysia \u2013 Starts at RM3,699", "body": "\n\nIntel\u2019s latest 11th generation Rocket Lake desktop processors have just been announced, and Dell is quick to update two of its desktops with the new chips. These include the Dell XPS Desktop and Alienware Aurora R12 gaming rig, and both of them will be arriving in Malaysia very soon.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Alienware Aurora R12. According to Dell, this gaming desktop will retail from RM6,699 in Malaysia. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting an 11th generation Core i5 processor paired with 16GB of RAM, 512GB + 1TB of storage, as well as an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti GPU. All in all, a decent gaming rig.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the more affordable XPS Desktop, it starts at RM3,699 for the local market. The base model features a Rocket Lake Core i5 processor paired with 8GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, as well as a GTX 1650 Super GPU. While that\u2019s not quite as powerful as the RTX 3060 Ti of the Alienware machine, you should still be able to game relatively well with the GTX 1650 Super of the XPS Desktop.\n\n\nOf course, these are just the hardware for the base models of both desktops. Once the respective product listings of the XPS Desktop and Aurora R12 are up on \nDell\u2019s Malaysian online store\n by the end of this month, you will be able to configure the two desktops with more powerful hardware.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Alienware Aurora R12 and Dell XPS Desktop will be available for purchase in Malaysia by the end of this month. For the Malaysian market, the Aurora R12 starts at RM6,699, while the XPS Desktop retails from RM3,699.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/get-rm500-discount-on-the-acer-nitro-5-with-rtx-3060-today-only/", "title": "Get RM500 Discount on the Acer Nitro 5 With RTX 3060 Today Only", "body": "\n\nThe \nAcer Nitro 5\n gaming laptop has always offered really good value for money, and it has just been refreshed with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU for the Malaysian market. On top of that, those who pre-order the laptop today will receive a whopping RM500 discount as well.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the new Nitro 5 is available for the Malaysian market. Retailing at RM5,499, you can get a RM500 discount if you place your pre-order today on \nShopee\n or \nLazada\n, bringing down the price to only RM4,999. According to the listings, the Nitro 5 will start shipping by the end of this month.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a reasonably powerful gaming laptop. As mentioned, the Nitro 5 now comes with Nvidia\u2019s relatively new RTX 3060 GPU. Paired with an Intel Core i7-10750H, this laptop should be able to run most \u2013 if not all \u2013 AAA games quite well.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Nitro 5 include a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen with a fast 144Hz refresh rate, 8GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, as well as a four-zone RGB keyboard. Decent hardware for the money here, though we would definitely recommend upgrading the RAM to 16GB.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Nitro 5 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia today \nfor RM4,999\n; those who purchase the gaming laptop after today will have to pay the full RM5,499 price instead. The Nitro 5 will also start shipping by the end of this month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-a72-a52-a32-official-affordable-mid-rangers-with-90hz-amoled-screen/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy A72, A52 & A32 Official \u2013 Affordable Mid-Rangers With 90Hz AMOLED Screen", "body": "\n\nSamsung just unveiled a slew of new Galaxy A smartphones, including the Galaxy A72, the Galaxy A52, as well as the most affordable device in the series, the Galaxy A32. Unlike the Korean company\u2019s previous mid-rangers, these new Galaxy A smartphones have a pretty interesting feature set, including AMOLED displays with a fast 90Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the most interesting device of the bunch, the Galaxy A72. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G chipset, the A72 naturally sports the most sophisticated camera system. Its quad camera setup is made up of a 64MP f/1.8 primary sensor, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, an 8MP f/2.4 telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 5MP f/2.4 macro sensor.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy A72 include a 6.7-inch 1080p Super AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, a 32MP selfie camera, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of expandable storage, a generous 5,000mAh battery, and an IP67 rating.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the Galaxy A52. It shares many of the A72\u2019s hardware, including the same processor, RAM and storage capacities, as well as camera configuration, though it swaps out the 8MP telephoto lens for a 5MP f/2.4 depth sensor. Aside from that, the A52 also has a slightly smaller 90Hz 6.5-inch 1080p Super AMOLED and 4,500mAh battery.\n\n\nLast but not least is the Galaxy A32. Unlike its higher-end siblings, it does not have an IP67 rating, though it does still feature a 6.4-inch 1080p Super AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. It also comes with a MediaTek Helio G80 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, a quad camera system (64MP f/1.8 primary + 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle + 5MP f/2.4 depth + 5MP f/2.4 macro), a 20MP f/2.2 selfie camera, 128GB of expandable storage, and a 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on the Malaysian availability of the Samsung Galaxy A72, Galaxy A52, and Galaxy A32, but we expect to hear more from Samsung Malaysia very, very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/18-24-march-fuel-price-ron-97-up-7-sen/", "title": "18 \u2013 24 March Fuel Price: RON 97 up 7 Sen", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 is going up yet again in the next seven days. Set to go up by 7 sen per litre this midnight, the price of RON 95 and diesel remain the same, given that the price ceilings of the two have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 95 remains the same at RM2.05 per litre, while RON 97 costs RM2.47 per litre (up from RM2.40). As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre until 24 March next week.\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 18 to 24 March next week. New fuel prices will now be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-a72-hands-on-a-surprisingly-good-mid-ranger/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy A72 Hands-On: A Surprisingly Good Mid-Ranger", "body": "\n\nSamsung just revealed its \nnew range of Galaxy A smartphones\n yesterday, and the range-topping model of the series, the Samsung Galaxy A72, is quite an interesting mid-ranger. Not only does it have a 90Hz Super AMOLED display, it also has an IP67 rating and a pretty sophisticated camera system \u2013 hardware you don\u2019t typically find on a mid-range Samsung phone.\n\n\nI\u2019ve used the Galaxy A72 for a few days now, and I\u2019m actually quite surprised by how good it is. If Samsung Malaysia prices the A72 right, it could be a winner for the Korean phone maker.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the main highlights of the Galaxy A72 is definitely its 6.7-inch 1080p Super AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. Granted, many other mid-range smartphones have shipped with even faster displays \u2013 such as the \nRedmi Note 10 Pro\n\u2018s 120Hz AMOLED panel \u2013 but refresh rate isn\u2019t everything; screen quality matters too.\n\n\nIn the case of the Galaxy A72, its Super AMOLED screen has a peak brightness of 800 nits; not a lot of mid-range smartphones can achieve this level of brightness. The A72\u2019s panel itself also offers punchy, vibrant colours, as well as wide viewing angles. In short, you\u2019re getting a high quality screen with this smartphone, and even though the 90Hz refresh rate isn\u2019t awfully high, it\u2019s fast enough to provide a smooth user experience.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, there\u2019s also the quad camera system of the Galaxy A72. It is made up of a 64MP f/1.8 primary sensor, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, an 8MP f/2.4 telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 5MP f/2.4 macro camera. Collectively, these sensors allow the A72 to capture some pretty good-looking shots.\n\n\nWhile I have only captured a few shots with the Galaxy A72, the end results do look quite promising. Even in low light conditions, it still has good detail preservation and dynamic range. I\u2019ll still need to put the camera through its paces to really get a feel for the actual camera performance, but as far as I can tell right now, it feels very competent.\n\n\n\n\nAnother unique feature of the Galaxy A72 is its IP67 rating; a feature you don\u2019t see too often on mid-range smartphones. This allows the A72 to be submerged up to 1m underwater for 30 minutes, so you don\u2019t have to worry about water damage with this phone.\n\n\nHowever, while it\u2019s great that the Galaxy A72 has an IP67-rated chassis, its build quality leaves much to be desired. I do like the matte finish on the plastic back, but the plasticky frame of the phone doesn\u2019t exactly inspire confidence, and it\u2019s not particularly nice to the touch either. Of course, this \nis\n a mid-range smartphone, so there\u2019s only so much we can expect out of a phone at this price point.\n\n\n\n\nIn the performance department, the Galaxy A72 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G chipset. In my brief time with the phone so far, this chip seems to be able to provide a reasonably good level of performance. The phone feels fast and responsive, though it does struggle to run Genshin Impact at a consistent frame rate. But given that even flagship phones can\u2019t run the game particularly well, the fact that it\u2019s playable on the A72 is good enough.\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the battery life of the Galaxy A72. In my few days using the phone as my daily driver, I can comfortably get through a typical work day with the A72. This comes as no surprise, of course: it\u2019s packed with a very generous 5,000mAh battery after all.\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, the Samsung Galaxy A72 looks to be a promising mid-range smartphone with a pretty attractive feature set, including a relatively fast 90Hz Super AMOLED display, a competent quad camera system, and even an IP67 rating. The only thing is, Samsung Malaysia has not detailed the local pricing of the A72 yet, so it\u2019s hard to say if it is worth picking up or not.\n\n\nIf the Galaxy A72 is priced close to its predecessor, the \nGalaxy A71\n \u2013 which retailed at RM1,799 \u2013 it would be a good option for those who are looking to get a competent mid-ranger below RM2,000. However, if the A72 is priced above that price point, it would be tough to consider this phone over other devices in the same price range.\n\n\n\n\nThe thing is, there are many flagship smartphones above the RM2,000 price point that offer better value for money than the Galaxy A72. In order for this mid-range phone to be compelling enough, it has to be priced competitively. Hopefully, Samsung Malaysia will reveal the local availability (and price) of the Galaxy A72 very soon \u2013 it\u2019s really the Korean company\u2019s most interesting mid-ranger yet.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-5-vr-controller-revealed-adaptive-triggers-haptic-feedback-unique-orb-design/", "title": "PlayStation 5 VR Controller Revealed \u2013 Adaptive Triggers, Haptic Feedback, Unique \u201cOrb\u201d Design", "body": "\n\nThis is our very first look at the next generation VR controller for the \nPlayStation 5\n system. Sporting a unique \u201corb\u201d design, the new VR controller is also equipped with adaptive triggers and haptic feedback \u2013 two key hardware found in the PS5\u2019s \nDualSense\n controller.\n\n\nThe design of the PS5\u2019s VR controller is really one of its most eye-catching features. According to PlayStation, the unique orb-like shape of the controller allows gamers to hold it naturally. On top of that, it\u2019s also said to be well-balanced and comfortable to hold. It is \u201can iconic design that will change how VR games are played,\u201d as PlayStation puts it.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the new VR controller also features the DualSense\u2019s adaptive triggers and haptic feedback for an even more immersive gameplay experience. Interestingly, the next gen VR controller also has finger touch detection; it can \u201cdetect your fingers (without pressing any button) in the areas where you place your thumb, index, or middle fingers.\u201d\n\n\nIn retrospect, this new VR controller for the PS5 is the first \u201cproper\u201d controller made for PlayStation\u2019s VR system, which is really quite exciting. After all, the original PlayStation VR system for the PS4 (released in 2016) used the company\u2019s Move controller, which was released way back in 2010.\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s no release date yet for the Playstation 5\u2019s VR system, though Sony did say that it will not be launched in 2021. Nonetheless, it\u2019s shaping up to be quite a promising next generation VR system.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-2021-proton-iriz-crossover-spotted-with-orange-paint-job-dual-tone-interior/", "title": "Spy Shot: 2021 Proton Iriz Crossover Spotted With Orange Paint Job & Dual Tone Interior", "body": "\n\nThe \n2021 Proton Iriz facelift\n has been spotted in the wild yet again. This time around, it\u2019s the crossover version of the B-segment model, and it\u2019s the first time we\u2019ve seen one with an orange paint job. On top of that, we also get some shots of the interior, revealing a dual tone design.\n\n\nThese close-up images of the crossover-styled Iriz \u2013 evident by the roof rails \u2013 were taken by a reader of \nFuntasticko \nin Rompin, Pahang. Looking at the orange colourway of the car, it looks very similar to the Citric Orange paint of the \nProton X50\n, which was previously rumoured (alongside the Passion Red colour option) to be available on the 2021 Iriz.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the grille of the Iriz facelift has been reworked as well. In fact, it now looks very similar to the Infinite Weave grille of the Proton X50 and \nProton X70\n. With this in mind, there\u2019s a very good chance the new, circular Proton logo will be used on the 2021 Iriz too.\n\n\nBeyond the exterior, we also get some images of the facelifted Iriz\u2019s interior. Although the shots are not particularly clear, we can see that the car\u2019s interior is now sporting a dual tone black and red colour scheme. The rear passenger seat gets a bright red seat belt as well.\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Funtasticko, mass production of the 2021 Proton Iriz facelift \u2013 as well as the Persona facelift \u2013 is set to begin very, very soon. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the development of the new Iriz and Persona.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-samsung-galaxy-a72-hands-on/", "title": "Video: Samsung Galaxy A72 Hands-On", "body": "\n\nThe \nSamsung Galaxy A72\n is one of the more exciting mid-range smartphones to be released by the Korean company in recent times. If you\u2019re looking to get a new phone in this segment, you should really consider the A72. Not quite convinced? Then watch our video hands-on below!\n\n\nWhat makes the Galaxy A72 a rather unique mid-ranger is a number of features. Not only does it have a 6.7-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, it also has water and dust resistance thanks to its IP67 rating. Besides that, it has quite a sophisticated quad camera system as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, Samsung Malaysia has not revealed the local availability of the Galaxy A72 yet. Hopefully, the company will launch the device here soon \u2013 it\u2019ll be interesting to see how much the A72 will cost locally.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-grab-the-sony-wf-1000xm3-for-only-rm649/", "title": "Deal: Grab the Sony WF-1000XM3 for Only RM649", "body": "\n\nLaunched back in 2019, it\u2019s definitely been some time since the \nSony WF-1000XM3\n hit the market. That being said, it\u2019s still a very good pair of wireless earbuds with excellent active noise cancellation, and you can now get it \nfor only RM649\n.\n\n\nCompared to the launch price of the WF-1000XM3, you\u2019re \nsaving RM300 with this deal\n offered by Otakuya on Shopee. While this isn\u2019t the lowest price we\u2019ve seen the earbuds go for \u2013 it retailed \nas low as RM559.90\n at one point \u2013 this is the best price we\u2019ve seen in quite some time.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, given that the Sony WF-1000XM3 has been in the market for quite some time already, its successor (which has already been leaked) will be released in the near future. That being said, as mentioned, the WF-1000XM3 is still an excellent pair of wireless earbuds, especially \nfor only RM649\n. Check out \nour review\n if you\u2019d like to learn more about it.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-flow-x13-quick-review-fantastic-productivity-gaming-laptop/", "title": "Asus ROG Flow X13 Quick Review: Fantastic Productivity & Gaming Laptop", "body": "\n\nThe Asus ROG Flow X13 is quite a peculiar product. Although it\u2019s marketed as a gaming laptop, its feature set is more akin to that of a premium productivity laptop; a very good one, at that. Not only does the Flow X13 have a 16:10 display \u2013 typically only found on productivity-focused laptops \u2013 it also has a convertible form factor with very respectable battery life.\n\n\nOf course, once connected to the ROG XG Mobile external GPU enclosure, the ROG Flow X13 shows its true potential as a gaming machine. But on its own, it\u2019s really quite an accomplished productivity laptop that can also do some gaming on the side. If you\u2019re looking to get a premium productivity laptop, consider the Flow X13. You\u2019ll be surprised by how good it is.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n13.4-inch WUXGA IPS (1920 x 1200), 120Hz\nProcessor\nAMD Ryzen 9 5900HS (8C/16T, 3.1GHz with boost up to 4.5GHz)\nGPU\nNvidia GeForce GTX 1650 4GB GDDR6\nRAM\n16GB LPDDR4X\nStorage\n1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD\nCamera\n720p\nBattery\n62Wh\nDimensions\n299 x 222 x 15.8 mm\nWeight\n1.3kg\nAudio\nBottom-firing stereo speakers\nPorts\n2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort)\n1x HDMI 2.0b\n1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2\nPrice\nRM6,499\n\n\nThree distinct variants\n of the ROG Flow X13 are offered in Malaysia, and the one we got for this review is the Ryzen 9 5900HS model without the XG Mobile for RM6,499. The external GPU enclosure is bundled exclusively with the RM13,499 Flow X13 with an even faster Ryzen 9 5980HS processor paired with the XG Mobile\u2019s RTX 3080 GPU.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the only way to get the XG Mobile \u2013 which is really one of the biggest appeals of this gaming laptop \u2013 is to fork out RM13,499 for the range-topping Flow X13. The external GPU enclosure is not sold separately at the moment either; quite an odd decision by Asus.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s for this very reason why I think the Flow X13 (without the XG Mobile enclosure) is meant to appeal to folks who want a good productivity laptop \u2013 let me explain why in the following section.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nOne of the best qualities of the ROG Flow X13 has to be its excellent battery life. On average, I can get between seven to eight hours of use on a single charge, which is \nincredibly good\n for a laptop with such a powerful octa-core processor (Ryzen 9 5900HS) under the hood. This level of battery life certainly shows the power efficiency of AMD\u2019s chip despite its beefy performance.\n\n\nTo show just how powerful the Flow X13\u2019s Ryzen 9 5900HS processor really is, I put it through its paces in CineBench R20. Surprisingly enough, it can even keep up with the Ryzen 9 5900HX chip in the bigger \nROG Zephyrus Duo 15 SE\n; that\u2019s quite impressive. If you need a lot of processing power, you\u2019ll get exactly that with the Flow X13 and more.\n\n\nProcessor\nSingle-core test\nMulti-core test\nAMD Ryzen 9 5900HS (Asus ROG Flow X13)\n572\n4922\nAMD Ryzen 9 5900HX (Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 SE)\n566\n5461\nAMD Ryzen 9 4900HS (Asus ROG Zephyrus G14)\n481\n4173\nAMD Ryzen 7 4800H (Asus TUF Gaming A15)\n481\n4106\nIntel Core i7-10875H (Acer Predator Triton 500)\n483\n3773\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the screen of the ROG Flow X13, which is very pleasant to look at. The 13.4-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS display can get reasonably bright with punchy, vibrant colours, and it has good viewing angles as well. The fact that it also has a 16:10 aspect ratio \u2013 which won\u2019t feel quite as cramped as more mainstream 16:9 displays \u2013 makes it ideal for productivity tasks too.\n\n\nI really appreciate the convertible nature of the Flow X13 as well. I can put it in tent mode when I don\u2019t need the physical keyboard to bring the screen closer to me \u2013 Asus said this will also improve the cooling performance of the laptop \u2013 and I can even push the display all the way back to turn it into a tablet. However, tipping the scales at 1.3kg, it\u2019s not exactly a very comfortable \u201ctablet\u201d to lug around.\n\n\n\n\nAnother reason why the ROG Flow X13 would serve as a fantastic productivity laptop are its input devices. The keyboard, for one, is quite comfortable to type on with just enough key travel to not feel shallow; the very pronounced tactile bump makes for a pleasant typing experience as well. As for the trackpad, it can track my fingers accurately too, much like how the trackpad of a good productivity laptop behaves.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the minimalist design of the Flow X13. Unlike other gaming laptops with an aggressive, \u201cloud\u201d design, the Flow X13 is the complete opposite. It doesn\u2019t call attention to itself, and it can easily pass off as a productivity laptop. In my book, that\u2019s a good thing.\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nEven though the ROG Flow X13 has a lot of good things going for it, it still has a number of shortcomings. Because it is only powered by a GTX 1650 GPU, its gaming performance\u2026isn\u2019t particularly great when it\u2019s not connected to the ROG XG Mobile external GPU enclosure.\n\n\nWhile the GTX 1650 can easily run more casual games at maxed out settings (such as \nGenshin Impact\n), it struggles to keep up with more demanding AAA titles like, say, Borderlands 3. In order for me to get playable frame rate in this game \u2013 that is, above 30fps \u2013 I need to lower down the graphics settings quite a bit.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the system noise of the Flow X13 could be better too. Outside of gaming, the laptop is basically whisper quiet, but once I get into a game, the fans definitely make themselves heard. The palm rest area gets warm to the touch as well, but at least it\u2019s not to the point where it feels uncomfortable.\n\n\nThere\u2019s also one other small niggle of the Flow X13 that I don\u2019t quite like: the keyboard gets scuffed quite easily. After just a few days of use, the keys are visibly scuffed by my fingernails. Thankfully, it can be wiped away without much trouble, but it does mar the premium appeal of the laptop a little bit.\n\n\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nRetailing from RM5,999, the Asus ROG Flow X13 is not an affordable laptop, but that\u2019s really the going price of premium-class laptops. On top of that, the Flow X13 actually offers better value for money than a typical productivity laptop in the same price range.\n\n\nAfter all, you\u2019re getting a \npowerful\n processor with this laptop, not to mention respectable battery life, good build quality, and a fast 120Hz screen. Although the Flow X13\u2019s GTX 1650 GPU isn\u2019t the most capable graphics card, it\u2019s still miles better than the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics found in other productivity laptops at this price point.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want an excellent productivity laptop with a reasonably good dedicated GPU to do some gaming, then I wholeheartedly recommend the ROG Flow X13. But if you expect it to be able to run AAA games effortlessly, then this is not the gaming laptop for you\u2026unless you plan to fork out RM13,499 for the ROG XG Mobile bundle, which would definitely offer high-end gaming performance.\n\n\nHopefully, Asus would sell the XG Mobile as a separate add-on in the near future. Even though the Flow X13 is an accomplished laptop on its own, the ability to easily give it more graphics power would make it that much more appealing.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-a72-a52-a32-malaysian-pricing-revealed-starts-at-rm1099/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy A72, A52 & A32 Malaysian Pricing Revealed \u2013 Starts at RM1,099", "body": "\n\nSamsung Malaysia just revealed the local pricing of its \nnew Galaxy A smartphones\n. These include the Galaxy A32, Galaxy A32 5G, Galaxy A52, as well as the range-topping Galaxy A72. Retailing from RM1,099, the latest Galaxy A smartphones are relatively affordable.\n\n\nOf course, the RM1,099 starting price is for the Galaxy A32 with 128GB of storage and 8GB RAM. A tier up is the Galaxy A32 5G with the same storage and RAM capacities for RM1,199. Another tier up the price bracket is the Galaxy A52 with 256GB of storage and 8GB RAM, which retails at RM1,499. Finally, there\u2019s the highest-end Galaxy A72 (256GB/8GB) for RM1,899.\n\n\n\n\nOut of the four devices, the Galaxy A72 is naturally the most exciting one. For RM1,899, it offers a Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G chipset, a rather sophisticated quad camera system (64MP f/1.8 primary + 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle + 8MP f/2.4 telephoto + 5MP f/2.4 macro), as well as an IP67 rating \u2013 not a feature you typically find on a mid-range smartphone.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy A72 include a 6.7-inch 1080p Super AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, a 32MP selfie camera, a microSD card slot, as well as a generous 5,000mAh battery, which is able to return very good battery life in our testing so far.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the 2021 Samsung Galaxy A series retails from RM1,099 to RM1,899 in Malaysia, and they will be available for purchase from 26 March onwards. If you\u2019re not sure if the Galaxy A72 is for you, then check out \nour hands-on of the phone\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/poco-f3-poco-x3-pro-with-new-snapdragon-870-snapdragon-860-chips-official-starts-at-rm999-in-malaysia/", "title": "Poco F3 & Poco X3 Pro With New Snapdragon 870 & Snapdragon 860 Chips Official \u2013 Starts at RM999 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nPoco just unveiled two very interesting (and affordable) flagship smartphones: the Poco F3 and Poco X3 Pro. What makes these two devices particularly interesting is the new Qualcomm chipsets powering them. Under the hood of the Poco F3 is the Snapdragon 870 processor, while the Poco X3 Pro gets a Snapdragon 860 chip.\n\n\nOut of the two smartphones, the Poco F3 is the higher-end offering. The Snapdragon 870 powering the phone is basically a faster version of the Snapdragon 865; both chipsets share the same CPU and GPU. Aside from that, it also has a 6.67-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Poco F3 include a triple camera system (48MP f/1.79 primary + 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle +  5MP f/2.4 telemacro), a 20MP selfie camera, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and a 4,520mAh battery.\n\n\nThe Poco F3\nThe Poco X3 Pro\n\n\nIf you want something more affordable, there\u2019s the Poco X3 Pro. As mentioned, it\u2019s powered by the equally new Snapdragon 860 chipset, which is an improved version of the Snapdragon 855. Yes, you\u2019ve guessed it: both of these chips share the same CPU and GPU, much like how the Snapdragon 870 and Snapdragon 865 are similar to each other.\n\n\nRounding out the hardware of the Poco X3 Pro are a 6.67-inch 1080p LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, a quad camera system (48MP f/1.79 primary + 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle + 2MP f/2.4 macro + 2MP f/2.4 depth), a 20MP selfie camera, a side fingerprint sensor, and a large 5,160mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\nThe Poco X3 Pro will be available in Malaysia first \non 24 March\n; the 128GB + 6GB model retails at RM999, while the 256GB + 8GB configuration costs RM1,299. As for the Poco F3, it will be \navailable from 27 March\n onwards for RM1,399 (128GB + 6GB) and RM1,699 (256GB + 8GB). If you purchase either one of these two phones on their respective first day of sale, you can get a pretty good discount as well.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-x60-series-lands-in-malaysia-snapdragon-870-smartphones-with-zeiss-optics-from-rm2699/", "title": "Vivo X60 Series Lands in Malaysia \u2013 Snapdragon 870 Smartphones With Zeiss Optics From RM2,699", "body": "\n\nVivo just launched its latest Vivo X60 series of flagship smartphones in Malaysia. The series is made up of the standard Vivo X60, as well as the more premium Vivo X60 Pro. The standout feature of these two devices \u2013 aside from the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset powering them \u2013 is their camera systems, which is co-engineered with Zeiss.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, only a single variant of the X60 and X60 Pro are available in Malaysia. The X60 with 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM retails at RM2,699, while the X60 Pro with the same storage and RAM capacities goes for RM3,299. While these are pretty steep price tags for Snapdragon 870 smartphones, they \nare\n pretty capable high-end devices.\n\n\n\n\nBoth the X60 and X60 Pro have very similar hardware. These include a triple camera system (48MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide angle + 13MP telephoto portrait) with Zeiss optics \u2013 though only the Pro model\u2019s primary sensor has a gimbal stabilisation system \u2013 a 32MP selfie camera, as well as a Snapdragon 870 chipset, which is essentially an upgraded version of the Snapdragon 865.\n\n\nOf course, there are still a number of notable differences between the X60 and X60 Pro. Although both of them have a 6.56-inch 2376 x 1080 AMOLED screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, the Pro model has a dual curved screen; the standard X60 features a flat display instead. Aside from that, the X60 Pro comes with a 4,200mAh battery, while the regular model has a slightly bigger 4,300mAh cell.\n\n\n\n\nThe Vivo X60 and X60 Pro are now available for pre-order in Malaysia for RM2,699 and RM3,299 respectively. You can place your pre-order on Vivo\u2019s official \nShopee\n or \nLazada\n store.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2021-oled-nintendo-switch-to-feature-new-nvidia-chip-with-dlss-support/", "title": "2021 OLED Nintendo Switch to Feature New Nvidia Chip With DLSS Support", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019re getting more details on the upcoming \n2021 Nintendo Switch\n with (supposedly) an OLED display. According to a new report from \nBloomberg\n, the updated Switch will reportedly come with a new chip from Nvidia, complete with Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) support for improved graphics performance.\n\n\nGiven that the 2021 Switch is said to be able to output 4K content when it\u2019s connected to a TV, DLSS \u2013 which essentially renders a game at a lower resolution but with improved quality \u2013 is a good method to achieve that. DLSS is currently only offered on Nvidia\u2019s RTX GPUs, so it\u2019ll be interesting to see exactly how a portable console like the Switch will support this feature.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Bloomberg report also revealed that the new Switch will allegedly be released by the end of the year. On top of that, a price increase is believed to be happening too, though it remains to be seen by exactly how much. To provide context, the Switch currently retails at $299 (about RM1,230) in the US.\n\n\nSo far, rumours are suggesting that the new Switch will come with a number of neat upgrades. Aside from the new Nvidia chip with support for DLSS, it is believed to feature a larger 7-inch OLED screen than the current model\u2019s smaller 6.2-inch LCD panel. The resolution of the OLED display, on the other hand, will remain at 720p.\n\n\n\n\nThe 2021 OLED Nintendo Switch is definitely shaping up to be quite the upgrade over the current model. We expect to hear more about the new version as we approach its tentative release date towards the end of the year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apps-crashing-on-your-android-phone-update-the-webview-app-chrome-now/", "title": "Apps Crashing on Your Android Phone? Update the WebView App & Chrome Now", "body": "\n\nHaving issues with app crashing on your Android phone recently? Then you\u2019ll need to update the Android System WebView app and Google Chrome. The issue is caused by the WebView app, which allows Android apps to display web content.\n\n\nWe personally had this issue with our Android device. We couldn\u2019t access \nGenshin Impact\n, and certain apps such as Gmail and Foodpanda crashed upon startup. But once we\u2019ve updated the Android System WebView app and Google Chrome to the latest version, we no longer have these issues.\n\n\n\n\nYou can update the \nAndroid System WebView\n app and \nGoogle Chrome\n to the latest version on the Google Play Store right now. It can be frustrating to have your apps not work as intended out of the blue, but at least Google is quick to solve the issue.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/you-can-now-recycle-your-electronics-with-volvos-e-waste-green-box/", "title": "You Can Now Recycle Your Electronics With Volvo\u2019s E-waste Green Box", "body": "\n\nVolvo Car Malaysia (VCM) just announced a new effort with E-waste Recycling Through Heroes (ERTH) to properly dispose off electronic waste. If you have smartphones, laptops, monitors, or even PC peripherals that are no longer functional, you can now just recycle them at any authorised Volvo dealership with the E-waste Green Box program.\n\n\nBasically, you\u2019ll just need to bring electronic items that you want to dispose off to a Volvo dealership and drop them off in the E-waste Green Box; e-waste that are accepted include any device or component that run on electricity or battery. Of course, they have to be small enough to fit into the box, though you can book for a pickup for bulky items with \nERTH itself\n.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, do note that light bulbs or neon lights are not accepted, as there\u2019s a risk of them breaking in the box or while being transported. E-waste that are collected in the box are also properly recycled, repurposed, or disposed off. \u201cERTH are locally processing 100% of the e-waste and not exporting any of it to developing countries,\u201d as the company puts it.\n\n\nThis initiative is in line with Volvo\u2019s Green Planet program, which focuses on the carmaker becoming a greener and more sustainable brand, including reducing its carbon footprint. \u201cOur hope is to create a greener future for the generation to come by efficiently removing e-waste from landfill,\u201d said VCM.\n\n\n\n\nYou can head on to \nVCM\u2019s official website\n to find out more about the E-waste Green Box program. You can also look for the nearest authorised Volvo dealership \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2021-asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-with-rtx-3060-coming-to-malaysia-in-april-priced-at-rm7699/", "title": "2021 Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 With RTX 3060 Coming to Malaysia in April \u2013 Priced at RM7,699", "body": "\n\nAsus Malaysia just revealed the local availability of one of our favourite gaming laptops, the \nAsus ROG Zephyrus G14\n. Updated with Nvidia\u2019s RTX 3060 GPU and AMD\u2019s latest Ryzen 9 5900HS processor, the compact 14-inch gaming laptop is even better now. The best part is, there\u2019s no price increase either.\n\n\nHowever, unlike the many different configurations available \nfor its predecessor\n, only one variant of the 2021 Zephyrus G14 is offered in Malaysia. Thankfully, it\u2019s the range-topping RM7,699 model of the gaming laptop that is available here, which comes with the aforementioned RTX 3060 GPU and Ryzen 9 5900HS processor. This price tag is unchanged from last year\u2019s top-of-the-line variant.\n\n\n\n\nAside from the reasonably powerful GPU and CPU combo, the new Zephyrus G14 also features a fast and sharp 14-inch 2560 x 1440 IPS screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. Previously, the range-topping model last year only had a 60Hz display, so this is certainly a nice upgrade. Of course, the panel is still Pantone Validated panel for colour accuracy.\n\n\nOther specifications of the updated Zephyrus G14 include 16GB of RAM, a 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD, as well as a 76Wh battery. Basically, the same hardware you get with the 2020 model, which is no surprise. After all, even the design is unchanged, so you still get the unique (and customisable) AniMe Matrix LED lighting on the top lid.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2021 Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 will be available for purchase in Malaysia next month in April 2021. Retailing at RM7,699, it\u2019s unmistakably positioned as a premium gaming laptop, which it certainly is. If you want to learn more about the laptop, check out our review of the 2020 model \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/25-31-march-fuel-price-ron-97-goes-up-again/", "title": "25 \u2013 31 March Fuel Price: RON 97 Goes up Again", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 is going up yet again in the next seven days. Set to go up by 3 sen per litre this midnight, the price of RON 95 and diesel remain the same, given that the price ceilings of the two have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 95 remains the same at RM2.05 per litre, while RON 97 costs RM2.50 per litre (up from RM2.47). As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre until 31 March next week.\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 25 to 31 March next week. New fuel prices will now be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-rtx-3060-gaming-laptop-costs-only-rm4699-in-malaysia/", "title": "This RTX 3060 Gaming Laptop Costs Only RM4,699 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nAside from the \n2021 Asus ROG Zephyrus G14\n, Asus Malaysia also detailed the local availability of another RTX 3060 gaming laptop: it\u2019s a new variant of the \nAsus TUF Dash F15\n. But unlike the G14, the Dash F15 is far more affordable with potentially better gaming performance as well.\n\n\nTwo new variants of the Dash F15 are available in Malaysia. The RM4,699 base model features an Intel Core i5-11300H processor paired with 8GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen with a 144Hz refresh rate, as well as an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU with an 85W TGP. It\u2019s worth noting that this is higher than the Zephyrus G14\u2019s 80W TGP, so the F15 (theoretically) offers slightly better gaming performance.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want a faster processor and more RAM, you can opt for the RM5,499 configuration of the Dash F15. Basically, you\u2019ll be paying RM800 more to upgrade the processor to a Core i7-11370H chip. You also get double the RAM at 16GB, but other specifications of this variant remain the same as the aforementioned base model.\n\n\nThose who want the absolute best value for your money should really consider the Core i5 variant of the Dash F15. After all, it is an RTX 3060 gaming laptop with a reasonably high 85W TGP, and the Core i5-11300H processor should be able to keep up with the GPU. However, considering upgrading the RAM to 16GB; 8GB is really the bare minimum here.\n\n\n\n\nBoth variants of the Asus TUF Dash F15 will be landing in Malaysia next month in April 2021, just like the 2021 ROG Zephyrus G14. To recap, the base Core i5 model of the Dash F15 retails at RM4,699, while the faster Core i7 configuration costs RM5,499.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-hit-1-billion-revenue-on-mobile-in-less-than-6-months/", "title": "Genshin Impact Hit $1 Billion Revenue (on Mobile) in Less Than 6 Months", "body": "\n\nGenshin Impact\n is proving to be a real success for Mihoyo. According to analyst \nSensor Tower\n, the hit game has achieved an impressive $1 billion revenue in less than six months\u2026on mobile alone. In fact, this is the fastest game to generate this amount of revenue on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store combined.\n\n\nTo put this into context, the extremely popular Pokemon Go mobile game only got to the $1 billion mark in nine months. Sensor Tower further added that the average daily revenue of Genshin Impact stands at around $5.8 million right now, and it spikes considerably when new characters are released.\n\n\n\n\nAs per the image above, the introduction of Zhongli sees Genshin Impact\u2019s revenue spike up to a whopping $15.5 million on the \nfirst day\n of the character\u2019s release. This is followed closely by Xiao at $15.1 million, while Ganyu and Hu Tao aren\u2019t that far behind at $14.8 million and $12.9 million respectively.\n\n\nAgain, keep in mind that this $1 billion mark is just Genshin Impact\u2019s revenue on mobile alone. Player spending in Genshin Impact on other platforms, including PC and PlayStation, are not taken into account in Sensor Tower\u2019s report. With this in mind, there\u2019s a good chance the total revenue of the game is quite a bit higher than $1 billion now.\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt Genshin Impact is an immensely successful game, and this can be attributed to the fact that Mihoyo is continuously updating the game with new characters, events, and features to keep the experience fresh. Check out our \nother coverage of Genshin Impact\n to learn more about it, including our \nlong-term review\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-a72-quick-review-unique-enough-to-stand-out/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy A72 Quick Review: Unique Enough to Stand Out", "body": "\n\nThe mid-range smartphone market is a hotly contested segment with many, many devices that stand out by offering fast performance or a high refresh rate screen at an affordable price point. In the case of the Samsung Galaxy A72, however, this isn\u2019t the case. Retailing at RM1,899, it\u2019s not the most affordable device in the segment, and it doesn\u2019t offer class-leading performance either.\n\n\nBut the Galaxy A72 does have other unique features that let it stand out in this crowded segment, including a sophisticated camera system, a vibrant Super AMOLED screen, and of course, an IP67 rating. I\u2019ve been using the phone for a couple of weeks now, and while the A72 doesn\u2019t offer particularly good value for money, it definitely has its own charms to justify the higher than usual price tag.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED (2400 x 1080), 90Hz\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 720G 2.3GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 618\nRAM\n8GB\nStorage\n256GB, expandable\nCamera (rear)\n64MP f/1.8, PDAF, OIS\n12MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide angle)\n8MP f/2.4 (telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom\n5MP f/2.4 (macro)\nCamera (front)\n32MP f/2.2\nBattery\n5,000mAh\nDimensions\n165.0 x 77.4 x 8.4 mm\nWeight\n203g\nOS\nOne UI 3.1 based on Android 11\nConnectivity\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM1,899\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Galaxy A72 is offered in Malaysia, which offers 256GB of expandable storage and 8GB of RAM for RM1,899. It\u2019s quite a generous amount of storage, which justifies the price tag of the phone to an extent. Of course, as mentioned, you\u2019re also getting a water-resistant phone for that kind of money \u2013 a feature you don\u2019t typically find on devices at this price point.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nSince we\u2019re on the topic already, let\u2019s talk about the IP67 rating of the Galaxy A72. While it\u2019s not the most exciting feature, it\u2019s definitely a unique selling point for this mid-range smartphone. After all, even most flagship-class phones are not water-resistant. The fact that the A72 can be submerged up to 1m underwater for 30 minutes can be a huge selling point to certain folks.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, there\u2019s also the 6.7-inch 1080p Super AMOLED screen of the Galaxy A72. Thanks to the 90Hz refresh rate, every animation on the screen looks smooth, even though it\u2019s not quite as fast as a 120Hz panel. Really, the 90Hz refresh rate is more than good enough to provide a smooth, responsive user experience.\n\n\nBut more importantly, the screen quality of the Galaxy A72 is markedly better than its competition at this price point. Its display is much more vibrant, brighter, and it has better viewing angles too. Samsung makes some of the best panels in the business, and the A72\u2019s screen quality is a testament of this.\n\n\n\n\nBattery life of the Galaxy A72 is quite respectable as well. On average, I can get between six to seven hours of screen on time out of the 5,000mAh battery. Bear in mind that I\u2019m quite a heavy smartphone user \u2013 with a few rounds of \nGenshin Impact\n here and there \u2013 so if you\u2019re a lighter user, I imagine you can get up to two days of use on a single charge.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the camera performance of the Galaxy A72\u2019s quad camera system. It is made up of a 64MP f/1.8 primary sensor, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, an 8MP f/2.4 telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 5MP f/2.4 macro camera. Overall, this camera configuration performs relatively well.\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n64MP primary\n8MP telephoto (3x zoom)\n64MP primary\n64MP primary\n\n\nWhile the camera interface does feel more sluggish in low light conditions, the Galaxy A72 can still snap good-looking shots in less than ideal lighting. It has decent detail preservation, dynamic range, and sharpness. The different focal lengths of the camera system also make it a versatile shooter, which is (again) not offered by many other phones in this price range.\n\n\nOf course, the Galaxy A72 doesn\u2019t have the best camera performance in the segment, but it is good enough for all intents and purposes. Plus, its versatility really is one of the main highlights here; all four sensors of the quad camera setup are actually functional. Unlike other phones with multiple camera lenses, these sensors are no mere gimmicks.\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWith the Galaxy A72 being a mid-range device, it\u2019s not held to the same high standards of Samsung\u2019s more premium flagship smartphones. This is evident from the lacklustre build quality of the phone. While I quite like the matte finish on the plastic back of the A72, its plastic frame doesn\u2019t feel particularly nice to the touch. Some parts of the frame even creak with applied pressure; this doesn\u2019t exactly inspire confidence.\n\n\nThe performance level of the Galaxy A72 is another shortcoming as well. While the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G chipset can deliver adequate performance, it still pales in comparison to, say, the Snapdragon 870 processor that\u2019s found in the \nPoco F3\n. This is an important comparison, given that the F3 sits at a lower price point \u2013 it retails from only RM1,399 \u2013 than the A72.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the price tag of the Galaxy A72. Retailing at RM1,899, its value proposition isn\u2019t quite as good as the aforementioned Poco F3; even the 256GB + 8GB configuration of Poco\u2019s offering costs only RM1,699. For RM200 less, you\u2019re getting much better performance, not to mention a faster 120Hz AMOLED screen.\n\n\nGranted, the Galaxy A72 still has a more versatile camera performance and an IP67 rating. The Poco F3, despite its faster chipset, screen, and more affordable price tag, doesn\u2019t compare to the A72 in these two regards.\n\n\nIs it Worth It?\n\n\nIf you want a mid-range smartphone with water resistance, a reasonably good, versatile camera performance, long battery life, as well as a vibrant, relatively fast 90Hz Super AMOLED display, the Samsung Galaxy A72 is a great option. There aren\u2019t many smartphones that combine this feature set with a water-resistant chassis, which is what makes the A72 a unique mid-ranger.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes, there are other smartphones that offer better performance for the money, but processing power is just one aspect of what makes a smartphone\u2026well, good. Even though it\u2019s not the fastest phone, the Galaxy A72 aces it in other regards. In my opinion, it\u2019s certainly a mid-ranger worth considering, especially for its water-resistant chassis and vibrant Super AMOLED display.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-presents-special-edition-models-to-4-lucky-winners-at-1-million-dreams-grand-finale-event/", "title": "Honda Presents Special Edition Models to 4 Lucky Winners at 1 Million Dreams Grand Finale Event", "body": "\n\nAt its 1 Million Dreams grand finale event, Honda Malaysia presented four of its \u201c1 Million Dreams\u201d special edition models to their lucky new owners. These include the Civic, Accord, CR-V, and Jazz; the latter being reserved for frontliners to win.\n\n\nThe winners of the new special edition models are Chuah Sze Yong (Civic), Lim Lye-Gaik (CR-V), Abdul Hakim Bin Mohd Radz (Accord), and of course, Shaiful Rezza Bin Abdul Razak (Jazz), who is a police officer. Over the course of the 1 Million Dreams campaign, over 155,600 entries were received in just one month.\n\n\n\n\nNow, there are actually three other models that have not been given to winners yet, including the HR-V (Shopee), City (Cuckoo), and BR-V (Watsons). The winners for these special edition models will only be selected sometime in April by the respective brands, so you still stand a chance to win these models by joining the contests organised by them.\n\n\nAside from giving away these special edition Honda models, the carmaker is also organising a funfair-like event in Bukit Jalil right now to celebrate achieving 1 million sales here in Malaysia. The activities available there include a ferris wheel, merry-go-round, bumper cars, and even the opportunity to test drive Honda cars. Naturally, strict SOPs are enforced at the event to keep visitors safe.\n\n\n\n\nThe 1 Million Dreams Grand Finale funfair is happening today and tomorrow (28 March) from 10AM to 10PM at Stadium Bukit Jalil Car Park C. Admissions are free, so if you\u2019re interested to check out any Honda model \u2013 and have some family fun \u2013 head on to the funfair this weekend!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ev-innovations-mykar-project-wants-to-bring-ev-to-the-masses-in-malaysia/", "title": "EV Innovations\u2019 MyKar Project Wants to Bring EV to the Masses in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nEV Innovations, an electric vehicle startup based here in Malaysia, wants to bring EV to the masses both locally and in the ASEAN market with its MyKar project. The company just signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) as well as Ingress Corporation Berhad to further develop the project into a roadworthy vehicle.\n\n\nThe MOA between EV Innovations and MARii is for the homologation process of the former\u2019s prototype EV, which is actually based on the Honda Jazz (to an extent). The doors and suspension of the MyKar prototype are taken from the Jazz, but the chassis and mechanical parts of the EV are designed and fabricated by DNT Auto.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the outer layer and body of the vehicle are fabricated by DK Composites, while the electronics control, instrumentation, and integration are based on the technology developed by System Consultancy Services (SCS). It\u2019s worth noting that EV Innovations is actually a subsidiary of SCS.\n\n\nAs for the MOA between EV Innovations and Ingress Corporation Berhad, it\u2019s for the manufacturing of parts for MyKar. With MARii and Ingress Corporation on board, EV Innovations\u2019 goal of building an EV that is \u201caffordable, practical, and easily integrated into the current Malaysian automotive ecosystem\u201d is closer to becoming a reality.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWhile we have come a long way from our first proof of concept prototype, there is still quite a journey to go through in order to achieve our vision.\u201d With this in mind, EV Innovations is \u201copen for partners who would want to make this dream a reality, be it an institutional strategy partner, or an individual retail investor that wants a piece of the Malaysian dream,\u201d as the company puts it.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-vivo-x60-pro-unboxing/", "title": "Video: Vivo X60 Pro Unboxing", "body": "\n\nThe Vivo X60 series was launched here in Malaysia just last week, and it\u2019s quite an interesting lineup of premium, high-end smartphones. If you\u2019re interested in the X60 Pro, the range-topping device in the series, here\u2019s our unboxing (and quick hands-on) of the phone!\n\n\nOn paper, the X60 Pro is quite an impressive flagship-class smartphone. It features Qualcomm\u2019s new Snapdragon 870 chipset \u2013 which seems to be quite capable \u2013 a triple camera system (48MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide angle + 13MP telephoto portrait) with Zeiss optics, a 6.56-inch 2376 x 1080 AMOLED dual curved screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, as well as a 4,200mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRetailing at RM3,299, the Vivo X60 Pro is unmistakably a costly smartphone, but it could justify this steep asking price once we put it through its paces in a full review. Stay tuned to Nextrift for that!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/prism-x300-review-excellent-200hz-curved-ultrawide-gaming-monitor-for-rm1199/", "title": "PRISM+ X300 Review: Excellent 200Hz Curved Ultrawide Gaming Monitor for RM1,299", "body": "\n\nUpdate 25 May:\n The price of the PRISM+ X300 has been increased to RM1,299 (from RM1,199) due to the global shortage of electronic components. But at this price point, the X300 still provides good value for money. This review has been updated to reflect this price change.\n\n\nBudget-friendly gaming monitors are aplenty in the market, but you don\u2019t often see an affordable gaming monitor like the PRISM+ X300. Not only does it have a blazing fast 200Hz refresh rate, it also has a 30-inch 2560 x 1080 curved ultrawide panel \u2013 all for only RM1,299.\n\n\nAt this price point, you\u2019d be hard-pressed to look for another monitor with a similar feature set. Of course, the X300 does have a number of shortcomings, and we\u2019ll cover that \u2013 along with why it\u2019s still a very attractive gaming monitor \u2013 in this review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe PRISM+ X300 is a 30-inch 2560 x 1080 curved (1800R) ultrawide gaming monitor with a fast 200Hz VA panel. If you\u2019re into fast-paced, competitive games like Valorant or Apex Legends, this high refresh rate will ensure that you get good motion clarity to get the competitive edge.\n\n\nAside from that, the X300 also supports adaptive sync to eliminate screen tearing, which works with both AMD and Nvidia GPUs. As for connectivity, it has a DisplayPort 1.2 connection, an HDMI 2.0 input, as well as two HDMI 1.4 ports \u2013 a generous selection of connectivity options.\n\n\n\n\nAt the time this review is published, the X300 retails at only RM1,299 here in Malaysia. That being said, we were told this is a limited time offer, and the price of this monitor could change in the future.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nWithout a doubt the best selling point of the X300 is its high 200Hz native refresh rate. Basically, this monitor can churn out 200 frames per second, so whether I\u2019m playing a fast-paced game or just browsing the web, every single motion on this monitor looks \nextra\n smooth. The panel\u2019s 2560 x 1080 resolution also means that modern graphics card can push out enough frames to take advantage of the 200Hz refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\nWhat about the adaptive sync feature of the X300? To put this to the test, I connected the \nAsus ROG Zephyrus G14\n with an Nvidia RTX 2060 Max-Q GPU to this gaming monitor, and as far as I can tell, there\u2019s no noticeable screen tearing. Of course, it\u2019s entirely possible the high 200Hz refresh rate of the panel is masking any screen tearing.\n\n\nIn terms of the X300\u2019s display quality, it\u2019s really quite decent with a good amount of contrast. Now, keep in mind that this is first and foremost a gaming monitor with a VA panel, so it doesn\u2019t offer the most vibrant colours or widest viewing angles \u2013 especially in comparison to an IPS screen. But for the most part, it has a decent quality display that will satisfy the average consumer.\n\n\n\n\nBecause this is an ultrawide monitor, the X300 has a (surprise surprise) very wide 21:9 aspect ratio as well. This gives you \na lot\n of screen real estate to work with, so not only does games feel more immersive \u2013 which is further amplified by the curved nature of the screen \u2013 it\u2019s even ideal for productivity tasks. You can have multiple windows displayed at the same time without feeling cramped, for example.\n\n\nWith all of these positives in mind, it\u2019s quite a surprise that the X300 only costs RM1,299 now; you\u2019re really getting your money\u2019s worth. On top of that, this monitor has a three-year warranty with one-to-one exchange too \u2013 that\u2019s really good warranty coverage.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nNow, even though I said the PRISM+ X300\u2019s screen quality is good enough for the average consumer, there\u2019s obviously still room for improvement. Although a VA panel offers good contrast ratio, it still looks a little washed out, and colours do shift slightly when looking at the screen from an angle. Aside from that, I wish the screen was a tad brighter as well.\n\n\nColours shift a little when viewed at an angle\nNo height adjustment here\n\n\nAnother aspect of the X300 that I don\u2019t quite like is the lack of adjustability. The monitor cannot be swiveled, and there\u2019s no height adjustment either, so it can be a little tricky to get the best viewing angle. That being said, the same can be said of other monitors at this price point. Height adjustment, in particular, is a feature usually reserved for more premium (and costly) gaming monitors.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nDespite its shortcomings, the sheer value for money the PRISM+ X300 offers easily make up for them. Not only does it offer a very fast 200Hz refresh rate, its curved, ultrawide panel is also ideal for gaming and work. The wide 21:9 aspect ratio makes for an immersive gaming experience, and I have a lot of screen real estate for productivity tasks as well.\n\n\n\n\nAgain, for only RM1,299 \u2013 even though this price may change in the future \u2013 the X300 is a really, \nreally\n good buy. If you want a curved ultrawide gaming monitor with a fast refresh rate that gives you plenty value for your money, the X300 is easily one of the best options in the market now.\n\n\nKeen to get the X300? Then head on to \nPRISM+\u2019s Malaysian website\n or its \nofficial Lazada store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/1-7-april-fuel-price-ron-97-up-2-sen/", "title": "1 \u2013 7 April Fuel Price: RON 97 up 2 Sen", "body": "\n\nAnother week, another price increase. The price of RON 97 is set to go up by 2 sen per litre this midnight, while the price of RON 95 and diesel remain the same, given that the price ceilings of the two have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 95 remains the same at RM2.05 per litre, while RON 97 costs RM2.52 per litre (up from RM2.50). As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre until 7 April next week.\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 1 to 7 April next week. New fuel prices will now be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-arriving-on-playstation-5-in-spring-2021-with-4k-dualsense-support/", "title": "Genshin Impact Arriving on PlayStation 5 in Spring 2021 With 4K & DualSense Support", "body": "\n\nMihoyo just announced that the PlayStation 5 version of its hit game \nGenshin Impact\n will be released soon. At the moment, the game is available on the next generation console via backward compatibility with the PS4 version, so once the proper PS5 version is released, it will come with a number of improvements.\n\n\nThe biggest improvement with the PS5 version of Genshin Impact is definitely support for 4K resolution. Of course, given that the PS5 has a very fast SSD, players can expect faster loading times as well. Long loading times is one of the biggest issues with the current PS4 version, so this is a welcomed improvement.\n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact comes to PlayStation 5 with enhanced visuals, fast loading, and DualSense controller support.\nFace (and wield) the elements of Teyvat this Spring. \npic.twitter.com/y9QQGID8Js\n\u2014 PlayStation (@PlayStation) \nMarch 31, 2021\n\n\n\n\nAccording to PlayStation, DualSense support will (naturally) be added too, though it remains to be seen how extensively Mihoyo will implement the controller\u2019s various features. It\u2019ll be great if the PS5 version of Genshin Impact will make use of the DualSense\u2019s adaptive triggers and refined haptic feedback.\n\n\nAlthough Mihoyo only mentioned that Genshin Impact will arrive on the PS5 soon, PlayStation gave a more specific spring 2021 release timeframe. That\u2019s still quite vague, of course, though it\u2019s safe to assume it will be released \u2013 at the latest \u2013 sometime in June 2021.\n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact is currently available on various platforms, including PC, iOS, Android, and of course, the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 (through backward compatibility). If you\u2019d like to learn more about the game, check out our \nother coverage of Genshin Impact\n, including a \nlong-term review\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-ativa-received-almost-15000-bookings-4345-units-delivered-best-selling-suv-in-march-2021/", "title": "Perodua Ativa Received Almost 15,000 Bookings \u2013 4,345 Units Delivered, Best-Selling SUV in March 2021", "body": "\n\nPerodua just released its sales figures for March 2021, and it was an exciting month for the carmaker. Not only has the \nPerodua Ativa\n received 14,574 bookings to date, over 4,345 units of the new model were delivered last month, making it Malaysia\u2019s best-selling SUV in March 2021.\n\n\nIn fact, it\u2019s worth noting that this figure actually surpassed Perodua\u2019s delivery target of 3,000 units every month for the Ativa. Without a doubt Perodua is fulfilling consumer demand for the SUV in a very quick manner, and at this rate, we wouldn\u2019t be surprised if the carmaker can fulfill the 10,000 outstanding bookings in only a couple of months.\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Perodua, the range-topping AV trim of the Ativa is the most popular choice, making up 67% of total bookings. It\u2019s no surprise the AV is the model Malaysians are going for, given that it is the only variant to get level 2 autonomous driving. It\u2019s equipped with Lane Keep Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control.\n\n\nBut regardless of which model you go for, all three variants 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.\n\n\n\n\nPriced from RM61,500 to RM72,000, the Perodua Ativa is really quite an affordable SUV packed with attractive features. Hopefully, the carmaker will be able to fulfill outstanding Ativa bookings before the sales tax exemption expires at the \nend of June 2021\n \u2013 come July 2021, the Ativa will cost more.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/days-gone-oddworld-soulstorm-are-playstation-plus-april-2021-free-games/", "title": "Days Gone & Oddworld: Soulstorm Are PlayStation Plus\u2019 April 2021 Free Games", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s another exciting month for PlayStation Plus members this April 2021. Not only do you get Days Gone this month, Oddworld: Soulstorm (a \nbrand new game\n) will also be offered for free to PlayStation Plus members from 6 April onwards. These two games alone \u2013 if you fancy them, of course \u2013 are definitely worth subscribing to PlayStation Plus.\n\n\nThose with an active PlayStation Plus membership can claim Days Gone and Oddworld: Soulstorm from 6 April until 5 May. Just like any other free games offered to PlayStation Plus members, as long as you have an active subscription, these two games will be yours to keep.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, keep in mind that this version of Oddworld: Soulstorm is only offered to PS5 owners. If you\u2019re on the PS4, you won\u2019t be able to play the game, though you can still claim it. Other games offered for free this month \u2013 for us here in Malaysia and Indonesia \u2013 include Lego Worlds and X-Morph: Defense.\n\n\nTo recap, PlayStation Plus members can download these games for free from 6 April onwards. In the meantime, don\u2019t forget to claim \nMarch 2021\u2019s free games\n, which include the excellent \nFinal Fantasy VII Remake\n, Knack 2, Farpoint (VR), as well as the PS5 version of Maquette.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-3513-units-delivered-in-march-2021-11654-bookings-fulfilled/", "title": "Proton X50 \u2013 3,513 Units Delivered in March 2021, 11,654 Bookings Fulfilled", "body": "\n\nProton is slowly (but steadily) fulfilling more bookings of its very popular B-segment SUV, the \nProton X50\n. Last month, the national carmaker delivered as many as 3,513 units of the X50, making it the second best-selling SUV in March 2021. It\u2019s positioned right behind the \nPerodua Ativa\n in sales, which were delivered to \n4,345 customers last month\n.\n\n\nAs many as 11,654 bookings of the X50 have been fulfilled to date. Given that over 30,000 bookings were made for the SUV, Proton still has some ways to go to fulfill all outstanding orders. The sales tax exemption given by the government is set to expire in three months as well, so chances are, not everyone will be able to enjoy the current tax-free prices for the X50.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, March 2021 was a good month for Proton. Aside from the X50, the carmaker also delivered 2,337 units of the Proton X70 in the same month. In total, over 5,850 SUVs were sold by Proton in March 2021, beating its previous record of 4,820 SUVs delivered in February 2021.\n\n\nOf course, Proton\u2019s best-selling car is still the Proton Saga; 5,589 units of the A-segment sedan were sold last month. The Proton Persona (2,151), Iriz (810), and Exora (584) also posted their best figures for the year, with the Exora maintaining its lead in the C-segment MPV market.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cMarch was a very good sales month as we achieved our highest figure in 90 months but our sense of achievement is tempered by the fact that it could have been even better if we were able to produce more units,\u201d said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n\n\u201cAs things stand, we still have a large order bank to fulfill, so over the next few months, Proton will strive to increase production while maintaining our focus on delivering high quality products,\u201d he added.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/kia-now-under-bermaz-auto-in-malaysia-existing-kia-owners-required-to-update-information/", "title": "Kia Now Under Bermaz Auto in Malaysia; Existing Kia Owners Required to Update Information", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s official: Kia Motors and Bermaz Auto (BAuto) have formed a partnership in Malaysia. As a result of this partnership, Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd (KMSB) will be formed for the local assembly (CKD) of Kia cars here in Malaysia, which include three models at the moment.\n\n\nOut of the three models, only the \nKia Seltos\n and Kia Carnival have been confirmed for local assembly on our shores. The third model, on the other hand, will only be determined at a later stage. Interestingly, KMSB is set to be the manufacturing hub for Kia models in ASEAN countries and other potential markets.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, BAuto\u2019s subsidiary, Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd (DJMSB), will be the new distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia. Dinamikjaya Motors will be responsible for the distribution and sale of Kia vehicles in Malaysia, whether it\u2019s CKD or fully imported (CBU) models. On top of that, aftersales service will be handled by the company as well.\n\n\nNow that Dinamikjaya Motors is the new distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia, it is requesting existing owners to update their information with the company. By doing so, Dinamikjaya will be able to check a customer\u2019s warranty status, recall notification, and improve the ownership experience. If you\u2019re a Kia owner, you can update your information \nright here\n.\n\n\n\n\nWith the new partnership between Kia and BAuto, the local brand presence of the Korean carmaker should be even better now. Personally, we\u2019re looking forward to the CKD version of the Seltos \u2013 lowering the price of the B-segment SUV could make it more appealing to Malaysians.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-offering-up-to-rm5000-discount-in-sama-sama-rewards-campaign/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Offering up to RM5,000 Discount in Sama-Sama Rewards Campaign", "body": "\n\nNow that Ramadan is near, Honda Malaysia is running the Sama-Sama Rewards campaign, offering pretty good discounts for its entire model lineup. With up to RM5,000 discount up for grabs \u2013 on top of the sales tax exemption \u2013 it\u2019s a good time to place a booking for a Honda car.\n\n\nNaturally, the biggest discount is reserved for the most expensive model in the Japanese carmaker\u2019s current lineup, the \nHonda Accord\n. The range-topping 1.5L TC-P trim of the D-segment sedan receives a RM4,000 discount, while the more affordable 1.5L TC model actually gets a bigger RM5,000 rebate.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to get a seven-seater instead, good news. The \nHonda BR-V\n gets a sizeable discount as well; both the 1.5L E and 1.5L V trims get a RM3,000 discount. Next is the \nall-new Honda City\n: the 1.5L E variant receives a RM2,000 discount, while the 1.5L S and 1.5L V models get a RM1,000 discount. Unfortunately, the top-of-the-line \nRS e:HEV trim\n doesn\u2019t get any discount.\n\n\nOther notable discounts given by Honda Malaysia include RM1,000 savings for all variants of the Honda Civic, as well as RM1,500 discounts for all models of the CR-V, HR-V, and Jazz. Do note that these discounts are only applicable for vehicles registered until 30 April 2021.\n\n\n\n\nTo enjoy these discounts, just head to your nearest Honda authorised dealer to place a booking. More information can be found on \nHonda Malaysia\u2019s website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-prism-x300-gaming-monitor-review/", "title": "Video: Prism+ X300 Gaming Monitor Review", "body": "\n\nWe posted our \nwritten review\n of the Prism+ X300 gaming monitor earlier this week, but if you prefer a video review instead, here you go! If you want an affordable ultrawide gaming monitor with a fast 200Hz refresh rate, you should really consider the X300.\n\n\nDespite its budget-friendly nature, the X300 is a competent gaming monitor. Its high 200Hz refresh rate provides excellent motion clarity in fast-paced, competitive games; it comes with adaptive sync support; and the wide, 21:9 aspect ratio is ideal for both gaming and productivity tasks. Watch our video review below to learn more!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Prism+ X300 is currently available for purchase in Malaysia for only RM1,199. We were told that this is a limited time offer, and the price of the gaming monitor may change in the future. So if you\u2019re keen to get it, head on to\u00a0\nPrism+\u2019s Malaysian website\n\u00a0or its\u00a0\nofficial Lazada store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-tartaglia-banner-revealed-with-rosaria-fischl-barbara/", "title": "Genshin Impact Tartaglia Banner Revealed With Rosaria, Fischl & Barbara", "body": "\n\nMihoyo just revealed more details on Tartaglia\u2019s banner in \nGenshin Impact\n. Set to go live next week on 6 April, the 5-star character will be accompanied by Rosaria \u2013 a new 4-star Cryo character \u2013 Fischl, as well as Barbara.\n\n\nJust like Genshin Impact\u2019s\u00a0\nprevious character\n\u00a0\nevent banners\n, the \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Tartaglia, Rosaria, Fischl, and Barbara will be increased. In the case of Tartaglia, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be him. If it\u2019s not him, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be Tartaglia.\n\n\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s pity system ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character or weapon every 90 wishes \u2013 depending on which banner you\u2019re rolling \u2013 you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed chance to get Tartaglia. The same rule applies to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10 roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the event banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Rosaria, Fischl, or Barbara. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters \u2013 especially Rosaria, given that she\u2019s a brand new character \u2013 you will likely have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\nTartaglia\u2019s \u201cFarewell of Snezhnaya\u201d banner will go live on Genshin Impact this coming Tuesday on 6 April at 6PM for us here in Malaysia. The banner will be available until 27 April, so there\u2019s plenty of time to collect more Primogems for Tartaglia or Rosaria.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-legion-5-pro-malaysian-pre-orders-live-get-rm1000-worth-of-freebies/", "title": "Lenovo Legion 5 Pro Malaysian Pre-Orders Live \u2013 Get RM1,000 Worth of Freebies", "body": "\n\nWe spotted the \nLenovo Legion 5 Pro\n in SIRIM\u2019s database back in January 2021, and the 16-inch gaming laptop is now available for pre-order in Malaysia. With up to RM1,000 worth of freebies up for grabs for early birds, the Legion 5 Pro offers pretty good value for money too.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Legion 5 Pro is offered in Malaysia. For RM6,799, you get an Nvidia RTX 3070 GPU, an AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, 1TB of SSD storage, and a 16-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS screen with a fast 165Hz refresh rate \u2013 complete with Nvidia G-Sync support. That\u2019s right, even though this is a gaming laptop, the Legion 5 Pro has a 16:10 screen, which is typically found on productivity-focused laptops.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want something more affordable, the standard Legion 5 is also available for pre-order right now for RM6,099. It has the same processor, RAM, and SSD configuration as the Pro model, but it swaps out the graphics card for a more modest RTX 3060 GPU. Aside from that, it has a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen with a 165Hz refresh rate too with G-Sync support.\n\n\nThose who pre-order either one of these two gaming laptops by 18 April will receive RM1,000 worth of freebies (while stocks last) as well. These include a RM200 Steam Wallet voucher, a TTRacing Surge gaming chair, as well as a number of Legion-branded merchandise.\n\n\n\n\nThe Lenovo Legion 5 Pro and Legion 5 are now available for pre-order in Malaysia for RM6,799 and RM6,099 respectively on \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n. Alternatively, you can place a pre-order with Lenovo itself for only RM1,000 \nright here\n. According to the listings of the two gaming laptops, they are set to start shipping to customers by the end of this month.\n\n\nThanks for the tip, Pang!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/wilba-tech-salvation-pre-orders-now-open-295-custom-keyboard-with-leaf-spring-mounting-system/", "title": "Wilba.tech Salvation Pre-Orders Now Open \u2013 $295 Custom Keyboard With Leaf Spring Mounting System", "body": "\n\nSalvation, a custom mechanical keyboard by Wilba.tech and Salvun \u2013 two well-known individuals in the enthusiast keyboard scene \u2013 is available for pre-order now. What makes this keyboard particularly attractive is its unique leaf spring mounting system, and for a keyboard of this calibre, it doesn\u2019t cost too much either.\n\n\nGranted, retailing from $295 for the solderable version \u2013 the hotswap model costs an extra $5 \u2013 the Salvation is not exactly an \u201caffordable\u201d custom mechanical keyboard. But for that kind of money, you \nare\n getting the aforementioned leaf spring mounting system. Not only does it offer a soft typing experience (thanks to the flexibility of the mounting system), it has a very nice sound profile too.\n\n\nReally, hear for yourself with Alexotos\u2019 sound test below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBasically, the PCB of the Salvation is \u201csupported by silicon rubber standoffs attached to FR4 (fibreglass) leaf springs mounted to the case.\u201d There are also foam pads underneath the leaf springs to dampen vibration from typing and provide force modulation for a unique typing feel. There\u2019s a brass weight in the bottom case as well to further enhance the typing sound.\n\n\nBeyond its unique mounting system, the Salvation is a 60% keyboard with an aluminium case and an FR4 plate by default. Five different colours of the Salvation are available: Soul Black, Business Grey, Lightning Silver, Samurai Blue, and Momentum Red. That\u2019s quite a wide selection of colours.\n\n\nKeen to get the Salvation? You can place your pre-order with the vendors below. To get the best shipping rate, go with the vendor that\u2019s closest to your location.\n\n\nSalvun (Europe)\n\u00a0\u2013\u00a0295 euro (VAT included)\nNovelKeys (US)\n\u00a0\u00a0\u2013 295 USD\nKeyboard Treehouse (AU/NZ/OCE)\n\u00a0\u2013 325 USD (GST included)\nZfrontier (China)\n\u00a0\u2013 2,285 Chinese yuan (VAT and shipping included)\nAshkeebs (Canada)\n\u00a0\u2013\u00a0370 CAD\nIlumkb (SEA)\n\u00a0\u2013\u00a0425 SGD (GST included)\n\n\n\n\nThe Wilba.tech Salvation is now available for pre-order until 5 May 2021. It is set to start shipping sometime in Q4 2021, but depending on how many pre-orders are received, this timeline may change. More details on the Salvation can be found \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-monstargear-xo-k80-alu-review/", "title": "Video: Monstargear XO K80 Alu Review", "body": "\n\nLooking to get a custom TKL mechanical keyboard? Then consider the Monstargear XO K80 Alu. Retailing from only $295 \u2013 that comes up to about RM1,220 \u2013 the K80 offers \nincredibly \ngood value for money, especially for an enthusiast-level TKL keyboard. Not quite convinced? Then watch our video review below!\n\n\nAs mentioned, the K80 is a TKL custom keyboard. It also has an aluminium casing, an aluminium plate \u2013 you can get an FR4 plate as well, which is what we\u2019re using in this review \u2013 a brass weight, and a sandwich mounting system. You can also purchase the gasket kit (which we did) to change it to a gasket-mounted keyboard instead.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to purchase the Monstargear XO K80, you can do so \nright here\n. That\u2019s right, it is actually \nin stock\n right now, so you don\u2019t have to wait very long to get your hands on the keyboard. If you want a TKL custom keyboard with immensely good value for money, the K80 is the one to get.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-x60-pro-review-premium-sleek-flagship-phone-with-zeiss-optics/", "title": "Vivo X60 Pro Review: Premium, Sleek Flagship Phone With Zeiss Optics", "body": "\n\nThe Vivo X60 Pro is one of the Chinese company\u2019s more exciting flagship smartphone in recent times. Not only does it feature a sleek, premium design, it also comes with a camera system co-engineered by Zeiss and Vivo. Paired with a fast processor and screen, the X60 Pro is really quite a complete flagship device.\n\n\nHowever, retailing at RM3,299, it\u2019s also a costly device with a number of shortcomings here and there. But for that kind of money, you \nare\n getting a handsome flagship smartphone with a capable camera system, among other positives. Keep on reading this review to find out if the X60 Pro is worth picking up or not!\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.56-inch FHD+ AMOLED (2376 x 1080), 120Hz\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 870 3.2GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 650\nRAM\n12GB\nStorage\n256GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n48MP f/1.5, PDAF, gimbal stabilisation\n13MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide angle)\n13MP f/2.5 (telephoto), PDAF, 2x optical zoom\nCamera (front)\n32MP f/2.5\nBattery\n4,200mAh\nDimensions\n158.58 x 73.24 x 7.69 mm\nWeight\n179g\nOS\nFuntouch OS 11.1 based on Android 11\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.1\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM3,299\n\n\nFor a device marketed as a flagship smartphone, the X60 Pro certainly has the hardware to back it up. It has a fast AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, a capable Snapdragon 870 chipset, as well as a Zeiss-branded triple camera system that can capture some really good-looking shots \u2013 more on that further down this review.\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nPersonally, I think the design of the X60 Pro is one of its main highlights. The sleek, dual curved AMOLED display is complemented by a glass back with a matte, iridescent-like finish. While this does make the phone a little slippery, it\u2019s worth the trade-off for a phone that looks and feels this premium.\n\n\nThe screen quality of the X60 Pro is quite good too. Although it\u2019s not quite on the same level as the AMOLED panels found on Samsung\u2019s flagship smartphones, the 6.56-inch 1080p AMOLED screen of the X60 Pro is still pleasant to look at. It has deep, true blacks, good viewing angles, and reasonably punchy colours as well.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the fast 120Hz refresh rate of the X60 Pro\u2019s AMOLED screen also ensures that every single motion on the display looks extra smooth. Whether I\u2019m just scrolling through a webpage or playing a mobile game \u2013 that can actually run at 120Hz, of course \u2013 the extra frames afforded by the fast screen improve user experience quite a bit.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, throughout my time with the X60 Pro, I\u2019m impressed with the performance level of the Snapdragon 870. Although it\u2019s not as fast as the Snapdragon 888, it\u2019s still no slouch. Whether I\u2019m multitasking or playing more intensive mobile games like \nGenshin Impact\n, the Snapdragon 870 just chugs along with no noticeable slowdown.\n\n\n\n\nBattery life of the X60 Pro is quite good as well. On average, I can squeeze out five hours of screen on time from the 4,200mAh battery. While it\u2019s not exactly the longest-lasting smartphone, this is still very respectable battery life. I had absolutely no issue getting through a typical work day with this phone.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the camera performance of the X60 Pro. Its triple camera system (48MP f/1.5 primary + 13MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle + 13MP f/2.5 telephoto) can return good-looking shots regardless of lighting condition with some effort, and the gimbal stabilisation of the 48MP main sensor also ensures that I can capture sharp, blur-free images quite easily.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHowever, the X60 Pro is by no means superior to, say, the \nSamsung Galaxy S21 Ultra\n in the \ncamera department\n. Yes, it\u2019s quite capable, but the S21 Ultra still offers better low light camera performance, especially when it comes to the ultra-wide angle and telephoto sensors.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nVivo has come a long way in the software department, and the X60 Pro is a testament to that. It is no longer using a heavily modified version of Android, opting instead for a cleaner, stock Android experience. Unfortunately, bloatware is still an issue with the X60 Pro. On top of that, several apps actually crashed in my time with the phone \u2013 I don\u2019t remember the last time I had this issue with devices I\u2019ve reviewed.\n\n\nJust look at the amount of bloatware\n\n\nAside from that, the X60 Pro doesn\u2019t have any water or dust resistance either. For a flagship-class smartphone at this price point, an IP rating is really something that should have been included. After all, even mid-range smartphones like the \nSamsung Galaxy A72\n and Galaxy A52 \u2013 which undercut the RM3,299 price tag of the X60 Pro quite a bit \u2013 have an IP67 rating.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nNow, even though the Vivo X60 Pro is quite a costly smartphone at RM3,299 with a software experience that could be better \u2013 not to mention the lack of an IP rating \u2013 it\u2019s still a reasonably good, sleek-looking, premium flagship smartphone. It also offers a 120Hz screen, fast performance, relatively long battery life, as well as a capable camera system with Zeiss optics.\n\n\n\n\nValue for money is not the X60 Pro\u2019s main selling point. Rather, you\u2019re paying a premium for the phone\u2019s equally premium appeal. If you like how the X60 Pro looks and feels \u2013 I certainly do \u2013 and you don\u2019t mind paying extra for that, then yes, it is worth picking up.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/new-acer-nitro-5-predator-helios-300-rtx-3060-arrive-in-malaysia-retails-from-rm3799/", "title": "New Acer Nitro 5 & Predator Helios 300 (RTX 3060) Arrive in Malaysia \u2013 Retails From RM3,799", "body": "\n\nAcer just announced the Malaysian availability of two new gaming laptops: the Acer Nitro 5, and the higher-end Acer Predator Helios 300. Both of these laptops are refreshed with new hardware under the hood. The former gets Intel\u2019s latest 11th generation H-series processor, while the Helios 300 is equipped with an Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the more affordable laptop of the two, the Nitro 5. Two variants of the gaming laptop are offered in Malaysia: the RM3,799 base model features a Core i5-11300H processor, while the Core i7-11370H configuration costs RM4,399. Beyond the different processor, other specifications of the two variants are the same.\n\n\n\n\nBoth the Core i5 and Core i7 configurations of the Nitro 5 come with a GTX 1650 GPU, 8GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, as well as a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen with a fast 144Hz refresh rate. These are not particularly beefy hardware, but it should still be able to run most games relatively well with tweaked graphics settings.\n\n\nIf you want a more powerful gaming laptop, then consider then new Helios 300. It features a beefier RTX 3060 GPU, which is a lot more capable than the Nitro 5\u2019s GTX 1650 graphics card. That being said, it also ships with Intel\u2019s 10th generation chips instead: the Core i5-10500H model costs RM5,299, while the Core i7-10870H variant retails at RM5,999.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Helios 300 include a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display with a fast 144Hz refresh rate, 8GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and a four-zone RGB keyboard.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Predator Helios 300 and Nitro 5 are now available in Malaysia at all Acer official online stores and Acer authorised resellers nationwide. Those who purchase either one of these two laptops before 30 June 2021 can also redeem a number of free gifts \nover here\n, which include a RM100 Touch \u2018n Go eWallet or Boost credit.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-add-a-wireless-charger-for-rm450/", "title": "Proton X50 \u2013 Add a Wireless Charger for RM450", "body": "\n\nAlways wanted to add a wireless charger to the \nProton X50\n? Well, you will be able to do so in the very near future. According to a brochure that\u2019s been going around the internet, Proton will soon offer an (optional) wireless charger for its very popular B-segment SUV.\n\n\nThis bit of information was first reported by \nWapCar\n. According to the site, which has gotten in touch with a number of Proton dealers, the wireless charger will be offered by Proton 2S, 3S, and 4S centres for about RM450. The brochure also shows that the charger will be positioned right underneath the air-conditioning controls, and it is capable of \u201cfast\u201d wireless charging (10W) with an LED indicator.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, WapCar further elaborated that the wireless charger has to be pre-ordered first before it can be installed to your Proton X50; assuming you\u2019re lucky enough to be driving one right now. So far, Proton has fulfilled \nover 11,654 bookings of the SUV\n, though with over 30,000 bookings collected \u2013 as of the end of 2020, to boot \u2013 the national carmaker still has some ways to go.\n\n\nNonetheless, there\u2019s no denying the popularity of the X50. After all, it retails from only RM79,200 to RM103,300, which is quite a bit lower than its main competition in the B-segment SUV market. Granted, the \nPerodua Ativa\n (from RM61,500 to RM71,200) is quite a bit more affordable, but that SUV not exactly in the same playing field as the X50.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven that the brochure of the optional wireless charger for the Proton X50 has started circulating, we reckon it won\u2019t be long until Proton confirms the availability of the add-on. Of course, we will keep a close eye on this matter.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-11-ultra-costs-rm4299-in-malaysia-available-for-pre-order-8-april/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra Costs RM4,299 in Malaysia \u2013 Available for Pre-Order 8 April", "body": "\n\nXiaomi\u2019s most ambitious flagship smartphone yet, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, will be available for pre-order here in Malaysia on 8 April. Retailing at RM4,299, it is also not an affordable device, though it does come with a number of intriguing features, including an OLED screen inside the rear camera\u2019s housing.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the Mi 11 Ultra\u2019s triple camera system on the back actually has a 1.1-inch 294 x 126 AMOLED panel. According to Xiaomi, this screen can be used as a selfie viewfinder, an always on display, or even a way to check incoming notifications. It\u2019s definitely an intriguing hardware, though it may not be the most practical feature.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Mi 11 Ultra\u2019s triple camera system itself is quite sophisticated as well. It is made up of a 50MP f/1.95 primary sensor, a 48MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 48MP f/4.1 telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. In fact, this sensor can even do 10x hybrid zoom and \n120x digital zoom\n. On the front, there\u2019s a 20MP f/2.2 selfie camera.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mi 11 Ultra include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset paired with 12GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage, a 6.81-inch 1440p AMOLED screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 67W wireless and wired charging, as well as an IP68 rating.\n\n\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra retails at RM4,299. Without a doubt that is a lot of money, but you do get a pretty intriguing flagship smartphone. If you want to pick it up, you can \nplace your pre-order on Shopee\n once the listing is live on 8 April. Not sure if it\u2019s the phone for you? Then stay tuned for our hands-on of the Mi 11 Ultra!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-11-ultra-hands-on-worth-rm4299-for-the-very-promising-camera/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra Hands-On: Worth RM4,299 for the Very Promising Camera", "body": "\n\nXiaomi made a name for itself with its affordable smartphones that offer incredibly good value for money, but in recent times, the Chinese company is steadily moving up the price range. Its latest flagship smartphone, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, exemplifies this the best. After all, it carries a hefty RM4,299 price tag for the Malaysian market.\n\n\nHowever, at that price point, the Mi 11 Ultra really is a proper flagship smartphone through and through with a very promising camera system \u2013 complete with an AMOLED screen. I had a brief hands-on with the device, and I\u2019m quite certain that it can hold a candle to other high-end smartphones at the same price point.\n\n\nThe only thing is: are Xiaomi\u2019s previous shortcomings still present on the Mi 11 Ultra? Let\u2019s find out.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSince the Mi 11 Ultra\u2019s camera system is one of its most exciting features, let\u2019s start with that first. The primary sensor of its triple camera system is a 50MP f/1.95 lens with a large 1/1.12-inch sensor, which (in theory) offers markedly better performance than other sensors in the market now, especially in low light conditions.\n\n\nApart from that, the Mi 11 Ultra also has a 48MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter and a 48MP f/4.1 telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. I tested out the zooming performance of the camera for a bit, and I\u2019m\u2026actually quite impressed. Judge for yourself with the sample shots below:\n\n\n48MP ultra-wide angle\n50MP primary\n50MP primary (2x zoom)\n48MP telephoto (5x zoom)\n48MP telephoto (10x zoom)\n48MP telephoto (120x zoom)\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the Mi 11 Ultra\u2019s camera system can do up to 120x digital zoom, and the detail preservation at this level of zoom still looks pretty good. Granted, this was taken under ideal lighting, so it\u2019ll be interesting to see if the camera can still return this kind of shot in low light conditions. Overall, this triple camera system looks very promising, and I can\u2019t wait to put it through its paces in more challenging lighting situations.\n\n\nOh, there\u2019s also a small 1.1-inch 294 x 126 AMOLED panel right beside the three camera sensors of the Mi 11 Ultra. It can serve as a viewfinder for selfie shots \u2013 there\u2019s still a 20MP f/2.2 selfie camera on the front of the phone \u2013 an always on display, and it can even display incoming notifications. Personally, I think this is a gimmicky feature, though I do have to \nactually\n use the phone first for a more conclusive opinion.\n\n\nBut I can say this with certainty: I am absolutely not a fan of the \nhuge\n camera bump. Not only does it protrude out of the phone in a very jarring manner, the large size of the camera module itself further draw attention to the bump.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, at least the Mi 11 Ultra still looks and feels very premium. It has solid build quality (thanks to its IP68-rated chassis and ceramic back) as well as a vibrant 6.81-inch 1440p AMOLED dual curved screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. Since it\u2019s an AMOLED panel, it offers punchy colours and wide viewing angles. Basically, it\u2019s a high quality screen.\n\n\nIn the performance department, the Mi 11 Ultra will not disappoint. It\u2019s powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, and in my brief time with the phone, it definitely feels fast and zippy. Just like how a flagship-class smartphone should be.\n\n\n\n\nThe performance of the Mi 11 Ultra is not the only thing that\u2019s fast; its charging speed is very impressive as well. Not only does it have a generous 5,000mAh battery, the Mi 11 Ultra also supports blazing fast 67W wired \nand wireless\n charging. According to Xiaomi, this allows the phone to be fully charged in only 36 minutes \u201cwith virtually no time discrepancy between wired and wireless\u201d charging.\n\n\nOverall, the Mi 11 Ultra is a solid, high-end flagship smartphone through and through. But the thing is, Xiaomi smartphones all share one major issue: subpar software experience. Granted, I didn\u2019t notice any big issue with the Mi 11 Ultra\u2019s software in my short time with it, but that could change once I use the device as my daily driver.\n\n\nSoftware issues \u2013 especially when it comes to notifications \u2013 can only be truly detected in actual everyday use. I\u2019ve reviewed a fair number of Xiaomi smartphones in the past, and I really don\u2019t have a good impression of their software experiences. Hopefully, things could be different with the Mi 11 Ultra.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, I still think the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra can justify its RM4,299 price tag. In a vacuum (even more so for a Xiaomi phone), this price tag may look steep, but that\u2019s really the going rate for a proper flagship smartphone in today\u2019s market. The \nSamsung Galaxy S21 Ultra\n, for example, has a much higher \nstarting price of RM4,999\n.\n\n\nBut, again, is the Mi 11 Ultra comparable to other high-end flagship smartphones like the S21 Ultra? Well, I do need to use the phone more extensively to give a fair assessment, but I \nam\n impressed with the camera performance and the overall user experience of the Mi 11 Ultra so far. Yes, it is expensive, but it could (very possibly) be well worth it.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/8-14-april-fuel-price-ron-97-up-again-by-2-sen/", "title": "8 \u2013 14 April Fuel Price: RON 97 up Again by 2 sen", "body": "\n\nAnother week, another price increase for RON 97. Currently set at RM2.52 per litre, it will go up by 2 sen per litre this midnight. The price of RON 95 and diesel, on the other hand, remain the same, given that the price ceilings of the two have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 95 remains the same at RM2.05 per litre, while RON 97 costs RM2.54 per litre (up from RM2.52). As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre until 14 April next week.\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 8 to 14 April next week. New fuel prices will now be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-5-hands-on-fast-sleek-flagship-class-gaming-phone-for-only-rm2999/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 5 Hands-On: Fast, Sleek Flagship-Class Gaming Phone for Only RM2,999", "body": "\n\nThe \nAsus ROG Phone 5\n is now available for purchase in Malaysia, and it\u2019s quite an intriguing gaming smartphone. Not only does it come with a fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, it also offers a sleeker design than \nits predecessor\n \nwhile\n retaining good value for money. After all, it retails from only RM2,999 locally.\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the ROG Phone 5 is an excellent choice for anyone that wants a flagship-class gaming smartphone without breaking the bank (too much). We have the device in for review now, so here\u2019s a quick hands-on of Asus\u2019 latest gaming smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nFirst up, hardware. The ROG Phone 5 features the aforementioned Snapdragon 888 chipset clocked at 2.84GHz, a 6.78-inch 2448 x 1080 AMOLED screen with a fast 144Hz refresh rate and 300Hz touch sampling rate (to reduce input lag), as well as a very generous 6,000mAh battery with support for very fast 65W charging.\n\n\nAside from that, the ROG Phone 5 also has a triple camera system made up of a 64MP f/1.8 primary sensor, a 13MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 5MP f/2.0 macro lens. Not a super sophisticated camera sensor, but this is a gaming smartphone after all \u2013 the camera system isn\u2019t exactly the main focus here.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re into selfies, the ROG Phone 5 has a 24MP f/2.45 camera on the front.\n\n\n\n\nBut the most attractive selling point of the ROG Phone 5 (to me) has to be its value proposition. We received the 128GB variant of the phone with 8GB of RAM, which retails at only RM2,999 in Malaysia. While it\u2019s not the most affordable Snapdragon 888 phone \u2013 the \nXiaomi Mi 11\n is slightly cheaper at RM2,799 \u2013 this gaming phone still offers really good value for money.\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s talk about the performance of the ROG Phone 5 now. The first game I installed on this phone has to be \nGenshin Impact\n, a game that even flagship phones struggle to run consistently at 60fps. I was excited to see how this gaming phone would handle the game, and I\u2019m happy to report that Genshin Impact plays quite well on the ROG Phone 5 with a reasonably stable frame rate.\n\n\nThat being said, even after a quick session of Genshin Impact, the phone got quite warm. I\u2019ll keep an eye on the thermal performance of the ROG Phone 5 to see if this is a cause for concern in the full review.\n\n\n\n\nThe fast 144Hz AMOLED display of the ROG Phone 5 is also one of its main selling points. Although it\u2019s tough to tell the difference between 144Hz and 120Hz \u2013 the latter is more commonly found on the majority of flagship smartphones in the market now \u2013 it does lend to a very smooth, very responsive user experience.\n\n\nOn top of that, the 300Hz touch sampling rate of the ROG Phone 5\u2019s display minimises input lag as well. While this is likely not a feature the average consumer would notice or care about, gamers who want the competitive edge will appreciate this high touch sampling rate and the display\u2019s equally high 144Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nOf course, since this is an AMOLED panel, it also offers vibrant, punchy colours with deep blacks and wide viewing angles.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the design of the ROG Phone 5, which I absolutely love. This is especially the case with the Storm White colourway of the gaming phone pictured here. The white and blue colour scheme is a refreshing change compared to the overplayed black and red colour combo, and of course, there\u2019s still an ROG logo on the back with RGB lighting.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the camera performance of the ROG Phone 5, which is\u2026surprisingly decent. Sure, it\u2019s not in the same league as class leaders like the \nSamsung Galaxy S21 Ultra\n and \nXiaomi Mi 11 Ultra\n, but it can still take reasonably good-looking shots. Granted, I\u2019ve only tested the ROG Phone 5\u2019s camera under ideal lighting, so it\u2019ll be interesting to see if it can still deliver in low light conditions.\n\n\n\n\nEven though I\u2019ve just started using the Asus ROG Phone 5 as my daily driver, I\u2019m really liking it already. I\u2019ve been having a ball playing Genshin Impact on this gaming phone, and with the phone\u2019s large 6,000mAh battery, it should be able to offer many hours of gaming too. If you\u2019re into FPS games, you\u2019ll appreciate the ultrasonic-based AirTrigger shoulder buttons as well.\n\n\nGiven its hardware and feature set, the fact that the ROG Phone 5 retails from only RM2,999 does make it an enticing gaming-focused smartphone. If you want the 256GB model with 16GB (!) of RAM instead, that will set you back RM3,799. That\u2019s quite a bit more money than the 128GB + 8GB (RM2,999) base model, so personally, I\u2019d go with the latter for the best bang for buck.\n\n\n\n\nI will be putting the ROG Phone 5 through its paces in the next few weeks to see if it is worth picking up or not, but as far as first impressions, I\u2019m impressed. It\u2019s a powerful, handsome gaming smartphone with a fast 144Hz refresh rate for not too much money \u2013 what more can you ask for?\n\n\nWell, unless I run into some big issue with the phone in the review period. Until then, stay tuned to the full review of the ROG Phone 5!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-redmi-note-10-pro-review/", "title": "Video: Redmi Note 10 Pro Review", "body": "\n\nThe Redmi Note series has always been considered the value champion in the mid-range market, so naturally, the same still applies to the latest Redmi Note 10 Pro. Retailing from only RM999, its value proposition is one of the best in the mid-range segment, and it comes with a number of winning features as well.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Redmi Note 10 Pro are available here in Malaysia. The 6GB + 128GB model retails at RM999, while the 8GB + 128GB configuration costs RM1,099. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G chipset, and a large 5,020mAh battery \u2013 really good value for money here.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the Redmi Note 10 Pro still has some shortcomings here in there, especially in the camera department. Nonetheless, it\u2019s still an excellent buy from only RM999. Watch our video review above to find out more about the Redmi Note 10 Pro!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/monster-hunter-rise-review-rekindling-my-love-for-the-series/", "title": "Monster Hunter Rise Review: Rekindling My Love for the Series", "body": "\n\nMonster Hunter has a special place in my heart. My first game in the series was 2008\u2019s Monster Hunter Freedom Unite for the PlayStation Portable, and I\u2019ve spent countless hours in that game, as well as every successive title in the series. In fact, I even got the \nPS4 Pro Monster Hunter: World Rathalos Edition\n console.\n\n\nBut as years go by, I started to lose interest in the series. That is, until Monster Hunter Rise was announced. It\u2019s the first proper \nportable\n Monster Hunter game in a long time, and it really rekindled my love for the series with its new mechanics, much better mobility, and most of all, its portable nature.\n\n\nIn short, Monster Hunter Rise is easily the best Monster Hunter game to date, and to me, it is also the best game yet to be released for the Nintendo Switch.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nMonster Hunter Rise succeeds Monster Hunter: World, which was originally released for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and eventually PC not long after in 2018. What sets Rise apart from World is the fact that it is actually exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, though it will be arriving on PC sometime in early 2022 next year.\n\n\nAnyway, Monster Hunter Rise marks the series\u2019 return to a portable console in earnest. Yes, the Switch did get Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate in 2018, but that game was still based on Monster Hunter Generations, which was released way back in 2015. In that sense, there hasn\u2019t been a \u201cproperly new\u201d Monster Hunter game for portable consoles in six long years.\n\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s the reason why the release of Monster Hunter Rise on a portable console like the Switch is such a big deal. On top of that, Rise also brings with it a suite of quality of life improvements from World \u2013 let\u2019s get to that in the next section.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nCompared to older games in the series, Monster Hunter Rise is a lot more accessible to newcomers, thanks to a range of features brought forward from Monster Hunter: World. Monsters are marked automatically on the map \u2013 you don\u2019t have to roam around the map endlessly to look for your target anymore \u2013 gathering items can be done with just one click of a button now, and the different areas of a map are no longer broken up by loading screens.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, despite running on the Switch\u2019s less powerful hardware, Rise still looks gorgeous. Utilising Capcom\u2019s RE Engine, the character models are quite detailed, and so are the monsters. Sure, the environment is not quite as lush or as elaborate as World \u2013 monsters further away from the player are also rendered in a lower frame rate \u2013 but it still looks very impressive for a Switch game.\n\n\nAnother aspect of Monster Hunter Rise I absolutely love is the improved mobility. Thanks to two new mechanics \u2013 a pet dog Palamute and the Wirebug \u2013 I can move faster than ever in Rise. I can ride on a Palamute to sprint from one area to another relatively quickly, and the Wirebug allows me to traverse over terrains very easily.\n\n\n\n\nTraversing is not the only use of the Wirebug. When you\u2019re sent flying by a monster, you can use the Wirebug to quickly recover and move away from a monster\u2019s incoming attack. On top of that, there are also new \u201cSilkbind\u201d attacks for each weapon too, which can even be customised as you progress further into the game.\n\n\nSpeaking of weapons, there are a total of \n14 different weapons\n to choose from in Monster Hunter Rise, each with their own distinct mechanics. Every weapon in the game is viable, and finding one that suits your personal playstyle will definitely make the game that much more enjoyable. I\u2019m currently using the Long Sword, and I love the new ways I can counter a monster\u2019s attack with the weapon now.\n\n\n\n\nBut really, the best part of Rise \u2013 or any Monster Hunter game for that matter \u2013 are the \ncountless \nhours of gameplay it offers. Once you\u2019re done with the main storyline (it took me about 11 hours to get to the game\u2019s credits), that\u2019s when the game truly starts. More challenging monsters are unlocked, I can craft even more powerful weapons, and the grind to get the best endgame equipment begins.\n\n\nOn top of that, Capcom will also add new content to Rise in the future to keep the experience fresh. If World\u2019s post-launch updates are anything to go by, expect to get some pretty interesting new content in Rise.\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nFrom the moment I started Monster Hunter Rise, one annoyance immediately popped up (quite literally): I get bombarded with tutorial pop-ups at almost every possibility. Granted, some of the tutorials are quite helpful, but I imagine it can get quite overwhelming to those who are new to the game.\n\n\nDespite the barrage of tutorials, there are still a number of mechanics in Rise that are not explained particularly well, especially the weapon controls. To get more information, you\u2019ll have to access the Hunter\u2019s Notes, which is buried in the start menu. Thankfully, once you\u2019re in the right page, you do get the information you need.\n\n\n\n\nAnother area where Rise feels a little underwhelming is its storyline. Just like every other Monster Hunter game, there\u2019s no elaborate, immersive story to speak of here. Rise really only has a storyline for the sake of it, so if you pick up the game expecting to be blown away by an engrossing narrative, you will be quite disappointed.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nOf course, the Monster Hunter franchise is not known for its storytelling chops. Instead, it\u2019s all about hunting large, intimidating monsters with a weapon of your choice, harvesting their materials, craft new weapons and armors with said materials, and hunt even bigger monsters.\n\n\n\n\nMonster Hunter Rise allows you to do this for many, \nmany hours\n with gorgeous graphics, new weapon mechanics, mobility that has never been offered in previous Monster Hunter games, and a number of quality of life improvements that make it much more accessible to newcomers.\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve always wanted to get into the series, Monster Hunter Rise is the best entry point yet. Besides that, I\u2019m sure veteran hunters will enjoy this game for hours on end as well \u2013 I certainly do.\n\n\nMonster Hunter Rise is now available for the Nintendo Switch.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-asus-rog-flow-x13-review/", "title": "Video: Asus ROG Flow X13 Review", "body": "\n\nLooking to get a premium productivity laptop? Then consider this\u2026gaming laptop, the \nAsus ROG Flow X13\n. Even though it\u2019s marketed as a gaming machine, the Flow X13 is actually a very, \nvery\n good productivity laptop. Not convinced? Then watch our video review of the laptop below!\n\n\nThe Flow X13 configuration we got for this review has an AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS processor paired with 16GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU, a 13.4-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, as well as a 1TB SSD. Retailing at RM6,499, this variant of the Flow X13 offers the best value for money (in our opinion).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReally, the Asus ROG Flow X13 can serve as an excellent productivity laptop, thanks to its 16:10 display, convertible form factor, and of course, very respectable battery life. Watch our video review above to find out more! If you prefer to read instead, our written review can be found \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/get-up-to-70-discounts-on-your-summons-from-jpj-pdrm/", "title": "Get up to 70% Discounts on Your Summons From JPJ & PDRM", "body": "\n\nIf you haven\u2019t settled your summons with JPJ or PDRM, good news: you can get up to 70% discount. In celebration of its 75th anniversary, JPJ is offering 70% discount on its summonses. PDRM, on the other hand, is offering a 50% discount. Needless to say, now\u2019s a great time to clear your summons \u2013 if you have any.\n\n\nHowever, do note that there are a few caveats. In the case of JPJ, only compoundable summonses are eligible for the 70% discount. If the summon requires you to go to a court hearing, you will not be able to enjoy the discount. Aside from that, the 70% discount is valid from today until 11 June 2021, so that\u2019s 60 days to settle your JPJ summons.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, as for the 50% discount for PDRM summons, it is only valid until this Thursday on 15 April through the \nMyBayar portal\n or app on the \nApple App Store\n and \nGoogle Play Store\n. If you want to enjoy this discount from PDRM, you really have to act fast.\n\n\nAnyway, for JPJ summons, you can enjoy the 70% discount by paying over the counter, kiosk, or its online portal. The 50% discount for PDRM summons, as mentioned, is only applicable for payments made through \nMyBayar\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dell-launches-sleek-new-inspiron-laptops-arriving-in-malaysia-this-month/", "title": "Dell Launches Sleek New Inspiron Laptops \u2013 Arriving in Malaysia This Month", "body": "\n\nEnter Dell\u2019s brand new Inspiron laptops. Built from the ground up, these redesigned laptops are notably sleeker than their respective predecessors. They have minimal screen bezels now, more expansive keyboards, as well as bigger touchpads, which effectively make them better productivity laptops.\n\n\nThe new Inspiron series consists of four different laptops: the Inspiron 14, Inspiron 14 2-in-1, Inspiron 15, as well as the Inspiron 16 Plus. Naturally, these Inspiron laptops use either Intel\u2019s latest 11th generation processors or AMD\u2019s Ryzen 5000 U-series chips.\n\n\n\n\nOut of the four laptops, the Inspiron 15 and Inspiron 16 Plus are the higher-end offerings. Both can be configured with Nvidia\u2019s dedicated GPUs \u2013 the Malaysian market will receive the RTX 3050 (that\u2019s right, an unannounced GPU) configurations of the two machines \u2013 as well as Intel\u2019s 11th generation H-series processors.\n\n\nAside from that, the Inspiron 16 Plus also has a 16-inch 3072 x 1920 screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio. According to Dell, the tall aspect ratio increases the active area of the screen by 11% while only \u201cexpanding the dimensions of the device by 5%.\u201d We imagine the minimal bezels of the screen contribute to the more compact dimensions of the laptop as well.\n\n\n\n\nThe Dell Inspiron 14, Inspiron 14 2-in-1, as well as the Inspiron 15 will be arriving in Malaysia sometime this month. The Inspiron 15 and Inspiron 16 Plus with RTX 3050 GPUs, on the other hand, will be available here in early June 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-nitro-5-with-amd-ryzen-5000-chips-lands-in-malaysia-up-to-rtx-3080-for-rm8999/", "title": "Acer Nitro 5 With AMD Ryzen 5000 Chips Lands in Malaysia \u2013 up to RTX 3080 for RM8,999", "body": "\n\nAcer Malaysia just launched six new variants of the budget-centric Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop locally. Powered by AMD\u2019s new Ryzen 5000 processors, this laptop\u2019s range-topping configuration even comes with a beefy Nvidia RTX 3080 GPU \u2013 a first for the Nitro 5 series.\n\n\nLet\u2019s break down the prices of the six new Nitro 5 models, starting with the RTX 3080 configuration. Retailing at RM8,999, this variant features the aforementioned GPU, a Ryzen 9 5900HX processor paired with 16GB of RAM, 1TB of SSD storage, and a fast 165Hz 15.6-inch QHD IPS screen.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there are the RTX 3070 configurations of the Nitro 5. Two models are offered: the variant with a 165Hz QHD screen retails at RM6,399, while the 144Hz FHD model costs RM5,799. Only the screen differentiates the two model; both are powered by a Ryzen 7 5800H processor with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage.\n\n\nMoving down the price range is the Nitro 5 with an RTX 3060 GPU. The sole RM4,899 variant also has a Ryzen 7 5800H processor paired with 8GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a 144Hz FHD IPS screen. Last but not least are the GTX 1650 models: the Ryzen 7 5800H model costs RM4,199, while the base model with a Ryzen 5 5600H chip goes for RM3,699.\n\n\nBeyond the different processor, both GTX 1650 models feature a 144Hz FHD IPS screen, 512GB of SSD storage, and 8GB of RAM.\n\n\n\n\nThe GTX 1650 configurations of the new Acer Nitro 5 will be available for pre-order in Malaysia first from 14 to 16 April. Pre-orders for the RTX 3060 model, on the other hand, will go live from 27 to 29 April. As for the RTX 3070 and RTX 3080 models, they will be available for pre-order locally from 10 to 12 May.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/165hz-acer-nitro-qg241yp-gaming-monitor-now-in-malaysia-for-rm749-almost-rm100-discount-for-early-birds/", "title": "165Hz Acer Nitro QG241YP Gaming Monitor Now in Malaysia for RM749 \u2013 Almost RM100 Discount for Early Birds", "body": "\n\nAside from the new \nAcer Nitro 5\n gaming laptop, Acer Malaysia also launched a new monitor, the Acer Nitro QG241YP. Sporting a fast 165Hz refresh rate, this Nitro-branded gaming monitor also supports AMD FreeSync Premium and HDR10. The best part is, it\u2019s quite an affordable monitor too.\n\n\nRetailing at RM749, the Nitro QG241YP is available for purchase right now in Malaysia. In fact, those who get this gaming monitor by 16 April on \nAcer Malaysia\u2019s official Shopee store\n can get it for only RM653; that\u2019s exactly RM96 worth of savings. Given the feature set of this Nitro monitor, you\u2019re getting good value for your money here.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Nitro QG241YP\u2019s 23.8-inch 1920 x 1080 VA panel has a fast 165Hz refresh rate, though you\u2019ll need to use the DisplayPort to hit that refresh rate. If you use the HDMI port instead, this monitor can only achieve 144Hz. Anyway, the Nitro monitor also has fast 1ms VRB response time, so you will get good motion clarity.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Nitro QG241YP include up to 250 nits of brightness, support for FreeSync Premium \u2013 this eliminates screen tearing with a compatible AMD Radeon GPU \u2013 and HDR10, as well as tilt adjustment. Unfortunately, there\u2019s no swivel or height adjustment, which doesn\u2019t come as a surprise for an affordable gaming monitor like this.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Nitro QG241YP is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM749. Again, if you place your order by 16 April on \nAcer\u2019s official Shopee store\n, you can get a RM96 discount, reducing the price of this gaming monitor to only RM653.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/15-21-april-fuel-price-all-prices-remain/", "title": "15 \u2013 21 April Fuel Price: All Prices Remain", "body": "\n\nAnother week, another update for fuel prices in Malaysia. RON 97 finally stopped increasing in price this week, while the prices of RON 95 and diesel remain the same, given that the price ceilings of the two have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 95 remains the same at RM2.05 per litre. Same goes for RON 97, which will continue to cost RM2.54 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 15 to 21 April next week. New fuel prices will now be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-1-iii-xperia-5-iii-flagship-phones-unveiled-coming-to-malaysia-from-july-2021/", "title": "Sony Xperia 1 III & Xperia 5 III Flagship Phones Unveiled \u2013 Coming to Malaysia From July 2021", "body": "\n\nSony just unveiled two flagship smartphones \u2013 the Sony Xperia 1 III, and the more compact Sony Xperia 5 III. What makes these two flagship-class devices particularly interesting is their camera systems: both of them have a variable telephoto lens, and Sony said it is the first company to implement such a system on a smartphone.\n\n\nAs its name suggests, the variable telephoto lens allows the 12MP telephoto sensor of the Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III to change its focal length between 70mm to 105mm. The system is also paired with a \u201cDual PD sensor,\u201d which promises fast autofocus speeds, even when switching between different focal lengths.\n\n\nAside from the telephoto lens, both phones also feature a 12MP primary sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter.\n\n\n\n\nJust like their \nrespective predecessors\n, the Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III retain their tall and narrow 21:9 displays, though they have been upgraded to much faster 120Hz HDR OLED panels. The Xperia 1 III also gets a sharp 6.5-inch 4K screen, while the Xperia 5 III settles for a more power-efficient 6.1-inch 1080p display.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset paired with 12GB of RAM (8GB for the Xperia 5 III), 256GB of expandable storage \u2013 the Xperia 1 III gets a 512GB option as well \u2013 an 8MP selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery, IP65/IP68 rating, and Android 11 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nWe were told that the Sony Xperia 1 III will be arriving here in Malaysia first by the end of July 2021. The compact Sony Xperia 5 III, on the other hand, will land on our shores sometime in September 2021. Naturally, the Malaysian pricing of the two flagship smartphones have not been announced yet, though you can register your interest \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-10-iii-arrives-in-malaysia-august-2021-water-resistant-snapdragon-690-phone/", "title": "Sony Xperia 10 III Arrives in Malaysia August 2021 \u2013 Water-Resistant Snapdragon 690 Phone", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nXperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III\n flagship smartphones, Sony Malaysia also revealed the local availability of its mid-range offering, the Sony Xperia 10 III. Set to arrive here sometime in August 2021, the Xperia 10 III is a water-resistant mid-ranger with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 chipset.\n\n\nCompared to \nits predecessor\n\u2018s Snapdragon 665 chipset, the Xperia 10 III\u2019s Snapdragon 690 chipset should be quite a bit faster and more power-efficient. After all, it\u2019s built on an 8nm process instead of the Snapdragon 665\u2019s 11nm process, which should translate to better battery life.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Xperia 10 III features a larger battery capacity than its predecessor as well. Packed with a 4,500mAh battery \u2013 compared to the previous model\u2019s 3,600mAh cell \u2013 you should be able to get very good battery life. It\u2019s worth noting that despite only packing a 3,600mAh battery, last year\u2019s Xperia 10 II \ncan still deliver very respectable battery life\n.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xperia 10 III include a compact 6-inch 2520 x 1080 OLED screen with a tall 21:9 aspect ratio \u2013 unfortunately, it\u2019s still locked at 60Hz \u2013 a triple camera system (12MP f/1.8 primary + 8MP f/2.4 telephoto + 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle), an 8MP f/2.0 selfie camera, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, and an IP65/IP68 rating.\n\n\n\n\nThe Sony Xperia 10 III is set to arrive in Malaysia sometime in August 2021. Its local pricing has not been revealed yet, but there\u2019s a good chance it will be priced close to its predecessor, which retailed at RM1,799.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-is-the-new-2022-honda-civic-in-production-form-more-details-on-28-april/", "title": "This Is the New 2022 Honda Civic in Production Form \u2013 More Details on 28 April", "body": "\n\nThis is it, our first look at the production unit of the upcoming 2022 Honda Civic. The 11th generation model pretty much retains most of the \nstyling cues of the prototype\n, which was unveiled back in November last year. Compared to the design of the \ncurrent 10th generation Civic FC\n, the new sedan does look more mature.\n\n\nJust like the Civic Prototype, the production unit of the 2022 Civic has a longer hood \u201cfor a more premium side view,\u201d as Honda puts it. On top of that, the A-pillars have been pushed back as well. The Japanese carmaker explained that this is done to improve driver visibility, which is the very same reason why the side mirrors are now mounted on the doors.\n\n\nThe 2022 Civic in production form\nThe 2022 Civic Prototype\n\n\nAside from that, the headlights of the 2022 Civic are slimmer than the current generation model. This, and the fact that the chrome (or piano black) grille is no longer here either, give the C-segment sedan a more mature-looking design. If you\u2019re not a fan of the Civic FC\u2019s aggressive-styling, the 2022 model could be for you.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the rear design and interior of the new Civic have not been detailed yet. But based on previous leaks, the L-shaped LED taillights from the prototype are brought over to the production unit. As for the interior \u2013 which has only been revealed in a sketch so far \u2013 expect a floating infotainment screen; the centre armrest is no longer partly exposed either.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, we will get more details on the 2022 Honda Civic come 28 April 2021. According to the carmaker, the new Civic\u2019s specifications will also be revealed then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/another-playstation-5-restock-happening-tonight/", "title": "Another PlayStation 5 Restock Happening Tonight", "body": "\n\nMissed out on the \nprevious PlayStation\n \n5 restocks\n? Then set your alarm for 12:01AM tonight on 16 April: the next generation console will be available for purchase on \nSony Malaysia\u2019s official Lazada store\n then.\n\n\nUnfortunately, unlike previous PS5 restocks, \nonly the standard model\n \u2013 which retails at RM2,299 \u2013 is available for purchase tonight; the Digital Edition (RM1,869) will not be offered this time around. As usual, this PS5 restock is done on a first-come, first-served basis, so you have to be quick to secure a unit.\n\n\n\n\nAs with every restock of the PlayStation 5, we expect there to be limited units of the console up for grabs. Head on to the product listing\u00a0\nright here\n\u00a0if you want to try your luck at 12:01AM on 16 April tonight. In the meantime, check out our\u00a0\nunboxing of the PS5\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopeepay-introduces-deals-near-me-feature-offers-up-to-rm8-cashback/", "title": "ShopeePay Introduces \u201cDeals Near Me\u201d Feature \u2013 Offers up to RM8 Cashback", "body": "\n\nTo drive more footfall to offline businesses, ShopeePay is introducing the \u201cDeals Near Me\u201d feature. Basically, it allows ShopeePay users to discover cashback vouchers from nearby merchants \u2013 you can get up to RM8 cashback with this new feature.\n\n\nDeals Near Me is an online-to-offline (O2O) feature that is meant to encourage ShopeePay users to visit nearby businesses, including cafes, restaurants, and even services. Once you\u2019re in the Deals Near Me page, you will find a list of vouchers offered by nearby merchants.\n\n\n\n\nThese vouchers, which can be purchased for only 5 sen, offers a range of cashback up to RM8. Of course, in order to enjoy this cashback, you will need to pay using ShopeePay. According to Shopee, the introduction of Deals Near Me has \u201cdriven footfall of over 100,000 customers to 130 early adopters\u201d of the feature.\n\n\nIn order to gain access to ShopeePay and the Deals Near Me feature, you\u2019ll need to use the Shopee app. You can download it over at the \nApple App Store\n and \nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-received-40000-bookings-to-date-booking-for-standard-model-suspended/", "title": "Proton X50 Received 40,000 Bookings to Date \u2013 Booking For Standard Model Suspended", "body": "\n\nBy the end of 2020, the hugely popular \nProton X50\n already received over 30,000 bookings. Now, the number has grown to a whopping 40,000 bookings. To shorten waiting time for the B-segment SUV, Proton is also suspending bookings for the Standard model.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, you won\u2019t be able to place a booking for the Standard variant of the Proton X50 until further notice. Speaking to \nThe Edge\n, Proton said that the Standard model \u201chad the fewest bookings, accounting for only 5%. Due to these circumstances, we decided to temporarily suspend bookings only on the Standard variant of the X50 to focus on the larger population of bookings.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nProton added that based on current projections, the waiting period for the X50 is about six months, though there are a number of customers that have waited longer than that. On the bright side, the national carmaker has definitely ramped up production of the SUV. Last month alone, Proton delivered\n 3,513 units of the X50\n.\n\n\nAccording to the carmaker, this figure is already \u201cabove the initial planned capacity,\u201d and Proton is planning to increase the production capacity of the X50 even further throughout the year. Hopefully, this would translate to faster booking fulfilment. As of March 2021, \n11,654 units of the SUV have been delivered\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt the Proton X50 is a very attractive B-segment SUV, and the huge number of bookings for the model certainly reflect this. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the X50, check out our comprehensive video review above!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hyundai-kona-facelift-now-in-malaysia-from-rm120k-to-rm137k/", "title": "Hyundai Kona Facelift Now in Malaysia \u2013 From RM120k to RM137k", "body": "\n\nHyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) just launched the facelifted Hyundai Kona here in Malaysia, which made its international debut back in September last year. Sporting a sleeker, updated design, the B-segment SUV \u2013 fully imported (CBU) from South Korea \u2013 gets some changes under the skin as well, including a new transmission.\n\n\nOddly enough, the 1.6 Turbo variant of the \npre-facelift Kona\n is not part of the updated model lineup. Instead, the facelifted Kona is now offered in the base 2.0 model for RM119,888, as well as the better equipped 2.0 Active trim, which costs RM136,888. These prices are actually RM4,000 and RM2,000 less compared to the pre-facelift models of the same trim.\n\n\n\n\nAs their names suggest, both variants of the facelifted Kona are powered by a Smartstream G2.0 MPI four-cylinder engine that outputs 149PS and 180Nm of torque. Unlike the previous six-speed automatic transmission, these two models now feature Hyundai\u2019s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), the Korean company\u2019s version of a CVT gearbox.\n\n\nAside from that, the 2.0 Active also comes with Hyundai\u2019s SmartSense suite of active safety features, which include Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA), Blind-spot Collision-avoidance Assist (BCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Lane Following Assist (LFA). Unfortunately, there\u2019s no adaptive cruise control here.\n\n\nOther specifications of the updated 2.0 Active Kona include leather seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, and even a head-up display. The base 2.0 model, on the other hand, comes with fabric seats and 17-inch alloys instead. Aside from that, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (very nice) as well as six airbags are standard across the range.\n\n\n\n\nThe facelifted Hyundai Kona is now available for booking in Malaysia. If these two models don\u2019t catch your fancy, perhaps you\u2019d be interested in the sportier N Line trim. It\u2019s said to be arriving here in the near future, and there\u2019s a good chance it will be equipped with the more powerful 1.6 T-GDI engine found in the pre-facelift model.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/cannonkeys-bakeneko60-gasket-mounted-aluminium-60-custom-keyboard-for-only-130/", "title": "CannonKeys Bakeneko60 \u2013 Gasket-Mounted Aluminium 60% Custom Keyboard for Only $130", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re in the market for a budget-friendly custom mechanical keyboard, this will pique your interest. Enter the Bakeneko60, a new 60% keyboard from \nCannonKeys\n, a renowned vendor in the custom keyboard scene. Not only is it relatively affordable, it also has an aluminium case and a gasket mounting system.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, this $130 custom keyboard \u2013 that comes up to about RM535 \u2013 the Bakeneko offers an aluminium case and an O-ring gasket mounting system. This is similar to the mounting system of the popular TGR x SINGA Unikorn keyboard, which was designed by a couple of Malaysians.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLike most gasket-mounted keyboard, the Bakeneko has a soft, flexible typing feel with a clean, high-pitched sound profile. You can hear for yourself in the sound test of the keyboard in the video above. Aside from that, the Bakeneko uses Cherry clip-in stabilisers as well, which will be more stable than plate-mounted ones; the latter is more commonly used by affordable keyboards.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the Bakeneko\u2019s case is made from aluminium alloy using a casting process, which allows CannonKeys to produce a large number of the keyboards quickly. With this in mind, the vendor is able to sell the Bakeneko as an in stock product instead of a pre-order, which usually takes months (up to a year, even) to be fulfilled.\n\n\nFour colours of the Bakeneko60: White, Black, Aqua, Navy Blue\n\n\nHowever, the casting process also means that the Bakeneko\u2019s case does not take well to anodisation; a process that gives the keyboard its colour and finish. To solve this, CannonKeys decided to have the case painted instead. It may not look or feel as nice as an anodisation process, but it\u2019s a good budget-friendly option to keep the price of the keyboard low.\n\n\nOther items that are bundled with the Bakeneko include a CannonKeys-branded foam carrying case, an FR4 plate, a hotswap PCB, Cherry clip-in stabilisers, as well as custom silicone feet. Since this is a keyboard kit, the Bakeneko doesn\u2019t come with switches or keycaps \u2013 you will need to purchase these two parts separately to complete the keyboard.\n\n\n\n\nNow, even though $130 may seem like a steep price tag for a keyboard \u2013 especially when compared to an off-the-shelf keyboard \u2013 the CannonKeys Bakeneko60 really does offer \nincredibly \ngood value for money. You\u2019d be hard pressed to find a similar custom keyboard with an aluminium case and a gasket mounting system with such a clean sound profile.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to grab the Bakeneko, you can do so on \nCannonKeys\u2019 storefront\n come 21 April at 2PM EST; that\u2019s 2AM on 22 April for us here in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-1-5-arrives-28-april-with-ps5-version-eula-yanfei-housing-system-confirmed/", "title": "Genshin Impact 1.5 Arrives 28 April With PS5 Version \u2013 Eula, Yanfei, Housing System Confirmed", "body": "\n\nMihoyo revealed a slew of \nGenshin Impact\n news recently. Not only do we have a release date for Version 1.5 of Genshin Impact (28 April), the developer also announced that the PlayStation 5 version of the hit game will be arriving on the same day. On top of that, two new characters \u2013 Eula and Yanfei \u2013 will be added to the game too.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the new characters. Eula is a 5-star Cryo character that wields a claymore, while Yanfei is a 4-star Pyro character that uses a catalyst. According to Mihoyo, Eula will get her own banner in Version 1.5, while Yanfei will be featured in Zhongli\u2019s banner \u2013 that\u2019s right, Zhongli will be available to roll again in the new update.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEula\nYanfei\n\n\nAside from that, a new item called \u201cSerenitea Pot\u201d will be introduced in Version 1.5 of Genshin Impact as well. Basically, it\u2019s your own personal realm where you can build your own \u201chouse\u201d and decorate it accordingly. In terms of gameplay, a number of improvements will be made too, such as reducing the amount of original resin required to claim rewards from the weekly bosses to 30 resin (Dvalin, Andrius, Childe).\n\n\nSpeaking of bosses, a new weekly boss will also be added once Version 1.5 is live. Dubbed Azhdaha, the \u201cLord of Vishaps,\u201d he will likely play a central role in Zhongli\u2019s second story quest. Aside from that, there will be a new world boss as well, the Cryo Hypostasis. Just like the other Hypostasis in the game, the new boss will drop materials for character ascensions.\n\n\nAs for the native version of Genshin Impact for PS5, it will support 4K resolution, enhanced textures, and faster loading times.\n\n\n\n\nTo top it all off, Mihoyo even teased Inazuma in a number of concept arts, which will be introduced as a new region in Genshin Impact sometime in the future. It\u2019s great that Mihoyo is adding so much new content in Version 1.5 of the game come 28 April to keep the experience fresh, and if you\u2019re not sure if the game is for you or not, check out our long-term review of Genshin Impact \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-teases-new-qmk-keyboard-gasket-mount-hotswap-pcb-screw-in-stabilisers/", "title": "Keychron Teases New \u201cQMK Keyboard\u201d \u2013 Gasket Mount, Hotswap PCB, Screw-In Stabilisers", "body": "\n\nKeychron, a pretty popular manufacturer in the mainstream keyboard scene, is teasing a rather interesting new keyboard. Dubbed \u201cQMK Keyboard,\u201d it features a number of features more commonly found on enthusiast-level custom mechanical keyboards, including support for \u2013 you guessed it \u2013 QMK and VIA.\n\n\nQMK and VIA support seems to be one of the most highlighted features of the QMK Keyboard. Basically, QMK and VIA are software solutions that allow users to customise the mapping of a keyboard. VIA, for one, has a simple user interface that makes it very easy to change what every key on a keyboard does.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the QMK Keyboard will also feature a gasket-mounted plate, one of the most popular mounting styles in the custom keyboard scene now. It remains to be seen if this is a similar implementation to the gasket mounting system of the \nGlorious GMMK Pro\n, though if Keychron\u2019s new keyboard is using a \u201ctraditional\u201d gasket mount, it should offer a soft typing feel with a clean sound profile.\n\n\nOther specifications of the QMK Keyboard listed on the website include support for screw-in stabilisers \u2013 this is more secure than plate-mounted stabilisers \u2013 a hotswap PCB, which makes it easy and seamless to swap switches, as well as an aluminium body. Looking at the teaser image, it looks to be sporting a 75% layout as well.\n\n\n\n\nBased on these revealed specifications, the new Keychron QMK Keyboard does look like a rather promising product that could match the quality of entry-level custom mechanical keyboards. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how much it will be priced at once Keychron is ready to reveal more details.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to learn more about the QMK Keyboard, you can register your interest \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dell-xps-13-9305-quietly-launched-in-malaysia-more-affordable-model-with-169-screen-from-rm4499/", "title": "Dell XPS 13 (9305) Quietly Launched in Malaysia \u2013 More Affordable Model With 16:9 Screen From RM4,499", "body": "\n\nIt appears the new Dell XPS 13 (9305) has been quietly launched here in Malaysia. Basically, it\u2019s a more affordable variant of the \nhigher-end XPS 13 (9310)\n, but with a different display. Instead of a 16:10 screen, the newer, more budget-friendly XPS 13 features a 16:9 panel.\n\n\nIn fact, upon closer inspection, there\u2019s a very good chance the XPS 13 (9305) uses the same chassis as the \n2019 XPS 13\n, which isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing. After all, starting at RM4,499, it is quite a bit more affordable than the XPS 13 (9310). That particular model \nretails from RM5,399\n \u2013 a RM900 price difference is quite big.\n\n\n\n\nFor RM4,499, the new XPS 13 features Intel\u2019s latest 11th generation Core i5-1135G7 processor paired with 8GB of RAM, integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, 512GB of SSD storage, as well as a 13.3-inch 1920 x 1080 InfinityEdge screen. All in all, a reasonably well-equipped premium productivity laptop for that kind of money.\n\n\nIf you want more processing power, you can opt for the Core i7-1165G7 configuration of the XPS 13. Aside from the faster processor, you also get a much sharper 13.3-inch 3840 x 2160 InfinityEdge touch-enabled screen, 16GB of RAM, the same 512GB SSD, and Iris Xe graphics. Of course, these upgrades do increase the price of the XPS 13 quite a bit to RM5,899.\n\n\n\n\nThe new Dell XPS 13 (9305) is now available for purchase on \nDell\u2019s Malaysian online store\n from RM4,499. If you don\u2019t mind its slightly narrower 16:9 screen, this model is certainly a good alternative to the higher-end XPS 13 (9310).\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-honda-civic-may-arrive-in-malaysia-sometime-in-2021/", "title": "2022 Honda Civic May Arrive in Malaysia Sometime in 2021", "body": "\n\nNow this is a bit of a surprise: the upcoming \n2022 Honda Civic\n may arrive here in Malaysia sometime \nthis year\n in 2021. This was revealed by the President and Chief Operations Officer of Honda Malaysia, Sarly Adle Sarkum, in an interview on Honda\u2019s very own \nWithDreams online magazine\n.\n\n\nIn the interview, Sarly was asked if there was anything \u201cexciting in store\u201d that he can share, to which he brought up the world premiere of the 2022 Civic. \u201cHints for 2021\u2026tunggu (wait)\u2026,\u201d was what he said after that statement. It\u2019s a little vague, but it does seem to indicate that we could see the local debut of the brand new C-segment sedan as early as this year.\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s entirely possible Sarly is hinting at a preview of the 2022 Civic in Malaysia rather than a local launch in 2021.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, it\u2019s definitely an exciting sign for those who are eagerly waiting for the local availability of the 11th generation Civic. Just like the \nCivic Prototype\n, the production unit of the sedan has a longer hood \u201cfor a more premium side view,\u201d as Honda puts it. On top of that, the A-pillars have been pushed back as well to improve driver visibility.\n\n\nIn comparison to the current \n10th generation Civic FC\n, the 2022 Civic\u2019s headlights are also slimmer now. This, and the absence of the chrome (or piano black) grille certainly give the new sedan a more mature-looking design. If you\u2019re not a fan of the Civic FC\u2019s aggressive-styling, the 2022 model may just tickle your fancy.\n\n\nThe 10th generation Honda Civic FC\n\n\nAccording to the Japanese carmaker, more details on the 2022 Honda Civic will be revealed next week on 28 April. Stay tuned to Nextrift then to find out more about the new C-segment sedan!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-matebook-2021-series-now-in-malaysia-from-rm3299-early-birds-get-rm800-freebies/", "title": "Huawei MateBook 2021 Series Now in Malaysia From RM3,299 \u2013 Early Birds Get RM800 Freebies", "body": "\n\nHuawei just launched a slew of new laptops in Malaysia. These include the MateBook 14, MateBook D 14, MateBook D 15, as well as the top-of-the-line laptop in the series, the premium MateBook X Pro. Naturally, all of these laptops \u2013 except for the MateBook D 14 \u2013 feature Intel\u2019s latest 11th generation processors, and they\u2019re quite sleek-looking too.\n\n\nThe most affordable machine in the series is the MateBook D 15, which retails from RM3,299 for the 10th generation Core i5-10210U configuration with Intel\u2019s integrated UHD Graphics 620. If you want better CPU and GPU performances, you can opt for the Core i5-1135G7 model with Intel Iris Xe Graphics for RM3,899.\n\n\nIf you want a 14-inch laptop instead, there\u2019s the MateBook D 14. It retails at RM3,499 with a Core i5-10210U processor.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the more premium MateBook 14. While the aforementioned laptops are equipped with a 1080p screen, the MateBook 14 features a sharper 14-inch 2160 x 1440 touch-enabled screen and a Core 15-1135G7 processor. Of course, this means it\u2019s quite a bit more costly too, retailing at RM4,899.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the range-topping MateBook X Pro. Offered in only one variant, it comes with a 13.9-inch 3000 x 2000 touch-enabled display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, making it ideal for productivity tasks. Aside from that, it is also equipped with a Core i5-1135G7 processor, Iris Xe Graphics, and a RM6,899 price tag.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that regardless of which 2021 MateBook you purchase, you will get 512GB of SSD storage and 16GB of RAM \u2013 very practical capacities.\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei MateBook 2021 series is now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 23 April; it will hit store shelves the very next day on 24 April. Those who place a pre-order by 23 April will also receive up to RM800 worth of freebies, including a one-year subscription to Microsoft 365, a Huawei-branded backpack, and a \u201ccity travel gift package.\u201d Those who purchase the MateBook 14 or MateBook X Pro will also get a Huawei Bluetooth mouse.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/starting-at-rm4499-the-dell-xps-13-is-the-default-premium-productivity-laptop/", "title": "Starting at RM4,499, The Dell XPS 13 Is the Default Premium Productivity Laptop", "body": "\n\nA premium productivity laptop, as its name suggests, usually cost a premium. But in recent times, the prices of these high-end laptops have steadily dropped, and the Dell XPS 13 is the latest one that caught our eyes. Retailing \nfrom only RM4,499 now\n, you\u2019re getting an excellent productivity laptop for that kind of money.\n\n\nOf course, we\u2019re talking about the new Dell XPS 13 (9305) that was quietly launched here in Malaysia. Now, despite this being a \u201cnew\u201d model, its design and feature set are actually very similar to the \n2019 XPS 13\n. This isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing, of course: it still looks quite sleek, and it has upgraded internals as well.\n\n\nBy (seemingly) using the same chassis as the older model, Dell is able to offer this variant of the XPS 13 at a lower price point. In my opinion, this is quite a smart move on Dell\u2019s part. If you want a premium productivity laptop with good value for money, consider this new model of the XPS 13.\n\n\n\n\nWhat Are You Sacrificing?\n\n\nSo what is the main difference between the XPS 13 (9305) and the higher-end, more costly \nXPS 13 (9310)\n? Well, you get a slightly narrower and smaller 16:9 display with the former, which may not be a big sacrifice to certain folks. Of course, the XPS 13 (9310)\u2019s taller 16:10 screen does look sleeker (it\u2019s also better suited for productivity tasks), but a 16:9 display is still plenty good.\n\n\nAfter all, you\u2019re getting a high quality panel with the more affordable XPS 13 (9305). Its 13.3-inch 1080p or 4K InfinityEdge screen still offers 100% sRGB colour coverage, and it even has a peak brightness of 400 nits, which should be bright enough for most use case scenarios. While it has a rather noticeable bottom screen bezel than the XPS 13 (9310), I would argue it\u2019s still a handsome-looking machine.\n\n\nThe XPS 13 (9305)\nThe XPS 13 (9310)\n\n\nMore Importantly, It\u2019s Far More Affordable\n\n\nNow this is really the biggest reason to get the XPS 13 (9305). As mentioned, it retails from only RM4,499, which makes it one of the most affordable premium-class productivity laptops in the Malaysian market now. To put this into context, the XPS 13 (9310) \nstarts at RM5,399\n \u2013 that\u2019s a RM900 price difference.\n\n\nBut are you getting your money\u2019s worth with the RM4,499 XPS 13 (9305)? Definitely. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting Intel\u2019s latest 11th generation Core i5-1135G7 processor paired with 8GB of RAM \u2013 the very same chip that powers the costlier XPS 13 (9310) \u2013 an integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 512GB of SSD storage, as well as a 13.3-inch 1920 x 1080 InfinityEdge screen.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want even more processing power and RAM, you can opt for the RM5,899 model. Not only does it feature a faster Core i7-1165G7 processor paired with 16GB of RAM, you\u2019re also getting a much sharper 13.3-inch 3840 x 2160 InfinityEdge touch-enabled screen. In comparison, a similarly configured XPS 13 (9310) would set you back \na whopping RM6,999\n. Yes, you have to pay RM1,000 more.\n\n\nDifferent Target Audience, Same Premium Laptop\n\n\nThat being said, the XPS 13 (9305) and XPS 13 (9310) are meant to appeal to different audiences. The more affordable 9305 model is made for folks that want a premium productivity laptop without breaking the bank, while the higher-end 9310 variant is for those that are looking to get the best productivity laptop Dell has to offer right now.\n\n\n\n\nRegardless, both variants of the XPS 13 are still premium laptops through and through. They are some of the sleekest laptops in the market now, they have stunning displays, and of course, they provide more than enough processing power for the average user with Intel\u2019s latest 11th generation processors.\n\n\nBy offering two distinct models of the Dell XPS 13 at different price points, the premium productivity laptop is \nthat\n much more appealing to a wider audience. If your budget permits, I reckon you won\u2019t be disappointed with either one of these two laptops.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-introduces-new-very-colourful-imac-with-m1-chip-malaysian-pricing-starts-at-rm5599/", "title": "Apple Introduces New (Very Colourful) iMac With M1 Chip \u2013 Malaysian Pricing Starts at RM5,599", "body": "\n\nApple just unveiled the all-new all-in-one iMac, and it is very, very colourful. In fact, it\u2019s available in \nseven\n different colours, and just like other recently unveiled Macs, the new iMac is sporting Apple\u2019s very own M1 chip, promising better performance than its predecessor in a thinner package.\n\n\nAccording to Apple, the M1 chip powering the new iMac provides up to 85% faster performance than the previous model \u2013 that\u2019s quite a big performance gain. What\u2019s even more impressive is the fact that the whole design of the AIO is thinner than ever now. This is exemplified in the slim side profile of the new iMac.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the screen itself, the updated iMac now features a 24-inch 4.5k Retina Display with True Tone support. The slim bezels surrounding the display also give the machine a rather sleek aesthetic. That being said, it does have a rather large \u201cchin\u201d under the screen, which slightly detracts from an otherwise very modern-looking AIO.\n\n\nOf course, the new iMac also gets colour-matched mouse and keyboard, not to mention a magnetic power connector \u2013 also colour-matched, naturally. It has a 1080p camera now too with improved mics for a better video call experience. To top it all off, Apple also said that the new iMac is quieter and will run cooler than its predecessor.\n\n\n\n\nMalaysian availability of the new iMac has not been revealed yet, though we do know its \nlocal pricing already\n. The base model with a 7-core GPU, 256GB of SSD storage, and 8GB of RAM retails at RM5,599. A tier up is the RM6,449 variant, which gets an 8-core GPU. If you need more storage space, you can upgrade the storage to 512GB (with the same 8-core GPU) for a cool RM7,249.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-ipad-pro-gets-even-more-powerful-now-with-m1-chip-mini-led-display-from-rm3499/", "title": "The iPad Pro Gets Even More Powerful \u2013 Now With M1 Chip & Mini-LED Display From RM3,499", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nbrand new iMac\n, Apple also updated the iPad Pro with its M1 chip. That\u2019s right, the tablet gets even more powerful now with Apple\u2019s very own processor \u2013 the very same chip that powers the Cupertino company\u2019s range of Mac products.\n\n\nWith the M1 chip, the new iPad Pro is said to offer 50% faster CPU performance than its predecessor, which \nalready\n had very good processing power. On top of that, in the GPU department, the new iPad Pro promises 40% improvement, courtesy of the 8-core GPU of the M1 chip.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond its performance upgrade, the new iPad Pro also gets an impressive 2732 x 2048 mini-LED screen dubbed \u201cLiquid Retina XDR,\u201d though this is only limited to the larger 12.9-inch model. The more affordable 11-inch variant, on the other hand, gets a regular 2388 x 1668 IPS screen. Anyway, according to Apple, the mini-LED panel of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro offers a peak brightness of \n1,600 nits\n.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the updated iPad Pro gets a new 12MP ultra-wide angle sensor with TrueDepth support, allowing users to unlock the iPad with Face ID now. There\u2019s also a rather cool new feature called \u201cCentre Stage,\u201d which uses the ultra-wide angle shooter to automatically \u201cpan\u201d the camera to keep a subject centred in the frame.\n\n\n\n\nJust like the updated iMac, the new iPad Pro has no Malaysian release date yet, but \nlocal pricing has been revealed\n. The 11-inch model retails from RM3,499, while the better equipped 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at RM4,799. Both of these base models are WiFi-only with 128GB of storage.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-tv-q1-75-4k-qled-120hz-smart-tv-may-arrive-in-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi TV Q1 \u2013 75\u2033 4K QLED 120Hz Smart TV May Arrive in Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nNow this is quite interesting: there\u2019s a good chance Xiaomi is \nfinally\n launching (at the very least) one of its Smart TVs here in Malaysia. We have good reason to believe that the Chinese company will be introducing the Xiaomi Mi TV Q1 on our shores soon, a 75-inch 4K QLED smart TV with a fast 120Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nAs usual, we were going through SIRIM\u2019s database when we saw a rather peculiar product registered by Xiaomi Malaysia earlier today. Carrying the model number L75M6-ESG, this is none other than the Mi TV Q1, a feature-packed smart TV with excellent value for money.\n\n\n\n\nThe headline feature of the Mi TV Q1 has to be its expansive 75-inch 3840 x 2160 QLED panel with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. On top of that, the almost bezel-less design \u2013 aside from the small bottom chin \u2013 also gives the smart TV a very sleek, modern-looking design. Thanks to the QLED panel, it also meets 100% NTSC and 95% DCI-P3 colour standards.\n\n\nAside from that, the Mi TV Q1 runs on Android TV 10 out of the box too, which allows you to download a slew of apps and the ability to cast content to the TV from your mobile device. As for connectivity, it includes a HDMI 2.1 eARC/ALLM input, two HDMI 2.0 port, two USB 2.0 connections, Bluetooth 5.0, and WiFi 2.4GHz/5GHz.\n\n\n\n\nFor the European market, the Xiaomi Mi TV Q1 retails at \u20ac1,299, which comes up to about RM6,430. This is a competitive price tag for a smart TV of this calibre, though we don\u2019t know yet when (or if) it will be available here in Malaysia. It\u2019s worth noting, however, that Xiaomi \ndid mention\n it intends to offer its range of smart TVs locally last year.\n\n\nNonetheless, we have contacted Xiaomi Malaysia regarding this \u2013 we\u2019ll update this article if we hear back from the company.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/22-28-april-fuel-price-ron-97-up-again/", "title": "22 \u2013 28 April Fuel Price: RON 97 up Again", "body": "\n\nWhile RON 97 stopped increasing in price last week, it\u2019s a different story this week. It is set to go up by 4 sen per litre this midnight, while the prices of RON 95 and diesel remain the same, given that the price ceilings of the two have been reached.\n\n\nThis brings the price of RON 97 to RM2.58 per litre (up from RM2.54). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, remains the same at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 22 to 28 April next week. New fuel prices will now be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-band-6-review-a-sleek-long-lasting-fitness-band/", "title": "Huawei Band 6 Review: A Sleek, Long-Lasting Fitness Band", "body": "\n\nHuawei\u2019s range of wearables have gotten better over the years, and the latest fitness band from the Chinese company, the Huawei Band 6, is its best one yet. Not only does it look sleek, it\u2019s also very long-lasting, offering up to two weeks of battery life.\n\n\nRetailing at RM219, it is not too expensive either. If you want a sleek-looking fitness band to track your well-being, the Huawei Band 6 really is quite a good option. Not convinced? Then keep on reading this review!\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nCompared to Huawei\u2019s previous fitness bands, the Band 6 has a much sleeker design, thanks to its expansive 1.47-inch 368 x 194 AMOLED screen. Aside from that, even though Huawei did not reveal the battery capacity of this wearable, it can supposedly deliver up to 14 days of use as well.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the Band 6 offers rather robust sleep tracking. Dubbed TruSleep 2.0, it can automatically detect exactly when I fall asleep; I don\u2019t need to manually prompt the wearable when I\u2019m about to go to bed. I\u2019ll elaborate more on this feature in the next section, but suffice to say\u2026I\u2019m quite impressed with it.\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nThe overall design of the Huawei Band 6 is its strongest selling point, in my opinion. In fact, even with the display switched off, this wearable still looks really good on my wrist. I\u2019m quite a fan of this Forest Green colourway as well with the matching watchface.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the AMOLED display of the Band 6 is quite pleasant to look at too. Given that this is an AMOLED panel, it has deep, true blacks, vibrant colours, and wide viewing angles. It\u2019s also quite a pixel-dense screen, so texts look sharp and crisp; especially useful for reading notifications.\n\n\n\n\nAnother feature of the Band 6 that I really like is its sleep tracking ability. As mentioned, the fitness band can automatically detect when I fall asleep, and it provides quite an elaborate set of data as well. It shows how long my sleep was, how long I spent in different sleep stages, and it can even measure the \nquality \nof my sleep.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the Band 6\u2019s battery life. Ever since I started using the wearable daily for about a week and a half, I haven\u2019t needed to charge it at all. With this in mind, Huawei\u2019s claim of up to 14 days of use on a single charge with this fitness band is certainly a realistic estimate.\n\n\nNaturally, the Band 6 has a 5 ATM water resistance rating as well. I can wash it after my workouts without worry, and it can track swimming routines too. Unfortunately, I couldn\u2019t put this feature to the test, given that we\u2019re still in the middle of a pandemic.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the Band 6\u2019s notification system, which is decent. Every single notification that I get on my phone are pushed accordingly to the wearable, and on occasions where my phone is in my pocket, it\u2019s great to not have to take out my phone just to check my notifications.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nNow, while the Huawei Band 6 can receive push notifications in a timely manner, the notification system as a whole still feels quite limited. I cannot interact with any of the notifications, and they are all jumbled up too; it would\u2019ve been great if the notifications are grouped by the respective apps that send them.\n\n\nThen again, it\u2019s worth noting that the Band 6 is not the only fitness band that has this limitation.\n\n\n\n\nAs for its ability as a fitness tracker, the Band 6 is (obviously) quite good. It does a good job of tracking my workouts, and after I\u2019m done with a particular exercise, it shows my average heart rate throughout the workout, how long the workout was, and the amount of calories I\u2019ve burnt.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the tracking itself is a little buggy. Regardless of the intensity of the workout, it always shows that I\u2019m in the \u201cextreme\u201d heart rate zone, even at the very start of a workout. It\u2019s a small bug, but it\u2019s definitely worth pointing out.\n\n\nIs It Worth It\n\n\nEven though its notification system and fitness tracking is a little unrefined, the Huawei Band 6 is still a very good fitness band. Not only does it look sleek, it also has long battery life, a nice, vibrant AMOLED screen, as well as an excellent sleep tracking ability.\n\n\n\n\nAll of these features make the Band 6 a good option for those who want a fitness band that doesn\u2019t break the bank. After all, it retails at only RM219. While it\u2019s not the most affordable wearable in the market, you\u2019re certainly getting your money\u2019s worth with the Band 6.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-5-review-fast-rm2999-gaming-device-okay-smartphone/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 5 Review: Fast RM2,999 Gaming Device, Okay Smartphone", "body": "\n\nI had a blast gaming on the Asus ROG Phone 5. Even when running particularly demanding mobile games like \nGenshin Impact\n at maxed out graphics settings, it doesn\u2019t show any sign of stutter or lag \u2013 the phone just keeps chugging along without breaking a sweat. Basically, this is a very, \nvery\n fast gaming smartphone, and it offers good value for money too.\n\n\nHowever, outside of gaming, the ROG Phone 5\u2026could be better. That\u2019s not to say it is a bad flagship smartphone; it just falls short in a number of areas. Then again, this \nis\n, first and foremost, a gaming device. If you\u2019re an avid mobile gamer that wants the best gaming performance out of a smartphone, the ROG Phone 5 is an excellent choice.\n\n\nEspecially for only RM2,999.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED (2448 x 1080), 144Hz\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 888 2.84GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 660\nRAM\n8GB\nStorage\n128GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n64MP f/1.8, PDAF\n13MP f/2.4 (ultra-wide angle)\n5MP f/2.0 (macro)\nCamera (front)\n24MP f/2.5\nBattery\n6,000mAh\nDimensions\n173 x 77 x 9.9 mm\nWeight\n239g\nOS\nROG UI based on Android 11\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.2\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4/5/6GHz)\nUSB Type-C\n3.5mm headphone jack\nPrice\nRM2,999\n\n\nFor this review, we received the 128GB variant of the ROG Phone 5 with 8GB of RAM, which retails at only RM2,999. There\u2019s also a 256GB model with 16GB (!) of RAM that goes for RM3,799, and given that this phone does not feature a microSD card slot, you may want to go for this configuration if you absolutely need more storage space.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nSince the ROG Phone 5 is a gaming smartphone, let\u2019s talk about its performance first. Regardless of what game I throw at it, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset powering this phone can handle it with no issue at all. I\u2019m especially impressed with how well it can run Genshin Impact.\n\n\n\n\nAs I\u2019ve mentioned earlier on, the ROG Phone 5 can run the game extremely well even with maxed out graphics settings \nat 60fps\n. Genshin Impact is a game that even flagship-class Android smartphones struggle to run properly at this frame rate, so needless to say, the performance level of this gaming smartphone \u2013 and the Snapdragon 888, of course \u2013 is very impressive.\n\n\nThis level of performance is further complemented by the ROG Phone 5\u2019s 6.78-inch 1080p AMOLED screen with a fast 144Hz refresh rate. Games that support this high refresh rate is very, very enjoyable to play on this powerful device. Coupled with the display\u2019s 300Hz touch sampling rate, input delay is reduced to a minimum too.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the panel quality itself, it\u2019s a pleasant screen to look at. This is an AMOLED panel, so naturally, it offers deep, true blacks, vibrant colours, and wide viewing angles. Of course, it still doesn\u2019t quite compare to the stunning, sharper display of, say, the \nSamsung Galaxy S21 Ultra\n. But overall, you\u2019re still getting an above average screen here.\n\n\nOkay, so the ROG Phone 5 is a fast gaming smartphone with an equally fast, high quality screen; what about its battery life? As it turns out, the phone\u2019s very generous 6,000mAh battery can return \nexcellent\n battery life. Throughout the review period, I can consistently get over seven hours of screen on time with this device.\n\n\nNeedless to say, I can easily get through a typical work day with the ROG Phone 5, even with a few sessions of Genshin Impact thrown in throughout the day.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the overall design of the ROG Phone 5, which I really quite like, especially this Storm White colourway. The white and blue colour scheme is a refreshing change compared to the overplayed black and red colour combo, and the ROG logo on the back with RGB lighting is a nice design element too.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nIt\u2019s obvious the ROG Phone 5 is a very good smartphone for gaming purposes, but beyond that scenario, it isn\u2019t quite as refined in other regards. Take its software experience: while I love the fact that the user interface is very close to stock Android, push notifications from certain apps such as Gmail and Twitter are very delayed.\n\n\n\n\nIn fact, there were a few instances where I had to \nactually \nlaunch the app to finally get the notifications. While this may not be a big issue to some users, it\u2019s definitely a very real problem for myself in this line of work. While using this phone, I actually missed a number of important work-related emails.\n\n\nAside from that, the ROG Phone 5\u2019s fingerprint sensor isn\u2019t great either. Not only is it difficult to register my fingerprint, it has issue accurately recognising my fingerprint as well. Thankfully, a recent software update made the sensor much more accurate, though it is still a little difficult to register my fingerprint.\n\n\n\n\nGiven that the ROG Phone 5 is a gaming-centric smartphone, it\u2019s no surprise that the camera performance is not fantastic. The triple camera system doesn\u2019t even have a zoom lens, and the low light performance of the 64MP primary sensor isn\u2019t particularly great either with lacklustre detail preservation and dynamic range.\n\n\nIn fact, the 13MP ultra-wide angle shooter can actually take \nbetter-looking shots \nin low light conditions, though it does so by using a long exposure mode. Anyway, judge for yourself with these sample shots:\n\n\n64MP primary\n13MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\nNaturally, under good lighting, the ROG Phone 5 can still take rather good-looking shots. It may not be able to deliver amazing picture quality, but it will certainly do in a pinch. After all, this is (again) first and foremost a gaming-focused smartphone.\n\n\nHowever, that brings me to my last negative with the ROG Phone 5: it runs \nhot\n. In prolonged gaming sessions, the side frames and top portion of the phone get uncomfortably hot, though I didn\u2019t notice any major performance throttling when this happens. Obviously, you won\u2019t feel the heat with a casing on, but that doesn\u2019t exactly solve the thermal issue itself.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nEven though it runs hot, I still absolutely enjoy gaming on the Asus ROG Phone 5; it is my go-to smartphone for my Genshin Impact fix now. On top of that, it also offers long battery life, a fast, vibrant 144Hz AMOLED display, as well as a refreshing white and blue colour scheme (in my opinion).\n\n\n\n\nYes, the ROG Phone 5 does have its fair share of shortcomings, but as a gaming smartphone, it serves its purpose very well. On top of that, retailing from RM2,999, there\u2019s no denying the sheer value proposition of this high-end gaming smartphone. If that\u2019s what you want, then look no further than the ROG Phone 5.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-for-playstation-5-reduces-loading-times-to-less-than-2-seconds/", "title": "Genshin Impact for PlayStation 5 Reduces Loading Times to Less Than 2 Seconds", "body": "\n\nThe PlayStation 5 version of \nGenshin Impact\n is coming on 28 April alongside the \nVersion 1.5 update\n, and Mihoyo revealed a number of interesting new details for the new version of the game. For example, it takes the game merely \nseconds\n to load a new area on the PS5.\n\n\nThis improvement is possible thanks to the powerful SSD of the PS5. Mihoyo released a video showcasing the development build of the PS5 version of Genshin Impact, and as you can see in the video below, it takes less than two whole seconds for the game to load a brand new area.\n\n\nAs Mihoyo puts it\n, \u201cyou can jump right into domains almost instantaneously.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis incredibly fast loading time is very impressive, given that even high-end gaming PCs can\u2019t match the PS5 in this regard. Granted, Mihoyo \nis \nusing a tailor-made file-loading system for the PS5 version of Genshin Impact to achieve this speedy loading time.\n\n\nInterestingly, Mihoyo also mentioned that it is looking to implement more features of the DualSense controller in Genshin Impact in the PS5 version. For now, only the improved haptic feedback of the next generation controller is implemented in the game; more DualSense features (perhaps even the adaptive triggers) will be integrated in the future.\n\n\n\u201cThe DualSense controller adopts very different technologies, and we\u2019re still redesigning the controller support from scratch to explore its full potential,\u201d said Mihoyo.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, Genshin Impact for the PlayStation 5 will be arriving next week on 28 April together with the Version 1.5 update of the game, which will introduce a slew of other new content and improvements. You can learn more about these changes \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-zhongli-banner-arrives-28-april-with-yanfei-diona-noelle/", "title": "Genshin Impact Zhongli Banner Arrives 28 April With Yanfei, Diona, Noelle", "body": "\n\nMihoyo just revealed Zhongli\u2019s banner for Genshin Impact, which is set to arrive this Wednesday on 28 April. This is the second time the 5-star character is featured on a banner, and he will be accompanied by Yanfei \u2013 a new 4-star Pyro character \u2013 Diona, as well as Noelle.\n\n\nJust like Genshin Impact\u2019s\u00a0\nprevious character\n\u00a0\nevent banners\n, the \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Zhongli, Yanfei, Diona, and Noelle will be increased. In the case of Zhongli, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be him. If it\u2019s not him, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be Zhongli.\n\n\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s pity system ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character or weapon every 90 wishes \u2013 depending on which banner you\u2019re rolling \u2013 you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed chance to get Zhongli. The same rule applies to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10 roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the event banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Yanfei, Diona, or Noelle. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters \u2013 especially Yanfei, given that she\u2019s a brand new character \u2013 you will likely have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\nYanfei, a new 4-star Pyro character\nEula, a new 5-star Cryo character\n\n\nZhongli\u2019s \u201cGentry of Hermitage\u201d banner will go live on Genshin Impact this Wednesday on 28 April right after the \nVersion 1.5 update\n. The banner will be available until 18 May, so there\u2019s plenty of time to collect more Primogems for Zhongli or Yanfei. The new 5-star character Eula, on the other hand, will be coming after Zhongli\u2019s banner.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/volvo-xc40-recharge-ev-arriving-in-malaysia-soon-400km-range-0-100km-h-in-4-9-seconds/", "title": "Volvo XC40 Recharge EV Arriving in Malaysia Soon \u2013 400km Range, 0-100km/h in 4.9 Seconds", "body": "\n\nIt appears Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) is gearing up to introduce the Volvo XC40 Recharge EV in our local market. Registration of interest for the full electric model is now \nopen on VCM\u2019s website\n, so chances are, it won\u2019t be long until the EV is officially launched here in Malaysia.\n\n\nThe XC40 Recharge EV is Volvo\u2019s first mass-produced electric SUV, and it\u2019s packed with a number of interesting features. According to the carmaker, the SUV has an all-electric range of 418km on a single charge, thanks to its 78kWh battery.\n\n\n\n\nAs for charging time, the XC40 Recharge EV can be charged up to 80% in only 40 minutes with a 150kW DC charging station (under ideal conditions). When charging at home instead, a three-phase 11kW wallbox can fully charge the XC40 in about eight hours from completely empty.\n\n\nIn terms of performance, the XC40 Recharge EV can go from 0-100km/h in only 4.9 seconds; this figure is highlighted on the product page of the SUV on Volvo Car Malaysia\u2019s website. This suggests that the Malaysian market will at least receive the AWD variant, which gets 408PS and 660Nm of torque out of a dual-motor setup.\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on exactly when the Volvo XC40 Recharge EV will be launched here in Malaysia, but we reckon it is happening very, very soon. In the meantime, you can register your interest for the electric SUV over at \nVCM\u2019s website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-production-focused-on-malaysian-market-first-before-exports/", "title": "Proton X50 Production Focused on Malaysian Market First Before Exports", "body": "\n\nStill waiting to get the \nProton X50\n? Well, if you\u2019re afraid Proton\u2019s export plans will affect local delivery of the B-segment SUV, you can rest easy now. Even though the national carmaker is \nfocusing quite a bit on export markets this year\n, the X50\u2019s production will still be catered to the Malaysian market.\n\n\nIn a statement sent out to \nPaul Tan\n, Proton said that its main priority right now is to \u201cdeliver cars for domestic market orders first and to address the waiting times currently faced by our customers.\u201d Given that the waiting period for the SUV now stands at over six months \u2013 some customers have waited even longer than that \u2013 this is a good move.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, Proton added that the X50 will eventually be exported to other markets. This includes Pakistan, though no tentative timeline was given. Once the B-segment SUV is introduced there, it will also be locally assembled alongside the \nX70\n and Saga \u2013 the CKD production of the latter two in Pakistan are set to begin sometime in Q3 2021.\n\n\nBack here in Malaysia, Proton is ramping up production of the X50 to meet consumer demand. With over \n3,513 units\n of the SUV delivered in March last month, the national carmaker said that this is already \u201cabove the initial planned capacity.\u201d Throughout the year, the production capacity of the X50 will be increased even further too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith over 40,000 bookings\n already placed for the Proton X50 since its launch in late October last year, it is without a doubt a very popular B-segment SUV. Check out our comprehensive review of the X50 in the video above to find out why!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/production-of-proton-x50-will-increase-but-not-immediately/", "title": "Production of Proton X50 Will Increase, But Not Immediately", "body": "\n\nThe \nProton X50\n is, without a doubt, one of the most hyped B-segment SUVs in the market now. In fact, in a statement sent out to \nPaultan.org\n, Proton said that it has \u201cliterally been playing \u2018catch-up\u2019 since day one\u201d because of the huge number of bookings. Well, the good news is, production volume of the SUV will be increased, though it\u2019s not happening overnight.\n\n\n\u201cOur production volume is not limited by plant capacity. We want to and will gradually build up the volume (of the X50), but it can\u2019t be done immediately. It takes a considerable amount of lead time to increase production capacity and we are working with our vendors and suppliers to source enough parts to do just that,\u201d said a Proton spokesperson to Paultan.org.\n\n\n\n\nProton added that the various Movement Control Orders (MCO) and shutdowns caused by COVID-19 clusters further delayed the initial production of the X50. Of course, these are also affecting how quickly the national carmaker can increase production numbers of the SUV.\n\n\nThat being said, it\u2019s worth noting that Proton still managed to deliver \nover 3,513 units of the X50 last month\n, and the carmaker said that this is already \u201cabove the initial planned capacity.\u201d Chances are, the number of units delivered this month would be in the same range too \u2013 or perhaps even higher, if things go to plan.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs of March 2021 last month, Proton has delivered 11,654 units of the Proton X50. But with \nover 40,000 bookings\n already placed for the B-segment SUV, the national carmaker certainly has some ways to go still \u2013 waiting period of the X50 currently stands at over six months.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-to-enter-ev-market-when-time-is-right/", "title": "Proton to Enter EV Market When Time Is Right", "body": "\n\nElectric vehicles (EV) have only gotten more popular in recent times, so it\u2019s really only a matter of time before more carmakers start producing their own EVs. Proton, for one, said that it already has the capability to introduce EV technology, but the national carmaker is waiting for the right time to do so.\n\n\nThis was revealed by the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah, in an online interview with \nThe Malaysian Reserve\n. According to Roslan, Proton is \u201cawaiting clarity on the country\u2019s direction in the (EV) segment\u201d before deciding to introduce any EV technology, among other things.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWe could bring the technology, but the question is what would happen to aftersales in the next five years? We are not looking at selling the product alone but throughout the customer experience of owning an EV car as well,\u201d said Roslan.\n\n\n\u201cHow many consumers could afford an EV? In Malaysia, a part of the forces in sales is price affordability. If we have to bring down the price level, would it meet certain regulations later on, if any? These are key points we are looking at in determining to bring EVs. We (need to) look for the right product and the right time,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\nBased on these statements, it\u2019s unlikely Proton will enter the EV market anytime soon. That is, unless the Malaysian government starts pushing for electrification of cars. Thailand, for one, is banning sales of non-EV cars by 2035 in its effort to \u201ctransform itself from a Southeast Asian hub for the production of conventional autos to one making electric cars,\u201d \nBloomberg reported\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-v21-now-in-malaysia-44mp-selfie-camera-with-ois-for-rm1599/", "title": "Vivo V21 Now in Malaysia \u2013 44MP Selfie Camera With OIS for RM1,599", "body": "\n\nVivo just launched two new smartphones here in Malaysia: the Vivo V21, and the more affordable Vivo V21e. Out of the two devices, the V21 is naturally the more exciting device. After all, it features a 44MP selfie camera with optical image stabilisation \u2013 not a feature you typically find on a smartphone.\n\n\nIn fact, Vivo Malaysia says that the V21 is the only phone in the market now with an optically stabilised selfie camera, which makes it easier to capture blur-free images. On top of that, the 44MP f/2.0 front-facing camera has an autofocus system too for properly focused selfies. Normally, selfie cameras have a fixed focus system.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond its selfie camera, other specifications of the V21 include a MediaTek Dimensity 800U chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, a 6.44-inch 1080p AMOLED screen, a triple camera system (64MP f/1.79 primary with OIS + 8MP wide angle f/2.2 + 2MP f/2.4 macro), and a 4,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging.\n\n\nIf you want a more affordable option, there\u2019s the RM1,299 V21e. While it\u2019s quite similar to the higher-end V21 \u2013 which retails at RM1,599 \u2013 it does have a number of distinct differences. The V21e\u2019s chipset, for one, is swapped out for a Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G processor. Aside from that, its selfie shooter and primary rear camera do not have OIS either.\n\n\n\n\nBoth the Vivo V21 and Vivo V21e are now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 4 May; it will hit store shelves the very next day on 5 May. Those who pre-order the V21 can get freebies worth RM699, while the V21e is bundled with RM559 worth of free gifts.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-vision-s-lands-in-malaysia-55-65-4k-120hz-smart-tvs-from-rm2999/", "title": "Huawei Vision S Lands in Malaysia \u2013 55\u2033 & 65\u2033 4K 120Hz Smart TVs From RM2,999", "body": "\n\nSurprise surprise, the Huawei Vision S has just been launched right here in Malaysia. Not only are we the first global market outside of China to receive the smart TV, the Vision S also offers really good value for money: it retails from only RM2,999 locally with some attractive features.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, this 4K smart TV with a fast 120Hz panel retails from only RM2,999, and that\u2019s for the 55-inch model. The bigger 65-inch variant, on the other hand, costs RM3,999. Needless to say, the Vision S is a competitively priced smart TV, especially at these two sizes with a fast 120Hz refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, do keep in mind that the Vision S only has three HDMI 2.0 ports, so most devices \u2013 including gaming consoles like the \nPlayStation 5\n \u2013 won\u2019t be able to make full use of the 4K display at 120Hz. In order to run at 120Hz in 4K resolution, a HDMI 2.1 port is needed \u2013 do keep this in mind if you\u2019re keen to get this TV for a particular device.\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s also worth noting that the Vision S runs on Huawei\u2019s own HarmonyOS, which will definitely be able to take advantage of the 4K 120Hz panel. Of course, the feasibility of HarmonyOS \u2013 especially in comparison to more popular operating system like Android TV \u2013 will depend on what kind of content that will be available on the OS.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Huawei Vision S is priced at RM2,999 and RM3,999 for the 55-inch and 65-inch models respectively here in Malaysia. Both variants are now \navailable for local pre-order\n as well.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/monster-hunter-rises-first-post-launch-update-adds-new-monsters-quests-removes-hr-cap/", "title": "Monster Hunter Rise\u2019s First Post-Launch Update Adds New Monsters, Quests & Removes HR Cap", "body": "\n\nMonster Hunter Rise\n is getting its first major update since launch, and it adds a number of interesting content. The Version 2.0 update \u2013 which is available now \u2013 adds five new monsters, a number of quests, and to top it off, the Hunter Rank cap is also removed.\n\n\nSeries veterans will appreciate the five new monsters in Monster Hunter Rise. These include three elder dragons (Teostra, Kushala Daora, Chameleos) and the Apex variants of Rathalos and Diablos. With the addition of these five monsters, players can craft new weapons and armors with their material as well.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Version 1.2 update of Monster Hunter Rise also removes the Hunter Rank cap, which was previously limited to HR7. Once you\u2019ve updated the game, your HR will increase based on your Hub Quest progress. As you increase your HR, you will unlock quests featuring the new monsters.\n\n\nOnce you\u2019ve unlocked your HR cap, you will be able to forge layered armor as well, which changes your hunter\u2019s outfit without affecting the skills and stats of your regular armor. While we\u2019re on the topic of cosmetics, Capcom is introducing a Character Edit Voucher too, allowing you to change your hunter\u2019s appearance.\n\n\nThat being said, do note that this is a paid DLC, though you can get one free Character Edit Voucher from the Nintendo eShop.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, Capcom will continue to release more updates to Monster Hunter Rise; the Version 3.0 update is slated for next month by the end of May. That update will add even more monsters, and even a new ending. If you\u2019d like to learn more about Monster Hunter Rise, check out our \nreview of the game\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-recalls-77708-units-for-faulty-fuel-pump-2018-to-2020-models-affected/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Recalls 77,708 Units for Faulty Fuel Pump \u2013 2018 to 2020 Models Affected", "body": "\n\nOwn a Honda vehicle? Then you may want to read on. Honda Malaysia just issued a recall involving 77,708 units over faulty fuel pumps. If you\u2019ve purchased your Honda model between 2018 to 2020, you may be affected.\n\n\nThis recall exercise is a preventive measure to avoid any possible issues with the affected models\u2019 fuel pump. These include difficulty in starting the engine, loss of engine power, or the vehicle completely stalling. According to Honda Malaysia, no accident or injury has occurred from this issue.\n\n\nModel\nYear\nUnits Affected\nAccord\n2018\n2019\n512\n780\nBR-V\n2018\n2020\n7,112\n6\nCity\n2019\n30,388\nCity Hybrid\n2019\n390\nCivic\n2018\n2019\n6,240\n2,776\nCR-V\n2019\n2020\n9,843\n1,381\nHR-V\n2018\n7,679\nHR-V Hybrid\n2018\n62\nJazz\n2019\n2020\n5,791\n4,626\nJazz Hybrid\n2019\n2020\n92\n30\n\n\n\n\nOf course, Honda models that are currently on sale now are not affected by this recall. Those who own models that \nare\n affected, however, will be contacted by Honda Malaysia. Alternatively, you can check if your Honda model is a part of the recall through the HondaTouch app \u2013 downloadable on the \nApple App Store\n and \nGoogle Play Store\n \u2013 or \nright here\n.\n\n\nNaturally, replacement of the fuel pump for affected models is free of charge. All related charges for the replacement will also be borne by Honda Malaysia itself.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x70-facelift-launching-in-august-2021-possibly-with-1-5l-turbo-engine/", "title": "Proton X70 Facelift Launching in August 2021? Possibly With 1.5L Turbo Engine", "body": "\n\nThe \nProton X70\n has been in the Malaysian market for quite some time now. Initially launched here back in 2018 in CBU form, the C-segment SUV was later \nlocally assembled (CKD)\n from 2020 onwards. Well, if a new report is to be believed, the X70 may be facelifted in August this year.\n\n\nThis bit of news comes from local automotive site \nAutomachi\n, which said that the facelifted X70 will makes its local debut sometime in August 2021. On top of that, Automachi also said that the X70\u2019s 1.8L turbocharged engine will be replaced with a 1.5L three-cylinder turbo mill for the facelift model.\n\n\n\n\nChances are, this would be the same 1.5L TGDi three-cylinder engine that\u2019s found under the hood of the \nProton X50\n, which outputs 177PS and 255Nm of torque. Of course, that\u2019s assuming this report turns out to be true. Given that August 2021 is about four months away, it\u2019s a little bit early to tell.\n\n\nOther than the new engine, the facelifted X70 will supposedly soldier on with the same seven-speed dual-clutch transmission found in the current model. There will be some exterior changes as well, and it will be interesting to see if Proton will take some styling cues from the Geely Boyue Pro. After all, the X70 is based on the Geely Boyue.\n\n\nThe Geely Boyue Pro\n\n\nIf Proton really is working on a facelift for the Proton X70, the national carmaker is keeping itself busy. It\u2019s worth noting that the \nPersona and Iriz\n are set to be facelifted sometime this year as well. Nonetheless, we\u2019ll keep a close eye on the local development of these upcoming Proton models.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/29-april-5-may-fuel-price-all-prices-remain/", "title": "29 April \u2013 5 May Fuel Price: All Prices Remain", "body": "\n\nNo changes to fuel prices in Malaysia for the next seven days. Unlike last week, the price of RON 97 is not increasing this week, while the prices of RON 95 and diesel remain the same, given that the price ceilings of the two have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 remains at RM2.58 per litre, while the price of RON 95 stands at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 29 April to 5 May next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-honda-civic-is-here-more-powerful-turbo-engine-new-mature-looks/", "title": "2022 Honda Civic Is Here \u2013 More Powerful Turbo Engine, New Mature Looks", "body": "\n\nHonda just revealed the 2022 Honda Civic in all its glory. With an updated, more mature look, and a retuned turbo engine to deliver even more power, the 11th generation Civic is touted to be \u201cthe most fun-to-drive and technologically advanced Civic sedan\u201d yet.\n\n\nJust like \nits predecessor\n, the 2022 Civic soldiers on with the same 2.0L NA (158hp/187Nm torque) and 1.5L turbocharged engines in the US market. But the latter, as mentioned, is tuned to deliver more power now. With 180hp and 240Nm of torque, the updated engine offers 6hp and 20Nm of torque more than the previous 1.5L turbo engine.\n\n\nNot surprisingly, both engine options are still paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe exterior of the new Civic doesn\u2019t look at that different from the Civic Prototype either. The A-pillars have been pushed back 1.96 inches to elongate the hood for a \u201cpremium silhouette,\u201d as Honda puts it. Pushing back the A-pillars \u2013 and mounting the side mirrors to the door \u2013 improve the visibility of the C-segment sedan as well.\n\n\nAt the back of the 2022 Civic, gone are the \u201cketam\u201d C-shaped taillights of the current 10th generation Civic FC for a more mature-looking L-shaped LED lighting; the front DRLs has the same L-shaped lighting too. As for the whole silhouette of the new Civic, it\u2019s still very reminiscent of its D-segment sibling, the \nHonda Accord\n.\n\n\n\n\nInside the cabin, Honda took a more minimalist design approach with the 11th generation Civic. There\u2019s now a floating infotainment screen \u2013 with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto \u2013 the centre armrest is no longer partly exposed, and the air vents are integrated into the honeycomb mesh that stretches across the dashboard.\n\n\nSafety wise, the 2022 Civic comes with 10 airbags; the Honda Sensing suite of active safety features has been improved as well. It uses a new single-camera system that provides a wider field of view, and with the help of new software and a more powerful processor, Honda Sensing can now \u201cquickly and accurately identify pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vehicles, along with road lines and road signs.\u201d\n\n\nAccording to Honda, these improvements to Honda Sensing also give it more natural brake application and quicker reactions when using Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).\n\n\n\n\nAnd there you have it, the 2022 Honda Civic. It looks quite a bit more mature than the outgoing model, which may appeal to folks that weren\u2019t into the Civic FC\u2019s much more aggressive-styling. If you\u2019re interested in this 11th generation Civic, good news: there\u2019s a chance it will \nmake its debut here in Malaysia\n sometime this year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-tuf-dash-f15-hands-on-affordable-rtx-3060-gaming-laptop/", "title": "Asus TUF Dash F15 Hands-On: Affordable RTX 3060 Gaming Laptop!", "body": "\n\nGiven that it\u2019s almost impossible to purchase the latest desktop GPUs in the market currently, gaming laptops are even more compelling now for gamers that still want to get a taste of the latest RTX 3000 graphics cards. But opting for a gaming laptop means you won\u2019t get quite as good value for money, but the Asus TUF Dash F15 is a little bit different.\n\n\nRetailing from only RM4,699, the Dash F15 offers pretty good bang for your buck. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU in a slim and light chassis \u2013 it\u2019s really quite an attractive gaming laptop. If you\u2019re looking to get a mobile gaming machine at this price point, you can\u2019t go wrong with the Dash F15.\n\n\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s break down the three different variants of the TUF Dash F15 available in Malaysia. The base model, as mentioned, retails at only RM4,699. It features an RTX 3060 GPU, an Intel Core i5-11300H processor paired with 8GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS screen with a fast 144Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nA tier up is the RM5,499 variant of the Dash F15. It has similar hardware as the aforementioned model, but it swaps out the processor for a faster Core i7-11370H chip paired with more RAM at 16GB. With a more capable processor and extra RAM, this is the configuration to get for the best price-to-performance ratio.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want even better gaming performance, there\u2019s the range-topping RM6,999 Dash F15. Not only is this model equipped with a beefier RTX 3070 GPU, it also comes with an even faster 240Hz 15.6-inch 1080p IPS screen, a Core i7-11370H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD.\n\n\nthe TUF Dash F15 that we got for this hands-on \u2013 and subsequent review, of course \u2013 is the mid-tier RM5,499 configuration; the one I personally believe offers the best performance for the money. Of course, the RM4,699 base model is good too, but its 8GB of RAM is the absolute bare minimum; 16GB RAM is a more practical capacity.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s talk about the Dash F15\u2019s performance now. Though I haven\u2019t ran any intensive games on the gaming laptop yet, I\u2019m confident the RTX 3060 and Core i7-11370H processor will be able to run AAA games without much difficulty.\n\n\nWhile the Dash F15\u2019s RTX 3060 only has a 85W TGP (the max TGP for this GPU is 115W), it should still be powerful enough to offer a pleasant gaming experience. I\u2019ll definitely test out this laptop\u2019s gaming performance extensively in the full review.\n\n\n\n\nComplementing the fast hardware of the TUF Dash F15 is an equally fast 144Hz 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display. The high refresh rate offers good motion clarity in fast-paced games, and the screen itself looks reasonably good too. While I do wish the panel was brighter, it still has quite punchy colours with decent viewing angles.\n\n\nBut my favourite aspect of the Dash F15 has to be its slim, lightweight nature. Measuring only 19.9mm thin with a 2kg chassis, it\u2019s really quite a portable machine. Granted, it\u2019s not the slimmest or lightest gaming laptop around, but at this price point, you\u2019d be hard-pressed to find an alternative with a similarly thin and lightweight chassis.\n\n\n\n\nBuild quality of the Dash F15 is quite good too. Although it is made mostly of plastic \u2013 only the top lid is metal \u2013 it still feels quite solid. The chassis doesn\u2019t creak with added pressure, it doesn\u2019t feel hollow, and I love how smooth the palm rest area feels.\n\n\nAnd then we have the input devices of the TUF Dash F15. The keyboard, for one, is quite good. It offers just enough key travel to not feel shallow, and the keys are quite tactile as well, which make for a pleasant typing experience. The trackpad can accurately track my fingers too, and it can recognise gestures with no issue at all.\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, the Asus TUF Dash F15 is a pretty attractive gaming laptop that offers good value for money. It has solid build quality with a thin, lightweight chassis, a fast 144Hz screen, a capable RTX 3060 GPU, and most of all, a reasonably affordable price tag for a gaming laptop of this calibre.\n\n\nReally, from only RM4,699, the Dash F15 is one of the most affordable RTX 3060 gaming laptops in the market now. On top of that, its thin and lightweight chassis is definitely worth highlighting again here; gaming laptops at this price point are usually much thicker and heavier.\n\n\n\n\nIf there\u2019s any downside to the TUF Dash F15, it would be the laptop\u2019s 10nm Core i7-11370H quad-core processor. Now, I\u2019m sure this chip can keep up with the RTX 3060 GPU, but it would\u2019ve been great if Asus had went with, say, the 7nm AMD Ryzen 7 5800H octa-core processors instead for better power-efficiency and processing power.\n\n\nNonetheless, I\u2019ll be using the Dash F15 as my daily driver for the next couple of weeks, and I\u2019m quite excited to put it through its paces. It\u2019ll be interesting to see just how fast this gaming laptop is, and whether or not it can return good enough battery life to double as a productivity laptop.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-9-oneplus-9-pro-with-hasselblad-cameras-arriving-in-malaysia-soon/", "title": "OnePlus 9 & OnePlus 9 Pro With Hasselblad Cameras Arriving in Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nOnePlus\u2019 latest range of flagship smartphones, the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro, are set to arrive here in Malaysia very soon. Packing Hasselblad-branded cameras and Qualcomm\u2019s latest Snapdragon 888 chipsets, these are pretty interesting high-end smartphones, especially if they\u2019re priced right.\n\n\nIn our routine search through SIRIM\u2019s database, we noticed that both the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro were registered with SIRIM on 28 and 30 April respectively under All Plus Technology Sdn Bhd. Electronics have to go through the certification body first before they can be officially sold here in Malaysia, so chances are, these two smartphones will be launched here very soon.\n\n\n\n\nThe highlight of the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro has to be their Hasselblad-branded cameras, which supposedly deliver more natural-looking colours. Both devices have similar camera configurations as well; they have a 48MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide angle shooter, a 2MP monochrome lens, and a 16MP selfie camera.\n\n\nHowever, the OnePlus 9 Pro does come with an extra 8MP telephoto lens. On top of that, the Pro model also has a more impressive 6.7-inch 1440p AMOLED curved screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. The regular OnePlus 9, on the other hand, features a more pedestrian (but still 120Hz) 6.55-inch 1080p AMOLED panel.\n\n\nOther specifications of both flagships include the aforementioned Snapdragon 888 processor, a 4,500mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging, as well as Android 11 out of the box.\n\n\nThe OnePlus 9 Pro\nThe OnePlus 9\n\n\nWe haven\u2019t received any word on the Malaysian availability of the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro, but given that they have been registered with SIRIM already, we reckon it\u2019s only a matter of time before both of them are officially launched here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/cobalt-pom-review-pom-linear-switch-that-thocks-pops/", "title": "Cobalt POM Review: POM Linear Switch That Thocks & Pops", "body": "\n\nAside from the NovelKeys Cream switch \u2013 which I personally quite like for its clacky sound profile \u2013 you don\u2019t usually see switches in the custom mechanical scene with POM housings. This is precisely why JWK\u2019s Cobalt POM linear switch is particularly interesting.\n\n\nNot only does it have a POM housing, the Cobalt POM also features a stem made out of a \u201cproprietary blend of plastics.\u201d I\u2019ve been using this switch on the \nKBD67 Lite\n for a while now, and I absolutely love its thocky, \u201cpoppy\u201d sound profile and smooth downstroke.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the Cobalt POM still has its fair share of shortcomings. But overall, it\u2019s easily one of my favourite switches right now, especially if I\u2019m planning to build a keyboard with a deep sound profile.\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe Cobalt POM is a linear switch manufactured by JWK, and it\u2019s quite similar to the Durock POM switch. Both feature the same POM housing with a five-pin design, a \u201cmystery blend\u201d stem, as well as a slow 63.5g spring. The Cobalt POM, however, is factory lubed, while the Durock POM is available dry or lubed.\n\n\n\n\nAs for availability, the Cobalt POM is sold on \nPrime Keyboards\n and \niLumkb\n; I got this switch from the latter, given that the Singapore-based vendor is closer to where I am (Malaysia). Sold at S$9.50 on iLumkb for 10 switches, that puts this switch at around RM3 per unit, which is fair for a switch of this quality.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nThe moment I started typing on the Cobalt POM, its deep sound profile is immediately obvious. Not only does it have a solid, deep-sounding downstroke, the switch\u2019s long stem pole also produces a \u201cpoppy\u201d bottom out. The topping out sound, even if it\u2019s a tad louder, is solid too.\n\n\n\n\nThanks to its lubed nature, the Cobalt POM offers a smooth downstroke as well; comparable to the \nC3 Tangerine V2\n, even. While there\u2019s a hint of audible scratch, there\u2019s absolutely no scratchy sensation throughout the downstroke. The consistency of the lube across the 90 switches I got seems to be quite good as well.\n\n\nAnother aspect of the Cobalt POM that\u2019s worth highlighting is its \nlong\n 63.5g gold-plated spring, which offers a slow force curve. Basically, the initial force at the top of the key press will feel heavier than, say, a regular 65g spring. Yes, even though this spring has a lower 63.5g bottom out, it will \nfeel \nheavier because it is a slow spring.\n\n\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the colourway of the Cobalt POM. The combination of the dark blue stem and grey housing give it a unique-looking design that sets it apart from other switches in the market now. I personally quite like how it looks, though I\u2019m sure there are folks who don\u2019t share my sentiment.\n\n\nNonetheless, at least the Cobalt POM doesn\u2019t look boring at all.\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nThough the Cobalt POM has quite a number of positives, it certainly has room for improvement. The spring, for one, pings quite a bit. Even though the factory lubing is quite consistent, only the stem is lubed; other parts of the switch are bone dry as far as I can tell.\n\n\nOf course, the solution to this spring ping issue is simple: just lube the spring. While the Cobalt POM feels smooth out of the box, a proper lube job will definitely make the switch \neven\n smoother while also removing the spring ping. Trust me, it\u2019s (almost) always worth lubing switches for a more pleasant typing experience.\n\n\nNotice how the Cobalt POM\u2019s legs (top) are thicker than the Gazzew Bobagum\u2019s legs\n\n\nAside from that, the Cobalt POM\u2019s PCB-mount legs are thicker than regular MX-style switches too. This, in turn, makes it quite difficult to mount them onto my KBD67 Lite. Depending on which keyboard you plan to use this switch on, you may need to thin the legs with a pair of pliers.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you want a linear switch that is quite smooth out of the box with a deep, thocky sound profile \u2013 as well as a slow spring \u2013 the Cobalt POM is a great choice. But to really bring out its full potential, you really have to lube the switch to eliminate the spring ping and make it even smoother.\n\n\n\n\nWhile it\u2019s unfortunate that the Cobalt POM\u2019s legs are thicker than usual, it\u2019s not a problem that cannot be solved with a little bit of DIY. If you\u2019re willing to do that, and lube the switch accordingly, you will be very, very happy with this thocky linear switch.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-3583-units-delivered-in-april-2021-total-deliveries-now-at-15237/", "title": "Proton X50 \u2013 3,583 Units Delivered in April 2021, Total Deliveries Now at 15,237", "body": "\n\nProton continues to deliver more units of its very popular B-segment SUV, the \nProton X50\n, to eager customers. Last month, the national carmaker fulfilled as many as 3,583 bookings of the X50, which is slightly higher than the 3,513 units delivered the previous month in March 2021.\n\n\nTo date, over 15,237 bookings of the X50 have been fulfilled. But given that a whopping\n \n40,000 bookings\n were made for the SUV, Proton still has some ways to go to fulfill all outstanding orders. The \nsales tax exemption\n given by the government is set to expire in two months as well, so not everyone will be able to enjoy the current tax-free prices for the X50.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, April 2021 was still a good month for Proton. Aside from the X50, the carmaker also delivered 2,101 units of the Proton X70 in the same month. In total, over 5,684 SUVs were sold by Proton in April 2021, which is just a bit less than 5,850 SUVs sold by the national carmaker in March 2021.\n\n\nOf course, Proton\u2019s best-selling car is still the Proton Saga with 5,472 units of the A-segment sedan sold last month. The Proton Persona (2,266), Iriz (974), and Exora (616) also posted their best figures for 2021, with the Exora still maintaining its lead in the C-segment MPV market.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cFor Proton, we are continuing with efforts to meet the strong demand for our products while maintaining a high level of product quality. At the same time, we are focusing on improving customer service and addressing issues related to spare parts availability, which is vital as our sales volume increases,\u201d said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n\n\u201cWe estimate the situation will see significant improvement as the year progresses but we are working hard to move up that timeline,\u201d he added.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/disney-hotstar-arrives-in-malaysia-1-june-2021-rm54-90-for-3-months/", "title": "Disney+ Hotstar Arrives in Malaysia 1 June 2021 \u2013 RM54.90 for 3 Months", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s finally official: Disney+ Hotstar will start streaming here in Malaysia come 1 June 2021. Not only does the streaming service offer a wide variety of content owned by Disney \u2013 including the Marvel franchise \u2013 Malaysian movies and series will also be available on the platform.\n\n\nSo how much does Disney+ Hotstar cost in Malaysia? Well, it\u2019s priced at \nRM54.90 for three months\n, so you\u2019re effectively paying RM18.30 per month. With an active subscription, you can watch on two screens at the same time across a range of devices. The majority of content on the platform are available to download as well.\n\n\n\n\nAside from content from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar, Disney+ Hotstar also offers \u201ca huge library of award-winning Malaysian cinema releases and homegrown hits.\u201d These include J2: J Retribusi, Zombitopia, Ada Hantu, Ejen Ali, as well as Upin & Ipin. It\u2019s worth noting that Astro Movies Pack customers will get a special entitlement too, though no details were given yet.\n\n\nTo recap, Disney+ Hotstar will be available in Malaysia from 1 June onwards. What do you think? Is it worth \nRM54.90 for three months\n? Let us know in the comments section below!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/astro-customers-can-access-disney-hotstar-for-only-rm5/", "title": "Astro Customers Can Access Disney+ Hotstar for Only RM5", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re an existing Astro customer, good news: you can get Disney+ Hotstar for only RM5 per month. On top of that, Astro also said that it is currently working to integrate the new streaming service to its Ultra and Ulti connected boxes later this year for added convenience.\n\n\nOf course, there is a caveat to this. In order to get access to Disney+ Hotstar for RM5 per month, you would have to be subscribed to Astro\u2019s Movies Pack. If you\u2019re already on the Movies Pack, your monthly bill will be automatically charged an additional RM5 for access to the new streaming service.\n\n\n\n\nIn order to gain access to Disney+ Hotstar with your Astro Movies Pack subscription, you\u2019ll need to \ngo here\n from 1 June onwards and login with your Astro ID. You can then activate your Disney+ Hotstar membership with your mobile number, which will be used to log into the streaming service.\n\n\nDo note that if you\u2019re currently subscribed to Astro\u2019s Movies Pack, your monthly bill will automatically be charged an additional RM5 even if you don\u2019t activate your Disney+ Hotstar membership with Astro. While RM5 per month for the streaming service is good value for money, folks that don\u2019t plan to use it may not be thrilled by this change.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about Astro\u2019s deal with Disney+ Hotstar, you can do so \nhere\n. Alternatively, you can sign up for the streaming service directly, which costs \nRM54.90 for three months\n; you\u2019re effectively paying RM13.80 per month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-ativa-4624-units-delivered-in-april-2021-waiting-time-up-to-4-months-now/", "title": "Perodua Ativa \u2013 4,624 Units Delivered in April 2021, Waiting Time up to 4 Months Now", "body": "\n\nPerodua just released its sales figure for the month of April 2021, and the carmaker\u2019s latest compact SUV, the \nPerodua Ativa\n, continues to be delivered to even more customers. A total of 4,624 bookings of the Ativa were fulfilled last month, bringing the total number of units delivered to 8,969.\n\n\nAccording to Perodua, demand for the Ativa continues to be strong, with an average of 290 daily bookings. In fact, the waiting time for the SUV now stands between two to four months, depending on which variant and colour that are chosen.\n\n\nConsidering the fact that the \nsales tax exemption\n given by the government will expire in two months, not everyone will be able to enjoy the current tax-free prices for the Ativa.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, Perodua managed to deliver a total of 20,399 vehicles to customers last month. In contrast, the carmaker delivered 24,431 units the previous month in March 2021; Perodua said this difference is caused by the global chip shortage.\n\n\n\u201cThe chip shortage is our top priority at present and we are deploying all our resources to deal with it, including working closely with the government and our business partners for viable solutions. Perodua remains committed towards timely deliveries, aided by our economies of scale,\u201d said the CEO of Perodua, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\n\n\n\n\nGiven the growing waiting period, there\u2019s no doubt the Perodua Ativa is proving to be a popular compact SUV among Malaysians. Hopefully, those who have booked the Ativa not long after its \ninitial launch in early March\n will be able to get it before the sales tax exemption expires at the end of June 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/heres-how-to-get-up-to-rm300-subsidy-from-your-telco/", "title": "Here\u2019s How to Get up to RM300 Subsidy From Your Telco", "body": "\n\nThe government\u2019s Jaringan Prihatin program is now live, and eligible Malaysians can now get up to RM300 rebate from their respective telcos. These include Maxis, Digi, Celcom, U Mobile, Unifi Mobile, and many more.\n\n\nDo note that the Jaringan Prihatin program is only catered to those who are eligible for the Bantuan Prihatin Rakyat (BPR) initiative from the government. If you\u2019re a BPR recipient, here\u2019s how you can get up to RM300 subsidy from different telcos.\n\n\nMaxis\n\n\nLike the other telcos in this list, Maxis\u2019 Jaringan Prihatin program is separated between BPR recipients with or without children. Those who don\u2019t have children are eligible to get RM180 rebate for a brand new device under the Hotlink Postpaid 60 plan or bill subsidy of the same value. Postpaid users will get a RM15 subsidy for 12 months, while prepaid users can claim a RM15 credit every month for 12 months.\n\n\n\n\nFor BPR recipients with children, they are eligible for a RM300 rebate instead, but this is only for getting a new device under the Hotlink Postpaid 60 plan; bill subsidy is still only limited to RM180. Nonetheless, anyone who gets the device rebate or bill subsidy will also receive 2GB of free high-speed \u201cPrihatin\u201d internet daily, albeit it\u2019s only valid for one hour.\n\n\nIn order to get the bill subsidy, you can sign up via UMB code or through the Maxis and Hotlink app. If you want to get the RM300 or RM180 rebate instead for a new device, you can register your interest with Maxis \nover here\n.\n\n\nDigi\n\n\nJust like Maxis, Digi offers the same benefits, but there are some notable differences. While the bill subsidy option remains the same at RM180 (RM15 subsidy for 12 months) for BPR recipients with or without children, the device rebate is only for those with children, which is set at RM300.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, those who opt to get the bill subsidy or device rebate will receive 2GB of free high-speed data everyday \u2013 also limited to an hour \u2013 for the next 12 months as well. You can sign up for these benefits with Digi on its \nofficial website\n.\n\n\nCelcom\n\n\nUnlike Maxis and Digi, Celcom actually offers RM300 in device rebate or bill subsidy (RM25 discount for 12 months) for BPR recipients with children; you don\u2019t get the latter option with the two aforementioned telcos. On top of that, Celcom is also giving out extra RM60 rebate for those who are on the XP Lite plan, alongside the free daily 2GB data.\n\n\n\n\nAs for BPR recipients without children, Celcom offers the same RM180 bill subsidy or device rebate. You can sign up for the telco\u2019s Jaringan Prihatin program through the \nCelcom Life app\n. The full list of device offered by the telco can also be found \nhere\n.\n\n\nU Mobile\n\n\nThe bill subsidy for U Mobile\u2019s Jaringan Prihatin program is a little bit more restrictive. Not only is it limited to RM180 (RM15 subsidy for 12 months) \u2013 regardless of BPR recipient with or without children \u2013 it\u2019s also only applicable to prepaid plans above RM30; postpaid plans have an even higher threshold of RM50.\n\n\n\n\nThankfully, U Mobile\u2019s device rebate is offered to both BPR recipients with and without children at RM300 and RM180 respectively. The full list of devices and plans offered by the telco can be found \nhere\n, and those who opt for either the bill subsidy or device rebate will get 2GB of free data (for one hour) every day.\n\n\nYou can sign up for U Mobile\u2019s Jaringan Prihatin program \non its website\n.\n\n\nUnifi Mobile\n\n\nUnifi Mobile\u2019s Jaringan Prihatin program is by far the least attractive. Not only does the telco not offer any device rebate, the bill subsidy portion of the program is \nonly\n applicable to its Unifi Mobile 39 plan. It doesn\u2019t even matter if you\u2019re a BPR recipient with children: only RM180 (RM15 for 12 months) subsidy is given for the plan.\n\n\n\n\nNow, it\u2019s worth noting that Unifi Mobile does offer a \u201cbill subsidy\u201d of sorts for its #BEBASprepaid plan, but this is given in the form of 2GB monthly data, which is said to be worth RM15. Besides that, instead of offering 2GB of daily data like other telcos, Unifi Mobile is giving out 30GB of monthly data for 12 months\u2026for the postpaid Unifi Mobile 39.\n\n\nWhat about the #BEBASprepaid plan? Well, for some odd reason, Unifi Mobile is only offering 1GB of data daily for 12 months for that prepaid plan. Needless to say, we would advise against going with Unifi Mobile\u2019s Jaringan Prihatin program, though you can learn more about it \nhere\n if you\u2019re still curious.\n\n\n\n\nIf the telco you\u2019ve signed up with is not covered here, you can head on to its respective website for more information. What do you think? Which telco will you go with? Let us know in the comments section below!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-tv-q1-mi-tv-p1-smart-tvs-arriving-in-malaysia-20-may/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi TV Q1 & Mi TV P1 Smart TVs Arriving in Malaysia 20 May", "body": "\n\nWe reported a couple of weeks ago that Xiaomi registered the\n Mi TV Q1 smart TV with SIRIM\n a couple of weeks ago, and now, the Chinese company just confirmed that it will be launching the TV here in Malaysia on 20 May. On top of that, the more affordable Mi TV P1 will be arriving here too.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the more exciting smart TV of the two, the Mi TV Q1. It has an expansive 75-inch 3840 x 2160 QLED panel with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. Aside from the high refresh rate, the QLED panel also meets 100% NTSC and 95% DCI-P3 colour standards.\n\n\nThe almost bezel-less design \u2013 though there is a small bottom chin \u2013 gives the smart TV a very sleek, modern-looking design as well.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, the Mi TV Q1 runs on Android TV 10 out of the box too, which allows you to download a slew of apps and the ability to cast content to the TV from your mobile device. As for connectivity, it includes a HDMI 2.1 eARC/ALLM input, two HDMI 2.0 port, two USB 2.0 connections, Bluetooth 5.0, and WiFi 2.4GHz/5GHz.\n\n\nAs for the more affordable Mi TV P1, the Malaysian market is confirmed to be getting the 55-inch model so far. Given its more budget-friendly positioning, this 4K TV features a more conventional LED panel, though it still meets the HDR10+ standard. Of course, the Mi TV P1 runs on Android TV as well.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi TV Q1 and Mi TV P1 will be launching here in Malaysia on 20 May. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how much these two smart TVs will cost in our local market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/6-12-may-fuel-price-ron-97-up-2-sen/", "title": "6 \u2013 12 May Fuel Price: RON 97 up 2 Sen", "body": "\n\nRON 97 will cost slightly more in the coming week. It is set to go up by 2 sen per litre this midnight, while the prices of RON 95 and diesel remain the same, given that the price ceilings of the two have been reached.\n\n\nThis brings the price of RON 97 to RM2.60 per litre (up from RM2.58). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, remains the same at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 6 to 12 May next week. New fuel prices will now be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/custom-mechanical-keyboard-where-to-buy-parts-in-malaysia/", "title": "Custom Mechanical Keyboard \u2013 Where to Buy Parts in Malaysia?", "body": "\n\nGetting into the custom mechanical keyboard hobby may seem intimidating at first. Not only are there a lot of different options in the market now, searching for the right vendor to make your purchases can be even tougher, especially if you\u2019re not located in bigger markets like the US.\n\n\nBut even though it\u2019s not quite as easy to get the same selection of products in Malaysia, there are actually a number of great vendors located here and in our neighbouring countries that carry a wide array of options. Yes, unfortunately, we do have to look at international vendors to get all the necessary keyboard parts for us here in Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, if you\u2019re interested to get into the custom mechanical keyboard hobby, here are several vendors that I have personally dealt with; ones that I can wholeheartedly recommend.\n\n\nKeys.my\n\n\nThis is my go-to vendor if I want to get parts quickly and fuss-free. Keys.my, based here in Malaysia, has its \nown online store\n as well as a \nShopee store\n \u2013 where it is actually a Preferred retailer \u2013 to cater to a wide range of audiences. Whether you want to look for switches, stabilisers, or lube, Keys.my has you covered.\n\n\n\n\nIn my experience, Keys.my ships out orders very quickly as well. I\u2019ve purchased multiple items from the vendor, and never did it take more than a couple of days for the package to be in the courier\u2019s hands. All in all, if there\u2019s any keyboard part that I\u2019m looking to get, Keys is the first vendor I look at.\n\n\nRebult Keyboards\n\n\nThis is another vendor based here in Malaysia. Even though its selections are not quite as large as Keys.my\u2019s, Rebult Keyboards does sometimes carry products that Keys doesn\u2019t offer. On top of that, it\u2019s worth noting that Rebult is currently running an Interest Check for two switches: \nHarimau and Penyu\n, which are tactile and linear switches respectively.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to check out what Rebult Keyboards has in stock right now, you can head on to its \nonline store\n and \nShopee store\n.\n\n\niLumkb\n\n\nHalf of my keyboard-related purchases are probably from iLumkb. Not only does it stock up on a \nwide variety\n of products \u2013 especially switches \u2013 it also runs plenty of Group Buys for various items. These include keycap sets, deskmats, switches, and even keyboard kits such as the \nWilba.tech Salvation\n \u2013 it\u2019s ending tomorrow on 7 May, by the way.\n\n\n\n\nBut do note that iLumkb is located in Singapore, so it does take slightly longer for packages to arrive in Malaysia. That being said, iLumkb is easily one of the bigger vendors that\u2019s closest to Malaysia, so I\u2019m thrilled whenever iLumkb is the Southeast Asia proxy for big, high-profile group buys such as the aforementioned Salvation keyboard.\n\n\nYou can head on to \niLumkb\u2019s online store\n if you\u2019re keen to check out its wide range of products.\n\n\nZion Studios\n\n\nBased in The Philippines, Zion Studios has a reasonably good selection of keyboard parts. In fact, it even carries certain switches that other vendors in this list do not, such as the \nTecsee Kingfisher\n and an all-black \nGazzew Boba U4T Thocky\n.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, Zion Studios is based in The Philippines, so do expect longer shipping times. Aside from that, I\u2019ve only dealt with the vendor once for the Jelly Epoch drop \u2013 stay tuned for our full review \u2013 which is only set to start shipping sometime this month. But based on my interactions with Zion Studios, I do see myself returning for more purchases \u2013 maybe even for the Kingfisher switch.\n\n\nNonetheless, you can take a look Zion Studios range of keyboard products \nright here\n.\n\n\nKBDfans\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is KBDfans. Even though it\u2019s not the closest vendor to my location \u2013 it\u2019s based in China \u2013 the sheer number of keyboard parts and accessories offered by the vendor are just too good to pass on. You want to build a keyboard from scratch? KBDfans (literally) has all the parts you need.\n\n\nCheck out \nKBDfans\u2019 website\n for its full range of products. The vendor also has a \nShopee store\n, though there are not quite as many options there.\n\n\n\n\nThese are just some of the vendors that I have personally dealt with. \nJustKeys \nis another Malaysian vendor worth mentioning, alongside \nPantheon\n and \nMonokei\n; both of which are located in Singapore. I haven\u2019t purchased anything from these vendors yet, but they do have a good reputation.\n\n\nAnd there you have it. The custom mechanical keyboard hobby is a very rewarding one, especially for someone in my line of work who needs to do a lot of typing on a daily basis. If you\u2019re in a similar position, I implore you to look into \ninvesting in a proper custom mechanical keyboard\n \u2013 you won\u2019t look back.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/could-this-be-the-proton-x90-7-seater-suv/", "title": "Could This Be the Proton X90 7-Seater SUV?", "body": "\n\nWell well, it appears Proton may be gearing up to launch yet another SUV (possibly dubbed Proton X90) in the future, and it\u2019s a big one \u2013 literally. This is the Geely Haoyue \u2013 it\u2019s sold as the Okavango in The Philippines \u2013 a D-segment seven-seater SUV, and it has been spotted on the road here in Malaysia.\n\n\nThese images of the camouflaged Haoyue came from a reader of local automotive site \nFuntasticko\n; \nPaultan.org\n got a different shot from its reader as well. Now, we know this is Proton testing the Haoyue as the B2640A trade plate is owned by the national carmaker. It\u2019s the very same plate used by a \npre-production Proton X50 test unit\n.\n\n\n\n\nSo what is the Haoyue? As mentioned, it\u2019s a large D-segment SUV that can be configured with five or seven seats; it measures 4,835mm long, 1,900mm wide, and 1,785 tall. Compared to the \nProton X70\n, the Haoyue is 316mm longer, 69mm wider, and 91mm taller.\n\n\nPowering the Haoyue, on the other hand, is a 1.8L four-cylinder turbocharged engine that outputs 181PS and 300Nm of torque. This engine is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with drive sent either to the front wheels or all four of them for the AWD model.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s worth noting that in The Philippines, the Okavango is actually available with a 1.5L three-cylinder turbo engine with a mild hybrid system that put out a combined figure of 190hp and 300Nm of torque. This setup is also paired with a 7DCT, though there is no AWD variant.\n\n\nOf course, given its positioning as a premium SUV, the Haoyue is equipped with Geely\u2019s level 2 autonomous driving system too. It is made up of 24 different sensors to allow for as many as 17 \u201cintelligent drive features.\u201d According to Geely, this lets the SUV automatically follow, stop, as well as turn at speeds of up to 150km/h.\n\n\nOh, just like the \nProton X50\n, the Haoyue is also capable of parking itself. It features a 360-degree camera as well, and given the large size of the SUV, we imagine this will come in handy for most drivers.\n\n\nThe Geely Haoyue\n\n\nEven though the Geely Haoyue is already being tested on Malaysian roads, it\u2019s still much too early to tell if it will eventually materialise to be the \u201cProton X90.\u201d Nonetheless, we will keep a close eye for any further development.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-2021-proton-persona-iriz-active-more-premium-interior-16-inch-wheels-led-headlights/", "title": "Spy Shot: 2021 Proton Persona & Iriz Active \u2013 More Premium Interior, 16-inch Wheels, LED Headlights", "body": "\n\nProton\u2019s upcoming \n2021 Iriz and Persona facelift\n have been spotted in the wild yet again, and this is our best look yet at the new B-segment models. Not only do we have a shot of the two cars\u2019 interiors, we\u2019ve got quite a number of exterior images too, including the \n2021 Proton Iriz Active\n \u2013 the crossover version of the Iriz.\n\n\nThese images come from local automotive sites \nWapcar\n, \nAutomachi\n, as well as \nFuntasticko\n. Let\u2019s start with the 2021 Persona first, which doesn\u2019t see a lot of exterior changes at a glance. But upon closer inspection, it now features larger 16-inch alloy wheels, an updated Infinite Weave grille, and also LED headlights.\n\n\nOf course, the new circular Proton logo is used here as well.\n\n\n\n\nThe interior of the 2021 Persona sees a more drastic change. Not only does it come with brown leather seats now \u2013 very reminiscent of the \nProton X70\n\u2018s Nappa leather seats \u2013 the centre console has been revamped as well. There\u2019s a new floating infotainment screen, and the air-conditioning vents are now located right below it instead of the sides.\n\n\nAnother thing of note is the air-conditioning controls of the new Persona. Based on a \ndifferent set of leaked images\n \u2013 which is said to be the Iriz\u2019s interior, though both models will likely share a similar interior \u2013 the controls are now digital. This will certainly give the B-segment models a more premium appeal.\n\n\n\n\nMoving on, we have the Iriz Active. Yes, the crossover version of the B-segment hatchback is believed to be carrying the Active moniker. Unlike the facelifted Persona, the Iriz Active looks much more different than the current model. It has wheel arch extensions finished in black, roof rails, a redesigned Infinite Weave grille, as well as Proton\u2019s new logo.\n\n\nOverall, the Iriz Active does look quite a bit sportier than the regular model. The new LED headlights, 16-inch wheels, and silver trim surrounding the lower grille further add to the sportiness of the crossover. Unfortunately, rumours are suggesting that the engine and CVT transmission for the new model are unchanged.\n\n\n\n\nThis applies to both the Iriz Active and Persona facelift. The two B-segment models are expected to soldier on with the same four-cylinder engine options. The 1.3L mill outputs 95PS and 120Nm of torque (likely only for the Iriz), while the 1.6L unit produces 109PS and 150Nm of torque.\n\n\nThe 2021 Proton Iriz Active and Persona facelift are certainly shaping up to be quite interesting options for those who are looking to get affordable B-segment cars. Hopefully, Proton will be launching the two models soon \u2013 maybe right before the government\u2019s sales tax exemption expires \nat the end of June 2021\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/avoid-these-potential-covid-19-hotspots-highlighted-by-hide/", "title": "Avoid These (Potential) COVID-19 Hotspots Highlighted by HIDE", "body": "\n\nThe Malaysian government just released its first HIDE list, which stands for Hotspot Identification For Dynamic Engagement System. Basically, HIDE uses big data and AI to predict MySejahtera premises that are at risk of becoming COVID-19 hotspots within a seven-day period.\n\n\nPublished on a daily basis, the HIDE list is meant to \u201cempower the public to make informed decisions on their movement and conduct,\u201d as the Ministry of Health (MOH) puts it. Of course, it\u2019s best to avoid the premises listed in HIDE to minimise risk of COVID-19 infection.\n\n\nThe full HIDE list for 8 May can be found below.\n\n\n\n\nNow, do note that these premises are \nnot\n COVID-19 hotspots. Rather, they are potential cluster locations that are at risk of materialising if no corrective actions are taken. That being said, MOH does encourage everyone who have visited any of the premises in the list within seven days after they are flagged by HIDE to self-quarantine.\n\n\nTo get the latest HIDE list daily, you can check out \nMOSTI\u2019s Twitter account\n. Alternatively, you can also subscribe to \nMKN\u2019s official Telegram channel\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2021-perodua-aruz-updated-with-side-steps-new-passion-red-colour-no-price-increase/", "title": "2021 Perodua Aruz Updated With Side Steps & New Passion Red Colour \u2013 No Price Increase", "body": "\n\nPerodua just updated its popular seven-seater SUV for 2021. The Perodua Aruz now sports a new Passion Red colour option, integrated side steps, and even automatic door-locking. The best part is, there\u2019s no price increase either, so the SUV still starts from RM68,526 for the base X variant and RM73,226 for the range-topping AV model.\n\n\nThe integrated side steps are standard for both the X and AV variants of the Aruz, though the new Passion Red metallic colour \u2013 which effectively replaces the previous flagship Amazon Green shade \u2013 is only reserved for the higher-end AV model. Nonetheless, the automatic door-locking mechanism (it kicks in above 20km/h) is standard too.\n\n\nIn the event of a collision, the feature also ensures that the doors will be automatically unlocked.\n\n\n\n\nThese are all the changes the 2021 Aruz receive. Beyond that, it still comes with a 1.5L NA four-cylinder engine that outputs 102PS and 133Nm of torque. Paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, the SUV has a rated fuel efficiency of up to 15.6km/l.\n\n\nOther standard equipment of the Aruz include six airbags with Vehicle Stability Contol (VSC), LED headlamps, as well as 17-inch alloy wheels. The higher-end AV model, on the other hand, gets Perodua\u2019s Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0 suite of driver assistance systems, leather seats, auto headlamps, and even an integrated dash cam.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, prices of the Perodua Aruz remain the same at RM68,526 and RM73,226 for the X and AV models respectively. Do note that these prices are with sales tax exemption applied, which is set to expire \nby the end of June 2021.\n \n\n\n\u201cOf all our models, the Perodua Aruz benefitted the most from the government\u2019s sales tax exemption \u2013 its prices dropped by 6%, or over RM4,000. So if you\u2019ve been eyeing an Aruz, book now \u2013 the exemption is slated to end in under 60 days,\u201d said the CEO of Perodua, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-2021-proton-iriz-actives-more-premium-interior-seen/", "title": "Spy Shot: 2021 Proton Iriz Active\u2019s More Premium Interior Seen", "body": "\n\nSeems like we\u2019re getting more interior shots of the \n2021 Proton Iriz Active\n, which is believed to be the crossover version of the B-segment hatchback. While its interior looks very similar to the \n2021 Proton Persona facelift\n, there are some notable differences here, such as the black and red colour scheme.\n\n\nThese alleged images of the Iriz Active\u2019s interior come from local automotive site \nFuntasticko\n, and it looks quite sporty. Not only are there red trims on the bottom of the air-conditioning vents, centre console, and steering controls, the seats have red stitching as well.\n\n\nAside from that, there also seem to be aluminium pedals, digital air-conditioning controls, and a floating infotainment screen.\n\n\n\n\nLooking at a different leaked image of the Iriz Active from \nAutomachi\n, it\u2019s evident that the analog instrument cluster has red highlights too, along with the side air-conditioning vents and red stitching on the steering wheel. According to Automachi, the Iriz Active may get the \nProton X50\n\u2018s Citric Orange paint job as well.\n\n\nAll in all, the interior of the Iriz Active looks to be more upmarket and premium compared to the current generation Iriz. Although the pictures do not show it, the new B-segment model supposedly comes with bright red seat belts too. Unfortunately, rumours are suggesting that the engine and CVT transmission of the new Iriz are unchanged, though they may be retuned.\n\n\n\n\nNow that more images of the 2021 Proton Iriz Active have made it onto the internet, we expect Proton to officially unveil the new B-segment model very soon. Chances are, it will debut alongside the 2021 Proton Persona facelift as well \u2013 we will keep a close eye on any official announcements from Proton.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-imac-ipad-pro-with-m1-chips-arriving-in-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Apple iMac & iPad Pro With M1 Chips Arriving in Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nAnnounced globally just a few weeks ago, we have good reason to believe that Apple\u2019s \nbrand new iMac\n and \niPad Pro\n powered by the Cupertino\u2019s company very own M1 chips are coming to Malaysia very soon. In fact, there\u2019s a chance they will be available locally in the next few weeks.\n\n\nWe spotted the new iMac and iPad Pro in SIRIM\u2019s database; electronics have to go through the certification body first before they can be officially sold in Malaysia. Anyway, the A2540 and A2449 devices are the iMac and new Magic Keyboard respectively, while the model numbers A2461 and A2459 are the 12.9-inch and 11-inch iPad Pro models respectively.\n\n\nWhat about the A2540 wireless remote? Well, that\u2019s likely the new Apple TV Remote for the Apple TV 4K, which is also coming here very soon.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the new 24-inch iMac particularly interesting (aside from its vibrant colourways) is the M1 chip powering the AIO. It\u2019s said to be up to 85% faster than its predecessor, and it now comes with a bright 24-inch 4.5k Retina Display with True Tone support. On top of that, it ships with colour-matched mouse and keyboard as well, along with a matching magnetic power connector.\n\n\nAs for the M1 iPad Pro, it offers 50% and 40% faster CPU and GPU performances respectively with the new chip. The 12.9 model also gets a 2732 x 2048 mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display, while the 11-inch variant features a 2388 x 1668 IPS screen. Both iPad Pro models also come with a new 12MP ultra-wide angle front camera with TrueDepth support too.\n\n\n\n\nSo when exactly will these Apple products be available here in Malaysia? Well, if the \nlocal availability\n of the \nM1-powered Macs\n are any indication, the new iMac, iPad Pro, and Apple TV 4K may go on sale here in the next two to three weeks. To recap, they retail from RM5,599, RM3,499, and RM849 respectively for the Malaysian market.\n\n\nRest assured, we will closely follow the Malaysian availability of these new Apple products.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/you-can-refuel-with-your-tng-rfid-at-selected-shell-stations-soon/", "title": "You Can Refuel With Your TNG RFID At Selected Shell Stations Soon", "body": "\n\nInitially announced \nback in February last year\n, it appears you will be able to refuel with your Touch \u2018n Go (TNG) RFID tag at selected Shell stations very soon. Basically, the RFID tag allows you to make payment at the fueling bay itself with your TNG eWallet balance.\n\n\nWe got word of this TNG RFID Fueling pilot programme in a newsletter we received from TNG; it appears only selected RFID users are chosen for the programme. Anyway, those who participate in the early testing of this feature will also receive up to RM20 in eWallet credit.\n\n\n\n\nWe were previously told that the TNG RFID Fueling system relies on \u201can overhead scanner that reads the radio frequency from the TNG RFID tag\u201d at fueling bays. It can then deduct the amount of fuel that you\u2019ve purchased from your eWallet balance; very seamless.\n\n\nOf course, given that TNG RFID Fueling has not been officially rolled out to consumers yet, this feature is only available at selected Shell stations listed below:\n\n\nShell Bandar Sri Menjalara\nShell Mint Hotel\nShell NKVE Damansara\nShell Taman Connaught\nShell Taman Tun Dr Ismail\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re a regular TNG RFID user, you may have been selected for the TNG RFID Fueling pilot programme. Unfortunately, it appears registration for the programme is not open to the public at the moment.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/intel-11th-gen-tiger-lake-h-chips-official-outperform-amd-ryzen-5000-processors/", "title": "Intel 11th Gen Tiger Lake-H Mobile Chips Official \u2013 Outperform AMD Ryzen 5000 Processors", "body": "\n\nIntel just took the wraps off its latest 11th generation Tiger Lake-H mobile chips, and they seem quite promising. While the chipmaker already unveiled a number of Tiger Lake-H processors, these new chips offer more cores and (naturally) faster performances \u2013 they can even outpace AMD\u2019s Ryzen 5000 processors.\n\n\nOut of all the new Tiger Lake-H chips introduced today, the Core i9-11980HK octa-core, 16-thread processor with a 65W TDP is the highest-end offering; it\u2019s also the only unlocked model in the lineup. In Intel\u2019s testing, this chip consistently outperforms AMD\u2019s equally high-end \nRyzen 5900HX\n octa-core, 16-thread chip (45W default TDP) in a number of games.\n\n\nThese include Far Cry New Dawn, Hitman 3, Tom Clancy\u2019s Rainbow Six Siege, and even Total War: Three Kingdoms.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, Intel also compared the performance of the more modest Core i5-11400H hexa-core, 12-thread processor (35W TDP) to AMD\u2019s Ryzen 9 5900HS octa-core, 16-thread chip (35W TDP). Out of the seven games tested, the Core i5-11400H slightly outperforms the Ryzen 9 5900HS processor in four titles, which is certainly quite impressive.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the two processors were tested with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 mobile GPU in a slim and light gaming laptop. However, the Core i5-11400H\u2019s paired GPU has a lower 65W TGP compared to the Ryzen 9 5900HS\u2019 GPU with a TGP of 80W. Despite this, Intel\u2019s offering can still deliver slightly better gaming performance.\n\n\nOf course, given that these tests were done by Intel itself, we do have to do our own testing to verify the validity of these results.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, there\u2019s no denying that Intel\u2019s latest Tiger Lake-H mobile processors look very promising. We expect laptop makers to update their respective range of gaming laptops with Intel\u2019s new chips very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-updates-several-gaming-laptops-with-rtx-3050-rtx-3050-ti-gpus-intel-tiger-lake-h-chips/", "title": "Asus Updates Several Gaming Laptops With RTX 3050, RTX 3050 Ti GPUs & Intel Tiger Lake-H Chips", "body": "\n\nAsus just updated its range of gaming laptops with the latest Nvidia RTX 3050 and RTX 3050 Ti GPUs alongside Intel\u2019s equally new\n Tiger Lake-H processors\n. On top of that, the Malaysian availability of these gaming laptops have been revealed too.\n\n\nAsus TUF Gaming F15 and F17\n\n\nThe most affordable Asus gaming laptops with Nvidia and Intel\u2019s latest hardware are the Asus TUF Gaming F15 and F17. Both are powered by a Core i5-11400H processor with 8GB of RAM, an RTX 3050 GPU (65W TGP), Full HD IPS displays with a 144Hz refresh rate, as well as a 512GB SSD for RM4,199 and RM4,299 respectively.\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s also a higher-end variant of the TUF Gaming F15 with a faster Core i7-11800H processor paired with 16GB of RAM and a beefier RTX 3060 GPU (95W TGP) for RM5,599. This particular model is set to arrive in Malaysia by the end of May 2021, while the RTX 3050 configuration of the F15 will land here in the middle of June 2021.\n\n\nAs for the RTX 3050 variant of the TUF Gaming F17, it will be available locally by the end of June 2021.\n\n\nAsus TUF Dash F15\n\n\nThis gaming laptop, on the other hand, is updated with the new RTX 3050 Ti (65W TGP), though it\u2019s still shipping with the same Core i7-11370H processor as the existing \nRTX 3060 and RTX 3070 models\n. Aside from that, it also features a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS screen with a 144Hz refresh rate, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD for RM4,799.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get this RTX 3050 Ti configuration of the TUF Dash F15, you\u2019ll be happy to know that it will be available in Malaysia sometime this month.\n\n\nAsus ROG Strix G15 and G17\n\n\nAnd then we have the Asus ROG Strix G15 and G17 value-oriented gaming laptops. All of them are packed with an RTX 3050 GPU with a 95W TGP, Full HD IPS panels with a 144Hz refresh rate, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage.\n\n\nWhat differentiates them is the choice of processor: the Ryzen 5 5600H Strix G15 costs RM4,199, while the Ryzen 7 5800H Strix G15 and Strix G17 go for RM4,499 and RM4,599 respectively.\n\n\n\n\nOther than that, there\u2019s a more unique variant of the ROG Strix G15 in an \u201cElectro Punk\u201d colourway too. Also powered by a Ryzen 7 5800H processor, this model costs slightly more at RM4,799, though it does come with colour-matched ROG Strix Impact II gaming mouse and mouse pad.\n\n\nBoth the ROG Strix G15 and G17 will be offered in Malaysia sometime this month.\n\n\nAsus ROG Zephyrus G14\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the highest-end gaming laptop of the bunch \u2013 and my \npersonal favourite\n \u2013 the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14. All configurations of the G14 come with a Ryzen 7 5800HS processor paired with 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, with the most affordable model sporting a GTX 1650 GPU (65W) and a 144Hz 14-inch 1080p IPS screen for RM4,799.\n\n\n\n\nMoving up the price range is the RTX 3050 (75W TGP) variant of the Zephyrus G14, which is priced at RM5,699. Compared to the aforementioned model, you\u2019re not only getting a beefier GPU, but also the unique AniMe Matrix LED lighting on the top lid.\n\n\nIf you want even better graphics performance, consider the RTX 3050 Ti (75W TGP) configuration of the Zephyrus G14. On top of the faster GPU, this model has a sharper 14-inch 2560 x 1440 IPS screen as well, though its refresh rate is slightly lower at 120Hz.\n\n\nAll variants of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 outlined here will be available in Malaysia sometime in May 2021 this month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/prism-x340-pro-165hz-review-fast-uwqhd-curved-ultrawide-monitor-with-excellent-value-for-money/", "title": "PRISM+ X340 Pro 165Hz Review: Fast UWQHD Curved Ultrawide Monitor With Excellent Value for Money", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019ve previously reviewed the \nPRISM+ X300\n, which was a really good gaming monitor for the money. If you want a higher-end, bigger offering instead, consider this one right here: the PRISM+ X340 Pro 165Hz ultrawide gaming monitor.\n\n\nNot only does it have a larger (and still curved) ultrawide panel, the X340 Pro 165Hz also features a sharper UWQHD resolution and even better screen quality. The best part is, it\u2019s still quite affordable too, retailing at only RM1,799. If you want an ultrawide gaming monitor with great value for money, consider the X340 Pro 165Hz.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe PRISM+ X340 Pro 165Hz \u2013 as its name suggests \u2013 is a 34-inch gaming monitor with a 3440 x 1440 VA panel running at 165Hz. It also has a very pronounced 1500R curvature; the lower the number, the more aggressive the curvature. This, in turn, makes for a more immersive gaming experience.\n\n\nGiven that this is a gaming-centric monitor, the X340 Pro 165Hz also comes with adaptive sync to eliminate screen tearing, which works with both AMD and Nvidia GPUs. In terms of connectivity, it has two DisplayPort 1.4 inputs and a pair of HDMI 2.0 ports \u2013 a good selection of connectivity options.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, the X340 Pro 165Hz retails at only RM1,799, though this may change in the future. Keeping in mind its feature set \u2013 and the fact that it is currently bundled with the Elevate X1 stand worth RM299 \u2013 it really does offer excellent value for money. I\u2019ll explain why in the following section.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the screen quality of the X340 Pro 165Hz, which is quite impressive. Not only does it offer punchy colours, it has good contrast too with very deep blacks; the latter is an inherent feature of VA screens. In fact, I would even say the vibrant colours of this VA panel is comparable to an IPS display.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the X340 Pro 165Hz also offers relatively good colour calibration out of the box, though the white balance is a little bit warm. But once I\u2019ve applied \nthe ICC profile\n, it looks \nfantastic\n. Not only does the white balance improve quite a bit, colours look more accurate too.\n\n\nAnother aspect of the X340 Pro 165Hz that\u2019s worth highlighting (again) is its 1500R curvature. Because of the aggressive curvature, it offers a very immersive gaming experience, which is further accentuated by the ultrawide nature of the panel. I had an absolute ball playing \nGenshin Impact\n on this monitor.\n\n\nOf course, the adaptive sync of the X340 Pro 165Hz works well too. Throughout my time gaming on this monitor, I didn\u2019t notice any screen tearing at all. Coupled with the fast 165Hz refresh rate, I get excellent motion clarity as well.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the ultrawide nature of the X340 Pro 165Hz also makes it great for productivity tasks. With so much screen real estate, I can seamlessly work with multiple windows displayed at the same time. It\u2019s no exaggeration to say that the 34-inch ultrawide panel feels almost like working with two monitors.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the adjustability of the X340 Pro 165Hz. This review unit is installed with the Elevate X1 stand, which allows for tilt and height adjustments. Needless to say, getting a comfortable viewing angle with this stand is very easy.\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWhile the X340 Pro 165Hz is a joy to use, it does have a couple of shortcomings, though I wouldn\u2019t consider them to be a dealbreaker by any means. Anyway, because this monitor has a VA panel, it does have some ghosting when displaying darker elements.\n\n\nIs the ghosting noticeable? Yes. Is it enough to be a distraction in fast-paced games or everyday use? Not really. To be honest, the only time I\u2019m really aware of this issue is when I\u2019m scrolling through darker elements on a white background. When I\u2019m gaming, it\u2019s a non-issue (in my opinion).\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the viewing angles of the X340 Pro 165Hz. Colours shift when the monitor is viewed at an extreme angle, but this is really an inherent characteristic of VA panels. While its viewing angles is not quite as wide as another monitor with an IPS screen, it\u2019s good enough for use in most scenarios.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nAll in all, the PRISM+ X340 Pro 165Hz is still very worth it for those who are looking to get a fast, curved ultrawide gaming monitor with excellent value for money. It\u2019s especially attractive right now, given that it currently retails at RM1,799 with the Elevate X1 stand bundled for free. Keep in mind that the price of this monitor may change in the future.\n\n\n\n\nEven though the X340 Pro 165Hz has some ghosting issue \u2013 and its viewing angles could be better \u2013 its many positives easily outweigh these shortcomings. If you\u2019re keen to get this gaming monitor, you can do so over at \nPRISM+\u2019s official website\n. Alternatively, you can \nget it on Lazada\n as well.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/13-19-may-fuel-price-all-prices-remain/", "title": "13 \u2013 19 May Fuel Price: All Prices Remain", "body": "\n\nGreat news folks: no changes to fuel prices this coming week. Price of RON 97 is not going up again this time around, while the prices of RON 95 and diesel remain the same, given that the price ceilings of the two have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 is kept at RM2.60 per litre. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, remains the same at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 13 to 19 May next week. New fuel prices will now be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/government-studying-possibility-of-extending-sales-tax-exemption-on-cars/", "title": "Government Studying Possibility of Extending Sales Tax Exemption on Cars", "body": "\n\nThe government\u2019s sales tax exemption on locally assembled (CKD) and fully imported (CBU) cars was previously \nextended to 30 June 2021\n, and it may be extended yet again. According to Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, the government is currently studying this possibility.\n\n\nAccording to Zafrul \u2013 as per \nThe Star\u2019s report\n \u2013 the ministry was studying the data to decide whether or not to continue the sales tax exemption on CKD and CBU cars. \nSin Chew Daily\n also wrote the same thing, though the publication elaborated that a decision is expected to be made in the next week or two.\n\n\n\n\nThe Ministry of Finance (MoF) initially introduced this sales tax exemption on cars \u2013 under the government\u2019s Short-Term Economic Recovery Plan (PENJANA) \u2013 to drive more growth to the local automotive sector amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidently, it\u2019s working very will, with car brands posting \nvery encouraging\n \nsales figures\n.\n\n\nThat being said, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the supply chain of many carmakers, including Proton. Take the hugely popular \nProton X50\n: because of the various Movement Control Orders (MCO) and shutdowns caused by COVID-19 clusters, the production of the X50 is \ndelayed quite a bit\n.\n\n\n\n\nBy extending the sales tax exemption on CKD and CBU cars, carmakers will have more time to catch up to consumer demand, so more customers will be able to enjoy the tax saving. Rest assured, will keep a close eye on any pertaining announcement from MoF.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-eula-banner-arrives-18-may-with-beidou-xingqiu-xinyan/", "title": "Genshin Impact Eula Banner Arrives 18 May With Beidou, Xingqiu & Xinyan", "body": "\n\nMihoyo just revealed Eula\u2019s banner for Genshin Impact, a new 5-star Cryo character wielding a claymore. Set to arrive in the game this Tuesday on 18 May, she will be accompanied by Beidou, Xingqiu, as well as Xinyan.\n\n\nJust like Genshin Impact\u2019s\u00a0\nprevious character\n\u00a0\nevent banners\n, the \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Eula, Beidou, Xingqiu, and Xinyan will be increased. In the case of Eula, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be her. If you didn\u2019t get her in this instance, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be Eula.\n\n\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s pity system ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character or weapon every 90 wishes \u2013 depending on which banner you\u2019re rolling \u2013 you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed chance to get Eula. The same rule applies to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10 roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the event banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Beidou, Xingqiu, or Xinyan. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEula\u2019s \u201cBorn of Ocean Swell\u201d banner will go live in Genshin Impact on 18 May at 6PM for us here in Malaysia; the banner will be available until 8 June. \nZhongli\u2019s banner\n will be replaced by Eula\u2019s then, so roll for him before that if you\u2019re keen to get the 5-star Geo character.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-9-oneplus-9-pro-land-in-malaysia-from-rm3699/", "title": "OnePlus 9 & OnePlus 9 Pro Land in Malaysia \u2013 From RM3,699", "body": "\n\nWe spotted both the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro over at SIRIM \nearlier this month\n, and the two flagship smartphones are now officially available in Malaysia. Packing Hasselblad-branded cameras and Qualcomm\u2019s latest Snapdragon 888 chipsets, these are pretty interesting high-end phones.\n\n\nOnly a single variant of the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro are available in Malaysia; both of them are offered with 256GB of internal storage and 12GB of RAM for RM3,699 and RM4,299 respectively. Interestingly, the Pro variant is bundled with a number of accessories as well.\n\n\nThese include the OnePlus Buds wireless earbuds, a 65W fast charger, a 50W wireless charger, as well as a casing.\n\n\n\n\nThe highlight of the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro has to be their Hasselblad-branded cameras, which promises to deliver natural-looking colours. Both devices have similar camera configurations as well \u2013 they have a 48MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide angle shooter, a 2MP monochrome lens, and a 16MP selfie camera.\n\n\nHowever, the OnePlus 9 Pro does come with an extra 8MP telephoto lens. On top of that, the Pro model also has a more impressive 6.7-inch 1440p AMOLED curved screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. The regular OnePlus 9, on the other hand, features a more pedestrian (but still 120Hz) 6.55-inch 1080p AMOLED panel.\n\n\nOther specifications of both flagships include the aforementioned Snapdragon 888 processor, a 4,500mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging, as well as Android 11 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro will be available for purchase in Malaysia tomorrow on 18 May. The standard model will be sold on \nShopee\n for RM3,699, while the Pro variant is available on \nLazada\n with a RM4,299 price tag.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/second-astrazeneca-vaccine-opt-in-open-on-23-may-for-those-above-60-only-in-selangor-kl-penang-sarawak-johor/", "title": "Second AstraZeneca Vaccine Opt-In Open on 23 May for Those Above 60 \u2013 Only in Selangor, KL, Penang, Sarawak, Johor", "body": "\n\nUpdate:\n\u00a0In a press conference, Khairy elaborated that the AstraZeneca vaccine opt-in for those above 60 will be available from 23 to 26 May. Application for those below age 60 will be opened after 26 May.\n\n\nThe original article follows.\n\n\nIf you missed the previous opt-in for the AstraZeneca vaccine in Malaysia, great news: registration for the second batch will be open this coming Sunday on 23 May. However, this round of opt-in is only for those above 60 years old, though it is now available in more states.\n\n\nThis was announced by Khairy Jamaluddin, the coordinating minister for the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme. The second opt-in for the AstraZeneca vaccine will be done \nonline\n (on 23 May) or via community clinic outreach, and it will be available in Selangor, KL, Penang, Sarawak, and Johor.\n\n\n\n\nThe next AstraZeneca opt in will open on 23 May and will only be available to above 60s in Selangor, KL, Penang, Sarawak & Johor where cases are highest. Bookings via website & community clinic outreach. AZ will also be sent to elderly care homes.\n\u2014 Khairy Jamaluddin \ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe\ud83c\udf3a (@Khairykj) \nMay 17, 2021\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Khairy, these states are getting the AstraZeneca vaccine first as they record the highest COVID-19 cases. Of course, folks above 60 are prioritised as they are more vulnerable to the virus; the vaccine will also be sent out to elderly care homes.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re in the waiting list from the previous AstraZeneca opt-in session \u2013 even though you\u2019re not above 60 \u2013 don\u2019t worry. Khairy mentioned that \u201cthose on the present round one waitlist will get appointments,\u201d so rest assured, you will be getting the vaccine as well.\n\n\n\n\nAgain, this second round of AstraZeneza vaccine opt-in is happening this Sunday on 23 May. If you\u2019re above 60 and you reside in Selangor, KL, Penang, Sarawak, or Johor, you can opt-in for the vaccine online \nhere\n on that day.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q1-75-qmk-keyboard-design-more-specs-revealed/", "title": "Keychron Q1 75% QMK Keyboard \u2013 Design & More Specs Revealed", "body": "\n\nKeychron just updated the product page for its \nupcoming QMK keyboard\n, which is now dubbed Keychron Q1. Aside from revealing the name of the new product, the company also posted an image of the keyboard itself, confirming the 75% layout.\n\n\nUnfortunately, only one image of the Keychron Q1 has been released so far, though it does show us the rather minimalist layout of the 75% keyboard and its metallic yellow case. It\u2019s certainly an eye-catching, unique colour that you don\u2019t often see keyboard manufacturers use.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, Keychron also revealed additional specifications of the Q1 keyboard. Not only does it have south-facing LEDs \u2013 complete with RGB lighting \u2013 for maximum compatibility with different keycaps, it also has a poron foam, which could possibly be placed in between the plate and PCB for a cleaner sound profile.\n\n\nTo recap, the Keychron Q1 is a gasket-mounted 75% keyboard with a number of features that you only typically find on enthusiast-level custom keyboards. It comes with QMK and VIA support \u2013 software solutions that allow users to easily customise the mapping of a keyboard \u2013 screw-in stabilisers, a hotswap PCB, as well as an aluminium case.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, we still don\u2019t know exactly when the Keychron Q1 QMK Keyboard will be officially introduced. Nonetheless, you can register your interest for the upcoming keyboard \nover here\n.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nKeychron Q1 Retails From $139 \u2013 Pre-Orders Open in July 2021\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/students-youths-can-claim-rm150-ebelia-credit-on-1-june-through-shopeepay-tng-bigpay-boost/", "title": "Students & Youths Can Claim RM150 eBelia Credit on 1 June Through ShopeePay, TNG, BigPay & Boost", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re a full-time student or between the age of 18 to 20, you can claim RM150 worth of credit from four ewallet services in Malaysia starting 1 June 2021. This is a part of the government\u2019s eBelia initiative, a financial aid for youths and students.\n\n\nIn order to claim the RM150 credit, you have to be between the age of 18 to 20 (born from 2001 to 2003). You are also eligible if you\u2019re a full-time student undertaking a \u201cdiploma or SKM4 (and above) in a public or private institution of higher learning in Malaysia recognised by the ministries.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nSiaran media berkenaan eBelia: RM300 juta kredit e-tunai untuk 2 juta belia dan pelajar sepenuh masa dibuka 1 Jun 2021. \npic.twitter.com/kwYXEcYb0M\n\u2014 Ministry of Finance\ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe (@MOFmalaysia) \nMay 17, 2021\n\n\n\n\nIf you meet either one of the two aforementioned criteria, you can claim the RM150 credit from one of these four ewallet services: \nShopeePay\n, \nTouch \u2018n Go eWallet\n, \nBigPay\n, or \nBoost\n. The method of claiming the eBelia credit will depend on each of the ewallet services.\n\n\nTo sweeten the deal, these ewallet services will also offer additional incentives in the form of cashback, voucher, or points on top of the RM150 credit. Of course, the benefits will be different from one ewallet to another. In retrospect, this is very similar to the \ngovernment\u2019s previous initiative\n to promote cashless payments.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, youths and students can claim for the RM150 credit from 1 June until 22 July; do note that all of the credit has to be spent by 31 July 2021. More information on the eBelia initiative can be found \nover here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ttracing-maxx-gaming-chair-the-brands-most-premium-offering-yet-for-rm1099/", "title": "TTRacing Maxx Gaming Chair \u2013 The Brand\u2019s Most Premium Offering Yet for RM1,099", "body": "\n\nTTRacing recently unveiled its most premium gaming chair yet, the TTRacing Maxx. Sporting a sleek-looking, more minimalist design than its other offerings, the Maxx looks to be a great option for those who are looking to get a comfortable chair without breaking the bank too much.\n\n\nOne of the main highlights of the Maxx has to be its use of faux leather and velour. According to TTRacing, this allows the gaming chair to dissipate heat faster for a more comfortable seating experience. The chair\u2019s dense cold cure foam also provides good support, even over long sitting hours.\n\n\n\n\nTo make the sitting experience even more comfortable, the Maxx comes with velour covered memory foam neck and lumbar pillows too for enhanced support. The cushioned 4D armrest of the chair is worth a mention as well: it can be adjusted up, down, front, back, left, right, and even angled to find the most comfortable position for every user.\n\n\nOther features of the Maxx include support for 155-degree full recline, a steel frame structure with lifetime warranty, a multi-tilt mechanism, an aluminium alloy wheelbase, and large 65mm castors with a locking mechanism to fix the chair in place.\n\n\n\n\nThe TTRacing Maxx is now available for purchase in Malaysia on \nTTRacing\u2019s online store for RM1,099\n in Midnight Stealth and Royal Black. While this gaming chair is not exactly affordable, it really does offer good value for money with its feature set. We will be reviewing the Maxx in the near future, so stay tuned for our full review!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-launches-rm999-rog-claymore-ii-wireless-gaming-keyboard-in-malaysia/", "title": "Asus Launches RM999 ROG Claymore II Wireless Gaming Keyboard in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nAsus\u2019 range of gaming keyboards may not be particularly well-known, but the Taiwanese company just launched a brand new keyboard for the Malaysian market. Enter the Asus ROG Claymore II gaming keyboard; not only is it wireless, it also sports a detachable numpad\u2026for RM999.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the ROG Claymore II gaming keyboard retails at a whopping RM999 for the Malaysian market, though it does come with a number of rather intriguing features. Aside from the fact that it\u2019s a wireless keyboard (via a USB receiver) with a built-in battery and detachable numpad, it also features Asus\u2019 very own optical switch.\n\n\n\n\nThe switch is dubbed ROG RX, and it\u2019s offered in 55g RX Red (linear) and 60g \u2013 though the tactile bump peaks at 65g \u2013 RX Blue (clicky) switches. According to Asus, one of the advantages of these two optical switches is fast actuation with \u201cnear-zero debounce delay,\u201d especially compared to a traditional switch.\n\n\nAside from that, the ROG RX switch also features a rather unique hollow square stem design. With four \u201ccorner latches\u201d and a scissor-style stabiliser, the switch is said to have very little keystroke wobble. Although the unique stem design of the switch makes it incompatible with MX-style keycaps, it\u2019s really quite an intriguing optical switch.\n\n\nOther features of the ROG Claymore II include a 4,000mAh battery that promises up to 144 hours of use \u2013 or 43 hours with the backlighting on \u2013 per-key RGB lighting (of course), and a magnetic wrist rest.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Claymore II wireless gaming keyboard will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from 22 to 29 May; early birds will also get an ROG Scabbard II mousepad (worth RM199) for free. Retailing at RM999, the Claymore II is unmistakably a costly keyboard, though it does have a number of unique features.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-genshin-impact-wishing-for-eula/", "title": "Video: Genshin Impact \u2013 Wishing for Eula!", "body": "\n\nEula, a new 5-star Cryo character, is now available in \nGenshin Impact\n. Given that there hasn\u2019t been a new 5-star character in the game in over two months \u2013 the last one was \nHu Tao\n, which was released back in 2 March \u2013 Eula is particularly interesting.\n\n\nOn top of that, Eula has a rather unique playstyle as well. Wielding a claymore, she is a DPS character that focuses on physical damage. Based on our early damage test against Dvalin, Eula can definitely dish out some big damage \u2013 you can see for yourself in the video below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEula\u2019s \u201cBorn of Ocean Swell\u201d banner\n will be available until 8 June, so if you want to get the new 5-star Cryo character, start wishing for her before she\u2019s gone!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/google-previews-android-12-new-material-you-design-language-better-power-efficiency/", "title": "Google Previews Android 12 \u2013 New \u201cMaterial You\u201d Design Language, Better Power Efficiency", "body": "\n\nAt Google I/O 2021, the company previewed the next version of Android. Simply dubbed Android 12, it uses a new \u201cMaterial You\u201d design language for a more playful-looking user interface. On top of that, it promises lower power consumption too.\n\n\nThe aesthetics of Android 12 really is the main focus of the new update, which are guided by the aforementioned Material You principles. Take the phone\u2019s wallpaper: in Android 12, Google will use \u201ccolour extraction\u201d to determine a particular wallpaper\u2019s most dominant colours.\n\n\n\n\nThese colours are then applied to the entire user interface of the operating system, including the lock screen, notification shade, and even widgets. Google also made a neat change to the lock screen: once you\u2019ve dismissed all notifications on the lock screen, the clock will be enlarged \u2013 a nice visual cue to let you know you have no notifications.\n\n\nA number of animations and elements of the user interface have been overhauled in Android 12 as well. The notification shade looks quite a bit more modern now with bigger buttons, and you can expect smoother, more eye-catching animations as well in the new version of Android.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Google, Android 12 will be more power-efficient too. Thanks to some under-the-hood improvements, CPU time for core system services are reduced by up to 22%, and the use of big cores (the more powerful, battery-draining core of a processor) are minimised up to 15%.\n\n\nIt will be easier to find out which apps are accessing your data in Android 12 as well. The new Privacy Dashboard gives you a singe view of your permissions settings, including what data is being accessed, how often, and by which apps. You can easily revoke app permissions from this page as well.\n\n\nAnother feature that I personally quite like is a new indicator at the top right of the status bar, which appears when apps are accessing the microphone or camera. You can easily disable access to these hardware in the Quick Settings page too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese are just some of the changes that are coming to Android 12, which will (obviously) be available on the company\u2019s range of Pixel phones first. It\u2019s worth noting that most of these changes may not be implemented by other smartphone makers, especially if they have their own personalised version of Android already.\n\n\nNonetheless, Android 12 is definitely a major visual overhaul, and it\u2019ll be interesting to see if other phone makers will follow suit in Google\u2019s new design language.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/20-26-may-fuel-price-ron-97-up-1-sen/", "title": "20 \u2013 26 May Fuel Price: RON 97 up 1 Sen", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 will go up this coming week by 1 sen per litre. The prices of RON 95 and diesel, on the other hand, remain the same, given that the price ceilings of the two have been reached.\n\n\nWith the price increase, RON 97 will go for RM2.61 per litre (up from RM2.60). As for RON 95, it remains the same at RM2.05 per litre, while diesel still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 20 to 26 May next week. New fuel prices will now be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/grab-the-everglide-aqua-king-v3-switches-in-malaysia-while-you-can/", "title": "Grab the Everglide Aqua King V3 Switches (in Malaysia) While You Can", "body": "\n\nIf you want one of the smoothest linear switches in the market now, be quick: Keys.my \u2013 a vendor based here in Malaysia \u2013 recently restocked on the Everglide Aqua King V3 switch. Manufactured by JWK, this switch has a unique transparent housing and stem.\n\n\nAside from its unique aesthetic, the Aqua King V3 is, as mentioned, a very smooth linear switch too. It is lubed from the factory, so it is ready to go out of the box. On top of that, this switch has a tight tolerance as well, reducing stem wobble to a bare minimum.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, the tight tolerance of the Aqua King V3 does have a downside \u2013 some of the switches\u2019 housings are too tight, so the stem has a tendency to bind. However, Keys mentioned that it will sort through the defective switches, and only send out the good ones to customers.\n\n\nAside from that, only the 67g variant of the Aqua King V3 is available at the moment; the 62g version is not restocked this time around. Of course, if you don\u2019t like the 67g spring weight, you can always spring swap; Keys.my happen to sell springs from both TX Keyboards and SPRiT.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to pick up the Everglide Aqua King V3 switches, you can do so over at Keys.my\u2019s \nofficial website\n or \nShopee store\n. Depending on how many units you purchase, the price ranges from RM3 (less than 60 units) to RM2.40 (more than 100 units) per switch.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2021-proton-x70-se-coming-soon-new-19-inch-wheels-black-nappa-leather-ocean-blue-colour/", "title": "2021 Proton X70 SE Coming Soon \u2013 New 19-inch Wheels, Black Nappa Leather, Ocean Blue Colour", "body": "\n\nNow this is quite interesting: Proton is gearing up to launch yet another special edition of its first SUV. Dubbed Proton X70 SE \u2013 that stands for special edition \u2013 the new variant has a number of neat changes, including a blue paint job.\n\n\nThe folks over at \nPaultan.org\n managed to get a brochure of the new X70 SE from an anonymous source. The brochure shows that the special edition SUV will feature the same Ocean Blue colour found on the \nProton X50\n and Iriz.\n\n\nThe other colour option is the existing Ruby Red paint job, and regardless of which colour you choose, the X70 SE will come with a blacked-out roof and side mirrors.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the 19-inch alloy wheels of the X70 SE are quite interesting as well. It\u2019s the very same design found on the Geely Boyue Pro, the facelifted model of the Boyue \u2013 the X70 is based on this SUV.\n\n\nHowever, that doesn\u2019t mean the X70 SE will be based on the Boyue Pro. That will only be the case for the \nfacelifted version of the X70\n, which is rumoured to be released sometime in August 2021.\n\n\nAnyway, the X70 SE will feature black nappa leather seats as well instead of brown. There are also optional door visors and dash cam for the upcoming SUV.\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet from Proton on exactly when the Proton X70 SE will be officially released. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on any official news regarding the new C-segment SUV.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-tv-q1-mi-tv-p1-smart-tvs-now-in-malaysia-from-rm899-to-rm7999/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi TV Q1 & Mi TV P1 Smart TVs Now in Malaysia From RM899 to RM7,999", "body": "\n\nHere it is: Xiaomi finally introduced its range of smart TVs here in Malaysia. These include the Xiaomi Mi TV Q1 and the (much more affordable) Mi TV P1 \u2013 both of them are 4K TVs.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the higher-end TV of the two, the Mi TV Q1. Available only in 75-inch, this 4K QLED TV with a fast 120Hz refresh rate retails at RM7,999 for the Malaysian market. Given its feature set, this is actually quite a competitive price tag.\n\n\nXiaomi Mi TV Q1\n\n\nTo sweeten the deal, early birds who purchase the Mi TV Q1 will receive a number of freebies too. These include a Mi Air Purifier Pro H, Mi Vacuum Cleaner Mini, Mi 360\u00b0 Home Security Camera 2K, Mi Body Composition Scale 2, and Mi WiFi Range Extender Pro \u2013 all of these products are said to be worth RM1,765.\n\n\nAs for the more affordable Mi TV P1 smart TV, it is offered in three different sizes for our market: 55-inch (RM2,499), 43-inch (RM1,799), and 32-inch (RM999). The 55-inch and 43-inch models feature a 4K LED panel, while the 32-inch version comes with a 1366 x 768 HD LED screen instead.\n\n\nRegardless of which size you go for, the Mi TV P1 runs on Android TV, much like the higher-end Mi TV Q1. On top of that, those who purchase either one of these two smart TVs will also get a complimentary one-month subscription to two streaming platforms: WeTV and iQIYI.\n\n\nXiaomi Mi TV P1\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi TV Q1 and Mi TV P1 will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from 6 June onwards. It\u2019s also worth noting that early birds can get the 43-inch and 32-inch Mi TV P1 for only RM1,499 (RM300 discount) and RM899 (RM100 discount) respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/affordable-redmi-note-10-5g-redmi-note-10s-land-in-malaysia/", "title": "Affordable Redmi Note 10 5G & Redmi Note 10S Land in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nXiaomi just introduced two new affordable smartphones for the Malaysian market: the Redmi Note 10 5G and Redmi Note 10S. Retailing from only RM799, these are ideal mid-rangers for those on a tight budget.\n\n\nOut of the two phones, the Redmi Note 10 5G is the more affordable option. Offered in a single 128GB variant with 8GB of RAM, it costs only RM799. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting 5G connectivity thanks to the phone\u2019s MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset, along with a 90Hz 6.5-inch Full HD screen.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Redmi Note 10 5G include a triple camera system (48MP primary + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), an 8MP selfie camera, as well as a large 5,000mAh battery with 18W fast charging.\n\n\nRedmi Note 10 5G\n\n\nAs for the Redmi Note 10S, it costs slightly more at RM899 (128GB + 8GB), though you do get a more feature-packed phone. It\u2019s packing a more vibrant 6.43-inch 1080p AMOLED screen (even though it\u2019s locked at 60Hz), and it is also powered by a MediaTek Helio G95 processor.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Redmi Note 10S are a quad camera setup (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), a 13MP front camera, and a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.\n\n\nRedmi Note 10S\n\n\nThe Redmi Note 10S will go on sale in Malaysia on 21 May tomorrow, while the Redmi Note 10 5G will be available slightly later on 28 May. Both phones will be sold on Shopee, Lazada, as well as other physical retailers nationwide.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/government-may-announce-attractive-ev-incentives-in-july-2021/", "title": "Government May Announce \u201cAttractive\u201d EV Incentives in July 2021", "body": "\n\nMalaysia is behind the curve in terms of Electric vehicle (EV) adoption, but this may change in the near future. According to the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), an \u201caccelerated EV policy\u201d under the National Automotive Policy (NAP) 2020 may be announced sometime in July 2021.\n\n\nThe new policy will benefit both EV manufacturers and buyers in Malaysia, as reported by \nBernama\n. For the former, the CEO of MARii, Datuk Madani Sahari, said that \u201chandsome\u201d tax exemption will be given, such as huge tax reduction in excise duty, import duty, and sales tax for EVs.\n\n\n\n\nAs for EV buyers in Malaysia, a number of benefits are being proposed. These include lower road tax, \u201cgreen parking\u201d scheme, discounts on the installation of home chargers, and even toll rebates. Basically, these are meant to lower the ownership cost of an EV locally.\n\n\nWithout a doubt these incentives are attractive, but it\u2019s worth noting that the accelerated EV policy is still in discussion. Madani said that he hopes the policy will be brought to the cabinet by June next month. If that\u2019s done, the finalised incentives can be announced sometime in July the following month.\n\n\n\n\nWhat do you think? Are these incentives good enough for you to consider purchasing an EV in Malaysia? Let us know in the comments section below!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-rm130-discount-on-the-ttracing-maxx-gaming-chair-on-shopee/", "title": "Deal: Get RM130 Discount on the TTRacing Maxx Gaming Chair on Shopee", "body": "\n\nOfficially launched not long ago, the \nTTRacing Maxx\n gaming chair is now available on Shopee. To celebrate the launch of the gaming chair on the ecommerce platform, TTRacing is offering a \nsizeable RM130 discount\n on the Maxx for today only.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by TTRacing\u2019s very own \nofficial store on Shopee\n. Retailing at RM1,099, you can grab a RM100 voucher from TTRacing to bring down the price \nto only RM999\n. On top of that, Shopee is offering a 10% cashback voucher in the form of coins too (capped at RM30), so you\u2019re effectively getting RM130 worth of savings.\n\n\n\n\nAs TTRacing\u2019s most premium gaming chair yet, the Maxx features a number of interesting features. It uses faux leather and velour to dissipate heat faster, dense cold cure foam to provide good support over long sitting hours, and even velour covered memory foam neck and lumbar pillows for better comfort and support.\n\n\nOther features of the Maxx include support for 155-degree full recline, a steel frame structure with lifetime warranty, a multi-tilt mechanism, an aluminium alloy wheelbase, and large 65mm castors with a locking mechanism to fix the chair in place.\n\n\n\n\nGiven the feature set of the TTRacing Maxx, RM130 worth of discount makes this gaming chair that much more compelling. Again, do note that this discount is only valid today \u2013 head on to \nTTRacing\u2019s official Shopee store\n to grab the chair if you\u2019re keen.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/omnidesk-now-in-malaysia-offers-height-adjustable-desk-from-rm2400/", "title": "Omnidesk Now in Malaysia \u2013 Offers Height-Adjustable Desk From RM2,400", "body": "\n\nPreviously only available in Singapore and Australia, Omnidesk just announced its entry into the Malaysian market. The brand\u2019s main product is the Omnidesk Pro 2020 \u2013 a height-adjustable desk with a lot of customisation options.\n\n\nOriginally retailing from RM3,099, Omnidesk Malaysia is currently offering the Omnidesk Pro 2020 from only RM2,400 for the 48-inch table top model. On top of that, there is also a 10% storewide discount code (HELLOMY) until 13 June to celebrate its arrival on our shores, reducing the price of the desk to only RM2,160.\n\n\n\n\nThe main selling point of the Omnidesk Pro 2020 is its height adjustability. An electric motor controls the height of the desk, and you can save up to four different heights (profiles). This allows you to easily change the height of the table at the touch of a button.\n\n\nTo keep your table clutter-free, there is also a cable management bar underneath the Omnidesk Pro 2020; this is currently given as a complimentary add-on worth RM149. You also get free delivery and a five-year extended warranty worth RM299 \u2013 so you get a seven-year warranty \u2013 right now for the desk.\n\n\nThere are also a number of accessories to complement the Omnidesk Pro 2020. These include the ARC Stealth Single (RM289) or ARC Stealth Dual (RM449) monitor arm, a CPU roller stand (RM149), or even castors (RM159) if you want to move the desk around.\n\n\nThe CPU roller stand\n\n\nTo see the full list of accessories and customisation options for the Omnidesk Pro 2020, head on to Omnidesk Malaysia\u2019s online store \nright here\n. Again, the table retails at RM2,400, but there is a 10% storewide discount right now until 13 June, lowering the price of the height-adjustable desk to RM2,160.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/tighter-mco-3-0-more-to-wfh-more-roadblocks-no-total-lockdown/", "title": "Tighter MCO 3.0 \u2013 More to WFH, More Roadblocks, No Total Lockdown", "body": "\n\nThe government just announced tighter SOPs for the third Movement Control Order (MCO) in Malaysia. Among them are requiring more workforce to work from home, limiting business hours to 8PM, and the capacity of public transportation will be reduced by 50% as well; no total lockdown was announced.\n\n\nFor the government sector, 80% of staff will be working from home, which involves 750,000 individuals. For the private sector, 40% of workforce is required to work from home; this translates to roughly 6.1 million individuals.\n\n\n\n\nAntara SOP yang diperketatkan untuk mengurangkan pergerakan (bermula 25 Mei).\n\u2705Operasi perniagaan bermula 8 pagi hingga 8 malam. \n\u2705Pengangkutan awam 50% kapasiti dan kekerapan dikurangkan.   \n\u270580% pekerja sektor awam bekerja dari rumah.\n\u2014 KKMalaysia\ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe (@KKMPutrajaya) \nMay 22, 2021\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, business hours will also be limited from 8AM to 8PM. The capacity of public transportation, on the other hand, will be reduced by 50% too, much like how it was during the first MCO.\n\n\nIn essence, these tightened SOPs are in addition to existing ones. To ensure public compliance, more frequent checks will be done by the authorities, including the implementation of more roadblocks.\n\n\n\n\nThese new SOPs will be implemented from 25 May onwards this Tuesday. MCO 3.0 is in effect until 7 June, though it remains to be seen if there will be any extension.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hyundai-kona-n-line-teased-for-malaysian-market-arriving-here-soon/", "title": "Hyundai Kona N Line Teased for Malaysian Market \u2013 Arriving Here Soon", "body": "\n\nBack at the Malaysian launch of the \nfacelifted Hyundai Kona\n, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) teased that the sportier N Line variant of the B-segment SUV will also makes its way here. Well, HSDM just posted a \nnew teaser of the Kona N Line\n, mentioning that it is \u201ccoming soon.\u201d\n\n\nCompared to the regular Kona, the N Line variant sports a more aggressive aesthetic. It has a different grille design, sportier LED headlamps, a revised rear bumper with two exhaust pipes, as well as 18-inch alloy wheels with a new, busier-looking design.\n\n\n\n\nInside the cabin, the Kona N Line gets some neat changes here and there to complete the sporty look of the B-segment SUV. You get N Line-branded bucket seats with red stitching, a gear knob with the N Line branding, and of course, a leather wrapped steering wheel with \u2013 you guessed it \u2013 the N Line logo.\n\n\nUnfortunately, HSDM has not revealed the exact specification the Kona N Line yet, though there\u2019s a good chance it will be powered by the more powerful Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi four-cylinder engine that outputs a whopping 198PS and 265Nm of torque. If the N Line does get this mill, it will be paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of local pricing, expect the Hyundai Kona N Line to command a premium over the standard facelifted model, which currently retails from RM119,888 to RM136,888. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the Malaysian availability of the sportier B-segment SUV.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/unboxing-assembling-the-ttracing-maxx-gaming-chair/", "title": "Unboxing & Assembling the TTRacing Maxx Gaming Chair", "body": "\n\nThe TTRacing Maxx is the most premium gaming chair yet from the company, and it\u2019s really quite an intriguing product, given its RM1,099 price tag. If you\u2019re wondering how the chair looks like in person and what the assembly process is like, this unboxing and assembly of the Maxx should pique your interest.\n\n\nI received the Maxx gaming chair in a pretty standard-looking box, and it is quite heavy. Every part of the chair is wrapped quite well, while more sensitive parts \u2013 such as the armrests and tilt mechanism \u2013 are protected by bubble wrappings.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor the most part, the assembly instructions are quite clear and easy to follow, though it was a little tricky to install the tilt mechanism in the proper orientation; more on that later. Anyway, to begin the assembly, I start off with the wheelbase.\n\n\nThis is quite straightforward: the five castors of the chair only need to be pushed into the wheelbase\u2019s slots. Not too much force is required, and once I\u2019ve done this, the hydraulic piston and cover can be inserted into the centre of the wheelbase.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, we move on to the seat base of the Maxx; well, the underside of it. As you can see, all of the bolts are pre-attached to the proper locations to make the installation process more seamless. I certainly appreciate this, and the bolts don\u2019t take too much effort to unscrew either.\n\n\nAfter I\u2019ve removed the four screws on the sides of the seat base, I can start installing the armrests. Make sure you know which are the left and right armrests \u2013 which are labeled accordingly in the bubble wrapping \u2013 to make sure that you\u2019re installing them at the correct side.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTightening the bolts with the provided allen key is quite easy\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOnce both of the armrest are installed, it\u2019s time to install the backrest of the Maxx. For myself, this is the toughest part of assembling the gaming chair; it\u2019s a little tricky to get the bolts screwed back into the sides of the backrest. I also wanted to ensure that the backrest isn\u2019t installed in a crooked manner.\n\n\nOkay, with the backrest installed to the brackets, the exposed bolts need to be covered up with the provided, well, cover. This gives the gaming chair a much neater appearance, and it\u2019s not too difficult to install either.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt this point, the Maxx is taking shape already, but this is also where the assembly guide isn\u2019t particularly helpful. The tilt mechanism has to be installed on the underside of the seat base now, but the orientation isn\u2019t explicitly mentioned in the instructions.\n\n\nCuriously, the tilt mechanism has a \u201cfront\u201d indicator too, but after looking at the assembly guide closer, this indicator is actually the other way around. Basically, the slot on the tilt mechanism for the wheelbase to go into should be facing \ntowards\n the backrest, as you can see in the images below.\n\n\n\n\nThis indicator isn\u2019t very helpful, as it should be the other way around\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith the tilt mechanism installed, all I need to do now is to put the chair on top of the wheelbase as the image above shows. Given the weight of the gaming chair, it can be quite tricky to align the two parts together, but it\u2019s definitely possible to be done alone.\n\n\nOf course, this process would be be a lot easier if you have someone else to help you to align the wheelbase to the slot on the tilt mechanism. Once that\u2019s done, voila: the gaming chair is complete.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOverall, the TTRacing Maxx is relatively easy to assemble, even if some parts of the assembly process took some time to get right. As for the quality of the chair itself, I\u2019m very happy with it: build quality is good, it looks great, and most importantly, it provides a firm, supportive sitting experience.\n\n\nAt the moment, I definitely enjoy sitting on the Maxx for long periods of time. But is worth forking out RM1,099 for it? Well, I will be putting this gaming chair through its paces in the next few days, so find out in the full review of the TTRacing Maxx!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/second-astrazeneca-vaccine-opt-in-opens-tomorrow-for-under-60/", "title": "Second AstraZeneca Vaccine Opt-In Opens Tomorrow for Under 60 (Updated)", "body": "\n\nUpdate:\n Khairy Jamaluddin, the coordinating minister for the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme, just announced that the AstraZeneca vaccine opt-in for folks under 60 will only be open \ntomorrow (26 May) at 12PM\n. The article has been updated to reflect this.\n\n\nGood news: registration for the second AstraZeneca vaccine opt-in for those under 60 will open tomorrow on 26 May at 12PM. If you\u2019re eligible, you should definitely sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine.\n\n\nThis bit of information was reported by \nOriental Daily\n. According to the report, those above the age of 18 will be able to register for the AstraZeneca vaccine from 6PM onwards tomorrow (25 May).\n This is false: registration for those under 60 will only be open at 12PM tomorrow (26 May).\n\n\nIt will be available to residents above the age of 18 in five states: Selangor, KL, Penang, Sarawak, and Johor.\n\n\n\n\nThose who meet the criteria can register for the AstraZeneca vaccine \nright here\n. If you\u2019re currently in the waiting list from the previous AstraZeneca opt-in session, you don\u2019t have to sign up for this one \u2013 you will get an appointment through the MySejahtera app in due time.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/cant-access-your-vaccination-page-in-mysejahtera-reinstall-the-app/", "title": "Can\u2019t Access Your Vaccination Page in MySejahtera? Reinstall the App", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re having trouble accessing your vaccination page in MySejahtera, the developer has issued a fix: simply uninstall and install the app again. Once you\u2019ve done that, you should be able to view the page.\n\n\nHaving access to your vaccination flow page is important to ensure that you are properly registered for the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK). On top of that, if you\u2019ve registered for the \nAstraZeneca opt-in\n, this page will be updated with your vaccination appointment\u2019s date and time.\n\n\n\n\nGood Day, if you are facing this issue of not getting to view your vaccination flow page, please uninstall and reinstall the application. Thank you. \npic.twitter.com/VC4YLCXhEH\n\u2014 MySejahtera (@my_sejahtera) \nMay 24, 2021\n\n\n\n\nAgain, just uninstall and install the MySejahtera app again if the vaccination flow page isn\u2019t updated with your details as shown in the Tweet above. Stay safe everyone!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-save-rm100-on-the-ttracing-maxx-gaming-chair-again-on-shopee/", "title": "Deal: Save RM100 on the TTRacing Maxx Gaming Chair Again on Shopee", "body": "\n\nThe \nTTRacing Maxx\n gaming chair will be discounted again tonight on Shopee. Originally retailing at RM1,099, you can the company\u2019s most premium gaming chair yet \nfor only RM999\n at 12AM tonight.\n\n\nOf course, this deal is offered by TTRacing\u2019s own \nofficial store on Shopee\n. Both the Royal Black and Midnight Stealth colourways will be listed at only RM999 from 12AM to 2AM on 25 May, and you can get additional discounts with other vouchers from Shopee.\n\n\n\n\nAs TTRacing\u2019s most premium gaming chair yet, the Maxx features a number of interesting features. It uses faux leather and velour to dissipate heat faster, dense cold cure foam to provide good support over long sitting hours, and even velour covered memory foam neck and lumbar pillows for better comfort and support.\n\n\nOther features of the Maxx include support for 155-degree full recline, a steel frame structure with lifetime warranty, a multi-tilt mechanism, an aluminium alloy wheelbase, and large 65mm castors with a locking mechanism to fix the chair in place.\n\n\n\n\nTaking into accounts its feature set, RM999 for the TTRacing Maxx gaming chair is certainly a good offer. If you\u2019re keen to get it, you can do so over at \nTTRacing\u2019s official Shopee store\n from 12AM to 2AM on 25 May. We\u2019ve received a review unit of the Maxx as well, so stay tuned for our unboxing and assembly of the gaming chair!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/qualcomm-snapdragon-7c-gen-2-promises-multi-day-battery-life-made-for-entry-level-laptops/", "title": "Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 Promises \u201cMulti-Day Battery Life\u201d \u2013 Made for Entry-Level Laptops", "body": "\n\nQualcomm just unveiled the new Snapdragon 7c Gen 2, an ARM-based chip that will power affordable, entry-level laptops. Compared to its predecessor, the new chip promises faster performance while retaining the same feature set.\n\n\nAccording to \nAnandtech\u2019s report\n, the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 has a slightly faster 2.55GHz clock speed; the original Snapdragon 7c was clocked at 2.4GHz. Beyond this one change, other features of the refreshed chip are largely the same as the original, which isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing.\n\n\n\n\nSince the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 is an ARM-based chip, it has very good power efficiency. In fact, Qualcomm promises \u201cmulti-day battery life\u201d with this chip. It is able to offer up to 19 hours of continuous use, and according to the chipmaker, this is essentially \u201ctwo times the battery life of most competing platforms.\u201d\n\n\nOther features of the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 include two Kryo 468 Gold cores, six more power-efficient Kryo 468 Silver cores, an Adreno 618 GPU, LTE connectivity, along with support for 4K HDR media and a single 32MP camera or two 16MP shooters.\n\n\n\n\nThe first device powered by the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 chip is expected to arrive sometime this summer. ARM-based chips may not offer the best performance, but the better power efficiency is a worthy trade-off to some folks.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/astrazeneca-vaccine-opt-in-for-under-60-opens-tomorrow-26-may-at-12pm/", "title": "AstraZeneca Vaccine Opt-In for Under 60 Opens Tomorrow (26 May) at 12PM", "body": "\n\nThe \nsecond AstraZeneca vaccine opt-in\n is currently only open to those above 60 years old. But come tomorrow (26 May) at 12PM, registration for the COVID-19 vaccine will be open for those under 60 as well.\n\n\nThis was just announced by Khairy Jamaluddin, the coordinating minister for the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme. Just like before, those above the age of 18 will be able to register for the AstraZeneca vaccine from 12PM onwards tomorrow on 26 May. This is open to residents in five states: Selangor, KL, Penang, Sarawak, and Johor.\n\n\n\n\nThose who meet the criteria can register for the AstraZeneca vaccine \nright here\n. If you\u2019re currently in the waiting list from the previous AstraZeneca opt-in session, you don\u2019t have to sign up for this one \u2013 you will get an appointment through the MySejahtera app in due time.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/those-in-astrazeneca-1-0-waitlist-can-register-again-tomorrow-26-may/", "title": "Those in AstraZeneca 1.0 Waitlist Can Register Again Tomorrow (26 May)", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re currently in the waitlist for the first AstraZeneca opt-in, take note: you can actually register again tomorrow on 26 May for the second session. This is especially convenient if you want to select when and where to get the COVID-19 vaccine.\n\n\nThis was revealed by the \nJawatankuasa Khas Jaminan Akses Vaksin COVID-19\n (JKJAV) itself in a Tweet. According to the post, those in the waitlist don\u2019t have to register again for the second AstraZeneca opt-in \u2013 their appointments will be given in due time \u2013 but they can do so if they want to choose a particular date and location.\n\n\n\n\nWaitlist from AZ 1.0 for Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, do not need to book again as you will be slotted in automatically for AZ 2.0. However you are free to book again if you want to choose a date and location.\n\u2014 Vaksin COVID-19 \ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe (@JKJAVMY) \nMay 25, 2021\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the \nsecond AstraZeneca opt-in\n will be open for those above the age of 18 tomorrow (26 May) at 12PM, though it is only available to residents in Selangor, KL, Penang, Sarawak, and Johor. If you meet the criteria, you can register for the COVID-19 vaccine \nover here\n at 12PM tomorrow.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopeepay-offering-rm5-free-credit-to-youths-between-18-to-20-years-old/", "title": "ShopeePay Offering RM5 Free Credit to Youths Between 18 to 20 Years Old", "body": "\n\nIn preparation for the government\u2019s \neBelia initiative\n \u2013 which offers eligible Malaysians RM150 ewallet credit \u2013 ShopeePay is organising a rather interesting campaign. If you\u2019re between the age of 18 to 20 years old, you can get RM5 free credit from the ewallet service.\n\n\nOf course, there is a caveat to this, though it\u2019s really a very simple process. If you meet the age requirement, all you need to do is to \nactivate your ShopeePay Premium\n account to get the RM5 credit. In order to do so, you just need to verify your ShopeePay account with your IC number.\n\n\n\n\nOnce you\u2019ve successfully activated your ShopeePay Premium account, the RM5 credit will be sent to your account within five working days. Do note that this campaign (which is only valid until 31 May) is separate from the eBelia initiative. The company mentioned that more benefits will be offered to those that claim the RM150 eBelia credit with ShopeePay.\n\n\nTo recap, the RM150 eBelia credit is offered to Malaysians between the age of 18 to 20 (born from 2001 to 2003). You are also eligible if you\u2019re a full-time student undertaking a \u201cdiploma or SKM4 (and above) in a public or private institution of higher learning in Malaysia recognised by the ministries.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nAside from ShopeePay, Touch \u2018n Go eWallet, BigPay, and Boost are also selected for the eBelia initiative. You can start claiming for the RM150 credit from either one of these ewallet services from 1 June to 22 July, but note that all of the credit has to be spent by 31 July 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-tuf-dash-f15-review-slim-light-rtx-3060-gaming-laptop-from-rm4699/", "title": "Asus TUF Dash F15 Review: Slim & Light RTX 3060 Gaming Laptop From RM4,699", "body": "\n\nMost affordable gaming laptops are not particularly lightweight or slim, which is the very reason why the Asus TUF Dash F15 is such an intriguing gaming machine. Not only does it have a relatively thin, lightweight chassis, it also offers good value for money with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU.\n\n\nDespite some of its shortcomings, the TUF Dash F15 is easily one of the most attractive RTX 3060 gaming laptops in the market now. Keep on reading this review to find out why!\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n15.6-inch FHD IPS (1920 x 1080), 144Hz\nProcessor\nIntel Core i7-11370H (4C/8T, 3.3GHz with boost up to 4.8GHz)\nGPU\nNvidia GeForce RTX 3060 6GB GDDR6 (85W TGP)\nRAM\n16GB DDR4 3200MHz\nStorage\n512GB M.2 PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD\nCamera\nNone\nBattery\n76Wh\nDimensions\n360 x 252 x 19.9 mm\nWeight\n2kg\nAudio\nBottom-firing stereo speakers\nPorts\n3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1\n1x Thunderbolt 4 (DisplayPort)\n1x HDMI 2.0b\n1x RJ45\nPrice\nRM5,499\n\n\nThere are as many as four different variants of the TUF Dash F15 for the Malaysian market; the one we received is the RM5,499 mid-range configuration, which I personally believe offers the best performance for the money.\n\n\nSure, the RM4,699 model has even better value for money, but that variant features only 8GB of RAM and a Core i5-11300H chip. For the best balance between cost and performance, I highly recommend the configuration we received for this review.\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nThe major highlight of the TUF Dash F15 has to be its thin and light nature. Tipping the scales at 2kg with a 19.9mm thin chassis, it\u2019s one of the more portable gaming laptops in the market now, especially at this price point. I dig the minimalist, understated design of the Dash F15 as well.\n\n\nIn the performance department, the Dash F15\u2019s combination of a Core i7-11370H processor and an RTX 3060 GPU can run AAA games with little to no difficulty. I\u2019ve played a few games at maxed out graphics settings on this laptop, and while the fans did kick up a fuss, the games ran very well with high, consistent frame rates.\n\n\nGames (max settings @ 1080p)\nAverage FPS\nGenshin Impact (1.5 render resolution, locked at 60fps)\n59.219\nBorderlands 3 (DX11)\n61.65\nWitcher 3 (HairWorks disabled)\n79.877\n\n\nComplementing the fast performance of the TUF Dash F15 is its equally fast 15.6-inch 1080p IPS screen with a 144Hz refresh rate. Not only does this offer excellent motion clarity in fast-paced, competitive games, even just browsing the web with the high refresh rate is a pleasant experience.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Dash F15 can actually return \nvery respectable\n battery life. Outside of gaming, I can get between seven to eight hours of use on a single charge. If you plan to use this gaming laptop as a productivity machine as well, you won\u2019t be disappointed with its battery life.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the thermals of the TUF Dash F15, which really surprised me. No matter what I throw at it, both the CPU and GPU never got above 80\u00b0C. The palm rest area does get a little warm in longer gaming sessions, but not to the point where it\u2019s uncomfortable to the touch.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least are the input devices of the Dash F15. The keyboard, for one, has enough key travel to not feel shallow, and I like the rather pronounced tactility of the keys, not to mention the standard (hence intuitive) layout of the keyboard. As for the trackpad, it can accurately track my fingers with no issue.\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWhile the TUF Dash F15 offers really good performance, there\u2019s still room for improvement. The Core i7-11370H processor powering this laptop is decent, but it is outclassed by AMD\u2019s Ryzen processors. I put the Core i7 through its paces in Cinebench R20 \u2013 see for yourself how it compares to AMD\u2019s offerings.\n\n\nProcessor\nSingle-core test\nMulti-core test\nAMD Ryzen 9 5900HS (Asus ROG Flow X13)\n572\n4922\nAMD Ryzen 9 5900HX (Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 SE)\n566\n5461\nAMD Ryzen 9 4900HS (Asus ROG Zephyrus G14)\n481\n4173\nAMD Ryzen 7 4800H (Asus TUF Gaming A15)\n481\n4106\nIntel Core i7-10875H (Acer Predator Triton 500)\n483\n3773\nIntel Core i7-11370H (Asus TUF Dash F15)\n581\n2749\n\n\nYes, the Core i7-11370H can outperform its competition in the single-core test, but it loses out in terms of multi-core performance by a very big margin. This can be attributed to the fact that it is only a quad-core processor; most of the competition, even at this price point, already offers eight processing cores.\n\n\nAside from that, the screen quality of the Dash F15 could be better too. It\u2019s great that it has a fast 144Hz refresh rate, but the panel quality itself leaves much to be desired. The dynamic range isn\u2019t particularly great, and I wish the brightness could be a tad higher for a more comfortable viewing experience.\n\n\n\n\nMy last qualm with the TUF Dash F15 isn\u2019t a big one, but it\u2019s definitely worth a mention: it doesn\u2019t have a webcam. Given that more folks are working from home in this COVID-19 pandemic, the inclusion of a webcam would\u2019ve really made this gaming laptop more attractive to those who are looking for a complete productivity machine.\n\n\nAfter all, the Dash F15 already has very respectable battery life. It can easily double as a great productivity laptop too.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nStarting from RM4,699, you cannot go wrong with the Asus TUF Dash F15, especially if you want the best gaming performance at this price point in a slim, lightweight chassis. It would\u2019ve been great if it shipped with an AMD Ryzen 5000 processor instead, but at least the laptop\u2019s Core i7-11370H chip can still keep up with the RTX 3060 GPU.\n\n\n\n\nIf you can live with the shortcomings of the TUF Dash F15 \u2013 which are not lot, in retrospect \u2013 you will be very happy with this portable, sleek gaming laptop that also offers excellent value for money.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-1-6-special-program-happening-28-may-klee-banner-skins-for-jean-barbara-confirmed/", "title": "Genshin Impact 1.6 Special Program Happening 28 May \u2013 Klee Banner & Skins for Jean, Barbara Confirmed?", "body": "\n\nMihoyo just revealed that the special program livestream for Version 1.6 of \nGenshin Impact\n is happening on 28 May at 11AM UTC-5. What\u2019s particularly interesting about the upcoming program is the teaser image, which seems to suggest that special skins for Jean and Barbara are happening in Version 1.6, along with the return of Klee\u2019s banner.\n\n\nAs you can see in the image below, Jean and Barbara look to be donning a different outfit from their default attire in Genshin Impact. Chances are, the two characters will receive a special skin as part of a new in-game event in Version 1.6.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, Klee can be seen in the background too, and she will likely take part in the special program livestream as well. With this in mind, it\u2019s not far-fetched to assume that Klee\u2019s banner will return in Genshin Impact. She was initially added into the game back in October 2020.\n\n\nBeyond these new additions, Mihoyo revealed that Genshin Impact 1.6 will also see some \nchanges to the Serenitea Pot\n. The load limit will be determined by the device players are using, the dialogue to access Serenitea Pot functions will be streamlined, and the room on the second floor will be open for decorations as well.\n\n\nOh, if you\u2019re an active co-op player, you\u2019ll be happy to know that you can finally use the Crafting Bench in co-op mode once Version 1.6 is live.\n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact Version 1.6\u2019s special program will be livestreamed \non YouTube\n come 28 May at 11AM UTC-5. If you\u2019re here in Malaysia, the stream will begin at 12AM this Saturday on 29 May.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/27-may-2-june-fuel-price-all-prices-remain/", "title": "27 May \u2013 2 June Fuel Price: All Prices Remain", "body": "\n\nGreat news folks: no changes to fuel prices this coming week. Price of RON 97 is not going up again this time around, while the prices of RON 95 and diesel remain the same, given that the price ceilings of the two have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 is kept at RM2.61 per litre. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, remains the same at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 27 May to 2 June next week. New fuel prices will now be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/monster-hunter-rise-3-0-update-adds-new-ending-monsters-available-now/", "title": "Monster Hunter Rise 3.0 Update Adds New Ending & Monsters \u2013 Available Now", "body": "\n\nThis is probably the update most \nMonster Hunter Rise\n players have been waiting for. Version 3.0 of the game will finally add a new, more conclusive ending, along with a number of new monsters.\n\n\nBefore the Version 3.0 update, the main storyline of Monster Hunter Rise ends in a cliffhanger. With this new update \u2013 which is live now, by the way \u2013 there will finally be a proper ending to the story. Capcom only mentioned that Narwa and Ibushi will meet in the ending as to not spoil the story.\n\n\nCrimson Glow Valstrax\nApex Zinogre\nNarwa and Ibushi\n\n\nAside from that, Valstrax (the flagship monster of Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate) is now available in Monster Hunter Rise as well. It debuts in the game as Crimson Glow Valstrax, which looks to be a more aggressive variant of the regular monster. A new variant of Zinogre dubbed Apex Zinogre will also make its entry in this new update.\n\n\nA number of DLCs will be added in Version 3.0 of Monster Hunter Rise too, including new layered armor, hairstyles, hunter voices, sticker sets, and even poses. A few Capcom Collab events are coming to the game as well; the first one is arriving in the middle of June for a Palico layered armor of Tsukino from Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin.\n\n\n\n\nVersion 3.0 of Monster Hunter Rise is now available for download on the Nintendo Switch. Capcom also mentioned that players can expect more event quests to be added in the game that will reward players with layered armor of other Capcom characters.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-unveils-2-new-gaming-laptops-with-mini-led-displays-predator-triton-500-se-helios-500/", "title": "Acer Unveils 2 New Gaming Laptops With Mini-LED Displays \u2013 Predator Triton 500 SE & Helios 500", "body": "\n\nAside from the Swift X, Acer also unveiled two new gaming laptops: the Acer Predator Triton 500 SE and Acer Predator Helios 500. Both of these can be configured with a powerful Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 GPU, and both of them got their own unique features as well.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the slimmer gaming laptop of the two, the Triton 500 SE. It has a 19.9mm thin chassis, the aforementioned RTX 3080 GPU, up to an Intel Core i9 processor, and a maximum RAM capacity of 64GB.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the Triton 500 SE even more interesting is its 16-inch 2560 \u00d7 1600 screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio. There are three different panel options: a searingly bright 165Hz mini-LED display with a 1250 nits peak brightness, a 240Hz IPS \u201cPolar Black\u201d screen, or a more conventional 165Hz LCD panel.\n\n\nSince we\u2019re talking about displays, let\u2019s break down the panel options of the bigger Helios 500 too. Its 17.3-inch screen can be configure with a sharp 4K mini-LED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, or a blazing fast 360Hz Full HD panel with 3ms response time.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Helios 500 include an overclockable 11th gen Core i9 processor, an RTX 3080 GPU, as well as up to 64GB of RAM.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Predator Triton 500 SE will hit the US market sometime in June 2021 from $1,750 (about RM7,245). The Predator Helios 500, on the other hand, will arrive later in August 2021 in the same market with a $2,500 starting price, which comes up to about RM10,350.\n\n\nBoth of these gaming laptops will be available in Malaysia as well, though it remains to be seen exactly when they will arrive here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-swift-x-sports-rtx-3050-ti-gpu-amd-ryzen-7-5800u-chip-in-a-17-9mm-chassis/", "title": "Acer Swift X Sports RTX 3050 Ti GPU & AMD Ryzen 7 5800U Chip in a 17.9mm Chassis", "body": "\n\nNow this is quite interesting: Acer just unveiled a brand new laptop under the Swift series, and it has some serious power under the hood. Enter the Acer Swift X: it can be configured with the new Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU and an AMD Ryzen 7 5800U processor, all packed in a 17.9mm thin chassis.\n\n\nWith these kind of hardware, the Swift X can arguably be considered a gaming laptop \u2013 a pretty good one at that \u2013 though the Swift lineup has always been productivity-focused machines. Anyway, Aside from the beefy GPU and CPU combo, this laptop can also be equipped with 16GB of RAM and a whopping 2TB of SSD storage.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Swift X is a thin and light laptop as well despite the powerful hardware. Measuring only 17.9mm thin, it tips the scales at 1.39kg. Of course, this doesn\u2019t make it the lightest or thinnest laptop in the market, but it\u2019s still very much a compact, portable machine.\n\n\nIn the display department, the Swift X features a 14-inch Full HD IPS screen with an 85.7% screen-to-body ratio; a relatively good ratio for a modern, sleek-looking design. The screen also has a brightness of 300 nits with 100% coverage of the sRGB colour gamut.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Swift X will be available in the US market first sometime in June 2021 next month; it retails from $900, which comes up to about RM3,725. While we don\u2019t know exactly when the Swift X will be available in Malaysia, we were told it will arrive on our shores eventually.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/horizon-forbidden-west-gameplay-revealed-and-its-amazing-coming-to-ps5-ps4/", "title": "Horizon Forbidden West Gameplay Revealed, and It\u2019s Amazing \u2013 Coming to PS5 & PS4", "body": "\n\nGuerrilla Games just showed off the gameplay of its highly anticipated PlayStation exclusive, Horizon Forbidden West. As a sequel to the well-received Horizon Zero Dawn, the upcoming game features a number of new gameplay elements and even more stunning-looking graphics.\n\n\nHorizon Forbidden West follows the protagonist, Aloy, six months after the events of Horizon Zero Dawn. She heads west to uncover the mystery of a deadly blight, and the gameplay demo below takes place in post-apocalyptic San Francisco.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs the gameplay demo shows, combat feels much more dynamic in Forbidden West. Aloy\u2019s Spear seems to have a new set of combos now, and she got a number of new weapons as well. Of course, staying true to the combat of the first game, Aloy\u2019s Bow and its many different ammos appear to still be the primary weapon in the game.\n\n\nAside from the fact that the environment looks even more stunning in Forbidden West, it also opens up new traversal mechanics for Aloy. Using a new equipment called Pullcaster, for example, lets her climb up and zip from one structure to another very quickly. Combined with the Shieldwing glider, she can descend from any height safely too.\n\n\nThere is also the inclusion of a Diving Mask now, allowing Aloy to explore \u201ca whole new underwater world.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nHorizon Forbidden West has no release date yet, though Guerrilla Games said that \ndevelopment is on track\n, and more updates will be given \u201cvery soon.\u201d The upcoming game is a PlayStation exclusive, and it will be available on both the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 systems.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-zenfone-8-zenfone-8-flip-now-in-malaysia-snapdragon-888-phones-from-rm2699/", "title": "Asus Zenfone 8 & Zenfone 8 Flip Now in Malaysia \u2013 Snapdragon 888 Phones From RM2,699", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been a while since we\u2019ve heard of the Zenfone brand name from Asus here in Malaysia, but surprise surprise, the Taiwanese company just launched two (high-end) Zenfone smartphones locally today. Enter the Zenfone 8 and Zenfone 8 Flip, flagship smartphones powered by Qualcomm\u2019s latest Snapdragon 888 chipset.\n\n\nOut of the two phones, the RM2,999 Zenfone 8 Flip is the more exciting device, thanks to its unique flipping camera mechanism. The flipping triple camera system (64MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle + 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom) eliminates the need for a selfie camera, so you get a sleek all-screen design.\n\n\nThe Zenfone 8 (left) and Zenfone 8 Flip\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Zenfone 8 Flip has a 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate free of any notches or cutouts. Aside from that, it also has a Snapdragon 888 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage, and a generous 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\nAs for the more compact, standard Zenfone 8, two variants are offered: 128GB + 8GB (RM2,699) and 256GB + 16GB (RM3,299). It\u2019s worth noting that the latter is exclusively available on Shopee. Anyway, just like the Flip, the regular Zenfone 8 is also powered by a Snapdragon 888 SoC, though it does come with a faster 120Hz 5.9-inch Full HD+ AMOLED screen.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Zenfone 8 include a dual camera system (64M primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle), a 12MP selfie camera, and a 4,000mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Asus Zenfone 8 Flip retails at RM2,999 for the sole 256GB + 8GB model, while the regular Zenfone 8 costs RM2,699 and RM3,299 for the 128GB + 8GB and 256GB + 16GB variants respectively. Both flagship phones are now available for purchase in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/total-lockdown-happening-in-malaysia-first-phase-from-1-to-14-june/", "title": "Total Lockdown Happening in Malaysia \u2013 First Phase From 1 to 14 June", "body": "\n\nGiven the increasing number of daily COVID-19 cases in Malaysia, the Malaysian National Security Council (MKN) has announced a total lockdown. Just like how it was during the first MCO, only essential economic and service sectors will be allowed to operate during the lockdown.\n\n\nThe total lockdown is divided into several phases. The first phase will commence from 1 to 14 June, where only essential economic and service sectors are allowed to operate. These sectors will be outlined by MKN soon.\n\n\n\n\nIf the number of daily COVID-19 cases are able to be reduced in the first phase, the second phase will commence. In this phase, certain economic sectors that don\u2019t involve large gatherings \u2013 and where physical distancing is possible \u2013 will be opened up. This phase will be in effect for a total of four weeks.\n\n\nOnce that\u2019s done, we will enter the third phase, which will be identical to the tightened MCO 3.0. Of course, the decision to move on from one phase to another will be decided by the Ministry of Health (MOH).\n\n\nThe Ministry of Finance (MOF) will prepare financial aid to those who are affected as well \u2013 more information on this will be announced in the near future.\n\n\n\n\nThe first phase of the total lockdown in Malaysia will take place from 1 to 14 June 2021. As mentioned, the second phase will only commence if the number of daily COVID-19 cases are reduced accordingly.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-1-6-coming-9-june-kazuha-klee-banners-confirmed-summer-outfits-for-jean-barbara/", "title": "Genshin Impact 1.6 Coming 9 June \u2013 Kazuha, Klee Banners Confirmed, Summer Outfits for Jean & Barbara", "body": "\n\nMihoyo just revealed a plethora of new information regarding Version 1.6 of \nGenshin Impact\n. Set to arrive on 9 June, the new update will introduce a new 5-star Anemo character, Kaedehara Kazuha, who also happens to be the first playable character from Inazuma. On top of that, Klee\u2019s bannner will make a return too.\n\n\nKlee\u2019s Event Wish will be released first come 9 June, while Kazuha\u2019s banner will arrive immediately after. Aside from these Event Wishes, Jean and Barbara \u2013 as we\u2019ve pointed out in our \nprevious article\n \u2013 will be getting their own summer-themed outfits too; this is the first time alternate attires are introduced in Genshin Impact.\n\n\nKazuha, a new 5-star Anemo character\nJean\u2019s Sea Breeze Dandelion outfit\nBarbara\u2019s Summertime Sparkle outfit\n\n\nThe special summer-themed outfit for Barbara, \u201cSummertime Sparkle,\u201d will be free to claim by completing an in-game event. Jean\u2019s \u201cSea Breeze Dandelion\u201d outfit, on the other hand, is available for purchase through the in-game shop with a limited-time discount. Of course, after the discount period, the outfit will still be available in the shop, albeit at full price.\n\n\nThere are also other changes coming to Genshin Impact 1.6, including the ability to place characters that you own in your Serenitea Pot realm. Characters in the realm will gradually gain Character Companionship Experience as well, and the rate will be increased the higher your Adeptal Energy Rank is.\n\n\n\n\nMihoyo also gave us even more concept arts of Inazuma, the third major city in Genshin Impact that will be added sometime in the future. Kamisato Ayaka \u2013 a 5-star Cryo character that initially appeared in the closed beta of the game \u2013 was also introduced in the Version 1.6 livestream.\n\n\nGiven that Mihoyo is revealing more details on Inazuma \u2013 as well as finally introducing Ayaka \u2013 there\u2019s a good chance the new region and character will make it into Genshin Impact very soon. Perhaps both will be released at the same time, given that Ayaka is also from Inazuma.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVersion 1.6 of Genshin Impact will arrive on 9 June 2021. Quite a number of in-game events will also be available once the new update is live.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ttracing-maxx-review-comfortable-premium-rm1099-gaming-chair/", "title": "TTRacing Maxx Review: Comfortable, Premium RM1,099 Gaming Chair", "body": "\n\nTTRacing has been in the Malaysian market for quite some time now. I reviewed its range of gaming chairs \nback in 2017\n, and they were certainly good products for the money then.\n\n\nFast forward to 2021, we have TTRacing\u2019s latest gaming chair, the TTRacing Maxx. This chair really is a testament to how far the brand has grown over the years: it feels and looks much more premium, it offers a very comfortable sitting experience, and I thoroughly enjoyed using it so far.\n\n\n\n\nGranted, retailing at RM1,099, the Maxx is not exactly affordable, and it does have a couple of shortcomings here and there. However, if you want one of the best gaming chairs at this price point, the Maxx is easily at the top of the list.\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe Maxx is currently TTRacing\u2019s highest-end product with a RM1,099 price tag. For that kind of money, the gaming chair is wrapped in faux leather and velour. This material combination promises faster heat dissipation for a more comfortable sitting experience.\n\n\nAside from that, the Maxx also features dense cold cure foam to provide a good level of firmness and support, not to mention cushioned armrests with 4D adjustments, velour covered memory foam neck and lumbar pillows, as well as a 155-degree full recline \u2013 for when you want to take a quick break.\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, the Maxx has a lot of good things going for it, but do these translate to a comfortable sitting experience? Absolutely. Let me elaborate in the following section.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nThe moment you sit on the TTRacing Maxx, you will definitely notice how firm it is, thanks to the dense cold cure foam. This is in contrast to the plush, more \u201ccushiony\u201d support of other gaming chairs. Personally, I love the Maxx\u2019s firmness; over long sitting hours, it provides the necessary support for a comfortable sitting experience.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the Maxx even more comfortable are the memory foam neck and lumbar pillows. Covered in soft, velour material, it certainly feels great and supportive, especially the neck pillow. The lumbar pillow provides a reasonable amount of support as well for my lower back, though I do wish it was a tad firmer.\n\n\nAnyway, the faux leather of the Maxx is quite good too. It feels nice and soft, and the velour parts \u2013 though it doesn\u2019t cover as much area as the leather \u2013 is even softer to the touch. Yes, \u201cfaux leather\u201d may sound cheap and inferior to genuine leather, but using the latter would also drive up the price of the chair considerably.\n\n\n\n\nThe armrests of the Maxx are worth highlighting as well. I like to rest my elbow on the armrests, so I really appreciate the fact that they are cushioned. Of course, the armrests are also 4D adjustable: they can be adjusted up, down, front, back, left, right, and even angled. Basically, every user should be able to find a comfortable position.\n\n\nMore affordable gaming chairs usually don\u2019t have the smoothest hydraulics, but that\u2019s not the case with the Maxx. Though the lever for height adjustment does take some effort to activate, it goes up and down in a smooth, fuss-free manner. Same goes for the tilt adjustment, naturally.\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of stability, the Maxx\u2019s aluminium alloy wheelbase is wide enough to provide good stability. Even when I fully incline the chair \u2013 with the rocking lever locked \u2013 it still feels very stable. I\u2019m not afraid that I will topple the chair at all, which is very reassuring.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the ease of assembling the Maxx. There\u2019s not much room for error (though some of the instructions were a little vague), and you only need the provided allen key to put the different parts of the chair together. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the assembly process and unboxing of the chair, check out our article \nhere\n.\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAs with any given product, the TTRacing Maxx does have some shortcomings here and there. The one that bothers me the most is the amount of wobble that the chair has. Don\u2019t get me wrong, it \nis\n a stable chair, but it does sway side to side a little bit. This is not a big deal by any means, but it\u2019s definitely worth pointing out.\n\n\nThe castors of the Maxx could use some work too. While I appreciate the locking mechanism \u2013 useful for folks that don\u2019t want the chair to move around \u2013 I do wish the castors were smoother. There\u2019s a slight resistance to them, which is not exactly a dealbreaker, though it does mar the premium appeal of the Maxx a little bit.\n\n\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nWhile its RM1,099 asking price may seem daunting, the TTRacing Maxx does offer immensely good value for money. You\u2019d be hard-pressed to find another gaming chair at this price point that offers the same firm, comfortable sitting experience, which is (in my opinion) the most important aspect of any chair, gaming or not.\n\n\nEven with its shortcomings in mind, the Maxx\u2019s strong points far outweigh them. It\u2019s very comfortable \u2013 yes, this is worth repeating \u2013 the faux leather and velour material feel great, the cushioned 4D armrests are easy to adjust and soft to the touch, and overall, it looks premium too.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the TTRacing Maxx, you can do so over at \nTTRacing\u2019s own website\n or its \nShopee store\n for RM1,099. Do note that the gaming chair is occasionally \ndiscounted to RM999\n as well, making the Maxx \nthat\n much more compelling.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sales-tax-exemption-on-ckd-cbu-cars-extended-to-31-december-2021/", "title": "Sales Tax Exemption on CKD & CBU Cars Extended to 31 December 2021", "body": "\n\nIn light of the \nCOVID-19 total lockdown\n happening in Malaysia, the government announced a new PEMERKASA+ initiative. One of the benefits announced is an extension on the sales tax exemption for locally assembled (CKD) and fully imported (CBU) cars to 31 December 2021.\n\n\nGiven that the majority of the automotive sector is not allowed to operate throughout the total lockdown, it\u2019s great to see that the sales tax exemption on CKD and CBU cars is extended to end of the year on 31 December 2021. It was originally set to end on 30 June next month.\n\n\n\n\nWhile the details of the extension have not been revealed yet, it should be similar to the previous sales tax exemption. CKD cars \u2013 which also include SUVs and MPVs, of course \u2013 will get 100% sales tax exemption, while CBU models will get 50% exemption instead.\n\n\nNeedless to say, we imagine both carmakers and buyers will be thrilled by this extension. This is especially the case for those who are still eagerly waiting to take delivery of hugely popular models such as the \nProton X50\n and \nPerodua Ativa\n. To recap, the sales tax exemption on CKD and CBU cars will now end on 31 December 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/returnal-review-brutally-difficult-incredibly-rewarding/", "title": "Returnal Review: Brutally Difficult, Incredibly Rewarding", "body": "\n\nReturnal is a difficult game. I\u2019ve spent countless hours trying to complete this roguelite title, but I simply cannot do it. Deaths are very punishing, getting the right setup is a chore, and it\u2019s even worse when a good run gets ruined by the randomness of the procedurally generated world.\n\n\nBut when I do manage to defeat a boss, it feels \nextremely\n satisfying. This cycle of frustration and moments of triumph is really my experience with Returnal. Despite its unforgiving nature, it\u2019s also a very rewarding game with a solid gameplay and smart use of the new PlayStation 5\u2019s DualSense controller.\n\n\n\n\nWhile Returnal is not for everyone, it\u2019s certainly a PS5 exclusive worth checking out \u2013 if it\u2019s right up your alley, that is.\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDeveloped by Housemarque, which is known for bullet-hell shooters like Resogun, Returnal is a roguelite game in the sense that some of your equipment are permanent, which will be available on your future runs. This is in contrast to a strictly roguelike game where nothing is carried over.\n\n\n\n\nMuch like Housemarque\u2019s previous games, Returnal plays like a bullet-hell shooter, but in third-person perspective with a rougelite mechanic. This being the case, the world is procedurally generated, so the areas that you go through and the order in which enemies appear are different in every run.\n\n\nAs for the Returnal\u2019s story, it follows Selene, who crash-landed on a mysterious planet called Atropos. As you play through the game, you slowly unravel Selene\u2019s past through her memories. Without getting into spoiler territory, suffice to say this game has a\u2026thought-provoking narrative.\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nOne of the best qualities of Returnal has to be its gameplay. It\u2019s no exaggeration to say that the combat system is \nexhilarating\n. Not only can Selene move in a very quick manner, dodging can also be done swiftly with a short cooldown. It\u2019s very satisfying to dodge a melee attack from enemies too.\n\n\nMore often than not, combat in Returnal can feel too overwhelming and chaotic, but once I\u2019ve familiarised myself with the enemies and the plethora of weapons available in the game, I can start blazing through previous areas that felt much tougher in the beginning.\n\n\nOnce I got into the rhythm and start stacking on kill-streak bonuses, I thoroughly enjoy the game\u2019s combat system.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of weapons, I absolutely love how Housemarque implemented the DualSense\u2019s adaptive triggers in Returnal. Like most games, I can aim by holding down on the L2 button, but it has two \u201ctensions.\u201d Holding it down halfway aims down the sight, and completely depressing the trigger activates the secondary fire.\n\n\nIt\u2019s a smart implementation, but what really caught my attention is how Returnal uses the haptic feedback of the DualSense controller. When it\u2019s raining in the game, for example, I can \u201cfeel\u201d the raindrops; even firing different weapons produces different levels of vibrations.\n\n\nI\u2019ve said it before\n, and I\u2019ll say it again: the Dualsense\u2019s incredibly refined haptic feedback adds a level of immersion I never thought was possible in a game. This, in turn, makes Returnal that much more enjoyable.\n\n\n\n\nGraphically, Returnal looks stunning with beautifully (and eerily) rendered enemy models and environment. The later bosses in the game look especially intimidating, and Housemarque\u2019s (almost) gratuitous use of particles in this game actually look mesmerising.\n\n\nThis is especially the case when the screen is filled with deadly bullets. As I frantically try to avoid all of them \u2013 at a smooth 60 frames per second, if I may add \u2013 there\u2019s also a weird sense of awe from just looking at them. While I do groan when the boss shoots out a complex wave of bullets, I can\u2019t help but to admire the equally intricate patterns.\n\n\n\n\nSo Returnal looks stunning with a solid gameplay and smart use of the DualSense controller; what\u2019s not to like? Well, let\u2019s get to the frustrating elements of the game in the next section.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nIf there\u2019s any reason not to get Returnal, it would be the game\u2019s \nsheer\n difficulty. Since it is a rougelite game, every death means you\u2019ll be back at the beginning of the game. Sure, certain equipment are carried over from one run to another, but your hard-earned weapons and power-ups are all gone.\n\n\nGranted, you do unlock a shortcut to the next biome once you managed to defeat the previous biome\u2019s boss, but you still have to run around to find the portal. While Selene\u2019s quick movement makes it easier to dash from one area to another, this repetitive cycle does feel tedious after some time.\n\n\nI\u2019ve been brought back to the beginning here so many times it\u2019s not even funny\n\n\nYes, this is the very reason why Returnal feels so very rewarding when I eventually manage to beat a boss with a sliver of health remaining, but some folks may be discouraged by this. All it takes is one mistake to end a good run, and going through the procedurally generated world again to find for the \u201cperfect\u201d setup feels very tiresome.\n\n\nAs I\u2019ve mentioned before, I have not finished Returnal, and it\u2019s not for the lack of trying. I would love to unravel the storyline of the game and be awed by the final boss. But in order to get there, I need to go through hours upon hours of slogging through the same biome over and over again.\n\n\nOh, you will also lose progress on your current run if you exit the game. That\u2019s right, if you switch off your PS5 in the middle of a run, your progress will not be saved. You can put your PS5 in Rest Mode as a workaround, but this is not exactly the most practical solution.\n\n\n\n\nAside from Returnal\u2019s punishing difficulty courtesy of its rougelite nature, I also wish Selene\u2019s facial expressions were a little less\u2026stiff. Granted, it\u2019s not a huge deal, and it\u2019s not really the main focus of the game. But for a RM299 exclusive game for the PS5 \u2013 that\u2019s a steep price tag \u2013 I can\u2019t help but to expect more.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nAt the end of the day, I still think Returnal is worth getting; only if you\u2019re up for a challenge, of course. Though its roguelite mechanic got the best of me, I still thoroughly enjoy the game\u2019s dynamic combat system, fantastic DualSense implementations, and stunning graphics.\n\n\nRM299 is a hefty price tag for the game, without a doubt, but this is how much you have to pay for a AAA game on the PS5 moving forward.\n\n\n\n\nWhile I still haven\u2019t managed to finish Returnal, I will definitely keep trying. Every death feels frustrating and discouraging, yet I keep getting drawn back to the game \u2013 I want to experience the sweet moments of triumph again, even if it means I have to repeat the cycle over and over again.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/disney-hotstar-no-annual-or-monthly-subscription-in-malaysia/", "title": "Disney+ Hotstar: No Annual or Monthly Subscription in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nDisney+ Hotstar\n is finally available in Malaysia yesterday. However, word got around that there is a monthly and annual subscription to the streaming service, which are quite a bit cheaper than the RM54.90 quarterly membership. Well, this is now proven to be false.\n\n\nIn Disney+ Hotstar\u2019s app listing on the \nApple App Store\n, three subscription periods were shown: monthly (RM11.90), quarterly (RM54.90), and annual (RM62.90). However, in a statement given by a Disney+ Hotstar representative to \nAmanz\n, only the RM54.90 three-month membership is available in Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\nThe supposed monthly and annual pricings for Disney+ Hotstar, on the other hand, are directly converted from the Indonesian market. This explains why the pricing of the two plans are in stark contrast to the quarterly subscription.\n\n\nOf course, it\u2019s entirely possible a monthly or annual subscription to Disney+ Hotstar will be available in Malaysia in the future, though this is only an educated guess at this point in time. Nonetheless, you can subscribe to the streaming service without worries now at RM54.90 for a three-month membership.\n\n\n\n\nAlternatively, if you\u2019re an Astro subscriber to the Movies Pack, you can get access to Disney+ Hotstar \nfor RM5 per month\n. Do note that your monthly bill will automatically be charged an additional RM5 even if you don\u2019t activate your Disney+ Hotstar membership with Astro.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/3-9-june-fuel-price-ron-97-goes-up/", "title": "3 \u2013 9 June Fuel Price: RON 97 Goes up", "body": "\n\nIf you need to be out and about during the total lockdown, take note: the price of RON 97 is going up by 2 sen per litre this midnight. The prices of RON 95 and diesel remain the same, given that the price ceilings of the two have been reached.\n\n\nFor this coming week, the price of RON 97 is now RM2.63 per litre (up from RM2.61). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, remains the same at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 3 to 9 June next week. New fuel prices will now be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/1899-proton-x50-delivered-in-may-2021-launch-of-new-proton-models-pushed-back/", "title": "1,899 Proton X50 Delivered in May 2021; Launch of New Proton Models Pushed Back", "body": "\n\nProton just released its sales figures for the month of May 2021, and given the implementation of the third Movement Control Order (MCO) in Malaysia last month, it\u2019s not quite as encouraging as prior months. The \nProton X50\n, for one, were only delivered to 1,899 customers last month.\n\n\nIn comparison, as many as \n3,583 bookings of the X50\n were fulfilled in April 2021. But with 1,899 units delivered last month, the X50 is still leading the B-segment SUV market. To date, as many as 17,136 units of the SUV are now on the road.\n\n\n\n\nAside from the X50, three other Proton models led their respective segments in May 2021. These include the \nProton X70\n (1,523 units), Proton Saga (3,786 units), and Proton Exora (399 units). The Persona, on the other hand, is the third best-selling B-segment sedan (1,303 units), while the Iriz sits at the fourth spot in its segment with 526 units sold.\n\n\nAccording to Proton, the implementation of the total lockdown in Malaysia is also pushing back the launch of its new models. Though the carmaker did not specify any of them, we believe they are the \nfacelifted Persona\n, \nIriz\n, as well as the \nspecial edition X70\n.\n\n\nDespite the current circumstances, Proton \u201cremains committed to meeting our launch targets and creating some excitement for our customers in 2021,\u201d said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, Proton is halting sales and production of its models until the \nfirst phase of the total lockdown\n is lifted on 14 June, though there\u2019s a chance this will be extended. Nonetheless, at least the sales tax exemption for cars has also been \nextended to 31 December 2021\n, so buyers can still enjoy lower prices until then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/glorious-gmmk-pro-custom-keyboard-malaysian-pre-orders-live-for-rm739/", "title": "Glorious GMMK Pro Custom Keyboard Malaysian Pre-Orders Live for RM739", "body": "\n\nInitially unveiled back in November last year, the \nGlorious GMMK Pro\n custom mechanical keyboard is finally coming to Malaysia. Pre-orders for the keyboard kit is now open locally, and it retails at a reasonably good price.\n\n\nRetailing at $170 (that comes up to about RM700) from Glorious itself, the GMMK Pro is listed at only RM739 for the Malaysian market by renowned retailers \nDotatech\n \u2013 which is actually the authorised retailer for Glorious\u2019 products locally \u2013 as well as \nETECH PC\n on Shopee.\n\n\nHowever, only a single unit of the White Ice GMMK Pro is available from each retailer at the time of writing.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the biggest selling points of the GMMK Pro is its gasket-mounted plate, which promises a \u201cunique haptic and acoustic experience.\u201d It also has a CNC aluminium case to give it solid build quality and a premium feel. After all, most custom keyboards at this price point come with plastic cases.\n\n\nOther specifications of the GMMK Pro include a hotswap PCB to easily swap between different switches, a 75% layout, support for both screw-in and clip-in stabilisers \u2013 it is pre-installed with Glorious\u2019 own screw-in GOAT stabilisers that are pre-lubed \u2013 a USB-C connection, as well as QMK and VIA compatibility for easy key customisation.\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Dotatech\u2019s listing of the Glorious GMMK Pro on \nLazada\n, the custom keyboard is estimated to arrive in Malaysia on 30 June 2021. If you\u2019re keen to pre-order this keyboard, head on to \nDotatech\u2019s\n or \nETECH PC\u2019s\n Shopee stores \u2013 these are the only two listings of the GMMK Pro that are not sold out at the moment.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dualsense-midnight-black-cosmic-red-arrive-in-malaysia-10-june-from-rm349/", "title": "DualSense Midnight Black & Cosmic Red Arrive in Malaysia 10 June From RM349", "body": "\n\nThe two new DualSense colourways \u2013 Midnight Black and Cosmic Red \u2013 are arriving in Malaysia exactly one week away on 10 June. If you don\u2019t fancy the white DualSense that\u2019s bundled with the \nPlayStation 5\n, you have two new colour options now.\n\n\nJust like the standard white DualSense, the Midnight Black version retails at RM349 for the Malaysian market. As for the more unique-looking Cosmic Red DualSense, you do have to pay a slight premium \u2013 it retails at RM369 here.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its direct predecessor, the DualShock 4, the new DualSense controller is far more feature-packed. Aside from its more ergonomic shape, it also features adaptive triggers: the \u201ctension\u201d of the L2 and R2 buttons will adapt according to each game.\n\n\nAside from that, the DualSense comes with much more refined haptic feedback as well. In \nSackboy: A Big Adventure\n, for example, you can physically feel gameplay elements like the static of an electrified floor, or even the beats of the background music.\n\n\n\n\nThe DualSense will be available in Midnight Black and Cosmic Red in Malaysia next week on 10 June. The Midnight Black model retails at RM349, while the Cosmic Red version costs RM369.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/suunto-9-peak-smartwatch-coming-to-malaysia-17-june-from-rm2799/", "title": "Suunto 9 Peak Smartwatch Coming to Malaysia 17 June From RM2,799", "body": "\n\nSuunto is known for its range of sport-centric smartwatches, and the Finnish company\u2019s latest product, the Suunto 9 Peak, is arriving in Malaysia very soon. Based on the much chunkier Suunto 9 Baro, the Peak is a much more modern-looking smartwatch, though it also carries a rather steep asking price.\n\n\nSet to arrive in Malaysia on 17 June, the Suunto 9 Peak is offered in two main variants. The more affordable model, which comes with a stainless steel case, retails at RM2,799 in All Black and Moss Grey. The titanium version, on the other hand, costs RM3,199, and it\u2019s available in Granite Blue and Birch White.\n\n\n\n\nAt these price points, the Suunto 9 Peak is undoubtedly an expensive smartwatch, but it does come with a number of feature sports enthusiasts will appreciate. It can track up to 80 different sports, it has GPS navigation, and of course, it can measure heart rate and blood oxygen level as well.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Suunto 9 Peak include up to 170 hours of battery life \u2013 25 hours with GPS switched on \u2013 fast charging support (only one hour for a full charge), a 240 x 240 screen with automatic backlighting, a sapphire crystal glass, as well as up to 100m water resistance.\n\n\n\n\nThe Suunto 9 Peak will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 17 June onwards on \nShopee\n, \nLazada\n, as well as physical retailers. To recap, it retails at RM2,799 and RM3,199 for the stainless steel and titanium models respectively. More information on the smartwatch can be found \nover here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-comes-to-epic-games-store-9-june-free-redemption-code/", "title": "Genshin Impact Comes to Epic Games Store 9 June \u2013 Free Redemption Code", "body": "\n\nGenshin Impact\n will be even more accessible to PC players next week. Set to arrive on the \nEpic Games Store\n on 9 June, this is the first time the game is offered on a major PC storefront. To celebrate this occasion, Mihoyo is giving out a free redemption code as well.\n\n\nThe redemption code GenshinEpic will be available for players to claim in Genshin Impact come 9 June. Though Mihoyo did not say exactly when the code will go live, it\u2019s probably safe to assume it will only be claimable after the \nVersion 1.6 update\n, which is arriving on the same day.\n\n\n\n\nJust like the PC version of Genshin Impact through Mihoyo\u2019s own launcher, those who install the game on the Epic Games Store will be able to co-op with players from other platforms as well. These include PlayStation, Android, as well as iOS.\n\n\nExisting players can also continue their Genshin Impact progress on Epic Games Store, provided they\u2019re coming from PC, Android, or iOS. After all, progression on PlayStation is different from other platforms, though PS4 players can (naturally) continue their progress on the \nPS5 version\n.\n\n\n\n\nYou can now start adding Genshin Impact to your wishlist on the \nEpic Games Store\n. The game will be available on the storefront come 9 June \u2013 don\u2019t forget to claim the GenshinEpic redemption code then!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-launches-2-laptops-with-oled-displays-in-malaysia-from-rm4299/", "title": "Asus Launches 2 Laptops With OLED Displays in Malaysia \u2013 From RM4,299", "body": "\n\nYou don\u2019t often see laptops with OLED displays in the market, so it\u2019s always exciting when laptop makers launch such a product locally. Asus Malaysia just introduced the ZenBook 13 OLED and ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED in our market \u2013 two laptops that sit at very different price points.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the more affordable machine of the two, the ZenBook 13 OLED productivity laptop. As mentioned, it features a 13.3-inch 1920 x 1080 OLED panel along with two processor options: an Intel Core i5-1135G7 (RM4,299) or a faster Core i7-1165G7 (RM4,999).\n\n\nOther specifications of the ZenBook 13 OLED include Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, 8GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, a 13.9mm profile, and a pretty lightweight 1.14kg chassis.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the much higher-end ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED, which is meant to appeal to content creators who need two screens. The primary display is a 15.6-inch 4K OLED touch-enabled screen, while the secondary 14.09-inch ScreenPad Plus is a UHD touch-enabled IPS panel.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED are an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 GPU, 32GB of RAM, a generous 1TB SSD, and two processor options: a Core i7-10870H chip (RM12,999) or a beefier, unlocked Core i9-10980HK processor (RM15,999).\n\n\n\n\nBoth the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED and ZenBook 13 OLED will be available for purchase in Malaysia from tomorrow onwards on 7 June 2021. If you want a laptop with a vibrant screen (and deep blacks), consider these two new laptops.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-klee-rerun-banner-coming-on-9-june-with-fischl-sucrose-barbara/", "title": "Genshin Impact Klee Rerun Banner Coming on 9 June With Fischl, Sucrose & Barbara", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019ve missed Klee\u2019s event wish in \nGenshin Impact\n last year, great news: her banner is returning to the game this Wednesday on 9 June. The 5-star Pyro character will be accompanied by Fischl, Sucrose, as well as Barbara.\n\n\nJust like Genshin Impact\u2019s\u00a0\nprevious character\n\u00a0\nevent banners\n, the \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Klee, Fischl, Sucrose, and Barbara will be increased. In the case of Klee, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be her. If you didn\u2019t get her in this instance, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be Klee.\n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact\u2019s pity system ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character or weapon every 90 wishes \u2013 depending on which banner you\u2019re rolling \u2013 so you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Klee. The same rule applies to 4-star units (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but since there are three of them featured in the event wish, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Fischl, Sucrose, or Barbara. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\nKlee\u2019s \u201cSparkling Steps\u201d banner will go live in Genshin Impact right after the \nVersion 1.6 update\n on 9 June, which should be done by 11AM for us here in Malaysia. Klee\u2019s event wish will be available until 29 June; Kaedehara Kazuha \u2013 a new 5-star Anemo character \u2013 will replace her banner then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ratchet-clank-rift-apart-review-a-true-next-gen-title/", "title": "Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart Review: A True Next-Gen Title", "body": "\n\nRatchet & Clank is one of the longest-running PlayStation exclusive series, and the latest entry in the franchise, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, is \neasily\n the best one yet. Built from the ground up for the PlayStation 5 by Insomniac Games, it looks stunning, it tells a heartfelt story, and it\u2019s a masterful showcase of the PS5\u2019s next-gen hardware.\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve always been a fan of the series, or you simply just want one of the best PS5 games right now, Rift Apart is definitely worth checking out. It\u2019s one of very few games that I strive to get 100% completion \u2013 it\u2019s \nthat\n much fun.\n\n\n\n\nStory\n\n\nBefore we get to it, I have a confession: I\u2019ve never played any entry of the Ratchet & Clank titles, so Rift Apart is my very first experience with the series. Admittedly, I do feel lost in a couple of story moments in the game, but I still find the storyline absolutely compelling.\n\n\nIn fact, Rift Apart made me a fan of the series. As per previous games, the new title revolves around Ratchet and Clank as the duo go against \u201can evil emperor from another reality.\u201d Joining their adventure is a mysterious female Lombax from another dimension, Rivet.\n\n\n\n\nAs you progress through the story, you will come across familiar faces. Well, alternate dimension versions of them, anyway. Like I\u2019ve mentioned earlier, I don\u2019t actually know these characters before starting the game, but I imagine longtime fans of the series will definitely appreciate this.\n\n\nWithout going into spoiler territory, suffice to say that I thoroughly enjoyed Rift Apart\u2019s narrative. There\u2019s a surprising amount of depth to the story; I find myself smiling at the exchanges the characters have in the midst of battle, not to mention the heartfelt moments \u2013 which there are quite a number of \u2013 throughout the game.\n\n\nOf course, the excellent voice acting really helps with the immersion of the story too.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, I do wish Rift Apart\u2019s story was a tad longer. Not because it was short by any means \u2013 it took me about 15 hours to complete the story without actively completing optional quests \u2013 but I was hoping the plot would be advanced just a little bit further.\n\n\nGranted, the game does have very good character development and replay value, thanks to the new game plus mode dubbed Challenge Mode. Aside from that, I still have a number of optional quests to complete, so there\u2019s no shortage of content here.\n\n\nGameplay\n\n\nI\u2019m genuinely surprised by how much fun Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart\u2019s gameplay is. I was a little concerned when the combat feels a little too easy in the beginning of the game, but as I progress further, the difficulty does ramp up accordingly. In fact, I had trouble in later parts of the game because I didn\u2019t upgrade my weapons enough.\n\n\n\n\nAnd boy are there a \nton\n of weapons in Rift Apart. Almost every time I visit the weapon store, there\u2019s a new one up for grabs. All of the weapons feel unique with their own playstyles, and it\u2019s not very difficult to upgrade them with raritanium either; a rare mineral that\u2019s conveniently marked on the map of explored areas.\n\n\nWhat makes Rift Apart \nthat\n much more enjoyable is how Insomniac Games made full use of the DualSense controller\u2019s features. How the adaptive triggers behave, for example, changes from one weapon to another.\n\n\nTake the basic Burst Pistol: holding the R2 trigger button halfway shoots out one projectile at a time, but depressing the trigger all the way activates the weapon\u2019s burst mode. While holding down the trigger, I can \nphysically \nfeel the trigger vibrating \u2013 yes, the \ntrigger\n was vibrating \u2013 with every projectile that\u2019s shot out.\n\n\n\n\nThis extra layer of immersion is further amplified by the DualSense\u2019s incredible haptic feedback. Loud music playing in the background? The controller \u201cthumps\u201d accordingly. Walking on a metal floor? Surprisingly, the DualSense\u2019s haptic feedback can even emulate this.\n\n\nBut the DualSense truly impressed me \u2013 not that I wasn\u2019t fascinated by it already \u2013 when I tried to hit an enemy encased in ice. It\u2019s hard to explain, but I do get the sensation that I \nam \nhitting ice with a hard object through the controller\u2019s haptic feedback.\n\n\nBasically, It really is amazing how well Insomniac Games implemented the DualSense\u2019s range of features in Rift Apart. I\u2019m not exaggerating when I say this controller is one of the PS5\u2019s most important hardware for a true next-gen gaming experience.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s get back to the topic at hand. Combat encounters in Rift Apart feel fun and challenging enough without feeling overly difficult, and I love how quickly I can move and dodge in the encounters. When I\u2019m low on health or ammo, I just start running around the area to look for health or ammo crates.\n\n\nThe satisfying, fun combat experience, huge selection of weapons, and extra layer of immersion offered by the DualSense controller make Rift Apart an absolute joy to play through. On top of that, the game loads extremely quickly, and it looks great too \u2013 more on that in the next section.\n\n\nGraphics\n\n\nThis being a PS5 exclusive, it\u2019s a given that Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart looks stunning. Character models are rendered in painstaking detail, facial expressions are done very well, and the environment of the different planets look fantastic too.\n\n\n\n\nThree different graphics modes are available in Rift Apart: Fidelity, Performance RT, and Performance. The first mode, as its name suggests, focuses on delivering the best-looking graphics at 4K resolution with ray-tracing and enhanced lighting, but the frame rate is capped at 30fps.\n\n\nPerformance, on the other hand, is a dynamic 4K mode that sets the frame rate higher at 60fps. If you want the best of both worlds, there\u2019s Performance RT: while it\u2019s also a dynamic 4K mode, it runs at a lower resolution to offer ray-tracing at 60fps.\n\n\n\n\nWhile Rift Apart looks gorgeous when running in Fidelity mode, my go-to graphics setting is Performance RT. Sure, some graphics fidelity is sacrificed in this mode, but in fast-paced combat, having the game run at a much smoother 60fps more than make up for it. Plus, I still get ray-tracing as well.\n\n\nConclusion\n\n\nRatchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a fantastic PlayStation 5 exclusive. It has stunning-looking graphics, its gameplay is fun with plenty of replay value, it tells a heartfelt story, and the way the game uses the DualSense\u2019s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers really elevate this game to must-play status, in my opinion.\n\n\n\n\nYes, Rift Apart\u2019s \nRM299 price tag\n is steep, but this is how much a high-profile PS5 game of this calibre will be priced at moving forward. Plus, you\u2019re getting a lot of game for the money here, and I cannot wait to get the platinum trophy in this game as I complete the slew of optional quests and hidden achievements \u2013 long after I\u2019ve completed the main storyline.\n\n\nRatchet & Clank: Rift Apart launches on the PS5 on 11 June 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/6-years-after-release-the-iphone-6s-is-still-getting-the-latest-ios-15/", "title": "6 Years After Release, the iPhone 6s Is still Getting the Latest iOS 15", "body": "\n\nAt its annual WWDC event, Apple just gave us a preview of the latest iOS 15 software for its range of iPhones. Not only does the new update bring a slew of new features, iOS 15 is even coming to the iPhone 6s, which was released way back in 2015.\n\n\nSo what\u2019s new in iOS 15? For one, FaceTime gets some neat upgrades. Spatial audio will be added, new microphone modes will be able to separate background noise from the user\u2019s voice, and there will also be a Portrait mode for video calls to blur the background.\n\n\nInterestingly, Facetime in iOS 15 will be supported on non-Apple devices as well through a web browser. This effectively lets Android and Windows devices join a Facetime call.\n\n\n\n\nNotifications on iOS 15 got some tweaks too. App icons are larger, contact photos will appear next to messages, and a new Focus feature gives you the ability to only show notifications and apps depending on your current activity \u2013 like when you\u2019re working.\n\n\nOther noteworthy changes coming to iOS 15 include the ability to search for specific text in a photo thanks to the new Live Text feature, a refreshed Safari design to make it easier to browse the web with only one hand, and an updated Apple Maps interface that offers \u201csignificantly enhanced details in cities for neighborhoods.\u201d\n\n\nIn fact, when navigating using Apple Maps on the iPhone or via Apple CarPlay (available at a later date), there will be a \u201cthree-dimensional city-driving experience\u201d to make it easier to recognise the turns you need to take.\n\n\n\n\niOS 15 will be publicly available sometime this fall 2021; usually coinciding with the launch of the new iPhone. As mentioned, iPhone 6s and later will receive the new software update then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-legion-5-pro-review-rtx-3070-gaming-laptop-with-incredible-value-for-money/", "title": "Lenovo Legion 5 Pro Review: RTX 3070 Gaming Laptop With Incredible Value for Money", "body": "\n\nI\u2019m gonna say this right out of the gate: the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro is the gaming laptop to get if you want the most affordable RTX 3070 laptop in the market now. Aside from its excellent value for money, it\u2019s also a very good laptop overall with a stunning-looking display, solid performance, and surprisingly good battery life.\n\n\nWhile the Legion 5 Pro does have some shortcomings, I will still wholeheartedly recommend this gaming laptop for anyone that\u2019s looking to get the best level of performance below the RM7,000 price point. Keep on reading this review to find out why!\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n16-inch WQXGA IPS (2560 x 1600), 165Hz\nProcessor\nAMD Ryzen 7 5800H (8C/16T, 3.2GHz with boost up to 4.4GHz)\nGPU\nNvidia GeForce RTX 3070 8GB GDDR6 (140W TGP)\nRAM\n16GB DDR4 3200MHz\nStorage\n1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD\nCamera\n720p\nBattery\n80Wh\nDimensions\n356 x 260.4-264.4 x 21.7-26.85 mm\nWeight\n2.45kg\nAudio\nBottom-firing stereo speakers\nPorts\n4x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1\n2x USB-C Gen 2 (DisplayPort)\n1x HDMI 2.1\n1x RJ45\nPrice\nRM6,590\n\n\nGiven its list of hardware, it\u2019s almost unreal that this configuration of the Legion 5 Pro only costs RM6,590 on \nLenovo\u2019s Malaysian online store\n right now, though you do have to customise it yourself. In fact, you can even forego the two-year onsite warranty to save RM150, or opt for a smaller 512GB SSD to get an additional RM220 discount.\n\n\nNow, I wouldn\u2019t recommend skimping on storage capacity and warranty support, but the option is there to lower the price tag of the gaming laptop even further.\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nSince this is a gaming laptop, let\u2019s get to the gaming performance of the Legion 5 Pro first. Its combination of a fast AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor and an equally beefy Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 GPU \u2013 with a 140W TGP \u2013 perform very, very well. Take a look at the benchmarks below \u2013 the games were running at the laptop\u2019s 2560 x 1600 native resolution.\n\n\nGames (max settings @ 2560 x 1600)\nAverage FPS\nGenshin Impact (1.5 render resolution, locked at 60fps)\n60.363\nBorderlands 3 (DX11)\n59.01\nWitcher 3 (HairWorks disabled)\n82.729\n\n\nWith a 140W TGP, the RTX 3070 GPU under the hood of the Legion 5 Pro is obviously very capable. If you want even higher frame rates, you can always run the game at a lower 1080p resolution. Rest assured, this gaming laptop can run AAA games with little to no issue.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, I tested the CPU performance of the Legion 5 Pro\u2019s Ryzen 7 5800H processor as well. I put it through its paces in Cinebench R20, and it\u2019s actually comparable (naturally) to other Ryzen 5000 series chips in the market now in both single-core and multi-core benchmarks.\n\n\nProcessor\nSingle-core test\nMulti-core test\nAMD Ryzen 7 5800H (Lenovo Legion 5 Pro)\n554\n5116\nAMD Ryzen 9 5900HX (Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 SE)\n566\n5461\nAMD Ryzen 9 5900HS (Asus ROG Flow X13)\n572\n4922\nAMD Ryzen 9 4900HS (Asus ROG Zephyrus G14)\n481\n4173\nAMD Ryzen 7 4800H (Asus TUF Gaming A15)\n481\n4106\nIntel Core i7-10875H (Acer Predator Triton 500)\n483\n3773\nIntel Core i7-11370H (Asus TUF Dash F15)\n581\n2749\n\n\nWithout a doubt the Legion 5 Pro offers strong performance, and the gaming experience on this laptop is further enhanced by its fast and sharp 16-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS screen \u2013 yes, it has a 16:10 aspect ratio \u2013 with a 165Hz refresh rate. Not only does the high refresh rate gives excellent motion clarity in fast-paced games, the panel quality itself is great too.\n\n\n\n\nWhether I\u2019m gaming or just streaming a show on Netflix, the Legion 5 Pro\u2019s display is just very pleasing to look at. It can get really bright, it has very wide viewing angles, and colours look vibrant as well. I also love the fact that this is a tall 16:10 screen \u2013 this aspect ratio makes it ideal for productivity tasks.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Legion 5 Pro can actually serve as a decent productivity laptop; as long as you don\u2019t mind its bulky nature. Outside of gaming, I can get about six to seven hours of use on a single charge. While this isn\u2019t incredibly good battery life, it\u2019s certainly above average for a gaming laptop with such beefy hardware and a sharp screen.\n\n\n\n\nAs for system noise, even when the Legion 5 Pro is under load, the fans don\u2019t get obnoxiously loud, which is great. Thermals of the laptop, on the other hand, could be better, but I\u2019ll get to this in the next section.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nIn prolonged gaming sessions, the Legion 5 Pro does run quite hot. Its Ryzen 7 5800H processor got up to a toasty 90\u00b0C, while the RTX 3070 GPU hit a peak temperature of 83\u00b0C. Thankfully, the palm rest area doesn\u2019t get too warm to the touch, so you can still game comfortably on it.\n\n\nAside from that, I\u2019m not a big fan of the Legion 5 Pro\u2019s keyboard either. It doesn\u2019t offer a lot of key travel, which makes for a shallow typing experience. The keyboard\u2019s short backspace \u2013 because Lenovo decided to squeeze in a numpad to the right of the keyboard \u2013 also throws me off a bit, though I did eventually get used to the slightly odd layout.\n\n\n\n\nTipping the scales at 2.54kg with a 26.85mm chassis (at its thickest point), the Legion 5 Pro is not the most portable machine. Granted, most folks who are shopping for a 16-inch gaming laptop probably won\u2019t have portability in mind anyway, but it\u2019s still a point worth mentioning.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you want a 16-inch gaming laptop with an RTX 3070 GPU below the RM7,000 price point \u2013 and there are not a lot of options in this price range \u2013 the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro is absolutely worth it. It\u2019s fast, it has a fantastic-looking (and sharp) 16:10 screen with a fast 165Hz refresh rate, and it also has very respectable battery life for a gaming laptop.\n\n\n\n\nYes, the Legion 5 Pro doesn\u2019t have a very good keyboard, and it does run a little hot, but I thoroughly enjoyed using it as my daily driver and gaming machine over the past few weeks. Plus, for only RM6,590 for this RTX 3070 configuration \u2013 and you can lower the price even further if you\u2019re okay with skipping on warranty and storage \u2013 you\u2019re getting excellent, \nexcellent\n value for money here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/10-16-june-fuel-price-ron-97-goes-up-again/", "title": "10 \u2013 16 June Fuel Price: RON 97 Goes up Again", "body": "\n\nTake note folks: the price of RON 97 is going up (again) by 2 sen per litre this midnight. The prices of RON 95 and diesel remain the same, given that the price ceilings of the two have been reached.\n\n\nFor this coming week, the price of RON 97 is now RM2.65 per litre (up from RM2.63). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, remains the same at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 10 to 16 June next week. New fuel prices will now be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-matepad-pro-12-6-with-oled-screen-harmonyos-2-now-in-malaysia-for-rm3999/", "title": "Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6 With OLED Screen & HarmonyOS 2 Now in Malaysia for RM3,999", "body": "\n\nHuawei just launched its latest high-end tablet in Malaysia, the Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6. Sporting an OLED screen with a new HarmonyOS 2.0 operating system, early birds who purchase the tablet will also get freebies worth RM1,747.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the MatePad Pro 12.6 is available in Malaysia, which retails at RM3,999 for 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. It will be available for pre-order from today until 17 June, and those who are early enough will get RM1,747 worth of accessories as well.\n\n\nThese include the new second generation Huawei M-Pencil, Huawei Smart Magnetic Keyboard, a Huawei-branded backpack, a three-month subscription to 50GB of Huawei Cloud Storage, and a month of Huawei Video VIP access.\n\n\n\n\nAs its name suggests, the MatePad Pro 12.6 features a sharp 12.6-inch 2560 x 1600 OLED display. It\u2019s also powered by the Chinese company\u2019s very own Kirin 9000E chipset. Not only does the chip offer 5G connectivity, it\u2019s built on a 5nm process too, promising good power efficiency.\n\n\nOther specifications of the MatePad Pro 12.6 include a very generous 10,050mAh battery with support for 40W wired charging (27W for wireless), a dual camera system (13MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle), an 8MP selfie camera, as well as a new \u2013 but still based on Android \u2013 HarmonyOS 2 operating system.\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 17 June for RM3,999; it will hit store shelves the following day on 18 June. To recap, early pre-orders will receive RM1,747 worth of freebies, and you can place your order on \nHuawei\u2019s own online store\n, \nShopee\n, or \nLazada\n at 12PM later today.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-honda-civic-hatchback-will-debut-on-24-june-6-speed-manual-available/", "title": "2022 Honda Civic Hatchback Will Debut on 24 June \u2013 6-Speed Manual Available", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019ve been waiting to see how the all-new 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback would look like, you won\u2019t have to wait much longer now. The global debut of the hatchback version of the C-segment model is set for two weeks from now on 24 June, and Honda even gave us a teaser of the car\u2019s side profile.\n\n\nAlthough the teaser image is quite dark, we can still see that the front end of the Civic Hatchback looks almost identical to the \nsedan version\n. The fastback silhouette is retained as well, though the rear end is (naturally) quite a bit shorter.\n\n\n\n\nBased on patent renderings of the Civic Hatchback, its taillights are also quite different than the ones found on the sedan version. Not only are the taillights not as angular, there\u2019s a thin strip of light that joins them together too. In retrospect, this is similar to the Civic Coupe\u2019s taillights.\n\n\nBeyond the different body shape and stylings, the Civic Hatchback should be similar to the sedan version in other regards. It will likely be powered by a retuned 1.5L turbocharged engines that now outputs 180hp and 240Nm of torque; 6hp and 20Nm of torque more than the previous 1.5L turbo engine.\n\n\nAside from that, a 2.0L NA (158hp/187Nm torque) engine should still be offered in the US market too for the Civic Hatchback. But unlike the sedan version, it is available with a six-speed manual or CVT gearbox.\n\n\nPatent renderings of the 11th generation Civic Hatchback\n\n\nThe 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback will be unveiled globally later this month on 23 June at 6PM PDT; that\u2019s 9AM on 24 June for us here in Malaysia. It remains to be seen if Honda Malaysia will bring in the hatchback version of the Civic, given that it has always sold the sedan version here instead. Nonetheless, the 11th generation Civic could arrive on our shores \nas early as this year\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-2021-proton-x70-se-in-ocean-blue-spotted-in-the-wild/", "title": "Spy Shot: 2021 Proton X70 SE in Ocean Blue Spotted in the Wild", "body": "\n\nThe \nProton X70 SE\n was previously leaked last month, and while it remains to be seen exactly when it will be officially introduced, we\u2019ve got a couple of spy shots of the upcoming special edition C-segment SUV.\n\n\nWe came across these pictures from \nThe Ajerul\n\u2018s Facebook post. The rear end shot of the X70 SE was shared by the page, while the side profile image came from another Facebook user (Raaf Man) in the comments section. Note the SE emblem on the rear of the X70 right below the left taillight.\n\n\n\n\nLooking back at the \nleaked brochures of the X70 SE\n, the special edition SUV is offered in two colours: Ocean Blue \u2013 the same colour offered on the \nProton X50\n and \nIriz\n \u2013 and Ruby Red. It also features a blacked-out roof and side mirrors, along with new 19-inch alloy wheels that\u2019s similar in design to the ones used on the Geely Boyue Pro.\n\n\nOther noteworthy additions to the X70 SE include black nappa leather seats instead of brown, different trim finishing in the interior, as well as optional door visors and dash cam. Aside from these aesthetic changes, other aspects of the special edition model should be similar to the \nregular version\n, including a 1.8L turbo engine (181hp/300Nm) paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.\n\n\nLeaked brochures of the Proton X70 SE from \nPaultan.org\n\n\nGiven that Malaysia is currently under \ntotal lockdown\n until 14 June \u2013 pending further extension, if any \u2013 it\u2019s hard to say exactly when the Proton X70 SE will be officially launched. Of course, we will keep a close eye for any details on the local launch of the C-segment SUV.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-11-ultra-review-amazing-camera-fast-performance-subpar-software/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra Review: Amazing Camera, Fast Performance, Subpar Software", "body": "\n\nI am very impressed with the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra. It has a very capable, very far-reaching camera system; fast performance courtesy of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset; as well as an equally fast (and sharp) 1440p AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nWhich is why it\u2019s so disheartening that the software experience of the Mi 11 Ultra is \nstill\n subpar. Don\u2019t get me wrong, I loved reviewing this flagship phone, but its software definitely doesn\u2019t match other (excellent) aspects of the device. So\u2026is the Mi 11 Ultra worth it then? Of course; but not if you value software experience above all else.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.81-inch WQHD+ AMOLED (3200 x 1440), 120Hz\n1.1-inch 294 x 126 AMOLED (on camera module)\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 888 2.84GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 660\nRAM\n12GB\nStorage\n256GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n50MP f/1.95, OIS, Dual Pixel Pro AF\n48MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide angle), PDAF\n48MP f/4.1 (telephoto), OIS, PDAF, 5x optical zoom, 10x hybrid zoom\nCamera (front)\n20MP f/2.2\nBattery\n5,000mAh, 67W wired and wireless fast charging\nDimensions\n164.3 x 74.6 x 8.38 mm\nWeight\n234g\nOS\nMIUI 12 based on Android 11\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.2\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM4,299\n\n\nEvidently, the Mi 11 Ultra has all the hardware you\u2019d want out of a flagship-class smartphone. Now, retailing at RM4,299, it is definitely one of Xiaomi\u2019s most expensive phones to date, but you do get your money\u2019s worth \u2013 head on to the next section to find out why.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with arguably the best feature of the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra: camera performance. The triple camera system can truly deliver great-looking shots, especially at higher levels of zoom. Judge for yourself with these samples shots \u2013 the 120x digital zoom is particularly impressive.\n\n\n48MP ultra-wide angle\n50MP primary\n48MP telephoto (5x zoom)\n48MP telephoto (10x zoom)\n48MP telephoto (120x zoom)\n\n\nHowever, while the 48MP telephoto sensor works great in adequate lighting (not surprisingly), it does struggle quite a bit in low light conditions. As you can see in the shots below, it can\u2019t capture as much details in more challenging lighting, and even with optical image stabilisation, it still takes some effort to get blur-free images.\n\n\nFortunately, the Mi 11 Ultra\u2019s 50MP primary camera still performs great regardless of lighting situation, and the same applies (for the most part) to the 48MP ultra-wide angle shooter as well.\n\n\n50MP primary\n50MP primary\n48MP ultra-wide angle\n48MP ultra-wide angle\n50MP primary\n48MP telephoto (10x zoom)\n\n\n\n\nBeyond its camera, the performance of the Mi 11 Ultra is worth highlighting as well. Powered by a Snapdragon 888 chipset, this is without a doubt a very fast smartphone. There\u2019s no sign of sluggishness at all throughout my time with the phone, and gaming on it is simply a joy.\n\n\nFurther enhancing the user experience of the Mi 11 Ultra is its 6.81-inch 1440p AMOLED screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. Not only does the high refresh rate gives the impression of a smoother interface \u2013 not that this is a sluggish phone by any means \u2013 the panel quality is fantastic too.\n\n\n\n\nWhile I wouldn\u2019t say the Mi 11 Ultra\u2019s AMOLED panel can rival, say, the screen quality of the \nSamsung Galaxy S21 Ultra\n, it\u2019s still a very pleasant display to look at. This being an AMOLED panel, it offers vibrant colours, deep, true blacks, and wide viewing angles. It\u2019s a screen that fits a flagship phone of this calibre.\n\n\nAs for battery life, the Mi 11 Ultra does quite well in this regard. On average, I can get about five hours of screen on time on a single charge. Of course, this isn\u2019t exactly fantastic battery life, but for a phone this big with a sharp 1440p screen, this is quite respectable battery life.\n\n\nPlus, this phone can charge up \nvery\n quickly. Within 30 minutes of charging with the provided 67W charger, the battery got close to 90% from completely empty \u2013 that\u2019s incredibly fast charging speed.\n\n\n\n\nSo the Mi 11 Ultra has a lot of good things going for it \u2013 what about its shortcomings? Well, let\u2019s get to that in the following section.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAs is always the case with Xiaomi smartphones, the Mi 11 Ultra\u2019s biggest shortcoming is its subpar software experience. I had some apps randomly crash on me throughout the review period, not to mention the fact that the phone has a tendency to mix up notifications from other apps.\n\n\nThese software-centric issues, combined with quite a number of bloatware pre-installed, really does blemish the overall software experience of the Mi 11 Ultra. Yes, these are by no means huge problems, but this is \nnot\n a budget-friendly smartphone. With a higher asking price \u2013 RM4,299, to be specific \u2013 it has to meet higher expectations as well.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Mi 11 Ultra also has a tendency to heat up quite a bit in longer gaming sessions. In fact, it can get to the point where the phone gets uncomfortably hot. Slapping on a case to the Mi 11 Ultra does alleviate this issue, but the thermal issue itself is not exactly solved.\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the absolutely \nhuge \ncamera bump of the Mi 11 Ultra. It sticks out of the phone in a very jarring manner, and the sheer size of the camera module just draws even more attention to it.\n\n\n\n\nOh, the small display right beside the camera sensors? It\u2019s useful when I do want to take a selfie with the rear cameras, but for the most part, it just feels like a gimmick.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nDespite its shortcomings in the software department, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra is still a fantastic flagship smartphone that can go against the best in the business. While its RM4,299 asking price is steep, that\u2019s the going rate for a proper flagship smartphone in today\u2019s market, and you\u2019re definitely getting such a device with the Mi 11 Ultra.\n\n\n\n\nAfter all, it has a very capable, far-reaching camera system, excellent level of performance \u2013 even though it heats up quite a bit in certain scenarios \u2013 and it just feels and looks like a premium, high-end smartphone. Xiaomi has proven itself to be capable of producing a compelling flagship device \u2013 all that\u2019s left is for it to improve the software experience.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/brunei-gets-proton-x70-se-first-dubbed-exclusive-edition-limited-to-37-units/", "title": "Brunei Gets \u201cProton X70 SE\u201d First \u2013 Dubbed Exclusive Edition, Limited to 37 Units", "body": "\n\nNow this is a surprise: it appears Brunei is getting the \u201c\nProton X70 SE\n\u201d ahead of us here in Malaysia. Dubbed X70 Exclusive Edition instead, bookings for the special edition C-segment SUV is now open in the country, and only 37 units are available.\n\n\nJust like the X70 SE \u2013 which should be introduced for the Malaysian market in the near future \u2013 the X70 EE for Brunei has the same stylings. These include the Ocean Blue paint job, black nappa leather seats, new design for the 19-inch alloy wheels, as well as different trim finishing in the interior.\n\n\nImage source: \nFadli Proton Brunei\n\n\nThe only difference between the X70 EE and the X70 SE for the Malaysian market is the absence of an SE badge on the rear end of the SUV. Given that \nprevious leaked images of the X70 SE\n looks to be sporting the SE emblem, there\u2019s a good chance Proton is almost ready to roll out the SUV to the local market soon. \n\n\nBeyond the styling updates, the X70 EE \u2013 and by extension, the SE model as well \u2013 should have the same powertrain as the regular version. This means it will be powered by the same 1.8L turbo engine (181hp/300Nm) paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s certainly odd that Brunei is getting the Proton X70 SE first, though it\u2019s entirely possible the special edition SUV would\u2019ve been launched here in Malaysia first if not for the \ntotal lockdown\n, which is set to end on 14 June next week \u2013 pending further extension, if any. Nonetheless, we\u2019ll keep a close eye on the local availability of the X70 SE.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-mid-range-oneplus-nord-ce-5g-is-arriving-in-malaysia-soon/", "title": "The Mid-Range OnePlus Nord CE 5G Is Arriving in Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nLaunched globally just yesterday, it appears the OnePlus Nord CE 5G \u2013 CE stands for Core Edition \u2013 will be arriving in Malaysia very soon. Essentially, it\u2019s a more affordable alternative to the higher-end \nOnePlus Nord\n, though it does have a number of improvements\u2026and some sacrifices.\n\n\nIn our routine search through SIRIM\u2019s database, we spotted the Nord CE 5G, which was registered under All Plus Technology on 9 June 2021 with the model number EB2103. Electronics have to be certified with SIRIM first before they can be officially sold in Malaysia, so there\u2019s a good chance the mid-ranger will be made available here soon.\n\n\n\n\nWhile its design looks strikingly similar to the original Nord, the Nord CE 5G does have a number of differences. For one, it ships with a slightly slower Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G chipset instead of the Nord\u2019s Snapdragon 765G processor. That being said, the Nord CE 5G does have a larger 4,500mAh battery.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Nord CE 5G include a 6.43-inch 1080p Fluid AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, up to 256GB of internal storage and 12GB of RAM, a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP depth), a 16MP selfie camera, and OxygenOS based on Android 11 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on exactly when the OnePlus Nord CE 5G will arrive in Malaysia. But seeing that it has already been registered with SIRIM, we reckon it will be sold here very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-wf-1000xm4-finally-official-best-in-class-anc-8-hour-battery-life-for-rm1099-in-malaysia/", "title": "Sony WF-1000XM4 Finally Official \u2013 Best In-Class ANC & 8-Hour Battery Life for RM1,099 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nAlmost two years after its initial release, the successor to the \nWF-1000XM3\n is finally here. The aptly named Sony WF-1000XM4 brings with it a number of neat upgrades, including \u201cindustry-leading\u201d noise cancellation, better battery life, and water resistance. Of course, these upgrades also drive up the price of the wireless earbuds slightly.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the WF-1000XM4 costs RM1,099 \u2013 that makes it exactly RM150 more costly than its predecessor. But looking at the improvements you\u2019re getting with this new pair of wireless earbuds, it\u2019s really worth the slightly higher asking price.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, Sony said that the WF-1000XM4 has the best active noise cancellation (ANC) in comparison to other wireless earbuds, thanks to a new V1 chip. On top of that, even with ANC activated, the XM4 can last up to eight hours on a single charge \u2013 that\u2019s two more hours than its predecessor\u2019s quoted battery life.\n\n\nIn terms of sound quality, the WF-1000XM4 now supports high-resolution audio courtesy of LDAC, so it should be able to deliver better audio quality. On top of that, the \nWH-1000XM4\n\u2018s \u201cSpeak-to-Chat\u201d feature has been implemented into these wireless earbuds too. Basically, when you start speaking, it will automatically let in ambient sound.\n\n\nOther noteworthy features of the WF-1000XM4 include IPX4 water resistance \u2013 you can use it for your workouts or in the rain without issue \u2013 as well as a 40% smaller charging case. The case supports wireless charging, and it can fully charge the earbuds twice, giving you effectively 24 hours of battery life in total.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Sony WF-1000XM4 is now \navailable for pre-order in Malaysia\n until 15 July for RM1,099; early birds will also receive a complimentary wireless charging pad worth RM339. The wireless earbuds will be on store shelves locally sometime in the middle of July 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s21-fe-production-allegedly-halted-due-to-parts-shortage/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Production Allegedly Halted Due to Parts Shortage", "body": "\n\nProduction for the much rumoured Samsung Galaxy S21 FE \u2013 which is believed to be a more affordable alternative to the \nflagship Galaxy\n \nS21 series\n \u2013 is said to have been halted. The phone was allegedly planned for an August debut, though it appears the shortage of parts is putting this plan on hold.\n\n\nThis bit of news came from \nETNews\n. Citing a source familiar with the matter, there is supposedly a shortage of semiconductors for the Galaxy S21 FE. This is likely caused by the global chip shortage, but Samsung is also said to be allocating these chips for its range of foldable phones instead.\n\n\n\n\nAs far as I know, the sudden shutdown of S21 FE is not due to the chip, but to the fact that some other part cannot be supplied normally, most likely the battery. \npic.twitter.com/5BzoBNjLLj\n\u2014 Ice universe (@UniverseIce) \nJune 13, 2021\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, renowned leaker Ice Universe added that battery supply issues could have contributed to the production halt of the Galaxy S21 FE instead of chip shortage. \u201cIt\u2019s not that the battery is in short supply, it\u2019s that the parts required by FE\u2019s new technology are not up to standard,\u201d Ice Universe added.\n\n\nNonetheless, the bottom line is production for the Galaxy S21 FE has been halted. It remains to be seen if production will resume in the future, given that this is the first time Samsung has had to put on hold the release of a phone due to parts shortage \u2013 even if this is not officially confirmed.\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S21 series\n\n\nAs for Samsung\u2019s plans moving forward, the South Korean company is said to be launching as many as two foldable smartphones sometime in August 2021. Unfortunately, there\u2019s supposedly no plans for a new Note-branded device this year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-nord-ce-5g-lands-in-malaysia-from-rm1399/", "title": "OnePlus Nord CE 5G Lands in Malaysia From RM1,399", "body": "\n\nWe spotted the \nOnePlus Nord CE 5G\n in SIRIM\u2019s database just last week, and we just heard from OnePlus Malaysia that the mid-range device will be officially available on our shores soon. Of course, its retail prices have been revealed as well, and as expected, it\u2019s more affordable than the \noriginal Nord\n.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Nord CE 5G are available in Malaysia. The base model features 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM for RM1,399, while the more generous 256GB variant with 12GB of RAM costs RM1,799. Interestingly, those who pre-order the 256GB model from 21 to 25 June on Shopee can get it with a RM200 discount, bringing down the price to RM1,599.\n\n\n\n\nWhile its design looks strikingly similar to the original Nord, the Nord CE 5G does have a number of differences. For one, it ships with a slightly slower Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G chipset instead of the Nord\u2019s Snapdragon 765G processor. That being said, the Nord CE 5G does have a larger 4,500mAh battery with support for Warp Charge 30T Plus.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Nord CE 5G include a 6.43-inch 1080p Fluid AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP depth), a 16MP selfie camera, and OxygenOS 11 based on Android 11 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G will be available for pre-order on Shopee from 21 to 25 June. During the pre-order period, the 256GB model will be \npriced at RM1,599\n instead of RM1,799; a RM50 voucher and a Nord-branded cap will also be thrown in for the first 100 customers.\n\n\nWhile the 128GB variant of the Nord CE 5G doesn\u2019t get a price discount \u2013 it will still be \nlisted at RM1,399\n \u2013 a RM30 voucher and the same Nord cap will be given to the first 150 pre-orders.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/exclusive-razer-working-on-new-pro-click-mini-wireless-mouse/", "title": "Exclusive: Razer Working on New Pro Click Mini Wireless Mouse?", "body": "\n\nRazer made a name for itself for its range of gaming-centric PC peripherals, which is why the Razer Pro Click is a rather intriguing wireless mouse from the company. Made in collaboration with Humanscale, it is a productivity-focused mouse, and we have good reason to believe that a smaller version of the Pro Click is in the works.\n\n\nWhile we were going through SIRIM\u2019s database, we notice that Ban Leong \u2013 distributor of Razer products in Malaysia \u2013 registered a rather intriguing wireless mouse just today, the Razer Pro Click Mini. Carrying the model number RZ01-0399, this is a different product from the regular Pro Click; the latter\u2019s model number is RZ01-0299.\n\n\n\n\nWith this in mind, there\u2019s a good chance Razer is working on a smaller version of the Pro Click, given the \u201cMini\u201d moniker in the product name. After all, the Pro Click itself is similar to Logitech\u2019s MX Master range of mice, not to mention the \nMX Anywhere\n series, which is the smaller counterpart of the MX Master lineup.\n\n\nAnyway, the Pro Click itself, as mentioned, is a productivity-focused wireless mouse with an ergonomic shape. It offers better palm support than a conventional mouse, a true 16,000 DPI sensor, and up to 400 hours of battery life when connected via Bluetooth. If the mouse is used with the 2.4GHz wireless dongle instead, it can last up to 200 hours.\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on exactly when the Razer Pro Click Mini will be introduced, but given that it\u2019s been registered with SIRIM already, we reckon the company will unveil the new wireless mouse soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-xcover-5-rugged-smartphone-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Xcover 5 Rugged Smartphone Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nSamsung released quite a number of rugged smartphones over the years, but most of them are not available here in Malaysia. Well, this could change in the near future: there\u2019s a possibility Samsung Malaysia is gearing up to launch the Samsung Galaxy Xcover 5 on our shores.\n\n\nAs usual, we were going through SIRIM\u2019s database when we spotted the Galaxy Xcover 5 \u2013 with the model number SM-G525F/DS \u2013 registered under Samsung Malaysia just today on 14 June. Electronics have to be registered with SIRIM first before they can be officially sold here, so there\u2019s a chance the Xcover 5 will be made available locally soon.\n\n\n\n\nUnveiled back in March 2021, the Galaxy Xcover 5 is not an awfully high-end smartphone, though it is a very durable device. It can withstand drops up to 1.5m, it has an IP68 dust and water resistance, and it even comes with a Glove Touch feature to increase the touch sensitivity of the screen for those who need to operate the phone with gloves on.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy Xcover 5 include a 5.3-inch HD+ screen, a Samsung Exynos 850 chipset paired with 4GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage, a 3,000mAh battery \u2013 it\u2019s user-replaceable, by the way \u2013 a 16MP rear camera, a 5MP selfie shooter, and Android 11 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nWe haven\u2019t heard from Samsung Malaysia on the local availability of the Samsung Galaxy Xcover 5, but it\u2019s worth noting that a support page for the phone is already up on \nSamsung Malaysia\u2019s website\n. Given that the Xcover 5 is already registered with SIRIM, there\u2019s a good chance the phone will be introduced here soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/linear-tactile-clicky-silent-which-mechanical-keyboard-switch-to-get/", "title": "Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Silent \u2013 Which Mechanical Keyboard Switch to Get?", "body": "\n\nSo you\u2019ve decided to start building a custom mechanical keyboard, great! But then comes the next question: which switch should you get? With so many options in the market now, it can be tough to find the right switch for you.\n\n\nIn a bid to make it easier for you to make a decision, we will walk you through several types of switches that you can buy right now in this article. These include linear, tactile, clicky, and even silent switches. Let\u2019s get to it, shall we?\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLinear Switches\n\n\nThis is arguably the most popular switch option in the custom mechanical keyboard scene. As its name suggests, a linear switch provides no feedback at all throughout the downstroke until you bottom out, lending to a \u201clinear\u201d feeling.\n\n\nAnd that is the very reason why a linear switch is my personal favourite. The best linear switch offers very, very smooth downstroke, which offers a pleasant typing experience free of scratch, tactile bump, or audible click. It also lets me type quite a bit faster than other types of switches \u2013 more on that later.\n\n\nCobalt POM linear switch\n\n\nIf a linear switch sounds like the one for you, you\u2019ll be happy to know that there are a ton of options. Some of the best linear switches I have personally tried include the \nGateron Ink Black\n, \nNovelKeys Cream\n \u2013 though you do have it break it in and lube it to bring out the switch\u2019s best potential \u2013 and the \nCobalt POM\n.\n\n\nTactile Switches\n\n\nJust like linear switches, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to tactile switches. If you\u2019re a more \u201cintentional\u201d typist who values accuracy, you may be interested in this switch. Tactile switches have a noticeable tactile bump to let you know that you have actuated them, which can help you to\u2026well, type more accurately.\n\n\nGlorious Panda switch\n\n\nHowever, for what it\u2019s worth, I prefer linear switches over tactile. I like to type fast, but because I need to exert more force to \u201covercome\u201d the tactile bump of a tactile switch, I find myself typing quite a bit slower.\n\n\nDon\u2019t get me wrong, I do type more accurately with tactile switches. But I find myself missing the smooth typing experience of a linear switch after some time, so make of that what you will!\n\n\nAnyway, if you want to get a tactile switch, the \nGazzew Boba U4T Thocky\n is an \nexcellent \nchoice; it\u2019s easily one of our favourite tactile switches in the market now that\u2019s also (somewhat) readily available. Alternatively, you can also consider the \nGlorious Panda\n \u2013 it emulates the very popular Holy Panda tactile switch quite well.\n\n\nGazzew Boba U4T Thocky tactile switch\n\n\nClicky Switches\n\n\nIf you want something with an even more pronounced feedback than a tactile switch, consider clicky switches. Not only does a clicky switch have a tactile bump, it also offers an audible click when it is actuated. Of course, this also means it is the noisiest switch type of the lot.\n\n\nUnfortunately \u2013 or fortunately, depending on who you\u2019re asking \u2013 there aren\u2019t as many selections of clicky switches in the custom mechanical keyboard scene. Truth be told, I was a fan of clicky switches in the past, but once I\u2019ve built a number of custom keyboards, I prefer using non-clicky switches to not mask the unique sound profile of each keyboard.\n\n\nIn my opinion, this could be the reason why clicky switches are not quite as popular as its linear or tactile counterpart in the scene.\n\n\nOutemu Blue switch\n\n\nThat being said, there are still a number of clicky switches that are quite good. I highly recommend the \nKailh Box White\n: it\u2019s not an overly loud clicky switch, and it has a reasonably strong tactile bump as well. If, for some reason, you want a clicky switch with an even louder click, there\u2019s the \nKailh Box Jade\n.\n\n\nSilent Switches\n\n\nLast but definitely not least are silent switches, which are offered in linear or tactile form. For the most part, silent linear and tactile switches are not too different from their non-silent counterparts, but the stems of silent switches usually have dampeners to absorb the impact of the downstroke and upstroke.\n\n\nZeal PC\u2019s Aqua Zilent silent tactile switch\n\n\nThis, in turn, makes for a muted typing experience; ideal for those who want to build an absolutely silent keyboard. But silent switches, given the extra dampeners on their stems, usually have shorter key travels as well. As a result, they offer a more shallow typing experience than non-silent switches, which could be a dealbreaker to some folks.\n\n\nBut if you\u2019re okay with the shorter key travel, and you want a silent keyboard, then consider silent switches. My personal favourite silent linear switch is the \nGazzew Bobagum\n, but if you\u2019ve got a deep pocket, Zeal PC\u2019s Zilent V2/Aqua Zilent silent tactile and Healio V2 silent linear switches are good options too.\n\n\nGazzew Bobagum silent linear switch\n\n\nAnd there you have it! These are the four main categories of switches you can find in the custom mechanical keyboard scene. While it may seem intimidating, building a keyboard is a \nvery rewarding hobby\n, and we hope this article \u2013 and our other \nkeyboard-related writeups\n \u2013 will help you in your journey to build your very own custom keyboard!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/17-23-june-fuel-price-ron-97-up-2-sen-again/", "title": "17 \u2013 23 June Fuel Price: RON 97 up 2 Sen Again", "body": "\n\nAnother week, another price increase for RON 97; it set to to go up by 2 sen per litre (again) this midnight. The prices of RON 95 and diesel remain the same, given that the price ceilings of the two have been reached.\n\n\nFor this coming week, the price of RON 97 will be set at RM2.67 per litre (up from RM2.65). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, remains the same at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 17 to 23 June next week. New fuel prices will now be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-strix-scope-rx-hands-on-surprisingly-good-pre-built-mechanical-keyboard/", "title": "Asus ROG Strix Scope RX Hands-On: Surprisingly Good Pre-Built Mechanical Keyboard", "body": "\n\nWhile I would always recommend folks to \nbuild a custom mechanical keyboard\n, it\u2019s not always feasible to do so, whether it\u2019s due to time constraint or budget limitation. Thankfully, pre-built keyboards have improved steadily over the years, and the Asus ROG Strix Scope RX is one such keyboard.\n\n\nNot only is it reasonably affordable for a full-size keyboard, the Strix Scope RX features Asus\u2019 very own ROG RX optical switch too, which is \nsurprisingly\n good. If you want a full-size keyboard with one of the better switches in the market now, consider this keyboard.\n\n\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about the specifications of the ROG Strix Scope RX \u2013 yes, it has a very long name. As mentioned, it\u2019s a full-size mechanical keyboard, and as with all gaming-centric products, it has per-key RGB lighting with \u201ccentral RGB LED\u201d for a more consistent, brighter backlighting.\n\n\nThis is possible thanks to the Strix Scope RX\u2019s other interesting hardware: the ROG RX optical switch. It has a unique hollow square stem design for better, more direct backlight diffusion, given that the LED is right in the centre of the switch.\n\n\n\n\nBut more importantly, the unique design of the ROG RX optical switch also has one big benefit: it is \nvery\n stable. Even when compared to switches in the custom mechanical keyboard scene, the ROG RX is easily among the best, courtesy of the scissor-style stabiliser in each switch.\n\n\nI\u2019m really impressed by the lack of wobble on this optical switch. Speaking of which, the Strix Scope RX I received for this hands-on features the RX Red linear switch with a 55g bottom out, and it is \nsmooth\n. While there\u2019s a faint scratch sound, the downstroke feels incredibly smooth, \nespecially\n for a stock switch.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the major shortcomings of a pre-built keyboard is rattly stabiliser, but the Strix Scope RX actually has very decent stabilisers. It uses a proprietary design, but it works very well. They do not rattle at all \u2013 much to my surprise \u2013 and there are also traces of lube on the wires.\n\n\nWhile the Strix Scope RX does have quite a number of positives, it still has some shortcomings here and there. For one, because it has a custom stem design, you cannot swap out the keycaps with higher quality ones, which are primarily made for MX-style switches.\n\n\nIt\u2019s not that the default keycaps are horrible by any means \u2013 though I do wish the legends weren\u2019t so gamer-centric \u2013 but it would\u2019ve been great if it was possible to swap them out with aftermarket keycap sets.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, I\u2019m not a fan of the Strix Scope RX\u2019s extra long left ctrl key either. According to Asus, the larger size of the ctrl key is to make it easier for FPS players to \u201cquickly find and hit.\u201d It\u2019s a sound logic, but I find myself accidentally hitting the ctrl key when I wanted to press on the Windows key instead.\n\n\nMy last gripe with the Strix Scope RX is its sound profile. Like with most pre-built keyboards, it has a loud, plasticky sound profile. Granted, most consumers who are shopping for a pre-built keyboard wouldn\u2019t necessarily put importance on how the keyboard sounds, but it\u2019s still worth a mention.\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, the Asus ROG Strix Scope RX is still quite a compelling pre-built gaming mechanical keyboard. Retailing from \nas low as RM459 now\n, it really is quite affordable. You\u2019d be hard-pressed to find a different full-size keyboard of this calibre at this price point.\n\n\nEven though it doesn\u2019t have a particularly pleasant sound profile, the Strix Scope RX offers a very smooth, stable typing experience \u2013 the lack of wobble and smoothness of the ROG RX Red optical switch are very impressive \u2013 bright, consistent RGB backlighting, as well as pretty good stabilisers. For RM459, you\u2019re getting your money\u2019s worth here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/illegear-arte-lands-in-malaysia-premium-lightweight-productivity-laptop-from-rm4599/", "title": "Illegear Arte Lands in Malaysia \u2013 Premium, Lightweight Productivity Laptop From RM4,599", "body": "\n\nWhile Illegear is mainly known for its range of customisable gaming laptops, the company carries a few productivity-focused laptops too, such as the brand new Illegear Arte. It\u2019s a premium, lightweight productivity laptop, and it\u2019s priced relatively well too for a machine of this calibre.\n\n\nThe base model of the Arte retails at RM4,599. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting an Intel Core i5-11300H quad-core processor paired with 16GB of RAM, 500GB of SSD storage, a sharp 14-inch 2880 x 1800 IPS screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio and 90Hz refresh rate, as well as Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics.\n\n\n\n\nThis being an Illegear machine, the Arte can be customised to a certain extent too. The processor, for one, can be upgraded to a Core i7-11370H quad-core chip for RM399. You can also add more RAM or SSD storage, though there\u2019s no option for a more powerful discrete GPU.\n\n\nThen again, gaming performance is not the main appeal of the Arte. It\u2019s targeted at folks who want a portable, modern-looking productivity laptop. After all, it has an impressive 93% screen-to-body ratio. On top of that, tipping the scales at 1.04kg with a 13.6-15.6mm thin chassis, you can easily lug it around in your backpack as well.\n\n\n\n\nThe Illegear Arte is now available for purchase on \nIllegear\u2019s online store\n. To celebrate the launch of the laptop, a Samsung 512GB SSD upgrade (RM199) and a Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut thermal paste (RM99) will be thrown in for free too, along with complimentary colour calibration (RM49). This promotion will be valid until 28 June or while stocks last.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-claymore-ii-review-rm999-for-a-wireless-gaming-keyboard/", "title": "Asus ROG Claymore II Review: RM999 for a Wireless Gaming Keyboard?", "body": "\n\nAsus\u2019 range of PC peripherals may not be quite as well-known as its laptops or PC hardware, but the Taiwanese company actually has some pretty good products in this category. The Asus ROG Claymore II, for one, is quite an intriguing wireless gaming keyboard.\n\n\nNot only does the Claymore II offer very good battery life, it also features a detachable numpad and unique ROG RX optical switches that are surprisingly pleasant to type on. However, is it worth forking out RM999 for this wireless gaming keyboard? Keep on reading this review to find out!\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe ROG Claymore II is a wireless TKL mechanical keyboard, and it can be turned into a full-size keyboard once it is connected to the (detachable) numpad. Just like the \nROG Strix Scope RX\n keyboard, this board comes with Asus\u2019 very own ROG RX optical switches too.\n\n\nAvailable with ROG RX Red (55g linear) or RX Blue (60g clicky) optical switch, the Claymore II in this review is configured with the latter switch option. Aside from that, it also has per-key RGB lighting \u2013 it\u2019s a gaming keyboard, after all \u2013 a 4,000mAh battery that can return up to 144 hours of use, as well as a magnetic wrist rest.\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the typing experience of the ROG Claymore II. As mentioned, this review unit comes with the RX Blue clicky optical switch, and it is\u2026well, surprisingly good. While I\u2019m not a fan of clicky switches, I didn\u2019t quite mind typing with this RX Blue switch.\n\n\nIt has quite a pronounced tactile bump, it is not obnoxiously loud, and it actually reminds me of the Kailh Box White switch, which is considered to be one of the better clicky switches in the custom mechanical keyboard scene. You can listen to how the RX Blue switches sound like in the video below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, the ROG RX Blue switch has very minimal wobble as well, thanks to the unique hollow square stem design with four \u201ccorner latches\u201d and scissor-style stabiliser. Even when compared to the plethora of aftermarket switches, the RX Blue switch is up there among the best in terms of stability.\n\n\nAnother advantage of the ROG RX optical switch\u2019s square stem design is superior backlight diffusion. Because the LED is placed right in the middle of the switch, you get very bright and consistent backlighting across all keys. If you want a gaming keyboard with bright, colourful RGB lighting, you\u2019ll be very happy with the Claymore II.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the form factor of the Claymore II. As mentioned, it\u2019s a TKL keyboard that can be turned into a full-size board with the numpad attached. The best part is, you can attach the numpad to the left or right side of the keyboard. The numpad itself has these neat tile-shaped media keys too, and the scroll wheel even has a nice weight to it.\n\n\nOne of the appeals of a custom mechanical keyboard is the ability to change the mapping of the keys with relative ease, and the Claymore II can replicate this feature\u2026to an extent. It\u2019s not quite as intuitive to change the function of each key via the Armoury Crate software, but it\u2019s still very possible \u2013 that\u2019s a good thing in my books.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the \nexcellent\n battery life of the Claymore II. Asus\u2019 quoted battery life is up to 144 hours with the backlighting switched off, which is definitely achievable. I\u2019ve used the keyboard for weeks on end now, and it\u2019s still at about 20% battery life.\n\n\nGranted, I\u2019ve been using the Claymore II without the numpad attached \u2013 I prefer a more compact layout \u2013 so do keep this in mind. Oh, the wireless performance of this keyboard is very good as well; I didn\u2019t notice any issue with latency while gaming throughout the review period.\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nGiven that the ROG Claymore II is a pre-built keyboard, it does have a number of common shortcomings. One that sticks out the moment I started typing on the keyboard is its sound profile, which is\u2026not very pleasant. It has a loud, plasticky sound profile, and the stabilisers have a tendency to tick too.\n\n\nThe thing is, unlike the \nAsus ROG Strix Scope RX\n keyboard I tested, the stabiliser wires of the Claymore II are not lubed at all. As a result, the stabilisers don\u2019t sound quite as good as they should be.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the unique stem design of the ROG RX switch also means that you cannot swap out the keycaps with aftermarket keycap sets. It\u2019s not that the default keycaps are of bad quality \u2013 though it does attract oil very easily \u2013 but it does limit the customisability of the keyboard.\n\n\nBut the biggest negative of the Claymore II has to be its steep price tag. Retailing at RM999, you can build a decent custom mechanical keyboard with that kind of money. That being said, you do have to sacrifice on a number of features if you do so, including wireless support, the full-size layout, and of course, the unique detachable numpad.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf the Asus ROG Claymore II\u2019s feature set appeals to you, then yes, it\u2019s worth it. There\u2019s no denying that the RM999 asking price is high, but you do get a unique, feature-packed gaming keyboard with very long battery life, clicky, stable RX Blue switch \u2013 or very smooth RX Red linear switch if that\u2019s more your thing \u2013 excellent latency in wireless mode, and detachable numpad.\n\n\n\n\nOn the flip side, if you can do without the Claymore II\u2019s unique form factor, full-size layout, and wireless support, you can build a custom mechanical keyboard instead for about the same amount of money. Just be prepared to do a lot of research (and waiting) to build the right keyboard for your needs \u2013 \nour guides\n should help in that regard.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-was-down-for-16-minutes-in-asia-free-primogems-as-compensation/", "title": "Genshin Impact Was Down for 16 Minutes in Asia \u2013 Free Primogems as Compensation", "body": "\n\nMihoyo\u2019s hit game \nGenshin Impact\n is rarely ever down outside of the occasional server updates. But this happened in the Asian server for a short while yesterday on 18 June; 16 whole minutes, in fact. As compensation, Mihoyo gave out free Primogems (the in-game currency) for this short downtime.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, free primogems for a short 16-minute outage! In a mail sent out by Mihoyo to affected players, the Asian server was down between 12:57PM to 1:13PM UTC+8. To compensate for this, everyone in the Asian server are given 60 Primogems.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s definitely generous of Mihoyo to give out 60 Primogems for a mere 16-minute downtime. In fact, whenever the servers are down for update maintenance, 60 Primogems are given out each hour.\n\n\nGenshin Impact servers are usually down for about five hours for the recent version updates, so that\u2019s a total of 300 Primogems. Of course, even if the servers are back online earlier than expected, the full amount of Primogems will still be given to players.\n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact is certainly proving to be a real success for Mihoyo, and the fact that players are compensated with Primogems for such a short outage really shows how well the game is handled by the company. \nVersion 1.6 of Genshin Impact\n is currently live, and you should check it out if you can \u2013 the new story quest is very engrossing.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q1-retails-from-139-pre-orders-open-in-july-2021/", "title": "Keychron Q1 Retails From $139 \u2013 Pre-Orders Open in July 2021", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKeychron just revealed a lot more details on its upcoming 75% mechanical keyboard, the Keychron Q1. Not only do we have the retail price of the keyboard now, it will also go on pre-order next month in late July 2021.\n\n\nJust like Keychron\u2019s other products, the Q1 is a relatively affordable mechanical keyboard, especially taking into account the feature set of the keyboard. The barebone kit of the Q1 \u2013 that is, without switches and keycaps \u2013 retails at $139, which comes up to about RM575.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want a fully assembled Q1 instead, it will set you back $169 (approximately RM700). Basically, you\u2019re paying $30 more for double-shot ABS keycaps and factory lubed Gateron switches \u2013 that\u2019s pretty good value for money.\n\n\nBesides pricing, Keychron also revealed more images and features of the Q1. It is set to be available in black, white, grey, and dark blue. A yellow colourway is being considered too, though this will depend on interest.\n\n\n\n\nInterestingly, it\u2019s possible to add on a rotary encoder, brass weight, and brass plate to the Q1 as well, though the prices for these options have not been revealed yet. Three plate options will be offered in the first round of pre-orders: aluminium, FR4, and polycarbonate.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Q1 include a gasket mount design \u2013 eight gaskets are pre-installed, and another eight will be provided with the keyboard \u2013 a full CNC aluminium body, a hotswap PCB with south-facing LEDs, screw-in stabilisers, and VIA support out of the box to easily customise the mapping of the keyboard.\n\n\n\n\nThe Keychron Q1\u2019s feature set \u2013 on paper, at least \u2013 certainly appeals to custom mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. To recap, the Q1 is set to go on pre-order in late July next month from $139; it with start shipping to customers in late August 2021. You can register your interest for the keyboard \nover here\n.\n\n\nUpdate 21 June, 4PM:\n Keychron just released updated details on the Q1\u2019s pricing and availability. The article has been updated to reflect these changes.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nKeychron Q1 Pre-Orders Open 24 August \u2013 Starts at $139\n\n\nVideo: Keychron Q1 \u2013 Most Exciting Keychron Keyboard Yet?\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-enduro-urban-n3-lands-in-malaysia-slimmer-lighter-rugged-laptop-from-rm2799/", "title": "Acer Enduro Urban N3 Lands in Malaysia \u2013 Slimmer & Lighter Rugged Laptop From RM2,799", "body": "\n\nRemember the \nEnduro N3\n? Well, there\u2019s now a slimmer, lighter version of the rugged laptop. Dubbed Acer Enduro Urban N3, the new laptop is now available in Malaysia, and it\u2019s much more affordable too.\n\n\nThree variants of the Enduro Urban N3 are offered in Malaysia. The base model with an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor with 4GB of RAM retails at RM2,799, while the Core i5-1135G7 variant (also with 4GB of RAM) costs RM2,999. If you want even better processing power, there\u2019s the RM3,699 Core i7-1165G7 configuration with 8GB of RAM.\n\n\n\n\nDespite being a rugged laptop, the Enduro Urban N3 is surprisingly portable. Tipping the scales at 1.85kg with a 21.9mm thin chassis, it\u2019s definitely one of the more thin and lightweight laptops in its class. Of course, it is also MIL-STD-810H certified with an IP53 rating.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Enduro Urban N3 include a 14-inch 1080p IPS screen, Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, a 512GB SSD, up to 13 hours of battery life, as well as Windows 10 Home out of the box. A full version of Microsoft Office Home & Student 2019 is also bundled with the laptop.\n\n\n\n\nBoth the Core i3 and Core i5 configurations of the Acer Enduro Urban N3 are now available in Malaysia. The highest-end Core i7 model, on the other hand, will go on sale locally by the end of June 2021 this month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/motorola-moto-g100-with-snapdragon-870-5000mah-battery-coming-to-malaysia/", "title": "Motorola Moto G100 With Snapdragon 870 & 5,000mAh Battery Coming to Malaysia?", "body": "\n\nNow this is quite interesting: Motorola\u2019s latest upper mid-range smartphone, the Moto G100, could be coming to Malaysia soon. Sporting a pretty fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset with a very generous 5,000mAh battery, it is touted as Motorola\u2019s fastest Moto G device yet.\n\n\nIn our routine search through SIRIM\u2019s database, we saw that the Moto G100 with the model number XT2125-4 was registered with the certification body under Lenovo Malaysia just today on 21 June. Electronics have to go through SIRIM first before they can be officially sold here, so there\u2019s a chance the G100 will be made available locally soon.\n\n\n\n\nAs Motorola puts it, the Moto G100 really is the fastest smartphone in the series yet. Powered by a Snapdragon 870 chipset \u2013 which is basically a faster version of the Snapdragon 865 \u2013 you can expect to get excellent performance out of the phone with above average battery life, thanks to its huge 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Moto G100 include a 6.7-inch 1080p IPS screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, a triple camera system (64MP primary + 16MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP depth) with a TOF sensor for faster autofocus, as well as two selfie cameras (16MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle).\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on the Malaysian launch of the Motorola Moto G100. But given that it has been registered with SIRIM already, there\u2019s a good chance it will be sold locally very, very soon. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how much it will be priced at here; for context, the G100 costs \u20ac499.99 in European markets, which comes up to about RM2,465.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ytl-yes-altitude-3-phone-is-safe-to-use/", "title": "YTL: Yes Altitude 3 Phone Is Safe to Use", "body": "\n\nYou\u2019ve probably heard of the two Yes Altitude 3 phones that caught on fire over the past week. YTL Communications (YTLC) is aware of this issue, and in a media statement, the company said that the smartphone in question is safe to use.\n\n\nYTLC is currently working with an \u201cinternationally recognised independent laboratory\u201d to investigate the cause of the Altitude 3 phones catching fire. Preliminary investigations have found that the screens of the two affected phones are not damaged, indicating that both devices did not explode.\n\n\nThe company elaborated that in the first incident of the Altitude 3 phone catching fire, the issue \u201cappears to be confined to the battery.\u201d The integrity of the phone isn\u2019t affected, and with a new battery installed, the phone is still fully functional.\n\n\nThe first unit that caught on fire (Image source: \nFacebook\n)\n\n\nAs for the second incident, the Altitude 3 phone is said to be charged with a third-party charger connected to the phone through an older third-party cable. YTLC added that the phone was also kept inside a shirt pocket hung to the wall \u2013 as the power outlet is located relatively high on the wall \u2013 when it caught on fire.\n\n\n\u201cIt was observed that sections of the charging cable in use at the time of the incident suffered considerable burns, with wiring exposed. The heat concentrated on the charging cable and top part of the phone around the charging port, suggesting a strong power surge that came in through the charging port,\u201d YTLC said in the statement.\n\n\nIn both incidents, YTLC points to the battery of the Altitude 3 phones being the cause of the fire. But it\u2019s worth noting that the company\u2019s manufacturing partners \u2013 China Mobile and UTime Limited (battery manufacturer) \u2013 confirmed that the production run of the two affected phones are \u201cfully in compliance with all pertinent international health and safety certifications.\u201d\n\n\nThe second unit that caught on fire (Image source: \nTwitter\n)\n\n\n\u201cAs confirmed by our manufacturing partners, our phones are safe for use and they fully stand behind the product and its quality. However, YTLC would like to remind our customers to only use original chargers supplied with the relevant phones and quality SIRIM-certified charging cables that are in good condition,\u201d YTLC further added.\n\n\nSo there you have it: the Yes Altitude 3 phone \u2013 according to YTLC \u2013 is safe to use. Of course, always use the original charger and cable provided with the phone to avoid any possible safety issue; third-party chargers and cables are (usually) the cause of phones catching fire.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q2-is-a-65-version-of-the-keychron-q1-releasing-in-august-2021/", "title": "Keychron Q2 Is a 65% Version of the Keychron Q1 \u2013 Releasing in August 2021", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKeychron will be opening pre-orders for the \nKeychron Q1\n next month; a 75% gasket-mounted mechanical keyboard with a number of features typically found on enthusiast-level keyboards. Well, if you want a smaller version of the Q1, consider the Keychron Q2, which is set to be released sometime in August 2021.\n\n\nThis was revealed by Nick Xu of Keychron on \nFacebook\n. According to him, the Q2 is a 65% keyboard with support for VIA, much like the Q1. He also shared some prototype images of the upcoming keyboard, revealing the layout of the Q2. Do note that the bezels of the prototype will be changed in the production unit.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, Nick Xu also revealed that the Q2 will share the feature set of the Q1. The prototype appears to be installed with Gateron Yellow switches as well, so there\u2019s a good chance the production unit will follow suit. We reckon other Gateron switches will be offered too.\n\n\nSince it\u2019s confirmed that the Q2 will be similar to the Q1, its list of specifications should be the same. This means the Q2 will have a gasket mounting system, a CNC aluminium body, and a hotswap PCB with south-facing LEDs for maximum compatibility with keycaps of various profiles.\n\n\n\n\nThe prototype unit of the Q2, as expected, features screw-in stabilisers as well, though it doesn\u2019t appear to be sporting a badge or rotary dial like the Q1. Of course, it\u2019s possible the production unit will implement these features, though this is only an educated guess at this point in time.\n\n\nAnyway, a couple of other images of the Q2 were also posted to Keychron\u2019s \nDiscord server\n. Looking at its side profile, it really does look like a downsized version of the Q1. There seems to be a blue and grey unit of the 65% keyboard as well, so there\u2019s a chance it will be offered in the same colour options as the Q1.\n\n\nTo recap, the Q1 (at this moment) will be available in four different shades: black, white, grey, and dark blue.\n\n\n\n\nThe Keychron Q2 is expected to be released sometime in August 2021. Given its smaller form factor, it will likely be more affordable than the Q1, which starts at $139 (about RM580) for the barebone kit. Chances are, the Q2 will also be available as a barebone kit or fully assembled.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nKeychron Q2 Teaser Page Finally Live \u2013 Releasing Soon?\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/what-are-asus-rog-rx-switches/", "title": "What Are Asus ROG RX Switches?", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019ve reviewed the \nAsus ROG Claymore II\n and \nStrix Scope RX\n mechanical keyboards, and both of them have one thing in common: they feature Asus\u2019 very own ROG RX optical switches. Surprisingly enough, these switches are actually quite good, even in comparison to \naftermarket\n \nswitches \nin the enthusiast keyboard scene.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to get a pre-built keyboard, consider an Asus keyboard with these ROG RX switches \u2013 they really are quite impressive. Not quite convinced? Then read on!\n\n\n\n\nSo what are ROG RX optical switches? Well, there are two of them: there\u2019s the lighter ROG RX Red 55g linear switch, and the slightly heavier RX Blue 60g clicky switch. I\u2019ve tested both of these switches, and even though I prefer the RX Red switch \u2013 I prefer smooth, linear switches \u2013 the RX Blue is still a great option for fans of clicky switches.\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s talk about the typing experience of the two switches. The ROG RX Red switch, even in stock form, offers a very smooth downstroke. While there\u2019s a hint of scratch sound, it does not feel scratchy at all.\n\n\nAs for the RX Blue switch, even though it\u2019s not quite as smooth as the RX Red, I love the fact that it has a pronounced tactile bump without being obnoxiously loud. In fact, it reminds me of the Kailh Box White switch, which is considered to be one of the better clicky switches in the custom mechanical keyboard scene.\n\n\nThe ROG RX Red switch\nThe ROG RX Blue switch\n\n\nAnother characteristic of the ROG RX switches that is worth mentioning is how little wobble they have. Thanks to the unique hollow square stem design with four \u201ccorner latches\u201d \u2013 as well as the scissor-style stabiliser \u2013 both the RX Red and RX Blue switches are incredibly stable.\n\n\nEven when compared to the plethora of aftermarket switches available in the market now, the ROG RX switches are up there among the best in terms of stability. If you want a \u201cstable\u201d typing experience free of any noticeable wobble, these RX switches offer just that.\n\n\nAnother advantage of the unique hollow square stem design is better, brighter backlighting. Because the LED is placed right in the middle of the ROG RX switch, you get very bright and consistent backlighting across all keys. If you want a gaming keyboard with bright, colourful RGB lighting, look for an Asus keyboard with RX switches.\n\n\n\n\nBut not all is great with these ROG RX switches. While they\u2019re great in most aspects, the unconventional stem design of these switches means that you cannot swap out the default keycaps with aftermarket keycap sets from \nGMK and the likes\n.\n\n\nAside from that, the sound profile of the ROG RX switches isn\u2019t great either. Both the RX Blue and RX Red has a tendency to ping \u2013 though this isn\u2019t very obvious in regular typing \u2013 and they have a rather thin topping out sound too.\n\n\nThen again, pre-built keyboards don\u2019t exactly have the best sound profile, so this isn\u2019t exactly\u2026well, unexpected.\n\n\n\n\nBut overall, when it comes to pre-built keyboards, the Asus ROG RX switches are definitely options worth considering. Given that switches impact the typing experience of a mechanical keyboard quite a bit, there\u2019s no denying just how important they are when you\u2019re deciding on a new keyboard.\n\n\nOf course, I would still wholeheartedly recommend \nbuilding a custom mechanical keyboard\n instead for an even better typing experience and customisation options. But this isn\u2019t always a feasible, whether it\u2019s due to time constraint or budget limitation.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re in such a situation, a pre-built keyboard can still serve you well, especially ones from Asus with ROG RX switches.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/novelkeys-nk87-entry-edition-confirmed-will-cost-less-than-150/", "title": "NovelKeys NK87 Entry Edition Confirmed \u2013 Will Cost Less Than $150", "body": "\n\nNovelKeys just revealed its upcoming keyboard, the NovelKeys NK87 Entry Edition. Essentially a polycarbonate version of the \nNK87 Aluminium Edition\n, it will be a pretty affordable TKL custom mechanical keyboard. Set to be available either in August or September 2021, the NK87 Entry Edition will be priced below the $150 (about RM625) mark.\n\n\nMike of NovelKeys gave us the very first look at the NK87 Entry Edition on the company\u2019s YouTube channel. He showed off the transparent and black colourways of the TKL keyboard, and looking closer at the right side of the table, you can see other colour options too. There\u2019s light blue, pink, and even a transparent green (or yellow) case.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnlike the NK87 Aluminium Edition, the Entry Edition can be built with a screwless design, as showcased by Mike in the video above. Basically, the top part of the case \u2013 which are fitted with rubber gaskets \u2013 are clipped to the bottom case, eliminating the need for screws.\n\n\nOf course, if you want a stiffer typing experience, the NK87 Entry Edition can still be built with screws, though it appears to be using a tray mount system instead. It will also come with a polycarbonate plate, along with support for screw-in stabilisers.\n\n\nThe NK87 Entry Edition with a transparent case\n\n\nAccording to Mike, more details on the NovelKeys NK87 Entry Edition will be revealed in the near future. To recap, the TKL custom mechanical keyboard will be launched sometime in August or September 2021 for less than $150.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/24-30-june-fuel-price-all-prices-remain/", "title": "24 \u2013 30 June Fuel Price: All Prices Remain", "body": "\n\nFor a change, RON 97 will not go up in price this coming week. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel remain the same as well, given that the price ceilings of the two have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 is set at RM2.67 per litre. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, remains the same at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 24 to 30 June next week. New fuel prices will now be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-watch-3-series-malaysian-pre-orders-open-25-june-from-rm1699-to-rm2199/", "title": "Huawei Watch 3 Series Malaysian Pre-Orders Open 25 June \u2013 From RM1,699 to RM2,199", "body": "\n\nHuawei\u2019s latest smartwatch, the Huawei Watch 3 and Watch 3 Pro, will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from tomorrow onwards on 25 June. Retailing from RM1,699, these are certainly positioned as premium smartwatches, and they are Huawei\u2019s first wearables running its own HarmonyOS operating system too.\n\n\nOf course, the RM1,699 price tag is for the standard Huawei Watch 3. The more premium Huawei Watch 3 Pro with a titanium construction and longer battery life, on the other hand, costs RM2,199.\n\n\nThe Huawei Watch 3\n\n\nEarly birds who pre-order the Watch 3 will also get a Huawei FreeBuds 3i wireless earbuds with an EasyFit 2 Nylon Strap in Distilled Blue for the watch (worth RM548), while the Pro model is bundled with a FreeBuds 3 instead with the same strap (worth RM828).\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Watch 3 Pro, in comparison to the standard Watch 3, features a more premium build quality courtesy of the titanium construction. It also has longer battery life \u2013 up to 21 days, or five days with 4G enabled \u2013 as well as more accurate GPS tracking.\n\n\nThe Huawei Watch 3 Pro\n\n\nBeyond these differences, the Watch 3 and Watch 3 Pro have the same specifications. These include a 1.43-inch circular OLED screen, a rotating crown that can be used to control the smartwatch (similar to the Apple Watch), a temperature sensor, a heart rate tracker, an SpO2 sensor, as well as eSIM support.\n\n\nOf course, these two smartwatches also run on Huawei\u2019s own HarmonyOS operating system out of the box, which features a grid-style interface \u2013 again, very similar to Apple\u2019s watchOS.\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei Watch 3 and Watch 3 Pro will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from 25 June at 10AM to 6 July on \nHuawei\u2019s own online store\n, \nShopee\n, \nLazada\n, as well as Senheng. To recap, the Watch 3 costs RM1,699, while the Watch 3 Pro retails at RM2,199.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-is-the-2022-honda-civic-hatchback-slightly-different-looks-6-speed-manual/", "title": "This Is the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback \u2013 Slightly Different Looks, 6-Speed Manual", "body": "\n\nHonda just unveiled the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback, and unlike its predecessor, the new hatchback looks quite a bit more distinctive than its \nsedan counterpart\n. Sporting different rear and front designs, the C-segment model gets a six-speed manual option as well.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the 11th generation Civic Hatchback\u2019s rear end. Compared to the sedan version, the taillights of the hatchback model is more rounded, and there\u2019s even a thin strip of light that joins them together. It\u2019s quite a departure from the 10th generation Civic Hatchback too, which had almost identical taillights to the sedan model.\n\n\n\n\nOn the front, the 2022 Civic Hatchback also gets a slightly different grille. Not only is it concaved, it also has a hexagonal mesh design instead of the sedan\u2019s more\u2026mature-looking horizontal slats. This grille certainly gives the hatchback a sportier appeal, though the overall design of the car still looks more mature than the \n10th generation model\n.\n\n\nNaturally, the new Civic Hatchback has the same engine as its sedan counterpart. For the US market, it still comes with either a 2.0L NA engine (158hp/187Nm torque) or a retuned 1.5L turbocharged mill that outputs 180hp and 240Nm of torque \u2013 that\u2019s 6hp and 20Nm more torque than the previous 1.5L turbo engine.\n\n\nOther specifications of the 11th generation Civic Hatchback include a CVT or six-speed manual gearbox, 10 airbags, an updated single-camera Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver assistance systems, as well as a cleaner-looking, more premium interior.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven that Honda Malaysia has always brought in the sedan version of the Civic, it\u2019s unlikely the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback will make it here. Nonetheless, there\u2019s a chance the Civic will make its \nMalaysian debut sometime this year\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/its-official-you-can-access-netflix-on-astro-soon/", "title": "It\u2019s Official: You Can Access Netflix on Astro Soon", "body": "\n\nRumours started circulating not too long ago of a partnership between Astro and Netflix, and well, it is now official. Soon, you will be able to access Netflix on Astro \u2013 it seems to be implied that there could be a special package of sorts too.\n\n\nAccording to Astro, its current subscribers will be able to access Netflix on connected Ultra Boxes in the near future. Of course, those with connected Ulti Boxes will also get the feature in the coming months, though a specific timeline was not given.\n\n\n\n\nAstro further elaborated that its customers can \u201cenjoy greater convenience by having Netflix with their Astro subscription, providing easy access for payment in a single bill, at the best value.\u201d This seems to suggest that there could be a special package for Astro customers, though this is only our educated guess at this point in time.\n\n\n\u201cOur partnership with Netflix consolidates Astro\u2019s position as the number one entertainment destination for Malaysians by offering the best streaming services alongside our own best-loved originals, vernacular signatures, live sports and local blockbuster movies,\u201d said the Group CEO of Astro, Henry Tan.\n\n\n\n\nNo estimated timeline yet as to when Netflix will be accessible on Astro, though you can register your interest \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/updating-ps5-dualsense-controller-it-should-be-easier/", "title": "Updating PS5 DualSense Controller \u2013 It Should Be Easier", "body": "\n\nGot a notification to update the DualSense controller on your \nPlayStation 5\n console? Then you should update it right then and there. If you choose to do so later, here\u2019s the thing \u2013 you cannot manually perform the update.\n\n\nI ran into this issue when I was notified of an update for the DualSense controller after updating my PS5. The update requires the DualSense to be connected to the PS5 through a USB cable, and once that\u2019s done, I only needed to press X to start the update.\n\n\n\n\nAt least, that\u2019s what I was supposed to do. Instead, I accidentally dismissed the notification with the O button, which I did out of habit. After all, O was previously the confirmation button for PlayStation consoles outside of the Western market for the longest time.\n\n\nAnyway, after this little incident, I decided to dig through the settings page to try to manually update the DualSense. Unfortunately, there\u2019s no such option. I\u2019ll need to wait 24 hours after dismissing the notification \u2013 as shown in the screen above \u2013 for the PS5 to prompt the update again.\n\n\nThere is a workaround to this, but it does require you to jump through a couple of hoops. As \nThe Verge\n pointed out, you\u2019ll need to disconnect the PS5 from the internet, skip the internal clock 24 hours forward, and voila: you\u2019ll get the notification again once you\u2019ve rebooted the console or reconnected the DualSense controller.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, this is not a particularly big issue, but it\u2019s odd that users cannot manually perform the DualSense update without needing to trick the console\u2019s internal clock. Anyway, lesson learnt: always press X instead of O for confirmation on the PS5.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-legion-phone-duel-2-now-in-malaysia-from-rm3299-gaming-phone-with-2-fans/", "title": "Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2 Now in Malaysia From RM3,299 \u2013 Gaming Phone With 2 Fans", "body": "\n\nLenovo Malaysia just announced the local availability of its latest gaming phone, the Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2. While it looks strikingly similar to \nits predecessor\n, the Legion Phone Duel 2 does have some notable upgrades: not only does it have \ntwo cooling fans\n, it\u2019s also slightly more affordable.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, two variants of the Legion Phone Duel 2 are available. The base model with 256GB of non-expandable storage and 12GB of RAM costs RM3,299, while the more generous 512GB configuration with 16GB of RAM goes for RM3,899.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that these prices are actually RM100 less than what the original Legion Phone went for at launch.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Legion Phone Duel 2 comes with two cooling fans housed inside the peculiar (and large) centre-positioned camera module. The intake fan draws in cool air, while the hidden exhaust fan removes hot air; each of them have their own vents.\n\n\nThis being a gaming smartphone, the Legion Phone Duel 2 features a fast 6.92-inch 1080p AMOLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate. On top of that, it also retain its predecessor\u2019s side-mounted 44MP pop-up selfie camera. When you\u2019re gaming with the phone in landscape mode, the selfie camera won\u2019t be obstructed by your hands.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Legion Phone Duel 2 include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, a dual camera system (64MP primary + 16MP ultra-wide angle), as well as an absolutely generous 5,500mAh battery with support for blazing fast 90W fast charging. This can supposedly charge up the phone to 50% from empty in only 12 minutes.\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Lenovo Malaysia, the Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2 is now available for purchase in Malaysia on Shopee and Lazada. To recap, the 256GB + 12GB model retails at RM3,299, while the 512GB + 16GB configuration costs RM3,899.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/unreleased-poco-x3-gt-appears-in-sirim-malaysian-launch-confirmed/", "title": "Unreleased Poco X3 GT Appears in SIRIM \u2013 Malaysian Launch Confirmed?", "body": "\n\nXiaomi Malaysia launched quite a number smartphones with the Poco, Redmi, as well as its own Xiaomi branding over the past couple of months. Well, it appears another device is on the horizon: the (unreleased) Poco X3 GT will likely make its Malaysian debut soon.\n\n\nWe spotted the Poco X3 GT in our routine search through SIRIM\u2019s database. The upcoming smartphone was registered under Xiaomi Malaysia just yesterday on 24 June with the model number 21061110AG, suggesting that the device could be sold here in Malaysia very soon.\n\n\nThe China-only Redmi Note 10 Pro\n\n\nBased on previous leaks and rumours, the Poco X3 GT is believed to be the global variant of the China-only Redmi Note 10 Pro. Despite sporting the exact same name, it is actually a different device from the \nRedmi Note 10 Pro\n, which was launched in Malaysia \na few months back in March\n.\n\n\nAnyway, if that\u2019s the case, the Poco X3 GT will feature a 6.6-inch 1080p IPS screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 1100 chipset paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, up to 256GB of internal storage, a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging, as well as MIUI 12 (based on Android 11) out of the box.\n\n\nIn the camera department, it should come with a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro) along with a 16MP selfie camera.\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet from Xiaomi Malaysia on the local availability of the Poco X3 GT. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the Malaysian launch of the mid-range smartphone.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/windows-11-looks-great-but-not-everyone-will-get-it/", "title": "Windows 11 Looks Great, but Not Everyone Will Get It", "body": "\n\nMicrosoft just unveiled its latest operating system, Windows 11. Set to be a free upgrade for Windows 10 users, it brings some nice visual overhaul to the user interface for a cleaner, more modern look; it can even run Android apps. However, some PCs, especially older ones, will not be able to run the shiny new operating system.\n\n\nIn order to run Windows 11, certain hardware requirements have to be met. While most of them aren\u2019t particularly demanding \u2013 you only need a 1GHz processor with two or more cores, 4GB of RAM, and at least 64GB of storage \u2013 one of them is a little tricky: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 is required for Windows 11.\n\n\nThe new interface looks cleaner, and more modern\n\n\nGranted, TPM 2.0 has been around for quite some time. Most modern PCs ( that is, machines that were released in the past five years) support TPM 2.0. However, if your PC or laptop dates back even longer than that, there\u2019s no guarantee it will be able to run Windows 11.\n\n\nOf course, there is an easy to check if your Windows machine supports Windows 11. All you need to do is download the Microsoft\u2019s PC Health Check app \nover here\n to check for compatibility. If you have a custom PC, make sure that TPM is enabled through your BIOS if it says your system is incompatible with Windows 11.\n\n\nAs Microsoft\u2019s Director of OS Security, David Weston, \npointed out\n, TPM is called \u201cIntel PTT\u201d for Intel chips, while AMD uses the term \u201cAMD PSP fTPM\u201d \u2013 look for these settings in your BIOS page.\n\n\n\n\nNo release date was given for Windows 11, though Microsoft did say the new operating system will be coming \u201clater this year\u201d as a free upgrade for Windows 10 users.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-kazuha-banner-arrives-29-june-with-rosaria-bennett-razor/", "title": "Genshin Impact Kazuha Banner Arrives 29 June With Rosaria, Bennett, Razor", "body": "\n\nKaedehara Kazuha, the first playable character from Inazuma, is coming to \nGenshin Impact\n on 29 June. The banner of the brand new 5-star Anemo character has been revealed too \u2013 he will be accompanied by Rosaria, Bennet, as well as Razor.\n\n\nJust like Genshin Impact\u2019s\u00a0\nprevious character\n\u00a0\nevent banners\n, the \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Kazuha, Rosaria, Bennett, and Razor will be increased. In the case of Kazuha, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be him. If you didn\u2019t get him in this instance, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be Kazuha.\n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact\u2019s pity system ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character or weapon every 90 wishes \u2013 depending on which banner you\u2019re rolling \u2013 so you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Kazuha. The same rule applies to 4-star units (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but since there are three of them featured in the event wish, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Rosaria, Bennett, or Razor. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\nKazuha\u2019s \u201cLeaves in the Wind\u201d event wish will go live in Genshin Impact on 29 June this Tuesday at 6PM for us here in Malaysia. His banner will be available until 20 July, and we expect Kazuha\u2019s event wish to be replaced by either \nKamisato Ayaka\n or \nYoimiya\n shortly after \u2013 both are Inazuma characters that have been revealed by Mihoyo.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/prism-q-series-4k-tvs-land-in-malaysia-55-65-android-tvs-from-rm2299/", "title": "PRISM+ Q Series 4K TVs Land in Malaysia \u2013 55\u2033 & 65\u2033 Android TVs From RM2,299", "body": "\n\nPRISM+ just expanded its product lineup here in Malaysia with two brand new Android TVs. The PRISM+ Q series 4K TVs \u2013 made up of the Q65-QE and Q55-QE \u2013 are now available for pre-order locally, and they offer some compelling features with excellent value for money.\n\n\nTake the Q65-QE: not only does it feature an expansive 65-inch Quantum IPS 3840 x 2160 panel \u2013 yes, it uses quantum dot technology for even brighter and vibrant colours \u2013 it\u2019s quite affordable too with a RM2,999 price tag. That\u2019s right, this 65-inch 4K Android TV retails at only RM2,999.\n\n\nIf you want a smaller 4K TV, there\u2019s the Q55-QE with a 55-inch screen instead for only RM2,299. Aside from the smaller panel, it has the same feature set as the Q65-QE.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Q65-QE and Q55-QE feature quantum dot backlight. According to PRISM+, this allows the two TVs to produce 1.07 billion colours. Of course, both TVs meet the HDR10 standard as well, and the IPS panel offers wide viewing angles too.\n\n\nGiven that the Q65-QE and Q55-QE run on Android TV, you\u2019ll have access to over 500 apps on the Google Play Store. You can also cast content to the TV from your mobile device, not to mention the ability to use voice commands via Google Assistant with the provided remote.\n\n\n\u201cWith more time being spent at home, many consumers look to level up their on-screen entertainment but are not willing to splurge on Android TVs,\u201d said the Country Director of PRISM+ Malaysia, Eric Kam. \u201cAs the availability of Android TVs has increased significantly, we can now offer industry-standard Android TVs at a lower price point to cater to such consumers,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\nThe PRISM+ Q65-QE and Q55-QE are now available for pre-order in Malaysia on the company\u2019s own \nonline store\n and \nLazada\n. Early birds who place their pre-orders for the Q65-QE will also receive RM121.90 worth of freebies, including two HDMI cables (a 3m cable and an L-shaped cable), a screen cleaner, and a three-month WeTV VIP subscription.\n\n\nAs for the Q55-QE, it will be bundled with the two HDMI cables and a three-month WeTV VIP subscription; these are worth RM71.90. Of course, both TVs come with a two-year onsite warranty too: it covers parts, accessories, servicing, and customer service support is also available every day. Yes, even on weekends.\n\n\n\n\nBoth the Q65-QE and Q55-QE will start shipping to costumers from 20 July onwards in Malaysia. We received the Q65-QE for review as well, so stay tuned for our impressions of the affordable 65-inch 4K Android TV!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/automotive-sector-will-resume-operation-in-phase-2-of-nrp/", "title": "Automotive Sector Will Resume Operation in Phase 2 of NRP", "body": "\n\nThe phase one of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) will not be ending today (28 June), though the government has revealed that once we do move on to phase two, more sectors will be allowed to open. These include the automotive sector involving the production of vehicles and components.\n\n\nBut in order to transition to phase two of NRP, three conditions have to be met. Daily COVID-19 cases have to be below 4,000; ICU capacity has to be in the medium range; and vaccination rate \u2013 for those who have completed two doses \u2013 has to be above 10%.\n\n\n\n\nGiven that today\u2019s recorded number of cases is 5,218, it will likely be a while longer until we get to the second phase of the NRP. Thankfully, at least the sales tax exemption on CKD and CBU cars has been \nextended to 31 December 2021\n \u2013 this should aid the recovery of the local automotive industry, especially with almost no sales at all throughout the month of June 2021.\n\n\nCar wash centres will also be allowed to open once we transition to the second phase of NRP, along with a number of other businesses, including electronics, computer and telecommunication, and even stationaries.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mode-sixtyfive-most-customisable-custom-mechanical-keyboard-from-299/", "title": "Mode SixtyFive \u2013 Most Customisable Custom Mechanical Keyboard From $299", "body": "\n\nFancy getting a custom mechanical keyboard, but none of the offerings in group buy right now quite suit your taste? Well, then check out the new Mode SixtyFive \u2013 it\u2019s arguably the most customisable keyboard yet.\n\n\nUnlike other custom mechanical keyboards \u2013 which usually only offer different colours with several plate options \u2013 the SixtyFive allows you to change the finish and material for almost every part of the keyboard. These include the top case, bottom case, plate, and even the (magnetic) backpiece.\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s even a \nrather neat configurator\n for the SixtyFive on Mode\u2019s website, which shows you a render of your configured keyboard. You can even change the plate material of the board \u2013 there are a total of \nseven\n different plate options \u2013 a hotswap or solderable PCB, ANSI or ISO layout, and even the colour of the feet.\n\n\nDo note that depending on which option you pick, the SixtyFive will be delivered to you either in October or December. Certain parts or colours that are more in demand will ship later, unless you managed to order them before the threshold for October delivery has been reached.\n\n\nNonetheless, the fact that Mode can deliver the SixtyFive in the span of six months is already very impressive. Most pre-orders for custom mechanical keyboards usually take much longer than that, sometimes even up to a year.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the Mode SixtyFive, you can start customising your very own unit over at \nMode\u2019s online store\n; it starts from $299 (about RM1,240), which is a good starting price for a custom keyboard of this calibre. No end date was given for the pre-order, but it\u2019s said to be offered for at least a month from 25 June. You can learn more about the SixtyFive \nover here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-xcover-5-rugged-smartphone-now-in-malaysia/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Xcover 5 Rugged Smartphone Now in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nAs we reported \na couple of weeks ago\n, the Samsung Galaxy Xcover 5 rugged smartphone is now officially available in Malaysia. While it\u2019s not a particularly high-end device, it\u2019s definitely a very durable smartphone that can take some knocks here and there.\n\n\nIn fact, the Galaxy Xcover 5 can withstand drops up to 1.5m, and it has an IP68 dust and water resistance as well, which allows the phone to be submerged underwater up to 1.5m for as long as 30 minutes. It even comes with a Glove Touch feature to increase the touch sensitivity of the screen for those who need to operate the phone with gloves on.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy Xcover 5 include a 5.3-inch HD+ screen, a Samsung Exynos 850 chipset paired with 4GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage, a 3,000mAh battery \u2013 it\u2019s user-replaceable, by the way \u2013 a 16MP rear camera, a 5MP selfie shooter, and Android 11 out of the box.\n\n\nHowever, given the rugged nature of the Galaxy Xcover 5, it appears to be only available to business customers; no pricing was given for the phone either. That\u2019s right, unfortunately enough, regular consumers will not be able to purchase the Xcover 5.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, if you are a business customer interested in getting the Samsung Galaxy Xcover 5, you can get in touch with Samsung Malaysia \nright here\n to purchase the rugged smartphone.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/custom-keyboard-buyers-guide-where-to-start/", "title": "Custom Keyboard Buyer\u2019s Guide \u2013 Where to Start?", "body": "\n\nBelieve it or not, building your own custom mechanical keyboard can actually be quite easy; you don\u2019t even need to know how to solder to really get into the hobby. If you\u2019re looking to upgrade your typing experience, read on \u2013 here\u2019s what you need to know to get started.\n\n\nWhere to Buy Parts?\n\n\nWe actually \nwrote a guide for this\n catered to those who are residing here in Malaysia. Noteworthy keyboard vendors include \nKeys.my\n based here in Malaysia, \niLumkb\n from Singapore, and of course, \nKBDfans\n, which operates out of China.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re just starting out, KBDfans is a fantastic option no matter where you\u2019re located. It has quite a number of budget-friendly keyboard kits to get you started on your custom keyboard journey, which brings us to the next point..\n\n\nFind a Keyboard Kit You Like\n\n\nOne of the most popular custom keyboard kits to get you started is KBDfans\u2019 very own \nTofu\n. Not only is it affordable \u2013 it starts at $159, which comes up to about RM660 \u2013 it\u2019s also quite a decent keyboard with an aluminium case. You can even do an \no-ring mod\n to the Tofu to improve its typing experience and sound profile.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlternatively, if you want more options and don\u2019t mind waiting, consider joining a pre-order for a keyboard kit that suits your preference. The currently running \nMode SixtyFive\n is a good kit that\u2019s also very customisable. \nMechGroupBuys \nis a great website as well to check on what pre-orders are currently running.\n\n\nOnce you\u2019ve narrowed down the kit that catches your fancy, check if the keyboard comes with the proper stabilisers or not. If they don\u2019t \u2013 most premium keyboard kits don\u2019t come with them \u2013 we highly recommend Durock V2 screw-in or plate-mounted stabilisers, depending on which type the keyboard uses. Generally, most folks prefer screw-in stabilisers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOh, if you don\u2019t want do any soldering, make sure that the keyboard kit you\u2019re getting has a hotswap PCB. It allows you to install switches to the PCB without a soldering iron, and you can easily swap out to different types of switches as well, so it\u2019s an excellent choice for those who are new to the hobby to try out different switches.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, let\u2019s move on to the next part: switches.\n\n\nChoose a Switch\n\n\nThis is really one of the most personal parts of a custom keyboard. Depending on which switch you get, your typing experience will be drastically different. We have outlined the \nfour main types of switches\n in our previous writeup, which include linear, tactile, clicky, and silent switches.\n\n\nDo you like a smooth typing experience without any tactile feedback? Get a linear switch. Want the quietest keyboard possible? Silent switches are the way to go. It\u2019s a very personal choice, so you may want to get a \nswitch sampler pack\n to figure out which one is the right one for you. Consider learning how to lube your switches too for an even better typing experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStill not sure which switch to get? Then check out our \nswitch reviews\n!\n\n\nStart With More Affordable (But Not \nToo\n Affordable) Keycap Sets\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is figuring out which keycap set to get. There are a \nwide\n variety of keycaps in the market, but the general rule of thumb is to get a set that isn\u2019t \ntoo\n affordable. After all, it\u2019s the part of the keyboard that you touch the most, so it will impact your typing experience quite a bit.\n\n\nSome good, readily available options that don\u2019t cost too much money are keycap sets from \nePBT\n, though some colourways are priced higher. There are also a number of different keycap profiles, including Cherry, KAT, SA, and even MT3. Watch the video below for our comparison between GMK \u2013 arguably the gold standard of keycap sets \u2013 and MT3 keycaps.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, keycap sets (especially ones from GMK) are usually only offered on a pre-order basis, so you do have to wait quite a bit to get your hands on them. Alternatively, \nDrop\n does have a number of relatively good keycap sets in stock, though your options are definitely more limited.\n\n\nOnce you have purchased a keyboard kit, switches, and a keycap set, all you need to do now is to..\n\n\nWait for the Parts to Arrive!\n\n\nIn this hobby, you\u2019ll have to do a lot of waiting. In fact, we\u2019re currently waiting on as many as \nfive different keyboard kits\n and three keycap sets that were purchased over the course of a year. This is just how the custom keyboard scene operates, though some vendors are offering \nmore in stock sales\n in recent times to address long waiting times.\n\n\n\n\nBut once you do get the parts, it will be worth it once you\u2019ve built the keyboard. Trust us, it\u2019s a very rewarding hobby, and if your job requires you to do a lot of typing, we implore you to build a custom mechanical keyboard \u2013 you won\u2019t regret it!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/qualcomm-snapdragon-888-unveiled-faster-cpu-ai-engine/", "title": "Qualcomm Snapdragon 888+ Unveiled \u2013 Faster CPU & AI Engine", "body": "\n\nOver the past few years, Qualcomm refreshes its flagship chipsets in the middle of the year. So naturally, here\u2019s the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888+. Sporting faster CPU and AI Engine, the new chip brings some noteworthy performance gains.\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the Snapdragon 888+\u2019s Kryo 680 CPU is now clocked at 2.995GHz, though the chipmaker is rounding off the figure to 3.0GHz in its marketing material. Anyway, thanks to the faster CPU, there should be some performance gain, though the GPU seems to be unchanged.\n\n\n\n\nThe 6th gen Qualcomm AI Engine of the Snapdragon 888+ sees some improvements too. It can now perform 32 trillion operations per second (TOPS) for AI tasks, which is said to be 20% faster than what the original Snapdragon 888 could do.\n\n\nSmartphones powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 888+ will make their respective debuts sometime in the third quarter of 2021, so we could new devices with the equally new chip as early as next month in July. Brands that are confirmed to be using the Snapdragon 888+ include Asus, Xiaomi, Vivo, Honor, and even Motorola.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/google-pixel-5a-supposedly-launching-this-august/", "title": "Google Pixel 5a Supposedly Launching This August", "body": "\n\nEven though Google Pixel smartphones are not officially sold here in Malaysia, they are still quite popular among Android purists who purchase these devices from grey importers. If you\u2019ve got your eyes on the latest phone in the series, you\u2019ll be happy to know that the Pixel 5a is supposedly releasing in August 2021.\n\n\nAn August launch for the Pixel 5a has been rumoured for quite some time already, but a new report from \nBloomberg\n has confirmed this launch timing. According to the same report, the upcoming Google phone will also hit store shelves in the same month.\n\n\n\n\nBased on rumours and leaks surrounding the Pixel 5a, it is said to be nearly identical to the Pixel 4a 5G. While some of its dimensions are supposedly slightly different, its list of hardware are the same. Take the processor: under the hood of the yet to be released phone is said to be (still) a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765 chipset.\n\n\nOther rumoured specifications of the Pixel 5a include a 6.2-inch 1080p OLED screen, a dual camera system made up of a 12.2MP primary sensor and a 16MP ultra-wide angle shooter, a rear fingerprint sensor, a 3.5mm headphone jack, as well as a \u201cunibody back panel,\u201d which is likely made out of plastic.\n\n\n\n\nAlthough the Pixel 5a doesn\u2019t look to be a particularly interesting smartphone, the main focus of Google\u2019s \u201ca\u201d series of phones have always been their affordability. Nonetheless, we\u2019ll find out for ourselves just what the Pixel 5a has to offer once it is revealed sometime in August 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-sony-wf-1000xm3-heavily-discounted-to-rm579/", "title": "Deal: Sony WF-1000XM3 Heavily Discounted to RM579", "body": "\n\nWhile the \nSony WF-1000XM3\n has already been succeeded by the \nWF-1000XM4\n, it\u2019s still a very decent pair of wireless earbuds. The best part is, it is now more affordable than ever: you can grab the WF-1000XM3 \nfor only RM579 now\n.\n\n\nTo put this deal into context, the WF-1000XM3 used to go for RM949 at launch, so you\u2019re looking at exactly RM370 worth of savings here. This listing is also offered by Stylizz Online, a Shopee Mall retailer. Rest assured, this is a legitimate offer.\n\n\n\n\nEven though we\u2019ve seen the WF-1000XM3 retail at an \neven lower price point\n, RM579 for the wireless earbuds is still a very good offer. Keep in mind that its successor, the WF-1000XM4, is priced at RM1,099. You\u2019re basically paying almost half of that amount for the WF-1000XM3.\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about the Sony WF-1000XM3, check out our review of the wireless earbuds \nright here\n. It still offers great active noise cancellation with long battery life and good audio quality.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-sony-wh-1000xm4-now-going-for-only-rm1065/", "title": "Deal: Sony WH-1000XM4 Now Going for Only RM1,065", "body": "\n\nHere\u2019s another deal for those who are looking to get a new audio gear. Launched here in Malaysia back in August last year for RM1,599, the \nSony WH-1000XM4\n can now be yours \nfor only RM1,065\n \u2013 that\u2019s RM534 worth of savings.\n\n\nThis deal on the WH-1000XM4 is offered by Preferred Shopee retailer RoyalTech. Of course, warranty is provided by Sony Malaysia itself, and at the time of writing, there are \ntwo units\n of the Black and Silver models left.\n\n\n\n\nThis is actually not the lowest price we\u2019ve seen the WH-1000XM4 go for. At one point in time, it was listed \nas low as RM989\n. Still, \nfor RM1,065\n, you\u2019re still getting an excellent deal, especially for one of the best noise-cancelling wireless headphones in the market now.\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about the Sony WH-1000XM4, check out our review of the wireless headphones \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-13-pro-will-reportedly-feature-ultra-wide-camera-with-autofocus/", "title": "iPhone 13 Pro Will Reportedly Feature Ultra-Wide Camera With Autofocus", "body": "\n\nUltra-wide angle cameras on smartphones allows users to fit more into a picture, but more often than not, they have a fixed focus. Well, the upcoming iPhone 13 Pro will change this up: the ultra-wide angle lens for the 2021 iPhone will supposedly have an autofocus system.\n\n\nIn a \n9to5Mac report\n, which quoted renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, at least the iPhone 13 Pro will have an ultra-wide angle camera with autofocus. Unfortunately, this feature is said to be reserved for the Pro models only. The standard 2021 iPhones won\u2019t get it, though Kuo added that it could be a standard feature for 2022 models.\n\n\n\n\nIf this turns out to be accurate, it won\u2019t be the first time it\u2019s done on a smartphone. Take the \nSamsung Galaxy S21 Ultra\n: its 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle camera even comes with Dual Pixel autofocus, which is quite a bit faster than regular phase detection autofocus.\n\n\nOn top of that, the fact that the S21 Ultra\u2019s\u2026ultra-wide angle sensor has autofocus also lets it take \nvery\n detailed macro shots. It remains to be seen if Apple has the same implementation planned for the iPhone 13 Pro, though it\u2019s certainly a possibility to take full advantage of the autofocus system in the ultra-wide angle camera.\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on when Apple will officially introduce its 2021 iPhone lineup, but if past launches are anything to go by, it should be happening sometime in September or October.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-infinix-concept-phone-can-fully-recharge-in-10-minutes-with-a-colour-changing-back/", "title": "This Infinix Concept Phone Can Fully Recharge in 10 Minutes With a Colour-Changing Back", "body": "\n\nNow this is quite an intriguing smartphone. Showcased at MWC 2021, the Infinix Concept Phone 2021 supports 160W fast charging \nand\n a colour-changing back panel, though as its name suggests, it\u2019s not actually a consumer-ready device.\n\n\nAccording to Infinix, the 160W fast charging tech can recharge the Concept Phone\u2019s 4,000mAh battery from empty in only 10 minutes. It\u2019s also capable of wireless charging, though it\u2019s only limited to 50W.\n\n\n\n\nThe back panel of the Infinix Concept Phone is quite interesting too. Thanks to the use of electrochromic and electroluminescence films, the rear panel of the phone can change between silver to blue. It\u2019s not just for show either, as it can be used as a form of notification.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that these two technologies \u2013 the 160W fast charging and colour-changing back panel \u2013 are by no means new; both of them have been showcased by other phone makers before. Xiaomi, for one, did a tech demo for its \n200W\n fast charging, which can charge up a phone with a 4,000mAh battery in only eight minutes.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, there\u2019s no denying that the Infinix Concept Phone 2021 is an intriguing smartphone. As mentioned, it remains to be seen if it will ever be a consumer-ready device, though we reckon some parts of the two technologies could make it to a consumer smartphone one day.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-i-spent-20000-primogems-for-kazuha-in-genshin-impact/", "title": "Video: I Spent 20,000 Primogems For Kazuha in Genshin Impact", "body": "\n\nThe event wish for Kaedehara Kazuha, a brand new 5-star Anemo character from Inazuma, is now live in \nGenshin Impact\n. I\u2019ve got my eyes on him since he was introduced by Mihoyo, and of course, I spent all of my Primogems (the in-game currency) trying to get the character \u2013 all of it.\n\n\nAll 20,000 of my Primogems went to Kazuha\u2019s event wish, and even then\u2026I still didn\u2019t manage to get him. I had to get some additional wishes to finally hit the soft pity and eventually acquired him. You can see all of this (along with my despair) in the video below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn the bright side, Kazuha is \na lot\n of fun to play, and while I will most definitely miss having over 20,000 Primogems in my account \u2013 I saved them up for many, many months \u2013 I do think it was worth it. Plus, I now have full Constellations for Rosaria and Razor, \nwhile\n managing to avoid hitting Constellation 6 for Bennett.\n\n\nI\u2019ll take that as a win.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-p50-leaks-in-dazzling-pink-colourway/", "title": "Huawei P50 Leaks in Dazzling Pink Colourway", "body": "\n\nThe Huawei P50 is said to be launching sometime in July next month, and we now have our very first look at the actual smartphone courtesy of a new leak. Aside from the unique design of the camera module, these images also show off a\u2026very dazzling pink colourway.\n\n\nAccording to the \nsource of the leak\n, there\u2019s a chance this pink colour option of the P50 will not be mass-produced, indicating that it could be a limited edition model. We also got a closer look at the Leica-branded quad camera system, with what appears to be a periscope telephoto lens housed in the lower module.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, the front side of the P50 was not pictured, though based on previous leaks, it should be sporting an OLED display with a hole-punch cutout for the selfie camera. Of course, there could be design differences between different models in the P50 series.\n\n\nRumours are also suggesting that the P50 smartphones will be powered by an LTE-only version of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, while some devices in the series will be getting Huawei\u2019s very own Kirin 9000 chip instead. This makes sense, given that the Kirin 9000 is used by the \nHuawei Mate 40 series\n.\n\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ll find out just what the Huawei P50 series has to offer once it is officially launched. It\u2019s likely that the P50 smartphones will be unveiled sometime in July 2021 next month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-notebook-pro-x-15-official-oled-screen-rtx-3050-ti-from-7999-yuan/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi Notebook Pro X 15 Official \u2013 OLED Screen, RTX 3050 Ti, From 7,999 Yuan", "body": "\n\nThe Xiaomi Mi Notebook Pro X 15 has just been launched in China. Sporting a bright, vibrant OLED screen, a reasonably powerful graphics card, as well as good value for money, this is quite an attractive premium laptop.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Mi Notebook Pro X 15 are offered. The base model with an Intel Core i5-11300H processor paired with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD retails at 7,999 Chinese yuan (about RM5,140), while the higher-end Core i7-11370H configuration with 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage goes for 9,999 yuan (approximately RM6,430).\n\n\n\n\nGiven the premium appeal and features of the Mi Notebook Pro X 15, these are really quite good price points. After all, for that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a sharp, vibrant 15.6-inch 3456 x 2160 OLED display with a 16:10 aspect ratio; perfect for productivity tasks. This panel also has a peak brightness of 600 nits.\n\n\nAside from that, both variants of the Mi Notebook Pro X 15 are powered by the same Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU. Not only do you get RTX-specific features like ray tracing and Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) with this graphics card, you can even run AAA games reasonably well.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, the Xiaomi Mi Notebook Pro X 15 is only available in China. Even though it\u2019s unlikely the premium laptop will be officially available here in Malaysia, we reckon grey importers will eventually bring it in.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-dell-ultrasharp-4k-webcam-can-keep-you-in-frame-automatically-now-in-malaysia-for-rm1112/", "title": "The Dell UltraSharp 4K Webcam Can Keep You in Frame Automatically \u2013 Now in Malaysia for RM1,112", "body": "\n\nIt seems like we\u2019ll be working from home for quite a bit longer in this pandemic, so if you\u2019re in the market for a webcam, consider the brand new Dell UltraSharp 4K webcam. Not only does it promise the best image quality in its class, the UltraSharp can even automatically keep you in frame.\n\n\nBy leveraging AI, the UltraSharp is able to keep you centered in the frame. If you move off-centre, the webcam will slowly pan to keep you in the centre of the frame again. It\u2019s quite a smart implementation, and it\u2019s a feature not offered by any of its competition right now.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the UltraSharp promises the best image quality when compared to other 4K webcams. It uses a Sony STARVIS CMOS 8.3MP sensor, and it can record or stream at 4K resolution at 30 or 24 frames per second. If the resolution is set to 1080p or 720p, you can even crank up the frame rate to 60fps.\n\n\nOther noteworthy specifications of the UltraSharp webcam include support for Windows Hello, HDR capability, three different viewing angles \u2013 65\u00b0, 78\u00b0, or 90\u00b0 \u2013 up to 5x digital zoom with autofocus, as well as a magnetic privacy cover that can be used to cover up the lens when it\u2019s not in use.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get your hands on the Dell UltraSharp 4K webcam, you can do so right now over at \nDell\u2019s Malaysian online store\n. Retailing at RM1,112, it\u2019s definitely not an affordable webcam, though its feature set may be able to justify the asking price for certain folks.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/1-7-july-fuel-price-ron-97-up-2-sen/", "title": "1 \u2013 7 July Fuel Price: RON 97 up 2 Sen", "body": "\n\nWhile the price of RON 97 was unchanged last week, it\u2019s a different case this time around. RON 97 is set to go up by 2 sen per litre this midnight, while the prices of RON 95 and diesel remain the same, given that the price ceilings of the two have been reached.\n\n\nFor this coming week, the price of RON 97 is set at RM2.69 per litre (up from RM2.67). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, remains the same at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 1 to 7 July next week. New fuel prices will now be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/25-this-keyboard-malaysia-jelly-epoch-review-owlab/", "title": "There Are Only 25 of This Keyboard in Malaysia", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is the Jelly Epoch, a 75% custom keyboard from Owlab. Back when it went on sale in April as an in-stock drop \u2013 though I\u2019ve only received my unit yesterday \u2013 only 900 units were offered. 150 were reserved for SEA regions, 50 for the Korean market, and 700 for the rest of the world.\n\n\nI managed to get one of the 150 units for SEA, and so did 24 other Malaysians. That\u2019s right, there are only 25 units of this keyboard in Malaysia.\n\n\nDistribution of Jelly Epoch units sold in SEA (Source: \nZion Studios PH\n)\n\n\nNow, the sheer rarity of the Jelly Epoch is not its main appeal. Rather, it\u2019s the sound profile of the keyboard: it is \neasily\n one of the deepest, \u201cthockiest\u201d custom keyboard around.\n\n\nPaired with a price tag that isn\u2019t astronomically high \u2013 it retailed from $389, which comes up to about RM1,615 \u2013 and you\u2019ve got one of the most sought-after keyboards in the enthusiast scene. Anyway, let\u2019s take a closer look at the Jelly Epoch, shall we?\n\n\n\n\nThe Jelly Epoch is a 75% keyboard, so it has a similar layout as a 65% keyboard, but with the addition of an F-row. It also has a unique gasket mounting system that uses eight \u201cjelly\u201d gaskets, which are (essentially) just sleeved to the plate itself instead of having to use adhesives. This makes for a much, much easier installation process.\n\n\nAside from that, the Jelly Epoch has \nthree \ndifferent foams in its construction too. They are all optional, but the combination of these foams, the unique gasket mounting system, a polycarbonate plate, and the flexible PCB \u2013 it has five flex cuts; not something you typically see \u2013 lend to the deep, thocky sound profile of the keyboard.\n\n\nJust give the sound test below by Alexotos a listen.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDoesn\u2019t sound like any pre-built keyboards, does it? Rest assured, we will be doing a video review of the Jelly Epoch too very soon, and we\u2019ll do our own sound test as well. Speaking of which, I\u2019ve built my unit with an aluminium plate instead, just to see if it\u2019s possible to change the sound profile to be more \u201cclacky.\u201d\n\n\nWith that in mind, I have also opted to use SP-Star Luminous Cyber switches for my Jelly Epoch. SP-Star switches are known to be pretty clacky, and paired with a set of GMK keycaps, I was\u2026surprised with the results! This setup definitely gives the keyboard more of a clacky sound profile, but it\u2019s more of a\u2026deep clack, if you will.\n\n\nGranted, I did lube the SP-Star switches with Krytox 205g0, and I also filmed them with Deskeys switch films for a cleaner sound profile.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, aside from its incredible sound profile, the overall design of the Jelly Epoch is\u2026well, an acquired taste. Truth be told, the main reason I got this keyboard is for its sound profile. If I were to judge the Jelly Epoch based purely on aesthetics, I wouldn\u2019t have joined the in-stock sale at all.\n\n\nThere is also one other issue with the design of the Jelly Epoch: the front height is\u2026quite tall. Because of this, the typing angle is quite a bit higher than your usual keyboard, which can be uncomfortable for some folks. This is even more so if you\u2019re using a tall keycap profile such as SA or MT3.\n\n\n\n\nBut I do have to admit one thing: the Jelly Epoch looks very unique, especially the brass weight on the bottom of the keyboard. I\u2019m not thrilled with the \u201cJelly\u201d lettering on the weight, but it\u2019s certainly the centrepiece of the keyboard\u2019s design.\n\n\nOh, the brass weight also makes this a \nvery\n hefty keyboard. Completely built, the Jelly Epoch weighs a \nwhopping 2.6kg\n. There\u2019s absolutely no way the keyboard will move around when you\u2019re furiously typing or gaming with it.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the building experience of the Jelly Epoch, it\u2019s actually quite fun. The build guide is easy to follow, though I\u2019m not thrilled by the fact that it requires pretty specific screw bits to assemble. In fact, I had to buy a new screwdriver set because of this.\n\n\nNonetheless, I do enjoy building the Jelly Epoch, and its sound profile is just\u2026unlike any custom keyboards I\u2019ve built. To some folks, I reckon it can even be an \u201cendgame\u201d keyboard, though some enthusiasts would argue that there is no such thing as an endgame in this hobby.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, Owlab has no plans to do another run for the Jelly Epoch, though the company will be offering new keyboards in the near future. Even though the \u201cin-stock\u201d sale wasn\u2019t handled particularly well \u2013 as mentioned, I only got my unit two months after the initial sale \u2013 I\u2019m still very excited to see what the company has to offer in the future.\n\n\nAfter all, Owlab has proven itself to be able to produce a keyboard with a fantastic sound profile at a reasonably good price point. Hopefully, the company will be able to improve on its shortcomings from this sale in the next one \u2013 I absolutely cannot wait.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-nova-8i-with-snapdragon-chip-66w-fast-charging-coming-to-malaysia-6-july/", "title": "Huawei Nova 8i With Snapdragon Chip & 66W Fast Charging Coming to Malaysia 6 July", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been confirmed for quite some time now, but we now have the exact Malaysian launch date of Huawei\u2019s latest mid-ranger, the Huawei Nova 8i. Sporting a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip along with 66W fast charging, Malaysia is one of the first markets to receive the new smartphone.\n\n\nOne of the main highlights of the Nova 8i has to be its 66W fast charging. According to Huawei, the phone\u2019s 4,300mAh battery can be charged up to 60% in only 17 minutes. A full charge, on the other hand, takes only 38 minutes.\n\n\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Nova 8i features a quad camera configuration. It\u2019s made up of a 64MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide angle shooter, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. All in all, a reasonably good camera setup for a mid-range smartphone.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Nova 8i include a 6.67-inch 2376 x 1080 screen with a impressive 94.7% screen-to-body ratio, a Snapdragon 662 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, as well as a 16MP selfie camera.\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei Nova 8i will make its Malaysian debut next week on 6 July. We\u2019re also told that the mid-ranger will be available for pre-order the following day on 7 July.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-launching-2-premium-monitors-in-malaysia-on-6-july/", "title": "Huawei Launching 2 Premium Monitors in Malaysia on 6 July", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nNova 8i\n, Huawei Malaysia will be launching a number of other products as well, including two premium monitors. These include the Huawei MateView 4K monitor, as well as the Huawei MateView GT curved ultrawide gaming monitor.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the MateView GT first. It sports a 34-inch 3440 x 1440 VA panel with a wide 21:9 aspect ratio. It also has a 1500R curvature, and given that this is a gaming-centric monitor, it features a fast 165Hz refresh rate as well. Interestingly, it has a built-in stereo soundbar too.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the MateView 4K monitor, it\u2019s catered to creative professionals who need accurate colour reproduction. The MateView\u2019s 28.2-inch 3840 x 2560 IPS screen with a 3:2 aspect ratio covers 98% of the DCI-P3 colour space, and it supports HDR400 as well.\n\n\nOther notable features of the MateView include an impressive 94% screen-to-body ratio \u2013 which lends to a sleek, modern-looking design \u2013 a maximum brightness of 500 nits, and just like the MateView GT, this monitor has built-in speakers too (along with dual microphones), though it\u2019s not a soundbar.\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei MateView and Huawei MateView GT do look quite compelling, but given their premium appeal, expect them to cost a premium too. We\u2019ll find out just how much these two monitors will cost once they are officially launched in Malaysia next week on 6 July.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/latest-ratchet-clank-rift-apart-update-adds-120hz-mode-for-40fps-gameplay/", "title": "Latest Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart Update Adds 120Hz Mode\u2026for 40fps Gameplay", "body": "\n\nInsomniac Games just released a \nnew update\n for the PlayStation 5 exclusive \nRatchet & Clank: Rift Apart\n. Aside from various bug fixes, the highlight of the update has to be the 120Hz mode, which\u2026enables 40fps gameplay?\n\n\nYou read that right. Basically, compatible TVs that can run at 120Hz will benefit from this new update. When the graphics mode is set to Fidelity \u2013 which focuses on delivering the best-looking graphics at 4K resolution with ray-tracing and enhanced lighting \u2013 the game will now run at 40fps instead of 30fps.\n\n\n\n\nWhile that may not sound much, it\u2019s effectively a 33% boost in frame rate. According to Insomniac Games, the new 120Hz mode also reduces input latency when using a compatible display. If 40fps is still not quite good enough for you, opt for the other two Performance modes, which run at 60fps but with reduced graphics fidelity.\n\n\nThe Version 1.002 update for Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is now available for download. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the exclusive PS5 title, check out our \nreview of the game\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x70-now-in-nepal-for-a-cool-rm300000-1-5l-turbo-engine-awd/", "title": "Proton X70 Now in Nepal for a Cool RM300,000 \u2013 1.5L Turbo Engine, AWD", "body": "\n\nThe \nProton X70\n has just been launched in Nepal through official distributor Jagdamba Motors. Unlike the X70 variants available here in Malaysia, the C-segment SUV for the Nepal market features a 1.5L turbo engine \u2013 the same one powering the \nProton X50\n \u2013 all-wheel drive, and a cool RM300,000 starting price.\n\n\nFour different variants of the X70 are offered in Nepal. The base 1.5 TGDi Standard 2WD model costs 8.699 million Nepalese rupee (about RM304,275), while the 1.5 TGDi Executive 2WD trim is priced at 9.199 million rupee (approximately RM321,765).\n\n\n\n\nThe all-wheel drive 1.5 TGDi Executive and 1.5 TGDi Premium models, on the other hand, go for 9.699 million rupee (around RM339,255) and 10.499 million rupee (about RM367,240) respectively.\n\n\nCompared to the pricing of the X70 for the Malaysian market \u2013 between RM89,900 to RM115,800 now with sales tax exemption \u2013 these prices are definitely much, \nmuch\n dearer. But that\u2019s because Nepal imposes high import duties, which drive up the prices of the SUV considerably.\n\n\n\n\nAs Proton mentioned before\n, the national carmaker will be focusing on its export business quite a bit in 2021. Rest assured, Proton \nwill still meet local demand\n, though the current \ntotal lockdown\n is preventing the carmaker from fulfilling outstanding orders.\n\n\nUntil we transition to phase two of the government\u2019s National Recovery Plan (NRP), most of the automotive sector \nwill remain closed\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/astrazeneca-dosing-interval-shortened-to-9-weeks-appointments-will-be-given-soon/", "title": "AstraZeneca Dosing Interval Shortened to 9 Weeks \u2013 Appointments Will Be Given Soon", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re part of the first opt-in for the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, take note: the dosing interval has been shortened to nine weeks now instead of 12. If you received the vaccine back in May, expect to get your second appointment very soon.\n\n\nThis was revealed by Khairy Jamaluddin, the coordinating minister for the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme. In a Tweet sent out by him, he said the dosing interval for the AstraZeneca vaccine is being shortened on the recommendation of their Technical Working Group.\n\n\n\n\nBased on the recommendation from our Technical Working Group & with greater clarity of the delivery schedule, \n@JKJAVMY\n has decided to shorten the dosing interval for AZ from 12 to nine weeks. Those who participated in the first round of AZ will be notified of their 2nd appt soon.\n\u2014 Khairy Jamaluddin \ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe\ud83c\udf3a (@Khairykj) \nJuly 1, 2021\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMalaysia hari ini terima satu juta dos vaksin AstraZeneca menerusi penerbangan Japan Airlines JL073, sumbangan kerajaan Jepun\n@JKJAVMY\n \n@Khairykj\n \n@HishammuddinH2O\n \n@KKMPutrajaya\n \n#LindungDiriLindungSemua\n \n#MenangBersama\n \npic.twitter.com/CoFa3niJ1y\n\u2014 BERNAMA (@bernamadotcom) \nJuly 1, 2021\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that Malaysia have just received one million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine courtesy of the Japanese government. As confirmed by Khairy in a press conference, this batch of the vaccine will be given to folks who signed up for the first opt-in session back in May.\n\n\nIf you received the AstraZeneca vaccine in early May, your second appointment should be happening as early as next week. Make sure to check your MySejahtera app for any update on your appointment.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-13-dummy-unit-shown-with-smaller-notch-different-camera-arrangement/", "title": "iPhone 13 Dummy Unit Shown With Smaller Notch & Different Camera Arrangement", "body": "\n\nAs we get closer to the launch of the 2021 iPhones, more leaks surrounding the phones are circulating the internet. This time around, alleged dummy units of the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro were posted on \nWeibo\n, showcasing the smaller notch and new camera arrangement.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the new camera module, which sees a slight revision. Shown below is supposedly the iPhone 13\u2019s camera configuration next to the iPhone 13 Pro. Previously, the iPhone 12 \u2013 and in essence, the \niPhone 12 mini\n too \u2013 had its two camera sensors arranged horizontally, but the iPhone 13 looks to be moving to a diagonal design.\n\n\n\n\nSeveral front shots of the alleged iPhone 13 dummy unit were taken too. Although the difference isn\u2019t very noticeable, the notch does look ever so slightly smaller, leaving more space for notifications to be shown at the top of the screen.\n\n\nOf course, given that these are leaked images, there\u2019s a possibility we\u2019re not looking at the final iteration of the iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro. We\u2019ll just have to wait until September or October for Apple to officially introduce its 2021 iPhones \u2013 the Pro models may even feature an \nultra-wide angle camera with autofocus\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/macbooks-with-mini-led-displays-supposedly-launching-in-september-2021/", "title": "MacBooks With Mini-LED Displays Supposedly Launching in September 2021", "body": "\n\nApple first used a mini-LED display on its product with the \nM1-powered iPad Pro\n, but this may change in the near future; as early as September, in fact. According to a new report, the Cupertino company is preparing to release two new MacBook Pro laptops with mini-LED screens.\n\n\nThis bit of info came from \nDigitimes\n. Citing an anonymous source, two suppliers (Zhen Ding Technology and Tripod Technology) will be ramping up production of mini-LED panels for the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro laptops.\n\n\nThe 2020 MacBook Pro\n\n\nThe report also mentioned that these two MacBooks are expected to hit the market in late Q3 2021, so we may be looking at a September launch. Typically, Apple introduces its new range of iPhones in September, though the company only introduced the \niPhone 12 series\n in October last year.\n\n\nNonetheless, the prospect of two new MacBook Pro laptops being introduced in the next couple of months is certainly exciting. After all, rumours are suggesting that the new laptops will be sporting an all-new design, though there\u2019s always a chance these rumours could turn out to be false.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2nd-appointment-for-astrazeneca-vaccination-now-shown-in-mysejahtera/", "title": "2nd Appointment for AstraZeneca Vaccination Now Shown in MySejahtera", "body": "\n\nNot long after it was announced that the dosing interval for the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine has been \nshortened to nine weeks from 12\n, it appears appointments for the second dose have been rolled out in the MySejahtera app. Of course, this second appointment will only be received by those who were in the first opt-in for the vaccine.\n\n\nA fair number of my colleagues \u2013 as well as myself \u2013 who were in the first opt-in for the AstraZeneca vaccine have already received our appointments for the second dose in MySejahtera. In fact, it is exactly nine weeks after I received my first dose. Naturally, the second appointment is at the very same PPV centre as well.\n\n\n\n\nIf you were part of the first opt-in for the AstraZeneca vaccine, check your \nvaccination page\n in the MySejahtera app \u2013 you may have been given an appointment already. If you have, make sure to confirm your appointment!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ghost-of-tsushima-directors-cut-arriving-20-august-coming-to-ps5-ps4/", "title": "Ghost of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut Arriving 20 August \u2013 Coming to PS5 & PS4", "body": "\n\nThere\u2019s a new version of \nGhost of Tsushima\n, and it will be available on both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. Not only does Ghost of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut include a number of improvements, there is also a whole new island \u2013 with a new storyline \u2013 for players to explore.\n\n\nThe new area is Iki island, Tsushima\u2019s neighbouring island which was also invaded by the Mongols. In the video below, you can see some sneak peeks of the new environment, which looks particularly stunning on the PS5.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from the new island \u2013 which will also introduce new characters \u2013 the Director\u2019s Cut will add some improvements to the PS5 version as well. These include support for dynamic 4K resolution targeting 60fps, implementation of the DualSense controller\u2019s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, faster load times, and get this: lip sync for Japanese voice-over.\n\n\nIf you already own the original PS4 version of Ghost of Tsushima, you can transfer your progress to the PS5 version of Director\u2019s Cut once the game is released. You can also upgrade to the PS4 version of Director\u2019s Cut for RM89. If you want to upgrade to the PS5 version instead, that will cost RM129.\n\n\nInterestingly, if you bought the PS4 version of Director\u2019s Cut after 20 August, you can upgrade to the PS5 version for RM50.\n\n\n\n\nGhost of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut will be available on PS5 and PS4 next month on 20 August; it will include the original game alongside the new content. The PS5 version costs RM299, while the PS4 version is slightly cheaper at RM249. If you pre-order either version of the game on the PlayStation Store, you\u2019ll have access to the PS4 version of the game immediately.\n\n\nNot sure if Ghost of Tsushima is for you? Then check out our full review of the game \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x70-se-launching-soon-only-2000-units-available/", "title": "Proton X70 SE Launching Soon \u2013 Only 2,000 Units Available", "body": "\n\nLeaked back in May, the existence of the \nProton X70 SE\n has just been confirmed by Proton. Set to go on sale soon, only 2,000 units of the special edition SUV will be available, so expect it to sell out quickly once it\u2019s officially launched.\n\n\nBased on the Premium 2WD version of the X70 \u2013 so there\u2019s no sunroof \u2013 the X70 SE is identical to the \u201c\nExclusive Edition\n\u201d of the SUV for the Brunei market pictured below. Well, there is one difference: the SE model will feature an SE badge on the rear end.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the X70 SE also features new 19-inch alloy wheels with the very same design found on the Geely Boyue Pro, the facelifted model of the Boyue \u2013 the X70 is based on the latter. It also has a blacked-out roof and side mirrors with two colour options: Ocean Blue (the same shade offered for the \nX50\n and \nIriz\n) and Ruby Red.\n\n\nOther specifications of the X70 SE include black nappa leather seats, the same 1.8L turbocharged direct injection engine with 181hp and 300Nm of torque, as well as a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.\n\n\n\n\nPricing of the Proton X70 SE has not been revealed yet, so we\u2019ll just have to wait for the official launch of the C-segment SUV to find out. Given that most of the Klang Valley area is under EMCO from 3 to 16 July, there\u2019s a good chance the X70 SE will only be introduced after that.\n\n\n(Image source: \nFadli Proton Brunei\n)\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-a22-5g-now-in-malaysia-for-rm999-90hz-screen-5000mah-battery/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy A22 5G Now in Malaysia for RM999 \u2013 90Hz Screen, 5,000mAh Battery", "body": "\n\nSamsung just launched a new budget-friendly smartphone in Malaysia. Despite being an entry-level device, the Samsung Galaxy A22 5G does have a number of interesting features, including a 90Hz screen and a generous 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Galaxy A22 is offered for the Malaysian market. Featuring 128GB of expandable storage with 8GB of RAM, this smartphone retails at only RM999. On top of that, those who purchase the phone by 31 August will also receive a free casing worth RM39.\n\n\n\n\nLike most phones in the market now, the Galaxy A22 has a reasonably fast 6.6-inch 1080p LCD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. It should offer above average battery life too with its 5,000mAh battery, which also supports 15W fast charging.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy A22 include a MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset with 5G connectivity, a triple camera system (48MP primary + 5MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP depth), an 8MP selfie camera, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and One UI Core 3.1 based on Android 11 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy A22 5G is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM999. It is offered in three different colours: Grey, Violet, and Mint.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/infinix-hot-10s-coming-to-malaysia-13-july-6000mah-battery-90hz-screen-helio-g85/", "title": "Infinix Hot 10S Coming to Malaysia 13 July \u2013 6,000mAh Battery, 90Hz Screen, Helio G85", "body": "\n\nInfinix entered the Malaysian market not too long ago, and the phone maker has since launched a few affordable smartphones here. Later this month, the Infinix Hot 10S is set to be available here too, and it will be sold exclusively on Shopee.\n\n\nOf course, local pricing of the Hot 10S has not been revealed yet, though it should be a budget-friendly smartphone. After all, this phone retails from only 9,999 Indian rupee in India \u2013 that comes up to about RM555.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the main highlights of the Hot 10S is its very generous 6,000mAh battery, which should be able to offer very good battery life. Aside from that, it also has a 6.82-inch IPS screen with a reasonably fast 90Hz refresh rate and 180Hz touch sampling rate, though it is only a 1640 x 720 panel.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Hot 10S are a MediaTek Helio G85 chipset paired with up to 6GB of RAM, 64GB or 128GB of expandable storage, a triple camera system (48MP primary + 2MP depth + \u201cAI lens\u201d), an 8MP selfie camera, a rear fingerprint sensor, and Android 11 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Infinix Hot 10S will be launched in Malaysia on 13 July, though the phone maker said that it will be available to be added to the cart on Shopee from 7 July onwards. We\u2019ll find out then exactly how much the Hot 10S will be priced at locally.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/rm3000-keyboard-worth-it-jelly-epoch-owlab/", "title": "I Spent Over RM3,000 on This Keyboard \u2013 Worth It?", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe custom keyboard hobby can get\u2026well, expensive. Not only do you have to get a keyboard kit, you also have to purchase keycaps, switches, stabilisers, along with a slew of other accessories to assemble a complete keyboard.\n\n\nTake this keyboard I\u2019ve built a few days ago, the \nJelly Epoch\n: it cost me over RM3,000 to put it together. While that is undeniably a lot of money, I definitely did not regret spending this much \u201cjust\u201d for a keyboard \u2013 read on to find out why.\n\n\n\n\nCost Breakdown\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s break down the cost of this keyboard:\n\n\nJelly Epoch kit: about \nRM2,200 \n(including shipping, extra hotswap PCB, aluminium plate, foams)\nGMK White-on-Black keycap set: \nRM520 \n(shipping included)\nSP-Star Luminous Cyber switch: \nRM215 \n(81 switches with shipping included)\nDurock V2 stabilisers: \nRM67 \n(shipping included)\nTotal amount: \nRM3,002\n\n\nDo note that due to foreign exchange rate fluctuations, the current prices of the Jelly Epoch (not that it\u2019s available for purchase now) and GMK WoB keycap set may be different from what I paid above. Thankfully, I do save on shipping for the switches and stabilisers \u2013 I sourced these two parts locally from \nKeys on Shopee\n.\n\n\n\n\nTechnically, the Jelly Epoch itself only cost me around RM1,700, but the extras I got for the keyboard drive up the price quite a bit, especially the extra hotswap PCB and aluminium plate. While I\u2019d say the plate is optional, it\u2019s good practice to get an extra PCB in case anything happens.\n\n\nYou wouldn\u2019t want your expensive keyboard to be an expensive paperweight if you have only one PCB, and it breaks somewhere down the road.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the \nactual\n amount I spent is more than the figure above; I didn\u2019t include the cost of items needed to lube the switches and tune the stabilisers. These include a switch opener, switch films, brushes, and of course, lube.\n\n\n\n\nCollectively, these items cost more or less around RM100, though I\u2019m not including them in the cost breakdown. After all, I can still use these items across other keyboards, so the cost is spread out.\n\n\nWait, Why Are These Parts So Expensive?\n\n\nWell, some folks would consider the Jelly Epoch a premium keyboard kit, so the parts that I got for it has to match the \u201cstatus\u201d of the keyboard, so to speak. The GMK keycap set, for one, is really the gold standard for keycaps. The SP-Star switch is also a more premium option, which cost me about RM2.60 per switch.\n\n\nWhile it\u2019s entirely possible to lower the cost of this setup by going with more affordable switches and keycap set, you do get what you pay for here. You will not get the same level of quality by going with cheaper options, and as I\u2019ve mentioned earlier, it would only be \u201cfair\u201d to the Jelly Epoch by pairing it with equally premium parts.\n\n\nBelieve it or not, the Jelly Epoch isn\u2019t even the most expensive keyboard kit to hit the market.\n\n\n\n\nWhy Spend So Much?\n\n\nFor a number of reasons! As I\u2019ve said before, you get what you pay for, and every single part of the keyboard impacts the typing experience one way or another. I don\u2019t mind paying so much for the Jelly Epoch itself for its \nfantastic\n sound profile, which is inherently deep and thocky.\n\n\nAs for the GMK keycap set, it\u2019s costly for a number of reasons: it has a nice, premium feeling texture, and I love how sharp the legends look. Given that the keycap is the part of the keyboard that we touch the most, it\u2019s worth spending on a high quality keycap set like GMK for a more pleasant typing experience.\n\n\nIt doesn\u2019t matter how good the keyboard is if the keycaps feel horrible to the touch.\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the SP-Star Luminous Cyber switch. Compared to, say, a much more affordable Gateron Yellow linear switch that costs around RM1 per unit, this particular SP-Star switch is far smoother out of the box. It has very little wobble too, which makes for a more \u201cstable\u201d typing experience.\n\n\nPlus, this SP-Star Luminous Cyber switch \u2013 as its name suggests \u2013 glows in the dark! Granted, it\u2019s not like I can see the switches once the keycaps are installed, but it\u2019s a\u2026unique feature nonetheless.\n\n\n\n\nWhat about the Durock V2 stabiliser? Is it wise to spend RM67 for it? Absolutely. Stabiliser is one part of a keyboard that you really should not cheap out on; there\u2019s nothing worse than the ticking of a cheap set of stabilisers. Anyway, the Durock V2 stabiliser, when tuned properly, is really one of the best options out there.\n\n\nCan I Get a Similar Typing Experience for Less?\n\n\nDefinitely! Well, to an extent. If you want a deep, thocky sound profile like the Jelly Epoch, you do have to look around for another keyboard kit that offers such a property \u2013 and hope that it\u2019s not priced astronomically high.\n\n\nWhen a particular keyboard goes on group buy \u2013 which is similar to a pre-order \u2013 there will usually be a sound test of the keyboard in question, so keep your eyes peeled. \nMechGroupBuys\u00a0\nis a great website to check on what pre-orders are currently running in the custom keyboard scene, ranging from keyboard kits, switches, and keycap sets.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, you don\u2019t have to opt for a GMK keycap set either for a good typing experience. A more affordable alternative is an ePBT keycap set, though some colourways can get expensive.\n\n\nDo note that ePBT keycaps are also made from PBT plastic, so it has a deeper sound profile with a slightly rougher texture than the ABS plastic of GMK keycaps. Some folks actually prefer these properties.\n\n\nAs for switches, the aforementioned Gateron Yellow switch is a great budget choice. It\u2019s definitely not quite as smooth as the SP-Star switch out of the box, but with some lubing, you can definitely get close.\n\n\n\n\nWhere Do I Start?\n\n\nIf you want to get into the custom keyboard hobby, we\u2019ve got quite a number of articles to help you get started, such as our \ncustom keyboard buyer\u2019s guide\n. Not sure where to buy keyboard parts? \nWe got you covered\n. Too many switch options out there? We outline the \ndifferent types of switches here\n, along with some personal recommendations.\n\n\nTrust me when I say this: it\u2019s unreal how much better a custom keyboard is compared to an off-the-shelf keyboard. Yes, it\u2019s not as straightforward as just purchasing a keyboard from a store \u2013 and it\u2019s not as affordable \u2013 but a custom keyboard offers superior typing experience, tons of customisation, and most of all, it feels \nrewarding \nwhen you\u2019ve built your first keyboard.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, you can always commission someone else to build a custom keyboard for you, but where\u2019s the fun in that?\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/when-should-you-change-your-phone/", "title": "When Should You Change Your Phone?", "body": "\n\nThe smartphone industry moves at a very rapid pace. That new, shiny phone you just got, for example, will be \u201creplaced\u201d with a newer, more feature-packed device just one year after its initial launch. With that in mind, there\u2019s a good chance the desire to upgrade your phone is an annual affair.\n\n\nWhile it\u2019s feasible for some folks to upgrade their smartphones every year, it\u2019s not always practical. If you\u2019re contemplating to change your phone, here are a number of things to consider:\n\n\nIt\u2019s Beginning to Show Its Age\n\n\nWe\u2019ve all been there: phones that could barely last through a whole day of use with a battery that had gone through many cycles of charging and discharging; stuttering and lagging that seem to get worse every day; or just a camera that isn\u2019t up to snuff anymore.\n\n\n\n\nWhile some of these issues can be rectified easily \u2013 such as getting the battery replaced \u2013 there comes a time where it\u2019s just more practical to change to an entirely different phone. The question is, how long should you use a phone before it\u2019s time for a replacement?\n\n\nPersonally, I think the best time to upgrade is after three years of use. It\u2019s a good rule of thumb: there should really be no major issues at all in the first two years of use, especially if it\u2019s a high-end flagship phone.\n\n\nIn my experience, it\u2019s only in the third year of ownership where a phone will start slowing down and start showing signs of major battery degradation.\n\n\n\n\nTo put this into context, I still swap back to the 2019 \nSamsung Galaxy S10+\n in between phones I\u2019m reviewing. Sure, it doesn\u2019t feel quite as speedy or as cutting-edge as a 2021 flagship phone, but it\u2019s still fast enough for regular use. Of course, its camera performance is still very good too.\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s move on to the next point, which happens more frequently than one might think.\n\n\nThe Screen Is Cracked\n\n\nChances are, you\u2019ve dropped your phone (hard) once or twice, and if you\u2019re unlucky enough, the screen cracked from the impact. Even if the phone still works with a cracked screen, you should really consider getting the screen replaced or getting a new phone.\n\n\n\n\nObviously, it\u2019s not safe to use a phone with a cracked glass screen; you wouldn\u2019t want to cut yourself. This is why a screen protector \u2013 especially a tempered glass one \u2013 is worth investing in. It\u2019s also wise to use a casing with a \u201craised lip\u201d over the screen that prevents it from making contact with the floor in the event of a fall.\n\n\nGranted, it\u2019s entirely possible that even with a casing and screen protector installed, the display can still break. In this case, get the screen replaced if it\u2019s still a relatively new phone, but keep the next point in mind first.\n\n\nIt Costs Too Much to Repair\n\n\nWhen it actually costs more to fix a phone than to outright buy a new one, it makes more financial sense to go with the latter option. However, there are a number of factors to consider. If it costs, say, RM1,000 to replace the screen of a flagship smartphone, it may be worth it to fix it up than to buy a RM1,000 mid-range device.\n\n\nThat being said, it\u2019s a different scenario entirely if we\u2019re talking about repairing a mid-range smartphone for the same amount of money, especially if a brand new unit doesn\u2019t cost that much more.\n\n\n\n\nLimited Software Support\n\n\nThis relates back to our first point, though it differs from one brand to another. While some phone makers promise up to four years of security updates \u2013 \nsuch as Samsung\n \u2013 a number of other manufacturers don\u2019t provide the same level of support; worse if they promise nothing at all.\n\n\nThere\u2019s no denying the importance of software support over the years of ownership. It\u2019s not just about not getting the latest features; security updates are vital to ensure that your phone is protected from malicious software. This is why it\u2019s also important to consider how well a phone maker handles software support when deciding to buy a certain phone.\n\n\nIn this regard, Apple\u2019s commitment to providing software updates to even its \nsix-year-old\n phone\n is worth commending \u2013 how many other phone makers do the same thing?\n\n\n\n\nOf course, at the end of the day, it\u2019s entirely up to you whether or not it\u2019s time to change to a new phone; this article is only meant to be a guide. After all, everyone has their own preferences \u2013 there is no one rule that applies to everyone.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-grab-the-samsung-galaxy-z-flip-with-over-rm1500-discount-now/", "title": "Deal: Grab the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip With Over RM1,500 Discount Now", "body": "\n\nWhen it was first launched in Malaysia back in March 2020, the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip\n retailed at a whopping RM5,888; the price was then revised to RM3,999 in February this year. Now, you can grab the foldable phone \nfor only RM2,499\n \u2013 that\u2019s a huge RM1,500 discount.\n\n\nThis deal on the Galaxy Z Flip is currently offered by \nSamsung\u2019s LazMall flagship store\n on Lazada in conjunction with the e-commerce platform\u2019s Mid-Year Sale. Unfortunately, it appears only the Mirror Black model is available; the Mirror Purple and Mirror Gold colour options are not offered.\n\n\n\n\nStill, \nfor RM2,499\n, you\u2019re getting a high-end smartphone with a unique foldable display. It\u2019s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ chipset \u2013 even though it was released back in 2019, it\u2019s still a capable processor \u2013 along with a 6.7-inch 2636 x 1080 Dynamic AMOLED \u201cInfinity Flex\u201d Display.\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, check out our hands-on of the foldable phone \nright here\n. Of course, be quick if you want to get this unique phone \nfor only RM2,499\n \u2013 there\u2019s no telling how long it will remain in stock.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-nitro-5-review-most-affordable-rtx-3080-gaming-laptop/", "title": "Acer Nitro 5 Review: Most Affordable RTX 3080 Gaming Laptop!", "body": "\n\nAcer\u2019s range of Nitro gaming laptops had always offered really good value for money, but none of its configurations were particularly high-end. But that changes with the new Acer Nitro 5: not only does it offer a beefy RTX 3080 GPU, it still retains its excellent value proposition.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for the most affordable RTX 3080 gaming laptop in the market now, look no further than the Nitro 5. However, there is an important caveat to this, which we\u2019ll get into in this review.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n15.6-inch QHD IPS (2560 x 1440), 165Hz\nProcessor\nAMD Ryzen 9 5900HX (8C/16T, 3.2GHz with boost up to 4.4GHz)\nGPU\nNvidia GeForce RTX 3080 8GB GDDR6 (85W TGP)\nRAM\n16GB DDR4\nStorage\n1TB PCIe NVMe SSD\nCamera\n720p\nBattery\n57.5Wh\nDimensions\n363.4 x 255 x 23.9 mm\nWeight\n2.2kg\nAudio\nBottom-firing stereo speakers\nPorts\n2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1\n1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2\n1x USB-C Gen 2\n1x HDMI 2.1\n1x RJ45\nPrice\nRM8,999\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, this RTX 3080 gaming laptop with a fast Ryzen 9 5900HX processor and an equally fast 165Hz QHD screen costs only RM8,999, but as I\u2019ve mentioned, there is a caveat here. Even though the RTX 3080 GPU sounds impressive on paper, it\u2019s only rated at 85W TGP.\n\n\nBasically, an RTX 3070 GPU with a higher TGP will be able to outperform this RTX 3080 GPU because of the TGP difference \u2013 crazy, isn\u2019t it? We\u2019ll get to this in more detail in the next section.\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nObviously, we have to talk about the gaming performance of the Nitro 5 first, which is, as expected, really good. Judge for yourself with these benchmarks below \u2013 all of the games were running at the laptop\u2019s native 2560 x 1440 QHD resolution.\n\n\nGames (max settings @ 2560 x 1440)\nAverage FPS\nBorderlands 3 (DX11)\n53.40\nControl (DX11)\n44.751\nWitcher 3 (HairWorks disabled)\n75.805\n\n\nNow, there\u2019s no denying that these are good numbers, but\u2026other gaming laptops with an RTX 3080 GPU can output higher numbers. Because it only has a 85W TGP, the Nitro 5\u2019s RTX 3080 can\u2019t quite deliver the same level of performance. Even the RTX 3070 GPU in the \nLenovo Legion 5 Pro\n \u2013 with a much higher 140W TGP \u2013 can deliver higher frame rates.\n\n\nThat\u2019s not to say the Nitro 5 is not a powerful gaming laptop, because it still is. In fact, powered by a Ryzen 9 5900HX processor, it offers more than enough processing power for most users. I put it through its paces in Cinebench R20, so see how it compares to other gaming laptops in the table below.\n\n\nProcessor\nSingle-core test\nMulti-core test\nAMD Ryzen 9 5900HX (Acer Nitro 5)\n561\n5042\nAMD Ryzen 7 5800H (Lenovo Legion 5 Pro)\n554\n5116\nAMD Ryzen 9 5900HX (Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 SE)\n566\n5461\nAMD Ryzen 9 5900HS (Asus ROG Flow X13)\n572\n4922\nAMD Ryzen 9 4900HS (Asus ROG Zephyrus G14)\n481\n4173\nAMD Ryzen 7 4800H (Asus TUF Gaming A15)\n481\n4106\nIntel Core i7-11370H (Asus TUF Dash F15)\n581\n2749\nIntel Core i7-10875H (Acer Predator Triton 500)\n483\n3773\n\n\nComplementing the high performance of the Nitro 5 is its 15.6-inch 2560 x 1440 IPS screen with a fast 165Hz refresh rate. The high refresh rate lend to excellent motion clarity in fast-paced games, and even just browsing the web with the fast panel is a pleasant experience.\n\n\nAs for the panel quality itself, it\u2019s really quite good. While I do wish the IPS screen was a tad brighter, it does offer vibrant colours with wide viewing angles. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed gaming and watching shows on this display.\n\n\n\n\nSystem noise of the Nitro 5 is surprisingly good too. Even when the system is pushed to its limits, the fans don\u2019t get obnoxiously loud. It\u2019s rare for a beefy gaming laptop like this to have such minimal system noise.\n\n\nIn terms of thermals, the Nitro 5 continues to impress. Though the CPU does get toasty under load \u2013 hitting a peak temperature of 91\u00b0C \u2013 the GPU only got up to 76\u00b0C. The palm rest area also stays relatively cool in long gaming sessions, so I can still game comfortably.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nGiven that the Nitro 5 is meant to be a budget-friendly gaming laptop, it does have some shortcomings here and there. Its design and build quality, for example, aren\u2019t particularly great. It has large screen bezels, the lid is a fingerprint magnet, and the bottom plastic chassis doesn\u2019t exactly inspire confidence either.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, packed with only a 57.5Wh battery, the Nitro 5 doesn\u2019t have particularly great battery life. Outside of gaming, the laptop only lasted me about four to five hours on a single charge. Evidently, the 165Hz QHD display draws quite a bit of power, along with the beefy GPU, of course.\n\n\nLast but not least are the soft speakers of the Nitro 5. Even at maximum volume, the speakers are just much too soft for any kind of content consumption.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nEven though the Acer Nitro 5\u2019s RTX 3080 GPU doesn\u2019t quite offer the level of performance one might expect, it\u2019s still a very fast, very capable gaming laptop with good value for money. Its list of positives easily make up for the laptop\u2019s shortcomings too.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re not interested in this RTX 3080 model, there are also other (more affordable) \nAMD variants of the Nitro 5\n, including an RTX 3060 configuration for only RM4,899. It\u2019s great to see that Acer is expanding the Nitro series beyond the mid-range gaming laptop segment, and we expect even more variants of the Nitro 5 to hit the market in the near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-new-version-preview-happening-on-9-july-inazuma-coming/", "title": "Genshin Impact New Version Preview Happening on 9 July \u2013 Inazuma Coming?", "body": "\n\nMihoyo just announced that it will be doing a preview for the next version of \nGenshin Impact\n this Friday on 9 July. Looking at the teaser image, there\u2019s a good chance the region of Inazuma will be added to the game in the new update.\n\n\nAs you can see in the teaser below, what appears to be a Statue of the Seven \u2013 which depicts the seven \u201cArchons\u201d in the world of Genshin Impact \u2013 is shown in the image. What\u2019s interesting is the fact that it doesn\u2019t look like any of the statues found in Mondstadt or Liyue, the two regions that are currently available in the game.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChances are, this is a Statue of the Seven found in the yet to be released region of Inazuma. After all, if we look back at the story teaser of Kazuha, it was revealed that the Raiden Shogun (the Electro Archon) is a female character, leading credence to this theory.\n\n\nAside from that, Mihoyo has also been teasing Inazuma in the past couple of livestreams with a number of concept arts. The developer even revealed three upcoming characters from Inazuma: Kamisato Ayaka, Yoimiya, and Sayu. These three characters are expected to be available in the next version of Genshin Impact.\n\n\nConcept arts of Inazuma\n\n\nNonetheless, we\u2019ll find out for ourselves once the new version preview of Genshin Impact is \nlive on Twitch\n at 8PM this Friday on 9 June for us here in Malaysia. The recording of the program will also be \nreleased on YouTube\n at 12AM on 10 July (Malaysian time).\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-honda-civic-malaysian-debut-was-set-for-q3-2021/", "title": "2022 Honda Civic Malaysian Debut Was Set for Q3 2021", "body": "\n\nPreviously, the \n2022 Honda Civic\n was teased to be arriving in Malaysia \nas early as this year\n by the President and Chief Operations Officer of Honda Malaysia, Sarly Adle Sarkum. However, this may no longer be the case in light of the \nmultiple COVID-19\n \nlockdowns\n in our country.\n\n\nAccording to \nWapCar\n, which quoted sources familiar with the matter, the 2022 Civic was originally set to debut in Malaysia in late Q3 or early Q4 2021. In fact, Honda Malaysia was supposedly set to preview the new Civic in Malaysia not long after the C-segment sedan is launched in Thailand later this month.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, there\u2019s a chance that the all-new Civic will still be launched in Malaysia sometime this year, but we reckon it\u2019s difficult for any carmaker to estimate exactly when they can launch new models in the current COVID-19 lockdown.\n\n\nAfter all, most of the automotive sector is still not allowed to operate right now. The production of vehicles and components are only set to resume in \nphase two of the National Recovery Plan (NRP)\n, and so far, only six states are in the second phase: Perak, Penang, Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu, and Perlis.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, if you\u2019ve got your eyes on the 2022 Honda Civic \u2013 and you\u2019re not in a rush to get a new car \u2013 it may be worth it to wait for the C-segment sedan to make its Malaysian debut, which could still happen this year. If it does launch here by the end of 2021, it will be able to enjoy the \nsales tax exemption\n, which has been extended to 31 December 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopees-shop-malaysia-online-campaign-offers-discounts-cashback-more-from-local-sellers/", "title": "Shopee\u2019s Shop Malaysia Online Campaign Offers Discounts, Cashback & More From Local Sellers", "body": "\n\nShopee\u2019s Shop Malaysia Online campaign is back again this year. The aim of the campaign is to encourage Shopee users to purchase items from local sellers, and it\u2019s doing so by offering discount vouchers, cashback, and even free shipping subsidies.\n\n\nOf course, these offers will only be applicable to sellers with the \u201cShopMalaysia\u201d label. There are several ways to find products in this category; Shopee even prepared an infographic for this below.\n\n\n\n\nOther than that, the Shop Malaysia Online campaign focuses on physical retailers too. Through the \nDeals Near Me\n feature, users can find cashback vouchers from nearby businesses, including food and beverages, convenience stores, and even pharmacies.\n\n\nNaturally, you can get discounts and cashback of more than RM3 with this feature. All you need to do is just purchase ShopeePay vouchers from 1 sen and redeem them with ShopeePay to enjoy these deals.\n\n\n\n\nMore information on Shopee\u2019s Shop Malaysia Online campaign can be found \nhere\n. You can also claim exclusive discount vouchers for the campaign over there.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/another-yes-4g-phone-caught-on-fire-third-reported-case/", "title": "Another Yes 4G Phone Caught on Fire \u2013 Third Reported Case", "body": "\n\nIt appears yet another Yes 4G phone caught on fire, making this the third reported case. Though the phone model was not revealed, it\u2019s likely the same Yes Altitude 3 phone, which was said to be \nsafe to use\n.\n\n\nThe images of the burnt phone were shared to the \nYes 4G Community Unofficial\n, a private Facebook group. Though the original post was deleted, \nscreen captures of the post\n already went viral.\n\n\nThough it\u2019s difficult to discern the model of the phone based on the two images, a glimpse of the Yes 4G logo can be seen in the back. According to the original post, the device was only used for two months when it caught on fire.\n\n\n\n\nPrior to this third reported case, YTL Communications (YTLC) said that its Yes Altitude 3 phone is safe to use. The battery of the phone is pinpointed to be the cause of the fire in the previous two incidences, so there\u2019s a chance that this is the case here too.\n\n\nYTLC has gotten in touch with the original poster to investigate the issue. Previously, the company reminds its customers to only use original chargers supplied with its phones, and to use SIRIM-certified charging cables that are in good condition. It remains to be seen if a third-party charger or cable is the cause of the fire in this particular incident.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-nitro-5-with-intel-tiger-lake-h-rtx-3060-now-in-malaysia-from-rm4799/", "title": "Acer Nitro 5 With Intel Tiger Lake-H & RTX 3060 Now in Malaysia From RM4,799", "body": "\n\nAcer just unveiled a new variant of its budget-oriented gaming laptop, the \nAcer Nitro 5\n. Powered by Intel\u2019s latest Tiger Lake-H processors with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, it\u2019s a reasonably powerful gaming laptop.\n\n\nTwo Intel variants of the Nitro 5 are available in Malaysia. The base model with a Core i5-11400H processor paired with 8GB of RAM retails at RM4,799, while the faster Core i7-11800H configuration with 16GB of RAM costs RM5,699.\n\n\n\n\nAside from the different processor and RAM capacities, but models of the Nitro 5 have the same specifications, including the same RTX 3060 GPU with 6GB of GDDR6 memory and 85W TGP. Even though the TGP isn\u2019t particularly high, it should be able to run most, if not all AAA games with no issue.\n\n\nOther hardware of the Nitro 5 include a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate, 512GB of SSD storage, a 23.9mm chassis that tips the scales at 2.2kg, along with a two-year local warranty; the first year is an international warranty too.\n\n\n\n\nThe RM5,699 Core i7 model of the Acer Nitro 5 is now available for purchase in Malaysia, and those who get it by 9 July will also receive a complimentary Acer Gateway FAE-i5 pro wireless earbuds worth RM239. The RM4,799 Core i5 configuration of the gaming laptop, on the other hand, will arrive here by the end of July 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-nova-8i-with-66w-fast-charging-snapdragon-662-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm1299/", "title": "Huawei Nova 8i With 66W Fast Charging & Snapdragon 662 Lands in Malaysia for RM1,299", "body": "\n\nJust as promised\n, the Huawei Nova 8i has just been launched in Malaysia. Sporting a fast 66W fast charging with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset, it\u2019s quite a sleek-looking mid-range smartphone too.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Nova 8i is offered in Malaysia. The sole 128GB variant with 8GB of RAM retails at RM1,299, and it is offered in three distinct colours: Interstellar Blue, Moonlight Silver, and Starry Black.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, one of the main highlights of the Nova 8i has to be its 66W fast charging. According to Huawei, the phone\u2019s 4,300mAh battery can be charged up to 60% in only 17 minutes. A full charge, on the other hand, takes only 38 minutes.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Nova 8i features a quad camera configuration. It\u2019s made up of a 64MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide angle shooter, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. All in all, a reasonably good camera setup for a mid-range smartphone.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Nova 8i include a 6.67-inch 2376 x 1080 screen with a impressive 94.7% screen-to-body ratio, a Snapdragon 662 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, as well as a 16MP selfie camera.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Huawei Nova 8i retails at RM1,299, and it will be \navailable for pre-order\n from tomorrow onwards on 7 July.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-mateview-premium-monitors-from-rm2488/", "title": "Huawei MateView & MateView GT Arrive in Malaysia; Premium Monitors From RM2,488", "body": "\n\nLaunched alongside the Nova 8i are two Huawei premium monitors, the Huawei MateView and Huawei MateView GT. The former is a premium 4K monitor, while the GT is a curved ultrawide gaming monitor.\n\n\nOut of the two, the MateView GT is the more affordable monitor. \nRetailing at RM2,488\n, it sports a 34-inch 3440 x 1440 VA panel with a wide 21:9 aspect ratio. It also has a 1500R curvature, and given that this is a gaming-centric monitor, it features a fast 165Hz refresh rate as well. Interestingly, it has a built-in stereo soundbar too.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the MateView 4K monitor, which is \npriced at RM2,988\n, it\u2019s catered to creative professionals who need accurate colour reproduction. The MateView\u2019s 28.2-inch 3840 x 2560 IPS screen with a 3:2 aspect ratio covers 98% of the DCI-P3 colour space, and it supports HDR400 as well.\n\n\nOther notable features of the MateView include an impressive 94% screen-to-body ratio \u2013 which lends to a sleek, modern-looking design \u2013 a maximum brightness of 500 nits, and just like the MateView GT, this monitor has built-in speakers too (along with dual microphones), though it\u2019s not a soundbar.\n\n\n\n\nBoth the Huawei MateView (RM2,988) and Huawei MateView GT (RM2,488) will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from tomorrow onwards on 7 July. Early birds who pre-order either one of these two monitors will also receive a RM100 instant rebate, along with a complimentary Huawei WiFi AX3 (Dual-Core) router.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nintendo-switch-oled-model-announced-bigger-oled-screen-bigger-price-tag/", "title": "Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) Announced \u2013 Bigger OLED Screen, Bigger Price Tag", "body": "\n\nThis is the new Nintendo Switch (OLED Model). As its name suggests, this updated Switch features a larger OLED screen, along with a number of other changes, such as a higher price tag.\n\n\nUnlike its predecessor, which had a 6.2-inch LCD screen, the OLED Switch features a larger 7-inch OLED panel with thinner bezels. As a result, it is also slightly larger and heavier than the previous Switch. On top of that, it has twice the amount of internal storage (64GB) now too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe stand of the OLED Switch sees a design revision as well. Instead of the original Switch\u2019s fragile-looking stand, this new Switch uses a much sturdier, wider stand that is also adjustable. This makes it easier to find for the right angle when the Switch is in tabletop mode.\n\n\nOther changes introduced in the new OLED Switch include a new dock with a wired LAN port, \u201cenhanced audio\u201d from the system\u2019s onboard speakers, and between 4.5 to 9 hours of battery life \u2013 the same quoted battery life as its predecessor. \n\n\n\n\nTwo colours of the Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) are available: this new white model with a matching dock, and the usual neon red/neon blue colourway with a black dock. The updated Switch will be available on 8 October for $350 (about RM1,455), making it $50 more expensive than its direct predecessor.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/infinix-hot-10s-with-6000mah-battery-starts-from-rm499-in-malaysia/", "title": "Infinix Hot 10S With 6,000mAh Battery Starts From RM499 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nInfinix just revealed the Malaysian pricing of its latest affordable smartphone, the \nInfinix Hot 10S\n. Set to go on sale on 13 July, the Hot 10S will retail from only RM499 locally.\n\n\nOf course, RM499 is for the base model of the Hot 10S, which features 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM. The 128GB configuration with the same amount of RAM, on the other hand, is priced at RM549. Two colours are available: Morandi Green and \u201c95\u00b0 Black.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nOne of the main appeals of the Hot 10S is its very generous 6,000mAh battery, which should be able to offer very good battery life. Aside from that, it also has a 6.82-inch IPS screen with a reasonably fast 90Hz refresh rate and 180Hz touch sampling rate, though it is only a 1640 x 720 panel.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Hot 10S are a MediaTek Helio G85 chipset paired with up to 6GB of RAM, 64GB or 128GB of expandable storage, a triple camera system (48MP primary + 2MP depth + \u201cAI lens\u201d), an 8MP selfie camera, a rear fingerprint sensor, and Android 11 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nWe were told that the Infinix Hot 10S will be available to be added to the cart \non Shopee\n from today onwards, though the product listing is not live yet at the time of writing. Anyway, it will go on sale in Malaysia next week on 13 July at RM499 and RM549 for the 64GB and 128GB models respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/msi-creator-z16-premium-laptop-with-rtx-3060-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "MSI Creator Z16 Premium Laptop With RTX 3060 Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nMSI\u2019s most premium laptop yet seems to be making its way to Malaysia. Enter the MSI Creator Z16, a slim, high-end laptop with some pretty beefy hardware under the hood, including Intel\u2019s latest Tiger Lake-H processors and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU.\n\n\nWhile we were going through SIRIM\u2019s database, we noticed that both Ingram Micro Malaysia and VSTECS Astar recently registered the Creator Z16 with the certification body. This suggests that the laptop will be made available in Malaysia soon \u2013 all electronics have to be registered with SIRIM first before they can be officially sold here.\n\n\n\n\nEven though the Creator Z16 is marketed as a machine for content creators, it can easily double as a gaming laptop, thanks to the RTX 3060 GPU under the hood. It can also be configured with a Core i7-11800H or Core i9-11900H processor; two very capable chips that will be able to meet the demand of most users.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Creator Z16 include a sharp 16-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and 16:10 aspect ratio \u2013 perfect for productivity tasks \u2013 up to 32GB of RAM, three NVMe SSD storage options (512GB, 1TB, 2GB), as well as a very generous 90Wh battery packed into a 15.9mm slim chassis.\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on the Malaysian availability of the MSI Creator Z16, but given that it has been registered with SIRIM already, we reckon it will make its local debut very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-2021-proton-persona-iriz-facelift-shown-in-pdrms-live-video/", "title": "Spy Shot: 2021 Proton Persona & Iriz Facelift Shown in PDRM\u2019s Live Video", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been a while since we\u2019ve seen any spy shots of the upcoming 2021 Proton Persona and Iriz. This time around, we got a look at the two upcoming models undisguised, courtesy of a Facebook live video from the Perak Police.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, these images of the facelifted Persona and Iriz (courtesy of \nPaultan.org\n) were taken from the \nPerak Police\n\u2018s live video on Facebook, which has since been taken down. Though it\u2019s not easy to make out all the details in the video, it does confirm a number of previous leaks and rumours.\n\n\n\n\nLED headlights, for one, are confirmed for the Persona and Iriz, though they\u2019re likely reserved for the higher-end trims. The updated 16-inch alloy wheels can be seen too, along with the new Infinite Weave grille and circular Proton logo.\n\n\nThe previously leaked \nfloating infotainment system\n of the Iriz \u2013 and effectively, the Persona too, given their similarities \u2013 is shown in the video as well. Unfortunately, there doesn\u2019t seem to be any footage of the \nIriz Active\n, which is believed to be the crossover version of the B-segment hatchback.\n\n\n\n\nPreviously, Proton said that the ongoing lockdown in Malaysia is putting a damper on its plans to \nintroduce new models\n, so it remains to be seen exactly when the 2021 Proton Persona and Iriz facelift will be launched.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/8-14-july-fuel-price-ron-97-up-1-sen/", "title": "8 \u2013 14 July Fuel Price: RON 97 up 1 Sen", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 continues to increase this coming week. RON 97 is set to go up by 1 sen per litre this midnight, while the prices of RON 95 and diesel remain the same, given that the price ceilings of the two have been reached.\n\n\nFor this coming week, the price of RON 97 is set at RM2.70 per litre (up from RM2.69). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, remains the same at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 8 to 14 July next week. New fuel prices will now be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nintendo-switch-oled-model-is-unexciting-but-it-will-still-sell/", "title": "Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) Is Unexciting, But It Will Still Sell", "body": "\n\nNintendo dropped a surprise announcement yesterday for its brand new console, the \nNintendo Switch (OLED Model)\n \u2013 yes, that\u2019s the official name of the new product. The main highlight of the updated Switch is the addition of a larger, more vibrant OLED screen, along with a number of other changes.\n\n\nBut beyond the screen upgrade, this OLED Switch is\u2026well, largely the same as its predecessor, for better or worse. While it\u2019s not quite as exciting as it was \nrumoured to be\n, the new console will still sell quite well. The thing is, there\u2019s no real need for Nintendo to upgrade the Switch any more than this to keep consumers interested.\n\n\n\n\nThis is not a new strategy for Nintendo either. In the past, it has released many different iterations of its consoles in the same generation. Take the Nintendo 3DS: there are a total of \nfour\n different versions of the portable console. Well, six, if the Nintendo 2DS and Nintendo 2DS XL are also taken into account.\n\n\nEach new iteration of Nintendo\u2019s consoles bring incremental upgrades, and unsurprisingly, the same applies to the OLED Switch. Compared to the previous version \u2013 which may continue to be sold alongside this OLED model \u2013 the biggest upgrade is the 7-inch 720p OLED screen from a 6.2-inch LCD panel of the same resolution.\n\n\n\n\nYou also get slimmer bezels with the OLED Switch, a sturdier, wider stand that is now adjustable, as well as a new dock with a wired LAN port. Oh, despite its larger display, the OLED Switch still has the same quoted battery life between 4.5 to 9 hours of use on a single charge, so that\u2019s neat.\n\n\nAnd\u2026that\u2019s it. Unlike what rumours have suggested, there\u2019s no 4K support when the OLED Switch is hooked up to a TV; it still only outputs up to 1080p resolution like the current Switch. Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) support for improved graphics performance is not available either.\n\n\nIn a statement to \nThe Verge\n, Nintendo even clarified that the OLED Switch has mostly the same internals as the current model. Well, aside from the larger 64GB built-in storage instead of 32GB.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re an existing Switch user \u2013 especially if you purchased the revised 2019 model \u2013 there\u2019s little reason to upgrade to this OLED version. After all, most of the upgrades are focused on the handheld experience of the console.\n\n\nOnce the OLED Switch is connected to a TV, you get exactly the same gameplay experience; even the Joy-Con controllers are the same. Unless you absolutely need the LAN port of the new dock, the updated Switch won\u2019t really appeal to current owners.\n\n\nThe new dock has a LAN port right below the HDMI input\n\n\nHowever, those who own the Switch Lite may find the OLED Switch compelling for its superior handheld experience, though the latter is a much bigger system. More importantly, it\u2019s an especially attractive option if they\u2019ve been waiting for an excuse to get a new Switch that can be connected to a TV \u2013 this was one of the disadvantages of the handheld-only Switch Lite.\n\n\nBesides that, the OLED Switch may just be the one to convince potential owners to pick up the system, regardless of how incremental the upgrade is over the current model. Speaking from personal experience, I wanted to get the Switch for the longest time, but I didn\u2019t want to purchase the older model when a new version is just beyond the horizon.\n\n\nIn fact, that\u2019s exactly what happened when I got myself the original 3DS XL. It was only a couple of months after I got the console when the \u201cNew\u201d 3DS XL was introduced.\n\n\n\n\nNow, if I hadn\u2019t bought the revised Switch back in 2019, I would definitely be interested to pick up this OLED model instead, even if it costs slightly more over the existing model. For context, the current Switch retails at $300 (about RM1,250) in the US, while the OLED version is set to go for $350 (approximately RM1,455) once it is available on 8 October 2021.\n\n\nYes, the upgrades that the OLED Switch bring aren\u2019t exactly game-changing, but as I\u2019ve said earlier, Nintendo don\u2019t exactly need to update this handheld console any more than what it already did for the Switch to fly off the shelves. It\u2019s already a very successful product as it is.\n\n\nBy releasing the OLED Switch, the Japanese company can continue to maintain the sales momentum of the console, and maybe move \neven more\n units with the bigger, better system.\n\n\n\n\nAs \u201cunexciting\u201d as the Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) is, I\u2019m confident the new console will still be well-received. While I was personally hoping the Joy-Con controller would be updated accordingly \u2013 my right Joy-Con is already drifting a little bit \u2013 the new Switch is still a great addition to Nintendo\u2019s lineup.\n\n\nHopefully, once the OLED Switch is available here in Malaysia, it won\u2019t be priced too high due to limited stocks \u2013 that\u2019s what happened when the revised Switch and Switch Lite arrived here back in 2019.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sp-star-luminous-cyber-review-clacky-linear-switch-that-literally-glows/", "title": "SP-Star Luminous Cyber Review: Clacky Linear Switch That Literally Glows", "body": "\n\nThe switch of a keyboard is a very personal choice when building a custom keyboard, in my opinion. While some like switches with a deep, thocky sound profile, others (like myself) prefer switches with a clacky, higher-pitched sound signature.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re the latter, then you\u2019d want to check out the SP-Star Luminous Cyber switch. Not only is it a clacky linear switch with very little stem wobble, it also has a unique all-polycarbonate housing\u2026that glows in the dark. I\u2019ve used it for quite some time now, and it is easily one of my favourite linear switches.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThere are two switches in the SP-Star Luminous series: this Cyber colourway with a light green housing and black stem, as well as the Starry Night version with a blue housing and yellow stem. Beyond the different colour scheme, these two switches are identical to each other.\n\n\nBoth SP-Star Luminous switches are linear switches with a 62g gold plated spring. Unlike most switches in the market, both the top and bottom housing of the Luminous are made of polycarbonate, which likely contributes to its clacky sound profile. These two switches also have a five-pin design.\n\n\nAside from that, the Luminous also has some light factory lubing out of the box, so it does feel quite smooth right off the bat.\n\n\nThe SP-Star Luminous Starry Night (left) and Cyber\n\n\nPricing wise, I got the Luminous Cyber from \nKeys on Shopee\n. I purchased 100 units, so I basically paid RM2.50 per switch. This puts it in the same price range as more premium switches such as the \nCobalt POM\n, and it certainly performs like one \u2013 more on that in the next section.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nThanks to the light factory lube, the SP-Star Luminous Cyber is quite smooth out of the box. The downstroke does have a slight bit of scratch to it, but once I\u2019ve lubed it with some Krytox 205g0, it\u2019s just as smooth as the best linear switches in the market.\n\n\nI\u2019m also impressed with the lack of wobble on the stem of the Luminous Cyber. This makes for a very, very stable typing experience, and not many switches can compete with it in this respect. In fact, it\u2019s very comparable to the \nGazzew Bobagum\n; a silent linear switch with very little stem wobble too.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, there\u2019s also the clacky sound profile of the Luminous Cyber, which reminds me quite a bit of the NovelKeys Cream \u2013 minus the scratch of course. Compared to the Cream, the Luminous isn\u2019t quite as loud either. The acoustics of a switch is a subjective matter, but if you like a clacky sound signature, you won\u2019t be disappointed with this switch.\n\n\nWhat lends to the clacky sound profile of the Luminous Cyber is its all-polycarbonate housing. The housing of a typical MX-style switch has a polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom for a more solid bottom out. The fact that the Luminous has an all-polycarbonate housing instead is what gives it such a clacky sound profile.\n\n\n\n\nOh, as its name suggests, the Luminous Cyber glows in the dark as well. Yes, once the switch is installed on a keyboard with keycaps on, it won\u2019t be visible, but it\u2019s still a unique feature. I mean, just look at how nice it looks in the dark.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWhile I love the clacky sound profile of the SP-Star Luminous Cyber switch, I\u2019m sure there are folks that do not share my sentiment. If you want a switch that thocks instead of clacks, you\u2019d be better off with a different option, such as the \nCobalt POM\n with its long stem pole.\n\n\nOther than that, in its stock form, the Luminous Cyber does have some leaf noise; it definitely needs to be lubed to eliminate this leaf ticking. While you got the switch opened up for lubing, consider filming it as well. Even though it has very little stem wobble, the top housing does move slightly with some applied pressure.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the asking price of the Luminous Cyber. A couple of local sellers on Shopee do carry the switch, but retailing at around \nRM2.65 per switch\n \u2013 RM2.50 if you get a minimum of 100 units from \nKeys\n \u2013 it\u2019s not a budget-oriented switch.\n\n\nThat being said, you do get your money\u2019s worth with the Luminous Cyber.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you want a switch with a clacky sound profile, very little stem wobble, and a unique housing that glows in the dark \u2013 yes, I consider this a selling point \u2013 then the SP-Star Luminous Cyber is absolutely worth it. You do need to lube and film the switch to bring out its full potential, but once you do, it\u2019s easily one of the best linear switches in the market now.\n\n\n\n\nSP-Star is not quite as popular as more established switch manufacturers like JWK and Gateron, but I do think it has what it takes to be one of the top brands if it keeps producing switches like the Luminous series. Who knows, maybe it will put out a thocky switch in due time \u2013 I\u2019ll be keeping a close eye on SP-Star\u2019s future releases.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/custom-keyboard-hotswap-vs-solderable-pcb-which-is-superior/", "title": "Custom Keyboard \u2013 Hotswap vs. Solderable PCB; Which Is Superior?", "body": "\n\nThere are quite a number of different parts to consider when you\u2019re \nbuilding a custom mechanical keyboard\n, and one of the most debated options is the choice of PCB: should you go with a hotswap or a solderable PCB? Is one better than the other?\n\n\nTo that end, we will list out the advantages and disadvantages of the two PCB options in this article. The short answer is, there is no \u201csuperior\u201d PCB \u2013 it all comes down to preference, which really defines the custom keyboard hobby.\n\n\nAdvantages of Hotswap PCB\n\n\nThe biggest advantage of going with a hotswap PCB is the ease of switch installation, making it very beginner-friendly. All you need to do is just ensure that the two pins of a switch are straight, install it to the PCB, and\u2026you\u2019re good to go! You don\u2019t have to go through the trouble of soldering each individual switch to the PCB.\n\n\n\n\nAnother reason why a hotswap PCB is ideal for those who are new to the hobby is the fact that it allows beginners to try various switches seamlessly. It\u2019s important to figure out what kind of switch you like and don\u2019t like when you\u2019re new to the hobby, and a hotswap PCB facilitates this stage of\u2026discovery, if you will.\n\n\nOther than that, a hotswap PCB makes keyboard tuning and maintenance much, much easier as well. Say you\u2019ve been using your keyboard for a couple of years now, and you need to relube your switches \u2013 yes, you need to relube your switches after some time.\n\n\nWith a hotswap PCB, you can just pull the switches out of your keyboard without the need to desolder them.\n\n\n\n\nTuning your stabilisers is not quite as difficult with a hotswap PCB either, assuming you\u2019re using screw-in stabilisers. The thing is, in order to access the screw-in stabilisers on your keyboard, you usually need to completely disassemble it. That requires you to remove every part that is connected to the PCB, including the switches and plate.\n\n\nTrust me, while you may have tuned your stabilisers very well in the initial assembly, they could start ticking somewhere down the road. Granted, you can inject lube directly into the stabiliser housing to try and solve this, but sometimes \u2013 most of the time, in my case \u2013 this doesn\u2019t solve the ticking.\n\n\n\n\nDisadvantages of Hotswap PCB\n\n\nRight off the bat, if you go with a hotswap PCB, you\u2019re stuck with only one layout. Of course, certain keyboards \u2013 such as the \nIkki68 Aurora\n \u2013 does offer slightly more layout options, but it still doesn\u2019t compare to the sheer flexibility of a solderable PCB in this regard.\n\n\nOn top of that, you cannot do half plate builds with a hotswap PCB either. As the switches are not \u201cattached\u201d to the PCB as well as soldered switches are, it\u2019s not recommended to use a half plate with a hotswap PCB.\n\n\nBasically, a half plate (as its name suggests) does not cover the alphas of a keyboard. So if you\u2019re using a hotswap PCB with such a plate, the switches in the alphas portion are basically \u201csuspended\u201d without any support from the plate \u2013 you risk damaging a hotswap PCB by doing so.\n\n\n\n\nAdvantages of Solderable PCB\n\n\nAs mentioned in the previous section, a solderable PCB allows you to set your layout to your liking with almost no limitations. Want to use a longer 7u spacebar instead of a 6.25u spacebar? No problem. Prefer a split backspace instead of a full one? Done.\n\n\nOf course, you can also use a half plate with a solderable PCB, which gives you a softer typing experience. As the alphas portion of a half plate is exposed, you\u2019re typing directly on the PCB itself. If the PCB has flex cuts, you\u2019ll get an even softer, less harsh typing experience \u2013 you don\u2019t get such flexibility with a hotswap PCB.\n\n\nAside from that, a solderable PCB doesn\u2019t cost as much as a hotswap PCB either. The price difference isn\u2019t particularly big \u2013 it\u2019s about $10 more in most cases \u2013 but it\u2019s definitely something worth pointing out. However, that\u2019s not the whole picture; I\u2019ll get to this in the next section.\n\n\n\n\nDisadvantages of Solderable PCB\n\n\nEven though a solderable PCB doesn\u2019t cost as much as its hotswap counterpart, you need more items to assemble it, including a soldering iron and desoldering tools. Depending on whether or not you have such items already, these do drive up the \u201ccost of ownership\u201d of a solderable PCB.\n\n\nThat also means it requires more work to assemble a keyboard with a solderable PCB, as you need to solder each individual switch to the PCB. If you\u2019re inexperienced with a soldering iron, you may even damage the PCB in the assembly process.\n\n\nBut in my opinion, the biggest disadvantage of a solderable PCB is its inability to easily swap out switches. This makes a number of keyboard maintenance much harder, including stabiliser tuning, relubing switches, or even troubleshooting any issue with the keyboard.\n\n\n\n\nSo there you have it. Depending on your preference, you may prefer a hotswap or solderable PCB. Personally, I always go with a hotswap PCB for the ease of installation, even if that means I\u2019m limited to a single layout or I can\u2019t do a half plate build.\n\n\nBesides, I \nreview keyboard switches\n on a regular basis too \u2013 having a hotswap PCB makes this process a lot easier.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/qualcomm-launches-its-own-phone-with-asus-for-rm6280/", "title": "Qualcomm Launches Its Own Phone With Asus for RM6,280", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019ve always wanted a smartphone from Qualcomm itself, you can get one now. Developed in collaboration with Asus, the \u201cSmartphone for Snapdragon Insiders\u201d is sold directly to members of the Snapdragon Insider fan community\u2026for a cool $1,500 \u2013 that\u2019s about RM6,280.\n\n\nDespite its steep price tag, the Qualcomm-branded phone is just your standard flagship smartphone. On top of that, it only features a Snapdragon 888 chipset instead of the newer \nSnapdragon 888+ SoC\n, which offers faster CPU and AI Engine.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut to Qualcomm\u2019s credit, this is one of the first Android phones to feature the new Snapdragon Sound classification; it promises high fidelity music playback at up to 24-bit 96kHz. The company is even bundling a pair of \u201cpremium\u201d Master & Dynamic wireless earbuds with a charging case to take advantage of this feature.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Qualcomm-branded phone include a 6.78-inch 1080p Samsung AMOLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate, 16GB of RAM, 512GB of internal storage, a triple camera system (64MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle + 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom), a 24MP selfie camera, as well as a 4,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\nQualcomm\u2019s Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders will be available sometime in August 2021. It will be sold through Asus, though it remains to be seen if it will also be offered locally here in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-1-iii-costs-rm5799-in-malaysia-available-this-month/", "title": "Sony Xperia 1 III Costs RM5,799 in Malaysia \u2013 Available This Month", "body": "\n\nSony Malaysia previous told us that its latest flagship smartphone, the \nSony Xperia 1 III\n, will be sold here in July this month. Well, the phone has now been listed on Sony Malaysia\u2019s website along with its local pricing.\n\n\nGiven its positioning as a premium, high-end smartphone, it\u2019s no surprise that the Xperia 1 III retails at a whopping RM5,799 in Malaysia. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting 256GB of expandable storage and 12GB of RAM.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the main highlights of the Xperia 1 III is its \u201cvariable telephoto lens\u201d system that allows the 12MP telephoto sensor of the to change its focal length between 70mm to 105mm. The system is also paired with a \u201cDual PD sensor,\u201d which promises fast autofocus speeds, even when switching between different focal lengths.\n\n\nComplementing the telephoto lens of the Xperia 1 III is a 12MP primary sensor, along with a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter. Other specifications of the flagship phone include a sharp and vibrant 120Hz 6.5-inch 4K OLED screen, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, an 8MP selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery, IP65/IP68 rating, and Android 11 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nEven though the Malaysian pricing of the Sony Xperia 1 III has been revealed already, we haven\u2019t heard yet from Sony Malaysia on exactly when it will be sold here. Rest assured, we\u2019ll keep a close eye on the local availability of the high-end phone.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-5-iii-coming-to-malaysia-august-2021-for-rm4599/", "title": "Sony Xperia 5 III Coming to Malaysia August 2021 for RM4,599", "body": "\n\nAside from the Xperia 1 III, Sony Malaysia also listed the more compact Sony Xperia 5 III flagship smartphone on its website. Given its more compact form factor and slightly different hardware, it\u2019s quite a bit more affordable too.\n\n\nCompared to the Xperia 1 III much dearer RM5,799 asking price, the Xperia 5 III retails at only RM4,599. Of course, it\u2019s still quite a steep price tag, but it does share a lot of the Xperia 1 III\u2019s hardware, including the variable telephoto lens system.\n\n\nThe Sony Xperia 1 III (left) and the Xperia 5 III\n\n\nBasically, this allows the 12MP telephoto sensor of the Xperia 5 III to change its focal length between 70mm to 105mm. Paired with a \u201cDual PD sensor,\u201d it promises fast autofocus speeds too, even when switching between different focal lengths. This phone also features a 12MP primary sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter.\n\n\nRounding out the hardware of the Xperia 5 III are a 6.1-inch 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, 256GB of expandable storage, an 8MP selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery, as well as an IP65/IP68 rating.\n\n\n\n\nSony Malaysia previously told us that the Sony Xperia 5 III will be sold in Malaysia \nsometime next month in August 2021\n, so we reckon this is still the plan.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-10-iii-mid-ranger-retails-at-rm1999-in-malaysia-available-august-2021/", "title": "Sony Xperia 10 III Mid-Ranger Retails at RM1,999 in Malaysia \u2013 Available August 2021", "body": "\n\nSony Malaysia updated its website with \nquite a number of\n \nnew product listings\n, including the \nSony Xperia 10 III\n mid-range smartphone. With that, we now know the local pricing of the mid-ranger once it goes on sale here next month in August.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Xperia 10 III retails at RM1,999 \u2013 quite a steep price tag for a mid-range smartphone. This doesn\u2019t come as a surprise of course, given that its predecessor, the \nXperia 10 II\n, went for RM1,799 at launch.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Xperia 10 III features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 chipset, which should be faster and more power-efficient than its predecessor\u2019s Snapdragon 665 chipset. After all, it\u2019s built on an 8nm process instead of the Snapdragon 665\u2019s 11nm process, which should translate to better battery life.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xperia 10 III include a compact 6-inch 2520 x 1080 OLED screen, a triple camera system (12MP f/1.8 primary + 8MP f/2.4 telephoto + 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle), an 8MP f/2.0 selfie camera, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, a generous 4,500mAh battery, and an IP65/IP68 rating.\n\n\n\n\nThe Sony Xperia 10 III should be arriving in Malaysia next month in August 2021. Although its RM1,999 price tag is quite high for a mid-range smartphone, you don\u2019t often see a device with such a feature set \u2013 such as its compact form factor and water resistance \u2013 in this segment.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/death-stranding-directors-cut-coming-to-ps5-24-september-for-rm209-rm50-to-upgrade-from-ps4/", "title": "Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut Coming to PS5 24 September for RM209 \u2013 RM50 to Upgrade From PS4", "body": "\n\nAt PlayStation\u2019s latest State of Play event, the release date of Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut for the PlayStation 5 has been revealed. Set to arrive on the next-gen system on 24 September, the PS5 version of the game brings a number of improvements.\n\n\nNaturally, Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut is fully remastered and expanded for the PS5. These include new weapons, monsters, equipment, and even new storylines. I\u2019m personally excited for more story content, which I consider to be the \nbest part of the game\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, there are a number of PS5-only enhancements as well. Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut will take advantage of the DualSense\u2019s adaptive triggers and refined haptic feedback to deliver a more immersive experience, not to mention two graphics options: Performance Mode (upscaled 4K resolution at 60fps) and Fidelity Mode (native 4K). There\u2019s even support for HDR and ultrawide aspect ratio.\n\n\nYou can also transfer your PS4 save of Death Stranding to the PS5; upgrading from the PS4 version costs only RM50 too for the Digital Deluxe Edition. The Standard Edition of the game, on the other hand, \ngoes for RM209\n, but if you want the Digital Deluxe Edition instead, that will \nset you back RM249\n.\n\n\n\n\nDeath Stranding Director\u2019s Cut will be available on the PlayStation 5 on 24 September 2021. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the game, check out our review \nright here\n \u2013 it\u2019s a bizarre game, but it\u2019s also an absolute joy to play through.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-prism-x340-pro-165hz-review/", "title": "Video: PRISM+ X340 Pro 165Hz Review", "body": "\n\nPRISM+ released \nquite a number of gaming monitors\n with very good value for money, and the \nPRISM+ X340 Pro 165Hz\n is no different. After all, it\u2019s a 34-inch curved ultrawide gaming monitor with a sharp 3440 x 1440 VA panel running at 165Hz\u2026for only RM1,799.\n\n\nReally, the X340 Pro 165Hz offers really, really good value for money. Not only does it have a pleasant screen to look at, the ultrawide nature of the display also makes it ideal for gaming and productivity tasks. The 1500R curvature of the screen lends to a more immersive gaming experience too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re in the market for a 34-inch ultrawide gaming monitor, then watch our video review of the PRISM+ X340 Pro 165Hz above! Want to read our written review instead? It can be found \nright here\n. You can also purchase this gaming monitor at\u00a0\nPRISM+\u2019s official website\n as well as \nLazada\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-version-2-0-arrives-21-july-adds-inazuma-region-new-characters-cross-save-with-playstation/", "title": "Genshin Impact Version 2.0 Arrives 21 July \u2013 Adds Inazuma Region, New Characters, Cross-Save With PlayStation", "body": "\n\nMihoyo just announced \nGenshin Impact\n\u2018s biggest expansion yet. Not only will the Version 2.0 update add the region of Inazuma \u2013 the third major city in the game \u2013 three new playable characters are also coming. And get this: cross-platform progression with PlayStation will be implemented too.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the region of Inazuma. Come 21 July, players will be able to journey to the six main islands of Inazuma. As you can see in the video trailer below, the new region will add new mechanics, enemies, bosses, as well as new quests.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAyaka\nYoimiya\nSayu\n\n\nAside from that, three new playable characters will also be added in Genshin Impact Version 2.0. Kamisato Ayaka, a 5-star Cryo sword user, will have her event wish first, followed by Yoimiya (5-star Pyro archer) and Sayu (4-star Anemo claymore user) in the same banner.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the addition of cross-platform progression with PlayStation. If you\u2019re currently playing Genshin Impact on the PS5 or PS4, you\u2019d be happy to know that you can continue your progress on other platforms in Version 2.0, including Android, iOS, and of course, PC.\n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact Version 2.0 will go live on 21 July; Ayaka\u2019s event wish should be available on the same day as well. It\u2019s great to see Mihoyo continue to improve the game long after its initial launch back in September. Genshin Impact is certainly shaping up to the one of the biggest live service games in the market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-version-2-0-trailer-is-amazing-teases-upcoming-characters/", "title": "Genshin Impact Version 2.0 Trailer Is Amazing \u2013 Teases Upcoming Characters", "body": "\n\nGenshin Impact\n Version 2.0 was previewed by Mihoyo yesterday, and it\u2019s jam-packed with new content. The region of Inazuma \u2013 the third major city in the game \u2013 will finally be accessible in the new update, along with the addition of \nnine\n new characters.\n\n\nOut of these nine characters, three are confirmed to be playable: Kamisato Ayaka, Yoimiya, and Sayu. That being said, we reckon there\u2019s a good chance the others will also be playable sometime in the future.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Raiden Shogun\nKujou Sara\nSangonomiya Kokomi\nYae Miko\nThoma\nGorou\n\n\nAnyway, the six characters that will make an appearance in the new Inazuma story include Yae Miko, Kujou Sara, Sangonomiya Kokomi, Thoma, Gorou, and of course, the Raiden Shogun herself, who is the Electro Archon.\n\n\nOf course, the video trailer above also gives us a speak peek of the storyline for the Inazuma region. In my opinion, Genshin Impact tells a \nvery compelling narrative\n, so I\u2019m excited to see how the story will progress in the new update.\n\n\nKamisato Ayaka\nYoimiya\nSayu\n\n\nGenshin Impact Version 2.0 will be \navailable on 21 July\n. Ayaka\u2019s event wish should go live on the same day as well, followed by Yoimiya and Sayu; both of them will be featured in the same event wish.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-weapon-pity-improved-in-version-2-0/", "title": "Genshin Impact Weapon Pity Improved in Version 2.0", "body": "\n\nGenshin Impact\n\u2018s weapon event wishes has a pity system that\u2019s quite punishing, but this changes in the \nVersion 2.0 update\n that\u2019s coming on 21 July. Thanks to the new \u201cEpitomized Path\u201d mechanic, you\u2019re now guaranteed to get the featured 5-star weapon that you want.\n\n\nOf course, the new mechanic does have a number of caveats. For one, you are only guaranteed the featured 5-star weapon that you have chosen once you have received two 5-star weapons that you didn\u2019t initially pick. Basically, the third 5-star weapon you get will be the one that you\u2019ve selected or \u201ccharted.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nIn order to take advantage of the new Epitomized Path system, you need to \u201cchart a course\u201d to the 5-star weapon that you want before you start wishing. Once you\u2019ve done that, you will receive one \u201cFate Point\u201d when you obtain a 5-star weapon that\u2019s not the one you chose.\n\n\nAnd once you have collected two Fate Points, the next 5-star weapon you get is guaranteed to be the one you have chosen in the beginning. Do note that Fate Points will reset when a particular event wish rotates out, so you need to use them up before the next event wish is live.\n\n\nThe Fate Points can be seen in the lower left screen\n\n\nOf course, the pity system for the \ncharacter event wish\n is still better; you\u2019re guaranteed the featured character the second time you receive a 5-star unit. Nonetheless, the new Epitomized Path mechanic does give more incentives to roll in the weapon banner now. More details on this new system can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-playstation-cross-save-what-you-need-to-know/", "title": "Genshin Impact PlayStation Cross-Save \u2013 What You Need to Know", "body": "\n\nGenshin Impact\n will finally introduce cross-platform progression for the PlayStation platform once the \nVersion 2.0 update\n is live on 21 July. It\u2019s quite a big deal, as it now enables PS4 and PS5 players to continue their progress on other platforms seamlessly.\n\n\nHowever, there are also a number of details that you need to know before you start linking your accounts, especially if you plan to play on multiple platforms. Before the Version 2.0 update is live, here are a number of important details you need to be aware of in regards to the new PlayStation cross-save for Genshin Impact.\n\n\n\n\nLinking Your PSN and Mihoyo Accounts Can Get Tricky\n\n\nIf you want to link your current Genshin Impact account on PC, iOS, or Android \u2013 also referred to as a Mihoyo account \u2013 to PlayStation Network, you must ensure that you have never logged in to the game on your PSN account. If you\u2019ve played the game with your PSN profile before, it will not be possible to perform the link, unfortunately enough.\n\n\nAccording to Mihoyo, account linking cannot be done in this case because a PSN account \u201cautomatically registers a Mihoyo account after logging into Genshin Impact.\u201d The same goes for linking your PSN account to another email address to continue your progress on other platforms \u2013 it has to be an email that\u2019s not associated with any Mihoyo account.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve never played Genshin Impact with your PSN account, great! You can just launch the game once Version 2.0 is live, and follow the instructions on the pop-up window to link your Mihoyo account to the respective PSN profile.\n\n\nOf course, make sure that you \ndo not\n skip the pop-up notification. Otherwise, the PSN account will log into the game and register for a brand new Mihoyo account, disabling the ability to link your current account to your particular PSN profile.\n\n\n\n\nThe linking process to continue your progress on other platforms from PlayStation is a little easier. All you need to do is just login to the game on your PS4 or PS5, head on to Settings > Account > User Center > Link Account, and click on the option to link your account to an email address that is \nnot associated\n with a Mihoyo account.\n\n\nAnd that\u2019s it: you can use the email address to login to Genshin Impact on PC, Android, or iOS. Oh, make sure that you\u2019re logging into the correct server region when you\u2019re playing on other platforms. This is dictated by the region the PSN account is set to \u2013 refer to the table below to find out which server you\u2019re in.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that once you\u2019ve linked your Mihoyo account to a PSN profile and vice versa, they cannot be unlinked. Aside from that, if you\u2019re continuing your progress from other platforms to PlayStation, any relevant trophies will be automatically unlocked once the account linking is done \u2013 that\u2019s quite cool!\n\n\nGenesis Crystals Are Not Shared Across Platforms\n\n\nGenesis Crystals, the premium in-game currency of Genshin Impact, do not carryover to different platforms. Say you have 600 Genesis Crystals in your PlayStation account: that amount will not be reflected on PC, iOS, or Android.\n\n\nSimply put, the same pool of Genesis Crystals are shared among PC, iOS, and Android platforms; only PlayStation has its own pool of Genesis Crystals. This is an important thing to keep in mind, lest you\u2019ll end up with two separate collections of Genesis Crystals.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGranted, you can always convert your Genesis Crystals to Primogems. Unlike the former, the amount of Primogems you have in your account are actually shared across every platform. Of course, purchasing the Blessing of the Welkin Moon or the Battle Pass on any platform shouldn\u2019t matter either; only Genesis Crystals need special attention.\n\n\nPlayStation-Only Rewards Won\u2019t Work on Other Platforms\n\n\nCurrently, Genshin Impact players on PlayStation have access to two exclusive items: the Wings of Descension wind glider and the Sword of Descension 4-star sword. Unfortunately, the wind glider won\u2019t be available for use on other platforms \u2013 it is only accessible when playing the game on PS4 or PS5.\n\n\nInterestingly, the Sword of Descension will be available to equip when you\u2019re playing the game on other platforms, but the \u201cDescension\u201d passive effect will not be applicable. Needless to say, you\u2019ll need to be on PlayStation to make full use of this weapon.\n\n\n\n\nDespite some of these limitations, it\u2019s great that Genshin Impact\u2019s cross-platform progression \u2013 which is \none of the best aspects of the game\n \u2013 is finally coming to PlayStation. We imagine this will even attract more players to the live service game, especially for PS4 and PS5 owners that do not want to be limited to only one platform.\n\n\nTo recap, cross-save with PlayStation will be available once Genshin Impact Version 2.0 is live from 21 July onwards. The region of Inazuma will also be added in the new update, along with \nnine\n new characters\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-begins-vaccination-of-employees-fully-vaccinated-by-august-2021/", "title": "Proton Begins Vaccination of Employees \u2013 Fully Vaccinated by August 2021", "body": "\n\nProton just confirmed in a press release that it has begun vaccinating its employees from today onwards. Staff of the national carmaker who have not been vaccinated yet have been notified of their appointments through the MySejahtera app; the vaccination exercise will be taking place over the next few days.\n\n\nIn an effort to vaccinate its employees, Proton has repurposed its sports complex at the Tanjung Malim plant in Perak to be an industry vaccine dispensing centre (PPVIN). It\u2019s capable of administering 800 doses of vaccine daily, and it will be operating for six days to ensure that Proton staff \u2013 as well as its vendors based there \u2013 will be vaccinated.\n\n\n\n\nAs for Proton\u2019s staff at its Shah Alam headquarters, they will be vaccinated at the Shah Alam Convention Centre (SACC) instead. This is because there\u2019s no space large enough at the carmaker\u2019s Shah Alam headquarters for a temporary PPV that complies with SOP requirements.\n\n\n\u201cProton hopes that by vaccinating our staff, we will contribute to reducing the number of COVID-19 infections in Malaysia. With other companies undertaking similar initiatives, this should help in efforts to restart the automotive industry that has been put on hold by lockdown measures,\u201d said the CEO of Proton, Dr Li Chunrong.\n\n\n\n\nThis vaccination exercise will be repeated three weeks later for the second dose of the vaccine. With this in mind, Proton expects most of its employees to be fully vaccinated by the first half of August 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-game-sold-for-an-eye-watering-rm6-5-million/", "title": "This Game Sold for an Eye-Watering RM6.5 Million", "body": "\n\nCollectibles can go for an astronomical amount of money, and this could very well be the most expensive game to ever be sold. A sealed copy of Super Mario 64 for the classic Nintendo 64 console went for auction yesterday at Heritage Auctions, and it sold for \na whopping $1,560,000\n \u2013 that comes up to about RM6.5 million.\n\n\nThis sealed Super Mario 64 cartridge is said to be the \u201chighest graded copy of the single best-selling video game on the Nintendo 64.\u201d It\u2019s worth noting that it also had a $100,000 starting price for the auction, which is already quite high.\n\n\n\n\nJust a couple of days prior to the sale of this incredibly expensive copy of Super Mario 64, another Nintendo game \u2013 The Legend of Zelda for the NES \u2013 was sold at the same auction house. This particular game went for \na cool $870,000\n, which is approximately RM3.65 million.\n\n\nThe sheer rarity of these two games definitely play a part in driving up their prices in the auction, not to mention their significance in the video game industry. If you\u2019ve got any classic games in your collection, you may want to check if they\u2019re worth any serious amount of money.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-the-sony-wh-1000xm4-for-only-rm1039-now/", "title": "Deal: Get the Sony WH-1000XM4 for Only RM1,039 Now", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been almost a year since the \nSony WH-1000XM4\n was launched here in Malaysia, so it\u2019s only natural for its price to drop quite a bit. In fact, you can now get the wireless headphones \nfor only RM1,039\n.\n\n\nTo put this deal into context, the WH-1000XM4 went for RM1,599 at launch, so you\u2019re \nsaving exactly RM560\n. This listing is offered by Cubic Pacific on Lazada, and naturally, it comes with a one-year warranty from Sony Malaysia itself.\n\n\n\n\nAt the time of writing, only the Black model is available; the Silver colour option is unfortunately sold out. Still, this is a fantastic deal for an equally fantastic pair of wireless headphones with excellent active noise cancellation.\n\n\nThere\u2019s no telling how long the Sony WH-1000XM4 will be offered \nfor only RM1,039\n, so you may want to act fast if you want to get it at this price point. Not quite sure it\u2019s the wireless headphones for you? Then check out our review \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/secretlab-titan-evo-2022-chair-unveiled-3-sizes-magnetic-armrests-pillow-from-rm1545/", "title": "Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 Chair Unveiled \u2013 3 Sizes, Magnetic Armrests & Pillow, From RM1,545", "body": "\n\nSecretlab is known for its range of high-end gaming chairs, and the company is streamlining its product lineup with one brand new chair. Enter the Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 series: not only is it touted to be the company\u2019s most \u201ctechnologically advanced chair to date,\u201d it is also available in three sizes.\n\n\nInstead of offering different chairs at different sizes \u2013 I even reviewed a smaller Secretlab chair dubbed \nThrone\n in the past \u2013 there is now only the Titan Evo in three sizes: small, regular, and XL. The smallest one retails from S$499 (about RM1,545), while the regular and XL models start at S$549 (approximately RM1,700) and S$639 (around RM1,980) respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the Titan Evo particularly unique is its use of magnets for two major components: the armrests and head pillow. That\u2019s right, the memory foam head pillow no longer uses straps to be affixed to the chair; it will just snap into place with the help of custom embedded magnets. It can be adjusted up or down to find for the best fit too.\n\n\nAs for the magnetic armrests, they just snap onto the full-metal 4D base with the use of neodymium magnets. This makes it easy to change the material of the armrests to whatever catches your fancy as more materials are introduced by Secretlab in the future \u2013 it\u2019s quite an ingenious design.\n\n\n\n\nJust like the Titan, the new Titan Evo has a built-in lumbar support as well, though it uses an updated design. The new 4-way L-ADAPT lumbar support system can be moved up and down \u2013 as well as in and out \u2013 with a knob to the side of the chair. Using a \u201clattice of living hinges,\u201d it promises total support for your back for maximum comfort.\n\n\nOther features of the Titan Evo include a proprietary sculpted pebble seat base for optimal ergonomic support, three choices of material (PU leather, higher-end Napa leather, or SoftWeave Plus fabric) which determines the price of the chair, and of course, the use of cold-cure foam mix that lends to a firm, comfortable sitting experience.\n\n\n\n\nThe Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 series is now available for purchase in Malaysia in a wide variety of designs and material choices, though the Napa leather option is currently unavailable. If you\u2019re keen to get this chair, you can do so over at the company\u2019s \nonline store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/revisiting-the-glorious-panda-switch-how-does-it-compare-to-gazzew-boba-u4t/", "title": "Revisiting the Glorious Panda Switch \u2013 How Does It Compare to Gazzew Boba U4T?", "body": "\n\nThe \nGlorious Panda\n, modeled after the popular Holy Panda, is quite a popular tactile switch. After all, it\u2019s one of the most accessible \u201cHoly Panda variants\u201d in the market now, and for the most part, it\u2019s really quite a good tactile switch.\n\n\nBut since the Glorious Panda made its debut back in September last year, a slew of new tactile switches have also entered the scene, including the excellent \nGazzew Boba U4T Thocky\n. With that in mind, how does the Glorious Panda compare to the U4T? Well, let\u2019s find out!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTactility\n\n\nThe Glorious Panda is known for its strong, pronounced tactile bump, and this remains true\u2026to an extent. While it definitely belongs in the \u201chighly tactile\u201d end of the spectrum, the Boba U4T offer an even more pronounced tactile bump.\n\n\nGranted, there have always been switches that offer\u2026well, almost finger breaking tactility. But what makes the Boba U4T relevant in this comparison is the characteristic of its tactile bump. Much like the Glorious Panda, the U4T has a rounded tactile event, instead of a sharper bump that you find in, say, Zeal PC\u2019s Zealio tactile switch.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSo while the Glorious Panda offers a pronounced, rounded tactile bump, the Boba U4T has a noticeably stronger tactile event while still maintaining its rounded feel. So if you want an even stronger tactile switch than what the Glorious Panda offers, the U4T is a good choice \u2013 it\u2019s slightly more affordable too.\n\n\nSmoothness\n\n\nOut of the box, the Boba U4T is definitely smoother. That\u2019s not to say the Glorious Panda is scratchy; even though there\u2019s an audible scratch throughout the downstroke, its tactile bump does hide any amount of scratchiness quite well.\n\n\nAside from that, after lubing, both switches are about the same in terms of smoothness. But if you plan to use either one of these two switches in stock form, the U4T is the better choice.\n\n\nThe Boba U4T Thocky\nThe Glorious Panda\n\n\nSound Profile\n\n\nThis is really the biggest shortcoming of the Glorious Panda. Without lubing, it doesn\u2019t have the best sound profile. As I\u2019ve mentioned before, it has an audible scratch, compounded by the spring pinging at faster typing speeds, not to mention the fact that some switches have rather loud leaf ticking.\n\n\nIn comparison, the Boba U4T doesn\u2019t suffer from \nany\n of these issues. While it does have a bit of audible scratchiness, it\u2019s not quite as prominent as the scratch of the Glorious Panda. More importantly, the U4T\u2019s spring doesn\u2019t ping, and there\u2019s no leaf ticking either \u2013 all without the help of lubing.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, I tried lubing and filming the Glorious Panda to see if I can eliminate these unpleasant sounds. While the scratchiness and spring pinging are gone, certain switches still have very noticeable leaf ticking. This is unfortunate, as it detracts from the snappy, pleasant clack of the Glorious Panda.\n\n\nIf you want a deeper, lower-pitched sound profile instead, the Boba U4T offers just that. Personally, I quite like the clackiness of the Glorious Panda \u2013 it reminds me of the signature Holy Panda sound.\n\n\nWobble\n\n\nIn this regard, the Boba U4T \neasily\n takes the win. Thanks to its tight tolerances, there\u2019s barely any stem wobble. The Glorious Panda, on the other hand, has much more noticeable stem wobble, both horizontally and vertically.\n\n\n\n\nEven with a switch film installed, the stem wobble of the Glorious Panda still cannot compete with the Boba U4T. Of course, not everyone cares about this aspect, but a switch with little stem wobble will offer a more \u201cstable\u201d typing experience as the keycaps wobble less, for what it\u2019s worth.\n\n\nPricing and Availability\n\n\nNow, this is a little bit harder to evaluate. Here in Malaysia, the Glorious Panda is much easier to get, thanks to the fact that it is distributed by Sun Cycle. As for the Boba U4T, the closest vendor that offers the switch is Pantheon, which is based in Singapore.\n\n\nThe Glorious Panda (left) and Boba U4T\n\n\nBut what the Boba U4T lacks in availability, it makes up in pricing. Pantheon offers 10 of this switch \nfor S$8.50\n (about RM26), so you\u2019re paying around RM2.6 per switch. In contrast, the Glorious Panda \ncosts RM109\n for a box of 36 switches; that\u2019s approximately RM3 per switch.\n\n\nAlthough a 40 sen difference doesn\u2019t sound much, it does add up quite a bit as you get more switches required to populate, say, a 65% keyboard. You need about 70 switches for a keyboard this size \u2013 with a few switches to spare in case anything happens \u2013 so that\u2019s a difference of RM28.\n\n\n\n\nBut wait, what about shipping to Malaysia from Pantheon? Well, that\u2019s the thing: the vendor offers free shipping. At least, that\u2019s the case to West Malaysia. If you want to get faster delivery, you can opt to use Ninja Van, which costs S$9; that\u2019s about\u2026RM28.\n\n\nOf course, as you get more switches, the Boba U4T will cost quite a bit less than the Glorious Panda.\n\n\nIs the Glorious Panda Still Worth It Then?\n\n\nOf course. Even though the Gazzew Boba U4T Thocky is superior to the Glorious Panda in several aspects, you may not want the deep sound profile or more pronounced tactile bump of the U4T. In that case, you may find the Glorious Panda\u2019s clackier nature more appealing, along with a strong \u2013 but not overly so \u2013 tactile bump.\n\n\n\n\nMy biggest qualm with the Glorious Panda is the fact that some switches have noticeable leaf ticking. But beyond that, it\u2019s still a really good tactile switch, though you do need to lube and film it to really bring out its full potential.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/custom-keyboard-buyers-guide-what-size-should-you-get/", "title": "Custom Keyboard Buyer\u2019s Guide \u2013 What Size Should You Get?", "body": "\n\nChoosing the right custom keyboard kit for yourself can get quite overwhelming, especially if you don\u2019t know what to look out for. In this article, we\u2019ll help you decide on which keyboard layout to go for \u2013 this really should be the first thing you consider when making your decision.\n\n\nFour major layouts found in the custom keyboard scene will be covered in this article. Depending on what keys you need, you\u2019ll definitely find one layout more appealing than the other. Without further ado, let\u2019s get to it.\n\n\n\n\n60%\n\n\nIf you want the absolute smallest keyboard without sacrificing too much on practicality, a 60% layout is just for you. This layout offers most of the keys that you need for a functional keyboard, including alphas, modifiers, and the number row. For most folks, a 60% layout will do the job just fine.\n\n\nWell, unless you need arrow keys. I personally love the compact, portable nature of a 60% keyboard, but most keyboards with this layout does not have arrow keys. Some PCBs, such as the \nDZ60 RGB V2\n, does have arrow keys, but that particular PCB sacrifices the question mark key to fit in the arrow cluster. That\u2019s not exactly ideal.\n\n\nThe Wilba.tech Salvation\n\n\nAnyway, if you want a compact keyboard \u2013 and you don\u2019t need arrow keys \u2013 go for a 60% keyboard. It\u2019s a relatively popular layout too, so you won\u2019t have much trouble looking for a 60% keyboard. My personal favourite board with such a layout is the \nWilba.tech Salvation\n.\n\n\n65%\n\n\nWhile 60% keyboards are quite aplenty, I\u2019d argue the 65% layout is even \nmore\n popular. Off the top of my head, I can think of at least five custom keyboards with such a layout. These include the \nKBDfans KBD67 Lite\n, NovelKeys NK65 \u2013 both the \nEntry\n and \nAluminium\n Editions \u2013 the \nMode Sixtyfive\n, and of course, the ever popular \nVega\n.\n\n\nThe KBD67 Lite\n\n\nCompared to a 60% keyboard, a 65% layout has an additional column on the right side of the keyboard to accommodate the arrow keys and some navigation keys. Thanks to the addition of these keys, a 65% keyboard arguably the best balance between portability and practicality. This is why it is my personal favourite layout.\n\n\n75%\n\n\nOne size up is the 75% layout, which is essentially a 65% keyboard with the addition of the function row. While not quite as popular as the aforementioned layouts, we are actually seeing quite a number of new 75% keyboards. We have the \nJelly Epoch\n, the \nGMMK Pro\n, and even the upcoming \nKeychron Q1\n.\n\n\nThe Jelly Epoch\n\n\nBut because it has the same layout as a 65% keyboard with the F-row added to the top of the board, a 75% keyboard may look\u2026well, disproportionate. Though it also depends on how a keyboard implements the layout, a 75% keyboard usually looks too tall. If you don\u2019t quite like this aesthetic, consider the next layout.\n\n\n80% / TKL\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the 80% layout, or more commonly known as TKL. That stands for tenkeyless, because an 80% keyboard is essentially a full-size keyboard without the numpad. Out of all the layouts mentioned here, an 80% keyboard is the least prevalent layout, though sometimes there are new keyboards with this layout, such as the \nMode Eighty\n.\n\n\nThe Mode Eighty\n\n\nCompared to a 75% layout, an 80% keyboard adds on full navigation keys right above the arrow cluster. This effectively widens the board, giving it a more balanced, proportionate look. It does increase the overall footprint of the keyboard, but practically speaking, the size difference between a 75% and 80% keyboard isn\u2019t that substantial.\n\n\nWait, There\u2019s No Full-Size Custom Keyboard?\n\n\nUnfortunately, it\u2019s not very common to find a full-size custom keyboard. I personally have not come across a custom keyboard with such a layout yet, though it\u2019s definitely not impossible by any means \u2013 so long as someone is willing to design such a keyboard.\n\n\nPlus, if you really need a numpad, you can just get a dedicated macropad. In fact, it\u2019s much easier to find a macropad \u2013 such as Space Cables\u2019 \nStellar12 \n\u2013 than a full-size keyboard in the custom keyboard scene.\n\n\nThe Stellar12\n\n\nDo note that as you go up in size, so does the price of the keyboard. After all, more raw material is required to manufacture a larger keyboard. This could be the reason why compact keyboards are more popular in this hobby, but this is just an educated guess on my part.\n\n\nSo there you have it: four common keyboard sizes that you can find in the custom keyboard scene. Now, this is by no means an exhaustive list, as there are quite a bit more layouts in the market. These include 40% \u2013 it\u2019s just like a 60% keyboard, but with the number row removed \u2013 ortho, and even split layouts.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/singa-kohaku-malaysian-designed-custom-keyboard-goes-on-pre-order-24-july-for-rm2450/", "title": "Singa Kohaku \u2013 Malaysian-Designed Custom Keyboard Goes on Pre-Order 24 July for RM2,450", "body": "\n\nSinga, based here in Malaysia, makes some of the most premium custom keyboards, and it is releasing a new 65% keyboard on 24 July. Dubbed Kohaku, this keyboard is designed by the owner of Singa, Elaine. It\u2019s really quite a sleek-looking keyboard, and only 300 units are up for grabs.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, only 300 units of the Kohaku will be available for purchase \u2013 Singa keyboards have always been sold in limited numbers. The pre-order for the Kohaku will also be done as a raffle: only the first 1,000 entries will qualify for the raffle, and out of those entries, 300 will be randomly selected to pre-order the keyboard.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the most unique features of the Kohaku has to be its copper weight on the bottom with a K\u014dhaku Koi motif; that\u2019s the inspiration for the name of the keyboard. Beyond that, it also uses a gasket mounting system with an aluminium case. There are two plate options too: a leaf spring aluminium plate, or a regular polycarbonate plate.\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s talk about the pricing of the Kohaku. The keyboard kit itself costs RM2,450, and it will include the Kohaku case, a hotswap or solderable PCB, a plate of your choice, as well as a hard carrying case.\n\n\nYou can get extra parts as well: an extra PCB costs RM200 or RM250 for the solderable and hotswap PCB respectively, RM165 for the plate (both aluminium and polycarbonate), and RM22 for an extra acrylic piece for the brass weight.\n\n\n\n\nThe Singa Kohaku raffle will be taking place on 24 July at 10AM Malaysian time. The details of the raffle can be found \nright here\n, along with more information on the keyboard. Delivery of the Kohaku will take place sometime in Q1 2022, which is really quite quick for a custom keyboard.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/15-21-july-fuel-price-ron-97-up-3-sen/", "title": "15 \u2013 28 July Fuel Price: RON 97 up 3 Sen", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 continues to increase this coming week, and by a bigger margin this time around. RON 97 is set to go up by 3 sen per litre this midnight, while the prices of RON 95 and diesel remain the same, given that the price ceilings of the two have been reached.\n\n\nFor this coming two weeks \u2013 instead of the usual one week period \u2013 the price of RON 97 is set at RM2.73 per litre (up from RM2.70). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, remains the same at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 15 to 28 July. New fuel prices will now be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift in the next two weeks on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/custom-keyboards-lack-so-many-features-so-why-should-you-get-one/", "title": "Custom Keyboards Lack So Many Features, So Why Should You Get One?", "body": "\n\nWhat do you look for when you\u2019re shopping for a high-end, premium pre-built keyboard? Chances are, you would want features such as RGB lighting, wireless support, and for gamers, switches with \u201clightning fast\u201d actuations to eliminate latency for the best response time.\n\n\nThe thing is, these features are not typically found on custom keyboards, even ones that cost \nthree times\n as much. Although they are not quite as \u201cfeature-packed,\u201d I would still argue custom keyboards are superior to pre-built ones \u2013 let\u2019s break down why in this article.\n\n\n\n\nRGB Doesn\u2019t Matter With High-Quality Keycaps\n\n\nWhile a backlit keyboard would be useful in a dark environment, you need shine-through keycaps for that, which are\u2026well, not the best quality. Really, even the most expensive pre-built keyboard doesn\u2019t have particularly great keycaps. At least, in comparison to \u201cproper\u201d keycap sets from GMK or ePBT.\n\n\nNow, these keycap sets are not see-through, so it doesn\u2019t really matter if a custom keyboard has RGB lighting or not; you won\u2019t actually benefit from it. Granted, some custom boards do have RGB lighting \u2013 such as \nKBDfans\u2019 KBD67 Lite\n or the \nNovelKeys NK65 Entry\n \u2013 but believe it or not, more premium custom offerings don\u2019t even have any backlighting.\n\n\n\n\nWhat GMK or ePBT keycaps do offer, however, is \nquality\n. Trust me, the difference in quality between a proper, premium keycap set (especially ones from GMK) and keycaps found on pre-built keyboards is huge. These include feel, sharpness of legends, and even sound profile \u2013 yes, keycaps do affect the sound profile of a keyboard.\n\n\nGiven that the keycap is one part of the keyboard that you touch the most, it\u2019s worth investing in a good set. And that brings us to the next point.\n\n\n\n\nSuperior Typing Experience\n\n\nWith a high quality keycap set, the typing experience of a custom keyboard will be much, much better than that of a pre-built board. On top of that, it is also much easier to tune stabilisers on a custom keyboard \u2013 rattly, noisy stabilisers is one of the most prominent shortcomings of a pre-built keyboard.\n\n\nReally, a ticking spacebar or backspace will make even the most premium keyboard (custom or not) feel bad to type on. Most custom keyboards are designed to be relatively easy to assemble and disassemble, so tuning stabilisers is a much more seamless process. You also have the option to purchase a wide variety of stabilisers, even in specific colourways.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, it\u2019s still possible to tune the stabilisers of a pre-built keyboard, but more often than not, these boards are harder to disassemble to get to the stabilisers. There are a few exceptions to this, such as Keychron keyboards with a hotswap PCB \u2013 these boards usually use plate-mounted stabilisers, which are easier to access and tune accordingly.\n\n\nAside from stabilisers, what lends to the superior typing experience of a custom keyboard is the mounting system. Take the KBD67 Lite: even though I got it for only $109 (about RM455), it is a gasket-mounted keyboard with a polycarbonate plate, which offers a softer, more comfortable typing experience.\n\n\n\n\nThis is an important distinction: pre-built keyboards are usually tray-mounted to the bottom of the case with screws. Not only does this make for a much stiffer typing experience, you also get inconsistent typing feel across the board. It\u2019s especially evident near screw points.\n\n\nSound profile of a keyboard is affected by the mounting system of a keyboard too. Generally, tray-mounted keyboards \u2013 with a couple of exceptions, such as the \nWilba.tech Salvation\n \u2013 do not sound great. In contrast, most custom keyboards are designed to sound good, which (in my opinion) contributes to a superior typing experience.\n\n\nTons of Customisation Options\n\n\nThe word \u201cpreference\u201d is thrown around in the custom keyboard scene quite a bit, but that\u2019s really one of the most defining aspects of the hobby. Almost every single part of a custom board can be customised to your liking, including the keycap, switches, stabiliser, plate material, and of course, the keyboard itself.\n\n\n\n\nAll of these customisation options allow you to really personalise a custom keyboard to suit your aesthetics \u2013 not something you can do with a pre-built keyboard.\n\n\nBut Pre-Built Keyboards Do Have Their Advantages\n\n\nIn the spirit of \u201cpreference,\u201d pre-built keyboards do have their own advantages. They don\u2019t cost as much money, they\u2019re much more readily available \u2013 a big shortcoming of the custom keyboard hobby, if I\u2019m being honest \u2013 and pre-built boards have certain features not commonly found in the custom scene, such as wireless support and fancy RGB lighting.\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Claymore II\n\n\nDepending on what you want out of a keyboard, a pre-built one may be the better option than a custom keyboard. But if you want the \nabsolute best\n typing experience with a healthy amount of budget \u2013 and a lot of patience \u2013 consider building a custom keyboard; here\u2019s \nwhat you need to know to get started\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-sleek-ikki68-aurora-x-stargaze-custom-keyboard-now-live-in-sea-50-units-only/", "title": "The Sleek Ikki68 Aurora x Stargaze Custom Keyboard Now Live in SEA \u2013 50 Units Only", "body": "\n\nThe \nIkki68 Aurora\n custom keyboard from Wuque Studio has received quite a number of special edition colourways, but none of them (in my opinion) is quite as sleek as this latest one. Enter the Ikki68 Aurora x Stargaze, which is now \navailable for pre-order in SEA via iLumkb\n \u2013 only 50 units are available.\n\n\nLimited to only one order per household, the Ikki68 Aurora x Stargaze retails at S$246; that\u2019s about RM760. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting the Ikki68 case itself, a hotswap PCB, an aluminium plate, a storage case, a coiled USB cable, as well as stabilisers with matching colours.\n\n\n\n\nAside from the unique Stargaze theme \u2013 it\u2019s worth noting that the back of the keyboard glows in the dark too \u2013 this special edition Ikki68 Aurora is not all that different from the regular version. It\u2019s still a gasket-mounted keyboard which can be customised to offer a soft or firm typing experience; it\u2019s quite a unique implementation.\n\n\nOther features of this special edition Ikki68 Aurora include a polycarbonate case, support for screw-in stabilisers \u2013 this is generally preferred over plate-mounted ones \u2013 as well as underglow RGB lighting. If you want, you can even get the Tromso PCB as an add-on, which offers Bluetooth connectivity.\n\n\n\n\nThe Ikki68 Aurora x Stargaze is now \navailable for pre-order on iLumkb\n for the SEA region; it\u2019s set to start shipping to vendors sometime in February 2022. Given that there are only 50 units up for grabs, you may want to act fast if you like how this custom keyboard looks.\n\n\nAlternatively, you can also purchase the Ikki68 Aurora x Stargaze from \nWuque Studio itself\n, though shipping to Malaysia will naturally cost more than iLumkb, which is based in Singapore.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/some-malaysian-retailers-are-accepting-bookings-for-nintendo-switch-oled/", "title": "Some Malaysian Retailers Are Accepting Bookings for Nintendo Switch OLED", "body": "\n\nEven though the \nNintendo Switch (OLED Model)\n was unveiled just last week, a number of Malaysian retailers are already accepting bookings for the new console. Given that the updated Switch will only hit store shelves on 8 October, these bookings are definitely open quite early.\n\n\nWith that in mind, only place a booking for the OLED Switch with trustworthy retailers, such as the ones highlighted in this article. These include \nImpulse Gaming\n, \nOtakuya\n, and \nJiro Game\n \u2013 all of them are renowned local retailers. A RM100 booking fee is required to secure your order from these stores.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, only the Neon Red/Neon Blue model is available for booking right now; the White model seems to have sold out. Anyway, compared to its predecessor, the new OLED Switch features a larger 7-inch OLED panel with thinner bezels. Aside from that, it has double the internal storage too at 64GB.\n\n\nThe stand of the OLED Switch sees a design revision as well. Instead of the original Switch\u2019s fragile-looking stand, this new Switch uses a much sturdier, wider stand that is also adjustable. This makes it easier to find for the right angle when the Switch is in tabletop mode.\n\n\nOther changes introduced in the new OLED Switch include a new dock with a wired LAN port, \u201cenhanced audio\u201d from the system\u2019s onboard speakers, and between 4.5 to 9 hours of battery life \u2013 the same quoted battery life as its predecessor.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to be one of the first in Malaysia to get the new Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) once it\u2019s available on 8 October, you can place your booking for the new console with the retailers listed above. Do note that local pricing has not been revealed yet, but for context, the new Switch costs $350 in the US \u2013 that\u2019s about RM1,465.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-wf-1000xm4-malaysian-delivery-delayed-to-august-due-to-emco/", "title": "Sony WF-1000XM4 Malaysian Delivery Delayed to August Due to EMCO", "body": "\n\nOriginally set to start shipping in the middle of this month, Malaysian delivery of the \nSony WF-1000XM4\n has been pushed back to August. According to Sony Malaysia, the current Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) in KL and Selangor has delayed the delivery of the wireless earbuds.\n\n\nThis was announced by Sony Malaysia on its \nFacebook page\n. According to the post, the new delivery estimate is set to begin on 16 August now, so it could be delayed further \u2013 especially if the current EMCO is extended.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, what makes the WF-1000XM4 particularly interesting is its active noise cancellation (ANC). It is said to be the best in the market now for a pair of wireless earbuds, thanks to a new V1 chip. On top of that, even with ANC activated, the XM4 can last up to eight hours on a single charge \u2013 two more hours than its predecessor\u2019s quoted battery life.\n\n\nIn terms of sound quality, the WF-1000XM4 now supports high-resolution audio courtesy of LDAC, so it should be able to deliver better audio quality. On top of that, the\u00a0\nWH-1000XM4\n\u2018s \u201cSpeak-to-Chat\u201d feature has been implemented to these wireless earbuds too. Basically, when you start speaking, it will automatically let in ambient sound.\n\n\nOther noteworthy features of the WF-1000XM4 include IPX4 water resistance \u2013 you can use it for your workouts or in the rain without issue \u2013 as well as a 40% smaller charging case. The case supports wireless charging, and it can fully charge the earbuds twice, giving you effectively 24 hours of battery life in total.\n\n\n\n\nThe Sony WF-1000XM4 is still \navailable for pre-order\n in Malaysia at the time of writing; it\u2019s estimated to start shipping from 16 August onwards. Retailing at RM1,099, it is exactly RM150 more costly than \nits predecessor\n, but you do get a number of improvements with the new WF-1000XM4.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-legion-phone-duel-2-now-offered-from-only-rm2999-in-malaysia/", "title": "New Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2 Variant May Retail at RM2,999 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nThe \nLenovo Legion Phone Duel 2\n was launched in Malaysia just a few weeks ago, but come next month, a new, more affordable variant of the gaming phone will be arriving here. Set to be available sometime in early August 2021, it\u2019s a unique phone with two physical cooling fans.\n\n\nCurrently, the Legion Phone Duel 2 is offered in two configurations: 512GB + 16GB (RM3,899) and 256GB + 12GB (RM3,299). The new model that will be available here next month, on the other hand, has half the internal storage at 128GB with 12GB RAM for only RM2,999, though we were told this is a tentative pricing.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a powerful gaming smartphone. The Legion Phone Duel 2 is powered by a fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, and it is complemented by an equally fast 6.92-inch 1080p AMOLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate for an even more enjoyable gaming experience.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Legion Phone Duel 2 include a side-mounted 44MP pop-up selfie camera, a dual camera system (64MP primary + 16MP ultra-wide angle), as well as an absolutely generous 5,500mAh battery with support for blazing fast 90W fast charging. This can supposedly charge up the phone to 50% from empty in only 12 minutes.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the new Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2 model with 128GB of storage will arrive here in Malaysia sometime in early August 2021 next month for (possibly) RM2,999. If it does eventually retail at that price point, it\u2019s really quite competitive for a gaming phone of this calibre.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-1-iii-malaysian-pre-orders-open-for-rm5799-free-wf-1000xm3/", "title": "Sony Xperia 1 III Malaysian Pre-Orders Open for RM5,799 \u2013 Free WF-1000XM3", "body": "\n\nThe Malaysian pricing of the Sony Xperia 1 III was revealed just last week, and Sony Malaysia is finally opening pre-orders for the flagship smartphone. To attract early birds, the company is even throwing in a free \nSony WF-1000XM3\n wireless earbuds with every pre-order of the phone.\n\n\nRetailing at RM5,799, the Xperia 1 III is quite a costly flagship smartphone, though you do get a number of unique features. For that kind of money, you also get 256GB of expandable storage and 12GB of RAM; decent capacities. There are also two colour options: Frosted Purple and Frosted Black.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the main highlights of the Xperia 1 III is its \u201cvariable telephoto lens\u201d system that allows the 12MP telephoto sensor of the to change its focal length between 70mm to 105mm. The system is also paired with a \u201cDual PD sensor,\u201d which promises fast autofocus speeds, even when switching between different focal lengths.\n\n\nComplementing the telephoto lens of the Xperia 1 III is a 12MP primary sensor, along with a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter. Other specifications of the flagship phone include a sharp and vibrant 120Hz 6.5-inch 4K OLED screen, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, an 8MP selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery, and an IP65/IP68 rating.\n\n\n\n\nThe Sony Xperia 1 III is now \navailable for pre-order in Malaysia\n for RM5,799. Those who place an order for the flagship device by 15 August will also receive a WF-1000XM3 wireless earbuds worth RM849 for free.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/walk-in-covid-19-vaccination-for-those-over-60-happening-soon/", "title": "Walk-in COVID-19 Vaccination for Those Over 60 Happening Soon", "body": "\n\nThose who are over the age of 60 will soon be able to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations by simply walking into private clinics or hospitals that offer the jab. This was announced by the Health Minister, Adham Baba.\n\n\nHowever, this initiative will only be implemented in KL and Selangor for the time being. It will eventually be introduced in other states as well, though it remains to be seen exactly when this will happen.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the health minister also said that industrial PPVs will be allowed to operate on a 24-hour basis in KL, Selangor, and Negeri Sembilan. This is done to increase vaccination rate in the greater Klang Valley area, which are currently recording high COVID-19 daily cases.\n\n\nNo word yet on exactly when the walk-in COVID-19 vaccination for those over 60 will be implemented in KL and Selangor \u2013 we will update this article once we learn more about the initiative.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nWalk-in COVID-19 Vaccination Starts on 17 July \u2013 For Those Over 60 in Klang Valley\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/malaysia-will-stop-using-sinovac-covid-19-vaccine-after-supplies-run-out/", "title": "Malaysia Will Stop Using Sinovac COVID-19 Vaccine After Supplies Run Out", "body": "\n\nOnce supplies of the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine has run out, Malaysia will stop acquiring more stocks of the vaccine. This was revealed by the Health Minister, Adham Baba, in a press conference.\n\n\nAccording to the minister, this is done as Malaysia has sufficient number of other COVID-19 vaccines for the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme. He elaborated that the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine will be increasingly used moving forward.\n\n\n\n\nIn fact, Malaysia has ordered over 45.7 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine. In comparison, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said that Malaysia has secured 16 million doses of the Sinovac vaccine to date.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-zephyrus-m16-with-almost-bezel-less-screen-now-in-malaysia-from-rm8999/", "title": "Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 With Almost Bezel-Less Screen Now in Malaysia From RM8,999", "body": "\n\nOne of Asus\u2019 sleekest gaming laptops yet is now available in Malaysia. This is the Asus ROG Zephyrus M16: thanks to its impressive 94% screen-to-body ratio, this laptop barely has any bezels surrounding the display. On top of that, it\u2019s a lightweight, slim gaming machine too.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Zephyrus M16 is offered in Malaysia. The base model with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU (95W TGP), 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD retails at RM8,999. The higher-end RTX 3070 (100W TGP) configuration with 32GB RAM and a 2TB SSD, on the other hand, costs RM11,499.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the different GPU, RAM, and SSD capacities, other hardware of these two Zephyrus M16 models are the same. Both are powered by the new (and fast) 11th generation Intel Core i9-11900H octa-core processor with a peak clock speed of 4.9GHz. Needless to say, it will be able to keep up with the RTX 3070 or RTX 3060 GPU.\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Zephyrus M16 is also a lightweight, slim gaming laptop. After all, it measures only 19.9mm thin with a 1.9kg chassis. Another highlight of this gaming laptop is its Pantone Validated 16-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio and 165Hz refresh rate \u2013 perfect for gaming or productivity tasks.\n\n\n\n\nThe RTX 3060 variant of the Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM8,999. As for the higher-end RM11,499 RTX 3070 configuration, it will arrive here sometime in August 2021 next month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-anubis-switch-sound-test-on-ai03-vega/", "title": "Video: Anubis Switch Sound Test on ai03 Vega", "body": "\n\nWe got ourselves the Anubis tactile switch by Mechs on Deck! This is our early sound test with the extremely thocky, all-nylon switch on the ever popular \nai03 Vega\n. So far, we\u2019re really quite liking this tactile switch with its strong, pronounced tactile bump.\n\n\nCurrently sold by \niLumkb\n for the SEA region, we got the Anubis for about RM3 per switch; it\u2019s sold as a pack of 10 switches for S$9.50. That puts it in the same price point as other popular switches, including the \nGazzew Boba U4T Thocky\n and \nGlorious Panda\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the video above is just our early sound test of the Anubis switch on the Vega. Stay tuned for our full review of the switch! We will also be comparing it against the excellent Boba U4T in the upcoming review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-now-number-2-smartphone-vendor-worldwide-overtaking-apple/", "title": "Xiaomi Now Number 2 Smartphone Vendor Worldwide, Overtaking Apple", "body": "\n\nAccording to a new report from \nCanalys\n, Xiaomi is now the second largest smartphone vendor in the world, right behind Samsung. The Chinese company overtook Apple for the spot with 17% of global market share in the second quarter of 2021.\n\n\nTo put this into perspective, Samsung is currently sitting at 19%; that\u2019s only 2% ahead of Xiaomi. Apple, on the other hand, acquired 14% of global market share in Q2 2021 with a year-on-year growth of just 1%.\n\n\n\n\nWe've moved up one more spot! Just in from \n@Canalys\n, we are now the 2nd largest smartphone brand worldwide in terms of shipments. This amazing milestone couldn't have been achieved without our beloved Mi Fans! \n#NoMiWithoutYou\nRT with \u270c\ufe0ffrom your Xiaomi smartphone \ud83d\ude42 \npic.twitter.com/kKfuTK8K7J\n\u2014 Xiaomi (@Xiaomi) \nJuly 15, 2021\n\n\n\n\nImpressively, Xiaomi grew by a whopping 83% year-on-year, while Samsung improved by 15%. According to Canalys, this exponential growth is attributed to increase in shipments in several regions. These include Latin America, Africa, and Western Europe.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that in the same report, Canalys mentioned that Xiaomi was able to achieve this level of growth by selling far more affordable phones than both Samsung and Apple by 40% and 75% cheaper (on average) respectively. Evidently, the Chinese company\u2019s more budget-friendly devices are vital to its growth.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/valves-steam-deck-nintendo-switch-killer-not-really/", "title": "Valve\u2019s Steam Deck \u2013 Nintendo Switch Killer? Not Really", "body": "\n\nValve just announced its very own \u201chandheld gaming PC,\u201d the Steam Deck. It looks strikingly similar to the \nNintendo Switch\n, and one of its main appeals is the ability to play your PC games on Steam anywhere; it\u2019s a reasonably powerful machine too.\n\n\nGiven its similarity to the Nintendo Switch, can the Steam Deck take it on? Well, not exactly. After all, both of these systems cater to different crowds, and I would even argue that the Switch is still the more attractive gaming system of the two for a number of reasons.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s not to say the Steam Deck doesn\u2019t have its advantages, of course. For starters, it\u2019s a far more powerful handheld. Powered by an AMD APU with a Zen 2 quad-core CPU and a GPU with eight RDNA 2 CUs \u2013 capable of outputting 1.6 teraflops \u2013 it is able to run even AAA games quite well on the 7-inch 1280 x 800 touch-enabled LCD screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio.\n\n\nTo put this into context, the PlayStation 4 offers 1.8 teraflops of performance, while the Xbox One S can do 1.4 teraflops. Granted, the RNDA 2 architecture of the Steam Deck is a more modern design, so it\u2019s not entirely accurate to say it is slower than the PS4, but it does gives us an idea on the performance level of the handheld.\n\n\n\n\nBased on these comparisons, there\u2019s no denying that the Steam Deck is much more powerful than the Switch; but graphics power is not everything. What sets Nintendo\u2019s console apart from the Steam Deck is one major thing: exclusivity.\n\n\nThis is the strength of the Nintendo Switch. Even though it\u2019s not the most powerful console, it more than makes up for this with a number of exclusive games. Just to name a few, there\u2019s \nMonster Hunter Rise\n, \nAnimal Crossing: New Horizons\n, and of course, the ever popular The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, I reckon the Switch would be a more comfortable system to play with for long periods of time. First of all, it\u2019s a lighter machine: the new OLED Switch with a similarly sized 7-inch screen weighs about 420g. The Steam Deck, on the other hand, tips the scales at 669g.\n\n\nSure, a 249g difference may not sound like much, but you\u2019ll definitely feel the extra weight in longer gaming sessions. On top of that, the ergonomics of the Steam Deck doesn\u2019t look particularly great either, given that the controls are located quite high up on the system to accommodate the trackpads on either sides of the screen.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of comfort in longer gaming sessions, the Switch has better battery life too. Nintendo\u2019s quoted battery life for the current Switch \u2013 as well as the new OLED Switch \u2013 is between 4.5 to 9 hours. As for the Steam Deck, it\u2019s said to only last between 2 to 8 hours on a single charge, depending on the game.\n\n\nThen again, the Steam Deck does have much more powerful hardware under the hood, which understandably draws more power. Chances are, it will be possible to extend the battery life of the Steam Deck by reducing a game\u2019s graphics settings.\n\n\nTo the Steam Deck\u2019s credit, it is also a much more flexible handheld system. For one, it can be connected to an external screen without the need for a dock, though a dock it is available as a separate purchase. Anyway, as long as you have the right cable to connect the system to a TV or monitor, you\u2019re good to go.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the Steam Deck is essentially a PC in a portable form factor. Although it runs on SteamOS, a custom Linux operating system, it is possible to install Windows on the handheld. Granted, it remains to be seen just how well Windows would run on a handheld system, but it \nwill\n run.\n\n\nPricing wise, the Steam Deck is a much more expensive system compared to the Switch. The Switch Lite, for example, retails at only $200 (about RM840); even the upcoming OLED Switch isn\u2019t overly expensive with a $350 (approximately RM1,475) price tag.\n\n\nIn contrast, the Steam Deck starts at $399 (around RM1,680) for the base 64GB model with eMMC storage. As for the more practical 256GB and 512GB variants with much faster NVMe SSD storage, they go for $529 (approximately RM2,225) and $649 (about RM2,730) respectively.\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt the Steam Deck is a costly handheld, but it\u2019s important to look at it as a reasonably powerful gaming PC in a portable form factor. After all, it can even run demanding AAA games such as Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Control.\n\n\nThe Steam Deck is set to start shipping sometime in December 2021. Unfortunately, those of us here in Malaysia cannot place a reservation for the handheld gaming PC. If you\u2019re located somewhere else, you can check if you can reserve the Steam Deck \nover here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/walk-in-covid-19-vaccination-starts-on-17-july-for-those-over-60-in-klang-valley/", "title": "Walk-in COVID-19 Vaccination Starts on 17 July \u2013 For Those Over 60 in Klang Valley", "body": "\n\nInitially announced yesterday\n, those who are over the age of 60 will will be able to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations by simply walking into any PPV. However, this is only limited to those who are in the Klang Valley area.\n\n\nThis was revealed by Khairy Jamaluddin, the coordinating minister for the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme. In order to be eligible for the walk-in COVID-19 vaccination, those over the age of 60 must not have an appointment yet in the MySejahtera app.\n\n\n\n\n\"Bermula esok (Sabtu, 17 Julai), warga emas sama ada yang telah berdaftar atau belum berdaftar, yang belum menerima janji temu akan dibenarkan untuk walk-in ke mana-mana PPV untuk vaksinasi di Lembah Klang\" \u2013 \n@Khairykj\n\u2014 Vaksin COVID-19 \ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe (@JKJAVMY) \nJuly 16, 2021\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Bagi warga emas yang telah menerima janji temu, mereka diminta agar hadir ke PPV mengikut tarikh janji temu yang telah diberikan. Kesemua janji temu yang telah diberikan sehingga kini adalah bertarikh sebelum 1 Ogos ini.\" \u2013 \n@Khairykj\n\u2014 Vaksin COVID-19 \ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe (@JKJAVMY) \nJuly 16, 2021\n\n\n\n\nHowever, those in this age group who have already received an appointment are advised to follow it instead. Khairy added that appointments that have already been given out will be dated before 1 August 2021 as well.\n\n\nAside from that, Khairy also announced \u201cOperation Surge Capacity,\u201d which aims to vaccinate all adult residents in KL and Selangor with their first doses by 1st August. This will begin from 26 July onwards in the two states.\n\n\n\n\nWe have just announced \u2018Operation Surge Capacity\u2019 for KL & Selangor. All adult residents in KL & Selangor will receive their first dose by 1st August. This will be done with increased supplies & capacity. Between 26 July and 1 August KL & Selangor will need to do 272k/day. \npic.twitter.com/eqcEdmR1oz\n\u2014 Khairy Jamaluddin \ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe\ud83c\udf3a (@Khairykj) \nJuly 16, 2021\n\n\n\n\nTo reach that capacity, over 272,000 COVID-19 vaccinations need to be administered every day from 26 July to 1 August in KL and Selangor. To check if you\u2019ve received an appointment, check your \nvaccination page\n regularly in the MySejahtera app.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/prism-q65-qe-review-4k-android-tv-rm2999/", "title": "PRISM+ Q65-QE Review: Huge 4K Android TV, Small Price Tag", "body": "\n\nPRISM+\u2019s range of products have always offered very good value for money, which is exactly why the PRISM+ Q65-QE is such a compelling Android TV. After all, it\u2019s a huge 65-inch 4K smart TV\u2026for just RM2,999.\n\n\nNot only does this make it a very affordable 65-inch 4K TV, it also offers great image quality for the money. If you want a large 4K TV for the least amount of money, look no further than the PRISM+ Q65-QE.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe Q65-QE is part of the \nPRISM+ Q series 4K TVs\n, which also include the Q55-QE; that particular model is a 55-inch TV for only RM2,299. Beyond the different screen sizes, both of these TVs share the same specifications, including a sharp 3840 x 2160 Quantum IPS panel.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the Q65-QE uses quantum dot technology for even brighter, more saturated colours. This also translates to a wider colour gamut; perfect for HDR content. Speaking of which, this 4K TV supports HDR10 as well, not to mention wide viewing angles thanks to the IPS panel.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the Q65-QE runs on Android TV too, so you have access to over 500 apps on the Google Play Store. You can also cast content to the TV from your mobile device, along with the ability to use voice commands via Google Assistant with the provided remote.\n\n\nWith all of these features in mind, it\u2019s pretty crazy how the Q65-QE retails at only RM2,999. Not too long ago, you can\u2019t even get a 55-inch 4K TV at this price point, let alone a smart TV this large with quantum dot technology. Anyway, let\u2019s move on to the good qualities of the Q65-QE.\n\n\nIt has two HDMI 2.0 ports and one HDMI 1.4 input\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nImage quality of the Q65-QE is definitely one of the main highlights of this 4K TV. As mentioned, its use of quantum dot technology allows the TV to produce brighter, more vibrant colours, which lends to a very, very pleasant viewing experience compared to a conventional LED TV.\n\n\nWhether I\u2019m streaming HDR content on Netflix or gaming on the PlayStation 5, I\u2019m impressed with the wide colour gamut of the Q65-QE. Just look at the screenshot of \nRatchet & Clank: Rift Apart\n on the PS5 below: how bright the sun shines on the left side of the screen, and how details in the shaded area to the right are still visible.\n\n\nIt looks absolutely stunning in the dark\n\n\nIn fact, HDR content look \neven \nbetter in the dark on the Q65-QE, just like how it is in the cinema. After all, HDR content shines the most in the dark \u2013 we can really see (and appreciate) the wider dynamic range between the brightest and darkest parts of a movie scene or game without ambient lighting.\n\n\nNow, that\u2019s not to say the Q65-QE is not bright enough for comfortable viewing in a well-lit room, because it is. On top of that, because it uses an IPS panel, you get wide viewing angles as well. While it does get a little dark when viewed at an angle, it doesn\u2019t negatively impact the viewing experience too much.\n\n\n\n\nThe overall responsiveness of the Q65-QE is also worth a mention, an area where most TV manufacturers don\u2019t give enough attention to. The user interface does not feel sluggish at all, and I can seamlessly switch between different apps with no noticeable slowdown. I like the dedicated Netflix and YouTube buttons on the remote too.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the design of the Q65-QE. Thanks to the slim bezels surrounding the 4K panel, it looks sleek and modern in any room. It\u2019s also relatively easy to assemble, though you definitely need someone else to help you lift it up \u2013 it\u2019s a huge 65-inch TV, after all.\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nThough the PRISM+ Q65-QE has a lot of good things going for it, it does have a couple of shortcomings. Its black levels, for one, could be better. When viewing the TV in a dark room, blacks are not dark enough, so it looks almost grey.\n\n\nHowever, this is an inherent characteristic of an IPS panel. Its level of contrast is not quite as good as, say, a VA screen. That being said, while a VA panel would produce darker blacks, it will also have worse viewing angles. At the end of the day, it depends on what you value more.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, more and more TV manufacturers are releasing 4K TVs with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, so we imagine some folks won\u2019t be thrilled that the Q65-QE is \u201cjust\u201d a 60Hz 4K TV. But it\u2019s important to keep things in perspective here: these 120Hz 4K TVs also cost \nsubstantially \nmore.\n\n\nThe Q65-QE, on the other hand, is a very affordable 65-inch 4K smart TV with \nquantum dot technology\n to boot. Really, you\u2019re already getting a lot of value for your money with these features for only RM2,999.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nAbsolutely. Without a shadow of a doubt. There aren\u2019t many 65-inch 4K smart TVs that can match the feature set of the PRISM+ Q65-QE at this price point, and though it does have a number of shortcomings, its very affordable RM2,999 price tag \u2013 for a TV this big \u2013 more than makes up for them.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re in the market for a large 65-inch 4K Android TV that doesn\u2019t break the bank, the Q65-QE fits the bill. It\u2019s available for purchase right now on PRISM+\u2019s \nonline store\n and \nLazada\n. If you want something smaller, there\u2019s the Q55-QE \u2013 it\u2019s essentially a 55-inch version of the Q65-QE \nfor only RM2,299\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-ayaka-banner-coming-on-21-july-with-yanfei-ningguang-chongyun/", "title": "Genshin Impact Ayaka Banner Coming on 21 July With Yanfei, Ningguang, Chongyun", "body": "\n\nKamisato Ayaka\u2019s banner is finally confirmed! Set to go live in \nGenshin Impact\n on 21 July right after the \nVersion 2.0 update\n, the event wish of the brand new 5-star Cryo character will be accompanied by Yanfei, Ningguang, as well as Chongyun.\n\n\nJust like Genshin Impact\u2019s\u00a0\nprevious character\n\u00a0\nevent banners\n, the \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Ayaka, Yanfei, Ningguang, and Chongyun will be increased. In the case of Ayaka, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be her. If you didn\u2019t get her in this instance, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be Ayaka.\n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact\u2019s pity system ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character or weapon every 90 wishes \u2013 depending on which banner you\u2019re rolling \u2013 so you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Ayaka. The same rule applies to 4-star units (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but since there are three of them featured in the event wish, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Yanfei, Ningguang, or Chongyun. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\nAyaka\u2019s \u201cThe Heron\u2019s Court\u201d event wish will go live in Genshin Impact on 21 July this Wednesday for us here in Malaysia; right after the Version 2.0 update. Her banner will be available until 10 August, and Yoimiya\u2019s event wish (as well as Sayu) will be offered after that.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/walk-in-covid-19-vaccination-for-under-60-only-after-1-august-in-kl-selangor-for-those-without-appointments/", "title": "Walk-in COVID-19 Vaccination for Under 60 Only After 1 August in KL & Selangor for Those Without Appointments", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re a resident in KL or Selangor who haven\u2019t received a COVID-19 vaccination appointment after 1 August, you will be able to walk-in to selected PPVs to get your vaccination. This is confirmed by the COVID-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) itself on Twitter.\n\n\nBut if you have already received an appointment through the \nMySejahtera app\n \nbefore \n1 August, you will not be eligible for the walk-in COVID-19 vaccination. According to CITF, this initiative is only for those who have not registered for the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK).\n\n\n\n\nInisiatif walk-in di Selangor dan KL adalah untuk yang BELUM mendapat janji temu selepas 1 Ogos & BUKAN untuk yang sudah terima janji temu.\n\ud835\uddd5\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddf4\ud835\uddf6 \ud835\ude06\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddf4 \ud835\ude01\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddf9\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddf5 \ud835\uddfa\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddfa\ud835\uddee \ud835\uddf7\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddf7\ud835\uddf6 \ud835\ude01\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddfa\ud835\ude02, \ud835\ude00\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddf9\ud835\uddee \ud835\uddfd\ud835\uddee\ud835\ude01\ud835\ude02\ud835\uddf5\ud835\uddf6 \ud835\uddf7\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddf7\ud835\uddf6 \ud835\ude01\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddfa\ud835\ude02 \ud835\ude06\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddf4 \ud835\uddf1\ud835\uddf6\ud835\ude01\ud835\uddf2\ud835\ude01\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddfd\ud835\uddf8\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddfb. \npic.twitter.com/LMSMAxk2wd\n\u2014 Vaksin COVID-19 \ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe (@JKJAVMY) \nJuly 19, 2021\n\n\n\n\nCITF further elaborated that registered individuals in KL and Selangor will receive their appointments in the very near future. After all, \nOperation Surge Capacity\n \u2013 which begins from 26 July onwards \u2013 aims to vaccinate all adult residents in the Klang Valley area with their first doses by 1 August.\n\n\nTo reiterate, if you\u2019re a KL or Selangor resident who haven\u2019t received an appointment after 1 August on the MySejahtera app, you can walk into selected PPVs to get your COVID-19 vaccination. Do note that not all PPVs will offer walk-in vaccination \u2013 CITF will announce PPVs that do soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/poco-x3-gt-arrives-in-malaysia-28-july/", "title": "Poco X3 GT Arrives in Malaysia 28 July", "body": "\n\nAfter \nappearing in SIRIM\u2019s database\n last month, the Poco X3 GT finally receives an official launch date here in Malaysia. Set to be unveiled next week on 28 July, expect it to be another affordable Poco-branded mid-range smartphone.\n\n\nUnfortunately, beyond the launch date, no specifications of the Poco X3 GT were revealed. However, based on previous leaks and rumours, it\u2019s believed to be the global variant of the China-only Redmi Note 10 Pro.\n\n\nThe China-only Redmi Note 10 Pro\n\n\nNow, despite sporting the exact same name, it\u2019s worth noting that this is a different device from the \nRedmi Note 10 Pro\n that was launched in Malaysia\u00a0\nback in March\n. Anyway, if the Poco X3 GT is in fact the global variant of the China Redmi Note 10 Pro, it should be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1100 chipset paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM.\n\n\nOther probable specifications of the Poco X3 GT include a 6.6-inch 1080p IPS screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), a 16MP selfie camera, up to 256GB of internal storage, and a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ll find out exactly what the Poco X3 GT has to offer once it is launched here in Malaysia next week on 28 July. The online launch event will begin at 8PM that day on \nPoco Malaysia\u2019s Facebook page\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/malaysia-to-achieve-covid-19-herd-immunity-as-early-as-september-2021-now/", "title": "Malaysia to Achieve COVID-19 Herd Immunity as Early as September 2021 Now", "body": "\n\nMalaysia was initially set to achieve herd immunity against COVID-19 by the end of 2021, but this is now expedited to as early as September 2021. This was recently announced by the Ministry of Health (MOH).\n\n\nAccording to MOH, herd immunity against COVID-19 is currently aimed to be achieved by the end of September or early October 2021 in Malaysia. At the moment, 9.8 million (or 30%) of the Malaysian population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.\n\n\n\n\n\u2705 9.8 juta populasi di Malaysia atau 30% telah menerima satu dos vaksin dan daripada jumlah itu, 4.5 juta atau 13.9% populasi telah lengkap dua dos. \n\u2705 Sasaran imuniti berkelompok dijangka dicapai pada akhir September atau awal Oktober. \n#LindungDiriLindungSemua\n \npic.twitter.com/UUDeoF7cAk\n\u2014 KKMalaysia\ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe (@KKMPutrajaya) \nJuly 19, 2021\n\n\n\n\nThose who have received two doses, on the other hand, currently sits at 4.5 million (13.9% of the population). To date, over 14 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered locally.\n\n\nIf the current vaccination rate is maintained, there\u2019s a good chance the current National Recovery Plan (NRP) will proceed to the next phases earlier than expected. Currently, most states are still in the first phase of the NRP, including Selangor and KL \u2013 two states that have reported high daily COVID-19 cases.\n\n\n\n\nNeedless to say, it\u2019s vital to get your COVID-19 vaccination as early as possible. To check if you\u2019ve received an appointment, check your \nvaccination page in the MySejahtera app\n regularly.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nWalk-in COVID-19 Vaccination for Under 60 Only After 1 August in KL & Selangor for Those Without Appointments\n\n\nWalk-in COVID-19 Vaccination Starts on 17 July \u2013 For Those Over 60 in Klang Valley\n\n\nMalaysia Will Stop Using Sinovac COVID-19 Vaccine After Supplies Run Out\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/anubis-review-incredibly-thocky-switch-with-a-strong-tactile-bump/", "title": "Anubis Review: Incredibly Thocky Switch With a Strong Tactile Bump", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s get this straight out of the gate: if you want one of the \u201cthockiest\u201d tactile switches in the market now, the Anubis easily fits the bill. It even has a deeper sound profile than the \nGazzew Boba U4T Thocky\n, which is considered to be one of the thockiest tactile switches.\n\n\nAside from its sound signature, the Anubis has a lot of the winning qualities too, including a strong tactile bump, excellent tolerances, and a unique, \u201csoft\u201d typing experience. Of course, it has some shortcomings too \u2013 keep on reading this review to find out more.\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDesigned by Chewwy and 0sirisTV from Mechs on Deck, the Anubis is manufactured by Durock, one of the most recognisable switch manufacturers. The colourway of the Anubis is also based on Mechs on Deck\u2019s logo, with a light green top housing, black bottom housing, and light grey stem.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, both the top and bottom housings of the Anubis is made out of nylon, which gives the switch its deep, thocky sound profile. The POM stem of the Anubis has an extended pole too, so when you bottom out with this switch, you get the \u201cpoppy\u201d sound popularised by the original Holy Panda tactile switch.\n\n\nLike most switches manufactured by Durock, the Anubis has a five-pin design. It also has a 65g gold plated spring with a light factory lube, so it is smooth out of the box. There are some downsides to the factory lube, but I\u2019ll get back to this further down the review.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the pricing of the Anubis. I got it from \niLumkb at S$9.50\n for 10 switches, so that comes up to about RM3 per switch. This makes it slightly more expensive than the Boba U4T, which goes\u00a0\nfor S$8.50\n\u00a0(about RM26) for 10 switches from Pantheon.\n\n\nHowever, the Anubis does have a number of advantages over the Boba U4T \u2013 I\u2019ll discuss this in the next section.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nThe sound profile of the Anubis is arguably its best quality. Thanks to its full nylon housing and extended stem pole, it has a very deep, poppy sound signature. The all-nylon housing also makes it a pretty muted switch, which I\u2019m quite fond of \u2013 it\u2019s definitely quieter than the Boba U4T and \nGlorious Panda\n.\n\n\n\n\nBecause the Anubis is factory lubed, it is also relatively smooth out of the box. While there\u2019s a hint of audible scratch, it doesn\u2019t feel scratchy at all. After all, the factory lube is just a thin oil-based lubricant that covers the stem and spring.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the typing experience of the Anubis. Just like the Boba U4T and Glorious Panda, the tactile bump of the Anubis starts at the very top with a bit of post-travel after the bump. As for the tactile bump itself, it\u2019s a tad sharper than the U4T and Glorious Panda, but it\u2019s not quite as sharp as the Moyu Black or Zilent V2.\n\n\n\n\nBut what really surprised me is the \u201csoft\u201d typing feel of the Anubis. Compared to the Glorious Panda, for example, the bottom out of the Anubis is not quite as harsh; I would even say it feels \u201ccushioned.\u201d So even though it has a sharper tactile bump than the Glorious Panda, it doesn\u2019t feel quite as fatiguing to type on.\n\n\nAnother winning quality of the Anubis is its excellent tolerance. There\u2019s very, very minimal horizontal and vertical stem wobble, and it\u2019s even comparable to the Boba U4T in this regard \u2013 that\u2019s a high praise.\n\n\n\n\nI quite like the colourway of the Anubis as well. To be honest, I wasn\u2019t thrilled by the colour of the switch when I first saw it online, but after seeing it in person, I\u2019m a fan. The light green hue of this switch even matches GMK Botanical \u2013 the second group buy for this keycap set is \nlive right now\n, by the way.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nRemember when I said the factory lube of the Anubis has some downsides? Well, some switches were not lubed particularly well. Out of the 90 switches I got, two were overlubed to the point that they felt \u201csticky.\u201d There\u2019s also more resistance throughout the downstroke, and the tactility is reduced as well.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the leaf and spring noises of the Anubis. Out of the box, there\u2019s some spring crunch (even though it\u2019s lubed), but it\u2019s the leaf ticking that is especially noticeable. To solve these two issues, relubing the switch is definitely necessary.\n\n\nBesides that, the Anubis doesn\u2019t feel quite as snappy as its competition either. In fact, when I first installed these switches, the spacebar and enter keys refuse to return. After repeatedly actuating the switches on these two keys, they eventually work as intended.\n\n\n\n\nBut even then, the Anubis still feels more\u2026\u201dsluggish\u201d than the Boba U4T or Glorious Panda. I imagine swapping the 65g springs with heavier, longer springs could make the switch feel more responsive, but some folks may not want to go through the trouble.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nDespite its shortcomings, the Anubis is easily my favourite tactile switches to date. I love its thocky, deep sound profile, strong tactile bump, and very minimal stem wobble \u2013 winning qualities of any mechanical keyboard switch. I would\u2019ve loved it if the Anubis was a tad snappier, but I reckon this can be solved by swapping the springs.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re in the SEA region, you can get the Anubis from \niLumkb\n. For those in the US, you can grab this excellent tactile switch from \nCannon Keys\n itself.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x70-se-launching-on-22-july-2000-units-only/", "title": "Proton X70 SE Launching on 22 July \u2013 2,000 Units Only", "body": "\n\nHere it is: despite the ongoing lockdown in most states here in Malaysia, the \nProton X70 SE\n (that stands for Special Edition) will finally be unveiled this Thursday on 22 July. Given that this is a limited edition model, only 2,000 units of the C-segment SUV are available.\n\n\nBased on the Premium 2WD version of the X70 \u2013 so there\u2019s no sunroof \u2013 the X70 SE is identical to the \u201c\nExclusive Edition\n\u201d of the SUV for the Brunei market pictured below. Well, there is one difference: the Malaysian-bound SE model will feature an SE badge on the rear end.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the X70 SE also features new 19-inch alloy wheels with the very same design found on the Geely Boyue Pro, the facelifted model of the Boyue \u2013 the X70 is based on the latter. It also has a blacked-out roof and side mirrors with two colour options: Ocean Blue (the same shade offered for the\u00a0\nX50\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nIriz\n) and Ruby Red.\n\n\nOther specifications of the X70 SE include black nappa leather seats, the same 1.8L turbocharged direct injection engine with 181hp and 300Nm of torque, as well as a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n View this post on Instagram\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nA post shared by PROTON (@protoncars)\n\n\n\n\nThe Proton X70 SE will be making its debut this Thursday on 22 July; the virtual launch event will be livestreamed on the national carmaker\u2019s \nFacebook page at 11AM\n. If you\u2019re keen to get the SUV, you can register your interest \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/rama-works-kara-seq2-now-live-new-colours-same-160-price-tag/", "title": "Rama Works\u2019 Kara SEQ2 Now Live \u2013 New Colours, Same $160 Price Tag", "body": "\n\nRama Works, which produces some of the most premium custom keyboards, is back with the second round of its affordable keyboard. Dubbed \nKara SEQ2\n, it\u2019s largely similar to the \nfirst iteration of the budget-friendly board\n.\n\n\nWell, granted, retailing at $160 (about RM675), the Kara SEQ2 is not exactly a strictly affordable custom keyboard. But this \nis\n a Rama Works product, which is renowned for its high quality products. Even though the Kara is much more affordable than its other custom keyboards, you can expect the same level of refinement here.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, the major difference between the original Kara and the SEQ2 version are the colour options. It is now available in seven new shades: Byte, Milk, Mint, Musk, Momo, Puff, and Tang \u2013 you can take a closer look at these colours \nover here\n. Aside from that, the original Noct and Iced colourways are retained too.\n\n\nWhat makes the Kara unique is its MUTE mounting system, which is \u201cengineered for a responsive typing feedback experience and dampened sound signature.\u201d It also has an ABS case with a PC plate to complement the MUTE mounting system with its rigidity by offering a \u201cdynamic yet stable typing experience.\u201d\n\n\nOther specifications of the Kara include a hotswap PCB \u2013 so you can easily swap out switches without soldering \u2013 per-switch RGB lighting, as well as a 60% layout.\n\n\n\n\nThe Rama Works Kara SEQ2 will be \navailable for pre-order until 31 August 2021\n. No word on exactly when it will start shipping, but it did take about seven months for the original Kara to ship to all customers \u2013 that\u2019s not a bad turnaround time for a custom keyboard.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-matepad-11-with-snapdragon-865-120hz-screen-lands-in-malaysia-27-july/", "title": "Huawei MatePad 11 With Snapdragon 865 & 120Hz Screen Lands in Malaysia 27 July", "body": "\n\nHuawei is set to launch another Android tablet in Malaysia soon. Set to arrive here on 27 July, the MatePad 11 is quite an intriguing tablet with a reasonably fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset and an equally fast 120Hz screen.\n\n\nIn fact, Huawei said that the MatePad 11 is the company\u2019s first tablet to ship with a 120Hz screen. The 10.95-inch display itself is quite sharp too with a 2560 x 1600 WQXGA resolution IPS panel, so you\u2019re getting a good quality screen with this tablet.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the MatePad 11 is also powered by the aforementioned Snapdragon 865 chipset. Granted, it\u2019s not the newest or fastest SoC in the market now, but it\u2019s still a very capable processor. After all, it was Qualcomm\u2019s 2020 flagship chipset.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the MatePad 11 include three choices of expandable storage (64GB, 128GB, 256GB), a 13MP rear camera, an 8MP selfie shooter, a sizeable 7,250mAh battery, and it runs on HarmonyOS 2 \u2013 still based on Android \u2013 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on exactly how much the Huawei MatePad 11 will retail at once it is launched in Malaysia on 27 July. We\u2019ll just have to wait until then to find out.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/unreleased-samsung-galaxy-buds-2-appears-in-sirim-malaysian-launch-soon/", "title": "Unreleased Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Appears in SIRIM \u2013 Malaysian Launch Soon?", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 is rumoured to be unveiled sometime next month alongside a slew of other products \u2013 including several foldable smartphones \u2013 and surprisingly enough, the wireless earbuds have been registered with SIRIM. This suggests that Malaysia could be one of the first markets to receive the Buds 2.\n\n\nIn our routine search through SIRIM\u2019s database, we noticed that Samsung Malaysia registered the Galaxy Buds 2 with the model number SM-R177 just yesterday on 19 July. Every electronic product has to be registered with SIRIM first before it can be officially sold in Malaysia, so there\u2019s a good chance the earbuds will be available here soon.\n\n\nLeaked render of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2\n\n\nBased on leaks and rumours, the Galaxy Buds 2 looks to be a reasonably appealing pair of wireless earbuds. Some of its key features were \nleaked from an early beta\n of Samsung\u2019s very own Galaxy Wearable app for the earbuds, including support for active noise cancellation (ANC).\n\n\nIn fact, the Galaxy Buds 2 allows ANC to be activated even when just one earbud is used. It\u2019s even possible to customise the touch controls of the earbuds, or just outright disable them. The battery capacities of the Buds 2 were shown in the app too: each earbud supposedly has a 61mAh battery, while the charging case features a 472mAh cell.\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 is expected to be unveiled sometime next month at the South Korean company\u2019s upcoming Unpacked event, which is rumoured to be taking place on 11 August 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-2-0-review-inazume-biggest-update/", "title": "Genshin Impact 2.0 \u2013 Biggest, Most Exciting Update Yet With Inazuma", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact\n 2.0 is finally live today, and it is arguably the most exciting update to date. Touted by Mihoyo to be the biggest expansion yet, the \nVersion 2.0 update\n is packed to the brim with content \u2013 there\u2019s so much to do in the newly introduced Inazuma region.\n\n\nThis is the first time a major city (Inazuma) is introduced in Genshin Impact post-launch, and it revitalises the live service game, especially for long-time players. Version 2.0 awards both endgame and new players alike with a ton of new content, and if you haven\u2019t played Genshin Impact yet, you should \u2013 it really does get better with every update.\n\n\n\n\nI have been playing Genshin Impact since it was launched backed in September 2020, and I\u2019ve logged into the game every day since then. But to be honest, I was feeling a little\u2026well, bored with the game for quite some time now.\n\n\nIt\u2019s the same cycle every day: login, do some daily tasks, clear some domains to finish up my resin, and get to floor 12 of the Spiral Abyss \u2013 the hardest content in the game. It does get exciting when new character event wishes are released, but after \nspending over 20,000 Primogems to get one character\n, the excitement doesn\u2019t last very long.\n\n\n\n\nThis is the typical experience of an \u201cendgame player\u201d in Genshin Impact. Personally, the best time I had in the game was when I was still new to it. Exploring new areas, engrossing myself in the compelling storyline, and reading up on the rich lore of the game.\n\n\nAs I finish up every content Genshin Impact had to offer with every new update, these moments are few and far between. That\u2019s exactly why the Version 2.0 update is so interesting: I can finally relive the experiences that made the game so, so good.\n\n\nMore specifically, I\u2019m looking forward to the story that revolves around Inazuma. The Version 2.0 trailer gives us a glimpse of this and characters that will be making an appearance in the story, and suffice to say I cannot wait to be caught up in the narrative again.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter all, Genshin Impact tells \nsome of the most engrossing storylines\n I\u2019ve ever come across. Not even by the standards of a gacha/live service game; it is easily on par with the majority of other proper AAA titles on PC or console. \nThat\u2019s\n how engaging the story of Genshin Impact is.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, there\u2019s no doubt that the gacha aspect of Genshin Impact is one of the biggest draws of the game, but that\u2019s because the characterisation of these characters are done so well. In fact, assuming they will be playable in the future, I look forward to pulling for the \nRaiden Shogun and Yae Miko\n.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, I\u2019ve spent some time in Genshin Impact 2.0 exploring Inazuma, and I am absolutely loving it. The city itself \u2013 which is based on Japan \u2013 looks fantastic, the new enemies can prove to be quite challenging, and I\u2019m a fan of the new traversal mechanic in the game.\n\n\nThis revolves back to why Genshin Impact is such a good game in my book: it\u2019s been so long since I\u2019ve explored a brand new area. Granted, \nVersion 1.6\n introduced a new area as well (Golden Apple Archipelago), but that doesn\u2019t really compare to the sheer size of Inazuma and its unique landscapes.\n\n\nThat reminds me: only half of Inazuma is actually accessible in Genshin Impact 2.0. Inazuma is made up of six main islands, but at the moment, only three islands are available. Of course, there\u2019s still a pretty big area to explore, as you can see in the map below.\n\n\nYes, I haven\u2019t unlocked all available areas yet \u2013 I\u2019m taking it slow so I wouldn\u2019t run out of things to do so quickly!\n\n\n\n\nWhile I\u2019m loving Version 2.0 of Genshin Impact, it is by no means perfect. The NPCs in the current Inazuma storyline, for one, are recycled assets with small changes here and there. Only their clothes and facial hair were changed. It\u2019s evident that these are the same character models, which detracts a little bit from the overall polish of the narrative.\n\n\nNonetheless, I\u2019m still thoroughly enjoying the Version 2.0 update, and I cannot wait to go through the new story quests and meet all of the new characters. So far, it\u2019s confirmed that Kamisato Ayaka and Yoimiya will make an appearance in the current arc, and each of them will get their own story quests as well.\n\n\n\n\nMihoyo continues to improve Genshin Impact with every new update, and this Version 2.0 update is by far the most significant one to date. The fact that I can also continue my progress on the PS5 now (and vice versa) makes it even better, even if there are \nsome limitations\n in place.\n\n\nNow, if you\u2019ll excuse me, I need to get back to Inazuma \u2013 I\u2019m hoping to meet the Raiden Shogun soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-teases-galaxy-z-flip-3-z-fold-3-for-11-august-unpacked-event/", "title": "Samsung Teases Galaxy Z Flip 3 & Z Fold 3 For 11 August Unpacked Event", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s finally official: Samsung will be holding its next Unpacked event next month on 11 August. Based on the teaser image of the launch event, we can expect the South Korean company to unveil two foldable smartphones: the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 3.\n\n\nWhile the teaser image looks quite simple, it\u2019s definitely a reference to Samsung\u2019s two foldable smartphones. The outline of the Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 are clearly shown in the image, not to mention the \u201cget ready to unfold\u201d tagline.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMany details of the two foldable smartphones have been leaked. The Z Fold 3, for one, is said to be compatible with Samsung\u2019s S Pen stylus. Beyond that, its design is mostly the same as its predecessor, the Z Fold 2.\n\n\nAs for the Z Flip 3, the exterior design of the phone will supposedly sport a dual tone design now for certain colourways. The secondary display on the outside of the foldable phone will also be slightly bigger for better usability.\n\n\n\n\npic.twitter.com/8A4jTffvFJ\n\u2014 Evan Blass (@evleaks) \nJuly 10, 2021\n\n\n\n\n\n\npic.twitter.com/xzMz26zY06\n\u2014 Evan Blass (@evleaks) \nJuly 10, 2021\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3, the Korean company is expected to unveil new smartwatches and \nwireless earbuds\n as well. Anyway, you can register your interest for the two foldable phones \nright here\n \u2013 you\u2019ll even get a RM300 Samsung e-voucher \u201cwhich you can use after you pre-order the next Galaxy.\u201d\n\n\nThe Galaxy Unpacked livestream on 11 August will be livestreamed on Samsung\u2019s various platforms, including its \nYouTube\n channel, \nFacebook\n page, and even \nits website\n. The virtual event will start at 10PM Malaysian time on that day.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x70-se-official-new-19-wheels-2000-units-rm123800/", "title": "Proton X70 SE Official \u2013 New 19\u2033 Wheels, 2,000 Units, RM123,800", "body": "\n\nLeaked back in May\n, the Proton X70 SE is now official. Limited to only 2,000 units, the special edition C-segment SUV is based on the Premium trim of the regular model, and it comes with several cosmetic changes for a slight premium \u2013 it is priced at RM123,800.\n\n\nCompared to the regular Premium X70 (RM113,100), the X70 SE costs RM10,700 more, though you do get several upgrades for the money. Among them are new 19-inch alloy wheels with the very same design found on the Geely Boyue Pro, the facelifted model of the Boyue \u2013 the X70 is based on the latter.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the X70 SE also has a blacked-out roof and side mirrors with two colour options: Ocean Blue (the same shade offered for the\u00a0\nX50\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nIriz\n) and Ruby Red. Of course, there\u2019s also an SE badge on the rear end.\n\n\nOther specifications of the X70 SE include black nappa leather seats, a slightly different interior finishing compared to the regular model, the same 1.8L turbocharged direct injection engine with 181hp and 300Nm of torque, as well as a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.\n\n\n\n\nThe Proton X70 SE is now available for booking online \nthrough here\n; you only need to pay a RM99 booking fee. Given that there are only 2,000 units offered, you may want to act fast to secure the special edition SUV.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q1-pre-production-model-shown-pre-orders-delayed-to-august-2021/", "title": "Keychron Q1 Pre-Production Model Shown \u2013 Pre-Orders Delayed to August 2021", "body": "\n\nOriginally set to be available for pre-order this month, the release of the \nKeychron Q1\n has been pushed back due to some issues. Now, pre-orders for the 75% mechanical keyboard will start in late August next month.\n\n\nAccording to Keychron\n, there was an issue with the plate and PCB of the Q1 separating due to \u201ctoo much flex\u201d and room for the two parts to move around. To rectify these issues, pre-order of the keyboard is moved to late August, with deliveries happening the following month in late September.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, at least we have some pictures of the pre-production model shared by \nNick Xu of Keychron on Facebook\n. We get a look the finished product, including the double shot ABS keycaps and factory lubed Gateron switches. There are also gold plated screws on the bottom of the keyboard.\n\n\nOther noteworthy features of the Q1 include a gasket-mount design, a full CNC aluminium body, a hotswap PCB with south-facing LEDs, screw-in stabilisers, and VIA support out of the box to easily customise the mapping of the keyboard. Three plate options will also be offered: aluminium, FR4, and polycarbonate.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Keychron Q1 will now be available for pre-order in Late August next month for $139 (about RM585) and $169 (approximately RM675) for the barebone kit and fully assembled model respectively. Before pre-orders are open, the company said that reviews and sound tests of the keyboard will be released.\n\n\nYou can head on to Keychron\u2019s website to \nregister your interest for the Q1\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/astro-introduces-ultra-plug-play-box-no-surcharge-no-satellite-required/", "title": "Astro Introduces Ultra Plug & Play Box \u2013 No Surcharge, No Satellite Required", "body": "\n\nAstro just introduced the new Ultra Plug & Play Box. Just as its name suggests, it gives you access to Astro\u2019s services without the need for satellite installation \u2013 it has all of the features you\u2019ve come to expect from Astro too.\n\n\nInstead of relying on a satellite dish, the new Ultra Plug & Play Box is an IPTV service; you\u2019re basically streaming your shows through the internet. That\u2019s right, you won\u2019t have to worry about interruption to your Astro service when it rains now, though you do need an internet connection that\u2019s fast enough.\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of pricing, the Ultra Plug & Play Box costs the same as other Astro packages. In fact, it\u2019s actually cheaper as there\u2019s no installation fee, but there \nis\n an activation fee, which ranges from RM39 to RM59 for new customers.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re an existing customer, the activation fee for the Ultra Plug & Play Box is waived if your current package is above RM100. If it\u2019s below that, the activation fee is RM49. Either way, these costs are still lower than actually having to install the satellite dish.\n\n\n\n\nMore information on the Astro Ultra Plug & Play Box can be found \nover here\n. There\u2019s even an \nongoing campaign\n until 22 September for those who sign up for the new box, which offers a 70-inch Samsung smart TV and 20% off your subscription. However, do note that the new IPTV box is only available in Peninsular Malaysia at the moment.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/protect-your-precious-keyboard-with-the-monokei-kaban-carrying-case/", "title": "Protect Your Precious Keyboard With the Monokei Kaban Carrying Case", "body": "\n\nOne accessory that not many people would think of getting is a carrying case for your keyboard. It\u2019s an especially handy product if you carry your keyboard around, so if you\u2019re looking to get a case, consider the Monokei Kaban.\n\n\nThere aren\u2019t a lot of good quality keyboard carrying cases in the market, which is exactly why the Kaban is an interesting product. Not only does it look legitimately high quality \u2013 it\u2019s a Monokei-branded product, after all \u2013 it\u2019s also an in stock item, a rarity in the custom keyboard scene.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, two sizes of the Kaban are available: Small and Medium for S$35 (about RM110) and S$40 (approximately RM125) respectively. The Small one is suitable for 60% and 65% keyboards, while the Medium size is for 75% and 80%/TKL keyboards. You can refer to the dimensions of the two cases \nhere\n.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that Monokei is based in Singapore, so if you\u2019re in Southeast Asia, you\u2019ll definitely get better shipping rates than folks who are located outside of the region. Carrying cases take up a lot of volumetric weight, so expect to pay quite a bit for shipping.\n\n\n\n\nEven though the Kaban is an in stock item, Monokei mentioned that the carrying case will only start shipping next week on 26 July. If you\u2019re keen to get it, you can do so \non Monokei\u2019s online store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mihoyo-teases-raiden-shogun-kokomi-sara-in-genshin-impact-next-character-banners/", "title": "Mihoyo Teases Raiden Shogun, Kokomi, Sara in Genshin Impact \u2013 Next Character Banners?", "body": "\n\nMihoyo just posted very, very interesting \nGenshin Impact\n teasers of three characters: the \nRaiden Shogun\n, \nSangonomiya Kokomi\n, and \nKujou Sara\n. Chances are, all three of these characters will be featured in the next event wishes.\n\n\nAfter all, Mihoyo did the same teasers for \nKamisato Ayaka, Yoimiya, and Sayu\n; all three of these characters are featured in the event wishes for \nVersion 2.0 of Genshin Impact\n. With this in mind, there is a very good chance the Raiden Shogun, Kokomi, and Sara will be playable in the next update.\n\n\nFrom left: Kujou Sara, the Raiden Shogun, Sangonomiya Kokomi \n\n\nOf course, this is only an educated guess on our part right now, but we\u2019re pretty confident this will be the case. Anyway, Mihoyo also revealed that both the Raiden Shogun and Sara are Electro characters, while Kokomi is a Hydro character.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the rarity of these characters were not detailed by Mihoyo; the weapons that they wield were not confirmed either. If we were to guess, we\u2019d say both the Raiden Shogun and Kokomi are 5-star characters based on their importance in the lore of Genshin Impact.\n\n\nBased on the teaser image of the Shogun, she could be a sword user too, while Kokomi looks to be wielding a catalyst. As for Sara, she may be a 4-star bow character \u2013 she was seen using a bow in the \nVersion 2.0 trailer\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese are definitely exciting teasers for Genshin Impact. Many players have been waiting for the Raiden Shogun to be playable in the game, and now, there\u2019s a good chance she \u2013 along with Kokomi and Sara \u2013 will be playable in the next version of Genshin Impact.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-ideapad-gaming-3-now-in-malaysia-affordable-gaming-laptop-from-rm3299/", "title": "Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 Now in Malaysia \u2013 Affordable Gaming Laptop From RM3,299", "body": "\n\nLenovo quietly launched a new gaming laptop in Malaysia, the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3. Retailing from only RM3,299, it\u2019s certainly a pretty affordable gaming machine, though you do want to upgrade some of the hardware to game more effectively.\n\n\nFor RM3,299, the base model of the IdeaPad Gaming 3 features an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650, a decidedly entry-level GPU. Aside from that, it is also powered by a relatively new AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor paired with 8GB of RAM, which should be able to provide reasonably good processing power.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of this base model include a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen with a standard 60Hz refresh rate, a 256GB SSD, as well as Windows 10 Home out of the box.\n\n\nOf course, like other Lenovo laptops, you can customise the hardware of the IdeaPad Gaming 3. The GTX 1650, for one, can be upgraded to a much more modern RTX 3050 GPU for RM230. The 60Hz screen can also be swapped out for a much faster 120Hz\u2026for only RM20 \u2013 a no-brainer upgrade.\n\n\n\n\nYou can see all customisation options for the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 on \nLenovo Malaysia\u2019s online store\n. Do note that the shipping time for the laptop is listed to be between 8 to 10 weeks at the time of writing.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/horizon-zero-dawns-aloy-is-coming-to-genshin-impact-as-a-free-5-star-character/", "title": "Horizon Zero Dawn\u2019s Aloy Is Coming to Genshin Impact as a Free 5-Star Character", "body": "\n\nNow this is a surprise collaboration between Mihoyo and Guerrilla Games: Aloy from Horizon Zero Dawn is coming to Genshin Impact. Dubbed \u201cSavior From Another World,\u201d Aloy will be a 5-star Cryo character in the game, and she will also be free to everyone.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, Aloy will be free to every player on Genshin Impact! However, there are a number of caveats. She will first be available to PlayStation players \u2013 who have reached Adventure Rank 20 or above \u2013 once the Version 2.1 update is live. After you\u2019ve acquired her through the in-game mail, she will be available to play on other platforms as well.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, Aloy won\u2019t just be available to PlayStation players. Once Version 2.2 of Genshin Impact is live on 13 October, everyone who hasn\u2019t received the character will receive her through the in-game mail. The same rule still applies: you need to be at Adventure Rank 20 or above to get her.\n\n\nAside from Aloy herself, a free \n4-star bow\n, Predator, will also be offered for free. However, this weapon is exclusive to PlayStation players. When alloy equips Predator, it will give her a special buff as well.\n\n\n\n\nHow to Obtain the Weapon Predator (Bow) \npic.twitter.com/xaYbvFtAz7\n\u2014 Genshin Impact (@GenshinImpact) \nJuly 22, 2021\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, Aloy will be available in Genshin Impact once the Version 2.1 update is live to PlayStation players first for free. As for players on other platforms, they will receive the 5-star Cryo archer in Version 2.2 of the game from 13 October to 24 November 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-nord-2-5g-unveiled-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "OnePlus Nord 2 5G Unveiled \u2013 Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nThe true successor to the original \nOnePlus Nord\n is here. The aptly named OnePlus Nord 2 5G naturally features a number of upgrades, including a larger battery and a much faster chipset, courtesy of the MediaTek Dimensity 1200-AI.\n\n\nAlthough MediaTek chipsets aren\u2019t as popular as Qualcomm\u2019s offerings, the new Dimensity 1200-AI is a very, very promising SoC. In fact, \na previous benchmark\n shows that it can actually keep up with the Snapdragon 870 chipset, which is essentially \na faster version\n of the Snapdragon 865, Qualcomm\u2019s flagship chip last year.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, aside from its processor, the Nord 2 now features a triple camera system instead of a quad camera setup, though it does seem to be more capable. It is made up of a 50MP primary sensor with optical image stabilisation, an 8MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 2MP monochrome lens.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Nord 2 include a 6.43-inch 2400 x 1080 Fluid AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, a 32MP selfie camera, up to 12GB of RAM, two storage options (128GB or 256GB), a generous 4,500mAh battery, as well as OxygenOS 11.3 based on Android 11 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on exactly when the OnePlus Nord 2 5G will be available here in Malaysia, but we did spot it in SIRIM\u2019s database. Chances are, the Malaysian launch of the mid-range smartphone will happen very soon \u2013 we\u2019ll know the local pricing of the Nord 2 then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/cant-access-psn-steam-down-akamai-edge-dns/", "title": "Can\u2019t Access PSN or Steam? You\u2019re Not Alone", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re having trouble getting into PlayStation Network, Steam, or certain services, you\u2019re not alone. The issue is caused by Akamai Edge DNS, which is down right now.\n\n\nIf you try to access certain services that use Akamai Edge DNS \u2013 which include PSN and Steam \u2013 you\u2019ll run into the \u201cDNS failure\u201d error. According to Akamai, it is \u201caware of an emerging issue with the Edge DNS service,\u201d and it\u2019s actively investigating the issue.\n\n\n\n\nAkamai is experiencing a service disruption. We are actively investigating the issue and will provide an update in 30 minutes.\n\u2014 Akamai Technologies (@Akamai) \nJuly 22, 2021\n\n\n\n\nSo rest assured, there is nothing wrong with your internet connection, console, or computer. Until Akamai figures out the issue, you won\u2019t be able to access PSN or Steam, or any services that use Akamai Edge DNS.\n\n\nUpdate 23 July, 12:50AM:\n It appears Akamai has managed to solve the issue! From what we can tell, Akamai Edge DNS was down for about two hours before it\u2019s back up again. You should have no issue logging into PSN or Steam now.\n\n\n\n\nWe have implemented a fix for this issue, and based on current observations, the service is resuming normal operations. We will continue to monitor to ensure that the impact has been fully mitigated.\n\u2014 Akamai Technologies (@Akamai) \nJuly 22, 2021\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/poco-f3-gt-announced-with-shoulder-buttons-mediatek-dimensity-1200/", "title": "Poco F3 GT Announced With Shoulder Buttons & MediaTek Dimensity 1200", "body": "\n\nThe Poco F3 GT has just been launched in India, and it\u2019s quite an intriguing smartphone with some gaming-centric features. Not only does it have a reasonably powerful chipset, it also features a fast screen with a high touch response rate and shoulder buttons.\n\n\nJust like the recently unveiled OnePlus Nord 2 5G, the Poco F3 GT is powered by MediaTek\u2019s fast Dimensity 1200 chipset, which is said to be comparable to the \nQualcomm Snapdragon 870\n.\n\n\nGiven that the Snapdragon 870 is a faster version of the Snapdragon 865 \u2013 Qualcomm\u2019s 2020 flagship SoC \u2013 you can expect to get a very good level of performance with the Dimensity 1200.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the F3 GT also features a 6.67-inch Turbo AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, along with a high 480Hz touch response rate to minimise input lag. Paired with the two \u201cMaglev\u201d shoulder buttons on the right side of the phone, mobile gamers will appreciate these gaming-centric features.\n\n\nOther specifications of the F3 GT include 6GB or 8GB of RAM, two storage options (128GB or 256GB), a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), a 16MP selfie camera, and a generous 5,065mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\nThe Poco F3 GT is currently only available in India with a 26,999 Indian rupee (about RM1,530) starting price. No word yet on the Malaysian availability of the phone, but we reckon Poco will bring in F3 GT in due time.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ps5-pre-orders-happening-in-malaysia-again-today-23-july/", "title": "PS5 Pre-Orders Happening in Malaysia Again Today (23 July)", "body": "\n\nAnother round of pre-orders for the \nPlayStation 5\n is happening in Malaysia. Set to begin from \ntoday onwards (23 July)\n, only the standard model is available in this round of pre-order.\n\n\nCuriously, aside from the standard PS5 \u2013 which retails at RM2,299 \u2013 there is also a separate bundle of the next generation console with another DualSense controller included. This particular bundle retails at RM2,648, so that\u2019s a RM349 price difference \u2013 the same cost as a DualSense controller, basically.\n\n\n\n\nAs usual, the PS5 is limited to only one unit per customer, and the pre-order is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. While it wasn\u2019t mentioned by Sony Malaysia, we reckon stocks are very limited.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get in on this round of pre-orders for the PlayStation 5, we recommend checking with your favourite retailer. Better yet, get into the waiting list if the store has one \u2013 you\u2019ll have a higher chance of securing a PS5 that way.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mode-eighty-premium-custom-tkl-keyboard-back-in-stock-tonight-from-480/", "title": "Mode Eighty Premium Custom TKL Keyboard Back in Stock Tonight From $480", "body": "\n\nThe popular Mode Eighty custom TKL keyboard kit will go on sale again tonight. What makes the sale for this premium keyboard particularly interesting is the fact that it\u2019s an in-stock sale \u2013 you won\u2019t have to wait months for the keyboard to be delivered to you.\n\n\nAvailable in five distinct colours \u2013 Daemon, Iris, Lotus, Dart, and Charge \u2013 only around 440 units (approximately 90 units per colour) of the Mode Eighty are up for grabs. The solderable version retails at $480 (about RM2,030), while the hotswap configuration costs slightly more at $490 (around RM2,070).\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the Mode Eighty particularly unique is its \u201cstack mount\u201d design, which uses a foam in the bottom case to fill the space beneath the PCB of the keyboard. Not only does the foam act as a sound dampener, it also provides a firm typing experience \u2013 you can listen to the sound signature of the Eighty in Taeha Types\u2019 sound test below.\n\n\nAside from that, the Mode Eighty has all the features you\u2019d come to expect from a premium custom TKL keyboard kit. It has a \nTKL (or 80%) layout\n, an all-aluminium case, an aluminium plate, as well as support for screw-in stabilisers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Mode Eighty will be available for purchase tonight at 1AM Malaysian time (or 10AM PT) \nover here\n. Given that there are limited units, you do have to be quick to secure a unit. Good luck!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ps5-owners-can-enjoy-apple-tv-for-6-months-free-of-charge/", "title": "PS5 Owners Can Enjoy Apple TV+ for 6 Months Free of Charge", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re lucky enough to own a \nPlayStation 5\n, great news: you can get access to Apple TV+ for six months completely free of charge. This offer is even applicable to those with an existing subscription to the streaming service.\n\n\nHowever, there is a caveat for existing subscribers. If you\u2019re currently on a free trial or a regular subscription to Apple TV+, you can redeem the offer. But if you\u2019re subscribed to the service through a bundle offer like Apple One, you won\u2019t be eligible, so take note.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, in order to redeem the six months subscription to Apple TV+, you just need to download the app to your PS5. Once you\u2019ve done that, you\u2019ll need to login to the service with your Apple ID (or create one if you don\u2019t have an ID) \u2013 pretty straightforward.\n\n\nAfter the complimentary six months subscription to Apple TV+ is up, your subscription will be automatically renewed for RM19.90 per month. You have until 22 July 2022 next year to redeem this offer on your PS5, so you have plenty of time to claim it.\n\n\n\n\nMore details on this offer \u2013 along with participating countries \u2013 can be found \nover here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/macbook-air-may-receive-mini-led-screen-upgrade-in-2022/", "title": "MacBook Air May Receive Mini-LED Screen Upgrade in 2022", "body": "\n\nPreviously, it was rumoured that the \nMacBook Pro laptops with mini-LED displays\n will be introduced sometime in September this year. But what about the more affordable MacBook Air? Well, it may receive the screen upgrade in 2022 instead.\n\n\nThis was revealed through a new investor note from renowed Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo obtained by \n9to5Mac\n and \nMacRumors\n. According to Kuo, the MacBook Air will debut with a mini-LED display sometime in the middle of 2022.\n\n\n\n\nBut unlike the mini-LED panel upgrade for the smaller MacBook Pro \u2013 which supposedly increases the screen size from 13.3-inch to 14.1-inch \u2013 the MacBook Air is said to retain the same 13.3-inch display. Chances are, this is done to differentiate the hardware of the two laptops.\n\n\nCompared to a regular LCD screen, a mini-LED display offers better contrast ratio and wider dynamic range, making for a better viewing experience. So far, only the new\u00a0\nM1-powered iPad Pro\n features a mini-LED screen, and we reckon Apple will use the display in more of its products moving forward.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-rm2450-malaysian-designed-custom-keyboard-sold-out-in-minutes/", "title": "This RM2,450 Malaysian-Designed Custom Keyboard Sold Out in Minutes", "body": "\n\nThe raffle for Singa\u2019s latest custom keyboard, \nthe Kohaku\n, went live earlier today at 10AM. Within minutes, all 1,000 raffle spots were taken up \u2013 the Malaysian-designed keyboard certainly sold like hot cakes.\n\n\nTo recap, 1,000 raffle spots for the Kohaku were offered, but only 300 of the entries were selected to purchase the keyboard. The fact that the custom keyboard sold out so quickly is really quite impressive, especially with its RM2,450 price tag.\n\n\n\n\nGranted, many folks in the custom keyboard scene would gladly pay that amount of money for a premium Singa keyboard. Anyway, the Kohaku itself is quite a sleek-looking 65% keyboard, thanks to the copper weight bottom with a K\u014dhaku Koi motif; that\u2019s the inspiration for the name of the keyboard.\n\n\nAside from that, the Kohaku also uses a gasket mounting system with an aluminium case. There are two plate options too: a leaf spring aluminium plate, or a regular polycarbonate plate. For RM2,450, you\u2019re getting the Kohaku case itself, a hotswap or solderable PCB, a plate of your choice, as well as a hard carrying case.\n\n\n\n\nIf you missed out on the raffle, there\u2019s a chance you can still get the Singa Kohaku. According to Elaine, the owner of Singa, limited extra units of the Kohaku will be available for purchase once it starts shipping sometime in Q1 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/make-any-surface-capable-of-wireless-charging-with-the-ikea-sjomarke-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Make Any Surface Capable of Wireless Charging With the Ikea Sj\u00f6m\u00e4rke \u2013 Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nIkea has launched a number of products with integrated wireless charging, but the new Ikea Sj\u00f6m\u00e4rke puts a little twist to it. Essentially, it is a wireless charger, but it can be used to (effectively) make any surface capable of wireless charging \u2013 it is also coming to Malaysia soon.\n\n\nAs usual, we were going through SIRIM\u2019s database when we came across the Sj\u00f6m\u00e4rke; it was registered under Ikea Malaysia with the model number E2018. Electronics that are officially sold in Malaysia have to be registered with SIRIM first, so chances are, the Sj\u00f6m\u00e4rke will be available here soon.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, it\u2019s worth noting that the Sj\u00f6m\u00e4rke\u2019s \nproduct listing\n on Ikea Netherlands shows that it will only be available in the middle of October. With that in mind, it remains to be seen if the Sj\u00f6m\u00e4rke will be sold here in Malaysia earlier than that.\n\n\nAnyway, as mentioned, the Sj\u00f6m\u00e4rke can be attached to the bottom of a surface \u2013 such as a table \u2013 to make it capable of wireless charging. But as the video above demonstrates, the thickness of the surface has to be between 8mm to 22mm in order for the wireless charging to work.\n\n\n\n\nNow that the Ikea Sj\u00f6m\u00e4rke has been registered with SIRIM, we reckon it\u2019s only a matter of time before the wireless charger is officially available through Ikea Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/entry-level-vs-high-end-custom-keyboards-worth-the-premium/", "title": "Entry-Level vs. High-End Custom Keyboards \u2013 Worth the Premium?", "body": "\n\nOver the past year or so, we\u2019ve seen quite a number of affordable, \nentry-level custom keyboards\n. On top of that, these keyboards are really, \nreally\n good too\n \u2013 even the most expensive pre-built keyboard can\u2019t compare to them in terms of typing experience and overall refinement.\n\n\nSo that brings up the question: are higher-end custom keyboards worth considering then? Absolutely. Obviously, the value proposition of a premium keyboard isn\u2019t quite as good, but you \ndo\n get your money\u2019s worth \u2013 I\u2019ll explain why in this article.\n\n\n\n\nWhat Separates a High-End and Entry-Level Keyboard?\n\n\nPricing is the easiest indicator. The general rule of thumb for how much a high-end custom keyboard would go for \u2013 in my opinion, anyway \u2013 is above the $400 price point, which comes up to about RM1,700. As for an entry-level keyboards, they should be half of that, so that\u2019s below the $200 mark (approximately RM845).\n\n\nOf course, there are some exceptions here and there, but this is the general idea.\n\n\nWhat\u2019s So Great About a \u201cHigh-End\u201d Keyboard?\n\n\nWell, for one, a proper high-end custom keyboard is generally more refined and polished than entry-level offerings, whether it\u2019s in terms of design, finishing, or choice of material. After all, more expensive keyboards are held to a higher standard; with a higher price tag, higher expectations have to be met as well.\n\n\nThe Jelly Epoch\n\n\nAside from that, some of the \nbest-sounding\n keyboards are also more premium offerings. The \nJelly Epoch by OwLab\n, for example, has one of the deepest sound signatures, and it started at $389 (around RM1,645) when it went up for sale.\n\n\nGranted, sound is subjective, and there \nare \nentry-level keyboards that sound great, such as the \nKBDfans KBD67 Lite\n and \nCannonKeys\u2019 Bakeneko60\n. However, it\u2019s not inaccurate to say that higher-end keyboards have more \u201ccharacter\u201d in their sound profile, which give them their own unique sound signature.\n\n\nThe KBD67 Lite\n\n\nBranding Plays a Big Part Too\n\n\nAs with any premium products, branding is important for high-end custom keyboards. Some of the most recognisable names in the custom keyboard scene include Keycult, Rama Works, as well as \nSinga\n, which is based right here in Malaysia. If you own any keyboards from these big brand names, you\u2019re definitely in \u201cendgame\u201d territory.\n\n\nNaturally, companies with good branding can also charge a premium on entry-level keyboards; Rama Works is a great example of this with the \nKara\n. Even though the keyboard\u2019s $160 price tag (about RM675) puts it in the entry-level segment, folks will argue that it shouldn\u2019t cost that much.\n\n\nThe Rama Works Kara\n\n\nThat being said, in this particular example, you\u2019re not paying more just for Rama\u2019s branding on the Kara. Rather, you\u2019re paying for the keyboard\u2019s overall polish and quality. Even though it\u2019s an entry-level keyboard, the Kara is still a Rama Works product, a company renowned for its high quality custom keyboards.\n\n\nSurely Entry-Level Keyboards Can Also Be Good?\n\n\nDefinitely! Even though more affordable custom keyboards have to sacrifice on a number of features to bring down the price \u2013 such as choice of material \u2013 they can still be really good. They won\u2019t look or feel quite as impressive or premium, but hey, you\u2019re still getting the full \u201ccustom keyboard experience.\u201d\n\n\nThe Bakeneko60\n\n\nAfter all, the biggest draw of the custom keyboard hobby is the customisation options and getting a superior typing experience, and an entry-level keyboard is an excellent way to start off. While a more premium board does offer better typing experience (generally), an entry-level keyboard is still miles better to type on than a pre-built one.\n\n\nThe Best of Both Worlds? Mid-Range Keyboards\n\n\nHowever, if you want a good compromise between a high-end keyboard and an entry-level one, opt for a mid-range keyboard instead. These keyboards don\u2019t quite have the \u201caccolades\u201d of a premium keyboard, but they don\u2019t feel as \u201ccheap\u201d as an entry-level keyboard either.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSome good examples of mid-range keyboards are the \nai03 Vega\n and \nWilba.tech Salvation\n, which cost $329 (about RM1,390) and $295 (approximately RM1,250) respectively. It\u2019s worth noting that ai03 and Wilba \u2013 who is working with Salvun for the Salvation \u2013 are also well-known in the custom keyboard scene.\n\n\nThese two keyboards in particular, despite not being \nparticularly\n expensive, can easily be endgame keyboards for some folks. They sound fantastic, they look great, and in the case of the Salvation, it has a unique leaf spring mounting system as well.\n\n\nPlus, the Salvation is machined by Salvun too, another big name in the custom keyboard scene.\n\n\nThe Wilba.tech Salvation\n\n\nSo there you have it. Whether you\u2019re new to the hobby or not, going with an entry-level, mid-range, or high-end custom mechanical keyboard are all good choices. At the end of the day, it really depends on your personal preference.\n\n\nTo some folks, spending upwards of $400 on a keyboard doesn\u2019t make sense, even if you do get a more refined product \u2013 it\u2019s all, as mentioned, preference.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/custom-keyboard-why-you-should-get-a-deskmat/", "title": "Custom Keyboard \u2013 Why You Should Get a Deskmat", "body": "\n\nEver since I got into the \ncustom keyboard hobby\n, one particular accessory that I got one too many of are\u2026deskmats. I initially started off with more affordable deskmats off of Taobao, and while they are decent for the money, they don\u2019t compare to higher quality ones from bigger brand names.\n\n\nBy \u201cbigger brand names,\u201d I\u2019m talking about deskmats that complement keycap sets, such as ones from GMK and the likes. While I mainly purchase deskmats to complement my desk setup, they\u2019re much more than just for looks, and I\u2019ll tell you why in this article.\n\n\nDeskmats Protect Your Keyboard\n\n\nThis is really the biggest reason I got a deskmat in the beginning of the hobby. By having my keyboard on top of the deskmat at all times, I reduce the likelihood of scratching or dinging it. A deskmat will prevent the keyboard from bumping directly against the table when I move it around, for instance.\n\n\nI mean, when you spent in excess of \nRM3,000 on a keyboard\n, you would absolutely want to protect your investment, right?\n\n\n\n\nA deskmat helps immensely when you\u2019re building a keyboard too. After all, you\u2019ve got a nice, soft surface to work on as you assemble each part of the keyboard. A deskmat would reduce the risk of these parts getting scuffed in the building process.\n\n\nReally, I don\u2019t think I can build a keyboard without the \u201csecurity\u201d of a deskmat anymore. I baby my products, and when I\u2019m building a keyboard on a deskmat, I can flip it around without worrying I would ding it. This is especially helpful if I already have keycaps installed on the keyboard \u2013 imagine scratching a \nRM500 keycap set\n.\n\n\nYour Keyboard Will Sound Better\n\n\nDepending on what surface your keyboard is resting on, it may not sound as good as you thought it would be. Well, that\u2019s where a deskmat will come in handy. It helps remove resonance from the table, so you can hear the \u201ctrue\u201d sound profile of your keyboard.\n\n\nIn fact, I actually\u2026stack a few deskmats on top of each other to really isolate my keyboard from the table. Depending on how hollow the surface you\u2019re typing on, you may need the extra dampening of more than one deskmat to completely remove table resonance.\n\n\n\n\nAnother benefit of having more than one deskmat is the fact that I can switch them out every now and then to freshen up my desk setup. Am I just trying to justify my deskmat purchases? Maybe. But I do enjoy the flexibility of changing to deskmats whenever I want to.\n\n\nYou Won\u2019t Need a Mousepad Anymore\n\n\nA typical deskmat measures 900mm x 400mm, which is more than large enough to accommodate \nkeyboards of various sizes\n. On top of that, you\u2019ve also got \na lot\n of space to move your mouse around. Since I got into this hobby, I never needed to purchase a mousepad anymore.\n\n\nYou know how annoying it is to have your mousepad move around when you\u2019re in the middle of an intense game session? Well, that won\u2019t happen with a deskmat. The rubber bottom ensures that the deskmat doesn\u2019t move around on the table.\n\n\nGranted, some folks may not be thrilled by the cloth surface of a deskmat for gaming, but I reckon it\u2019s just fine for the majority of gamers. I certainly don\u2019t mind it.\n\n\n\n\nGet a Good, High-Quality Deskmat\n\n\nOf course, you do have to get a proper, high-quality deskmat to really enjoy these benefits. You can\u2019t go wrong by getting deskmats that were made to match specific GMK keycap sets, such as the ones you can find on \nkeyboard vendors like iLumkb\n. They do cost quite a bit of money (around RM100), but you \nare\n getting a high-quality product.\n\n\nOkay, if you prefer getting a deskmat from Taobao or other e-commerce sites instead, here are a couple of things to look out for. Make sure it is a thick enough to serve its purpose; a typical deskmat is 4mm thick. Aside from that, it has to have stitched edges as well to ensure that the edges won\u2019t fray over time.\n\n\nDeskmats Look Great!\n\n\nTo an extent, I look at the custom keyboard hobby as a\u2026form of expression. Having a deskmat with a design that is to your liking really does transform your desk setup. If you spend a lot of time in front of a computer typing away \u2013 like I do \u2013 you will really appreciate this.\n\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s part of the reason why I absolutely love discovering this hobby. It can get tiring spending countless hours every day processing stories, and making that experience better with a proper custom keyboard \u2013 and a sleek deskmat \u2013 improves my productivity in ways I couldn\u2019t have imagined.\n\n\nBut I digress. At the end of the day, it is up to you whether or not you need a deskmat, though I will highly, highly recommend getting at least one proper deskmat to see what the fuss is all about for yourself!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/virtual-cacs-activated-mildly-symptomatic-covid-19-patients-now-required-to-stay-home/", "title": "Virtual CACs Activated \u2013 Mildly Symptomatic COVID-19 Patients Now Required to Stay Home", "body": "\n\nFollowing reports that COVID-19 Assessment Centres (CAC) are overwhelmed within the Greater Klang Valley area due to the surge of COVID-19 positive cases, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has decided to activate Virtual CACs. Basically, COVID-19 patients in Selangor, KL, and Putrajaya with no or mild symptoms are now required to stay at home.\n\n\nThis extends to those who had close contacts with COVID-19 patients; they are advised to \u201cself-isolate at home with no need for testing unless symptomatic.\u201d As for those who tested positive for COVID-19, they are required to report the result through MySejahtera to receive a Digital Home Surveillance Order (HSO).\n\n\n\n\nFollowing reports that CACs in the Greater Klang Valley are overwhelmed due to the current surge of COVID-19 positive cases: \n\u2705 The Greater Klang Valley Special Task Force (GKV STF) has activated Virtual CACs to ensure an efficient management response. \npic.twitter.com/y9ru1oa4dk\n\u2014 KKMalaysia\ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe (@KKMPutrajaya) \nJuly 26, 2021\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, they are also required to complete the Home Assessment Tool (HAT) on a daily basis in the MySejahtera app. Patients\u2019 self-assessments will be monitored through the Virtual CAC Management Module within the eCOVID19 system, and they will be contacted by the CAC Call Centre if needed.\n\n\nHowever, if symptoms worsen, COVID-19 patients in Virtual CACs \u201cshould seek immediate care at the nearest hospital instead of waiting for a call from Virtual CAC.\u201d\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/death-stranding-sold-5-million-copies-on-ps4-pc/", "title": "Death Stranding Sold 5 Million Copies on PS4 & PC", "body": "\n\nDeath Stranding, Kojima Productions\u2019 first title after Hideo Kojima himself left Konami, has sold over five million copies on the PlayStation 4 and PC as of March 2021. This was revealed by the studio\u2019s head of publishing, Jay Boor, in an interview with \nGamesIndustry.biz\n.\n\n\nGiven that Death Stranding was launched back in late 2019 on the PS4 \u2013 followed by the \nPC version\n on 2 June 2020 \u2013 this is quite an impressive figure. \u201cWith Death Stranding being the first title developed out of Kojima Productions, from a sales perspective, it has performed quite well,\u201d Boor elaborated.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s safe to assume the sales of Death Stranding will pick up again come 24 September when the \nDirector\u2019s Cut version of the game\n is released on the PlayStation 5. Fully remastered and expanded for the next-gen console, Director\u2019s Cut offers new weapons, monsters, equipment, and even new storylines.\n\n\nThere are a number of PS5-only enhancements as well. Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut will take advantage of the DualSense\u2019s adaptive triggers and refined haptic feedback to deliver a more immersive experience, not to mention two graphics options: Performance Mode (upscaled 4K resolution at 60fps) and Fidelity Mode (native 4K).\n\n\nOf course, Director\u2019s Cut will also support HDR and ultrawide aspect ratio.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re lucky enough to secure a unit of the PS5, you really should consider picking up Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut. It may have a bizarre storyline and gameplay, but it\u2019s a \nreally, really captivating game\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/a-bunch-of-limited-deskmats-just-restocked-for-sea-market/", "title": "A Bunch of Limited Deskmats Just Restocked for SEA Market", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for a new deskmat to change up your desk setup, great news: a bunch of limited deskmats have just been restocked for the SEA market through iLumkb, which is based in Singapore.\n\n\nAccording to iLumkb, most of these deskmats are extras from completed keycap sets. These include the popular \nSA Mizu \u201cMoon\u201d deskmat,\n \nRed Devils\n, \nModern Dolch\n, as well as the rather unique \nTaegeukgi deskmats\n.\n\n\nRed Devils\nSA Mizu \u201cMoon\u201d\n\n\nOf course, iLumkb also has a wide variety of other in-stock deskmats, including the \n\u201cBrown Paper\u201d Cherry deskmat\n and \nTaeha Types\u2019 very own deskmat\n in black or white. Naturally, these are high quality, thick fabric deskmats \u2013 most of them measure 4mm thick \u2013 with a rubber bottom and stitched edges; we cannot recommend them enough.\n\n\nYou can browse through iLumkb\u2019s list of in-stock deskmats \nright here\n. Do note that deskmats are heavy, so you may need to pay slightly more for shipping.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-matepad-11-with-harmonyos-2-now-in-malaysia-from-rm1999/", "title": "Huawei MatePad 11 With HarmonyOS 2 Now in Malaysia From RM1,999", "body": "\n\nHuawei just launched its latest tablet in Malaysia, the Huawei MatePad 11. Running on HarmonyOS 2 with a reasonably fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset and an equally fast 120Hz screen, the MatePad 11 is a relatively affordable tablet too.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, two variants of the MatePad 11 are offered. The base model with 128GB of storage retails at RM1,999, while the 256GB configuration costs RM2,399. Those who pre-order the tablet by 5 August will also receive RM1,207 worth of freebies, including the second generation Huawei M-Pencil and a magnetic keyboard case.\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Huawei, the MatePad 11 is the company\u2019s first tablet to ship with a 120Hz screen. The 10.95-inch display itself is quite sharp too with a 2560 x 1600 WQXGA resolution IPS panel, so you\u2019re getting a good quality screen with this tablet.\n\n\nAside from that, the MatePad 11 is also powered by the aforementioned Snapdragon 865 chipset. Granted, it\u2019s not the newest or fastest SoC in the market now, but it\u2019s still a very capable processor. After all, it was Qualcomm\u2019s 2020 flagship chipset.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the MatePad 11 include a 13MP rear camera, an 8MP selfie shooter, a sizeable 7,250mAh battery, and it runs on HarmonyOS 2 \u2013 still based on Android \u2013 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei MatePad 11 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 5 August 2021. To recap, the 128GB model costs RM1,999, while the 256GB variant retails at RM2,399.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-asus-rog-phone-5-now-bundled-with-rm499-rog-cetra-ii-earbuds-for-free/", "title": "Deal: Asus ROG Phone 5 Now Bundled With RM499 ROG Cetra II Earbuds for Free", "body": "\n\nLooking to get a flagship gaming smartphone? Then you might want to consider the \nAsus ROG Phone 5\n. From now until 15 August, every purchase of the gaming device is bundled with an ROG Cetra II earbuds (worth RM499) for free.\n\n\nAside from that, you can also get a RM100 discount on the ROG Kunai 3 gamepad with the ROG Phone 5. This essentially drops the price of the gamepad to RM399 from RM499; a decent deal if you need the dedicated buttons of the Kunai 3.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, this offer for the ROG Phone 5 only seems to be applicable to the 128GB variant (RM2,999) of the gaming phone with 8GB of RAM. Nonetheless, it\u2019s still a good deal, especially for a high-end phone of this calibre. After all, it\u2019s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset with a fast 144Hz 6.78-inch 1080p AMOLED screen.\n\n\nOther specifications of the ROG Phone 5 include a triple camera system (64MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide angle + 5MP macro), a 24MP selfie camera, a generous 6,000mAh battery, as well as ROG UI based on Android 11 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to get the Asus ROG Phone 5 with the free ROG Cetra II earbuds, you can do so on \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n until 15 August. Not sure if this phone is for you? Then check out our review of the gaming-centric device \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mode-sixtyfive-pre-orders-open-until-2022-3-month-lead-time/", "title": "Mode SixtyFive Pre-Orders Open Until 2022 \u2013 3-Month Lead Time", "body": "\n\nMode just made a pretty interesting announcement for its latest custom keyboard, the \nMode SixtyFive\n. The pre-orders for the 65% keyboard was initially said to be open for at least a month, but Mode just revealed that it will actually be extended until 2022. On top of that, the lead time for the keyboard will be pretty short too.\n\n\n\u201cWe are pleased to announce that we will be keeping SixtyFive pre-orders open into 2022,\u201d Mode said on its \nDiscord server\n. \u201cLong before our pre-order even opens, we put in a significant amount of time and resources to prepare for manufacturing.\u201d\n\n\n\u201cThis greatly minimises wait times for you, our community, to receive your keyboards,\u201d the company elaborated.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, Mode also added that pre-orders of the SixtyFive made by 9 August will be fulfilled in December 2021. For pre-orders placed beyond that date, Mode aims to ship the keyboard within three months.\n\n\nGiven that the SixtyFive is quite configurable \u2013 you can change the finish and material for almost every part of the keyboard \u2013 Mode\u2019s quick fulfilment (by the standards of a custom keyboard) is really quite impressive. As far as we can tell, no other keyboard companies have offered this level of customisability with such a short turnaround time.\n\n\nAnyway, the SixtyFive itself, as mentioned, is customisable. With Mode\u2019s \nconfigurator for the keyboard\n, you can change the top case, bottom case, plate, and even the (magnetic) backpiece of the SixtyFive. Your customised keyboard will be rendered in the configurator too.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the Mode SixtyFive, you can start customising the keyboard over at \nMode\u2019s online store\n. To recap, the 65% custom keyboard starts at $299 (about RM1,265), and pre-orders made by 9 August will be shipped sometime in December 2021. You can learn more about the SixtyFive\u00a0\nover here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsungs-unreleased-s-pen-pro-now-in-sirim-likely-for-galaxy-z-fold-3/", "title": "Samsung\u2019s Unreleased S Pen Pro Now in SIRIM \u2013 Likely for Galaxy Z Fold 3", "body": "\n\nAs we approach Samsung\u2019s \nnext Unpacked event\n on 11 August, more interesting details are coming up. Take the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, which will likely debut at the event next month \u2013 the accompanying stylus for the flagship foldable phone, the S Pen Pro, has just been registered with SIRIM.\n\n\nJust yesterday, Samsung Malaysia registered the S Pen Pro (EJ-P5450) with SIRIM. Before electronics can be officially sold here in Malaysia, they have to be registered with the certification body first, so there\u2019s a good chance Malaysia will be one of the first markets to get the new Z Fold 3.\n\n\n\n\nThis wouldn\u2019t really be a surprise: Samsung Malaysia has always brought in its latest smartphones in a very timely manner. Of course, it\u2019s still great to see that the S Pen Pro for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 has been registered with SIRIM already. It\u2019s good to have a confirmation of sorts.\n\n\nAnyway, based on leaks and rumours, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is shaping up to be Samsung\u2019s most refined foldable phone to date. While its design is mostly the same as its predecessor, the \nZ Fold 2\n, it\u2019s said to be sporting an IPX8 water resistance rating now. This makes it the first foldable with such a rating, alongside the Z Flip 3.\n\n\nImage source: \nEvan Blass (Twitter)\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 will be making its debut on 11 August next month at the South Korean company\u2019s next Unpacked event. It is believed to be accompanied by the Z Flip 3 as well, not to mention new smartwatches and a pair of \nwireless earbuds\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/poco-x3-gt-with-120hz-screen-5000mah-battery-arrives-in-malaysia-from-rm1299/", "title": "Poco X3 GT With 120Hz Screen & 5,000mAh Battery Arrives in Malaysia From RM1,299", "body": "\n\nThe new Poco X3 GT has just been launched in Malaysia. As expected, it is basically the global version of the China-only Redmi Note 10 Pro. Like other Poco-branded smartphones, the new mid-ranger offers good value for money too.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, two variants of the X3 GT are offered. The base model with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM retails at RM1,299, while the 256GB configuration with the same amount of RAM costs RM1,599. Reasonably good price tags for a mid-range phone of this calibre.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Poco X3 Pro is quite well-equipped. Not only does it feature a fast 6.6-inch 1080p IPS screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, it is also powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1100 SoC. This chip is one of the chipmaker\u2019s higher-end offerings, so it should be able to offer a good level of performance.\n\n\nOther specifications of the X3 GT include a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), a 16MP selfie camera, a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, as well as MIUI 12.5 based on Android 11 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Poco X3 GT will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 3 August onwards. To reward early birds, those who get the phone on 3 or 4 August will receive a pretty noteworthy discount. The 128GB will go for only RM1,199 (instead of RM1,299) on these two days, while the 256GB model will retail at only RM1,399 \u2013 a total of RM200 discount.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/29-july-4-august-fuel-price-ron-97-goes-up-again/", "title": "29 July \u2013 4 August Fuel Price: RON 97 Goes up Again", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 continues its upward trend this coming week. RON 97 is set to go up by 1 sen per litre this midnight, while the prices of RON 95 and diesel remain the same, given that the price ceilings of the two have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 is now set at RM2.74 per litre (up from RM2.73). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, remains the same at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 29 July to 4 August. New fuel prices will now be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/trying-out-tng-rfid-fuelling-system-room-for-improvement-but-exciting/", "title": "Trying Out the TNG RFID Fuelling System \u2013 Room for Improvement, But Still Exciting", "body": "\n\nTouch \u2018n Go (TNG) launched the pilot programme for its \nRFID Fuelling system\n with Shell a couple of weeks ago, and I was lucky enough to be selected to test it out. Naturally, I was quite excited to try out the new fuelling method \u2013 it offers a level of convenience that other payment methods do not.\n\n\nI\u2019ve refuelled twice with the RFID Fuelling system, and while it\u2019s amazing when it works, it\u2019s pretty annoying when the RFID reader refuses to detect my car. But despite my less than ideal experience with the system, it\u2019s definitely promising, and I really wouldn\u2019t mind using it again.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBefore we get to my experience with the RFID Fuelling system, let\u2019s talk about how to activate the feature itself. It\u2019s quite simple: just click on the Shell icon in the TNG eWallet app, tap on \u201cactivate fuelling,\u201d set a preset amount to be deducted when you\u2019re refuelling, and you\u2019re done.\n\n\nWhat happens if you refuelled less than the amount you\u2019ve set? No problem: any unused amount will be refunded back to your TNG eWallet. With that in mind, you should set the amount higher than how much you usually pay at the fuelling station. That way, you\u2019ll get a full tank of fuel.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOkay, once the initial setup is done, I can go to one of five different Shell stations to try out the beta version of the RFID Fuelling system as listed below:\n\n\nShell Bandar Sri Menjalara\nShell Mint Hotel\nShell NKVE Damansara\nShell Taman Connaught\nShell Taman Tun Dr Ismail\n\n\nShell NKVE Damansara was the nearest to my location, so I headed there. It was quite easy to spot the fuelling bays with the RFID system installed; there are rather sizeable LED display mounted at the two adjacent bays.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDepending on where your fuel cap is located, you\u2019ll have to make sure your car is facing \ntowards\n the RFID reader as you drive up to the fuelling bay. The first time I drove up to the proper bay, it detected my car without issue. I was really quite surprised by how seamless it was.\n\n\nAll I had to do then was to wait for the LED screen to display the nozzle icon. Once it does, I have 80 seconds to start fuelling up. When I\u2019m done, I can just return the nozzle, and drive off; that\u2019s it. I can check my transaction through the TNG eWallet app if I need to.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, after I was done with my first refuelling, I drove around back to the same bay to see if the reader can detect my RFID tag seamlessly again. Unfortunately, it did not. In fact, I drove back and forth several times to see if it will eventually detect my car \u2013 it did not.\n\n\nThat was when I was approached by a representative of Wei Long Electronics, which develops the hardware and software of the RFID Fuelling system. Turns out, he saw that I was having trouble getting the RFID reader to detect my car, and he suggested that I tried driving to the adjacent bay instead.\n\n\nSurprise surprise, the moment I drove in, the reader picked up my RFID tag quickly. But as my fuel cap is located on the right side of my Proton Iriz\u2026this is the result.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe representative explained that as my RFID tag is on the left side of my car\u2019s headlights \u2013 the recommended location to install the tag \u2013 the reader of the first fuelling bay I tried (which is to the right of my car) may had difficulty detecting the tag. I guess I was just lucky that the reader managed to detect my car the first time around.\n\n\nHe then told me that there are certain Shell stations that actually have the RFID reader installed overhead instead of to the side, which should allow it to detect RFID tags of different car sizes more effectively. Unfortunately, since the Klang Valley area is still in lockdown, I can\u2019t travel too far to try this out for myself.\n\n\nThere\u2019s a chance the overhead RFID reader will perform better for the new fuelling system, but this is just my own educated guess. At the end of the day, that\u2019s the whole point of this pilot programme: to pinpoint any possible issue actual users will face with the system\u2019s current implementation.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, even though my experience with the TNG RFID Fuelling system was not as seamless as it should be, I\u2019m eager to give it another try. I\u2019m particularly keen to try out fuelling bays that have the RFID reader installed overhead instead.\n\n\nHopefully, TNG and Shell will roll out the RFID fuelling system to the general public soon \u2013 it\u2019s certainly a convenient way to fuel up your vehicles.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-expertbook-b9-b9400-arrives-in-malaysia-880g-lightweight-laptop-for-rm7989/", "title": "Asus ExpertBook B9 (B9400) Arrives in Malaysia \u2013 880g Lightweight Laptop for RM7,989", "body": "\n\nAsus just introduced the latest Asus ExpertBook B9 (B9400) laptop in Malaysia. Sporting a chassis that weighs merely 880g, it is touted as the world\u2019s lightest 14-inch business laptop.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the ExpertBook B9 is available in Malaysia. Retailing at RM7,989, the sole configuration features Intel\u2019s latest 11th generation Core i7-1165G7 processor paired with 16GB of RAM, a generous 1TB SSD, integrated Intel Iris Xe GPU, as well as Windows 10 Pro out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the ExpertBook B9 also has a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 \u201cNanoEdge\u201d anti-glare display with very minimal bezels, giving the business-centric laptop a pretty sleek, modern-looking design. After all, it has an impressive 94% screen-to-body ratio.\n\n\nAs mentioned, one of the best selling points of the ExpertBook B9 has to be its very lightweight chassis. Tipping the scales at only 880g with a 14.9mm thin chassis, this is undoubtedly a very portable laptop \u2013 perfect for those who are always on the go.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ExpertBook B9 (B9400) will be available for purchase in Malaysia from the middle of August 2021 onwards. To recap, the thin and light business laptop retails at RM7,989 locally.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/10-million-ps5-consoles-have-been-sold-fastest-selling-playstation-yet/", "title": "10 Million PS5 Consoles Have Been Sold \u2013 Fastest-Selling PlayStation Yet", "body": "\n\nSony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) just revealed that over \n10 million units\n of the \nPlayStation 5\n have been sold. According to the Japanese company, this makes it the fastest-selling PlayStation console to date.\n\n\nThe next generation console passed the 10 million sales mark as of 18 July 2021. It\u2019s worth noting that back in 31 March 2021, over 7.8 million units of the PS5 were sold, so essentially, over 2.2 million units of the console were shipped between 1 April to 18 July.\n\n\n\n\nIf not for the global chip shortage, we reckon even more units of the PS5 could have been sold. After all, every time the next-gen console is \nrestocked here\n \nin Malaysia\n, it sells out almost instantly. Evidently, everyone wants to get their hands on the PS5.\n\n\nAside from that, SIE also detailed some other milestones. Insomniac Games\u2019 \nMarvel\u2019s Spider-Man: Miles Morales\n, which is available on both the PS5 and PS4, has sold more than 6.5 million copies.\n\n\n Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man: Miles Morales\nReturnal\nRatchet & Clank: Rift Apart\n\n\nThe very punishing rougelite game \nReturnal\n from Housemarque, on the other hand, shipped over 560,000 copies. As for the more recent \nRatchet & Clank: Rift Apart\n (also from Insomniac Games), it has sold more than 1.1 million copies since its release.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-expertbook-b5-b5-flip-coming-to-malaysia-august-2021-starts-at-rm4299/", "title": "Asus ExpertBook B5 & B5 Flip Coming to Malaysia August 2021 \u2013 Starts at RM4,299", "body": "\n\nAside from the range-topping \nExpertBook B9\n, Asus Malaysia also introduced the Asus ExpertBook B5 (B5302C) and B5 Flip (B5302F) locally. Retailing from RM4,299, these two business-centric laptops are more affordable options than the B9.\n\n\nBoth the ExpertBook B5 and B5 Flip have two variants each for a total of four different models. Let\u2019s start with the standard B5: the base model with an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor and 256GB of SSD storage retails at RM4,299, while the higher-end Core i7-1165G7 configuration with a 512GB SSD costs RM5,199.\n\n\nAs for the ExpertBook B5 Flip, the Core i5-1135G7 variant costs RM4,999, while the Core i7-1165G7 model is priced at RM5,599; both of them feature a 512GB SSD.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the different processor \u2013 and SSD capacity for the base model of the regular B5 \u2013 these two ExpertBook laptops share very similar hardware. These include 8GB of RAM, Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, a 42Wh battery, as well as a 13.3-inch 1920 x 1080 screen.\n\n\nOf course, as its name suggests, the display of the ExpertBook B5 Flip is a little bit different. Not only is it touch-enabled, the B5 Flip itself is also a convertible laptop. Because of this, it does have a slightly different design than the regular B5.\n\n\n\n\nThe ExpertBook B5 and B5 Flip will arrive in Malaysia in the middle of August 2021 next month. The ExpertBook B5 retails from RM4,299, while the B5 Flip convertible business laptop starts at RM4,999.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-expertbook-b1-now-available-in-malaysia-from-rm3599/", "title": "Asus ExpertBook B1 Now Available in Malaysia From RM3,599", "body": "\n\nAsus launched\n a slew of laptops from the\n \nExpertBook series in Malaysia\n, including this one right here, the Asus ExpertBook B1. Available in two sizes, the B1 is the most affordable laptop in the ExpertBook lineup.\n\n\nThere are a total of four different configurations of the ExpertBook B1. The 14-inch model, for one, is available in three variants. The base model features an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor and a 256GB SSD for RM3,599, while the mid-tier model swaps out the SSD to a 512GB unit for RM3,759.\n\n\nIf you want better performance, there\u2019s the B1 with a faster Core i7-1165G7 processor for RM4,399.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, there\u2019s also the 15.6-inch variant of the ExpertBook B1, though it is only available in one configuration. This particular model is packed with a Core i5-1135G7 processor and 512GB of SSD storage for RM3,759.\n\n\nBeyond the different processors, SSD capacities, and screen sizes, all variants of the ExpertBook B1 share the same hardware. These include a Full HD display, Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, 8GB of RAM, and Windows 10 Pro out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nBoth the 14-inch and 15.6-inch versions of the Asus ExpertBook B1 are now available for purchase in Malaysia. If you want a business-centric laptop that doesn\u2019t break the bank, consider the B1.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ps5s-first-beta-software-update-adds-support-for-external-m-2-ssd/", "title": "PS5\u2019s First Beta Software Update Adds Support for External M.2 SSD", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019ve been waiting for the \nPlayStation 5\n to support external M.2 SSD, you\u2019ll be happy to know that the \nbeta update for the next-gen console\n is adding that capability. Unfortunately, the beta update is only available to selected users.\n\n\nOn top of that, it will be tricky to find for M.2 SSDs that will be compatible with the PS5. Not only do you need an M.2 SSD that can do 5,500MB/s or faster sequential read speed, it\u2019s still not guaranteed that \u201call M.2 SSD devices meeting the described specifications will work with your console.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nGiven the level of performance you need for the M.2 SSD, it needs to be adequately cooled too. According to PlayStation, you need to use a cooling structure of sorts with the SSD, such as a heatsink. Both single-sided or double-sided heatsinks will work too, as long as it meets the dimensions outlined in \nthis support page\n.\n\n\nThe PS5\u2019s M.2 SSD support will be available to everyone through a future software update, though it remains to be seen exactly when this will happen. Nonetheless, it\u2019s still great that the feature can be tested by beta users now.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-p50-pro-official-100x-zoom-120hz-oled-screen-no-5g-support/", "title": "Huawei P50 Pro Official \u2013 100x Zoom, 120Hz OLED Screen, No 5G Support", "body": "\n\nHuawei\u2019s latest flagship smartphone, the Huawei P50 Pro, has just been launched in China. Sporting a quad camera system that can do 100x zoom along with a fast 120Hz OLED screen, it\u2019s quite a sleek-looking device too, though it doesn\u2019t come with 5G connectivity.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, despite sporting either a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or Kirin 9000 chipset, the P50 Pro does not support 5G networks. Of course, for markets where 5G connectivity is not widespread yet \u2013 such as Malaysia \u2013 it\u2019s not a big deal, though it\u2019s definitely an omission worth pointing out.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the P50 Pro also features a rather sophisticated quad camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 50MP primary shooter, a 40MP monochrome sensor, a 13MP ultra-wide angle lens, and of course, a 64MP telephoto camera that can do up to 100x digital zoom.\n\n\nOther specifications of the P50 Pro include a 6.6-inch Full HD+ OLED dual-curve screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, a 13MP selfie camera, 8GB or 12GB of RAM, up to 512GB of internal storage, a 4,360mAh battery, an IP68 rating, and HarmonyOS 2 (still based on Android) out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nIn China, the Huawei P50 Pro retails from 5,988 Chinese yuan (about RM3,930) to 8,488 yuan (approximately RM5,570). It remains to be seen if the flagship phone will be available in other markets.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-p50-unveiled-with-snapdragon-888-only-without-5g-support/", "title": "Huawei P50 Unveiled With Snapdragon 888 Only Without 5G Support", "body": "\n\nLaunched alongside the \nP50 Pro\n is the more affordable Huawei P50. Unlike the Pro model, which is offered with two SoC options, the regular P50 is only available with a Snapdragon 888 chipset, though there\u2019s still no support for 5G networks.\n\n\nAside from that, the P50 does have the same design language as its Pro sibling, though its list of hardware isn\u2019t quite as high-end. The P50\u2019s display, for one, is just a regular 6.5-inch Full HD+ OLED flat panel with a 90Hz refresh rate. In comparison, the P50 Pro features a 120Hz dual-curve screen.\n\n\n\n\nIn the camera department, the P50 has a triple camera system. It consists of a 50MP primary sensor, a 13MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 12MP telephoto lens that can do up to 50x digital zoom. A reasonably good array of camera sensors.\n\n\nOther specifications of the P50 include a 13MP selfie camera, 8GB of RAM, two storage options (128GB or 256GB), a 4,100mAh battery, an IP68 rating, and HarmonyOS 2 based on Android out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nAvailable only in China at the moment, the Huawei P50 retails at 4,488 Chinese yuan (about RM2,945) and 4,988 yuan (approximately RM3,275) for the 128GB and 256GB models respectively. No word yet on whether or not the P50 will be sold in markets outside of China.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-plus-august-2021-games-revealed-hunters-arena-legends-plants-vs-zombies-shooter/", "title": "PlayStation Plus August 2021 Games Revealed \u2013 Hunter\u2019s Arena: Legends, Plants vs. Zombies Shooter", "body": "\n\nThe free PlayStation Plus games for the month of August 2021 have been revealed, and if you\u2019ve seen the leak, it\u2019s the same exact games. These include Hunter\u2019s Arena: Legends, Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville, as well as Tennis World Tour 2.\n\n\nOut of the three games, we\u2019d argue the most interesting is Hunter\u2019s Arena. After all, the game will be making its debut on the PS5 and PS4 once the PlayStation Plus August games are live; it\u2019s currently only available on PC.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBasically, Hunter\u2019s Arena is a 30-player battle royale game that offers 17 different hunters to choose from. Taking place in an \u201cancient age in which humanity battles each other as well as a growing legion of demons,\u201d you may be interested in this game if you\u2019re into the battle royale genre.\n\n\nAside from that, there\u2019s also Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville, which is a shooter with some free-roam elements. As for Tennis World Tour 2, it\u2019s\u2026well, a professional tennis simulator.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re a PlayStation Plus member, you can claim these three games from 3 August until 6 September 2021. As long as your subscription is active, you will be able to play these games whenever you want after you\u2019ve claimed them.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mysejahtera-purchase-covid-19-self-test-kits/", "title": "MySejahtera Now Lets You Purchase COVID-19 Self-Test Kits", "body": "\n\nA new MySejahtera update has been rolled out, which lets you purchase COVID-19 self-test kits from the app itself. On top of that, you can update your self-test result through the app now too.\n\n\nSo far, three COVID-19 self-test kits are available for purchase on the MySejahtera app. These include Salixium, Gmate, and JusChek. There\u2019s even an option to bulk purchase the test kit from Pharma2u.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, you can also update your self-test result through Mysejahtera, though you will be redirected to the browser once you\u2019ve clicked on it. Nonetheless, it will make it easier for users to report their test results by having the option in the app itself.\n\n\nDo note that the COVID-19 self test kits shown here are not the full list of kits that have been approved by the Ministry of Health (MOH). You can refer to the full list \nover here\n.\n\n\n\n\nThe new MySejahtera update is now available on the \nApple App Store\n and \nGoogle Play Store\n. If you\u2019re not on the latest version already, don\u2019t worry: the app will notify you to download the update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-note-10s-in-starlight-purple-coming-to-malaysia-soon-for-rm899/", "title": "Redmi Note 10S in Starlight Purple Coming to Malaysia Soon for RM899", "body": "\n\nInitially launched in Malaysia a couple of months ago, the \nRedmi Note 10S\n is now available in a new colour. Dubbed Starlight Purple, it\u2019s quite a unique shade of purple \u2013 Xiaomi said it is \u201csuitable for users who are looking for a unique and outstanding smartphone design.\u201d\n\n\nBeyond the new colour, the Redmi Note 10S in Starlight Purple is no different from the standard model. It still offers 128GB of internal storage and 8GB of RAM for RM899; a decent price tag for a mid-range smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Redmi Note 10S is also packed with a vibrant 6.43-inch 1080p AMOLED screen, though the refresh rate is only locked at 60Hz. This mid-ranger is powered by a MediaTek Helio G95 processor too, which should offer a reasonably good level of performance.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Redmi Note 10S are a quad camera setup (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), a 13MP selfie camera, as well as a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\nThe Redmi Note 10S in Starlight Purple will be available in Malaysia from 3 August onwards. To recap, it retails at the same price point as other colourways of the mid-range phone at RM899.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/affordable-redmi-9c-now-comes-with-128gb-storage-for-rm499-in-malaysia/", "title": "Affordable Redmi 9C Now Comes With 128GB Storage for RM499 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nOther than the new \nStarlight Purple colourway\n of the \nRedmi Note 10S\n, Xiaomi is also launching a new variant of the \nRedmi 9C\n in Malaysia. Previously only available with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, the new Redmi 9C model is packed with a much more practical 128GB of storage.\n\n\nAside from that, the new Redmi 9C variant also features 4GB of RAM instead of 3GB. Despite sporting more RAM and storage capacity, it doesn\u2019t cost all that much more either. Retailing at RM499, this configuration only costs RM20 more than the previous 64GB + 3GB model, which went for RM479.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, given its affordable price tag, the Redmi 9C is a decent entry-level phone. It\u2019s powered by a MediaTek Helio G35 octa-core processor clocked at 2.3GHz, and fabricated on a 12nm process, it\u2019s a relatively power-efficient chip. Packed with a very generous 5,000mAh battery, you can expect to get good battery life.\n\n\nMoving on to the camera, the Redmi 9C has a triple camera system made up of a 13MP f/2.2 primary camera, a 2MP f/2.4 macro shooter, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor. Not the most sophisticated camera system, but it should do in a pinch, especially for a phone at this price point.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Redmi 9C include a 6.53-inch 1600 x 720 display, a 5MP f/2.2 front camera, as well as a rear fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nThe new Redmi 9C variant with 128GB of storage and 4GB of RAM will be available in Malaysia from 3 August onwards.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2021-hyundai-kona-n-line-1-6-turbo-land-in-malaysia-starts-at-rm146888/", "title": "2021 Hyundai Kona N Line & 1.6 Turbo Land in Malaysia \u2013 Starts at RM146,888", "body": "\n\nAfter teasing the \n2021 Hyundai Kona N Line\n back in May, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) just launched the sporty B-segment SUV today. On top of that, HSDM also introduced the Kona 1.6 Turbo \u2013 both new models feature the same Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi four-cylinder engine.\n\n\nLet\u2019s get to the pricing of the two new Kona models first. The 1.6 Turbo variant is priced at RM146,888 \u2013 RM10,000 more than the \n2.0 Active trim\n \u2013 while the sportier-looking N Line costs RM156,888; also a RM10,000 price difference compared to the 1.6 Turbo.\n\n\nSince these are CBU units from South Korea, these prices are with the \n50% sales tax exemption\n applied.\n\n\n\n\nThe biggest draw of the Kona N Line and 1.6 Turbo models is obviously the 1.6L turbocharged engine under the hood. This engine outputs a whopping 198PS and 265Nm of torque, and drive is sent to the front wheels via a Smartsteam seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.\n\n\nAesthetically, the Kona N Line sports a more aggressive-looking exterior than the 1.6 Turbo. It has a different grille design, sportier LED headlamps, a revised rear bumper with two exhaust pipes, as well as 18-inch alloy wheels with a new, busier-looking design.\n\n\n\n\nInside the cabin, the Kona N Line gets some neat changes here and there to complete the sporty look of the B-segment SUV. You get N Line-branded bucket seats with red stitching, a gear knob with the N Line branding, and of course, a leather wrapped steering wheel with \u2013 you guessed it \u2013 the N Line logo.\n\n\nSafety wise, both the Kona N Line and 1.6 Turbo feature Hyundai\u2019s SmartSense suite of active safety features. It offers Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA), Blind-spot Collision-avoidance Assist (BCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), and Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop and Go.\n\n\n\n\nThe 2021 Hyundai Kona N Line and 1.6 Turbo models are now available for booking online here in Malaysia through Hyundai\u2019s new online shopping platform, \u201c\nCl!ck to Buy\n.\u201d To recap, the N Line is priced at RM156,888, while the 1.6 Turbo model costs RM146,888.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-swift-3-with-bigger-16-inch-display-arrives-in-malaysia-from-rm3699/", "title": "Acer Swift 3 With Bigger 16-inch Display Arrives in Malaysia \u2013 From RM3,699", "body": "\n\nAcer just launched a new variant of the Acer Swift 3 in Malaysia. \nPreviously available with a 14-inch display\n, you can now get the productivity laptop with a much more sizeable 16.1-inch screen \u2013 it looks quite sleek too with minimal screen bezels.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Swift 3 are available in Malaysia. The base model with an 11th generation Intel Core i5-11300H processor paired with 8GB of RAM retails at RM3,699, while the faster Core i7-11370H configuration with 16GB RAM costs RM4,599.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the different processor and RAM capacity, both variants of the Swift 3 share the same hardware. The display, for one, is a large 16.1-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen; it also covers 100% of the sRGB colour space. Weighing 1.7kg with a 15.9mm thin chassis, it\u2019s quite a portable laptop too despite its large display.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Swift 3 include integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, a 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD, up to 11.5 hours of battery life, and Windows 10 Home out of the box. This productivity laptop comes with the full version of Microsoft Office Home & Student 2019 as well.\n\n\n\n\nThe new Acer Swift 3 will be available for purchase in Malaysia next week on 3 August \nfrom Shopee\n. Those who purchase the laptop on 3 or 4 August will also receive a complimentary Gateway Pro Wireless Headset worth RM239.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-swift-1-rm2099-thin-light-laptop-comes-to-malaysia-3-august/", "title": "Acer Swift 1 \u2013 RM2,099 Thin & Light Laptop Comes to Malaysia 3 August", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to get an affordable productivity laptop that won\u2019t break the bank, consider the new Acer Swift 1. Retailing at only RM2,099 here in Malaysia, this is a pretty thin and light laptop as well.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Swift 1 is offered in Malaysia. As mentioned, it retails at RM2,099, and for that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a 14.95mm thin laptop that weighs only 1.3kg \u2013 it\u2019s really quite a portable machine.\n\n\n\n\nGiven its affordable price tag, it\u2019s no surprise that the Swift 1 is powered by an Intel Pentium Silver N6000 processor instead of Intel\u2019s Core chips. Although the N6000 isn\u2019t comparable to the Core series processors, it should still be fast enough for basic tasks such as web browsing.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Swift 1 are a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen, 4GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage ,and up to 16 hours of battery life. Just like the new Swift 3, the Swift 1 comes with the full version of Microsoft Office Home & Student 2019 as well.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Acer Swift 1 retails at RM2,099 in Malaysia, and it will be available for purchase on 3 August next week \nfrom Shopee\n. From 3 to 4 August, the affordable laptop will be offered with a RM100 discount and a free Acer E300 TrueHarmony earphones worth RM199.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-a22-with-90hz-amoled-screen-5000mah-battery-now-in-malaysia-for-rm899/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy A22 With 90Hz AMOLED Screen & 5,000mAh Battery Now in Malaysia for RM899", "body": "\n\nSamsung\u2019s budget-friendly Galaxy A22 smartphone is even more affordable now. Previously, only the 5G version of the device was available \nfor RM999\n, but this LTE-only model retails at only RM899, saving you RM100.\n\n\nAside from the omission of 5G connectivity, this new Galaxy A22 variant has a number of other hardware differences as well. Instead of a 5G-capable MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset, for one, this LTE-only model features a Helio G80 SoC instead.\n\n\n\n\nThe camera system of the LTE Galaxy A22 is quite different too. Unlike the 5G model\u2019s triple camera system, this LTE variant has a quad camera system made up of a 48MP primary shooter, an 8MP ultra-wide angle sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and 2MP depth camera.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy A22 include a 6.4-inch 1600 x 720 Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and a generous 5,000mAh battery with 15W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy A22 is now \navailable for purchase in Malaysia\n. To recap, it retails at RM899, and those who get the phone by 31 August will also receive a free clear cover casing worth RM39.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-keychron-q1-most-exciting-keychron-keyboard-yet/", "title": "Video: Keychron Q1 \u2013 Most Exciting Keychron Keyboard Yet?", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKeychron has made quite a number of affordable mechanical keyboards over the years, but the upcoming \nKeychron Q1\n is arguably the company\u2019s most exciting board to date. While it\u2019s not quite as budget-friendly as Keychron\u2019s previous products, the Q1 has a number of very compelling features.\n\n\nNot only does the Q1 uses a gasket mounting system \u2013 a mounting style that is rarely used by mass-produced keyboards \u2013 it also has a full CNC aluminium body for a more premium look and feel. It also features a hotswap PCB with south-facing LEDs, screw-in stabilisers, and VIA support out of the box for easy keyboard mapping.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the Q1 particularly interesting is the fact these features are typically only found on enthusiast-level keyboards. So if you\u2019re looking to get into the custom keyboard hobby without breaking the bank, consider the Q1. Retailing from $139 \u2013 that\u2019s about RM585 \u2013 it really does offer plenty value for money.\n\n\nThe Keychron Q1 will be available for pre-order sometime in August next month. Shipping will commence the following month in September 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/new-lenovo-legion-phone-duel-2-variant-now-in-malaysia-for-rm2999/", "title": "New Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2 Variant Now in Malaysia for RM2,999", "body": "\n\nPreviously confirmed for the Malaysian market \nlast month\n, a new variant of the \nLenovo Legion Phone Duel 2\n is now available for pre-order locally. If you\u2019ve always wanted a more affordable variant of the gaming phone, you may be piqued by this new model.\n\n\nTo recap, the Legion Phone Duel 2 was previously only offered in two configurations: 512GB + 16GB (RM3,899) and 256GB + 12GB (RM3,299). This new model, on the other hand, has half the internal storage at 128GB with 12GB RAM for only RM2,999.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a powerful gaming smartphone. The Legion Phone Duel 2 is powered by a fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, and it is complemented by an equally fast 6.92-inch 1080p AMOLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate for an even more enjoyable gaming experience.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Legion Phone Duel 2 include a side-mounted 44MP pop-up selfie camera, a dual camera system (64MP primary + 16MP ultra-wide angle), as well as an absolutely generous 5,500mAh battery with support for blazing fast 90W fast charging. This can supposedly charge up the phone to 50% from empty in only 12 minutes.\n\n\n\n\nThe Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2 with 128GB of storage is now available for pre-order in Malaysia \nhere\n. According to the listing, the gaming phone will start shipping on 12 August.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2021-proton-persona-iriz-facelift-launching-on-5-august/", "title": "2021 Proton Persona & Iriz Facelift Launching on 5 August", "body": "\n\nWe finally got official confirmation from Proton itself on the local launch of the \n2021 Proton Persona\n \nand Iriz facelift\n. Set to be unveiled this Thursday on 5 August, the two new B-segment models were teased by the national carmaker on its \nsocial media pages\n.\n\n\nAs the video teaser below shows, the updated Iriz and Persona are sporting some new looks. Take the new Iriz: Proton seems to be teasing the \u201cActive\u201d variant of the B-segment hatchback, which is believed to be the crossover version.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlthough it\u2019s a little hard to tell, you can see the wheel arch extensions of the Iriz Active finished in black. It also has roof rails, a redesigned Infinite Weave grille, as well as Proton\u2019s new circular logo. It even has a black and red colour scheme for the exterior and interior.\n\n\nBased on \nprevious spy shots\n, we also know that the updated Iriz and Persona will sport LED headlights, though they\u2019re likely reserved for the higher-end trims. The updated 16-inch alloy wheels of the two cars can be seen too, along with the new floating infotainment system.\n\n\n\n\nThe online launch of the 2021 Proton Persona and Iriz facelift will take place on \nProton\u2019s Facebook page\n on 5 August at 11AM. You can also register your interest for these two new B-segment models \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-offering-up-to-rm6000-discount-for-merdeka/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Offering up to RM6,000 Discount for Merdeka", "body": "\n\nIn conjunction with Malaysia\u2019s upcoming 64th Merdeka Day, Honda Malaysia is offering up to RM6,000 discounts for its range of models. These include the City, Civic, Accord, CR-V, HR-V, BR-V, as well as the Jazz.\n\n\nOut of the seven models, \nthe Accord\n naturally receives the biggest discount. The range-topping 1.5L TC-P trim of the D-segment sedan receives a RM5,000 discount, while the more affordable 1.5L TC model actually gets a bigger RM6,000 rebate.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to get a seven-seater instead, good news. The\u00a0\nHonda BR-V\n\u00a0gets a sizeable discount as well; both the 1.5L E and 1.5L V trims get a RM4,000 discount. Next is the\u00a0\nall-new Honda City\n: the 1.5L E variant receives a RM3,000 discount, while the 1.5L S, 1.5L V, and the \nrange-topping 1.5L RS\n models get a RM2,000 discount.\n\n\nOther notable discounts given by Honda Malaysia include RM2,000 savings for all variants of the \nCivic\n and \nCR-V\n, a RM2,500 discount for the HR-V, as well as a RM3,000 rebate for the Jazz. Do note that these discounts are only applicable for vehicles registered between 1 to 31 August 2021.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, given that the Klang Valley area is still under the first phase of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), it remains to be seen exactly when most of the automotive sector is allowed to resume operation. The sector will only be \nallowed to operate in the second phase of the NRP.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/youtube-testing-cheaper-premium-lite-subscription-for-ad-free-viewing/", "title": "YouTube Testing Cheaper Premium Lite Subscription for Ad-Free Viewing", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019ve always wanted ad-free viewing on YouTube, but can\u2019t quite justify the cost of a YouTube Premium subscription, we\u2019ve got good news. YouTube is currently testing out a more affordable Premium Lite plan, which offers ad-free viewing on YouTube without the extra perks of the full Premium subscription.\n\n\nThis new plan was first spotted by a user on \nResetEra\n. In a statement given to \nThe Verge\n, YouTube confirmed that the Premium Lite is currently being tested in Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, Norway, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, although the \nPremium Lite page\n is accessible right now, the plan is not offered in Malaysia yet. Anyway, compared to the full YouTube Premium subscription, the Lite version only offers ad-free viewing on YouTube and YouTube Kids.\n\n\nBasically, you won\u2019t get YouTube Premium perks such as offline downloads, background play, as well as access to YouTube Music Premium and YouTube Originals. Of course, if you don\u2019t care about these perks, we reckon Premium Lite is perfectly suitable for you.\n\n\n\n\nThen again, it remains to be seen just how much YouTube Premium Lite will cost here in Malaysia, so it\u2019s hard to decide whether it\u2019s really worth it to go for that instead of the full Premium plan. Currently, YouTube Premium costs RM26.90 per month in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-is-the-pixel-6-and-its-powered-by-googles-own-tensor-chip/", "title": "This Is the Pixel 6, and It\u2019s Powered By Google\u2019s Own Tensor Chip", "body": "\n\nGoogle just introduced its two new flagship smartphones, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Compared to their direct predecessors, these are properly premium high-end devices, and they\u2019re also powered by Google\u2019s very own Tensor chip.\n\n\nUnfortunately, beyond some product shots of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, Google did not detail the specifications of the two phones. The full reveal will only take place sometime in fall, though we do have some key features of both devices.\n\n\nThe Pixel 6 Pro\nThe Pixel 6\n\n\nThe biggest feature is definitely the fact that the Pixel 6 phones will be using Google\u2019s own Tensor SoC instead of, say, a Qualcomm processor. While the CPU and GPU of the Tensor chip still remain a mystery, the company did say it will be packed with Google\u2019s own Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) and a Titan M2 security chip.\n\n\nSo what does the TPU offer? Well, for one, it promises better image \nand\n video qualities; the latter has always been one of the biggest shortcomings of previous Pixel smartphones. On top of that, the TPU allows for faster offline speech recognition as well.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the hardware of the two phones, only some details were revealed. The better-equipped Pixel 6 Pro, for one, will be sporting a 6.7-inch QHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It also has a triple camera system made up of a new primary sensor, an ultra-wide angle shooter, and get this: a periscope telephoto lens that can do 4x optical zoom.\n\n\nIn contrast, the regular Pixel 6 has slightly more pedestrian hardware, though we reckon it should still look and feel very much like a premium smartphone. It\u2019s said to feature a slightly smaller 6.4-inch Full HD+ screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, and while it has a similar camera setup as the Pro model, it loses the telephoto lens.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to Google\u2019s previous Pixel-branded smartphones, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are definitely shaping up to be the company\u2019s most exciting flagships to date. We\u2019ll find out more about the two phones once they are launched sometime in fall 2021 \u2013 rumours are pointing to an October launch.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-pixel-6-is-finally-a-full-fledged-google-phone-and-im-excited/", "title": "The Pixel 6 Is Finally a Full-Fledged \u201cGoogle Phone,\u201d and I\u2019m Excited", "body": "\n\nI have a confession: I was never really excited for Google\u2019s range of \nPixel smartphones\n. Now, it\u2019s not that I don\u2019t like Google\u2019s devices; I absolutely loved the Nexus series. Well, not all of them, but I still cherish the Nexus 6P I had back in 2015 with its very polished stock Android experience.\n\n\nBut when Google \nofficially unveiled the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro\n \u2013 well, kind of \u2013 they certainly caught my attention. Not only is the Pixel 6 series shaping up to be Google\u2019s most premium smartphone yet, it is also powered by the company\u2019s own Tensor chip.\n\n\nIn short, the Pixel 6 is \nfinally\n a full-fledged \u201cGoogle Phone\u201d that can (hopefully) considered to be a proper, high-end flagship smartphone. Not convinced? Then read on.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the Pixel 6 different from its predecessors is the fact that it will be powered by Google\u2019s own chip, Tensor. Granted, there\u2019s still a lot that we don\u2019t know about the SoC, but it\u2019s great to see that Google is no longer relying on Qualcomm\u2019s processors in this regard.\n\n\nAlthough we don\u2019t know the CPU or GPU of the Tensor chip yet, Google\u2019s hardware chief Rick Osterloh said that the Tensor\u2019s performance should be \u201cmarket leading.\u201d He further added that \u201cAI stuff\u201d will further differentiate the Tensor from its competition.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, Osterloh is talking about the Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) and Titan M2 security chip of the Tensor SoC. Basically, the TPU lets the chip perform AI operations in a quicker manner, among other things.\n\n\nFor example, the TPU is said to help improve the camera performance of the Pixel 6. This includes better-looking still images, as well as improved video recording; one area Pixel smartphones had always struggled with. Aside from that, the TPU will also allow for more seamless offline speech recognition.\n\n\nAs for the Titan M2 security chip, not much has been talked about yet. Well, other than the fact that the chip gives the Pixel 6 \u201cthe most layers of hardware security in any phone.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s circle back to the camera performance of the Pixel 6. The camera hardware of the two phones have not been detailed yet, but it\u2019s confirmed that the Pixel 6 Pro will have a triple camera system made up of a \nnew\n primary sensor.\n\n\nFor the longest time, Google had always stuck with the same primary sensor for its Pixel smartphones, so it\u2019s about time the company went with a new one. Complementing the new main sensor is an ultra-wide angle shooter and a periscope telephoto lens that can do 4x optical zoom.\n\n\nAs for the Pixel 6, it has the same camera system, but it loses the telephoto lens, unfortunately enough.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, I\u2019m excited to see how the Pixel 6 would fare in the camera department. After all, Google, at one point in time, was the class-leader in mobile photography. But other manufacturers quickly caught up to the company over the years, and I can\u2019t wait to see if it can win back the crown with the help of the Tensor chip\u2019s TPU and new camera hardware.\n\n\nOne last thing that drew me to the Pixel 6 smartphones is their looks. While the overall design of the two phones is\u2026well, a little out there, I do like how they look. Maybe because the \u201ccamera bar\u201d reminds me of the Nexus 6P \u2013 which is very dear to me \u2013 but more importantly, they \nlook\n like flagship phones with solid build quality.\n\n\nThe Pixel 6 Pro\nThe Nexus 6P\n\n\nOf course, I can\u2019t really say the Pixel 6 has \u201csolid build quality\u201d without physically holding the Pixel 6 in my hands first. But based on feedback from media folks that \nhave\n held the two phones, it\u2019s very promising. Speaking on the build quality of the Pixel 6, Osterloh even said that \u201cthis is the first time where we feel like we really have it.\u201d\n\n\nNaturally, that also means the Pixel 6 smartphones will carry a premium price tag, which is fine \nif\n it can really deliver the user experience of what we\u2019ve come to expect from a high-end, flagship smartphone. With that in mind, there\u2019s one thing that can potentially make or break the Pixel 6: the Tensor chip.\n\n\nAt the end of the day, the Google-designed Tensor SoC is still an entirely new chip with no track record yet. It also doesn\u2019t help that most of the chip\u2019s specifications are still shrouded in mystery. If it can\u2019t at least match the performance level of, say, Qualcomm\u2019s Snapdragon 888 SoC, the Tensor chip \u2013 and the phone \u2013 will be a tough sell.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, I\u2019m still optimistic that the Pixel 6 will finally be the Google Phone folks have been waiting for. We\u2019ll find out for ourselves once the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are unveiled this fall. Hopefully, Google will also officially launch the two phones here in Malaysia.\n\n\nAfter all, the last Google-branded phone that was officially sold here was the Nexus 6P back in 2015 \u2013 that\u2019s six whole years ago.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-ideapad-5-pro-with-ryzen-5000-chips-now-in-malaysia-from-rm3429/", "title": "Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro With Ryzen 5000 Chips Now in Malaysia From RM3,429", "body": "\n\nLenovo just revealed the Malaysian availability of the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro. Available in both 14-inch and 16-inch configurations, it\u2019s a decent productivity laptop powered by AMD\u2019s excellent Ryzen 5000 processors.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the higher-end offering of the two, the 16-inch IdeaPad 5 Pro. The sole model available on \nLenovo\u2019s Malaysian online store\n \u2013 which retails at RM4,699 \u2013 is packed with an AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU, as well as a 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, this configuration of the IdeaPad 5 Pro also has a 16-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS screen with a reasonably fast 120Hz refresh rate. The high refresh rate will be able to provide good motion clarity in fast-paced games, and the panel\u2019s 16:10 aspect ratio is ideal for productivity tasks too.\n\n\nAs for the 14-inch IdeaPad 5 Pro, it is available in two variants locally. The RM3,429 base model (which is \nalso customisable\n), features a Ryzen 5 5600U processor paired with 8GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, integrated AMD Radeon graphics, and a 14-inch 2240 x 1400 IPS screen with a standard 60Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nA tier up is the Ryzen 7 5800U model, which features more RAM at 16GB, a faster 512GB SSD, as well as Nvidia\u2019s beefier MX450 dedicated GPU. These upgrades drive up the price to RM4,399.\n\n\n\n\nBoth the \n14-inch\n and \n16-inch\n variants of the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro are now available for purchase locally from Lenovo\u2019s Malaysian online store.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-best-look-yet-at-2021-proton-persona-iriz-facelift/", "title": "Spy Shot: Best Look Yet at 2021 Proton Persona & Iriz Facelift", "body": "\n\nThe \n2021 Proton Persona and Iriz facelift\n will debut this Thursday on 5 August, but before that, here\u2019s a fresh set of spy shots. Compared to previous leaked images, this is our best look yet at the two new B-segment models.\n\n\nThese images came from a reader of \nFuntasticko\n, which shows the Iriz Active \u2013 the crossover version of the hatchback \u2013 and Persona quite a bit. To our knowledge, this is also the first time the \u201cActive\u201d moniker is confirmed for the Iriz; the word is shown on the driver\u2019s seat and door panel.\n\n\n\n\nThe dual-tone interior and exterior of the Iriz Active are pictured here too. Compared to the current Iriz, the facelift\u2019s overall design is a lot more modern-looking. It has LED headlights now, new 16-inch alloy wheels, a redesigned Infinite Weave grille, as well as Proton\u2019s new circular logo.\n\n\nSome of these design changes are evident on the new Persona facelift as well. However, although it shares the same grille design and new Proton logo as the Iriz Active, it has a more understated styling for those who want a more mature-looking car. Its brown seats, for one, don\u2019t look quite as sporty as the Iriz\u2019s black and red colour interior.\n\n\n\n\nBoth the 2021 Proton Persona and Iriz facelift will be unveiled this Thursday on 5 August. You can catch the virtual launch of the two new B-segment models on \nProton\u2019s Facebook page\n at 11AM then. Registration of interest for the updated Persona and Iriz are also \nopen now\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/new-2021-proton-persona-teaser-confirms-more-premium-exterior-interior/", "title": "New 2021 Proton Persona Teaser Confirms More Premium Exterior & Interior", "body": "\n\nProton is building up quite a bit of hype for the launch of the \n2021 Proton Persona and Iriz facelift\n. Today, the national carmaker released a new teaser focusing on the updated Persona, showcasing the more premium interior and exterior of the B-segment sedan.\n\n\nJust like the \nProton X50\n, the facelifted Persona is sporting Proton\u2019s updated circular logo. Complementing the new logo is the equally new Infinite Weave grille, which does give the the sedan a more sophisticated-looking front end. You can see this new design in \nprevious spy shots of the Persona too\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn the inside, there are also a number of changes, such as the brown seats \u2013 which looks to be finished in leather \u2013 as well as a new floating infotainment system. Of course, the \u201cHi Proton\u201d voice command is still here too, and it seems to be able to control the windows and air-conditioning now. Previously, it can only be used to control the audio.\n\n\nAnother neat upgrade to the interior of the Persona facelift is the new digital air-conditioning controls instead of a manual unit, giving the sedan a more premium look and feel. However, it\u2019s worth noting that this doesn\u2019t mean the new sedan will also get automatic air-conditioning.\n\n\n\n\nThe 2021 Proton Persona and Iriz facelift will be launched this Thursday on 5 August; the virtual launch will start at 11AM on \nProton\u2019s Facebook page\n on that day. You can also register your interest for the new Persona and Iriz \nover here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2021-proton-iriz-active-teaser-details-the-suv-style-hatchback/", "title": "2021 Proton Iriz Active Teaser Details the \u201cSUV-Style\u201d Hatchback", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNot much longer now until Proton officially reveals the 2021 Proton Iriz Active and Persona facelift tomorrow morning. Before that, the national carmaker released yet another teaser of the Iriz Active, which is believed to be the SUV-style crossover version of the B-segment hatchback.\n\n\nJust like \nprevious spy shots\n have confirmed, the Iriz Active has new LED headlights, an updated Infinite Weave grille, as well as Proton\u2019s new circular logo. There is also a red accent across the grille, giving the hatchback a sportier appeal. All in all, an improved front fascia, in our opinion.\n\n\n\n\nTo complete the SUV styling of the Iriz Active, the exterior of the hatchback has a number of new additions too. These include wheel arch extensions finished in black, roof rails, and a blacked-out roof. It also features new (and larger) 16-inch alloy wheels.\n\n\nThe teaser video shows some of the Iriz Active\u2019s interior as well. More specifically, the new floating infotainment system. Though it wasn\u2019t demonstrated in the video, the \u201cHi Proton\u201d voice command should now be able to control the windows and air-conditioning. Previously, it can only be used to control the audio.\n\n\n\n\nThe 2021 Proton Iriz Active and Persona facelift will be launched tomorrow on 5 August; the virtual launch will start at 11AM on \nProton\u2019s Facebook page\n. If you\u2019re keen to get either one of these two new B-segment models, you can register your interest \nover here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-5-ultimate-malaysian-pre-orders-start-8-august-for-rm4999/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 5 Ultimate Malaysian Pre-Orders Start 8 August for RM4,999", "body": "\n\nAfter some delay, the Asus ROG Phone 5 Ultimate will finally be available for pre-order in Malaysia from this Sunday onwards on 8 August. To sweeten the deal, early birds will also receive freebies worth RM1,099.\n\n\nAvailable in the sole 512GB configuration with 18GB of RAM (!), the ROG Phone 5 Ultimate retails at RM4,999 in Malaysia. Those who pre-order the gaming phone between 8 to 21 August will also receive an \u201cultimate fan gift box collection\u201d and an ROG Strix Go Core gaming headset. Collectively, these freebies are worth RM1,099.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the standard \nROG Phone 5\n, what differentiates the Ultimate variant is the addition of the \u201cROG Vision\u201d back panel, which is basically a small PMOLED screen that shows charging information or an incoming call. It also has two extra capacitive buttons on the rear panel, which work in tandem with the ultrasonic shoulder buttons.\n\n\nOther specifications of the ROG Phone 5 Ultimate are no different from the regular model. These include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, a fast 144Hz 6.78-inch 1080p AMOLED screen, a triple camera system (64MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide angle + 5MP macro), a 24MP selfie camera, as well as a generous 6,000mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone 5 Ultimate will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n from 8 to 21 August. According to Asus Malaysia, the gaming phone will arrive here in the middle of August.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/5-11-august-fuel-price-all-prices-remain/", "title": "5 \u2013 11 August Fuel Price: All Prices Remain", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 isn\u2019t going up for a change this coming week. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel remain the same as well, given that the price ceilings of the two have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 is unchanged at RM2.74 per litre. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, remains the same at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 5 to 11 August. New fuel prices will now be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/glorious-lynx-glorious-first-premium-linear-switch/", "title": "Glorious Lynx \u2013 Glorious\u2019 First \u201cPremium\u201d Linear Switch", "body": "\n\nGlorious just revealed a brand new mechanical keyboard switch, the Glorious Lynx. This is the company\u2019s first-ever linear switch \u2013 and second switch release after the \nGlorious Panda\n \u2013 and it\u2019s said to be a premium offering\u2026with a price to match.\n\n\nAvailable both unlubed and lubed, the Lynx is unmistakably quite a costly linear switch. A box of unlubed Lynx switch \u2013 which contains 36 switches \u2013 retails at $25 (RM105), while a box of lubed ones costs $35 (about RM145). Basically, you\u2019re paying about RM3 per switch or RM4 for the lubed version.\n\n\n\n\nThis puts the Lynx in the same price point as other high-end linear switches, so it\u2019ll be interesting to see how it would compare to, say, the \nSP-Star\n or \nCobalt POM\n. On paper, the Lynx looks to be a reasonably good linear switch with a 60g \u201cproprietary\u201d spring and a five-pin design.\n\n\nThe Lynx is also said to offer a \u201ctruly transcended, ultra-smooth typing experience\u201d \u2013 we\u2019d definitely put this to the test to see if it can really deliver on this promise. Beyond that, the Lynx has a polycarbonate top housing, a nylon bottom housing, as well as a POM stem \u2013 standard specs of a linear switch, really.\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on exactly when the Glorious Lynx will be available for purchase. Given that the \nGlorious Panda\n is sold locally here in Malaysia via Sun Cycle, we reckon the Lynx will eventually be offered here too.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/custom-keyboard-buyers-guide-accessories-you-need/", "title": "Custom Keyboard Buyer\u2019s Guide \u2013 Accessories You Need", "body": "\n\nSo you\u2019ve got a \ncustom keyboard\n already \u2013 what\u2019s next? Well, a whole lot more! Depending on how far down the rabbit hole you\u2019d be willing to go, you will need more tools and accessories to help you further improve your keyboard and (effectively) your typing experience as well.\n\n\nNow, this is by no means an exhaustive list, but these are the accessories that I have personally bought throughout my time in this hobby. Without further ado, let\u2019s get to it.\n\n\nDeskmat\n\n\nThis is the easiest way to \u201cupgrade\u201d your typing experience. As I\u2019ve written in my \narticle dedicated to deskmats\n, a deskmat offers a range of benefits. It protects your keyboard, it will improve the sound profile of your keyboard \u2013 though this is situational \u2013 and you won\u2019t even need a mousepad anymore.\n\n\n\n\nScrewdriver Set\n\n\nAn essential tool for anyone that plans to assemble their own custom mechanical keyboard. The screw bits you need will depend on the keyboard that you\u2019ll be building, so it\u2019s best to get a screwdriver set with a wide range of different bits for the best compatibility.\n\n\nBetter yet, get a screwdriver set with a magnetic tip. Trust me, it will make your building experience much, much more pleasant when you don\u2019t have to fumble with a bunch of tiny screws.\n\n\n\n\nKeycap Puller \u2013 A Proper One\n\n\nThere are two prevalent types of keycap puller in the market: a much smaller, plastic one, and a wire keycap puller. Avoid the former at all costs: not only is it difficult to use, it\u2019s easy to scratch your keycaps with that \u201ctool\u201d too.\n\n\nThe best one is definitely a wire keycap puller. The wire makes it a lot easier to get a good grip on a keycap, and you can pull multiple keycaps at one go as well.\n\n\nDo not get this\nGet this instead\n\n\nHigh-Quality Switch Puller\n\n\nOne of the advantages of a custom keyboard is the ability to swap switches whenever you feel like it \u2013 especially with a \nhotswap PCB\n \u2013 but in order to do that, you need a switch puller.\n\n\nNow, this is one tool you do not want to cheap out on. I purchased a dirt cheap switch puller before, and as a result, I ruined a fair bit of switches because of how soft the tips are. This makes it difficult to get a good grip on the switches.\n\n\nAvoid this\nRama Work\u2019s switch puller is much better\n\n\nSwitch pullers that I can personally recommend is this one from Rama Works. It has served me very, very well, and if you\u2019re not a fan of the yellow colourway, you can get the \nwhite one instead from iLumkb\n. If you want something a bit fancier, \nWuque Studio\u2019s titanium switch puller\n should be good too.\n\n\nMetal Switch Opener\n\n\nThose who want to go the extra step of lubing their switches for an even better typing experience \u2013 which I highly recommend \u2013 will need a switch opener. Preferably a metal one, such as \nthis one from Keys\n.\n\n\nA plastic, 3D printed switch opener will work fine, but it won\u2019t be able to open up switches quite as easily. When you need to lube in excess of 60 switches for a compact keyboard, you\u2019d want to be able to open them up without much fuss.\n\n\n\n\nLube and Brush\n\n\nOf course, you need a lube and brush to start lubing the switches. Any brush would do, though I do recommend going with a finer tip for better control of how much lube to apply.\n\n\nAs for what lube to get, you can\u2019t go wrong with \nKrytox 205g0\n. It can be used to lube switches, stabiliser housings, as well as stabiliser wires too. It\u2019s almost an all-purpose lube, really.\n\n\n\n\nHow about a lube station? Well, while it would be useful to have the different parts of the switches laid out in a neat manner, it\u2019s not something I would consider to be a necessity. I\u2019ve lubed hundreds of switches without one.\n\n\nStem Holder\n\n\nWhat I do consider to be a necessity is a stem holder. Basically, it can hold on to the stem of a switch to make the lubing process much easier. It\u2019s entirely possible to lube a switch stem without this stem holder, but it can be tricky to get a good grip on the tiny stem during the lube process.\n\n\n\n\nAs I\u2019ve mentioned earlier in this article, this is not an exhaustive list. There are a couple of other accessories that you can get to improve your typing experience, such as a wristrest or a custom cable. The latter doesn\u2019t really \u201cimprove\u201d your keyboard in a meaningful way, but it does look\u2026well, nice.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-proton-iriz-malaysia-suv-active-led-lights-from-rm40300/", "title": "2022 Proton Iriz Unveiled \u2013 New SUV-Style Active Variant, LED Lights, From RM40,300", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHere it is: Proton just unveiled the brand new 2022 Proton Iriz. That\u2019s right, the facelifted hatchback is dubbed by Proton to be the 2022 model instead of 2021, and just as previous leaks and rumours have revealed, there\u2019s a new range-topping Active variant too.\n\n\nNow, only three models of the Iriz are available. The base 1.3 Standard costs RM40,300, while the higher-end 1.6 Executive is priced at RM47,100. As for the range-topping Active trim, it retails at RM54,000. That\u2019s right, there\u2019s no more manual transmission.\n\n\nDo note that these prices are with sales tax exemption applied, which are valid until 31 December 2021. Without the exemption, the Standard, Executive, and Active models cost RM500, RM700, and RM800 more respectively.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the Iriz Active gets all the bells and whistles. This SUV-like B-segment hatchback features quite a number of sporty stylings, including new 16-inch alloy wheels (the Executive gets it too), roof rails with a blacked-out roof, semi leather seats, aluminium pedals, and of course, LED headlights.\n\n\nFurther completing the new looks of the Iriz Active include wheel arch extensions finished in black, an updated Infinite Weave grille with a sporty red accent finish, as well as Proton\u2019s new circular logo. All in all, we\u2019re liking the updated looks of the hatchback.\n\n\n\n\nThe interior of the new Iriz gets some very nice upgrades too. The Active model is the only one to get a black and red colour scheme for the interior \u2013 including bright red seat belts! \u2013 along with a large 8-inch floating infotainment system with the updated \u201cHi Proton\u201d voice command.\n\n\nUnder the hood, the 2022 Iriz soldiers on with the same engine options. The 1.3L mill for the Standard model outputs 95PS and 120Nm of torque, while the 1.6L engine for the Active and Executive variants produces 109PS and 150Nm of torque.\n\n\nBoth engines are paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It wasn\u2019t mentioned in the press release if Proton further tuned the transmission for a more refined driving experience, but we\u2019ll definitely keep an eye out for any changes.\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Proton Iriz is now available for \nbooking online\n. To recap, the 1.3 Standard is priced at RM40,300, while the Executive and Active models cost RM47,100 and RM54,000 respectively. These prices are valid until 31 December 2021, unless the government \nfurther extends the sales tax exemption\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-proton-persona-launched-more-premium-looks-from-rm45200/", "title": "2022 Proton Persona Launched \u2013 More Premium Looks From RM45,200", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from the \n2022 Proton Iriz\n, the national carmaker also unveiled the facelifted 2022 Proton Persona. With a more premium exterior and interior, the updated B-segment sedan is certainly a more accomplished product now. Of course, this also means it is slightly more costly than the previous model.\n\n\nThree variants of the 2022 Persona are offered. The 1.6 Standard goes for RM45,200, while the 1.6 Executive costs RM50,100. The range-topping 1.6 Premium, on the other hand, is priced at RM54,900.\n\n\nThese prices are with sales tax exemption applied, which is valid until 31 December 2021. Without the exemption, the Standard, Executive, and Premium models will cost RM600, RM700, and RM900 more respectively.\n\n\n\n\nJust like the updated Iriz, the facelifted Persona features a similar-looking Infinite Weave grille along with Proton\u2019s new logo. But instead of a red accent, the Persona\u2019s grille has a chrome finish for a more mature-looking design.\n\n\nThe Premium model also gets LED headlights \u2013 it\u2019s the only one to get this \u2013 as well as new 16-inch alloy wheels with a different design than the Executive\u2019s wheels of the same size. The standard, on the other hand, only gets 15-inch alloys.\n\n\n\n\nOn the inside, the 2022 Persona\u2019s interior gets a more premium touch too, especially the Premium trim with its brown leather seats; it is said to be the same shade as the Proton X70\u2019s nappa leather seats. Of course, there\u2019s also the new 8-inch floating infotainment screen with the updated \u201cHi Proton\u201d voice command and digital air-conditioning controls.\n\n\nNo changes to the engine of the new Persona, though the manual transmission is no longer offered. Powering all three variants of the sedan is a 1.6L engine that outputs 109PS and 150Nm of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Persona facelift is now available for \nbooking online\n. Here are the prices of the sedan again: the Standard costs RM45,200, while the Executive and Premium models go for RM50,100 and RM54,900 respectively. These prices are valid until 31 December 2021, unless the \nsales tax exemption is extended again\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-sales-down-52-yoy-in-may-july-2021-new-model-production-affected/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Sales Down 52% YoY in May-July 2021 \u2013 New Model Production Affected", "body": "\n\nThe extended COVID-19 lockdown is impacting the automotive industry in Malaysia quite a bit. Honda Malaysia, for one, just revealed that its sales between May to July 2021 are down 52% compared to the same period last year.\n\n\n\u201cHonda Malaysia saw a decline of 52% in car sales for the year-on-year period of May to July 2021. We sold about 5,700 units in this period compared to close to 12,000 units sold in the same period last year when the country was under CMCO and RMCO,\u201d said the MD and CEO of Honda Malaysia, Madoka Chujo.\n\n\nThe 2022 Honda Civic\n\n\nOn top of that, Honda Malaysia said that its new model production has been affected by the lockdown too. Chances are, this is a reference to the local debut of the \n2022 Honda Civic\n, which was supposedly \nset to happen in Q3 2021\n.\n\n\n\u201cThe prolonged business closure has impacted Honda Malaysia\u2019s new model production due to no testing conducted in the manufacturing facility,\u201d Chujo added.\n\n\nIn an effort to speed up the rate of COVID-19 vaccination locally, Honda Malaysia also said that it is aiming to get all of its associates inoculated with the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by mid-August 2021.\n\n\n\n\nAs per the government\u2019s guideline, most of the automotive sector will only be allowed to resume operation in the \nsecond phase of the National Recovery Plan (NRP)\n. At the moment, the Klang Valley area is still under the first phase of the NRP, with increasingly high COVID-19 cases reported daily.\n\n\nThat being said, ease of restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals will be announced by the government soon, so there is a chance the automotive sector (with fully vaccinated staff) can resume operations in the near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-reno-6-reno-6-z-arrive-in-malaysia-from-rm1699/", "title": "Oppo Reno 6 & Reno 6 Z Arrive in Malaysia From RM1,699", "body": "\n\nOppo just launched two new mid-range smartphones in Malaysia, the Reno 6 and Reno 6 Z. Even though these are not flagship smartphones, they do look quite premium with a sleek design.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the higher-end Reno 6. Available in the sole 128GB configuration with 8GB of RAM, this mid-ranger retails at RM2,399 in Malaysia. For that kind of money, you\u2019re also getting a MediaTek Dimensity 900 processor, which offers 5G connectivity too.\n\n\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Reno 6 are a 6.4-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), a 32MP selfie camera, an in-display fingerprint sensor, as well as a 4,300mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging.\n\n\nAs for the Reno 6 Z, it\u2019s quite a bit more affordable with a RM1,699 price tag. Given the phone\u2019s more budget-friendly nature, its hardware aren\u2019t quite as high-end as the standard Reno 6. Powering the Reno 6 Z, for one, is a 5G-capable Dimensity 800U chip paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Reno 6 Z include a 6.4-inch Full HD+ AMOLED panel with a standard 60Hz refresh rate, the same rear and front cameras as the Reno 6, an in-display fingerprint sensor, and a 4,310mAh battery with support for 30W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Reno 6 and Reno 6 Z are now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 13 August. Both phones will hit store shelves the following day on 14 August 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ghost-of-tsushima-legends-will-be-available-standalone-for-rm89-on-3-september/", "title": "Ghost of Tsushima: Legends Will Be Available Standalone for RM89 on 3 September", "body": "\n\nGhost of Tsushima: Legends\n was initially available as a free co-op online multiplayer for \nthe main game\n, but come 3 September next month, Legends will be available as a standalone purchase. Of course, it will be available on both the PS5 and PS4.\n\n\nAside from this announcement, Sucker Punch also revealed a number of additions coming to Legends, including a new Rivals mode. This mode pits two teams of two against each other to defeat waves of enemies. Magatama will drop when you defeat enemies, which can then be spent to \u201charm the other team,\u201d as Sucker Punch puts it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOnce you\u2019ve spent a certain amount of Magatama, you will unlock the Final Stand waves. If you clear these before the opposing team does, you\u2019ll win the match. You can take a look at the video above for a gameplay of Rivals, which does look quite fun.\n\n\nAside from the new mode, Legends will also introduce the Gear Mastery system. It\u2019s an expansion of the current progression systems and rewards in Legends. Players with 110-level gear can bind it to a class and activate \u201cMastery Challenges.\u201d This allows the gear\u2019s Ki level to be upgraded to 120 and unlock a second perk slot.\n\n\nAccording to Sucker Punch, \u201cas you activate Mastery Challenges, you can also unlock a new Ability and new Techniques for each class.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nThese additions to Ghost of Tsushima: Legends will be available from 3 September 2021 onwards; that\u2019s also when it will be available as a standalone purchase for RM89 here in Malaysia. Those who have purchased Legends as a standalone release can also upgrade to \nGhost of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut\n at any time for RM160 (PS4) or RM210 (PS5).\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-proton-iriz-persona-receive-5-star-asean-ncap-rating/", "title": "2022 Proton Iriz & Persona Receive 5-Star ASEAN NCAP Rating", "body": "\n\nSafety has always been one of the main selling points of Proton\u2019s models, so it\u2019s no surprise that the new \n2022 Proton Iriz\n and \nPersona\n got a full five-star rating in the New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asia (ASEAN NCAP).\n\n\nDo note that for this crash test, ASEAN NCAP only tested the Persona. But given the similarities between the Persona and Iriz, the test is considered to be valid for both models. After all, they share a similar structural design.\n\n\n\n\nLooking at the results, both the Persona and Iriz have adequate adult occupant protection. In frontal and side impacts, the driver and passenger are adequately protected. With an overall score of 84.13, these two B-segment models are eligible to be awarded the 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating.\n\n\nYou can look at the full report of the crash test by ASEAN NCAP \nover here\n. A video of the crash test will also be posted soon.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\n2022 Proton Iriz Unveiled \u2013 New SUV-Style Active Variant, LED Lights, From RM40,300\n\n\n2022 Proton Persona Launched \u2013 More Premium Looks From RM45,200\n\n\n2022 Proton Persona \u2013 The Premium Variant Is the Best Choice\n\n\n2022 Proton Iriz \u2013 Which Variant to Get?\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-2022-proton-iriz-persona-sleek-b-segment-models/", "title": "Video: 2022 Proton Iriz & Persona \u2013 Sleek B-Segment Models", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s been a long time coming, but here they are: the brand new 2022 Proton Iriz and Persona facelift. Both of them look quite a bit more premium than their pre-facelift models, and in the case of the Iriz, there\u2019s even an SUV-style variant now dubbed Active.\n\n\nOne of the biggest changes to the new Iriz and Persona is the new Infinite Weave grille with Proton\u2019s updated circular logo. Aside from that, both B-segment models also get larger 16-inch wheels and LED headlights, though this is limited to the higher-end variants.\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Proton Iriz and Persona are now available for \nbooking online\n. The new Iriz \nstarts at RM40,300\n, while the Persona is \npriced from RM45,200\n.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\n2022 Proton Iriz Unveiled \u2013 New SUV-Style Active Variant, LED Lights, From RM40,300\n\n\n2022 Proton Persona Launched \u2013 More Premium Looks From RM45,200\n\n\n2022 Proton Iriz & Persona Receive 5-Star ASEAN NCAP Rating\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/one-of-the-thockiest-linear-switches-just-got-restocked-on-ilumkb-for-sea-market/", "title": "One of the Thockiest Linear Switches Just Got Restocked on iLumkb for SEA Market", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to get a \nlinear switch\n with a deep sound signature, consider the Lavender. \niLumkb\n, which is based in Singapore, just restocked this thocky \u2013 and pretty-looking \u2013 linear switch.\n\n\nPriced at S$9 for 10 switches from iLumkb, you\u2019re paying about RM3 per switch for the Lavender. This does put it in the same price range as other higher-end switches such as the \nCobalt POM\n and \nSP-Star\n, though the latter is slightly more affordable.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the Lavender such a thocky switch lies in its housing material. Just like the \nAnubis\n \ntactile switch\n, the Lavender has a full nylon housing, which produces a deeper, thockier sound than the typical polycarbonate top and bottom nylon housings of other switches.\n\n\nAside from that, the Lavender also has a 65g spring with a five-pin design and some factory lube out of the box. it is produced by Durock as well, one of the most recognisable switch manufacturers in the market now.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to purchase the Lavender \u2013 especially if you\u2019re in the SEA region \u2013 you can \nget it from iLumkb\n. Of course, the vendor does ship to markets outside of SEA too, but given that it is based in Singapore, expect to pay more for shipping.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-proton-iriz-which-variant-to-get/", "title": "2022 Proton Iriz \u2013 Which Variant to Get?", "body": "\n\nAfter more than half a year of leaks and rumours, the \n2022 Proton Iriz facelift\n has finally been launched yesterday. The variants on offer have been simplified too \u2013 there are only three models of the B-segment hatchback to choose from now.\n\n\nBut between the 1.3 Standard, 1.6 Executive, and brand-new 1.6 Active variants of the facelifted Iriz, which one should you get? Well, let\u2019s take a look at each one of them to see which is the best\u2026for your needs.\n\n\n\n\n1.3 Standard\n\n\nThis is the most affordable 2022 Iriz, and despite it being the base model, the Standard variant is actually better-equipped than the pre-facelift hatchback of the same trim level. Not only does it get 15-inch alloy wheels now (instead of 14-inch), this entry-level variant also gets two extra airbags for a total of four airbags.\n\n\nOf course, these upgrades do increase the price of the new Iriz Standard a tad bit. The pre-facelift 1.3 Standard CVT was priced at RM39,200 (with sales tax exemption applied), while this new facelifted Standard model costs RM40,300 \u2013 also with sales tax exemption applied \nuntil 31 December 2021\n.\n\n\nBasically, you\u2019re paying RM1,100 more for these additions, which is not bad at all. Spread out over a five-year or seven-year loan, the difference won\u2019t be all that noticeable either.\n\n\nThe 2022 Iriz Executive\n\n\nAnyway, besides getting larger wheels and more airbags, you\u2019re also paying slightly more for the 2022 Iriz Standard\u2019s sleeker-looking exterior and interior. While there are no exterior images of the Standard yet, it should be sporting the same updated Infinite Weave grille finished in glossy black and the new circular Proton logo.\n\n\nThe interior of the facelifted Iriz Standard sees a bigger upgrade. The centre console looks quite a bit more modern with digital air-conditioning controls, the steering wheel now has Proton\u2019s new logo with a different, more upmarket design \u2013 though it\u2019s still urethane \u2013 and get this: there\u2019s finally an armrest.\n\n\nInterior of the 2022 Iriz Standard\n\n\nOkay, so is the 2022 Iriz Standard worth getting? If you want an affordable B-segment hatchback, and you don\u2019t need the more powerful 1.6L engine, leather seats, or other creature comforts that the Executive and Active variants offer, the Standard model will serve you very well.\n\n\nWhile the Iriz Standard\u2019s 1.3L engine that outputs 95PS and 120Nm of torque paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) doesn\u2019t sound particularly exciting, it\u2019s more than adequate to get you from point A to point B. Sometimes, that\u2019s all you need.\n\n\nPlus, as the facelifted Iriz is a true blue Proton model, you can expect to get excellent ride and handling out of this B-segment hatchback regardless of trim level.\n\n\n1.6 Executive\n\n\nAnd then we have the mid-tier 1.6 Executive variant of the facelifted Iriz. Priced at RM47,100, you\u2019re paying RM6,800 more over the Standard model \u2013 that\u2019s quite a big price difference.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, you do get your money\u2019s worth with the added cost. For one, the new Iriz Executive gets a more powerful 1.6L engine that does 109PS and 150Nm of torque paired to a CVT. This model also features larger 16-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, and six airbags for even better safety.\n\n\nThe list of added features continues in the interior of the facelifted Iriz Executive. These include more premium leather seats, an 8-inch floating infotainment system with a reverse camera, as well as keyless entry with push start button.\n\n\n\n\nEssentially, the 1.6 Iriz Executive is made for those that want most of the creature comforts this hatchback has to offer without spending top dollar for the Active model. In fact, I reckon this will be the most popular variant in the 2022 Iriz lineup.\n\n\nWhile the Iriz Active looks sportier than this Executive variant \u2013 it\u2019s worth noting that both models are powered by the same 1.6L engine \u2013 some folks may not be thrilled by the more aggressive styling of the former. But if you do like how the Active looks\u2026let\u2019s move on to the next section.\n\n\n\n\n1.6 Active\n\n\nAs the range-topping model, the Iriz Active gets all the bells and whistles. The most immediate difference between the Active and the hatchback\u2019s other two variants is the exterior. It is packed with LED headlamps, fender extensions, different 16-inch alloy wheels, as well as roof rails with a blacked-out roof \u2013 it\u2019s certainly a sporty-looking hatchback.\n\n\nThe interior of the Iriz Active gets some notable additions too. Red accents are found throughout the cabin \u2013 it even has a bright red seat belt! \u2013 semi leather seats, as well as aluminium pedals. It also has a similar-looking 8-inch floating infotainment screen as the Executive model, but this one supports the new \u201cHi Proton\u201d voice command.\n\n\n\n\nPreviously, the voice command feature could only control the audio, but it has been updated to be able to adjust the air-conditioning and windows as well. On top of that, it also has an eSIM (with a five-year data package for 1GB of data monthly) for online navigation.\n\n\nHowever, you do have to pay quite a bit more for the Iriz Active. With a RM54,000 price tag, the Active costs a whopping RM6,900 more over the Executive model. In terms of sheer value for money, the Executive trim is definitely the winner, though I\u2019m sure some folks are willing to pay extra for the sportier appeal of the Active.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhich Variant to Get?\n\n\nIt depends. If you want the best value for your money, the 2022 Proton Iriz Executive is the one to go for. But if you don\u2019t need the 1.6L engine and creature comforts offered by the Executive model, the Standard trim is the best option for you; it\u2019s still quite a complete B-segment hatchback.\n\n\nOn the other hand, if you like the looks of the Iriz Active, and you don\u2019t mind paying more for the sporty stylings, then go for it! Personally, I\u2019d go with the Executive model of the 2022 Iriz \u2013 it has most features that I care about, and it\u2019s priced quite well too.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-proton-persona-premium-variant-is-best-choice/", "title": "2022 Proton Persona \u2013 The Premium Variant Is the Best Choice", "body": "\n\nLaunched alongside the \n2022 Proton Iriz\n is its sedan counterpart, the \n2022 Proton Persona facelift\n. Though it doesn\u2019t get a brand new variant like the Iriz Active, the updated B-segment sedan does look quite a bit more premium than the pre-facelift model, especially the interior.\n\n\nIf you can afford to, the best model of the Persona to get is the range-topping Premium variant. Not just because it get all the bells and whistles, of course: in my opinion, it also offers the best value for money. Read on to find out why.\n\n\n\n\nThe Price Difference Is Worth Paying\n\n\nLet\u2019s break down the prices of the 2022 Persona. The 1.6 Standard goes for RM45,200, while the 1.6 Executive costs RM50,100. The range-topping 1.6 Premium, on the other hand, is priced at RM54,900. Do note that these prices are with sales tax exemption applied, which is valid until \n31 December 2021\n.\n\n\nLooking at the feature set of these three variants, you get the most value for your money in the jump between the Executive to the Premium model. Granted, a RM4,800 price difference between the two models is not exactly small, but you really do get your money\u2019s worth.\n\n\n\n\nAside from the range of upgrades you\u2019re getting \u2013 which we\u2019ll get into further down this article \u2013 the next part alone is worth paying the extra premium\u2026for the Premium (excuse the pun).\n\n\nIt Offers the Best Safety\n\n\nUnlike the 2022 Iriz, only the Premium trim of the 2022 Persona gets six airbags. The other two variants get four airbags instead, omitting the curtain airbags.\n\n\nIn the event of a side impact crash, curtain airbags are essential to protect an occupant\u2019s head. Needless to say, it can literally be a lifesaver, even if the likelihood of a side impact crash is lower than that of a front or rear-end collision.\n\n\n\n\nYou Get a Much More Premium Interior\n\n\nAirbag count isn\u2019t the only thing that sets the 2022 Persona Premium apart from the other variants. The Standard and Executive models get fabric seats of different designs, while the Premium trim gets brown leatherette seats for a classier-looking interior.\n\n\nAside from that, the Persona Premium also features an 8-inch floating infotainment screen with the updated \u201cHi Proton\u201d voice command, which can now be used to control the air-conditioning and windows. The infotainment system offers online navigation too, thanks to the eSIM with a five-year data package for 1GB of data monthly.\n\n\n\n\nBrighter LED Headlights, Sleeker-Looking Exterior\n\n\nJust like the range-topping Iriz Active, the facelifted Persona Premium is the only variant to come with LED headlights; the lower two trims have halogen headlights instead. Not only are LED headlights brighter, it lends to a more upmarket look too.\n\n\nAside from that, I really dig the 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels of the new Persona Premium too. While the Executive trim gets 16-inch alloys as well, it has a different single-tone design.\n\n\nAlso worth a mention is the blacked-out roof of the Persona Premium, not to mention the fact that it is the only variant that is offered in Space Grey.\n\n\n\n\nOther Variants Are Still Worth Considering\n\n\nAlthough I believe the 2022 Persona Premium offers the best value for money, the Standard and Executive variants are still very good options for those who are shopping for a new B-segment sedan.\n\n\nIn fact, the Persona Standard is an especially good option, even when compared to the Executive model. After all, every variant of the Persona gets the same 1.6L engine that outputs 109PS and 150Nm of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).\n\n\nThe 2022 Persona Executive\n\n\nAlthough the Persona Standard doesn\u2019t get some nice features like 16-inch alloy wheels \u2013 it has slightly smaller 15-inch wheels \u2013 an 8-inch infotainment screen with reverse camera, LED daytime running lights, or keyless entry with push start button, the Standard is still quite a complete sedan.\n\n\nAfter all, the interior of the Persona Standard is almost identical to the Executive model, except for the aforementioned 8-inch infotainment screen. It still has the same redesigned centre console, fabric seats, digital air-conditioning controls, as well as an armrest.\n\n\nThe interior of the 2022 Persona Standard\nThe interior of the 2022 Persona Executive\nThe digital air-conditioning controls\n\n\nPriced at RM45,200, I\u2019ll definitely consider the 2022 Proton Persona Standard to be the next best choice after the Premium model in terms of sheer value for money. Yes, even if there\u2019s a RM10,000 price difference between the two variants.\n\n\nSee, if it fits your budget, it\u2019s worth paying extra for the Persona Premium simply because it offers six airbags \u2013 safety is of utmost importance. Plus, when the price difference is put into a five-year or seven-year loan, it doesn\u2019t increase the monthly commitment too much either.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, it\u2019s also important to not spend beyond your means. If the Persona Standard fits your budget more comfortably, go for it \u2013 it\u2019s still get a very good B-segment sedan with Proton\u2019s renowned ride and handling.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-honda-civic-lands-in-thailand-no-more-1-8l-engine-rm122k-to-rm151k/", "title": "2022 Honda Civic Lands in Thailand \u2013 No More 1.8L Engine, RM122k to RM151k", "body": "\n\nFour months after its global debut, the \n2022 Honda Civic\n has landed in Thailand. The biggest change with the 11th generation Civic for the market is the omission of the 1.8L engine \u2013 all variants of the C-segment sedan for Thailand now feature the 1.5L turbocharged engine.\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about prices. Three different variants of the 2022 Civic are offered in Thailand: the base EL model is priced at 964,900 Thai baht (about RM121,700), while the mid-tier EL+ variant costs 1,009,900 baht (approximately RM127,375). The range-topping RS trim, on the other hand, goes for 1,199,900 baht (around RM151,340).\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, all variants of the Civic for Thailand now features a 1.5L turbocharged engine. While it\u2019s a carryover from the \nprevious model\n, it\u2019s been tuned to deliver more power. With 178PS and 240Nm of torque, the updated engine offers 5PS and 20Nm of torque more than the 10th generation Civic. Naturally, it is still paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).\n\n\nAside from that, Honda Sensing is also standard across the range. It\u2019s a suite of safety features that include Collision Mitigation braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Auto High Beam (AHB), and Lead Car Departure Notification System (LCDN).\n\n\n\n\nThe exterior of the new Civic is quite a departure from the previous model too. The A-pillars have been pushed back 1.96 inches to elongate the hood for a \u201cpremium silhouette,\u201d as Honda puts it. Pushing back the A-pillars \u2013 and mounting the side mirrors to the door \u2013 improve the visibility of the C-segment sedan as well.\n\n\nAt the back of the 2022 Civic, gone are the \u201cketam\u201d C-shaped taillights of the current 10th generation Civic FC for a more mature-looking L-shaped LED lighting; the front DRLs has the same L-shaped lighting too. As for the overall silhouette of the new Civic, it\u2019s very reminiscent of its D-segment sibling, the\u00a0\nHonda Accord\n.\n\n\nInside the cabin, Honda took a more minimalist design approach with the 11th generation Civic. There\u2019s now a floating infotainment screen with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the centre armrest is no longer partly exposed, and the air vents are integrated into the honeycomb mesh that stretches across the dashboard.\n\n\n\n\nGiven that the 2022 Honda Civic has been launched in Thailand, it\u2019s not far-fetched to assume that it will be coming to Malaysia soon. Well, this was \noriginally \nthe plan: the C-segment sedan would\u2019ve made its debut here in \nlate Q3 or early Q4\n if not for the \nextended COVID-19 lockdown\n in Malaysia.\n\n\nGiven that most parts of Malaysia is \nstill under lockdown\n \u2013 especially the Klang Valley area \u2013 it remains to be seen exactly when the 2022 Civic will be available locally.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-yoimiya-banner-arrives-10-august-with-sayu-diona-xinyan/", "title": "Genshin Impact Yoimiya Banner Arrives 10 August With Sayu, Diona, Xinyan", "body": "\n\nYoimiya\u2019s banner has been revealed! Set to go live in \nGenshin Impact\n on 10 August, the event wish of the brand new 5-star Pyo character will be accompanied by Sayu \u2013 also a new 4-star Anemo character \u2013 Diona, and Xinyan.\n\n\nJust like Genshin Impact\u2019s\u00a0\nprevious character\n\u00a0\nevent banners\n, the \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Yoimiya, Sayu, Diona, and Xinyan will be increased. In the case of Yoimiya, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be her. If you didn\u2019t get her in this instance, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be Yoimiya.\n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact\u2019s pity system ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character or weapon every 90 wishes \u2013 depending on which banner you\u2019re rolling \u2013 so you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Yoimiya. The same rule applies to 4-star units (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but since there are three of them featured in the event wish, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Sayu, Diona, or Xinyan. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters \u2013 especially Sayu, given that she\u2019s a brand new character \u2013 you will have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\nYoimiya\u2019s \u201cTapestry of Golden Flames\u201d event wish will go live in Genshin Impact on 10 August this Tuesday at 6PM for us here in Malaysia. Her banner will be available until 31 August, and \nthere\u2019s a good chance\n the event wish of the\u00a0\nRaiden Shogun\n,\u00a0\nSangonomiya Kokomi\n, and\u00a0\nKujou Sara\n will be offered next.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/fully-vaccinated-individuals-allowed-to-cross-district-with-restrictions-from-10-august/", "title": "Fully Vaccinated Individuals Allowed to Cross District (With Restrictions) From 10 August", "body": "\n\nGreat news for those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Several restrictions for these individuals \u2013 after a certain period of time has passed since the final dosage \u2013 will be eased from 10 August onwards, including the ability to cross districts and states.\n\n\nOf course, there are a number of caveats. For one, this only applies to long-distance couples whose significant other resides in a different state or district. Parents are also allowed to do the same to meet their children who are under the age of 18.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, fully vaccinated individuals will be allowed to attend certain religious gatherings too. As for travelers who have received their full COVID-19 vaccination, they are allowed to have their mandatory quarantine at home.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that these ease of restrictions apply to all states regardless of which phase of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) they are in.\n\n\nFor fully vaccinated individuals residing in states that are in the second phase of the NRP, they can enjoy even more freedom. Dine-in will be allowed, non-contact sports are also permitted, and they will be able to cross district without restriction too.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, in order to be considered fully vaccinated, a certain amount of time has to pass first. Those who received two-dose COVID-19 vaccines \u2013 including Sinovac, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca \u2013 are considered full vaccinated after 14 days of getting the second dosage.\n\n\nIn contrast, individuals that have received a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine instead \u2013 such as Johnson & Johnson or CanSino \u2013 they are considered fully vaccinated after 28 day has passed since the initial dosage.\n\n\n\n\nThe government will also ease restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals in the economic sector. However, details on this will only be announced in the near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsungs-new-foldable-phones-will-feature-s-pen-support-enhanced-durability/", "title": "Samsung\u2019s New Foldable Phones Will Feature S Pen Support & \u201cEnhanced Durability\u201d", "body": "\n\nSamsung is set to unveil the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 \nthis Wednesday on 11 August\n. Ahead of the two foldable phones\u2019 launch, the President and Head of Mobile Communications Business at Samsung, TM Roh, revealed that the company\u2019s next foldables will feature S Pen support and \u201cenhanced durability.\u201d\n\n\nThis was detailed in a \nblog post\n by Roh himself. At Samsung\u2019s upcoming Unpacked event set for this Wednesday, Roh said that the South Korean company will \u201cshare some foldable surprises \u2013 including the first-ever S Pen designed specifically for foldable phones.\u201d\n\n\nTM Roh\n\n\nChances are, this is a reference to the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 3, which has been rumoured for quite some time now \nto feature S Pen support\n. Roh added that \u201cinstead of unveiling a new Galaxy Note this time around, we will further broaden beloved Note features to more Samsung Galaxy devices.\u201d\n\n\nBesides that, Roh also wrote in the blog post that Samsung\u2019s third generation of foldable phones \u2013 which is likely the Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 \u2013 will feature enhanced durability. The Z Flip 3, in particular, is said to bring \u201can even more refined style, armed with more durable, stronger materials.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nEvidently, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 are shaping up to be pretty darn promising foldable smartphones. Stay tuned to Nextrift as we bring the latest news on these two phones \u2013 \nand more\n \u2013 come \nSamsung\u2019s Unpacked event on 11 August at 10PM\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q1-pre-orders-open-24-august-starts-at-139/", "title": "Keychron Q1 Pre-Orders Open 24 August \u2013 Starts at $139", "body": "\n\nAfter months of teasers\n, the Keychron Q1 will finally be available for pre-order on 24 August. If you\u2019re in the market for a relatively affordable 75% mechanical keyboard with features that are only typically found on enthusiast-level keyboards, the Q1 fits the bill.\n\n\nThe Q1 is available in two configurations: the barebone kit \u2013 that is, without switches and keycaps \u2013 retails at $139, which comes up to about RM585. The fully assembled model with double-shot ABS keycaps and factory lubed Gateron Phantom switches, on the other hand, costs $169 (approximately RM715).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf these prices seem a tad high for a Keychron keyboard, that\u2019s really not the case, given what you get for the money. As mentioned, the Q1 is packed with features that are usually only found on enthusiast-level keyboards, including a gasket mounting system, a CNC aluminium body, a hotswap PCB with south-facing LEDs, and even screw-in stabilisers.\n\n\nWith that in mind, a $139 starting price for the Q1 is more than fair. This even makes it one of the most affordable 75% mechanical keyboards with such a feature set. If you\u2019re curious, Keychron released a sound test of the Q1 too \u2013 you can listen to it in the video below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Keychron Q1 will be available for pre-order on \nKeychron\u2019s website\n on 24 August at 9PM for us here in Malaysia. You can also register your interest for the keyboard \nover here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/looking-back-at-the-samsung-galaxy-z-flip-still-worth-considering/", "title": "Looking Back at the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip \u2013 Still Worth Considering", "body": "\n\nThe successor to the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip\n is expected to be unveiled this Wednesday on 11 August at Samsung\u2019s Unpacked event. As with any new smartphone, the Z Flip 3 should be offering a number of upgrades, such as a \nbigger cover display\n.\n\n\nGiven that the Galaxy Z Flip\u2019s successor is just around the corner, is it still worth considering? Absolutely, especially if you want one of the most affordable foldable smartphones in the market now. Without further ado, let\u2019s take a look back at Samsung\u2019s very first foldable phone with a clamshell design.\n\n\n\n\nFirst up, specifications. The Galaxy Z Flip, as its name suggests, features a foldable 6.7-inch 2636 x 1080 Dynamic AMOLED Infinity Flex Display with a tall 21.9:9 aspect ratio. There is also a small Super AMOLED screen on the cover of the phone, which shows basic information like incoming calls and the time.\n\n\nPowering the Z Flip, on the other hand, is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ chipset; the chipmaker\u2019s 2019 flagship SoC. While a chip from two years ago may not sound particularly impressive, it\u2019s still a plenty fast processor that will be able to provide flagship-level performance.\n\n\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Galaxy Z Flip features a simple (but capable) dual camera system made up of a 12MP f/1.8 primary sensor and a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle lens. Aside from that, there\u2019s also a 10MP f/2.4 selfie camera in the hole-punch cutout on the primary screen.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Z Flip include 8GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, as well as a 3,300mAh battery. All in all, decent hardware for a flagship-class device \u2013 even in 2021.\n\n\nWhat makes the Galaxy Z Flip \nparticularly\n interesting now \u2013 well, to me anyway \u2013 is the fact that it is far more affordable in recent times. Back when it was first introduced in Malaysia, this foldable phone went for \na whopping RM5,888\n \u2013 that\u2019s much more than what a typical flagship device is priced at.\n\n\n\n\nBut right now, the Z Flip retails \nat only RM2,699\n from Samsung itself; that\u2019s \nmore than half\n off of the original asking price. In fact, the price can even drop down \nto merely RM2,499\n when it\u2019s on sale. At this price point, the Z Flip is really quite a compelling foldable smartphone.\n\n\nThis is exactly why I think the Galaxy Z Flip is still worth considering today, even if the newer, faster Z Flip 3 is just beyond the horizon. The thing is, it is unlikely that the latter will be as affordable as the original Z Flip now, though it remains to be seen just how much of an upgrade the successor would be.\n\n\nAside from that, once the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is officially available here \u2013 which likely won\u2019t take too long, given Samsung Malaysia\u2019s speedy local product launches \u2013 I imagine the original Z Flip would be much harder to find then. It\u2019s hard to say if it will still retail at the same price point now too.\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s no denying that the Z Flip 3 will bring some notable upgrades, but based on the plethora of leaks and rumours surrounding the upcoming foldable phone, its form factor is still largely similar to the much more affordable Z Flip now.\n\n\nIf all you want is just the unique clamshell design of a foldable phone, then the Galaxy Z Flip is a fantastic option. I mean, the sheer affordability of the foldable phone currently \u2013 though RM2,699 is still quite a lot of money \u2013 is hard to argue from a value standpoint.\n\n\nOf course, you can always wait it out just a bit longer to see exactly what the Z Flip 3 would offer once it is officially introduced in the next two days. Once you know what kind of upgrades the new foldable flip phone offers \u2013 hopefully with Malaysian pricing as well \u2013 it\u2019ll be much easier to make a decision.\n\n\n\n\nOther than the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3, the foldable phone will also be joined by the Galaxy Z Fold 3 at Samsung\u2019s Unpacked launch event this Wednesday on 11 August. On top of that, Samsung is expected to reveal new smartwatches and \na pair of wireless earbuds\n\u00a0as well.\n\n\nSamsung Malaysia has also opened registration of interest for the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 3\u00a0\nright here\n. Those who do so will even receive a RM300 Samsung e-voucher which can be used after you\u2019ve pre-ordered \u201cthe next Galaxy,\u201d as Samsung puts it.\n\n\nThe Galaxy Unpacked event on 11 August will be livestreamed on Samsung\u2019s various platforms, including its\u00a0\nYouTube\n\u00a0channel,\u00a0\nFacebook\n\u00a0page, and even\u00a0\nits website\n. The virtual event will start at 10PM Malaysian time this Wednesday \u2013 stay tuned to Nextrift then for our coverage of the event!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-harimau-penyu-sound-test-on-ai03-vega-malaysian-designed-switches/", "title": "Video: Harimau & Penyu Sound Test on ai03 Vega \u2013 Malaysian-Designed Switches!", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese are the Harimau and Penyu switches, Malaysian-designed tactile and linear switches respectively! Released by the local folks over at \nRebult Keyboards\n, these are rather intriguing switches with a long stem pole.\n\n\nUnfortunately, we don\u2019t have enough switches for a full sound test, but these comparisons with other notable switches should give you a good idea of how they sound like. We compare the Harimau tactile switch against the highly popular \nBoba U4T\n, while the Penyu linear switch is pitted against the 8008 Ink and Diamond switches.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to pick up the Harimau or Penyu switch, you can join the group buy until 31 August over at \nRebult Keyboards\u2019 online store\n. Of course, we will also post our full review of these two switches before the group buy ends!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-3-official-bigger-cover-screen-more-durable-from-999/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 Official \u2013 Bigger Cover Screen, More Durable, From $999", "body": "\n\nSamsung\u2019s latest foldable smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3, is finally here. Not only is it more durable than its predecessor, it is also water-resistant now with a bigger cover screen \u2013 it\u2019s even slightly more affordable than the original Z Flip at launch.\n\n\nLet\u2019s talk about the biggest change to the Z Flip 3 first: the larger cover screen. Compared to its \npredecessor\u2019s smaller 1.1-inch display\n, the new cover screen has been upsized to a 1.9-inch 512 x 260 Super AMOLED panel. With more screen real estate, it can show more detailed notifications and widgets.\n\n\nIn fact, you can even use the bigger cover screen to frame your selfie shots with the \u201crear cameras\u201d without opening the phone.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, when you open up the Galaxy Z Flip 3, you\u2019ll be greeted by the same 6.7-inch 1080p Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex Display, but the refresh rate has been increased to 120Hz. Samsung also mentioned that the protective layer of the foldable glass screen is now 80% more durable.\n\n\nWhile we\u2019re on the topic of durability, it\u2019s worth mentioning that the Z Flip 3 is now IPX8 water-resistant; its metal frame and hinge is made out of \u201cArmor Aluminium\u201d too, which is said to make the foldable phone 10% more durable. Samsung added that Armor Aluminium is the \u201cstrongest material ever used on a smartphone\u201d as well.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Z Flip 3 include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, 8GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, a dual camera system (12MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle), a 10MP selfie camera, and a 3,300mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is more affordable than the original Z Flip at launch. For the US market, this foldable phone retails from only $999, which comes up to about RM4,235. No word yet on the Malaysian availability of the Z Flip 3, but we reckon we\u2019ll hear from Samsung Malaysia very, very soon.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-3-unleashed-under-display-camera-ipx8-rating-from-1799/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Unleashed \u2013 Under Display Camera, IPX8 Rating, From $1,799", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is here, and as expected, it gets some neat upgrades over its predecessors. The biggest addition has to be the foldable phone\u2019s new 4MP under display camera (UDC) \u2013 this makes it the first Samsung smartphone to sport such a feature.\n\n\nThanks to the new UDC, the Z Fold 3\u2019s primary 7.6-inch 2208 x 1768 Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen \u2013 now with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate \u2013 has no hole-punch cutout at all for the selfie camera. It remains to be seen how visible the camera would be in daily use, but based on renders of the phone, it does seem to be quite well-hidden.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Z Fold 3 now supports the S Pen as well. Two versions of the S Pen work with the foldable phone: the larger S Pen Pro with Bluetooth support \u2013 this lets you perform \nAir Action gestures\n \u2013 and a more basic (but lighter) S Pen Fold Edition without Bluetooth.\n\n\nJust like the Z Flip 3, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is now more durable than ever. It is IPX8 water-resistant, the protective film layer for the primary screen has a redesigned layer structure which is 80% more durable, and the metal frame and hinge of the foldable phone is 10% more durable, thanks to the use of a new \u201cArmor Aluminium\u201d material.\n\n\n\n\nWhile the cover screen of the Z Fold 3 is still a 6.2-inch 2268 x 832 display, it is now a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a faster 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Powering this foldable phone, on the other hand, is none other than Qualcomm\u2019s Snapdragon 888 flagship chipset.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Z Fold 3 are 12GB of RAM, 256GB or 512GB of internal storage, a triple camera system (12MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle + 12MP telephoto), a 10MP cover camera, a 4,400mAh battery, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 retails from $1,799 (about RM7,625) in the US, which is actually $200 (approximately RM850) less than what its predecessor went for at launch. Malaysian pricing and availability of the Z Fold 3 have not been announced yet, but we expect Samsung Malaysia to reveal these details very soon.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/12-18-august-fuel-price-all-prices-remain-again/", "title": "12 \u2013 18 August Fuel Price: All Prices Remain Again", "body": "\n\nGreat news folks: the price of RON 97 is unchanged again for the coming week. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel remain the same as well, given that the price ceilings of the two have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 is unchanged at RM2.74 per litre. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 12 to 18 August. New fuel prices will now be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mix-4-unveiled-with-under-display-camera-for-a-truly-all-screen-design/", "title": "Xiaomi Mix 4 Unveiled With Under Display Camera for a Truly All-Screen Design", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been a while since we\u2019ve seen a new Mi Mix device from Xiaomi. After some hiatus, it\u2019s back with the sleek Xiaomi Mix 4. Sporting a true \u201call-screen\u201d design, this phone features an under display camera.\n\n\nXiaomi calls this Camera Under Panel (CUP) technology, and as its name suggests, the 20MP camera is placed beneath the Mix 4\u2019s screen. According to the Chinese company, the display has a 400ppi zone around the selfie camera to let light pass through for the camera to work.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Mix 4\u2019s display itself, it\u2019s a 6.67-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED display that curves on either sides of the phone, along with a 120Hz refresh rate. Aside from that, this is also one of the first phones to ship with \nQualcomm\u2019s latest Snapdragon 888+ chipset\n, which features faster CPU and AI Engine.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mix 4 include 8GB or 12GB of RAM, three storage options (128GB, 256GB, 512GB), a triple camera system (108MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide angle + 8MP periscope telephoto with 5x optical zoom), and a 4,500mAh battery with support for blazing fast 120W wired or 50W wireless charging.\n\n\nIn wired mode, the phone can be fully charged in only 15 minutes; 28 minutes for wireless charging.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, the Xiaomi Mix 4 is only available in China with a 4,999 Chinese yuan (about RM3,265) starting price for the 128GB model with 8GB of RAM. The range-topping 512GB configuration with 12GB of RAM, on the other hand, retails at 6,299 yuan (approximately RM4,115).\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-pad-5-pad-5-pro-revealed-with-snapdragon-870-860-truetone-120hz-screen/", "title": "Xiaomi Pad 5 & Pad 5 Pro Revealed With Snapdragon 870/860 & TrueTone 120Hz Screen", "body": "\n\nXiaomi returns to the tablet market with the new Xiaomi Pad 5 and Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro. Both tablets are relatively similar to each other with some high-end hardware under the hood, including fast 120Hz screens and Qualcomm\u2019s flagship-level chipsets.\n\n\nAs the higher-end model, the Pad 5 Pro is powered by a Snapdragon 870 chipset. It is essentially a \nfaster version of the Snapdragon 865\n, so you can expect to get a good level of performance out of this tablet. The standard Pad 5, on the other hand, features a Snapdragon 860 chipset instead \u2013 an improved version of the Snapdragon 855.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, both the Pad 5 and Pad 5 Pro come with an 11-inch 2560 x 1600 TrueTone display \u2013 it can adjust the screen\u2019s white balance to match ambient lighting \u2013 with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. These two tablets can be paired with a magnetic stylus and keyboard cover too, just like other notable tablets in the market now.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Pad 5 and Pad 5 Pro include a 13MP rear camera \u2013 the Pad 5 Pro adds on a 5MP depth sensor, while the 5G version of the same tablet has a 50MP primary shooter instead \u2013 an 8MP selfie camera, an 8,600mAh battery (the Pad 5 has a slightly larger 8,720mAh battery), 6GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of storage.\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro\n The Xiaomi Pad 5\n\n\nAs usual, the Xiaomi Pad 5 and Pad 5 Pro are only available in China at the moment, but it\u2019s worth noting that the former \nhas been registered with SIRIM already\n, suggesting that it could be making its way to Malaysia soon.\n\n\nAnyway, in China, the Pad 5 retails from 1,999 Chinese yuan (about RM1,305), while the Pad 5 Pro starts at 2,499 yuan (approximately RM1,635).\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-new-samsung-galaxy-watch-4-series-can-measure-your-body-composition/", "title": "The New Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Series Can Measure Your Body Composition", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nGalaxy Z Flip 3\n and \nZ Fold 3\n foldable smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 series made its debut too. Made up of the standard Galaxy Watch 4 and the larger Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, the biggest new feature of these two smartwatches is the ability to measure a user\u2019s body composition.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the Galaxy Watch 4 series can measure your body composition. Using the new Samsung BioActive Sensor on the back of the smartwatch, this wearable can give you vital details like skeletal muscle, fat mass, body fat, BMI, and even your body water. Samsung even said that these measurements are up to 98% accurate.\n\n\nThe Galaxy Watch 4 (left) and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic\n\n\nSleep tracking capability of the Watch 4 has been improved as well. Not only can it track your blood oxygen level \u2013 a very important feature in this COVID-19 pandemic, in our opinion \u2013 it even has\u2026snoring detection. Anyway, using these data, the watch can then give you a sleep score.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy Watch 4 series include a new Exynos W920 5nm processor that promises up to 20% faster CPU, a 1.19-inch or 1.36-inch circular display \u2013 depending on which size of the smartwatch you get \u2013 1.5GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, as well as a 361mAh or 247mAh battery \u2013 again, dependent on the size of the watch.\n\n\nOf course, the Watch 4 series also runs on Samsung\u2019s new One UI Watch operating system, which allows you to install wearable apps from the Google Play Store.\n\n\n\n\nFor the US market, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 retails from $249 (about RM1,055), while the bigger Galaxy Watch 4 Classic starts at $349 (approximately RM1,480).\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-buds-2-features-anc-149-price-tag/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Features ANC & $149 Price Tag", "body": "\n\nJoining Samsung\u2019s \ntwo\n new \nfoldable\n phones (and \nsmartwatch\n) is the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2. Available in a number of colourful designs, the new wireless earbuds also come with improved active noise cancellation and an affordable price tag.\n\n\nAccording to Samsung, the new Buds 2\u2019s active noise cancellation is able to cut off external background noise by up to 98%. The Ambient Sound mode has three levels too, giving you the ability to control how much of the outside world that you hear.\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of battery life, the Buds 2\u2019s 61mAh battery can provide up to five hours of continuous playback with active noise cancellation switched on; 7.5 hours if ANC is disabled. With the included charging case, the battery life can be extended up to 20 hours or 29 hours with ANC off.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the charging case of the Buds 2 also supports wireless charging. Otherwise, it can be charged through the USB-C connection. Aside from that, these wireless earbuds are also available in four colours: White, Graphite, Olive, and Lavender.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 will be available in the US from 27 August onwards for $149; that\u2019s about RM630. As usual, it remains to be seen exactly when these earbuds will be available in Malaysia, but it should be happening soon, given that the Buds 2 \nhas been registered with SIRIM already\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/whatsapp-finally-allows-chat-history-transfers-between-ios-android-sort-of/", "title": "WhatsApp Finally Allows Chat History Transfers Between iOS & Android\u2026Sort Of", "body": "\n\nOne of the biggest pain points of WhatsApp when you\u2019re changing phones is finally addressed; well, sort of. Beginning with Samsung\u2019s new foldable phones, the \nZ Flip 3\n and \nZ Fold 3\n, you will be able to transfer your chat history from an iOS device.\n\n\nUnfortunately, this is the limit of the new feature at the moment. The ability to transfer chat history from iOS and other Samsung phones \u2013 aside from the new foldables \u2013 will be possible \u201cin the coming weeks,\u201d but it will be limited to Samsung devices that are running Android 10 and above.\n\n\n\n\nEventually, this feature will be extended to all Android devices, though it remains to be seen exactly how long until this will be rolled out to other devices. On top of that, there\u2019s no tentative timeline as to when it will be possible to transfer chat history from Android to iOS either, unfortunately enough.\n\n\nAnyway, in order to transfer the chat history from iOS to the new Samsung foldable phones, you\u2019ll need a Lightning to USB-C cable. That\u2019s right, the transfer is done completely offline, which makes sense, given that Android and iOS devices back up chat history to Google Drive and iCloud respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q1-product-page-live-barebone-version-now-149/", "title": "Keychron Q1 Product Page Live \u2013 Barebone Version Now $149", "body": "\n\nThe \nproduct page\n for the \nKeychron Q1\n is now live, giving us a look at all possible configurations of the 75% mechanical keyboard. Unfortunately, the product page also shows that the price of the barebone kit has been increased from $139 to $149 \u2013 that comes up to about RM630.\n\n\nWith this change in price for the barebone kit, the value proposition of the fully assembled Q1 is quite a bit better. After all, for only $20 more (approximately RM85), you get Gateron Phantom switches of your choice, along with a set of double-shot ABS keycaps.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to the product listing, those who pre-order the Q1 will also get a \u201cpremium\u201d coiled USB-C cable. Looking at an example of the sleeved cable, it does look rather good; it even has an aviator connector. It is by no means as premium as other custom coiled cables, but it\u2019s still great that Keychron is giving a cable of this quality with the Q1.\n\n\nTo recap, the Q1 is a feature-packed 75% keyboard. It features gasket mounting system, a full CNC aluminium case, an aluminium plate, a hotswap PCB with south-facing LEDs, and support for screw-in stabilisers. It\u2019s worth noting that these features are typically only found on enthusiast-level keyboards.\n\n\n\n\nThe Keychron Q1 will be available for pre-order on 24 August \nright here\n at 9PM for us here in Malaysia. Shipping for the fully assembled model will begin a week after pre-orders are open, and it is expected to be completed by 15 September.\n\n\nAs for the barebone kit of the Q1, it will start shipping to customers between 15 to 30 September 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-staff-now-86-fully-vaccinated-safer-work-environment-to-be-implemented/", "title": "Proton Staff Now 86% Fully Vaccinated \u2013 Safer Work Environment to Be Implemented", "body": "\n\nFollowing the second round of its \nvaccination exercise\n last week, Proton just announced that over 86% of its 8,486 staff members are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The national carmaker added that this number is expected to increase in the coming weeks, as over 98% of its staff have received their first dose.\n\n\nThis is in line with Proton\u2019s effort to achieve herd immunity against COVID-19 in its chain of operations. \u201cWe estimate more than 80% of our operations chain would have received at least one dose of the vaccine by the end of August,\u201d said the CEO of Proton, Dr Li Chunrong.\n\n\n\n\nHe further added that Proton\u2019s vaccination exercise will allow the carmaker to \u201chit the ground running once the automotive industry is given the greenlight to resume operations nationwide.\u201d Previously, the government announced that most of the automotive sector will only be allowed to operate in the \nsecond phase of the National Recovery Plan\n.\n\n\nTo help reduce the number of COVID-19 daily cases, Proton will also be implementing a number of changes to its business procedures. \u201cWe have created new processes in all areas, from our production lines to our corporate offices, ensuring a new and safer work environment,\u201d Dr Li elaborated.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the government previously announced it will ease restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals in the economic sector. But details on this will only be announced in the near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-2022-proton-persona-iriz-crash-test-5-star-asean-ncap-rating/", "title": "Video: 2022 Proton Persona & Iriz Crash Test \u2013 5-Star ASEAN NCAP Rating", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHere it is: the full video of the \n2022 Proton Persona\n crash test by the New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asia (ASEAN NCAP). Although only the Persona is tested in this crash test, it is considered to be valid for the \n2022 Iriz\n as well, given the similarities between the two B-segment models.\n\n\nSafety has always been one of the main selling points of Proton\u2019s models, so it\u2019s no surprise that the new 2022 Persona and Iriz got a full five-star rating in ASEAN NCAP\u2019s crash test. Do note that the Persona in this test is of the Standard variant, so it\u2019s missing the curtain airbags in the side impact crash test.\n\n\n\n\nLooking at the results, both the Persona and Iriz have adequate adult occupant protection. In frontal and side impacts, the driver and passenger are adequately protected. With an overall score of 84.13, these two B-segment models are eligible to be awarded the 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating.\n\n\nYou can look at the full report of the crash test by ASEAN NCAP \nover here\n.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\n2022 Proton Iriz \u2013 Which Variant to Get?\n\n\n2022 Proton Persona \u2013 The Premium Variant Is the Best Choice\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-3-finally-a-mainstream-foldable-phone/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 \u2013 Finally a Mainstream Foldable Phone?", "body": "\n\nSamsung made a pretty bold decision to not introduce a new Galaxy Note device this year; a series that already has strong mainstream appeal. Instead, we get two foldable smartphones: the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 3\n, and the bigger, almost tablet-like \nGalaxy Z Fold 3\n.\n\n\nWithout a doubt foldable phones don\u2019t have particularly great mainstream appeal right now, but this \ncould\n change with these two new smartphones. This is especially true for the Galaxy Z Flip 3, given its much more affordable nature than the Z Fold 3.\n\n\nWhile these two foldable phones may not be able to enjoy the same success as Samsung\u2019s very popular Note devices \u2013 not yet, anyway \u2013 the South Korean company is definitely on the right path. In fact, I personally believe the Z Flip 3 will pave the way for that.\n\n\n\n\nIn my opinion, two criteria have to be met in order for foldable phones to be appealing enough for the mainstream market: affordability and durability. Well, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 fulfill these two criteria\u2026to a certain extent.\n\n\nLet\u2019s focus on the affordability of the Z Flip 3 first. The \noriginal Z Flip\n was only offered with 256GB of storage, which puts it at a higher price point. The new Z Flip 3, on the other hand, is offered in 128GB and 256GB configurations, effectively lowering the entry price of the phone.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, local pricing of the Galaxy Z Flip 3 has not been revealed yet, but it shouldn\u2019t stray too far from the $999 starting price of the foldable phone in the US \u2013 that comes up to about RM4,230. Yes, that\u2019s still quite a steep price tag, but compared to the local launch price of the original Z Flip (a \nwhopping RM5,888\n), it\u2019s much, much more palatable.\n\n\nWhile we\u2019re talking about affordability, it\u2019s worth mentioning that the original Z Flip is also far more affordable now. As mentioned, it retailed at RM5,888 when it was first available here in Malaysia, but you can currently get it \nfor merely RM2,699\n; that\u2019s\u00a0\nmore than half\n\u00a0off of the launch price.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, affordability alone is just half of the equation. In order for the Galaxy Z Flip 3 to really enjoy mainstream success, it has to be durable enough for everyday use too. This was one of the shortcomings of the first Z Flip.\n\n\nNow, it\u2019s not that it was fragile by any means, but the plastic protective layer on top of the phone\u2019s foldable glass screen can get scratched and dinged quite easily. Unlike other proper flagship smartphones, the Z Flip lacks any form of water resistance too.\n\n\nWell, both of these have been addressed with the Galaxy Z Fold 3. Not only does it have an IPX8 water resistance rating now, the protective layer of the phone\u2019s screen is said to be up to 80% more durable too. That\u2019s not all: thanks to the use of a new \u201cArmor Titanium\u201d material, the metal frame and hinge of the phone are now 10% tougher.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the fact that the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is more affordable and durable than its predecessor, it is also a better foldable phone overall. One of the biggest upgrades it received is a larger 1.9-inch 512 x 260 Super AMOLED panel on the exterior cover of the phone. With more screen real estate, it can show more detailed notifications and widgets.\n\n\nAside from that, the Z Flip 3 is powered by Qualcomm\u2019s relatively new Snapdragon 888 chipset as well, so you can expect to get flagship-level performance out of this foldable phone. This is in contrast to the original Z Flip, which didn\u2019t ship with the most recent flagship chip available at the time.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Z Flip 3 include the same 6.7-inch 1080p Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex Display \u2013 but with a much faster 120Hz adaptive refresh rate \u2013 8GB of RAM, a dual camera system (12MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle), a 10MP selfie camera, and a 3,300mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\nSo then, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is more affordable, more durable, and a more polished foldable smartphone over its predecessor \u2013 are these enough to propel it to mainstream success? Well, it still depends on overall market sentiment, especially in a price-sensitive market like Malaysia.\n\n\nWhile it\u2019s great that the Z Flip 3 is more durable than the previous model \u2013 and it\u2019s the right direction to go in order for foldable phones to be more compelling \u2013 the mainstream appeal of the Z Flip 3 is highly dependent on exactly how much it will cost.\n\n\n\n\nHopefully, Samsung Malaysia will price the Galaxy Z Flip 3 competitively enough. I\u2019d argue it is more important to price this phone well over the decidedly more premium Z Fold 3. After all, if it\u2019s affordable enough, the Z Flip 3 could be the first foldable phone most consumers will (seriously) consider picking up.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/covid-19-vaccination-for-those-below-18-happening-soon/", "title": "COVID-19 Vaccination For Those Below 18 Happening Soon", "body": "\n\nCOVID-19 vaccination rate is ramping up quite a bit in Malaysia, and in the near future, even those below 18 will be vaccinated. Of course, individuals in this age group with underlying medical conditions will be prioritised.\n\n\nThis was revealed by Khairy Jamaluddin, the coordinating minister for the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme. According to him, those between the age of 12 to 17 with comorbidities will receive priority for the COVID-19 vaccination.\n\n\n\n\nAs per \n@DGHisham\n\u2019s latest circular following revised recommendations to \n@JKJAVMY\n, PICK will start giving vaccinations to 12-17 year olds with the following priority order:\n1) 12-17 w/ underlying medical conditions\n2) 12-17 w/ no medical issues based on age de-escalation.\n\u2014 Khairy Jamaluddin \ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe\ud83c\udf3a (@Khairykj) \nAugust 13, 2021\n\n\n\n\nOnce that\u2019s done, those in the same age group with no medical issues will then receive their vaccination. The priority for this will be based on age de-escalation, as Khairy puts it.\n\n\nAn announcement will be made next week by the COVID-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) on how COVID-19 vaccination for adolescents will be implemented. These details should be posted \non its Twitter account\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopeefood-coming-to-malaysia-september-2021-now-hiring-riders/", "title": "ShopeeFood Coming to Malaysia September 2021 \u2013 Now Hiring Riders", "body": "\n\nThere could be a new food delivery service in Malaysia, and it\u2019s from Shopee. Dubbed ShopeeFood, the service was initially available in Indonesia, and it seems to be expanding to our shores very soon, where it would compete against GrabFood and FoodPanda.\n\n\nFirst spotted by \nAmanz\n, ShopeeFood is likely coming to Malaysia sometime in September next month, according to a post on the service\u2019s \nFacebook page\n. Unfortunately, ShopeeFood appears to be only limited to Klang Valley at the moment.\n\n\n\n\nOnce ShopeeFood is implemented, the service will be \ndirectly implemented into the Shopee app\n. Aside from that, ShopeeFood also accepts a wide range of vendors. Whether you have a shop, stall, or a home business, you can sign up to be a vendor with the service.\n\n\nGiven the current COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia, it\u2019s more important now than ever for food delivery services to be available. If you\u2019re interested to be a vendor with ShopeeFood, you can get in touch with the company \nover here\n. You can also sign up as a rider for the service \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-magic-3-magic-3-pro-unveiled-its-first-flagship-after-huawei-split/", "title": "Honor Magic 3 & Magic 3 Pro Unveiled \u2013 Its First Flagship After Huawei Split", "body": "\n\nHonor just introduced its latest flagship smartphones, the Honor Magic 3 and Magic 3 Pro. These are the Chinese company\u2019s first high-end phones after its split from Huawei, so they will ship with Google\u2019s apps and services out of the box.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the higher-end phone of the two, the Magic 3 Pro. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888+ chipset, you can expect to get flagship-level performance out of this phone. On top of that, it feature a 6.76-inch 2772 x 1344 OLED screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate; the panel meets HDR10+ standard too.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Magic 3 Pro include up to 12GB of RAM, two storage options (256GB or 512GB), a quad camera system (50MP primary + 64MP telephoto + 13MP ultra-wide angle + 64MP monochrome), a 13MP selfie camera, a 4,600mAh battery with 66W fast charging, as well as an IP68 rating.\n\n\nFor the most part, the standard Magic 3 shares the same hardware and design as the Pro model, though it does have a number of differences. It has a slightly older Snapdragon 888 chipset, 8GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, and an IP54 rating. Oh, it also loses the 64MP telephoto camera.\n\n\n\n\nPrice wise, these premium flagships carry equally premium price tags. The Honor Magic 3 retails from \u20ac899 (about RM4,475), while the Magic 3 Pro starts at \u20ac1,099 (approximately RM5,470). At the time of writing, there\u2019s no word yet on the Malaysian availability of the Magic 3 Pro series.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-magic-3-pro-also-official-with-premium-ceramic-body-sophisticated-quad-camera/", "title": "Honor Magic 3 Pro+ Also Official With Premium Ceramic Body & Sophisticated Quad Camera", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nMagic 3 and Magic 3 Pro\n, there\u2019s also the third device in the series, the Honor Magic 3 Pro+. Featuring a ceramic body and a more sophisticated quad camera system, it\u2019s touted by the Chinese company to be the most premium device in the lineup.\n\n\nBeyond the slightly different camera array and ceramic body, the Magic 3 Pro+ is very similar to the standard Pro model. It\u2019s still powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 888+ chipset, and it has a 6.76-inch 2772 x 1344 OLED screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate and support for HDR10+.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Magic 3 Pro+\u2019s camera system, it has the same 64MP telephoto and 64MP monochrome sensors as the regular Pro, but its 50MP primary lens has a larger 1/1.28-inch sensor for improved performance. On top of that, the ultra-wide angle shooter of this premium phone is now a 64MP unit as well instead of 13MP.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Magic 3 Pro+ include 12GB of RAM, 512GB of internal storage, a 13MP selfie camera, a 4,600mAh battery with 66W fast charging, and an IP68 rating. Of course, given that Honor is no longer a sub-brand of Huawei, this phone also ships with Google\u2019s apps and services.\n\n\n\n\nGiven its premium positioning, the Honor Magic 3 Pro+ is quite a costly phone too; it retails at \u20ac1,499, which comes up to about RM7,465. Just like the rest of the Magic 3 phones, it remains to be seen when \u2013 or if \u2013 the Magic 3 Pro+ will be available in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/custom-keyboard-what-affects-sound-profile/", "title": "Custom Keyboard \u2013 What Affects Sound Profile?", "body": "\n\nOne of the main draws of the custom keyboard hobby is the ability to customise a board to your liking, including its sound profile. Whether you like a thocky or clacky keyboard, there are quite a number of ways to change \u2013 or even accentuate \u2013 the sound profile of a board.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re building a custom keyboard with a particular sound signature in mind, take note of these factors \u2013 you\u2019d be surprised how much each of them can affect the sound profile.\n\n\n\n\nThe Keyboard Itself\n\n\nNeedless to say, which custom keyboard you get will influence the sound profile the most. Practically every aspect of a keyboard can change the sound signature, from the mounting style, case material, to any unique design element of the board.\n\n\nTake \nOwlab\u2019s Jelly Epoch\n: even though it\u2019s a gasket-mounted keyboard \u2013 this mounting style usually produces a cleaner, higher-pitched sound signature \u2013 it has one of the \ndeepest, thockiest\n sound profiles we\u2019ve ever heard from a keyboard. Of course, it also helps that it uses quite a bit of foam, which brings us to the next point..\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSound Deadening Material\n\n\nThere are a wide array of mods the custom keyboard community has experimented with over the years, and one of the more popular mods in recent times is the \nPE foam mod\n; the very same material used in the Jelly Epoch.\n\n\nBasically, a sheet of PE foam is placed over the PCB in between the switches, and the result is a deeper, thockier sound profile. We did the same mod to our ai03 Vega, and you can hear for yourself just how much deeper it sounds in the \nAnubis switch review\n below versus our first video with a \u201cstock\u201d Vega.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor keyboards that sound hollow, many folks turn to adding foam to fill up empty spaces to make for a more solid sound profile. However, doing so also runs the risk of muting the sound \u201ccharacter\u201d of a keyboard too much \u2013 it\u2019s all about finding the right balance.\n\n\nSwitch\n\n\nNaturally, switches affect the sound profile of a keyboard quite a bit too. Let\u2019s bring the Jelly Epoch back to the picture: it is an inherently deep, thocky keyboard. But I\u2019m currently using stock NovelKeys Cream switches on this board \u2013 to break them in before lubing \u2013 and boy, I\u2019m surprised how clacky the Jelly Epoch is now!\n\n\nNovelKeys Cream, besides its very scratchy nature out of the box, is one of the clackiest switches in the market, just like the \nSP-Star\n. Depending on the sound profile that you want to achieve out of your custom keyboard, pick your switch carefully. Want a thocky sound profile? Then the \nCobalt POM\n and \nAnubis\n switches are great options.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s not all: lubing and filming switches will change their sound profile too. If you use a thick lube such as Krytox 205g0, it will lower the pitch of the switch. Installing a film can have the same effect too, with the added benefit of tightening the housing of switches, which can also result in a \u201ccleaner\u201d sound profile.\n\n\nKeycap\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve experimented with different switches and added sound deadening material to your keyboard, but still can\u2019t quite get the sound profile that you want, consider getting a different set of keycaps. After all, keycaps offered with pre-built keyboards are (generally) not of particularly good quality.\n\n\n\n\nTwo things affect the sound quality of a keycap set: material and profile. In regard to the former, if you want a clacky, higher-pitched sound profile, look for keycaps made out of ABS plastic, such as GMK keycaps. Want a deeper sound signature instead? Then look for PBT keycaps.\n\n\nAs for profile \u2013 which is basically the height of the keycap \u2013 the taller the keycap is, the deeper it would sound, and vice versa. GMK keycaps, given their low profile and use of double-shot ABS plastic, have a clacky sound signature, and I absolutely love it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that not all ABS or PBT keycaps will sound the same; the keycap manufacturer matters too. The thickness of the keycap set, for one, differs from one manufacturer to another. If you\u2019re wondering why certain keycap sets from a particular company \nare so expensive\n \u2013 such as GMK sets \u2013 just know that there\u2019s a good reason for it.\n\n\nDeskmat\n\n\nAmong all of the factors listed in this article, \na deskmat\n impacts the sound profile of a keyboard the least\u2026depending on how hollow your table is. A good, \nhigh-quality deskmat\n helps to remove resonance from the table, so you can hear the \u201ctrue\u201d sound profile of your keyboard.\n\n\nIn fact, I actually stack a few deskmats on top of each other to really isolate my keyboard from the table. Really, depending on how hollow the surface you\u2019re typing on, you may need the extra dampening of more than one deskmat to completely remove resonance.\n\n\n\n\nSo that\u2019s roughly what you need to know to get the sound profile that you desire out of a custom keyboard. As its name suggests, a custom board gives you the ability to customise many aspects of the keyboard, and trust me, it\u2019s a \nreally rewarding hobby\n.\n\n\nWell, and also quite punishing to the wallet. But it\u2019s all worth it for a superior typing experience, right?\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-3-z-fold-3-to-retail-from-rm3999-in-malaysia/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 & Z Fold 3 to Retail From RM3,999 in Malaysia?", "body": "\n\nSamsung typically unveils the Malaysian pricing of its latest flagship smartphones relatively quickly after their global debut, but that wasn\u2019t the case with the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 3\n and \nZ Fold 3\n. Well, based on some leaked details, we may have a good idea of how much these two foldable phones will cost locally.\n\n\nFirst spotted by \nLowyat.NET\n, both the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 3 \nhave been listed\n on \nDigi\u2019s website\n; the listing for the two foldable phones are still up at the time of writing. According to Digi, the Z Fold 3 with 256GB of storage retails at RM4,199, while the Z Fold 3 is priced at RM6,699 and RM7,199 for the 256GB and 512GB models respectively.\n\n\n\n\nWhat about the more affordable 128GB configuration of the Galaxy Z Flip 3? Well, \nAmanz\n first spotted a \nrather interesting post\n on Lowyat.NET\u2019s forum, which shows that the 128GB variant of the Z Flip 3 costs RM3,999 on \nSamsung Malaysia\u2019s own online store\n. Unfortunately, the price has been removed already.\n\n\nIf these prices are legitimate, Samsung Malaysia is certainly pricing these two foldable phones very, very competitively. To put this into context, the Z Flip 3 retails from $999 in the US, which comes up to about RM4,235. As for the Z Fold 3, it starts at $1,799 (about RM7,625) in the same market.\n\n\n\n\nEvidently, the starting prices of the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 3\n and \nZ Fold 3\n are quite a bit lower in Malaysia than the US; assuming these leaked prices are legitimate, of course. Nonetheless, we expect Samsung Malaysia to officially reveal the local pricing of these two phones very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/car-factories-allowed-to-operate-from-tomorrow-showrooms-opened-too/", "title": "Car Factories Allowed to Operate From Tomorrow; Showrooms Opened Too", "body": "\n\nGreat news: the government just announced that most of the automotive sector will be allowed to resume operations from tomorrow onwards, including car factories and showrooms. This even applies to states that are still in the first phase of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).\n\n\nHowever, there are a number of conditions that have to be met. For car factories to operate, at least 40% of the staff have to be fully vaccinated. Factories with fully vaccinated staff between 40% to 59% are allowed to operate at 60% capacity.\n\n\n\n\nIt goes up to 80% operation capacity if staff are between 60% to 79% fully vaccinated. For car factories to operate at 100% capacity, 80% of the staff have to be fully vaccinated. It\u2019s worth noting that this applies to all factories in the non-essential category.\n\n\nAlthough car showrooms are also allowed to operate from tomorrow onwards \u2013 even car washes too \u2013 only fully vaccinated customers are allowed to visit these premises. Basically, this is an extension on the \nease of restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals\n announced last week.\n\n\n\n\nGiven that most of the automotive sector ceased operations since June 2021, these ease of restrictions should help the industry recover lost businesses. If you\u2019ve been waiting to receive delivery of your car, perhaps it\u2019s time to give your sales advisor a call tomorrow.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/monokei-singa-unveil-the-neko-40-premium-keyboard-from-s510/", "title": "Monokei & Singa Unveil the Neko \u2013 40% Premium Keyboard From S$510", "body": "\n\nMonokei and Singa, two renowned names in the custom keyboard scene, are collaborating to release the \nNeko\n. It\u2019s a custom keyboard with a compact 40%-ish HHKB layout \u2013 as Monokei puts it \u2013 and retailing from S$510, it is undoubtedly a premium keyboard.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, this compact keyboard \nstarts\n at a whopping S$510, which comes up to about RM1,590. This is only for the Standard kit of the Neko too, which features aluminium top and bottom cases \u2013 which is offered in six different colours \u2013 a polycarbonate plate, and brass weights.\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s also the more premium SE kit of the Neko, which comes with polycarbonate top and bottom in Frosted White, a copper plate, a copper weight, and a copper \u201ccat weight\u201d \u2013 as pictured above \u2013 for a cool S$620 (about RM1,935). If you want a hotswap PCB instead of a solderable one, that will cost an extra S$15 (around RM45).\n\n\nOf course, that\u2019s a lot of money, but you do get a premium compact keyboard. The Neko uses a gasket mounting system, along with a pretty neat-looking weight in the shape of a cat on the bottom of the keyboard. Launched alongside the Neko are also two aluminium keycaps, a \u201cNeko Asobi\u201d deskmat, and a smaller \u201cNeko Maru\u201d deskmat.\n\n\n\n\nThe group buy for the Neko by Monokei and Singa will start from 17 August until 10 September 2021; it is expected to start shipping sometime in Q3 2022. As for the aluminium keycaps and deskmats \u2013 if purchased separately \u2013 they will begin delivery in Q1 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/confirmed-samsung-galaxy-z-flip-3-retails-from-rm3999-in-malaysia/", "title": "Confirmed: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 Retails From RM3,999 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s official! Samsung Malaysia just revealed the local pricing of its latest compact foldable smartphone, the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 3\n. Retailing from RM3,999, it\u2019s quite a bit more affordable than expected.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Galaxy Z Flip 3 are available in Malaysia: the base model with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM costs RM3,999, while the 256GB configuration with the same amount of RAM retails at RM4,199.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the Malaysian pricing of the Z Flip 3 is quite a bit lower than in the US market. Over there, this foldable phone starts at $999, which comes up to about RM4,230.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 offers flagship-class hardware. Powering the foldable phone, for one, is Qualcomm\u2019s fast Snapdragon 888 chipset. The phone\u2019s cover screen has also been upsized to a 1.9-inch 512 x 260 Super AMOLED panel. With more screen real estate, it can show more detailed notifications and widgets.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Z Flip 3 include a 6.7-inch 1080p Dynamic AMOLED 2X primary screen with a 120Hz refresh rate \u2013 the protective layer of the foldable glass screen is now 80% more durable too \u2013 a dual camera system (12MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle), a 10MP selfie camera, a 3,300mAh battery, and an IPX8 water resistance rating.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from 19 August until 21 September 2021. To recap, the 128GB model costs RM3,999, while the 256GB variant retails at RM4,199. Every pre-order of the Z Flip 3 will come with a one-year Samsung Care+ Plan worth RM699, along with a RM600 Samsung Online Store e-voucher.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-3-lands-in-malaysia-from-rm6699-pre-orders-get-rm850-voucher/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Lands in Malaysia From RM6,699 \u2013 Pre-Orders Get RM850 Voucher", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nGalaxy Z Flip 3\n, Samsung Malaysia also revealed the local pricing of the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 3\n. Set to retail from only RM6,699 here in Malaysia, it is quite a bit more affordable \nthan its predecessor\n, which went for RM7,999 at launch.\n\n\nJust like the Z Flip 3, two variants of the Z Fold 3 are offered on our shores. The base 256GB variant with 12GB of RAM costs RM6,699, while the 512GB model with the same amount of RAM goes for RM7,099. The latter configuration is actually cheaper than the \nleaked pricing on Digi\u2019s website\n.\n\n\n\n\nWhile these prices are still unmistakably steep, it\u2019s worth noting that the Z Fold 3 is more affordable here than in the US, where it retails from $1,799 (about RM7,620). For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting an eye-catching foldable phone, complete with a 4MP under display camera.\n\n\nThis allows the Galaxy Z Fold 3\u2019s large 7.6-inch 2208 x 1768 Dynamic AMOLED 2X primary screen \u2013 with a fast 120Hz refresh rate \u2013 to not have any cutout at all for the selfie camera. On top of that, the phone\u2019s 6.2-inch 2268 x 832 cover screen is now locked at 120Hz too.\n\n\nRounding out the hardware of the Z Fold 3 are Qualcomm\u2019s Snapdragon 888 flagship chipset, a triple camera system (12MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle + 12MP telephoto), a 10MP cover camera, a 4,400mAh battery, S Pen support, and of course, IPX8 water resistance rating.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from 19 August to 21 September 2021. Those who pre-order this foldable phone will also receive a generous RM850 e-voucher to be used on Samsung Malaysia\u2019s online store, along with a one-year Samsung Care+ plan worth RM799.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-watch-4-series-starts-at-rm899-in-malaysia-up-to-rm250-voucher-offered/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Series Starts at RM899 in Malaysia \u2013 up to RM250 Voucher Offered", "body": "\n\nMalaysian pre-orders of the \nSamsung Galaxy Watch 4 series\n have been revealed by Samsung Malaysia. Those who pre-order the standard Galaxy Watch 4 or Galaxy Watch 4 Classic between 19 August to 21 September will get up to RM250 voucher too.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the more affordable Galaxy Watch 4. The 40mm model costs RM899, while the bigger 44mm variant retails at RM999; both of them are the Bluetooth versions. Every pre-order of this smartwatch will also come with a RM150 e-voucher to be used on Samsung Malaysia\u2019s online store.\n\n\nThe Galaxy Watch 4 (left) and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic\n\n\nAs for the bigger Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, the 42mm and 46mm models of the smartwatch \u2013 both are Bluetooth-only too \u2013 go for RM1,299 and RM1,399 respectively. Given the slightly higher asking prices, pre-orders of this smartwatch will come with a RM250 e-voucher instead.\n\n\nOne of the biggest new features of the Galaxy Watch 4 series is the ability to measure a user\u2019s body composition. This smartwatch can give you vital details like skeletal muscle, fat mass, body fat, BMI, and even your body water. Samsung even said that these measurements are up to 98% accurate.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy Watch 4 series include a new Exynos W920 5nm processor that promises up to 20% faster CPU, a 1.19-inch or 1.36-inch circular display \u2013 depending on which size of the smartwatch you get \u2013 1.5GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, as well as a 361mAh or 247mAh battery \u2013 again, dependent on the size of the watch.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, Malaysian pre-orders of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 series will start from 19 August until 21 September 2021. It remains to be seen if the LTE models will also be introduced here in the future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-buds-2-with-anc-costs-rm499-in-malaysia/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 With ANC Costs RM499 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nSamsung Malaysia revealed \nthe local pricing\n of quite a \nnumber of products\n today, including the affordable Samsung Galaxy Buds 2. Despite its budget-friendly price tag, these colourful wireless earbuds still feature active noise cancellation.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Galaxy Buds 2 retails at only RM499. This is quite a bit lower than the asking price of the earbuds in the US, which is set at $149 (about RM630). However, Samsung Malaysia did not reveal exactly when the Buds 2 will be available for purchase here.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, according to Samsung, the new Buds 2\u2019s active noise cancellation is able to cut off external background noise by up to 98%. The Ambient Sound mode has three levels too, giving you the ability to control how much of the outside world that you hear.\n\n\nIn terms of battery life, the Buds 2\u2019s 61mAh battery can provide up to five hours of continuous playback with active noise cancellation switched on; 7.5 hours if ANC is disabled. With the included charging case, the battery life can be extended up to 20 hours or 29 hours with ANC off.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the charging case of the Buds 2 also supports wireless charging. Otherwise, it can be charged through the USB-C connection.\n\n\n\n\nThough it remains to be seen exactly when the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 will be available for purchase in Malaysia, at least we now know it retails at RM499 here. We\u2019ll keep an eye on the local availability of the affordable wireless earbuds.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/glorious-gmmk-pro-keyboard-restocked-in-malaysia-now-rm759/", "title": "Glorious GMMK Pro Keyboard Restocked in Malaysia \u2013 Now RM759", "body": "\n\nThe \nGlorious GMMK Pro\n keyboard is finally restocked for the Malaysian market. If you\u2019re looking for a reasonably good pre-built keyboard with a 75% layout, this is a decent option.\n\n\nUnfortunately, it appears there\u2019s a small price hike from Dotatech for the GMMK Pro. \nInitially retailing at RM739\n, the keyboard is now \ngoing for RM759\n from the retailer. At the time of writing, there are five units left: three Black Slate models, and two White Ice (which is actually more of a silver shade) units.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the biggest selling points of the GMMK Pro is its gasket-mounted plate, which promises a \u201cunique haptic and acoustic experience.\u201d It also has a CNC aluminium case to give it solid build quality and a premium feel. After all, most custom keyboards at this price point come with plastic cases.\n\n\nOther specifications of the GMMK Pro include a hotswap PCB to easily swap between different switches, a 75% layout, support for both screw-in and clip-in stabilisers \u2013 it is pre-installed with Glorious\u2019 own screw-in (and pre-lubed) GOAT stabilisers \u2013 a USB-C port, as well as QMK and VIA compatibility for easy key mapping.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to grab the Glorious GMMK Pro for RM759, you can do so \nright here on Shopee\n. According to the listing, it will start shipping within seven days. Alternatively, you can also consider getting the \nKeychron Q1\n \u2013 it will be available for pre-order \nnext week on 24 August\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q1-design-a-badge-get-e50-voucher/", "title": "Keychron Q1 \u2013 Design a Badge, Get \u20ac50 Voucher", "body": "\n\nIn anticipation for the release of the \nKeychron Q1\n keyboard, the company is running a rather interesting contest. Between now until 23 August, you can design a badge for the Q1 and stand a chance to win the badge you\u2019ve designed, along with a \u20ac50 store voucher to be used on Keychron\u2019s online store. \n\n\nThis contest is currently running on \nKeychron\u2019s Discord server\n, where files for the Q1\u2019s badge are available for folks to work on their own design. You have to submit your entry in the server itself, and if your badge design receives the most votes, Keychron will give you the badge \nand\n the aforementioned \u20ac50 store voucher.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Q1 is a feature-packed 75% keyboard. It features a gasket mounting system, a full CNC aluminium case, an aluminium plate, a hotswap PCB with south-facing LEDs, and support for screw-in stabilisers. It\u2019s worth noting that these features are typically only found on enthusiast-level keyboards.\n\n\nThe Keychron Q1 will be available for pre-order on 24 August\u00a0\nright here\n\u00a0at 9PM for us here in Malaysia with a $149 (about RM630) starting price. Shipping for the fully assembled model will begin a week after pre-orders are open, and it is expected to be completed by 15 September.\n\n\nAs for the barebone kit of the Q1, it will start shipping to customers between 15 to 30 September 2021.\n\n\n\n\nAgain, if you\u2019re interested to win a badge for the Keychron Q1 \u2013 along with a \u20ac50 store voucher \u2013 head on to \nKeychron\u2019s Discord server\n to submit your entry; the contest will end on 23 August. We will also be reviewing the Q1 come 24 August, so stay tuned for that!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-5s-5s-pro-official-snapdragon-888-lower-latency-screen/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 5s & 5s Pro Official \u2013 Snapdragon 888+, Lower Latency Screen", "body": "\n\nAsus just introduced two new gaming smartphones powered by Qualcomm\u2019s latest \nSnapdragon 888+\n chipset, the Asus ROG Phone 5s and 5s Pro. As their names suggest, these two phones are meant to replace the \nROG Phone 5\n series, which was unveiled back in March this year.\n\n\nAs mentioned, the biggest upgrade the ROG Phone 5s series brings is the newer Snapdragon 888+ chipset instead of the regular Snapdragon 888 found in the original ROG Phone 5 lineup. Although there\u2019s no GPU upgrade, the Snapdragon 888+ does offer faster CPU and AI Engine.\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone 5s Pro\n\n\nAside from that, while the new ROG Phone 5s devices feature the same 6.78-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, the touch response rate has been increased to 360Hz from 300Hz. Basically, this will minimise input lag even further, something mobile gamers will definitely appreciate.\n\n\nBeyond these changes, other specifications of the ROG Phone 5s series are mostly the same, right down to the design. Both phones still have a triple camera system (64MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide angle + 5MP macro), a 24MP selfie camera, ultrasonic shoulder buttons on the right side, as well as a generous 6,000mAh battery.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the ROG Phone 5s Pro, just like its direct predecessor, features an \u201cROG Vision\u201d back panel, which is basically a small PMOLED screen that shows charging information or an incoming call. It also has two extra capacitive buttons on the rear panel, which work in tandem with the ultrasonic shoulder buttons.\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone 5s\n\n\nWe\u2019ve asked Asus Malaysia if the Asus ROG Phone 5s and 5s Pro will be made available here, but at the moment, there are no concrete plans yet. However, given Asus\u2019 commitment to the Malaysian market, we reckon it\u2019s only a matter of time before the new ROG Phone 5s series are sold locally.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-reno-6-pro-with-snapdragon-870-now-in-malaysia-for-rm2999/", "title": "Oppo Reno 6 Pro With Snapdragon 870 Now in Malaysia for RM2,999", "body": "\n\nEarlier this month, Oppo introduced the \nReno 6 and Reno 6 Z\n, and now, these two devices are joined by the range-topping Oppo Reno 6 Pro. As the highest-end phone in the series, it\u2019s naturally the fastest device among the three, thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Reno 6 Pro is offered for the Malaysian market. Retailing at RM2,999, this phone features 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM, along with 5G connectivity courtesy of the Snapdragon 870 chip. It\u2019s worth noting that this SoC is basically a faster version of the Snapdragon 865, Qualcomm\u2019s 2020 flagship processor.\n\n\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Reno 6 Pro has a reasonably sophisticated quad camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 50MP main sensor, a 16MP ultra-wide angle shooter, a 13MP telephoto lens, and a 2MP macro camera. On the front, this phone features a 32MP selfie camera.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Reno 6 Pro include a 6.5-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, an in-display fingerprint sensor, a 4,500mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging, ColorOS 11.3 based on Android 11 out of the box, and two colour options: Arctic Blue and Lunar Grey.\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Reno 6 Pro is \nnow available for pre-order\n in Malaysia until 23 August for RM2,999. Early birds will also receive RM1,099 worth of freebies, including a pair of Oppo Enco Air wireless earbuds, a Marshall backpack, mug, and a one-year screen damage protection.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/jpj-offering-up-to-70-discount-on-summons-until-16-september-for-merdeka/", "title": "JPJ Offering up to 70% Discount on Summons Until 16 September for Merdeka", "body": "\n\nIf you haven\u2019t settled your summons with JPJ, good news: you can get up to 70% discount. This is done to celebrate Malaysia\u2019s upcoming 64th Merdeka Day, so needless to say, now\u2019s a great time to clear your summons \u2013 if you have any.\n\n\nOf course, there are a few caveats. Only compoundable summonses from JPJ are eligible to get up to 70% discount. If the summon requires you to go to a court hearing, you will not be able to enjoy the discount. Aside from that, the 70% discount is only valid from 18 August until 16 September 2021.\n\n\n\n\n[SIARAN MEDIA]\nJPJ TAWAR 70% PENGURANGAN PEMBAYARAN SAMAN SEMPENA BULAN KEMERDEKAAN BAGI TAHUN 2021.\n#MOTMalaysia\n#JPJ2021\n#DigitalisasiMelestariIntegriti\n#JPJMalaysia\n#infoJPJ\n#aduanJPJ\n#soalanJPJ\n#viralJPJ\n#PanduCermatSampaiSelamat\n#MenangBersama\n#LindungDiriLindungSemua\n \npic.twitter.com/jdid7knXNP\n\u2014 JPJ Malaysia (@JPJ_Malaysia) \nAugust 17, 2021\n\n\n\n\nTo enjoy up to 70% discount on JPJ summonses, you can make the payment over the counter, kiosk, UTC, or even online through JPJ\u2019s mySIKAP portal. However, for offenses that are blacklisted, you are required to head to a JPJ branch for redocumentation before any payment can be made.\n\n\nAnyway, to recap, if you\u2019ve got any outstanding JPJ summons, you can get up to 70% discount from 18 August until 16 September 2021 \u2013 plenty of time to enjoy the discount.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-3-for-rm3999-makes-it-incredibly-compelling/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 for RM3,999 Makes It Incredibly Compelling", "body": "\n\nThe first foldable smartphones made their respective debuts back in 2019, but they have always been somewhat\u2026well, unattainable. Take the very first \nSamsung Galaxy Fold\n: retailing at an eye-watering RM8,388, it was certainly a niche smartphone.\n\n\nBut this year, Samsung is really pushing its foldable phones to the mainstream market, so much so that it is not even releasing a new Galaxy Note phone; a series that was already enjoying mainstream success. Instead, the South Korean company released two foldable smartphones: the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 3\n and the \nGalaxy Z Fold 3\n.\n\n\n\n\nThough these two foldable phones are not dramatically different from their respective predecessors, they do have some meaningful changes that will help these two phones to (potentially) reach mainstream success. The most important change? Both of them are far more affordable than they used to be \u2013 well, relatively.\n\n\nThis is especially the case with the Galaxy Z Flip 3, as you\u2019ve probably guessed from the title of this article. After all, retailing at only RM3,999 in Malaysia, this foldable phone is right in the same price range as Samsung\u2019s \u201cregular\u201d flagship smartphone, the \nGalaxy S21\n \u2013 it went for RM3,699 when it was first launched here.\n\n\nIn fact, compared to other markets, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is actually quite a bit more affordable in Malaysia. In the US market, for example, the Z Flip 3 starts at $999 there, which comes up to about RM4,235. Same thing in Singapore, where the foldable phone retails from S$1,398 (around RM4,350).\n\n\n\n\nAffordability is one of the most important factors to help boost the mainstream appeal of foldable phones, and Samsung is taking the right step with the Galaxy Z Flip 3. Granted, RM3,999 is still a pretty high price tag, but that\u2019s the going rate of noteworthy flagship smartphones in the market now.\n\n\nTo give this price point more context, let\u2019s go through other smartphones in this price range. There\u2019s the aforementioned Galaxy S21 (RM3,699), the \nAsus ROG Phone 5\n (RM3,799 for the 256GB model), and even the \nXiaomi Mi 11 Ultra\n (RM4,299).\n\n\n\n\nOf course, each of these flagship phones have their own selling points to justify their steep prices. But the same can be said of the Z Flip 3: it has a unique, foldable form factor with hardware you\u2019d typically find on a flagship device at this price point.\n\n\nSure, the aforementioned flagship phones can outmatch the Galaxy Z Flip 3 in certain aspects \u2013 such as camera performance \u2013 but that doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s not worth the money. Take raw processing power: powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, there\u2019s no denying that the Z Flip 3 will be as fast as any 2021 flagship smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of screen quality, the Z Flip 3 is packed with a 6.7-inch 1080p Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex Display with a fast 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Given that Samsung makes some of the best panels in the business, there\u2019s no doubt that the Z Flip 3 has a high quality screen that will not lose out to other smartphones at this price point.\n\n\nOkay, but what about durability? Now, it goes without saying that \u201cregular\u201d smartphones can take a beating better than the Galaxy Z Flip 3 with its foldable glass display, but Samsung has implemented some meaningful improvements to its durability. The protective layer on top of the foldable screen, for one, is said to be up to 80% more durable now.\n\n\nAside from that, thanks to the use of a new \u201cArmor Titanium\u201d material, the metal frame and hinge of the Z Flip 3 are also 10% tougher. Oh, did I mention that this phone has an IPX8 water resistance rating as well? Given that quite a number of flagship phones don\u2019t even have any IP rating, this is definitely a win for the Z Flip 3.\n\n\n\n\nWith the feature set of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 in mind, along with its RM3,999 starting price \u2013 not too dear of a price tag, especially for a flagship-tier, foldable phone \u2013 I reckon it will be the first foldable smartphone many consumers will seriously consider to purchase.\n\n\nThat is an important first step for foldable phones (in general) to enjoy mainstream success. Samsung is really the first smartphone manufacturer to do this in earnest, and it\u2019s doing a pretty good job by pricing the Z Flip 3 as competitively as it is in a price-sensitive market like Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to pick up the Galaxy Z Flip 3, you can pre-order it from tomorrow onwards on 19 August until 21 September. To recap, the base 128GB model with 8GB of RAM retails at RM3,999, while the 256GB variant with the same amount of RAM costs RM4,199.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/google-pixel-5a-launched-with-water-resistance-lower-price/", "title": "Google Pixel 5a Launched With Water Resistance & Lower Price", "body": "\n\nGoogle\u2019s latest mid-range smartphone is here, and it\u2019s better than ever. Not only is it the first A-series Pixel device to be water-resistant, it is also quite a bit more affordable than its predecessor.\n\n\nRetailing at $449 (about RM1,900) in the US, the Pixel 5a is exactly $50 (around RM210) more affordable than the Pixel 4a. It also has an IP67 dust and water resistance, allowing it to be submerged underwater up to 1m for 30 minutes.\n\n\n\n\nAnother neat upgrade the Pixel 5a got is a slightly larger display and much bigger battery capacity. It\u2019s now sporting a 6.34-inch 1080p OLED screen with a hole-punch cutout on the top left of the panel for the 8MP selfie camera, and packed with a much bigger 4,680mAh battery, it should offer above average battery life now.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Pixel 5a include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset \u2013 giving it 5G connectivity \u2013 a dual camera system (12.2MP primary + 16MP ultra-wide angle), 128GB of internal storage, 6GB of RAM, as well as a rear fingerprint sensor.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that this is the last Pixel phone to ship with a charger in the box, so expect the upcoming \nPixel 6\n to not come with any charger, unfortunately enough.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, the Pixel 5a is only confirmed to go on sale in the US and Japan on 26 August. As usual, it\u2019s unlikely to be officially available here in Malaysia, though we\u2019re sure parallel importers will bring in the device here eventually.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/affordable-redmi-10-lands-in-malaysia-from-only-rm649/", "title": "Affordable Redmi 10 Lands in Malaysia From Only RM649", "body": "\n\nYet another affordable Redmi-branded smartphone has entered the Malaysian market. Set to be available here from 20 August onwards, the Redmi 10 offers quite a number of interesting features despite its budget-friendly price tag.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Redmi 10 are available in Malaysia. The base model with 64GB of expandable storage and 4GB of RAM costs RM649, while the more practical 128GB configuration with 6GB of RAM retails at RM749.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Redmi 10 is a reasonably good entry-level smartphone. Its display, for one, is a 6.5-inch 1080p screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. It\u2019s also packing a generous 5,000mAh battery, which should be able to offer above average battery life.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Redmi 10 include a MediaTek Helio G88 chipset, a quad camera system (50MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), an 8MP selfie camera, and three colour options: Sea Blue, Carbon Grey, and Pebble White.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Redmi 10 will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 20 August onwards this Friday. The 64GB + 4GB model retails at RM649, while the 128GB + 6GB variant goes for RM749.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/19-25-august-fuel-price-all-prices-still-remain/", "title": "19 \u2013 25 August Fuel Price: All Prices Still Remain", "body": "\n\nGreat news folks: the price of RON 97 is unchanged yet again for the coming week. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel remain the same as well, given that the price ceilings of the two have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 is unchanged at RM2.74 per litre. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 19 to 25 August. New fuel prices will now be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/black-shark-magnetic-cooler-cool-your-devices-for-rm219/", "title": "Black Shark Magnetic Cooler \u2013 Cool Your Devices for RM219", "body": "\n\nAvid mobile gamers, you may want to check out the new Black Shark Magnetic Cooler. Now available for purchase in Malaysia, this accessory is said to be able to lower the temperature of your devices by up to 23\u00b0C.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, a cool 23\u00b0C temperature drop, though we imagine this is highly dependent on the design of the device itself. After all, the Magnetic Cooler only attaches to the back of your phone, tablet, or even \nNintendo Switch\n \u2013 Yes, you can even use this cooler on your Switch.\n\n\n\n\nIn order for the Magnetic Cooler to stick onto a device, it is bundled with a \u201cheat conducting magnetic sticker.\u201d The company said that this sticker creates a seal similar to that of a heatsink, allowing for efficient thermal conductivity.\n\n\nSpeaking of cooling efficiency, the Magnetic Cooler features 112 \u201chigh-quality\u201d heat transfer fins paired to a 7200rpm fan along with a heat transfer plate. Tipping the scales at 73g, Black Shark said that it should be lightweight enough to not be cumbersome during use either.\n\n\n\n\nThe Black Shark Magnetic Cooler is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM219; bundled with the cooler is a USB-C to USB-C cable for it to function. You can get the Magnetic Cooler from \nShopee\n or \nLazada\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-summer-deals-begin-23-august-get-the-ps-vr-for-only-rm979/", "title": "PlayStation Summer Deals Begin 23 August \u2013 Get the PS VR for Only RM979", "body": "\n\nPlayStation\u2019s Summer Deals will start from 23 August to 5 September, and a number of products and games will get some pretty notable discounts. The PlayStation VR for the PS4, for one, is discounted quite a bit during the promotion period.\n\n\nOnce PlayStation\u2019s Summer Deals campaign is live, you can grab the PS VR \u2013 along with the PS Camera, of course \u2013 for only RM979; that\u2019s a good price for the VR headset. Aside from that, the DualShock 4 controller will be discounted to RM179 too, though this only applies to selected colours.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, a number of other games will be discounted as well. These include \nMarvel\u2019s Spider-Man: Miles Morales\n (RM169 for both the PS5 and PS4 versions), God of War (RM39), The Last of Us Remastered (RM39), and Horizon Zero Dawn: Complete Edition (RM39).\n\n\nEvidently, this campaign is more focused on the PlayStation 4, which isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing. After all, there\u2019s still a lot of excellent titles for the console, including the games on discount above, not to mention upcoming titles like \nGhost of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut\n and \nHorizon Forbidden West\n.\n\n\n\n\nThe PlayStation Summer Deals is set to take place between 23 August to 5 September. \nClick here\n to learn more about the sale.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-unveils-rog-zephyrus-g14-alan-walker-se-coming-to-malaysia-september-2021/", "title": "Asus Unveils ROG Zephyrus G14 Alan Walker SE \u2013 Coming to Malaysia September 2021", "body": "\n\nAsus continues its collaboration with DJ Alan Walker with this gaming laptop: the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Alan Walker Special Edition \u2013 G14 AW SE, for short. As its name suggests, this variant of the G14 is designed in collaboration with Alan Walker, making for a rather unique-looking laptop.\n\n\nOne of the standout design elements of the Zephyrus G14 AW SE is its lid, which features \nactual fabric bits\n with Alan Walker\u2019s and ROG\u2019s brandings. Aside from that, the AniMe Matrix LED array on the lid has a unique \u201cSpectre Blue\u201d shade too, which is exclusive to this machine.\n\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s even more interesting is the acrylic packaging of the special edition Zephyrus G14: it doubles as a DJ deck. As Asus puts it, there are \u201cconductive pads on the surface that allow users to trigger 18 of Walker\u2019s own sound effects\u201d through the ROG Remix software. You can even import your own effects to the software.\n\n\nBeyond these unique touches, other specifications of the G14 AW SE are the same as the regular laptop. These include a 14-inch QHD IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, an AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS processor paired with 16GB of RAM, 1TB of PCIe SSD storage, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU.\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on exactly how much the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Alan Walker Special Edition will be priced at, though Asus Malaysia did confirm that the special edition laptop will be made available in Malaysia as early as next month in September 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-showrooms-opening-gradually-no-walk-ins-allowed/", "title": "Proton Showrooms Opening Gradually \u2013 No Walk-ins Allowed", "body": "\n\nIn line with the government\u2019s \nease of restrictions on the automotive sector\n, Proton just announced that its showrooms will be opening gradually nationwide. Of course, a number of new SOPs are introduced as well, such as not allowing customer walk-ins.\n\n\nIf you want to visit any Proton showroom, you are required to make an appointment with the respective outlet. On top of that, only fully vaccinated customers \u2013 who are also classified as Low Risk in the MySejahtera app \u2013 are allowed entry. The same goes for Proton\u2019s sales staff: only those who are fully vaccinated are allowed to work in showrooms.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, both customers and Proton staff are required to wear double face masks in the showroom. \u201cTo safeguard the safety of everyone, all customers and Proton sales outlet staff are required to always wear double face masks and to maintain physical distancing,\u201d Proton said in a press statement.\n\n\nAt the moment, Proton showrooms are only reopening in four states: Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, and Perlis. The national carmaker also mentioned that sales outlets in Sabah and Sarawak have already been open since July 2021.\n\n\n\n\nNow that car factories are allowed to operate nationwide, the automotive industry should start recovering lost businesses from the current COVID-19 pandemic. If you\u2019ve been waiting to receive delivery of your car, perhaps it\u2019s time to give your sales advisor a call for an update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ghost-of-tsushima-directors-cut-on-the-ps5-forces-me-to-slow-down/", "title": "Ghost of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut on the PS5 Forces Me to Slow Down", "body": "\n\nI\u2019ve spent a good amount of time playing through Ghost of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut on the \nPlayStation 5\n. While one of the biggest highlights of the new version is the Iki Island expansion, I\u2026haven\u2019t gotten to the new area yet, as I\u2019m replaying the game from scratch. I didn\u2019t have the foresight to back up my \nPS4 save of the game\n.\n\n\nInitially, I wanted to rush through Tsushima to get to Iki Island as soon as possible, but I decided not to after immersing myself in the game again. After all, the game looks \nabsolutely stunning\n on the PS5, and I want to slowly take it all in. So with that in mind, here\u2019s my initial impression of Ghost of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut on the next-gen console.\n\n\n\n\nGraphically, the game really does look incredible on the PS5. The beautiful landscapes of Tsushima Island is now rendered in 4K, and further enhancing the visuals of the game is the high, consistent frame rate set at 60fps.\n\n\nThere are two graphics settings on the PS5: Higher Resolution or Better Frame Rate. In both settings, the frame rate appears to still be set to 60fps; there\u2019s no immediate difference between the two. I\u2019ll keep an eye for any noticeable drop in frame rate as I progress further through the game.\n\n\n\n\nWhile we\u2019re on the topic of graphics, lip-syncing in this new version of Tsushima now supports Japanese voice-over too, though this is only limited to the PS5 version. Previously, proper lip-sync was only available for the original English audio.\n\n\nNow, there\u2019s definitely improvement in lip-syncing when the audio is set to Japanese, but\u2026it still feels off. Simply put, it\u2019s as if the lip-syncing is missing a few syllables in every sentence. I do find this quite distracting, but I imagine some folks may not mind it at all.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s move on to another new feature Sucker Punch added to the PS5 version of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut: DualSense implementations. Naturally, the game made use of the controller\u2019s adaptive triggers, which can be felt when you draw a bow with Jin Sakai, the protagonist of Tsushima.\n\n\nIt\u2019s quite a clever implementation. If I draw back on the bow for too long, I can feel the triggers vibrating as Jin is losing grip on the bow. This may seem like a small thing, but it does add to the overall immersion of the game. I\u2019ve \nsaid it before many times\n, and I\u2019ll say it again: the DualSense really does make next-gen games \nfeel\n next-gen\n.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, Sucker Punch also made use of the DualSense\u2019s much improved haptic feedback. As I\u2019m exploring the island of Tsushima on my trusty horse, I can feel the haptic feedback changing depending on the terrain my horse is galloping on. Again, this is a small feature, but this attention to detail makes for a more immersive experience.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the \ndramatically improved\n loading time of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut on the PS5. Throughout my time in the game so far, I have not seen \nany \nloading screen. Even fast travelling from one area to another can be done within seconds. This short loading time, in turn, improves the gaming experience quite a bit.\n\n\n\n\nIn short, I\u2019m having a blast in Ghost of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut, and I haven\u2019t even explored the new Iki Island yet. It\u2019s not just a new area either: it adds on to the story of Jin Sakai, which I am really, really looking forward to. After all, in my \nreview of the original game\n, I find the main storyline to be a tad too brief.\n\n\nSo then, should you pick up this new version of Tsushima? If you haven\u2019t played the game yet, it is absolutely worth getting, whether you\u2019re on the PS5 or PS4. Granted, you don\u2019t get the PS5\u2019s graphics improvements, DualSense implementations, or faster loading times with the PS4 version, but the game itself is still plenty good.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, if you\u2019ve played Ghost of Tsushima already, it depends. If you\u2019re upgrading from the original PS4 version to Director\u2019s Cut on the PS5 \u2013 which will set you back RM129 \u2013 the improvements you get, along with the new Iki island expansion, will be well worth it, in my opinion.\n\n\nBut it\u2019s a different situation if you\u2019re on the PS4 thinking of upgrading to the Director\u2019s Cut version on the same platform. You\u2019ll need to fork out RM89 for this, and you\u2019re essentially paying this amount just for the Iki island expansion.\n\n\nGiven that I haven\u2019t reached the new island yet, I can\u2019t say with certainty if it is worth RM89, unfortunately enough.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, I will post a full review of Ghost of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut in the near future. So far, I\u2019m having a lot of fun despite the fact that I already got the \nplatinum trophy in the original game\n \u2013 I can\u2019t wait to see what Iki Island has to offer.\n\n\nGhost of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut launches on the PS5 and PS4 on 20 August.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nGhost of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut (PS5) Review: Worth the Price of Admission\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-10-iii-pre-orders-open-in-malaysia-for-rm1999-free-wireless-earphones/", "title": "Sony Xperia 10 III Pre-Orders Open in Malaysia for RM1,999 \u2013 Free Wireless Earphones", "body": "\n\nSony\u2019s latest mid-range smartphone, the \nSony Xperia 10 III\n, is now available for pre-order in Malaysia. Retailing at RM1,199, it\u2019s definitely on the higher-end of the price range for a mid-ranger, though it does come with a number of unique features, including a tall, narrow 21:9 screen and water resistance.\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Xperia 10 III features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 chipset, which should be faster and more power-efficient than its predecessor\u2019s Snapdragon 665 chipset. After all, it\u2019s built on an 8nm process instead of the Snapdragon 665\u2019s 11nm process, which should translate to better battery life.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xperia 10 III include a compact 6-inch 2520 x 1080 OLED screen, a triple camera system (12MP f/1.8 primary + 8MP f/2.4 telephoto + 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle), an 8MP f/2.0 selfie camera, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, a generous 4,500mAh battery, and an IP65/IP68 rating.\n\n\nTo sweeten the deal, those who place a pre-order for the Xperia 10 III until 20 September will receive a Sony WI-C310 wireless earphones worth RM169 for free. Delivery of the phone is set to begin from 24 September, though Sony Malaysia said this is subject to change.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to pre-order the Sony Xperia 10 III for RM1,999, you can do so over at \nSony Malaysia\u2019s online store\n. Two colour options are available: Black and Blue.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-2-1-arrives-1-september-2-new-inazuma-islands-4-new-characters/", "title": "Genshin Impact 2.1 Arrives 1 September \u2013 2 New Inazuma Islands, 4 New Characters", "body": "\n\nGenshin Impact\n\u2018s next update is coming on 1 September, and it brings quite a number of new content. Not only are we getting two new Inazuma islands in Version 2.1, we\u2019re also getting \nfour\n new characters: the Raiden Shogun herself, Sangonomiya Kokomi, Kujou Sara, and even \nHorizon Zero Dawn\u2019s Aloy\n, a crossover character.\n\n\nNaturally, the Raiden Shogun is a 5-star Electro character wielding a polearm; Mihoyo said she is able to deal \u201cmassive damage and provide helpful buffs to the team.\u201d Kokomi, on the other hand \u2013 who is also a 5-star character \u2013 is a healer with a Hydro Vision, wielding a catalyst.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Raiden Shogun\nSangonomiya Kokomi\nKujou Sara\nAloy\n\n\nAs for Kujou Sara and Aloy, both of them are Bow users. Sara is a 4-star Electro character, while Aloy is a 5-star Cryo character. \nAs previously revealed\n, Aloy will be available to PlayStation players first (for free) once Version 2.1 is live. She will then be accessible to every player in Version 2.2 from 13 October to 24 November 2021.\n\n\nTwo new islands will also be added to the Inazuma region in Version 2.1: Watatsumi Island and Seirai Island. The former is the home to the resistance forces, while Seirai is \u201ca place of desolation shrouded in perpetual storms,\u201d as Mihoyo puts it.\n\n\nOther new content coming to Version 2.1 of Genshin Impact include the final chapter of Inazuma\u2019s Archon Quest \u2013 I\u2019m personally looking forward to this \u2013 the introduction of a fishing mechanic, as well as new bosses, including the Thunder Manifestation, Hydro Hypostasis, and get this: Signora of the Eleven Fatui Harbingers.\n\n\nSignora\nHydro Hypostasis\nWatatsumi Island\nSeirai Island\n\n\nVersion 2.1 of Genshin Impact is shaping up be quite a major update, especially with the introduction of so many new playable characters and areas. These new content will be available in the game come 1 September 2021, and the first event wish will feature the Raiden Shogun and Sara \u2013 Kokomi\u2019s event wish will be available at a later date.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-3-waiting-list-now-at-2-months-in-malaysia/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Waiting List Now at 2 Months in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nThe \nSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 3\n went up for pre-order in Malaysia on 19 August, and it seems to be quite well-received by Malaysians. In fact, the waiting list for the foldable phone is now at two months.\n\n\nAccording to Samsung Malaysia, it is currently restocking units of the Z Fold 3; it\u2019s safe to assume initial stocks of the foldable phone have already run out. With that in mind, the South Korean company said that those who placed their pre-order after 21 August at 12AM are expected to receive the phone from 30 October onwards.\n\n\n\n\nWe are currently restocking our \n#GalaxyZFold3\n 5G but pre order rewards are still valid. All purchases from 12am of 21 August, will be available for collection from 30 October onwards. Early delivery/collection is subject to availability. Learn more: \nhttps://t.co/9I3Hhf6YAm\n \npic.twitter.com/byWTfLGpr8\n\u2014 Samsung Malaysia (@SamsungMalaysia) \nAugust 20, 2021\n\n\n\n\nEvidently, consumers are quite eager to get their hands on the Galaxy Z Fold 3. After all, \ncompared to its predecessor\n, it has gotten quite a bit more affordable while offering some notable improvements. These include a 4MP under display camera, a 120Hz 7.6-inch 2208 x 1768 Dynamic AMOLED 2X primary screen, and a 120Hz 6.2-inch 2268 x 832 cover screen.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Z Fold 3 include Qualcomm\u2019s Snapdragon 888 flagship chipset, a triple camera system (12MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle + 12MP telephoto), a 10MP cover camera, a 4,400mAh battery, S Pen support, and of course, IPX8 water resistance rating.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is still available for pre-order right now in Malaysia with RM1,649 worth of rewards included. The base 256GB variant with 12GB of RAM costs RM6,699, while the 512GB model with the same amount of RAM goes for RM7,099.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-proart-display-pa148ctv-14-portable-monitor-now-in-malaysia-for-rm1888/", "title": "Asus ProArt Display PA148CTV 14\u2033 Portable Monitor Now in Malaysia for RM1,888", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re a creative professional looking to get a colour-accurate portable monitor, consider the new Asus ProArt Display PA148CTV. Now available in Malaysia, it is touted as the world\u2019s first \u201cCalman Verified\u201d 14-inch portable monitor, which promises \u201cexceptional\u201d colour accuracy.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the ProArt Display PA148CTV retails at RM1,888. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a 14-inch portable monitor with a 1920 x 1080 IPS touch-enabled panel and an anti-glare coating. Interestingly, it also has a metal kickstand and a physical dial at the left side of the monitor.\n\n\n\n\nThe dial is actually quite interesting. Dubbed Asus Dial, it can be used in compatible Adobe software and Microsoft Surface Dial controls. The dial allows you to \u201cmake adjustments while keeping focused on the task at hand,\u201d as Asus puts it. It\u2019s definitely a hardware geared towards creative professionals.\n\n\nOther specifications of the ProArt Display PA148CTV include 250 nits of brightness, two USB-C ports, a microHDMI 1.4 connection, and naturally, 100% coverage of the sRGB and Rec. 709 colour spaces.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ProArt Display PA148CTV is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM1,888. This portable monitor also comes with a three-year warranty.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/alienware-m15-r5-ryzen-edition-review-fast-but-expensive-rtx-3070-gaming-laptop/", "title": "Alienware m15 R5 Ryzen Edition Review \u2013 Fast, But Expensive RTX 3070 Gaming Laptop", "body": "\n\nAlienware is one of the most recognisable names in the gaming laptop scene, and the brand\u2019s latest product, the Alienware m15 R5 Ryzen Edition, is through and through a fast, powerful gaming laptop. It is also sporting Alienware\u2019s\u2026well, unique design language.\n\n\nHowever, the m15 R5 is a bulky machine too, and some folks may not be too fond of the laptop\u2019s quirky looks. On top of that, this RTX 3070 configuration \ncurrently retails at RM9,199\n, so it doesn\u2019t offer particularly great value for money either.\n\n\nBut that doesn\u2019t mean the m15 R5 is not worth considering. Though it has some shortcomings, this gaming laptop has quite a number of compelling features too, including a comfortable keyboard and very long battery life.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n15.6-inch FHD IPS (1920 x 1080), 165Hz\nProcessor\nAMD Ryzen 9 5900HX (8C/16T, 3.3GHz with boost up to 4.6GHz)\nGPU\nNvidia GeForce RTX 3070 8GB GDDR6 (115W TGP + 10W dynamic boost)\nRAM\n16GB DDR4 3200MHz\nStorage\n1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD\nCamera\n720p\nBattery\n86Wh\nDimensions\n356.2 x 272.5 x 22.85 mm\nWeight\n2.42kg\nAudio\nBottom-firing stereo speakers\nPorts\n3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1\n1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2\n1x HDMI 2.1\n1x RJ45\nPrice\nRM9,199\n\n\nLooking at its list of specifications, there\u2019s no denying that the Alienware m15 R5 is a capable RTX 3070 gaming laptop. But as I\u2019ve mentioned, its RM9,199 price tag is certainly quite steep for these hardware.\n\n\nTo put this into context, the \nLenovo Legion 5 Pro\n with an RTX 3070 graphics card \u2013 this GPU even has a higher 140W TGP \u2013 and a larger, sharper 16-inch QHD screen is priced \nat only RM6,590\n. I\u2019d argue Lenovo\u2019s offering looks sleeker too, though this is a subjective manner.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, while value for money is not the m15 R5\u2019s strength, it does offer fast performance and very long battery life \u2013 more on these in the next section.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nSince performance is the main focus of a gaming laptop, let\u2019s talk about that first. Powered by an RTX 3070 GPU and a fast AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX processor with 16GB of RAM, the m15 R5 can run AAA games with little to no difficulty. Just take a look at the benchmarks below.\n\n\nGames (max settings @ 1920 x 1080)\nAverage FPS\nBorderlands 3 (DX11)\n75.05\nControl (DX11)\n73.159\nWitcher 3 (HairWorks disabled)\n87.443\n\n\nEven though this laptop\u2019s RTX 3070 GPU only has a 115W TGP \u2013 it can get an extra 10W with dynamic boost \u2013 it is still able to run these demanding games at over 60fps with maxed out graphics settings at 1080p. These are by no means the best numbers we\u2019ve seen from an RTX 3070 gaming laptop, but they\u2019re still respectable.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, I put the m15 R5\u2019s Ryzen 9 5900HX processor through its paces too with Cinebench R20. As the table below shows, its performance is quite comparable to other Ryzen 5000 series chips in the market now in both single-core and multi-core tests.\n\n\nProcessor\nSingle-core test\nMulti-core test\nAMD Ryzen 9 5900HX (Alienware m15 R5)\n563\n4891\nAMD Ryzen 9 5900HX (Acer Nitro 5)\n561\n5042\nAMD Ryzen 7 5800H (Lenovo Legion 5 Pro)\n554\n5116\nAMD Ryzen 9 5900HX (Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 SE)\n566\n5461\nAMD Ryzen 9 5900HS (Asus ROG Flow X13)\n572\n4922\nAMD Ryzen 9 4900HS (Asus ROG Zephyrus G14)\n481\n4173\nAMD Ryzen 7 4800H (Asus TUF Gaming A15)\n481\n4106\nIntel Core i7-11370H (Asus TUF Dash F15)\n581\n2749\nIntel Core i7-10875H (Acer Predator Triton 500)\n483\n3773\n\n\nFurther enhancing the fast performance of the m15 R5 is its bright and vibrant 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen with a fast 165Hz refresh rate. The high refresh rate lends to good motion clarity in fast-paced games, and the quality of the panel itself is good too with vibrant colours and wide viewing angles.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the very long battery life of the m15 R5. On average, I can get up to \neight hours\n of use (doing productivity tasks) on a single charge. Given the beefy hardware under the hood, this level of battery life is really quite impressive. The m15 R5 can definitely double as a productivity laptop if you don\u2019t mind lugging it around.\n\n\nAnother hardware that makes the m15 R5 a particularly good productivity laptop is its keyboard. With 1.8mm of key travel \u2013 that\u2019s quite long for a laptop \u2013 it provides a comfortable typing experience. On top of that, the keys are quite tactile too, so the keyboard does not feel mushy to type on.\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of system noise, I\u2019m pleasantly surprised by how quiet the m15 R5 is. Even in heated gaming sessions, the fans don\u2019t get obnoxiously loud. Naturally, it is also whisper quiet outside of gaming.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWhile the Alienware m15 R5 offers strong performance, its thermals could be better. When I\u2019m running demanding games, the temperatures of this gaming laptop can get quite high. The CPU, for one, hit a peak temperature of 101\u00b0C. As for the GPU, it got up to a toasty 90\u00b0C.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the build quality of the m15 R5 could use some work too. The chassis and lid creaks with added pressure, so the overall build quality of this laptop doesn\u2019t exactly inspire confidence. For a product that sits at this price point, it\u2019s only natural to expect build quality that reflects the high asking price.\n\n\nAnd that brings us to the last point: the m15 R5 is an expensive machine. For the same amount of money (RM9,199), you can get other gaming laptops that are either faster or sleeker.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nEven though the Alienware m15 R5 does not offer the fastest performance or sleekest-looking design at this price point, its overall feature set may still be worth the money. After all, not many gaming laptops combine strong performance with long battery life and a comfortable keyboard \u2013 features that give this laptop its unique appeal.\n\n\n\n\nIf this set of features is exactly what you look for in a gaming laptop, then the m15 R5 is certainly worth considering. But if you want a gaming machine that offers the best value for money, you may want to look at other options \u2013 unless you can get the m15 R5 with a good amount of discount.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/new-lighter-ps5-model-with-revised-stand-quietly-launched/", "title": "New, Lighter PS5 Model With Revised Stand Quietly Launched", "body": "\n\nIt appears Sony quietly launched a new, lighter version of the \nPlayStation 5\n. Not only does the new variant weigh slightly less than the original PS5, it also has a new stand design that doesn\u2019t require a screwdriver anymore to install.\n\n\nThis new version of the PS5 was confirmed by \nPress Start\n, a gaming site based in Australia. The site shared an image of the updated screw for the PS5\u2019s stand, which can now be screwed in by hand. Twitter user bdp2007 also got the updated PS5, and it appears the design of the stand itself is slightly different too.\n\n\nThe new PS5 screw (left) for the stand. Image source: \nPress Start\n\n\n\n\nNot only is the screw different it\u2019s a different clamp as well. \npic.twitter.com/JLr6eK2tae\n\u2014 B (@bdp2007) \nAugust 23, 2021\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that a Japanese manual for an updated PS5 started circulating online last month, and this seems to be the very same model. The manual also revealed that the new PS5 is slightly lighter (300g for the Digital Edition), though it remains to be seen what\u2019s the weight difference for the standard model with a Blu-Ray disc drive.\n\n\nAt the time of writing, Sony did not confirm the existence of a new PS5 model. Given the small changes implemented here, we reckon this will remain to be an unannounced minor update to the PS5. After all, Sony did this many times throughout the life cycle of the PS4.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q1-available-for-pre-order-tonight-at-9pm-from-149/", "title": "Keychron Q1 Available for Pre-Order Tonight at 9PM From $149", "body": "\n\nAfter much teasing, the \nKeychron Q1\n will finally be available for pre-order tonight at 9PM Malaysian time. If you\u2019re interested to get into the custom keyboard hobby without breaking the bank, the Q1 looks to be a good option.\n\n\nTo recap, the Q1 is a feature-packed 75% keyboard. It has a gasket mounting system, a full CNC aluminium case, an aluminium plate, a hotswap PCB with south-facing LEDs, and support for screw-in stabilisers. It\u2019s worth noting that these features are typically only found on enthusiast-level keyboards.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the Q1 particularly interesting \u2013 aside from the aforementioned features \u2013 is its relatively affordable price tag for a keyboard of this calibre. The Barebone kit retails at $149 (about RM630), while the fully assembled model, which includes Gateron Phantom switches of your choice and double-shot ABS keycaps, costs $169 (around RM715).\n\n\nShipping for the fully assembled Q1 will begin next week, and it is expected to be completed by 15 September. As for the barebone kit, it will start shipping to customers between 15 to 30 September 2021.\n\n\n\n\nYou can place your pre-order for the Keychron Q1 \nover here\n at 9PM tonight for us here in Malaysia. Our review of the Q1 will also be posted at the same time, so if you\u2019re not sure if this keyboard is for you, stay tuned for our written (and video) review of Keychron\u2019s most exciting keyboard yet!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/kbdfans-blade65-now-in-stock-65-gasket-mounted-keyboard-from-269/", "title": "KBDfans\u2019 Blade65 Now in Stock \u2013 65% Gasket-Mounted Keyboard From $269", "body": "\n\nIn stock products in the \ncustom mechanical keyboard scene\n is (unfortunately) quite rare, which is the very reason why KBDfans\u2019 new Blade65 keyboard is a compelling keyboard. Not only is it available for purchase right now, it\u2019s a rather interesting 65% gasket-mounted keyboard too.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the Blade65 is essentially a more premium version of KBDfans\u2019 other popular offering, the \nKBD67 Lite\n. The only difference lies in the case of the two keyboards: the Lite has a polycarbonate case, while the Blade65 sports an aluminium case\u2026with a rather quirky-looking design.\n\n\n\n\nThat also means it is quite a bit more expensive. The KBD67 Lite was relatively affordable with a $109 (about RM460) price tag, but the Blade65 starts at a much steeper $269 (approximately RM1,135). If you want the Skull badge on the bottom of the keyboard, that\u2019s an extra $20 (about RM85).\n\n\nWhile the Blade65 is by no means an affordable custom keyboard, it does look to be a decent mid-range offering. This keyboard uses the same gasket mounting system as the KBD67 Lite, including the same hotswap PCB and polycarbonate plate. Also bundled with the kit are KBDfans\u2019 very own \u201ctransparent\u201d screw-in stabilisers.\n\n\n\n\nAt the time of writing, the KBDfans Blade65 is still available for purchase, including the configuration with the Skull badge. If you\u2019re keen to get this custom keyboard, you can do so over at \nKBDfans\u2019 official store\n. Already got the KBD67 Lite? Then you can get \njust the Blade65 case\n for $199 (about RM840).\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q1-review-brimming-with-potential/", "title": "Keychron Q1 Review: Brimming With Potential", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKeychron has been in the keyboard scene for quite some time, and its latest product, the Keychron Q1, is really the company\u2019s most exciting keyboard to date. Not only does it have features only typically found on enthusiast-level keyboards, it also offers pretty good value for money.\n\n\nOf course, the Q1 does have some shortcomings here and there, but for Keychron\u2019s \u201cfirst attempt\u201d at a keyboard that\u2019s meant to appeal to the custom mechanical keyboard folks, it\u2019s a commendable effort. Keep on reading this review to find out if it\u2019s worth considering!\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe Q1 is a 75% pre-built keyboard, but unlike Keychron\u2019s previous products, it has (as mentioned) features that are usually only found on enthusiast-level keyboards. These include a gasket mounting system, a full CNC aluminium case, an aluminium plate, a hotswap PCB with VIA support out of the box, as well as screw-in stabilisers made by Gateron.\n\n\nThere are two variants of the Q1. The barebone kit retails at $149 (about RM630), while the fully assembled model, which includes Gateron Phantom switches of your choice and double-shot ABS keycaps, costs $169 (around RM715).\n\n\nLooking at sheer value for money alone, the fully assembled Q1 is the better option. After all, you\u2019re essentially only paying $20 more (about RM85) for the Gateron switches and ABS keycaps. On top of that, both of these parts are actually quite good too \u2013 I\u2019ll discuss them at length in the next section of this review.\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of lead time, shipping for the fully assembled Q1 will begin next week, and it is expected to be completed by 15 September. As for the barebone kit, it will start shipping to customers between 15 to 30 September 2021. If you want to get the keyboard as quickly as possible, opt for the fully assembled model.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nOne of the best qualities of the Keychron Q1 has to be its flexible nature. This is thanks to its gasket mounting system, which lends to a soft, very comfortable typing experience. This is in stark contrast to most pre-built keyboards that typically use a stiffer tray mounting system.\n\n\nThe Gateron Phantom Brown switches\n\n\nAs for the Gateron Phantom switches that come with the fully assembled Q1, they\u2019re really quite good. Three switches are offered: Phantom Brown (tactile), Phantom Red (linear), and Phantom Blue (clicky). These switches are factory lubed reasonably well \u2013 though they do feel a tad too oily \u2013 and more importantly, they have very little stem wobble.\n\n\nThe lack of wobble on these Gateron Phantom switches makes for a more stable typing experience, which is a desirable trait for any mechanical keyboard switch. Out of the three switches, my favourite is the Phantom Red. Though it has a clacky sound signature, it is quite muted with a smooth downstroke.\n\n\n\n\nI\u2019m also pleasantly surprised by how good the Q1\u2019s Gateron screw-in stabilisers are. They are lubed quite well out of the box to minimise rattling, but they do tick slightly after some use. Nonetheless, with some proper tuning, I\u2019m sure these stabilisers can be even better. I don\u2019t feel the need to swap them out with aftermarket stabilisers.\n\n\nStock keycaps are usually not of particularly good quality, but that doesn\u2019t entirely apply to the keycaps that come with the fully assembled Q1. This keyboard is bundled with double-shot ABS keycaps, and while the legends don\u2019t look particularly sharp, the keycaps themselves do feel nice and smooth to the touch.\n\n\nBasically, these stock keycaps are above average, especially for a pre-built keyboard.\n\n\n\n\nAnother hardware of the Q1 that\u2019s worth a mention is the PCB. Thanks to its hotswap nature, I can easily swap out switches whenever I want to without needing to solder. This PCB also supports VIA, so I can seamlessly change the mapping of the keyboard with the software \u2013 not a feature you typically find on a pre-built keyboard.\n\n\nThe badge on the top right corner of the Q1 is worth a mention too. It\u2019s a nice bit of personalisation \u2013 you can get your own badge designed \nhere for $30\n \u2013 and if you don\u2019t need one, it can be swapped for a key of your choice. There\u2019s already a hotswap socket underneath the badge.\n\n\nOh, there\u2019s also the coiled cable that\u2019s bundled with every pre-order of the Q1. While it\u2019s just a regular sleeved cable that\u2019s coiled, the aviator connector is a nice touch.\n\n\n\n\nWith all of these positives in mind, the Q1 is shaping up to be a fantastic keyboard for those who are new to the custom keyboard scene, especially with its $149 starting price. However, it does have one big shortcoming, which could be a dealbreaker to some folks.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nThere\u2019s really only one major negative with the Keychron Q1: it doesn\u2019t have a very pleasant sound profile. The flexible nature of the Q1 is due to the soft gaskets that isolate the plate from the case, but because these gaskets are so soft, a lot of case ping is generated with every key press.\n\n\nThis case ping is especially evident on keys closer to the edges of the Q1, such as the backspace and enter keys. It\u2019s worth noting that the aluminium plate of this keyboard actually has eight cutouts for the gaskets, but only four of them are installed with the gaskets out of the box.\n\n\nThe gaskets are quite soft\nOnly four of eight cutouts on the plate are installed with the gaskets out of the box\n\n\nThere are 10 extra strips of gaskets bundled with the Q1, so we installed them to the remaining four cutouts on the aluminium plate to see if the case ping can be eliminated. Thankfully, this does minimise the unpleasant metallic tone, but if you listen closely, you can still pick up on it.\n\n\nOf course, by installing all of the gaskets to the plate, the Q1 also loses quite a bit of flexibility. While it doesn\u2019t feel particularly stiff, it\u2019s definitely not as \u201cbouncy\u201d as the stock configuration. Personally, I think this is a worthy tradeoff to minimise the case ping.\n\n\nThe bottom case foam\n\n\nHowever, with the case ping mostly gone, the Q1\u2019s hollow sound profile becomes more evident. Keychron is aware of this issue, so the company is bundling extra bottom case foam in a bid to solve it. Our review unit only came with a single case foam, so we don\u2019t know for sure how the extra foam can improve the sound profile of the Q1.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nDespite its less than ideal sound profile, I still think the Keychron Q1 is worth getting. After all, its feature set still provides very good value for money. Besides that, the Q1 has a lot of modding potential too.\n\n\nA big part of the custom keyboard hobby is the customisation that we do to our keyboards to improve typing sound and feel. I reckon the sound profile of the Q1 can be improved quite a bit by installing more foam, or using denser gaskets to further isolate the plate from the case.\n\n\n\n\nWith all of these in mind, the Keychron Q1 is an excellent first keyboard to get into the custom keyboard hobby without putting too much strain on your wallet. If you\u2019re keen to get the Q1, you can place your pre-order over at Keychron\u2019s online store\u00a0\nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q1-unboxing-what-do-you-get-for-169/", "title": "Keychron Q1 Unboxing \u2013 What Do You Get for $169?", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter its first teaser back in April 2021, the \nKeychron Q1\n is finally \navailable for pre-order\n. After using the keyboard as my daily driver for the past week, it\u2019s really quite good, \nespecially\n for a pre-built keyboard at this price point.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to pick up the Q1, here\u2019s an unboxing of the keyboard, so you\u2019ll know what you get in the box. Compared to other pre-built keyboards, the Q1 does come with a number of neat accessories too. Without further ado, let\u2019s get to it!\n\n\n\n\nThe packaging of the Q1 itself is quite nice. It doesn\u2019t feel cheap at all, and the keyboard itself inside the box \u2013 along with the accessories \u2013 is well protected with foam. Rest assured, it will survive the shipment process.\n\n\nDepending on which variant of the Q1 you get, there will be some differences. I got the $169 (about RM715) fully assembled model, so the keycaps and switches are already installed onto the board. If you get the $149 (about RM630) barebone kit instead, you\u2019ll get the Q1 without these two components.\n\n\n\n\nOne particularly neat accessory that\u2019s bundled with the Q1 is a colour-matched coiled cable. While it\u2019s really just a sleeved cable with a coil to it \u2013 so it\u2019s not quite as premium as a \u201cproper\u201d custom coiled cable \u2013 it still has an aviator connector to complete the look; it\u2019s a nice touch.\n\n\nAlso included with the Q1 are a number of extra keycaps with Windows and macOS-specific legends. Naturally, you only get these spare keycaps if you opt for the fully assembled model. Extra screws for the Q1\u2019s case are given too, along with a USB-C to USB-A adapter for the coiled cable.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, you also get 10 extra strips of gaskets in the packaging of the Q1. Do note that out of the box, only eight strips of gaskets are applied to four cutouts (top and bottom) of the Q1\u2019s plate. There are actually a total of eight cutouts on the plate for the gaskets, so four of them are completely empty.\n\n\nAs \npointed out in our review of the Q1\n, leaving these gasket cutouts empty introduces quite a bit of case ping to the keyboard, though you do get a lot of flex for a soft, comfortable typing experience. Installing the 10 extra gasket strips does reduce the case ping quite a bit, though as expected, it does stiffen up the keyboard accordingly.\n\n\nBasically, keeping in mind these two factors, it\u2019s up to you if you want to install the 10 extra gasket strips to the Q1 or not.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, I digress. Completing the list of accessories that are bundled with the Q1 are a metal switch puller, as well as a rather nice wire keycap puller. Do note that you will also get \na screwdriver and an allen key\n to disassemble the Q1, though we didn\u2019t receive these two items with the review unit.\n\n\nSo these are what you get in the box of the fully assembled Q1. Do note that you can also get a number of add-ons with the keyboard on \nKeychron\u2019s official store\n, including a \ncustom badge\n \u2013 Nextrift\u2019s review unit has our logo on it \u2013 a resin or wooden wrist rest, and even a wide range of OEM profile dye-sub PBT keycaps.\n\n\nLike most custom keyboards, the Q1 can be purchased with other plate materials too. It comes with an aluminium plate by default, and you can add-on either a brass plate, a polycarbonate plate, or an FR4 plate.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the Q1, here\u2019s what you need to know about this 75% pre-built keyboard. It uses a gasket mounting system \u2013 this mounting style is typically only offered on custom keyboards \u2013 it has a full CNC aluminium case, along with a hotswap PCB that supports VIA out of the box for easy key mapping.\n\n\nKeychron also worked with Gateron quite a bit for the Q1. Not only can it be purchased with three new factory lubed Gateron Phantom switches \u2013 Phantom Brown (tactile), Phantom Red (linear), or Phantom Blue (clicky) \u2013 it features screw-in stabilisers made by Gateron too.\n\n\nUsually, the stock stabilisers of pre-built keyboards are not of particularly good quality, but that\u2019s surprisingly not the case with the Q1. These Gateron-made stabilisers are lubed quite well at the factory to minimise rattling, and they feel nice and secure too. In fact, I don\u2019t feel the need to swap them out with aftermarket stabilisers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNot quite sure yet if the Keychron Q1 is for you? Then watch our video review of the keyboard above. Alternatively, you can also read our thorough review of the Q1 \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-resumes-operations-nearly-all-existing-orders-will-be-delivered-this-year/", "title": "Perodua Resumes Operations \u2013 \u201cNearly All Existing Orders\u201d Will Be Delivered This Year", "body": "\n\nThanks to the government\u2019s\u00a0\nease of restrictions on the automotive sector\n, Perodua has resumed its operations. According to the carmaker, \u201cnearly all existing orders\u201d will also be delivered within this year \u2013 great news for those who have been eagerly waiting to receive the popular \nPerodua Ativa\n.\n\n\nThis is confirmed by the CEO and President of Perodua, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad. \u201cWe thank our customers for their patience, understanding and loyalty in receiving your Perodua vehicle. We expect to be able to deliver nearly all existing orders within the year,\u201d he said.\n\n\n\n\nDato\u2019 Zainal also added that Perodua has started deliveries in stages this week, and that more cars will be produced and registered in the coming weeks. On top of that, the carmaker mentioned that it has \u201cmet the required criteria for vaccinations of its employees.\u201d\n\n\nNaturally, Perodua is introducing a number of safety guidelines for those who plan to visit its showrooms and service centres. Customers have to be fully vaccinated, an appointment has to be made prior, wearing a mask is required, and physical distancing must be observed at all times.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keybot-bringing-in-keychron-q1-to-malaysia-in-september-2021/", "title": "Keybot Bringing in Keychron Q1 to Malaysia in September 2021", "body": "\n\nKeybot, the official Keychron partner here in Malaysia, will be opening local pre-orders for the \nKeychron Q1\n sometime next month in September 2021. If you\u2019re not keen to purchase the Q1 directly from \nKeychron\u2019s online store\n to save on shipping costs, it may be worth waiting for Keybot to bring the keyboard in.\n\n\nUnfortunately, Keybot did not reveal the local pricing of the Q1, though the \ncompany\u2019s website\n does show that both the barebone kit and the fully assembled model will be offered. On \nKeychron.com\n, the barebone kit costs $149 (about RM625), while the fully assembled version \u2013 with Gateron Phantom switches and ABS keycaps \u2013 go for $169 (around RM710).\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes this 75% pre-built keyboard particularly interesting is its feature set. The Q1 uses a gasket mounting system \u2013 this mounting style is typically only offered on custom keyboards \u2013 it has a full CNC aluminium case, along with a hotswap PCB that supports VIA out of the box for easy key mapping.\n\n\nKeychron also worked with Gateron quite a bit for the Q1. Not only can it be purchased with three new factory lubed Gateron Phantom switches \u2013 Phantom Brown (tactile), Phantom Red (linear), or Phantom Blue (clicky) \u2013 it features screw-in stabilisers made by Gateron too.\n\n\nUsually, the stock stabilisers of pre-built keyboards are not of particularly good quality, but that\u2019s surprisingly not the case with the Q1. These Gateron-made stabilisers are lubed quite well at the factory to minimise rattling, and they feel nice and secure too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about the Keychron Q1, check out our video review above or our \nwritten review\n. Rest assured, we\u2019ll keep a close eye on the local pricing of the Q1 from Keybot \u2013 we\u2019ve also gotten in touch with the company.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/affordable-samsung-galaxy-a03s-with-5000mah-battery-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Affordable Samsung Galaxy A03s With 5,000mAh Battery Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nLaunched in India just last week, it appears the affordable Samsung Galaxy A03s will be coming to Malaysia soon. Packed with a generous 5,000mAh battery, this budget-friendly smartphone is ideal for those that want a long-lasting phone without breaking the bank.\n\n\nIn our routine search through SIRIM\u2019s database, we noticed that Samsung Malaysia registered the Galaxy A03s with the model number SM-A037F/DS just today. Electronics have to be registered with SIRIM first before they can be officially sold here in Malaysia, so there\u2019s a good chance the A03s will be made available locally soon.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the best selling points of the Galaxy A03s has to be its large 5,000mAh battery, which should be able to return above average battery life. Aside from that, it\u2019s also powered by a MediaTek Helio P35 processor. It\u2019s not a particularly impressive chip, but this \nis\n an affordable phone \u2013 the chip should still be fast enough for everyday use.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy A03s include a 6.5-inch 1600 x 620 display, a triple camera system (16MP primary + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), a 5MP selfie camera, up to 4GB of RAM, 32GB or 64GB of expandable storage, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet from Samsung Malaysia on the local availability of the Samsung Galaxy A03s. Given that it\u2019s been registered with SIRIM already, we reckon it won\u2019t be long until the affordable phone is officially available here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/akuma-from-street-fighter-will-be-added-to-monster-hunter-rise/", "title": "Akuma From Street Fighter Will Be Added to Monster Hunter Rise", "body": "\n\nMonster Hunter Rise\n for the Nintendo Switch has been getting some \npretty interesting DLCs\n since its initial release, and this latest addition is quite interesting. Come 27 August this Friday, Akuma from Street Fighter will be added to the game \u2013 sounds unreal, doesn\u2019t it?\n\n\nLooking at the trailer for the new \u201cCapcom Collab 3\u201d content, Akuma seems to be a hunter\u2026that doesn\u2019t even need a weapon to take down monsters. Jokes aside, his moveset in the trailer is actually taken from the Sword and Shield class; Akuma\u2019s unique skin is applied over the weapon.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCapcom \nconfirmed\n that these special Akuma skills will be applied when a player equips the Sword and Shield. On top of that, with the Akuma layered armor equipped, the animation when you\u2019re attacking with a kunai will change too. Naturally, your hunter\u2019s voice and appearance will be swapped to Akuma\u2019s with the armor equipped as well.\n\n\nAs is the case with other Monster Hunter Rise DLCs, the Akuma layered armor can be unlocked by completing a special Event Quest. However, it remains to be seen exactly what the quest requires players to do.\n\n\n\n\nThe Event Quest for Akuma\u2019s skin from Street Fighter will be available in Monster Hunter Rise this Friday on 27 August. Not sure it\u2019s a game for you? Then check out \nour review of this fantastic Switch game\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/26-august-1-september-fuel-price-ron-97-finally-down-2-sen/", "title": "26 August \u2013 1 September Fuel Price: RON 97 Finally Down 2 Sen", "body": "\n\nAfter many weeks of price hikes, the price of RON 97 is finally going down this coming week by 2 sen. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel remain the same, given that the price ceilings of the two have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 is now set at RM2.72 per litre (down from RM2.74). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 26 August to 1 September. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hp-zbook-firefly-g8-mobile-workstation-now-in-malaysia-from-rm5959/", "title": "HP ZBook Firefly G8 Mobile Workstation Now in Malaysia From RM5,959", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for a premium, portable mobile workstation, consider the new HP ZBook Firefly G8. Now available here in Malaysia, this premium laptop offers a number of features creative professionals will appreciate, including a colour-accurate display.\n\n\nThere are two distinct variants of the ZBook Firefly G8 for the Malaysian market: the 14-inch configurations retail from RM5,959, while the larger 15.6-inch models start at RM6,133. However, at the time of writing, \nonly one configuration of the 15.6-inch model\n is available for purchase on \nHP Malaysia\u2019s online store\n.\n\n\nWe were told that other models of the Firefly G8 will (usually) be restocked within two to three days, so there\u2019s a chance other variants of the laptop will be available for purchase later this week.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, aside from the larger display, both models of the ZBook Firefly G8 share the same hardware. These include Intel\u2019s latest 11th generation Core i5 or Core i7 processors, a 14-inch or 15.6-inch 1080p \u201cDreamColor\u201d IPS display that covers 100% of the DCI-P3 colour space, and two GPU options: Nvidia T500 or Quadro T1000.\n\n\nOther specifications of the ZBook Firefly G8 include 8GB or 16GB of RAM, 256GB or 512GB of SSD storage, Windows 10 Pro out of the box, as well as a chassis that measures only 17.95mm thin. The Firefly G8 is quite lightweight too: the 14-inch model weighs 1.35kg, while the 15.6-inch model tips the scales at 1.7kg.\n\n\n\n\nThe HP ZBook Firefly G8 is now available for purchase on \nHP Malaysia\u2019s online store\n. Although only one model of the 15.6-inch version \nis in stock right now\n, other configurations of the mobile workstation could be restocked in the next few days.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/more-glorious-gmmk-pro-stocks-available-in-malaysia-for-rm739/", "title": "More Glorious GMMK Pro Stocks Available in Malaysia for RM739", "body": "\n\nIt appears there are now more stocks of the \nGlorious GMMK Pro\n in Malaysia. Previously, this 75% pre-built keyboard was available from \nDotatech for RM759\n, but you can now get it for RM739 from more retailers.\n\n\nBoth \nETECH PC\n and \nMYBEST.MY\n on Shopee \u2013 both of them are Preferred retailers to boot \u2013 have the GMMK Pro in stock right now for RM739. They have quite a good number of stocks for both the Black Slate and White Ice (which is actually closer to silver) colour options too.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the biggest selling points of the GMMK Pro is its gasket-mounted design, which promises a \u201cunique haptic and acoustic experience.\u201d It also has a CNC aluminium case to give it solid build quality. After all, similar keyboards at this price point come with plastic cases.\n\n\nOther specifications of the GMMK Pro include a hotswap PCB to easily swap between different switches, a 75% layout, as well as support for both screw-in and clip-in stabilisers, though it is pre-installed with Glorious\u2019 own screw-in (and pre-lubed) \u201cGOAT\u201d stabilisers.\n\n\n\n\nWhile the Glorious GMMK Pro is a decent 75% keyboard, consider the new \nKeychron Q1\n as well, which is actually quite a bit more affordable with a \nvery soft, flexible typing experience\n. Although it\u2019s only available for purchase directly from Keychron right now, the brand\u2019s Malaysian partner, Keybot, will be bringing in the Q1 here \nas early as next month\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/horizon-forbidden-west-delayed-to-18-february-2022-pre-orders-open-next-week/", "title": "Horizon Forbidden West Delayed to 18 February 2022 \u2013 Pre-Orders Open Next Week", "body": "\n\nWe finally got a release date for Guerrilla Games\u2019 highly anticipated sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn. Originally set for a 2021 release, \nHorizon Forbidden West\n will now launch on 18 February 2022. Pre-orders for the PlayStation exclusive will be open next week too on 2 September.\n\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s no surprise that our teams were hugely impacted by the global pandemic; we have been adjusting to new workflows, protocols, and other challenges, while keeping our teams safe and prioritizing a healthy work/life balance,\u201d said Mathijs de Jonge, Game Director at Guerrilla Games.\n\n\n\u201cWhile the decision to move the game\u2019s launch to 2022 certainly wasn\u2019t easy, we\u2019d like to take a moment to thank all of our fans for their unwavering support,\u201d de Jonge added.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBack in May this year, Guerrilla Games showed off a pretty extensive gameplay demo of Forbidden West. It showcases the stunning environment of the new region, along with new traversal mechanics for Aloy, the main protagonist. Her Spear seems to have a new set of combos now too, and Aloy got a number of new weapons as well.\n\n\nAside from the release date of Forbidden West, Guerrilla Games also revealed a pleasant surprise: an Enhanced Performance Patch for Horizon Zero Dawn is now available on the PS5. This lets PS5 players run the game at 60fps, which should make for a more enjoyable gameplay experience.\n\n\n\n\nHorizon Forbidden West will be launched on both the PS5 and PS4 on 18 February 2022. Pre-orders for the game will be open on 2 September, so stay tuned for that next week.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/custom-keyboard-how-to-manage-long-waiting-times/", "title": "Custom Keyboard \u2013 How to Manage Long Waiting Times?", "body": "\n\nIf there\u2019s one thing that absolutely needs improvement in the custom keyboard scene, it would be the long waiting times for products. In fact, it\u2019s not even considered unusual to wait upwards of one year to get your items, especially keycap sets.\n\n\nPersonally, I\u2019m currently waiting for \neight\n products to arrive. The longest being the \nZenith keyboard from Rama Works\n, which was initially available for purchase back in July last year. Unfortunately, plenty of other folks in this hobby are in a similar position, so with that in mind, here are some tips to manage long waiting times.\n\n\n\n\nPurchase Readily Available Products First\n\n\nNo, really. One of the benefits of the custom keyboard scene is the fact that most items can be resold relatively easily without incurring much lost \u2013 or none at all, depending on the product. This gives you the freedom to purchase readily available items first while waiting for a particular keyboard or keycap set to arrive.\n\n\nOf course, it\u2019s important to only spend within your means; don\u2019t expect to recoup your expenditure with every keyboard-related purchase. I\u2019ve gotten quite a number of switches and keyboards \u2013 most of which are for\u2026review purposes and curiosity \u2013 and I lost a fair bit of money when I resold them. It\u2019s part and parcel of the hobby.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, because of long waiting times, in stock products in the custom keyboard hobby are especially attractive. Take the \nKeychron Q1\n, which is expected to be delivered from next week onwards. Though it\u2019s not a \u201ctraditional\u201d custom keyboard, it has many features that are usually only found on enthusiast-level custom keyboards.\n\n\nGet in on Extras Sales\n\n\nIf you don\u2019t mind paying a premium to get certain products quicker, grab them in extras sales. Once all orders of a particular group buy for a product have been fulfilled, vendors will usually have a number of extra stocks in the event a replacement is needed for faulty items.\n\n\n\n\nWhen that\u2019s settled, these extra stocks will be sold as\u2026well, extras. That being said, extras sales command a certain premium over the original asking price, so be prepared to pay more. There\u2019s also the fact that extras sales \u2013 as the name suggests \u2013 are very limited in stock, so you\u2019ll have to be quick to secure an order.\n\n\nManage Expectations\n\n\nObviously, this is easier said than done, and it\u2019s highly dependent on the product that you\u2019re getting. GMK keycaps, for one, are known to be delayed quite a bit. On top of that, in this current COVID-19 pandemic, plenty of other manufacturers are facing delays as well.\n\n\nBasically, expect delays to happen, though it\u2019s worth mentioning that vendors play a role in managing expectations too. Needless to say, it can be frustrating when vendors don\u2019t give proper updates, especially if the original timeline has not been met. A few vendors are guilty of this, though we won\u2019t be naming them here.\n\n\nThe KBD67 Lite\n\n\nNaturally, there are also a good number of vendors that have proven themselves to be timely with its updates and product deliveries. KBDfans usually meets the timelines it sets for its group buy products \u2013 I even received the \nKBD67 Lite\n ahead of the expected timeframe \u2013 and the same goes for Mode as well, despite being a relatively new company.\n\n\nSpeaking of these two companies, that brings us to the next point..\n\n\nMore Vendors Are Reducing Waiting Times\n\n\nRecently, quite a number of vendors are offering their latest products with much shorter waiting time. KBDfans, for example, recently released the \nBlade65 as an \nin stock produc\nt\n, so you won\u2019t have to wait for months to get the keyboard to your doorstep.\n\n\nThe Mode SixtyFive\n\n\nMode is going with a similar approach too with its latest keyboard, the \nMode SixtyFive\n. Granted, it is not sold as an in stock product, but the company is aiming to get the keyboard delivered with only a three-month lead time; that\u2019s quite a short waiting time in this hobby. On top of that, it will open pre-orders for the SixtyFive \nuntil 2022 as well\n.\n\n\nHopefully, more vendors will follow suit to offer their range of products with shorter waiting times. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye for vendors that are planning to do so.\n\n\n\n\nAt the end of the day, you still have to be very patient in the custom keyboard hobby, especially if you want a specific product. Yes, it can be frustrating to wait months and years for products to arrive, but some of them are really worth waiting for.\n\n\nI\u2019m personally excited to receive the Zenith from Rama Works, even if I\u2019ve waited well over a year for that particular keyboard to start shipping. In the meantime, I\u2019ve got switches, keycaps, and stabilisers to prep for the Zenith, among the eight other products I\u2019m waiting with anticipation..\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/why-am-i-getting-the-older-10th-gen-honda-civic-instead-of-the-2022-civic/", "title": "Why Am I Getting the Older 10th Gen Honda Civic Instead of the 2022 Civic?", "body": "\n\nThe \n2022 Honda Civic\n is slowly but surely arriving in more markets. Thailand, for one, already received the brand new C-segment sedan \nearlier this month\n. If it weren\u2019t for the extended COVID-19 lockdowns in Malaysia, the local debut of the new Civic could\u2019ve happened \nas early as next month in September 2021\n.\n\n\nSo with that in mind, why am I still getting the older 10th generation Civic TC-P? Well, for a number of reasons! I\u2019m fully aware that a newer, more mature-looking Civic is just around the corner, but I\u2019m still eagerly waiting to receive the \u201clast-gen\u201d Civic FC \u2013 keep on reading to find out why I\u2019m sticking with the older model.\n\n\n\n\nThe 10th Gen Civic Looks Sportier\n\n\nThis is really the biggest reason why I\u2019m much more interested in the current 10th gen Civic: it simply looks \nbetter\n, in my opinion. In fact, I\u2019d even go as far as to say that the Civic FC looks more modern than the 11th gen Civic FE with its more mature, understated styling.\n\n\nThe aggressive styling of the Civic FC is certainly not for everyone, but I absolutely love the \u201cketam\u201d C-shaped taillights; it gives the sedan an almost futuristic look. Up front, I\u2019m really fond of the sharp, full LED headlights too, as well as the blacked out grille to complete the sporty appeal of the Civic.\n\n\nThe 10th gen Civic FC\nThe 11th gen Civic FE\n\n\nIn contrast, the new 2022 Civic is a much more mature-looking car \u2013 so much so that it can easily pass off as a \nHonda Accord\n. Of course, I\u2019m sure folks that want a less aggressively styled sedan will find the 11th gen Civic more appealing, but it\u2019s just not what I look for in my car.\n\n\nSimilar Performance From a Familiar 1.5L Turbo Engine\n\n\nBoth the 10th and 11th generation Civics are powered by the same 1.5L turbocharged engine, and although the 2022 model is tuned to deliver more power \u2013 up by 5PS and 20Nm of torque \u2013 the 10th gen Civic\u2019s output of 173PS and 220Nm of torque are still very respectable.\n\n\nSure, there is a bit of power difference between the two models, but I reckon it won\u2019t be all that noticeable in real life use. Both engines are still paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) too, with drive sent to the front wheels.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, this is only applicable to the 1.5 TC and 1.5 TC-P variants of the current Civic FC, which are powered by the 1.5L turbo engine. It\u2019s a different scenario if we\u2019re comparing the 1.8S model with a more modest 1.8L SOHC i-VTEC engine that offers 141hp and 174Nm of torque.\n\n\nThat being said, it remains to be seen if Honda Malaysia will still offer the 1.8L engine option with the 2022 Civic once it is officially available here. After all, this mill is no longer offered in Thailand; the 1.5L turbo engine is the sole option there for the new Civic. If the Malaysia market follows suit, that brings us to the next point..\n\n\nIt Is (Likely) More Affordable\n\n\nIf Honda Malaysia does remove the 1.8L engine option for the 2022 Civic, the starting price of the sedan will definitely increase accordingly. To put this (somewhat) into context, the 11th gen Civic goes from about RM122,000 to RM151,000 in Thailand.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Malaysian market, the current 10th gen Civic \u2013 with \nsales tax exemption\n applied until 31 December 2021 \u2013 starts at RM109,000 to RM135,000. It\u2019s also worth noting that with all of the upgrades the 2022 Civic brings, it\u2019s even more likely that the price of the new C-segment sedan will be increased across the board.\n\n\nPlus, it still remains to be seen exactly when the 11th gen Civic FE will be launched here in Malaysia. If it debuts here next year, it won\u2019t be able to take advantage of the current sales tax exemption, which is only valid until 31 December 2021. That is, unless the government \nextends this tax break yet again\n. Either way, it\u2019s a gamble.\n\n\n\n\nBut the Interior..\n\n\nOkay, if there\u2019s one area where I think the new 11th gen Civic has an edge over the current Civic FC, it would be interior quality. Really, the interior of the new Civic FE looks much, \nmuch\n more premium. While I\u2019m not sure if I like the honeycomb mesh that stretches across the dashboard, it\u2019s smart that the air vents are hidden there.\n\n\nAside from that, the interior itself just looks very\u2026upmarket. The 10.2-inch digital instrument panel looks great, the floating infotainment system gives the interior a more modern touch, and the ample use of soft touch material really elevates the interior of the Civic FE.\n\n\nInterior of the 11th gen Civic\nInterior of the 10th gen Civic\n\n\nEven so, I would still go for the \u201colder\u201d 10th generation Honda Civic FC. Yes, its interior isn\u2019t quite as premium, but I prefer the sportier exterior and (likely) lower price tag of this model. Plus, I won\u2019t have to wait that much longer to receive my Civic, given that the automotive sector is \nnow allowed to operate\n after more than two months of lockdown.\n\n\nStill, I\u2019m hoping Honda Malaysia will bring in the 2022 Civic soon \u2013 I\u2019m excited to see how it would compare against its predecessor.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2021-honda-hr-v-hybrid-finally-gets-new-lower-price-tag-rm114k-led-lights/", "title": "2021 Honda HR-V Hybrid Finally Gets New, Lower Price Tag \u2013 RM114k, LED Lights", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019ve been eyeing to get the 2021 Honda HR-V Hybrid, great news: Honda Malaysia finally gave the SUV an updated pricing with some upgrades here and there. Of course, given that it\u2019s locally assembled (CKD) right here in Malaysia, it also receives 100% sales tax exemption.\n\n\nPreviously priced at RM120,800 when it was first launched in 2019, the HR-V Hybrid is now going for only RM113,954.82 \u2013 that\u2019s with sales tax exemption applied \nuntil 31 December 2021\n. This puts it closer in price to the V model now (RM113,421.92) instead of the RS variant (RM118,581.81).\n\n\nThe 2021 Honda HR-V Hybrid\n\n\nAside from the new, lower price tag, the HR-V Hybrid gets some neat upgrades too. On the outside, it\u2019s been updated with LED headlights, LED front fog lamps, LED taillights, as well as chrome door handles for a more upmarket look.\n\n\nThe interior of the HR-V Hybrid sees some changes too. These include a new three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel, along with a 7-inch infotainment screen that now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\n\n\nBeyond these additions, other aspects of the HR-V Hybrid are unchanged. It\u2019s still powered by a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine that does 132PS and 156Nm of torque. Paired with an electric motor (30PS and 160Nm) and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the HR-V Hybrid has a total output of 152PS and 190Nm of torque.\n\n\nThe 2019 Honda HR-V Hybrid\n\n\nTo recap, the 2021 Honda HR-V Hybrid is priced at RM113,954.82, and bookings can be done online \nhere\n. Alternatively, you can also place a booking through Honda Malaysia\u2019s HondaTouch app \u2013 you can download it from the \nApple App Store\n and \nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-nova-8-with-90hz-curved-oled-screen-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm1899/", "title": "Huawei Nova 8 With 90Hz Curved OLED Screen Lands in Malaysia for RM1,899", "body": "\n\nHuawei just launched another mid-range smartphone here in Malaysia. Sporting a 90Hz curved OLED screen, the Huawei Nova 8 looks to be a rather premium device despite its mid-range positioning.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Nova 8 is available in only one variant, which retails at RM1,899. For that kind of money, this mid-ranger features 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM, along with the aforementioned 6.57-inch 2340 x 1080 curved OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Nova 8 is also powered by Huawei\u2019s own Kirin 820E chipset. Built on a 7nm process, it should be quite power-efficient too. Paired with the phone\u2019s 3,800mAh battery, it should be able to provide reasonably good battery life.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Nova 8 include a quad camera system (64MP main + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), a 32MP selfie camera, and support for Huawei\u2019s 66W SuperCharge technology. The company said this allows the phone\u2019s 3,800mAh battery to be charged from empty to 60% in only 15 minutes.\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei Nova 8 is now \navailable for purchase in Malaysia\n for RM1,899. Every purchase of the mid-range phone will also come with an \u201centertainment gift package\u201d \nworth RM189\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-pad-5-appears-in-sirim-again-malaysian-launch-imminent/", "title": "Xiaomi Pad 5 Appears in SIRIM Again \u2013 Malaysian Launch Imminent?", "body": "\n\nXiaomi\u2019s latest tablet, the Xiaomi Pad 5, made its debut in China \nearlier this month\n. It\u2019s a relatively capable Android tablet, and based on what we\u2019ve gathered, we believe Xiaomi Malaysia will be bringing in the Pad 5 to our shores very soon.\n\n\nAs usual, we were going through SIRIM\u2019s database when we stumbled upon a peculiar device with the model number 21051182G registered under Era International just today. This is confirmed to be the model number of the Pad 5, and it was actually registered with SIRIM by Xiaomi Malaysia itself \nlast month\n, though the entry has been deleted since.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, as mentioned, the Pad 5 is quite a capable Android tablet. After all, it\u2019s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 chipset, which is essentially an improved version of the Snapdragon 855. This was the chipmaker\u2019s flagship offering back in 2019.\n\n\nAside from that, the Pad 5 also features a sharp 11-inch 2560 x 1600 TrueTone display \u2013 it can adjust the screen\u2019s white balance to match ambient lighting \u2013 with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. It can be paired with a magnetic stylus and keyboard cover too, just like other notable tablets in the market now.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Pad 5 include a 13MP rear camera, an 8MP selfie shooter, an 8,720mAh battery, 6GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of storage.\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet from Xiaomi Malaysia on the local availability of the Xiaomi Pad 5, but rest assured, we will keep a close eye on this. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if the \nXiaomi Pad 5 Pro\n will also be offered here alongside the standard model.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/volvo-xc40-recharge-ev-malaysian-debut-pushed-back-to-2022-locally-assembled/", "title": "Volvo XC40 Recharge EV Malaysian Debut Pushed Back to 2022 \u2013 Locally Assembled?", "body": "\n\nOriginally set to debut in Malaysia \nthis year\n, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) just revealed that the local launch of the Volvo XC40 Recharge EV has been pushed back to 2022. This is due to the extended COVID-19 lockdown in our country, along with the disruption of supply chain caused by the pandemic.\n\n\nThe delayed Malaysian launch of the XC40 Recharge EV is confirmed by VCM itself in an interview with \nPaultan.org\n. With a big backlog of orders to fulfill, the carmaker will \u201cuse all its capacity to make good the orders that are in hand, to reduce waiting time for customers,\u201d as Paultan wrote.\n\n\nThat statement is particularly interesting: it seems to indicate that the XC40 Recharge EV will be locally assembled (CKD). If this is the case, it will be the first-ever EV to be assembled here in Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, the XC40 Recharge EV is Volvo\u2019s first mass-produced electric SUV, and it\u2019s packed with a number of interesting features. According to the carmaker, the SUV has an all-electric range of 418km on a single charge, thanks to its 78kWh battery.\n\n\nAs for charging time, the XC40 Recharge EV can be charged up to 80% in only 40 minutes with a 150kW DC charging station (under ideal conditions). When charging at home instead, a three-phase 11kW wallbox can fully charge the XC40 in about eight hours from completely empty.\n\n\nIn terms of performance, the XC40 Recharge EV can go from 0-100km/h in only 4.9 seconds; this figure is highlighted on the product page of the SUV on Volvo Car Malaysia\u2019s website. This suggests that the Malaysian market will at least receive the AWD variant, which gets 408PS and 660Nm of torque out of a dual-motor setup.\n\n\n\n\nThe Volvo XC40 Recharge EV will make its Malaysian debut sometime in 2022; no specific timeframe was given beyond this. In the meantime, you can still register your interest for the electric SUV over at\u00a0\nVCM\u2019s website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/custom-keyboard-this-scratchy-switch-is-my-favourite-linear-switch/", "title": "Custom Keyboard \u2013 This Scratchy Switch Is My Favourite Linear Switch", "body": "\n\nAnyone who\u2019s been in the custom keyboard hobby long enough would\u2019ve probably heard of the NovelKeys Cream switch. With a housing and stem made out of \u201cself-lubricating\u201d POM, it\u2019s marketed as a smooth linear switch with a unique typing experience.\n\n\nWell, while the Cream definitely has some unique qualities, it is far from being a smooth switch. In fact, it is arguably one of the \nscratchiest \nlinear switches out of the box, and mind you, this is not an affordable switch either. It sits in the same price range as other high-end switches like the \nGazzew Boba U4T Thocky\n and \nSP-Star\n.\n\n\nHowever, even though it\u2019s a scratchy, expensive switch, I always find myself coming back to the NovelKeys Cream. Out of all the linear switches I\u2019ve tried throughout my time in this hobby, the Cream is still my favourite. Keep on reading to find out why!\n\n\n\n\nIt Has a Unique Sound Profile\n\n\nIt may sound (excuse the pun) silly to some folks, but the unique sound profile of the Cream is really what I love the most about this linear switch. See, no other switches sound quite like it; even the \nCobalt POM\n \u2013 which also has an all-POM housing \u2013 does not have the same sound signature as the Cream.\n\n\nWhile the Cobalt POM has more of a thocky, \u201cpoppy\u201d sound profile, the Cream is a decidedly \u201cclacky\u201d switch. Both the downstroke and upstroke have a pleasant, high-pitched clack, which are quite loud to boot. While there are other clacky switches in the market too \u2013 such as the aforementioned SP-Star \u2013 the pitch of the Cream is more\u2026well, unique.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, we can\u2019t talk about the sound signature of the Cream without mentioning (arguably) the most popular custom keyboard on the internet: Tfue\u2019s very own Keycult No. 1/60 commission built by Taeha Types. The keyboard was put together with Cream switches, and it sounds \nabsolutely\n heavenly \u2013 well, to me anyway.\n\n\nGranted, the Keycult itself is a nice, clacky board, but you can definitely hear the unique sound profile of the Cream in the sound test above, especially the loud upstroke of the switch. Personally, \nthis \nis the sound profile that I want to achieve with my custom keyboards, which is one of the reasons why I\u2019m fond of the Cream switch.\n\n\n\n\nIt Feels Great After Breaking in\n\n\nThere\u2019s no denying that the Cream is very scratchy out of the box, even when compared to, say, the much more affordable Gateron Yellow linear switch. It has a gritty, \u201cleathery\u201d scratch throughout the downstroke, and given that it is not factory lubed at all, it\u2019s not a great switch to use in stock form.\n\n\nHowever, after a good amount of breaking in \u2013 I\u2019m talking about hundreds of hours of use, which can span to a few months of heavy use \u2013 the Cream \ndoes\n get smoother. While it\u2019s still nowhere as smooth as a stock JWK switch like the Cobalt POM, the scratch is far less pronounced.\n\n\n\n\nNow, once a nicely broken in Cream switch is lubed, it \ndefinitely \nfeels as smooth as any high-end switch. This, combined with the unique sound profile of the Cream, makes it an incredibly compelling switch for those that want a uniquely clacky, smooth linear switch.\n\n\nIt Doesn\u2019t Need to Be Filmed\n\n\nAnother great quality of the NovelKeys Cream is its tight housing, so there\u2019s no need to film this switch at all to remove housing wobble. In fact, the housing tolerance of the Cream is so tight, you will have a hard time installing switch films.\n\n\nThat being said, I was able to film the Cream by using a Deskeys switch film, thanks to its compressible nature. Doing so also lowers the pitch of the switch slightly, so if you find the Cream too clacky, you can always film it. Do note that even with the compressible Deskeys films, it will still be quite difficult to close up the switch.\n\n\n\n\nBut It\u2019s Not for Everyone\n\n\nIf you want a no-nonsense linear switch that\u2019s good to go straight out of the box, the NovelKeys Cream is not for you. In order to bring out the full potential of this switch, you need to spend a good amount of time breaking it in before you can even consider lubing it \u2013 some folks may not have the patience for this.\n\n\nWhile it\u2019s possible to just lube the Cream without breaking it in, you can still feel some of the scratchiness, even with a rather thick lube such as Krytox 205g0. I can personally attest to this\u2026because I\u2019ve tried it.\n\n\n\n\nNevertheless, I still absolutely love the NovelKeys Cream. If you\u2019re new to the custom keyboard hobby, I\u2019d recommend picking up a couple of this switch to see if you\u2019ll like it or not. While it\u2019s not the best linear switch in the market now, the Cream really is worth trying for its unique sound profile and feel.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-cute-monokei-x-singa-neko-40-keyboard-is-now-on-pre-order-until-10-september/", "title": "The Cute Monokei x Singa Neko 40% Keyboard Is Now on Pre-Order Until 10 September", "body": "\n\nMonokei and Singa\u2019s cute 40% custom keyboard, \nNeko\n, is now available for pre-order. Though the 40% HHKB layout of the Neko is not for everyone, it may appeal to folks that want a really compact, premium custom keyboard.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Neko are available. The more affordable Standard kit, which starts at S$510 (about RM1,590), features a full aluminium case in six different colours (Blush Pink, Olive Green, Royal Purple, Suave Blue, Titan Grey, Silver), a polycarbonate plate, and brass weights.\n\n\nThe Neko Standard (left) and Neko SE\n\n\nAs for the more premium Neko SE kit, it comes with polycarbonate top and bottom in Frosted White, a copper plate, a copper weight, and a copper \u201ccat weight\u201d for a cool S$620 (about RM1,930). If you want a hotswap PCB instead of a solderable one, that will cost an extra S$15 (around RM45).\n\n\nOf course, that\u2019s a lot of money, but you do get a premium compact keyboard. The Neko uses a gasket mounting system, along with a pretty neat-looking weight in the shape of a cat on the bottom of the keyboard. Launched alongside the Neko are also four aluminium keycaps, a \u201cNeko Asobi\u201d deskmat, and a smaller \u201cNeko Maru\u201d deskmat.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re curious as to how the Neko sounds like, take a listen to Taeha Types\u2019 video below. He tried out a prototype unit of the Neko SE with both copper and polycarbonate plates.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe \npre-order of the Monokei x Singa Neko\n will end at 11PM (Malaysian time) on \n10 September 2021\n. It\u2019s set to start shipping sometime in Q3 2022, while the \nNeko accessories\n will be delivered in Q1 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-raiden-shogun-event-wish-coming-1-september-with-kujou-sara-xiangling-sucrose/", "title": "Genshin Impact Raiden Shogun Event Wish Coming 1 September With Kujou Sara, Xiangling, Sucrose", "body": "\n\nThe much anticipated event wish for the Raiden Shogun has been revealed! Set to go live in \nGenshin Impact\n on 1 September, the banner of the brand new 5-star Electro character will be accompanied by Kujou Sara \u2013 also a new 4-star Electro character \u2013 Xiangling, and Sucrose.\n\n\nJust like Genshin Impact\u2019s\u00a0\nprevious character\n\u00a0\nevent wishes\n, the \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Raiden Shogun, Sara, Xiangling, and Sucrose will be increased. In the case of Raiden Shogun, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be her. If you didn\u2019t get her in this instance, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be Raiden Shogun.\n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact\u2019s pity system ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character or weapon every 90 wishes \u2013 depending on which banner you\u2019re rolling \u2013 so you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Raiden Shogun. The same rule applies to 4-star units (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but since there are three of them featured in the event wish, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Sara, Xiangling, or Sucrose. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters \u2013 especially Sara, given that she\u2019s a brand new character \u2013 you will have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\nRaiden Shogun\u2019s \u201cReign of Serenity\u201d event wish will go live in Genshin Impact on 1 September this Wednesday right after the \nVersion 2.1 update\n; her banner will be available until 21 September. After that, Sangonomiya Kokomi\u2019s event wish will replace the Raiden Shogun\u2019s banner.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/new-ps5-model-has-a-smaller-heatsink-may-run-hotter/", "title": "New PS5 Model Has a Smaller Heatsink \u2013 May Run Hotter", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s no secret that a \nnewer, lighter version of the PlayStation 5\n has started shipping to customers, but it wasn\u2019t known what was changed to reduce the weight of the next-gen console \u2013 until now. Turns out, the updated PS5 is lighter because it has a smaller heatsink for the cooling solution.\n\n\nThis was revealed in a video by Austin Evans, who disassembled both the old and new PS5 Digital Edition to see what was changed between the two models. The biggest difference is definitely the downsized heatsink, which seems to increase the operating temperatures of the updated console too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn comparison to the original PS5, Evans said that the newer model appears to be running 3 to 5\u00b0C hotter; that\u2019s quite a big difference. Granted, he only tested the rear exhaust temperatures of the two models, and it\u2019s entirely possible only his unit is running hotter due to variance in manufacturing.\n\n\nHowever, given that the heatsink of the new PS5 is physically smaller, it\u2019s likely that it won\u2019t be able to dissipate heat quite as efficiently as the original model with a larger heatsink. Interestingly, despite the fact that it runs hotter, the updated PS5 is actually slightly quieter, which can be attributed to the different fan design.\n\n\nThe heatsink of the old PS5 (left) and the new PS5\n\n\nDo note that this is only a comparison between the old and new PS5 Digital Edition. It remains to be seen if the standard PS5 received the same hardware revisions too.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/porsche-setting-up-local-assembly-in-malaysia-from-2022-more-affordable-models-incoming/", "title": "Porsche Setting up Local Assembly in Malaysia From 2022 \u2013 More Affordable Models Incoming?", "body": "\n\nNow this is interesting: Porsche just confirmed that it will be setting up local assembly (CKD) here in Malaysia from 2022 onwards. CKD models are not taxed as heavily as fully imported (CBU) cars in Malaysia, so there\u2019s a good chance locally assembled Porsche models will be more affordable in our market.\n\n\nPorsche\u2019s CKD operations in Malaysia is set up together with its long-standing partner Sime Darby Berhad; the latter is naturally the official distributor of Porsche models in the country. \u201cThe site will be responsible for the final assembly of specific models for the local market from 2022 onwards,\u201d Porsche said in a press release.\n\n\n\n\nThe carmaker added that the facility will operate alongside Porsche\u2019s established European network of production sites. It remains to be seen exactly which Porsche model will be locally assembled first, though the company did say that these vehicles \u201cwill specifically match local requirements and will be available for Malaysia only.\u201d\n\n\n\u201cMalaysia and the whole ASEAN is a region of great potential and we look forward to the first locally assembled models reaching our Malaysian customers next year,\u201d said Detlev von Platen, member of the executive board for sales and marketing at Porsche.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-alan-walker-se-is-a-fun-unique-gaming-laptop/", "title": "The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Alan Walker SE Is a Fun, Unique Gaming Laptop", "body": "\n\nMost special edition laptops come and go without leaving much of an impression, but this doesn\u2019t really apply to the \nAsus ROG Zephyrus G14 Alan Walker Special Edition\n \u2013 yes, it\u2019s quite a mouthful. Not only does the G14 AW SE have a fun, unique packaging, the laptop itself is quite good too \u2013 after all, the G14 is a \nvery accomplished product\n.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re a fan of Alan Walker, or you just want a sleek-looking gaming laptop with a unique appeal, consider the G14 AW SE \u2013 it will be arriving in Malaysia very soon as well.\n\n\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about the most distinctive aspect of the Zephyrus G14 AW SE: the packaging. Now, unlike other gaming laptops, the acrylic packaging of this special edition laptop actually doubles as a DJ deck.\n\n\nDubbed ROG Remix, the DJ deck features \u201cconductive pads on the surface that allow users to trigger 18 of Walker\u2019s own sound effects.\u201d The moment it is connected to the G14 through a USB-C to USB-C cable, the ROG Remix software is automatically launched. Oh, the DJ deck even has LED lighting \u2013 very neat touch.\n\n\n\n\nNow, I am by no means an aspiring DJ, but the ROG Remix is quite fun to play with. Triggering the 18 available sound effects will play different animations on the laptop\u2019s screen, I can control the playback speed of Alan Walker\u2019s Sorry \u2013 you can add your own track to the ROG Remix software too \u2013 and I can even isolate the low frequencies.\n\n\nFurther enhancing this \u201cDJ experience\u201d is the G14 AW SE\u2019s amazing quad speaker setup. It sounds crisp and clear with a decent amount of bass, and it can get \npretty darn\n loud. The G14 had always offered very good audio quality, and it\u2019s apt that Asus\u2019 collaboration with Alan Walker is with this particular laptop.\n\n\nGetting back to the ROG Remix, I really have to give credit to Asus here. The fact that it managed to turn the \npackaging\n of the G14 AW SE into a DJ deck is quite ingenious. Of course, this isn\u2019t the only interesting feature of this special edition laptop \u2013 the machine itself has some cool design elements too.\n\n\n\n\nThe lid of the Zephyrus G14 AW SE, for one, features a reflective belt made of actual fabric with Alan Walker\u2019s and ROG\u2019s brandings. While this version of the G14 still features the AniMe Matrix LED array on the lid, it\u2019s a different \u201cSpectre Blue\u201d lighting instead, which is exclusive to this machine.\n\n\nOpen up the lid, and you\u2019ll be greeted by a custom Alan Walker wallpaper, along with some pretty nice accents on the mod keys. This gives the keyboard a good contrast with the alpha keys, and Alan Walker\u2019s logo are also on the A and W keys.\n\n\nAnd\u2026these are all the unique design elements of the Zephyrus G14 AW SE. They are mostly aesthetic changes \u2013 well, aside from the neat packaging/DJ deck \u2013 and beyond these differences, it\u2019s just like the regular G14.\n\n\n\n\nOnly one variant of the G14 AW SE is available. It features a Pantone Validated 14-inch QHD IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, an AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS processor paired with 16GB of RAM, 1TB of PCIe SSD storage, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU. All in all, a reasonably capable gaming laptop.\n\n\nI haven\u2019t put the Zephyrus G14 AW SE through its paces yet, but I reckon it will be able to run AAA titles quite well with its RTX 3050 Ti GPU. Granted, it\u2019s not an awfully powerful graphics card, but with some tweaks to the graphics settings, it should be able to return smooth, high frame rate in most graphically demanding games.\n\n\n\n\nFurther enhancing the gaming experience of the G14 AW SE is its fast (and sharp) 14-inch 1440p IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Thanks to this high refresh rate, it will provide good motion clarity, even in fast-paced games. This being a Pantone Validated screen, it offers good colour accuracy too; it covers 100% of the DCI-P3 colour space.\n\n\nThe keyboard and trackpad of this laptop are also worth a mention. The keyboard is very comfortable to type on \u2013 thanks to its soft bottom out and good amount of key travel \u2013 and the smooth glass trackpad can track my fingers accurately too.\n\n\nThanks to the refined keyboard and trackpad, I reckon the G14 AW SE can even double as a good productivity laptop, though I\u2019ll have to assess its battery life first. But if the \nprevious model is any indication\n, I\u2019m confident the 76Wh battery can last quite long on a single charge.\n\n\n\n\nSo that\u2019s the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Alan Walker Special Edition. I was told that this unique gaming laptop will be available here in Malaysia sometime in September next month, though its local pricing has not been revealed yet. To give us an idea of how much it could cost here, this laptop retails at $1,799 (about RM8,315) in the US.\n\n\nWithout a doubt the G14 AW SE is a costly gaming laptop, but you \nare\n paying for a special edition product. We\u2019ll find out soon enough how much this sleek-looking laptop will cost in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q1-will-be-in-stock-permanently-price-increase-after-pre-order-period/", "title": "Keychron Q1 Will Be in Stock Permanently \u2013 Price Increase After Pre-Order Period", "body": "\n\nThe \nKeychron Q1\n is proving to be quite a popular keyboard. So much so that Keychron has decided to permanently keep the Q1 in stock, making it much more accessible to consumers.\n\n\nPreviously, production of the Q1 was set to end once a new Q-series keyboard is released, such as the upcoming \nKeychron Q2\n. This is no longer applicable, and to top it off, the coiled cable \u2013 which was originally only meant to be bundled with pre-order units \u2013 will be included with the Q1 even after the pre-order has ended.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, after the pre-order period of the Q1 has ended (tentatively after 20 September), its price will be increased by $10 (about RM40) for both the barebone kit and fully assembled model \nas shown on the website\n. This puts the barebone kit at $159 (around RM660), and the fully assembled model at $179 (about RM745).\n\n\nTo recap, the Q1 is a 75% pre-built keyboard with a gasket mounting system \u2013 this mounting style is typically only offered on custom keyboards \u2013 along with a full CNC aluminium case. It also features a hotswap PCB (allowing you to swap switches without soldering) that supports VIA out of the box for easy key mapping.\n\n\nKeychron worked with Gateron quite a bit for the Q1 as well. Not only can it be purchased with three new factory lubed Gateron Phantom switches \u2013 Phantom Brown (tactile), Phantom Red (linear), or Phantom Blue (clicky) \u2013 it features screw-in stabilisers made by Gateron too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about the Keychron Q1, check out our extensive review of the keyboard in the video above; we also have a written review \nover here\n. Not keen to pay shipping costs on Keychron\u2019s website to get the Q1 delivered to Malaysia? Well, Keybot will be opening \nlocal pre-orders of the Q1\n sometime next month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mihoyo-teases-thoma-playable-character-in-genshin-impact-version-2-2/", "title": "Mihoyo Teases Thoma \u2013 Playable Character in Genshin Impact Version 2.2?", "body": "\n\nGenshin Impact\u2019s \nVersion 2.1 update\n is going live tomorrow, but before that, Mihoyo is teasing a brand new character; well, sort of. Thoma, who has appeared in the main storyline of the Inazuma Archon Quest, has just been teased by the developer, suggesting that he will be a playable character in \nGenshin Impact\n 2.2.\n\n\nThis makes sense, given that \nall three characters previously teased by Mihoyo\n are confirmed to be playable in Version 2.1 of Genshin Impact. However, this time around, only Thoma has been revealed; no other characters were teased alongside him, which is quite odd.\n\n\n\n\n\"Woof!\" \u2014 Taroumaru\n\"What Taroumaru meant was that Thoma is very good at taking care of people and is a very good friend. \" \u2014 Gorou\n\u25c6 Thoma \u2027 Protector From Afar\n\u25c6 The Kamisato Clan's Housekeeper\n\u25c6 Pyro\n\u25c6 Rubeum Scutum\n#GenshinImpact\n \npic.twitter.com/N4ztXTlh6C\n\u2014 Genshin Impact (@GenshinImpact) \nAugust 30, 2021\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, Thoma himself is confirmed to be a Pyro character by Mihoyo. Based on his teaser image, he seems to be wielding a Polearm too. His rarity has not been revealed yet, but if he is a Polearm user, we reckon he is a 4-star character.\n\n\nUsually, 5-star characters are accompanied by their \u201csignature\u201d weapon in the weapon event wish. Given that a Polearm \u2013 \nEngulfing Lightning\n, which is the Raiden Shogun\u2019s signature weapon \u2013 will be the first weapon banner in Version 2.1, it\u2019s unlikely that Thoma is a 5-star character.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, this is only an educated guess on our part. We\u2019ll know for sure as we approach closer to the Version 2.2 update of Genshin Impact, which is set to be released on 13 October 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-gt-master-edition-with-3d-vegan-leather-now-in-malaysia-from-rm1499/", "title": "Realme GT Master Edition With \u201c3D Vegan Leather\u201d Now in Malaysia From RM1,499", "body": "\n\nRealme just launched a pretty interesting mid-range smartphone in Malaysia. The Realme GT Master Edition is touted to be one of the first phones to use \u201c3D vegan leather\u201d technology, which allows the device to have a unique textured back panel reminiscent of a \u201csuitcase,\u201d as Realme puts it.\n\n\nThis unique design is attributed to Naoto Fukasawa, who is collaborating with Realme yet again for the GT Master Edition. The Voyager Grey colourway of the phone has a curious-looking back panel, complete with Fukasawa\u2019s signature. If you want a smoother, more conventional finish instead, there\u2019s the Daybreak Blue colourway.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s talk about the hardware of the GT Master. Sporting a 6.43-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate and 360Hz touch response rate for reduced latency, it\u2019s a feature mobile gamers will appreciate. Aside from that, this phone is also powered by a reasonably fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset.\n\n\nOther specifications of the GT Master include 8GB of RAM, a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), a 32MP selfie camera, 5G connectivity, as well as a 4,300mAh battery with support for 65W SuperDart fast charging.\n\n\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Realme GT Master Edition is available in two configurations: the 128GB model costs RM1,499, while the 256GB variant retails at RM1,699. The former will be offered for RM1,399 during Lazada\u2019s 9.9 sale, while the 256GB configuration will be bundled with a Realme soundbar worth RM129 on the same day.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ghost-of-tsushima-directors-cut-ps5-review-worth-the-price-of-admission/", "title": "Ghost of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut (PS5) Review: Worth the Price of Admission", "body": "\n\nGhost of Tsushima by Sucker Punch Productions was a great \nswan song for the PlayStation 4\n. It had solid, fun gameplay, a beautiful open world setting, and a compelling storyline. But one of my biggest gripes with the PlayStation exclusive was the brief main story, even if the side quests do pad up the overall lore of the game.\n\n\nThis is the very reason why I\u2019m elated that Ghost of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut expands on the original story of the first game quite a bit; Iki Island itself also offers even more content for players to explore. If you\u2019re contemplating to upgrade from the original game to the Director\u2019s Cut version, I highly recommend it.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe main addition to Ghost of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut is Iki Island, a brand new area filled with its own main storyline, side quests, and unique open world environment. In addition to Tsushima \u2013 which was the premise for the first game \u2013 Iki Island was also invaded by the Mongols, so Jin Sakai (the main protagonist) travels to the island to investigate.\n\n\nAs Sucker Punch puts it, Jin\u2019s journey on Iki Island got him \u201ccaught up in events with deeply personal stakes that will force him to relive some traumatic moments from his past.\u201d Without going into spoiler territory, suffice to say it\u2019s quite an engrossing story.\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nWhile the \nslew of improvements\n introduced in the PS5 version of Ghost of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut are great, the one thing that really got me hooked is the Iki Island storyline. In fact, I find it even more entertaining than the original story.\n\n\nGranted, the main storyline of Iki Island \nis\n quite brief; I blazed through it within three to four hours. But as short as it is, I was invested in the narrative, and the side quests available all around Iki Island relates back to the story to a certain extend.\n\n\nThat being said, I highly recommend only accessing Iki Island after you\u2019re done with the main story on Tsushima. Timeline wise, the plot of Iki Island takes place after the original story has concluded, so you \nwill\n run into some spoilers if you decide to sail over to Iki Island the moment it\u2019s unlocked in Act 2 of Tsushima.\n\n\n\n\nGraphically, Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut looks \nabsolutely stunning\n on the PS5. The beautiful landscapes of Tsushima and Iki are now rendered in 4K, and further enhancing the visuals of the game is the high, consistent frame rate set at 60fps. Even when I set the graphics settings to Higher Resolution, the game still runs consistently at 60fps.\n\n\nDualSense implementation in Director\u2019s Cut is quite well implemented too. For example, when I\u2019m pulling back on the bow while aiming, I can feel the triggers vibrating as Jin is losing grip. I can even feel the haptic feedback of the controller changing depending on the terrain my horse is galloping on.\n\n\nI really can\u2019t say it enough: the DualSense controller of the PS5 really does make games \nfeel \nlike a next-gen experience\n.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the\u00a0dramatically improved\u00a0loading time of Director\u2019s Cut on the PS5. Whether I\u2019m fast travelling from one area to another or restarting an encounter, there\u2019s no\n\u00a0\nloading screen at all. This short loading time, in turn, improves the gaming experience quite a bit.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nOf course, Ghost of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut still has some shortcomings here and there, and one of them is the lip-syncing for Japanese audio. Yes, the PS5 version of Director\u2019s Cut improved on this aspect, but it still looks\u2026well, off.\n\n\nSimply put, it\u2019s as if the lip-syncing is missing a few syllables in every sentence. I personally find this quite distracting, but I\u2019m sure some folks will not mind it at all.\n\n\n\n\nEven with all of the graphical improvements, the facial expressions of every character in Director\u2019s Cut still don\u2019t look particularly expressive. This, in turn, gives them a stiff appearance, especially in cutscenes. I find this really odd, given that Sucker Punch\u2019s very own Infamous Second Son \u2013 which was released back in 2014 on the PS4 \u2013 had better facial expressions.\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the price of the game. If you\u2019ve never played Ghost of Tsushima before, it\u2019s absolutely worth forking out RM299 (PS5) or RM249 (PS4) for the Director\u2019s Cut version. Even if you\u2019re upgrading from the original PS4 version to Director\u2019s Cut on the PS5 for RM129, I would still say it\u2019s worth it.\n\n\n\n\nBut it\u2019s a different situation if you\u2019re on the PS4 thinking of upgrading to Director\u2019s Cut on the same platform. You\u2019ll need to pay RM89 for this, and you\u2019re essentially paying this amount just for the Iki island expansion. The fact that you don\u2019t get the slew of upgrades that comes with the PS5 version does make it harder to justify the cost.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nEven though the upgrade path for Ghost of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut is quite messy, I would still say it\u2019s worth picking up if you want to access even more content in this wonderful open world samurai game. While I was hoping the stiff facial expressions would be addressed in this new version, I still thoroughly enjoy the other additions to the game.\n\n\n\n\nLooking forward, I can\u2019t wait to see what Sucker Punch Productions has in store for the future. The studio really proved itself with Ghost of Tsushima and this Director\u2019s Cut version, and while I wouldn\u2019t mind a sequel, I\u2019m personally hoping Sucker Punch will revive the Infamous franchise \u2013 one can hope, right?\n\n\n \nGhost of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut is now available on the PS5 and PS4\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2-8-september-fuel-price-all-prices-remain/", "title": "2 \u2013 8 September Fuel Price: All Prices Remain", "body": "\n\nNo changes to fuel prices this coming week folks, though this mainly applies to RON 97. After all, the price ceilings of RON 95 and diesel have been reached, so naturally, their prices remain the same.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 for the coming week is set at RM2.72 per litre. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 2 to 8 September. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-can-we-get-raiden-shogun-her-weapon-with-120-wishes-in-genshin-impact/", "title": "Video: Can We Get Raiden Shogun & Her Weapon With 120 Wishes in Genshin Impact?", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe much anticipated Raiden Shogun is now in \nGenshin Impact\n! We\u2019ve got 120 wishes this time around, so can we get both the Shogun herself and her signature weapon, Engulfing Lightning? To top it off, we have to beat the 50/50 odds too!\n\n\nHere\u2019s a bit of context: we were already at the 74th roll for the character event wish, just shy of the soft pity that starts at the 75th pull. As for the weapon banner, we\u2026didn\u2019t really keep track, but we were a fair bit further from the soft pity.\n\n\nThese are reasonably good odds, but can we get both the Raiden Shogun \nand\n her signature weapon with just 120 wishes? Watch the video above to find out!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-2-1-nerfs-several-monsters/", "title": "Genshin Impact 2.1 Nerfs Several Monsters", "body": "\n\nGenshin Impact\n 2.1 is finally here! Aside from the addition of four new playable characters, including the much anticipated \nRaiden Shogun\n, Mihoyo also nerfed several monsters in response to players\u2019 feedbacks.\n\n\nThe two monsters that are nerfed include the Pyro Hypostasis \u2013 I absolutely detest this fiery cube \u2013 and the Nobushi; wandering samurai that are found throughout Inazuma. Let\u2019s start with the Pyro Hypostasis. When it does its Pyro pillar attack, the core is now exposed for a longer period of time, giving players more time to damage it.\n\n\nThe Pyro Hypostasis\n\n\nAside from that, the duration of the Pyro Hypostasis\u2019 re-ignition skill has been increased too, so you won\u2019t have to race against the clock as much to extinguish the Fire Seeds. If all Fire Seeds have been eliminated, the Pyro Hypostasis will also end its re-ignition skill earlier.\n\n\nAs for the Nobushi, three changes are made by Mihoyo. It will no longer perform the jump back attack, its sword-drawing technique has been optimised so that it\u2019s easier for players to deal with, and more importantly, its weight (along with the bigger Kairagi) is reduced too.\n\n\nThe third change is particularly interesting, as it allows the Nobushi to be lifted by, say, \nKaedehara Kazuha\n\u2018s Elemental Skill.\n\n\nThe Kairagi\n\n\nIt\u2019s great that Mihoyo takes players\u2019 feedbacks seriously and implement these changes as quickly as it did. I, for one, am looking forward to taking on the Pyro Hypostasis again \u2013 it\u2019s an absolute nightmare to deal with in the current Spiral Abyss.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/overcooked-all-you-can-eat-hitman-2-will-be-free-to-ps-members-this-month/", "title": "Overcooked! All You Can Eat & Hitman 2 Will Be Free to PS+ Members This Month", "body": "\n\nIf you weren\u2019t thrilled with last month\u2019s free games for PlayStation Plus members, the September 2021 lineup may just tickle your fancy. Three games are offered this month: Overcooked! All You Can Eat, Hitman 2, and Predator: Hunting Grounds.\n\n\nOut of the three games, Overcooked is arguably the most interesting title this month. Not only does it include both the original Overcooked and Overcooked 2, every DLC released for the two games are available too.\n\n\n\n\nMore importantly, Overcooked! All You Can Eat is also a remaster of the two games, running at 60fps in 4K resolution, along with faster loading times. Unfortunately, PlayStation is only offering this game on the PS5 \u2013 the PS4 version is not included in PlayStation Plus\u2019 September 2021 games.\n\n\nAnyway, Overcooked! All You Can Eat, Hitman 2, and Predator: Hunting Grounds will be available for download from 7 September to 4 October 2021. If you haven\u2019t claimed \nPlayStation Plus\u2019 August 2021\n games yet, you have until next week to do so.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-extends-up-to-rm6000-discount-to-september-2021/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Extends up to RM6,000 Discount to September 2021", "body": "\n\nLast month, in conjunction with Malaysia\u2019s 64th Merdeka Day, Honda Malaysia \noffered up to RM6,000 discounts\n for its range of models. Well, good news: the carmaker is now extending the promotion to September 2021 as well.\n\n\nThis month\u2019s discounts are exactly the same as the Merdeka promo. Out of the seven models, \nthe Accord\n naturally receives the biggest discount. The range-topping 1.5L TC-P trim of the D-segment sedan receives a RM5,000 discount, while the more affordable 1.5L TC model gets a bigger RM6,000 rebate.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to get a seven-seater instead, good news. The\u00a0\nHonda BR-V\n\u00a0gets a sizeable discount too; both the 1.5L E and 1.5L V trims get a RM4,000 discount. Next is the\u00a0\nall-new Honda City\n: the 1.5L E variant receives a RM3,000 discount, while the 1.5L S, 1.5L V, and the \nrange-topping 1.5L RS\n models get a RM2,000 discount.\n\n\nOther notable discounts given by Honda Malaysia include RM2,000 savings for all variants of the \nCivic\n and \nCR-V\n, a RM2,500 discount for the \nHR-V\n, as well as a RM3,000 rebate for the Jazz. Do note that these discounts are only applicable for vehicles registered between 1 to 30 September 2021.\n\n\n\n\nGiven that the automotive sector has \nresumed operations now\n, consumers can really take full advantage of these discounts from Honda Malaysia. If you\u2019re interested in any Honda model, you can place your booking online\u00a0\nhere\n.\n\n\nAlternatively, bookings can be done through Honda Malaysia\u2019s HondaTouch app as well \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/why-i-prefer-hatchbacks-over-sedans/", "title": "Why I Prefer Hatchbacks Over Sedans", "body": "\n\nMore often than not, potential car buyers look at two distinct body styles before even deciding on a particular model: hatchback or sedan. While both of them have their own strengths and weaknesses, one body style will be more appealing to you depending on what you look for in a car.\n\n\nPersonally, since I do most of my driving in the city, I much prefer a hatchback for a number of reasons. If you\u2019re considering between a hatchback or a sedan, hear me out \u2013 you may lean towards the former by the end of this article.\n\n\nHatchbacks Are Easier to Drive in the City\n\n\nThis is by far the biggest advantage of a hatchback. Because it has shorter rear overhang, it is much easier to negotiate dreaded tight corners in KL parking lots with a hatchback rather than a longer sedan, for example.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the shorter overhang also makes it easier to park with a hatchback. Even if most modern cars are equipped with reverse cameras now \u2013 which makes parking with a longer car less of a headache \u2013 the fact that hatchbacks are physically smaller still makes it easier to park, especially in crowded KL parking lots.\n\n\nBetter Visibility\n\n\nThe ease of driving a hatchback in the city can be attributed to its superior visibility too. Because hatchbacks are more \u201cupright\u201d than sedans, there are more glass area around the car. These bigger windows make it easier to see out of a hatchback, especially when it comes to rear visibility.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, the bigger windows also make hatchbacks feel less\u2026well, for the lack of a better term, \u201cclaustrophobic.\u201d This could be an important factor to consider for certain folks who want a car that feels less confined, though this will be different from one car to another.\n\n\nSportier Looks\n\n\nWhile sedans usually have more mature stylings, hatchbacks are generally sportier, more aggressive-looking. Of course, there are exceptions to this case, but just compare the \nToyota Yaris\n hatchback to its sedan sibling, the \nToyota Vios\n. Both of them are essentially the same car with different body styles.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s important to note that just because hatchbacks look sporty, it doesn\u2019t automatically mean they are also sportier to drive than a sedan. Yes, a hatchback\u2019s shorter rear overhang (in theory) improves handling, but this may not be all that relevant to more affordable, everyday cars that most folks are looking to buy.\n\n\nMore Practical for Loading Large Items\n\n\nEven though a hatchback generally has smaller boot space than a sedan, it makes up for this in terms of practicality. As a hatchback\u2019s boot opening has a larger aperture, you can fit in larger items without too much difficulty. Want even more space? Then just fold down the seats.\n\n\n\n\nBut Options Are Limited in Malaysia\n\n\nUnfortunately, as much as I love hatchbacks, options are quite limited here in Malaysia. While you do get a fair number of selections in the B-segment market \u2013 such as the exceedingly popular Perodua \nMyvi\n, Proton \nIriz\n, and Toyota Yaris \u2013 that\u2019s simply not the case when you\u2019re shopping for, say, a C-segment model.\n\n\nTake the two most recognisable names in the local C-segment market, the \nHonda Civic\n and Toyota Corolla. While both of these models are offered in hatchback and sedan body styles globally, only the latter is available in Malaysia, much to my chagrin.\n\n\nThe 10th generation Honda Civic\n\n\nThis is the very reason why \nI opted to get the current 10th gen Honda Civic\n anyway despite the fact that it\u2019s a sedan. I would\u2019ve loved to get a C-segment hatchback instead, but the closest alternative to the Civic (pricing wise) is the Mazda 3 Liftback, which goes for a whopping RM137,660 for the base model.\n\n\nThat\u2019s a huge price disparity compared to the Civic, which now \nstarts at about RM107,000\n. Granted, the Mazda 3 offers a number of features the Civic do not have, but I find it hard to justify the price difference, even if I do prefer the hatchback body style of the Mazda.\n\n\nJudging by the popularity of the Civic and other C-segment sedans on Malaysian roads, it would seem I am in the minority. While I hope that more carmakers will offer their C-segment hatchbacks locally \u2013 especially for Honda Malaysia to bring in the sleek 2022 Civic Hatchback \u2013 it\u2019s unlikely, given that the Civic had always been offered only in its sedan form here.\n\n\nThe 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback\n\n\nNonetheless, it\u2019s a different story if you\u2019re looking to get a B-segment hatchback instead. The new 2022 Proton Iriz looks to be much improved over the previous model, and you can\u2019t go wrong with the popular Perodua Myvi either. If you want something a little more upmarket, there\u2019s the Toyota Yaris too.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/new-mysejahtera-update-will-make-it-easier-to-show-risk-level-vaccination-status/", "title": "New MySejahtera Update Will Make It Easier to Show Risk Level & Vaccination Status", "body": "\n\nThe MySejahtera app will be receiving a new update tonight, which will make it easier to assess the risk level and vaccination status of a user. This will allow for premises to quickly verify whether a person is fully vaccinated or not, among other things.\n\n\nThis was confirmed by the Minister of Heath, Khairy Jamaluddin, who also shared a number of screenshots of how the new user interface would look like. With the new update, your risk level and vaccination status will be displayed the moment you open the MySejahtera app.\n\n\n\n\nThe \n@my_sejahtera\n team will push a new build tonight making it easier for people to display their risk level and vaccination status \u2013 this will ease living with Covid, together. \nWill further update and improve the app over the coming weeks. \npic.twitter.com/HlClvaA6dQ\n\u2014 Khairy Jamaluddin \ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe\ud83c\udf3a (@Khairykj) \nSeptember 2, 2021\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, the last location you checked in will be shown as well. If you\u2019ve caught COVID-19 (or you\u2019re considered to be high risk), the app will have a bright red indication to signify this. After you\u2019ve checked in to a location, your risk level and vaccination status will (again) be displayed too.\n\n\nAccording to Khairy, more updates will be pushed to the \nMySejahtera\n \napp\n for other improvements in the coming weeks. At the time of writing, the new update is not available yet, though we reckon it will go live by tomorrow.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/youre-required-to-check-out-with-the-mysejahtera-app-now/", "title": "You\u2019re Required to Check Out With the MySejahtera App Now", "body": "\n\nAside from making it easier to show the risk level and vaccination status of a user, the \nnew MySejahtera update\n will also add a \u201ccheck out\u201d button. When you\u2019re leaving a particular premise, you are now required to confirm that you have checked out of the location.\n\n\nAccording to the Minister of Health, Khairy Jamaluddin, this is done to improve contact tracing. It makes sense: if you\u2019ve checked out before an infected person checks in to a certain premise, you won\u2019t be affected.\n\n\n\n\nA check-out button has also been added in the latest update of MySejahtera. This is to improve contact tracing. After leaving a place, please remember to check-out.\nYou only need to press a button \u2013 no scan needed.\n\u2014 Khairy Jamaluddin \ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe\ud83c\udf3a (@Khairykj) \nSeptember 2, 2021\n\n\n\n\nOf course, in order to check out, you won\u2019t need to scan any MySejahtera QR code again. All you have to do is to just hit the check out button right below the name of the premise, as shown in the screenshots above.\n\n\nThe new update for the \nMySejahtera\n \napp\n is being pushed out tonight, though it\u2019s not available for download yet at the time of writing. Nonetheless, it\u2019s safe to assume the new update will go live tomorrow.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nMySejahtera: Automatic Check Out When You Check In to a New Location\n\n\nNew MySejahtera Update Will Make It Easier to Show Risk Level & Vaccination Status\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-sold-6988-units-in-august-2021-chip-shortage-wont-affect-production/", "title": "Perodua Sold 6,988 Units in August 2021 \u2013 Chip Shortage Won\u2019t Affect Production", "body": "\n\nSince the automotive sector was allowed to \nresume operations on 16 August\n, Perodua managed to increase its monthly sales quite a bit. Compared to its July sales of only 655 units, the carmaker managed to register 6,988 vehicles in August 2021.\n\n\n\u201cWe would see the production and registration numbers multiply in September as the situation normalise,\u201d said the CEO and President of Perodua, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad. As of August 2021, the carmaker shipped 104,933 units; a 12.5% drop compared to 119,977 vehicles the brand sold in the same period last year.\n\n\nGiven that the automotive sector wasn\u2019t operational between 1 June to 15 August 2021, this drop is expected.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, Dato\u2019 Zainal also said that the semiconductor chip shortage will not affect Perodua\u2019s production plan. The carmaker has secured enough chips for its production to resume smoothly this year, and he reiterated that most of Perodua\u2019s outstanding orders \nwould be met within\n the year.\n\n\nHowever, Dato\u2019 Zainal added that \u201cthe semiconductor chip supply is still a global issue.\u201d To address this, he said Perodua will be working with its partners and suppliers to limit any disruption this shortage may cause.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-to-introduce-new-models-in-coming-months-2022-civic-city-hatchback/", "title": "Honda Malaysia to Introduce \u201cNew Models\u201d in Coming Months \u2013 2022 Civic & City Hatchback?", "body": "\n\nNow that the \nautomotive sector has resumed operations\n, Honda Malaysia is gearing up to regain its momentum in the last four months of 2021. In its plan to do so, the carmaker is planning to introduce \u201cnew models\u201d right here in Malaysia in the coming months \u2013 could these be the \n2022 Civic\n and City Hatchback?\n\n\nAccording to the MD and CEO of Honda Malaysia, Madoka Chujo, Honda Malaysia \u201chas lined up new models that feature Honda\u2019s Next Generation Advanced Technology to be launched in the coming months.\u201d\n\n\n\u201cThese launches will provide Malaysians with more new model options during the current sales tax exemption period, which has been extended to 31 December 2021,\u201d she added.\n\n\n\n\nThis seems to indicate that Honda Malaysia will introduce at least two new models by the end of the year. More likely than not, one of the two models should include the \nall-new 2022 Civic\n, which was \nteased by the carmaker itself\n to be launched here sometime this year.\n\n\nAs for the other new model, there\u2019s a good chance it is the City Hatchback. As its name suggests, it is basically the \nhatchback version\n of the current City sedan, though it does come with a number of differences. These include Ultra Seats \u2013 as found in the current Honda Jazz \u2013 and (in our opinion) a sportier rear end.\n\n\n\n\nOnly time will tell if Honda Malaysia will introduce both the 2022 Civic and City Hatchback locally by the end of the year. If you\u2019re contemplating to get the newer, more mature-looking 11th gen Civic or the current 10th gen model, give \nthis article a read\n \u2013 it may just help you decide.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/affordable-samsung-galaxy-a03s-now-in-malaysia-for-rm559/", "title": "Affordable Samsung Galaxy A03s Now in Malaysia for RM559", "body": "\n\nWe spotted the \nSamsung Galaxy A03s in SIRIM\u2019s database\n just last week, and Samsung Malaysia just announced today that the phone is now available in Malaysia. If you\u2019re looking to get a budget-friendly smartphone, the A03s fits the bill.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Galaxy A03s is offered in Malaysia; the company isn\u2019t bringing in the base 32GB model. Anyway, the 64GB configuration of this phone with 4GB of RAM retails at only RM559. If you need more storage space, you can use the microSD card slot.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the best selling points of the Galaxy A03s has to be its large 5,000mAh battery, which should be able to return above average battery life. Aside from that, it\u2019s also powered by a MediaTek Helio P35 processor. It\u2019s not a particularly impressive chip, but this \nis\n an affordable phone \u2013 the chip should still be fast enough for everyday use.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy A03s include a 6.5-inch 1600 x 620 display, a triple camera system (16MP primary + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), a 5MP selfie camera, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and Android 11 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy A03s is now \navailable for purchase in Malaysia\n for RM559. It is offered in three colours: Blue, Black, and White.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/horizon-forbidden-west-pre-orders-now-open-from-rm249-no-free-upgrade/", "title": "Horizon Forbidden West Pre-Orders Now Open From RM249 \u2013 No Free Upgrade", "body": "\n\nAs promised\n, Guerrilla Games\u2019 latest title, \nHorizon Forbidden West\n, is now available for pre-order. Just like other recent PlayStation exclusive games, the Standard Edition of Forbidden West costs \nRM249\n and \nRM299\n for the PS4 and PS5 respectively, and there\u2019s no free upgrade either.\n\n\nBasically, if you purchase the PS4 or PS5 version of Horizon Forbidden West, you can only access the game on the respective platform. \u201cFor players looking to have access to both the PS4 and PS5 versions of Horizon Forbidden West, please purchase the Digital Deluxe, Collector\u2019s, or Regalla Edition,\u201d said Guerrilla Games.\n\n\n\n\nWith that said, you\u2019ll only have access to Horizon Forbidden West on the PS4 and PS5 if you purchase either one of these three versions of the game. The studio added that this \u201cdual entitlement\u201d does not apply to the Standard or Special Edition copy of Forbidden West \u2013 keep this in mind if you own both the PS4 and PS5.\n\n\nAnyway, for the Malaysian market, only the digital versions are confirmed so far. Aside from the aforementioned Standard Edition for the \nPS4 (RM249)\n and \nPS5 (RM299)\n, there\u2019s also the Digital Deluxe Edition \nwhich costs RM339\n. Not only does this copy of the game gives players access to the game on the PS4 and PS5, it has a number of add-ons too.\n\n\nThese include two special outfits, two special weapons, an in-game resource pack, an Apex Clawstrider Machine Strike Piece, exclusive Photo Mode pose and face paint, as well as digital versions of the art book, soundtrack, and The Sunhawk graphic novel based on the original Horizon Zero Dawn game.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, physical editions of Horizon Forbidden West \u2013 including the Standard, Special Edition, Collector\u2019s Edition, and Regalla Edition above \u2013 have not been revealed yet. Rest assured, we\u2019ll keep an eye for any local retailer that are taking orders for these physical copies of the game.\n\n\nHorizon Forbidden West launches on the PS5 and PS4 on 18 February 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-the-sony-wf-1000xm4-for-only-rm1049/", "title": "Deal: Get the Sony WF-1000XM4 for Only RM1,049", "body": "\n\nSony\u2019s brand new wireless earbuds, the \nSony WF-1000XM4\n, is arguably one of the best earbuds with active noise cancellation (ANC) right now. On top of that, a couple of retailers are offering a pretty good discount on it too: you can get the WF-1000XM4 \nfor only RM1,049 now\n.\n\n\nMono Digital\n and \nTROCA\n, both of which are Shopee Mall retailers, are currently offering the WF-1000XM4 for RM1,049 \u2013 that\u2019s a RM50 discount from the original retail price. In order to get the earbuds at this price point, you only need to claim a RM50 discount voucher from the respective retailers.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the WF-1000XM4 particularly interesting is its ANC performance, which is said to be best in class by Sony itself. On top of that, even with ANC activated, the XM4 can last up to eight hours on a single charge \u2013 that\u2019s two more hours than its predecessor\u2019s quoted battery life.\n\n\nIn terms of sound quality, the WF-1000XM4 now supports high-resolution audio courtesy of LDAC, so it should be able to deliver better audio quality. On top of that, the\u00a0\nWH-1000XM4\n\u2018s \u201cSpeak-to-Chat\u201d feature has been implemented into these wireless earbuds too. Basically, when you start speaking, it will automatically let in ambient sound.\n\n\nOther noteworthy features of the WF-1000XM4 include IPX4 water resistance \u2013 you can use it for your workouts or in the rain without issue \u2013 as well as a 40% smaller charging case. The case supports wireless charging, and it can fully charge the earbuds twice, giving you effectively 24 hours of battery life in total.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to get the Sony WF-1000XM4 for only RM1,049, you can do so from \nMono Digital\n and \nTROCA\n. We\u2019ve received a review unit of these earbuds too, so stay tuned for our full review of the WF-1000XM4!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mysejahtera-automatic-check-out-when-you-check-in-to-a-new-location/", "title": "MySejahtera: Automatic Check Out When You Check In to a New Location", "body": "\n\nThe MySejahtera app was recently updated \nwith a check out button\n, which requires user to utilise the new feature whenever they leave a particular premise or location. But what if you\u2019ve forgotten to check out? Well, worry not: it\u2019s just confirmed that you\u2019ll be automatically checked out when you check in to a new location.\n\n\nThis was revealed by the Ministry of Health (MOH) itself on Twitter. If you need to visit several locations in a short period of time, you\u2019ll definitely appreciate this automatic check out. That being said, as the check out feature was implemented for better contract tracing, it\u2019s highly recommended to check out whenever you leave a location.\n\n\n\n\nTo improve contact tracing, we have added a check-out button on the app. All you have to do after leaving a location is click the check-out button. \nForgot to check-out? Don\u2019t worry. You will be checked out and you can check in at another location.\n\u2014 KKMalaysia\ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe (@KKMPutrajaya) \nSeptember 4, 2021\n\n\n\n\nAside from the check out button, the MySejahtera app was also updated to more prominently show \nthe risk level and vaccination status of a user\n. This makes it much easier for premises to quickly verify whether a person is fully vaccinated or not, among other things.\n\n\nBut oddly enough, at the time of writing, the latest MySejahtera update is only available on the \nApple App Store\n and \nHuawei AppGallery\n. The \nGoogle Play Store\n does not have the new update yet, so keep this in mind if you\u2019re not seeing the new check out button on you Android device.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nNo, You Won\u2019t Be Fined RM1,500 For Not Checking Out in MySejahtera\n\n\nNew MySejahtera Update Finally Available on Android\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-5-iii-finally-registered-with-sirim-launching-in-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Sony Xperia 5 III Finally Registered with SIRIM \u2013 Launching in Malaysia Soon?", "body": "\n\nPreviously, we were told that the \nSony Xperia 5 III\n will be available in Malaysia \nsometime in August 2021\n. Since it\u2019s already September now, we were wondering exactly when the compact flagship phone will actually be launched here. Well, we reckon this is happening very soon, given that the device has finally been registered with SIRIM.\n\n\nWhile we were going through SIRIM\u2019s database, we spotted the Xperia 5 III registered under Sony Malaysia with the model number XQ-BQ72 just yesterday on 3 September. This suggests that the phone is ready for its local debut, given that electronics need to be registered with SIRIM first before they can be officially sold here.\n\n\nThe Sony Xperia 1 III (left) and Xperia 5 III\n\n\nOne of the headline features of the Xperia 5 III is its variable telephoto lens system, which allows the 12MP telephoto sensor to change its focal length between 70mm to 105mm. Paired with a \u201cDual PD sensor,\u201d it promises fast autofocus speeds too, even when switching between different focal lengths. This phone also features a 12MP primary sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter.\n\n\nRounding out the hardware of the Xperia 5 III are a 6.1-inch 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, 256GB of expandable storage, an 8MP selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery, as well as an IP65/IP68 rating.\n\n\n\n\nGiven that the Sony Xperia 5 III has already been registered with SIRIM, we reckon it will be available for purchase in Malaysia very soon. If you\u2019re wondering, this phone is \nset to go for RM4,599 locally\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-the-samsung-galaxy-z-flip-for-only-rm2499-on-9-september/", "title": "Deal: Get the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip for Only RM2,499 on 9 September", "body": "\n\nIf the brand new \nGalaxy Z Flip 3\n is out of your budget, consider its predecessor. Though the original \nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip\n doesn\u2019t have all the bells and whistles, it still sports the same form factor. More importantly, it is far more affordable: you can get the foldable phone \nfor only RM2,499\n next week.\n\n\nCompared to the Z Flip\u2019s RM3,999 usual retail price \u2013 which was revised back in February from the original RM5,888 launch price \u2013 you\u2019re saving a whopping RM1,500. This deal is offered by\u00a0\nSamsung\u2019s LazMall flagship store\n\u00a0on Lazada in conjunction with the e-commerce platform\u2019s 9.9 Sale next week.\n\n\n\n\nStill,\u00a0\nfor RM2,499\n, you\u2019re getting a premium smartphone with a unique foldable display. It\u2019s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ chipset \u2013 even though it was released back in 2019, it\u2019s still a capable processor \u2013 along with a 6.7-inch 2636 x 1080 Dynamic AMOLED \u201cInfinity Flex\u201d Display.\n\n\nYou can grab the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip \nfor only RM2,499\n between 9 to 11 September next week. If you\u2019d like to learn more about this foldable phone, check out our hands-on\u00a0\nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/no-you-wont-be-fined-rm1500-for-not-checking-out-in-mysejahtera/", "title": "No, You Won\u2019t Be Fined RM1,500 For Not Checking Out in MySejahtera", "body": "\n\nRecently, a viral WhatsApp message claims that a RM1,500 fine will be imposed on individuals who fail to \u201ccheck out\u201d using the \nupdated MySejahtera app\n. Well, fret not: the Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed that this is not true.\n\n\nMOH shared dispelled this rumour through its social media pages. However, even though a RM1,500 fine will not be imposed, it\u2019s best to check out whenever you leave a premise or location with the MySejahtera app. After all, this feature was implemented to improve contract tracing.\n\n\n\n\nGrafik yang tular dalam whatsapp ini adalah tidak benar. Tiada denda RM1500 jika tidak \"check out\" dalam MySejahtera sebagaimana yang dinyatakan dalam grafik tersebut. \npic.twitter.com/yENgXSJSLu\n\u2014 KKMalaysia\ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe (@KKMPutrajaya) \nSeptember 3, 2021\n\n\n\n\nIn order to check out, you won\u2019t need to scan any MySejahtera QR code again. All you have to do is to just hit the check out button right below the name of the premise or location. Do note that once you\u2019ve checked in to a new premise, you will be automatically checked out of the previous location.\n\n\nThe new MySejahtera update is now available on the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n,\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n, and \nHuawei AppGallery\n. If you don\u2019t see the check out feature yet, make sure the app is updated to the latest version.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/new-mysejahtera-update-finally-available-on-android/", "title": "New MySejahtera Update Finally Available on Android", "body": "\n\nPreviously, the \nnew MySejahtera update\n \u2013 which adds the \ncheck out feature\n, among other things \u2013 was only available on the Apple App Store and Huawei AppGallery. After a couple of days since the update went live on these app stores, it is now finally available on Android.\n\n\nIf the MySejahtera app on your Android device does not have the new check out button yet, \nclick here\n to update to the latest version on the Google Play Store. Once you\u2019ve done that, the check out feature should be available.\n\n\n\n\nAside from the check out button, the latest MySejahtera update also has a tweaked user interface. The moment you open up the app, your \nrisk level and vaccination status\n will be shown.\n\n\nOn top of that, the last location you checked in will be shown as well. If you\u2019ve caught COVID-19 (or you\u2019re considered to be high risk), the app will have a bright red indication to signify this. After you\u2019ve checked in to a location, your risk level and vaccination status will (again) be displayed too.\n\n\n\n\nThe new MySejahtera update is now available on the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n,\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n, and\u00a0\nHuawei AppGallery\n. If you don\u2019t see the new user interface and check out button, make sure the app is updated to the latest version.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nMySejahtera: Automatic Check Out When You Check In to a New Location\n\n\nNo, You Won\u2019t Be Fined RM1,500 For Not Checking Out in MySejahtera\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopeefood-opens-registration-for-eateries-launching-in-malaysia-this-month/", "title": "ShopeeFood Opens Registration for Eateries \u2013 Launching in Malaysia This Month?", "body": "\n\nWe previously reported that ShopeeFood, a new food delivery service, will be \navailable right here in Malaysia\n sometime this month. Well, Shopee just \nput up a registration page\n for eateries to sign up to the service, so there\u2019s a good chance the Malaysian debut of ShopeeFood is still on track.\n\n\nThis registration page for ShopeeFood was first spotted by \nAmanz\n. According to the page, a wide range of vendors can sign up to the food delivery service. These include restaurants, cafes, bars, food trucks, and even hawker stalls.\n\n\n\n\nOnce ShopeeFood is available in Malaysia, the service will be directly implemented into the Shopee app. But based on our previous report, ShopeeFood appears to be \nonly limited to Klang Valley\n at the moment.\n\n\nGiven the current COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia, it\u2019s more important now than ever for food delivery services to be available. More information on ShopeeFood can be found \nhere\n. You can also sign up to the food delivery service through \nthis form\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/illegear-launches-apex-24-apex-27-165hz-gaming-monitors-in-malaysia-from-rm739/", "title": "Illegear Launches Apex 24 & Apex 27 165Hz Gaming Monitors in Malaysia From RM739", "body": "\n\nIllegear is widely known for its range of \ncustomisable gaming laptops\n, and now, the brand is venturing into gaming monitors. The company is starting off with two products: the Illegear Apex 24, and the higher-end Illegear Apex 27 \u2013 both of them sport a fast 165Hz refresh rate with adaptive sync.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the more affordable gaming laptop of the two, the Apex 24. Retailing at only RM739, you\u2019re getting a 165Hz 23.8-inch 1920 x 1080 \u201cPremium TN\u201d screen that covers 98% of the sRGB colour space. On top of that, this monitor is also said to have minimal backlight bleed, along with a glass back panel for a premium touch.\n\n\n\n\nThe higher-end Apex 27, on the other hand, sports a larger, sharper, and more vibrant 27-inch 2560 x 1440 IPS display with the same 165Hz refresh rate. Not only does it support HDR, this panel covers 100% of the sRGB colour space too. Given its higher-end hardware, the Apex 27 also costs slightly more with a RM1,199 retail price.\n\n\nAside from that, the Apex 27 has one more advantage over the Pixel 24: its \u201cscrewless stand\u201d is much more versatile. According to Illegear, you can tilt, rotate, swivel, and adjust the height of the Apex 27, so needless to say, you can easily get a comfortable viewing angle with this gaming monitor.\n\n\n\n\nThe Illegear Apex 24 is now \navailable for purchase on Illegear\u2019s online store\n. As for the Illegear Apex 27, is it currently \non pre-order until 30 September\n with a RM100 discount, bringing down the price to only RM1,099. It\u2019s set to start shipping in early October 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-to-offer-free-ps5-upgrade-for-horizon-forbidden-west-after-all/", "title": "Sony to Offer Free PS5 Upgrade for Horizon Forbidden West After All", "body": "\n\nWhen pre-order details of Horizon Forbidden West \nwere announced last week\n, many gamers (especially those on the PS4) weren\u2019t thrilled that there\u2019s no free PS4 to PS5 version upgrade as promised by Sony in the past. Thankfully, this is no longer the case: those who purchase the game on the PS4 can upgrade to the PS5 version for free now.\n\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s abundantly clear that the offerings we confirmed in our pre-order kickoff (for Forbidden West) missed the mark,\u201d said Jim Ryan, the President and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE). \u201cWhile the pandemic\u2019s profound impact pushed Forbidden West out of the launch window we initially envisioned, we will stand by our offer: Players who purchase Horizon Forbidden West on PlayStation 4 will be able to upgrade to the PlayStation 5 version for free,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\nPreviously, players will only have access to both the PS4 and PS5 versions of Forbidden West if they purchase the Deluxe, Collector\u2019s Edition, or Regalla Edition of the game, which cost quite a bit more than the Standard copy of the game. With this announcement, you won\u2019t be limited to these three editions anymore.\n\n\nAnyway, for the Malaysian market, only pre-orders for the digital versions of Horizon Forbidden West are confirmed so far. There\u2019s the Standard Edition for the\u00a0\nPS4 (RM249)\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nPS5 (RM299)\n, and also the Digital Deluxe Edition,\u00a0\nwhich costs RM339\n. Forbidden West launches on the PS4 and PS5 next year on 18 February 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/no-free-ps5-upgrade-for-next-god-of-war-10-charge-for-cross-gen-access/", "title": "No Free PS5 Upgrade for Next God of War \u2013 $10 Charge for Cross-Gen Access", "body": "\n\nWhen Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) confirmed that \nHorizon Forbidden West\n will be getting a free upgrade from the PS4 to the PS5 version, the company also revealed that the next God of War will not receive the same treatment. Instead, players will need to pay a fee to access the game on both the PS4 and PS5.\n\n\nThis was confirmed by the President and CEO of SIE, Jim Ryan. \u201cPlayStation first party exclusive cross-gen titles (newly releasing on PS4 and PS5) \u2013 both digital and physical \u2013 will offer a $10 digital upgrade option from PS4 to PS5. This will apply to the next God of War and Gran Turismo 7, and any other exclusive cross-gen PS4 and PS5 title published by SIE,\u201d he said.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, it remains to be seen exactly how much the $10 (about RM40) cost will translate to the Malaysian market for those who are planning to upgrade to the PS5 version of any first party PlayStation game from the PS4. Chances are, it should be below the RM50 mark, though this is only our own educated guess.\n\n\nAnyway, speaking of God of War, we may be getting our first look at the new PlayStation exclusive game during the \nPlayStation Showcase\n event this Friday on 10 September. You can watch the livestream of the event at 4AM Malaysian time on that day.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-grab-the-redmi-9c-from-only-rm299-on-9-september/", "title": "Deal: Grab the Redmi 9C From Only RM299 on 9 September", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to get a budget-friendly phone, this deal may pique your interest. On 9 September this Thursday, the \nRedmi 9C\n will go for as low as RM299, making it one of the most affordable Android phones in the market now.\n\n\nThis is an \nofficial deal by Xiaomi Malaysia itself\n. On 9 September, the 32GB + 2GB variant of the Redmi 9C will go for only RM299 (RM100 discount), while the 64GB + 3GB configuration will retail at RM399 (RM80 off). This deal will be available on \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Redmi 9C offers a MediaTek Helio G35 octa-core processor clocked at 2.3GHz. Fabricated on a 12nm process, it should be power-efficient enough to allow the 9C to return respectable battery life. After all, it\u2019s packing a very generous 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\nMoving on to the camera, the Redmi 9C has a triple camera system made up of a 13MP f/2.2 primary camera, a 2MP f/2.4 macro shooter, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor. Not the most sophisticated camera system, but it should do in a pinch, especially for a phone at this price point.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Redmi 9C include a 6.53-inch 1600 x 720 display, a 5MP f/2.2 front camera, as well as a rear fingerprint sensor.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, you can grab the Redmi 9C from only RM299 this Thursday on 9 September from \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-3-unboxing-hands-on-more-practical-than-ever/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 Unboxing & Hands-On \u2013 More Practical Than Ever", "body": "\n\nThe \nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 3\n is currently still \navailable for pre-order in Malaysia\n \u2013 with some \nneat freebies too\n \u2013 and if you\u2019re not sure if the foldable phone is for you, then this hands-on (and unboxing) may help you decide. Compared to \nits predecessor\n, the Z Flip 3 brings a few upgrades that make it a more practical foldable phone.\n\n\nSo then, without further ado, let\u2019s see what this RM3,999 \u201cmodern flip phone\u201d has to offer, along with what you get in the box.\n\n\n\n\nJust like the Galaxy S21 series, the Z Flip 3 comes in a very slim box. Yes, just as you\u2019ve suspected, there is no charger bundled with this foldable phone. There is, however, a USB-C to USB-C cable in the box, along with (naturally) a rather nice-looking SIM card ejector pin.\n\n\nAs for the Z Flip 3 itself, it is covered in a plastic wrapping unfolded in the box. Remove the plastic cover from the device and\u2026that\u2019s basically the unboxing experience. Next, let\u2019s start setting up this foldable phone.\n\n\n\n\nAs you start setting up the Galaxy Z Flip 3, you\u2019ll see the disclaimer above. Basically, it\u2019s about taking care of the foldable display. Even though the protective layer on top of the foldable glass screen is said to be up to 80% more durable now \u2013 not to mention the fact that it\u2019s also IPX8 water-resistant \u2013 Samsung clearly wants consumers to still be careful with it.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, I absolutely love how the Z Flip 3\u2019s foldable screen \nfeels\n to the touch. Compared to the original Z Flip, this new, more durable protective layer on top of the glass display does not feel \u201crubbery\u201d at all. In fact, it feels quite nice and smooth, almost like a proper glass screen \u2013 almost.\n\n\n\n\nThe hinge of the Z Flip 3 is improved too. It still feels very secure and robust, and when I fully unfold the phone, I can feel the display \u201clocking\u201d into place now. There\u2019s no audible click or anything, but it does feel as if the screen is fully unfolded, which I really like. This is in stark contrast to the first Z Flip; that one did not have any feedback whatsoever.\n\n\nWhat about the display quality of the Galaxy Z Flip 3? Well, as expected from a Samsung-made panel, it\u2019s great. The 6.7-inch 1080p Dynamic AMOLED 2X display looks stunning with bright, vibrant colours, and the fast 120Hz adaptive refresh rate makes every single motion on the screen look extra smooth.\n\n\n\n\nI\u2019m quite a fan of the 22:9 aspect ratio of this display too. Thanks to the tall, narrow nature of this panel, I can comfortably navigate through the phone with only one hand. Even if the unusually tall screen makes it difficult to reach for the top of the display, I\u2019d say it\u2019s worth the trade-off for easier one-handed use.\n\n\nThere\u2019s also the larger, more practical cover screen of the Galaxy Z Flip 3. Now that the 1.9-inch 512 x 260 Super AMOLED panel can show more detailed notifications and widgets, I can sift through my messages first before deciding to unfold the phone.\n\n\nHonestly, however, I\u2019m not entirely sold on the practicality of the cover screen yet. I\u2019ll have to spend more time with the phone first to see if I\u2019ll find it useful or not, but I do have to admit: it\u2019s a nice design element.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to performance, there\u2019s no denying that the Z Flip 3 is a fast high-end device. After all, it\u2019s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, which is found in the majority of other 2021 flagship smartphones. It feels fast and zippy, there\u2019s no noticeable slowdown at all, and I can multitask seamlessly with this phone.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the camera performance of the Galaxy Z Flip 3. Even though the dual camera system (12MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle) is not a super sophisticated setup, it does feel very capable. Judge for yourself with these sample shots:\n\n\n12MP primary\n12MP primary\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\nRegardless of the lighting situation, the Z Flip 3 can take some great shots. It does have a tendency to oversaturate colours \u2013 as with all Samsung phones \u2013 but this does result in a more flattering-looking image. Plus, the camera interface does not feel sluggish at all, which makes for a pleasant shooting experience.\n\n\nOf course, it would\u2019ve been great if the Z Flip 3 had a telephoto sensor too, but at least there\u2019s an ultra-wide angle shooter. I\u2019d argue most folks will find more use out of this particular camera than a zoom lens. I mean, it\u2019s cool that a phone can do up to 100x zoom now, but in terms of sheer practicality, I\u2019d still take an ultra-wide angle sensor.\n\n\n\n\nAs far as initial impressions go, I am very impressed with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3. It feels great \u2013 especially the new protective layer on top of the screen \u2013 it is eye-catching, and most of all, it sports a unique form factor that will grab attention. It\u2019s a modern take on a flip phone; what\u2019s not to love?\n\n\nOn top of that, with a RM3,999 starting price, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 really is \nthe most accessible foldable phone yet\n. I\u2019ll be putting it through its paces in the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned for our full review of the Z Flip 3!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ps-members-can-now-get-overcooked-all-you-can-eat-hitman-2-for-free/", "title": "PS+ Members Can Now Get Overcooked! All You Can Eat & Hitman 2 For Free", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re a PlayStation Plus member, you can now claim this month\u2019s free games. These include \nOvercooked! All You Can Eat\n, \nHitman 2\n, and \nPredator: Hunting Grounds\n. Once you\u2019ve claimed these titles, they are yours to keep as long as your subscription remains active.\n\n\nOut of the three games, Overcooked is arguably the most interesting title this month. Not only does it include both the original Overcooked and Overcooked 2, every DLC released for the two games are available too.\n\n\n\n\nMore importantly, Overcooked! All You Can Eat is also a remaster of the two games, running at 60fps in 4K resolution, along with faster loading times. Unfortunately, PlayStation is only offering this game on the PS5 \u2013 the PS4 version is not included in PlayStation Plus\u2019 September 2021 games.\n\n\nAnyway, \nOvercooked! All You Can Eat\n, \nHitman 2\n, and \nPredator: Hunting Grounds\n will be available for download until 4 October 2021 \u2013 remember to claim them in time!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/check-the-vaccination-status-of-eateries-with-vaxxed-shops/", "title": "Check the Vaccination Status of Eateries With Vaxxed Shops", "body": "\n\nAs dining in (for fully vaccinated individuals) are now allowed in more states across Malaysia, folks may wonder if store employees of eateries that they plan to visit are also fully vaccinated against COVID-19. It can be hard to look for this information, and that\u2019s where Vaxxed Shops comes into the picture.\n\n\nDeveloped by software engineer KH Lim, Vaxxed Shops shows the vaccination status of employees in eateries. So far, these stores are either classified as \u201cfully vaccinated\u201d or \u201cpartially vaccinated.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nAs the site explains, stores that are fully vaccinated are defined as \u201ceach working staff has received two doses with an additional 14 days after the second dose\u201d of AstraZeneca, Pfizer, or Sinovac. Interestingly, partially vaccinated stores, on the other hand, only requires more than 50% of the total working staff to be fully vaccinated to get this status on the site.\n\n\nVaxxed Shops sourced the vaccination status of eateries from their Twitter or Instagram account, or as claimed by the respective stores. Users can also add a shop \nthrough a form\n, which will be added to the list within 24 hours after it\u2019s been reviewed.\n\n\n\n\nAt the time of writing, only about 66 eateries are listed on Vaxxed Shops, and most of them are establishments in the Klang Valley area. While we wouldn\u2019t consider the site a definitive source of vaccination information for eateries, we imagine it can still come in handy.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/driving-schools-allowed-to-operate-from-9-september-only-for-fully-vaccinated-folks/", "title": "Driving Schools Allowed to Operate From 9 September \u2013 Only for Fully Vaccinated Folks", "body": "\n\nMore sectors will be allowed to operate in the first phase of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) from 9 September onwards, including driving schools. Of course, there are a number of SOPs that have to be followed, and only fully vaccinated candidates are allowed to take their examinations.\n\n\nThis was revealed by the Minister of Transport, Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong. While driving schools will be allowed to operate from 9 September onwards, the examination to obtain a driving license will only commence on 17 September. This is done to ensure that driving institutes and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) have enough time to manage any possible issues that candidates may face.\n\n\n\n\nAside from candidates, employees and teaching staff of driving schools are also required to be fully vaccinated. Naturally, candidates that show symptoms of COVID-19 infection are not allowed into driving schools either; same goes for those who are located in Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) areas.\n\n\nDriving schools are only allowed to operate at 60% capacity if 40% of its employees are fully vaccinated; the capacity goes up to 80% if 60% of staff received complete vaccinations. If 80% of their staff have been vaccinated, these driving institutes are allowed to operate at full capacity.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-alan-walker-se-gaming-laptop-now-in-malaysia-for-rm7999/", "title": "Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Alan Walker SE Gaming Laptop Now in Malaysia for RM7,999", "body": "\n\nThe unique \nAsus ROG Zephyrus G14 Alan Walker Special Edition\n gaming laptop is now available in Malaysia. As expected, this special, premium laptop carries an equally premium price tag, though those who are looking for an eye-catching gaming machine \u2013 or a fan of Alan Walker \u2013 may be willing to drop the cash for it.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Zephyrus G14 AW SE is offered, which retails at a cool RM7,999 here in Malaysia. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a 14-inch QHD IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, an AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS processor paired with 16GB of RAM, 1TB of PCIe SSD storage, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU.\n\n\n\n\nBut the highlight of the G14 AW SE aren\u2019t its hardware. Rather, it\u2019s the exterior styling of the gaming laptop. Its lid, for one, features a reflective belt made of actual fabric with Alan Walker\u2019s and ROG\u2019s brandings. Aside from that, the AniMe Matrix LED array on the lid has a unique \u201cSpectre Blue\u201d shade too, which is exclusive to this machine.\n\n\nWhat\u2019s even more interesting is the acrylic packaging of the special edition Zephyrus G14: it doubles as a DJ deck. As Asus puts it, there are \u201cconductive pads on the surface that allow users to trigger 18 of Walker\u2019s own sound effects\u201d through the ROG Remix software. You can even import your own effects to the software.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Alan Walker Special Edition is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM7,999. If you\u2019d like to learn more about this sleek gaming laptop, check out \nour hands-on\n \u2013 our full review will also be posted very soon!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-13-series-coming-on-15-september/", "title": "iPhone 13 Series Coming on 15 September", "body": "\n\nApple just sent out invitations to its next big fall event. Chances are, we will see the debut of the Cupertino company\u2019s \nlatest iPhone 13 series\n at the event, which (naturally) promises quite a number of upgrades.\n\n\nThe teaser for the event, as is the case with Apple\u2019s previous teasers, is a simple one with just the tagline \u201cCalifornia streaming\u201d highlighted. The AR Easter egg for the event is quite cool too: you can \u201cwalk into\u201d the Apple logo to reveal a nighttime landscape. This could be a reference to the improved low light performance of the new iPhones\u2019 cameras.\n\n\n\n\nWe\u2019re California Streaming on September 14th. See you real soon. \ud83c\udfde \n#AppleEvent\n \npic.twitter.com/OjOvJFXlHd\n\u2014 Greg Joswiak (@gregjoz) \nSeptember 7, 2021\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, if previous rumours are to be believed, the Pro models of the 2021 iPhones are expected to be equipped with an \nultra-wide angle camera with autofocus capability\n. Usually, ultra-wide angle sensors have a fixed focus, so this is quite a good upgrade, even if Apple is \nnot the first phone maker to do so\n.\n\n\nAside from that, the iPhone 13 series is said to be similar to the iPhone 12 models, though there will be some design changes. Not only will the \ndisplay notch be slightly smaller\n, the lens arrangement of the rear camera module is said to be revised too.\n\n\n\n\nApple\u2019s \u201cCalifornia streaming\u201d fall event will be taking place on 15 September next week at 1AM for us here in Malaysia. Aside from the iPhone 13, it\u2019s possible the company will reveal a number of other surprises too \u2013 maybe even a couple of \nnew MacBook laptops\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-3-sold-out-in-malaysia-rm1649-freebies-still-available/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Sold Out in Malaysia \u2013 RM1,649 Freebies Still Available", "body": "\n\nPreviously, the waiting list for the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 3\n in Malaysia was as long as \ntwo months\n. Fast forward to today, the foldable phone is \nsold out\n locally. Evidently, quite a number of Malaysians are eager to get their hands on Samsung\u2019s latest flagship.\n\n\nEven though the Z Fold 3 is now sold out in Malaysia, those who are interested can still register their interest to get RM1,649 worth of freebies \u2013 which include a RM850 e-voucher and Samsung Care+ worth RM799 \u2013 \nright here\n. This offer is valid until 21 September 2021.\n\n\n\n\nDue to overwhelming demand, the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is sold out. Register your interest to enjoy pre-order offers of RM850 e-voucher and Samsung Care+ (worth RM799)*. We will reach out to you again once Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is available. \nLearn more: \nhttps://t.co/hvAcjRNqfF\n \npic.twitter.com/w3suUl0ZON\n\u2014 Samsung Malaysia (@SamsungMalaysia) \nSeptember 8, 2021\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor\n, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 has gotten quite a bit more affordable with its RM6,699 starting price. On top of that, it offers a number of notable improvements too. These include a 4MP under display camera, a 120Hz 7.6-inch 2208 x 1768 Dynamic AMOLED 2X primary screen, and a 120Hz 6.2-inch 2268 x 832 cover screen.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Z Fold 3 include Qualcomm\u2019s Snapdragon 888 flagship chipset, a triple camera system (12MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle + 12MP telephoto), a 10MP cover camera, a 4,400mAh battery, S Pen support, and of course, IPX8 water resistance rating.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 starts at RM6,699 in Malaysia for the 256GB variant with 12GB of RAM. The 512GB model with the same amount of RAM, on the other hand, goes for RM7,099. If you want to get the Z Fold 3 and enjoy RM1,649 worth of rewards, you can \nregister your interest\n until 21 September 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-sold-5354-units-in-june-august-2021-sales-still-ahead-2020/", "title": "Proton Sold 5,354 Units in June to August 2021 \u2013 Sales Still Ahead of 2020", "body": "\n\nProton just revealed its sales figures from June to August 2021. Due to the extended COVID-19 lockdown, the national carmaker only managed to sell 5,354 units in these three months, which consist of online registrations and exports. That being said, Proton total sales for 2021 is still ahead of last year\u2019s performance.\n\n\nAccording to Proton, up to the end of August 2021, the carmaker sold 62,637 units. This is an increase of 1.6% over the same period in 2020. \u201cOur total sales volume up to August reflects Proton\u2019s strong performance over the first five months of the year,\u201d said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n\n\n\n\u201c2021 has been challenging for the automotive industry as lockdowns, chip shortages, and a number of other issues have stunted sales growth. But we are confident of an industry-wide surge in numbers over the final four months of the year,\u201d he added.\n\n\nThe national carmaker also said that over 93% of its staff have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. On top of that, over 75% employees of its vendors and dealers are vaccinated too.\n\n\n\u201cTherefore, the entire Proton ecosystem is close to being allowed to operate at 100% capacity based on the current SOPs for reopening of plants and business premises,\u201d the carmaker said in a press release.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re eagerly waiting to receive your Proton car \u2013 especially the immensely popular \nProton X50\n \u2013 you may not have to wait much longer now. The company is expecting its sales volume to increase from this month onwards.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/no-more-walk-in-covid-19-vaccination-in-klang-valley-from-16-september/", "title": "No More Walk-in COVID-19 Vaccination in Klang Valley From 16 September", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re in the Klang Valley area, take note: walk-in COVID-19 vaccination will no longer be offered here from 16 September onwards. This is done as the most residents in Klang Valley have been vaccinated already.\n\n\nThis was confirmed by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba. Although walk-in vaccination in PPVs will be phased out come 16 September, certain health clinics in Klang Valley will still offer it. The full list of clinics involved will be revealed at a later date.\n\n\nOf course, walk-in COVID-19 vaccination will still be offered in other states.\n\n\n\n\nSenarai klinik kesihatan akan diumumkan kelak.\nPemberhentian sesi 'walk-in' hanya membabitkan Lembah Klang & masih diteruskan di negeri lain. \nKami memohon agar orang ramai mengikuti pengumuman serta maklumat terkini dikeluarkan oleh Jabatan Kesihatan negeri masing\u00b2\n2/2\n\u2014 Dr Adham Baba (@DrAdhamBaba) \nSeptember 8, 2021\n\n\n\n\nAs of 7 September, over 97.8% of adults in the Klang Valley area have been fully vaccinated. As for the whole of Malaysia, 69.6% of the adult population have received their second doses. Those who have received at least one dose, on the other hand, currently stands at 88.9%.\n\n\nIf you reside in the Klang Valley area, and you haven\u2019t gotten your COVID-19 vaccination yet, you can still walk-in to selected PPVs to get vaccinated. The full list can be \nfound here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/9-15-september-fuel-price-ron-97-up-1-sen/", "title": "9 \u2013 15 September Fuel Price: RON 97 up 1 Sen", "body": "\n\nRON 97 is going up by 1 sen per litre folks. Given that the price ceilings of RON 95 and diesel have been reached, their prices remain the same.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 for the coming week is set at RM2.73 per litre (up from RM2.72). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 9 to 15 September. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/selangor-kl-putrajaya-entering-phase-2-of-nrp-on-10-september-updated/", "title": "Selangor, KL, Putrajaya Entering Phase 2 of NRP on 10 September (Updated)", "body": "\n\nGood news for those residing in the Klang Valley area. Come this Friday on 10 September, Selangor, KL, and Putrajaya will transition to phase two of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), which will further ease restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals.\n\n\nThis was confirmed by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob himself. Once Selangor, KL, and Putrajaya transition to phase two of the NRP this Friday, only Johor and Kedah will remain in the first phase.\n\n\n\n\nSaya pasti ini adalah satu berita yang dinantikan terutamanya seluruh warga Lembah Klang yang telah memberi kerjasama dengan amat baik sekali. \nDengan ini, kerajaan bersetuju memberi kebenaran kepada kawasan Lembah Klang untuk beralih ke Fasa 2.\nTeruskan \n#KeluargaMalaysia\n \ud83d\udcaa\ud83c\udffb \npic.twitter.com/PcOcmzDyDE\n\u2014 Ismail Sabri (@IsmailSabri60) \nSeptember 8, 2021\n\n\n\n\nOne of the biggest changes in the second phase of NRP compared to the first is the freedom to cross districts without restriction \nfor fully vaccinated individuals\n. According to the Prime Minister, no roadblocks will be implemented in the Klang Valley either.\n\n\nAs of 7 September, over 97.8% of adults in the Klang Valley area have been fully vaccinated. As for the whole of Malaysia, 69.6% of the adult population have received their second doses. Those who have received at least one dose, on the other hand, currently stands at 88.9% nationwide.\n\n\nUpdate 8 September, 7:50PM:\n\u00a0It\u2019s now confirmed that the whole Klang Valley, which include Selangor, KL, and Putrajaya, will transition to phase two of the NRP. The article has been updated to reflect this.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/new-ps4-mega-pack-includes-ghost-of-tsushima-for-rm1349/", "title": "New PS4 Mega Pack Includes Ghost of Tsushima for RM1,349", "body": "\n\nIf you haven\u2019t gotten a PlayStation 4 yet, you may be interested to pick up the new \u201cMega Pack\u201d for the console. Aside from the PS4 itself, this RM1,349 bundle also offers three fantastic games for the system.\n\n\nThese three games include \nGhost of Tsushima\n \u2013 albeit not the \nnewer Director\u2019s Cut version\n \u2013 Horizon Zero Dawn: Complete Edition, as well as God of War. A three-month subscription to PlayStation Plus (redeemable until 15 July 2023) is also included in the PS4 Mega Pack.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that these three games are physical copies, and you\u2019re also getting a single DualShock 4 controller in the Mega Pack. As for the PS4 itself, it\u2019s the standard model with a 1TB HDD.\n\n\nThe new PS4 Mega Pack will be sold in Malaysia from 14 September onwards for RM1,349; you can check with \nthese retailers\n for stock availability. While the PS4 is not quite as attractive as the \nbrand new PS5\n, it\u2019s still worth getting. After all, many upcoming PS5 titles \u2013 including \nHorizon Forbidden West\n \u2013 will also be available on the PS4.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-launches-im-vaccinated-campaign-80-of-dealerships-fully-vaccinated/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Launches \u201cI\u2019m Vaccinated\u201d Campaign \u2013 80% of Dealerships Fully Vaccinated", "body": "\n\nNow that car showrooms are \nallowed to operate nationwide\n, Honda Malaysia is launching a rather interesting campaign dubbed \u201cI\u2019m Vaccinated.\u201d Basically, the campaign is meant to give Honda customers (and dealer associates) assurance that its staff in showrooms are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.\n\n\nAccording to Honda Malaysia, only fully vaccinated staff are allowed to be on duty at its showrooms nationwide. These staff are also provided with a badge and mask that have a custom \u201cI Am Fully Vaccinated\u201d logo for patrons to easily identify their vaccination status.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWe believe this initiative can help to boost customer confidence during interactions with Honda dealer associates by showing that we are ready to meet and serve the customers in a safe environment as well as providing them peace of mind while being present at the dealerships,\u201d said the MD and CEO of Honda Malaysia, Madoka Chujo.\n\n\nHonda Malaysia also revealed that over 80% of its dealer associates are fully vaccinated. The carmaker is aiming for 100% vaccination rate for its associates by October 2021.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWe are thankful that our car production has resumed operations and Honda dealerships can carry out sales and after-sales services to serve our customers,\u201d Chuko added. With that in mind, it\u2019s worth noting that Honda Malaysia is currently \noffering up to RM6,000 discount\n for its range of models until the end of this month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-enduro-urban-n3-review-slim-lightweight-rugged-laptop-from-only-rm2799/", "title": "Acer Enduro Urban N3 Review: Slim, Lightweight Rugged Laptop From Only RM2,799", "body": "\n\nIf you think of durable, rugged laptops, there\u2019s a good chance a big, bulky machine comes to mind. But that doesn\u2019t apply to the new Acer Enduro Urban N3. Sporting a 21.95mm chassis that tips the scales at only 1.85kg, it\u2019s quite a lightweight laptop in this particular segment.\n\n\nWhile it does have a number of shortcomings in a couple of areas, the Enduro Urban N3 is a great option for those who want a rugged laptop that can take a beating or two. On top of that, it\u2019s quite an affordable machine too.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n14-inch FHD IPS (1920 x 1080)\nProcessor\nIntel Core i7-1165G7 (4C/8T, 2.8GHz with boost up to 4.7GHz)\nGPU\nIntel Iris Xe Graphics\nRAM\n8GB DDR4\nStorage\n512GB SSD\nCamera\n720p\nBattery\n48Wh\nDimensions\n351 x 245 x 21.95 mm\nWeight\n1.85kg\nAudio\nBottom-firing stereo speakers\nPorts\n3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1\n1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2\n1x HDMI\n1x SD card slot\nPrice\nRM3,699\n\n\nWe received the range-topping Enduro Urban N3 for this review, which features a Core i7-1165G7 processor paired with 8GB of RAM for RM3,699. There are also two other more affordable models: the Core i3 variant with a Core i3-1115G4 processor and 4GB of RAM costs RM2,799, while the Core i5-1135G7 configuration (also with 4GB of RAM) retails at RM2,999.\n\n\nWith a RM2,799 starting price, the Urban N3 is really quite an affordable laptop with a reasonably good list of hardware, though we\u2019d definitely recommend upgrading the RAM to 8GB if you want to get the more budget-friendly models.\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nThe main highlight of the Enduro Urban N3 is its rugged nature. Thanks to a MIL-STD-810H certification and an IP53 rating, it can survive some water splashes and the occasional dings. In the event that you do drop it, the four corners of the laptop are reinforced with rubber bits to minimise damage.\n\n\nAside from that, the Urban N3 itself feels solid. Granted, most of its chassis is made out of plastic, but it doesn\u2019t feel cheap. Besides, by using this lightweight material, the weight of the laptop is reduced accordingly. Sure, 1.85kg doesn\u2019t make it the lightest laptop in the market, but it\u2019s certainly lightweight for a rugged laptop.\n\n\nThe ports are protected with sealed flaps to prevent water damage\n\n\nNot only is it relatively lightweight, the Enduro Urban N3 is not ridiculously thick either with a 21.95mm chassis. Again, not the thinnest laptop in the market, but you\u2019d be hard-pressed to look for another rugged laptop with a thinner profile.\n\n\nIn the performance department, it goes without saying that the Core i7-1165G7 processor is able to keep up with my productivity needs. The 512GB SSD storage \u2013 available on all variants of the Urban N3 \u2013 ensures that applications and files load up very quickly too.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of productivity, I\u2019m quite impressed with the battery life of the Enduro Urban N3. Even though its 48Wh battery isn\u2019t particularly sizeable, I can consistently get about eight hours of use on a single charge. I got this level of battery life by setting the power plan to battery saver, with the screen dimmed to a comfortable level.\n\n\nWhile eight hours of use falls short of Acer\u2019s lofty quoted battery life of up to 13 hours, this is still respectable battery life for a productivity-focused laptop.\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nMy main qualm with the Acer Enduro Urban N3 are its input devices; more specifically, the finicky touchpad. For some reason, the trackpad doesn\u2019t feel very responsive at times. Not only does it have trouble registering double clicks, it has issues with two-finger scrolling as well.\n\n\nAs for the keyboard, it doesn\u2019t have much key travel, so it provides a shallow typing experience. If you plan to do a lot of typing on this laptop, you may want to try out the keyboard for yourself first to see if you\u2019ll be comfortable with it.\n\n\n\n\nNow, it\u2019s safe to assume that a rugged laptop like the Urban N3 is meant to be used outdoor, so I don\u2019t understand why it has such a glossy 14-inch 1080p IPS display. because of this, glare from the sun can be quite an issue with this panel. It would\u2019ve been better if the screen had a matte finish instead.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nNonetheless, if you\u2019re looking for a durable, rugged laptop, the Acer Enduro Urban N3 is still a great option. While its input devices aren\u2019t particularly good, it\u2019s a reasonably slim and lightweight rugged laptop \u2013 the same can\u2019t be said of many other laptops in this segment.\n\n\n\n\nPlus, one of the best selling points of the Enduro Urban N3 is the fact that it\u2019s a budget-friendly laptop. Depending on how much processing power you need, the most affordable Core i3 configuration for RM2,799 can be good enough for some folks too.\n\n\nOn top of that, even this base model is packed with a generous 512GB SSD, though you may want to consider upgrading the RAM to 8GB. The default 4GB RAM is really the bare minimum here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-sony-wh-1000xm4-going-for-only-rm974-now/", "title": "Deal: Sony WH-1000XM4 Going for Only RM974 Now", "body": "\n\nThe\u00a0\nSony WH-1000XM4\n, one of the best noise-cancelling wireless headphones in the market now, is more affordable than ever. Originally retailing at RM1,599, you can now get the XM4\u00a0\nfor only RM974\n.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by renowned retailer Jaben on Shopee. It is listing the WH-1000XM4 for RM989, and you can collect a 4% discount voucher (capped at RM15) from the retailer to bring down the price\u00a0\nto only RM974\n. Compared to the launch price of the headphones, you\u2019re saving a whopping RM625 with this deal.\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt RM974 for a pair of noise-cancelling wireless headphones of this calibre is a very,\u00a0\nvery\n\u00a0good deal. Not quite convinced? Then check out our\u00a0\nreview of the Sony WH-1000XM4\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-grab-the-sony-wf-1000xm4-for-only-rm984/", "title": "Deal: Grab the Sony WF-1000XM4 for Only RM984", "body": "\n\nSony\u2019s brand new wireless earbuds, the \nSony WF-1000XM4\n, is arguably one of the best earbuds with active noise cancellation (ANC) right now. On top of that, a couple of retailers are offering a pretty good discount on it too: you can get the WF-1000XM4 \nfor only RM984 now\n.\n\n\nMono Digital\n, a Shopee Mall retailer, is currently offering the WF-1000XM4 for RM999. With a RM15 discount voucher from the store, you can get these wireless earbuds \nfor merely RM984\n. This is a respectable \nRM115 discount\n from the original retail price.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the WF-1000XM4 particularly interesting is its ANC performance, which is said to be best in class by Sony itself. On top of that, even with ANC activated, the XM4 can last up to eight hours on a single charge \u2013 that\u2019s two more hours than its predecessor\u2019s quoted battery life.\n\n\nIn terms of sound quality, the WF-1000XM4 now supports high-resolution audio courtesy of LDAC, so it should be able to deliver better audio quality. On top of that, the\u00a0\nWH-1000XM4\n\u2018s \u201cSpeak-to-Chat\u201d feature has been implemented into these wireless earbuds too. Basically, when you start speaking, it will automatically let in ambient sound.\n\n\nOther noteworthy features of the WF-1000XM4 include IPX4 water resistance \u2013 you can use it for your workouts or in the rain without issue \u2013 as well as a 40% smaller charging case. The case supports wireless charging, and it can fully charge the earbuds twice, giving you effectively 24 hours of battery life in total.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to get the Sony WF-1000XM4 for only RM984, you can do so from \nMono Digital\n. We\u2019ve received a review unit of these earbuds too, so stay tuned for our full review of the WF-1000XM4!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-akko-cs-v2-switches-review-perfect-for-newcomers/", "title": "Video: Akko CS V2 Switches Review \u2013 Perfect for Newcomers!", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFiguring out your switch preference is one of the most important first steps as a newcomer in the custom mechanical keyboard hobby. That\u2019s where these Akko CS V2 switches come into the picture: thanks to their very affordable nature, they are perfect for beginners to try out.\n\n\nThere are three switches in Akko\u2019s CS V2 series: Radiant Red (62g linear), Vintage White (45g linear), and Lavender Purple (50g tactile). As mentioned, these are budget-friendly offerings; a box of 45 switches for the Radiant Red and Lavender Purple cost RM38, while the Vintage White (oddly enough) is priced at RM39.56 for the same amount of switches.\n\n\nAnyway, if you\u2019re here in Malaysia, you can get the Akko CS V2 switches \nfrom Shopee\n. Alternatively, you can also get it directly from Akko \nright here\n. Curious to see (and hear) how these switches perform? Then watch our video review above!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/god-of-war-ragnarok-confirmed-for-2022-release-on-ps5-ps4-new-trailer-revealed/", "title": "God of War Ragnarok Confirmed for 2022 Release on PS5 & PS4 \u2013 New Trailer Revealed", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHere it is: God of War Ragnarok finally gets a launch date. Set to be released on PS5 and PS4 sometime next year in 2022, Santa Monica Studio also showed off a brand new trailer of the upcoming game, and it looks fantastic.\n\n\nRagnarok takes place a few years after the events of the 2018 God of War. Kratos\u2019 son, Atreus, is now a teenager, and he \u201cwants to understand who he is more than anything,\u201d as the developer puts it. After all, the big revelation of the previous game is the fact that he is \u2013 spoiler alert \u2013 the infamous Loki in Norse mythology.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, Kratos and Atreus will also face off against the legendary Aesir god Thor in Ragnarok, along with Freya from the previous game. We can see a glimpse of these two characters in the trailer above, and it looks like we\u2019re in for quite the ride. Oh, Odin himself will be making an appearance too.\n\n\nNaturally, Ragnarok will introduce a number of new enemies and abilities as well. Kratos will have new attacks and weapons, while Atreus seems to have gained a new Runic Summon. All nine realms will also be accessible in Ragnarok, including Vanaheim, Svartalfheim, and Asgard itself.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGod of War Ragnarok will be released sometime in 2022 next year for the PS5 and PS4. As previous revealed, there will be no free upgrade from PS4 to the PS5 version of Ragnarok. Instead, a \n$10 upgrade option\n will be offered.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/marvels-spider-man-2-coming-only-to-ps5-in-2023-marvels-wolverine-also-announced/", "title": "Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man 2 Coming (Only) to PS5 in 2023 \u2013 Marvel\u2019s Wolverine Also Announced", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInsomniac Games got two big announcements this morning. Not only is the studio releasing a sequel to the original Spider-Man on the PS4 \u2013 aptly dubbed Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man 2 \u2013 Insomniac is even working on a brand new Marvel game starring one of the most iconic characters in the franchise: Wolverine.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with Spider-Man 2 first. Set to be released exclusively on the PS5 in 2023 (sorry PS4 owners), both Peter Parker and \nMiles Morales\n will be featured in the game. Yes, there will be two Spider-Mans in the sequel, so it\u2019ll be interesting to see how Insomniac will incorporate both of them into the story as they face off against Venom.\n\n\n\n\nAnd\u2026that\u2019s about it. Not much was revealed beyond the fact that Venom will be one of the villains in Spider-Man 2. It remains to be seen what other villains will make an appearance in the upcoming game, though it seems like Venom will be a big part of the narrative.\n\n\nAs for Marvel\u2019s Wolverine, not much was revealed either. The announcement teaser is very brief, and it only confirms that the game is currently in development for the PS5. That\u2019s right, both of these upcoming Insomniac titles will only be playable on the next-gen console.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man 2 is set to be released exclusively on the PS5 sometime in 2023. No release date was given for Marvel\u2019s Wolverine, though we reckon it will only be released after Spider-Man 2.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/uncharted-4-is-remastered-for-the-ps5-pc-in-uncharted-legacy-of-thieves-collection/", "title": "Uncharted 4 Is Remastered for the PS5 & PC in Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow this is interesting: Naughty Dog just revealed that Uncharted 4 \u2013 along with the Lost Legacy spin-off \u2013 will be coming to PS5 \nand\n PC in early 2022. Both of these games will be remastered for the two platforms in Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection.\n\n\nThis is quite a big deal, given that this is the first time the Uncharted franchise is releasing on the PC. However, the Legacy of Thieves Collection will be released on the PS5 first. \u201cThe PC version is in development by our partners at Iron Galaxy and will release shortly after the PS5 version,\u201d as Naughty Dog puts it.\n\n\n\n\nUncharted 4: A Thief\u2019s End is easily the best entry in the Uncharted franchise starring Nathan Drake, but it will be quite odd for PC gamers to jump into the series with the fourth instalment. After all, the first three Uncharted titles are not featured in the Legacy of Thieves Collection.\n\n\nThe same applies to Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, which follows Chloe Frazer and Nadine Ross after the events of Uncharted 4. While Nadine is a new character introduced in the aforementioned game, Chloe made her debut in the series back in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. In fact, she did not make an appearance at all in Uncharted 4.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, it\u2019s still great that PC players will finally be able to experience one of Naughty Dog\u2019s best franchises with the Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection. But if you really want to get the full effect of the narrative, we\u2019d recommend playing through the first three Uncharted titles first.\n\n\nOr at the very least, get familiarised with the story that leads up to the events of Uncharted 4.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/grab-only-low-risk-mysejahtera-users-drivers-are-allowed/", "title": "Grab: Only Low-Risk MySejahtera Users & Drivers Are Allowed", "body": "\n\nGrab just introduced a new policy for both passengers and drivers of the e-hailing platform. From 14 September onwards, only low-risk and casual contact (no symptoms) MySejahtera users are allowed to use its e-hailing services.\n\n\nIf a passenger\u2019s MySejahtera status is not one of these two, they will not be able to book or take a ride on any of Grab\u2019s e-hailing services. As for drivers, they will not be allowed to do any e-hailing jobs on Grab\u2019s platform.\n\n\n\n\nOnce the new policy is in effect, both passengers and drivers can request to check the MySejahtera status of each other. If either parties do not have the proper MySejahtera status, the other party has the right to cancel the ride. Similarly, those who are not registered with MySejahtera cannot use Grab\u2019s e-hailing services either.\n\n\nAccording to Grab, it is implementing this new policy to minimise the risk of COVID-19 exposure for both its passengers and drivers. \u201cBoth driver-partners and passengers should not be put in situations in which they are in close contact with these higher risk individuals, nor should they be required to,\u201d the company said.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that Grab said this is its own policy; not an SOP introduced by the National Security Council (MKN). The full policy can be found \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-alan-walker-se-review-style-substance-with-a-matching-price/", "title": "Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Alan Walker SE Review: Style & Substance With a Matching Price", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is one of the best gaming laptops in the market now. It is compact, it looks sleek, and it offers really good performance, \nespecially \nfor a machine this size. Naturally, all of these apply to the unique (and even more eye-catching) Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Alan Walker Special Edition \u2013 G14 AW SE, for short.\n\n\nThat being said, you do have to pay a premium for this special edition G14, which affects the value proposition of the gaming laptop. But if you\u2019re willing to drop the cash for it, you will get a very unique gaming laptop \u2013 with an equally unique packaging that transforms into a DJ deck.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n14-inch QHD IPS (2560  x 1440), 120Hz\nProcessor\nAMD Ryzen 9 5900HS (8C/16T, 3.1GHz with boost up to 4.5GHz)\nGPU\nNvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB GDDR6 (60W TGP + 15W dynamic boost)\nRAM\n16GB DDR4 3200MHz\nStorage\n1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD\nCamera\nNone\nBattery\n76Wh\nDimensions\n324 x 222 x 19.9 mm\nWeight\n1.7kg\nAudio\nBottom-firing stereo speakers with two tweeters\nPorts\n1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort, G-Sync, Power Delivery)\n1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2\n2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1\n1x HDMI 2.0b\nPrice\nRM7,999\n\n\nAs mentioned, the G14 AW SE doesn\u2019t offer the best value for money. After all, for RM7,999, you\u2019re only getting an RTX 3050 Ti GPU. The standard G14, on the other hand, offers a \nmore powerful RTX 3060 GPU for RM7,699\n. That\u2019s effectively RM300 less for \nbetter \ngraphics performance, though it doesn\u2019t have the G14 AW SE\u2019s unique stylings.\n\n\nYou\u2019re basically paying a premium for the aesthetics of this gaming laptop, which isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing. Plus, even though its value proposition isn\u2019t particularly appealing, this machine still offers reasonably good performance \u2013 let\u2019s get to that in the next section.\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nSo how effectively can you game on the Zephyrus G14 Alan Walker SE? Well, pretty darn well. Though its RTX 3050 Ti isn\u2019t the most impressive GPU in the market, it\u2019s paired with a fast Ryzen 9 5900HS processor and 16GB of RAM. This hardware configuration lets the laptop run AAA games without much trouble. Take a look at the benchmarks below.\n\n\nGames (max settings @ 1920 x 1080)\nAverage FPS\nBorderlands 3 (DX11)\n50.02\nControl (DX11)\n45.804\nWitcher 3 (HairWorks disabled)\n62.768\n\n\nAlthough only Witcher 3 went above 60fps at maxed out graphics settings in 1080p, the G14 AW SE can still run graphically demanding games like Borderlands 3 and Control relatively well. With some tweaks to the graphics settings, you can definitely run these games at over 60fps, though not at the screen\u2019s native 1440p resolution.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, I put the G14 AW SE\u2019s Ryzen 9 5900HS processor through its paces too with Cinebench R20. As the table below shows, its performance is quite comparable to other Ryzen 5000 series chips in the market now in both single-core and multi-core tests. In fact, compared to its direct predecessor, it\u2019s noticeably faster.\n\n\nProcessor\nSingle-core test\nMulti-core test\nAMD Ryzen 9 5900HS (Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 AW SE) \n561\n5185\nAMD Ryzen 9 5900HX (Alienware m15 R5)\n563\n4891\nAMD Ryzen 9 5900HX (Acer Nitro 5)\n561\n5042\nAMD Ryzen 7 5800H (Lenovo Legion 5 Pro)\n554\n5116\nAMD Ryzen 9 5900HX (Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 SE)\n566\n5461\nAMD Ryzen 9 5900HS (Asus ROG Flow X13)\n572\n4922\nAMD Ryzen 9 4900HS (2020 Asus ROG Zephyrus G14)\n481\n4173\nAMD Ryzen 7 4800H (Asus TUF Gaming A15)\n481\n4106\nIntel Core i7-11370H (Asus TUF Dash F15)\n581\n2749\nIntel Core i7-10875H (Acer Predator Triton 500)\n483\n3773\n\n\nNot only does the G14 AW SE have a fast processor, its 14-inch 2560 x 1440 IPS screen is fast too with a 120Hz refresh rate. The 1440p panel looks sharp with vibrant colours as well, and the high refresh rate provides good motion clarity in fast-paced games.\n\n\nGranted, this screen\u2019s 120Hz refresh rate isn\u2019t as fast as 144Hz or 165Hz panels found on other gaming laptops, but beyond 120Hz, it\u2019s really not that easy to tell the difference between these refresh rates.\n\n\n\n\nAnother aspect of the G14 AW SE that\u2019s worth highlighting is its \nincredibly long\n battery life. While its 76Wh battery isn\u2019t particularly big, I managed to squeeze out between \n10 to 11 hours of use\n on a single charge outside of gaming. To get this level of battery life, I set the power plan to battery saver with the screen dimmed to a comfortable level.\n\n\nIt\u2019s because of this impressive battery life that I reckon the G14 AW SE can serve as an excellent productivity laptop. On top of that, it has an accurate glass trackpad and a comfortable keyboard to type on too. The latter is especially good with long key travel and reasonably tactile keys.\n\n\nLast but definitely not least are the unique looks and packaging of the G14 AW SE. I really dig the reflective belt made of actual fabric with Alan Walker\u2019s and ROG\u2019s brandings on the lid of this laptop, not to mention the exclusive \u201cSpectre Blue\u201d lighting for the AniMe Matrix LED array.\n\n\n\n\nThere are also some some pretty nice accents on the mod keys of the keyboard, especially the light blue shade on the enter, right shift, and escape keys. This design choice gives the keyboard a good contrast with the alpha keys, and Alan Walker\u2019s logo are also on the A and W keys \u2013 it\u2019s a nice, subtle branding, in my opinion.\n\n\nBut what makes the G14 AW SE especially unique is its acrylic packaging, which doubles as a DJ deck. Dubbed ROG Remix, the DJ deck features \u201cconductive pads on the surface that allow users to trigger 18 of Walker\u2019s own sound effects.\u201d This DJ deck even has LED lighting surrounding it.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re curious, we took a closer look at the ROG Remix DJ deck in our hands-on \nright here\n.\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWithout a doubt the ROG Zephyrus G14 Alan Walker SE has plenty of positives, but its few shortcomings can be a dealbreaker to some folks. The biggest one? Its value proposition.\n\n\nIn reality, you\u2019re really paying quite a bit more for the unique stylings and packaging/DJ deck of the G14 AW SE; nothing more. For RM300 less, you can opt for the standard G14 to get better value for money. It is practically the same machine \nwith an even faster\n RTX 3060 GPU for RM7,699.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the G14 AW SE runs quite hot too. In extended gaming sessions, the CPU and GPU got up to 95\u00b0C and 83\u00b0C respectively. Do note that I was gaming in an air-conditioned room as well, so you can expect the temperatures to be higher in a warmer environment.\n\n\nWhile we\u2019re still on the topic of cooling, the G14 AW SE\u2019s system noise can also get quite loud. While gaming in Turbo mode to get the best level of performance, the fans are \nvery\n audible. Thankfully, outside of gaming, the fans rarely kick up a fuss.\n\n\n\n\nMy last qualm with the G14 AW SE is the fact that it doesn\u2019t have a webcam. For a gaming laptop that can easily serve as an excellent productivity laptop, not having a webcam can really be a dealbreaker to some folks. This is especially the case in this COVID-19 pandemic, where a lot of us are working from home.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIt really depends on how much you value the unique stylings of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Alan Walker Special Edition. Personally, I think it looks fantastic, and although the novelty of the packaging doubling as a DJ deck wears off after the initial unboxing, it\u2019s still a very smart and interesting idea.\n\n\n\n\nIn short, if you\u2019re a fan of Alan Walker, or you just like how the G14 AW SE looks, then yes, it\u2019s absolutely worth picking up even with its premium RM7,999 price tag. But if you can do without the fancy aesthetics, but still want a capable gaming laptop in a compact form factor \u2013 and very long battery life \u2013 get the \nstandard G14 instead\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-13-may-arrive-in-malaysia-soon-approved-by-sirim/", "title": "iPhone 13 May Arrive in Malaysia Soon \u2013 Approved by SIRIM", "body": "\n\nThe iPhone 13 series is expected to be \nunveiled later this week on 15 September\n for us here in Malaysia. Usually, we\u2019re not the first market to receive the latest iPhones, but this may change this year \u2013 the iPhone 13 has just been approved by SIRIM, our local certification body.\n\n\nJust yesterday on 12 September, Apple Malaysia itself registered a smartphone with the model number A2643. Though the certification doesn\u2019t mention that this is the iPhone 13, this model number does not match any iPhone in the market now, suggesting that this device belongs in the 2021 iPhone family.\n\n\n\n\nBased on previous leaks and rumours, the iPhone 13 series is said to be similar to the iPhone 12 models, though there will be some design changes. Not only will the\u00a0\ndisplay notch be slightly smaller\n, the lens arrangement of the rear camera module is said to be revised too.\n\n\nAside from that, the Pro models of the 2021 iPhones are also expected to be sporting an\u00a0\nultra-wide angle camera with autofocus capability\n. Usually, ultra-wide angle sensors have a fixed focus, so this is quite a good upgrade, even if Apple is\u00a0\nnot the first phone maker\u00a0to do so\n.\n\n\n\n\nOnce the iPhone 13 series is launched this Wednesday on 15 September at 1AM (Malaysian time), we\u2019ll find out then if Malaysia will be one of the first markets to get the new iPhones. Aside from the iPhone 13, it\u2019s possible the Cupertino company will reveal a number of other surprises too \u2013 maybe even a couple of \nnew MacBook laptops\n.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\niPhone 13 Pro & iPhone 13 Pro Max Unleashed: 1TB (!) Storage, 120Hz Display, From RM4,899\n\n\niPhone 13 & iPhone 13 mini Official: A15 Bionic, New Dual Camera System, RM3,399 Starting Price\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/akko-cs-v2-switch-review-great-starting-point-for-newcomers/", "title": "Akko CS V2 Switch Review: Great Starting Point for Newcomers", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFiguring out your switch preference is one of the most important first steps as a newcomer in the custom mechanical keyboard hobby. That\u2019s where these Akko CS V2 switches come into the picture: thanks to their very affordable nature, they are perfect for beginners to try out.\n\n\nOf course, given the affordability of the CS V2 switches, they do have some room for improvement. But these are without a doubt fantastic switches for the money, and if you\u2019re just starting out in the custom keyboard hobby, they can help you discover the kind of switch that\u2019s to your liking before committing to higher-end options.\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThere are three switches in Akko\u2019s CS V2 series: Radiant Red (62g linear), Vintage White (45g linear), and Lavender Purple (50g tactile). They are also 3-pin switches with no factory lubing out of the box, but what makes them even more interesting \u2013 aside from their very affordable pricing \u2013 are the switches\u2019 long springs.\n\n\n\n\nBoth the Radiant Red and Lavender purple have 18mm long springs, while the Vintage White has an \neven longer\n 22mm spring. The longer the spring, the \u201cslower\u201d they are, which provides an interesting typing experience compared to shorter, \u201cfaster\u201d standard springs \u2013 we\u2019ll get back to this further down this review.\n\n\nAs mentioned, these CS switches are budget-friendly offerings. A box of 45 switches for the Radiant Red and Lavender Purple cost RM38, while the Vintage White (oddly enough) is priced at RM39.56 for the same amount of switches from \nAkko\u2019s official store on Shopee Malaysia\n.\n\n\nGiven that you\u2019re paying less than RM1 per switch, these are \nabsolutely\n some of the most affordable options in the market now, even if they are only sold in a box of 45 switches.\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with my favourite switch of the lot, the Radiant Red linear switch. Out of the box, it feels quite smooth with just a hint of scratchiness. While it\u2019s not as smooth as a (far more expensive) JWK switch, its smoothness is comparable to a Gateron switch \u2013 that\u2019s really quite good.\n\n\nI\u2019m quite a fan of the Radiant Red\u2019s sound profile too, which is on the clackier side. It has a pleasant, poppy sound signature, with a slightly deep bottom out sound from the nylon bottom housing.\n\n\n\n\nThe Radiant Red\u2019s 18mm slow spring provides a \u201csnappy\u201d typing experience too. Not only does the longer spring allows the switch to have a more responsive, stronger upstroke, pushing down on the switch from the very top of the downstroke requires more force as well \u2013 this may be a typing characteristic some folks would want out of a switch.\n\n\nAs for the Vintage White linear switch, it\u2019s largely the same as the Radiant Red, though it is a tad higher-pitched with an even longer 22mm spring. This gives it a slightly snappier upstroke compared to the Radiant Red, but the Vintage White\u2019s 45g spring weight makes it feel quite a bit lighter too.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the Lavender Purple tactile switch. Out of the three switches in the Akko CS V2 series, this is the clackiest and highest-pitched switch of the bunch. This isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing, of course: some folks (like myself) love clacky switches.\n\n\nAs for the tactility of the Lavender Purple, it has a rounded bump with medium tactility. While it\u2019s not as tactile as the \nGlorious Panda\n or \nGazzew Boba U4T\n switch, the Lavender Purple is definitely more tactile than a typical Brown switch, such as the \nGateron Phantom Brown on the Keychron Q1\n.\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nSince we\u2019re still on the Lavender Purple, let\u2019s talk about its shortcoming first in this section. Although it has a long 18mm 50g slow spring \u2013 giving it a snappy, strong upstroke \u2013 it still feels quite\u2026well, sluggish. In fact, the switch actually got stuck on the spacebar a few times.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the sound profile of the Akko CS V2 switches. As I\u2019ve mentioned multiple times in this review, all three of these switches have a clacky sound profile. If you prefer a deeper, thockier sound signature, you won\u2019t get it with these Akko CS switches without some modding.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the unlubed nature of the CS V2 switches presents a number of issues too. Out of the box, they feel a little bit scratchy; some switches have noticeably worse spring ping too. Granted, some lubing will solve these two negatives, but if you want a switch that\u2019s ready to go without some modding, these are not the best options.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nEven though the Akko CS V2 switches are not the best out of the box \u2013 not many are, especially at this price point \u2013 these are still fantastic options for their sheer affordability. After all, once these switches are lubed, I reckon they are comparable to more expensive switches.\n\n\n\n\nWell, not quite on the same level as premium offerings like the \nCobalt POM\n or \nBoba U4T\n, but definitely better than, say, Gateron\u2019s or Kailh\u2019s more affordable switches. If you want to try out Akko\u2019s CS V2 switches, you can get them from \nShopee Malaysia\n. Alternatively, you can also purchase them on \nAkko\u2019s own international online store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/17-gsc-locations-reopen-on-16-september-more-to-open-on-23-september/", "title": "17 GSC Locations Reopen on 16 September \u2013 More to Open on 23 September", "body": "\n\nMovie lovers, great news: Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) will be reopening 17 of its branches on Malaysia Day this Thursday on 16 September. These include a good number of locations in Klang Valley, as well as the Southern and Northern regions.\n\n\nYou can refer to the full list of GSC branches that are reopening this Thursday below. If your nearest GSC isn\u2019t in the list, don\u2019t worry: more locations will also reopen the following week on 23 September.\n\n\n\n\nWE ARE REOPENING THIS WEEK! \ud83d\udca5\nAs we are still waiting for new movies to come in, 17 GSC locations will be opening this 16 September. More locations will reopen on 23 September!\nStay tuned for movie lineups! \n#BacktoGSC\n \npic.twitter.com/RHmy3p3Fmo\n\u2014 GSC | #BacktoGSC (@GSCinemas) \nSeptember 13, 2021\n\n\n\n\nAccording to guidelines set out by the government for the reopening of cinemas, only fully vaccinated moviegoers are allowed entry. Aside from that, the hall capacity is also limited to 50% to ensure that physical distancing can be observed. It remains to be seen if GSC will implement other SOPs as well.\n\n\nGSC has not released the full list of movies available when these 17 locations are reopening on 16 September, though it did say the movie lineup will be detailed soon. Do note that the opening date above is still subject to change, and more updates will be shared by the company on its \nsocial media pages\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/you-can-test-drive-cars-in-nrp-phase-2-but-only-for-fully-vaccinated-individuals/", "title": "You Can Test Drive Cars in NRP Phase 2, But Only For Fully Vaccinated Individuals", "body": "\n\nCar showrooms were allowed to operate \nback on 16 August\n, but it wasn\u2019t clear then if customers were allowed to test drive vehicles too. Well, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) just confirmed that for states in the second phase of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), test drives are allowed.\n\n\nHowever, like many other eased restrictions in the NRP, only fully vaccinated individuals are allowed to test drive cars. That means it\u2019s been 14 days since you\u2019ve received your second dosage of Sinovac, Pfizer, or AstraZeneca vaccine, or 28 days after your initial dosage of single-dose COVID-19 vaccines such as Johnson & Johnson and CanSino.\n\n\n\n\nKENYATAAN MEDIA:\nKELONGGARAN TAMBAHAN AKTIVITI-AKTIVITI DI BAWAH SEKTOR PERDAGANGAN PENGEDARAN SEPANJANG TEMPOH PELAN PEMULIHAN NEGARA (PPN) BERFASA\n#KPDNHEP\n \n#SOP\n \n#PPN\n \npic.twitter.com/o39sLnbID6\n\u2014 KPDNHEP (@kpdnhep) \nSeptember 12, 2021\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, since car showroom test drives are only limited to states that are in the second phase of the NRP, two states are excluded from this: Johor and Kedah. Car showrooms in these two states are not allowed to offer test drives, regardless of the vaccination status of its patrons.\n\n\nIf you plan to head to your nearest car showroom for a test drive, it\u2019s best to make an appointment with the relevant dealership first. After all, given the tighter SOPs in place now, most car showrooms \ndo not allow for walk-ins\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/gazzew-boba-u4t-thocky-back-in-stock-on-pantheon/", "title": "Gazzew Boba U4T Thocky Back in Stock on Pantheon", "body": "\n\nThe popular \nGazzew Boba U4T Thocky\n tactile switch has been restocked by Pantheon, a keyboard vendor based in Singapore. If you\u2019ve been wanting to get your hands on one of the best (and thockiest) tactile switches in the market, now\u2019s your chance.\n\n\nBoth the 62g and 68g variants of the Boba U4T are currently in stock at Pantheon. \nPriced at S$8.70\n (about RM27) for 10 switches, the U4T is certainly priced well for a switch of this calibre. If you want the \nRGB version of this switch\n instead (the top housing is transparent), only the 68g version is in stock right now.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the U4T such a desirable tactile switch is its thocky sound profile \u2013 as its name suggests \u2013 along with its strong, rounded tactile bump. Gazzew\u2019s switches are also known to be smooth right out of the box with very little stem wobble, which all apply to the U4T.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth nothing that Pantheon is one of the authorised vendors for Gazzew\u2019s range of products. Given that it is based in Singapore, it is also the closest vendor for us here in Malaysia. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the Boba U4T, give our review a read \nhere\n, or watch our video review above!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nintendo-switch-oled-pre-orders-still-available-in-malaysia-rm100-deposit/", "title": "Nintendo Switch OLED Pre-Orders Still Available in Malaysia \u2013 RM100 Deposit", "body": "\n\nBack in July\n, a number of Malaysian retailers opened bookings for the \nNintendo Switch (OLED Model)\n. Only limited slots were offered then, but it appears more allocations have been received by these stores. If you want to get your hands on the new console next month, you may want to pre-order it now.\n\n\nOf course, given that the OLED Switch has not been released yet, only place a booking with trustworthy retailers, such as the ones highlighted here. These include\u00a0\nImpulse Gaming\n,\u00a0\nOtakuya\n, and\u00a0\nJiro Game\n\u00a0\u2013 all of them are renowned local retailers. A RM100 booking fee is required to secure your order from these stores.\n\n\n\n\nLooking at the listings by these retailers, more units of the new White colourway are offered; only six units of the Neon Red/Neon Blue variant are available from \nOtakuya\n at the time of writing. Anyway, compared to its predecessor, the new OLED Switch features a larger 7-inch OLED panel with thinner bezels.\n\n\nAside from that, it has double the internal storage too at 64GB, and the stand sees a design revision as well. Instead of the original Switch\u2019s fragile-looking stand, this new Switch uses a much sturdier, wider stand that is also adjustable. This makes it easier to find for the right angle when the Switch is in tabletop mode.\n\n\nOther changes introduced in the new OLED Switch include a new dock with a wired LAN port, \u201cenhanced audio\u201d from the system\u2019s onboard speakers, and between 4.5 to 9 hours of battery life \u2013 the same quoted battery life as its predecessor.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to be one of the first in Malaysia to get the new Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) once it\u2019s available on 8 October worldwide, you can place your booking for the new console with the retailers listed above. Do note that local pricing has not been revealed yet, but for context, the new Switch costs $350 in the US \u2013 that\u2019s about RM1,450.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/custom-keyboard-how-to-remove-switches-with-a-switch-puller/", "title": "Custom Keyboard \u2013 How to Remove Switches With a Switch Puller?", "body": "\n\nSo you have your custom keyboard for a while now, and you\u2019ve decided to swap out the switches for a different kind. Surely, with a switch puller, it won\u2019t be that hard to remove the switches from your keyboard? Well, while the whole process may seem straightforward, it can actually be a frustrating experience.\n\n\nTrust me, I\u2019ve actually damaged quite a number of switches before I figured out how to pull them out more effectively. If you\u2019re in a similar situation, here are a number of tips and tricks to make it easier to remove switches from your keyboard with a switch puller \u2013 this is especially important if you\u2019re trying to pull out more expensive switches.\n\n\nGet a High-Quality Switch Puller\n\n\nThis is really the most important point to consider; it doesn\u2019t matter how skilled you are if your tool isn\u2019t up to the task. Take it from me: I purchased a dirt cheap switch puller before, and as a result, I ruined a fair bit of switches because of how \nsoft \nthe tips are.\n\n\nNot only does the soft tips make it difficult to get a good grip on the switch, it\u2019s also much harder to hook onto the clips of the switch to release it from the plate. Needless to say, you run the risk of damaging the switches with cheaper switch pullers with soft tips. This is one tool you do not want to cheap out on.\n\n\nDon\u2019t get this\nGet this instead\n\n\nSwitch pullers that I can personally recommend is the one from Rama Works you see above. It has served me very, very well, and if you\u2019re not a fan of the yellow colourway, you can get the\u00a0\nwhite one instead from iLumkb\n. If you want something a bit fancier,\u00a0\nWuque Studio\u2019s titanium switch puller\n\u00a0should be good too.\n\n\nOrientation Matters\n\n\nOddly enough, this is not talked about very often. Whether you\u2019ve got a keyboard with south- or north-facing LEDs, make sure that the logo/leaf of the switch is facing towards you. Basically, you\u2019ll have to rotate the keyboard around if it has south-facing LEDs.\n\n\nOnce you\u2019ve done that, hold onto the two clips of the switch with the switch puller, and gently squeeze on the puller to grab onto the clips. Then, apply slightly more force to the \nfront\n of the switch (the logo/leaf part) first as you push away (not up) with the puller; you should be able to release the clip this way.\n\n\nWhen you feel or hear the clip being released, you just need to do the same to the clip on the back of the switch.\n\n\nThis is the orientation you want to be looking at\n\n\nNow, this is my personal method to remove various switches from different custom keyboards, and it has worked very well. That being said, your mileage may vary, and this is definitely not the only way to remove switches with a switch puller without damaging them.\n\n\nDon\u2019t Use Too Much Force\n\n\nIt can be frustrating when you can\u2019t budge a switch out of the plate, but it is \nabsolutely important\n to not forcefully pull the switch out. If you do so, you run the risk of damaging the top housing of the switch. How do I know this? Well, that\u2019s exactly what happened to me. Thankfully, those damaged switches weren\u2019t particularly expensive.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re still having trouble releasing the switch clips from the plate, wiggle the switch back and forth until you feel the clip releasing. While you do this, do not apply more force than necessary, and \ndo not\n forcefully pull upwards; that\u2019s how you run the risk of hooking onto the top housing instead and damaging it in the process.\n\n\nYou do not want this to happen\n\n\nOnce you do manage to release the two switch clips, you can pull the switch out of the plate without much force. If you\u2019re launching the switch 10 feet away from you as you\u2019re pulling it out of the keyboard\u2026well, that\u2019s how you know you are using too much force.\n\n\nSome Switches Are Just Harder to Pull Out\n\n\nUnfortunately, some switches are just notoriously hard to pull out, such as the Gateron Ink Black and \nNovelKeys Cream\n. The method I outlined above can still remove them without damaging the housing, but it will be markedly more difficult to do so.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that some custom keyboards have tighter plates, which makes it even more difficult to remove switches. But, again, take your time pulling out the switches \u2013 you wouldn\u2019t want to damage the switch (or scratch up the plate) by using more force than necessary.\n\n\n\n\nHopefully, with these tips and tricks, you\u2019ll be able to remove switches from a keyboard more effectively and efficiently. Of course, if your switches are soldered to the PCB, make sure you desolder them first before you try to pull them out; the switches won\u2019t go anywhere if it\u2019s still soldered to the PCB.\n\n\nIf you have a hotswap PCB instead, you don\u2019t have to worry about this \u2013 that\u2019s the \nbeauty of a hotswap keyboard\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/leaked-iphone-13-case-renders-confirm-smaller-notch-new-camera-arrangement/", "title": "Leaked iPhone 13 Case Renders Confirm Smaller Notch & New Camera Arrangement", "body": "\n\nThe iPhone 13 series is expected to be announced \nin less than 12 hours\n, and we\u2019ve got (possibly) an early look at the new smartphones from some leaked renders. Not only does these images give us a glimpse of the smaller screen notch, it also confirms the new camera arrangement.\n\n\nThese leaked renders \u2013 which seem to be done by Spigen \u2013 were shared by renowned leaker Evan Blass. While the overall design of the iPhone 13 is similar to its predecessor, there are a number of subtle differences, such as the (aforementioned) smaller notch for a sleeker, more modern-looking phone.\n\n\n\n\npic.twitter.com/jRCw3yoAGa\n\u2014 Ev (@evleaks) \nSeptember 14, 2021\n\n\n\n\nThe lens arrangement of the rear camera module is seemingly revised as well. Previously, the iPhone 12 \u2013 and in essence, the \niPhone 12 mini\n too \u2013 had its two camera sensors arranged horizontally, but the iPhone 13 looks to be moving to a diagonal design, as confirmed by these renders.\n\n\nSpeaking of camera, the Pro models of the 2021 iPhones are also expected to be sporting an\u00a0\nultra-wide angle camera with autofocus capability\n. Usually, ultra-wide angle sensors have a fixed focus, so this is quite a good upgrade, even if Apple is\u00a0\nnot the first phone maker\u00a0to do so\n.\n\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ll find out for ourselves if this really is the final design of the iPhone 13 series once it is officially launched tonight at 1AM Malaysian time. There\u2019s also a chance that Malaysia could be \none of the first markets to get the new iPhones\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/digi-introduces-jomfibre-campaign-rm100-for-300mbps-plan/", "title": "Digi Introduces JomFibre Campaign \u2013 RM100 for 300Mbps Plan", "body": "\n\nDigi just launched a new JomFibre campaign, which offers savings of up to RM1,200 for selected fibre plans from the telco. In fact, you can get Digi\u2019s 300Mbps fibre plan for only RM100 \u2013 that\u2019s really quite a competitive price point.\n\n\nOf course, there are a number of caveats for this offer. In order to get the Digi Fibre 150 (300Mbps) fibre plan for only RM100 per month \u2013 it\u2019s usually RM150 per month \u2013 you need to be a Digi Postpaid 90 or above subscriber. On top of that, the RM50 rebate is only offered \u201cover a 24-month period based on your contract,\u201d as Digi puts it.\n\n\nEffectively, this will save you a total of RM1,200 over the two-year period.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want even higher speeds, you can opt for the Digi Fibre 190 (500Mbps) or Digi Fibre 270 (800Mbps) plan instead. The same promotion is applied here: Digi Postpaid 90 or above subscribers will get RM50 rebate for these two plans over a 24-month period, so you can get these plans for RM140 and RM220 per month respectively.\n\n\nAccording to Digi\u2019s website, you can still get a pretty sizeable rebate if you\u2019re a Digi Postpaid 60 user. Instead of a RM50 rebate, you\u2019re eligible to get a RM35 rebate over 24 months, saving you a total of RM840 in that period of time.\n\n\nDo note that the rebates mentioned above include a RM20 rebate per month, which is actually a \nlifetime rebate\n exclusively for the DF150, DF190, DF270, and DF290 fibre plans. Basically, once your 24-month contract is over, you\u2019ll still get to enjoy the RM20 discount every month.\n\n\n\n\nDigi\u2019s JomFibre campaign will be valid until 30 November 2021, so if you want to enjoy these rebates, sign up before then. More information on the campaign can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-is-the-new-entry-level-ipad-a13-bionic-new-12mp-ultra-wide-selfie-cam-from-rm1499/", "title": "This Is the New Entry-Level iPad \u2013 A13 Bionic, New 12MP Ultra-Wide Selfie Cam, From RM1,499", "body": "\n\nApple is starting off its big fall event with an updated entry-level iPad. Now packed with Apple\u2019s A13 Bionic chip \u2013 the same one that powers the \niPhone 11 series\n \u2013 the new iPad is now faster than ever, along with a new 12MP ultra-wide angle selfie camera.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Malaysian pricing of the updated 9th generation iPad. The base WiFi model with 64GB \nretails at RM1,499\n, while the cellular variant with the same amount of storage starts at RM2,119. If you want the 256GB model instead, that will set you back RM2,149 and RM2,769 for the WiFi-only and cellular models respectively.\n\n\n\n\nThanks to the A13 Bionic chip, the new iPad now offers 20% faster CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine performances compared to its predecessor. It also gains a new 12MP ultra-wide angle front camera, which enables the Center Stage feature.\n\n\nInitially offered on the iPad Pro, Center Stage pans the camera to keep the user (or users) in view. When other people get into the viewfinder, the camera will \u201csmoothly zoom out to include them in the conversation,\u201d as Apple puts it.\n\n\nBeyond these new additions, other specifications of the new iPad are mostly the same. It still has a 10.2-inch 2160 x 1620 Retina display \u2013 now with True Tone technology and support for the first generation Apple Pencil \u2013 and the same design as its predecessor.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the 9th generation entry-level iPad will retail from RM1,499 in Malaysia. Unfortunately, it remains to be seen exactly when it will be available locally.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ipad-mini-updated-with-sleeker-design-a15-bionic-chip-from-rm2299/", "title": "iPad mini Updated With Sleeker Design & A15 Bionic Chip From RM2,299", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nupdated entry-level iPad\n, Apple also introduced the all-new iPad mini. Now sporting a sleeker design with smaller screen bezels, it is also powered by Apple\u2019s latest A15 Bionic chip \u2013 the same processor that\u2019s found in the brand new \niPhone 13\n \nseries\n.\n\n\nThanks to the A15 Bionic chip, the new iPad mini is said to offer 40% faster CPU performance than its predecessor. In the graphics department, it sees a bigger 80% jump in GPU performance. Needless to say, this is one \nfast\n iPad in a compact form factor.\n\n\n\n\nThe design of the iPad mini is now far sleeker than the previous model too. Thanks to the smaller screen bezels, the display size of this tablet has actually been increased to an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina screen. It also features True Tone technology with up to 500 nits of brightness.\n\n\nOther specifications of the latest iPad mini include a new 12MP ultra-wide angle selfie camera \u2013 that\u2019s right, the \nCenter Stage experience\n is also available on this compact tablet now \u2013 a 12MP rear camera, 5G connectivity, support for the second generation Apple Pencil, as well as a USB-C connection.\n\n\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the all-new iPad mini \nretails from RM2,299\n for the 64GB WiFi-only model; the cellular configuration with the same amount of storage starts at RM2,949. No word yet on exactly when the new iPad mini will be sold locally, however.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-watch-series-7-is-here-larger-display-more-rounded-design-from-399/", "title": "Apple Watch Series 7 Is Here \u2013 Larger Display & More Rounded Design From $399", "body": "\n\nAlso unveiled at Apple\u2019s big fall event is the latest Apple Watch Series 7. With a larger screen and a more rounded design, the new Apple Watch is sleeker than ever, and it will be available later this fall.\n\n\nThanks to the larger screen \u2013 with screen bezels only 1.7mm thin \u2013 the Apple Watch Series 7\u2026supports a full-size keyboard. That\u2019s right, you can type with a \nfull QWERTY keyboard\n on the new Apple Watch. It even supports swipe typing for a more intuitive typing experience.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the updated Apple Watch is also said to be the most durable one yet. It features a stronger, more crack-resistant front crystal, along with an IP6X certification for dust resistance. Of course, the WR50 water resistance rating is retained too.\n\n\nCharging speed of the Apple Watch Series 7 sees a nice upgrade too. According to Apple, this smartwatch can now recharge up to 33% faster. As for battery life, the new Apple Watch can still provide the same all-day 18-hour battery life.\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on the Malaysian pricing or availability of the Apple Watch Series 7, though it\u2019s set to be available sometime in fall 2021. For context, the Series 7 retails from $399 in the US, which comes up to about RM1,660.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-13-iphone-13-mini-official-a15-bionic-new-dual-camera-system-rm3399-starting-price/", "title": "iPhone 13 & iPhone 13 mini Official: A15 Bionic, New Dual Camera System, RM3,399 Starting Price", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe brand new iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini are here. As expected, both of these iPhones are now faster than ever thanks to the new Apple A15 Bionic chip, along with a more capable (all-new) dual camera system and a smaller screen notch.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the A15 Bionic chip powering these two new iPhones. Built on a 5nm process just like its predecessor, this new processor promises better power-efficiency while offering faster performance. Compared to its \u201cleading competition,\u201d the A15 Bionic delivers better CPU and GPU performances by 50% and 30% respectively.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that these two new iPhones have improved battery life. The iPhone 13 mini can last 1.5 hours longer than its predecessor, while the iPhone 13 can return 2.5 hours more usage on a single charge than the iPhone 12. This improved battery life is attributed to the A15 Bionic chip, more power-efficient components, and bigger batteries.\n\n\n\n\nThe display of the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini also gets some neat upgrades. Not only is the notch 20% smaller now, the Super Retina XDR display on these two phones is also 28% brighter with a max outdoor brightness of 800 nits. This being an OLED panel, you get true, deep blacks, and vibrant colours as well.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini are packed with a new dual camera system made up of a 12MP primary sensor (it can now capture 47% more light) and a 12MP ultra-wide angle lens. Interestingly, sensor-shift OIS \u2013 first introduced on the iPhone 12 Pro Max \u2013 is now available on these two iPhones too for the primary shooter.\n\n\nOh, the lenses on the rear camera module are now arranged diagonally as well.\n\n\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the iPhone 13 mini \nstarts at RM3,399\n for the 128GB model, while the iPhone 13 is priced from RM3,899 with the same storage capacity. Both of these iPhones will be available for pre-order on 1 October, with deliveries taking place from 8 October onwards.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-13-pro-iphone-13-pro-max-unleashed-1tb-storage-120hz-display-from-rm4899/", "title": "iPhone 13 Pro & iPhone 13 Pro Max Unleashed: 1TB (!) Storage, 120Hz Display, From RM4,899", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe bigger, more feature-packed iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max are also introduced alongside the \nstandard iPhone 13 models\n. What separates the Pro models from the regular ones are a number of features, including a 120Hz display, an ultra-wide angle camera with autofocus capability, and get this: a whopping 1TB of internal storage.\n\n\nSo how much does a 1TB iPhone 13 Pro cost? Well, for the Malaysian market, it will set you back a cool RM7,199. If you just need a modest 128GB storage instead, you only have to fork out RM4,899.\n\n\nThe iPhone 13 Pro Max with 1TB of storage, on the other hand, costs an eye-watering RM7,599. What about the 128GB model? That particular configuration retails at RM5,299.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, both the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max feature a Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion, which offers an adaptive refresh rate from 10Hz to 120Hz. These are the first iPhones to sport such a high refresh rate.\n\n\nNaturally, the screen quality of the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max gets some other neat upgrades too. With a max outdoor brightness of 1000 nits, this is said to be the brightest screen ever on an iPhone. The notch is also 20% smaller now, so you get a sleeker, more modern-looking phone.\n\n\nWhile the Pro models of the iPhone 13 series are also powered by Apple\u2019s new A15 Bionic chip, they actually have a more powerful 5-core GPU. According to the Cupertino company, this GPU is 50% faster than \u201cthe leading competition.\u201d In fact, it is touted to offer the fastest graphics performance on any smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nThe triple camera system of the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max has been overhauled too. There\u2019s now a 12MP primary sensor, a 12MP telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom, and get this: a 12MP ultra-wide angle lens with autofocus capability. This allows the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max to capture macro shots, much like \nSamsung\u2019s Galaxy S21 Ultra\n.\n\n\nBattery life of the iPhone 13 Pro has been improved as well. Thanks to the new A15 Bionic chip, iOS 15\u2019s power efficiency, and a larger battery, the iPhone 13 Pro can last up to 1.5 hours longer than its predecessor. As for the iPhone 13 Pro Max, it offers up to 2.5 hours more battery life than the iPhone 12 Pro Max.\n\n\n\n\nThe iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max will be \navailable for pre-order in Malaysia\n from 1 October onwards. Just like the standard iPhone 13 models, deliveries for the Pro variants will also begin on 8 October.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-13-series-arrives-in-malaysia-8-october-from-rm3399-pre-orders-start-1-october/", "title": "iPhone 13 Series Arrives in Malaysia 8 October From RM3,399 \u2013 Pre-Orders Start 1 October", "body": "\n\nSurprise surprise: Apple just revealed the Malaysian availability of the \nbrand new\n \niPhone 13 series\n mere moments after its big fall event has concluded. Though we\u2019re not the first market to receive the 2021 iPhones, Malaysia is still getting them relatively early on 8 October next month.\n\n\nPre-orders of the iPhone 13 series, on the other hand, will take place slightly earlier on \nApple\u2019s very own\n \nMalaysian online store on 1 October\n. Chances are, our local telco companies will also reveal their own pre-order deals around the same time.\n\n\nThe standard iPhone 13\nThe iPhone 13 Pro\n\n\nOut of the four devices in the series, the \niPhone 13 mini\n is the most affordable of the bunch with a RM3,399 starting price, followed by the standard iPhone 13 from RM3,899. As for the higher-end \niPhone 13 Pro\n, the base model costs RM4,899 \u2013 there\u2019s also a whopping 1TB configuration that goes for a cool RM7,199.\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the top-of-the-line iPhone 13 Pro Max. The 128GB base model retails at RM5,299, while the 1TB variant costs an eye-watering RM7,599. If you want to get these devices at a lower price point, consider purchasing them with our local telcos \u2013 we reckon they will offer some attractive rebates.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-12-series-now-starts-at-only-rm2899/", "title": "iPhone 12 Series Now Starts at Only RM2,899", "body": "\n\nNow that the \niPhone 13\n \nseries is here\n, Apple has revised the prices of the iPhone 12 family. Previously starting at RM3,399, you can now get the 2020 iPhone \nfrom only RM2,899\n \u2013 that\u2019s quite a big RM500 price difference.\n\n\nOf course, the RM2,899 starting price is for the \niPhone 12 mini\n with 64GB of storage. If you want the more generous 128GB or 256GB models instead, that will set you back RM3,099 and RM3,599 respectively; these prices are lower by RM500 compared to their launch pricing.\n\n\nThe iPhone 12 mini\n\n\nAs for the larger iPhone 12, it received the same amount of price cut. The 64GB variant \ncosts RM3,399\n, while the 128GB and 256GB configurations go for RM3,599 and RM4,099 respectively. Given that both the iPhone 12 and 12 mini are still very capable devices in 2021, they\u2019re certainly worth considering if the iPhone 13 series is out of your budget.\n\n\nHowever, even with this price cut for the iPhone 12 family, you may still want to consider the iPhone 13 series instead. After all, the iPhone 13 and 13 mini now offers 128GB of storage in the base model, which go for RM3,399 and RM3,899 respectively \u2013 that\u2019s just a RM300 price difference compared to their predecessors with the same amount of storage.\n\n\n\n\nYou\u2019re also getting other neat upgrades introduced in the iPhone 13 series, including a 20% smaller display notch, better performance from the A15 Bionic chip, and improved battery life. You can learn more about the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/16-22-september-fuel-price-all-prices-maintained/", "title": "16 \u2013 22 September Fuel Price: All Prices Maintained", "body": "\n\nNo changes to fuel prices in Malaysia this week folks! This mainly applies to RON 97, given that the price ceilings of RON 95 and diesel have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 for the next seven days is set at RM2.73 per litre. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 16 to 22 September. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-11t-11t-pro-unveiled-with-flagship-hardware-affordable-prices/", "title": "Xiaomi 11T & 11T Pro Unveiled With Flagship Hardware & Affordable Prices", "body": "\n\nXiaomi is introducing quite a number of new products today, including the Xiaomi 11T and Xiaomi 11T Pro. Both of these devices feature high-end, flagship-class hardware, and in line with the Chinese company\u2019s pricing strategy, these two phones offer good value for money too.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the higher-end device of the two, the 11T Pro. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, you can expect to get a high level of performance out of this phone. Aside from that, it also features a rather sophisticated camera system made up of a 108MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 5MP telemacro lens.\n\n\nThe Xiaomi 11T Pro\n\n\nOther specifications of the 11T Pro include a 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED display with 120Hz AdaptiveSync, 8GB or 12GB of RAM, two UFS 3.1 storage options (128GB or 256GB), as well as a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 120W Xiaomi HyperCharge, which can fully charge the phone in only 17 minutes.\n\n\nAs for the more affordable Xiaomi 11T, it\u2019s largely similar to the Pro model, though it does have a number of differences. Instead of a Qualcomm processor, it\u2019s powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1200-Ultra SoC instead; this is said to be the chipmaker\u2019s best offering to date.\n\n\nAside from that, the 11T also features the same display, camera system, and battery capacity as its Pro sibling, though its fast charging capability is limited to 67W.\n\n\nThe Xiaomi 11T\n\n\nSo far, we\u2019ve only got the European pricing of the Xiaomi 11T and 11T Pro. The 11T retails from \u20ac499 (about RM2,455), while the 11T Pro starts at \u20ac649 (around RM3,195). No word yet on the Malaysian pricing and availability of these two phones, though we reckon they will be made available here soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-confirms-malaysian-availability-of-pad-5-tablet-with-snapdragon-860-chip/", "title": "Xiaomi Confirms Malaysian Availability of Pad 5 Tablet With Snapdragon 860 Chip", "body": "\n\nInitially launched in China last month, the \nXiaomi Pad 5\n just had its global debut. On top of that, this pretty capable Android tablet is now confirmed to be coming to Malaysia as well in the near future.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that we\u2019ve spotted \nthe Pad 5 in SIRIM\u2019s database\n a few weeks ago, so we already suspected then that the tablet would be available here in Malaysia. Of course, it\u2019s great that we now have official confirmation from the company itself on the local availability of the Pad 5.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, as mentioned, the Pad 5 is quite a capable Android tablet. After all, it\u2019s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 chipset, which is essentially an improved version of the Snapdragon 855. This was the chipmaker\u2019s flagship offering back in 2019.\n\n\nAside from that, the Pad 5 also features a sharp 11-inch 2560 x 1600 TrueTone display \u2013 it can adjust the screen\u2019s white balance to match ambient lighting \u2013 with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. It can be paired with a magnetic stylus and keyboard cover too, just like other notable tablets in the market now.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Pad 5 include a 13MP rear camera, an 8MP selfie shooter, an 8,720mAh battery, 6GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of storage.\n\n\n\n\nThough it\u2019s now confirmed that the Xiaomi Pad 5 will be coming to Malaysia soon, no specific timeline was given; there\u2019s no indication of its local pricing either. For the sake of context, the Pad 5 retails from 1,999 Chinese yuan (about RM1,290) in China \u2013 that\u2019s quite a competitive price tag.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-11-lite-5g-ne-features-90hz-screen-snapdragon-778g-for-only-e369/", "title": "Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE Features 90Hz Screen & Snapdragon 778G for Only \u20ac369", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nXiaomi 11T series\n and the \nXiaomi Pad 5 tablet\n, the Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE \u2013 that stands for \u201cNew Edition\u201d \u2013 has been unveiled too. It\u2019s touted to be a lightweight, slim smartphone, and despite its slim form factor, it still has a reasonably large 4,250mAh battery and decent hardware.\n\n\nSo how slim and light is the 11 Lite? Well, its chassis measures only 6.81mm thin, and it tips the scales at 158g. If you\u2019re not a fan of overly thick, hefty smartphones \u2013 which is becoming a norm these days \u2013 this mid-ranger might tickle your fancy.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the 11 Lite has reasonably good hardware too. It\u2019s powered by a relatively fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset, and paired to a 6.55-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate (240Hz touch response rate), it should be a decent smartphone for mobile gaming as well.\n\n\nOther specifications of the 11 Lite include 6GB or 8GB of RAM, two UFS 2.2 storage options (128GB or 256GB), a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 5MP telephoto), a 20MP selfie camera, 5G connectivity, and as mentioned, a 4,250mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet from Xiaomi Malaysia on the local availability or pricing of the Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE, though the company did say to \u201cstay tuned\u201d for more details. Anyway, in Europe, the 11 Lite retails at \u20ac369, which comes up to about RM1,815.\n\n\nDo note that this price tag includes VAT for the European market, so once the 11 Lite is launched here in Malaysia, it should be priced lower than this.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/new-ps5-update-finally-adds-support-for-external-m-2-ssd/", "title": "New PS5 Update Finally Adds Support for External M.2 SSD", "body": "\n\nGreat news, \nPlayStation 5\n owners! A new update for the next-gen console is now live, which finally adds support for external M.2 SSD. If you\u2019ve been running out of storage space lately, you won\u2019t have to deal with that anymore.\n\n\nOnce you\u2019ve installed a compatible M.2 SSD to your PS5, you can use the extra storage to download, copy, and launch PS5 and PS4 games, along with media apps. It is also possible to run PS5 and PS4 games directly from the M.2 SSD itself, not to mention the ability to freely move games between the M.2 SSD and the PS5\u2019s native storage.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, it can be tricky to find for M.2 SSDs that will be compatible with the PS5. Not only do you need an M.2 SSD that can do 5,500MB/s or faster sequential read speed, it\u2019s still not guaranteed that \u201call M.2 SSD devices meeting the described specifications will work with your console,\u201d as Sony puts it.\n\n\nGiven the level of performance you need for the M.2 SSD, it needs to be adequately cooled too. According to PlayStation, you need to use a cooling structure of sorts with the SSD, such as a heatsink. Both single-sided or double-sided heatsinks will work too, as long as it meets the dimensions outlined in \nthis support page\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOnce you do have a compatible M.2 SSD, you can start installing it to your PS5. If you\u2019re not quite sure how to do that, refer to the installation video above.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/akko-unveils-6-new-cs-switches-with-dustproof-stem/", "title": "Akko Unveils 6 New CS Switches With Dustproof Stem", "body": "\n\nAkko just added six new switches to its CS series. Unlike the company\u2019s \nprevious switches\n in the lineup, these new offerings sport dustproof stems, which should also improve stem wobble. Interestingly, a few of the new switches got some unique features too, including a \u201cdual tactile bump\u201d design and a two-stage spring.\n\n\nOut of the six new CS switches, four of them are linear switches: Jelly White, Jelly Pink, Jelly Black \u2013 which is touted as the heaviest switch with a 50g actuation force \u2013 and Starfish, the only switch to feature a two-stage spring. This should make for snappier typing experience, thanks to a more pronounced upstroke.\n\n\n\n\nKey Changes for the New CS Switches: \n1) Clear PC bottom ( previously using POM); \n2) Dustproof stem added; \n3) Dual tactile bump for Jelly Blue & Sponge (both when pressing and releasing); \n4) Two-stage switch springs on Starfish. \nPre-order now: \nhttps://t.co/1VOMWAKQub\n \npic.twitter.com/MXE5QZPikk\n\u2014 Akko Official (@akkogear) \nSeptember 15, 2021\n\n\n\n\nThe other two CS switches, on the other hand, are essentially the same tactile switch with a different colourway. Both the Jelly Blue and Sponge switches have a dual tactile bump that can be felt in the downstroke and upstroke. This should make for an interesting typing experience, especially if you\u2019re a fan of tactile switches.\n\n\nCompared to the \nCS V2 switches\n, these new offerings also have a polycarbonate bottom housing now, which should (in theory) make for an even clackier typing experience. Of course, this is only an educated guess on our part at this point in time until we\u2019ve tried them out for ourselves.\n\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ll be sure to give these new CS switches a thorough review once we\u2019ve received them from Akko. In the meantime, you can purchase these switches from \nAkko\u2019s international online store\n for $11.99 or \nShopee\n \nMalaysia\n for RM44.56. As usual, they are sold in a box of 45 switches.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-3-z-flip-3-officially-launched-in-malaysia-from-rm3999/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Z Flip 3 Officially Launched in Malaysia From RM3,999", "body": "\n\nSamsung officially launched two of its brand new foldable smartphones here in Malaysia. Retailing from RM3,999, the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 3\n and \nZ Fold 3\n are the Korean company\u2019s most affordable foldable phones yet; all pre-orders of the latter are even \nsold out\n right now.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 costs RM3,999 and RM4,199 for the 128GB and 256GB models respectively. As for the larger, more sophisticated Z Fold 3, it retails at RM6,699 and RM7,099 for the 256GB and 512GB configurations respectively.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor\n, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 has gotten quite a bit more affordable with its RM6,699 starting price. On top of that, it offers a number of notable improvements too. These include a 4MP under display camera, a 120Hz 7.6-inch 2208 x 1768 Dynamic AMOLED 2X primary screen, and a 120Hz 6.2-inch 2268 x 832 cover screen.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Z Fold 3 include Qualcomm\u2019s Snapdragon 888 flagship chipset, a triple camera system (12MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle + 12MP telephoto), a 10MP cover camera, a 4,400mAh battery, S Pen support, and of course, IPX8 water resistance rating.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Z Flip 3, it\u2019s also powered by a Snapdragon 888 chipset, and the foldable phone\u2019s cover screen has also been upsized to a 1.9-inch 512 x 260 Super AMOLED panel. With more screen real estate, it can show more detailed notifications and widgets now.\n\n\nRounding out the hardware of the Z Flip 3 are a 6.7-inch 1080p Dynamic AMOLED 2X primary screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, a dual camera system (12MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle), a 10MP selfie camera, a 3,300mAh battery, and an IPX8 water resistance rating.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is currently available for pre-order in Malaysia until 21 September \nwith RM1,299 worth of freebies\n. Even though all pre-orders of the Z Fold 3 are sold out, you can still get RM1,649 worth of rewards by\u00a0\nregistering your interest\n\u00a0for the foldable phone until 21 September 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-11t-series-11-lite-5g-ne-launching-in-malaysia-23-september/", "title": "Xiaomi 11T Series & 11 Lite 5G NE Launching in Malaysia 23 September", "body": "\n\nWe just got an official invite from Xiaomi Malaysia for the local launch of the brand new Xiaomi 11T series and Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE! Set to take place next week, the Chinese company is certainly launching its brand new smartphones here very quickly.\n\n\nAccording to the invitation, the launch event is happening on 23 September at 8PM on \nXiaomi Malaysia\u2019s Facebook page\n. Three phones are mentioned in the invite: the standard 11T, the 11T Pro, as well as the most affordable device of the bunch, the 11 Lite 5G NE.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the highest-end phone, the 11T Pro. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, you can expect to get a high level of performance out of this phone. Aside from that, it also features a rather sophisticated camera system made up of a 108MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 5MP telemacro lens.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the 11T Pro include a 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED display with 120Hz AdaptiveSync, 8GB or 12GB of RAM, two UFS 3.1 storage options (128GB or 256GB), as well as a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 120W Xiaomi HyperCharge, which can fully charge the phone in only 17 minutes.\n\n\nAs for the more affordable Xiaomi 11T, it\u2019s largely similar to the Pro model, though it does have a number of differences. Instead of a Qualcomm processor, it\u2019s powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1200-Ultra SoC instead; this is said to be the chipmaker\u2019s best offering to date.\n\n\nAside from that, the 11T also features the same display, camera system, and battery capacity as its Pro sibling, though its fast charging capability is limited to 67W.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the 11 Lite 5G NE. It\u2019s powered by a relatively fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset, and paired to a 6.55-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate (240Hz touch response rate), it should be a decent smartphone for mobile gaming as well.\n\n\nOther specifications of the 11 Lite include 6GB or 8GB of RAM, two UFS 2.2 storage options (128GB or 256GB), a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 5MP telephoto), a 20MP selfie camera, 5G connectivity, and as mentioned, a 4,250mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ll find out the exact price and availability of the Xiaomi 11T series and 11 Lite 5G NE for the Malaysian market come next week on 23 September. It remains to be seen if the \nXiaomi Pad 5 tablet\n will also make an appearance at the launch event, given that it\u2019s \nconfirmed to be coming to Malaysia\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-alan-walker-se-review/", "title": "Video: Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Alan Walker SE Review", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want a gaming laptop that is especially eye-catching \u2013 or if you\u2019re an Alan Walker fan \u2013 then this may catch your fancy. Enter the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Alan Walker SE, a sleek, unique gaming laptop with an equally unique acrylic packaging\u2026that transforms into a DJ deck.\n\n\nBesides its intriguing packaging and design, the Zephyrus G14 AW SE is also a very good gaming laptop, even if it doesn\u2019t offer particularly good value for money. After all, you\u2019re really paying for the unique aesthetics of this laptop, along with Alan Walker\u2019s personal touch.\n\n\nCurious to see the DJ deck in action? Then watch our video review of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Alan Walker SE above! Alternatively, you can read our \nfull written review here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopeefood-now-available-in-selected-klang-valley-areas/", "title": "ShopeeFood Now Available in Selected Klang Valley Areas", "body": "\n\nA new food delivery service is is town! As we\u2019ve \npreviously reported\n, ShopeeFood \u2013 which will compete against GrabFood and FoodPanda \u2013 has just been launched in Malaysia. That being said, at the time of writing, the service is only available in selected areas within the Klang Valley.\n\n\nThe availability of ShopeeFood in Malaysia was first reported by \nAmanz\n, if you can see the ShopeeFood icon in the main page of the Shopee app, that means your current area is covered by the new food delivery service.\n\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ve tried opening the Shopee app in several locations in the Klang Valley area, and we can confirm that the ShopeeFood icon will disappear if the service isn\u2019t available in your current location. According to Shopee, more delivery areas will be added in the near future, though it remains to be seen if that includes locations outside of Klang Valley too.\n\n\nAnyway, according to \nShopeeFood\u2019s FAQ\n, you can use vouchers and Shopee Coins for your ShopeeFood orders. Do note that ShopeeFood will also charge a service fee; the amount varies from one merchant to another.\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about ShopeeFood, \ncheck out the FAQ here\n. If the food delivery service is available in your area, you can claim a range of vouchers for the service \nover here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-sangonomiya-kokomi-banner-arrives-21-september-with-rosaria-beidou-xingqiu/", "title": "Genshin Impact Sangonomiya Kokomi Banner Arrives 21 September With Rosaria, Beidou, Xingqiu", "body": "\n\nThe event wish for Genshin Impact\u2019s brand new playable character, Sangonomiya Kokomi, will go live in the game tomorrow! The banner of the brand new 5-star Hydro character will be accompanied by Rosaria, Beidou, and Xingqiu \u2013 a good lineup of 4-star characters.\n\n\nJust like Genshin Impact\u2019s\u00a0\nprevious character\n\u00a0\nevent wishes\n, the \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Kokomi, Rosaria, Beidou, and Xingqiu will be increased. In the case of Kokomi, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be her. If you didn\u2019t get her in this instance, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be Kokomi.\n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact\u2019s pity system ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character or weapon every 90 wishes \u2013 depending on which banner you\u2019re rolling \u2013 so you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Kokomi. The same rule applies to 4-star units (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but since there are three of them featured in the event wish, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Rosaria, Beidou, or Xingqiu. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\nSangonomiya Kokomi\u2019s \u201cDrifting Luminescence\u201d event wish will go live in Genshin Impact on 21 September tomorrow at 6PM. Her banner will be available until 12 October, and we expect \nThoma to be featured in an event wish\n once the Version 2.2 update is available.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-3-review-potentially-your-first-foldable-phone/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 Review: Potentially Your First Foldable Phone", "body": "\n\nSamsung\u2019s range of foldable smartphones have come a long way \nsince 2019\n. Not only are its latest range of foldables more durable than ever, they are also much, much more affordable now. This is especially the case with this particular device, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3.\n\n\nStarting at RM3,999 here in Malaysia, it could really well be the first foldable phone for many folks. While it still has some shortcomings here and there, it is easily one of the most refined, affordable phones of its kind in the market now. Not convinced? Then keep on reading this review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\nMain: 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (2640 x 1080), 120Hz\nCover: 1.9-inch Super AMOLED (512 x 260), 60Hz\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 888 2.84GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 660\nRAM\n8GB\nStorage\n128GB/256GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n12MP f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF, OIS\n12MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide angle)\nCamera (front)\n10MP f/2.4\nBattery\n3,300mAh\nDimensions\nOpen: 166 x 72.2 x 6.9 mm\nClose: 86.4 x 72.2 x 15.9~17.1 mm\nWeight\n183g\nOS\nOne UI 3.1.1 based on Android 11\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.1\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM3,999 (128GB), RM4,199 (256GB)\n\n\nLooking at its list of specifications, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is a reasonably high-end device. Though it doesn\u2019t have Qualcomm\u2019s latest \nSnapdragon 888+ chip\n or the fastest display, these hardware are still well within the territory of a flagship smartphone.\n\n\nIf there\u2019s any area you should be concerned about, it would be the Z Flip 3\u2019s 3,300mAh battery. It\u2019s not a particularly generous capacity, which does result in rather underwhelming battery life \u2013 more on this further down the review.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nThe main appeal of the Galaxy Z Flip 3 has to be its foldable display in a clamshell design. In fact, there were a few times where I was folding this seemingly normal-looking phone in half to the amazement of my friends and families. While the novelty does wear off after some time, there\u2019s no denying the \u201cwow factor\u201d of this phone.\n\n\n\n\nIt doesn\u2019t just look fancy either: the Z Flip 3\u2019s foldable screen has some practical uses too, thanks to Flex mode. Basically, when you start folding the display in half, certain apps will split into the top and bottom part of the screen. In the camera app, for example, you can use Flex mode to capture low-angle shots easier.\n\n\nFlex mode also comes in handy to shoot selfies. You can just place the Z Flip 3 on a surface and use the timer to start snapping, all without the need for a tripod or any object to keep the phone upright. I initially thought Flex mode was just a gimmick, but after using it for a number of video calls, I do find it \nsurprisingly\n handy.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Z Flip 3\u2019s screen itself, it\u2019s great. The 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X primary display looks pleasant to the eyes with punchy colours, deep blacks, and wide viewing angles. The fast 120Hz refresh rate lends to a fluid, responsive user experience as well.\n\n\nWhat about the crease in the middle of the foldable display? Well, if you look for it, you\u2019ll definitely see it; this is especially evident if you\u2019re watching dark content. That being said, in regular use, I don\u2019t really notice the crease all that much, though if you run your finger over it, you\u2019ll definitely feel it.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the main concerns of a foldable phone is durability, and I\u2019m happy to report that the Galaxy Z Flip 3 feels much more durable than \nits predecessor\n. The hinge feels more robust, the protective layer on top of foldable glass screen doesn\u2019t have a weird, rubbery texture anymore, and this phone is even IPX8-rated.\n\n\nFor a device with more moving parts than a regular smartphone, it\u2019s really quite impressive that Samsung managed to get the Z Flip 3 to be water-resistant. In my opinion, water resistance is a must-have feature for a flagship device, and it\u2019s great that you can get it on a foldable phone now.\n\n\n\n\nPowered by a Snapdragon 888 chipset, there\u2019s no denying that the performance level of the Z Flip 3 is good. While it doesn\u2019t feel quite as powerful as other Snapdragon 888 phones \u2013 especially in graphically demanding games like \nGenshin Impact\n \u2013 it\u2019s still fast enough for me to multitask seamlessly on this phone.\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the value proposition of the Galaxy Z Flip 3. Retailing from only RM3,999 for the 128GB model (RM4,199 for the 256GB configuration), it is markedly more affordable than its predecessor, which went for a \nwhopping RM5,888 at launch\n.\n\n\n\n\nThis is one of the main reasons the Z Flip 3 is the first foldable phone most folks will seriously consider getting. Sure, at RM3,999, it sits in the same price range as other flagship phones in the market now, but hey, the Z Flip 3 \nis\n proper flagship phone too with similar processing power and refinement.\n\n\nThat being said, this foldable phone does have its fair share of shortcomings \u2013 let\u2019s get to them in the next section.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAs fun as it is to fold and unfold the Galaxy Z Flip 3, it can also be inconvenient to do so sometimes. When I\u2019m not out and about, I actually just leave it unfolded for the sake of convenience. It doesn\u2019t help either that it\u2019s difficult to unfold the phone with only one hand.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the cover screen of the Z Flip 3. Yes, it\u2019s much more usable now thanks to the extra screen real estate, but I still find myself just unfolding the phone to check my notifications. The thing is, the cover screen is basically like a smartwatch: you can check your messages, but you can\u2019t interact with them much.\n\n\nPacked with only a 3,300mAh battery, the Z Flip 3 isn\u2019t a particularly long-lasting smartphone either. On average, I can only get up to four hours of screen on time on a single charge.\n\n\nGranted, this level of battery life is still good enough to get through a typical day of use. But if I throw in a couple sessions of Genshin Impact in my day, I do find myself running out of juice before the end of the day, unfortunately enough.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re hoping for amazing camera performance with the Galaxy Z Flip 3, well\u2026you have to manage your expectations. Don\u2019t get me wrong, its 12MP primary sensor and 12MP ultra-wide angle lens can take reasonably good-looking shots, but in comparison to other phones at this price point, it does fall behind.\n\n\nThe dual camera system performs admirably in daytime, but in low light conditions, both the primary and ultra-wide angle sensors start to show their limits. Detail preservation isn\u2019t great, there are lots of sharpening, and noise level is very apparent with the ultra-wide angle lens. Judge for yourself with these sample shots.\n\n\n12MP primary\n12MP primary\n12MP primary\n12MP primary\n12MP primary\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n12MP primary\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n12MP primary\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n12MP primary\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\nYes, these are by no means lacklustre images, but you can definitely get better results with other flagship smartphones. Not to mention the fact that you\u2019ll get a more versatile camera setup that offers a zoom lens as well.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nDespite its shortcomings, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is still a very attractive foldable phone with an equally attractive price tag. It\u2019s also durable, it offers a respectable level of performance, and it has a great-looking display too. The cherry on top? It also folds in half.\n\n\n\n\nThese are winning qualities for any flagship-class device. If you can live with the shortcomings of the Z Flip 3, you will be very happy with this foldable smartphone. Hopefully, Samsung will continue to refine its range of foldable devices \u2013 I can\u2019t wait to see what the Korean company has in store in this segment next year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/you-should-pre-order-the-samsung-galaxy-z-flip-3-today-21-september/", "title": "You Should Pre-Order the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 Today (21 September)", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the Korean company\u2019s most affordable foldable phone yet. If you\u2019re interested to pick it up, you should really consider pre-ordering it before the end of today (21 September). After all, you\u2019re entitled to get \nRM1,299 worth of freebies by doing so\n.\n\n\nBut\u2026what exactly are the freebies that are worth RM1,299? Well, it includes a one-year Samsung Care+ protection for the Z Flip 3 worth RM699, as well as a RM600 Samsung e-voucher that you can use to purchase add-on products.\n\n\nThese include the brand new \nGalaxy Watch 4 series\n, or even the equally new \nGalaxy Buds 2\n \u2013 it\u2019s quite a good deal for a recently launched device.\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s circle back to Samsung Care+ for the Galaxy Z Flip 3. Basically, for one whole year from the date of purchase, the foldable phone can be repaired from accidental or water damage for a fee (RM629 in this case). If the device cannot be repaired, you will get a device replacement \u2013 not bad, isn\u2019t it?\n\n\nIf you didn\u2019t manage to pre-order the Z Flip 3 by 21 September, well, worry not: you can still get the one-year Samsung Care+ protection for free until 31 October. However, you will receive a RM350 Samsung e-voucher instead, so that\u2019s RM250 less than the RM600 e-voucher that you\u2019re set to get if you pre-order the foldable phone by today.\n\n\n\n\nFrom a value standpoint, it\u2019s obviously better to just pre-order the Galaxy Z Flip 3 right now if you\u2019re already interested to pick it up. To recap, the 128GB variant of the foldable phone costs RM3,999, while the more generous 256GB configuration retails at RM4,199 \u2013 markedly more affordable than its predecessor\u2019s \nlaunch price of RM5,888\n.\n\n\nOh, if you get the standard colourways of the Z Flip 3 \u2013 limited to Cream, Green, or Phantom Black, since the Lavender option is sold out \u2013 the device will start shipping to you from tomorrow onwards on 22 September. If you want the exclusive Samsung.com colourways instead (White, Grey, or Pink), you\u2019ll have to wait between five to six weeks.\n\n\nAccording to Samsung, these colours take much longer to deliver as they need special production. On top of that, they are also made to order, so the production begins \u201conly after confirmation of your order is received,\u201d as the company puts it.\n\n\n\n\nNot quite sure the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the right foldable phone for you? Well, then here\u2019s a summary of my experience with the foldable phone over the past few weeks. If you\u2019re concerned that this foldable phone is too fragile to withstand everyday usage, then put your worries to rest: it\u2019s quite a durable phone.\n\n\nAfter all, the frame and hinge of the Z Flip 3 are made out a new material Samsung calls \u201cArmor Titanium,\u201d which improves the durability of these two parts by 10%. Thanks to this, the phone feels great to hold, and it\u2019s worth noting that the phone is now IPX8-certified too. You won\u2019t have to worry about damaging the phone from, say, a spilled drink.\n\n\n\n\nMore importantly, Samsung said that the protective layer on top of the Z Flip 3\u2019s foldable screen is up to 80% more durable now, and it really does show. The original Z Flip\u2019s display had a weird, rubbery texture to it, but that\u2019s not present at all on this new foldable phone. In fact, it feels a lot like a regular screen protector, which is great.\n\n\nAs for the Galaxy Z Flip 3 itself, it\u2019s a refined, polished foldable phone. It delivers flagship-class performance out the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, it has a bright and vibrant 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and its foldable nature just gives it that \u201cwow factor.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nGranted, the Z Flip 3 does have a number of shortcomings too. Its 3,300mAh battery, for one, doesn\u2019t offer particularly long battery life. On average, I only managed to get up to four hours of screen on time on a single charge.\n\n\nWhile this is long enough to get through a typical day of use, heavier smartphone users \u2013 especially avid mobile gamers \u2013 will likely run out of juice before the end of the day.\n\n\nThe form factor of the Galaxy Z Flip 3 may not be for everyone either. Now, as fun as it is to fold and unfold the phone, it can be inconvenient to do so sometimes. When I\u2019m not out and about, I actually just leave the Z Flip 3 unfolded for the sake of convenience. It doesn\u2019t help either that it\u2019s difficult to unfold the phone with only one hand.\n\n\n\n\nBut at the end of the day, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is still a unique phone that can be folded in half; you can\u2019t say the same thing for the majority of smartphones in the market now. Yes, it has its fair share of shortcomings \u2013 you can read more about it in our \nfull review\n \u2013 but that doesn\u2019t change the fact that it is an eye-catching phone.\n\n\nSo then, if the Galaxy Z Flip 3 catches your fancy, don\u2019t forget to \npre-order it by the end of today\n to walk away with RM1,299 worth of rewards.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopeefood-goes-live-in-klang-valley-24-september-up-to-rm8-discount-vouchers/", "title": "ShopeeFood Goes Live in Klang Valley 24 September \u2013 up to RM8 Discount Vouchers", "body": "\n\nShopee just sent out a press release for its new food delivery service, ShopeeFood. Set to be available in Klang Valley from 24 September onwards \u2013 though the service is \nalready live in certain locations\n \u2013 ShopeeFood will be accessible to over 8 million residents in the area.\n\n\nTo celebrate the launch of ShopeeFood, early birds can claim a number of discount vouchers \nright here\n, not to mention 10 free delivery vouchers with no minimum spend. However, do note that these vouchers are only valid until 23 September, so if ShopeeFood isn\u2019t offered in your area yet, you\u2019re out of luck.\n\n\n\n\nAlthough ShopeeFood has just been launched, quite a number of eateries are already available through the food delivery service. These include Starbucks, Tealive, A&W, Burger King, Nando\u2019s, and even local street food stalls. Of course, depending on where you\u2019re located, some of these eateries may not be available.\n\n\n\u201cWe are delighted to include food delivery as part of the Shopee experience. Malaysians can now shop for all their essentials online, enjoy entertainment on Shopee Live, play their favorite game on Shopee Prizes, and satisfy their cravings via the app,\u201d said the COO of Shopee, Terence Pang.\n\n\n\n\nTo check if ShopeeFood is available in your area, you can look for the ShopeeFood icon on the home page of the Shopee app. Unfortunately, there\u2019s no word on the availability of the food delivery service outside of Klang Valley.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-ginkgo65-is-a-solid-65-gasket-mounted-aluminium-keyboard-from-249/", "title": "The Ginkgo65 Is a Solid 65% Gasket-Mounted Aluminium Keyboard From $249", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re in the market for a 65% custom keyboard with an aluminium case, then this upcoming keyboard may tickle your fancy. Enter the Ginkgo65: made in collaboration with Wuque Studio \u2013 the folks behind the excellent \nIkki68 Aurora\n \u2013 and M\u2022ONE Studio, it looks to be a solid, budget-friendly gasket-mounted keyboard.\n\n\nAfter all, with a $249 starting price (that comes up to about RM1,040), the Ginkgo65 is certainly more affordable than other keyboards with a similar set of features. If this keyboard fits your budget, read on \u2013 you can even get it from a vendor based right here in Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s right! Unlike the majority of group buys in the custom keyboard hobby, a \nMalaysian vendor\n is actually a proxy for the upcoming Ginkgo65 group buy. The vendor is none other than \nRebult Keyboards\n, which also designed \nthe Harimau and Penyu switches.\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s talk about the Ginkgo65. For $249 \u2013 or $259 if you want the E-White colourways \u2013 you\u2019re really getting a solid 65% custom keyboard. For that kind of money, the Ginkgo65 sports an all-aluminium case for a more premium touch and extra heft. In fact, this keyboard weighs 1.3kg unbuilt \u2013 that\u2019s a good amount of heft.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Ginkgo65 also uses an isolated gasket mount design. Typically, this kind of gasket-mounting system offers a soft, comfortable typing experience, so this should (in theory) apply to the keyboard. On top of that, this mounting system also offers a more uniform typing pressure across the keyboard.\n\n\nOf course, one of the best qualities of a gasket-mounted keyboard is a cleaner sound profile, and this is very true of the Ginkgo65. Just take a listen to the sound tests of this keyboard from folks who have received early review units. Personally, we think it sounds great for a keyboard at this price point.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf the sound profile is a tad too muted for you, that\u2019s because the Ginkgo65 comes with a fair number of foams. There\u2019s a PORON foam between the plate and PCB, a PE sheet between the switch and PCB, \nand\n another foam between the PCB and bottom case.\n\n\nGranted, you can always remove the foams and sheet to tune the sound profile of the Ginkgo65 to your liking, as the sound tests above demonstrate. Do note that you\u2019ll also get a polycarbonate plate as default with this keyboard; other plate materials \u2013 such as FR4 and aluminium \u2013 are offered as add-ons.\n\n\n\n\nLike most custom keyboards in the market now, the Ginkgo65 features a hotswap PCB by default, allowing you to swap out switches without the need to solder them. If you want a solderable PCB instead, you\u2019ll have to get it as an add-on. Generally, it\u2019s a good idea to purchase an extra PCB in case anything goes wrong with the first one.\n\n\nAnd\u2026that\u2019s about it. As per the case with most keyboard kits, the Ginkgo65 doesn\u2019t come with stabilisers, switches, or keycaps. In order to complete the keyboard, you\u2019ll need to get these three components separately.\n\n\nThis may seem odd to those who are new to the custom keyboard, but that\u2019s how it is. Plus, this does allow you to get parts that suit your own preferences, especially switches.\n\n\n\n\nOkay, let\u2019s talk about the details of the Ginkgo65 group buy. It\u2019s set to take place between 23 September to 10 October 2021, but if the soft limit is reached, the group buy will close early. What\u2019s the soft limit? Well, only Wuque Studio knows, though it did say that it has \u201csettled on an undisclosed soft limit that should be enough for everyone.\u201d\n\n\nFive different colour combinations are offered: E-White, E-White x Copper, Green x Black, Grey x Silver, and Black x Copper. Most of these colour options are priced at $249, but the E-White and E-White x Copper combinations cost slightly more at $259.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, Rebult Keyboards will be the Malaysian vendor for the Ginkgo65, so if you reside here in Malaysia, you can save on shipping costs and import duties by purchasing the keyboard from Rebult. However, the Malaysian pricing of the Ginkgo65 has not been revealed by Rebult yet. Rest assured, we\u2019ll keep a close eye on this.\n\n\nEstimated shipping date of the Ginkgo65 is relatively quick too. According to Wuque Studio, the keyboard is expected to be shipped to vendors in March or April 2022, so it\u2019s entirely possible it\u2019ll arrive at your doorstep sometime in May 2022. Not a bad fulfillment time for a custom keyboard.\n\n\nThat being said, Wuque Studio did say that the shipping time of the Ginkgo65 may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. \u201cMaterial availability, production, and logistics problems can affect the estimate,\u201d as the company puts it. Anyway, more information on the Ginkgo65 can be found \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/new-gmk-keycap-sets-now-shipping-in-2023-worth-waiting/", "title": "New GMK Keycap Sets Now Shipping in 2023 \u2013 Worth Waiting?", "body": "\n\nThe custom keyboard hobby requires \na lot\n of patience\n, and this is especially true for keycap sets. Well, more specifically, GMK keycaps. In fact, a couple of GMK sets in group buy right now will only start shipping in Q1 2023 \u2013 that\u2019s a really, really long wait.\n\n\nSo with that in mind, is it really worth waiting \nso long\n just for a keycap set? Well, it depends. But for some folks (myself included), the wait will be well worth it\u2026assuming you like the particular set. If you\u2019re still on the fence to join a group buy for a GMK keycap set right now, read on!\n\n\nGMK Red Samurai\n\n\nYou\u2019ll Get a Superior Typing Experience\n\n\nDespite the (frankly ridiculous) long wait for GMK sets, they really are some of the highest-quality keycaps in the market. They feel great right out of the box, they have a nice, clacky sound profile \u2013 though some may not be a fan of this \u2013 and their double-shot nature means that the legends will stay sharp and crisp even after years of use.\n\n\nThat being said, GMK sets are also prone to shine with prolonged use; they are made from ABS plastic, after all. While most consider this to be a negative, I personally quite like it, especially if the shine is even across all keys. I mean, a shiny GMK set can look \nreally good\n.\n\n\nGMK White-on-Black\n\n\nBut if you want a keycap set that is more resistant to shine, look for ones made from PBT plastic, such as CRP and ePBT sets. Although these two keycap brands are not quite as popular as GMK \u2013 or as colourful \u2013 they are of really good quality.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, that brings us to the next point..\n\n\nGMK Sets Look Fantastic\n\n\nThis is arguably the best reason to go for a GMK set. Unlike other keycap makers, GMK makes some of the most colourful and iconic keycap sets in the market. Just to name a few, there\u2019s GMK Striker, GMK Botanical, and GMK DMG, which is \ncurrently in its third round of group buy\n.\n\n\n\n\nIf you have a particular colour scheme in mind, there\u2019s a good chance a GMK set that fit exactly what you have in mind was released at one point in time. But whether or not you had the opportunity to join the group buy is an entirely different thing \u2013 most GMK sets are only open for pre-order for about a month.\n\n\nThe Value Will (Almost) Always Appreciate\n\n\nThe limited availability of GMK sets (and very long waiting times) is the very reason why they are much more expensive in the aftermarket scene. After all, the moment a group buy closes for a particular GMK set, it will not be available for purchase anymore until the set starts shipping to customers.\n\n\nThese customers can then sell these GMK keycaps at a higher price to make up for the long fulfilment time and overall scarcity of these sets. Granted, vendors will have extras for sale too, but these extra sets also command a certain premium over the original asking price, not to mention the fact that they sell out very quickly.\n\n\n\n\nThis can be a point of frustration, especially to those who are new to the custom keyboard hobby. But this is the reality of it: if you want a GMK set without the long waiting time, you\u2019ll have to be prepared to pay more.\n\n\nOf course, there is an exception to this. Drop, for one, \nregularly restocks certain GMK sets\n, but choices are limited. On top of that, given that these sets are (mostly) readily available, they don\u2019t have particularly good resale value either, which\u2026isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing, depending on who you ask.\n\n\nYou \u201cJust\u201d Have to Wait an Obscenely Long Time\n\n\nThere\u2019s a reason why GMK keycap sets are so sought-after in the hobby: they simply make some of the best keycaps in the custom keyboard scene. The only real big shortcoming with GMK sets is the ridiculously long waiting time; a common issue in this hobby, unfortunately enough.\n\n\nGMK DMG\n\n\nTake \nGMK DMG\n, which just entered its third round of group buy. Right now, the popular keycap set is set to start shipping in Q4 2022 \u2013 that\u2019s a whole year away. If you want other GMK sets like \nGMK Firefly\n or \nGMK Pepperoni\n, well, these two sets are only expected to start shipping in \nQ1 2023\n.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that these timelines may be affected by future delays on GMK\u2019s side. As it is, many GMK sets are delayed by the current COVID-19 pandemic. It\u2019s anyone\u2019s guess if the manufacturer will be affected by more delays in the next year or so.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, GMK keycap sets are still very desirable in the custom keyboard hobby for their high quality, vibrant colour schemes, and limited availability. If there\u2019s any GMK set in group buy right now that you like, it\u2019s best to get in on it before it\u2019s too late \u2013 you don\u2019t want to be kicking yourself for missing it out in the future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/get-a-case-for-your-phone-save-thousands-of-ringgit/", "title": "Get a Case for Your Phone & Save Thousands of Ringgit", "body": "\n\nQuick: when was the last time you dropped your phone? Chances are, you\u2019ve dropped your phone on at least one occasion. Maybe it was just yesterday, or maybe it was sometime last month. Unless you\u2019re an extremely careful smartphone user, you\u2019re bound to drop your phone sooner or later.\n\n\nWith that in mind, it is paramount (in my opinion) to get a case for your shiny new smartphone. Personally, before I even purchase a new phone, I would\u2019ve gotten a case and screen protector already so that the phone can be protected the moment I get it.\n\n\nIs it overkill? Perhaps. Has it saved my phone from a drop that would\u2019ve ended very, very badly? Oh, \ndefinitely\n. If you\u2019re using your phone without a case installed, hear me out: a phone case can save you a ton of money in the long run.\n\n\n\n\nIt Will Protect Your Smartphone From Nasty Drops\n\n\nI always, always get a case for my personal smartphone, and it has saved my phone countless times from drops that could\u2019ve easily cracked the screen. This is really one of the most common damages to a smartphone \u2013 I bet you can think of at least one person who is still using a phone with a cracked screen right now.\n\n\nOn a side note, if you are using a phone with a cracked glass display, please get it fixed \u2013 it\u2019s a hazard to run your fingers on a phone with loose shards of glass.\n\n\nAnyway, it\u2019s also important to get a case that can adequately protect your phone. It\u2019s fine if you get a thin case, but make sure that there\u2019s a \u201clip\u201d surrounding the front of the phone. This way, if your phone falls face first to the ground, it will hit the case instead of the phone\u2019s much more fragile screen.\n\n\n\n\nBasically, there\u2019s no need to get those extremely thick cases to get the most optimum level of protection for your phone. As long as it is well-designed, it should be able to protect your phone.\n\n\nA Good Case Can Actually Improve Ergonomics\n\n\nThis is especially the case (excuse the pun) if you\u2019re using a thin smartphone. Not only does a case gives you more surface to hold onto, it can even improve your grip on the phone. Of course, this is assuming that the case is made out of a grippy material like TPU or silicone.\n\n\nIn fact, with improved ergonomics, you\u2019re also less likely to drop your phone \u2013 it\u2019s a win-win situation. Granted, certain cases can make a phone feel \u201ccheap\u201d or too bulky, but that\u2019s exactly why it\u2019s important to get a high-quality case instead of the cheapest one you can find.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s a Nice Bit of Personalisation\n\n\nWith a smartphone, the only bit of personalisation that you get are the colour options offered by the brand; there\u2019s no real way to really personalise it to your liking. But with a case, you\u2019ve got a plethora options to choose from with various designs and colourways.\n\n\nEven if you get a plain-looking case, you can still personalise it without worrying about leaving permanent marks on the phone itself. Think of the case as a blank canvas, if you will. If you want to retain the design of the phone, you can always get a translucent case instead.\n\n\n\n\nGet a Screen Protector Too for Maximum Protection\n\n\nIf you want the absolute best protection for your shiny new smartphone, get a screen protector too. Preferably, a high-quality tempered glass screen protector for the best user experience. After all, cheaper screen protectors can negatively impact the screen quality, and it may not have the best texture either for your fingers to glide across.\n\n\nPlus, in the event of a drop, and the case wasn\u2019t able to protect the display, at least the screen protector will be there to absorb the impact first. The actual display of the phone will be protected, so even if the screen protector is damaged, it\u2019s much, much cheaper to replace than the screen itself.\n\n\n\n\nSo there you have it. If you\u2019re never a fan of phone cases, consider getting a high-quality one; it may change your mind. Personally, my go-to case maker is Spigen. More specifically, the Liquid Air series. It doesn\u2019t feel too bulky, and it can still provide adequate drop protection for my phone.\n\n\nWhile a high-quality case like Spigen is costly, it has protected my personal devices from really scary drops more times that I can count. Trust me, it\u2019s worth it to invest in a case to save yourself the much steeper cost of repairing a broken phone \u2013 especially if it\u2019s a premium device.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ginkgo65-retails-from-rm1053-in-malaysia-from-rebult-keyboards-tonight/", "title": "Ginkgo65 Retails From RM1,053 in Malaysia From Rebult Keyboards Tonight", "body": "\n\nThe \nGinkgo65\n, a 65% custom keyboard made in collaboration with Wuque Studio \u2013 the folks behind the excellent \nIkki\n6\n8 Aurora\n \u2013 and M\u2022ONE Studio, will enter the group buy phase tonight at 12AM. If you\u2019re here in Malaysia, great news: local vendor Rebult Keyboards is the regional vendor for the Ginkgo65.\n\n\nPricing wise, the Ginkgo65 \nstarts at RM1,053\n from Rebult; this is quite close to the international pricing of $249 (about RM1,040). Of course, this price tag is for the Black x Copper, Green x Black, and Grey x Silver colourways. The E-White and E-White x Copper options, on the other hand, cost slightly more at RM1,095.\n\n\n\n\nGiven the feature set of the Ginkgo65, these prices are really quite competitive. After all, for that kind of money, this 65% custom keyboard has an all-aluminium case, an isolated gasket mount system for a softer, more comfortable typing experience, and \nquite a pleasant sound profile too\n.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Ginkgo65 include a polycarbonate plate \u2013 other plate materials can be purchased as an add-on \u2013 a hotswap PCB, a PORON foam between the plate and PCB, a PE sheet between the switch and PCB, and another foam between the PCB and bottom case.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the group buy for the Ginkgo65 \nwill go live at 12AM tonight on Rebult Keyboards\n until 10 October 2021; the keyboard is expected to be shipped to vendors from Wuque Studio in March or April 2022. More information on the Ginkgo65 can be found \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/custom-keyboard-sound-profile-isnt-everything/", "title": "Custom Keyboard \u2013 Sound Profile Isn\u2019t Everything", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMore often than not, the custom keyboard community gravitates towards keyboards with a \u201cdesirable\u201d sound profile. Whether a keyboard has a thocky or clacky sound profile, the \u201cworth\u201d of a keyboard (typically) relies heavily on how it sounds.\n\n\nNow, this isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing: I appreciate a keyboard with a clean, clacky sound profile. But the thing is, there\u2019s more to a custom keyboard than sound profile alone; it\u2019s also important for the keyboard to be \nactually\n good in other aspects.\n\n\nGood Sound Profile Doesn\u2019t Equal Good Keyboard\n\n\nJust because a keyboard sounds good doesn\u2019t automatically make it a \u201cgood\u201d keyboard. It doesn\u2019t matter if it has a fantastic sound signature if the typing experience, build quality, or design is horrendous. Plus, it\u2019s easier to tune the sound profile of a keyboard than, say, the typing experience.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, that doesn\u2019t mean sound profile doesn\u2019t matter, because it does. After all, one of the biggest draws of the custom keyboard hobby is building a keyboard that sounds \nand\n feels great. It\u2019s important for a keyboard to both have a pleasant sound profile and an equally pleasant typing experience \u2013 at the minimum.\n\n\nAnd that brings us to the next point..\n\n\nTyping Experience Is Equally Important\n\n\nImagine this: you watched a video of a particular custom keyboard with a fantastic sound profile, and you decided it\u2019s the keyboard for you. Fast forward a few months \u2013 or \nup to a year\n, depending on which keyboard you get \u2013 the keyboard is now in your hands. But once you\u2019ve built it, you realise that\u2026its typing experience is not to your liking.\n\n\n\n\nGranted, it\u2019s harder to assess the typing experience of a keyboard from videos, but that\u2019s precisely why it\u2019s important to judge a keyboard beyond its sound profile alone. Just like how a keyboard can have a clacky or thocky sound signature, it can have a soft or stiff typing feel too.\n\n\nAs a side note, the mounting style of a keyboard doesn\u2019t give you the whole picture of the typing feel either. This is especially the case with a gasket-mounted keyboard: while most keyboards with this mounting style typically offers a soft, comfortable typing experience, some of them can be quite stiff too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTake the \nKeychron Q1\n. Its implementation of a gasket mounting system offers a very, \nvery\n flexible typing experience. But in comparison, the \nMonstargear XO K80 Alu\n \u2013 also a gasket-mounted keyboard \u2013 offers a much stiffer typing feel. Basically, you\u2019ll need to look up the typing experience of a particular keyboard before committing to it.\n\n\nDesign Matters More Than Meets the Eye\n\n\nThe design of a custom keyboard can affect the typing experience too. The \nJelly \nEpoch\n, for example, has a really, \nreally \ntall front height. Because of this, you do have to lift up your hands higher to type on it, which can be uncomfortable for some folks. This is even more so if you\u2019re using a tall keycap profile such as \nSA or MT3\n.\n\n\n\n\nAgain, this design quirk is not immediately noticeable in videos, and you do have to look up proper reviews that highlight such an issue. Naturally, we try to do the same in all of our \nkeyboard reviews\n.\n\n\nOther Components Can Affect Sound Profile Too\n\n\nWhile each keyboard has its own unique sound profile, other components can also alter the sound signature. Plate material, for one, can affect the sound profile and typing feel of a keyboard pretty significantly. Same goes for \nkeycaps of various profiles\n and \nswitches of\n \ndifferent types\n, not to mention sound deadening material.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTake note of these components when you\u2019re listening to a sound test of any given custom keyboard. Again, let\u2019s rope in the Jelly Epoch: even though it has a thocky, \u201cmarbley\u201d sound profile, I\u2019ve installed \nNovelKeys Cream switches\n on it, which makes it sound \na lot\n clackier.\n\n\nOn top of that, I\u2019m also using a GMK keycap set on my Jelly Epoch, which is known to provide a clacky sound profile from its ABS plastic material and low-profile. Trust me when I say that these components \nreally\n change up the sound signature of the Jelly Epoch \u2013 stay tuned for our sound test (and review) of this in the near future.\n\n\n\n\nSo the next time you\u2019re listening to a sound test of a custom keyboard, keep these points in mind before you make a decision. There\u2019s much more to a keyboard than its sound profile alone, and even if it sounds good, I\u2019m sure you wouldn\u2019t be thrilled if it doesn\u2019t provide a typing experience that you like.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/23-29-september-fuel-price-ron-97-up-2-sen-ron-95-diesel-maintain/", "title": "23 \u2013 29 September Fuel Price: RON 97 up 2 Sen, RON 95 & Diesel Maintain", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 is set to go up this coming week folks. From tomorrow onwards, RON 97 will go up by 2 sen per litre, while the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 for the next seven days is set at RM2.75 per litre (up from RM2.73). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 23 to 29 September. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q2-teaser-page-finally-live-releasing-soon/", "title": "Keychron Q2 Teaser Page Finally Live \u2013 Releasing Soon?", "body": "\n\nInitially set for an August release, the \nKeychron Q2\n has seemingly been delayed with no new launch window. Well, the teaser page for the upcoming 65% keyboard is now available, suggesting that it could be released very, very soon.\n\n\nEssentially a downsized version of the \nKeychron Q1\n, the Q2 should sport the same features as its bigger sibling. These include a gasket mounting system \u2013 this mounting style is typically only offered on custom keyboards \u2013 along with a full CNC aluminium case for a more solid build quality.\n\n\n\n\nAs the teaser page shows, the Q2 will also feature a hotswap PCB, which allows you to swap switches seamlessly without the need to solder them. Naturally, the PCB also supports VIA and QMK out of the box for easy key mapping.\n\n\nOther features of the Q2 include screw-in stabilisers (likely made by Gateron), an aluminium plate, and for the fully assembled model, three choices of factory lubed Gateron Phantom switches: Phantom Brown (tactile), Phantom Red (linear), or Phantom Blue (clicky).\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on exactly when the Keychron Q2 will be available for purchase, though the \nregistration of interest\n for the 65% keyboard is now live. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how much more affordable it will be compared to the Q1, which starts at $149 \u2013 that comes up to about RM625.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-3-now-shipping-on-5-november-in-malaysia/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Now Shipping on 5 November in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nPreviously, all pre-orders of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 \nwere sold out\n. Now, it appears Samsung Malaysia has more pre-order units up for grabs, though you\u2019ll have to wait until 5 November to get the latest foldable phone.\n\n\nWe got this shipping date for the Z Fold 3 from Samsung Malaysia\u2019s very own online store. Even though the previous RM850 Samsung e-voucher is no longer offered, you can still get a RM500 voucher by pre-ordering the device with Samsung. Of course, you\u2019ll still get a one-year Samsung Care+ protection worth RM799 until 31 October.\n\n\n\n\nEvidently, Malaysians are eager to get their hands on the Galaxy Z Fold 3. After all,\u00a0\ncompared to its predecessor\n, it has gotten quite a bit more affordable while offering some notable improvements. These include a 4MP under display camera, a 120Hz 7.6-inch 2208 x 1768 Dynamic AMOLED 2X primary screen, and a 120Hz 6.2-inch 2268 x 832 cover screen.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Z Fold 3 include Qualcomm\u2019s Snapdragon 888 flagship-class chipset, a triple camera system (12MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle + 12MP telephoto), a 10MP cover camera, a 4,400mAh battery, S Pen support, and of course, IPX8 water resistance rating.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, you can do so \nhere\n. The base 256GB variant with 12GB of RAM costs RM6,699, while the 512GB model with the same amount of RAM goes for RM7,099.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-x70-x70-pro-with-zeiss-optics-land-in-malaysia-from-rm2499/", "title": "Vivo X70 & X70 Pro With Zeiss Optics Land in Malaysia From RM2,499", "body": "\n\nThe Vivo X70 and Vivo X70 Pro have just been launched in Malaysia. Sporting Zeiss optics, a reasonably sophisticated camera system, and a premium-looking design, these two smartphones are quite attractive flagship-class devices.\n\n\nOnly one variant of each phone is offered for the Malaysian market. The standard X70 with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM costs RM2,499, while the higher-end X70 Pro with 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM goes for RM3,299.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, both the X70 and X70 Pro are powered by MediaTek\u2019s Dimensity 1200 SoC. Given that this is the chipmaker\u2019s best offering to date, it should provide a high level of performance. After all, it\u2019s said to be comparable to the\u00a0\nQualcomm Snapdragon 870\n.\n\n\nAside from that, these two phones also feature a similar design and a 6.56-inch Full HD+ AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. However, it\u2019s worth noting that the X70 Pro sports a dual curve screen, while the standard X70 has a flat display instead. The Pro model has a slightly larger battery too (4,450mAh) compared to the regular X70 (4,400mAh).\n\n\n\n\nThe biggest difference between the X70 and X70 Pro is in the camera department. The Pro features a more sophisticated quad camera system (50MP primary + 8MP periscope telephoto + 12MP telephoto + 12MP ultra-wide angle), while the standard X70 has a triple camera setup (40MP primary + 12MP telephoto + 12MP ultra-wide angle).\n\n\nOf course, both phones\u2019 camera array are equipped with Zeiss optics, along with Vivo\u2019s Gimbal Stabilisation 3.0. This stabilisation technology promises sharp, blur-free images even in \u201cdynamic motion,\u201d as the company puts it. Evidently, Vivo is focusing quite a bit on the camera performance of its X70 series.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Vivo X70 and X70 Pro are now available for pre-order in Malaysia for RM2,499 and RM3,299 respectively until 1 October 2021. Early birds will also receive a number of freebies worth RM799 for the X70 Pro, or RM599 for the standard X70.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/death-stranding-directors-cut-is-worth-experiencing-again/", "title": "Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut Is Worth Experiencing Again", "body": "\n\nThe review embargo for Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut has been lifted, but I\u2026have not completed the game yet. Even though I\u2019ve \nplayed through the game before\n on the PS4, I\u2019m never a fan of \nrushing through games\n, especially on a story-driven game like Death Stranding.\n\n\nAnd I\u2019m glad I\u2019m taking my time. It looks \nstunning\n on the PS5, the extra content (even if I haven\u2019t explored all of them yet) give a breath of fresh air to the game, and most importantly, Death Stranding is still one of the most enjoyable games I\u2019ve played \u2013 it really is Hideo Kojima\u2019s best masterpiece to date.\n\n\nYes, it\u2019s still as bizarre as ever, and I enjoy every bit of it. Well, maybe not some of the treacherous deliveries, but the top-notch narrative, star-studded cast, and much improved graphics make this a must-play title on the PS5 \u2013 especially for those who haven\u2019t played Death Stranding yet.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the original Death Stranding, the Director\u2019s Cut version for the PS5 adds quite a number of new content. These include route guides that detail the path that you can take for the delivery, new equipment, and even a firing range to get yourself familiarised with these new equipment.\n\n\nNow, given that I\u2019m only about halfway through the game, there are still several new content that I haven\u2019t seen yet. But so far, I do find the game less arduous in the early stages; I was told several rewards and equipment are introduced nearer to the start of the game now to make it easier for players to get into the groove.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, one of the biggest upgrades Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut brings is improved graphics on the PS5. After all, the game is fully remastered for the next-gen console, and it looks \nabsolutely incredible\n. Character models are \npainfully \ndetailed, their facial expressions are amazing, and the sprawling landscapes are even more awe-inspiring now.\n\n\nIf you have an ultrawide monitor, you\u2019ll be happy to know that unlike other PS5 titles, there\u2019s an option to enable widescreen mode to play the game in the \u201ccinematic\u201d 21:9 aspect ratio. Trekking through the beautiful, post-apocalyptic landscapes of Death Stranding in such a wide aspect ratio is definitely something worth experiencing.\n\n\n\n\nThere are also two graphics options for Death Stranding on the PS5. Performance Mode offers scaled 4K resolution at up to 60fps, while Fidelity Mode runs the game in native 4K. I\u2019ve tried both modes, and I can\u2019t tell if there\u2019s any tangible difference in frame rate \u2013 I\u2019ll see if anything changes as I progress through the game.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, I saw very little loading screens throughout the game so far. Even if I there are some \u2013 usually in-between lengthy cutscenes \u2013 they load very, very quickly. This can be attributed to the fast SSD of the PS5, which makes for a pleasant gaming experience.\n\n\n\n\nAnother great hardware of the PS5 that Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut took advantage of is the DualSense controller. When it rains in the game, I can \u201cfeel\u201d the droplets of water through the refined haptic feedback of the controller. I can even feel Sam\u2019s footsteps as he makes his way through the rocky mountains.\n\n\nBut what really impressed me is how the game made use of the DualSense\u2019s adaptive triggers. As I pile on more cargo on Sam\u2019s backpack, the adaptive triggers also provide more resistance as I try to steady his balance by holding onto the L2 and R2 triggers.\n\n\nThese smart uses of the DualSense controller really do give an extra layer of immersion in Death Stranding, and I can\u2019t wait to see how later content in the game will make further use of the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.\n\n\n\n\nWhile I love these additions and new features in Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut, what I really, really look forward to is engrossing myself in the narrative of the game again. The storyline, as bizarre as it is, is really captivating, which is further accentuated by the amazing performances of the star-studded cast.\n\n\nNorman Reedus convincingly plays Sam as a jaded, post-apocalyptic deliveryman, Mads Mikkelsen\u2019s scenes throughout the game are always oh-so captivating, and of course, Troy Baker \u2013 who\u2019s well-known for voicing Joel in \nThe Last of Us\n series \u2013 delivers each one of his dialogue with gusto and emotions \neffortlessly\n.\n\n\n\n\nIf you haven\u2019t played through Death Stranding before, this Director\u2019s Cut version is absolutely a must-play PS5 game. Retailing \nat only RM209\n for the Standard Edition, it\u2019s not particularly expensive either. If you own a PS4 copy of the original game, you can upgrade to the Digital Deluxe Edition \u2013 which usually \ncosts RM249\n \u2013 for RM50.\n\n\nDeath Stranding Director\u2019s Cut launches on the PS5 on 24 September.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-pad-5-retails-at-rm1399-in-malaysia-rm100-discount-tomorrow/", "title": "Xiaomi Pad 5 Retails at RM1,399 in Malaysia \u2013 RM100 Discount Tomorrow", "body": "\n\nXiaomi\u2019s brand new tablet is finally available here in Malaysia! It\u2019s been a while since the company released a new tablet, so the \nXiaomi Pad 5\n is certainly quite an exciting product. To top it off, it\u2019s pretty affordable too.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, only one variant of the Pad 5 is offered. Sporting 128GB of internal storage and 6GB of RAM, this tablet retails at only RM1,399 locally. If you purchase this tablet tomorrow on Lazada, you can get it with a RM100 discount, bringing down the price to RM1,299.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, you\u2019re getting reasonably capable Android tablet. After all, the Pad 5 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 chipset, which is essentially an improved version of the Snapdragon 855. This was the chipmaker\u2019s flagship offering back in 2019.\n\n\nAside from that, the Pad 5 also features a sharp 11-inch 2560 x 1600 TrueTone display \u2013 it can adjust the screen\u2019s white balance to match ambient lighting \u2013 with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. It can be paired with a magnetic stylus and keyboard cover too, just like other notable tablets in the market now.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Pad 5 include a 13MP rear camera, an 8MP selfie shooter, as well as an 8,720mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Xiaomi Pad 5 costs RM1,399 in Malaysia. If you\u2019re fast, you can grab the new Android tablet for only RM1,299 tomorrow on 24 September from Lazada.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-11t-series-starts-at-rm1699-in-malaysia-early-birds-get-free-smartwatch/", "title": "Xiaomi 11T Series Starts at RM1,699 in Malaysia \u2013 Early Birds Get Free Smartwatch", "body": "\n\nThe Malaysian pricing of the Xiaomi 11T and Xiaomi 11T Pro have just been revealed. Not only are these two devices quite affordable, those who place their pre-orders from now until 29 September will also receive a free smartwatch and wireless earphones.\n\n\nBefore we get to the pre-order goodies, let\u2019s talk about prices first. The 11T retails at RM1,699 and RM1,899 for the 128GB and 256GB configurations respectively; both models also come with 8GB of RAM. As for the 11T Pro, it goes for RM2,099 (256GB + 8GB) and RM2,299 (256GB + 12GB).\n\n\nThe pre-order goodies, on the other hand, include a Mi Watch Lite and a Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic. However, do note that these freebies are only offered to those who pre-order the 256GB variant of the 11T or the 256GB + 12GB configuration of the 11T Pro.\n\n\nThe Xiaomi 11T Pro\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s get to the devices, starting with the 11T Pro. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, you can expect to get a high level of performance out of this phone. Aside from that, it also features a rather sophisticated camera system made up of a 108MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 5MP telemacro lens.\n\n\nOther specifications of the 11T Pro include a 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED display with 120Hz AdaptiveSync, 8GB or 12GB of RAM, two UFS 3.1 storage options (128GB or 256GB), as well as a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 120W Xiaomi HyperCharge, which can fully charge the phone in only 17 minutes.\n\n\nAs for the more affordable Xiaomi 11T, it\u2019s largely similar to the Pro model, though it does have a number of differences. Instead of a Qualcomm processor, it\u2019s powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1200-Ultra SoC instead; this is said to be the chipmaker\u2019s best offering to date.\n\n\nAside from that, the 11T also features the same display, camera system, and battery capacity as its Pro sibling, though its fast charging capability is limited to 67W.\n\n\nThe Xiaomi 11T\n\n\nThe Xiaomi 11T and Xiaomi 11T Pro are now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 29 September from RM1,699 and RM2,099 respectively. Both phones will hit local store shelves on 2 October 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-11-lite-5g-ne-with-snapdragon-778g-now-in-malaysia-from-rm1199/", "title": "Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE With Snapdragon 778G Now in Malaysia From RM1,199", "body": "\n\nThe \nXiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE\n is now available for purchase in Malaysia. Sporting a Snapdragon 778G chipset with a 90Hz AMOLED display, this mid-range smartphone is ideal for those who want a budget-friendly device with good value for money.\n\n\nThree different variants of the 11 Lite are offered in Malaysia. The base model costs RM1,199 (128GB + 6GB), while the mid-tier configuration goes for RM1,399 (128GB + 8GB). The range-topping 256GB variant with 8GB of RAM, on the other hand, is priced at RM1,599.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the 11 Lite features reasonably good hardware. It\u2019s powered by a relatively fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset, and paired to a 6.55-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate (240Hz touch response rate), it should be a decent smartphone for mobile gaming as well.\n\n\nOther specifications of the 11 Lite include a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 5MP telephoto), a 20MP selfie camera, 5G connectivity, and a 4,250mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE is now available for purchase in Malaysia from RM1,199. Interestingly, the first 5,000 customers to purchase the 128GB model will get a free Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic. Those who get the 256GB variant of the 11 Lite, on the other hand, will receive a complimentary Mi Watch Lite, though this is limited to the first 2,000 orders.\n\n\nIf you missed out on the smartwatch, the next 5,000 customers who get the 256GB model will get a Free Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic instead.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/monster-hunter-rise-sunbreak-is-a-massive-expansion-coming-in-summer-2022/", "title": "Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak Is a \u201cMassive Expansion\u201d Coming in Summer 2022", "body": "\n\nMonster Hunter Rise\n will receive a brand new, \u201cmassive expansion\u201d next year. Dubbed Sunbreak, the paid DLC will introduce a new story, quest rank, locales, and of course, new monsters, including the mysterious flagship monster in the trailer below.\n\n\nSunbreak looks to be a similar add-on to Rise as Iceborne was for Monster Hunter World, though details on the new expansion is scarce at the moment. That being said, we do know that it will be coming to Nintendo Switch (naturally) next year, and surprisingly enough, even for PC.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn fact, Sunbreak for Monster Hunter Rise will release simultaneously on the Switch and PC. Previously, Capcom said that Rise will be coming to PC sometime in early 2022 \u2013 it remains to be seen if the PC version will be launched at the same time as Sunbreak.\n\n\nWith a new storyline, locales, gameplay elements, and monsters in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak, Capcom is definitely keeping the game exciting months after its initial launch in March this year. More details on Sunbreak will be revealed in the future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/glorious-lynx-premium-linear-switch-now-in-malaysia-from-rm109-lubed-for-rm50-extra/", "title": "Glorious Lynx \u201cPremium\u201d Linear Switch Now in Malaysia From RM109 \u2013 Lubed for RM50 Extra", "body": "\n\nThe \nGlorious Lynx\n, the company\u2019s first-ever linear switch \u2013 and second switch release after the\u00a0\nGlorious Panda\n\u00a0\u2013 is now available in Malaysia. Said to be a premium offering, the Lynx certainly comes with a matching price tag. Surprisingly enough, even the lubed version is available here.\n\n\nBoth \nDotatech\n and \nETECH PC\n currently have the Glorious Lynx in stock. The unlubed version costs RM109 for a box of 36 switches, while the lubed Lynx costs RM50 extra, bringing up the price to RM159. If you want to purchase individual switches instead, you can do so from \nKeys\n.\n\n\n\n\nThis puts the Lynx in the same price point as other high-end linear switches, so it\u2019ll be interesting to see how it would compare to, say, the\u00a0\nSP-Star\n\u00a0or\u00a0\nCobalt POM\n. On paper, the Lynx looks to be a reasonably good linear switch with a 60g \u201cproprietary\u201d spring and a five-pin design.\n\n\nThe Lynx is also said to offer a \u201ctruly transcended, ultra-smooth typing experience\u201d \u2013 we\u2019d definitely put this to the test to see if it can really deliver on this promise. Beyond that, the Lynx has a polycarbonate top housing, a nylon bottom housing, as well as a POM stem \u2013 standard specs of a linear switch, really.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to pick up the Glorious Lynx switch, you can do so from \nDotatech\n and \nETECH PC\n. Alternatively, if you\u2019re not quite sure it\u2019s the switch for you, get \nindividual switches instead from Keys\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q1-malaysian-pre-order-pushed-back-to-october-2021/", "title": "Keychron Q1 Malaysian Pre-Order Pushed Back to October 2021", "body": "\n\nKeybot, the official Keychron partner here in Malaysia, was \ninitially set to open local pre-orders\n for the \nKeychron Q1\n sometime this month. Well, this is no longer the case: the Q1 will now only be available for pre-order here next month in October 2021.\n\n\nThis new pre-order date is shown on Keybot\u2019s product listing for the Q1 \nover here\n. Although it\u2019s unfortunate that the pre-order has been pushed back, it may be worth waiting still if you\u2019re not keen to purchase the Q1 directly from \nKeychron\u2019s online store\n to save on shipping costs.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, what makes the Q1 particularly interesting is its feature set. Not only does the Q1 use a gasket mounting system \u2013 this mounting style is typically only offered on custom keyboards \u2013 it also has a full CNC aluminium case, along with a hotswap PCB that supports VIA out of the box for easy key mapping.\n\n\nKeychron also worked with Gateron quite a bit for the Q1. Not only can it be purchased with three new factory lubed Gateron Phantom switches \u2013 Phantom Brown (tactile), Phantom Red (linear), or Phantom Blue (clicky) \u2013 it features screw-in stabilisers made by Gateron too.\n\n\nUsually, the stock stabilisers of pre-built keyboards are not of particularly good quality, but that\u2019s surprisingly not the case with the Q1. These Gateron-made stabilisers are lubed quite well at the factory to minimise rattling, and they feel nice and secure too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about the Keychron Q1, check out our video review above or our \nwritten review\n. Rest assured, we\u2019ll keep a close eye on the Malaysian pre-order and pricing of the Q1 from Keybot \u2013 we\u2019ve gotten in touch with the company too for future updates.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hmd-global-launching-6-nokia-devices-in-malaysia-in-q4-2021/", "title": "HMD Global Launching 6 Nokia Devices in Malaysia in Q4 2021", "body": "\n\nHMD Global is set to launch as many as \nsix\n Nokia devices here in Malaysia in the fourth quarter of 2021. These include the Nokia X20, Nokia G10, Nokia C20, Nokia C01 Plus, as well as two feature phones: Nokia 110 4G and Nokia 105 4G.\n\n\nOut of the six devices, the Nokia X20 is the highest-end offering, though all of them are budget-friendly phones. It features a 6.67-inch 1080p IPS screen, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, and a generous 4,470mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\nIn the camera department, the X20 has a quad camera system. It is made up of a 64MP primary sensor, a 5MP ultra-wide angle shooter, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth camera. The selfie shooter, on the other hand, is a 32MP unit. It\u2019s worth noting that the X20 also gets three years of software updates and warranty \u2013 that\u2019s quite impressive.\n\n\nNo word yet from HMD Global on the exact release date of these budget-friendly Nokia devices in Malaysia. Rest assured, we\u2019ll keep a close eye on the local availability (and pricing) of these products in the coming months.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-11t-pro-hands-on-only-rm2099-for-a-snapdragon-888-phone/", "title": "Xiaomi 11T Pro Hands-On: Only RM2,099 for a Snapdragon 888 Phone!", "body": "\n\nThe Xiaomi 11T Pro is now \navailable for pre-order in Malaysia\n, and just like most Xiaomi smartphones, its sheer value for money is the best selling point of this phone. After all, the 11T Pro is a Snapdragon 888 phone for only RM2,099 \u2013 this is one of the most affordable smartphones in the market now with such a chipset.\n\n\nAside from that, other aspects of the 11T Pro are really quite good too, including \nblazing fast\n charging speed. If a phone with flagship-class performance for half the price catches your fancy, keep on reading this hands-on of the 11T Pro.\n\n\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about the different variants of the 11T Pro. Two configurations of the phone are available here in Malaysia: the 256GB model with 8GB of RAM costs RM2,099, while the other 256GB variant with more RAM at 12GB goes for RM2,299 \u2013 very competitive price tags for a Snapdragon 888 phone.\n\n\nBeyond the different RAM capacity, both configurations of the 11T Pro have the exact same hardware. These include a 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, a rather sophisticated camera system (108MP primary sensor + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 5MP telemacro lens), and a 16MP selfie camera.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the 11T Pro also features a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 120W Xiaomi HyperCharge; this can supposedly fully charge the phone in only \n17 minutes\n. While the 11T is not the first phone to come with this level of charging speed, it\u2019s certainly impressive that a phone at this price point sports such a feature.\n\n\nNaturally, I wanted to see if the 11T Pro can really be fully charged in only 17 minutes. With the provided 120W charger in the box, the phone got up to\u2026about 85% in 17 minutes. Granted, this is still \nvery impressive\n charging speed, though it\u2019s not quite as fast as Xiaomi claims it to be.\n\n\nOf course, I\u2019ll repeat this charging speed test a few more times in the full review, so stay tuned for that.\n\n\n\n\nFast charging speed aside, the 11T Pro itself is also an equally fast smartphone. The Snapdragon 888 chipset can handle practically everything I throw at it. It feels very fast and zippy, and I can even run Genshin Impact at 60fps. That being said, it can\u2019t quite sustain this frame rate consistently in the game, as with most Android flagships.\n\n\nAnyway, further enhancing the gaming experience of the 11T Pro is its fast 6.67-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes the phone feel even more responsive. The screen quality itself is also reasonably good with vibrant colours and very deep blacks \u2013 typical traits of an AMOLED panel.\n\n\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s get to the design and build quality of the 11T Pro, which is where you\u2019ll see the cost-cutting measures to bring down the price of this phone. The back panel, for one, looks quite nice with a \u201cbrushed metal\u201d finish, but in actuality, it is made out of plastic, so it does feel a little cheap.\n\n\nGranted, this isn\u2019t exactly a surprise: some aspects of the phone had to be sacrificed to bring down its cost. Though it doesn\u2019t feel particularly premium, at least it looks quite sleek with a hole-punch cutout on the screen and minimal bezels. In short, it has the aesthetics of a proper modern smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the camera performance of the 11T Pro. Though its triple camera system lacks a zoom lens, the camera performance does seem quite promising. The 108MP primary sensor, in particular, can capture some really good-looking shots. Judge for yourself with the sample images below.\n\n\nI haven\u2019t had the time to extensively test out the 8MP ultra-wide angle lens and 5MP telemacro shooter of the 11T Pro yet, but they do seem reasonably capable. Personally, I\u2019m quite excited to put the telemacro camera through its paces to see just how close I can get to a subject without losing focus.\n\n\n\n\nFor only RM2,099, the Xiaomi 11T Pro does offer a lot of value for money. Sure, its build quality isn\u2019t particularly great, but some sacrifices had to be made to bring down the price of the phone. Plus, you\u2019re getting fast, flagship-class performance at this price point \u2013 that\u2019s all that matters to some folks.\n\n\nYou\u2019re also getting extremely fast 120W charging speed \u2013 with the 120W charger already bundled with the phone \u2013 along with a pleasant-looking AMOLED display clocked at 120Hz. As far as first impressions go, the 11T Pro shows a lot of promises; I\u2019ll see if this changes as I continue using it as my daily driver.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi 11T Pro is currently available for pre-order in Malaysia until 29 September. It is priced at RM2,099 and RM2,299 for the 256GB + 8GB and 256GB + 12GB models respectively. Those who pre-order the latter configuration will also receive a complimentary Mi Watch Lite and Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/astrazeneca-dosing-interval-shortened-even-further-to-6-weeks-from-1-october/", "title": "AstraZeneca Dosing Interval Shortened Even Further to 6 Weeks From 1 October", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re still waiting for your second dosage of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, you won\u2019t have to wait much longer now: the dosing interval has been shortened even further to six weeks instead of nine weeks. This new dosing interval will take effect from 1 October onwards.\n\n\nThis was announced by Khairy Jamaluddin, the Minister of Health. He said that the dosing interval for AstraZeneca is shortened to six weeks to make it more convenient for those who have received their first dosage of the vaccine.\n\n\n\n\nMenteri Kesihatan, \n@Khairykj\n memaklumkan jarak masa antara suntikan pertama dan kedua vaksin AstraZeneca akan dipendekkan dari 9 minggu kepada 6 minggu bermula dari 1 Oktober. \n#AWANInews\n \npic.twitter.com/mB1YNg9pwk\n\u2014 \ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfeAstro AWANI\ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe (@501Awani) \nSeptember 24, 2021\n\n\n\n\nHowever, even though the dosing interval for AstraZeneca has been shortened to six weeks, you are still required to wait 14 days after your second dosage to be considered fully vaccinated. This is the same waiting period for other two-dose vaccines such as Pfizer and Sinovac.\n\n\nPreviously, the dosing interval of AstraZeneca was shortened from 12 weeks to nine weeks \nback in July this year\n. Now that it has been shortened further to six weeks, the vaccination rate of Malaysia should speed up accordingly.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-the-best-sounding-keyboard-you-cant-buy-jelly-epoch-review/", "title": "Video: The Best-Sounding Keyboard You Can\u2019t Buy \u2013 Jelly Epoch Review", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Jelly Epoch by Owlab was one of the most sought-after keyboards earlier this year; all 900 units of the 75% custom keyboard were sold out almost instantly globally. While it\u2019s definitely a popular keyboard, is it an absolute \u201cmust-buy?\u201d Well, not quite.\n\n\nWhat made the Jelly Epoch particularly compelling is its thocky, \u201cmarbley\u201d sound profile; a sound signature that the custom keyboard community gravitates towards. But just because a keyboard has a desirable sound profile \ndoesn\u2019t automatically make it a good keyboard.\n\n\nWe talk about exactly why the sound signature of a keyboard isn\u2019t everything in the video above. It\u2019s also a quick review of the Jelly Epoch, so naturally, there\u2019s a sound test of it at the end of the video!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/what-is-a-custom-keyboard/", "title": "What Is a \u201cCustom\u201d Keyboard?", "body": "\n\nThe custom keyboard hobby has seen quite a bit of change over the past couple of years. After all, bigger brands like \nKeychron\n and \nGlorious\n are getting into the scene, which blurs the line between a \u201ccustom\u201d keyboard and a \u201cregular,\u201d pre-built keyboard.\n\n\nSo that brings up the question: what exactly is a \u201ccustom keyboard?\u201d At what point does a pre-built keyboard is also considered to be a custom build? Well, we\u2019re going to break it down in this article.\n\n\n\u201cTrue\u201d Custom Keyboards\n\n\nA true, \u201ctraditional\u201d custom keyboard is usually sold as a kit. That is, only the case, PCB, and plate are bundled together, so you still need to purchase switches, keycaps, and stabilisers \u2013 though some kits do include this particular component \u2013 to complete the build.\n\n\n\n\nMore often than not, custom keyboards are sold in group buys too, which is essentially a pre-order. Shipping times vary from one manufacturer to another, but it\u2019s not uncommon to take several months (or up to a year, even) for a custom keyboard to be delivered to customers.\n\n\nSome good examples of a true-blue custom keyboard include the \nMode SixtyFive\n, \nGinkgo65\n, \nWilba.tech Salvation\n, and of course, the \nJelly Epoch\n. These keyboards usually require assembly as well, and depending on the particular keyboard, soldering may be necessary as well if there\u2019s no option for a hotswap PCB.\n\n\n\n\nAs custom keyboards usually need to be assembled, it is also far easier to tune and modify different aspects of the keyboards to a user\u2019s liking. This is a big part of the custom keyboard hobby: whether you want to get the best sound profile or typing feel, a custom keyboard makes it easier to accomplish these goals.\n\n\nAnd\u2026that\u2019s pretty much a summary of custom keyboards. Now, let\u2019s move on to more affordable (and accessible) off-the-shelf keyboards.\n\n\nPre-Built Keyboards\n\n\nThis is the most common type of keyboard in the market. As its name suggests, a pre-built keyboard is ready to go out of the box; no assembly required. The only bit of customisation with a pre-built keyboard is the type of switch that you can get, which is usually limited to linear (red), tactile (brown), or clicky (blue) switches.\n\n\n\n\nAnd that really is the defining characteristic of a pre-built keyboard: it is not designed to be taken apart or customised to a user\u2019s liking. Something as simple as tuning the stabilisers to eliminate rattling can be a real challenge with a pre-built keyboard, though it does depend on how the particular keyboard is designed.\n\n\nEven though the customisability of a pre-built keyboard is not on the same level as a proper custom keyboard, they are far easier to purchase due to their prevalence in the market. Plus, some folks may not have the patience to wait for months on end to get a custom keyboard.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, almost every single keyboard you see on store shelves are pre-built keyboards. These include keyboards from Razer, Logitech, \nAsus\n, and even \nArmaggeddon\n.\n\n\nPre-Built\u2026Custom Keyboards?\n\n\nRecently, more and more pre-built keyboards are implementing features that are typically found on custom keyboards. The \nKeychron Q1\n is a prime example of this: even though it\u2019s a pre-built keyboard, its feature set is akin to that of a custom keyboard.\n\n\n\n\nNot only does it uses a gasket-mounting system \u2013 a mounting style that you only find on custom keyboards \u2013 it also uses screw-in stabilisers and a hotswap PCB with support for VIA for easy key mapping. These features are very, very rarely found on pre-built keyboards.\n\n\nOf course, it\u2019s not difficult to tune and modify the sound profile or typing feel of the Q1 either, given its similarity to a custom keyboard. Essentially, if a keyboard is designed to be customisable \u2013 pre-built or not \u2013 it can technically be considered to be a \u201ccustom keyboard.\u201d\n\n\nThat being said, if you want the best typing experience and sound profile, there\u2019s still no beating a proper custom keyboard. Yes, the Q1 does offer some benefits of a custom keyboard, but it doesn\u2019t exactly have the same level of polish or refinement as, say, a high-end custom keyboard like the \nJelly Epoch\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut I digress; that\u2019s a topic \nfor a different subject\n. The point is, although some pre-built keyboards can be considered to be a custom keyboard now, a \u201ctrue\u201d custom keyboard is still superior in many aspects, though you \nare\n paying more for such a keyboard with much, \nmuch longer waiting times\n to boot.\n\n\nHowever, given time, it\u2019s entirely possible \u201cpre-built custom keyboards\u201d can match (or even exceed) the standards set by true-blue custom keyboards. But in order for this to be a reality, we\u2019ll need more players to get into the custom keyboard scene \u2013 imagine if Razer is willing to experiment in this space.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-civi-unveiled-with-sleek-slim-design-120hz-display-affordable-price/", "title": "Xiaomi Civi Unveiled With Sleek, Slim Design, 120Hz Display & Affordable Price", "body": "\n\nXiaomi just unveiled a brand new device under a new series in China. Dubbed Xiaomi Civi, this (naturally) affordable smartphone features a sleek design with a slim chassis.\n\n\nIn fact, the front design of the Civi is very similar to the \nSamsung Galaxy S21 Ultra\n, complete with a dual curved screen and a hole-punch cutout for the 32MP selfie camera. Tipping the scales at 166g with a 6.98mm thin chassis, the Civi is quite a slim and light phone too.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Civi also has a 6.55-inch 1080p OLED display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. This high refresh rate screen is paired with a reasonably quick Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset, so it should be able to provide a good gaming experience.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Civi include a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), 8GB or 12GB of RAM, two storage options (128GB or 256GB), and a 4,500mAh battery with support for 55W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\nFor its home market in China, the Xiaomi Civi retails from 2,599 Chinese yuan, which comes up to about RM1,685. It remains to be seen if the Civi will be sold in other markets as well.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/microsoft-surface-pro-8-surface-pro-x-wifi-only-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Microsoft Surface Pro 8 & Surface Pro X (WiFi-Only) Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nMicrosoft\u2019s latest Windows tablets, the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro X \u2013 the new WiFi-only model \u2013 are set to arrive here in Malaysia very soon. Once these two tablets are available locally, they will be joining the \nSurface Go 3\n.\n\n\nWe were going through SIRIM\u2019s database when we saw both the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro X registered under Ingram Micro Malaysia last week on 23 September. Though it wasn\u2019t specified in the listing, we reckon the Pro X registered with SIRIM is the new WiFi-only model.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the Surface Pro 8 sees a much more significant design revision. Not only does it sport a larger 13-inch PixelSense Flow Display now with smaller bezels, it also has a higher 120Hz refresh rate for a more responsive user experience.\n\n\nThe Surface Pro 8 can also be paired with the new Surface Pro Signature Keyboard that houses the equally new Surface Slim Pen 2 stylus too. More importantly, this Windows tablet \nfinally \ngets two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support as well.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Surface Pro 8 include Intel\u2019s latest 11th generation Core i5 or Core i7 processor, up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage \u2013 the base model features 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage \u2013 along with up to 16 hours of battery life.\n\n\nAs for the Pro X, not much has changed, aside from the fact that it is now slightly more affordable. After all, this new variant is a WiFi-only model. Beyond that, its other specifications are unchanged from the \nprevious model\n.\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet from Microsoft Malaysia on the local availability and pricing of the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro X. Given that they have been registered with SIRIM already, we reckon it won\u2019t be long now until they are officially sold here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/microsoft-surface-go-3-now-available-for-pre-order-in-malaysia-from-rm1888/", "title": "Microsoft Surface Go 3 Now Available for Pre-Order in Malaysia From RM1,888", "body": "\n\nLooking for an affordable Windows tablet? Good news: Microsoft\u2019s latest Surface Go 3 is now available for pre-order here in Malaysia. Though it has the same design as \nits predecessor\n, it is now faster than ever, thanks to a selection of newer processors.\n\n\nThree variants of the Surface Go 3 are offered in Malaysia. The most affordable model with an Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage costs RM1,888. Early birds who pre-order this variant will also receive a wireless speaker and portable vacuum cleaner for free.\n\n\n\n\nThe mid-tier Surface Go 3, on the other hand, upgrades the RAM and storage to 8GB and 128GB respectively while retaining the same processor for RM2,588. As for the highest-end model, it has a faster Core i3-10100Y processor with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage for RM2,988. Pre-orders of these two variants will be bundled with a USB-C hub and a Logitech M331 wireless mouse.\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Surface Go 3 is practically identical to the Surface Go 2 with the exception of newer, faster processors. That means it still has a 10.5-inch 1920 x 1280 PixelSense display with a 3:2 aspect ratio; perfect for productivity tasks. The tablet also runs on Windows 11 with support for Windows Hello facial recognition.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Microsoft Surface Go 3 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia on \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n. According to the product listings on these two e-commerce sites, the Windows tablet is expected to start shipping from 5 October onwards.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/watch-your-genshin-impact-journey-recap-get-primogems/", "title": "Watch Your Genshin Impact Journey Recap & Get Primogems", "body": "\n\nMihoyo just released a rather interesting web event for \nGenshin Impact\n\u2018s first anniversary. It\u2019s a recap of your journey in the game, and you can get some Primogems through the web event too.\n\n\nIn order to get the Primogems, you\u2019ll need to watch through your \u201cAnniversary Theater.\u201d Once you\u2019ve done that, a gift box will be unlocked, which will reward you with 40 Primogems. If you share your unique link to other players (for the first time), you\u2019ll get an additional 20 Primogems. Players who click on your link will get a random reward too.\n\n\n\n\nWhile these Primogems aren\u2019t exactly a lot, it\u2019s a nice bonus to watch a recap of your journey in Genshin Impact. It has some interesting trivia too, including how much Mora you\u2019ve spent in the game, the character you\u2019ve used the most in domains, as well as how many days you\u2019ve been active in the game.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re curious about your progress in Genshin Impact so far \u2013 or you just want the 60 Primogems you can get right off the bat \u2013 you can check your Anniversary Theater \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/just-got-your-new-car-check-the-tyre-pressure/", "title": "Just Got Your New Car? Check the Tyre Pressure", "body": "\n\nSo you just took delivery of your brand new car (congratulations!), but before you start taking it out for a drive around town, check the tyre pressure first. Chances are, the tyres are overinflated.\n\n\nIn fact, I faced this exact issue when I first took delivery of my \nHonda Civic FC\n. The recommended tyre pressure for the Civic is 32psi, but all four of the tyres were inflated to \nover 40psi\n when I checked. If you care about your tyres \u2013 and a pleasant driving experience \u2013 you definitely don\u2019t want to be driving with overinflated tyres.\n\n\nWhat Happens If I Drive With Overinflated Tyres?\n\n\nThe most immediate thing you\u2019ll feel (literally) is a harsher, more \u201ccrashy\u201d ride. As overinflated tyres are stiffer, it won\u2019t be able to absorb road bumps particularly well. Take those yellow stripes as you approach a speed bump: if you can distinctly feel each and every one of the stripes, there\u2019s a good chance your tyres are overinflated.\n\n\n\n\nAside from a harsher ride, overinflated tyres will wear out unevenly too. Compared to tyres with optimal pressure \u2013 which will wear out evenly \u2013 overinflated tyres will wear out in the centre first. This, in turn, reduces the lifespan of your tyres, requiring you to replace them quicker than it should be.\n\n\nWhat About Underinflated Tyres?\n\n\nOf course, driving with underinflated tyres isn\u2019t good either. While overinflated tyres wear out in the centre first, the edges of underinflated tyres will wear out faster. Again, this will cost you more money in the long run as you\u2019ll need to replace the tyres in a shorter span of time.\n\n\nAside from that, your fuel economy will also be worse if you\u2019re driving with underinflated tyres. This is due to more rolling resistance, so if you notice that you\u2019re running out of fuel earlier than expected, you may want to check if your tyres are underinflated.\n\n\n\n\nDo note that visually inspecting your tyres for underinflation is not always accurate; just because the tyres look fine don\u2019t mean that they have adequate pressure. The best way to check tyre pressure is either with a tyre pressure gauge, air pumps at gas stations, or through your car\u2019s tyre pressure monitoring system (if it\u2019s equipped with one).\n\n\nAlternatively, you can even get a \nportable air pump\n. In the event of a flat tyre, you\u2019ll be glad to have one in your car at all times too.\n\n\nHow Do I Know the Right Tyre Pressure for My Car?\n\n\nYou should be able to find the recommended tyre pressure for your car in the owner\u2019s manual. But if you want an even easier method, just look for a sticker inside the driver\u2019s door. Do note that certain cars have different recommended pressures for the front and rear tyres.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of different pressures, tyre pressure will also change depending on how hot (or cold) the tyres are. As you drive around, the tyre pressure will increase as the tyres warm up. This is important to keep in mind, given that the recommended tyre pressure outlined by car makers is the \u201ccold inflation pressure.\u201d\n\n\nBasically, if you want the most accurate reading, check your tyre pressure first thing in the morning! If you don\u2019t want to make the trip to a gas station to use the air pump, use a tyre pressure gauge instead.\n\n\nHow Often Should I Check My Tyre Pressure?\n\n\nTyres lose a little bit of pressure every day, so it\u2019s best to check once every two weeks to make sure that they still have adequate pressure. You can always do this when you need to refuel your car at a gas station \u2013 just drive over to the air pump when you\u2019re done refueling for a quick check.\n\n\n\n\nWill I Really Notice the Difference in Tyre Pressure?\n\n\nWell, this really depends on each individual driver. Some drivers can immediately tell if the tyre pressure is off, but some won\u2019t even notice that they\u2019re driving with a flat tyre.\n\n\nPersonally, I do notice the difference once I set the tyres of my Civic FC to the optimal pressure. As the tyres can soak up road bumps much better than when they were overinflated and \u201cstiff,\u201d the ride is a lot more comfortable.\n\n\nRegardless, whether you notice it or not, it\u2019s always best to drive with optimal tyre pressure. Not only does it make for a more pleasant driving experience, you\u2019ll save money too as the tyres won\u2019t wear out quicker than they should be.\n\n\n\n\nSo if you\u2019ve just taken delivery of your brand new car, head to the nearest gas station to see if the car\u2019s tyre pressure is optimal. Even if you\u2019ve just swapped out to a new set of tyres \u2013 or you had a flat tyre fixed \u2013 it doesn\u2019t hurt to check the tyre pressure again for yourself either; it\u2019s better to be safe than sorry.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-2-2-livestream-set-for-3-october-thoma-makes-an-appearance/", "title": "Genshin Impact 2.2 Livestream Set for 3 October \u2013 Thoma Makes an Appearance", "body": "\n\nMihoyo just confirmed the date for Genshin Impact\u2019s Version 2.2 special program. The livestream is set to take place this Sunday on 3 October, and Thoma \u2013 which is likely a playable character in the new update \u2013 will be making an appearance too.\n\n\nAs the teaser image below shows, Version 2.2 is dubbed \u201cInto the Perilous Labyrinth of Fog.\u201d Thoma is also pictured in the teaser alongside Lumine and Aether, the female and male versions of the Traveler respectively.\n\n\n\n\nSince Thoma is featured in the teaser image, there\u2019s a very good chance the Pyro character (as revealed in the Inazuma storyline of Genshin Impact) will be a playable character in Version 2.2. After all, Mihoyo \npreviously teased the character too\n.\n\n\nAccording to Mihoyo, the Version 2.2 special program for Genshin Impact will also feature \u201cjuicy details about new game content and developments in Version 2.2.\u201d As usual, redemption codes (and other goodies) will be given during the livestream as well.\n\n\n\n\nYou can catch the livestream of Genshin Impact Version 2.2 \non Twitch\n this Sunday on 3 October at 8PM for us here in Malaysia. Genshin Impact\u2019s online concert \u201cMelodies of an Endless Journey\u201d will also take place after the livestream. You can learn more about the concert \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-gladius-iii-wireless-review-great-for-productivity-okay-for-gaming/", "title": "Asus ROG Gladius III Wireless Review: Great for Productivity, Okay for Gaming", "body": "\n\nThe Asus ROG Gladius III Wireless looks like any other gaming mouse at a glance, but it has one unique feature that sets it apart: it is essentially a hotswappable gaming mouse. While this is not the first Asus mouse to have such a feature, it\u2019s offered in a package that\u2019s quite compelling.\n\n\nOf course, the Gladius III Wireless still has a number of shortcomings, but if you want a comfortable productivity mouse with decent gaming performance, it\u2019s definitely worth considering. Yes, this is a better mouse for productivity than gaming \u2013 read on to find out why.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThere are two different variants of the ROG Gladius III. The one we\u2019re reviewing is the \nwireless version (RM439)\n, but if you don\u2019t care for wireless support, you can get the much more affordable wired model \nfor only RM299\n. Beyond this, other specifications of these two variants are exactly the same.\n\n\nAnyway, the Gladius III Wireless can connect to a PC via a 2.4GHz dongle or Bluetooth with a quoted battery life of 55 hours and 85 hours respectively (with the backlight switched off). Not the longest battery life we\u2019ve seen from a wireless mouse, but more on this further down the review.\n\n\nWeight is important for a gaming mouse, and in this respect, the Gladius III is reasonably lightweight. The wireless model tips the scales at 89g, while the wired model is slightly lighter (since it doesn\u2019t have a battery) at 79g. While it is not the lightest gaming mouse in the market, it\u2019s certainly lightweight enough for a comfortable gaming experience.\n\n\n\n\nDesign wise, the Gladius III has an ergonomic shape made for right-handed gamers, so unfortunately enough, it\u2019s not suitable for lefties. There are also two buttons on the left side of the mouse, along with an all-plastic chassis; there are no rubberised sides here.\n\n\nFinally, there\u2019s the unique \u201cPush-Fit Switch Socket II\u201d of the Gladius III, which allows easy replacement of the left and right mouse buttons. According to Asus, this is the first mouse to feature such a socket, which supports both 3-pin and 5-pin micro switches.\n\n\nThis effectively makes the Gladius III a hotswappable mouse, as you can easily swap out the micro switches on the left and right buttons. Asus also provides two Omron optical switches with this mouse, which we\u2019ll get back to in the next section.\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nSince the ROG Gladius III\u2019s hotswappable nature is one of its most unique features, let\u2019s talk about it first. Initially, I was afraid it would be difficult to swap out the micro switches, but to my surprise, it is really, really easy. In fact, anyone with a screwdriver can easily do it.\n\n\nIn order to disassemble the Gladius III, all I needed to do was undo two screws hidden underneath a rubber cap. Once I\u2019ve done that, I can remove the top chassis from the back of the mouse. It\u2019s a little awkward to pop out the top casing at first, but after a few tries, I can comfortably do it without too much trouble.\n\n\n\n\nOnce that\u2019s done, I can use the provided tweezer to easily pull out the original ROG micro switches. Installing the Omron switches to the socket is a similarly fuss-free affair. I can then install the top chassis back onto the base, and voila, I\u2019ve swapped out the micro switches on the left and right mouse buttons.\n\n\nI love how seamless it is to change the micro switches on the Gladius III. Thanks to its hotswap nature, I can just get \naftermarket micro switches\n if I want to further customise the clicking characteristic of the Gladius III too \u2013 how many gaming mice can do this?\n\n\n\n\nIts hotswap capability aside, the Gladius III\u2019s ergonomic design also makes it a comfortable mouse to use for long periods of time. The tall shape of the mouse provides ample support for my hand, and since it\u2019s quite lightweight, it\u2019s easy to navigate with too.\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the latency of the Gladius III, which is great. Whether I\u2019m using the 2.4GHz dongle or Bluetooth, I didn\u2019t notice any major input lag while gaming with this mouse. Granted, more competitive gamers may notice a difference, but I reckon most folks will still be able to game effectively with the Gladius III in wireless mode.\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nRemember when I said the ROG Gladius III is better as a productivity mouse rather than gaming? Well, this can be attributed to the ergonomic shape of the mouse. It\u2019s comfortable, yes, but this is also the reason why it\u2019s not super ideal for gaming.\n\n\nThis is down to the tall nature of the Gladius III; more specifically, the button height. As my fingers are further away from the surface of the tablet, I don\u2019t get the same level of \u201cstability\u201d and precision over a mouse with a lower button height, such as the Logitech G Pro Wireless.\n\n\nOf course, your mileage may vary, especially if you have larger hands. But personally, I do feel like my aim is more accurate with a smaller, lower profile mouse.\n\n\nThe Logitech G Pro Wireless and Asus ROG Gladius III\n\n\nAside from that, I\u2019m not a big fan of the Omron optical switches bundled with the Gladius III either. While I like their firmer clicks, they produce a very metallic, tinny sound. As for the ROG micro switches, they don\u2019t feel quite as firm, but they do have a quieter (and pleasant) clicking sound.\n\n\nMy last qualm with the Gladius III is its battery life. While I did manage to hit the 55 hours quoted battery life, it\u2019s still not quite as long-lasting as its competition. Logitech\u2019s lighter G Pro Wireless, for one, can last up to 60 hours on a single charge. The Razer Viper Ultimate, on the other hand, can provide up to 70 hours of battery life.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nEven though its battery life isn\u2019t particularly great \u2013 and the tall button height can be detrimental for competitive gaming \u2013 the Asus ROG Gladius III is still a fantastic gaming mouse that I will happily use as my daily driver when I\u2019m doing productivity work.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, the hotswap capability of the Gladius III is easily one of its best selling points. I don\u2019t need to desolder the micro switches to swap them out, and disassembling the mouse itself is a fuss-free affair. Coupled with its \nreasonable RM439 asking price\n \u2013 or \nonly RM299\n if you want the wired version \u2013 the Gladius III is definitely an interesting mouse.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/30-september-6-october-fuel-price-ron-97-up-1-sen-others-remain/", "title": "30 September \u2013 6 October Fuel Price: RON 97 up 1 Sen, Others Remain", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 is set to go up yet again this coming week folks. From tomorrow onwards, RON 97 will go up by 1 sen per litre, while the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 for the next seven days is set at RM2.76 per litre (up from RM2.75). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 30 September to 6 October. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-civi-will-not-be-sold-outside-of-china-possible-rebranding/", "title": "Xiaomi Civi Will Not Be Sold Outside of China \u2013 Possible Rebranding?", "body": "\n\nXiaomi recently launched a device under a brand new series in China dubbed \nXiaomi Civi\n. What makes this phone particularly interesting is its premium design at an affordable price point, but unfortunately enough, it\u2019s now confirmed that it will not be sold outside of China.\n\n\nThis confirmation came directly from Xiaomi itself in a statement to \nAndroid Authority\n. \u201cXiaomi Civi remains a Mainland China-only device,\u201d the phone maker said to Android Authority in an email.\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s entirely possible that Xiaomi will rebrand the phone for the global market. After all, the company has done this many times before with its previous smartphones.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the highlights of the Civi is its 6.55-inch 1080p OLED dual curved display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. This high refresh rate screen is paired with a reasonably quick Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset, so it should be able to provide a good gaming experience.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Civi include a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), a 32MP selfie camera, 8GB or 12GB of RAM, two storage options (128GB or 256GB), and a 4,500mAh battery with support for 55W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\nIn China, the Xiaomi Civi retails from only 2,599 Chinese yuan, which comes up to about RM1,680. While the \u201cCivi\u201d branding may not be sold outside of China, here\u2019s hoping the device itself will be made available in other markets.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/microsoft-surface-laptop-studio-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Microsoft\u2019s Powerful Surface Laptop Studio Is Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nAside from the Surface Pro 8, \nSurface Go 3\n, and \nSurface Pro X\n, it appears Microsoft will also launch its powerful Surface Laptop Studio here in Malaysia. As the company\u2019s flagship laptop \u2013 replacing the \nSurface Book\n lineup \u2013 it has some capable hardware and an interesting design.\n\n\nWhile we were browsing through Microsoft Malaysia\u2019s website, we notice that the \nproduct page for the Surface Laptop Studio is live\n. It\u2019s also said to be coming soon, though it\u2019s worth noting that at the time of writing, the laptop is only visible under the \nSurface for Business category\n.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, the unique selling point of the Surface Laptop Studio is its \u201cDynamic Woven Hinge,\u201d which allows the laptop to transition between three modes: laptop, stage, and studio. Laptop is self-explanatory, while stage props up the 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow display (2400 x 1600 at 120Hz) right behind the trackpad; much like \nAcer\u2019s ConceptD 3 Ezel\n.\n\n\nAs for studio, it\u2019s\u2026basically transforming the Surface Laptop Studio into a tablet. But tipping the scales between 1.7kg to 1.8kg for the Core i5 and Core i7 models respectively, this is not exactly a lightweight machine.\n\n\nThe three modes of the Surface Laptop Studio\n\n\nSpeaking of processors, the Surface Laptop Studio can be configured with an Intel Core i5-11300H or Core i7-11370H processor. The Core i5 model features an Iris Xe Graphics integrated GPU, while the Core i7 option can be configured with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti or an RTX A2000 GPU.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Surface Laptop Studio include 16GB or 32GB of RAM, SSD storage capacities between 256GB to a whopping 2TB, two USB-C ports with support for Thunderbolt 4, as well as up to 19 hours of battery life. Naturally, it will ship with Windows 11 too, though users have the option to use Windows 10 instead.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on exactly when the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio will be available here in Malaysia. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the local availability (and pricing) of the flagship laptop.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-predator-triton-500-se-with-19-9mm-chassis-rtx-3080-launched-in-malaysia-from-rm8999/", "title": "Acer Predator Triton 500 SE With 19.9mm Chassis & RTX 3080 Launched in Malaysia From RM8,999", "body": "\n\nThe powerful \nAcer Predator Triton 500 SE\n has just been launched in Malaysia. Configurable with a fast Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 GPU and Intel\u2019s latest 11th generation Core i9 processor in a slim chassis, it\u2019s an attractive and capable gaming laptop.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Predator Triton 500 SE are offered in Malaysia. The base Core i7-11800H model with an RTX 3070 GPU and 16GB of RAM costs RM8,999, while the more powerful Core i9-11900H configuration with a beefier RTX 3080 GPU and 32GB of RAM is priced at RM12,999.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the different CPU, GPU, and RAM capacity, both variants of the Triton 500 SE share the same hardware. These include a 1TB PCIe NVMe Gen4 SSD, as well as a 16-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS screen with a 165Hz refresh rate and 16:10 aspect ratio. Unfortunately, the mini-LED display option isn\u2019t offered in Malaysia.\n\n\nNonetheless ,given the powerful hardware under the hood of the Triton 500 SE, it\u2019s really quite impressive that its chassis measures only 19.9mm thin. Tipping the scales at 2.4kg, it\u2019s not an awfully heavy gaming laptop either.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Predator Triton 500 SE will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from 30 October onwards. To recap, this slim, powerful gaming laptop retails at RM8,999 and RM12,999 for the Core i7/RTX 3070 and Core i9/RTX 3080 configurations respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-predator-helios-500-with-mini-led-display-tops-out-at-rm19999-in-malaysia/", "title": "Acer Predator Helios 500 With Mini-LED Display Tops Out at RM19,999 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nTriton 500 SE\n, Acer Malaysia also launched the powerful \nAcer Predator Helios 500\n today. Packed with a mini-LED display and an overclockable processor, this is easily the Taiwanese company\u2019s most impressive gaming laptop yet.\n\n\nTwo configurations of the Helios 500 are available in Malaysia. The base model with an Intel Core i7-11800H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 GPU (8GB GDDR6) goes for RM13,999, while the range-topping RM19,999 variant features an overclockable Core i9-11980HK processor and an RTX 3080 GPU with 16GB GDDR6 memory.\n\n\n\n\nThe Core i9 configuration of the Helios 500 is also the only model to feature a bright and vibrant 17.3-inch 4K mini-LED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, not to mention a whopping 64GB RAM and 2TB of fast PCIe NVMe Gen4 SSD storage. Without a doubt this is a serious gaming machine.\n\n\nAs for the slightly more affordable Helios 500 with a Core i7 processor, it features a more modest 32GB of RAM and a 1TB PCIe NVMe Gen4 SSD. Though it doesn\u2019t get a fancy mini-LED display, it has a blazing fast 17.3-inch 1080p panel with a 360Hz refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Predator Helios 500 will be available for pre-order in Malaysia next month on 30 October. If you place your pre-order between 30 October to 6 November, you\u2019ll also get RM2,414 worth of freebies, including a Predator Gaming Chair worth RM1,299.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-predator-helios-300-with-360hz-display-now-in-malaysia-from-rm6299/", "title": "Acer Predator Helios 300 With 360Hz Display Now in Malaysia From RM6,299", "body": "\n\nIf the \nPredator Triton 500 SE\n and \nHelios 500\n are out of your budget, consider the Acer Predator Helios 300 instead. Though it\u2019s not quite as powerful as its aforementioned siblings, the Helios 300 is still a very capable gaming laptop \u2013 it can even be configured with a blazing fast 360Hz display.\n\n\nAs many as five different variants of the Helios 300 are offered in Malaysia with two screen sizes. Let\u2019s start with the 15.6-inch configurations first: the base model (RM6,299) comes with a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS panel with a 360Hz refresh rate, an Intel Core i7-11800H processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD.\n\n\nThe 15.6-inch Helios 300\nThe 17.3-inch Helios 300\n\n\nA tier up is the RM7,699 model, which upgrades the GPU to an RTX 3070, along with a sharper 1440p IPS panel (albeit with a lower 160Hz refresh rate), 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage. The range-topping 15.6-inch Helios 300, on the other hand, adds on a faster Core i9-11900H processor and 32GB of RAM for RM9,999.\n\n\nAnd then we have the 17.3-inch Helios 300. The most affordable model (RM7,999) is packed with a Core i7-11800H processor, an RTX 3060 GPU, a 360Hz FHD IPS display, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. If you want better gaming performance, there\u2019s the RTX 3070 model for RM8,999, which also features a sharper QHD IPS screen with a 165Hz refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Helios 300 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 6 October 2021; those who pre-order any variant of this gaming laptop will also receive over RM1,000 worth of freebies. If you purchase the range-topping Core i9 model instead, you\u2019ll also get a Predator Gaming Chair worth RM1,299.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-plus-october-2021-free-games-include-hell-let-loose-mortal-kombat-x/", "title": "PlayStation Plus October 2021 Free Games Include Hell Let Loose & Mortal Kombat X", "body": "\n\nPlayStation Plus\u2019 free games for October 2021 has just been unveiled. Four titles can be claimed by members this coming Tuesday on 5 October: Hell Let Loose, Mortal Kombat X, PGA Tour 2K21, and for us here in Asia, Castlevania Requiem.\n\n\nHell Let Loose has been rumoured for the longest time to be a part of October\u2019s free games, and this is now confirmed. However, do note that this title is only offered for the PS5. Those who are on the PS4 will not be able to play the game, though the other three games can be claimed on both platforms.\n\n\n\n\nOccasionally, certain regions will get an extra title in PlayStation Plus\u2019 free games, and it appears those of us here in Asia will get Castlevania Requiem. Do note that once you\u2019ve claimed these games, they will be yours to keep (and play) as long as your PlayStation Plus subscription remains active.\n\n\nHell Let Loose, Castlevania Requiem, Mortal Kombat X, and PGA Tour 2K21 will be available for download from 5 October to 1 November 2021. If you haven\u2019t claimed\u00a0\nPlayStation Plus\u2019 September 2021\n\u00a0games yet, you have until 4 October to do so.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-watch-4-review-the-best-got-better/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Review: The Best Got Better", "body": "\n\nSamsung\u2019s range of smartwatches have always been considered to be the best options for Android users. With the latest Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 series, this still remains very true. Simply put, the best smartwatch for Android got even better, thanks to more robust tracking capabilities and the integration of Google\u2019s Wear OS 3.\n\n\nEven though it still has its fair share of shortcomings, the Galaxy Watch 4 is a very easy smartwatch to recommend. On top of that, it doesn\u2019t cost a premium either with a RM899 starting price.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThere are two distinct variants of the Galaxy Watch 4. The standard model \u2013 which we received for this review \u2013 is offered in 40mm and 44mm sizes for RM899 and RM999 respectively. The bigger Classic version, on the other hand, costs RM1,299 and RM1,399 for the 42mm and 46mm models respectively.\n\n\nSince this is a review of the standard Galaxy Watch 4, let\u2019s focus on that. We got the 40mm model, and it\u2019s packed with a 1.2-inch 396 x 396 circular Super AMOLED display, an Exynos W920 processor, a 247mAh battery, 1.5GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, and it runs on Google\u2019s Wear OS 3 platform with Samsung\u2019s own customisations.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch 4 is quite a bit more capable when it comes to health tracking. It can still do the usual heart rate tracking and blood oxygen measurement, but what\u2019s particularly interesting is its ability to measure a user\u2019s body composition \u2013 more on this in the next section.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nOne of the features I was eager to try out on the Galaxy Watch 4 is its body composition analysis. By using the Samsung BioActive Sensor on the back of the watch, the sensor can give me interesting data such as my skeletal muscle, fat mass, body fat, BMI, and even my body water percentage.\n\n\n\n\nThese data are useful as a guideline for health tracking, and I find it really convenient (and impressive) that I can get these stats from the Galaxy Watch 4 itself. However, even though Samsung said that these measurements are up to 98% accurate, I wouldn\u2019t use it as a diagnostic tool. Still, it can be useful if you know how to make sense of these data in the right context.\n\n\nAnother feature of the Galaxy Watch 4 that I find particularly useful is its sleep tracker. Yes, every smartwatch worth its salt is able to do this, but what sets the Watch 4 apart is its ability to measure blood oxygen throughout the night (a very important health indicator) \nand\n snoring pattern.\n\n\n\n\nIn fact, the Watch 4 \u2013 with the help of the paired phone\u2019s microphone \u2013 can even record your snores! I\u2019ve put this feature to the test, and it really does work. I now know that I occasionally snore when I sleep (and exactly how long), much to my chagrin. It\u2019s quite surreal listening back to audio clips of the recorded snores.\n\n\nAnyway, aside from that, the Galaxy Watch 4\u2019s workout tracking works great too. It shows how much calories I\u2019ve burnt, my heart rate throughout the workout, and if I\u2019m walking or running, it can even record the distance I\u2019ve covered. All in all, it\u2019s a robust workout tracker that can detect over \n95 different activities\n.\n\n\nI also dig the design of the Watch 4. It has a nice, minimalist aesthetic, and with the always on display enabled, it almost looks like a traditional wristwatch. Of course, this is also thanks to the the bright and vibrant Super AMOLED display. Outdoor visibility is not an issue at all with this screen.\n\n\n\n\nMost smartwatches \u2013 especially more affordable ones \u2013 don\u2019t feel particularly responsive, but this is not an issue at all with the Galaxy Watch 4. While the interface does get a little sluggish when it first powers up, the watch feels fast and zippy once it\u2019s up and running.\n\n\nThe Watch 4\u2019s strap is worth a mention too. It\u2019s nice and soft, which makes it really comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The white strap doesn\u2019t seem to get stained easily either, though I do wonder if it will start yellowing after prolonged use.\n\n\nLast but not least is the software experience of the Galaxy Watch 4. The user interface remains as intuitive as ever, it\u2019s easy to navigate through the menus, and Google\u2019s Wear OS 3 integration is nice. When I\u2019m navigating with Google Maps, for example, I get turn-by-turn navigation on the watch.\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAs much as I absolutely enjoy using the Galaxy Watch 4, it does have some shortcomings, such as its battery life. Granted, it\u2019s not horrible by any means \u2013 especially for such a feature-packed smartwatch \u2013 but if you\u2019re expecting to only charge the watch every other day, well\u2026you won\u2019t get that here.\n\n\nOn average, I can get about one and a half day of battery life on a single charge with the always on display enabled. This is long enough for the Watch 4 to track my sleep and still have enough battery life to last throughout the day.\n\n\nI can extend the battery life slightly by disabling the always on display, and if I don\u2019t track my sleep at night, I can (just barely) get two days of use out of it. Whether or not this is a worth tradeoff \u2013 it isn\u2019t, if you ask me \u2013 will depend on how you plan to use the watch.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the touch-sensitive bezel of the Galaxy Watch 4, which is fiddly. It works reasonably well when it does, but most of the time, it has trouble recognising my input. If Samsung\u2019s bezel navigation is something that you\u2019re really fond of, consider picking up the Watch 4 Classic instead \u2013 that one has a more precise physical rotating bezel.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is easily one of the best (if not \nthe best\n) smartwatches for Android in the market now. It is jam-packed with features, it has robust tracking capabilities, and most of all, it doesn\u2019t demand a premium with its RM899 starting price.\n\n\n\n\nUnless you need a smartwatch with longer battery life \u2013 though you will be sacrificing quite a number of features for such a wearable \u2013 the Galaxy Watch 4 is absolutely worth it. This is especially the case if you want a smartwatch running on Wear OS 3; the Watch 4 is the only wearable on this platform right now.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/monster-hunter-rise-arrives-on-pc-13-january-2022-for-rm248/", "title": "Monster Hunter Rise Arrives on PC 13 January 2022 for RM248", "body": "\n\nCapcom finally announced the release date for \nMonster Hunter Rise\n on PC. Set to be available on Steam next year on 13 January 2022, the Malaysian pricing of the game has also been revealed.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Standard Edition of Monster Hunter Rise on Steam is priced at RM248. If you want the Deluxe Edition instead, which includes a number of cosmetic items and gestures, that will set you back RM291.40.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to Monster Hunter Rise on the Nintendo Switch, the PC version naturally gets some nice upgrades. These include support for 4K resolution \u2013 it can even run in 21:9 for gamers with an ultrawide monitor \u2013 high-res textures, and support for voice chat.\n\n\nOn top of that, previously released DLCs for Rise on the Switch (until November 2021) will be available on PC at launch too. It\u2019s worth noting that the \nSunbreak add-on\n \u2013 which is said to be a \u201cmassive expansion\u201d \u2013 will also be released on PC and Switch simultaneously sometime in Summer 2022.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to give Monster Hunter Rise on PC a try first before pre-ordering it, good news: the trial version will be released in the next two weeks on 14 October 2021. The game is now \navailable for pre-order on Steam from RM248\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-m22-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm899-early-birds-get-rm120-discount/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy M22 Lands in Malaysia for RM899 \u2013 Early Birds Get RM120 Discount", "body": "\n\nSamsung just launched another affordable smartphone in Malaysia. Sporting a 90Hz display with a very generous 5,000mAh battery, the Samsung Galaxy M22 is quite an interesting budget-friendly device \u2013 early birds can even get it with a RM120 discount.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Galaxy M22 is available in Malaysia. Featuring 128GB of expandable storage and 6GB of RAM, the M22 retails at RM899. In conjunction with Shopee\u2019s 10.10 sale, those who purchase this phone between 3 to 10 October can get it \nfor only RM779\n instead, saving you RM120.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Galaxy M22 is a reasonably good phone. As mentioned, it is packed with a 6.4-inch HD+ Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. Along with a 5,000mAh battery that support 25W fast charging, you can expect to get above average battery life with this phone too.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy M22 include a MediaTek Helio G80 chipset, a quad camera system (48MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP depth + 2MP macro), a 13MP selfie camera, and a microSD card slot that can accommodate cards up to 1TB.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy M22 will be available for purchase in Malaysia on Shopee first come 3 October this Sunday. To recap, you can grab the phone \nfor only RM779\n instead of its recommended retail price of RM899 from Shopee until 10 October.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-now-offering-up-to-rm9000-discount-for-october-2021/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Now Offering up to RM9,000 Discount for October 2021", "body": "\n\nLast month, Honda Malaysia \noffered up to RM6,000 discounts\n for its range of models. But for this month, the deal is even better: the carmaker is now offering up to a whopping RM9,000 discount throughout October 2021.\n\n\nNaturally, \nthe Honda Accord\n gets the biggest discount. Previously, the range-topping TC-P trim of the D-segment sedan receives a RM5,000 discount, but it is now increased to RM7,000. As for the more affordable TC model, it gets an even more generous \nRM9,000 rebate\n.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to get a seven-seater instead, good news. The\u00a0\nHonda BR-V\n\u00a0is discounted quite a bit too; both the E and V trims get a RM5,000 discount. The \n2021 Honda HR-V Hybrid\n also receives a RM5,000 rebate, while the E, V, and RS variants of the B-segment SUV get a RM3,500 discount instead.\n\n\nNext is the\u00a0\nall-new Honda City\n: the E, V, and RS trims are discounted by RM3,000, while the S base model get a RM2,000 rebate. Other notable discounts given by Honda Malaysia include RM2,000 savings for the TC and TC-P variants of the \nCivic\n \u2013 the base 1.8L S model gets a bigger RM3,000 rebate \u2013 as well as a RM4,000 discount for the Jazz.\n\n\nDo note that these discounts are only applicable for vehicles registered between 1 to 31 October 2021.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to get any of these Honda models with the aforementioned rebates, you can place your booking online\u00a0\nhere\n. Alternatively, bookings can be done through the HondaTouch app as well \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-giving-out-rm250-service-voucher-to-vaccinated-customers/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Giving Out RM250 Service Voucher to Vaccinated Customers", "body": "\n\nTo support the government\u2019s vaccination effort, Honda Malaysia is running its Vaccinated Customer Program from October to December 2021. If you have received your COVID-19 vaccination, you can get a RM250 service voucher from the carmaker when you purchase a new Honda model.\n\n\nInterestingly, you don\u2019t have to be fully vaccinated to get the RM250 service voucher (valid for one year) from Honda Malaysia. As long as you\u2019re registered for the national vaccination program, you will be eligible for the voucher.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, you do have to show your vaccination status to get the RM250 service voucher, and you can do through the MySejahtera app. You\u2019re also required to register your car by 31 December 2021 in order to enjoy this promotion.\n\n\n\u201cThis program is an initiative by Honda Malaysia to support the Malaysian government\u2019s vaccination program and to encourage people to get vaccinated in an effort to achieve herd immunity,\u201d said the MD and CEO of Honda Malaysia, Madoka Chujo.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that Honda Malaysia is also offering \nup to RM9,000 discount\n for its range of models throughout October 2021. If you\u2019re looking to get a new car, now\u2019s a really good time to shop around.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/we-need-more-hotswap-mouse/", "title": "We Need More Hotswap Mouse", "body": "\n\nChances are, you\u2019ve used a fair number of mice in your lifetime. Now, how many of them were replaced because the buttons were double-clicking? Needless to say, this is a very common issue, and unless you\u2019re willing to disassemble these mice and desolder the faulty micro switches, it\u2019s much easier to just get a new mouse.\n\n\nWell, this won\u2019t be an issue with a hotswap mouse, such as the \nAsus ROG Gladius III\n. But that\u2019s the thing: only Asus has a slew of gaming mice with hotswappable micro switches right now. We need more mice \u2013 gaming-centric or not \u2013 with hotswap sockets, which would really change the ownership experience of mice in general.\n\n\nNot convinced? Then read on!\n\n\n\n\nHotswap Support Improves User Experience\n\n\nImagine this: you really like this particular mouse. It has a good shape, its set of features are exactly what you want, but the only problem is\u2026you don\u2019t like the buttons of the mouse. Maybe it\u2019s too loud, maybe you don\u2019t like how it feels, but the bottom line is, the way the mouse clicks is just not for you.\n\n\nWell, if the mouse had hotswap support, this can be easily addressed. Just pop the mouse open, swap out the micro switches to ones that you actually like \u2013 there are \nquite a number of different options\n \u2013 and voila, the mouse is now perfectly suited to your taste.\n\n\n\n\nIf hotswap mice were more widely available in the market, you can easily install any kind of micro switch to customise the sound and feel of a particular mouse to your liking. This brings us to the next point..\n\n\nIt\u2019s a Layer of Customisation\n\n\nJust like how there are different types of keyboard switches, the same applies to micro switches for mice too. Well, to a certain extent. While micro switches for mice are not as widely available as keyboard switches, there are still enough different options in the market now to suit a wide variety of users. Just give the video below a watch.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNot only do these micro switches have different sound profiles, they have their own unique characteristics too. Some are heavy, some are light, others are very snappy, while certain micro switches are noticeably louder. The point is, these micro switches are distinct enough to appeal to different people.\n\n\nChances are, not many are aware that they can swap out the micro switches of a mouse to customise the way the buttons feel and sound. If there are more hotswap mice readily available, I reckon more folks will know that they won\u2019t have to settle for a mouse that doesn\u2019t click (excuse the pun) with them.\n\n\nExtends the Lifespan of a Mouse\n\n\nGiven that one of the first hardware to break on a mouse is the button (the micro switches, basically), a hotswap mouse can easily outlast a regular mouse with soldered micro switches. If the left or right button starts to double-click, just change to a different micro switch, and it\u2019s essentially good as new.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, a hotswap mouse is designed to be disassembled without much trouble, so this makes them easy to repair. This is exemplified by the ROG Gladius III: all I need to do is undo two screws under the mouse, and I can then pop the top casing open to pull out the faulty micro switches from the hotswap socket.\n\n\nWhy Not Just Desolder the Micro Switches?\n\n\nWell, not everyone has the technical know-how or time to do this. Plus, some mice are \ndifficult \nto disassemble. Take the Logitech G Pro Wireless, which is considered to be one of the best gaming mice in the market. To take it apart, I\u2019ll need to use a hairdryer to pry off the feet to access the screws. I imagine this isn\u2019t something most folks will be comfortable doing.\n\n\nAs I\u2019ve mentioned before, this isn\u2019t a problem with a hotswap mouse; it \nshould\n be designed for easy disassembly to access the hotswap sockets.\n\n\n\n\nThe micro switch of a mouse is just one hardware that can be changed to a user\u2019s liking. There are many more aspects of a mouse with customisation potential, such as the feet, cord, and to a certain extent, even the shape if you have access to a 3D printer.\n\n\nBut unlike the custom keyboard scene, a \u201ccustom mouse\u201d is not as mainstream \u2013 not yet, anyway. Hopefully, we\u2019ll see the emergence of truly customisable mice in the future, starting with (at the very least) hotswap support. If we can get superior typing experience from a custom keyboard, why not a custom mouse too?\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/premise-not-following-sop-you-can-report-it-through-mysejahtera-soon/", "title": "Premise Not Following SOP? You Can Report It Through MySejahtera Soon", "body": "\n\nAs COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease throughout Malaysia, it\u2019s even more important now to adhere to SOPs to keep the virus at bay. If you notice any premise that\u2019s not following SOP, you will be able to report it through MySejahtera soon.\n\n\nThis was revealed by Khairy Jamaluddin, the Minister of Health, through a Twitter post. He even demonstrated how the new feature would work through a screen recording, which looks to be quite simple.\n\n\n\n\nI have asked MySj to update slightly but the feature is there. \nhttps://t.co/pWJ51VPvUR\n \npic.twitter.com/IEypqXAHOq\n\u2014 Khairy Jamaluddin \ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe\ud83c\udf3a (@Khairykj) \nOctober 2, 2021\n\n\n\n\nJust click on the report icon, pick an option \u2013 such as no social distancing or visitors are not properly screened \u2013 tag the location, attach an image, and send the report. Looking at the options, it looks to be possible to also report individuals who are not following quarantine rules.\n\n\nIt remains to be seen exactly when this new report feature will be available in MySejahtera, but given that COVID-19 restrictions are gradually easing nationwide, we reckon it will be pushed out to the app very soon. Once it\u2019s live, you can update the MySejahtera app on the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n,\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n, or \nHuawei AppGallery\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-5s-5s-pro-arriving-in-malaysia-8-october/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 5s & 5s Pro Arriving in Malaysia 8 October", "body": "\n\nAsus\u2019 latest gaming smartphones, the \nAsus ROG Phone 5s and 5s Pro\n, are set to arrive here in Malaysia \nthis Friday on 8 October\n. Powered by Qualcomm\u2019s latest Snapdragon 888+ chipset, these two phones offer a number of upgrades \ncompared to their predecessors\n.\n\n\nThe Snapdragon 888+ chipset under the hood of the ROG Phone 5s series really is the biggest upgrade here. Compared to the Snapdragon 888 SoC that powered the previous models, the Snapdragon 888+ brings faster CPU and AI Engine performances, though there\u2019s no GPU upgrade.\n\n\nThe ROG Phone 5s\nThe ROG Phone 5s Pro\n\n\nAside from that, while the new ROG Phone 5s devices feature the same 6.78-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate as their predecessors, the touch response rate has been increased to 360Hz from 300Hz. Basically, this will minimise input lag even further, something mobile gamers will definitely appreciate.\n\n\nBeyond these changes, other specifications of the ROG Phone 5s series are mostly the same, right down to the design. Both phones still have a triple camera system (64MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide angle + 5MP macro), a 24MP selfie camera, ultrasonic shoulder buttons on the right side, as well as a generous 6,000mAh battery.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the ROG Phone 5s Pro, just like its direct predecessor, features an \u201cROG Vision\u201d back panel, which is basically a small PMOLED screen that shows charging information or an incoming call. It also has two extra capacitive buttons on the rear panel, which work in tandem with the ultrasonic shoulder buttons.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone 5s and 5s Pro will be launched in Malaysia this Friday on 8 October. We\u2019ll find out then exactly how much these two gaming-centric phones will cost in our local market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/last-chance-for-ps-members-to-get-overcooked-all-you-can-eat-hitman-2-for-free/", "title": "Last Chance for PS+ Members to Get Overcooked! All You Can Eat & Hitman 2 For Free", "body": "\n\nPlayStation Plus members, take note: if you haven\u2019t claimed last month\u2019s free games yet, today is your last chance to do so. These include \nOvercooked! All You Can Eat\n, \nHitman 2\n, and \nPredator: Hunting Grounds\n.\n\n\nLike with every free game offered through PlayStation Plus, these games are yours to keep \u2013 once you\u2019ve claimed them \u2013 as long as your subscription remains active. Out of the three games offered for September 2021, Overcooked is arguably the most interesting title this month.\n\n\n\n\nNot only does Overcooked! All You Can Eat include both the original Overcooked and Overcooked 2, every DLC released for the two games are available too. More importantly, it is also a remaster of the two games, running at 60fps in 4K resolution, along with faster loading times.\n\n\nUnfortunately, PlayStation is only offering this game on the PS5 \u2013 the PS4 version is not included in PlayStation Plus\u2019 September 2021 games. Anyway, today is your last day to claim \nOvercooked! All You Can Eat\n, \nHitman 2\n, and \nPredator: Hunting Grounds\n. Come tomorrow, they will be replaced by the \nOctober 2021 games\n, which include Hell Let Loose.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-2-2-brings-thoma-hu-tao-tartaglia-new-inazuma-island-on-13-october/", "title": "Genshin Impact 2.2 Brings Thoma, Hu Tao, Tartaglia & New Inazuma Island on 13 October", "body": "\n\nMihoyo just revealed more information on Version 2.2 of \nGenshin Impact\n. Set to arrive next week on 13 October, the new update will add \nThoma\n, a new 4-star Pyro polearm character. On top of that, Version 2.2 will also see the return of Hu Tao and Tartaglia\u2019s banners, along with the addition of Tsurumi Island, the last major island of Inazuma.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the event wishes for the characters coming in Genshin Impact 2.2. Tartaglia will be the first one to go live come 13 October; this is actually his third rerun in the game. His banner will then be replaced by Hu Tao\u2019s event wish, which will also include Thoma.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for Tsurumi Island, it is described as an island \u201cshrouded in dense fog, and players may easily get lost and encounter unprecedented challenges while exploring this area.\u201d The island is also home to the new Rifthound and Rifthound Whelp monsters, which will inflict the \u201cCorrosion\u201d status to players hit by their attacks.\n\n\nOther new additions coming to Version 2.2 of Genshin Impact include a new domain challenge featuring Tartaglia and Xinyan, a seasonal rhythm game, a new Inazuma-themed realm layout for the Serenitea Pot, as well as DualSense controller support for the PC version of the game. \n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact 2.2 will go live next week on 13 October. Do note that once Version 2.2 is live, all players will be able to claim \nHorizon Zero Dawn\u2019s Aloy\n, a free 5-star Cryo character, until 24 November 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-collaborates-with-razer-for-special-products-including-gaming-chair/", "title": "Genshin Impact Collaborates With Razer for Special Products, Including Gaming Chair", "body": "\n\nMihoyo announced a rather interesting collaboration with Razer to produce a number of \nGenshin Impact\n licensed co-branded products. These include the Razer DeathAdder V2 Pro gaming mouse, Razer Iskur X ergonomic gaming chair, as well as the Razer Goliathus Speed mousepad.\n\n\nThese three products will have their own Genshin Impact Edition with design elements from the game. Aside from that, every purchase of these Genshin Impact-themed products will also come with a bonus code that players can redeem for \u201cexciting in-game rewards,\u201d as Mihoyo puts it.\n\n\n\n\nThose who purchase the Razer Iskur X Genshin Impact Edition, for one, will receive 500 Primogems, 20 Hero\u2019s Wit, and 100,000 Mora. The special edition DeathAdder V2 Pro, on the other hand, comes with 200 Primogems and 80,000 Mora.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the Goliathus Speed mousepad, which is offered with 30 Primogems and 5 Adventurer\u2019s Experience. Given that this is the most affordable product, it\u2019s no surprise that the bundled in-game rewards are also the least exciting.\n\n\nAside from these aforementioned products, Genshin Impact designs will also be available on Razer Customs. It\u2019s essentially Razer\u2019s online service which lets gamers personalise a number of the company\u2019s peripherals.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get these Razer products with Genshin Impact\u2019s designs, you can register your interest \nright here\n. Unfortunately enough, Malaysia is not in the country list, so it\u2019s unlikely the special edition products will be made available here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-sold-14160-units-in-september-2021-sales-up-by-102/", "title": "Perodua Sold 14,160 Units in September 2021 \u2013 Sales up by 102%", "body": "\n\nAfter \nmonths of extended COVID-19 lockdown\n, things are looking up again for the automotive sector. Perodua, in particular, sold as many as 14,160 units in September 2021. Compared to its \nsales figure in August 2021\n (6,988 units), this is a 102% jump in sales.\n\n\n\u201cThe automotive supply chain has shown improvements but have yet to reach their full potential. We are continuously working with our suppliers and dealers to further improve productivity and safety,\u201d said the CEO and President of Perodua, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\n\n\n\n\nHe elaborated that the gradual growth in Perodua\u2019s production and sales are to ensure that strict quality control measures are still in place. \u201cWe thank our customers that have continued to be patient with us as we further improve production,\u201d Dato\u2019 Zainal added.\n\n\n\u201cWe do apologise for any inconvenience caused by the delay in the delivery and we will assist our customers in any way that we can to ensure that their Perodua is delivered as soon as possible,\u201d Dato\u2019 Zainal said in the press release.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re still waiting to take delivery of your brand new Perodua model, now you know why. After all, it\u2019s better to wait a tad longer for a vehicle with no major quality control issues, right?\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-watch-series-7-approved-by-sirim-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Apple Watch Series 7 Approved by SIRIM \u2013 Coming to Malaysia Soon?", "body": "\n\nUnveiled globally just a few weeks back, the \nApple Watch Series 7\n has just been approved by SIRIM. This suggests that the brand new smartwatch could go on sale here in Malaysia very soon; all electronics have to be registered with SIRIM first before they can be officially sold on our shores.\n\n\nWe spotted two distinct models of the Apple Watch Series 7 on SIRIM: A2473 and A2474, which were registered with the certification body on 1 and 4 October respectively. Both of these are the WiFi-only models; the cellular versions have not appeared in SIRIM\u2019s database yet.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, compared to its predecessor, the Apple Watch Series 7 has a larger screen; its screen bezels measure only 1.7mm thin. This allows the smartwatch to support a full-size keyboard now, and you can even use swipe typing for a more intuitive typing experience.\n\n\nAside from that, the updated Apple Watch is also said to be the most durable one yet. It features a stronger, more crack-resistant front crystal, along with an IP6X certification for dust resistance. Of course, the WR50 water resistance rating is retained too.\n\n\nCharging speed of the Apple Watch Series 7 sees a nice upgrade as well. According to Apple, this smartwatch can now recharge up to 33% faster. As for battery life, the new Apple Watch can still provide the same all-day 18-hour battery life.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, the Apple Watch Series 7 is only said to be coming to Malaysia later this year. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the local availability (and pricing) of the smartwatch.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-magicbook-15-amd-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm2699-early-birds-get-rm200-discount/", "title": "Honor MagicBook 15 AMD Lands in Malaysia for RM2,699 \u2013 Early Birds Get RM200 Discount", "body": "\n\nHonor is launching its latest productivity-focused laptop here in Malaysia. The Honor MagicBook 15 AMD will go on pre-order locally tomorrow, but if you get it on 10 October instead, you can grab this affordable laptop with a pretty good discount.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the MagicBook 15 AMD is offered for the Malaysian market, which is priced at RM2,699; you can get it for only RM2,499 on 10 October. For that kind of money, this laptop is packed with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage. As for colour option, it is only available in Mystic Silver.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the MagicBook 15 AMD, as its name suggests, is powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U hexa-core processor, so you can expect to get a reasonably good level of performance out of this chip. It also features AMD Radeon integrated graphics.\n\n\nOther specifications of the MagicBook 15 AMD include a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen \u2013 it covers 100% of the sRGB colour gamut \u2013 a 16.9mm thin profile, a 1.54kg chassis, and a quoted battery life of up to 11.5 hours.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Honor MagicBook 15 AMD will be available for pre-order in Malaysia tomorrow on 5 October for RM2,699. Interestingly, if you get it on 10 October instead, you can grab it for only RM2,499, saving you RM200.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-swift-x-with-rtx-3050-ti-17-9mm-chassis-now-in-malaysia-from-rm4299/", "title": "Acer Swift X With RTX 3050 Ti & 17.9mm Chassis Now in Malaysia From RM4,299", "body": "\n\nThe all-new \nAcer Swift X\n has just been launched in Malaysia. Sporting an Nvidia RTX 3050 Ti GPU in a 17.9mm thin chassis, this is quite an interesting productivity-focused laptop that can also double as a reasonably capable gaming machine.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Swift X are offered for the Malaysian market. The base model (RM4,299) features an AMD Ryzen 5 5600U processor paired with 8GB of RAM, while the higher-end RM4,999 configuration comes with a faster Ryzen 7 5800U chip and 16GB of RAM.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the different processor and RAM capacity, both variants of the Swift X share the same hardware. First and foremost, the Swift X is a thin and light laptop. Measuring only 17.9mm thin, its chassis tips the scales at only 1.39kg. Oh, it also come with a 512GB SSD storage.\n\n\nIn the display department, the Swift X features a 14-inch Full HD IPS screen with an 85.7% screen-to-body ratio; a relatively good ratio for a modern, sleek-looking laptop. The screen has a brightness of 300 nits with 100% coverage of the sRGB colour gamut too.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Swift X will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 6 to 20 October 2021. Those who place an order for the laptop in this time period can also get the \nLogitech MX Anywhere 3\n mouse with 50% discount, bringing down the price to only RM199.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-samsung-galaxy-watch-4s-body-composition-analysis-is-a-great-motivation-tool/", "title": "The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4\u2019s Body Composition Analysis Is a Great Motivation Tool", "body": "\n\nOne of the biggest new features of the \nSamsung Galaxy Watch 4\n is its ability to measure a user\u2019s body composition. Thanks to the new Samsung BioActive Sensor on the back of the smartwatch, this wearable can give me vital details like my skeletal muscle, fat mass, body fat percentage, BMI, and even body water.\n\n\nThis feature alone really does make the Galaxy Watch 4 a great motivation tool to achieve my fitness goals. Yes, the body composition analysis is not meant to be used as a diagnostic tool, but the data that it can gather can still be helpful to track my progress.\n\n\nPlus, no other smartwatch in the market now offers such a feature, which gives the Watch 4 a unique appeal.\n\n\n\n\nSo how does the Galaxy Watch 4 measure a user\u2019s body composition? Well, it uses a technique called bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Basically, the sensor on the back of the watch sends \u201cmicrocurrents to the body to measure the amount of muscle, fat, and water in the body,\u201d as Samsung puts it.\n\n\nEven though BIA is harmless to humans, Samsung doesn\u2019t advise using the body composition analysis if you\u2019re pregnant. If you have an electronic medical device inside of your body (such as a pacemaker or defibrillator), the same disclaimer applies, so keep this in mind.\n\n\n\n\nWhen you\u2019re ready to measure your body composition with the Galaxy Watch 4, all you need to do is to just launch the body composition app, put your ring and middle fingers on the side buttons of the watch, and\u2026well, let the smartwatch do its thing. After about 15 seconds, you\u2019ll get the results.\n\n\nIn order to get the most accurate results from the Watch 4, Samsung has several guidelines. For one, it\u2019s best to do the body composition analysis at the same time every day, preferably in the morning before you go about your day. Aside from that, it\u2019s recommended to do the measurement on an empty stomach, and right after going to the bathroom.\n\n\nWhile these guidelines seem rather troublesome, it\u2019s important in order to get consistent results. This will make it much easier to track any changes in your body composition, and whether or not you\u2019re getting closer (or further) from your fitness goals.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, as I\u2019ve mentioned earlier, the Galaxy Watch 4\u2019s body composition analysis is not a diagnostic tool. Even though the results I got from the smartwatch have been quite consistent, there is still room for error; BIA is not exactly the most accurate measurement technique.\n\n\nBut that doesn\u2019t mean data collected by the Watch 4 is not useful, because it certainly is in the right context. Say you want to reduce your fat mass or increase your skeletal muscle \u2013 so long as you\u2019re taking your body composition measurements consistently in the same conditions every day, you can still use the data to track your progress.\n\n\n\n\nTo me, this is exactly why the Galaxy Watch 4 is an excellent motivation tool; it feels good to bring down the numbers shown in the body composition analysis. Even if these data should not be taken at face value, they can still serve as a guideline to show how much progress I\u2019ve made in my fitness journey.\n\n\nPlus, BIA has been used in many other products \u2013 such as smart scales that you see at certain gyms \u2013 to assess the fitness level of individuals. It\u2019s not perfect, but it is still a popular measurement technique, and the fact that such a technology has been shrunk down to fit into something as small and compact as the Watch 4 is no small feat.\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Galaxy Watch 4 itself is a fantastic smartwatch. It has robust tracking capabilities \u2013 it can detect as many as 95 different activities with a \nvery interesting sleep tracker\n \u2013 it feels fast and zippy, and it has a nice, minimalist design complemented by a bright and vibrant Super AMOLED circular display.\n\n\nTo top it all off, the Galaxy Watch 4 is reasonably affordable too. The standard model is offered in 40mm and 44mm sizes for RM899 and RM999 respectively, while the bigger Classic version costs RM1,299 and RM1,399 for the 42mm and 46mm models respectively. These are really quite competitive price tags for a smartwatch of this calibre.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want a feature-packed smartwatch that can also track your fitness journey like no other wearable in the market can right now, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is an excellent, \nexcellent\n choice. If you would like to learn more about it, check out our full review of the Watch 4 \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-saga-best-selling-car-of-september-2021-in-malaysia-with-3907-units-sold/", "title": "Proton Saga Best-Selling Car of September 2021 in Malaysia With 3,907 Units Sold", "body": "\n\nProton just posted its sales figures for the month of September 2021, and things are looking good for the national carmaker. In fact, the Proton Saga is the best-selling car in Malaysia last month with over 3,907 units sold.\n\n\nIn total, Proton managed to ship 10,380 units in September 2021. While this isn\u2019t enough to beat \nPerodua\u2019s impressive 14,160 sales last month\n, that\u2019s still no small figure, especially given the disruption to Proton\u2019s supply chain due to the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\n\n\n\nNot surprisingly, right behind the Saga in terms of sheer sales volume is the ever-popular \nProton X50\n: as many as 2,431 units of the B-segment SUV found a home last month. Next in the list is Proton\u2019s other SUV, \nthe X70\n \u2013 1,577 units of the C-segment model were sold in September.\n\n\nSales figures for the newly facelifted \n2022 Proton Persona\n and \nIriz\n look promising too with 1,440 and 749 units sold respectively. Last but not least is the Proton Exora, which registered 272 sales last month.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cSales were strong for Proton in September, so we are happy with the results. While we could have sold more than the 10,380 units achieved, some context should be given to our performance as Malaysia is recovering from a pandemic that is still affecting our vendors,\u201d said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-50-appears-in-sirim-malaysian-launch-imminent/", "title": "Honor 50 Appears in SIRIM \u2013 Malaysian Launch Imminent?", "body": "\n\nHonor 50, the Chinese company\u2019s latest smartphone, is set to arrive here in Malaysia very soon. Shipped with Google Mobile Services \u2013 giving users access to Google\u2019s range of apps and services \u2013 the Honor 50 will mark the company\u2019s return to the smartphone business in Malaysia.\n\n\nIn our routine search through SIRIM\u2019s database, we saw that Honor Malaysia registered the Honor 50 with the model number NTH-NX9 just yesterday on 4 October. Since all electronics have to be certified by SIRIM first before they can be officially sold here, there\u2019s a good chance the Honor 50 will be launched locally very soon.\n\n\n\n\nSporting a premium-looking design, the Honor 50 is a reasonably well-equipped mid-range smartphone. After all, it\u2019s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset, which should be able to offer a good level of performance. Aside from that, it also comes with a 120Hz 6.57-inch 1080p OLED display.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Honor 50 include a quad camera system (108MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), a 32MP selfie camera, a 4,300mAh battery with support for 66W fast charging, up to 12GB of RAM, as well as 128GB or 256GB of non-expandable storage.\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on exactly when the Honor 50 will be launched in Malaysia. Given that it has appeared in SIRIM\u2019s database already, we reckon we\u2019ll see the local debut of the phone very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/you-can-still-get-the-nintendo-switch-oled-for-rm1849-in-malaysia/", "title": "You Can Still Get the Nintendo Switch OLED for RM1,849 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nThe \nNintendo Switch (OLED Model)\n is expected to be available globally this Friday on 8 October, and several Malaysian retailers started taking pre-orders for the new console \nback in July this year\n. If you haven\u2019t secured a pre-order yet, good news: you can still get it right now.\n\n\nPreferred+ Shopee retailer Unity Game is currently listing the White colourway of the OLED Switch \nfor RM1,849\n; this is the lowest price we managed to find from a reputable shop. Unfortunately, the Neon colour option is sold out from Unity Game, though it seems to have quite a lot of stocks for the new White model.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the new OLED Switch features a larger 7-inch OLED panel with thinner bezels. It also has double the internal storage at 64GB, and the stand sees a design revision as well. Instead of the original Switch\u2019s fragile-looking stand, this new Switch uses a much sturdier, wider stand that is also adjustable.\n\n\nOther changes introduced in the new OLED Switch include a new dock with a wired LAN port, \u201cenhanced audio\u201d from the system\u2019s onboard speakers, and between 4.5 to 9 hours of battery life \u2013 the same quoted battery life as its predecessor.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to get the Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) \nfor RM1,849\n, you can do so from Unity Game on Shopee. According to the retailer, the new Switch will arrive this Friday on 8 October.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/microsoft-surface-pro-8-arriving-in-malaysia-early-2022/", "title": "Microsoft Surface Pro 8 Arriving in Malaysia Early 2022", "body": "\n\nJust last week, we wrote about the \nSIRIM certification of the Microsoft Surface Pro 8\n, suggesting that the brand new Windows tablet will be arriving in Malaysia very soon. Well, it\u2019s now confirmed to be coming to our local market early next year in 2022.\n\n\nThe Malaysian availability of the Surface Pro 8 was spotted by \nLowyat.NET\n on \nMicrosoft Malaysia\u2019s website\n. As shown on the page, the tablet \u2013 and the \nSurface Laptop Studio\n \u2013 is said to arrive here in early 2022. Given that the Pro 8 has been registered with SIRIM already, it\u2019s interesting that it will only be sold locally next year.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, compared to its predecessor, the Surface Pro 8 sees a much more significant design revision. Not only does it sport a larger 13-inch PixelSense Flow Display now with smaller bezels, it also has a higher 120Hz refresh rate for a more responsive user experience.\n\n\nThe Surface Pro 8 can also be paired with the new Surface Pro Signature Keyboard that houses the equally new Surface Slim Pen 2 stylus too. More importantly, this Windows tablet\u00a0\nfinally\u00a0\ngets two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support as well.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Surface Pro 8 include Intel\u2019s latest 11th generation Core i5 or Core i7 processor, up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage \u2013 the base model features 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage \u2013 along with up to 16 hours of battery life.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, no word yet on the Malaysian pricing of the Microsoft Surface Pro 8. We\u2019ll just have to wait until early 2022 to find out once the Windows tablet is available here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/microsoft-surface-laptop-studio-also-coming-to-malaysia-early-2022/", "title": "Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio Also Coming to Malaysia Early 2022", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nSurface Pro 8\n, the powerful \nMicrosoft Surface Laptop Studio\n is also coming to Malaysia sometime in early 2022 as reported by \nLowyat.NET\n. This product is Microsoft\u2019s flagship laptop \u2013 replacing the\u00a0\nSurface Book\n\u00a0lineup \u2013 so naturally, it has some capable hardware and an interesting design.\n\n\nThe most unique selling point of the Surface Laptop Studio is its \u201cDynamic Woven Hinge,\u201d which allows the laptop to transition between three modes: laptop, stage, and studio. Laptop is self-explanatory, while stage props up the 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow display (2400 x 1600 at 120Hz) right behind the trackpad; much like \nAcer\u2019s ConceptD 3 Ezel\n.\n\n\nAs for studio, it\u2019s\u2026basically transforming the Surface Laptop Studio into a tablet. But tipping the scales between 1.7kg to 1.8kg for the Core i5 and Core i7 models respectively, this is not exactly a lightweight machine.\n\n\nThe three modes of the Surface Laptop Studio\n\n\nSpeaking of processors, the Surface Laptop Studio can be configured with an Intel Core i5-11300H or Core i7-11370H processor. The Core i5 model features an Iris Xe Graphics integrated GPU, while the Core i7 option can be configured with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti or an RTX A2000 GPU.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Surface Laptop Studio include 16GB or 32GB of RAM, SSD storage capacities between 256GB to a whopping 2TB, two USB-C ports with support for Thunderbolt 4, as well as up to 19 hours of battery life. Naturally, it will ship with Windows 11 too, though users have the option to use Windows 10 instead.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio will be available here in Malaysia in early 2022 next year. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the local availability (and pricing) of the flagship laptop then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/google-pixel-6-set-for-20-october-launch/", "title": "Google Pixel 6 Set for 20 October Launch", "body": "\n\nGoogle\u2019s next flagship smartphones finally got a release date. Set to be unveiled on 20 October at 1AM for us here in Malaysia, the \nPixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro\n are properly premium high-end devices \u2013 they\u2019re also powered by Google\u2019s very own Tensor chip.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the Pixel 6 phones will be using Google\u2019s own Tensor SoC instead of, say, a Qualcomm processor. While the CPU and GPU of the Tensor chip still remain a mystery, the company did say it will be packed with Google\u2019s own Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) and a Titan M2 security chip.\n\n\n\n\nSo what does the TPU offer? Well, for one, it promises better image\u00a0\nand\n\u00a0video qualities; the latter has always been one of the biggest shortcomings of previous Pixel smartphones. On top of that, the TPU allows for faster offline speech recognition as well.\n\n\nAs for the hardware of the two phones, only some details were revealed. The better-equipped Pixel 6 Pro, for one, will be sporting a 6.7-inch QHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It also has a triple camera system made up of a new primary sensor, an ultra-wide angle shooter, and get this: a periscope telephoto lens that can do 4x optical zoom.\n\n\nIn contrast, the regular Pixel 6 has slightly more pedestrian hardware, though we reckon it should still look and feel very much like a premium smartphone. It\u2019s said to feature a slightly smaller 6.4-inch Full HD+ screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, and while it has a similar camera setup as the Pro model, it loses the telephoto lens.\n\n\n\n\nThe Google Pixel 6 smartphones will make their debuts on 20 October at 1AM Malaysian time. You can catch the livestream of the launch event \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/infinix-enters-laptop-market-in-malaysia-with-inbook-x1-from-only-rm1899/", "title": "Infinix Enters Laptop Market in Malaysia With INBook X1 From Only RM1,899", "body": "\n\nInfinix started selling its range of smartphones in Malaysia not too long ago, and now, it is ready to enter the local laptop market too with the Infinix INBook X1. Retailing from only RM1,899, this is definitely a budget-friendly laptop with a rather sleek-looking design.\n\n\nThree different variants of the INBook X1 are offered in Malaysia. The base model with an Intel Core i3-1005G1 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD is priced \nat only RM1,899\n. A tier up is the Core i5-1035G1 configuration, which also upgrades the SSD to 512GB \nfor RM2,399\n.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the range-topping model, which is dubbed INBook X1 Pro instead. Not only is it the fastest of the lot with a Core i7-1065G7 processor, it also gets more RAM at 16GB with a 512GB SSD. This particular configuration \ncosts a cool RM2,999\n.\n\n\nAesthetically, the INBook X1 does have a rather modern-looking design with a relatively thin 16.3mm chassis. Tipping the scales at 1.48kg, it\u2019s not an awfully heavy productivity-focused laptop either. It has a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display with 100% coverage of the sRGB colour gamut as well.\n\n\n\n\nThe Infinix INBook X1 will be available for pre-order in Malaysia \non Shopee\n from 10 October onwards. Although this laptop doesn\u2019t have the latest Intel processors, it makes up for this with its affordable pricing.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/infinix-zero-x-neo-with-periscope-camera-landing-in-malaysia-for-rm899/", "title": "Infinix Zero X Neo With Periscope Camera Landing in Malaysia for RM899", "body": "\n\nInfinix is launching its latest smartphone in Malaysia very soon. Not only is the Infinix Zero X Neo an affordable device, it also offers a periscope telephoto lens that can do up to 60x hybrid zoom.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Zero X Neo will be offered in Malaysia. Set to be available for pre-order here on 10 October \u2013 just like the \ncompany\u2019s range of laptops\n \u2013 this smartphone offers 128GB of internal storage and 8GB of RAM \nfor only RM899\n.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, you\u2019re also getting a triple camera system headlined by an 8MP periscope lens that can do 5x optical zoom and 60x optical zoom; it has optical image stabilisation too. The other two sensors, on the other hand, are a 48MP primary shooter and a 2MP monochrome lens.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Zero X Neo include a MediaTek Helio G95 chipset, a 6.78-inch 2460 x 1080 LTPS display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a 16MP selfie camera, a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging, as well as Android 11 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Infinix Zero X Neo will be available for pre-order in Malaysia on 10 October \nfrom Shopee\n. Retailing at only RM899, you don\u2019t often see a phone at this price point with a periscope telephoto camera.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/7-13-october-fuel-price-ron-97-up-1-sen-again-others-remain/", "title": "7 \u2013 13 October Fuel Price: RON 97 up 1 Sen Again, Others Remain", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 is set to go up again this coming week. From tomorrow onwards, RON 97 will go up by 1 sen per litre, while the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 for the next seven days is set at RM2.77 per litre (up from RM2.76). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 7 to 13 October. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/twitch-confirms-data-breach-change-your-password-now/", "title": "Twitch Confirms Data Breach \u2013 Change Your Password Now", "body": "\n\nTwitch just confirmed that it has suffered a data breach; a pretty big one too. If you have a Twitch account, it\u2019s highly recommended to change your password now and enable two-factor authentication.\n\n\nEven though Twitch has issued a response concerning the data breach, the company said that it is still \u201cworking with urgency to understand the extent\u201d of the breach. Based on \nnumerous\n \nreports\n, it\u2019s quite serious: even the source code of the streaming service itself was exposed, not to mention details of creator payouts.\n\n\n\n\nWe can confirm a breach has taken place. Our teams are working with urgency to understand the extent of this. We will update the community as soon as additional information is available. Thank you for bearing with us.\n\u2014 Twitch (@Twitch) \nOctober 6, 2021\n\n\n\n\nInterestingly, the initial data leak does not include email accounts or passwords of Twitch users. However, this leak is also only labeled as \u201cpart one,\u201d so there\u2019s a good chance more leaked data will be released. On top of that, some users \nhave already been asked\n to change their Twitch passwords.\n\n\nNeedless to say, even if user passwords and email addresses of Twitch users have not been leaked (yet), it\u2019s always best to err on the side of caution and change the password of your Twitch account immediately. If you haven\u2019t already, activate two-factor authentication as well for enhanced security.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-ativa-hybrid-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Perodua Ativa Hybrid Coming to Malaysia Soon?", "body": "\n\nThe \nPerodua Ativa\n is undoubtedly very popular in Malaysia, and there\u2019s a chance a hybrid version of the compact SUV will be introduced here soon. See, a Daihatsu Rocky test mule \u2013 the model the Ativa is based on \u2013 was seen around KL with Perodua\u2019s trade plate, but this is not just a regular Rocky: it\u2019s the upcoming e:Smart Hybrid model!\n\n\nCompared to the standard Rocky, the e-Smart Hybrid version features a honeycomb grille, which is what this particular test unit is equipped with. Given that the SUV is being tested on Malaysian roads already, it\u2019s not far-fetched to assume that Perodua is preparing to integrate the hybrid system to the Ativa.\n\n\nImage source: \nAlex Tung (Facebook)\nImage source: \nAlex Tung (Facebook)\n\n\nHowever, the Rocky e-Smart Hybrid is only set to be unveiled in Japan sometime in November 2021 next month, so most of the SUV\u2019s technical details are still under wraps. It\u2019s been revealed to be \npowered by a 1.2L three-cylinder engine\n though, which will be paired with a hybrid electric system.\n\n\nIn fact, the electric motor of the hybrid system is said to power the Rocky e-Smart Hybrid exclusively; the 1.2L engine is there as a generator. This is similar to how Nissan\u2019s e-Power hybrid system works, though we\u2019ll have to wait until the new model is revealed in November next month to know for sure.\n\n\nImage source: \nAlex Tung (Facebook)\n\n\nOf course, it\u2019s still to early to speculate when (or if) the Perodua Ativa will receive a hybrid system. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on this.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-11t-pro-review-fast-phone-fast-charging-low-price/", "title": "Xiaomi 11T Pro Review: Fast Phone, Fast Charging, Low Price", "body": "\n\nThe Xiaomi 11T Pro has a lot of winning qualities. It has a blazing fast 120W charging speed, it offers fast performance courtesy of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, it has a bright and vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display, and most of all, its sheer value for money is almost unbeatable.\n\n\nThat being said, given that this is a relatively affordable phone, the 11T Pro does have a number of shortcomings. But if all you care about is flagship-class performance at almost half the price, the 11T Pro is an excellent choice.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED (2400 x 1080), 120Hz\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 888 2.84GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 660\nRAM\n8GB/12GB\nStorage\n256GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n108MP f/1.75\n8MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide angle)\n5MP f/2.4 (telemacro)\nCamera (front)\n16MP f/2.45\nBattery\n5,000mAh with 120W fast charging\nDimensions\n164.1 x 76.9 x 8.8 mm\nWeight\n204g\nOS\nMIUI 12.5 based on Android 11\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.2\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM2,099 (256GB + 8GB), RM2,299 (256GB + 12GB)\n\n\nThere\u2019s no doubt that the 11T Pro offers most hardware you\u2019d typically find on a flagship smartphone, such as a Snapdragon 888 chipset and a 120Hz AMOLED screen. While its camera system isn\u2019t quite as sophisticated as a high-end phone, it can still capture some good-looking shots \u2013 go further down this review for a more detailed look.\n\n\nOf course, the fast 120W charging speed of the 11T Pro is worth a mention too. According to Xiaomi, this allows the 11T Pro to be fully charged in only \n17 minutes\n \u2013 let\u2019s talk about this in the next section.\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nSo\u2026can the Xiaomi 11T Pro really be fully charged in only 17 minutes? Well, not quite. In my testing, the phone \u201conly\u201d got up to 90% from completely empty within 17 minutes of charging; I repeated this test several times to make sure.\n\n\nStill, this charging speed is \nvery impressive\n. In fact, I don\u2019t even have to remember to charge the 11T Pro before I go to bed. I just need to plug it to the 120W bundled charger in the morning \u2013 yes, the charger comes with the phone \u2013 go about my morning routine, and I\u2019ll have a fully charged phone before I head out.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the battery life of the 11T Pro is equally impressive. On average, I can effortlessly get between six to seven hours of screen on time out of the 5,000mAh battery. Throughout my time with this phone, I never had any issue getting through a typical work day with it. If you\u2019re a lighter smartphone user, I reckon you can get up to two days of use.\n\n\nAside from that, the 11T Pro is also a fast, \nfast\n phone. The Snapdragon 888 allows me to multitask effortlessly, and it\u2019s an absolute joy to play Genshin Impact on this phone. This fast performance, paired with the equally fast 120Hz 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display, really makes for an enjoyable the gaming experience.\n\n\n\n\nThe AMOLED display of the 11T Pro is quite pleasant to look at too. Though it\u2019s not quite as stunning-looking as the AMOLED screens found on Samsung\u2019s flagship phones, it still has all the winning qualities of an AMOLED panel. These include deep, true blacks, vibrant colours, and a good level of brightness.\n\n\nI\u2019m also happy to report that the software experience of the 11T Pro has improved immensely with MIUI 12.5. Xiaomi has always struggled with delivering a good software experience, but that\u2019s no longer the case (for the most part) with this phone. It\u2019s not mixing up notifications from different apps anymore, and apps are not randomly crashing either.\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s get to the triple camera system of the 11T Pro; more specifically, the 108MP primary shooter. Though it has a tendency to oversaturate images, you do get very pleasant-looking images in most shooting conditions. It struggles a little in low light conditions, but you can still get reasonably good results. Judge for yourself with these sample shots.\n\n\n\n\nBut that\u2019s only for the 108MP main sensor of the 11T Pro; it\u2019s a different case for the other two rear cameras. I\u2019ll elaborate in the following section.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nUnfortunately enough, the Xiaomi 11T Pro\u2019s 8MP ultra-wide angle camera and 5MP telemacro lens are not quite as good as the primary sensor. The ultra-wide shooter, for one, doesn\u2019t have good detail preservation (especially in less than ideal lighting), and it has difficulty getting the right exposure too.\n\n\nAs for the 5MP telemacro sensor, it\u2019s\u2026decent. It can definitely get quite near to a subject without losing focus, but the image quality is just\u2026well, not up to par. Of course, these two shooters can still take good-looking shots with some effort, but don\u2019t expect it to perform on the same level as the primary 108MP camera.\n\n\n108MP primary\n8MP ultra-wide angle\n108MP primary\n8MP ultra-wide angle\n108MP primary\n5MP telemacro\n\n\nAlthough the software experience of MIUI 12.5 on the 11T Pro has improved quite a bit, there are still some minor niggles. I don\u2019t like the fact that it forces dark mode for apps that are not designed for it, and there were a couple of times where certain apps (such as YouTube) felt sluggish, though I haven\u2019t been able to replicate this issue.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nEven though its camera performance and software experience need some work, the Xiaomi 11T Pro is still an easy phone to recommend. This is especially so if you don\u2019t mind these shortcomings, and all you want is just a phone that offers flagship-class performance for half the price of a typical high-end phone.\n\n\n\n\nPlus, there aren\u2019t many devices \u2013 especially at this price point \u2013 that can match the blazing fast 120W charging speed of the 11T Pro. In my opinion, this is an absolutely huge selling point for this phone; you won\u2019t have to use your phone while it\u2019s connected to the charger anymore with the 11T Pro.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/what-is-a-flagship-smartphone/", "title": "What Is a \u201cFlagship\u201d Smartphone?", "body": "\n\nThe term \u201cflagship\u201d smartphone is thrown around quite a bit in the smartphone business, even if a device that is marketed as such isn\u2019t necessarily flagship status. Not only can this be quite confusing to consumers, it may be misleading in some instances.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re wondering exactly what criteria a phone has to meet in order for it to be considered a proper flagship smartphone, this article is for you \u2013 it will help you to evaluate whether or not a particular phone is really a flagship device. Without further ado, let\u2019s get to it.\n\n\nA Fast Enough Chipset\n\n\nThis is arguably the most important criterion for a flagship smartphone. After all, the chipset of a phone determines how fast it feels and how well it can run demanding games. A flagship phone is supposed to be the \nbest\n offering from a brand \u2013 it wouldn\u2019t make sense for it to not offer a good level of performance.\n\n\n\n\nSo what chipset is considered fast enough then? Well, for 2021, any phone running on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 \u2013 or the newer Snapdragon 888+ \u2013 chipset will be able to offer the performance level of a high-end, flagship phone.\n\n\nHowever, just because a phone is equipped with such a chipset \u2013 such as the excellent \nXiaomi 11T Pro\n \u2013 doesn\u2019t automatically make it a flagship device. It has to meet the other criteria listed in this article, such as..\n\n\nSolid, Premium Build Quality\n\n\nA flagship phone should feel like one, which is exactly why I wouldn\u2019t consider the 11T Pro to be a flagship device. Yes, it may offer flagship-tier performance, but it doesn\u2019t have particularly great build quality. After all, it has a mostly plastic construction, which doesn\u2019t exactly scream premium.\n\n\nThe Xiaomi 11T Pro\u2019s plastic back\n\n\nGranted, some plastic phones can feel premium, but in most cases, the chassis of a flagship device should have minimal plastic. Take the \nSamsung Galaxy S21 Ultra\n or the latest \niPhone 13 Pro\n \u2013 all of them have glass panels on the front and back with a metal frame. Not only do they look great, they feel great to hold as well.\n\n\nDo note that there are phones with premium build quality (and pricing) that are powered by, say, a Snapdragon 7 series chip; I wouldn\u2019t consider these to be flagship devices. Don\u2019t get me wrong, Snapdragon 7 series chips are quite fast, but they\u2019re still one rung below a Snapdragon 8 series processor.\n\n\nCapable, Versatile Camera System\n\n\nNow, this is what sets a mediocre flagship smartphone from a truly class-leading flagship device. Almost any phone maker can slap on a fast processor to a device, but not all of them can deliver a camera system that fits a flagship smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nUsually, a proper flagship phone has a versatile camera system with at least three different sensors: a primary shooter \u2013 higher pixel count isn\u2019t necessarily better here \u2013 an ultra-wide angle lens, and finally, a telephoto zoom camera.\n\n\nAnother thing: just because a phone has a a ton of rear cameras doesn\u2019t mean they have these three sensors. It\u2019s important to take a look at each of the sensor to determine how versatile the camera system is. For example, a \u201cdepth\u201d or \u201cmacro\u201d lens doesn\u2019t really meaningfully impact camera performance. You\u2019re better off without them.\n\n\nBright, Vibrant, Fast Display\n\n\nThe display of a phone is the one hardware you constantly look at, so needless to say, it\u2019s essential for a flagship phone to have a bright, vibrant panel. There are several things to consider when you\u2019re assessing the display of a phone: resolution, display type, and refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\nA Full HD screen \u2013 that is, a 1080p resolution \u2013 is the absolute bare minimum for a flagship phone. It\u2019s even better if the panel has a higher resolution, but a sharper screen is not necessarily better. It\u2019s important to consider the panel type too.\n\n\nMore often than not, the best flagship phones are equipped with OLED panels, such as the majority of Samsung\u2019s high-end devices. Compared to an LCD display, an OLED screen has several advantages: not only do they have deeper, darker blacks, OLED panels can also produce much more vibrant colours with a wider dynamic range.\n\n\n\n\nGranted, that doesn\u2019t mean an LCD IPS screen doesn\u2019t belong on a flagship smartphone. A high quality, properly calibrated IPS panel can easily outperform a lower quality OLED display. So don\u2019t dismiss a flagship phone just because it has an IPS panel \u2013 calibration and panel quality matters too.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the refresh rate of the display. A typical flagship phone in the market now has a 120Hz screen, which will look smoother than a standard 60Hz panel. This is because a 120Hz panel can churn out 120 frames per second; with more frames, you get a smoother viewing experience.\n\n\n\n\nAnd there you have it: a proper flagship smartphone should meet all of the criteria mentioned above. As a side note, it is also important for a flagship phone to offer good battery life, but this is not easily measurable by battery capacity alone. After all, different phone makers have different power management settings.\n\n\nNonetheless, these are what you need to know about flagship smartphones. The next time you see a phone that\u2019s marketed as a flagship device, you can now judge it based on these criteria.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsungs-2021-foldables-hit-1-million-sales-in-korea-70-were-galaxy-z-flip-3/", "title": "Samsung\u2019s 2021 Foldables Hit 1 Million Sales in Korea \u2013 70% Were Galaxy Z Flip 3", "body": "\n\nIt appears Samsung\u2019s latest foldable phones, the \nGalaxy Z Flip 3\n and Z Fold 3, are well-received by consumers. According to a report from \nThe Korea Herald\n, over 1 million units of the two devices have been sold in South Korea alone.\n\n\nOut of the two foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the more popular device in South Korea; it makes up about 70% of the total sales. This is likely due to its more affordable nature, and Samsung Korea also said that approximately 54% of Z Flip 3 buyers were millennial and Gen Z consumers.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to Samsung\u2019s previous releases, only the \nGalaxy Note 10\n and Galaxy S8 reached the 1 million mark at a faster pace. Evidently, Samsung\u2019s 2021 foldable phones really \nhave reached mainstream status\n. It seems the South Korean company\u2019s decision to forego the Note series for the Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 3 was the right call.\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3, check out our \nfull review of the foldable phone\n. You can also purchase it right now from RM3,999 and get \nRM1,049 worth of rewards\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ive-played-genshin-impact-for-over-a-year-still-worth-playing/", "title": "I\u2019ve Played Genshin Impact for Over a Year \u2013 Still Worth Playing?", "body": "\n\nGenshin Impact\n made its debut in late September last year, and I have logged into the game every day since then. After playing it for over a year, there were a few instances where Genshin Impact felt\u2026well, boring. But once new updates are rolled out, they do \nrevitalise the live service game\n.\n\n\nThroughout the year, Mihoyo has refined many aspects of Genshin Impact. There are still some pain points here and there, but for what it\u2019s worth, the thought of quitting the game never came to mind \u2013 even after so long, I still thoroughly, \nthoroughly\n enjoy my time in Genshin Impact.\n\n\n\n\nThe Story Just Keeps Getting Better\n\n\nOne of my absolute favourite aspects of Genshin Impact is its \ncompelling narrative\n, and I\u2019m happy to report that it has only gotten better over the year. New storylines aren\u2019t just limited to the main Archon quest either; even certain limited time events have some engrossing stories too.\n\n\nReally, Mihoyo\u2019s storytelling chops are not to be underestimated here. Just because Genshin Impact is a free game doesn\u2019t mean it is inferior in any way to a paid title. In fact, I\u2019d even go as far as to say that Genshin Impact has a more compelling storyline than many AAA games in the market now \u2013 it\u2019s \nthat\n good.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the fascinating story of Genshin Impact can also be attributed to various new characters that are introduced in the game, which brings us to the next point..\n\n\nNew Playable Characters Are Fleshed Out Very Well\n\n\nThe typical pitfall of a gacha game is releasing new playable characters for the sake of raking in more revenue from their respective banners. While I wouldn\u2019t say Genshin Impact is not guilty of this, it\u2019s worth noting that every character that is introduced in the game is fleshed out very well with their own unique personalities and character development.\n\n\nTake the new characters that were introduced in the Inazuma storyline itself. The Raiden Shogun is a far more complex character than meets the eye, and same goes for Sangonomiya Kokomi. Even if I don\u2019t particularly like her gameplay, I was still tempted to get her as I\u2019m fond of her personality and characterisation.\n\n\nUnfortunately, I lost my 50/50 pity in her banner \u2013 I now have a C3 Jean, much to my chagrin.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, there are more characters that will be playable in the future too, \nsuch as Thoma\n. I absolutely cannot wait to see what other characters will be introduced in Genshin Impact \u2013 I\u2019m personally hoping Yae Miko will be playable soon.\n\n\nComplete Cross-Platform Progression Now\n\n\nPreviously, cross-platform progression for Genshin Impact was only limited to PC, iOS, and Android; PlayStation was not included. But this was changed once \nVersion 2.0\n went live on 21 July earlier this year, so PlayStation players can finally continue their progress on other platforms now and vice versa.\n\n\nOf course, there are \nsome limitations in place\n, but for the most part, you can seamlessly continue your progress on the PS5 or PS4 from other platforms. In fact, I used to prefer playing Genshin Impact on PC, but I find myself playing almost exclusively on the PS5 now, thanks to the blazing fast loading times and DualSense controller support.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s worth noting that even the PC version will get \nDualSense support in Version 2.2 of Genshin Impact\n, which is set to go live next week on 13 October.\n\n\nSurely There Are Still Some Frustrating Elements?\n\n\nOh, definitely. Farming for artifacts is still a time-consuming process in Genshin Impact; I\u2019m still grinding for the perfect artifact set for my Raiden Shogun. Aside from that, the 160 resin cap still limits what I can do in one sitting, unless I\u2019m willing to spend actual money to get more resin.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the gacha aspect of Genshin Impact can still get very expensive very quickly. I haven\u2019t dropped a ton of money into the game yet \u2013 beyond the Battle Pass and monthly subscription for daily Primogems \u2013 but I was tempted to do so whenever I couldn\u2019t get the character or weapon that I wanted from the event wishes.\n\n\nThen again, this is an inherent danger of any gacha game. It\u2019s important to have the discipline to only spend within your means, and you can definitely enjoy Genshin Impact without spending an obscene amount of money \u2013 even if you can\u2019t get your favourite character all the time.\n\n\n\n\nIf you haven\u2019t checked out Genshin Impact yet, I implore you to do so. Despite this being a free game, the storytelling, gameplay, and characterisation of its various characters are easily on par with the best AAA games.\n\n\nYes, there are some aspects of Genshin Impact that can be frustrating, but even after one whole year, these shortcomings are not enough to discourage me from logging into the game every day.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-5s-5s-pro-with-snapdragon-888-priced-from-rm2999-in-malaysia/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 5s & 5s Pro With Snapdragon 888+ Priced From RM2,999 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nAsus Malaysia just revealed the local pricing of its latest gaming smartphones, the Asus ROG Phone 5s and ROG Phone 5s Pro. Surprisingly enough, even though these two phones are packed with the newer Qualcomm Snapdragon 888+ chipset, they are still priced at the same exact price point \nas their predecessors\n.\n\n\nThe most affordable of the lot is the ROG Phone 5s with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM for only RM2,999. If you want twice the amount of storage and RAM at 256GB and 16GB respectively, that will set you back RM3,799. As for the range-topping ROG Phone 5s Pro, it\u2019s priced at RM4,999 with 512GB of storage and a whopping 18GB of RAM.\n\n\n\n\nThe Snapdragon 888+ chipset under the hood of the ROG Phone 5s series really is the biggest upgrade here. Compared to the Snapdragon 888 SoC that powered the previous models, the Snapdragon 888+ brings faster CPU and AI Engine performances, though there\u2019s no GPU upgrade.\n\n\nAside from that, while the new ROG Phone 5s devices feature the same 6.78-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate as their predecessors, the touch response rate has been increased to 360Hz from 300Hz. Basically, this will minimise input lag even further, something mobile gamers will definitely appreciate.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond these changes, other specifications of the ROG Phone 5s series are mostly the same, right down to the design. Both phones still have a triple camera system (64MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide angle + 5MP macro), a 24MP selfie camera, ultrasonic shoulder buttons on the right side, as well as a generous 6,000mAh battery.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the ROG Phone 5s Pro, just like its direct predecessor, features an \u201cROG Vision\u201d back panel, which is basically a small PMOLED screen that shows charging information or an incoming call. It also has two extra capacitive buttons on the rear panel, which work in tandem with the ultrasonic shoulder buttons.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone 5s and ROG Phone 5s Pro will be available for pre-order in Malaysia until 24 October. Those who place their order in this period will also get an ROG Strix Go 2.4 wireless headset worth RM749 for free.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-watch-series-7-starts-at-rm1749-in-malaysia/", "title": "Apple Watch Series 7 Starts at RM1,749 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nNot long after we first spotted the Apple Watch Series 7 \nin SIRIM\u2019s database\n, the Cupertino company finally revealed the Malaysian pricing of its latest smartwatch. Retailing from RM1,749, the Series 7 has the same starting price as the \nSeries 6\n.\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the Apple Watch Series 7 has a larger screen with screen bezels measuring only 1.7mm thin. This allows the smartwatch to support a full-size keyboard now, and you can even use swipe typing for a more intuitive typing experience.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the updated Apple Watch is also said to be the most durable one yet. It features a stronger, more crack-resistant front crystal, along with an IP6X certification for dust resistance. Of course, the WR50 water resistance rating is retained too.\n\n\nCharging speed of the Apple Watch Series 7 sees a nice upgrade as well. According to Apple, this smartwatch can now recharge up to 33% faster. As for battery life, the new Apple Watch can still provide the same all-day 18-hour battery life.\n\n\n\n\nEven though the Malaysian pricing of the Apple Watch Series 7 has been revealed, it\u2019s only set to be available later this year. In the meantime, you can take a look at the full lineup of the smartwatch \nover at Apple\u2019s Malaysian online store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mode-eighty-custom-keyboard-updated-with-new-features-pre-orders-open-19-november/", "title": "Mode Eighty Custom Keyboard Updated With New Features \u2013 Pre-Orders Open 19 November", "body": "\n\nThe popular \nMode Eighty\n custom keyboard has just been updated with new features and mounting styles. Just like the \nMode SixtyFive\n, the new Eighty will be quite customisable too, and get this: pre-orders for the keyboard will be opened \nindefinitely\n.\n\n\nIt\u2019s very rare for a custom keyboard to be available for pre-order without a closing date. Mode also mentioned that fulfilment for the Eighty will begin as early as March 2022. Given that pre-orders of the TKL keyboard will be open on 19 November, that\u2019s merely a four-month lead time \u2013 \na very short waiting time in this hobby\n.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, one of the most notable changes to the new Mode Eighty is two mounting options: stack mount or isolated top mount. Previously, only the former mounting style is offered for the Eighty, which offers a stiffer, more muted typing experience. If you want a more flexible typing feel, you can go with the isolated top mount option instead.\n\n\nAside from that, Mode also revealed that there will be more customisation options for the Eighty. Chances are, it will be as customisable as the SixtyFive. If this is the case, you will be able to change the material and colour for almost every single part of the Eighty.\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on exactly how much the Mode Eighty will be priced at. For context, the \nmost recent Eighty restock\n saw the custom TKL keyboard go from $480 (about RM2,000). According to Mode, more details on the new custom TKL keyboard will be revealed in the coming weeks.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honkai-star-rail-is-mihoyos-latest-title-turn-based-rpg-game-for-mobile-pc/", "title": "Honkai: Star Rail Is Mihoyo\u2019s Latest Title \u2013 Turn-Based RPG Game for Mobile & PC", "body": "\n\nAfter its huge success with \nGenshin Impact\n, Mihoyo returns to the Honkai universe with a new game. Enter Honkai: Star Rail, a turn-based RPG game made for mobile and PC.\n\n\nIf Star Rail is anything like Honkai Impact 3 or Genshin Impact, there\u2019s a good chance this is another gacha game, which isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing. So far, eight characters have been revealed: Himeko, Welt, Danheng, Gepard, Seele, Clara, Asta, and\u2026March 7th.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBased on the reveal trailer and in-game screenshots, Star Rail is a turn-based RPG game where players fight in a party of four; much like Genshin Impact, to an extent. There\u2019s even dungeon exploration with flashy animations as characters unleash their respective skills.\n\n\nBeyond these details, not much information on Honkai: Star Rail have been revealed. If you\u2019re interested to check out the game though, you can sign-up for a chance to get into the closed beta \nright here\n. So far, the closed beta is \nonly offered for iOS and PC\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-tartaglia-banner-returns-13-october-with-yanfei-ningguang-chongyun/", "title": "Genshin Impact Tartaglia Banner Returns 13 October With Yanfei, Ningguang & Chongyun", "body": "\n\nMihoyo just revealed Tartaglia\u2019s third banner in \nGenshin Impact\n 2.2. Set to go live this Wednesday on 13 October, the 5-star Hydro character will be accompanied by Yanfei, Ningguang, as well as Chongyun.\n\n\nJust like Genshin Impact\u2019s\u00a0\nprevious character\n\u00a0\nevent wishes\n, the \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Tartaglia, Yanfei, Ningguang, and Chongyun will be increased. In the case of Tartaglia, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be him. If it\u2019s not him, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be Tartaglia.\n\n\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s pity system ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character or weapon every 90 wishes \u2013 depending on which banner you\u2019re rolling \u2013 you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed chance to get Tartaglia. The same rule applies to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10 roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the event banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Yanfei, Ningguang, or Chongyun. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will likely have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\nTartaglia\u2019s \u201cFarewell of Snezhnaya\u201d banner will go live on Genshin Impact this coming Wednesday on 13 October right after the \nVersion 2.2 update\n. Tartaglia\u2019s banner will be available until 2 November; it will then be replaced by Hu Tao\u2019s event wish alongside Thoma, a new 4-star Pyro character.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/i-play-genshin-impact-almost-exclusively-on-the-ps5-now/", "title": "I Play Genshin Impact Almost Exclusively on the PS5 Now", "body": "\n\nWhen \nGenshin Impact\n first launched, I mainly played it on PC. If I just needed to clear my dailies quickly, I launch the game on my phone instead for the sake of convenience. But once Mihoyo \nenabled cross-platform progression\n for Genshin Impact on the PS5 and PS4, I find myself spending a lot more time with the game on the PS5.\n\n\nOf course, I do occasionally go back to the PC or mobile version, but most of the time, I much prefer playing Genshin Impact on the PS5 now \u2013 it\u2019s really the superior version. Read on to find out why!\n\n\n\n\nBlazing Fast Loading Times\n\n\nI\u2019ve tested Genshin Impact on many, many powerful gaming machines \u2013 including the \nAsus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 SE\n \u2013 but none of them can load the game as fast as the PS5 can. Whether I\u2019m farming a particular domain or teleporting from one area to another, it only took \nliteral seconds\n for the game to load on the PS5.\n\n\nOf course, this can be attributed to the fast SSD of the PS5, but it\u2019s worth noting that Mihoyo also made a \ncustom file-loading system\n for the PS5 version of Genshin Impact. This gives the console an edge in loading times, even if you\u2019re using an equally fast SSD in your PC.\n\n\n\n\nGranted, a fast gaming PC can still load Genshin Impact relatively quickly, but when you\u2019re on an artifact run, and you need to reload the same domain over and over again, the slightly faster loading times of the PS5 version makes quite a big difference. The fact that I\u2019m looking at the loading screen less just lends to a more pleasant gaming experience.\n\n\nStunning Graphics in 4K at 60fps\n\n\nAnother feature that sets the PS5 version of Genshin Impact apart from PC \u2013 aside from the custom file-loading system \u2013 is an \u201call-new graphics library\u201d that packs high-res textures to the environment of the game. Really, even at maxed out graphics settings on PC, the game still looks better on the PS5. Well, that\u2019s the case to me, anyway.\n\n\n\n\nIt is for this very reason that I prefer to play Genshin Impact on the PS5 to enjoy new story content. Not only does the game look better, it\u2019s just easier to get absorb in the narrative, thanks to the extra immersion provided by the DualSense controller. More on this in the following section.\n\n\nNaturally, Genshin Impact also runs at 4K resolution on the PS5, and for the most part, the frame rate does stay consistent at 60fps. However, in more chaotic battle sequences (especially in the Spiral Abyss), the frame rate does noticeably drop. Thankfully, it doesn\u2019t affect my ability to clear the challenges too much.\n\n\n\n\nDualSense Controller Makes for a More Immersive Experience\n\n\nI\u2019ve said it \nmany times before\n, and I\u2019ll \nsay it again\n: the PS5\u2019s DualSense controller makes a game (literally) feel next-gen. Though Genshin Impact doesn\u2019t use the DualSense\u2019s Adaptive Triggers, it does implement the refined haptic feedback of the controller quite well.\n\n\nWhether I\u2019m unleashing a character\u2019s Elemental Burst, accessing the quick select menu, or just walking through a bush, the DualSense\u2019s haptic feedback captures these moments very well. It\u2019s no wonder that the PC version will receive \nDualSense support in Version 2.2\n, which is set to go live this Wednesday on 13 October.\n\n\nThat being said, it remains to be seen if the DualSense\u2019s haptic feedback can be emulated in the PC version.\n\n\n\n\nAny Downsides to the PS5 Version?\n\n\nOh, definitely. The biggest one for me is the fact that the default controls\u2026are not very intuitive. For some reason, the Elemental Burst is assigned to the Triangle button, while the Elemental Skill is mapped to the R2 button.\n\n\nGiven that these two skills are the main components of any given character, it\u2019s much more intuitive to just assign them to buttons that are close to each other. After changing the mapping of the buttons to my liking, the controls do feel much intuitive.\n\n\nBut if I need more precise controls in harder content like the Spiral Abyss, I will still revert back to a mouse and keyboard on PC. As much as I enjoy playing Genshin Impact on the PS5, I still find it awkward to swap characters using the D-pad. No, I cannot change this to a different set of buttons, unfortunately enough.\n\n\n\n\nBut at the end of the day, I almost always go back to the PS5 version of Genshin Impact whenever I can. The faster loading times makes a huge difference in my overall gaming experience, and when I want to enjoy new storylines, the PS5 provides the best experience with its stunning graphics and DualSense implementations.\n\n\nOut of all the new features introduced in Genshin Impact over the year since its launch, the integration of cross-platform progression with PlayStation really is my favourite one \u2013 it\u2019s simply a joy to play the game on the PS5.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mihoyo-teases-arataki-itto-gorou-likely-playable-in-genshin-impact-2-3/", "title": "Mihoyo Teases Arataki Itto & Gorou \u2013 Likely Playable in Genshin Impact 2.3", "body": "\n\nMihoyo dropped a rather big teaser: the developer just confirmed two characters coming to \nGenshin Impact\n. These include Gorou \u2013 who already appeared in the Inazuma storyline \u2013 and a brand new character, Arataki Itto.\n\n\nChances are, these two characters will be playable in Version 2.3 of Genshin Impact. After all, previous characters that were teased by Mihoyo were eventually playable in the next version update. These include \nThoma\n, Sangonomiya Kokomi, Kujou Sara, and of course, the \nRaiden Shogun herself\n.\n\n\n\n\n\"Hello, I'm the deputy of the Arataki Gang. If you come across any inappropriate behavior on the part of our boss, Arataki Itto, please contact me immediately. \" \u2014 Kuki Shinobu\n\u25c6 Arataki Itto\n\u25c6 The First and Greatest Head of the Arataki Gang\n\u25c6 Geo\n\u25c6 Taurus Iracundus \npic.twitter.com/c7Nb9LKDAL\n\u2014 Genshin Impact (@GenshinImpact) \nOctober 11, 2021\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Kindness and loyalty are the representation of virtue. Without a doubt, my friend Gorou is a virtuous general.\" \u2014 Kaedehara Kazuha\n\u25c6 Gorou \u2027 Canine Warrior\n\u25c6 General of the Watatsumi Army\n\u25c6 Geo\n\u25c6 Canis Bellatoris\n#GenshinImpact\n \npic.twitter.com/YEDrXXikKS\n\u2014 Genshin Impact (@GenshinImpact) \nOctober 12, 2021\n\n\n\n\nAs with Genshin Impact\u2019s previous teasers, the rarity of Itto and Gorou have not been revealed yet. But the teasers did confirm that both of them are Geo characters \u2013 Gorou looks to be a bow user, while Itto seems to be a wielding a claymore.\n\n\nThis is our own educated guess at this point in time, but there is a very good chance that both Arataki Itto and Gorou will be playable in Version 2.3 of Genshin Impact. The new update should be released towards the end of November 2021, so expect these two characters to make their respective debuts then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/umw-toyota-motor-sold-8033-units-in-september-2021-223-increase/", "title": "UMW Toyota Motor Sold 8,033 Units in September 2021 \u2013 223% Increase", "body": "\n\nUMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) just released its monthly sales for the month of September 2021. Just like \nother players\n \nin the industry\n, the company sees a steady rise in sales with over 8,033 units sold. This figure includes both Toyota and Lexus models sold in Malaysia.\n\n\nOf the 8,033 units sold last month, Toyota models make up 7,931 of the figure. The remaining 102 units, on the other hand, are made up of the premium Lexus vehicles. Compared to August 2021 \u2013 where UMWT sold 2,524 units \u2013 September 2021\u2019s sales is a whopping 223% increase.\n\n\n\n\nThe company added that compared to the same month in 2020, it managed to sell 43% more vehicles in September 2021. In total, UMWT has sold over 43,594 units so far this year; a huge increase over the 25,978 units the company sold in the same period in 2020.\n\n\n\u201cWe are certainly pleased to see the market steadily moving towards normalcy as the past few months have been challenging for us,\u201d said the President of UMW Toyota Motor, Ravindran. K. \u201cI would like to assure our customers that they will be safe and protected when they visit our showrooms or service centres, but at the same time, we remind them that they need to comply with the SOPs,\u201d he added.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/get-your-mitsubishi-car-delivered-to-your-doorstep-only-in-klang-valley/", "title": "Get Your Mitsubishi Car Delivered to Your Doorstep \u2013 Only in Klang Valley", "body": "\n\nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) just introduced a pretty intriguing service. If you book a Mitsubishi model through \nMMM\u2019s online showroom\n, you have the option to get your vehicle delivered to your doorstep on a single car carrier truck \u2013 how convenient is that?\n\n\nOf course, there is one caveat: this service is only offered in the Klang Valley area right now. That being said, MMM did say that the service will be expanded to other regions in Malaysia, though it remains to be seen exactly when this will be implemented.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cAs Malaysia prepares to transition from the COVID-19 pandemic to the endemic phase, Mitsubishi Motors is making an effort to ensure that our digital services are improved for customers\u2019 safety and convenience. We want to provide an option for customers to shop online, offering something unorthodox to car ownership,\u201d said the CEO of MMM, Tomoyuki Shinnishi.\n\n\nIf you got your eyes on any Mitsubishi model \u2013 such as the \nXpander seven-seater crossover\n \u2013 you can take a look at it and place a booking on MMM\u2019s online showroom \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-50-lands-in-malaysia-18-october-will-feature-google-apps/", "title": "Honor 50 Lands in Malaysia 18 October \u2013 Will Feature Google Apps", "body": "\n\nJust last week, \nwe spotted the Honor 50 in SIRIM\u2019s database\n, and we just heard from Honor Malaysia that the phone will be arriving here next week on 18 October. This makes Malaysia the first market outside of China to get the Honor 50.\n\n\nWhat\u2019s particularly interesting about the Honor 50 \u2013 in comparison to previous smartphones from the Chinese company \u2013 is the fact that it comes with Google Mobile Services. This gives the device access to Google\u2019s range of apps and services, which is really the defining trait of an Android smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, Honor 50 is a reasonably well-equipped mid-range smartphone too with a premium-looking design. For one, it\u2019s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset, which should be able to offer a good level of performance. It also comes with a 120Hz 6.57-inch 1080p OLED display.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Honor 50 include a quad camera system (108MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), a 32MP selfie camera, a 4,300mAh battery with support for 66W fast charging, up to 12GB of RAM, as well as 128GB or 256GB of non-expandable storage.\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor 50 will be launched in Malaysia next week on 18 October at 8PM. We\u2019ll find out then how much the phone will be priced at for the local market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/staebies-by-aeboards-x-zambumon-the-best-keyboard-stabiliser-yet/", "title": "Staebies by AEBoards x Zambumon \u2013 The Best Keyboard Stabiliser Yet?", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the most frustrating processes of building a custom keyboard \u2013 for me, anyway \u2013 is tuning stabilisers. Whether you\u2019re using screw-in or plate-mounted stabilisers, lubing and modding them to eliminate ticking can be a taxing, annoying process.\n\n\nWell, this is exactly what the Staebies aim to solve. Designed by Zambumon in collaboration with AEBoards \u2013 two well-known names in the custom keyboard scene \u2013 the Staebies use a new stabiliser design with tighter tolerances than other stabilisers in the market now.\n\n\nIn theory, the tighter tolerances of the Staebies eliminate extra room for the wires to rattle or tick, making these stabilisers much, \nmuch\n easier to tune for a pleasant typing experience. If you\u2019re interested to pick these up, then keep on reading this quick first impressions of the Staebies!\n\n\n\n\nWe just got the Staebies today from \nKeyboard Treehouse for $22\n (about RM90) a set, which includes a 7U wire, a 6.25u wire, five 2u wire, six sets of stems and housings, screws, as well as rubber washers.\n\n\nAside from that, this first round of Staebies are also packed in a neat little carry pack. The 7u and 6.25u wires are protected by a foam inside the case too, ensuring that they don\u2019t get bent during shipping. While the case itself doesn\u2019t feel particularly premium, it\u2019s still a nice, practical storage case.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of the Staebies\u2019 wires, how straight are they? Well, they\u2019re about as straight as the wires of Durock V2 and C3 stabilisers. They still sit flush on a flat surface, though they do tick a little when I tap on the ends of the wires. This isn\u2019t exactly an issue, and I reckon they will still work fine when they\u2019re mounted on a keyboard.\n\n\nThere are two distinct versions of the Staebies: the all-black variant features a nylon housing with a black POM stem, while the clear version has a polycarbonate housing with a white POM stem. Beyond the different aesthetics of these two variants, AEBoards didn\u2019t mention if there will be any difference in smoothness or sound profile.\n\n\nOf course, I\u2019ll test this out for myself very, very soon \u2013 stay tuned for that on our \nYouTube channel\n.\n\n\n\n\nWhile I haven\u2019t mounted the Staebies on a keyboard yet, I did assemble them to see how tight the tolerances are. Well, I\u2019m happy to report that these feel \nvery tight\n (in a good way). The wires, for one, snap on to the housing quite tightly \u2013 almost as tight as a C3 stabiliser. Chances are, the Staebies won\u2019t suffer from any wire popping.\n\n\nAs for the housing tolerance of the Staebies, it is \nexcellent\n. There\u2019s very little wiggle room for the wire and stems to move around, so in theory, these stabilisers shouldn\u2019t tick or rattle much when they\u2019re mounted on a keyboard. I\u2019m especially interested to try out the Staebies without lubing them to see how they would perform.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter all, one of the main reasons to lube stabilisers \u2013 aside from making them smoother \u2013 is to fill up the empty space between the wire and housing so that it wouldn\u2019t rattle or tick. Given the tight tolerances of the Staebies, I\u2019m curious to see if they need to be lubed at all \u2013 you can listen to how these stabilisers perform unlubed in the video above.\n\n\nNaturally, I had to compare the Staebies to the Durock V2, which is considered to be the \u201cgold standard\u201d for keyboard stabilisers. As mentioned, I haven\u2019t had the time to mount either one of them on a keyboard yet \u2013 I just received them in the mail! \u2013 but it\u2019s evident that the Staebies have much better tolerances.\n\n\nFor starters, the Staebies\u2019 stem doesn\u2019t move as freely as the Durock V2\u2019s stem on a wire, and when placed in the housings of the respective stabilisers, there\u2019s a lot more wiggle room in the Durock V2 than the Staebies. Just look at the comparison shots below.\n\n\nThe Staebies\nNotice how loose the stem sits in the housing of the Durock V2\n\n\nEven without mounting these two stabilisers on a keyboard to compare them, it\u2019s clear as day that the Durock V2 rattles \na lot more\n than the Staebies. Suffice to say I absolutely cannot wait to try out these stabilisers from AEBoards and Zambumon.\n\n\nI will be testing different stabilisers against the Staebies in a video review very soon, so stay tuned to our \nYouTube channel\n for that! If you want to pick up the Staebies, they are unfortunately out of stock at the time of writing, though you can place a pre-order with AEBoards through \nthis form\n \u2013 \nCannon Keys\n will also have them in stock soon.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nStaebies Review: The Keyboard Stabiliser to Beat\n\n\nStaebies Lubing Guide \u2013 Easy to Tune?\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/custom-keyboard-always-get-extra-pcb/", "title": "Custom Keyboard \u2013 Always Get Extra PCB", "body": "\n\nWhenever you join a group buy for a \ncustom keyboard\n, consider getting an extra PCB. Yes, it will increase the overall cost of the keyboard, but you never know when you might need one a couple of years down the road.\n\n\nAfter all, there\u2019s always a chance for electronics to break after years of use, and the PCBs of custom keyboards are no different. If you\u2019re still in the fence about buying an extra PCB for your custom keyboard, keep on reading \u2013 you might change your mind.\n\n\nFor Peace of Mind\n\n\nAs mentioned, as you use your custom keyboard, there is always a chance of it breaking. Maybe the PCB is not as well-designed as it should be, or maybe you accidentally spilled your favourite beverage onto the keyboard.\n\n\n\n\nTruth be told, the latter actually happened to me, but fortunately enough, it was just plain water. After drying it for a day or two, the PCB (thankfully) still works as intended. However, if you spilled a soda or coffee onto your keyboard, the PCB may not survive that mishap.\n\n\nBasically, getting an extra PCB is a nice insurance in case anything happens \u2013 get it for peace of mind, or you\u2019ll be left with an expensive paperweight if the original PCB stopped working.\n\n\nIt\u2019s (Usually) Hard to Find Replacement PCBs for Custom Keyboards\n\n\nMore often than not, a custom keyboard uses a PCB that is designed specifically for it. If your original PCB breaks, it will not be easy to find for a replacement, especially if it\u2019s been a while since the keyboard initially went up for sale.\n\n\nOf course, there are a number of exceptions to this. Take the \nWilba.tech Salvation\n custom keyboard: it is designed to work with most PCBs made for a 60% keyboard, thanks to its different mounting points. That being said, not many custom keyboards feature this kind of flexibility.\n\n\nThe Wilba.tech Salvation\n\n\nUnless you\u2019re purchasing a custom keyboard like the Salvation, it\u2019s highly recommended to get an extra PCB in the event of a mishap or breakage in the future. Otherwise, it may prove to be difficult (or almost impossible) to find for a replacement PCB for your custom keyboard.\n\n\nSure, you can always try your luck in the aftermarket scene, but be prepared to pay a premium; assuming you can even find one, that is.\n\n\nSave on Shipping Cost & Time\n\n\nSay your custom keyboard\u2019s PCB suddenly stopped working, but fortunately enough, the vendor you got the keyboard from has extra PCBs for sale. But depending on where the vendor is located, you may have to pay quite a bit for shipping alone, incurring more cost than just getting an extra PCB in the initial order of your keyboard.\n\n\nYes, getting extra parts for a custom keyboard in a group buy may increase the shipping cost slightly, but it\u2019s nowhere near as much as getting said parts in a separate order in the future. Plus, you\u2019ll also have to wait for the order to be shipped to you, which could take several days or weeks, depending on the courier service.\n\n\n\n\nReally, on the off chance you need to replace the PCB of your custom keyboard, you will be glad you bought an extra PCB from the very beginning. Not only will you be saving time, you won\u2019t have to pay for shipping costs again either.\n\n\nCan\u2019t I Just Get One PCB?\n\n\nWell, of course you can! If you\u2019re careful with your custom keyboard \u2013 which you really should be \u2013 and the PCB is manufactured by a reputable party, you only need one PCB for the keyboard to continue functioning for many, many years.\n\n\nIt\u2019s not necessarily the end of the world either if your PCB breaks; a responsible manufacturer should have replacement PCBs for sale. But as mentioned, if the group buy for the keyboard took place some time ago, there\u2019s a possibility the manufacturer no longer sells the PCB for your particular keyboard.\n\n\n\n\nPersonally, whenever I join a group buy for a custom keyboard, I always, \nalways\n get an extra PCB. I even did so for the Salvation, even if it\u2019s compatible with most PCBs made for a 60% keyboard. If the keyboard has a daughterboard \u2013 such as the \nMode SixtyFive\n \u2013 I\u2019ll even get an extra unit of that just in case.\n\n\nTo me, it\u2019s worth it to pay more for these extra parts outright, even if there\u2019s only a small chance of the PCB breaking somewhere down the road. I\u2019d rather do this than having to worry about finding for replacements parts in the future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-sets-19-october-unleashed-event-new-macbooks-mac-mini-expected/", "title": "Apple Sets 19 October \u201cUnleashed\u201d Event \u2013 New MacBooks, Mac mini Expected", "body": "\n\nApple just announced its next hardware event, which is taking place next week on 19 October for us here in Malaysia. Chances are, we will see the debut of two new MacBooks at the event, along with a redesigned, higher-end Mac mini, and even a pair of third-generation AirPods.\n\n\nAs with all of Apple\u2019s invites for its events, the teaser is a simple one with just the word \u201cUnleashed\u201d being the centre theme. But as the video for the event below shows, the word itself appears to be made up of tiny dots, which could be a nod to the new MacBooks\u2019 rumoured mini-LED displays.\n\n\n\n\nUnleashed! These next six days are going to speed by. \n#AppleEvent\n \npic.twitter.com/0ops2bVPvl\n\u2014 Greg Joswiak (@gregjoz) \nOctober 12, 2021\n\n\n\n\nIf previous rumours are to be believed, Apple is expected to unveil \nnew 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models\n. Not only are they said to be sporting mini-LED displays, they may be powered by Apple\u2019s latest ARM-based M1X chip too. This new processor should bring notable performance boost compared to the \ncurrent M1 chip\n.\n\n\nAs for the redesigned Mac mini, it is rumoured to be packing the upcoming M1X chip too, along with better selection of ports to suit power users. The third-generation AirPods, on the other hand, are believed to be more similar in design to the current AirPods Pro with shorter stems and a new charging case.\n\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ll find out for ourselves if these new products will really make an appearance at next week\u2019s Apple event. You can catch the livestream on 19 October at 1AM (Malaysian time) on \nApple.com\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/14-20-october-fuel-price-ron-97-up-by-whopping-10-sen/", "title": "14 \u2013 20 October Fuel Price: RON 97 up by Whopping 10 Sen", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 is set to go up again this coming week by a pretty big margin. From tomorrow onwards, RON 97 will go up by a whopping 10 sen per litre, while the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 for the next seven days is set at RM2.87 per litre (up from RM2.77). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 14 to 20 October. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates! \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-announces-galaxy-unpacked-part-2-event-for-20-october-phone-customisation/", "title": "Samsung Announces Galaxy Unpacked Part 2 Event for 20 October \u2013 Phone Customisation?", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s going to get real busy for the tech industry next week. Samsung just announced a Galaxy Unpacked Part 2 event for 20 October, right after Apple and Google hold their own events to (possibly) launch \nnew MacBooks\n and the \nPixel 6\n respectively.\n\n\nThe video teaser for the event itself doesn\u2019t really reveal any notable information. But according to a post on \nSamsung\u2019s newsroom\n, the South Korean company hints at how its users are \u201cmultifaceted and live life in so many colorful, interesting and unique ways.\u201d\n\n\n\u201cAs such, the technology they use every day should reflect their individuality,\u201d Samsung added.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese statements could be hinting at a phone customisation service of sorts from Samsung \u2013 or simply new colourways for its existing phones \u2013 though this is only an educated guess on our part at this point in time. It\u2019s possible the Galaxy S21 FE will be unveiled at the event too, though this \nunlikely in light of delays\n.\n\n\nWe\u2019ll find out exactly what Samsung has in store come 20 October next week. The Galaxy Unpacked Part 2 event will be livestreamed on \nSamsung\u2019s YouTube channel\n on that day at 10PM for us here in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-conceptd-7-spatiallabs-edition-laptop-uses-eye-tracking-to-display-3d-images/", "title": "Acer ConceptD 7 SpatialLabs Edition Laptop Uses Eye-Tracking to Display 3D Images", "body": "\n\nAcer just announced a slew of new products today, including the Acer ConceptD 7 SpatialLabs Edition. Its long name aside, this powerful mobile workstation is able to display 3D images without 3D glasses using eye-tracking \u2013 pretty impressive, right?\n\n\nThis is possible thanks to a set of stereo cameras that track the user\u2019s eyes. The laptop then displays \u201ctwo slightly different images through an optical lens that has been bonded to the screen\u2019s panel, each refracted to a different eye,\u201d as Acer describes it. This is done in real-time too, so you can move around and see a 3D image in\u2026well, 3D.\n\n\n\n\nAside from this unique feature, the ConceptD 7 SpatialLabs Edition also features a 15.6-inch 3840 x 2160 IPS display (in 2D mode). In 3D mode, the screen\u2019s effective resolution in 1920 x 2160 instead. It is also Pantone Validated with 100% coverage of the Adobe RGB colour gamut.\n\n\nOther specifications of this beefy mobile workstation include up to an Intel Core i7-11800H processor paired with 32GB of DDR4 RAM (upgradable to 64GB), an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 GPU, as well as 2TB of NVMe SSD storage. All in all, a very capable laptop.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, that also means it commands a premium price tag: the Acer ConceptD 7 SpatialLabs Edition will retail from a steep \u20ac3,599 (about RM17,330) in EMEA markets sometime in December 2021. No word yet on the Malaysian availability of this serious mobile workstation.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-acer-predator-gd711-gaming-centric-projector-offers-240hz-refresh-rate/", "title": "The Acer Predator GD711 Gaming-Centric Projector Offers 240Hz Refresh Rate", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019ve always wanted to game on a large projector with high refresh rate, you can now do so with the brand new Acer Predator GD711. What makes this gaming-centric 4K LED projector particularly interesting is the fact that it can run at a blazing fast 240Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nHowever, the 240Hz refresh rate is only reserved for PCs, and the resolution is limited to 1080p, even though the Predator GD711 is capable of projecting 4K content. If you connect a gaming console to the projector, it will display content at 1080p with a 120Hz refresh rate instead. It\u2019s worth noting that this projector supports VRR too.\n\n\nThe Acer Predator GD711\nThe Acer Predator GM712\n\n\nOther specifications of the Predator GD711 include 4,000 LED lumens of brightness, HDR10 support, a throw ratio of 1.22 \u2013 Acer recommends a 100-inch screen thrown from 2.7m \u2013 and even a 10W speaker. There\u2019s also the Predator GM712, which is a lamp-based 4K projector, though not much details have been revealed.\n\n\nThe Acer Predator GD711 is set to be available in China first sometime in November with a 11,999 Chinese yuan starting price, which comes up to about RM7,765. It remains to be seen if the GD711 \u2013 or even the GM712 \u2013 will also be sold here in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-aspire-vero-is-a-laptop-made-from-recycled-plastic/", "title": "Acer Aspire Vero Is a Laptop Made From Recycled Plastic", "body": "\n\nIn line with Acer\u2019s commitment to sustainable operations, the Taiwanese company introduced the Acer Aspire Vero, a laptop that is made from post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic. Not only is it touted as a green product, it also looks to be a decent productivity-focused laptop.\n\n\nAccording to Acer, the chassis of the Aspire Vero is composed of 30% PCR plastic, which cuts CO2 emissions by 21% for the production of this particular part. The laptop\u2019s keycaps also contain 50% PCR plastic, and even the 100% recyclable packaging of the laptop can be repurposed as a laptop stand \u2013 talk about functionality.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Aspire Vero features a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS screen \u2013 which is said to be 99% recyclable \u2013 along with three choices of 11th gen Intel processors: a Core i3-1115G4, Core i5-1155G7, or Core i7-1195G7 chip. These processors are paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage.\n\n\nThe Acer Aspire Vero is set to be available in China and EMEA markets sometime this month; it starts at 4,999 Chinese yuan (about RM3,230) in the former region. At the time of writing, it\u2019s not known yet if the Aspire Vero will also be available in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-staebies-review-endgame-keyboard-stabiliser/", "title": "Video: Staebies Review \u2013 Endgame Keyboard Stabiliser!", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHere it is: our video review of the Staebies. Designed by the renowned Zambumon in collaboration with AEBoards, the Staebies use a new stabiliser design with tighter tolerances than other stabilisers in the market now, eliminating extra room for the wires to rattle or tick. But is this really the case? Watch our review above to find out!\n\n\nWe compare both the nylon and polycarbonate versions of the Staebies in this review to two other popular stabilisers in the market: Durock V2 (in stock form) and C3 stabilisers. The latter is lubed and holee modded, which will give you an idea on how the Staebies compare to properly tuned stabilisers.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re wondering how the Staebies would perform once they are lubed, we will be doing a separate video for that. In the meantime, enjoy our review of these brand new stabilisers!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-watch-series-7-now-available-for-purchase-in-malaysia-from-rm1749/", "title": "Apple Watch Series 7 Now Available for Purchase in Malaysia From RM1,749", "body": "\n\nThe \nApple Watch Series 7\n is now available for purchase in Malaysia! Retailing from RM1,749 locally, the Series 7 actually has the same starting price as the \nSeries 6\n.\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the Apple Watch Series 7 has a larger screen with screen bezels measuring only 1.7mm thin. This allows the smartwatch to support a full-size keyboard now, and you can even use swipe typing for a more intuitive typing experience.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the updated Apple Watch is also said to be the most durable one yet. It features a stronger, more crack-resistant front crystal, along with an IP6X certification for dust resistance. Of course, the WR50 water resistance rating is retained too.\n\n\nCharging speed of the Apple Watch Series 7 sees a nice upgrade as well. According to Apple, this smartwatch can now recharge up to 33% faster. As for battery life, the new Apple Watch can still provide the same all-day 18-hour battery life.\n\n\n\n\nYou can now purchase the Apple Watch Series 7 in Malaysia on \nApple\u2019s Malaysian online store\n. At the time of writing, it will take between four to eight weeks for the smartwatch to start shipping, depending on the configuration you chose.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hmd-global-launches-5-nokia-phones-in-malaysia-including-nokia-x20-for-rm1599/", "title": "HMD Global Launches 5 Nokia Phones in Malaysia, Including Nokia X20 for RM1,599", "body": "\n\nAs promised\n, HMD Global just unveiled a slew of Nokia phones for the Malaysian market. These include the Nokia X20, Nokia C20, Nokia C01 Plus, as well as two feature phones: Nokia 110 4G and Nokia 105 4G.\n\n\nOut of the five devices, the Nokia X20 is the highest-end offering with a \nRM1,599 price tag\n. It features a 6.67-inch 1080p IPS screen, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, and a generous 4,470mAh battery.\n\n\nThe Nokia X20\n\n\nIn the camera department, the X20 has a quad camera system. It is made up of a 64MP primary sensor, a 5MP ultra-wide angle shooter, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth camera. The selfie shooter, on the other hand, is a 32MP unit. It\u2019s worth noting that the X20 also gets three years of software updates and warranty \u2013 that\u2019s quite impressive.\n\n\nAs for the other Nokia devices launched today, they are decidedly much more affordable. The Nokia C20 (32GB + 2GB) retails at only \nRM399\n, while the Nokia C01 Plus (16GB + 2GB) goes for \nRM359\n. As for the Nokia 110 4G and Nokia 105 4G feature phones, they are priced at \nRM159\n and \nRM139\n respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-hr-v-1-8l-se-quietly-launched-adds-blis-lane-change-assist-for-rm105k/", "title": "Honda HR-V 1.8L SE Quietly Launched \u2013 Adds BLIS, Lane Change Assist for RM105k", "body": "\n\nIt seems Honda Malaysia quietly launched a new variant of the \nHonda HR-V\n. Dubbed HR-V 1.8L SE \u2013 that stands for Special Edition \u2013 this limited edition model sports a number of driver assistance systems not found on other trim levels of the B-segment SUV.\n\n\nBased on the most affordable 1.8L E variant \u2013 this is evident from the halogen headlights \u2013 the HR-V 1.8L SE features four new features. These include Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and even Door Opening Warning.\n\n\nAside from these additions, this Special Edition HR-V also gets a dashcam, trunk tray, and trunk organiser.\n\n\n\n\nSo how much do you need to pay for these upgrades to the HR-V 1.8L SE? A cool RM105,363.85, which is exactly RM1,363.64 more over the 1.8L E trim it is based on. Given the amount of upgrades you\u2019re getting with the SE model, this is actually pretty good value for money.\n\n\nThere are no other changes to the equipment of the HR-V 1.8L SE. It\u2019s still powered by a 1.8L SOHC i-VTEC engine that outputs 142PS and 172Nm of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the new Honda HR-V 1.8L SE, you may want to act quickly; only limited units are available. You can place a booking online\u00a0\nover here\n, or through the HondaTouch app \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nokia-g10-with-5050mah-battery-coming-to-malaysia-end-october-2021-for-rm599/", "title": "Nokia G10 With 5,050mAh Battery Coming to Malaysia End-October 2021 for RM599", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nfive Nokia devices\n already available for purchase in Malaysia now, HMD Global is also set to launch the Nokia G10 here by the end of the month. If you\u2019re looking to get an affordable Android smartphone, the G10 could be for you.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, only one variant of the G10 is offered here. Packed with 64GB of internal storage and 4GB of RAM, this budget-friendly phone retails at only RM599. It\u2019s also worth noting that you\u2019ll get three years of security updates with this phone.\n\n\n\n\nGiven its affordable price tag, the G10 has a modest set of hardware. Sporting a MediaTek Helio G25 chipset, it should be fast enough for everyday use. It also has a 6.5-inch HD+ 20:9 display with a notch at the top of the screen.\n\n\nOther specifications of the G10 include a triple camera system (13MP primary + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), an 8MP selfie camera, a generous 5,050mAh battery \u2013 it has a quoted battery life of up to three days \u2013 and Android 11 out of the box with two years of software upgrades.\n\n\n\n\nThe Nokia G10 will be coming to Malaysia by the end of October 2021. Once it is available for purchase here, you can get this affordable phone for only RM599.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/staebies-review-the-keyboard-stabiliser-to-beat/", "title": "Staebies Review: The Keyboard Stabiliser to Beat", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo matter how good a custom keyboard is, its typing experience wouldn\u2019 be satisfactory if the stabilisers are bad. And here\u2019s the thing: most keyboard stabilisers\u2026are not great out of the box. They need to be tuned and modded accordingly \u2013 some more so than the others \u2013 to get a desirable sound and feel.\n\n\nBut the Staebies, designed by Zambumon in collaboration with AEBoards, are quite different. Even when they\u2019re unlubed, they perform really, \nreally\n well, thanks to their tight tolerances. If you\u2019re looking to get the absolute best screw-in stabiliser in the market now, look no further than the Staebies.\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThere are two distinct versions of the Staebies: the all-black variant features a nylon housing with a black POM stem, while the clear version has a polycarbonate housing with a white POM stem. Beyond the different aesthetics of these two variants, they have different sound profiles and smoothness too \u2013 more on these further down this review.\n\n\n\n\nWe purchased the Staebies from \nKeyboard Treehouse for $22\n (about RM90) a set, which includes a 7U wire, a 6.25u wire, five 2u wire, six sets of stems and housings, screws, as well as rubber washers. For this first round of Staebies, they are also packed in a neat little carry pack.\n\n\nThe 7u and 6.25u wires of these stabilisers are protected by a foam inside the case too, ensuring that they don\u2019t get bent during shipping. While the case itself doesn\u2019t feel particularly premium, it\u2019s still a nice, practical storage case.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Staebies have very tight tolerances, leaving little room for the wires to move around in the stems and housings of the stabilisers. In theory, this should keep any rattling and ticking to a minimum, and\u2026well, this is certainly the case.\n\n\n\n\nI was curious to see how the Staebies would perform straight out of the box without any tuning, and I\u2019m happy to report that they sound and feel \ngreat\n. There are still some ticking and rattling, of course, but I have never seen stabilisers that sound \nthis good\n without lubing or modding \u2013 it\u2019s incredible.\n\n\nOf course, I will be lubing them to see if the wire rattle can be eliminated completely, and I\u2019m optimistic the Staebies will perform incredibly well once I\u2019ve done so. In fact, I don\u2019t think I need to holee mod them either to get desirable results, unlike other options in the market, such as the Durock V2 and C3 stabilisers.\n\n\nLook at how snug the wire clips onto the housing\n\n\nAnyway, the excellent tolerances of the Staebies even extend to how tightly the wire clips onto the housing. It feels almost as tight as a C3 stabiliser, so chances are, the Staebies won\u2019t suffer from any wire popping; a huge issue for certain stabilisers.\n\n\nThere are also some notable differences between the all-black nylon Staebies and the clear polycarbonate model. The nylon version feels more \u201cfirm\u201d and tight, while the polycarbonate variant has a \u201clooser-feeling,\u201d but smoother downstroke \u2013 much like a Durock V2 stabiliser, actually.\n\n\nThe sound profiles of the two Staebies are quite different too. Not surprisingly, the black nylon version offers a deeper sound signature, while the polycarbonate, all-clear model has a higher-pitched sound signature. Keep this in mind if you want stabilisers with a particular sound profile.\n\n\nThe Staebies (top and bottom) and the Durock V2\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWhile I\u2019m very happy with how the Staebies perform, it does have a couple of small niggles. Because of how tight the tolerances of these stabilisers are, the stem can actually get stuck in the housing during assembly \u2013 this actually happened to me while I was testing them out.\n\n\nI didn\u2019t notice that this one stabiliser was stuck when I was assembling it, so I had to take it apart and make sure that the stems are properly lined with the housing before mounting it onto the keyboard again. Once I\u2019ve done that, the stabiliser works without issue, thankfully enough.\n\n\nAside from that, the Staebies\u2019 stems are also quite tight. I tested a number of different keycaps to confirm this \u2013 including GMK \u2013 and I do need to push down on the keycaps quite a bit to make sure that they are seated properly on the stabilisers. Not a huge issue by any means, but definitely worth pointing out.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the overall availability of the Staebies. At the moment, only Keyboard Treehouse \u2013 which is based in Australia \u2013 is \nopening pre-orders\n for them, so depending on where you\u2019re located, shipping can get quite expensive.\n\n\nGranted, AEBoards did say that US vendor Cannon Keys will have the Staebies in stock soon, but if you\u2019re in Asia (like us), it doesn\u2019t make much of a difference. Hopefully, more vendors worldwide will carry the Staebies soon \u2013 it\u2019ll be great if these stabilisers are more widely available to everyone.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nWithout a shadow of a doubt! The Staebies may have their faults, but all things considered, they are easily the best screw-in stabilisers we have ever tried. Their tight tolerances are unlike anything I\u2019ve ever seen, making them so much easier to tune for a desirable sound and feel \u2013 it will save folks a lot of time and frustration.\n\n\n\n\nThe only thing that really needs to be worked on right now is the overall availability of the Staebies. Once more vendors have them in stock, I\u2019m confident they will sell out very quickly \u2013 \nthat\u2019s\n how good the Staebies are.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nStaebies Lubing Guide \u2013 Easy to Tune?\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-excellent-staebies-are-back-in-stock/", "title": "The Excellent Staebies Are Back in Stock", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019ve been waiting for the \nStaebies\n to be back in stock, good news: Keyboard Treehouse just listed more units of the excellent screw-in stabilisers for sale. On top of that, you can still get them at a discounted price too.\n\n\nAccording to the \nlisting on Keyboard Treehouse\n, the Staebies usually go for $24, but it\u2019s currently on sale for $22 (about RM90). While that\u2019s not a huge discount, it does make the Staebies that much more appealing.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that there are only 136 units of each model of the Staebies \u2013 that is, the all-black nylon version and the clear polycarbonate variant \u2013 are available right now, as shared on Keyboard Treehouse\u2019s \nDiscord channel\n. It\u2019s a decent amount of units, but you may want to get them quickly to secure your order.\n\n\nYou can purchase the Staebies from Keyboard Treehouse \nright here\n. Not sure if these stabilisers are worth it? Then check out our \nfull review of the Staebies\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-buds-2-review-getting-the-basics-right-for-rm499/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Review: Getting the Basics Right for RM499", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 is the Korean company\u2019s latest entry-level wireless earbuds. Retailing at RM499, it\u2019s certainly not an expensive earbuds. However, is it any good?\n\n\nWell, after spending a couple of weeks with the Buds 2, I\u2019m really quite happy with it, especially in regard to audio quality. Even though it does have a couple of shortcomings, they can be easily overlooked, given its affordable nature. If you want a no-nonsense wireless earbuds, consider the Buds 2.\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDespite its entry-level positioning, the Galaxy Buds 2 still comes with active noise cancellation (ANC), which is one of the headline features of these earbuds. Aside from that, they are also very lightweight; each earbud weighs merely 5g. This, in turn, improves the comfort of these earbuds over long periods of use.\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of battery life, the Buds 2\u2019s 61mAh battery has a claimed battery life of up to five hours with ANC switched on; 7.5 hours if ANC is disabled. With the included charging case, the battery life can be extended up to 20 hours or 29 hours with ANC off; respectable figures.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the price tag of the Galaxy Buds 2. Retailing at RM499, it\u2019s quite a bit more affordable than Samsung\u2019s higher-end offerings, such as the \nRM799 Buds Pro\n. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a lot of value for your money, especially in terms of audio quality \u2013 let\u2019s get to that in the next section.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nWhat really impressed me when I first started using the Galaxy Buds 2 is its audio quality; more specifically, the bass. These earbuds offer pleasantly strong bass, which is also layered, detailed, and (most importantly) fun to listen to. Basically, if you like earbuds that handle bass well, the Buds 2 will not disappoint.\n\n\n\n\nOther than that, the Buds 2 also offers reasonably good mids. Female vocals, for one, are smooth, though it may come off as dull on some tracks. These earbuds also have clean and smooth highs, but there is a lack of sparkle with some sibilance. However, overall, the Buds 2 really does offer good audio quality, especially in terms of bass control.\n\n\nAudio quality aside, the Buds 2 also has a nice, comfortable fit. It\u2019s easy to get a nice, snug seal in my ear thanks to the \u201cbean\u201d shape of these earbuds, and it feels comfortable to wear even over long periods of use. As mentioned, the lightweight nature of the Buds 2 helps in this regard.\n\n\n\n\nBattery life of the Buds 2 also lines up with Samsung\u2019s estimates. It does last me about five hours of continuous use with ANC enabled, and I can stretch it up to seven hours or so with ANC switched off. While there are other earbuds that can last even longer, I do find this level of battery life acceptable for earbuds at this price point.\n\n\nAnyway, I quite like the charging case of the Buds 2 as well, which has enough juice to charge up the earbuds about three times. It\u2019s also neat that the charging case supports wireless charging now for added convenience.\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nOf course, considering that the Galaxy Buds 2 is an entry-level offering, its ANC is not particularly great. While it does cancel out some noise, it\u2019s quite mild; mid to high frequency hums are still prominent. On the flip side, at least the ANC doesn\u2019t have a \u201cdeafening\u201d effect.\n\n\nIf you plan to take the Buds 2 out for a workout, do note that it only has an IPX2 rating. This means it can withstand some water splashes, but anything more than that \u2013 like getting caught in a heavy downpour \u2013 may damage the earbuds.\n\n\n\n\nMy last qualm with the Buds 2 is a small one: it\u2019s\u2026a little too slippery. Because it has such a glossy surface, it can be tricky to get a good grip on the earbuds to put them on and off. It\u2019s a small annoyance, but definitely something that is worth pointing out.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Buds 2, with its RM499 asking price, is a fantastic option for those who want a pair of wireless earbuds that got all of the basic features right. It has good audio quality, long enough battery life, and a snug, comfortable fit in an affordable package.\n\n\n\n\nSure, the Buds 2 doesn\u2019t have the best ANC or water resistance rating, but this \nis\n an entry-level pair of earbuds \u2013 there\u2019s only so much you can ask for. In any case, if you\u2019re shopping for earbuds below the RM500 price point, I reckon you will be very happy with the Buds 2.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/get-rm400-discount-on-the-sony-xperia-1-iii-until-31-october-2021/", "title": "Get RM400 Discount on the Sony Xperia 1 III Until 31 October 2021", "body": "\n\nSony Malaysia is currently running a promotion for its latest flagship smartphone, the Sony Xperia 1 III. Previously retailing at RM5,799, you can now get the high-end phone for RM5,399 \u2013 that\u2019s RM400 worth of savings.\n\n\nThis discount for the Xperia 1 III is valid from today until 31 October 2021. Granted, RM5,399 is still a steep price tag \u2013 even for a flagship phone of this calibre with 256GB of expandable storage and 12GB of RAM \u2013 but you do get some interesting features with this device.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the main highlights of the Xperia 1 III is its \u201cvariable telephoto lens\u201d system that allows the 12MP telephoto sensor of the to change its focal length between 70mm to 105mm. The system is also paired with a \u201cDual PD sensor,\u201d which promises fast autofocus speeds, even when switching between different focal lengths.\n\n\nComplementing the telephoto lens of the Xperia 1 III is a 12MP primary sensor, along with a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter. Other specifications of the flagship phone include a sharp and vibrant 120Hz 6.5-inch 4K OLED screen, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, an 8MP selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery, and an IP65/IP68 rating.\n\n\n\n\nYou can get the Sony Xperia 1 III with RM400 discount on \nSony Malaysia\u2019s online store\n right now. As mentioned, this promotion will run until 31 October 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-gets-120fps-support-on-ios/", "title": "Genshin Impact Gets 120fps Support\u2026on iOS", "body": "\n\nWell, this is interesting: it appears 120fps support is finally coming to \nGenshin Impact\n. Now, you might think this would be for the PC platform, but curiously enough, the 120fps support\u2026is actually for iOS.\n\n\nThis was quietly revealed through an \nupdate note\n for Version 2.2 of Genshin Impact on the Apple App Store. Aside from mentioning Thoma as a new playable character and the new Tsurumi Island, the note also describes a new function that adds \u201c120fps option for some devices.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the 120fps mode is only for iOS devices with a matching screen refresh rate. These include the \niPhone 13 Pro\n, the \niPhone 13 Pro Max\n, as well as the \niPad Pro\n. Given the beefy GPU under the hood of these devices, we reckon they can really run Genshin Impact \u2013 which is actually quite a demanding mobile game \u2013 at 120fps.\n\n\nHopefully, this means that 120fps support is also coming to the PC version of Genshin Impact soon, and maybe even for the \nPlayStation 5\n. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if the Android version will get 120fps support for the game too, given that even flagship Android phones still struggle to run the game at a consistent 60fps.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/staebies-lubing-guide-easy-to-tune/", "title": "Staebies Lubing Guide \u2013 Easy to Tune?", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s been a few days since I\u2019ve lubed the Staebies, and so far\u2026they feel and sound great! While they\u2019re impressive completely stock, they do have some wire ticking and rattling when they\u2019re bone dry \u2013 lubing them have pretty much eliminated these undesirable qualities.\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve got the Staebies \u2013 or you\u2019re planning to get some, since it\u2019s \nstill in stock\n at the time of writing \u2013 here\u2019s what you need to know about lubing them. How much lube should you apply? How thick can the lube be? How do they compare to a properly tuned Durock V2, the \u201cgold standard\u201d for screw-in stabilisers? Read on to find out!\n\n\n\n\nOkay, first up, what lube should you use for the Staebies? For the housing, I used Krytox 205g0, which works great with the Staebies. They don\u2019t feel mushy at all after lubing, though I was careful to not use too much lube. I only applied lube to the inner housing of the Staebies too; the stems were not lubed at all as to not run the risk of overlubing.\n\n\nNext, we have the wires. Usually, I use Krytox XHT-BDZ on stabiliser wires, which is quite a bit thicker than the \u201cgo-to choice,\u201d 205g0. Given the tight tolerances of the Staebies, I was worried the BDZ lube would be too thick for the wires, so I contemplated using the latter instead.\n\n\nWell, I ended up still using the BDZ lube; the thicker consistency of the lube is just so much easier to work with than the thinner, more watery 205g0.\n\n\n\n\nThankfully enough, the XHT-BDZ lube was not too thick for the Staebies\u2019 wires. The stabilisers are not binding, they still feel very responsive, and most importantly, there\u2019s virtually no more wire ticking or rattling. In fact, I would say they compare very favourably to properly tubed Durock V2 stabilisers.\n\n\nWhen I say \u201cproperly tuned,\u201d I\u2019m not just talking about a lubed Durock V2; this has a tendency to tick after just a few days of extensive use (in my experience, anyway). Instead, I\u2019m talking about a lubed, holee modded Durock V2, which takes much longer \u2013 and a lot more work \u2013 to apply effectively.\n\n\nSo yes, I would say that lubed Staebies are just as good as lubed, holee modded Durock V2 stabilisers \u2013 that really speaks volume to how good the Staebies are.\n\n\n\n\nMore importantly, it takes far less effort to tune the Staebies to sound and feel great. Not only does this save a lot of time (and frustration), I reckon even those who are new to the hobby can tune the Staebies well.\n\n\nThat\u2019s not to say the holee mod is particularly difficult to do, but it does take some finesse to properly install the band-aid into the opening of the stems where the wires will sit. You also run the risk of the stabilisers getting mushier over time as the band-aid collects dirt and what not.\n\n\nHowever, there is one area where I feel the Durock V2 is still superior: smoothness. Comparing the Staebies to the Durock V2 stabilisers side by side, the latter do feel a hair smoother. This can be attributed to the \u201clooser\u201d nature of the Durock V2, which does make for a smoother downstroke.\n\n\nThe Staebies (top and bottom) and the Durock V2\n\n\nBecause the Staebies have such tight tolerances, they do feel a little\u2026well, \u201ctighter\u201d than the Durock V2. This tightness comes from the increased resistance in the downstroke of the Staebies, but don\u2019t get me wrong, they don\u2019t feel scratchy at all.\n\n\nAlso, do note that I\u2019ve only lubed the all-clear version of the Staebies, which has polycarbonate housings. While I\u2019m confident the black variant of the Staebies with nylon housings will perform similarly, the different material should offer a slightly tighter, \u201cfirmer\u201d downstroke \nwith a deeper sound profile\n.\n\n\nYou can apply a thicker layer of XHT-BDZ lube than this\n\n\nOh, one last thing: be a little bit more generous when you\u2019re lubing the wires of the Staebies. Like I mentioned, I was a little worried the XHT-BDZ lube would be a bit too thick for the Staebies (it\u2019s not), so I applied a lighter layer than I usually do.\n\n\nFor the first couple of days, the Staebies worked fine with this minimal amount of lube, but then my left shift started ticking \never\n so slightly. Thankfully, adding a bit more BDZ lube to the wire with a syringe does remove the ticking, so I didn\u2019t have to open up the whole keyboard again.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve always been frustrated tuning screw-in stabilisers (like I am), you will definitely appreciate how much easier it is to tune the Staebies. At the moment, only \nKeyboard Treehouse\n based in Australia has these stabilisers in stock for $22 (about RM90) a set. If you\u2019re in the US, you\u2019ll be happy to know that \nCannon Keys\n will also be carrying them soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/simpler60-promising-60-custom-keyboard-for-under-rm750/", "title": "Simpler60 \u2013 Promising 60% Custom Keyboard for Under RM750", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to get into the custom keyboard hobby on a budget, you may want to keep an eye on this: the \nSimpler60\n. Set to be sold by iLumkb, this is a relatively affordable 60% custom keyboard that doesn\u2019t sacrifice much to bring down its price tag. How much does it cost? It\u2019s estimated to go for S$239, which comes up to about RM735.\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Simpler60 still has a CNC aluminium chassis instead of plastic \u2013 a typical choice for custom keyboards at this price point \u2013 along with a rather unique mounting system that offers flexibility for a softer typing experience. If it sounds like a keyboard you\u2019d be interested in, keep on reading.\n\n\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about the mounting system of the Simpler60. While it\u2019s said to be a tray-mounted keyboard, it\u2019s not inaccurate to call it a gasket-mounted keyboard either. See, unlike standard tray mount keyboards, the Simpler60 does not have screw standoffs (making for an uneven typing feel) to secure the plate and PCB to the bottom case.\n\n\nInstead, there\u2019s a 3.7mm thick PORON dampener \u2013 which is placed between the PCB and plate \u2013 that is inserted into specific cutouts in the case to secure the keyboard in place. This is actually very similar to the mounting system of the \nKDBfans KBD67 Lite\n, but the silicone dampener is replaced with a PORON one for the Simpler60.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re worried the plate and PCB aren\u2019t particularly secure with this mounting method, you can actually use several optional screws to secure the keyboard assembly to the bottom case. According to iLumkb, this isn\u2019t a traditional tray mount as the screws \u201cwill go through the PCB and plate, which will only touch the foam instead the PCB.\u201d\n\n\nAnyway, those who opt for the default mounting style without using the screws will get a soft, flexible typing experience with the Simpler60. You can look at \nthis gif\n to get an idea of how much flex you can get with this 60% custom keyboard.\n\n\n\n\nLooking at the construction of the Simpler60, this level of flexibility is mostly thanks to the aforementioned PORON dampener that is secured to the case through what appears to be six cutouts. The flex cuts on the polycarbonate plate helps to add even more flexibility as well.\n\n\nUnfortunately, there\u2019s no sound test of the Simpler60 yet. But judging by the amount of foams that are bundled with the keyboard, there\u2019s a good chance it will have a pretty muted sound profile, though this is only our educated guess at this point in time.\n\n\n\n\nAnother Interesting feature of the Simpler60 is its hotswap PCB; complete with south-facing RGB lighting for maximum compatibility with keycaps of various profiles. Instead of using Kailh or Gateron hotswap sockets, the PCB has all-metal hotswap sockets for better durability.\n\n\nAt a glance, the metal hotswap sockets do look more durable (and aesthetically pleasing) compared to Kailh or Gateron sockets, which are mostly made out of plastic. However, these unconventional hotswap sockets are not quite as tested and proven, so it\u2019ll be interesting to see how they\u2019ll perform once the Simpler60 is released.\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, the Simpler60 looks to be a really promising 60% keyboard, and the fact that its estimated asking price is S$239 (about RM735) makes it \nthat\n much more attractive. After all, not many custom keyboards can match the feature set of the Simpler60 at this price point.\n\n\nWell, there\u2019s the \nBakeneko60 by Cannon Keys\n, which is priced at only $130 (around RM540). While it is quite a bit more affordable than the Simpler60, it\u2019s worth noting that the latter sports a more premium CNC aluminium chassis. The case of the Bakeneko60, on the other hand, is made using aluminium alloy using a casting process.\n\n\nThe Bakeneko60\n\n\nThis is a more affordable process than CNC machining, which is the very reason why the Bakeneko60 can hit such a competitive price point. However, the casting process doesn\u2019t allow for anodisation \u2013 a process that gives the keyboard its colour and finish \u2013 so the case of the Bakeneko60 is just painted. Basically, it won\u2019t look as nice as the Simpler60.\n\n\nOn top of that, it\u2019s worth noting that the Bakeneko60 uses clip-in stabilisers as well. While they are more stable than plate-mounted stabilisers, screw-in stabilisers are still more secure, which seems to be supported by the Simpler60 based on the stabiliser cutouts on the PCB.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to pick up the Simpler60, you can register your interest \nthrough this Google form\n; you can even specify which colour and layout you prefer for the 60% custom keyboard. We\u2019ll keep an eye for any future updates on the Simpler60, especially regarding its availability and final retail price.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-aims-to-open-300-stores-in-malaysia-currently-at-47/", "title": "Xiaomi Aims to Open 300 Stores in Malaysia \u2013 Currently at 47", "body": "\n\nXiaomi just revealed its intention to open as many as 300 stores in Malaysia, which should make it easier for Malaysians to get their hands on the latest Xiaomi products. At the moment, the Chinese company has 47 physical outlets on our shores \u2013 10 of them just started operating today.\n\n\nTo celebrate the launch of these 10 outlets, Xiaomi will be running a number of promotions. The new \nXiaomi 11T series\n, for one, will be offered with a RM200 discount at these outlets on 25 October from 12PM, though this is limited to the first 50 customers at each outlet. Here are the 10 new Xiaomi stores throughout Malaysia:\n\n\nSunway Velocity, Kuala Lumpur\nKL East Mall, Kuala Lumpur\nGiant Hypermarket Bandar Kinrara, Selangor\nAlor Star Mall, Kedah\nKulim Central,\u00a0 Kedah\nKompleks Bukit Jambul, Penang\nPrangin Mall, Penang\nLotus Bertam Kepala Batas, Penang\nAEON Tebrau City, Johor Bahru, Johor\nPusat Perdagangan Mega, Jalan Sakeh, Muar, Johor\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWe are excited to be able to open more Xiaomi Stores in Malaysia for more Malaysian customers to truly experience and access Xiaomi\u2019s wide range of quality and affordable products,\u201d said the General Manager of Xiaomi Malaysia and Singapore, Nicolas Shi. \u201cWe look forward to providing an enhanced retail and shopping experience for our customers and Xiaomi Fans in our stores,\u201d he added.\n\n\nIf you want to get the Xiaomi 11T or 11T Pro with a RM200 discount, give any of the outlets listed above a visit at 12PM on 25 October. Check out \nour review of the 11T Pro\n too if you\u2019d like to learn more about it.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-50-with-google-apps-lands-in-malaysia-from-rm1699/", "title": "Honor 50 With Google Apps Lands in Malaysia From RM1,699", "body": "\n\nHonor just launched its latest smartphone in Malaysia, the Honor 50; this marks the Chinese company\u2019s return to the local smartphone market. Not only does it come with Google\u2019s apps and services, the Honor 50 is also a relatively affordable phone with a premium-looking design.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Honor 50 are available in Malaysia. The base model with 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM retails at RM1,699, while the 256GB configuration with 8GB of RAM costs RM1,999. Every pre-order of the 128GB variant will get a complimentary case and an extended warranty, while the 256GB model adds on an Honor Earbuds 2 Lite.\n\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s particularly interesting about the Honor 50 \u2013 in comparison to previous smartphones from the Chinese company \u2013 is the fact that it comes with Google Mobile Services. This gives the device access to Google\u2019s range of apps and services, which is really the defining trait of an Android smartphone.\n\n\nAside from that, Honor 50 is a reasonably well-equipped mid-range smartphone too. For one, it\u2019s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset, which should be able to offer a good level of performance. It also comes with a 120Hz 6.57-inch 1080p OLED display.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Honor 50 include a quad camera system (108MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), a 32MP selfie camera, and a 4,300mAh battery with support for 66W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor 50 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 24 October 2021. To recap, the base 128GB model retails at RM1,699, while the 256GB configuration costs RM1,999.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/3rd-gen-airpods-get-new-design-water-resistance-spatial-audio-for-rm829/", "title": "3rd-Gen AirPods Get New Design, Water Resistance & Spatial Audio for RM829", "body": "\n\nApple just unveiled the third-generation AirPods with a brand new design that is very similar to the \nAirPods Pro\n. On top of that, the wireless earbuds also get spatial audio and a slew of other improvements, such as water resistance.\n\n\nDesign wise, the new AirPods look very much like the Pro model, thanks to the shorter stems. These wireless earbuds also get the same \u201cforce sensor\u201d controls as the AirPods Pro for media control, along with an IPX4 water resistance rating for the earbuds themselves \nand\n the charging case.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the charging case now supports wireless charging as well, and it can stretch the 6 hours battery life of the updated AirPods to 30 hours. As for Spatial Audio, you can enjoy this feature \u2013 much like the AirPods Pro \u2013 in Apple Music and Apple TV (complete with dynamic head tracking) across Apple devices.\n\n\nThe third-generation AirPods are set to go for \nRM829 in Malaysia\n, though it remains to be seen exactly when these earbuds will be available for purchase here. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the local availability of the new AirPods.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/m1-pro-m1-max-are-apples-new-processors-for-its-macbook-pro-laptops/", "title": "M1 Pro & M1 Max Are Apple\u2019s New Processors for Its MacBook Pro Laptops", "body": "\n\nNaturally, \nApple\u2019s brand new \nMacBook Pro models\n have to be powered by the Cupertino company\u2019s equally new processors, and they\u2019re very, very fast. Enter the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, which are up to \nfour times faster\n than the M1 processor.\n\n\nOf course, that claim is for the M1 Max; according to Apple, this chip\u2019s 32-core GPU can deliver 4x faster graphics performance over the M1. As for the M1 Pro, it offers up to 2x faster GPU performance than the M1 \u2013 still very respectable, of course.\n\n\n\n\nIn the CPU department, both the M1 Pro and M1 Max share the same 10-core CPU: eight of them are high-performance cores, while the other two are high-efficiency cores. Anyway, compared to the M1, this 10-core CPU is up to 70% faster. Basically, you\u2019re getting much improved performance with the M1 Pro and M1 Max.\n\n\nEven with these impressive performance upgrades, the M1 Pro and M1 Max continues to offer excellent power efficiency. After all, the \n14-inch\n and \n16-inch MacBook Pro\n models \u2013 which are powered by these two new chips \u2013 offer up to 17 hours and 21 hours of battery life respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-new-14-macbook-pro-features-a-mini-led-notched-display-magsafe-charger-from-rm8799/", "title": "The New 14-inch MacBook Pro Features a Mini-LED Notched Display & MagSafe Charger From RM8,799", "body": "\n\nApple has just unveiled the brand new 14-inch MacBook Pro. Powered by the brand new M1 Pro and M1 Max processors, this updated MacBook Pro also has a new design\u2026along with a notched display.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, even the MacBook Pro gets a display notch now, though the overall bezels of the display are 24% smaller, making for a more modern, sleeker-looking laptop. The 14.2-inch panel itself is also a bright and vibrant Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display now, complete with ProMotion, offering adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz.\n\n\nOh, port selection of the 14-inch MacBook Pro is much better now too. Not only do we see the return of the MagSafe 3 connector, it also gets back the HDMI port and SD card reader.\n\n\n\n\nThanks to the new M1 Pro and M1 Max processors, the 14-inch MacBook Pro gets some \nserious\n performance upgrades too. In comparison to the previous, high-end 13-inch MacBook Pro with an Intel Core i7 processor, Apple said that the new MacBook Pro offers \n13.4x faster\n 4K rendering in Final Cut Pro with the M1 Max chip; 9.2x faster with the M1 Pro.\n\n\nThis performance gain is achieved while still ensuring that the M1 Pro and M1 Max processors are as power-efficient as ever. According to Apple, the new 14-inch MacBook Pro can return up to 17 hours of video playback. It even supports fast charging: within 30 minutes of charging, the battery can get up to 50%.\n\n\n\n\nThe new 14-inch MacBook Pro starts at \na cool RM8,799\n for the Malaysian market, which features an M1 Pro chip, 16GB of unified memory, and 512GB of SSD storage. No word yet on exactly when it will be available for purchase in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-unleashes-16-inch-macbook-pro-with-m1-pro-m1-max-chips-from-rm10799/", "title": "Apple Unleashes 16-inch MacBook Pro With M1 Pro & M1 Max Chips From RM10,799", "body": "\n\nEnter Apple\u2019s most powerful MacBook yet, the 16-inch MacBook Pro. Just like the 14-inch model, the new laptop is configurable with the Cupertino company\u2019s brand new (and very powerful) M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, along with an equally new design that replaces the Touch Bar with physical keys.\n\n\nSo how much does the new 16-inch MacBook Pro costs? Well, the base model \nstarts at RM10,799\n, and that\u2019s for the M1 Pro configuration with 16GB of unified memory and a 512GB SSD. If you want the range-topping M1 Max chip with 64GB of unified memory and a generous 8TB SSD instead, you\u2019ll have to fork out an eye-watering RM25,199.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, you \nare\n getting a very impressive laptop. It has a 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display with ProMotion technology for adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, smaller screen bezels \u2013 though with a notch for the 1080p camera \u2013 and a more practical selection of ports, including MagSafe 3, HDMI, and an SD card reader.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the 16-inch MacBook Pro is also touted to be the longest-lasting MacBook ever: it offers up to 21 hours of video playback. Much like the 14-inch MacBook Pro, this 16-inch model also offers fast charging, getting up to 50% in only 30 minutes of charging.\n\n\n\n\nAlthough the Malaysian pricing of the 16-inch MacBook Pro has been revealed, it remains to be seen exactly when it will be available for purchase here. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the local availability of this powerful new MacBook Pro.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-pixel-6-googles-properly-high-end-phone-starts-at-just-599/", "title": "The Pixel 6, Google\u2019s Properly High-End Phone, Starts at Just $599", "body": "\n\nGoogle just unveiled its latest flagship smartphones, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Out of the two devices, the standard Pixel 6 is (naturally) the more affordable phone. In fact, it retails from just $599 \u2013 that\u2019s only about RM2,500.\n\n\nNeedless to say, this is a fantastic starting price for a high-end flagship phone like the Pixel 6. Of course, the $599 price tag is for the base model with 128GB of storage. If you want double the storage (256GB), it will set you back $699 (about RM2,915).\n\n\n\n\nOne of the major highlights of the Pixel 6 has to be the chip powering this phone, which is Google\u2019s very own Tensor SoC. In terms of raw processing power, it\u2019s said to be competitive with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset. On top of that, it also comes with a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) for AI tasks, enabling faster speech recognition.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Pixel 6 doesn\u2019t get the telephoto lens of the Pro model, though it still has the same 50MP primary sensor \u2013 which outputs 12.5MP images \u2013 as well as a 12MP ultra-wide angle lens. On the front, it features an 8MP selfie camera.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Pixel 6 include a 6.4-inch 2340 x 1080 OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, 8GB of RAM, IP68 water and dust resistance, a sizeable 4,614mAh battery, and obviously, Android 12 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Pixel 6 is now available for pre-order in the US; it is set to start shipping from 28 October onwards. As usual, it\u2019s unlikely the Pixel 6 will be officially available in Malaysia, though we reckon it\u2019s only a matter of time before local retailers import the device here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/pixel-6-pro-with-google-tensor-chip-20x-zoom-120hz-oled-screen-starts-at-899/", "title": "Pixel 6 Pro With Google Tensor Chip, 20x Zoom & 120Hz OLED Screen Starts at $899", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nstandard Pixel 6\n, Google also introduced the higher-end Pixel 6 Pro today. Though both phones share quite a bit of hardware \u2013 including the same Google Tensor chip \u2013 this Pro model does have a number of notable upgrades, including a more sophisticated camera system and a better, faster display.\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about the pricing of the Pixel 6 Pro, which is really one of its main selling points. The base model with 128GB of storage goes for $899 (about RM3,750), while the 256GB variant is priced at $999 (around RM4,165). There\u2019s also a 512GB configuration of the phone, though it\u2019s not available for pre-order yet at the moment.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Pixel 6 Pro is powered by the aforementioned Google Tensor chip, which is said to be competitive with the popular Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset. It is also packed with a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) for AI tasks, enabling faster speech recognition, among other things.\n\n\nCompared to the Pixel 6, the Pixel 6 Pro features a more sophisticated triple camera system too. It\u2019s made up of a 50MP primary sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultra-wide angle lens, and a 48MP periscope telephoto lens that can do 4x optical zoom or up to 20x zoom with the Super Res Zoom feature.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Pixel 6 Pro include a 6.7-inch 3120 x 1440 LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 12GB of RAM, an 11.1MP selfie camera, IP68 water and dust resistance, a generous 5,003mAh battery, and the latest Android 12 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nThe Pixel 6 Pro is currently on pre-order in the US with shipping to begin on 28 October. While there\u2019s very little chance for Google\u2019s latest flagship phone to be officially sold here in Malaysia, we reckon import units of the Pixel 6 Pro will be available locally in due time.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/pixel-6-only-gets-3-years-of-android-updates-5-years-security-updates/", "title": "Pixel 6 Only Gets 3 Years of Android Updates \u2013 5 Years Security Updates", "body": "\n\nOne of the highlighted features of Google\u2019s latest flagship smartphones \u2013 the \nPixel 6\n and \nPixel 6 Pro\n \u2013 is five years of security upgrades. While this is good, many were more interested on how long the two phones will receive the latest Android updates, which has just been revealed to be only three years.\n\n\nThis is detailed in \nGoogle\u2019s support page\n, which shows that the Pixel 6 series will only get guaranteed Android version updates until October 2024. Basically, this is no different from \nprevious Pixel phones\n, which will also receive three years of Android (and security) updates from their respective debuts.\n\n\n\n\nThe only thing that\u2019s different is the fact that the Pixel 6 phones will receive five years of security updates instead of only three. This is great, of course, but it pales in comparison to Apple\u2019s level of support for older iPhones. Take the iPhone 6s; even after \nsix years since its release\n, it\u2019s \nstill \ngetting the latest iOS 15 update this year.\n\n\nGranted, in a \nstatement to The Verge\n, Google did say it is committed to ensure that the Pixel 6 phones \u201cwill stay up-to-date and secure\u201d after the three years of guaranteed Android updates. But it remains to be seen if this is only limited to security updates.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/pixel-6s-competitive-pricing-may-win-over-consumers-maybe/", "title": "Pixel 6\u2019s Competitive Pricing May Win Over Consumers \u2013 Maybe", "body": "\n\nThe much anticipated \nPixel 6\n \nsmartphones \nare here. As expected, these are properly high-end smartphones from Google, and powered by the company\u2019s own Tensor chip, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro truly are \u201cGoogle Phones.\u201d\n\n\nBut that\u2019s not the most attractive aspect of the Pixel 6 series. In my opinion, it\u2019s the competitive pricing of the two phones that will really win consumers over. With a $599 starting price \u2013 that comes up to only about RM2,490 \u2013 the value proposition of the Pixel 6 is compelling for a high-end flagship smartphone.\n\n\nThe Pixel 6 Pro (left) and Pixel 6\n\n\nOf course, the $599 starting price is for the base model of the Pixel 6 with 128GB of storage. If you want double the storage (256GB), it will set you back $699 (about RM2,910). Regardless of which variant you go for, you\u2019re getting 8GB of RAM.\n\n\nAs for the higher-end Pixel 6 Pro \u2013 it features 12GB of RAM for all configurations of the phone \u2013 it retails at $899 (approximately RM3,740) for the 128GB model. The 256GB variant, on the other hand, is priced at $999 (around RM4,155), while the 512GB model costs $1,099 (about RM4,575).\n\n\n\n\nOut of the two phones, the Pixel 6 naturally offers the best value for money. In fact, there aren\u2019t many (proper) flagship smartphones that sit at this price point. Anyway, for $599, the Pixel 6 is powered by the aforementioned Tensor SoC \u2013 Google\u2019s very own chip.\n\n\nUnfortunately, it remains to be seen how the Tensor chip compares to its competition, though Google did say that it is comparable to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chip. The latter is found in the majority of flagship phones in the market now.\n\n\nIf Tensor can really go toe-to-toe with the Snapdragon 888, great! Though we\u2019ll have to put the Tensor chip through its paces for ourselves to know for sure.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are equipped with a new camera system; quite a departure from the recycled camera setup of the \nPixel 5\n and its predecessors. The standard Pixel 6, for one, is packed with a 50MP primary sensor \u2013 which outputs 12.5MP images \u2013 as well as a 12MP ultra-wide angle lens.\n\n\nThe Pixel 6 Pro sports the same two camera sensors, but it adds on a 48MP periscope telephoto lens that can do 4x optical zoom or up to 20x zoom with the Super Res Zoom feature. If you don\u2019t need the zooming capability of the Pixel 6 Pro, you\u2019ll be just fine with the regular Pixel 6.\n\n\n\n\nAnother area where the Pixel 6 phones improved quite a bit is battery life; well, the battery capacity, at least. The Pixel 6 now comes with a sizeable 4,614mAh battery, while the Pro model has an even bigger 5,003mAh cell. According to Google, both phones \u201ccan last beyond 24 hours\u201d with these battery capacities.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least are the displays of the Pixel 6 phones. The standard Pixel 6 has a 6.4-inch 2340 x 1080 OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, while the Pixel 6 Pro has a slightly larger (and sharper) 6.7-inch 3120 x 1440 LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the Pixel 6 Pro has a dual curved screen, giving it a more premium look and feel. The Pixel 6, in comparison, has a flat display with more prominent side bezels. While it doesn\u2019t look quite as upmarket, the flat nature of the panel may be preferred by certain folks for ergonomic reasons.\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro have hardware befitting of flagship smartphones. This, paired with their competitive price tags, may just be a winning formula for Google\u2019s renewed focus on its smartphone business. So\u2026what could work against them?\n\n\nWell, a few things, actually. For example, we \nstill\n don\u2019t know how capable the Google Tensor chip is. Reviewers are still under embargo right now, so they cannot reveal just how powerful (or not) the Pixel 6 phones are. If their performance levels are not up to snuff, they won\u2019t really be \nproper flagship phones\n anymore.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the fact that the Pixel 6 series will not be officially sold here in Malaysia, so we\u2019ll have to turn to imported units if we want to get either one of the two phones. Not only do we have to pay marked up prices for these imported Pixel 6 phones, we won\u2019t even get official warranty support.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, some folks may not mind this at all, but if I were to spend this amount of money for a phone \u2013 regardless of the value proposition \u2013 I \nwould\n want proper aftersales service at the very least. In my opinion, this is what would work against the Pixel 6 phones. At least, in markets where Google\u2019s flagship devices are not officially available.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/gsc-berjaya-times-square-reopens-tomorrow-21-october/", "title": "GSC Berjaya Times Square Reopens Tomorrow (21 October)", "body": "\n\nBack in January this year, Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) announced the \npermanent closure of its outlet\n \nin Berjaya Times Square\n, but the situation seems to have changed. The company just revealed that the branch will be reopening tomorrow on 21 October.\n\n\nThis was announced on GSC\u2019s social media accounts. According to the post, ticketing for the Berjaya Times Square outlet is also open now. You can check out the showtimes available for the branch \nright here\n or through GSC\u2019s app on the \nApple App Store\n and \nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n\n\n\nGSC Berjaya Times Square kembali mulai esok! Get your tickets now! \ud83c\udf7f\u2728 \n#BacktoGSC\n \npic.twitter.com/6BFUXs4hqs\n\u2014 GSC | Try Our New Popcorn \ud83c\udf7f (@GSCinemas) \nOctober 20, 2021\n\n\n\n\nDo note that only fully vaccinated moviegoers are allowed entry at all cinemas nationwide as per guidelines set out by the government. Aside from that, hall capacities are also limited to 50% to ensure that physical distancing can be observed.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re under the age of 18 \u2013 and fully vaccinated, of course \u2013 you will only be allowed to enter if you\u2019re in states that are under the fourth phase of the National Recovery Plan (NRP). These include Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Malacca, and Sarawak.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/21-27-october-fuel-price-all-prices-unchanged/", "title": "21 \u2013 27 October Fuel Price: All Prices Unchanged", "body": "\n\nGood news folks: no changes to fuel prices this coming week after RON 97 had a dramatic price increase last week, where it went up by a \nwhopping 10 sen per litre\n. Naturally, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 for the next seven days is set at RM2.87 per litre. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 21 to 27 October. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates! \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/you-can-now-design-your-own-samsung-galaxy-z-flip-3/", "title": "You Can Now Design Your Own Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3", "body": "\n\nSamsung just introduced its brand new \u201cBespoke\u201d experience for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 Bespoke Edition. As its name suggests, it lets you customise your very own \nZ Flip 3\n with different colour combinations, though this comes at a premium.\n\n\nYou can customise three parts of the Z Flip 3 Bespoke Edition with different colours through Bespoke Studio on Samsung.com: the front, back, and the frame of the foldable phone. The former two have five colour options (Blue, Yellow, Pink, White, and Black) while the frame is limited to Black or Silver.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cThe result is a palette of 49 possible color combinations for the Galaxy Z Flip 3 Bespoke Edition,\u201d as Samsung puts it. Interestingly, if you feel like it, you can even swap out the colours of the front or back panel of this special edition foldable phone down the road. This is done through the Bespoke Upgrade Care service.\n\n\nAs mentioned, this Bespoke service does come at a premium. In the US, for example, the Z Flip 3 Bespoke Edition retails from $1,099 (about RM4,585); that\u2019s $100 more than the starting price of the regular model. Of course, this may be worth it for some folks who want to customise their own Z Flip 3 \u2013 even if using skins can achieve similar results.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 Bespoke Edition will first be available in US, Korea, UK, Germany, France, Canada, and Australia; it\u2019s worth noting that this Bespoke service is also offered for the \nGalaxy Watch 4\n. Anyway, it remains to be seen if Bespoke Studio will also be made available in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/god-of-war-coming-to-pc-15-january-2022-for-rm209/", "title": "God of War Coming to PC 15 January 2022 for RM209", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been rumoured for quite some time, and it\u2019s now official: God of War is indeed coming to PC. It\u2019s set to arrive on \nSteam\n and the \nEpic Games Store\n next year on 15 January 2022, bringing with it a slew of upgrades.\n\n\nThis was revealed by PlayStation itself in a blog post. According to the writeup, God of War on PC will feature 4K resolution (naturally) along with unlocked frame rates. If you\u2019ve got a 21:9 ultrawide monitor, good news: the PC version of God of War will support this wide, cinematic aspect ratio.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, controller support for God of War on PC will also be offered. \u201cWe will support DualShock 4 and DualSense wireless controllers in addition to a wide range of other gamepads,\u201d as PlayStation puts it. If you\u2019re more comfortable with keyboard and mouse, you will be able to customise the key bindings.\n\n\nYou can now pre-order the PC version of God of War on \nSteam\n or the \nEpic Games Store\n for RM209. The game will go live on 15 January 2022 for us here in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-watch-4-gets-improved-fall-detection-new-watchfaces/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Gets Improved Fall Detection & New Watchfaces", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is set to receive an update starting today, which will add a number of new features. These include improved Fall Detection, new watchfaces, and even a new gesture control.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the new watchfaces for the Galaxy Watch 4. There are four of them: Info Brick (it displays specific stats that you have selected), Basic Dashboard, Weather Center, and Live Wallpaper. Naturally, these watchfaces are also customisable.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, there\u2019s a new \u201cknock knock\u201d gesture for the Galaxy Watch 4 too, which can be set to open a specific app or feature. As for the improved Fall Detection, it will be able to detect a fall even if you\u2019re standing still now. Previously, it can only detect if you had fallen down during an exercise.\n\n\nThis new update for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 will start rolling out to the Bluetooth-only version first starting today; the LTE model will get the update \u201cshortly thereafter.\u201d If you\u2019d like to learn more about the Watch 4, check out our review of the smartwatch \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-city-hatchback-finally-coming-to-malaysia/", "title": "Honda City Hatchback Finally Coming to Malaysia", "body": "\n\nAs promised\n, Honda Malaysia is bringing in a brand new model to the Malaysian market: enter the Honda City Hatchback. As its name suggests, this is essentially the hatchback version of the \nfifth-generation City sedan\n currently sold in Malaysia, and the RS trim of the B-segment hatchback will likely make its debut here too.\n\n\nHonda Malaysia posted a teaser of the City Hatchback in full RS e:HEV trim on its Facebook page, which should have the same hybrid powertrain as the City sedan counterpart \nof the same variant\n. The caption also reads \u201cMove aside. Y? Because This. Is. It\u201d \u2013 the Y is likely a reference to another B-segment hatchback, the \nToyota Yaris\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond this cheeky teaser, no other details on the City hatchback have been revealed, though we reckon it will match most of the sedan version\u2019s equipment. This RS e:HEV model, for one \u2013 which outputs 109PS and 253Nm of torque out of an electric motor \u2013 should come with Honda Sensing\u2019s suite of driver assistance safety systems as well.\n\n\nAside from the RS e:HEV trim of the City Hatchback, the Malaysian market will likely get the petrol models too. They should feature the same 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine found in the City sedan that outputs 121PS and 145Nm of torque. Naturally, the mill is paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with drive sent to the front wheels.\n\n\n\n\nNow that Honda Malaysia has started teasing the Honda City Hatchback, there\u2019s a good chance the B-segment model will be introduced here very, very soon. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on this.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-gt-neo-2-with-snapdragon-870-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Realme GT Neo 2 With Snapdragon 870 Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nRealme is set to launch a rather intriguing phone in Malaysia soon, the Realme GT Neo 2. Sporting a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset with a 120Hz screen, it\u2019s certainly a device with reasonably capable hardware.\n\n\nAfter all, the Snapdragon 870 is essentially a faster version of the Snapdragon 865, Qualcomm\u2019s flagship chipset last year. Basically, you can expect to get a good level of performance out of the GT Neo 2. Paired with the phone\u2019s 120Hz 6.62-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED screen \u2013 along with a 600Hz touch sampling rate \u2013 you can game quite well with it.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the GT Neo 2 include 8GB or 12GB of RAM, two storage options (128GB or 256GB), a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), a 16MP selfie camera, as well as a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging.\n\n\nUnfortunately, Realme did not reveal exactly when the GT Neo 2 will be launched here in Malaysia. Given that the company has started teasing the phone, we reckon it will be made available locally soon enough, alongside the Realme Pad tablet.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/toyota-corolla-cross-hybrid-in-malaysia-registration-of-interest-now-open/", "title": "Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid in Malaysia \u2013 Registration of Interest Now Open", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s no secret that UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) is planning to launch the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid here in Malaysia. While the company still hasn\u2019t revealed any date for the local launch of the C-segment SUV, you can now \nregister your interest for the upcoming model\n.\n\n\nThe teaser for the Corolla Cross Hybrid leaves little to the imagination; the blue accent on the bottom of the headlight is a clear reference to the hybrid version of the SUV. You can take a look for yourself with an image of the model in question below alongside the teaser.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, what sets the Corolla Cross Hybrid apart from the standard model is its hybrid powertrain. The electric motor \u2013 which outputs 72PS and 163Nm of torque \u2013 is paired with a 2ZR-FXE 1.8L four-cylinder petrol engine that does 98PS and 142Nm of torque. This makes for a combined system output of 122PS, with drive sent to the front wheels via an e-CVT.\n\n\nAt the moment, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is only said to be coming soon to Malaysia. But given that the registration of interest for the SUV is already open, we reckon its local launch is happening very soon. If you\u2019re interested in the Corolla Cross Hybrid, you can register your interest for the hybrid SUV \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realmes-affordable-tablet-arriving-in-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Realme\u2019s Affordable Tablet Arriving in Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nGT Neo 2\n, Realme is also set to launch its first-ever tablet \u2013 the aptly named Realme Pad \u2013 here in Malaysia. If you\u2019re in the market for a budget-friendly Android tablet, the Realme Pad may pique your interest.\n\n\nSo just how affordable is the Realme Pad? Well, in India, this tablet retails from only 13,999 Indian rupee, which comes up to about RM775. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a 10.4-inch 2000 x 1200 IPS screen and a MediaTek Helio G80 chip \u2013 reasonably good hardware for the money.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Realme Pad include 3GB or 4GB of RAM, two storage options (32GB or 64GB), a microSD card slot, an 8MP rear camera, another 8MP shooter on the front for selfies, a 7,100mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging, and a 6.9mm thin chassis.\n\n\nNo word yet on exactly when the Realme Pad will be launched here in Malaysia, though there\u2019s a good chance it is happening very soon, given that the company is teasing the tablet already alongside the GT Neo 2.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/razer-pro-click-mini-leaks-ahead-of-launch-80-price-tag/", "title": "Razer Pro Click Mini Leaks Ahead of Launch \u2013 $80 Price Tag", "body": "\n\nBack in June earlier this year, \nwe spotted the Razer Pro Click Mini\n in SIRIM\u2019s database, suggesting that Razer is working on a smaller, more compact version of the Pro Click productivity-focused mouse. Well, someone \nalready got their hands on the new mouse\n ahead of launch, revealing its price tag too.\n\n\nThese images of the (unannounced) Pro Click Mini were shared by Reddit user \nheyitzrj\n. As the packaging shows, the wireless ambidextrous mouse carries a $80 price tag, which comes up to about RM330. This puts it in the same price range as the \nLogitech MX Anywhere 3\n.\n\n\nImage source: \nheyitzrj\nThe Razer Pro Click Mini (left) next to the Logitech MX Anywhere 3\n\n\nAccording to heyitzrj, the manual of the Pro Click Mini states that it has a 12,000 DPI 5G sensor, along with a mouse wheel that can alternate between free spin and tactile feedback. The wireless mouse also measures 0.224lbs; that\u2019s about 100g. Reasonably lightweight for gaming purposes.\n\n\nWe also get a shot of the Pro Click Mini\u2019s internals, revealing a slot for the 2.4GHz dongle \u2013 the mouse also works via Bluetooth, if you\u2019re wondering. It appears to have rubberised sides too, just like the bigger Pro Click.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, there\u2019s still no official word on the existence of the Razer Pro Click Mini, though a \nRazer representative\n did say it is a refined Atheris, before quickly mentioning \u201cif it does exist.\u201d Nonetheless, we\u2019ll keep an eye out for any official confirmation from Razer.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-10-iii-receives-rm300-discount-until-31-october-2021/", "title": "Sony Xperia 10 III Receives RM300 Discount Until 31 October 2021", "body": "\n\nAside from the flagship \nXperia 1 III\n, Sony Malaysia is also offering a pretty sizeable discount for its more budget-friendly offering, the Sony Xperia 10 III. From now until 31 October 2021, you can get the mid-range smartphone \nwith a RM300 discount\n.\n\n\nThis brings down the price of the Xperia 10 III to RM1,699. While this is still quite a bit more costly than a typical mid-ranger, you do get a number of unique features, such as a tall, narrow 21:9 screen and water resistance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Xperia 10 III features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 chipset, which should be faster and more power-efficient \nthan its predecessor\n\u2019s Snapdragon 665 chipset. After all, it\u2019s built on an 8nm process instead of the Snapdragon 665\u2019s 11nm process, which should translate to better battery life.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xperia 10 III include a compact 6-inch 2520 x 1080 OLED screen, a triple camera system (12MP f/1.8 primary + 8MP f/2.4 telephoto + 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle), an 8MP f/2.0 selfie camera, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, a generous 4,500mAh battery, and an IP65/IP68 rating.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the Sony Xperia 10 III for only RM1,699, you can do so over at \nSony Malaysia\u2019s online store\n. The discount is valid until 31 October 2021.\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mode-eighty-2021-custom-keyboard-retails-from-459-configurator-now-live/", "title": "Mode Eighty (2021) Custom Keyboard Retails From $459 \u2013 Configurator Now Live", "body": "\n\nMode just revealed the starting price of its premium \nMode Eighty (2021)\n custom keyboard. Set to retail from $459 (about RM1,905), the new Eighty is more affordable than the previous model. On top of that, the \nconfigurator for the TKL keyboard\n is now live too, so you can customise your very own Eighty before the pre-orders start on 19 November.\n\n\nThe reason why the Eighty is slightly more affordable now is due to its new isolated top mount system, which doesn\u2019t require the PORON base. If you want a more muted, stiffer typing experience, you\u2019ll need to get that base (for the stack mount system) as a $20 add-on, increasing the price of this TKL keyboard to $479 (about RM1,990).\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the \nMode SixtyFive\n, the Eighty\u2019s configurator doesn\u2019t have quite as many options, though you do have a fair number of colour options. You can customise the colour of the top and bottom case, a hotswap or solderable PCB, as well as plate material.\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Mode Eighty will be available for pre-order next month on 19 November 2021 with a $459 starting price. Fulfilment for the Eighty will begin as early as March 2022, so that\u2019s only a four-month lead time \u2013\u00a0\na very short waiting time in this hobby\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/tom-holland-is-nathan-drake-in-new-uncharted-movie-trailer-coming-18-february-2022/", "title": "Tom Holland Is Nathan Drake in New Uncharted Movie Trailer \u2013 Coming 18 February 2022", "body": "\n\nThe live-action Uncharted movie is finally happening. Set to be released on 18 February 2022 next year, Sony released the first official trailer of the upcoming movie, showing Tom Holland \u2013 of Spider-Man fame \u2013 as Nathan Drake himself, the protagonist of the franchise.\n\n\nCompared to the Uncharted franchise many gamers are familiar with, this movie features a much younger Nathan before he is a full-fledged treasure hunter. He is also joined by a younger Sully played by Mark Wahlberg, who was originally set to play Nathan back when talks of a live-action Uncharted movie started a decade ago.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother big name in the Uncharted movie is Antonio Banderas, who looks to be the main antagonist. Chloe Frazer \u2013 who made her first in-game appearance in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves \u2013 will be featured in the movie too, played by Sophia Ali.\n\n\nUncharted will hit theaters next year on 18 February 2022. In the meantime, you can take a look at what the movie has to offer in the trailer above \u2013 it certainly shows some key elements of Uncharted, such as the plane scene.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/staebies-now-in-stock-on-salvun/", "title": "Staebies Now in Stock on Salvun", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you didn\u2019t manage to get the \nStaebies\n from Keyboard Treehouse, good news: the excellent screw-in stabilisers are now available from Salvun. If you\u2019re located in Europe, this is the best vendor to get the Staebies from.\n\n\nHowever, because Salvun is based in Europe, shipping will be quite expensive if you\u2019re outside of the region. For reference, it costs \u20ac37.47 (about RM180) to get the Staebies shipped to Malaysia from Salvun, though you can always purchase several sets to offset the high shipping cost.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, Salvun only has the all-black nylon Staebies in stock; the clear polycarbonate version is not offered. But beyond that, the Staebies, which are listed at \u20ac19.83 a set (about RM95) from Salvun, cost about the same as getting them from Keyboard Treehouse.\n\n\nIf you don\u2019t want to miss out on the Staebies again, you can get it from Salvun \nright here\n. But if you can wait, do note that \nCannon Keys\n and \nAshkeebs\n \u2013 which are based in the US and Canada respectively \u2013 will also carry the Staebies very soon.\n\n\nUpdate:\n Cannon Keys now have the \nStaebies in stock\n!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sales-tax-exemption-on-ckd-cbu-cars-may-be-extended-to-2022/", "title": "Sales Tax Exemption on CKD & CBU Cars May Be Extended to 2022", "body": "\n\nOnly a couple of months left before 2021 is over, which will also signal the end of the \nsales tax exemption\n for locally assembled (CKD) and fully imported (CBU) cars in Malaysia. Well, you may not have to rush out to get your brand new car before the year ends: the exemption period may be extended until 2022.\n\n\nAccording to a report by \nBerita Harian\n, the extension of the sales tax exemption for CKD and CBU cars could be announced during Budget 2022 next week on 29 October. According to Group Chief Economist of RHB Bank, Sailesh K. Jha, the extension is likely in light of disappointing sales for 2021 brought on by extended COVID-19 lockdowns.\n\n\n\n\nIf there is an extension, it will likely be prolonged by another six months. After all, this would line up with previous extensions. Ever since the sales tax exemption was first introduced in June 2020, it has been extended twice already to \n31 December 2021\n.\n\n\nWe\u2019ll find out if the government decides to extend the sales tax exemption for CKD and CBU cars next Friday on 29 October 2021 during Budget 2022. If it does get extended, we reckon many car buyers \u2013 especially those who are waiting to get the extremely popular \nProton X50\n and \nPerodua Ativa\n \u2013 will be thrilled.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/fan-of-amd-you-can-bid-for-the-number-plate-on-25-october/", "title": "Fan of AMD? You Can Bid for the Number Plate on 25 October", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re a fan of AMD \u2013 the semiconductor company \u2013 and you want those three letters on your car plate, you can do just that next week. JPJ will be opening the AMD series for bidding this coming Monday on 25 October.\n\n\nIn order to place your bid for an AMD plate, you will need to register for an account with JPJeBid \non the website\n. Alternatively, you can also register through the mobile app on the \nApple App Store\n or \nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n\n\n\nOnce the AMD series is opened this Monday on 25 October, you can start placing your bid. Do note that there are minimum bid amounts depending on the number that you want to get. AMD 1, for example, starts at a steep RM20,000 \u2013 it is considered a \u201cgolden number.\u201d\n\n\nIf course, if you want a \u201cregular number\u201d without any special significance, the minimum bid amount is RM300; the standard price for a plate number. Do note that if your bid is successful, you will have 12 months to register the plate number you\u2019ve won to a vehicle.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJPJ will open bidding for the AMD series this coming Monday on 25 October; the bidding will close on 29 October at 10PM. The bidding results will be released the following day on 30 October.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/affordable-realme-pad-tablet-arriving-in-malaysia-3-november/", "title": "Affordable Realme Pad Tablet Arriving in Malaysia 3 November", "body": "\n\nRealme just revealed the Malaysian launch date for its first-ever tablet, the \nRealme Pad\n. If you\u2019re looking for an affordable Android tablet, you may want to check it out once the device arrives here next week on 3 November.\n\n\nSo just how affordable is the Realme Pad? Well, in India, this tablet retails from only 13,999 Indian rupee, which comes up to about RM775. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a 10.4-inch 2000 x 1200 IPS screen and a MediaTek Helio G80 chip \u2013 reasonably good hardware for the money.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Realme Pad include 3GB or 4GB of RAM, two storage options (32GB or 64GB), a microSD card slot, an 8MP rear camera, another 8MP shooter on the front for selfies, a 7,100mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging, and a 6.9mm thin chassis.\n\n\nThe Realme Pad will be launched here in Malaysia next week on 3 November; we\u2019ll find out then exactly how much it costs. It\u2019s worth noting that the \nRealme GT Neo 2\n will also be introduced locally at the same time.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-gt-neo-2-also-coming-to-malaysia-3-november/", "title": "Realme GT Neo 2 Also Coming to Malaysia 3 November", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nbudget-friendly Realme Pad\n, the Chinese company will also introduce the \nRealme GT Neo 2\n in Malaysia next week. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset with a 120Hz screen, it\u2019s a reasonably capable smartphone.\n\n\nAfter all, the Snapdragon 870 is essentially a faster version of the Snapdragon 865, Qualcomm\u2019s flagship chipset last year \u2013 you can expect to get a good level of performance out of the GT Neo 2. Paired with the phone\u2019s 120Hz 6.62-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED screen, along with a 600Hz touch sampling rate, it\u2019s quite a good device for avid mobile gamers.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the GT Neo 2 include 8GB or 12GB of RAM, two storage options (128GB or 256GB), a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), a 16MP selfie camera, as well as a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging.\n\n\nThe Realme GT Neo 2 \u2013 along with the Realme Pad tablet \u2013 will be launched in Malaysia next week on 3 November. We\u2019ll find out then just how much the phone will retail at for the local market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/custom-keyboard-gasket-mounting-is-overrated-sometimes/", "title": "Custom Keyboard \u2013 Gasket Mounting Is Overrated (Sometimes)", "body": "\n\nOne of the biggest buzzwords in the custom keyboard hobby in recent times is \u201cgasket mounting.\u201d This year alone, we\u2019ve seen plenty of keyboards using this mounting style; even bigger brands like \nKeychron\n and \nGlorious\n are doing the same thing.\n\n\nBut not all gasket-mounted keyboards are created equal. While there are some \nexcellent\n keyboards that use this mounting system very effectively \u2013 such as the \nJelly Epoch\n and \nai03 Vega\n, to name a couple \u2013 there are also a fair number of gasket-mounted keyboards that are just not very good.\n\n\nIn short, just because a keyboard uses a gasket mounting system doesn\u2019t automatically make it good. There are a number of other aspects to consider, and there are instances where a gasket mounting system is\u2026well, overrated.\n\n\n\n\nImplementation Matters\n\n\nThere are many ways to implement a gasket mounting system in a keyboard. Take the Jelly Epoch: instead of using strips of gaskets, it uses thicker, \u201cjelly-like\u201d gaskets that are (essentially) just sleeved to the plate itself instead of having to use adhesives. This makes for a much, much easier installation process.\n\n\nThese \u201cjelly gaskets\u201d are also very effective, which gives the Jelly Epoch a soft, flexible typing experience. Basically, the defining characteristic of a gasket-mounted keyboard\u2026most of the time. The thing is, there are also keyboards with a gasket mounting system that provides a stiff, firm typing experience.\n\n\n\n\nOne such keyboard is the Glorious GMMK Pro. While it is \ntechnically\n a gasket-mounted keyboard, the gaskets are compressed so much in the case that there\u2019s barely any space for the plate to flex. The result? A much firmer typing experience than one would expect from a gasket mounting system.\n\n\nOf course, both firm and soft typing experiences can be appealing to different folks, but it\u2019s important to take into consideration \nhow\n the gasket mounting system is implemented by specific keyboards. This is so that you\u2019ll really know what to expect out of a particular keyboard.\n\n\nThe last thing you\u2019d want \u2013 after \nwaiting for months\n, or even up to a year \u2013 is receiving a keyboard that is not up to your expectations.\n\n\n\n\nSound Profile Can Differ Greatly\n\n\nHow a keyboard sounds is a \nhuge draw in this hobby\n, which is actually one of the reasons why gasket-mounted keyboards are so popular. Compared to, say, a top mount system, a gasket-mounted keyboard offers a cleaner sound profile as the gaskets are absorbing the impact of every key press \u2013 many folks (myself included) like this characteristic.\n\n\nBut as mentioned, different gasket-mounted keyboards have different implementations of the mounting style, not to mention other unique features of a particular board. Because of this, a keyboard with a gasket mounting system\u2026is not guaranteed to have a pleasant sound profile.\n\n\nTake the \nKeychron Q1\n. On paper, it definitely qualifies as a gasket-mounted keyboard, but it doesn\u2019t exactly have a pleasant sound profile. Out of the box, every key press generates an audible case ping. The Q1\u2019s gaskets are too soft, so they\u2019re not able to absorb these undesirable sound qualities.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGranted, there are plenty of mods that can improve the sound quality of the Q1, but that is besides the point. A gasket-mounted keyboard is not guaranteed to have a fantastic sound signature. If you\u2019re comparing a gasket-mounted keyboard with another mounting style \u2013 such as a top mount system \u2013 know that the former is not always the best.\n\n\nAnd that brings us to the next point..\n\n\nOther Mounting Styles Can Be Better\n\n\nDon\u2019t be fooled by the gasket mounting buzzword: there\u2019s so much more to a keyboard than mounting style alone. Want a keyboard with a particular sound profile? Then look at the keyboard as a whole; there are \nmany aspects that affect sound profile\n.\n\n\n\n\nThese include the case material of the keyboard, what kind of sound deadening material is used, the plate material, switches, and even the keycaps. Don\u2019t just limit yourself to gasket-mounted keyboards because you want a clean, higher-pitched sound profile, as other mounting styles can offer the same thing too.\n\n\nWhat about typing feel? Surely most gasket-mounted keyboards can offer a soft typing experience? Well, yes and no. It really depends on \nhow\n the gasket mounting system is implemented. Plus, if you don\u2019t mind using a solderable PCB, custom keyboards that support half plates can offer a soft typing experience as well.\n\n\nThe Salvation\u2019s unique leaf spring mounting system\n\n\nThe \nSalvation\n, a custom keyboard by Wilba.tech and Salvun \u2013 two well-known individuals in the enthusiast keyboard scene \u2013 is a good example of why you shouldn\u2019t judge a keyboard based on its mounting style. Despite the fact that it\u2019s a tray-mounted keyboard, the Salvation also has a unique leaf spring mounting system.\n\n\nAs a result, this keyboard offers a soft, comfortable typing experience with a clean, \u201cpoppy\u201d sound signature. It\u2019s no exaggeration to say that the Salvation is an innovative product: it\u2019s a tray-mounted keyboard \u2013 which is usually considered to be a \u201cbudget\u201d mounting solution \u2013 with the characteristics of a gasket-mounted keyboard.\n\n\n\n\nSo the next time you see an interest check or group buy for a custom keyboard, don\u2019t just judge it purely by its mounting system. Just like any other mounting styles, there are good and bad \u201cgasket-mounted\u201d keyboards, so look beyond the buzzword and really evaluate the board as a whole.\n\n\nWho knows, once we get beyond the gasket mounting hype, perhaps the custom keyboard community will come up with an innovative mounting system that\u2019s just as unique as the Salvation.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-sony-xperia-pro-i-is-a-1800-smartphone-camera-with-the-rx100-viis-sensor/", "title": "The Sony Xperia Pro-I Is a $1,800 Smartphone/Camera With the RX100 VII\u2019s Sensor", "body": "\n\nSony just unveiled its latest flagship smartphone, the Sony Xperia Pro-I. What makes this phone particularly interesting is its 12MP primary camera: packed with a 1.0-type Exmor RS sensor, it is based on the sensor found in Sony\u2019s well-loved RX100 VII camera.\n\n\nBecause of this, Sony is not just positioning the Xperia Pro-I as a smartphone: it\u2019s also touted as \u201can exciting addition to Sony\u2019s camera line-up\u201d by the company. Anyway, the phone/camera\u2019s 12MP primary sensor promises \u201cprofessional imaging quality,\u201d though we\u2019ll have to put this to the test to find out for ourselves.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the new 12MP sensor, the Xperia Pro-I is\u2026basically based on the \nXperia 1 III\n, though it doesn\u2019t get the variable telephoto lens. Instead, it features a 12MP telephoto lens with a 50mm focal length and a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xperia Pro-I include a sharp and vibrant 120Hz 6.5-inch 4K OLED screen, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset paired with 12GB of RAM, 512GB of expandable storage, an 8MP selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery, and an IP65/IP68 rating.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven the sophisticated primary camera of the Sony Xperia Pro-I, it carries a hefty price tag too: in the US, this flagship phone retails at a steep $1,800 (about RM7,465). Sony Malaysia confirmed that the Xperia Pro-I will be launched here soon, and you can register your interest for the flagship phone \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mihoyos-hoyo-fest-coming-to-malaysia-with-myburgerlab-exclusive-merchandise-offered/", "title": "Mihoyo\u2019s Hoyo Fest Coming to Malaysia With myBurgerLab \u2013 Exclusive Merchandise Offered", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re a fan of \nGenshin Impact\n, Honkai Impact 3, or Tears of Themis, you may be interested in Mihoyo\u2019s Hoyo Fest, which is coming to Malaysia via myBurgerLab. Throughout November and December, you can get exclusive merchandise from these three titles through myBurgerLab, among other things.\n\n\nHoyo Fest is divided into three parts: Honkai Impact 3 is up first (5 \u2013 16 November), followed by Tears of Themis (19 \u2013 30 November) and Genshin Impact (3 \u2013 14 December). For each period, myBurgerLab will offer special set menu themed after the respective games, along with exclusive merchandise.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow, before you head to your nearest myBurgerLab, do note that only the MyTown branch in KL is involved with Hoyo Fest. On top of that, you\u2019re also required to make a reservation with myBurgerLab for dine-in (limited to 45 minutes), delivery, or self-pickup through its \nmobile app\n.\n\n\nYou can start reserving your spots with myBurgerLab from tomorrow (27 October) onwards for Honkai Impact 3 special menu and exclusive merchandise. Of course, you don\u2019t have to dine-in to purchase said merchandise; you can get them with your takeaways too.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cFor the health and safety of guests, we encourage ordering takeouts and deliveries,\u201d Mihoyo said in a press release. With this in mind, only takeaways and deliveries will come with a printed tote bag and a cup sleeve, so there\u2019s extra incentive to not dine-in, given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.\n\n\nMore details on Hoyo Fest in Malaysia can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-staebies-full-sound-test-no-holee-mod-needed/", "title": "Video: Staebies Full Sound Test \u2013 No Holee Mod Needed!", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHere it is: our full sound test of the \nStaebies\n. It\u2019s been about a week since I\u2019ve lubed these excellent screw-in stabilisers, and they have been performing great! If you\u2019re tired of holee modding your stabilisers, you\u2019ll absolutely love the Staebies.\n\n\nAs you can hear in the video above, the Staebies sound really, really good with just some lube; I didn\u2019t even need to holee mod them. For the housing, I used Krytox 205g0, while the wires were coated with XHT-BDZ. Yes, this lube is not too thick for the Staebies despite their tight tolerances.\n\n\nWe have a thorough lubing guide of the Staebies \nright here\n. Hopefully, these screw-in stabilisers will be restocked soon \u2013 they have been \nflying off\n \nthe shelves\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-pro-i-coming-to-malaysia-december-2021/", "title": "Sony Xperia Pro-I Coming to Malaysia December 2021", "body": "\n\nSony Malaysia just confirmed that its latest flagship smartphone, the \nSony Xperia Pro-I\n, will be arriving here in Malaysia sometime in December 2021. If you want a high-end phone with very promising camera performance, the Xperia Pro-I may tickle your fancy.\n\n\nSony is not just positioning the Xperia Pro-I as a smartphone: it\u2019s also touted as \u201can exciting addition to Sony\u2019s camera line-up\u201d by the Japanese company, given that its 12MP primary camera is packed with a 1.0-type Exmor RS sensor. This is similar to the sensor found in Sony\u2019s well-loved RX100 VII camera.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the impressive 12MP primary shooter, the Xperia Pro-I is\u2026basically based on the\u00a0\nXperia 1 III\n, though it doesn\u2019t get the variable telephoto lens. Instead, it features a 12MP telephoto lens with a 50mm focal length and a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xperia Pro-I include a sharp and vibrant 120Hz 6.5-inch 4K OLED screen, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset paired with 12GB of RAM, 512GB of expandable storage, an 8MP selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery, and an IP65/IP68 rating.\n\n\n\n\nThe Sony Xperia Pro-I is expected to arrive in Malaysia sometime in December 2021. Once the flagship phone/camera goes on sale here, expect it to cost a premium. After all, it retails at a steep $1,800 (about RM7,470) in the US.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-pro-i-will-the-camera-first-approach-work/", "title": "Sony Xperia Pro-I \u2013 Will the Camera-First Approach Work?", "body": "\n\nSony has always focused quite a bit on the camera performance of its flagship smartphones, but the new \nSony Xperia Pro-I\n takes it to a whole new level. After all, the Japanese company is not just positioning this as a smartphone: it\u2019s also touted as \u201can exciting addition to Sony\u2019s camera line-up.\u201d\n\n\nThis is because the Xperia Pro-I features a 1.0-type Exmor RS sensor for its 12MP primary rear camera; similar to the sensor found in Sony\u2019s well-loved (and very capable) RX100 VII camera. But assuming the Pro-I can deliver the same camera performance as the RX1000 VII\u2026is it good enough to make it a compelling flagship smartphone?\n\n\nWell, yes and no. Though I believe there will be folks who will be attracted to the photography prowess of the Xperia Pro-I \u2013 though the true capability of the camera system still remains to be seen right now \u2013 the high asking price of the phone makes it a hard sell.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the Malaysian pricing of the Xperia Pro-I has not been revealed yet, even if it\u2019s said to be available here \nas soon as December 2021\n. But we can take the US pricing of the phone to put its value proposition in context. Set to retail at a steep $1,800 in the US market, that comes up to about RM7,470 \u2013 definitely a premium asking price.\n\n\nAt this price point, the Xperia Pro-I has to contend with a number of other smartphones with their own unique features. These include the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 3\n \u2013 the foldable phone retails from RM6,699 to RM7,099 \u2013 and of course, the \niPhone 13 Pro Max\n, which starts at \u201conly\u201d RM5,299.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to these \u201cmainstream\u201d offerings, the Xperia Pro-I does fall short in a number of vital areas. Next to the Galaxy Z Fold 3, for example, it\u2019s immediately not as eye-catching. Not only does Samsung\u2019s offering has an impressive, awe-inspiring foldable form factor, it even offers \nbetter value for money\n.\n\n\nAs for the iPhone 13 Pro Max, it features one of the fastest \u2013 if not \nthe fastest\n \u2013 chips on a smartphone, the Apple A15 Bionic. It offers performance levels Android phones can only dream of, and for mobile gamers that want the best gaming experience money can buy, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is as good as it gets.\n\n\nOf course, it is also an iPhone, which has no shortage of fans.\n\n\n\n\nIn contrast, the only thing the Xperia Pro-I has going for itself is the promise of \u201cprofessional imaging quality.\u201d Don\u2019t get me wrong, it\u2019s great that Sony is leveraging its imaging expertise with this flagship phone, but the phone needs more than just excellent camera performance to succeed, in my opinion.\n\n\nGranted, the Xperia Pro-I certainly has the hardware of a high-end flagship smartphone. Complementing the impressive 12MP primary sensor are a 12MP telephoto lens with a 50mm focal length, as well as a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter. These three focal lengths are versatile enough for the phone to deliver a flagship-grade camera experience.\n\n\nAside from that, the Xperia Pro-I also has a sharp and vibrant 6.5-inch 4K OLED screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset paired with 12GB of RAM, 512GB of expandable storage, an 8MP selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery, and an IP65/IP68 rating.\n\n\n\n\nBut even so, there\u2019s not enough \u201cwow factor\u201d for the Xperia Pro-I to justify its steep asking price. Again, let\u2019s assume it can really deliver an amazing camera performance; is it worth spending $1,800 for the camera system alone? Sure, some folks will say it\u2019s worth it, but I reckon the majority of folks will say otherwise.\n\n\nThere\u2019s much more to a smartphone than just camera performance alone; it\u2019s also important for a particular device to excel in other regards. It\u2019s no secret that Sony\u2019s smartphone business has seen better days, and it\u2019s unlikely that the Xperia Pro-I can turn things around.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, it\u2019s not fair to pass judgment on the Sony Xperia Pro-I without having even seen the actual phone in person. While a \u201ccamera-first phone\u201d may not sound as compelling as a phone with a foldable display or the fastest mobile chip in the market, if Sony can truly deliver an amazing camera performance with the Pro-I\u2026it may win over enough folks.\n\n\nWell, maybe. Once we have the Xperia Pro-I in for review, we\u2019ll find out for sure if its camera performance alone can justify such a high asking price. Hopefully, Sony Malaysia will bring in the flagship phone to the local market in December 2021 as promised.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/android-12-finally-allows-whatsapp-chat-transfer-from-iphone/", "title": "Android 12 Finally Allows WhatsApp Chat Transfer From iPhone", "body": "\n\nOne of the biggest pain points of WhatsApp when you\u2019re switching phones is finally addressed; at least, if you\u2019re changing to a brand new Android device from an iPhone. Starting from Android 12, you will be able to transfer your chat history from your iPhone to your new Android phone.\n\n\nIf your Android phone is not running on Android 12, you won\u2019t be able to enjoy this feature. That being said, in a statement to \nThe Verge\n, Google said that phone makers can add support for this feature when they\u2019re updating their respective phones to Android 12.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the downside to this is that it will depend on the manufacturer to actually implement this feature. Google elaborated that it is working with phone makers to ensure that devices running on Android 12 will support the WhatsApp chat transfer out of the box.\n\n\nDo note that this feature was \noriginally available on Samsung phones\n running on Android 10 and above, so it\u2019s good to see that it is now extended to all Android devices running on Android 12, though it\u2019s unfortunate that older devices won\u2019t be able to take advantage of this feature.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, in order to transfer your WhatsApp chat history from iPhone to Android, you\u2019ll just need a Lightning to USB-C cable. The transfer is done offline, and you won\u2019t receive new messages while the transfer is in progress, ensuring that no messages will be lost.\n\n\nAt the moment, you can only transfer your WhatsApp chat history from iPhone to Android \u2013 it doesn\u2019t work the other way around just yet.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mode-sixtyfive-delivery-delayed-to-november-2021/", "title": "Mode SixtyFive Delivery Delayed to November 2021", "body": "\n\nThe first round of fulfilment for the \nMode SixtyFive\n custom keyboard was initially set to begin this month, but the company just revealed that this has been pushed back. Now, the SixtyFive will only start shipping to customers in the second week of November 2021.\n\n\nDo note that this is only for those who have purchased a solderable PCB for the SixtyFive. If you got the hotswap PCB instead (like myself), fulfilment for this configuration will only begin around the fourth week of November.\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Mode, this delay is caused by \u201cglobal shipping network congestion\u201d \u2013 a portion of SixtyFive parts still haven\u2019t gotten to the company yet. On the bright side, Mode said that it will be fulfilling SixtyFive orders nonstop on a rolling basis once the parts have arrived.\n\n\n\u201cWe do not anticipate any further delays with orders set to fulfill after this initial wave,\u201d Mode added. While it\u2019s definitely disheartening to have the fulfilment pushed back to November, the SixtyFive is still set to ship quite fast compared to other custom keyboards. After all, it only went up for pre-orders \nback in June.\n\n\nDifferent configurations of the Mode SixtyFive\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Mode SixtyFive is still available for pre-order right now until 2022; you can start customising the keyboard over at\u00a0\nMode\u2019s online store\n. To recap, the 65% custom keyboard starts at $299 (about RM1,240), and at the time of writing, new pre-orders of the keyboard are expected to ship in February 2022.\n\n\nMore details on the SixtyFive can be found\u00a0\nover here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/28-october-3-november-fuel-price-ron-97-up-10-sen-again/", "title": "28 October \u2013 3 November Fuel Price: RON 97 up 10 Sen Again", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 is set to go up this coming week by a pretty big margin. From tomorrow onwards, RON 97 will go up by a whopping 10 sen per litre; the same amount of increase \ntwo weeks ago\n. Not surprisingly, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 for the next seven days is set at RM2.97 per litre (up from RM2.87). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 28 October to 3 November. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates! \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/where-to-buy-staebies/", "title": "Where to Buy Staebies?", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe \nStaebies\n have really been flying off the shelves since they went on sale earlier this month. If you\u2019re having trouble finding out where these excellent screw-in stabilisers will be restocked, this article is just for you.\n\n\nDepending on where you\u2019re located, you can check the vendors below regularly \u2013 or joins their respective Discord servers \u2013 to see if the Staebies are back in stock. Do note that this initial run is a \u201cbeta round\u201d to collect user inputs \u2013 another run is expected to happen in the near future.\n\n\n\n\nKeyboard Treehouse (Australia)\n\n\nThis is likely your best bet for future restocks of the Staebies; it is also the only vendor that had the all-clear polycarbonate version in stock. You can check \nthis listing\n regularly to see if the Staebies are back in stock.\n\n\nAlternatively, you can also join \nKeyboard Treehouse\u2019s Discord\n for the latest updates from AEBoards itself.\n\n\nCannon Keys (US)\n\n\nIf you\u2019re located in the US, Cannon Keys will offer the best shipping time and cost. Once the vendor has the Staebies back in stock, you will find them \nright here\n; you can also get notified when the stabilisers are restocked from the listing itself. Of course, join \nCannon Keys\u2019 Discord server\n as well to get the latest updates.\n\n\nSalvun (Europe)\n\n\nSalvun is no stranger in the custom keyboard scene, especially to those who are residing in Europe. Just like Cannon Keys, Salvun \nalready listed the Staebies for sale\n, so check that listing (and its \nDiscord server\n) for future restocks.\n\n\nAshkeebs (Canada)\n\n\nFinally, there\u2019s Ashkeebs based in Canada. Out of all the vendors listed here, it is the only one who has not listed the Staebies for sale yet. If you want to get the stabilisers as soon as possible, keep an eye out on its \nonline store\n and \nDiscord server\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/durock-v2-vs-staebies-still-worth-getting/", "title": "Durock V2 vs. Staebies \u2013 Still Worth Getting?", "body": "\n\nBefore the \nStaebies \nhit the market last month, the Durock V2 stabilisers were widely considered to be the \u201cgold standard\u201d of screw-in keyboard stabilisers. While they are still really good, the Staebies have an edge when it comes to refinement and ease of tuning.\n\n\nThat being said, while the Staebies compare favourable against the Durock V2, the latter is still worth getting, especially right now when the Staebies are sold out everywhere. In this article, we will compare the pros and cons of these two keyboard stabilisers.\n\n\nStaebies Are Great Out of Box & Very Easy to Tune\n\n\nThe biggest draw of the Staebies come down to their tight, \ntight\n tolerances. This leaves little room for the wires to move around in the stems and housings of the stabilisers, keeping rattling and ticking to a minimum. In fact, straight out of the box in stock form, the Staebies sound and feel great.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, there are still some ticking and rattling, but I have never tried stabilisers that sound\u00a0\nthis good\n\u00a0without lubing or modding \u2013 it\u2019s incredible. The tight tolerances of the Staebies also make them very easy to tune. I \nlubed the housing with Krytox 205g0\n and applied some XHT-BDZ on the wires, and\u2026that\u2019s all I needed to do.\n\n\nIt\u2019s been a couple of weeks now since I\u2019ve tuned the Staebies, and they \nstill\n sound and feel great. This is unlike Durock V2 stabilisers, which will start rattling or ticking after some time as the lube settles. To get the same level of performance out of the Durock V2, I\u2019ll need to holee mod them, which is time-consuming (and annoying) to do.\n\n\nBut Staebies Are Hard to Come By\n\n\nThis is currently the biggest issue with the Staebies: you literally cannot purchase them right now. You can refer to the list of vendors that carry the Staebies \nhere\n, and at the time of writing, none of them have these stabilisers in stock.\n\n\n\n\nGranted, the first run of the Staebies is considered to be a \u201cbeta round\u201d to collect user inputs, so it\u2019s possible there weren\u2019t as many stocks available. Naturally, another run is expected to happen in the near future, which may see some improvements too, such as \nbetter stem compatibility\n.\n\n\nThe Durock V2 Is Still Better in Certain Aspects\n\n\nYes, as good as the Staebies are, the Durock V2 is still better in some aspects. In terms of smoothness, for example, the Durock V2 beats the Staebies. Of course, this can be attributed to the fact that the Durock V2 has looser tolerances, allowing more room for the stems to move freely in the housings.\n\n\nThere\u2019s also the fact that Durock V2 stabilisers are much, \nmuch easier\n to purchase. Basically any noteworthy keyboard vendor has the Durock V2 in stock right now. If you\u2019re here in Malaysia, Keys.my has them in stock \nfor only RM63 a set\n.\n\n\n\n\nAnd that\u2019s the other thing: Durock V2 is a lot more affordable than the Staebies. This is especially the case if you\u2019re located in Malaysia like us. As mentioned, a set of Durock V2 stabilisers cost only RM63. As for the Staebies, we got them from \nKeyboard Treehouse for $22 a set\n \u2013 that comes up to about RM90\u2026without shipping charges included.\n\n\nSo how much did we pay for shipping? A cool $40 (about RM165). Needless to say, this drives up the overall cost of the Staebies quite a bit. Unless more vendors start stocking the stabilisers \u2013 such as iLumkb (based in Singapore), which does carry AEBoard products \u2013 be prepared to pay quite a bit for shipping if you\u2019re not located in bigger markets.\n\n\nBut\u2026do I regret paying so much for the Staebies? Not at all. Even though I can get a similar level of performance out of Durock V2 stabilisers by holee modding them, it\u2019s still not a perfect solution. After all, holee modded stabilisers run the risk of getting mushier over time as the band-aid inside the stem collects dirt and what not.\n\n\n\n\nSo there you have it. If you urgently need a set of screw-in stabilisers \u2013 and you don\u2019t mind spending time and effort to mod it \u2013 the Durock V2 is still a good option, even if holee modding has its own disadvantages. But if you can wait and you want stabilisers that are much easier to tune (at a higher cost) then it\u2019s worth waiting for the Staebies to be restocked.\n\n\nHopefully, the Staebies will be widely available in the near future. They really are some of the best \u2013 if not \nthe best\n \u2013 keyboard stabilisers in the market now.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/returnal-2-0-update-allows-you-to-save-your-game-sort-of/", "title": "Returnal 2.0 Update Allows You to Save Your Game (Sort Of)", "body": "\n\nReturnal\n is a tough, \ntough\n PlayStation 5 exclusive game, but it will be a little bit less punishing in the 2.0 update, which is now live. Thanks to this new update, you can now save your progress\u2026kind of.\n\n\nHousemarque calls this new feature Suspend Cycle. As its name suggests, it basically pauses your current run in Returnal to be continued later. Once you\u2019ve done this, you can exit the game or switch off your PS5 without losing your progress \u2013 neat, isn\u2019t it?\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHowever, this is not a traditional save point. As Housemarque puts it, \u201conce you resume playing, the suspend point is deleted and cannot be used again.\u201d On top of that, you cannot create suspend point in several instances, such as boss battles, cinematics, or when you\u2019re engaged in combat.\n\n\nAside from that, Returnal\u2019s 2.0 update also introduces Photo Mode, so you can capture some really artistic shots of the game\u2019s eerie, dark atmosphere, or Selene in intense combat. You can enter Photo Mode at any point in the game, except in some situations such as first-person sequences.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/after-14-months-the-zenith-custom-keyboard-is-finally-shipping/", "title": "After 14 Months, the Zenith Custom Keyboard Is Finally Shipping", "body": "\n\nThe custom keyboard hobby is known for its \nexceeding long waiting times\n, and this is especially true of Rama Works\u2019 products. Well, after 14 months since its pre-order ended, the Zenith custom keyboard is finally shipping to customers, including my own personal unit.\n\n\nDesigned by Ion Keyboards \u2013 while the PCB is designed by the renowned Wilba.tech \u2013 the Zenith is manufactured and distributed by Rama Works, which is known for its range of premium keyboards and accessories. Needless to say, the Zenith is also a premium 65% custom keyboard; it retailed from $450 (about RM1,870).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Zenith also has a unique layout: there is a macro column on the left side of the board, so you get the practically of the function keys in a 65% form factor, though it does make the keyboard longer than usual. The Zenith uses an isolated gasket mounting system too that promises a \u201ccrisp and clean\u201d typing experience.\n\n\nNow that the Zenith is finally shipping to consumers, expect our review (and maybe even unboxing) of the premium custom keyboard very soon. Needless to say, I cannot wait to start building the Zenith \u2013 after all, I\u2019ve only waited 14 months for it.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/modular-dji-action-2-unveiled-now-in-malaysia-from-rm1999/", "title": "Modular DJI Action 2 Unveiled \u2013 Now in Malaysia From RM1,999", "body": "\n\nThe DJI Action 2 has just been launched globally, and it is now available for purchase in Malaysia too. Sporting a pretty interesting modular design, the Action 2 is a feature-packed action camera.\n\n\nThere are two bundles of the DJI Action 2 for the Malaysian market. The RM1,999 Power Combo includes the Action 2 camera itself, the Power Module, Magnetic Lanyard, and Magnetic Adapter Mount.\n\n\nThe RM2,499 Dual-Screen Combo, on the other hand, offers the Action 2 camera, Front Touchscreen Module, Magnetic Lanyard, magnetic Ball-Joint Adapter Mount, and Magnetic Adapter Mount \u2013 that\u2019s quite a number of accessories.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the Action 2 unique is its sheer modularity. You can attach and detach various modules to it, depending on your usage scenario. For example, you can attach the Front Touchscreen Module if you want to use the Action 2 for vlogging.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Action 2 include a 1.76-inch OLED touchscreen, a 1/1.7-inch sensor that can record up to 4K at 120fps, a 155-degree FOV, and up to 70 minutes of battery life; 160 minutes if you attach the Front Touchscreen Module to the action camera. Want even longer battery life? The Power Module extends the battery life to 180 minutes.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the DJI Action 2 is now available for purchase in Malaysia; you can get it either on \nShopee\n or \nLazada\n. More details on the brand new action camera can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-cr-v-black-edition-now-in-malaysia-for-rm162k/", "title": "Honda CR-V Black Edition Now in Malaysia for RM162k", "body": "\n\nHonda Malaysia just introduced a new variant of its \npopular C-segment SUV\n. Dubbed Honda CR-V Black Edition, it\u2019s basically an all-black version of the SUV \u2013 even the interior is finished in the same colour scheme.\n\n\nThe CR-V Black Edition is based on the \n1.5L TC-P 2WD variant\n, which goes for RM157,615.91 with sales tax exemption applied until \n31 December 2021\n. This all-black model, on the other hand, costs slightly more at RM161,913.99 (without sales tax, of course). Basically, you\u2019re paying exactly RM4,298.08 more.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the CR-V Black Edition has a number of differences. It features a black front grille, black bumper garnish, along with black 18-inch alloy wheels. There are still some chrome accents to give the SUV some contrast, which looks quite nice (in our opinion).\n\n\nInside, the CR-V Black Edition continues the\u2026black colour scheme. The steering wheel, digital meter, and air-conditioning are in piano black; even the wood garnishes in the interior are finished in the same black colourway. To complete the look, the front seats have a \u201cBlack Edition\u201d embroidery.\n\n\nBeyond these aesthetic changes, other equipment of the CR-V Black Edition are the same as the 1.5L TC-P 2WD variant. These include a 1.5L DOHC VTEC turbocharged engine with 193PS and 243Nm of torque \u2013 paired to a CVT \u2013 a powered tailgate, Honda LaneWatch, and of course, Honda Sensing suite of safety features.\n\n\n\n\nThe Honda CR-V Black Edition is now available for booking in Malaysia. You can place a booking for the C-segment SUV online\u00a0\nover here\n, or through the HondaTouch app \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/you-can-get-this-popular-gmk-keycap-set-without-paying-a-premium-now/", "title": "You Can Get This Popular GMK Keycap Set Without Paying a Premium Now", "body": "\n\nGMK keycap sets take a \nlong, long time\n to start shipping to customers, but you won\u2019t have to wait that long (or pay a premium) for this particular set. For a limited time, Drop is offering the Cyberdeck base kit of the popular GMK Laser set \nfor $110\n \u2013 that comes up to about RM455.\n\n\nWhile this is still quite a bit of money \u201cjust\u201d for a keycap set, it\u2019s worth noting that you\u2019re paying about the same amount of money as purchasing a GMK set during group buy, which takes a year (at a minimum) to start shipping. The fact that this GMK Laser set is currently \nin stock\n without a price premium is really quite a big deal.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo put this into context, the Cyberdeck base kit of GMK Laser usually go for $140 (about RM580), so you\u2019re saving $30 (around RM125) with this deal. Needless to say, that\u2019s quite a big amount of discount.\n\n\nDrop doesn\u2019t mention exactly how long the GMK Laser set will be on sale, so if you want to \ngrab it for $110\n, you may want to act fast. Not sure if GMK sets are worth the money? We\u2019ve got you covered \u2013 watch our video above or read our article \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/intel-12th-gen-alder-lake-chips-are-here-with-worlds-best-gaming-processor/", "title": "Intel 12th Gen Alder Lake Chips Are Here With \u201cWorld\u2019s Best Gaming Processor\u201d", "body": "\n\nIntel has finally unveiled its latest line of 12th generation Alder Lake chips, starting with six unlocked desktop processors. Among them is the flagship Core i9-12900K chip, which is touted to be the \u201cworld\u2019s best gaming processor.\u201d\n\n\nThe Alder Lake chips are the first to feature Intel\u2019s new hybrid architecture, which combines high performance \u201cP-cores\u201d with more efficient \u201cE-cores.\u201d In the case of the Core i9-12900K, it comes with 16 cores (eight P-cores and another eight E-cores) with 24 threads. It also has peak clock speeds of up to 5.2GHz.\n\n\nChips\nCores (P+E,T)\nP-Core Base\nP-Core Turbo\nE-Core Base\nE-Core Turbo\nIntegrated Graphics\ni9-12900K\n8+8/24\n3.2GHz\n5.1GHz\n2.4GHz\n3.9GHz\nIntel UHD Graphics 770\ni9-12900KF\n8+8/24\n3.2GHz\n5.1GHz\n2.4GHz\n3.9GHz\nNone\ni7-12700K\n8+4/20\n3.6GHz\n4.9GHz\n2.7GHz\n3.8GHz\nIntel UHD Graphics 770\ni7-12700KF\n8+4/20\n3.6GHz\n4.9GHz\n2.7GHz\n3.8GHz\nNone\ni5-12600K\n6+4/16\n3.7GHz\n4.9GHz\n2.8GHz\n3.6GHz\nIntel UHD Graphics 770\ni5-12600KF\n6+4/16\n3.7GHz\n4.9GHz\n2.8GHz\n3.6GHz\nNone\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re thinking of getting these new 12th gen Intel chips, do note that you will need a new motherboard; more specifically, those with Intel\u2019s just-announced Z690 chipset. It adds on a number of modern features such as WiFi 6E support and faster USB 3.2 Gen 2\u00d72 data transfer.\n\n\nThese six new 12th generation Intel Alder Lake chips for desktop will be available for purchase from 4 November onwards. Consumers can also expect the mobile version of Alder Lake processors in early 2022 next year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/gazzew-boba-lt-linear-switch-now-available-on-pantheon-singapore/", "title": "Gazzew Boba LT Linear Switch Now Available on Pantheon (Singapore)", "body": "\n\nGazzew\u2019s latest linear switch, the Boba LT, is now available from Pantheon, a vendor based in Singapore. The \u201cLT\u201d in the switch\u2019s name stands for Linear Thock, so if you want a linear switch with a thocky sound profile, this may be right up your alley.\n\n\nWhat lends to the Boba LT\u2019s thocky sound profile is its long stem pole. This is similar to Gazzew\u2019s other (very popular) Boba U4T Thocky switches; you can read our full review \u2013 and sound test \u2013 of that tactile switch \nover here\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHowever, because the Boba LT has a long stem pole, it also has slightly reduced travel as it will bottom out on the stem pole. We reckon the travel distance won\u2019t be quite as reduced as, say, the \nGazzew Bobagum silent linear switch\n, but if you\u2019re particular about travel distance, keep this in mind.\n\n\nAnyway, the Gazzew Boba LT is now \navailable for purchase from Pantheon\n. Sold at S$8.70 (about RM25) for a pack of 10 switches, it\u2019s quite reasonably priced, especially for a switch from Gazzew. After all, he is known to produce some of the best switches in the custom keyboard scene.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/rama-m65-c-is-back-premium-65-keyboard-from-380/", "title": "Rama M65-C Is Back \u2013 Premium 65% Keyboard From $380", "body": "\n\nRama is running another round of its popular 65% custom keyboard. Dubbed M65-C, it brings a number of new features over previous runs of the keyboard, including a new mounting system and plate options.\n\n\nJust like the \nRama Kara\n, the brand\u2019s more affordable custom keyboard, the M65-C comes with the MUTE plate mounting and dampening solution for a \u201cunique typing experience,\u201d as Rama puts it. Aside from that, the brass plate has also been swapped out for a softer polycarbonate plate; an aluminium plate is offered as an add-on.\n\n\n\n\nJust like Rama\u2019s other keyboards, the M65-C ships with a hotswap PCB complete with per-key RGB LED and VIA support, so you can easily change the key mapping of the keyboard. It is offered in seven distinct colours too: Kuro, Haze, Lake, and Mist are anodised, while the Yolk, Milk, and Soya colourways are e-coated, which also cost more.\n\n\nThe Rama M65-C is now available for pre-order from \nRama\u2019s online store\n. The anodised models of the M65-C are priced at $380 (about RM1,575), while the e-coated colour options go for $440 (around RM1,825). Pre-orders are open until 30 November 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-plus-november-2021-free-games-include-6-games-for-asia/", "title": "PlayStation Plus November 2021 Free Games Include 6 Games for Asia", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019ve got quite a number of titles for PlayStation Plus\u2019 November 2021 free games. As many as six different games can be claimed by members next week on 2 November, which include Knockout City, First Class Trouble, Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning, The Sexy Brutale, and two PlayStation VR titles: The Persistence and Until You Fall.\n\n\nOut of the six games listed, The Sexy Brutale is exclusively available to PS Plus members in Asia. That being said, it\u2019s worth noting that in the US, players get another PSVR game in place of Sexy Brutale \u2013 The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners.\n\n\n\n\nUnlike \nprevious PS Plus\n \nfree games\n, all of these games are available on the PS4 too instead of being limited to the PS5. Of course, you do get the PS5 version of Knockout City and First Class Trouble, which should feature better graphics and faster loading times.\n\n\nThese six games can be claimed by PS Plus members from 2 November to 6 December 2021. That means you have until this coming Monday (1 November) to get your hands on October 2021\u2019s free games, including \nHell Let Loose and Mortal Kombat X\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/covid-19-booster-for-astrazeneca-recipients-will-be-announced-soon/", "title": "COVID-19 Booster for AstraZeneca Recipients Will Be Announced Soon", "body": "\n\nCOVID-19 booster shots for those who received the AstraZeneca vaccine will be announced soon by the Ministry of Health (MOH). At the moment, only Pfizer and Sinovac recipients are getting booster shots, starting with frontliners and those who are above 60 years old.\n\n\nThis was announced by Khairy Jamaluddin, the Minister of Health, through a Twitter post. He elaborated that AstraZeneca recipients may be offered either Sinovac or the AstraZeneca vaccine itself if they cannot take mRNA vaccine, such as Pfizer.\n\n\n\n\nYou will not need to apply, when you are eligible based on the recommended time interval, you will get an appointment notification on MySj to go to a GP/govt clinic or hospital for your booster shot.\n\u2014 Khairy Jamaluddin \ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe\ud83c\udf3a (@Khairykj) \nOctober 29, 2021\n\n\n\n\nOf course, you won\u2019t need to apply to get the COVID-19 booster shot. As with other vaccine recipients, you will be notified of any appointment through MySejahtera. Depending on where you\u2019re located, the booster will be given at a clinic or hospital.\n\n\nThere\u2019s no timeline yet as to when AstraZeneca recipients will get their COVID-19 booster shots. Khairy said that a booster is not necessary for individuals to be considered fully vaccinated, but it is \nhighly recommended\n to take the extra dosage.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-matebook-14s-lands-in-malaysia-from-rm4999/", "title": "Huawei MateBook 14s Lands in Malaysia From RM4,999", "body": "\n\nHuawei\u2019s latest laptop, the Huawei MateBook 14s, has just been launched in Malaysia. Sporting a modern-looking design with very small screen bezels \u2013 and a thin, lightweight chassis \u2013 it\u2019s certainly a premium productivity-focused laptop.\n\n\nTwo variants of the MateBook 14s are offered in Malaysia. The base model with an Intel Core i5-11300H processor, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage retails at RM4,999, while the higher-end configuration with a Core i7-11370H processor with double the RAM and SSD storage (16GB + 1TB) goes for RM6,699.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the MateBook 14s features a 14.2-inch 2520 x 1680 LTPS display with a 3:2 aspect ratio \u2013 and a 90Hz refresh rate \u2013 Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, a 16.7mm thin chassis that weighs 1.43kg, and a 60Wh battery with support for 90W fast charging.\n\n\nThe Huawei MateBook 14s is now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 6 November 2021. You can place an order for the premium laptop on \nHuawei\u2019s own online store\n, \nShopee\n, or \nLazada\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sales-tax-exemption-on-ckd-cbu-cars-extended-again-to-30-june-2022/", "title": "Sales Tax Exemption on CKD & CBU Cars Extended Again to 30 June 2022", "body": "\n\nJust as rumours suggested\n, the sales tax exemption on locally assembled (CKD) and fully imported (CBU) vehicles have been extended yet again. Previously set to \nend on 31 December 2021\n, the exemption period is now extended to 30 June 2022.\n\n\nGiven that the automotive sector was not allowed to operate due to extended COVID-19 lockdowns between June to August 2021, this is very, very welcome news. It\u2019s worth noting that this sales tax exemption was first introduced in June 2020; this is now the third extension.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the sales tax exemption is the same as last time. CKD cars \u2013 which also include SUVs and MPVs, of course \u2013 will get 100% sales tax exemption, while CBU models will get 50% exemption instead. Needless to say, we imagine both carmakers and buyers will be thrilled by this extension.\n\n\nThis is especially the case for those who are still eagerly waiting to take delivery of hugely popular models such as the \nProton X50\n and \nPerodua Ativa\n. Anyway, to recap, the sales tax exemption on CKD and CBU cars will now end on 30 June 2022. \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/evs-in-malaysia-no-import-duty-excise-duty-sales-tax/", "title": "EVs in Malaysia \u2013 No Import Duty, Excise Duty & Sales Tax", "body": "\n\nNow this is a very interesting bit of news. As part of Malaysia\u2019s Budget 2022 announcement, the government is \nproposing\n \u2013 important thing to note here \u2013 that EVs in Malaysia will not be taxed at all, which should help with the adoption of EVs locally.\n\n\nSo what does this mean? Well, there will be no import duty, excise duty, \nor\n sales tax applied to the sales of EVs in Malaysia. Needless to say, this is a very, very big deal \u2013 if it comes to fruition.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, EVs on the road will also be exempted from road tax. There will also be an income tax relief of RM2,500 for the cost of buying, installing, and renting of EV charging facilities.\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s important to note that this is merely a proposal by the government right now; we\u2019ll have to wait and see if this will eventually be implemented in the near future. If this proposal gets the green light, we reckon the adoption of EVs will be very encouraging in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q2-coming-end-november-2021-in-stock-sale-with-new-keycaps/", "title": "Keychron Q2 Coming End November 2021 \u2013 In-Stock Sale With New Keycaps", "body": "\n\nKeychron finally revealed more information on its upcoming 65% keyboard, the \nKeychron Q2\n. Unlike the \nQ1\n, the new keyboard will be sold as an in-stock keyboard by the end of November next month; a new OSA profile keycap will be paired with the Q2 too.\n\n\nThese details came from \nNick Xu of Keychron\n. According to him, the Q2 will only be released once units are in stock along with its accessories. \u201cIf things are not ready, we will just postpone the launch date,\u201d he said.\n\n\n\n\nAs you can see in the images above, the Q2 will come with double shot PBT keycaps in OSA profile too; quite a change over the OEM profile of the Q1\u2019s stock keycaps. It\u2019s worth noting that Keychron\u2019s OSA keycaps look to be different from \nexisting OSA keycaps\n \u2013 these keycaps seem to have more rounded corners.\n\n\nJust like the Q1, the Q2 is a gasket-mounted keyboard with a hotswap PCB. It also features a CNC aluminium case, an aluminium plate, and support for screw-in stabilisers. The fully assembled model will come with three choices of Gateron switches as well: Brown (tactile), Red (linear), or Blue (clicky).\n\n\n\n\nSo how much will the Keychron Q2 cost? According to Nick Xu, it will be priced similarly to the Q1 \u2013 which starts at $149 (about RM620) \u2013 despite the fact that it\u2019s a smaller keyboard. Anyway, you can register your interest for the Q2 \nright here\n ahead of its estimated launch by the end of November 2021 next month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q1-and-q2-with-knob-support-releasing-in-november-2021/", "title": "Keychron Q1 (And Q2) With Knob Support Releasing in November 2021", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been a while since we\u2019ve got an update on the knob version of the \nKeychron Q1\n. Well, we finally have \nofficial confirmation\n from Keychron itself: the Q1 with knob support is set to be released sometime in November next month.\n\n\nAside from that, the upcoming \nKeychron Q2\n \u2013 essentially a 65% version of the Q1 \u2013 with a knob will also be released alongside the non-knob model in the same month. It\u2019s possible that both the knob version of the Q1 and the Q2 will be released at the same time, though this is only our educated guess at this point in time.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, the Q1 is quite an interesting pre-built keyboard with features that are typically only found on custom keyboards. These include a gasket mounting system, a full CNC aluminium case, along with a hotswap PCB that supports VIA out of the box for easy key mapping.\n\n\nKeychron also worked with Gateron quite a bit for the Q1. Not only can it be purchased with three new factory lubed Gateron Phantom switches \u2013 Phantom Brown (tactile), Phantom Red (linear), or Phantom Blue (clicky) \u2013 it features screw-in stabilisers made by Gateron too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, stocks on the Keychron Q1 seems to exhausted already on its online store; no word yet on the Malaysian availability of the keyboard either from Keybot. Nonetheless, we\u2019ll keep a close eye on the general availability of the Q1, along with the release of the knob version.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q2-will-have-better-sound-profile-than-q1/", "title": "Keychron Q2 Will Have Better Sound Profile Than Q1", "body": "\n\nOne of the biggest shortcomings of the \nKeychron Q1\n is its less than desirable sound profile. Case ping is very evident with the keyboard, but according to Keychron, the upcoming \nKeychron Q2\n won\u2019t suffer from the same issue. In fact, it\u2019s said to have \u201cbetter sound profile compared to the Q1.\u201d\n\n\nThis bit of info from \nNick Xu of Keychron\n. In order to get rid of the case ping, the Q2 will have a thicker bottom case. On top of that, a silicone will also be added to the case, which should provide further sound deadening for a more pleasant sound signature.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond these changes, the Q2 should be similar to the Q1. It has a gasket mounting system, a hotswap PCB, a CNC aluminium case, an aluminium plate, as well as support for screw-in stabilisers. The fully assembled model will also feature three choices of Gateron switches: Brown (tactile), Red (linear), or Blue (clicky).\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the Q2 will come with double shot PBT keycaps in OSA profile too; quite a change over the OEM profile of the Q1\u2019s stock keycaps. It\u2019s interesting that Keychron\u2019s OSA keycaps look to be different from\u00a0\nexisting OSA keycaps\n\u00a0\u2013 these keycaps seem to have more rounded corners.\n\n\n\n\nThe Keychron Q2 is expected to go on sale (in-stock) by the end of November 2021 next month. As for pricing, it\u2019s expected to be priced similarly to the Q1, which starts at $149 \u2013 that comes up to about RM620. If you\u2019re keen to get the Q2, you can register your interest \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hu-tao-banner-returns-to-genshin-impact-on-2-november-with-thoma-sayu-diona/", "title": "Hu Tao Banner Returns to Genshin Impact on 2 November With Thoma, Sayu, Diona", "body": "\n\nHu Tao\u2019s event wish is returning to \nGenshin Impact\n tomorrow on 2 November! The 5-star Pyro character\u2019s rerun banner will be accompanied by Thoma \u2013 a brand new 4-star Pyro character \u2013 Sayu, as well as Diona.\n\n\nJust like Genshin Impact\u2019s\u00a0\nprevious character\n\u00a0\nevent wishes\n, the \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Hu Tao, Thoma, Sayu, and Diona will be increased. In the case of Hu Tao, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be her. If it\u2019s not her, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be Hu Tao.\n\n\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s pity system ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character or weapon every 90 wishes \u2013 depending on which banner you\u2019re rolling \u2013 you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Hu Tao. The same rule applies to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10 roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Thoma, Sayu, or Diona. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters \u2013 especially Thoma, since he\u2019s new \u2013 you will likely have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\nHu Tao\u2019s \u201cMoment of Bloom\u201d event wish will go live on Genshin Impact tomorrow on 2 November at 6PM for us here in Malaysia. Her banner will be available until 23 November, so you\u2019ve got ample time to farm up Primogems for a chance to get Hu Tao or Thoma.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-2022-perodua-myvi-facelift-new-face-with-drl/", "title": "Spy Shot: 2022 Perodua Myvi Facelift \u2013 New Face With DRL!", "body": "\n\nSurprise surprise, the 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift has been spotted in the wild! Compared to \nits predecessor\n, the biggest change to the upcoming B-segment hatchback is a new face. On top of that, the immensely popular hatchback finally gets daylight running lights too.\n\n\nThese images of the facelifted Myvi were first shared by \nmyvitesse\n on Instagram; the original post has been taken down since. Anyway, as shown in the spy shots below, the new Myvi gets a new front end (similar to the design of the Ativa and Aruz) with vertical DRLs \u2013 a feature many, many folks have been asking for.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the rear end of the Myvi facelift, not much has changed, except for a slight redesign of the rear bumper. The biggest change is underneath the hood: instead of the current four-speed automatic, the hatchback is rumoured to feature a CVT gearbox instead, similar to the one found in Perodua\u2019s hot SUV, the Ativa.\n\n\nNo word yet on exactly when the 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift will be introduced, though there are talks of a launch sometime this month. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on any news pertaining to the new Myvi.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\n2022 Perodua Myvi Facelift Now Open for Booking \u2013 From RM45,700 to RM58,800\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-now-offering-up-to-rm10000-discount-for-november-2021/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Now Offering up to RM10,000 Discount for November 2021", "body": "\n\nLast month, Honda Malaysia \noffered up to RM9,000 discounts\n for its range of models. But for this month, the deal is even better: the carmaker is now offering up to a \nwhopping RM10,000 discount\n throughout November 2021.\n\n\nNaturally, \nthe Honda Accord\n gets the biggest discount. Previously, the range-topping TC-P trim of the D-segment sedan receives a RM7,000 discount, but it is now increased to a generous RM10,000. As for the more affordable TC model, it also gets a RM10,000 rebate.\n\n\n\n\nThe \n2021 Honda HR-V Hybrid\n, on the other hand, receives a RM7,000 rebate, while the E, V, and RS variants of the B-segment SUV get a RM4,500 discount instead. If you\u2019re looking to get a seven-seater instead, good news: the \nHonda BR-V\n\u00a0is discounted quite a bit too. Both the E and V trims get a RM6,000 discount.\n\n\nNext is the\u00a0\nall-new Honda City\n. The E trim is discounted by RM4,000, while the S, V, and RS variants get a RM3,000 rebate; there\u2019s also a RM2,000 discount for the \nbrand new V Sensing model\n. Other notable discounts given by Honda Malaysia include RM2,000 savings for the TC and TC-P variants of the \nCivic\n \u2013 the base 1.8L S model gets a bigger RM3,000 rebate \u2013 as well as a RM4,000 discount for the Jazz.\n\n\nDo note that these discounts are only applicable for vehicles registered between 1 to 30 November 2021. More information on these discounts can be found \nhere\n.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to get any of these Honda models with the aforementioned rebates, you can place your booking online\u00a0\nhere\n. Alternatively, bookings can be done through the HondaTouch app as well \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/toyota-corolla-cross-hybrid-now-open-for-booking-locally-assembled-for-rm137k/", "title": "Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Now Open for Booking \u2013 Locally Assembled for RM137k", "body": "\n\nUMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has finally opened bookings for the \nToyota Corolla Cross Hybrid\n. Set to be locally assembled (CKD) here in Malaysia, the hybrid SUV is estimated to retail at RM137,000 \u2013 this is with sales tax exemption applied \nuntil 30 June 2022\n.\n\n\nWhat sets the Corolla Cross Hybrid apart from the standard model is its hybrid powertrain. The electric motor \u2013 which outputs 72PS and 163Nm of torque \u2013 is paired with a 2ZR-FXE 1.8L four-cylinder petrol engine that does 98PS and 142Nm of torque. This makes for a combined system output of 122PS, with drive sent to the front wheels via an e-CVT.\n\n\nClick to enlarge\n\n\nIf you\u2019re worried about the battery longevity of the Corolla Cross Hybrid, you\u2019ll be happy to know that it comes with an eight-year, unlimited mileage warranty. If you want even longer coverage, you can fork out RM2,950 to get two more years of warranty.\n\n\nIn terms of colour options, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is offered in five different shades. There\u2019s Platinum White Pearl \u2013 an RM800 option \u2013 Red Mica Metallic, Nebula Blue Metallic, Silver Metallic, and Celestite Grey Metallic, which is exclusive to this hybrid model.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to place a booking for the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, you can do so at your nearest Toyota dealership; you can also book for a test drive \nright here\n. More details on the hybrid SUV can be found on \nUMWT\u2019s website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/tales-of-arise-review-come-for-the-graphics-stay-for-the-skits/", "title": "Tales of Arise Review: Come for the Graphics, Stay for the Skits", "body": "\n\nTales of Arise is one of those games you want to take your time with, which is why we\u2019re only publishing our review of the game now. After all, if we rush through Arise, we won\u2019t be able to watch all of the skits available in the game \u2013 more on this further down this review. Now then, let\u2019s get to it!\n\n\nWhen we were first introduced to the next iteration of the Tales series at E3 2019, the trailer of Tales of Arise showcased superior scale, detail, and overall graphical prowess in comparison to 2016\u2019s Tales of Berseria. While the latter contained some of the darkest tones the series had yet to offer, the art style of Arise seemed like it would give its predecessor a run for its money.\n\n\n\n\nInitially set to launch in 2020 \u2013 before the unsolicited arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic \u2013 the game was inevitably pushed back to 10 September 2021. Despite being fashionably late for the series\u2019 25th anniversary, the hype for Tales of Arise never truly subsided. If anything, expectations could not be higher, especially for fans of the long-running series.\n\n\nLike most other games in the Tales series, Arise is a standalone entry. There is no need to play any of the previous titles in order to understand the plot or mechanics of this game. The game starts with an introduction of two neighboring planets: Dahna and Rena. Rena, the more technologically-advanced of the two, invades and pillages Dahna of its resources, robbing the Dahnans of their dignity and freedom.\n\n\n\n\nAfter successfully enslaving Dahna, the Renans introduced five \u201cLords,\u201d each representing a region that controls a specific element, to govern and keep things in check (read: rule with an iron fist). The only role of unwilling Dahnan slaves was to harvest astral energy, a source of power quantifying the rule of the Five Lords. Such has been the way for 300 hundred years \u2013 until now.\n\n\nEnter Iron Mask, a Dahnan slave donning an iron mask with no recollection of his past (of course he\u2019s conveniently amnesiac, right?) and no sense of pain. He soon meets Shionne, a gun-slinging Renan woman with a past as mysterious as his own.\n\n\nWhat\u2019s her quirk you ask? Well, she\u2019s been somehow cursed with \u201cthorns\u201d all her life \u2013 a prickly and deadly jolt of energy that activates when she is touched. That\u2019s right, our first two characters are a man that feels no pain and a woman that deals pain to those that touch her \u2013 how quaint.\n\n\n\n\nDespite coming from two different worlds, the duo set out to defeat the five Lords in order to obtain their Master Cores \u2013 an object that harnesses astral energy and a source of power for the Lords. Shionne believes that obtaining the Master Cores will somehow lift her curse of \u201cthorns.\u201d\n\n\nIron Mask, on the other hand \u2013 who soon remembers he went by \u201cAlphen\u201d \u2013 is just happy to take down the Renan oppressors, while also finding out more about himself while he\u2019s at it. And thus, their journey begins. The first region due for liberation is Calaglia \u2013 a fiery dominion with rocky terrain as far as the eye can see. No, really. That\u2019s mostly what Calaglia is, rocks upon rocks.\n\n\n\n\nIn the months leading up to the release of Arise, teasers and gameplay of the game flaunted a more \u201copen-world\u201d setting. While it was then confirmed that the game would follow a more traditional, linear gameplay, the farther draw distance and detail within the environments still look plenty stunning. Playing through it myself, that certainly held true\u2026for later parts of the game at least. Back to Calaglia for now.\n\n\nThe first area we\u2019re introduced to in the game is monotonous to say the least. One can argue that that might aid in putting the players in the shoes of a petty Dahnan slave like Alphen, aka Iron Mask. But to me, it made getting through the early exposition via dialogue and talking to NPCs in the area feel like a slog.\n\n\n\n\nI persevered till I arrived at the second region, only to find a similar flavor of\u2026bland. Luckily, it\u2019s the region that followed that I was finally given a taste of eye candy. But stunning flora and fauna aren\u2019t the only feast for the eyes in Tales of Arise.\n\n\nCharacter models are now incredibly detailed as well, from their different hairstyles down to the details on their outfits. Speaking of outfits, costume packs are available in the form of DLCs. Alternate outfits are a staple in Tales games to spice things up and play dress-up once in a while, but I actually prefer the default outfits for once.\n\n\nIt also doesn\u2019t help when the game reminds you that DLCs are available in several of its menus and again when you\u2019re resting at a campfire after a long day of fighting Zeugles \u2013 the monsters you face while travelling across Dahna.\n\n\n\n\nCombat in Tales of Arise isn\u2019t all that different from previous entries. Zeugles roam the map and the battle commences when you walk into them or vice versa. On the battlefield, you\u2019re able to walk around, jump and dodge freely. In order to dish out the most damage, the goal here is to string together the longest combo of hits possible with normal attacks and special skills called Artes.\n\n\nWhat\u2019s unique about the combat system this time around is that each character has a very specific role. Alphen, who you will likely be using most of the time, deals heavy damage while sacrificing some of his HP, while Shionne specialises in taking down aerial enemies. Other characters you meet later in the game have skills that can break enemies\u2019 shields or ground them in place for other party members to attack.\n\n\n\n\nThese specialised attacks (or Boost Attacks as they\u2019re called in-game) can be triggered once the Boost Gauge at the bottom left of the combat screen is filled all the way for that specific character. You generally want to save Boost Attacks for specific scenarios that call for such attacks; Shionne for flying enemies, for example.\n\n\nHowever, most of the time spent in combat consists of mashing and linking together normal attacks and Artes. This can get\u2026messy at times. In Shonen anime fashion, the characters tend to shout the names of their attacks when executing them, couple that with some motivational lines and quips that some characters express during combat. This makes the whole battle experience rowdy and convoluted.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, this is still the \nflashiest \nTales game yet, and some of these Artes are a spectacle to look at, even on the 164th time I\u2019ve used them. But in terms of flashiness, Boost Strikes probably take the cake. Boost Strikes are tag-team finishers that can be triggered when performing a long chain of attacks that fill up a gauge or when the enemy is low on HP.\n\n\nIt\u2019s a little difficult to get used to the combat system in the beginning of the game, and it doesn\u2019t help that Arise slowly reveal more combat mechanics as you progress with the main story. Anyway, the boss battles and Gigant Zeugles \u2013 a huge Zeugle type that handsomely rewards you for beating one \u2013 are the more challenging parts of the game.\n\n\n\n\nIn fact, it\u2019s almost funny how much harder these battles are compared to normal enemies. Not only is there a much, much larger HP pool to deplete, boss attacks are also ridiculously more painful. There\u2019s almost no need to use any healing or revival items in normal encounters, but you might find yourself going through your entire inventory of supplies in boss battles.\n\n\nOf course, as long as you are not under-leveled, and you have been crafting and finding good equipment, combat in Arise can be fun and fulfilling when you chain together a flurry of attacks or time a Boost Attack \njust right\n.\n\n\n\n\nBut the highlight of the Tales series has never been the combat mechanics, or the overarching story. The latter has always been about a world-ending threat, the main character going through a trauma brought about by their past, then overcoming said trauma and saving the world \u2013 for the most part anyway. No, the real gem in the Tales series are the characters and the interactions between them.\n\n\nAfter Shionne, the next character to join your ragtag \u201cDahna-liberation squad\u201d is Rinwell \u2013 a young Dahnan mage who possesses the ability to wield astral Artes. Then comes Law, a young man who prefers to let his fists do the talking; Dohalim, an artsy Renan aristocrat; and last but certainly not least, the fan-favourite (and wholesome \u201cwaifu\u201d) Kisara.\n\n\n\n\nOne thing that stands out with the characters in Tales of Arise is how mature and believable their problems are. The internal struggles they face are relatable, and pep-talk received from other characters are also credibly motivating. These interactions mostly take place in the form of skits, which are short cutscenes of dialogue between characters that have been a staple in the Tales series.\n\n\nSkits can be triggered when you reach several locations, or as you progress through the game. While you definitely do not want to miss a single one of them, it is incredibly easy to overlook them. Aside from a faint chime, only a tiny pop-up at the very bottom of the screen will let you know that a skit is available to view.\n\n\nOne very neat touch though is that characters will still be seen with their costumes during skits. Sure, it\u2019s not exactly a groundbreaking feature, but it definitely helps with the overall continuity of the game, so to speak.\n\n\n\n\nThe aforementioned maturity presented within Arise also extends to character development as well. We naturally find out later in the story that there\u2019s more to the Renans and Dahnans than meets the eye; characters that reacted a certain way to the opposing race change their stance accordingly too.\n\n\nMature themes that the game explores such as racism, hierarchal power, and death, are topics very much relevant to our own world \u2013 it\u2019s quite a change of pace from typical JRPG tropes. The saying, \u201cit\u2019s about the journey, not the destination,\u201d holds incredibly true for Tales of Arise as the destination\u2026.isn\u2019t really something to write home about.\n\n\nBut the journey, especially with good company, is a memorable one with several twists and turns along the way.\n\n\n\n\nSo is the game worth picking up? If you have yet to try any of the Tales games, the \u201cnext-gen\u201d graphics \u2013 as I only reviewed the game on the PS4 Pro \u2013 and mature themes of Tales of Arise make it likely the best one to get into right now.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re after more anime-esque characters, or just want a story with more depth, previous titles like Tales of Berseria and Tales of Symphonia (though they are much older titles) are ones to try out.\n\n\nLi Jin Soh contributed to this review.\n\n\nTales of Arise is now available on PS4 (played on PS4 Pro), PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-proton-x90-geely-haoyue-spotted-again-proton-styling/", "title": "Spy Shot: Proton X90/Geely Haoyue Spotted Again \u2013 Proton Styling?", "body": "\n\nEarlier this year, there was a sighting of the Geely Haoyue \u2013 or Okavango in The Philippines \u2013 being tested here in Malaysia, which is suspected to be the \nProton X90\n. Well, the D-segment seven-seater SUV has been spotted locally yet again, suggesting that Proton is working on a new SUV.\n\n\nThis one image of the Haoyue was taken by the folks over at \nPaultan.org\n. Now, we know this is Proton testing the SUV as the B3611A trade plate is owned by the national carmaker. It\u2019s the very same plate used by a \npre-production Proton X50 test unit\n.\n\n\nPrevious spy shot of the Haoyue in Malaysia\n\n\nCompared to the earlier Haoyue test mule, there are some distinct differences. The position of the number plate, for one, has been moved up from the rear bumper to the tailgate; the taillights look a little different too. Chances are, Proton could be (finally) adding its own personal styling to Geely-based models.\n\n\nSo what is the Haoyue? As mentioned, it\u2019s a large D-segment SUV that can be configured with five or seven seats; it measures 4,835mm long, 1,900mm wide, and 1,785 tall. Compared to the \nProton X70\n, the Haoyue is 316mm longer, 69mm wider, and 91mm taller.\n\n\nPowering the Haoyue, on the other hand, is a 1.8L four-cylinder turbocharged engine that outputs 181PS and 300Nm of torque. This engine is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with drive sent either to the front wheels or all four of them for the AWD model.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s worth noting that in The Philippines, the Okavango is actually available with a 1.5L three-cylinder turbo engine with a mild hybrid system that put out a combined figure of 190hp and 300Nm of torque. This setup is also paired with a 7DCT, though there is no AWD variant.\n\n\nOf course, given its positioning as a premium SUV, the Haoyue is equipped with Geely\u2019s level 2 autonomous driving system too. It is made up of 24 different sensors to allow for as many as 17 \u201cintelligent drive features.\u201d According to Geely, this lets the SUV automatically follow, stop, as well as turn at speeds of up to 150km/h.\n\n\nOh, just like the \nProton X50\n, the Haoyue is also capable of parking itself. It features a 360-degree camera as well, and given the large size of the SUV, we imagine this will come in handy for most drivers.\n\n\nThe Geely Haoyue\n\n\nEven though the Geely Haoyue is already being tested on Malaysian roads, it\u2019s still much too early to tell if it will eventually materialise to be the \u201cProton X90.\u201d Nonetheless, we will keep a close eye for any further development.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-city-v-sensing-now-in-malaysia-adds-honda-sensing-for-rm90k/", "title": "Honda City V Sensing Now in Malaysia \u2013 Adds Honda Sensing for RM90k", "body": "\n\nHonda Malaysia just introduced a new variant of the popular \nHonda City\n. Dubbed City V Sensing, the new model is basically\u2026the City V trim with the addition of Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance safety systems.\n\n\nSo how much does the new City V Sensing cost? A cool RM90,212.36 with sales tax exemption applied until \n30 June 2022\n. For the sake of comparison, the regular City V currently goes for RM86,561.45, so you\u2019re paying exactly RM3,650.91 more for the V Sensing trim.\n\n\n\n\nHonda Sensing is quite a big addition to the City V Sensing. The system includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigating Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Auto High Beam (AHB).\n\n\nAside from the addition of Honda Sensing, the City V Sensing also gets a 7-inch digital instrument cluster instead of an analogue one. Beyond these two upgrades, other equipment of this new model are the exact same as the standard V model.\n\n\nIt\u2019s still powered by the same 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine that outputs 121PS and 145Nm of torque, and it is paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The City V Sensing also gets six airbags, Honda LaneWatch, 16-inch alloy wheels, as well as support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.\n\n\n\n\nThe Honda City V Sensing is now available for booking in Malaysia. If you\u2019re interested to get it, you can place your booking online\u00a0\nhere\n. Alternatively, bookings can be done through the HondaTouch app as well \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n\nDo note that the City V Sensing also gets a \nRM2,000 discount now\n as part of Honda\u2019s \nJoy of Zero year-end deal\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-city-23300-units-sold-honda-malaysias-best-selling-model/", "title": "Honda City \u2013 23,300 Units Sold, Honda Malaysia\u2019s Best-Selling Model", "body": "\n\nAside from launching a brand new variant of the \nHonda City\n \u2013 the \nV Sensing model\n \u2013 the Japanese carmaker also revealed the sales figure of the popular B-segment sedan in Malaysia. Since its launch in October 2020, over 23,300 units of the City have been sold locally.\n\n\nIn fact, between January to October 2021, the City accounts for 34% of Honda Malaysia\u2019s total sales. According to the carmaker, this makes the City the brand\u2019s best-selling model. \u201cOn behalf of the company, we are truly humbled by the continuous trust as well as support we have received from fellow Malaysians,\u201d said the MD and CEO of Honda Malaysia, Madoka Chujo.\n\n\n\n\nNow with the addition of the City V Sensing model, we reckon sales of the B-segment sedan will see further growth, not to mention the \nplethora of discounts given by Honda Malaysia\n. To recap, the E trim is discounted by RM4,000, while the S, V, and RS variants get a RM3,000 rebate. There\u2019s also a RM2,000 discount for the new V Sensing trim.\n\n\nAnyway, if you\u2019re interested to get the Honda City \u2013 or any Honda models \u2013 you can place your booking online\u00a0\nhere\n. Alternatively, bookings can be done through the HondaTouch app as well; you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-sold-27858-units-in-october-2021-best-monthly-sales/", "title": "Perodua Sold 27,858 Units in October 2021 \u2013 Best Monthly Sales", "body": "\n\nPerodua recorded very encouraging sales last month in October 2021. With over 27,858 units sold, it was the national carmaker\u2019s best monthly sales yet, beating its previous record of 26,848 vehicles sold in October 2020.\n\n\n\u201cThis achievement is our commitment towards our customers and represents a 90.67% increase from \n14,160 units sold in September 2021\n. We are now working to further improve production especially for the rest of the year,\u201d said the CEO and President of Perodua, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\n\n\n\n\nOf the 27,858 units sold, 8,761 of them (not surprisingly) consist of the Myvi. This is followed by the Axia (5,973), Bezza (5,257), Ativa (3,973), Alza (2,553), and finally, the Aruz (1,341). It\u2019s worth noting that although Perodua sold 27,858 units in October 2021, the carmaker actually produced 29,803 units in the same month.\n\n\n\u201cI wish to take this opportunity to thank the Perodua staff who have gone beyond their best to ensure that our customers receive their Perodua vehicle as quickly as possible,\u201d Dato\u2019 Zainal added.\n\n\nSpy shots of the 2022 Myvi facelift\n\n\nWith the facelifted 2022 Perodua Myvi just beyond the horizon \u2013 it\u2019s said to be unveiled sometime this month \u2013 we reckon Perodua\u2019s sales will get even better then. If you\u2019re curious, \nhere\u2019s how the new Myvi would look like\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-akko-cs-starfish-sound-test-on-the-ikki68-aurora/", "title": "Video: Akko CS Starfish Sound Test on the Ikki68 Aurora", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for a budget-friendly linear switch with a clacky sound profile, consider this: the Akko CS Starfish. Sporting a two-stage spring with a dustproof stem, it\u2019s quite an interesting linear switch with a \u201csnappy\u201d typing experience \u2013 it also costs \nless than RM1 per switch\n.\n\n\nThe snappiness of the CS Starfish comes from its long, two-stage spring; the longer the spring, the stronger, more responsive the upstroke of the switch is. Pushing down on the switch from the very top of the downstroke requires more force as well thanks to the long spring \u2013 this may be a typing characteristic some folks want out of a switch.\n\n\nAside from the Akko CS Starfish, we also received the \nJelly Blue, Jelly Black, and CS Sponge\n switches from Akko. Stay tuned for our review \u2013 and sound test \u2013 of these switches!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/akko-introduces-3-gasket-mounted-keyboards-with-acrylic-case-from-rm265/", "title": "Akko Introduces 3 Gasket-Mounted Keyboards With Acrylic Case From RM265", "body": "\n\nAkko just introduced a rather interesting lineup of keyboard kits with an acrylic case. Available in three different layouts, these gasket-mounted keyboards have a number of attractive features, including affordable price tags.\n\n\nThe ACR 64 (60% layout with arrow keys) and ACR 67 (65% layout) retail at $86 (about RM355), while the ACR 75 (75% layout) goes for $90 (around RM375). Beyond the different layouts, these three keyboards share the same feature set.\n\n\nThe ACR 75\nThe ACR 67\nThe ACR 64\n\n\nThese include a hotswap PCB with TTC\u2019s socket, a gasket mount design with EVA foam, an FR4 plate, RGB backlighting, as well as a colour-matched coiled cable. Speaking of which, these acrylic keyboards are available in White, Blue, and Pink. There\u2019s also Black, but this colourway is only available for pre-order right now.\n\n\nWhile these acrylic keyboards from Akko look quite promising, there is one \u201cdownside\u201d \u2013 they make use of plate-mounted stabilisers, which are not quite as secure as screw-in ones. Nonetheless, when properly tuned, plate-mounted stabilisers can still provide a good typing experience.\n\n\n\n\nThe Akko \nACR 75\n, \nACR 67\n, and \nACR 64\n are now available for purchase on Akko\u2019s online store. Alternatively, they\u2019re also available on Shopee Malaysia at a lower price, though only the \nACR 75\n (RM289.99) and \nACR 67\n (RM264.99) are listed at the moment.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/razer-finally-introduces-the-pro-click-mini-with-silent-mechanical-switches-for-80/", "title": "Razer Finally Introduces the Pro Click Mini With Silent Mechanical Switches for $80", "body": "\n\nFive months\n after we first reported on the \nRazer Pro Click Mini\n, the productivity-focused mouse has finally been introduced by Razer. Sporting silent mechanical switches, this mouse is ideal for those who are working in a quiet environment.\n\n\nAs we\u2019ve previously reported, the Pro Click Mini retails at $80; that comes up to about RM330. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting an ambidextrous mouse in a compact form factor. It also works through Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz dongle for better latency.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Pro Click Mini include a scroll wheel that can alternate between free-spin and tactile modes, up to a whopping 725 hours of battery life on Bluetooth mode with two AA batteries \u2013 it goes down to 465 hours if you use the 2.4GHz dongle \u2013 as well as rubberised sides.\n\n\nAt the time of writing, there\u2019s no word yet on the Malaysian availability of the Razer Pro Click Mini. But given that it was already registered with SIRIM back in June this year, we reckon it will be sold locally in the very near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ducky-launches-one-3-series-its-first-mainstream-keyboard-with-hotswap-pcb/", "title": "Ducky Launches One 3 Series, Its First Mainstream Keyboard With Hotswap PCB", "body": "\n\nNow this is interesting: Ducky just introduced its latest lineup of keyboards under the \nOne 3 series\n. What makes these keyboards particularly interesting is the fact that they are the Taiwanese company\u2019s first mainstream offering with a hotswap PCB, allowing users to easily swap out the switches.\n\n\nTechnically, the \n2020 Ducky Year of the Rat\n is the company\u2019s first keyboard with hotswap support, but that is a limited edition model. The One 3 series, on the other hand, is made up of mainstream (and affordable) keyboards. In fact, the lineup is offered in many different colourways and form factor, including full-size, TKL, 65%, and even 60%.\n\n\n\n\nAside from the hotswap PCB, the One 3 series also features double-shot PBT keycaps, Cherry MX switches, RGB backlighting, a number of sound deadening material for improved sound profile, and plate-mounted stabilisers that are \u201cfine-tuned for an exceptional typing experience,\u201d as Ducky puts it.\n\n\nNo word yet on exactly when the Ducky One 3 series will go on sale, though we reckon \nSun Cycle\n \u2013 the official distributor of Ducky products locally \u2013 will bring in these keyboards in the near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/4-10-november-fuel-price-ron-97-up-9-sen-ron-95-diesel-maintain/", "title": "4 \u2013 10 November Fuel Price: RON 97 up 9 Sen, RON 95 & Diesel Maintain", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 is set to go up yet again this coming week by a pretty big margin. From tomorrow onwards, RON 97 will go up by a steep 9 sen per litre. Not surprisingly, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 for the next seven days is set at RM3.06 per litre (up from RM2.97). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 4 to 10 November. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates! \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-pad-lands-in-malaysia-for-only-rm799/", "title": "Realme Pad Lands in Malaysia for Only RM799", "body": "\n\nRealme just launched its first-ever tablet, the Realme Pad, here in Malaysia. If you\u2019re looking for an affordable Android tablet, you may want to check it out \u2013 it\u2019s really quite budget-friendly.\n\n\nAs many as four different variants of the Realme Pad are offered in Malaysia. The base WiFi-only model with 32GB of storage and 3GB of RAM retails at RM899, while the LTE version with the same amount of storage and RAM costs RM949. Interestingly, can get these two variants with a RM100 discount on 11 November.\n\n\nThere are also two other LTE models of the Realme Pad: the 64GB + 4GB version is priced at RM999, while the 128GB + 6GB configuration goes for RM1,199.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Realme Pad offers a 10.4-inch 2000 x 1200 IPS screen and a MediaTek Helio G80 chip \u2013 reasonably good hardware for the money. Other specifications of the Realme Pad include a microSD card slot, an 8MP rear camera, another 8MP shooter on the front for selfies, a 7,100mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging, and a 6.9mm thin chassis.\n\n\nThe Realme Pad will be \navailable for purchase on Shopee\n next week on 11 November 2021. To recap, you can get a RM100 discount on the tablet then for the 32GB + 3GB configuration of the WiFi-only and LTE models.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-gt-neo-2-launches-in-malaysia-for-rm2199-early-birds-get-rm200-discount/", "title": "Realme GT Neo 2 Launches in Malaysia for RM2,199 \u2013 Early Birds Get RM200 Discount", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nbudget-friendly Realme Pad\n, the Chinese company also launched the Realme GT Neo 2 smartphone in Malaysia. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset with a 120Hz screen, it\u2019s a reasonably capable smartphone.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, only one variant of the GT Neo 2 is offered. Packed with 256GB of internal storage and 12GB of RAM, it\u2019s priced at RM2,199. If you purchase it on the first day of sale on 11 November, you can get a RM200 discount, bringing down the price of the phone to RM1,999.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the GT Neo 2 is powered by a Snapdragon 870 chipset, which is essentially a faster version of the Snapdragon 865, Qualcomm\u2019s flagship chipset last year. Paired with the phone\u2019s 120Hz 6.62-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED screen, along with a 600Hz touch sampling rate, it\u2019s quite a good device for avid mobile gamers.\n\n\nOther specifications of the GT Neo 2 include a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), a 16MP selfie camera, as well as a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme GT Neo 2 will be available for purchase in Malaysia next week on 11 November from Shopee as well as Lazada. To reiterate, you can get the phone with a RM200 discount on that day, bringing down the price to RM1,999.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-i-waited-15-months-for-this-unboxing-ion-zenith-keyboard/", "title": "Video: I Waited 15 Months for This Unboxing \u2013 Ion Zenith Keyboard", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter waiting 15 long months, I finally received my unit of the \nZenith\n. Designed by Ion Keyboards \u2013 and manufactured by Rama Works \u2013 it\u2019s a premium 65% custom keyboard with a rather unique layout: there\u2019s a macro column on the left side of the board.\n\n\nAlthough the Zenith is designed by Ion Keyboards, it it actually manufactured and distributed by Rama Works, which is known for its range of premium keyboards and accessories. Aside from that, the Zenith also uses an isolated gasket mounting system that promises a \u201ccrisp and clean\u201d typing experience.\n\n\nWe will be doing a full review of the Zenith in the near future, so in the meantime, enjoy this unboxing of the premium custom keyboard!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-sold-13362-units-in-october-2021-3-models-remain-segment-leaders/", "title": "Proton Sold 13,362 Units in October 2021 \u2013 3 Models Remain Segment Leaders", "body": "\n\nProton saw further improvement to its sales in October 2021 last month. With over 13,362 units sold, three of the national carmaker\u2019s models continue to lead their respective segments, including the \nhugely popular Proton X50\n, Proton X70, as well as the Proton Exora.\n\n\nNaturally, the affordable Proton Saga saw the highest number of sales; as many as 5,107 units were delivered to customers last month, though it\u2019s no longer the \nbest-selling A-segment sedan\n. The X50, on the other hand, saw 3,839 units registered \u2013 this is the most number of units delivered in a single month for the B-segment SUV.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the X70, 2,165 units of the C-segment SUV were sold last month, followed by the Persona (1,393), Iriz (497), and the best-selling C-segment MPV of last month, the Exora (359). Keep keep in mind that these figures also include exports.\n\n\n\u201cProton\u2019s sales in October can be summarized as a story of strong buyer demand and unrealised sales potential. While we are happy with the continued popularity of the Proton Saga and our achievement with the two SUVs, we missed out on adding more units to our final tally as we continue ramping up our supply of components,\u201d said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cMarket demand, however, is expected to remain strong towards the end of year, so we are working diligently towards closing 2021 on a high note,\u201d he added.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/gateron-x-now-in-malaysia-new-linear-switch-from-rm2-40/", "title": "Gateron X Now in Malaysia \u2013 New Linear Switch From RM2.40", "body": "\n\nThe brand new Gateron X linear switch is now available right here in Malaysia. Featuring a bottom housing made from a new mold \u2013 there\u2019s an \u201cX\u201d engraving on the bottom to signify this \u2013 as well as polished insides, the Gateron X should be noticeably smoother than the company\u2019s other linear offerings.\n\n\nThis Gateron X switch is \nexclusively available from Keys.my locally\n; it is the official Malaysian vendor. If you buy less than 20 Gateron X switches from Keys.my, it will cost RM3 per unit. To get the best discount, you have to purchase over 100 switches, bringing down the price to RM2.40 per switch.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Gateron X switch has a new bottom housing with polished insides; even the POM stem is polished. \u201cThese polished areas reduce surface roughness while maintaining stem tolerances,\u201d as the product listing states. In fact, the polished areas are even \u201cslippery to grip.\u201d\n\n\nWhile the new Gateron X switch is quite a bit more costly than Gateron\u2019s other offerings, it does seem like a promising (and possibly smooth) linear switch. If you\u2019re keen to pick it up, you can do so from Keys.my\u2019s \nofficial website\n or its \nShopee Store\n. \nHex Keyboards\n (based in Singapore) also carry the Gateron X, though it\u2019s sold out at the moment.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/akko-unveils-mod-005-gasket-mounted-aluminium-keyboard-for-rm570/", "title": "Akko Unveils MOD 005 \u2013 Gasket-Mounted Aluminium Keyboard for RM570", "body": "\n\nAkko is introducing quite a number of \nnew products lately\n, including this keyboard kit, the Akko MOD 005. Sporting a gasket mount design and a CNC aluminium case, it\u2019s quite an intriguing 65% keyboard.\n\n\nGiven its more premium aluminium case, the MOD 005 does cost quite a bit more than Akko\u2019s other keyboards. On Akko\u2019s official \nShopee Malaysia store\n, the MOD 005 is listed at RM569.99, though it can now be purchased for slightly less at RM562.99.\n\n\nBut if you get the MOD 005 on \nAkko\u2019s online store\n instead, you can actually get it for slightly less at $129.99 (about RM540), though you\u2019ll also have to pay more for shipping.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, the MOD 005, as mentioned, is a 65% keyboard with a gasket mounting system that makes use of 3mm PORON strips. It also has a CNC aluminium case, an aluminium plate \nand\n an extra FR4 plate (very generous of Akko), a coiled cable, and support for both screw-in and plate-mounted stabilisers.\n\n\nOn paper, the Akko MOD 005 does seem like a reasonably good 65% keyboard. If you want to pick it up, you can do so over at \nShopee Malaysia\n or \nAkko\u2019s online store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-akko-cs-jelly-black-sound-test-on-the-ikki68-aurora/", "title": "Video: Akko CS Jelly Black Sound Test on the Ikki68 Aurora", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTouted as the heaviest switch in Akko\u2019s CS series with a 50g actuation force, the Akko CS Jelly Black is a budget-friendly linear switch with a clacky sound profile and a dustproof stem, much like the \nCS Starfish\n. How affordable is it? Well, it costs \nless than RM1 per switch\n.\n\n\nAlthough the Jelly Black doesn\u2019t get the Starfish\u2019s two-stage spring, it still has a long 22mm spring. This makes for a \u201csnappy\u201d typing experience with stronger, more responsive upstrokes. Pushing down on the switch from the very top of the downstroke requires more force as well thanks to the long spring \u2013 a typing characteristic some folks may be fond of.\n\n\nAside from the Akko CS Jelly Black and the aforementioned Starfish, we also received the\u00a0\nJelly Blue and CS Sponge\n\u00a0tactile switches from Akko. Stay tuned for our review \u2013 and sound test \u2013 of these switches!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/glorious-slammed-for-copying-keycap-design/", "title": "Glorious Slammed for Copying Keycap Design", "body": "\n\nGlorious forayed into the enthusiast keyboard scene quite a bit since it released the \nGlorious Panda\n \nswitch\n and the \nGMMK Pro\n. Just recently, the company introduced a couple of new keycap sets, and\u2026they look very similar to existing sets.\n\n\nIn response, many folks \u2013 even big names in the custom keyboard hobby \u2013 are criticizing Glorious\u2019 action. Though the design of the keycap sets in question are not exactly the same, you can definitely see the similarities.\n\n\nInfinikey Aether\n\n\nSo what are the keycap sets that started this uproar? Well, they\u2019re Glorious\u2019 new GPBT Celestial Fire and Celestial Ice sets. Celestial Fire is very similar to \nInfinikey Aether\n designed by Alexotos (a keyboard content creator), while Celestial Ice looks like \nSA DreamEater\n.\n\n\nAs mentioned, these four keycaps sets are not carbon copies of each other, but there\u2019s no denying that they share a similar design language. Judge for yourself with the images below.\n\n\nAlexotos\u2019 Aether base kit\nGlorious GPBT Celestial Fire kit\nGlorious GPBT Celestial Ice kit\nSA DreamEater base kit\n\n\nQuite similar, aren\u2019t they? Granted, clones of popular keycap sets \u2013 especially ones from GMK \u2013 have always been available in the market, but it\u2019s very rare for a big, \nestablished\n company like Glorious to do the same. Needless to say, this is frowned upon by the custom keyboard community.\n\n\nIn fact, many keyboard content creators have posted a response to the release of the GPBT Celestial keycaps; even Taeha Types himself chimed in. These are some of their responses:\n\n\n\n\nI think this sentiment sums it up. All of us creators tried to give some benefit of the doubt when the GMMK Pro was released, but this is not it. And please especially read the last of Marcia's thread post. \nhttps://t.co/rG2bykOt54\n\u2014 Taeha Types (@taehatypes) \nNovember 3, 2021\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyways, support Designers, creators, small business. Turn away from big soulless corporations, avoid turning this hobby into one of many stale ones out there. \nBe the community I fell in love with. \npic.twitter.com/jCMIupUBd5\n\u2014 Qlavier keyboard design (@qlavier) \nNovember 3, 2021\n\n\n\n\n\n\npic.twitter.com/5CnQK3nZas\n\u2014 josh (@susboards) \nNovember 4, 2021\n\n\n\n\nA few days after the Celestial keycaps went up for sale, Glorious \nfinally released a statement\n addressing the situation. \u201cNeither set (Celestial Fire and Ice) was modeled after or inspired by any specific existing set,\u201d the company wrote.\n\n\nBut sometime during the production process, it \u201ccame to light internally that the Celestial Fire colourway looked similar to that of an existing set put out by Alexotos,\u201d Glorious continued.\n\n\n\u201cAlthough the colourways were similar (Celestial Fire and Aether), after internal discussion, our production teams agreed the final design was not a copy of Aether, and continued with production. We did not consult Alex at this time, as we were confident the keycap set had enough differences, and Aether was no longer being produced,\u201d the company added.\n\n\nAether\n\n\nA couple of weeks before release, Glorious did eventually get in touch with Alexotos, in which he expressed \u201cclear disappointment upon seeing the similarities between the sets.\u201d He also told Glorious of his plan to release a second run of the Aether keycap set (Glorious was unaware of this) and that Celestial Fire could harm him financially.\n\n\n\u201cThe next day, we reached back out to Alex with intentions of coming to a mutual resolution to preserve our working relationship. Unfortunately, we were not able to come to an agreement at that time,\u201d Glorious said. The company added that since the first batches of Celestial keycaps have been made, Glorious proceeded with the release.\n\n\n\u201cSince the release of Celestial, we have received a lot of feedback from both customers and partners. The passion from the community about this topic is clear, and many feel angered and hurt by the situation.\u201d\n\n\nCelestial Fire\n\n\n\u201cWe realise we made a mistake proceeding with the release of this keycap set without informing and involving Alex much earlier in the process,\u201d wrote Glorious. With this in mind, Glorious wants to do what is right by the keyboard community and Alexotos, and the company reached an \u201camicable resolution with him.\u201d\n\n\nThe resolution includes an offer to compensate him financially, which was \u201crespectfully turned down\u201d by Alexotos. Glorious also said it agreed to his ideas for how the company can do a better job of working within the keyboard community moving forward.\n\n\n\u201cWe want to do a better job incorporating the community as a whole during the early production process of all our keyboard products so that this doesn\u2019t happen again,\u201d Glorious said.\n\n\nWhile it\u2019s great that Glorious addressed the issue at hand, it\u2019s worth noting that the similarity between Celestial Ice and SA DreamEater was not mentioned at all in the statement.\n\n\n\n\nGlorious communicated to me that they feel the same way, and have agreed to make changes going forward. I have no ill feelings towards Glorious or the keycaps, I just want everyone to be happy. \ud83d\ude0c 2/2\n\u2014 alexotos (@otosalex) \nNovember 5, 2021\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that Glorious is no stranger to controversy either. The Glorious Panda, for example, was actually called Holy Panda at first; a direct reference to the original (and hugely popular) frankenswitch. To top it off, the company \neven tried to trademark the name\n, drawing ire from the custom keyboard community.\n\n\nEventually, Glorious later rebranded the switch to Glorious Panda after the uproar. This name change was positively received by the community\u2026for the most part. Anyway, when we take into consideration this past issue with the current keycap drama, it\u2019s not a good look for Glorious.\n\n\nAether\n\n\nAs much as the custom mechanical keyboard scene has grown over the years, it still remains a niche hobby. So when a large company like Glorious releases a keycap set that looks strikingly similar to an existing set \u2013 which is usually designed by smaller entities \u2013 this (understandably) doesn\u2019t bode well with the community.\n\n\nHopefully, Glorious does take necessary measures to ensure that something like this will not happen again in the future, especially with future releases of the Celestial keycap sets.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mysejahtera-error-users-mistakenly-put-under-quarantine/", "title": "MySejahtera Error \u2013 Users Mistakenly Put Under Quarantine", "body": "\n\nNow this is not something you want to happen to you: several MySejahtera users were mistakenly given Home Surveillance Order (HSO) or Person Under Surveillance (PUS) status. If you have either one of these two statuses on your MySejahtera account, you (naturally) will not be allowed to check-in anywhere.\n\n\nThis was revealed by MySejahtera on its Twitter account. According to the Tweet, the root cause of the error has been fixed, so folks who were mistakenly given the HSO or PUS status will no longer be labeled as such.\n\n\n\n\nIt's still there! How am I supposed to remove it?!? \npic.twitter.com/JKCDV4auET\n\u2014 Nicol Chong (@nicolchong) \nNovember 7, 2021\n\n\n\n\nAlthough MySejahtera said that this error has been rectified, a number of users are reporting that they are still seeing the HSO or PUS status on their accounts. According to \nanother Twitter user\n, contacting the helpdesk seems to resolve the issue.\n\n\nIf you believe you\u2019ve been mistakenly put under HSO or PUS, you can contact the helpdesk through the MySejahtera app itself. Hopefully, you don\u2019t have to do this in the first place.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-sony-xperia-10-iii-going-for-rm1649-now/", "title": "Deal: Sony Xperia 10 III Going for RM1,649 Now", "body": "\n\nSony\u2019s latest mid-range smartphone, the Sony Xperia 10 III, is quite a bit more affordable now. Initially priced at RM1,999 when the phone first launched here in Malaysia, you can now get it for only RM1,649 \u2013 that\u2019s exactly \nRM350 worth of savings\n.\n\n\nThis deal on the Xperia 10 III is offered by Sony Centre Sunway Pyramid\u2019s official Shopee store. Though the phone is listed at RM1,699, you can claim a RM50 discount voucher from the retailer to \nbring down the price to RM1,649\n. Unfortunately, only the Blue model is in stock at the time of writing.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Xperia 10 III is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 chipset, which should be faster and more power-efficient\u00a0\nthan its predecessor\n\u2019s Snapdragon 665 chipset. After all, it\u2019s built on an 8nm process instead of the Snapdragon 665\u2019s 11nm process, which should translate to better battery life.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xperia 10 III include a compact 6-inch 2520 x 1080 OLED screen, a triple camera system (12MP f/1.8 primary + 8MP f/2.4 telephoto + 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle), an 8MP f/2.0 selfie camera, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, a generous 4,500mAh battery, and an IP65/IP68 rating.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to grab the Sony Xperia 10 III for only RM1,649, you can do so over at \nShopee Malaysia\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-1-iii-still-going-for-rm5399-now-bundled-with-wireless-charger-rm100-voucher/", "title": "Sony Xperia 1 III Still Going for RM5,399 \u2013 Now Bundled With Wireless Charger & RM100 Voucher", "body": "\n\nPreviously, the high-end Sony Xperia 1 III received a \nRM400 discount\n until 31 October 2021, bringing down its price to RM5,399. Well, it appears the flagship phone is still offered at this price point, and to sweeten the deal, the Xperia 1 III is also bundled with a wireless charger now.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Sony Malaysia itself on its online store \nright here\n. Aside from the wireless charger \u2013 and the RM400 discount on the phone \u2013 every purchase of the Xperia 1 III will come with a RM100 JD Sports gift card too.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the main highlights of the Xperia 1 III is its \u201cvariable telephoto lens\u201d system that allows the 12MP telephoto sensor of the to change its focal length between 70mm to 105mm. The system is also paired with a \u201cDual PD sensor,\u201d which promises fast autofocus speeds, even when switching between different focal lengths.\n\n\nComplementing the telephoto lens of the Xperia 1 III is a 12MP primary sensor, along with a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter. Other specifications of the flagship phone include a sharp and vibrant 120Hz 6.5-inch 4K OLED screen, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of expandable storage, an 8MP selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery, as well as an IP65/IP68 rating.\n\n\n\n\nThe Sony Xperia 1 III can now be purchased for RM5,399 on \nSony Malaysia\u2019s online store\n. To recap, you\u2019ll also get a wireless charger and a RM100 JD Sports gift card with every purchase.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/malaysia-singapore-quarantine-free-travel-from-29-november/", "title": "Malaysia, Singapore Quarantine-Free Travel From 29 November", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re planning to travel between Malaysia and Singapore soon, great news: you won\u2019t be required to be quarantined from 29 November onwards. Instead, all you need to do is to be tested for COVID-19 before entering either countries through the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL).\n\n\nOf course, there are a couple of caveats to VTL. As the name suggests, only fully vaccinated individuals can take advantage of this quarantine-free entry. On top of that, it is only limited to air travel at the moment between Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Changi Airport.\n\n\n\n\nThis was announced in a joint statement by the Malaysian Prime Minister Dato\u2019 Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong. \u201cGiven the significant progress that both countries have made in vaccinating their respective populations and managing the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prime Ministers agreed that it is timely to progressively resume cross-border travel between both countries, in a safe manner,\u201d the statement reads.\n\n\n\u201cThe Prime Ministers also look forward to restoring travel across the land links between countries in the near future,\u201d which include the Causeway and Second Link. At the moment, only those who are travelling by air (and fully vaccinated) between Malaysia and Singapore are not required to undergo quarantine from 29 November 2021 onwards.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-nova-9-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm1999-early-birds-get-goodies-worth-rm829/", "title": "Huawei Nova 9 Lands in Malaysia for RM1,999 \u2013 Early Birds Get Goodies Worth RM829", "body": "\n\nThe Huawei Nova 9 has just been launched in Malaysia. Sporting a sleek design with a dual curved 120Hz screen, it\u2019s a reasonably premium-looking phone despite its mid-range positioning.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Nova 9 is offered in Malaysia. Sporting 256GB of storage with 8GB of RAM, this sole model for our market is priced at RM1,999. Those who \npre-order the phone\n by 19 November will also receive RM829 worth of goodies, including a Huawei FreeBuds Pro wireless earbuds worth RM699.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Nova 9 has a sleek dual curved screen for a premium-looking design. The panel itself, on the other hand, is a 6.57-inch 1080p OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and 300Hz touch sampling rate to reduce input latency; something avid mobile gamers will appreciate.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Huawei Nova 9 include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 4G chipset, a quad camera system (50MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), a 32MP selfie camera, and a 4,300mAh battery with support for 66W fast charging.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-city-hatchback-open-for-booking-in-malaysia-launching-q4-2021/", "title": "Honda City Hatchback Open for Booking in Malaysia \u2013 Launching Q4 2021", "body": "\n\nBookings for the all-new Honda City Hatchback is now open in Malaysia! Set to be launched locally sometime in Q4 2021 \u2013 which could be this month or the next \u2013 the replacement for the popular Jazz hatchback is offered in two powertrains: the standard 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC petrol and the range-topping e:HEV hybrid system.\n\n\nSo far, only the range-topping RS e:HEV hybrid model and the V trim \u2013 with the aforementioned 1.5L petrol engine \u2013 of the City Hatchback have been confirmed. Naturally, the RS model is also the only variant to get the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance safety systems.\n\n\n\n\nAs the City Hatchback succeeds the Jazz, it\u2019s no surprise that the B-segment hatchback also gets the latter\u2019s much-loved ULTRA Seats. Basically, the rear seats of the City Hatchback can be folded flat or even flipped up in four different configurations to accommodate different cargo.\n\n\n\u201cThe introduction of the All-New City Hatchback is a key milestone for Honda in Malaysia as it is the first time the company is offering the City model in a hatchback body type,\u201d said the MD and CEO of Honda Malaysia, Madoka Chujo.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Honda City Hatchback is now available for booking at all Honda authorised dealerships nationwide. You can place your booking online\u00a0\nhere\n, or through the HondaTouch app as well \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopee-11-11-shopping-guide-how-to-get-the-best-deals/", "title": "Shopee 11.11 Shopping Guide \u2013 How to Get the Best Deals", "body": "\n\nThe Shopee 11.11 Big Sale is happening this midnight, which will offer a number of good deals. Not only can you get free shipping with no minimum spend, there are also discounts up to 95%. Needless to say, it\u2019s a great time to purchase anything you might need at 12AM tonight.\n\n\nOf course, if you want to get the best deals, there are a number of things to pay attention to. From claiming bank vouchers to checking out as quickly as you can (before the vouchers run out), here are some tips for Shopee\u2019s 11.11 Big Sale tonight!\n\n\nClaim Bank Vouchers\n\n\nThis is arguably the best (and easiest) way to get a sizeable discount on your purchases. All you have to do is claim for bank vouchers from Shopee \nhere\n, and pay with a credit card from selected banks. Of course, it\u2019s not just limited to credit cards: there are also Visa and BigPay vouchers which offer RM15 off your purchases.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, there\u2019s a minimum spend requirement for the discount vouchers. The BigPay voucher, for example, has a RM120 minimum spend to get RM15 off. The Visa voucher, on the other hand, has a higher RM150 minimum spend. Basically, these bank vouchers have different minimum spend requirements.\n\n\nOn top of that, it\u2019s worth noting that these vouchers can only be used with specific retailers, which brings us to the next point..\n\n\nLook for Mall and Preferred Retailers\n\n\nMost Shopee vouchers \u2013 including the aforementioned bank vouchers \u2013 are only applicable to Mall and Preferred retailers, so it\u2019s best to do your purchases with these retailers. It\u2019s a little inconvenient, yes, but retailers with either one of the two statuses are (usually) more reputable, so that\u2019s good.\n\n\nIf you have trouble looking for specific products that are sold by Mall or Preferred retailers, you can use the filter feature in the search tool to only show listings from these retailers. You can even sort the filtered listings by price, ensuring that you can get the best deal.\n\n\nCheckout Through the Shopee App\n\n\nAnother thing about Shopee vouchers: most of them can only be used if you checkout through the Shopee app. If you make your purchase through the Shopee website instead, there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019ll miss out on the opportunity to use the best voucher available for your particular order.\n\n\n\n\nPersonally, I find it best to make my Shopee purchases through the app anyway, so this isn\u2019t exactly a big issue (to me). You can download the Shopee app through the \nApple App Store\n or the \nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n\nCombine Your Orders to Meet Minimum Spend\n\n\nWhat if the items you want don\u2019t meet the minimum spend for vouchers? Well, you can combine your orders from other sellers; not every item in an order has to be from the same retailer. Sure, you won\u2019t have to pay multiple shipping fees, but if combining orders allow you to use certain discount vouchers, you\u2019ll be saving more.\n\n\nDon\u2019t Forget to Claim Shop Vouchers\n\n\nAside from Shopee vouchers, there are also shop-specific vouchers that can be used in tandem with the former, so you can get even more discounts on your purchases. You can easily see the vouchers that are available from a specific shop through the product listing itself or from your shopping cart page in the Shopee app.\n\n\nHere\u2019s a neat trick to get the best deal on any product: if a retailer is listing an item at a higher price than another store, check if there\u2019s any shop voucher that you can use to lower the price. I kid you not, there were a few instances where I got a better deal by doing so.\n\n\n\n\nGet Your Items Ready in the Shopping Cart\n\n\nThe best time to make your purchases on big sales like 11.11 is to checkout at 12AM itself, so it\u2019s imperative that you have your items ready in the shopping cart \nbefore\n midnight. Browse through the items that you want to purchase several days before the sale itself, claim every voucher you can find, and checkout the moment the clock strikes 12AM.\n\n\nHere\u2019s the thing: Shopee vouchers are limited, and they can run out within \nminutes\n after 12AM. This is especially true for discount vouchers that are really good \u2013 such as bank vouchers \u2013 so you\u2019ll have to be quick to be able to use these vouchers.\n\n\nKeep an Eye Out for Voucher Drops Throughout the Day\n\n\nIf you missed out on the crucial 12AM shopping window, don\u2019t worry: Shopee will release quite a number of vouchers throughout the sale day. It can be a little overwhelming to keep track of this, but if you\u2019ve got the Shopee app installed, there will usually be push notifications to notify users of any voucher drops.\n\n\n\n\nSo there you have it. With these tips, you\u2019ll definitely get some good savings on Shopee\u2019s 11.11 Big Sale happening this midnight. For more information on the sale \u2013 and to claim for various vouchers \u2013 visit \nthis page\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/you-can-now-access-netflix-on-astro/", "title": "You Can Now Access Netflix on Astro", "body": "\n\nBack in June earlier this year\n, Astro announced that Netflix will be accessible through its Ultra Box. Well, the subscription service is now officially available on Astro. On top of that, there are also \nAstro TV packs\n that come with a Netflix (and even Disney+ Hotstar) subscription.\n\n\nThe most affordable Astro TV pack with Netflix bundled together is the Entertainment Plus Pack for RM129.99/month. If you want both Netflix and Disney+ Hotstar in the same TV pack, there\u2019s Premium Pack 3 for RM154.99/month; access to HBO GO is also offered in this bundle.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, you don\u2019t have to purchase these TV packs to access Netflix on Astro\u2019s Ultra Box. As long as you have an active subscription to the streaming service, you can log on to Netflix without any issue. It\u2019s just a little bit more convenient to include the subscription cost into a single bill, especially if you fancy other content in the TV pack.\n\n\nAstro is also working on adding Netflix to the Ulti Box, though no specific timeline was given. The company will also add other streaming services \u2013 including Disney+ Hotstar, iQiyi, and TVBAnywhere+ \u2013 to the Ultra and Ulti boxes in the future. More details on the availability of these streaming services on Astro can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-perodua-myvi-facelift-now-open-for-booking-from-rm45700-to-rm58800/", "title": "2022 Perodua Myvi Facelift Now Open for Booking \u2013 From RM45,700 to RM58,800", "body": "\n\nJust one week after \nspy shots of the 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift\n started going around, the national carmaker has opened bookings for the new (and very popular) B-segment hatchback. On top of that, we even have the price range of the facelifted Myvi.\n\n\nSet to retail from RM45,700 to RM58,800 \u2013 which should be without sales tax exemption, given that it\u2019s been \nextended to 30 June 2022\n \u2013 the updated Myvi is slightly more costly now. For the sake of comparison, the current Myvi retails from RM41,292 to RM52,697.\n\n\n\n\nInterestingly, the facelifted Myvi will only feature an automatic transmission; the manual option will be discontinued with the facelift, for better or worse. Perodua did not mention if the four-speed automatic will be retained for the new Myvi, though it is rumoured to feature a CVT gearbox now \u2013 similar to the one found in the Ativa.\n\n\nAs many as five different variants of the facelifted Myvi will be offered, including the range-topping AV, H, X \u2013 these three models will feature a 1.5L engine \u2013 and two G trims with a 1.3L mill. The fuel efficiency of the Myvi has also been improved to 22.2km per litre (tested on the 1.3L variant) from 21.1km per litre; that\u2019s quite impressive.\n\n\nSpy shots of the 2022 Myvi facelift\n\n\nThe 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift is now available for booking in Malaysia at Perodua showrooms nationwide. Alternatively, you can also place a booking for the B-segment hatchback \nonline\n.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\n2022 Perodua Myvi Facelift Getting Level 2 Autonomous Driving?\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/poco-m4-pro-5g-now-in-malaysia-from-rm849-early-birds-get-rm100-off/", "title": "Poco M4 Pro 5G Now in Malaysia From RM849 \u2013 Early Birds Get RM100 Off", "body": "\n\nPoco just launched another affordable smartphone here in Malaysia, the Poco M4 Pro 5G. Retailing from only RM849, you can get this budget-friendly phone with a RM100 discount this Thursday on 11 November.\n\n\nTwo variants of the M4 Pro are offered in Malaysia. The base model with 64GB of expandable storage and 4GB of RAM retails at RM849, while the 128GB configuration with 6GB of RAM costs RM999.\n\n\nAs mentioned, those who purchase either one of these two variants on 11 November \nfrom Shopee\n can get a RM100 discount, bringing down the prices to RM749 and RM899 respectively.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the M4 Pro is a reasonably good phone. It features a 6.6-inch 1080p IPS display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 810 chipset, a dual camera system (50MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle), a 16MP selfie camera, and a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.\n\n\nThe Poco M4 Pro 5G will be available for purchase this Thursday on 11 November. To recap, you can get a RM100 discount if you buy the phone on that day itself from Shopee, bringing down the price of the phone to RM749 and RM899 for the 64GB and 128GB models respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-akko-cs-sponge-jelly-blue-sound-test-on-ikki68-aurora/", "title": "Video: Akko CS Sponge & Jelly Blue Sound Test on Ikki68 Aurora", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHere\u2019s our sound test of the Akko CS Sponge and Jelly Blue tactile switches! Beyond the different colourway of these two switches, both of them are similar to each other: both of them have a long 22mm two-stage spring with a \u201cdual tactile bump.\u201d\n\n\nInterestingly, despite the similarity between the two tactile switches, the Jelly Blue has a slightly higher-pitched sound profile; this can be attributed to the Cherry-style housing of the switch. In comparison, the Sponge has a Kailh-style housing. \n\n\nAside from these Akko CS Sponge and Jelly Blue tactile switches, we also got the \nJelly Black\n and \nStarfish\n linear switches from Akko. Stay tuned for our review of these switches!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-ion-zenith-sound-test-with-novelkeys-cream/", "title": "Video: Ion Zenith Sound Test With NovelKeys Cream", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ve finally built our Zenith custom keyboard! Paired with \nNovelKeys Cream linear switches\n \u2013 lubed with Krytox 205g0, of course \u2013 and an aluminium plate, this is definitely one of the clackiest (in a good way) custom keyboards we\u2019ve ever tried.\n\n\nAlthough the Zenith is designed by Ion Keyboards, it it actually manufactured and distributed by Rama Works, which is known for its range of premium keyboards and accessories. Aside from that, the Zenith also uses an isolated gasket mounting system that promises a \u201ccrisp and clean\u201d typing experience.\n\n\nOur full review of the Zenith will be posted very, very soon. Stay tuned to our website (and \nYouTube channel\n) for that! We also have an \nunboxing of this custom keyboard\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/pixel-6-slow-fingerprint-sensor-due-to-enhanced-security/", "title": "Pixel 6 \u2013 Slow Fingerprint Sensor Due to \u201cEnhanced Security\u201d", "body": "\n\nMore folks have gotten their hands on the \nPixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro\n, so naturally, we\u2019re also getting some interesting user complains. One of them is the slow fingerprint sensor of the two phones, and Google said that this is caused by \u201cenhanced security algorithms.\u201d\n\n\nGoogle posted this particular statement on Twitter in response to a user\u2019s complain regarding the finicky performance of the Pixel 6\u2019s fingerprint sensor. Because the sensor uses enhanced security algorithms, \u201cthese added protections can take longer to verify or require more direct contact with the sensor,\u201d as Google puts it.\n\n\n\n\nWe're sorry for the hassle. The Pixel 6 fingerprint sensor utilizes enhanced security algorithms. In some instances, these added protections can take longer to verify or require more direct contact with the sensor. Try troubleshooting steps: \nhttps://t.co/uTbifE5Uyo\n. Thanks. ^Levi\n\u2014 Made By Google (@madebygoogle) \nNovember 6, 2021\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that under-display fingerprint sensors have their fair share of issues when it comes to recognition speed and accuracy, and the Pixel 6 is not the first phone to suffer from this. Still, it\u2019s understandably frustrating for a flagship-tier phone to be plagued by this issue, even though some users reported no issue at all with the sensor.\n\n\nOf course, there is a chance Google could push an update to improve the fingerprint sensor of the Pixel 6, especially if it\u2019s a widespread enough issue. In the meantime, you can follow \nthese troubleshooting steps\n if you\u2019re having issues with the fingerprint sensor of the Pixel 6.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-aspire-vero-lands-in-malaysia-from-rm3399/", "title": "Acer Aspire Vero Lands in Malaysia From RM3,399", "body": "\n\nIn line with Acer\u2019s commitment to sustainable operations, the Taiwanese company introduced the Acer Aspire Vero here in Malaysia, a laptop made from post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic. Not only is is touted as a green product, it also looks to be a decent productivity-focused laptop.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Aspire Vero are offered in Malaysia. The base model with an Intel Core i5-1155G7 processor and 8GB of RAM costs RM3,399, while the Core i7-1195G7 configuration with 16GB of RAM goes for RM4,299. Those who purchase either models between 11 to 19 November will also receive freebies worth up to RM497.\n\n\n\n\nAside from the different processor and RAM capacity, both variants of the Aspire Vero are similar to each other. They have a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS screen \u2013 which is said to be 99% recyclable \u2013 Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, 512GB of SSD storage, Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021 with a lifetime license, and Windows 11 out of the box.\n\n\nBeyond what\u2019s under the hood, it\u2019s worth noting that the chassis of the Aspire Vero is composed of 30% PCR plastic, which cuts CO2 emissions by 21% for the production of this particular part. The laptop\u2019s keycaps also contain 50% PCR plastic, and even the 100% recyclable packaging of the laptop can be repurposed as a laptop stand.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Acer Aspire Vero will be available for purchase in Malaysia from tomorrow onwards on 11 November. The Core i5 + 8GB RAM model costs RM3,399, while the Core i7 + 16GB RAM configuration is priced at RM4,299.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-2-3-livestream-happening-on-12-november-albedo-returning/", "title": "Genshin Impact 2.3 Livestream Happening on 12 November \u2013 Albedo Returning?", "body": "\n\nMihoyo just revealed the date for \nGenshin Impact\n\u2018s Version 2.3 special program. Set to take place this Friday on 12 November, both Albedo and Gorou are shown in the teaser for the livestream \u2013 chances are, these two characters will be featured in Genshin Impact 2.3\u2019s event wishes.\n\n\nIf Albedo\u2019s event wish returns in Version 2.3 of Genshin Impact, it would be his second banner almost a year \nsince his debut in the game\n. As for Gorou, he was first teased \nalongside Arataki Itto\n last month, so it\u2019s likely that these two characters will be playable in Genshin Impact 2.3.\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Mihoyo, the Version 2.3 special program for Genshin Impact will also feature \u201cjuicy details about new game content and developments in Version 2.3.\u201d As usual, redemption codes (and other goodies) will be given during the livestream as well.\n\n\nYou can catch the livestream of Genshin Impact Version 2.3\u00a0\non Twitch\n\u00a0this Friday on 12 November at 8PM for us here in Malaysia. If you missed the stream, don\u2019t worry: the special program \nwill also be on YouTube\n on 13 November at 12AM.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/11-17-november-fuel-price-ron-97-up-2-sen-ron-95-diesel-maintain/", "title": "11 \u2013 17 November Fuel Price: RON 97 up 2 Sen, RON 95 & Diesel Maintain", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 is set to increase yet again this coming week, though by a smaller margin this time. From tomorrow onwards, RON 97 will go up by 2 sen per litre. Not surprisingly, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 for the next seven days is set at RM3.08 per litre (up from RM3.06). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 11 to 17 November. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates! \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q1-restocking-end-november-knob-version-delayed-to-december-2021/", "title": "Keychron Q1 Restocking End-November \u2013 Knob Version Delayed to December 2021", "body": "\n\nStocks of the \nKeychron Q1\n have been running low for quite sometime now, but this is set to change soon. \nAccording to Keychron\n, more units of the 75% keyboard will be available by the end of the month, though stocks will still be quite limited.\n\n\nKeychron is having difficulty producing more Q1 due to (you\u2019ve guessed it) chip shortage. This issue is said to only be solved sometime in January 2022, and this is still just an estimate. The good news is, the knob version of the Q1 will not affected by this chip shortage, so there won\u2019t be shortage of stock.\n\n\n\n\nThe bad news? Well, the Q1 with knob support has been delayed to early December now; it was previously said to be \nreleasing sometime this month\n. Nonetheless, at least Keychron won\u2019t have issues stocking this particular version of the Q1 once it is released.\n\n\nAside from that, Keychron will also release two new colour options of the Q1: White and Green. Both of them will be offered in limited numbers at the end of this month or early December. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the Q1, check out our \nfull written review\n, or our video review below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-perodua-myvi-facelift-getting-level-2-autonomous-driving/", "title": "2022 Perodua Myvi Facelift Getting Level 2 Autonomous Driving?", "body": "\n\nThe 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift is now open for booking in Malaysia, and even the \nprice range of the popular B-segment hatchback\n has been revealed. Now, the national carmaker posted a teaser of the updated Myvi\u2019s instrument cluster and steering wheel, revealing some key features.\n\n\nCompared to the current Myvi, the new instrument cluster is now finished in red; even the multi-info display is larger now, lending to a more modern look. What\u2019s more interesting, however, are the buttons on the steering wheel. These seem to suggest that the Myvi will sport level 2 autonomous driving, just like the larger (and costlier) \nAtiva\n.\n\n\n\n\nWe can feel the excitement building up, too. Catch the premiere of the Next Standard by staying tuned right here. Book now at \nhttps://t.co/7o1neCq9gi\n or at any authorised Perodua showroom.\n#Perodua\n \n#NewMyvi\n \n#NextStandard\n \n#VersatileConvenience\n \npic.twitter.com/H6qcTLO8ZS\n\u2014 Perodua (@perodua) \nNovember 11, 2021\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs you can see on the right side of the steering wheel, there are buttons for Lane Keep Control (LKC) and adaptive cruise control. These features \u2013 among other things \u2013 make up the Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA) system, which is only found on the Ativa at the moment. The fact that it will also be available on the Myvi is\u2026well, quite a big deal.\n\n\nOh, take note of the \u201cPWR\u201d button on the lower right of the steering wheel too. This is the same button found on the Ativa to get extra responsiveness from the CVT gearbox, giving further credence to the rumour that the Myvi will feature the same transmission.\n\n\nSpy shots of the 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift\n\n\nNo word yet on exactly when the 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift will make its official debut, though it\u2019s been confirmed to retail from RM45,700 to RM58,800 in Malaysia. You can also place a booking for the new Myvi at Perodua showrooms nationwide or online \nright here\n.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nSpy Shot: 2022 Perodua Myvi Facelift Spotted on Trailer \u2013 Heading to Showrooms?\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q2-now-releasing-in-end-november-or-early-december-2021/", "title": "Keychron Q2 Now Releasing in End-November or Early December 2021", "body": "\n\nPreviously slated to be launched by the end of this month, the \nKeychron Q2\n\u2018s release date has been slightly pushed back. Now, it\u2019s \nset to hit the market\n either at the end of November or early December 2021.\n\n\nUnlike \nthe Q1\n, there will be no pre-order of the Q2. Instead, the 65% keyboard will be sold as an in-stock product, so you won\u2019t have to wait for months on end to receive the keyboard. However, it remains to be seen if the knob version of the Q2 will also be sold at the same time.\n\n\n\n\nAs you can see in the product shot above, the Q2 will come with double shot PBT keycaps in OSA profile too; quite a change over the OEM profile of the Q1\u2019s stock keycaps. It\u2019s worth noting that Keychron\u2019s OSA keycaps look to be different from \nexisting OSA keycaps\n \u2013 these keycaps seem to have more rounded corners.\n\n\nJust like the Q1, the Q2 is a gasket-mounted keyboard with a hotswap PCB. It also features a CNC aluminium case, an aluminium plate, and support for screw-in stabilisers. The fully assembled model will come with three choices of Gateron switches as well: Brown (tactile), Red (linear), or Blue (clicky).\n\n\n\n\nSo how much will the Keychron Q2 cost? According to Keychron, it will be priced similarly to the Q1 \u2013 which starts at $149 (about RM620) \u2013 despite the fact that it\u2019s a smaller keyboard. Anyway, you can register your interest for the Q2 \nright here\n ahead of its estimated launch by the end of this month or early December 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q3-q4-keyboards-confirmed-tkl-60-layouts-january-2022-launch/", "title": "Keychron Q3 & Q4 Keyboards Confirmed: TKL & 60% Layouts, January 2022 Launch", "body": "\n\nKeychron\u2019 Q series of keyboards is set to get even bigger in the coming months. Currently, the lineup is made up of the \nQ1\n and \nQ2\n, which are 75% and 65% keyboards respectively. Come next year, the \nQ3 and Q4 keyboards\n \u2013 with TKL and 60% layouts respectively \u2013 will join the series.\n\n\nOut of the two new keyboards, the Q3 TKL keyboard will be released first sometime in January 2022. As for the Q4 60% keyboard, it\u2019s slated to be introduced in March 2022.\n\n\nThe Keychron Q1\n\n\nBeyond confirming the sizes of the Q3 and Q4 keyboards, Keychron did not reveal any other details, though they should be similar to the Q1 and Q2. If this is the case, they will sport a gasket mounting system, a hotswap PCB with VIA support, a full CNC aluminium case, an aluminium plate, as well as support for screw-in stabilisers.\n\n\nEvidently, Keychron is focusing quite a bit on its Q series keyboards, which are meant to appeal to the enthusiast keyboard crowd. The next product in the series to be released is the Q2 \u2013 it\u2019s currently set to hit the market \nby the end of the month or early December 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-grab-the-sony-wf-1000xm4-for-only-rm839/", "title": "Deal: Grab the Sony WF-1000XM4 for Only RM839", "body": "\n\nSony\u2019s latest wireless earbuds, the \nSony WF-1000XM4\n, is arguably one of the best earbuds with active noise cancellation (ANC) right now. On top of that, a couple of retailers are offering a pretty good discount on it too: you can get the WF-1000XM4 \nfor only RM839 now\n.\n\n\nSony Centre Mid Valley\n and \nMSL Digital\n \u2013 both are Shopee Mall retailers \u2013 are currently listing the WF-1000XM4 at merely RM839. Needless to say, this is a \nvery\n good deal; it\u2019s a sizeable \nRM260 discount\n from the original retail price.\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the WF-1000XM4 particularly interesting is its ANC performance, which is said to be best in class by Sony itself. On top of that, even with ANC activated, the XM4 can last up to eight hours on a single charge \u2013 that\u2019s two more hours than its predecessor\u2019s quoted battery life.\n\n\nIn terms of sound quality, the WF-1000XM4 now supports high-resolution audio courtesy of LDAC, so it should be able to deliver better audio quality. On top of that, the\u00a0\nWH-1000XM4\n\u2018s \u201cSpeak-to-Chat\u201d feature has been implemented into these wireless earbuds too. Basically, when you start speaking, it will automatically let in ambient sound.\n\n\nOther noteworthy features of the WF-1000XM4 include IPX4 water resistance \u2013 you can use it for your workouts or in the rain without issue \u2013 as well as a 40% smaller charging case. The case supports wireless charging, and it can fully charge the earbuds twice, giving you effectively 24 hours of battery life in total.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to get the Sony WF-1000XM4 for only RM839, you can do so from \nSony Centre Mid Valley\n and \nMSL Digital\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-ion-zenith-review-almost-worth-the-wait/", "title": "Video: Ion Zenith Review \u2013 ALMOST Worth the Wait", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is the Zenith, designed by Ion Keyboards and manufactured by Rama Works Foundry. As a premium 65% custom keyboard with a unique macro column on the left, it certainly looks (and feels) the part. However, the Zenith also has some shortcomings, including QC that should\u2019ve been better for a keyboard at this price point.\n\n\nDespite the issues I faced with the Zenith, I am still quite happy with it. It has a fantastic, clean, clacky sound profile \u2013 have a listen to our sound test in the video review above! \u2013 it offers a firm (but not overly so) typing experience, and although my unit doesn\u2019t have perfect QC, it still feels very, very premium.\n\n\nDo I regret purchasing the Zenith? Not at all, though the \n15 months wait\n does take away some excitement from the premium keyboard \u2013 in my opinion, anyway. \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-sony-wh-1000xm4-going-for-only-rm934-now/", "title": "Deal: Sony WH-1000XM4 Going for Only RM934 Now", "body": "\n\nThe\u00a0\nSony WH-1000XM4\n, one of the best noise-cancelling wireless headphones in the market now, is more affordable than ever. Originally retailing at RM1,599, you can now get the XM4\u00a0\nfor only RM934\n.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Shopee Mall retailer MSL Digital. It is listing the WH-1000XM4 for RM949, and you can collect a RM15 discount voucher from the retailer to bring down the price\u00a0\nto only RM934\n. Compared to the launch price of the headphones, you\u2019re saving a whopping RM665 with this deal.\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt RM934 for a pair of noise-cancelling wireless headphones of this calibre is a very,\u00a0\nvery\n\u00a0good deal. Not quite convinced? Then check out our\u00a0\nreview of the Sony WH-1000XM4\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-a95-available-for-pre-order-in-malaysia-soon-with-freebies-worth-rm486/", "title": "Oppo A95 Available for Pre-Order in Malaysia Soon With Freebies Worth RM486", "body": "\n\nMalaysian pre-orders of the Oppo A95 is set to go live very soon. Slated to be launched locally this coming Monday on 15 November, those who pre-order the mid-range phone will also get freebies worth RM486.\n\n\nTo get these freebies, you\u2019ll have to pre-order the A95 through the \nOppo Store\n and arrange for a pick-up at an offline Oppo Brand Store. By doing so, you\u2019ll get an Oppo VOOC power bank worth RM229 alongside a six-month extended warranty plan (worth RM49.90).\n\n\nHowever, do note that the VOOC power bank is only available on a specific day \u2013 which has not been revealed yet \u2013 at certain Oppo Brand Stores on a first-come, first-served basis.\n\n\n\n\nAside from the power bank, those who pre-order the A95 can also purchase the Oppo Enco Buds wireless earbuds (worth RM159) for only RM1. If you\u2019re a My Oppo Member, you can also claim a RM50 promo code from the My Oppo App upon your purchase of the phone during the pre-order period.\n\n\nAs for the Oppo A95 instead, only some of its hardware have been revealed, including a sizeable 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging, 128GB of internal storage, and 8GB of RAM. We\u2019ll find out exactly how much the mid-ranger costs in Malaysia once it is launched here next week on 15 November.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q3s-first-render-shown-no-knob/", "title": "Keychron Q3\u2019s First Render Shown \u2013 No Knob?", "body": "\n\nKeychron just released the first-ever render for the Keychron Q3, its \nupcoming TKL keyboard\n. The Q3 is shown with the company\u2019s upcoming OSA keycaps, and curiously, it doesn\u2019t seem to have a knob like the \nQ1\n or Q2 keyboard.\n\n\nThis image of the Q3 was posted by \nNick Xu of Keychron\n on Facebook. In the post, he was asking where would be an ideal position to put a knob on the TKL keyboard. \u201cSome of the comments ask if Q3 will have a knob, but where to put it nicely?\u201d\n\n\n\u201cPlease show me some photo examples. I cannot find a nice way to fit the knob,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, beyond the knob situation, the Q3 should be similar to the Q1. If this is the case, it will be sporting a gasket mounting system, a hotswap PCB with VIA support, a full CNC aluminium case, an aluminium plate, as well as support for screw-in stabilisers.\n\n\nThe Keychron Q3 is expected to go on sale \nsometime in January 2022\n, followed by the Q4 \u2013 it has a 60% layout instead \u2013 in March 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-50-lite-launching-in-malaysia-25-november/", "title": "Honor 50 Lite Launching in Malaysia 25 November", "body": "\n\nHonor is set to launch yet another phone in Malaysia soon, the Honor 50 Lite. Based on its name, it should be more affordable than the \nHonor 50\n, and the phone will be launched on our shores in the next two weeks on 25 November.\n\n\nOne of the most highlighted features of the 50 Lite (as expected) is the fact that it ships with Google Mobile Services (GMS). Honor phones sold in Malaysia \u2013 prior to the release of the Honor 50 \u2013 did not come with GMS, so they didn\u2019t have access to Google\u2019s range of apps and services, which is really the defining trait of an Android smartphone.\n\n\n\n\nAs for what\u2019s under the hood of the 50 Lite, some of its key hardware have not been revealed yet, though it is said to come with a 6.67-inch display, a quad camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), as well as a 4,300mAh battery with support for 66W fast charging.\n\n\nThe Honor 50 Lite will be launched in Malaysia on 25 November. If this phone catches your fancy, can register your interest for 50 Lite \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ikki68-aurora-returns-budget-custom-keyboard-from-rm570/", "title": "Ikki68 Aurora Returns \u2013 Budget Custom Keyboard From RM570", "body": "\n\nWuque Studio is back with round two of the excellent (and budget-friendly) \nIkki68 Aurora\n 65% custom keyboard. This time around, local vendor \nRebult Keyboards\n is the Malaysian proxy for the keyboard, so you won\u2019t have to pay as much for shipping.\n\n\nThe \nsecond revision of the Ikki68 Aurora\n is largely similar to the first version, though there are some notable changes. The new PCB and plate of the updated Ikki68, for example, now feature a number of flex cuts for a \u201cbouncier\u201d and more flexible typing experience.\n\n\n\n\nIn fact, the new PCB of the Ikki68 Aurora is also thinner at 1.2mm, not to mention the fact that the wireless version (via Bluetooth) also supports VIA now for easy key mapping. Naturally, both the wired and wireless PCBs are hotswap, so if you want a solderable PCB instead, you\u2019ll have to \nget it as an add-on\n.\n\n\nIf you want to add a premium touch to the Ikki68 Aurora, you can get the aluminium top case, which is compatible with the original Ikki68 too. There are also five new colour options: Aurora Fog, Aurora Blue, Aurora Pink, Aurora Clear, and Aurora Snow \u2013 this one has an aluminium top instead of polycarbonate.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Ikki68 Aurora include a customisable gasket mounting system for a softer or firmer typing experience, support for screw-in stabilisers, as well as underglow RGB lighting.\n\n\n\n\nThe new Ikki68 Aurora is now available for pre-order through \nRebult Keyboards\n here in Malaysia from RM570 until 26 November. It will start shipping to customers sometime in April 2022, which is about five months away \u2013 \ndecent lead time for a custom keyboard\n, believe it or not.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/unboxing-hands-on-with-the-gamakay-lk67-keyboard-dagk-rosemary-keycap/", "title": "Unboxing & Hands-On With the GamaKay LK67 Keyboard & DAGK Rosemary Keycap", "body": "\n\nWant to get into the keyboard hobby, but not quite ready to invest too much money on a \u201cproper\u201d custom keyboard? Well, then consider the \nGamaKay LK67 keyboard kit\n. Not only is the kit quite affordable, the LK67 even has a knob \u2013 a feature not many keyboards have.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re intrigued, here\u2019s our unboxing of the LK67 keyboard kit courtesy of Banggood. We also received the \nDAGK Rosemary keycap set\n to pair with the keyboard!\n\n\n\n\nThe packaging of both the GamaKay LK67 and DAGK Rosemary keycap is quite simple. The former is protected reasonably well with some foam and a plastic covering, while the Rosemary keycap set is placed in two foam cutouts in a plain brown box.\n\n\nBundled together with the LK67 are several accessories. These include a braided USB-C cable, a keycap/switch puller combo, and a 2.4GHz dongle. That\u2019s right, the LK67 is a wireless keyboard, and it can connect to a device via the dongle or Bluetooth. Unfortunately, there\u2019s no mention of how long the 2,400mAh battery can last on a single charge.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, the LK67 itself has a plastic case, and it seems to be using a tray mount system with a metal plate of sorts; typical combo of a pre-built keyboard. But what\u2019s not so typical is the hotswap PCB of the LK67, allowing you to experiment with different switches easily without the need to solder them to the keyboard.\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the LK67 features plate-mounted stabilisers as well, which are less desirable than screw-in stabilisers that fit more tightly onto the PCB of a keyboard. That being said, the LK67\u2019s plate-mounted stabilisers are\u2026actually quite good.\n\n\n\n\nNot only do these stabilisers sit quite snugly on the plate, they don\u2019t seem to rattle or tick much in my brief test with them. For the sake of context, I tested them with the \nAkko CS Sponge\n tactile switch and the aforementioned DAGK Rosemary keycaps. I\u2019ll pay close attention to how these stabilisers continue to perform as I use the LK67 as my daily driver.\n\n\nAnother neat feature of the LK67 is the knob on the top right of the keyboard. While it doesn\u2019t feel particularly solid \u2013 there\u2019s quite a bit of wobble \u2013 it does work as intended. I can easily control the volume with the knob, and I can even click on it to pause and play media.\n\n\nOh, there are also a boatload of RGB lighting throughout the keyboard, though I find myself disabling them.\n\n\n\n\nSo\u2026how does the LK67 feel like to type on? Well, it\u2019s reasonably good for the price. Because this is a tray-mounted keyboard, it does offer a firm, stiff typing experience. If this is exactly what you look for in a keyboard, then you\u2019ll be happy with the LK67 \u2013 it\u2019s all about preference.\n\n\nWhat about the sound profile of the LK67? I would say it is acceptable (again) for the price. See, the tray mount system transfers quite a bit of typing vibration to the case, so it has the typical \u201cplasticky\u201d sound signature of a pre-built keyboard, unfortunately enough.\n\n\nHowever, with the right configuration of parts, the LK67 definitely has the potential to be \u201cthocky\u201d \u2013 the deep, low-pitch sound profile that is sought-after in the enthusiast keyboard scene. I\u2019ve tried mounting the \nall-nylon Anubis switch\n with the DAGK Rosemary PBT keycap, and it definitely has a deep (albeit still plasticky) sound signature.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of the DAGK Rosemary keycap set, I\u2019m genuinely surprised by how good it is. Made from PBT plastic with a Cherry profile, the keycaps feel and look great. There are enough keys of various sizes to fit most keyboard layouts too, such as the LK67.\n\n\nDesign wise, I\u2019m not a big fan of the font used for the alphas, but the dye-sublimation is respectable with reasonably sharp-looking legends and vibrant colours. I especially like the unique aesthetics of the spacebar; the design is a little busy, yes, but it\u2019s definitely eye-catching.\n\n\n\n\nOkay, so how much does the GamaKay LK67 and DAGK Rosemary keycap set cost? The LK67 keyboard kit (at the time of writing) costs only $59.99, which \ncomes up to about RM250\n. The DAGK Rosemary keycap, on the other hand, is also \ngoing for $59.99 right now\n.\n\n\nWhile the DAGK Rosemary keycaps are not exactly budget-friendly \u2013 though the quality does match the asking price \u2013 the LK67 is certainly an affordable keyboard that can be a great starting point for folks to get into the hobby, especially if you want the practicality of a knob.\n\n\n\n\nI will be putting the GamaKay LK67 through its paces in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for a review of this budget-friendly keyboard right here and \nNextrift\u2019s YouTube channel\n. If you\u2019re keen to purchase the \nLK67 keyboard kit\n or \nDAGK Rosemary keycap set\n, you can get both of them over at \nBanggood\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-2022-perodua-myvi-facelift-spotted-on-trailer-heading-to-showrooms/", "title": "Spy Shot: 2022 Perodua Myvi Facelift Spotted on Trailer \u2013 Heading to Showrooms?", "body": "\n\nThe upcoming \n2022 Perodua Myvi facelift\n has been spotted yet again, this time on a trailer. Chances are, these units are heading to Perodua showrooms ahead of the new Myvi\u2019s official launch.\n\n\nThis video of the Myvi facelift was first shared on The Ajerul\u2019s \nFacebook page\n; it was sent by Amir Zaheen Minhaj. We only got rear and side views of the updated B-segment hatchback in the video, showcasing the new lower bumper \u2013 with a lot more empty space now \u2013 and the same 15-inch alloy wheels as the current model.\n\n\n\n\nSet to \nretail from RM45,700 to RM58,800\n \u2013 which should be without sales tax exemption, given that it\u2019s been extended to 30 June 2022 \u2013 the updated Myvi is slightly more costly now. For the sake of comparison, the current Myvi retails from RM41,292 to RM52,697.\n\n\nNo word yet on exactly when the facelift Myvi will be launched, but given that it is on the way to showrooms already, there\u2019s a good chance the hatchback will be launched in the very near future; perhaps sometime next week.\n\n\nPrevious spy shots of the 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift\n\n\nThe 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift is now open for booking at Perodua showrooms nationwide or online\u00a0\nright here\n. Perodua is also teasing a number of features the updated model will offer, including \nlevel 2 autonomous driving\n.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\n2022 Perodua Myvi Facelift Now Open for Booking \u2013 From RM45,700 to RM58,800\n\n\n2022 Perodua Myvi Facelift Getting Level 2 Autonomous Driving?\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-pro-i-open-for-pre-order-in-malaysia-for-rm7199/", "title": "Sony Xperia Pro-I Open for Pre-Order in Malaysia for RM7,199", "body": "\n\nSony Malaysia just opened pre-orders for its latest flagship smartphone, the \nSony Xperia Pro-I\n. If you want a high-end phone with very promising camera performance, the Xperia Pro-I may tickle your fancy.\n\n\nFirst spotted by \nAmanz\n, as many as \nthree different bundles\n are offered for the Xperia Pro-I: there\u2019s the phone itself for RM7,199, a vlog monitor bundle for RM7,718, and the \u201cComplete Creator\u2019s Kit\u201d bundle, which includes the vlog monitor, shooting grip, and lavalier microphone for RM8,028.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, Sony is not just positioning the Xperia Pro-I as a smartphone: it\u2019s also touted as \u201can exciting addition to Sony\u2019s camera line-up\u201d by the Japanese company, given that its 12MP primary camera is packed with a 1.0-type Exmor RS sensor. This is similar to the sensor found in Sony\u2019s well-loved RX100 VII camera.\n\n\nBeyond the impressive 12MP primary shooter, the Xperia Pro-I is\u2026basically based on the\u00a0\nXperia 1 III\n, though it doesn\u2019t get the variable telephoto lens. Instead, it features a 12MP telephoto lens with a 50mm focal length and a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xperia Pro-I include a sharp and vibrant 120Hz 6.5-inch 4K OLED screen, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset paired with 12GB of RAM, 512GB of expandable storage, an 8MP selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery, and an IP65/IP68 rating.\n\n\n\n\nThe Sony Xperia Pro-I is now \navailable for pre-order in Malaysia\n until 15 December 2021. Every pre-order of any three bundles will also be offered with a complimentary 256GB microSD card.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-perodua-myvi-facelift-launching-on-18-november/", "title": "2022 Perodua Myvi Facelift Launching on 18 November", "body": "\n\nHere it is: after numerous teasers and spy shots, the 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift is finally launching this Thursday on 18 November. Sporting \nnew \nlooks\n and \nlevel 2 autonomous driving\n, the new B-segment hatchback is shaping up to be quite an exciting upgrade.\n\n\nThis was confirmed by Perodua itself on its social media pages. The online launch will be taking place on four platforms this Thursday at 9PM, including \nYouTube\n and \nFacebook\n.\n\n\n\n\nBe among the first to know. This Thursday we will unveil The Next Standard. Save the date! \n#Perodua\n \n#NewMyvi\n \n#NextStandard\n \npic.twitter.com/cF1ex55iFx\n\u2014 Perodua (@perodua) \nNovember 15, 2021\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the facelifted Myvi is expected to feature level 2 autonomous driving, thanks to a teaser posted by Perodua \nright here\n. The steering wheel of the new hatchback has buttons for Lane Keep Control (LKC) and adaptive cruise control, which make up the Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA) system.\n\n\nThe fact that PSDA is available on the new Myvi is quite a big deal, given that there are no other models in the market now with such a feature at this price point. To recap, the facelifted Myvi is set to\u00a0\nretail from RM45,700 to RM58,800\n; slightly more costly than the current model\u2019s range \u2013 RM41,292 to RM52,697 \u2013 but it does come with a number of upgrades.\n\n\nSpy shots of the 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift\n\n\nThe 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift will debut this Thursday on 18 November at 9PM. You can catch the online launch of the new hatchback on Perodua\u2019s \nYouTube channel\n or \nFacebook page\n. The New Myvi is also open for booking at Perodua showrooms nationwide right now or online\u00a0\nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/more-2022-perodua-myvi-facelift-teasers-shown-red-seats-new-bumpers/", "title": "More 2022 Perodua Myvi Facelift Teasers Shown \u2013 Red Seats, New Bumpers", "body": "\n\nPerodua is building anticipation for the \n2022 Perodua Myvi facelift\n with more teasers. Set to be launched this Thursday on 18 November, the national carmaker revealed the new interior and bumpers of the upcoming B-segment hatchback.\n\n\nAs \nprevious spy shots\n have shown, the facelifted Myvi will feature new front and rear bumpers. The updated front end is similar in design to the Ativa and Aruz, but more importantly, the hatchback also gets vertical DRLs now \u2013 a feature many, many folks have been asking for.\n\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ve seen most of the exterior of the new Myvi, but not much of the interior, until now. Not only does the facelifted model have new leather seats with red highlights \u2013 which look quite plush and comfortable too \u2013 it also has a redesigned instrument cluster (finished in red as well) and steering wheel with some \ninteresting buttons for level 2 autonomous driving\n.\n\n\nThe fact that the facelifted Myvi will sport this feature at this price point is a big deal. To put this into context, the updated hatchback is set to\u00a0\nretail from RM45,700 to RM58,800\n. Slightly more costly than the current model\u2019s range \u2013 RM41,292 to RM52,697 \u2013 but you are getting quite a number of noteworthy upgrades.\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift will debut this Thursday on 18 November at 9PM. You can catch the online launch of the new hatchback on Perodua\u2019s \nYouTube channel\n or \nFacebook page\n. The New Myvi is also open for booking at Perodua showrooms nationwide right now or online\u00a0\nhere\n. \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-2-3-arrives-24-november-with-arataki-itto-gorou/", "title": "Genshin Impact 2.3 Arrives 24 November With Arataki Itto & Gorou", "body": "\n\nGenshin Impact\n Version 2.3 is coming next week on 24 November. As usual, we\u2019re getting a number of new events and characters, including Arataki Itto and Gorou \u2013 two Geo characters that were \npreviously teased by Mihoyo\n.\n\n\nItto is a 5-star character that wields a claymore, and his event wish will be in the second phase of Genshin Impact 2.3 alongside Gorou, a 4-star bow character. The first phase, on the other hand, is a first for Genshin Impact: both Albedo and Eula will be getting their own event wishes \nsimultaneously\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, there will also be a new story quest that focuses quite a bit on these two characters in Version 2.3 of Genshin Impact. As shown in the trailer above, it appears Albedo and Eula \u2013 alongside a number of other characters, such as Bennett and Amber \u2013 are in some sort of conflict; very intriguing.\n\n\nOther new additions to Genshin Impact 2.3 include a new boss (Golden Wolflord), Hangout Events for Gorou and Beidou, as well as a new 4-star sword (Cinnabar Spindle) that players can get for free by just participating in the \u201cShadows Amidst Snowstorms\u201d event.\n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact Version 2.3 will drop next week on 24 November. Once the update is live, Albedo\u2019s and Eula\u2019s event wishes will be available first, followed by Arataki Itto and Gorou at a later date.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-introduces-2-simultaneous-character-banners-in-version-2-3/", "title": "Genshin Impact Introduces 2 Simultaneous Character Banners in Version 2.3", "body": "\n\nNow this is quite interesting: Mihoyo will be running two character banners \nsimultaneously \nin \nGenshin Impact\n (from time to time), beginning with Version 2.3 next week. Once the update is live on \n24 November\n, you can wish for two different 5-star characters \u2013 a first for the game.\n\n\nDubbed Character Event Wish-2, Albedo and Eula will kick off the new format. If you\u2019re wondering, yes, only previously released 5-star characters will be featured in this new wish type. Naturally, pity is shared between the two banners, and the wish guarantee count \nwill\n carry over to future character banners too.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, it remains to be seen if Albedo and Eula will get their own separate event wishes with different featured 4-star characters. If this is the case, which 4-star characters are paired with them will affect how compelling their banners will be, even if most folks will be aiming to get the 5-star characters themselves.\n\n\nNonetheless, we\u2019ll find out more come next week when Albedo\u2019s and Eula\u2019s event wishes are officially revealed. Based on previous banner announcements, we expect their event wishes to be announced as early as next Monday on 22 November \u2013 two days before Genshin Impact\u2019s Version 2.3 update drops on 24 November.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q3-to-retail-from-149-more-details-revealed/", "title": "Keychron Q3 to Retail From $149 \u2013 More Details Revealed", "body": "\n\nKeychron revealed quite a number of new information on its upcoming TKL keyboard, the \nKeychron Q3\n. Its pricing, for one, has been confirmed to start at $149 (about RM620) for the barebone kit, or $169 (approximately RM705) for the fully assembled version.\n\n\nIf you recall, these are the exact same prices for the \nKeychron Q1\n, which is a slightly smaller 75% keyboard. Aside from that, most of the Q3\u2019s specifications seem to mirror the Q1 too, including a gasket mounting system, full aluminium body, VIA-compatible hotswap PCB, and support for screw-in stabilisers.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the Q3 does have a couple of unique features, including a TKL layout (naturally) and a force case/top break mod \u2013 as \ndescribed by Keychron\n \u2013 which is said to be a silicone between the top and bottom case. In theory, this should reduce case ping, which is one of the biggest shortcomings of the Q1.\n\n\nAt the moment, the Keychron Q3 is expected to be available sometime in Q1 2022, though it was previously estimated to go on sale in January 2022. If you\u2019re looking to get a reasonably affordable TKL keyboard with some features only typically found on a custom board, the Q3 may be worth waiting for.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-a95-with-5000mah-battery-sleek-design-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm1099/", "title": "Oppo A95 With 5,000mAh battery & Sleek Design Lands in Malaysia for RM1,099", "body": "\n\nThe affordable Oppo A95 has just been launched in Malaysia. If you\u2019re looking for a budget-friendly phone with a sizeable battery capacity in a sleek-looking design, the A95 is worth considering.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the A95 is offered for the Malaysian market. Sporting 128GB of expandable storage with 8GB of RAM, this mid-range phone costs only RM1,099. those who pre-order the mid-range phone through the\u00a0\nOppo Store\n\u00a0\u2013 and arrange for a pick-up at an offline Oppo Brand Store \u2013 until 19 November will also get \nfreebies worth RM486\n.\n\n\n\n\nHardware wise, the A95 is a textbook mid-range phone. It features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset, a 6.43-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED display, a triple camera system (48MP primary + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), a 16MP selfie camera, and a generous 5,000mAh battery \u2013 in a reasonably slim 7.95mm chassis \u2013 with support for 33W fast charging.\n\n\nThe Oppo A95 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 19 November for RM1,099; it will hit store shelves the next day on 20 November. You can place your pre-order for the A95 over at the \nOppo Store\n, \nShopee\n, or even \nLazada\n right now.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/confirmed-2022-perodua-myvi-facelift-getting-level-2-autonomous-driving/", "title": "Confirmed: 2022 Perodua Myvi Facelift Getting Level 2 Autonomous Driving", "body": "\n\nTwo more days until the 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift debuts, and as usual, the national carmaker continues to drop teasers for the refreshed B-segment hatchback. This time around, Perodua is teasing the level 2 autonomous driving capability of the new Myvi.\n\n\nDubbed Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA) system, the teaser video below shows the Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) feature in action. As soon as the new Myvi starts drifting to another lane, the system automatically keeps the car back in the middle of the lane.\n\n\n\n\nThe Next Standard is coming. Built for those who value peace of mind above all. Book now at any authorised Perodua showroom or online: \nhttps://t.co/7o1neCq9gi\n#NewMyvi\n \n#NextStandard\n \n#IntelligentSafety\n \npic.twitter.com/yCNVlysqNW\n\u2014 Perodua (@perodua) \nNovember 16, 2021\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs the PSDA system was highlighted in the video, it\u2019s likely that the updated Myvi will sport other features that make up the system. These include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Control (LKC), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Pre-Collision Braking, and even Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB).\n\n\nThe fact that the facelifted Myvi will sport PSDA at this price point is a big deal. To put this into context, the updated hatchback is set to\u00a0\nretail from RM45,700 to RM58,800\n. Slightly more costly than the current model\u2019s range \u2013 RM41,292 to RM52,697 \u2013 but you are getting quite a number of noteworthy upgrades.\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift will debut this Thursday on 18 November at 9PM. You can catch the online launch of the new hatchback on Perodua\u2019s \nYouTube channel\n or \nFacebook page\n. The New Myvi is also open for booking at Perodua showrooms nationwide right now or online\u00a0\nhere\n. \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-has-plans-for-ev-phev-hybrid-models-proton-edar-ceo/", "title": "Proton Has Plans for EV, PHEV & Hybrid Models \u2013 Proton Edar CEO", "body": "\n\nNow this is quite interesting. The CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah, just revealed that Proton has plans to introduce EV, plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV), and hybrid cars in the future. However, no specific timeline was given, unfortunately enough.\n\n\nThis was revealed in an interview between Roslan and \nThe Star\n. Speaking on the \ntax incentives for EVs\n tabled in Budget 2022, he said it will help to drive the adoption rate of EVs in Malaysia, as well as encouraging the introduction of more EVs in the local market.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cProton has a planned roadmap towards introducing hybrid, plug-in hybrid vehicles, and EVs \u2013 so perhaps this development can help to push our plans forward,\u201d he said.\n\n\nHowever, Roslan added that the EV sector in Malaysia still has a long way to go. \u201cThe building of a charging infrastructure to help support larger numbers of EVs is a considerable obstacle that needs to be overcome.\u201d\n\n\nNonetheless, the prospect of a Proton EV, PHEV, or hybrid is certainly an interesting proposition. Thanks to its partnership with Geely, the national carmaker certainly has the ability to produce such vehicles \u2013 here\u2019s hoping it will be sooner rather than later.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/akko-mod-007-now-available-gasket-mount-75-keyboard-with-knob-for-rm625/", "title": "Akko MOD 007 Now Available \u2013 Gasket-Mount 75% Keyboard (With Knob) for RM625", "body": "\n\nHere\u2019s yet another affordable gasket-mounted aluminium keyboard from Akko; this time in a 75% form factor. Enter the Akko MOD 007, which is now available for purchase on \nShopee Malaysia\n.\n\n\nHowever, only the MOD 007 in Sakura Pink is offered at the moment \nfor RM624.99 on Shopee\n. The other three colour options (Dark Night, Ocean Blue, Space Grey), will only be available at a later date, though you can pre-order them over at \nAkko\u2019s online store for $149.99\n (about RM625).\n\n\n\n\nJust like the \nMOD 005\n, the MOD 007 is a gasket-mounted keyboard, though it uses a 75% layout instead with a knob at the top right. Other features of the MOD 007 are similar to the MOD 005, including a CNC aluminium case, an aluminium plate\u00a0\nand\n\u00a0an extra FR4 plate, a coiled cable, and support for both screw-in and plate-mounted stabilisers.\n\n\nThe Akko MOD 007 (in Sakura Pink) is now available for purchase \nthrough Shopee Malaysia for RM624.99\n. Other colour options will be available soon, but if you want to secure a pre-order, you can do so over at \nAkko\u2019s online store\n for $149.99.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-oppo-a95-is-a-surprisingly-good-mid-ranger-for-rm1099/", "title": "The Oppo A95 Is a Surprisingly Good Mid-Ranger for RM1,099", "body": "\n\nFor most folks, shopping for an affordable Android smartphone is about finding the best hardware for the money; this is the strategy I usually employ, anyway. However, sometimes it\u2019s not all about hardware \u2013 it\u2019s important for a device to be good in other aspects too, especially in the software department.\n\n\nAnd that is one area (among others) where the Oppo A95 particularly excels in. Not only does it offer a good software experience, it is also quite a well-rounded mid-range phone. Of course, it does fall short in some regards, but for the most part, the A95 is a solid phone for the money.\n\n\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about the hardware of the A95. It features a 6.43-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, a triple camera system (48MP primary + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), and a 16MP selfie camera.\n\n\nThese specifications are par for the course for a mid-ranger, but what I find particularly interesting about the Oppo A95 is its generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging. See, despite this sizeable battery \u2013 which should provide above average battery life \u2013 the A95 is still quite a slim phone, measuring 7.95mm thin. Tipping the scales at 175g, it\u2019s quite lightweight too.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, I do like how the A95 feels in my hands. Despite its frame and back panel being made out of plastic, it still has solid build quality. While I wouldn\u2019t say the phone is premium by any means, it definitely doesn\u2019t feel \u201ccheap,\u201d which is always a good thing in my book.\n\n\n\n\nThe software experience of the A95 is one of my favourite aspects of the phone. Unlike the software of most Chinese phones \u2013 \nespecially Xiaomi\n \u2013 ColorOS 11.1 feels polished (despite the bloatware) and intuitive to use. I\u2019m especially fond of the always on display: it looks sleek \nand\n functional.\n\n\nSpeaking of display, the A95\u2019s Full HD+ AMOLED panel looks great too. It offers vibrant colours, deep, true blacks, and wide viewing angles; inherent characteristics of an AMOLED screen, basically. Sure, it\u2019s \u201cjust\u201d a 60Hz display, but I\u2019ll take an AMOLED panel over, say, an LCD screen with a higher refresh rate for a superior viewing experience.\n\n\n\n\nWhile we\u2019re still talking about the display of the Oppo A95, the in-screen fingerprint sensor of this phone is worth a mention as well. Though it\u2019s not the quickest one I\u2019ve come across, the optical sensor can still recognise my fingerprint fairly quickly and accurately. Not something that can be said of many other phones with a similar sensor at this price point.\n\n\nOne area where the A95 is a little lacklustre compared to its competition is the chipset powering the phone: a Snapdragon 662. While it\u2019s not exactly a \u201cbad\u201d chip per se, it certainly doesn\u2019t match the RM1,099 price tag of the phone.\n\n\nAfter all, you can get the \nSnapdragon 860-powered Poco X3 Pro\n for \nRM100 less\n. Yes, this markedly more powerful phone costs only RM999.\n\n\n\n\nBut of course, there\u2019s more to a phone than just raw performance, and it\u2019s not like the Oppo A95 is a slow phone. Granted, it does feel a little sluggish when I\u2019m switch between multiple apps on the phone, but it still feels fast enough for everyday use. I can even play PUBG Mobile reasonably smoothly with the A95.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the camera performance of the A95, which is\u2026a mixed bag. For the most part, the triple camera system headlined by the 48MP main camera can take good-looking shots, but this is only the case under ideal lighting. Once the sun goes down, so does the camera performance of the phone.\n\n\n48MP primary\n48MP primary\n48MP primary (2x zoom)\n48MP primary (5x zoom)\n\n\nAs you can see in the sample images above, the detail preservation of the A95\u2019s camera in low light conditions are not great; this is especially evident in the trees. The phone can also do 2x and 5x zoom, but this is done through digital zoom only \u2013 the A95 doesn\u2019t have a telephoto lens.\n\n\nAnd that\u2019s the other shortcoming of the A95. Despite the fact that it has three camera sensors (48MP primary + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), they\u2019re not as versatile as an ultra-wide angle lens or telephoto shooter. The 2MP macro camera does enable you to take close-up shots more effectively, but in terms of practicality, an ultra-wide angle sensor would\u2019ve been better.\n\n\n48MP primary\n2MP macro\n\n\nAll things considered, the Oppo A95 doesn\u2019t offer the best value for money when it comes to raw performance, and its camera system isn\u2019t the most versatile either. But what the A95 excels in is a refined software experience, a large battery capacity, good quality AMOLED display, and a sleek-looking design in a thin, lightweight chassis.\n\n\nIf these are the qualities that you look for in a smartphone, then the A95 is definitely worth considering. It may not immediately wow folks with its modest spec sheet or RM1,099 price tag, but once you start using the phone and get a feel for the refined software experience, you may be surprised by this mid-ranger.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-perodua-myvi-facelift-received-over-3000-bookings-in-a-week/", "title": "2022 Perodua Myvi Facelift Received Over 3,000 Bookings in a Week", "body": "\n\nBookings for the \n2022 Perodua Myvi facelift\n were only opened last week on 9 November, and in a span of just one week, over 3,000 bookings for the refreshed B-segment hatchback have already been made \u2013 that\u2019s quite impressive.\n\n\nThis was revealed by the CEO and President of Perodua himself, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad, in an report by \nAstro Awani\n. Given the amount of upgrades the new Myvi is set to receive \u2013 and the fact that it is one of the most popular cars on Malaysian roads \u2013 it\u2019s no surprise that the hatchback is so well-received.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the most highlighted new features of the facelifted Myvi is its \nPerodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA) system\n, which is essentially level 2 semi-autonomous driving. This means the PSDA can control the steering and throttle input of the car in certain situations, such as highway driving.\n\n\nThe fact that the updated Myvi will sport this driver assistance system at this price point is a big deal. To put this into context, the updated hatchback is set to\u00a0\nretail from RM45,700 to RM58,800\n. Slightly more costly than the current model\u2019s range \u2013 RM41,292 to RM52,697 \u2013 but you are getting quite a number of noteworthy upgrades.\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift will debut tomorrow on 18 November at 9PM. You can catch the online launch of the new hatchback on Perodua\u2019s\u00a0\nYouTube channel\n\u00a0or\u00a0\nFacebook page\n. The New Myvi is also open for booking at Perodua showrooms nationwide right now or online\u00a0\nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/18-24-november-fuel-price-all-prices-maintain/", "title": "18 \u2013 24 November Fuel Price: All Prices Maintain", "body": "\n\nAfter going up week after week, the price of RON 97 is finally set to remain this time around. Not surprisingly, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained too, given that their price ceilings have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 for the next seven days is set at RM3.08 per litre. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 18 to 24 November. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates! \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-2022-perodua-myvi-facelift-arrives-at-showrooms-ahead-of-launch/", "title": "Spy Shot: 2022 Perodua Myvi Facelift Arrives at Showrooms Ahead of Launch", "body": "\n\nThe \n2022 Perodua Myvi facelift\n will be launched tomorrow on 18 November, and it appears several units of the refreshed B-segment hatchback have arrived at a couple of showrooms. This gives us a closer look at the actual unit of the new Myvi.\n\n\nThese images come from \nOptizorb\n on Lowyat.NET\u2019s forum and the \nPahang Darul Makmur\u2019s Facebook page\n. The Electric Blue model shown on the trailer looks to be the H variant, which is positioned just below the range-topping AV model. You can see the new front and rear bumpers of the hatchback in these shots, along with the blacked-out side mirrors.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the most highlighted new features of the facelifted Myvi is its\u00a0\nPerodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA) system\n, which is essentially level 2 semi-autonomous driving. This means the PSDA can control the steering and throttle input of the car in certain situations, such as highway driving.\n\n\nThe fact that the updated Myvi will sport this driver assistance system at this price point is a big deal. To put this into context, the updated hatchback is set to\u00a0\nretail from RM45,700 to RM58,800\n. Slightly more costly than the current model\u2019s range \u2013 RM41,292 to RM52,697 \u2013 but you are getting quite a number of noteworthy upgrades.\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift will debut tomorrow on 18 November at 9PM. You can catch the online launch of the new hatchback on Perodua\u2019s\u00a0\nYouTube channel\n\u00a0or\u00a0\nFacebook page\n. The New Myvi is also open for booking at Perodua showrooms nationwide right now or online\u00a0\nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/astrazeneca-booster-shot-to-be-given-6-months-after-2nd-dose/", "title": "AstraZeneca Booster Shot to Be Given 6 Months After 2nd Dose", "body": "\n\nThe Ministry of Health (MOH) finally shed some light on COVID-19 booster shots for those who received the AstraZeneca vaccine. The National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) has given the green light to administering the AstraZeneca vaccine as a booster shot to recipients of the same vaccine type.\n\n\nThis booster shot will be given to individuals above 18 years old six months after their second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, but do note that certain groups (such as frontliners) will be given priority. More details on this will be revealed by the COVID-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) from time to time.\n\n\n\n\nKenyataan Akhbar Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia \nKeputusan Mesyuarat Pihak Berkuasa Kawalan Dadah Kali Ke-366 Berkenaan Pendaftaran Vaksin COVID-19 \npic.twitter.com/EmUtp4Crz0\n\u2014 KKMalaysia\ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe (@KKMPutrajaya) \nNovember 17, 2021\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, MOH also announced that Sinovac recipients can get the same type of vaccine (Sinovac) as a booster shot. The jab will be given between three to six months after the second dose, though the CITF has yet to reveal who will be prioritised for the booster shot.\n\n\nAs previously revealed\n, you won\u2019t need to apply to get a COVID-19 booster shot if you\u2019re eligible; you will be notified of any appointment through the \nMySejahtera app\n. Depending on where you\u2019re located, the booster will be given at a clinic or hospital.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-perodua-myvi-facelift-spec-sheet-leaks-d-cvt-confirmed/", "title": "2022 Perodua Myvi Facelift Spec Sheet Leaks \u2013 D-CVT Confirmed?", "body": "\n\nSeems like we\u2019re getting a few notable leaks regarding the \n2022 Perodua Myvi facelift\n ahead of its launch tomorrow. This time around, it\u2019s an alleged spec sheet of the new B-segment hatchback, which confirms the use of D-CVT \u2013 the same transmission found in the \nPerodua Ativa\n.\n\n\nThis supposed spec sheet of the Myvi facelift was shared by \nOptizorb\n\u00a0on Lowyat.NET\u2019s forum. Thanks to the new D-CVT gearbox, the quoted fuel consumption of the hatchback improved slightly. The 1.3L models have an impressive figure of 22.2km per litre, while the more powerful 1.5L variants can do 21.1km per litre; still quite respectable.\n\n\n\n\nAs expected, DRLs on the new Myvi are reserved for the higher-end H and AV trims, while the latter gets all the bells and whistles. These include the full suite of Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA), reverse camera, leather seats, and even an integrated dashcam.\n\n\nOf course, given that this alleged spec sheet of the facelifted Myvi did not come directly from Perodua, there is a chance it is inaccurate. Nonetheless, it certainly lines up with expectations, so we wouldn\u2019t be surprised if this is the finalised spec sheet.\n\n\nPrevious spy shot of the 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift\n\n\nThe 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift will debut tomorrow on 18 November at 9PM. You can catch the online launch of the new hatchback on Perodua\u2019s\u00a0\nYouTube channel\n\u00a0or\u00a0\nFacebook page\n. The New Myvi is also open for booking at Perodua showrooms nationwide right now or online\u00a0\nhere\n \u2013 it is priced from \nRM45,700 to RM58,800\n.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\n2022 Perodua Myvi Facelift Official \u2013 RM46k to RM59k, Level 2 Autonomous, D-CVT\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-perodua-myvi-facelift-pricing-leaks-only-rm2200-difference-between-1-3l-1-5l-models/", "title": "2022 Perodua Myvi Facelift Pricing Leaks \u2013 Only RM2,200 Difference Between 1.3L & 1.5L Models?", "body": "\n\nHere\u2019s yet another leak on the \n2022 Perodua Myvi facelift\n! While Perodua has revealed the price range of the upcoming B-segment hatchback, there was no specific breakdown; until now. If this leaked price list is accurate, there\u2019s only a RM2,200 difference between the 1.3L and 1.5L models.\n\n\nJust like the \nleaked spec sheet\n, this alleged price list of the facelifted Myvi comes from \nOptizorb on Lowyat.NET\u2019s forum\n. According to the list, the most affordable 1.5L G base model costs RM45,700, while the same trim with ASA 3.0 (AEB, basically) costs RM47,700. You\u2019re effectively paying RM2,000 more to get the safety feature.\n\n\n\n\nMoving up the price list is the 1.5L X variant, which costs RM49,900, followed by the 1.5L H model for RM53,900. Last but certainly not least is the 1.5L AV trim; this range-topping Myvi facelift with all the bells and whistles costs RM58,800. It is also the only model to get the full Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA) system.\n\n\nEssentially, PSDA gives the AV variant of the new Myvi level 2 semi-autonomous driving, thanks to the combination of Adaptive Cruise Control (throttle operation) and Lane Keep Control (steering). It remains to be seen how well these two systems would perform on the refreshed Myvi, though they should be good enough to meet the requirements of level 2 semi-autonomous driving.\n\n\nThe 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift at an unspecified showroom\n\n\nGiven that this price list did not come from Perodua itself, there is a chance it is inaccurate; we\u2019ll only know for sure once the 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift debuts tomorrow on 18 November at 9PM. You can catch the online launch of the new hatchback on Perodua\u2019s\u00a0\nYouTube channel\n\u00a0or\u00a0\nFacebook page\n.\n\n\nThe updated Myvi is also open for booking at Perodua showrooms nationwide right now or online\u00a0\nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-50-lite-arriving-in-malaysia-25-november-for-rm999/", "title": "Honor 50 Lite Arriving in Malaysia 25 November for RM999", "body": "\n\nHonor Malaysia just revealed more details on its latest affordable smartphone, the \nHonor 50 Lite\n. Set to arrive here next week on 25 November, the budget-friendly phone will retail at RM999 locally.\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the 50 Lite is packed with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM; reasonably generous capacities. Aside from that, this mid-ranger also features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset, a 6.67-inch 2376 x 1080 LCD screen, as well as a 4,300mAh battery with support for 66W fast charging.\n\n\nIn the camera department, this phone sports a quad camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro + 2MP depth) and a 16MP selfie camera.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the most highlighted features of the 50 Lite (as expected) is the fact that it ships with Google Mobile Services (GMS). Honor phones sold in Malaysia \u2013 prior to the release of the Honor 50 \u2013 did not come with GMS, so they didn\u2019t have access to Google\u2019s range of apps and services, which is really the defining trait of an Android smartphone.\n\n\nThe Honor 50 Lite will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 25 November onwards. To sweeten the deal, early birds can get up to RM300 worth of freebies, including a Bluetooth speaker and a Honor-branded backpack.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/new-macbook-pro-with-m1-pro-m1-max-chips-now-in-malaysia-from-rm8799/", "title": "New MacBook Pro With M1 Pro & M1 Max Chips Now in Malaysia From RM8,799", "body": "\n\nApple\u2019s latest \n14-inch\n and \n16-inch MacBook Pro\n models are now available for purchase in Malaysia. Retailing from RM8,799, they certainly carry a premium asking price, though you do get equally premium products.\n\n\nThe 14-inch MacBook Pro is the more \u201caffordable\u201d laptop of the two, \nstarting at RM8,799\n for the M1 Pro configuration with 512GB of storage and 16GB of unified memory. The bigger 16-inch MacBook Pro, on the other hand, \nretails from RM10,799\n for the same configuration.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the biggest upgrades the new MacBook Pro laptops received \u2013 aside from the blazing fast M1 Pro and M1 Max chips \u2013 is the bright and vibrant Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display. Packed with ProMotion, this panel offers up to 120Hz refresh rate for superior motion clarity.\n\n\nThe 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro laptops are now available for purchase on\u00a0\nApple\u2019s Malaysian online store\n. Alternatively, you can also head to your nearest Apple reseller, which should have them in stock now.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/3rd-gen-airpods-now-available-in-malaysia-for-rm829/", "title": "3rd-Gen AirPods Now Available in Malaysia for RM829", "body": "\n\nThe third-generation AirPods with a brand new design \u2013 though they looks very similar to the \nAirPods Pro\n \u2013 are now available here in Malaysia for RM829. What sets the wireless earbuds apart from its predecessor is support for spatial audio, along with a slew of other improvements, such as water resistance.\n\n\nDesign wise, the new AirPods look very much like the Pro model, thanks to the shorter stems. These wireless earbuds also get the same \u201cforce sensor\u201d controls as the AirPods Pro for media control, along with an IPX4 water resistance rating for the earbuds themselves \nand\n the charging case.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the charging case now supports wireless charging as well, and it can stretch the 6 hours battery life of the updated AirPods to 30 hours. As for Spatial Audio, you can enjoy this feature \u2013 much like the AirPods Pro \u2013 in Apple Music and Apple TV (complete with dynamic head tracking) across Apple devices.\n\n\nThe third-generation AirPods are now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM829 on \nApple\u2019s Malaysian online store\n. You can also head to your nearest Apple reseller to get these new wireless earbuds.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/unboxing-magic-the-gathering-crimson-vow-set-booster-fun-to-open/", "title": "Unboxing Magic: The Gathering Crimson Vow Set Booster \u2013 Fun to Open?", "body": "\n\nMagic: The Gathering\u2019s newest set, Innistrad: Crimson Vow, is available today. This set \u2013 which focuses quite a bit on vampires \u2013 continues the trading card game\u2019s Halloween theme introduced in the previous set, Midnight Hunt.\n\n\nTo celebrate the launch of the new set, Wizards of the Coast (WOTC) sent us a Set Booster of Crimson Vow to check out. If you\u2019re interested to pick it up, here\u2019s our unboxing of the Crimson Vow Set Booster!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnlike a normal Draft Booster, a Set Booster is meant to be more \u201cexciting\u201d to crack open. This booster type was introduced just last year with Zendikar Rising, and it\u2019s proven to be quite popular among folks who just enjoy opening booster packs instead of using them for Limited play (Draft or Sealed).\n\n\nSo\u2026what makes a Set Booster more exciting to open? Well, quite a number of things, actually. There is a structure to this (technically) 14-card pack. 12 of them are Magic cards, while the other two are an art card and a token/ad card.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSome of the art cards in the Crimson Vow\u2019s Set Booster\n\n\n\n\nWhen you first crack open a Set Booster, the first card you\u2019ll see is an art card, followed by a \nvery nice-looking\n black and white full-art basic land card for Crimson Vow. If you\u2019re lucky enough, there is a 15% chance that this land card will be foil. Out of 16 packs that we\u2019ve opened so far though, we only managed to get one foil land card.\n\n\nAnyway, after the basic land card, the next six cards will be regular commons and uncommons with some form of \u201cconnection\u201d to each other. Unlike Draft Boosters, you\u2019re only guaranteed one uncommon with a Set Booster, though the other five common cards have a chance to be upgraded to uncommon rarity.\n\n\n\n\nThe content of a single Set Booster\n\n\n\n\nAfter these common and uncommon cards, the 9th card in a Set Booster pack is the \u201chead-turning slot,\u201d as WOTC puts it. This slot is occupied by different cards from one set to another, but for Crimson Vow, it will be a common or uncommon double-faced, hybrid mana, or showcase card \u2013 that is, it has a special frame. \n\n\nThe 10th and 11th slot of a Set Booster is where things can get really interesting. These two slots can be anything from common to \nmythic rare\n cards, depending on your luck. You will also get showcase cards in these slots; we got a pretty sweet-looking Runo Stromkirk in one of the packs.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the 12th slot in a Set Booster pack is a guaranteed rare or mythic rare card, which is no different than the same slot found in Draft Boosters. As for the 13th slot in the pack, it is a guaranteed foil card, and it can be of any rarity \u2013 yes, you can even get a mythic rare foil. We were fortunate enough to get a foil Cultivator Colossus in this slot!\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the 14th slot, which is usually a token/ad card. However, there is a 25% chance it will be a card from \u201cThe List\u201d \u2013 a list of 300 interesting cards from Magic\u2019s past. If a Set Booster pack has such a card, it can be of any rarity.\n\n\n\n\nAn example of a card from The List in the 14th slot\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd\u2026that is basically what a Set Booster is. Its unique structure certainly makes it interesting to crack open, especially with the increased chance of getting a rare or mythic rare card. Oh, also included in the Crimson Vow Set Booster is a Box Topper card.\n\n\nA Box Topper is a single card that\u2019s guaranteed to be a foil rare or mythic rare card with an extended-art. You can also get a Box Topper in a box of Draft Booster; two of them if you get the Collector Booster box. Basically, a Box Topper is extra incentive for players to purchase a whole booster box instead of individual packs.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile we love cracking open Magic packs, we wanted to get some \u201cvalue\u201d out of the Crimson Vow Set Booster, so we played a Winston Draft \u2013 a casual limited play for two players \u2013 with eight packs from the booster. Keep in mind that this isn\u2019t exactly recommended, as a Set Booster is not designed for drafting; that\u2019s what Draft Boosters are made for.\n\n\nNonetheless, even if a Set Booster is not meant for limited play, we still enjoyed building our own decks with it. There are still some fun synergies with Crimson Vow\u2019s new mechanics such as daybound and nightbound, disturb, exploit, cleave, and of course, blood tokens that are generated by vampire cards.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, Innistrad: Crimson Vow looks to be a great addition to Magic: The Gathering. If you\u2019re keen to check out this new set, give your \nnearest hobby shop\n a visit tonight \u2013 it\u2019s Friday Night Magic, after all.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-perodua-myvi-facelift-official-rm46k-to-rm59k-level-2-autonomous-d-cvt/", "title": "2022 Perodua Myvi Facelift Official \u2013 RM46k to RM59k, Level 2 Autonomous, D-CVT", "body": "\n\nAfter a plethora of leaks and teasers, the 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift has finally been unwrapped, and it\u2019s\u2026basically what we\u2019ve expected. The leaked \npricing\n and \nspec sheet\n of the refreshed B-segment hatchback are all accurate, though there are some improvements that weren\u2019t revealed until now, such as better acceleration.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, even though the new Myvi is now sporting a D-CVT gearbox \u2013 the same one found in the \nAtiva\n \u2013 the 0-100km/h acceleration of the hatchback has actually improved by 20%. It takes 11.5 seconds for the 1.3L models to do the century sprint, and 10.2 seconds for the 1.5L variants.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the facelifted Myvi soldiers on with the same 1.3L (94hp/121Nm) and 1.5L (102hp/136Nm) engines. Thanks to the new D-CVT gearbox, fuel efficiency has been improved too: the 1.3L models have an impressive figure of 22.2km per litre, while the more powerful 1.5L variants can do 21.1km per litre, which is still quite respectable.\n\n\nAs for pricing, the most affordable 1.5L G base model costs RM45,700, while the same trim with Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA) goes for RM47,700. PSDA, in this case, is made up of Pre-Collision Warning, Pre-Collision Braking, Pedal Misoperation Control, Front Departure Alert, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP).\n\n\n\n\nMoving up the price range is the 1.5L X variant, which costs RM49,900, followed by the 1.5L H model for RM53,900. Last but certainly not least is the 1.5L AV trim; this range-topping Myvi facelift with all the bells and whistles costs RM58,800. It is also the only model to get the \nfull \nPSDA system.\n\n\nOn top of the safety features mentioned above, the AV trim\u2019s PSDA system adds on Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Control (LKC), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), as well as a reverse camera.\n\n\nThanks to the addition of ACC (throttle operation) and LKC (steering), the AV Myvi meets the criteria for level 2 semi-autonomous driving \u2013 a feature that\u2019s unheard of at this price point.\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift is now open for booking at Perodua showrooms nationwide; you can also place a booking online\u00a0\nright here\n. Deliveries of the popular hatchback is set to start today, but with \nover 3,000 bookings already made\n, you may want to place your order soon to secure a unit.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-black-friday-2021-sale-offers-discounts-on-ps5-ps4-games-ps-plus-subscription/", "title": "PlayStation Black Friday 2021 Sale Offers Discounts on PS5, PS4 Games, PS Plus Subscription", "body": "\n\nPlayStation\u2019s Black Friday 2021 sale is happening right now until 29 November, offering discounts on quite a number of items. These include physical copies of PS5 and PS4 games, PlayStation Plus subscription, as well as the DualShock 4 controller.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the physical PS5 and PS4 games that are discounted. Three PS5 games are discounted from their original RM299 asking price: Demon\u2019s Souls (RM209), Ghost of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut (RM239), and Final Fantasy VII Remake (RM239).\n\n\n\n\nAs for PS4 games, four of them are discounted, including the PS4 version of Ghost of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut (RM189), Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man: Miles Morales (RM169), NieR Replicant (RM169), and Crash Bandicoot 4: It\u2019s About Time (RM79). Oh, if you need another DualShock 4 controller for your PS4, you can get it for RM179 \u2013 that\u2019s a RM60 discount.\n\n\nAside from that, there\u2019s also a 33% discount on a 12-month PS Plus subscription, so you can get it for only RM106. A number of other PS5 and PS4 titles are also discounted \u2013 up to a whopping 80% \u2013 on the PS Store, such as Resident Evil Village and Far Cry 6. More details on the PlayStation Black Friday sale can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-perodua-myvi-facelift-the-rm59k-av-variant-offers-amazing-value/", "title": "2022 Perodua Myvi Facelift \u2013 The RM59k AV Variant Offers Amazing Value", "body": "\n\nThe highly anticipated 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift is here, and it is the best iteration of the B-segment hatchback yet. After all, the refreshed Myvi has received \nover 4,000 bookings\n in only nine days, and deliveries have already started yesterday.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re thinking of getting the new Myvi, consider going for the range-topping AV variant. It is worth every single sen, and we\u2019ll outline exactly why it offers the best value for your money in this article.\n\n\n\n\nSo\u2026how much does the top-of-the-line AV trim of the 2022 Myvi cost? Well, it is priced at RM58,800, and for that kind of money, you\u2019re getting quite a number of attractive features, including the full suite of Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA) system.\n\n\nThis really is one of the best reasons to get the AV variant. With the full PSDA system, the Myvi AV meets the criteria for level 2 autonomous driving, thanks to the addition of Adaptive Cruise Control (throttle operation) and Lane Keep Control (steering).\n\n\nSee, level 2 autonomous driving at \nthis price point\n is unheard of, and Perodua is rightfully highlighting this particular aspect of the new Myvi. \u201cThis is the first time in Malaysian history that a car company is offering a car with autonomous level 2 technology priced under RM60,000,\u201d said the CEO and President of Perodua, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\n\n\n\n\nNow, do keep in mind that other variants of the Myvi \u2013 except for the base 1.3L G model \u2013 are equipped with PSDA too, but it is limited to Pre-Collision Warning, Pre-Collision Braking, Pedal Misoperation Control, Front Departure Alert, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP). Only the AV variant gets ACC and LKC.\n\n\nWhile we\u2019re on the topic of safety, it\u2019s worth noting that the AV and H variants of the updated Myvi \u2013 the two highest-end offerings, naturally \u2013 get six airbags, so that\u2019s another reason to go for the AV (or H) model. The G and X trim levels only get four airbags, omitting the curtain airbags.\n\n\nIn the event of a side impact crash, curtain airbags are essential to protect an occupant\u2019s head. Needless to say, it can literally be a lifesaver, even if the likelihood of a side impact crash is lower than that of a front or rear-end collision.\n\n\n\n\nAside from safety, the Myvi AV is also the only variant to get a number of creature comforts. These include bright red and black leather seats, an integrated dashcam \u2013 so you don\u2019t have to install one on your own \u2013 a reverse camera, and a more pleasant-looking instrument cluster finished in red.\n\n\nGiven that you\u2019re getting all of these upgrades from the H variant (RM53,900) for only RM4,900 more, it\u2019s almost a no-brainer to get this AV trim. Plus, when this price difference is put into a five-year or seven-year loan, it doesn\u2019t increase the monthly commitment too much either.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the facelifted Myvi as a whole, it\u2019s a markedly improved hatchback over its predecessor. It \nfinally\n gets daylight running lights \u2013 though this is limited to the H and AV variants \u2013 5% better fuel efficiency, as well as improved acceleration despite still being powered by the same 1.5L engine that outputs 102hp and 136Nm of torque.\n\n\nThis is thanks to the new D-CVT gearbox of the facelifted Myvi; the very same one found in the \nPerodua Ativa\n. Compared to the previous model, the 0-100km/h acceleration of the hatchback has improved by 20%. It takes only 10.2 seconds for the 1.5L variants to do the century sprint, and 11.5 seconds for the 1.3L models.\n\n\nOh, as for fuel efficiency, the 1.3L variants of the new Myvi can return up to 22.2km per litre, while the more powerful 1.5L models can do 21.1km per litre, which is still quite respectable.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, while I personally believe the range-topping AV variant of the Myvi facelift offers the best value for money, other trim levels of the B-segment hatchback are still worth considering. This is especially the case if the AV\u2019s RM58,800 price tag doesn\u2019t quite fit your budget.\n\n\nIf so, I\u2019d say the Myvi X (RM49,900) is the next best option if you\u2019re looking at sheer value for money. After all, for only RM2,200 more compared to the 1.3L G variant with PSDA, you\u2019re getting a more powerful 1.5L engine, not to mention larger 15-inch alloy wheels and automatic LED headlights.\n\n\nBut is it worth paying extra RM8,900 to upgrade to the AV variant over the X trim? In my opinion, absolutely.\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, the new 2022 Perodua Myvi is a great facelift over the previous model. The extra upgrades definitely justify the higher asking prices, and to get level 2 autonomous driving below the RM60,000 price point \u2013 at least, while the sales tax exemption is still in place \nuntil 30 June 2022\n \u2013 the new Myvi really does offer \nfantastic \nvalue for money.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-perodua-myvi-facelift-received-4303-bookings-in-9-days-6000-monthly-sales-target/", "title": "2022 Perodua Myvi Facelift Received 4,303 Bookings in 9 Days \u2013 6,000 Monthly Sales Target", "body": "\n\nThe \n2022 Perodua Myvi facelift\n is off to a great start. We previously reported that the new B-segment hatchback \nreceived over 3,000 bookings in only one week\n, and Perodua just revealed that the figure currently stands at an impressive 4,303 bookings \u2013 all in only nine days.\n\n\nEvidently, Malaysians don\u2019t mind the fact that the refreshed Myvi is now more costly; it is \npriced from RM45,700 to RM58,800\n. Perodua also expects to register 6,000 units of the refreshed Myvi every month, but judging by the amount of bookings the hatchback have already received, this does seem like a conservative estimate.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cThe Myvi has struck all the right cords with Malaysians and has been widely accepted by the people. This new offering is to ensure that our valued customers are getting the best value as possible,\u201d said the CEO and President of Perodua, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad. \u201cWe are thankful to our customers and to all Malaysians for the support shown to both Perodua and the new Myvi,\u201d he added.\n\n\nThe 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift is now open for booking at Perodua showrooms nationwide; you can also place a booking online\u00a0\nright here\n. Deliveries of the popular hatchback is set to start today, but with over\u00a04,303 bookings to fulfill right now, you may want to place your order soon to secure a unit.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-albedo-eula-double-banner-revealed-with-bennett-rosaria-noelle/", "title": "Genshin Impact Albedo & Eula Double Banner Revealed With Bennett, Rosaria, Noelle", "body": "\n\nGenshin Impact\u2019s first \ndouble banner\n \u2013 featuring Albedo and Eula \u2013 will go live this Wednesday on 24 November, and Mihoyo just revealed the 4-star characters that will be accompanying the two 5-star characters. These include Bennett, Rosaria, and Noelle.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, even though Albedo and Eula will be featured in separate event wishes, they both share the same roster of 4-star characters. Of course, pity is also shared between the two banners, and the wish guarantee count\u00a0\nwill\n\u00a0carry over to future character banners too.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, just like Genshin Impact\u2019s\u00a0\nprevious character\n\u00a0\nevent wishes\n, the \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Albedo, Eula, Bennett, Rosaria, and Noelle will be increased. In the case of Albedo and Eula, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be either of them, depending on which banner you\u2019re wishing. If you got a different character, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be them.\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s pity system for character banners ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character every 90 wishes, you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Albedo or Eula. The same rule applies to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Bennett, Rosaria, or Noelle. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters \u2013 especially Bennett, given that it\u2019s been quite long since he was featured in a banner \u2013 you will likely have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\nAlbedo\u2019s \u201cSecretum Secretorum\u201d and Eula\u2019s \u201cBorn of Ocean Swell\u201d event wishes will go live on Genshin Impact this Wednesday on 24 November right after the \nVersion 2.3 update\n. Their banners will be available until 14 December, so we can expect Arataki Itto\u2019s event wish \u2013 alongside Gorou \u2013 to go live then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-watch-gt-3-lands-in-malaysia-from-rm999/", "title": "Huawei Watch GT 3 Lands in Malaysia From RM999", "body": "\n\nHuawei just launched its latest smartwatch in Malaysia, the Huawei Watch GT 3. Sporting an AMOLED display with reasonably affordable price tags, it\u2019s quite an attractive \u2013 and sleek-looking \u2013 smartwatch.\n\n\nTwo sizes of the Watch GT 3 are available in Malaysia: 42mm and 46mm. Both starts at RM999 for the black strap models, while the leather strap variants cost slightly more at RM1,099. Interestingly, every pre-order of the 46mm model comes with a pair of Huawei FreeLace wireless earphones worth RM379, while the 42mm version comes with a RM200 instant rebate.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Watch GT 3 has a circular AMOLED display with a stainless steel case \u2013 though the rear case is plastic \u2013 for a premium look and feel. It also has a 5 ATM water resistance rating, the ability to monitor blood oxygen level all-day, and up to \n14 days of battery life\n for the 46mm model; seven days for the smaller 42mm variant.\n\n\nThe Huawei Watch GT 3 is now \navailable for pre-order in Malaysia\n until 3 December 2021. To recap, both the 42mm and 46mm models cost RM999 for the regular black strap configuration; the leather strap version costs RM1,099 instead.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-watch-gt-runner-arrives-in-malaysia-for-rm1399/", "title": "Huawei Watch GT Runner Arrives in Malaysia for RM1,399", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nGT Watch 3\n, Huawei also introduced another smartwatch in Malaysia, the Huawei Watch GT Runner. As its name suggests, it is made for runners with a number of features that are catered to these individuals, including Huawei TruSport and Running Ability Index (RAI).\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Watch GT Runner is offered in Malaysia. Retailing at RM1,399, those who pre-order the smartwatch can also get freebies worth RM548, which include a pair of Huawei FreeBuds 3i wireless earbuds and a Huawei Scale 3 weighing scale.\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the GT Runner is made for\u2026well, runners. According to Huawei, the combination of Huawei TruSport and RAI allows the smartwatch to accurately measure \u201cthe wearers\u2019 performance as well as technique based on the heart rate, distance, and other data.\u201d\n\n\nOther specifications of the Watch GT Runner include a 1.43-inch 466 x 466 circular AMOLED display, the ability to monitor blood oxygen level all-day, a 5 ATM water resistance rating, and an impressive battery life of up to 14 days.\n\n\nThe Huawei Watch GT Runner is now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 12 December 2021. To recap, this runner-centric smartwatch retails at RM1,399, and early birds can RM548 worth of freebies.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-unveils-rm2799-laptop-with-oled-screen-in-malaysia/", "title": "Asus Unveils RM2,799 Laptop With OLED Screen in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nOLED displays on laptops are usually reserved for higher-end, more premium offerings, but the Asus VivoBook 15 OLED is not that at all. With a RM2,799 starting price, this is one of the most affordable laptops in the market now with an OLED panel \u2013 that\u2019s quite a big selling point.\n\n\nThree different variants of the VivoBook 15 are offered in Malaysia. The RM2,799 base model features an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor paired with 4GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics.\n\n\n\n\nA tier up is the AMD Ryzen 5 5500U configuration of the VivoBook 15, which costs RM3,199. This variant comes with Radeon integrated graphics with twice the amount of RAM (8GB), though it retains the 512GB SSD. If you want more processing power, you can swap out the processor for a Ryzen 7 5700U chip for RM3,499.\n\n\nOf course, the main highlight of the VivoBook 15 has to be its 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 OLED display. Not only does it offer vibrant colours and deep, true blacks \u2013 inherent characteristics of an OLED panel \u2013 it also has a peak brightness of 600 nits.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus VivoBook 15 is now available for purchase in Malaysia. To recap, the Core i3 model costs RM2,799, while the Ryzen 5 5500U and Ryzen 7 5700U configurations go for RM3,199 and RM3,499 respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-wf-1000xm4-review-amazing-noise-cancellation-even-better-value-now/", "title": "Sony WF-1000XM4 Review: Amazing Noise-Cancellation, Even Better Value Now", "body": "\n\nThe Sony WF-1000XM4 is considered to be one of the best wireless earbuds in the market now, thanks to its amazing active noise cancellation (ANC) performance, audio quality, and long battery life. But at launch, it was priced at RM1,099 for the Malaysian market, which is a little steep.\n\n\nBut now, the WF-1000XM4 is much, much more affordable, making it \nthat\n much more compelling. If you want an excellent pair of wireless earbuds with great value for money, look no further than the XM4.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about the pricing of the WF-1000XM4. At launch, it retailed at RM1,099, but you can easily get it \nfor RM899 now\n \u2013 that\u2019s a substantial RM200 price difference. If you\u2019re a bargain hunter, you can even grab the wireless earbuds for \nas low as RM839\n.\n\n\nPricing aside, the WF-1000XM4 is said to have the best ANC in the market for a pair of wireless earbuds, thanks to the new V1 chip; more on this further down the review. On top of that, even with ANC activated, the XM4 can last up to eight hours on a single charge \u2013 two more hours than its predecessor\u2019s quoted battery life.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of battery life, the charging case of the WF-1000XM4 \u2013 now 40% smaller with support for wireless charging \u2013 can fully charge the earbuds twice, effectively giving you 24 hours of battery life in total. With IPX4 water resistance, you can also use the XM4 for your workouts or in the rain without issue.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with one of the best features of the WF-1000XM4 (in my opinion): its ANC performance. I compared the ANC of these earbuds to the larger \nWH-1000XM4 headphones\n, and I\u2019m pleasantly surprised that both of them are quite comparable to each other in this regard \u2013 that\u2019s a high praise for the WF-1000XM4.\n\n\n\n\nSure, the ANC of the XM4 has the \u201cdeafening\u201d effect, but once I start playing some tunes, this effect is reduced. Audio quality of these earbuds are fantastic too. It offers detailed, punchy bass, clear vocals, and overall, a warm, \u201cfun\u201d sound signature that complements pop music very, very well. In short, these earbuds sound \ngreat\n.\n\n\nAnother winning quality of the WF-1000XM4 is its long battery life. In fact, I can get Sony\u2019s quoted battery life of eight hours effortlessly with the XM4 \nwhile\n ANC is activated; that\u2019s class-leading for a pair of wireless earbuds. With ANC disabled, I reckon the XM4 can last even longer on a single charge.\n\n\n\n\nI also really like the \u201cnoise isolation earbud tips\u201d of the WF-1000XM4, which feels like a cross between silicone and foam material. Not only are they comfortable to wear for long periods of time, they provide a good seal too for even better audio quality. However, the material does feel a little too fragile for my liking.\n\n\nOne feature that\u2019s brought over to the WF-1000XM4 from the WH-1000XM4 headphones is the \u201cSpeak-to-Chat\u201d feature, which automatically activates ambient sound mode whenever I start speaking. This isn\u2019t a groundbreaking feature by any means, but I do love the fact that it can detect my voice quite quickly.\n\n\nPlus, I don\u2019t have to fumble about to take off the earbuds whenever someone is talking to me with this feature.\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the value proposition of the WF-1000XM4. At launch, its RM1,099 price tag is a little hard to swallow, but given that you can now get it \nfor only RM899\n \u2013 or \nas low as RM839\n on big sale days, such as 11.11 or 12.12 \u2013 you\u2019re \nreally\n getting your money\u2019s worth with these earbuds.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nFor the most part, the WF-1000XM4 doesn\u2019t have any big shortcomings, though I do wish the earbuds themselves are a little bit more compact. Don\u2019t get me wrong, the design is much improved over the earpiece-like design of the \nWF-1000XM3\n, but I do find the earbuds to be a tad too bulky, especially when worn.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the charging case. Although it is now 40% smaller, it\u2019s still not as compact as its competition; trying to fit the case into my jeans pocket, for example, is not a particularly comfortable experience.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nMost definitely. For only RM899 now, the Sony WF-1000XM4 offers fantastic value for money while also featuring excellent ANC, pleasant audio quality, long, \nlong\n battery life, and a comfortable fit. It truly is the premium wireless earbuds to beat in the market now.\n\n\n\n\nIt would\u2019ve been even better if the earbuds and charging case are a little bit more compact, but beyond that, I thoroughly enjoyed using the WF-1000XM4. If you can get it at a good deal, it\u2019s really a no-brainer purchase if you\u2019re looking to buy one of the best wireless earbuds in the market now.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mihoyo-teases-shenhe-yun-jin-playable-in-genshin-impact-2-4/", "title": "Mihoyo Teases Shenhe & Yun Jin \u2013 Playable in Genshin Impact 2.4?", "body": "\n\nHere we go again: Mihoyo just started teasing two brand new characters in Genshin Impact, Shenhe and Yun Jin. Chances are, these two characters will be playable in the Version 2.4 update, which should be arriving sometime in January 2022.\n\n\nAfter all, previous characters that were teased by Mihoyo were eventually playable in the next version update of Genshin Impact. These include \nArataki Itto\n, Gorou, \nThoma\n, and of course, the \nRaiden Shogun herself\n.\n\n\n\n\n\"One has traversed many realms and taken a great many pupils. Among them, Shenhe bears the closest resemblance to oneself. \" \u2014 Cloud Retainer\n\u25c6 Shenhe \u2027 Lonesome Transcendence\n\u25c6 Ethereal Soul Amidst the Mortal Realm\n\u25c6 Cryo\n\u25c6 Crista Doloris\n#GenshinImpact\n \npic.twitter.com/vIzYf2SVq0\n\u2014 Genshin Impact (@GenshinImpact) \nNovember 22, 2021\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\"One performance by Yun Jin at our tea house rakes in enough Mora that we won't have to open for a whole month!\" \u2014 Fan Er'ye of Heyu Tea House\n\u25c6 Yun Jin \u2027 Stage Lucida\n\u25c6 Current Director of Yun-Han Opera Troupe\n\u25c6 Geo\n\u25c6 Opera Grandis\n#GenshinImpact\n \npic.twitter.com/UKC0FojsFu\n\u2014 Genshin Impact (@GenshinImpact) \nNovember 22, 2021\n\n\n\n\nAs with Genshin Impact\u2019s previous teasers, the rarity of Shenhe and Yun Jin have not been revealed yet. But the teasers did confirm that Shenhe is a Cryo character wielding a polearm. Yun Jin is also a polearm user, but she\u2019s aligned with the Geo element instead.\n\n\nBased on Mihoyo\u2019s previous Genshin Impact teasers, we reckon both Shenhe and Yun Jin will be playable in Version 2.4 of Genshin Impact. The new update should be released in early January 2022, so expect these two characters to make their respective debuts then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-5-iii-malaysian-pre-orders-open-for-rm4599-early-birds-get-rm549-earbuds/", "title": "Sony Xperia 5 III Malaysian Pre-Orders Open for RM4,599 \u2013 Early Birds Get RM549 Earbuds", "body": "\n\nAfter months of delay, the Sony Xperia 5 III is finally available for pre-order in Malaysia. To sweeten the deal, those who purchase the compact flagship in the pre-order period will also get a Sony WF-XB700 wireless earbuds worth RM549 for free.\n\n\nOne of the headline features of the Xperia 5 III is its variable telephoto lens system, which allows the 12MP telephoto sensor to change its focal length between 70mm to 105mm. Paired with a \u201cDual PD sensor,\u201d it promises fast autofocus speeds too, even when switching between different focal lengths. This phone also features a 12MP primary sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter.\n\n\n\n\nRounding out the hardware of the Xperia 5 III are a 6.1-inch 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, 256GB of expandable storage, an 8MP selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery, as well as an IP65/IP68 rating.\n\n\nThe Sony Xperia 5 III is now \navailable for pre-order in Malaysia\n until 20 December for RM4,599. To recap, every pre-order of the compact flagship will also come with a Sony WF-XB700 wireless earbuds worth RM549.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/motorola-edge-20-pro-with-periscope-telephoto-camera-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Motorola Edge 20 Pro With Periscope Telephoto Camera Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nMotorola has been relatively quiet in Malaysia, but that\u2019s about to change with the local debut of its high-end phone, the Motorola Edge 20 Pro. Set to arrive here \u201csoon,\u201d the device is expected to be priced at RM2,499 for the Malaysian market.\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Edge 20 Pro offers some interesting features, including a triple camera system. It is made up of a 108MP primary sensor, a 16MP ultra-wide angle shooter \u2013 it also doubles as a macro camera \u2013 and an 8MP periscope telephoto lens that can do 5x optical zoom.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Edge 20 Pro include a 6.7-inch 1080p OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset paired with 12GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage, a 32MP selfie camera, and a 4,500mAh battery with support for 30W TurboPower fast charging.\n\n\nWe were told that the Motorola Edge 20 Pro \u201cwill be available in Malaysia soon,\u201d so unfortunately enough, there\u2019s no solid release date yet. Anyway, the high-end phone is expected to retail at RM2,499 locally.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/motorola-e40-now-in-malaysia-for-rm599-90hz-screen-5000mah-battery/", "title": "Motorola e40 Now in Malaysia for RM599 \u2013 90Hz Screen & 5,000mAh Battery", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nMotorola Edge 20 Pro\n, the company also introduced a more affordable phone in Malaysia, the Motorola e40. Sporting a 90Hz screen with a sizeable 5,000mAh battery, this budget-friendly phone retails at only RM599.\n\n\nOn top of that, those who purchase the e40 by 31 December 2021 can get it with a RM50 discount, bringing down the price of the phone to RM549; this deal is available on both \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n. Now, given the affordability of the e40, it doesn\u2019t offer particularly impressive hardware, but they are good enough for everyday use.\n\n\n\n\nThese include a 6.53-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a Unisoc T606 processor paired with 4GB of RAM, 64GB of expandable storage, a triple camera system (48MP primary + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), an 8MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with support for 10W fast charging.\n\n\nTo recap, the affordable Motorola e40 is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM599. You can also get a RM50 discount if you purchase the phone by 31 December 2021 on \nShopee\n or \nLazada\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mitsubishi-now-offers-unaccompanied-test-drives-delivered-to-your-location-too/", "title": "Mitsubishi Now Offers Unaccompanied Test Drives \u2013 Delivered to Your Location Too", "body": "\n\nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) is now offering unaccompanied test drives; that is, no sales adviser will be in the car with you during the test drive. On top of that, you can have the test drive vehicle delivered to your location too.\n\n\nOf course, there is one caveat: this service is only offered in the Klang Valley area right now. According to MMM, unaccompanied test drive is available in this region as there\u2019s strong buyer demand for the Triton and Xpander in the Klang Valley, along with the fact that COVID-19 pandemic is still very much present.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, with that in mind, test drive vehicles are sanitised accordingly (including all touch points) before it is handed over to the customer. The sales adviser will also provide relevant details on the vehicle\u2019s features and technology, and once that is done, customers are free to test drive the car for an hour before returning it to the same location.\n\n\nNaturally, you also have the option to have the sales adviser in the car with you during the test drive. Whichever is your preference, you can request for a test drive with MMM \nright here\n. You will then be contacted to verify and confirm the appointment to have the test drive vehicle delivered to your preferred location.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hyundai-kona-electric-now-in-malaysia-ev-with-up-to-484km-range-from-rm150k/", "title": "Hyundai Kona Electric Now in Malaysia \u2013 EV With up to 484km Range From RM150k", "body": "\n\nHyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) just unveiled the most affordable EV in Malaysia yet \u2013 well, \u201caffordable\u201d to an extent. Enter the Hyundai Kona Electric: this fully imported (CBU), all-electric SUV starts at RM149,888 here, so it really is the most affordable EV you can get locally right now.\n\n\nThree variants of the Kona Electric are available in Malaysia. The base e-Lite model (39.2kWh with 7.2kW onboard charger) costs RM149,888, while the e-Plus (39.2kWh with 11kW onboard charger) and e-Max (64kWh with 11kW onboard charger) variants go for RM169,888 and RM199,888 respectively.\n\n\nAs announced at \nBudget 2022\n, HSDM said that the Kona Electric is \u201cfully exempted from import and excise duties, sales tax, as well as road tax.\u201d Needless to say, this is a very good incentive.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe range of an EV is one of the most important aspects of such a vehicle, so let\u2019s talk about that first. The 39.2kWh variants of the Kona Electric \u2013 which include the e-Lite and e-Plus models \u2013 have a range of up to 305km, while the higher-end 64kWh e-Max model can return up to 484KM of range on a single charge.\n\n\nOf course, the performances of the 39.2kWh and 64kWh variants of the Kona Electric are quite different too. The former has a permanent magnet synchronous motor that outputs 136PS and 395Nm of torque; it can do the 0-100kmph sprint in 9.9 seconds with a top speed of 155kmph.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the 62kWh version of the Kona Electric, its motor is quite a bit more powerful: with 204PS and 395Nm of torque (unchanged from the 39.2kWh model), it can do the century sprint in only 7.9 seconds. It also has a higher top speed of 167km/h.\n\n\nWhat about warranty? Well, the lithium-ion polymer battery of the Kona Electric has an eight-year or 160,000km warranty (whichever comes first), while the SUV itself comes with a two-year/50,000km warranty.\n\n\nYou can also purchase an optional add-on (RM10,000) to extend the warranty to a five-year/100,000km warranty with free service maintenance for three years or 50,000km.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to check out the Hyundai Kona Electric for yourself, you can do so over at the Hyundai Ara Damansara showroom at Sime Darby Motors City, or the Hyundai Old Klang Road showroom.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mode-eighty-2022-pre-orders-now-live-custom-tkl-keyboard-from-459-shipping-march-2022/", "title": "Mode Eighty (2022) Pre-Orders Now Live \u2013 Custom TKL Keyboard From $459, Shipping March 2022", "body": "\n\nThe updated \nMode Eighty (2022)\n is now available for pre-order. This premium, custom TKL keyboard retails from $459 (about RM1,930), making it slightly more affordable than the \noriginal 2020 model\n.\n\n\nThe reason why the new Eighty costs less is thanks to its new, softer isolated top mount system, which doesn\u2019t require the PORON base; a compulsory part for the previous model. If you want a more muted, stiffer typing experience, you can get that base (for the stack mount system) as a $20 add-on, increasing the price to $479 (about RM2,015).\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the \nMode SixtyFive\n, the Eighty\u2019s different parts are not quite as customisable, though you do have a fair number of colour options. You can customise the colour of the top and bottom case, a hotswap or solderable PCB, as well as plate material.\n\n\nYou can place your pre-order of the Mode Eighty \u2013 and configure the keyboard to your liking \u2013 \nright here\n. Fulfilment for the Eighty will begin as early as March 2022, so that\u2019s only a four-month lead time \u2013\u00a0\na very short waiting time in this hobby\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-honda-civic-for-malaysia-details-leaked-3-variants-no-1-8l-model/", "title": "2022 Honda Civic for Malaysia Details Leaked \u2013 3 Variants, No 1.8L Model", "body": "\n\nThe \n2022 Honda Civic\n was tipped to be launched in Malaysia \nsometime this year\n, but while there\u2019s still no concrete details of the C-segment sedan\u2019s debut here, we do have some pretty interesting leaks. If these leaked information are accurate, there won\u2019t be a 1.8L model of the 11th gen Civic FE.\n\n\nThese leaked details come from \naarex\n and \nPoisonSoul\n from Lowyat.NET\u2019s forum. As the images below show, there will supposedly be three different variants of the 2022 Civic: there\u2019s the base E trim, mid-range V model, and the range-topping RS variant.\n\n\nAll of them seem to be powered by a 1.5L turbo engine that outputs 182PS and 240Nm of torque. The mill is said to be paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), as expected.\n\n\n\n\nWe also get a look at what appears to be Malaysian-specific units of the 11th gen Civic E and RS models. The base E model gets 16-inch alloy wheels, smart clear wiper, auto opening trunk, as well as LED headlights and DRLs; a solid list of features despite being the most affordable model.\n\n\nThe range-topping Civic RS, on the other hand, adds on larger, sleeker 18-inch wheels finished in black, twin exhaust tips, a black spoiler, black door handles, black side mirrors, and of course, the RS emblem on the front end. All in all, it has a sportier exterior, matching the RS branding.\n\n\n\n\nGiven that these details on the 2022 Honda Civic did not come from Honda Malaysia itself, there is a chance they are not accurate, so take them with a grain of salt. Rest assured, we\u2019ll keep a close eye on any official news regarding the local availability of the new Civic.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/simpler60-custom-keyboard-pre-orders-live-starts-at-s230/", "title": "Simpler60 Custom Keyboard Pre-Orders Live \u2013 Starts at S$230", "body": "\n\nThe relatively affordable \nSimpler60\n custom keyboard is now \navailable for pre-order from iLumkb\n. Interestingly, its final retail price is slightly lower than the initial estimate: it retails from S$230, which comes up to about RM710.\n\n\nThis price tag is for three specific colours of the Simpler60: Black, Dark Grey, and Brown, which are all anodised. The E-White colour option, on the other hand, costs S$245 (approximately RM755). You\u2019re paying more for the electrophoresis process to get this white colourway.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the highlights of the Simpler60 is its mounting system. While it\u2019s said to be a tray-mounted keyboard, it\u2019s not inaccurate to call it a gasket-mounted keyboard either. See, unlike standard tray mount keyboards, the Simpler60 does not have screw standoffs (making for an uneven typing feel) to secure the plate and PCB to the bottom case.\n\n\nInstead, there\u2019s a 3.7mm thick PORON dampener \u2013 which is placed between the PCB and plate \u2013 that is inserted into specific cutouts in the case to secure the keyboard in place. This is actually very similar to the mounting system of the\u00a0\nKDBfans KBD67 Lite\n, but the silicone dampener is replaced with a PORON one for the Simpler60.\n\n\nOther features of the Simpler60 include a hotswap PCB, a CNC aluminium case, a polycarbonate plate, and support for screw-in stabilisers.\n\n\n\n\nThe Simpler60 is now \navailable for pre-order on iLumkb\n; only 80 units are available for this round of pre-order. Do note that shipping is only set to begin sometime in the first or second quarter of 2022, so you could be getting the keyboard as late as June 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/25-november-1-december-fuel-price-ron-97-down-3-sen/", "title": "25 November \u2013 1 December Fuel Price: RON 97 Down 3 Sen", "body": "\n\nSurprise surprise: after many weeks of price hikes, RON 97 is finally going down in price this coming week. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.\n\n\nFrom tomorrow onwards, the price of RON 97 is set at RM3.05 per litre (down from RM3.08). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 25 November to 1 December. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates! \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dji-opens-flagship-store-in-pavilion-kl-grand-opening-sale-on-28-november/", "title": "DJI Opens Flagship Store in Pavilion KL \u2013 Grand Opening Sale on 28 November", "body": "\n\nDJI just opened its first-ever flagship store in Malaysia. Located in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, the Experience Store Premium offers a wide range of DJI products \u2013 it shares the same interior design as international DJI retail outlets too.\n\n\nAmong the products that are on display in the store include the DJI Mavic 3, DJI Air 2S, DJI FPV, as well as the new \nDJI Action 2\n modular action camera. There are also a number of accessories on sale, including bags and chargers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from this flagship store, DJI also said that another Experience Store Premium \u2013 which also doubles as a service centre \u2013 will be opened in One Utama sometime in December next month; the company is aiming to get the store opened by Christmas. Otherwise, it will begin operation sometime in January 2022 instead.\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to pay the DJI flagship store a visit, you can do so from this Sunday onwards on 28 November. To celebrate the grand opening of the outlet, there will be a promotion for the first 50 customers. The full list of deals are as follows:\n\n\n\n\nDJI Tello: RM399 (Original price RM499)\n\n\nDJI OM4: RM379 (original price RM459)\n\n\nDJI Mini SE: RM1,199 (original price RM1,349)\n\n\nDJI FPV combo: RM4,299 (original price RM5,299)\n\n\nDJI Mavic 3 + bag: RM9,999\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe new DJI Experience Store Premium is located at level 5 in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. To recap, another DJI flagship store will be opened in One Utama sometime in December next month before Christmas or January 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/unboxing-the-most-customisable-custom-keyboard-mode-sixtyfive/", "title": "Unboxing the Most Customisable Custom Keyboard \u2013 Mode SixtyFive", "body": "\n\nAfter only five months of waiting \u2013 a \nrelatively short waiting time\n in the custom keyboard scene, believe it or not \u2013 my personal order of the Mode SixtyFive has arrived. What makes this keyboard particularly interesting is its sheer customisability: you can change the finish and material of almost every part of the SixtyFive.\n\n\nOn top of that, unlike most custom keyboards, which are only offered in limited-time group buys, you can \nstill\n place an order of the SixtyFive. As a cherry on top, you only need to wait until March 2022 to receive the keyboard if you purchase it right now. How\u2019s that for a short waiting time?\n\n\nAnyway, if you\u2019re intrigued, here\u2019s our unboxing of the Mode SixtyFive \u2013 it offers quite a fun unboxing experience, especially for a keyboard that starts at only $299 (about RM1,265).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvery order of the SixtyFive comes in three different boxes\u2026inside a larger box. These boxes are separated by the components, top case, and bottom case; very descriptive. The components box (naturally) houses the PCB, plate, backpiece, and other accessories that you got with the keyboard.\n\n\nFor my order of the SixtyFive, however, the aluminium and FR4 plates (along with the plate foam) were placed outside of the components box. This is likely because I ordered two PCBs and the silicone base for the stack mount system, which were all found inside the components box \u2013 keep this in mind if you plan to order a lot of accessories.\n\n\nOh, a screwdriver is also included with the SixtyFive. It\u2019s not a high-end screwdriver by any means, but it\u2019s certainly a nice touch!\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFR4 plate\n\n\nAluminium plate\n\n\nPlate foam\n\n\nSilicone base\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the PCB of the SixtyFive. As mentioned, I purchased two PCBs for this keyboard; it\u2019s always a good idea to \npurchase extra PCBs\n for a custom keyboard as insurance. I only got the hotswap PCB, so it doesn\u2019t have the flex cuts found on the solderable PCB, which is meant to provide a softer typing experience with a half plate.\n\n\nAnyway, while the aesthetics of a PCB doesn\u2019t affect its functionality, I do like how the SixtyFive\u2019s PCB looks. The large \u201cMODE\u201d branding is a nice touch, and it has a unique shape to it too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe backpiece\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMoving on, there\u2019s the backpiece of the SixtyFive. For my personal build, I went with a black anodised backpiece to add some contrast to the white top and bottom casing that I selected \u2013 we\u2019ll get to these parts shortly. There are also magnets on this backpiece, allowing it to snap onto the back of the SixtyFive easily.\n\n\nOther accessories that come with the SixtyFive include a daughterboard \u2013 I got an extra one for insurance, much like the PCB \u2013 four feet, silicone caps for the isolated top mount system, as well as a bunch of screws to put the keyboard together.\n\n\n\n\nDaughterboard\n\n\nSilicone caps\n\n\nFeet\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOkay, now let\u2019s take a look at the top and bottom casings of the SixtyFive. I don\u2019t have an all-white keyboard in my collection yet, so I went with this colour scheme for the SixtyFive. The white aluminium option for these two parts do cost an extra $10 (each), but after seeing and feeling the quality of these parts in person, I\u2019m very happy with my choice.\n\n\nNot only is the finish \nclose\n to perfect \u2013 there\u2019s only a small black speck on my top casing that couldn\u2019t be rubbed off \u2013 the electrophoresis coating feels nice and smooth to the touch too. For a keyboard that starts at only $299, the quality control and finishing of the keyboard \u2013 along with the packaging \u2013 are \ntop-notch\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf I have any qualm about the SixtyFive\u2019s unboxing experience, it would be the fact that there are\u2026quite a lot of packaging. Almost every part of the keyboard are individually packed, so it can be a little annoying to clean up. Granted, the ziplock bags \nare\n of good quality, which can be reused to keep switches or keycaps.\n\n\nAll in all, I\u2019m quite happy with the SixtyFive so far. At least, that\u2019s my initial impression of this super customisable 65% keyboard. I\u2019m excited to start building it to see how this board would perform, especially with its three different mounting styles.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the SixtyFive can be mounted three different ways. There\u2019s the conventional top-mount system, an isolated top-mount for a cleaner sound profile (in theory), and stack mount, which provides \u201cmaximum acoustic dampening and a firm but not unforgiving typing feel,\u201d as Mode puts it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Mode SixtyFive is still available for pre-order with a $299 starting price, and you can configure your very own unit \nthrough the configurator\n. If you place your order right now, the SixtyFive is expected to ship sometime in March 2022 \u2013 that\u2019s only a four-month wait, a \nvery short turnaround time\n in this hobby.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/10000-ev-charging-stations-to-be-installed-in-selangor-by-2025/", "title": "10,000 EV Charging Stations to Be Installed in Selangor by 2025", "body": "\n\nBack at Budget 2022, the government announced \nvery attractive tax incentives\n for electric vehicles (EV) to encourage EV adoption in the country. Well, at the tabling of Selangor Budget 2022, the state government just announced that as many as 10,000 EV charging stations will be installed in Selangor by 2025.\n\n\nThis is possible thanks to RM10 million worth of investment from the private sector. In 2022 alone, 1,000 EV charging stations are expected to be installed, while the remaining 9,000 stations will be completed in the remaining three years.\n\n\n\n\nOnce EV charging stations are more accessible to the general public, we imagine Malaysians will be more compelled to purchase EVs. After all, good charging infrastructure is important to drive EV adoption in Malaysia, especially for folks who don\u2019t have access to charging outlets at home.\n\n\nHopefully, we\u2019ll see more efforts like this to incentivise the purchase of EVs in Malaysia. We reckon more car makers will also bring in their EV offerings in the near future if the government continues this push. Hyundai, for one, is already bringing in the Kona Electric SUV, which is currently \nthe most affordable EV in the country now\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q1-back-in-stock-from-149/", "title": "Keychron Q1 Back in Stock From $149", "body": "\n\nAfter going out of stock for a little while, the \nKeychron Q1\n is now available for purchase again from \nKeychron\u2019s online store\n. Both the barebone and fully assembled versions are available, though stocks are still quite limited.\n\n\nAt the time of writing, both the ANSI and ISO versions of the barebone Q1 are still available, but for the latter, only the Navy Blue colour option is left. As for the fully assembled model, all three colours (Navy Blue, Carbon Black, Space Grey) are still in stock, but some switch options are no longer available.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the barebone version of the Q1 retails at $149 (about RM630), while the fully assembled model costs $169 (approximately RM715). If you want to learn more about this 75% keyboard, check out our video review above or our written review \nright here\n.\n\n\nGiven the limited availability of the Keychron Q1, you may want to get it as soon as you can from its \nonline store\n. Alternatively, if you want the knob version instead, it will be in stock \nsometime in December next month\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nintendo-switch-oled-vs-switch-v1-worth-upgrading/", "title": "Nintendo Switch OLED vs. Switch V1 \u2013 Worth Upgrading?", "body": "\n\nI didn\u2019t plan to get the Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) when it was first announced. But when I saw a \ngood deal on the new Switch\n, I decided it was time to upgrade my original V1 console.\n\n\nAnd\u2026I\u2019m glad I did! While the OLED Switch isn\u2019t remarkably different from its predecessor, it does offer \nenough\n new features to make the upgrade worth it. If you\u2019re thinking of doing the same, here\u2019s our comparison between the all-new Switch and the V1 model.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe most significant difference between the two consoles lies in the name of the OLED Switch: the new OLED panel. Not only is it a higher quality screen with punchy colours and deep, true blacks, it is also a larger 7-inch 720p display. In comparison, the original Switch sports a smaller a 6.2-inch LCD panel of the same resolution.\n\n\nWhen you put the two handheld consoles next to each other, you can definitely see the difference in screen quality. The Switch V1\u2019s LCD panel looks washed out compared to the richer OLED display of the new Switch, and needless to say, the larger screen also makes for a more immersive gaming experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDespite the fact that the OLED Switch\u2019s display resolution remains the same at 720p even with the increased panel size (6.2-inch to 7-inch), there\u2019s no noticeable pixelation at all. Granted, you\u2019ll definitely see individual pixels if you look close enough, but in normal use, it\u2019s definitely a non-issue.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the OLED Switch \nfinally\n has a glass screen. Well, sort of. Although the panel itself is made of glass, it is protected by a more scratch-prone plastic film to prevent glass shards from scattering in the event the screen is cracked. Still, this is an improvement over the completely plastic screen of the Switch V1.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow, thanks to the OLED glass panel, the new Switch\u2019s screen looks \u201cclearer\u201d with better clarity. The Switch V1, in comparison, looks almost\u2026well, cloudy. Even with a screen protector installed \u2013 which I personally did to avoid scratching the plastic protective layer \u2013 the OLED panel still looks noticeably better.\n\n\nIf you want the \nbest\n gaming experience on the go, you\u2019ll definitely appreciate the OLED Switch\u2019s superior screen quality. Of course, if you want a more compact system instead, the Switch Lite is the better option, but that is a topic for another day.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, in order to accommodate the larger display of the OLED Switch, the screen bezels have been shrunk quite a bit, lending to a far more modern-looking machine than the Switch V1. However, the side bezels are still a little too thick for my liking.\n\n\nAnother big improvement the OLED Switch brings is the wider, much more robust kickstand. Not only is it adjustable to any angle that I want, the whole system feels more stable with this kickstand. All in all, a huge improvement compared to the thin piece of plastic that holds up the Switch V1.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe dock of the OLED Switch has been slightly reworked too with a couple of design changes. Obviously, the white model features a matching white dock, but beyond the different colour scheme, the insides has a pretty neat-looking pattern too. Curiously, the back panel is no longer attached to the dock when it is popped open.\n\n\nBut the most important change to the new dock is the inclusion of a LAN port. Given that the Switch doesn\u2019t have the best wireless connectivity, the addition of a LAN port should make for more pleasant and consistent online multiplayer.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond these physical changes, there\u2019s also one area where the OLED Switch has the edge over the Switch V1: battery life. Just like the \nSwitch V2\n, the OLED Switch offers between 4.5 to 9 hours of use on a single charge. The V1, in contrast, can only last between 2.5 to 6.5 hours.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the OLED Switch features 64GB of internal storage over the original Switch\u2019s much smaller 32GB storage. Granted, 64GB is still not quite enough \u2013 you\u2019ll need a microSD card, especially if you plan to purchase digital copies of games \u2013 but hey, more storage is always good.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSo should you get the Nintendo Switch (OLED Model)? If you\u2019re not a Switch owner yet, and you want the best gaming experience in handheld mode, then yes, the OLED Switch is the best option. I would highly recommending upgrading to this new console if you\u2019re currently using the Switch V1 too; you\u2019re getting quite a number of upgrades here.\n\n\nThat being said, if you don\u2019t plan to use the Switch in handheld mode, then it\u2019s probably more cost-effective to get the more affordable Switch V2 instead, which is still sold right now. Unless you really need the LAN port of the new dock, the user experience of any given Switch is identical when the system is docked.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-the-nintendo-switch-oled-for-rm1749-now/", "title": "Deal: Get the Nintendo Switch OLED for RM1,749 Now", "body": "\n\nIt hasn\u2019t been that long since the \nNintendo Switch (OLED Model)\n was launched, but you can now get it at a lower price point. Previously going \nfor about RM1,849\n, you can now get the latest and greatest Switch \nfor only RM1,749\n.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Shopee Mall retailer Impulse Gaming; one of the most renowned game stores in Malaysia. Both the new \nWhite and Neon colour options\n are available from Impulse for RM1,749, and naturally, it comes with a 12-month warranty from Maxsoft, the official distributor of Nintendo products in Southeast Asia.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the new OLED Switch features a larger 7-inch OLED panel with thinner bezels. It also has double the internal storage at 64GB, and the stand sees a design revision as well. Instead of the original Switch\u2019s fragile-looking stand, this new Switch uses a much sturdier, wider stand that is also adjustable.\n\n\nOther changes introduced in the new OLED Switch include a new dock with a wired LAN port, \u201cenhanced audio\u201d from the system\u2019s onboard speakers, and between 4.5 to 9 hours of battery life \u2013 the same quoted battery life as its predecessor.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to get the Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) \nfor RM1,749\n, you can do so from Impulse Gaming on Shopee. At the time of writing, about 30 units are left.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-typ-65-review-sound-test/", "title": "Video: Typ 65+ Review & Sound Test", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere are actually quite a number of Malaysians in the custom keyboard scene. There\u2019s \nSinga\n, TGR, and this custom 65% keyboard from a Malaysian studio: enter Axi\u00f6m Studios\u2019 Typ 65+.\n\n\nTwo configurations of the Typ 65+ are offered: the solderable version retails at RM1,640, while the hotswap variant costs RM1,680. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a solid 65% keyboard with a left macro column, along with the option to assemble it in top-mount or gasket-mount configuration.\n\n\nThe Typ 65+\u2019s group buy will go live tomorrow on 30 November at 9AM; fulfilment is set to begin sometime in Q3 2022. Watch our video review above to find out if this custom keyboard is for you!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q2-sound-test-released-now-sporting-double-gasket-design/", "title": "Keychron Q2 Sound Test Released \u2013 Now Sporting \u201cDouble Gasket\u201d Design", "body": "\n\nKeychron just released a sound test of its upcoming 65% keyboard, the Keychron Q2. Thanks to its new \u201cdouble gasket\u201d design, it does seem to have improved sound profile over the \nKeychron Q1\n \u2013 just as the \ncompany promised\n.\n\n\nSo what is the double gasket design? Basically, on top of the standard gasket-mount system of the Q2 \u2013 which in turn is similar to the Q1 \u2013 there are also silicone pads between the top and bottom cases. This is done to \u201csignificantly reduce the resonance between the metals,\u201d as Keychron puts it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLooking at the video of the sound test above, the Q2 does sound quite a bit better than the Q1 in stock configuration. While there\u2019s still some case ping (it comes off as a \u201cmetallic\u201d sound), it\u2019s not quite as noticeable anymore. Keychron also said that the bottom case of the Q2 is thicker now to improve its sound profile.\n\n\nThe Keychron Q2 will be available for purchase as an in-stock keyboard sometime in December next month. It\u2019s said to be priced similarly to the Q1 \u2013 which starts at $149 (about RM630) \u2013 despite the fact that it\u2019s a smaller keyboard. Anyway, you can register your interest for the Q2\u00a0\nright here\n\u00a0ahead of its launch.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/maplestorysea-introduces-new-lara-character-on-1-december/", "title": "MapleStorySEA Introduces New \u201cLara\u201d Character on 1 December", "body": "\n\nLaunched back in 2005, MapleStorySEA is undoubtedly one of the most well-known MMORPGs in the gaming space. Well, come 1 December, a new character will be added to the game: Lara, the Charmer of Elements.\n\n\nTo celebrate the arrival of Lara, there\u2019s a \u201cpre-creation\u201d event for the new character. Just create your Lara character before 30 November (tomorrow), and you will get a number of rewards, including Lara-specific quote ring, label ring, damage skin, as well as a Lil Lithos pet.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, there is also a \nTera Burning event\n, which allows players to create one new character that will enjoy 3x experience boost up to level 200. You\u2019ll also get additional rewards for hitting level milestones, encouraging players to further level up the character.\n\n\n\u201cMapleStorySEA is one of the most successful MMORPGs in SEA with 16 years of live service,\u201d said the Country Manager of PlayPark Singapore, Ivan Seah. \u201cContinued updates and improvements keeps it fresh and exciting for everyone,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to check out Lara in MapleStorySEA \u2013 or you\u2019d like to return to the game \u2013 you can register for an account \nright here\n. To recap, Lara will be added to the MMORPG on 1 December at 10AM Malaysian time.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/returning-to-maplestorysea-same-old-but-still-fun-game-in-need-of-modernisation/", "title": "Returning to MapleStorySEA \u2013 Same Old (But Still Fun) Game in Need of Modernisation", "body": "\n\nMapleStorySEA is touted by PlayPark \u2013 the distributor of the hit South Korean MMORPG in Southeast Asia \u2013 to be one of the world\u2019s longest-running games of its kind. After all, it was launched back in 2005, and it\u2019s still up and running today in 2021.\n\n\nWith the \nintroduction of Lara\n tomorrow on 1 December, I decided to jump back into MapleStorySEA after many years of being away from the game. Well, while it still retains many of its charms, there are also aspects of the game that feel\u2026well, archaic.\n\n\nHowever, I\u2019m still quite excited to get back into the game and experience all of the new characters. Maybe it\u2019s the nostalgia at play here as I look back at all the characters I\u2019ve built in the past, but I am willing to see what MapleStorySEA has to offer again after being away from it for so long.\n\n\n\n\nThe Game Is Still Very Fun & Entertaining\n\n\nOne of the biggest draws of MapleStory has to be its gameplay: there\u2019s nothing quite like seeing the screen \nflooded\n with big numbers as the character unleashes his or her respective skills. My personal favourite character/class is Luminous, who can alternate between light and dark magic to unleash skills with very flashy animations.\n\n\nAnd that\u2019s another strong point of MapleStory; the flashy, elaborate skill animations. This is especially true of \u201cnewer\u201d classes such as the aforementioned Luminous and Lara. That\u2019s how I dictate which character to level up: as long as they have a fun gameplay (to me) with cool-looking animations, I\u2019m good to go.\n\n\n\n\nI\u2019m not quite sure when this was changed \u2013 I\u2019ve been away from MapleStory for years here \u2013 but I\u2019m happy to see that I can freely create almost every single character available in the game now. Previously, certain classes were time-limited, which can be quite annoying if you missed the opportunity to create your favourite class.\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the rich lore of MapleStory. I\u2019ve only caught glimpses of the new lore since I left the game, and I\u2019m thrilled that the storytelling is still as good as ever. Really, I look forward to catching up to many years of lore development in the world of MapleStory, especially with the newer characters.\n\n\n\n\nBut After So Many Years, MapleStory Is Showing Its Age\n\n\nThe moment I launched MapleStorySEA, it\u2019s as if I was transported back 10 years, and it\u2019s not because of nostalgia. In fact, trying to \ninstall\n the game is already much harder than it should be. The installer itself doesn\u2019t have a very intuitive UI, and extracting the downloaded files took unusually long.\n\n\nAfter taking some time to get MapleStorySEA installed, I launched the game for the first time\u2026and waited a good minute before I got to the login screen after my PC seemingly froze. Mind you, I\u2019m running the game on a reasonably capable machine, even if it\u2019s not exactly an absurdly powerful rig.\n\n\nAnyway, once I finally got into the game, I was quite surprised to see that the resolution maxes out at 1920 x 1080\u2026in 2021. This resolution is even labeled as \u201cbeta\u201d in the settings page. Granted, the art style of the game still looks great at 1080p, but for it to max out at this resolution in this day and age is (again) archaic, to say the least.\n\n\n\n\nTo be honest, I was quite put off by these shortcomings even before I got into the game, and I imagine newcomers won\u2019t be thrilled by this arduous process either. If MapleStorySEA could just modernise these old-fashioned aspects, it\u2019ll definitely improve the overall gaming experience.\n\n\nThere Is Still Potential\n\n\nLike I\u2019ve said before, even with these negatives, I am still very willing to get into MapleStorySEA again. It\u2019s much more focused on the single-player experience now in terms of leveling up \u2013 which I personally prefer \u2013 and I\u2019m particularly excited to figure out which character I want to build with the current\u00a0\nTera Burning event\n for faster levelling.\n\n\n\n\nObviously, the player base of MapleStorySEA has gotten quite a bit smaller compared to its peak years. PlayPark said over seven million accounts were created since its launch in 2005, but now, only 1.2 million active players are left. Even then, this figure is actually the number of active players over the past \nthree years\n \u2013 that\u2019s not exactly great.\n\n\nRegardless, I am excited to get back into MapleStorySEA after all these years. If you\u2019d like to check out Lara in the game \u2013 or you\u2019d like to return to the game like I am \u2013 you can register for an account\u00a0\nright here\n. \nHopefully, PlayPark will continue to improve the MMORPG for years to come; if it has lasted 16 years, surely it can go on further, right?\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sp-star-meteor-white-review-my-new-favourite-linear-switch/", "title": "SP-Star Meteor White Review: My New Favourite Linear Switch", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSP-Star has made some \nvery interesting switches\n in recent times, and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is one of the company\u2019s more well-known offerings. I recently managed to finally grab this switch, and after putting it through its paces, it is \neasily\n one of my favourite linear switches to date.\n\n\nNot only does the Meteor White offer a unique, smooth typing experience, it is also quite a bit more affordable than its competition. If you\u2019re looking to get a new linear switch, consider the Meteor White\u2026if you can find it in stock.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDo note that I got the \u201cnew\u201d recoloured version of the SP-Star Meteor White. Previously, it had a dark blue housing; this latest version features a light grey housing instead. But beyond the different colour, the top and bottom housings are still made of nylon with a white POM stem.\n\n\nDesign wise, the Meteor White is a five-pin switch, so you won\u2019t have any issue mounting them directly onto the PCB if you want to, say, do a half plate build. It also has a rather light 57g gold-plated spring with an equally light factory lubing out of the box.\n\n\nAs I\u2019ve mentioned before, the Meteor White switch is quite affordable. I got it from \nlocal Shopee retailer NullKeyboards\n at RM23 for a pack of 10 switches, though it is sold out at the moment. At this price point, the Meteor White is more budget-friendly than the \nCobalt POM\n, for example.\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nWhen I first started using the Meteor White, the \u201csoft\u201d bottom out of this linear switch immediately stood out to me. This is likely due to the all-nylon housing of the switch, which feels softer than a polycarbonate housing. In fact, this soft, \u201ccushioned\u201d bottom out reminds me of the \nAnubis\n \u2013 that\u2019s also an all-nylon switch.\n\n\nThis cushioned bottom out is further emphasised after I lubed (Krytox 205g0) and filmed (Deskeys films) the Meteor White, and I honestly can\u2019t get enough of it. Not only does the soft bottom out make for a comfortable typing experience, it has a nice, dampened sound signature too.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Meteor White is quite a muted switch; typical characteristic of a nylon switch. However, it still has a clacky sound profile too, just like other SP-Star switches. But after lubing and filming the Meteor White, it has a more \u201cpoppy\u201d sound signature instead \u2013 I\u2019m really, \nreally \nfond of this.\n\n\nI believe that not all switches require lubing or filming, but in the case of the Meteor White, I\u2019d say it\u2019s absolutely worth it to do both. It brings out the best qualities of the linear switch, and in my opinion, it improves the Meteor White\u2019s sound profile quite a bit.\n\n\n\n\nThat is not to say the Meteor White doesn\u2019t perform well in its stock configuration. The light factory lubing, for one, does a good job of providing a smooth downstroke. The lubing consistency across the 90 switches I got is relatively good too, though there were a few with slightly rougher feel.\n\n\nIf you care about stem wobble, you\u2019ll be happy to know that the Meteor White is reasonably good in this regard. Though it does have slightly more horizontal wobble than vertical, it\u2019s still a reasonably \u201cstable\u201d switch.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWhile the Meteor White performs great out of the box with the light factory lubing, the oil-based lube (from what I can tell) can\u2019t quite mask the leaf noise of the switch. Thankfully, lubing the leaf just a tad with the thicker Krytox 205g0 lube is enough to eliminate the leaf ticking.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, I wish SP-Star went with a different colour scheme for this recoloured Meteor White. The light grey housing looks a tad too plain, in my opinion; I much prefer the dark blue housing of the original. Then again, this is only my personal opinion. Looks are subjective, after all.\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the limited availability of the Meteor White. At the time of writing, only \nSwagkeys\n based in South Korea is taking pre-orders of the switch. Beyond that, every other listings of the switch are sold out, including \nNullKeyboards\n (Malaysia), \nPrevail Key Co.\n (US), and \nZion Studios\n (Philippines).\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you can find the SP-Star Meteor White in stock at a reasonable price \u2013 that is, without a huge markup \u2013 it is absolutely worth it. Not many linear switches can offer such a unique typing feel and sound profile, which is \nespecially\n true at this price point.\n\n\n\n\nHopefully, the Meteor White will be more readily available moving forward. It\u2019s a fantastic linear switch, and given that SP-Star itself has released one great switch \nafter another\n, I\u2019m really quite excited to see what the company has in store for the future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/gateron-box-ink-v2-now-available-on-pantheon-singapore-for-s11-50/", "title": "Gateron Box Ink V2 Now Available on Pantheon (Singapore) For S$11.50", "body": "\n\nThe all-new Gateron Box Ink V2 linear switch is now available from Pantheon, a vendor based in Singapore. At the moment, it is the closest vendor to us here in Malaysia to offer the new switch, so you won\u2019t have to pay too much for shipping.\n\n\nConsidered to be superior to the original Gateron Ink V2, the Box Ink V2 now features a dustproof stem to reduce stem wobble. It also retains the switch\u2019s \u201cthocky\u201d sound signature while also providing a smoother typing feel; a winning combination for a linear switch. Watch the video below for a sound test of the new switch.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, the Box Ink V2 does have one big difference over its predecessor that could be a dealbreaker to some folks: it has less key travel. It offers only 3.4mm of travel, which is 0.6mm shorter than the original Ink V2. While this reduction in travel does not sound like much, it will be quite noticeable as you start using it.\n\n\nAnyway, the Gateron Box Ink V2 is now available for purchase from Pantheon. Priced at S$11.50 for 10 switches (about RM35), it certainly carries a premium price tag, though the Gateron Ink series has always been positioned as a premium offering.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-continues-to-offer-up-to-rm10000-discount-for-december-2021/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Continues to Offer up to RM10,000 Discount for December 2021", "body": "\n\nHonda Malaysia is extending its year-end deal. Just like last month, the Japanese carmaker is offering a whopping RM10,000 discount throughout December 2021; certain models even get a bigger discount now too.\n\n\nNaturally, \nthe Honda Accord\n gets the best discount. Both the range-topping TC-P and more affordable TC variants of the D-segment sedan receive a generous RM10,000 rebate. It\u2019s worth noting that the TC-P model only got a RM7,000 discount \nback in October 2021\n.\n\n\n\n\nThe \n2021 Honda HR-V Hybrid\n, on the other hand, receives a RM7,000 rebate, while the E, V, RS, and \nSE\n variants of the B-segment SUV get a RM4,500 discount instead. If you\u2019re looking to get a seven-seater instead, good news: the \nHonda BR-V\n\u00a0is discounted quite a bit too. Both the E and V trims get a RM6,000 discount.\n\n\nNext is the\u00a0\nall-new Honda City\n. The E trim is discounted by RM4,000, while the S, V, RS, and the  \nbrand new V Sensing\n variants get a RM3,000 rebate. Other notable discounts given by Honda Malaysia include up to RM3,000 savings for the \nCivic\n, a RM4,000 discount for the Jazz, as well as a RM3,000 rebate for the CR-V, including the new \nBlack Edition\n.\n\n\nDo note that these discounts are only applicable for vehicles registered between 1 to 31 December 2021. More information on these discounts can be found \nhere\n.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to get any of these Honda models with the aforementioned rebates, you can place your booking online\u00a0\nhere\n. Alternatively, bookings can be done through the HondaTouch app as well \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/qualcomm-snapdragon-8-gen-1-with-30-faster-gpu-will-power-2022-flagship-phones/", "title": "Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 With 30% Faster GPU Will Power 2022 Flagship Phones", "body": "\n\nQualcomm just unveiled its 2022 flagship chip, and it now features a new naming convention. Dubbed Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, you can expect to find this high-end chipset in the majority of Android flagship phones next year.\n\n\nNaturally, the new chip promises some notable performance gains. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1\u2019s updated Adreno GPU, for one, promises to offer up to 30% faster graphics performance. On top of that, it is said to be 25% more power-efficient too.\n\n\nMan\u2019s hands holding smartphone with blank screen and playing video games\n\n\nSpeaking of power efficiency, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is now built on an even smaller 4nm process. Compared to the 5nm process of the Snapdragon 888, the new chip should be more power-efficient, delivering better battery life. Of course, this chip also comes with a number of  upgrades in other aspects, including camera, AI performance, and security.\n\n\nWe can expect to see smartphones powered by the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip by the end of 2021. Quite a number of phone makers have started teasing their own devices running on the new chip, including Xiaomi, Motorola, Oppo, and Realme.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2-8-december-fuel-price-ron-97-down-another-3-sen-others-remain/", "title": "2 \u2013 8 December Fuel Price: RON 97 Down Another 3 Sen, Others Remain", "body": "\n\nNow this is a pleasant surprise: for the coming week, RON 97 is going down by 3 sen yet again. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.\n\n\nFrom tomorrow onwards until Wednesday next week, the price of RON 97 is set at RM3.02 per litre (down from RM3.05). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 2 to 8 December. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates! \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impacts-storytelling-keeps-getting-better/", "title": "Genshin Impact\u2019s Storytelling Keeps Getting Better", "body": "\n\nOne of the best aspects of Genshin Impact is its amazing storyline. The plot development in Version 2.0 and 2.1 of the hit game, for one, were some of the best moments in the overarching lore of Genshin Impact \u2013 in my opinion, anyway. However, the storyline of Version 2.2 felt a little\u2026well, boring.\n\n\nBut in Genshin Impact 2.3, I\u2019m absolutely loving the story of the Shadow Amidst Snowstorm event, which also offers fantastic character development for certain characters. Yes, it\u2019s possible I\u2019m so fond of it because it focuses quite a bit on the background of the mysterious Albedo, but nonetheless, it\u2019s a masterful showcase of Mihoyo\u2019s amazing storytelling chops.\n\n\n\n\nCompelling, Elaborate Storyline\n\n\nDespite the fact that Genshin Impact is a completely free title, I\u2019m constantly amazed by how well-thought-out the storyline of the game is. The plot of the aforementioned Shadow Amidst Snowstorm event, for one, doesn\u2019t feel like a story for the sake of it \u2013 the whole storyline flows very naturally.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the characters featured in this event have \nfull voice acting\n, which really brings the story to live. These characters include Albedo, Eula, Bennett \u2013 featured characters in the \ncurrent event wish\n, basically \u2013 as well as the Traveler\u2019s companion, Paimon (of course).\n\n\n\n\nWithout going into spoiler territory, there was one instance in the story where we could talk to the individual characters. Again, these dialogues are all spoken, and the lines were all well crafted and representative of each character\u2019s own lore, giving the story even more depth.\n\n\nSpeaking of which..\n\n\nFantastic Character Development\n\n\nNot only do we learn much more about Albedo\u2019s history in the latest story event, Eula also gets quite a bit of character development. Her friendship with Amber is explored too, and even Bennett gets some of the limelight as we learn more about his\u2026well, not so great luck in adventuring.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that I\u2019m only at the second act of the story; there\u2019s still a third act titled \u201cA Secret Born From Ashes.\u201d Needless to say, I\u2019m excited to find out what the third act will reveal come 4 December.\n\n\nI have a confession to make: I was actually saving up Primogems for \nArataki Itto and Gorou\n \u2013 both of them will be featured in the same event wish come 14 December \u2013 but after the second act of the story, I couldn\u2019t help but to roll for Albedo. This is despite the fact that I already have full constellations for the 4-star characters in the banner.\n\n\n\n\nThis speaks volume to Mihoyo\u2019s amazing characterisation of its Genshin Impact characters. Albedo\u2019s gameplay and character design aside, I\u2019m really fond of his personality and the lore built around him. I always find myself wishing for different characters \njust\n for this reason, including Klee, Eula, and of course, the Raiden Shogun herself.\n\n\nEvent Challenges Are Fun Too\n\n\nBeyond the storyline and character development, the event challenges are quite entertaining as well. Granted, there were a couple that are a little annoying to complete, but most of them are quite fun. I personally like the agility training challenge, which involves getting from point A to point B with some obstacles in the way.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the event rewards are quite good too. Aside from the usual Primogems, Mora, and Hero\u2019s Wit experience books, the Shadow Amidst Snowstorm event in particular also offers a new (and free) 4-star sword called Cinnabar Spindle. It is considered to be Albedo\u2019s best weapon yet, which is\u2026part of the reason why I wanted to roll for him.\n\n\nThere\u2019s More to Come\n\n\nBeyond the Shadow Amidst Snowstorm event, there will also be a story quest for Arataki Itto come 14 December; the same time his event wish goes live alongside Gorou. Though I\u2019m merely speculating at the moment, I reckon Itto\u2019s story quest will be quite entertaining. This has always been the case with (most) story quests in Genshin Impact.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the content we\u2019re getting in Version 2.3 of Genshin Impact, I\u2019m confident Mihoyo will continue to release compelling storylines with every new update. Since the developer already started teasing \nShenhe and Yun Jin\n, I fully expect for both of them to be featured in a story somehow in Version 2.4 \u2013 I can\u2019t wait for that.\n\n\nWith amazing storytelling, a roster of characters with excellent lore, and fun gameplay \u2013 not to mention \na physical event (of sorts) for Malaysian fans\n \u2013 it\u2019s little wonder that Genshin Impact has become such a huge success. As far as live service games go, it is easily one of the best \u2013 if not \nthe best\n \u2013 game of its kind right now.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/affordable-vivo-v23e-5g-coming-to-malaysia-9-december/", "title": "Affordable Vivo V23e 5G Coming to Malaysia 9 December", "body": "\n\nVivo is bringing in the affordable Vivo V23e 5G to Malaysia next week. Set to debut here on 9 December, it\u2019s quite a sleek-looking, thin budget-friendly smartphone.\n\n\nOne of the highlight features of the V23e is its 44MP front-facing camera with a number of selfie-centric features like Natural Portrait mode and Multi-Style Portrait. It also has a unique colourway in a slim chassis; the phone measures only 7.4mm thin.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the v23e 5G include a MediaTek Dimensity 810 5G chip, a 6.44-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED display, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro), and a 4,050mAh battery with support for 44W fast charging.\n\n\nThe Vivo V23e 5G will be launched in Malaysia next week on 9 December. The phone maker also mentioned that the standard V23e has been certified by SIRIM; it is essentially the same phone with a different chipset and camera configuration. It remains to be seen if both phones will be introduced at the same time.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-proton-x90-geely-haoyue-spotted-on-the-road/", "title": "Spy Shot: Proton X90/Geely Haoyue Spotted on the Road!", "body": "\n\nSeems like we\u2019re getting more sightings of the Geely Haoyue \u2013 or Okavango, as marketed in The Philippines \u2013 here in Malaysia. This Geely model is suspected to be the \nProton X90\n, and we now have a video of the D-segment seven-seater SUV on Malaysian roads!\n\n\nThis video was shared by \nThe Ajerul on Facebook\n, which is attributed to \nPanduLaju\n. As we can see in the still shot below, this particular test mule (oddly enough) has the number plate on the rear bumper instead of the tailgate; the original position for the Haoyue. Granted, this could be an earlier test unit.\n\n\nPrevious spy shot of the Haoyue in Malaysia\nOne of the earliest spy shots of the Haoyue locally\n\n\nSo what is the Haoyue? As mentioned, it\u2019s a large D-segment SUV that can be configured with five or seven seats; it measures 4,835mm long, 1,900mm wide, and 1,785 tall. Compared to the \nProton X70\n, the Haoyue is 316mm longer, 69mm wider, and 91mm taller.\n\n\nPowering the Haoyue, on the other hand, is a 1.8L four-cylinder turbocharged engine that outputs 181PS and 300Nm of torque. This engine is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with drive sent either to the front wheels or all four of them for the AWD model.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s worth noting that in The Philippines, the Okavango is actually available with a 1.5L three-cylinder turbo engine with a mild hybrid system that put out a combined figure of 190hp and 300Nm of torque. This setup is also paired with a 7DCT, though there is no AWD variant.\n\n\nOf course, given its positioning as a premium SUV, the Haoyue is equipped with Geely\u2019s level 2 autonomous driving system too. It is made up of 24 different sensors to allow for as many as 17 \u201cintelligent drive features.\u201d According to Geely, this lets the SUV automatically follow, stop, as well as turn at speeds of up to 150km/h.\n\n\nOh, just like the \nProton X50\n, the Haoyue is also capable of parking itself. It features a 360-degree camera as well, and given the large size of the SUV, we imagine this will come in handy for most drivers.\n\n\nThe Geely Haoyue\n\n\nEven though the Geely Haoyue is already being tested on Malaysian roads, it\u2019s still much too early to tell if it will eventually materialise to be the \u201cProton X90.\u201d Nonetheless, we will keep a close eye for any further development!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-proart-studiobook-16-oled-arrives-in-malaysia-worlds-first-16-4k-oled-hdr-laptop-from-rm9999/", "title": "Asus ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED Arrives in Malaysia \u2013 World\u2019s First 16\u2033 4K OLED HDR Laptop From RM9,999", "body": "\n\nThe premium Asus ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED laptop for creative professionals has arrived in Malaysia. Touted as the world\u2019s first 16-inch laptop with a 4K OLED HDR display, it also has a unique physical dial \u201cwith over 70 functions.\u201d\n\n\nThree different variants of the Studiobook 16 OLED are offered in Malaysia. The sole Intel model (Core i7-11800H) features a 16-inch 2560 x 1600 OLED display, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, 32GB of RAM, as well as a 1TB SSD for RM9,999.\n\n\n\n\nCuriously, the other two AMD configurations of the Studiobook 16 OLED better value for money hardware-wise. Not only does it start from RM9,999 too, you\u2019re also getting a sharper 16-inch 3840 x 2400 4K OLED panel, a Ryzen 9 5900HX processor paired with 32GB of RAM, an RTX 3060 GPU, and a 1TB SSD for that kind of money.\n\n\nIf you want to upgrade the GPU to a beefier RTX 3070 GPU and get twice the amount of RAM (64GB), you\u2019ll have to fork out RM11,999.\n\n\nAnyway, beyond these hardware, the Studiobook 16 also has the aforementioned physical dial dubbed Asus dial. It is described by Asus as an \u201cintuitive physical controller that gives you instant and precise fingertip control over parameters in your creative apps. We imagine creative professionals will find this feature useful.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED will go on sale in Malaysia sometime this month. To recap, it starts from RM9,999 for both the Intel and AMD models, while the highest-end AMD variant with an RTX 3070 and 64GB of RAM costs RM11,999.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-plus-december-2021-free-games-include-godfall-judgment/", "title": "PlayStation Plus December 2021 Free Games Include Godfall & Judgment", "body": "\n\nPlayStation Plus\u2019 December 2021 free games look to be quite interesting. The lineup includes Godfall: Challenger Edition, Mortal Shell, Lego DC Super-Villains, and for players in certain regions (such as Asia), we\u2019re also getting Judgment.\n\n\nHowever, do note that this is not the full Godfall game. Instead, this Challenger Edition \u201cfocuses on three unique modes: Lightbringer, Dreamstones, and the Ascended Tower of Trials,\u201d as described by PlayStation. \u201cAll three are endgame-level content, but you\u2019ll be immediately equipped with a spread of deadly weapons and skill points.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnlike \nprevious PS Plus\n \nfree games\n, all of these games are available on the PS4 too instead of being limited to the PS5. Of course, you do get the PS5 version of Godfall, which should feature better graphics and faster loading times.\n\n\nThese four games can be claimed by PS Plus members from 7 December to 3 January 2022. That means you have until this coming Monday (6 December) to get your hands on November 2021\u2019s free games, including \nKnockout City and First Class Trouble\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-nintendo-switch-oled-price-drops-to-rm1688/", "title": "Deal: Nintendo Switch OLED Price Drops to RM1,688", "body": "\n\nIt hasn\u2019t been that long since the \nNintendo Switch (OLED Model)\n was launched, but you can now get it at a lower price point. Previously going \nfor RM1,749\n, you can now get the latest and greatest Switch \nfor only RM1,688\n.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Preferred Shopee retailer GameStop. Unfortunately, only the new White colourway is in stock for \nRM1,688.88\n. Nonetheless, it comes with a 12-month warranty from Maxsoft, the official distributor of Nintendo products in Southeast Asia.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the new OLED Switch features a larger 7-inch OLED panel with thinner bezels. It also has double the internal storage at 64GB, and the stand sees a design revision as well. Instead of the original Switch\u2019s fragile-looking stand, this new Switch uses a much sturdier, wider stand that is also adjustable.\n\n\nOther changes introduced in the new OLED Switch include a new dock with a wired LAN port, \u201cenhanced audio\u201d from the system\u2019s onboard speakers, and between 4.5 to 9 hours of battery life \u2013 the same quoted battery life as its predecessor.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to get the Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) \nfor RM1,688\n, you can do so from GameStop on Shopee. At the time of writing, about 10 units are left.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hmd-teases-new-nokia-tablet-for-malaysian-market-nokia-t20/", "title": "HMD Teases New Nokia Tablet for Malaysian Market \u2013 Nokia T20?", "body": "\n\nIt appears HMD Global will be bringing in a new Nokia-branded tablet to the Malaysian market soon. The company\u2019s Malaysian Instagram account just posted a teaser of the tablet, which is likely the Nokia T20. It\u2019s the first tablet to carry the Nokia branding since HMD took over the brand.\n\n\nWe\u2019re confident this is the Nokia T20 because it\u2019s the exact same teaser image shared by HMD global before the tablet was unveiled. You can refer to the posts by Nokia Mobile Malaysia and Nokia Mobile global below:\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nView this post on Instagram\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nA post shared by Nokia Mobile MY (@nokiamobilemy)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEverything you\u2019d expect from a Nokia phone in a tablet.\nComing 6.10.21 \npic.twitter.com/uTssAURMMQ\n\u2014 Nokia Mobile (@NokiaMobile) \nSeptember 27, 2021\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the affordable nature of the T20 is its best selling point: it retails from only $250 in the US, which comes up to about RM1,055. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a modest Android tablet powered by a Unisoc Tiger T610 processor.\n\n\nOther specifications of the T20 include a 10.4-inch 2000 x 1200 IPS display, up to 4GB of RAM and 64GB of expandable storage, an 8MP rear camera, a 5MP selfie shooter, as well as a 8,200mAh battery with support for 15W charging.\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on when the Nokia T20 will be introduced in Malaysia, though we reckon it will be happening soon. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the local availability of the affordable Android tablet.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-sales-exceed-100k-units-for-3rd-consecutive-year/", "title": "Proton Sales Exceed 100k Units for 3rd Consecutive Year", "body": "\n\nDespite the extended COVID-19 lockdown in the middle of the year, Proton\u2019s total sales for 2021 has exceeded the 100,000 mark. This is the third consecutive year the national carmaker has managed to achieve this milestone, thanks to its strong model lineup.\n\n\nIn November 2021, Proton delivered 14,187 units, bringing the carmaker\u2019s total sales for the year to 100,566 units. Compared to the same month in 2020, Proton\u2019s sales actually increased by 24.3% \u2013 that\u2019s quite a big improvement.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cNovember was a good sales month for Proton though overall industry numbers continue to be limited by supply and not demand. Crossing over the 100,000-unit threshold with a month to go is a highpoint for us after another year disrupted by COVID-19,\u201d said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n\n\u201cWe are humbled by the achievement and are now confident of ending the year with an increase in total sales,\u201d he added. Chances are, the carmaker\u2019s sales will see further growth next year, especially if the \u201c\nProton X90\n\u201d makes its debut then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-saga-best-selling-car-in-november-2021-over-4000-units-of-x50-delivered/", "title": "Proton Saga Best-Selling Car in November 2021; Over 4,000 Units of X50 Delivered", "body": "\n\nProton\u2019s sales in November 2021\n were very encouraging, and it was thanks to two popular models in its lineup: the Proton Saga and \nProton X50\n. In fact, the Saga was the best-selling car in Malaysia last month with over 5,666 units sold.\n\n\nThe national carmaker also added that the Saga remains to lead the A-segment sedan market, a position the company is hopeful it will retain until the end of the year. The X50 also continues to be the best-selling B-segment SUV \u2013 and the SUV market in general, according to Proton \u2013 with 4,010 units delivered.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the Proton X70 also leads the C-segment SUV market in November 2021 with 1,901 units sold. These are followed by the Persona (1,534), Iriz (642), and Exora (434, best-selling C-segment MPV). In total, Proton sold 14,187 units last month.\n\n\nCuriously, Proton said that the 2022 Iriz and Persona are affected by component supply issues, limiting their production volumes. \u201cNovember was a good sales month for Proton though overall industry numbers continue to be limited by supply and not demand,\u201d said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-centre-mid-valley-opens-pre-orders-for-ps5/", "title": "Sony Centre Mid Valley Opens Pre-Orders for PS5", "body": "\n\nA year after its arrival in Malaysia\n, it\u2019s still quite difficult to get a unit of the highly sought-after PlayStation 5. If you\u2019re feeling lucky, good news: Sony Centre Mid Valley is currently accepting pre-orders of the PS5 right now.\n\n\nWell, sort of. In order to be in the running for a \nchance\n to pre-order the PS5, you\u2019ll have to fill up \nthis form\n. If you\u2019re fortunate enough to be selected, you will be contacted by 6 December at 10PM to finalise your pre-order of the next-gen console.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo note that you only have until 4 December at 9AM tomorrow morning to register your interest for the PS5 pre-order. This isn\u2019t a first-come, first-served sale either; filling up the form just means you\u2019re in the running to be chosen to pre-order the PS5.\n\n\nWhile it wasn\u2019t mentioned, it\u2019s likely that stocks are very limited, so don\u2019t be disheartened if you\u2019re not chosen to pre-order the PS5. If you want a better chance of securing a unit, we recommend checking in with your favourite game shop to get into the waiting list \u2013 if the store has one.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopee-80-first-time-local-sellers-achieved-rm1-million-sales-within-a-year/", "title": "Shopee: 80 First-Time Local Sellers Achieved RM1 Million Sales Within a Year", "body": "\n\nWith the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it\u2019s no surprise that more folks have ventured onto e-commerce. In fact, Shopee said that the number of sellers on its platform have more than doubled in the past year, with 80 of them hitting the RM1 million sales mark within a year.\n\n\nOn top of that, these 80 retailers are first-time Shopee sellers that joined the platform in 2021. \u201cSome of these sellers hail from areas outside of state capitals and main cities such as Hutan Melintang, Perak; Kulim, Kedah; and Bera, Pahang,\u201d Shopee said in a press release.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cAs we wrap up 2021, we see another year of Malaysians adapting to the pandemic, and it is now more important than ever for businesses to go online to capture more online-first customers,\u201d said the CEO of Shopee, Terence Pang. \u201cThis year, we saw more local traders and sellers either taking their first step online or continuing their journey with us,\u201d he added.\n\n\nTo further support these local sellers, Shopee will be running a number of campaigns to focus on them, including the #ShopeeSapotLokal initiative and a number of free shipping vouchers for the ongoing Shopee 12.12 Birthday Sale. You can \nclick here\n to learn more about the sale.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dell-g15-with-intel-tiger-lake-h-chips-quietly-arrive-in-malaysia-from-rm4349/", "title": "Dell G15 With Intel Tiger Lake-H Chips Quietly Arrive in Malaysia From RM4,349", "body": "\n\nThe Dell G15 gaming laptop has been quietly launched in Malaysia. Sporting the latest Intel Tiger Lake-H processors with a range of Nvidia RTX graphics cards, it\u2019s a reasonably affordable gaming machine.\n\n\nAs many as \nfive\n different variants of the G15 are offered in Malaysia. The base model (RM4,349) sports a 15.6-inch 1080p VA panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, an Intel Core i5-11400H processor paired with 8GB of RAM, an RTX 3050 GPU, and a 512GB SSD storage.\n\n\n\n\nA tier up is the RM4,849 configuration of the G15, which swaps out the processor to a Core i7-11800H. Next, we have the RTX 3050 Ti model with the same hardware (minus the different GPU and more RAM at 16GB) as the aforementioned model for RM5,349.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the more powerful G15 with an RTX 3060 GPU for RM6,349. It\u2019s quite a big leap in price, though you do get a larger 1TB SSD storage for that extra money. Last but not least is the G15 Special Edition; it comes with an aluminium cover in Obsidian Black (with an iridescent logo) and a faster 165Hz VA panel for RM6,549.\n\n\nThe Dell G15 Special Edition\n\n\nCuriously, the Dell G15 Special Edition model only features 512GB of SSD despite being the most costly variant in the lineup. Anyway, this gaming laptop is now available for purchase in Malaysia through \nDell\u2019s Malaysian online store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-sony-wf-1000xm3-heavily-discounted-to-rm529/", "title": "Deal: Sony WF-1000XM3 Heavily Discounted to RM529", "body": "\n\nWhile the \nSony WF-1000XM3\n has already been succeeded by the \nWF-1000XM4\n, it\u2019s still a decent pair of wireless earbuds. The best part is, it is now more affordable than ever: you can grab the WF-1000XM3 \nfor only RM529 now\n.\n\n\nTo put this deal into context, the WF-1000XM3 used to go for RM949 at launch, so you\u2019re looking at exactly RM420 worth of savings here. This listing is also offered by Cplus Digital, a Shopee Mall retailer. Rest assured, this is a legitimate offer with a one-year warranty from Sony Malaysia itself.\n\n\n\n\nCplus Digital is also offering the newer \nWF-1000XM4\n with a reasonably good deal \nat RM899\n. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting better audio quality, even longer battery life, and water resistance over the WF-1000XM3.\n\n\nStill, for RM529, the Sony WF-1000XM3 is a fantastic pair of wireless earbuds with great active noise cancellation, respectable battery life, and good audio quality. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the WF-1000XM3, check out our review of the wireless earbuds \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/duckys-first-mainstream-hotswap-keyboard-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Ducky\u2019s First Mainstream Hotswap Keyboard Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nIntroduced back in November last month, we just got confirmation that the \nDucky One 3 series\n of mechanical keyboards are coming to Malaysia soon. What makes these keyboards particularly interesting is the fact that they are the Taiwanese company\u2019s first mainstream offering with a hotswap PCB, allowing users to easily swap out the switches.\n\n\nThe Malaysian availability of the Ducky One 3 series was revealed by \nDucky Malaysia\u2019s Facebook page\n, which is handled by \nSun Cycle\n, the official distributor of Ducky products locally. According to the company, the new keyboards are set to arrive here by Christmas.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTechnically, the \n2020 Ducky Year of the Rat\n is the company\u2019s first keyboard with hotswap support, but that is a limited edition model. The One 3 series, on the other hand, is made up of mainstream (and affordable) keyboards. In fact, the lineup is offered in many different colourways and form factor, including full-size, TKL, 65%, and even 60%.\n\n\nAside from the hotswap PCB, the One 3 series also features double-shot PBT keycaps, Cherry MX switches, RGB backlighting, a number of sound deadening material for improved sound profile, and plate-mounted stabilisers that are \u201cfine-tuned for an exceptional typing experience,\u201d as Ducky puts it.\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on exactly when the Ducky One 3 series will arrive in Malaysia, but since Sun Cycle is already teasing the new keyboards, we reckon they will be available here very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-aims-to-hit-30k-sales-in-december-2021-over-14600-orders-for-2022-myvi/", "title": "Perodua Aims to Hit 30k Sales in December 2021 \u2013 Over 14,600 Orders for 2022 Myvi", "body": "\n\nPerodua is aiming to hit 30,000 sales this month, which would be the national carmaker\u2019s highest monthly sales figure yet, exceeding its previous best month of \n27,858 units sold in October 2021\n. Aside from that, Perodua also revealed that over 14,600 orders for the 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift have been received.\n\n\n\u201cOf the 14,600 units (the new Myvi facelift) booked, 7,189 orders were converted from the previous variants,\u201d said the CEO and President of Perodua, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad. The carmaker added that over 42,288 units of the Myvi were registered between January and November 2021 \u2013 a very respectable figure.\n\n\n\n\nZainal also apologised for a slightly lower delivery of 20,299 units in November last month, which is attributed to intermittent disruption from COVID-19 and the semiconductor chip supply shortage. \u201cWe are working with the automotive ecosystem to overcome these issues, and with these countermeasures in place, we see December 2021 as our best month yet,\u201d he said.\n\n\nWith so many orders already placed for the 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift, we reckon the national carmaker will be able to hit its 30,000 sales mark this month. Moving forward, Perodua is aiming to register as many as 240,000 units in 2022 next year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-targets-240k-sales-for-2022-significantly-reduced-waiting-period/", "title": "Perodua Targets 240k Sales for 2022 & Significantly Reduced Waiting Period", "body": "\n\nAside from aiming to deliver 30,000 units this month, Perodua also revealed its sales target for 2022. Next year, the national carmaker is targeting \u201cat least\u201d 240,000 sales \u2013 that\u2019s a 40,000 increase over 2020\u2019s target. Perodua also mentioned that waiting period will be significantly reduced in 2022.\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s worth noting that the 240,000 figure is only a preliminary estimate. \u201cA more accurate forecast will be shared in late January 2022,\u201d said the CEO and President of Perodua, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\n\n\n\u201cWe believe that the worst is behind us in terms of COVID-19 related lockdowns, \ninsyallah\n, and while there are other risks in the market, we foresee the year 2022 as a year of recovery,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, Zainal also said that the waiting period for its range of models \u2013 quite a big concern for the \nAtiva\n \u2013 will be significantly reduced in 2022. \u201cBased on current information and forecasts, we foresee that we can at least reach the 240,000 registration target next year as the market stabilises and our waiting period will be reduced significantly,\u201d he said.\n\n\n\u201cThe 240,000 registration number is important as we want to grow the Malaysian automotive ecosystem,\u201d he further elaborated. The Perodua chief also forecasts that car demand would peak in the first six months of 2022. That\u2019s when the sales tax exemption is set to end, which has been extended many times \nto June 2022\n right now.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-3-disney-themed-accessories-now-in-malaysia-from-rm69/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 Disney-Themed Accessories Now in Malaysia From RM69", "body": "\n\nSamsung released quite a number of accessories for the lifestyle-centric \nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 3\n foldable phone, and these latest ones are done in collaboration with Disney. These include accessories themed after Star Wars, Marvel, and of course, the iconic Mickey Mouse.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the cover straps, which are offered in \nMarvel\n, \nDisney\n, and \nNational Geographic\n designs. These are priced at RM79, though Samsung Malaysia\u2019s e-store is offering them for RM69 now. There\u2019s also a \nDisney-themed cover ring strap\n for RM79.\n\n\n\n\nLast but definitely not least are the Star Wars and Simpsons straps, which also come with matching lanyards and sticker packs. Retailing at RM159, you can now get the Star Wars set for only RM129. Oddly enough, the Simpsons variant is not listed yet.\n\n\nYou can purchase these accessories for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 on \nSamsung Malaysia\u2019s e-store\n. Not sure if the foldable phone is for you? Then check out our \nreview of the Z Flip 3\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/monokei-hiro-pre-orders-now-open-premium-65-custom-keyboard-from-s580/", "title": "Monokei Hiro Pre-Orders Now Open \u2013 Premium 65% Custom Keyboard From S$580", "body": "\n\nMonokei just opened pre-orders for another premium custom keyboard, the Monokei Hiro. With some design elements of the company\u2019s popular Kei keyboard, the Hiro is a 65% gasket-mount keyboard with the former\u2019s \u201cdistinct sound signature,\u201d as Monokei puts it.\n\n\nThe Hiro can be purchased in three different configurations. The most affordable variant features an aluminium top case and \u201cSilver\u201d bottom case \u2013 likely aluminium \u2013 from S$580 (about RM1,790), while the brass bottom version starts at S$710 (approximately RM2,195). You can listen to a sound test of these two configurations in the video below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Monokei Hiro SE\n\n\nLast but not least is the \nall-brass\n Hiro SE, which comes in a new \u201cBounty Hunter\u201d PVD finish for a sleek, stealthy look. Now, given that brass is not exactly a budget-friendly material, it\u2019s no surprise that the Hiro SE starts at a steep S$1,180 (about RM3,645). Regardless of which variant you get, you can upgrade to a hotswap PCB for S$15 (about RM45).\n\n\nThe Monokei Hiro will be available for pre-order until \n27 December 2021\n on \nMonokei\n; fulfilment will begin sometime in Q4 2022. More information on the Hiro can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-perodua-myvi-facelift-4-months-waiting-time-now/", "title": "2022 Perodua Myvi Facelift \u2013 4 Months Waiting Time Now", "body": "\n\nWith over \n14,600 bookings\n already placed for the \n2022 Perodua Myvi facelift\n, it\u2019s no surprise that waiting time for the hugely popular B-segment hatchback is quite long now. If you place an order for the new Myvi today, you\u2019ll have to wait four months before you receive the car.\n\n\nThis bit of info came from the CEO and President of Perodua himself, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad, as quoted by \nWapCar\n. The site wrote that for those who booked a Myvi between May to July 2021 \u2013 over 7,189 orders of the pre-facelift Myvi are upgrading to the new model, after all \u2013 they will get the hatchback by the end of this month.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, Perodua is aiming to deliver over 30,000 vehicles this month alone, which would be the national carmaker\u2019s highest monthly sales figure yet, exceeding its previous best month of\u00a0\n27,858 units sold in October 2021\n. Moving forward, Perodua said that waiting times for its range of models will be \nreduced significantly too\n in 2022.\n\n\nGiven that Perodua is targeting to get \n240,000 sales in 2022\n, shorter waiting times will be essential for the carmaker to achieve that figure. The \nextension of the sales tax exemption\n to June 2022 should also further bolster car sales in Malaysia for the first half of the year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/discount-pdrm-jpj-summons-december-2021-klcc/", "title": "Get a Discount on Your PDRM & JPJ Summons From 9 \u2013 12 December at KLCC", "body": "\n\nUpdate 8 December:\n The amount of discount has been revealed! You can get up to 80% discount on your PDRM and JPJ summonses; online payments are also eligible for the discount. More details can be found \nhere\n.\n\n\nThe original article follows.\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve got unpaid PDRM or JPJ summons, good news: you can get a discount later this week between 9 to 12 December at KLCC. Needless to say, it\u2019s a great time to clear your summons \u2013 if you have any. \n\n\nThis discount is given out in celebration of the government\u2019s 100 days of \nAspirasi Keluarga Malaysia\n. A payment counter will be opened at KLCCC from 9 to 12 December to get a discount on your PDRM or JPJ summons \u2013 the counter will be opened from 9AM to 10PM.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, the exact amount of discount is not detailed in the announcement, though it\u2019s always a good thing to get a discount on summonses. PDRM summonses, in particular, are not discounted very often.\n\n\nDo note that there\u2019s a good chance only compoundable summonses are eligible for the discount. If the summon requires you to go to a court hearing, it\u2019s unlikely that you\u2019ll get to enjoy the savings. Anyway, if you\u2019ve got a compoundable PDRM or JPJ summons, head on to KLCC between 9 to 12 December 2021 to get a discount.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-city-hatchback-lands-in-malaysia-four-variants-ultra-seats-from-rm76k/", "title": "Honda City Hatchback Lands in Malaysia \u2013 Four Variants, ULTRA Seats, From RM76k", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter months of teasers, the Honda City Hatchback \u2013 which is replacing the Honda Jazz for the Malaysian market \u2013 has finally been launched in Malaysia. Just like its sedan sibling, four different variants of the B-segment hatchback are offered here, including the highest-end RS e:HEV hybrid model.\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk prices. The most affordable S variant of the City Hatchback costs RM75,670, while the mid-tier E model is priced at RM83,080. As for the V trim \u2013 the range-topping petrol variant \u2013 it goes for RM87,860. Do note that these prices are with sales tax exemption applied \nuntil 30 June 2022\n.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the highest-end RS e-HEV hybrid model will only be available here sometime in early 2022, so we\u2019ll only know how much this trim costs once it is launched then.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe City Hatchback RS\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, as its name suggests, the City Hatchback is basically the hatchback version of the City sedan, so both models are quite similar to each other. The petrol variants, for one, are powered by the same 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine that outputs 121PS and 145Nm of torque. It is paired to a CVT gearbox, with drive sent to the front wheels.\n\n\nThe City Hatchback RS, on the other hand, features a Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain that delivers 109PS and 253Nm of torque out of an electric motor; this is what powers the car most of the time. The RS has a 1.5L engine too that does 98PS and 127Nm of torque, but it mainly acts as a generator for the electric motor. The 1.5L mill is only used at higher speeds.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe City Hatchback V\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the City Hatchback RS is the only model to get the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance safety system. It\u2019s made up of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigating Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Auto High Beam (AHB).\n\n\nBut what really sets the City Hatchback apart from the City sedan are the ULTRA seats, the signature feature of the Jazz. Thanks to this ingenious seat design, you can fold the seats down (flat) or completely flipped up to accommodate cargos of different shapes and sizes.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf the Honda City Hatchback piqued your interest, you can head to your nearest Honda dealership to place a booking. Alternatively, can also book it online\u00a0\nhere\n, or even through the HondaTouch app \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-city-hatchback-honda-malaysia-targets-1k-monthly-sales-2k-bookings-received/", "title": "Honda City Hatchback \u2013 Honda Malaysia Targets 1k Monthly Sales; 2k Bookings Received", "body": "\n\nSeems like the Honda City Hatchback is quite popular among Malaysians. Initially open for booking just last month in November 2021, over 2,000 bookings have already been placed for the B-segment hatchback \u2013 that\u2019s a respectable figure.\n\n\nAccording to Honda Malaysia, it\u2019s targeting to sell 1,000 units of the City Hatchback every month. If the Japanese carmaker can keep up the current sales momentum for the hatchback, it can certainly hit that figure \u2013 and then some.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, given that full details of the City Hatchback were only revealed today, there\u2019s no specific breakdown of which variant received the most bookings. However, historically \u2013 for the City sedan, anyway \u2013 the V model is usually the most popular variant.\n\n\nTo recap, the City Hatchback starts at RM75,670 for the base S model, going up to RM83,080 for the mid-tier E trim. The V variant, on the other hand, goes for RM87,860. Unfortunately, the RS e:HEV hybrid model will only be arriving in Malaysia sometime in early 2022, so we don\u2019t know yet how much it costs locally.\n\n\n\n\nDelivery for the Honda City Hatchback will begin in January 2022 next month. If you\u2019re keen to get this B-segment hatchback, you can head to your nearest Honda dealership to place a booking. Alternatively, can also book it online\u00a0\nhere\n, or even through the HondaTouch app \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/over-22k-5th-gen-honda-city-sold-in-malaysia-only-5-were-rs-model/", "title": "Over 22k 5th-Gen Honda City Sold in Malaysia \u2013 Only 5% Were RS Model", "body": "\n\nAt the local launch of the \nHonda City Hatchback\n, Honda Malaysia revealed that over 22,000 units of the \nfifth-generation Honda City\n sedan were sold in Malaysia. Of that amount, the top-of-the-line \nRS e:HEV hybrid model\n only make up 5% of total sales.\n\n\nIt\u2019s possible that the City RS\u2019 RM105,950.45 price tag \u2013 that\u2019s almost RM20,000 more than the V trim (RM86,561.45), the range-topping petrol model \u2013 is one of the key reasons it\u2019s not quite as popular among Malaysians. It was also only made available here five months after the other models were launched locally.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, Honda Malaysia did say that the sales performance of the City RS is within the company\u2019s expectations. On top of that, the carmaker added that feedback from owners of the hybrid model have been positive too.\n\n\nWhile not many units of the Honda City RS e:HEV were sold in Malaysia, it seems that those who actually bought the hybrid sedan are quite happy with it. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how the City Hatchback RS will fare here once it is launched locally sometime in early 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-honda-city-hatchback-launch-in-malaysia/", "title": "Video: Honda City Hatchback Launch in Malaysia", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Honda City Hatchback has finally been launched in Malaysia! With a sportier-looking design than its \nsedan sibling\n, the new B-segment hatchback is replacing the Jazz for the Malaysian market.\n\n\nEven though we won\u2019t be getting the cute new Jazz, the City Hatchback does get the former\u2019s signature ULTRA seats. Thanks to this ingenious seat design, you can fold the seats down (flat) or completely flipped up to accommodate cargos of different shapes and sizes.\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to see the ULTRA seats in action, watch our video of the Honda City Hatchback above! You can place a booking for the hatchback at your nearest Honda dealership. Alternatively, you can also book it online\u00a0\nhere\n, or even through the HondaTouch app \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-nintendo-switch-oled-price-drops-to-rm1549/", "title": "Deal: Nintendo Switch OLED Price Drops to RM1,549", "body": "\n\nIt hasn\u2019t been that long since the \nNintendo Switch (OLED Model)\n was launched, but it seems like the price of the portable console is steadily going down. Previously going \nfor RM1,688\n, you can now get the latest and greatest Switch \nfor only RM1,549\n.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Shopee Mall retailer Impulse Gaming; one of the most renowned game stores in Malaysia. Both the new \nWhite and Neon colour options\n are available from Impulse, but only the White model is going for RM1,549. Do note that you\u2019ll only get a 3-month warranty from Impulse itself for this particular unit.\n\n\nIf you want a 12-month warranty from Maxsoft instead \u2013 the official distributor of Nintendo products in Southeast Asia \u2013 you\u2019ll have to fork out an extra RM50 for a total of RM1,599. It\u2019s worth the price difference, in our opinion.\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the new OLED Switch features a larger 7-inch OLED panel with thinner bezels. It also has double the internal storage at 64GB, and the stand sees a design revision as well. Instead of the original Switch\u2019s fragile-looking stand, this new Switch uses a much sturdier, wider stand that is also adjustable.\n\n\nOther changes introduced in the new OLED Switch include a new dock with a wired LAN port, \u201cenhanced audio\u201d from the system\u2019s onboard speakers, and between 4.5 to 9 hours of battery life \u2013 the same quoted battery life as its predecessor.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to get the Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) \nfor only RM1,549\n, you can do so from Impulse Gaming on Shopee. At the time of writing, only three units are left, so be quick if you want to get the new Switch at this low price.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/uncharted-legacy-of-thieves-collection-coming-to-ps5-on-28-january-for-rm209/", "title": "Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection Coming to PS5 on 28 January for RM209", "body": "\n\nInitially announced for the PS5 and PC back in September this year, we finally have a release date for \nUncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection\n. Well, for the PS5 version anyway \u2013 the title will be arriving on the next-gen console next month on 28 January 2022.\n\n\nUnfortunately, there\u2019s no release date yet for the PC version of the collection, which is a remaster of Uncharted 4: A Thief\u2019s End and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy. It\u2019s worth noting that this is the first time any of the Uncharted franchise is releasing on the PC.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, Sony did reveal some details for the PS5 version of the Legacy of Thieves Collection. There are three performance modes: Fidelity (4K at 30fps), Performance (60fps), and Performance+, which targets 120fps at 1080p.\n\n\nOf course, players can also expect \u201cnear instant\u201d loading times with the PS5 version of Legacy of Thieves. The DualSense\u2019s much improved haptic feedback and adaptive triggers will be implemented in the game too, as expected.\n\n\n\n\nUncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection will be available on PS5 next month on 28 January 2022; the PC version\u2019s release date will be revealed in the near future. You can \npre-order the game for the PS5 now for RM209\n, but if you own Uncharted 4 or Lost Legacy already, you have the option to pay only RM40 to upgrade to the Legacy of Thieves Collection.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/uncharted-4-lost-legacy-standalone-removed-from-playstation-store/", "title": "Uncharted 4 & Lost Legacy (Standalone) Removed From PlayStation Store", "body": "\n\nJust as the release date for \nUncharted: Legacy of Thieves\n was revealed for the PS5, the standalone versions of Uncharted 4 and The Lost Legacy for the PS4 were removed from the PlayStation Store. If you want to get either games on the PS4 now, you\u2019ll have to get the bundle of the two games instead, \nwhich costs RM169\n.\n\n\nWhile that price looks a little steep for titles that were released quite some time ago, it does make sense for those who plan to upgrade to \nLegacy of Thieves (RM209)\n on the PS5. After all, those who purchase this bundle can upgrade to the remastered versions of the games for only RM40, so you\u2019re basically paying the same amount of money in total.\n\n\n\n\nDo note that if you\u2019ve previously claimed Uncharted 4 \nthrough your PlayStation Plus subscription\n, you won\u2019t be eligible for the RM40 upgrade, as expected. If you have a \nphysical copy of Uncharted 4 or The Lost Legacy\n though, you will be able to enjoy the RM40 upgrade, but you\u2019ll need to insert the physical disc every time you launch the game.\n\n\nIt\u2019s not ideal that players are now forced to purchase both Uncharted 4 and The Lost Legacy in a bundle now \u2013 especially if they want to play just one of them \u2013 but you can purchase physical copies of the games instead. Nonetheless, if you prefer getting your games digitally, you can get the bundle on the \nPlayStation Store for RM169\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/psa-buy-uncharted-4-or-lost-legacy-now-to-get-legacy-of-thieves-for-only-rm40/", "title": "PSA: Buy Uncharted 4 or Lost Legacy Now to Get Legacy of Thieves for Only RM40", "body": "\n\nSony just revealed the release date and pricing of \nUncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection\n on the PS5. The upgrade path for the upcoming collection is detailed too, allowing existing owners of Uncharted 4 or The Lost Legacy for the PS4 to get Legacy of Thieves \u2013 \nwhich retails at RM209\n \u2013 for only RM40 come 28 January 2022.\n\n\nWith that in mind, now\u2019s a great time to purchase the aforementioned two games. Even though the digital copies of the two games \nhave been removed from the PlayStation Store\n, you can still get them in physical copy.\n\n\n\n\nRight now, Uncharted 4 is going \nfor only RM79\n from renowned game store Impulse Gaming. Same goes for The Lost Legacy; HeavyArm (also a notable game store) is \nlisting the game at RM79\n. If you purchase either one of these games and opt for the RM40 upgrade to Legacy of Thieves, you\u2019re only paying RM119 for the PS5 game \u2013 great deal, isn\u2019t it?\n\n\nHowever, do note that you\u2019ll need to insert the physical disc of Uncharted 4 or The Lost Legacy every time you launch Legacy of Thieves on the PS5. Obviously, if you have a PS5 Digital Edition, you won\u2019t be able to take advantage of this benefit.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, if you want to play both Uncharted 4 and The Lost Legacy right now, you can just get the digital bundle, \nwhich costs RM169 on the PlayStation Store\n. Yes, you can still upgrade to Legacy of Thieves for RM40 come 28 January 2022 (when the game is released) if you purchase this bundle.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/get-up-to-80-discount-on-pdrm-jpj-summonses-tomorrow-9-december/", "title": "Get up to 80% Discount on PDRM & JPJ Summonses Tomorrow (9 December)", "body": "\n\nPreviously, it was announced that both PDRM and JPJ \nwill offer discounts on issued summonses\n from the two entities. Well, more information have been revealed: not only is the discount applicable to online payments now, you can also get up to a whopping 80% savings too.\n\n\nOf course, there are some caveats for this discount. For one, it is only valid between 9 to 12 December, and only compoundable summonses from PDRM and JPJ are eligible for the discount. If the summon requires you to go to a court hearing, for example, you will not get to enjoy the savings.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, online payments are also eligible for the discount now. For PDRM summons, you can get the discount through the\u00a0\nMyBayar portal\n\u00a0or app on the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n. As for JPJ summons, you can pay for the summons on the mySIKAP portal.\n\n\nAlternatively, you can also make your summons payments over the counter at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) between 9 to 12 December to enjoy up to 80% discount. Both PDRM and JPJ will have their own respective payment counters for this at KLCC.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/9-15-december-fuel-price-ron-97-down-3-sen-again-others-remain/", "title": "9 \u2013 15 December Fuel Price: RON 97 Down 3 Sen (Again), Others Remain", "body": "\n\nNow this is a pleasant surprise! For the coming week, RON 97 is going down by 3 sen yet again. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.\n\n\nFrom tomorrow onwards until Wednesday next week, the price of RON 97 is set at RM2.99 per litre (down from RM3.02). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 9 to 15 December. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates! \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q4-60-keyboard-coming-q1-2022-from-149/", "title": "Keychron Q4 \u2013 60% Keyboard Coming Q1 2022 From $149", "body": "\n\nEven though Keychron has only released \none keyboard in the Q series\n, the company just shared more details on the \nfourth \nupcoming keyboard in the lineup, the Keychron Q4. Essentially, it\u2019s a 60% version of the Q1 with some distinct differences here and there.\n\n\nJust like the rest of the Q series keyboards, the Q4 will retail at $149 (about RM630) for the barebone kit, or $169 (approximately RM715) for the fully assembled version. Aside from that, it also has a gasket mounting system, full aluminium body, VIA-compatible hotswap PCB, and support for screw-in stabilisers.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the Q4 does have a couple of unique features, including a more compact 60% layout (naturally) and silicone pads between the top and bottom cases. In theory, this should reduce case ping, improving the keyboard\u2019s sound profile.\n\n\nAs the Geekhack interest check shows, the Keychron Q4 is expected to be available sometime in Q1 2022, which lines up with the \nprevious estimate of a March 2022 launch\n. If you\u2019re looking to get a reasonably affordable 60% keyboard with some features only typically found on a custom board, the Q4 may be worth waiting for.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/returning-to-hearthstone-after-1-year-im-staying-for-now/", "title": "Returning to Hearthstone After 1 Year \u2013 I\u2019m Staying! (For Now)", "body": "\n\nLast week, Hearthstone\u2019s latest expansion, Fractured in Alterac Valley, went live. I was a long-time Hearthstone player, but shortly after the new \nDemon Hunter\n class was introduced, I completely stopped playing the game \u2013 the meta at the time (and other factors) just didn\u2019t feel fun to me anymore.\n\n\nBut after being away from Hearthstone for over a year, I\u2019m happy to be back! While there are some aspects of the digital card game that still need some work, I\u2019m really liking the revamped reward system and other changes. If you\u2019ve been away from the game for a while now, I highly recommending jumping back in to experience the new mechanics.\n\n\nFree Decks for New & Returning Players Are Strong (Most of Them)\n\n\nThis is an \namazing \nnew change to Hearthstone. Whether you\u2019re a new or returning player \u2013 those who have not logged into the game for 120 days/four months \u2013 you can claim a free deck that is quite competitive, especially after some tweaks here and there.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, these free decks \nare also updated\n whenever an expansion is released, so they won\u2019t be outdated once the meta shifts with every new update (to an extent). When I got back to Hearthstone, I claimed the \u201cComplete the Ritual\u201d Warlock deck, which takes advantage of the powerful The Demon Seed Questline card.\n\n\nNow, it\u2019s no exaggeration to say that this \nfree\n Warlock deck is quite close to the \u201ctrue\u201d meta deck (Hand Warlock) it is based on. While it\u2019s missing the Tamsin Roame Legendary card, it\u2019s still a potent deck that can easily help you climb up the ranking system. In fact, I\u2019ve gotten to the \nPlatinum league\n (two leagues before Legend) with this deck alone.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, do note that not all of the free decks are made equal. The \u201cSorcerer\u2019s Gambit\u201d Mage deck, for example, isn\u2019t exactly a leading meta deck right now after the Questline card was nerfed. Granted, its playstyle may still be very fun to some folks, but don\u2019t expect it to perform remarkably well once you\u2019ve climbed the rank ladder high enough.\n\n\nBut if you don\u2019t like the free deck anymore, you can just disenchant the cards in the deck for dust. You can then use said dust to craft another deck that\u2019s to your liking. Really, I absolutely love this free deck system for new and returning players.\n\n\nMuch Better Reward System\n\n\nIntroduced in November 2020 alongside the Madness at the Darkmoon Faire expansion, the new Rewards Track system replaces the old daily quest mechanism. With the new system, daily (and weekly) quests now reward XP to level up the\u2026well, Rewards Track.\n\n\n\n\nBasically, it\u2019s a battle pass system of sorts. The more you progress through the Rewards Track, the more rewards you get, and they\u2019re \ngenerous\n. After playing a few games every other day, I already got a couple of packs, gold, and even a free random Legendary from the latest expansion \u2013 all without grinding for hours on end or purchasing the Tavern Pass.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also neat that I can get a free hero skin if I manage to hit level 100; I\u2019m confident I can reach this without committing too much time. After all, the Rewards Track only resets when the next expansion is released \u2013 that\u2019s about four months\u2019 time.\n\n\nMore Content to Experience\n\n\nI was pleasantly surprised by the new modes that were introduced in Hearthstone \u2013 Mercenaries and Duels \u2013 since I stopped playing the digital card game, which can serve as a nice break in-between ladder climbs. Out of the two new additions, I played quite a bit of Mercenaries: a turn-based RPG-like game mode.\n\n\n\n\nWhile I\u2019m not too keen with the gameplay of Mercenaries, it does provide more content for players beyond the \u201cregular\u201d Hearthstone experience of going against other players with a constructed deck in ranked or casual mode. There\u2019s also a new Solo Adventures mission (Book of Mercenaries) that I have yet to play through.\n\n\nBut It Needs a Visual Upgrade & Faster Animations\n\n\nAs I\u2019ve mentioned before, I\u2019m a long-time Hearthstone player since the game was released, and yet, the interface and visuals of the game still remain largely the same. Compared to other digital card games like Legends of Runeterra, Hearthstone looks decidedly\u2026well, archaic.\n\n\nBeyond its ageing interface, one of the reasons I stopped playing Hearthstone was due to long animation times. Waiting for effects to resolve, for one, can take much too long. As a result, games feel unnecessarily lengthy, not to mention having less time to make decisions.\n\n\nThis is especially an issue on mobile, which is where I spent the most time on for the sake of convenience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, I\u2019m having an absolute ball in Hearthstone after being away from the game for so long. The best part is, I haven\u2019t spent any of my accumulated dust or gold yet to craft a proper meta deck to climb the ladder, thanks to the free Warlock deck I claimed as a returning player.\n\n\nSure, I\u2019m not a fan of Hearthstone\u2019s archaic user interface, and it still feels a little frustrating waiting for lengthy animations to finish, but I \nam\n having fun in the game right now, which is all that matters\u2026for now.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-tab-p11-pro-p11-plus-now-in-malaysia-android-tablets-from-rm1399/", "title": "Lenovo Tab P11 Pro & P11 Plus Now in Malaysia \u2013 Android Tablets From RM1,399", "body": "\n\nLenovo just launched two new Android tablets for the Malaysian market: the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro and Tab P11 Plus. Retailing from RM1,399, these are pretty slim tablets, and you can even connect a keyboard to them.\n\n\nThe RM1,399 starting price is for the Tab P11 Plus with 64GB of internal storage and 4GB of RAM. The higher-end Tab P11 Pro, on the other hand, costs quite a bit more at RM2,499. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM.\n\n\nThe Lenovo Tab P11 Pro\n\n\nOne of the highlight features of the Tab P11 Pro is definitely its bright and vibrant 11.5-inch 2560 x 1600 OLED display. Aside from that, it also has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G chipset, a dual camera system (13MP primary + 5MP ultra-wide angle), an 8MP selfie camera, and an 8,600mAh battery.\n\n\nAs for the Tab P11 Plus, it has a more modest set of hardware. These include an 11-inch 2000 x 1200 IPS screen, a MediaTek Helio G90T processor, a single 13MP rear camera, an 8MP front-facing shooter, and a 7,700mAh battery.\n\n\nThe Lenovo Tab P11 Plus\n\n\nBoth the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro and Tab P11 Plus are now available for purchase in Malaysia. To recap, the P11 Pro costs RM2,499, while the Tab P11 Plus goes for RM1,399.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/boost-to-release-a-prepaid-card-with-mastercard-soon/", "title": "Boost to Release a Prepaid Card With Mastercard Soon", "body": "\n\nTo encourage more of its users to go cashless, Boost and Mastercard are partnering to release a prepaid card. This should allow for users to still utilise their e-wallet balance in Boost at retail stores that don\u2019t support payment through the Boost app.\n\n\n\u201cOne of the principle aims of the Boost Mastercard prepaid card will be to allow Boost consumers to make seamless, safe and convenient payments in Malaysia, Indonesia, and globally where Mastercard is accepted,\u201d said the company in a press release.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, it\u2019s not revealed exactly when Boost will release the Mastercard prepaid card. Nonetheless, it will certainly boost (sorry for the pun) the e-wallet\u2019s use once the prepaid card is available to consumers.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-v23e-series-lands-in-malaysia-from-rm1399/", "title": "Vivo V23e Series Lands in Malaysia From RM1,399", "body": "\n\nVivo just launched two new smartphones in Malaysia, the Vivo V23e and Vivo V23e 5G. If you\u2019re looking for a thin, budget-friendly (and selfie-centric) device, these two smartphones are worth considering.\n\n\nOut of the two phones, the V23e (128GB + 8GB) is naturally the more affordable option with a RM1,399 price tag. As for the V23e 5G, it retails at RM1,599 with the same storage and RAM capacities.\n\n\n\n\nGiven its slightly higher price, the V23e 5G is naturally better-equipped. It features a 5G-capable MediaTek Dimensity 810 processor, a 6.44-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED display, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro), a 44MP selfie camera, and a 4,050mAh battery with support for 44W fast charging.\n\n\nAs for the regular V23e, it has almost the same hardware, though it comes with a MediaTek G96 processor instead with 4G connectivity. It also has a different 64MP primary camera, as well as a 50MP selfie shooter.\n\n\n\n\nThe Vivo V23e and Vivo V23e 5G are now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 17 December 2021. Those who purchase either phones in this time period will get RM559 (V23e 5G) or RM459 (V23e) worth of free gifts.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/illegear-onyx-m-now-in-malaysia-from-rm7599-lightweight-intel-tiger-lake-h-gaming-laptop/", "title": "Illegear Onyx M Now in Malaysia From RM7,599 \u2013 Lightweight Intel Tiger Lake-H Gaming Laptop", "body": "\n\nIllegear just added a new product to its lineup of customisable gaming laptops. Enter the Illegear Onyx M, a premium, lightweight gaming laptop with Intel\u2019s latest Tiger Lake-H chip.\n\n\nGiven its premium positioning, the Onyx M does cost quite a bit of money. Retailing from RM7,599, this gaming laptop offers a sole Core i7-11800H processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU (115W TGP), 16GB of RAM, 500GB of SSD storage, and a 15.6-inch 2560 x 1440 IPS display with a fast 165Hz refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\nIf you need a more powerful GPU, you can fork out RM1,499 extra to get the faster RTX 3070 configuration with a 125W TGP. There\u2019s also a pre-order special for the gaming laptop right now until 15 December, which upgrades the SSD and RAM to 1TB and 32GB respectively, along with a Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut thermal paste for the CPU \nand\n GPU. These upgrades are worth RM1,157.\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Onyx M is quite a lightweight gaming machine, tipping the scales at only 1.94kg thanks to its magnesium alloy chassis. Considering the fact that this laptop also features a generous 94Wh battery \u2013 it should be quite long-lasting \u2013 this is really quite impressive.\n\n\n\n\nThe Illegear Onyx M is now available for pre-order in Malaysia on the \ncompany\u2019s online store\n. The RTX 3060 model is expected to start shipping from 31 December, while the RTX 3070 configuration is arriving here slightly earlier on 20 December 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-watch-2-lite-coming-to-malaysia-12-december-for-rm249-early-birds-get-rm50-discount/", "title": "Redmi Watch 2 Lite Coming to Malaysia 12 December for RM249 \u2013 Early Birds Get RM50 Discount", "body": "\n\nThe Redmi Watch 2 Lite has just been confirmed for the Malaysian market. Retailing at only RM249, it\u2019s certainly an affordable smartwatch. Despite its budget-friendly price tag, it still has some neat features too.\n\n\nTo celebrate the arrival of the Redmi Watch 2 Lite in Malaysia this Sunday on 12 December, it will be offered with a RM50 discount on that day. That brings down the price of the already affordable smartwatch \nto only RM199\n, making it \nthat\n much more attractive.\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the Redmi Watch 2 Lite can track quite a number of workouts: it has 17 \u201cprofessional modes\u201d \u2013 including HIIT and yoga \u2013 along with a whopping 100 extended workout modes. It even has a GPS chip for more precise position tracking.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Redmi Watch 2 Lite include a 1.55-inch 360 x 320 square display, a heart rate sensor, the ability to monitor blood oxygen level, a 5 ATM water resistance rating, as well as a 262mAh battery that can offer up to 10 days of standby time.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Redmi Watch 2 Lite will go on sale in Malaysia this Sunday on 12 December. Retailing at RM249, you can get it \nfor only RM199\n on that day through Lazada.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopee-12-12-shopping-guide-how-to-get-the-best-deals-tomorrow-night/", "title": "Shopee 12.12 Shopping Guide \u2013 How to Get the Best Deals Tomorrow Night", "body": "\n\nThe Shopee 12.12 Birthday Sale is happening tomorrow night, which will offer a number of good deals. Not only can you get free shipping with no minimum spend, there are also \n12 million vouchers\n up for grabs. Needless to say, it\u2019s a great time to purchase anything you might need at 12AM on 12 December.\n\n\nOf course, if you want to get the best deals, there are a number of things to pay attention to. From claiming bank vouchers to checking out as quickly as you can (before the vouchers run out), here are some tips for Shopee\u2019s 12.12 Birthday Sale tomorrow night!\n\n\nClaim Bank Vouchers\n\n\nThis is arguably the best (and easiest) way to get a sizeable discount on your purchases. All you have to do is claim for bank vouchers from Shopee \nhere\n, and pay with a credit card from selected banks. While the majority of these bank vouchers are for credit cards, there are occasionally vouchers for debit and prepaid cards too, such as BigPay (RM15 off).\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, there\u2019s a minimum spend requirement for the discount vouchers. The BigPay voucher, for example, has a RM120 minimum spend to get RM15 off. Each bank voucher has different minimum spend requirements, so it\u2019s important to use ones that offer the best discount for your particular order.\n\n\nOn top of that, it\u2019s worth noting that these vouchers can only be used with specific retailers, which brings us to the next point..\n\n\nLook for Mall and Preferred Retailers\n\n\nMost Shopee vouchers \u2013 including the aforementioned bank vouchers \u2013 are only applicable to Mall and Preferred retailers, so it\u2019s best to do your purchases with these retailers. It\u2019s a little inconvenient, yes, but retailers with either one of the two statuses are (usually) more reputable, so that\u2019s good.\n\n\nIf you have trouble looking for specific products that are sold by Mall or Preferred retailers, you can use the filter feature in the search tool to only show listings from these retailers. You can even sort the filtered listings by price, ensuring that you can get the best deal.\n\n\nCheckout Through the Shopee App\n\n\nAnother thing about Shopee vouchers: most of them can only be used if you checkout through the Shopee app. If you make your purchase through the Shopee website instead, there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019ll miss out on the opportunity to use the best voucher available for your particular order.\n\n\n\n\nPersonally, I find it best to make my Shopee purchases through the app anyway, so this isn\u2019t exactly a big issue (to me). You can download the Shopee app through the \nApple App Store\n or the \nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n\nCombine Your Orders to Meet Minimum Spend\n\n\nWhat if the items you want don\u2019t meet the minimum spend for vouchers? Well, you can combine your orders from other sellers; not every item in an order has to be from the same retailer. Sure, you won\u2019t have to pay multiple shipping fees, but if combining orders allow you to use certain discount vouchers, you\u2019ll be saving more.\n\n\nDon\u2019t Forget to Claim Shop Vouchers\n\n\nAside from Shopee vouchers, there are also shop-specific vouchers that can be used in tandem with the former, so you can get even more discounts on your purchases. You can easily see the vouchers that are available from a specific shop through the product listing itself or from your shopping cart page in the Shopee app.\n\n\nHere\u2019s a neat trick to get the best deal on any product: if a retailer is listing an item at a higher price than another store, check if there\u2019s any shop voucher that you can use to lower the price. I kid you not, there were a few instances where I got a better deal by doing so.\n\n\n\n\nGet Your Items Ready in the Shopping Cart\n\n\nThe best time to make your purchases on big sales like 12.12 is to checkout at 12AM itself, so it\u2019s imperative that you have your items ready in the shopping cart \nbefore\n midnight. Browse through the items that you want to purchase several days before the sale itself, claim every voucher you can find, and checkout the moment the clock strikes 12AM.\n\n\nHere\u2019s the thing: Shopee vouchers are limited, and they can run out within \nminutes\n after 12AM. This is especially true for discount vouchers that are really good \u2013 such as bank vouchers \u2013 so you\u2019ll have to be quick to be able to use these vouchers.\n\n\nKeep an Eye Out for Voucher Drops Throughout the Day\n\n\nIf you missed out on the crucial 12AM shopping window, don\u2019t worry: Shopee will release quite a number of vouchers throughout the sale day. It can be a little overwhelming to keep track of this, but if you\u2019ve got the Shopee app installed, there will usually be push notifications to notify users of any voucher drops.\n\n\n\n\nSo there you have it. With these tips, you\u2019ll definitely get some good savings on Shopee\u2019s 12.12 Birthday Sale happening this midnight. For more information on the sale \u2013 and to claim for various vouchers \u2013 visit \nthis page\n.\n\n\nThis article is based on our previous \nShopee 11.11 Shopping Guide\n. It has been updated with details on Shopee\u2019s 12.12 Birthday Sale.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/affordable-nokia-t20-tablet-malaysian-launch-set-for-12-december/", "title": "Affordable Nokia T20 Tablet Malaysian Launch Set for 12 December", "body": "\n\nWe just got confirmation that the affordable \nNokia T20\n tablet is arriving here in Malaysia on 12 December. Not only is it budget-friendly, the T20 is also the first tablet to carry the Nokia branding since HMD Global took over the iconic brand.\n\n\nNaturally, the affordable nature of the T20 is its best selling point: it retails from only $250 in the US, which comes up to about RM1,055. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a modest Android tablet powered by a Unisoc Tiger T610 processor, which should be fast enough for everyday tasks.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the T20 include a 10.4-inch 2000 x 1200 IPS display, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of expandable storage, an 8MP rear camera, a 5MP selfie shooter, as well as a 8,200mAh battery with support for 15W charging.\n\n\nThe Nokia T20 will be launched in Malaysia through a live show on \nNokia\u2019s Shopee store\n on 12 December at 9PM. It will also go on sale at the same time, and each purchase of the T20 is bundled with a rugged flip case worth RM229.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-wins-best-mobile-game-at-the-game-awards-2021-free-primogems-for-players/", "title": "Genshin Impact Wins \u201cBest Mobile Game\u201d at The Game Awards 2021 \u2013 Free Primogems for Players", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re a gamer, there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019ve heard of The Game Awards hosted by Geoff Keighley. Well, at the event, Genshin Impact won the Best Mobile Game category for 2021. To celebrate this, Mihoyo is giving out free Primogems to players \u2013 it\u2019s quite a generous amount too.\n\n\nFrom 11 to 14 December, Mihoyo will give out 400 Primogems to players who have reached Adventure Rank 7. That comes up to 1,600 Primogems, which is just enough to do a 10-roll on any given banner. This reward can be claimed until the end of Version 2.3.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that Genshin Impact is not just a mobile game; it is also available on PC and PlayStation (PS5 and PS4). On top of that, cross-platform progression is enabled too, so you can easily continue your progress in the game on any of these platforms.\n\n\nIf you haven\u2019t played Genshin Impact yet, we \nhighly recommend\n this cross-platform title. Not only does it offer beautiful graphics and fun gameplay, Genshin Impact also has \nsome of the best storylines\n we\u2019ve come across for any given game, even when compared to higher-profile titles.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-arataki-itto-gorou-banner-drops-on-14-december-with-xiangling-barbara/", "title": "Genshin Impact Arataki Itto & Gorou Banner Drops on 14 December With Xiangling & Barbara", "body": "\n\nArataki Itto and Gorou\u2019s banner has been revealed! Set to go live in \nGenshin Impact\n on 14 December, the two brand new Geo characters will be accompanied by Xiangling and Barbara in the upcoming character event wish.\n\n\nJust like Genshin Impact\u2019s\u00a0\nprevious character\n\u00a0\nevent wishes\n, the \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Itto, Gorou, Xiangling, and Barbara will be increased. In the case of Itto, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be him. If you got a different character, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be Itto.\n\n\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s pity system for character banners ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character every 90 wishes, you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Itto. The same rule applies to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Gorou, Xiangling, or Barbara. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters \u2013 especially Gorou, since he\u2019s new \u2013 you will likely have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nArataki Itto\u2019s \u201cOni\u2019s Royale\u201d event wish will go live on Genshin Impact on 14 December at 6PM for us here in Malaysia. His banner will be available until 4 January 2022, and we expect \nShenhe and Yun Jin\n to be added to the game then. After all, Mihoyo already dropped a \nvideo teaser of Yun Jin\n above.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/80-discount-on-pdrm-summons-extended-to-31-december-15-december-for-jpj/", "title": "80% Discount on PDRM Summons Extended to 31 December; 15 December for JPJ", "body": "\n\nPreviously, it was announced that both PDRM and JPJ \nwill offer discounts on issued summonses\n from the two entities. Initially set to end yesterday on \n12 December\n, the discount has now been extended to 31 December for PDRM summons. JPJ, on the other hand, is extending the discount to 15 December.\n\n\nGiven the current COVID-19 pandemic, it\u2019s best to pay for the summonses online. For PDRM summons, you can get the discount through the\u00a0\nMyBayar portal\n\u00a0or app on the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n. As for JPJ summons, you can pay for the summons on the mySIKAP portal.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHowever, do note that only compoundable summonses from PDRM and JPJ are eligible for the 80% discount. If the summon requires you to go to a court hearing, for example, you will not get to enjoy the savings.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nokia-t20-costs-rm1099-in-malaysia/", "title": "Nokia T20 Costs RM1,099 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nThe affordable \nNokia T20\n tablet has just been launched in Malaysia. Not only is it a budget-friendly product, the T20 is also the first tablet to carry the Nokia branding since HMD Global took over the iconic brand.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the T20 retails at only RM1,099. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a modest Android tablet powered by a Unisoc Tiger T610 processor, which should be fast enough for everyday tasks.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the T20 include a 10.4-inch 2000 x 1200 IPS display, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of expandable storage, an 8MP rear camera, a 5MP selfie shooter, as well as a 8,200mAh battery with support for 15W charging.\n\n\nThe Nokia T20 is now available for purchase in Malaysia on \nNokia\u2019s Shopee store for RM1,099\n. Each purchase of the T20 is also bundled with a rugged flip case worth RM229, though this is only while stocks last.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/horizon-forbidden-west-physical-editions-revealed-for-malaysia-rm249-to-rm1099/", "title": "Horizon Forbidden West Physical Editions Revealed for Malaysia \u2013 RM249 to RM1,099", "body": "\n\nWhile pre-orders for the digital editions of Horizon Forbidden West were opened in Malaysia \nback in September\n, we\u2019ve just got details on the physical editions of the PlayStation exclusive for the Malaysian market today. Set to go on sale tomorrow (14 December), the physical variants of the game retail from RM249 to RM1,099.\n\n\nFour different versions of the game are available: Standard, Special, Collector\u2019s, and Regalla. For the PS4, the Standard and Special Editions retail at RM249 and RM299 respectively. For RM50 more, the Special Edition comes with a rather sleek-looking Steelbook case and a mini art book.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the PS5, the Standard copy of Horizon Forbidden West for the next-gen console costs RM299, while the Special Edition retails at RM339. If you want something fancier, you can opt for the RM839 Collector\u2019s Edition, which is bundled with a number of in-game bonuses, along with a statue of Aloy and Tremortusk.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the Regalla Edition for an eye-watering RM1,099. For that kind of money, this bundle comes with a more imposing Regalla-themed Tremortusk, a replica of the Focus, Machine Strike pieces, a canvas map, and two art cards.\n\n\nCuriously, both the Collector\u2019s and Regalla Editions of the game don\u2019t come with a physical disc; a digital download code for the PS5 and PS4 will be given instead.\n\n\n\n\nThese physical editions of Horizon Forbidden West will be available for pre-order in Malaysia tomorrow on 14 December. Every pre-order will also \u201cstand a chance\u201d to come with one of three physical items: a Focus keychain, a cap themed after the game, or a 3D puzzle of the Tremortusk.\n\n\nAs for Horizon Forbidden West itself, it will be released for the PS5 and PS4 on 18 February 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-honda-civic-now-open-for-booking-in-malaysia-launching-in-q1-2022/", "title": "2022 Honda Civic Now Open for Booking in Malaysia \u2013 Launching in Q1 2022", "body": "\n\nHere it is: the all-new 11th generation Honda Civic is now open for booking in Malaysia. The updated C-segment sedan is touted as \u201cthe most fun to drive Civic every made,\u201d and it will be launched here sometime in Q1 2022.\n\n\nSo far, only the range-topping Civic RS has been confirmed for the Malaysian market. One of the biggest upgrades to the new 2022 Civic is a retuned 1.5L VTEC turbo engine that now delivers 182PS and 240Nm of torque \u2013 that\u2019s 9PS and 20Nm more than the current 10th gen Civic.\n\n\nNaturally, it is still paired with a CVT gearbox, but it has three drive modes now: ECON, Normal, and Sport.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the new Civic RS also features an enhanced Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance safety systems. What\u2019s new is the Lead Car Departure Notification System, which notifies the driver when the lead car (the car in front) starts moving forward.\n\n\nOf course, other features in Honda Sensing are still retained in the Civic RS. These include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Low-Speed Follow (LSF), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Auto High Beam (AHB).\n\n\nOther confirmed specifications of the 2022 Civic RS include 18-inch alloy wheels with a black matte finish, Honda LaneWatch, six airbags, and a new safety feature dubbed Driver Attention Monitor.\n\n\n\n\nDesign wise, the exterior of the new Civic is quite a departure from the 10th gen model. The A-pillars have been pushed back 1.96 inches to elongate the hood for a \u201cpremium silhouette,\u201d as Honda puts it. Pushing back the A-pillars \u2013 and mounting the side mirrors to the door \u2013 improve the visibility of the C-segment sedan as well.\n\n\nAt the back of the 2022 Civic, gone are the \u201cketam\u201d C-shaped taillights of the current Civic FC for a more mature-looking L-shaped LED lighting; the front DRLs has the same L-shaped lighting too. As for the overall silhouette of the new Civic, it\u2019s very reminiscent of its D-segment sibling, the\u00a0\nHonda Accord\n.\n\n\n\n\nThe all-new 11th generation Honda Civic is now open for booking in Malaysia; you can head to your nearest Honda dealership to do so. Alternatively, you can also book it online\u00a0\nhere\n, or even through the HondaTouch app \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n\nTo recap, the new 2022 Civic will be launched in Malaysia sometime in Q1 2022 next year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-honda-civic-3-variants-confirmed-for-malaysia-no-1-8l-model/", "title": "2022 Honda Civic \u2013 3 Variants Confirmed for Malaysia, No 1.8L Model", "body": "\n\nBookings for the all-new \n11th generation Honda Civic\n is now open in Malaysia. While the Japanese carmaker did not reveal the variants that will be offered here, we managed to confirm that three trims are available. As we\u2019ve \npreviously reported\n, the 1.8L model is no more either.\n\n\nWe caught wind of this through the \nonline booking system\n of Honda Malaysia. If you opt to book the new Civic, six variants are shown in the booking page. The S, TC, and TC-P trims fall under the 10th gen lineup, leaving the other three models (RS, V, and E) reserved for the new 11th gen Civic.\n\n\n\n\nLooking at the model names, it pretty much confirms the discontinuation of the 1.8L engine; all variants of the 2022 Civic seem to feature the updated 1.5L turbo mill. It now outputs 182PS and 240Nm of torque, which is 9PS and 20Nm more than the current 10th gen Civic.\n\n\nColour options for the new Civic were detailed too. Just like the Civic FC, the 11th gen model can be purchased in five different shades: Platinum White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Meteoroid Grey Metallic, and Ignite Red Metallic. The latter two are new paints for the Civic, which are also offered for the \nCity Hatchback\n.\n\n\nThe 2022 Civic RS\n\n\nOf course, prices of the new 2022 Honda Civic were not revealed in the booking form. We\u2019ll just have to wait until Q1 2022 when the C-segment sedan is launched here in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/more-2022-honda-civic-details-leak-honda-sensing-across-the-board/", "title": "More 2022 Honda Civic Details Leak \u2013 Honda Sensing Across the Board", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019re getting quite a number of news regarding the 2022 Honda Civic today. Not only are bookings for the updated C-segment sedan \nare open in Malaysia now\n, we also got more leaks on the 11th gen Civic. The biggest takeaway? Honda Sensing is now offered across the board.\n\n\nAs per our \nprevious report\n, three different variants of the Civic are available in Malaysia: the base E, mid-tier V, and range-topping RS. Looking at the leaked presentation slides below \u2013 which we found on \nLowyat.NET\u2019s forum courtesy of chnwng\n \u2013 even the most affordable E model gets Honda Sensing.\n\n\nWith that in mind, it only makes sense for the V and RS models to be equipped with Sensing too.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the leaked images also show that the new Civic for the Malaysian market gets rear air-conditioning vents with two USB ports. The higher-end V model also features a drive mode selector, 8-way power seat for the driver, and even Honda Connect, which is currently only offered on the \nrange-topping Honda City RS e:HEV\n.\n\n\nNow, given that these details on the 2022 Honda Civic did not come from Honda Malaysia itself, there is a chance they are not accurate, so take them with a grain of salt. If you\u2019re keen to book the new C-segment sedan, you can head to your nearest Honda dealership to do so.\n\n\nAlternatively, can also book it online\u00a0\nhere\n, or through the HondaTouch app \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n. The new Civic will be launched in Malaysia sometime in Q1 2022 next year.\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/over-66k-10th-gen-civic-sold-in-malaysia-captures-71-market-share/", "title": "Over 66k 10th Gen Civic Sold in Malaysia \u2013 Captures 71% Market Share", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s well-known that the \n10th generation Honda Civic FC\n \u2013 despite its aggressive styling \u2013 is one of the most popular C-segment sedans in Malaysia and the global stage. In fact, Honda Malaysia just shared that over 66,600 units of the Civic FC have been sold locally since its introduction in 2016.\n\n\nEver since the Civic was introduced in Malaysia back in 2001, Honda Malaysia has sold close to 148,000 units of the C-segment sedan. The fact that the 10th gen Civic alone contributes 45% of this figure really shows just how popular the model is here in Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, as of October 2021, the Civic actually makes up 71% of the C-segment sedan market share, making it the leader of the segment. \u201cThe Civic has a strong identity and is one of the favourite Honda model for Malaysians who loves a car with exceptional styling and powerful performance,\u201d said the MD and CEO of Honda Malaysia, Madoka Chujo.\n\n\nWith the 11th generation Civic just around the corner with its more mature styling and improved equipment \u2013 including a slightly more powerful turbo engine \u2013 there\u2019s a good chance the C-segment sedan will continue to lead the market.\n\n\nThe upcoming 11th generation Honda Civic RS\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the all-new 2022 Honda Civic, it is now open for booking in Malaysia; you can head to your nearest Honda dealership to do so. Alternatively, you can also book it online\u00a0\nhere\n, or even through the HondaTouch app \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n\nTo recap, the new Civic will be launched in Malaysia sometime in Q1 2022 next year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-air-glass-official-smart-ar-glasses-launching-in-q1-2022/", "title": "Oppo Air Glass Official \u2013 Smart AR Glasses Launching in Q1 2022", "body": "\n\nOppo just unveiled quite an interesting new wearable, the Oppo Air Glass. Essentially, it is a smart AR glass that\u2019s touted as a \u201cassisted reality\u201d device with a projection system to display information on the glasses \u2013 or in this case, glass. It also looks pretty similar to a Scouter from Dragon Ball.\n\n\nOf course, you won\u2019t actually be wearing it like a Scouter. Instead, the lens of the Air Glass is secured to a light and slim frame, which looks quite sleek. The frame is said to be manufactured with CNC technique, \u201cimparting the design with a touch of exquisiteness and precision,\u201d as Oppo puts it.\n\n\n\n\nThe main functionality of the Air Glass is to show relevant information to the user by projecting them to the glass itself. This is achieved with the Chinese company\u2019s self-developed Spark Micro Projector. Weighing only 30g, the Air Glass is quite lightweight too, though the thick \u201cstalk\u201d of the wearable does look a little jarring when worn.\n\n\nYou can also four different methods to navigate through the user interface of the Air Glass. These include touch, voice, hand motion, and get this, even head movement. The lens itself is made from sapphire glass as well, so it should be quite scratch-resistant.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Air Glass will be available sometime in Q1 2022 next year, though this is only limited to China at the moment. It remains to be seen if the wearable will be available in other markets, including Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ps5-finally-gets-console-covers-5-colours-rm259-in-malaysia/", "title": "PS5 Finally Gets Console Covers \u2013 5 Colours, RM259 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nSony has done it: you can now customise the colour of your PS5\u2026if you\u2019re lucky enough to have one. These are console covers for the next-gen console, which are offered in Midnight Black, Cosmic Red, Galactic Purple, Starlight Blue, and Nova Pink.\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve been following PS5 news closely, you may notice that the first two colours were already offered for the DualSense controller. Well, with the release of these console covers, Sony is also offering the DualSense in the three new colours (Galactic Purple, Starlight Blue, Nova Pink).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese new DualSense colours will be available in Malaysia on 14 January 2022 next month for RM369. Curiously, the console covers for the PS5 will only be available from 21 January 2022 onwards in Malaysia, and this is only limited to the Midnight Black and Cosmic Red colourways.\n\n\nIf you want the Galactic Purple, Starlight Blue or Nova Pink console covers for the PS5 instead, you\u2019ll have to wait for them to be released sometime in the first half of 2022. Rest assured, we\u2019ll keep a close eye on the local availability of these products.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-is-oppos-first-foldable-phone-the-oppo-find-n/", "title": "This Is Oppo\u2019s First Foldable Phone, the Oppo Find N", "body": "\n\nOppo just launched its first-ever foldable smartphone, the Oppo Find N. Though it looks like the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 3\n at a glance, it actually has a number of unique features, including a more compact (and usable) cover screen in a premium package.\n\n\nUnlike the Z Fold 3\u2019s tall cover screen, the exterior display of the Find N is a wider, shorter 5.49-inch 1972 x 988 AMOLED screen. Thanks to its compact form factor, it\u2019s much, much easier to navigate the phone with only one hand. It gives the phone a rather \u201ccute\u201d appeal too, in my opinion.\n\n\n\n\nAs you unfold the phone, you\u2019ll be greeted by the Find N\u2019s 7.1-inch 1920 x 1792 AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, which looks great with vibrant colours and deep blacks. It is also made out of Ultra Thin Glass with a \u201c12-layer\u201d display structure; the phone can supposedly be folded 200,000 times without issues.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Find N include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset paired with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, two storage options (256GB or 512GB), a triple camera system (50MP main + 16MP ultra-wide angle + 13MP telephoto), 32MP selfie shooters on the inner and outer displays, as well as a 4,500mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, the Oppo Find N is only confirmed to be launched in China. No word yet on exactly how much the foldable phone will cost, though we were told it will be \u201cmore affordable than its competition.\u201d\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/16-22-december-fuel-price-ron-97-up-1-sen-others-remain/", "title": "16 \u2013 22 December Fuel Price: RON 97 up 1 Sen, Others Remain", "body": "\n\nAfter going down in price two weeks in a row, RON 97 is going back up again this coming week by 1 sen. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.\n\n\nFrom tomorrow onwards until Wednesday next week, the price of RON 97 is set at RM3.00 per litre (up from RM2.99). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 16 to 22 December. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates! \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-find-n-finally-a-foldable-phone-with-a-practical-form-factor/", "title": "Oppo Find N \u2013 Finally a Foldable Phone With a Practical Form Factor", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re shopping for a tablet-like foldable phone, there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019re looking at the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 3\n. There\u2019s no denying that it is the leading product of its kind in the market now, but the Z Fold 3 does have a number of shortcomings, such as its tall and narrow cover screen.\n\n\nAnd that is where the new Oppo Find N shines. Not only does it have a more practical, ergonomic form factor when it is folded, the Find N is also a really good foldable phone in its own right. The best part is, Oppo\u2019s first foldable phone is quite a bit more affordable too.\n\n\n\n\nSo how much does the Find N retail at? Well, in China, it starts at only 7,699 Chinese yuan; that comes up to about RM5,100. Compared to the Z Fold 3\u2019s RM6,699 starting price, the Find N is quite a bit more affordable, though it remains to be seen if it will be sold outside of China.\n\n\nAnyway, as mentioned, the Find N has a more practical form factor, thanks to its compact 5.49-inch 1972 x 988 display with a wider 18:9 aspect ratio. Even though this doesn\u2019t sound particularly big, it does offer more than enough screen real estate for a comfortable user experience.\n\n\n\n\nMore importantly, this wider, shorter display also makes it easier to use the Find N with only one hand; it\u2019s more ergonomically-friendly than the awkwardly tall cover screen of the Z Fold 3. It\u2019s a smart approach on Oppo\u2019s part, in my opinion, by offering a \u201csmaller,\u201d but more practical external display.\n\n\nOf course, when you do need a bigger display, you can just unfold the Find N to make use of the 7.1-inch 1920 x 1792 AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. This being an AMOLED panel, it offers vibrant colours, true, deep blacks, and wide viewing angles.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the main foldable display of the Find N has a number of differences over the Z Fold 3. For one, the \u201ccrease\u201d in the middle of the screen is not quite as visible. Now, you\u2019ll definitely see if you look for it, but in regular use, it\u2019s easy to not pay attention to it. Aside from that, the phone itself also folds and unfolds in a solid, satisfying manner.\n\n\nOh, there\u2019s also very little to no gap in the foldable screen when the Find N is closed up! This is accomplished with the robust Flexion Hinge of the phone, which utilises Oppo\u2019s \u201cunique water-drop hinge design that widens the angle of the fold in the display and offering a buffer when the display folds,\u201d as the company puts it.\n\n\nNeedless to say, the fact that there\u2019s no noticeable gap at all when the Find N is folded does give it an edge over Samsung\u2019s Z Fold 3.\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, there is one area where the Z Fold 3 performs better than the Find N: screen durability. Even though the latter\u2019s foldable panel is also made out of Ultra Thin Glass with a \u201c12-layer\u201d display structure, the demo units that I tested already had noticeable markings on the screen after the media folks tried them out.\n\n\nIn contrast, the Z Fold 3\u2019s foldable screen feels a tad more durable in this respect, though I wouldn\u2019t say there is a huge difference. Thankfully, the Find N\u2019s display itself does feel quite smooth to the touch. Of course, it still doesn\u2019t feel like glass \u2013 a screen protector is installed \u2013 but at least it doesn\u2019t have the dreaded \u201crubbery\u201d texture.\n\n\nThe Find N\u2019s packaging is quite premium\n\n\nIn the performance department, the Find N is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset paired with up to 12GB of RAM. Though it\u2019s not the latest \nSnapdragon 8 Gen 1\n processor, this is still a capable SoC that can deliver flagship-class performance. The phone certainly feels fast and responsive in my brief time with it.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the camera performance of the Find N. Featuring a triple camera system made up of a 50MP primary shooter, a 16MP ultra-wide angle sensor, and a 13MP telephoto lens, it does feel quite capable. Judge for yourself with these sample shots:\n\n\n16MP ultra-wide angle\n50MP primary\n13MP telephoto\n\n\nHowever, I only managed to try out the Find N\u2019s camera under ideal lighting, where a flagship-class device will naturally excel in. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how the camera would perform in low light conditions \u2013 I\u2019ll be sure to get to this in the full review.\n\n\nAll in all, the Find N is a premium, high-end foldable phone through and through. It has solid build quality, the foldable screen looks great with a 120Hz refresh rate, and most importantly, it offers a practical form factor when it is folded; something that its main competition (Samsung\u2019s Z Fold 3) does not offer.\n\n\nCuriously, despite its smaller dimensions, the Find N actually has a slightly larger 4,500mAh battery too. The Z Fold 3 features a 4,400mAh cell instead.\n\n\n\n\nIf there\u2019s any hardware of the Find N that I would nitpick, it would be the fact that it doesn\u2019t have any water or dust resistance like the Z Fold 3. The addition of this feature would\u2019ve made for a more complete foldable phone, but it\u2019s worth noting that it also doesn\u2019t cost quite as much as Samsung\u2019s offering.\n\n\nEven though the Oppo Find N is the Chinese company\u2019s first-ever foldable phone, it already feels like an accomplished product that is easily comparable to the highly polished Z Fold 3; that\u2019s a high praise for Oppo. Hopefully, the Find N will be sold outside of China in the near future \u2013 it may give Samsung a run for its money.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/over-100999-units-of-the-proton-saga-sold-in-malaysia/", "title": "Over 100,999 Units of the Proton Saga Sold in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nSince the Proton Saga facelift was launched in Malaysia back in 2019, it managed to be the \nbest-selling car\n locally for a number of months. Needless to say, it\u2019s a popular A-segment sedan, and Proton just revealed that over 100,999 units of the facelifted Saga have been sold locally.\n\n\nAccording to the national carmaker, this makes the Saga facelift Malaysia\u2019s number one A-segment sedan. Given its value proposition with a RM32,800 starting price, it\u2019s little surprise that Proton managed to move so many units of the Saga.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the Saga can still be purchased with a manual transmission; an increasingly rare option in today\u2019s market. All variants of the sedan are also powered by a 1.3L four-cylinder engine that outputs 95hp and 120Nm of torque.\n\n\nPrior to this facelifted model, the Saga was equipped with a CVT gearbox for those who want an automatic option. Now, the sedan features a four-speed automatic transmission instead that\u2019s sourced from Hyundai. In fact, this is the same transmission used in the Kia Picanto.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the Proton Saga, you can head to your nearest Proton showroom to place a booking. Alternatively, you can also place a \nbooking online for only RM9.99\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-acer-swift-3-in-gradient-blue-looks-great-now-in-malaysia-from-rm3419/", "title": "The Acer Swift 3 in Gradient Blue Looks Great \u2013 Now in Malaysia From RM3,419", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for a thin and light laptop with a unique aesthetic, consider the new Acer Swift 3 in Gradient Blue. Sporting a rather sleek-looking gradient colourway in blue, it\u2019s a reasonably well-equipped productivity-focused laptop too.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Swift 3 is offered in this unique Gradient Blue shade. \nRetailing at RM3,419\n, this laptop features an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor paired with 8GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of this Swift 3 model include a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display with 100% sRGB colour gamut, a thin 15.9mm chassis that tips the scales at only 1.2kg, and a two-year warranty. This laptop is also pre-installed with the full version of Microsoft Office Home & Student 2019 worth RM529.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to purchase the Acer Swift 3 in Gradient Blue, you can do so \nover here for RM3,419\n. At the time of writing, only 15 units are left, so be quick if you want to secure your order.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/closer-look-at-oppos-retractable-camera-system-goodbye-camera-bump/", "title": "Closer Look at Oppo\u2019s Retractable Camera System \u2013 Goodbye Camera Bump?", "body": "\n\nAs smartphones feature more sophisticated camera systems, the camera bump gets bigger too. Well, with Oppo\u2019s new retractable camera system, we could get rid of the unsightly bump once and for all \u2013 or at least make it less noticeable.\n\n\nWe had the pleasure of trying out Oppo\u2019s new retractable camera system, and we\u2019re quite impressed with it. Compared to the conventional telephoto lens of the prototype phone we tested, the retractable camera offers the same 2x optical zoom, but with better detail preservation and exposure control.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, we were not able to transfer out the sample images we took; the prototype phone had some software issue that prevented us from doing so. Anyway, it does seem to offer promising camera performance, and it\u2019s worth noting that it has manual controls too.\n\n\nTo launch the retractable camera, we have to tap on the \u201cR-Cam\u201d button in the camera interface. The camera does take about half a second to launch, but once it does, we can adjust the ISO, shutter speed, autofocus, and even the white balance. We imagine aspiring photographers will appreciate these manual controls.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile Oppo\u2019s retractable camera system is promising, it also introduces extra moving parts on a phone, which can be an extra point of failure. Then again, it could be a risk most folks are willing to take if it gets rid of the camera bump.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-oppo-air-glass-feels-like-something-out-of-science-fiction/", "title": "The Oppo Air Glass Feels Like Something Out of Science Fiction", "body": "\n\nAugmented reality glasses haven\u2019t really taken off despite being in the market for so long, but the Oppo Air Glass could change things up. Not only does it feel surreal to use, it will also be sold as a consumer-ready product \u2013 something that cannot be said of the popular Google Glass, which is an enterprise-only product today.\n\n\nAfter trying out the Air Glass for myself, I\u2019m actually quite excited to get it. Its use case scenarios are quite limited at the moment, but the whole user experience \u2013 based on my brief time with the AR glass \u2013 feels very polished, and\u2026well, straight out of science fiction.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the Air Glass is described by Oppo as an \u201cassisted reality\u201d device, so it doesn\u2019t overlay 3D objects onto the real world. Instead, it projects information into your field of view through the glass; just like the Google Glass, basically.\n\n\nSo what kind of information can be displayed on the Air Glass? Well, I like to think of it as a smartwatch; whatever information that a smartwatch can show, so can this AR glass. These include notifications, directions, the weather, and you can even check on your upcoming events with the calendar.\n\n\n\n\nBut to me, the coolest feature of the Air Glass has to be its ability to do real-time translation. Unfortunately, the unit I tested was only able to support English to Mandarin translation; it wasn\u2019t able to do the reverse, much to my chagrin.\n\n\nFor what it\u2019s worth, the on-screen translation that was displayed on the Air Glass \nseemed\n to be quite fast and responsive. But since I don\u2019t speak or read Chinese, I\u2026wasn\u2019t able to verify the accuracy of the translation.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, in order to project these information to the Air Glass, Oppo uses its \u201cself-developed Spark Micro Projector.\u201d Powered by a Micro LED, the projector has a brightness of up to 3 million nits, though this translates to 1,400 nits in actual use, which is still plenty bright for everyday use. As you can see in the image above, the projections look sharp and bright.\n\n\nNavigating through the interface of the Air Glass is quite intuitive too. There are four different methods to control the Air Glass: touch, voice, hand motion (when paired to an Oppo Watch 2), and get this, even head movement. I only managed to try out the touch controls, which feels quite responsive.\n\n\n\n\nYou can control the Air Glass with the touch-sensitive strip on the \u201cstalk\u201d that\u2019s connected to the lens. Swiping on this strip allows me to cycle through the different pages of the Glass. Tapping on it, on the other hand, confirms my selection.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, I\u2019m really not a fan of the Air Glass\u2019 bulky stalk, especially in this white colourway. I imagine the black one wouldn\u2019t look quite as jarring when worn, but the sheer size of the module still doesn\u2019t look particularly pleasing to the eyes \u2013 in my opinion, anyway.\n\n\n\n\nBundled with the Air Glass are two choices of frames: a silver half-frame, or a black full-frame. Both frame styles can be fitted with prescription lenses, and they are also available in two sizes. The AR glass itself attaches magnetically to the frame in a secure manner, and weighing only 30g, the Air Glass doesn\u2019t feel awkward at all when worn.\n\n\nOh, the Air Glass\u2019 lens is also made of sapphire glass, which is quite scratch-resistant. Basically, you won\u2019t have to worry (too much) about scratching it, but given the more brittle nature of sapphire glass, there is a chance is it more prone to cracking if you ever drop it.\n\n\n\n\nAll things considered, I really like the Oppo Air Glass. Sure, it doesn\u2019t offer any groundbreaking new feature, but the novelty of it is quite compelling to me. Plus, as someone who needs glasses, I like the fact that I can just wear the frame on a daily basis, and only attach the Glass when I need it for specific purposes.\n\n\nThat being said, the Air Glass does have some notable shortcomings. For one, it only works with Oppo phones running on ColorOS 11 or above at the moment. This is because the Glass relies on Oppo-specific software for the majority of its features.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Air Glass will only see a \u201climited release\u201d in China sometime in Q1 2022. It remains to be seen if it will ever be sold in other markets, much like the \nOppo Find N foldable phone\n. Granted, parallel importers will likely bring in the AR glass anyway, but given that it\u2019s not designed for use outside of China, its features may be limited.\n\n\nMore importantly, we still don\u2019t know how much the Air Glass retails at. As compelling as it is, if it\u2019s priced too exorbitantly, consumers may not be as keen to pick it up.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q1-with-knob-goes-on-sale-28-december-from-159-improvements-added/", "title": "Keychron Q1 With Knob Goes on Sale 28 December From $159 \u2013 Improvements Added", "body": "\n\nKeychron will be releasing a newer and improved version of its popular \nKeychron Q1\n keyboard soon. Not only does the updated Q1 offer a slew of improvements, it also comes with a knob now.\n\n\nNaturally, these upgrades do increase the asking price of the Q1 by $10. This puts the barebone version at $159 (about RM670), while the fully assembled model \u2013 which is bundled with double shot ABS keycaps and Gateron G Pro switches \u2013 goes for $179 (around RM755).\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the new Q1 does offer better sound profile, thanks to its slightly thicker aluminium bottom casing. There are also silicone pads between the top and bottom cases to further reduce case ping. Curiously, Keychron also swapped out the aluminium plate for a steel one, making the board \u201cheavier and sturdier,\u201d as the company puts it.\n\n\nAside from that, the updated Q1 features new screw-in stabilisers as well, though it wasn\u2019t mentioned if these are also made by Gateron. Of course, you get the knob on the top right corner of the Q1 too, though the coiled aviator cable is no longer bundled with the keyboard.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Keychron Q1 with a knob will go on sale \nas an in-stock product\n on 28 December next week at 10PM Malaysian time. We were also told that Keybot \u2013 the official Keychron partner here in Malaysia \u2013 will also be bringing in this new Q1, though there\u2019s no tentative timeline yet.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/23-29-december-fuel-price-ron-97-down-1-sen-others-unchanged/", "title": "23 \u2013 29 December Fuel Price: RON 97 Down 1 Sen, Others Unchanged", "body": "\n\nAfter going up by 1 sen per litre last week, the price of RON 97 is going down this coming week by the same amount. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.\n\n\nFrom tomorrow onwards until Wednesday next week, the price of RON 97 is set at RM2.99 per litre (down from RM3.00). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 23 to 29 December. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates! \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q1-now-available-in-malaysia-from-keybot-starts-at-rm595/", "title": "Keychron Q1 Now Available in Malaysia From Keybot \u2013 Starts at RM595", "body": "\n\nAfter a number of delays, the Keychron Q1 is \nfinally available in Malaysia from Keybot\n, the official Keychron partner in Malaysia. Not only can you get the 75% gasket-mounted keyboard much quicker now, Keybot is pricing the Q1 quite competitively too.\n\n\nThe barebone version of the Q1, for one, is listed \nat only RM595\n by Keybot. On Keychron\u2019s own online store, the same configuration goes for $149 (about RM630) instead. The fully assembled model, on the other hand, is \npriced at RM685\n; Keychron itself is selling this variant for $169 (around RM710).\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the Q1 particularly interesting is its feature set. Not only does the Q1 use a gasket mounting system, which is typically only offered on custom keyboards, it also has a full CNC aluminium case, along with a hotswap PCB that supports VIA out of the box for easy key mapping.\n\n\nKeychron also worked with Gateron quite a bit for the Q1. Not only can it be purchased with three new factory lubed Gateron Phantom switches \u2013 Phantom Brown (tactile), Phantom Red (linear), or Phantom Blue (clicky) \u2013 it features screw-in stabilisers made by Gateron too.\n\n\nUsually, the stock stabilisers of pre-built keyboards are not of particularly good quality, but that\u2019s surprisingly not the case with the Q1. These Gateron-made stabilisers are lubed quite well at the factory to minimise rattling, and they feel nice and secure too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Keychron Q1 is now available for purchase in Malaysia from Keybot on \nShopee\n or its \nown online store\n. Do note that this is not the \nnew version of the Q1\n with a knob and other improvements \u2013 that revised model will only be brought in at a later date by Keybot.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q2-delayed-to-12-january-2022/", "title": "Keychron Q2 Delayed to 12 January 2022", "body": "\n\nIt appears the Keychron Q2 has been delayed yet again. Previously said to be released sometime this month, the 65% gasket-mounted keyboard will now be available \non 12 January 2022\n.\n\n\nUnlike the \nKeychron Q1\n, there will be no pre-order of the Q2. Instead, the 65% keyboard will be sold as an in-stock product, so you won\u2019t have to wait for months on end to receive the keyboard. However, it remains to be seen if the knob version of the Q2 will also be sold at the same time.\n\n\n\n\nAs you can see in the product shot above, the Q2 will come with double shot PBT keycaps in OSA profile too; quite a change over the OEM profile of the Q1\u2019s stock keycaps. It\u2019s worth noting that Keychron\u2019s OSA keycaps look to be different from \nexisting OSA keycaps\n \u2013 these keycaps seem to have more rounded corners.\n\n\nJust like the Q1, the Q2 is a gasket-mounted keyboard with a hotswap PCB. It also features a CNC aluminium case, a steel plate, silicone pads between the top and bottom cases to reduce case ping (which should improve sound profile), and support for screw-in stabilisers.\n\n\n\n\nSo how much will the Keychron Q2 cost? According to Keychron, it will be priced similarly to the Q1 \u2013 which starts at $149 (about RM630) \u2013 despite the fact that it\u2019s a smaller keyboard. Anyway, you can register your interest for the Q2 \nright here\n ahead of its launch on 12 January 2022 at 10PM Malaysian time.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-flood-relief-programme-offers-free-cleaning-inspection-labour/", "title": "Samsung Flood Relief Programme Offers Free Cleaning, Inspection, Labour", "body": "\n\nIf you have any Samsung products that were damaged in the recent floods, Samsung Malaysia\u2019s flood relief programme is here to help you get your appliances up and running again. Through this programme, you can get free on-time cleaning and inspection for your Samsung products.\n\n\nOf course, if the affected products can be repaired, labour costs to perform the repair will be waived by Samsung Malaysia, though this is subject to the availability of spare parts. On top of that, this offer is only valid for products with water damage caused by the floods.\n\n\n\n\nTo arrange for an appointment to get your Samsung products sent in for repair, you can contact 1800-88-9999. Alternatively, you can even use the live chat function in the \nSamsung Members\n app. In order to be eligible for the Samsung flood relief programme, you have to send in your affected products by 31 January 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-offers-20-discount-on-parts-labour-for-those-affected-by-floods/", "title": "Proton Offers 20% Discount on Parts & Labour for Those Affected by Floods", "body": "\n\nProton is the latest carmaker to offer assistance to those affected by the recent floods. If your Proton was damaged by the floods, you can get discounts on parts, labour, towing, and even cleaning charges.\n\n\nThe 20% discount will be given for selected parts and labour charges, though Proton customers that want to enjoy this savings are required to make a police report regarding the flooding incident. On top of that, towing charges up to RM200 and cleaning charges (exterior and engine bay) up to RM100 will also be borne by the national carmaker.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cMany of our customers have seen their homes and businesses damaged by flood waters and this extends to their cars as well. Therefore, Proton would like to offer a helping hand to get them back on the road and show our customers they are our main priority,\u201d said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n\n\u201cExceptional circumstances require an exceptional response. Proton will be working hard to ensure we can repair cars as quickly as possible and advise all affected customers to visit our authorised service centers to enjoy these benefits,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want more information on Proton\u2019s flood relief campaign, you can give the national carmaker\u2019s customer care line a call at 1-800-88-8398.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-flood-relief-25-discount-on-parts-until-31-january-2022/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Flood Relief \u2013 25% Discount on Parts Until 31 January 2022", "body": "\n\nHonda Malaysia just announced its flood relief programme. If your Honda car was affected by the recent floods, you can get a 25% discount on genuine parts to get your car up and running again.\n\n\nThis offer is valid until 31 January 2022 next year, though do note that this flood relief programme is only extended to cars purchased from Honda authorised dealerships. If you\u2019re subscribed to Honda Insurance Plus (HiP), you can also enjoy free towing service and inspection.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, HiP customers can receive flood allowance of up to RM1,500 as well. Honda Malaysia is also working closely with insurance companies to expedite the claim process for affected customers.\n\n\n\u201cWe are deeply saddened by the floods that have inundated several states in Malaysia, which resulted in the evacuation of many people from their homes and caused significant damage to their properties and motor vehicles,\u201d said the MD and CEO of Honda Malaysia, Madoka Chujo.\n\n\n\u201cStriving to be a company society wants to exist, we continue to look for ways to help the communities around us who are in need. We hope that with the rolling out of this Flood Relief Programme, we can help to relieve the burden of our valued customers,\u201d she added.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want more information on Honda Malaysia\u2019s flood relief programme and HiP, you can give the carmaker\u2019s toll-free number a call at 1-800-88-2020.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-malaysia-flood-relief-free-repair-up-to-rm1000-for-affected-acer-products/", "title": "Acer Malaysia Flood Relief \u2013 Free Repair up to RM1,000 for Affected Acer Products", "body": "\n\nGot an Acer product damaged by the floods? Then here\u2019s a bit of good news: Acer Malaysia is offering \nfree repair\n for any Acer products that were damaged in the recent floods. That\u2019s right, you won\u2019t even need to fork out a single sen\u2026to an extent.\n\n\nThis free repair for affected Acer products is capped at RM1,000 per customer. If the cost of repair is below this threshold, you won\u2019t have to pay for it at all. The cherry on top? Out-of-warranty devices are also eligible for this offer, though you do have to show proof \u2013 such as your home address \u2013 that you were affected by the floods.\n\n\nEven if you don\u2019t own an Acer product, you can still send it to the company to get it repaired, though there will be applicable charges.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterestingly, if the device is damaged beyond repair, Acer Malaysia will offer a 20% discount on any of its new laptop or desktop on its \nofficial e-store\n. This offer will be valid until 31 March 2022, so there\u2019s plenty of time to take advantage of the discount if you\u2019re eligible.\n\n\nIf you need more information on Acer Malaysia\u2019s flood relief programme, you can give the company a call at 1800-88-1918. Alternatively, you can also send Acer an email at \n[email\u00a0protected]\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-p50-pocket-official-foldable-flip-phone-with-circular-cover-screen/", "title": "Huawei P50 Pocket Official \u2013 Foldable Flip Phone With Circular Cover Screen", "body": "\n\nHuawei just unveiled the Huawei P50 Pocket, the Chinese company\u2019s first-ever foldable flip phone to rival the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 3\n. Compared to the latter, the P50 Pocket has a more unique circular cover screen, though it also has a higher asking price.\n\n\nFor the Chinese market, the P50 Pocket retails from 8,988 Chinese yuan for the 256GB variant with 8GB of RAM; that comes up to about RM5,930. The Premium Edition (512GB + 12GB) with a unique textured design, on the other hand, costs 10,988 yuan (around RM7,250).\n\n\nFor the sake of comparison, the Z Flip 3 \nstarts at only RM3,999\n for the Malaysian market.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the P50 Pocket does have a number of advantages over the Z Flip 3. When the device is folded, for example, there\u2019s barely any gap, thanks to the \u201cmulti-dimensional\u201d hinge design. According to Huawei, the display won\u2019t have any noticeable crease either when it is unfolded.\n\n\nOther specifications of the P50 Pocket include a 6.9-inch Full HD+ OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 1.04-inch 340 x 340 circular OLED cover screen, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 4G chipset, a triple camera system (40MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide angle + 32MP \u201cultra spectrum\u201d), a 10.7MP selfie camera, and a 4,000mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, the Huawei P50 Pocket is only available in China; it remains to be seen if the foldable flip phone will be offered in other markets. If it does, expect Malaysia to be one of the first markets to get the P50 Pocket.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mitsubishi-flood-relief-30-off-parts-50-off-labour-free-towing/", "title": "Mitsubishi Flood Relief \u2013 30% Off Parts, 50% Off Labour, Free Towing", "body": "\n\nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) is joining the flood relief effort. Just like other carmakers, the company is offering discount on parts and labour, along with free towing service.\n\n\nA 30% discount on Mitsubishi genuine spare parts are offered to those affected by the floods; a 50% discount will also be given for labour costs. These savings will be applicable until 20 January 2022 next month, so get your cars in for repair before that date.\n\n\n\n\nMitsubishi owners are also eligible for free towing service. All you need to do is to give the Mitsubishi Assist 24HRS (MA24) a call at 1-800-88-2166 to request for the service. If you already towed your car without MA24 or insurance coverage, you\u2019re still eligible for up to RM300 rebate, though you will need to lodge a police report.\n\n\n\u201cOur thoughts are with Malaysians impacted by the aftermath of the flash floods tragedy. All of our service staff and authorised dealers are ready to assist our Mitsubishi owners with their affected vehicles,\u201d said the CEO of MMM,  Shinya Ikeda.\n\n\n\u201cWe hope that this flood relief program will help ease the burden of our customers going through this difficult time,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\nDo note that the Mitsubishi flood relief programme is only applicable to vehicles purchased from MMM\u2019s authorised dealers. If you need more information, you can give the carmaker\u2019s customer careline a call at 1-800-18-8161.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nissan-flood-relief-20-discount-on-parts-labour-free-towing/", "title": "Nissan Flood Relief \u2013 20% Discount on Parts & Labour, Free Towing", "body": "\n\nEdaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) and Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis (TCEAS) just announced the Nissan flood relief assistance programme. If your Nissan car was affected by the floods, you can get discount on parts, labour, along with free towing service.\n\n\nETCM is offering a 20% discount on parts and labour charges to \u201chelp alleviate financial burden for Nissan owners whose vehicles are affected,\u201d as the company puts it. You can also get free door-to-door towing to get your car to the nearest service centre.\n\n\n\n\nInterestingly, you can also get a upholstery restoration service at a special rate from ETCM; this isn\u2019t something offered by other carmakers yet in their respective flood relief efforts. Anyway, the service starts at RM1,655 nett for sedans and RM1,988 nett for SUVs, MPVs, vans, and pick-up trucks.\n\n\nIf you can\u2019t quite foot the bill in one payment, you can opt for an Easy Payment Plan up to 12 months on the total bill; a 6-month or 10,000km mileage warranty is also given for genuine replacement parts. You can get in touch with Nissan\u2019s customer care centre at 1800-88-3838 for more information on its flood relief assistance programme. \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dells-concept-luna-envisions-an-easily-repairable-sustainable-laptop/", "title": "Dell\u2019s Concept Luna Envisions an Easily Repairable, Sustainable Laptop", "body": "\n\nMore companies are focusing on sustainability, and Dell\u2019s Concept Luna looks to be quite promising in this regard. It\u2019s a proof-of-concept developed in collaboration with Intel, and it envisions a laptop that is easily repairable by giving users easy access to the different components of the machine, among other things.\n\n\nThis, in turns, makes for a laptop that is\u2026well, sustainable to a certain extent. The motherboard of Concept Luna, for one, has been shrunk by approximately 75%. The company said that motherboards \u201ccan be one of the most energy intense components to manufacture,\u201d so reducing its size should reduce carbon footprint quite a bit.\n\n\n\n\nThe aluminium chassis of Concept Luna, on the other hand, is manufactured with hydro power and a stamped aluminium construction; these require less energy and produce minimal scrap. There are also 10x less screws used in Luna, making it easier to access the different parts of the laptop.\n\n\nAs for the prototype laptop itself, it does look quite sleek and modern \u2013 just like any other high-end Dell product, really. It\u2019s great to see that the design of the laptop doesn\u2019t have to be compromised in order for it to be easily upgradable and repaired.\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Dell, if the design ideas of Concept Luna were implemented, we can expect to see an estimated 50% reduction in overall product carbon footprint; that\u2019s quite a big deal. Of course, it remains to be seen if any of these design philosophies will be implemented in a consumer product.\n\n\nBut if a large company like Dell can do it, we imagine other companies will follow suit.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-2-4-lands-5-january-2022-shenhe-yun-jin-confirmed-new-area/", "title": "Genshin Impact 2.4 Lands 5 January 2022 \u2013 Shenhe & Yun Jin Confirmed, New Area", "body": "\n\nGenshin Impact 2.4 will be arriving next week, and as expected, both \nShenhe and Yun Jin\n are confirmed to be playable characters. On top of that, the Version 2.4 update will also add a new area dubbed Enkanomiya, an underwater nation beneath Inazuma.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the two new characters. Shenhe is a 5-star Cryo character wielding a polearm, while Yun Jin \u2013 also a polearm user \u2013 is a 4-star Geo character. Both of them will be featured in the same event wish as the first banner of Version 2.4, alongside Xiao\u2019s own rerun banner.\n\n\nAs for phase two of the event wish, it will be a rerun of Ganyu and Zhongli simultaneously.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEnkanomiya, on the other hand, is described as a \u201chuge floating island located beneath the ocean, constantly eroded by the Abyss.\u201d Naturally, there are new enemies in Enkanomiya too, including the Bathysmal Vishaps and Abyss Lector: Fathomless Flames.\n\n\nA number of in-game events will be held in Genshin Impact 2.4 as well in celebration of the Lantern Rite festival. Not only can you claim a free 4-star Liyue character (including Yun Jin!), 10 Intertwined Fates are also up for grabs. If you\u2019ve got Keqing or Ningguang, good news: both of them are getting new outfits in Version 2.4.\n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact\u2019s Version 2.4 update will go live on 5 January 2022. Once the update is live, Shenhe, Yunjin, and Xiao\u2019s banners will be available.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/novelkeys-nk87-entry-edition-now-available-for-135-custom-tkl-keyboard/", "title": "NovelKeys NK87 Entry Edition Now Available for $135 \u2013 Custom TKL Keyboard", "body": "\n\nThe affordable NovelKeys NK87 Entry Edition custom keyboard is now available for purchase! Not only is it a budget-friendly TKL keyboard with great value for money, it looks to be quite a compelling keyboard too.\n\n\nSo how much does the NK87 Entry cost? Well, it retails at only $135, which comes up to about RM565. Given the features of this TKL keyboard, you\u2019re really getting your money\u2019s worth here \u2013 even a \ncarrying case\n and a coiled USB-C cable are included in that price.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the NK87 Entry uses a modified top-mount system with a number of silicones to enhance the sound profile of the keyboard. There are eight \u201cthock absorber\u201d silicone strips between the plate and top case, as well as two silicone dampening pads; one on the bottom, and another one between the plate and PCB.\n\n\nOther specifications of the NK87 Entry include a polycarbonate case, a polycarbonate plate, a VIA-compatible hotswap PCB, as well as NovelKeys\u2019 own screw-in stabilisers. As with most keyboard kits, you\u2019ll need to get switches and keycaps to complete the build.\n\n\n\n\nThe NovelKeys NK87 Entry Edition is now available for purchase on the vendor\u2019s \nonline store\n. At the time of writing, four colours are in stock: Black, Beige, Atomic Purple, and Blumen. The Smoke and Frost colourways, on the other hand, will only be restocked sometime in Q1 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/you-wont-have-to-check-out-with-mysejahtera-anymore-on-android/", "title": "You Won\u2019t Have to Check Out With MySejahtera Anymore (On Android)", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019ve recently updated your MySejahtera app on Android, you may have noticed a new feature dubbed MySJ Trace. Basically, it\u2019s an improved contact tracing feature utilising Bluetooth. The introduction of MySJ Trace also sees the removal of the check out button in the app.\n\n\nIn order to use MySJ Trace, you\u2019ll have to activate the feature first in MySejahtera. You\u2019ll just have to click on the MySJ Trace box, follow the on-screen instructions, and that\u2019s it. The feature is activated when you see the green Bluetooth icon with the amount of \u201cinteractions\u201d detected.\n\n\nThe check out button is no longer there\n\n\nSo how does MySJ Trace work? Using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), it can detect other users that have also activated MySJ Trace. If a user is COVID-19 positive, interactions of said user gathered over the past 14 days will be shared with the Ministry of Health (MOH) for contact tracing.\n\n\nThose who are confirmed to be in close proximity with a COVID-19 positive user from MySJ Trace will receive a push notification from MySejahtera. Thanks to this new feature, the check out button is no longer needed; you won\u2019t have to manually check out every time you leave a premise now.\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, MySJ Trace is \nonly offered on Android\n at the moment; the new update is not available on iOS yet. The update is said to be \nawaiting approval from Apple\n, so once it\u2019s been approved, you can download the new MySejahtera app over at the \nApple App Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/gac-motor-enters-malaysian-market-with-gs3-b-segment-suv-from-only-rm89k/", "title": "GAC Motor Enters Malaysian Market With GS3 \u2013 B-Segment SUV From Only RM89k", "body": "\n\nOne year ago, it was reported that \nGAC Motor will be entering the Malaysian market\n through Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad (TCMH). Well, this is now a reality, and the GAC GS3 is the first model from the Chinese carmaker to be available locally.\n\n\nRetailing from only RM88,800, this B-segment SUV is priced quite competitively, especially for a fully imported (CBU) model. This starting price is for the Standard trim; the Premium variant, on the other hand, goes for RM96,800. Of course, these prices include the \n50% sale tax exemption for CBU cars\n until 30 June 2022.\n\n\n\n\nRegardless of which trim you go for, all variants of the GS3 are powered by a 1.5L naturally-aspirated engine that outputs 114PS and 150Nm of torque. It is paired to an Aisin-sourced six-speed automatic transmission, giving the GS3 a rated fuel consumption of 14.5km/l, which is quite decent for an SUV this size.\n\n\nStandard equipment of the GS3 include 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, an 8-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and phone mirroring, four airbags, and fabric/leatherette seats. If you opt for the Premium trim, you get two more airbags (for a total of six), leatherette seats, keyless entry with push start button, and a 3.5-inch LCD instrument panel.\n\n\n\n\nThe GAC GS3 is now available for booking in Malaysia. More details on the new B-segment SUV can be found \nright here\n, and you can even \nrequest for a test drive through this form\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/covid-19-booster-interval-for-astrazeneca-pfizer-recipients-shortened-to-3-months/", "title": "COVID-19 Booster Interval for AstraZeneca & Pfizer Recipients Shortened to 3 Months", "body": "\n\nKhairy Jamaluddin, the Minister of Health, just announced a shorter interval for AstraZeneca and Pfizer recipients to receive their respective COVID-19 booster shots. Previously set at six months, it is now reduced by half to only three months.\n\n\nNaturally, those above 60 and individuals with comorbidities will be prioritised first, followed by those above 50, 40, and finally, 18 years of age. The recommended booster shot for most vaccine recipients will be Pfizer, but alternatives will be given if necessary.\n\n\n\n\nCuriously, if you\u2019ve received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine instead, the dosing interval is set even shorter at only two months. Anyway, according to Khairy, the administration of COVID-19 booster shots will begin sometime in January or February 2022 onwards.\n\n\nAs previously revealed\n, you won\u2019t need to apply to get a COVID-19 booster shot if you\u2019re eligible; you will be notified of any appointment through the \nMySejahtera app\n. Depending on where you\u2019re located, the booster will be given at a clinic or hospital.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s21-fe-appears-in-sirim-launching-in-malaysia-5-january-2022/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Appears in SIRIM \u2013 Launching in Malaysia 5 January 2022?", "body": "\n\nThe much-rumoured \nSamsung Galaxy S21 FE\n could be launched in Malaysia very soon \u2013 as early as next week, in fact. After all, the upcoming phone has already been registered with SIRIM, suggesting that it will be made available here in the near future.\n\n\nCuriously, the Galaxy S21 FE was registered with SIRIM under Samsung Malaysia on 22 December last week. Just today, we also received an invite to the local launch of \u201cour new Galaxy\u201d from the Korean company. Chances are, this is a launch event for the S21 FE.\n\n\nThe main Samsung Galaxy S21 lineup\n\n\nBased on numerous leaks, the Galaxy S21 FE looks to be a reasonably well-equipped flagship phone that should be more affordable than the \nmain S21 series\n. It\u2019s said to be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset \u2013 though other markets, such as ours, may get the Exynos 2100 instead \u2013 a 120Hz display, and a similar design language as the S21 phones.\n\n\nNonetheless, we\u2019ll find out for ourselves whether or not the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE will be launched in Malaysia next week on 5 January 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/meletrix-zoom65-aluminium-gasket-mount-65-keyboard-with-knob-for-only-179/", "title": "Meletrix Zoom65 \u2013 Aluminium Gasket-Mount 65% Keyboard (With Knob) for Only $179", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for a 65% custom keyboard with a knob and \nreally good\n value for money, the Meletrix Zoom65 fits the bill. Meletrix is a sub-brand of Wuque Studio \u2013 which is known for its popular \nIkki68 Aurora keyboard\n \u2013 and the Zoom65 will be its first flagship product. The best part is, it be sold as an \nin-stock\n product tomorrow on 29 December.\n\n\nPriced at only $179 (about RM750), the Zoom65 offers excellent value. After all, for that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a gasket-mounted keyboard with a full aluminium body, a rotary encoder, a polycarbonate plate, and of course, a hotswap PCB.\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, the Zoom65 also comes with JWK linear switches, double shot PBT keycaps in the popular Olivia colourway (officially authorised, as Meletrix puts it), Wuque Studio\u2019s stabilisers, a carrying case, \nand\n a coiled USB-C cable. Needless to say, you\u2019re getting \na ton of value\n out of the Zoom65.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the Meletrix Zoom65, you can do so \nover here\n at 8.30AM tomorrow on 29 December. Do note that only 100 units are available, so you do have to act fast if you want to grab a unit.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-12-official-snapdragon-8-gen-1-compact-design-3699-yuan-price-tag/", "title": "Xiaomi 12 Official \u2013 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, Compact Design, 3,699 Yuan Price Tag", "body": "\n\nWhile it\u2019s still 2021, Xiaomi already unveiled its 2022 flagship phone, the Xiaomi 12. Naturally, it sports Qualcomm\u2019s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip packed in a compact, ergonomically-friendly chassis, with a budget-friendly price tag to boot.\n\n\nRetailing from only 3,699 Chinese yuan \u2013 that comes up to about RM2,435 \u2013 the Xiaomi 12 is a relatively affordable flagship smartphone. As mentioned, it\u2019s powered by the fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, which promises 30% faster GPU with 25% better power efficiency.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Xiaomi 12 also sports a compact design, thanks to its 69.9mm width and compact 6.28-inch 2400 x 1080 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This is also a dual curved screen, giving the phone a sleeker, more modern-looking aesthetic.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xiaomi 12 include 8GB or 12GB of RAM, two UFS 3.1 storage options (128GB or 256GB), a triple camera system (50MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide angle + 5MP telephoto macro), a 32MP selfie camera, as well as a 4,500mAh battery with support for 67W wired charging; it can also do 50W wireless charging.\n\n\n\n\nAs usual, the Xiaomi 12 is only offered in China at the moment, though we reckon the compact flagship phone will eventually make it to other markets, including Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-xiaomi-12x-is-a-more-affordable-xiaomi-12-with-snapdragon-870-instead/", "title": "The Xiaomi 12X Is a More Affordable Xiaomi 12 With Snapdragon 870 Instead", "body": "\n\nCompleting the \nXiaomi 12\n \nseries\n is the most affordable device of the lot, the Xiaomi 12X. Essentially, it is a more affordable version of the standard Xiaomi 12; the only difference lies in the chip powering the phone.\n\n\nInstead of Qualcomm\u2019s latest and greatest \nSnapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset\n, the Xiaomi 12X is packed with a Snapdragon 870 SoC instead. This chip is essentially a faster version of the Snapdragon 865, Qualcomm\u2019s 2020 flagship processor.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the different chipset, the Xiaomi 12X is almost a carbon copy of the Xiaomi 12. It still has a compact design, thanks to its 69.9mm width and compact 6.28-inch 2400 x 1080 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This is also a dual curved screen, giving the phone a sleeker, more modern-looking aesthetic.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xiaomi 12X include 8GB or 12GB of RAM, two UFS 3.1 storage options (128GB or 256GB), a triple camera system (50MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide angle + 5MP telephoto macro), a 32MP selfie camera, as well as a 4,500mAh battery with support for 67W wired charging.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi 12X is only available in China at the moment with a 3,199 Chinese yuan starting price \u2013 that comes up to about RM2,100. No word yet on the availability of the 12X in other markets.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-12-pro-unleashed-snapdragon-8-gen-1-120w-charging-from-4699-yuan/", "title": "Xiaomi 12 Pro Unleashed \u2013 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 120W Charging, From 4,699 Yuan", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nXiaomi 12\n, the Chinese company also introduced the larger Xiaomi 12 Pro. Not only does it feature a bigger, sharper OLED screen, the Pro model also offers much faster charging rate and a more sophisticated camera system.\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about price. Compared to the Xiaomi 12 (3,699 Yuan), the Xiaomi 12 Pro is priced higher at 4,699 yuan \u2013 that\u2019s about RM3,095. Of course, for 1,000 yuan more (approximately RM655), the Pro does offer a number of neat upgrades, such as 120W fast wired charging. Wirelessly, it can do 50W charging, just like the standard model.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Xiaomi 12 Pro features a more capable triple camera setup too. It is made up of a 50MP primary shooter, a 50MP ultra-wide angle sensor, and a 50MP telephoto camera. It\u2019s worth noting that the regular model doesn\u2019t even have a zoom lens, opting for a macro shooter instead.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Xiaomi 12 Pro include the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, a 6.73-inch 3200 x 1440 OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, a 32MP selfie camera, as well as a 4,600mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\nJust like the Xiaomi 12, the Xiaomi 12 Pro has only been announced for China. No word yet on its availability outside of the region, though we\u2019re confident it\u2019s only a matter of time before the Xiaomi 12 Pro is also launched in other markets, including Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-proton-x70-facelift-spotted-receiving-x50s-1-5l-tgdi-engine/", "title": "Spy Shot: Proton X70 Facelift Spotted \u2013 Receiving X50\u2019s 1.5L TGDi Engine?", "body": "\n\nThe Proton X70 hasn\u2019t received any major changes since the \nCKD model\n was launched back in February 2020. Well, come next year, the C-segment SUV may be getting a facelift, thanks to this spy shot of an X70 with some light camouflage.\n\n\nThis one shot of the (possibly) facelifted X70 was taken by \nyaaaboiii_7\n around Tanjung Malim, Perak, and subsequently shared by \nCareta\n on Instagram. Only the lower bumper and tailgate were covered, and it\u2019s said that the front end of the SUV had some camouflage too.\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nView this post on Instagram\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nA post shared by careta (@careta_malaysia)\n\n\n\n\nBased on previous rumours, the X70\u2019s 1.8L turbocharged engine will be replaced with a 1.5L TGDi three-cylinder mill for the facelift model. Yes, it\u2019s the very same one found under the hood of the \nProton X50\n, which outputs 177PS and 255Nm of torque. Based on this spy shot, we can expect some exterior changes too.\n\n\nOf course, it\u2019s still too early to tell if the national carmaker will indeed give the Proton X70 a facelift next year. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on any further development regarding the C-segment SUV.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/30-december-5-january-fuel-price-ron-97-up-1-sen-others-unchanged/", "title": "30 December \u2013 5 January Fuel Price: RON 97 up 1 Sen, Others Unchanged", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s a slight price hike for RON 97 this coming week: the fuel is set to go up by 1 sen per litre for the next seven days. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.\n\n\nFrom tomorrow onwards until Wednesday next week, the price of RON 97 is set at RM3.00 per litre (up from RM2.99). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 30 December to 5 January 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates! \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/get-primogems-in-genshin-impacts-dragonspine-web-event/", "title": "Get Primogems in Genshin Impact\u2019s Dragonspine Web Event", "body": "\n\nMihoyo just revealed a new web event for \nGenshin Impact\n to celebrate the one year anniversary of the Dragonspine map. Dubbed \u201cEnchanting Journey of Snow and Stars,\u201d it offers a number of rewards for players, including Primogems.\n\n\nIn order to get the Primogems, one million players have to \u201clight up\u201d (virtually) a special Teleport Waypoint Mihoyo has placed in the Alps. Once one million players have done so \u2013 an easily achievable figure, given the huge player base of Genshin Impact \u2013 every player who participated in the web event will get 30 Primogems.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, Mihoyo will also actually light up the Teleport Waypoint in the Alps once the milestone is reached. The lighting ceremony will be broadcasted online through YouTube, Twitch, and even VK. The Val Thorens resort at the same location is themed after Genshin Impact too for this occasion.\n\n\nIf you want to participate in Genshin Impact\u2019s Enchanting Journey of Snow and Stars web event, you can do so \nover here\n. Mihoyo said that its social media channels have prepared \u201ceven more surprises\u201d for participants, so keep your eyes peeled.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mysejahteras-mysj-trace-feature-now-available-on-ios-no-more-checking-out/", "title": "MySejahtera\u2019s MySJ Trace Feature Now Available on iOS \u2013 No More Checking Out", "body": "\n\nPreviously only available on \nAndroid and Huawei devices\n, Apple finally approved the new MySejahtera update, which introduces the MySJ Trace feature. Basically, it\u2019s an improved contact tracing feature utilising Bluetooth, and the new MySejahtera update also sees the removal of the check out button in the app.\n\n\nIn order to use MySJ Trace, you\u2019ll have to activate the feature first in MySejahtera. You\u2019ll just have to click on the MySJ Trace box, follow the on-screen instructions, and that\u2019s it. The feature is activated when you see the green Bluetooth icon with the amount of \u201cinteractions\u201d detected.\n\n\nPreview of the Android version\nThe check out button is no longer there\n\n\nSo how does MySJ Trace work? Using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), it can detect other users that have also activated MySJ Trace. If a user is COVID-19 positive, interactions of said user gathered over the past 14 days will be shared with the Ministry of Health (MOH) for contact tracing.\n\n\nThose who are confirmed to be in close proximity with a COVID-19 positive user from MySJ Trace will receive a push notification from MySejahtera. Thanks to this new feature, the check out button is no longer needed; you won\u2019t have to manually check out every time you leave a premise now.\n\n\n\n\nThe new MySejahtera update is now available for download from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n. If you have an Android phone, you can get the new update from the \nGoogle Play Store\n or the \nHuawei AppGallery\n for Huawei devices.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-plus-january-2022-free-games-include-persona-5-strikers-dirt-5/", "title": "PlayStation Plus January 2022 Free Games Include Persona 5 Strikers & Dirt 5", "body": "\n\nPlayStation Plus\u2019 January 2022 free games have just been announced. Three different games can be claimed by members next week on 4 January, which include Persona 5 Strikers, Dirt 5, and Deep Rock Galactic.\n\n\nOut of the three games, Persona 5 Strikers is arguably the most interesting title. Set after the events of Persona 5, Strikers doesn\u2019t use a turn-based combat system. Rather, it\u2019s a \u201cmusou-style\u201d hack and slash game featuring the Phantom Thieves.\n\n\n\n\nUnlike \nprevious PS Plus\n \nfree games\n, all of these games are available on the PS4 too instead of being limited to the PS5. Of course, you do get the PS5 version of Dirt 5 and Deep Rock Galactic, which should feature better graphics and faster loading times.\n\n\nThese three games can be claimed by PS Plus members from 4 January to 1 February 2022. That means you have until this coming Monday (3 January) to get your hands on December 2021\u2019s free games, including \nGodfall and Judgment\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iqunix-f96-kat-hands-on-nice-keycaps-so-so-keyboard/", "title": "Iqunix F96 KAT Hands-On \u2013 Nice Keycaps, So-So Keyboard", "body": "\n\nPre-built keyboards, while lacking the \ncustomisation and refined typing experience\n of a custom keyboard, can still be a good buy for certain folks. The Iqunix F96 KAT is one such pre-built\u2026to an extent.\n\n\nWhat makes the F96 KAT particularly interesting is the KAT keycap set that comes with the keyboard. This keycap profile is typically only available in the aftermarket scene; rarely is it offered on a pre-built keyboard like this.\n\n\nBut beyond the KAT keycap set, the F96 KAT falls short in other areas. Can it still be a good buy? Of course, but for the same amount of money, other options \u2013 such as the \nKeychron Q1\n \u2013 may serve you better.\n\n\n\n\nSo how much does the F96 KAT costs? For the Malaysian market, this pre-built keyboard is brought in by Keybot, which is listing it for \nexactly RM679.20 now\n. Yes, that\u2019s quite a steep price tag, but the KAT keycap set and aluminium chassis of this full-size keyboard are not exactly cheap.\n\n\nSince the KAT keycap of the F96 KAT is one of its best qualities, let\u2019s talk about that first. Compared to, say, GMK keycaps, KAT has a taller profile. It is also slightly sculpted, so it doesn\u2019t feel as \u201cflat\u201d to type on. This, in turn, makes for quite a comfortable typing experience.\n\n\nThe sound profile of the KAT keycap is also quite pleasant. Thanks to its \nthick\n nature, PBT plastic material, and reasonably tall profile, KAT keycaps are known to produce a deep, thocky sound signature. While this quality isn\u2019t particularly obvious on the F96 KAT \u2013 more on this later \u2013 you can still hear a semblance of it.\n\n\n\n\nOh, the texture of the KAT keycap is worth a mention too. Despite the fact that it is made from PBT plastic, which usually feels rough, that\u2019s not the case at all with this keycap. In fact, it feels relatively smooth, almost as smooth as a well-worn GMK keycap made from ABS plastic \u2013 almost.\n\n\nOkay, now let\u2019s talk about the F96 KAT itself, starting with its sound profile. The particular unit I tried was fitted with Gateron Red switches, and\u2026well, even with the KAT keycaps, the keyboard still sounds quite hollow with a clacky sound signature.\n\n\nGranted, it\u2019s not the worst-sounding pre-built keyboard I\u2019ve tried, but it doesn\u2019t exactly sound pleasant either. Then again, a pre-built keyboard rarely sounds great, so it\u2019s not like the F96 KAT is an outlier here.\n\n\n\n\nOn the bright side, the F96 KAT does have good build quality. The aluminium chassis gives it a nice amount of heft, and it feels solid. I also love the fact that the screws are positioned on the sides of the keyboard, so there\u2019s no exposed screw holes on the bottom case.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the \u201ccompact\u201d nature of the F96 KAT. Even though it has a full-size layout, the keys are all compressed together instead of a more traditional exploded layout. Personally, I find this quite jarring and too easy to mistakenly hit the wrong key, but if you want a compact full-size keyboard, I reckon you\u2019ll appreciate this layout.\n\n\nWhat I \ndo\n appreciate is the wireless nature of the F96 KAT. It can be connected to three different devices via Bluetooth, and if your PC doesn\u2019t have Bluetooth support, no worries \u2013 Iqunix bundled a Bluetooth dongle for such a scenario. It\u2019s quite a neat touch, in my opinion.\n\n\n\n\nOkay, how is it like to type on the F96 KAT? It\u2019s\u2026decent. It offers a stiff typing experience, so if that\u2019s what you want, great. What\u2019s \nnot\n great are the keyboard\u2019s costar stabilisers. Not only is it tricky to swap keycaps with this type of stabiliser, it\u2019s even trickier to tune well.\n\n\nOut of the box, the stabilisers seem to be lubed with some form of grease (likely dielectric grease), which works well enough to minimise rattling and ticking on the backspace and enter keys. But that\u2019s not the case with the spacebar: it\u2019s so rattly and noisy, it almost feels like the spacebar is installed with a clicky switch \u2013 it\u2019s not.\n\n\nYes, it\u2019s possible to make the stabiliser sound and feel better, but it\u2019s not an easy task due to the design of the costar stabiliser. Plus, if you\u2019re willing to put in the effort to tune this keyboard, you\u2019re better off doing the same with a proper custom keyboard instead.\n\n\n\n\nIn my opinion, the Iqunix F96 KAT is not meant for keyboard enthusiasts. Rather, it\u2019s made for folks that want a full-size keyboard with wireless support and an aluminium chassis that works right out of the box. As an added bonus, it also comes with a nice KAT keycap set.\n\n\nIf that\u2019s exactly what you want, then the F96 KAT is a good buy. But if you\u2019re thinking of getting it in hopes of tuning it to offer an even better typing experience (you certainly can), consider spending the same amount of money on a custom keyboard instead \u2013 your effort is better spent that way.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-shenhe-xiao-banners-unveiled-for-5-january-yun-jin-ningguang-chongyun/", "title": "Genshin Impact Shenhe & Xiao Banners Unveiled for 5 January \u2013 Yun Jin, Ningguang, Chongyun", "body": "\n\nGenshin Impact\u2019s new \ndouble banner\n is back for the Version 2.4 update. The first phase will feature Shenhe, a brand new 5-star Cryo character, as well as Xiao \u2013 this is his first rerun banner. Set to go live next week on 5 January, these two characters will be accompanied by Yun Jin (also a new character), Ningguang, and Chongyun.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, even though Shenhe and Xiao will be featured in separate event wishes, they both share the same roster of 4-star characters. Of course, pity is also shared between the two banners, and the wish guarantee count\u00a0\nwill\n\u00a0carry over to future character banners too.\n\n\n\n\nJust like Genshin Impact\u2019s\u00a0\nprevious character\n\u00a0\nevent wishes\n, the \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Shenhe, Xiao, Yun Jin, Ningguang, and Chongyun will be increased. In the case of Shenhe and Xiao, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be either of them, depending on which banner you\u2019re wishing. If you got a different character, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be them.\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s pity system for character banners ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character every 90 wishes, you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Shenhe or Xiao. The same rule applies to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Yun Jin, Ningguang, or Chongyun. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters \u2013 especially Yun Jin, given that she\u2019s a new character \u2013 you will likely have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\nShenhe\u2019s \u201cThe Transcendent One Returns\u201d and Xiao\u2019s \u201cInvitation to Mundane Life\u201d event wishes will go live on Genshin Impact this coming Wednesday on 5 January 2022 right after the \nVersion 2.4 update\n. Their banners will be available until 25 January; the same day Ganyu\u2019s and Zhongli\u2019s rerun banners drop.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-ganyu-zhongli-banners-coming-25-january-yanfei-beidou-xingqiu/", "title": "Genshin Impact Ganyu & Zhongli Banners Coming 25 January \u2013 Yanfei, Beidou, Xingqiu", "body": "\n\nNow this is a surprise: Mihoyo announced the second phase event wishes in \nGenshin Impact 2.4\n much earlier than usual. This second phase will feature Ganyu and Zhongli, and they will be available on 25 January alongside Yanfei, Beidou, and Xingqiu.\n\n\nIn line with \nprevious Genshin Impact\n \ndouble banners\n, Ganyu and Zhongli both share the same roster of 4-star characters despite the fact that they\u2019re featured in separate event wishes. Of course, pity is also shared between the two banners, and the wish guarantee count\u00a0\nwill\n\u00a0carry over to future character banners too.\n\n\n\n\nJust like Genshin Impact\u2019s\u00a0\nprevious character\n\u00a0\nevent wishes\n, the \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Ganyu, Zhongli, Yanfei, Beidou, and Xingqiu will be increased. In the case of Ganyu and Zhongli, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be either of them, depending on which banner you\u2019re wishing. If you got a different character, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be them.\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s pity system for character banners ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character every 90 wishes, you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Ganyu or Zhongli. The same rule applies to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Yanfei, Beidou, or Xingqiu. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will likely have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\nGanyu\u2019s \u201cAdrift in the Harbor\u201d and Zhongli\u2019s \u201cGentry of Hermitage\u201d event wishes will be available in Genshin Impact on 25 January 2022, right after Shenhe\u2019s and Xiao\u2019s banners. The former\u2019s banners will be available until 15 February.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-flood-relief-now-50-discount-on-parts-25-off-labour/", "title": "Proton Flood Relief \u2013 Now 50% Discount on Parts, 25% Off Labour", "body": "\n\nProton initially announced its \nflood relief programme last week\n, and interestingly enough, the national carmaker just made some changes to it. Previously, a 20% discount is given for selected parts, but it is now increased to a whopping 50% \u2013 that\u2019s quite a big difference.\n\n\nHowever, the 50% discount is not offered for the \nProton X50\n and \nX70\n. For these two SUVs, a 25% discount is given instead for selected parts; a 5% increase over the original offer. Labour charges are also discounted by 25% now instead of 20%.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cProton is deeply sympathetic to the plight of the victims of the recent floods as many of them consist of B40 households. To date, our service centres have received approximately 600 cars and we estimate there to be many more that will arrive in the coming days and weeks,\u201d said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n\n\u201cAside from the assistance package, Proton is also negotiating with the banks to allow customers to pay for their repairs via instalment using their credit cards. This will further assist their cash flow as they will neither be charged interest fees nor have to come up with a lump sum payment,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want more information on Proton\u2019s flood relief campaign, you can give the national carmaker\u2019s customer care line a call at 1-800-88-8398.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-p50-pro-with-100x-zoom-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Huawei P50 Pro With 100x Zoom Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nLaunched in China back in July this year, the Huawei P50 Pro is finally coming to Malaysia. Sporting a quad camera system that can do 100x zoom along with a fast 120Hz OLED screen, it\u2019s quite a sleek-looking device too.\n\n\nJust today, the P50 Pro was registered with SIRIM under Huawei Malaysia. All electronics have to be certified by SIRIM first before they can be officially sold here, so there\u2019s a good chance the P50 Pro will be launched locally very soon. On top of that, the flagship phone\u2019s product page is \nalready up on Huawei Malaysia\u2019s website\n.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the highlights of the P50 Pro is its sophisticated quad camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 50MP primary shooter, a 40MP monochrome sensor, a 13MP ultra-wide angle lens, and of course, a 64MP telephoto camera that can do up to 100x digital zoom.\n\n\nOther specifications of the P50 Pro include a 6.6-inch Full HD+ OLED dual curved screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 4G chipset, a 13MP selfie camera, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage, a 4,360mAh battery, an IP68 rating, and HarmonyOS 2 (still based on Android) out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nIn China, the Huawei P50 Pro with 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM \u2013 which seems to be the only variant available in Malaysia, based on the \nlocal product page\n \u2013 retails at 6,488 Chinese yuan (about RM4,250). It\u2019ll be interesting to see if it will be priced similarly in Malaysia once it is officially available here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/duckys-first-mainstream-hotswap-keyboard-one-3-series-now-in-malaysia-from-rm499/", "title": "Ducky\u2019s First Mainstream Hotswap Keyboard, One 3 Series, Now in Malaysia From RM499", "body": "\n\nIntroduced globally back in November last month, the \nDucky One 3 series\n of mechanical keyboards are now available in Malaysia. What makes these keyboards particularly interesting is the fact that they are the Taiwanese company\u2019s first mainstream offering with a hotswap PCB, allowing users to easily swap out the switches.\n\n\nLooking at \nSun Cycle\u2019s website\n \u2013 the official distributor of Ducky products in Malaysia \u2013 three sizes of the One 3 series are available here now; it seems the TKL layout is not part of the lineup yet. That leaves the 60% (from RM499), 65% (from RM549), and full-size (from RM525).\n\n\nYes, the 65% model is priced higher despite being physically smaller than the full-size version, oddly enough.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the best selling points of the One 3 series is its aforementioned hotswap PCB, making it Ducky\u2019s first mainstream keyboard with such a feature. While the \n2020 Ducky Year of the Rat\n is technically the company\u2019s first keyboard with hotswap support, it\u2019s a limited edition model.\n\n\nAside from the hotswap PCB, the One 3 series also features double-shot PBT keycaps, Cherry MX switches, RGB backlighting, a number of sound deadening material for improved sound profile, and plate-mounted stabilisers that are \u201cfine-tuned for an exceptional typing experience,\u201d as Ducky puts it.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get any one of the Ducky One 3 series keyboards, \nDotatech\n has them in stock right now. While this is still a pre-built keyboard that lacks \nmany features of a custom buil\nd\n, the One 3 series does look to be a decent starting point for newcomers that just want a mechanical keyboard that works out of the box.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-the-nintendo-switch-oled-for-only-rm1459-with-one-free-game/", "title": "Deal: Get the Nintendo Switch OLED For Only RM1,459 (With One Free Game)", "body": "\n\nThe \nNintendo Switch (OLED Model)\n is getting more and more affordable. Previously going \nfor RM1,549\n, you can now get the latest and greatest Switch \nat only RM1,459\n with a \nfree game\n thrown in.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Gaming Gadgets 1U located at (you guessed it) 1 Utama Shopping Centre in Petaling Jaya. However, this deal is only for walk-in customers, so you\u2019re required to head to the physical store itself. On top of that, this promotion is only valid while stocks last, and it\u2019s offered on a first-come, first-served basis.\n\n\nIf you prefer getting the OLED Switch online instead, you can grab it \nfor RM1,498.88\n from Preferred Shopee retailer GameStop, though you won\u2019t be getting a free game.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the new OLED Switch features a larger 7-inch OLED panel with thinner bezels. It also has double the internal storage at 64GB, and the stand sees a design revision as well. Instead of the original Switch\u2019s fragile-looking stand, this new Switch uses a much sturdier, wider stand that is also adjustable.\n\n\nOther changes introduced in the new OLED Switch include a new dock with a wired LAN port, \u201cenhanced audio\u201d from the system\u2019s onboard speakers, and between 4.5 to 9 hours of battery life \u2013 the same quoted battery life as its predecessor.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to get the Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) for only RM1,459 along with a free game, you can give Gaming Gadgets 1U a visit at its retail store. Alternatively, you can get the console from GameStop on Shopee \nfor RM1,498.88\n. \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-honda-civic-buy-win-contest-leaks-rm100000-worth-of-prizes-up-for-grabs/", "title": "2022 Honda Civic Buy & Win Contest Leaks \u2013 RM100,000 Worth of Prizes up for Grabs", "body": "\n\nThe \n2022 Honda Civic\n is set to be launched in Malaysia in Q1 2022, so we can expect the new C-segment sedan to be available here before 31 March 2022. A leaked brochure of a buy and win contest for the updated Civic is also corroborating this, which offers RM100,000 worth of prizes, including an \niPhone 13 Pro\n.\n\n\nThis brochure was shared on Lowyat.NET\u2019s forum by \nScissorshand\n. The contest is only open to Honda owners who have successfully registered the all-new Civic by 31 March 2022, so there\u2019s a good chance the sedan will be launched well before that date.\n\n\n\n\nSo far, only the range-topping Civic RS has been confirmed for the Malaysian market, though we can confirm that there are a total of \nthree variants to choose from\n. One of the biggest upgrades to the new sedan is a retuned 1.5L VTEC turbo engine that now delivers 182PS and 240Nm of torque \u2013 that\u2019s 9PS and 20Nm more than the current 10th gen Civic.\n\n\nNaturally, it is still paired with a CVT gearbox, but it has three drive modes now: ECON, Normal, and Sport. Aside from that, the new Civic RS also features an enhanced Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance safety systems. What\u2019s new is the Lead Car Departure Notification System, which notifies the driver when the lead car (the car in front) starts moving forward.\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet from Honda Malaysia on the actual release date of the 2022 Honda Civic. But given that the brochure for the buy and win contest is already circulating, there\u2019s a good chance the C-segment sedan will be launched as early as this month. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on this.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-25-discount-on-the-samsung-galaxy-z-fold-3-z-flip-3-watch-4-buds-2/", "title": "Deal: Get 25% Discount on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, Z Flip 3, Watch 4 & Buds 2", "body": "\n\nSamsung Malaysia just announced a surprise sale for four of its products. If you\u2019re quick enough, you can get a generous \n25% discount\n on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, \nZ Flip 3\n, Galaxy \nWatch 4\n, and Galaxy \nBuds 2\n.\n\n\nTo enjoy the 25% discount, you\u2019ll just need to head \nhere\n and select which product you\u2019d like to purchase. Once you\u2019ve done that, just apply the discount code AGENZY25 at checkout to get the savings; it\u2019s that simple. Do note that this promotion is only valid while stocks last.\n\n\n\n\nInterestingly, even though we were told that the 25% discount is only valid between 8PM to 11PM tonight, you can actually get the discount \nright now\n. Given that stocks are limited, you may want to act fast to secure the savings.\n\n\nTo recap, head on to Samsung Malaysia\u2019s online store \nright here\n to save 25% on the Galaxy Z Fold 3, Z Flip 3, Galaxy Watch 4, and Buds 2 with the discount code AGENZY25. Yes, you can enjoy the discount on more than one product too.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/yae-miko-teased-for-genshin-impact-likely-playable-in-version-2-5-update/", "title": "Yae Miko Teased for Genshin Impact \u2013 Likely Playable in Version 2.5 Update", "body": "\n\nRight before Genshin Impact\u2019s \nVersion 2.4 update\n goes live this Wednesday on 5 January, Mihoyo is teasing a brand new character in the game \u2013 well, sort of. The character is none other than Yae Miko, who has appeared in the Inazuma storyline. With this teaser, there\u2019s a good chance she will be playable in Version 2.5.\n\n\nAfter all, previous characters that were teased by Mihoyo were eventually playable in the next version update of Genshin Impact. These include\u00a0\nShenhe\n, Yun Jin, \nArataki Itto\n, Gorou, and of course, the\u00a0\nRaiden Shogun herself\n.\n\n\n\n\nYae Miko \u2027 Astute Amusement\nGuuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine\nThe Grand Narukami Shrine's head shrine maiden and a descendant of Kitsune lineage, Eternity's servant and friend\u2026 and the intimidating editor-in-chief of Yae Publishing House, a publisher of light novels. \npic.twitter.com/xgMxeQrTnp\n\u2014 Genshin Impact (@GenshinImpact) \nDecember 31, 2021\n\n\n\n\nAs shown in-game, Yae holds an Electro vision, and the teaser confirms that she is indeed an Electro character. Given her importance in the lore of Genshin Impact, there\u2019s a good chance she is also a 5-star character. Unfortunately, it\u2019s not revealed yet what kind of weapon she wields.\n\n\nLooking back at Mihoyo\u2019s previous Genshin Impact teasers, we\u2019re confident Yae Miko will be playable in Version 2.5 of Genshin Impact. The new update should be released after \nGanyu\u2019s and Zhongli\u2019s banners end on 15 February\n \u2013 expect Yae to make her debut then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-now-offering-up-to-rm12000-discount-for-cny-2022/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Now Offering up to RM12,000 Discount for CNY 2022", "body": "\n\nLast month, Honda Malaysia\u00a0\noffered up to RM10,000 discounts\n\u00a0for its range of models. But for this month \u2013 in conjunction with Chinese New Year \u2013 the deal is even better: the carmaker is now offering up to a\u00a0\nwhopping RM12,000 discount\n\u00a0throughout January 2022.\n\n\nNaturally, \nthe Honda Accord\n gets the best discount. Both the range-topping TC-P and more affordable TC variants of the D-segment sedan receive a generous RM12,000 rebate, though this is only for models manufactured in 2021. If you want a 2022 model instead, you\u2019ll only get a RM3,000 rebate.\n\n\n\n\nThe next best deal is for the seven-seater \nHonda BR-V\n. Both the E and V trims get a RM7,000 discount for the 2021 model; RM1,000 if you opt for the 2022 model instead. All variants of the 2021 \nHonda HR-V\n, on the other hand, receive a RM5,500 rebate. Curiously, for a 2022 make, only the HR-V RS RS gets a RM1,000 discount.\n\n\nNext is the\u00a0\nHonda City\n which is offered with a RM4,000 rebate for all 2021 variants, while the 2022 models get a RM1,000 discount. Last but certainly not least is the CR-V: you can get a RM4,000 rebate for all 2021 models, while the 2022 ones are offered with a RM1,000 discount.\n\n\nDo note that these discounts are only applicable for vehicles registered between 1 to 31 January 2022. More information on these discounts can be found \nhere\n.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to get any of these Honda models with the aforementioned rebates, you can place your booking online\u00a0\nhere\n. Alternatively, bookings can be done through the HondaTouch app as well \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-p50-pocket-foldable-flip-phone-coming-to-malaysia-12-january/", "title": "Huawei P50 Pocket Foldable Flip Phone Coming to Malaysia 12 January", "body": "\n\nAnnounced just a couple of weeks ago, we just got word that the Huawei P50 Pocket \u2013 the Chinese company\u2019s first-ever foldable flip phone \u2013 is launching here in Malaysia as early as next week. Meant to go against the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 3\n, the P50 Pocket has a more unique circular cover screen, though it also has a higher asking price.\n\n\nFor the Chinese market, the P50 Pocket retails from 8,988 Chinese yuan for the 256GB variant with 8GB of RAM; that comes up to about RM5,900. The Premium Edition (512GB + 12GB) with a unique textured design, on the other hand, costs 10,988 yuan (around RM7,215).\n\n\nFor the sake of comparison, the Z Flip 3 \nstarts at only RM3,999\n for the Malaysian market, or \nas low as RM2,999\n when it\u2019s on sale.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the P50 Pocket does have a number of advantages over the Z Flip 3. When the device is folded, for example, there\u2019s barely any gap, thanks to the \u201cmulti-dimensional\u201d hinge design. According to Huawei, the display won\u2019t have any noticeable crease either when it is unfolded.\n\n\nOther specifications of the P50 Pocket include a 6.9-inch Full HD+ OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 1.04-inch 340 x 340 circular OLED cover screen, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 4G chipset, a triple camera system (40MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide angle + 32MP \u201cultra spectrum\u201d), a 10.7MP selfie camera, and a 4,000mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Huawei P50 Pocket will be launched in Malaysia next week on 12 January. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how much the foldable flip phone will cost locally.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-p50-pro-with-100x-zoom-also-launching-in-malaysia-on-12-january/", "title": "Huawei P50 Pro With 100x Zoom Also Launching in Malaysia on 12 January", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nP50 Pocket\n foldable phone, Huawei Malaysia is also launching the Huawei P50 Pro locally next week. Introduced in China back in July last year, the flagship phone sports a quad camera system that can do 100x zoom.\n\n\nThe quad camera system of the P50 Pro really is one of its main selling points. It\u2019s made up of a 50MP primary shooter, a 40MP monochrome sensor, a 13MP ultra-wide angle lens, and of course, a 64MP telephoto camera that can do up to 100x digital zoom.\n\n\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, it\u2019s likely that the P50 Pro will be equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 4G chipset. That\u2019s right, as its name suggests, it does not support 5G networks. Of course, for markets where 5G connectivity is not widespread yet \u2013 such as Malaysia \u2013 this is not a big deal, though it\u2019s definitely an omission worth pointing out.\n\n\nOther specifications of the P50 Pro include a 6.6-inch Full HD+ OLED dual curved screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, a 13MP selfie camera, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage, a 4,360mAh battery, an IP68 rating, and HarmonyOS 2 (still based on Android) out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nIn China, the Huawei P50 Pro with 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM \u2013 which seems to be the only variant available in Malaysia, based on the \nlocal product page\n \u2013 retails at 6,488 Chinese yuan (about RM4,260). It\u2019ll be interesting to see if it will be priced similarly in Malaysia once it is officially launched here next week on 12 January.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-trade-in-your-nintendo-switch-v2-to-get-the-oled-model-for-only-rm699/", "title": "Deal: Trade-In Your Nintendo Switch V2 to Get the OLED Model for Only RM699", "body": "\n\nFeel like upgrading to the new \nNintendo Switch (OLED Model)\n? Well, if you\u2019ve got yourself the Switch V2 \u2013 that is, the \nrevised model\n released in 2019 after the original one \u2013 you can trade it in and get the new OLED model \nfor only RM699\n.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Impulse Gaming, one of the most renowned game stores in Malaysia. According to Impulse, a trade-in of the Switch V2 (complete set) lets you purchase the OLED Switch for only RM699. Depending on the condition of your Switch V2, this can be quite a good deal.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow, if you prefer getting the OLED Switch outright without trading anything in, you can grab it\u00a0\nfor only RM1,498.88\n\u00a0from Preferred Shopee retailer GameStop. If we were to take this value and compare it to Impulse Gaming\u2019s trade-in offer, you\u2019re effectively getting RM800 for your Switch V2.\n\n\nOf course, Impulse Gaming also accepts trade-in of other consoles for the Nintendo Switch (OLED Model); you can even get cold hard cash instead if that\u2019s what you want. You can get in touch with the game store \nhere\n for more details on its trade-in programme.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s21-fe-official-starts-at-rm2899-in-malaysia/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Official \u2013 Starts at RM2,899 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nThe much-rumoured Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is finally here. Sporting the same design language as its \nhigher-end S21 siblings\n, the S21 FE also shares many of their hardware, including the same Exynos 2100 chipset for our region.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, two variants of the S21 FE are offered. The 128GB variant costs RM2,899, while the 256GB configuration goes for RM3,099. Both models also feature 8GB of RAM; the same amount of RAM you get in the S21 and S21+ in Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the biggest differences between the Galaxy S21 FE and its more costly siblings is build quality; instead of a more premium glass back, it has a plastic rear panel instead to bring down its price. But beyond this different material choice, you\u2019re still getting quite a capable phone powered by Samsung\u2019s own Exynos 2100 chipset.\n\n\nOther specifications of the S21 FE include a 6.4-inch 1080p Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (12MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle + 8MP telephoto with 30x zoom) a 32MP selfie camera, an IP68 rating, and a rather generous 4,500mAh battery with support for 25W fast charging; 15W wirelessly.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE retails at RM2,899 and RM3,099 for the 128GB and 256GB variants respectively in Malaysia. We received an invite from Samsung Malaysia to a launch event tomorrow, so we reckon the Korean company will share more details (including any pre-order promotion) on the S21 FE then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-x70-dominate-malaysian-suv-market-in-2021-with-45149-units-sold/", "title": "Proton X50 & X70 Dominate Malaysian SUV Market in 2021 With 45,149 Units Sold", "body": "\n\nProton just revealed its total sales for 2021, and not surprisingly, the national carmaker\u2019s SUVs proved to be very, very popular. In fact, both the \nProton X50\n and \nX70\n make up almost 40% of Proton\u2019s sales last year \u2013 that\u2019s a sizeable amount.\n\n\nThe Proton X50, for one, were delivered to 28,774 owners last year, making it the best-selling SUV for 2021. Last month alone (December 2021), over 4,310 units were sold; the highest number of units delivered for the B-segment SUV in a single month. It\u2019s also worth noting that the X50 is Proton\u2019s best-selling model after the Saga (42,627 units).\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Proton X70, over 16,375 units of the SUV were sold last year; 1,616 orders were fulfilled in December 2021. This makes the X70 the third best-selling SUV in Malaysia, though it is still leading the C-segment SUV market. In total, Proton sold 45,149 SUVs last year.\n\n\nIn 2021 itself, Proton sold 114,708 cars throughout the year. This is the national carmaker\u2019s highest annual sales since 2014, though it is a slight increase of 4.5% compared to 2020\u2019s sales. Nonetheless, given that the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted sales quite a bit in these two years, it\u2019s impressive that Proton still managed to improve its sales.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to get a B-segment SUV, you really can\u2019t go wrong with the Proton X50, though you do have to contend with long waiting times. But if you have the patience to wait, you will get an SUV that\u2019s worth every single sen \u2013 watch our video review above to find out why!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-sold-114708-units-in-2021-saga-best-selling-model-with-42267-sales/", "title": "Proton Sold 114,708 Units in 2021 \u2013 Saga Best-Selling Model With 42,267 Sales", "body": "\n\nProton had an eventful year in 2021. With over 114,708 units sold, the national carmaker managed to sell 4.5% more vehicles last year compared to 2020 (109,716 units). As for Proton\u2019s best-selling model, it is none other than the Proton Saga with a respectable 42,267 units sold.\n\n\nRight behind the Saga in terms of sales volume in 2021 is the exceedingly popular \nProton X50\n with 28,774 units sold, making it the best-selling SUV in Malaysia. Given its asking price, the fact that the X50 is Proton\u2019s second best-selling model is really quite impressive.\n\n\n\n\nIn third position is the X70 with 16,375 units registered last year; this is enough to make it the third best-selling SUV in Malaysia, though it is still (naturally) leading the C-segment SUV market. In fourth place is the Persona (16,153 units), followed by the Iriz (6,708 units) and Exora (4,035 units).\n\n\n\u201c2021 was tough for the automotive industry as a whole and this is reflected in the reduction in TIV compared to the previous year. From a global chip shortage to a spike in COVID-19 numbers that lead to another lockdown to skyrocketing transport costs, there were many challenges for industry players to overcome,\u201d said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cThat is why Proton\u2019s sales growth in a year where the market contracted is significant as it is the result of careful planning and juggling of available resources,\u201d he added.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/toyota-corolla-cross-hybrid-launching-in-malaysia-14-january-ckd-from-rm137k/", "title": "Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Launching in Malaysia 14 January \u2013 CKD From RM137k", "body": "\n\nUMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has finally revealed the launch date of the \nToyota Corolla Cross Hybrid\n on \nits Facebook page\n. Set to be introduced here next week on 14 January, it will be locally assembled (CKD), and the hybrid SUV is estimated to retail from RM137,000 \u2013 this is with sales tax exemption applied \nuntil 30 June 2022\n.\n\n\nWhat sets the Corolla Cross Hybrid apart from the standard model is its hybrid powertrain. The electric motor \u2013 which outputs 72PS and 163Nm of torque \u2013 is paired with a 2ZR-FXE 1.8L four-cylinder petrol engine that does 98PS and 142Nm of torque. This makes for a combined system output of 122PS, with drive sent to the front wheels via an e-CVT.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re worried about the battery longevity of the Corolla Cross Hybrid, you\u2019ll be happy to know that it comes with an eight-year, unlimited mileage warranty. If you want even longer coverage, you can fork out RM2,950 to get two more years of warranty.\n\n\nIn terms of colour options, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is offered in five different shades. There\u2019s Platinum White Pearl \u2013 an RM800 option \u2013 Red Mica Metallic, Nebula Blue Metallic, Silver Metallic, and Celestite Grey Metallic, which is exclusive to this hybrid model.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to place a booking for the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, you can do so at your nearest Toyota dealership; you can also book for a test drive \nright here\n. More details on the hybrid SUV can be found on \nUMWT\u2019s website\n, and we\u2019ll find out exactly how much it will be priced at for the Malaysian market next week on 14 January.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-sold-190291-vehicles-in-2021-yoy-sales-down-by-29-8/", "title": "Perodua Sold 190,291 Vehicles in 2021 \u2013 YoY Sales Down by 29.8%", "body": "\n\nPerodua is the latest carmaker to reveal its sales figures for 2021. In total, the national carmaker sold 190,291 vehicles last year; a 29.8% decrease in sales compared to 220,154 units sold in 2020.\n\n\nPerodua attributes this drop in sales to COVID-19, chip shortage, and the recent floods. These three factors \u201cadversely impacted production,\u201d as the carmaker puts it. \u201cThe 190,291 registrations were below our target of 200,000 units for 2021 as the challenges in 2021 were greater than anticipated,\u201d said the CEO and President of Perodua, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cDespite the lower than expected performance for 2021, our countermeasures for the impact of COVID-19 has proven successful so far as we and our suppliers are dynamically cooperating and coordinating our efforts to ensure interruptions are minimised,\u201d he added.\n\n\nEven though Perodua\u2019s YoY sales are down in 2021, the Myvi continued to be the best-selling car in Malaysia last year with over 47,525 units sold. The Axia and Bezza are said to be leading their respective segments too: 43,080 units of the Axia were sold in 2021, while the Bezza saw 42,698 units registered in the same year.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cIn December, we forecasted a 240,000 sales target for 2022. However, we will likely review that figure later this month (January) as we are taking into account the latest developments and events into consideration,\u201d said Dato\u2019 Zainal.\n\n\nNonetheless, with the extension of the \nsales tax exemption in Malaysia until 30 June 2022\n, we reckon Perodua\u2019s sales \u2013 and other carmakers \u2013 will see encouraging growth in the first half of the year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-myvi-best-selling-car-in-malaysia-in-2021-with-47525-units-sold/", "title": "Perodua Myvi \u2013 Best-Selling Car in Malaysia in 2021 With 47,525 Units Sold", "body": "\n\nThe Perodua Myvi is undoubtedly the most recognisable car in Malaysia, so it\u2019s no surprise that it was the best-selling car of 2021. With over 47,525 units sold, the B-segment hatchback even outsold the carmaker\u2019s own Axia, which saw \n43,080 units registered last year\n.\n\n\nGiven that the \n2022 Myvi facelift\n was only launched in November 2021, it\u2019s likely that the impressive figure is mostly made up of the pre-facelift model, which was updated \nback in July 2020\n. Given the upgrades the facelifted Myvi received, we reckon it will see even more encouraging sales this year.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the biggest upgrades the new Myvi received is a D-CVT gearbox \u2013 the same one found in the\u00a0\nAtiva\n\u00a0\u2013 which improved the 0-100km/h acceleration of the hatchback by 20%. It takes 11.5 seconds for the 1.3L models to do the century sprint, and 10.2 seconds for the 1.5L variants.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the facelifted Myvi soldiers on with the same 1.3L (94hp/121Nm) and 1.5L (102hp/136Nm) engines. Thanks to the new D-CVT gearbox, fuel efficiency has been improved too: the 1.3L models have an impressive figure of 22.2km per litre, while the more powerful 1.5L variants can do 21.1km per litre, which is still quite respectable.\n\n\nAs for pricing, the most affordable 1.5L G base model costs RM45,700, while the same trim with Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA) goes for RM47,700. PSDA, in this case, is made up of Pre-Collision Warning, Pre-Collision Braking, Pedal Misoperation Control, Front Departure Alert, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP).\n\n\n\n\nMoving up the price range is the 1.5L X variant, which costs RM49,900, followed by the 1.5L H model for RM53,900. Last but certainly not least is the 1.5L AV trim; this range-topping Myvi facelift with all the bells and whistles costs RM58,800. It is also the only model to get the\u00a0\nfull\u00a0\nPSDA system.\n\n\nOn top of the safety features mentioned above, the AV trim\u2019s PSDA system adds on Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Control (LKC), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), as well as a reverse camera.\n\n\nThanks to the addition of ACC (throttle operation) and LKC (steering), the AV Myvi meets the criteria for level 2 semi-autonomous driving \u2013 a feature that\u2019s unheard of at this price point.\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift is now open for booking at Perodua showrooms nationwide. You can also place a booking online\u00a0\nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-vr2-details-revealed-4k-hdr-120hz-oled-display-eye-tracking/", "title": "PlayStation VR2 Details Revealed \u2013 4K HDR, 120Hz OLED Display, Eye Tracking", "body": "\n\nSony \njust revealed\n more information on the PlayStation VR2 for the PS5. Yes, that\u2019s the official name, and the \ncontroller for the virtual reality system\n is now called PS VR2 Sense. Combined with the headset\u2019s new \u201csensory\u201d features \u2013 and even eye tracking! \u2013 PS VR2 promises a more immersive gameplay experience.\n\n\nThe sensory features of the PS VR2 are highlighted quite a bit by Sony. The headset has a built-in motor with vibrations that is meant to amplify \u201cthe sensations of in-game actions from the player.\u201d For example, you can feel a character\u2019s elevated pulse during tense moments, or even the rush of objects passing close to the character\u2019s head, as Sony puts it.\n\n\nThe PS VR2 Sense controller\n\n\nAnother highlight of PS VR2 is its eye tracking capability. You can just look in a specific direction as an input method, so it\u2019ll be interesting to see how developers will take advantage of this capability. Oh, you won\u2019t even need an external camera for the PS VR2: there are cameras inside the VR headset itself for tracking. How cool is that?\n\n\nOther specifications of the PS VR2 include support for 4K HDR, a display resolution of 2040 x 2000 per eye, an OLED panel with a 90/120Hz refresh rate, 110-degree field of view, and foveated rendering.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo release date or pictures of the PS VR2 system itself have been revealed, though Horizon Call of the Mountain (from Guerrilla and Firesprite) have been confirmed for the system. \u201cThis is only a taste of things to come, and I can\u2019t wait to share more details with you about PS VR2,\u201d said Hideaki Nishino, the SVP of platform experience at Sony.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-flow-z13-touted-as-worlds-most-powerful-gaming-tablet/", "title": "Asus ROG Flow Z13 Touted as World\u2019s Most Powerful Gaming Tablet", "body": "\n\nCES 2022 is out in full swing, so expect a slew of new products from various companies. Asus, for one, just unveiled the Asus ROG Flow Z13. Touted as the \u201cworld\u2019s fastest gaming tablet,\u201d it\u2019s quite a capable, portable gaming machine.\n\n\nThanks to its tablet form factor \u2013 which is similar to \nMicrosoft\u2019s Surface tablets\n \u2013 the Flow Z13 weighs only 1.1kg with a 12mm thin chassis. Despite its lightweight, slim design, it\u2019s still a reasonably powerful machine. The Z13 can be configured with Intel\u2019s latest 12th gen Alder Lake-H Core i9-12900H processor and an Nvidia RTX 3050 Ti GPU (35W TGP).\n\n\n\n\nIf you need more power, the Flow Z13 can be connected to Asus\u2019 ROG XG Mobile external GPU enclosure. The new 2022 model now features an AMD Radeon RX 6850M XT or RTX 3080 GPU, along with a number of connectivity options.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Flow Z13 include a 13-inch touch-enabled display (either a 4K 60Hz or 1080p 120Hz panel option), up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of PCIe Gen4 SSD, a detachable keyboard case, an adjustable kickstand, as well as a 56Wh battery.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe price of the Asus ROG Flow Z13 has not been revealed yet, but given its premium appeal, there\u2019s a good chance it will cost quite a bit. The gaming tablet is set to be available either in Q1 or Q2 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-finally-gets-a-webcam-bigger-display/", "title": "Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Finally Gets a Webcam & Bigger Display", "body": "\n\nThe Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 still remains \none of my favourite gaming laptops\n since it first launched in 2020, and the latest 2022 revision finally makes it a more complete laptop. Aside from the usual hardware upgrades, the new G14 now features a webcam and a taller display.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the G14 finally gets a webcam and a 16:10 display, making it that much better as a productivity laptop. Speaking of which, it is also one of the first laptops to get Asus\u2019 new Nebula display. It\u2019s a 14-inch 2560 x 1600 panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, 500 nits of peak brightness, and 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour space.\n\n\nAlternatively, you can also opt for a 14-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS screen with a faster 144Hz refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the 2022 Zephyrus G14 is also packed with AMD\u2019s latest Ryzen chips; the highest-end configuration features a Ryzen 9 6900HS processor. Interestingly, Asus is not offering the G14 with Nvidia\u2019s range of GPUs this time around, opting instead for the new AMD Radeon RX 6800S GPU.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the G14 are the gaming laptop\u2019s signature AniMe Matrix display on the lid (now with more LEDs than last year\u2019s model), up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of PCIe Gen4 SSD, a 76Wh battery, as well as Windows 11 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is only set to hit the market in the middle to late 2022, and its asking price has not been revealed yet either. Nonetheless, once it starts shipping, we reckon the new G14 will also be available in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50s-production-resumed-after-halted-by-floods/", "title": "Proton X50\u2019s Production Resumed After Halted by Floods", "body": "\n\nMany were affected by the floods throughout Malaysia, including Proton\u2019s assembly lines for the popular \nProton X50\n. After almost two weeks of downtime, the production of the B-segment SUV at the national carmaker\u2019s Tanjung Malim plant in Perak has finally resumed.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the Tanjung Malim plant itself was not flooded. Rather, it was Proton\u2019s parts suppliers that were affected by the floods. \u201cLess than two weeks after the floods disrupted operations for many of our parts suppliers, we have been able to restart Proton X50 production at Tanjung Malim,\u201d said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cThis was only made possible by the close cooperation between Proton and its vendors and is an example of how we can work together to overcome an issue that affected thousands of people,\u201d he added. In fact, Proton staff assisted in the clean-up operations at several supplier facilities.\n\n\n\u201cThe quick restart of production also means we will have more stock to fulfill orders from our customers, so we are looking forward to having a great start to 2022,\u201d said Roslan.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/new-acer-swift-x-laptops-offer-intel-arc-or-rtx-3050-ti-gpu-in-a-thin-light-chassis/", "title": "New Acer Swift X Laptops Offer Intel Arc or RTX 3050 Ti GPU in a Thin & Light Chassis", "body": "\n\nAcer just introduced two thin and light laptops with reasonably powerful hardware. Enter the new Swift X: available in 14-inch and 16-inch models, the new laptops can be configured with the brand new Intel Arc dedicated GPU or Nvidia\u2019s GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card.\n\n\nOf course, the Intel Arc GPU is reserved for the more powerful 16-inch Swift X. Aside from Intel\u2019s latest discrete GPU, it also features a sharp 2560 x 1600 IPS display with a 16:10 aspect ratio and up to 400 nits of brightness. The 14-inch variant, in comparison, features a 2240 x 1400 IPS panel instead.\n\n\nThe 16-inch Acer Swift X\n\n\nAside from that, the 14-inch Swift X is also equipped with an RTX 3050 Ti GPU. Given that this graphics card is packed into a 17.9mm thin aluminium chassis \u2013 17.95mm for the 16-inch model \u2013 it\u2019s quite impressive. It also tips the scales at 1.4kg, so you can easily lug it around in your backpack. The 16-inch variant, given its bigger size, weighs 1.7kg instead.\n\n\nBeyond that, both versions of the Swift X feature the same hardware. These include Intel\u2019s latest 12th generation Core processors (up to 12 cores), up to 16GB of RAM and 2TB of PCIe SSD storage, a fingerprint reader for Windows Hello authentication, and Windows 11 out of the box.\n\n\nThe 14-inch Acer Swift X\n\n\nNo word yet on the price or availability of the Acer Swift X laptops. Given Acer\u2019s wide presence here in Malaysia, we reckon the two laptops will be sold here in due time.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/6-12-january-fuel-price-ron-97-up-3-sen-others-unchanged/", "title": "6 \u2013 12 January Fuel Price: RON 97 up 3 Sen, Others Unchanged", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s another price hike for RON 97 this coming week: the fuel is set to go up by 3 sen per litre for the next seven days. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.\n\n\nFrom tomorrow onwards until Wednesday next week, the price of RON 97 is set at RM3.03 per litre (up from RM3.00). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 6 to 12 January 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates! \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s21-fe-lands-in-malaysia-early-birds-get-rm350-e-voucher/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Lands in Malaysia \u2013 Early Birds Get RM350 e-Voucher", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S21 FE has just been launched here in Malaysia. Sporting the same design language as its \nhigher-end S21 siblings\n, the S21 FE also shares many of their hardware, including the same Exynos 2100 chipset for our region.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, two variants of the S21 FE are offered. The 128GB variant costs RM2,899, while the 256GB configuration goes for RM3,099. Both models also feature 8GB of RAM; the same amount of RAM you get in the S21 and S21+ in Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the biggest differences between the Galaxy S21 FE and its more costly siblings is build quality; instead of a more premium glass back, it has a plastic rear panel instead to bring down its price. But beyond this different material choice, you\u2019re still getting quite a capable phone powered by Samsung\u2019s own Exynos 2100 chipset.\n\n\nOther specifications of the S21 FE include a 6.4-inch 1080p Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (12MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle + 8MP telephoto with 30x zoom) a 32MP selfie camera, an IP68 rating, and a rather generous 4,500mAh battery with support for 25W fast charging; 15W wirelessly.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE retails at RM2,899 and RM3,099 for the 128GB and 256GB variants respectively in Malaysia. It will be available for pre-order tomorrow on 6 January until 10 January, and if you apply the code S21FEFANS at checkout on \nSamsung Malaysia\u2019s online store\n, you will get a RM350 e-voucher.\n\n\nOh, you will also get one year of SamsungCare+ accidental damage protection (including liquid damage) if you pre-order the phone on Samsung\u2019s online store, which is worth RM220. Got a device you want to trade-in? You can do just that to save even more on the S21 FE.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/14-inch-acer-swift-x-2022-hands-on-a-lightweight-productivity-gaming-laptop/", "title": "14-inch Acer Swift X (2022) Hands-On \u2013 A Lightweight Productivity & Gaming Laptop", "body": "\n\nThe new 2022 14-inch Acer Swift X is an intriguing thin and light laptop. Acer\u2019s Swift lineup typically consists of slim and light productivity machines, but the Swift X can easily double as a gaming laptop too, thanks to its Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU and a new \n12-core\n processor from Intel.\n\n\nAfter spending a brief time with the updated Swift X, I\u2019m quite impressed with this \u201cdouble duty\u201d laptop. If priced right, it can easily appeal to folks who want a productivity laptop that can also do more than just light gaming on the side.\n\n\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk specifications. The 14-inch Swift X is powered by Intel\u2019s latest 12th generation Alder Lake chips. The prototype unit that I tested was powered by an Intel Core i7-1260P 12-core processor, which should offer notable performance gains over its predecessor.\n\n\nIn the GPU department, the Swift X is sporting the aforementioned RTX 3050 Ti graphics card. It\u2019s not awfully powerful, but it should still be able to run AAA games reasonably well. This GPU also offers RTX-specific features like ray tracing and Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), offering even higher frame rates without sacrificing visual fidelity.\n\n\nUnfortunately, I was not able to put the Swift X through its paces in my brief time with it. But on paper, there\u2019s no denying that it will serve as a really good productivity \nand\n gaming laptop \u2013 just don\u2019t expect to play heavily demanding games at maxed out settings with it.\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Swift X include a 14-inch 2240 x 1400 IPS panel with a 16:10 aspect ratio, a 17.9mm thin profile with a 1.4kg chassis, up to 16GB of RAM and 2TB of PCIe SSD storage, a fingerprint reader for Windows Hello authentication, as well as Windows 11 out of the box.\n\n\nOne of the biggest changes to the updated Swift X is definitely the new, taller 16:10 display. It has more vertical screen real estate than the previous model\u2019s narrower 16:9 screen, so it doesn\u2019t feel quite as \u201ccramped\u201d for a more comfortable user experience.\n\n\nPlus, if your job requires you to do a lot of screen scrolling, you\u2019ll definitely appreciate the extra vertical space.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the taller display of the Swift X also makes for a more modern-looking machine, thanks to the smaller bezels surrounding the screen. According to Acer, this laptop has a 92.22% screen-to-body ratio, which is really quite good. It would\u2019ve been great if the top and bottom bezels were a tad smaller, but overall, this is still a sleek-looking laptop.\n\n\nSpeaking of looks, the 14-inch 2240 x 1400 IPS panel of the Swift X is a looker too. Colours are vibrant, viewing angles are good, and it is bright enough for comfortable use outdoors. It also offers 100% coverage of the sRGB colour space. Overall, definitely a display I won\u2019t mind looking at for long periods of time.\n\n\nOh, I dig the colourway of the Swift X as well. Available in either red or green \u2013 the unit you see here is the latter \u2013 it has a nice dual-tone design for a unique aesthetic.\n\n\n\n\nMeasuring 17.9mm thin with a 1.4kg chassis, you can just slip the Swift X into a backpack and forget about it. Granted, it\u2019s not the thinnest or lightest laptop around, but given the reasonably powerful hardware under the hood, these dimensions are more than acceptable. Plus, a thinner chassis would likely mean worse cooling performance.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least are the input devices of the Swift X. The OceanGlass trackpad \u2013 made out of recycled plastic \u2013 feels surprisingly smooth despite its plastic material. It can also track my fingers quite accurately, which is important for a productivity-focused laptop.\n\n\n\n\nThe Swift X\u2019s keyboard, on the other hand, is\u2026serviceable. While I can easily get accustomed to the standard layout of the keyboard, it doesn\u2019t offer a lot of key travel, so it feels quite shallow to type on. Thankfully, the keys provide enough tactile feedback and a cushioned bottom out for a comfortable typing experience.\n\n\nAll in all, the 2022 Acer Swift X is a nice upgrade over its predecessor. It looks sleeker, it is faster, and it still retains the slim, lightweight design. The only issue is, the price and availability of the new laptop has not been revealed yet, so it\u2019s tough to decide if it is worth it or not.\n\n\n\n\nIf the new Swift X is priced similarly to the previous model (from RM4,299), then yes, it may just be worth considering. As far as first impressions go, I\u2019m quite fond of the Swift X, but only a full review can shed a light on its strong and weak points for a more fair assessment.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/gran-turismo-7-physical-pre-orders-go-live-in-malaysia-tomorrow-from-rm249/", "title": "Gran Turismo 7 Physical Pre-Orders Go Live in Malaysia Tomorrow From RM249", "body": "\n\nThe physical pre-order of Gran Turismo 7 is finally going live tomorrow in Malaysia on 7 January. Compared to the digital pre-order, those who purchase a physical copy of the PlayStation exclusive stands a chance to get a \u201cmetal and leather keychain\u201d physical premium.\n\n\nTwo versions of Gran Turismo 7 are offered. The Standard Edition retails at RM249 (PS4) and RM299 (PS5), while the 25th Anniversary Edition costs RM379. This edition of the game offers both the PS5 and PS4 versions of the game; a physical disc for PS5, and a voucher code for PS4.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, you also get other extra goodies with the 25th Anniversary Edition of Gran Turismo 7. There\u2019s a SteelBook case, a FIA Gran Turismo Championships World Series Model \u2013 a Toyota GR Yaris with country-specific-livery \u2013 30 PSN avatars, and an official soundtrack.\n\n\nAs for the Standard Edition, every pre-order will be bundled with a three-car park \u2013 Mazda RX-Vision GT3 Concept Stealth Model, Porsche 917 Living Legend \u201914, Toyota Supra GT500 \u201997 (Castrol Tom\u2019s) \u2013 and 100,000 in-game credits. Of course, pre-orders of the 25th Anniversary Edition will get these bonuses too.\n\n\n\n\nThe physical pre-order of Gran Turismo 7 will start tomorrow on 7 January. If you prefer getting the digital version of the game instead, you can do so over at the \nPlayStation Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mitsubishi-sales-up-91-in-2021-triton-best-seller-with-9268-units-sold/", "title": "Mitsubishi Sales up 91% in 2021 \u2013 Triton Best-Seller With 9,268 Units Sold", "body": "\n\nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) had quite a year in 2021. With over 17,489 units sold, the carmaker\u2019s sales increased by an impressive 91% compared to 2020.\n\n\nMMM attributes this increase in sales to the \nMitsubishi Xpander\n, which found 7,397 homes last year. According to the company, this is enough to crown the Xpander \u201cthe number one best-selling Japanese seven-seater crossover in Malaysia.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nEven though MMM credits the Xpander for its sales growth, the Triton is actually the carmaker\u2019s best-selling model in 2021. Over 9,268 units of the pickup truck were sold last year, a 34% increase in sales compared to the same period in 2020.\n\n\n\u201cDespite another year of being disrupted by COVID-19, we are thankful for our customers for showing trust, confidence, and loyalty towards the Mitsubishi Motors brand. We are pleased that Xpander has enjoyed strong sales performance thanks to the extension of the tax-free incentive period,\u201d said the CEO of MMM, Shinya Ikeda.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cThis decision by the Malaysian government has certainly helped the industry to sustain itself during this challenging phase. At Mitsubishi Motors, we have now progressed to increase our production volume for Xpander, to cater for higher production capacity, and to fulfill all booking demands,\u201d he added.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/cannonkeys-bakeneko65-goes-on-sale-tomorrow-o-ring-gasket-keyboard-for-145/", "title": "CannonKeys Bakeneko65 Goes on Sale Tomorrow \u2013 O-Ring Gasket Keyboard for $145", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019ve been waiting for CannonKeys to release a 65% version of the \naffordable Bakeneko60\n, good news: the Bakeneko65 will go on sale tomorrow as an in-stock product. Naturally, the budget-friendly nature of the keyboard is retained too.\n\n\nThere are several variants of the Bakeneko65. The painted and powder coated versions cost $145 (about RM610), while the \u201cspecial\u201d powder coated variant \u2013 it has a glossier, smoother finish \u2013 goes for $150 (around RM630). By default, both versions come with a silicone insert, but you can add $20 (about RM85) to get a zinc internal weight.\n\n\nThe silicone insert\nThe zinc internal weight\n\n\nJust like the Bakeneko60, the slightly bigger Bakeneko65 features a gasket-mounting system: an o-ring is used to friction fit the plate and PCB assembly inside the case. This is effectively a gasket-mount design, and depending on the \u201chardness\u201d of the o-ring, you can get a soft or firm typing experience.\n\n\nOther items bundled together with the Bakeneko65 include a hotswap PCB, an FR4 plate, Cherry clip-in stabilisers, and even a carrying case. You can also get a solderable PCB and o-rings of different hardness as add-ons if you so desire.\n\n\n\n\nThe Bakeneko65 will go on sale on 9 January at 12AM (tomorrow midnight, basically) for us here in Malaysia. You can purchase the keyboard on \nCannonKeys\u2019 online store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-owlab-spring-keyboard-looks-amazing-in-stock-sale-in-february-2022-from-355/", "title": "The Owlab Spring Keyboard Looks Amazing \u2013 In-Stock Sale in February 2022 From $355", "body": "\n\nOwlab is back with yet another keyboard after the \nJelly Epoch\n and Mr. Suit. This time around, the brand is going with a more unique layout: enter the Owlab Spring. Not only does it have a split layout, it\u2019s also more affordable than the company\u2019s previous keyboards.\n\n\nStarting from only $355 (about RM1,495), the Spring is priced lower than Owlab\u2019s previous offerings. Of course, that\u2019s still a lot of money, but you \nare\n getting a sleek-looking keyboard. Just look at the PVD stainless steel weight on the bottom of the Spring.\n\n\n\n\nAs its name suggests, the Spring uses a leaf spring mounting system: there are eight pieces of Owlab\u2019s leaf springs (made out of Beryllium copper) that support the plate of the keyboard. Theoretically, this should make for a soft, comfortable typing experience.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Spring include an aluminium case, a hotswap or solderable PCB, four choices of plate material (aluminium, FR4, polycarbonate, POM), as well as an LED indicator on the bottom left of the keyboard. Every unit of the Spring are also bundled with the brand\u2019s \u201cOwlstabs\u201d stabilisers and a carrying case.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Owlab Spring will go on sale sometime in February 2022 next month with a $355 starting price. Just like the company\u2019s previous keyboards, it will be sold as an in-stock product on a first-come, first-served basis. More details on the Spring and its sale can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-honda-civic-launching-in-malaysia-13-january-2022/", "title": "2022 Honda Civic Launching in Malaysia 13 January 2022", "body": "\n\nWe just got word from Honda Malaysia on the local launch of the new \n2022 Honda Civic\n. Set to debut here next week on 13 January, we\u2019ll finally find out how much the updated C-segment sedan will be priced at for the Malaysian market.\n\n\nAs per our\u00a0\nprevious report\n, three different variants of the 11th gen Civic are available in Malaysia: the base E, mid-tier V, and range-topping RS. Surprisingly enough, even the most affordable E model is \nset to get the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance safety systems\n.\n\n\n\n\nWith the launch of the 2022 Civic, the 1.8L engine will no longer be offered either. All variants of the updated sedan seem to feature the updated 1.5L turbo mill. It now outputs 182PS and 240Nm of torque, which is 9PS and 20Nm more than the current 10th gen Civic.\n\n\nJust like the Civic FC, the 11th gen model can be purchased in \nfive different shades\n: Platinum White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Meteoroid Grey Metallic, and Ignite Red Metallic. The latter two are new paints for the Civic, which are also offered for the\u00a0\nCity Hatchback\n.\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Honda Civic will be launched in Malaysia next week on 13 January. It\u2019s also open for booking now, and you can head to your nearest Honda dealership to do so. Alternatively, you can also book it online\u00a0\nhere\n, or even through the HondaTouch app \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s21-fe-hands-on-good-phone-wrong-time/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Hands-On: Good Phone, Wrong Time", "body": "\n\nAfter plenty of leaks and rumours, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE was finally introduced earlier this week. Sporting the same design language and most of the hardware of its \nhigher-end siblings\n, it is also a bit more affordable, which makes for quite an intriguing phone.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the S21 FE is launched at a rather awkward time. With the Galaxy S22 series just beyond the horizon, it\u2019s not particularly easy to recommend this phone, even if it\u2019s positioned as a more budget-friendly option. Nonetheless, if it fits your budget, the S21 FE can definitely serve you well.\n\n\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, two variants of the S21 FE are offered. The 128GB variant costs RM2,899, while the 256GB configuration goes for RM3,099. Both models also feature 8GB of RAM; the same amount of RAM you get in the S21 and S21+ in Malaysia.\n\n\nOne of the biggest differences between the Galaxy S21 FE and its more costly siblings is build quality; instead of a more premium glass back, it has a plastic rear panel instead to bring down its price. But beyond this different material choice, you\u2019re still getting quite a capable phone powered by Samsung\u2019s own Exynos 2100 chipset.\n\n\nOther specifications of the S21 FE include a 6.4-inch 1080p Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (12MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle + 8MP telephoto with 30x zoom) a 32MP selfie camera, an IP68 rating, and a rather generous 4,500mAh battery with support for 25W fast charging; 15W wirelessly.\n\n\n\n\nDespite its plastic back panel, the Galaxy S21 FE has solid build quality. The rear panel has a matte finish, which feels nice to the touch. It also has a metal frame that\u2019s just thick enough to provide a good grip on the phone. All in all, it\u2019s a surprisingly nice phone to hold in my hands.\n\n\nThe 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display of the S21 FE, as expected, is also pleasant to look at with bright, vibrant colours. Even though it\u2019s \u201conly\u201d a 1080p panel, it still looks sharp enough. Screen transitions and animations look extra smooth too, thanks to the screen\u2019s 120Hz refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to battery life, the S21 FE should be quite long-lasting. Packed with a 4,500mAh battery, you should be able to get (at the very minimum) a day\u2019s worth of use before needing to charge it up. If you want even better battery life, setting the display\u2019s refresh rate to 60Hz should accomplish this.\n\n\nIn the performance department, the Galaxy S21 FE feels very responsive. After all, it\u2019s powered by the same Exynos 2100 chipset found in the other S21 phones. Granted, it\u2019s been a year since the SoC made its debut, but there\u2019s no denying that it\u2019s still a capable chip that can provide flagship-class processing power.\n\n\n\n\nHow about the camera performance of the S21 FE? Well, it\u2019s reasonably good. Naturally, it can lock in focus lightning quick, the camera interface does not feel sluggish, and the image quality is more than acceptable for a device at this price point. Refer to the sample shots below to see how the camera performs.\n\n\nFor the sake of comparison, I took similar shots with the S21 Ultra as well using all three focal lengths of both phones. These include the ultra-wide shooter, the primary sensor, and of course, the telephoto lens. Given that the S21 FE doesn\u2019t have the Ultra\u2019s 10x zoom telephoto camera, I only tested the 3x zoom of the two phones.\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide angle (S21 FE)\n12MP ultra-wide angle (S21 Ultra)\n12MP primary (S21 FE)\n108MP primary (S21 Ultra)\n8MP telephoto 3x zoom (S21 FE)\n10MP telephoto 3x zoom (S21 Ultra)\n\n\nIt\u2019s no surprise that the much more costly S21 Ultra can capture better-looking images with superior detail preservation, but the S21 FE can still take good shots. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how the camera would perform in other shooting conditions, though I\u2019ll only be able to do that in a full review of the phone.\n\n\nSo should you get the Samsung Galaxy S21 SE? Well, it depends. If you like how it looks, and it fits your budget, then yes, it\u2019s a phone worth considering. That being said, if you don\u2019t mind getting a slightly smaller phone, you may be better off with the standard S21.\n\n\nAfter all, it retails \nat only RM3,088 now\n for the 256GB model; slightly more affordable than the S21 FE, which costs RM3,099 for the same storage capacity. On top of that, the regular S21 also offers a more sophisticated 64MP telephoto lens over the 8MP zoom camera of the S21 FE.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, if the S21\u2019s slightly smaller 6.2-inch screen isn\u2019t for you, then the S21 FE is a good option. But if you\u2019re thinking of getting this phone, keep in mind that the S22 series is coming very, very soon \u2013 if you can wait, you may want to do that to see what the upcoming phones have to offer.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/umw-toyota-leads-non-national-segment-in-2021-with-72394-units-sold/", "title": "UMW Toyota Leads Non-National Segment in 2021 With 72,394 Units Sold", "body": "\n\nUMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) is the latest carmaker to reveal its sales performance in 2021. With 72,394 units sold, UMWT leads the non-national segment in Malaysia \u2013 that\u2019s quite an impressive achievement.\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the Toyota Vios is UMWT\u2019s best-selling model; it accounts for 31% of the company\u2019s total sales in 2021, though the exact figure was not revealed. The Toyota Hilux, on the other hand, remains the best-selling pickup truck in Malaysia last year.\n\n\n\n\nIn comparison to its total sales in 2020, UMWT\u2019s sales in 2021 increased by a respectable 22%. The company also managed to sell more cars in December 2021 (9,289) compared to the same period the previous year (9,246). That\u2019s a 0.5% improvement.\n\n\n\u201cWe would like to thank Malaysians and our loyal customers for their continuous support towards our brand and choosing Toyota as their preferred road companion. We are driven by their love and passion towards our brand,\u201d said the President of UMWT, Ravindran Kurusamy.\n\n\n\n\n\u201cDespite the most of 2021 being a rather challenging year for most sectors, including automotive, the team at Toyota showed resilience by continuously innovating to offer only the best mobility solutions to our customers who are eager to get back on the road upon the lifting of the lockdown in August,\u201d he added.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dell-xps-13-plus-coming-to-malaysia-march-2022/", "title": "Dell XPS 13 Plus Coming to Malaysia March 2022", "body": "\n\nThe recently unveiled Dell XPS 13 Plus is set to arrive in Malaysia later this year in March 2022. Redesigned from the ground up, the new ultraportable features a sleeker, cleaner-looking design, though not necessarily more practical.\n\n\nOn the outside, the XPS 13 Plus doesn\u2019t look all that different from its predecessor, but it\u2019s almost a completely different laptop on the inside. Gone are the physical function keys in favour of capacitive keys (almost like Apple\u2019s Touch Bar), and the trackpad has been replaced with a \u201cseamless glass touchpad\u201d that provides haptic feedback.\n\n\n\n\nAlso redesigned is the keyboard of the XPS 13 Plus. The keys are now larger, and they still provide the same 1mm of travel as the previous model. All in all, these changes make for a clean-looking laptop, though not knowing \nwhere\n the trackpad is and having to use capacitive keys instead of physical ones for the function row may be cumbersome.\n\n\nAnyway, other specifications of the XPS 13 Plus include Intel\u2019s latest 12th gen Alder Lake processors (maxes out at a Core i7-1280P), a 13.4-inch 16:10 InfinityEdge display \u2013 configurable with an OLED or LCD panel up to 4K resolution \u2013 up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of PCIe Gen4 SSD, as well as a 55Wh battery.\n\n\n\n\nThe Dell XPS 13 Plus is set to arrive here in Malaysia sometime in March 2022. Once it\u2019s available here, it can be purchased on \nDell\u2019s Malaysian online store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-peugeot-2008-now-open-for-booking-in-malaysia-starts-at-rm1xxxxx/", "title": "2022 Peugeot 2008 Now Open for Booking in Malaysia \u2013 Starts at RM1XX,XXX", "body": "\n\nSet to be launched sometime this month, the 2022 Peugeot 2008 is now open for booking in Malaysia \u2013 well, sort of. On top of that, the starting price of the B-segment SUV has been revealed too: it\u2019s set to retail from RM1XX,XXX locally.\n\n\nWe managed to get the starting price of the new Peugeot 2008 in Malaysia from the SUV\u2019s product page on the carmaker\u2019s official Malaysian site \nright here\n. However, it\u2019s worth noting that the product page for the SUV is actually hidden from the main site, though it \nis\n accessible to the general public.\n\n\n\n\nAs for local booking of the Peugeot 2008, Bermaz itself \u2013 the distributor of Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia \u2013 has not made any announcement regarding it, though Peugeot Kota Damansara is \nalready taking bookings for the SUV\n. You can even request for a test drive with the showroom through its website, as shown in the image above.\n\n\nLocal assembly (CKD) of the Peugeot 2008 has actually started at the Stellantis plant in Gurun, Kedah, which was formerly owned by Naza. That being said, the SUV is currently produced for the Thailand market, so with that in mind, it\u2019s likely that Malaysia will get similarly equipped model.\n\n\nThese include a 1.2L three-cylinder turbo petrol engine \u2013 the same one used in the previous 2008 \u2013 that\u2019s been retuned to deliver 130hp and 230Nm of torque, a six-speed automatic gearbox, 17-inch alloy wheels, as well as a suite of driver assistance systems, including cruise control, lane keeping assist, and autonomous emergency braking.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the 2022 Peugeot 2008 will start from RM1XX,XXX in Malaysia, though it\u2019s worth noting that the \nofficial product page\n (where the starting price was shown) is currently hidden, so there is a chance it\u2019s not finalised. Aside from that, Peugeot Kota Damansara has also \nopened bookings for the new 2008\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/msi-malaysia-offers-up-to-rm2700-discount-for-cny-2022/", "title": "MSI Malaysia Offers up to RM2,700 Discount for CNY 2022", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to get a new laptop from MSI, great news: the Taiwanese company is offering up to RM2,700 discount on selected products in conjunction with Chinese New Year. These include its range of gaming and productivity-focused laptops.\n\n\nThe best discount is naturally reserved for one of MSI\u2019s most beefy laptops, the MSI GS76 Stealth. Originally retailing at RM17,999, you can get it \nfor only RM15,299 now\n. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting an Nvidia RTX 3080 GPU, an Intel Core i9-11900H processor, and a sharp 17.3-inch 4K panel with a 120Hz refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\nIf you want a productivity laptop instead, the MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo gets the best discount in the segment. Usually retailing at RM6,699, this convertible laptop is now \ndiscounted to RM5,699\n. It features a Core i5-1155G7 processor, Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, and a 13.4-inch 1920 x 1200 display with a 16:10 aspect ratio.\n\n\nMSI\u2019s Chinese New Year promotion is happening right now until 13 February 2022. The full list of MSI laptops on offer can be found \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/microsoft-surface-go-3-review-the-little-tablet-that-almost-could/", "title": "Microsoft Surface Go 3 Review: The Little Tablet That (Almost) Could", "body": "\n\nThe Microsoft Surface Go 3 may not be an exciting successor to the previous model, but thanks to a faster processor, this portable tablet is now more practical than ever. On top of that, it is also quite a bit more affordable now while retaining its excellent build quality.\n\n\nHowever, despite these improvements, the Surface Go 3 still falls shorts in a number of vital areas, including battery life and general practicality \u2013 more specifically, the typing experience. But if you absolutely need a portable Windows tablet, the Surface Go 3 is a fine option; so long as you know what to expect.\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n10.5-inch PixelSense (1920 x 1280)\nProcessor\nIntel Core i3-10100Y (2C/4T, 1.3GHz with boost up to 3.9GHz)\nGPU\nIntel UHD Graphics 615\nRAM\n8GB LPDDR3\nStorage\n128GB SSD\nCamera\n5MP (front), 8MP (rear)\nBattery\n28Wh\nDimensions\n245 x 175 x 8.3 mm\nWeight\n544g\nAudio\nFront-facing stereo speakers\nMicroSD card reader\nPorts\n1x USB-C\nPrice\nRM2,988\n\n\nThe biggest change the Surface Go 3 brings is the Intel Core i3-10100Y processor. Granted, it\u2019s still not a particularly fast chip, but it does provide enough processing power for comfortable everyday use. Well, as long as you\u2019re not trying to do \ntoo much\n with this little tablet.\n\n\nUnfortunately, that\u2019s all that changed with the Surface Go 3. It\u2019s still packed with a rather small 28Wh battery, which is one of the biggest shortcomings of the tablet \u2013 more on that further down this review.\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nPortability is the major highlight of the Surface Go 3, and it really is a light and compact tablet. Weighing only 544g with an 8.3mm thin chassis, it\u2019s made for those who are always on the go and don\u2019t want to lug around a larger machine.\n\n\nBuild quality is also one of the Surface Go 3\u2019s strong points. The magnesium chassis feels nice and premium to the touch, and it does feel like a smaller version of the Surface Pro tablets. That\u2019s high praise for this much more affordable tablet.\n\n\n\n\nThe 10.5-inch PixelSense display of the Surface Go 3 is reasonably good too. While I wish it was a tad brighter, it\u2019s still a very usable and pleasant screen to look at with vibrant, punchy colours and wide viewing angles. All in all, it doesn\u2019t look like a \u201ccheap\u201d panel at all.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the processing power of the Surface Go 3. The Core i3-10100Y processor can keep up with my workflow quite well, which involves a ton of web browsing and word processing. The tablet does have some slight pauses here and there \u2013 especially when I have in excess of 10 open tabs \u2013 but overall, it gets the job done.\n\n\n\n\nI\u2019m also quite happy with the trackpad of the Surface Go 3\u2019s Type Cover. It\u2019s large enough for comfortable use, and it can track my fingers accurately. Sadly enough, the keyboard itself isn\u2019t quite up to par.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAs a productivity-focused tablet, it\u2019s important for the Surface Go 3\u2019s Type Cover to be pleasant to type on. Unfortunately, that\u2019s not the case: while the keys provide enough key travel and tactility for a comfortable typing experience, the smaller, more compact layout proved to be cumbersome to use.\n\n\n\n\nThroughout the review process, I find myself hitting the wrong key every so often; this can be quite frustrating when I\u2019m rushing to publish a story. Granted, I can \nprobably \nget accustomed to the smaller layout after some time \u2013 especially if you have smaller hands \u2013  but in my two weeks with the tablet, I still can\u2019t quite get used to it.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the battery life of the Surface Go 3, which is decidedly average. According to Microsoft, this tablet can return \u201cup to 11 hours of typical device usage,\u201d but in my testing, I only managed to get around six hours of continuous use. This only involved web browsing and word processing to boot.\n\n\n\n\nAlthough it\u2019s more affordable than its predecessor, RM2,988 for this Core i3 variant of the Surface Go 3 still doesn\u2019t offer particularly great value. It\u2019s worth noting that this price tag doesn\u2019t even include the Type Cover, which costs \na steep RM578\n.\n\n\nFor the same amount of money, you can opt for a more powerful Windows laptop, though you won\u2019t get the same premium build quality or portability of the Surface Go 3.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIt depends. If you really need a Windows tablet this portable, then yes, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a good option. But if you don\u2019t need the utility of Windows, you may be better served by, say, \nan iPad\n, which starts at only RM1,499 \nwhile providing\n much faster performance.\n\n\n\n\nFor what it\u2019s worth, I do enjoy using the Surface Go 3 despite the less than ideal typing experience. Personally, I find Windows to provide more utility than iPadOS too. At the end of the day, it comes down to what kind of operating system that you want in a portable form factor.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-magic-v-foldable-phone-unveiled-snapdragon-8-gen-1-creaseless-90hz-display-9999-yuan/", "title": "Honor Magic V Foldable Phone Unveiled \u2013 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, Creaseless 90Hz Display, 9,999 Yuan", "body": "\n\nThere\u2019s another foldable phone in the market, this time from Honor. Enter the Honor Magic V: not only is it powered by the latest \nQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1\n chip, it\u2019s also touted to sport a creaseless foldable display.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the Magic V is the first foldable phone to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, which promises 30% faster GPU with 25% better power efficiency. As for the main foldable display, the 7.9-inch 2272 x 1984 OLED panel has a 90Hz refresh rate and a creaseless design.\n\n\n\n\nAnother highlight of the Magic V is its cover screen. It\u2019s a 6.45-inch 2560 x 1080 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 21.3:9 aspect ratio. This aspect ratio is similar to that of a traditional smartphone, \u201crather than appearing long and narrow,\u201d as Honor puts it.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Magic V include a triple camera system (50MP primary + 50MP ultra-wide angle + 50MP \u201cspectra enhanced\u201d), two 42MP selfie cameras for the cover and main screens, 12GB of RAM, two storage options (256GB or 512GB), and a 4,750mAh battery with support for 66W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor Magic V is currently only available in China. Starting at 9,999 Chinese yuan (about RM6,580), it\u2019s not an exorbitantly priced foldable phone. If it\u2019s launched in other markets, we reckon Malaysia will be one of the first to get the Magic V, given Honor\u2019s notable presence here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-is-the-most-popular-game-on-twitter/", "title": "Genshin Impact Is the Most Popular Game on Twitter", "body": "\n\nTwitter \njust shared\n some interesting insights for 2021. Throughout the year, over 2.4 billion Tweets were posted about gaming on the platform; a 14% increase compared to 2020. The most Tweeted game? Well, it\u2019s none other than \nGenshin Impact\n.\n\n\nEvidently, Mihoyo garnered quite a large Genshin Impact fan base on Twitter. The developer also consistently post about the latest character event wishes and teasers on Genshin Impact\u2019s Twitter account, which seem to drive even more conversations surrounding the game.\n\n\n\n\nAside from Genshin Impact, Apex Legends is the second most talked about game on Twitter, followed by Ensemble Stars, Final Fantasy, Fate/Grand Order, and even Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Even though the Nintendo Switch exclusive was launched back in 2020, the Version 2.0 update does freshen up the game quite a bit.\n\n\nAnyway, here\u2019s the full list of most talked about games on Twitter in 2021:\n\n\nGenshin Impact (\n@GenshinImpact\n)\nApex Legends (\n@PlayApex\n)\nEnsemble Stars! (\n@ensemble_stars\n)\nFinal Fantasy (\n@FinalFantasy\n)\nFate/Grand Order (\n@fgoproject\n)\nAnimal Crossing: New Horizons (\n@animalcrossing\n)\nKnives Out (\n@game_knives_out\n)\nMinecraft (\n@minecraft\n)\nProject Sekai (\n@pj_sekai\n)\nFortnite (\n@fortnitegame\n)\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-2022-honda-civic-spotted-on-trailer-heading-to-showrooms/", "title": "Spy Shot: 2022 Honda Civic Spotted on Trailer \u2013 Heading to Showrooms?", "body": "\n\nSet to be launched in Malaysia this Thursday on 13 January, the all-new \n2022 Honda Civic\n has been spotted on a trailer. Chances are, these units are heading to Honda dealerships ahead of the C-segment sedan\u2019s official launch.\n\n\nThese pictures were uploaded by Daniel Chee Kah Chun on the \nCivic FE Club Malaysia\u2019s Facebook page\n. Based on official shots of the sedan from Honda Malaysia, this should be the range-topping Civic RS. The 18-inch alloy wheels with a black matte finish can be seen in the shot, alongside the black door handles, side mirrors, and spoiler.\n\n\n\n\nAs per our\u00a0\nprevious report\n, three different variants of the 11th gen Civic are available in Malaysia: the base E, mid-tier V, and range-topping RS. Surprisingly enough, even the most affordable E model is\u00a0\nset to get the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance safety systems\n.\n\n\nWith the launch of the 2022 Civic, the 1.8L engine will no longer be offered either. All variants of the updated sedan seem to feature the updated 1.5L turbo mill. It now outputs 182PS and 240Nm of torque, which is 9PS and 20Nm more than the current 10th gen Civic.\n\n\nJust like the Civic FC, the 11th gen model can be purchased in\u00a0\nfive different shades\n: Platinum White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Meteoroid Grey Metallic, and Ignite Red Metallic (likely the colour of the Civic pictured above). The latter two are new paints for the Civic, which are also offered for the\u00a0\nCity Hatchback\n.\n\n\nOfficial shots of the Civic RS\n\n\nThe 2022 Honda Civic will be launched in Malaysia this Thursday on 13 January. It\u2019s also open for booking now, and you can head to your nearest Honda dealership to do so. Alternatively, you can also book it online\u00a0\nhere\n, or even through the HondaTouch app \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-10-pro-official-hasselblad-camera-snapdragon-8-gen-1-from-4699-yuan/", "title": "OnePlus 10 Pro Official \u2013 Hasselblad Camera, Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, From 4,699 Yuan", "body": "\n\nOnePlus just unveiled its first 2022 flagship smartphone in China, the OnePlus 10 Pro. Naturally, the high-end phone features Qualcomm\u2019s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, as well as a camera system with Hasselblad\u2019s branding.\n\n\nThis is the second OnePlus phone to carry the Hasselblad branding, which brings a feature dubbed Natural Color Optimisation 2.0. With over \u201c500+ scene colour optimisation,\u201d the camera promises natural colour reproduction. As for the triple camera itself, it\u2019s made up of a 48MP primary shooter, a 50MP ultra-wide angle sensor, and an 8MP telephoto lens.\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the OnePlus 10 Pro also has a 6.7-inch QHD+ LTPO 2.0 curved AMOLED display that can dynamically switch between 1Hz to 120Hz refresh rate in a more efficient manner. OnePlus said that this extends battery life by up to 1.7 hours, which is said to be a 40% improvement.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the OnePlus 10 Pro are a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, a 32MP selfie camera, 8GB or 12GB of RAM, two UFS 3.1 storage options (128GB or 256GB), and a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 80W fast charging; 50W wirelessly.\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, the OnePlus 10 Pro is only available in China with a 4,699 Chinese yuan starting price \u2013 that comes up to about RM3,095. No word yet on its availability outside of the region (including Malaysia), though we reckon it\u2019s only a matter of time before the flagship phone lands here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopee-warns-against-scam-messages-offering-employment-or-rewards/", "title": "Shopee Warns Against Scam Messages Offering Employment or Rewards", "body": "\n\nShopee just issued an advisory to warn users against scam messages that are supposedly representing Shopee. Whether it\u2019s to offer employment or rewards, these messages are usually \nnot\n from the e-commerce platform.\n\n\n\u201cShopee does not employ any individuals to recruit employees through messaging platforms,\u201d even for the purpose of \u201cincreasing the exposure rate of merchants ,\u201d said the company in a press statement. Shopee contests are also only hosted on the official Shopee app, social media pages, and Shopee\u2019s WhatsApp verified business account with the verified check mark.\n\n\n\n\nIf you are interested to pursue a career at Shopee, you can refer to \nthis page\n for more information. Alternatively, you can even send an email to \n[email\u00a0protected]\n if you have any doubt about a role that\u2019s advertised or offered by Shopee.\n\n\nWhat if you came across a contest promoted by Shopee that seemed suspicious? Well, you can contact the e-commerce platform\u2019s customer service hotline at +603 2777 9222 or email \n[email\u00a0protected]\n to verify said contest.\n\n\nTo help users identify tell-tale signs of a scam, Shopee has a dedicated cybercrime awareness microsite too \u2013 you can refer to it \nover here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-2022-proton-saga-facelift-spotted-new-proton-logo-body-kit/", "title": "Spy Shot: 2022 Proton Saga Facelift Spotted \u2013 New Proton Logo, Body Kit", "body": "\n\nThe Proton Saga was the national carmaker\u2019s \nbest-selling model in 2021\n, and it seems like the A-segment sedan is set to be facelifted soon. Recently, a test mule of the 2022 Saga has been spotted on the road, suggesting that Proton is gearing up to launch the updated model.\n\n\nThese images of the new Saga facelift were taken by \nFuntasticko readers Putra Kamrin Azran\n \nand Cedric Ng\n. It\u2019s the very same unit spotted at different locations around the Klang Valley area, and judging by the covered up grille, blacked out front lip and side skirts, the 2022 Saga should feature Proton\u2019s new circular logo and body kit.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, it remains to be seen if the updated Saga\u2019s interior will see any changes, though it\u2019s certainly not out of the realm of possibility. After all, for the Pakistan market, it gets a centre armrest, not to mention a stabiliser bar for the strut mounts and sound deadening material under the bonnet and boot.\n\n\nBeyond aesthetic changes, the facelifted Saga should soldier on with the same 1.3L four-cylinder engine that outputs 95hp and 120Nm of torque; the mill is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission that\u2019s sourced from Hyundai. In fact, this is the same transmission used in the Kia Picanto.\n\n\nPrevious spy shot of the 2022 Saga\n\n\nRumours suggest that the 2022 Proton Saga facelift will be introduced sometime in the first half of 2022. There\u2019s a chance the \nProton X70\n will be updated too, and some even believe that the \nmuch-rumoured Proton X90\n will debut before the year ends.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-p50-pocket-foldable-flip-phone-lands-in-malaysia-from-rm5999/", "title": "Huawei P50 Pocket Foldable Flip Phone Lands in Malaysia From RM5,999", "body": "\n\nAnnounced globally just a few weeks ago, the Huawei P50 Pocket \u2013 the Chinese company\u2019s first-ever foldable flip phone \u2013 has just been launched in Malaysia. Meant to go against the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 3\n, the P50 Pocket has a more unique circular cover screen, though it also has a higher asking price.\n\n\nTwo variants of the P50 Pocket are offered in Malaysia. The standard White model with 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM goes for RM5,999. The Premium Edition (512GB + 12GB) with a more unique textured design, on the other hand, costs RM7,299.\n\n\nThe standard P50 Pocket\nThe P50 Pocket Premium Edition\n\n\nCompared to its main competitor (Samsung\u2019s Galaxy Z Flip 3), the P50 Pocket does have a number of advantages. When the device is folded, for example, there\u2019s barely any gap, thanks to the \u201cmulti-dimensional\u201d hinge design. According to Huawei, the display won\u2019t have any noticeable crease either when it is unfolded.\n\n\nOther specifications of the P50 Pocket include a 6.9-inch Full HD+ OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 1.04-inch 340 x 340 circular OLED cover screen, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 4G chipset, a triple camera system (40MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide angle + 32MP \u201cultra spectrum\u201d), a 10.7MP selfie camera, and a 4,000mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Huawei P50 Pocket retails at RM5,999 for the regular White model. The Premium Edition, on the other hand, goes for RM7,299 in Malaysia. Both models will be available for pre-order from 22 January to 13 February 2022, and early birds can also get a Huawei Watch 3 (worth RM1,699) for free.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-p50-pro-now-in-malaysia-for-rm4199/", "title": "Huawei P50 Pro Now in Malaysia for RM4,199", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nP50 Pocket\n foldable phone, Huawei Malaysia also launched the Huawei P50 Pro on our shores. Introduced in China back in July last year, the flagship phone sports a quad camera system that can do 100x zoom.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the P50 Pro is available in Malaysia. Featuring 256GB of internal storage and 8GB of RAM, this flagship phone retails at RM4,199. It is also offered in two colours: Cocoa Gold and Golden Black.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the P50 Pro is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 4G chipset. That\u2019s right, as its name suggests, it does not support 5G networks. Of course, for markets where 5G connectivity is not widespread yet \u2013 such as Malaysia \u2013 this is not a big deal, though it\u2019s definitely an omission worth pointing out.\n\n\nThe quad camera system of the P50 Pro is one of its main selling points. It\u2019s made up of a 50MP primary shooter, a 40MP monochrome sensor, a 13MP ultra-wide angle lens, and of course, a 64MP telephoto camera that can do up to 100x digital zoom.\n\n\nOther specifications of the P50 Pro include a 6.6-inch Full HD+ OLED dual curved screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, a 13MP selfie camera, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage, a 4,360mAh battery, an IP68 rating, and HarmonyOS 2 (still based on Android) out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei P50 Pro is now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 21 January 2022 for RM4,199; it will hit store shelves the very next day on 22 January. Those who place a pre-order for the flagship phone will also get a Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro (worth RM1,199) for free.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/13-19-january-fuel-price-ron-97-up-4-sen-others-remain/", "title": "13 \u2013 19 January Fuel Price: RON 97 up 4 Sen, Others Remain", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 is increasing yet again this week. The fuel is set to go up by 4 sen per litre this time around for the next seven days. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.\n\n\nFrom tomorrow onwards until Wednesday next week, the price of RON 97 is set at RM3.07 per litre (up from RM3.03). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 13 to 19 January 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates! \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-p50-pocket-hands-on-pricey-but-enticing/", "title": "Huawei P50 Pocket Hands-On: Pricey, But Enticing", "body": "\n\nWhile we\u2019re seeing the introduction of more foldable phones recently, there aren\u2019t as many foldable \u201cflip phones,\u201d which is why the new Huawei P50 Pocket is quite exciting. After all, it goes head to head with \nSamsung\u2019s Galaxy Z Flip 3\n; the sole option for a foldable flip phone in Malaysia, given that it\u2019s quite difficult to get the \nMotorola Razr\n now.\n\n\nBut retailing from RM5,999, the P50 Pocket undoubtedly carries a premium price tag, especially in comparison to the Z Flip 3\u2019s much more affordable RM3,999 starting price. But even though it\u2019s a pricey device, it\u2019s also quite an enticing foldable phone, even when faced with a competitor like the excellent Z Flip 3.\n\n\n\n\nNow, one of the biggest differences between the P50 Pocket and the Z Flip 3 is when the two devices are folded. Unlike Samsung\u2019s offering, the P50 Pocket has \nabsolutely\n no gap when it\u2019s folded. Granted, this isn\u2019t exactly groundbreaking \u2013 Motorola\u2019s Razr already accomplished this \u2013 but it is a difference worth pointing out.\n\n\nIs there any benefit to this? Well, when you keep the P50 Pocket in your pocket (excuse the pun), having no gap between the two halves of the screen does protect it from dust or fine grains in your pocket. This, in turn, reduces the chance of scratching the screen.\n\n\nNo gap at all when the Huawei P50 Pocket is folded\nSamsung\u2019s Galaxy Z Flip 3 has a slight gap when folded\n\n\nSpeaking of which, I\u2019m \nvery\n impressed with the screen durability of the P50 Pocket. Earlier foldable phones have screens that get scratched and dinged up easily, but that is not the case at all with the Pocket. I even tried running my fingernail on the foldable display to see if it will leave a mark on the screen, but to my surprise, it stayed pristine!\n\n\nOf course, the P50 Pocket does seem to have a screen protector installed; just like any other foldable phone, basically. Either way, it doesn\u2019t get scratched easily, and it feels quite smooth as well. Not quite as smooth as glass, but definitely good enough to provide a pleasant user experience.\n\n\n\n\nAs for display quality itself, the P50 Pocket does have a high quality screen. Sporting a 6.9-inch Full HD+ OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, it\u2019s a fast, bright, vibrant display. This being an OLED panel, you also get deep, true blacks for a more enjoyable viewing experience, especially if you\u2019re watching content with dark scenes.\n\n\nOh, Huawei mentioned that the P50 Pocket\u2019s display doesn\u2019t have any noticeable crease when it is unfolded, but that\u2019s\u2026well, not the case. In normal use, the crease is barely noticeable, but if you look for it, you\u2019ll definitely see and feel the uneven surface.\n\n\nIs this a big deal? Not at all. I doubt the screen crease will negatively affect the user experience much, though it is a little annoying when the crease is visible under bright lighting.\n\n\nThe display crease is definitely there\nBut it\u2019s not very visible in actual use\n\n\nOkay, enough about the display: what about the performance of the P50 Pocket? Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 4G chipset (yes, 4G), you can expect to get flagship-tier performance out of the phone. Though you don\u2019t get 5G connectivity with this chip, it\u2019s not really an issue here. 5G isn\u2019t exactly widely available in Malaysia yet.\n\n\nBuild quality of the P50 Pocket is commendable as well. It feels solid in my hands, and the unique textured finish on both the White and Premium Gold colour options feel quite good to the touch. However, despite the fact that Huawei said they\u2019re made of glass, the textured panels do feel \nslightly\n plasticky, in my opinion.\n\n\nThe P50 Pocket Premium Edition\nThe standard P50 Pocket in White\n\n\nThe hinge of the P50 Pocket, on the other hand, is a bit of a mixed bag. While I like how the phone \u201csnaps open\u201d when I unfold it to a certain angle, the hinge itself feels a tad too soft; there\u2019s not much resistance as I move the hinge. In contrast, the Z Flip 3 has a firmer, more solid-feeling hinge. Personally, I prefer Samsung\u2019s implementation.\n\n\nAnyway, packed with a 4,000mAh battery, I reckon the P50 Pocket will be able to deliver good battery life. This battery capacity is above average for a phone this size, and when you need to charge it up quickly, the 40W fast charging should be able to juice up the Pocket quickly.\n\n\nLast but not least is the camera performance of the P50 Pocket. Sporting a triple camera system made up of a 40MP primary shooter, a 13MP ultra-wide angle lens, and a 32MP \u201cultra spectrum\u201d sensor (it can supposedly capture a greater range of colour), it can take reasonably good-looking shots. Judge for yourself with these sample shots.\n\n\n13MP ultra-wide\n40MP primary\n40MP primary (2x zoom)\n\n\nGranted, these images were taken under ideal lighting, so it\u2019s a given that the P50 Pocket will be able to deliver good results. Aside from image quality, the camera interface feels quite responsive too, and it can lock in focus quite quickly as well; as expected of a flagship smartphone.\n\n\nSo\u2026is the Huawei P50 Pocket worth it? As far as first impressions go, it does feel like a high-end foldable phone through and through, but whether or not it can really justify the RM5,999 price tag \u2013 or a whopping RM7,299 for the Premium Edition \u2013 can only be explored in a full review of the Pocket.\n\n\n\n\nAfter all, there are a lot of factors to consider for a phone that sits at this price point. A brief hands-on is not enough to really assess these factors, such as battery life, camera performance, and more importantly for a Huawei device, software experience.\n\n\nGiven that the P50 Pocket does not ship with Google Mobile Services, not having access to Google\u2019s range of apps and services on this foldable phone can be a legitimate dealbreaker to some folks. But Huawei\u2019s own selection of apps through the AppGallery have grown immensely over the years, so it \nmay\n just be able to fill the void left by Google.\n\n\nAgain, only a full review of the P50 Pocket can shed a light on this, among other aspects.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-honda-civic-launched-in-malaysia-3-variants-honda-sensing-as-standard-from-rm126k/", "title": "2022 Honda Civic Launched in Malaysia \u2013 3 Variants, Honda Sensing as Standard, From RM126k", "body": "\n\nThe all-new \n2022 Honda Civic\n has just been launched in Malaysia! As per our\u00a0\nprevious report\n, three different variants of the 11th gen Civic are available in Malaysia: the base E, mid-tier V, and range-topping RS. Surprisingly enough, Honda Sensing is now standard across the board. Yes, even the most affordable E model gets the driver assistance system.\n\n\nOf course, that also mean prices are up across the board. The most affordable E trim costs RM125,634.64, while the mid-tier V model goes for RM138,043.36. The range-topping RS variant, on the other hand, is priced at RM144,350.09. These prices are with \nsales tax exemption applied until 30 June 2022\n.\n\n\n\n\nWith the launch of the 2022 Civic, the 1.8L engine is no longer offered. All variants of the new sedan now feature the updated 1.5L turbo mill. It outputs 182PS and 240Nm of torque, which is 9PS and 20Nm more than the 10th gen Civic. Naturally, it\u2019s still paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).\n\n\nJust like the \nCivic FC\n, the 11th gen model can be purchased in\u00a0five different shades: Platinum White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Meteoroid Grey Metallic, and Ignite Red Metallic. The latter two are new paints for the Civic, which are also offered for the\u00a0\nCity Hatchback\n.\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Honda Civic is now available for booking in Malaysia, and you can head to your nearest Honda dealership to do so. Alternatively, you can also book it online\u00a0\nhere\n, or even through the HondaTouch app \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-honda-civic-1200-bookings-received-900-monthly-sales-target/", "title": "2022 Honda Civic \u2013 1,200 Bookings Received, 900 Monthly Sales Target", "body": "\n\nAt the local launch of the \n2022 Honda Civic\n, Honda Malaysia revealed that it has received over 1,200 bookings for the new C-segment sedan. The Japanese carmaker also said that it is planning to sell 900 units of the 11th gen Civic every month.\n\n\nOf course, given that full details of the new Civic were only revealed today, there\u2019s no specific breakdown of which variant received the most bookings. However, Honda Malaysia did say it is expecting 50% of total sales for the 2022 Civic to be the V variant, followed by the RS trim (30%) and E model (20%).\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the most affordable E trim of the new Civic costs RM125,634.64, while the mid-tier V model goes for RM138,043.36. The range-topping RS variant, on the other hand, is priced at RM144,350.09. These prices are with\u00a0\nsales tax exemption applied until 30 June 2022\n.\n\n\nIf you want to place a booking for the 2022 Honda Civic, you can head to your nearest Honda dealership to do so. Alternatively, you can also book it online\u00a0\nhere\n, or even through the HondaTouch app \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-honda-civic-should-you-get-the-rm126k-base-e-model-or-rm144k-civic-rs/", "title": "2022 Honda Civic \u2013 Should You Get the RM126k Base E Model or RM144k Civic RS?", "body": "\n\nThe Honda Civic has dominated the C-segment sedan market in Malaysia since the 10th gen model was launched here back in 2016. Fast forward to today, we now have the 2022 Honda Civic with a more mature styling and premium interior \u2013 along with higher price tags.\n\n\nAlthough the entry price for the new Civic is higher than ever \u2013 an increase from RM109,326.51 to RM125,634.64 with \nsales tax exemption applied until 30 June 2022\n \u2013 you are getting quite a number of upgrades. These include a more powerful engine and the Honda Sensing safety suite \nas standard\n.\n\n\nIf you can\u2019t quite make up your mind which model of the 2022 Civic to get, here\u2019s our breakdown of all three variants!\n\n\n\n\nCivic E \u2013 Best Value\n\n\nDespite being the most affordable model (RM125,634.64), the Civic E is actually quite well-equipped. Not only does it get the same 1.5L turbo engine as the V and RS trims (paired to a CVT) that outputs 182PS and 240Nm of torque \u2013 that\u2019s 9PS and 20Nm more than the 10th gen Civic \u2013 it also gets the aforementioned Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance safety systems.\n\n\nWhile the 2022 Civic E costs exactly RM16,308.13 more than the previous generation Civic 1.8 S, the price difference is justified (in my opinion) with these additions. After all, Honda Sensing was previously reserved for the range-topping Civic TC-P, which was priced at RM134,321.28.\n\n\nGranted, the TC-P had a lot of other upgrades too, but it\u2019s certainly a good move on Honda Malaysia\u2019s part to offer Honda Sensing as a standard feature for the new Civic.\n\n\n\n\nCivic V \u2013 Extra Creature Comforts\n\n\nMoving up the price range is the Civic V. Priced at RM138,043.36, it is quite a bit more costly than the E model (by exactly RM12,408.72). But for that kind of money, you\u2019re getting extra creature comforts, including leather seats, larger 17-inch alloy wheels over the E variant\u2019s 16-inch wheels, and Honda Connect.\n\n\nPreviously only offered for the City RS e:HEV, the Honda Connect telematics system smartphone app offers a range of useful features. There are three main components of Honda Connect: safety, security, and convenience.\n\n\nWithin the safety and security categories, the app offers Automatic Collision Detection System, Security Alarm Detection, Speed Alert, Find My Car, and Geo-Fencing Alert; the latter will send a push notification to the owner if the car is driven out of a set radius.\n\n\nThe 2022 Civic V\n\n\nIn the event of a collision or airbag deployment, the Automatic Collision Detection System will send a notification to Honda\u2019s 24-hour roadside assist call centre; emergency support will also be dispatched. Security Alarm Detection, on the other hand, will also notify the call centre \u2013 as well as the the owner via a push notification \u2013 if the car\u2019s door, trunk, or bonnet is forcibly opened.\n\n\nAs for the convenience category within the Honda Connect app, there\u2019s Remote Vehicle Control. As its name suggests, this lets owners control certain aspects of the car, such as unlocking the doors, start the engine, control the air-conditioning, and even switching on the headlights; it\u2019s quite a nifty feature.\n\n\nHonda Connect is by no means a groundbreaking feature, but it does make the owner experience of the Civic V a little bit more\u2026well, fun.\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, other upgrades the Civic V gets over the E variant include Honda LaneWatch, paddle shifters, a drive mode selector \u2013 you can switch between Eco, Normal, and Sport to adjust the throttle and CVT mapping of the sedan \u2013 eight-way driver power seat, auto dimming rearview mirror, and a larger 9-inch infotainment system; the E gets a 7-inch unit instead.\n\n\nCivic RS \u2013 Sportier, With a Matching Price\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the Civic RS, which gets all the bells and whistles and a sportier appeal. These include 18-inch alloy wheels with a black matte finish, blacked out door handles, side mirrors, shark fin antenna, and trunk spoiler, half leather seats with suede material and red stitching, as well as automatic front wipers.\n\n\n\n\nHow much do you have to pay for these upgrades? A cool RM144,350.09, which is exactly RM6,306.73 more over the mid-tier V model. Essentially, you\u2019re paying more to get the sportier styling of the RS model \u2013 whether these aesthetic changes are worth the premium or not (though you\u2019re also getting the excellent Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres) is entirely up to you.\n\n\nWhich Variant to Get?\n\n\nAgain, it depends on what you want out of the 2022 Honda Civic. If you want the absolute best value for money, the Civic E is the model to get. Want more creature comforts? Opt for the Civic V. If you want the sportiest-looking 11th gen Civic, then you\u2019ll be happy with the Civic RS.\n\n\nThe Civic RS for our market only gets a 7-inch digital/analogue meter\n\n\nPersonally, I\u2019d get the Civic V for the larger infotainment system, bigger wheels, Honda Connect, and leather seats. But if the RS variant for our market had the larger 10.2-inch digital meter as other regions, I may opt for that model instead. I was told by Honda Malaysia that the feature will be kept for future consideration, so perhaps the facelift will get it.\n\n\nAnyway, do I regret purchasing the older Civic now that the new 11th gen model is here? \nNot at all\n, though I do like the more premium interior of the 2022 Civic. But hey, I\u2019ve made my decision \u2013 it\u2019s not too late for you to decide which model is right for you.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-honda-civic-deliveries-start-next-week-1-2-months-waiting-time/", "title": "2022 Honda Civic \u2013 Deliveries Start Next Week, 1 \u2013 2 Months Waiting Time", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019ve placed a booking for the \n2022 Honda Civic\n, you\u2019ll be happy to know that deliveries of the new C-segment sedan will begin as early as next week. Even if you\u2019re just about to book the 11th gen Civic, you wouldn\u2019t have to wait too long either to get the car.\n\n\nThe delivery timeline of the new Civic was revealed by the MD and CEO of Honda Malaysia, Madoka Chujo. According to her, waiting times for new bookings will take between one to two months. Naturally, how long you have to wait will depend on which variant of the Civic you plan to get.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the most affordable variant of the new Civic is the E trim for RM125,634.64. The mid-tier V model, on the other hand, goes for RM138,043.36. As for the range-topping RS variant, it is priced at RM144,350.09. These prices are with\u00a0\nsales tax exemption applied until 30 June 2022\n.\n\n\nKeen to place a booking for the 2022 Honda Civic? You can head to your nearest Honda dealership to do so. Alternatively, you can also book it online\u00a0\nhere\n, or even through the HondaTouch app \u2013 you can download the app from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-v23-5g-with-colour-changing-design-now-in-malaysia-for-rm2099/", "title": "Vivo V23 5G With Colour-Changing Design Now in Malaysia for RM2,099", "body": "\n\nThe Vivo V23 5G has just been launched in Malaysia. Sporting a \u201ccolour-changing\u201d back panel and two front-facing cameras, this is certainly a selfie-centric phone with a unique design.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the V23 is available in Malaysia. Retailing at RM2,099, it is packed with 256GBG of storage and 12GB of RAM. Two colours are offered: Sunshine Gold and Stardust Black.\n\n\n\n\nOne of the most unique features of the V23 has to be its aforementioned colour-changing rear panel, which changes shade under direct sunlight. There are also the phone\u2019s two selfie cameras: a 50MP primary shooter, and a wider 8MP sensor for group selfies.\n\n\nOther specifications of the V23 include a MediaTek Dimensity 920 chipset, a 6.44-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 8 ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), and a 4,200mAh battery with support for 44W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\nThe Vivo V23 5G is now available for purchase in Malaysia through \nVivo\u2019s e-store\n, \nShopee\n, or \nLazada\n for RM2,099. Those who place their orders by 16 January will receive RM668 worth of freebies, and those who get the V23 between 17 January to 14 February will get RM558 worth of gifts instead.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/should-you-upgrade-to-windows-11/", "title": "Should You Upgrade to Windows 11?", "body": "\n\nWindows 11 has been around for a few months now, but even though my personal Windows 10 computer is eligible for the free upgrade, I haven\u2019t made the plunge yet. I am tempted to try out the new operating system, but I didn\u2019t want to risk running into any issues after the upgrade.\n\n\nSo when I was offered a chance to review Windows 11 with the \nMicrosoft Surface Go 3\n, I was more than eager to give it a shot. After spending quite some time with the new operating system, I do like it, though I won\u2019t be upgrading to Windows 11 on my personal computer just yet \u2013 more on this further down this article.\n\n\nSleeker, More Modern Design\n\n\nCompared to Windows 10\u2019s sharp lines, Windows 11 has rounded corners instead, making for a more modern-looking interface. Of course, there are also more colours throughout the interface to give the operating system a sleeker, more aesthetically pleasing look.\n\n\n\n\nI\u2019m quite a fan of the centred taskbar too. It is a little bit jarring at first \u2013 and quite reminiscent of macOS \u2013 but having the apps I want to open in the middle of the screen instead of the corner makes much more sense. If you don\u2019t like this, no worries: you can set the taskbar back to the left-hand side of the screen if you so desire.\n\n\nI\u2019m also happy to see the removal of Live Tiles in the Start menu. I rarely find this feature useful in Windows 10, so it was more of a visual clutter than anything. Now that it\u2019s been ditched, it makes for a much cleaner, more focused interface.\n\n\nThis may not be something folks pay attention to, but I absolutely love the sound design of Windows 11. It\u2019s tough to put it in words, but it just sounds\u2026modern. In Windows 10, for example, I\u2019m annoyed at the sound of error pop-ups, but Windows 11 offers a more pleasant chime.\n\n\n\n\nSuperior Multitasking\n\n\nMultitasking is better than ever on Windows 11. If you hover your pointer over the maximise button on most apps, you can select to \u201csnap\u201d said apps to a certain part of the screen. This new feature is called Snap Assist, which makes it much easier to arrange multiple windows.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth mentioning that the ability to snap windows to different parts of the screen have always been an integral part of Windows; it\u2019s just a lot more visible and intuitive to perform now. It\u2019s great that a feature only \u201cpower\u201d users regularly use is now much easier to access to a regular user.\n\n\nBetter Touchscreen Experience\n\n\nI\u2019ve reviewed many Windows devices that had a touchscreen, but rarely do I use it throughout the review period. Sure, it can be convenient sometimes, but most of the time, using the trackpad to navigate around is an easier, fuss-free affair.\n\n\n\n\nBut with Windows 11, I do find myself using the touchscreen a lot more, thanks to the addition of new touch gestures. For example, I can perform a three-finger swipe sideways to switch between different apps, or even swipe downwards with three fingers to get back to the desktop.\n\n\nWhat if you use more than one desktop? Well, you can just perform a four-finger sideways swipe to switch between virtual desktops. If these gestures sound familiar to you, that\u2019s because these are the exact same touchpad gestures found in Windows 10 \u2013 they\u2019re just implemented to the touchscreen now.\n\n\nThis isn\u2019t exactly a groundbreaking feature, but it\u2019s a very welcome one for a more intuitive user experience, especially on Windows tablets like the Surface Go 3.\n\n\n\n\nSome Features Are Not Available\n\n\nBut as much as I love the looks, multitasking capability, and touchscreen integration of Windows 11, there are still a number of features that have not been implemented yet. Granted, Microsoft has added universal mute and Dynamic Refresh Rate since launch to Windows 11, but support for Android apps have not arrived yet.\n\n\nAside from that, it\u2019s also not possible to change the position of the taskbar in Windows 11; the most you can do is to move it back to the bottom left side. While this isn\u2019t a big issue to me, I\u2019m sure there are folks that think otherwise.\n\n\nPerformance Issues\n\n\nAlthough this isn\u2019t something I personally faced on the Surface Go 3, there are many reports of performance issues on Windows 11. In the first couple of months alone, there were issues with AMD CPUs and slow performances with certain SSDs running on the new operating system\n\n\nThankfully, these issues have been addressed through patches, but they don\u2019t exactly inspire confidence.\n\n\n\n\nShould You Upgrade?\n\n\nIf you want a fresh new operating system with an equally fresh new look, then yes, Windows 11 is definitely worth upgrading. But if you don\u2019t want to deal with performance issues or missing features (like not being able to move the taskbar around), then no, it may be a good idea to stick with Windows 10 for now.\n\n\nOf course, Microsoft will eventually roll out fixes to these issues, but whether or not you\u2019re willing to put up with them while waiting for the fix is something you have to consider before upgrading. Personally, I\u2019ll wait for a couple more months before I make the jump to Windows 11 on my personal computer, even if I do enjoy using it.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/3-new-ps5-dualsense-colours-now-in-malaysia-for-rm369/", "title": "3 New PS5 DualSense Colours Now in Malaysia for RM369", "body": "\n\nAnnounced \nexactly a month ago\n, three new PS5 DualSense controllers are now available in Malaysia. The new shades are Galactic Purple, Starlight Blue, and Nova Pink.\n\n\nCompared to the White and Midnight Black versions of the DualSense, which cost RM349, these three new colours cost slightly more with a RM369 price tag. In fact, this is the same case for the \nCosmic Red\n colourway, which was launched back in June 2021. You can grab these new controllers on \nSony Malaysia\u2019s online store\n.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve been following PS5 news closely, you may recall that these new DualSense colours were announced alongside the \nconsole covers\n. Well, those are arriving in Malaysia next week on 21 January, and only the Midnight Black and Cosmic Red colourways will be available first.\n\n\nThe Galactic Purple, Starlight Blue, and Nova Pink console covers for the PS5 will only be released sometime in the first half of 2022. Rest assured, we\u2019ll keep a close eye on the local availability of these colourful covers for the next-gen console.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/toyota-corolla-cross-hybrid-malaysia-launch-10-year-battery-warranty-23-3km-l-rm137k/", "title": "Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Now in Malaysia \u2013 10-Year Battery Warranty, 23.3km/l, RM137k", "body": "\n\nAfter many months of teasers, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has finally launched the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid in Malaysia. The local pricing of the locally assembled (CKD) C-segment petrol-electric hybrid SUV has been unveiled too, and it\u2019s slightly lower than the estimated price.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, only one variant of the Corolla Cross Hybrid is offered. Priced at RM136,550 with 100% sales tax exemption applied \nuntil 30 June 2022\n, the SUV comes with a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty, while the battery is covered with an eight-year, unlimited mileage warranty.\n\n\nIf you want even longer coverage, you can fork out RM2,950 to get two more years of warranty on the battery.\n\n\n\n\nWhat sets the Corolla Cross Hybrid apart from the standard model is its hybrid powertrain. The electric motor \u2013 which outputs 72PS and 163Nm of torque \u2013 is paired with a 2ZR-FXE 1.8L four-cylinder petrol engine that does 98PS and 142Nm of torque. This makes for a combined system output of 122PS, with drive sent to the front wheels via an e-CVT.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Corolla Cross Hybrid include a quoted fuel consumption of 23.3km/l, Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance systems, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, seven airbags, a 360-degree camera system, a dashcam, and a 9-inch infotainment screen with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\n\n\n\n\nThe Corolla Cross Hybrid is now available for booking in Malaysia at all Toyota showrooms nationwide. The hybrid SUV is offered in five different shades: Platinum White Pearl \u2013 an RM800 option \u2013 Red Mica Metallic, Nebula Blue Metallic, Silver Metallic, and Celestite Grey Metallic.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/toyota-corolla-cross-price-revised-in-malaysia-rm123k-to-rm129k-ckd/", "title": "Toyota Corolla Cross Price Revised in Malaysia \u2013 RM123k to RM129k, CKD", "body": "\n\nAt the launch of the \nToyota Corolla Cross Hybrid\n, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) also revealed the revised pricing for the regular petrol models. Now locally assembled (CKD), the 1.8G and the higher-end 1.8V variants of the C-segment SUV are slightly more affordable; the former gets a neat upgrade too.\n\n\nPreviously priced at RM124,000, the Corolla Cross 1.8G now goes for RM123,000. Not only is it slightly more affordable, the halogen headlights have also been replaced with LED units. As for the 1.8V, it now costs RM129,000 \u2013 a price reduction of RM266. These prices are with 100% sales tax exemption applied (as they are now CKD) until 30 June 2022.\n\n\n\n\nBoth variants of the petrol Corolla Cross feature a 1.8L Dual VVT-i engine that outputs 139PS and 172Nm of torque; drive is sent to the front wheels via a CVT with seven virtual speeds. Aside from that, the two models also have leather seats, seven airbags, a 360-degree camera system, a dashcam, and a 9-inch infotainment screen with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\n\n\nOf course, the higher-end Corolla Cross 1.8V has a couple of features that differentiate it from the 1.8G. These include larger 18-inch alloy wheels \u2013 the 1.8G gets 17-inch wheels instead \u2013 as well as the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance systems. It offers Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Pre-Collision System (PCS), and Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with steering assist.\n\n\n\n\nThe Corolla Cross is now available for booking in Malaysia at all Toyota showrooms nationwide. The C-segment SUV is offered in five different shades: Platinum White Pearl \u2013 an RM800 option \u2013 Red Mica Metallic, Nebula Blue Metallic, Metalstream Metallic, and Graphite Metallic.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/black-shark-4-pro-malaysian-pre-orders-open-25-january-from-rm2599/", "title": "Black Shark 4 Pro Malaysian Pre-Orders Open 25 January From RM2,599", "body": "\n\nThe Black Shark 4 Pro was introduced back in March 2021, but due to chip shortages, the gaming phone is only available in Malaysia today. Sporting a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset with physical shoulder buttons that pop-up when needed, it\u2019s quite a respectable gaming-centric phone.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Black Shark 4 Pro are offered in Malaysia. The base model with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM costs RM2,599, while the 256GB configuration with 12GB RAM goes for RM2,999. The first 100 customers to pre-order the phone will also get RM500 worth of freebies.\n\n\n\n\nJust like \nBlack Shark\u2019s previous gaming phone\n, the Black Shark 4 Pro features physical shoulder buttons that pop-up when activated. Physical buttons are often preferred over capacitive ones for their superior tactile response, and this hardware remains one of the best selling points of the gaming phone.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Black Shark 4 Pro include a Snapdragon 888 chipset, a 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a fast 144Hz refresh rate and 720Hz touch response rate, a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 5MP macro), a 20MP selfie camera, and a 4,500mAh battery with support for 120W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\nThe Black Shark 4 Pro will be available for pre-order in Malaysia through Shopee from 25 January onwards. To recap, the 128GB model \ncosts RM2,599\n, while the 256GB variant \nretails at RM2,999\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopee-cny-sale-offers-88-discount-vouchers-rm8888-ang-pow/", "title": "Shopee CNY Sale Offers 88% Discount Vouchers & RM8,888 Ang Pow", "body": "\n\nThe Shopee CNY Sale, just like the \ne-commerce platform\u2019s\n \nprevious sales\n, offers quite a number of notable discounts and rewards. Throughout the campaign period, you can get up to 88% discount and RM8,888 ang pow.\n\n\nHappening until 2 February, Shopee is offering free shipping with a minimum spend of RM8; you can also get 88% discount vouchers on CNY products. To sweeten the deal, you even stand a chance to win RM8,888 ang pow by participating in the Shopee Fortune Quiz during the Shopee Live session at 8PM daily.\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re planning to travel, good news: you can win a three days and two nights stay at Camar Langkawi Resort by just booking for a bus, flight, or hotel with Shopee. Of course, you can also get a 10% discount (capped at RM20) if you place your booking through the Tickets, Top-Ups & Bills section in the Shopee app.\n\n\nMore information on the Shopee CNY Sale can be found \nhere\n, while details on the CNY Travel Campaign are available \nhere\n. You can also download the Shopee app from the \nApple App Store\n, \nGoogle Play Store\n, and \nHuawei AppGallery\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/walk-in-covid-19-booster-starts-19-january-for-those-over-60-in-klang-valley/", "title": "Walk-in COVID-19 Booster Starts 19 January \u2013 For Those Over 60 in Klang Valley", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re over the age of 60 and you haven\u2019t gotten your COVID-19 booster yet, good news: you can walk-in to get your vaccination from 19 January onwards at four selected PPVs in Klang Valley.\n\n\nThese PPVs include World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur; Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil; Ideal Convention Centre, Shah Alam; and Soka Gakkai, Klang. However, do note that you can only walk-in from 2PM to 8PM daily (except on public holiday), with the exception of Soka Gakkai (between 12PM to 4PM).\n\n\n\n\nKenyataan Media Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia \nPelaksanaan Vaksinasi Secara Walk-In Bagi Warga Emas dan Bekalan Vaksin Pfizer di PPV Integrasi Lembah Klang \npic.twitter.com/6Os9o6UMa5\n\u2014 KKMalaysia\ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe (@KKMPutrajaya) \nJanuary 17, 2022\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThose over the age of 60 in Negeri Sembilan, Malacca, Penang, and Sarawak can also walk-in at selected offsite PPVs to get their boosters, but only from 24 January onwards. ProtectHealth Corporation will announce the PPVs that offer walk-in vaccination at a later date.\n\n\nThe Ministry of Health also announced that from 19 January onwards, PPVs in Klang Valley will also offer Pfizer as a booster for AstraZeneca and Sinovac recipients. This is to accommodate folks that cannot receive the AstraZeneca vaccine as a booster, which is currently the only booster offered.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/microsoft-acquiring-activision-blizzard-for-a-whopping-rm287-billion/", "title": "Microsoft Acquiring Activision Blizzard for a Whopping RM287 Billion", "body": "\n\nNow this is quite a surprise: Microsoft just announced it is acquiring Activision Blizzard. Once the acquisition is complete, Microsoft will be the world\u2019s third-largest gaming company by revenue, right behind Tencent and Sony.\n\n\nThe acquisition will value Activision Blizzard at a whopping $68.7 billion, which comes up to about RM287 billion. But until the transaction is done, Bobby Kotick will continue to serve as the CEO of Activision Blizzard.\n\n\n\u201cOnce the deal closes, the Activision Blizzard business will report to Phil Spencer, CEO, Microsoft Gaming,\u201d said the company in a press release.\n\n\n\n\nNeedless to say, almost every gamer knows Activision Blizzard. Or at least, they know the games the publisher releases. These include Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, Starcraft, and \nHearthstone\n.\n\n\n\u201cGaming is the most dynamic and exciting category in entertainment across all platforms today and will play a key role in the development of metaverse platforms,\u201d said the chairman and CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella.\n\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re investing deeply in world-class content, community, and the cloud to usher in a new era of gaming that puts players and creators first and makes gaming safe, inclusive and accessible to all,\u201d he added.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hibi-teases-new-custom-keyboard-with-wilba-tech-in-stock-sale-in-2022/", "title": "Hibi Teases New Custom Keyboard With Wilba.tech \u2013 In-Stock Sale in 2022", "body": "\n\nTwo big names in the custom keyboard scene \u2013 Hibi (founded by Kate, formerly a designer at Rama Works) and Wilba.tech \u2013 are teasing a rather interesting new keyboard. Not only is this Hibi\u2019s first keyboard release, it will also be sold as an in-stock product sometime this year; a rarity in this hobby.\n\n\nUnfortunately, we only have several images of the mysterious new custom keyboard. There\u2019s no indication on its price or exact availability, though two colours have been teased so far: green and pink. It will likely be a 65% or 60% keyboard too, but we\u2019ll only know for sure once the full layout has been revealed.\n\n\n\n\nAesthetically, the upcoming Hibi keyboard does look quite a bit like the Rama M65 with its \u201cchunky\u201d case and angular design. This doesn\u2019t come as a surprise, given that the founder, Kate, was a designer at Rama Works. As for Wilba.tech\u2019s involvement in the new keyboard, he is likely providing the PCB.\n\n\nHibi is continuously teasing the new keyboard on its social media pages, including \nTwitter\n and \nInstagram\n. Hopefully, more details on the mysterious keyboard will be revealed soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/wilba-tech-salvation-will-miss-q1-2022-shipment-free-hard-case-upgrade/", "title": "Wilba.tech Salvation Will Miss Q1 2022 Shipment \u2013 Free Hard Case Upgrade", "body": "\n\nWilba.tech just posted an update on the production status of the \nSalvation custom keyboard\n. Previously estimated to start shipping sometime in Q1 2022 \u2013 which was already delayed from Q4 2021 \u2013 the keyboard will unfortunately miss this timeframe. The good news? All orders of the Salvation will now come with a free (custom made) hard case. \n\n\nCurrently, 2,500 Salvation cases have been machined by Salvun, which is the amount of pre-orders that were placed; a respectable figure for a custom keyboard. However, these cases still need to be anodised, which is one of the reasons for the delay.\n\n\nThe Salvation in Business Grey\n\n\n\u201cHowever, due to the delays getting the anodising process to consistently produce finishes to the level that Salvun (and more importantly, the customers) expect, the plan to have the majority of the cases anodised already has not been achieved,\u201d said Wilba on \nhis Discord channel\n and \nSalvun\u2019s\n.\n\n\nAside from that, there is a slight redesign of the Salvation\u2019s internal as well. This involves the silicon rubber standoffs, which have a tendency to slide off the leaf spring over time. To address this, mount pins will be used to keep these standoffs in place.\n\n\n\n\nWhile it\u2019s unfortunate that the Salvation is further delayed, it\u2019s great that Wilba and Salvun are prioritising the quality of the custom keyboard; it\u2019s also a tall task to produce so many keyboards during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. At the moment, anodisation of the Salvation is expected to be completed in March or April 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-9i-with-snapdragon-680-lands-in-malaysia-from-rm799/", "title": "Realme 9i With Snapdragon 680 Lands in Malaysia From RM799", "body": "\n\nRealme just launched yet another affordable phone in Malaysia, the Realme 9i. Featuring the new Snapdragon 680 chipset, this budget-friendly device also has a reasonably fast 90Hz display.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Realme 9i are offered in Malaysia. The base model with 128GB of storage and 4GB of RAM costs RM799, while the 6GB RAM model (with the same 128GB internal storage) costs RM869. The former will only be available at a later date, while the 128GB + 6GB configuration will go on sale \nlater today at 5PM on Shopee\n.\n\n\nTo sweeten the deal, the first 500 customers to purchase the phone will get a free Realme Buds Air 2 Neo wireless earbuds worth RM169 as well.\n\n\n\n\nPowered by a Snapdragon 680 chipset, the Realme 9i should be able to offer a good level of performance for everyday use. On top of that, it\u2019s also built on a 6nm process, which promises better power efficiency. Paired with the phone\u2019s generous 5,000mAh with support for 33W fast charging, expect the phone to return above average battery life.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Realme 9i include a 6.6-inch 1080p LCD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 4MP macro + 2MP black and white portrait), a 16MP selfie camera, and a microSD card slot.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Realme 9i (128GB + 6GB) will go on sale in Malaysia later today at 5PM on Shopee for RM869. The more affordable 128GB + 4GB variant, on the other hand, will be introduced here at a later date for RM799.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-proton-x90-heading-up-genting-highlands/", "title": "Spy Shot: Proton X90 Heading up Genting Highlands!", "body": "\n\nThe last time we spotted the Geely Haoyue \u2013 or Okavango, as marketed in The Philippines \u2013 was \njust last month\n, and it appears Proton is hard at work testing the D-segment seven-seater SUV on Malaysian roads. This Geely model is suspected to be the \nProton X90\n, and the SUV is caught on camera again, this time heading up to Genting Highlands!\n\n\nCaught by \nPaultan.org\n reader Akid Basarom, this Haoyue test mule has some distinct differences compared to earlier spy shots. The position of the number plate, for one, has been moved up from the rear bumper to the tailgate; the taillights look a little different too. Chances are, Proton could be (finally) adding its own styling to Geely-based models.\n\n\nPrevious spy shot of the Haoyue in Malaysia\nOne of the first spy shots of the Haoyue on local roads\nNotice the different number plate position on this earlier test mule of the Haoyue\n\n\nSo what is the Haoyue? As mentioned, it\u2019s a large D-segment SUV that can be configured with five or seven seats; it measures 4,835mm long, 1,900mm wide, and 1,785 tall. Compared to the \nProton X70\n, the Haoyue is 316mm longer, 69mm wider, and 91mm taller.\n\n\nPowering the Haoyue, on the other hand, is a 1.8L four-cylinder turbocharged engine that outputs 181PS and 300Nm of torque. This engine is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with drive sent either to the front wheels or all four of them for the AWD model.\n\n\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s worth noting that in The Philippines, the Okavango is actually available with a 1.5L three-cylinder turbo engine and a mild hybrid system that put out a combined figure of 190hp and 300Nm of torque. This setup is also paired with a 7DCT, though there is no AWD variant.\n\n\nOf course, given its positioning as a premium SUV, the Haoyue is equipped with Geely\u2019s level 2 autonomous driving system too. It is made up of 24 different sensors to allow for as many as 17 \u201cintelligent drive features.\u201d According to Geely, this lets the SUV automatically follow, stop, as well as turn at speeds of up to 150km/h.\n\n\nOh, just like the \nProton X50\n, the Haoyue is also capable of parking itself. It features a 360-degree camera as well, and given the large size of the SUV, we imagine this will come in handy for most drivers.\n\n\nThe Geely Haoyue\n\n\nEven though the Geely Haoyue is already being tested on Malaysian roads, it\u2019s still too early to tell if it will eventually materialise to be the \u201cProton X90,\u201d even if \nsome rumours are suggesting a 2022 release\n. Nonetheless, we will keep a close eye for any further development of this premium SUV!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/20-26-january-fuel-price-all-prices-unchanged-ron-97-still-at-rm3-07/", "title": "20 \u2013 26 January Fuel Price: All Prices Unchanged, RON 97 Still at RM3.07", "body": "\n\nAfter consistently going up in price for the past few weeks, the price of RON 97 finally sees no change this week. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are also maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.\n\n\nFrom tomorrow onwards until Wednesday next week, the price of RON 97 remains at RM3.07 per litre. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 20 to 26 January 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for fuel price update! \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-mode-sixtyfive-sound-test-with-sp-star-meteor-white/", "title": "Video: Mode SixtyFive Sound Test With SP-Star Meteor White", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe \nMode SixtyFive\n is easily one of the most customisable\u2026custom keyboards in the market now, and it even offers three different mounting styles. Here\u2019s our sound test of the keyboard in stack mount configuration!\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the SixtyFive can be mounted in three different ways. There\u2019s this stack mount system \u2013 which provides \u201cmaximum acoustic dampening and a firm but not unforgiving typing feel,\u201d as Mode puts it \u2013 conventional top-mount, as well as isolated top-mount for a cleaner sound profile. Well, in theory, at least.\n\n\nWe will be posting our review of the Mode SixtyFive very soon, so stay tuned for that! In the meantime, check out our review of the \nSP-Star Meteor White\n \u2013 it\u2019s an excellent linear switch, and we really like how it sounds on this custom keyboard.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/microsoft-surface-pro-8-pre-orders-open-in-malaysia-starts-at-rm4950/", "title": "Microsoft Surface Pro 8 Pre-Orders Open in Malaysia \u2013 Starts at RM4,950", "body": "\n\nAs promised\n, Microsoft Malaysia just opened pre-orders for its latest Windows tablet, the Microsoft Surface Pro 8. Retailing from RM4,950, five different configurations of the tablet are available in Malaysia.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the RM4,950 base model of the Surface Pro 8. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a Core i5-1135G7 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD. A tier up is the RM5,250 model, which swaps out the 128GB SSD for a 256GB drive instead.\n\n\nThere\u2019s a similar configuration with 16GB of RAM too instead of 8GB for RM6,490, though this model is exclusive to Harvey Norman.\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the Core i7-1185G7 version of the Surface Pro 8 for RM7,350; it is also packed with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage. If you want even more storage capacity, there\u2019s the RM8,750 model with double the SSD storage (512GB).\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the Surface Pro 8 sees a much more significant design revision. Not only does it sport a larger 13-inch PixelSense Flow Display now with smaller bezels, it also has a higher 120Hz refresh rate for a more responsive user experience.\n\n\nThe Surface Pro 8 can also be paired with the new Surface Pro Signature Keyboard that houses the equally new Surface Slim Pen 2 stylus too. More importantly, this Windows tablet\u00a0\nfinally\u00a0\ngets two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support as well.\n\n\n\n\nThe Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia from \nthese retailers\n. Every purchase of the tablet during the pre-order period will also get a Surface Pro Signature Keyboard worth RM699 for free. To sweeten the deal, some retailers will even throw in freebies worth up to RM1,499 while stocks last.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/microsoft-surface-pro-7-lands-in-malaysia-8-february-from-rm3599/", "title": "Microsoft Surface Pro 7+ Lands in Malaysia 8 February From RM3,599", "body": "\n\nPreviously offered only to businesses and schools, regular consumers will now be able to purchase the Microsoft Surface Pro 7+ in Malaysia from 8 February onwards. Essentially, it\u2019s an upgraded version of the \nSurface Pro 7\n with Intel\u2019s 11th gen processors, a bigger battery, and removable SSD.\n\n\nTwo configurations of the Surface Pro 7+ are offered to consumers in Malaysia. The base model with a Core i3-1115G4 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage costs RM3,599, while the higher-end model with a faster Core i5-1135G7 processor (same RAM and SSD capacities) is priced at RM4,299.\n\n\n\n\nThe Surface Pro 7+ largely retains the same hardware as the standard Pro 7, but as mentioned, it features a larger battery (50.4Wh instead of 46.5Wh). It also has a removable SSD, giving consumers the flexibility to easily upgrade for more storage if they want to.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Surface Pro 7+ include a 12.3-inch 2736 x 1824 PixelSense display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, Intel Iris Xe Graphics (UHD Graphics for the Core i3 version), up to 15 hours of battery life, and Windows 10 Pro out of the box.\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7+ will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 8 February next month. The Core i3 model is priced at RM3,599, while the Core i5 configuration goes for RM4,299.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/temperature-checks-no-longer-part-of-covid-19-sop/", "title": "Temperature Checks No Longer Part of COVID-19 SOP", "body": "\n\nThe Ministry of Health (MOH) just announced that temperature checks are no longer a part of COVID-19 SOP. Moving forward, it\u2019s only mandatory to check in to a particular premise with the MySejahtera app.\n\n\nThis decision to remove temperature checks from the COVID-19 SOP will be brought forward by MOH to the National Security Council (MKN). Of course, the official SOP will be updated to reflect this change in the near future.\n\n\n\n\nPreviously, temperature checks were mandatory to check if an individual has a fever \u2013 one of the symptoms of COVID-19. Folks who don\u2019t pass the temperature check won\u2019t be allowed to enter a particular premise. But given the high vaccination rate in Malaysia now (there\u2019s less chance of transmission), it\u2019s likely the SOP is revised to reflect this.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/covid-19-vaccination-for-children-under-12-begins-february-2022-in-klang-valley/", "title": "COVID-19 Vaccination for Children Under 12 Begins February 2022 in Klang Valley", "body": "\n\nIf you have children between the age of 11 to 5, you can book an appointment for them to get their COVID-19 vaccination from 31 January onwards. However, this is open to those who are residing in the Klang Valley area first.\n\n\nOnly the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be administered to children between the age of 11 to 5. Based on clinical trials, the vaccine has an efficacy of up to 90.7%. Of course, this Pfizer vaccine is specially formulated for children: it contains 10mcg of the mRNA vaccine, which is 1/3 of the dose given to adults.\n\n\n\n\nJust like the Pfizer vaccine for adults, two doses are required for a child to be considered fully vaccinated. The second dose will be given eight weeks after the first one \u2013 data shows that the vaccine provides the best immunity response with this dosing interval.\n\n\nNaturally, children with comorbidities (respiratory disease, diabetes) will be prioritised first to get vaccinated as they are more vulnerable to COVID-19. To recap, you can book for an appointment to get your children vaccinated on MySejahtera from 31 January; the vaccination will begin in February 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sp-star-meteor-white-back-in-stock-on-shopee-for-rm2-30-per-switch/", "title": "SP-Star Meteor White Back in Stock on Shopee for RM2.30 Per Switch", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe \nSP-Star Meteor White\n, one of our favourite linear switches, is \nback in stock on Shopee\n. Offered by NullKeyboards, the Meteor White is listed at RM23 for a pack of 10 switches \u2013 that\u2019s RM2.30 per unit, a decent price for a switch of this calibre.\n\n\nWhat makes the Meteor White an excellent linear switch (in our opinion) is its soft, \u201ccushioned\u201d bottom out. Not only does the soft bottom out make for a comfortable typing experience, it has a nice, dampened sound signature too. For the lack of a better word, it has a \u201cpoppy\u201d sound signature, especially after it is lubed and filmed.\n\n\n\n\nPlus, \nfor only RM2.30 per switch\n, it\u2019s not as expensive as, say, the \nCobalt POM\n. Despite its more budget-friendly price tag, it easily performs just as well as any high-end linear switch.\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to know more about the SP-Star Meteor White, check out our full review of the linear switch \nright here\n. You can also listen to a \nsound test of the switch\n in the video above on the \nMode SixtyFive\n!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-peugeot-2008-lands-in-malaysia-locally-assembled-ckd-for-rm127k/", "title": "2022 Peugeot 2008 Lands in Malaysia \u2013 Locally Assembled (CKD) for RM127k", "body": "\n\nThe 2022 Peugeot 2008 has just been launched in Malaysia. Locally assembled (CKD) at the Stellantis plant in Gurun, Kedah, the B-segment SUV enjoys 100% sales tax exemption until 30 June 2022, so it\u2019s slightly more affordable than its imported (CBU) competition.\n\n\nOnly the sole Allure variant of the 2008 is offered in Malaysia for RM126,753 on-the-road without insurance. It comes with a five-year or 100,000km warranty (whichever comes first), alongside a three-year or 60,000km free service maintenance.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the 2008 features a 1.2L three-cylinder turbo engine \u2013 the same one used in the previous 2008 \u2013 that\u2019s been retuned to deliver 130hp and 230Nm of torque; an improvement of 20hp and 25Nm respectively. It is paired with the same six-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels.\n\n\nOther specifications of the new 2008 include 17-inch alloy wheels, a suite of driver assistance systems (cruise control, lane keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking), leather seats, six airbags, and even a drive mode selector that allows you to switch between Normal, Eco, and Sport mode.\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Peugeot 2008 is now available for booking in Malaysia at Peugeot dealerships nationwide. It is offered in four colours: Amazonite Grey, Pearl White, Nera Black, and Orange Fusion.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-schedules-unpacked-event-for-february-2022-noteworthy-s-series-expected/", "title": "Samsung Schedules Unpacked Event for February 2022 \u2013 \u201cNoteworthy\u201d S Series Expected", "body": "\n\nSamsung just confirmed an Unpacked event \u2013 where the Korean company usually unveils its latest flagship smartphones \u2013 for February 2022 next month. Chances are, it\u2019s a launch event for the Galaxy S22 series, which will incorporate some features from the beloved (and likely discontinued) Galaxy Note phones.\n\n\nIn fact, the president and head of MX business at Samsung, TM Roh, said that Samsung will introduce \u201cthe most noteworthy S series device we\u2019ve ever created.\u201d Needless to say, this is clearly referencing the incorporation of the Galaxy Note\u2019s features to the Galaxy S series, such as the beloved S Pen.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe teaser for the Unpacked event above is also foreshadowing the same thing. The two phones shown in the video are likely the Galaxy Note and Galaxy S phones; the former is easily recognisable by its angular-looking design. Plus, plenty of leaks have revealed that the S22 Ultra will feature an S Pen.\n\n\nNonetheless, these are all leaks and rumours until Samsung itself officially unveils the next Galaxy S series next month in February 2022. If you\u2019ve missed the signature S Pen from the Galaxy Note, you may want to catch this Unpacked event.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q9-product-page-live-split-keyboard-from-149/", "title": "Keychron Q9 Product Page Live \u2013 Split Keyboard From $149", "body": "\n\nYes, Keychron is releasing yet another keyboard in the Q series. This time, it\u2019s the Keychron Q9 with an unconventional (but more ergonomic) split layout, and it may be available as early as next month.\n\n\nAccording to the \nproduct page of the Q9\n, it will be available between February to May 2022, which is\u2026an oddly long timeframe. Just like other keyboards in the Q series, the barebone kit will be priced at $149 (about RM625), while the fully assembled version will go for $169 (approximately RM705).\n\n\n\n\nBeyond its unique split layout, other specifications of the Q9 should be similar to other keyboards in the Q series. These include a gasket mounting system, full aluminium body, VIA-compatible hotswap PCB, support for screw-in stabilisers, and even a knob at the top right corner.\n\n\nA split keyboard is not a particularly popular layout, so it\u2019s great to see that Keychron will use the unconventional layout with the Keychron Q9. Hopefully, the keyboard will be released sooner rather than later.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-peugeot-2008-test-drive-another-b-segment-suv-contender-for-rm127k/", "title": "2022 Peugeot 2008 Test Drive: Another B-Segment SUV Contender for RM127k", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe B-segment SUV market is a crowded one filled with strong contenders. There\u2019s the hugely popular \nHonda HR-V\n, \nHyundai Kona\n, and of course, the \nProton X50\n segment leader. Now, there\u2019s the 2022 Peugeot 2008, which was launched in Malaysia just last week by official distributor Bermaz Auto Alliance (BAASB).\n\n\nLocally assembled (CKD) at the Stellantis plant in Gurun, Kedah, the B-segment SUV enjoys 100% sales tax exemption, so it\u2019s slightly more affordable than its imported (CBU) competition, such as the aforementioned Kona. However, the 2008 still sits at the higher end of the price range, so is it worth checking out? Read on to find out.\n\n\n\n\nOnly the sole Allure variant of the 2008 is offered in Malaysia for RM126,753 on-the-road without insurance. This price is valid \nuntil 30 June 2022\n, as that\u2019s when the sales tax exemption is set to end. Aside from that, it also comes with a five-year or 100,000km warranty (whichever comes first), alongside a three-year or 60,000km free service maintenance.\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the 2008 features a 1.2L three-cylinder turbo engine \u2013 the same one used in the previous 2008 \u2013 that\u2019s been retuned to deliver 130hp and 230Nm of torque; an improvement of 20hp and 25Nm respectively. It is paired with the same six-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels.\n\n\n\n\nWhile the output of the 2008\u2019s 1.2L turbo engine doesn\u2019t sound particularly impressive, it is by no means underpowered. The SUV still feels plenty peppy, thanks to the generous 230Nm of torque. Despite this being a three-cylinder mill \u2013 which has a tendency to sound rough \u2013 I actually quite dig the engine note at higher RPM too.\n\n\nWhat about the vibration of the 2008\u2019s three-cylinder engine? Well, in the cabin (even at idle), I don\u2019t notice the vibration of the three-pot unit at all. However, as I\u2019m pulling to a stop, the vibration of the engine does transfer into the cabin.\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, the 2008\u2019s six-speed automatic transmission is quite a smooth operator as well. It downshifts relatively quickly when I put my foot down, and gear shifts are smooth too. If you want a more responsive driving experience, you can use the drive mode selector and switch to Sport mode. \n\n\nThe ride and handling of the 2008 are also worth a mention. This SUV can soak up road bumps quite well, which makes for a comfortable ride. Thanks to the compact nature of this B-segment car, it feels quick and nimble too with a light steering wheel; perfect for city driving when you\u2019re navigating through tight corners.\n\n\nOther specifications of the new 2008 include 17-inch alloy wheels, a suite of driver assistance systems (cruise control, lane keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking), leather seats, six airbags, and the aforementioned drive mode selector that allows you to switch between Normal, Eco, and Sport mode.\n\n\n\n\nAs for the interior of the updated 2008, it\u2019s quite well put together. There are plenty of soft touch points, the toggle switches feel and look great, and I especially like the 10-inch 3D digital instrument cluster; it\u2019s a unique feature that\u2019s not found on other SUVs in this segment.\n\n\nOf course, as with any other modern cars in the market now, the 2008\u2019s 7-inch infotainment screen supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system itself also feels responsive, so you won\u2019t have to deal with a sluggish system.\n\n\n\n\nSo far, I mostly have positive things to say about the new 2008; surely it has some shortcomings too? Well, for me, it would be the driver assistance system of the SUV. While it\u2019s great that it has autonomous emergency braking (branded as Active Safety Brake) and lane keeping assist, it only has passive cruise control.\n\n\nCompared to adaptive cruise control, this passive version does not match the speed of the SUV to the vehicle in front, so you\u2019ll still have to brake manually. With the lack of this feature, the 2008 does not meet the requirement for level 2 semi-autonomous driving, which would\u2019ve really made this a more enticing SUV.\n\n\nGranted, the popular Honda HR-V doesn\u2019t have level 2 semi-autonomous driving either, but it is also a more affordable option compared to the 2008.\n\n\n\n\nSo should you get the 2022 Peugeot 2008? Well, until I\u2019ve actually driven the B-segment SUV longer than a brief test drive, I can\u2019t really give a definitive answer. But for what it\u2019s worth, I do enjoy my short time with it; I\u2019m quite a fan of its unique, sleek exterior as well.\n\n\nIf you like the looks of the 2008 \u2013 and you don\u2019t mind the omission of adaptive cruise control \u2013 give it a test drive. You may be surprised by this French, locally-assembled SUV.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/gallery-2022-peugeot-2008-rm127k-locally-assembled-french-suv/", "title": "Gallery: 2022 Peugeot 2008 \u2013 RM127k Locally Assembled French SUV", "body": "\n\nThe \n2022 Peugeot 2008\n has just been launched in Malaysia yesterday. If you\u2019re wondering how the French B-segment SUV looks like in person \u2013 it\u2019s also locally assembled at the Stellantis plant in Gurun, Kedah \u2013 here\u2019s our gallery of the new model!\n\n\nOnly the sole Allure variant of the 2008 is offered in Malaysia for RM126,753 on-the-road without insurance. It comes with a five-year or 100,000km warranty (whichever comes first), alongside a three-year or 60,000km free service maintenance.\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the 2008 features a 1.2L three-cylinder turbo engine \u2013 the same one used in the previous 2008 \u2013 that\u2019s been retuned to deliver 130hp and 230Nm of torque; an improvement of 20hp and 25Nm respectively. It is paired with the same six-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels.\n\n\nOther specifications of the new 2008 include 17-inch alloy wheels, a suite of driver assistance systems (cruise control, lane keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking), leather seats, six airbags, and even a drive mode selector that allows you to switch between Normal, Eco, and Sport mode.\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Peugeot 2008 is now available for booking \u2013 and test drive, though you may want to check with the dealership first \u2013 in Malaysia at Peugeot dealerships nationwide. It is offered in four colours: Amazonite Grey, Pearl White, Nera Black, and Orange Fusion, which is the colour you see in this gallery.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-2022-proton-saga-facelift-spotted-again-getting-keyless-entry/", "title": "Spy Shot: 2022 Proton Saga Facelift Spotted Again \u2013 Getting Keyless Entry?", "body": "\n\nThe \n2022 Proton Saga facelift\n has been spotted yet again on the road. This time around, we get a closer look at the A-segment sedan\u2019s side profile, which reveals a nice upgrade: keyless entry.\n\n\nThese images were taken by \nPaultan.org\n reader Putra Kamrin Azran at Genting Highlands. If you look closely at the door handle on the driver\u2019s side, there appears to be a button for keyless entry. This suggests that the affordable sedan will finally get the feature.\n\n\nAccording to Paultan, which quoted a source familiar with the matter, the upcoming Saga facelift will also get a push start button.\n\n\n\n\nPrevious spy shots of the 2022 Saga has its grille covered up; even the front lip and side skirts of the sedan are blacked out. With this in mind, there\u2019s a good chance it will sport Proton\u2019s updated circular logo and a new body kit.\n\n\nBeyond aesthetic changes, the facelifted Saga should soldier on with the same 1.3L four-cylinder engine that outputs 95hp and 120Nm of torque. The mill is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission that\u2019s sourced from Hyundai. In fact, this is the same transmission used in the Kia Picanto.\n\n\nPrevious spy shots of the 2022 Saga\n\n\nRumours suggest that the 2022 Proton Saga facelift will be introduced sometime in the first half of 2022. There\u2019s a chance the\u00a0\nProton X70\n\u00a0will be updated too, and some even believe that the\u00a0\nmuch-rumoured Proton X90\n\u00a0will debut before the year ends.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/katapat-wordle-in-bahasa-malaysia/", "title": "Katapat \u2013 Wordle in Bahasa Malaysia!", "body": "\n\nChances are, you\u2019ve heard of Wordle, a simple web-based puzzle word game that got extremely popular in recent times. If you want more Wordle-inspired games, check out \nKatapat\n: it\u2019s essentially Wordle in Bahasa Malaysia.\n\n\nKatapat is a portmanteau of the Bahasa Malaysia words \nkata \n(word)\n \nand \ntepat\n (accurate). Built by \nEugene Low\n, he describes Katapat as a copy of Wordle, though the words are taken from the \nDBP\u2019s online dictionary\n.\n\n\n\n\nJust like the original Wordle game, you have six tries to guess a five-letter word in Katapat; a new word is generated every day at 12AM. Every guess must be a valid Bahasa Malaysia word, and if a letter you used is not in the word at all, it will be greyed out.\n\n\nWhat if the letter is highlighted in yellow? Well, that means it is in the word, but it\u2019s at the wrong spot. Ideally, what you want is to get a letter highlighted in green: this signifies the correct letter at the right spot. You can give Katapat a try for yourself \nhere\n. Want the original English version instead? Then \nWordle\n is for you.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/touch-n-go-card-smarttag-to-be-phased-out-in-2025/", "title": "Touch \u2018n Go Card & SmartTag to Be Phased Out in 2025", "body": "\n\nThe use of RFID for toll payments is slowly being adopted by more users, though Touch \u2018n Go and SmartTAG seem to still be the preferred payment method at the moment. Well, come 2025, these two options will be phased out, so you won\u2019t be able to use them anymore for toll payments.\n\n\nThis was confirmed through an exclusive \nFree Malaysia Today interview\n with works minister Fadillah Yusof. According to him, the Touch \u2018n Go card will be retired come 2025 \u2013 which is already delayed from 2023 \u2013 and given that SmartTAG works in tandem with the card, it will also be phased out.\n\n\n\n\nThis is done in preparation for the multi-lane free flow (MLFF) barrier-free tolling system, which should speed up traffic. After all, there would be no toll booths anymore to slow down traffic, and Fadillah mentioned that highway concessionaires had been instructed to be ready to implement MLFF by 2025.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that once RFID adoption rate has reached a certain point, road users will be able to use other forms of digital payment. \u201cSoon, it will be up to the public to use any digital mode of payment \u2013 whether you want to use TNG eWallet, debit or credit card, as long as there\u2019s a link available on a (particular) highway,\u201d Fadillah said.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/meletrix-zoom65-in-stock-sale-happening-in-malaysia-tonight-for-rm789/", "title": "Meletrix Zoom65 In-Stock Sale Happening in Malaysia Tonight for RM789", "body": "\n\nThe \nMeletrix Zoom65\n is a 65% custom keyboard with a knob that provides \nexcellent\n value for money, and it will go on sale (in-stock!) in Malaysia tonight at 8PM. Of course, the sale is hosted by local vendor \nRebult Keyboards\n.\n\n\nPriced at RM789, the Zoom65 is priced slightly higher than its $179 (about RM750) price tag for the international market to make up for the extra cost of expedited shipping. Only 20 black units are up for grabs, and you won\u2019t have to pay for shipping \u2013 provided you\u2019re getting it shipped within Malaysia, presumably.\n\n\n\n\nfor that kind of money, the Zoom65 offers a gasket mounting system with full aluminium body, rotary encoder, polycarbonate plate, and of course, a hotswap PCB. On top of that, it also comes with JWK linear switches, double shot PBT keycaps in the popular Olivia colourway (officially authorised, as Meletrix puts it), Wuque Studio\u2019s stabilisers, a carrying case, \nand\n a coiled USB-C cable.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the Meletrix Zoom65 from Rebult Keyboards, you can do so \nover here\n at 8PM tonight. To recap, only 20 units are available, so you do have to act fast if you want to grab one. Don\u2019t worry if you didn\u2019t manage to get it: 40 units will be up for pre-order an hour later at 9PM from Rebult for RM759. It\u2019s expected to be fulfilled sometime in late March or early April 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-vivobook-13-slate-oled-tablet-now-in-malaysia-for-rm3499/", "title": "Asus VivoBook 13 Slate OLED Tablet Now in Malaysia for RM3,499", "body": "\n\nAsus just launched a new Windows tablet in Malaysia, the Asus VivoBook 13 Slate OLED. As its name suggests, this tablet has an OLED panel, which is one of its main highlights.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the VivoBook 13 Slate OLED is available in Malaysia. Retailing at RM3,499, you get 256GB of PCIe Gen3 SSD storage, 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM, and an Intel Pentium Silver N6000 quad-core processor.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the VivoBook 13 Slate also features the aforementioned 13.3-inch 1920 x 1080 OLED display with 550 nits of peak brightness. It also covers 100% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, along with support for Dolby Vision. Basically, you\u2019re getting a good-looking OLED display with this Windows tablet.\n\n\nAlso bundled with the VivoBook 13 Slate are a number of accessories. These include a keyboard case, a stylus (along with a holder for it), a stand that attaches magnetically to the tablet, and a sleeve. Naturally, it comes with Windows 11 out of the box as well.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus VivoBook 13 Slate OLED is now available for purchase in Malaysia. To recap, only one variant of the Windows tablet is offered in Malaysia for RM3,499, which features a Pentium Silver N6000 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD storage.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q9-is-now-keychron-q8-price-increased-shipping-in-april-or-may-2022/", "title": "Keychron Q9 Is Now Keychron Q8 \u2013 Price Increased, Shipping in April or May 2022", "body": "\n\nKeychron just made some changes to its upcoming split keyboard, the \nKeychron Q9\n. Well, it\u2019s now called the Keychron Q8, and beyond the name change, it is also quite a bit more expensive now with a later shipping timeframe.\n\n\nOriginally retailing from $149 (about RM625), the Q8 \nnow starts at $199\n (approximately RM835) for the barebone kit. The fully assembled version with keycaps and switches, on the other hand, is priced at $229 (around RM960). Compared to other keyboards in the Q series, the Q8 is certainly more costly.\n\n\nAside from that, it will now start shipping sometime in April or May 2022; it was previously set between February to May 2022.\n\n\n\n\nNick Xu of Keychron\n also revealed a prototype of the Q8 with what appears to be the company\u2019s OSA keycaps. Beyond its unique split layout, the Q8 should be similar to other keyboards in the Q series. These include a gasket mounting system, full aluminium body, VIA-compatible hotswap PCB, support for screw-in stabilisers, and even a knob at the top right corner.\n\n\nAlthough it\u2019s now priced higher than expected, it\u2019s great to see Keychron using an unconventional split layout with the Keychron Q8. After all, it\u2019s not a particularly popular layout. Hopefully, the Q8\u2019s launch won\u2019t be delayed beyond the April or May 2022 estimate.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-launch-set-for-9-february-register-interest-for-rm200-voucher/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S22 Launch Set for 9 February \u2013 Register Interest for RM200 Voucher", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s official! Samsung just revealed the launch date for the Galaxy S22 series. On top of that, you can also get a RM200 voucher by registering your interest for the upcoming flagship phones.\n\n\nLooking at the teaser for the Unpacked event, it\u2019s almost confirmed that the Galaxy S22 series will get one of the signature features of the (likely discontinued) Galaxy Note: the S Pen. Another video teaser also suggests better low light camera performance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBased on previous leaks and rumours, the Galaxy S22 Ultra will allegedly get the S Pen, complete with a slot to keep the much loved stylus. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if the other phones in the series will also support the S Pen.\n\n\nSamsung\u2019s next Unpacked event will be taking place on 9 February 2022 \u2013 you can \ncatch the livestream here\n at 11PM Malaysian time on that day. You can also \nregister your interest for the Galaxy S22 series\n to get a RM200 voucher to purchase the phone once it\u2019s released.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/touch-n-go-launching-new-card-with-nfc-reloadable-with-tng-ewallet-app/", "title": "Touch \u2018n Go Launching New Card With NFC \u2013 Reloadable With TNG eWallet App", "body": "\n\nOne of the most requested features for the Touch \u2018n Go card is finally coming in the next few weeks. According to the company, a new TNG card with NFC capability will be introduced soon, which will allow users to reload the card directly with the TNG eWallet app.\n\n\nThis was revealed by the CEO of TNG Digital, Ignatius Ong. According to him, the new TNG card can be reloaded using an \u201cNFC-enabled port\u201d through the TNG eWallet app. Of course, you\u2019ll need a phone with NFC capability in order to take advantage of this feature.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that this feature was supposed to be introduced last year, and it seems like it is finally ready to be launched. Once the new TNG card with NFC is here, we imagine most folks will migrate to it for the added convenience of not having to go to kiosks or retail outlets for reloading purposes.\n\n\nNo word yet on when exactly the new NFC-enabled Touch \u2018n Go card will be available for purchase; the retail price has not been announced yet either. Nonetheless, more details should be revealed in the next few weeks.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/uncharted-legacy-of-thieves-collection-review-the-best-ps5-remaster-yet/", "title": "Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection Review: The Best PS5 Remaster Yet", "body": "\n\nNot surprisingly, more and more PS4 games are being remastered for the PlayStation 5. From \nGhost of Tsushima\n to \nDeath Stranding\n with their respective Director\u2019s Cuts, these games were still very entertaining on the next-gen console with some added content here and there.\n\n\nBut in my opinion, the best PS5 remaster yet is Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection. Despite the fact that there are not as many new content to explore for players that have played through Uncharted 4 and The Lost Legacy, there are a number of improvements that really make this remaster shine, such as support for \n120fps\n framerate.\n\n\nPlus, you\u2019re also getting two \nexcellent\n games in the Uncharted franchise for the price of one. If you\u2019re a fan of Uncharted, Legacy of Thieves is well worth picking up. But if you\u2019re new to the series\u2026it\u2019s a bit more complicated.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nTwo games are bundled in Legacy of Thieves. There\u2019s Uncharted 4: A Thief\u2019s End starring Nathan Drake \u2013 he\u2019s essentially the face of the franchise \u2013 and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, which follows Chloe Frazer and Nadine Ross after the events of Uncharted 4.\n\n\nPriced at only RM209\n, Legacy of Thieves doesn\u2019t cost quite as much as other PS5 titles; take Ghost of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut, which costs a steep RM299 on the PS5. It\u2019s great that you don\u2019t have to pay as much for this game, or rather, games, given that there are two titles bundled in this collection.\n\n\n\n\nUncharted 4: A Thief\u2019s End\n\n\nUncharted: The Lost Legacy\n\n\n\n\nOh, it\u2019s worth noting that Legacy of Thieves will also be available on PC, marking the first time any of the Uncharted franchise is available on the platform. Unfortunately, there\u2019s no release date yet for the PC version.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with my favourite aspect of Legacy of Thieves: Performance+ mode. In this graphics setting, the framerate is set at a \nbuttery smooth\n 120fps, though the resolution is limited to 1080p. Nonetheless, this is easily my go-to graphics option; everything just looks \nextremely fluid and responsive\n.\n\n\nOf course, if you want the game to run at a higher resolution, there\u2019s the standard Performance mode. Running at 60fps, it will set the resolution to 4K (upscaled from 1440p) or 1080p (supersampled from 1440p with improved anti-aliasing), depending on the resolution of your display.\n\n\nWant true 4K resolution instead? Then Fidelity mode is for you, though the framerate is limited to only 30fps in this graphics option.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter playing Legacy of Thieves in the Performance+ 120fps mode, I find it hard to go back to Fidelity mode: the game just feels too\u2026well, choppy in this graphics setting. My inputs don\u2019t feel as responsive as I would\u2019ve liked either. Needless to say, I was spoiled by the extra frames afforded in Performance+ mode.\n\n\nBeyond framerate, both Uncharted 4 and The Lost Legacy load \nextremely quickly\n in Legacy of Thieves, thanks to the PS5\u2019s fast SSD. Naturally, the games look great too: the environment are stunning, character models are very detailed, and facial expressions are rendered incredibly well \u2013 one area Naughty Dog absolutely excels in, among other things.\n\n\nAs with all games made for the PS5, Naughty Dog also took advantage of the DualSense controller\u2019s more refined haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in Legacy of Thieves. Action sequences feel more immersive with the controller\u2019s superior vibration, and the adaptive triggers offer a good level of resistance and \u201cclicks\u201d with every gun shot.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGameplay of the two Uncharted games in Legacy of Thieves remains as fun as I remember it to be. It\u2019s been a while since I\u2019ve played either games, so solving the various puzzles in the games and engaging in stealthy combat (or with all guns blazing) still feel fresh with the right amount of challenge.\n\n\nThat being said, the most compelling part of any Uncharted game isn\u2019t the gameplay; in my opinion, that is. Rather, it\u2019s the storytelling that\u2019s further elevated by the amazing voice acting, and both Uncharted 4 and The Lost Legacy have some of the best plots in the franchise.\n\n\nThis is \nespecially\n the case with the former, given that it is Nathan Drake\u2019s last adventure.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDespite the fact that Lost Legacy has a shorter playtime than a typical Uncharted game, it still has a very engrossing narrative that explores the background of Chloe and Nadine, two side characters that made their debuts in Uncharted 2 and Uncharted 4 respectively.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, that brings us to the next section..\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nPart of the charm of Uncharted is the continuity between the games in the franchise, so if you\u2019re new to the series, the Legacy of Thieves Collection is not the best starting point. Without getting familiarised with these characters in previous Uncharted games, you won\u2019t get the \u201cintended\u201d emotional impact from the story of Uncharted 4 and The Lost Legacy.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, Uncharted 4 and The Lost Legacy begin to show their age in Legacy of Thieves. After all, these games were released in 2016 and 2017 respectively. Even though both games still look beautiful, their gameplay mechanics didn\u2019t age very well. The in-game physics can get whacky sometimes, and the enemy AI isn\u2019t\u2026well, particularly smart.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve played through Uncharted 4 and The Lost Legacy on PS4, then yes, Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection is definitely worth picking up. The 120fps performance mode alone really transforms the two games, and graphically, they still look stunning on the PS5. Personally, I would say this is the best PS5 remaster yet.\n\n\nBut if you\u2019re just about to get into the Uncharted franchise, consider playing through the first three Uncharted titles first \u2013 you can do just that with \nUncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection\n for the PS4. At the very least, get familiarised with the story that leads up to the events of Uncharted 4.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOtherwise, it would be like jumping straight to Spider-Man: No Way Home \u2013 starring Tom Holland, who is also playing Nathan Drake in the upcoming \nUncharted movie\n \u2013 without watching Sam Raimi\u2019s Spider-Man trilogy (Tobey Maguire) and Marc Webb\u2019s Amazing Spider-Man films (Andrew Garfield).\n\n\nYou just\u2026don\u2019t do something like that.\n\n\nUncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection launches on the PS5 on 28 January.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/27-january-2-february-fuel-price-ron-97-up-5-sen-others-unchanged/", "title": "27 January \u2013 2 February Fuel Price: RON 97 up 5 Sen, Others Unchanged", "body": "\n\nWell, it appears the price of RON 97 is set to increase again this week: it will go up by 5 sen per litre for the next seven days. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.\n\n\nFrom tomorrow onwards until Wednesday next week, the price of RON 97 is set at RM3.12 per litre (up from RM3.07). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 27 January to 2 February 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for fuel price update!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-note-11-pro-5g-11-pro-official-snapdragon-695-120hz-amoled-from-299/", "title": "Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G & 11 Pro Official \u2013 Snapdragon 695, 120Hz AMOLED, From $299", "body": "\n\nXiaomi just launched a slew of smartphones under the Redmi Note 11 series. The lineup is headlined by the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G, followed by the standard Pro model. Naturally, both phones are priced quite competitively.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the more budget-friendly phone of the two, the Redmi Note 11 Pro. Starting at only $299 (about RM1,255), it features a MediaTek Helio G96 processor. The higher-end Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G, on the other hand, retails from $329 (approximately RM1,380) with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset instead.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the different chipset, both phones are quite similar to each other. They are packed with a 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, along with a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 67W fast wired charging.\n\n\nCuriously, in the camera department, the standard Redmi Note 11 Pro features a quad camera system (108MP main + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), but the 5G model omits the depth sensor. Aside from that, both phones also have a 16MP selfie camera.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G and the regular Pro model will be available globally sometime in February 2022. No word yet on exactly when (or if) these two phones will be sold in Malaysia, though we reckon they will eventually make it here, given Xiaomi\u2019s large presence here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-note-11-note-11s-also-unveiled-90hz-amoled-5000mah-battery-starts-at-179/", "title": "Redmi Note 11 & Note 11S Also Unveiled \u2013 90Hz AMOLED, 5,000mAh Battery, Starts at $179", "body": "\n\nAside from the Pro models, the Redmi Note 11 and Note 11S are also introduced. Naturally, these two phones are more affordable than their Pro counterparts, while still offering reasonably good hardware.\n\n\nThe more affordable device of the two is the Redmi Note 11, which starts at just $179 (about RM750) with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset. The Note 11S, on the other hand, is powered by a MediaTek Helio G96 processor from $249 (approximately RM1,045).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe price difference between the two phones (aside from the different processor) lies in the camera. While both phones feature a quad camera system with the same 8MP ultra-wide shooter, 2MP macro lens, and 2MP depth sensor, the Note 11S has a 108MP primary camera, while the regular Note 11 features a 50MP main shooter.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Redmi Note 11 and Note 11S include a 6.43-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a 16MP selfie camera (13MP for the standard Note 11), and a 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast wired charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Redmi Note 11 and Note 11S will be available globally sometime this month. As for us here in Malaysia, the Redmi Note 11 series will be launched here on \n10 February 2022 next month\n, though the company did not mention if the launch includes the Note 11 and Note 11S.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-note-11-series-coming-to-malaysia-10-february/", "title": "Redmi Note 11 Series Coming to Malaysia 10 February", "body": "\n\nAnnounced globally\n \njust last night\n, Xiaomi Malaysia just confirmed the local availability of the Redmi Note 11 series. The phones will be launched here next month on 10 February at 12PM through a livestream on \nXiaomi Malaysia\u2019s Facebook page\n.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the company did not specify if all four devices in the Redmi Note 11 series will be launched in Malaysia. These include the standard Redmi Note 11, Note 11S, Note 11 Pro, and the range-topping Note 11 Pro 5G.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is prominently featured in the announcement post above, so at the very least, we can expect that model to be available here. Naturally, it is the only phone in the lineup to feature 5G connectivity, thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G include a 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 67W fast wired charging, a triple camera system (108MP main + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro), and a 16MP selfie camera.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Redmi Note 11 Pro series will be launched in Malaysia next month on 10 February. You can catch a livestream of the launch event on \nXiaomi Malaysia\u2019s Facebook page\n at 12PM on that day.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-plus-february-2022-free-games-include-dragons-crown-pro-ufc-4/", "title": "PlayStation Plus February 2022 Free Games Include Dragon\u2019s Crown Pro & UFC 4", "body": "\n\nPlayStation Plus\u2019 February 2022 free games have just been announced. The lineup includes EA Sports UFC 4, Tiny Tina\u2019s Assault on Dragon Keep, Planet Coaster: Console Edition, and for players in certain regions (such as Asia), we\u2019re also getting Dragon\u2019s Crown Pro.\n\n\nOut of the four games, Dragon\u2019s Crown Pro is the most exciting game in our opinion. Originally released for the PS3 and PS Vita \u2013 that\u2019s right, Sony\u2019s long-forgotten handheld console \u2013 back in 2013, the side-scrolling action game was ported to the PS4 in 2018.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterestingly, unlike \nprevious PS Plus\n \nfree games\n, not all of the games this month are available on the PS4; Planet Coaster is only offered for the PS5. Nonetheless, at least certain regions (like Malaysia) are getting Dragon\u2019s Crown Pro.\n\n\nThese four games can be claimed by PS Plus members from 1 to 28 February 2022. That means you have until this coming Monday (31 January) to get your hands on January 2022\u2019s free games, including \nPersona 5 Strikers and Dirt 5\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-perodua-myvi-over-31154-bookings-made-7055-units-delivered/", "title": "2022 Perodua Myvi \u2013 Over 31,154 Bookings Made, 7,055 Units Delivered", "body": "\n\nLaunched last year on 18 November 2021, the \n2022 Perodua Myvi\n is proving to be very popular among Malaysians. So far, a whopping 31,154 bookings have been placed for the B-segment hatchback \u2013 that\u2019s a very impressive figure in only two months\u2019 time.\n\n\nOut of those bookings, Perodua managed to deliver 7,055 units of the new Myvi to date. If you\u2019re still waiting to take delivery of your car, worry not: the CEO and president of Perodua, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad, assures customers that production of the hatchback will not be interrupted.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cOur order book for new vehicles is still quite healthy with the guarantee that the production will go uninterrupted will mean that we could fulfil the outstanding orders in a timely manner,\u201d he said.\n\n\nLooking forward, Perodua aims to register as many as 247,800 vehicles this year. That\u2019s against an estimated total industry volume (TIV) of 610,000 \u2013 an internal projection on Perodua\u2019s part \u2013 so if the national carmaker manages to achieve this target, it would capture 40.6% market share.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-aims-to-sell-247800-vehicles-in-2022-37-5-improvement-from-2021/", "title": "Perodua Aims to Sell 247,800 Vehicles in 2022 \u2013 37.5% Improvement From 2021", "body": "\n\nPerodua is setting a lofty sales target for the year. The national carmaker just revealed that it is aiming to sell as many as 247,800 vehicles in 2022, an improvement of 37.5% compared to 2021, where it managed to register 193,400 units.\n\n\nAccording to the CEO and president of Perodua, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad, this increase in production would also increase the carmaker\u2019s expenditure. \u201cThe increase in production would result in the increase in locally-sourced automotive parts by 41.5% to RM7.5 billion as compared with the RM5.3 billion purchased in 2021,\u201d he said.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven that the \nsales tax exemption\n for cars sold in Malaysia has been extended to 30 June 2022, it\u2019s entirely possible Perodua can hit this sales target. On top of that, over 31,154 bookings have been made for the 2022 Myvi, so it\u2019s looking very good for the national carmaker.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that Perodua is aiming to release one new model and two minor changes this year, which will further bolster its sales. It remains to be seen which new model will be introduced, though many suspect that it would be an all-new Perodua Alza.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s21-fe-review-the-middling-option/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Review: The Middling Option", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S21 FE was launched at an odd timing; almost a year after the debut of its higher-end siblings, in fact. This puts the device at a disadvantage: not only is the newer, shinier Galaxy S22 series just beyond the horizon, the S21 FE isn\u2019t particularly budget-friendly either.\n\n\nThat is not to say the Galaxy S21 FE is a bad phone. It\u2019s still a good flagship device, but for the same amount of money, you can get a better-equipped phone, such as the \nregular Galaxy S21 itself\n. However, depending on what you want out of a phone, the S21 FE could still be a good fit for you.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.4-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (2400 x 1080), 120Hz\nChipset\nSamsung Exynos 2100 2.9GHz octa-core\nGPU\nMali-G78 MP14\nRAM\n8GB\nStorage\n128GB/256GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n12MP f/1.8\n12MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide angle)\n8MP f/2.4 (telephoto)\nCamera (front)\n32MP f/2.2\nBattery\n4,500mAh with 25W fast charging\nDimensions\n155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9 mm\nWeight\n177g\nOS\nOne UI 4.0 based on Android 12\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM2,899 (128GB + 8GB), RM3,099 (256GB + 8GB)\n\n\nOn paper, the Galaxy S21 FE looks like a reasonably well-equipped flagship smartphone. Not only does it have the same Exynos 2100 chipset as the more premium Galaxy S21 series, it also features a fast, gorgeous Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nOf course, the S21 FE does make some sacrifices to bring down its price. It has a less premium plastic back panel \u2013 though this does make it more lightweight \u2013 and its telephoto sensor isn\u2019t quite as sophisticated.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nSamsung makes some of the best displays in the market, so it\u2019s no surprise that the Galaxy S21 FE has a high quality panel. It is pleasant to look at with bright, vibrant colours, and even though it\u2019s \u201conly\u201d a 1080p panel, it still looks sharp enough.\n\n\nAside from that, screen transitions and animations on the S21 FE look extra smooth, thanks to the display\u2019s 120Hz refresh rate. If you\u2019re an avid gamer \u2013 and your favourite mobile game supports 120Hz mode \u2013 it\u2019s really quite enjoyable to game on such a fast panel.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the performance level of the Galaxy S21 FE is also comparable to other flagship phones in the market now. Throughout the review period, the phone felt very zippy and responsive\u2026for the most part. More on this further down the review.\n\n\nAnother aspect of the Galaxy S21 FE that I really quite like is its lightweight nature. Thanks to its reasonably compact form factor and plastic back, it tips the scales at only 177g; that\u2019s quite light for a phone this size.\n\n\nPrior to using the S21 FE as my daily driver, the \nS21 Ultra\n was my main device, which is noticeably heftier at 229g. Needless to say, it\u2019s a breath of fresh air to use a lighter phone for a change.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBattery life of the Galaxy S21 FE is also quite good. On average, I can get about five hours of screen on time with the phone 4,500mAh battery. That\u2019s more than long enough to get through a typical workday, even with some light gaming thrown into the mix.\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the camera performance of the S21 FE. For the most part, it can capture some good-looking shots, especially with the 12MP primary sensor. The 12MP ultra-wide angle camera and 8MP telephoto lens does struggle in low light conditions, but they\u2019re certainly serviceable. Judge for yourself with these sample shots.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n8MP telephoto\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n8MP telephoto\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWhile the Galaxy S21 FE feels fast and responsive most of the time, it also has an odd tendency to feel sluggish when I wake the phone from sleep; it\u2019s as if the screen\u2019s refresh rate is set below 60Hz. This issue isn\u2019t unique to my unit either, as other users \nhave reported the same issue\n.\n\n\nGranted, this sluggishness is easily rectified by just locking and unlocking the phone, so I suspect this is a software issue. It\u2019s a little annoying to run into this issue several times a day, so hopefully, Samsung will issue a fix to this soon \u2013 its software support is easily among the best, after all.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the value proposition of the S21 FE. Retailing at RM2,899 and RM3,099 for the 128GB and 256GB models respectively, it\u2019s priced quite close to the current asking price of the standard Galaxy S21.\n\n\nIn fact, you can get the Galaxy S21 \nfor only RM3,088 now\n\u00a0for the 256GB model; slightly more affordable than the S21 FE, which costs RM3,099 for the same storage capacity. On top of that, the regular S21 offers a more sophisticated 64MP telephoto lens too over the 8MP zoom camera of the S21 FE.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nWith that in mind, is the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE worth it then? Well, if the S21\u2019s slightly smaller 6.2-inch screen isn\u2019t for you, then the S21 FE is a good option. But if you\u2019re thinking of getting this phone, keep in mind that the S22 series is also coming \nin the next two weeks\n \u2013 if you can wait, you may want to do so to see what the upcoming phones have to offer.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf the Galaxy S21 FE was slightly more budget-friendly, or if it offered a little bit more for the money \u2013 it would\u2019ve helped if it was launched \nmuch, much earlier\n too \u2013 then perhaps it would\u2019ve been more appealing. As it is, it\u2019s the middling option. Not quite affordable enough, and not quite capable enough.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/walk-in-covid-19-booster-starts-29-january-nationwide-open-to-everyone-above-18/", "title": "Walk-in COVID-19 Booster Starts 29 January Nationwide \u2013 Open to Everyone Above 18", "body": "\n\nIf you still haven\u2019t gotten your COVID-19 booster yet, great news: you can walk-in to any PPV throughout Malaysia to get the booster shot from tomorrow onwards (29 January). This is open to anyone above the age of 18.\n\n\nThis was announced by the Ministry of Health (MOH) through a press statement. Of course, in order to be eligible for a COVID-19 booster, it has to be three months since you\u2019ve received your second dosage of the vaccine. These include Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Sinovac; the three main vaccines administered in Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\nKenyataan Media Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia \nPelaksanaan Vaksinasi Dos Penggalak Secara Walk-In di Semua PPV Seluruh Negara \npic.twitter.com/eY4XD1XpzK\n\u2014 KKMalaysia\ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe (@KKMPutrajaya) \nJanuary 28, 2022\n\n\n\n\nTo ensure a smooth vaccination process, make sure that your MySejahtera app shows your complete vaccination certificate. As for those that don\u2019t have a smartphone, bring along your physical vaccination card instead.\n\n\nWant to find the nearest PPV that offers a COVID-19 booster shot? You can do so over \nhere\n. If you want to get a booster shot at a clinic instead, MOH advises to give the clinic a call first to get an appointment to avoid overcrowding.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/exclusive-mtg-kamigawa-neon-dynasty-card-preview-guardians-of-oboro/", "title": "Exclusive MTG Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty Card Preview \u2013 Guardians of Oboro", "body": "\n\nWe got an exclusive card preview for Magic: The Gathering\u2019s upcoming set, Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty from Wizards of the Coast! Enter Guardians of Oboro, a common rarity blue-aligned Samurai creature with the Defender keyword\u2026and a twist.\n\n\nAs its name suggests, a creature with Defender can only solely defend, so you cannot use it to attack. However, thanks to Guardians of Oboro\u2019s card effect, \nany\n modified creatures you control can attack, even if they have the Defender keyword.\n\n\n\n\nArtist: \nAnna Steinbauer\n\n\nArtist: \nDomco.\n\n\n\n\nOf course, this effect is only applied when Guardians of Oboro is on the battlefield. It is also offered in both regular frame and Samurai frame; the latter features a new art as well. As usual, both versions of the card can be found in both Draft and Set Boosters.\n\n\nMTG\u2019s Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty will be released on 18 February 2022. If you want to pre-order the new set, check with your favourite local game store!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-2-5-arrives-16-february-yae-miko-finally-playable-raiden-shogun-now-weekly-boss/", "title": "Genshin Impact 2.5 Arrives 16 February \u2013 Yae Miko Finally Playable, Raiden Shogun Now Weekly Boss", "body": "\n\nGenshin Impact Version 2.5 looks to be jam-packed with new content. Not only are we (finally) getting Yae Miko as a playable 5-star Electro character, Raiden Shogun will also be a weekly boss now \u2013 she looks to be wielding some terrifying new abilities too.\n\n\nFirst up, Yae Miko. Her event wish will be featured first in Version 2.5 of Genshin Impact, which will go live on 16 February alongside the new update. Phase two of the event wish, on the other hand, is a rerun of Sangonomiya Kokomi and the Raiden Shogun herself.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Raiden Shogun will be featured in a Trounce Domain in Genshin Impact 2.5 as a new weekly boss. Looking at the trailer above, she has a different appearance and some powerful attacks too; Mihoyo even said the Raiden Shogun will \u201cchallenge players with intimidating combat mechanics.\u201d\n\n\nBeyond these additions, Genshin Impact 2.5 will also introduce a new story quest for both the Raiden Shogun and Yae Miko; the former will likely explain why she is now a (terrifying) weekly boss. As usual, a number of events will also run in the new update, which will reward players with Primogems and a new 4-star catalyst, Oathsworn Eye.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact\u2019s Version 2.5 update will be released on 16 February next week. Once the update is live, Yae Miko\u2019s event wish will also be available, followed by the Raiden Shogun\u2019s and Sangonomiya Kokomi\u2019s rerun banners in the second phase.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mihoyo-teases-kamisato-ayato-playable-in-genshin-impact-2-6/", "title": "Mihoyo Teases Kamisato Ayato \u2013 Playable in Genshin Impact 2.6?", "body": "\n\nMihoyo is teasing a new character for Genshin Impact ahead of schedule! The new character is none other than the highly anticipated Kamisato Ayato, which should be playable in the Version 2.6 update.\n\n\nAs his name suggests, Kamisato Ayato is related to \nKamisato Ayaka\n. As the head of the Kamisato Clan, he is said to be a \u201clow-profile and graceful\u201d individual, and that he is \u201cnot a fan of public appearances and does not seek to show his skills overtly,\u201d as Mihoyo describes him. You can even catch a glimpse of him in the video below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\"The game of politics is fraught with peril. My Lord does not take any joy in these 'battles.' For him, it's just\u2026 a matter of duty\" \u2014 Thoma\n\u25c6 Kamisato Ayato \u2027 Pillar of Fortitude\n\u25c6 Head of the Kamisato Clan\n\u25c6 Hydro\n\u25c6 Cypressus Custos\n#GenshinImpact\n \npic.twitter.com/IFLNmM7PHl\n\u2014 Genshin Impact (@GenshinImpact) \nFebruary 4, 2022\n\n\n\n\nLike Mihoyo\u2019s previous character teasers, only some details of Ayato have been revealed. He is confirmed to be a Hydro character, and chances are, he will be a 5-star unit. Although he is wielding a sword in the teaser image, it\u2019s entirely possible he uses a different weapon. \nTartaglia\n, for example, also wields a sword and polearm in his melee form, but he\u2019s actually a bow user.\n\n\nWe\u2019ll find out for sure if Kamisato Ayato will be a playable character in Genshin Impact 2.6 as we approach closer to the release of the new update. The Version 2.5 update \ngoes live on 16 February\n, so it\u2019s possible Version 2.6 will be released sometime in late March 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ghostwire-tokyo-arrives-25-march-ps-plus-members-get-10-discount-on-pre-order/", "title": "Ghostwire: Tokyo Arrives 25 March \u2013 PS Plus Members Get 10% Discount on Pre-Order", "body": "\n\nTango Gameworks and Bethesda have revealed the launch date of Ghostwire: Tokyo. Set to arrive on 25 March 2022, you can get a 10% discount if you pre-order the game on the PlayStation Store \u2013 provided you\u2019re a PlayStation Plus member.\n\n\nTwo versions of Ghostwire are available for pre-order on the PS Store right now. The \nStandard Edition costs RM249\n, while the \nDeluxe Edition is priced at RM339\n \u2013 you can even play the game three days early with this edition. If you\u2019re a PS Plus member, you can get them at RM224.10 and RM305.10 respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to get Ghostwire on PC instead, you can get it at a lower price: it goes for RM179.99 and RM239.99 for the Standard and Deluxe Editions respectively. Of course, you can pre-order the PC version on both \nSteam\n and the \nEpic Games Store\n.\n\n\nAt the moment, pre-orders are only open for the digital version of Ghostwire: Tokyo. The physical copy of the game will be available for pre-order from 15 February onward, though only the Standard Edition is offered. The good news is, you can select from two different designs for the SteelBook case.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGhostwire: Tokyo will be launched on PS5 and PC on 25 March 2022. Wondering how the gameplay is like? Then watch the video above for an extended look at the game.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-continues-to-offer-up-to-rm12000-discount-for-cny-2022-february/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Continues to Offer up to RM12,000 Discount for CNY 2022 (February)", "body": "\n\nLast month, Honda Malaysia\u00a0\noffered up to RM12,000 discounts\n\u00a0for its range of models. For this month \u2013 still in conjunction with Chinese New Year \u2013 the same deal has been extended (though with a couple of changes) for the whole of February 2022.\n\n\nNaturally, \nthe Honda Accord\n gets the best discount. Both the range-topping TC-P and more affordable TC variants of the D-segment sedan receive a generous RM12,000 rebate, though this is only for models manufactured in 2021. If you want a 2022 model instead, you\u2019ll only get a RM3,000 rebate.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe next best deal is for the seven-seater \nHonda BR-V\n. Both the E and V trims get a RM7,000 discount for the 2021 model; RM1,000 savings if you opt for the 2022 model instead. All variants of the 2021 \nHonda HR-V\n, on the other hand, receive a RM5,500 rebate. As for 2022 models of the SUV, you\u2019ll only get a RM1,000 discount.\n\n\nNext is the\u00a0\nHonda City\n, which is offered with a RM4,000 rebate for all 2021 variants, while the 2022 models get a RM1,000 discount. Last but certainly not least is the CR-V: you can get a RM4,000 rebate for all 2021 models, while the 2022 ones are offered with a RM1,000 discount.\n\n\nDo note that these discounts are only applicable for vehicles registered between 1 to 28 February 2022. More information on these discounts can be found \nhere\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to get any of these Honda models with the aforementioned rebates, you can place your booking online\u00a0\nhere\n. Alternatively, bookings can be done through the HondaTouch app as well \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/prism-q86-pro-qe-now-in-malaysia-86-4k-smart-tv-for-only-rm8999/", "title": "PRISM+ Q86 PRO QE Now in Malaysia \u2013 86\u2033 4K Smart TV for Only RM8,999", "body": "\n\nPRISM+ is known for its range of \nmonitors\n and \nsmart TVs\n with excellent value for money, and its latest product, the PRISM+ Q86 PRO QE, is no different. Featuring a massive 86-inch 4K Quantum IPS display, this large Android TV has a surprisingly small price tag \u2013 for a TV this size.\n\n\nRight now, the Q86 PRO QE retails at RM8,999; you\u2019d be hard pressed to find a different Android TV this large at the same price point. On top of that, the TV\u2019s 4K Quantum IPS panel also promises bright, vibrant colours with support for Dolby Vision.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs the Q86 PRO QE is an Android TV, you also have access to over 500 apps on the Google Play Store. You can cast content to the TV too from your mobile device, along with the ability to use voice commands via Google Assistant with the provided remote.\n\n\n\u201cThe launch of our massive PRISM+ Q86 PRO Quantum Edition continues to build on PRISM+\u2019s legacy of making quality home entertainment accessible,\u201d said the country director of PRISM+ Malaysia, Eric Kam.\n\n\n\u201cOur largest screen launched in Malaysia to date reflects the progress we have made as a company; featuring technologies born out of exciting partnerships with market leaders such as Dolby and our continued product development,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, every purchase of the Q86 PRO QE comes with number of benefits. These include a three-year subscription to Viu (worth RM264), free delivery and assembly (worth RM349), and two years of onsite warranty worth RM399.\n\n\nThe PRISM+ Q86 PRO QE is now available for purchase in Malaysia on \nPRISM+\u2019s online store\n for RM8,999. Alternatively, you can also get it on \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n at the same price.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/protons-january-2022-sales-impacted-by-floods-only-4453-units-sold/", "title": "Proton\u2019s January 2022 Sales Impacted by Floods \u2013 Only 4,453 Units Sold", "body": "\n\nIt seems Proton\u2019s sales were affected quite a bit by the floods that hit the Klang Valley area a couple of months ago. Compared to its sales in December 2021 (14,147), the national carmaker only managed to register 4,453 units in January 2022 \u2013 that\u2019s quite a big difference.\n\n\nAccording to Proton, this drop in sales is due to its vendors in Shah Alam that were impacted by the floods, disrupting the production of various models, \nincluding the Proton X50\n. But production of the B-segment SUV was resumed quite quickly, with over 2,601 units delivered last month.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is followed by the Proton X70 with 799 units registered, Persona (694 units), Iriz (229 units), Saga (76 units), and the Exora (54 units). Evidently, the disruption to the production of the Saga \u2013 which is one of Proton\u2019s best-selling models \u2013 contributed the most to the carmaker\u2019s drop in sales for January 2022.\n\n\n\u201cAfter a successful end to 2021, January was a very tough month for Proton. Our short supply situation became magnified by the lack of units being produced, creating a severe shortage for our dealers,\u201d said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n\n\u201cThankfully, production for all our models resumed in January, though some required more time than others. We are, however, confident of meeting our targets for 2022 based on market projections as well as our sales and marketing plans for the rest of the year,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that Proton CEO Li Chunrong (in a \nFacebook post\n) is setting a 150,000 sales target for the national carmaker in 2022. For the sake of context, Proton \nsold 114,708 vehicles\n in 2021 despite the extended COVID-19 lockdowns throughout the year. If things go well, it\u2019s certainly an achievable figure. After all, demands for the \nProton X50\n remains strong.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/get-this-durian-artisan-keycap-from-royal-selangor-for-rm359/", "title": "Get This Durian Artisan Keycap From Royal Selangor for RM359", "body": "\n\nRoyal Selangor, known for its range of pewter-based products, is releasing an artisan keycap shaped after one of Malaysia\u2019s most iconic fruits: the durian. Done in collaboration with local keyboard vendor Rebult Keyboards, this is the first-ever artisan keycap (made of pewter, of course) Royal Selangor is releasing.\n\n\nSo how much does this Durian artisan keycap from Royal Selangor costs? \nA cool RM359\n. Artisan keycaps, believe it or not, can demand \na lot\n of money; sometimes more than the cost of a complete custom keyboard. With that in mind, this pewter durian keycap is not priced (too) exorbitantly.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the Royal Selangor Durian keycap is a limited edition product: only 200 units are available for sale. Each one of them will also come with its own numbered authentication card (and special packaging) from Royal Selangor.\n\n\nHowever, as mentioned, this is the first time Royal Selangor is making such a keycap, so there are some imperfections that are considered acceptable. Due to how the mold to produce the keycap is constructed, the base is slightly off-centre, resulting in a larger gap between the Durian keycap and the key to the right when it\u2019s installed on a keyboard.\n\n\nThere\u2019s also a slight \u201cspillover\u201d appearance between the base of the keycap and the durian sculpture itself, which is attributed to its shape and casting process.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, there\u2019s no denying that this Royal Selangor Durian artisan keycap is a unique offering, even with its RM359 price tag. There\u2019s also the fact that it is completely made in Malaysia, so if you\u2019re interested to grab it, you can do so on 19 February at 10PM on \nRebult Keyboards\u2019 online store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-strix-flare-ii-animate-hands-on-hotswap-support-intriguing-rog-nx-switch/", "title": "Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate Hands-On: Hotswap Support, Intriguing ROG NX Switch", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019re seeing more and more pre-built mechanical keyboards from bigger brands with hotswap support, which lets users easily swap out the keyboard\u2019s switches to their liking. The latest brand to release such a product is none other than Asus with the Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate \u2013 yes, it\u2019s a mouthful.\n\n\nNot only does it feature a hotswap PCB, it also comes with a unique AniMe Matrix LED display on the top right corner of the keyboard; not unlike the one found on the \nZephyrus G14\n gaming laptop. Aside from that, the ROG NX Brown switch on the Flare II is\u2026surprisingly good too!\n\n\nIf you want a fuss-free pre-built keyboard with hotswap support, a unique LED display, and bright RGB lighting, the Flare II is worth a look \u2013 read on to find out why.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJust like Asus\u2019 other mechanical keyboards, the ROG Strix Flare II Animate is a full-size keyboard, complete with a function row and numpad. As mentioned, it features a hotswap PCB as well, but unfortunately, it only supports three-pin switches.\n\n\nOf course, it\u2019s still possible to use five-pin switches with the Flare II; you just have to snip off the extra two plastic pins on the bottom of the switch. It\u2019s a little bit annoying, but hey, if you\u2019re fond of a particular five-pin switch, it\u2019s worth the effort.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Flare II review unit we received is fitted with Asus\u2019 ROG NX Brown switch \u2013 made by Kailh, as evident by the Kailh logo on the bottom of the switch \u2013 with a 58g peak actuation force. Usually, \u201cbrown switches\u201d have very light tactility, but that is not the case at all with the ROG NX Brown, much to my surprise.\n\n\nRather, the NX Brown switch has a pronounced, rounded tactile event that starts at the very top of the downstroke. While it\u2019s not as tactile as, say, the \nGazzew Boba U4T\n or \nAnubis\n, it\u2019s comfortably a medium tactile switch.\n\n\nOn top of that, it has reasonably minimal stem wobble as well, though it also has a slight scratchiness throughout the downstroke.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe keycap set of the Flare II is worth a mention as well. Asus said these are double shot PBT keycaps with \u201cshortened stems and mid-height profiles\u201d to reduce key wobble and improve ergonomics. Compared to OEM keycaps, this keycap set definitely has a lower profile; almost like a Cherry profile, in fact.\n\n\nIt\u2019s comfortable to type on this lower profile keycap for long periods of time, but I\u2019m not a big fan of the keycaps\u2019 rough texture. Although PBT keycaps are usually rougher than their ABS equivalents, the Flare II\u2019s PBT keycaps are \nespecially\n rough. It would\u2019ve been nice if the keycaps were a tad smoother for a more pleasant typing experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSince we\u2019re on the topic, how is it like typing on the Flare II? Well, it feels like any other Asus mechanical keyboards. It\u2019s a stiff keyboard with no flex at all, so if you want a firm typing experience, you\u2019ll get just that with the Flare II. This is really a typical trait of most pre-built keyboards.\n\n\nAs for the sound profile of the Flare II, it has a relatively loud, plasticky sound signature \u2013 again, a typical trait of a pre-built mechanical keyboard. The stabilisers, on the other hand, have a little bit of ticking and rattling, especially on the spacebar.\n\n\nWhile the Flare II\u2019s stabilisers have some factory lube out of the box, adding more lube should be able to eliminate these undesirable issues quite a bit.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s move on to more positive aspects of the Flare II, such as its media control keys. The metal scroll wheel \u2013 which controls the volume \u2013 feels \nvery \nsatisfying to use with subtle clicks as you scroll. You can even use the toggle to reverse or skip track, or use the circular button on the side to pause playback.\n\n\nThere\u2019s also the AniMe Matrix LED display of the Flare II. Not only can you customise it to show your own animations, it\u2019s also used to show some useful information. As you adjust the volume with the scroll wheel, for example, the LED display will show the volume level.\n\n\nNaturally, the Flare II has some bright RGB lighting too. The legends are also translucent, so you get the full per-key RGB effect on every key.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, the Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate is really quite a decent pre-built keyboard. It has a unique LED display, very useful media keys made of metal, and of course, hotswap support for more customisation options.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the Malaysian pricing of the Flare II has not been revealed yet, so it\u2019s a little hard to judge whether it\u2019s worth it or not. But for the sake of comparison, it retails at $220 in the US, which comes up to about RM920.\n\n\nThat\u2019s a steep price tag, to be sure, but the Flare II does offer a number of unique features; some of which are not even found on a custom keyboard. We were told that the keyboard will be coming to Malaysia sometime in March 2022 next month, so we\u2019ll find out then how much the Flare 2 will cost locally.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-akko-acr67-review-very-pink-very-budget-friendly-acrylic-keyboard/", "title": "Video: Akko ACR67 Review \u2013 Very Pink, Very Budget-Friendly Acrylic Keyboard", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe \nAkko ACR67\n is the perfect entry-point to the custom mechanical keyboard hobby. Not only is it affordable, it also has a number of attractive features, including an acrylic case, a gasket mount design, and even a hotswap PCB.\n\n\nHow much do you have to pay for these features? \nOnly RM289.99 on Shopee Malaysia\n. If you\u2019re not in Malaysia, you can get it for $85.99 (about RM360) \ndirectly from Akko\u2019s online store\n. Really, there\u2019s no denying the sheer value for money the ACR67 offers.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re not sure the Akko ACR67 is for you, watch our full review of the affordable keyboard in the video above. Of course, as with all of our keyboard reviews, there\u2019s also a sound test at the end of the video!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/temperature-checks-log-books-no-longer-part-of-covid-19-sop-from-11-february-2022/", "title": "Temperature Checks & Log Books No Longer Part of COVID-19 SOP From 11 February 2022", "body": "\n\nLate last month\n, the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced that temperature checks will no longer be a part of COVID-19 SOP, though the decision has to be brought forward to the National Security Council (MKN) first. Well, it\u2019s now official: temperature checks are not necessary anymore from 11 February 2022.\n\n\nThis was confirmed by defence minister Hishammuddin Hussein on a Twitter post. According to him, log books for visitors to register themselves will no longer be required either. This will go into effect on the same day (11 February).\n\n\n\n\nTaking into account \n@Khairykj\n & \n@KKMPutrajaya\n's briefing in today's COVID-19 Quartet Ministerial, temperature checks & log books are no longer needed at premises from Friday, 11 Feb\nHowever, checking in with the MySejahtera application is still mandatory & required as per normal\n\u2014 Hishammuddin Hussein \ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe (@HishammuddinH2O) \nFebruary 8, 2022\n\n\n\n\nOf course, it\u2019s still mandatory to check in to premises with the MySejahtera app. Previously, folks who don\u2019t pass the temperature check won\u2019t be allowed to enter the premise. But given the high vaccination rate in Malaysia now \u2013 so there\u2019s less chance of transmission \u2013 it\u2019s likely the SOP is revised to reflect this.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-unleashed-with-s-pen-snapdragon-8-gen-1-for-malaysian-market/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Unleashed With S Pen \u2013 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 For Malaysian Market", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is finally official, and just as the leaks suggest, it now comes with a built-in S Pen \u2013 the signature feature of the much beloved Galaxy Note lineup. Aside from the S Pen, the S22 Ultra even has the familiar angular design of the Note series.\n\n\nWithout a doubt the Galaxy S22 Ultra is made for fans of the Galaxy Note. In fact, it\u2019s really a Note device in all but name; after all, it carries over the same design language and S Pen. Well, not exactly: the S Pen has been improved with less latency, which makes for a more fluid writing experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, unlike previous Galaxy S devices, the S22 Ultra for the Malaysian market is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset instead of Samsung\u2019s own Exynos 2200. If you\u2019ve always wanted the Qualcomm variant of a Galaxy S phone, you can get just that with the new S22 series.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy S22 Ultra include a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, up to 512GB of storage and 12GB of RAM, a quad camera system (108MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide + 10MP 3x telephoto + 10MP 10x telephoto), a 40MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Malaysian availability and pricing of the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra have not been revealed yet, though we reckon Samsung Malaysia will make an announcement very soon. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye for any relevant details.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nSamsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Starts at RM5,099 in Malaysia\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-samsung-galaxy-s22-s22-feature-new-flatter-design-snapdragon-8-gen-1/", "title": "The Samsung Galaxy S22 & S22+ Feature New, Flatter Design & Snapdragon 8 Gen 1", "body": "\n\nLaunched alongside the Galaxy S22 Ultra are the smaller (and more affordable) Samsung Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22+. Unlike the S22 Ultra\u2019s curved display and rounded sides, the standard S22 and S22+ sport a flatter, more ergonomically-friendly frame in a smaller form factor.\n\n\nThis is really one of the biggest changes to the Galaxy S22 and S22+. Thanks to the flat sides of the two phones, they are much easier to hold, making them more ergonomically-friendly. The glass back panel of both phones also have a slight bevel near the frame; a nice, small touch for that extra bit of refinement.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSamsung Galaxy S22\n\n\n\n\nSamsung Galaxy S22+\n\n\n\n\nJust like the Galaxy S22 Ultra, the standard S22 and S22+ are also powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset for the Malaysian market. This is quite a surprise, given that the Malaysian market usually gets the Exynos variant.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy S22 and S22+ include a FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate at 6.1-inch and 6.6-inch respectively, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle + 10MP telephoto), a 10MP selfie camera, 8GB of RAM, and either 128GB or 256GB of internal storage.\n\n\nAs for battery capacity, the S22 has a 3,700mAh battery (25W fast charging), while the S22+ features a larger 4,500mAh cell with faster 45W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Malaysian pricing and availability of the Samsung Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22+ have not been detailed yet. But if previous launches are any indication, we reckon Samsung Malaysia will reveal these information (and pre-order details) very soon.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nSamsung Galaxy S22 & S22+ Malaysian Pricing Revealed \u2013 From RM3,499\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-hands-on-the-galaxy-note-in-all-but-name/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Hands On: The Galaxy Note in All But Name", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Galaxy Note is back. Well, sort of. Enter the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, which is \nessentially\n a Note device in all but name. It has the same design language, it has a large display, and most importantly, it has a built-in S Pen \u2013 new and improved with lower latency, to boot.\n\n\nWithout a doubt the Galaxy S22 Ultra is made for fans of the Galaxy Note series, even if it\u2019s marketed under a different name. Beyond its Note-esque features, the S22 Ultra is also easily one of Samsung\u2019s most interesting flagships yet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about the Galaxy S22 Ultra\u2019s S Pen. Thanks to its lower latency, the writing experience is more fluid than ever. In short, it feels very, very natural to write using the S Pen; almost like I\u2019m physically scribbling on a piece of paper. Almost.\n\n\nThe S Pen itself sees a slight revision as well. Previously, it was just a simple plastic stylus, but the S22 Ultra\u2019s S Pen has a slightly rubberised texture for a more comfortable grip. I also like the fact that it\u2019s finished in black now \u2013 it contrasts very well with the Phantom White colourway.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, I\u2019m quite a fan of the Burgundy colour option. Depending on the lighting, it can appear as a shade of dark red, brown, or even purple. The Green model looks quite good too; it\u2019s similar to turquoise, in my opinion.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAesthetically, the Galaxy S22 Ultra can easily pass off as a Note device with its flat top and bottom, giving it an angular appearance. The sides of the phone, however, are rounded; it\u2019s almost like the display and glass back panel of the S22 Ultra are wrapping around the frame. All in all, this makes for a premium phone in looks and feel.\n\n\nWhat about the display quality of the S22 Ultra? Not surprisingly, it\u2019s a stunning 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel. According to Samsung, this is the brightest screen ever on a Galaxy S device with a peak brightness of \n1,750 nits\n. Naturally, it also supports HDR10+ with 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut.\n\n\nOf course, the S22 Ultra\u2019s display has a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate too, and it can go as low as 1Hz, depending on the content shown on the screen.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the performance department, the Malaysian market is getting the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 version of the Galaxy S22 Ultra instead of the Exynos 2200 variant. This is quite a surprise, given that our market usually gets the Exynos version of the Galaxy S series.\n\n\nNonetheless, in my brief time with the S22 Ultra, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 feels very fast and zippy; as expected of a 2022 flagship chipset. I didn\u2019t manage to run any demanding mobile games on the phone, but I reckon it will be able to handle them without any performance hiccup.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDespite having to make space for a slot to keep the S Pen, the battery capacity of the Galaxy S22 Ultra is still the same as its predecessor\u2019s at 5,000mAh. The fast charging has also been upgraded to 45W from 25W. While this is a good change, it\u2019s still not quite as fast as its competition, some of which already support \n120W charging\n.\n\n\nLast but not least is the quad camera system of the Galaxy S22 Ultra. It\u2019s made up of a 108MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter, a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and another 10MP lens with 10x optical zoom instead. Collectively, these telephoto sensors allow the phone to do 100x Space Zoom.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile the S22 Ultra\u2019s camera configuration is similar to the S21 Ultra, the sensors are now bigger with improved low light performance. After all, bigger sensors can absorb more light. Unfortunately, I wasn\u2019t able to test the new camera thoroughly \u2013 we weren\u2019t allowed to share any sample shots taken with the S22 Ultra at the media briefing either.\n\n\nBut for what it\u2019s worth, the quad camera system does feel very capable. All four shooters can lock in focus quickly, images look very flattering with good details and dynamic range, and of course, the camera interface feels responsive with no hint of sluggishness.\n\n\nSamsung has consistently delivered excellent camera performance with its flagship phones, so needless to say, I\u2019m quite excited to put the S22 Ultra\u2019s camera system through its paces in a full review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is a very promising flagship smartphone. Not only is it the first device in the S series to get a built-in S Pen, it also offers fast performance, a bright, stunning display, and an even more capable camera system.\n\n\nBut all of these impressive features also demand for a matching price tag: \nstarting at RM5,099\n for the base 128GB model \u2013 up to RM5,899 for the range-topping 512GB variant \u2013 there\u2019s no denying that the Galaxy S22 Ultra carries a premium price tag.\n\n\nNow, whether or not this asking price is justified\u2026we can only fairly assess in a full review of the spiritual successor to the Galaxy Note.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/10-16-february-fuel-price-ron-97-up-9-sen-others-unchanged/", "title": "10 \u2013 16 February Fuel Price: RON 97 up 9 Sen, Others Unchanged", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 is set to increase by quite a big margin this week. From 10 to 16 February, RON 97 will go up by \n9 sen per litre\n for the next seven days. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.\n\n\nFrom tomorrow onwards until Wednesday next week, the price of RON 97 is set at RM3.21 per litre (up from RM3.12). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 10 to 16 February 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for fuel price update!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-starts-at-rm5099-in-malaysia/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Starts at RM5,099 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSamsung Malaysia just revealed the local pricing of the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. Retailing from RM5,099, its starting price is slightly higher compared to the previous model, the \nGalaxy S21 Ultra\n.\n\n\nThree different variants of the S22 Ultra are offered in Malaysia. The base model with 128GB of storage and 8GB RAM costs RM5,099, while the mid-tier 256GB configuration with 12GB of RAM goes for RM5,499. The range-topping 512GB variant (also with 12GB of RAM), on the other hand, is priced at RM5,899.\n\n\nThis flagship phone will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 10 February onwards.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the S22 Ultra is priced slightly higher. The 128GB variant of the S21 Ultra, for one, was priced at RM4,999 \u2013 that\u2019s RM100 less. The 256GB and 512GB models, on the other hand, went for RM5,299 (RM200 less) and RM5,899 (the exact same price).\n\n\nOf course, given all the upgrades you\u2019re getting with the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra \u2013 including the much loved S Pen and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset \u2013 this price difference makes sense. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the S22 Ultra, check out our \nhands-on of the spiritual successor to the Galaxy Note\n. \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-s22-malaysian-pricing-revealed-from-rm3499/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S22 & S22+ Malaysian Pricing Revealed \u2013 From RM3,499", "body": "\n\nIf the RM5,099 starting price of the Galaxy S22 Ultra is out of your budget, consider the more affordable Samsung Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22+. Retailing from RM3,499, the standard S22 is priced quite a bit lower.\n\n\nBoth the Galaxy S22 and S22+ are offered in two variants for our market. The regular S22 retails at RM3,499 and RM3,699 for the 128GB and 256GB models respectively. As for the bigger S22+, it costs RM4,099 and RM4,299 for the 128GB and 256GB configurations respectively.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re wondering, all variants of the S22 and S22+ feature 8GB of RAM.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSamsung Galaxy S22\n\n\n\n\nSamsung Galaxy S22+\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, both the Galaxy S22 and S22+ are powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset for the Malaysian market. This is quite a surprise, given that the Malaysian market usually gets the Exynos variant.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy S22 and S22+ include a FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate at 6.1-inch and 6.6-inch respectively, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle + 10MP telephoto), a 10MP selfie camera, 8GB of RAM, and either 128GB or 256GB of internal storage.\n\n\nAs for battery capacity, the S22 has a 3,700mAh battery (25W fast charging), while the S22+ features a larger 4,500mAh cell with faster 45W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22+ will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 10 February onwards. To recap, the standard S22 starts at RM3,499, while the S22+ is priced from RM4,099.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-note-11-pro-5g-11-pro-land-in-malaysia-starts-at-rm999/", "title": "Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G & 11 Pro Land in Malaysia \u2013 Starts at RM999", "body": "\n\nThe Redmi Note 11 series has just been launched in Malaysia. The lineup is headlined by the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G, followed by the standard Pro model. Naturally, both phones are priced quite competitively.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the more budget-friendly phone of the two, the Redmi Note 11 Pro. Retailing at RM999 (128GB + 6GB) and RM1,099 (128GB + 8GB), it features a MediaTek Helio G96 processor. The higher-end Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G, on the other hand, goes for RM1,199 (128GB + 6GB) and RM1,299 (128GB + 8GB) with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset instead.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere are also a number of pre-order deals for the two phones. The base model of the Note 11 Pro 5G can be purchased for only RM1,099 with a free Redmi Buds 3, while the standard Pro variant (128GB + 6GB) gets a RM50 discount with a Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 thrown in for free.\n\n\nAs for the higher-end 128GB + 8GB variants of the two phones, every online pre-order is bundled with a Mi Smart Band 6. Now, beyond the different chipset, both phones are quite similar to each other. They are packed with a 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, along with a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 67W fast wired charging.\n\n\nCuriously, in the camera department, the standard Redmi Note 11 Pro features a quad camera system (108MP main + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), but the 5G model omits the depth sensor. Aside from that, both phones also have a 16MP selfie camera.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G and the \nregular\n \nPro model\n will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from 11 to 18 February. You can place your order through \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-note-11-note-11s-now-in-malaysia-from-rm749/", "title": "Redmi Note 11 & Note 11S Now in Malaysia From RM749", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nPro models\n, the Redmi Note 11 and Note 11S are also introduced in Malaysia today. Naturally, these two phones are more affordable than their Pro counterparts, while still offering reasonably good hardware.\n\n\nThe more affordable device of the two is the Redmi Note 11, which costs RM749 (128GB + 4GB) and RM799 (128GB + 6GB) with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset. The Note 11S, on the other hand, is powered by a MediaTek Helio G96 processor for RM899 (128GB + 6GB) and RM999 (128GB + 8GB).\n\n\nOf course, early birds who pre-order the two phones online tomorrow will get freebies. You can get a RM100 discount on the base model of the Note 11S (RM50 for the Note 11), while the higher-end models are bundled with a Redmi Buds 3.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Redmi Note 11S\n\n\n\n\nThe price difference between the two phones (aside from the different processor) lies in the camera. While both phones feature a quad camera system with the same 8MP ultra-wide shooter, 2MP macro lens, and 2MP depth sensor, the Note 11S has a 108MP primary camera, while the regular Note 11 features a 50MP main shooter.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Redmi Note 11 and Note 11S include a 6.43-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a 16MP selfie camera (13MP for the standard Note 11), and a 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast wired charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Redmi Note 11\n\n\n\n\nThe \nRedmi Note 11\n and Note 11S will be available for purchase in Malaysia from tomorrow onwards (11 February). You can get them at authorised Xiaomi stores or online from \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mtg-kamigawa-neon-dynasty-releases-18-february-features-artwork-by-metal-gear-solid-artist/", "title": "MTG Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty Releases 18 February \u2013 Features Artwork by Metal Gear Solid Artist", "body": "\n\nMagic: The Gathering\u2019s latest set, \nKamigawa: Neon Dynasty\n, will be released next week for tabletop on 18 February. Based on the original Kamigawa block that was released back in 2004, Neon Dynasty features new and returning mechanics, along with an artwork done by Yoji Shinkawa of Metal Gear Solid fame.\n\n\nShinkawa did the artwork for the full-art version of Satoru Umezawa, a human ninja legendary creature. The card can only be gotten through the Buy-a-Box Promo for Neon Dynasty. That is, you can only get this version of the card if you buy a Set, Draft, or Collector Booster box.\n\n\nAlternatively, purchasing six pre-release packs will get you the card too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, there are some interesting mechanics in Neon Dynasty. Cards with Ninjutsu (a returning mechanic), for one, can be put into play already attacking by swapping with an unblocked creature on the battlefield. There\u2019s also Reconfigure, a new mechanic that \u201cimbues creatures with the ability to equip themselves to other creatures and confer new bonuses.\u201d\n\n\nWizards of the Coast will be releasing Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty on 18 February next week. If you want to purchase this latest Magic: The Gathering set, check with your favourite local game store!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/pre-order-the-samsung-galaxy-s22-series-get-rm800-voucher/", "title": "Pre-Order the Samsung Galaxy S22 Series & Get RM800 Voucher", "body": "\n\nPre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy S22 series are now open in Malaysia. As with Samsung Malaysia\u2019s previous pre-orders, you\u2019ll get some sweet incentives by getting the latest flagship phones early, including a generous RM800 voucher.\n\n\nAs long as you place your pre-order for any devices in the S22 series by 3 March, you\u2019ll get a RM800 e-voucher; it can be used to purchase items on \nSamsung Malaysia\u2019s online store\n. On top of that, you\u2019ll also receive a silicone cover with strap, and a \u201clucky box\u201d that includes a wide strap with a random design to be used with the silicone cover.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere is also one other freebie for early pre-orders, depending on which device you get. Those who purchase the S22 Ultra will get the Galaxy X LAMY Safari Twin Pen, while every pre-order of the S22 and S22+ will be bundled with a camera filter mount.\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S22 series is now available for pre-order on \nSamsung Malaysia\u2019s online store\n. Want to learn more about the S22 Ultra? Then read our hands-on of the spiritual successor to the Galaxy Note \nright here\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mi-2k-gaming-monitor-27-coming-to-malaysia-soon-for-rm1699/", "title": "Xiaomi Mi 2K Gaming Monitor 27\u2033 Coming to Malaysia Soon for RM1,699", "body": "\n\nLaunched alongside the \nRedmi Note\n \n11 series\n is the Xiaomi Mi 2K Gaming Monitor 27\u2033. As its name suggests, it is a fast 27-inch gaming-centric monitor with an affordable price tag.\n\n\nPriced at RM1,699, the Mi 2K Gaming Monitor offers reasonably good value. For that kind of money, it features a (obviously) 27-inch 2560 x 1440 screen with a fast 165Hz refresh rate, support for adaptive sync, and even wide viewing angles thanks to the IPS panel.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nXiaomi also promises good colour accuracy with the Mi 2K Gaming Monitor. After all, it covers 132% of the sRGB colour space, along with 95% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut. With a max brightness of 400 nits and support for VESA DisplayHDR 400, it should be a pleasant monitor for content consumption as well.\n\n\nUnfortunately, there\u2019s no confirmation on exactly when the Xiaomi Mi 2K Gaming Monitor 27\u2033 will be available for purchase in Malaysia, though we were told it will be landing here very soon. To recap, this gaming monitor retails at RM1,699 for the Malaysian market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/pre-orders-for-ps5-open-yet-again-from-sony-centre-mid-valley/", "title": "Pre-Orders for PS5 Open Yet Again From Sony Centre Mid Valley", "body": "\n\nMore than a year after its arrival in Malaysia\n, it\u2019s still a challenge to get a unit of the highly sought-after PlayStation 5. If you\u2019re feeling lucky, good news: Sony Centre Mid Valley is accepting pre-orders of the PS5 yet again.\n\n\nWell, sort of. In order to be in the running for a \nchance\n to pre-order the PS5, you\u2019ll have to fill up \nthis form\n. If you\u2019re fortunate enough to be selected, you will be contacted on 14 February \u2013 now wouldn\u2019t that be a great Valentine\u2019s Day \u2013 to finalise your pre-order of the next-gen console.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo note that you only have until 12 February at 10PM tomorrow morning to register your interest for the PS5 pre-order. This isn\u2019t a first-come, first-served sale either; filling up the form just means you\u2019re in the running to be chosen to pre-order the PS5.\n\n\nWhile it wasn\u2019t mentioned, it\u2019s likely that stocks are very limited, so don\u2019t be disheartened if you\u2019re not chosen to pre-order the PS5. If you want a better chance of securing a unit, we recommend checking in with your favourite game shop to get into the waiting list \u2013 if the store has one.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hearthstone-mini-set-onyxias-lair-coming-15-february/", "title": "Hearthstone Mini-Set, Onyxia\u2019s Lair, Coming 15 February", "body": "\n\nBlizzard just announced a new Mini-Set for \nHearthstone\n\u2018s current Fractured in Alterac Valley expansion, Onyxia\u2019s Lair. Set to introduce 35 new cards to the game, the Mini-Set can be purchased with cash or in-game gold \u2013 there\u2019s even an all-Golden set if you\u2019re feeling\u2026extravagant.\n\n\nOnyxia\u2019s Lair Mini-Set bundles 66 cards, which are multiple copies of the 35 new cards. These are made up of 4 Legendary cards (x1), 1 Epic card (x2), 14 Rare cards (x2), and 16 Common cards (x2). How much does the Mini-Set cost? $14.99 (about RM60) or 2,000 in-game gold.\n\n\nWhat about the all-Golden set? Well, that will set you back $69.99 (approximately RM295).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe first Mini-Set (Darkmoon Races) was introduced back in January 2021 as part of the Madness at the Darkmoon Faire expansion. Generally, Mini-Sets offer great value, especially for free-to-play players. If you\u2019ve got 2,000 gold lying around, it\u2019s definitely worth getting the new Mini-Set once it drops next week.\n\n\nOnyxia\u2019s Lair will be available in Hearthstone come 15 February next week. So far, a limited number of cards in the Mini-Set have been revealed \u2013 you can follow \nHearthstone\u2019s Twitter account\n to see the new cards as they\u2019re unveiled over the next few days.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-s22-hands-on-better-design-brighter-screens-slight-price-hike/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S22 & S22+ Hands-On: Better Design, Brighter Screens, Slight Price Hike", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22+ may not get the \u201cNote DNA\u201d like the bigger \nS22 Ultra\n, but for those that don\u2019t need the S Pen, these two flagship phones are now better than ever. Not only do they get a slightly redesigned, more ergonomically-friendly chassis, they also get some noteworthy upgrades in other aspects.\n\n\nOf course, with these added improvements, there is a slight price hike, but curiously, this only applies to the Galaxy S22+ and S22 Ultra. Anyway, if you\u2019re looking for a capable, sleek flagship phone, it\u2019s worth shortlisting the standard S22 and S22+.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S22+\n\n\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk prices. The Galaxy S22 is offered in two variants: 128GB (RM3,499) and 256GB (RM3,699), both with 8GB of RAM. Compared to its predecessor, the S22 sits at the \nexact\n same price points. Given all of the upgrades you\u2019re getting with the new model, it\u2019s great that Samsung managed to retain the same prices.\n\n\nIt\u2019s a little different for the larger Galaxy S22+. Also offered in two models \u2013 both with 8GB of RAM as well \u2013 the 128GB configuration goes for RM4,099 (a RM100 increase over the S21+), while the 256GB variant costs RM4,299 (no price increase!). That\u2019s right, if you want the 256GB model, you\u2019re paying the same amount of money for the S22+.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S22\n\n\n\n\nUnlike the Galaxy S21 series, the differences between the S22 and S22+ are not quite as much. The two phones only differ in three areas: display, charging speed, and of course, battery capacity.\n\n\nThe S22+ has a larger (and brighter) 6.6-inch Full HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, while the S22 is packed with a similar, but more compact 6.1-inch panel. Naturally, both of them have a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate between 10Hz to 120Hz.\n\n\nIn terms of charging speed, the Galaxy S22 can do up to 45W fast charging, while the regular S22 maxes out at 25W. As for battery capacity, the S22+ has a 4,500mAh cell; 3,700mAh battery for the S22.\n\n\n\n\nFrom left: Galaxy S22 Ultra, Galaxy S22+, Galaxy S22\n\n\nThe Galaxy S22 next to the S22 Ultra\n\n\n\n\nBeyond these differences, the Galaxy S22 and S22+ share the same hardware. These include a fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset \u2013 yes, the Malaysian market is finally getting the Snapdragon version instead of the usual Exynos variant \u2013 the same triple camera system (50MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle + 10MP telephoto), and a 10MP selfie camera.\n\n\nThat means you can expect to get the same level of performance and camera capability with the Galaxy S22 and S22+, not to mention the same build quality. After all, last year\u2019s S21 had a polycarbonate back, while the S21+ got a more premium glass back.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, I really, \nreally\n like the new design of the S22 and S22+. Aside from the fact that both phone feature glass backs now, their frames are also flatter. This makes for a more ergonomically-friendly device, as it\u2019s much easier to get a good grip on the phone with the flat sides.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the glass back panel of both phones also have a slight bevel near the frame. It\u2019s a small touch, to be sure, but it does give the devices that \nextra \nbit of refinement. All in all, these are well-built, premium-looking phones that also feel great in the hands.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother positive of the Galaxy S22 and S22+ are their bright and vibrant Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays. Though the S22+\u2019s screen is brighter on paper, both of them look equally stunning with deep blacks, wide viewing angles, and fast refresh rate for an extra fluid user experience.\n\n\nWhile the Full HD+ resolution of the S22 and S22+\u2019s displays don\u2019t quite compare to the sharper QHD+ panel of the S22 Ultra, it\u2019s really a non-issue \u2013 in my opinion, at least. Unless you\u2019re comparing the two displays side-by-side, it\u2019s not easy to tell the difference in screen quality.\n\n\nIn short, you\u2019re still getting a stunning, vibrant AMOLED screen with the S22 and S22+.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the camera performance of the Galaxy S22 and S22+. In my brief time with the two phones at the media preview, the triple camera system feels very capable with fast autofocus, good detail preservation, and responsive camera interface.\n\n\nUnfortunately, we weren\u2019t allowed to share images taken with the two phones at the preview, and given the brief nature of my testing, I can\u2019t quite give a definitive impression of the camera performance. For what it\u2019s worth, the images I took with the phones do look very promising.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOverall, the Samsung Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22+ improved upon their respective predecessors quite a bit, especially the former. Not only does it retain its (relatively) compact form factor, the S22 finally gets more premium build quality \u2013 while still sitting at the same price points.\n\n\nYes, the S22 and S22+ are not significantly different over the previous models, but Samsung has made improvements in areas that matter. As a result, these two phones are more refined, sleeker, and most importantly, more ergonomically-friendly with flatter sides.\n\n\nYes, I really do like the redesigned chassis of the two phones quite a bit. You have to hold them in person to grasp just how nice they feel in the hands now!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/horizon-forbidden-west-ps5-review-game-of-the-year-material/", "title": "Horizon Forbidden West (PS5) Review: Game of the Year Material", "body": "\n\nHorizon Forbidden West is finally here. This highly anticipated sequel to the original Horizon Zero Dawn brings with it a slew of new mechanics, vast graphics improvements, and most importantly (in my opinion), a continuation of a very engrossing narrative.\n\n\nEven though there are some aspects of the game that could\u2019ve been better \u2013 there are a number of graphics issue \u2013 it is still a strong contender for 2022\u2019s game of the year. Whether you\u2019re a (lucky) PS5 or PS4 owner, Horizon Forbidden West is absolutely worth picking up.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nAfter saving the world from extinction in the first game, Aloy now has to venture to the Forbidden West to\u2026well, save the world yet again from another threat. On her journey there, she will meet old friends, ally with warring new factions, and of course, unravel the mysteries of the ancient past.\n\n\nAvailable on both the PS4 and PS5, Forbidden West is \npriced at RM249 and RM299 respectively\n. However, do note that the more affordable PS4 copy offers a digital upgrade to the PS5 version, saving you RM50. But if you prefer getting a physical copy instead, this doesn\u2019t matter.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPhysical copies of the game cost the same, though there are more options to choose from, including an exorbitant Regalla Edition for an eye-watering RM1,099. You do get quite a lot of items for that kind of money, including a statue of Aloy and Tremortusk.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nHorizon Zero Dawn tells one of the most engrossing storylines I\u2019ve come across, so naturally, I was looking forward to how Forbidden West will continue the narrative. Without going into spoiler territory, suffice to say that I\u2019m very happy with how the story turned out\u2026for the most part.\n\n\nWhile I\u2019m not particularly satisfied with the ending, I do love the plot and character development of Forbidden West. Zero Dawn had some big expositions, and Forbidden West expands upon them in a meaningful manner. Guerrilla Games certainly knows how to craft a good story.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, it\u2019s quite a lengthy story too! I focused almost solely on progressing the main quest of Forbidden West \u2013 while also taking the time to upgrade some of my equipment \u2013 and I only saw the credits roll after crossing the 28-hour mark.\n\n\nFurther improving the narrative of Horizon Forbidden West are the amazing facial expressions of character models. Every emotion is rendered very well, and this even extends to seemingly random NPCs in side quests. Paired with excellent voice acting and visual fidelity, it provides a very immersive experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, Horizon Forbidden West looks amazing on the PS5, especially in Fidelity mode. Aloy\u2019s character model is \npainstakingly \ndetailed, and the environment looks equally detailed and lush. The only downside to Fidelity mode is having the frame rate set at 30fps (as far as I can tell).\n\n\nI prefer getting a higher frame rate over visual fidelity \u2013 especially for an action-packed game like this \u2013 so I played the game almost exclusively on Performance mode, which seems to push the frame rate to 60fps. The screenshots you see in this review are all taken in this performance setting.\n\n\nOf course, Forbidden West doesn\u2019t look quite as sharp in Performance mode, but unless you\u2019re comparing the two side-by-side, the difference in quality is not immediately noticeable. For context, here\u2019s a comparison between Fidelity and Performance mode.\n\n\nFidelity mode (left) and Performance mode\n\n\nGameplay wise, Horizon Forbidden West is a ton of fun. The combat system, for one, is quite a bit more complex (in a good way). Melee combat has added intricacies now, and the new Valor Surge system offers different ability augmentations to suit players\u2019 different playstyles.\n\n\nAside from that, Forbidden West\u2019s open world is \nvery vas\nt, not to mention filled to the brim with content. Even after spending more than 30 hours in the game, my completion rate is still only at a mere 28%. Basically, you can expect hours upon hours of content in Forbidden West.\n\n\nOh, did I mention you get to \nfly \nnow? Exploring the open world has never been more fun.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least are Forbidden West\u2019s use of the DualSense\u2019s refined haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Whether I\u2019m soaring in the sky or galloping across the field, the DualSense\u2019s vibration motors can convey these experiences very well.\n\n\nOf course, the adaptive triggers add another element of immersion too. I can feel the triggers \u201ctightening\u201d as Aloy draws back on the bow, and using heavier weapons change how the triggers behave too.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nEven though Horizon Forbidden West looks stunning on the PS5, there are a number of issues. In certain cutscenes, especially when there are a lot of elements on the screen, the resolution drops quite a bit. Just look at the screenshot below:\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ve got something on your face, Aloy\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, there are some graphical glitches and clipping throughout my time in Forbidden West; the game even crashed in the middle of a quest once. Needless to say, these issues do affect the overall immersion of the game.\n\n\nHowever, we were told that Forbidden West will get a day one patch that would solve a slew of bugs, which could include these as well. Hopefully, players won\u2019t be facing any of these issues once the patch is live.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of loading times, Forbidden West does load the game relatively quickly, even when I\u2019m fast travelling from one corner of the map to another. However, an update in the middle of the review period somehow made the loading times longer, though it\u2019s still fast enough to not be much of an annoyance.\n\n\nMy last qualm with Forbidden West isn\u2019t a big negative, but it\u2019s definitely worth mentioning. In order to really appreciate the main story of the game, you \nhave\n to know the narrative of Zero Dawn quite a bit, even the story of The Frozen Wilds.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf it\u2019s been some time since you\u2019ve played the original \u2013 it was released back in 2017, after all \u2013 you\u2019ll have to get familiarised with the intricacies of the story so far. What is the Faro plague? How exactly is Earth repopulated after the extinction of all life?\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nWithout a shadow of a doubt. Though RM249 (PS4) is a steep price tag, Horizon Forbidden West is worth every single sen. It offers a compelling \u2013 albeit a little complicated at times \u2013 narrative, stunning graphics, new and improved gameplay mechanics, and a vast open world (that you can now fly around!).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith that in mind, Horizon Forbidden West is the first to receive our new Nextrift Recommends badge. It\u2019s our way of endorsing a particular game or product for its entertainment value, refinement, unique appeal, or even just sheer value for money.\n\n\nIn short, Nextrift Recommends will make it easier for our readers to find out whether a product is worth picking up or not, and Forbidden West \neasily\n fits the criteria.\n\n\nHorizon Forbidden West launches on the PS5 and PS4 on 18 February.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-yae-miko-banner-revealed-arrives-16-february-with-thoma-fischl-diona/", "title": "Genshin Impact Yae Miko Banner Revealed \u2013 Arrives 16 February With Thoma, Fischl, Diona", "body": "\n\nThe much anticipated Yae Miko is finally coming to Genshin Impact this Wednesday on 16 February. The event wish for the 5-star Electro character will be accompanied by Thoma, Fischl, and Diona.\n\n\nJust like Genshin Impact\u2019s\u00a0\nprevious character\n\u00a0\nevent wishes\n, the \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Yae Miko, Thoma, Fischl, and Diona will be increased. In the case of Yae, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be her. If you got a different character, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be Yae.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s pity system for character banners ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character every 90 wishes, you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Yae Miko. The same rule applies to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Thoma, Fischl, or Diona. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will likely have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYae Miko\u2019s \u201cEverbloom Violet\u201d event wish will go live in Genshin Impact on 16 February 2022 this Wednesday. Her banner will be available right after the Version 2.5 update until 8 March \u2013 it\u2019ll be replaced by the Raiden Shogun\u2019s and Sangonomiya Kokomi\u2019s event wishes then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/introducing-our-new-review-guideline-nextrift-recommends/", "title": "Introducing Our New Review Guideline \u2013 Nextrift Recommends", "body": "\n\nHere on Nextrift, we review quite a number of products, and it can be a little tough to find out whether or not a particular product is worth picking up. With that in mind, we\u2019re introducing a new guideline for our reviews: Nextrift Recommends.\n\n\nAs its name suggests, Nextrift Recommends is a badge that we award to products that are, well, worth recommending. It\u2019s our way of endorsing products for their unique appeal, refinement, entertainment value, or even just sheer value for money.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe first recipient of our Nextrift Recommends badge is \nHorizon Forbidden West\n, which is set to be released this Friday on 18 February for the PS5 and PS4. Moving forward, expect to see this award on more products we review, including \nsmartphones\n, \nlaptops\n, and of course, \nkeyboard products\n.\n\n\nTo make it even easier for you to find products that received the Nextrift Recommends badge, just follow \nthis tag on our reviews\n. Rest assured, every product that is awarded with this badge is worth picking up \u2013 that\u2019s our promise.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/experience-mtg-kamigawa-neon-dynasty-in-vr-at-4-game-stores-in-malaysia-tomorrow/", "title": "Experience MTG Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty in VR at 4 Game Stores in Malaysia Tomorrow", "body": "\n\nIn conjunction with the launch of Magic: The Gathering\u2019s new set, \nKamigawa: Neon Dynasty\n tomorrow on 18 February, Wizards of the Coast is organising a virtual art exhibition on the same day. The exhibition will feature art from the new set drawn by 83 artists, including \nYoji Shinkawa\n, the art director of Kojima Productions.\n\n\nThere are a couple of ways you can experience the virtual art exhibition. One of them is by visiting one of four Wizards Play Network (WPN) stores in Klang Valley to watch the exhibition in VR. These include Classroom Cafeteria, Classroom Cafeteria 2.0 (Damansara Utama), Cards & Hobbies, and Invictus Forge.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlternatively, you can view the art exhibition from the comfort of your home \nthrough this link\n. If you\u2019ve got a VR headset of your own, you can enjoy the exhibition in VR. Don\u2019t have one? No worries: you can still view it through your browser.\n\n\nMagic: The Gathering\u2019s virtual art exhibition for Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty will begin from 18 February tomorrow \u2013 the same day as the set\u2019s release \u2013 until 24 February. Once you\u2019ve viewed all 134 cards in the exhibition, you can fill up a form to be in the running to win one of five B2 size poster autographed by Tetsuo Hara of First of the North Star fame.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-city-hatchback-rs-ehev-costs-rm108k-in-malaysia-hybrid-with-253nm-torque/", "title": "Honda City Hatchback RS e:HEV Costs RM108k in Malaysia \u2013 Hybrid With 253Nm Torque", "body": "\n\nHonda Malaysia finally revealed the pricing of the Honda City Hatchback RS e:HEV for our local market. Just like \nother variants\n of the B-segment hatchback, this hybrid model is priced slightly higher than its sedan counterpart of the same trim.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the City Hatchback RS is priced at RM107,783.09. Compared to the City RS sedan (RM105,950.45), the hatchback version costs exactly RM1,832.64 more. Of course, this price includes the 100% sales tax exemption for locally assembled (CKD) cars, which is \nset to end on 30 June 2022\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the City Hatchback RS unique is its Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain that delivers 109PS and 253Nm of torque out of an electric motor; this is what powers the car most of the time. The RS has a 1.5L engine too that does 98PS and 127Nm of torque, but it mainly acts as a generator for the electric motor \u2013 the 1.5L mill is only used at higher speeds.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the City Hatchback RS is the only model to get the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance safety system in the lineup. It\u2019s made up of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigating Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Auto High Beam (AHB).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf the Honda City Hatchback RS piqued your interest, you can head to your nearest Honda dealership to place a booking. Alternatively, can also book it online\u00a0\nhere\n, or even through the HondaTouch app \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-city-hatchback-received-over-5200-bookings/", "title": "Honda City Hatchback Received Over 5,200 Bookings", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBack at the Malaysian launch of the \nHonda City Hatchback\n in early December 2021, over 2,000 bookings were placed for the B-segment hatchback. Fast forward two months to now, that number has grown to 5,200 bookings \u2013 quite a respectable figure.\n\n\nPreviously, Honda Malaysia shared that it\u2019s targeting to sell 1,000 units of the City Hatchback every month. Given that the Japanese carmaker has received 3,200 more bookings between December 2021 and now \u2013 which is about two months \u2013 it\u2019s certainly hitting that target.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, there\u2019s no specific breakdown of which City Hatchback variant received the most bookings. However, historically \u2013 for the City sedan, anyway \u2013 the V model is usually the most popular trim level.\n\n\nTo recap, the City Hatchback starts at RM75,670 for the base S model, going up to RM83,080 for the mid-tier E trim. The V variant, on the other hand, goes for RM87,860. As for the range-topping RS e:HEV hybrid model, it\u2019s \npriced at RM107,783.09\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the Honda City Hatchback, you can head to your nearest Honda dealership to place a booking. Alternatively, you can also book it online\u00a0\nhere\n, or even through the HondaTouch app \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/uncharted-movie-review-not-a-faithful-adaptation-but-can-still-be-a-fun-watch/", "title": "Uncharted Movie Review: Not a Faithful Adaptation, But Can Still Be a Fun Watch", "body": "\n\nNews of a live-action Uncharted movie started circulating a whole \ndecade \nago, and it\u2019s quite surreal that the movie is finally releasing on 17 February tomorrow for us here in Malaysia. As a long-time fan of the Uncharted game franchise, I was really looking forward to the movie.\n\n\nBut unfortunately enough, the Uncharted movie is not a faithful adaptation of the game, which will likely annoy fans of the franchise. Nonetheless, for those who are unfamiliar with Uncharted, the movie is still a fun watch, and it could be the start of a Sony film franchise with the teaser of a sequel.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTom Holland and Mark Wahlberg \u2013 two big names in the industry \u2013 star as the iconic dynamic duo Nathan Drake and Victor Sullivan in the Uncharted movie. Antonia Banderas is also another big name in the movie, who plays Santiago Moncada, the antagonist who is after the same treasure as Drake and Sully.\n\n\nTo aid him, Moncada hired Jo Braddock (played by Tati Gabrielle), who used to work with Sully at some point before the movie. Speaking of which, Chloe Frazer (Sophia Ali) is also another Uncharted character that\u2019s brought to the movie \u2013 she is introduced as Sully\u2019s partner in crime.\n\n\nJust like any Uncharted game, the movie revolves around the search for a lost treasure; more specifically, fortune amassed by one Ferdinand Magellan. But unlike the games, the Uncharted movie takes place before Drake is a full-fledged treasure hunter, so we\u2019re seeing a younger Drake and Sully.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut even with that in mind, it almost feels like the Uncharted movie is completely separate from the game franchise. While Holland plays a reasonably convincing Drake, the same cannot be said of Wahlberg\u2019s performance as Sully.\n\n\nWalhberg\u2019s Sully appears to be a selfish, self-centred man who only recruited Nathan Drake to seek Magellan\u2019s treasure for his relationship with Sam Drake. Yes, Nathan\u2019s brother (who was only introduced in Uncharted 4) is in the movie too.\n\n\nAnyway, in contrast, the Sully that we know and love in the game franchise isn\u2019t quite as\u2026well, egoistic. His demeanor is more laid-back too, unlike Wahlberg\u2019s almost frantic take on the character. In short, it\u2019s like he\u2019s not trying to replicate Sully at all.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGranted, it\u2019s unrealistic to expect Wahlberg to be a perfect representation of Sully on the big screen, but it\u2019s hard to see any semblance of the character in his performance. Holland may not be perfect as Drake \u2013 it\u2019s tough to match the witty voice performance of Nolan North in the game \u2013 but at least he displays a semblance of the character.\n\n\nBut beyond the performances of Holland and Wahlberg, the Uncharted movie doesn\u2019t take into account the lore established in the game either. The origin of Nathan\u2019s relation to Francis Drake isn\u2019t the same as the game, and Chloe Frazer\u2019s parentage isn\u2019t accurate either \u2013 as far as the game is concerned, anyway.\n\n\nFor those who are familiar with the game franchise, it can be disheartening to see that the Uncharted movie ignores the established lore of the characters featured.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, if we put aside the inconsistencies of the Uncharted movie to the games, it\u2019s still a fun, thrilling film to watch and enjoy. The signature over the top action sequences of Uncharted are well-represented here, including the much-advertised plane sequence that was taken from Uncharted 3.\n\n\nOf course, we also get some interesting twists on history in the Uncharted movie, along with some puzzle-solving and traversals that are (again) very much synonymous with Uncharted. The movie\u2019s lore and characterisation may not be accurate to the game, but at least it has these aspects of the franchise down.\n\n\nSharp-eyed Uncharted fans \u2013 if you\u2019re planning to catch the movie \u2013 will spot some interesting Easter eggs hidden in the movie too. While not strictly related to the movie, I like the new PlayStation Productions opening sequence that was played at the beginning too.\n\n\nChances are, we can expect to see more film and series adaptions of PlayStation\u2019s exclusive titles moving forward, including a confirmed live-action TV series of The Last of Us. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs a fan of the Uncharted game franchise, I\u2019m not too thrilled with the direction the movie took. But for those who are more familiar with Tom Holland than Nathan Drake, they may find Uncharted to be a decent film, especially for fans of the Spider-Man actor.\n\n\nThere\u2019s also the aforementioned setup for a sequel, but whether or not the second film will materialise likely depends on how well the Uncharted movie does in the box office. While it\u2019s not be a faithful adaptation of its game counterpart, it certainly has big names to carry the film.\n\n\nUncharted opens in cinemas on 17 February.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/microsoft-surface-laptop-studio-pre-orders-open-in-malaysia-from-rm7399-to-rm11999/", "title": "Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio Pre-Orders Open in Malaysia \u2013 From RM7,399 to RM11,999", "body": "\n\nAs promised\n, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is now available for pre-order in Malaysia. This product is Microsoft\u2019s flagship laptop \u2013 replacing the\u00a0\nSurface Book\n\u00a0lineup \u2013 so naturally, it has some capable hardware and an interesting design.\n\n\nThree variants of the Surface Laptop Studio are offered in Malaysia. The base model with an Intel Core i5-11300H processor, Iris Xe Graphics, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD retails at RM7,399. The Core i7-11370H configuration, on the other hand, costs RM9,399.\n\n\nFor that kind of money, it packs a faster Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterestingly, there\u2019s also another Core i5 variant of the Surface Laptop Studio for RM11,999. While it has the same Iris Xe integrated GPU as the base model, it features much more RAM and SSD storage at 32GB and 1TB respectively. It\u2019s worth noting that this configuration is exclusive to Harvey Norman.\n\n\nThe most unique selling point of the Surface Laptop Studio is its \u201cDynamic Woven Hinge,\u201d which allows the laptop to transition between three modes: laptop, stage, and studio. Laptop is self-explanatory, while stage props up the 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow display (2400 x 1600 at 120Hz) right behind the trackpad; much like\u00a0\nAcer\u2019s ConceptD 3 Ezel\n.\n\n\nAs for studio, it\u2019s\u2026basically transforming the Surface Laptop Studio into a tablet. But tipping the scales at 1.7kg and 1.8kg for the Core i5 and Core i7 models respectively, this is not exactly a lightweight machine.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is now available for pre-order in Malaysia with a RM7,399 starting price. It is set to start shipping from 8 March onwards.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/umw-toyota-sold-7528-units-in-january-2022-whopping-96-yoy-improvement/", "title": "UMW Toyota Sold 7,528 units in January 2022 \u2013 Whopping 96% YoY Improvement", "body": "\n\nUMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) is off to a great start this year. In January 2022 last month, the company sold 7,528 Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Compared to the same period in 2021 (3,845 units), it\u2019s a huge 96% increase in sales.\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s worth noting that Malaysia was under lockdown in January 2021 due to COVID-19, which affected car sales quite a bit at the time. Nonetheless, 7,528 sales in a month is still a respectable figure, especially for a foreign car brand.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf the 7,528 units sold by UMWT, the Toyota Vios contributed 28% of total sales. This makes the B-segment sedan the company\u2019s best-selling passenger vehicle. Things look even better in the commercial side \u2013 which include pickup trucks \u2013 where the Toyota Hilux made up 38% of last month\u2019s sales.\n\n\nUMWT also shared an interesting bit of news for the recently launched \nToyota Corolla Cross Hybrid\n: over 40% of sales for the C-segment SUV consists of the hybrid variant. This is quite a high percentage for a hybrid model, and it\u2019ll be interesting to see if this trend will continue in the next few months.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWe are thankful for the government\u2019s decision to extend the SST exemption incentives for passenger vehicles. This has greatly helped automotive players like us to recover from the impact of the pandemic during the last two years,\u201d said the president of UMWT, Ravindran Kurusamy.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/i-want-this-nvidia-geforce-rtx-artisan-keycap-but-i-probably-wont-get-it/", "title": "I Want This Nvidia GeForce RTX Artisan Keycap, But I (Probably) Won\u2019t Get It", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019ve seen some \npretty interesting artisan keycaps\n in the past, and now, even Nvidia wants a piece of the action. Enter the company\u2019s new \u201cGeForce RTX\u201d keycap, an artisan keycap finished in brushed aluminium, and I want one.\n\n\nUnfortunately, this artisan keycap is not for sale (boo). Instead, the GeForce RTX keycap is a limited edition community reward. In order to win it, you\u2019ll have to keep a close eye on Nvidia\u2019s social media pages, including \nTwitter\n, \nInstagram\n, and \nFacebook\n.\n\n\n\n\nBring the reflections of GeForce RTX to your real-world keyboard with our new community reward keycap! \nWant one?\n\ud83d\udd01Retweet \n\u21a9\ufe0f Reply with a game you would love to see remastered with RTX Graphics \npic.twitter.com/CZrWN1rdxa\n\u2014 NVIDIA GeForce (@NVIDIAGeForce) \nFebruary 14, 2022\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nView this post on Instagram\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nA post shared by NVIDIA GeForce (@nvidiageforce)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn fact, the giveaway is happening right now on Nvidia\u2019s Twitter and Instagram pages. All you have to do is just retweet (or like the post on Instagram), and reply with a game you want to see remastered with RTX graphics. What\u2019s the selection criteria? Well, the company is \u201clooking for anyone who has a passion for games, graphics, and technology in our replies.\u201d\n\n\nAccording to Nvidia, there will be \u201cplenty of giveaways and opportunities to win (the GeForce RTX artisan keycap) over the next few months.\u201d If you want to try your luck, keep a close eye on Nvidia\u2019s social media pages.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/17-23-february-fuel-price-ron-97-up-again-by-6-sen-others-unchanged/", "title": "17 \u2013 23 February Fuel Price: RON 97 up Again By 6 Sen, Others Unchanged", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 continues its upward trajectory. From today until 23 February, RON 97 is going up by 6 sen per litre. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 is set at RM3.27 per litre (up from RM3.21). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 17 to 23 February 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-series-pre-order-deal-revised-now-offers-galaxy-watch-4-worth-rm899/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S22 Series Pre-Order Deal Revised \u2013 Now Offers Galaxy Watch 4 Worth RM899", "body": "\n\nPreviously, Samsung Malaysia \noffered a RM800 voucher\n (along with some accessories) with every pre-order of the new Samsung Galaxy S22 series. Curiously, the company revised the pre-order: it is now offering a Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 (40mm) worth RM899 instead.\n\n\nThe smartwatch is bundled with every pre-order of the Galaxy S22 and S22+. As for the Galaxy S22 Ultra, you\u2019re also getting the Galaxy X LAMY Safari Twin Pen (worth RM269) on top of the Galaxy Watch 4. All in all, you\u2019re getting RM1,168 worth of freebies with the range-topping model.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis pre-order promotion for the Galaxy S22 series is valid until 3 March 2022; ample time to take advantage of the deal. You can pre-order the phones from \nSamsung Malaysia\u2019s online store itself\n to get the Galaxy Watch 4, though \nother retailers seem\n \nto still offer the RM800 voucher\n.\n\n\nAnyway, you can check out our \nhands-on of the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra\n if you\u2019d like to learn more about this spiritual successor to the Galaxy Note. We also checked out the Galaxy S22 and S22+ \nright here\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-series-pre-orders-now-shipping-from-1-april-2022-in-malaysia/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S22 Series Pre-Orders Now Shipping From 1 April 2022 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nSeems like the \nSamsung Galaxy\n \nS22 series\n is proving to be quite popular among Malaysians. If you\u2019ve placed your pre-order of the S22 series earlier, it was estimated to start shipping on 4 March. But for new pre-orders, deliveries will only begin the following month on 1 April now.\n\n\nThis applies to all three phones in the series, including the Galaxy S22, S22+, and the S22 Ultra. However, do note that this is only reflected on \nSamsung Malaysia\u2019s online store\n \u2013 it\u2019s possible you can still get the phone earlier \nfrom other retailers\n who are taking pre-orders of the S22 series.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrently, every pre-order of the Galaxy S22 series \nnow comes with a Galaxy Watch 4 (40mm) worth RM899\n instead of an RM800 voucher. If you get the S22 Ultra instead, you\u2019ll also get a Galaxy X LAMY Safari Twin Pen (worth RM269) on top of the smartwatch.\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, check out our hands-on of the flagship phone \nright here\n. Want something more affordable? Then consider the \nGalaxy S22 or S22+\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-reno-7-series-launch-in-malaysia-set-for-22-february/", "title": "Oppo Reno 7 Series Launch in Malaysia Set for 22 February", "body": "\n\nThe latest Oppo Reno 7 series is coming to Malaysia next week. Set to be launched here on 22 February, at least two devices in the lineup will be introduced here: the standard Reno 7 and Reno 7 Pro.\n\n\nAfter all, Oppo Malaysia is promoting these two smartphones quite a bit on its social media pages. On top of that, both the Reno 7 and Reno 7 Pro are prominently featured on the \ncompany\u2019s official website\n.\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Reno 7\n\n\nThe Oppo Reno 7 Pro\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, the hardware of the Reno 7 series have not been revealed yet, though the photography capability of both phones \u2013 especially in regard to portrait shots \u2013 seems to be the main focus. The unique \u201cmeteor texture\u201d on the phones\u2019 back panels are highlighted too.\n\n\nWe\u2019ll find out more about the Oppo Reno 7 series \u2013 including its asking price \u2013 once it is introduced in Malaysia next week on 22 February. Also set to be unveiled locally alongside the new phones are the Enco Air 2 wireless earbuds and Oppo Watch.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-sold-100k-suvs-in-malaysia-claims-number-1-suv-brand/", "title": "Proton Sold 100k SUVs in Malaysia \u2013 Claims Number 1 SUV Brand", "body": "\n\nProton just made a \nrather interesting announcement\n: the national carmaker has sold over 100,423 units of the exceedingly popular \nProton X50\n and \nProton X70\n locally. According to the carmaker, this is enough to make it the number one SUV brand in Malaysia.\n\n\nThis figure is taken from sales of the X50 and X70 between 12 December 2018 to 31 January 2022. Of course, given the impressive figure, both the X50 and X70 are the best-selling SUVs in their respective segments.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, Proton did not give an exact breakdown of the units sold, though it\u2019s worth noting that more units of the X50 were sold last year. To be specific, as many as \n28,774 units\n of the B-segment SUV were delivered in 2021, while the X70 found 16,375 homes in the same period.\n\n\nThe sheer value proposition of the Proton X50 and Proton X70 certainly helped in the success of these two SUVs. If the national carmaker can keep up the momentum, there\u2019s a good chance it can meet its \n150,000 sales target\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-sold-53k-cars-in-2021-maintains-top-spot-in-non-national-passenger-car-segment/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Sold 53k Cars in 2021 \u2013 Maintains Top Spot in Non-National Passenger Car Segment", "body": "\n\nHonda Malaysia finally revealed its sales figure for 2021. With over 53,031 units sold last year, the Japanese carmaker maintains its position as the number one non-national passenger vehicle segment for \neight consecutive years\n \u2013 that\u2019s quite the achievement.\n\n\nOut of that figure, the central region in Peninsular Malaysia contributed the most sales with more than 25,000 units sold. This is followed by the southern and northern regions with 9,800 and 9,100 units sold respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the Honda City continues to be Honda Malaysia\u2019s best-selling model, contributing 36% of total sales. Aside from the B-segment model, the HR-V and CR-V SUVs proved to be popular too, taking up 21% and 14% of total sales respectively.\n\n\nOf course, given the extended (and multiple) COVID-19 lockdowns in Malaysia, it\u2019s no surprise that Honda Malaysia\u2019s sales in 2021 isn\u2019t quite as high as the previous year; in 2020, the carmaker \nsold 60,469 units\n. Nonetheless, Honda still managed to maintain its top spot in the non-national passenger vehicle segment in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-introducing-2-all-new-models-this-year-2022-honda-hr-v-br-v/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Introducing 2 All-New Models This Year \u2013 2022 Honda HR-V & BR-V?", "body": "\n\nNow this is quite exciting: Honda Malaysia just revealed its plan to introduce two all-new models locally sometime this year. Chances are, the Japanese carmaker is bringing in the new 2022 Honda HR-V and Honda BR-V to Malaysia.\n\n\nAfter all, the new HR-V and BR-V have already been spotted \u2013 with the latter already launched there \u2013 in our neighbouring country Indonesia. It only makes sense for the two models to also be available in Malaysia in the near future.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that Honda Malaysia mentioned it is planning to bring in more models packed with the carmaker\u2019s range of technologies. These include e:HEV technology, its VTEC turbocharged engine, Honda Sensing, and even Honda Connect. Chances are, we can expect to see these features in the 2022 HR-V and BR-V.\n\n\nOf course, this is merely our own educated guess at this point in time, though it\u2019s certainly in the realm of possibility for Honda Malaysia to launch both the 2022 Honda HR-V and BR-V here sometime this year. We\u2019ll just have to wait and see.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-targets-80000-sales-in-2022-focus-on-new-model-launches-mobile-service-programme/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Targets 80,000 Sales in 2022 \u2013 Focus on New Model Launches & Mobile Service Programme", "body": "\n\nHonda Malaysia made a slew of announcements yesterday, including its sales target for the year. In 2022, Honda is aiming to sell 80,000 cars; that\u2019s a whopping 50% increase from its 2021 sales performance, where it \nsold 53,031 units\n.\n\n\nThe Japanese carmaker plans to achieve this lofty sales target by by introducing two all-new models and improving its aftersales service, including a mobile service programme. Though Honda Malaysia did not reveal the two new models it plans to launch this year, it\u2019s very likely the \n2022 Honda HR-V and Honda BR-V\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter all, these two models have already made their debuts in the ASEAN market \u2013 it only makes sense for Malaysia to get them too. It\u2019s also worth noting that Honda Malaysia mentioned it is planning to bring in more models packed with the carmaker\u2019s range of technologies.\n\n\nThese include e:HEV technology, its VTEC turbocharged engine, Honda Sensing, and even Honda Connect. Chances are, we can expect to see these features in the 2022 HR-V and BR-V.\n\n\nAs for the mobile service programme, it allows Honda customers to get their car serviced at a location they prefer. Bookings can be done through the Honda Touch app \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n \u2013 though the service is not available just yet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith the upcoming launch of two new models \u2013 along with the recent introduction of the \nnew Civic\n and \nCity Hatchback\n \u2013 and improved aftersales service, Honda Malaysia\u2019s 80,000 sales target is definitely achievable. What do you think: are you excited for the 2022 HR-V and BR-V?\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/squabble-wordle-in-battle-royale-mode/", "title": "Squabble \u2013 Wordle in Battle Royale Mode", "body": "\n\nCan\u2019t quite get enough of Wordle? Then check out Squabble. It is basically Wordle\u2026but in battle royale format. That\u2019s right, Squabble allows up to 99 players to guess the right five-letter word in six attempts.\n\n\nBut given the battle royale format of Squabble, you\u2019ll be given a new word if you successfully guessed the first one. This will continue until everyone else is eliminated, and you can even deal damage when you guessed the correct word.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the reverse is also applicable; you\u2019ll take damage if you guessed wrong. Players also take one damage every second, so you\u2019ll have to guess the right word before your \u201cHP\u201d goes down to zero.\n\n\nYou can also create your own multiplayer game in Squabble. The same rule applies, though you do have to make sure you start the \u201cright\u201d game mode. There are Blitz and Royale: the former only supports two to five players, while Royale \u2013 as its name suggests \u2013 requires between six to 99 players.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can give Squabble a shot \nright here\n. Do note that it is still in beta, so you may come across some bugs.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-enco-air-2-unboxing-hands-on-affordable-wireless-earbuds/", "title": "Oppo Enco Air 2 Unboxing & Hands-On: Affordable Wireless Earbuds", "body": "\n\nThe Oppo Enco Air 2 is the Chinese company\u2019s latest wireless earbuds. Not only does it offer a number of interesting features \u2013 especially for the money \u2013 it also has a rather unique-looking, translucent \u201cjelly\u201d case lid.\n\n\nAhead of its launch alongside the \nOppo Reno 7 series\n next week, here\u2019s our unboxing and hands-on of the Enco Air 2. Even though it\u2019s an affordable product, the unboxing experience doesn\u2019t feel cheap at all.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the packaging of the Enco Air 2, which looks great, especially for a budget-friendly product. Open up the box, and you\u2019ll be greeted by the charging case with the earbuds in it. Beyond that, there\u2019s\u2026nothing much to it.\n\n\nUnderneath the cardboard that holds the Enco Air 2\u2019s charging case in place is a small black box, which only includes some leaflets. That\u2019s right, for some reason, these earbuds do not come with a charging cable, even though there\u2019s clearly a slot in the box for it. Thankfully, it charges over USB-C, so it shouldn\u2019t be too difficult to find a compatible charger.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s get to the Enco Air 2 itself. The charging case has a nice, soft texture, and I quite dig the translucent \u201cjelly\u201d lid. After all, most (if not all) charging cases have opaque casings, so it can be a little tricky to figure out if the earbuds are already in the case or not \u2013 not a problem with these earbuds.\n\n\nI also like how easy it is to store the Enco Air 2 earbuds in the charging case. Thanks to the use of magnets, I can just slip the earbuds into the slot, and it\u2019ll just click into place. That being said, the glossy surface of the earbuds does make it quite slippery, so it can be a little tricky to pull it out of the charging case.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardware wise, the Enco Air 2 features a 13.4mm \u201ccomposite titanised diaphragm driver,\u201d which is said to offer good audio quality. It also promises up to a whopping 24 hours of battery life: the earbuds themselves can last up to four hours on a single charge, which can be extended up to 24 hours with the charging case.\n\n\nAnother noteworthy feature of the Enco Air 2 is its IPX4 rating, making it water and sweat resistant. If you plan on wearing the earbuds for your workout sessions, you won\u2019t have to worry about water or sweat damaging them \u2013 just make sure your workouts aren\u2019t \ntoo\n strenuous.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe thing is, the Enco Air 2, much like Apple\u2019s AirPods, does not use silicone ear tips for a more secure, customisable fit. Instead, it has a one-size-fits-all hard plastic design, so depending on the size and shape of your ears, the earbuds may fit snuggly in your ears\u2026or too loose.\n\n\nBecause the Enco Air 2\u2019s hard plastic tips are fitted in your ears, they don\u2019t feel particularly comfortable either; at least, that\u2019s my initial experience with these earbuds. I\u2019ll spend more time with them to see if I can get a more comfortable fit, though I\u2019m not feeling very optimistic.\n\n\nThere\u2019s also another negative to this design: it\u2019s tough to get a good seal without the use of silicone tips. As a result, the Enco Air 2\u2019s noise isolation isn\u2019t great, so you\u2019ll still hear the outside world quite a bit. That is, unless you crank up the volume, but you\u2019d probably want to avoid doing that to avoid damaging your ears.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond these negatives, the Enco Air 2 still has some genuinely good features. Its lightweight design, for example \u2013 each earbud weighs only 3.5g \u2013 helps with comfort when wearing the earbuds for long periods of time.\n\n\nLow latency is another advantage of the Enco Air 2. When game mode is activated, you won\u2019t suffer from out-of-sync audio; that\u2019s what Oppo promises. It also has pretty good touch controls too, though I do wish it supported single taps as well, It only offers double, triple taps, and long holds.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs far as first impressions go, the Oppo Enco Air 2 looks to be a reasonably good pair of wireless earbuds with equally good value for money. Of course, exactly how attractive it\u2019ll be will depend on how much it\u2019s priced at for the Malaysian market.\n\n\nFor context, the Enco Air 2 retails at 199 Chinese yuan in China; that comes up to about RM130. If it\u2019s priced around the same price point for the local market, I reckon it will be a good option for folks that want a budget-friendly pair of wireless earbuds.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-note-11-more-than-6500-units-sold-in-24-hours-in-malaysia/", "title": "Redmi Note 11 \u2013 More Than 6,500 Units Sold in 24 Hours in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nXiaomi Malaysia just revealed an interesting sales figure for the all-new \nRedmi Note 11\n in Malaysia, which starts at just RM749. According to the company, over 6,500 units of the budget-friendly phone were sold locally \nin just 24 hours\n last week.\n\n\nNeedless to say, this is an impressive feat, though Xiaomi Malaysia did not reveal the sales figure for the other devices in the Redmi Note 11 series. Nonetheless, Xiaomi will be running three roadshows from 23 to 27 February to further promote the series.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese roadshows will take place in Sunway Pyramid, Selangor; Queensbay Mall, Penang; and Aeon Tebrau City, Johor. Any purchase of the Redmi Note 11 series at the roadshows will come with freebies worth RM457, including a RM100 Xiaomi AIoT voucher, Redmi Buds 3 Lite, and even a Mi Smart Scale 2. Of course, these freebies are only offered while stocks last.\n\n\n\u201cWe are so grateful to our customers and fans for their great support in our latest Redmi Note 11 series,\u201d said the country manager of Xiaomi Malaysia and Singapore, Nicolas Shi. \u201cTo make it better, it also comes with a truly affordable price tag \u2014making flagship-level smartphone performance more accessible than before,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Redmi Note 11 series roadshow in Malaysia will take place from 23 to 27 February this week at these locations: Sunway Pyramid, Selangor; Queensbay Mall, Penang; and Aeon Tebrau City, Johor.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-2022-honda-hr-v-spotted-on-malaysian-road/", "title": "Spy Shot: 2022 Honda HR-V Spotted on Malaysian Road!", "body": "\n\nJust last week, Honda Malaysia confirmed the launch of \ntwo all-new models\n sometime this year, which are likely the 2022 Honda HR-V and Honda BR-V. Well, the former has just been spotted on Malaysian road!\n\n\nThis image came from local automotive site \nWapCar\n. The heavily camouflaged B-segment SUV is likely the HR-V based on its silhouette, even though the trade plate is mounted on the rear bumper instead of the tailgate.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, this is definitely Honda\u2019s trade pate; it was previously used on a \nBR-V test mule\n back in 2016.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSo what can we expect out of the 2022 HR-V? Well, aside from its much more modern styling, Honda Malaysia is likely bringing in both the e:HEV hybrid model and the 1.5L turbocharged VTEC engine option, which should make it more appealing to a wider range of customers.\n\n\nOn top of that, the new HR-V will likely feature the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance safety systems too. It may even feature the Honda Connect telematics system as well, much like the new \nHonda Civic\n and \nHonda City\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow that Honda Malaysia is already testing the 2022 Honda HR-V on our local roads, there\u2019s a good chance it will be launched first, followed by the 2022 BR-V. Granted, this is only our own educated guess at this point in time \u2013 we\u2019ll just have to wait for an official announcement from Honda Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/meletrix-zoom65-review-incredible-value-for-money/", "title": "Meletrix Zoom65 Review: Incredible Value for Money", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe\u2019re seeing more and more budget-friendly custom keyboards as of late, and the Meletrix Zoom65 may just be the one to beat right now. Retailing at only $179 (about RM750) it offers \na lot of keyboard\n\u2026for not a lot of money.\n\n\nGranted, the Zoom65 does have its fair share of shortcomings, but at this price point, you\u2019d be hard-pressed to find another 65% keyboard (not to mention a knob) that offers the same typing feel and sound profile.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for a custom keyboard with a deep, \u201cthocky\u201d sound profile and soft typing feel without spending an exorbitant amount of money, consider the Zoom65 \u2013 you will not be disappointed, \nespecially\n for the money.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe Meletrix Zoom65 is a complete keyboard kit that offers the keyboard itself, smooth JWK linear switches, and even a double shot PBT keycap set in the popular Olivia colourway. This set is officially authorised by Olivia herself, as Meletrix puts it.\n\n\nBeyond that, the Zoom65 also features a gasket mounting system, full aluminium case, rotary encoder, polycarbonate plate, and of course, a hotswap PCB with QMK and VIA support \u2013 what you\u2019ve come to expect from a proper custom keyboard, basically.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the Zoom65 is \nparticularly enticing\n for us here in Malaysia, as it is officially brought in by Rebult Keyboards \nfor RM759\n; you can still pre-order it now too. This means you won\u2019t have to pay for expensive shipping to Malaysia, which further bolsters its value proposition.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the two most discussed qualities of any custom keyboards: sound profile and typing feel. In these two regards, the Zoom65 is sure to appeal to most folks. Not only does it have a deep sound profile, it also offers a soft, flexible typing experience for improved comfort.\n\n\nThese two qualities are mostly found on more expensive custom keyboards, such as \nOwlab\u2019s Jelly Epoch\n. The fact that you can get these features at \nthis \nprice point really is a big plus for the Zoom65.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, there\u2019s also the rotary encoder of the Zoom65, which can be used to control the volume; you can even click on it to mute your device. The knob itself also feels great to scroll with a nice tactile feedback with every actuation.\n\n\nIn my opinion, the design of the Zoom65 is worth commending too. Yes, the front of the keyboard doesn\u2019t look all that different from other 65% customs in the market now, but it\u2019s a different story on the back. It has a nice aluminium weight with a different finish (and engraving) that gives it a unique aesthetic.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the JWK linear switch of the Zoom65. It is quite smooth out of the box thanks to the factory lubing, and its nylon bottom housing offers a nice, \u201ccushioned\u201d bottom out as well. This, in turn, improves the typing comfort of the keyboard.\n\n\nOh, the Olivia double shot PBT keycaps of the Zoom65 are really good too. The keycaps don\u2019t have an overly rough texture despite being made out of PBT plastic, and while the legends aren\u2019t quite as sharp as a GMK set \u2013 which is also far more expensive \u2013 it\u2019s more than acceptable at this price point.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThat brings us to the \nbest\n aspect of the Zoom65: value for money. Again, retailing at only $179 or RM759, the sheer value you\u2019re getting with this custom keyboard is incredible. Not only is it a really good keyboard, it\u2019s even bundled with switches, keycaps, and WS screw-in stabilisers from Wuque Studio.\n\n\nMost keyboard kits don\u2019t even include stabilisers, let alone switches or keycaps.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAs impressive as the Zoom65 is, there are a few areas where it could be better, such as the finishing of the keyboard. While the e-coating feels reasonably good to the touch, some parts of the finish are not as smooth as it should be \u2013 this is where the budget nature of the Zoom65 becomes apparent.\n\n\nAnother aspect of this keyboard that I\u2019m not too crazy about is the rotary encoder. It doesn\u2019t feel particularly natural to operate due to its small size and awkward positioning \u2013 my fingers have a tendency to hit the surrounding keys because of this.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the build experience of the Zoom65, which can be a bit of a challenge to those who are new to the custom keyboard hobby. Some switches are oriented differently (depending on the layout you want), and the many foams that come with the keyboard further complicates the build process.\n\n\nGranted, there\u2019s a \nbuild guide\n to make the assembly process easier, but it can still be a little intimidating.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nThe Meletrix Zoom65 is absolutely, \nabsolutely\n worth it. Yes, it has some shortcomings, but you\u2019re getting a lot of winning qualities for the money. While it\u2019s a little hard to get your hands on the keyboard now, Meletrix (and other official vendors) will keep the keyboard constantly in-stock; at least, that\u2019s the plan.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Zoom65 is a fantastic first custom keyboard from Meletrix, and I\u2019m excited to see where the brand will go from here. As a sub-brand of Wuque Studio, it\u2019s certainly delivering equally good products at an affordable price point.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nintendo-finally-opens-malaysian-website-but-no-digital-store/", "title": "Nintendo Finally Opens Malaysian Website, But No Digital Store", "body": "\n\nSurprise surprise, \nNintendo Southeast Asia\n just announced the opening of its official websites for \nMalaysia\n and \nThe Philippines\n! This comes four months after the Japanese game company did the same for Singapore.\n\n\nHowever, just like Singapore, this looks to be just a website for Nintendo-specific news. There is no digital store in sight, which is really what most gamers are looking forward to. After all, players in markets where the My Nintendo Store is unavailable have to purchase digital games from other regions, such as the \nUS store\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInstead, if you\u2019re browsing through any products on the Nintendo Malaysian website, a \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n link will be given to Maxsoft\u2019s stores instead. This makes sense, given that Maxsoft is the official distributor of Nintendo products in Southeast Asia.\n\n\nNonetheless, the fact that Nintendo has opened an official website for Malaysia is still a promising sign. Hopefully, the company will eventually release a digital store in our local currency for easier access to digital games.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-reno-7-pro-lands-in-malaysia-dslr-style-portrait-mediatek-dimensity-1200-rm2999/", "title": "Oppo Reno 7 Pro Lands in Malaysia \u2013 DSLR-Style Portrait, MediaTek Dimensity 1200, RM2,999", "body": "\n\nOppo Malaysia just launched its latest premium phone on our shores, the Oppo Reno 7 Pro. Promising DSLR-style portrait shots (even for the front-facing camera) with a sleek design, the Reno 7 Pro may appeal to selfie lovers.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Reno 7 Pro is offered in Malaysia: it features a generous 12GB RAM and 256GB of internal storage for RM2,999. It will be available from now until 4 March 2022, and every pre-order will come with up to RM1,406 worth of freebies.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat makes the Reno 7 Pro particularly unique are its camera sensors. More specifically, the Sony IMX709 sensor for the 32MP front camera \u2013 it\u2019s touted as the world\u2019s first phone to use this hardware \u2013 and IMX766 for the 50MP primary rear shooter, which is also paired with an 8MP ultra-wide angle lens and a 2MP macro camera.\n\n\nAccording to Oppo, the Reno 7 Pro\u2019s Portrait Mode features \u201c25 levels of adjustable blurring, bokeh, and light spot size,\u201d which promises DSLR-style portrait shots for both the rear and front-facing cameras. Those who love taking selfies should appreciate this level of customisability.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Reno 7 Pro include a 6.5-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 1200 chipset, a 4,500mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging, and ColorOS 12 based on Android 11 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Oppo Reno 7 Pro retails at RM2,999 in Malaysia. It is now available for pre-order until 4 March 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-reno-7-now-in-malaysia-also-made-for-portrait-shots-mediatek-dimensity-900-rm1999/", "title": "Oppo Reno 7 Now in Malaysia \u2013 Also Made for Portrait Shots, MediaTek Dimensity 900, RM1,999", "body": "\n\nLaunched alongside the Reno 7 Pro is the more affordable Oppo Reno 7. Naturally, the standard model still focuses on delivery good portrait shots, and more importantly, it\u2019s slightly more affordable too.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Reno 7 is only offered in one variant. Sporting 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, it is priced at RM1,999, and it is available for pre-order now until 4 March 2022.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJust like the Pro model, the Reno 7\u2019s portrait mode promises DSLR-like portrait shots, thanks to its Portrait Mode with \u201c25 levels of adjustable aperture.\u201d It also has a 32MP selfie camera, along with a 64MP primary shooter, an 8MP ultra-wide angle lens, and a 2MP macro camera.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Reno 7 are a 6.4-inch 1080p AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 900 chipset, 5G connectivity, a 4,500mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging, and ColorOS 12 based on Android 11 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Reno 7 is now available for for pre-order in Malaysia until 4 March 2022 for RM1,999. Every pre-order will also come with freebies worth up to RM1,406.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-watch-free-enco-air-2-wireless-earbuds-launched-in-malaysia-for-rm449-and-rm249/", "title": "Oppo Watch Free & Enco Air 2 Wireless Earbuds Launched in Malaysia for RM449 and RM249", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nOppo Reno\n \n7 series\n, Oppo Malaysia also introduced two wearables: the Oppo Watch Free smartwatch and \nOppo Enco Air 2\n wireless earbuds. Both of them are quite affordable products in their respective categories.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Enco Air 2, which is priced at RM249. For that kind of money, it offers a 13.4mm \u201ccomposite titanised diaphragm driver\u201d \u2013 it\u2019s said to offer good audio quality \u2013 as well as up to a whopping 24 hours of battery life.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe earbuds themselves can last up to four hours on a single charge, which can be extended up to 24 hours with the charging case. With an IPX4 rating, you can even wear the Enco Air 2 without worrying about water or sweat damaging the earbuds.\n\n\nAs for the Watch Free, one of its most impressive features lies in its battery life: it promises up to 14 days of usage on a single charge. Paired with over 100 sports modes and sleep monitoring capability, it looks to be a great entry-level smartwatch for the health-conscious.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterestingly, you can get the Oppo Watch Free and Oppo Enco Air 2 with a 50% discount if you also purchase the Oppo Reno 7 series. If you\u2019re interested with the Enco Air 2, check out our hands on and unboxing of the wireless earbuds \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-reno-7-z-coming-to-malaysia-in-april-2022/", "title": "Oppo Reno 7 Z Coming to Malaysia in April 2022", "body": "\n\nOppo Malaysia dropped a surprise announcement today at the launch event for the \nReno 7\n \nseries\n. The Chinese company revealed that the unannounced Oppo Reno 7 Z will also be coming to Malaysia in the near future.\n\n\nHow soon will that happen? Well, according to Oppo Malaysia, the Reno 7 Z will be available locally sometime in April 2022. Unfortunately, the hardware of the phone were not revealed, though it\u2019s said to be the \u201cportrait expert,\u201d just like other devices in the Reno 7 series.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBased on the product page of the Reno 7 Z on \nOppo Indonesia\u2019s official website\n, it will not be powered by a MediaTek chipset like the rest of its siblings. Instead, it\u2019s said to be packed with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, which should offer a reasonably good level of performance.\n\n\nWe\u2019ll find out the full specifications of the Oppo Reno 7 Z once it is officially launched. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how it would compare in terms of pricing to the \nReno 7 Pro\n and standard \nReno 7\n, which go for RM2,999 and RM1,999 respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-zephyrus-m16-with-12th-gen-intel-core-i9-coming-to-malaysia-in-march-2022-from-rm8099/", "title": "Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 With 12th Gen Intel Core i9 Coming to Malaysia in March 2022 From RM8,099", "body": "\n\nAsus Malaysia revealed the local availability of a wide range of new gaming laptops, including the sleek Asus ROG Zephyrus M16. Just like \nits predecessor\n, it sports an almost bezel-less display, and it\u2019s now packed with Intel\u2019s latest 12th gen Core processors.\n\n\nIn fact, all variants of the Zephyrus M16 for the Malaysian market feature the same Core i9-12900H processor with \n14 physical cores\n. Needless to say, you won\u2019t have to worry about processing power with this gaming laptop.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, three variants of the Zephyrus M16 are offered in Malaysia. The base model features an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 (6GB GDDR6) GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD for RM8,099. A tier up is the RTX 3070 Ti (8GB GDDR6) model with 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD for RM11,499.\n\n\nWant even better gaming performance? Then consider the RTX 3080 Ti (16GB GDDR6) configuration of the Zephyrus M16. Not only does it feature that beefy GPU, it also comes with a very generous 2TB SSD and 32GB RAM\u2026for a cool RM16,499.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Zephyrus M16 include a Pantone Validated 16-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS display with a 165Hz refresh rate and 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour space, a 19.9mm thin chassis that tips the scales at 1.9kg, as well as support for WiFi 6E.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCuriously, only the RTX 3070 Ti and RTX 3080 Ti variants of the Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 will be available in Malaysia next month in March 2022. The more affordable RTX 3060 model, on the other hand, will only arrive here sometime in April or May 2022. \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-asus-tuf-gaming-laptops-with-12th-gen-intel-amd-ryzen-6000-chips-launched-in-malaysia-starts-at-rm4999/", "title": "2022 Asus TUF Gaming Laptops With 12th Gen Intel & AMD Ryzen 6000 Chips Launched in Malaysia \u2013 Starts at RM4,999", "body": "\n\nIf the \nAsus ROG Zephyrus M16\n don\u2019t quite fit your budget, then consider the new Asus TUF Gaming laptops. Available with Intel\u2019s latest 12th gen chip or AMD\u2019s equally new Ryzen 6000 processor, this gaming laptop series offers good value for money.\n\n\nAsus TUF Gaming A15\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the more affordable laptop in the series, the TUF Gaming A15. Offered in four different configurations, all variants are powered by a Ryzen 7 6800H octa-core processor. The base model with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 costs RM4,999, while the RTX 3050 Ti configuration goes for RM5,199; both feature 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA tier up is the RTX 3060 model of the TUF Gaming A15. Packed with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, it retails at RM6,199. And then there\u2019s the range-topping model with the same GPU, but with a brighter, more vibrant display, and a larger 1TB SSD for RM6,699.\n\n\nAsus TUF Gaming F15\n\n\nNext, we have the TUF Gaming F15, which is essentially the Intel version of the A15. Available in three variants, all of them are equipped with a Core i7-12700H processor and 512GB of SSD storage. The most affordable RTX 3050 model retails at RM5,299, while the RTX 3050 Ti configuration is priced at RM5,499. These two models also have 8GB of RAM.\n\n\nAs for the range-topping RTX 3060 TUF Gaming F15, it goes for RM6,499 with a more generous 16GB RAM. Beyond the different CPU and GPU options, both the TUF Gaming F15 and A15 feature a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAsus TUF Gaming A17/F17\n\n\nOh, there are also 17-inch variants of the two laptops. The TUF Gaming A17 packs a Ryzen 7 6800H processor paired with 8GB of RAM, an RTX 3050 GPU, a 17.3-inch 1080p IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate, and a 512GB SSD for RM5,199.\n\n\nIn the Intel camp, the TUF Gaming F15 features a Core i7-12700H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, an RTX 3060 GPU, a 17.3-inch 1080p IPS screen with a 144Hz refresh rate, and a 512GB SSD. How much does all of these cost? RM6,699.\n\n\nAvailability\n\n\nAll AMD variants of the Asus TUF Gaming series \u2013 so that\u2019s the A15 and A17 \u2013 will be available in Malaysia sometime in March 2022. The TUF Gaming F15 will also be arriving here in March next month, but the F17 will only be sold here sometime in April 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/24-february-2-march-fuel-price-ron-97-up-again-by-2-sen-others-unchanged/", "title": "24 February \u2013 2 March Fuel Price: RON 97 up Again By 2 Sen, Others Unchanged", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 is increased yet again this week. For the next seven days, RON 97 is going up by 2 sen per litre. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.\n\n\nFrom tomorrow onwards, the price of RON 97 is set at RM3.29 per litre (up from RM3.27). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 24 February to 2 March 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-certified-used-car-now-available-in-malaysia-offered-at-6-dealerships/", "title": "Honda Certified Used Car Now Available in Malaysia \u2013 Offered at 6 Dealerships", "body": "\n\nHonda Malaysia just launched its own used car business. Dubbed Honda Certified Used Car (HCUC), it offers pre-owned Honda vehicles through an \u201caccessible, trustworthy platform,\u201d as the company puts it.\n\n\nAll Honda pre-owned cars that are sold through HCUC are no older than five years, and their mileage are said to be below the 100,000km mark,. Aside from that, they have gone through a stringent 288-point inspection as well conducted by Honda Certified Inspectors.\n\n\nOf course, they\u2019re also fitted with genuine parts and are \u201cfree from major accidents and flood damage.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cHonda Malaysia is committed to offering products and services of the highest quality and ensuring that all our cars, be it new or pre-owned, provide a feeling of joy to the car owners,\u201d said the MD and CEO of Honda Malaysia, Madoka Chujo.\n\n\n\u201cAs such, we rolled out HCUC as an additional option for customers to own their preferred Honda cars and enjoy being a Honda owner,\u201d she added.\n\n\nAt the moment, HCUC is available at six Honda dealerships: MJN Motors (Selangor), Tiong Nam Motor (Selangor), Kah Motor (Penang), Kah Motor (Johor), Yong Ming Motor (Johor) and Chuan Thye Motor (Pahang). Honda Malaysia said that HCUC will be gradually expanded to meet the growing demand for used cars in Malyasia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-flow-z13-gaming-tablet-arriving-in-malaysia-march-2022/", "title": "Asus ROG Flow Z13 Gaming Tablet Arriving in Malaysia March 2022", "body": "\n\nThe \nAsus ROG Flow Z13\n is arriving in Malaysia very soon! Touted as the \u201cworld\u2019s fastest gaming tablet,\u201d it\u2019s really a capable, portable gaming machine, and it will be sold here here as early as March 2022 next month.\n\n\nThanks to its tablet form factor \u2013 which is similar to \nMicrosoft\u2019s Surface tablets\n \u2013 the Flow Z13 weighs only 1.1kg with a 12mm thin chassis. Despite its lightweight, slim design, it\u2019s still a reasonably powerful machine. The Z13 can be configured with Intel\u2019s latest 12th gen Alder Lake-H Core i9-12900H processor and an Nvidia RTX 3050 Ti GPU (35W TGP).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you need more power, the Flow Z13 can be connected to Asus\u2019 ROG XG Mobile external GPU enclosure. The new 2022 model now features an AMD Radeon RX 6850M XT or RTX 3080 GPU, along with a number of connectivity options.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Flow Z13 include a 13-inch touch-enabled display (either a 4K 60Hz or 1080p 120Hz panel option), up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of PCIe Gen4 SSD, a detachable keyboard case, an adjustable kickstand, as well as a 56Wh battery.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Asus ROG Flow Z13 is set to arrive in Malaysia sometime in March 2022 next month. Given the premium positioning of the gaming tablet, expect it to carry a premium price tag as well.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-2022-acer-swift-5-has-12th-gen-intel-chips-oceanglass-trackpad-made-from-recycled-plastic/", "title": "The 2022 Acer Swift 5 Has 12th Gen Intel Chips & OceanGlass Trackpad Made From Recycled Plastic", "body": "\n\nAcer just updated the Acer Swift 5 productivity laptop with Intel\u2019s latest 12th gen processors. On top of that, it also has a number of other improvements, including a larger, taller screen and a trackpad made from recycled plastic.\n\n\nDubbed OceanGlass trackpad, this is the same one used in the \nnew\n \nSwift X\n. Despite the fact that the Swift 5\u2019s trackpad is made out of recycled plastic, it still feels quite smooth to the touch. At least, that was the case with the Swift X.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the new Swift 5 also sports Intel\u2019s latest 12th gen processors (up to 12 cores) with Iris Xe graphics. Just like its predecessor, it also remains thin and light with a 14.95mm slim chassis that tips the scales at 1.2kg.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Swift 5 include a new, taller 16:10 touch-enabled screen with a 2560 x 1600 resolution and 92.22% screen-to-body ratio, up to 16GB of RAM and 2TB of PCIe Gen4 SSD, a fingerprint reader built into the power button, and up to 10 hours of battery life.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Acer Swift 5 will be available in EMEA markets from March 2022 onwards, while China and the US will get it sometime in April and June respectively. No word yet on when the new Swift 5 will be offered in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-vr2-headset-finally-revealed-familiar-design-lighter-now-with-a-vent/", "title": "PlayStation VR2 Headset Finally Revealed \u2013 Familiar Design, Lighter, Now With a Vent", "body": "\n\nAfter many months of teasing, the headset of the PlayStation VR2 system has finally been unveiled. At a glance, it looks quite similar to the original PS VR, though it has some notable improvements, including the inclusion of a vent.\n\n\nSo what\u2019s the purpose of the vent? Well, air circulation! Thanks to the vent, the lenses won\u2019t fog up as you\u2019re immersed in a VR game. Speaking of which, there\u2019s also a lens adjustment dial now so that players can match the lens distance between their eyes for a more pleasant VR experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the PS VR2 headset is also lighter and slightly slimmer than its direct predecessor. This is quite impressive, given that there\u2019s now a built-in motor for the headset\u2019s feedback feature. The lighter design should improve the comfort of the headset as well.\n\n\nAlso unveiled alongside the PS VR2 headset is the final design of the PS VR2 Sense controller. While it looks similar to previously released images of the controller, the colourway is now matched to the headset\u2019s black and white colour scheme.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo release date has been given yet for the PlayStation VR2, though it\u2019s confirmed that game creators have gotten their hands on the development kit. Hopefully, we\u2019ll see the VR system hit store shelves sometime this year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-plus-march-2022-free-games-include-ghost-of-tsushima-legends-ghostrunner/", "title": "PlayStation Plus March 2022 Free Games Include Ghost of Tsushima: Legends & Ghostrunner", "body": "\n\nPlayStation Plus\u2019 March 2022 free games have just been announced! The lineup includes Ghostrunner (PS5), Team Sonic Racing (PS4), Ghost of Tsushima: Legends (PS5 and PS4), and for us here in Asia, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (PS4).\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that in certain regions, such as the US, Ark: Survival Evolved is offered instead of Brothers. Nonetheless, the latter is still a well-received game with a unique mechanic that requires players to control both brothers simultaneously.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterestingly, unlike \nprevious PS Plus\n \nfree games\n, not all of the games this month are available on the PS4; only the PS5 version of Ghostrunner is offered. But hey, at least PS4 players are still getting three games this month.\n\n\nThese four games can be claimed by PS Plus members from 1 March to 4 April 2022. That means you have until this coming Monday (28 February) to get your hands on February 2022\u2019s free games, including \nDragon\u2019s Crown Pro an\nd\n UFC 4\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-find-x5-pro-official-marisilicon-x-imaging-npu-snapdragon-8-gen-1-ip68-rating/", "title": "Oppo Find X5 Pro Official \u2013 MariSilicon X Imaging NPU, Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, IP68 Rating", "body": "\n\nOppo just launched its latest flagship smartphone, the Oppo Find X5 Pro. Sporting the Chinese company\u2019s latest MariSilicon X Imaging NPU, the X5 Pro promises improved camera performance, especially when shooting low light 4K videos.\n\n\nAccording to Oppo, the MariSilicon X NPU allows the Find X5 to shoot night videos in 4K with \u201cless grain and superior colour reproduction,\u201d thanks to the use of an advanced AI noise reduction algorithm designed by the Oppo Research Institute.\n\n\nOf course, whether or not this is the case, we\u2019ll have to reserve judgment until we can try out the phone for ourselves.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Find X5 Pro has a triple camera system made up of a 50MP primary camera \u2013 complete with a \u201cfirst-of-its-kind\u201d five-axis OIS system for more stable videos and sharper still photos \u2013 a 50MP ultra-wide angle lens, and a 13MP telephoto camera with 5x hybrid zoom. It also features Hasselblad Natural Colour Calibration in Pro Mode for\u2026well, more accurate colour reproduction.\n\n\nNaturally, the Find X5 Pro is also powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset for flagship-tier performance. After all, it\u2019s said to offer 30% improved GPU performance while sporting 25% better power efficiency, thanks to its 4nm manufacturing process.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Find X5 Pro include a 6.7-inch WQHD+ curved AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 80W SuperVOOC fast charging, an IP68 rating, a ceramic back, and ColorOS 12.1 based on Android 12 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on the Malaysian availability of the Oppo Find X5 Pro, but given Oppo\u2019s large presence locally, we reckon it\u2019s only a matter of time before the flagship phone is launched on our shores.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-find-x5-also-unveiled-with-marisilicon-x-sony-imx766-sensor-80w-supervooc-charging/", "title": "Oppo Find X5 Also Unveiled With MariSilicon X, Sony IMX766 Sensor, 80W SuperVOOC Charging", "body": "\n\nLaunched alongside the higher-end Find X5 Pro is the more affordable Oppo Find X5. Sporting the same MariSilicon X imaging NPU as the former, the standard Find X5 should be able to deliver comparable camera performance (especially in low light 4K videos) in a more modest-looking design.\n\n\nHowever, the Find X5 is still very much a premium phone powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset. It also offers the same Sony IMX766 sensor found in the Pro model for the 50MP primary and 50MP ultra-wide angle shooters, along with a 13MP telephoto lens and a 32MP selfie camera.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven the Hasselblad branding on the back of the Find X5, it should feature the Hasselblad Natural Colour Calibration in the camera\u2019s Pro Mode for\u2026well, more accurate colour reproduction.\n\n\nOther specifications of the regular Find X5 include a 6.5-inch 1080p OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 4,800mAh battery with fast 80W SuperVOOC charging, and a more \u201cunderstated, yet ultra-premium finish, with frosted, matte glass and fingerprint-resistant chassis,\u201d as Oppo puts it.\n\n\nJust like the Pro model, it remains to be seen exactly when the Oppo Find X5 will be available in Malaysia, though we reckon it will be sold on our shores in due time.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/infinix-zero-x-pro-zero-5g-arrive-in-malaysia-3-march-starts-at-rm1099/", "title": "Infinix Zero X Pro & Zero 5G Arrive in Malaysia 3 March \u2013 Starts at RM1,099", "body": "\n\nInfinix is steadily bringing in higher-end phones to the Malaysian market, such as these two new phones: the Infinix Zero X Pro and Infinix Zero 5G. Retailing from only RM1,099, both phones offer reasonably good value for money.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the more affordable phone of the two, the Infinix Zero 5G. Priced at RM1,099, it offers a MediaTek Dimensity 900 chipset paired with 8GB RAM and 128GB of storage, a 6.78-inch 1080p IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (48MP primary + 13MP telephoto + 2MP \u201cvirtual\u201d), a 16MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Infinix Zero 5G\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Infinix Zero X Pro, two variants are offered in Malaysia. The 128GB model costs RM1,199, while the 256GB configuration goes for RM1,299; both feature 8GB of RAM. Aside from that, it is also powered by a MediaTek Helio G95 chipset.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Zero X Pro include a 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (108MP primary + 8MP periscope telephoto + 8MP ultra-wide angle), a 16MP selfie camera, and a 4,500mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Infinix Zero X Pro\n\n\n\n\nBoth the Infinix Zero X Pro and Zero 5G will be available for purchase in Malaysia next week on 3 March. You can place your order of the two phones through \nInfinix\u2019s official Shopee store\n on that day.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-find-x5-pro-also-offered-with-dimensity-9000-in-china/", "title": "Oppo Find X5 Pro Also Offered With Dimensity 9000 in China", "body": "\n\nFor the global market, the \nOppo Find X5 Pro\n is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset. But for those residing in China, there\u2019s actually another version of the flagship phone packed with a MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chip instead.\n\n\nDubbed Oppo Find X5 Pro Dimensity Edition, it is one of the first phones to be powered by the new flagship MediaTek chipset, though this particular version seems to be exclusive to the China market at the moment. Aside from the different chipset, this (seemingly) China-only X5 Pro has a number of other differences too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMost notably, the Find X5 Pro Dimensity Edition does not feature Oppo\u2019s heavily marketed MariSilicon X Imaging NPU; this means the Qualcomm variant may be able to deliver better camera performance. Curiously, the MediaTek model doesn\u2019t have the Hasselblad branding or the five-axis OIS system on the 50MP primary camera either.\n\n\nBeyond these differences, the Dimensity 9000-powered Find X5 Pro has similar hardware as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 model. These include a 6.7-inch WQHD+ curved AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 80W SuperVOOC fast charging, an IP68 rating, and a ceramic back.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Find X5 Pro Dimensity Edition is only offered in a single configuration in China. Sporting 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM, it is priced at 5,799 Chinese yuan (about RM3,855). For the sake of comparison, the equivalent Qualcomm model is slightly more costly at 6,299 yuan (approximately RM4,185).\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/you-can-pre-order-the-oppo-find-x5-lite-in-malaysia-right-now-for-rm1999/", "title": "You Can Pre-Order the \u201cOppo Find X5 Lite\u201d in Malaysia Right Now for RM1,999", "body": "\n\nAlso unveiled alongside the \nFind X5 Pro\n and the regular \nFind X5\n is the more affordable Oppo Find X5 Lite. If the phone looks familiar, that\u2019s because it\u2019s essentially a rebranded \nReno 7\n for the European market.\n\n\nThe Reno 7 was launched in Malaysia just a few days ago, so you can technically pre-order the \u201cFind X5 Lite\u201d in Malaysia right now. Priced at RM1,999, the Reno 7 is offered in a single configuration with 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM.\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Find X5 Lite\n\n\n\n\nJust like the Reno 7 Pro, the standard Reno 7\u2019s portrait mode promises DSLR-like portrait shots, thanks to its Portrait Mode with \u201c25 levels of adjustable aperture.\u201d It also has a 32MP selfie camera, along with a 64MP primary shooter, an 8MP ultra-wide angle lens, and a 2MP macro camera.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Reno 7 are a 6.4-inch 1080p AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 900 chipset, 5G connectivity, a 4,500mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging, and ColorOS 12 based on Android 11 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Reno 7 is now available for for pre-order in Malaysia until 4 March 2022 for RM1,999. Every pre-order will also come with freebies worth up to RM1,406.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-pad-official-with-snapdragon-870-11-120hz-display-from-2299-yuan/", "title": "Oppo Pad Official With Snapdragon 870 & 11\u2033 120Hz Display From 2,299 Yuan", "body": "\n\nOppo recently unveiled its first-ever Android tablet in China, the aptly named Oppo Pad. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset with an 11-inch 120Hz screen \u2013 not to mention good value for money \u2013 it\u2019s quite an interesting tablet.\n\n\nThough the Snapdragon 870 chipset isn\u2019t cutting-edge, the Oppo Pad more than makes up for this with its affordable price tag. In China, it retails at only 2,299 Chinese yuan (about RM1,530) for the base model with 128GB of internal storage and 6GB of RAM. If you want more storage and RAM, there\u2019s the 256GB + 8GB variant for 2,999 yuan (approximately RM1,995).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Oppo Pad features the aforementioned Snapdragon 870, which should be able to offer a reasonably good level of performance. It also has an 11-inch 2560 x 1600 LTPS screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10 support, a 13MP rear camera, an 8MP selfie camera, and a reasonably big 8,300mAh battery with 33W fast charging.\n\n\nIt remains to be seen when (or if) the Oppo Pad will be available outside of China. But if it does, we reckon Malaysia will get the Android tablet, given Oppo\u2019s prominent presence here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/drop-releasing-gateron-made-holy-panda-x-tactile-switch-on-1-march-rounder-bump-1-per-switch/", "title": "Drop Releasing Gateron-Made \u201cHoly Panda X\u201d Tactile Switch on 1 March \u2013 Rounder Bump, $1 Per Switch", "body": "\n\nDrop is releasing a new tactile switch dubbed \u201cHoly Panda X\u201d this coming Tuesday on 1 March. Compared to the original Holy Panda, this switch will be made by Gateron, and it will feature a rounder bump with a more \u201caggressive\u201d return\u2026and a pretty steep price tag.\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk prices. Drop will price a box of Holy Panda X switches \u2013 which contains 35 units \u2013 for $35 (about RM145). Basically, you\u2019ll be paying $1 (approximately RM4.20) per switch; that\u2019s quite a steep price tag, even when compared to other high-end aftermarket switches.\n\n\n\n\nImage source: \nQuakemz (Reddit)\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, you can place a pre-order of the Holy Panda X for slightly cheaper on 1 March itself \u2013 a box of the tactile switch will cost $29 (around RM120) on that day. The regular pricing will be implemented \u201cshortly thereafter,\u201d though no specific timeline was given by Drop.\n\n\nAnyway, for that kind of money, the Holy Panda X promises a more rounded tactile bump than the original Holy Panda. The return/upstroke of the switch is also described to be \u201cmore aggressive, coming back sooner and slightly harder.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Drop, reviews of the Holy Panda X switch will be released on 1 March itself. If you\u2019re keen to purchase it, you can do so \nright here\n this coming Tuesday.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-honda-odyssey-facelift-now-in-malaysia-imported-from-japan-new-exterior-interior-rm275k/", "title": "2022 Honda Odyssey Facelift Now in Malaysia \u2013 Imported From Japan, New Exterior & Interior, RM275k", "body": "\n\nHonda Malaysia just launched the updated 2022 Honda Odyssey facelift on our shores. Sporting a new exterior and interior, the premium seven-seater MPV is fully imported (CBU) from Japan, so it gets 50% sales tax exemption until 30 June 2022.\n\n\nSo how much does the facelifted Odyssey cost? A cool RM275,311 on-the-road without insurance. Given that the sales tax exemption is \nset to end on 30 June\n, expect the price of the premium MPV to increase in the second half of the year.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the pre-facelift model, the updated Odyssey has a number of exterior changes. These include a new front grille, LED headlights, redesigned taillights, as well as new rear and front bumpers. It also gets 17-inch alloy wheels now with sequential turn signals.\n\n\nStep inside the 2022 Odyssey and you\u2019ll be greeted by a more premium interior. There\u2019s a new dashboard design, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, an 8-inch infotainment screen with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with combination leather upholstery.\n\n\nOther equipment of the new Odyssey include the familiar 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC NA engine (175PS/225Nm), a CVT automatic, Honda Sensing, and a powered tailgate with foot sensor for added convenience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Honda Odyssey facelift is now available for booking in Malaysia. It is offered in three colours: Platinum White Pearl, Premium Twinkle Black Pearl, and Super Platinum Metallic.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-matebook-e-with-oled-screen-makes-global-debut-microsoft-surface-competitor/", "title": "Huawei MateBook E With OLED Screen Makes Global Debut \u2013 Microsoft Surface Competitor", "body": "\n\nAnnounced in China back in November last year, the Huawei MateBook E just made its global debut at Huawei\u2019s Spring 2022 Smart Office launch. Even though it\u2019s touted as Huawei\u2019s first OLED laptop, it\u2019s really a Windows tablet that can be connected to a keyboard case, much like \nMicrosoft\u2019s Surface Pro 8\n.\n\n\nBut unlike the Surface, the MateBook E relies on the keyboard case to be propped up; it doesn\u2019t have a built-in kickstand like the former. Of course, once it is connected to said case, the MateBook E is similar to the Surface Pro 8 \u2013 in terms of form factor, anyway.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnder the hood of the MateBook E are Intel\u2019s 11th generation Core processors \u2013 it maxes out at a Core i7-1160G7 chip \u2013 Iris Xe integrated graphics, a 12.6-inch 2560 x 1600 OLED screen, up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD, a 13MP rear camera, an 8MP front-facing shooter, as well as support for the 2nd gen Huawei M-Pencil stylus.\n\n\nNo word yet on the Malaysian availability of the Huawei MateBook E, but given Huawei\u2019s prominent presence here, we reckon it\u2019s only a matter of time before the Windows tablet is officially sold locally.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-matebook-x-pro-2022-features-larger-sharper-screen-with-smaller-bezels/", "title": "Huawei MateBook X Pro 2022 Features Larger, Sharper Screen With Smaller Bezels", "body": "\n\nAlso unveiled alongside the new \nHuawei MateBook E\n is the Chinese company\u2019s latest flagship laptop, the Huawei MateBook X Pro 2022. Compared to its predecessor, the new laptop features a larger, sharper, and faster screen, while also reducing the bezels surrounding the panel.\n\n\nThis, in turn, makes for a sleeker, more modern-looking productivity laptop. The new MateBook X Pro now features a 14.2-inch 3120 x 2080 LTPS touch-enabled display with a 90Hz refresh rate. With a peak brightness of 500 nits, it also supports VESA\u2019s DisplayHDR 400 standard.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the updated MateBook X Pro include an 11th gen Intel Core i7-1195G7 processor paired with 16GB of RAM, Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, a generous 1TB SSD, a 60Wh battery, as well as a 15.5mm thin chassis that tips the scales at 1.38kg.\n\n\nFor the European market, the Huawei MateBook X Pro 2022 retails at 1,899 euro (about RM8,910). It remains to be seen exactly when the flagship laptop will be available in other regions, including Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/poco-x4-pro-5g-official-and-its-coming-to-malaysia-for-rm1199-early-birds-get-rm250-discount/", "title": "Poco X4 Pro 5G Official, and It\u2019s Coming to Malaysia for RM1,199 \u2013 Early Birds Get RM250 Discount", "body": "\n\nThe Poco X4 Pro 5G has just been announced at MWC 2022, and it\u2019s\u2026very similar to the \nRedmi Note 11 Pro 5G\n, except for some styling differences. Anyway, just like the latter, the X4 Pro is a budget-friendly phone, and it will be available for purchase in Malaysia this week on 3 March.\n\n\nTwo variants of the X4 Pro are offered in Malaysia. The base model with 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM goes for RM1,199 \u2013 the exact same starting price of the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G \u2013 while the more generous 256GB configuration with 8GB RAM is priced at RM1,499.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Poco X4 Pro 5G is very similar to the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G. Both phones feature the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, a 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (108MP main + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro), a 16MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging.\n\n\nThe only real difference between the two phones lies in design; more specifically, the camera module. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G\u2019s camera array has a smaller footprint, while the camera module of the Poco X4 Pro 5G stretches across the whole top of the phone, complete with the Poco branding.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the X4 Pro is offered with more storage capacity; there\u2019s no 256GB configuration of the Note 11 Pro 5G for the Malaysian market.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can purchase the Poco X4 Pro 5G in Malaysia from 3 March onwards exclusively on Shopee, and you can get it at only \nRM1,099\n (128GB) and \nRM1,249\n (256GB) on that day \u2013 that saves you RM100 and RM250 respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/poco-m4-pro-unveiled-with-90hz-amoled-screen-5000mah-battery-from-rm799-in-malaysia/", "title": "Poco M4 Pro Unveiled With 90Hz AMOLED Screen & 5,000mAh Battery From RM799 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nAside from the higher-end X4 Pro 5G, Poco also unveiled the more affordable Poco M4 Pro at MWC 2022. Sporting a relatively fast 90Hz AMOLED screen with a generous 5,000mAh battery, this budget-friendly phone is also arriving in Malaysia this Thursday on 3 March.\n\n\nTwo variants of the M4 Pro are available in Malaysia. The base model with 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM is priced at RM899, while the 256GB configuration with 8GB of RAM costs RM1,099. To sweeten the deal, these two phones will be discounted to RM799 and RM949 respectively from \nLazada\n on 3 March.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDespite its affordable nature, the M4 Pro still features a vibrant 6.43-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a reasonably fast 90Hz refresh rate. On top of that, it also has a large 5,000mAh battery \u2013 Poco said this battery can last \u201cmore than two days.\u201d\n\n\nOther specifications of the Poco M4 Pro include a MediaTek Helio G96 chipset, a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), a 16MP selfie camera, as well as support for 33W fast charging.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/custom-keyboard-stabiliser-showdown-tx-vs-staebies-vs-durock-v2/", "title": "Custom Keyboard Stabiliser Showdown! TX vs. Staebies vs. Durock V2", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ve got (arguably) three of the most popular keyboard stabilisers in the market now, and we\u2019re putting them to the test to see which one will reign supreme! Will it be the new kid on the block, TX, the incredibly popular \nStaebies\n, or the OG \nDurock V2\n?\n\n\nAll of these stabilisers were tested on an FR4 plate and PCB of the \nMode SixtyFive\n (stay tuned for our full review of this excellent custom keyboard). We lubed all three stabilisers with Krytox XHT-BDZ on the wires, and Krytox 205g0 on the housings \u2013 no mods of any kind were performed.\n\n\nOf course, we\u2019ll be posting our full review of the TX stabilisers very soon on \nour YouTube channel\n and this website. In the meantime, listen for yourself how these three stabilisers sound in stock configuration and after they\u2019re lubed!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-magic-4-series-official-snapdragon-8-gen-1-100w-wireless-charging-from-899-euro/", "title": "Honor Magic 4 Series Official \u2013 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 100W Wireless Charging, From 899 Euro", "body": "\n\nHonor just unveiled its latest lineup of flagship smartphones, the Honor Magic 4 series. Featuring Qualcomm\u2019s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and a premium design, the Magic 4 Pro and standard Magic 4 are high-end phones through and through.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the higher-end Magic 4 Pro. It features a triple camera system made up of a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 64MP periscope telephoto lens that can do 3.5x optical zoom. These sensors are housed in a unique circular camera module.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Magic 4 Pro include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, a 6.81-inch 2848 x 1312 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 256GB of internal storage, a 12MP selfie camera, an IP68 rating, and a 4,600mAh battery with support for 100W wired and\u00a0\nwireless\u00a0\ncharging; that\u2019s quite impressive.\n\n\nAs for the standard Magic 4, it has similar hardware as the Pro model, though it does have some distinct differences here and there. Instead of a 64MP telephoto camera, it features an 8MP periscope telephoto lens instead; it also has a slightly bigger 4,800 battery and an IP54 rating.\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor Magic 4\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor Magic 4 series will be available globally sometime in Q2 2022. The standard Magic 4 is set to retail from 899 euro (about RM4,215), while the Magic 4 Pro starts at 1,099 euro (approximately RM5,155). The latter is \nalready confirmed for the Malaysian market\n, though it remains to be seen if the standard model will also be coming to our shores.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-magic-4-pro-with-100w-wireless-charging-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Honor Magic 4 Pro With 100W Wireless Charging Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nThe Honor Magic 4 series has just been unveiled, and it appears the Magic 4 Pro will be coming to Malaysia soon. This was revealed by Honor Malaysia itself on its official website.\n\n\nIn fact, Honor Malaysia already has a \nproduct page\n for the Magic 4 Pro; it\u2019s said to be \u201ccoming soon to Malaysia\u201d as shown below. Unfortunately, there\u2019s no confirmation for the regular Magic 4, so it remains to be seen if the more affordable variant will be made available here.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the highlights of the Magic 4 Pro is its triple camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 64MP periscope telephoto lens that can do 3.5x optical zoom. These sensors are housed in a unique circular camera module.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Magic 4 Pro include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, a 6.81-inch 2848 x 1312 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 256GB of internal storage, a 12MP selfie camera, an IP68 rating, and a 4,600mAh battery with support for 100W wired and \nwireless \ncharging; that\u2019s quite impressive.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor Magic 4 Pro is set to be available globally sometime in the second quarter of 2022 with a 1,099 euro starting price \u2013 that\u2019s about RM5,170. Chances are, the Malaysian market will receive the flagship phone in the same timeframe.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-now-offering-up-to-rm15000-discount-for-march-2022/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Now Offering up to RM15,000 Discount for March 2022", "body": "\n\nLast month, Honda Malaysia\u00a0\noffered up to RM12,000 discounts\n\u00a0for its range of models. For March 2022, it\u2019s even better: the Japanese carmaker is now offering up to \nRM15,000 discount\n for the whole month.\n\n\nNaturally, \nthe Honda Accord\n gets the best discount. Both the range-topping TC-P and more affordable TC variants of the D-segment sedan receive a generous RM15,000 rebate, though this is only for models manufactured in 2021. If you want a 2022 model instead, you\u2019ll only get a RM4,000 rebate.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe next best deal is for the seven-seater \nHonda BR-V\n. Both the E and V trims get a RM7,000 discount for the 2021 model; RM1,000 savings if you opt for the 2022 model instead. All variants of the 2021 \nHonda HR-V\n, on the other hand, receive a RM5,500 rebate. As for 2022 models of the SUV, you\u2019ll only get a RM1,000 discount.\n\n\nNext is the\u00a0\nHonda City\n, which is offered with a RM5,000 rebate for all 2021 variants, while the 2022 models get a RM2,000 discount. Last but certainly not least is the CR-V: you can get a RM4,000 rebate for all 2021 models, while the 2022 ones are offered with a RM1,000 discount.\n\n\nDo note that these discounts are only applicable for vehicles registered between 1 to 31 March 2022. More information on these discounts can be found \nhere\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to get any of these Honda models with the aforementioned rebates, you can place your booking online\u00a0\nhere\n. Alternatively, bookings can be done through the HondaTouch app as well \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/singakbds-popular-unikorn-custom-keyboard-in-stock-sale-happening-soon-600-units-only/", "title": "SINGAKBD\u2019s Popular Unikorn Custom Keyboard In-Stock Sale Happening Soon \u2013 600 Units Only", "body": "\n\nLocal brand SINGAKBD\u2019s very, \nvery\n popular Unikorn custom keyboard is back for 2022. Set to be sold as an in-stock product \u2013 albeit through a raffle \u2013 only 600 units of the highly sought-after 60% keyboard will be available.\n\n\nSo far, two colours of the Unikorn 2022 have been confirmed: Berlin Blue and Reseda Green. More colours could be made available at a later date, though there will not be a polycarbonate version of the keyboard for this round of sale.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to SINGAKBD, 600 units of the Unikorn 2022 are available in-stock; they will be sold in two runs (300 units each) or three runs (200 units each). The keyboard\u2019s sale will be done through a raffle instead of a first-come-first-served format as well.\n\n\nNo word yet on how much the SINGAKBD Unikorn 2022 will cost, though the brand said that it should be priced higher compared to the previous round \u2013 where it went for RM1,600 \u2013 due to higher metal prices. It\u2019s not confirmed yet when the raffle for the Unikorn will take place, though we reckon SINGAKBD will make an announcement on its \nofficial Discord channel\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-batman-review-not-your-typical-superhero-movie/", "title": "The Batman Review: Not Your Typical Superhero Movie", "body": "\n\nThere is no shortage of superhero movies. From Marvel\u2019s increasingly big (and complex) Cinematic Universe to the DC Extended Universe, you\u2019re spoiled for choice. But as far as \nstandalone\n superhero movies go, there aren\u2019t as many out there.\n\n\nWell, you get exactly that with Matt Reeves\u2019 The Batman. Starring Robert Pattinson as the titular character, this is a dark, gloomy take on the superhero franchise. Not only is this a standalone superhero movie, it doesn\u2019t even \nfeel\n like a superhero movie, which is\u2026actually a good thing.\n\n\nWithout further ado, here\u2019s our spoiler-free review of The Batman.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOkay, The Batman is still obviously a superhero movie complete with some iconic Batman characters and some cool gadgets \u2013 including a \nvery impressive\n Batmobile \u2013 but it wouldn\u2019t be far-fetched to call it a detective crime thriller either.\n\n\nMuch of the movie is about Batman unraveling the mysteries and riddles left by, well, the Riddler (Paul Dano). Aiding the vigilante is none other than his trusty partner, GCPD lieutenant James Gordon (Jeffrey Wright). It\u2019s worth noting that he is not the commissioner yet in this movie, so this is still early days for Batman.\n\n\nIn fact, it\u2019s only been two years since Batman started hitting the streets of Gotham in the movie, and it\u2019s evident that he is still figuring out \nhow\n to be the Dark Knight. In this sense, Pattinson did a great job of portraying a younger, more inexperienced version of the \u201cWorld\u2019s Greatest Detective,\u201d even if he looks a little too\u2026brooding.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSee any difference?\n\n\n\n\nReally, even when he assumes the role of his alter ego in the movie, Bruce Wayne, Pattinson still wears the same kind of persona. In my opinion, this is a stark contrast to the suave billionaire\u2019s more well-known cool, calm, and collected demeanor.\n\n\nGranted, Reeves\u2019 The Batman isn\u2019t a particularly lighthearted take on the superhero \u2013 not that it\u2019s known to be a cheery franchise \u2013 so perhaps portraying Bruce Wayne as a charismatic, carefree individual would be at odds with the tone of the movie. While a few jokes and banters were thrown throughout the movie, these moments are few and far between.\n\n\nNonetheless, Pattinson plays a very convincing, almost menacing Batman with a seething anger. Even if I\u2019m not too fond of him as Bruce Wayne, there\u2019s no denying that he\u2019s very much the Dark Knight \u2013 maybe even \ntoo\n dark, at times.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther casts in The Batman are strong in their own right as well. Zo\u00eb Kravitz\u2019s Selina Kyle/Catwoman has great chemistry with Pattinson\u2019s Batman, and I\u2019m especially surprised at Colin Farrell\u2019s performance as Oswald Cobblepot \u2013 more commonly known as the Penguin.\n\n\nIt\u2019s no exaggeration to say that he is almost unrecognisable in The Batman. Both his demeanor and voice acting fits the Penguin\u2019s character, and it\u2019s entertaining every time he\u2019s on-screen; it\u2019s a good thing he has a fair number of scenes in the movie. \n\n\nOf course, Paul Dano\u2019s the Riddler in The Batman is\u2026well, straight out of a nightmare. He is cruel, unsettling, and most of all, dangerous. Though the Riddler here is markedly different from previous Batman titles \u2013 think sadistic like Saw\u2019s Jigsaw than aloof \u2013 he does make for a worthy villain.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGreig Fraser\u2019s cinematography in The Batman is also \namazing\n. He previously worked on other big titles like Dune and Rogue One, and there are more than a few moments in this movie that are very, \nvery\n awe-inspiring.\n\n\nOne scene that stuck with me involved Batman going through a hallway (obviously filled with enemies) illuminated only by gunfire as he dealt with them one at a time. You can catch a glimpse of this in the trailer below.\n\n\nFor the sake of not spoiling the movie, I won\u2019t elaborate any further \u2013 just know that you\u2019re in for a good time!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile The Batman is not strictly an origin story, it does explore the beginning of Batman\u2019s superhero career as he gets the hang of being the Dark Knight. Running for almost three hours long, the movie did not feel like a slog at all, which shows just how entertaining it really is.\n\n\nBut be warned: The Batman is, as mentioned, not your typical superhero movie. if you walk into the cinema hall expecting elements of a regular Marvel (or even DCEU) movie, you may be left disappointed. Instead, director Matt Reeves is putting the crime thriller elements of The Batman ahead of everything else, and in my opinion, he\u2019s done this to great success.\n\n\nThe Batman is now open in Malaysian cinemas\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/gran-turismo-7-ps5-review-made-for-newcomers-veterans-alike/", "title": "Gran Turismo 7 (PS5) Review: Made for Newcomers & Veterans Alike", "body": "\n\nThe Gran Turismo franchise had always felt\u2026well, inaccessible to me. While I love driving, I can\u2019t quite get into the series due to the intimidating mechanics that require a certain know-how to drive well and fully enjoy the game.\n\n\nBut that changes with Gran Turismo 7. Thanks to a number of qualify of life changes, this is (to me) the most accessible title in the franchise yet. With even more cars and tracks to drive on \u2013 compared to 2017\u2019s Gran Turismo Sport \u2013 it\u2019s a full-fledged Gran Turismo title too.\n\n\nWhether you\u2019re new to the series or a veteran, Gran Turismo 7 is sure to entertain \u2013 I certainly enjoyed this driving game much more than I expected.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nAs mentioned, Gran Turismo 7 offers a wider variety of cars and tracks compared to Gran Turismo Sport. More specifically, there are over 400 cars to choose from with 90 tracks from around the world. Granted, it doesn\u2019t have as many cars compared to over 1,200 models featured in Gran Turismo 6, but hey, 400 is still a respectable figure.\n\n\nWhat\u2019s new in Gran Turismo 7 is the introduction of Menu Books, which are found in the equally new Cafe. One of the first things you do in the game is to visit the Cafe to get Menu Books, which serve as a campaign mode of sorts for the game.\n\n\nThis is one of the biggest reasons why Gran Turismo 7 is especially accessible to newcomers. Not only do the Menu Books provide a form of progression for the driving game, it also offers interesting information on car culture.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nAs with most (if not all) games on the PS5, Gran Turismo 7 looks \nstunning\n on the next-gen console. All the cars are rendered beautifully, the sceneries are awe-inspiring, and driving around the track with the realistic weather simulation really enhance the immersion of the game.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, I am \nincredibly impressed\n with Polyphony Digital\u2019s attention to detail in Gran Turismo 7. The studio said that the 400 cars featured in the games are \u201crecreated to the highest quality ever seen in the history of the series,\u201d and I couldn\u2019t agree more.\n\n\nI\u2019m an owner of the \n10th generation Honda Civic FC\n, so when I saw the Civic Type R FK8 for sale in the game \u2013 which has a similar interior as my much more affordable sedan \u2013 I purchased it immediately. I wanted to see just how accurate the cabin of the car would be in Gran Turismo 7, and I\u2019m pleasant surprised that it\u2019s almost an \nexact\n representation.\n\n\nI obviously kept driving the car since then until I had to swap it out to enter a different championship.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, each car in Gran Turismo 7 feels distinctively different too \u2013 this has always been a strong point of the franchise. Take the Toyota GR Yaris: thanks to its compact dimensions, it feels very nimble around the corners. Because it\u2019s a four-wheel drive hatchback, it also offers better traction.\n\n\nBut if I take the bigger, more powerful Maserati GranTurismo S to the same track, it doesn\u2019t allow me to be as aggressive in the corners, lest I risk oversteering and lose control of the car. Given that it\u2019s a rear-wheel drive car, it doesn\u2019t feel as \u201cgrippy\u201d as the GR Yaris either, though it does offer higher speeds in the straights.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, Gran Turismo 7 makes use of the more refined haptic feedback and adaptive triggers of the DualSense controller too. The vibration changes if I drive off-track, and it even vibrates accordingly when I shift gears.\n\n\nAs for the adaptive triggers, it\u2019s not used quite as extensively as other games \u2013 such as the recently released \nHorizon Forbidden West\n \u2013 but the L2 trigger does offer resistance as I apply the brakes. The R2 trigger also rattles a little if I\u2019m losing traction from accelerating too hard.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the new Menu Books feature in Gran Turismo 7. Basically, the Menu Books are missions for players to complete in order to progress through the game. These include competing in championships, completing license tests \u2013 while also teaching new driving techniques \u2013 and even collecting specific cars.\n\n\nI\u2019m personally most fond of collecting cars. Aside from the fact that I\u2019m adding more cars to my collection, completing the Menu Book and bringing it back to the Cafe also sheds some interesting history on the cars that I\u2019ve just collected.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHowever, the Menu Books are not perfect \u2013 I\u2019ll elaborate in the next section.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWhile the Menu Books are quite interesting in the beginning of Gran Turismo 7, they eventually feel repetitive after doing the same tasks over and over again. Granted, it does give me details on a wide variety of cars from different regions, but at the end of the day, it\u2019s still a repetitive cycle.\n\n\nOne of the biggest advantages of the PS5 is fast loading times, and while Gran Turismo 7 \ndoes\n load very quickly \u2013 I can get in and out of races seamlessly \u2013 the loading times in certain parts of the game feel a tad too long. This is especially the case in the Livery Editor, for example.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI also have a small gripe with the dialogues in Gran Turismo 7: there were a fair number of typos here and there. Even though this is not a major issue by any means, it does affect the overall refinement of the game, in my opinion.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for one of the most realistic driving games, you cannot go wrong with Gran Turismo 7. Its wide variety of tracks and cars \u2013 which are recreated for the game with amazing attention to detail \u2013 along with sophisticated driving physics really make it an enjoyable driving game.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile the Menu Books do feel repetitive after some time, Gran Turismo 7 still offers a ton of other features, including licenses tests, Missions, Circuit Experiences, and of course, a number of online modes. These, coupled with the game\u2019s stunning graphics, truly elevate Gran Turismo 7.\n\n\nGran Turismo 7 launches on the \nPS5 and PS4\n on 4 March.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/3-9-march-fuel-price-ron-97-up-by-whopping-16-sen-others-unchanged/", "title": "3 \u2013 9 March Fuel Price: RON 97 up by Whopping 16 Sen, Others Unchanged", "body": "\n\nIt appears the price of RON 97 is affected by the ongoing conflict in Europe. For the next seven days, RON 97 is going up by \na steep 16 sen per litre\n. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.\n\n\nFrom tomorrow onwards, the price of RON 97 is set at RM3.45 per litre (up from RM3.29). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 3 to 9 March 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-reno-7-z-official-with-snapdragon-695-arrives-in-malaysia-april-2022/", "title": "Oppo Reno 7 Z Official With Snapdragon 695 \u2013 Arrives in Malaysia April 2022", "body": "\n\nOppo just revealed the full specifications of its latest mid-ranger, the Oppo Reno 7 Z. Set to arrive in Malaysia in April 2022 next month, it\u2019s a reasonably well-equipped device in this segment.\n\n\nAs previously revealed, the Reno 7 Z is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, putting it in the same league as the \nRedmi Note 11 Pro 5G\n, for example. It also features a triple camera system made up of a 64MP primary shooter, a 2MP monochrome sensor, and a 2MP macro lens.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Reno 7 Z include a 6.43-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, a 16MP selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery, and ColorOS 12 based on Android 11 out of the box.\n\n\nIt remains to be seen how much the Oppo Reno 7 Z will be priced at, though we\u2019ll find out for ourselves come next month in April 2022. That\u2019s when the phone is set to be launched on our shores.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-announces-peek-performance-event-for-9-march-new-iphone-ipad-air/", "title": "Apple Announces \u201cPeek Performance\u201d Event for 9 March \u2013 New iPhone & iPad Air?", "body": "\n\nApple just scheduled a new event for next week! Set for 9 March at 2AM Malaysian time, rumours suggest the introduction of a new iPhone SE and iPad Air at the \u201cPeek Performance\u201d event.\n\n\nThis bit of information came from \nBloomberg\u2019s Mark Gurman\n, who is often accurate with his Apple-related rumours. According to him, the upcoming iPhone SE will supposedly share the same design as the current one, but with a faster Apple A15 Bionic chip and 5G connectivity.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the latest iteration of the iPad Air, it is speculated to feature a new CPU and 5G connectivity for the cellular models. A new Mac equipped with Apple-designed chips are said to be launching sometime in March too, though we probably won\u2019t be seeing that at next week\u2019s event.\n\n\nNonetheless, these are still rumours until Apple itself officially confirm them. We\u2019ll find out just what the new iPhone SE and iPad Air have to offer next week on 9 March at 2AM Malaysian time.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-enco-air-2-review-lightweight-comfortable-wireless-earbuds-but-slightly-overpriced-at-rm249/", "title": "Oppo Enco Air 2 Review: Lightweight, Comfortable Wireless Earbuds, But Slightly Overpriced at RM249", "body": "\n\nAffordable wireless earbuds are aplenty in the market now, and the Oppo Enco Air 2 is yet another entry in this crowded segment. While it does stand out with its rather unique translucent \u201cjelly\u201d charging case, it doesn\u2019t have the best audio quality for the money.\n\n\nRetailing at RM249, the Enco Air 2 doesn\u2019t offer particularly good value for money either, though it does have a number of winning qualities. Its value proposition may not be its strong suit, but if you like how these earbuds look, the Enco Air 2 is worth a consideration.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nHardware wise, the Enco Air 2 features a 13.4mm \u201ccomposite titanised diaphragm driver,\u201d which is said to offer good audio quality \u2013 more in this further down the review. These earbuds also promise up to a whopping 24 hours of battery life: the earbuds themselves can last up to four hours on a single charge, which can be extended up to 24 hours with the charging case.\n\n\nAnother noteworthy feature of the Enco Air 2 is its IPX4 rating, making it water and sweat resistant. If you plan on wearing the earbuds for your workout sessions, you won\u2019t have to worry about water or sweat damaging them \u2013 just make sure your workouts aren\u2019t\u00a0\ntoo\n\u00a0strenuous, given the loose fit of these earbuds.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nWhile the Enco Air 2 doesn\u2019t offer a snug fit due to the lack of silicone ear tips, it \nis\n comfortable. The earbuds\u2019 one-size-fits-all hard plastic design basically allow them to just sort of\u2026rest in my ears, and its lightweight nature (each earbud weighs merely 3.5g) further enhance comfort.\n\n\nThat being said, it is jarring to just leave the earbuds \u201changing\u201d in my ears, though I haven\u2019t had them fall out of my ears yet \u2013 thankfully.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOppo\u2019s quoted battery life for the Enco Air 2 is an impressive 24 hours, but as mentioned, the earbuds themselves are said to return four hours of use on a single charge. Well, in my testing, this is very achievable. I can effortlessly hit the four-hour mark with about 20% battery left.\n\n\nThe touch controls of the Enco Air 2 are decent as well. The earbuds can recognise my double and triple tap inputs without issue, and I love the fact that I can just hold on to the left earbuds to decrease the volume. Doing the same to the right earbud increases the volume instead.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, these inputs can be customised to my liking, though I do find it a little odd that the Enco Air 2 doesn\u2019t support single tap inputs. Of course, it does eliminate accidental inputs when I adjust the earbuds for a better fit, for example.\n\n\nOne of the biggest drawbacks of wireless earbuds is bad latency; that\u2019s when the audio doesn\u2019t match up to what\u2019s shown on the screen. This is especially noticeable when gaming, but the Enco Air 2 has a \u201cgame mode\u201d that improves latency.\n\n\nWith the feature activated, it does improve audio latency quite a bit, though there is still a noticeable delay, unfortunately enough. Nonetheless, there\u2019s still tangible improvement here.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd\u2026what about the audio quality of the Enco Air 2? Well, it\u2019s decent. It\u2019s a great pair of wireless earbuds for a comfortable and relaxed listening experience with decent mid-bass and wide soundstage, but if you want better audio fidelity \u2013 especially at this price point \u2013 it leaves much to be desired.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nThe audio quality of the Enco Air 2 is mostly affected by the fact that it uses an open design: the lack of silicone ear tips for a more secure fit affects the bass response of the earbuds. As a result, it offers just enough mid-bass to get your feet tapping, but not quite enough to appease bass heads.\n\n\nOn top of that, the Enco Air 2 doesn\u2019t offer much definition or detail, and the fact that it has an open design means you get very little noise isolation. Granted, some folks may consider this a positive, as it allows them to be more aware of their surroundings.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, at RM249, the Enco Air 2 is slightly overpriced for our market. After all, in China, these earbuds are priced at 199 Chinese yuan \u2013 that comes up to only about RM130. Yes, it would be unrealistic to expect Oppo Malaysia to price the earbuds here similarly to China, but for there to be such a big price gap\u2026is quite odd.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIt\u2019s tough to recommend the Oppo Enco Air 2, as you can get better value for money with other wireless earbuds at this price point. But if you like its design \u2013 especially the unique translucent charging case \u2013 and you want the open design of these earbuds, then yes, it\u2019s certainly worth considering.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor what it\u2019s worth, I do appreciate the comfort and lightweight nature of the Enco Air 2, not to mention its IPX4 water and sweat resistance. It\u2019s also comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even if the audio quality doesn\u2019t quite hit the right chord for me.\n\n\nLi Jin Soh contributed to this review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-100000-bookings-received-best-selling-suv-in-malaysia/", "title": "Proton X50 \u2013 100,000 Bookings Received, Best-Selling SUV in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nJust last month, Proton revealed that it has \nsold over 100,000 SUVs locally\n, securing its position as the number one SUV brand in Malaysia. Well, the national carmaker seems to be maintaining this momentum: it just revealed that the exceedingly popular \nProton X50\n has received over 100,000 bookings.\n\n\nThe X50 managed to achieve this impressive figure in only 16 months, making it the best-selling SUV in Malaysia. Just last month in February 2021, as many as 3,002 units of the B-segment SUV were delivered to customers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeliveries took a dip in January 2022 due to the floods, where 2,601 bookings of the X50 were fulfilled. As for the previous two months, as many as 4,310\u00a0and 4,010 units were registered in December and November 2021 respectively. In 2021 itself, the SUV found 28,774 homes.\n\n\nGiven the sheer value for money the Proton X50 offers, it\u2019s certainly proving to be a success for the national carmaker. If you\u2019d like to learn more about this highly sought-after SUV, watch our full review \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/protons-february-2022-sales-increase-by-107-proton-x50-best-selling-model/", "title": "Proton\u2019s February 2022 Sales Increase by 107% \u2013 Proton X50 Best-Selling Model", "body": "\n\nAfter the floods affected Proton\u2019s sales in January 2022, the national carmaker fared much better the following month. In February 2022, Proton managed to sell 9,225 units; a 107% increase over the previous month\u2019s figure of 4,453 units sold.\n\n\nLeading Proton\u2019s sales last month is none other than the \nProton X50\n with 3,002 units sold. In fact, Proton said that the X50 has received over \n100,000 bookings in only 16 months\n, making it the best-selling SUV in Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn second spot is the Proton Saga with 2,951 units sold. Normally a best-seller for the carmaker, Proton said the A-segment sedan only managed half a month of normal production last month, \u201csuppressing its full potential,\u201d as the company puts it. In third spot is the Proton Persona (1,675), followed by the X70 (1,119), Iriz (321), and Exora (157).\n\n\n\u201cFebruary\u2019s rebound in sales is a direct result of the company being able to produce more cars. This was only made possible by the outstanding joint efforts of our vendors and Proton staff, who worked and continue to work ceaselessly to get us back on track,\u201d said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n\n\u201cThankfully, our order bank remains healthy, and we remain hopeful of catching up to our targets for this year,\u201d he added.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-now-requires-all-dealers-to-have-3-months-holding-stock-to-improve-aftersales-service/", "title": "Proton Now Requires All Dealers to Have 3 Months Holding Stock to Improve Aftersales Service", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s no secret that parts shortage has been one of the major issues plaguing Proton\u2019s aftersales service. In a bid to address this, the national carmaker now requires all dealers to have three months holding stocks to shorten waiting times.\n\n\n\u201cProton is aware of the issues it faces regarding aftersales and parts availability. Our customers have reached out to us, and we deeply regret any inconvenience caused,\u201d said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n\n\u201cI would like to reassure them we take every complaint seriously and senior management has identified several bottlenecks and operational issues that require fixing,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmong them is making it mandatory for all dealers to have three months holding stock of 22 fast moving parts. This applies to the national carmaker\u2019s central parts centre too, which should shorten waiting times for customers.\n\n\n\u201cWe are also strengthening the capability and knowledge of our dealers to provide excellent aftersales service to all Proton customers. There is still a lot left to do but we will give updates on our progress throughout the year,\u201d Roslan elaborated.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopee-3-15-consumer-day-is-its-first-mega-sale-of-the-year/", "title": "Shopee 3.15 Consumer Day Is Its First Mega Sale of the Year", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re planning to do some online shopping soon, you may want to check out Shopee\u2019s 3.15 Consumer Day sale. This is the e-commerce platform\u2019s first mega sale of the year, and it\u2019s happening right now.\n\n\nJust like Shopee\u2019s previous mega sales, every day leading up to 15 March will have \nits own theme of sorts\n. Today (4 March), for example, is free shipping day, so you can collect extra vouchers to get\u2026well, free shipping for your orders.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Consumer Day sale will culminate on 15 March, which will (naturally) offer the best deals and vouchers. If you want to get the best savings, add the items you want to your cart now and check out on 15 March itself \u2013 at the stroke of midnight, of course.\n\n\nIf you need more tips on how to make the most out of the Shopee 3.15 Consumer Day sale, you can check out our previous shopping guide for \nShopee\u2019s 12.12 sale\n; the same tips should be applicable. More details on Shopee\u2019s 3.15 sale can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-9-pro-realme-9-pro-arrive-in-malaysia-from-rm1099-early-birds-get-up-to-rm200-discount/", "title": "Realme 9 Pro & Realme 9 Pro+ Arrive in Malaysia From RM1,099 \u2013 Early Birds Get up to RM200 Discount", "body": "\n\nRealme recently unveiled two new phones for the Malaysian market, the Realme 9 Pro and the higher-end Realme 9 Pro+. While both phones feature a similar-looking design, they\u2019re quite different under the hood.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the higher-end phone of the two, the Realme 9 Pro+. Retailing at RM1,599 in Malaysia for the sole 256GB + 8GB model, it features a triple camera system made up of a 50MP primary shooter with a Sony IMX766 sensor \u2013 it promises good low light performance \u2013 an 8MP ultra-wide angle lens, and a 2MP macro camera.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Realme 9 Pro+ include a 6.4-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 920 processor with 5G connectivity, a 16MP selfie camera, and a 4,500mAh battery with support for 60W fast charging.\n\n\nAs for the more affordable Realme 9 Pro, it is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset instead, along with a 6.6-inch 1080p IPS screen clocked at 120Hz, a triple camera setup (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), a 16MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging.\n\n\nHow much does these hardware cost? Well, only RM1,099 for the 128GB + 6GB model. If you want more RAM, you can get the 128GB + 8GB configuration for RM1,199.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme 9 Pro+ will go on sale in Malaysia on 8 March through Lazada; you can grab it for only RM1,399 on that day, saving you RM200. The Realme 9 Pro will also be available on Lazada then at a discounted price (RM1,099, a discount of RM100).\n\n\nIf you can wait a little longer, you can get the more affordable 128GB + 6GB variant of the Realme 9 Pro for only RM949 on 15 March through Lazada. That\u2019s exactly RM150 off.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mode-sonnet-details-revealed-299-for-a-75-custom-keyboard/", "title": "Mode Sonnet Details Revealed \u2013 $299 for a 75% Custom Keyboard", "body": "\n\nMode has been teasing a brand new 75% keyboard for quite some time now, and the brand finally revealed some key details. Enter the Mode Sonnet: the company\u2019s first custom keyboard with a 75% layout and a rather interesting accent piece.\n\n\nLooking at a (somewhat) exploded view of the Sonnet, the case appears to be a two-piece construction. The bottom piece looks to be secured to the keyboard assembly with just two screws, and the accent piece? Well, it seems to be magnetised!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJust like the \nMode SixtyFive\n and \nEighty\n, the Sonnet looks to be customisable with different colours for each part. Chances are, it will be offered in various material as well. With a $299 starting price \u2013 that comes up to about RM1,250 \u2013 it\u2019s also priced well for a 75% custom keyboard.\n\n\nUnfortunately, these are the only details revealed for the Mode Sonnet so far, though the company said that more information will be revealed in the coming weeks. To get the latest updates, you can keep an eye on Mode\u2019s social media pages (\nTwitter\n and \nInstagram\n) as well as its \nDiscord server\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/we-tried-4-interesting-thocky-clacky-keyboard-switches-you-can-buy-in-malaysia-right-now/", "title": "We Tried 4 Interesting Thocky/Clacky Keyboard Switches You Can Buy in Malaysia Right Now", "body": "\n\nOver the past couple of years, it\u2019s getting easier to get our hands on custom keyboard parts in Malaysia, thanks to the emergence of more local vendors. One such entity is NullKeyboards, which has brought in quite a number of switches to the Malaysian market.\n\n\nNullKeyboards was kind enough to send us \n22 different switches\n to try out; all of which are currently offered by the vendor\u2026except for a couple that are sold out at the moment. Anyway, here are some noteworthy switches that we\u2019ve received from NullKeyboards.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGateron Oil King\n\n\nIts unique name aside, the Gateron Oil King 80g linear switch is largely considered to be the true successor to the Gateron Ink Black \u2013 rather than the \nBox Ink V2\n \u2013 with its deep, \u201cthocky\u201d sound profile. This can be attributed to its nylon top housing, as well as \u201cink-material\u201d bottom housing.\n\n\nIt makes sense for the Oil King to have (what appears to be) the same bottom housing as the popular Ink Black, which explains its deep sound signature. Aside from that, the factory lubing on this switch is very good too. There\u2019s no audible scratchiness at all throughout the downstroke, though there\u2019s a slight leaf tick.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPriced at \nRM30 for a pack of 10 switches\n from NullKeyboards, the Oil King is similarly priced to other high-end switches in the market now. If you want a low-pitched switch with a deep, \u201cfull\u201d sound, the Oil King is a fantastic option.\n\n\nJWK Poseidon by Moyu Studio\n\n\nDesigned by Moyu Studio, the Poseidon is a linear switch manufactured by JWK; one of the most recognisable names in the custom keyboard hobby. One of the most unique aspects of the Poseidon has to be its 58g \nthree-stage spring\n \u2013 not something you see very often.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBasically, there are three distinct sections to the Poseidon\u2019s spring, making it a \u201cslow\u201d spring. Compared to shorter, \u201cfaster\u201d springs, the slow nature of this three-stage spring offers more resistance at the very top of the downstroke, so there\u2019s less chance of accidental key presses.\n\n\nOn top of that, the upstroke of the Poseidon is noticeably faster and more forceful with this three-stage spring, making for a more\u2026well, responsive typing experience. Paired with a longer than usual POM stem, top and bottom housings made of nylon, the Poseidon is also a deep-sounding, \u201cpoppy\u201d switch \u2013 you get this from the longer stem pole of the switch hitting the bottom housing.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHow much does the Poseidon cost? Just like the Oil King, NullKeyboards is listing it at \nRM30 for a pack of 10 switches\n. In my opinion, this is a fair asking price for a linear switch \nthis\n good.\n\n\nOwlab Tungsten\n\n\nDon\u2019t quite fancy the blue colourway of the Poseidon, but want the same deep, poppy sound profile? Then the Owlab Tungsten is right up your alley. Also manufactured by JWK, this linear switch has a full nylon housing and a long stem pole made of POM; just like the Poseidon. However, its stem isn\u2019t quite as long as the latter.\n\n\nHowever, the Tungsten does have one issue: the 63g spring is\u2026noisy. Even at normal typing speeds, the spring ping is \nvery\n audible, which affects the overall refinement of this linear switch. Lubing the spring should help to remove this unpleasant sound, though it would\u2019ve been great if it wasn\u2019t so pingy in the first place.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, the Tungsten is currently priced at \nRM29.50 for a pack of 10 switches\n from NullKeyboards, so it\u2019s \never so slightly\n more affordable than the Poseidon. But do note that the Tungsten\u2019s noisier and shorter spring does not provide the same responsiveness afforded by the Poseidon\u2019s three-stage spring.\n\n\nSP-Star Duck\n\n\nSP-Star makes \nsome of the clackiest\n \u2013 that is, high-pitched \u2013 switches in the market, and the SP-Star Duck is no different. Not only does this 58g tactile switch has a nice, pleasant clacky sound profile (in my opinion), its light tactile bump also makes for an interesting typing experience.\n\n\nIf you are \u2013 dare I say \u2013 a fan of Cherry MX Brown switch, then you\u2019d definitely want to check out the Duck. Its tactile event is slightly more pronounced than MX Brown, but it\u2019s not overly tactile like the \nGazzew Boba U4T Thocky\n or \nAnubis\n.\n\n\nOn top of that, you also get this bright yellow switch with an orange stem. You know, just like a\u2026duck.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBad pun aside, the SP-Star Duck is sold by NullKeyboards \nat only RM23 for a pack of 10 switches\n. That\u2019s certainly a good price for a light tactile switch of this calibre.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/singakbds-founder-is-selling-her-1-12-unikorn-custom-keyboard-for-charity-starts-at-500/", "title": "SingaKBD\u2019s Founder Is Selling Her 1/12 Unikorn Custom Keyboard for Charity \u2013 Starts at $500", "body": "\n\nThe founder of Malaysian custom keyboard brand SingaKBD, Elaine, is donating her personal Unikorn keyboard for charity. The keyboard itself is a stainless steel, limited edition SG Unikorn, where only 12 units are available worldwide.\n\n\nGiven the unique nature of the SingaKBD SG Unikorn \u2013 and the fact that it\u2019s owned by the founder herself \u2013 the starting bid is $500; that\u2019s about RM2,090. This is a silent/blind auction, so you won\u2019t know what is the highest bid at any given moment.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n100% of the highest bid will be donated to GlobalGiving\u2019s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund. SingaKBD and Elaine will not profit off of this auction, naturally. The winning bidder won\u2019t have to pay for shipping either; Elaine will ship the \n2.7kg unbuilt\n SG Unikorn to the winner free of charge.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to place a bid, you can do so through \nthis Google Form\n. The auction will end on 11 March this Friday, so make sure you place your bid before then!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-tx-stabiliser-review-clip-in-stabilisers-can-be-good/", "title": "Video: TX Stabiliser Review \u2013 Clip-In Stabilisers Can Be Good!", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWho thought clip-in stabilisers can be as good as screw-in ones? Well, that\u2019s exactly what the TX stabiliser has proved. We compare it to the \nStaebies\n and Durock V2 in the video review above, and if you can get your hands on the TX stabiliser, you definitely won\u2019t be disappointed!\n\n\nAll of these stabilisers were tested on an FR4 plate and PCB of the\u00a0\nMode SixtyFive\n\u00a0(stay tuned for our full review of this excellent custom keyboard). We lubed all three stabilisers with Krytox XHT-BDZ on the wires, and Krytox 205g0 on the housings \u2013 no mods of any kind were performed.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the TX stabiliser is sold out right now, but it does get restocked somewhat regularly. You can check if it\u2019s back in stock on \nRebult Keyboards\n if you\u2019re in Malaysia, or \nMekibo\n for the international market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q3-tkl-keyboard-goes-on-sale-on-29-march-from-154/", "title": "Keychron Q3 TKL Keyboard Goes on Sale on 29 March From $154", "body": "\n\nThe Keychron Q3 is finally going on sale at the end of the month. This TKL keyboard, much like the Keychron Q1, features a gasket mounting system, an aluminium case, and of course, a knob.\n\n\nAs its \nproduct page shows\n, the Q3 starts at $154 (about RM645) for the barebone kit. The fully assembled model, on the other hand, costs $174 (approximately RM725). Want to add a knob? Well, you\u2019ll just have to add on $10 (around RM40).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from its TKL layout, the Q3 also features the aforementioned gasket mounting system, a full aluminium body, a VIA-compatible hotswap PCB, and support for screw-in stabilisers. On top of that, it has silicone gaskets between the top and bottom cases as well to reduce case ping.\n\n\nThe Keychron Q3 will be available for purchase \nright here\n on 29 March at 10PM Malaysian time. If you\u2019re afraid you\u2019ll miss the drop, you can use the notify feature on the product page to get an email when it\u2019s on sale.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dell-g15-5510-review-surprisingly-good-value/", "title": "Dell G15 5510 Review: Surprisingly Good Value!", "body": "\n\nDell\u2019s range of budget-friendly gaming laptops (usually) don\u2019t offer particularly great value for money; especially at launch. But that\u2019s not the case with the Dell G15 gaming laptop. Retailing at only RM4,199 for an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU and a fast Intel Core i7 processor, its value proposition is\u2026surprisingly good.\n\n\nOf course, the fact remains that the G15 is a budget-oriented gaming laptop, which comes with its fair share of shortcomings, including so-so build quality. But for those who want the best value for their money at this price point, the G15 is one to shortlist.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n15.6-inch FHD WVA (1920 x 1080), 120Hz\nProcessor\nIntel Core i7-10870H (8C/16T, 2.2GHz with boost up to 5.0GHz)\nGPU\nNvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB GDDR6\nRAM\n16GB DDR4 3200MHz\nStorage\n512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD\nCamera\n720p\nBattery\n56Wh\nDimensions\n357.26 x 272.83 x 24.9 mm\nWeight\n2.44kg\nAudio\nBottom-firing stereo speakers\nPorts\n1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (DisplayPort)\n1x USB-A 3.2\n2x USB-A 2.0\n1x HDMI\n1x RJ45\nPrice\nUnavailable; RM4,199 for equivalent Core i7-11800H model\n\n\nUnfortunately, this review unit of the G15 is no longer sold, but the newer Core i7-11800H model is still available \nfor only RM4,199\n. Of course, both configurations share the same hardware except for the processor, so this review remains (very much) relevant.\n\n\nAnyway, at this price point, the G15 really does offer great value for money. You\u2019d be hard-pressed to look for another similarly priced gaming laptop that offers both an 11th gen Core i7 processor and RTX 3050 Ti GPU.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nIts value proposition aside, the Dell G15 has a number of other winning qualities as well. The combination of an RTX 3050 Ti and Core i7-11800H \u2013 along with 16GB of RAM \u2013 can deliver reasonably good gaming performance. Just take a look at the benchmark results below:\n\n\nGames (max settings @ 1920 x 1080)\nAverage FPS\nBorderlands 3 (DX11)\n51.29\nControl (DX11)\n45.75\nWitcher 3 (HairWorks disabled)\n63.229\n\n\nGranted, only Witcher 3 ran above 60fps at maxed out graphics settings in Full HD, but there\u2019s no denying that the G15 can still run AAA games relatively well. With some tweaks to the graphics settings, you can definitely get both Borderlands 3 and Control to run at 60fps as well.\n\n\nOutside of gaming, the battery life of the G15 is adequate too. When I\u2019m doing productivity tasks with the power plan set to battery saver \u2013 I also dimmed the screen to a comfortable level \u2013 I can get between five to six hours of use on a single charge.\n\n\nWhile this is not a fantastic figure, this \nis\n a power-hungry gaming laptop with a 15.6-inch 120Hz screen.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the 15.6-inch 1080p WVA display of the G15 is quite good as well. It can get bright enough for use outdoor, its viewing angles are wide enough, and the 120Hz refresh rate (even if it\u2019s not particularly high) offers fluid, responsive user experience. The extra frames afforded by this refresh rate makes this panel a joy to use, even outside of game.\n\n\nSurprisingly enough, the system noise of the G15 is quieter than I expected. It doesn\u2019t kick up a fuss at all when I\u2019m doing productivity work, and even when running demanding games, the fans don\u2019t get too audible. In my opinion, the laptop\u2019s speakers alone are enough to drown out the fan noise in heated gaming sessions.\n\n\nOne other aspect of the G15 that I find quite appealing is the keyboard. Not only does the layout take little time to get accustomed to, the keyboard itself provides a \ncomfortable\n typing experience. It has just enough key travel to not feel shallow, and the keys have a good amount of tactile feedback.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe G15\u2019s trackpad is quite usable too. It is by no means as accurate as the trackpad of a productivity laptop, but for the most part, it doesn\u2019t feel cumbersome to use at all.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nI\u2019m going to circle back to the keyboard of the G15. Although it is comfortable to type on, I\u2019m not a fan of the small arrow keys. Putting the page up and page down keys in the same cluster isn\u2019t a bright idea either; I find myself constantly hitting them by accident when I just wanted to use the arrow keys.\n\n\nAside from that, the G15 also runs \nhot\n. After long periods of gaming, the CPU got up to a toasty 98\u00b0C, while the GPU peaked at 85\u00b0C. Thankfully, at least the palm rest area stayed cool throughout the gaming session.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven the affordable price point of the G15, it\u2019s no surprise that its build quality leaves much to be desired. Sure, the metal palm rest area feels great to the touch, but other exterior parts of the laptop are made from plastic, which don\u2019t exactly look or feel premium.\n\n\nThere is one consolation though: the laptop\u2019s chassis doesn\u2019t creak with added pressure.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you\u2019re shopping for a gaming laptop in the RM4,000 price range, the Dell G15 is really an option worth considering. This is especially the case if you want the most value for your money; it\u2019s not easy to find an alternative that offers the same hardware at this price point.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter all, for only RM4,199, the G15 offers powerful enough hardware to game effectively. Yes, it doesn\u2019t look or feel like a premium laptop, but hey, it\u2019s positioned as a value-oriented product \u2013 it\u2019s unrealistic to place such high expectations on a sub-RM4,500 gaming laptop.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-unboxing-the-s-pen-returns/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Unboxing \u2013 The S Pen Returns!", "body": "\n\nWho would\u2019ve thought we\u2019d see a Galaxy S device with a built-in S Pen? That\u2019s the reason why it\u2019s quite surprising when the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra was announced. Essentially a \nGalaxy Note in all but name\n, the S22 Ultra has all the winning features of a Note device, including the much loved stylus.\n\n\nWe just received a review unit of the S22 Ultra not too long ago, so if you\u2019re wondering what you get in the box, here\u2019s our unboxing of Samsung\u2019s latest flagship phone. Oh, if you\u2019re planning to get any phone in the S22 series, you may want to get a number of other accessories too, including a screen protector.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the retail box of the Galaxy S22 Ultra is not all that different from its predecessor\u2019s. It\u2019s packaged in a sleek, slim box, because\u2026well, a charger is no longer bundled with the phone. So yes, if you don\u2019t have a spare USB-C charger around, you\u2019d need to get one.\n\n\nFortunately, a USB-C to USB-C cable \nis\n provided with the S22 Ultra, so you don\u2019t have to shop for both a cable and charger. Now, if you want to make use of this cable, you\u2019ll have to make sure you get a charger with a USB-C port instead of the more common USB-A connection.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ll have to remove the sheet of plastic on the display of the S22 Ultra\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s also one more noteworthy change to the Galaxy S22 Ultra: it doesn\u2019t come with a pre-installed screen protector anymore. Keep this in mind if you\u2019re \nshopping for a case to protect the phone\n; you may want to grab a screen protector too.\n\n\nAnd\u2026that\u2019s pretty much the unboxing of the S22 Ultra. Of course, there\u2019s the S Pen neatly tucked into the bottom of the phone. A click on the top of the stylus allows you to grab onto it and pull it out to start scribbling. Thanks to its lower latency, the writing experience is more fluid than ever too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBasically, it feels very natural to write using the S Pen on the Galaxy S22 Ultra; almost like I\u2019m physically scribbling on a piece of paper. The S Pen itself sees a slight revision as well \u2013 it now has rubberised texture for a more comfortable grip. I also like the fact that it\u2019s finished in black instead of matching the phone\u2019s colour.\n\n\nWhile we\u2019re on the topic of colour, I\u2019m quite a fan of the Burgundy S22 Ultra. Depending on the lighting, it can appear as a shade of dark red, brown, or even purple. If you want something more\u2026professional, you can always opt for the Phantom Black or Phantom White colourways.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAesthetically, the Galaxy S22 Ultra can easily pass off as a Note device with its flat top and bottom, giving it an angular appearance. The sides of the phone, however, are rounded; it\u2019s almost like the display and glass back panel of the S22 Ultra are wrapping around the frame. All in all, this makes for a premium phone in looks and feel.\n\n\nWhat about the display quality of the S22 Ultra? As expected, it\u2019s a stunning 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel. According to Samsung, this is the brightest screen ever on a Galaxy S device with a peak brightness of\u00a0\n1,750 nits\n. It also supports HDR10+ with 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut.\n\n\nOf course, the S22 Ultra\u2019s display has a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate too, and it can go as low as 1Hz, depending on the content shown on the screen.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the performance department, the Malaysian market is getting the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 version of the Galaxy S22 Ultra instead of the Exynos 2200 variant. This is quite a surprise, given that our market usually gets the Exynos version of the Galaxy S series.\n\n\nNonetheless, this Snapdragon 8 Gen 1-equipped S22 Ultra feels very fast and zippy; what you\u2019d expect out of a 2022 flagship chipset. I also played a quick session of \nGenshin Impact\n with the phone, and it\u2019s\u2026well, quite promising. Stay tuned to our full review for an analysis of the S22 Ultra\u2019s performance.\n\n\nNaturally, the quad camera system of the Galaxy S22 Ultra is a sophisticated one. It\u2019s made up of a 108MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter, a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and another 10MP telephoto lens that can do 10x optical zoom.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is a very promising, very refined flagship smartphone. Not only is it the first device in the S series to get a built-in S Pen, it also offers fast performance, a bright, stunning display, and an even more capable camera system.\n\n\nBut all of these impressive features also demand a matching price tag:\u00a0\nstarting at RM5,099\n\u00a0for the base 128GB model \u2013 up to RM5,899 for the range-topping 512GB variant \u2013 there\u2019s no denying that the Galaxy S22 Ultra carries a premium price tag.\n\n\nNow, whether or not this asking price is justified\u2026we can only fairly assess in a full review of the S22 Ultra. Stay tuned for that!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-iphone-se-pre-orders-now-open-in-malaysia-from-rm2099/", "title": "2022 iPhone SE Pre-Orders Now Open in Malaysia From RM2,099", "body": "\n\nIntroduced just last week, the brand new iPhone SE is now available for pre-order in Malaysia. Although it looks identical to the \n2020 model\n, the updated iPhone SE is powered by the blazing fast Apple A15 Bionic chip. That\u2019s right, this affordable iPhone features the \nsame\n chip as the current \niPhone 13\n lineup.\n\n\nRetailing from RM2,099\n, the new iPhone SE only costs RM100 more than its predecessor. Given that you\u2019re getting the powerful A15 Bionic chip with this new model, only needing to pay RM100 more is quite a good deal. On top of that, you\u2019re also getting 5G support, even if 5G connectivity in Malaysia isn\u2019t widely available yet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, RM2,099 is for the base model of the iPhone SE with 64GB of internal storage. If you want more storage space, you can go for the 128GB or 256GB variant, which will set you back RM2,299 and RM2,799 respectively.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the updated iPhone SE are a 4.7-inch 1334 x 750 IPS screen, an IP67 rating, better battery life (thanks to the more power-efficient A15 chip), as well as the same chassis as its predecessor, but with tougher glasses on the front and back of the phone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can pre-order the 2022 iPhone SE in Malaysia from Apple itself \nright here\n; shipping will begin from 24 March onwards. Want a higher-end iPhone instead? Well, the \niPhone 13 in Green\n and \niPhone 13 Pro in Alpine Green\n are also available for pre-order now.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-iphone-se-official-a15-bionic-same-design-affordable/", "title": "2022 iPhone SE Official \u2013 A15 Bionic, Same Design, $429", "body": "\n\nApple just unveiled the new iPhone SE, and it looks\u2026well, identical to the 2020 model. The differences all lie under the hood, including the blazing fast Apple A15 Bionic chip. That\u2019s right, this affordable iPhone features the \nsame\n chip as the current iPhone 13 lineup.\n\n\nFor the US market, the new iPhone SE retails from only $429; that comes up to about RM1,795. No word yet on the Malaysian pricing of the affordable new iPhone, but we expect to hear from Apple very soon regarding this.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the updated iPhone SE are a 4.7-inch 1334 x 750 IPS screen, an IP67 rating, better battery life (thanks to the more power-efficient A15 chip), as well as the same chassis as its predecessor, but with tougher glasses on the front and back of the phone.\n\n\nThe 2022 iPhone SE will hit store shelves in the US on 18 March. It remains to be seen exactly when the new iPhone will be offered in Malaysia, but rest assured, we will keep a close eye on this.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-ipad-air-updated-with-m1-processor-similar-design-for-599/", "title": "2022 iPad Air Updated With M1 Processor & Similar Design for $599", "body": "\n\nAside from the iPhone SE, Apple also updated the iPad Air with a new chip: the Cupertino company\u2019s very own M1 processor. This makes the 2022 iPad Air the fastest tablet in the Air lineup yet; on par with the more costly iPad Pro.\n\n\nInterestingly, even with the newer, much more powerful M1 chip \u2013 Apple claims it is twice as fast as Windows laptops in the same price range \u2013 the iPad Air retains its $599 (about RM2,505) price tag in the US. It remains to be seen if this will be applicable to the Malaysia market as well. For context, the current iPad Air starts at RM2,599 locally.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the new M1 chip, the updated iPad Air also gets a 12MP front-facing camera now with support for Apple\u2019s Center Stage feature, which automatically keeps you in the frame. Aside from that, the new tablet should have the same hardware as its predecessor, including a 10.9 Liquid Retina display with True Tone technology.\n\n\nThe 2022 iPad Air will go on sale on 18 March next week in the US; that\u2019s the same launch date as the new iPhone SE. No word yet on the Malaysian availability of the new iPad.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mac-studio-unveiled-basically-a-thicker-mac-mini-with-new-m1-ultra-chip/", "title": "Mac Studio Unveiled \u2013 Basically a Thicker Mac mini With New M1 Ultra Chip From $1,999", "body": "\n\nJust as rumoured, Apple unveiled a brand new desktop for creative professionals, the Mac Studio. On the outside, it looks like a far thicker Mac mini, but it also packs some powerful hardware under the hood, including the all-new M1 Ultra chip.\n\n\nCompared to the M1 found in the Mac mini, the new M1 Ultra is said to be \u201cnearly\u201d \neight times\n faster, thanks to its 800Gbps memory bandwidth, a 20-core CPU (with 16 high performance cores), and a 64-core GPU. Needless to say, it is made for folks that need the absolute best level of performance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, if you don\u2019t need the blazing fast M1 Ultra, the Mac Studio can still be configured with an M1 Max chip, which makes sense. After all, you can still get the Mac Studio that way without paying top dollar, especially if your workload doesn\u2019t demand such a high level of performance.\n\n\nThe Mac Studio starts at $1,999 (about RM8,360) for the M1 Max model. If you want the more powerful M1 Ultra configuration, it retails from a cool $3,999 \u2013 that comes up to around RM16,725.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-iphone-se-with-a15-bionic-retails-at-rm2099-in-malaysia-only-rm100-price-increase/", "title": "2022 iPhone SE With A15 Bionic Retails at RM2,099 in Malaysia \u2013 Only RM100 Price Increase", "body": "\n\nApple just revealed the Malaysian pricing of the brand new 2022 iPhone SE. \nRetailing at RM2,099\n, it only costs RM100 more than its predecessor, which was launched back in 2020.\n\n\nGiven that you\u2019re getting the powerful Apple A15 Bionic chip with the new iPhone SE, only needing to pay RM100 more is really quite surprising. On top of that, you\u2019re also getting 5G support with the new iPhone, even if 5G connectivity in Malaysia isn\u2019t widely available yet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, RM2,099 is for the base model of the iPhone SE with 64GB of internal storage. If you want more storage space, you can go for the 128GB or 256GB variant, which will set you back RM2,299 and RM2,799 respectively.\n\n\nNonetheless, the 2022 iPhone SE will be available for pre-order in Malaysia on 18 March next week. It will hit store shelves the following week on 25 March.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-ipad-air-costs-rm2699-in-malaysia-rm100-price-hike/", "title": "2022 iPad Air Costs RM2,699 in Malaysia \u2013 RM100 Price Hike", "body": "\n\nAs expected, Apple also unveiled the Malaysian pricing of the new 2022 iPad Air. \nNow starting at RM2,699\n, the updated iPad costs exactly RM100 more than the previous model \u2013 this is despite the fact that the price of the tablet is actually maintained for the US market.\n\n\nNonetheless, for RM2,699, you\u2019re getting the new iPad Air with 64GB of internal storage; the more generous 256GB model costs RM3,349 instead. If you want cellular capability, you\u2019ll have to add on RM650.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe biggest upgrade to the new iPad Air is none other than the M1 chip powering the tablet; Apple claims it is twice as fast as Windows laptops in the same price range. On top of that, it also gets a 12MP front-facing camera now with support for Apple\u2019s Center Stage feature, which automatically keeps you in frame.\n\n\nUnfortunately, even though the Malaysian pricing of the 2022 iPad Air has been revealed, it remains to be seen exactly when it will be available locally. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the local availability of the new iPad.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mac-studio-starts-at-rm8799-in-malaysia-rm16799-for-m1-ultra-model/", "title": "Mac Studio Starts at RM8,799 in Malaysia \u2013 RM16,799 for M1 Ultra Model", "body": "\n\nIntrigued by Apple\u2019s powerful new desktop? Well, the Cupertino company just listed the Malaysian pricing of the new Mac Studio, and it starts \nat a cool RM8,799\n.\n\n\nFor that kind of money, you\u2019re getting the Mac Studio with an M1 Max chip. If you want to equip the desktop with the fancy new M1 Ultra chip, that will set you back RM16,799 \u2013 that\u2019s almost \ndouble\n the price of the M1 model.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile that\u2019s \na lot\n of money, the M1 Ultra does offer blazing fast performance. Compared to the M1 found in the Mac mini, for example, the M1 Ultra is said to be \u201cnearly\u201d\u00a0\neight times\n\u00a0faster, thanks to its 800Gbps memory bandwidth, a 20-core CPU (with 16 high performance cores), and a 64-core GPU.\n\n\nJust like the 2022 iPad Air, it remains to be seen exactly when the new Mac Studio will be available for purchase in Malaysia. Nonetheless, you can look at its \nproduct page here\n for the full price list and configuration options.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/10-16-march-fuel-price-ron-97-up-30-sen-others-unchanged/", "title": "10 \u2013 16 March Fuel Price: RON 97 up 30 Sen, Others Unchanged", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 continues to be affected by the ongoing conflict in Europe. For the next seven days, RON 97 is going up by \na steep 30 sen per litre\n. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.\n\n\nFrom tomorrow onwards, the price of RON 97 is set at RM3.75 per litre (up from RM3.45). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\ufeff\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 10 to 16 March 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/pre-orders-for-ps5-open-again-from-sony-centre-mid-valley-until-12-march/", "title": "Pre-Orders for PS5 Open Again From Sony Centre Mid Valley Until 12 March", "body": "\n\nMore than a year after its arrival in Malaysia\n, it\u2019s still a challenge to get a unit of the highly sought-after PlayStation 5. If you\u2019re feeling lucky, good news: Sony Centre Mid Valley is accepting pre-orders of the PS5 yet again.\n\n\nWell, sort of. In order to be in the running for a \nchance\n to pre-order the PS5, you\u2019ll have to fill up \nthis Google Form\n. If you\u2019re fortunate enough to be selected, you will be contacted on 14 March to finalise your pre-order of the next-gen console.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo note that you only have until 12 March at 2PM this Saturday to register your interest for the PS5 pre-order. This isn\u2019t a first-come, first-served sale either; filling up the form just means you\u2019re in the running to be chosen to pre-order the PS5.\n\n\nWhile it wasn\u2019t mentioned, it\u2019s likely that stocks are very limited, so don\u2019t be disheartened if you\u2019re not chosen to pre-order the PS5. If you want a better chance of securing a unit, we recommend checking in with your favourite game shop to get into the waiting list \u2013 if the store has one.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hyundai-ioniq-5-ev-now-in-malaysia-three-variants-up-to-430km-range-rm200k-to-rm260k/", "title": "Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV Now in Malaysia \u2013 Three Variants, up to 430km Range, RM200k to RM260k", "body": "\n\nHyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) unveiled yet another electric vehicle (EV) for the Malaysian market. Enter the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which is dubbed by HSDM to be a \u201cCrossover Utility Vehicle\u201d (CUV). With up to 430km of range (and powerful performance), the Ioniq 5 is certainly an interesting EV.\n\n\nOf course, the Ioniq 5 also carries a premium price tag. The base Lite model, for one, retails at RM199,888, which offers a 58kWh battery (good for up to 384km range) and rear-wheel drive. The mid-tier Plus variant, on the other hand, is a better-equipped version of the Lite for RM229,888.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the range-topping Max, it costs RM259,888 for a larger 72.6kWh battery (returning up to 430km range) and dual-motor AWD. Do note that as announced at\u00a0\nBudget 2022\n, the Ioniq 5 is \nfully exempted\n from import and excise duties, as well as road tax. Needless to say, this is a very good incentive to get the EV\u2026if it fits your budget.\n\n\nPowering the 58kWh RWD models of the Ioniq 5 \u2013 that is, the Lite and Plus variants \u2013 is a rear motor that outputs 170PS and 350Nm of torque, allowing them to do the century sprint in 8.5 seconds. As for the higher-end Max model with a dual-motor AWD configuration, it offers a whopping combined output of 305PS and 605Nm of torque; it can go from 0-100kmph in only 5.2 seconds.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Ioniq 5 include seven airbags, fabric upholstery for the Lite (leather for the Plus and Max trims), Hyundai SmartSense \u2013 it includes lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control with stop and go \u2013 a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, as well as 19-inch alloy wheels; 20-inch for the Max.\n\n\nThe Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV is now available for booking in Malaysia. You can also place your booking online for RM1,000 through HSDM\u2019s \u201c\nCl!ck to Buy\n\u201d platform.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-mwstudio-mw65-lite-sound-test-with-akko-cs-silver/", "title": "Video: MWStudio MW65 Lite Sound Test With Akko CS Silver", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2022 is shaping up to be the year of fantastic affordable custom keyboards, and this keyboard, the MW65 Lite by MWStudio, is no different. Set to retail from only 429 Chinese yuan (that\u2019s about RM285/$68), you\u2019re getting incredible value for your money.\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the MW65 Lite offers an attractive feature set. These include an isolated gasket mount system, a polycarbonate plate with flex cuts for extra flexibility \u2013 it has a nice, soft typing feel \u2013 a hotswap PCB, a polycarbonate case (though this prototype unit has an acrylic case instead), and even a rotary encoder.\n\n\nAt this price point, MWStudio\u2019s MW65 Lite really does offer \nfantastic\n value for money. Stay tuned to our full review of this affordable custom keyboard!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-mercedes-benz-eqa-launched-in-malaysia-cbu-from-germany-429km-ev-range-190ps-rm278k/", "title": "2022 Mercedes-Benz EQA Launched in Malaysia \u2013 CBU From Germany, 429km EV Range, 190PS, RM278k", "body": "\n\nMercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) just launched its entry-level electric vehicle (EV) on our shores, the Mercedes-Benz EQA. Fully imported (CBU) from Germany, the all-electric SUV is exempted from import and excise duties; in line with Malaysia\u2019s \nBudget 2022 announcement\n.\n\n\nThanks to these incentives, the EQA is priced at RM278,201.25 on-the-road without insurance. That\u2019s just RM7,036.41 more than the locally assembled (CKD) GLA 250 AMG Line, which is essentially the petrol version of the EQA.\n\n\nNaturally, the electric SUV also comes with a four-year unlimited mileage warranty. As for the battery, it is protected by an eight-year or 160,000km warranty, whichever comes first.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPowering the EQA is an electric motor that drives the front wheels with a single-speed gearbox. It\u2019s capable of producing 190PS and 370Nm of torque, allowing the EV to do the century sprint in 8.9 seconds. It can also travel up to 429km (according to the WLTP cycle) on a single charge.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the EQA\u2019s 66.5kWh battery can be charged up from 10% to 100% state of charge (SOC) in five hours and 45 minutes with the EV\u2019s 11kW onboard AC charger. Of course, with a DC fast charger (100kW), it can be recharged from 10% to 80% in only 32 minutes.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the first 1,000 EQA owners in Malaysia will get a one-year subscription to JomCharge, giving them 50% discount at all JomCharge charging stations. MBM will also install 13 DC fast chargers across its dealerships nationwide this year, which can be used by all EQA owners for free until the end of 2023.\n\n\nOther specifications of the EQA include Driver Assistance Package \u2013 it offers adaptive cruise control with stop and go and active lane keeping assist \u2013 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, sports seats, and two 10.25-inch screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system; the latter comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Mercedes-Benz EQA is now available for booking in Malaysia. Deliveries of the electric SUV will begin from April 2022 next month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/astro-ulti-box-now-supports-netflix/", "title": "Astro Ulti Box Now Supports Netflix", "body": "\n\nBack in November last year, Astro added \nsupport for Netflix\n to its 4K-enabled Ultra Box. Unfortunately, this wasn\u2019t available on the more affordable HD Ulti Box\u2026until now. From today onwards, you can start streaming Netflix through the Astro Ulti Box.\n\n\nThis makes it more compelling to purchase \nAstro TV packs\n that have Netflix bundled together; the most affordable one is the Entertainment Plus Pack for RM129.99/month. If you want both Netflix and \nDisney+ Hotstar\n in the same TV pack, there\u2019s Premium Pack 3 for RM154.99/month. Access to HBO GO is also offered in this bundle.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, you don\u2019t have to purchase these TV packs to access Netflix on Astro\u2019s Ulti Box. As long as you have an active subscription to the streaming service, you can log on to Netflix without any issue. It\u2019s just a little bit more convenient to include the subscription cost into a single bill, especially if you fancy other content in the TV pack.\n\n\nTo access Netflix on the Astro Ulti Box, just find for the streaming service on the home screen. Alternatively, you can tune in to Channel 741 to start streaming.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-city-gets-new-ignite-red-meteoroid-grey-metallic-paints/", "title": "Honda City Gets New Ignite Red & Meteoroid Grey Metallic Paints", "body": "\n\nHonda Malaysia just introduced new colours for the \nHonda City\n sedan: Ignite Red Metallic and Meteoroid Grey Metallic. These two options replace the B-segment sedan\u2019s Passion Red Pearl and Modern Steel metallic paints respectively.\n\n\nThose who have been keeping tabs on new Honda model launches may find these two colour options familiar. Well, that\u2019s because both of them were first available on the \nCity Hatchback\n, which were subsequently offered on the \n2022 Civic\n as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the Honda Accord also receives the Meteoroid Grey Metallic colour, which is also replacing the Modern Steel Metallic option. Interestingly, the D-segment sedan doesn\u2019t get the Ignite Red Metallic colour, though this is likely because it wasn\u2019t available in a red paint job for our market to begin with.\n\n\nIf you like these new colours for the Honda City and Accord, you can head to your nearest Honda dealership to place a booking. Alternatively, you can also book them online\u00a0\nhere\n, or even through the HondaTouch app \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-city-32500-units-sold-to-date-honda-malaysias-best-seller-in-january-february-2022/", "title": "Honda City \u2013 32,500 Units Sold to Date, Honda Malaysia\u2019s Best-Seller in January, February 2022", "body": "\n\nBack in December last year, Honda Malaysia revealed that \nover 22,000 units\n of the fifth generation Honda City were sold locally. Fast forward to today, the Japanese carmaker announced that the number has grown to an impressive 32,500 units.\n\n\nThis means the carmaker managed to sell over 10,500 units of the City between December 2021 to February last month. In fact, the B-segment sedan was actually Honda Malaysia\u2019s best-seller in January and February 2022, contributing to 38% of the company\u2019s total sales in that period.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChances are, the introduction of the \nCity V Sensing in November 2021\n bolstered the sales of the sedan. After all, it adds on the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance safety systems for only RM3,650.91 more than the standard V model.\n\n\nGot your eyes on the Honda City? Or even fancy the sedan\u2019s new \nIgnite Red Metallic or Meteoroid Grey Metallic\n colour options? Then head to your nearest Honda dealership to place a booking. Alternatively, you can also book it online\u00a0\nhere\n, or even through the HondaTouch app \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-note-11-pro-5g-review-no-longer-the-budget-phone-it-once-was/", "title": "Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G Review: No Longer the Budget Phone It Once Was", "body": "\n\nRedmi smartphones had always offered great value for money, but one of their biggest shortcomings is the fact that they also feel\u2026well, cheap. That changes with the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G: not only does it sport a more premium design, it also continues to offer excellent value for money.\n\n\nOf course, it is still not without faults. But if sheer value for money is what you look for below the RM1,500 price point, the Note 11 Pro 5G is one of the best options out there.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED (2400 x 1080), 120Hz\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 695 2.2GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 619\nRAM\n6/8GB\nStorage\n128GB, expandable\nCamera (rear)\n108MP f/1.9\n8MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide angle)\n2MP f/2.4 (macro)\nCamera (front)\n16MP f/2.4\nBattery\n5,000mAh with 67W fast charging\nDimensions\n164.19 x 76.1 x 8.12 mm\nWeight\n202g\nOS\nMIUI 13 based on Android 11\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.1\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM1,199 (128GB + 6GB), RM1,299 (128GB + 8GB)\n\n\nTwo variants of the Note 11 Pro 5G are offered in Malaysia, which comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM. This review is focused on the latter, though there shouldn\u2019t be much of a difference between the two models.\n\n\nAnyway, starting from only RM1,199, the Note 11 Pro 5G is packed with a Snapdragon 695 chipset \u2013 it\u2019s quite a capable chip \u2013 a 120Hz AMOLED screen, a generous 5,000mAh battery, and a decent triple camera system. More on these hardware in the following sections.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nMy favourite aspect of the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has to be its design and build quality. Thanks to its glass back and flat frame, it feels really nice to hold in my hands. While the plastic frame doesn\u2019t feel quite as premium as the glass back, it still gives the phone solid, reassuring build quality.\n\n\nI also appreciate the minimal bezels surrounding the screen of the Note 11 Pro 5G, especially on the bottom \u201cchin.\u201d Gone are the days when budget Android phones had large bottom bezels. It\u2019s also nice to see the relatively small hole-punch cutout on the screen for the 16MP selfie camera.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of display, the Note 11 Pro 5G\u2019s 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED screen is (naturally) really nice to look at, especially at this price point. It has bright, vibrant colours, deep, true blacks, and of course, wide viewing angles. The 120Hz refresh rate also lends to a responsive user experience.\n\n\nPerformance level of the Note 11 Pro 5G is quite decent too. Throughout my time with the phone, the Snapdragon 695 did not feel sluggish at all, even when I\u2019m juggling between different apps and completing my daily commissions in \nGenshin Impact\n.\n\n\nOf course, I can\u2019t play that demanding mobile game at maxed out graphics on this phone, but with some tweaks to the graphics settings \u2013 and the framerate set to 60fps \u2013 it\u2019s certainly playable.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne area where the Note 11 Pro 5G absolutely excels in is battery life. Packed with a 5,000mAh battery, I can get up to \nseven hours\n of screen on time with this phone, and I\u2019m quite a heavy smartphone user. If you don\u2019t use your phone quite as much, I reckon you can even get two days of use on a single charge.\n\n\nThe triple camera system of the Note 11 Pro 5G is reasonably good too, especially the 108MP primary sensor. Even in low light conditions, it can still take flattering shots, even if some of them look a tad too saturated. Judge for yourself with these sample shots:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the value proposition of the Note 11 Pro 5G. Really, for only RM1,199, you\u2019re getting so much value for your money, including a capable Snapdragon 695 chipset, a 120Hz AMOLED screen, excellent battery life, and a good camera system\u2026for the most part.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nEven though the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G\u2019s 108MP primary camera can take good-looking shots, the same cannot be said for the 8MP ultra-wide angle sensor. Sure, it comes in handy when you need to fit a larger subject into the frame, but the image quality leaves much to be desired, as you can see below.\n\n\n\n\nIt performs well under ideal lighting\n\n\n\n\nNot so much in low light conditions\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, software experience is still Redmi\u2019s \u2013 and effectively, Xiaomi\u2019s too \u2013 biggest weakness. While MIUI has improved quite a bit, there are still some niggling issues here and there that affect the overall refinement of the software.\n\n\nHere are some examples: I don\u2019t like the fact that the \u201calways on\u201d screen isn\u2019t actually always on (there\u2019s no way to constantly have it displayed), and the software doesn\u2019t feel as responsive as it should be. This is especially noticeable when I want to swipe away notifications.\n\n\nMore often than not, I need to do the swiping motion more than once before it \nactually\n dismisses said notification.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nWell, it depends on what you\u2019re looking for. If you want the best value for your money in the sub-RM1,500 price range, then the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is an excellent choice. For the same amount of money, it\u2019s tough to find an alternative that offers the same feature set.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHowever, if good software experience is high up on your list, then the Note 11 Pro 5G isn\u2019t the best option. Granted, the software itself is serviceable with no major bugs or issues, but other versions of Android \u2013 Samsung\u2019s One UI, for example \u2013 offers a more refined software experience.\n\n\nNonetheless, there\u2019s no denying the excellent value proposition of the Note 11 Pro 5G \u2013 it remains to be Redmi\u2019s best selling point.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/you-can-now-access-your-ps5-game-captures-on-the-ps-app-in-malaysia/", "title": "You Can Now Access Your PS5 Game Captures on the PS App in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nYou can finally view your PS5 game captures through the PlayStation App in Malaysia! Initially available in the US, the feature has finally been rolled out to the Malaysian market (as spotted by \nAksiz\n). This makes it much, much easier to access your PS5 screenshots and game clips.\n\n\nTo enable this convenient feature, you have to first link your PS5 to the PlayStation App. Once you\u2019ve done that, you\u2019ll have to leave your PS5 in rest mode and have the \u201cStay Connected to the Internet\u201d setting enabled \u2013 this is necessary for the console to automatically upload game captures to SIE\u2019s cloud servers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, it is not possible to manually upload PS5 game captures; it has to be done automatically in order to access them on the PS App. Uploaded game captures will be available on the app for 14 days after they\u2019re created on the PS5, which include non-4K videos under three minutes and screenshots taken from the Create Menu or Create button shortcuts.\n\n\nIf you need more details on how to set up this new feature, you can refer to this \nPlayStation Support page\n. You can also download the PS App on the \nApple App Store\n and \nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-nova-9-se-now-in-malaysia-for-rm1099-early-birds-get-freelace-neckbuds-worth-rm379/", "title": "Huawei Nova 9 SE Now in Malaysia for RM1,099 \u2013 Early Birds Get FreeLace Neckbuds Worth RM379", "body": "\n\nHuawei just unveiled a new phone for the Malaysian market, the Huawei Nova 9 SE. Featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset with a quad camera system, early pre-orders of the phone will be bundled with a Huawei FreeLace neckbuds worth RM379.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Nova 9 SE is offered in Malaysia. Sporting 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM, this mid-range phone is priced at RM1,099. It will be \navailable for pre-order until 18 March\n, and the first 1,000 buyers will get the aforementioned \nFreeLace neckbuds for free\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDesign is one of the main highlights of the Nova 9 SE. Thanks to the sleek-looking glass back with minimal bezels surrounding the 6.78-inch 1080p IPS screen \u2013 it also has a 90Hz refresh rate \u2013 this is quite a handsome device.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Nova 9 SE include a Snapdragon 680 chipset, a quad camera system (108MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP depth + 2MP macro), a 16MP selfie camera, and a 4,000mAh battery with support for 66W fast charging.\n\n\nDo note that this phone \u2013 as with all recent Huawei phones \u2013 do not come with Google Mobile Services, so certain apps and services from Google will not be available out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei Nova 9 SE is now \navailable for pre-order in Malaysia\n until 18 March for RM1,099. To recap, the first 1,000 buyers will also get a Huawei Freelace neckbuds (worth RM379) for free.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mwstudio-mw65-lite-review-the-best-sub-rm300-custom-keyboard/", "title": "MWStudio MW65 Lite Review: The Best Sub-RM300 Custom Keyboard?", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2022 is shaping up to be the year of (fantastic) budget custom keyboards, and one such keyboard that fits that description is the MWStudio MW65 Lite. Sporting a \nvery\n affordable price tag with features typically found on more costly options, the MW65 Lite is a compelling custom keyboard, especially for beginners\u2026to an extent.\n\n\nAlthough its value proposition is one of its best selling points, the MW65 Lite also has a number of shortcomings that can potentially be a dealbreaker. That being said, there\u2019s a good chance the final production unit will address these issues \u2013 keep on reading this review of the MW65 Lite to find out more!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nFor this review, we received a prototype of the MW65 Lite from MWStudio. This being a prototype unit, there are a few differences worth pointing out. While this unit features a sandblasted acrylic case, the actual retail unit will come with a polycarbonate case instead with the same finishing.\n\n\nOn top of that, MWStudio is also looking into changing the position of the USB-C port and redesigning the bottom case of the MW65 Lite. These are two important changes to the budget keyboard, and I\u2019ll explain why further down this review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, the MW65 Lite itself is a 65% custom keyboard with an isolated gasket mounting system. It also features a polycarbonate plate and hotswap PCB with quite a number of flex cuts, which lend to a soft, flexible typing feel. Oh, there\u2019s also an option to add on a knob on the top right corner of the keyboard.\n\n\nWith this prototype of the MW65 Lite, the knob has to be manually soldered, and it remains to be seen if the same applies to the production unit. If you don\u2019t fancy using the knob, you can just install a switch in the same position: a hotswap socket is already installed there.\n\n\nAs for pricing, the MW65 Lite is offered at only 429 Chinese yuan (about RM285) for the groupbuy. If you want to wait for the in-stock sale instead \u2013 yes, it will be sold as an in-stock product in the future \u2013 the keyboard will be priced at 480 yuan (approximately RM315) instead.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNeedless to say, these are competitive price tags for the MW65 Lite, especially with its feature set in mind \u2013 let\u2019s get to them in the next section.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nOne of my absolute favourite features of the MW65 Lite has to be its sound signature. Thanks to the keyboard\u2019s isolated gasket mounting system, polycarbonate plate, and acrylic case \u2013 not to mention a PE foam between the switch and PCB \u2013 this keyboard has a clean, \u201cpoppy\u201d sound profile.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the final production unit may offer a lower-pitched, deeper sound signature with its polycarbonate case. After all, acrylic \u2013 which is the case material used for this prototype \u2013 tends to be higher-pitched than polycarbonate, though it \nmay not\n be applicable to this particular keyboard.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the typing feel of the MW65 Lite. As mentioned, the flex cuts on both the polycarbonate plate and hotswap PCB make for a soft, comfortable typing experience. If you\u2019re tired of the stiff typing feel of most pre-built keyboards, you\u2019ll really appreciate the amount of flex the MW65 Lite offers.\n\n\nAs with all custom keyboards that feature a rotary encoder, the knob support of the MW65 Lite should be highlighted as a plus point. While we\u2019re seeing more keyboards with such a feature in the custom scene, it\u2019s still not quite as mainstream yet.\n\n\nLast but not least is the sheer value for money the MW65 Lite offers. Again, for less than RM300, you\u2019re getting \nexcellent\n value for your money. Not only does it have a pleasant sound signature (in my opinion), the MW65 Lite also has a soft, flexible typing experience, and even the addition of a knob\u2026for not a lot of money.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn my opinion, this makes the MW65 Lite the ideal custom keyboard for those who are new to the hobby. However, not everything about this keyboard is great, especially when it comes to build quality and\u2026well, ease of assembly, which can be a dealbreaker to a beginner.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nRemember when I said MWStudio is looking into redesigning the bottom case of the MW65 Lite? Well, that\u2019s because it\u2019s quite complicated to assemble it. Not only do you need to arrange the acrylic pieces in a certain order, putting the difference pieces of the bottom case together is not an easy process either.\n\n\nIn fact, it took me a good one hour \njust\n to get the bottom case assembled. For a custom keyboard that\u2019s meant to appeal to beginners, the difficult assembly process is not exactly compelling. Did I mention that the bottom case also has a tendency to creak with added pressure?\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother aspect of the MW65 Lite that I don\u2019t quite like is the exposed USB-C port. Not only is it not aesthetically pleasing, it also gives the impression of\u2026an unfinished product. Thankfully, the production unit will move the USB-C port to the centre of the keyboard in the bottom case, which looks much, much better.\n\n\nIn retrospect, my two biggest qualms with the MW65 Lite \u2013 the creaky, difficult to assemble bottom case design and exposed USB-C port \u2013 will (and should) be resolved in the final retail unit of the budget keyboard. But until MWStudio revealed more information on the production unit, keep these issues in mind.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nGiven its low price of entry and attractive feature set, the MWStudio MW65 Lite is a very easy custom keyboard to recommend. This is especially the case for those who are looking for a budget-friendly option with excellent value proposition.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut it will also depend on whether or not MWStudio can solve the MW65 Lite issues mentioned above. If it can, and there are no changes to the pricing of the keyboard, the MW65 Lite is a no-brainer purchase below the RM300 price point \u2013 it\u2019s \nthat\n good.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-12-pro-unleashed-in-malaysia-snapdragon-8-gen-1-120w-charging-rm3899/", "title": "Xiaomi 12 Pro Unleashed in Malaysia \u2013 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 120W Charging, RM3,899", "body": "\n\nXiaomi\u2019s latest flagship phone, the Xiaomi 12 Pro, has just been launched in Malaysia. Powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset with blazing fast 120W charging, this phone is also quite sleek-looking with its dual curved AMOLED screen.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Xiaomi 12 Pro is offered in Malaysia. Sporting 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, the flagship phone is priced at RM3,899 on our shores. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a high-end phone through and through.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIts triple camera system, for one, consists of a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 50MP telephoto lens. Thanks to the IMX707 sensor on the primary camera, Xiaomi says the 12 Pro can capture \u201clarge amounts of light\u201d \u2013 which should translate to good low light performance \u2013 along with fast focus speeds and good colour accuracy.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Xiaomi 12 Pro include a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, a 6.73-inch 1440p LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 32MP selfie camera, a 4,600mAh battery with support for 120W wired fast charging (50W wireless), and MIUI 13 based on Android 12 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi 12 Pro will be available for pre-order in Malaysia \nright here\n at 10PM tonight. To recap, the sole 12GB + 256GB variant retails at RM3,899 on our shores.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-compact-xiaomi-12-now-in-malaysia-snapdragon-8-gen-1-for-only-rm2799/", "title": "The Compact Xiaomi 12 Now in Malaysia \u2013 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 For Only RM2,799", "body": "\n\nAside from the Xiaomi 12 Pro, the more affordable Xiaomi 12 has also been launched in Malaysia. Just like its higher-end sibling, the standard Xiaomi 12 is also powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, but in a more compact form factor and lower price tag.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Xiaomi 12 are offered in Malaysia. The 8GB + 128GB base model is priced at RM2,899, while the 8GB + 256GB configuration costs RM2,999. Do note that the more affordable base model can only be purchased through Shopee and Lazada. If you\u2019re quick, you can get it for RM2,799 through a flash sale on both e-commerce platforms.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the higher-end (and more costly) Pro model, the Xiaomi 12 omits the telephoto camera for a 5MP telemacro shooter. Complementing that sensor is a 50MP primary camera and a 13MP ultra-wide angle lens; reasonably versatile camera configuration.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Xiaomi 12 are a compact 6.28-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 32MP selfie camera, as well as MIUI 13 based on Android 12 out of the box. Despite its more compact form factor, Xiaomi still managed to pack a 4,500mAh battery into this phone with support for 67W wired fast charging and 50W wireless charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can pre-order the Xiaomi 12 in Malaysia at RM2,899 (or RM2,799 in a flash sale) and RM2,999 for the 8GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB models respectively at 10PM tonight. The former can only be pre-ordered through Shopee and Lazada, while the latter is available \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-watch-s1-s1-active-now-in-malaysia-amoled-smartwatch-from-rm649/", "title": "Xiaomi Watch S1 & S1 Active Now in Malaysia \u2013 AMOLED Smartwatch From RM649", "body": "\n\nLaunched alongside the \nXiaomi 12\n \nseries\n in Malaysia are two smartwatches from the Chinese company, the Xiaomi Watch S1 and Watch S1 Active. Retailing from RM649, these are reasonably affordable (and sleek) wearables.\n\n\nOut of the two smartwatches, the sporty Watch S1 Active is the more affordable option with a RM649 price tag. The classier-looking Watch S1, on the other hand, is priced at RM899. Interestingly, the S1 is bundled with both leather and fluororubber straps.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Watch S1\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Watch S1 Active\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, you\u2019re not just paying more for the S1 to get the extra strap; its display is also protected by sapphire glass. Compared to regular glass, sapphire glass is much more resistant to scratches. Complementing this hardy glass is the stainless steel case of the S1 for a more premium look and feel. The S1 Active has a plastic case instead.\n\n\nAside from that, both the S1 and S1 Active share the same hardware. These include a 1.43-inch 466 x 466 circular AMOLED display, a heart rate sensor, the ability to monitor blood oxygen level, a 5 ATM water resistance rating, as well as a 470mAh battery that can offer up to 24 days of standby time in battery saver mode.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Watch S1 and S1 Active are now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM899 and RM649 respectively. Early birds who get the S1 by 24 March will also receive a Redmi Buds 3 Pro (worth RM239) for free, while the S1 Active will be bundled with a Redmi buds 3 Lite (worth RM99).\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-k8-pro-kickstarter-now-live-74-wireless-tkl-keyboard-with-qmk-via-support-hotswap-pcb/", "title": "Keychron K8 Pro Kickstarter Now Live \u2013 $74 Wireless TKL Keyboard With QMK/VIA Support & Hotswap PCB", "body": "\n\nKeychron just launched a Kickstarter for its new keyboard, the Keychron K8 Pro. What makes this keyboard particularly interesting \u2013 aside from its $74 (about RM310) starting price \u2013 is the fact that this is a wireless TKL keyboard with support for QMK and VIA.\n\n\nCustom keyboards with QMK and VIA compatibility are usually wired, which is what gives the K8 Pro wireless keyboard its unique appeal. Of course, there\u2019s also its affordable pricing, \nstarting at only $74\n for the barebone version, which doesn\u2019t come with switches or keycaps.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want the fully assembled version of the K8 Pro, it will set you back $84 (approximately RM350), though you\u2019ll only get white backlit lighting. If you want RGB lighting, you\u2019ll have to add on $10 (around RM40). There is also a more premium version of the keyboard with an aluminium frame for $104 (about RM435).\n\n\nAs mentioned, the K8 Pro is a TKL keyboard with wireless capability via Bluetooth 5.1, and it can be paired with up to three different devices. The mapping of the keyboard can also be changed through QMK and VIA, and thanks to the hotswap PCB, you can easily swap out switches without desoldering.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Keychron K8 Pro is now \navailable for backing on Kickstarter\n until 15 April next month. Shipping will begin the following month in May 2022, so you don\u2019t have to wait too long to get the keyboard. We also received a unit of the aluminium version from Keychron, so stay tuned for our review of the K8 Pro!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/17-23-march-fuel-price-ron-97-up-25-sen-others-unchanged/", "title": "17 \u2013 23 March Fuel Price: RON 97 up 25 Sen, Others Unchanged", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 continues its upward trend. For the next seven days, RON 97 is going up by \na steep 25 sen per litre\n. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.\n\n\nFrom tomorrow onwards, the price of RON 97 is set at RM4.00 per litre (up from RM3.75). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 17 to 23 March 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-2-6-livestream-set-for-18-march-kamisato-ayato-making-an-appearance/", "title": "Genshin Impact 2.6 Livestream Set for 18 March \u2013 Kamisato Ayato Making an Appearance", "body": "\n\nHoyoverse \u2013 this is now Mihoyo\u2019s global branding \u2013 just announced a livestream for Genshin Impact 2.6. Set to take place this Friday on 18 March, Kamisato Ayato is prominently featured in the teaser image alongside his sister, Kamisato Ayaka.\n\n\nWith this in mind, there\u2019s a good chance Ayato will be a playable character in Genshin Impact 2.6. After all, he was \nteased by Hoyoverse\n in February last month; every character previewed by the developer has consistently made his or her in-game debut as a playable character in the following version update.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVersion 2.6 of Genshin Impact is dubbed Zephyr of the Violet Garden, which could very well be a reference to Ayato. As with previous version update livestreams, redemption codes (and other goodies) offering Primogems will be given during the livestream as well.\n\n\nYou can catch the livestream of Genshin Impact Version 2.6\u00a0\non Twitch\n\u00a0this Friday on 18 March at 8PM for us here in Malaysia. If you missed the stream, don\u2019t worry: the special program\u00a0\nwill also be on YouTube\n\u00a0on 19 March at 12AM.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/monster-hunter-rise-sunbreak-arrives-30-june-new-monsters-improved-gameplay-master-rank/", "title": "Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak Arrives 30 June \u2013 New Monsters, Improved Gameplay, Master Rank", "body": "\n\nCapcom revealed the launch date for the \nMonster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak\n expansion. Set to arrive on 30 June for the Nintendo Switch and PC, Sunbreak will introduce a slew of new monsters, improved gameplay, and the Master Rank difficulty.\n\n\nThree new monsters are highlighted for Sunbreak: the elder dragon Malzeno, Garangolm, and the fanged wyvern Lunagaron. Collectively, these monsters are referred as the \u201cThree Lords\u201d that threaten the Kingdom, a new area in the expansion.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSunbreak will also introduce new Silkbind attacks for all 14 weapons in Monster Hunter Rise, and you can even initiate a wall run by simply dashing, falling, or performing a mid-air evade towards a wall now. Of course, Master Rank quests will be available in Sunbreak too.\n\n\nMonster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak will be available on both Nintendo Switch and PC on 30 June. You\u2019ll need a copy of Rise in order to play Sunbreak, so with that in mind, the base game will be discounted until 31 March on the \nNintendo eShop\n. It\u2019s also on offer right now on \nSteam\n until 21 March.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/neotez-enters-malaysian-market-with-3-monitors-34-144hz-curved-ultrawide-for-only-rm1899/", "title": "Neotez Enters Malaysian Market With 3 Monitors \u2013 34\u2033 144Hz Curved Ultrawide For Only RM1,899", "body": "\n\nNeotez, an Australian brand, just entered the Malaysian market with three new gaming monitors: the Aquila 24, Aquila 27, and the biggest of the lot, the Aquila 34. Retailing from only RM799 right now, these monitors certainly offer good value for money.\n\n\nOf course, the RM799 starting price is for the \nAquila 24\n, a 24-inch 1080p IPS monitor with a 165Hz refresh rate. It\u2019s actually priced at RM899, though it\u2019s currently listed with a RM100 discount. Moving up the price range is the \nAquila 27\n, which features a 27-inch 1440p IPS panel with a 165Hz refresh rate for RM1,399 (discounted from RM1,549).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the \nAquila 34\n. Retailing at only RM1,899 (discounted from RM2,099), it offers a 34-inch 3440 x 1440 curved VA panel with a wide 21:9 aspect ratio. This being a gaming-centric monitor, it also has a 144Hz refresh rate and HDR400 certification; just like the Aquila 27.\n\n\nAll three monitors come with a three-year warranty, and you can even return them within 14 days if you don\u2019t like them. You can also add on the NeoCare Plus or NeoCare Pro warranty service for an extra year of coverage \u2013 the latter even offers one-to-one exchange for a \nsingle\n dead pixel.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can now purchase these three monitors in Malaysia from Neotez through its official stores on \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n. Given that these monitors are currently discounted \u2013 you\u2019ll even get a free monitor arm \u2013 it\u2019s not a bad idea to get them right now.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/singakbds-founder-sold-her-1-12-custom-unikorn-keyboard-for-charity-at-rm32500/", "title": "SingaKBD\u2019s Founder Sold Her 1/12 Custom Unikorn Keyboard (For Charity) at RM32,500", "body": "\n\nRemember the \ncustom SingaKBD Unikorn\n keyboard \u2013 belonging to the founder of the Malaysian keyboard brand herself \u2013 that went up for auction last week? Well, it was sold at a whopping $7,778, which comes up to about RM32,585.\n\n\nGiven that the custom keyboard itself is a stainless steel, limited edition SG Unikorn (only 12 units are available worldwide), it\u2019s no surprise that it managed to fetch such a high price. It\u2019s for a good cause too: 100% of the winning bid has been donated to GlobalGiving\u2019s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to a standard Unikorn, one of the most unique features of the custom SG Unikorn is its choice of material. Made of stainless steel, it weighs \n2.7kg unbuilt\n. Keep in mind that this is also a compact 60% keyboard, which really shows just how heavy it is.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the SingaKBD Unikorn, you\u2019ll be happy to know that the \nin-stock raffle sale\n for the popular keyboard will be happening soon. So far, four colours have been teased: Berlin Blue, Reseda Green, Flamenco Red, and Pewter Grey.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-a33-a53-a73-official-ip67-rating-across-the-board-no-more-3-5mm-jack/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy A33, A53, A73 Official \u2013 IP67 Rating Across the Board, No More 3.5mm Jack", "body": "\n\nSamsung just unveiled its 2022 Galaxy A lineup, which consists of the Samsung Galaxy A33, Galaxy A53, and the highest-end device of the lot, the Galaxy A73. Compared to last year\u2019s offerings, the new Galaxy A phones are quite interesting: all of them are now IP67-rated, though they lose the 3.5mm headphone jack too.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, even the most affordable Galaxy A33 has an IP67 water and dust resistance. It also features a Samsung Exynos 1280 chipset, a 6.4-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a quad camera system (48MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP bokeh + 5MP macro), a 13MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy A33\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy A53\n\n\n\n\nA tier up is the Galaxy A53. Just like the A33, it is powered by an Exynos 1280 chip with a 5,000mAh battery. The difference lies in the display, among other things. Not only does it have a slightly larger 6.5-inch 1080p Super AMOLED screen, it\u2019s also a faster 120Hz panel.\n\n\nThe quad camera system of the Galaxy A53 is slightly different too. It\u2019s made up of a 64MP primary shooter, a 12MP ultra-wide angle lens, a 5MP bokeh sensor, and a 5MP macro camera. On the front, it\u2019s packed with a 32MP selfie shooter.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the Galaxy A73. As the range-topping (and biggest) device in the series, it\u2019s packed with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset and a 6.7-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED screen. Naturally, it also has a 120Hz refresh rate, just like the A53.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy A73 include a more sophisticated quad camera system (108MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle + 5MP bokeh + 5MP macro), a 32MP selfie camera, and of course, a 5,000mAh battery. It is the only phone in the series to be offered in the Awesome Mint colour as well.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the 2022 Galaxy A series is offered in a multitude of colours, including Awesome Peach, Awesome Blue, Awesome White, and Awesome Black. For the Malaysian market, all Galaxy A devices feature 8GB of RAM and 256GB of expandable storage, though the A33 is only offered with 128GB of storage.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on when the Samsung Galaxy A73, A53, and A33 will be available in Malaysia, though we reckon their local availability will be announced by Samsung Malaysia very soon. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how these mid-range devices will be priced at on our shores.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-samsung-galaxy-a-series-hands-on-water-resistant-mid-rangers-yes-please/", "title": "2022 Samsung Galaxy A Series Hands-On: Water-Resistant Mid-Rangers? Yes Please", "body": "\n\nSamsung\u2019s 2022 Galaxy A series are here, and as expected, they\u2019re packed with some notable upgrades. But beyond the new chipsets, faster displays, and more colour options for the Galaxy A73, Galaxy A53, and Galaxy A33, the most important upgrade (in my opinion) is the fact \nall of them\n are now IP67-rated.\n\n\nGiven that this is a rare feature in the mid-range segment \u2013 heck, even some flagship phones are not water-resistant \u2013 the 2022 Galaxy A series certainly stands out. If you\u2019re shopping for a new phone in this segment, these three new devices are worth considering.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy A33\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the most affordable \u2013 and the one that sees the most improvement \u2013 device in the series, the Galaxy A33. The biggest upgrade this phone received is an IP67 rating, allowing it to be submerged up to 1m underwater for 30 minutes. Of course, you won\u2019t have to worry about accidental water damage either.\n\n\nDesign wise, I\u2019m a fan of the Galaxy A33\u2019s matte frame. Yes, the frame and rear panel of the phone are both plastic, but the device itself does not feel cheap at all. The phone feels good in my hands, and it\u2019s quite a hefty device too with its 5,000mAh battery. In fact, all three phones in the series are packed with a 5,000mAh cell.\n\n\nWhat I don\u2019t quite like is the notched display and thick bottom bezel (or \u201cchin\u201d) of the Galaxy A33. It gives the phone a\u2026well, dated-looking design.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Galaxy A33 is also powered by Samsung\u2019s new Exynos 1280 chipset, which looks to be reasonably capable. In my brief time with the phone, it certainly feels fast and responsive. Samsung\u2019s own chips may not be as popular as Qualcomm\u2019s, but I reckon the Exynos 1280 will be able to provide a good level of performance.\n\n\nAnd that\u2019s a good segue to the Galaxy A53, which is also powered by the same Exynos 1280 chipset. Instead of a matte finish, its frame has a glossy finish instead; a design element that\u2019s shared between the A53 and A73. Of course, the build material of the two phones is still plastic, though it\u2019s worth noting (again) that they don\u2019t feel cheap.\n\n\nSpeaking of the A73, it\u2019s the only phone in the series to be powered by a Qualcomm chip. More specifically, a Snapdragon 778G chipset, and it feels quite fast and capable in my short time with the phone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy A53\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy A73\n\n\n\n\nNow let\u2019s talk about the displays of the three phones. All of them feature a Super AMOLED display with a 1080p resolution: 6.4-inch for the A33, 6.5-inch for the A53, and 6.7-inch for the A73. The latter two have 120Hz panels, while the A33 settles for a 90Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nNot surprisingly, all three phones have very pleasant screens to look at; yes, this applies to even the A33. After all, their Super AMOLED panels offer bright, vibrant colours, wide viewing angles, and deep, true blacks. These are inherent advantages of an AMOLED display.\n\n\nPreviously, Samsung\u2019s Galaxy A devices were offered in a wide variety of colours, so it only makes sense that the same still applies to this year\u2019s lineup. Five colours are available: Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Peach, Awesome Blue, and Awesome Mint. The last colour option is exclusive to the A73.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the camera department, all 2022 Galaxy A devices feature a quad camera system with different implementations. The A33 has a 48MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide angle shooter, a 2MP bokeh lens, and a 5MP macro camera. The A53, on the other hand, comes with a 64MP main shooter, a 12MP ultra-wide angle lens, a 5MP bokeh camera, and a 5MP depth sensor.\n\n\nAs for the Galaxy A73, it sports a similar camera configuration as the A53, but it swaps out the 64MP primary shooter for a more sophisticated 108MP sensor. This allows the range-topping phone to take better-looking shots, naturally, though it\u2019s a little odd that the A73 loses out on its \npredecessor\u2019s telephoto camera\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, I briefly tested the camera performances of the 2022 Galaxy A phones, and they\u2019re quite good! But it\u2019s worth noting that the media briefing for the three devices took place in a well-lit area, it\u2019s no surprise that they can take good-looking shots; all modern phones should be able to do this at the bare minimum.\n\n\nUnfortunately, we were not allowed to share any photos taken with the Galaxy A phones at the media briefing, which is why there are no sample shots in this hands-on. Nonetheless, stay tuned for a more thorough impression of the phones\u2019 camera performances once review units are sent out by Samsung.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, the Samsung Galaxy A73, A53, and A33 are promising mid-range devices, though you do have to pay quite a bit more for them now. For the sake of comparison, last year\u2019s Galaxy A phones retailed from \nRM1,099 to RM1,899\n, but the prices have now increased to RM1,499 to RM2,099.\n\n\nGiven all of the upgrades these phones received, a price hike is not surprising. Nonetheless, RM1,499 for the Galaxy A33 with its IP67 rating and other improvements\u2026does sound like a good deal.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-a73-a53-a33-malaysian-pricing-revealed-starts-at-rm1499/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy A73, A53 & A33 Malaysian Pricing Revealed \u2013 Starts at RM1,499", "body": "\n\nSamsung Malaysia just revealed the local pricing of its 2022 Galaxy A lineup, which consists of the Samsung Galaxy A33, Galaxy A53, and the highest-end device of the lot, the Galaxy A73. Compared to last year\u2019s offerings, the new Galaxy A phones see quite a bit of a price increase.\n\n\nOnly one variant of each 2022 Galaxy A device is offered in Malaysia. The Galaxy A33 (8GB + 128GB) costs RM1,499, while the Galaxy A53 goes for RM1,849. The range-topping Galaxy A73, on the other hand, is priced at RM2,099.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy A33\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy A53\n\n\n\n\nOne of the biggest upgrades to the updated Galaxy A devices is IP67 rating; all devices in the series now carry that rating. That\u2019s right, even the most affordable Galaxy A33 has an IP67 water and dust resistance. It also features a Samsung Exynos 1280 chipset, a 6.4-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a quad camera system (48MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP bokeh + 5MP macro), a 13MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\nA tier up is the Galaxy A53. Just like the A33, it is powered by an Exynos 1280 chip with a 5,000mAh battery. The difference lies in the display, among other things. Not only does it have a slightly larger 6.5-inch 1080p Super AMOLED screen, it\u2019s also a faster 120Hz panel.\n\n\nThe quad camera system of the Galaxy A53 is slightly different too. It\u2019s made up of a 64MP primary shooter, a 12MP ultra-wide angle lens, a 5MP bokeh sensor, and a 5MP macro camera. On the front, it\u2019s packed with a 32MP selfie shooter.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the Galaxy A73. As the range-topping (and biggest) device in the series, it\u2019s packed with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset and a 6.7-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED screen. Naturally, it also has a 120Hz refresh rate, just like the A53.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy A73 include a more sophisticated quad camera system (108MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle + 5MP bokeh + 5MP macro), a 32MP selfie camera, and of course, a 5,000mAh battery. It is the only phone in the series to be offered in the Awesome Mint colour as well.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the 2022 Galaxy A series is offered in a multitude of colours, including Awesome Peach, Awesome Blue, Awesome White, and Awesome Black.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Samsung Galaxy A73 retails at RM2,099 in Malaysia. If you want something more affordable, you\u2019ve got the Galaxy A53 and Galaxy A33, which are priced at RM1,849 and RM1,499 respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-gt-2-pro-launching-in-malaysia-24-march-most-affordable-snapdragon-8-gen-1-phone/", "title": "Realme GT 2 Pro Launching in Malaysia 24 March \u2013 \u201cMost Affordable\u201d Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Phone", "body": "\n\nRealme will be launching its latest flagship smartphone, the Realme GT 2 Pro, right here in Malaysia next week on 24 March. What makes this device particularly interesting is Realme\u2019s claims: the GT 2 Pro is said to be the \u201cmost affordable\u201d Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 phone in Malaysia.\n\n\nIf Realme does make good on this promise, the GT 2 Pro will be priced quite competitively. To put this into context, one of the most affordable Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 phones on our shores now is the Motorola Edge 30 \nfor RM2,699\n. There\u2019s also the \nXiaomi 12\n, which starts at RM2,899.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond its chipset, the GT 2 Pro also features a 6.7-inch 1440p LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 50MP ultra-wide angle + 3MP micro-lens), a 32MP selfie camera, up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, as well as a 5,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging.\n\n\nWe\u2019ll find out exactly how much the Realme GT2 Pro will be priced at in Malaysia come 24 March next week. You can catch the livestream of the local launch on \nRealme Malaysia\u2019s Facebook page\n at 2PM on that day.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/neotez-aquila-27-review-only-rm1399-for-a-27-qhd-ips-165hz-gaming-monitor/", "title": "Neotez Aquila 27 Review: Only RM1,399 for a 27\u2033 QHD IPS 165Hz Gaming Monitor!", "body": "\n\nShopping for a budget-friendly gaming monitor can be\u2026constraining. More often than not, these monitors sacrifice on certain key features to bring down the price, but the Neotez Aquila 27 isn\u2019t quite like that. Not only is this a 27-inch gaming monitor with a complete feature set, it also offers \nexcellent \nvalue for money.\n\n\nOf course, given its affordable nature, there are some aspects of the Aquila 27 that could\u2019ve been better. But if what you want is a fast gaming monitor with a good quality IPS panel, you will be very happy with the Aquila 27. After all, you\u2019re only paying RM1,399 for this 165Hz QHD gaming monitor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nOkay, technically, the Aquila 27 retails at RM1,549, but it is \nlisted at only RM1,399\n until 30 April 2022. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a 27-inch 2560 x 1440 IPS display with a fast 165Hz refresh rate. This panel also meets the HDR400 standard, and it covers 100% of the sRGB colour space too.\n\n\nAside from that, the Aquila 27 supports adaptive sync as well, so you won\u2019t have to deal with screen tearing when you\u2019re gaming. You can also adjust the height of the monitor, swivel it, and even pivot it; features not typically found on affordable monitors.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOh, you get a pair of 3W built-in speakers with the Aquila 27 too, but the audio quality leaves much to be desired \u2013 more on this further down this review.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nImage quality is one of the most important features of a gaming monitor, and the Aquila 27 has a great-looking screen. Its IPS panel offers vibrant colours, a good level of brightness, and of course, adequate viewing angles. However, colours do wash out a tad bit when you\u2019re looking at the monitor from an extreme angle.\n\n\nRegardless, the Aquila 27 is a blast to play games on, especially in highly competitive games like Valorant and Apex Legends where you need lightning quick responses. The 165Hz refresh rate of the monitor is a godsend in this regard, and I did not notice any screen tearing at all throughout the review period.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 1440p resolution of the Aquila 27 is worth a mention too. At this price point, a 1080p panel is much more common, so the fact that you\u2019re getting a QHD panel with the Aquila 27 \u2013 which is also clocked at 165Hz \u2013 just shows how much value you\u2019re getting with this monitor.\n\n\nAssembly process of the Aquila 27 is easy as well. I did not need to use a screwdriver, and it took me less than 10 minutes to have it all set up; no manual required! I also appreciate the small footprint of the monitor\u2019s stand. For folks that don\u2019t have a lot of table space, this is a welcomed space-efficient design.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the fantastic warranty coverage of the Aquila 27\u2026if you do decide to purchase the NeoCare Pro extended warranty. Not only does it add an extra year to the standard three-year warranty of the monitor, you can even get a one-to-one replacement for a\u00a0\nsingle\n\u00a0dead pixel.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt is rare (especially here in Malaysia) for a monitor brand to offer such a comprehensive warranty coverage. As someone who is very particular about dead pixels on a display, I\u2019m very happy with the warranty service of Neotez, even if the NeoCare Pro warranty is a RM280 add-on.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nRemember the Aquila 27\u2019s 3W speakers I mentioned earlier? Well, they\u2019re not great. While I appreciate the convenience of having speakers built right into the monitor itself, the audio quality is tinny with little to no bass. It will work in a pinch, but you\u2019ll definitely want to get proper speakers for content consumption.\n\n\nBuild quality is also not a strong point for the Aquila 27. The monitor itself feels very plasticky, and same goes for the stand. Granted, you probably won\u2019t be moving the monitor around, so you won\u2019t \u201cfeel\u201d the mediocre build quality much. Still, this is one area where the budget nature of the monitor really shows.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the \nunintuitive \nnavigation of the on-screen display (OSD). The button controls are all placed on the back of the Aquila 27, and since there\u2019s no joystick to navigate the OSD, trying to get to specific parts of the menu is\u2026quite a challenge.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nGiven its feature set and sheer value for money, the Neotez Aquila 27 is very, \nvery\n easy to recommend, especially right now when it\u2019s going for only RM1,399. At this price point, you\u2019d be hard-pressed to find for an alternative that offers the same feature set.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSure, its build quality and unintuitive OSD are some shortcomings of the Aquila 27, but these are hardly dealbreakers in comparison to the value proposition of this gaming monitor. If you like the Aquila 27\u2019s feature set, and its price fits your budget, go for it \u2013 you will not be disappointed.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-2-6-arrives-30-march-with-kamisato-ayato-new-chasm-area/", "title": "Genshin Impact 2.6 Arrives 30 March With Kamisato Ayato & New Chasm Area", "body": "\n\nGenshin Impact 2.6 has been announced! Set to arrive in the next two weeks on 30 March, the Version 2.6 update will introduce Kamisato Ayato \u2013 yes, he is Ayaka\u2019s older brother \u2013 as a playable 5-star character, along with the new Chasm area.\n\n\nIn contrast to Ayaka who is a Cryo character, Ayato wields a Hydro vision and a sword like his sister. He is able to deal a large amount of Hydro damage in a short period of time, and he can even buff the party\u2019s normal attacks. It should be quite fun to build a team around his abilities.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Chasm will finally be accessible in Genshin Impact 2.6. Located at the westernmost of Liyue, the Chasm will progress the main story with the new Archon quest \u201cRequiem of the Echoing Depths,\u201d where Dainsleif (and maybe even the Traveler\u2019s twin) will make an appearance.\n\n\nOther new content coming to the Version 2.6 update include a new Ruin Serpent boss in the Chasm, the Irodori Festival in Inazuma \u2013 you can recruit Xingqiu through this event, even though he\u2019s a Liyue character \u2013 and of course, Ayato\u2019s event wish.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact 2.6 will go live on 30 March. Once the update drops, Ayato\u2019s banner will be available alongside Venti. For the second phase of the event wish, Ayaka will have her own rerun banner.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-review-made-for-note-and-snapdragon-fans/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Review: Made For Note (And Snapdragon) Fans", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, especially for the Malaysian market, will appeal to two folks. Galaxy Note fans, for one, will love the built-in S Pen and Note-like design of this flagship phone. The other group? Users who have eagerly waited for Samsung Malaysia to bring in the Snapdragon variant of the Galaxy S series.\n\n\nWith the Galaxy S22 Ultra, you\u2019re getting just that\u2026and more. Of course, given the premium positioning of this phone, you\u2019ll also have to pay a premium for it, though it\u2019s not \nthat\n much more costly than its predecessor. Without further ado, here\u2019s our review of the S22 Ultra.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (3088 x 1440), 120Hz adaptive\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 2.99GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 730\nRAM\n8/12GB\nStorage\n128/256GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n108MP f/1.8, PDAF, OIS\n12MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide angle), Dual Pixel AF\n10MP f/2.4 (telephoto), Dual Pixel AF, OIS, 3x zoom\n10MP f/4.9 (telephoto), Dual Pixel AF, OIS, 10x zoom\nLaser autofocus system\nCamera (front)\n40MP f/2.2\nBattery\n5,000mAh with 45W fast charging (15W wireless)\nDimensions\n163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm\nWeight\n228g\nOS\nOne UI 4.1 based on Android 12\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.2\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ax\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM5,099 (128GB + 8GB), RM5,499 (256GB + 12GB), RM5,899 (512GB + 12GB)\n\n\nThere\u2019s no denying that the Galaxy S22 Ultra is a high-end phone through and through. Not only does it have a stunning Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate \u2013 it can alternate between 120Hz to as low as 1Hz \u2013 it even has a sophisticated, far-reaching quad camera system.\n\n\nGranted, most of these hardware are also found on its predecessor (except for the S Pen, obviously), but what makes the S22 Ultra particularly unique for the Malaysian market is the inclusion of a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset. This is quite a surprise, given that the S series for our market had always used Exynos chips instead.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nLet\u2019s talk about the design of the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra first, which I really, really like. Compared to the S21 Ultra, this new phone sports a more angular design with its flat top and bottom. The sides of the phone, on the other hand, are rounded; it\u2019s almost like the display and glass back panel of the phone are wrapped around the frame. All in all, this makes for a premium phone in looks and feel.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the camera arrangement on the back of the S22 Ultra. While it looks\u2026well, slightly unconventional, I like the fact that the lenses are no longer housed in a large module. They look better (in my opinion) this way, even if the sensors are not quite as protected.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile design is subjective, it\u2019s much easier to judge a display\u2019s fidelity. In this regard, the Galaxy S22 Ultra has a fantastic 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel. According to Samsung, this is the brightest screen ever on a Galaxy S device with a peak brightness of 1,750 nits. Naturally, it also supports HDR10+ with 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut.\n\n\nThe result? Well, a very pleasant screen to look at. It can get really, really bright, it has vibrant colours, and this being an AMOLED panel, it also offers deep, true blacks with wide viewing angles. The display\u2019s 120Hz adaptive refresh rate also makes it a joy to game on.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the performance level of the S22 Ultra is undoubtedly good, especially after an update to remove the throttling by Samsung\u2019s Game Optimization Service (GOS). While it still can\u2019t run Genshin Impact at maxed out graphics settings \u2013 to be fair, not many flagship Android phones can \u2013 it still offers smooth enough gameplay.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat about the S Pen? Well, it\u2019s great! Thanks to its lower latency, the writing experience is more fluid than ever. In short, it feels quite natural to write using the S Pen; almost like I\u2019m physically scribbling on a piece of paper.\n\n\nThe design of the S Pen itself sees a slight revision as well. Previously, it was just a simple plastic stylus, but the S22 Ultra\u2019s S Pen has a slightly rubberised texture for a more comfortable grip. I also like the fact that it\u2019s finished in black now.\n\n\nLast but not least is the camera performance of the Galaxy S22 Ultra, which is (unsurprisingly) \nexcellent\n. This applies to all four sensors of the quad camera system; not something that can be said of many, many other flagship-tier phones in the market now. Judge for yourself with these sample shots:\n\n\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\n108MP primary\n\n\n10MP telephoto (3x)\n\n\n10MP telephoto (10x)\n\n\n10MP telephoto (30x)\n\n\n10MP telephoto (100x)\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\n108MP primary\n\n\n10MP telephoto (3x)\n\n\n10MP telephoto (10x)\n\n\n108MP primary\n\n\n108MP primary\n\n\n108MP primary\n\n\n108MP primary\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat remains to be very impressive is the zooming capability of the S22 Ultra\u2019s telephoto cameras. While the image quality at 100x zoom isn\u2019t great, I\u2019d argue the 30x zoom is still acceptable. Of course, the camera interface itself is responsive too, and focus locking is very fast and accurate.\n\n\nWhile the Galaxy S22 Ultra has a lot of winning qualities, it does have its fair share of shortcomings as well \u2013 let\u2019s get to them in the next section.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nDespite its sizeable 5,000mAh battery, the S22 Ultra\u2019s battery life is\u2026decidedly average. Throughout the review period, I can only get about five hours of screen on time on a single charge. While this isn\u2019t bad by any means, it\u2019s certainly not class-leading.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut the biggest downside of the S22 Ultra has to be its high asking price. Retailing from RM5,099 \u2013 a RM100 price increase over the S21 Ultra \u2013 this is a costly device. You \ndo\n get a fantastic phone for that kind of money, but you can also get the same level of performance and refinement from a more affordable phone.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nEven though the value proposition of the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra isn\u2019t great, it does have more than a few winning qualities to justify its high price tag. Not only do you get an excellent far-reaching quad camera system with the S22 Ultra, there\u2019s also the unmatched utility of the S Pen.\n\n\nThe S Pen has always been one of the best features of a Galaxy Note phone, and now that the series is (likely) discontinued, the stylus lives on with the Galaxy S22 Ultra. Given that none of Samsung\u2019s competition is able to offer the same utility as the S Pen, this stylus remains to be a winning feature for Samsung.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor fans of the S Pen \u2013 and the Galaxy Note lineup \u2013 the Galaxy S22 Ultra will be right up your alley. It really is a true successor to the Note series, which hasn\u2019t seen an update for \nalmost two years now\n. Even if you don\u2019t need the utility of the S Pen, the S22 Ultra\u2019s combination of a sophisticated camera system, stunning display, and high-end performance\u2026make for a complete flagship smartphone.\n\n\nWith a matching price tag, of course.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ghostwire-tokyo-ps5-review-a-jujutsu-sorcerer-in-beautiful-dystopian-tokyo/", "title": "Ghostwire: Tokyo (PS5) Review: A \u201cJujutsu\u201d Sorcerer in Beautiful, Dystopian Tokyo", "body": "\n\nWhen Ghostwire: Tokyo was first unveiled, I was immediately entranced by the combat system of the game. Performing spells with hand signs in the game seem very\u2026Jujutsu Kaisen-like, or even like Doctor Strange-like, if you will.\n\n\nBut as I explore the world of Ghostwire, it is so much more than casting fancy spells to ward off supernatural beings. This dystopian, but still very beautiful Tokyo is awe-inspiring, and the game makes very good use of the PS5\u2019s DualSense controller, so the gameplay is \nthat\n much more immersive.\n\n\nIf you want to live your dream as a \u201cjujutsu\u201d sorcerer in an open world setting set in Tokyo, Ghostwire is just the game for you.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nAvailable on both PS5 and PC, Ghostwire: Tokyo is a first-person game developed by Tango Gameworks. It follows a seemingly normal human named Akito, the protagonist, who gained mysterious new powers when he was possessed by a spirit who calls himself KK.\n\n\nA \u201cmassive paranormal event\u201d then wiped out 99% of Tokyo\u2019s population, and spirits from Japanese folklore started roaming the streets. Some of them can be quite\u2026eerie, and it is up to Akito and KK to unravel the mystery of the paranormal event.\n\n\nAs mentioned, Ghostwire is offered on both PS5 and PC. The PS5 version is priced at \nRM249 for the Standard Edition\n, while the\u00a0\nDeluxe Edition is priced at RM339\n. You can even play the game three days early (on 22 March) with this edition.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to get Ghostwire on PC instead, you can buy it at a lower price: it goes for RM179.99 and RM239.99 for the Standard and Deluxe Editions respectively. Of course, you can purchase the PC version on both\u00a0\nSteam\n\u00a0and the\u00a0\nEpic Games Store\n.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nI love a game with a good story to tell, so I really enjoyed the storyline of Ghostwire: Tokyo. There\u2019s good character development \u2013 even if the side characters aren\u2019t explored much \u2013 the plot is decent, and I was excited to progress through the main story. It\u2019s just unfortunate that it is a tad too brief; I completed the story in about 15 hours.\n\n\nThankfully, there are a ton of side missions scattered throughout Tokyo in Ghostwire, and some of them can be quite riveting. Many of these side missions are inspired by stories that were told to the developers at Tango Gameworks, and it\u2019s evident that some of them feel quite personal.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the open world of Ghostwire is quite fun to explore as well. I find myself engrossed in traversing every nook and cranny of Tokyo, finding collectables and collecting spirits to further develop my skill tree. I really enjoyed gliding from one rooftop to another too \u2013 Akito certainly feels very mobile.\n\n\nOf course, Ghostwire\u2019s combat system is done quite well too; I especially like the fancy hand signs that Akito does. There are three main \u201cethereal weaves\u201d or spells in the game: wind, fire, and water. Wind focuses on quick attacks, fire does more damage (with less ammo available), and water performs wide, short-ranged attacks.\n\n\nAt times, combat in Ghostwire can feel quite chaotic and disconnected, but once I got the hang of it \u2013 with upgraded spells \u2013 it can be quite fun. It\u2019s a little annoying that getting a perfect block doesn\u2019t always perform a counterattack (it depends on the attack itself), but when it does, it \nis\n satisfying.\n\n\n\n\nTell me this isn\u2019t eerie?\n\n\n\n\nGraphically, the city of Tokyo in Ghostwire is rendered beautifully on the PS5. It gives off just the right amount of eeriness, especially when I\u2019m in a dilapidated building filled with spirits from Japanese folklore. Trust me, some of them can \nreally\n make your skin crawl, which shows just how well-designed the enemies are.\n\n\nAs with any PS5 game, I\u2019m excited to see how the DualSense controller\u2019s refined haptic feedback and adaptive triggers are used in Ghostwire. Well, I\u2019m happy to report that Tango took advantage of these hardware very well. Remember the different spells I talked about? Depending on which element you use, the adaptive triggers and haptic feedback change accordingly.\n\n\nWhen I\u2019m using quick wind attacks, for example, there are less resistance on the adaptive triggers. But if I switch to the more powerful fire spells, the triggers feel heavier with more pronounced haptic feedback. All in all, Tango Gameworks made very good use the DualSense\u2019s features.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWhile Ghostwire: Tokyo\u2019s graphics look great, there are still room for improvement on the PS5. I play the game almost exclusively in Performance Mode to set the framerate at 60fps, but unfortunately enough, there are a few instances where the framerate noticeably drops.\n\n\nGranted, this doesn\u2019t happen too frequently; it mostly happens when I\u2019m high up on the rooftops of Tokyo as the game tries to render the surrounding area. It doesn\u2019t happen during fast-paced combat situations, so that\u2019s good.\n\n\nWhat\u2019s not good are the selection of weapons in Ghostwire. Aside from the three ethereal weaves I\u2019ve mentioned, you only get a bow and arrow (which is very unwieldy to use) and some talismans that can either stun enemies or distract them.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis lack of weapon variety makes the combat system feel not as fleshed out as it should be. Don\u2019t get me wrong, I like the combat of Ghostwire; I just wish there was another layer of complexity to it for a more \u201ccomplete\u201d experience.\n\n\nMy last qualm with Ghostwire is the English voice-over. Personally, I prefer the Japanese audio \u2013 this is actually the default option \u2013 but I decided to give the English option a try for the sake of the review. It\u2019s not bad, per se, but it is distracting that the lip-syncing, which is catered to the Japanese voice-over, doesn\u2019t match.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nEven though Ghostwire: Tokyo suffers from some performance issues on the PS5 with not much weapon variety, it is still an easy game to recommend. It has a robust combat system, an engrossing storyline, and most of all, it\u2019s a gorgeous game set in a beautifully rendered dystopian Tokyo \u2013 with some frightening Japanese folklore spirits to boot.\n\n\n\n\nYes, you can pet the dogs in Ghostwire\n\n\n\n\nIn retrospect, while I wish the combat system is a bit more sophisticated, it \nis\n refreshing that Ghostwire doesn\u2019t demand too much from players. The skill tree is straightforward, there are no long-winded cutscenes with a convoluted plot, and it\u2019s a game that I can just pick up and jump straight in without much thought.\n\n\nIs Ghostwire a must-play title? Not necessarily, but it\u2019s definitely a game that I thoroughly enjoyed. Now if you\u2019ll excuse me, I have side missions to complete in Tokyo\u2026as a \u201cjujutsu\u201d sorcerer.\n\n\nGhostwire: Tokyo launches on PS5 and PC on 25 March.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-strix-flare-ii-animate-hotswap-keyboard-costs-rm799-in-malaysia/", "title": "Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate Hotswap Keyboard Costs RM799 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nThe Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate is finally available in Malaysia. Featuring a hotswap PCB with a unique AniMe Matrix LED display on the top right corner of the keyboard \u2013 not unlike the one found on the\u00a0\nZephyrus G14\n\u00a0gaming laptop \u2013 this is quite an interesting pre-built keyboard.\n\n\nRetailing at RM799, three different switch options are offered with the Flare II: ROG NX Brown (tactile), Red (linear), and Blue (clicky). It\u2019s worth noting that Asus\u2019 NX Brown switch has a much more pronounced tactile bump than, say, a Cherry MX Brown switch, so don\u2019t be fooled by its name.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Flare II is a full-size keyboard with a hotswap PCB, though it only supports three-pin switches. It also has double shot PBT keycaps with \u201cshortened stems and mid-height profiles\u201d to reduce key wobble and improve ergonomics. Compared to OEM keycaps, this keycap set definitely has a lower profile; almost like a Cherry profile, in fact.\n\n\nTo recap, the Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate is now available in Malaysia. You can get purchase it through \nAsus\u2019 official Shopee store\n for RM799. Not sure if it\u2019s the right pre-built keyboard for you? Then stay tuned for our full review of the Flare II!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/neotez-gaming-monitors-discounted-up-to-rm200-in-malaysia-until-30-april-2022/", "title": "Neotez Gaming Monitors Discounted up to RM200 in Malaysia Until 30 April 2022", "body": "\n\nTo celebrate Neotez\u2019s arrival in Malaysia, the company is offering a discount on its range of gaming monitors on our shores. These include the Aquila 24, Aquila 27, and the biggest of the lot, the Aquila 34. For a limited time, you can save up to RM200 on these monitors.\n\n\nOf course, the RM200 discount is reserved for the Aquila 34 ultrawide monitor. Originally retailing at RM2,099, this 34-inch 3440 x 1440 curved gaming monitor with a VA panel is now \nlisted at RM1,899\n. It also has a 144Hz refresh rate and HDR400 certification.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Neotez Aquila 27\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the \nAquila 27\n, a 27-inch 1440p IPS gaming monitor with a 165Hz refresh rate. Also sporting a HDR400 certification, it can be purchased \nat only RM1,399\n now, saving you RM150. Last but not least is the most affordable Aquila 24. This 24-inch 1080p IPS monitor with a 165Hz refresh rate usually retails at RM899, but it is currently going \nfor only RM799\n.\n\n\nWe were told by Neotez that this launch promotion for the Aquila monitors will be valid until 30 April 2022 next month. That\u2019s ample amount of time to take advantage of these discounted prices.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-reno-7-z-with-snapdragon-695-launching-in-malaysia-29-march/", "title": "Oppo Reno 7 Z With Snapdragon 695 Launching in Malaysia 29 March", "body": "\n\nInitially set to be launched in April\n next month, Oppo Malaysia just revealed that the Oppo Reno 7 Z will be launched on our shores next week on 29 March. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, it is quite a well-equipped device in its segment.\n\n\nGiven that it features a Snapdragon 695 chipset, the Reno 7 Z is in the same league as the \nRedmi Note 11 Pro 5G\n, for example. It also has a triple camera system made up of a 64MP primary shooter, a 2MP monochrome sensor, and a 2MP macro lens.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Reno 7 Z include a 6.43-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, a 16MP selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery, and ColorOS 12 based on Android 11 out of the box.\n\n\nThe Oppo Reno 7 Z will be launched in Malaysia next week on 29 March. No word yet on how much it will cost in our market, though it should be more affordable than the \nRM1,999 Reno 7\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-strix-flare-ii-animate-review-rm799-for-a-hotswap-keyboard-with-an-led-display/", "title": "Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate Review: RM799 for a Hotswap Keyboard With an LED Display", "body": "\n\nAs the custom keyboard scene grows, we can see that a number of pre-built keyboards have started implementing some features that are more commonly found on enthusiast-level keyboards. One of them is a hotswap PCB, which is one of the best qualities of this keyboard, the Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate.\n\n\nOf course, it also has a unique AniMe Matrix LED display on the top right corner; similar to the larger LED panel on the top lid of the\u00a0\nZephyrus G14\n\u00a0gaming laptop. Unfortunately, the Flare II still has the typical shortcomings of a pre-built keyboard, and priced at RM799, it\u2019s not particularly affordable either.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe ROG Strix Flare II Animate is a full-size keyboard with a hotswap PCB as one of its best selling points, even if it only supports three-pin switches. It also has double shot PBT keycaps with \u201cshortened stems and mid-height profiles\u201d to reduce key wobble and improve ergonomics. Compared to OEM keycaps, this keycap set definitely has a lower profile; almost like a Cherry profile, in fact.\n\n\nAside from that, the Flare II is also offered in three different switches: ROG NX Brown (tactile), Red (linear), and Blue (clicky). It\u2019s worth noting that Asus\u2019 NX Brown switch \u2013 this review unit comes with this option \u2013 has a much more pronounced tactile bump than, say, a Cherry MX Brown switch, so don\u2019t be fooled by its name.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegardless of which switch option you go with, the Flare II is priced at RM799. Needless to say, this is a steep price tag for a pre-built keyboard, though you do get features you cannot find on a custom keyboard \u2013 let\u2019s talk about them in the next section.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nWhile there are some custom keyboards that have implemented a screen of sorts, none of them is quite as unique as the LED display on the ROG Strix Flare II Animate. Not only can you customise it to show your own animations, it also shows some useful information. As you adjust the volume with the scroll wheel, for example, the LED display will show the volume level.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, I really, really like the scroll wheel of the Flare II. Not only is it made of metal, there are subtle clicks that feel \nvery\n satisfying as I use it to control the volume. The toggle to the left of the wheel can also reverse or skip track, and the circular button on the side is used to pause playback.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the Flare II has some bright RGB lighting too. The legends on the keycaps are also translucent, so you get the full per-key RGB effect on every key. I\u2019m not big on RGB lighting on my keyboard, but I imagine folks who don\u2019t share my sentiment will appreciate this feature.\n\n\nI\u2019m also quite a fan of the ROG NX Brown switch on the Flare II. It has a pronounced, rounded tactile event that starts at the very top of the downstroke. While it\u2019s not as tactile as the\u00a0\nGazzew Boba U4T\n\u00a0or\u00a0\nAnubis\n, it\u2019s comfortably a medium tactile switch. On top of that, it has reasonably minimal stem wobble as well, though it also has a slight scratchiness throughout the downstroke.\n\n\nIf you want to experiment with different switches, no problem. The Flare II\u2019s hotswap PCB allows you to seamlessly swap switches whenever you want to, but it\u2019s unfortunate that it only supports three-pin switches.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBuild quality of the Flare II is surprisingly good too. Even though it has a plastic bottom case, the keyboard itself has almost no flex at all; it\u2019s one solid keyboard. Speaking of flex, the Flare II also offers a stiff typing experience. Depending on your preference, this isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWhat is definitely a bad thing is the costar-style stabilisers of the ROG Strix Flare II Animate. Not only is it harder to tune than your conventional plate-mounted stabilisers, it is also quite tricky to assemble and disassemble as it requires you to carefully hook the wire to the housing.\n\n\nOf course, it\u2019s still possible to lube these stabilisers with a syringe to eliminate the slight ticking and rattling on these stabilisers \u2013 despite the fact that they are factory lubed \u2013 but it definitely takes more work than necessary.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the\u2026unrefined sound profile of the Flare II, to put it bluntly. This is really a typical trait of a pre-built mechanical keyboard: not only is this quite a loud keyboard, it has a plasticky sound signature too. I\u2019m also not a fan of the overly rough double shot PBT keycaps.\n\n\nBut the biggest shortcoming of the Flare II has to be its RM799 price tag. For the same amount of money, you can get yourself a decent custom keyboard, such as the \nMeletrix Zoom65\n. Granted, it\u2019s not as readily available as the Flare II, but you do get a superior typing experience and build quality.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIt may sound cliche, but it really depends on what you want out of a keyboard. If you want a no-nonsense, readily available full-size keyboard with hotswap support, a nice, metal scroll wheel, and a unique LED panel, then the Asus ROG Strix Flare II Animate is a good option.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHowever, if you want the best typing experience you can get at this price point, and you don\u2019t mind much longer waiting times, then putting the RM799 into a custom keyboard instead is the better alternative. It will take more of your time, for sure, but the end result will be well worth it.\n\n\nBut not everyone is willing to put in the time and effort into building a custom keyboard, which is where the Flare II comes in. Yes, you\u2019ll sacrifice on typing experience, but you\u2019re still getting a reasonably good mechanical keyboard with a unique LED display, a nice scroll wheel, and a full-size layout \u2013 features you don\u2019t usually get with a custom keyboard.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dell-g15-with-12th-gen-intel-cpu-quietly-launched-in-malaysia-from-only-rm4499/", "title": "Dell G15 With 12th Gen Intel CPU Quietly Launched in Malaysia From Only RM4,499", "body": "\n\nLooking for an affordable gaming laptop? Then consider the new Dell G15. Not only does it start at only RM4,499 in Malaysia, this budget-friendly gaming laptop is also powered by Intel\u2019s latest 12th gen processors.\n\n\nOf course, the RM4,499 price tag is for the base model of the G15. It comes with a Core i5-12500H processor paired with 8GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU, a 15.6-inch 1080p WVA display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 256GB SSD.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want something even more powerful, there\u2019s the RTX 3070 Ti variant of the G15 for RM7,299. Aside from the much beefier GPU, this configuration is also packed with a Core i7-12700H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, a faster 165Hz 1080p display, as well as a 512GB SSD.\n\n\nAside from these models, you can actually configure other hardware of the G15 on \nDell\u2019s Malaysian online store\n. You can change the GPU to an RTX 3050 Ti or RTX 3060, and there\u2019s even an option to upgrade the screen to a 1440p panel with a blazing fast 240Hz refresh rate, though this configuration is only offered with an RTX 3060 GPU.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can purchase and see all configurations of the new Dell G15 on \nDell\u2019s online store\n. You can also check out our review of the \nprevious generation G15 here\n if you\u2019d like to learn more about this gaming laptop.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/alienware-m15-r7-also-in-malaysia-12th-gen-intel-cpu-up-to-rtx-3080-ti-from-rm7699/", "title": "Alienware m15 R7 Also in Malaysia \u2013 12th Gen Intel CPU, up to RTX 3080 Ti, From RM7,699", "body": "\n\nDell also brought in the updated Alienware m15 R7 with Intel\u2019s 12th gen processors. Of course, given the premium positioning of this gaming laptop \u2013 especially compared to the \nmore affordable Dell G15\n \u2013 you do have to pay a premium for it too.\n\n\nThe most affordable variant of the m15 R7 for the Malaysian market retails at RM7,699. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a Core i7-12700H processor \u2013 the sole chip option for the m15 R7 locally \u2013 paired with 16GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU, a 15.6-inch 1080p display with a 165Hz refresh rate (and G-Sync support), as well as a 512GB SSD.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWant a more powerful GPU? Well, you can swap out the RTX 3050 Ti for an RTX 3060 graphics card for RM8,299; you\u2019re essentially paying RM600 for this upgrade. You can also change the GPU to an even beefier RTX 3070 Ti card for RM9,899.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also possible to configure the m15 R7 with a very capable RTX 3080 Ti, though you\u2019ll have to pay a cool RM12,399 for this. The \nonline configurator\n also lets you add more RAM, SSD storage, and opt for a QHD 240Hz or FHD 360Hz screen. Naturally, all display options for this gaming laptop support Nvidia G-Sync technology.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can purchase (and configure) the Alienware m15 R7 in Malaysia right now through \nDell\u2019s online store\n. If you\u2019d like to learn more about this gaming laptop, check out our review of the previous model \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/alienware-x15-r2-x17-r2-now-more-affordable-in-malaysia-thin-premium-gaming-laptops-from-rm10799/", "title": "Alienware x15 R2, x17 R2 Now More Affordable in Malaysia \u2013 Thin, Premium Gaming Laptops From RM10,799", "body": "\n\nInitially launched in Malaysia last month, Dell is currently offering a discount on the Alienware x15 R2 and x17 R2 on our shores. These are thin, premium gaming laptops with Intel\u2019s 12th gen chips, so you do have to pay an equally premium price tag for them.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the more \u201caffordable\u201d gaming laptop of the two, the x15 R2. Starting at a cool RM10,799 (discounted from RM12,999), it features a Core i7-12700H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, a 15.6-inch 1080p display with a 165Hz refresh rate and G-Sync support, as well as a 512GB SSD.\n\n\nOf course, with a 15.9mm thin chassis (16.3mm for the FHD model), this is really a slim gaming machine.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Alienware x15 R2\n\n\n\n\nAs for the larger x17 R2, it retails from RM11,599 (usually RM13,599). For that kind of money, it has the exact same hardware as the base model of the X15 R2 above, though it does come with a bigger 17.3-inch 1080p display with G-Sync support and a 165Hz refresh rate. Oh, it is also slightly thicker, measuring 20.9mm thin.\n\n\nDo note that these are just the starting prices of the x15 R2 and x17 R2. You can configure the various hardware of the two gaming laptops through Dell\u2019s Malaysian online store, such as the GPU (up to an RTX 3080 Ti), and even a blazing fast 360Hz FHD display.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Alienware x17 R2\n\n\n\n\nYou can now purchase the \nAlienware x15 R2\n and \nx17 R2\n in Malaysia via Dell\u2019s online store. To recap, the x15 R2 now retails from RM10,799, while the x17 R2 starts at RM11,599 locally.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/24-30-march-fuel-price-ron-97-finally-down-17-sen-others-unchanged/", "title": "24 \u2013 30 March Fuel Price: RON 97 Finally Down 17 Sen, Others Unchanged", "body": "\n\nRON 97 is finally going down in price this week! For the next seven days, RON 97 will be cheaper by 17 sen per litre. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.\n\n\nFrom tomorrow onwards, the price of RON 97 is set at RM3.83 per litre (down from RM4.00). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 24 to 30 March 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-14-5mm-thin-alienware-x14-gaming-laptop-receives-rm2100-discount-in-malaysia/", "title": "The 14.5mm Thin Alienware x14 Gaming Laptop Receives RM1,600 Discount in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nThe Alienware x14 was launched in Malaysia last month, and surprisingly enough, it is far more affordable now. Measuring only 14.5mm thin, this is a thin and compact 14-inch gaming laptop with reasonably powerful hardware.\n\n\nOriginally retailing at a hefty RM10,099, the Alienware x14 now goes for only RM8,499. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting an Intel Core i7-12700H processor, 16GB of LPDDR5 4800MHz RAM, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU, a 14-inch 1080p G-Sync display with a 144Hz refresh rate, and a 512GB SSD.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere is also a more powerful RTX 3060 variant of the Alienware x14 for RM9,399 (discounted from RM10,799). It has mostly the same hardware as the RTX 3050 Ti model, but the GPU is (naturally) upgraded to an RTX 3060. It also has faster 16GB LPDDR5 5200MHz RAM.\n\n\nYou can now purchase the Alienware x14 on \nDell\u2019s Malaysian online store\n from only RM8,499. With a 14.5mm thin chassis in a compact 14-inch form factor, the x14 is the ideal laptop for those who want a portable (but still reasonably powerful) gaming machine.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-flow-z13-launched-in-malaysia-rtx-3050-gaming-tablet-from-rm7999/", "title": "Asus ROG Flow Z13 Launched in Malaysia \u2013 RTX 3050 Gaming Tablet From RM7,999", "body": "\n\nThe \nAsus ROG Flow Z13\n has just been launched in Malaysia. Touted as the \u201cworld\u2019s fastest gaming tablet,\u201d it\u2019s really a capable, portable gaming machine, though you also have to pay quite a hefty price tag for it.\n\n\nThree variants of the Flow Z13 are available in Malaysia. The RM7,999 base model, for one, features an Intel Core i7-12700H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU, a 13.4-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS touch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 512GB SSD.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA tier up is the Core i9-12900H configuration of the Flow Z13, which costs a cool RM8,799. Aside from the faster processor, you\u2019re also getting a beefier RTX 3050 Ti GPU and a generous 1TB SSD. Given that you\u2019re only paying RM800 for these upgrades, it\u2019s quite worth it.\n\n\nLast but not least is the range-topping Flow Z13 for an \neye-watering RM15,999\n. Aside from a sharper 4K screen (though the refresh rate is limited to 60Hz), this variant also bundles the ROG XG Mobile external GPU enclosure, which houses a powerful RTX 3080 GPU (150W TGP).\n\n\nOne of the best qualities of the Flow Z13 has to be its tablet form factor; similar to \nMicrosoft\u2019s Surface tablets\n. Weighing only 1.1kg with a 12mm thin chassis, this is a very portable gaming machine. It also comes with a detachable keyboard case, an adjustable kickstand, and a 56Wh battery.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe standalone models of the Asus ROG Flow Z13 \u2013 that is, the RM7,999 and RM8,799 variants \u2013 can now be purchased in Malaysia. If you want the RM15,999 ROG XG Mobile bundle instead, it will be available here sometime in April 2022 next month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nothing-teases-nothing-phone-1-coming-summer-2022-with-fast-smooth-nothing-os/", "title": "Nothing Teases Nothing Phone 1 \u2013 Coming Summer 2022 With \u201cFast, Smooth\u201d Nothing OS", "body": "\n\nNothing, founded by former OnePlus CEO Carl Pei, finally announced its first-ever smartphone; sort of. Though no images or hardware of the phone were released, we now know that the Nothing Phone 1 is set to be launched sometime in summer 2022 \u2013 that\u2019s between June to September.\n\n\nAside from that, it\u2019s also confirmed that the Phone 1 will be powered by Qualcomm\u2019s Snapdragon mobile platform. It\u2019s not known yet if this means it\u2019ll feature the flagship-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, though this is likely the case if the Phone 1 is positioned as a high-end device.\n\n\n\n\nNothing OS always on display\n\n\nNothing OS home screen\n\n\n\n\nWhile details on the Phone 1 itself were scarce, Nothing did reveal the software that will be powering the device. Dubbed Nothing OS (of course), it is said to deliver a \u201cfast, smooth, and personal experience.\u201d The Android launcher seems to use Nothing\u2019s signature dotted font as well.\n\n\nInterestingly, users can actually give Nothing OS a try way before the Phone 1 is released. A launcher of the software will actually be available to download on selected smartphones next month in April, though these devices have not been revealed yet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Nothing Phone 1 itself, it will be introduced sometime in June to September 2022 in the summer. Evidently, Nothing is building anticipation for its first-ever smartphone.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/qk65-custom-keyboard-goes-on-sale-31-march-in-malaysia-starts-at-rm669/", "title": "QK65 Custom Keyboard Goes on Sale 31 March in Malaysia \u2013 Starts at RM669", "body": "\n\nQwertykey, a sister company of Owlab \u2013 the brand behind the popular \nJelly Epoch\n and Mr. Suit custom keyboards \u2013 announced its first-ever keyboard, the QK65, not too long ago. What makes this custom board particularly interesting is its affordable price tag and feature set, and you can get it in Malaysia next week on 31 March.\n\n\nOf course, Rebult Keyboards will be the Malaysian vendor for the QK65. Two distinct finishes of the custom keyboard are offered: the anodised version retails at RM669, while the e-white models are priced at RM755.\n\n\nDo note that these prices include a solderable PCB and a plate of your choice. If you want to swap the PCB to a hotswap one instead, you\u2019ll have to add RM86.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Black Chroma QK65 is one of the most unique colour options\n\n\n\n\nSo what do you get with the QK65? Well, a number of very enticing features, including a gasket mounting system that\u2019s similar to the popular Mr. Suit. It also has a die-cast aluminium bottom case with a stamped stainless steel weight (PVD-coated in very eye-catching colours) to bring down the price of the keyboard.\n\n\nThis being an \u201cOwlab-style\u201d keyboard \u2013 really, that\u2019s what Qwertykeys said \u2013 the QK65 has quite a number of foam to produce a deep, thocky sound signature. It even has some silicone dampeners to further enhance the acoustics of the keyboard.\n\n\nOh, did we mention that the QK65 is also bundled with a carrying bag \nand\n Owlab\u2019s Liquidmetal Owlstabs stabilisers? Needless to say, the value proposition of this keyboard is very, very good.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can join the sale for the QK65 in Malaysia on \nRebult Keyboards\u2019 online store\n next week on 31 March at 8PM. Only one unit is allowed per order, though you can make multiple orders. Fulfilment of the QK65 is estimated to begin in June or July 2022 \u2013 reasonably short waiting time for a custom keyboard.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/astro-unveils-its-fibre-internet-plans-from-rm129-99-for-50mbps-plan-with-astro-tv-pack/", "title": "Astro Unveils Its Fibre Internet Plans \u2013 From RM129.99 for 50Mbps Plan With Astro TV Pack", "body": "\n\nAstro finally unveiled its fibre internet plans. Starting from RM129, Astro Fibre offers speeds between 50Mbps to 800Mbps. Naturally, the company is also bundling its fibre internet plans with various Astro subscriptions.\n\n\nFour different speeds are offered: 50Mbps (RM129.99), 100Mbps (RM184.99), 500Mbps (RM244.99), and 800Mbps (RM304.99). Each subscription comes with a WiFi 6 router and one mesh WiFi, along with an Astro TV pack of your choice.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that there is actually a typo on the \nofficial product page for Astro Fibre\n. Take the 50Mbps plan: it\u2019s said to only offer up to 6Mbps download speed. This \nshould\n actually be 6MBps (megabyte instead of megabit), as 50 megabit converts to 6 megabyte.\n\n\nAnyway, more information on Astro Fibre can be found \nright here\n, along with the Astro TV packs on offer. You can also sign up for the fibre internet plan through the same link.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-gt-2-pro-lands-in-malaysia-snapdragon-8-gen-1-phone-for-rm2599/", "title": "Realme GT 2 Pro Lands in Malaysia \u2013 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Phone for RM2,599", "body": "\n\nWell, Realme is delivering on its promise to make the Realme GT 2 Pro the most affordable Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 phone in Malaysia. Retailing at only RM2,599, it undercuts both the \nXiaomi 12\n and \nMotorola Edge 30\n.\n\n\nHowever, there is a caveat: the GT 2 Pro will only be priced at RM2,599 (discounted from RM2,999) between 25 \u2013 26 March and 30 \u2013 31 March on its \nofficial Shopee store\n. Those who purchase the flagship phone within the promotional period will also receive a Realme Buds 2 Neo earphones for free.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the GT 2 Pro is powered by the aforementioned Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset. The sole variant also features 12GB of RAM and 1256GB of internal storage. These are quite generous capacities, especially at this price point.\n\n\nOther specifications of the GT 2 Pro include a 6.7-inch 1440p LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 50MP ultra-wide angle + 3MP micro-lens), a 32MP selfie camera, as well as a 5,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme GT 2 Pro will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 25 March onwards on \nShopee\n. To recap, you can get this phone for only RM2,599 (instead of RM2,999) if you get it through the \ne-commerce platform\n between 25 \u2013 26 March and 30 \u2013 31 March.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-narzo-50-narzo-50a-prime-now-in-malaysia-from-rm529/", "title": "Realme Narzo 50 & Narzo 50A Prime Now in Malaysia From RM529", "body": "\n\nRealme also launched two affordable phones in Malaysia today: the Realme Narzo 50 and Realme Narzo 50A Prime. Retailing from only RM529, these budget-friendly devices also offer reasonably good hardware for the money.\n\n\nThe higher-end phone of the two is the Narzo 50. The 4GB + 64GB variant is priced at RM699, while the more generous 6GB + 128GB configuration costs RM799. Between 27 to 29 March, you can get these two models at only RM649 and RM729 respectively on Lazada.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Narzo 50 are a MediaTek Helio G96 chipset, a 6.6-inch 1080p IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), a 16MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the more affordable Narzo 50A Prime. Two variants (both with 4GB RAM) are also offered: the 64GB model costs RM629, while the 128GB configuration goes for RM679. On 25 and 26 March, you can get them at RM529 and RM579 respectively through Shopee.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven its more affordable price tag, the Narzo 50A Prime has a more modest set of hardware. These include a Unisoc T612 processor, a 6.6-inch 1080p display with a 60Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 2MP macro + 0.3MP depth), an 8MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with 18W fast charging.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopee-user-spent-rm247000-on-shopee-3-15-consumer-day/", "title": "Shopee User Spent RM247,000 on Shopee 3.15 Consumer Day", "body": "\n\nShopee just released some interesting insights on its 3.15 Consumer Day sale last week. One Shopee user, for example, spent a \nwhopping RM247,000\n on that day itself.\n\n\nSo what exactly did the user buy? Well, Shopee said the individual bought home appliances, including various vacuum cleaners and a smart TV to reach that impressive figure. Aside from that, in the first two hours of the sale alone, five times more items were sold on Shopee compared to an average day.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, just like other Shopee mega sales, the e-commerce platform offered a slew of vouchers for users to collect. In fact, over 36 million vouchers were claimed by users \nper hour\n on 15 March. ShopeePay transactions also increased by up to 3.5 times.\n\n\n\u201cWe are happy to see more people finding time to celebrate and reward themselves at our first 3.15 Consumer Day,\u201d said the head of marketing campaigns at Shopee Malaysia, Kenneth Soh. \u201cThe year has only just begun, and users can look forward to even more exciting activities to enjoy in the months ahead,\u201d he added.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-13-pro-max-alpine-green-unboxing-faster-than-any-android-phone/", "title": "iPhone 13 Pro Max Alpine Green Unboxing \u2013 Faster Than Any Android Phone!", "body": "\n\nThe new green colourways for the iPhone 13 series are now available in Malaysia! The standard iPhone 13 gets the new Green colour option, while the iPhone 13 Pro lineup \u2013 including the iPhone 13 Pro Max you see here \u2013 sports a slightly lighter shade of green dubbed Alpine Green.\n\n\nNow that the green iPhones are available in Malaysia, here\u2019s our unboxing of the iPhone 13 Pro Max in Alpine Green. While a green phone is not exactly\u2026well, new, the Alpine Green shade certainly gives this iPhone a unique aesthetic.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s easy to tell that you\u2019ve got the Alpine Green iPhone 13 Pro Max based on the packaging; the image of the new colour is prominently shown on the box itself. It\u2019s also a slim, compact box, given that a charger is no longer bundled with the phone.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re curious, the shade of green shown on the packaging is different than the actual Alpine Green colour. The phone looks slightly darker, as you can see below. This can be attributed to the smooth matte finish on the glass rear panel of the iPhone, which also feels very nice to the touch.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDepending on lighting, the Alpine Green colour can actually look like a shade of grey; again, likely because of the matte finish. Personally, I quite like this: not only does it look great, it also gives the iPhone a unique aesthetic.\n\n\nOf course, the stainless steel frame of the iPhone 13 Pro Max is also finished in a shade of green. It\u2019s a nice, subtle (and very glossy) finish, and thanks to the flat nature of the frame, it\u2019s easy to get a good grip on the phone.\n\n\nSo what else do you get in the box? Well, there\u2019s a USB-C to Lightning cable, an Apple sticker, a SIM ejector pin, some instruction booklets, and\u2026that\u2019s it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the iPhone 13 Pro Max itself, it\u2019s still the same excellent phone. It has a bright and vibrant Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion, which offers an adaptive refresh rate from 10Hz to 120Hz. This is the first iPhone \u2013 alongside the iPhone 13 Pro \u2013 to sport such a high refresh rate.\n\n\nAside from that, the iPhone 13 Pro Max\u2019s OLED display also has a max outdoor brightness of 1000 nits; this is said to be the brightest screen ever on an iPhone. The notch is also 20% smaller now, so you get a sleeker, more modern-looking phone, though it still doesn\u2019t look quite as sleek as its Android competition.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut no Android phone to date can rival the performance of the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Powered by the Apple A15 Bionic chip with a powerful 5-core GPU, it offers 50% faster graphics performance than \u201cthe leading competition.\u201d In fact, it is touted to offer the fastest graphics performance on \nany smartphone\n.\n\n\nAfter playing a quick session of \nGenshin Impact\n on this phone, I\u2019m inclined to agree. Not only can I set the framerate to 120fps \u2013 not even the PC version has this option \u2013 it also runs \nbuttery smooth\n, even at this high refresh rate.\n\n\nI cannot stress enough just how impressive this is. I\u2019ve reviewed many high-end, flagship Android phones, and none of them can even run Genshin Impact smoothly at 60fps without stuttering. There\u2019s really no denying the fast performance of Apple\u2019s A15 Bionic chip.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, the triple camera system of the iPhone 13 Pro Max has been improved too. There\u2019s now a 12MP primary sensor, a 12MP telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom, and get this: a 12MP ultra-wide angle lens with autofocus capability. This allows the iPhone to capture macro shots, much like \nSamsung\u2019s Galaxy S21 Ultra\n and \nS22 Ultra\n.\n\n\nBattery life of the iPhone 13 Pro Max is also better now. The combination of the A15 Bionic chip, iOS 15\u2019s power efficiency, and a larger battery, allow this iPhone to return up to 2.5 hours longer battery life than its direct predecessor, the iPhone 12 Pro Max.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter many years of using an Android phone as my daily driver, I\u2019m excited to switch to the iPhone 13 Pro Max to see how it stacks up to its Android competition in this day and age. Design wise, the iPhone isn\u2019t the sleekest-looking phone with its notched display, but in terms of raw performance, the A15 Bionic chip easily surpasses the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the iPhone 13 Pro Max, you can do so right now through \nApple\u2019s Malaysian online store\n. Alternatively, the new Alpine Green colourway should be available at your nearest Apple reseller too. Starting at RM5,299, the iPhone 13 Pro Max certainly carries a premium price tag, but so does its competition.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-how-good-is-the-cameras-zoom-performance/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra \u2013 How Good Is the Camera\u2019s Zoom Performance?", "body": "\n\nOne of the most highlighted features of the \nSamsung Galaxy S22 Ultra\n has to be its quad camera system. Made up of a 108MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter, a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and another 10MP lens with 10x optical zoom, this is a sophisticated, far-reaching camera array.\n\n\nIn fact, the Galaxy S22 Ultra, just like \nits predecessor\n, can do 100x Space Zoom, which can deliver some interesting results! But just how good is this quad camera configuration? Well, take a look at the sample shots below taken with all four cameras of the flagship phone.\n\n\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\n108MP primary\n\n\n10MP telephoto (3x)\n\n\n10MP telephoto (10x)\n\n\n10MP telephoto (30x)\n\n\n10MP telephoto (100x)\n\n\n\n\nGranted, at 100x zoom, the image quality isn\u2019t great, but I\u2019d argue the 30x zoom shot is still very acceptable. Not many phones can offer such a far-reaching zoom, so this remains to be one of the best qualities of the S22 Ultra. I mean, just look at how far the telephoto lenses managed to zoom in!\n\n\nIn low light conditions, however, it\u2019s a bit of a mixed bag, especially with the 10MP telephoto lens that offers 10x zoom. Because it has a slower f/4.9 aperture, it cannot absorb quite as much light as the other sensors, so it has a tendency to produce noisier low light shots. See for yourself below:\n\n\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\n108MP primary\n\n\n10MP telephoto (3x)\n\n\n10MP telephoto (10x)\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\n108MP primary\n\n\n10MP telephoto (3x)\n\n\n10MP telephoto (10x)\n\n\n\n\nBut overall, the Galaxy S22 Ultra still offers excellent camera performance. All four sensors of the quad camera system can take great-looking shots, which is not something that can be said of many other flagship phones.\n\n\nYes, the 10x telephoto lens does struggle a bit in nighttime shooting, but it can still return good results most of the time. It also helps that the camera interface itself is responsive in most conditions, not to mention the fact that the camera can lock in focus accurately in a quick manner.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want a high-end flagship phone with a sophisticated, far-reaching camera system, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is easily one of the best \u2013 if not \nthe best\n \u2013 options in the market now. If you\u2019d like to learn more about this premium phone, check out our \nfull review of the S22 Ultra\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-se-2022-hands-on-the-most-powerful-rm2099-phone/", "title": "iPhone SE (2022) Hands-On: The Most Powerful RM2,099 Phone", "body": "\n\nLet\u2019s cut to the chase: you will not find a phone faster than the 2022 iPhone SE at the RM2,099 price point. After all, this third generation iPhone SE is powered by Apple\u2019s very own A15 Bionic chip \u2013 the same chip used in the \nhigher-end iPhone 13 series\n.\n\n\nHowever, even though the iPhone SE is a \nfast\n phone, it also has\u2026well, a dated-looking design. Sharing the same chassis as the iPhone 8 \u2013 which was launched five years ago in 2017 \u2013 it has a compact 4.7-inch display as well. To some folks, this may be too small.\n\n\nBut if you can overlook the \u201cvintage\u201d design and small screen of the iPhone SE, it really is the \nfastest\n phone you can get for RM2,099 \u2013 here\u2019s our hands-on of this blazing fast compact phone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs with any new iPhones, the 2022 iPhone SE does not come with a charger, evident by the slim packaging. Thankfully, a USB-C to Lightning cable is provided with the phone, though you\u2019d need to get a charger with a USB-C port to use the cable.\n\n\nThis is the Midnight variant of the iPhone SE, which is quite an interesting colour. At a glance, it looks like your standard black phone, but it\u2019s really a dark blue shade. If you want a brighter colour, you can opt for the Starlight or (very striking) Product Red colourway.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of my favourite features of the iPhone SE has to be its compact form factor. Sporting a 4.7-inch 1334 x 750 IPS display \u2013 which looks great, especially for an LCD panel \u2013 I love the fact that I can comfortably type on this phone with only one hand.\n\n\nYes, this 4.7-inch display is definitely on the small side, but it\u2019s still very usable, in my opinion. The on-screen keyboard does not feel cramped to me, I\u2019ve got enough screen real estate to comfortably browse the web, and I can play \nGenshin Impact\n quite well on this compact display.\n\n\nWhat\u2019s not so great, however, are the chunky bezels surrounding the screen of the iPhone SE. This gives the phone its dated-looking design, even if you do get the home button with Touch ID; perfect for those that don\u2019t like Face ID or gesture navigation of modern iPhones.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile the design of the iPhone SE is straight out of 2017, its performance level is a \ncompletely \ndifferent story. As mentioned, it is powered by the Apple A15 Bionic chip, so it\u2019s no exaggeration to say that it is \nas fast as the iPhone 13 phones\n. Needless to say, this is an impressive feat.\n\n\nOf course, to test out the performance of the 2022 iPhone SE, I \nhad\n to run Genshin Impact on it; this is easily one of the most demanding mobile games now. Well, as expected, the compact phone ran the game with absolutely no issue at all with \nmaxed out\n graphics settings at 60fps.\n\n\nGiven that Genshin Impact is a game that even flagship Android phones struggle to run well with lowered graphics settings at 60fps, it speaks volume to just how powerful the iPhone SE is.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut as powerful as the new iPhone SE is, there is still one other area (aside from design) where it is lacking: camera. Granted, the SE\u2019s sole 12MP rear shooter with optical image stabilisation does come with some software-based improvements such as Apple\u2019s Deep Fusion technology, so it can still take some good-looking shots.\n\n\nEven so, you\u2019re still limited to only one focal length. You don\u2019t get the versatility of an ultra-wide angle lens or the far-reaching zoom of a telephoto sensor. It\u2019s still possible to take flattering shots with the SE though, as you can see in the sample shots below.\n\n\nBasically, if you don\u2019t care for a more versatile camera configuration, you\u2019ll be happy with the camera performance of this compact phone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, the 2022 iPhone SE packs modern day performance\u2026in yesterday\u2019s design. But what it lacks in looks and camera versatility, it makes up in blazing fast performance and good value for money. A compelling combo for those who want the best performance for the least amount of money.\n\n\nFor RM2,099, the iPhone SE offers 64GB of storage. If you want more storage space, you can go for the 128GB or 256GB variant, which will set you back RM2,299 and RM2,799 respectively. Personally, I\u2019d go for the 128GB variant for the best balance between storage capacity and cost.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe new iPhone SE is now available for purchase through\u00a0\nApple\u2019s Malaysian online store\n. Alternatively, if you want to check out the phone in person, your nearest Apple reseller should have it on display now.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/no-new-proton-model-this-year-focus-on-backlogged-orders-supply-issues-instead/", "title": "No New Proton Model This Year \u2013 Focus on Backlogged Orders & Supply Issues Instead", "body": "\n\nWell, it appears the highly anticipated \nProton X90\n \u2013 this is expected to be Proton\u2019s naming for the Geely Haoyue seven-seater SUV \u2013 and \nnew Saga\n will not be launching this year. In fact, no new Proton model is expected to be launched in 2022; any launches are supposedly rescheduled to 2023 next year.\n\n\nThis came from a report by \nThe Edge\n. Citing a Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) Research analyst, the report states that new Proton model launches are expected to be rescheduled to 2023. This is done so that the national carmaker can focus on backlogged orders (60,000 units were mentioned) and resolving supply chain issues.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrevious spy shots of the Proton X90\n\n\n\n\nInterestingly, the report also states that Proton will \u201clikely\u201d venture into the electric vehicle (EV) market by 2027. The carmaker will supposedly release some hybrid vehicles too, though the mention of \u201cminor stepping stone\u201d for the segment seems to suggest only mild hybrids instead of plug-in ones.\n\n\nWhile some folks may not be thrilled that Proton will not be releasing new models this year \u2013 though it\u2019s possible things may change \u2013 it\u2019s great that the national carmaker is focusing on backlogged orders instead. Resolving its supply chain issues (especially \nin terms of spare parts\n) should keep existing customers happy too.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-teases-yelan-kuki-shinobu-likely-coming-in-version-2-7/", "title": "Genshin Impact Teases Yelan & Kuki Shinobu \u2013 Likely Coming in Version 2.7", "body": "\n\nWith Version 2.6 of Genshin Impact arriving in the next two days, Hoyoverse is teasing two brand new characters for the game! Enter Yelan and Kuki Shinobu, who will be playable in Version 2.7 of Genshin Impact.\n\n\nAfter all, previous characters that were teased by Hoyoverse were eventually playable in the next version update of Genshin Impact. These include \nYae Miko\n, \nShenhe, Yun Jin\n, and more recently, \nKamisato Ayato\n.\n\n\n\n\nI'd like to suggest that you treat her as an ordinary person, but if you do, it's easy to lose control over negotiations. \u2014 Yanfei\n\u25c6 Yelan\n\u25c6 Valley Orchid\n\u25c6 A mysterious person who claims to work for the Ministry of Civil Affairs\n\u25c6 Hydro\n\u25c6 Umbrabilis Orchis\n#GenshinImpact\n \npic.twitter.com/DZ1j3PyshW\n\u2014 Genshin Impact (@GenshinImpact) \nMarch 28, 2022\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI am writing to introduce a talented person to you.  \u2014 Kujou Sara\n\u25c6 Kuki Shinobu\n\u25c6 Mender of Tribulations\n\u25c6 Deputy Leader of the Arataki Gang\n\u25c6 Electro\n\u25c6 Tribulatio Demptio\n#GenshinImpact\n \npic.twitter.com/48q4sY0IP5\n\u2014 Genshin Impact (@GenshinImpact) \nMarch 28, 2022\n\n\n\n\nAs with Genshin Impact\u2019s previous teasers, the rarity of Yelan and Kuki Shinobu have not been revealed yet. But the teasers did confirm that Yelan is a Hydro character in Liyue, while Kuki Shinobu hails from Inazuma with an Electro vision instead.\n\n\nBased on Hoyoverse\u2019s previous Genshin Impact teasers, we reckon both Yelan and Kuki Shinobu will be playable in Version 2.7 of Genshin Impact. Expect these two characters to make their respective debuts then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-ayato-venti-banners-arrive-30-march-with-yun-jin-sucrose-xiangling/", "title": "Genshin Impact Ayato & Venti Banners Arrive 30 March With Yun Jin, Sucrose, Xiangling", "body": "\n\nKamisato Ayato and Venti\u2019s rerun banners have been announced for \nGenshin Impact\n! Set to arrive this Wednesday on 30 March, the event wish for these two 5-star characters will be accompanied by Yun Jin, Sucrose, and Xiangling.\n\n\nIn line with \nprevious Genshin Impact\n \ndouble banners\n, Ayato and Venti both share the same roster of 4-star characters despite the fact that they\u2019re featured in separate event wishes. Of course, pity is also shared between the two banners, and the wish guarantee count\u00a0\nwill\n\u00a0carry over to future character banners too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSimilar to Genshin Impact\u2019s\u00a0\nprevious character\n\u00a0\nevent wishes\n, the \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Ayato, Venti, Yun Jin, Sucrose, and Xiangling will be increased. In the case of Ayato and Venti, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be either of them, depending on which banner you\u2019re wishing. If you got a different character, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be them.\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s pity system for character banners ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character every 90 wishes, you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Ayato or Venti. The same rule applies to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Yun Jin, Sucrose, or Xiangling. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will likely have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKamisato Ayato\u2019s \u201cAzure Excursion\u201d and Venti\u2019s \u201cBallad in Goblets\u201d event wishes will be available in Genshin Impact on 30 March 2022, right after the \nVersion 2.6 update\n goes live. Their banners will be offered until 19 April; Kamisato Ayaka\u2019s rerun banner will follow suit then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-reno-7-z-with-snapdragon-695-now-in-malaysia-for-rm1699/", "title": "Oppo Reno 7 Z With Snapdragon 695 Now in Malaysia for RM1,699", "body": "\n\nOppo Malaysia just introduced the Oppo Reno 7 Z for the Malaysian market. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, it offers a good level of performance for a mid-range smartphone; it looks quite sleek too.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Reno 7 Z is offered in Malaysia. Sporting 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, it is priced at RM1,699 on our shores. Early birds will also receive RM223 worth of freebies, including a Reno-branded backpack and 50% discount on the \nOppo Enco Air 2 wireless earbuds\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven that it features a Snapdragon 695 chipset, the Reno 7 Z is in the same league as the \nRedmi Note 11 Pro 5G\n, for example. It also has a triple camera system made up of a 64MP primary shooter, a 2MP monochrome sensor, and a 2MP macro lens.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Reno 7 Z include a 6.43-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate, a 16MP selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging, and ColorOS 12 based on Android 11 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Reno 7 Z is now available for pre-order on \nOppo Malaysia\u2019s online store\n for RM1,699 until 1 April. To recap, early birds can get RM233 worth of freebies; the first 100 customers will also receive Oppo store vouchers and a stainless steel suction cup.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mynic-icann-announces-apac-dns-forum-2022/", "title": "MYNIC Berhad & ICANN Announces APAC DNS Forum 2022", "body": "\n\nMYNIC Berhad, an agency under the Communications and Multimedia Ministry (K-KOMM), just announced the Asia Pacific Domain Name System Forum 2022 (APAC DNS Forum). Done in collaboration with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the forum is meant to discuss the domain name marketplace.\n\n\nNaturally, the APAC DNS Forum is a virtual one, and 24 different countries have registered for the forum, including Malaysia. One of the main goals of the forum is to create collaboration opportunities (and knowledge sharing) between DNS communities in the Asian Pacific region.\n\n\nOf course, it\u2019s not only limited to industry experts; domain name and website owners can also participate in the forum to discuss various issues in the DNS industry.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe APAC DNS Forum is a continuation of six webinars that took place between September 2021 to March 2022 this month. The topics that were discussed include the current state of the DNS industry, search engine optimisation, the future of DNS, and of course, understanding the domain name system itself. You can still access these webinars \nright here\n.\n\n\n\u201cAPAC DNS Forum 2022 reiterates the importance of DNS and domain names for the future. It is a unified platform for DNS practitioners from various backgrounds to equip, discuss, and share knowledge of the latest development in this industry,\u201d said the Deputy Minister of Communications and Multimedia, Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin.\n\n\nThe CEO of MYNIC Berhad, Datuk Hasnul Fadhly Hasan, also spoke on the importance of DNS. \u201cIt remains a critical element to new network architectures and technologies in enabling devices to securely and reliably access the network.\u201d\n\n\n\u201cWith the emergence of new technologies such as 5G, DNS will transform network architecture design to support low latency for core network services, leading to an improvement in network safety and reliability for everyone,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMYNIC also extends its appreciation to GloComp (a Malaysian ICT solution provider with over 22 years of experience) and CentralNic (one of the world\u2019s leading registry services companies) for their involvement and support as the gold sponsors for the APAC DNS Forum 2022. More information on the APAC DNS Forum can be found \nhere\n.\n\n\nDisclosure: this article is sponsored by MYNIC Berhad.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-12-review-championing-the-compact-flagship-segment/", "title": "Xiaomi 12 Review: Championing the Compact Flagship Segment", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s tough to find a \u201cfeature-rich\u201d flagship smartphone in a compact form factor. While there are are some good options in the market \u2013 such as the \nSamsung Galaxy S22\n or \niPhone 13 mini\n \u2013 they also sacrifice on a number of key features.\n\n\nThis applies to the Xiaomi 12 as well, but it\u2019s\u2026well, still a relatively complete flagship phone, especially if you don\u2019t care for a zoom camera. Retailing from RM2,899, it\u2019s quite an affordable Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 phone too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.28-inch FHD+ AMOLED (2400 x 1080), 120Hz\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 3.0GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 730\nRAM\n8GB\nStorage\n128/256GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n50MP f/1.88, OIS\n13MP f/2.4 (ultra-wide angle)\n5MP f/2.4 (telemacro)\nCamera (front)\n32MP f/2.45\nBattery\n4,500mAh with 67W fast charging (50W wireless)\nDimensions\n152.7 x 69.9 x 8.16 mm\nWeight\n180g\nOS\nMIUI 13 based on Android 12\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.2\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM2,899 (128GB), RM2,999 (256GB)\n\n\nOn paper, Xiaomi 12 is a flagship-tier phone. It\u2019s powered by a fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, an equally fast 120Hz AMOLED display, along with a sizeable 4,500mAh battery for such a compact phone. The only real missing hardware is a telephoto camera, though you do get a telemacro sensor instead.\n\n\nValue wise, it\u2019s best to go for the more generous 256GB model for RM2,999. After all, you\u2019re only paying RM100 more to get double the internal storage, even if the 128GB variant can be purchased \nfor only RM2,799\n (RM100 discount) in the occasional flash sales.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nOne of the best aspects of the Xiaomi 12 \u2013 in my opinion, at least \u2013 are its design and compact form factor. Not only does the phone\u2019s matte glass back and metal frame feel good in my hands, the compact size of the Xiaomi 12 also makes it a breeze to be used with only one hand.\n\n\nReally, it\u2019s refreshing to be able to type a message without having to hold the phone with both hands.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother noteworthy hardware of the Xiaomi 12 is its bright and vibrant 6.28-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This fast panel lends to a very responsive user experience, and the panel itself is also very pleasant to look at with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support.\n\n\nThis high quality panel also lends to an enjoyable gaming experience. Even though the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset can\u2019t quite run \nGenshin Impact\n smoothly at 60fps on the Xiaomi 12 \u2013 but it\u2019s worth noting that many other flagship Android phones have the same struggle \u2013 it\u2019s still very playable.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBattery life of the Xiaomi 12 is quite good too, especially for such a compact phone. On average, the 4,500mAh battery can consistently return five hours of screen on time. Not the best battery life I\u2019ve seen on a phone, but hey, this \nis\n a compact device; there\u2019s only so much battery you can fit into this small chassis.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the camera performance of the Xiaomi 12. Not surprisingly, the 50MP primary sensor can take good-looking shots regardless of lighting condition, and the same can be said (to an extent) for the 8MP ultra-wide angle sensor, though its detail preservation isn\u2019t quite as good.\n\n\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n8MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n8MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n8MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n8MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n5MP telemacro\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, the Xiaomi 12 doesn\u2019t have a telephoto sensor like the \nPro model\n, limiting the versatility of this triple camera system. What you do get, however, is a 5MP telemacro lens, which \ncan\n be used to take some interesting close-up shots, as you can see above.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nLet\u2019s go back to the previous point: the lack of a telephoto camera on the Xiaomi 12 is really one of its biggest shortcomings. After all, this is supposed to be a flagship phone. It\u2019s not unrealistic to expect a more versatile camera configuration in this segment and price point.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the palm rejection of the Xiaomi 12 could be better too. Yes, the dual curved screen gives the phone a sleek aesthetic, but throughout my time with the phone, I kept hitting the sides of the screen by accident. I\u2019m sure Xiaomi can issue a software update to improve this, though it remains to be seen if it will be done.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the software experience of the Xiaomi 12 isn\u2019t fantastic either. Granted, Xiaomi\u2019s software has improved over the past few years, but there are still small niggling issues here and there. Take the always on display: it doesn\u2019t show notifications from all apps.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, I also don\u2019t like the fact that the notification icons will be gone from the always on display after unlocking the phone; this is the case even if I haven\u2019t interacted with said notifications. I\u2019ve never experienced this with Samsung\u2019s always on display, for example.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nDespite not having a particularly versatile camera system or a super refined software experience, the value proposition, good performance, and compact form factor of the Xiaomi 12 make for an attractive small phone. Only a handful of other phones offer such a package, and even lesser at this price point.\n\n\nIt would\u2019ve been great if the Xiaomi 12 also had a telephoto camera for a more complete flagship device, but nonetheless, it\u2019s good to see a compact phone that doesn\u2019t sacrifice on too many features.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHopefully, Xiaomi will continue to improve the software of the Xiaomi 12 for a more pleasant user experience. The Chinese company had always been a value champion, but now that it is charging more for its flagship devices, other aspects of the phones have to improve accordingly as well.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-note-11-pro-5g-unleashed-with-120w-charging-dimensity-920-from-rm1499-in-malaysia/", "title": "Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G Unleashed With 120W Charging & Dimensity 920 \u2013 From RM1,499 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nThere\u2019s a new device in the Redmi Note series, and it is now the range-topping model: enter the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G \u2013 yes, it\u2019s a mouthful. Compared to the \u201cstandard\u201d Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G, this new phone features an even faster 120W charging and a MediaTek Dimensity 920 chip.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, two variants of the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G are offered. The 128GB base model costs RM1,499, while the more generous 256GB variant goes for RM1,599. Both models are packed with 8GB of RAM.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond its faster 120W charging and Dimensity 920 chipset, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G actually has similar hardware as the non-plus model. These include a 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (108MP main + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro), and a 16MP selfie camera.\n\n\nHowever, the faster charging of the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G does come with a slight sacrifice. The battery capacity has been reduced to 4,500mAh, so it may not be quite as long-lasting as the non-plus model. After all, that device has a larger 5,000mAh cell instead.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 6 April onwards on Shopee and Lazada for RM1,499 and RM1,599 for the 128GB and 256GB variants respectively. Early birds can also get a RM100 discount on these two models in a flash sale, so keep your eyes peeled for that.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-note-11s-5g-official-dimensity-810-90hz-screen-rm999/", "title": "Redmi Note 11S 5G Official \u2013 Dimensity 810, 90Hz Screen, RM999", "body": "\n\nUnveiled alongside the range-topping \nRedmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G\n is the more affordable Redmi Note 11S 5G. Despite its more budget-friendly price tag, this phone still offers reasonably good features, including 5G connectivity with the MediaTek Dimensity 810 chipset.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Redmi Note 11S 5G is available in Malaysia. Packed with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, this mid-ranger is priced at only RM999. It is also offered in three colours locally: Star Blue, Twilight Blue, and Midnight Black.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnder the hood of the Redmi Note 11S 5G is the aforementioned Dimensity 810 processor. It also has a 6.6-inch 1080p display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), a 13MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.\n\n\nThe Redmi Note 11S 5G will be available in Malaysia on 22 April. It can be purchased online through Shopee or Lazada, as well as Xiaomi authorised stores and retailers nationwide then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-revamps-playstation-plus-service-competes-with-xbox-game-pass/", "title": "Sony Revamps PlayStation Plus Service \u2013 Competes With Xbox Game Pass", "body": "\n\nSony \njust revamped its PlayStation Plus subscription\n. Now split to three separate tiers, it also combines the PlayStation Now service to the membership. Essentially, this is the Japanese company\u2019s long-rumoured answer to Microsoft\u2019s Xbox Game Pass.\n\n\nHere are the three new tiers for PS Plus: Essential (basically the original version), Extra, and Premium (Or Deluxe for certain markets). Essential needs no elaboration as it is the PS Plus membership we\u2019re all familiar with, while Extra adds on a catalogue of up to 400 PS4 and PS5 games. Of course, these games will be downloadable.\n\n\nPremium, on the other hand, offers up to 340 additional games, including PS3 games via cloud streaming, and a catalogue of classic games from the original PlayStation, PS2, and PSP. These will be offered in both streaming and download options.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe main component of PS Now that\u2019s been absorbed to PS Plus lies in this Premium tier. In markets where PS Now is offered, gamers has cloud streaming access to PlayStation, PS2, PSP, and PS4 games that are offered in the Extra and Premium tiers.\n\n\nInterestingly, you can even stream these games on your PS4, PS5, \nand\n PC. Time-limited game trials will also be available to PS Plus Premium subscribers, giving you the option to try selected games before buying them.\n\n\nFor markets that don\u2019t have cloud streaming service \u2013 such as Malaysia \u2013 a Deluxe tier will be introduced instead at a lower price than Premium. It includes access to PlayStation, PS2, and PSP games to download and play; you also get time-limited game trials.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow, pricing. For the Malaysian market, the Essential tier remains the same at RM29 monthly, RM69 quarterly, or RM159 yearly. Extra, on the other hand, costs RM44 monthly, RM114 quarterly, or RM269 yearly. As for the highest-tier Deluxe, it goes for RM50 monthly, RM130 quarterly, or RM309 yearly.\n\n\nThese new PlayStation Plus tiers will be introduced sometime in June 2022. What do you think? Will you subscribe to the new tiers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-10-5g-offers-5g-support-for-199-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Redmi 10 5G Offers 5G Support for $199 \u2013 Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nXiaomi \nannounced a slew\n \nof new phones\n today, and the most affordable device of the lot is the Redmi 10 5G. Not only is it very budget-friendly, it is also the first phone in the Redmi series \u2013 not to be confused with the \nRedmi Note\n lineup \u2013 to feature 5G connectivity.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Redmi 10 5G have been announced. The base model with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage retails at $199 (about RM840), while the more practical 128GB configuration (also with 4GB RAM) costs $229 (approximately RM965).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPowering the Redmi 10 5G is a MediaTek Dimensity 700 chip, which gives the phone its 5G connectivity. Other specifications of this affordable device include a 6.58-inch 1080p display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a dual camera system (50MP primary + 2MP depth), a 5MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with 18W fast charging.\n\n\nXiaomi Malaysia confirmed that the Redmi 10 5G will be available on our shores, though no specific timeline or price was given. Nonetheless, it should be priced lower than the \nRM999 Redmi Note 11S 5G\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-x7-launched-in-malaysia-for-rm699-snapdragon-680-90hz-display-5000mah-battery/", "title": "Honor X7 Launched in Malaysia for RM699 \u2013 Snapdragon 680, 90Hz Display, 5,000mAh Battery", "body": "\n\nHonor Malaysia just unveiled a bunch of new phones for the local market. The most affordable device among them is the Honor X7, and even though it\u2019s priced at only RM699, this phone still offers reasonably good hardware, including a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset.\n\n\nOnly the sole RM699 variant of the X7 is offered in Malaysia. For that kind of money, it features 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage; pretty good capacities. On top of that, it\u2019s also powered by the aforementioned Snapdragon 680 SoC.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the X7 include a 6.74-inch 720p LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a quad camera system (48MP primary + 5MP wide-angle + depth + macro), an 8MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with support for 22.5W fast charging.\n\n\nThe Honor X7 will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 14 April onwards for RM699. Early birds will also receive a one-year extended warranty worth RM109.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-x8-coming-to-malaysia-for-rm899-early-birds-get-freebies-worth-rm436/", "title": "Honor X8 Coming to Malaysia for RM899 \u2013 Early Birds Get Freebies Worth RM436", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nHonor X7\n, Honor Malaysia also unveiled the Honor X8 on our shores. Sporting similar hardware as the X7 with some notable differences here and there, early birds who get the X8 will also receive free gifts worth RM436.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the X8 is available in Malaysia. Packed with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, this mid-ranger is priced at RM899. Early birds who pre-order the phone by 6 April will also receive a Honor Choice Earbuds X, six months screen crack protection, and a one-year extended warranty \u2013 these freebies are worth RM436.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPowering the X8 is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset, just like the X7. It also has a 6.7-inch 1080p LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a quad camera system (64MP primary + 5MP wide-angle + depth + macro), a 16MP selfie camera, and a 4,000mAh battery with 22.5W fast charging.\n\n\nTo recap, the Honor X8 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia for RM899. Those who pre-ordered the phone by 6 April will also receive a Honor Choice Earbuds X, six months screen crack protection, and a one-year extended warranty worth RM436 in total.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-x9-honor-x9-5g-announced-for-malaysia-starts-at-rm1099/", "title": "Honor X9 & Honor X9 5G Announced for Malaysia \u2013 Starts at RM1,099", "body": "\n\nRounding out the four new devices Honor Malaysia introduced on our shores are the Honor X9 and Honor X9 5G. Retailing from RM1,099, these two phones are higher-end offerings compared to the \nHonor X8\n and \nHonor X7\n.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the more affordable Honor X9. Priced at RM1,099, it comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, along with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset, a 90Hz 6.81-inch 1080p LCD display, a quad camera system (64MP primary + 8MP wide-angle + 2MP bokeh + 2MP macro), and a 4,800mAh battery with 66W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor X9 5G, on the other hand, retails at RM1,299. Given its higher asking price, it is also better-equipped, packing a Snapdragon 695 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, a 6.81-inch FHD+ LCD display with a higher 120Hz refresh rate, as well as a 4,800mAh battery with 66W fast charging.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the X9 5G include a triple camera system (48MP primary + 2MP depth + 2MP macro) \u2013 yes, it has a less sophisticated camera array compared to the standard Honor X9 \u2013 a 16MP selfie camera, and 128GB of internal storage.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor X9 5G is now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 6 April for RM1,299; early birds will receive a Honor Choice Earbuds X, a case, six months screen crack protection, and a one-year extended warranty worth RM516 in total. As for the Honor X9, it can be purchased from 14 April onwards for RM1,099.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/31-march-6-april-fuel-price-ron-97-up-8-sen-others-unchanged/", "title": "31 March \u2013 6 April Fuel Price: RON 97 up 8 Sen, Others Unchanged", "body": "\n\nRON 97 is going up in price this week. For the next seven days, the price of RON 97 will go up by 8 sen per litre. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.\n\n\nFrom tomorrow onwards, the price of RON 97 is set at RM3.91 per litre (up from RM3.83). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 31 March to 6 April 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ttracing-maxx-iron-man-edition-now-available-for-pre-order-in-malaysia-rm1249-15-april-delivery/", "title": "TTRacing Maxx Iron Man Edition Now Available for Pre-Order in Malaysia \u2013 RM1,249, 15 April Delivery", "body": "\n\nTTRacing introduced a new variant of its \ncomfortable Maxx gaming chair\n. Themed after Marvel\u2019s iconic Iron Man character, the TTRacing Maxx Iron Man Edition looks quite sleek, and you won\u2019t have to wait too long to get it either.\n\n\nPriced at RM1,249 \u2013 just RM150 more than the standard model \u2013 the Maxx Iron Man features faux leather and velour fabric finished in striking red. Aside from that, the Maxx also features dense cold cure foam to provide a good level of firmness and support, not to mention cushioned armrests with 4D adjustments.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther features of the Maxx Iron Man include support for 155-degree full recline, a steel frame structure, a multi-tilt mechanism, an aluminium alloy wheelbase, and large 65mm castors with a locking mechanism to fix the chair in place.\n\n\nThe TTRacing Maxx Iron Man Edition is \nnow available for pre-order in Malaysia\n for RM1,249. Deliveries are expected to begin on 15 April (or earlier), and if you\u2019d like to learn more about this gaming chair, check out our full review \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q3-finally-goes-on-sale-gasket-mounted-tkl-keyboard-from-154/", "title": "Keychron Q3 Finally Goes on Sale \u2013 Gasket-Mounted TKL Keyboard From $154", "body": "\n\nThe Keychron Q3 is finally available for purchase right now! This TKL keyboard, much like the \nKeychron Q1\n, features a gasket mounting system, an aluminium case, and of course, a knob.\n\n\nAs its \nproduct page shows\n, the Q3 starts at $154 (about RM645) for the barebone kit. The fully assembled model, on the other hand, costs $174 (approximately RM725). Want to add a knob? Well, you\u2019ll just have to add on $10 (around RM40).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from its TKL layout, the Q3 also features the aforementioned gasket mounting system, a full aluminium body, a VIA-compatible hotswap PCB, and support for screw-in stabilisers. On top of that, it has silicone gaskets between the top and bottom cases as well to reduce case ping.\n\n\nThe Keychron Q3 is now available for purchase on \nKeychron\u2019s official online store\n. Retailing from only $154, this TKL keyboard certainly offers good value for money.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-assembled-1-million-cars-in-malaysia-civic-rs-marks-the-1-millionth-unit/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Assembled 1 Million Cars in Malaysia \u2013 Civic RS Marks the 1 Millionth Unit", "body": "\n\nJust last year, Honda Malaysia achieved \none million sales\n on our shores. Fast forward to now, the Japanese carmaker is celebrating the rollout of its one millionth locally assembled (CKD) vehicle at the company\u2019s manufacturing plant in Pegoh, Malacca.\n\n\nThe 2022 Honda Civic RS is the one millionth vehicle to be assembled at the plant, which started operating in January 2003. The first car manufactured at the plant then was the second generation Honda CR-V at the number one line. The second line was opened in October 2013 with the rollout of the Honda Jazz Hybrid.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith both production lines taken into account, Honda Malaysia is able to produce 100,000 units per year. Seven different models are also assembled at the Pegoh plant, including the all-new Civic, City, City Hatchback, Accord, BR-V, HR-V, and CR-V.\n\n\n\u201cIt has been 20 years since Honda Malaysia\u2019s establishment in the country. We have evolved and recorded significant achievements since then,\u201d said the MD and CEO of Honda Malaysia, Madoka Chujo.\n\n\n\u201cIn March 2021, we achieved the one millionth sale unit milestone with all Malaysians. Just one year later, I am now celebrating another significant milestone with all of you \u2013 the one millionth production unit; which is the All-New Civic,\u201d she added.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor 2022, Honda Malaysia is set to introduce two all-new models. The carmaker did not reveal what these two models are, though there\u2019s a good chance they are the \n2022 Honda HR-V and Honda BR-V\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/qk65-custom-keyboard-goes-on-sale-in-malaysia-tonight-at-8pm-starts-at-rm669/", "title": "QK65 Custom Keyboard Goes on Sale in Malaysia Tonight at 8PM \u2013 Starts at RM669", "body": "\n\nQwertykey\u2019s first-ever custom keyboard, the QK65, will go on sale in Malaysia tonight at 8PM. What makes this custom board particularly interesting is its affordable price tag and feature set, not to mention the fact that Qwertykey is a sister company of Owlab, the brand behind the popular \nJelly Epoch\n and Mr. Suit.\n\n\nOf course, Rebult Keyboards will be the Malaysian vendor for the QK65. Two distinct finishes of the custom keyboard are offered: the anodised version retails at RM669, while the e-white models are priced at RM755.\n\n\nDo note that these prices include a solderable PCB and a plate of your choice. If you want to swap the PCB to a hotswap one instead, you\u2019ll have to add RM86.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Black Chroma QK65 is one of the most unique colour options\n\n\n\n\nSo what do you get with the QK65? Well, a number of very enticing features, including a gasket mounting system that\u2019s similar to the popular Mr. Suit. It also has a die-cast aluminium bottom case with a stamped stainless steel weight (PVD-coated in very eye-catching colours) to bring down the price of the keyboard.\n\n\nThis being an \u201cOwlab-style\u201d keyboard \u2013 really, that\u2019s what Qwertykeys said \u2013 the QK65 has quite a number of foam to produce a deep, thocky sound signature. It even has some silicone dampeners to further enhance the acoustics of the keyboard.\n\n\nOh, did we mention that the QK65 is also bundled with a carrying bag \nand\n Owlab\u2019s Liquidmetal Owlstabs stabilisers? Needless to say, the value proposition of this keyboard is very, very good.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can join the sale for the QK65 in Malaysia through \nRebult Keyboards\u2019 online store\n tonight at 8PM. Only one unit is allowed per order, though you can make multiple orders. Fulfilment of the QK65 is estimated to begin in June or July 2022 \u2013 reasonably short waiting time for a custom keyboard.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/students-youths-can-claim-rm150-credit-in-mid-april-2022-from-shopeepay-tng-bigpay-grabpay/", "title": "Students & Youths Can Claim RM150 Credit in Mid-April 2022 From ShopeePay, TNG, BigPay & GrabPay", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re a full-time student or between the age of 18 to 20, you can claim RM150 worth of credit from four ewallet services in Malaysia sometime in the middle of April 2022 next month. This is a part of the government\u2019s ePemula cashless transaction scheme.\n\n\nYouths and students can claim the RM150 credit from one of these four ewallet services: ShopeePay, Touch \u2018n Go eWallet, BigPay, or GrabPay. The method of claiming the ePemula credit will depend on each ewallet service.\n\n\n\n\nSiaran media berkenaan ePemula: Dua Juta Belia Bakal Menerima Manfaat e-Tunai Berjumlah RM300 juta melalui BigPay, GrabPay, ShopeePay atau Touch \u2018n Go eWallet. \npic.twitter.com/CuHFAkYfbG\n\u2014 Ministry of Finance\ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe (@MOFmalaysia) \nMarch 31, 2022\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe ePemula programme is a RM300 million initiative, and it will benefit over two million youths. In retrospect, this is very similar to the \ngovernment\u2019s previous initiatives\n, \nincluding eBelia\n to promote cashless payments.\n\n\nNo word yet on when exactly youths and students can claim the RM150 credit from these four ewallet services. We expect more information to be revealed as we approach the middle of April 2022 \u2013 that\u2019s when the programme is expected to begin.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/booked-the-2022-honda-civic-fe-bid-for-the-fe-number-plate-now/", "title": "Booked the 2022 Honda Civic FE? Bid for the FE Number Plate Now", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019ve just booked the \n2022 Honda Civic FE\n \u2013 or you\u2019re planning to \u2013 consider getting the FE number plate to match the C-segment sedan. JPJ just opened the FE series for bidding, and you\u2019ve got until 5 April to do so.\n\n\nIn order to place your bid for an FE plate, you will need to register for an account with JPJeBid \non the website\n. Alternatively, you can also register through the mobile app on the \nApple App Store\n or \nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow that the FE series is opened for bidding, you can start placing your bid. Do note that there are minimum bid amounts depending on the number that you want to get. FE 1, for example, starts at a steep RM20,000 \u2013 it is considered a \u201cgolden number.\u201d\n\n\nIf course, if you want a \u201cregular number\u201d without any special significance, the minimum bid amount is RM300; the standard price for a plate number. Do note that if your bid is successful, you will have 12 months to register the plate number you\u2019ve won to a vehicle.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou\u2019ve got until 5 April to place a bid for the FE series; the results will be released the following day on 6 April. Good luck!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ipad-air-2022-with-m1-chip-now-in-malaysia-from-rm2699/", "title": "iPad Air (2022) With M1 Chip Now in Malaysia From RM2,699", "body": "\n\nThe brand new fifth generation iPad Air with Apple\u2019s very own M1 processor is now available for purchase in Malaysia. Thanks to the M1 chip, this iPad is the fastest tablet in the Air lineup yet; on par with the more costly \niPad Pro\n, even.\n\n\nStarting at RM2,699\n, the base model of the new iPad Air features 64GB of internal storage. The more generous 256GB model, on the other hand, costs RM3,349. If you want cellular capability, you\u2019ll have to pay an additional RM650.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe biggest upgrade to the new iPad Air is none other than the M1 chip; Apple claims it is twice as fast as Windows laptops in the same price range. On top of that, it also gets a 12MP front-facing camera now with support for Apple\u2019s Center Stage feature, which automatically keeps you in frame.\n\n\nIf you want to get your hands on the 2022 iPad Air, you can purchase it directly on \nApple\u2019s Malaysian online store\n. Alternatively, if you want to check out the new iPad in person, your nearest Apple reseller should have it on display now.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-flow-z13-hands-on-a-true-gaming-tablet-from-rm7999/", "title": "Asus ROG Flow Z13 Hands-On: A True Gaming Tablet From RM7,999", "body": "\n\nAsus has previously forayed into the \u201cgaming tablet\u201d space with the \nROG Mothership\n, but that product is more of an all-in-one PC than a tablet due to its imposing size. Fast forward to now, we have the Asus ROG Flow Z13 \u2013 a true gaming tablet that\u2019s both portable and powerful.\n\n\nOf course, such a combination also comes with a steep price tag. Retailing from RM7,999, the Flow Z13 is not an affordable machine. However, believe it or not, the value proposition of the Z13 is actually quite good \u2013 you\u2019re getting some excellent hardware for the money.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the pricing of the ROG Flow Z13. Three variants of the tablet are available in Malaysia. The RM7,999 base model features an Intel Core i7-12700H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU, a 13.4-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS touch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 512GB SSD.\n\n\nA tier up is the Core i9-12900H configuration of the Flow Z13, which costs a cool RM8,799. Aside from the faster processor, you\u2019re also getting a beefier RTX 3050 Ti GPU and a generous 1TB SSD. Given that you\u2019re only paying RM800 for these upgrades, it\u2019s quite worth it. This model, in my opinion, offers the best value for money.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe ROG XG Mobile\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the range-topping Flow Z13 for an \neye-watering RM15,999\n. Aside from a sharper 4K screen (though the refresh rate is limited to 60Hz) and a 2TB SSD, this variant also bundles the ROG XG Mobile external GPU enclosure, which houses a powerful RTX 3080 GPU (150W TGP). This is the model you see in this hands-on.\n\n\nI haven\u2019t had the chance to put the Flow Z13 through its paces yet, but chances are, it should be able to deliver excellent gaming performance, especially with the combination of the Core i9-12900H processor and XG Mobile. After all, the external GPU enclosure is packed with a fast RTX 3080 graphics card.\n\n\nNaturally, I\u2019ll also put the RTX 3050 Ti GPU of the tablet itself to the test in the full review of the Z13 \u2013 stay tuned for that.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith the keyboard cover (and the proprietary connection for the XG Mobile)\n\n\nWithout the keyboard cover\n\n\n\n\nOne of the best qualities of the Flow Z13 has to be its tablet form factor, similar to \nMicrosoft\u2019s Surface tablets\n. Weighing only 1.1kg with a 12mm thin chassis, this is a very portable gaming machine too. It also comes with a detachable keyboard case, so you don\u2019t have to purchase this separately.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, I\u2019m quite a fan of the keyboard case. It offers enough key travel to not feel shallow, the keys provide a good amount of tactility, and it even has a \u201ccushiony\u201d bottom out. All in all, this is a comfortable keyboard to do a lot of typing on.\n\n\nThe keyboard case\u2019s trackpad is quite good too. It\u2019s reasonably accurate, though I do wish it is a tad bigger for a more pleasant user experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDesign wise, the Flow Z13 looks and feels great. It has solid build quality, there are minimal bezels surrounding the screen, lending to a modern-looking machine, and I love the glass window on the back (complete with RGB lighting!) that shows the tablet\u2019s internals.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the adjustable kickstand of the Flow Z13. The hinge feels solid as I adjust the angle to my liking \u2013 much like a Surface tablet, if I might add \u2013 and it even closes with a reassuring thud. I also appreciate the red tab on the kickstand to make it easier to pop it open.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the stunning 4K Pantone Validated display of this range-topping Flow Z13. The 13.4-inch 3840 x 2400 IPS display with a 16:10 aspect ratio is bright, vibrant, and the extra vertical space really helps make this compact display feel bigger than it actually is.\n\n\nGranted, it\u2019s not ideal that this 4K panel only has a 60Hz refresh rate \u2013 especially for a gaming machine \u2013 but there\u2019s no denying that this is a high quality screen. It even supports Dolby Vision HDR and 85% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour space.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, the Asus ROG Flow Z13 is a premium gaming tablet with surprisingly good value proposition, though this mainly applies to the RM8,799 variant with a Core i9-12900H processor. If you want a gaming machine with this chip at a similar price point, only the MSI Pulse GL66 stands out \nat RM7,599\n.\n\n\nEven then, the Pulse GL66 is a gaming laptop instead of a tablet, and it can\u2019t match the Flow Z13\u2019s build quality or compact form factor either. Granted, it does offer better gaming performance with its RTX 3060 GPU, though the RTX 3050 Ti under the hood of the Z13 isn\u2019t markedly slower.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, the Flow Z13 is definitely an interesting gaming tablet, and I\u2019m excited to see if it can also double as a productivity machine. It has all the features of a good work tablet: a comfortable keyboard, a bright and vibrant 16:10 display, as well as a compact form factor. Hopefully, it will be able to return good battery life too.\n\n\nNeedless to say, I\u2019ll also test the gaming performance of the Flow Z13 in the full review, both with the ROG XG Mobile (RTX 3080) and the RTX 3050 Ti GPU in the tablet itself.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mitsubishi-xpander-sees-slight-price-hike-now-rm93k-with-sst-exemption/", "title": "Mitsubishi Xpander Sees Slight Price Hike \u2013 Now RM93k With SST Exemption", "body": "\n\nLaunched back in November 2020, it appears Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has increased the price of the Mitsubishi Xpander. Previously priced at RM91,369, the seven-seater crossover now costs RM93,318 \u2013 a price difference of RM1,949.\n\n\nAccording to \nPaultan.org\u2019s report\n, which got in touch with MMM, this price hike on the Xpander is due to \u201ccost up pressure.\u201d While it\u2019s not great that the seven-seater sees a price revision \u2013 even before the SST exemption is \nset to end on 30 June 2022\n \u2013 its value proposition is still very good.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Xpander is powered by a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine that outputs 105PS and 141Nm of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. Aside from that, the seven-seater is also shod with 16-inch alloy wheels.\n\n\nOther equipment of the Xpander include LED headlights, two airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, hill start assist, a 9-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, leather seats, a 360-degree camera, a dashcam, as well as keyless entry with push start button.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKeen to check out the Mitsubishi Xpander for yourself? You can do so at your nearest Mitsubishi Motors authorised showrooms nationwide. Four colour options are available: Red Metallic, Titanium Grey, Quartz White, and Diamond Black.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-offers-up-to-rm4000-discount-for-april-2022/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Offers up to RM4,000 Discount for April 2022", "body": "\n\nLooking to get a new Honda model before the sales tax exemption \nends on 30 June\n? Good news: Honda Malaysia is now offering up to RM4,000 discount on its range of models, including the City, Accord, and HR-V.\n\n\nNaturally,\u00a0the \nHonda Accord\n\u00a0gets the best discount. Both the range-topping TC-P and more affordable TC variants of the D-segment sedan receive a RM4,000 rebate. A tier down is the Honda City, which gets a RM2,000 discount for all variants of the B-segment sedan, including the range-topping \nRS e:HEV model\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext up is the \nHonda BR-V\n; this seven-seater gets a RM1,000 rebate. If you want an SUV instead, you can opt for the \nHonda CR-V\n or \nHonda HR-V\n \u2013 both of them receive a RM1,000 discount too.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re wondering why this month\u2019s discounts \naren\u2019t quite as generous as last month\n, that\u2019s because the 2021 models are no longer available. Also, do note that these discounts are only applicable for vehicles registered between 1 to 30 April 2022. More information on these discounts can be found\u00a0\nhere\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to get any of these Honda models with the aforementioned rebates, you can place your booking online\u00a0\nhere\n. Alternatively, bookings can be done through the HondaTouch app as well \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/toyota-yaris-prices-now-include-sst-almost-rm3000-price-increase/", "title": "2022 Toyota Yaris Prices Now Include SST \u2013 Almost RM3,000 Price Increase", "body": "\n\nUMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) released news prices for the Toyota Yaris, which now includes SST. Although the sales tax exemption is only set to end on 30 June, new bookings of the B-segment hatchback are only expected to be delivered in Q3 2022; hence the new prices with SST included.\n\n\nEffectively immediately, the Yaris now starts at RM73,800 for the base 1.5J variant, a price increase of RM2,860. The 1.5E, on the other hand, costs RM83,300 (RM2,920 price increase). As for the range-topping 1.5G, it is now priced at RM87,600 (RM2,792 price increase).\n\n\nDo note that these are only estimated prices, so there\u2019s a chance there will be changes in the future.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, of the best features of the Yaris is Toyota Safety Sense. Available on the E and G variants \u2013 the base J model doesn\u2019t get this \u2013 it includes two major features: Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Lane Departure Alert (LDA). The former warns the driver and automatically applies the brakes when there\u2019s a risk of frontal collision, while LDA alerts the driver when the car is (unintentionally) getting out of lane.\n\n\nUnder the hood of the Yaris is the very same Dual VVT-i 2NR-FE 1.5L engine found in the pre-facelift model. It outputs 107PS and 140Nm of torque, with drive sent to the front wheels by a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a seven-speed Shiftmatic mode.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the front end of the Yaris is slightly reworked as well. LED headlights are now standard across the range, and the lower grille is much wider now. These changes don\u2019t radically change the looks of the Yaris, but they do give the hatchback a cleaner, more aggressive styling, in our opinion. As for wheels, the J model gets 15-inch alloys, while the E and G trims come with larger 16-inch alloy wheels.\n\n\nOn the inside, all variants of the updated Yaris come with fabric seats and seven airbags. The J and E models get urethane steering wheels with manual air-conditioning, while the range-topping G models has a leather-wrapped steering wheel with single-zone automatic air-conditioning. It\u2019s also worth noting that the infotainment system of the E and G models now supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Toyota Yaris is now available for viewing and test drive at all Toyota dealerships and UMWT branches nationwide. The B-segment hatchback is offered in three colours: Red Mica Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, and Silver Metallic.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-saga-best-selling-a-segment-model-in-march-2022-6422-units-sold/", "title": "Proton Saga Best-Selling A-Segment Model in March 2022 \u2013 6,422 Units Sold", "body": "\n\nSales of the Proton Saga were very, very encouraging in March 2022: as many as \n6,422\n units of the A-segment sedan were sold last month. This is a marked improvement compared to the previous month (February 2022), where only \n2,951 units were sold\n as the Saga only managed half a month of normal production.\n\n\nAccording to Proton, this figure is enough for the Saga to not only be the best-selling sedan in its segment in Malaysia, but also the A-segment market as a whole in March 2022. This is the model\u2019s best sales performance in almost nine years as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe last time the Saga achieved higher sales was back in November 2013 \u2013 that\u2019s when the Saga SV was launched. Evidently, this affordable sedan continues to be an important model to bolster the national carmaker\u2019s sales performance.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, Proton sold over 13,028 units in March 2022. The Saga was the best-seller with the aforementioned 6,422 units sold, followed by the \nX70\n and \nX50\n with 2,320 and 1,573 units delivered respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-sold-13028-units-in-march-2022-41-2-increase-in-sales/", "title": "Proton Sold 13,028 Units in March 2022 \u2013 41.2% Increase in Sales", "body": "\n\nProton\u2019s sales bounced back for the month of March 2022. With over 13,028 units sold, this is a whopping 41.2% improvement compared to the national carmaker\u2019s sales figure the \nprevious month in February 2022 (9,225 units)\n.\n\n\nLeading the sales is none other than the Proton Saga: over 6,422 units of the A-segment sedan were delivered last month. Not only is it the \nbest-selling A-segment model\n as a whole in March 2022, it is also the sedan\u2019s highest sales in almost nine years.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRight behind the Saga in sales is the \nX70\n with 2,320 units sold, followed by the \nX50\n (1,573 units). This is quite a big difference compared to February 2022\u2019s deliveries, where 3,002 units of the latter were delivered.\n\n\nRounding out Proton\u2019s sales for March 20222 are the Persona (1,411 units), Iriz (766 units), and the Exora (536 units). According to Proton, the Persona and Iriz are in third and fourth places in their respective segments due to \u201cstiff competition and parts shortages,\u201d as the company puts it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cThe first three months of 2022 has been tough for Proton and our customers. Production issues continue to suppress our true potential and as a result, created a long waiting list for our cars,\u201d said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n\n\u201cOur parts supply and hence, production volumes, began to stabilise in March but we\u2019re expecting a few more disruptions in the coming months as other industries ramp up their production,\u201d he added.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-volvo-xc40-recharge-ev-launched-in-malaysia-ckd-418km-range-rm262k/", "title": "2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge EV Launched in Malaysia \u2013 CKD, 418km Range, RM262k", "body": "\n\nVolvo Car Malaysia (VCM) just launched the Volvo XC40 Recharge EV on our shores! Locally assembled (CKD) right here in Malaysia \u2013 making it the first-ever EV to be assembled locally \u2013 this is a \nfast\n SUV, and it is priced quite well too, especially in comparison to its competition.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the XC40 Recharge EV is priced at RM262,460 with sales tax exemption applied until 30 June 2022. This puts it at a lower price point than the \nMercedes-Benz EQA\n and only slightly higher over the range-topping \nHyundai Ioniq 5\n. It also comes with a five-year warranty with five years of free service, while the battery gets an eight-year warranty.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe XC40 Recharge EV is Volvo\u2019s first mass-produced electric SUV, and it\u2019s packed with a number of interesting features. According to the carmaker, the SUV has an all-electric range of 418km on a single charge, thanks to its 78kWh battery.\n\n\nAs for charging time, the XC40 Recharge EV can be charged up to 80% in only 40 minutes with a 150kW DC charging station (under ideal conditions). When charging at home instead, a three-phase 11kW wallbox can fully charge the XC40 in about eight hours from completely empty.\n\n\nIn terms of performance, the XC40 Recharge EV can go from 0-100kmph in only 4.9 seconds. That\u2019s right, the Malaysian market gets the AWD variant, which outputs 408PS and 660Nm of torque out of a dual-motor setup.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Volvo XC40 Recharge EV is now available for booking in Malaysia. You can place your booking through \nVCM\u2019s website\n, and a sales advisor will get in touch with you.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-toyota-vios-sees-up-to-rm3007-price-hike-now-with-sst-included/", "title": "2022 Toyota Vios Sees up to RM3,007 Price Hike \u2013 Now With SST Included", "body": "\n\nUMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) also released news prices for the Toyota Vios, which now includes SST, just like the \nYaris\n. Although the sales tax exemption is only set to end on 30 June, new bookings of the B-segment sedan are only expected to be delivered in Q3 2022; hence the new prices with SST included.\n\n\nEffectively immediately, the Vios now starts at RM77,600 for the base 1.5J variant, a price increase of RM2,977. The 1.5E, on the other hand, costs RM85,600 (RM3,007 price increase). As for the 1.5G and GR-S 1.5 trims, they are priced at RM90,400 and RM98,100 respectively; both see a RM2,816 price hike.\n\n\nDo note that these are only estimated prices, so there\u2019s a chance there will be changes in the future.\n\n\n\n\nThe regular Vios\n\n\n\n\nThe Vios GR-S\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegardless of which variant you go for \u2013 yes, even the Vios GR-S \u2013 the updated Vios soldiers on with the same Dual VVT-i 2NR-FE 1.5L engine that does 107PS and 140Nm of torque. It is paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a seven-speed Shiftmatic mode, though the Vios GR-S gets a 10-speed CVT instead.\n\n\nThe 10-speed CVT isn\u2019t the only equipment that\u2019s unique to the Vios GR-S. It also comes with the aforementioned sports-tuned suspension for \u201cincreased handling and confidence in high speed as well as comfort,\u201d 17-inch alloy wheels, sports seats wrapped in leather and suede, and a more aggressively-styled aerokit than the regular Vios.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese differences aside, other aspects of the Vios GR-S are identical to the G model. That means it still features the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance systems, which is actually offered in all variants of the Vios except for the base J trim. Safety Sense includes Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Lane Departure Alert (LDA), and these two features can be switched off if the driver doesn\u2019t need them.\n\n\nEvery model of the Vios also gets seven airbags, but only the G variant gets leather wrapped steering wheel and seats; other trims of the regular Vios feature urethane steering wheels and fabric upholstery instead. Besides that, the facelifted Vios supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well, though the base J model does not.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2021 Toyota Vios facelift is now available for viewing and testing at all Toyota dealerships and UMWT branches. The Vios GR-S, on the other hand, can only be test driven at \nselected showrooms\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-achieves-61624-sales-in-q1-2022-sold-26759-units-in-march-2022-alone/", "title": "Perodua Achieves 61,624 Sales in Q1 2022 \u2013 Sold 26,759 Units in March 2022 Alone", "body": "\n\nPerodua\u2019s sales performance for the year is off to a great start. In the first quarter of 2022, the national carmaker managed to sell an impressive 61,624 cars. Last month alone, Perodua registered as many as 26,759 units.\n\n\nCompared to the same period in 2021, where Perodua sold 57,909 cars, the company\u2019s sales see a 6.4% improvement in Q1 2022. The carmaker is also maintaining its lofty 247,000 sales target for the year. Given that Perodua is aiming to release one new model and two minor changes this year, it\u2019s very possible the company can hit this sales target.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cMoving forward, we foresee the second quarter of 2022 to be the highlight for the automotive industry as brands will deliver as many vehicles as they can within that three-month period,\u201d said the CEO and president of Perodua, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\n\n\n\u201cWhile semiconductor chip supply and COVID-19 would still influence production, we expect that production and registration will continue to improve. We do not foresee other factors such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine to have a major impact on Perodua\u2019s production moving forward,\u201d he added.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-extension-of-sales-tax-exemption-is-what-the-industry-needs/", "title": "Perodua: Extension of Sales Tax Exemption Is What the Industry Needs", "body": "\n\nThe current sales tax exemption \u2013 which has already been extended \nthree times already\n \u2013 is set to end on 30 June 2022. Since the exemption period is set to end this quarter, Perodua is asking for a further extension from the government.\n\n\n\u201cPerodua also echoes MAA\u2019s (Malaysia Automotive Association) request to further extend the sales tax exemption as factors such as the global semiconductor supply disruption and Covid-19 cases are still impacting the industry,\u201d said the CEO and president of Perodua, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\n\n\n\u201cRight now, the local automotive ecosystem is starting to recover and an extension in the sales tax exemption is what the industry needs for sustained growth during this recovery period,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOriginally introduced in June 2020 \u2013 yes, it was first announced two years ago \u2013 the sales tax exemption was implemented to help the automotive sector recover lost sales due to the adverse economical effects of COVID-19. CKD cars \u2013 which also include SUVs and MPVs, of course \u2013 get 100% sales tax exemption, while CBU models receive 50% exemption instead.\n\n\nIt remains to be seen if the government will give a fourth extension to the sales tax exemption for passenger cars in Malaysia. Given that there are three months left before the exemption period ends, there\u2019s still some time for the government to deliberate.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-keychron-k8-pro-sound-test-with-boba-u4t/", "title": "Video: Keychron K8 Pro Sound Test With Boba U4T", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHere\u2019s our sound test of the Keychron K8 Pro! What makes this keyboard particularly interesting \u2013 aside from its $74 (about RM310) starting price \u2013 is the fact that this is a wireless TKL keyboard with support for QMK and VIA.\n\n\nCustom keyboards with QMK and VIA compatibility are usually wired, which is what gives the K8 Pro wireless keyboard its unique appeal. Of course, there\u2019s also its affordable pricing, \nstarting at only $74\n for the barebone version, which doesn\u2019t come with switches or keycaps.\n\n\nThe Keychron K8 Pro is now \navailable for backing on Kickstarter\n until 15 April next week. Shipping will begin next month in May 2022, so you don\u2019t have to wait too long to get the keyboard. As always, stay tuned for our review of the K8 Pro!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysias-new-md-ceo-is-hironobu-yoshimura-succeeds-madoka-chujo/", "title": "Honda Malaysia\u2019s New MD/CEO Is Hironobu Yoshimura \u2013 Succeeds Madoka Chujo", "body": "\n\nHonda Malaysia just announced the appointment of Hironobu Yoshimura as the brand\u2019s new managing director and CEO from 1 April 2022. He takes over from Madoka Chujo a year after her tenure as she heads back to Japan to assume a new role at Honda Motor Company in the sales division of the automobile operations sales supervisory unit.\n\n\nYoshimura brings with him over 34 years of experience, having held key roles within Honda in various countries, including Japan, Thailand, and Pakistan. Prior to his role as MD and CEO of Honda Malaysia, he was the president and CEO of Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Limited.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cI am excited to take up this new role at Honda Malaysia. This unique and diverse nation is truly an important market in the Asia and Oceania region for us at Honda,\u201d Yoshimura said.\n\n\n\u201cHonda Malaysia has persevered through and overcame many challenges over the years. I look forward to leading the company in a post-pandemic business environment and to contribute positively towards the growth of the company,\u201d he added.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/3-honda-models-segment-leaders-in-q1-2022-in-malaysia-civic-city-city-hatchback/", "title": "3 Honda Models Segment Leaders in Q1 2022 in Malaysia \u2013 Civic, City, City Hatchback", "body": "\n\nRight after his appointment as the \nnew managing director and CEO\n of Honda Malaysia, Hironobu Yoshimura revealed that three Honda models were ranked first in their respective segments. These include the all-new 11th generation \nHonda Civic\n, the \nHonda City\n sedan, as well as the \nHonda City Hatchback\n.\n\n\nUnfortunately, beyond confirming this, no other details were revealed, though it\u2019s no mystery that these three models are very popular. So much so, in fact, that no discounts are given for two of the three models \u2013 only the City sedan is currently offered with a \nRM2,000 discount for April 2022\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, Honda Malaysia also previously revealed that the City was the carmaker\u2019s best-selling model in January and February 2022. As of early last month, as many as \n32,500 units of the B-segment sedan\n are on Malaysian roads \u2013 that\u2019s an impressive figure.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to get any of these Honda models (especially within the \nsales tax exemption period\n), you can place your booking online\u00a0\nhere\n. Alternatively, bookings can be done through the HondaTouch app as well \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-k8-pro-hands-on-not-your-typical-pre-built-keyboard/", "title": "Keychron K8 Pro Hands-On: Not Your Typical Pre-Built Keyboard", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPre-built keyboards, while readily available, don\u2019t offer the best typing experience money can buy. Granted, most of them are also quite a bit more affordable than custom keyboards \u2013 and some nice creature comforts like wireless support \u2013 but you\u2019re still losing out on customisability and overall refinement.\n\n\nThat\u2019s where the Keychron K8 Pro come in. Not only is it budget-friendly, this pre-built \nwireless\n TKL keyboard also offers many features typically found on custom keyboards, including a hotswap PCB, screw-in stabilisers, as well as support for QMK and VIA for easy key mapping. The best part? You won\u2019t have to wait long to get it either.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Keychron K8 Pro is currently \navailable for backing on Kickstarter\n\u00a0until 15 April next week. Shipping will begin next month in May 2022, which is really quite fast. Granted, it\u2019s still not as readily available as an off-the-shelf keyboard, but you \nare\n getting some neat features with this pre-built.\n\n\nSo how much does the K8 Pro cost? Well, it starts at only $74, which comes up to about RM310. That\u2019s for the barebone version, which doesn\u2019t come with switches or keycaps. If you want the fully assembled version, it will set you back $84 (approximately RM355), though you\u2019ll only get white backlit lighting.\n\n\nIf you want RGB lighting, you\u2019ll have to add on $10 (around RM40). There is also a more premium version of the keyboard with an aluminium frame for $104 (about RM440); this is the version you see in this hands-on.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the K8 Pro is a wireless TKL keyboard. With Bluetooth 5.1, it can be paired with up to three different devices. The key mapping of the keyboard can also be changed through QMK and VIA, though it\u2019s worth noting that VIA doesn\u2019t automatically detect the K8 Pro yet in my testing. It makes sense, given that the keyboard will only start shipping next month.\n\n\nAnyway, the K8 Pro also has a hotswap PCB, so it\u2019s very easy to swap out switches without desoldering. It also has south-facing LEDs, so you won\u2019t have to worry about compatibility issues with keycaps of various profiles and switches with shorter stem poles.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOkay, so how is it like to type on the K8 Pro? Well, surprisingly nice! I installed the \nGazzew Boba U4T Thocky\n switch on this keyboard, and paired with the Akko Black & Pink ASA keycaps, the K8 Pro can produce quite a deep, \u201cthocky\u201d sound profile. There\u2019s also no pinging of any kind, thanks to the bottom plastic case with a silicone sheet.\n\n\nHowever, the K8 Pro is a stiff keyboard. Its combination of a steel plate and a tray-mount system offers no flex at all, so you get a hard, \u201charsh\u201d feeling whenever you bottom out. This is in stark contrast to, say, the gasket-mounted \nKeychron Q1\n, which offers a ton of flex for a soft, comfortable typing feel.\n\n\nOf course, this isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing. It\u2019s a matter of preference, though I personally prefer a softer typing experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTyping feel aside, I\u2019m quite impressed with the stock stabilisers of the K8 Pro. The screw-in nature of these stabilisers make for a tight, secure fit, so the stabilised keys don\u2019t feel\u2026well, loose. This tightness also minimises rattling and ticking on the stabilisers, which is further improved by the factory lube on the wires.\n\n\nHowever, while the lube does a decent job of silencing the stabilisers, there are still some ticking and rattling, especially on the enter and left shift keys. But overall, these are pretty darn good stabilisers out of the box, especially for a pre-built keyboard.\n\n\nWith some added lube, I reckon these stabilisers will perform very well. Of course, there\u2019s also the option to just swap them out for a different set of stabilisers if you so desire.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, the Keychron K8 Pro is really quite a good pre-built keyboard. It\u2019s relatively affordable, it has a hotswap PCB, the screw-in stabilisers are more than adequate without tuning, and most of all, you don\u2019t have to wait for months on end to get the keyboard in your hands.\n\n\nLong waiting time has always been one of the most frustrating aspects of the custom keyboard hobby, so in this regard, the K8 Pro certainly has the edge. Plus, despite its pre-built nature, you\u2019re still getting some convenient features such as wireless support and easy key mapping via QMK or VIA.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the K8 Pro, you can \nback it on Kickstarter\n now; do note that you\u2019ve only got until 15 April to back the project. We\u2019re currently working on our full video review of the K8 Pro, so stay tuned for that!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apples-wwdc22-starts-6-june-expect-new-ios-macos-details/", "title": "Apple\u2019s WWDC22 Starts 6 June \u2013 Expect New iOS & MacOS Details", "body": "\n\nApple\u2019s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) for 2022 is happening in the next two months. Set to take place from 6 to 10 June, it will be another online-only affair, where the Cupertino company will reveal \u201cthe latest innovations in iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS.\u201d\n\n\nAlthough WWDC22 is an online conference this year, Apple will actually hold an in-person session at Apple Park on 6 June. Both developers and students can watch the keynote and State of the Union videos together, though space will be limited. More details on how to apply for the session will be provided on the\u00a0\nApple Developer site\n\u00a0and app soon.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, WWDC is where Apple unveils its latest software, so we can expect to get details on new iterations of iOS, macOS, and iPadOS at the conference, among other things. WWDC also allows developers to learn how to create \u201cgroundbreaking apps and interactive experiences,\u201d as Apple puts it.\n\n\nWhile software is a big part of WWDC, Apple has also introduced a number of new hardware at the event in the past, including new Macs and iPads. With the rumour of a new M2 processor coming to Macs this year, it\u2019s possible we\u2019ll learn more about the upcoming chip at WWDC22 on 6 June.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hearthstones-year-of-the-hydra-arrives-12-april-2022-set-rotation-core-set-updated/", "title": "Hearthstone\u2019s Year of the Hydra Arrives 12 April 2022 \u2013 Set Rotation & Core Set Updated", "body": "\n\nHearthstone\u2019s set rotation is happening next week! The current Year of the Gryphon will be replaced by the Year of the Hydra come 12 April 2022, which is also when the Voyage to the Sunken City expansion goes live.\n\n\nNaturally, the Year of the Hydra marks the rotation of several sets from the Standard format. These include Ashes of Outland, Scholomance Academy, and Madness at the Darkmoon Faire. The Core Set also sees an update; 57 cards are taken out, and they will be replaced by 72 cards.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 72 cards that will be a part of the new Core Set are not new cards. Rather, they are cards released in previous expansions, and some classics that are returning include Reno Jackson, Brann Bronzebeard, Elise Starseeker, and Sir Finley Mrrgglton. Yes, the original League of Explorers are coming back to the Standard format.\n\n\nThe Year of the Hydra rotation in Hearthstone will happen on 12 April next week. The Voyage to the Sunken City expansion will also go live on the same day. More details on the expansion and set rotation can be found \nhere\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/7-13-april-fuel-price-ron-97-down-10-sen-others-unchanged/", "title": "7 \u2013 13 April Fuel Price: RON 97 Down 10 Sen, Others Unchanged", "body": "\n\nRON 97 is going down in price this week! For the next seven days, the price of RON 97 will drop by 10 sen per litre. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.\n\n\nFrom tomorrow onwards, the price of RON 97 is set at RM3.81 per litre (down from RM3.91). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 6 to 13 April 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mode-sonnet-pre-orders-open-22-april-75-custom-keyboard-from-299/", "title": "Mode Sonnet Pre-Orders Open 22 April \u2013 75% Custom Keyboard From $299", "body": "\n\nMode finally announced the pre-order date for its upcoming 75% keyboard, the Mode Sonnet. Touted by the brand to be its \u201cbest keyboard yet,\u201d the Sonnet is offered in a variety of materials and accent pieces that is configurable \nright here\n, and you can pre-order it from 22 April onwards.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that once pre-orders for the Sonnet begin, it will remain open \nindefinitely\n. Mode\u2019s goal is to make the Sonnet as accessible as possible by doing so. This is really a great move by the brand to make custom keyboards more readily available.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJust like the \nMode SixtyFive\n and \nEighty\n, the Sonnet can be mounted in two ways: isolated top mount or stack mount (the silicone base add-on is required for this). What\u2019s unique to the Sonnet is the bottom case with \u201cprecision-milled\u201d curves, which give the keyboard a\u2026premium aesthetic, in our opinion.\n\n\nThe Mode Sonnet will be available for pre-order from 22 April at 10AM PST; that\u2019s 23 April at 1AM for us here in Malaysia. While it starts at $299 (about RM1,260), the price will go up depending on the materials and options that you pick for the keyboard. You can configure your own Sonnet on \nMode\u2019s website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ps5-pre-orders-open-again-from-sony-centre-mid-valley-until-9-april-2022/", "title": "PS5 Pre-Orders Open Again From Sony Centre Mid Valley Until 9 April 2022", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been quite some time since the PS5 was launched in Malaysia\n, but it\u2019s still a challenge to get a unit of the highly sought-after next-gen console. If you\u2019re feeling lucky, good news: Sony Centre Mid Valley is accepting pre-orders of the PS5 yet again.\n\n\nWell, sort of. In order to be in the running for a \nchance\n to pre-order the PS5, you\u2019ll have to fill up \nthis Google Form\n. If you\u2019re fortunate enough to be selected, you will be contacted on 11 April to finalise your pre-order of the next-gen console.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo note that you only have until 9 April at 2PM this Saturday to register your interest for the PS5 pre-order. This isn\u2019t a first-come, first-served sale either; filling up the form just means you\u2019re in the running to be chosen to pre-order the PS5.\n\n\nWhile it wasn\u2019t mentioned, it\u2019s likely that stocks are very limited, so don\u2019t be disheartened if you\u2019re not chosen to pre-order the PS5. If you want a better chance of securing a unit, we recommend checking in with your favourite game shop to get into the waiting list \u2013 if the store has one.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-launches-4-new-monitors-in-malaysia-from-rm899-sinar-raya-with-acer-campaign/", "title": "Acer Launches 4 New Monitors in Malaysia From RM899 & Sinar Raya With Acer Campaign", "body": "\n\nAcer just launched four new monitors in Malaysia. These include the high-end Predator X28 gaming monitor, Nitro EI322QURP, Nitro XZ306CX, and the most affordable of the lot, the Acer CB292CU.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the most premium offering, the RM3,699 Predator X28. Sporting a sharp 28-inch 3840 x 2160 UHD \u201cAgile-Splendor\u201d IPS display, the refresh rate of this panel can be overclocked to 152Hz. It also features Nvidia G-Sync technology and VESA DisplayHDR 400, along with Nvidia Reflex for lower latency.\n\n\n\n\nThe Predator X28\n\n\nThe Nitro EI3\n\n\nThe Nitro XZ3\n\n\nThe Acer CB2\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the more affordable Nitro EI3 and XZ3; both of them are curved monitors for only RM1,299. The EI3 has a 31.5-inch 2560 x 1440 VA screen with a 165Hz refresh rate, while the XZ3 packs a faster 200Hz VA panel, though it\u2019s a slightly smaller 29.5-inch 2560 x 1080 ultrawide display. Just like the higher-end X28, these two monitors meet the VESA DisplayHDR 400 standard too.\n\n\nLast but not least is the Acer CB2 monitor, the most affordable monitor here with a RM899 price tag. For that kind of money, it comes with a 29-inch Full HD IPS display. Though this ultrawide monitor doesn\u2019t have a high refresh rate, it does come with AMD FreeSync support.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn conjunction with Ramadan and the coming Hari Raya celebration, Acer Malaysia is also running its Sinar Raya with Acer campaign until 30 April. If you purchase selected Acer products, you can get a 10% rebate in TNG eWallet credit.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/meletrix-zoom65-essential-edition-pre-orders-open-in-malaysia-on-8-april-from-rm675/", "title": "Meletrix Zoom65 Essential Edition Pre-Orders Open in Malaysia on 8 April From RM675", "body": "\n\nThe \nMeletrix Zoom65\n is one of the best custom keyboards to get if you want good value for money. But if you don\u2019t fancy the keycaps and switches that are bundled with it, consider the Zoom665 Essential Edition. You can configure almost every part of the keyboard, and it will be available for pre-order here in Malaysia tomorrow.\n\n\nMalaysian pre-orders of the Zoom65 Essential Edition is handled by none other than Rebult Keyboards. Pre-orders of the keyboard will open on 8 April tomorrow at 8PM with a RM675 starting price. The value proposition isn\u2019t quite as good as the regular Zoom65 \u2013 given that you\u2019re not getting keycaps and switches \u2013 but it\u2019s still decent.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJust like the standard model, the Zoom65 Essential Edition uses a gasket mounting system with a full aluminium body, rotary encoder, polycarbonate plate, and of course, a hotswap PCB. Interestingly, this PCB also supports Bluetooth 5.0 with VIA compatibility.\n\n\nYes, the Zoom65 Essential Edition is a wireless custom keyboard, and a 2,300mAh battery is bundled with it too. Also packaged together with this keyboard are Wuque Studio\u2019s stabilisers, a carrying case,\u00a0\nand\n\u00a0a coiled USB-C cable.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can pre-order the Meletrix Zoom65 Essential Edition tomorrow on 8 April at 8PM through \nRebult Keyboards\u2019 official website\n; pre-orders will close on 21 April. Deliveries are expected to begin sometime in June or July 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/drop-to-introduce-new-mt2-keycap-profile-3-colourways-cherry-like-profile/", "title": "Drop to Introduce New MT2 Keycap Profile \u2013 3 Colourways, Cherry-Like Profile", "body": "\n\nDrop (sort of) announced a new keycap profile. \nDubbed MT2\n \u2013 though it is quite different from the much taller \nMT3 profile\n \u2013 it looks to be similar to Cherry profile keycaps, and the company said it has \u201cambitious goals\u201d for the new keycap profile.\n\n\nThe new MT2 profile will debut in three colourways in the coming weeks: White-on-Black, Black-on-White \u2013 classic options, basically \u2013 and Genesis for those that want a more eye-popping colour scheme. Given that Drop has released MT3 keycaps in various colourways, we imagine the same will be done for MT2 keycaps.\n\n\n\n\nFrom top to bottom: WoB, BoW, Genesis\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmong the goals Drop set out for these MT2 keycaps are \u201cindustry-leading legend tolerances,\u201d keycaps that are free from exterior blemishes and imperfections, and interestingly enough, a cylindrical profile. This is a stark contrast over the more spherical profile of MT3 keycaps.\n\n\nNonetheless, we\u2019ll learn more about Drop\u2019s new MT2 keycap profile in the near future. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how much it will be priced at; if priced right \u2013 with good quality control, of course \u2013 we reckon the MT2 keycaps will be quite compelling.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/recycle-your-unwanted-electronics-with-vivo-until-30-april-2022/", "title": "Recycle Your Unwanted Electronics With Vivo Until 30 April 2022", "body": "\n\nNow this is a good effort in reducing e-waste by Vivo Malaysia. In partnership with Electronic Recycling Through Heroes (ERTH), you can recycle unwanted electronics at selected Vivo stores in Malaysia from 8 to 30 April 2022.\n\n\nSo what kind of electronics can you recycle through this initiative by Vivo Malaysia? A few of them, actually. These include smartphones, laptops, small electrical appliances \u2013 they have to fit into the collection box, after all \u2013 as well as used batteries.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWe at Vivo recognise that e-waste is a growing concern globally. As technology advances, we need to also accelerate the management and disposal of our e-waste, to ensure better living with technology,\u201d said the CEO of Vivo Malaysia, Mike Xu.\n\n\n\u201cWe want to open up avenues for Malaysians to recycle their e-waste with ease in a safe and convenient environment, and hope through this initiative that Malaysians can adopt recycling their e-waste for a better future,\u201d he added.\n\n\nIf you want to recycle your unwanted electronics with Vivo Malaysia, you can drop them off at these locations:\n\n\nVivo Flagship Store, Pavilion KL\nVivo Concept Store, Pavilion Bukit Jalil\nVivo Concept Store, Central i-City\nVivo Concept Store, Setia City Mall\nVivo Concept Store, AEON Bukit Tinggi\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/smart-1-ev-launched-what-you-need-to-know-about-this-malaysia-bound-electric-suv/", "title": "Smart #1 EV Launched \u2013 What You Need to Know About This Malaysia-Bound Electric SUV", "body": "\n\nSmart just unveiled its first vehicle under the joint venture between Daimler and Geely. Dubbed Smart #1 \u2013 pronounced \u201chashtag one\u201d instead of number one, believe it or not \u2013 this electric vehicle (EV) is developed by Geely, and it\u2019s coming to Malaysia under Proton Edar.\n\n\nNeedless to say, the prospect of the Smart #1 entering the Malaysian market in the near future (likely sometime in 2023) is exciting. This is especially the case with the \ncurrent incentives given by the government\n to push for the adoption of EVs in Malaysia.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to get the electric SUV once it\u2019s available on our shores, here\u2019s what you need to know about the Smart #1.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFast Performance, Good Range\n\n\nPowering the Smart #1 is a single motor driving the rear wheels. It outputs 272PS and 343Nm of torque, which are very respectable figures. No 0-100kmph sprint time was given, though Smart did say the #1 has a top speed of 180kmph.\n\n\nRange is one of the most important aspects of an EV, and in this regard, the Smart #1 offers between 420km to 440km of range on the WLTP cycle. Reasonably good range out of a 66kWh battery, which can be recharged from 10% to 80% in only 30 minutes via a 150kW DC fast charger. It takes 3 hours for a 22kW AC charger to provide the same charge.\n\n\nLevel 2 Autonomous Driving\n\n\nAs with most modern cars in this segment, the Smart #1 features level 2 autonomous driving. This allows the electric SUV to control both the throttle and steering under certain conditions, thanks to the adaptive cruise control with stop and go function and active lane keeping assist.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, the Smart #1 also has blind spot assist, highway and traffic jam assist, auto parking assist, along with adaptive high beam assist. All in all, a rather sophisticated advanced driver assistance systems. It also has seven airbags for added safety.\n\n\nModern, Almost Futuristic Interior\n\n\nThere\u2019s no denying that the Smart #1 has a very unique interior. One of the most eye-catching elements is the 12.8-inch 1080p floating infotainment screen in the centre console. Not only is this a large display, it\u2019s also a fully integrated infotainment system.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nClimate control, lights and sound, navigation, profile selection and preferences for your trip, as well as most functions of the car can be adjusted with this touch-enabled screen. While this makes for a more minimal-looking interior, we imagine some folks may not be thrilled by the absence of, say, physical dials to control the air-conditioning system.\n\n\nAnyway, aside from the infotainment screen, the Smart #1 also has a 9.2-inch Full HD digital instrument cluster, along with a 10-inch head-up display.\n\n\nSleek Exterior\n\n\nOn the outside, the Smart #1 is quite the looker. The full-width LED headlights and taillights of the electric SUV are eye-catching, and it even has concealed electric door handles (almost like a Tesla), frameless doors, and a floating roof design complete with a sunroof. It can also be fitted with large 19-inch wheels.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDimension wise, the Smart #1 measures 4,270mm long, 1,822mm wide, and 1,636mm tall with a 2,750mm wheelbase. Basically, this is a quite a sizeable SUV, though the 273L boot space (411L with the rear seats folded) isn\u2019t particularly big. There\u2019s also a 15L front boot to keep smaller items.\n\n\nWhat About Pricing?\n\n\nUnfortunately, Smart did not reveal the price of the Smart #1, though it is said to compete with other EVs such as the \nHyundai Kona Electric\n, which is priced between RM149,888 to RM199,888 in Malaysia. Of course, it remains to be seen the #1 will sit in the same price range as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, it\u2019s worth reiterating the \nincentives offered by the Malaysian government\n for EVs right now. Import duty, excise duty, and sales tax will not be applied to the sales of EVs in Malaysia. This is the very reason why EVs such as the \nVolvo XC40 Recharge\n and \nMercedes-Benz EQA\n are priced quite well locally.\n\n\nWhen Will It Be Available?\n\n\nThe Smart #1 will go into production towards the end of the year; deliveries are expected to begin in 2023. However, it remains to be seen if this will also apply to the Malaysian market, even though it\u2019s confirmed that Proton Edar will be the importer, distributor, and dealer for Smart vehicles in Malaysia and Thailand.\n\n\nAs per the memorandum of agreement signed between Proton and Smart, Proton Edar will handle the sales and service network for Smart models in these two markets too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHopefully, the Smart #1 will enter the Malaysian market sooner rather than later. While it\u2019s unlikely that the electric SUV will be an \u201caffordable\u201d EV on our shores \u2013 even with all of the incentives given by the government \u2013 it\u2019s always a good thing to have more options for those who are looking to own an EV here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-offers-playstation-plus-only-free-bundle-refreshes-every-version-update/", "title": "Genshin Impact Offers PlayStation Plus-Only Free Bundle \u2013 Refreshes Every Version Update", "body": "\n\nNow this is interesting: Hoyoverse quietly added a new \nGenshin Impact\n bundle exclusive to PlayStation Plus subscribers. Not only can eligible players claim the bundle for free, it will also be refreshed every time a new version update is released for Genshin Impact.\n\n\nThis was outlined by Hoyoverse through an in-game notice accessible on the PlayStation version of Genshin Impact. The exclusive bundle offers 2x Fragile Resin, 20x Hero\u2019s Wit, 15x Mystic Enhancement Ore, as well as 50,000 Mora.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, the bundle does not offer any Primogems, though there\u2019s no denying that these freebies are still quite helpful. Fragile Resin, for example, are helpful when it comes to farming for artifacts or boss material. Plus, you can get these items \nevery time\n a version update is released.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re a PlayStation Plus subscriber, you can get the exclusive bundle for Genshin Impact on the \nPlayStation Store\n. Do note that you\u2019ll have to log into the game on the PS5 or PS4 within 365 days after claiming the bundle to get the freebies through the in-game mail.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-up-to-30-discount-on-premium-in-stock-gmk-keycaps-from-drop-right-now/", "title": "Deal: Get up to 30% Discount on Premium (In-Stock) GMK Keycaps From Drop Right Now", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019ve always wanted a GMK keycap set, but can\u2019t justify the \nlong waiting time\n or paying a premium for the in-stock extras sale, this deal is for you. For a limited time, Drop is offering selected GMK sets \u2013 some of them are ready to ship, to boot \u2013 with \nup to 30% discount\n.\n\n\nAmong the GMK keycaps on sale, the GMK Red Samurai set is the most affordable, starting at only $59 (about RM250) for the 65% kit. Needless to say, this is a \nfantastic\n price for a premium GMK keycap set, though you\u2019ll have to make sure the kitting has all the keys you need for your particular keyboard.\n\n\n\n\nGMK Red Samurai on \nKBDfans\u2019 KBD67 Lite\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that although Drop says these are in-stock keycaps, some of them will not ship immediately. The aforementioned GMK Red Samurai, for one, is only expected to start shipping on 18 May 2022. Shipping for the GMK Pulse is also quite a bit later on 31 May 2022.\n\n\nNonetheless, it\u2019s not often GMK keycaps are discounted this much. This deal is valid until 11 April at 11:59PM PST (12 April at 2:59PM for us here in Malaysia) or while stocks last, so if you like any of these GMK sets, \nmake your purchase by then\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-perodua-myvi-gearup-bodykit-teased-coming-soon/", "title": "2022 Perodua Myvi GearUp Bodykit Teased \u2013 Coming Soon", "body": "\n\nPerodua just posted a teaser for the \n2022 Perodua Myvi\n\u2018s new GearUp bodykit! Previously leaked in full, the upcoming bodykit is an aggressive one; ideal for folks that want to give the facelifted Myvi a sportier look.\n\n\nThe teaser for the new Myvi\u2019s GearUp bodykit was posted on Perodua\u2019s social media pages. Unfortunately, only the front end of the bodykit was shown, revealing the sizeable bumper add-on piece with a two-tone colour scheme.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the teaser, the GearUp bodykit is shown on the Ivory White Myvi \u2013 the kit looks especially good with this particular paint job, in our opinion. The black bits on the bodykit (which also extends to the front lip), contrast very well with the white hatchback.\n\n\nNo word yet on when the 2022 Myvi\u2019s GearUp bodykit will be available for purchase, though it\u2019s said to be \u201ccoming soon\u201d to authorised Perodua showrooms. If you\u2019d like to book the new Myvi, you can do so \nover here\n.\n\n\n\n\nMyvi GearUp \u2013 ACE YOUR STYLE\u200b\n\u200b\nThe Perodua GearUp extras are here to ace and enhance The New Myvi's look.\nComing soon at all authorised Perodua showrooms. Book The New Myvi online now: \nhttps://t.co/FTSHT0aN4K\n\u200b\n\u200b\n#Perodua\n \n#NewMyvi\n \n#NextStandard\n \n#MyviGearUp\n \npic.twitter.com/JRQi08PWTw\n\u2014 Perodua (@perodua) \nApril 11, 2022\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-nintendo-switch-oled-price-drops-to-rm1349/", "title": "Deal: Nintendo Switch OLED Price Drops to RM1,349", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been a while since the \nNintendo Switch (OLED Model)\n was launched, so not surprisingly, the price of the portable console is steadily going down. Previously going for \nas low as RM1,459\n, you can now get the latest and greatest Switch \nat\n \nonly RM1,349\n.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Shopee Mall retailer Impulse Gaming; one of the most renowned game stores in Malaysia. Unfortunately, only the \nWhite colour option\n is available now, and curiously, both the Maxsoft and export sets are listed at the same price.\n\n\nGiven that the Maxsoft set offers a 12-month warranty \u2013 Maxsoft is the official distributor of Nintendo products in Southeast Asia \u2013 it\u2019s definitely the variant to go for. The export unit only comes with a 3-month warranty from Impulse itself.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the new OLED Switch features a larger 7-inch OLED panel with thinner bezels. It also has double the internal storage at 64GB, and the stand sees a design revision as well. Instead of the original Switch\u2019s fragile-looking stand, this new Switch uses a much sturdier, wider stand that is also adjustable.\n\n\nOther changes introduced in the new OLED Switch include a new dock with a wired LAN port, \u201cenhanced audio\u201d from the system\u2019s onboard speakers, and between 4.5 to 9 hours of battery life \u2013 the same quoted battery life as its predecessor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to get the Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) \nfor only RM1,349\n, you can do so from Impulse Gaming on Shopee. Not sure if it\u2019s worth upgrading from an older model? Then check out our comparison \nbetween the new OLED Switch and the original one\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/drop-releases-more-info-on-mt2-keycaps-in-stock-availability-abs-plastic-pbt-in-pipeline/", "title": "Drop Releases More Info on MT2 Keycaps \u2013 In-Stock Availability, ABS Plastic, PBT in Pipeline", "body": "\n\nDrop \nreleased more details\n on its upcoming MT2 keycap sets, and they seem quite promising. Not only are these keycaps said to offer the \u201csharpest, crispest legends,\u201d they will be sold as in-stock products as well \u2013 a very enticing prospect in the custom keyboard hobby.\n\n\nJudging by the MT2 keycaps shown below, the legends do look nice and sharp, though they don\u2019t appear to be quite as thick as GMK\u2019s legends. This is an important comparison, given that GMK keycaps are largely considered to be the gold standard.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the base kit of MT2 keycaps will be compatible with a wide variety of keyboard layouts too. They are also made from \u201chigh quality ABS plastic\u201d that MT3 keycaps use, and interestingly enough, Drop is looking into releasing PBT options as well.\n\n\nAs mentioned, Drop said that MT2 sets will be offered as in-stock products, adding that it \u201ccan make sets quickly and efficiently at scale.\u201d No word yet on exactly when MT2 keycaps will be released, though Drop said it is only \u201cweeks away from shipping our first production keycaps.\u201d\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/heres-what-you-get-with-the-rm150-epemula-credit-from-shopeepay-tng-bigpay-grabpay/", "title": "Here\u2019s What You Get With the RM150 ePemula Credit From ShopeePay, TNG, BigPay & GrabPay", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re a full-time student (undertaking diploma or SKM4 and above in Malaysia) or between the age of 18 to 20 (born in 2002 to 2004), you can claim RM150 worth of credit from four ewallet services today! These include ShopeePay, Touch \u2018n Go eWallet, BigPay, and GrabPay.\n\n\nOn top of the RM150 ePemula credit, these ewallet services also offer additional incentives. Depending on what you want \u2013 or whichever platform you prefer \u2013 one option could be better than the others. If you\u2019re having trouble picking which platform to claim your RM150 ePemula credit from, we have outlined the different benefits these ewallet services provide below.\n\n\nShopeePay\n\n\nIf you\u2019re an avid ShopeePay user, claiming the RM150 ePemula credit from this platform may be the best option for you. Aside from the RM150 ePemula credit, you\u2019re also getting a generous RM500 worth of vouchers, so you\u2019re effectively enjoying RM650 worth of benefits from ShopeePay.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe RM500 extra vouchers include RM90 for ShopeePay, RM310 for ShopeeFood, RM50 for Shopee Mall, and even a RM50 YES voucher for SIM and data. Unlike the RM150 ePemula credit, which can only be used for offline purchases, the extra RM500 vouchers from ShopeePay can be spent offline and online through the app.\n\n\nMore details on ShopeePay\u2019s ePemula benefits (along with the claim process) can be found \nhere\n.\n\n\nGrabPay\n\n\nGrabPay\u2019s extra incentives are not too shabby either. Although its RM210 extra vouchers on top of the RM150 ePemula credit are not quite as generous as Shopee\u2019s, it could be worth it for folks that order a lot of food delivery with GrabFood, among other things.\n\n\nThe RM210 vouchers from GrabPay is divided into RM150 for GrabFood and RM60 from Grab\u2019s partners, including Harvey Norman, FamilyMart, Starbucks, and Watsons. If these incentives tickle your fancy, you can claim your ePemula credit from GrabPay \nright here\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTNG eWallet\n\n\nTNG eWallet gives out RM200 worth of vouchers to every successful ePemula applicant, so this platform\u2019s offer is the least attractive if you\u2019re looking at sheer monetary value. Unfortunately, TNG eWallet did not specify either what (or where) the RM200 vouchers can be used for.\n\n\nNonetheless, if TNG eWallet is the ewallet you use the most, it can be worth it to claim for your RM150 ePemula credit from the platform. However, it\u2019s worth mentioning that the RM150 credit cannot be used for toll or parking payment. More details are available can be found on \nTNG\u2019s website\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBigPay\n\n\nBigPay\u2019s extra incentives are by far the best of the lot\u2026in monetary value, at least. The ewallet service is offering a whopping RM1,500 in vouchers, including RM1,000 from AirAsia Academy, RM325 on various AirAsia flights and hotel deals, RM76 to be used on AirAsia Deliveries, as well as a RM40 voucher from Zalora.\n\n\nAlthough the RM1,500 extra benefits look great at a glance, it\u2019s only worth it if you actually find the vouchers useful. That being said, one of BigPay\u2019s biggest advantages is the fact that you also get a Mastercard or Visa prepaid card with the ewallet service, which can be used for an easier payment process without having to use your smartphone.\n\n\nMore details on BigPay\u2019s ePemula benefits can be found \nhere\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth mentioning again that no matter which platform you\u2019re claiming the RM150 ePemula credit from, it can only be used for offline purchases. The RM150 credit is also only valid until 10 June 2022, so make sure you spend all of it by that date.\n\n\nDespite its limitations, the RM150 ePemula credit is still beneficial to those who are eligible for the programme. After all, over two million youths and students are expected to benefit from this initiative, which also cost RM300 million to implement.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-perodua-myvi-gearup-ace-bodykit-teased-again-in-full/", "title": "2022 Perodua Myvi GearUp Ace Bodykit Teased Again in Full", "body": "\n\nPerodua posted yet another teaser for the \n2022 Perodua Myvi\n\u2018s new GearUp Ace bodykit. The \nlast teaser\n only showed the front end of the bodykit, but this new video shows it in full, along with the aggressive (and sizeable) spoiler. Ideal for folks that want to give the facelifted Myvi a sportier look.\n\n\nAs usual, the teaser for the new Myvi\u2019s Ace GearUp bodykit was posted on Perodua\u2019s social media pages. We now get a glimpse of the side profile \u2013 revealing the two-tone side skirts to match the front end\u2019s colour scheme \u2013 and also the rear end of the bodykit.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from the new, larger spoiler, the rear end of the Myvi GearUp Ace bodykit also gives the rear bumper an extension, along with a diffuser-style trim. While it doesn\u2019t look quite as aggressive as the front end of the bodykit, there\u2019s enough going on to differentiate it from the standard model.\n\n\nThe teaser video also shows the previously revealed GearUp Ace seat covers for the 2022 Myvi, though there\u2019s no mention on exactly when the new Ace bodykit will be available for purchase. If you\u2019d like to book the new Myvi, you can do so \nover here\n.\n\n\n\n\nMyvi GearUp \u2013 ACE ACCESSORIES\u200b\nLook bolder, feel stylish, and up-to-date inside out with the Ace Bodykit and Ace Seat covers. Give your New Myvi continuous compliments. Book now at Perodua showrooms or online \nhttps://t.co/FTSHT0affc\n\u200b\n#NewMyvi\n \n#MyviGearUp\n \n#AceAccessories\n \npic.twitter.com/y9mauogsYa\n\u2014 Perodua (@perodua) \nApril 12, 2022\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/umw-toyota-records-22447-sales-in-q1-2022-new-model-launches-later-in-the-year/", "title": "UMW Toyota Records 22,447 Sales in Q1 2022 \u2013 New Model Launches Later in the Year", "body": "\n\nUMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) just revealed its sales figure for the first quarter of 2022. With over 22,447 units sold, the company is confident it can continue this upward trend for the rest of the year. On top of that, UMWT also revealed that it will introduce new models sometime this year.\n\n\nIn UMWT\u2019s quarterly sales announcement, the company detailed its sales figure for February and March 2022 as well, with 6,432 and 8,487 units sold respectively. For the Lexus brand, 66 units were sold in February, while 101 units were registered the following month.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for Toyota, 6,366 sales were recorded in February. The brand\u2019s sales performance sees a noticeable improvement in March 2022, where 8,386 units were sold, a 32% increase in sales. UMWT attributes this to the deals offered for its best-sellers, including the \nVios\n and \nYaris\n.\n\n\nInterestingly, UMWT mentioned in the same press release that there will be \u201cnew product launches later in the year.\u201d It remains to be seen what these new models will be, though they will certainly further bolster the sales performance of the company.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-city-hatchback-v-sensing-now-in-malaysia-adds-honda-sensing-for-rm92k/", "title": "Honda City Hatchback V Sensing Now in Malaysia \u2013 Adds Honda Sensing for RM92k", "body": "\n\nHonda Malaysia just introduced a new variant of its B-segment hatchback. The Honda City Hatchback V Sensing, just like its \nsedan counterpart of the same trim\n, is essentially the 1.5L V model with the addition of Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance safety systems.\n\n\nSo how much does the new City Hatchback V Sensing cost? A cool RM91,708.51 with sales tax exemption applied until \n30 June 2022\n. For the sake of comparison, the regular City Hatchback V currently goes for RM87,860, so you\u2019re paying exactly RM3,848.51 more for the V Sensing variant.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven the extra safety features you\u2019re getting with Honda Sensing, it\u2019s worth the price difference, in our opinion. The system includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigating Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Auto High Beam (AHB).\n\n\nAside from the addition of Honda Sensing, the City Hatchback V Sensing also gets a 7-inch digital instrument cluster instead of an analogue one. Beyond these two upgrades, other equipment of this new model are the exact same as the standard V model.\n\n\nIt\u2019s still powered by the same 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine that outputs 121PS and 145Nm of torque, and it is paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The City Hatchback V Sensing also gets six airbags, Honda LaneWatch, 16-inch alloy wheels, as well as support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Honda City Hatchback in the standard V trim\n\n\n\n\nThe Honda City Hatchback V Sensing is now available for booking in Malaysia. If you\u2019re interested to get it, you can place your booking online\u00a0\nhere\n. Alternatively, bookings can be done through the HondaTouch app too \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-city-v-sensing-made-up-34-city-sales-in-q1-2022/", "title": "Honda City V Sensing Made up 34% City Sales in Q1 2022", "body": "\n\nIt seems like the Honda City V Sensing is quite a popular choice among Malaysians. At least, that\u2019s the case for the first quarter of 2022, where 34% of City sales consist of the V Sensing model.\n\n\nEssentially the highest-end petrol variant of the City, the V Sensing trim was introduced in \nNovember last year\n. Priced at RM90,212.36 with sales tax exemption applied until\u00a0\n30 June 2022\n, it costs exactly RM3,650.91 more than the standard 1.5L V model.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBased on the popularity of the City V Sensing, it\u2019s evident that Malaysians are willing to pay more for the added safety features. Honda Sensing offers Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigating Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Auto High Beam (AHB).\n\n\n\u201cFor the first quarter of 2022, the City V Sensing contributed 34% to the total City sales, which shows a positive trend for this variant and also the recognition of Honda Sensing, our advanced safety technology,\u201d said the MD and CEO of Honda Malaysia, Hironobu Yoshimura.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Honda City V Sensing is now available for booking in Malaysia. If you\u2019re interested to get it, you can place your booking online\u00a0\nhere\n. Alternatively, bookings can be done through the HondaTouch app too \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-keychron-k8-pro-review-via-support-on-an-affordable-pre-built-keyboard/", "title": "Video: Keychron K8 Pro Review \u2013 VIA Support on an Affordable Pre-Built Keyboard", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the defining features of a custom keyboard is support for QMK and VIA, which allows for easy customisation of a keyboard\u2019s key mapping. Well, despite being a pre-built keyboard, the Keychron K8 Pro supports the two software, along with a number of other features typically found on custom keyboards.\n\n\nThese include a hotswap PCB, screw-in stabilisers, and even a reasonably pleasant sound profile. It also has other creature comforts such as wireless connectivity and adjustable feet to change the typing angle. Basically, features that are not found on many custom keyboards.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to get an affordable TKL keyboard with some winning qualities, the Keychron K8 Pro is really worth looking into. Starting at only $74 (about RM315), you can pre-order the keyboard \nright now on Kickstarter\n until 15 April.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-unveils-its-first-foldable-phone-vivo-x-fold-snapdragon-8-gen-1-120hz-amoled-8999-yuan/", "title": "Vivo Unveils Its First Foldable Phone, Vivo X Fold \u2013 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 120Hz AMOLED, 8,999 Yuan", "body": "\n\nVivo is the latest phone brand to enter the foldable market with the Vivo X Fold. Sporting flagship-level hardware with a rather competitive price tag, the X Fold looks quite compelling, even though it\u2019s only available in China at the moment.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the pricing of the X Fold. Available in two variants, the 256GB model costs 8,999 Chinese yuan (about RM5,980). The more generous 512GB variant, on the other hand, goes for 9,999 yuan (approximately RM6,645). Both configurations come with 12GB of RAM.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the X Fold features an 8.03-inch foldable AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate; Vivo said the screen can be folded over 300,000 times without issues. On top of that, the screen folds flat too, so you won\u2019t have to worry about dirt getting caught in between the two halves of the phone.\n\n\nOther specifications of the X Fold include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, a 120Hz 6.53-inch AMOLED cover screen, a quad camera system (50MP primary + 48MP ultra-wide angle + 12MP 2x telephoto + 8MP 5x periscope telephoto), 16MP selfie cameras (on the cover and foldable displays), as well as a 4,600mAh battery with support for 66W fast charging (50W wirelessly).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Vivo X Fold has only been launched in China. It remains to be seen if the flagship foldable phone will also be available in other markets.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/subscribe-to-the-volvo-xc40-recharge-or-hyundai-ioniq-5-ev-from-rm4200-month-on-flux/", "title": "Subscribe to the Volvo XC40 Recharge or Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV From RM4,200/Month on Flux", "body": "\n\nIf you want to get the ownership experience of an EV without being tied to a car loan, then consider subscribing to one \u2013 well, it\u2019s basically renting \u2013 from Flux, a car subscription service. The company just added the Volvo XC40 Recharge and Hyundai Ioniq 5 to its lineup, and you can pre-book both of them right now.\n\n\nThat being said, both of these EVs are only expected to be delivered to Flux subscribers in late May next month. The more affordable of the two is the Ioniq 5 in base Lite trim, which starts at a cool RM4,200 a month if you opt for the 36-month plan.\n\n\nAs for the XC40 Recharge, it costs RM5,200 a month for the same 36-month plan.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHowever, there are other costs to consider. On top of the monthly subscription cost, there\u2019s also a 6% service fee to be paid every month, bringing the total to RM4,452 and RM5,512 a month for the Ioniq 5 and XC40 Recharge respectively. There\u2019s also a start fee of RM4,494.40 and RM5,618.00 to be paid for the cars\u2019 \u201cinitial costs,\u201d as Flux puts it.\n\n\nWhile these are large sums of money, you won\u2019t need to worry about insurance, road tax, maintenance, or wear and tear if you subscribe to the XC40 Recharge or Ioniq 5 with Flux; all of these are included in the monthly cost. Of course, there\u2019s also the fact that you won\u2019t be tied to a bank loan.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested, you can pre-book the \nVolvo XC40 Recharge\n or \nHyundai Ioniq 5\n with Flux right now. To recap, they are expected to be delivered in late May 2022, and selected plans also come with free charger and concierge service.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/exclusive-mtg-streets-of-new-capenna-card-preview-big-score/", "title": "Exclusive MTG Streets of New Capenna Card Preview \u2013 Big Score", "body": "\n\nWe got an exclusive card preview for Magic: The Gathering\u2019s upcoming set, Streets of New Capenna from Wizards of the Coast! This is Big Score, a common rarity red instant spell that can help you better manage your mana pool \u2013 and even draw some cards.\n\n\nBig Score is especially useful when you\u2019ve got too many lands in your hand, as you need to discard a card as an additional cost to cast the spell. Not only do you get to draw two cards after doing so, you\u2019ll also receive two Treasure tokens that can be sacrificed to add one mana of \nany colour\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe instant speed of Big Score also means you can cast it whenever you have priority, even during your opponent\u2019s turn. This common spell is only offered with a normal frame, and naturally, it can be found in both Draft and Set Boosters of the upcoming set.\n\n\nMTG\u2019s Streets of New Capenna set will be released on 29 April 2022. If you want to pre-order the new set, check with your favourite local game store!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-a73-unboxing-rm2099-for-a-water-resistant-mid-ranger/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy A73 Unboxing \u2013 RM2,099 for a Water-Resistant Mid-Ranger", "body": "\n\nWater resistance is usually a feature reserved for flagship smartphones. But occasionally, there are some mid-rangers that sport this convenient feature; one such phone is the Samsung Galaxy A73.\n\n\nAside from its IP67 water and dust resistance, other aspects of the Galaxy A73 are pretty good too. While its pricing is a little steep at RM2,099, this is comfortably an upper mid-range phone. If you\u2019re shopping for a phone at this price point, here\u2019s an unboxing of the A73!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSimilar to Samsung\u2019s higher-end phones like the \nGalaxy S22 Ultra\n, the Galaxy A73\u2019s retail box is nice and compact, given that a charger is no longer bundled with the phone. If you don\u2019t have a spare USB-C charger lying around, you\u2019d need to get one.\n\n\nOf course, a USB-C to USB-C cable is\u00a0provided with the Galaxy A73, so you don\u2019t have to shop for both a cable and charger. Now, if you want to make use of this cable, you\u2019ll have to make sure you get a charger with a USB-C port instead of the more common USB-A connection.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOpen up the box, and you\u2019ll be greeted by the Galaxy A73 itself. A protective plastic sheet covers up the phone, and you\u2019ll have to remove it to start setting it up. Unfortunately, a screen protector is no longer pre-installed on the phone. Consider getting one yourself \nalong with a case to further protect the phone\n.\n\n\nThis review unit of the Galaxy A73 is in the Awesome Mint colourway, an exclusive colour option for this particular model. It\u2019s certainly a unique shade of green, though if you want a more\u2026classic-looking colour, there are the Awesome Grey and Awesome White options.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Galaxy A73 itself, it feels quite solid despite its plastic frame and rear panel; the phone doesn\u2019t feel cheap by any means. However, tipping the scales at 181g, it feels a tad too lightweight for my liking. A little bit more heft would\u2019ve given the impression of a more premium phone.\n\n\nNow, it\u2019s worth reiterating that the Galaxy A73 still doesn\u2019t feel cheap, but it doesn\u2019t exactly feel like a high-end, flagship phone either. Nonetheless, if you don\u2019t like hefty devices, you might find this to be a good quality for the 6.7-inch phone.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Galaxy A73\u2019s 6.7-inch 2400 x 1080 Super AMOLED Plus display looks bright and vibrant with deep blacks; typical traits of an AMOLED panel. This is a pleasant screen to look at, and coupled with the 120Hz refresh rate, you\u2019ve got yourself a high quality, fast display.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the performance department, the Galaxy A73 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset. Even though this is not a flagship-tier processor, it can still provide a fast, zippy user experience. I\u2019ll be putting it through its paces in the full review of the A73 \u2013 stay tuned for that.\n\n\nPacked with a 5,000mAh battery, I reckon the Galaxy A73 will be able to provide above average battery life too. After all, it only needs to power a 1080p AMOLED display \u2013 AMOLED panels are quite power-efficient \u2013 and the Snapdragon 778G itself isn\u2019t too power hungry, given that it\u2019s manufactured on a 5nm process.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the camera system of the Galaxy A73. It has a quad camera system made up of a 108MP primary shooter, a 12MP ultra-wide angle lens, a 5MP bokeh camera, and a 5MP depth sensor. It also has a 32MP selfie camera.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile the Galaxy A73\u2019s 108MP primary camera and 12MP ultra-wide angle lens is a good combo, it is quite odd that this phone doesn\u2019t retain \nits predecessor\u2019s telephoto shooter\n. This limits the versatility of the camera configuration, given that it essentially loses out on an extra focal length.\n\n\nGranted, most folks will find more use out of an ultra-wide angle camera than a telephoto lens. In instances where you do need the extra zoom, the 108MP primary sensor can still be used, though it\u2019ll be relying on digital zoom instead, losing out on image fidelity.\n\n\nNonetheless, I\u2019ll definitely take a deeper look at the camera performance of the Galaxy A73 in the full review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, only a single variant of the Samsung Galaxy A73 is offered here. Sporting 256GB of internal storage \u2013 that is quite generous \u2013 with 8GB of RAM, it is priced at RM2,099. Compared to other mid-range phones in the market now, this price tag is certainly on the higher side.\n\n\nBut the Galaxy A73 is also quite a polished mid-range, not to mention the fact that it has an IP67 rating, a rare feature even among flagship phones. But even then, can the A73 really demand a RM2,099 price tag? Well, stay tuned to the full review for an answer to this question.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-ayaka-rerun-banner-revealed-arrives-19-april-with-sayu-rosaria-razor/", "title": "Genshin Impact Ayaka Rerun Banner Revealed \u2013 Arrives 19 April With Sayu, Rosaria, Razor", "body": "\n\nKamisato Ayaka\u2019s banner is finally returning to \nGenshin Impact\n next week on 19 April. The event wish for the 5-star Cryo character will be accompanied by Sayu, Rosaria, and Razor.\n\n\nJust like Genshin Impact\u2019s\u00a0\nprevious character\n\u00a0\nevent wishes\n, the \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Ayaka, Sayu, Rosaria, and Razor will be increased. In the case of Ayaka, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be her. If you got a different character, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be Ayaka.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s pity system for character banners ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character every 90 wishes, you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Ayaka. The same rule applies to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Sayu, Rosaria, or Razor. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will likely have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKamisato Ayaka\u2019s \u201cThe Heron\u2019s Court\u201d event wish will go live in Genshin Impact on 19 April next week. Her banner will be available until 10 May; it\u2019s safe to assume \nYelan and Kuki Shinobu\u2019s event wishes\n will arrive shortly after that.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/14-20-april-fuel-price-all-prices-unchanged/", "title": "14 \u2013 20 April Fuel Price: All Prices Unchanged", "body": "\n\nNo changes to fuel prices this week! Of course, this mainly applies to RON 97, given that the ceiling prices of RON 95 and diesel have been reached.\n\n\nFor the next seven days, the price of RON 97 is maintained at RM3.81 per litre. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 14 to 20 April 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/new-enhanced-tng-card-with-nfc-now-available-but-only-reloadable-through-app-in-may-2022/", "title": "New \u201cEnhanced\u201d TNG Card With NFC Now Available, But Only Reloadable Through App in May 2022", "body": "\n\nThe much anticipated Touch \u2018n Go card with NFC capability is now available for purchase! Thanks to its NFC support, the new TNG card can be reloaded directly through the TNG eWallet app, but there is a caveat to this.\n\n\nAccording to \nAmanz\n, the new \u201cEnhanced\u201d TNG card \u2013 yes, that\u2019s the official name \u2013 is actually available for purchase right now: it costs RM10 if you get it from TNG\u2019s very own hub in Nu Sentral. In fact, the new card is also sold online through some retailers, though the ones we found are \nlisting it at a higher price\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHowever, even though the new Enhanced TNG card is available for purchase now, the ability to reload it through the TNG eWallet app is not ready yet. According to a sales representative at TNG\u2019s hub in Nu Sentral (as written in Amanz\u2019s report), the feature is only expected to be available sometime next month in May 2022.\n\n\nNonetheless, now that the Enhanced TNG card is available for purchase \u2013 from TNG\u2019s hub itself, no less \u2013 TNG should be making an official announcement very soon. Do note that the Enhanced TNG card itself has no credit when you purchase it; you\u2019re paying the RM10 just for the card itself, basically.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hyundai-ioniq-5-ev-quick-review-quirky-looks-quick-performance-excellent-value/", "title": "Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV Quick Review: Quirky Looks, Quick Performance, Excellent Value", "body": "\n\nThe Hyundai Ioniq 5 is easily one of the most unique-looking EVs in the market now. But beyond its quirky looks, this electric SUV also offer \na ton\n of power under the hood, along with great value for money, thanks to the various incentives given by the Malaysian government for EVs.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re shopping for a premium electric SUV, the Ioniq 5 should definitely, \ndefinitely\n be in your list. Not quite convinced? Then keep on reading \u2013 there\u2019s a reason why it has won so many awards, including the coveted 2022 World Car of the Year title.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt the design of the Ioniq 5 will turn heads. After all, it looks like something out of a science fiction flick; it wouldn\u2019t even look out of place in a futuristic-esque game like Cyberpunk 2077, if you will. From the mesmerising 20-inch wheels to the \u201cpixelated\u201d taillights, this is a handsome (and very quirky) electric SUV.\n\n\nDo note that this is the Ioniq 5 in the range-topping Max variant, which features a 72.6kWh battery that can return up to 430km of range on the WLTP cycle. That\u2019s a respectable figure, though I wasn\u2019t able to put this to the test. I only had a few good hours with the EV courtesy of a reader, who was generous enough to loan Nextrift the car (thanks mystery reader!).\n\n\nThis being the range-topping model, the Ioniq 5 Max also feature a dual-motor AWD configuration, offering a whopping combined output of \n305PS and 605Nm\n of torque. This allows the electric SUV to accelerate from 0-100kmph in only 5.2 seconds.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNeedless to say, the Ioniq 5 is a \nfast\n EV. Even when I\u2019m cruising at about 80kmph, putting my foot down on the pedal can still \nreally\n push me back into the seat! It\u2019s really quite exhilarating to drive a car with so much power to offer, even if it doesn\u2019t offer exceptional handling.\n\n\nDon\u2019t get me wrong, the Ioniq 5 still handles quite well with decent steering feel, but I wouldn\u2019t exactly feel confident enough to negotiate a corner at high speeds with this car. At the end of the day, this is still an SUV with a higher centre of gravity than a much lower sedan or performance car.\n\n\nAs for the ride quality of the Ioniq 5, it\u2019s great! It soaks up road bumps exceptionally well, so not much vibration is transmitted to the cabin. All in all, it\u2019s a very comfortable car to be in.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the biggest differences between driving a petrol car and an EV like the Ioniq 5 is the ability to drive the latter with just the throttle pedal. Basically, when you lift your foot off of the throttle, it\u2019s as if you\u2019re depressing the brakes on a petrol car. This regenerative braking also charges up the battery of the EV.\n\n\nInitially, it\u2019s quite a jarring experience, but I got used to it quite quickly. Of course, if you don\u2019t like this driving characteristic, you can easily adjust the sensitivity of this feature, or just disable it entirely with the paddles on the steering wheel. No, these are not paddle shifters \u2013 EVs don\u2019t have any gears to shift.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOkay, enough about performance: what about the pricing of the Ioniq 5? Well, it\u2019s offered in three variants: Lite (RM199,888), Plus (RM229,888), and the Max model you see here for a cool RM259,888. Yes, this is not an affordable EV, but given the sheer performance (and space) that you get with the SUV, it really does offer good value for money.\n\n\nWhile it doesn\u2019t look particularly big in pictures, the Ioniq 5 is without a doubt a \nlarge \nelectric SUV. At 4,635mm long and 1,890mm wide, it\u2019s physically bigger than one of its EV competition, the \nMercedes-Benz EQA\n, which also cost quite a bit more at RM278,201.25.\n\n\nThere\u2019s also the fact that the Ioniq 5 is built from the ground up as an EV, and it is a sleeker-looking car to boot. Well, in my opinion, at least.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile the Malaysian government is still offering various incentives for electric cars on our shores \u2013 EVs are fully exempted\u00a0from import and excise duties, as well as road tax \u2013 the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (and most EVs here, basically) is especially compelling. However, at the end of the day, this is still an EV that needs to be charged.\n\n\nDepending on where you\u2019re located and whether or not you\u2019ll have access to a charger at home, it can be difficult to get the Ioniq 5 charged up for your daily commute or trips out of the city. While there are quite a number of EV chargers in the Klang Valley area, locating one in other parts of the country can be a difficult task.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn the bright side, the EV charging infrastructure in Malaysia is definitely being improved upon, but not as fast as one would hope. So in the meantime, you\u2019ll definitely feel the pinch as an early adopter, but if you\u2019re ready for an electrified future, the Ioniq 5 is a fantastic choice.\n\n\nAnd that is our quick review of the Ioniq 5! We also have a video review of the electric SUV in the works \u2013 stay tuned for that.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-a96-unboxing-hands-on-sleek-looks-big-battery-but-for-how-much/", "title": "Oppo A96 Unboxing & Hands-On: Sleek Looks, Big Battery, but for How Much?", "body": "\n\nThe Oppo A96 will be launched in Malaysia next week on 18 April. Ahead of its official launch, Oppo Malaysia sent over a review unit of the mid-range phone, so here\u2019s our unboxing and hands-on of the A96!\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about the specifications of the A96. Some of the phone\u2019s headline features include 256GB of internal storage and 8GB of RAM \u2013 pretty generous capacities \u2013 a sizeable 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W SuperVOOC charging, along with a rather sleek-looking design dubbed \u201cOppo Glow.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is a reference to the gradient-like finish on the back panel of the A96 in Pearl Pink you see in this article. Though there are quite a number of other phones that sport a similar-looking design, it\u2019s still a nice design element. Depending on the angle you\u2019re looking at the A96\u2019s back panel from, the colour shifts accordingly.\n\n\nOkay, now to the unboxing. The A96 comes in a rather big box; that\u2019s because a charger \u2013 a 33W unit, to boot \u2013 is bundled with the phone. Naturally, a charging cable (USB-A to USB-C) is also provided, along with a silicone case.\n\n\nOn top of that, the A96 has a pre-applied screen protector too. Paired together with the silicone case, you\u2019ve got yourself a pretty well-protected phone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve missed the headphone jack on a phone, well, the A96 has just that on the bottom of the phone. It also has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is much faster than the in-screen sensors of other mid-range smartphones. It doubles as the power button as well.\n\n\nIn the performance department, the A96 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset. It\u2019s a decidedly mid-range processor, but it should be fast enough for everyday use. In my brief time with the phone so far, it does feel fast and zippy, though it\u2019s worth noting that this applies to most modern mid-rangers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the A96\u2019s 6.59-inch 1080p LTPS display, which looks decent. It is by no means as bright or as vibrant as an AMOLED panel, but given the positioning of this phone (the budget segment), it\u2019s definitely a good enough screen. The 90Hz refresh rate also helps in the overall responsiveness of the device.\n\n\nAnother hardware that\u2019s worth mentioning again is the battery capacity of the A96. Rated at 5,000mAh, it should be able to provide above average battery life. Oppo also said that the 33W SuperVOOC charger that\u2019s bundled with the phone can provide 50% charge in 26 minutes of charging; decent speed for a phone in this segment.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut given the budget nature of the A96, it does have some shortcomings in certain aspects. Its design, for one, could use some work. Yes, I do like the unique aesthetic of the rear panel, but the large hole-punch cutout on the screen for the 16MP selfie camera and equally large bottom bezels don\u2019t look particularly sleek.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the plastic back panel of the A96 also feels a tad too soft and plasticky. In fact, I can physically see and feel the panel being depressed as I apply some \nlight \npressure to it. This, in turn, doesn\u2019t make for particularly solid build quality, though it\u2019s a non-issue if you do decide to slap on a case to the phone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the camera performance of the A96. It features a dual camera system, which only consist of a 50MP primary shooter and a 2MP bokeh lens. No telephoto sensor to be found here, let alone an ultra-wide angle camera.\n\n\nTo be fair, the sole 50MP camera does seem to be able to take decent-looking shots, but I have yet to put it through its paces in more challenging lighting situations. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how the camera would perform in low light conditions; stay tuned to the full review for that.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile the Oppo A96 has a few shortcomings, it\u2019s important to look at the phone for what it is: a budget-friendly offering. If priced right, these negatives can be overlooked, in my opinion, though it remains to be seen just how much it will cost here.\n\n\nFor the sake of comparison, its direct predecessor, the \nOppo A95\n, went for RM1,099 at launch, and it only offered 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. Although the A96 has the same amount of RAM, it comes with twice the amount of internal storage at 256GB, so\u2026there\u2019s a chance it will not retain the same price tag.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, we\u2019ll find out for ourselves just how much the A96 will go for once it is launched in Malaysia next week on 18 April. Hopefully, it won\u2019t be priced out of the market \u2013 anything above RM1,500 would be too much.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-exora-celebrates-13th-anniversary-records-186137-sales-as-leading-c-segment-mpv/", "title": "Proton Exora Celebrates 13th Anniversary \u2013 Records 186,137 Sales as Leading C-Segment MPV", "body": "\n\nTo celebrate the 13th anniversary of the Proton Exora, the national carmaker revealed the sales number of the C-segment MPV. Touted as the top-selling car in its segment, over 186,137 units of the Exora are now on Malaysian roads.\n\n\nThat is a respectable figure, and despite being in the market for 13 years now \u2013 it was launched back in 2009 \u2013 a number of folks are still purchasing the Exora. \nJust last month in March\n, 536 units of the Exora were delivered.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, starting at RM57,300 with sales tax exemption applied until 30 June 2022, the Exora is quite an affordable MPV. For that kind of money, it also offers a 1.6L turbocharged engine that outputs 140PS and 205Nm of torque paired with a CVT gearbox. Drive is sent to the front wheels.\n\n\nIf you want to get the Proton Exora minus sales tax, you\u2019ve got until 30 June 2022 to do so. Given that the exemption period has been extended three times already, it\u2019s unlikely the Malaysian government will give another extension.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-ramadan-deals-offer-up-to-43-discount-on-physical-ps5-ps4-games/", "title": "PlayStation Ramadan Deals Offer up to 43% Discount on (Physical) PS5 & PS4 Games", "body": "\n\nIn conjunction with Ramadan, PlayStation is offering pretty respectable discounts on a slew of games for both the PS5 and PS4. Happening now until 30 April, you can save up to 43% through this deal.\n\n\nInterestingly, there are more PS5 games on offer than PS4 in this sale. The full list of games on discount are outlined below:\n\n\nDemon\u2019s Soul (PS5) RM209\nDeath Stranding Director\u2019s Cut\n (PS5) RM169\nGhost of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut\n (PS5) RM209\nCall of Duty: Vanguard (PS5) RM209\nFinal Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (PS5) RM169\nGhost of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut (PS4) RM169\nMarvel\u2019s Spider-Man: Miles Morales\n (PS4) RM169\nCall of Duty: Vanguard (PS4) RM169\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo note that these prices are for physical copies of the games. To enjoy these discounted prices, you\u2019ll have to check with your favourite game store, though some online retailers are already listing these titles at the discounted prices, including \nSony Malaysia itself\n.\n\n\nIf you prefer getting digital copies of games instead, you can wait until 27 April to get special prices on \u201cmany game titles\u201d (as PlayStation put it) on the PlayStation Store itself. The full list of games that will be discounted will be announced closer to the start of the sale, which is set to begin on 27 April to 11 May.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-perodua-myvi-gearup-ace-bodykit-finally-shown-in-person/", "title": "2022 Perodua Myvi GearUp Ace Bodykit Finally Shown in Person", "body": "\n\nPerodua has been teasing the \nGearUp Ace bodykit\n for the 2022 Myvi for \nquite some time now\n, and today, the national carmaker finally unveiled how it looks like in person. This is the first time we\u2019re seeing the actual bodykit shown on a white Myvi \u2013 previous leaked images of the kit was on a red model instead.\n\n\nThe front end of the GearUp Ace bodykit for the facelifted Myvi is the most aggressive angle, in our opinion. The sizeable bumper add-on piece has a two-tone colour scheme, and the black bits contrast nicely with the white paint job.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Myvi Experience \u2013 Youthful Design\nDesigned to make you stand out with its eye-catching accents and bolder look design. The New Myvi is the Next Standard. Book now at any Perodua showroom or online: \nhttps://t.co/FTSHT0aN4K\n\u00a0\n#Perodua\n \n#NewMyvi\n \n#NextStandard\n \n#YouthfulDesign\n \npic.twitter.com/qQsdi05mui\n\u2014 Perodua (@perodua) \nApril 15, 2022\n\n\n\n\nIn the video above, you can also see the side profile of the GearUp Ace bodykit. Naturally, the side skirts has the same dual-tone design. Though it\u2019s not quite as obvious, the new, larger spoiler is also shown in the video, along with the diffuser-style trim in the middle section of the rear bumper.\n\n\nUnfortunately, there\u2019s still no mention on exactly when the 2022 Perodua Myvi\u2019s GearUp Ace bodykit will be available for purchase. Nonetheless, if you\u2019d like to book the new Myvi, you can do so \nover here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-perodua-myvi-gearup-ace-bodykit-costs-rm2500-rear-spoiler-available-separately-for-rm550/", "title": "2022 Perodua Myvi GearUp Ace Bodykit Costs RM2,500 \u2013 Rear Spoiler Available Separately for RM550", "body": "\n\nAfter posting \nseveral\n \nteasers\n, Perodua finally revealed more details on the GearUp Ace bodykit for the new Perodua Myvi, including pricing. If you want to get this aggressive-looking kit for your Myvi, it will cost you RM2,500.\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Ace bodykit is made up of a front bumper kit, rear bumper kit, side skirtings, as well as a rear spoiler. Daytime running lights are not included in the bodykit, so the LED DRLs you see in these images are of the H and AV variants, which get the feature as standard.\n\n\nNaturally, the Ace bodykit is available for all six colour options of the Myvi. These include Ivory White (pictured here), Cranberry Red, Lava Red, Granite Grey, Glittering Silver, and Electric Blue.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to get just the rear spoiler of the Ace bodykit for your new Myvi, good news: you can purchase it separately for RM550. There are also door visors (RM150), chrome side mirror garnish (RM120), and chrome window garnish (RM150) available for purchase.\n\n\nKeen to get the new GearUp Ace bodykit for your 2022 Perodua Myvi? Then head to your nearest Perodua dealership to find out more. You can also book the new Myvi online\u00a0\nright here\n.\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-a96-launched-in-malaysia-rm1299-for-snapdragon-680-256gb-storage/", "title": "Oppo A96 Launched in Malaysia \u2013 RM1,299 for Snapdragon 680 & 256GB Storage", "body": "\n\nOppo just launched its latest mid-range phone in Malaysia, the Oppo A96. Sporting 256GB of internal storage \u2013 quite sizeable for a phone in this segment \u2013 the A96 is also a sleek-looking mid-ranger.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the A96 is offered for the Malaysian market. Featuring the aforementioned 256GB storage and 8GB of RAM, the A96 is priced at RM1,299 locally. This is a RM200 price increase over its predecessor, the \nOppo A95\n, though the new phone does come with twice the amount of storage.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the A96 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset. Even though this is a decidedly mid-range chip, it\u2019s still able to provide a \nzippy user experience\n. Along with its 8GB of RAM, the A96 should be able to provide a pleasant user experience too.\n\n\nOther specifications of the A96 include a 6.59-inch 1080p LTPS display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a dual camera system (50MP primary + 2MP bokeh), a 16MP selfie shooter, a sizeable 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W SuperVOOC charging, and ColorOS 11.1 based on Android 11 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo A96 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 22 April. You can also get free gifts worth RM498 with every pre-order of the phone, including a slew of discount vouchers and an A96 gift box worth RM99, which include a power bank and an umbrella.\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about the A96, check out our \nhands-on and unboxin\ng\n of the mid-ranger\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sp-star-meteor-white-restocked-for-rm1-95-per-switch-on-shopee/", "title": "SP-Star Meteor White Restocked for RM1.95 Per Switch on Shopee", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe \nSP-Star Meteor White\n, one of our favourite linear switches, is \nback in stock on Shopee\n. Offered by Preferred Shopee retailer NullKeyboards, the Meteor White is listed at RM19.50 for a pack of 10 switches \u2013 that\u2019s RM1.90 per unit, a great price for a switch of this calibre.\n\n\nWhat makes the Meteor White an excellent linear switch (in our opinion) is its soft, \u201ccushioned\u201d bottom out. Not only does the soft bottom out make for a comfortable typing experience, it has a nice, dampened sound signature too. For the lack of a better word, it has a \u201cpoppy\u201d sound signature, especially after it is lubed and filmed.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPlus, \nfor only RM1.90 per switch\n, it\u2019s not as expensive as, say, the \nCobalt POM\n. Despite its more budget-friendly price tag, it easily performs just as well as any high-end linear switch.\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to know more about the SP-Star Meteor White, check out our full review of the linear switch \nright here\n. You can also listen to a \nsound test of the switch\n in the video above on the \nMode SixtyFive\n!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-t1-series-arrives-in-malaysia-25-april-razer-pubg-collaboration/", "title": "Vivo T1 Series Arrives in Malaysia 25 April \u2013 Razer & PUBG Collaboration", "body": "\n\nVivo Malaysia finally revealed the launch date for its latest \u201cgaming series,\u201d the Vivo T1. Set to be launched next week on 25 April, at least two different devices will launch under the new lineup, as shown in teasers posted by the company.\n\n\nInterestingly, the T1 series is said to be a collaboration with Razer and PUBG. According to Vivo, it is \u201cjoining hands with Razer and PUBG to deliver an elevated gaming experience,\u201d so there may be some software tweaks involved.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, no other details regarding the T1 series were unveiled by Vivo Malaysia. Granted, the Vivo T1 and Vivo T1X are already available in China, though the two phones look slightly different (especially the camera sensors) than the ones shown in the teaser image above.\n\n\nNonetheless, we\u2019ll find out just what the Vivo T1 series has to offer come next week on 25 April. You can catch the livestream of the launch event at 12PM on that day through various platforms, including \nFacebook\n, YouTube, Twitter, and even TikTok.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopee-sellers-to-be-charged-unsuccessful-order-fees-from-9-may-2022/", "title": "Shopee Sellers to Be Charged Unsuccessful Order Fees From 9 May 2022", "body": "\n\nShopee is implementing a new change on 9 May 2022 next month. For orders that are approved for return/refund, Shopee sellers will be charged an \u201cunsuccessful order fee,\u201d which include forward shipping fee (FSF) and/or return shipping fee (RSF).\n\n\nHowever, Shopee sellers will only be charged this fee if the return/refund case is caused by the seller\u2019s fault. These include wrong orders, incomplete items, or counterfeit products. FSF and RSF will not be charged if the buyer\u2019s return/refund request is \u201cchange of mind\u201d either.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Shopee, FSF and RSF are charged by its logistics partners. FSF is paid by buyers, while RSF is borne by Shopee itself. Chances are, Shopee is implementing this new system so that sellers will be more careful with their orders.\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about Shopee\u2019s new unsuccessful order fee system, you can read the full details \nhere\n and \nhere\n. While buyers are largely unaffected by this, sellers being more careful with their orders will ultimately ensure a more pleasant shopping experience for buyers.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ops-hari-raya-5-traffic-offences-cannot-be-compounded-to-be-settled-in-court/", "title": "Ops Hari Raya: 5 Traffic Offences Cannot Be Compounded \u2013 To Be Settled in Court", "body": "\n\nPlanning a \u201cbalik kampung\u201d trip? Then you may want to be extra careful on the road during the festive season. For the Hari Raya period, five traffic offences will not be compoundable. Basically, to settle these offences, you\u2019ll have to appear in court.\n\n\nThis was detailed by transport minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong. The five traffic offences that cannot be compounded during Ops Hari Raya include speeding, driving on the emergency lane, using a phone while driving, running the red light, as well as queue jumping.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, you will need to appear in court to settle these traffic offences; simply paying a fine will not cut it. It\u2019s also worth noting that non-compoundable summonses like these will not be eligible for \nfuture discounts either\n.\n\n\nLike previous festive seasons, goods vehicles won\u2019t be allowed on the road either during the Hari Raya period to ease traffic. This ban will be enforced three days before and two days after Hari Raya, which are from 30 April to 2 May and 7 to 8 May.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mtg-streets-of-new-capenna-features-tokens-made-by-a-malaysian-arrives-29-april/", "title": "MTG Streets of New Capenna Features Tokens Made by a Malaysian \u2013 Arrives 29 April", "body": "\n\nMagic: The Gathering\u2019s upcoming set, \nStreets of New Capenna\n, is arriving next week on 29 April. Ahead of the set\u2019s launch, Wizards of the Coast revealed six token designs from the set, which are exclusive to Southeast Asia. On top of that, two of the tokens are drawn by Malaysian artist \nFei Giap\n.\n\n\nThe two tokens that were illustrated by Fei Giap \u2013 who is also the co-founder and creative director of Loka Made \u2013 are the treasure token for the Maestros crime family and the Halo magical substance. As for the other four tokens, they are designed by Rachta Lin (Singapore), Richard Suwono (Indonesia), Hongtae Taecholarn (Thailand), and Lius Estevez & Josh Corpuz (Philippines).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, these particular token designs are exclusive to Southeast Asia, and they are limited single print run. To get these tokens, you\u2019ll have to purchase Streets of New Capenna\u2019s Collector Booster Box from participating WPN (Wizards Play Network) stores.\n\n\nMTG\u2019s Streets of New Capenna set will be released on 29 April 2022. It is available in Draft, Set, and Collector Boosters, along with factionalised Theme Boosters and Commander Decks. If you want to pre-order the new set, check with your favourite local game store!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-matebook-d-15-with-11th-gen-intel-chip-now-in-malaysia-from-rm3099-early-birds-get-rm827-freebies/", "title": "Huawei MateBook D 15 With 11th Gen Intel Chip Now in Malaysia From RM3,099 \u2013 Early Birds Get RM827 Freebies", "body": "\n\nHuawei just launched the refreshed Huawei MateBook D 15 in Malaysia. Now sporting Intel\u2019s 11th generation processor, this thin and light productivity laptop offers reasonably good value for money too.\n\n\nThe updated MateBook D 15 with an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor starts at RM3,099 in Malaysia. For that kind of money, it offers 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. If you want more RAM, you can upgrade it to 16GB for RM3,399.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThose who purchase the higher-end MateBook D 15 (16GB + 512GB) model will also receive RM827 worth of freebies. these include a Huawei FreeLace neckbuds, Huawei CD20 Bluetooth mouse, Huawei-branded backpack, and a complimentary one year extended warranty. If you get the 8GB + 512GB variant instead, you only get the backpack and extended warranty.\n\n\nAs mentioned, the MateBook D 15 is quite a portable machine: its 16.9mm thin metal chassis weighs only 1.56kg. It also has a sleek-looking 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen with an 87% screen-to-body ratio, as well as Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics and Windows 10 Home out of the box (upgradable to Windows 11).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe new Huawei MateBook D 15 will be available for purchase in Malaysia this Friday on 22 April with a RM3,099 starting price. If you\u2019re keen to get this productivity laptop, you can do so \nover here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-9-with-ripple-design-lands-in-malaysia-from-rm899-get-rm70-discount-on-22-april/", "title": "Realme 9 With \u201cRipple Design\u201d Lands in Malaysia From RM899 \u2013 Get RM70 Discount on 22 April", "body": "\n\nRealme just launched yet another affordable phone in Malaysia, the Realme 9. One unique feature of the phone is its \u201cripple holographic design\u201d on the back panel, and paired with its affordable pricing, the Realme 9 could appeal to those who are looking for a budget-friendly phone.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Realme 9 are offered for the Malaysian market. The RM899 base model features 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. If you want more RAM instead, opt for the 8GB + 128GB configuration instead for RM999.\n\n\nFor the first sale of the Realme 9 on 22 April through Shopee, you can get the base model with a RM70 discount, bringing down the price \nto RM829\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnder the hood of the Realme 9 is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset, along with a 6.4-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (108MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), a 16MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging.\n\n\nTo recap, the Realme 9 will be available for purchase \non Shopee first\n this Friday on 22 April from only RM829; that\u2019s a RM70 discount from the original price for the 6GB + 128GB model. The 8GB + 128GB variant, on the other hand, costs RM999.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/21-27-april-fuel-price-all-prices-unchanged-again/", "title": "21 \u2013 27 April Fuel Price: All Prices Unchanged Again!", "body": "\n\nGood news: there are no changes to fuel prices again this week! Of course, this mainly applies to RON 97, given that the ceiling prices of RON 95 and diesel have been reached.\n\n\nFor the next seven days, the price of RON 97 is maintained at RM3.81 per litre. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 21 to 27 April 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-pad-mini-tablet-arrives-in-malaysia-for-only-rm699-early-birds-get-rm100-discount/", "title": "Realme Pad Mini Tablet Arrives in Malaysia for Only RM699 \u2013 Early Birds Get RM100 Discount", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nRealme 9\n, the Chinese company also launched an affordable tablet in Malaysia. Not only is the Realme Pad Mini budget-friendly, it even features a rather sleek-looking metal chassis.\n\n\nThree different variants of the Pad Mini are offered in Malaysia. The WiFi-only base model with 3GB of RAM and 32GB storage costs RM699, while the LTE variant with the same storage and RAM capacities is priced at RM749. The range-topping 4GB + 64GB configuration, on the other hand, goes for RM799.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Pad Mini comes with a Unisoc T616 processor. Other specifications of this affordable tablet include an 8.4-inch 1340 x 800 display, an 8MP rear camera, a 5MP selfie camera, as well as a rather generous 6,400mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging.\n\n\nThe Realme Pad Mini will be available for purchase in Malaysia on 25 April. Both the WiFi-only and LTE versions of the 3GB + 32GB configuration can be purchased on Shopee for \nRM599\n and \nRM729\n on the day itself \u2013 that\u2019s a RM100 and RM50 discount respectively \u2013 while the 4GB + 64GB model is sold through authorised retailers for RM799.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/logitech-lift-is-a-funky-ergonomic-vertical-mouse-for-rm299-in-malaysia/", "title": "Logitech Lift Is a Funky, Ergonomic Vertical Mouse for RM299 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nLogitech just launched a brand new \u201cvertical\u201d mouse, and it\u2019s quite affordable, especially in comparison to its more premium MX series. Enter the Logitech Lift, which will definitely appeal to folks who want a more ergonomically-friendly mouse.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Lift retails at RM299; a reasonable price tag for a mouse of this calibre. It is also offered in three distinct colours: Rose, Pale Grey, and the classic Graphite. However, even though it\u2019s offered in both left- and right-handed options, only the latter is confirmed for Malaysia at the moment.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, the Lift\u2019s \u201cvertical\u201d nature should reduce wrist strain as your hand will be resting at a more natural angle on the mouse. It has a rubber grip too \u2013 and even a \u201ccosy thumb rest,\u201d as Logitech puts it \u2013 for improved comfort, especially during extended use.\n\n\nNaturally, the Lift is also a wireless mouse, which can be connected to a device via Bluetooth or the bundled Logi Bolt USB receiver. It is good for up to 10m of wireless range, and although it doesn\u2019t have a built-in battery, it\u2019s said to be able to offer up to \ntwo years\n of use with a single AA battery.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, while the local pricing of the Logitech Lift has been revealed on \nLogitech\u2019s Malaysian website\n, it is not available for purchase in Malaysia just yet. Rest assured, we\u2019ll keep a close eye on the local availability of this ergonomic vertical mouse.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-is-the-2022-proton-saga-facelift-4-variants-keyless-entry-could-launch-in-may-2022/", "title": "This Is the 2022 Proton Saga Facelift \u2013 4 Variants, Keyless Entry, Could Launch in May 2022", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been a while since we\u2019ve got information on the \n2022 Proton Saga facelift\n. This time around, an image of the updated A-segment sedan in the middle of assembly leaked online, along with a document that (supposedly) confirms four variants of the new Saga, along with their specifications.\n\n\nThis image of the facelifted Saga being assembled was first posted by \nmalaysia_cars_overseas\n on Instagram \u2013 though the original post has been taken down \u2013 and subsequently shared by \nFuntasticko\n. Among the changes we can see in the image include the new Infinite Weave grille, updated design for the alloy wheels, and seemingly smoked taillights.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the leaked document, it shows four variants of the 2022 Saga: Standard MT, Standard AT, Premium AT, and the range-topping Premium S AT. Naturally, the latter gets all the bells and whistles for the upcoming sedan, including keyless entry, push start button, semi-leather seats, and side skirts with a front bumper lip.\n\n\nGiven that the document doesn\u2019t specify any changes to the engine, the updated Saga will likely soldier on with the same 1.3L four-cylinder engine that outputs 95hp and 120Nm of torque. It should still be mated to a four-speed automatic transmission that\u2019s sourced from Hyundai as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrevious spy shots of the 2022 Saga\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet from Proton on the launch of the 2022 Proton Saga facelift, though local automotive site \nWapcar\n said that the new sedan will be launched sometime in May next month. We\u2019ll just have to wait until then to see if the facelifted Saga will makes its debut.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/getting-back-into-magic-the-gathering-easy-to-learn/", "title": "Getting Back Into Magic: The Gathering \u2013 Easy to Learn?", "body": "\n\nMagic: The Gathering\u2019s\u00a0\nStreets of New Capenna\n set is arriving next week on 29 April. Ahead of the set\u2019s launch, Wizards of the Coast held a play session to get members of the media familiarised with the trading card game.\n\n\nNow, the last time I played Magic was back in 2013 when the first Theros set was released. Needless to say, my knowledge of the card game is a little\u2026rusty. But after a quick refresher, it\u2019s surprisingly easy to get back into the game. This holds true even if you\u2019re a newcomer.\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve always wanted to try out Magic, go for it; it\u2019s really not that difficult to grasp the mechanics of the card game. Of course, with the right community and group of friends, Magic is certainly a fun card game regardless of your skill level.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt the start of the media play session for Magic: The Gathering, we were given two Jumpstart booster packs; a set that was released back in 2020. Each pack contains 20 Magic cards (including lands), and with two packs shuffled together, we have a playable 40-card deck!\n\n\nWhile cards featured in the Jumpstart set are not Standard-legal \u2013 they are only legal in Eternal formats \u2013 this is still a great way for new players to get familiarised with how a game of Magic is played.\n\n\nPersonally, I would\u2019ve preferred a sealed format instead (or even drafting) with the new Streets of Capenna set, but it can be tough for newcomers to immediately build a deck from scratch in this format.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, once we\u2019ve got our decks ready and shuffled thoroughly, we were paired with another member of the media to start a match. Speaking of shuffling, always have card sleeves ready if you\u2019re planning to play Magic by cracking open new packs.\n\n\nNot only is it much, \nmuch\n easier to shuffle sleeved cards, the sleeves also protect the Magic cards. Given that some of the cards can cost quite a bit of money \u2013 especially if you pull a mythic rare card \u2013 it\u2019s good practice to keep the cards as pristine as possible to retain their value.\n\n\nUnfortunately, we didn\u2019t have card sleeves during our play session. Thankfully (and unfortunately), I didn\u2019t pull any high value card from my two packs, so I didn\u2019t feel \ntoo bad\n about playing them without sleeves on. Oh, a playmat \nor a nice deskmat\n would be great too to further protect your cards.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow that we have an opponent, we flip a coin (or any mutually agreeable method) to decide a winner, who gets to decide to start first or second. Once that\u2019s done, each player draws seven cards from their deck. Don\u2019t like your opening hand? Well, you can take a \u201cmulligan\u201d by shuffling the cards back to your deck, and draw seven new cards.\n\n\nHowever, each time you take a mulligan, you\u2019ll have to put a card you\u2019ve drawn equal to the amount of mulligans you\u2019ve taken to the bottom of your deck. Basically, you\u2019ll have six cards after your first mulligan, five after your second mulligan, and so on\u2026until you have zero card.\n\n\nNeedless to say, you\u2019d want to avoid doing that. Having less cards is not a great situation to be in \u2013 generally, anyway.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen both players have decided not to take a mulligan, the game begins! The starting player will first put a land on the battlefield (only one land can be put down every turn), and if the player has no creature or spell to cast to whittle down the health of the opposing player, the turn is passed to the opponent.\n\n\nSince the second starting player will be \u201cbehind the curve,\u201d so to speak, they are allowed to draw a card when taking their first turn. Essentially, players who go second will start the game with eight cards in hand; this card advantage can be advantageous with certain decks.\n\n\nTo simplify things, this same cycle is repeated until the starting health total of a player (which is 20) goes down to zero \u2013 simple, right?\n\n\n\n\nThe five crime families in Streets of New Capenna\n\n\n\n\nOf course, there are many more intricacies to Magic beyond this admittedly simple breakdown. For example, there are five different mana colours (classes, basically) with their own unique playstyles, many unique keywords with different effects, along with a ton of formats available to players, including Standard, Draft, Sealed, and even Commander.\n\n\nThese many different aspects of Magic: The Gathering are what make it such a popular trading card game, and it\u2019s even more entertaining if you can find the right community. Heading to your nearest game store \u2013 you can locate one \nhere\n \u2013 is the easiest way to do so.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can even experience Magic from the comfort of your own home if you have a group of friends that are interested to pick up the card game. In my experience \u2013 even if it has been many years since I\u2019ve played Magic seriously \u2013 playing a drafting game with friends is very, very fun.\n\n\nPlus, you also get to crack open new Magic booster packs in a drafting session. It\u2019s always exciting to see what you can pull out of these packs, especially if you\u2019re drafting with a new set, such as Streets of New Capenna with its \namazing illustrations\n.\n\n\nTo recap, this set will release on 29 April next week. If you want to pre-order Streets of New Capenna, check with your favourite local game store!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/microsofts-pc-game-pass-officially-in-malaysia-rm5-first-3-months-rm15-the-following-months/", "title": "Microsoft\u2019s PC Game Pass Officially in Malaysia \u2013 RM5 First 3 Months, RM15 the Following Months", "body": "\n\nMicrosoft\u2019s PC Game Pass was quietly available in Malaysia about a month ago, and today, the service is officially announced for our market. Priced at merely RM5 for the first three months, you\u2019re getting a lot of value for your money, even after the three months have passed.\n\n\nOnce your RM5 three-month subscription to PC Game Pass is over, you\u2019ll only need to pay RM15 every month to continue enjoying the service. Given all of the games that you can access with PC Game Pass, there\u2019s really no denying the excellent value proposition here.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSome of the titles that you can play through PC Game Pass right now include Halo Infinite, Hades, Back 4 Blood, and Age of Empire IV. As a Game Pass subscriber, you can also access titles available through EA Play, including the much-loved It Takes Two.\n\n\nIf you want to subscribe to Microsoft\u2019s PC Game Pass in Malaysia, you can do so \nover here\n. To recap, you\u2019ll only need to pay RM5 for the first three months. Your subscription will then be automatically renewed for RM15/month unless you cancel it.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hyundai-ioniq-5-ev-first-11-units-delivered-in-malaysia-200-bookings-to-date/", "title": "Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV \u2013 First 11 Units Delivered in Malaysia, 200 Bookings to Date", "body": "\n\nHyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has delivered the first 11 units of the \nHyundai Ioniq 5\n EV in Malaysia. With over 200 bookings made to date, the electric SUV looks to be a popular option among Malaysians.\n\n\nNot only are these 11 owners the first to receive the Ioniq 5 on our shores, they also get a one-year membership with ChargEV courtesy of Yinson GreenTech. Normally, this would\u2019ve cost RM240 annually, which gives ChargEV users access to 336 EV chargers in 236 locations throughout Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThree different variants of the Ioniq 5 are offered in Malaysia. The base Lite model, for one, retails at RM199,888, which offers a 58kWh battery (good for up to 384km range) and rear-wheel drive. The mid-tier Plus variant, on the other hand, is a better-equipped version of the Lite for RM229,888.\n\n\nAs for the range-topping Max, it costs RM259,888 for a larger 72.6kWh battery (returning up to 430km range) and dual-motor AWD. Do note that as announced at\u00a0\nBudget 2022\n, the Ioniq 5 is\u00a0\nfully exempted\n\u00a0from import and excise duties, as well as road tax. Needless to say, this is a very good incentive to get the EV\u2026if it fits your budget.\n\n\nPowering the 58kWh RWD models of the Ioniq 5 \u2013 that is, the Lite and Plus variants \u2013 is a rear motor that outputs 170PS and 350Nm of torque, allowing them to do the century sprint in 8.5 seconds. As for the higher-end Max model with a dual-motor AWD configuration, it offers a whopping combined output of 305PS and 605Nm of torque; it can go from 0-100kmph in only 5.2 seconds.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Ioniq 5 include seven airbags, fabric upholstery for the Lite (leather for the Plus and Max trims), Hyundai SmartSense \u2013 it includes lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control with stop and go \u2013 a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, as well as 19-inch alloy wheels; 20-inch for the Max.\n\n\nThe Hyundai Ioniq 5 is now available for booking in Malaysia. You can also place your booking online for RM1,000 through HSDM\u2019s \nCl!ck to Buy\n platform. Not sure if this electric SUV is for you? Then read our \nfull review of the Ioniq 5\n; our video review can also be found below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/enhanced-tng-card-with-nfc-official-now-reloadable-with-tng-ewallet-app/", "title": "Enhanced TNG Card With NFC Official \u2013 Now Reloadable With TNG eWallet App", "body": "\n\nSurprise surprise, Touch \u2018n Go has officially launched the new \u201cenhanced\u201d TNG card with NFC capability. On top of that, the ability to reload the card through the TNG eWallet app is now available as well.\n\n\nAs we\u2019ve \npreviously reported\n, the enhanced TNG card costs RM10, and it is available for purchase through the TNG eWallet app itself and selected retail locations nationwide. Do note that the new card has no credit when you purchase it, so you\u2019re basically paying the RM10 just for the card itself.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, as the enhanced TNG card uses NFC for reload purposes, you\u2019ll need a device with NFC capability in order to top-up the card through the TNG eWallet app. In our experience, it\u2019s a relatively fuss-free affair too \u2013 certainly more convenient than reloading the card at a kiosk, for example.\n\n\nIf you want to purchase the new enhanced TNG card with NFC through the TNG eWallet app \u2013 or you\u2019ve already got one, and you want to reload it through the app \u2013 make sure the app is updated to the latest version. You can check for any update through the \nApple App Store\n or \nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/enhanced-tng-card-with-nfc-limited-to-2-cards-per-order-demand-expected-to-exceed-supply/", "title": "Enhanced TNG Card With NFC \u2013 Limited to 2 Cards Per Order, Demand Expected to Exceed Supply", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re thinking of purchasing the new \nenhanced TNG card with NFC\n through the TNG eWallet app, take note: the card is limited to only two units per order. On top of that, Touch \u2018n Go is also expecting demand to exceed supply, which is likely why the limit is imposed.\n\n\nInterestingly, the two cards per order limit only applies to online orders through the TNG eWallet app. No limit is imposed for over-the-counter purchases at retail outlets, \nas outlined in the FAQ\n. If you do get the new card through the app, you\u2019ll have to pay RM5 for shipping as well, on top of the RM10 price per card.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cGiven the global chip shortage, we expect demand to exceed supply. So, I\u2019d like to urge patience amongst our users as we try to get these cards to you as soon as possible,\u201d said the group CEO of Touch \u2018n Go Group, Effendy Shahul Hamid.\n\n\nIf stocks of the new enhanced TNG card with NFC do run out, users can register their interest for the card through the TNG eWallet app; they will be notified when the card is available for purchase again. You can download the TNG eWallet app through the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0or\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-11t-series-prices-revised-in-malaysia-now-starts-at-rm1499/", "title": "Xiaomi 11T Series Prices Revised in Malaysia \u2013 Now Starts at RM1,499", "body": "\n\nLaunched here in Malaysia \nback in September last year\n, the prices of the Xiaomi 11T series have been revised for our local market. Previously starting at RM1,699, the 11T lineup now retails from RM1,499.\n\n\nOf course, that starting price is for the more affordable Xiaomi 11T. The 8GB + 128GB model is now priced at RM1,499, while the 8GB + 256GB configuration goes for RM1,699. As for the higher-end 11T Pro, it costs RM1,999 and RM2,199 for the 8GB + 256GB and 12GB + 256GB models respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs the higher-end offering, the 11T Pro is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset. Aside from that, it also features a triple camera system made up of a 108MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 5MP telemacro lens.\n\n\nOther specifications of the 11T Pro include a 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED display with 120Hz AdaptiveSync, fast UFS 3.1 storage, as well as a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 120W Xiaomi HyperCharge, which can fully charge the phone in only 17 minutes.\n\n\nAs for the more affordable Xiaomi 11T, it\u2019s largely similar to the Pro model, though it does have a number of differences. Instead of a Qualcomm processor, it\u2019s powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1200-Ultra SoC instead. Aside from that, the 11T also features the same display, camera system, and battery capacity as its Pro sibling, though its fast charging capability is limited to 67W.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can now purchase both the Xiaomi 11T and 11T Pro at these new prices in Malaysia. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the 11T Pro, \ncheck out our review\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/enhanced-tng-card-with-nfc-sold-out-within-hours-of-launch/", "title": "Enhanced TNG Card With NFC Sold Out Within Hours of Launch", "body": "\n\nJust this morning, Touch \u2018n Go officially launched the \nenhanced TNG card with NFC capability\n. Well, at the time of writing, the new card is sold out already on the TNG eWallet app. Evidently, many are eager to get their hands on the NFC-enabled TNG card.\n\n\nWe also checked with TNG\u2019s very own hub in Nu Sentral to check if it has any enhanced TNG card for sale, but unfortunately enough, the hub didn\u2019t have any stock left. Of course, we were directed to purchase the new card from the eWallet app itself, which is\u2026well, sold out already.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, while TNG\u2019s hub doesn\u2019t have the enhanced TNG card in stock, there are quite a number of participating outlets listed \nhere\n that are said to carry the new card. It may be worth checking them out if any of the outlets are near your location.\n\n\nIf you want the convenience of getting the enhanced TNG card with NFC through the TNG eWallet app instead, you can register your interest through the app to be notified of any restock. Head to the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0or\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n to download the TNG eWallet app.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/drop-mt2-keycap-renamed-to-dcx-out-of-respect-for-original-mt3-designer/", "title": "Drop MT2 Keycap Renamed to DCX \u201cOut of Respect\u201d for Original MT3 Designer", "body": "\n\nDrop is finally addressing the controversial naming of its new \nMT2 keycap profile\n. \u201cOut of respect\u201d for the original MT3 designer (Matt3o), the company has renamed the MT2 set to DCX \u2013 that stands for Drop Cylindrical X.\n\n\nWhy the change? Well, it\u2019s because Matt3o was never involved in the development of the MT2 keycap profile, which understandably drew ire from the custom keyboard community. With that in mind, it\u2019s great that Drop is \nadmitting its oversight\n on the matter, and making things right for Matt3o by changing the name of the keycap profile to DCX.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, naming issue aside, Drop also revealed more details on the DCX keycap set. One of the most interesting details is the fact that DCX keycaps have \u201ctruly hidden sprue marks.\u201d That is, the typical tiny marks on the bottom of a keycap (left from the injection molding process) will really be hidden from sight for DCX keycaps.\n\n\nThe first Drop DCX keycap will be \navailable for pre-order tomorrow\n on 26 April in the classic White-on-Black colourway. Normally priced at $99 (about RM430), the first production run will retail at only $79 (approximately RM345) for the base kit \u2013 that\u2019s quite an attractive price tag.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/new-playstation-plus-tiers-going-live-in-malaysia-earlier-on-23-may/", "title": "New PlayStation Plus Tiers Going Live in Malaysia Earlier on 23 May", "body": "\n\nNow this is a pleasant surprise. It appears the \nrevamped PlayStation Plus service\n with different tiers will be available in Asia (including Malaysia) earlier than expected. Originally set for a June 2022 launch, the new PS Plus tiers will now be available here on 23 May.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the revamped PS Plus service will be offered in three tiers: Essential (basically the original version), Extra, and Deluxe. Essential needs no elaboration as it is the PS Plus membership we\u2019re all familiar with, while Extra adds on a catalogue of up to 400 PS4 and PS5 games. Of course, these games will be downloadable.\n\n\nAs for Deluxe, it includes access to PlayStation, PS2, and PSP games to download and play; you also get time-limited game trials.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPricing wise, the Essential tier remains the same at RM29 monthly, RM69 quarterly, or RM159 yearly. Extra, on the other hand, costs RM44 monthly, RM114 quarterly, or RM269 yearly. As for the highest-tier Deluxe, it goes for RM50 monthly, RM130 quarterly, or RM309 yearly.\n\n\nTo recap, the new PlayStation Plus tiers will be available in Malaysia as early as next month on 23 May. If you\u2019ve always wanted to revisit classic titles from previous generation PlayStation consoles, it may be worth signing up for the new tiers.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-is-still-my-favourite-phone-to-bring-on-a-vacation/", "title": "The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Is Still My Favourite Phone to Bring on a Vacation", "body": "\n\nIn my line of work, I regularly rotate between different phones a couple of times a month; sometimes almost on a weekly basis. Needless to say, this can get quite tiring, but it does give me an opportunity to switch to the right phone for certain occasions.\n\n\nWhen I go for a vacation, for example, I always find myself grabbing the \nSamsung Galaxy S22 Ultra\n. After all, one of the most important things to do on a vacation is, well, capturing memories, and the S22 Ultra is \neasily\n one of the best phones for this purpose.\n\n\nOf course, beyond its sophisticated camera system, there are also other aspects of the S22 Ultra that make it my go-to phone for vacations, such as its bright, vibrant display, and water resistance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCapable, Versatile Quad Camera System\n\n\nThis is really the main reason why the Galaxy S22 Ultra is my \u201cvacation phone,\u201d so to speak. Its quad camera system is made up of a 108MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter, a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and another 10MP telephoto lens that can do 10x optical zoom.\n\n\nThanks to the combination of these four sensors, the Galaxy S22 Ultra can take \ngreat-looking shots\n at different focal lengths. Want to get a tight, close-up shot of your meal? The 108MP primary sensor can do just that. Just take a look at these images:\n\n\n\n\n108MP primary\n\n\n108MP primary\n\n\n108MP primary\n\n\n108MP primary\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the Galaxy S22 Ultra\u2019s 108MP sensor has a shallow depth of field, which can be used to capture more dramatic-looking shots. Take the image of the cat above: you can see that the cat\u2019s head is the point of focus, so it stands out from the rest of the image.\n\n\nIf you want to capture subjects that are much further away, well, the S22 Ultra is one of very few phones with a far-reaching zoom that doesn\u2019t sacrifice much on image fidelity. Really, the phone\u2019s 3x and 10x optical zoom lenses can certainly deliver excellent results. See for yourself with these sample shots!\n\n\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\n108MP primary\n\n\n10MP telephoto (3x)\n\n\n10MP telephoto (10x)\n\n\n10MP telephoto (30x)\n\n\n10MP telephoto (100x)\n\n\n\n\nGranted, at 100x zoom, the image quality isn\u2019t great, but I\u2019d argue the 30x zoom shot is still very acceptable. Not many phones can offer such a far-reaching zoom, so this remains to be one of the best qualities of the S22 Ultra. Just look at \nhow far\n the telephoto lenses managed to zoom in.\n\n\nIn low light conditions, however, it\u2019s a bit of a mixed bag, especially with the 10MP telephoto lens that offers 10x zoom. Because it has a slower f/4.9 aperture, it cannot absorb quite as much light as the other sensors, so it has a tendency to produce noisier low light shots. This is evident in the images below:\n\n\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\n108MP primary\n\n\n10MP telephoto (3x)\n\n\n10MP telephoto (10x)\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\n108MP primary\n\n\n10MP telephoto (3x)\n\n\n10MP telephoto (10x)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, the Galaxy S22 Ultra still offers excellent camera performance, so it\u2019s really ideal for capturing memorable moments (and food) on a vacation. It\u2019s also worth noting that the camera interface itself is responsive in most conditions, and along with the quick, accurate focus, you don\u2019t have to worry about missing the \u201cperfect\u201d shot.\n\n\nBright Display for Outdoor Use\n\n\nAside from its fantastic camera system, the Galaxy S22 Ultra\u2019s 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is great for vacations too. Say you\u2019re using the phone to navigate to a particular cafe under the hot afternoon sun: the screen\u2019s impressive peak brightness of 1,750 nits ensure that you won\u2019t have to struggle to see your directions on display.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the Galaxy S22 Ultra\u2019s Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen also supports HDR10+ with 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut. While you\u2019re transiting to your destination, you know that you\u2019ll have a fantastic screen to catch up on your favourite movie or TV series.\n\n\nOf course, the display\u2019s 120Hz adaptive refresh rate also makes it a joy to game on, if that\u2019s more your thing.\n\n\nWater and Dust Resistance for Peace of Mind\n\n\nWhen you\u2019re on vacation by the poolside or any large bodies of water, what can really ruin your holiday is if the phone decides to\u2026well, take a swim. Fortunately, the Galaxy S22 Ultra has IP68 water and dust resistance, so it will definitely survive the swim.\n\n\nAssuming you don\u2019t drop it into the ocean or it\u2019s submerged beyond the 1.5m depth. Salt water is a lot harsher than fresh water, so please be extra careful if you\u2019re bringing the S22 Ultra to the beach. While it \nmay \nsurvive a quick dip into the ocean \u2013 provided you rinse it immediately after \u2013 do note that IP testing is only done with fresh water.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for the ideal phone to bring on a vacation to capture the best-looking shots, the brightest display, and one that can take a quick dip into the pool without issue, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra really is one of the best options in the market now.\n\n\nTake it from someone who have taken the S22 Ultra on vacation for a couple of times now. While its RM5,099 starting price is quite steep, you do get a lot of phone for the money. Still not convinced? Then check out our \nfull review of the S22 Ultra\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ps5-variable-refresh-rate-support-coming-later-this-week/", "title": "PS5 Variable Refresh Rate Support Coming Later This Week", "body": "\n\nThe PlayStation 5 will finally support variable refresh rate (VRR) later this week through an update for the next-gen console. Once the feature is rolled out, you can expect improved gaming performance, no screen tearing, and even reduced input lag.\n\n\nOf course, these improvements will still depend on the TV you\u2019re using, as well as which game you\u2019re playing. To take advantage of the feature, you\u2019ll need a HDMI 2.1 VRR-compatible TV or monitor. Do note that not all displays with a HDMI 2.1 input support VRR.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the coming weeks, as many as 15 games will be optimised for VRR through a patch for the respective games. Interestingly, VRR can even be applied to PS5 games that don\u2019t support it yet, though this may result in unexpected visual glitches. Anyway, here are the PS5 games that will be updated to support VRR:\n\n\nAstro\u2019s Playroom\nCall of Duty: Vanguard\nCall of Duty: Black Ops Cold War\nDeathloop\nDestiny 2\nDevil May Cry 5 Special Edition\nDIRT 5\nGodfall\nMarvel\u2019s Spider-Man Remastered\nMarvel\u2019s Spider-Man: Miles Morales\nRatchet & Clank: Rift Apart\nResident Evil Village\nTiny Tina\u2019s Wonderlands\nTom Clancy\u2019s Rainbow Six Siege\nTribes of Midgard\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/diablo-immortal-arrives-2-june-on-mobile-pc-southeast-asia-getting-in-late-june-instead/", "title": "Diablo Immortal Arrives 2 June on Mobile & PC \u2013 Southeast Asia Getting in Late June Instead", "body": "\n\nDiablo Immortal finally gets a release date! Set to arrive on 2 June, the first Blizzard game to be built from the ground up for mobile\u2026is also set to arrive on PC, though players in Southeast Asia (including Malaysia) will not be getting the game on release.\n\n\nInstead, certain regions in Asia-Pacific will only get Diablo Immortal sometime in late June. These include Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, The Philippines, Taiwan, Macau, and Hong Kong. Interestingly, Vietnam will also get the game at the same time, but only on PC.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBlizzard is also enabling cross-play and cross-progression between the PC and mobile versions of Diablo Immortal. It\u2019s worth noting that the PC version will launch in open beta, which will see changes and fine-tuning to the game until it \u201cdelivers a finalised experience for all courageous adventurers,\u201d as Blizzards puts it.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to check out Diablo Immortal when it releases on 2 June (late June for us here in Malaysia), you can pre-register for the game \nright here\n. It will be available on iOS, Android, as well as PC through Battle.net, and with over 30 million pre-registrations already, it looks to be a highly anticipated game.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-x80-series-arrives-in-malaysia-8-may/", "title": "Vivo X80 Series Arrives in Malaysia 8 May", "body": "\n\nThe Vivo X80 series is set to arrive here in Malaysia next month on 8 May. Though it\u2019s not stated explicitly in the teaser, the launch event should see the debut of the X80 and X80 Pro on our shores, and they\u2019re packing some high-end hardware under the hood.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the higher-end phone of the two, the X80 Pro. Curiously, it\u2019s offered with two chipset options: a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or a MediaTek Dimensity 9000. Beyond the different processor, both versions share the same hardware.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese include a 6.78-inch 3200 x 1440 AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a quad camera system (50MP primary + 48MP ultra-wide angle + 12MP portrait + 8MP periscope telephoto), a 32MP selfie camera, an IP68 rating, and a 4,700mAh battery with 80W fast charging.\n\n\nAs for the more affordable X80, it has a more modest set of hardware. It features a Dimensity 9000 chipset, a 6.78-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle + 12MP portrait), a 32MP selfie shooter, and a 4,500mAh battery with 80W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Vivo X80 series will make its Malaysian debut on 8 May 2022; we\u2019ll find out then just how much the X80 and X80 Pro will cost on our shores. For the sake of comparison, the two phones start at 3,699 Chinese yuan (about RM2,455) and 5,499 yuan (approximately RM3,650) respectively in China.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-t1-t1x-launched-in-malaysia-from-only-rm699-early-birds-get-up-to-rm100-off/", "title": "Vivo T1 & T1X Launched in Malaysia From Only RM699 \u2013 Early Birds Get up to RM100 Off", "body": "\n\nVivo recently launched its latest gaming series in Malaysia, the Vivo T1 and Vivo T1X. Despite being marketed as a gaming lineup, these two devices aren\u2019t exactly \u201ctrue\u201d gaming phones, though they\u2019re certainly affordable with a RM699 starting price.\n\n\nOf course, the RM699 starting price is for the more affordable T1X in 4GB + 64GB configuration. The more practical 8GB + 128GB model, on the other hand, costs RM899. As for the higher-end T1, the sole 8GB + 128GB variant retails at RM1,299.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven that the T1 is the higher-end device of the two, it\u2019s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset. It also has a 6.44-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), a 16MP selfie camera, and a 4,700mAh battery with support for 66W fast charging.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the budget-friendly T1X with a more modest Snapdragon 680 chip, a 6.58-inch 1080p LCD screen, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 2MP bokeh + 2MP macro), an 8MP selfie shooter, and a 5,000mAh battery with 18W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Vivo T1 and Vivo T1X are now available for purchase in Malaysia. If you get either phones by 24 May, you\u2019ll be eligible for a discount. The T1X, for one, will retail at RM649 (RM50 discount) and RM799 (RM100 discount) for the 4GB + 64GB and 8GB + 128GB models respectively.\n\n\nAs for the T1, you can get it for only RM1,249 by 24 May; that\u2019s RM50 worth of savings.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/poco-f4-gt-lands-in-malaysia-snapdragon-8-gen-1-phone-from-only-rm1999/", "title": "Poco F4 GT Lands in Malaysia \u2013 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Phone From Only RM1,999", "body": "\n\nNow this is an intriguing flagship phone: enter the Poco F4 GT. Sporting a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, this phone will be available in Malaysia for only RM1,999. This makes it \nthe most affordable\n phone powered by the chipset in Malaysia now.\n\n\nOf course, there is a caveat to this: you can only get the Poco F4 GT for RM1,999 on 28 April this Thursday; it normally goes for RM2,299. For that kind of money, it offers 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.\n\n\nIf you want more storage, you can get the 12GB + 256GB model instead for RM2,499. Early birds can get this variant for only RM2,199.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the F4 GT features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, along with a fast 120Hz 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED display. It also has a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), a 20MP selfie camera, and a 4,700mAh battery with support for blazing fast 120W charging.\n\n\nTo recap, the Poco F4 GT will be available for purchase in Malaysia on 28 April this Thursday. On that day, you can get the 8GB + 128GB model for RM1,999 (RM200 discount) and the 12GB + 256GB configuration at only RM2,199 (RM300 discount). The F4 GT can be purchased on both \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-aspire-vero-national-geographic-edition-launched-in-malaysia-for-rm4199/", "title": "Acer Aspire Vero National Geographic Edition Launched in Malaysia for RM4,199", "body": "\n\nAcer just launched quite a sleek-looking (and eco-friendly) productivity laptop in Malaysia. This is the Acer Aspire Vero National Geographic Edition, a special edition of the \nAspire Vero\n. Not only does it have a unique aesthetic, it also carries the same price tag as the standard model at launch too, \nwhile\n offering twice as much SSD storage.\n\n\nOnly a single variant of the Aspire Vero National Geographic Edition is offered in Malaysia. Priced at RM4,299, it comes with an Intel Core i7-1195G7 processor paired with 16GB of RAM, a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display, along with a generous 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD storage.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the regular model, the Aspire Vero National Geographic Edition has a few unique design elements. There are contour lines on the lid of the laptop of a topographic map, the iconic National Geographic yellow border on the palm rest area, and a \u201cFor Planet Earth\u201d script on the spacebar.\n\n\nThis being an eco-friendly product, the chassis of the Aspire Vero is composed of 30% PCR plastic, which cuts CO2 emissions by 21% for the production of this particular part. The laptop\u2019s keycaps also contain 50% PCR plastic, and even the 100% recyclable packaging of the laptop can be repurposed as a laptop stand.\n\n\nEach purchase of the Aspire Vero National Geographic Edition helps support the US-based global non-profit National Geographic Society \u201cin its work efforts to protect our world through exploration, research, and education,\u201d as Acer puts it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Aspire Vero National Geographic Edition laptop will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from 1 May onwards for RM4,299. There\u2019s also a trade-in programme for the laptop \u2013 you can get up to RM500 cash rebate by trading in (working or non-functional) tablets, laptops, desktops, and even AIO systems.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-aspire-vero-receives-up-to-rm600-price-cut-in-malaysia/", "title": "Acer Aspire Vero Receives up to RM600 Price Cut in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nIntroduced in Malaysia last year in November, the eco-friendly Acer Aspire Vero is now more affordable locally. In fact, you can get up to RM600 worth of savings \u2013 that\u2019s quite a hefty price cut for a reasonably capable productivity-focused laptop.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the base model of the Aspire Vero. Previously retailing at RM3,399, this Intel Core i5-1155G7 laptop with 8GB of RAM has its priced revised to RM2,999 on our shores. The higher-end Core i7-1195G7 configuration with 16GB of RAM, on the other hand, will go for RM3,699 from RM4,299; a RM600 price difference.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from the different processor and RAM capacity, both variants of the Aspire Vero are similar to each other. They have a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS screen \u2013 which is said to be 99% recyclable \u2013 Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, 512GB of SSD storage, Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021 with a lifetime license, and Windows 11 out of the box.\n\n\nBeyond what\u2019s under the hood, it\u2019s worth noting that the chassis of the Aspire Vero is composed of 30% PCR plastic, which cuts CO2 emissions by 21% for the production of this particular part. The laptop\u2019s keycaps also contain 50% PCR plastic, and even the 100% recyclable packaging of the laptop can be repurposed as a laptop stand.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese new prices for the Acer Aspire Vero will be applicable from 1 May 2022 onwards. To recap, the Core i5 + 8GB RAM model will go for RM2,999, while the Core i7 + 16GB RAM configuration will be priced at RM3,699.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/wearing-mask-will-be-optional-outdoors-from-1-may-2022-still-mandatory-indoors/", "title": "Wearing Mask Will Be Optional Outdoors From 1 May 2022 \u2013 Still Mandatory Indoors", "body": "\n\nEffective 1 May 2022 this Sunday, wearing face mask will be optional outdoors in Malaysia. However, it is highly encouraged to do so, especially in crowded places and for high-risk individuals. If you\u2019re indoors, well, it\u2019s still mandatory to wear a face mask.\n\n\nThis was announced by Khairy Jamaluddin, the Minister of Health. Outdoor settings, as outlined by the government, include outside of a house or office building, bus stops, parks, and open-air walkways/bridges.\n\n\n\n\nMask-wearing is still mandatory indoors from 1 May 2022. However, it is optional outdoors. It is still encouraged when in crowded places and for high-risk individuals. \ud83d\ude37 \npic.twitter.com/5QaO18Vsn3\n\u2014 KKMalaysia\ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe\ud83d\ude37 (@KKMPutrajaya) \nApril 27, 2022\n\n\n\n\nAs for indoor settings, shopping malls, office buildings, public transports, and even classrooms are defined as such. However, in certain situations, you \ncan\n remove your face mask indoors, including eating, exercising (alone), when giving a speech, or when performing on stage.\n\n\nDo note that this new ruling will only be applicable from 1 May onwards this Sunday. Until then, make sure you have your face masks on when you\u2019re outdoors. Stay safe!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mysejahtera-check-in-no-longer-required-from-1-may-2022/", "title": "MySejahtera Check-In No Longer Required From 1 May 2022", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re getting tired of checking into premises with MySejahtera, good news: this will no longer be required from 1 May 2022 this Sunday. This was announced by Khairy Jamaluddin, the Minister of Health.\n\n\nCuriously, entry to premises are permitted regardless of vaccination status as well once the new ruling is in effect. Basically, you won\u2019t have to be vaccinated to enter premises anymore, though there are certain exceptions.\n\n\n\n\nMySejahtera check-in is no longer required to enter premises from 1 May 2022. Entry to premises are permitted regardless of vaccination status. However, COVID-19 positive cases and those under HSO are still not allowed to enter premises. \npic.twitter.com/motjttPkIc\n\u2014 KKMalaysia\ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe\ud83d\ude37 (@KKMPutrajaya) \nApril 27, 2022\n\n\n\n\nObviously, COVID-19 positive cases with a high risk status on MySejahtera will not be allowed entry; the same applies to those under Home Surveillance Order (HSO). Although checking in with MySejahtera will no longer be required from 1 May onwards, premise owners are still required to check visitors\u2019 risk status on the app.\n\n\nWith that in mind, you can\u2019t exactly uninstall MySejahtera on your phone yet, given that you still need to show your risk status at premises. Haven\u2019t gotten the app yet? Then download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n, \nGoogle Play Store\n, or the \nHuawei AppGallery\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/smart-1-ev-debuts-in-china-from-only-rm126k-deliveries-in-q3-2022/", "title": "Smart #1 EV Debuts in China From Only RM126k \u2013 Deliveries in Q3 2022", "body": "\n\nThe \nSmart #1\n EV recently made its debut in China, and it gives us an idea on how much the electric SUV could cost in other regions, including Malaysia. After all, it\u2019s confirmed that Proton Edar will be the importer, distributor, and dealer for Smart vehicles in Malaysia and Thailand.\n\n\nIn China, the Smart #1 retails from 190,000 Chinese yuan (about RM126,330) for the base Pro+ model. The Premium trim, on the other hand, goes for 230,000 yuan (approximately RM152,900).\n\n\nDo note that these are \u201cpre-sale\u201d prices; the finalised pricing will only be revealed sometime in June before deliveries begin in Q3 2022.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJust like the European-bound model, the Smart #1 for China features a 200kW motor driving the rear wheels that outputs 272PS and 343Nm of torque. This allows the EV to go from 0-100kmph in only 6.7 seconds with a top speed of 180kmph.\n\n\nAside from that, the Smart #1 \u2013 according to the CLTC standard \u2013 has a range of up to 535km for the Pro+; it goes up to 560km for the Premium model, thanks to the use of silicon carbide (SiC) technology in the motor. The Premium trim also gets a more sophisticated driver assistance systems, along with larger 19-inch wheels.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Smart #1 starts at 190,000 yuan (about RM126,330) in China, and deliveries of the EV will commence sometime in Q3 2022 in the country. It remains to be seen exactly when the #1 will debut here in Malaysia; here\u2019s hoping the EV will be priced similarly to China on our shores, thanks to the \nincentives given by the government\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/28-april-4-may-fuel-price-ron-97-up-13-sen/", "title": "28 April \u2013 4 May Fuel Price: RON 97 up 13 Sen", "body": "\n\nAfter not seeing any price changes for the past couple of weeks, RON 97 is going up in price this week. No changes to the prices of RON 95 and diesel, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nFor the next seven days, the price of RON 97 is set at RM3.94 per litre (up from RM3.81). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 28 April to 4 May 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honkai-star-rail-2nd-closed-beta-registration-opens-today-for-ios-android-pc/", "title": "Honkai: Star Rail 2nd Closed Beta Registration Opens Today for iOS, Android, PC", "body": "\n\nFirst unveiled \nback in October last year\n, registration for Honkai: Star Rail\u2019s second closed beta is open today. As its name suggests, this title is the latest addition to the Honkai series, and it is Hoyoverse\u2019s next game after the huge success of \nGenshin Impact\n.\n\n\nIn order to sign up for the closed beta, just head on to Star Rail\u2019s \nofficial website\n. Once you\u2019re there, you\u2019re required to login with your Hoyoverse account, and complete the survey on the website. Unlike the first closed beta \u2013 which was only available on iOS and PC \u2013 this second test supports Android as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnlike Genshin Impact or Honkai Impact 3rd, Star Rail is a turn-based RPG game where players fight in a party of four. The game also have dungeon exploration, puzzle-solving, and even flashy animations as characters unleash their respective skills. If the trailer is any indication, Star Rail looks to have a pretty intriguing storyline too.\n\n\nTo recap, you can sign up for Honkai: Star Rail\u2019s second closed beta on the \nofficial website\n. The registration will be closed on 15 May 2022 at 12PM for us in Malaysia, so make sure you submit your application before that.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-plus-may-2022-free-games-fifa-22-tribes-of-midgard-curse-of-the-dead-gods/", "title": "PlayStation Plus May 2022 Free Games: FIFA 22, Tribes of Midgard, Curse of the Dead Gods", "body": "\n\nPlayStation Plus\u2019 May 2022 free games have just been announced. The lineup includes FIFA 22, Tribes of Midgard, and Curse of the Dead Gods. All of these games are offered for the PS5 and PS4, except for the last game; that\u2019s only for the PS4.\n\n\nOut of the three games, FIFA 22 is likely the title most players are familiar with. On top of the game, a FIFA 22 FUT pack is also offered to PS Plus members, which offer 11 players rated 82 or above, as well as an Icon Moments Loan Player Pick.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith the revamped PS Plus membership that\u2019s coming 23 May to Malaysia, these three games can be claimed by subscribers of any tiers. Whether you\u2019re planning to sign up for the Essential, Extra, or Deluxe tier, you will have access to monthly PS Plus games.\n\n\nAnyway, these three games can be claimed by PS Plus members from 3 May to 6 June 2022. That means you have until this coming Monday (2 May) to get your hands on April 2022\u2019s free games, including SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom \u2013 Rehydrated, as well as Hood: Outlaws & Legends.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mitsubishi-xpander-tops-non-national-mpv-segment-in-2021-with-9065-units-sold/", "title": "Mitsubishi Xpander Tops Non-National MPV Segment in 2021 With 9,065 Units Sold", "body": "\n\nIn its financial year 2021 (April 2021 \u2013 March 2022) sales report, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) revealed that it has sold over 9,065 units of the Mitsubishi Xpander MPV. According to the company, this is enough for the Xpander to claim the top spot in the non-national MPV segment in Malaysia.\n\n\nOn top of that, the Xpander also accounts for almost half of the company\u2019s total sales at 47.2%. Given the value for money that this locally assembled MPV offers \u2013 even with the \nrecent price hike\n \u2013 it\u2019s no surprise the seven-seater is such a popular option.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow priced at RM93,318 with SST exemption, the Xpander is powered by a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine that outputs 105PS and 141Nm of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. Aside from that, the seven-seater is also shod with 16-inch alloy wheels.\n\n\nOther equipment of the Xpander include LED headlights, two airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, hill start assist, a 9-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, leather seats, a 360-degree camera, a dashcam, as well as keyless entry with push start button.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKeen to get the Mitsubishi Xpander before the \nsales tax exemption ends on 30 June\n? You can do so at your nearest Mitsubishi Motors authorised showrooms nationwide. Four colour options are available: Red Metallic, Titanium Grey, Quartz White, and Diamond Black.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mitsubishi-motors-malaysia-recorded-19217-sales-in-fy2021-claims-top-3-non-national-car-brand/", "title": "Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Recorded 19,217 Sales in FY2021 \u2013 Claims Top 3 Non-National Car Brand", "body": "\n\nMitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) just revealed its sales figure for financial year 2021 (April 2021 \u2013 March 2022). With over 19,217 units sold, the company claims the top three non-national car brand in Malaysia \u2013 right behind Honda and Toyota.\n\n\nOf the 19,217 units sold, 47.2% of the figure is made up by the Mitsubishi Xpander. Between April 2021 to March 2022, over 9,065 units of the seven-seater was sold in Malaysia; enough to put the Xpander at the top of the non-national MPV segment locally.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut the Xpander isn\u2019t the company\u2019s best-selling model \u2013 that honour goes to the Mitsubishi Triton with 9,420 units sold in Mitsubishi\u2019s FY2021 sales report. MMM elaborated that the pickup truck has a market share of close to 21.4%.\n\n\n\u201cIn general, the past two years have been tough on the automotive industry, not only with the rising cases of Omicron but floods that affected the Klang Valley and East Coast region, as well as parts or chips shortage,\u201d said the CEO of MMM, Shinya Ikeda.\n\n\n\u201cThere were many hurdles for the industry to overcome, thus for our sales performance to grow is a significant triumph for us,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIkeda also said that the company is aware many customers are aiming to get their cars before the \nSST exemption ends on 30 June 2022\n. \u201cWe are continuing our best efforts to meet the booking numbers, and we have already increased our production capacity while maintaining a high level of product quality,\u201d he said.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/long-time-android-user-switches-to-iphone-do-i-regret-it/", "title": "Long-Time Android User Switches to iPhone \u2013 Do I Regret It?", "body": "\n\nFor the longest time, my daily driver has been an Android device. While I briefly swapped to a couple of different iPhones back in 2018, I ended up going back to Android afterwards for the familiarity of the operating system, among other things.\n\n\nBut when an opportunity to give the iPhone 13 Pro Max a proper review presented itself \u2013 in the \nsleek new Alpine Green colourway\n, to boot \u2013 I decided to switch to it for good to see just what I\u2019m missing out on. Well, after a month of use, I\u2019m happy to report that\u2026I\u2019m glad I made the switch!\n\n\nDon\u2019t get me wrong, there are still some aspects where Android is better. But for the most part, iOS offers a more refined software experience, not to mention the incredible performance of the 13 Pro Max\u2019s Apple A15 Bionic chip. If you\u2019re thinking of migrating from Android to iOS, here\u2019s what you can expect.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUncontested Performance\n\n\nIt is no exaggeration to say that no Android phone to date can rival the performance of the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Powered by the Apple A15 Bionic chip with a powerful 5-core GPU, it offers \ninsanely good\n graphics performance and processing power.\n\n\nTo put this to the test, I thoroughly tested\u00a0\nGenshin Impact\n\u00a0on this phone; a game that many high-end, flagship Android devices struggle to run consistently at 60fps. Well, on the 13 Pro Max, not only can I set the framerate to 120fps \u2013 not even the PC version has this option \u2013 it also runs very smoothly at \nmaxed out\n graphics settings.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGranted, there are a few instances where the framerate would drop below 60fps, but this is only for a short while. Basically, there really is no denying the fast performance of Apple\u2019s A15 Bionic chip.\n\n\nFantastic OS & App Optimisation\n\n\nAside from its powerful chip, iOS 15 on the iPhone 13 Pro Max is also very well optimised. By just scrolling through the user interface, you can \nfeel\n how fluid and responsive the operating system is. The bright and vibrant Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion \u2013 offering an adaptive refresh rate from 10Hz to 120Hz \u2013 certainly helps with the responsiveness of the phone too.\n\n\nThe same applies to apps on iOS 15. Not only do they load noticeably faster compared to Android \u2013 which is also thanks to the speedy A15 Bionic chip \u2013 the level of refinement of these apps (and especially games) is a step ahead of Google\u2019s operating system as well.\n\n\nIt\u2019s almost as if the same apps available on both iOS and Android are originally made for the former.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut it makes sense for apps to simply work \nbetter\n on an iPhone. After all, developers only need to make sure that their apps work well on a handful of iPhone models, rather than a bunch of different Android devices with different hardware capability.\n\n\nImpressive Battery Life\n\n\nAlthough the iPhone 13 Pro Max is \u201conly\u201d packing a 4,352mAh battery, it\u2019s able to return \nimmensely good\n battery life. Throughout my time with the phone as my daily driver, it never failed to last me through the end of a typical work day, even when I did a lot of gaming.\n\n\nSuffice to say the power efficiency of iOS 15 is superior to Android. While most flagship Android devices are packed with much more generous 5,000mAh batteries, the 13 Pro Max can still easily outlast them. This is a perfect example of how hardware don\u2019t tell the full story; software optimisation matters too.\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s still plenty of juice left\n\n\n\n\nPremium Build Quality\n\n\nYou cannot fault Apple when it comes to build quality. The iPhone 13 Pro Max feels nice, hefty, and most definitely premium in the hands. While the glossy stainless steel frame is a fingerprint magnet, I do like the flat nature of it. This makes it easy to get a good grip on the phone.\n\n\nThe smooth matte finish on the glass back panel of the 13 Pro Max is also very nice to the touch, and I\u2019m a fan of the Alpine Green colour. Depending on lighting, it can actually look like a shade of grey. Personally, I quite like this: not only does it look great, it also gives the phone a unique aesthetic.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResponsive, Capable Camera System\n\n\nAnd then we have the camera performance of the iPhone 13 Pro Max, which is great. What really impressed me when I started photographing with the phone is just how \nresponsive\n the camera interface is. There\u2019s no stuttering at all, and I can capture my shots without any annoying shutter delay.\n\n\nAside from that, the triple camera system of the 13 Pro Max is very competent too. Made up of a 12MP primary sensor, a 12MP telephoto shooter (3x optical zoom), and a 12MP ultra-wide angle lens with autofocus capability, this is a versatile camera setup that can capture great-looking shots regardless of lighting condition.\n\n\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP telephoto (3x)\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP telephoto (3x)\n\n\n\n\nWhile I do miss the far-reaching zoom of the \nSamsung Galaxy S22 Ultra\n when I switched to the 13 Pro Max, I\u2019m happy that I still have access to a capable camera system\u2026along with a more responsive camera interface for a more pleasant shooting experience.\n\n\nUnintuitive Notification System\n\n\nNow, onto less positive aspects of the iPhone 13 Pro Max, starting with the unintuitive notification system. I don\u2019t love the fact that I cannot dismiss notifications with a simple swipe, and even though it\u2019s great that iOS can now group notifications by different apps, it\u2019s still a little clunky when I have multiple conversations from the same app.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\niOS\u2019 notification system has always been my least favourite feature of the operating system. While it has gotten better over the years, Android still handles notifications much better. I especially miss having interactive notifications on Android; this is one area iOS 15 still lags behind its competition.\n\n\nAccurate Keyboard, But Could Be Better\n\n\nI love how accurate iOS\u2019 stock keyboard is, but only when I\u2019m typing in \u201cproper\u201d English. When I\u2019m composing a message in informal English with some Bahasa Malaysia words thrown in (hey, I love my Manglish), the autocorrect is more of a nuisance than a helpful feature.\n\n\nGranted, after \u201cteaching\u201d the keyboard some of my informal vocabulary and Bahasa Malaysia words I often use, the autocorrect does gradually get better. But even after using the 13 Pro Max exclusively over the past month, I still find myself typing more comfortably on an Android device.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s really because iOS\u2019 stock keyboard doesn\u2019t support one feature: swipe to delete. I\u2019ve used SwiftKey on Android devices for the longest time, and being able to quickly delete words by just swiping to the left on the keyboard really speeds up my typing.\n\n\nYes, I\u2019ve tried installing SwiftKey on the iPhone 13 Pro Max. No, swipe to delete isn\u2019t offered on iOS, for whatever reason. While I wouldn\u2019t say the stock keyboard is intolerable \u2013 I really do appreciate how accurate the autocorrect is \u2013 I definitely miss using SwiftKey on Android.\n\n\nIn Need of Redesign\n\n\nLast but not least is the design of the iPhone 13 Pro Max, which is honestly due for an update. While it\u2019s a premium phone with impeccable build quality, it still has largely the same design as iPhones over the past couple of generations.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI mean, the 13 Pro Max still has a display notch in this day and age, even if it\u2019s slightly smaller now. Because of the notch alone, this iPhone doesn\u2019t look quite as sleek next to its Android competition, such as \nSamsung\u2019s S22 Ultra\n and the \nXiaomi 12\n.\n\n\nHopefully, rumours of the iPhone 14 series sporting a bigger design update will pan out. While the notch is necessary to house the module for Face ID \u2013 I actually find myself liking this authentication method \u2013 it\u2019s high time Apple swaps it out for a more modern solution that doesn\u2019t require such a big screen cutout.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt the end of the day, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is still a very easy phone to recommend, especially for folks that don\u2019t have a preference for any mobile operating system. It offers performance even flagship Android phones cannot compete with, it\u2019s a very well optimised platform, and it has really long battery life, not to mention a competent, responsive camera system.\n\n\nThat is why the iPhone 13 Pro Max gets the \nNextrift Recommends\n badge, which we award to products that are, well, worth recommending. It\u2019s our way of endorsing products for their unique appeal, refinement, and in the case of the 13 Pro Max, its feature set as a high-end, premium smartphone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes, I\u2019m not a fan of how iOS handles notifications, and the 13 Pro Max is not the sleekest-looking phone in the market either. But despite all of that, I do not regret switching over to this phone at all. It provides a level of refinement \u2013 both hardware and software \u2013 that Android devices just don\u2019t offer.\n\n\nGranted, with a \nRM5,299 starting price\n, the iPhone 13 Pro Max certainly carries a premium price tag, but so does its competition. In fact, you don\u2019t even have to pay top dollar to get a similar level of performance with the \n2022 iPhone SE\n \u2013 it\u2019s also packed with an A15 Bionic chip \nfrom only RM2,099\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/disney-hotstar-now-accessible-on-astro-ultra-box/", "title": "Disney+ Hotstar Now Accessible on Astro Ultra Box", "body": "\n\nAstro just added another streaming service to its 4K-enabled Ultra Box. Back in November, the company \nadded support for Netflix\n, and now, you can also start streaming Disney+ Hotstar on the connected set-top-box.\n\n\nThis makes it more compelling to purchase \nAstro TV packs\n that have Disney+ Hotstar bundled together; the most affordable one is the Movies Pack for RM94.99/month. If you want both Disney+ Hotstar and Netflix in the same TV pack, there\u2019s Premium Pack 3 for RM154.99/month. Access to HBO GO is also offered in this bundle.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, you don\u2019t have to purchase these TV packs to access Disney+ Hotstar on Astro\u2019s Ultra Box. As long as you have an active subscription to the streaming service, you can log on to it without any issue. It\u2019s just a little bit more convenient to include the subscription cost into a single bill, especially if you fancy other content in the TV pack.\n\n\nTo access Disney+ Hotstar on the Astro Ultra Box, just find for the streaming service on the home screen. If you\u2019re already subscribed to a TV pack that includes the streaming service, follow the instructions below to get your login ID.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/drop-dcx-keycaps-now-available-for-pre-order-20-discount-for-early-birds-21-june-delivery/", "title": "Drop DCX Keycaps Now Available for Pre-Order \u2013 $20 Discount for Early Birds, 21 June Delivery", "body": "\n\nDrop has finally opened pre-orders for its new DCX keycaps. Available in three colourways (White-on-Black, Black-on-White, and Genesis) the new keycap profile \u2013 which looks to be very similar to GMK/Cherry\u2019s \u2013 is offered with a $20 discount for a limited time.\n\n\nUsually priced at $99 (about RM430), all three colourways of the DCX keycaps are now priced at only $79 (approximately RM345); that\u2019s quite a hefty discount. Do note that this early bird pricing is only valid until 1 May 2022 at 5AM for us here in Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmong the goals Drop set out for these DCX keycaps are \u201cindustry-leading legend tolerances,\u201d keycaps that are free from exterior blemishes and imperfections, and a cylindrical profile. It\u2019s worth noting that these characteristics are very similar to that of GMK keycaps, which are considered by many to be the \u201cgold standard.\u201d\n\n\nBut one important aspect where the Drop DCX keycaps differ quite a bit from GMK is waiting time. Set to ship as early as 21 June, that\u2019s \nmerely \na two-month wait. Needless to say, this is a short waiting time in the custom keyboard hobby. If you\u2019re keen to get the DCX keycaps, you can do so \nover here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/unboxing-mtg-streets-of-new-capenna-set-booster-commander-deck/", "title": "Unboxing MTG Streets of New Capenna Set Booster & Commander Deck", "body": "\n\nMagic: The Gathering\u2019s newest set, Streets of New Capenna, launches today. This set takes place in the bustling metropolis of New Capenna, where five crime families vie for control over the city: Obscura, Maestros, Riveteers, Cabaretti, and Brokers.\n\n\nTo celebrate the launch of the new set, Wizards of the Coast sent us a Set Booster of Streets of New Capenna to check out, along with all five Commander decks based on the different families of the new set.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to pick either of these two products, here\u2019s our unboxing of the Set Booster and Commander deck of New Capenna!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with Streets of New Capenna\u2019s Set Booster. Unlike a normal Draft Booster, a Set Booster is meant to be more \u201cexciting\u201d to crack open, which is likely why it is popular among folks who just enjoy opening booster packs instead of using them for Limited play (Draft or Sealed).\n\n\nSo\u2026what makes a Set Booster more exciting to open? Well, quite a number of things. There is a structure to this (technically) 14-card pack. 12 of them are guaranteed Magic cards, while the other two are an art card and a token/ad/punch-out counter card; the latter has a chance to be replaced with a card from \u201cThe List.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen you crack open a Set Booster, the first card you\u2019ll see is an art card, followed by a basic land or metropolis basic land card for New Capenna. If you\u2019re lucky enough, there is a 15% chance that this land card will be foil. If you do get a foil land, it doesn\u2019t prevent you from getting another foil card in the pack.\n\n\nAfter the basic land card, the next six cards in a Set Booster will be regular commons and uncommons with some form of \u201cconnection\u201d to each other. For Streets of New Capenna, these cards will be three commons and three uncommons; simple enough.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter these common and uncommon cards, the 9th card in a Set Booster pack is the \u201chead-turning slot,\u201d as Wizards puts it. This slot is occupied by different cards from one set to another, but for Streets of New Capenna, it will be a common or uncommon showcase card \u2013 that is, it has a special frame. \n\n\nThe 10th and 11th slot of a Set Booster is where things can get really interesting. These two slots can be anything from common to \nmythic rare\n cards, depending on your luck. You will also get showcase cards in these slots; we got a pretty neat showcase card for Crew Captain in one of the packs.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the 12th slot in a Set Booster pack is a guaranteed rare or mythic rare card, which is no different than the same slot found in Draft Boosters. As for the 13th slot in the pack, it is a guaranteed foil card, and it can be of any rarity \u2013 yes, you can even get a mythic rare foil.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the 14th slot, which is usually a token/ad card. However, there is a 25% chance it will be a card from \u201cThe List\u201d \u2013 a list of 300 interesting cards from Magic\u2019s past. If a Set Booster pack has such a card, it can be of any rarity. We happened to get an Arvinox, the Mind Flail from this slot!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd\u2026that is basically what a Set Booster is. Its unique structure certainly makes it interesting to crack open, especially with the increased chance of getting a rare or mythic rare card. Oh, also included in the Streets of New Capenna\u2019s Set Booster is a Box Topper foil card: Gala Greeters.\n\n\nYou can get this same Box Topper foil card in Draft Booster and Collector Booster boxes of New Capenna as well. Basically, this is an extra incentive for players to purchase a whole booster box instead of individual packs.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the Commander decks. As mentioned, these 100-card decks \u2013 which are ready to play out of the box \u2013 are based on the five families of New Capenna. We have Obscura Operation, Cabaretti Cacophony, Bedecked Brokers, Riveteers Rampage, and Maestros Massacre.\n\n\nIncluded in every New Capenna Commander deck is a Collector Booster Sample Pack, which contains two cards. One of them is a \u201cBooster Fun\u201d treatment rare or mythic rare that can be found in New Capenna\u2019s Collector Boosters, while the other card is a foil golden age or skyscrapper common/uncommon.\n\n\nAlso found inside every New Capenna Commander deck are a number of useful items, including a life tracker, punch-out counter card, and even some sweet full-art basic land cards. While the Commander format can be quite complicated (especially to newcomers), it can definitely be fun to play with friends.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd that\u2019s our unboxing of the Set Booster and Commander deck of Magic: The Gathering\u2019s Streets of New Capenna. If you\u2019re keen to check out this new set, give your \nnearest hobby shop\n a visit tonight \u2013 it\u2019s Friday Night Magic!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-2-7-update-delayed-compensation-to-be-given/", "title": "Genshin Impact 2.7 Update Delayed \u2013 Compensation to Be Given", "body": "\n\nFor the first-time ever, \nGenshin Impact\n\u2018s next version update is delayed. This was \nannounced by Hoyoverse itself\n, and it remains to be seen exactly how long the delay will be, though players will be compensated for the delay.\n\n\nAccording to Hoyoverse, the Version 2.7 update of Genshin Impact is postponed due to \u201cproject progress.\u201d Chances are, it\u2019s due to the extended COVID-19 lockdowns in Shanghai; that\u2019s where Hoyoverse is based in.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHoyoverse further elaborated that the release date of the new update and content adjustment plan to Genshin Impact will be detailed as soon as possible, along with compensation to players for the delay. Though no official details on Version 2.7 have been revealed, we can expect \nYelan and Kuki Shinobu\n to be introduced in the update.\n\n\nWhile it\u2019s not great that Genshin Impact\u2019s Version 2.7 update is delayed, Hoyoverse\u2019s transparency on the matter is certainly appreciated. Hopefully, the company will reveal more details on the update soon; we reckon many players are excited for Yelan and Kuki Shinubo to make their debuts in the game.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-continues-to-offer-up-to-rm4000-discount-for-hari-raya-may-2022/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Continues to Offer up to RM4,000 Discount for Hari Raya (May 2022)", "body": "\n\nSelamat Hari Raya! In conjunction with the festive season, Honda Malaysia continues to offer up to RM4,000 discount on its range of models. These including the \npopular Honda City\n, Accord, and HR-V.\n\n\nNaturally,\u00a0the \nHonda Accord\n\u00a0gets the best discount. Both the range-topping TC-P and more affordable TC variants of the D-segment sedan receive a RM4,000 rebate. A tier down is the Honda City, which gets a RM2,000 discount for all variants of the B-segment sedan, including the range-topping \nRS e:HEV model\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext up is the \nHonda BR-V\n; this seven-seater gets a RM1,000 rebate. If you want an SUV instead, you can opt for the \nHonda CR-V\n or \nHonda HR-V\n \u2013 both of them also receive a RM1,000 discount.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re wondering why Honda\u2019s May 2022 discounts \naren\u2019t quite as generous as a couple of months ago\n, that\u2019s because the 2021 models are no longer available. Also, do note that these discounts are only applicable for vehicles registered between 1 to 31 May 2022.\n\n\nMore information on these discounts can be found\u00a0on \nHonda Malaysia\u2019s website\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to get any of these Honda models with the aforementioned rebates, you can place your booking online\u00a0\nhere\n. Alternatively, bookings can be done through the HondaTouch app as well \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/astro-now-offering-fibre-broadband-standalone-rm99-for-50mbps-rm249-for-800mbps/", "title": "Astro Now Offering Fibre Broadband Standalone \u2013 RM99 for 50Mbps, RM249 for 800Mbps", "body": "\n\nPreviously bundled with Astro\u2019s various TV packs\n, the company is now offering its fibre broadband as a standalone product. With prices starting at RM99 for 50Mbps, it\u2019s priced quite well against its competition.\n\n\nJust like the previous Astro subscription bundle, Astro Fibre is offered in four different speeds: 50Mbps (RM99), 100Mbps (RM129), 500Mbps (RM189), and 800Mbps (RM249). Regardless of which speed you go for, you will get a WiFi 6 router.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterestingly, if you get the 100Mbps or above plan, you will also receive a free mesh WiFi for 24 months. After the 24-month period is over, you can either return the mesh WiFi, or pay a monthly subscription fee. Of course, all of these plans come with a 24-month contract to.\n\n\nMore information on Astro Fibre can be found\u00a0\nright here\n, along with the Astro TV packs on offer if you also want to get an Astro subscription. You can sign up for the fibre internet plan through the same link too.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/5-11-may-fuel-price-ron-97-still-set-at-rm3-94-per-litre/", "title": "5 \u2013 11 May Fuel Price: RON 97 Still Set at RM3.94 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nRON 97 sees no price change this week! Of course, RON 95 and diesel remain the same as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nFrom today until 11 May next week, the price of RON 97 is set at RM3.94 per litre. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNew fuel prices are announced every Wednesday, so the next price update (if any) will be revealed on 11 May next week. Stay tuned to Nextrift then for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mode-sonnet-pre-orders-now-open-from-299-october-2022-shipping/", "title": "Mode Sonnet Pre-Orders Now Open \u2013 From $299, October 2022 Shipping", "body": "\n\nAfter a slight delay, the Mode Sonnet is finally available for pre-order date. Touted  by the brand to be its \u201cbest keyboard yet,\u201d the Sonnet is a 75% custom keyboard offered in a variety of materials and accent pieces that is configurable \nright here\n from only $299 (about RM1,300).\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the Sonnet is open for pre-order \nindefinitely\n. Mode\u2019s goal is to make the keyboard as accessible as possible by doing so; a great move by the brand to make custom keyboards more readily available.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJust like the \nMode SixtyFive\n and \nEighty\n, the Sonnet can be mounted in two ways: isolated top mount or stack mount (the silicone base add-on is required for this). What\u2019s unique to the Sonnet is the bottom case with \u201cprecision-milled\u201d curves, which give the keyboard a\u2026premium aesthetic, in our opinion.\n\n\nThe Mode Sonnet is now available for pre-order, and it will start shipping sometime in October 2022. While it starts at $299, the price will go up depending on the materials and options that you pick for the keyboard. You can configure your own Sonnet on \nMode\u2019s website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-a73-review-of-upgrades-some-downgrades/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy A73 Review: Of Upgrades & (Some) Downgrades", "body": "\n\nWhile Samsung\u2019s range of Galaxy A devices don\u2019t offer the best value for money, they are feature-packed upper mid-range devices; the Samsung Galaxy A73 is one such phone. Priced at RM2,099, it\u2019s not a particularly affordable device in its segment, but it does have a few notable upgrades over its predecessor.\n\n\nHowever, the Galaxy A73 also gets a less versatile camera system than last year\u2019s \nGalaxy A72\n, not to mention the fact that it now costs RM200 more. Granted, the A73 does get a slew of other upgrades, and if you don\u2019t need a telephoto camera, it\u2019s definitely a mid-ranger worth considering.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED Plus (2400 x 1080), 120Hz\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 778G 2.4GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 642L\nRAM\n8GB\nStorage\n256GB, expandable\nCamera (rear)\n108MP f/1.8, PDAF, OIS\n12MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide angle)\n5MP f/2.4 (macro)\n5MP f/2.4 (depth)\nCamera (front)\n32MP f/2.2\nBattery\n5,000mAh with 25W fast charging\nDimensions\n163.7 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm\nWeight\n181g\nOS\nOne UI 4.1 based on Android 12\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM2,099\n\n\nOn paper, the Galaxy A73 is quite a well-equipped mid-range phone. Not only does it have a bright and vibrant Super AMOLED Plus display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, it also gets a reasonably capable Snapdragon 778G chipset and IP67 water and dust resistance.\n\n\nHowever, compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy A73 loses out on a dedicated telephoto sensor; in its place is a 5MP depth camera instead. As the camera system now lacks an extra focal length, it\u2019s not as versatile anymore; more on this further down the review.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Super AMOLED Plus display of the Galaxy A73. Now featuring a 120Hz refresh rate \u2013 an upgrade from 90Hz \u2013 the phone feels extra fluid and responsive. The 6.7-inch 1080p panel itself is also very pleasant to look at with punchy colours, high brightness, and deep blacks; inherent characteristics of an AMOLED screen.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerformance wise, the Galaxy A73 is quite good too. The Snapdragon 778G is more than fast enough to provide a smooth user experience in day-to-day use, and though it does struggle at running \nGenshin Impact\n at 60fps consistently, the graphically demanding game is still very playable.\n\n\nAs for build quality, despite sporting a plastic frame and rear panel, the Galaxy A73 still feels solid in my hands; the phone doesn\u2019t feel cheap by any means. I also like the fact that it has a \u201cflatter\u201d frame than its predecessor, which makes it easier to get a good grip on the phone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to battery life, the Galaxy A73 is quite long-lasting. Throughout the review period, I managed to consistently get over six hours of screen on time out of the generous 5,000mAh battery. While this is not the best battery life I\u2019ve seen on a mid-ranger, it\u2019s certainly not the worst either.\n\n\nAnd then we have the camera performance of the Galaxy A73. Sporting a quad camera system made up of a 108MP primary shooter, a 12MP ultra-wide angle lens, a 5MP bokeh camera, and a 5MP depth sensor, it can take decent-looking shots, even in low light conditions.\n\n\nJudge for yourself with these sample shots:\n\n\n\n\n108MP primary\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\n108MP primary\n\n\n108MP primary (2x digital zoom)\n\n\n108MP primary\n\n\n108MP primary\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\n108MP primary\n\n\n108MP primary (2x digital zoom)\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the IP67 rating of the Galaxy A73. Yes, it\u2019s not the most exciting feature, but it\u2019s a unique selling point for this mid-range smartphone. After all, even most flagship-class phones are not water-resistant \nin 2022\n. The fact that the A73 can be submerged up to 1m underwater for 30 minutes can be a huge selling point to certain folks.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nEven though the Galaxy A73\u2019s quad camera system is quite adequate, I\u2019m not thrilled by the omission of the telephoto lens. Granted, a telephoto camera may not be a priority to some users, but it\u2019s \nodd\n that Samsung decided to remove this sensor on the A73 when its predecessor already had one.\n\n\nOkay, there is an option to do 2x zoom in the camera interface, but this is only digital zoom from the 108MP primary camera. The results are\u2026well, decent, but detail preservation does suffer quite a bit, as you can see in the sample images above.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s also the fact that the Galaxy A73 is a RM2,099 mid-range smartphone. For that kind of money, you can get other devices with a much faster chipset, such as the \nRM2,299 Poco F4 GT\n with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip. You can even get it for only RM1,999 when it\u2019s on sale.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy A73 does not offer the best value for money. But what it does offer is water resistance, a bright and vibrant Super AMOLED Plus screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, and a more than adequate camera performance despite the absence of a telephoto shooter.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou will definitely find other phones with better value proposition, but you\u2019d be hard-pressed to look for another mid-ranger with a similar feature set as the Galaxy A73. As a plus point, this phone also shares the same software experience as \nSamsung\u2019s flagship phones\n, which is to say it offers a responsive, polished operating system.\n\n\nThat is not something that can be said of many, \nmany\n other Android phones across all segments.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-offers-400-primogems-every-week-for-version-2-7-delay/", "title": "Genshin Impact Offers 400 Primogems Every Week for Version 2.7 Delay", "body": "\n\nHoyoverse just revealed the compensation details for the \ndelay of Genshin Impact 2.7\n. From 11 May onwards, 400 Primogems will be sent to players (among other goodies) \nevery week\n until the Version 2.7 update is live.\n\n\nAside from 400 Primogems, Hoyoverse will also give players a Fragile Resin, 7x Hero\u2019s Wits, 16x Mystic Enhancement Ores, and 120,000 Mora. Again, these rewards will be issued every week until the release of Version 2.7.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith the delay of Version 2.7, \nKamisato Ayaka\u2019s event wish\n \u2013 and the accompanying weapon banner \u2013 is also extended until the end of Version 2.6. If you\u2019ve always wanted to get Ayaka and her signature weapon, this is definitely great news to collect more Primogems to roll for her.\n\n\nUnfortunately, it still remains to be seen exactly when Version 2.7 of Genshin Impact will go live; Hoyoverse said an announcement will be made \u201cas soon as it has been confirmed.\u201d While some may be disappointed the next update is delayed, the generous compensation certainly makes up for it, in our opinion.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-a96-review-excellent-battery-life-not-so-much-on-value/", "title": "Oppo A96 Review: Excellent Battery Life, Not So Much on Value", "body": "\n\nThe Oppo A96 is a\u2026curious mid-range phone. Retailing at RM1,299, it\u2019s certainly priced on the higher side in the segment. But for that kind of money, it does offer a generous 256GB of internal storage, not to mention very, \nvery\n long battery life.\n\n\nHowever, the A96\u2019s value proposition isn\u2019t quite as good, and it doesn\u2019t perform particularly well in other aspects either. While its battery life and large storage capacity are good selling points, its shortcomings make it a bit of a tough recommendation \u2013 read on to find out why.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.59-inch FHD+ LTPS LCD (2412 x 1080), 90Hz\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 680 2.4GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 610\nRAM\n8GB\nStorage\n256GB, expandable\nCamera (rear)\n50MP f/1.8, PDAF\n2MP f/2.4 (depth)\nCamera (front)\n16MP f/2.0\nBattery\n5,000mAh with 33W fast charging\nDimensions\n164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm\nWeight\n191g\nOS\nColorOS 11.1 based on Android 11\nConnectivity\nLTE\nBluetooth 5.0\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n\nUSB Type-C\n3.5mm audio jack\nPrice\nRM1,299\n\n\nFor a mid-range phone, the Oppo A96 isn\u2019t very well equipped, especially at this price point. Not only is the Snapdragon 680 chip can be found on \nmuch\n more affordable phones \u2013 such as the Honor X7 \nfor only RM699\n \u2013 its camera system is (essentially) just a single 50MP shooter, given that the 2MP secondary camera is only used for depth perception.\n\n\nNonetheless, the A96 does have some good hardware, including a large 5,000mAh battery with reasonably fast 33W charging, as well as a relatively bright and fast 90Hz LTPS LCD screen.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nSporting a 6.59-inch 1080p LTPS screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, I\u2019m quite surprised by the vibrancy of the A96\u2019s LCD panel. While it\u2019s not comparable to a much more punchy AMOLED display, it\u2019s certainly a pleasant screen to look at. The 90Hz refresh rate helps to provide a more fluid, responsive user experience too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother area where the A96 \nabsolutely \nexcels in is battery life. Throughout the review period, I couldn\u2019t completely drain the 5,000mAh battery in a day\u2019s worth of use no matter what I throw at the phone. When I did manage to trickle down the battery on the second day, I was left with over \nnine hours\n of screen on time \u2013 that\u2019s very impressive.\n\n\nDespite packing such a large battery capacity, the A96 doesn\u2019t feel particularly heavy or thick either. Measuring 8.4mm thin with a 191g chassis, it fits in my hands comfortably without feeling too heavy. I\u2019m happy that the side-mounted fingerprint sensor works fast and seamlessly too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 256GB internal storage of the A96 is worth a mention as well. More often than not, a mid-range phone with this much storage capacity sits at a higher price point. This is really a good selling point for the A96, even though its other hardware don\u2019t quite reflect the RM1,299 price tag.\n\n\nAnd that\u2019s about it for the positives of the A96. Now, let\u2019s move on to the shortcomings of this mid-range phone, starting with its lacklustre camera performance.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nPacked with a 50MP primary shooter with a 2MP depth sensor, the Oppo A96 can capture\u2026well, average-looking shots. Given enough light, it\u2019s able to take flattering shots \u2013 even if some of them are oversaturated \u2013 but in moderately low lighting, the camera already starts struggling. Just take a look at these sample shots:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNot only does the 50MP camera offers decidedly mediocre performance, the fact that the A96 doesn\u2019t offer a telephoto lens, let alone an ultra-wide angle shooter, severely limits the versatility of its camera system as well.\n\n\nIn a market where most mid-rangers (at the bare minimum) offer a regular wide angle shooter along with an ultra-wide lens, the A96 doesn\u2019t compare very favourably.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the performance of the A96. While the Snapdragon 680 performs adequately in day-to-day use, it struggles to run Genshin Impact even at the lowest settings. While it\u2019s still somewhat playable, I wouldn\u2019t say it\u2019s an enjoyable experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the value proposition of the A96. For RM1,299, it\u2019s a tough price tag to swallow, especially with its average performance level and camera quality. At this price point, you\u2019ve got many other phones to choose from with more versatile camera systems and faster chipsets.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nEven though the Oppo A96 can\u2019t quite match the processing power or camera capability of other phones at this price point, it still has its own winning qualities. Not only is it a very long-lasting phone \u2013 nine hours of screen on time on a single charge is really quite an achievement \u2013 it also has a generous 256GB internal storage.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut if value for money is what you look for in a mid-range phone, then perhaps the A96 is not the best option. If Oppo had brought in the more affordable 128GB model at a lower price point though, things may have been different.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-proton-saga-facelift-launching-this-month-in-may-2022/", "title": "2022 Proton Saga Facelift Launching This Month in May 2022", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s official! Proton just confirmed that the 2022 Proton Saga facelift is launching by the end of this month. The national carmaker revealed this through its April sales report released today.\n\n\n\u201cThe best-selling model in April however was the Proton Saga with 4,579 units sold leading to a year-to-date total of 14,028 units in its final full month of sales before the launch of the 2022 Proton Saga,\u201d the company said in the press release.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrevious spy shots of the 2022 Saga\n\n\n\n\nBased on leaks, we know that the upcoming Saga facelift is offered in four variants: Standard MT, Standard AT, Premium AT, and the range-topping Premium S AT. Naturally, the latter gets all the bells and whistles, including keyless entry, push start button, semi-leather seats, and side skirts with a front bumper lip.\n\n\nNo changes to the engine of the new Saga is expected, so it will likely soldier on with the same 1.3L four-cylinder engine that outputs 95hp and 120Nm of torque. It should still be mated to a four-speed automatic transmission that\u2019s sourced from Hyundai as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven the new features and creature comforts the 2022 Proton Saga is getting, it\u2019ll be interesting to see how much it will be priced at. For context, the current Saga costs between RM32,400 to RM39,300 with sales tax exemption applied.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-cablemod-keyboard-cable-review/", "title": "Video: CableMod Keyboard Cable Review", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs you get deeper into the custom keyboard rabbit hole, you might be thinking of getting a custom coiled cable for your sweet custom board. Well, if you\u2019re looking for a premium option, consider CableMod\u2019s excellent keyboard cable with \na ton\n of customisation options!\n\n\nOn top of that, if you\u2019re here in Malaysia, you can use the code MALAYSIA40 to get 40% discount on the total price of your configured CableMod cable. You also only need to pay $10 (about RM43) to get the cable shipped to a Malaysian address \u2013 that\u2019s a good price for international shipping.\n\n\nKeen to get CableMod\u2019s keyboard cable? You can start configuring your own cable \nright here\n. We weren\u2019t told how long the 40% discount code (MALAYSIA40) will be valid for, so you may want to be quick to secure the savings.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-proton-saga-mc2-facelift-launching-12-may-new-circular-logo-updated-alloy-wheels/", "title": "2022 Proton Saga MC2 Facelift Launching 12 May \u2013 New Circular Logo, Updated Alloy Wheels", "body": "\n\nProton just announced the launch date of the new 2022 Proton Saga MC2 (Minor Change 2) facelift! Set to debut on 12 May this Thursday, the national carmaker also revealed some cosmetic changes to the updated A-segment sedan.\n\n\nTwo teaser images of the Saga MC2 were shared by Proton. One of it shows the new circular logo on the front end of the sedan \u2013 along with a red accent strip on the grille \u2013 and updated alloy wheels for a sleeker, sportier look.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBased on\n \nprevious leaks\n, we know that the Saga MC2 is offered in four variants: Standard MT, Standard AT, Premium AT, and the range-topping Premium S AT. Naturally, the latter gets all the bells and whistles, including keyless entry, push start button, semi-leather seats, and side skirts with a front bumper lip.\n\n\nNo changes to the engine of the facelifted Saga is expected, so it will likely soldier on with the same 1.3L four-cylinder engine that outputs 95hp and 120Nm of torque. It should still be mated to a four-speed automatic transmission that\u2019s sourced from Hyundai as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrevious spy shots of the 2022 Saga\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the 2022 Proton Saga MC2 facelift will make its debut on 12 May this Thursday; the virtual launch will take place on \nProton\u2019s Facebook page at 9.45AM\n. If you\u2019re keen to get the new Saga, you can register your interest \nright here\n.\n\n\nAt the moment, we still don\u2019t know exactly when the Keychron Q1 QMK Keyboard will be officially introduced. Nonetheless, you can register your interest for the upcoming keyboard \nover here\n.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\n2022 Proton Saga MC2 Facelift Launched \u2013 Keyless Entry, New Interior, From RM34k to RM44k\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/protons-sales-drop-32-2-in-april-2022-due-to-chip-shortage/", "title": "Proton\u2019s Sales Drop 32.2% in April 2022 Due to Chip Shortage", "body": "\n\nChip shortage continues to be an issue for many carmakers, and Proton is no exception. In April 2022 last month, the national carmaker sees its sales drop by a steep 32.2% due to chip supply issues.\n\n\nDespite the chip shortage, three Proton models continue to lead their respective segments. These include the \nhighly popular X50\n (1,554 units), X70 (1,530 units), and the Exora (301 units). The Saga was Proton\u2019s best-selling model last month with 4,579 units sold, though it sits at the second spot in the A-segment sedan market.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThankfully, Proton said that it has secured enough chips for May and June 2022, and it is projecting a quick turnaround in the coming months. But the carmaker added that \u201cthe situation is still uncertain for the rest of the year and the global car industry is under pressure from rising costs.\u201d\n\n\n\u201cThe company is working on countermeasures against these issues to ensure our customers get the best products and value in Malaysia and abroad,\u201d said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith the launch of the new \n2022 Proton Saga MC2\n set for 12 May this Thursday, we reckon the national carmaker\u2019s sales will see an encouraging growth for the coming months. Learn more about the new Saga facelift \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-x80-x80-pro-land-in-malaysia-rm3499-to-rm4999/", "title": "Vivo X80 & X80 Pro Land in Malaysia \u2013 RM3,499 to RM4,999", "body": "\n\nThe Vivo X80 and X80 Pro are now available for pre-order in Malaysia. Starting from RM3,499, these are high-end phones with matching price tags. Early birds can even receive up to RM1,555 worth of freebies.\n\n\nOf course, the RM3,499 starting price is for the more affordable X80, which features 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The higher-end X80 Pro, on the other hand, also comes with the same RAM and storage capacities for RM4,999.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven its dearer asking price, the X80 Pro is naturally the higher-end phone of the two. Packed with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, it also has a 120Hz 6.78-inch 3200 x 1440 AMOLED display, a quad camera system (50MP primary + 48MP ultra-wide angle + 12MP portrait + 8MP periscope telephoto), a 32MP selfie camera, an IP68 rating, and a 4,700mAh battery with 80W fast charging.\n\n\nAs for the more affordable X80, it has a more modest set of hardware. It features a Dimensity 9000 chipset, a 6.78-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle + 12MP portrait), a 32MP selfie shooter, and a 4,500mAh battery with 80W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Vivo X80 and X80 Pro are now available for pre-order in Malaysia through \nVivo\u2019s official online store\n, \nShopee\n, and \nLazada\n for RM3,499 and RM4,999 respectively. If you want to get the pre-order goodies, make sure you get either phones by 13 May this Friday.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/cablemod-keyboard-cable-review-premium-high-end-coiled-cables-with-40-discount/", "title": "CableMod Keyboard Cable Review: Premium, High-End Coiled Cables (With 40% Discount!)", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCableMod is a brand name that\u2019s quite well-known in the PC building scene for its range of sleeved cables. In recent times, the company ventured into the custom keyboard scene with the same high quality cables, which also offers \na ton\n of customisation options.\n\n\nNaturally, this level of customisability and quality also come with a premium price tag, but you\u2019re definitely getting an equally premium keyboard cable too. As a cherry on top, if you\u2019re here in Malaysia, you can even get a 40% discount on a CableMod keyboard cable \nand\n $10 flat shipping rate.\n\n\nContinue reading this review to find out how!\n\n\n\n\nA blue Pro Coiled CableMod cable with the Slimline QDC\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nCableMod offers four different options for its keyboard cable: Classic Straight (from $24.90), Pro Straight (from $29.90), Classic Coiled (from $49.90), and Pro Coiled (from $58.90). The Classic options are basically cables without a \u201cquick disconnect\u201d (QDC) connector \u2013 aviator or Slimline \u2013 while the Pro ones come with such a connector.\n\n\nIn \nCableMod\u2019s configurator\n, you can change the colour of virtually every part of the keyboard cable. These include the cable\u2019s inner paracord base layer, the ModMesh nylon top layer, the connector (you can also change the type of connector), and the QDC.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere are also different finishing options for the QDC and connectors! The QDC has three choices of finishing (anodise, cerakote, powder coating), while the connectors have the same options, with the addition of heatshrinking.\n\n\nNeedless to say, the customisation options are \nextensive\n. Did I mention you can also change the length of the cable, along with the orientation of the coil?\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nOf course, one of the best features of CableMod\u2019s keyboard cable is its sheer customisability mentioned above. This is something that\u2019s not offered on such a scale from other vendors, which is really a unique selling point for CableMod. There\u2019s even a live preview of how your customised cable will look like.\n\n\nAside from that, the quality of the cable itself is also very good. I\u2019ve received two separate cables from the company, and both of them have no noticeable finishing issues. There are no visible scratches, the cables feel sturdy, and I\u2019m especially impressed with the straightness of the coil.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the biggest issues with cheaper coiled cables is the crooked appearance of the coil, along with inconsistent coiling. CableMod\u2019s coiled keyboard cable does not suffer from this at all; not only is the cable very straight, the coiling is also tight and consistent.\n\n\nI also like CableMod\u2019s Slimline connector. It has a nice \u201csnap\u201d when connecting the two halves, and the same applies to the aviator QDC. While the latter feels a tad too tight when pushing in, I appreciate that the aviator\u2019s screw is not crooked \u2013 this is an issue I faced with other keyboard cables.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the packaging of the CableMod keyboard cable. It\u2019s a nice zippered case with a foam to protect the cable during transit. It feels a little\u2026too much for \u201cjust\u201d a cable, but I\u2019m all for it.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nIt\u2019s great that CableMod offers so many customisation options for its keyboard cable, but the downside to this is the final cost of the customised product. Take the QDC: the aviator connector is the default option, and opting for the lower profile Slimline connector is a $16 upgrade. Yes, $16 for just a different connector,\n\n\nSelecting a different finish for the QDC also increases the price of the cable. Want a Cerakote coating? It\u2019ll set you back $4 for \neach\n end of the connector. Basically, depending on the customisation options you\u2019re going for, expect to pay much more than what the starting prices suggest.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nEven though the CableMod keyboard cable can get pretty expensive, you \nare\n getting a high quality, premium product. It has a tight, straight coil, the finishing of the cable itself and connectors are excellent, and the ability to customise the colour to your liking means you can get a cable that is uniquely yours.\n\n\nIf the CableMod cable is still a tad too expensive for you, good news. If you\u2019re here in Malaysia, you can get the aforementioned 40% discount on the total cost of the cable, not to mention a flat $10 shipping to get it delivered to a Malaysian address.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll you need to do is use the code MALAYSIA40 at checkout to enjoy the discount. CableMod did not specify exactly how long the discount code will be valid for, so you may want to be quick to secure the savings.\n\n\nKeen to get the CableMod keyboard cable? Then start configuring your very own cable\u00a0\nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-find-x5-pro-malaysian-launch-set-for-18-may/", "title": "Oppo Find X5 Pro Malaysian Launch Set for 18 May", "body": "\n\nOppo\u2019s latest flagship smartphone, the \nOppo Find X5 Pro\n, is coming to Malaysia as early as 18 May next week. Sporting the Chinese company\u2019s latest MariSilicon X Imaging NPU, the X5 Pro promises improved camera performance, especially when shooting low light 4K videos.\n\n\nAccording to Oppo, the MariSilicon X NPU allows the Find X5 to shoot night videos in 4K with \u201cless grain and superior colour reproduction,\u201d thanks to the use of an advanced AI noise reduction algorithm designed by the Oppo Research Institute.\n\n\nOf course, whether or not this is the case, we\u2019ll have to reserve judgment until we can try out the phone for ourselves.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Find X5 Pro has a triple camera system made up of a 50MP primary camera \u2013 complete with a \u201cfirst-of-its-kind\u201d five-axis OIS system for more stable videos and sharper still photos \u2013 a 50MP ultra-wide angle lens, and a 13MP telephoto camera with 5x hybrid zoom. It also features Hasselblad Natural Colour Calibration in Pro Mode for\u2026well, more accurate colour reproduction.\n\n\nNaturally, the Find X5 Pro is also powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset for flagship-tier performance. After all, it\u2019s said to offer 30% improved GPU performance while sporting 25% better power efficiency, thanks to its 4nm manufacturing process.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Find X5 Pro include a 6.7-inch WQHD+ curved AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 80W SuperVOOC fast charging, an IP68 rating, a ceramic back, and ColorOS 12.1 based on Android 12 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Find X5 Pro will make its Malaysian debut next week on 18 May. No word yet on whether or not the \nmore affordable Find X5\n will also be launched here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-zenbook-pro-16x-oled-touted-as-most-powerful-zenbook-ever-with-core-i9-12900h-rtx-3060/", "title": "Asus Zenbook Pro 16X OLED Touted as Most Powerful Zenbook Ever With Core i9-12900H & RTX 3060", "body": "\n\nAsus just unveiled a slew of new laptops, and the headlining product is the Asus Zenbook Pro 16X OLED. Touted by the Taiwanese company as the \u201cmost powerful Zenbook ever,\u201d this creator-focused laptop features an Intel Core i9-12900H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU.\n\n\nWhile the RTX 3060 graphics card is not exactly the best mobile GPU in the market now, it makes sense for a creator laptop like the Pro 16X OLED to feature such hardware. What\u2019s more important is the fast Core i9-12900H chip; it\u2019s an impressive \n14-core\n processor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPaired with a robust cooling system \u2013 the laptop has an \u201cAAS Ultra\u201d mechanism that lifts up the keyboard deck \u2013 Asus said that the CPU and GPU of the Pro 16X OLED can run at up to 140W combined TDP in Performance mode without throttling. Given that this is 16.9mm thin laptop, it\u2019s quite an impressive claim.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Pro 16X OLED include a \u201cworld-leading\u201d 16-inch 4K OLED HDR touch-enabled display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, a 2.4kg unibody chassis, and a generous 96Wh battery that is said to provide up to 10 hours of continuous use on a single charge.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven the premium positioning of the Asus Zenbook Pro 16X OLED, it naturally carries a premium price tag: this creator laptop starts at $2,599 in the US, which comes up to about RM11,380. No confirmation yet on the Malaysian availability of this premium machine.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-br-v-facelift-gets-2-new-colours-ignite-red-metallic-meteoroid-grey-metallic/", "title": "Honda BR-V Facelift Gets 2 New Colours \u2013 Ignite Red Metallic & Meteoroid Grey Metallic", "body": "\n\nLaunched back in June 2020, the Honda BR-V facelift just received two new colour options: Ignite Red Metallic and Meteoroid Grey Metallic. These two new colours replace the existing Passion Red Pearl and Modern Steel Metallic options respectively.\n\n\nTo recap, two variants of the facelifted BR-V are offered. The E trim costs RM86,726, while the range-topping V variant goes for RM93,693. Of course, these prices are with sales tax exemption applied \nuntil 30 June 2022\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the pre-facelift model, the current BR-V gets some styling changes that lend to a more \u201cmasculine look,\u201d as Honda puts it. Both the E and V trims are now equipped with a new front grille, front bumper, and lower bumper garnish, though it\u2019s worth noting that only the V variant gets fog lamps. Besides that, the facelift gets new 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheel design too, along with a revised rear bumper (with vertical reflectors) and shark fin antenna.\n\n\nOf course, the cabin of the updated BR-V gets some neat changes too. Standard equipment across the two variants include tweeter speakers, cabin filter, automatic air-conditioning, keyless entry, and push-start button. The range-topping V trim, on the other hand, gets a seven-inch infotainment screen, paddle shifters, leather seats with red accents, and a gear knob with red stitching.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond these changes, the facelifted BR-V is identical to the previous model. It soldiers on with the familiar 1.5L four-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC engine, which outputs 120hp and 145Nm of torque. It is also mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) just as before with drive sent to the front wheels.\n\n\nSafety equipment of the updated BR-V remains the same as the pre-facelift model. These include driver and front passenger airbags, vehicle stability assist (VSA), traction control system (TCS), anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD), and three-point seat belts for all seven seats.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you like the new Ignite Red Metallic and Meteorite Grey Metallic colours for the Honda BR-V facelift, you can head to your nearest Honda dealership to place a booking. Alternatively, you can also book them online\u00a0\nhere\n, or even through the HondaTouch app \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-br-v-facelift-5700-units-sold-in-malaysia-since-june-2020/", "title": "Honda BR-V Facelift \u2013 5,700 Units Sold in Malaysia Since June 2020", "body": "\n\nThe Honda BR-V facelift was introduced in Malaysia back in \nJune 2020\n. Fast forward to today, over 5,700 units of the seven-seater MPV have been sold on our shores.\n\n\nWhile this isn\u2019t a huge figure, it\u2019s worth noting that the BR-V was launched here five years ago back in 2017. The fact that Honda Malaysia still managed to sell this many units of the (admittedly) ageing MPV is really quite impressive.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, it\u2019s likely that Honda Malaysia will introduce the all-new 2022 BR-V locally \nsometime this year\n alongside the new HR-V. It\u2019s high time we get a proper update to these two models, given that it\u2019s been quite some time since their respective debuts on our shores.\n\n\nNonetheless, if you\u2019re keen to get the Honda BR-V facelift \u2013 especially with the \nintroduction of two new colours for the MPV\n \u2013 you can head to your nearest Honda dealership to place a booking. Alternatively, you can also book them online\u00a0\nhere\n, or even through the HondaTouch app \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-zenbook-pro-14-duo-oled-asus-most-polished-dual-screen-laptop-yet/", "title": "Asus Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED \u2013 Asus\u2019 Most Polished Dual Screen Laptop Yet", "body": "\n\nAsus also unveiled an updated version of the Asus Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED. Now featuring the aforementioned OLED screen, the dual screen laptop also has a number of other improvements, including a faster processor and a more robust cooling system.\n\n\nThanks to the Pro 14 Duo OLED\u2019s new Active Aerodynamic System Ultra (AAS Ultra) \u2013 which lifts up the secondary touchscreen by 12 degrees for better ergonomics and cooling \u2013 the laptop can achieve a total TDP of up to 85W. Plenty of breathing room for the Intel Core i9-12900H processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from the, the Pro 14 Duo OLED also has a primary 14.5-inch 2880 x 1800 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a tall 16:10 aspect ratio. It is paired with a 12.7-inch 2880 x 864 ScreenPad Plus secondary touchscreen too, which is now bigger and brighter than the previous model\u2019s.\n\n\nThe Asus Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED is said to start at $2,000, which comes up to about RM8,765. It remains to be seen if this premium dual screen laptop will be available in Malaysia, but given Asus\u2019 prominent presence on our shores, there\u2019s a good chance it will eventually be sold here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nintendo-sold-4-11-million-switch-consoles-in-q1-2022-forecasts-lower-sales/", "title": "Nintendo Sold 4.11 Million Switch Consoles in Q1 2022; Forecasts Lower Sales", "body": "\n\nNintendo just revealed its sales report for the financial year (April 2021 \u2013 March 2022), which sheds some light on the sales performance of the Switch console. In the first quarter of 2022 itself, over 4.11 million units of the Switch were sold worldwide.\n\n\nThis brings the total number of Switch sales since its debut in 2017 to an impressive 107.65 million, making it Nintendo\u2019s best-selling home console to date. However, sales of the Switch have actually been declining over the years, even after the introduction of the \nSwitch OLED\n in October 2021.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBetween April 2020 to March 2021, Nintendo sold 28.83 million Switch consoles. In the same period between 2021 to 2022, the total sales is lower at 23.06 million. That\u2019s a difference of 5.77 million or about 20% decline.\n\n\nFor April 2022 to March 2023, Nintendo expects to sell \u201conly\u201d 21 million units of the Switch, which seems to suggest that demand for the console is waning. But whether or not this is a sign Nintendo will introduce a generational update to the Switch remains to be seen.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dji-mini-3-pro-official-first-high-end-mini-drone-from-rm3399-in-malaysia/", "title": "DJI Mini 3 Pro Official \u2013 First High-End Mini Drone From RM3,399 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nAfter numerous leaks, the DJI Mini 3 Pro is finally official. As the successor to the Mini 2, this new drone sports a number of features that puts it more in line with DJI\u2019s higher-end drones, including a more sophisticated flying capability and the ability to shoot videos in vertical mode.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the Mini 3 Pro\u2019s 48MP f/1.7 camera can be rotated 90-degree to take vertical videos; perfect for social media such as TikTok and Instagram Stories. Aside from that, it can also shoot in 4K at up to 60fps, not to mention a slew of shooting modes including ActiveTrack, QuickShots, and MasterShots.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother neat hardware of the Mini 3 Pro is its tri-directional obstacle sensing; this drone has forward, backward, and downward visual sensors. Despite packing all of these new features, DJI still managed to keep the weight of this drone to only 249g, so you won\u2019t have to register it in most regions.\n\n\nThe DJI Mini 3 Pro is now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 16 May on Shopee and Lazada from RM3,399 for the drone itself. If you also want to get the remote controller, it will set you back RM4,199. You can visit the \nDJI flagship store in Pavilion KL\n as well to learn more about this brand new drone.\n\n\nWe also received a review unit of the Mini 3 Pro; stay tuned for our full video review of it!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-proton-saga-mc2-facelift-push-start-button-confirmed-keyless-entry-likely/", "title": "2022 Proton Saga MC2 Facelift Push Start Button Confirmed \u2013 Keyless Entry Likely", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s less than 24 hours before the \n2022 Proton Saga MC2\n (Minor Change 2) facelift makes its debut tomorrow on 12 May. Before that, Proton has one more teaser to show, which confirms the new A-segment sedan\u2019s push start button.\n\n\nGiven that the facelifted Saga\u2019s keyless ignition feature is officially confirmed by Proton, there\u2019s a good chance the sedan will also get keyless entry. After all, \nnumerous leaks\n have confirmed this convenient feature; you can even see the button for keyless entry on the driver\u2019s side door handle in the leaked image below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBased on\n\u00a0\nprevious leaks\n, we know that the Saga MC2 is offered in four variants: Standard MT, Standard AT, Premium AT, and the range-topping Premium S AT. Naturally, the latter gets all the bells and whistles, including the aforementioned push start button, keyless entry, semi-leather seats, and side skirts with a front bumper lip.\n\n\nNo changes to the engine of the facelifted Saga is expected, so it will likely soldier on with the same 1.3L four-cylinder engine that outputs 95hp and 120Nm of torque. It should still be mated to a four-speed automatic transmission as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Proton Saga MC2 facelift will make its debut on 12 May tomorrow; the virtual launch will take place on\u00a0\nProton\u2019s Facebook page at 9.45AM\n. If you\u2019re keen to get the new Saga, you can register your interest\u00a0\nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-login-now-to-claim-400-primogems/", "title": "Genshin Impact \u2013 Login Now to Claim 400 Primogems", "body": "\n\nHoyoverse just sent out the compensation for the \ndelay of Genshin Impact 2.7\n. As long as you\u2019ve reached Adventure Level 5 or above, you can claim 400 Primogems from the in-game mail today. In fact, you\u2019ll get this reward \nevery week\n until the Version 2.7 update is live.\n\n\nAside from 400 Primogems, Hoyoverse will also give players a Fragile Resin, 7x Hero\u2019s Wits, 16x Mystic Enhancement Ores, and 120,000 Mora. Again, these rewards will be issued every week until the release of Version 2.7.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith the delay of Version 2.7, \nKamisato Ayaka\u2019s event wish\n \u2013 and the accompanying weapon banner \u2013 is also extended until the end of Version 2.6. If you\u2019ve always wanted to get Ayaka and her signature weapon, this is definitely great news to collect more Primogems to roll for her.\n\n\nUnfortunately, it still remains to be seen exactly when Version 2.7 of Genshin Impact will go live; Hoyoverse said an announcement will be made \u201cas soon as it has been confirmed.\u201d While some may be disappointed the next update is delayed, the generous compensation certainly makes up for it, in our opinion.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-flow-z13-price-change-in-malaysia-between-rm200-to-rm1000-price-increase/", "title": "Asus ROG Flow Z13 Price Change in Malaysia \u2013 Between RM200 to RM1,000 Price Increase", "body": "\n\nLaunched in Malaysia just a couple of months ago in March, the \nAsus ROG Flow Z13\n is seeing a price adjustment locally. While the starting price of the gaming tablet remains the same at RM7,999, the higher-end variants of the Z13 are now slightly more expensive.\n\n\nThis price change is reflected on the \nlocal product page of the Flow Z13\n. The base model, as mentioned, retains its RM7,999 price tag. It features an Intel Core i7-12700H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU, a 13.4-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS touch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 512GB SSD.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA tier up is the Core i9-12900H configuration of the Flow Z13, which is now set at RM8,999; that\u2019s a RM200 price increase. Aside from the faster processor, you\u2019re also getting a beefier RTX 3050 Ti GPU and a generous 1TB SSD. Despite the price revision, it\u2019s really worth paying the extra RM1,000 for these upgrades over the base model.\n\n\nLast but not least is the range-topping Flow Z13, which sees a RM1,000 price increase to RM16,999. Aside from a sharper 4K screen (though the refresh rate is limited to 60Hz), this variant also bundles the ROG XG Mobile external GPU enclosure, which houses a powerful RTX 3080 GPU (150W TGP).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Asus Malaysia, the price revision for the Asus ROG Flow Z13 is due to the increasing difference between MYR and USD. Initial stocks of the gaming tablet have also sold out, so expect the Z13 to carry these new price tags once it is restocked.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-magic-4-pro-launch-in-malaysia-set-for-early-june-2022/", "title": "Honor Magic 4 Pro Launch in Malaysia Set for Early June 2022", "body": "\n\nThe \nHonor Magic 4 Pro\n made its global debut in March earlier this year, and it was confirmed not long after that it will makes its way into the Malaysian market. Well, we finally have a launch window for the flagship phone\u2019s local unveiling.\n\n\nAccording to the CEO of Honor Malaysia, Justin Li, the Magic 4 Pro will be available in Malaysia sometime in early June next month. Unfortunately, there\u2019s no word on the local availability of the regular Magic 4, so it remains to be seen if the more affordable variant will also be sold here.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the highlights of the Magic 4 Pro is its triple camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 64MP periscope telephoto lens that can do 3.5x optical zoom. These sensors are housed in a unique circular camera module.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Magic 4 Pro include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, a 6.81-inch 2848 x 1312 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 256GB of internal storage, a 12MP selfie camera, an IP68 rating, and a 4,600mAh battery with support for 100W wired and \nwireless \ncharging; that\u2019s quite impressive.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Honor Magic 4 Pro is set to be launched here in Malaysia in early June next month; we\u2019ll find out then just how much it will be priced at on our shores. For context, it is sold in Europe with a 1,099 euro starting price \u2013 that\u2019s about RM5,075.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-1-iv-launched-true-optical-zoom-camera-for-1599/", "title": "Sony Xperia 1 IV Launched \u2013 True Optical Zoom Camera for $1,599, Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nSony just revealed its next flagship phone, the Sony Xperia 1 IV (it\u2019s pronounced Xperia 1 Mark IV). One of the most unique selling points of this high-end phone is its telephoto lens with true optical zoom between 85mm to 125mm.\n\n\nThis is quite the technical achievement, given that telephoto cameras on smartphones have a fixed focal length. Granted, the 12MP telephoto lens\u2019 85-125mm focal length of the Xperia 1 IV isn\u2019t particularly far-reaching, but it\u2019s still a feature unique to this phone.\n\n\nComplementing the telephoto shooter is a 12MP primary sensor and another 12MP ultra-wide angle lens.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xperia 1 IV are decidedly high-end. These include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, a sharp 6.5-inch 4K OLED panel with a fast 120Hz refresh rate and tall 21:9 aspect ratio, 12GB of RAM, 512GB of expandable storage, a 12MP selfie camera, an IP65/IP68 rating, and a generous 5,000mAh battery. \n\n\nThe Sony Xperia 1 IV will be available in certain regions sometime in mid-June next month. With a $1,599 starting price \u2013 that comes up to about RM7,000 \u2013 it is unmistakably a costly flagship phone. As per Sony Malaysia\u2019s \nproduct listing of the Xperia 1 IV\n, it\u2019s said to be coming to the Malaysian market soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-10-iv-weighs-only-161g-with-water-resistance-5000mah-battery-for-499-euro/", "title": "Sony Xperia 10 IV Weighs Only 161g With Water Resistance & 5,000mAh Battery for 499 Euro", "body": "\n\nAside from the flagship \nXperia 1 IV\n, Sony also introduced the more affordable Sony Xperia 10 IV. Touted as the world\u2019s lightest 5G phone, it tips the scales at only 161g. That\u2019s quite impressive, given that it also sports a sizeable 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\nOf course, just like its predecessor, the Xperia 10 IV has an IP65/IP68 water and dust resistance; quite a rare feature for a mid-range smartphone. It also features Sony\u2019s signature 21:9 tall and narrow display for easier one-handed use.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xperia 10 IV include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, a 6.0-inch 2520 x 1080 OLED display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (12MP primary + 8MP telephoto + 8MP ultra-wide angle), an 8MP selfie camera, 6GB RAM, 128GB expandable storage, and Android 12 out of the box.\n\n\nThe Sony Xperia 10 IV will be available in selected markets sometime in mid-June next month for 499 euro (about RM2,305). Sony Malaysia already has a \nproduct page for the Xperia 10 IV\n, and it\u2019s said to be \u201cavailable soon\u201d on our shores.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/12-18-may-fuel-price-ron-97-up-37-sen/", "title": "12 \u2013 18 May Fuel Price: RON 97 up 37 Sen", "body": "\n\nRON 97 is going up in price quite drastically this week: it\u2019s set to increase by a steep 37 sen per litre. No changes to the prices of RON 95 and diesel, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nFor the next seven days, the price of RON 97 is set at RM4.31 per litre (up from RM3.94). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 12 to 18 May 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-1-iv-pre-orders-start-11-june-2022-in-malaysia/", "title": "Sony Xperia 1 IV Pre-Orders Start 11 June 2022 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nWe just got word from Sony Malaysia on the local availability of its latest flagship phone, the \nSony Xperia 1 IV\n. If you\u2019ve got your eyes on this phone, good news: it will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from 11 June 2022.\n\n\nThe Malaysian pre-order of the Xperia 1 IV will be from 11 June to 10 July; quite a lengthy period. Unfortunately, Sony Malaysia did not reveal if any freebies will be bundled, but judging from the \npre-order of previous Xperia phones\n, there should be some extra incentives.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the most unique selling points of the Xperia 1 IV is its telephoto lens with true optical zoom between 85mm to 125mm. This is quite the technical achievement, given that telephoto cameras on smartphones usually have a fixed focal length.\n\n\nGranted, the 12MP telephoto lens\u2019 85-125mm focal length of the Xperia 1 IV isn\u2019t particularly far-reaching, but it\u2019s still a feature unique to this phone. Complementing the telephoto shooter is a 12MP primary sensor and another 12MP ultra-wide angle lens.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xperia 1 IV are decidedly high-end. These include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, a sharp 6.5-inch 4K OLED panel with a fast 120Hz refresh rate and tall 21:9 aspect ratio, 12GB of RAM, 512GB of expandable storage, a 12MP selfie camera, an IP65/IP68 rating, and a generous 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Sony Xperia 1 IV will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from 11 June to 10 July 2022. It remains to be seen how much it\u2019ll be priced at for the local market, though it starts at $1,599 in the US (about RM7,000).\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-10-iv-malaysian-pre-orders-open-1-july-2022-161g-5000mah-battery-water-resistant/", "title": "Sony Xperia 10 IV Malaysian Pre-Orders Open 1 July 2022 \u2013 161g, 5,000mAh Battery, Water-Resistant", "body": "\n\nThe colourful \nSony Xperia 10 IV\n will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from 1 July onwards. We received this confirmation from Sony Malaysia itself, and it\u2019s quite a bit later than the local pre-orders of the \nXperia 1 IV\n \u2013 the flagship phone can be pre-ordered \nfrom 11 June instead\n.\n\n\nNonetheless, Malaysian pre-orders of the Xperia 10 IV will run from 1 to 31 July 2022; the whole month, basically. No word yet on any pre-order incentives for the mid-ranger, but it should be bundled with some freebies, just like \nprevious Xperia pre-orders\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJust like its predecessor, the Xperia 10 IV has an IP65/IP68 water and dust resistance, which is quite a rare feature for a mid-range smartphone. It also features Sony\u2019s signature 21:9 tall and narrow display for easier one-handed use.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xperia 10 IV include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, a 6.0-inch 2520 x 1080 OLED display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (12MP primary + 8MP telephoto + 8MP ultra-wide angle), an 8MP selfie camera, 6GB RAM, 128GB expandable storage, and a sizeable 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Sony Xperia 10 IV will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from 1 to 31 July 2022. We haven\u2019t been told how much it\u2019ll cost locally, but for the sake of comparison, it starts at 499 euro in selected markets \u2013 that comes up to about RM2,305.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-proton-saga-mc2-facelift-launched-keyless-entry-new-interior-from-rm34k-to-rm44k/", "title": "2022 Proton Saga MC2 Facelift Launched \u2013 Keyless Entry, New Interior, From RM34k to RM44k", "body": "\n\nProton has finally launched the 2022 Proton Saga MC2 facelift \u2013 MC2 stands for Minor Change 2, signifying that this is a minor upgrade over the 2019 facelift. While the updated A-segment sedan doesn\u2019t get a new engine or a significant revision, it does offer some nice creature comforts now, including keyless entry and a new interior.\n\n\nFirst up, prices. Four variants of the new Saga are offered: Standard MT (RM34,400), Standard AT (RM38,300), Premium AT (RM41,300), and the range-topping Premium S (RM44,300). These prices are on-the-road without insurance, and sales tax exemption \nis actually applied until 30 June 2022\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the highest-end Premium S gets all the bells and whistles. These include the aforementioned keyless entry, push start button, semi-leather seats, red accents on the air-cond vents, a new 7-inch infotainment screen with iOS and Android mirroring, front bumper skirts, side skirts, as well as 15-inch alloy wheels.\n\n\nStandard equipment across the range of the new Saga include two airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), hill hold assist, and the familiar 1.3L four-cylinder engine that outputs 95PS and 120Nm of torque. The Standard MT comes with a five-speed manual gearbox, while the other variants get a Hyundai-sourced four-speed automatic.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Proton Saga MC2 facelift is now available for booking. Given that the sales tax exemption is ending on 30 June, we imagine folks who are looking to get this new Saga would want to get their order in quickly to take advantage of the lower prices.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-launching-at-least-3-all-new-models-by-2024-proton-x90-coming-soon/", "title": "Proton Launching \u201cAt Least\u201d 3 All-New Models by 2024 \u2013 Proton X90 Coming Soon?", "body": "\n\nAt the launch\n of the \n2022 Proton Saga MC2 facelift\n, Proton revealed that it will be launching not one, but \nat least three new models\n in the next two years. While the national carmaker did not specify any of the new models that will be launched here by 2024, we have a good idea for one of it: the \nProton X90\n.\n\n\nAt least, that\u2019s the tentative name for the Geely Haoyue \u2013 or Okavango, as marketed in The Philippines \u2013 for the Malaysian market. After all, the D-segment premium SUV \nhas been spotted on Malaysian roads\n many times now with \nsome changes here and there\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrevious spy shot of the Haoyue in Malaysia\n\n\nOne of the first spy shots of the Haoyue on local roads\n\n\nNotice the different number plate position on this earlier test mule of the Haoyue\n\n\n\n\nSo what is the Haoyue? As mentioned, it\u2019s a large D-segment SUV that can be configured with five or seven seats; it measures 4,835mm long, 1,900mm wide, and 1,785 tall. Compared to the \nProton X70\n, the Haoyue is 316mm longer, 69mm wider, and 91mm taller.\n\n\nPowering the Haoyue, on the other hand, is a 1.8L four-cylinder turbocharged engine that outputs 181PS and 300Nm of torque. This engine is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with drive sent either to the front wheels or all four of them for the AWD model.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s worth noting that in The Philippines, the Okavango is actually available with a 1.5L three-cylinder turbo engine and a mild hybrid system that put out a combined figure of 190hp and 300Nm of torque. This setup is also paired with a 7DCT, though there is no AWD variant.\n\n\nOf course, given its positioning as a premium SUV, the Haoyue is equipped with Geely\u2019s level 2 autonomous driving system too. It is made up of 24 different sensors to allow for as many as 17 \u201cintelligent drive features.\u201d According to Geely, this lets the SUV automatically follow, stop, as well as turn at speeds of up to 150km/h.\n\n\nOh, just like the \nProton X50\n, the Haoyue is also capable of parking itself. It features a 360-degree camera as well, and given the large size of the SUV, we imagine this will come in handy for most drivers.\n\n\n\n\nThe Geely Haoyue\n\n\n\n\nEven though the Geely Haoyue is already being tested on Malaysian roads, it\u2019s still too early to tell if it will eventually materialise to be the \u201cProton X90,\u201d even if \nsome rumours are suggesting a 2022 release\n. Nonetheless, we will keep a close eye for any further development of this premium SUV!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/pixel-6a-unveiled-with-googles-flagship-tensor-chip-but-simpler-camera-system-for-449/", "title": "Pixel 6A Unveiled With Google\u2019s Flagship Tensor Chip, But Simpler Camera System for $449", "body": "\n\nThe Pixel 6A is here, and it shares the same flagship Google Tensor chip as the higher-end Pixel 6 series. On top of that, it is also quite a bit more affordable, though it also has a more simplified camera system.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Pixel 6A\u2019s Tensor chip. Said to be competitive with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, it is also packed with a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) for AI tasks, enabling faster speech recognition, among other things.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDesign wise, the Pixel 6A looks very similar to the higher-end Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. What is different is the size of the phone: sporting a 6.1-inch 1080p OLED display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate, it\u2019s quite a bit more compact, even if it\u2019s a little underwhelming it only has a 60Hz panel.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Pixel 6A include a dual camera system (12.2MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle), an 8MP selfie camera, an under-screen fingerprint sensor, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of UFS 3.1 storage, and a 4,410mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Pixel 6A will be available on 28 July; a whole two months away. Pricing wise, it retains the 5A\u2019s $449 (RM1,970) price tag. As usual, it\u2019s unlikely the Pixel 6A will be officially offered in Malaysia, though we reckon parallel importers will bring in the phone to the local market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/google-teases-pixel-watch-arrives-in-fall-2022-alongside-pixel-7/", "title": "Google Teases Pixel Watch \u2013 Arrives in Fall 2022 Alongside Pixel 7", "body": "\n\nGoogle confirmed the existence of the Pixel Watch, though the company isn\u2019t quite ready to share all details on the new smartwatch. But Google did mention that the wearable will be launched alongside the Pixel 7 series later this year in fall.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, Google also gave us a quick teaser of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. It has the same horizontal camera bar design as the current Pixel 6 series, though the camera cutout looks slightly different now. It will also be powered by a next-gen Tensor chip.\n\n\n\n\nThe next generation of Pixel phones is on the horizon. Here\u2019s a first look at the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro \u2014 equipped with a new generation of Google Tensor and a sleek design. Coming this fall. \n#GoogleIO\n \npic.twitter.com/WMysJv1lZP\n\u2014 Google (@Google) \nMay 11, 2022\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Pixel Watch itself, it has quite a minimalist, circular domed design with a \u201ctactile\u201d crown and one side button. It\u2019s also made of recycled stainless steel, and the wearable supports swappable bands too, though it uses a proprietary design.\n\n\nThe Google Pixel Watch is slated for release sometime in fall 2022 alongside the Pixel 7 smartphones. It\u2019s said to be a premium product, so expect to pay a premium price for the smartwatch, especially if you want to get it here in Malaysia from parallel importers.\n\n\nAfter all, it\u2019s unlikely the Pixel Watch will be officially available in our market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/google-will-release-an-android-tablet-in-2023-with-its-tensor-chip/", "title": "Google Will Release an Android Tablet in 2023 With Its Tensor Chip", "body": "\n\nNow here\u2019s a surprise: Google is returning to the tablet market in 2023 next year. This comes years after the company mentioned back in 2019 that it was getting out of the tablet game, curiously enough.\n\n\nDetails on the mysterious Google tablet are light at the moment, though it is \u201cbuilt to be the perfect companion for your Pixel phone,\u201d as the company puts it. No word yet on what it will be called \u2013 or if it will carry the Pixel branding at all \u2013 but it will be powered by Google\u2019s Tensor chip.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, Google also showed off what the upcoming tablet may look like, though the image above is said to only be a prototype. Hopefully, the bezels will be shrunk in the finalised tablet; it doesn\u2019t look particularly sleek (or modern) as it is.\n\n\nWe\u2019ll learn more about Google\u2019s tablet as we get closer to its debut sometime in 2023 next year. Aside from Samsung, there aren\u2019t a lot of players in the tablet market, so it\u2019ll be interesting to see how Google can\u2026well, revitalise the Android tablet space.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/how-technology-has-changed-hari-raya-from-10-years-ago/", "title": "How Technology Has Changed Hari Raya From 10 Years Ago", "body": "\n\nThis year\u2019s Hari Raya celebration is a special one: we can finally head back to our hometowns without restrictions. Thanks to the advancement of technology over the years, celebrating Raya is not quite the same as it was, say, 10 years ago.\n\n\nOver the past couple of weeks, we noticed just how much technology has changed our Raya celebration; for the better, naturally. From staying connected to loved ones and enjoying streaming services with our family uninterrupted, it is more important than ever to have reliable internet connectivity.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTake, for example, getting in touch with distant relatives who can\u2019t quite make it back to the hometown on time for Raya \u2013 we know how bad the \nbalik kampung\n traffic jams are. 10 years ago, we can only contact them through voice call, but it\u2019s very easy now to make a \nvideo call\n instead with high-speed mobile internet.\n\n\nRaya entertainment have also changed over the years. Back in the days \u2013 okay, it\u2019s not quite \nthat \nlong ago \u2013 we\u2019ll usually head out to a cinema nearby to watch some Raya movies. Well, with the slew of streaming services available now (such as Netflix and iQiyi), it\u2019s easier than ever to just stream movies or shows from the comfort of your own home! Mobile gaming has also become more popular.\n\n\nOf course, that\u2019s assuming you\u2019ve got fast enough internet (and quota) to stream seamlessly. In this day and age, it\u2019s really important to have reliable internet service. Imagine when your relatives invite you to a game of PUBG Mobile or Mobile Legends; you wouldn\u2019t want slow internet to negatively affect your gameplay experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, mobile internet quota has also gotten much more generous compared to 10 years ago, especially when you need to rely solely on mobile internet back in your hometown. We definitely do not miss running out of quota whenever we balik kampung now.\n\n\nCan you imagine not being able to post about your Raya celebration (and OOTD) on social media because you\u2019ve used up your internet quota? Or not being able to send a picture of this one amazing \nlemang\n stall you\u2019ve found to your family\u2019s WhatsApp chat?\n\n\nIt\u2019s no exaggeration to say that fast, reliable internet connectivity \u2013 with enough internet quota to boot \u2013 is important for today\u2019s Raya celebration as well as our daily lives in general. If you\u2019re looking for a new mobile internet pass, Celcom Xpax Unlimited is just the one to get.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the best features of Xpax Unlimited is the 2x quota of uncapped speed internet for smooth streaming, lag-free gaming, crystal clear calls, and faster online experience! Depending on which pass you get, you can get up to 20GB of additional high-speed internet quota. You can also enjoy unlimited internet to stay connected to family and friends for all 30 days of Raya!\n\n\nIf you\u2019re feeling generous, Xpax Unlimited also provide up to 6GB hotspot to share your mobile internet with your loved ones this Raya; everyone can post their OOTD on social media. On top of that, you also get free six months of iQiyi VIP access to stream the latest dramas on the platform!\n\n\nTo further sweeten the deal, Xpax Unlimited users can get exclusive rewards too from FoodPanda, Zalora, Petronas, Texas Chicken, ShopBack, and many more. Whether you\u2019re preparing dinner for a festive feast or want to do some Raya shopping, these rewards will sure come in handy.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKeen to sign up for Celcom Xpax Unlimited? You can do so \nright here\n. Switch now to continue your Raya celebration without worrying about internet quota!\n\n\nDisclosure: This article is sponsored by Celcom.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-wh-1000xm5-unveiled-better-noise-cancelling-new-design-for-rm1799-in-malaysia/", "title": "Sony WH-1000XM5 Unveiled \u2013 Better Noise-Cancelling & New Design for RM1,799 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nSony makes some of \nthe best noise-cancelling wireless headphones\n in the market, and this remains true with the new Sony WH-1000XM5. Not only does it offer even better active noise cancellation (ANC), it also sports a new design, though with a slightly higher asking price too.\n\n\nIts predecessor, the WH-1000XM4, retailed at RM1,599 when it was first launched in Malaysia. As for the WH-1000XM5, it costs slightly more with a RM1,799 price tag; a RM200 price difference. Of course, you do get quite a number of upgrades for that kind of money.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of which is superior ANC performance, thanks to the WH-1000XM5\u2019s addition of another processor (V1) that complements the QN1 noise cancellation processor. These two hardware control eight microphones, and a specially designed 30mm driver unit further enhances the noise-cancelling capability of the headphones.\n\n\nAside from that, the WH-1000XM5 also sports a newer, more modern-looking design, though it cannot be folded anymore for easier storage. Nonetheless, we do like the fresh new look, and Sony promises that the new \u201csynthetic soft fit leather\u201d allows users to wear the headphones all day, free of discomfort.\n\n\nOh, battery life remains the same at up to 30 hours, though it now supports fast charging that gives three hours of use in just \nthree minutes\n of charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Sony WH-1000XM5 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia for RM1,799 until 5 June in \nBlack\n or \nSilver\n; early birds will receive a complimentary STM Myth 18L backpack worth RM399. Deliveries of the headphones are expected to begin from 8 June onwards.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/zenless-zone-zero-is-hoyoverses-new-game-beta-registration-now-open-for-ios-pc/", "title": "Zenless Zone Zero Is Hoyoverse\u2019s New Game \u2013 Beta Registration Now Open for iOS & PC", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHoyoverse just announced another new game after \nHonkai: Star Rail\n. The developer\u2019s new title is Zenless Zone Zero, which seems to be an action RPG in the same vein as \nGenshin Impact\n and Honkai Impact 3rd.\n\n\nBeyond the trailer above, not much details have been revealed about Zenless Zone Zero. It does seem to have a rather interesting storyline \u2013 which is really one of Hoyoverse\u2019s strong suits \u2013 not to mention flashy animations as the characters unleash their skills.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, Hoyoverse is currently recruiting players for Zenless Zone Zero\u2019s closed beta test. Dubbed Tuning Test, it\u2019s a small-scale test for iOS and Windows PC. This beta test isn\u2019t available on other platforms such as Android, unfortunately enough.\n\n\nNonetheless, you can sign up for Zenless Zone Zero\u2019s closed beta test through the game\u2019s \nofficial website\n. At the time of writing, the sign up period for the beta test has no end date, though you may want to submit your application earlier to avoid missing out on it.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-is-possibly-malaysias-first-keyboard-cafe-in-george-town-penang-opens-end-may-2022/", "title": "This Is (Possibly) Malaysia\u2019s First Keyboard Cafe in George Town, Penang \u2013 Opens End-May 2022", "body": "\n\nWho would\u2019ve thought we\u2019d get a keyboard cafe right here in Malaysia? Click & Brew, located in George Town, Penang, could very well be the first-ever cafe of its kind on our shores. Not only does it sell custom mechanical keyboards, it also serves coffee.\n\n\nInterestingly, Click & Brew will also offer workshops on mechanical keyboards and coffee, though no particular details have been revealed yet. After all, the cafe isn\u2019t actually open yet; renovation works are still being done, as shown on its \nInstagram page\n.\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nView this post on Instagram\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nA post shared by Click & Brew Cafe (@click_and_brew)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe cafe also has its \nown online store\n with various keyboards, switches, keycaps, and even coffee for sale. Although some items seem to be in stock already, you can\u2019t actually buy them yet. We\u2019ve tried purchasing a couple of products, but there\u2019s no option for pickup or delivery at checkout.\n\n\nRegardless, Click & Brew is expected to start operating by the end of May 2022 this month. If you\u2019re in Penang by then, it may be worth checking out. To get the latest updates on the status of the cafe, follow its \nInstagram\n, \nFacebook\n, and \nonline store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/prism-q65-pro-qe-q55-pro-qe-now-in-malaysia-4k-android-tvs-with-dolby-vision-from-rm2399/", "title": "PRISM+ Q65 PRO QE & Q55 PRO QE Now in Malaysia \u2013 4K Android TVs With Dolby Vision From RM2,399", "body": "\n\nPRISM+ recently launched two new Android TVs in Malaysia: the Q65 Pro QE and the more affordable Q55 PRO QE. Beyond the different size of these two TVs, they both share identical features. In fact, they\u2019re very similar to the larger \nQ86 PRO QE\n that was launched back in February this year.\n\n\nFirst, prices. The more budget-friendly Q55 PRO QE retails at RM2,399, while the larger Q65 PRO QE goes for RM3,299. For that kind of money, both TVs feature a 4K Quantum IPS screen with bright, vibrant colours, and support for Dolby Vision; that\u2019s a lot of value for the money.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs the Q65 PRO QE and Q55 PRO QE run on Android TV 10, you also have access to over 500 apps on the Google Play Store. You can cast content to the TV too from your mobile device, along with the ability to use voice commands via Google Assistant with the provided remote.\n\n\nAt the moment, every purchase of the PRISM+ Q65 PRO QE and Q55 PRO QE come with number of freebies. These include a 12-month subscription to Viu (worth RM88), two HDMI cables (worth RM88), and two years of onsite warranty. Those who purchase the Q65 PRO QE also gets a Logitech K400 keyboard worth RM199.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-exora-will-receive-small-update-later-this-year-more-extensive-facelift-in-the-works/", "title": "Proton Exora Will Receive Small Update Later This Year \u2013 More Extensive Facelift in the Works", "body": "\n\nIt appears Proton will be updating its ageing seven-seater MPV, the Proton Exora, later this year. The update will be a minor one, while a more extensive facelift is supposedly in the pipeline, which could see some changes to the looks of the car, and even the powertrain.\n\n\nThis was revealed by \nPaultan.org\n in an interview with the deputy CEO of Proton, Roslan Abdullah. The 2022 Exora is said to be packed with some new features, though the amount of changes are said to be \u201cless than the \nSaga\n,\u201d as Roslan puts it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the extensive facelift of the Exora further down the road, changes to the exterior and interior of the MPV are expected. There\u2019s mention of a new powertrain too, though Roslan did not reveal more details regarding this. Nonetheless, there\u2019s a good chance it\u2019ll either be the \nX50\u2019s 1.5L three-cylinder turbo engine\n, or even the \nX70\u2019s 1.8L turbo mill\n.\n\n\nEven though the Proton Exora doesn\u2019t look particularly modern next to other Proton models which have received numerous facelifts over the years, there\u2019s still demand for the MPV. After all, it\u2019s consistently the best-selling C-segment MPV in \nProton\u2019s monthly sales report\n.\n\n\nHow ever minor the change could be for the 2022 Exora, we reckon it\u2019ll still attract some buyers who are looking for an affordable seven-seater.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/illegear-opens-first-store-in-penang-third-branch-in-malaysia/", "title": "Illegear Opens First Store in Penang \u2013 Third Branch in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nIllegear just opened its first-ever store in Penang. This marks the company\u2019s third branch in Malaysia, with the other two stores located in Johor and Kuala Lumpur; the latter is its headquarters.\n\n\nLocated in \nBayan Lepas, Penang\n, Illegear\u2019s branch in the state handles both retail and aftersales, so you can return to the same location if you face any issue with your purchase. The company looks to feature a number of products in the store, including its range of desktops and customisable laptops.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to a press release by Illegear, the opening of its Penang branch \u201cforms part of the decentralisation policy implemented by the company to come closer to its customers.\u201d \u201cWe have made this strategic choice, so as to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency to deliver both quality products and service to our customers,\u201d the company added.\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to visit Illegear\u2019s Penang outlet, here\u2019s the full address: G-19-1, Lorong Bayan Indah, Bay Avenue, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang. It is open from Monday to Saturday from 10AM to 6PM.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/unannounced-oppo-pad-air-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Unannounced Oppo Pad Air Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nOppo looks to be bringing in a new tablet to the Malaysian market, and it\u2019s a product that hasn\u2019t been officially announced yet. Enter the Oppo Pad Air, which is believed to be a mid-range offering.\n\n\nWhile we were going through SIRIM\u2019s database, we noticed that the Oppo Pad Air was registered with the certification body on 13 May. Electronics have to be registered with SIRIM first before they can be sold locally, so chances are, Oppo Malaysia is gearing up to launch the tablet on our shores.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven that the Pad Air has not been launched yet, details on the tablet are light. But based on leaked information, the Pad Air will supposedly feature a 10.36-inch Full HD display with a 60Hz refresh rate. It\u2019s also said to sport a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset and a 7,100mAh battery with 18W fast charging.\n\n\nNo word yet on the launch date of the Oppo Air Pad, so it remains to be seen exactly when the mid-range tablet will arrive in Malaysia. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the local availability of the Pad Air.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-teases-shikanoin-heizou-anemo-character-playable-in-version-2-8/", "title": "Genshin Impact Teases Shikanoin Heizou \u2013 Anemo Character Playable in Version 2.8?", "body": "\n\nDespite the \ndelay to Genshin Impact 2.7\n, Hoyoverse just posted a teaser for an upcoming character: Shikanoin Heizou. Chances are, the Anemo character will be playable in Version 2.8 of the game; the next update after \nYelan and Kuki Shinobu\n are expected to debut.\n\n\nHeizou, as revealed in the teaser, is an Anemo character, though it remains to be seen if he is a 5-star or 4-star character. His weapon was not detailed either, though he does look to be sporting a sword in the teaser image.\n\n\n\n\n\"Doushin Shikanoin has admirable wit and insight. While he is unfettered and unrestrained in demeanor, one should not dismiss his talents. The Tenryou Commission is incredibly fortunate to have such a man in their ranks.\" \u2013 Kamisato Ayato\n#GenshinImpact\n \npic.twitter.com/lM0HNfZktr\n\u2014 Genshin Impact (@GenshinImpact) \nMay 16, 2022\n\n\n\n\nHoyoverse also mentioned that Heizou is from Inazuma, and he\u2019s a detective for the Tenryou Commission. He is described by Kamisato Ayato to be \u201cunfettered and unrestrained in demeanor,\u201d but with \u201cadmirable wit and insight.\u201d\n\n\nGiven that Version 2.7 of Genshin Impact has not received any release date yet after the delay, we may not see Heizou anytime soon. After all, it\u2019s likely he will only debut in the following update (Version 2.8). Hopefully, Hoyoverse will give more details on the release of Genshin Impact 2.7 soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-plus-extra-deluxe-games-revealed-ghost-of-tsushima-directors-cut-assassins-creed-valhalla/", "title": "PlayStation Plus Extra/Deluxe Games Revealed \u2013 Ghost of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut, Assassin\u2019s Creed Valhalla", "body": "\n\nSony just revealed the full list of games that will be accessible to \nPlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe\n subscribers once the revamped service goes live next week in Malaysia on 24 May. As expected, Sony is including some big titles, such as \nGhost of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut\n, \nDeath Stranding Director\u2019s Cut\n, and even Assassin\u2019s Creed Valhalla.\n\n\nTo reiterate, these games are for those who are subscribed to the new PS Plus Extra and Deluxe tiers. The full list of games can be found below:\n\n\nPlayStation Studios\n\n\nAlienation\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nHousemarque, PS4\nBloodborne\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nFromSoftware, PS4\nConcrete Genie\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nPixelopus, PS4\nDays Gone\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nBend Studio, PS4\nDead Nation Apocalypse Edition\u00a0\n|\u00a0\nHousemarque, PS4\nDeath Stranding and Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nKojima Productions, PS4/PS5\nDemon\u2019s Souls\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nBluepoint Games,\u00a0 PS5\nDestruction AllStars\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nLucid Games, PS5\nEverybody\u2019s Golf\u00a0\n|\u00a0\nJapan Studio, PS4\nGhost Of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nSucker Punch, PS4/ PS5\nGod of War\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nSanta Monica Studio, PS4\nGravity Rush 2\u00a0\n|\u00a0\nJapan Studio, PS4\nGravity Rush Remastered\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nJapan Studio, PS4\nHorizon Zero Dawn\u00a0\n|\u00a0\nGuerrilla Games, PS4\nInfamous First Light\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nSucker Punch, PS4\nInfamous Second Son\u00a0\n|\u00a0\nSucker Punch, PS4\nKnack\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nJapan Studio, PS4\nLittleBigPlanet 3\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nSumo Digital, PS4\nLocoRoco Remastered\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nJapan Studio, PS4\nLocoRoco 2 Remastered\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nJapan Studio, PS4\nMarvel\u2019s Spider-Man\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nInsomniac Games, PS4\nMarvel\u2019s Spider-Man: Miles Morales\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nInsomniac Games, PS4/PS5\nMatterfall\u00a0\n| \nHousemarque, PS4\nMediEvil\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nOther Ocean, PS4\nPatapon Remastered\u00a0\n|\n\u00a0Japan Studio, PS4\nPatapon 2 Remastered\n\u00a0|\n\u00a0Japan Studio, PS4\nResogun\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nHousemarque, PS4\nReturnal\u00a0\n|\n\u00a0Housemarque, PS5\nShadow of the Colossus\u00a0\n|\u00a0\nJapan Studio,\u00a0 PS4\nTearaway Unfolded\u00a0\n| \nMedia Molecule, PS4\nThe Last Guardian\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nJapan Studio, PS4\nThe Last of Us Remastered\u00a0\n|\u00a0\nNaughty Dog, PS4\nThe Last of Us: Left Behind\u00a0\n|\u00a0\nNaughty Dog, PS4\nUntil Dawn\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nSupermassive Games, PS4\nUncharted The Nathan Drake Collection\n\u00a0| \nNaughty Dog, PS4\nUncharted 4: A Thief\u2019s End\n\u00a0|\n\u00a0Naughty Dog, PS4\nUncharted: The Lost Legacy\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nNaughty Dog, PS4\nWipEout Omega Collection\u00a0\n|\u00a0\nClever Beans & Creative Vault Studios, PS4\n\n\nThird-Party\n\n\nAshen\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nAnnapurna Interactive\n,PS4\nAssassin\u2019s Creed Valhalla\n |\u00a0\nUbisoft, PS4/PS5\nCities: Skylines\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nParadox Interactive, PS4\nControl: Ultimate Edition\u00a0\n|\u00a0\n505 Games, PS4/PS5\nDead Cells\n |\u00a0\nMotion Twin, PS4\nFinal Fantasy XV Royal Edition\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nSquare Enix Co. LTD, PS4\nHollow Knight\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nTeam Cherry, PS4\nMarvel\u2019s Guardians of the Galaxy\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nSquare Enix Co. LTD., PS4/PS5\nNarutoshippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nBandai Namco Entertainment Inc., PS4\nNBA 2K22\n\u00a0|\u00a0\n2K Games, PS4/PS5\nOuter Wilds\u00a0\n|\u00a0\nAnnapurna Interactive, PS4\nRed Dead Redemption 2\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nRockstar Games, PS4\nResident Evil\u00a0\n|\u00a0\nCapcom Co., Ltd, PS4\nSoulcalibur VI\u00a0\n|\u00a0\nBandai Namco Entertainment Inc., PS4\nThe Artful Escape\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nAnnapurna Interactive, PS4/PS5\nThe Crew 2\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nUbisoft, PS4\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother perk of being a PS Plus Deluxe member is access to PlayStation, PS2, and PSP games to download and play. The full list of games have not been revealed yet, though Sony did say some of the games have improved framerate and higher-quality resolution than their original counterparts.\n\n\nAnyway, here\u2019s the list of (some) classic games PS Plus Deluxe members will enjoy:\n\n\nClassic Games Catalogue \u2013 Original PlayStation and PSP\n\n\nPlayStation Studios\n\n\nApe Escape\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nJapan Studio, Original Playstation\nHot Shots Golf\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nJapan Studio, Original Playstation\nI.Q. Intelligent Qube\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nJapan Studio, Original PlayStation\nJumping Flash!\u00a0\n|\u00a0\nJapan Studio, Original PlayStation\nSyphon Filter\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nBend Studio, Original PlayStation\nSuper Stardust Portable\u00a0\n|\u00a0\nHousemarque, PSP\n\n\nThird-Party\n\n\nMr. Driller\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nBandai Namco Entertainment Inc., Original PlayStation\nTekken 2\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nBandai Namco Entertainment Inc., Original PlayStation\nWorms World Party\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nTeam 17, Original PlayStation\nWorms Armageddon\u00a0\n|\u00a0\nTeam17, Original PlayStation\n\n\nClassic Games Catalogue \u2013 Remasters\n\n\nPlayStation Studios\n\n\nApe Escape 2\n\u00a0|\n\u00a0Japan Studio, PS4\nArc The Lad: Twilight of the Spirits\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nJapan Studio, PS4\nDark Cloud\u00a0\n|\u00a0\nJapan Studio, PS4\nDark Cloud 2\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nJapan Studio, PS4\nFantaVision\u00a0\n|\u00a0\nSIE, PS4\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\nHot Shots Tennis\u00a0\n|\u00a0\nJapan Studio, PS4\n\u00a0\nJak II\u00a0\n|\u00a0\nNaughty Dog, PS4\nJak 3\n\u00a0\n|\u00a0\nNaughty Dog, PS4\nJak X: Combat Racing\u00a0\n|\u00a0\nNaughty Dog, PS4\nJak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nNaughty Dog, PS4\u00a0\nRogue Galaxy\u00a0\n|\u00a0\nJapan Studio, PS4\nSiren\n\u00a0|\n\u00a0Japan Studio, PS4\nWild Arms 3\u00a0\n|\u00a0\nSIE, PS4\n\n\nThird-Party\n\n\nBioshock Remastered\n\u00a0|\u00a0\n2K Games, PS4\nBorderlands The Handsome Collection\n\u00a0|\u00a0\n2K Games, PS4\nKingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning\u00a0\n|\u00a0\nTHQ Nordic, PS4\nLego Harry Potter Collection\n\u00a0|\u00a0\nWB Games, PS4\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, PS Plus Deluxe subscribers are also offered time-limited game trials. The trial of the full game can be played for two hours, and if you do decide to buy it, your progress (including trophies) will be carried forward.\n\n\nSome of the games that will be available for trial include \nHorizon Forbidden West\n (PS4/PS5), \nUncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection\n (PS5), Cyberpunk 2077 (PS5), WWE 2K22 (PS4/PS5), Tiny Tina\u2019s Wonderland (PS4/PS5), and Farming Simulator 22 (PS4/PS5).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo note that the list of PS4 and PS5 games offered to PS Plus Extra and Deluxe members will be refreshed in the middle of each month \u201cwith new games across the Extra and Deluxe plans.\u201d Sony added that the number of games refreshed will vary per month.\n\n\nThe new PlayStation Plus tiers will be launched next week on 24 May. Pricing wise, the base Essential tier remains the same at RM29 monthly, RM69 quarterly, or RM159 yearly. Extra, on the other hand, costs RM44 monthly, RM114 quarterly, or RM269 yearly. As for the highest-tier Deluxe, it goes for RM50 monthly, RM130 quarterly, or RM309 yearly.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-find-x5-pro-unboxing-hands-on-properly-premium-high-end-flagship-phone/", "title": "Oppo Find X5 Pro Unboxing & Hands-On \u2013 Properly Premium, High-End Flagship Phone", "body": "\n\nAnnounced globally back in February this year, the Oppo Find X5 Pro is finally launching in Malaysia tomorrow on 18 May. One of the headline features of this flagship phone is its MariSilicon X Imaging NPU, which promises improved camera performance, especially when shooting low light 4K videos.\n\n\nOppo Malaysia sent us a review unit of the Find X5 Pro to unbox \u2013 and do a first impression of \u2013 ahead of its launch tomorrow. If you\u2019re looking to get this premium, high-end phone, here\u2019s what you get in the box!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe packaging of the Find X5 Pro is quite\u2026well, sizeable. The design of the box is simple with just the name of the phone, and there\u2019s a Hasselblad branding on the side. Once you open up the box, you\u2019ll find the phone, a case, and of course, a charger with a USB-C charging cable.\n\n\nNaturally, the charger supports 80W SuperVOOC fast charging, which is said to be able to charge up the phone\u2019s 5,000mAh battery to 50% in only 12 minutes. While this is not quite as fast as other phones with 120W fast charging, it\u2019s still an impressive charging rate.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Find X5 Pro itself, a screen protector is pre-applied to the phone, so you won\u2019t have to go out and look for a screen protector yourself. Granted, it doesn\u2019t feel particularly smooth, but it\u2019s decent for a plastic screen protector.\n\n\nOur review unit of the Find X5 Pro is in the sleek Ceramic White colourway. As its name suggests, the back panel is made from smooth ceramic. Not only does it feel great to the touch, it adds quite a bit of heft to the phone too (it weighs 218g) for a more premium feel.\n\n\nHowever, I do find the ceramic back to be a bit \ntoo\n slippery. I find myself putting on the case \u2013 which is actually quite nice \u2013 to get a better grip on the phone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs I\u2019ve mentioned earlier, one of the main selling points of the Find X5 Pro is its MariSilicon X NPU. According to Oppo, it allows the phone to shoot night videos in 4K with \u201cless grain and superior colour reproduction,\u201d thanks to the use of an advanced AI noise reduction algorithm designed by the Oppo Research Institute.\n\n\nAside from that, the Find X5 Pro has a triple camera system made up of a 50MP primary camera \u2013 complete with a \u201cfirst-of-its-kind\u201d five-axis OIS system for more stable videos and sharper still photos \u2013 a 50MP ultra-wide angle lens, and a 13MP telephoto camera with 5x hybrid zoom. It also features Hasselblad Natural Colour Calibration in Pro Mode for\u2026well, more accurate colour reproduction.\n\n\nAfter taking the Find X5 Pro\u2019s camera for a quick spin, it does seem to be able to snap great-looking shots, though I\u2019ll reserve judgement until I can really put the camera through its paces. Nonetheless, here are some shots taken with the phone:\n\n\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n13MP telephoto (2x)\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the Find X5 Pro is also powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset for flagship-tier performance. Compared to its predecessor, it offers 30% improved GPU performance while sporting 25% better power efficiency, thanks to its 4nm manufacturing process.\n\n\nOne of the first things I do whenever a new phone comes in for review is to run \nGenshin Impact\n on it to gauge its level of performance. In the case of the Find X5 Pro, it performs quite well! While it has trouble running the demanding game at a consistent 60fps, it\u2019s smooth enough for a pleasant gaming experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFurther enhancing the gaming experience of the Find X5 Pro is its bright and vibrant 6.7-inch WQHD+ curved AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. Not only is this a stunning display, the fast refresh rate also lends to a responsive user experience.\n\n\nAnother feature of the Find X5 Pro that\u2019s worth highlighting is its IP68 rating. This allows the phone to be submerged up to 1.5m underwater for 30 minutes, and it\u2019s really a feature that every flagship phone should have. After all, even mid-range devices have water and dust resistance now.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, the Oppo Find X5 Pro is a premium, high-end device through and through. But we\u2019ll only find out tomorrow at the Malaysian launch of the phone just how compelling it would be once its retail price is revealed. As long as it\u2019s priced right, it\u2019s definitely worth considering.\n\n\nBut given that the Find X5 Pro is a high-end flagship phone from Oppo, expect it to carry a premium price tag. For context, this phone starts at 5,999 Chinese yuan (about RM3,900) in China for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.\n\n\nWith that in mind, it\u2019s entirely possible the Find X5 Pro will be priced beyond the RM4,000 price point in Malaysia. We\u2019ll just have to wait until tomorrow to see how much it\u2019ll go for in our local market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/foxconn-plans-to-open-facility-in-malaysia-to-manufacture-chips-for-evs/", "title": "Foxconn Plans to Open Facility in Malaysia to Manufacture Chips for EVs", "body": "\n\nNow this is quite interesting. Foxconn, well-known for assembling Apple\u2019s range of iPhones, is planning to build a chip facility right here in Malaysia. The facility will manufacture semiconductors for the booming EV market.\n\n\nAccording to a report by \nNikkei Asia\n, Foxconn signed a memorandum of understanding with Malaysia\u2019s Dagang NeXchange Berhad (DNex) to build and operate the chip facility on our shores. The plant is expected to produce 40,000 wafers a month, which include both 28nm and 40nm technologies.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, these chip production technologies are widely used to manufacture parts for \u2013 you\u2019ve guessed it \u2013 electric vehicles. Given that chip supplies have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (and still is), Foxconn\u2019s expansion to our shores could help to alleviate such an issue in the future.\n\n\nThe location and cost of Foxconn\u2019s and DNex\u2019s chip facility have not been revealed yet. But for the latter, chip industry executives estimate that the project could cost between $3 billion to $5 billion \u2013 that\u2019s about RM13.1 billion to RM21.9 billion.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/6-best-features-of-the-samsung-galaxy-a73/", "title": "6 Best Features of the Samsung Galaxy A73", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy A73 may not be the most affordable mid-range phone with its RM2,099 price tag. But for that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a relatively complete feature set, including water resistance, good build quality, as well as a bright and vibrant Super AMOLED Plus screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for a capable mid-ranger \u2013 that is also water-resistant \u2013 consider the Galaxy A73. While value for money is not its strong suit, this phone has some compelling qualities; here are six of our favourite features.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBright, Vibrant 120Hz Super AMOLED Plus Screen\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Super AMOLED Plus display of the Galaxy A73. Now featuring a 120Hz refresh rate \u2013 an upgrade from 90Hz \u2013 the phone feels extra fluid and responsive. Mobile games that support this refresh rate will also run noticeably smoother.\n\n\nAs for the Galaxy A73\u2019s 6.7-inch 1080p AMOLED panel itself, it\u2019s very pleasant to look at. It has punchy colours, good brightness, and deep, true blacks; inherent characteristics of an AMOLED screen. In short, you won\u2019t be disappointed with the screen quality of this mid-range phone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdequate Performance Level\n\n\nPowered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset, the Galaxy A73 is more than fast enough to provide a smooth user experience in day-to-day use. That being said, it does struggle to run \nGenshin Impact\n\u00a0at 60fps consistently, though the game is still very much playable.\n\n\nGiven that Genshin Impact is one of the most demanding games to run \u2013 even some flagship phones can\u2019t play the game smoothly \u2013 it\u2019s commendable that the A73 can run it as well as it does.\n\n\nGood Build Quality\n\n\nAs for build quality, the Galaxy A73 feels solid in the hands. This is despite the fact that it has a plastic frame and rear panel; the phone doesn\u2019t feel cheap by any means. I also like the fact that it has a \u201cflatter\u201d frame than its predecessor, which makes it easier to get a good grip on the phone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThough not strictly related to build quality, it\u2019s worth noting that the plastic back panel of the Galaxy A73 also has a matte finish. It\u2019s very nice to the touch, which gives the phone a more\u2026well, premium appeal.\n\n\nLong Battery Life\n\n\nWhen it comes to battery life, the Galaxy A73 is quite long-lasting. \nIn our review\n, we managed to consistently get over six hours of screen on time out of the generous 5,000mAh battery. While this is not the best battery life we\u2019ve seen on a mid-ranger, it\u2019s certainly above average.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo note that we got this figure by setting the refresh rate of the Galaxy A73\u2019s display to 120Hz; the always on display was also enabled. If you want even better battery life, lowering the refresh rate and disabling the always on display should do the trick.\n\n\nPolished Software Experience\n\n\nSoftware is arguably more important than raw hardware power, and in this regard, the Galaxy A73 has a polished, responsive software experience. In fact, running on One UI 4.1 based on Android 12, it (essentially) has the same software experience as \nSamsung\u2019s flagship phones\n.\n\n\nA refined, fuss-free software experience is something that doesn\u2019t apply to many,\u00a0many\u00a0other Android phones across all segments. Samsung really does offer one of the best \u2013 if not \nthe best\n \u2013 software experiences in the Android space, and this remains true for the Galaxy A73.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIP67 Water Resistance\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the IP67 rating of the Galaxy A73. Yes, it\u2019s not the most exciting feature, but it\u2019s a unique selling point for this mid-range smartphone. After all, even most flagship-class phones are not water-resistant\u00a0\nin 2022\n.\n\n\nBasically, the IP67 rating of the Galaxy A73 allows it to be submerged up to 1m underwater for 30 minutes. This alone can be a huge selling point to certain folks, especially if you want the convenience of giving the phone a quick wash. You won\u2019t have to worry (too much) about water damage either.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPriced at RM2,099, the Samsung Galaxy A73 is positioned as an upper mid-range phone, and it doesn\u2019t offer particularly great value for money. But while its value proposition is not fantastic, this phone does offer water resistance, a bright, vibrant, and fast 120Hz Super AMOLED Plus screen, as well as solid build quality.\n\n\nYou will definitely find other phones with better value for money, but you\u2019d be hard-pressed to look for another mid-ranger with a similar feature set as the Galaxy A73. If you want a mid-range smartphone with these qualities \u2013 along with a polished software experience \u2013 the Galaxy A73 should be in your shortlist.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-find-x5-pro-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm4999-early-birds-get-freebies-worth-up-to-rm1726/", "title": "Oppo Find X5 Pro Lands in Malaysia for RM4,999 \u2013 Early Birds Get Freebies Worth up to RM1,726", "body": "\n\nOppo\u2019s latest flagship smartphone, the \nOppo Find X5 Pro\n, has finally been launched in Malaysia. The headlining feature of the phone is its MariSilicon X Imaging NPU, which promises improved camera performance, especially when shooting low light 4K videos.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Find X5 Pro is offered in Malaysia. Sporting 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, it costs a cool RM4,999. Those who place a pre-order of the phone by 27 May will also receive RM1,397 worth of freebies, including an Oppo Enco X2 wireless earbuds (RM799), a one-year screen protection (RM399), and a year of extended warranty (RM199).\n\n\nIf you get the phone through \nOppo\u2019s website\n, Shopee, or Lazada, you\u2019ll also get a kevlar phone case (RM129), a RM100 TNG reload pin, and a RM100 gift voucher. These extra freebies bring the total value of the pre-order goodies to RM1,726.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardware wise, the Find X5 Pro has a triple camera system made up of a 50MP primary camera \u2013 complete with a \u201cfirst-of-its-kind\u201d five-axis OIS system for more stable videos and sharper still photos \u2013 a 50MP ultra-wide angle lens, and a 13MP telephoto camera with 5x hybrid zoom. It also features Hasselblad Natural Colour Calibration in Pro Mode for\u2026well, more accurate colour reproduction.\n\n\nNaturally, the Find X5 Pro is also powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset for flagship-tier performance. Other specifications of phone include a 6.7-inch WQHD+ curved AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 80W SuperVOOC fast charging, an IP68 rating, a ceramic back, and ColorOS 12.1 based on Android 12 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Find X5 Pro is now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 27 May for RM4,999. To recap, early birds can get up to RM1,726 worth of freebies; you may want to be quick if you want to enjoy this pre-order deal.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-edar-smart-1-ev-coming-to-malaysia-in-2023-no-local-assembly/", "title": "Proton Edar: Smart #1 EV Coming to Malaysia in 2023 \u2013 No Local Assembly", "body": "\n\nWe know that the Smart #1 EV will be coming to Malaysia via Proton Edar, but there\u2019s no indication on exactly when it will be available here; until now. According to the deputy CEO of Proton, Roslan Abdullah, the electric SUV is \u201con track to be launched next year.\u201d\n\n\nThis was reported by \nPaultan.org\n. Given that the import tax, excise duty, and road tax exemptions for imported EVs are only valid until the end of 2023, it\u2019s evident that Proton Edar wants to take advantage of the savings. After all, it would make the Smart #1 that much more affordable.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, there are no plans for local assembly of the Smart #1; Roslan said that the expected volume is too small to benefit from economies of scale. Nonetheless, with the incentives given by the Malaysian government right now, the EV should be priced competitively.\n\n\nIn China, the Smart #1 retails from 190,000 Chinese yuan (about RM126,330) for the base Pro+ model. The Premium trim, on the other hand, goes for 230,000 yuan (approximately RM152,900). However, do note that these are \u201cpre-sale\u201d prices; the finalised pricing will only be revealed sometime in June before deliveries begin there in Q3 2022.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJust like the European-bound model, the Smart #1 for China features a 200kW motor driving the rear wheels that outputs 272PS and 343Nm of torque. This allows the EV to go from 0-100kmph in only 6.7 seconds with a top speed of 180kmph.\n\n\nAside from that, the Smart #1 \u2013 according to the CLTC standard \u2013 has a range of up to 535km for the Pro+; it goes up to 560km for the Premium model, thanks to the use of silicon carbide (SiC) technology in the motor. The Premium trim also gets a more sophisticated driver assistance systems, along with larger 19-inch wheels.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Smart #1 will be launched right here in Malaysia sometime in 2023 next year. Hopefully, the EV will be priced similarly to China on our shores, thanks to the \nincentives given by the government\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/19-25-may-fuel-price-ron-97-now-rm4-33-per-litre-2-sen-increase/", "title": "19 \u2013 25 May Fuel Price: RON 97 Now RM4.33 Per Litre \u2013 2 Sen Increase", "body": "\n\nAnother week, another price increase for RON 97: it\u2019s set to go up by 2 sen per litre this time around. No changes to the prices of RON 95 and diesel, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nFor the next seven days, the price of RON 97 is set at RM4.33 per litre (up from RM4.31). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 19 to 25 May 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-enco-x2-wireless-earbuds-with-anc-now-in-malaysia-for-rm799/", "title": "Oppo Enco X2 Wireless Earbuds With ANC Now in Malaysia for RM799", "body": "\n\nLaunched alongside the \nFind X5 Pro\n flagship smartphone is the Oppo Enco X2. Featuring active noise cancellation (ANC) that can even cancel out human voices, the X2 also offers up to 9.5 hours of battery life on a single charge.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Enco X2 is priced at RM799. Given that it has a number of attractive features \u2013 including the aforementioned ANC \u2013 this is really quite a fair asking price. It is available in two colours: White and Black.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from ANC, the Enco X2 also has a Super Dynamic Balance Enhanced Engine (SuperDBEE) acoustic system co-developed with Dynaudio, which promises \u201coutstanding sound performance.\u201d As for battery life, a single charge offers up to 9.5 hours of battery life, which can be extended to 40 hours with the charging case.\n\n\nThe Oppo Enco X2 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia for RM799, including \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n. According to the latter\u2019s listing, the wireless earbuds are expected to start shipping from 28 May onwards.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-linkbuds-s-arrives-in-malaysia-7-june-for-rm929-worlds-lightest-smallest-earbuds-with-anc/", "title": "Sony LinkBuds S Arrives in Malaysia 7 June for RM929 \u2013 World\u2019s Lightest, Smallest Earbuds With ANC", "body": "\n\nIt hasn\u2019t even been a week since the launch of the \nSony WH-1000XM5\n, yet the Japanese company is introducing yet another new audio product. Enter the Sony LinkBuds S, which is touted as the smallest, lightest wireless earbuds with ANC, and it will be available in Malaysia next month on 7 June.\n\n\nAvailable in three colours (White, Black, Ecru), the LinkBuds S is set to go for RM929 in Malaysia. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a really lightweight pair of earbuds: each earpiece weighs only 4.8g, and Sony said that the LinkBuds S is designed to \u201cperfectly match the human ear with an ergonomic design for a more stable fit.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the LinkBuds S also has ANC (active noise cancellation). When you need to hear the outside world, you can activate the ambient sound mode. Sporting a new 5mm driver unit, the LinkBuds S is said to be able to deliver \u201cpowerful bass and crystal clear vocals\u201d too. As for battery life, it can last up to 6 hours on a single charge with ANC activated; 20 hours total with the charging case.\n\n\nThe Sony LinkBuds S will be available for purchase in Malaysia next month on 7 June. If you want a comfortable, lightweight wireless earbuds with ANC, it\u2019s certainly worth considering.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-mate-xs-2-launched-in-malaysia-120hz-foldable-screen-snapdragon-888-rm7999/", "title": "Huawei Mate Xs 2 Launched in Malaysia \u2013 120Hz Foldable Screen, Snapdragon 888, RM7,999", "body": "\n\nUnveiled globally just yesterday, Huawei Malaysia just introduced its latest foldable phone on our shores. Not only does the Huawei Mate Xs 2 feature a foldable display with a faster refresh rate than its predecessor, it\u2019s also quite a bit lighter, tipping the scales at 255g.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Mate Xs 2 is offered for the Malaysian market. Sporting 8GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, the foldable phone retails at a cool RM7,999 locally. It will be available for pre-order from 3 to 23 June, and early birds will get up to RM1,400 worth of freebies.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe most impressive hardware of the Mate Xs 2 has to be its 7.80-inch 2480 x 2200 OLED foldable display. When folded, it\u2019s a more compact 6.5-inch 2480 x 1176 panel. Thanks to the screen\u2019s 120Hz refresh rate, the phone also feels extra responsive and smooth. The hinge itself is also nice and solid whenever I fold and unfold the phone.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mate Xs 2 include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 4G chipset, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide angle + 8MP telephoto) , a 10.7MP selfie camera, a 4,600mAh battery with support for 66W fast charging, and EMUI 12 based on Android. No, Google Mobile Services (GMS) are still not offered.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei Mate Xs 2 will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from 3 to 23 June for RM7,999. To reiterate, early birds will get freebies worth up to RM1,400, including a Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-p50-pro-silver-blue-now-in-malaysia-price-revised-to-rm3699/", "title": "Huawei P50 Pro Silver Blue Now in Malaysia \u2013 Price Revised to RM3,699", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nHuawei Mate Xs 2\n foldable phone, the Chinese company also announced the arrival of the Huawei P50 Pro in Silver Blue for the Malaysian market. On top of that, the retail price of the phone has been revised too.\n\n\nPreviously priced at RM4,199\n, the P50 Pro will now go for RM3,699 in Malaysia; that\u2019s a pretty big RM500 price cut. As for the new Silver Blue colour option, it is available for pre-order now until 3 June. Early birds will even get a complimentary Huawei Band 6.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the P50 Pro is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 4G chipset. That\u2019s right, as its name suggests, it does not support 5G networks. Of course, for markets where 5G connectivity is not widespread yet \u2013 such as Malaysia \u2013 this is not a big deal, though it\u2019s definitely an omission worth pointing out.\n\n\nThe quad camera system of the P50 Pro is one of its main selling points. It\u2019s made up of a 50MP primary shooter, a 40MP monochrome sensor, a 13MP ultra-wide angle lens, and of course, a 64MP telephoto camera that can do up to 100x digital zoom.\n\n\nOther specifications of the P50 Pro include a 6.6-inch Full HD+ OLED dual curved screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, a 13MP selfie camera, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage, a 4,360mAh battery, an IP68 rating, and HarmonyOS 2 (still based on Android) out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Huawei P50 Pro now retails at only RM3,699 in Malaysia. The new Silver Blue colourway is also available for pre-order locally until 3 June 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-p50-finally-in-malaysia-for-rm2999-early-birds-get-rm1000-freebies/", "title": "Huawei P50 Finally in Malaysia for RM2,999 \u2013 Early Birds Get RM1,000 Freebies", "body": "\n\nHuawei Malaysia finally brought in the more affordable Huawei P50 to the local market. Given its more modest set of hardware, the P50 is quite a bit more affordable than its higher-end Pro counterpart.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the P50 is offered here in Malaysia. Sporting 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, this high-end phone costs RM2,999 on our shores. Early birds who pre-order the phone by 26 May will also get RM1,000 worth of freebies, including a Huawei FreeBuds Lipstick wireless earbuds.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPricing aside, the P50 does have the same design language as its Pro sibling, though its list of hardware isn\u2019t quite as high-end. Its display, for one, is just a regular 6.5-inch Full HD+ OLED flat panel with a 90Hz refresh rate. In comparison, the P50 Pro features a 120Hz dual-curve screen.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the P50 has a triple camera system. It consists of a 50MP primary sensor, a 13MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 12MP telephoto lens that can do up to 50x digital zoom. A reasonably good array of camera sensors.\n\n\nOther specifications of the P50 include a 13MP selfie camera, 8GB of RAM, a 4,100mAh battery, an IP68 rating, and HarmonyOS 2 based on Android out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei P50 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 26 May 2022. Priced at RM2,999, you can get RM1,000 worth of freebies if you get the phone in the pre-order period.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-magic-4-pro-coming-to-malaysia-1-june/", "title": "Honor Magic 4 Pro Coming to Malaysia 1 June", "body": "\n\nThe \nHonor Magic 4 Pro\n Malaysian launch date has finally been confirmed. Set to arrive here on 1 June next month, the launch event will be livestreamed on \nHonor Malaysia\u2019s Facebook page\n at 3PM on that day.\n\n\nUnfortunately, there\u2019s no indication that the regular Magic 4 will also make its debut in Malaysia, so it remains to be seen if the more affordable variant will also be sold here. It\u2019s entirely possible the standard model will be launched here at a later time.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, one of the highlights of the Magic 4 Pro is its triple camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 64MP periscope telephoto lens that can do 3.5x optical zoom. These sensors are housed in a unique circular camera module.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Magic 4 Pro include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, a 6.81-inch 2848 x 1312 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 256GB of internal storage, a 12MP selfie camera, an IP68 rating, and a 4,600mAh battery with support for 100W wired and \nwireless \ncharging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor Magic 4 Pro will make its debut in Malaysia on 1 June next month; we\u2019ll find out then just how much it will be priced at on our shores. For context, it is sold in Europe with a 1,099 euro starting price \u2013 that\u2019s about RM5,115.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ps5-pre-orders-open-again-from-sony-centre-mid-valley-until-22-may-2022/", "title": "PS5 Pre-Orders Open Again From Sony Centre Mid Valley Until 22 May 2022", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been quite some time since the PS5 was launched in Malaysia\n, but it\u2019s still a challenge to get a unit of the highly sought-after next-gen console. If you\u2019re feeling lucky, good news: Sony Centre Mid Valley is accepting pre-orders of the PS5 yet again.\n\n\nWell, sort of. In order to be in the running for a \nchance\n to pre-order the PS5, you\u2019ll have to \nfill up this Google Form\n. If you\u2019re fortunate enough to be selected, you will be contacted on 23 May to finalise your pre-order of the next-gen console.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo note that you only have until 22 May at 1PM this Sunday to register your interest for the PS5 pre-order. This isn\u2019t a first-come, first-served sale either; filling up the form just means you\u2019re in the running to be chosen to pre-order the PS5.\n\n\nWhile it wasn\u2019t mentioned, it\u2019s likely that stocks are very limited, so don\u2019t be disheartened if you\u2019re not chosen to pre-order the PS5. If you want a better chance of securing a unit, we recommend checking in with your favourite game shop to get into the waiting list \u2013 if the store has one.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-find-x5-pro-review-premium-phone-even-more-premium-price/", "title": "Oppo Find X5 Pro Review \u2013 Premium Phone, Even More Premium Price", "body": "\n\nThe Oppo Find X5 Pro is, without a shadow of a doubt, a premium phone. It looks and feels great, it has a capable, sophisticated triple camera system, and it has all the hardware you\u2019ve come to expect from a high-end, flagship smartphone.\n\n\nBut all of these come at a price; a steep one, at that. For the Malaysian market, the Find X5 Pro retails at a cool RM4,999, putting it on the same playing field as the likes of Samsung and Apple. While it\u2019s certainly a commendable flagship phone, having to contend with the Galaxy S22 and iPhone 13 series\u2026is a tough spot to be in.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.7-inch QHD+ AMOLED (3216 x 1440), 120Hz adaptive\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 3.0GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 730\nRAM\n12GB\nStorage\n256GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n50MP f/1.7, PDAF, five-axis OIS\n50MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide), PDAF\n13MP f/2.4 (telephoto), PDAF, 2x zoom\nCamera (front)\n32MP f/2.4\nBattery\n5,000mAh with 80W fast charging\nDimensions\n163.7 x 73.9 x 8.5 mm\nWeight\n218g\nOS\nColorOS 12.1 based on Android 12\nConnectivity\nLTE\nBluetooth 5.2\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM4,999\n\n\nHardware wise, the Find X5 Pro has all the makings of a flagship phone. It\u2019s powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, it has a stunning, sharp QHD+ AMOLED display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, and it also has a capable Hasselblad-branded triple camera system.\n\n\nThere\u2019s no denying that the Find X5 Pro has hardware befitting of a high-end, premium phone, but the same cannot be said of its software experience. More on this further down the review.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nMy favourite aspect of the Find X5 Pro has to be its premium build quality, thanks to the ceramic back panel. While the material is quite slippery, I do like how \nsmooth\n it feels. It also gives some extra heft to the phone for a more premium feel.\n\n\nOh, I also really like how there\u2019s a gradual \u201cslope\u201d from the back panel to the camera bump. It\u2019s quite an elegant design element, in my opinion.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the dual curved display of the Find X5 Pro. Not only does the 6.7-inch 1440p AMOLED panel offer bright, vibrant colours, it also has a fast 120Hz refresh rate for an extra responsive user experience. Of course, this being an AMOLED panel, it also feature deep, true blacks.\n\n\nWith the high quality display, gaming on the Find X5 Pro is also very enjoyable. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip can keep up with my needs too. Whether it\u2019s switching between different apps or playing demanding games like \nGenshin Impact\n, the phone performs well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for battery life, the Find X5 Pro\u2019s 5,000mAh battery can last reasonably long on a single charge. On average, I can get between five to six hours of screen on time. Not the best battery life I\u2019ve come across, but certainly above average, especially for a phone with a high-end chipset and sharp 1440p display.\n\n\nAnd then we have the photography performance of the Find X5 Pro\u2019s triple camera system. Made up of a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide angle lens, and a 13MP telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom, it\u2019s a versatile setup with three different focal lengths.\n\n\nNaturally, the camera interface feels quite responsive, and the phone can capture some great-looking shots as well\u2026to an extent. Just take a look at these examples:\n\n\n\n\n50MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n13MP telephoto (2x)\n\n\n50MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\n13MP telephoto (2x)\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n\n\nGiven enough light, the Find X5 Pro can definitely take stunning-looking shots. Even in low light conditions it can deliver, though this mostly applies to the 50MP primary sensor. The other two shooters? Well, let\u2019s move on to the next section for that.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nUnfortunately, the Find X5 Pro\u2019s 50MP ultra-wide angle lens and 13MP telephoto sensor cannot match the image fidelity of the 50MP primary camera. Their detail preservation aren\u2019t as good, dynamic range is limited, and they struggle in more challenging lighting situations.\n\n\nThey\u2019re not horrible, per se, but the disparity in image quality between the three sensors is definitely worth pointing out.\n\n\n\n\n50MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n13MP telephoto (2x)\n\n\n\n\nAnother not so great aspect of the Find X5 Pro is its software experience: it is \nfilled to the brim\n with bloatware. There are way too many apps pre-installed on the phone that I immediately feel like uninstalling, and some of them will even deliver \npush notifications\n.\n\n\nThankfully, ColorOS 12.1 itself is quite lightweight and intuitive to use; I didn\u2019t face any stability issue either throughout the review period. That being said, I do find it a tad annoying that I cannot dismiss notifications with a left swipe, much like how it is on iOS.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the steep pricing of the Find X5 Pro. Retailing at RM4,999, it is priced very closely to the \nSamsung Galaxy S22 Ultra\n, which starts at RM5,099. It\u2019s also competing with the iPhone 13 Pro Max (from RM5,299), even if the latter costs RM300 more.\n\n\nGranted, the Find X5 Pro is still more \u201caffordable,\u201d given that it offers 256GB of storage at this price point. Samsung and Apple\u2019s offerings, on the other hand, only feature 128GB of storage for the base models; you\u2019ll have to pay quite a bit more to get the 256GB variants.\n\n\nHowever, both the S22 Ultra and iPhone 13 Pro Max also offer more phone for the money compared to the Find X5 Pro. The S22 Ultra has the much-loved S Pen and superior zooming performance, while the iPhone has much more refined software experience (with minimal bloatware) and processing power.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nAt the end of the day, the Oppo Find X5 Pro is still a high-end, flagship phone with its own unique appeals. It has solid, premium build quality, a very pleasant, high resolution screen to look at, and a capable camera system, even if the ultra-wide angle and telephoto shooters aren\u2019t quite up to par.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut the thing is, priced at RM4,999, you\u2019ve got many other options to consider, including the aforementioned Galaxy S22 Ultra and iPhone 13 Pro Max. Although the Find X5 Pro is technically more affordable with a larger 256GB storage, these alternatives also bring their own unique selling points to the table.\n\n\nThat is not to say the Find X5 Pro is not worth it. Personally, I definitely enjoyed using it as my daily driver \u2013 just know that you\u2019ve got other options at this price point before you finalise your purchase for Oppo\u2019s latest flagship.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-2-7-goes-live-31-may-yelan-kuki-shinobu-xiao-itto-banners-confirmed/", "title": "Genshin Impact 2.7 Goes Live 31 May \u2013 Yelan, Kuki Shinobu, Xiao, Itto Banners Confirmed", "body": "\n\nAfter some delay, Hoyoverse finally revealed the launch date of Genshin Impact 2.7. Set to go live on 31 May, the company also confirmed the event wishes of two new characters: Yelan (5-star) and Kuki Shinobu (4-star). Xiao and Arataki Itto will also get their own rerun banners.\n\n\nAccording to Hoyoverse, Yelan is a Hydro DPS bow character that \u201ccombines rapid attacks with agile mobility.\u201d As the trailer below shows, she seems to have a special sprint to quickly get from one point to another. As for Kuki Shinobu, she is said to be an Electro support character that uses a sword; she\u2019s able to heal other party members by consuming her own HP.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, Version 2.7 of Genshin Impact will also continue the game\u2019s main storyline with a new Archon quest. The story will actually feature both Yelan and Kuki Shinobu, alongside Xiao, Itto, and even Yanfei. Given \nHoyoverse\u2019s storytelling chops\n, we reckon the new Archon quest will be entertaining. \n\n\nOther new content coming to the Version 2.7 update include an event-exclusive 4-star bow, Fading Twilight, that can be obtained by completing the \u201cRealms of Guile and War\u201d combat challenge. Yelan will also get her own story quest, while Kuki Shinobu will be added to the Hangout event.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact 2.7 will arrive in the next two weeks on 31 May. Yelan and Xiao\u2019s event wishes will be available once the update is live, while Itto\u2019s banner \u2013 also featuring Kuki Shinobu \u2013 will be offered right after.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-predator-triton-300-se-revamped-with-sleeker-design-12th-gen-intel-chips/", "title": "Acer Predator Triton 300 SE Revamped With Sleeker Design & 12th Gen Intel Chips", "body": "\n\nAt Acer\u2019s annual Next@Acer Global Press Conference, the Taiwanese company unveiled a sleek new version of its compact gaming laptop, the Acer Predator Triton 300 SE. Now sporting a more modern-looking design and a taller 16:10 display, it\u2019s certainly an interesting gaming machine.\n\n\nCompared to \nits predecessor\n, the new Triton 300 SE is now offered in two sizes. There\u2019s this 14-inch model, and a larger 16-inch version for those who want a more expansive display. There\u2019s even an option for an OLED screen, though this seems to be limited to the 14-inch variant.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDepending on the size of the Triton 300 SE, the refresh rate of the display also varies from 90Hz to as high as 240Hz; the resolution also ranges from 2560 x 1600 to 2880 x 1800. Regardless of which size you get, both models feature a tall 16:10 display over the previous model\u2019s 16:9 panel.\n\n\nOther specifications of the updated Triton 300 SE include a selection of Intel\u2019s 12th generation H-series processors (up to a Core i9), Nvidia GeForce RTX 30 series GPUs (maxing out at an RTX 3070 Ti), as well as custom-engineered 5th Gen AeroBlade 3D fans for improved cooling performance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe new Acer Predator Triton 300 SE will be available in North America sometime in July. EMEA markets, on the other hand, will get the gaming laptop in September. Pricing wise, it starts at $1,600 in the US; that comes up to about RM7,020.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-acer-predator-triton-300-se-is-the-most-exciting-product-at-nextacer-2022/", "title": "The Acer Predator Triton 300 SE Is the Most Exciting Product at Next@Acer 2022", "body": "\n\nAt last week\u2019s Next@Acer 2022 Global Press Conference, one product stood out to me the most: the new Acer Predator Triton 300 SE. Not only is this a compact gaming laptop \u2013 a category that\u2019s still \nlargely dominated by Asus\n, especially in Malaysia \u2013 it also sports a sleeker, more modern-looking design now.\n\n\nOut of all the products the Taiwanese company introduced last week, the Triton 300 SE really is the most exciting product of the lot \u2013 in my opinion, at least. It\u2019s not just because it gives consumers another alternative in a size category that doesn\u2019t have as many options, but also because it\u2019s a refined gaming machine in its own right.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnlike its \ndirect predecessor\n, the new Triton 300 SE is offered in two sizes. There\u2019s this 14-inch model, and a larger 16-inch version for those who want a more expansive display. There\u2019s even an option for a 3K OLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, though this seems to be limited to the 14-inch variant.\n\n\nThe model I tested here is the 14-inch version of the Triton 300 SE, though it\u2019s sporting a 2560 x 1600 LCD display instead of an OLED panel. Despite that, it\u2019s still quite a bright and vibrant screen, and the 165Hz refresh rate also makes for a very fast, very responsive display \u2013 great for gaming, basically.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the gaming performance of the Triton 300 SE is also quite respectable. The 14-inch model pictured here is equipped with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU. Paired with an Intel Core i7-12700H processor, you\u2019ll definitely be able to play AAA games with this laptop.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes, an RTX 3060 graphics card isn\u2019t quite as impressive as, say, an RTX 3080 GPU, but the Triton 300 SE is a \ncompact \n14-inch gaming laptop with limited room for cooling. Plus, an RTX 3060 is \nplenty capable of running AAA games at playable framerates\n, even if tweaking the graphics settings is (sometimes) necessary.\n\n\nAcer has not revealed the dimensions of the Triton 300 SE, but as far as I can tell, it\u2019s certainly a thin and light (as well as compact) laptop. I can comfortably carry it around with only one hand, and it\u2019s portable enough to fit into most backpacks. In fact, I wouldn\u2019t even mind lugging it around as my daily driver.\n\n\nThanks to its portable nature, the Triton 300 SE can easily (in my opinion) double as a productivity laptop. Its compact nature, alongside the tall 16:10 display, fit the criteria of a competent work laptop. At least, that\u2019s the case for someone in my line of work.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut there is one area where the Triton 300 SE needs to deliver in order for it to be a productivity laptop worth considering: battery life. Unfortunately, Acer only revealed the battery capacity of the laptop. Packed with a 76Wh battery, it \nshould\n be able to return good battery life, though only a full review can shed some light on this.\n\n\nAnyway, aesthetically, I really like the understated design language of the Triton 300 SE despite it being a gamer-centric laptop. It only has a small, minimalist Predator logo on the lid, and the laptop as a whole almost looks\u2026well, professional. It definitely won\u2019t look out of place in an office, for example.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile I\u2019ve only had positive things to say about the Triton 300 SE so far, I do have one major qualm with this gaming laptop: its keyboard. Not only does it have limited key travel \u2013 lending to a shallow typing experience \u2013 the actuation force of the keys are also much too light for my liking.\n\n\nThese two factors, combined with the fact that the keys don\u2019t have particularly strong tactile feedback, make for a keyboard that feels almost \u201cmushy.\u201d On the flipside, at least the keyboard has a standard layout, so I can still type (and game) without much trouble.\n\n\nAs for the trackpad of the Triton 300 SE, I\u2019m quite taken aback by just how good it is. It can track my fingers accurately, gestures work without any issue, and it has a nice click too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOverall, the Acer Predator Triton 300 SE looks to be a very promising gaming laptop. It looks sleek, it offers fast performance, it has an equally fast (and sharp) display, and more importantly, all of these are packed into a compact, portable chassis.\n\n\nThe only thing left is for Acer Malaysia to bring in the laptop to our shores. Given that its predecessor never made it here, I\u2019m hoping that things will be different for the new Triton 300 SE. After all, it\u2019s a capable, sleek, compact gaming laptop \u2013 you don\u2019t have a lot of options in this particular category.\n\n\nGranted, this laptop is positioned as a premium product; it retails from $1,600 in the US, which comes up to about RM7,035. But even at this price point, I\u2019d say the Triton 300 SE remains to be a compelling gaming laptop.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-zenbook-pro-16x-oled-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm11999-most-powerful-zenbook-ever/", "title": "Asus Zenbook Pro 16X OLED Lands in Malaysia for RM11,999 \u2013 Most Powerful Zenbook Ever", "body": "\n\nIntroduced globally just a couple of weeks ago, Asus Malaysia just launched the Asus Zenbook Pro 16X OLED in Malaysia. Touted by the Taiwanese company as the \u201cmost powerful Zenbook ever,\u201d this creator-focused laptop features an Intel Core i9-12900H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Zenbook Pro 16X OLED is offered in Malaysia. Priced at RM11,999, the creator-focused laptop is packed with an Intel Core i7-12700H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, as well as 1TB of SSD storage.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Pro 16X OLED also features a \u201cworld-leading\u201d 16-inch 4K OLED HDR touch-enabled display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, a 2.4kg unibody chassis, and a generous 96Wh battery that is said to provide up to 10 hours of continuous use on a single charge.\n\n\nIn the cooling department, the Pro 16X OLED has an \u201cAAS Ultra\u201d mechanism that lifts up the keyboard deck. Asus said this allows the CPU and GPU of the laptop to run at up to 140W combined TDP in Performance mode without throttling. Given that this is 16.9mm thin laptop, it\u2019s quite an impressive claim.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Asus Zenbook Pro 16X OLED is priced at RM11,999 for the Malaysian market. According to Asus Malaysia, this premium laptop will be available for purchase on our shores sometime in June next month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-zenbook-pro-14-duo-oled-launched-in-malaysia-for-rm8999-compact-dual-screen-laptop/", "title": "Asus Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED Launched in Malaysia for RM8,999 \u2013 Compact Dual Screen Laptop", "body": "\n\nAlso launched alongside the Zenbook Pro 16X OLED in Malaysia is the updated version of the Asus Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED. Now featuring the aforementioned OLED screen, the dual screen laptop also has a number of other improvements, including a faster processor and a more robust cooling system.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Pro 14 Duo OLED is offered in a sole RM8,999 variant. For that kind of money, it features an Intel Core i7-12700H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU, and 512GB of SSD storage.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThanks to the Pro 14 Duo OLED\u2019s new Active Aerodynamic System Ultra (AAS Ultra) \u2013 which lifts up the secondary touchscreen by 12 degrees for better ergonomics and cooling \u2013 the laptop can achieve a total TDP of up to 85W. Plenty of breathing room for the CPU and GPU of the machine.\n\n\nAside from the, the Pro 14 Duo OLED also has a primary 14.5-inch 2880 x 1800 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a tall 16:10 aspect ratio. It is paired with a 12.7-inch 2880 x 864 ScreenPad Plus secondary touchscreen too, which is now bigger and brighter than the previous model\u2019s.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM8,999. If you\u2019ve always wanted a laptop with two displays in a compact chassis \u2013 not to mention a bright and vibrant OLED panel \u2013 this premium dual screen machine may just be for you.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/diablo-immortal-arrives-23-june-in-malaysia-available-on-mobile-pc/", "title": "Diablo Immortal Arrives 23 June in Malaysia \u2013 Available on Mobile & PC", "body": "\n\nDiablo Immortal finally gets a release date for the Asia-Pacific region, which includes Malaysia. Set to arrive in the region on 23 June, the first Blizzard game to be built from the ground up for mobile is also set to arrive on PC.\n\n\nThe markets that will get Diablo Immortal on 23 June include Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, The Philippines, Taiwan, Macau, and Hong Kong. Interestingly, Vietnam will also get the game at the same time, but only on PC; there\u2019s no mobile version for the country.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBlizzard is also enabling cross-play and cross-progression between the PC and mobile versions of Diablo Immortal. It\u2019s worth noting that the PC version will launch in open beta, which will see changes and fine-tuning to the game until it \u201cdelivers a finalised experience for all courageous adventurers,\u201d as Blizzards puts it.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to check out Diablo Immortal when it releases on 23 June in Asia-Pacific, you can pre-register for the game \nright here\n. It will be available on iOS, Android, as well as PC through Battle.net, and with over 30 million pre-registrations already, it looks to be a highly anticipated game.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-zenbook-14x-oled-space-edition-now-in-malaysia-from-rm5599/", "title": "Asus Zenbook 14X OLED Space Edition Now in Malaysia From RM5,599", "body": "\n\nHere\u2019s another laptop that Asus just launched in Malaysia, the Asus Zenbook 14X OLED Space Edition. What sets this version of the 14X apart from the standard model is (naturally) its space-themed design, as well as a 3.5-inch OLED display (dubbed ZenVision) mounted on the lid.\n\n\nFirst, prices. Two variants of this special edition 14X OLED are offered in Malaysia. The base model with an Intel Core i5-12500H processor paired with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD costs RM5,599, while the higher-end Core i7-12700H model with the same amount of RAM and double the SSD storage (1TB) goes for RM6,499.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a unique-looking laptop. As its name suggests, the Zenbook 14X OLED features a 14-inch 2880 x 1800 OLED display with a tall 16:10 aspect ratio; perfect for productivity tasks. it also comes with Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics.\n\n\nThe Asus Zenbook 14X OLED is now available for purchase in Malaysia. To recap, the Core i5 base model retails at RM5,599, while the more powerful Core i7 model costs RM6,499.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-zenbook-14-oled-with-12th-gen-intel-chips-arrives-in-malaysia-from-rm4399/", "title": "Asus Zenbook 14 OLED With 12th Gen Intel Chips Arrives in Malaysia \u2013 From RM4,399", "body": "\n\nIf the other laptops launched by Asus Malaysia today don\u2019t quite fit your budget, consider the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED. Retailing from RM4,399, it\u2019s definitely the most affordable laptop of the lot, and it still sports a bright and vibrant OLED display.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Zenbook 14 OLED are offered in Malaysia. The Intel Core i5-1240P configuration with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD costs RM4,399, while the faster Core i7-1260P model with the same RAM (but double the SSD storage at 1TB) goes for RM5,599.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the headline features of the Zenbook 14 OLED is its, well, OLED display. Sporting a 14-inch 2880 x 1800 OLED panel with a 90Hz refresh, it also has a 16:10 aspect ratio. Thanks to the taller nature of this aspect ratio, you get more vertical screen real estate.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED include Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics and Windows 11 Home out of the box. It\u2019s also quite a slim laptop, measuring only 16.9mm thin. If you\u2019re keen to get the Zenbook 14 OLED, it\u2019s now available for purchase in Malaysia. The Core i5 base model is priced at RM4,399, while the higher-end Core i7 variant carries a RM5,599 price tag.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ps-plus-upgrades-will-be-pro-rated-to-the-subscription-period-of-your-current-plan/", "title": "PS Plus Upgrades Will Be Pro-Rated to the Subscription Period of Your Current Plan", "body": "\n\nThe new \nPlayStation Plus tiers\n are now available in Malaysia! With the launch of the revamped service, every existing subscribers to the service now belong to the Essential plan. If you want to upgrade to the new Extra or Deluxe tiers, the cost will be pro-rated to the subscription period of your current plan.\n\n\nHere\u2019s one example: our current Essential plan is set to expire on 23 November 2024. If we were to upgrade our plan to the Deluxe tier, it will cost us RM410.24. That\u2019s quite a bit more than the RM309 annual fee of the Deluxe plan, but that\u2019s because the subscription period will be matched to our current plan\u2019s expiry on 23 November 2024.\n\n\nOf course, the cost is also pro-rated with our current Essential plan in mind.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith that in mind, you\u2019ll have to pay more to upgrade your plan if you\u2019ve been stacking your PS Plus subscription like we did. It\u2019s also worth noting that once you did the upgrade, you can still redeem a PS Plus membership voucher, but it will be converted to a length of time on your current plan \u201cequivalent to the monetary value of the voucher.\u201d\n\n\nSay you\u2019re claiming a 12-month PS Plus voucher. If you\u2019re on the Deluxe plan, it will be converted to 190 days of subscription; 219 days if you\u2019re on the Extra tier. Of course, if you\u2019re on the Essential plan \u2013 or you don\u2019t have an active PS Plus membership \u2013 you\u2019ll get 365 days of subscription to the Essential tier instead.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMore details on the new PlayStation Plus plans can be found \nhere\n. You can also find the full list of games offered to Extra and Deluxe members \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shenpo-keycaps-review-very-affordable-pbt-keycaps-with-some-sacrifices/", "title": "Shenpo Keycaps Review: Very Affordable PBT Keycaps (With Some Sacrifices)", "body": "\n\nWhen it comes to keyboard keycaps, there are many options in the market now. From affordable offerings to more premium choices from the likes of GMK and ePBT, it can be quite overwhelming to look for the \u201cright\u201d keycap, especially for those who are on a tight budget.\n\n\nWell, if you\u2019re looking for an affordable keycap set, consider Shenpo\u2019s range of keycaps. Not only are they budget-friendly, these PBT keycaps are also quite thick with a texture that\u2019s not overly rough. Of course, given its affordability, there are some shortcomings here and there too.\n\n\nBut for only RM155, Shenpo keycaps have a comprehensive base kit for maximum compatibility with different keyboard layouts \u2013 this is the keycaps\u2019 best selling point.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, Shenpo keycaps retail at \nonly RM155\n for the Malaysian market, and NullKeyboards currently have \nquite a number of different colourways in-stock\n. The one you see here is the TA variant, and the base kit is really, really comprehensive.\n\n\nIn fact, you\u2019ve got enough keycaps to support a full-size keyboard, or even a split keyboard that requires split spacebars. Again, for only RM155, the amount of keycaps you\u2019re getting for the money is almost too good to be true. Just take a look at the whole base kit below.\n\n\n\n\nThe Shenpo keycaps in (our own) JTK tray\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, Shenpo keycaps are made from PBT plastic, which usually has a deeper, lower pitched sound profile than ABS plastic. They\u2019re also Cherry profile keycaps, which is my personal favourite for its low profile nature. As for the legends, they are dye-subbed, so you won\u2019t have to worry about them fading over time.\n\n\nGiven the similarity of a Shenpo keycap set to the popular (and much loved) CRP, I decided to compare it to the latter in this review. Surprisingly, there are some interesting comparisons to be made here.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nThe best quality of Shenpo keycaps \nhave\n to be their value proposition. Really, for merely RM155, the sheer value for money these keycaps offer \ncannot \nbe overstated. The comprehensive base kit alone is worth the asking price.\n\n\n\n\nA CRP keycap (left) next to the Shenpo\n\n\n\n\nBeyond value for money, Shenpo keycaps are surprisingly thick too. Next to a CRP keycap \u2013 which is considered to be one of the best PBT keycaps in the market \u2013 the Shenpo is noticeably thicker. However, this does not necessarily mean Shenpo keycaps have a deeper sound profile than CRP; more on this later.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the texture of the Shenpo keycap. PBT keycaps usually have a rough texture, and while the same applies to Shenpo, it\u2019s not \noverly\n rough. However, I still prefer the slightly smoother texture of CRP keycaps, but it\u2019s also worth noting that a Shenpo base kit costs only a quarter of a complete CRP set.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the sound profile of the Shenpo keycaps. As with (most) keycaps made from PBT plastic, they do have a lower pitched, deeper sound profile. Mounted on the right keyboard with the right switch, you can definitely achieve a \u201cthocky\u201d sound signature with them.\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s move on to the shortcomings of the Shenpo keycaps.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nGiven their affordable price point, it\u2019s no surprise that Shenpo keycaps have some downsides; one of which is the quality of their legends. They\u2019re not particularly sharp, there\u2019s bleeding on certain keycaps, and there are also some inconsistencies with the thickness of the dye-sublimation.\n\n\nWhen it comes to the sharpness and \u201ccrispness\u201d of the legends, CRP certainly has the edge.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that Shenpo keycaps look to be a little \u201cdeformed.\u201d As you can see in the comparison images above, the underside of the Shenpo keycap is not as straight as a CRP. Granted, this isn\u2019t something super noticeable, but it\u2019s definitely worth mentioning.\n\n\nLet\u2019s come back to the sound profile of the Shenpo keycap. While there\u2019s no denying that it has the characteristic low pitch of a PBT keycap, a CRP set still produces a deeper sound signature. This is despite the fact that Shenpo keycaps are thicker \u2013 odd, isn\u2019t it?\n\n\nTo put this into context, just take a listen to the comparison video below:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nStill, for only RM155, a Shenpo keycap set offers excellent value for money, and the quality of the keycap certainly matches the asking price. There\u2019s also the fact that you\u2019re getting a \nvery comprehensive\n base kit that will be compatible with almost any keyboard layout you can think of.\n\n\nYes, there are better keycaps than the Shenpo, but those offerings are also much more costly. If you\u2019re looking to get your first set of aftermarket keycaps without breaking the bank, you will not be disappointed with Shenpo.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/setel-teases-support-for-ev-charging/", "title": "Setel Teases Support for EV Charging", "body": "\n\nNow this is quite interesting. Setel, which mainly allows you to pay for fuel at Petronas stations nationwide, seems to be teasing support for EV charging. If this is the case, it will certainly make it much easier for EV owners to look for a charger.\n\n\nThis was teased by Setel through its social media pages. The teaser is a simple one, simply stating that \u201csomething electrifying is coming.\u201d No other information was given, unfortunately enough, though the company said that more details will be revealed as soon as tomorrow.\n\n\n\n\nBe excited, and stay tuned. \u26a1 \npic.twitter.com/tbGd0mR8Qj\n\u2014 Setel (@setel) \nMay 24, 2022\n\n\n\n\nLooking at Setel\u2019s \nlatest update note\n for the app, the company made some changes to the map on the home page. It mentions that users can now \u201cdiscover places where you can pay with Setel and earn more Mesra points to redeem rewards and fuel.\u201d\n\n\nWith this in mind, there\u2019s a good chance the Setel app will add EV charging stations to the map. After all, certain Petronas stations already have EV chargers. Nonetheless, we\u2019ll find out for ourselves come tomorrow.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/setel-adds-support-for-ev-charging-5-stations-revealed-2-are-currently-free/", "title": "Setel Adds Support for EV Charging \u2013 5 Stations Revealed, 2 Are Currently Free", "body": "\n\nAfter \nyesterday\u2019s teaser\n, Setel officially announced the addition of EV charging to its app. Currently, five EV charging stations can be found in the Setel app, and curiously, two of them are free to use at the moment.\n\n\nThese five (pilot) EV charging stations are done in partnership with JomCharge. They can be found at Lotus\u2019s Tesco Kepong, Carsome PJ Automall, Shangri-La\u2019s Rasa Sayang Resort in Penang, EV Connection Workshop in Petaling Jaya, and ACO Group\u2019s headquarters in Johor Bahru \u2013 the latter two are currently free to use.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo note that charging cables are not provided at these EV chargers, so you are required to bring your own. In order to use the charging station, you\u2019ll just have to activate it from the Setel app. Naturally, payment is also done in the app itself through the Setel Wallet.\n\n\nAccording to Setel, more EV charging stations will be added in the future. In order to use this new feature, make sure you\u2019ve updated the Setel app to Version 1.96. Oddly enough, only the \nApple App Store\n has this new update; the \nGoogle Play Store\n is still on Version 1.95.2.\n\n\nNonetheless, more details on Setel\u2019s EV chargers can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-enco-x2-review-premium-earbuds-with-good-anc-sound-quality-for-rm799/", "title": "Oppo Enco X2 Review: Premium Earbuds With Good ANC & Sound Quality for RM799", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for a truly wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation (ANC), you\u2019re really spoiled for choice in today\u2019s market. This makes it quite tough for any given earbuds with ANC to stand out, but the Oppo Enco X2 has an attractive feature set for its asking price.\n\n\nThanks to its premium build quality, \u201csqueeze\u201d controls, ANC, and audio quality, the Enco X2 is a reasonably compelling pair of wireless earbuds. Retailing at RM799, it\u2019s priced quite well too, though it now has to contend with higher priced alternatives that saw their prices drop quite a bit.\n\n\nAnd this puts the Enco X2 in a a rather unfavourable position. In a vaccum, it\u2019s certainly a good product, but given the competition, it may not be the best choice for some folks \u2013 keep reading this review to find out why.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe Oppo Enco X2, as mentioned, is a pair of truly wireless earbuds with ANC. It also has a Super Dynamic Balance Enhanced Engine (SuperDBEE) acoustic system co-developed with Dynaudio, which promises \u201coutstanding sound performance.\u201d\n\n\nAs for battery life, a single charge of the Enco X2 offers up to 9.5 hours of battery life, which can be extended to 40 hours with the charging case. Of course, this is with ANC switched off; activating the feature returns up to 5.5 hours of use instead (22 hours with the charging case).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother interesting feature of the Enco X2 is the input method. Instead of touch controls, I just have to squeeze the stalk of the earbuds for music playback or activating the ANC. I can even slide up and down on the stalk to control the volume. I really like this input method, which I\u2019ll get to in the next section.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nOne of my biggest qualms with wireless earbuds is the touch control. When I want to adjust the fit of the earbuds, for example, it will almost always register my touch as an input. Well, thanks to the squeeze controls of the Enco X2, this is not an issue at all with these earbuds.\n\n\nI\u2019m also surprised just how intuitive the squeeze controls are. Yes, it\u2019s a little tricky in the beginning, but once I found the right area on the Enco X2 to\u2026well, squeeze, it works like a charm.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe ANC of the Enco X2 is also very commendable. It doesn\u2019t have the \u201cdeafening\u201d effect, and it can effectively silence the outside world. Granted, the \nSony WF-1000XM4\n has a slight edge over the Enco X2 in this regard, but there\u2019s no arguing that its ANC performance is above average.\n\n\nIn terms of audio quality, I\u2019m quite happy with these earbuds. The mid bass is tight and controlled (even if it\u2019s lacking in impact), the highs are clean and laid back, and generally, it has a \u201cwarm\u201d sound signature. Audiophiles may be left wanting more, but for more casual listeners like myself, it\u2019s certainly good enough.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother positive of the Enco X2 is its relatively long battery life. On a single charge with ANC switched off, the earbuds managed to last almost 9 hours; just shy of Oppo\u2019s quoted battery life of 9.5 hours. Even though this is not class-leading \u2013 the WF-1000XM4, for example, can last over 8 hours \nwith\n ANC activated \u2013 it\u2019s still respectable.\n\n\nLast but not least is the solid build quality of the Enco X2. It\u2019s positioned as a flagship product, and this is definitely reflected in the build quality of the earbuds. The buds themselves look and feel nice, and the charging case is also solid with a good amount of heft.\n\n\nWhile there\u2019s a lot to like about the Enco X2, it also has one shortcoming: its competition.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Enco X2 is a compelling pair of wireless earbuds in a vacuum, but it has a tough competitor in the form of the Sony WF-1000XM4. Even though it originally retails at RM1,099, you can get it \nfor as low as RM818\n now. This effectively puts it in the same price bracket as Oppo\u2019s offering.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the Enco X2, the WF-1000XM4 offers superior ANC performance, audio quality, and battery life. Depending on how you much you value these aspects, the XM4 may be the better wireless earbuds for you.\n\n\nBut the Enco X2 does have the advantage in other areas, \nespecially\n build quality. Both the buds and charging case of the Enco X2 feel more\u2026substantial than the more plasticky nature of the WF-1000XM4. On top of that, some folks may prefer the looks of the Oppo earbuds over the bulky design of the XM4 too.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nFor RM799, the Oppo Enco X2 offers a feature set that definitely match the asking price. While the Sony WF-1000XM4 offers better audio quality, ANC, and battery life for about the same amount of money, it doesn\u2019t feel or look quite as premium as the Enco X2; something that consumers may find more appealing.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor what it\u2019s worth, I certainly enjoyed reviewing the Enco X2. Its audio quality and ANC performance are more than good enough for my needs, and I really like the squeeze controls of the earbuds. I don\u2019t have to worry about accidental inputs with these earbuds.\n\n\nPlus, there\u2019s no denying the premium appeal of the Enco X2 with its solid build quality and looks.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/26-may-1-june-fuel-price-ron-97-up-37-sen-now-rm4-70-per-litre/", "title": "26 May \u2013 1 June Fuel Price: RON 97 up 37 Sen, Now RM4.70 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAnother steep price hike for RON 97 in Malaysia: it\u2019s set to go up by an eye-watering 37 sen per litre this week. No changes to the prices of RON 95 and diesel, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nFor the next seven days, the price of RON 97 is set at RM4.70 per litre (up from RM4.33). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 26 May to 1 June 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xps-13-plus-finally-arrives-in-malaysia-starts-at-rm6999/", "title": "XPS 13 Plus Finally Arrives in Malaysia \u2013 Starts at RM6,999", "body": "\n\nOriginally slated for release in March\n, the Dell XPS 13 Plus is finally available in Malaysia now. Redesigned from the ground up, the new ultraportable features a sleeker, cleaner-looking design, though not necessarily more practical.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the XPS 13 Plus starts at RM6,999 for the base model. It features an Intel Core i5-1240P processor paired with 16GB of RAM, a 13.4-inch 1920 x 1200 non-touch display, 512GB of SSD storage, and Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want a faster processor or a sharper, more vibrant OLED panel for the XPS 13 Plus, you can change it accordingly \nin the configurator\n. For example, swapping the processor to a Core i7-1260P is a RM500 upgrade, and if you want the range-topping UHD+ touch-enabled display, it\u2019ll set you back RM1,600.\n\n\nOn the outside, the XPS 13 Plus doesn\u2019t look all that different from its predecessor, but it\u2019s almost a completely different laptop on the inside. Gone are the physical function keys in favour of capacitive keys (almost like Apple\u2019s Touch Bar), and the trackpad has been replaced with a \u201cseamless glass touchpad\u201d that provides haptic feedback.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlso redesigned is the keyboard of the XPS 13 Plus. The keys are now larger, and they still provide the same 1mm of travel as the previous model. All in all, these changes make for a clean-looking laptop, though not knowing \nwhere\n the trackpad is and having to use capacitive keys instead of physical ones for the function row may be cumbersome.\n\n\nThe Dell XPS 13 Plus is now available for purchase on \nDell\u2019s Malaysian online store\n. With a RM6,999 starting price, it\u2019s certainly positioned as a premium offering.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-fixes-playstation-plus-technical-error-with-pricing-affected-customers-refunded/", "title": "Sony Fixes PlayStation Plus \u201cTechnical Error\u201d With Pricing \u2013 Affected Customers Refunded", "body": "\n\nThe \nnew PlayStation Plus plans\n went live just a couple of days ago in Asia (including Malaysia), and many players who are trying to upgrade to the new tiers reported issues with the pricing. Well, Sony has fixed this \u201c\ntechnical error\n,\u201d and affected players will be refunded in the form of credit.\n\n\nBefore the fix was implemented, players who have previously bought a PS Plus membership at a discount were forced to pay back the difference in order to upgrade to a higher tier. After today\u2019s fix, we notice that the upgrade cost to Deluxe from the Essential tier on our account went down from around RM400 to RM374.79 \u2013 that\u2019s quite a big difference.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven that the upgrade cost will be pro-rated to the subscription period of your current plan, you\u2019ll have to pay quite a bit if you\u2019ve been stacking your PS Plus subscription like we did. It\u2019s also worth noting that once you did the upgrade, you can still redeem a PS Plus membership voucher, but it will be converted to a length of time on your current plan \u201cequivalent to the monetary value of the voucher.\u201d\n\n\nSay you\u2019re claiming a 12-month PS Plus voucher. If you\u2019re on the Deluxe plan, it will be converted to 190 days of subscription; 219 days if you\u2019re on the Extra tier. Of course, if you\u2019re on the Essential plan \u2013 or you don\u2019t have an active PS Plus membership \u2013 you\u2019ll get 365 days of subscription to the Essential tier instead.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, the launch of the new PlayStation Plus plans are off to a bit of a rocky start. More details on the new PS Plus tiers can be found\u00a0\nhere\n, and you can also find the full list of games offered to Extra and Deluxe members\u00a0\nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/enhanced-tng-card-sold-out-again-within-hours-of-restock-get-from-petronas-instead/", "title": "Enhanced TNG Card Sold Out (Again) Within Hours of Restock \u2013 Get From Petronas Instead", "body": "\n\nJust this morning, Touch \u2018n Go restocked the \nenhanced TNG card with NFC capability\n on the TNG eWallet app. Well, within hours of the restock, the new card is sold out already. Evidently, many are \nstill\n eager to get their hands on the NFC-enabled TNG card.\n\n\nHowever, we tried our luck at a Petronas station near Jalan Tun Razak, and fortunately enough, the store got the new TNG card in stock! That being said, we were told the card costs RM13 instead of the original RM10 asking price, oddly enough.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChances are, other Petronas stations could have the new enhanced TNG card in stock as well. In fact, TNG itself listed a number of participating outlets \nhere\n that are said to carry the new card. It may be worth checking them out if any of the outlets are near your location.\n\n\nIf you want the convenience of getting the enhanced TNG card with NFC through the TNG eWallet app instead, you can register your interest through the app to be notified of any restock. Head to the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0or\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n to download the TNG eWallet app.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/god-of-war-horizon-gran-turismo-to-get-tv-series-netflix-amazon-involved/", "title": "God of War, Horizon, Gran Turismo to Get TV Series \u2013 Netflix & Amazon Involved", "body": "\n\nSony continues to expand its PlayStation franchise to other medium. \nIn a business briefing\n, Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO, Tony Vinciquerra, confirmed that God of War, \nHorizon\n, and \nGran Turismo\n will get their own TV series.\n\n\nGod of War has been picked up by Amazon for its Prime Video series, while Netflix secured streaming rights to Horizon. No word yet on which company will take up Gran Turismo, suggesting that it may be in the earlier planning phase.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that God of War was previously confirmed to receive its own live-action TV series back in March; now we know Amazon will be handling it. Other PlayStation IPs that will get their own live-action adaptations include Last of Us, Ghost of Tsushima, and even Jak and Daxter.\n\n\nGiven Uncharted\u2019s success on the big screens \u2013 despite the fact that it\u2019s \nnot a faithful adaption\n, in our opinion \u2013 there\u2019s certainly potential to expand Sony\u2019s PlayStation franchise beyond gaming. Here\u2019s hoping the adaptations will appeal to existing and new fans alike.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopeefood-coming-to-penang-in-june-2022/", "title": "ShopeeFood Coming to Penang in June 2022", "body": "\n\nShopeeFood is set to be available in Penang sometime in June 2022 next month. Penang is the third state to get the food delivery service, right after the Klang Valley and Johor Bahru.\n\n\nOne of the advantages of ShopeeFood is the ability to \u201cstack\u201d vouchers for more savings. For example, you can stack a free shipping voucher with a different food discount voucher. Shopee also gives out up to 50% discounts on a daily basis from partner merchants.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWe are delighted with the positive response that we have received in Klang Valley and Johor Bahru and would like to bring the same convenience to Shopee users in Penang,\u201d said the head of business development at ShopeeFood, Wong Chee Mun.\n\n\n\u201cKnown as a food haven among food enthusiasts, we hope that through this new service, we can encourage more Penang merchants to digitise their business and reach out to more customers, driving long term growth in the digital age,\u201d he added.\n\n\nTo check if ShopeeFood is available in your area, you can look for the ShopeeFood icon on the home page of the Shopee app once it\u2019s launched in Penang sometime in June next month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-perodua-myvi-is-made-from-1-27-million-lego-bricks-on-show-at-publika-until-29-may/", "title": "This \u201cPerodua Myvi\u201d Is Made From 1.27 Million Lego Bricks \u2013 On Show at Publika Until 29 May", "body": "\n\nThe Perodua Myvi, often fondly referred to as the \u201cking of the road,\u201d has been immortalised in Lego bricks. This \nlife-size\n scale of the Myvi \u2013 humourously dubbed \u201cMybi\u201d by the creators \u2013 is built by 15 Malaysian builders using a whopping 1.27 million Lego bricks.\n\n\nThis is the work of \nBryks Art\n, a collective of artists. The Mybi is a part of the\u2026King of the Road Showcase, which is clearly an homage to the nickname of the beloved B-segment hatchback. It took about two months to build this painstakingly detailed Myvi replica, complete with an interior!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nImage credit: \nMotorsports Malaysia\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from this impressive life-size recreation of the Myvi, there are also four other Lego works inspired by the hatchback. There\u2019s a \u201cflying\u201d Myvi, a Myvi tractor, a Myvi ATV, and even a Myvi tank. While these works are smaller in scale, they are still very impressive.\n\n\nIf you want to see these awe-inspiring Perodua Myvi Lego works in person, you can do so over at Publika Shopping Centre at the King of the Road Showcase. The artwork will be there until 29 May this Sunday.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-flow-z13-review-the-gaming-tablet-to-get-from-rm7999/", "title": "Asus ROG Flow Z13 Review: The Gaming Tablet to Get From RM7,999", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019ve always wanted a true gaming tablet, your wish is realised with the Asus ROG Flow Z13. Not only is it a sleek-looking tablet, it also turns into a truly capable gaming machine with the ROG XG Mobile external GPU enclosure.\n\n\nOf course, this level of power and versatility also demand a premium price tag. Priced from RM7,999 to an \neye-watering RM16,999\n, the Flow Z13 is a costly product. But if you\u2019re willing to fork out the money for it, you won\u2019t be disappointed with this gaming tablet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n13.4-inch WQUXGA IPS (3840 x 2400), 60Hz\nProcessor\nIntel Core i9-12900H (14C/20T, 2.5GHz with boost up to 5.0GHz)\nGPU\nNvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB GDDR6\nNvidia GeForce RTX 3080 16GB GDDR6 (ROG XG Mobile)\nRAM\n16GB LPDDR5\nStorage\n1TB M.2 2230 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD\nCamera\n8MP (rear), 720p webcam\nBattery\n56Wh\nDimensions\n302 x 204 x 12 mm\nWeight\n1.18kg\nAudio\nSide-firing stereo speakers\nPorts\n1x Thunderbolt 4 (DisplayPort)\n1x USB-A 2.0\n1x microSD card reader\n1x ROG XG Mobile interface\nPrice\nRM16,999\n\n\nThe Flow Z13 in this review is the range-topping variant with a fast Core i9-12900H processor, a sharp 4K IPS display, and the ROG XG Mobile external GPU enclosure. The latter is packed with an RTX 3080 GPU, which is why the price of the tablet jumps from RM7,999 for the base model to RM16,999.\n\n\nPersonally, I\u2019d go for the RM8,999 variant of the Flow Z13, which swaps out the 4K display of the highest-end model for a lower resolution 1920 x 1200 IPS display, but with a faster 120Hz refresh rate. The XG Mobile enclosure is (obviously) not included either, so you\u2019ll only get the RTX 3050 Ti GPU.\n\n\nYes, the XG Mobile does dramatically improve the gaming performance of the Flow Z13, but in my opinion, the extra cost does not justify the performance gain. More on this further down this review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nSince this is a gaming tablet, let\u2019s talk about the performance of the Asus ROG Flow Z13 first. I tested the tablet in two scenarios: with and without the ROG XG Mobile. Given that the built-in RTX 3050 Ti GPU isn\u2019t particularly powerful, I tested games at 1920 x 1200 resolution in this configuration.\n\n\nOf course, with the XG Mobile (RTX 3080) connected, I cranked up the resolution to the display\u2019s maximum 3840 x 2400 resolution\u2026except for Control. I could only set the resolution to 3840 x 2160 in the game, oddly enough. Anyway, here are the results:\n\n\nGames (max settings @ 1920 x 1200), tablet mode (RTX 3050 Ti)\nAverage FPS\nBorderlands 3 (DX11)\n37.98\nControl (DX11)\n33.633\nWitcher 3 (HairWorks disabled)\n49.434\n\n\nGames (max settings @ 3840 x 2400), ROG XG Mobile (RTX 3080)\nAverage FPS\nBorderlands 3 (DX11)\n38.86\nControl (DX11) @ 3840 x 2160\n29.453\nWitcher 3 (HairWorks disabled)\n56.273\n\n\nAs the results above show, running games at Full HD with the Flow Z13\u2019s RTX 3050 Ti can almost match the performance of the XG Mobile\u2019s RTX 3080 GPU in 4K gaming. This is why I would personally forego the external GPU enclosure, though gaming at 4K is certainly a more enjoyable gaming experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the stunning display of the Flow Z13\u2019s 13.4-inch 3840 x 2400 IPS display. Not only is it a bright panel, it also offers vibrant colours with wide viewing angles. I really appreciate the 16:10 aspect ratio of the panel as well; there\u2019s more vertical screen real estate for productivity tasks.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, I love using the Flow Z13 as a productivity machine. Not only does it offer the portability of a tablet, it\u2019s also quite long-lasting. On a single charge, the 56Wh battery managed to return about five hours of use.\n\n\nGiven that this model has a sharp 4K panel \nand\n a powerful Core i9-12900H processor, this level of battery life is respectable. I reckon the more modest Flow Z13 with a lower resolution screen can return even better battery life.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI\u2019m also quite a fan of the Flow Z13\u2019s keyboard case. It offers enough key travel to not feel shallow, the keys provide a good amount of tactility, and it even has a \u201ccushiony\u201d bottom out, given that the keyboard itself is elevated above the surface. All in all, this is a comfortable keyboard to do a lot of typing on.\n\n\nThe trackpad is quite good too. It\u2019s reasonably accurate, it has a smooth surface, and it offers a pleasant click; I definitely don\u2019t feel the need to plug in a mouse when I\u2019m using it for productivity tasks. That being said, I do wish the trackpad was a tad bigger for a more pleasant user experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBuild quality of the Flow Z13 is also solid. The minimal bezels surrounding the screen lend to a modern-looking machine, and I love the glass window on the back (complete with RGB lighting!) that shows the tablet\u2019s internals.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the adjustable kickstand of the Flow Z13. The hinge feels solid as I adjust the angle to my liking \u2013 much like a Surface tablet, if I might add \u2013 and it even closes with a reassuring thud. I also appreciate the red tab on the kickstand to make it easier to pop it open.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nSystem noise is one area where the Flow Z13 could use some improvement. Now, running demanding games on the tablet itself doesn\u2019t produce too much fan noise, but with the XG Mobile GPU connected, the external GPU enclosure \ncertainly\n makes itself heard.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the cost of the Flow Z13 itself. Starting at RM7,999, this is not an affordable tablet, and the range-topping model\u2019s whopping RM16,999 price tag is even harder to swallow. Granted, you do get reasonably powerful hardware even with the base model (Core i7-12700H and RTX 3050 GPU), but there\u2019s no denying that the price of entry is steep.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nEven though the Asus ROG Flow Z13 costs quite a bit of money, you do get a fantastic gaming tablet with good performance, a bright and vibrant display, as well as reasonably long battery life. Plus, it has solid build quality with some interesting design elements too, especially the glass window on the back of the tablet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut in my opinion, opt for the Flow Z13 without the ROG XG Mobile. While there\u2019s no denying the performance gain you get with the external GPU enclosure, it\u2019s not worth paying so much for the hardware.\n\n\nIf it had not used a proprietary connector, then maybe the XG Mobile would be more compelling. The fact that it is only compatible with Asus machines that support the port \u2013 and there are only a handful of them \u2013 makes it hard to justify the extra cost.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-yelan-xiao-banners-dropping-31-may-with-yanfei-noelle-barbara/", "title": "Genshin Impact Yelan & Xiao Banners Dropping 31 May With Yanfei, Noelle, Barbara", "body": "\n\nYelan\u2019s and Xiao\u2019s (who is returning for a third time) banners have been revealed for \nGenshin Impact\n. Set to arrive this coming Tuesday on 31 May, the event wish for these two 5-star characters will be accompanied by Yanfei, Noelle, and Barbara.\n\n\nIn line with \nprevious Genshin Impact\n \ndouble banners\n, Yelan and Xiao both share the same roster of 4-star characters despite the fact that they\u2019re featured in separate event wishes. Of course, pity is also shared between the two banners, and the wish guarantee count\u00a0\nwill\n\u00a0carry over to future character banners too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSimilar to Genshin Impact\u2019s\u00a0\nprevious character\n\u00a0\nevent wishes\n, the \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Yelan, Xiao, Yanfei, Noelle, and Barbara will be increased. In the case of Yelan and Xiao, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be either of them, depending on which banner you\u2019re wishing. If you got a different character, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be them.\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s pity system for character banners ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character every 90 wishes, you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Yelan or Xiao. The same rule applies to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Yanfei, Noelle, or Barbara. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will likely have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYelan\u2019s \u201cDiscerner of Enigmas\u201d and Xiao\u2019s \u201cInvitation to Mundane Life\u201d event wishes will be available in Genshin Impact on 31 May 2022, right after the \nVersion 2.7 update\n goes live. Their banners will be offered until 21 June; Arataki Itto\u2019s rerun banner \u2013 which will be joined by Kuki Shinobu \u2013 will follow suit then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/zte-blade-v40-vita-with-huge-6000mah-battery-launched-in-malaysia-for-rm599/", "title": "ZTE Blade V40 Vita With Huge 6,000mAh Battery Launched in Malaysia for RM599", "body": "\n\nZTE just launched a pretty interesting budget-friendly phone in Malaysia. Not only is the ZTE Blade V40 Vita affordable, it also sports a generous 6,000mAh battery \u2013 ideal for those who want a long-lasting smartphone.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Blade V40 Vita is offered in Malaysia. Priced at RM599, the sole configuration comes with 128GB of expandable storage and 4GB of RAM. Two colour options are available: Zeus Black (the model you see here) and Pine Green.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Blade V40 Vita features a Unisoc T606 chipset, a 6.745-inch 1600 x 720 display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (48MP primary + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), an 8MP selfie camera , and of course, the aforementioned 6,000mAh battery with 22.5W fast charging.\n\n\nTo recap, the ZTE Blade V40 Vita retails at RM599 for the Malaysian market. The phone will be available for pre-order on \nZTE\u2019s official Shopee store\n sometime in the middle of June next month; early birds will receive a ZTE Bluetooth speaker.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/zte-axon-40-ultra-with-under-display-camera-coming-to-malaysia-in-september-2022/", "title": "ZTE Axon 40 Ultra With Under-Display Camera Coming to Malaysia in September 2022", "body": "\n\nWe were just told that the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra flagship phone will be coming to Malaysia in September 2022. Sporting a fast 144Hz AMOLED display with an under-display camera, it\u2019s certainly a sleek-looking, high-end device with a \u201ctrue\u201d full-screen design.\n\n\nUnfortunately, only the Axon 40 Ultra is coming here; we were told that the Pro model is only offered in China and selected markets. Nonetheless, the Ultra \nis\n the higher-end device, thanks to its under-display camera and faster Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Axon 40 Ultra include a 6.8-inch 2480 x 1116 AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate \u2013 as well as the aforementioned under-display camera \u2013 a triple camera system (64MP primary + 64MP periscope telephoto + 64MP ultra-wide angle), a 16MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with 80W fast charging.\n\n\nThe ZTE Axon 40 Ultra will be available in Malaysia sometime in September 2022. It remains to be seen how much it will be priced at here, though it starts at 4,998 Chinese yuan (about RM3,280) in China.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmagic-7-series-with-165hz-display-launching-in-malaysia-soon/", "title": "RedMagic 7 Series With 165Hz Display Launching in Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nThe RedMagic 7 series of gaming smartphones are coming to Malaysia (officially) soon, which include the standard model, as well as the RedMagic 7 Pro. Sporting some powerful hardware under the hood \u2013 including a 165Hz display \u2013 these two phones may appease even the most demanding mobile gamer.\n\n\nCuriously, only the regular RedMagic 7 has a 6.8-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate. The Pro model, on the other hand, has a more modest 120Hz AMOLED panel of the same size and resolution, though it does have an under-display camera as well for a sleeker look.\n\n\n\n\nThe RedMagic 7\n\n\nThe RedMagic 7 Pro\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, both the RedMagic 7 and Pro models share similar hardware. These include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), capacitive shoulder buttons, and a built-in fan. It\u2019s worth noting that the Pro variant has a 16MP selfie camera and a 5,000mAh battery, while the standard version has an 8MP shooter and 4,500mAh battery. \n\n\nAlthough it\u2019s now confirmed the RedMagic 7 and RedMagic 7 Pro will be coming to Malaysia officially in Malaysia \u2013 online listings of the phone do not come with local warranty \u2013 no specific launch date was given. That being said, we were told that they will arrive before the \nZTE Axon 40 Ultra\n, which is set to arrive sometime in September 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-swift-3-oled-hands-on-more-powerful-more-vibrant-more-compelling/", "title": "Acer Swift 3 OLED Hands-On: More Powerful, More Vibrant, More Compelling", "body": "\n\nAnnounced back at Acer\u2019s Next@Acer Global Press Conference 2022 a couple of weeks ago, the Acer Swift 3 OLED is the latest iteration of the Taiwanese company\u2019s popular (and quite affordable) productivity laptop. As its name suggests, the Swift 3 OLED now sports a bright and vibrant OLED panel.\n\n\nThat alone is quite a big selling point for the productivity-focused laptop. But on top of the higher quality panel, the new Swift 3 is also packing Intel\u2019s 12th generation H-series processors, which is usually reserved for gaming laptops.\n\n\nThanks to this, you\u2019ve got ample processing power with the Swift 3 OLED. If you want to take it a step further, you can even pair it with an external GPU to turn the laptop into a capable gaming machine. If this piqued your interest, keep on reading this hands-on of the Swift 3.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe processor powering the Swift 3 OLED really is quite an interesting choice on Acer\u2019s part. Instead of a 12th gen Intel P-series or U-series mobile chip, Acer\u2019s decision to use the higher performance H-series processors for this laptop makes it \nthat\n much more compelling, in my opinion.\n\n\nGranted, it\u2019s also more power-hungry, which may affect the battery life of the Swift 3. But it\u2019s worth noting that Acer promises up to 10 hours of \u201creal-world battery life\u201d with this laptop. The company added that a 30-minute charge can provide up to 4 hours of use as well.\n\n\nNonetheless, even if the Swift 3 OLED could return better battery life with a different processor, I think the Intel H-series processor is a worthy tradeoff for more performance, After all, it opens up the possibility of turning the productivity laptop into a\u2026well, gaming laptop.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow, while the Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics of the Swift 3 can do some casual gaming, pairing the laptop with the aforementioned external GPU via the laptop\u2019s Thunderbolt 4 connection will \nreally\n improve its gaming performance. The 12th gen Intel H-series chip should be able to provide enough processing power to not be a bottleneck either.\n\n\nOkay, beyond performance, the Swift 3 OLED has other winning qualities too, including a 14-inch 2880 x 1800 OLED panel with a 90Hz refresh rate. This refresh rate is high enough for a smooth, responsive user experience, and the 16:10 aspect ratio is also great for productivity tasks with the extra vertical screen real estate.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the screen quality itself, it\u2019s great! Not only does it have a peak brightness of 500 nits \u2013 more than bright enough for comfortable use under sunlight \u2013 it also covers 100% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut. Basically, this is a very pleasant screen to look at, and this being an OLED panel, it also has deep, true blacks.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the portability of the Swift 3 OLED. Measuring 17.9mm thin with a 1.4kg chassis, it\u2019s really quite a compact, lightweight productivity laptop. I definitely wouldn\u2019t mind lugging around this laptop in my backpack.\n\n\nPortability aside, one of the most important aspects of a productivity-focused laptop are the input devices. In this regard, the Swift 3 performs admirably. The keyboard, for one, is quite comfortable to type on.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlthough the keys don\u2019t have a lot of travel \u2013 which lends to a slightly shallow typing experience \u2013 the keyboard has a good amount of tactility for improved typing accuracy. Plus, the standard layout takes little to no time to get used to as well; I certainly wouldn\u2019t mind doing a lot of typing with this keyboard.\n\n\nI\u2019m also impressed with the OceanGlass trackpad of the Swift 3. Naturally, it can track my fingers accurately, and despite the fact that it\u2019s made out of recycled plastic, it still has a nice, smooth surface. I don\u2019t feel the need to use a mouse with the laptop at all.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll things considered, the Acer Swift 3 OLED is a great improvement over its predecessor. Not only does it feature a more powerful processor, it also has a stunning OLED panel while retaining one of the Swift series\u2019 best quality: portability.\n\n\nUnfortunately, there\u2019s no word yet on the Malaysian availability of the Swift 3 OLED. But if it does eventually arrive here \u2013 it should, given Acer\u2019s notable presence in our market \u2013 it has the potential to be a real winner for the Taiwanese company, \nespecially\n if it\u2019s priced right.\n\n\nFor the sake of context, the \nprevious Swift 3\n retailed from RM4,199 when it was first launched in Malaysia. If the new Swift 3 OLED is priced within this price range, I reckon it will be a compelling laptop.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, the Swift 3 OLED is currently on sale in China, while other regions (including the US and EMEA) will get it sometime in July 2022. In the US, the laptop starts at $900, which comes up to about RM3,940.\n\n\nHere\u2019s hoping the Swift 3 OLED will be priced similarly in the Malaysian market once it is officially launched here. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the local availability of this productivity laptop.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-magic-4-pro-unleashed-in-malaysia-100x-zoom-100w-fast-charging-rm3999/", "title": "Honor Magic 4 Pro Unleashed in Malaysia \u2013 100x Zoom, 100W Fast Charging, RM3,999", "body": "\n\nAfter many, many teasers, the \nHonor Magic 4 Pro\n has finally been launched in Malaysia. As a flagship smartphone, the Magic 4 Pro naturally features some high-end hardware, including a triple camera system that can do 100x zoom, 100W fast charging, as well as a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Magic 4 Pro is offered in Malaysia. The sole 256GB configuration with 8GB of RAM retails at RM3,999, and it is available in three distinct colours: Cyan, Gold, and Black. Of course, early birds will also get some extra freebies.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the highlights of the Magic 4 Pro is its triple camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 64MP periscope telephoto lens that can do 3.5x optical zoom or up to 100x zoom. These sensors are housed in a unique circular camera module.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Magic 4 Pro include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, a 6.81-inch 2848 x 1312 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 12MP selfie camera, an IP68 rating, and a 4,600mAh battery with support for 100W wired \nand wireless \ncharging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor Magic 4 Pro will be available for pre-order in Malaysia later today at 5PM until 11 June 2022. Priced at RM3,999, early birds will get up to RM1,656 worth of freebies, including the new Honor Watch GS 3, a case, a 6-month screen crack protection, and a 1+1 year extended warranty.\n\n\nUnfortunately, there\u2019s no indication that the regular Magic 4 will also make its debut in Malaysia, so it remains to be seen if the more affordable variant will also be sold here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2-8-june-fuel-price-all-prices-unchanged-ron-97-still-rm4-70-per-litre/", "title": "2 \u2013 8 June Fuel Price: All Prices Unchanged; RON 97 Still RM4.70 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAfter last week\u2019s \nsteep\n price hike for RON 97, there\u2019s (thankfully) no change this week. Of course, no changes to the prices of RON 95 and diesel either, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nFor the next seven days, the price of RON 97 is still set at RM4.70 per litre. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 2 to 8 June 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-magic-4-magic-4-ultimate-not-coming-to-malaysia-yet/", "title": "Honor Magic 4 & Magic 4 Ultimate Not Coming to Malaysia (Yet)", "body": "\n\nThe \nHonor Magic 4 Pro\n was just launched in Malaysia today, but two other devices in the series were not present: the standard Magic 4 and the more decadent Magic 4 Ultimate. Well, we were told by Honor Malaysia itself that there are currently no plans to bring in the two phones.\n\n\nAt least, that\u2019s the case at the moment. We were told by an Honor Malaysia representative that the Magic 4 Pro is the company\u2019s first flagship phone to be launched here in quite some time, so it wants to gauge consumer interest in our market first before launching more high-end devices locally.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith that in mind, the same representative said that Honor Malaysia will not discount the possibility of bringing in the Magic 4 and Magic 4 Ultimate to our shores. At the moment, only the Pro model will be sold here.\n\n\nNonetheless, if you\u2019re keen to get the Honor Magic 4 Pro, you can pre-order it right now in Malaysia until 11 June for RM3,999. Early birds will also receive freebies worth up to RM1,656, which include the new Honor Watch GS 3, a case, a 6-month screen crack protection, and a 1+1 year extended warranty.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-plus-june-2022-free-games-god-of-war-nickelodeon-all-star-brawl-cant-drive-this/", "title": "PlayStation Plus June 2022 Free Games: God of War, Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl, Can\u2019t Drive This", "body": "\n\nPlayStation Plus\u2019 June 2022 free games have just been announced. The lineup includes God of War, Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker, Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl, and for us here in Asia, Can\u2019t Drive This. All of these games are available for the PS4, while the PS5 version of the latter two are also offered.\n\n\nOut of the four games, God of War is definitely the most exciting title. While some players may have gotten the game already from the PlayStation Plus Collection on the PS5, those who haven\u2019t received the game yet will definitely appreciate this month\u2019s lineup. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith the \nrevamped PS Plus membership\n, these four games can be claimed by subscribers of any tiers. Whether you\u2019re on the Essential, Extra, or Deluxe plan, you will have access to these monthly PS Plus games.\n\n\nAll four games can be claimed by PS Plus members from 7 June to 4 July 2022. That means you have until this coming Monday (6 June) to get your hands on May 2022\u2019s free games, including \nFIFA 22, Tribes of Midgard, and Curse of the Dead Gods\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmibook-15-lands-in-malaysia-6-june-for-rm2399-early-birds-get-rm500-discount/", "title": "RedmiBook 15 Lands in Malaysia 6 June for RM2,399 \u2013 Early Birds Get RM500 Discount", "body": "\n\nXiaomi\u2019s first-ever laptop for the Malaysian market is here. Enter the RedmiBook 15: starting at only RM2,399, early birds can get up to RM500 discount, lowering the price of entry for the productivity laptop to \nmerely RM1,899\n.\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the RedmiBook 15 offers an 11th gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage. If you want more processing power, you can opt for the RM2,799 (RM2,499 for early birds) Core i5-11300H configuration, which also doubles the SSD storage to 512GB.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the RedmiBook 15 include a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 display, a 19.9mm thin side profile \u2013 reasonably slim for a laptop this size \u2013 a 1.8kg chassis, a 46Wh battery that promises up to 10 hours of use, as well as Windows 11 Home out of the box.\n\n\nYou can get the RedmiBook 15 from only RM1,899 between 6 to 30 June in Malaysia through \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n. As for those who purchase it through an Authorised Xiaomi store, they will get a Mi Casual Backpack worth RM69.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hearthstone-throne-of-the-tides-mini-set-now-available-adds-35-new-cards/", "title": "Hearthstone Throne of the Tides Mini-Set Now Available \u2013 Adds 35 New Cards", "body": "\n\nBlizzard\u2019s latest Mini-Set for \nHearthstone\n, Throne of the Tides, is available today. It\u2019s a part of the current Voyage to the Sunken City expansion, and the Mini-Set introduces 35 new cards to the game. As per usual, it can be purchased with cash or in-game gold \u2013 there\u2019s even an all-Golden set.\n\n\nThrone of the Tides Mini-Set bundles 66 cards, which are multiple copies of the 35 new cards. These are made up of 4 Legendary cards (x1), 1 Epic card (x2), 14 Rare cards (x2), and 16 Common cards (x2). How much does the Mini-Set cost? $14.99 (about RM65) or 2,000 in-game gold.\n\n\nAs for the all-Golden set, it will set you back $69.99 (approximately RM305).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe first Mini-Set (Darkmoon Races) was introduced back in January 2021 as part of the Madness at the Darkmoon Faire expansion. Generally, Mini-Sets offer great value, especially for free-to-play players. If you\u2019ve got 2,000 gold lying around, it\u2019s definitely worth getting the new Mini-Set.\n\n\nThrone of the Tides is now available in Hearthstone. With the addition of the 35 new cards, expect the meta to change accordingly \u2013 there may even be some nerfs in the future.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-6-launch-set-for-5-july-qualcomm-snapdragon-8-gen-1-confirmed/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 6 Launch Set for 5 July \u2013 Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Confirmed", "body": "\n\nAs gaming phones go, Asus\u2019 range of devices in the segment are some of the most well-known. Come 5 July next month, the Taiwanese company will unveil the latest Asus ROG Phone 6. Naturally, the upcoming gaming phone will also be powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset.\n\n\nAsus shared the launch date of the ROG Phone 6 on its Twitter page. The post also mentioned that other products will be introduced alongside the gaming phone, including new accessories and gaming headphones.\n\n\n\n\nTune in to the ROG Phone 6: For Those Who Dare virtual launch event to discover everything about this new gaming marvel!\nWhat else to watch out for in this event\n\u2705New accessories\n\u2705New gaming headphones\nSave the date\ud83d\udc49\nhttps://t.co/VXqYzkLZX3\n#ROGPHONE6\n \n#ForThoseWhoDare\n \npic.twitter.com/i4Br2K5Edp\n\u2014 ROG Global (@ASUS_ROG) \nJune 1, 2022\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the standard Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, the new \u201cPlus\u201d version found in the ROG Phone 6 is said to offer up to 10% faster GPU speeds. The CPU sees a 10% improvement as well, and the chipset is also claimed to be up to 30% more power-efficient. \n\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone 6 will make its debut next month on 5 July; the launch event will \nstart at 8PM\n for us here in Malaysia. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if it will bring any notable upgrades to the current \nROG Phone 5\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-offers-up-to-rm4000-discount-for-june-2022-last-month-for-tax-exemption/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Offers up to RM4,000 Discount for June 2022 \u2013 Last Month for Tax Exemption", "body": "\n\nThis is the last month to enjoy sales tax exemption on car purchases, and to give customers further incentives, Honda Malaysia is offering up to RM4,000 discount on its range of models in June 2022. These including the \npopular Honda City\n, Accord, and HR-V.\n\n\nNaturally,\u00a0the \nHonda Accord\n\u00a0gets the best discount. Both the range-topping TC-P and more affordable TC variants of the D-segment sedan receive a RM4,000 rebate. A tier down is the Honda City, which gets a RM2,000 discount for all variants of the B-segment sedan, including the range-topping \nRS e:HEV model\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext up is the \nHonda BR-V\n; this seven-seater gets a RM1,000 rebate. If you want an SUV instead, you can opt for the \nHonda CR-V\n or \nHonda HR-V\n \u2013 both of them also receive a RM1,000 discount.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re wondering why Honda\u2019s June 2022 discounts \naren\u2019t quite as generous as a few months ago\n, that\u2019s because the 2021 models are no longer available. Also, do note that these discounts are only applicable for vehicles registered between 1 to 30 June 2022.\n\n\nMore information on these discounts can be found\u00a0on \nHonda Malaysia\u2019s website\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to get any of these Honda models with the aforementioned rebates, you can place your booking online\u00a0\nhere\n. Alternatively, bookings can be done through the HondaTouch app as well \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mtgs-commander-legends-battle-for-baldurs-gate-coming-10-june/", "title": "MTG\u2019s Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur\u2019s Gate Coming 10 June", "body": "\n\nWizards of the Coast is releasing a new set for Magic: The Gathering. Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur\u2019s Gate will be available next week on 10 June, and it\u2019s a crossover between MTG and the popular role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons (D&D).\n\n\nBattle for Baldur\u2019s Gate is a set specifically designed to be drafted, and true to the lore of Baldur\u2019s Gate, the Rulebook frames make a return. Certain Mythic Rare Planeswalkers, artifacts, and creatures will also receive the Borderless frame treatment, as you can see below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo celebrate the release of Battle for Baldur\u2019s Gate, Wizards is offering a customised branded dice case, which is exclusive to Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and Philippines. To get the case, you\u2019ll have to purchase a Battle for Baldur\u2019s Gate Collector Booster Box from participating WPN (Wizards Play Network) stores.\n\n\nMTG\u2019s Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur\u2019s Gate will be released on 10 June 2022. It is available in Draft, Set, and Collector Boosters, along with Precon Commander Decks, Prerelease pack, and a special Commander Legends Bundle that contains an oversized D20.\n\n\nIf you want to pre-order the new set, check with your favourite local game store!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/marvels-spider-man-remastered-coming-to-pc-on-12-august-2022-miles-morales-fall-2022/", "title": "Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man Remastered Coming to PC on 12 August 2022 \u2013 Miles Morales Fall 2022", "body": "\n\nMore PlayStation exclusive games are coming to PC later this year! Both Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man Remastered and Miles Morales will be available on PC in the next few months, with the former arriving first on 12 August 2022.\n\n\nSpider-Man Miles Morales, on the other hand, will be available later in fall 2022, so it could be launched between September to December this year. Of course, the PC versions of the two games will support mouse and keyboard inputs.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, you\u2019ll also get more graphics options, including the ability to adjust render settings and ray-traced reflections. Spider-Man Remastered on PC will also include the full main story and The City That Never Sleeps DLC.\n\n\nTo recap, Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man Remastered will be coming to PC on 12 August 2022. Miles Morales will arrive later between September to December this year. It\u2019s worth noting that these two games are actually optimised by Nixxes Software instead of Insomniac Games, which is a PlayStation Studios partner.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/horizon-forbidden-west-gets-new-game-mode-qol-improvements/", "title": "Horizon Forbidden West Gets New Game+ Mode & QoL Improvements", "body": "\n\nAt PlayStation\u2019s State of Play event, Guerrilla Games revealed a new update for \nHorizon Forbidden West\n. Not only is it getting a New Game+ mode, there are also a slew of quality of life improvements, not to mention a new Ultra Hard difficulty.\n\n\nAs with most New Game+ mode, it allows you to play through Horizon Forbidden West from the beginning again with your endgame gear. Of course, it also improves the game\u2019s replay value, especially for those who have finished all the side quests.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, the new update also adds a number of quality of life improvements. The transmog feature, for one, allows players to customise the looks of their equipped outfit. You can also reset your skill points and redistribute them to try out a different playstyle.\n\n\nThe new Horizon Forbidden West update is now live on both the PS5 and PS4. Looking forward, Guerrilla Games is also working on a new patch that includes support for \nvariable refresh rate\n and a 40fps mode.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/marvels-spider-man-series-sold-33-million-copies-worldwide/", "title": "Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man Series Sold 33 Million Copies Worldwide", "body": "\n\nThe Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man series is proving to be quite a success for Insomniac Games. According to the studio, more than 33 million copies of the series \u2013 which includes the original Spider-Man and Miles Morales \u2013 have been sold worldwide.\n\n\nThis figure is accurate as of 15 May 2022, and it\u2019s quite impressive, given that Spider-Man and Miles Morales are only available on the PlayStation platform. That is, until the two games are also offered on PC later this year.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChances are, sales of the Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man series will increase accordingly once that happens. Despite the fact that the original Spider-Man was first released in 2018 \u2013 late 2020 for Miles Morales \u2013 the engrossing narrative and sheer content of the open world games still hold up well to today\u2019s standards.\n\n\nMarvel\u2019s Spider-Man Remastered will be heading to PC on 12 August 2022. As for Miles Morales, it will be released sometime in fall 2022, so that\u2019s between September to December this year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/cca-cra-review-bassy-ultra-budget-iem/", "title": "CCA CRA+ Review: Bassy, Ultra-Budget IEM", "body": "\n\nCompetition within the budget-centric single dynamic IEM market has been fierce in recent years. Dynamic drivers are, after all, the default choice of driver in audio \u2013 it\u2019s old but gold. Gold, like the faceplate of the CCA CRA+: a product of the single dynamic driver IEM boom.\n\n\nPrior to the release of the CRA+, CCA \u2013 which is the sister brand of renowned \u201cChiFi\u201d IEM manufacturer, KZ \u2013 has released a wide variety of budget IEMs. CCA\u2019s products are often at the receiving end of praises for their \nsheer \nvalue for money.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn fact, the CRA+\u2019s predecessor, the CRA, has been boldly claimed by many to be the \u201cbest budget IEM\u201d in the market with its $15 (about RM65) price tag. CCA claims that this new plus model has stronger bass, a wider soundstage, as well as improved treble extension.\n\n\nBut at almost twice the price of the original, is the CRA+ a worthy successor? Read on to find out.\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nIn the box of the CRA+, you\u2019ll find the IEM itself, a white \u201chigh purity\u201d cable, as well as three pairs of different sized silicone ear tips. The build of the CRA+ is pretty standard affair with a transparent shell and a gold faceplate with the CCA branding.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile the shell design of the CRA+ doesn\u2019t seem too different from some of KZ\u2019s offerings, the task of having the IEM sit comfortably in my ears was\u2026well, nearly impossible. The shell has a tendency to slowly lean outwards from my ear canal \nno matter\n which tip size I use. I suspect this might be caused by the drag of the cable.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the CRA+\u2019s included cable is as uninspiring as the shell design, and it is also extremely prone to tangling up. Thankfully, you can switch it out for any 2-pin cable of your choice.\n\n\nAs for pricing, the CRA+ is currently listed at $27.88 (about RM120) \non Linsoul\n, one of the most reputable online stores for ChiFi IEMs. Want a mic? Just add on $1. While this pricing puts the CRA+ comfortably in the budget segment, it also cost (almost) twice as much as the previous model.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSo\u2026can the CRA+ really command the extra cost? Well, let\u2019s get to that in the next section.\n\n\nHow Does It Sound?\n\n\nSimply put, the CRA+ has a V-shape sound signature that\u2019s not as aggressive as some of KZ\u2019s offerings. That being said, if you\u2019re familiar with the house sound of KZ, you\u2019ll feel right at home here. There\u2019s an obvious boost in the low-end that warms up the frequency range of the IEM, but not overly so.\n\n\nBass\n\n\nThe bass response of the CRA+ is the star of the show here with a sub-bass that is \u201cmuscular\u201d with a pleasant, lingering decay. The mid-bass is punchy and quick, though it could be a tad tighter. Suffice to say bassheads will be able get their fix with the CRA+.\n\n\nHowever, do note that the boosted low-end might be too overwhelming for some folks.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMids\n\n\nAs is the nature of a V-shape sound signature, the mids of the CRA+ are recessed, but subtly so. The punchy bass of the IEM doesn\u2019t find its way into the mids either, but that also leaves the mid-range a bit lacking in weight and definition. Both male and female vocals, while clear, could do with a bit more body as well.\n\n\nHighs\n\n\nThe treble of the CRA+ is extended, but unfortunately, there isn\u2019t much detail or resolution here. In fact, cymbals and higher-pitched synths can even sound sibilant on certain tracks. While there are decent airiness and sparkle present in slower songs, heavy instrumental tracks present themselves as a bit of a mess.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSoundstage\n\n\nThe CRA+ offers some some depth in the soundstage, but not much in respect to width or instrument separation. Busier music tracks have a tendency to congest the soundstage too with an incoherent mix of the boosted low-end and relatively sharp highs.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nWhile the fit of the CCA CRA+ takes some fidgeting to get right, the IEM\u2019s sound quality still punches above its weight class. In regards to the promise of stronger bass and extended treble, the CRA+ does deliver on both counts \u2013 but at a cost.\n\n\nIn essence, the CRA+ tries to wear too many hats. It struggles to fill the shoes of the original CRA, which is considered by many to be a jack-of-all-trades.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, the CRA+ is still an energetic, bass-centric IEM that will make you light on your feet with how fun it is\u2026while also being light on your wallet. Priced \nfrom only $27.88\n, you can do a lot worse.\n\n\nLi Jin Soh contributed to this review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-proton-x70-launching-9-june-to-get-x50s-1-5l-tgdi-engine/", "title": "2022 Proton X70 Launching 9 June \u2013 To Get X50\u2019s 1.5L TGDi Engine?", "body": "\n\nHere it is: Proton just posted a teaser of the 2022 Proton X70. Set to be launched this Thursday on 9 June, the C-segment SUV looks to be getting a facelift with a \u201cbolder and sleeker\u201d design.\n\n\nThe Proton X70 hasn\u2019t received any major changes since the \nCKD model\n was launched back in February 2020, so it\u2019s high time the SUV gets facelifted. Based on the teaser posted by Proton, it\u2019s confirmed to be getting the same 19-inch wheels as the \nProton X70 SE\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBased on previous rumours, the X70\u2019s 1.8L turbocharged engine is also said to be replaced with a 1.5L TGDi three-cylinder mill for the facelift model. Yes, it\u2019s the very same one found under the hood of the \nProton X50\n, which outputs 177PS and 255Nm of torque.\n\n\nOf course, it\u2019s still too early to tell if the national carmaker will indeed give the Proton X70 the 1.5L engine of the X50. We\u2019ll find out more as we approach the launch of the new C-segment SUV on 9 June this Thursday. You can catch the livestream at 11AM on \nProton\u2019s Facebook page\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ios-16-adds-multiple-lock-screens-with-customisable-fonts-colours/", "title": "iOS 16 Adds Multiple Lock Screens With Customisable Fonts & Colours", "body": "\n\nAt Apple\u2019s WWDC 2022 event, the Cupertino company revealed some details on the brand new iOS 16. One of the most significant changes lie in the lock screen: not only can you create multiple lock screens in the new update, it is also more customisable than ever.\n\n\nThese new customisation options in iOS 16 will really give users a lock screen that is unique to them. In order to change between different lock screens, for example, all you need to do is just swipe across the screen. You can also change the fonts and colours used.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWidgets can also be added to the lock screen in iOS 16, not to mention a slight revamp on how notifications are shown. Instead of piling up notifications from the same app \u2013 effectively blocking the details \u2013 iOS 16 will \u201croll in\u201d said notifications from the bottom instead.\n\n\nNot many smartphone makers focus too much on the lock screen of their operating systems, so Apple\u2019s decision to revamp its lock screen is certainly an interesting one. iOS 16 should debut alongside the iPhone 14 series as early as September 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/macbook-air-2022-unleashed-with-apple-m2-chip/", "title": "MacBook Air 2022 Unleashed With Apple M2 Chip, Notched Screen & MagSafe", "body": "\n\nThe MacBook Air 2022 has just been announced at Apple\u2019s WWDC 2022 event. Sporting a new design and the equally new (and blazing fast) Apple M2 chip, it is the sleekest, fastest MacBook Air yet.\n\n\nNaturally, the all-new MacBook Air retains its thin and light design. With a 11.3mm thin chassis, this is without a doubt a portable laptop. But how much does it weigh? Well, it tips the scales at only 1.2kg \u2013 this is a very much a lightweight laptop.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from its portable nature, the new MacBook Air also gets a larger 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display \u2013 complete with a notch \u2013 a very respectable battery life of up to 18 hours, as well as up to 24GB of memory and 2TB SSD storage. Oh, the MagSafe charger makes a return too.\n\n\nThe MacBook Air 2022 starts at $1,199 in the US; that comes up to about RM5,265. It will be available there sometime in July next month, and it will be sold alongside the current M1-based MacBook Air.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/macbook-air-2022-with-m2-chip-starts-at-rm5499-in-malaysia/", "title": "MacBook Air 2022 With M2 Chip Starts at RM5,499 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nThe just-announced MacBook Air 2022 just got its Malaysian pricing. Given that this is the sleekest, fastest MacBook Air yet \u2013 it\u2019s powered by the new, blazing fast Apple M2 chip \u2013 it\u2019s no surprise that it commands a premium price tag.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the updated MacBook Air starts at RM5,499. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting the M2 chip with an 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 8GB unified memory, and 256GB SSD storage. A tier up is the RM6,699 model, which offers a faster 10-core GPU and a 512GB SSD.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the all-new MacBook Air retains its thin and light design. With a 11.3mm thin chassis, this is without a doubt a portable laptop. But how much does it weigh? Well, it tips the scales at only 1.2kg \u2013 this is a very much a lightweight laptop.\n\n\nAside from its portable nature, the new MacBook Air also gets a larger 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display \u2013 complete with a notch \u2013 a very respectable battery life of up to 18 hours, as well as up to 24GB of memory and 2TB SSD storage. Oh, the MagSafe charger makes a return too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the MacBook Air 2022 starts at RM5,499 here in Malaysia, though it remains to be seen exactly when it will be available here. The M2 MacBook Air will continue to be sold alongside the (more affordable) M1-based version.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/13-inch-macbook-pro-with-m2-chip-arrives-in-malaysia-july-2022-from-rm5699/", "title": "13-Inch MacBook Pro With M2 Chip Arrives in Malaysia July 2022 From RM5,699", "body": "\n\nBesides the brand new MacBook Air, Apple also updated the 13-inch MacBook Pro with its brand new M2 chip. Beyond the new processor, other hardware of the MacBook remain the same, including the divisive Touch Bar.\n\n\nTwo main configurations of the new 13-inch MacBook Pro are offered in Malaysia. The more affordable RM5,699 model is powered by the M2 chip with an 8-core CPU, a 10-core GPU, 8GB unified memory, and a 256GB SSD.\n\n\nThose who want more storage space can opt for the RM6,499 variant instead, which comes with a more generous 512GB SSD.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from the new M2 chip, the updated 13-inch MacBook Pro is similar to the previous model. It still comes with a 13.3\u2011inch 2560 x 1600 IPS display with True Tone technology, support for P3 wide colour gamut, and up to 500 nits of brightness. All in all, it\u2019s the same screen people know and love, though it would\u2019ve been great if the bezels surrounding the display were reduced too.\n\n\nThe new 13-inch MacBook Pro with Apple M2 chip will be available in Malaysia sometime in July 2022 next month. To recap, it starts at RM5,699 on our shores \u2013 just \nRM100 more than the M1-based model\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-samsung-neo-qled-8k-tvs-launched-in-malaysia-from-rm12499-to-rm49999/", "title": "2022 Samsung Neo QLED 8K TVs Launched in Malaysia \u2013 From RM12,499 to RM49,999", "body": "\n\nSamsung just introduced its 2022 range of high-end Neo QLED 8K TVs in Malaysia. As the name suggests, these Tizen-powered smart TVs all feature an 8K resolution, along with a slew of enticing features.\n\n\nThree distinct models of the Neo QLED 8K TVs are offered in Malaysia. There\u2019s the most affordable QN700B, which is offered in a sole 55-inch size for RM12,499. A tier up is the QN800B; it\u2019s available in 65-inch (RM18,999), 75-inch (RM24,999), and 85-inch (RM33,999) models.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the range-topping Neo QLED 8K QN900B, which is also offered in three sizes: 65-inch (RM23,999), 75-inch (RM34,999), and 85-inch (RM49,999). As the highest-end offering, the QN900B has a 90W 6.2.4 channel audio system for superior sound quality.\n\n\nStandard features of the latest Neo QLED 8K TVs include a Neural Quantum Processor 8K \u2013 it promises improved image quality with \u201c20 independent neural AI networks\u201d \u2013 a 144Hz refresh rate with four HDMI 2.1 ports, and of course, a new Smart Hub user interface powered by Tizen.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Samsung Neo QLED 8K TVs are now available for purchase in Malaysia. To recap, these high-end TVs retail from RM12,499 to RM49,999. More details on the 2022 QLED 8K TVs can be found on \nSamsung Malaysia\u2019s website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/aco-tech-launches-atlas-infotainment-system-coming-to-proton-x50-x70-iriz-persona/", "title": "ACO Tech Launches ATLAS \u2013 Infotainment System Coming to Proton X50, X70, Iriz, Persona", "body": "\n\nACO Tech officially launched the ATLAS today, which stands for ACO Tech Local Automotive Services. Touted as an infotainment system made by Malaysians for Malaysians, it will be available on a slew of Proton models, including the \nX50\n, \nIriz\n, \nPersona\n, and the upcoming \n2022 Proton X70\n.\n\n\nThe ATLAS operating system will be delivered to these cars through an over-the-air (OTA) update in the near future. We were told that the upcoming X70 facelift will also get the ATLAS system, though the C-segment SUV will come with the GKUI software first at launch.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBased on Android 10, ATLAS has a distinctively different \u2013 and more practical \u2013 user interface than Proton\u2019s GKUI system. It has customisable widgets on the home screen, there\u2019s offline navigation, voice command features that can even differentiate between the driver\u2019s and front passenger\u2019s voices, and even ATLAS Pay, a car-based digital wallet system.\n\n\nHowever, ATLAS Pay will only be available by Q4 2022, and it\u2019s done in partnership with UOB Malaysia and Fasspay. ACO Tech is also working with FIVE Petroleum Malaysia for a \u201cseamless refuelling experience\u201d at FIVE petrol stations.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that ACO Tech signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Huawei Malaysia to develop cloud-based automotive solutions on Huawei Cloud.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on exactly when the ATLAS operating system will be available on the Proton X50, X70, Iriz, or the Persona, though ACO Tech mentioned that a global partnership with an audio streaming service is underway, which is likely foreshadowing the addition of Spotify to ATLAS. More details will be announced by the end of this month.\n\n\nTo learn more about ATLAS and other offerings by ACO Tech, you can head on to its website \nright here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/9-15-june-fuel-price-ron-97-up-2-sen-now-rm4-72-per-litre/", "title": "9 \u2013 15 June Fuel Price: RON 97 Up 2 Sen, Now RM4.72 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nThere\u2019s a slight price hike for RON 97 this week: it\u2019s set to go up by 2 sen per litre. Of course, no changes to the prices of RON 95 and diesel, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nFor the next seven days, the price of RON 97 is set at RM4.72 per litre. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 9 to 15 June 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-proton-x70-mc-official-x50s-1-5l-tgdi-engine-awd-rm94k-to-rm122k/", "title": "2022 Proton X70 MC Official \u2013 X50\u2019s 1.5L TGDi Engine, AWD, RM94k to RM122k", "body": "\n\nThe 2022 Proton X70 is here! Now, this isn\u2019t \ntechnically \na facelift, as the exterior of the new C-segment SUV remains (largely) the same as the previous model. Rather, Proton calls this a Minor Change (MC), and the updated X70 has a number of additions, including the \nX50\n\u2018s 1.5L turbo engine and AWD option.\n\n\nBefore we get to that, let\u2019s talk about the 2022 X70\u2019s prices first. As many as five different variants of the SUV are offered: the base 1.5 Standard model costs RM93,900, while the 1.5 Executive goes for RM105,500 or RM111,300 for the AWD option.\n\n\nAnd then we have the two range-topping models, the 1.5 Premium (RM117,900) and 1.8 Premium (RM121,800), which is essentially the previous \nPremium X trim\n under a different name. These prices are with sales tax exemption applied until the end of the month, and the SUV comes with a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe biggest change to the 2022 X70 is definitely the 1.5L three-cylinder turbo engine; the same one found under the hood of the X50. As before, it outputs 177PS and 255Nm of torque paired with a (retuned) seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.\n\n\nAs teased, the new X70 also gets new 19-inch alloy wheels, which were \nfirst seen on the SE model\n. However, this new alloy wheel design is only reserved for the Premium models. They are are also the only  trim levels to get the ADAS active safety suite, including autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.\n\n\nOther standard equipment of the X70 MC remain the same, including automatic headlights, six airbags, ABS, EBD, ESC, and an 8-inch infotainment screen with GKUI. It\u2019s worth noting that the latter will be updated to \nACO Tech\u2019s ATLAS system\n sometime in the future.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Proton X70 MC is now available for booking in Malaysia. Given that the national carmaker is still listing the prices of the new C-segment SUV with sales tax exemption applied \u2013 which is \nset to end on 30 June\n \u2013 there\u2019s a chance you can get the car as soon as this month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-honda-hr-v-open-for-booking-in-malaysia-hybrid-option-honda-sensing-launching-in-q3-2022/", "title": "2022 Honda HR-V Open for Booking in Malaysia \u2013 Hybrid Option, Honda Sensing, Launching in Q3 2022", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019ve suspected the local debut of the 2022 Honda HR-V for quite some time now, and Honda Malaysia finally confirmed it today. The Japanese carmaker just opened bookings for the new B-segment SUV, and some key specifications of the new model were revealed as well.\n\n\nAccording to the \nteaser shared by Honda Malaysia\n, the hybrid model of the 2022 HR-V with the 1.5L i-MMD e:HEV powertrain is confirmed; it\u2019s touted as the \u201cmost advanced\u201d in the B-segment market. On top of that, it will also get the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance safety systems and sequential turn signals.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, there\u2019s a good chance the all-new HR-V will also be offered with a 1.5L turbocharged VTEC engine; this will make it more appealing to customers that don\u2019t fancy the hybrid powertrain. Of course, there\u2019s also the much more modern styling of the SUV.\n\n\nThe 2022 Honda HR-V is now open for booking in Malaysia. Of course, the local pricing of the B-segment SUV has not been revealed yet \u2013 we\u2019ll find out for ourselves once the new HR-V is launched here sometime in Q3 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/black-shark-5-series-lands-in-malaysia-144hz-amoled-physical-shoulder-buttons-from-rm2299/", "title": "Black Shark 5 Series Lands in Malaysia \u2013 144Hz AMOLED, Physical Shoulder Buttons, From RM2,299", "body": "\n\nTwo new gaming smartphones are now available in Malaysia. Sporting 144Hz AMOLED displays and physical shoulder buttons, the Black Shark 5 and Black Shark 5 Pro are pretty interesting gaming phones. More importantly, the former is also affordable, starting at only RM2,299.\n\n\nNaturally, the RM2,299 price tag is for the base model of the Black Shark 5, which features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset, a triple camera system (64MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of internal storage. If you want more RAM and storage, you can opt for the RM2,699 configuration with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want a more powerful gaming phone, there\u2019s the Black Shark 5 Pro. Not only is it powered by a faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, it also has a more sophisticated triple camera setup (108MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide angle + 5MP telemacro). Of course, it\u2019s also more costly at RM3,699 and RM3,999 for the 12GB + 256GB and 16GB + 256GB models respectively.\n\n\nBeyond the different chipset and camera configuration, both the Black Shark 5 and Black Shark 5 Pro feature similar hardware. They look almost identical, both feature a 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, they\u2019re packed with a 4,650mAh battery that supports fast 120W charging, and of course, they both have physical shoulder buttons that pop-up when needed.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Black Shark 5 and Black Shark 5 Pro are now available for purchase in Malaysia. To recap, the former starts at RM2,299, while the higher-end Pro model retails from RM3,699.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-last-of-us-part-i-arrives-on-ps5-2-september-2022-from-rm299-coming-to-pc-soon/", "title": "The Last of Us Part I Arrives on PS5 2 September 2022 From RM299 \u2013 Coming to PC Soon", "body": "\n\nSony finally confirmed the The Last of Us Part 1. Touted as a remake of the original The Last of Us, it is coming to the PS5 on 2 September 2022 later this year. On top of that, the highly acclaimed game is also currently in development for the PC.\n\n\nNaturally, The Last of Us remake will offer a number of upgrades, including modernised gameplay, improved controls, and more comprehensive accessibility options. It will also make use of the improved haptics and adaptive triggers of the PS5\u2019s DualSense controller.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, aside from the main storyline, The Last of Us Part I will also include the Left Behind DLC, a prequel to the main narrative. If you\u2019re keen to get the game, you can actually pre-order it for the PS5 right now on the \nPlayStation Store from RM299\n for the Standard Edition.\n\n\nThere\u2019s also the \nRM339 Digital Deluxe Edition\n of The Last of Us Part I, which offers early unlock of several in-game items. These include six weapon skins, a \u201cDither Punk\u201d filter, and even a speedrun mode.\n\n\nRegardless of which edition you get, every pre-order of the game will come with bonus supplements to upgrade your skillset, along with bonus weapon parts to upgrade your arsenal.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, The Last of Us Part I will arrive on the PS5 on 2 September 2022. As for the PC release, no tentative launch date has been announced yet.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/pre-order-the-ps5-from-sony-centre-mid-valley-until-12-june-2022/", "title": "Pre-Order the PS5 From Sony Centre Mid Valley Until 12 June 2022", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been quite some time since the PS5 was launched in Malaysia\n, but it\u2019s still a challenge to get a unit of the highly sought-after next-gen console. If you\u2019re feeling lucky, good news: Sony Centre Mid Valley is accepting pre-orders of the PS5 yet again.\n\n\nWell, sort of. In order to be in the running for a \nchance\n to pre-order the PS5, you\u2019ll have to \nfill up this Google Form\n. If you\u2019re fortunate enough to be selected, you will be contacted on 13 May to finalise your pre-order of the next-gen console.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo note that you only have until 12 June at 1PM this Sunday to register your interest for the PS5 pre-order. This isn\u2019t a first-come, first-served sale either; filling up the form just means you\u2019re in the running to be chosen to pre-order the PS5.\n\n\nWhile it wasn\u2019t mentioned, it\u2019s likely that stocks are very limited, so don\u2019t be disheartened if you\u2019re not chosen to pre-order the PS5. If you want a better chance of securing a unit, we recommend checking in with your favourite game shop to get into the waiting list \u2013 if the store has one.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-1-iv-costs-rm6099-in-malaysia-pre-orders-get-free-wf-1000xm4/", "title": "Sony Xperia 1 IV Costs RM6,099 in Malaysia \u2013 Pre-Orders Get Free WF-1000XM4", "body": "\n\nThe Malaysian pricing of the Sony Xperia 1 IV has just been revealed! Not only is it slightly more affordable than the US pricing of the flagship phone, early birds will also get the \nSony WF-1000XM4\n wireless earbuds for free.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Xperia 1 IV is offered in Malaysia. Packed with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, the premium phone is priced at RM6,099. Certainly a steep asking price, though it\u2019s worth noting that it costs more in the US with a $1,599 price tag \u2013 that comes up to about RM7,040.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the most unique selling points of the Xperia 1 IV is its telephoto lens with true optical zoom between 85mm to 125mm. This is quite the technical achievement, given that telephoto cameras on smartphones usually have a fixed focal length.\n\n\nGranted, the 12MP telephoto lens\u2019 85-125mm focal length of the Xperia 1 IV isn\u2019t particularly far-reaching, but it\u2019s still a feature unique to this phone. Complementing the telephoto shooter is a 12MP primary sensor and another 12MP ultra-wide angle lens.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xperia 1 IV are decidedly high-end. These include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, a sharp 6.5-inch 4K OLED panel with a fast 120Hz refresh rate and tall 21:9 aspect ratio, a 12MP selfie camera, an IP65/IP68 rating, and a generous 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Sony Xperia 1 IV is now available for pre-order in Malaysia for RM6,099 until 10 July 2022 on \nSony Malaysia\u2019s online store\n. Given that early birds will get a complimentary (and excellent) WF-1000XM4 wireless earbuds, it\u2019s really quite a compelling pre-order deal.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/unboxing-mtg-commander-legends-battle-for-baldurs-gate-set-booster-collector-booster/", "title": "Unboxing MTG Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur\u2019s Gate Set Booster & Collector Booster", "body": "\n\nMagic: The Gathering\u2019s newest set, Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur\u2019s Gate, is available today. This set is a crossover between MTG and the popular role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), and it\u2019s specifically designed to be drafted; more specifically, for the Commander format.\n\n\nTo celebrate the launch of the new set, Wizards of the Coast sent us a couple of Set Boosters of Battle for Baldur\u2019s Gate to check out, along with some Draft and Collector Booster packs. If you\u2019re interested to pick up the new set, here\u2019s our unboxing of the Set Booster and Collector Booster of Battle for Baldur\u2019s Gate!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Set Booster. Unlike a normal Draft Booster, a Set Booster is meant to be more \u201cexciting\u201d to crack open, which is likely why it is popular among folks who just enjoy opening booster packs instead of using them for Limited play (Draft or Sealed).\n\n\nSo\u2026what makes a Set Booster more exciting to open? Well, quite a number of things. There is a structure to this (technically) 15-card pack for Battle for Baldur\u2019s Gate. 13 of them are guaranteed Magic cards, while the other two are an art card and a token/ad card; the latter has a chance to be replaced with a card from \u201cThe List.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen you crack open a Set Booster, the first card you\u2019ll see is an art card, followed by a basic land card for Battle for Baldur\u2019s Gate. If you\u2019re lucky enough, there is a 15% chance that this land card will be foil. If you do get a foil land, it doesn\u2019t prevent you from getting another foil card in the pack.\n\n\nAfter the basic land card, you\u2019ll also get six regular commons and uncommons with some form of \u201cconnection\u201d to each other. For Battle for Baldur\u2019s Gate, these cards will be three commons and three uncommons; simple enough.\n\n\n\n\nThe contents of a Set Booster\n\n\n\n\nAside from these common and uncommon cards, the Battle for Baldur\u2019s Gate\u2019s Set Booster will also include a common or uncommon card with the sleek-looking Rulebook frame. You\u2019ll also get two \u201cwildcards\u201d of any rarity, so you an get anything from a common to a \nmythic rare\n card.\n\n\nNext is a legendary background card, which can either be a common, uncommon, or rare card. There\u2019s also another slot for a legendary creature, background, or Planeswalker; it can be a common, rare, or mythic rare card.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the Set Booster pack will also have a guaranteed rare or mythic rare card, which is no different than the same slot found in Draft Boosters. You also get a guaranteed foil card, and it can be of any rarity. Battle for Baldur\u2019s Gate\u2019s Set Booster pack also offers another foil-etched legendary creature or background of any rarity; this is unique to this set.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is a token/ad card. However, there is a 25% chance this will be replaced with a card from \u201cThe List\u201d \u2013 a list of 300 interesting cards from Magic\u2019s past. If a Set Booster pack has such a card, it can be of any rarity.\n\n\nThat is basically what a Set Booster is. Its unique structure certainly makes it interesting to crack open, especially with the increased chance of getting a rare or mythic rare card.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have Battle for Baldur\u2019s Gate\u2019s Collector Booster packs. We received four of these from Wizards, and they are made for the most avid of collectors. After all, it\u2019s touted as the \u201cbest place to get rare and mythic rare Booster Fun cards.\u201d\n\n\nAnyway, every Collector Booster pack contains 16 cards; six of them can be rares and mythic rares. The first slot is a foil rare or mythic rare, two non-foil extended art rare or mythic rare, another non-foil rulebook or borderless rare or mythic rare, a foil Booster Fun or extended art rare or mythic rare, and a foil-etched rare or mythic rare legendary creature or background.\n\n\nOther cards in a Battle for Baldur\u2019s Gate\u2019s Collector Booster pack include three foil commons, two foil uncommons, one foil basic land, one foil common or uncommon card with the rulebook frame, a foil or uncommon legendary creature or background (along with a foil-etched card), and a foil double sided token.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd that\u2019s our unboxing of the Set and Collector Boosters of Magic: The Gathering\u2019s new Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur\u2019s Gate set. If you\u2019re keen to check out this new set, give your \nnearest hobby shop\n a visit tonight \u2013 it\u2019s Friday Night Magic!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/measat-3d-satellite-launching-on-23-june-brings-high-speed-broadband-to-2-million-malaysians/", "title": "MEASAT-3d Satellite Launching on 23 June \u2013 Brings High-Speed Broadband to 2 Million Malaysians", "body": "\n\nMEASAT Global Berhad will launch its MEASAT-3d satellite next week on 23 June. Thanks to the High Throughput Satellite (HTS) capacity of the MEASAT-3d, it will bring high-speed broadband internet via MEASAT\u2019s CONNECTme NOW service to over two million Malaysians.\n\n\nThese folks are mostly located in hard-to-reach rural villages, where mobile internet coverage is limited, let alone copper-based or fibre internet. The company\u2019s CONNECTme NOW internet service is mainly catered to individuals residing in these rural locations.\n\n\n\n\nA 1:20 model of the MEASAT-3d\n\n\n\n\nOnce the MEASAT-3d satellite is launched, it will improve the capability of MEASAT\u2019s services quite a bit. The connection speeds of CONNECTme NOW, for one, will increase from 30Mbps to 100Mbps. Telco providers can even tap into the new satellite to offer data, voice, and video services.\n\n\n\u201cMEASAT is proud to support the Malaysian government\u2019s initiatives, including the Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) plan to close the digital connectivity gap and enable a better-connected future for all Malaysians, by expanding high-speed internet coverage in under-connected rural areas,\u201d said the COO of MEASAT, Yau Chyong Lim.\n\n\n\u201cWith MEASAT-3d and through CONNECTme NOW, we look forward to providing internet access for the unserved population,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMEASAT-3d is set to be launched on 23 June Malaysian time next week. With an estimated lifespan of 18 years, the RM1.2 billion satellite will remain in service for quite some time.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/tripowin-lea-review-affordable-iem-with-good-build-quality-laid-back-tuning/", "title": "Tripowin Le\u00e1 Review: Affordable IEM With Good Build Quality & \u201cLaid-Back\u201d Tuning", "body": "\n\nHot on the heels of our \nCCA CRA+ review\n comes yet another single dynamic driver IEM, the Tripowin Le\u00e1. Featuring a 10mm Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) driver with an affordable $26 (about RM115) price tag, the Le\u00e1 is said to have a balanced tuning as well.\n\n\nWhile this is\u2026somewhat true, the tuning of the Le\u00e1 can also be described as \u201cboring.\u201d Of course, whether or not that would be the case for you comes down to personal preference, though I do think the Le\u00e1 has more of a \u201claid-back\u201d tonality, making it easy to listen to for long periods of time.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nBundled along with the Le\u00e1 are three pairs of silicone ear tips, a silver-plated oxygen-free copper cable, and a pair of earhooks. The metal shells of the IEM also have a good heft to them, giving the impression of a higher quality, more expensive product.\n\n\nDespite the heft of the metal shells, the Le\u00e1 doesn\u2019t feel too heavy at all in my ears. In fact, it\u2019s actually quite comfortable. The ear tips, while pretty standard-looking, fit well in my ears with a good level of isolation for (essentially) improved audio quality.\n\n\nThe included 2-pin cable of the Le\u00e1, on the other hand, isn\u2019t particularly great. Not only does it have an off-putting rubbery texture, it is also prone to microphonics, not to mention the fact that it does not hook over the ears nicely.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEven though the provided earhooks do mitigate this issue to an extent, it doesn\u2019t help that the earhooks themselves sometimes slip off the cable. Basically, it can be a little tricky to get the Le\u00e1 to comfortably sit on my ears. Of course, your mileage may vary.\n\n\nHow Does It Sound\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Le\u00e1 is said to have a balanced tuning, though I don\u2019t particularly agree with this. To me, it has more of a warm-neutral tonality with an emphasis in the upper mid-range, so vocals sounds more intimate. Essentially, this IEM has a laid-back tuning, and it\u2019s just on the cusp of being a little\u2026boring.\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s break down the sound characteristics of the Le\u00e1 below for a better look at its tonality.\n\n\nBass\n\n\nThe mid-bass of the Le\u00e1 is sufficient; it\u2019s not too much or too little. There is, however, a notable lack in sub-bass extension and dynamics. The decay of some bass notes also tend to sound slow on some tracks, so this isn\u2019t the most technically-accomplished IEM.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThen again, this is also a \nvery affordable\n IEM with a single dynamic driver, so it\u2019s not surprising it doesn\u2019t excel in the technicality department.\n\n\nMids\n\n\nVocals on the Le\u00e1 are forward and engaging. This is especially evident with female vocals situated along the upper mid-range. Vocals also have a lean texture to them, possibly a result from the elevated mid-bass, but there isn\u2019t nearly enough airiness, unfortunately enough.\n\n\nHighs\n\n\nThe highs of the Le\u00e1 suffer from early roll off, which is really a typical characteristic of dynamic drivers. This, in turn, results in a lack of both speed and sparkle. To better describe this, instruments like cymbals are crystal clear, but there is a longing for more details and treble extension.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSoundstage\n\n\nIn this regard, the Le\u00e1\u2019s soundstage has decent width and instrument separation, even if it\u2019s lacking in vertical depth. While this translates to a good sense of the left and right side of the stage, the same cannot be said for sounds and instruments in front of you.\n\n\nResolution and detail retrieval of the Le\u00e1 is just average as well, with the aforementioned rolled-off treble of the IEM being the Achilles\u2019 heel of the latter.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nOverall, the Tripowin Le\u00e1 is a solid performer with above average build quality, especially at this price point. Retailing at only $26, you can actually get it \nfor only $20.79\n (about RM90) right now on Linsoul, one of the most reputable online stores for ChiFi IEMs.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, the mid-neutral tuning of the Le\u00e1 is easy to get into, and it\u2019s laid-back enough for longer listening sessions. Yes, it\u2019s not the most resolving IEM, but the Le\u00e1 is also very, very affordable; it\u2019s unrealistic to expect so much from a technical standpoint in this price range.\n\n\nAll in all, whether you\u2019re just dipping your toes into the world of ChiFi IEMs, or you\u2019re an enthusiast of ultra-budget single dynamic driver IEMs, the Tripowin Le\u00e1 is a \ntriple win\n in its build quality, tonality, and sheer value for money.\n\n\nExcuse the pun.\n\n\nLi Jin Soh contributed to this review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q5-review-stepping-up/", "title": "Keychron Q5 Review: Stepping Up", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKeychron has released a slew of mechanical keyboards under its premium Q series, and the latest entry in the lineup is the Keychron Q5. Naturally, it offers the same feature set as the rest of the Q series keyboards in a 96% layout, or more popularly known as the 1800 layout.\n\n\nBut compared to earlier iterations of Keychron\u2019s Q series keyboards, the Q5 has improved by leaps and bounds. For (essentially) a pre-built keyboard, the refinement of this keyboard is top-notch. Paired with its affordable pricing, the Q5 is definitely worth considering if you\u2019re looking for a 96% keyboard.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Q5 is a 96% pre-built keyboard, and just like Keychron\u2019s other Q series products, it has features that are usually only found on enthusiast-level keyboards. These include a \u201cdouble-gasket\u201d design, a full CNC aluminium case, a hotswap PCB with QMK/VIA support, as well as screw-in stabilisers.\n\n\nThere are two variants of the Q5. The barebone kit retails at $165 (about RM730), while the fully assembled model, which includes Gateron G Pro switches of your choice and double shot PBT OSA keycaps, costs $185 (around RM820). Want a knob? Just add $10 (approximately RM45).\n\n\nLooking at sheer value for money alone, the fully assembled Q5 is the better option. After all, you\u2019re essentially only paying $20 more (about RM90) for the Gateron switches and PBT keycaps. On top of that, both of these parts are actually quite good too \u2013 I\u2019ll discuss them at length in the next section of this review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the double-gasket design of the Keychron Q5, which does bring some notable improvements. Aside from the gasket mounting system of the keyboard itself, there are also silicone pads in between the top and bottom case that act as gaskets to reduce case ping.\n\n\nThis, in turn, improves the sound profile of the Q5. Compared to the \nvery first iteration of the Q1\n, this keyboard has significantly less case ping. It also has three layers of foams for further sound dampening: one in between the plate and PCB, and two more in the bottom case.\n\n\nAll of these result in a relatively quiet keyboard, and I would even go as far as to say that the Q5 has the potential to be a really \u201cthocky\u201d keyboard. I reckon the double shot PBT OSA keycaps also contribute quite a bit to this low-pitch sound signature.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis review unit of the Q5 comes with Gateron G Pro Brown switch, and I quite like it. Although the factory lubing isn\u2019t able to mask the audible scratchiness of this light tactile switch, it\u2019s still smooth enough for a pleasant typing experience. It has surprisingly minimal stem wobble as well for a more \u201cstable\u201d typing experience.\n\n\nHow about the double shot PBT OSA keycap of the Q5? Well, it\u2019s quite good! Yes, it\u2019s not exactly of the same quality and refinement as more premium keycaps \u2013 the legends have some inconsistencies \u2013 but I like that its texture is not overly rough like some PBT keycaps.\n\n\nAgain, it\u2019s worth noting that this set of PBT keycaps and Gateron G Pro switches are only a \n$20 add-on\n with the fully assembled Q5. You\u2019re really getting your money\u2019s worth here.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe screw-in stabiliser of the Q5 is quite good as well. The wires of the stabilisers are lubed out of the box, and it does a decent job of minimising ticking and rattling. That being said, there\u2019s still a hint of rattle on certain mod keys, though it can easily be fixed by adding a bit more lube.\n\n\nAnd then we have the typing feel of the Q5. Curiously, even though the keyboard offers quite a bit of flex from the gasket mounting system, it still feels relatively stiff to type on. This could be attributed to the steel plate of the Q5.\n\n\nHowever, it still doesn\u2019t feel as stiff as, say, a top-mounted or tray-mounted keyboard. The Q5\u2019s gasket mount also provides an even typing feel across the keyboard.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the QMK/VIA compatibility of the Q5, which gives users the freedom to easily change the mapping of the keyboard. Even though VIA doesn\u2019t automatically detect the Q5 out of the box, it\u2019s not too hard to grab the \nJSON file\n from Keychron\u2019s website to start configuring it.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nDespite having significantly less case ping than the first version of the Q1, the Keychron Q5 still has some audible pinging, especially on corners keys such as the backspace. While it\u2019s not particularly audible in an environment with some ambient noise, you can certainly hear the pinging in a quiet room.\n\n\nGranted, there are a couple of mods to address this, such as applying masking tape to the bottom of the PCB (the tape mod) or inserting a sheet of PE foam in between the switch and PCB. Of course, it would\u2019ve been great if Keychron had used thicker foams in the first place to minimise case ping \u2013 the bottom case foams are \nvery \nthin.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother downside of the Q5 is its frankly iterative design. It essentially looks like a bigger Q1, and the same can be said of other keyboards in the Q series. Suffice to say the Q5 is not an \u201cexciting\u201d keyboard with no eye-catching design element to speak of.\n\n\nBut then again, the Q5 is an \naffordable\n keyboard with a large 96% layout at that. You\u2019d be hard-pressed to look for an alternative with a similar feature set and layout at this price point.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you want a relatively affordable 96% keyboard with a good sound profile, slightly stiffer (but even) typing feel, a hotswap PCB, and plenty of modding potential, the Keychron Q5 is worth it. Yes, it doesn\u2019t have any unique design element, and the case ping (while solvable) isn\u2019t great, but with a $165 starting price, these negatives can be overlooked.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Keychron Q5 is now available for purchase on \nKeychron\u2019s online store\n. To recap, the barebone version costs $165, while the fully assembled model \u2013 which bundles Gateron G Pro switches of your choice and double shot PBT OSA keycaps \u2013 goes for $185.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honkai-star-rail-cbt-review-another-extremely-promising-game-from-hoyoverse/", "title": "Honkai: Star Rail CBT Review: Another (Extremely) Promising Game From Hoyoverse", "body": "\n\nHonkai: Star Rail is the latest addition to Hoyoverse\u2019s Honkai series, and it is the company\u2019s next game after the huge success of\u00a0\nGenshin Impact\n. Hoyoverse was kind enough to provide Nextrift access to the closed beta test of the turn-based RPG, and after spending some time with the game, I absolutely cannot wait for its release.\n\n\nNot only does Star Rail offer a compelling, engrossing storyline with excellent worldbuilding \u2013 something Hoyoverse did very well in Genshin impact \u2013 it also offers a fun gameplay and amazing character development. In fact, I wouldn\u2019t be surprised if this new game can be \njust as successful\n as Genshin Impact.\n\n\nSuffice to say Star Rail is a very, very promising title, and you should definitely check it out once Hoyoverse is ready to release it to the public.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nTruth be told, I\u2019m not familiar with the Honkai franchise, so Star Rail is my first foray into the world of Honkai. Despite that, I don\u2019t feel lost at all in the game. Evidently, Hoyoverse is targeting both new and existing Honkai players with Star Rail.\n\n\nUnlike Honkai Impact 3rd, Star Rail is a turn-based RPG where players fight in a party of four. The game also have dungeon exploration, puzzle-solving, and even flashy animations as characters unleash their respective ultimates.\n\n\nNot surprisingly, many elements of Genshin Impact can be seen in Star Rail. Each character, for example, have their own level progression with Traces (Talents in Genshin) to develop. There are also different \u201cweapons\u201d for characters to wield, though they are dubbed Light Cones in Star Rail.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re familiar with Genshin Impact, you can certainly grasp the different elements of Star Rail quite easily. Oh, there is at least one distinct difference though: elemental elements in this game don\u2019t interact the same way in Genshin Impact.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nI love playing a game with a good story to tell, and boy, does Honkai: Star Rail have a \nfantastic \nnarrative. I\u2019m drawn in to the worldbuilding of the game, the plot is engaging, all the different characters are fleshed out very well, and I\u2019m excited to progress the story as much as I can throughout the closed beta test.\n\n\nStorytelling really is one of Hoyoverse\u2019s strong suits, and Star Rail is a perfect showcase of this. It\u2019s unfortunate then that I can\u2019t really experience the full story \u2013 more on this further down this review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s get back to Star Rail\u2019s characters. Each one of them, as mentioned, have their own unique personalities and character development. Paired with the game\u2019s great voice acting \u2013 yes, even the English option is good \u2013 you\u2019ve got an excellent cast of characters to\u2026well, try and get. After all, this is still a gacha game.\n\n\nAs for how generous the in-game currency of Star Rail is to obtain characters \u2013 dubbed Stellar Jade instead of Primogem \u2013 I don\u2019t think the closed beta test is reflective of this. I did manage to accumulate a fair number of Stellar Jade in a relatively short period of time, but there\u2019s a chance this will be tweaked in the final version of the game.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGameplay wise, the turn-based system of Star Rail is quite easy to get into. Each character have three distinct moves: a basic attack, a skill, and an ultimate. While choosing to attack or using a skill takes up a turn, ultimate moves (once charged up) can be performed whenever the enemy isn\u2019t attacking. Simple enough, right?\n\n\nAs with most turn-based combat systems, it can feel a little repetitive and grindy as you engage more and more enemies. Well, combat can actually be sped up in Star Rail; there\u2019s even an auto-battle feature to simplify the process even more.\n\n\nHowever, there are a few instances where the auto-battle feature cannot be used, such as boss fights, understandably.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLastly, I\u2019m happy to report that Star Rail is not too demanding to run. My \nAsus ROG Zephyrus G14\n with an RTX 2060 can run the game without issue at 1440p with the frame rate set to 60fps. I also played the game on a \nSamsung Galaxy S22 Ultra\n with maxed out graphics settings at 60fps. While there are some stuttering, the game still runs smoothly.\n\n\nIn comparison to, say, Genshin Impact, Star Rail doesn\u2019t feel quite as graphically intensive \u2013 that\u2019s a good thing, in my opinion.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAs much as I enjoyed playing Honkai: Star Rail, it does have some shortcomings here and there. The storyline, while engrossing, can feel a tad too tedious to get through sometimes. For example, I don\u2019t like the fact that some dialogues cannot be skipped even though I\u2019ve already finished reading them.\n\n\nAnd then there are the \nslew of terms\n that are thrown around throughout the story of Star Rail, which can feel quite overwhelming. While the worldbuilding in this game is impressive, it can also get a bit\u2026confusing.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, I have one more qualm with the story aspect of Star Rail: progression is unfortunately locked behind player level, just like how it is in Genshin Impact. I was really getting into the story of the game when I encountered this, much to my dismay.\n\n\nI\u2019m also not a fan of Star Rail\u2019s map interface. Compared to Genshin Impact\u2019s one large map for different regions, each area in this game is divided into different sections, which can get quite complicated to navigate.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nAbsolutely! Honkai: Star Rail has all the makings of a great game. It has an engrossing storyline, solid, fun gameplay, excellent character development, and a world that\u2019s filled to the brim with lore \u2013 sometimes a bit \ntoo much\n lore.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEven if turn-based RPGs are not your thing, I\u2019d still recommend giving Star Rail a try once Hoyoverse releases the game. Hopefully, it won\u2019t be long until that happens, given that the closed beta test is ending tomorrow on 15 June.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-now-in-malaysia-from-rm8499-all-amd-gaming-laptop/", "title": "2022 Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Now in Malaysia From RM8,499 \u2013 All-AMD Gaming Laptop", "body": "\n\nThe 2022 revision of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 has just been launched in Malaysia. Naturally, the new gaming laptop gets the usual hardware upgrades, and more importantly, it is also a more complete laptop now: it finally features a webcam and a taller display.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the Zephyrus G14 has a webcam and 16:10 display now, making it that much better as a productivity machine, even if it\u2019s marketed as a gaming laptop. Aside from that, it is also one of the first laptops to get Asus\u2019 new Nebula display. It\u2019s a 14-inch 2560 x 1600 panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, 500 nits of peak brightness, and 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour space.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the 2022 Zephyrus G14 is also packed with AMD\u2019s latest Ryzen chips. For the Malaysian market, only the Ryzen 7 6800HS processor is offered here for both the AMD Radeon RX 6800S and RX 6700S GPU configurations. That\u2019s right, this is an all-AMD gaming laptop.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the G14 are the gaming laptop\u2019s signature AniMe Matrix display on the lid \u2013 now with more LEDs than last year\u2019s model \u2013 up to 32GB of RAM (16GB for the more affordable RX 6700S model), a 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, a 76Wh battery, as well as Windows 11 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow, pricing. Two variants of the 2022 Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 are available in Malaysia: the Radeon RX 6700S base model goes for RM8,499, while the higher-end RX 6800S version costs RM9,999. The RX 6700S variant is bundled with an ROG Impact mouse, while the RX 6800S comes with an ROG Chakram Core mouse.\n\n\nThe new Zephyrus G14 can now be purchased in Malaysia. More details of the compact 14-inch gaming laptop can be found on \nAsus Malaysia\u2019s official website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-asus-rog-flow-x13-convertible-gaming-laptop-lands-in-malaysia-from-rm6599-to-rm13999/", "title": "2022 Asus ROG Flow X13 Convertible Gaming Laptop Lands in Malaysia From RM6,599 to RM13,999", "body": "\n\nAside from the \n2022 Asus ROG Zephyrus G14\n, the Taiwanese company also introduced the updated Asus ROG Flow X13 in Malaysia. While it looks similar to \nits predecessor\n, the new convertible gaming laptop does feature upgraded internals, including AMD\u2019s latest Ryzen 6000 series processor.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Flow X13 are available in Malaysia. The RM6,599 base model packs a 13.4-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Ryzen 7 6800HS processor paired with 16GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU, and 512GB of M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD storage.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA tier up is the RTX 3050 Ti configuration of the Flow X13. Not only does it feature a faster GPU, it also has a sharper 4K panel, though the refresh rate is limited to 60Hz. Aside from that, it also comes with 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD storage, and of course, the XG Mobile external GPU enclosure (AMD Radeon RX 6850M XT); all for a cool RM13,999.\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Flow X13 is now available for purchase in Malaysia. More details on the convertible gaming laptop can be found on \nAsus Malaysia\u2019s official website\n. You can also read up on our review of the previous model \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/16-22-june-fuel-price-ron-97-up-11-sen-now-rm4-83-per-litre/", "title": "16 \u2013 22 June Fuel Price: RON 97 Up 11 Sen, Now RM4.83 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nYet another price hike for RON 97 this week: it\u2019s set to go up by 11 sen per litre this midnight. Of course, no changes to the prices of RON 95 and diesel, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nFor the next seven days, the price of RON 97 is set at RM4.83 per litre (up from RM4.72). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 16 to 22 June 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-asus-rog-zephyrus-duo-16-arrives-in-malaysia-dual-screen-laptop-from-rm15999/", "title": "2022 Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 Arrives in Malaysia \u2013 Dual Screen Laptop From RM15,999", "body": "\n\nHere\u2019s another AMD-powered gaming laptop from Asus. Naturally, one of the main appeals of the 2022 Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 are its two displays, and one of the configurations even feature a mini-LED panel.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Zephyrus Duo 16 are offered in Malaysia. The more \u201caffordable\u201d RM15,99 base model comes with the aforementioned 16-inch 2560 x 1600 mini-LED display with a fast 165Hz refresh rate, an AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX processor paired with 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD storage, and a relatively beefy Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti GPU.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the range-topping RM22,999 Zephyrus Duo 16. For that kind of money, it swaps out the RTX 3070 Ti for a faster RTX 3080 Ti GPU, not to mention 64GB of RAM, 2TB + 2TB SSDs in RAID 0 configuration, and two IPS panel options: 4K 120Hz or 1080p 240Hz.\n\n\nRegardless of which model you choose, the Zephyrus Duo 16 features the same secondary display. Dubbed ScreenPad Plus, it\u2019s a 14-inch 3840 x 1100 IPS touch-enabled screen. This display even comes with stylus support, which should appeal to creative professionals.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 are now available in Malaysia. More information on the unique dual screen gaming laptop can be found \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-asus-rog-zephyrus-g15-with-amd-ryzen-7-6800hs-launched-in-malaysia-from-rm7999/", "title": "2022 Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 With AMD Ryzen 7 6800HS Launched in Malaysia From RM7,999", "body": "\n\nIf the \nnew Zephyrus G14\n is a bit too small for your liking, then consider the 2022 Asus ROG Zephyrus G15. Sporting a similar design language as the G14, the G15 is (almost) a bigger version of the former; it also has a slightly lower starting price.\n\n\nAs with Asus\u2019 other gaming laptops launched today, two variants of the Zephyrus G15 are available in Malaysia. The RM7,999 base model features an AMD Ryzen 7 6800HS processor paired with 16GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, 1TB of SSD storage, and a 15.6-inch 1440p IPS display with a 165Hz refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe range-topping RM9,999 Zephyrus G15, on the other hand, has a beefier RTX 3070 Ti GPU, more RAM at 32GB, along with a faster 240Hz QHD display. This particular model is also bundled with an ROG Chakram Core mouse.\n\n\nKeen to get the 2022 Asus ROG Zephyrus G15? Well, it\u2019s available for purchase in Malaysia right now. More details on the G15 can also be found on \nAsus Malaysia\u2019s official website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-perodua-alza-teaser-released-malaysian-launch-imminent/", "title": "2022 Perodua Alza Teaser Released \u2013 Malaysian Launch Imminent?", "body": "\n\nPerodua\u2019s first major launch of the year seems to be approaching. The national carmaker \njust started teasing\n a brand new model, and based on the silhouette of the mysterious car, it looks to be the 2022 Perodua Alza.\n\n\nAlthough the teaser video doesn\u2019t show much of the new car, it does look strikingly similar to the Toyota Avanza and its twin, the Daihatsu Xenia. This leads us to believe that Perodua is teasing the all-new Alza, even though the carmaker didn\u2019t outright confirm it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf this really is the new Alza \u2013 which is very likely \u2013 it should feature similar equipment list as the Avanza/Xenia. These include a 1.5L engine that outputs 106PS and 138Nm of torque, as well as a D-CVT gearbox driving the front wheels; just like the transmission used in the \nnew Myvi\n and \nAtiva\n.\n\n\nRumours suggest that the 2022 Perodua Alza will be offered in three different variants: X, H, and AV. Now that the national carmaker is already teasing the MPV, we reckon the local launch of the new Alza is just around the corner.\n\n\n\n\nPerodua Smart Build \u2013 Innovation for All\nIf innovation was made available to all, what would it be like? Have a look for yourself.\n#PeroduaSmartBuild\n \npic.twitter.com/MSyvwtlhbW\n\u2014 Perodua (@perodua) \nJune 15, 2022\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-recalls-city-city-hatchback-hr-v-br-v-1527-units-affected/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Recalls City, City Hatchback, HR-V, BR-V \u2013 1,527 Units Affected", "body": "\n\nIf you own a 2021 Honda City, 2022 City Hatchback, 2020 HR-V, or a 2021 BR-V, it may be involved in Honda Malaysia\u2019s recent product recall. This recall exercise involves over 1,527 units, and affected customers will be informed via notification letters.\n\n\nThere are actually two situations for this product recall. Situation A affects the 2021 City and 2022 City Hatchback, which involve inspection of the nut torque on the Alternating Current Generator (ACG). If it\u2019s loose, it may cause poor contact terminal and battery malfunction.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for Situation B \u2013 this one affects the 2020 HR-V and 2021 BR-V \u2013 it\u2019s a recall to inspect \u201cthe tightening of bolt earth grounding that may lead to loose wire harness.\u201d Similar to Situation A, this can result in poor contact terminal, which can cause the engine to halt while driving or unable to start the engine after the car stops.\n\n\nHonda Malaysia apologises for the inconvenience caused, and the inspection, repair, and replacement of affected parts are (naturally) free of charge. The carmaker also assures customers that Honda models in production and on sale right now are not affected by this product recall.\n\n\nThankfully, no incidences of crashes or injuries caused by this issue have been reported in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dell-precision-5470-workstation-previewed-in-malaysia-12th-gen-intel-rtx-a1000-from-rm15483/", "title": "Dell Precision 5470 Workstation Previewed in Malaysia \u2013 12th Gen Intel, RTX A1000, From RM15,483", "body": "\n\nDell just showed off a number of relatively new business-centric products in Malaysia, including the Dell Precision 5470 workstation. Given that this is a commercial product, it carries quite a hefty price tag, though it\u2019s also an impressive (and compact) premium laptop.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Precision 5470 are offered in Malaysia. The more affordable Intel Core i7-12800H vPro configuration costs exactly RM15,483.23, while the Core i9-12900H vPro model goes for RM16,523.82. Beyond the different processors, both models share the same hardware.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese include an Nvidia RTX A1000 graphics card, 32GB of DDR5 5200MHz RAM, a 1TB M.2 PCIe Gen 4 SSD, and of course, a compact 14-inch 2560 x 1600 display with 100% coverage of the sRGB colour space. It also comes with Windows 11 Pro out of the box.\n\n\nThe Dell Precision 5470 is now available for purchase on \nDell\u2019s Malaysian online store\n. To recap, this compact workstation laptop retails from a cool RM15,483.23, and you can even configure different parts of the machine with the configurator on Dell\u2019s website.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dell-latitude-7330-is-a-lightweight-967g-business-laptop-from-rm5644-in-malaysia/", "title": "Dell Latitude 7330 Is a Lightweight 967g Business Laptop From RM5,644 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nAside from the Precision 5470, Dell also showed off another intriguing business laptop in Malaysia, the Dell Latitude 7330. Tipping the scales at merely 967g, this is a very, very lightweight laptop; it\u2019s even offered in a convertible form factor.\n\n\nThe most affordable Latitude 7330 retails at RM5,644.20. For that kind of money, it comes with a 12th gen Intel Core i5-1235U processor paired with 8GB of RAM, 256GB of SSD storage, Intel Iris Xe integrated GPU, and a 13.3-inch 1920 x 1080 display.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want the convertible version of the Latitude 7330 instead, it will set you back RM6,560.14. On top of its convertible form factor, this particular variant also features a Core i5-1245U processor, along with a more practical RAM capacity at 16GB.\n\n\nAll variants of the Dell Latitude 7330 can be found on \nDell\u2019s Malaysian online store\n. Every model can also be customised to your liking, though this is mostly on the software side of things; the hardware of the laptop don\u2019t have as much customisation options.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/diablo-immortal-launch-in-malaysia-delayed-to-7-july-for-optimisation/", "title": "Diablo Immortal Launch in Malaysia Delayed to 7 July for Optimisation", "body": "\n\nOriginally set to be launched in the Asia-Pacific region (including Malaysia) this week on 23 June, Diablo Immortal will now only be available here on 7 July. According to Blizzard, the delay is necessary for optimisations to be done, which include bug fixes and performance improvements.\n\n\nOf course, this Diablo Immortal delay doesn\u2019t just affect Malaysia; other markets that will only get the mobile-first game on 7 July include Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, The Philippines, Taiwan, Macau, and Hong Kong. Interestingly, Vietnam will also get the game at the same time, but only on PC; there\u2019s no mobile version for the country.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBlizzard is also enabling cross-play and cross-progression between the PC and mobile versions of Diablo Immortal. It\u2019s worth noting that the PC version will launch in open beta, which will see changes and fine-tuning to the game until it \u201cdelivers a finalised experience for all courageous adventurers,\u201d as Blizzards puts it.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to check out Diablo Immortal when it releases on 7 July in Asia-Pacific, you can pre-register for the game \nright here\n. It will be available on iOS, Android, as well as PC through Battle.net, and with over 30 million pre-registrations already, it looks to be a highly anticipated game.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sales-tax-exemption-on-ckd-cbu-cars-ending-on-30-june-but-existing-orders-can-still-enjoy-savings/", "title": "Sales Tax Exemption on CKD & CBU Cars Ending on 30 June, But Existing Orders Can Still Enjoy Savings", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s confirmed: sales tax exemption on locally assembled (CKD) and fully imported (CBU) cars is set to end next week on 30 June 2022 \nas scheduled\n. However, existing orders can still enjoy the tax savings beyond the deadline, provided the car is registered by 31 March 2023.\n\n\nExisting order, in this case, is defined as booking that is placed by 30 June 2022. As long as you fulfill this criteria \nand\n you receive the car by 31 March next year, you will get to enjoy the sales tax exemption. In our opinion, this is a fair compromise, rather than giving yet another extension.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to finance minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz, the registration period is extended to 31 March 2023 due to chip shortage that affected the delivery of cars. This \u2013 combined with the floods in the Klang Valley area \u2013 impacted the delivery capacity of many carmakers, including \nProton\n and \nPerodua\n.\n\n\nGiven that only bookings placed by 30 June will get to enjoy the sales tax exemption, it\u2019s highly likely car sales will spike before the end of the month. Hopefully, those who have been eagerly waiting to receive their cars will get them by 31 March 2023.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-wh-1000xm5-review-subjectively-better/", "title": "Sony WH-1000XM5 Review: Subjectively Better", "body": "\n\nSony makes some of the most popular wireless headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC). So much so that the \nWH-1000XM4\n is always in the conversation when one is looking for such headphones, for better or worse. However, as popular as it is, it also has some shortcomings, especially in its tuning.\n\n\nAnd that\u2019s one area the new Sony WH-1000XM5 improved upon, among other things. Not only does it offer a slightly more balanced tuning, it also has superior ANC and a more comfortable fit. Yes, it still has its fair share of disadvantages, but in my opinion, the XM5 is a better pair of headphones\u2026though some may not agree.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDesign wise, the WH-1000XM5 is quite a departure from its predecessor. Now sporting a more modern-looking aesthetic, the stepped adjustments for the band have also been replaced with a \u201cfriction rod\u201d design. Because of this, it can be a little annoying to find for the right fit every time I put on the headphones.\n\n\nAside from that, the XM5 also gets another processor (V1) that complements the QN1 noise cancellation processor. These two hardware control eight microphones, and a specially designed 30mm driver unit further enhances the noise-cancelling capability of the headphones.\n\n\nBasically, the XM5 is said to have superior ANC over the XM4.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for pricing, the XM5 costs RM1,799 in Malaysia, which is RM200 more than the launch price of the XM4. Given the dearer asking price, the XM5 does offer a more comprehensive feature set \u2013 more on this in the next section.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nOne of the biggest improvements to the WH-1000XM5 is its audio quality with a more balanced tuning. Compared to the XM4\u2019s \nvery\n bass-heavy tuning, the XM5\u2032 bass response isn\u2019t as emphasised. Don\u2019t get me wrong, it still has a lot of bass, albeit not quite as pronounced as the XM4.\n\n\nThanks to the more controlled bass response, the XM5 is more \u201cresolving\u201d over its predecessor. As the bass doesn\u2019t bleed into the mids quite as much, the headphones can retrieve more details, and it doesn\u2019t sound quite as muddy either. Basically, I can get better clarity out of the XM5.\n\n\nBut this is where I think the XM5 is subjectively better than the XM4. Because the former\u2019s bass isn\u2019t as pronounced as the XM4, some may describe this as a \u201cflat and boring\u201d sound signature; a step back from the bass-heavy nature of its predecessor. I\u2019ll get back to this further down this review.\n\n\n\n\nThe WH-1000XM5 (left) and the WH-1000XM4\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to ANC performance, the XM5 does not disappoint. It doesn\u2019t have the deafening effect of the XM4 when ANC is activated, which makes for a more comfortable listening experience. On top of that, the XM5 can also cancel out higher frequency sounds, but the XM4 is better at eliminating low frequency rumbles.\n\n\nIf you want a comfortable pair of headphones, you\u2019ll definitely be happy with the XM5. Even though its earpads are not as plush as the XM4\u2019s, they are noticeably softer. It doesn\u2019t put as much pressure on my head either, and paired with its more lightweight design, it\u2019s comfortable to be worn for long periods of time.\n\n\nTouch controls of the XM5 remain as intuitive as ever. I can easily play or pause music playback with a double tap on the right earcup\u2019s touch sensor, and swiping forward allows me to skip to the next song. I can even swipe up and down to increase and lower the volume respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the XM5 still have the long battery life of its predecessor. Sony quotes a total usage of up to 30 hours with these headphones \u2013 yes, even with noise-cancelling enabled \u2013 which is easily achievable in my testing. The XM5 also supports fast charging; just three minutes of charging can give three hours of use.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nI personally think the WH-1000XM5 offers better audio quality over its predecessor with its less emphasised bass response, but as mentioned, this can also be described by some folks to be a more boring, flat sound signature. This is especially true if you\u2019re coming from the XM4 or XM3, which are \nvery bassy \nheadphones.\n\n\nBeyond audio quality, another downside of the XM5 is the fact that it\u2019s not as portable as its predecessor. The XM4\u2019s earcups can be folded, allowing it to be kept in a smaller, more compact storage case. The same cannot be done to the XM5\u2019s new design, so the case (even if it\u2019s collapsible when not in use) takes up more space.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMy last qualm with the XM5 is the choice of material. Compared to the XM4, the XM5 doesn\u2019t feel as \u201csubstantial.\u201d While it\u2019s great that the headphones are made from recycled plastic for sustainability reasons, the XM5 doesn\u2019t feel as smooth or as premium to the touch as the previous model.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIn my opinion, yes! Although the Sony WH-1000XM5 doesn\u2019t have the very emphasised bass of its predecessor, I still much prefer the more balanced (but still quite bassy) sound signature of these headphones. I love the fact that I can get more details and clarity with the XM5.\n\n\nOn top of that, the XM5 also has better overall noise-cancelling performance, even if the XM4 is better at eliminating low frequency rumbles. The XM5 is also more comfortable, and it can still return very long battery life.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes, it doesn\u2019t feel as premium or as compact as the previous model, and some may find the WH-1000XM5 to have a flatter sound signature. But this is only because both the XM4 and XM3 have \ntoo much\n bass, so if you\u2019re upgrading from these two headphones, the XM5 may sound\u2026well, subjectively worse.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/23-29-june-fuel-price-ron-97-up-1-sen-now-rm4-84-per-litre/", "title": "23 \u2013 29 June Fuel Price: RON 97 Up 1 Sen, Now RM4.84 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nYet another price hike for RON 97 this week, though not by a particularly big margin. The fuel is set to go up by 1 sen per litre at midnight. Of course, no changes to the prices of RON 95 and diesel, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nFor the next seven days, the price of RON 97 is set at RM4.84 per litre (up from RM4.83). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 23 to 29 June 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-sold-106179-cars-in-jan-may-2022-myvi-sales-leader-with-31689-units-sold/", "title": "Perodua Sold 106,179 Cars in Jan \u2013 May 2022, Myvi Sales Leader With 31,689 Units Sold", "body": "\n\nPerodua just breached the 100,000 sales mark in Malaysia, and it only took the national carmaker five months to do so. Between January to May 2022, Perodua managed to register as many as 106,179 cars \u2013 this is 10% more than the 96,281 units sold by the brand in the same period in 2021.\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the Perodua Myvi is the most popular model with over 31,689 units registered. This is followed by the Perodua Axia at 24,024 units, with the Perodua Bezza following closely behind with 23,336 sales recorded.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, Perodua aims to sell as many as \n247,800 vehicles in 2022\n, which would be a 37.5% improvement compared to 2021, where it managed to register 193,400 units. With seven months of sales left, there\u2019s a good chance the carmaker can achieve this lofty sales target.\n\n\nAfter all, the \nPerodua Alza replacement\n is set to be launched soon, given that the national carmaker has already started teasing the upcoming model. We reckon the new MPV will further boost Perodua\u2019s sales, even if the \nsales tax exemption is ending this month\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-will-deliver-all-outstanding-orders-by-31-march-2023/", "title": "Proton Will Deliver All Outstanding Orders by 31 March 2023", "body": "\n\nAlthough sales tax exemption on locally assembled (CKD) and fully imported (CBU) cars are set to end next week on 30 June, existing orders \nwill still be eligible for the savings\n if the car is registered by 31 March 2023. With that in mind, Proton promises that its current outstanding orders will be delivered by then.\n\n\nThis was confirmed by the deputy CEO of Proton himself, Roslan Abdullah, in an interview with \nBerita Harian\n. He elaborated that if there are any models that cannot be delivered by 31 March next year \u2013 based on its production capacity \u2013 the carmaker will stop taking orders for the specific model.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRoslan also added that the general waiting period for the X70, Persona, iriz, Saga, and Exora is about two months. However, this is dependent on the choice of colour and variant chosen. As for the more popular \nX50\n, the expected waiting time is approximately six months.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re still waiting to get your Proton model (especially the X50), it\u2019s a nice reassurance from the national carmaker. If you want to take advantage of the sales tax exemption, make sure you place a booking for any car you\u2019ve got your eyes on by 30 June next week.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-perodua-alza-bookings-now-open-from-rm62k-to-rm75k/", "title": "2022 Perodua Alza Bookings Now Open \u2013 From RM62k to RM75k", "body": "\n\nPerodua just opened bookings for its brand new 2022 Perodua Alza! Seems like the carmaker is retaining the Alza name for the MPV, and it\u2019s estimated to retail from only RM62,000.\n\n\nOf course, that\u2019s the price for the base X variant of the new Alza. The mid-tier H model, on the other hand, has a tentative pricing of RM68,000. As for the range-topping AV trim with all the bells and whistles, it\u2019s estimated to go for RM75,000.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from pricing, Perodua also revealed several key specifications of the 2022 Alza. These include a 1.5L engine paired with a D-CVT gearbox \u2013 likely the same powertrain found in the \nlatest Myvi\n \u2013 an impressive quoted fuel efficiency of 22km per litre, and even a 360-degree camera.\n\n\nOf course, the latter is exclusive to the highest-end AV Alza. The range-topping model also gets six airbags, while the other two variants get four airbags. Perodua\u2019s Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) are offered with the new MPV too, but only the AV model gets the full kit, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep control, blind spot monitor, and an electronic parking brake with auto brake hold.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTHE ALL-NEW ALZA \u2013 COMING SOON!\nGet ready for a ride that's reinvented to meet the needs and wants of everyone in the family. Book now: \nhttps://t.co/7o1neC96ei\n#Perodua\n \n#Alza\n \n#VersatilityReinvented\n \npic.twitter.com/ljZ57l1XZJ\n\u2014 Perodua (@perodua) \nJune 23, 2022\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Perodua Alza is now available for booking in Malaysia. Given that the sales tax exemption will only be given to cars that \nhave been booked by 30 June\n, you may want to place your order soon. You can book the new Alza at a Perodua dealership or online \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-sony-bravia-xr-tvs-now-in-malaysia-from-rm5899-120hz-4k-google-tvs-with-vrr/", "title": "2022 Sony Bravia XR TVs Now in Malaysia From RM5,899 \u2013 120Hz 4K Google TVs With VRR", "body": "\n\nSony Malaysia just launched three TVs in its 2022 Sony Bravia XR lineup on our shores. These include the X90K LED TV, the higher-end A80K OLED TV, and the range-topping X95K mini-LED TV. Retailing from RM5,899 to an eye-watering RM28,999, these are premium offerings.\n\n\nNaturally, the RM5,899 starting price is for the X90K LED TV. It\u2019s offered in as many as four sizes: 55-inch (RM5,899), 65-inch (RM7,899), 75-inch (RM11,999), and 85-inch (RM19,999). A tier up is the A80K OLED TV for RM9,599 (55-inch), RM13,899 (65-inch), and RM24,999 (77-inch).\n\n\nLast but not least is the X95, which is only offered in 85-inch for a cool RM28,999. Given that this is a mini-LED TV, this is a fair asking price.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the different panel technology, these Bravia XR TVs have a similar set of features. These include the Cognitive Processor XR, which promises a \u201clifelike\u201d viewing experience, Sony\u2019s very own Bravia Core movie service \u2013 this is the first time it\u2019s available in Malaysia \u2013 variable refresh rate, and of course, Google TV.\n\n\nAll three 2022 Sony Bravia XR TVs are now available for purchase in Malaysia. To recap, the X90K LED TV \nstarts at RM5,899\n, while the A80K OLED TV \nretails from RM9,599\n. As for the sole X95K in 85-inch size, it\u2019s \npriced at RM28,999\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-bravia-core-movie-service-lands-in-malaysia-4k-blu-ray-streaming-quality/", "title": "Sony Bravia Core Movie Service Lands in Malaysia \u2013 4K Blu-ray Streaming Quality", "body": "\n\nAt the Malaysian launch of the \n2022 Sony Bravia XR TVs\n, the Japanese company also revealed the availability of the Sony Bravia Core movie service on our shores. One of the best selling points of Bravia Core is the fact that it promises 4K Blu-ray streaming quality.\n\n\nUnlike other streaming services \u2013 which recommend as low as a 15Mbps connection for 4K streaming \u2013 Bravia Core can stream HDR movies at up to \n80Mbps\n through a feature dubbed Pure Stream. Sony said this is similar to 4K Blu-ray quality, and it promises \u201csignificantly more detail, colour, and contrast than conventional 15 \u2013 25Mbps streaming content.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, given that Bravia Core is a Sony service, it only offer movies under Sony Pictures. On top of that, only the latest 2022 Bravia XR TVs have access to the service in Malaysia, though every purchase of said TVs also come with a complimentary one-year subscription to Core, along with five movie credits to redeem selected movies such as \nUncharted\n.\n\n\nOnce the one-year subscription has lapsed, users can renew their Sony Bravia Core subscription, though the Malaysian pricing of the service has not been revealed yet by Sony Malaysia. Nonetheless, this is certainly a nice perk to have for anyone that\u2019s looking to get a new Sony Bravia TV.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/poco-f4-with-snapdragon-870-debuts-in-malaysia-for-rm1599-early-birds-get-rm100-off/", "title": "Poco F4 With Snapdragon 870 Debuts in Malaysia for RM1,599 \u2013 Early Birds Get RM100 Off", "body": "\n\nThe Poco F4 has just been unveiled globally, and we already have details on the Malaysian availability of the new phone. Set to go on sale here as early as 27 June next week, it offers really good value for money; a typical trait of Poco phones.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Poco F4 are available in Malaysia. The base model with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage costs RM1,599, while the more practical 8GB + 256GB configuration goes for RM1,699. If you\u2019re fast enough, you can get either variants with a RM100 discount on 27 June itself through \nShopee\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the best selling points of the Poco F4 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset under its hood, which should provide a fast, zippy level of performance. Other specifications of the phone include a 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), a 20MP selfie camera, and a 4,500mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging.\n\n\nThe Poco F4 will be available for purchase \nexclusively on Shopee\n on 27 June next week. To recap, you can get the new smartphone from only RM1,499 if you\u2019re one of the early birds.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/poco-x4-gt-launched-in-malaysia-from-rm1499-dimensity-8100-5080mah-battery-67w-charging/", "title": "Poco X4 GT Launched in Malaysia From RM1,499 \u2013 Dimensity 8100, 5,080mAh Battery, 67W Charging", "body": "\n\nIf the new Poco F4 isn\u2019t for you, then consider the Poco X4 GT. Aside from the fact that it is slightly more affordable than the F4 in Malaysia, it\u2019s also powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8100 chipset with a faster 144Hz display.\n\n\nThere are two variants of the Poco X4 GT for our local market. The more affordable RM1,499 model features 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, while the RM1,599 variant comes with the same RAM capacity but with twice the internal storage at 256GB.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Poco X4 GT is powered by a Dimensity 8100 chipset, which looks to be a pretty darn fast processor. Other hardware of the phone include a 6.6-inch 1080p LCD panel with a 144Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (64MP + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), a 20MP selfie camera, and a 5,080mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging.\n\n\nThe Poco X4 GT will be available for purchase in Malaysia next week on 30 June through \nLazada\n. Early birds who get either variants of the phone on the first day of sale can also get a RM100 discount, bringing down the starting price of the X4 GT to only RM1,399.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-2-mt3-keycap-base-kits-for-the-price-of-one-until-29-june/", "title": "Deal: Get 2 MT3 Keycap Base Kits for the Price of One Until 29 June", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019ve always wanted a premium keycap set, but can\u2019t quite justify paying full price for one, this deal is for you. For a limited time, Drop is offering \n21 different MT3 keycap sets\n for \nessentially\n half price through a buy one, get one free (BOGO) promo.\n\n\nAmong the MT3 keycaps on sale, the Marvel sets are the most affordable with an $89 (about RM390) price tag. If you purchase another Marvel set \u2013 it doesn\u2019t have to be the same one \u2013 you can get two MT3 base kits for $89, so you\u2019re basically paying only $44.50 (approximately RM195) for one set!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, you can purchase \nmultiple\n MT3 base kits in the same order to save on shipping, though the BOGO offer seems to be capped at six sets. Unfortunately, only base kits are eligible for the deal; smaller kits are not part of the promo.\n\n\nNonetheless, this is still a fantastic offer for Drop\u2019s popular MT3 keycaps. This deal is valid until 28 June at 11:59PM PST (29 June at 2:59PM for us here in Malaysia) or while stocks last, so if you like any of these 21 MT3 sets, \nmake your purchase by then\n.\n\n\nOf course, make sure you also use the code MT3BOGOSUMMER at checkout to get the discount.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/you-can-get-the-xiaomi-smart-band-7-in-malaysia-for-only-rm169-tomorrow-25-june/", "title": "You Can Get the Xiaomi Smart Band 7 in Malaysia for Only RM169 Tomorrow (25 June)", "body": "\n\nXiaomi\u2019s latest fitness band, the Xiaomi Smart Band 7, is set to arrive in Malaysia tomorrow on 25 June. To celebrate the launch of the wearable, the Chinese company is offering the fitness band with a pretty compelling early bird price.\n\n\nUsually retailing at RM199, the Smart Band 7 will go for only RM169 tomorrow. According to Xiaomi Malaysia, this offer is valid while stocks last, and you can get it through \nShopee\n, \nLazada\n, or Xiaomi Authorised Stores nationwide.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the Smart Band 7 has a wider 1.62-inch AMOLED screen, giving it a sleeker, more modern-looking design. On top of that, it also has a VO2 Max workout analysis to measure the \u201cmaximum amount of oxygen users can utilise during exercise,\u201d as Xiaomi puts it.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Smart Band 7 include sleep tracking, a PPG heart rate sensor, the ability to measure blood oxygen level, over 110 different sport modes, up to 14 days of battery life, and a 5 ATM water resistance rating.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Smart Band 7 will be available for purchase in Malaysia tomorrow on 25 June. It will be offered at only RM169 to celebrate the local availability of the fitness band, which is a RM30 discount from its usual retail price of RM199.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/tinhifi-t1s-review-thick-dark-andwarm/", "title": "TinHiFi T1S Review: Thick, Dark, And\u2026Warm?", "body": "\n\nYes, we\u2019ve got another review of an ultra-budget single dynamic driver IEM. This time around, we have an affordable IEM from TinHiFi, a brand that needs no introduction in the \u201cChiFi\u201d scene. Having released affordable bangers like the T2, T3, and many other variants of the two, the new TinHiFi T1S is one such variation.\n\n\nTouted to be an improved version of the T1 Plus, how does the T1S stack up to other ultra-budget IEMs such as the \nTripowin Le\u00e1\n and \nCCA CRA+\n? Well, let\u2019s find out!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nPackaging of the T1S is pretty standard, which is to be expected at this price point. You get the IEMs themselves, a thin cable (with a tendency to tangle quite easily), three pairs of wide-bore ear tips, and two more pairs of standard-bore ones. There is one oddity though: the inner box still reads \u201cT1 Plus.\u201d Even the IEMs\u2019 shells have the T1 Plus branding on them.\n\n\nAside from this peculiar branding, the plastic shells of the T1S have a semi-transparent housing with silver speckles sprinkled over the faceplate, somewhat resembling a starry night sky. Aside from the black model in this review, there are also white, pink, and green color options from \nLinsoul\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI also have to add that the plastic used for the T1S\u2019 housing is thin and weighs next to nothing. It\u2019s also shaped in a similar manner to the usual offerings from KZ, and in extension, not that different from the \nCCA CRA+\n.\n\n\nAnd just like the CRA+, finding the right fit for the T1S required the constant shifting around of the IEMs in the ear canals, as well as the hassle of trying all the differently sized ear tips provided. Thankfully, I did eventually discover the \u201csweet spot\u201d for the IEMs to stay put and sound optimal.\n\n\nCompared to the T1 Plus, the T1S has new beryllium plated drivers, as well as the redeveloped acoustic silicon sleeve\u2026which we assume means new ear tips. But what do these rather minor upgrades mean acoustically for the T1S? Let\u2019s get to that in the next section.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHow Does It Sound?\n\n\nThe first thing I noticed once I put on the T1S \u2013 aside from the sub-par passive noise isolation due to the fit and vents \u2013 is its warm sound signature. Unfortunately, this seemingly pleasing quality does creep its way into the rest of the frequency range, making too much of a good thing, bad.\n\n\nBass\n\n\nBass is definitely the standout frequency of the T1S. In fact, you might even say it sticks out like a sore thumb. The mid-bass is \nunabashedly \nbloated, bleeding into the mids without a care.\n\n\nNow, you would think that this gives pop tracks some low-end kick, and you\u2019d be right, if it weren\u2019t for the bit of sub-bass roll-off that limits the bass extension and details a fair bit.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMids\n\n\nOne advantage of the T1S\u2019 thick, low-end presence is the fact that it gives vocals a good sense of weight and body. However, whether this affects your music positively or not differs from track to track, vocalist to vocalist. For example, Rich Brian and Jackson Wang might sound full and intimate, but Sam Smith and The Weeknd could sound veiled and drowned out.\n\n\nThere\u2019s a bit of a lift in the upper mids of the T1S to resurface some of the female vocals lost in the warmth from the low-end, but it isn\u2019t nearly enough for my taste. There is a severe lack of air and spaciousness which, does make the T1S a mellow, non-fatiguing pair of earphones, but female vocals have a tendency to sound a tad nasally too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHighs\n\n\nLike the mids, the treble of the T1S is also lightly painted over by the warmth of the low-end, but I wouldn\u2019t say the highs are completely enveloped in it. The warmth tames the highs just enough for it to be fatigue-free, albeit at the cost of clarity and detail. I just wish there were a bit more sparkle and a touch more air.\n\n\nSoundstage\n\n\nThe T1S does have a good sense of vertical depth, with the space between left and right a little narrower. The veil of warmth present throughout the frequency range also gives the sense of a\u2026congested stage, though instrumentally-light tracks will still sound sufficiently spaced out.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nFor only $20\n (about RM90), the TinHiFi T1S isn\u2019t the budget all-rounder some might hope for. It isn\u2019t made for monitoring or any form of analytical listening; far from it. The dark, warm sound signature is more suited for casual listening sessions in front of the fireplace with a hot cup of cocoa.\n\n\nBut we\u2019re in Malaysia, and we have no need for fireplaces. So likewise, not everyone will need or want that amount of warmth in their music with the T1S.\n\n\nLi Jin Soh contributed to this review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nokia-phones-through-the-years-from-durability-security-to-sustainability/", "title": "Why You Should Buy a Nokia Phone in 2022", "body": "\n\nWho can forget the legendary Nokia 3310? Not only is it one of Nokia\u2019s most iconic models, it\u2019s also famously known for its incredible durability. Over the years, it\u2019s no exaggeration to say that Nokia has become a household name, and almost everyone knows the legacy of the brand.\n\n\nToday, Nokia is still going strong under HMD Global with a slew of smartphones in different segments, catering to consumers at every price point. Of course, durability remains the focus of Nokia\u2019s modern phones, and this extends beyond physical durability; it also offers robust software and security updates.\n\n\nSustainability is a big part of the Nokia brand too, and we\u2019ll explore these aspects in this article.\n\n\nDurability\n\n\nA smartphone\u2019s durability is much more than just how well it can survive drop tests, though it\u2019s worth noting that Nokia phones do undergo tougher tests than the industry standard. You can take a look at how these physical durability tests are done in the video below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs the video shows, Nokia phones are dropped at various angles to ensure that it can survive the occasional drops in everyday use. They are also bent, twisted, and even tumbled around \u2013 which looks even more unforgiving than a drop test \u2013 to make certain that the phones will last you for years to come.\n\n\nAside from that, Nokia devices will also remain durable in the software side of things for quite some time. HMD Global commits to two years of Android software upgrades for its smartphones, so Nokia owners can enjoy new features and enhancements the operating system has to offer.\n\n\nOf course, HMD Global also issues out monthly security updates to its range of Nokia smartphones, and this is done for three years. So even after your Nokia phone no longer gets new Android upgrades after two years, you\u2019ll still get another year of monthly security updates to keep your phone safe from malicious software.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond security updates, Nokia phones also have a suite of other security features to keep your data and information secure. Let\u2019s get to them in the next section.\n\n\nSecurity\n\n\nOur smartphones contain most (if not all) of our sensitive information, so it\u2019s important to ensure that these data are not compromised. To this end, Nokia smartphones and tablets with the Android Enterprise Recommended seal have comprehensive multi-layer security to defend user\u2019s data.\n\n\nIt is also worth noting that Nokia smartphones top the \n2020 Counterpoint Research trust rankings\n. As the rankings show, Nokia phones \u201clead the global rankings in providing the fastest software and security updates with the highest share of portfolio recommended for enterprises.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSecurity authentications can be\u2026well, troublesome sometimes, and this is especially the case with face unlock. To address this, Nokia added Mask mode, which made its debut on the affordable Nokia G21. As its name suggests, Mask mode ensures that it can still recognise you with or without a face mask.\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve always wanted to try a VPN service, you\u2019ll be happy to know that every new Nokia smartphone comes with a 30-day free trial to ExpressVPN. This gives users enhanced privacy and peace of mind, and the added flexibility of using the service first before deciding if it\u2019s for you (or not) is a plus point.\n\n\nSustainability\n\n\nNokia as a brand is committed to sustainability, so its phones are made to last. Nokia phones are designed to be durable and made from high-quality materials, and as the company puts it, \u201ca phone that lasts is a simple, yet highly-effective way to reduce the ecological footprint.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, HMD Global also aims to reduce the environmental impact of its products. All materials that are used in a Nokia phone are carefully selected to ensure that they do not contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment or people.\n\n\nA Nokia Phone for Every User\n\n\nRegardless of your budget, there is a Nokia phone for you. There\u2019s the company\u2019s range-topping \nNokia X20\n, mid-range G series, which include the \nG21\n and \nG10\n, the entry-level \nC20\n and \nC01 Plus\n, as well as a range of feature phones, such as the \nNokia 225 4G\n and \nNokia 110 4G\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhether you want a smartphone that is durable \u2013 both in terms of hardware and software \u2013 secure enough to keep all of your data safe, or sustainable, a Nokia phone fulfill all of these criteria at all price points. This is something that cannot be said of every other phone maker.\n\n\nMore details on HMD Global\u2019s range of Nokia devices can be found on its \nofficial website\n. You can also follow Nokia\u2019s \nFacebook\n and \nInstagram\n pages for the latest news.\n\n\nDisclosure: This article is sponsored by HMD Global\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-a57-with-5000mah-battery-33w-fast-charging-arrives-in-malaysia-for-rm699/", "title": "Oppo A57 With 5,000mAh Battery & 33W Fast Charging Arrives in Malaysia for RM699", "body": "\n\nOppo just launched the affordable Oppo A57 here in Malaysia. Not only is it budget-friendly, it also has a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging; ideal for those who want a long-lasting smartphone.\n\n\nOnly one configuration of the A57 is offered in Malaysia. The sole variant features 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage (expandable with a microSD card) for only RM699. It\u2019s also offered in two colours: Glowing Green and Glowing Black.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven its affordable nature, the A57 doesn\u2019t have the most impressive hardware list. It features a 6.56-inch 1612 x 720 display with a 60Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Helio G35 chipset, a dual camera system (13MP primary + 2MP monochrome), an 8MP selfie camera, the aforementioned 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging, and ColorOS 12.1 out of the box.\n\n\nThe Oppo A57 can now be purchased in Malaysia for RM699. It is available at Oppo brand stores and authorised dealers, as well as online through Shopee and Lazada. More details on the A57 can be found on \nOppo Malaysia\u2019s official website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/macbook-air-m2-arrives-in-malaysia-july-2022-from-rm5499/", "title": "MacBook Air (M2) Arrives in Malaysia July 2022 From RM5,499", "body": "\n\nApple just revealed the Malaysian availability of the new M2-powered MacBook Air! Set to be available here sometime in July next month, the local availability of the sleekest (and fastest) MacBook Air was revealed in its \nproduct page\n.\n\n\nGiven its premium appeal, the updated MacBook Air does not come cheap. For our market, the base model starts at RM5,499, and it features an M2 chip with an 8-core CPU and GPU, 8GB of unified memory, as well as a 256GB SSD.\n\n\nA tier up is the RM6,699 model, which offers a faster 10-core GPU and a 512GB SSD.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the all-new MacBook Air retains its thin and light design. With a 11.3mm thin chassis, this is without a doubt a portable laptop. But how much does it weigh? Well, it tips the scales at only 1.2kg \u2013 this is a very much a lightweight laptop.\n\n\nAside from its portable nature, the new MacBook Air also gets a larger 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display \u2013 complete with a notch \u2013 a very respectable battery life of up to 18 hours, as well as up to 24GB of memory and 2TB SSD storage. Oh, the MagSafe charger makes a return too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf the MacBook Air 2022 doesn\u2019t quite fit your budget, you can always opt for the more affordable M1 model. Yes, it will continue to be sold alongside the newer M2 Air.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/new-2022-perodua-alza-teaser-shows-exterior-electronic-parking-brake-first-for-perodua/", "title": "New 2022 Perodua Alza Teaser Shows Exterior & Electronic Parking Brake \u2013 First for Perodua", "body": "\n\nPerodua continues to tease its upcoming MPV, the all-new 2022 Perodua Alza. This time around, we got a look at the exterior of the Alza, along with the car\u2019s electronic parking brake (EPB).\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the Alza is Perodua\u2019s first-ever model to feature EPB, and it is exclusive to the range-topping AV trim, so what you see in the video below is the highest-end variant in all its glory. Also shown right next to the EPB in the centre console is the auto brake hold button.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere are also some exterior shots of the new Alza, and not surprisingly, it looks strikingly similar to the latest Toyota Avanza and its twin, the Daihatsu Xenia. We also get a glimpse of the LED headlights with sequential turn signals; the latter is equipped on both the H and AV variants.\n\n\nThe 2022 Perodua Alza is now available for booking in Malaysia from RM62,000 to RM75,000. Given that the sales tax exemption will only be given to cars that\u00a0\nhave been booked by 30 June\n, you may want to place your order soon. You can book the new Alza at a Perodua dealership or online\u00a0\nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/blon-fat-girl-review-who-said-big-girls-dont-cry/", "title": "BLON Fat Girl Review: Who Said Big Girls Don\u2019t Cry?", "body": "\n\nBLON is a name you would have likely heard of if you\u2019re already neck-deep into the rabbit hole that is ChiFi. The brand took the budget IEM world by storm back in 2019 with the release of the BLON BL-03 single dynamic driver earphones.\n\n\nThose earphones \u2013 like a few other ChiFi IEMs \u2013 were dubbed the \u201cbudget king\u201d of its time. Since then, BLON has released the BL-05 and BL-07, but lightning has never really struck twice since the venerable BL-03.\n\n\nIt\u2019s now 2022, with single dynamic driver IEMs releasing what seems like every week or so. BLON stepped back onto the stage, hoping to stand among the likes of Moondrop and CCA with a controversial name that\u2019s sure to raise some pitchforks: the BLON Fat Girl.\n\n\nAnd I have only one thing to say to that name \u2013 and a whole lot more about the earphones themselves in this review \u2013 why BLON?\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nYou can\u2019t really fault the Fat Girl for looking pedestrian, given that these earphones are sold \nfor just $9.99 on Linsoul\n. Surprisingly enough, you can even go for the model with a microphone\u2026for no extra charge whatsoever.\n\n\nNow, just because these earphones have a modest price tag, doesn\u2019t mean they sound modest, right? In the case of the Fat Girl, I\u2019m setting modesty aside for honesty \u2013 it sounds just like how a pair of $10 earphones would sound like. Actually, maybe even less than that.\n\n\nHow Does It Sound?\n\n\nWrong. The Fat Girl just sounds\u2026wrong. Yes, both in terms of the naming and tuning. It\u2019s just baffling how this is the same company that released the esteemed BL-03. Perhaps the lukewarm reception of everything else that came after that was a foreshadowing of what was to come.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerhaps the individual who was in charge of tuning the BL-03 had left for greener pastures after he or she struck gold. While I\u2019ll never know the outcome of this hypothetical situation of mine, I do know that the Fat Girl\u2019s tuning took several steps in the wrong direction.\n\n\nBass\n\n\nThere\u2019s an obvious bass elevation with the Fat Girl, but it adds more bloat than punch. If it\u2019s any consolation, at least that means the bass doesn\u2019t bleed its way into the mids, but I almost wish it did. The bass hits without much energy or enthusiasm.\n\n\nIn fact, I wouldn\u2019t call it a \u201chit\u201d at all \u2013 it\u2019s more of a weak thump. The lifted low-end is something you will hear and be aware of, but you won\u2019t actually \nfeel it\n. Suffice to say it literally doesn\u2019t resonate with me, and I reckon you\u2019ll share my sentiment when you hear the Fat Girl for yourself.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHere\u2019s a metaphor to better describe these earphones\u2019 bass response: it\u2019s as though a thin piece of hide was stretched over a large drum, a drum far too large for that piece of leather to handle. Upon impact, you\u2019d expect the drum to rumble and resonate with its expansive breadth.\n\n\nBut the hide, bursting at its seams, produces only\u2026disappointment.\n\n\nThis disappointment presents itself as dominoes toppling over from the bass, the mids, the highs, and basically, across the entire frequency range. Anyway, let\u2019s proceed to the mids now, or what \nshould have been\n the mids.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMids\n\n\nAs I mentioned before, I almost wish the Fat Girl\u2019s bass would bleed into the mids, and that\u2019s purely because of how thin and anemic the mids sound. Male vocals lack weight, definition, and presence. There\u2019s an unnatural, almost robotic quality to it.\n\n\nFemale vocals do present themselves a bit more clearly with a lift in the upper mids, though the thinness remains, making high notes borderline sibilant. Even with the aforementioned elevation in the upper mids, there still seems to be a lack of air and breathiness.\n\n\nHighs\n\n\nThe next domino to fall is the treble: the Fat Girl\u2019s highs sound like there are peaks and valleys along this area of the frequency range. There is a mishmash of farting trumpets and sibilant cymbals in tracks like Millennium Parade\u2019s U. Snares also lack crisp and sparkle, making otherwise fun-sounding instrumentals devoid of any sort of liveliness.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSoundstage\n\n\nOn lighter flavours of music, the Fat Girl actually offers a bit of vertical depth within the soundstage. It\u2019s only when instruments actually come into play that separation falls apart and the space is congested. It\u2019s also during these busier tracks where you can hear the earphones struggling and fumbling to juggle everything, everywhere, all at once.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nWhat makes ChiFi so exciting is just how often these budget IEMs punch high above their weight class. Despite being flawed in several aspects, ChiFi IEMs, at the very least, almost always present great value for money. The BLON Fat Girl, on the other hand, absolutely do not.\n\n\nSure, the Fat Girl is \u201conly\u201d $10, but that money could\u2019ve been spent on something like the Moondrop Chu or the \nCCA CRA+\n. Yes, these IEMs are more than twice the price of the Fat Girl at around $20, but you\u2019ll also get more than twice the value for money.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReally, even similarly priced offerings from KZ would have been a better option than the Fat Girl. With a dingy design and terrible tuning, it\u2019s just really hard to recommend this IEM from BLON. I\u2019ve said it before, and I\u2019ll say it again: how is this IEM from the same company that released the BL-03?\n\n\nThey say it\u2019s not over till the fat lady sings. But the Fat Girl doesn\u2019t sing at all, so it\u2019s back to the drawing board for BLON.\n\n\nLi Jin Soh contributed to this review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/more-2022-perodua-alza-exterior-shown-headlights-taillights-grille-wheels/", "title": "More 2022 Perodua Alza Exterior Shown \u2013 Headlights, Taillights, Grille, Wheels", "body": "\n\nAnother day, another teaser of the upcoming 2022 Perodua Alza. We get more shots of the MPV\u2019s exterior in today\u2019s teaser, which shows the headlights, taillights, grille, as well as the wheels.\n\n\nBased on these glimpses of the Alza\u2019s exterior styling, it does look like a rather handsome seven-seater MPV. Not surprisingly, it is strikingly similar to its sister models, the Toyota Avanza/Veloz and Daihatsu Xenia, though there are some differences here and there.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUp front, the Alza\u2019s grille is closer in design to the Xenia; the Avanza/Veloz has a much more prominent grille. Another design element of the Alza that\u2019s quite a bit different than its sister models are the LED headlights, which look decidedly more premium. Chances are, these are the headlights of the range-topping AV variant with sequential turn signals.\n\n\nThe 2022 Perodua Alza is now available for booking in Malaysia from RM62,000 to RM75,000. Given that the sales tax exemption will only be given to cars that\u00a0\nhave been booked by 30 June\n, you may want to place your order soon. You can book the new Alza at a Perodua dealership or online\u00a0\nright here\n.\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hearthstone-murder-at-castle-nathria-expansion-lands-3-august-new-location-card-type-free-legendary/", "title": "Hearthstone Murder at Castle Nathria Expansion Lands 3 August \u2013 New Location Card Type, Free Legendary", "body": "\n\nHearthstone just unveiled the next expansion for the popular digital card game. Set to land on 3 August, Murder at Castle Nathria will add 135 new cards, and among them is a new card type: Location.\n\n\nLocation cards are played onto the battlefield for an initial cost, and it works similarly to weapons in the sense that they have a durability count. Once a Location card is played, players can activate its ability for free, though there is a one-turn cooldown in between uses.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, Murder at Castle Nathria will also introduce a new Infuse keyword. When an Infuse card is in your hand, it will absorb \u201canima\u201d from friendly minions as they die. Once a specified number of friendly minions have been destroyed, the Infuse card will transform into a more powerful version.\n\n\nHearthstone\u2019s Murder at Castle Nathria expansion is set to land on 3 August. Just like previous expansions, the new cards will be shown \nhere\n as they are revealed over the next few weeks. You can also \npre-purchase the new expansion\n now, and every player will get a Prince Renathal Legendary minion once they open a Murder at Castle Nathria pack.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/unannounced-nokia-g11-plus-appears-in-sirim-launching-in-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Unannounced Nokia G11 Plus Appears in SIRIM \u2013 Launching in Malaysia Soon?", "body": "\n\nIt appears HMD Global is set to launch another phone in Malaysia, and it\u2019s a device that has not been officially announced yet. Enter the Nokia G11 Plus, which looks to be an improved version of the standard G11.\n\n\nWhile going through SIRIM\u2019s database, we spotted a device with the model number TA-1421 registered under Zitron Fulfilment just last week on 24 June. The listing confirmed it to be a Nokia-branded phone, and a quick Google search revealed that this is in fact the upcoming \nNokia G11 Plus\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Nokia G11\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the regular G11, the G11 Plus is said to feature a more sophisticated 50MP camera. It\u2019s also rumoured to be running on Android 12 instead of 11, though other alleged specifications of the new phone is said to be similar to the G11, including the same Unisoc T606 chipset.\n\n\nNow that the Nokia G11 Plus have been registered with SIRIM, we reckon HMD Global is gearing up to launch the new phone in Malaysia very soon. We\u2019ll keep a close eye on the local availability of this (likely) affordable smartphone.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-htc-desire-22-pro-is-a-metaverse-focused-phone-yes-htc-is-still-making-phones/", "title": "The HTC Desire 22 Pro Is a \u201cMetaverse-Focused\u201d Phone \u2013 Yes, HTC Is Still Making Phones", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been quite some time since we\u2019ve seen any new device from the Taiwanese company, but here it is: the HTC Desire 22 Pro. Touted to be a \u201cmetaverse-focused\u201d phone, this mid-ranger is said to be the perfect companion to HTC\u2019s Vive Flow VR headset, even if the headset is compatible with any Android phone.\n\n\nAnyway, the Vive Flow VR headset is used to access the Viverse, HTC\u2019s own take on the metaverse. This is where the Desire 22 Pro\u2019s metaverse marketing comes into the picture, though beyond that, it looks to be your standard mid-range smartphone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardware wise, the Desire 22 Pro is a packed with a 6.6-inch 1080p display clocked at 120Hz, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, a triple camera system (64MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide angle + 5MP depth), a 32MP selfie camera, and a 4,520mAh battery. Interestingly, it is also IP67-rated, a rare feature for a phone in this segment.\n\n\nThe HTC Desire 22 Pro will start shipping in the UK from 1 August onwards with a \u00a3399 price tag, which comes up to about RM2,155. It remains to be seen if the Desire 22 Pro will be offered in other markets, especially here in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-inzone-gaming-headsets-unveiled-for-pc-ps5-3-models-from-rm439-in-malaysia/", "title": "Sony INZONE Gaming Headsets Unveiled for PC & PS5 \u2013 3 Models From RM439 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nSony just unveiled three gaming headsets under its new INZONE series. Made for PC and PS5, the lineup consists of the INZONE H3, INZONE H7, and the highest-end INZONE H9. The latter two are wireless headsets, and all three of them are confirmed for the Malaysian market.\n\n\nIn fact, Sony Malaysia already revealed the local price tags of these three headsets. The most affordable H3 goes for RM439, while the H7 is priced at RM1,099. As for the range-topping H9, it costs RM1,299. Both the H3 and H7 are now available in Malaysia, while the H9 will arrive here at a later date.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the H9 is the most well-equipped gaming headset of the three. It features active noise cancellation, 360 Spatial Sound (only for PC), up to 32 hours of battery life, and of course, a boom microphone that can be flipped up to mute. The H9 also supports the PS5\u2019s Tempest 3D AudioTech.\n\n\nAs for the H7, it shares many of the H9\u2019s features, with the exception of active noise cancellation; this explains the RM200 price difference. However, it\u2019s worth noting that it offers up to 40 hours of battery life instead. That\u2019s eight more hours over the H9.\n\n\nLast but not least is the H3 wired headset. It is the most basic model, so it only supports 360 Spatial Sound and not the PS5\u2019s Tempest 3D AudioTech. Of course, you still get a boom microphone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Sony Malaysia, the INZONE H7 and INZONE H3 are now available for purchase in Malaysia for \nRM439\n and \nRM1,099\n respectively, though it\u2019s said to be sold out on the company\u2019s online store. As for the \nRM1,299 INZONE H9\n, it will arrive here sometime in the near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/7hz-salnotes-dioko-pre-orders-now-open-99-planar-iem-tuned-by-crinacle/", "title": "7Hz Salnotes Dioko Pre-Orders Now Open \u2013 $99 Planar IEM Tuned by Crinacle", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019ve been around the ChiFi scene, you would\u2019ve heard of 7Hz and Crinacle. Well, the former just released the 7Hz Salnotes Dioko, a planar IEM tuned by Crinacle himself. The best part is, this IEM doesn\u2019t cost all that much either with a $99 price tag \u2013 that\u2019s only about RM435.\n\n\nBased on the frequency response graph \nshared by Crinacle\n, the Dioko looks to be a relatively neutral-sounding IEM with quite a bit of bass boost. It also has a 14.6mm planar driver that promises \u201ctrue audiophile sound character\u201d with \u201coutstanding clarity and detail in every note,\u201d as 7Hz puts it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, the Dioko itself looks quite premium despite its affordable price tag. Not only does it have a CNC aluminium shell, it also has a tempered glass cover with sapphire coating. It comes with an OCC copper cable as well with a rather neat-looking storage box.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the 7Hz Salnotes Dioko, you can place your pre-order with \nLinsoul for $99\n. Alternatively, if you\u2019re in Southeast Asia, you can get it from \nMecha Store\n instead for S$149. Needless to say, a planar IEM at this price point is certainly interesting; the fact that it\u2019s also tuned by Crinacle makes it that much more attractive.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-inzone-m9-m3-monitors-are-made-for-pc-gaming-and-ps5-not-coming-to-malaysia/", "title": "Sony INZONE M9 & M3 Monitors Are Made for PC Gaming (And PS5) \u2013 Not Coming to Malaysia", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nINZONE range of gaming headsets\n, Sony also unveiled two new gaming monitors under the series. The Sony INZONE M9 and INZONE M3 are both made for PC gaming and PS5, but sadly, they will not be available in Malaysia.\n\n\nWe reached out to Sony Malaysia to check on the local availability of the M9 and M3, and we were told that there are no plans to bring in the two monitors to our shores. Only the \nINZONE gaming headsets\n will be available here, unfortunately enough.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, the M9 and M3 monitors are quite interesting, especially the former. As the higher-end offering, the M9 sports a 27-inch 4K IPS panel with full array local dimming, a fast 144Hz refresh rate, support for VRR, and 95% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour space.\n\n\nAs for the M3, it sports a lower resolution 27-inch 1080p IPS panel, but the refresh rate is cranked up to a blazing fast 240Hz. It doesn\u2019t have local dimming either, though it does still feature VRR support and 99% coverage of the RGB colour gamut.\n\n\nAside from that, both the M3 and M9 support Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode on the PS5.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor the US market, the Sony INZONE M9 retails at $900, which comes up to about RM3,960. As for the M3, it costs $530 (approximately RM2,330). As mentioned, Sony Malaysia has no plans to bring in these two monitors to the Malaysian market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/30-june-6-july-fuel-price-no-price-changes-ron-97-still-rm4-84-per-litre/", "title": "30 June \u2013 6 July Fuel Price: No Price Changes, RON 97 Still RM4.84 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nFinally, no price changes to RON 97 this week! Naturally, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are also maintained, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nFor the next seven days, the price of RON 97 is set at RM4.84 per litre. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 30 June to 6 July 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-nitro-5-with-12th-gen-intel-chips-now-in-malaysia-from-rm4399-to-rm8699/", "title": "Acer Nitro 5 With 12th Gen Intel Chips Now in Malaysia From RM4,399 to RM8,699", "body": "\n\nAcer\u2019s affordable gaming laptop has just been refreshed for the Malaysian market. Now sporting Intel\u2019s 12th gen chips, the Acer Nitro 5 remains affordable with its RM4,399 starting price. On top of that, there are \nfive\n different variants of the gaming laptop for our market.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the RM4,399 base model of the Nitro 5. It features a Core i5-12500H processor paired with 8GB of RAM, an RTX 3050 Ti GPU, 512GB of SSD storage, and a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate. Reasonably good hardware for a laptop at this price point.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA tier up is the RM5,299 variant of the Nitro 5, which upgrades the CPU to a Core i7-12700H, but downgrades the GPU to an RTX 3050. Thankfully, it does feature more RAM at 16GB. Of course, you can upgrade the GPU to an RTX 3050 Ti, but this will set you back RM5,499.\n\n\nMoving on, we have the fourth Nitro 5 variant. It retains the same hardware as the previous models, with the only difference being its more capable RTX 3060 GPU for RM5,999.\n\n\nLast but not least is the range-topping Nitro 5, which comes with a number of upgrades. While it has the same Core i7-12700H processor, it has more RAM at 32GB, a large 1TB SSD, a powerful RTX 3070 Ti GPU, as well as a sharper, faster 15.6-inch QHD IPS display with a 165Hz refresh rate. These upgrades do cost quite a bit of money though at RM8,699.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe new Acer Nitro 5 is now available for purchase in Malaysia. If you want to get this gaming laptop at a discount, give Acer Malaysia\u2019s It Lies Within roadshow a visit at Sunway Pyramid until 3 July; you can get up to RM150 cashback on the Nitro 5.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-predator-helios-300-lands-in-malaysia-core-i7-12700h-165hz-qhd-screen-from-rm7999/", "title": "Acer Predator Helios 300 Lands in Malaysia \u2013 Core i7-12700H, 165Hz QHD Screen, From RM7,999", "body": "\n\nWant something more powerful than the \nnew Nitro 5\n? Then consider the Acer Predator Helios 300, which has also been launched in Malaysia. Sporting a fast (and sharp) 165Hz QHD screen with Intel\u2019s latest 12th gen processors, you can also configure this gaming laptop with a powerful Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 GPU.\n\n\nOf course, that GPU is reserved for the highest-end Helios 300. Aside from the RTX 3080, this variant also features a Core i7-12700H processor paired with 32GB of RAM, a very generous 2TB of SSD storage, and a 15.6-inch QHD IPS screen with a 165Hz refresh rate. How much does this model cost? A cool RM11,999.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you don\u2019t quite need that powerful of a GPU, there\u2019s the RTX 3070 Ti configuration for RM9,999; every other hardware are exactly the same as the aforementioned model.\n\n\nMoving down the price range is the RTX 3070 variant of the Helios 300 for RM8,999. Compared to the previous two models, this variant swaps out the RAM and SSD capacities to 16GB and 1TB respectively; not a bad tradeoff to lower the price by a whole RM1,000.\n\n\nSpeaking of lower prices, the most affordable configuration of the Helios 300 costs just RM7,999. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a more modest (but still quite capable) RTX 3060, along with the same RAM and SSD combo as the RTX 3070 model.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe new Acer Predator Helios 300 is now available for purchase in Malaysia. If you want to get this gaming laptop at a discount, give Acer Malaysia\u2019s It Lies Within roadshow a visit at Sunway Pyramid until 3 July; you can get a RM200 cashback on all variants of the Helios 300 there.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-plus-july-2022-free-games-crash-bandicoot-4-man-of-medan-zero-strain/", "title": "PlayStation Plus July 2022 Free Games: Crash Bandicoot 4, Man of Medan, Zero Strain", "body": "\n\nPlayStation Plus\u2019 July 2022 free games have just been announced. The lineup includes Crash Bandicoot 4: It\u2019s About Time, Arcadegeddon, Man of Medan, and for us here in Asia, Zero Strain. All of these games are available for both the PS5 and PS4, except for Man of Medan; only the PS4 version is offered.\n\n\nOut of the four games, Crash Bandicoot 4 is definitely the most popular title. Like previous games in the franchise, it\u2019s a platformer that will bring back some nostalgia if you\u2019re a long-time Crash fan. Of course, the PS5 version also takes advantage of the adaptive triggers on the PS5\u2019s DualSense controller.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith the \nrevamped PS Plus membership\n, these four games can be claimed by subscribers of any tiers. Whether you\u2019re on the Essential, Extra, or Deluxe plan, you will have access to these monthly PS Plus games.\n\n\nAll four games can be claimed by PS Plus members from 5 July to 1 August 2022. That means you have until this coming Monday (4 July) to get your hands on June 2022\u2019s free games, including \nGod of War, Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl, and Can\u2019t Drive This\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-2-8-livestream-set-for-2-july-kazuha-banner-rerun/", "title": "Genshin Impact 2.8 Livestream Set for 2 July \u2013 Kazuha Banner Rerun?", "body": "\n\nHoyoverse just announced the livestream for \nGenshin Impact\n 2.8. Set to take place this Saturday on 2 July, both Kaedehara Kazuha and Fischl (along with the Traveler) are featured in the teaser image. On top of that, there appears to be a mysterious character in the picture too.\n\n\nThe unknown character can be seen in the lower right corner of the teaser image below. It doesn\u2019t look like any existing character in Genshin Impact \u2013 to our knowledge, anyway \u2013 so it could either be a completely new one\u2026or a different outfit for a specific character.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, given that Kazuha is featured in the teaser, we could be seeing a rerun of the 5-star Anemo character in Version 2.8 of Genshin Impact. There\u2019s a good chance Shikanoin Heizou will also be a playable character in the new update, given that he was \nteased by Hoyoverse\n in May last month.\n\n\nVersion 2.8 of Genshin Impact looks to be dubbed Summer Fantasia, so we can expect to see in-game events with a\u2026well, summer theme. As with previous version update livestreams, redemption codes offering Primogems will be given during the stream as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can catch the livestream of Genshin Impact Version 2.8\u00a0\non Twitch\n\u00a0this Saturday on 2 July at 8PM for us here in Malaysia. If you missed the stream, don\u2019t worry: the special program\u00a0\nshould also be on YouTube\n\u00a0shortly after the livestream.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nothing-phone-1-to-use-qualcomm-snapdragon-778g-chipset-good-enough/", "title": "Nothing Phone 1 to Use Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ Chipset \u2013 Good Enough?", "body": "\n\nThe Nothing Phone 1 has been teased and hyped for quite some time now, but most of its hardware still remain (officially) under wraps. Well, Carl Pei \u2013 the founder of Nothing and former OnePlus CEO \u2013 finally confirmed the chipset powering the phone: the upper mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ SoC.\n\n\nPei revealed this bit of information to \nInput Mag\n. According to him, the decision to go with the Snapdragon 778G+ for the Phone 1 comes down to performance, power consumption, and cost. He further elaborated that going with a more powerful chip would have \u201cdiminishing returns.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nhttps://t.co/Fi36JzXBL5\n \npic.twitter.com/lTvEvnfbKV\n\u2014 Carl Pei (@getpeid) \nJune 29, 2022\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s definitely interesting that Nothing is going with a non-flagship chipset for the Phone 1. This being the brand\u2019s first-ever smartphone, it will be hard for the phone to stand out in a market that\u2019s filled with higher-end, more powerful offerings from other established players.\n\n\nBut there is one area where the Phone 1 can (potentially) best its competition: value proposition. Since it\u2019s not powered by a costlier \u2013 albeit more powerful \u2013 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, for example, it\u2019s entirely possible Nothing can price its phone competitively.\n\n\nA reasonably low starting price paired with the Phone 1\u2019s unique features and polished software experience could prove to be a winning formula for the young brand. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Nothing Phone 1 is set to be launched on 12 July. So far, it\u2019s only been confirmed for the UK and European markets. It remains to be seen if the phone will also be sold here in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-honda-hr-v-malaysian-launch-set-for-14-july/", "title": "2022 Honda HR-V Malaysian Launch Set for 14 July", "body": "\n\nWe just got word from Honda Malaysia on the local debut of its brand new SUV, the 2022 Honda HR-V. It is set to be launched here on 14 July, which is in line with the Japanese carmaker\u2019s Q3 2022 timeline.\n\n\nLooking back at the \nteaser shared by Honda Malaysia\n, the hybrid model of the 2022 HR-V with the 1.5L i-MMD e:HEV powertrain is confirmed for our market. In fact, it is touted as the \u201cmost advanced\u201d engine in the B-segment market. On top of that, it will also get the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance safety systems and sequential turn signals.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, there are numerous reports that the all-new HR-V will also be offered with a 1.5L turbocharged VTEC engine \nand\n a naturally-aspirated mill. This will certainly make the B-segment SUV more appealing to customers that don\u2019t fancy the hybrid powertrain. Of course, there\u2019s the much more modern styling of the SUV as well to capture buyers\u2019 attention.\n\n\nThe 2022 Honda HR-V is now open for booking in Malaysia. Naturally, the local pricing of the B-segment SUV has not been revealed yet. We\u2019ll find out for ourselves once the new HR-V is launched here on 14 July, which is exactly two weeks away.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/purchase-amd-powered-products-to-get-up-to-3-free-games-offer-valid-until-13-august/", "title": "Purchase AMD-Powered Products to Get up to 3 Free Games \u2013 Offer Valid Until 13 August", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re thinking of getting an AMD-powered laptop, desktop, or even graphics card, this deal is for you. As part of AMD\u2019s Raise the Game and Raise the Game Fully Loaded bundles, eligible AMD products will be offered with up to three complimentary games.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Raise the Game Fully Loaded bundle, which is reserved for laptops and desktops with an AMD Radeon RX 6000 series GPU. Depending on which GPU the laptop or desktop is packed with, you can get Saints Row, Sniper Elite 5, and Evil Genius 2 for free. Higher-end GPUs will come with all three games, naturally.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe same applies to the Raise the Game bundle for AMD\u2019s range of Radeon RX 6000 graphics cards, but the games are slightly different. While this bundle still offers Saints Row and Sniper Elite 5, you get Forspoken instead of Evil Genius 2.\n\n\nTo check whether or not the AMD laptop, desktop, or graphics card you\u2019re looking to get is eligible for this offer, you can check the full list of products that are a part of the \nRaise the Game\n and \nRaise the Game Fully Loaded\n bundles by clicking on the links provided.\n\n\nYou have until 13 August to purchase the eligible AMD products to get the free games, though you can redeem the games by 13 September.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-cetra-now-in-malaysia-for-rm515-wireless-earbuds-with-anc-low-latency/", "title": "Asus ROG Cetra Now in Malaysia for RM515 \u2013 Wireless Earbuds With ANC, Low Latency", "body": "\n\nAsus just launched a new pair of wireless earbuds in Malaysia. Given its gaming-centric branding, the Asus ROG Cetra promises low latency for the best gaming experience, along with active noise cancellation (ANC) to eliminate ambient noise.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Cetra is priced at RM515; a reasonably good price tag for a pair of wireless earbuds with ANC. According to Asus, the Cetra\u2019s latency \u201cnearly matches that of wired earphones\u201d too, which is quite a bold claim.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from ANC and low latency, the Cetra has reasonably long battery life as well. On a single charge, it can return up to 5.5 hours of continuous use. Paired with the charging case, it has a total battery life of 27 hours. It also has an IPX4 rating, so while it\u2019s not exactly water-resistant, it can survive some water splashes.\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Cetra wireless earbuds are now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM515. We\u2019ve got a review unit of this gaming-centric earbuds, so stay tuned for our review of the Cetra!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-10-iv-pre-orders-open-in-malaysia-for-rm2099-early-birds-get-rm449-earbuds/", "title": "Sony Xperia 10 IV Pre-Orders Open in Malaysia for RM2,099 \u2013 Early Birds Get RM449 Earbuds", "body": "\n\nAs promised\n, Sony Malaysia just opened pre-orders for its latest mid-range smartphone today, the Sony Xperia 10 IV. As a pre-order incentive, early birds will get a complimentary Sony WF-C500 wireless earbuds worth RM449 for free \u2013 that\u2019s a pretty good offer.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Xperia 10 IV is offered in Malaysia. Packed with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of expandable storage, the mid-ranger is priced at RM2,099. Two colour options are available here: Mint and Black. Unfortunately, the Lavender and White models are not offered on our shores.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJust like its predecessor, the Xperia 10 IV has an IP65/IP68 water and dust resistance, which is quite a rare feature for a mid-range smartphone. It also features Sony\u2019s signature 21:9 tall and narrow display for easier one-handed use.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xperia 10 IV include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, a 6.0-inch 2520 x 1080 OLED display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (12MP primary + 8MP telephoto + 8MP ultra-wide angle), an 8MP selfie camera, and a sizeable 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Sony Xperia 10 IV will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from 1 to 31 July 2022 for RM2,099. As mentioned, those who place their pre-orders within this time period will also receive a Sony WF-C500 wireless earbuds worth RM449 for free.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-city-sees-up-to-rm4300-price-increase-with-sst/", "title": "Honda City Sees up to RM4,300 Price Increase With SST", "body": "\n\nNow that the sales tax exemption on locally assembled (CKD) and fully imported (CBU) cars have expired, car prices will increase accordingly. Honda Malaysia have updated its website to reflect this, and its popular B-segment sedan, the \nHonda City\n, is now up to RM4,300 more expensive. \n\n\nWell, the exact figure is RM4,387.64 for the Honda City V Sensing, followed by the standard V model with a RM4,038.55 price hike. Curiously, the RS hybrid model actually sees a lower price increase of RM2,849.55 despite being the range-topping variant.\n\n\nHonda City\nCurrent Price (with SST\n)\nPrice (without SST\n)\nPrice difference\n1.5L S\nRM77,600\nRM74,191.27\n+RM3,408.73\n1.5L E\nRM85,600\nRM81,664.82\n+RM3,935.18\n1.5L V\nRM90,600\nRM86,561.45\n+RM4,038.55\n1.5L V Sensing\nRM94,600\nRM90,212.36\n+RM4,387.64\n1.5L RS\nRM108,800\nRM105,950.45\n+RM2,849.55\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the new prices you see in the table above are only for new bookings placed after 30 June 2022. If you placed your order earlier, you\u2019ll still be eligible for the pre-SST prices; you just need to make sure your car is \nregistered by 31 March 2023\n next year.\n\n\nNonetheless, if you\u2019re interested to get the Honda City, you can place your booking online\u00a0\nhere\n. Alternatively, bookings can be done through the HondaTouch app as well \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-sst-price-increase-2022-myvi-up-to-rm1-1k-more-ativa-up-by-rm1k-to-rm1-4k/", "title": "Perodua SST Price Increase: 2022 Myvi up to RM1.1k More, Ativa up by RM1k to RM1.4k", "body": "\n\nPerodua also updated the price list of its cars with SST applied, now that the sales tax exemption on CKD and CBU vehicles have ended. While most of the national carmaker\u2019s models simply reverted to pre-SST prices, two of them \u2013 the \n2022 Myvi facelift\n and \nAtiva\n \u2013 do not have this, since they were introduced in the tax-free period.\n\n\nAs the comparison table below shows, the new Myvi is up to RM1,100 more expensive now, which naturally applies to the range-topping AV variant. Other models see between RM800 to RM1,000 price hikes, which slightly increases the starting price of the popular B-segment hatchback to RM46,500.\n\n\nPerodua Myvi\nCurrent Price (with SST\n)\nPrice (without SST\n)\nPrice difference\n1.5L G (no PSDA)\nRM46,500\nRM45,700\n+RM800\n1.5L G\nRM48,500\nRM47,700\n+RM800\n1.5L X\nRM50,900\nRM49,900\n+RM1,000\n1.5L H\nRM54,900\nRM53,900\n+RM1,000\n1.5L AV\nRM59,900\nRM58,800\n+RM1,100\n\n\nPerodua Ativa\nCurrent Price (with SST\n)\nPrice (without SST\n)\nPrice difference\n1.0L X\nRM62,500\nRM61,500\n+RM1,000\n1.0L H\nRM67,300\nRM66,100\n+RM1,200\n1.0L AV\nRM72,600\nRM71,200\n+RM1,400\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Ativa, prices are up between RM1,000 to RM1,400, so the most affordable X variant now starts at RM62,500. Do note that depending on your paint choice, the prices will increase accordingly. Going with a \u201cSpecial Metallic\u201d colour, for example, is a RM500 premium; RM800 if you want the dual-tone colourway for the AV trim.\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve placed your booking for a Perodua model (or any car model) by 30 June, you will not be affected by these new prices. You\u2019ll still get to enjoy the tax-free prices as long as your car is registered \u2013 that is, when you actually receive your unit \u2013 \nby 31 March 2023\n next year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-city-hatchback-from-rm2-9k-to-rm3-9k-more-with-sst/", "title": "Honda City Hatchback \u2013 From RM2.9k to RM3.9k More With SST", "body": "\n\nAside from the Honda City, the Honda City Hatchback also gets a price increase, now that the sales tax exemption on CKD and CBU cars is no longer valid. On the bright side, the price hike for the B-segment hatchback is not quite as steep as its sedan counterpart.\n\n\nDepending on which variant you\u2019re looking at, the City Hatchback is now between RM2,930 to RM3,891.49 more expensive. The model that sees the biggest price hike is actually the V Sensing variant, followed closely by the range-topping RS hybrid trim.\n\n\nHonda City Hatchback\nCurrent Price (with SST\n)\nPrice (without SST\n)\nPrice difference\n1.5L S\nRM78,600\nRM75,670\n+RM2,930\n1.5L E\nRM86,600\nRM83,080\n+RM3,520\n1.5L V\nRM91,600\nRM87,860\n+RM3,740\n1.5L V Sensing\nRM95,600\nRM91,708.51\n+RM3,891.49\n1.5L RS\nRM109,800\nRM105,950.45\n+RM3,849.55\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the new prices you see in the table above are only for new bookings placed after 30 June 2022. If you placed your order earlier, you\u2019ll still be eligible for the tax-free prices; you just need to make sure your car is\u00a0\nregistered by 31 March 2023\n\u00a0next year.\n\n\nRegardless, if you\u2019re interested to get the Honda City Hatchback, you can place your booking online\u00a0\nhere\n. Alternatively, bookings can be done through the HondaTouch app as well \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-honda-civic-now-up-to-rm6-3k-more-expensive-existing-orders-unaffected/", "title": "2022 Honda Civic Now up to RM6.3k More Expensive \u2013 Existing Orders Unaffected", "body": "\n\nIt is now 1 July, which means we\u2019ll see the prices of cars go up quite a bit after the sales tax exemption period is over. The Honda Civic, for one, sees its price increase by up to \nRM6,300\n \u2013 that\u2019s quite a sizeable price hike.\n\n\nOf course, that amount is for the range-topping RS variant of the Civic, which now retails at RM150,700. Compared to its tax-free prices, it is exactly RM6,349.91 more costly. As for the other two variants, the C-segment sedan is RM5,065.36 and RM5,656.64 more expensive for the E and V models respectively.\n\n\nHonda Civic\nCurrent Price (with SST\n)\nPrice (without SST\n)\nPrice difference\n1.5L E\nRM130,700\nRM125,634.64\n+RM5,065.36\n1.5L V\nRM143,700\nRM138,043.36\n+RM5,656.64\n1.5L RS\nRM150,700\nRM144,350.09\n+RM6,349.91\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, existing Civic orders placed by 30 June yesterday are unaffected by the new prices you see in the table above, \nprovided\n your car is\u00a0\nregistered by 31 March 2023\n\u00a0next year as announced by the Malaysian government. If you fulfill these criteria, you can still enjoy the tax-free prices.\n\n\nInterested to get the 2022 Honda Civic? You can place your booking online\u00a0\nhere\n. Alternatively, bookings can be done through the HondaTouch app as well \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-continues-to-offer-up-to-rm4000-discount-for-july-2022/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Continues to Offer up to RM4,000 Discount for July 2022", "body": "\n\nWhile the sales tax exemption on car purchases is no longer valid, Honda Malaysia is maintaining its discount on several models. Just like last month, the Japanese carmaker is offering up to RM4,000 discount on its range of models, including the \npopular Honda City\n, Accord, and \nCR-V\n.\n\n\nNaturally,\u00a0the \nHonda Accord\n\u00a0gets the best discount. Both the range-topping TC-P and more affordable TC variants of the D-segment sedan receive a RM4,000 rebate. A tier down is the Honda City, which gets a RM2,000 discount for all variants of the B-segment sedan, including the range-topping \nRS e:HEV model\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext up is the \nHonda BR-V\n; this seven-seater gets a RM1,000 rebate. If you want an SUV instead, you can opt for the \nHonda CR-V\n, which is also offered with a RM1,000 discount. The HR-V is no longer a part of this promo, given that the carmaker is set to \nrelease the updated model on 14 July\n.\n\n\nDo note that these discounts are only applicable for vehicles registered between 1 to 31 July 2022. More information on the deal can be found\u00a0on \nHonda Malaysia\u2019s website\n. If you\u2019re interested to get any of these Honda models with the rebates, you can place your booking online\u00a0\nhere\n.\n\n\nAlternatively, bookings can be done through the HondaTouch app as well \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/buy-sonys-inzone-gaming-headsets-at-pavilion-bukit-jalil-get-up-to-rm100-steam-wallet/", "title": "Buy Sony\u2019s INZONE Gaming Headsets at Pavilion Bukit Jalil & Get up to RM100 Steam Wallet", "body": "\n\nSony\u2019s brand new \nINZONE gaming headsets\n are now available in Malaysia, and the Japanese company is running a rather interesting deal at Pavilion Bukit Jalil. By purchasing the headsets at the mall, you can get up to RM100 Steam Wallet.\n\n\nMore specifically, this deal on the INZONE gaming headsets is offered through Sony\u2019s booth at the Game On Expo in Pavilion Bukit Jalil. Every purchse of the INZONE H3 and H7, for example, will come with a RM50 Steam Wallet code. If you opt for the range-topping INZONE H9 instead \u2013 which is actually on pre-order \u2013 you\u2019ll get a RM100 Steam Wallet code.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the INZONE H9 retails at RM1,299, and it features all the bells and whistles, including active noise cancellation (ANC), wireless capability, and support for PS5\u2019s Tempest 3D AudioTech. As for the INZONE H7, it has largely the same features for RM1,099, though it doesn\u2019t have ANC. The most affordable INZONE H3, on the other hand, costs just RM439, though it is a wired headset.\n\n\nIf you want to get up to RM100 Steam Wallet code, head on to Sony\u2019s booth at the Game on Expo in Pavilion Bukit Jalil to purchase \u2013 and even try out \u2013 the new INZONE gaming headsets. Do note that this promo is only valid this weekend, so you only have until tomorrow (3 July) to enjoy the deal.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-inzone-h9-gaming-headset-coming-to-malaysia-early-august-2022-for-rm1299/", "title": "Sony INZONE H9 Gaming Headset Coming to Malaysia Early August 2022 for RM1,299", "body": "\n\nAt the local launch of the new \nSony INZONE gaming headsets\n, Sony Malaysia revealed the local availability of the range-topping INZONE H9. Set to be available here in early August next month, the new gaming headset will join the INZONE H7 and INZONE H3, which are already available for purchase locally.\n\n\nAs the highest-end model in the INZONE series, the H9 is naturally the most costly headset at RM1,299, though you do get some nice features for that kind of money. These include active noise cancellation, 360 Spatial Sound (only for PC), up to 32 hours of battery life, and of course, a boom microphone that can be flipped up to mute. The H9 also supports the PS5\u2019s Tempest 3D AudioTech.\n\n\n\n\nThe Sony INZONE H9\n\n\nFrom left: INZONE H3, INZONE H7, INZONE H9\n\n\nThe wireless dongle for the INZONE H7 and H9\n\n\n\n\nAs for the RM1,099 H7, it shares many of the H9\u2019s features, with the exception of active noise cancellation; this explains the RM200 price difference. However, it\u2019s worth noting that it offers up to 40 hours of battery life instead. That\u2019s eight more hours over the H9.\n\n\nLast but not least is the RM439 H3 wired headset. It is the most basic model, so it only supports 360 Spatial Sound and not the PS5\u2019s Tempest 3D AudioTech. Of course, you still get a boom microphone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to get any of the new Sony INZONE gaming headsets, why not purchase it from Sony\u2019s booth at the Game on Expo in Pavilion Bukit Jalil? Not only can you try them out in person there, you can also get up to \nRM100 Steam Wallet code\n. Do note that this promo is only valid this weekend, so you only have until tomorrow (3 July) to enjoy the deal.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spotify-finally-confirmed-for-aco-techs-atlas-coming-to-selected-proton-models-q3-2022/", "title": "Spotify Finally Confirmed For ACO Tech\u2019s ATLAS \u2013 Coming to Selected Proton Models Q3 2022", "body": "\n\nBack at the launch of \nACO Tech\u2019s ATLAS\n (ACO Tech Local Automotive Services) infotainment system early last month, the company mentioned of a global partnership with an audio streaming service. Well, ACO Tech finally revealed today that it\u2019s Spotify, and the service will be available on selected Proton models soon.\n\n\nTouted as an infotainment system made by Malaysians for Malaysians, ATLAS will be offered on a slew of Proton models, including the \nX50\n, \nIriz\n, \nPersona\n, and the new \n2022 Proton X70\n. Spotify is said to be added to selected Proton models sometime this quarter, so it should be available by September 2022.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBased on Android 10, ATLAS has a distinctively different \u2013 and more practical \u2013 user interface than Proton\u2019s GKUI system. It has customisable widgets on the home screen, offline navigation, and even voice command features that can differentiate between the driver\u2019s and front passenger\u2019s voices.\n\n\n\u201cI\u2019m incredibly proud of the steady progress the team has achieved in introducing the capabilities of a humanised connected lifestyle to a wider public in Malaysia through meaningful brand collaborations,\u201d said the CEO of ACO Tech, Li Pu.\n\n\n\u201cWorking together with Spotify is an important milestone for ACO Tech as the partnership not only helps us to stay competitive in the smart mobility industry, it is also instrumental in easing Malaysians into the possibilities of smart and connected car technologies,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpotify is set to be available on the ATLAS infotainment system sometime in Q3 2022 on selected Proton models. To learn more about ATLAS and other offerings by ACO Tech, you can head on to its website \nright here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-proton-x70-prices-up-by-rm7000-with-sst-now-from-rm99k-to-rm129k/", "title": "2022 Proton X70 Prices up by RM7,000 With SST \u2013 Now From RM99k to RM129k", "body": "\n\nLaunched just last month, the \n2022 Proton X70\n\u2018s prices have been revised to include sales tax. Naturally, prices are up across the range, with the highest-end 1.8L Premium model seeing the biggest price increase by RM7,000.\n\n\nWith this price revision, the new X70 now tops out at RM128,800 for the range-topping 1.8L Premium model, followed by the 1.5L version of the same trim at RM123,800 (RM5,900 increase). The 1.5L Executive models, on the other hand, are up by RM5,300 and RM5,500 for the 2WD and AWD options respectively.\n\n\nLast but not least is the most affordable 1.5L Standard X70, which is now going for RM98,800 (up by RM4,900).\n\n\nProton X70\nCurrent Price (with SST\n)\nPrice (without SST\n)\nPrice difference\n1.5L Standard\nRM98,800\nRM93,900\n+RM4,900\n1.5L Executive\nRM110,800\nRM105,500\n+RM5,300\n1.5L Executive (AWD)\nRM116,800\nRM111,300\n+RM5,500\n1.5L Premium\nRM123,800\nRM117,900\n+RM5,900\n1.8L Premium\nRM128,800\nRM121,800\n+RM7,000\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow, if you placed a booking for the X70 by 30 June last week, the new prices you see above will not affect your order. Of course, this is assuming your car is \nregistered by 31 March 2023\n\u00a0next year as announced by the Malaysian government. If you fulfill these criteria, you can still enjoy the tax-free prices.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to get the 2022 Proton X70, you can place your booking online\u00a0\nhere\n. Alternatively, bookings can also be done at Proton dealerships nationwide.\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-2-8-arrives-13-july-kazuha-klee-yoimiya-returns-diluc-gets-5-star-outfit/", "title": "Genshin Impact 2.8 Arrives 13 July \u2013 Kazuha, Klee, Yoimiya Returns, Diluc Gets 5-Star Outfit", "body": "\n\nGenshin Impact 2.8 will go live next week on 13 July, and we\u2019ll see the return of quite a number of 5-star characters. These include Kazuha, Klee, and even Yoimiya, who are getting their own rerun banners. On top of that, Diluc will also get an alternative outfit alongside Fischl.\n\n\nWhat makes Diluc\u2019s new outfit particularly interesting is the fact that it is the first 5-star outfit in Genshin Impact. Compared to other alternative outfits in the game \u2013 which are 4-star rarities \u2013 Diluc\u2019s \u201cRed Dead of Night\u201d outfit has its own unique idle animation and new effects.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the banners that will be featured in Version 2.8 of Genshin Impact, the first phase will consist of Kazuha\u2019s and Klee\u2019s rerun banners, which will also be joined by the new 4-star Anemo character Shikanoin Heizou. As for the second phase, Yoimiya is coming back with her own event wish.\n\n\nOther new content in Genshin Impact 2.8 include the return of the Golden Apple Archipelago island \u2013 completing the events in the new area will give players Fischl\u2019s new \u201cEin Immernachtstraum\u201d outfit \u2013 Kazuha\u2019s own story quest, and Heizou\u2019s Hangout event.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVersion 2.8 of Genshin Impact will go live on 13 July next week. To recap, Kazuha\u2019s and Klee\u2019s rerun banners (alongside Heizou) will be available first, followed by Yoimiya\u2019s event wish at a later date.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-sold-14787-cars-in-june-2022-best-sales-performance-of-the-year/", "title": "Proton Sold 14,787 Cars in June 2022; Best Sales Performance of the Year", "body": "\n\nProton moved a lot of vehicles in June 2022 last month. With over 14,787 units sold, it was the national carmaker\u2019s best sales month of the year. It also saw the most \nX50\n units delivered in a single month with 4,473 units registered.\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the X50 remains the best-selling B-segment SUV \nand\n the overall leader in the Malaysian SUV market. This year alone, 15,982 units of the X50 were delivered. As of March 2022, \nover 100,000 bookings of the SUV\n were received since orders opened in September 2020 \u2013 that\u2019s a very respectable figure.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut Proton\u2019s best-selling model last month is not the X50. Rather, it\u2019s the Proton Saga with 5,460 units sold, making it the best-selling A-segment sedan in June 2022. Of course, the X70 and Exora remain the best-selling models in their respective segments too with 2,696 and 513 units sold respectively.\n\n\nAnd then there are the Persona (1,224) and Iriz (421), which are placed third and fourth in their respective segments. In total, Proton sold 60,124 cars in 2022 so far with an estimated market share of 22.6%, putting it in second place in the automotive industry.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-12s-series-co-engineered-with-leica-official-exclusive-to-china/", "title": "Xiaomi 12S Series \u201cCo-Engineered With Leica\u201d Official \u2013 Exclusive to China", "body": "\n\nXiaomi\u2019s first-ever smartphones series with the Leica branding have just been announced. Enter the Xiaomi 12S series, which is made up of the standard 12S, 12S Pro, and the range-topping 12S Ultra. These phones are said to be \u201cco-engineered with Leica,\u201d and photography is one of their main selling points.\n\n\nUnfortunately, Xiaomi said that these three phones are only sold in China, though the company added that its collaboration with Leica could be seen in its other smartphone series for the international market. Nonetheless, the Xiaomi 12S series are certainly high-end devices; they\u2019re also powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi 12S Ultra\n\n\n\n\nIn the camera department, all Xiaomi 12S phones feature Leica\u2019s imaging profiles. Users have two photographic styles to choose from: Leica Authentic Look \u2013 it produces a natural imagery which Leica is known for \u2013 and Leica Vibrant Look that combines \u201cXiaomi\u2019s experience in smartphone photography with Leica\u2019s leading aesthetic,\u201d as the company puts it.\n\n\nHardware wise, the 12S Ultra features a Sony IMX 989 1-inch sensor for the primary camera, along with a 48MP (IMX 586) ultra-wide angle shooter and a 48MP (IMX 586) telephoto lens. As for the 12S and 12S Pro, they are equipped with Sony\u2019s IMX 707 sensor, though their full camera configurations were not detailed.\n\n\nOther specifications of the 12S Ultra include a 6.73-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate \u2013 the 12S Pro shares the same screen \u2013 and a 4,860mAh battery. The 12S Pro, on the other hand, has a slightly smaller 4,600mAh cell. The 12S, being a more compact phone, has a 4,500mAh battery instead along with a 6.28-inch 120Hz screen.\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi 12S Pro\n\n\nThe Xiaomi 12S\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Xiaomi 12S series is exclusive to the China market, so don\u2019t expect it to be available in other regions. That being said, Xiaomi did say it will release other phones with the Leica branding in markets outside of China in the future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-6-pro-unleashed-snapdragon-8-gen-1-18gb-ram-165hz-amoled-rm4999/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro Unleashed \u2013 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, 18GB RAM, 165Hz AMOLED, RM4,999", "body": "\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro is finally here, and it is easily the Taiwanese company\u2019s most impressive gaming phone yet. Not only is it powered by Qualcomm\u2019s latest Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, it also features a sleek new design \u2013 yes, it still has a display on the back panel.\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk prices. Only a single variant of the ROG Phone 6 Pro is offered in Malaysia, and it goes for a cool RM4,999 with a whopping 18GB RAM and 512GB storage. Unfortunately, it will only be available on our shores sometime in September 2022; the standard ROG Phone 6 will arrive here first.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the ROG Phone 6 Pro features a fast Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, and it even comes with an equally speedy \n165Hz \n6.78-inch 1080p AMOLED display. Thanks to the panel\u2019s 720Hz sampling rate, it also has a touch latency of only 23ms; perfect for avid mobile gamers.\n\n\nOther specifications of the ROG Phone 6 Pro include a triple camera system (50MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide + macro), a 12MP selfie camera, an ROG Vision coloured PMOLED display on the back panel, capacitive shoulder buttons, and a generous 6,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro is priced at RM4,999 in Malaysia, and it offers 18GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. It is set to be available here sometime in September 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-6-with-snapdragon-8-gen-1-165hz-amoled-display-arrives-in-malaysia-from-rm3599/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 6 With Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 & 165Hz AMOLED Display Arrives in Malaysia From RM3,599", "body": "\n\nAsus\u2019 latest lineup of gaming smartphones are here, and the standard Asus ROG Phone 6 here is the more affordable model. On top of that, it shares many of the Pro model\u2019s hardware as well, including a fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and 165Hz AMOLED screen.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, two variants of the ROG Phone 6 are available. The base model with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage costs RM3,599, while the 16GB + 512GB configuration goes for RM4,399. These prices are quite a bit lower than the Pro model, which is priced at RM4,999.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the ROG Phone 6 features the aforementioned Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and\n \na 6.78-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a blazing fast 165Hz refresh rate. This panel also has a high 720Hz sampling rate, giving it a touch latency of only 23ms.\n\n\nOther specifications of the ROG Phone 6 Pro include a triple camera system (50MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide + macro), a 12MP selfie camera, an illuminated ROG logo on the back panel, capacitive shoulder buttons, and a generous 6,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone 6 will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from 6 July tomorrow with a RM3,599 starting price. Early birds will get RM548 worth of freebies, including the new AeroActive Cooler 6 (worth RM349) and a one-year extended warranty (worth RM199).\n\n\nAccording to Asus Malaysia, the ROG Phone 6 is set to arrive in Malaysia sometime in August next month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-received-over-150000-bookings-in-1h-2022-34k-for-saga-11k-for-2022-x70/", "title": "Proton Received Over 150,000 Bookings in 1H 2022 \u2013 34k for Saga, 11k for 2022 X70", "body": "\n\nProton had an eventful first half of 2022. In the first six months of the year, the national carmaker received over 150,000 bookings. This is a very respectable figure, and it\u2019s likely further bolstered by buyers that want to take advantage of the sales tax exemption that ended last month.\n\n\nOut of the 150,000 bookings, 34,017 of them consist of the Proton Saga. It is consistently one of Proton\u2019s best-selling models, and last month alone, over 5,460 units of the sedan were sold. This makes it the best-selling A-segment sedan in June 2022.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, Proton also revealed the booking numbers of the 2022 Proton X70 MC, which was introduced just last month. This makes the 10,985 bookings for the updated C-segment SUV all the more impressive within such a short span of time.\n\n\n\u201cJune was a busy month for the automotive industry with most brands trying to produce as many cars as possible to satisfy market demand. The announcement that SST incentives would be removed on 1 July also created a surge in bookings as customers rushed to take advantage of the savings offered,\u201d said the deputy CEO of Proton, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n\n\u201cProton has received more than 150,000 bookings for the first six months of the year and when added to carry-over orders from 2021, we will need to work hard to deliver cars as quickly as possible to eager customers,\u201d he added.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50s-1-5l-tgdi-engine-will-power-2-more-upcoming-proton-models/", "title": "Proton X50\u2019s 1.5L TGDi Engine Will Power 2 More Upcoming Proton Models", "body": "\n\nWhile Proton revealed a while ago that it will introduce \u201cat least\u201d \nthree new models by 2024\n, details were light on these upcoming cars. Well, while we were visiting Proton Tanjung Malim\u2019s new assembly line for the \nX50\n\u2018s 1.5L TGDi engine, the national carmaker revealed that two new Proton models will use the very same mill.\n\n\nUnfortunately, Proton did not elaborate more, though we can make some educated guesses. One of the two Proton models that will get the 1.5L TGDi engine is likely the \nX90\n; the tentative name for the Geely Haoyue \u2013 or Okavango, as marketed in The Philippines \u2013 for the Malaysian market.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter all, the D-segment premium SUV\u00a0\nhas been spotted on Malaysian roads\n\u00a0many times now with\u00a0\nsome changes here and there\n. In The Philippines, the Okavango is actually available with a 1.5L three-cylinder turbo engine and a mild hybrid system that put out a combined figure of 190hp and 300Nm of torque, though it remains to be seen if the X90 will get the hybrid system too.\n\n\nThe other model that will get the 1.5L turbo engine could very well be the \u201cProton S50\u201d sedan, which is said to be a replacement for the Proton Preve. Believed to be based on the Geely Emgrand, this particular model has actually been spotted testing on Malaysian roads.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBased on Proton\u2019s presentation, we\u2019ll see the debut of these two models between 2023 to 2024. One other model not powered by the 1.5L TGDi engine is also expected to debut in the same timeframe, which is likely the \nSmart #1 EV\n. Proton Edar previous revealed the electric SUV will arrive here sometime next year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-6-series-hands-on-faster-sleeker-slightly-costlier/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 6 Series Hands-On: Faster, Sleeker, (Slightly) Costlier", "body": "\n\nAsus may not have a wide range of phones in the market now, but its line of ROG gaming phones have always been considered one of the best offerings in the market. Naturally, the same still applies to the new Asus ROG Phone 6 series, which is made up of the standard ROG Phone 6 and the ROG Phone 6 Pro.\n\n\nAs with every new successor in the series, the ROG Phone 6 phones offer a respectable spec bump with a more capable Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and a faster 165Hz AMOLED display. In the case of the ROG Phone 6 Pro, it also gets a sleeker, more premium design.\n\n\nOf course, these upgrades do come at a (slight) price increase, but if you want one of the most promising gaming phones of 2022, the ROG Phone 6 series is worth considering.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s get the prices of the phones out of the way first. The base model of ROG Phone 6 with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage costs RM3,599, while the 16GB + 512GB configuration goes for RM4,399. These prices are quite a bit lower than the Pro model, which is priced at RM4,999.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the ROG Phone 6 Pro costs quite a bit of money at RM4,999, though you do get a whopping 18GB RAM and 512GB of internal storage. Only one variant of the Pro model is offered on our shores, so unfortunately enough, you do have to pay a premium for the premium looks of the gaming phone.\n\n\n\n\nThe ROG Phone 6 Pro\n\n\nThe ROG Phone 6\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the standard model, the ROG Phone 6 Pro is actually not that different. The biggest difference \u2013 aside from the 18GB RAM \u2013 is just the back panel of the phone. Instead of a glossy finish, thee Pro model has a much nicer-looking frosted/matte back cover, which also feels great to the touch.\n\n\nThere\u2019s also the ROG Vision coloured PMOLED display on the back panel of the ROG Phone 6 Pro. It can be customised to show a wide range of animations for different scenarios. You can select certain animations for incoming calls, launching a game, or just charging your phone.\n\n\nIt is by no means a groundbreaking feature, though it is certainly a unique hardware of the ROG Phone 6 Pro.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn contrast to the Pro model, the regular ROG Phone 6 has an illuminated ROG logo on the back panel. It\u2019s not quite as flashy as the PMOLED screen of its Pro counterpart, though it does still give the gaming phone a nice aesthetic. Well, in my opinion, anyway.\n\n\nSo if you don\u2019t care for the frosted back panel or slightly more RAM of the Pro variant, the standard ROG Phone 6 will do just fine. After all, it has the \nexact same hardware\n as the Pro model, including the aforementioned Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and capacitive shoulder buttons.\n\n\nWhile I haven\u2019t had the chance to test out any intensive games on the ROG Phone 6, I reckon this processor will be able to keep up with any game I throw at it, including \nGenshin Impact\n. Suffice to say I can\u2019t wait to put the gaming phone through its paces once I received a review unit.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the ROG Phone 6 series\u2019 fast 6.78-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a blazing fast 165Hz refresh rate. This panel also has a high 720Hz sampling rate, giving it a touch latency of only 23ms. As far as I can tell, the phone certainly feels very responsive.\n\n\nThis being an AMOLED panel, it also offers bright, vibrant colours; perfect for gaming and content consumption. While it would\u2019ve been great if the ROG Phone 6 phones had a higher resolution display, the 1080p screen still looks good enough to my eyes.\n\n\nThere\u2019s also an advantage to using a 1080p panel: the ROG Phone 6 should still be able to offer above average battery life. Packed with a generous 6,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging, I\u2019m confident this will be a long-lasting phone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the camera performance of the ROG Phone 6, which is\u2026decent? It features a triple camera system made up of a 50MP primary sensor, a 13MP ultra-wide angle lens, and a macro shooter, along with a 12MP selfie camera.\n\n\nYes, the ROG Phone 6 phones don\u2019t have the most sophisticated camera system, and the image quality leaves much to be desired from both the 50MP main sensor and 13MP ultra-wide angle camera. But considering the fact that these are gaming-centric phones, it\u2019s no surprise that the camera performance is not particularly\u2026impressive.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, the Asus ROG Phone 6 and ROG Phone 6 Pro are extremely promising gaming smartphones. Granted, they are quite a bit more expensive than their predecessors, but the price difference is actually not that big. Take the regular ROG Phone 6: even though it starts at RM3,599 now, you\u2019re getting 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM.\n\n\nIn comparison, the ROG Phone 5s\u2019 base model is priced at RM2,999, but it only offered 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. A more proper comparison would be the 16GB + 256GB configuration of the ROG Phone 5s for RM3,799, so in retrospect, the RM3,599 starting price of the ROG Phone 6\u2026is not that bad.\n\n\nHow about the ROG Phone 6 Pro? Well, the ROG Phone 5s Pro with the same RAM and storage capacities (18GB + 512GB) also has the \nexact same price tag\n of RM4,999.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes, the starting price of the ROG Phone 6 series is still higher now, but you \nare\n getting your money\u2019s worth, in my opinion. While I can\u2019t say for sure it\u2019s worth getting yet \u2013 only a full review can shed some light on this \u2013 I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on the two gaming phones.\n\n\nThat is, once they are available here in Malaysia. The ROG Phone 6 will only arrive here sometime in August, while the Pro model will land on our shores in September.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/7-13-july-fuel-price-ron-97-finally-down-4-sen-now-rm4-80-per-litre/", "title": "7 \u2013 13 July Fuel Price: RON 97 Finally Down 4 Sen \u2013 Now RM4.80 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAfter going up in price week after week, the price of RON 97 is finally going down by 4 sen! Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are all maintained, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nFor the next seven days, the price of RON 97 is set at RM4.80 per litre (down from RM4.84). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 7 to 13 July 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-recorded-a-whopping-25100-bookings-on-the-last-day-of-sst-exemption/", "title": "Perodua Recorded a Whopping 25,100 Bookings on the Last Day of SST Exemption", "body": "\n\nPerodua just revealed its sales data for the first half of 2022, and there are some interesting details to go through. On the very last day of SST exemption (30 June), for one, the national carmaker received \na\n \nwhopping 25,100 bookings\n in a single day.\n\n\nThe carmaker did not give a model breakdown of the bookings made on that day, though there\u2019s no denying that this is a very, very impressive figure. Evidently, Malaysians want to secure the tax-free prices \u2013 as long as the car is \nregistered by 31 March 2023\n \u2013 with Perodua before SST is applicable again from 1 July onwards.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cThere was a significant rush in vehicle booking especially when the government extended the registration period to 31 March 2023 and we thank Malaysians for choosing Perodua as their brand of choice,\u201d said the CEO and president of Perodua, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\n\n\n\u201cSpeaking of the sales tax exemption; on the last day of the initiative, Perodua saw the highest single booking day on 30 June 2022 with 25,100 vehicles orders taken. This is unprecedented and a testament to the growth potential of Malaysia\u2019s automotive industry given the right incentive,\u201d he added.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-sold-127343-cars-in-1h-2022-maintains-247800-annual-sales-target/", "title": "Perodua Sold 127,343 Cars in 1H 2022 \u2013 Maintains 247,800 Annual Sales Target", "body": "\n\nPerodua has consistently stayed at the top of the Malaysian automotive industry in terms of sales volume, and this remains true for 2022. In the first half of the year, the carmaker recorded over 127,343 sales; that\u2019s already slightly more than half of Perodua\u2019s sales target for the year.\n\n\nAmong the 127,343 sales, the popular Perodua Myvi continues to lead with over 38,039 units delivered between January to June 2022. This is followed by the Axia (29,183 units sold), with the Bezza not far behind at 28,719 units registered this year.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the same period in 2021, where Perodua sold 97,290 units, the national carmaker\u2019s 1H 2022 sales performance is a notable 30% improvement. Perodua attributes this to the \u201cstrong demand for vehicles in the first half of 2022 due to the sales tax exemption deadline.\u201d\n\n\nMoving forward, Perodua is maintaining its 2022 sales target of 247,800 units despite issues such as skilled labour and parts shortage. \u201cWe sincerely apologise for the long wait and are doing everything in our power to further improve production for the benefit of our customers,\u201d said the CEO and president of Perodua, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-unveils-new-1-5l-tgdi-engine-plant-at-tanjung-malim-first-outside-of-china/", "title": "Proton Unveils New 1.5L TGDi Engine Plant at Tanjung Malim \u2013 First Outside of China", "body": "\n\nProton officially unveiled its brand new assembly line for the carmaker\u2019s 1.5L TGDi engine \u2013 found in the \nX50\n and \nX70 MC\n \u2013 at Tanjung Malim, Perak. This is the first time the engine is assembled outside of China, and it is said to be one of the most advanced automotive engine assembly lines in Malaysia.\n\n\nCovering an area of 18,000 sqm, the new plant has a maximum capacity of 180,000 engines when running on three shifts. It actually started operating back in April this year, and the assembly line itself is a part of Proton\u2019s huge RM1.8 billion investment to upgrade its facilities at Tanjung Malim.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, Proton also mentioned that the locally assembled 1.5L TGDi engine uses 72 parts supplied by 19 Malaysian (and four ASEAN) vendors. Workers operating the assembly line have undergone extensive training with Geely and the suppliers of the machines used too, which include ABB, COMAU, FEV China, FEV India, WiBeda, and Hangxin.\n\n\n\u201cQuality is the main priority at our new engine assembly line. We know we need to show Malaysians that Proton is capable of building reliable high-quality products, so we have left nothing to chance,\u201d said the deputy CEO of Proton, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n\n\u201cAside from the quality monitoring measures deployed on the assembly line, we also work closely with our counterparts at Geely to troubleshoot issues and share best practices in our efforts to produce a world-class engine,\u201d he added.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/rugged-amazfit-t-rex-2-smartwatch-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm799/", "title": "Rugged Amazfit T-Rex 2 Smartwatch Lands in Malaysia for RM799", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for a rugged smartwatch to complement your active lifestyle, then the Amazfit T-Rex 2 could just be for you. With support for over 150 different sports modes, a durable design, and up to 24 days of battery life in normal use, the T-Rex 2 is reasonably affordable too.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the T-Rex 2 is priced at RM799. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a bright and vibrant 1.39-inch 454 x 454 circular AMOLED display, a durable polymer alloy body, the ability to track heart rate and blood oxygen level, as well as a 10 ATM water resistance rating.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the T-Rex 2 supports 150 sports modes too, including a Triathlon mode and Track Run mode to record your laps. It can also automatically track eight types of exercises, including outdoor running, swimming, treadmill, and even the elliptical machine. It has also passed 15 military-grade tests, so you know it\u2019s a durable smartwatch.\n\n\nThe Amazfit T-Rex 2 is now available for purchase in Malaysia through \nAmazfit\u2019s official Shopee store\n. Those who placed their orders by 8 July tomorrow will also receive an Amazfit-branded water bottle.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/macbook-air-m2-goes-on-sale-in-malaysia-tomorrow-on-8-july/", "title": "MacBook Air (M2) Goes on Sale in Malaysia Tomorrow on 8 July", "body": "\n\nLaunched globally exactly a month ago, the M2-powered MacBook Air will be available for purchase in Malaysia tomorrow! Orders of the sleek new MacBook will be open on 8 July through \nApple\u2019s Malaysian online store\n at 8PM, so mark your calendars.\n\n\nGiven its premium appeal, the updated MacBook Air does not come cheap. For our market, the base model starts at RM5,499, and it features an M2 chip with an 8-core CPU and GPU, 8GB of unified memory, as well as a 256GB SSD. A tier up is the RM6,699 model, which offers a faster 10-core GPU and a 512GB SSD.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the all-new MacBook Air retains its thin and light design. With a 11.3mm thin chassis, this is without a doubt a portable laptop. But how much does it weigh? Well, it tips the scales at only 1.2kg \u2013 this is a very much a lightweight laptop.\n\n\nAside from its portable nature, the new MacBook Air also gets a larger 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display \u2013 complete with a notch \u2013 a very respectable battery life of up to 18 hours, as well as up to 24GB of memory and 2TB SSD storage. Oh, the MagSafe charger makes a return too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe MacBook Air 2022 will be available for purchase on \nApple\u2019s online store\n on 8 July tomorrow at 8PM. If this MacBook doesn\u2019t quite fit your budget, you can always opt for the more affordable M1 model. Yes, it will continue to be sold alongside the newer M2 Air.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/god-of-war-ragnarok-arrives-9-november-2022-pre-orders-open-15-july-from-rm249/", "title": "God of War Ragnarok Arrives 9 November 2022 \u2013 Pre-Orders Open 15 July From RM249", "body": "\n\nDespite rumours of a delay, God of War Ragnarok finally gets a release date, and it\u2019s still coming this year. Set to be available on 9 November, the latest entry in the God of War franchise will be playable on both the PS5 and PS4.\n\n\nRagnarok takes place a few years after the events of the 2018 God of War. Kratos\u2019 son, Atreus, is now a teenager, and he \u201cwants to understand who he is more than anything,\u201d as the developer puts it. After all, the big revelation of the previous game is the fact that he is \u2013 spoiler alert \u2013 the infamous Loki in Norse mythology.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, Kratos and Atreus will also face off against the legendary Aesir god Thor in Ragnarok, along with Freya from the previous game. Naturally, Ragnarok will introduce a number of new enemies and abilities as well. Kratos will have new attacks and weapons, while Atreus seems to have gained a new Runic Summon.\n\n\nPre-orders of Ragnarok will begin next week on 15 July. The Standard Edition for the PS4 costs RM249, while the PS5 version goes for RM299. There\u2019s also a Digital Deluxe Edition for RM339, which includes both the PS4 and PS5 version, Dark Horse digital mini artbook, an avatar set, a PS4 theme, a digital soundtrack, and in-game cosmetic items.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want something more\u2026decadent, there\u2019s the RM839 Collector\u2019s Edition of Ragnarok, which comes with a 16-inch Mjolnir replica. Feeling extra fancy? Then there\u2019s the RM1,099 Jotnar Edition. It\u2019s similar to the Collector\u2019s Edition, but it includes extra items, such as a Legendary Draupnir Ring and a Yggdrasil Cloth Map. Both of these bundles include the PS5 and PS4 versions of the game.\n\n\nPhysical pre-orders of God of War Ragnarok from certain stores will also come with one of three freebies: a Leviathan Axe 3D Keychain, a printed enamel mug, or a Thor Hammer Pen/Stand. The list of participating stores will be revealed on 13 July.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/diablo-immortal-now-live-in-asia-pacific-including-malaysia/", "title": "Diablo Immortal Now Live in Asia-Pacific, Including Malaysia", "body": "\n\nAfter a slight delay, Diablo Immortal is now live in the Asia-Pacific region, including Malaysia. The delay was necessary for optimisations to be done \u2013 which included bug fixes and performance improvements \u2013 and based on our brief time with the game, it does run quite well on mobile and PC.\n\n\nAside from Malaysia, Diablo Immortal is also available in several Asia-Pacific markets today. These include Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, The Philippines, Taiwan, Macau, and Hong Kong. Interestingly, the game can also be played in Vietnam now, but only on PC; there\u2019s no mobile version for the country.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBlizzard is also enabling cross-play and cross-progression between the PC and mobile versions of Diablo Immortal. It\u2019s worth noting that the PC version is currently in open beta, which will see changes and fine-tuning to the game until it \u201cdelivers a finalised experience,\u201d as Blizzards puts it.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to check out Diablo Immortal, you can download the game right now through the \nApple App Store\n and the \nGoogle Play Store\n. If you want to play it on PC instead, you can do so on Blizzard\u2019s \nBattle.net launcher\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-honda-hr-v-more-than-12-months-waiting-period/", "title": "2022 Honda HR-V \u2013 More Than 12 Months Waiting Period", "body": "\n\nWell, this is quite the news. Bookings for the 2022 Honda HR-V opened just last month on 9 June, and it looks to be a highly anticipated B-segment SUV. Apparently, waiting period for the new HR-V now stands at \nmore than 12 months\n.\n\n\nThis long waiting period for the new HR-V is detailed in a Honda Malaysia internal memo sighted by the folks over at \nPaultan.org\n. The memo informed dealers to \u201cavoid any overpromise and ensure customers receive constant updates on their new vehicle delivery timing.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the 12-month waiting period may not apply to those who have placed a booking for the HR-V earlier, though this is only an educated guess on our part. Chances are, many buyers are eager to get the SUV before the resumption of sales tax on 1 July.\n\n\nWith that in mind, it\u2019s also entirely possible that buyers who placed a booking by 30 June may not get the 2022 HR-V with tax-free prices. As announced by the government, all cars booked by that date \nhave to be registered by 31 March 2023\n to enjoy sales tax exemption; that\u2019s only six months away.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, we\u2019ll just have to wait for official confirmation from Honda Malaysia. If you\u2019re just thinking of placing a booking for the 2022 Honda HR-V, it\u2019s likely you\u2019ll have to wait over a year to take delivery of the SUV.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/moondrop-aria-snow-edition-review-a-cool-take-on-a-crowd-favourite/", "title": "Moondrop Aria Snow Edition Review: A Cool Take on a Crowd-Favourite", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPractically everyone in the ChiFi scene have heard of Moondrop. Having released a wide range of earphones at different price points, the company has amassed something of a cult following. This may or may not have something to do with the anime girls (or \u201cwaifus\u201d) often flaunted on the packaging of Moondrop\u2019s products.\n\n\nAmong Moondrop\u2019s many well-received IEMs, the Aria 2021 is arguably the most popular. Priced at a mere $80 (about RM355), the Aria 2021 has been revered as a well-tuned, affordable IEM. As often as the term \u201cexcellent value for money\u201d has been thrown around \u2013 especially in the budget ChiFi scene \u2013 it\u2019s no denying that the Aria\u2019s sheer value proposition is one of its best qualities.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn a bid to capitalise on the popularity of the Aria, Moondrop released the Aria Snow Edition, which is also priced at $80. This is actually not the first time the company released a different version of the acclaimed Aria. Earlier this year, there was the Aria Elven Maiden Edition themed after vocaloid Hatsune Miku.\n\n\nBut unlike that version of the Aria, the Aria Snow Edition is more than just a reskin of the original. The latter features a different driver, a different tuning, and of course, a different-looking \u2013 and arguably sleeker \u2013 shell.\n\n\nSo the question is: can the Aria Snow Edition repeat the success of the esteemed Aria 2021?\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nRight off the bat, the Aria Snow Edition distinguishes itself from the original with a new packaging, and in true Moondrop fashion, it features a new anime girl. The layout and contents of the Aria Snow\u2019s packaging are similar to that of the Aria 2021, just finished in a snow white theme. That means you still get the round case and three pairs of silicone tips.\n\n\nHowever, there are a couple of new features with the Aria Snow Edition, including a 6N oxygen-free copper silver-plated cable, which complements the white theme of the IEM very well. There\u2019s also the welcome addition of Moondrop\u2019s own Spring Tips.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Aria Snow Edition also comes with a different driver, specifically a \u201cdiamond-like diaphragm\u201d dynamic driver found in Moondrop\u2019s higher-end Kanas Pro IEM. This also means the tuning of the Aria Snow will differ from the regular Aria, and it\u2019s not as simple as having the Kanas Pro\u2019s sound signature in the shell of an Aria.\n\n\nHow Does It Sound?\n\n\nThe tonality of the Aria Snow Edition, compared to the standard Aria, is neither an improvement nor a setback. There is, however, a reduction in mid-bass and lower-treble, which might not be everyone\u2019s cup of tea.\n\n\nTuning wise, the Aria Snow Edition is in line with Moondrop\u2019s own Harman-esque curve \u2013 the VDSF target response. They\u2019re evidently balanced and neutral-sounding with a laid-back tonality, though I wouldn\u2019t necessarily call it boring.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile I\u2019d love to compare the relaxed listening experience of the Aria Snow Edition to being out on a cold winter\u2019s day just to achieve the \u201csnow\u201d metaphor, the IEM doesn\u2019t exactly sound that\u2026frosty. The experience is more akin to being in a field of hyacinths on a chilly autumn day.\n\n\nSpeaking of seasons, let\u2019s talk about the Spring Tips now.\n\n\nWhile it\u2019s great that Spring Tips are included with the Aria Snow Edition, they might not actually be the best choice sonically. They seem to have a tendency to tone down both ends of the frequency spectrum, causing the Aria Snow to sound less dynamic than it should be. It\u2019s quite a shame as the Spring Tips do fit securely and comfortably in my ears, though the normal silicone tips do get the job done as well.\n\n\n\n\nThe Spring Tips\n\n\nThe regular silicone tips\n\n\n\n\nThe following impressions of the Aria Snow Edition were carried out with the standard silicone tips as I personally prefer how they sound over the Spring Tips. That being said, the latter tips are still worth trying if they fit both your ears and your sonic preferences.\n\n\nBass\n\n\nThe bass of the Aria Snow Edition is clean and quite detailed. Sub-bass is rolled-off, but the slight bump in mid-bass does make up for this. It\u2019s not a boomy mid-bass; far from it, though there is a certain tightness and control to the bass that make it \nstrangely\n addictive.\n\n\nSeconds into a track like Billie Eilish\u2019s Bad Guy, for example, and I find myself tapping my foot to the beat. The speed of the bass and the solid reverberations make up a combination that\u2019s just\u2026again, addictive.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMids\n\n\nThe mid-range of the Aria Snow Edition is pushed forward and stands out from the frequency range, though it still maintains a comfortable distance within the soundstage. Male vocals are presented smoothly, but could do with a bit more body. Glimpse of Us by Joji, for instance, has a tendency to sound a bit thin and unnatural.\n\n\nFemale vocals, on the other hand, have a tint of warmth and an accompanying weight that\u2019s \njust right\n to my ears. But the slight dip in the lower treble region does affect the breathiness of female vocals, and I find myself yearning for a bit more air.\n\n\nFor example, the lower frequency of the guitars on Solar Power by Lorde are incredibly organic, but Lorde\u2019s raspy vocals seem a bit too constrained here.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHighs\n\n\nThe neutrality presented from the Aria Snow Edition can also be a double-edged sword to some as the treble on certain tracks can sound a bit dry. As I\u2019ve mentioned in the previous section, there\u2019s a lack of air and even sparkle due to a dip at the 10kHz region.\n\n\nThis also means that the Aria Snow lacks quite a bit of detail and clarity in the upper treble region, but the more blunt presentation may be a blessing to those who are treble-sensitive \u2013 maybe.\n\n\nSoundstage\n\n\nThe width of the Aria Snow Edition\u2019s soundstage is just a tad wider than what your average dynamic driver is able to resolve. That being said, it can actually produce a surprising amount of vertical depth when I paired it with my Grace Design M9XX DAC/Amp.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInstrument separation is exceptional too, and positioning instruments around the stage is a breeze for the Aria Snow. On an orchestral track like The Scavenger by John Williams, I can hear the placement of the flutes in the back and the horns to the right. Unfortunately, clarity and detail do exponentially decline when the track swells in the second half.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIn a vacuum, the Moondrop Aria Snow Edition is worth every penny. \nAt only $80 \u2013 well, $79.99 \u2013 on HiFiGo\n, it\u2019s one of the easiest IEMs to recommend in the sub-$100 price range. Not only are you getting a solid, aesthetically-pleasing metal shell, the Aria Snow also offers a relaxed and natural-sounding tonality.\n\n\nIt\u2019s not a detail monster or a basshead\u2019s best friend, and there\u2019s also the matter of which tips to use as I personally prefer the standard silicone tips over the decidedly more expensive Spring Tips, though your mileage may vary. Regardless, the Aria Snow is an IEM that belongs among the single dynamic driver greats.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI wouldn\u2019t say it\u2019s an upgrade over the Aria 2021. Rather, the Aria Snow Edition is more of a\u2026side-grade. If you want an IEM that is a little more dynamic, then the standard Aria is the way to go. But if you\u2019re looking for a more relaxed, mid-centric tuning, then the Aria Snow is the one for you.\n\n\nIt can be tough to pick between the two IEMs, but it\u2019s an easier decision if you have a preference for which \u201cwaifu\u201d you like more on their respective packaging boxes.\n\n\nLi Jin Soh contributed to this review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/pre-order-the-ps5-from-sony-centre-mid-valley-until-11-july-2022/", "title": "Pre-Order the PS5 From Sony Centre Mid Valley Until 11 July 2022", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been quite some time since the PS5 was launched in Malaysia\n, but it\u2019s still a challenge to get a unit of the highly sought-after next-gen console. If you\u2019re feeling lucky, good news: Sony Centre Mid Valley is accepting pre-orders of the PS5 yet again.\n\n\nWell, sort of. In order to be in the running for a \nchance\n to pre-order the PS5, you\u2019ll have to \nfill up this Google Form\n. If you\u2019re fortunate enough to be selected, you will be contacted on 12 July to finalise your pre-order of the next-gen console.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo note that you only have until 11 July at 2PM next week to register your interest for the PS5 pre-order. This isn\u2019t a first-come, first-served sale either; filling up the form just means you\u2019re in the running to be chosen to pre-order the PS5.\n\n\nWhile it wasn\u2019t mentioned, it\u2019s likely that stocks are very limited, so don\u2019t be disheartened if you\u2019re not chosen to pre-order the PS5. If you want a better chance of securing a unit, we recommend checking in with your favourite game shop to get into the waiting list \u2013 if the store has one.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-2022-honda-hr-v-rs-heading-to-showrooms-ahead-of-14-july-launch/", "title": "Spy Shot: 2022 Honda HR-V RS Heading to Showrooms Ahead of 14 July Launch!", "body": "\n\nThe 2022 Honda HR-V will make its Malaysian debut next week on 14 July. Ahead of its local launch, it looks like the B-segment SUV is heading to showrooms, as these spy shots show.\n\n\nThese images came from \nPaultan.org\n, which show the range-topping RS trim of the new HR-V in all its glory. This hybrid variant is sporting the SUV\u2019s signature red paint job, which should be dubbed Ignite Red Metallic. Yes, the same colour option offered on other Honda models.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLooking back at the \nteaser shared by Honda Malaysia\n, the RS trim of the new HR-V comes with a 1.5L i-MMD e:HEV powertrain; it is touted as the \u201cmost advanced\u201d engine in the B-segment market. On top of that, it will also get the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance safety systems and sequential turn signals.\n\n\nAside from that, there are numerous reports that the new generation HR-V will also be offered with a 1.5L turbocharged VTEC engine \nand\n a naturally-aspirated mill. This will certainly make the B-segment SUV more appealing to customers that don\u2019t fancy the hybrid powertrain. Of course, there\u2019s the much more modern styling of the SUV as well to capture buyers\u2019 attention.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Honda HR-V is now open for booking in Malaysia, though you\u2019re looking at \nmore than 12 months of wait\n at the moment. Naturally, the local pricing of the B-segment SUV has not been revealed yet either; we\u2019ll find out for ourselves once the new HR-V is launched here on 14 July next week.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-teases-3-new-characters-from-sumeru-tighnari-collei-dori/", "title": "Genshin Impact Teases 3 New Characters From Sumeru \u2013 Tighnari, Collei, Dori", "body": "\n\nHoyoverse dropped quite a bit of new details on \nGenshin Impact\n. Not only do we get \na look at the members of the Fatui Harbingers\n, the developer also revealed three new characters that are (presumably) coming to the game. These include Tighnari, Collei, and Dori; all of them hail from the new region, Sumeru.\n\n\nChances are, these three characters will be playable in Version 3.0 of Genshin Impact, which will see the introduction of the Sumeru region and the final element in the game, Dendro. In fact, Tighnari and Collei wield the new element, while Dori is an Electro character.\n\n\n\n\nFrom left: Tighnari, Dori, Collei\n\n\n\n\nGiven that Hoyoverse is teasing Sumeru characters now, it\u2019s highly likely the next version update of Genshin Impact will be Version 3.0. After all, the characters the developer tease are always released in the following update, just like \nHeizou\n, \nYelan, and Kuki Shinobu\n.\n\n\nOf course, things could change in the following months, though we\u2019re pretty confident Genshin Impact 3.0 will be coming right after Version 2.8 update. Speaking of which, that update \nwill go live tomorrow\n, along with Kazuha\u2019s and Klee\u2019s rerun banners; Heizou is also featured in the two event wishes.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-kazuha-klee-rerun-banners-arrive-13-july-with-heizou-thoma-ningguang/", "title": "Genshin Impact Kazuha & Klee Rerun Banners Arrive 13 July With Heizou, Thoma, Ningguang", "body": "\n\nKazuha\u2019s and Klee\u2019s rerun banners have been revealed for \nGenshin Impact\n. Set to arrive tomorrow on 13 July, the event wish for these two 5-star characters will be accompanied by Thoma, Ningguang, and the new 4-star Anemo character, Heizou.\n\n\nIn line with \nprevious Genshin Impact\n \ndouble banners\n, Kazuha and Klee both share the same roster of 4-star characters despite the fact that they\u2019re featured in separate event wishes. Of course, pity is also shared between the two banners, and the wish guarantee count\u00a0\nwill\n\u00a0carry over to future character banners too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSimilar to Genshin Impact\u2019s\u00a0\nprior character\n\u00a0\nevent wishes\n, the \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Kazuha, Klee, Heizou, Thoma, and Ningguang will be increased. In the case of Kazuha and Klee, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be either of them, depending on which banner you\u2019re wishing. If you got a different character, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be them.\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s pity system for character banners ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character every 90 wishes, you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Kazuha or Klee. The same rule applies to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Heizou, Thoma, or Ningguang. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will likely have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKazuha\u2019s \u201cLeaves in the Wind\u201d and Klee\u2019s \u201cSparkling Steps\u201d event wishes will be available in Genshin Impact on 13 July tomorrow, right after the \nVersion 2.8 update\n goes live. Their banners will be offered until 2 August; Yoimiya\u2019s rerun banner will follow suit then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-nova-y90-landing-in-malaysia-15-july-for-rm999-snapdragon-680-5000mah-battery/", "title": "Huawei Nova Y90 Landing in Malaysia 15 July for RM999 \u2013 Snapdragon 680, 5,000mAh Battery", "body": "\n\nHuawei is set to launch an affordable phone in Malaysia later this week. Set to arrive on 15 July this Friday, the Huawei Nova Y90 sports a large 5,000mAh battery with support for 40W fast charging, all packed into a rather sleek-looking chassis with a high 94% screen-to-body ratio.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Nova Y90 is available in Malaysia. Priced at RM999, it features 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. It\u2019s also offered in three distinct colours: Blue, Green, and Midnight Black.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardware wise, the Nova Y90 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680, which should be fast enough for everyday use. Other specifications of the Y90 include a 6.7-inch 1080p LCD display, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), an 8MP selfie camera, and the aforementioned 5,000mAh battery with 40W fast charging.\n\n\nThe Huawei Nova Y90 will be available for purchase in Malaysia this Friday on 15 July. \nHuawei Malaysia\u2019s online store\n will have the phone up for sale then, and early birds will even get RM200 worth of freebies.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-cetra-true-wireless-review-low-latency-earbuds-with-good-hybrid-anc-for-rm515/", "title": "Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless Review: Low Latency Earbuds With Good Hybrid ANC for RM515", "body": "\n\nOne of the biggest shortcomings of wireless earbuds \u2013 especially for mobile gamers \u2013 is high latency, creating a disconnect between what\u2019s on the screen and the actual audio. If you\u2019re looking for wireless earbuds that can solve this issue, consider the Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless.\n\n\nLaunched in Malaysia just earlier this month, the Cetra is said to offer low latency for the best gaming experience. Throughout my time with the wireless earbuds, they do deliver on this promise, and the Cetra has decent hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) as well.\n\n\nOf course, it still has some shortcomings here and there, and I\u2019ll get to that in this review of the ROG Cetra.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless, like with other ROG-branded products, is catered to gamers; more specifically, mobile gamers. This being a pair of gaming-centric earbuds, its low latency is certainly one of the Cetra\u2019s most important features; the hybrid ANC is more of a cherry on top.\n\n\nAside from ANC and low latency, the Cetra is said to return up to 5.5 hours of use on a single charge. Paired with the charging case, it has a total battery life of 27 hours. It also has an IPX4 rating, so while it\u2019s not exactly water-resistant, it can survive some water splashes.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Cetra is priced at RM515; a reasonably good price tag for a pair of wireless earbuds with ANC, hybrid or not.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nNaturally, the best selling point of the ROG Cetra is its low latency in Gaming mode, which can be activated in the Armory Crate app; it can also be switched on by tapping and holding the left earbud\u2019s touch sensor. With the feature activated, Asus said the Cetra\u2019s latency \u201cnearly matches that of wired earphones.\u201d\n\n\nNeedless to say, this is quite a bold claim, and it\u2019s a claim the Cetra actually delivers on! While the latency isn\u2019t great out of the box, activating Gaming mode does improve the latency quite a bit. While I wouldn\u2019t say the latency is as good as wired earphones, I do have to say the Cetra got close \u2013 really close.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the hybrid ANC of the ROG Cetra, it\u2019s not bad. It can eliminate low frequency rumbles relatively well, but it can\u2019t quite cancel out human voices. But hey, at this price point, I\u2019d say the Cetra has above average ANC performance. It would be unrealistic to expect, say, the same level of ANC as the \nSony WF-1000XM4\n.\n\n\nAnd then we have the audio quality of the Cetra, which is good enough for most folks. The mid-bass, for one, is strong and sufficient, even if it\u2019s not particularly \u201ctight.\u201d Generally, these earbuds have a dark, warm sound signature, and unless you\u2019re an audiophile, you\u2019ll find the Cetra\u2019s audio quality to be just fine.\n\n\nLast but not least is the design of the ROG Cetra. Even though it has the typical \u201cgamer aesthetic,\u201d I do think it looks quite sleek. I also like the fact that the charging case has some neat lighting effects, especially the pixelated ROG logo on the inside of the case.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nCompared to other wireless earbuds in the market now, the battery life of the ROG Cetra True Wireless leaves much to be desired. Granted, I did manage to get Asus\u2019 quoted battery life of 4.8 hours with ANC activated (5.5 hours with ANC off), but these figures are not exactly impressive.\n\n\nAside from that, I\u2019m also not a fan of the Cetra\u2019s silicone tips. They don\u2019t feel as robust as they should be, and the seal isn\u2019t very secure either. Yes, I\u2019ve tried all of the tips that were provided with the earbuds. I did eventually manage to get the Cetra to sit securely in my ears, but not without some fiddling around.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMy last gripe with the Cetra is the lack of better water resistance. Its IPX4 rating does protect it from some water splashes, but if it had more robust water protection, it would\u2019ve been a better all-rounder.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nFor RM515, I would say the Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless is worth it. It does deliver low latency as promised, not to mention serviceable ANC performance, a bassy sound signature, and sleek looks (in my opinion). You can do a lot worse than these earbuds at this price point.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes, the Cetra\u2019s battery life and silicone tips could be better, but these shortcomings may not matter to some folks. For the latter, it\u2019s easily addressed with third-party silicone tips, though it would\u2019ve been ideal if the earbuds came with better tips in the first place.\n\n\nNonetheless, RM515 for the ROG Cetra is a good buy; even more so if you can get it \nat a lower price\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nothing-phone-1-official-with-transparent-design-coming-to-malaysia-from-rm2399/", "title": "Nothing Phone 1 Official With Transparent Design \u2013 Coming to Malaysia From RM2,399", "body": "\n\nAfter much hype and buzz, the Nothing Phone 1 is finally unveiled, and it\u2019s just as the leaks have indicated. There\u2019s the transparent, see-through back design, a \nQualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ chipset\n, and a unique LED notification system. There is one surprise though: it\u2019s confirmed for the Malaysian market.\n\n\nOn \nNothing Phone 1\u2019s pre-order page for Malaysia\n, three variants of the phone are listed, though the 8GB + 128GB configuration does not have any pricing. Instead, the 8GB + 256GB model is the most affordable model with a RM2,399 price tag. If you need more RAM, there\u2019s the 12GB + 256GB variant for RM2,699.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Nothing Phone 1 features the aforementioned Snapdragon 778G+ chipset with 5G connectivity, which should be more than capable to provide a fast, zippy user experience. This is complemented by the phone\u2019s equally speedy 6.55-inch 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Nothing Phone 1 include a dual camera system (50MP primary + 50MP ultra-wide angle), a 16MP selfie camera, an IP53 rating, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a reasonably big 4,500mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on exactly when the Nothing Phone 1 will be available for pre-order in Malaysia. But given that the \npre-order page is up\n, we reckon it\u2019s only a matter of time before the Phone 1 can be purchased on our shores. What do you think of its RM2,399 starting price? Let us know in the comments section below!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-watch-gt-3-pro-review-premium-handsome-smartwatch-for-rm1399/", "title": "Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro Review: Premium, Handsome Smartwatch for RM1,399", "body": "\n\nOver the years, the design of smartwatches have evolved quite a bit, to the point where the line between a smartwatch and a traditional wristwatch is blurred. This is especially true for the Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro; more specifically, the Titanium version you see in this review.\n\n\nNot only does it have the aesthetics of a sleek, premium wristwatch, the GT 3 Pro is also a reasonably capable smartwatch with long battery life, even if some of its features are limited. Nonetheless, if you\u2019re in a market for a handsome (and large) smartwatch, the GT 3 Pro should be in your shortlist.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThere are two variants of the Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro for the Malaysian market. The one featured in this review is the more affordable 46mm Titanium model for RM1,399. The 43mm Ceramic version, on the other hand, costs RM1,599 (leather strap) or RM2,399 (ceramic strap).\n\n\nBeyond the different size and material, both versions of the GT 3 Pro share the same hardware. These include a 1.43-inch 466 x 466 circular AMOLED display \u2013 which is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire glass \u2013 IP68 water and dust resistance, a 5 ATM rating, and up to 14 days of battery life in typical use, though it goes down to eight days in heavy use.\n\n\nAside from that, the GT 3 Pro also runs on HarmonyOS 2.0, and it can even be paired with iOS devices.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the design of the Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro, which is definitely my favourite aspect of the smartwatch. At a glance, it looks just like a classy traditional wristwatch, thanks to the titanium case and grey leather strap.\n\n\nSuffice to say the GT 3 Pro feels and looks like a premium smartwatch, and I love the reflection that the sapphire glass gives off, not to mention its beveled edges. Really, there\u2019s no denying that this is one of the most handsome smartwatches in the market now \u2013 in my opinion, anyway.\n\n\nFurther complementing the looks of the GT 3 Pro is its bright and vibrant AMOLED screen. The different watchfaces look great on this smartwatch, and even the always on display is legible outdoors.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the GT 3 Pro also has robust tracking capabilities. It can track my heart rate, blood oxygen level, stress level \u2013 it does so by measuring heart rate fluctuations \u2013 sleep quality, and even skin temperature! These are not groundbreaking tracking features by any means, but they are certainly nice to have.\n\n\nOf course, I enabled all of these tracking capabilities on the GT 3 Pro, and I\u2019m surprised that the smartwatch can still return respectable battery life. On average, it can easily last over a week, which is in line with Huawei\u2019s quoted battery life of eight days with heavy use. It\u2019s neat that I don\u2019t have to charge the watch every day.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe performance of the GT 3 Pro is worth a mention as well. Although Huawei doesn\u2019t mention the processor powering the smartwatch, it can provide a smooth, responsive user experience. Running on HarmonyOS 2.0, the interface of the smartwatch is quite intuitive to navigate around as well.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAs much as I like the aesthetic of the Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro, it does have a few shortcomings. Compared to other smartwatches \u2013 especially \nSamsung\u2019s Galaxy Watch 4\n \u2013 the GT 3 Pro has a very basic notification system. While the watch does get notifications from a paired device seamlessly, I cannot interact with them at all.\n\n\nIn this sense, the GT 3 Pro is no better than, say, a fitness band. Notifications from apps that the smartwatch don\u2019t recognise are also lumped together, which can be a little messy to go through.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the GT 3 Pro can be too bulky for some folks too at 46mm; even the slightly smaller Ceramic model with its 43mm case is still quite sizeable. With that in mind, you may want to check out the smartwatch in person to see if it will suit your wrist.\n\n\nLast but not least is the asking price of the GT 3 Pro. Starting from RM1,399, it\u2019s certainly not an affordable smartwatch, especially in a market where you can get a pretty capable wearable for half the price.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nAlthough the Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro does not come cheap, it \nis\n a smartwatch with a premium appeal. It looks sleek, it feels great, it has long battery life, and its tracking capabilities are similar to what other smartwatches offer.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGranted, the GT 3 Pro doesn\u2019t have the most complete notification system, and its bulky nature may be a dealbreaker. But that doesn\u2019t change the fact that this is a good-looking, premium smartwatch \u2013 this point alone can be worth its RM1,399 starting price to some folks.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/14-20-july-fuel-price-ron-97-further-down-5-sen-now-rm4-75-per-litre/", "title": "14 \u2013 20 July Fuel Price: RON 97 Further Down 5 Sen \u2013 Now RM4.75 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nGreat news: the price of RON 97 is going down yet again this week by 5 sen! Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are all maintained, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nFor the next seven days, the price of RON 97 is set at RM4.75 per litre (down from RM4.80). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 14 to 20 July 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-honda-hr-v-lands-in-malaysia-4-variants-3-engines-honda-sensing-standard-rm115k-to-rm141k/", "title": "2022 Honda HR-V Lands in Malaysia \u2013 4 Variants, 3 Engines, Honda Sensing Standard, RM115k to RM141k", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe highly anticipated 2022 Honda HR-V has finally been launched in Malaysia. For our market, the B-segment SUV is offered in four different variants with three engine options, and the sleek new model now starts at RM114,800.\n\n\nThat price tag is for the base S model of the HR-V with a 1.5L NA engine that outputs 121PS and 145Nm of torque. A tier up is the E variant with a 1.5L turbo mill (181PS/240Nm) for RM129,800, followed by the V trim with the same turbo engine for RM134,800. These models are all packed with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the range-topping HR-V RS, it costs RM140,800 with an e-HEV hybrid powertrain and e-CVT. The electric motor \u2013 which is used most of the time \u2013 does 131PS and 253Nm of torque, while the NA Atkinson-cycle petrol engine outputs 107PS and 131Nm of torque. It\u2019s worth noting that the petrol unit functions as a generator, and it only drives the car directly at higher speeds.\n\n\nThese prices for the new HR-V are on-the-road without insurance, and sales tax is included. Of course, if you placed your booking by 30 June last month, you can enjoy lower prices. In this scenario, you\u2019ll only have to pay RM110,386 for the S, RM124,971 for the E, RM129,848 for the V, and RM137,091 for the RS.\n\n\nDo note that to secure these tax-free prices, you\u2019ll also have register your HR-V by 31 March 2023 next year.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s talk about the 2022 HR-V itself. Honda Sensing is offered across the board, which includes Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Auto High Beam (AHB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Low Speed Follow (LSF), and Lead Care Departure Notification (LCDN).\n\n\nOther equipment of the new HR-V include LED headlights, six airbags (four for the S trim), and an 8-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Naturally, the higher-end V and RS models get more features, including 18-inch wheels (17-inch for the S and E), front LED sequential turn signals, 8-way driver power seat, leather upholstery and steering wheel, Honda LaneWatch camera, as well as support for Honda Connect.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the RS variant gets a powered tailgate and auto front wiper.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Honda HR-V is now available for booking, though the waiting period is now over 12 months long with 20,000 bookings already recorded. Nonetheless, it\u2019s entirely possible you can get the SUV sooner, depending on which model (and dealership) you choose.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-honda-hr-v-over-20000-bookings-12-months-waiting-period/", "title": "2022 Honda HR-V \u2013 Over 20,000 Bookings, 12 Months Waiting Period", "body": "\n\nAt the launch event of the \n2022 Honda HR-V\n, the Japanese carmaker revealed that it has received over \n20,000 bookings\n for the B-segment SUV. Aside from that, the company also confirmed the \n12 months waiting period\n for the new model.\n\n\nAmong the four variants of the updated HR-V, Honda Malaysia said the V model is the most popular one, accounting for over 60% of total bookings. This is followed by the RS (20%) and E (13%) trims, while the base S model is the least popular option despite being the most affordable.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHonda Malaysia expects to sell 1,600 units of the HR-V per month. But with over 20,000 bookings already recorded, we reckon the carmaker\u2019s monthly sale of the SUV will be limited by how many units it can produce in the time period.\n\n\nThe Japanese carmaker assures customers that it will deliver the 2022 Honda HR-V in a timely manner. If you placed a booking for the SUV by 30 June, do note that you\u2019ll get to enjoy the tax-free prices, which can \nsave you up to RM4,952\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-nord-2t-with-mediatek-dimensity-1300-now-in-malaysia-from-rm1899/", "title": "OnePlus Nord 2T With MediaTek Dimensity 1300 Now in Malaysia From RM1,899", "body": "\n\nOnePlus has been relatively quiet in the Malaysian market, so it\u2019s quite refreshing to see the company launch two smartphones on our shores, including the OnePlus Nord 2T. Sporting a MediaTek Dimensity 1300 chipset with a rather sleek-looking design, it\u2019s quite an interesting upper mid-range phone.\n\n\nTwo variants of the OnePlus Nord 2T are offered in Malaysia. The base model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage goes for RM1,899, while the more generous 12GB + 256GB configuration is priced at RM2,099. As for colour options, the 128GB model is only offered in Jade Fog, while the 256GB variant is available in Grey Shadow.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Nord 2T in Grey Shadow\n\n\n\n\nThe Nord 2T in Jade Fog\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Nord 2T include a 6.43-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP mono), a 32MP selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery with support for 80W fast charging, and OxygenOS based 12.1 on Android 12 out of the box.\n\n\nThe OnePlus Nord 2T will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 19 July onwards. To recap, the 8GB + 128GB base model in Jade Fog costs RM1,899, while the 12GB + 256GB configuration in Grey Shadow goes for RM2,099.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-nord-ce-2-lite-with-120hz-display-also-launched-in-malaysia-for-rm1199/", "title": "OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite With 120Hz Display Also Launched in Malaysia for RM1,199", "body": "\n\nAside from the Nord 2T, the more affordable OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite have also been launched in Malaysia. As a budget-friendly offering, it sports a more modest set of hardware while retaining the same design language as the higher-end Nord 2T.\n\n\nOnly one configuration of the Nord CE 2 Lite is offered in Malaysia for RM1,199. For that kind of money, it features 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage further expandable with a microSD card slot. Two colour options are available: Blue Tide and Black Dusk.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardware wise, the Nord CE 2 Lite features a 6.59-inch 1080p LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, a triple camera system (64MP primary + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), a 16MP selfie camera, a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging, as well as OxygenOS 12.1 based on Android 12 out of the box.\n\n\nJust like the Nord 2T, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite will also be available in Malaysia from 19 July next week. Priced at RM1,199, it\u2019s worth checking out if you\u2019re shopping for a budget-friendly phone, especially if you also want the fuss-free software experience of OxygenOS.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/booked-the-2022-honda-hr-v-by-30-june-2022-you-stand-to-save-up-to-rm4952/", "title": "Booked the 2022 Honda HR-V By 30 June 2022? You Stand to Save up to RM4,952", "body": "\n\nThe \n2022 Honda HR-V\n has just been launched in Malaysia today, though bookings for the B-segment SUV were opened on 9 June. If you booked the new HR-V by 30 June last month, good news: you stand to save up to RM4,952.\n\n\nThat\u2019s because all passenger cars booked by 30 June 2022 will be \neligible for sales tax exemption\n, provided that said cars are registered by 31 March 2023 next year. If you fulfill these criteria, you can get the new HR-V without sales tax included.\n\n\nRefer to the table below to see how much you can (potentially) save.\n\n\n2022 Honda HR-V\nCurrent Price (with SST\n)\nPrice (without SST\n)\nPrice difference\n1.5L S\nRM114,800\nRM110,386\n+RM4,414\n1.5L E (Turbo)\nRM129,800\nRM124,971\n+RM4,829\n1.5L V (Turbo)\nRM134,800\nRM129,848\n+RM4,952\n1.5L e:HEV RS\nRM140,800\nRM137,091\n+RM3,709\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe got these tax-free prices from Honda Malaysia itself, and if you get the V trim of the HR-V, you can save a whopping RM4,952. Curiously, the range-topping RS model gets the least amount of discount despite being the most expensive variant.\n\n\nOf course, given that the waiting period for the 2022 Honda HR-V is \nover 12 months now\n, it\u2019s possible not all customers who booked the B-segment SUV by 30 June can enjoy the tax-free prices. Nonetheless, Honda Malaysia assures customers that it will deliver the new HR-V in a timely manner, so fingers crossed.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/singapore-trials-online-application-for-malaysian-driving-license-conversion/", "title": "Singapore Trials Online Application for Malaysian Driving License Conversion", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re a Malaysian residing in Singapore, good news: you can now send in an application online to convert your Malaysian driving license to a Singapore license. Foreigners who have resided in the country for more than 12 months are required to do so to continue driving in Singapore.\n\n\nThis is a trial to reduce waiting and transaction times at the Traffic Police headquarters, said the Singapore Police Force in a news release as reported by \nCNA\n. Those who want to convert their Malaysia driving license to a Singapore license can send in their applications online \nthrough this link\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOnce you\u2019ve submitted your application, you\u2019ll receive an email asking for supporting documents. Your request will then be processed within 14 days, and you will be given an appointment to visit the Traffic Police headquarters to complete the process.\n\n\nWhile you are still required to head to the Traffic Police headquarters to get your Malaysian driving license converted, having some of the process done online will certainly save precious time. Again, you can submit your application for the license conversion \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nothing-phone-1-registered-with-sirim-available-in-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Nothing Phone 1 Registered With SIRIM \u2013 Available in Malaysia Soon?", "body": "\n\nAlthough the \nNothing Phone 1\u2019s Malaysian pricing\n have been revealed, its actual availability here still remains a mystery. Well, it has just passed through SIRIM, so there\u2019s a good chance the phone will be launched in Malaysia soon.\n\n\nIn our routine search through SIRIM, the Nothing Phone 1 was registered with the certification body just yesterday on 14 July under Zitron Fulfilment. All electronics have to be certified by SIRIM first before they can be officially sold here, so it\u2019s not far-fetched to assume the Phone 1 will be sold here soon.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRetailing from RM2,399 in Malaysia, the Nothing Phone 1 features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ chipset with 5G connectivity, which should be more than capable to provide a fast, zippy user experience. This is complemented by the phone\u2019s equally speedy 6.55-inch 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Nothing Phone 1 include a dual camera system (50MP primary + 50MP ultra-wide angle), a 16MP selfie camera, an IP53 rating, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a reasonably big 4,500mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s no official word yet on the Malaysian launch of the Nothing Phone 1. But given that the phone has been registered with SIRIM already, we reckon it\u2019s only a matter of time before it\u2019s launched on our shores.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nothing-removes-2-configurations-of-nothing-phone-1-in-malaysia-only-1-variant-available/", "title": "Nothing Removes 2 Configurations of Nothing Phone 1 in Malaysia \u2013 Only 1 Variant Available?", "body": "\n\nNow this is interesting. At launch, three different variants of the Nothing Phone 1 were listed on the \nMalaysian pre-order page\n of the phone. But now, two of them have been removed from the listing, which seems to suggest that only one variant of the phone will be offered in Malaysia.\n\n\nThe two variants of the Phone 1 that were removed are the 8GB + 128GB and 12GB + 256GB configurations; the latter even had a RM2,699 price tag. Now, only the 8GB + 256GB model is left on the pre-order page, which is listed at RM2,399.\n\n\n\n\nCurrent listing of the Nothing Phone 1\n\n\nPrevious listing of the Nothing Phone 1\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, for that kind of money, the Nothing Phone 1 features a Snapdragon 778G+ chipset with 5G connectivity, which should be more than capable to provide a fast, zippy user experience. This is complemented by the phone\u2019s equally speedy 6.55-inch 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Phone 1 include a dual camera system (50MP primary + 50MP ultra-wide angle), a 16MP selfie camera, an IP53 rating, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a reasonably big 4,500mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven that the product listing of the Nothing Phone 1 has been updated \u2013 and the fact that the phone is \ncertified with SIRIM\n already \u2013 it\u2019s likely the phone will be launched in Malaysia very, very soon. After all, the Phone 1 is set to be available in selected markets from 21 July.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/7hz-x-crinacle-salnotes-dioko-review-technically-accomplished-99-planar-iem/", "title": "7Hz x Crinacle Salnotes Dioko Review: Technically-Accomplished $99 Planar IEM", "body": "\n\nTired of budget single dynamic driver IEMs? Then perhaps a change in driver type will shake things up. Planar magnetic-driven IEMs, for example, were ahead of their time\u2026and also something of a joke. Not only was the tuning of early planar IEMs subpar, there was also the matter of supplying enough power to these power-hungry drivers.\n\n\nFast forward to 2022, \u201cplanar\u201d is now the buzzword of the year, and ChiFi manufacturers are racing to release products utilising the driver technology. But have planar IEMs actually matured enough? Are they now a good alternative (or even replacement) to \u201cmere\u201d dynamic driver IEMs?\n\n\nWell, the 7Hz x Crinacle Salnotes Dioko aims to answer these questions, while also going for only $99.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe Salnotes Dioko is a 14.6mm planar driver IEM tuned by Crinacle, the guru of graphs himself. This means you\u2019ll be getting a balanced tuning as defined by an experienced, high-profile individual in the audio space. This actually marks Crinacle\u2019s sixth collaboration with an audio brand, but it\u2019s his first product with a planar-magnetic driver.\n\n\nThe Dioko is not 7Hz\u2019s first planar IEM either: that would be the much revered Timeless. While it\u2019s not a perfect IEM, the Timeless was quite well-received by the audio community, which might have contributed to the eventual release of the Dioko.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHowever, the much anticipated launch of the Dioko was met with an unfortunate predicament. Early units of the IEM were installed with incorrect tuning filters, under-dampening the mids and highs. Over 150 early units of the Dioko had this issue, and affected customers were promptly sent replacement filters to rectify the blunder.\n\n\nAlthough the filter replacement process is fairly simple \u2013 Linsoul even released \nan instructional video\n on how to do this \u2013 there was no physical way to tell whether or not a particular unit of the Dioko was affected. We know that the mids and highs are under-dampened in the affected units, but those without proper measuring equipment (most people, basically) are left to guess and speculate if their own unit sounds \u201ccorrect.\u201d\n\n\nAnd even if you think you bought the Dioko later enough to not be affected by the issue, the damage was already done; the paranoia is already set.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the task of ear tip rolling and seeking out ones that play well with the unique (read: weird) shape of the Dioko was also an annoying process. In fact, despite being packaged with a rather extensive amount of tips in wide and narrow bore variants, none of them fit my ears well enough to stay put and provide a good seal.\n\n\nOnly when I found a random pair of no-brand, transparent silicone tips in my storage that I was able to get the right fit with the Dioko. If it\u2019s any consolation, at least the IEM comes in a rather nice faux-leather case to house the precious gemstone-looking earphones.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHow Does It Sound?\n\n\nThe sonic differences of a planar driver compared to a dynamic one are immediately apparent when you hit the play button. There\u2019s a certain quality and speed in the bass of the Dioko, and certain crisp in the treble that just presents itself clearly and organically.\n\n\nThe tone of the Dioko is unabashedly bright, so dwellers of the dark that prefer to bask in warmer sound signatures should look elsewhere. Unfortunately, I belong in that dark camp, so the Dioko shines a little too bright for my taste. But shine, it certainly does.\n\n\nThe technicalities of the Dioko is, in a word, astonishing. Every instrument presents itself before you without reservation and in high fidelity. Depending on the music you\u2019re listening to, this transparency might even be too overwhelming for some. You might hear cymbals you weren\u2019t aware of, or hear strings you never knew in a new timbre or quality.\n\n\nIt\u2019s a new sensation, if you will.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBass\n\n\nThe sub-bass of the Dioko is tight and precise, but it does roll-off fairly quickly. It doesn\u2019t help that the mid-bass is also on the lighter side and, in my opinion, a little lacking for genres like pop and rock. But as mentioned before, the quality and presentation of the \u201cplanar bass\u201d is still unique and worth listening to.\n\n\nMids\n\n\nMy sentiment of there not being enough bass follows through to the mids of the Dioko. Both male and female vocals tend to sound a bit thin and a tad bit recessed. Like a distraught child, there is a desire for intimacy, for more attention. The child calls and beckons, but to no avail.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is a pity, as the child is pure of heart \u2013 as pure as the vocals of the Dioko. This IEM makes up for the lack of weight by producing a natural timbre and breathiness in the vocals. Instruments also sound full and organic, but the amount of detail presented might be sensory overload to more sensitive listeners.\n\n\nHighs\n\n\nAs previously mentioned, the Dioko is a \nbright \nIEM, too much so for my liking. That being said, it does offer superb clarity and treble resonance that lives up to the planar name. Snaps and cymbals are exceptionally crisp and sparkly, though busier tracks tend to be a bit fatiguing and even borderline sibilant.\n\n\nBlackpink\u2019s Whistle is a good example as the snaps present throughout the song are crisp, but there\u2019s an almost unnatural quality to it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSoundstage\n\n\nThe soundstage of the Dioko resembles the shape of its shells\u2026if you turn them sideways. There\u2019s quite a bit of horizontal depth, which works well with the transparency and clarity of instruments. Vertical depth and height, however, are quite compressed with a mostly \u201cin your head\u201d sound experience.\n\n\nComparison to 7Hz Timeless\n\n\nOf course, I also got a unit of the Timeless to see (or rather, listen) how it fares against the Dioko. The Timeless has a slightly smaller \u2013 by 0.4mm, to be precise \u2013 14.2mm planar driver as well as a N52 magnet, instead of an N55 one on the Dioko. The former\u2019s shell is also quite a bit different from the funky, purple jewel-like shell of the newer IEM.\n\n\nThis difference in shape translates to a more forgiving fit with the Timeless, while the Dioko took me a lot more time and effort to get the right fit, though your mileage may vary.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of sound quality, the Timeless is somewhat identical to the newer Dioko, just\u2026twice as dynamic. There is less sub-bass roll-off with the Timeless, followed by a bump in the mid-bass. It also has much more sparkle in the treble, which is (unfortunately) accompanied by sibilance.\n\n\nI already think the Dioko can be too overwhelming for some, so needless to say, the more energetic Timeless can even sound \u201cshouty\u201d to some folks. Basically, the Dioko is a tamer, more relaxed version of the Timeless with less bass and less treble, which could be just what you\u2019re looking for.\n\n\nAnother difference between the Timeless and Dioko is the sensitivity of the two IEMs. Although the Dioko is only 1.2 ohms higher than the impedance of the Timeless, it is much harder to drive in my testing. Pairing the Dioko with either the Fiio Q3 or Fiio E10K saw both DAC/Amps pushing their respective knobs 70% of the way. The Timeless, on the other hand, sat at a comfortable 50%.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHowever, I do find both Fiio devices to be a little less clean than what I would like, with a \u201cfuzzier\u201d treble presentation. But the E10K does provide a pleasant hint of warmth to the inherently bright Dioko, and as a fan of warmer sound profiles, I really dig this.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nDespite its shortcomings, the 7Hz x Crinacle Salnotes Dioko goes for \nonly $99 (about RM440) on Linsoul\n, making it \nthe most affordable\n planar IEM in the market now. In fact, it costs more than half the price of the 7Hz Timeless, which is \nlisted at $220\n (approximately RM980). This level of technicality at \nthis\n price point is incredibly attractive, even if I\u2019m not a huge fan of the Dioko\u2019s sound profile.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re curious about the \u201cplanar sound\u201d hype, then the Dioko might just be the perfect starting point, especially if you had enough of IEMs with dynamic or balanced armature drivers. Besides that, it is also tuned by Crinacle himself, so if you\u2019re a fan of his tuning, it\u2019s a completely valid reason to get this IEM.\n\n\nYes, the Dioko has a quirky aesthetic with an odd shell design that makes it hard to find a good fit, but that doesn\u2019t change the fact that this is a technically-accomplished planar IEM\u2026for cheap. This alone can be a good enough reason to buy it.\n\n\nLi Jin Soh contributed to this review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-prices-up-by-rm6500-with-sst-now-from-rm84k-to-rm110k/", "title": "Proton X50 Prices up by RM6,500 With SST \u2013 Now From RM84k to RM110k", "body": "\n\nMore than half a month after the tax holiday ended on 30 June, Proton finally revealed the new prices of the Proton X50 with SST included. With the reintroduction of SST, the B-segment SUV sees a price hike of up to RM6,500.\n\n\nOf course, that price difference is for the range-topping Flagship model of the X50, which is now priced at RM109,800. The Premium trim, on the other hand, sees a RM5,600 price increase, bringing the total to RM98,800. This is followed by the Executive and Standard variants, which are up by RM5,000 and RM4,600 respectively.\n\n\nProton X50\nCurrent Price (with SST\n)\nPrice (without SST\n)\nPrice difference\n1.5T Standard\nRM83,800\nRM79,200\n+RM4,600\u00a0\n1.5T Executive\nRM89,800\nRM84,800\n+RM5,000\u00a0\n1.5T Premium\nRM98,800\nRM93,200\n+RM5,600\u00a0\n1.5 TGDi Flagship\nRM109,800\nRM103,300\n+RM6,500\u00a0\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow, if you placed a booking for the X50 by 30 June last month, the new prices you see above will not affect your order. Of course, this is assuming your car is\u00a0\nregistered by 31 March 2023\n\u00a0next year as announced by the Malaysian government. If you fulfill these criteria, you can still enjoy the tax-free prices.\n\n\nDo note that these new prices of the Proton X50 with SST included briefly appeared on the \nproduct page of the SUV\n; the pricing details have been taken down since, curiously enough. Rest assured, we\u2019ll update this article if there are any changes worth noting.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nothing-phone-1-launching-in-malaysia-20-july-for-rm2399/", "title": "Nothing Phone 1 Launching in Malaysia 20 July for RM2,399", "body": "\n\nWe finally got word on the Malaysian launch of the Nothing Phone 1! The premium mid-ranger will make its debut here later this week on 20 July, and it\u2019s likely the phone will only be offered in one configuration.\n\n\nAfter all, two variants of the Phone 1 were removed from the \nMalaysian pre-order page\n last week. Both the 8GB + 128GB and 12GB + 256GB configurations are no longer listed, and the latter even had a RM2,699 price tag.\n\n\nRight now, only the 8GB + 256GB model is left on the pre-order page, which is priced at RM2,399.\n\n\n\n\nCurrent listing of the Nothing Phone 1\n\n\nPrevious listing of the Nothing Phone 1\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, for that kind of money, the Nothing Phone 1 features a Snapdragon 778G+ chipset with 5G connectivity, which should be more than capable to provide a fast, zippy user experience. This is complemented by the phone\u2019s equally speedy 6.55-inch 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Phone 1 include a dual camera system (50MP primary + 50MP ultra-wide angle), a 16MP selfie camera, an IP53 rating, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a reasonably big 4,500mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Nothing Phone 1 will be launched in Malaysia this Wednesday on 20 July. Given that the phone is set to be available in selected markets the very next day on 21 July, there\u2019s a good chance the Phone 1 can also be purchased here on the same day.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-perodua-alza-debut-set-for-20-july-from-rm62k-to-rm75k/", "title": "2022 Perodua Alza Debut Set for 20 July \u2013 From RM62k to RM75k", "body": "\n\nPerodua finally revealed the launch date of the 2022 Perodua Alza. Set to debut here later this week on 20 July, the MPV is offered in three different variants, and it is estimated to retail from only RM62,000.\n\n\nOf course, that\u2019s the price for the base X variant of the new Alza. The mid-tier H model, on the other hand, has a tentative pricing of RM68,000. As for the range-topping AV trim with all the bells and whistles, it\u2019s estimated to go for RM75,000.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from pricing, Perodua also revealed several key specifications of the 2022 Alza. These include a 1.5L engine paired with a D-CVT gearbox \u2013 likely the same powertrain found in the \nlatest Myvi\n \u2013 an impressive quoted fuel efficiency of 22km per litre, and even a 360-degree camera.\n\n\nOf course, the latter is exclusive to the highest-end AV Alza. The range-topping model also gets six airbags, while the other two variants get four airbags. Perodua\u2019s Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) are offered with the new MPV too, but only the AV model gets the full kit, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep control, blind spot monitor, and an electronic parking brake with auto brake hold.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Perodua Alza will be launched here on 20 July this Wednesday. We\u2019ll find out then its full list of specifications alongside the finalised pricing.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hoyoverse-opens-new-headquarters-in-singapore/", "title": "Hoyoverse Opens New Headquarters in Singapore", "body": "\n\nHoyoverse, the developer of \nGenshin Impact\n and Honkai Impact 3rd, just opened its new headquarters in Singapore. Built on a 28,000 square feet site, the Singapore office is said to be a key hub for Hoyoverse\u2019s global distribution and operation efforts.\n\n\nThe Singapore headquarters is not Hoyoverse\u2019s first one outside of China. The company has set up offices in other parts of the world, including Montreal, Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Seoul. With the opening of its new headquarters in Singapore, Hoyoverse \u201cwill add hundreds of jobs by the end of 2022.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cOur team in Singapore will play a crucial role in broadening our global development and service network,\u201d said the co-founder of Hoyoverse, Forrest Liu. \u201cWe\u2019re eager for more creative minds from diverse backgrounds to join us in building the future,\u201d he added.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, Hoyoverse is currently looking to fill a number of roles for its new headquarters in Singapore, including experts in game development, engineering, marketing, product, operations, function, and project management. You can browse through the Hoyoverse\u2019s job openings \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/macbook-air-m2-hands-on-the-exemplary-productivity-laptop/", "title": "MacBook Air (M2) Hands-On: The Exemplary Productivity Laptop", "body": "\n\nMacBooks have always been some of the best productivity laptops in the business, and this remains true for the latest M2-powered MacBook Air. Sporting a new design, an even faster M2 chip, as well as a taller, larger display, it is now a more complete productivity laptop.\n\n\nOf course, that also means the new MacBook Air demands a premium. With a RM5,499 starting price, it is markedly more expensive than its predecessor, which retails from only RM4,399. But after spending a brief time with the M2 Air, I\u2019m certainly a fan: it\u2019s easily one of the most refined laptops in its class.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s get the specifications of the MacBook Air M2 out of the way first. As mentioned, it features Apple\u2019s blazing fast M2 chip, which is said to be up to 1.4x faster compared to the M1 model. Despite offering better performance, it still retains the laptop\u2019s impressive battery life of up to 18 hours.\n\n\nAside from that, the M2 Air also gets a larger, brighter 13.6-inch Liquid Retina notched display with 500 nits of brightness. Measuring 11.3mm thin with a 1.24kg chassis, this is certainly a thin and lightweight laptop as well. I definitely wouldn\u2019t mind lugging it around in my backpack. Oh, it also gets the MagSafe charging connector back.\n\n\nTwo main variants of the MacBook Air M2 are offered. The RM5,499 base model features an M2 chip with an 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU, 8GB of unified memory, and 256GB SSD storage. A tier up is the RM6,699 model, which offers a faster 10-core GPU and a 512GB SSD; this is the more practical configuration, in my opinion.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOff the bat, the notched screen of the M2 Air is quite\u2026well, jarring to look at. But in normal use, it\u2019s really not that bad. It blends in with the menu bar, and when playing videos or running apps in full screen, the notch basically disappears. Honestly, I don\u2019t mind it at all, and I love the minimal bezels surrounding the screen.\n\n\nAs for the new Air\u2019s screen quality itself, it is definitely above average. While the 13.6-inch 2560 x 1664 display isn\u2019t the highest resolution panel in today\u2019s market, its bright, vibrant colours with wide viewing angles do make for a pleasant viewing experience.\n\n\nPerformance wise, I haven\u2019t used the M2 Air long enough to assess how well the M2 chip can keep up with my daily tasks. But in my short time with the laptop, it does feel very fast and responsive, though this has always been one of the winning qualities of macOS.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of performance, the powerful M2 chip in the new Air is cooled passively; that is, there\u2019s no fan inside the chassis of the laptop to cool the chip. It will be interesting to see how much this would affect the performance of the chip, though the benefit of this fanless design is a \ncompletely silent\n laptop with no system noise.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the build quality of the MacBook Air M2; one area where Apple has always delivered. Needless to say, the Air feels very well-constructed. The chassis has absolutely no creaking with added pressure, the hinge is smooth, and I can easily open the laptop\u2019s lid with only one finger.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut it doesn\u2019t matter if a laptop is well-built if its input devices are subpar, especially for a productivity laptop. Well, thankfully, the M2 Air has a \nfantastic\n keyboard and trackpad. While the keyboard doesn\u2019t offer particularly long key travel, its low actuation force, cushioned bottom out, and good tactile feedback make for a very comfortable keyboard to type on for long periods of time.\n\n\nSame goes for the trackpad. I really appreciate just how wide it is, not to mention the fact that it is very accurate. Naturally, gestures work seamlessly too. It\u2019s no secret that MacBook trackpads are very refined, and I absolutely don\u2019t see the need to use a physical mouse with the new Air.\n\n\nWell, unless I want to do some gaming.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, I\u2019m very impressed with the MacBook Air M2, but I do have one qualm with the design of the new laptop. Now, even though its thinner than the M1 Air at its thickest point, I still prefer the tapered design of the older model. It gives the illusion of a thinner laptop, and the more rounded, proportional chassis of the new Air makes it feel\u2026not as thin.\n\n\nNonetheless, the M2 Air is definitely a more refined laptop overall with a bigger, brighter display, faster performance, and a sleeker-looking design, though I personally prefer the design of the previous model. Even though the new Air is also costlier now with a RM5,499 starting price, I\u2019d argue the improvements are worth paying for.\n\n\nOf course, only a full review of the MacBook Air M2 can really shed some light on whether or not it can really justify the higher price tags.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-plus-extra-deluxe-trials-available-for-new-users-in-malaysia/", "title": "PlayStation Plus Extra & Deluxe Trials Available for New Users in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nNow this is interesting: PlayStation has quietly added a trial period for its new PlayStation Plus tiers. This applies to both the Extra and Deluxe tiers, which give players access to a slew of titles. Of course, there are some caveats to the offer.\n\n\nFor one, the trial period to PS Plus Extra or Deluxe is only limited to seven days. On top of that, the trial can only be redeemed by new users. If you\u2019ve claimed a free trial to the subscription service before, this offer will not be available on your account.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo note that this isn\u2019t a completely free trial. After the seven-day trial have ended, your subscription will be renewed to the plan you have selected in the initial sign-up process. Of course, you can cancel the plan before the free trial ends to avoid getting charged.\n\n\nNonetheless, the free trial to the PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe plans would be great for gamers who want to try out the games that are included in the subscription service. This includes Stray, which has just been released today \nfor RM129\n \u2013 it\u2019s free to play for those who are subscribed to the Extra or Deluxe plan.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-finally-receives-aco-techs-atlas-infotainment-system-via-ota-update/", "title": "Proton X50 Finally Receives ACO Tech\u2019s ATLAS Infotainment System via OTA Update", "body": "\n\nLaunched back in June last month, \nACO Tech\u2019s ATLAS\n (ACO Tech Local Automotive Services) infotainment system is now available on the Proton X50. It is the first Proton model to receive the new system, and the B-segment SUV will get it via over-the-air (OTA) update.\n\n\nTouted as an infotainment system made by Malaysians for Malaysians, ATLAS will be offered on a slew of Proton models. Aside from the X50, the \nfacelifted Iriz\n, \nPersona\n, and the new \n2022 Proton X70\n will also get ATLAS sometime in the future.\n\n\nSpotify\n is said to be added to the infotainment system sometime this quarter as well, so it should be available by September 2022.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBased on Android 10, ATLAS has a distinctively different \u2013 and more practical \u2013 user interface than Proton\u2019s GKUI system. It has customisable widgets on the home screen, offline navigation, and even voice command features that can differentiate between the driver\u2019s and front passenger\u2019s voices.\n\n\nAccording to ACO Tech, it may take up to 14 days for all units of the Proton X50 to receive the OTA update for ATLAS. So if your X50 haven\u2019t received the new update yet, don\u2019t worry: the SUV will get the new infotainment system in due time.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-v1-review-fantastic-starting-point-for-only-54/", "title": "Keychron V1 Review: Fantastic Starting Point for Only $54", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe mechanical keyboard scene has grown immensely over the past couple of years, and so did Keychron. From the release of its first premium keyboard about a year ago \u2013 the \nKeychron Q1\n \u2013 we now have the Keychron V1: a very budget-friendly keyboard with some key features of an enthusiast-level board.\n\n\nJust how affordable is the V1? Well, it starts \nat only $54\n, which comes up to about RM240. Of course, given its low asking price, it doesn\u2019t have the best typing experience or sound profile. But for those who are new to the custom keyboard scene, the V1 is a great starting point, especially if you\u2019re on a tight budget.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nAt a glance, the Keychron V1 is a 75% keyboard that looks very similar to the Q1, just in a plastic body; ABS plastic, to be specific. Evidently, the V1 has some design cues of the more premium Q series keyboards, which is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, I\u2019d argue this design works better on the V1 \u2013 more on this further down this review.\n\n\nAside from its ABS plastic body, the V1 also features a steel plate, a hotswap PCB, support for QMK/VIA to easily change the mapping of the keyboard, screw-in stabilisers, and\u2026a tray mount design. Yes, it would\u2019ve been better if it was gasket-mounted like the Q series keyboards, but hey, the V1 \nis\n a far more affordable offering.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of affordability, the V1 starts at only $54 for the barebone kit. The fully assembled model \u2013 which includes Keychron K Pro switches of your choice and double shot PBT OSA keycaps \u2013 costs just $74 (around RM330). You can also add $10 (approximately RM45) to get a knob installed on the top right corner.\n\n\nSo at this price point, how good can the V1 really be? Well, let\u2019s find out in the next section.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nWhat I absolutely love about the Keychron V1 is the fact that it has an ABS plastic case. Thanks to this, it has absolutely no case ping, which is one of my biggest qualms with Keychron\u2019s Q series keyboards. With the absence of case ping, the sound profile of the V1 is actually quite pleasant.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMore importantly, it doesn\u2019t have the cheap, plasticky sound profile of a typical pre-built keyboard; this fact alone puts the V1 above most mainstream keyboards. In fact, I\u2019d argue the V1 has a low-pitched, almost thocky sound profile. It\u2019s certainly not a clacky keyboard, in my opinion.\n\n\nThe stock screw-in stabilisers of the V1 are quite good too. Not only are they nice and secure \u2013 typical traits of a screw-in stabiliser \u2013 they are also lubed reasonably well out of the box to eliminate rattling and ticking, though the backspace does tick ever so slightly.\n\n\nThankfully, putting in a bit more lube to the wire solves this issue, and given that this is not a particularly difficult mod to do, I\u2019m quite happy with the stock stabilisers of the V1.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs with most recent keyboards from Keychron, the V1 comes with VIA and QMK support, though VIA doesn\u2019t recognise it out of the box. Instead, users will have to head to the \nV1\u2019s product page\n and grab the JSON file for the keyboard to work with VIA. While this may sound troublesome, it\u2019s really not that difficult to do.\n\n\nLast but not least is the design of the V1, which I quite like. Though it looks very similar to the Q1, this slightly translucent Frost Black colourway gives it a very nice aesthetic, in my opinion. It\u2019s nice that I can see some of the keyboard\u2019s internals with this colour option.\n\n\nOf course, if you\u2019re not a fan of this translucent design, you can opt for the Carbon Black opaque colourway instead.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou may have noticed that I haven\u2019t talked about the typing feel of the V1 yet. Let me elaborate on this in the following section..\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nBecause it uses a tray mount design, the Keychron V1 is a \nstiff\n keyboard to type on. There\u2019s absolutely no flex whatsoever, and it can even feel harsh to some folks in longer typing sessions. If you like a stiff typing experience, then you may consider this to be a positive, but it\u2019s certainly not a quality I look for in a keyboard.\n\n\nThe default steel plate of the V1 also stiffens up the typing feel even more. If Keychron had used a softer plate material such as polycarbonate, it\u2019s possible the V1 won\u2019t feel quite as harsh to type on. It could possibly make the keyboard sound lower-pitched too, not that the V1 is a clacky board by any means.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the build quality of the V1. Don\u2019t get me wrong, it feels solid in my hands, but I\u2019m not thrilled by the screws that hold the tray mount system of the keyboard. As these screws don\u2019t use metal thread inserts, they visibly strip the threads on the plastic case.\n\n\nIn repeated disassembly, it\u2019s possible these threads will be completely stripped, rendering the screws\u2026well, useless. Granted, you won\u2019t be disassembling the keyboard too often, but this is an issue worth pointing out.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nRetailing from only $54, the sheer affordability of the Keychron V1 alone makes it a worthwhile purchase. It\u2019s not a compelling keyboard just because it\u2019s affordable; its other features are genuinely good too, including a low-pitched sound profile, QMK/VIA support, and pretty sleek looks.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the Keychron V1, it is now available for purchase on\u00a0\nKeychron\u2019s online store\n. To recap, the barebone version costs just $54, while the fully assembled model \u2013 which bundles Keychron K Pro switches of your choice and double shot PBT OSA keycaps \u2013 starts at $74.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-perodua-alza-unleashed-3-variants-android-auto-aeb-standard-from-rm62500/", "title": "2022 Perodua Alza Unleashed \u2013 3 Variants, Android Auto, AEB Standard, From RM62,500", "body": "\n\nAfter a slew of teasers, the 2022 Perodua Alza has finally been launched in Malaysia. Its final prices are slightly higher than the estimated pricing, but given that over 30,000 bookings of the MPV have been placed, it\u2019s evidently a highly sought-after model.\n\n\nThree variants of the new Alza are offered: there\u2019s the base X model (RM62,500), mid-range H trim (RM68,000), and the highest-end AV variant (RM75,500). Both the X and AV trims are RM500 more than the estimated pricing, and these prices are on-the-road without insurance.\n\n\nYes, sales tax is also included in the prices listed. If you\u2019ve booked the car by 30 June, you can enjoy lower tax-free prices on the MPV.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJust like the facelifted Myvi, all variants of the 2022 Alza is powered by a 1.5L DOHC engine that outputs 106PS and 138Nm of torque; slightly higher figures than the Myvi. Paired with a D-CVT transmission, it has an impressive quoted fuel efficiency of 22km per litre. Autonomous emergency braking and six airbags are also standard across the range.\n\n\nOf course, as the range-topping model, the Alza AV comes with several exclusive features. These include a 360-degree camera, an integrated dashcam, electronic parking brake with auto brake hold, support for Android Auto, as well as the full capability of Perodua\u2019s Advanced Safety Assist (ASA). It consists of adaptive cruise control, lane keep control, and blind spot monitor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeliveries of the 2022 Perodua Alza will begin today, so some lucky buyers will get their brand new MPV by the end of the day. Perodua assures customers who have placed their bookings by 30 June will receive the Alza by 31 March 2023 next year to enjoy tax-free prices.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-perodua-alza-30000-bookings-orders-by-30-june-will-be-delivered-by-31-march-2023/", "title": "2022 Perodua Alza \u2013 30,000 Bookings, Orders by 30 June Will Be Delivered by 31 March 2023", "body": "\n\nThe \n2022 Perodua Alza\n is here, and the national carmaker revealed at the launch event that a whopping \n30,000 bookings\n have been placed for the new MPV. Perodua said this is the highest amount of orders it has ever received for a new model.\n\n\n\u201cThis achievement was due to several factors, chief among them was that customers wanted to take full advantage of sales tax exemption initiative which expired on 30 June 2022,\u201d said the president and CEO of Perodua, Dato\u2019 Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHe further elaborated that of the 200,000 bookings the national carmaker currently hold, nearly 15% of that figure is made up of the 2022 Alza. On top of that, over 4,000 customers converted their orders of the previous generation Alza to this 2nd gen model even before bookings were open for it.\n\n\n\u201cWe assure our customers who booked their all-new Perodua Alza on or before 30 June will receive their vehicle before the 31 March 2023 deadline,\u201d Dato\u2019 Zainal said. This way, early birds will get \ntax-free prices on the MPV\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-unpacked-happening-10-august-z-flip-4-z-fold-4-expected/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Happening 10 August \u2013 Z Flip 4 & Z Fold 4 Expected", "body": "\n\nSamsung just confirmed its next Galaxy Unpacked event. Set to take place next month on 10 August, the event will likely see the introduction of the Korean company\u2019s latest foldable phones: the Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4.\n\n\nAfter all, the upcoming Unpacked event is dubbed \u201cunfold your world,\u201d and the teaser image seems to show the side profile of a foldable flip phone too. It looks strikingly similar to the \nGalaxy Z Flip 3\n, so chances are, the Z Flip 4 will share the same design as its predecessor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf the Z Flip 4 makes its debut at the Unpacked event, there\u2019s a good chance the Z Fold 4 will also be launched at the same time. The two phones were introduced together last year, so there\u2019s no reason the same wouldn\u2019t happen this year.\n\n\nNonetheless, we\u2019ll just have to wait until 10 August next month to see if Samsung will unveil the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4. You can also register your interest for the event \nhere\n and get a RM200 Samsung e-voucher that can be used to pre-order the next Galaxy phone.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-perodua-alza-65-bookings-are-for-rm75500-av-variant/", "title": "2022 Perodua Alza \u2013 65% Bookings Are For RM75,500 AV Variant", "body": "\n\nIt appears Malaysians are more inclined to get the highest-end option when shopping for a new car. \nWe saw this trend\n with the new \nHonda HR-V\n, and now, the same thing is happening with the \n2022 Perodua Alza\n. According to Perodua, 65% of total bookings for the MPV consist of the range-topping AV variant.\n\n\nGiven that Perodua has collected over 30,000 bookings of the Alza, almost 20,000 customers are opting for the most expensive AV trim, which is priced at RM75,500. The national carmaker did not specify booking numbers for the base X and mid-range H models, which go for RM62,500 and RM68,000 respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the two more affordable models, the Alza AV has a number of exclusive features, and customers are certainly willing to pay for them. These include a 360-degree camera, an integrated dashcam, electronic parking brake with auto brake hold, support for Android Auto, as well as the full capability of Perodua\u2019s Advanced Safety Assist (ASA).\n\n\nASA for the AV variant of the Alza consists of adaptive cruise control, lane keep control, and blind spot monitor. While ASA is also offered on the X and H models, it\u2019s only limited to pre-collision braking, pre-collision warning, and pedal misoperation control.\n\n\nAside from that, the new Alza is powered by a 1.5L DOHC engine that outputs 106PS and 138Nm of torque; slightly higher figures than the same engine found in the \nlatest Myvi\n. Paired with a D-CVT transmission, it has an impressive quoted fuel efficiency of 22km per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDeliveries of the 2022 Perodua Alza will begin today, so some lucky buyers will get their brand new MPV by the end of the day. Perodua assures customers who have placed their bookings by 30 June will receive the Alza by 31 March 2023 next year to enjoy \ntax-free prices\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-watch-how-the-2022-perodua-alza-handle-a-crash-test-5-star-asean-ncap-rating/", "title": "Video: Watch How the 2022 Perodua Alza Handle a Crash Test \u2013 5-Star ASEAN NCAP Rating", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSafety is one area Perodua puts a lot of focus on, so it\u2019s no surprise that the new \n2022 Perodua Alza\n got the full 5-star rating in the New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asia (ASEAN NCAP). In the crash test, the MPV received an overall score of 81.64 points.\n\n\nUnder ASEAN NCAP\u2019s current testing protocol, the Alza was tested in four categories. It got 36.20 points in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), 16.88 points in Child Occupant Protection (COP), 18.57 points in Safety Assist (SA), and 10 points in Motorcyclist Safety (MS).\n\n\nWith an overall score of 81.64 points, the new Alza meets the requirements for a 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cThe new Perodua Alza is Perodua\u2019s second model assessed under the ASEAN NCAP protocol for 2021-2025. Despite ASEAN NCAP\u2019s latest requirements for safety in its current protocol, Perodua has indeed rose to the occasion by installing several key safety assist technologies as standard fitment in all its variants,\u201d said the director-general of MIROS, Dato\u2019 Dr. Khairil Anwar Abu Kassim.\n\n\n\u201cAs such we are proud that Malaysian\u2019s local manufacturers have been progressive in vehicle safety by adhering to ASEAN NCAP\u2019s strict requirements,\u201d he added. You can look at the full report of the 2022 Alza\u2019s crash test by ASEAN NCAP \nover here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/21-27-july-fuel-price-ron-97-further-down-10-sen-now-rm4-65-per-litre/", "title": "21 \u2013 27 July Fuel Price: RON 97 Further Down 10 Sen \u2013 Now RM4.65 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nGreat news! The price of RON 97 is going down yet again this week by 10 sen. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are all maintained, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nFor the next seven days, the price of RON 97 is set at RM4.65 per litre (down from RM4.75). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 21 to 27 July 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nothing-phone-1-goes-on-sale-in-malaysia-1-august-from-rm2399/", "title": "Nothing Phone 1 Goes on Sale in Malaysia 1 August From RM2,399", "body": "\n\nThe Nothing Phone 1 has just been launched in Malaysia, and we finally got word on the Malaysian availability of the phone. The premium mid-ranger can be purchased here from 1 August onwards, and two variants of the Phone 1 are offered locally.\n\n\nHowever, only one model is available for purchase on 1 August, which is the 8GB + 128GB configuration of the Phone 1 for RM2,399. The higher-end 12GB + 256GB model, on the other hand, will only arrive here in mid to late August next month for RM2,699.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Nothing Phone 1 features a Snapdragon 778G+ chipset with 5G connectivity, which should be more than capable to provide a fast, zippy user experience. This is complemented by the phone\u2019s equally speedy 6.55-inch 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Phone 1 include a dual camera system (50MP primary + 50MP ultra-wide angle), a 16MP selfie camera, an IP53 rating, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a reasonably big 4,500mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Nothing Phone 1 will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 1 August onwards on Shopee, Lazada, SenQ, TMT, DirectD, and Satu Gadget; limited drops will also be offered through Crossover. To recap, the 8GB + 128GB model goes for RM2,399, while the RM2,699 12GB + 256GB variant will only go on sale here in mid to late August next month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-reno-8-pro-with-mediatek-dimensity-8100-max-marisilicon-x-npu-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm3499/", "title": "Oppo Reno 8 Pro With MediaTek Dimensity 8100-MAX & MariSilicon X NPU Lands in Malaysia for RM3,499", "body": "\n\nOppo just launched a new premium mid-range phone in Malaysia, the Oppo Reno 8 Pro. What sets this phone apart from its competition is Oppo\u2019s very own MariSilicon X Imaging NPU, which promises \u201cflagship-level portrait camera experience.\u201d\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Reno 8 Pro is available in Malaysia. Sporting 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, it is priced at RM3,499. Early pre-orders are also bundled with up to RM1,436 worth of freebies, and two colour options are offered: Glazed Green and Glazed Black.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the camera department, the Reno 8 Pro comes with a triple camera system made up of a 50MP primary shooter, an 8MP ultra-wide angle sensor, and a 2MP macro lens. Its selfie camera, on the other hand, features a 32MP sensor.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Reno 8 Pro include a MediaTek Dimensity 8100-MAX chipset, a 6.7-inch 2412 x 1080 AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a rather generous 4,500mAh battery with support for 80W fast charging, and ColorOS 12.1 based on Android 12 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Reno 8 Pro is now available for pre-order in Malaysia for RM3,499 until 29 July. To recap, early birds will receive up to RM1,486 worth of freebies, which include a one-year screen damage protection, a gift box worth RM399, as well as My Oppo Members Privilege worth up to RM888.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-reno-8-also-launched-in-malaysia-dimensity-1300-90hz-amoled-rm2399/", "title": "Oppo Reno 8 Also Launched in Malaysia \u2013 Dimensity 1300, 90Hz AMOLED, RM2,399", "body": "\n\nIf the \nReno 8 Pro\n is out of your budget, consider the more affordable Oppo Reno 8, which has also been launched in Malaysia. Though it doesn\u2019t have the Pro model\u2019s MariSilicon X Imaging NPU, it does share the same design language as the higher-end phone.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Reno 8 is offered in only one variant; it\u2019s packed with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage for RM2,399. It is also available in two colour options: the eye-catching Shimmer Gold you see here, and Shimmer Black if you want something more understated.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Reno 8 include a MediaTek Dimensity 1300 chipset, a 6.4-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), a 32MP selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery with 80W fast charging, and ColorOS 12.1 based on Android 12 out of the box.\n\n\nThe Oppo Reno 8 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 29 July for RM2,399. Every pre-order will come with up to RM1,376 worth of freebies, including an Oppo Enco Air 2 wireless earbuds, a one-year screen damage protection plan, as well as My Oppo Members Privilege worth up to RM888.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopback-paylater-now-in-malaysia-new-users-can-get-25-discount-on-first-purchase/", "title": "ShopBack PayLater Now in Malaysia \u2013 New Users Can Get 25% Discount on First Purchase", "body": "\n\nShopBack just launched its very own buy now, pay later (BNPL) service in Malaysia. Dubbed ShopBack PayLater, the new feature comes after the company\u2019s acquisition of Hoolah, a BNPL platform.\n\n\nOf course, ShopBack PayLater is built into the ShopBack app itself, and it allows users to split their payments into three zero-interest monthly instalments. PayLater transactions are also instantly approved, though your initial spending limit will depend on your spending history.\n\n\nIn our experience, the initial spending limit for PayLater can be anywhere between RM1,600 to RM4,000.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, ShopBack PayLater is offered at over 2,000 online merchants, including JD Sports, Zalora, Malaysia Airlines, Royal Sporting House, Jakel Malaysia, and more. The BNPL service is also available at physical retail stores if you prefer that over online shopping.\n\n\nTo celebrate the launch of ShopBack PayLater, new users can get 25% off on their first PayLater bill, though the discount is capped at RM25. To start using ShopBack\u2019s new BNPL feature, you can download the app from the \nApple App Store\n and \nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-ford-ranger-arrives-in-malaysia-6-variants-rm109k-to-rm169k-raptor-in-q4-2022/", "title": "2022 Ford Ranger Arrives in Malaysia \u2013 6 Variants, RM109k to RM169k, Raptor in Q4 2022", "body": "\n\nFord\u2019s Malaysian distributor, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), just launched the 2022 Ford Ranger in Malaysia. The new pickup truck is offered in six different variants, including the higher-end WildTrak model. The range-topping Ranger Raptor is also coming here, but only in Q4 2022.\n\n\nFirst up, prices. The most affordable Ranger XL starts at RM108,888, while the XLT goes from RM124,888. Both of these models are offered with a 2.0L diesel engine in single turbo configuration that outputs 180PS and 405Nm of torque. 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions are offered for these two models.\n\n\n\n\nThe Ranger Raptop will arrive here sometime in Q4 2022\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Ranger WildTrak\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Ranger XLT Plus\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the more powerful XLT Plus (from RM142,888) and WildTrak (from RM168,888) variants of the Ranger, which feature the same diesel engine, but with a bi-turbo system that puts out 210PS and 500Nm of torque. Instead of a 6-speed gearbox, the XLT Plus and Wildtrak gets a 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission.\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the new Ranger features a number of distinct changes. There\u2019s the reworked T6 platform for improved ride quality, an aggressive exterior, a more modern interior, as well as support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\n\n\nAside from that, the Ranger also gets a more complete advanced driver assist system, though only the Wildtrak gets it. These include adaptive cruise control with stop and go, cross traffic alert, reverse brake assist, and evasive steer assist. The WildTrak is also the only model to get a 360-degree camera.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Ford Ranger is now available for viewing at Pavilion Bukit Jalil Exhibition Centre ahead of its showroom debut. You can check out the new pickup truck there until 24 July this Sunday, and although walk-ins registrations are welcomed, keep in mind that slots are limited.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nothing-phone-1-hands-on-can-it-live-up-to-the-hype/", "title": "Nothing Phone 1 Hands-On: Can It Live Up to the Hype?", "body": "\n\nThere\u2019s no phone quite as hyped up as the Nothing Phone 1 in recent memory. The unconventional, \u201cglyph\u201d LED notification system on the transparent back panel of the phone is heavily marketed, and for good reason: it does give the phone a very unique aesthetic.\n\n\nBut beyond this one feature, the Phone 1 can also be seen as \nnothing more\n \u2013 I\u2019m sorry, I had to do the pun \u2013 than a regular upper mid-range smartphone, though it does have a premium appeal. With that in mind, is the Nothing Phone 1\u2026worth the hype? Let\u2019s find out.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt the see-through back panel of the Phone 1 with the glyph lights is the device\u2019s best selling point. It really differentiates the phone from the rest of its competition, and if you want a device that stands out, the Phone 1 is an easy choice.\n\n\nWhenever you get a notification or a phone call, the Phone 1\u2019s glyph lights will light up. There are even different notification sounds that are linked to a specific glpyh lighting pattern. This level of customisability is surprisingly fun to explore, even if it\u2019s ultimately a\u2026well, novelty.\n\n\nYes, the Phone 1\u2019s LED notification system is very eye-catching, but how often do you place your phone on a surface with the screen facing down? It\u2019s not very practical to do so, especially if you enabled the always on display of the device.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, I do like the overall design language of the Phone 1. Not only does the transparent back panel gives it a sleek aesthetic, I really dig the flat sides of the device too. It\u2019s an ergonomically-sound design choice as it offers more surface area to get a good grip on the phone.\n\n\nUnder the hood of the Nothing Phone 1 is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ chipset with 5G connectivity. Though it\u2019s not the fastest chip in the market, it\u2019s still able to provide a fast, zippy user experience. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how well it can run demanding games like \nGenshin Impact\n.\n\n\nFurther enhancing the user experience of the Phone 1 is its 6.55-inch 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The high refresh rate makes every single motion look extra fluid, and the OLED panel itself is also pleasant to look at with vibrant colours, reasonably good brightness, and of course, deep, true blacks.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for battery life, the Phone 1 is packed with a reasonably big 4,500mAh battery. This should translate to above average battery life, especially with the power efficiency of the Snapdragon 778G+ chipset. The phone also supports 33W fast charging; not the fastest charging rate, but not exactly slow either.\n\n\nLast but not least is the camera performance of the Phone 1. It features a dual camera system made up of a 50MP primary sensor and a 50MP ultra-wide angle shooter; yes, there\u2019s no telephoto lens, unfortunately enough. Aside from that, it also has a 16MP selfie camera.\n\n\nUnder good lighting, the Phone 1 can take good-looking shots, as you can see in the sample shots below. The camera interface is quite responsive as well, though switching between different lenses takes longer than expected.\n\n\n\n\n50MP ultra-wide angle (50MP mode)\n\n\n50MP primary (50MP mode, 1x)\n\n\n50MP primary (50MP mode, 2x)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the true test of a camera\u2019s capability lies in its low light performance, which I haven\u2019t had the chance to try out yet with the Phone 1. \nBased on early\n \nreviews though\n, I\u2019m not particularly optimistic about the camera\u2019s low light performance.\n\n\nNow, prices. For the Malaysian market, two variants of the Phone 1 are offered here. There\u2019s the 8GB + 256GB model for RM2,399, and a more practical 12GB + 256GB variant for RM2,699. However, the latter will only be available here sometime in mid to late August next month.\n\n\nThese prices are certainly quite steep for a mid-ranger, though you\u2019re really paying for the unique looks and premium appeal of the Phone 1.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSo is it worth it to pay that much for \njust\n a mid-range phone? Well, only a full review of the Nothing Phone 1 can shed some light on this, though I am excited to see how well the phone can serve as my daily driver. It\u2019ll also be interesting to see exactly how hard it would be to get the phone in Malaysia.\n\n\nAfter all, the Phone 1 was quickly sold out in its first sale on Crossover\u2019s website earlier this week, and the next round of (confirmed) sale is happening on 1 August. Given all of the hype that\u2019s been built up for the phone, it may prove to be difficult to secure a unit.\n\n\nThe hype surrounding the Nothing Phone 1 is something that many brands struggle to replicate, and there\u2019s no denying that Nothing\u2019s marketing team did an excellent job here. But whether or not the Phone 1 itself is good\u2026is a question that can only be answered in a full review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/letshuoer-z12-pre-orders-now-open-planar-iem-tuned-by-z-reviews-from-159/", "title": "LETSHUOER Z12 Pre-Orders Now Open \u2013 Planar IEM Tuned by Z Reviews From $159", "body": "\n\nHere\u2019s yet another planar IEM tuned by a well-known figure in the audiophile scene. This time around, it\u2019s the LETSHUOER Z12, a limited edition IEM based on the LETSHUOER S12. What makes the Z12 different (aside from its bright blue and red colour scheme) is the fact that it is tuned by Z Reviews himself.\n\n\nThis is actually Z Reviews\u2019 first-ever collaboration with an audio brand. Compared to the tuning of the original S12, the limited edition Z12 \u2013 only 500 units are available worldwide \u2013 features boosted sub-bass. More specifically, a 2dB boost for frequencies below the 50Hz range.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Z12 is also said to have a V-shaped tuning, which makes for a more exciting, more dynamic sound profile. This being a planar IEM, it should be technically-accomplished as well, and its aluminium build gives it a premium appeal too.\n\n\nThe LETSHUOER Z12 is now \navailable for pre-order on HiFiGo\n from $159 (about RM705). Again, only 500 units of the Z12 are available worldwide, so you may want to place your order quickly to secure a unit. Shipping will commence from 1 August next month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/truthear-x-crinacle-zero-dual-dynamic-iem-with-true-subwoofer-for-50/", "title": "Truthear x Crinacle Zero \u2013 Dual Dynamic IEM With True Subwoofer for $50", "body": "\n\nHere\u2019s yet another Crinacle collaboration shortly after the release of the \n7Hz Salnotes Dioko\n. The Truthear x Crinacle Zero is a dual dynamic driver IEM, which may not sound particularly impressive. But what sets it apart from other similar offerings is the fact that it has a \ntrue subwoofer\n.\n\n\nThe Zero has two dynamic drivers: 7.8mm and 10mm. The former is your standard affair driver, but the 10mm driver is the interesting one, as it acts as a subwoofer. This means the driver is only audible below the 200Hz frequency range.\n\n\nOn top of that, the Zero is also quite an affordable IEM with a $50 (about RM220) price tag.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBased on \nCrinacle\u2019s frequency response graph\n of the Zero, it does look like a bassy IEM. It\u2019s tuned to the Harman target curve as well, which is said to be a sound signature preferred by most folks. Aside from that, the Zero is also manufactured by HeyGears, the same company that produces the Moondrop Blessing 2 and Moondrop Variations. \n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to pick up the Truthear x Crinacle Zero, you can do so from \nShenzhenAudio\n, \nAliExpress\n, and \nAmazon\n. No Malaysian-based audio retailers \u2013 to our knowledge \u2013 are carrying the Zero at the moment, though some may have the IEM in stock in the near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/marvels-spider-man-remastered-for-pc-supports-dualsense-haptics-coming-12-august-2022-for-rm249/", "title": "Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man Remastered for PC Supports DualSense Haptics \u2013 Coming 12 August 2022 for RM249", "body": "\n\nMarvel\u2019s Spider-Man Remastered\n for PC is set to arrive next month on 12 August. Ahead of the game\u2019s launch, Sony revealed some new details on the upcoming game, including a wide range of graphical settings and support for the PS5\u2019s DualSense controller.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, PC gamers can enjoy the refined haptics and adaptive triggers of the DualSense controller in Spider-Man Remastered. Given that this was previously only available on the PS5, it\u2019s quite a big deal. However, the DualSense controller has to be in wired mode for the features to work.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, there are also a wide variety of graphical settings for the PC version of Spider-Man Remastered. These include ray-traced reflections, Nvidia DLSS and DLAA, as well as support for a wide variety of display ratios, including 21:9 ultrawide and 32:9 panoramic. Beyond that, the game is also bundled with The City That Never Sleeps DLC.\n\n\nPre-orders for Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man Remastered are now open on \nSteam\n and the \nEpic Games Store\n for RM249. Every purchase of the game ahead of its launch on 12 August will come with a number of freebies, including early unlock of three suits and the Spider-Drone combat gadget.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-tuf-gaming-vg27aq-review-fast-very-affordable-165hz-wqhd-gaming-monitor/", "title": "Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQ Review: Fast, Very Affordable 165Hz WQHD Gaming Monitor", "body": "\n\nGaming monitors with fast and high resolution panels have steadily dropped in price over the years, and the Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQ is one such product. \nRetailing as low as RM1,489 now\n, this gaming monitor offers a fast 165Hz refresh rate, along with a sharp WQHD resolution.\n\n\nOf course, as with any monitors, the VG27AQ does have some shortcomings, such as its HDR performance and black levels. But for folks who want a reasonably high resolution 1440p gaming monitor with a fast refresh rate, the VG27AQ should be in your shortlist.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe TUF Gaming VG27AQ is a 27-inch 1440p IPS gaming monitor with a fast 165Hz refresh rate. It also supports HDR10 and variable refresh rate (VRR), so it is Nvidia G-Sync Compatible. In my time gaming with this monitor, this feature does manage to minimise screen tearing.\n\n\nUnlike most gaming monitors at this price point, the VG27AQ offers excellent adjustability. The stand supports swivel, tilt, height adjustment, and even pivot. Suffice to say it is very easy to get a comfortable viewing angle with this monitor.\n\n\nAnother neat feature of the VG27AQ is the fact that it has a pair of 2W speakers! Unfortunately, the audio quality is\u2026not great. I\u2019ll get back to this later.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nLet\u2019s get this out of the way: gaming on the Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQ is an absolute blast. The panel\u2019s fast 165Hz refresh rate and VRR support make for a very pleasant gaming experience with no noticeably screen tearing. As far as I can tell, this monitor has low input lag as well.\n\n\nThis is really thanks to Asus\u2019 Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync (ELMB SYNC) technology. According to the company, this allows the VG27AQ to achieve a 1ms response time. Basically, it\u2019s perfect for gamers who want all the competitive advantage they can get.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPanel quality of the VG27AQ is great as well. It has vibrant colours, contrast is good, and its viewing angles \u2013 as with most IPS screens \u2013 are wide too with minimal colour shifting. That being said, this isn\u2019t exactly the best monitor for content consumption; more on this in the next section.\n\n\nAnyway, the 1440p resolution of the VG27AQ is worth a mention too. In the past, you could only get a 1080p monitor at this price point. It\u2019s certainly great that consumers can now get a higher resolution panel (without sacrificing refresh rate) at a lower entry price.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the VG27AQ\u2019s \nvery intuitive\n on-screen display (OSD). Thanks to the addition of a joystick on the back of the monitor, it\u2019s seamless to navigate through its OSD to access whatever settings I want to. It\u2019s worth noting that this one simple hardware is not offered on many, many monitors, especially at this price point.\n\n\nAnd that brings us to the best, \nbest\n selling point of the VG27AQ: its sheer value for money. You can now get this gaming monitor \nfor only RM1,489\n, and given its feature set, you\u2019re really getting your money\u2019s worth here.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nSo I\u2019ve mentioned the TUF Gaming VG27AQ is not great for content consumption, but why? Well, it lies in the IPS screen of the monitor. Compared to, say, a VA panel, blacks on this IPS display can appear grey; this is an inherent weakness of the latter. If you\u2019re in a dark room, this issue is especially evident.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDespite the fact that the VG27AQ supports HDR10, the actual HDR performance\u2026isn\u2019t great. The screen itself doesn\u2019t get bright enough to bring out highlights in HDR content. That being said, the brightness level is more than acceptable in gaming and normal use; just not for HDR content.\n\n\nLast but not least are the speakers of the VG27AQ. While it\u2019s convenient to have these speakers built into the monitor itself, the audio quality leaves \nmuch\n to be desired. It is tinny, there\u2019s no bass, and the maximum volume is\u2026very soft.\n\n\nSuffice to say you should get proper speakers for content consumption.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nDespite its shortcomings, the Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQ is a great buy. After all, you can now get it \nfor only RM1,489\n. Given all of the features that you\u2019re getting for that kind of money, its value proposition is \nvery good\n, especially from an established brand like Asus.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from its sheer value for money, the VG27AQ is also fantastic for gaming with low input lag, high refresh rate, and good display quality, even if it\u2019s not ideal for HDR content. If you want a fast, affordable gaming monitor from an established brand, the TUF Gaming VG27AQ fits the bill.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-matebook-x-pro-updated-with-intel-12th-gen-chip-new-colours-coming-to-malaysia-19-august-2022/", "title": "Huawei MateBook X Pro Updated With Intel 12th Gen Chip & New Colours \u2013 Coming to Malaysia 19 August 2022", "body": "\n\nAt Huawei\u2019s Smart Office launch in Bangkok, Thailand, the Chinese company introduced a slew of products for the APAC region, including the new Huawei MateBook X Pro. Now powered by Intel\u2019s 12th gen processor, it also features two new colourways.\n\n\nThe MateBook X Pro you see here is the Ink Blue model, which features a unique matte, almost rubbery finish. This gives the magnesium alloy chassis of the laptop a premium look and feel. If you\u2019re not a fan of the Ink Blue colourway, there\u2019s the White version.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the new MateBook X Pro comes with Intel\u2019s 12th gen processor; more specifically, a Core i7-1260P chip. This 12-core processor looks to be the only option for this premium laptop. Aside from that, it\u2019s also a slim, lightweight laptop with a 15.6mm chassis that tips the scales at 1.26kg.\n\n\nOther specifications of the MateBook X Pro include a 14.2-inch 3120 x 2080 touch-enabled display with a 90Hz refresh rate \u2013 the 3:2 aspect ratio is great for productivity tasks \u2013 Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, 1TB of SSD storage, and a 60Wh battery.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe brand new Huawei MateBook X Pro will be coming to Malaysia on 19 August 2022 next month. Given its premium appeal, expect it to carry an equally premium price tag.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-matebook-d-16-pre-orders-open-in-malaysia-12th-gen-intel-3-variants-from-rm3699/", "title": "Huawei MateBook D 16 Pre-Orders Open in Malaysia \u2013 12th Gen Intel, 3 Variants From RM3,699", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt the Huawei APAC Smart Office launch in Bangkok, Thailand, the company also launched the Huawei MateBook D 16 for the region. On top of that, pre-orders of the laptop are also now open in Malaysia.\n\n\nThree variants of the MateBook D 16 are offered for the Malaysian market. The base model with an Intel Core i5-12450H processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD goes for RM3,699. If you want more RAM, you can upgrade the RAM capacity to 16GB for an extra RM300, bringing up the price to RM3,999.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the range-topping Core i7-12700H configuration with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, it\u2019s priced at RM4,799. For that kind of money, the MateBook D 16 offers a large 16-inch 1920 x 1200 display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, so it\u2019s not as narrow as a more conventional 16:9 panel.\n\n\nThe taller 16:10 aspect ratio of the D 16\u2019s display will come in handy for productivity tasks, as you get more vertical screen real esate to work with. Other specifications of this laptop include Intel UHD Graphics or Iris Xe integrated GPU, a 1080p webcam, a 60Wh battery, and Windows 11 Pro out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei MateBook D 16 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 5 August 2022. The Core i5 8GB + 512GB model costs RM3,699, while the Core i5 16GB + 512GB variant goes for RM3,999. The highest-end Core i7 16GB + 512GB configuration, on the other hand, is priced at RM4,799.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-matepad-pro-11-official-120hz-oled-snapdragon-888-870-malaysian-pre-orders-open-19-august/", "title": "Huawei MatePad Pro 11 Official \u2013 120Hz OLED, Snapdragon 888/870, Malaysian Pre-Orders Open 19 August", "body": "\n\nHere\u2019s another brand new product launched at the Huawei APAC Smart Office event in Bangkok, Thailand. The Huawei MatePad Pro 11 is a premium Android tablet, and it is set to arrive in Malaysia as early as next month in August 2022.\n\n\nInterestingly, the MatePad Pro 11 is offered with two different chipsets: a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, or a Snapdragon 870. Both of these chips are not particularly new offerings from Qualcomm, though they should still be able to offer a reasonably high level of performance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the MatePad Pro 11 include an 11-inch 2560 x 1600 OLED display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, and HarmonyOS 3.0 out of the box. Of course, it can also be paired with a magnetic keyboard and stylus.\n\n\nThe Huawei MatePad Pro 11 will be available for pre-order in Malaysia on 19 August 2022 next month. It will go on sale the following week on 27 August.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-matebook-16s-with-intel-core-i7-12700h-arrives-in-malaysia-for-rm6799/", "title": "Huawei MateBook 16s With Intel Core i7-12700H Arrives in Malaysia for RM6,799", "body": "\n\nYes, Huawei unveiled yet another laptop for the APAC region today at its Smart Office 2022 launch. This is the Huawei MateBook 16s, which is positioned between the more affordable MateBook D 16 and the premium MateBook X Pro; it\u2019s also available for pre-order in Malaysia now.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the MateBook 16s is offered in Malaysia. Featuring an Intel Core i7-12700H processor paired with 16GB of RAM and a very generous 1TB SSD storage, the productivity laptop is priced at RM6,799 locally. Early birds who pre-order the MateBook 16s will also get freebies worth RM1,700. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the MateBook D 16, the MateBook 16s has a number of higher-end hardware. Its display, for one, is a sharper 16-inch 2520 x 1680 panel with a taller 3:2 aspect ratio. This is an ideal aspect ratio for productivity tasks, as it allows users to show more information on the display.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the MateBook 16s are Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, a 1080p webcam, an 84Wh battery, a fingerprint sensor built into the power button, and Windows 11 Home out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei MateBook 16s is now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 5 August 2022 for RM6,799. To recap, early pre-orders will come with RM1,700 worth of freebies.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-freebuds-pro-2-also-arriving-in-malaysia-august-2022-co-engineered-with-devialet/", "title": "Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 Also Arriving in Malaysia August 2022 \u2013 Co-engineered With Devialet", "body": "\n\nAside from the MateBook X Pro and MatePad Pro 11, the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 is also coming to Malaysia in August 2022 next month. Co-engineered with Devialet, the wireless earbuds feature active noise cancellation (ANC) too.\n\n\nTwo drivers are found in each buds of the FreeBuds Pro 2. There\u2019s a standard 11mm dynamic driver, and a \u201cplanar diaphragm driver\u201d \u2013 it\u2019s said to be the first wireless earbuds with such a driver setup. According to Huawei, the ANC of these earbuds is also able to cancel out sounds between the 50Hz to 3000Hz frequency range.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for battery life, the Freebuds Pro 2 can last up to 6.5 hours on a single charge with 30 hours of total playback with the charging case. But with ANC activated, the battery life is limited to 4 hours and 18 hours respectively. It comes with IP54 dust and water resistance rating as well.\n\n\nThe Huawei Freebuds Pro 2 will be available in Malaysia sometime in August 2022 next month. No word yet on exactly how much it\u2019ll cost for the Malaysian market, but for context, it retails at 199 euro in Europe \u2013 that comes up to about RM900.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-freebuds-pro-2-unboxing-hands-on-premium-wireless-earbuds-with-anc-neutral-tuning/", "title": "Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 Unboxing & Hands-on \u2013 Premium Wireless Earbuds With ANC & Neutral Tuning", "body": "\n\nHuawei has really expanded its product offerings in recent years. From smartphones, tablets, to laptops, the Chinese company also introduced several audio products, including the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2. The wireless earbuds were launched in the APAC region just a couple of days ago.\n\n\nCo-engineered with French audio brand Devialet, the FreeBuds Pro 2 is positioned as a premium, flagship pair of true wireless earbuds. It\u2019s set to arrive here in Malaysia sometime in August next month, so if you\u2019re keen to get it, here\u2019s our unboxing and hands-on of the FreeBuds Pro 2.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPackaged in a simple square box, the FreeBuds Pro 2 is the first thing you see when you open up the box. Well, you\u2019ll see the charging case, to be specific. The Huawei and Devialet branding are shown on a square, glossy patch on the case, and though it look a little out of place, I do think it gives the product a premium touch.\n\n\nUnderneath the charging case of the FreeBuds Pro 2 in the packaging are your usual documentations. It also comes with a USB-C to USB-A cable for charging (the charger itself isn\u2019t provided) as well as two extra silicone ear tip: small and large. The medium-sized tips are pre-installed to the earbuds.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFlip up the lid of the FreeBuds Pro 2\u2019s charging case \u2013 it also closes with a satisfying click in one smooth motion \u2013 and you\u2019ll see the earbuds themselves. Unlike the (mostly) matte charging case, the earbuds have a very glossy finish, which is a fingerprint magnet.\n\n\nOn top of that, the glossy earbuds are also quite slippery to get a hold of. Just trying to get them out of the case is quite a challenge because of this. But I have to admit: it looks nice and premium. I\u2019m also a fan of the Huawei branding on the stalk of the earbuds; it\u2019s tastefully done, in my opinion.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow let\u2019s talk about the specifications of the FreeBuds Pro 2. Two drivers are found in each buds: there\u2019s a standard 11mm dynamic driver, and a \u201cplanar diaphragm driver.\u201d According to Huawei, these are the first wireless earbuds to feature such a driver setup.\n\n\nGiven its premium appeal, the FreeBuds Pro 2 naturally features active noise cancellation (ANC). In fact, it\u2019s said to be capable of cancelling out sounds between the 50Hz to 3000Hz frequency range. We don\u2019t exactly have the equipment to test this, but the ANC does work quite well \u2013 more on this later.\n\n\nAs for battery life, the Freebuds Pro 2 can last up to 6.5 hours on a single charge with 30 hours of total playback with the charging case. However, with ANC activated, the battery life is limited to 4 hours and 18 hours respectively. It comes with IP54 dust and water resistance rating too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSo\u2026how well does the FreeBuds Pro 2\u2019s ANC work? Surprisingly good! I\u2019ve tested it on a flight, and the ANC is strong enough to silent the aircraft\u2019s engine noise. That being said, the ANC also has the \u201cdeafening\u201d effect, though the sensation is reduced when I play some music.\n\n\nAs for audio quality, the FreeBuds Pro 2 is\u2026okay. It has a relatively neutral tuning, though some would describe this as a \u201cboring\u201d sound signature. Yes, these wireless earbuds may sound flat to some folks, but this isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSure, the FreeBuds Pro 2 does not have particularly strong bass or sparkly treble, but the neutral tuning also means there\u2019s no bass bloat that bleeds into the mid, which would\u2019ve made for a muddy sound profile. It is not a \u201cshouty\u201d pair of earbuds either with highs that are pulled back quite a bit.\n\n\nTechnicality of the FreeBuds Pro 2 is not too shabby either. It can retrieve details well, it has quite a \u201csharp\u201d attack \u2013 plucked strings sound very satisfying, for example \u2013 and instrument separation is reasonably good too. However, I do wish its bass was a bit tighter and more controlled.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 is a pair of true wireless earbuds with sleek looks, effective ANC, as well as a neutral sound profile that offers a laid back, relaxed listening experience. On top of that, it also looks and feels premium, even if the earbuds\u2019 glossy finish collects fingerprints quite easily.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the FreeBuds Pro 2, you won\u2019t have to wait too long: it\u2019s set to arrive in Malaysia sometime in August 2022 next month. No word yet on exactly how much it\u2019ll cost for the Malaysian market, but for context, it retails at 199 euro in Europe \u2013 that comes up to about RM900.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/28-july-3-august-fuel-price-ron-97-down-10-sen-again-now-rm4-55-per-litre/", "title": "28 July \u2013 3 August Fuel Price: RON 97 Down 10 Sen Again, Now RM4.55 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nHere\u2019s a bit of good news for the week: the price of RON 97 is going down yet again by 10 sen. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are all maintained, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nUntil 3 August next week, the price of RON 97 is set at RM4.55 per litre (down from RM4.65). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, these prices are applicable from 28 July to 3 August 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-sold-39k-cars-in-1h-2022-on-track-to-achieve-80k-annual-sales-target/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Sold 39k Cars in 1H 2022 \u2013 On Track to Achieve 80k Annual Sales Target", "body": "\n\nHonda Malaysia recently revealed its sales performance for the first half of 2022. Between January to June this year, the Japanese carmaker sold over 39,000 cars; a 60% improvement compared to the same period in 2021.\n\n\nThanks to this impressive sales figure, Honda Malaysia said it is on track to achieve its 2022 sales target, which is set at 80,000 units. Given just how popular its range of models are \u2013 the \n2022 HR-V\n alone, for one, received over 20,000 bookings \u2013 we reckon the carmaker may even exceed its target.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNot surprisingly, Honda\u2019s top three best-selling cars are perennial names in their respective segments. The company\u2019s most popular model (accounting for 39% of total sales) is none other than the \nCity sedan\n, followed by the \nCity Hatchback\n and \nCivic\n at 23% and 18% respectively.\n\n\n\u201cThe positive acceptance of Honda models helped to boost our sales performance this year,\u201d said the managing director and CEO of Honda Malaysia, Hironobu Yoshimura. \u201cWe saw high demand in\nterms of bookings in the run up to the end of sales tax exemption on 30th June 2022, where\nmore than 105,000 bookings were received in the first six months this year,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that Honda Malaysia \npromised to launch one more all-new model\n later this year, which is widely believed to be the 2022 Honda BR-V. Once the seven-seater MPV is unveiled on our shores, it\u2019s likely the carmaker\u2019s sales will see further improvement locally.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/monokei-standard-custom-keyboard-designed-in-malaysia-singapore-from-rm610/", "title": "Monokei Standard \u2013 Custom Keyboard Designed in Malaysia & Singapore From RM610", "body": "\n\nNow this is interesting. Enter the Monokei Standard, a custom keyboard designed right here in Malaysia and Singapore. Monokei typically makes high-end, costly keyboards, but not the Standard: it starts at only RM610, which is really quite affordable for a custom keyboard of this calibre.\n\n\nFor starters, the Standard is a gasket-mounted pre-built keyboard, which is great. Typically, more affordable keyboards use a simpler, more conventional tray mount system, which makes for a stiffer typing experience.\n\n\nAccording to Monokei, the gasket strips and polycarbonate plate of the Standard will provide a cushioned, firm typing experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the case of the Standard, it is made from injection-moulded ABS plastic to bring down its cost. The custom keyboard also features a hotswap PCB, Cherry screw-in stabilisers, Monokei\u2019s own Series 1 double shot PBT keycaps, and three switch options: Cherry MX Red, MX Silent Red, and MX Brown.\n\n\nOh, did we mention that the Standard is also a wireless keyboard? That\u2019s right, it supports both Bluetooth \u2013 with a quoted battery life of up to 30 days from the 1,000mAh battery \u2013 and USB-C to USB-C connection for those who prefer to use the keyboard in wired mode.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Monokei Standard is now available for pre-order until 16 September; fulfilment is expected to start sometime in November 2022. If you\u2019re here in Malaysia, you can get it \nfrom Ana tomy with a RM610 starting price\n. Alternatively, you can check out other regional vendors that carry the Standard \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/thin-light-2022-acer-swift-5-with-12th-gen-intel-chips-now-in-malaysia-from-rm4699/", "title": "Thin & Light 2022 Acer Swift 5 With 12th Gen Intel Chips Now in Malaysia From RM4,699", "body": "\n\nThe thin and light 2022 Acer Swift 5 productivity laptop is now available in Malaysia. Powered by Intel\u2019s latest 12th gen processors, the new Swift 5 also has a number of other improvements, including a larger, taller screen, and a trackpad made from recycled plastic.\n\n\nDubbed OceanGlass trackpad, this is the same one used in the \nSwift X\n. Despite the fact that the Swift 5\u2019s trackpad is made out of recycled plastic, it still feels quite smooth to the touch. At least, that was the case with the Swift X.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the new Swift 5 also sports Intel\u2019s latest 12th gen processors with Iris Xe integrated graphics. Three different variants of the laptop are offered in Malaysia, starting with the RM4,699 base model with a Core i5-1240P processor paired with 8GB of RAM, 512GB of PCIe NVMe SSD storage, and a 14-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS display.\n\n\nA tier up is the Core i7-1260P configuration of the Swift 5 with more RAM and SSD at 16GB and 1TB respectively; this particular model is priced at RM5,999. As for the range-topping variant, it has the same hardware as the aforementioned model, but it swaps out the display for a higher resolution 2560 x 1600 IPS panel for RM6,599.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Swift 5 include a 14.95mm slim chassis that tips the scales at 1.2kg, a fingerprint reader built into the power button, and up to 10 hours of battery life.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Acer Swift 5 is now available for purchase in Malaysia from RM4,699. Those who purchase the laptop before 30 September will also get a number of freebies, including a sleeve case, a backpack, and RM120 worth of TNG eWallet credit. You can also get a RM100 discount if you get the Swift 5 at the Acer Day roadshow in Pavilion Bukit Jalil until 7 August 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/4-10-august-fuel-price-ron-97-down-5-sen-now-rm4-50-per-litre/", "title": "4 \u2013 10 August Fuel Price: RON 97 Down 5 Sen, Now RM4.50 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 continues its downward trend this week: it\u2019s set to go down by 5 sen per litre. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are all maintained, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nFor the next seven days, the price of RON 97 is set at RM4.50 per litre (down from RM4.55). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 4 to 10 August 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-inzone-h9-wireless-gaming-headset-with-anc-now-in-malaysia-for-rm1299/", "title": "Sony INZONE H9 Wireless Gaming Headset With ANC Now in Malaysia for RM1,299", "body": "\n\nLaunched globally just a couple of months ago, the Sony INZONE H9 wireless gaming headset \u2013 the range-topping model in the INZONE lineup \u2013 is finally available for purchase in Malaysia. It joins the more affordable INZONE H7 and INZONE H3, which were \nalready available for purchase\n locally last month.\n\n\nFirst, a quick recap on the prices of these gaming headsets. The most affordable INZONE H3 costs RM439, while the INZONE H7 is priced at RM1,099. As for the highest-end INZONE H9, it goes for RM1,299, and it naturally comes with all the bells and whistles.\n\n\n\n\nFrom left: INZONE H3, INZONE H7, INZONE H9\n\n\nThe INZONE H9\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the INZONE H9 features active noise cancellation, 360 Spatial Sound (only for PC), up to 32 hours of battery life, and of course, a boom microphone that can be flipped up to mute. The H9 also supports the PS5\u2019s Tempest 3D AudioTech.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the Sony INZONE H9 for PC gaming \u2013 or even for your PS5 \u2013 you can do so through \nSony Malaysia\u2019s online store\n. To recap, the wireless gaming headset is priced at RM1,299 for the Malaysian market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-10t-official-with-snapdragon-8-gen-1-150w-supervooc-coming-to-malaysia-1-september/", "title": "OnePlus 10T Official With Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 & 150W SUPERVOOC \u2013 Coming to Malaysia 1 September", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been a while since we\u2019ve seen a T device from OnePlus, but here it is. The OnePlus 10T is the latest device from the Chinese phone maker, and it comes with a number of intriguing features, including the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and a blazing fast 150W SUPERVOOC charging.\n\n\nThanks to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, the 10T should be able to offer speedy, flagship-class performance. Speaking of speed, the 150W SUPERVOOC fast charging also promises \u201ca day\u2019s power\u201d in only 10 minutes of charging; it can get the phone\u2019s 4,800mAh battery from 1% to 67%.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the 10T include a 6.7-inch 2412 x 1080 Fluid AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), a 16MP selfie camera, and OxygenOS based on Android 12 out of the box.\n\n\nThe OnePlus 10T will be coming to Malaysia on 1 September next month, with a local price reveal happening on 18 August. For the sake of comparison, the phone starts at $649 (about RM2,890) in the US for the 8GB + 128GB model, while the higher-end 12GB + 256GB configuration goes for $749 (approximately RM3,335).\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-receives-24265-orders-in-july-2022-despite-return-of-sst-9000-for-new-alza/", "title": "Perodua Receives 24,265 Orders in July 2022 Despite Return of SST \u2013 9,000 for New Alza", "body": "\n\nPerodua continues to record strong booking numbers despite the reinstatement of sales tax on new car orders from 1 July 2022. Last month alone, the national carmaker recorded 24,265 bookings; 9,000 of them were for the \n2022 Perodua Alza\n.\n\n\nWith that in mind, bookings for the new Alza now stands at a whopping 39,000 units. Given that Perodua was only aiming to sell 3,000 units of the MPV every month, it\u2019s clear that demand for the updated Alza exceeds the company\u2019s expectations.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEven though Perodua\u2019s booking numbers look good, its sales actually went down last month compared to June 2022. \u201cOur month-to-month sales were reduced by 13.3% to 18,346 units in July compared with 21,164 units registered in June this year,\u201d said the president and CEO of Perodua, Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\n\n\nAccording to Zainal, this is attributed to \u201clingering issues in the automotive ecosystem last month, which include shortage of labour and residual semiconductor supply availability.\u201d He added that Perodua is working closely with the government to overcome the labour shortage by early August.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOnce that\u2019s settled, Perodua expects its production to resume in full from this month onwards. If you\u2019ve been eagerly waiting to receive your new Perodua car, you may not have to wait too long now.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-best-selling-car-in-july-2022-with-4763-units-sold-beats-myvi-bezza-saga/", "title": "Proton X50 Best-Selling Car in July 2022 With 4,763\u00a0Units Sold \u2013 Beats Myvi, Bezza, Saga", "body": "\n\nNow this is interesting. With over 4,763 units sold in Malaysia last month, the \nProton X50\n was the best-selling car on our shores in July 2022. According to Proton, this is the first-time ever an SUV managed to grab the title.\n\n\nTypically, the monthly best-selling car title goes to Perodua\u2019s ever-popular Myvi or Bezza; occasionally, even Proton\u2019s own Saga. The fact that the X50 got the title instead is definitely an impressive achievement, given that it also sits at a higher price bracket than the three aforementioned models.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cThe company is immensely proud of the model becoming the first SUV to be crowned as the best-selling vehicle in Malaysia and we are thankful for the support from our customers,\u201d said the deputy CEO of Proton, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n\n\u201cThis achievement and Proton\u2019s sales leadership in other segments shows our business plan is on the right track and repays the confidence placed in the brand by buyers, investors and other stakeholders,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNot far behind the Proton X50 in total sales for July 2022 is the Saga with 4,521 units sold. This is followed by the X70 (1,704 units) and Exora (476 units) \u2013 both of them led their respective segments.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-aspire-3-aspire-5-land-in-malaysia-affordable-12th-gen-intel-laptops-from-rm2499/", "title": "Acer Aspire 3 & Aspire 5 Land in Malaysia \u2013 Affordable 12th Gen Intel Laptops From RM2,499", "body": "\n\nAside from the thin and light \nSwift 5\n, Acer Malaysia also introduced two much more affordable productivity laptops with Intel\u2019s 12th gen chips on our shores: the Acer Aspire 3 and Aspire 5. Retailing from only RM2,499, these two laptops are ideal for those who are on a tight budget.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the more affordable laptop of the two, the Aspire 3. Four different configurations are offered in Malaysia. The base RM2,499 model features an Intel Core i3-1215U processor paired with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. Want a faster CPU and more storage? Then consider the RM2,899 Core i5-1235U model with a 512GB SSD.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Aspire 3\n\n\n\n\nA tier up shares the same configuration as the Core i5 model, but it packs a dedicated Nvidia GeForce MX550 GPU instead for RM3,399. As for the range-topping Aspire 3, it comes with a Core i7-1255U processor with 16GB of RAM for RM3,699. Beyond that, all models of the Aspire 3 share the same 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display; the full version of Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021 is also included.\n\n\nNext is the Aspire 5, which is available in two configurations. The base RM2,599 model has a Core i3-1315U chip and Intel UHD graphics, while the Core i5-1235U variant with Iris Xe graphics costs RM3,099. Besides the different CPU, both models share the same hardware, including 8GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display, as well as the full version of Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021 included.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Aspire 5\n\n\n\n\nBoth the Acer Aspire 3 and Aspire 5 are now available for purchase in Malaysia from RM2,499 and RM2,599 respectively. You can also check out the two laptops at the Acer Day roadshow happening now in Pavilion Bukit Jalil until 7 August this Sunday.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/drop-teases-sense75-custom-keyboard-with-genuine-gasket-feel/", "title": "Drop Teases SENSE75 Custom Keyboard With \u201cGenuine Gasket Feel\u201d", "body": "\n\nDrop is set to release a new custom keyboard, and it looks to be the company\u2019s most premium offering yet. Enter the SENSE75, a 75% keyboard with a gasket mount system that \u201cgenuinely provides a gasket feel.\n\n\nGasket mounted keyboards have gotten increasingly popular in recent times, though the implementation of the mounting system differs from one keyboard to another. Given Drop\u2019s lofty promise of a \u201cgenuine gasket feel\u201d for the SENSE75, it\u2019ll be interesting to see how its gasket mounting works.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the SENSE75 also has a number of features that are geared toward enthusiasts. These include PCB mounted stabilisers, south-facing per-key RGB lighting, an aluminium case, a hotswap PCB, as well as \u201caccessible configuration software and QMK firmware,\u201d though there\u2019s no mention of VIA compatibility.\n\n\nNo word yet on when the Drop SENSE75 will be available for purchase, though \nregistration of interest for the custom keyboard is now open\n. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the availability of the SENSE75.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/7hz-salnotes-zero-review-chu-better-watch-out/", "title": "7Hz Salnotes Zero Review: Chu Better Watch Out", "body": "\n\nWhile the future of IEMs seems to be steering towards planar magnetic driven ones like the \n7Hz Salnotes Dioko\n, traditional dynamic drivers are not going anywhere anytime soon. Expanding upon its affordable \u201cSalnotes\u201d lineup, 7Hz has released the Zero \u2013 a humble single dynamic driver earphones.\n\n\nMore specifically, the Salnotes Zero sports a 10mm dynamic driver with a metal composite diaphragm. The latter looks to be a popular piece of tech in the ChiFi space lately; the \nBLON Fat Girl\n we previously reviewed is one such IEM that uses a similar diaphragm. Just like that IEM, the Zero is also \nvery\n affordable.\n\n\nRetailing at just $19.99 (about RM90) on Linsoul\n, the Salnotes Zero competes directly with the Moondrop Chu, an IEM that is currently dominating this price bracket\u2026as well as several tiers above. We actually have a unit of the Chu, and you can bet we are comparing it to the Zero in this review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nAs mentioned, the 7Hz Salnotes Zero uses a 10mm dynamic driver with a metal composite diaphragm. 7Hz doesn\u2019t really say how this type of diaphragm affects the sound profile of the Zero, though the company did mention it\u2019s made of high quality materials, \u201cmaking it easier to resonate or vibrate along with sound waves.\u201d\n\n\nPackaging of the Zero is nothing out of the ordinary. You get the earphones themselves, a detachable 4-core high purity oxygen-free copper cable, as well as an assortment of standard and narrow-bore ear tips. Similar to the ones included with the Dioko, basically.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Salnotes Zero\u2019s shell has a fairly unique look to it. The housing is said to be made from an environmentally-friendly plastic, along with a stainless steel faceplate with the name of the IEM on the side.\n\n\nYou get the option of three colour options for the shell of the Zero: Black (as pictured here), White, and Blue. The shape of the Zero fits well in my ears too, but it doesn\u2019t offer the best isolation. The cable is also not free of microphonics, but at least there is a chin slider.\n\n\nHow Does It Sound?\n\n\nThe sound signature of the 7Hz Salnotes Zero can best be described as neutral, with (at most) a hint of brightness. While I wouldn\u2019t consider the Zero to be laid back, it\u2019s far from the most energetic IEM. Its flat tonality might even be a tad boring to some folks, but personally, I just find myself yearning for a bit more warmth and body in the notes.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDetail retrieval is about what you might expect from a dynamic driver; that is, it\u2019s not particularly amazing, and the same can be said about instrument separation. Beyond that, 7Hz must have taken notes from Crinacle during their recent collaboration on the Dioko, as the neutrality of the Zero is organic and well-tuned, to say the least.\n\n\nBass\n\n\nFirst off, the sub-bass of the Zero is surprisingly well-extended. It isn\u2019t overly boomy or punchy, but you do get an interesting \u201ctingling\u201d sensation in your ears and head from the vibrations of the driver as the bass rumbles. This sensation is particularly evident in the opening to Blackpink\u2019s Whistle, where the bass rumble decay lingers and reverberates clearly.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlso rather surprising is the mid-bass of the Zero. It\u2019s tame and flat, but it is also tight and controlled. There\u2019s no aggressive bump that you\u2019d normally find with budget IEMs like these, so unfortunately for bassheads, the Zero\u2019s listening experience is not super exciting.\n\n\nMids\n\n\nThe neutrality present within the bass of the Zero is true for the mids as well, and perhaps to a fault. Though not recessed, the mids don\u2019t stand out in any particular way, it\u2019s merely\u2026present. It isn\u2019t thick by any means, and it is not especially light or breathy. Vocals are also, to my ears, relatively natural, though it could do with a tad bit more weight and warmth.\n\n\nTo better describe this, the acoustic version of NIKI\u2019s La La Lost You seems a tad \u201cfloaty\u201d with the Zero; it lacks body and definition. The breaths that NIKI takes between lines are also subdued, making the track lose its almost ethereal quality.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis remains true for male vocals. While I can feel the drum that\u2019s thumping in the background in Sam Smith\u2019s Stay With Me, his vocals are a bit cold and thin, and it almost gets outshined by the track\u2019s tambourine, cymbals, and aforementioned drums.\n\n\nHighs\n\n\nAs with the bass and mids, the treble of the Salnotes Zero continues the mostly flat and neutral presentation. There is some detail present, but there\u2019s a hazy, veiled quality to the treble that makes these details less obvious. There\u2019s also an abrupt end in the decay of the treble instead of a smooth roll-off, which makes the presentation harsher than it should be.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOmen by Disclosure (featuring Sam Smith) is a track with snaps, claps, and cymbals throughout, but the Zero\u2019s muted treble makes the song lose some of its energy and excitement. But there is a bright side to this: it\u2019s not a fatiguing pair of earphones, so it should be good for longer listening sessions.\n\n\nSoundstage\n\n\nThe Salnotes Zero makes up for its lack of height and depth with above-average width in the soundstage. But it isn\u2019t completely an \u201cin-your-head\u201d listening experience, as you still get some vertical depth. It\u2019s just\u2026relatively meagre, though not unexpected.\n\n\nComparison to Moondrop Chu\n\n\nIt\u2019s a great time to be in the ChiFi hobby now: you can pay as little as $20 to get the sound quality of IEMs at much higher price points. This \u201cbudget\u201d category initially started with sub-$100 IEMs, which progressed to the sub-$50 category, and has now reached the astonishingly low price of below $20.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the most popular options in the sub-$20 price point is the Moondrop Chu, and it is now joined by the Salnotes Zero. These two IEMs are actually quite similar to each other (aside from their respective tunings), and there are a few physical differences between them that are worth pointing out.\n\n\nFirst and foremost is the lack of a detachable cable with the Moondrop Chu. This might not seem like a big deal to some, but having the flexibility of using different cables allows you to get an ever so slightly varied sound signature, depending on the cable used.\n\n\nOh, you\u2019d also be able to terminate at different jacks like 2.5mm or 4.4mm, not to mention the freedom to switch up the aesthetics a bit with third-party cables.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe fit of the Chu might not be for everyone as well, as the IEM\u2019s earhook (or lack thereof) may prove difficult to get a secure fit. The hooks and overall shape of the Salnotes Zero allow me to get a snug fit easily, while the Chu took a bit of adjustment for me to get the same fit. But of course, everyone\u2019s ears are shaped differently, so your mileage may vary.\n\n\nA big selling point of the Moondrop Chu is the fact that it comes with a full set of Moondrop\u2019s own Spring Tips. These tips would normally cost you around $13, and the fact that it comes bundled with the $19.99 Chu is \nfantastic\n value. However, while I really like how soft and comfortable the Spring Tips are, I\u2019m not too fond of what they do to the sound profile of earphones.\n\n\nIn my experience, the Spring Tips tend to flatten the bass and treble of IEMs fitted with these tips, lowering the dynamics of said IEMs for a more \u201csmooth\u201d sound signature. That being said, you should definitely try the Spring Tips for yourself first and see if they\u2019re actually to your liking.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s talk about their sound profiles. If the Salnotes Zero has a neutral tonality with a hint of brightness, the Moondrop Chu has a more apparent neutral-bright sound signature. The latter has more forward upper-mids, so it has a crisper high end too, though this also results in the Chu being more susceptible to shouty highs.\n\n\nAside from that, the Chu has noticeably less sub-bass than the rumbly Zero, even if the former has a punchier and tighter mid-bass. The vocals on the Chu are a tad more natural and forward too, which I personally prefer.\n\n\nIf you want a sound signature that\u2019s more tuned to the Harman target, the Moondrop Chu is your best bet. If you prefer something a little more flat \u2013 or if you\u2019re sensitive to forward upper-mids \u2013 then the Salnotes Zero is the way to go.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nWhile the 7Hz Salnotes Zero doesn\u2019t particularly excel in any one area, it\u2019s also hard to find any major fault with it, \nespecially \nat this price point. Again, \nfor only $19.99 on Linsoul\n, the Zero is great to use as a daily driver. Given just how affordable it is, you can just toss it in your bag without worries and listen to it on the go.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhether you prefer the more evident bass response of the \nSalnotes Zero\n or the \nMoondrop Chu\n\u2018s crisper highs, you really can\u2019t go wrong with either options. Both of them are currently going for only $19.99 on Linsoul, and at this price point, you\u2019re getting absolutely fantastic value for your money.\n\n\nLi Jin Soh contributed to this review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/illegear-atomic-16-official-intel-12th-gen-16-120hz-display-15mm-thin-from-rm3299/", "title": "Illegear Atomic 16 Official \u2013 Intel 12th Gen, 16\u2033 120Hz Display, 15mm Thin, From RM3,299", "body": "\n\nIllegear just launched a new laptop in Malaysia, and it\u2019s not a gaming machine. Rather, the Illegear Atomic 16 is a thin and light productivity-focused laptop \u2013 it measures only 15mm thin with a 1.55kg chassis \u2013 powered by Intel\u2019s 12th gen processors, and it\u2019s quite affordable too.\n\n\nTwo main variants of the Atomic 16 are offered in Malaysia. The base model features a Core i5-12500H processor for RM3,299, and you can swap it to a faster Core i7-12700H chip for RM299, bringing up the total price to RM3,598.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs with most of Illegear\u2019s laptops, the hardware of the Atomic 16 is customisable. By default, it features a rather sharp 16-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 16:10 aspect ratio \u2013 perfect for productivity tasks \u2013 4GB of RAM (free upgrade to 8GB RAM until 20 August), a 512GB SSD, Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, and a two-year carry-in warranty.\n\n\nThe Illegear Atomic is now available for pre-order in Malaysia on \nIllegear\u2019s online store with a RM3,299 starting price\n until 20 August. If you pay in cash instead, you can get the 16-inch productivity laptop from only RM3,135. It\u2019s estimated to start shipping from 21 August onwards.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-6-finally-shipping-in-malaysia-this-week-demo-units-available-13-august/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 6 Finally Shipping in Malaysia This Week \u2013 Demo Units Available 13 August", "body": "\n\nAfter an initial delay, the \nAsus ROG Phone 6\n will finally start shipping to customers in Malaysia \nsometime this week\n. If you want to check out the gaming phone in person, you can do that too from 13 August onwards at selected stores.\n\n\nTo recap, two variants of the ROG Phone 6 are available in Malaysia. The base model with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage costs RM3,599, while the 16GB + 512GB configuration goes for RM4,399. These prices are quite a bit lower than the Pro model, which is \npriced at RM4,999\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the ROG Phone 6 features Qualcomm\u2019s latest Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and\n\u00a0\na 6.78-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a blazing fast 165Hz refresh rate. This panel also has a high 720Hz sampling rate, giving it a touch latency of only 23ms.\n\n\nOther specifications of the ROG Phone 6 Pro include a triple camera system (50MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide + macro), a 12MP selfie camera, an illuminated ROG logo on the back panel, capacitive shoulder buttons, and a generous 6,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve pre-ordered the Asus ROG Phone 6, expect it to be delivered to you sometime this week. If you\u2019d like to try out the gaming phone for yourself first, you can do so \nat these stores\n from 13 August onwards.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/maybank-confirms-apple-pay-availability-in-malaysia/", "title": "Maybank Confirms Apple Pay Availability in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been rumoured for quite some time now, but here it is: Maybank just released a \nsupport page for Apple Pay\n, confirming the availability of the service in Malaysia. On top of that, Maybank also revealed a list of its cards that can be added to Apple Pay.\n\n\nLooking at the list\n, both credit and debit cards from Maybank support Apple Pay. While American Express cards from the bank are not listed at the moment, Maybank said that support for AMEX cards will be added in due time, though Maybank corporate cards are not eligible for Apple Pay.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nApple Pay makes it much easier to make payments with a compatible Apple product, as it allows you to add your credit card or debit card to the service. Once you\u2019ve set up Apple Pay on, say, your iPhone, you can use your phone to make payments at retailers that support the service. So long as they have a card terminal, Apple Pay should be supported.\n\n\nAlthough Maybank already released the support page for Apple Pay, it remains to be seen exactly when the service will be available in Malaysia, though we reckon it will go live on our shores very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/heres-how-to-activate-apple-pay-on-your-iphone-in-malaysia/", "title": "Here\u2019s How to Activate Apple Pay on Your iPhone in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nApple Pay is finally available in Malaysia! Although it only works with cards from certain banks on our shores \u2013 three banks, to be specific \u2013 it\u2019s certainly a service that many Apple users have been asking for. If you\u2019ve got a card issued by Maybank, AmBank, or Standard Chartered, then this setup guide is for you.\n\n\nTo start the setup process for Apple Pay on your iPhone, launch the Wallet app; it should be pre-installed. Once you\u2019re in the app, just click on the add card banner. If you\u2019ve already set up a card before, the banner won\u2019t be shown, so you\u2019ll have to click on the + button instead.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, you will see the screen above. Tap on the \u201cdebit or credit card\u201d option to continue the setup process. You can then either manually enter your card\u2019s information or use the camera to capture the necessary details. Once you\u2019ve done that, that\u2019s it! You can now start using Apple Pay.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re trying to add a card from a bank that doesn\u2019t support Apple Pay (such as my Citibank card shown below) you\u2019ll get a notification saying so. To recap, only cards from Maybank, AmBank, and Standard Chartered can be added to Apple Pay; debit cards from the latter two banks are not supported either.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlternatively, you can also set up Apple Pay through the banking app of selected banks, such as the \nSC Mobile Malaysia\n app for Standard Chartered. This is the method I took as I don\u2019t currently have the physical card with me.\n\n\nAnyway, in the SC Mobile app, there will be a button that says \u201cadd to Apple Wallet\u201d for Standard Chartered credit cards that support Apple Pay. Once I\u2019ve clicked on the button, I will be guided through the same setup process outlined above, though my card\u2019s details will be added automatically. It\u2019s that easy.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s quite a seamless process to setup Apple Pay on an iPhone, and a wide range of iPhone models actually support the service. As long as your iPhone is equipped with Face ID or Touch ID (with the exception of the iPhone 5s), it will be able to use Apple Pay.\n\n\nSo\u2026how \ndo\n you use Apple Pay at a physical outlet? Well, it\u2019s quite simple, and dare I say more intuitive than Samsung Pay. For iPhones with Face ID, just double click on the power button to bring up the Apple Pay screen, glimpse at it for Face ID authentication, and hold the iPhone near the card reader to complete the payment.\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve got an iPhone with Touch ID instead, just rest your finger on the Touch ID button and hold the iPhone near the card reader.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNeedless to say, Apple Pay will make it much more convenient to perform cashless payments in Malaysia, even if only cards from three banks \u2013 again, these include Maybank, AmBank, and Standard Chartered \u2013 support the feature on our shores at the moment.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that American Express cards will also be supported on Apple Pay later this year, though it remains to be seen if other banks in Malaysia will also support the payment service in the future. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye for any relevant news regarding this.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-pay-now-available-in-malaysia/", "title": "Apple Pay Now Available in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nAfter much rumours and leaks, Apple Pay is finally available in Malaysia! Well, sort of. While the local availability of the service has not been confirmed yet by Apple itself, you can start using Apple Pay in Malaysia right now with credit or debit cards from selected banks.\n\n\nApple Pay makes it much easier to make payments with a compatible Apple product, as it allows you to add your credit card or debit card to the service. Once you\u2019ve set up Apple Pay on, say, your iPhone, you can use your phone to make payments at retailers that support the service.\n\n\nBasically, if a retailer has a card terminal, Apple Pay should be supported.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFrom what we have gathered, only certain cards from Maybank, AmBank, and Standard Chartered can be added to Apple Pay in Malaysia at this moment. However, in the case of Standard Chartered, only its credit cards are supported right now; our own debit cards issued by the bank cannot be linked to Apple Pay yet.\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve got any cards issued by Maybank, AmBank, or Standard Chartered right now, try adding them to Apple Pay now to see if they work; we reckon more cards will be added to the service in due time. Maybank, for one, has mentioned it is currently working to get its \nAmerican Express cards to support Apple Pay\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-pay-officially-launches-in-malaysia-with-maybank-ambank-standard-chartered/", "title": "Apple Pay Officially Launches in Malaysia With Maybank, AmBank, Standard Chartered", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s official! Apple just announced the availability of Apple Pay in Malaysia, alongside banks that currently support the service. These include Maybank, AmBank, and Standard Chartered. That\u2019s right, only cards issued by these banks currently support Apple Pay in Malaysia.\n\n\nBut as shown on \nour local Apple Pay page\n, support for American Express cards will be added later this year. This was also \npreviously confirmed by Maybank itself\n in its FAQ, which has since been taken down. Now that Apple Pay is officially available here, we reckon the page will be back up soon.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nApple Pay makes it much easier to make payments with a compatible Apple product, as it allows you to add your credit card or debit card to the service. Once you\u2019ve set up Apple Pay on, say, your iPhone, you can use your phone to make payments at retailers that support the service.\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve got a card issued by Maybank, AmBank, or Standard Chartered \u2013 do note that \nStandard Chartered debit cards are not supported yet\n \u2013 you can now add it to Apple Pay to start making payments with the service. Several online merchants also support Apple Pay, including Shopee and Adidas.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2023-toyota-vios-unveiled-in-thailand-all-new-design-1-2l-na-toyota-safety-sense-from-rm68k/", "title": "2023 Toyota Vios Unveiled in Thailand \u2013 All-New Design, 1.2L NA, Toyota Safety Sense, From RM68k", "body": "\n\nThe Toyota Vios is a mainstay in the Malaysian B-segment sedan market, and it is finally, \nfinally\n getting a proper update; at least, that\u2019s the case in Thailand. Launched in the country as the Yaris Ativ, the fourth generation Vios sports a sleek new design, not to mention a much more premium interior.\n\n\nUnlike previous iterations of the Vios, the new model is built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform; the same one used for the \nPerodua Ativa\n and the recently launched \n2022 Alza\n. It measures 4,425mm long, 1,740mm wide, and 1,480mm tall.\n\n\nBasically, it\u2019s slightly bigger than its predecessor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor the Thai market, four different variants of the updated Vios are offered: Sport, Smart, Premium, and the range-topping Premium Luxury. All of them are powered by a 1.2L naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that outputs 94PS and 110Nm of torque, and it\u2019s paired to a CVT gearbox.\n\n\nAside from that, the new Vios also comes with six airbags as standard, and on higher-end trims of the B-segment sedan, Toyota Safety Sense is also offered. It includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert with steering assist, front departure alert, and pedal misoperation control.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow, prices. In Thailand, the 2023 Toyota Vios starts at 539,000 Thai baht (about RM67,715) for the Sport, followed by the Smart at 584,000 baht (~RM73,415), Premium at 659,000 baht (~RM82,835), and the highest-end Premium Luxury at 689,000 baht (~RM86,610).\n\n\nNo word yet on when UMW Toyota Motor will introduce the new Vios in Malaysia, though it could happen soon now that the updated sedan has been launched in Thailand.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-12-lite-with-snapdragon-778g-likely-coming-to-malaysia-18-august/", "title": "Xiaomi 12 Lite With Snapdragon 778G Likely Coming to Malaysia 18 August", "body": "\n\nXiaomi Malaysia set a product launch event for 18 August next week, but the Chinese company did not reveal exactly what it is introducing on that date. Well, based on a new teaser, it looks to be the Xiaomi 12 Lite, an upper mid-range smartphone with a premium appeal.\n\n\nLooking at the Facebook post below, Xiaomi Malaysia is running a competition for fans to guess the brand ambassador for (you guessed it) the Xiaomi 12 Lite. This pretty much confirms the Malaysian release of the mid-ranger, and the contest will run until 17 August; a day before the company\u2019s launch event.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPowered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset, the 12 Lite should be able to provide a good level of performance, especially for a mid-range smartphone. It also features a bright and vibrant 6.55-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nOther specifications of the 12 Lite include a triple camera system (108MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), a 32MP selfie camera, up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, and a 4,300mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging; a 67W charger is provided with the phone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi 12 Lite should be introduced in Malaysia next week on 18 August. Given that it falls under the premium Xiaomi 12 series, expect it to cost slightly more than other mid-range phones from Xiaomi. We\u2019ll find out for ourselves at the \nlivestream of the launch event on 18 August at 8PM\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-4-hands-on-small-meaningful-upgrades/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 Hands-On: Small, Meaningful Upgrades", "body": "\n\nSamsung\u2019s latest range of foldable phones are here, and just like last year, we\u2019ve got two devices with a folding screen from the Korean company. There\u2019s the larger Z Fold 4, and this phone right here, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4. Yes, it looks strikingly similar to the previous \nZ Flip 3\n.\n\n\nWhile this makes for a\u2026less exciting device, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 does have some notable (albeit small) improvements here and there. These, in turn, make for a more refined, even more practical foldable phone that should improve its mainstream appeal.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re ready for your first foldable phone, the Z Flip 4 could just be the device for you.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlthough it looks identical to its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 is actually ever so slightly shorter and narrower, so it\u2019s more compact over the Z Flip 3. It also has flatter sides, improving the ergonomics of the foldable, clamshell-like phone. Basically, the Z Flip 4 feels more comfortable to hold.\n\n\nFurther enhancing the feel of the Z Flip 4 is the matte finish on the front and back panels. That\u2019s right, gone are the glossy surfaces in favour of a matte, almost rubberised finish. Not only does it improve the look and feel of the phone, the matte panels also contrast nicely with the glossy metal frame. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother notable change \u2013 and it\u2019s potentially a major quality of life improvement \u2013 is the Z Flip 4\u2019s larger 3,700mAh battery; that\u2019s a 400mAh increase over the previous model. This should (theoretically) improve the battery life of the foldable phone, though it remains to be seen by how much.\n\n\nFor the sake of comparison, I managed to get \nabout four hours of screen on time\n with last year\u2019s Z Flip 3. If the Z Flip 4 could, say, extend it up to five hours with its larger battery, I\u2019d say it would be a win already.\n\n\nAnd it could very well achieve that, thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 powering the Z Flip 4. After all, it\u2019s built on a more power-efficient 4nm process over the 5nm Snapdragon 888 found under the hood of the Z Flip 3.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, aside from that, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 will be able to provide a high level of performance as well. In my brief time with the Z Flip 4, it feels fast and zippy; just like how a flagship smartphone should be like.\n\n\nThe fast display of the Galaxy Z Flip 4 certainly helps with the responsiveness of the phone too. It features a 6.7-inch 2640 x 1080 Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, so the panel\u2019s refresh rate can go down to as low as 1Hz to conserve power.\n\n\nWhat about the display quality of the Z Flip 4? As expected of Samsung, it\u2019s as good as ever. It\u2019s a bright, vibrant AMOLED panel with punchy colours, wide viewing angles, and deep, true blacks. Granted, it\u2019s \u201conly\u201d a Full HD+ resolution, but I\u2019d say this is still sharp enough for a display this size.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, I do have some qualms with the display of the Z Flip 4, starting with the protective layer on top of the foldable glass screen. While it feels reasonably smooth to the touch, it\u2019s still not as slick as\u2026well, actual glass.\n\n\nOh, the crease on the foldable display is also visible if you look for it. While this doesn\u2019t bother me \u2013 it practically disappears in normal use \u2013 some folks may be particular about this \u201cimperfection.\u201d\n\n\nAs for the 1.9-inch 260 x 512 Super AMOLED display on the cover of the Z Flip 4, it\u2019s more or less the same here, though it is said to be more customisable now.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the camera performance of the Galaxy Z Flip 4. According to Samsung, the foldable phone now features a 65% brighter sensor, which should improve the camera\u2019s low light performance. However, the dual camera configuration remains the same: it still consists of a 12MP primary sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide angle lens.\n\n\nI managed to briefly test out the camera performance of the Z Flip 4 \u2013 albeit in a well-lit room \u2013 and it does still feel quite capable, even if it\u2019s not an awfully sophisticated camera array. Unfortunately, we weren\u2019t allowed to share any sample shots taken with the phone at the media briefing.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow let\u2019s talk prices. For the Malaysian market, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 retails from RM4,099 for the 8GB + 128GB model; a RM100 price increase over last year\u2019s model. A tier up is the 8GB + 256GB configuration for RM4,399 (RM200 increase).\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the Malaysian market finally gets the \nBespoke Edition\n of the Z Flip 4. Also packed with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, this customisable model retails slightly higher at RM4,599. Also new to our market is the 8GB + 512GB variant of the foldable phone for a cool RM4,899.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven all of the upgrades you\u2019re getting with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, the price increase is, in my opinion, justified. Not only does it feature a faster Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset now, it also looks and feels better, not to mention the fact that it has a slightly larger battery for improved battery life.\n\n\nYes, the Z Flip 4 doesn\u2019t offer an exciting new design, but the small improvements that it does bring do make for a better foldable phone. Plus, it\u2019s still IPX8-rated for water resistance \u2013 there\u2019s no other foldable phone (aside from the Z Fold 4) with such a rating in Malaysia.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that many, \nmany\n other flagship phones aren\u2019t water-resistant either. The fact that this is a water-resistant \nfoldable\n phone is impressive in its own right.\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia on \nSamsung.com\n. If you use code AMGZF4VIP at checkout, you can get a Super Fast Wireless Charger Duo worth RM369 with your purchase; a cable and 15W charger are also included.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-4-hands-on-evolutionary-not-revolutionary/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Hands-On: Evolutionary, Not Revolutionary", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, at a glance, can easily be mistaken as the Z Fold 3. Yes, just as leaks and rumours have revealed, there\u2019s no big design changes to Samsung\u2019s flagship foldable phone; it\u2019s an incremental, evolutionary improvement, rather than a revolutionary overhaul.\n\n\nBut just like the Z Flip 4, the small upgrades the Z Fold 4 bring make for a more complete foldable phone, including a slightly more compact chassis, faster performance (naturally), and improved camera performance. On top of that, it is also the first phone to ship with Android 12L, which is optimised for foldable phones.\n\n\nYes, it sees a price hike too, but with all of the upgrades taken into consideration, the slightly higher asking prices make sense. Keen to get the Z Fold 4? Keep on reading!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the Z Fold 3, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is slightly more compact. The bezels on the 6.2-inch HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X cover screen with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (48~120Hz) have also been shrunk, making it that much easier to use with only one hand.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, it\u2019s also more comfortable to hold the Z Fold 4 now, thanks to the flatter sides. These small design changes do improve the overall refinement of the foldable phone, which extends to other aspects of the device as well.\n\n\nIt may not look like a new phone, but it \ndoes\n feel like a different phone in my hands. Again, an evolutionary change, rather than revolutionary.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 4MP UDC is still quite visible\n\n\n\n\nAnother aesthetic change to the Z Fold 4 is the 4MP under display camera (UDC) on the main foldable display, which is said to be less visible now with a new \u201cscatter-type sub-pixel arrangement.\u201d While this is true when darker elements are shown on the display, it\u2019s still quite obvious on, say, a white screen.\n\n\nBeyond that, the Z Fold 4\u2019s primary 7.6-inch 2640 x 1080 Dynamic AMOLED 2X foldable screen with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1~120Hz) remains as excellent as ever. It offers, deep, true blacks, punchy colours, wide viewing angles, and it can get very, very bright. The 120Hz refresh rate lends to a very fluid user experience as well.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the display crease is still there, though I personally don\u2019t find it an issue, especially in normal use. I\u2019m more bothered by the protective layer on top of the foldable screen, which doesn\u2019t feel as smooth as the actual glass of the display.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat I am a fan of is the Galaxy Z Fold 4\u2019s new Taskbar, which is an Android 12L feature. It can be summoned by swiping up from the bottom of the screen, providing quick access to your favourite apps. On top of that, you can also tap and drag any of the apps and drop it on the screen to open said app; very neat and convenient.\n\n\nPerformance wise, the Z Fold 4 is naturally no slouch. It is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, and in my short time with the foldable phone, it definitely feels fast and zippy with no noticeable sluggishness. Built on a 4nm process, it should be more power-efficient than its predecessor\u2019s 5nm Snapdragon 888 chip too.\n\n\nThe Z Fold 4 will need the better power efficiency for improved battery life, given that it still has the same 4,400mAh battery as last year\u2019s Z Fold 3.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the camera performance of the Galaxy Z Fold 4. It has a triple camera system made up of a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. That\u2019s right, it\u2019s similar to the camera setup of the \nGalaxy S22 and S22+\n.\n\n\nWith that in mind, it\u2019s no surprise that the Z Fold 4\u2019s triple camera system feels very capable with fast autofocus, good detail preservation, and responsive camera interface. While we weren\u2019t allowed to share images taken with the foldable phone at the media preview, the images I took do look quite promising.\n\n\nHowever, it would\u2019ve been great if the Z Fold 4 had, say, the \nGalaxy S22 Ultra\n\u2018s more sophisticated camera array instead. Then this foldable phone would have \nSamsung\u2019s best camera system yet\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOkay, so how much does the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 cost in Malaysia? Well, it starts at RM6,799 for the base 12GB + 256GB model; that\u2019s a RM100 price increase. As for the 512GB model with the same amount of RAM, it goes for RM7,299 (RM200 increase). New to the Malaysian market is a whopping 12GB + 1TB configuration of the foldable phone; this variant is priced at a cool RM8,299. \n\n\nWhile some may be disappointed that the Galaxy Z Fold 4 isn\u2019t a major overhaul \u2013 and the fact that the S Pen still isn\u2019t built-in \u2013 there\u2019s no denying that it is Samsung\u2019s most refined foldable phone yet. It is now more comfortable to hold, the camera performance is improved, and it is also a faster device with a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSamsung evidently wants to improve the mainstream appeal of the Z Fold 4, and one way to do that is to keep prices as low as possible. If the company had overhauled the design of the foldable phone, it would\u2019ve likely increased the retail price out of the reach of mainstream buyers.\n\n\nIt\u2019s not an exciting upgrade, but the Z Fold 4 is also not a bad phone by any means. In fact, it\u2019s still one of the most accessible foldable phones in the market now, both in terms of general availability and affordability \u2013 this fact alone, more often than not, is a winning formula.\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia on\u00a0\nSamsung.com\n. If you use code AMGZF4VIP at checkout, you can get a Super Fast Wireless Charger Duo worth RM369 with your purchase; a cable and 15W charger are also included.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/11-17-august-fuel-price-ron-97-down-10-sen-now-rm4-40-per-litre/", "title": "11 \u2013 17 August Fuel Price: RON 97 Down 10 Sen, Now RM4.40 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 continues its downward trend this week: it\u2019s set to go down by 10 sen per litre this midnight. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are all maintained, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nFor the next seven days, the price of RON 97 is set at RM4.40 per litre (down from RM4.50). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 11 to 17 August 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-4-official-snapdragon-8-gen-1-bigger-battery-from-rm4099-in-malaysia/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 Official \u2013 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, Bigger Battery, From RM4,099 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 is here! As expected, it looks very similar to its predecessor, though it does offer some notable upgrades, including a faster chipset, bigger battery, as well as a couple of meaningful design changes.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 retails from RM4,099 for the 128GB model; a RM100 price increase over last year\u2019s model. A tier up is the 256GB configuration for RM4,399 (RM200 increase). We\u2019re also getting the \nBespoke Edition\n of the foldable; also featuring 256GB of storage, this customisable model retails slightly higher at RM4,599.\n\n\nAlso new to our market is the 512GB variant of the Z Flip 4 for a cool RM4,899. Regardless of which model you go for, you\u2019ll get 8GB of RAM.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 offers a few improvements, including the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, a more generous 3,700mAh battery \u2013 that\u2019s 400mAh larger than last year\u2019s model \u2013 and flatter sides with matte covers; it\u2019s quite a bit more comfortable to hold than the previous model.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Z Flip 4 include a 6.7-inch 2640 x 1080 Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, a 1.9-inch 260 x 512 Super AMOLED cover display, an improved dual camera system (12MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle), a 10MP selfie camera, and an IPX8 water resistance rating.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia on \nSamsung.com\n. If you use code AMGZF4VIP at checkout, you can get a Super Fast Wireless Charger Duo worth RM369 with your purchase; a cable and 15W charger are also included.\n\n\nPriced from RM4,099, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 does cost slightly more than its predecessor. But given all of the upgrades the foldable phone received, we reckon it\u2019s worth it. Check out our \nhands-on of the Z Flip 4\n if you\u2019d like to learn more about this clamshell foldable phone!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-4-unleashed-s-pen-support-s22-camera-starts-at-rm6799-in-malaysia/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Unleashed \u2013 S Pen Support, S22 Camera, Starts at RM6,799 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nAfter much leaks and rumours, here is Samsung\u2019s flagship foldable phone in all its glory. It\u2019s no mystery that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 sports almost the same design as last year\u2019s Z Fold 3, but it does have some nice incremental upgrades to make it a more complete foldable phone.\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about the local prices of the Galaxy Z Fold 4. It starts at RM6,799 for the base 12GB + 256GB model on our shores, which is a RM100 price increase. As for the 512GB model with the same amount of RAM, it goes for RM7,299 (RM200 increase).\n\n\nNew to the Malaysian market is a whopping 12GB + 1TB configuration of the Z Fold 4; this variant is priced at a cool RM8,299.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor slightly more money than its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 does offer some neat upgrades, including a faster Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, the S22 and S22+\u2019s triple camera system (50MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle + 10MP telephoto), as well as reduced bezels surrounding the 120Hz 6.2-inch HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X cover screen.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Z Fold 4 are a 7.6-inch 2640 x 1080 Dynamic AMOLED 2X foldable screen with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1~120Hz), a 10MP selfie camera on the cover screen, a 4MP under display camera \u2013 it\u2019s said to be less visible now \u2013 and a 4,400mAh battery with support for 25W fast charging.\n\n\nOf course, there\u2019s S Pen support too, though the stylus is still not built-in, unfortunately enough.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia on \nSamsung.com\n. If you use code AMGZF4VIP at checkout, you can get a Super Fast Wireless Charger Duo worth RM369 with your purchase; a cable and 15W charger are also included.\n\n\nWhile the Galaxy Z Fold 4 may not excite with its design, there\u2019s no denying that it is one of the most refined foldable phones in the market now, not to mention the fact that it\u2019s accessible both in terms of general availability and affordability. To learn more about the phone, check out our hands-on \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-watch-5-series-can-measure-your-body-temperature-from-rm1099-in-malaysia/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Series Can Measure Your Body Temperature \u2013 From RM1,099 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nAside from its latest lineup of foldable smartphones, the Korean company also unveiled the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. The latter is a brand new model in Samsung\u2019s lineup, and it has features (such as GPX) that outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate.\n\n\nFor Malaysia, the Galaxy Watch 5 starts at RM1,099 for the \n40mm model\n; the larger \n44mm version\n costs RM1,199. As for the higher-end \nGalaxy Watch 5 Pro\n, it\u2019s available in a sole 45mm variant for RM1,899. While there are also LTE versions of both smartwatches, they don\u2019t seem to be offered here.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from some distinct features and difference in size, both the Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro are quite similar. They are packed with an Exynos W920 processor, 1.5GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, a sapphire crystal display \u2013 the Pro model has a more durable crystal \u2013 and the ability to measure body temperature; it\u2019s used to improve the sleeping tracking feature.\n\n\nAs for the differences, let\u2019s start with the two Watch 5 sizes. The 40mm model has a 1.2-inch 396 x 396 circular Super AMOLED display with a 284mAh battery, while the 44mm version features a 1.4-inch 450 x 450 Super AMOLED panel with a 410mAh battery. Both of them also have an Armor Aluminium case.\n\n\nBeing the range-topping model, the Watch 5 Pro has an even more generous 590mAh battery and a titanium case, though its Super AMOLED display is similar to the 44mm Watch 5. Of course, it also comes with GPX, which allows the smartwatch to track hiking and cycling routes.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro are now available for pre-order in Malaysia through \nSamsung.com\n. Use the code AMGZF4VIP at checkout to get a 15W charger worth RM59 for free!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-buds-2-pro-features-24-bit-audio-anc-akg-tuning-for-rm899-in-malaysia/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Features 24-bit Audio, ANC & AKG Tuning for RM899 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been a while\n since we\u2019ve seen a pair of wireless earbuds with the Pro branding from Samsung, but here it is: the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. What sets it apart from its competition is the earbud\u2019s ability to playback 24-bit audio via Bluetooth, promising a hi-fidelity listening experience.\n\n\nOf course, there is a limitation to this: the Buds 2 Pro can only achieve 24-bit audio playback when it\u2019s connected to a Samsung phone running on One UI 4.0 or higher. It also depends on which app is used, given that some streaming services (such as Spotify) don\u2019t support 24-bit audio.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro also features active noise cancellation (ANC), a custom coaxial 2-way driver setup, up to 8 hours of use on a single charge \u2013 5 hours with ANC activated \u2013 and of course, tuning by AKG, so the tonality of these earbuds should be excellent.\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is now available for pre-order through \nSamsung.com\n for RM899 in three colours: Bora Purple, Graphite, and White. If you\u2019re keen to get it, use the code AMGZF4VIP at checkout to get a 15W charger worth RM59 for free.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-version-3-0-livestream-set-for-13-august-sumeru-region-confirmed/", "title": "Genshin Impact Version 3.0 Livestream Set for 13 August \u2013 Sumeru Region Confirmed", "body": "\n\nHoyoverse just revealed the livestream date for \nGenshin Impact\n\u2018s next update, Version 3.0. Set to take place on 13 August this Saturday, the version update should see the introduction of Sumeru, a new region in the hugely popular live service game.\n\n\nAfter all, Genshin Impact Version 2.0 saw the introduction of Inazuma, so it makes sense for Sumeru to be playable in the Version 3.0 update. On top of that, Hoyoverse already teased three new characters who hail from Sumeru: \nTighnari, Collei, and Dori\n. They should make their debuts in the next version update.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith the introduction of Sumeru, we will be getting a slew of new characters in Genshin Impact; the three aforementioned characters are only some of them. You can catch a glimpse of even more Sumeru characters featured in the new video below, including the mysterious Nahida.\n\n\nAs with previous Genshin Impact version update livestreams, redemption codes offering Primogems will be given during the stream as well. You can catch the livestream of Genshin Impact Version 3.0\u00a0on \nTwitch\n\u00a0this Saturday on 13 August at 8PM for us here in Malaysia.\n\n\nIf you missed the stream, don\u2019t worry: the special program\u00a0\nwill be on YouTube\n\u00a0shortly after at 12AM the next day (14 August).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-malaysia-commits-to-green-initiatives-for-acer-day-2022-win-an-aspire-vero-laptop-in-acer21dayschallenge/", "title": "Acer Malaysia Commits to Green Initiatives for Acer Day 2022 \u2013 Win an Aspire Vero Laptop in #Acer21DaysChallenge", "body": "\n\nWant to win a free laptop? Then consider joining the Acer 21 Days Challenge. Not only do you stand a chance to walk away with a brand new Acer Aspire Vero laptop, you can also win over RM50,000 worth of prizes by simply completing daily tasks.\n\n\nThis campaign is a part of Acer Day 2022, which showcases the Taiwanese company\u2019s green initiatives. Beyond the campaign, Acer Malaysia is also running a number of other activities, including tree planting, a trade-in programme, up to 60% discounts \non its e-store\n, and a lucky draw that offers prizes worth over RM250,000.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about the Acer 21 Days Challenge. It\u2019s currently ongoing until 30 September, and you\u2019ll just need to \nhead here\n and sign up to join the challenge; you are required to log in to complete the daily tasks over 21 days. Those who have completed all 21 tasks will get an organic wheat lunchbox with a tumbler.\n\n\nThat\u2019s not all: participants who have completed the Day 6, Day 13, and/or Day 18 tasks will also get a RM5 TNG eWallet credit. It\u2019s worth noting that these prizes are all guaranteed, and depending on how many participants signed up for the Acer 21 Days Challenge, more prizes will be unlocked.\n\n\nThree \u201clandmarks\u201d can be unlocked to\u2026well, unlock different prizes. The Forest landmark is unlocked at 100 participants, which offers a unit of the acerpure. The Sea landmark, on the other hand, is activated at 400 participants: five units of the Acer Vero mouse and mousepad will be given away at this landmark.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the Soil landmark. Unlocked at 900 total participants, achieving this landmark will unlock the prized Aspire Vero laptop. Participants who registered for the Acer 21 Days Challenge by 30 September will stand a chance to win these products through a giveaway; the winners will be announced on Acer Malaysia\u2019s \nFacebook\n, \nInstagram\n, and the \nAcer Day website itself\n.\n\n\nAnother part of Acer Day 2022 is the company\u2019s tree planting effort with APE Malaysia. A tree will be planted with every purchase of selected acer devices until 30 September; you can even get an e-certificate of the tree planted for you by registering \nhere\n. That\u2019s quite neat.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re curious, the trees will be planted in Lower Kinabatangan, Sabah, to help the wildlife in the area, including the Bornean orangutans and Borneo pygmy elephants.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext up, we have Acer Malaysia\u2019s trade-in programme. If you\u2019ve got any laptops, desktops, tablets, or even AIOs that you don\u2019t need anymore \u2013 functional or not \u2013 you can trade them in to get up to RM500 cash rebate for an Acer Aspire Vero laptop. Electronic waste is a big environmental issue, so why not put your old electronics to good use?\n\n\nAside from its green initiatives, Acer Day also has other neat promotions, including up to 60% discounts (worth up to RM1,027) on selected Acer products through the \nAcer e-store\n. The eco-friendly Aspire Vero, for one, can be purchased \nfor only RM2,699\n; you\u2019re getting discounts and gifts worth up to RM897 for the laptop.\n\n\nLast but not least is the lucky draw campaign for Acer Day. By purchasing selected Acer products, you stand a chance to get a share of the RM250,000 prize pool. These include travel vouchers to New Zealand, Turkey, or Phuket, two Gili Velo electric bikes, and five units of the Aspire Vero National Geographic Edition laptop.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAcer Day 2022 really focuses on the Taiwanese company\u2019s green efforts, which is always a good thing. If you\u2019d like to check out all of Acer\u2019s current promotions for this year\u2019s Acer Day, you can do so over at its \nofficial website\n.\n\n\nDisclosure: This article is sponsored by Acer Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/motorola-razr-2022-launches-with-foldable-144hz-screen-snapdragon-8-gen-1-for-5999-yuan/", "title": "Motorola Razr 2022 Launches With Foldable 144Hz Screen & Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 for 5,999 Yuan", "body": "\n\nThe Motorola Razr is back! Well, sort of. The Motorola Razr 2022 has just been launched in China, and it is reportedly exclusive to the country, which is a shame, given its high-end hardware and affordability.\n\n\nIn China, the Razr 2022 is priced from 5,999 Chinese yuan; that comes up to about RM3,955. That puts it squarely against \nSamsung\u2019s Galaxy Z Flip 4\n, which starts at RM4,099 in Malaysia. For that kind of money, the new Razr features pretty impressive hardware.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese include a fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, an equally fast 6.7-inch Full HD+ P-OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate \u2013 the highest we\u2019ve seen on a foldable phone so far \u2013 as well as a 2.7-inch P-OLED screen on the cover. It also features a dual camera system (50MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide angle), a 32MP selfie camera, and a 3,500mAh battery.\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Motorola Razr 2022 is only set to be offered in China, though we reckon parallel importers will eventually bring in the foldable phone here. Nonetheless, it\u2019s entirely possible things could change in the future. After all, \nprevious iterations of the Razr were sold here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-the-sony-wh-1000xm5-with-rm400-discount-now/", "title": "Deal: Get the Sony WH-1000XM5 With RM400 Discount Now", "body": "\n\nLaunched in Malaysia just a few months ago, the \nSony WH-1000XM5\n is now more affordable than ever. Originally retailing at RM1,799, you can now get the wireless headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC) \nfor only RM1,399\n \u2013 that\u2019s RM400 worth of savings.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Sony Centre Mid Valley on Shopee, so you know it\u2019s a legitimate deal. At the time of writing, \n27 units of the WH-1000XM5\n are available from the retailer. Of course, both the Black and Silver models are offered.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRM1,399\n for a wireless headphones with ANC of this calibre is really quite a good deal. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the Sony WH-1000XM5, read our full review of the headphones \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/i-am-groot-review-adorable-fun-trivial/", "title": "I Am Groot Review: Adorable, Fun, Trivial", "body": "\n\nDisney+ Hotstar has some pretty neat animated shorts. From Baymax! to Star Wars: Visions, most of the shorts are delightful, though some do fall flat. I Am Groot, on the other hand, tips the line between the two extremes.\n\n\nWhile it\u2019s not exactly as enthralling as Baymax!, in my opinion, I did thoroughly enjoy the five short episodes of I Am Groot. The series is by no means a must-watch \u2013 trivial, even \u2013 but if you do decide to watch it, you\u2019ll be greeted by an adorable (and sometimes very angry) Baby Groot. What\u2019s not to love?\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEach episode of I Am Groot is between three to four minutes long, and they have a surprising amount of variety to them. One episode shows Groot fighting with an inanimate bonsai tree, while another explores his creative side with some arts and crafts; there\u2019s even a scene of him surfing on a bar of soap.\n\n\nVoiced by none other than Vin Diesel, Baby Groot is as expressive as he is in the main Guardians of the Galaxy films, even if his lines were just him saying\u2026well, \u201cI am Groot.\u201d One of the Guardians (I won\u2019t say who) also appears in the animated shorts, with a special voice cameo by James Gunn himself.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs expected of Marvel, the animation quality of I Am Groot is top-notch. You can see all the grooves and lines on Baby Groot\u2019s face in close-up shots, and most scenes are rendered meticulously. There were a couple of parts here and there that looked a little jarring, but it\u2019s nothing too bad.\n\n\nMy only real qualm with I Am Groot is the fact that there\u2019s no overarching arc or plot to the series. Unlike Baymax!, which ultimately ties all of the shorts together in the last episode, all five episodes of I Am Groot are basically their own stories, for better or worse.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhether you watch I Am Groot or not, it doesn\u2019t really matter in the grand scheme of things, especially in regards to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. That is not to say it\u2019s not worth your time: as trivial as the animated shorts are, that\u2019s a part of the series\u2019 charm.\n\n\nI Am Groot doesn\u2019t take itself too seriously, even if Baby Groot does get into some serious hijinks in the series. All five episodes of I Am Groot are now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mix-fold-2-5-4mm-thin-foldable-phone-with-leica-camera-from-8999-yuan/", "title": "Xiaomi MIX Fold 2 \u2013 5.4mm Thin Foldable Phone With Leica Camera From 8,999 Yuan", "body": "\n\nRight after Samsung unveiled\n \nits latest foldable devices\n, other companies look to be following suit. Earlier today, there\u2019s the \nMotorola Razr 2022\n, and now, we have the Xiaomi MIX Fold 2. Measuring only 5.4mm thin when opened \u2013 along with a Leica camera system \u2013 the foldable phone looks to be a refined, premium product.\n\n\nFor comparison\u2019s sake, Samsung\u2019s Z Fold 4 measures 6.3mm when unfolded; the MIX Fold 2 is almost 1mm thinner. When folded, it measures 11.2mm, which Xiaomi claims to be \u201cthe same thickness as a typical smartphone with a case.\u201d We personally disagree, but that\u2019s that.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the MIX Fold 2 has pretty similar displays on the outside and inside. The cover screen is a 6.56-inch 1080p AMOLED panel, while the inward folding display is an 8.02-inch 2160 x 1914 \u201cEco\u00b2 OLED\u201d screen. Of course, both panels feature a 120Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nOther specifications of the MIX Fold 2 include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, a Leica-branded triple camera system (50MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide angle + 8MP telephoto with 2x optical zoom), a 20MP selfie camera, and a 4,500mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging.\n\n\nInterestingly, the Fold 2 features MIUI Fold 13 instead of Xiaomi\u2019s regular MIUI software, and it\u2019s based on Android 12.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow, prices. The base model of the Xiaomi MIX Fold 2 with 256GB of storage costs 8,999 Chinese yuan (about RM5,935), while the 512GB model goes for 9,999 yuan (approximately RM6,610). As for the whopping 1TB configuration, it is priced at 11,999 yuan (around RM7,915) \u2013 all variants of the foldable phone feature 12GB of RAM.\n\n\nFor now, the MIX Fold 2 is only confirmed for China, and it remains to be seen if the foldable phone will ever be sold in other markets, including Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/revisiting-the-tng-rfid-fuelling-system-after-a-year-has-it-improved/", "title": "Revisiting the TNG RFID Fuelling System After a Year \u2013 Has It Improved?", "body": "\n\nThe \npilot programme\n for the TNG RFID Fuelling system started about a year ago, where only five Shell stations in Klang Valley were equipped with the system then. Fast forward to today, the convenient payment method is now available at 88 Shell stations nationwide.\n\n\nIt\u2019s been a while since I\u2019ve used the TNG RFID Fuelling system, and now that it\u2019s available at more locations, I decided to give it another shot. Well, my experience this time around is definitely much more pleasant, and I may just use it more often moving forward.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about how to activate TNG RFID Fuelling. It\u2019s quite simple: just click on the Shell icon in the TNG eWallet app, tap on \u201cactivate fuelling,\u201d set a preset amount to be deducted when you\u2019re refuelling, and you\u2019re done.\n\n\nWhat happens if you refuelled less than the amount you\u2019ve set? No problem: any unused amount will be refunded back to your TNG eWallet within two business days. With that in mind, you should set the amount higher than how much you usually pay at the fuelling station. That way, you\u2019ll get a full tank of fuel.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOnce that\u2019s settled, you can head to any one of \n88 Shell stations\n with the TNG RFID Fuelling system installed to refuel. The TNG eWallet app does show Shell stations that offer the feature, but I decided to just visit the Shell station at R&R Kinrara right beside the KESAS highway to see if it had the system.\n\n\nLuckily for me, it does! Every Shell station that has TNG RFID Fuelling will have two bays with the system installed, and these fuelling bays (based on my experience) are usually positioned at the furthest corner of the station. Alternatively, you can look for the RFID logo on the pump station\u2026or the RFID reader itself.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt the Shell station in R&R Kinrara, the RFID reader is overhead \u2013 that is, it\u2019s mounted to the ceiling of the station \u2013 instead of to the side. The latter was the system I tried over a year ago, which didn\u2019t work as well as I had hoped.\n\n\nAnyway, the moment I drove to the fueling bay (while making sure my car is facing the reader), the overhead RFID reader almost immediately recognised my car, much to my surprise. It\u2019s quite easy to tell if the reader picked up my car\u2019s RFID tag: there\u2019s a bright display right next to the pump station that shows the status of the system.\n\n\nOnce it says \u201cfuel now,\u201d I can start the refuelling process. Seamless, quick, and convenient!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen I\u2019m done refuelling my car, I just needed to return the nozzle back to the pump station, get back into my car, and drive off. I can check my transactions through the TNG eWallet app itself \u2013 the receipt was also emailed to me \u2013 and the unused funds from the refuelling amount I set beforehand were refunded to my TNG eWallet app relatively quickly too.\n\n\nOverall, it was a smooth, seamless process refuelling my car with the TNG RFID Fuelling system. It is much better than my initial impression with the payment method last year, so evidently, improvements have been made to the system. There\u2019s also the fact that it\u2019s offered at more Shell stations now.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMoving forward, over 200 Shell stations will be installed with the TNG RFID Fuelling system by the end of the year. It\u2019s certainly a convenient way to refuel your car, as you don\u2019t have to interact with a point-of-sale system or through an app on your phone, such as Petronas\u2019 Setel app.\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve got a TNG RFID tag installed on your car, give the TNG RFID Fuelling system a try \u2013 you may be surprised by how seamless it is.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/pre-order-the-ps5-from-sony-centre-mid-valley-until-14-august-2022/", "title": "Pre-Order the PS5 From Sony Centre Mid Valley Until 14 August 2022", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been quite some time since the PS5 was launched in Malaysia\n, but it\u2019s still a challenge to get a unit of the highly sought-after next-gen console. If you\u2019re feeling lucky, good news: Sony Centre Mid Valley is accepting pre-orders of the PS5 yet again.\n\n\nWell, sort of. In order to be in the running for a \nchance\n to pre-order the PS5, you\u2019ll have to \nfill up this Google Form\n. If you\u2019re fortunate enough to be selected, you will be contacted from 15 August onwards to finalise your pre-order of the next-gen console.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo note that you only have until 14 August at 2PM this Sunday to register your interest for the PS5 pre-order. This isn\u2019t a first-come, first-served sale either; filling up the form just means you\u2019re in the running to be chosen to pre-order the PS5.\n\n\nWhile it wasn\u2019t mentioned, it\u2019s likely that stocks are very limited, so don\u2019t be disheartened if you\u2019re not chosen to pre-order the PS5. If you want a better chance of securing a unit, we recommend checking in with your favourite game shop to get into the waiting list \u2013 if the store has one.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-matebook-x-pro-lands-in-malaysia-19-august-for-rm9999-early-birds-get-rm1927-freebies/", "title": "Huawei MateBook X Pro Lands in Malaysia 19 August for RM9,999 \u2013 Early Birds Get RM1,927 Freebies", "body": "\n\nHuawei just revealed the Malaysian pricing and early bird promo of its latest flagship laptop, the \nHuawei MateBook X Pro\n. Now powered by Intel\u2019s 12th gen processor, it also features two new colourways with a unique finish.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the MateBook X Pro retails at a cool RM9,999. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a 12th gen Intel Core i7-1260P processor paired with 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. Early birds can also enjoy RM1,927 worth of freebies, including two Huawei Sound Joy speakers and Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the MateBook X Pro is now offered in two new colours: the model you see above is the Ink Blue option, which features a unique matte, almost rubbery finish. This gives the magnesium alloy chassis of the laptop a premium look and feel. If you\u2019re not a fan of the Ink Blue colourway, there\u2019s the White version.\n\n\nOther specifications of the MateBook X Pro include a 14.2-inch 3120 x 2080 touch-enabled display with a 90Hz refresh rate \u2013 the 3:2 aspect ratio is great for productivity tasks \u2013 Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, a 60Wh battery, as well as a 15.6mm chassis that tips the scales at 1.26kg.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei MateBook X Pro will be available for purchase in Malaysia next week on 19 August for RM9,999. If you want to enjoy freebies worth over RM1,900, just get the premium productivity laptop by 31 August 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-matepad-pro-11-starts-at-rm2999-in-malaysia-pre-orders-begin-19-august/", "title": "Huawei MatePad Pro 11 Starts at RM2,999 in Malaysia \u2013 Pre-Orders Begin 19 August", "body": "\n\nLaunched globally just a few weeks back, we now have more details on the Malaysian availability of the \nHuawei MatePad Pro 11\n. Pre-orders for the premium Android tablet will start on 19 August later this week, and its local pricing has been revealed too.\n\n\nTwo variants of the MatePad Pro 11 are offered in Malaysia. The more affordable 128GB WiFi-only model is priced at RM2,999, while the 256GB LTE variant goes for RM3,699. Early pre-orders will also come with RM1,400 worth of freebies, including a keyboard case and the M-Pencil stylus.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterestingly, the MatePad Pro 11 is offered with two different chipsets: a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, or a Snapdragon 870. For the Malaysian market, the WiFi-only model is powered by a Snapdragon 870, while the LTE variant features the faster Snapdragon 888.\n\n\nOther specifications of the MatePad Pro 11 include an 11-inch 2560 x 1600 OLED display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, a 13MP rear camera, a 16MP selfie shooter, a rather generous 8,300mAh battery, and HarmonyOS 3.0 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei MatePad Pro 11 will be available for pre-order in Malaysia on 19 August later this week with a RM2,999 starting price. It\u2019ll be on store shelves the on 27 August next week.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-3-0-arrives-24-august-with-new-sumeru-region-dendro-element/", "title": "Genshin Impact 3.0 Arrives 24 August With New Sumeru Region & Dendro Element", "body": "\n\nGenshin Impact\u2019s next major update is coming next week on 24 August! The Version 3.0 update will introduce the new Sumeru region, alongside the seventh (and final) element in the game: Dendro. Of course, characters wielding the new element will be playable next week too.\n\n\nTwo Dendro characters will make their debuts in Genshin Impact 3.0: Tighnari and Collei. Both of them are archers, though Tighnari is a 5-star character, while Collei is a 4-star unit. They will be featured in the same banner, though it\u2019s worth noting that Collei will be given for free to players who complete 3.0\u2019s main seasonal event, Graven Innocence.\n\n\nInterestingly, Tighnari isn\u2019t an event-exclusive character either: he will be added to the standard event wish after the Version 3.1 update.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, with the introduction of these new Dendro characters, the element itself can finally be utilised by players in Genshin Impact 3.0. Depending on which element it\u2019s applied with, you\u2019ll get different reactions. We imagine the team lineup meta in the game will change quite a bit with the addition of Dendro.\n\n\nLast but not least is the new Sumeru region in Genshin Impact Version 3.0. Located to the west of Liyue, Sumeru is divided into two main parts: rainforest and desert. It is also known as the Nation of Wisdom, where knowledge is treated as a resource that is strictly managed.\n\n\nChances are, this will be one of the main plots in the new Archon quests surrounding Sumeru.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact 3.0 will arrive next week on 24 August. The first phase of the event wish will feature Tighnari, Collei, and even Zhongli, while the second phase will see the rerun banners of Ganyu and Sangonomiya Kokomi alongside Dori, a new 4-star Electro Sumeru character.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/illegear-sapphire-illegears-most-premium-gaming-laptop-yet-from-rm9310/", "title": "Illegear Sapphire \u2013 Illegear\u2019s Most Premium Gaming Laptop Yet From RM9,310", "body": "\n\nIllegear just launched yet another laptop, but this time around, it\u2019s a serious gaming machine. This is the Illegear Sapphire, and it\u2019s touted by the company to be its most premium gaming laptop yet \u2013 it can be configured with an Intel Core i9-12900H or AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX processor with a fast Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GPU.\n\n\nOf course, these hardware do not come cheap. The base model of the Sapphire is priced at RM9,799 (RM9,310 if you pay in cash), and for that kind of money, it features the aforementioned Ryzen 9 6900HX processor paired with 16GB of RAM, an RTX 3070 Ti GPU, and a 512GB SSD (free upgrade to 1TB until 22 August).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to upgrade the GPU of the Sapphire to an RTX 3080 Ti, it\u2019ll cost a cool\u2026RM5,999. Swapping the CPU to an Intel Core i9-12900H processor, on the other hand, doesn\u2019t cost quite at much at RM199. As for the display, the Sapphire comes with a 17-inch 2560 x 1440 IPS display with G-Sync support and a blazing fast 240Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nAnother interesting hardware of the Sapphire is its keyboard; more specifically, a Cherry MX \nmechanical\n keyboard. Naturally, it uses a low-profile design, and it\u2019ll be interesting to see if it will be able to provide a superior typing experience compared to a regular laptop keyboard.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Illegear Sapphire is now available for pre-order on \nIllegear\u2019s online store\n from RM9,799; again, RM9,310 if you choose to pay in cash instead. You can also configure the gaming laptop with hardware of your choosing through the configurator, and it is expected to ship by the end of August 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/keychron-q8-review-my-favourite-q-series-keyboard/", "title": "Keychron Q8 Review: My Favourite Q Series Keyboard!", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019ve seen plenty of keyboards released under Keychron\u2019s Q series, but none of them are quite as exciting as this one right here, the Keychron Q8. Not only does it have a unique \u201cAlice\u201d layout, it also has one new feature that\u2019s not found on other Keychron Q keyboards to date.\n\n\nWhile the Q8 also sees a slight price hike compared to its predecessors, it still offers good value for money, \nespecially\n for a keyboard with this unconventional layout. If you\u2019ve always wanted an Alice-style keyboard that\u2019s easily accessible, the Q8 is worth a consideration.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nFirst of all, why is it called an \u201cAlice\u201d layout? Well, the name is actually taken from the TGR Alice, which was a keyboard designed by a Malaysian. Anyway, that\u2019s the keyboard that popularised this staggered, split layout.\n\n\nWhile the Keychron Q8 doesn\u2019t have the exact same layout as the TGR Alice, it\u2019s similar enough to the latter, including having two B keys on the left and right columns of the keyboard. Keychron also added arrow keys to the Q8, and overall, it\u2019s certainly a more practical layout \u2013 in my opinion, anyway.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Q8 has all the features found on other Q series keyboards too. These include a \u201cdouble-gasket\u201d design for improved sound profile, a full CNC aluminium case, a hotswap PCB with QMK/VIA support, as well as screw-in stabilisers.\n\n\nBut unlike its predecessors, the Q8 has one new feature: it is tape modded \nstraight out of the factory\n. This mod \u2013 which involves applying a layer of tape under the PCB \u2013 is typically done by end users to deepen the sound profile of a keyboard, so it\u2019s quite impressive that the Q8 has this mod out of the box.\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s talk prices. There are two variants of the Q8: the barebone kit \nretails at $175\n (about RM780), while the fully assembled model, which includes Gateron G Pro switches of your choice and double shot PBT OSA keycaps, costs $195 (around RM870). You can also add a knob for $10 (approximately RM45).\n\n\n\n\nThe Keychron Q8\u2019s factory tape mod\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that there aren\u2019t many Alice-style keyboards in the market now, let alone one that\u2019s readily available like the Q8 with an aluminium case at \nthis \nprice point. Without a doubt value for money is one of this keyboard\u2019s best qualities.\n\n\nAnd that\u2019s a good segue to the next section.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nThanks to the factory tape mod and double-gasket design of the Keychron Q8, I really dig its sound profile. However, even with the tape mod, it\u2019s still a clacky keyboard to my ears, but it does have a deeper, lower-pitched sound signature than, say, the \nKeychron Q5\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother benefit of the factory tape mod is reduced case ping on the Q8. Yes, the case ping is still there, but at head level, it\u2019s not particularly audible, unless you\u2019re in a really quiet room. All in all, I\u2019m a fan of the Q8\u2019s sound profile; just take a listen for yourself in the sound test above.\n\n\nSound profile aside, the typing feel of the Q8 is quite good as well. The double-gasket design offers a good amount of flex, though it\u2019s not exactly a soft or bouncy keyboard. This can be attributed to the steel plate stiffening up the typing experience, though it\u2019s still not as stiff as a tray-mounted keyboard like the \nKeychron V1\n or \nK8 Pro\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the Alice layout of the Q8, which is really one of its best selling points. Because the keys are arranged outward, my hands are in a more natural position when I\u2019m typing on the keyboard. While it does take some time to get used to the split layout \u2013 especially if you\u2019re not a touch typist \u2013 I imagine most folks can get used to it after a short adjustment period.\n\n\nJust like other Q series keyboards, the Q8 has support for QMK/VIA, which gives users the freedom to easily change the mapping of the keyboard. Even though VIA doesn\u2019t automatically detect the Q8 out of the box, it\u2019s not too hard to grab the\u00a0\nJSON file\n\u00a0from Keychron\u2019s website to start configuring it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the screw-in stabiliser of the Q8. The wires of the stabilisers are lubed out of the box, and it does a decent job of minimising ticking and rattling. While there\u2019s still a hint of rattle on certain mod keys, it can easily be fixed by adding a bit more lube.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nEven though the screw-in stabilisers of the Keychron Q8 are good (for the most part), there is a weird\u2026tonal difference on certain keys, such as the left spacebar. See, hitting that spacebar on the left and right corners produce \nvery\n different sounds: one has a deeper pitch, while the other is oddly clacky.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, I did manage to eliminate this weird issue by adjusting the fit of the keycap on the stabiliser. With that in mind, I definitely recommend swapping to a higher quality third-party stabilisers if this sounds (sorry for the pun) like an issue that you\u2019ll find annoying.\n\n\nAnother downside of the Q8 is its\u2026well, utilitarian design. While the Alice layout does look aesthetically-pleasing, I\u2019m not crazy about the sizeable bezels on certain parts of the keyboard. As a result, it doesn\u2019t look quite as sleek as it should be.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nStarting at only $175, the Keychron Q8 is worth every penny; assuming you\u2019re looking to get an Alice-style keyboard. As mentioned, there aren\u2019t a lot of keyboards with such a layout in the market now, so the wide availability and affordability of the Q8 \u2013 along with its aluminium case \u2013 make it a very easy Alice keyboard to recommend.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt would\u2019ve been great if the Q8 had a more appealing design, but ultimately, the Keychron Q series had always been more about practicality than offering an eye-catching design. That, and the fact that it\u2019s easily accessible, both in terms of pricing and availability.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/malaysia-will-have-its-own-keyboard-meetup-on-1-october-ic-now-live/", "title": "Malaysia Will Have Its Own Keyboard Meetup on 1 October \u2013 IC Now Live", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019ve seen plenty of keyboard meetups outside of our country, and finally, we\u2019re getting our very own (large-scale) meetup right here in Malaysia. Set to take place on 1 October, the local keyboard meetup will be held at the Grey Box in GMBB Kuala Lumpur.\n\n\nIt looks to be still early in the planning stage, so an \ninterest check\n for the keyboard meetup is now live. Aside from, well, checking interest for the meetup, the organiser (Keebmunity) will also decide how the event will be done based on feedback received. Do note that the IC form will close on 27 August.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, there is an admission fee to the keyboard meetup, though the exact price has not been detailed yet. According to Keebmunity, the ticket price will be revealed in the near future on its \nDiscord server\n.\n\n\nIt remains to be seen if any notable brands will join the Malaysian keyboard meetup, such as SINGAKBD, Monokei, or \nAxi\u00f6m Studios\n. Rest assured, we will keep an eye on the meetup for any interesting development; more details should be revealed as we get closer to 1 October 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-renault-zoe-ev-now-in-malaysia-395km-range-2-variants-from-rm163k/", "title": "2022 Renault Zoe EV Now in Malaysia \u2013 395km Range, 2 Variants, From RM163k", "body": "\n\nTC Euro Cars (TCEC) just launched the new 2022 Renault Zoe in Malaysia! Retailing from RM163,000, the EV promises up to 395km of range on the WLTP cycle; a respectable range for the fully electric hatchback.\n\n\nOf course, the RM163,000 price tag is for the base Zen R110 variant of the new Zoe. Compared to the higher-end Intens R135 model, the R110 has more modest outputs of 110PS and 225Nm of torque. As for the R135, its electric motor offers 135PS and 245Nm of torque with an estimated pricing of RM175,000.\n\n\nBut with the added power, the range of the R135 is also slightly lower at 386km over the R110\u2019s 395km quoted range.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBoth variants of the updated Zoe feature Renault\u2019s new 52kWh Z.E. 50 battery, which is said to be a 25% improvement over the previous generation\u2019s battery without actually increasing its physical size. It can also be charged from 0-100% in three hours with a 22kW charger; nine hours and 30 minutes with a 7.4kW charger instead.\n\n\nOther standard equipment of the new Zoe include full LED Headlights with C-shaped DRLs, an Easy Link 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, 16-inch alloy wheels, as well as four airbags. The higher-end Intens R135 also gets combination leather and cloth upholstery, along with a reverse camera.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to check out the 2022 Renault Zoe EV in person, you can do so over at the Renault flagship showroom in Petaling Jaya, though only the more affordable Zen R110 is on display there. You can also register your interest for the electric hatchback \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/poco-m4-with-5000mah-battery-90hz-display-launching-in-malaysia-18-august-for-rm699/", "title": "Poco M4 With 5,000mAh Battery & 90Hz Display Launching in Malaysia 18 August for RM699", "body": "\n\nThe Poco M4 is set to be launched in Malaysia later this week on 18 August. Just like other Poco-branded phones, the M4 offers good value for money, along with a large 5,000mAh battery and 90Hz display; not bad for a phone that \nstarts at only RM699\n.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re fast enough, you can actually get the Poco M4 with a \nRM50 discount\n on 18 August through Shopee, bringing down the price to RM649. Of course, that\u2019s for the base model of the phone with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. If you want more storage, opt for the 6GB + 128GB configuration for RM899; \nRM799 if you get it on 18 August\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Poco M4 features a MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset, a 6.58-inch 1080p display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a dual camera system (13MP primary + 2MP depth), a 5MP selfie camera, and a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging.\n\n\nTo recap, the Poco M4 will go on sale in Malaysia on 18 August through Shopee. If you get the phone through the e-commerce site on 18 August, you can enjoy a \nRM50 or RM100 discount\n for the 4GB + 64GB and 6GB + 128GB models respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-proton-exora-launch-set-for-19-august-minor-changes-expected/", "title": "2022 Proton Exora Launch Set for 19 August \u2013 Minor Changes Expected", "body": "\n\nWell, this is a pleasant surprise. While a facelift to the Proton Exora is expected to happen sometime this year, we didn\u2019t expect it to happen later this week. The national carmaker \njust announced\n that the new Exora is set to be introduced on 19 August this Friday.\n\n\nHowever, beyond the launch date, no other details of the new Exora were revealed. Well, there\u2019s mention of a turbocharged engine that will make your \u201ceveryday journeys smoother,\u201d but we imagine it\u2019s the same 1.6L turbo Campro CFE engine found in the current model. It outputs 140PS and 205Nm of torque paired to a CVT gearbox.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to the deputy CEO of Proton, Roslan Abdullah, in a \nprevious interview\n, the new Exora will in fact sport some new features, though the amount of changes are said to be less than the \nfacelifted 2022 Saga\n. There \nis\n a more extensive facelift to the MPV in the pipeline, but that isn\u2019t happening anytime soon.\n\n\nNonetheless, we\u2019ll find out for ourselves just what the new 2022 Proton Exora would bring this Friday on 19 August; you can also register your interest \nright here\n. Even though it\u2019s expected to be a minor change, the MPV may feature some much-needed upgrades, which could appeal to buyers who are looking for an affordable seven-seater.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/super-affordable-poco-c40-with-jlq-jr510-chip-arrives-in-malaysia-18-august-starts-at-rm499/", "title": "Super Affordable Poco C40 With JLQ JR510 Chip Arrives in Malaysia 18 August \u2013 Starts at RM499", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nPoco M4\n, the Chinese company is also launching an even more affordable phone in Malaysia. Retailing from merely RM499, the Poco C40 may appeal to folks who are on a tight budget; early birds can even get it with a RM50 discount.\n\n\nTwo variants of the C40 are offered in Malaysia. The 3GB + 32GB base model \ncosts RM499\n, while the more practical 4GB + 64GB variant \nretails at RM599\n. For those who purchase the phone on 18 August through Shopee, they can get a \nRM50 discount on both models\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven its affordable nature, the C40\u2019s spec sheet is not particularly impressive. It features a JLQ JR510 processor, a 6.71-inch 720p display, a dual camera system (13MP primary + 2MP depth), a 5MP front camera, a very generous 6,000mAh battery with 18W fast charging, and MIUI 13 for Poco based on Android 11 out of the box.\n\n\nThe Poco C40 will be available for purchase in Malaysia on 18 August this Thursday. To recap, the more affordable 3GB + 32GB base model \nis priced at RM499\n, while the 4GB + 64GB variant \ngoes for RM599\n. On 18 August only, you can get a \nRM50 discount on both models\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-legion-5-pro-now-in-malaysia-intel-amd-options-up-to-rtx-3070-ti-from-rm6359/", "title": "Lenovo Legion 5 Pro Now in Malaysia \u2013 Intel & AMD Options, up to RTX 3070 Ti, From RM6,359", "body": "\n\nLenovo Malaysia just launched a slew of new products on our shores, including the updated Lenovo Legion 5 Pro. Available with an Intel or AMD processor, the gaming laptop can even be configured with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti GPU, so it\u2019s quite a capable machine.\n\n\nOn Lenovo Malaysia\u2019s online store, the Legion 5 Pro \nretails from RM6,359\n for the AMD configurations. If you want the Intel version instead \u2013 it\u2019s dubbed Legion 5i Pro \u2013 it \nstarts at RM7,119\n. Depending on which model you choose, the hardware are slightly different.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the more affordable AMD version, the Legion 5 Pro. The RM6,359 base model features a Ryzen 5 6600H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD storage, an RTX 3060 GPU, and a 16-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS display with a 165Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nGiven its higher starting price, the base model of the Intel version does feature higher-end hardware\u2026somewhat. The most affordable RM7,119 Legion 5i Pro is packed with a Core i7-12700H processor with 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, a sharper 16-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS panel with a 165Hz refresh rate, and curiously, an RTX 3050 Ti GPU.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll available configurations of the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro and Legion 5i Pro can be found on Lenovo Malaysia\u2019s online store. To recap, the Legion 5 Pro (the AMD version) starts at RM6,359, while the Intel Legion 5i Pro is priced from RM7,119.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-legion-5-lands-in-malaysia-12th-gen-intel-or-amd-ryzen-6000-chips-from-rm4839/", "title": "Lenovo Legion 5 Lands in Malaysia \u2013 12th Gen Intel or AMD Ryzen 6000 Chips From RM4,839", "body": "\n\nIf the \nPro model\n doesn\u2019t strike your fancy, consider the more affordable Lenovo Legion 5. Also offered with Intel\u2019s 12th gen or AMD Ryzen 6000 processors, the Legion 5 starts at only RM4,839, though you do have to pay quite a bit more if you want the range-topping model with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 GPU.\n\n\nBetween the Intel and AMD models, the latter is more affordable, so let\u2019s get to that first. The base variant of the AMD-powered Legion 5 \nstarts at RM4,839\n, and it features a Ryzen 5 6600H processor paired with 8GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD, a 15.6-inch 1440p IPS panel with a 165Hz refresh rate, and an RTX 3050 GPU.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Intel version, dubbed Legion 5i, the most affordable model \ncosts RM5,729\n. For that kind of money, it is packed with a Core i5-12500H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display with a 165Hz refresh rate, and an RTX 3060 GPU.\n\n\nAlthough both the Intel and AMD versions of the Legion 5 share the same chassis, their hardware (and starting price) do differ quite a bit, curiously enough. The base model of the AMD configuration, for one, has a sharper 1440p screen compared to its Intel counterpart with a 1080p display, though the Intel model does come with a faster RTX 3060 GPU rather than an RTX 3050.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, the full configurations of the Lenovo \nLegion 5\n and \nLegion 5i\n can be found on Lenovo Malaysia\u2019s online store, including the RTX 3070 version of both models.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-yoga-slim-7i-pro-and-yoga-7i-launched-in-malaysia-12th-gen-intel-laptops-from-rm4149/", "title": "Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Pro and Yoga 7i Launched in Malaysia \u2013 12th Gen Intel Laptops From RM4,149", "body": "\n\nLenovo Malaysia also launched several productivity-focused laptops today, including the new Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Pro and Yoga 7i. Retailing from RM4,149, these laptops are naturally powered by Intel\u2019s latest 12th gen processors.\n\n\nOut of the two laptops, the \nYoga Slim 7i Pro\n is the slightly more affordable machine. It starts at RM4,149, and the base model features a Core i5-1240P processor paired with 8GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and a sharp 14-inch 2880 x 1800 IPS display with a 90Hz refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\nThe Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Pro\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Lenovo Yoga 7i\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Yoga 7i, the convertible laptop \nstarts at RM4,189\n. For that kind of money, the most affordable model comes with a Core i5-1235U processor paired with 8GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, and a 14-inch 2240 x 1400 IPS display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nAll configurations of the Lenovo \nYoga Slim 7i Pro\n and \nYoga 7i\n for the Malaysian market can be found on Lenovo Malaysia\u2019s online store. To recap, the former starts at RM4,149, while the Yoga 7i convertible laptop retails from RM4,189.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/18-24-august-fuel-price-ron-97-down-5-sen-now-rm4-35-per-litre/", "title": "18 \u2013 24 August Fuel Price: RON 97 Down 5 Sen, Now RM4.35 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 continues to go down this week! At the stroke of midnight, the fuel will go down by 5 sen per litre. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are all maintained, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nFor the next seven days, the price of RON 97 is set at RM4.35 per litre (down from RM4.40). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 18 to 24 August 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-yoga-9i-in-malaysia-convertible-laptop-with-4k-oled-display-intel-12th-gen-chips-from-rm5709/", "title": "Lenovo Yoga 9i in Malaysia \u2013 Convertible Laptop With 4K OLED Display & Intel 12th Gen Chips From RM5,709", "body": "\n\nRounding up Lenovo Malaysia\u2019s launch event today is the updated Lenovo Yoga 9i productivity laptop. Configurable with a bright and vibrant 4K OLED display with Intel\u2019s latest 12th gen processors, it\u2019s certainly a premium convertible laptop.\n\n\nOn Lenovo Malaysia\u2019s online store, the Yoga 9i \nstarts at RM5,709\n for the default base model. It features a Core i5-1240P processor paired with 16GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and a 14-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS display. Not exactly the advertised 4K OLED panel, but hey, this \nis \nthe base model.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, you can configure the different hardware of the Yoga 9i on the online store. If you want to swap the default Full HD display to a 2880 x 1800 OLED panel, it\u2019s a RM110 upgrade. What about the 4K OLED screen? Well, it will set you back RM450.\n\n\nAside from that, you can also upgrade the processor of the Yoga 9i to a Core i7-1260P chip for RM360; the SSD can be upgraded to a 1TB drive for RM220 too. If you use Microsoft\u2019s Office applications, good news \u2013 this laptop comes with the full version of Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021 for free.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Lenovo Yoga 9i is now available for purchase in Malaysia through \nLenovo\u2019s online store from RM5,709\n. You can also configure the different hardware of the convertible laptop over there.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-10t-malaysian-pre-orders-now-open-rm3199-for-snapdragon-8-gen-1/", "title": "OnePlus 10T Malaysian Pre-Orders Now Open \u2013 RM3,199 for Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1", "body": "\n\nUnveiled globally just a couple of weeks ago, the OnePlus 10T is now available for pre-order in Malaysia. Of course, the Malaysian pricing of the phone has been revealed too, and it\u2019s priced reasonably well for a flagship device powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the OnePlus 10T is offered in Malaysia. Sporting 256GB of storage and a generous 16GB RAM, it is priced at RM3,199. This makes it one of the most affordable Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 phones on our shores right now.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from the fast chipset, the OnePlus 10T also has an equally fast 150W SUPERVOOC fast charging. In only 10 minutes of charging, the phone\u2019s 4,800mAh battery can be charged from 1% to 67%; that\u2019s really quite impressive.\n\n\nOther specifications of the 10T include a 6.7-inch 2412 x 1080 Fluid AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), a 16MP selfie camera, and OxygenOS based on Android 12 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe OnePlus 10T is now available for pre-order in Malaysia through \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n. With a RM3,199 price tag, those who want a flagship smartphone with good value for money should consider the 10T.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/unannounced-xiaomi-12t-12t-pro-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Unannounced Xiaomi 12T & 12T Pro Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nIt looks like Malaysia will be one of the first markets to get Xiaomi\u2019s upcoming flagship phones. The unannounced Xiaomi 12T and Xiaomi 12T Pro have already been registered with SIRIM, suggesting that the Chinese company is gearing up to launch the two phones here.\n\n\nGiven that the 12T and 12T Pro (technically) don\u2019t exist yet, there are no official details on the two phones. But based on rumours, they should be sporting some high-end features. After all, the Xiaomi T series had always offered flagship-tier hardware at a lower price point than its main flagship lineup.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Redmi K50 Ultra\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi 12T Pro, in particular, is rumoured to feature a \nwhopping 200MP camera\n. Leaks are also suggesting that the phone will be a rebranded Redmi K50 Ultra for the China market, so if that\u2019s the case, it\u2019s possible the 12T Pro will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset.\n\n\nNonetheless, we\u2019ll find out for ourselves once Xiaomi is ready to officially unveil the 12T and 12T Pro. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the local availability of the phone too.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/u-mobile-introduces-new-u-postpaid-68-u-postpaid-98-plans-up-to-1tb-quota-for-rm98-month/", "title": "U Mobile Introduces New U Postpaid 68 & U Postpaid 98 Plans \u2013 Up to 1TB Quota for RM98/Month", "body": "\n\nU Mobile just launched two new postpaid plans: U Postpaid 68 and U Postpaid 98. The latter plan is particularly interesting, as it offers a whopping 1TB of 5G-ready high-speed data. On top of that, that quota can also be shared to other lines.\n\n\nThis can be done through the U FamilyShare line, and it costs just RM38 per line (up to six). However, it\u2019s worth noting that this particular feature is only offered for the U Postpaid 98 plan; the U Postpaid 68 \u2013 which comes with 100GB quota \u2013 does not have it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from the generous 1TB data and the ability to share the quota with six other lines, the U Postpaid 98 plan also comes with 15GB of free global roaming and incoming calls in \n63 different destinations\n. These include US, UK, Australia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and of course, Singapore.\n\n\nAs for the more affordable U Postpaid 68 plan, it also gets to enjoy the free 15GB roaming data and incoming calls in 63 destinations. Just like the U Postpaid 98 plan, it also has unlimited calls to all networks in Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that U Mobile\u2019s new U Postpaid 68 and U Postpaid 98 plans are 5G-ready; when the telco rolls out its 5G network, these two plans \u2013 alongside the previously unveiled U Postpaid 38 plan \u2013 can enjoy 5G connectivity. More details on the new plans can be found on \nU Mobile\u2019s website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-freebuds-pro-2-launching-in-malaysia-25-august-premium-wireless-earbuds-with-anc/", "title": "Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 Launching in Malaysia 25 August \u2013 Premium Wireless Earbuds With ANC", "body": "\n\nThe Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 is set to be launched in Malaysia next week on 25 August. Co-engineered with Devialet, the premium wireless earbuds feature active noise cancellation (ANC) too, along with a relatively neutral tonality.\n\n\nTwo drivers are found in each buds of the FreeBuds Pro 2. There\u2019s a standard 11mm dynamic driver, and a \u201cplanar diaphragm driver\u201d \u2013 it\u2019s said to be the first wireless earbuds with such a driver setup. According to Huawei, the ANC of these earbuds is also able to cancel out sounds between the 50Hz to 3000Hz frequency range.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for battery life, the Freebuds Pro 2 can last up to 6.5 hours on a single charge with 30 hours of total playback with the charging case. But with ANC activated, the battery life is limited to 4 hours and 18 hours respectively. It comes with IP54 dust and water resistance rating as well.\n\n\nWe\u2019ve \ntested the audio quality\n of the FreeBuds Pro 2 for a bit, and it\u2019s quite good. It has a relatively neutral tuning, though to some folks, it can also be described as a \u201cboring\u201d sound signature. Yes, these wireless earbuds may sound flat to some folks, but this isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei Freebuds Pro 2 will be launched in Malaysia next week on 25 August 2022. No word yet on exactly how much it\u2019ll cost for the Malaysian market, but for context, it retails at 199 euro in Europe \u2013 that comes up to about RM905.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-perodua-alza-now-supports-apple-carplay-activated-during-service-for-existing-owners/", "title": "2022 Perodua Alza Now Supports Apple CarPlay \u2013 Activated During Service for Existing Owners", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s said to be in the pipeline a few times in the past, and it\u2019s now a reality: the \n2022 Perodua Alza\n now finally supports Apple CarPlay. This makes it the first-ever Perodua model to support the feature, on top of Android Auto.\n\n\nThis was reported by the folks over at \nPaultan.org\n, which received confirmation from Perodua itself. For those who have already received the Alza, Apple CarPlay will be enabled during servicing or inspection at a Perodua service centre, though you may want to remind them to be safe.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are only available in the range-topping Alza AV; other variants of the MPV do not get the convenient feature, unfortunately enough. Other features exclusive to the AV model include a 360-degree camera, an integrated dashcam, electronic parking brake with auto brake hold, as well as the full capability of Perodua\u2019s Advanced Safety Assist (ASA).\n\n\nTo recap, there are three variants of the 2022 Perodua Alza. there\u2019s the base X model (RM62,500), mid-range H trim (RM68,000), and the highest-end AV variant (RM75,500); these prices are on-the-road without insurance. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the new Alza, check out our \nlaunch article of the MPV\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/cimb-to-support-apple-pay-in-2h-2023/", "title": "CIMB to Support Apple Pay in 2H 2023", "body": "\n\nApple Pay\n was officially launched in Malaysia just last week, but only three banks currently support the convenient payment service. But this will change in the future, as CIMB just revealed it is currently working to support Apple Pay.\n\n\nAccording to \nAmanz\n, CIMB is targeting to support Apple Pay sometime in the second half of 2023. Yes, it will be a while before you can start adding your CIMB cards to the payment service, but it is nice to have confirmation from the bank itself.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, Apple Pay makes it easier to make payments with a compatible Apple product, as it allows you to add your credit card or debit card to the service. Once you\u2019ve set up Apple Pay on, say, your iPhone, you can use your phone to make payments at retailers that support the service.\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve got a card issued by Maybank, AmBank, or Standard Chartered, you can now add it to Apple Pay to start making payments with the service. If you\u2019re not sure how to do that, here\u2019s our guide on how to \nactivate Apple Pay on an iPhone\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-70-unveiled-in-malaysia-sony-imx-800-sensor-snapdragon-778g-rm1999/", "title": "Honor 70 Unveiled in Malaysia \u2013 Sony IMX 800 Sensor, Snapdragon 778G+, RM1,999", "body": "\n\nHonor just launched the Honor 70 in Malaysia. Sporting a rather sleek-looking design and respectable hardware for a phone in its segment, it looks to be positioned as a premium mid-ranger with a rather interesting camera system.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Honor 70 is offered in Malaysia. Featuring 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, the phone is priced at RM1,999 for our market. It\u2019s also available in three colours: Crystal Silver, Emerald Green, and Midnight Black.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the most highlighted features of the Honor 70 is its 54MP primary camera with a Sony IMX 800 1/1.49-inch sensor. It\u2019s said to be able to capture more light than a conventional smartphone camera sensor, which should translate to improved low light performance. Complementing that sensor is a 50MP ultra-wide angle lens and a 2MP depth camera.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Honor 70 include a 6.67-inch 2400 x 1080 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ chipset, a 32MP selfie camera, a 4,800mAh battery with support for 66W fast charging, and Honor\u2019s Magic UI 6.1 based on Android 12.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor 70 will be available for pre-order in Malaysia later tonight at 9.30PM; early birds can even get free gifts worth up to RM597. Retailing at RM1,999, it\u2019s certainly priced on the higher side for a mid-ranger, though the Honor 70 does have a rather interesting camera configuration \u2013 even if it\u2019s lacking a telephoto lens.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2023-proton-exora-official-new-circular-proton-logo-leatherette-seats-hi-proton-from-rm63k/", "title": "2023 Proton Exora Official \u2013 New Circular Proton Logo, Leatherette Seats, Hi Proton, From RM63k", "body": "\n\nThe 2023 Proton Exora has just made its debut, and as expected, it sports some minor upgrades, though these changes do make for a more modern-looking MPV. Of course, that also means it sees a price hike: the MPV now starts from RM62,800, which is a RM3,000 increase.\n\n\nThat price tag is for the more affordable Executive Exora. The range-topping Premium variant, on the other hand, goes for RM69,800; also a RM3,000 price hike over the previous model. These prices are on-the-road without insurance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the most noticeable changes to the new Exora is the use of Proton\u2019s new circular logo on the front and rear of the MPV, along with the steering wheel. For the Premium trim, it also gets LED daytime running lights, side skirtings, a rear spoiler, blacked-out roof, and black tailgate garnish.\n\n\nAlso exclusive to the Premium Exora are leatherette seats and steering wheel \u2013 fabric and urethane respectively for the Executive model \u2013 armrests for the front seats (only the second row for Executive), a reverse camera, and a new 7-inch infotainment system with support for the \u201cHi Proton\u201d voice command.\n\n\nBeyond these changes, both variants of the Exora soldiers on with the same 1.6L turbocharged Campro CFE engine that outputs 140PS and 205Nm of torque paired to a CVT gearbox. Other standard equipment of the updated MPV include halogen headlights, two airbags, ABS, EBD, ESC, and ESS.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile the 2023 Proton Exora doesn\u2019t offer a lot of changes, it does have some meaningful upgrades, including the leatherette seats and a more sophisticated infotainment system. Granted, these changes command a RM3,000 price hike across the range, but hey, you\u2019re getting more for your money too.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the new Exora, it is now available for \nbooking online\n and at all authorised Proton showrooms nationwide.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/smart-1-ev-coming-to-malaysia-in-early-q4-2023/", "title": "Smart #1 EV Coming to Malaysia in Early Q4 2023", "body": "\n\nProton recently revealed a more specific launch timeline for the Smart #1 electric SUV in Malaysia. According to the national carmaker, the EV will makes its local debut in early Q4 2023. With that in mind, it\u2019s possible the EV will be available here as early as October 2023.\n\n\nPreviously, Proton mentioned that there are no plans for local assembly of the Smart #1, so it should be full imported (CBU) to our market. Of course, with the incentives given by the Malaysian government right now \u2013 though it\u2019s set to end on 31 December 2023 \u2013 the EV should be priced competitively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn China, the Smart #1 retails from 181,600 Chinese yuan (about RM119,445) for the base Pure+ model. The Pro+ trim, on the other hand, goes for 196,600 yuan (approximately RM129,315). As for the range-topping Premium+ trim, it is priced at 226,600 yuan (around RM149,015).\n\n\nJust like the European-bound model, the Smart #1 for China features a 200kW motor driving the rear wheels that outputs 272PS and 343Nm of torque. This allows the EV to go from 0-100kmph in only 6.7 seconds with a top speed of 180kmph.\n\n\nAside from that, the Smart #1 \u2013 according to the CLTC standard \u2013 has a range of up to 535km for the Pure+ and Pro+ models. The range of the Premium variant is slightly better at 560km, thanks to the use of silicon carbide (SiC) technology in the motor. The Premium trim also gets a more sophisticated driver assistance systems, along with larger 19-inch wheels.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Smart #1 will be launched right here in Malaysia in early Q4 2023. Hopefully, the EV will be priced similarly to China on our shores, thanks to the \nincentives given by the government\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-12-lite-with-snapdragon-778g-now-available-for-pre-order-in-malaysia-from-rm1699/", "title": "Xiaomi 12 Lite With Snapdragon 778G Now Available for Pre-Order in Malaysia From RM1,699", "body": "\n\nThe Xiaomi 12 Lite is now available for pre-order in Malaysia. Not only does the upper mid-range smartphone have a premium appeal, it also offers reasonably good value for money.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Xiaomi 12 Lite are offered in Malaysia. The 8GB + 128GB base model costs RM1,699, while the 8GB + 256GB configuration is priced at RM1,899. To sweeten the deal, early pre-orders of either variants can enjoy a RM100 discount, bringing down the starting price to only RM1,599.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPowered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset, the 12 Lite should be able to provide a good level of performance, especially for a mid-range smartphone. It also features a bright and vibrant 6.55-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nOther specifications of the 12 Lite include a triple camera system (108MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), a 32MP selfie camera, and a 4,300mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging. Of course, a 67W charger is provided with the phone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Xiaomi 12 Lite is now available for pre-order in Malaysia from RM1,699; RM1,599 if you\u2019re one of the early buyers. You can place your order through \nShopee\n or \nLazada\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-owlab-link-65-sound-test-thocky-marbly-creamy/", "title": "Video: Owlab Link 65 Sound Test \u2013 Thocky, Marbly, Creamy", "body": "\n\nBoy, do we have a good keyboard in for review! This is the Owlab Link 65 (thanks for sending it over Rebult Keyboards!), a 65% custom keyboard with quite an innovative build process and PCB design. It\u2019s also been a while since we\u2019ve seen a 65% keyboard from Owlab, which makes the Link 65 that much more compelling.\n\n\nOne of the most unique features of the Link 65 is its \u201cSlip PCB,\u201d which has \na lot\n of flex cuts and can be rolled up. This custom keyboard also uses a screwless design (sort of), so you don\u2019t even need a screwdriver to assemble it. Pretty cool, isn\u2019t it?\n\n\nOf course, this being an Owlab keyboard, it has the brand\u2019s signature \u201cthocky,\u201d low-pitched sound profile. Just take a listen for yourself in the sound test below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Owlab Link 65 will cost between $380 to $400 (about RM1,700 to RM1,790), depending on the configuration. If you\u2019re here in Malaysia, good news: Rebult Keyboards is the Malaysian proxy for the keyboard! We were told it will be available for purchase by the end of the month, so stay tuned for our full review of the Link 65 on our \nYouTube channel\n!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hbo-shows-off-first-footage-of-the-last-of-us-tv-series-coming-in-2023/", "title": "HBO Shows Off First Footage of The Last of Us TV Series \u2013 Coming in 2023", "body": "\n\nWe finally got a first look at the upcoming live-action adaption of The Last of Us. Set to release sometime in 2023, the short trailer shows off several characters from the game, including Joel, Ellie, Bill, and even Joel\u2019s daughter, Sarah.\n\n\nJoel is played by Pedro Pascal, who is well-known for his roles in The Mandalorian, Game of Thrones, and even Kingsman: The Golden Circle. Ellie, on the other hand, is played by Bella Ramsey of Game of Thrones fame. Looking at the trailer below, the two characters seem to be represented quite well in HBO\u2019s series.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCreated by Craig Mazin, who is also the creator and writer of HBO\u2019s Chernobyl, The Last of Us series looks to be a faithful adaption of the first game. It\u2019s also worth noting that both Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson \u2013 the voices of Joel and Ellie respectively in the game \u2013 will be featured in the series as well.\n\n\nIt remains to be seen what characters the two of them will play in The Last of Us TV series, though they are confirmed to be carrying \u201cmajor roles.\u201d The series is expected to debut sometime in 2023 next year, and it\u2019s worth noting that \nThe Last of Us Part I\n (a remake of the first game) will be released on 2 September next month for the PS5.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impacts-nilou-cyno-candace-teased-playable-in-version-3-1/", "title": "Genshin Impact\u2019s Nilou, Cyno, Candace Teased \u2013 Playable in Version 3.1?", "body": "\n\nJust a few days before the \nVersion 3.0 update\n goes live, Hoyoverse is teasing three new characters coming to \nGenshin Impact\n. These characters are Nilou, Cyno, and Candace, and all three of them should be playable in the Version 3.1 update.\n\n\nTypically, characters that are teased by Hoyoverse are playable in the next version update of Genshin Impact, so there\u2019s no reason the same wouldn\u2019t apply to these three Sumeru characters. Unfortunately, the rarity of the new characters has not been revealed yet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, Hoyoverse did show the elements that the characters wield. Both Nilou and Candace are Hydro characters, while Cyno possesses an Electro vision. Based on her teaser image, there\u2019s a chance Nilou is a catalyst user too. As for Candace and Cyno, they look to be wielding spears.\n\n\nExpect Nilou, Cyno, and Candace to be playable characters in Genshin Impact 3.1, which is set to be released on 28 September. This is only about a month away, and compared to previous updates, this is a shorter time period.\n\n\nAccording to Hoyoverse, this timing will be applicable until the Version 3.3 update of Genshin Impact.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-tighnari-zhongli-banners-arrive-24-august-with-collei-fischl-diona/", "title": "Genshin Impact Tighnari & Zhongli Banners Arrive 24 August With Collei, Fischl, Diona", "body": "\n\nTighnari\u2019s and Zhongli\u2019s banners have been revealed for \nGenshin Impact\n. Set to arrive this Wednesday on 24 August, the event wish for these two 5-star characters will be accompanied by Collei, Fischl, and Diona.\n\n\nIn line with \nprevious Genshin Impact\n \ndouble banners\n, Tighnari and Zhongli both share the same roster of 4-star characters despite the fact that they\u2019re featured in separate event wishes. Of course, pity is also shared between the two banners, and the wish guarantee count\u00a0\nwill\n\u00a0carry over to future character banners too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSimilar to Genshin Impact\u2019s\u00a0\nprevious character\n\u00a0\nevent wishes\n, the \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Tighnari, Zhongli, Collei, Fischl, and Diona will be increased. In the case of Tighnari and Zhongli, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be either of them, depending on which banner you\u2019re wishing. If you got a different character, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be them.\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s pity system for character banners ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character every 90 wishes, you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Tighnari or Zhongli. The same rule applies to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Collei, Fischl, or Diona. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will likely have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTighnari\u2019s \u201cViridescent Vigil\u201d and Zhongli\u2019s \u201cGentry of Hermitage\u201d event wishes will be available in Genshin Impact on 24 August 2022, right after the \nVersion 3.0 update\n goes live. Their banners will be offered until 9 September; Ganyu and Sangonomiya Kokomi\u2019s rerun banners \u2013 which will be joined by Dori \u2013 will follow suit then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/owlab-link-65-pre-orders-in-malaysia-open-27-august-30-minutes-sale-from-rm1779/", "title": "Owlab Link 65 Pre-Orders in Malaysia Open 27 August \u2013 30 Minutes Sale, From RM1,779", "body": "\n\nWe got the details for the Malaysian pre-orders of the \nOwlab Link 65\n! Rebult Keyboards, the Malaysian proxy for the 65% custom keyboard, will hold the sale this Saturday on 27 August, and the pre-orders will be opened for only 30 minutes.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, you have 30 minutes to place your pre-order of the Link 65 between 8PM to 8.30PM this Saturday. If the format is anything like the international sale, it should be an unlimited group buy, so you won\u2019t have to worry about stocks running out.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for pricing, the Link 65 will cost between RM1,779 to RM1,869 for the Malaysian pre-orders through \nRebult Keyboards\n, depending on the configuration you chose. No mention of fulfilment time, but (again) if it follows the international sale, it should start shipping in six to 10 weeks\u2019 time; that\u2019s quite fast for a custom keyboard.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re not sure the Owlab Link 65 is for you, stay tuned for our full review of the custom keyboard on our\u00a0\nYouTube channel\n! Rest assured, we will have the review ready before the Malaysian pre-orders are open on 27 August this Saturday.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/disney-hotstar-now-available-on-astro-ulti-box/", "title": "Disney+ Hotstar Now Available on Astro Ulti Box", "body": "\n\nBack in April this year, \nAstro added Disney+ Hotstar\n to its 4K-enabled Ultra Box, but the more affordable HD Ulti Box did not have the service\u2026until now. Beginning today, you can start streaming Disney+ Hotstar on the Astro Ulti Box.\n\n\nThis makes it more compelling to purchase \nAstro TV packs\n that have Disney+ Hotstar bundled together; the most affordable one right now is the Movies Pack for RM59.99/month (only for six months). If you want both Disney+ Hotstar and Netflix in the same TV pack, there\u2019s Premium Pack 3 for RM99.99/month (also only for six months).\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that access to HBO GO is also offered in the Premium Pack 3 bundle.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, you don\u2019t have to purchase these TV packs to access Disney+ Hotstar on Astro\u2019s Ulti Box. As long as you have an active subscription to the streaming service, you can log on to it without any issue. It\u2019s just a little bit more convenient to include the subscription cost into a single bill, especially if you fancy other content in the TV pack.\n\n\nTo access Disney+ Hotstar on the Astro Ulti Box, just find for the streaming service on the home screen. If you\u2019re already subscribed to a TV pack that includes the streaming service, follow the instructions below to get your login ID.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-6-review-much-more-refined-and-still-very-fast-gaming-phone/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 6 Review: Much More Refined (And Still Very Fast) Gaming Phone", "body": "\n\nAsus\u2019 range of gaming phones had always offered excellent gaming performance, but the \u201csmartphone\u201d aspect of these devices had always been somewhat\u2026overlooked. More often than not, they are gaming phones first, smartphone second.\n\n\nWhile this still applies to the Asus ROG Phone 6 to an extent, it is by far the most refined \nsmartphone\n yet under Asus\u2019 ROG Phone lineup. It addressed quite a bit of its predecessor\u2019s shortcomings, and of course, it continues to be a fast, powerful smartphone for mobile gaming.\n\n\nYes, it\u2019s also slightly more expensive than last year\u2019s \nROG Phone 5\n. But given the upgrades you\u2019re getting, the extra cost is justifiable, in my opinion.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED (2448 x 1080), 165Hz\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 3.19GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 730\nRAM\n12GB\nStorage\n256GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n50MP f/1.9, PDAF\n13MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide)\n5MP (macro)\nCamera (front)\n12MP\nBattery\n6,000mAh with 65W fast charging\nDimensions\n173 x 77 x 10.4 mm\nWeight\n239g\nOS\nAndroid 12\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.2\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4/5/6GHz)\nUSB Type-C\n3.5mm headphone jack\nPrice\nRM3,599\n\n\nOur review unit of the ROG Phone 6 is the base model with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage for RM3,599. The higher-end 16GB + 512GB configuration, on the other hand, goes for RM4,399. Beyond the larger RAM and storage capacities, both variants are practically identical to each other.\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the ROG Phone 6 features a faster 165Hz AMOLED display and a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. These two hardware make for a very, \nvery\n enjoyable gaming experience, which I\u2019ll get to in the next section.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nI\u2019ll cut to the chase: the Asus ROG Phone 6 is by far the best (Android) gaming phone I\u2019ve ever tested. My go-to game to test the performance level of a smartphone is \nGenshin Impact\n, and the ROG Phone 6 can run the demanding mobile game at 60fps \nconsistently\n.\n\n\nThis is really quite an achievement, given that most flagship smartphones \u2013 despite sporting the same Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset \u2013 still cannot run Genshin Impact as well as the ROG Phone 6. Evidently, Asus did a good job optimising the chip for its gaming phone, though it does have some thermal issues \u2013 more on this further down the review.\n\n\nAside from that, I really like the capacitive shoulder buttons of the ROG Phone 6. Though I would\u2019ve preferred actual buttons for a more tactile feel, the touch buttons are sensitive enough to not feel\u2026troublesome to use.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFurther enhancing the gaming experience of the ROG Phone 6 is its fast 165Hz 6.78-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display. This very high refresh rate makes for a fluid, very responsive gaming and user experience; every single animation on this screen looks extra smooth.\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the AMOLED panel of the ROG Phone 6 looks great as well. It is by no means in the same league as, say, Samsung\u2019s Dynamic 2X AMOLED display, but it\u2019s still a bright and vibrant AMOLED screen. It also has wide viewing angles and deep, true blacks \u2013 inherent advantages of an AMOLED panel.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBattery life of the ROG Phone 6 remains as excellent as ever. With last year\u2019s model, I can consistently get over seven hours of battery life, and I can still replicate this with the new gaming phone. If you\u2019re not a heavy smartphone user, I reckon you can comfortably get two days of use out of the ROG Phone 6 as well.\n\n\nI\u2019m also happy to report that the ROG Phone 6 doesn\u2019t have its predecessor\u2019s software quirk. The user interface continues to be very close to stock Android, and push notifications from apps are no longer delayed; I don\u2019t have to manually launch apps to get notifications from said apps anymore!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlso addressed is the in-screen fingerprint sensor of the ROG Phone 6. It is much more responsive than the sensor used in the ROG Phone 5, and it\u2019s just as fast as every other optical-based fingerprint sensor in the market now.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAlthough the ROG Phone 6 doesn\u2019t seem to suffer from any major thermal throttling, the phone does get noticeably hot in prolonged gaming sessions. This heat buildup is especially evident on the top portion of the phone; it can actually get uncomfortably hot.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the ROG Phone 6 remains decidedly average. In certain scenarios (especially in low light conditions), the 13MP ultra-wide angle shooter can actually take better-looking shots than the 50MP primary sensor. This is because the former has a tendency to switch to long exposure mode.\n\n\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n13MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n13MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n13MP ultra-wide\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven enough lighting, the ROG Phone 6 will be able to take decent-looking (albeit saturated) shots; just don\u2019t expect flagship-level camera quality. For what it\u2019s worth, at least the camera interface is quite responsive, which improves the phone\u2019s shooting experience.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nRetailing from RM3,599, the Asus ROG Phone 6\u2019s value proposition isn\u2019t quite as good as the previous model. But it is also a faster, much more refined gaming phone without sacrificing (too much) on its smartphone functionalities. Its software is more polished, it\u2019s still a long-lasting phone, and the in-screen fingerprint sensor is no longer finicky.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want one of the best gaming smartphones money can buy now, the ROG Phone 6 is an easy recommendation. While you do have to contend with the phone\u2019s average camera system and some thermal issues, there\u2019s no denying that it is a blazing fast gaming phone.\n\n\nAnd more importantly, not many Android phones can match the performance level of the ROG Phone 6.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-unveils-dualsense-edge-ultra-customisable-controller-for-ps5/", "title": "Sony Unveils DualSense Edge, \u201cUltra-Customisable\u201d Controller for PS5", "body": "\n\nSony just introduced a new controller for the PS5. Dubbed DualSense Edge, it looks similar to the current DualSense controller, but it features a number of customisation options for a \u201ccompletely personalised controller experience,\u201d as Sony puts it.\n\n\nBasically, the DualSense Edge is a more premium version of the existing DualSense controller. Not only can you adjust the sensitivity and dead zones of the analog sticks, you can also swap it out for different stick caps. These include the standard design, high dome, and low dome.\n\n\nOh, the stick module itself can also be completely swapped out to essentially prolong the controller\u2019s lifespan, though the module is (naturally) sold separately.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBesides the analog sticks, the adaptive triggers of the DualSense Edge can also be customised. You can adjust the travel distance and dead zones of the triggers to suit different games, and the L2/R2 buttons are textured now too for better grip.\n\n\nOf course, there are also a slew of extra buttons on the DualSense Edge. There are two back buttons now \u2013 which can be swapped to a half-dome or lever design \u2013 that can be configured to any other button input. The fn buttons below the analog sticks can be used to adjust your setup as well, either to swap between pre-set control profiles, adjust game volume, or even access the controller profile settings menu.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on the availability or pricing of the new DualSense Edge controller, but given its more elaborate feature set, expect it to cost more than the current DualSense controller. For the sake of context, the DualSense now retails between RM349 to RM369 in Malaysia, depending on the colourway.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-vr2-coming-in-early-2023/", "title": "PlayStation VR2 Coming in Early 2023", "body": "\n\nSony finally revealed the launch timing of its next-generation VR headset for the PS5. The PlayStation VR2 is set to hit the market sometime in early 2023 next year, though no other details (including pricing) were announced.\n\n\nCompared to the first generation PS VR, the PS VR2 features a number of improvements. The headset, for one, has a built-in motor with vibrations that is meant to amplify \u201cthe sensations of in-game actions from the player.\u201d For example, you can feel a character\u2019s elevated pulse during tense moments, or even the rush of objects passing close to the character\u2019s head, as Sony puts it.\n\n\nOther specifications of the PS VR2 include support for 4K HDR, a display resolution of 2040 x 2000 per eye, an OLED panel with a 90/120Hz refresh rate, 110-degree field of view, and foveated rendering.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the PS VR2 Sense controller, which naturally sports the DualSense\u2019s adaptive triggers and haptic feedback for an immersive gameplay experience. Interestingly, the next-gen VR controller also has finger touch detection; it can \u201cdetect your fingers (without pressing any button) in the areas where you place your thumb, index, or middle fingers.\u201d\n\n\nHopefully, Sony will reveal more details on the PlayStation VR2 system in the near future, including a more elaborate list of games for the VR system and (more importantly) pricing details.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/malaysia-keyboard-meetup-free-entry-rm60-for-keypass-to-enter-lucky-draws/", "title": "Malaysia Keyboard Meetup \u2013 Free Entry, RM60 for Keypass to Enter Lucky Draws", "body": "\n\nMore details have been revealed for the upcoming \nMalaysia keyboard meetup\n on 1 October 2022. Entry to the meetup will be free, though visitors can purchase a \u201ckeypass\u201d ticket for RM60 to get goodie bags and access to exclusive lucky draws.\n\n\nSeveral sponsors of the local keyboard meetup have also been confirmed, which include big names such as \nAxiom Studios\n, SINGAKBD, and even Monokei. Chances are, these brands will play a part in the lucky draws at the keyboard meetup.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs previously revealed, the keyboard meetup will be held at the Grey Box in GMBB Kuala Lumpur. It will run from 10AM to 6PM, so expect a number of activities to be held throughout the day. It\u2019s possible we\u2019ll see some vendors \u2013 such as Rebult Keyboards and \nMecha Store\n \u2013 at the meetup too.\n\n\nIf you haven\u2019t filled up the \ninterest check\n for the Malaysia keyboard meetup yet, you can still do so; the IC form will close on 27 August this Saturday. No word yet on when the keypass ticket sale will be held, but rest assured, we\u2019ll keep a close eye on it.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/catch-the-genshin-impact-teleport-waypoint-at-bukit-bintang-kl-until-6-september/", "title": "Catch the Genshin Impact Teleport Waypoint at Bukit Bintang, KL Until 6 September", "body": "\n\nNow this is quite interesting! Hoyoverse has put up a real-life teleport waypoint from Genshin Impact right here in Malaysia. Well, more specifically, at the Bukit Bintang Crossing at the heart of Kuala Lumpur, directly in front of Lot 10.\n\n\nThose who visit the teleport waypoint can also walk away with some neat Genshin Impact freebies, including a hilichurl mask, postcard, and one of three bookmark designs. However, to get the latter two items, you\u2019ll have to post a TikTok video of the waypoint.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSeveral character standees \u2013 with a link to download the game \u2013 are also placed around the teleport waypoint. These include the male (Aether) and female (Lumine) Travelers, and the three new Sumeru characters \u2013 Tighnari, Collei, and Dori \u2013 who are playable in the just-released \nVersion 3.0 update\n.\n\n\nIt\u2019s certainly neat to see a landmark from Genshin Impact brought to life, especially right here in Malaysia. The teleport waypoint will be there until 6 September 2022, and \nseveral other countries\n have the landmark too, including Singapore, the Phillipines, UK (London), and US (New York).\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/25-31-august-fuel-price-ron-97-down-5-sen-again-now-rm4-30-per-litre/", "title": "25 \u2013 31 August Fuel Price: RON 97 Down 5 Sen Again, Now RM4.30 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 continues to go down! At the stroke of midnight, the fuel will go down by 5 sen per litre. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are all maintained, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nFor the next seven days, the price of RON 97 is set at RM4.30 per litre (down from RM4.35). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 25 to 31 August 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-sets-iphone-14-series-launch-for-8-september/", "title": "Apple Sets iPhone 14 Series Launch for 8 September", "body": "\n\nThe time of the year is here: Apple just sent out an invitation to a new launch event happening on 8 September at 1AM for us here in Malaysia. More likely than not, we will see the debut of the Cupertino company\u2019s brand new iPhone 14 series at the event.\n\n\nAs usual, four different iPhone 14 models are expected, but there is a distinct change here. While the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max are retained for the new series, rumours are suggesting the absence of an iPhone 14 mini.\n\n\nInstead, it\u2019s said to be replaced by another iPhone 14 model with the Pro Max\u2019s size.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother notable (rumoured) change is the fact that only the iPhone 14 Pro models will get Apple\u2019s new A series chip; the regular iPhone 14 variants will supposedly soldier on with the same \u2013 but still very, \nvery capable\n \u2013 A15 Bionic chip. Oh, the Pro models could finally get rid of the notched display too in favour of a hole-punch cutout.\n\n\nIf these rumours prove to be legitimate, we\u2019re looking at one of the most drastic changes to the design and overall lineup of the iPhone 14 series. We\u2019ll find out for sure come 8 September at 1AM; that\u2019s exactly two weeks away.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-premium-huawei-freebuds-pro-2-with-anc-costs-rm899-in-malaysia/", "title": "The Premium Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 With ANC Costs RM899 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nThe \nHuawei FreeBuds Pro 2\n has finally been launched in Malaysia. Co-engineered with Devialet, the premium wireless earbuds feature active noise cancellation (ANC) along with a relatively neutral tuning; ideal for those who want a more \u201caccurate\u201d listening experience.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the FreeBuds Pro 2 retails at RM899, putting it in direct competition to the similarly priced \nSamsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro\n. It is also offered in three different colours: Silver Blue (the model you see here), Ceramic White, and Carbon Black.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPricing aside, let\u2019s talk about the FreeBuds Pro 2 itself. Two drivers are found in each buds: a standard 11mm dynamic driver, and a \u201cplanar diaphragm driver\u201d \u2013 it\u2019s said to be the first wireless earbuds with such a driver setup. According to Huawei, the ANC of these earbuds is also able to cancel out sounds between the 50Hz to 3000Hz frequency range.\n\n\nAs for battery life, the Freebuds Pro 2 can last up to 6.5 hours on a single charge with 30 hours of total playback with the charging case. But with ANC activated, the battery life is limited to 4 hours and 18 hours respectively. It comes with IP54 dust and water resistance rating as well.\n\n\nWe\u2019ve \ntested the audio quality\n of the FreeBuds Pro 2 for a bit, and it\u2019s quite good. It has a relatively neutral tuning, though to some folks, it can also be described as a \u201cboring\u201d sound signature. Yes, these wireless earbuds may sound flat to some folks, but this isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei Freebuds Pro 2 is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM899. If you\u2019re looking for a sleek pair of wireless earbuds with ANC and tonality that isn\u2019t focused solely on delivering boomy (read: muddy) bass, consider the FreeBuds Pro 2.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-reno-8-z-with-snapdragon-695-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm1799/", "title": "Oppo Reno 8 Z With Snapdragon 695 Lands in Malaysia for RM1,799", "body": "\n\nOppo just launched a new phone under its Reno series in Malaysia. Sporting a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset with an AMOLED display, the Oppo Reno 8 Z is also quite a sleek-looking device.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Reno 8 Z is offered in Malaysia. The sole 8GB + 256GB model is priced at RM1,799, and it is available in two distinct colours: Dawnlight Gold \u2013 which is the model pictured here \u2013 and Starlight Black for those who want a more subdued look.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Reno 8 Z has a modest set of hardware. These include the aforementioned Snapdragon 695 chipset with 5G connectivity, a 6.43-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (64MP primary + 2MP depth + 2MP macro), a 16MP selfie camera, and a 4,500mAh battery with 33W fast charging.\n\n\nThe Oppo Reno 8 Z will be available for purchase in Malaysia tomorrow on 26 August for RM1,799. Oppo Malaysia is also holding a Portrait Carnival event until 31 August at Sunway Velocity (ground floor) to celebrate the launch of the phone; customers can get freebies worth up to RM438 with every purchase of the Reno 8 Z at the event.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ps5-sees-price-hike-in-selected-markets-malaysia-may-be-affected/", "title": "PS5 Sees Price Hike in Selected Markets \u2013 Malaysia May Be Affected", "body": "\n\nSony is increasing the recommended retail price of the PlayStation 5 \nin selected markets\n due to the \u201cglobal economic environment.\u201d These include Europe, Canada, Middle East, Africa, and even here in Asia-Pacific (APAC). Curiously, there is no price increase for the console in the US.\n\n\nThe percentage of the price hike is dependent on the market. In Europe, for example, it\u2019s about a 10% increase, while the UK sees a slightly less 6% price hike. For those who are curious, here are the new prices of the PS5 in selected markets:\n\n\nEurope\nPS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive \u2013 \u20ac549.99\nPS5 Digital Edition \u2013 \u20ac449.99\nUK\nPS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive \u2013 \u00a3479.99\nPS5 Digital Edition \u2013 \u00a3389.99\nJapan (effective Sept. 15, 2022)\nPS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive \u2013 \u00a560,478 yen\u00a0(including tax)\nPS5 Digital Edition \u2013 \u00a549,478 yen (including tax)\nChina\nPS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive \u2013 \u00a54,299 yuan\u00a0\nPS5 Digital Edition \u2013 \u00a53,499 yuan\nAustralia\nPS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive \u2013 AUD $799.95\nPS5 Digital Edition \u2013 AUD $649.95\nMexico\nPS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive \u2013 MXN $14,999\nPS5 Digital Edition \u2013 MXN $12,499\nCanada\nPS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive \u2013 CAD $649.99\nPS5 Digital Edition \u2013 CAD $519.99\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile Malaysia is not listed, Sony mentioned that selected markets in APAC not mentioned may also receive price increases. Nonetheless, we\u2019ve reached out to the company to find out if our local market is affected by the price hike or not \u2013 we\u2019ll update this article accordingly once we\u2019ve received a response.\n\n\nUpdate 25 August, 5:50PM:\n\u00a0It\u2019s now confirmed that Malaysia is affected by the PS5\u2019s price hike. The next-gen console now starts at RM2,069, which is a RM200 price increase. \nClick here\n to read more about it.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nespresso-masterclass-at-the-gardens-mall-boutique-quite-the-experience/", "title": "Nespresso Masterclass at The Gardens Mall Boutique \u2013 Quite the Experience!", "body": "\n\nIf you love your morning coffee, but don\u2019t quite have the time to brew one during the morning rush, then consider getting a Nespresso machine. Not only can you get a nice cup of coffee quickly, it also takes very little effort to prepare.\n\n\nNextrift was invited to a Nespresso Masterclass at its Boutique outlet in The Gardens Mall recently, and it was quite an enlightening session. The Masterclass wasn\u2019t solely focused on the capabilities of the Nespresso machine either; I also learnt quite a bit about the work that goes into Nespresso\u2019s different coffee flavours.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re intrigued, keep on reading this\u2026hands-on of sorts with Nespresso\u2019s range of coffee capsules and machine.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe started off the Nespresso Masterclass with three cups of espresso (!) prepared using the Nespresso machine. We tried out beans from Ethiopia, Nicaragua, and Indonesia, and each of them have their own unique tasting notes. I\u2019m no coffee aficionado, but I did enjoy all three flavours; Nicaragua was my personal favourite for its slightly sweeter note.\n\n\nAnyway, it\u2019s very easy to prepare the coffee with the Nespresso machine. All I needed to do was switch on the machine, let it heat up for 30 seconds, pop the coffee capsule into the machine, check that there\u2019s enough water in the water tank, and select my choice of coffee \u2013 espresso on the left, lungo on the right.\n\n\nAnd that\u2019s it; I\u2019ve got myself a nice cup of coffee to start the day. Well, three cups, to be precise.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs we were going from one espresso to another, our coffee expert explained the origin of the beans that we were drinking. It\u2019s quite interesting to know of the different processes that went into the production of the beans, depending on the region where they\u2019re grown.\n\n\nAfter we\u2019re done with our espresso shots, it\u2019s time for some milk coffee! We got two coffee capsules (Colombia and India) and a jug of milk for this. The process is the same as before, just with the extra step of preparing the milk with the Aeroccino milk frother.\n\n\nIt\u2019s an equally simple process: pour the milk inside the frother, switch it on, let it do its thing for a while, and I\u2019ve got a nice, creamy (hot) milk for my coffee.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow, these two cups of milk coffee suit my palate quite a bit more than the espresso shots. The creamy milk adds another layer of complexity to the flavour, but not so much as to completely overpower the taste of the coffee itself. All in all, I wouldn\u2019t mind having a cup of coffee like this to start off my day, even if it takes a tad more work.\n\n\nAnd that concludes the Nespresso Masterclass. If you\u2019re keen to attend one yourself, we were told that the Masterclass is held regularly at Nespresso\u2019s Boutique outlet in The Gardens Mall. You can either keep an eye for a sign up call on its \nFacebook page\n, or enquire about it at the Boutique itself.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, you can actually give the Nespresso Boutique a visit to try out its range of coffee flavours. There are even limited edition flavours if you want something a little bit different, such as the \u201c\nLiminha Over Ice\n\u201d capsule.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to get your own Nespresso machine, you can also grab one over at the Nespresso Boutique outlet. Every Nespresso machine features a 19 bar pressure pump to extract the flavour of the coffee capsule, so you can just pick whichever machine that you like; they mostly differ in terms of design and used capsule/water tank capacity.\n\n\nOf course, some machines are also quite a bit more sophisticated, where it will include a milk frother, among other things. To check out Nespresso\u2019s full range of products, head on over to its \nofficial website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ps5-price-increase-in-malaysia-rm200-price-hike-now-starts-at-rm2069/", "title": "PS5 Price Increase in Malaysia \u2013 RM200 Price Hike, Now Starts at RM2,069", "body": "\n\nWell, it\u2019s confirmed: Malaysia is affected by the PS5\u2019s global price increase. Previously retailing from RM1,869, the next-gen console \nnow starts at RM2,069\n on our shores \u2013 that\u2019s a RM200 price hike.\n\n\nThat price tag is for the PS5 Digital Edition. If you want the standard PS5 with a Blu-ray disc drive, that will now set you back RM2,499 (up from RM2,299). Yes, just like the Digital Edition, the regular PS5 also receives a RM200 price increase.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSony\u2019s decision to increase the price of the PS5 is due to the \u201cglobal economic environment.\u201d Besides Malaysia, other markets in Asia-Pacific are also affected by the PS5\u2019s price hike, including Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Curiously, the US is not affected by this price revision.\n\n\nPrice increase or not, it\u2019s still difficult to actually purchase the PS5 globally, and Malaysia is no exception. What do you think? Will you still get the next-gen console without hesitation despite the price hike? Let us know in the comments section below!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/damiensaber-xenopixel-lightsaber-review-closest-thing-to-an-actual-lightsaber/", "title": "Damiensaber Xenopixel Lightsaber Review: Closest Thing to an Actual Lightsaber", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGrowing up, Star Wars\u2019 iconic lightsaber had always been something I\u2019ve always wanted. There\u2019s so much to like about the fictional weapon: from the bright, pulsating plasma blade, to the way it hums and crackles as it\u2019s being swung around in combat.\n\n\nAnd those descriptions perfectly fit the Xenopixel lightsabers from Damiensaber. In this review, we take a look at two lightsabers from the company at different price points. Despite the price difference, these two lightsabers are actually quite similar to each other, bar some distinct design elements.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nBefore we get to the meat of the review, let\u2019s talk about the Xenopixel lightsabers that we got from Damiensaber first. The silver hilt model costs $169 (about RM755), while the other one with an exposed kyber crystal chamber \u2013 inspired by Galen Marek/Starkiller\u2019s lightsaber from the first Star Wars: The Force Unleashed game \u2013 \ngoes for a cool $379\n (approximately RM1,695).\n\n\nYes, there\u2019s no doubt that these two lightsabers are not exactly\u2026affordable, and this especially the case with the Starkiller-inspired model. But the sheer \nquality\n of these two sabers is evident the moment you pick them up, not to mention their vast feature set and refinement.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBoth lightsabers in this review feature a Xenopixel soundboard, so they\u2019re functionally identical. Then\u2026why the huge price difference? Well, it\u2019s all down to the hilt design (for the most part). Yes, I paid twice as much just to get a Starkiller-inspired hilt, though it\u2019s worth noting that this particular model also comes with a sweet carrying case and acrylic stand.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nThe big price difference is obvious from the detail and refinement of the Starkiller hilt; its build quality is a step above the more affordable, more minimalist silver hilt. I love the fact that the exposed kyber crystal chamber also matches the colour of the blade I set, not to mention the fact that there\u2019s no visible charging port, so it looks more like an \u201cauthentic\u201d lightsaber.\n\n\nThat being said, the elaborate design elements of this hilt also make it a harder lightsaber to spin and perform tricks with. I\u2019ll get back to this further down this review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the neopixel blade that comes with the two lightsabers also look \ngreat\n. While the blade doesn\u2019t look particularly impressive in a brightly lit room, it looks \nabsolutely incredible\n in slightly dimmer lighting conditions. Needless to say, it\u2019s even more impressive in a darker environment.\n\n\nThese being Damiensaber\u2019s Xenopixel lightsabers, the colour of the blade can be changed to whichever shade that catches my fancy. Whether I want the menacing red glow of Kylo Ren\u2019s lightsaber or Luke Skywalker\u2019s calm, steady green gleam, I can get that with these two sabers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, every Xenopixel lightsaber has 34 different \u201csound fonts,\u201d which affect the swing sound, blade colour, and ignition effect \u2013 the latter is dependent on the font itself. Some of the sound fonts that are pre-installed include Starkiller, Darth Vader (naturally), Kylo Ren, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Cal Kestis, and of course, Rey herself.\n\n\nBeyond the default sound fonts, you can also change the lightsaber\u2019s different effects to your liking, including the aforementioned blade colour, blade effect, and ignition style. There are many different combinations for you to explore, and we\u2019ll show them in our upcoming video review \u2013 stay tuned for that.\n\n\nMotion controls of these Xenopixel lightsabers are also worth a mention. I can twist the hilt counter-clockwise with my right hand to switch the blade on and off \u2013 I can even do a \u201cstab\u201d motion to ignite the saber \u2013 and I can change the sound font quickly too with the same counter-clockwise motion\u2026but with the blade facing down.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is my absolute favourite feature of Damiensaber\u2019s Xenopixel lightsaber: its \nfantastic\n swinging sound. Not only do swinging motions sound extremely smooth with every spin of the blade, the lightsaber even hums and crackles \u2013 yes, some sound fonts do have a neat crackling sound effect \u2013 with the smallest of wrist movements.\n\n\nIt really, \nreally\n does feel like I\u2019m swinging an actual lightsaber with the smooth swing of these Xenopixel lightsabers.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAs impressive as the Damiensaber Xenopixel lightsaber is, it does have a few shortcomings. If you want to get it for spinning, for example, keep in mind that it is a \nheavy\n lightsaber. This makes it quite a bit more challenging to spin the saber effectively, especially if you want to do fancier tricks with it.\n\n\n\n\nI had to remove the knob to make this hilt easier to spin\n\n\n\n\nThe difficulty to perform tricks with this Xenopixel lightsaber is compounded if you get \u201cfancier\u201d hilts\u2026like I did. The design elements of the Starkiller-inspired hilt, for one, can get in the way as you\u2019re spinning the saber. Some sharp edges on the hilt even cut my thumb as I was practicing my spins; not fun.\n\n\nLast but not least is the single button input of the Xenopixel lightsaber. Whether I want to change the blade effects, sound fonts, or just switch off the saber, it\u2019s all done with this one button. To access the different settings of the blade, I have to hold the button down, wait for the button to blink a certain amount of times, and release it.\n\n\n\n\nNotice the illuminated button on this model\n\n\nThis Starkiller-inspired hilt does not have an illuminated button\n\n\n\n\nBut this is assuming I have a model with an illuminated button, such as the silver hilt lightsaber you see above. For my Starkiller-inspired model, well\u2026the button does not illuminate, so I have to rely on timing instead. Needless to say, it will take some practice to get accustomed to the single button input method.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you want one of the best lightsabers in the market now, Damiensaber\u2019s Xenopixel lightsaber is absolutely worth it. You don\u2019t \nreally\n have to spend as much as I did to get the same feature set either: some Xenopixel lightsabers from the brand can be purchased for \nas low as $130\n (about RM580).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes, the hilts of the more affordable models do not look all that fancy, but you will get the same bright neopixel blade, lighting effects, sound fonts, and most importantly, \nextremely smooth\n swinging sounds. Whether you want an eye-catching lightsaber to perform tricks with or for cosplay purposes, I cannot recommend Damiensaber\u2019s Xenopixel lightsabers enough.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to purchase these Xenopixel lightsabers from Damiensaber, you can do so on its \nofficial online store\n. You can also join its \nDiscord server\n to get some valuable resources (and updates) on its products.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/owlab-link-65-pre-orders-open-in-malaysia-tonight-on-rebult-keyboards-30-minutes-sale/", "title": "Owlab Link 65 Pre-Orders Open in Malaysia Tonight on Rebult Keyboards \u2013 30 Minutes Sale", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPre-orders of the \nOwlab Link 65\n will open in Malaysia tonight! The sale will be done by Rebult Keyboards, and if you want to get your hands on this unique custom keyboard, do note that the pre-orders will only be opened for 30 minutes.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, you have only 30 minutes to place your pre-order of the Link 65 between 8PM to 8:30PM tonight on \nRebult Keyboards\n. If the format is anything like the international sale, it should be an unlimited group buy, so you won\u2019t have to worry about stocks running out.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for pricing, the Link 65 will cost between RM1,779 to RM1,869 for the Malaysian pre-orders, depending on the configuration you chose. According to Rebult Keyboards, the estimated fulfilment time is between three to four months; relatively fast for a custom keyboard.\n\n\nTo recap, the Owlab Link 65 will be available for pre-order in Malaysia tonight between 8PM to 8:30PM on \nRebult Keyboards\n. If you\u2019re not sure the custom keyboard is for you, then check out our \nfull review\n of the Link 65 in the video above!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/coloros-13-bringing-along-improvements-some-baggage/", "title": "ColorOS 13 \u2013 Bringing Along Improvements & Some Baggage", "body": "\n\nOppo has come a long way when it comes to the refinement of its software experience, and the latest ColorOS 13 is a testament of this. It brings some notable improvements to enhance the user experience, which is often overlooked by other smartphone brands.\n\n\nHowever, ColorOS 13 also brings some \u201cbaggage\u201d from the previous version, so it is still plagued by the same issues. Granted, I only tested the beta version of the new software, so hopefully, Oppo will address these shortcomings in the official release.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about the improvements that ColorOS 13 brings. One of the most highlighted changes is a new design language, which Oppo dubs \u201cAquamorphic Design.\u201d The visual changes are subtle, and they are applied throughout the user interface.\n\n\nTake the new system font used by ColorOS 13, which improves readability for a more pleasant user experience. Certain visual elements have also been revamped with a \u201ccard-styled\u201d layout, such as the notification shade. Personally, I quite like this design overhaul, even if it looks a little jarring at first.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlso a part of ColorOS 13\u2019s Aquamorphic Design is the new always on display. More specifically, the Homeland series of images that \u201cdepict powerful scenes of wild animals in nature,\u201d as Oppo puts it. As the daily temperature changes, so does the animation of the always on display to show the effects of climate change. It\u2019s quite a neat feature, in my opinion.\n\n\nAside from that, ColorOS 13\u2019s always on display introduces \u201cgaze control\u201d as well for music playback. Basically, you can just glance at the always on display during music playback to bring up the music controls. In my testing, this works with both Spotify and YouTube Music.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne other feature that I\u2019m \nthrilled\n Oppo has addressed is the ability to finally dismiss notifications with a left or right swipe. Previously, only a right swipe is supported, much like how it is on iOS. This is a small change, yes, but to me, it\u2019s a big improvement to the overall user experience.\n\n\nUnfortunately, ColorOS 13 also brought over its predecessor\u2019s issues, including the ridiculous amount of pre-installed bloatware. While they\u2019re not too difficult to uninstall, it would\u2019ve been great if I didn\u2019t have to do it in the first place. At the very least, Oppo should\u2019ve made it an option to not install these apps during the setup process.\n\n\nRefinement is also one area ColorOS 13 could work on. The music player in the lock screen, for one, has a visual bug. It\u2019s a minor one, to be sure, but it does give the impression of an unpolished software experience.\n\n\n\n\nJust look at the sheer amount of bloatware\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut as I\u2019ve mentioned, I only tested the beta version of ColorOS 13, so it\u2019s entirely possible the final software will not suffer from these issues. That being said, I doubt Oppo will address the bloatware problem, though there\u2019s still a (slim) chance of it happening.\n\n\nColorOS 13 will be rolled out to over 35 smartphones before the end of the year, and it is touted as Oppo\u2019s biggest update plan yet for ColorOS. Naturally, the \nFind X5 Pro\n and standard Find X5 will get the update first from this month onwards. The full update plan for ColorOS 13 can be found \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-v25-with-colour-changing-design-mediatek-dimensity-900-now-in-malaysia-for-rm1799/", "title": "Vivo V25 With Colour-Changing Design & MediaTek Dimensity 900 Now in Malaysia for RM1,799", "body": "\n\nVivo just launched a new mid-range smartphone in Malaysia, the Vivo V25. One of the phone\u2019s most unique features is back panel, which changes colour accordingly when exposed to UV light. While it\u2019s not the first phone to implement this design, it\u2019s certainly a unique feature.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, only one variant of the V25 is offered. Sporting 8GB of RAM and 256GB of expandable storage, the mid-ranger is priced at RM1,799. Three colour options are available: Aquamarine Blue (exclusive to Malaysia), Sunrise Gold, and Diamond Black.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the V25 has a modest set of hardware. These include a MediaTek Dimensity 900 chipset, a 6.44-inch 1080p 90Hz OLED display, a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro), a 50MP selfie camera, and a 4,500mAh battery with 44W fast charging.\n\n\nThe Vivo V25 can now be purchased in Malaysia for RM1,799. If you want a phone with a unique colour-changing design, the V25 is worth a consideration.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-v25e-also-launched-in-malaysia-colour-changing-design-mediatek-helio-g99-for-rm1399/", "title": "Vivo V25e Also Launched in Malaysia \u2013 Colour-Changing Design & MediaTek Helio G99 for RM1,399", "body": "\n\nAside from the Vivo V25, the Chinese company also unveiled the more affordable Vivo V25e in Malaysia. While it looks identical to the V25 \u2013 complete with the colour-changing back panel \u2013 the V25e uses a different chipset and camera configuration.\n\n\nJust like the V25, only one variant of the V25e is available in Malaysia. Also packed with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of expandable storage, the V25e retails at RM1,399; that\u2019s RM400 less than the V25\u2019s RM1,799 price tag.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the V25e is similar to the V25: it has the same design, a 6.44-inch 1080p 90Hz OLED display, and a 4500mAh battery. But instead of a Dimensity 900 chipset, the V25e is powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 SoC. It also has a different triple camera system (64MP primary + 2MP depth + 2MP macro) and a 32MP selfie camera.\n\n\nThe Vivo V25e is now available for purchase in Malaysia. Priced at RM1,399, it is offered in two distinct colourways: Sunrise Gold and Diamond Black.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-6d-ultimate-launch-set-for-19-september-highest-end-model/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 6D Ultimate Launch Set for 19 September \u2013 Highest-end Model?", "body": "\n\nIt looks like Asus will be introducing a new variant of its latest gaming phone, which was launched just last month. Dubbed Asus ROG Phone 6D Ultimate, it could possibly be the highest-end model in the series, given its \u201cultimate\u201d moniker.\n\n\nRumours are suggesting that the ROG Phone 6D Ultimate will be powered by MediaTek\u2019s latest Dimensity 9000+ chipset. While a MediaTek chip may not be as popular as Qualcomm\u2019s offerings, it\u2019ll be interesting to see if it can match (or outperform) the performance of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC found in the current \nROG Phone 6\n.\n\n\n\n\nThe ROG Phone 6 is entering its ULTIMATE form!\nPowered by MediaTek's latest Dimensity 9000+ CPU for peak performance \ud83d\udcaa\nROG Phone 6D Ultimate, coming September 19.\nSave the date \ud83d\udc49 \nhttps://t.co/a6j55Te4Kq\n#ROG\n \n#ROGPhone6DUltimate\n \npic.twitter.com/gDJcdBoya6\n\u2014 ROG Global (@ASUS_ROG) \nAugust 29, 2022\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone 6\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the different chipset, there\u2019s a good chance the ROG Phone 6D Ultimate will feature similar hardware as the ROG Phone 6. If that\u2019s the case, it\u2019ll come with a 6.78-inch 1080p 165Hz AMOLED display, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide + macro), a 12MP selfie camera, and a generous 6,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging.\n\n\nWe\u2019ll find out exactly what the Asus ROG Phone 6D Ultimate brings to the table once it is unveiled come 19 September next month. Given Asus\u2019 commitment to the Malaysian market with its range of gaming phones, there\u2019s a good chance the ROG Phone 6D Ultimate will also debut here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/malaysia-keyboard-meetup-ticketing-opens-1-september-limited-keypass-for-lucky-draws/", "title": "Malaysia Keyboard Meetup \u2013 Ticketing Opens 1 September, Limited Keypass for Lucky Draws", "body": "\n\nTicketing details for the \nMalaysia keyboard meetup\n have been revealed! Set to open on 1 September, tickets will be sold through \nTicket2u\n. While entry to the meetup is free, visitors are still required to get themselves a free entry ticket through the portal.\n\n\nOf course, a RM60 \u201ckeypass\u201d (in limited quantities) will also be sold, which includes an exclusive goodie bag, giveaway entries, and more benefits. While the organiser, Keebmunity, has not revealed the giveaway items yet, they should come from \nAxiom Studios\n, SINGAKBD, and Monokei. After all, they are the sponsors of the meetup.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs previously revealed, the keyboard meetup will be held at the Grey Box in GMBB Kuala Lumpur on 1 October 2022. It will run from 10AM to 6PM, so expect a number of activities to be held throughout the day. Several vendors at the meetup have been confirmed too, including Rebult Keyboards and \nMecha Store\n.\n\n\nAside from that, Sun Cycle \u2013 one of the most recognisable distributors \u2013 will also be at the keyboard meetup. The company will be bringing as many as \nsix \nnotable brands to the event: Keychron, Akko, Glorious, Ducky, Tecware, and Shurikey.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven the sizeable list of vendors attending the Malaysia keyboard meetup, it looks to be quite a big affair. If you\u2019re interested to check out just \nwhat a custom keyboard is all about\n \u2013 or if you\u2019ve been in the hobby for a while now \u2013 get your tickets to the meetup \non Ticket2u this Thursday\n on 1 September.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/blon-z200-review-mid/", "title": "BLON Z200 Review: \u201cMid\u201d", "body": "\n\nYes, we are reviewing yet another single dynamic driver IEM, and it\u2019s from BLON, no less. It\u2019s been a while since the brand had a hit like the esteemed BLON BL-03, so it\u2019ll be interesting to see if the Z200 can reignite that spark, so to speak. Well, even if our expectations are not particularly high, given the rather disappointing showing of the \nBLON Fat Girl\n.\n\n\nBut there are a couple of factors that make BLON\u2019s new Z200 IEM quite\u2026compelling. For one, it\u2019s priced at \nonly $20 (about RM90) from Linsoul\n, putting it in direct competition to the similarly-priced Moondrop Chu and \n7Hz Salnotes Zero\n \u2013 highly regarded IEMs at this price point.\n\n\nAside from that, the Z200 also uses an improved version of the carbon diaphragm driver found in the BL-03, so it\u2019s not far-fetched to assume that this could \nfinally \nbe a spiritual successor to the beloved IEM everyone has been asking for. But\u2026is this really the case? Let\u2019s find out.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nAs mentioned, the BLON Z200 uses a single 10mm carbon diaphragm dynamic driver. BLON claims that this improved, third generation driver brings about \u201cfaster transient response and more accurate total frequencies,\u201d which sounds\u2026promising.\n\n\nThe packaging of the Z200 is similar to that of other IEMs from BLON. Inside the vertically extended box are the earphones themselves already connected to the cable (you\u2019ll see why later), a small carrying pouch, and a set of small, medium, and large ear tips. We received the black model for this review \u2013 there\u2019s also a purple colourway \u2013 and you can add a microphone for a cool $1.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe crescent moon design on the faceplate of the Z200 is also quite nice, if not a bit random. BLON, however, said it has something to do with how \u201cthe moon is always considered as the reflection of our heart, and at BLON we are true to our original aspiration and our loyal supporters from the beginning to the end.\u201d\n\n\nYes, that whole statement is quite peculiar (to say the least), though I expected no less from a company with \u201cbelief, letmusicburn, opportunity, and nevergiveup\u201d printed on the IEM\u2019s box. Oh, the first letter of those random words spell out BLON, in case you were wondering what that\u2019s all about.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRemember when I said the Z200\u2019s cable is already connected to the IEM out of the box? While this is normal for some ChiFi earphones, this is only the case for the Z200 because the cable is actually non-detachable.\n\n\nThis is despite the fact that the cable looks removable, so you definitely do not want to make the mistake of tugging on it and expecting to find a 2-pin connector at the other end. The cable is also basic and thin, but at the very least, it is (surprisingly) resistant to microphonics.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the shells of the Z200 are smaller than usual. This means they can fit deeper into your ear canal and provide better isolation, but it also results in more contact with your ears, which can get uncomfortable. As always, your mileage may vary when it comes to the fit of this IEM.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHow Does It Sound?\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the BLON Z200 has the typical dynamic driver V-shaped sound signature, and it\u2019s \nquite \na significant V-shape. Right off the bat, you\u2019ll hear the emphasised low-end, recessed mid-range, and \nwince \nat the treble. Tonality leans towards a warm sound signature, but it\u2019s not exactly smooth or laid back. In fact, the Z200 provides quite a fun listening experience, reminiscent of the BL-03\u2026but not quite.\n\n\nBass\n\n\nThis is one area the Z200 particularly shines. The sub-bass is tight, and it slams with authority, even if it lacks a bit in extension. The mid-bass isn\u2019t as confident, though it still has enough impact for pop and rock tracks. However, the Z200\u2019s emphasised low-end can also be a tad overwhelming, and it can make for a fatiguing listening experience in the long run.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMids\n\n\nHaving a V-shape sound signature naturally means that the mids of the Z200 are recessed, which is unfortunate for a \u201cmids-enthusiast\u201d such as myself. The note weight of both male and female vocals are thin and lacking in proper structure, though male vocals don\u2019t suffer from this as much thanks to the thick low-end creeping in.\n\n\nThat being said, the Z200 would still benefit from a bit more body. There is, at least, a decent amount of air and breathiness from the vocals, courtesy of the peak in the treble region.\n\n\nHighs\n\n\nThe highs of the Z200 are sparkly and provide ample amount of air to the mids. But depending on the song, this sparkle can quickly sound sharp and borderline sibilant. An emphasised treble usually make for a more energetic listening experience, but that is not the case here as the Z200\u2019s bright treble is slow in speed; it almost sounds \u201clazy.\u201d\n\n\nAt least, this is in comparison to the punchy bass of the Z200. This IEM can definitely benefit from ear tips that tame the highs, and maybe even the bass too, but I didn\u2019t try this for myself as I wanted to judge the Z200 in its stock form.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSoundstage\n\n\nAs you might expect from a dynamic driver, the soundstage of the Z200 isn\u2019t anything to write home about. It\u2019s a mostly in-your-head listening experience with somewhat above average width in the left and right of the stage. This intimacy, accompanied by the already fatiguing bass, makes me feel inclined to take breaks in between listening sessions.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you\u2019re expecting an in depth-comparison of the BLON Z200 to the popular BL-03, I apologise. While I did own a pair of the latter during its glory days, I\u2019ve since sold it off in favour of newer (and arguably better) offerings in the ChiFi space.\n\n\nTo the best of my memory, the BL-03\u2019s V-shaped tuning is more tasteful than the Z200\u2019s, and it is not quite as aggressive either. Even though the BL-03 is still a bassy IEM, it is more coherent than the Z200 in how music flows from its bass, to the mids, and to the highs.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSimply put, the Z200 is a more V-shaped, not as well-tuned version of the BL-03, which kind of makes it\u2026well, trivial. On top of that, the Z200 doesn\u2019t have a detachable cable either, while the older BL-03 does. I\u2019m still trying to wrap my head around this odd decision on BLON\u2019s part.\n\n\nBut at the very least, the Z200 is a much better offering than BLON\u2019s questionably-named Fat Girl IEM, even if it\u2019s far from the BL-03 sequel that fans were hoping for.\n\n\nLi Jin Soh contributed to this review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-last-of-us-part-i-review-modernising-2013s-game-of-the-year/", "title": "The Last of Us Part I Review: Modernising 2013\u2019s Game of the Year", "body": "\n\nThe Last of Us was first released on the PS3 back in 2013, and it was one of Naughty Dog\u2019s best \u2013 if not \nthe best\n \u2013 games at the time. This is followed by a remastered version for the PS4 in 2014 with improved graphics and support for 60fps frame rate. Fast forward to 2022, we now have The Last of Us Part I for the PS5.\n\n\nRebuilt from the ground up for the PS5, The Last of Us Part I is easily (and naturally) the best version of the game. Not only is it the most visually appealing version, it is also a faithful remake of the critically acclaimed game that takes advantage of the PS5\u2019s best features. It\u2019s modernised for 2022, basically.\n\n\nBut The Last of Us Part I is also not cheap, especially for a remake. It\u2019s priced at RM299, which is usually reserved for brand new AAA titles on the PS5. That is not to say this game is not worth the price of entry, but for those who have already played through the original version, that may very well be the case.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe Last of Us Part I is really the definitive version of the game. Beyond the overhauled graphics and integration of the PS5\u2019s excellent DualSense features, it also improved upon its gameplay mechanics for a more immersive gaming experience. Of course, it includes the Left Behind DLC too, a prequel to the main story.\n\n\nAs for the narrative itself, The Last of Us Part I focuses on Joel, a smuggler in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a mysterious infection. He is tasked with smuggling 14-year-old Ellie out of a quarantine zone, which sees the duo travelling halfway across the country.\n\n\nOne of Naughty Dog\u2019s greatest strengths is its amazing storytelling, and it\u2019s my favourite aspect of The Last of Us Part I. I\u2019ll elaborate more on this in the following section.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTwo versions of The Last of Us Part I are offered. The Standard Edition \ngoes for RM299\n, while the Digital Deluxe Edition is\u00a0\npriced at RM339\n. The latter includes early unlock of several in-game items and mods, including six weapon skins, a \u201cDither Punk\u201d filter, and the speedrun mode.\n\n\nPersonally, I\u2019d go for the Standard Edition. Early unlock of the in-game features are not worth the extra RM40, in my opinion. There\u2019s also a PC version of The Last of Us Part I, though no release date has been given yet.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nWhenever I think of The Last of Us \u2013 or the franchise as a whole \u2013 its engrossing narrative immediately comes to mind. The same goes for The Last of Us Part I, which remains faithful to the original game. Even though I\u2019ve played through the game countless times, watching the story play out again is still very\u2026riveting.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf anything, the story is \nthat\n much more engaging now with the PS5\u2019s improved graphics. The raw emotions shown by the different characters in The Last of Us Part I come across extremely well with the higher fidelity character models. Whether it\u2019s anger, anguish, or the occasional happiness, all of these emotions are rendered in incredible detail.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, I\u2019m very impressed with the revamped character models in The Last of Us Part I. Joel, Ellie, Tess, and even side characters like Henry and Sam look (almost) completely different from the original game. In a good way, of course.\n\n\nThese improved character models, paired with the strong voice acting of the cast, make it easy to be immersed in the narrative of the game.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNot surprisingly, graphics performance of The Last of Us Part I does not disappoint. I run the game in Performance mode to get the sweet 60fps frame rate, though there is noticeably reduction in visual fidelity (but not too much). Naturally, Fidelity mode will offer the best visuals, though the reduced frame rate doesn\u2019t feel particularly great to play, especially in fast-paced action sequences.\n\n\nAh, action sequences. Thanks to the improved enemy AI, encounters in The Last of Us Part I feel more dynamic now; closer to The Last of Us Part II, in fact. Human enemies, for one, \nfeel \nsmarter, and they will actively try to flank me. There were more than a couple of times where I was caught by surprise \u2013 I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve experienced this as much in the original game.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least are the DualSense integrations of The Last of Us Part I. Take the refined haptics of the controller: I can \u201cfeel\u201d raindrops when it rains, the galloping of a horse when I\u2019m riding, and the recoil of shooting a gun. The adaptive triggers also add a sense of realism when I\u2019m firing a weapon.\n\n\nOf course, with the PS5\u2019s fast SSD, loading times are much shorter as well. I don\u2019t have to wait quite as long to restart encounters now.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nDespite the graphics improvement of The Last of Us Part I, it\u2019s still not quite on the same level as, say, The Last of Us Part II. After I finished the game, I fired up Part II on the PS5 to see how the two games compare to each other. It\u2019s not a huge difference, but I\u2019d say Part II still looks like the newer, more graphically accomplished game.\n\n\nIt\u2019s not like Part I is not a good looking game, because it is! The graphics overhaul make the 2013 game look properly modern by today\u2019s standard. It\u2019s just that Part II is\u2026well, a much more modern game released in 2020.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the AI system in The Last of Us Part I. Yes, it\u2019s more refined now, but there were still a couple of instances where my allies did some actions that break the immersion of a tense encounter. It\u2019s not quite as blatant as running across the enemies\u2019 line of sight, but they do, for example, get out of cover when an enemy is nearby.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the high price of entry. RM299 for (essentially) a game that was released back in 2013, remake or not, can be hard to justify. The fact that there\u2019s no upgrade path for those who bought the original or remastered version of the game doesn\u2019t feel entirely fair to existing fans either.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve never played through the Last of Us franchise before, then The Last of Us Part I is absolutely worth it. And if you do fall under this category, I am very envious: I can only imagine how amazing it would be to experience the game for the first time ever with such high fidelity graphics and improved gameplay.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut for folks who have played through the original game, it will depend on whether or not they can accept the RM299 asking price. Yes, The Last of Us Part I is without a doubt the \ndefinitive\n edition of the game, but depending on who you ask, RM299 for a game they\u2019ve played before may not be worth it.\n\n\nFor what it\u2019s worth, I did thoroughly enjoy The Last of Us Part I despite my familiarity with the original games, and I\u2019m looking forward to get back into Part II to continue the narrative. However, if you\u2019re in no rush to experience the game again, perhaps it\u2019s best to wait for it to drop in price.\n\n\nOr maybe even wait for the PC release \u2013 I might even replay the game yet again once The Last of Us Part I is available on PC.\n\n\nThe Last of Us Part I launches 2 September on PS5. The PC release is coming soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/last-chance-to-get-owlab-link-65-in-malaysia-pre-orders-reopened-until-831pm-tonight/", "title": "Last Chance to Get Owlab Link 65 in Malaysia \u2013 Pre-Orders Reopened Until 8:31PM Tonight", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve missed the \nOwlab Link 65\n sale last weekend, here\u2019s another chance to get the unique custom keyboard. Rebult Keyboards just reopened pre-orders of the Link 65, and you\u2019ve got until tonight at 8:31PM to \nplace your order\n.\n\n\nPreviously, pre-orders of the Link 65 were only open for 30 minutes on our shores. As sales are in-line with Owlab\u2019s expectations \u2013 and there are enough units allocated to our market \u2013 Rebult Keyboards is opening a final sale session for the custom keyboard.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPricing wise, the Link 65 costs between RM1,779 to RM1,869 for the Malaysian pre-orders, depending on the configuration you choose. According to Rebult Keyboards, the estimated fulfilment time is between three to four months; relatively fast for a custom keyboard.\n\n\nTo recap, the Owlab Link 65 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 8:31PM tonight on \nRebult Keyboards\n. Those who pre-order the custom keyboard can also get a RM65 discount on the \nRoyal Selangor Durian\n artisan pewter keycap.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re not sure the Link 65 is for you, then check out our \nfull review\n of the keyboard in the video above!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-4-review-a-step-in-the-right-direction/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 Review: A Step in the Right Direction", "body": "\n\nThe latest Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, at a glance, isn\u2019t remarkably different from its predecessor. It still retains the same look and design, with some slight changes to the finish of the foldable phone. All in all, not a very\u2026exciting successor.\n\n\nBut under the hood, the Z Flip 4 got a slew of upgrades, making it a more complete smartphone. While this iteration of the foldable phone is more of a refinement exercise, that\u2019s not necessarily a bad thing; consumers are still getting a more polished device.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to get your very first foldable phone, the Z Flip 4 should certainly be in your shortlist.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\nMain: 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (2640 x 1080), 120Hz\nCover: 1.9-inch Super AMOLED (512 x 260), 60Hz\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 3.18GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 730\nRAM\n8GB\nStorage\n128/256/512GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n12MP f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF, OIS\n12MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide)\nCamera (front)\n10MP f/2.4\nBattery\n3,700mAh with 25W fast charging\nDimensions\nUnfolded: 165.2 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm\nFolded: 84.9 x 71.9 x 15.9~17.1 mm\nWeight\n187g\nOS\nOne UI 4.1.1 based on Android 12\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.2\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM4,099 (128GB), RM4,399 (256GB), RM4,899 (512GB)\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Z Flip 4 is offered in three different storage capacities: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. Technically, there\u2019s also a fourth variant, the \nBespoke Edition\n. It\u2019s essentially the 256GB model, but the colour of the phone is customisable. Of course, this does come with a premium: it retails at RM4,599. \n\n\nCompared to \nlast year\u2019s Flip 3\n, the Flip 4 features a number of upgrades, including a faster Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, a larger 3,700mAh battery (finally), and an improved 12MP primary camera. These are meaningful changes to the phone, but not all of them perform as expected \u2013 more on these further down the review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nThe moment you pick up the Galaxy Z Flip 4, you\u2019ll immediately notice the flatter sides and matte finish on the front and back panels. These make for a more ergonomically-friendly foldable phone, and the matte panels feel much nicer to the touch than the glossy covers of the Flip 3.\n\n\nAnother noteworthy improvement is the hinge of the Z Flip 4. Compared to last year\u2019s model, the Flip 4\u2019s hinge feels much tighter and solid, whereas the Flip 3\u2019s hinge feels \u201clooser,\u201d especially when it\u2019s folded. With this in mind, I imagine the Flip 4\u2019s hinge will hold itself well over the years.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJust like last year\u2019s model, the Z Flip 4\u2019s display crease \u2013 right where the panel folds \u2013 is still very much there. Yes, it\u2019s quite visible, and yes, you\u2019ll feel it when you run your finger over it. But in normal use, the crease is really not that visible. To me, this is a non-issue, though you may not share my sentiment.\n\n\nAnd then we have the display quality of the Galaxy Z Flip 4, which is excellent (as always). The 6.7-inch 1080p Dynamic AMOLED 2X is bright, vibrant, and this being an AMOLED panel, it also features deep, true blacks. This makes it great for content consumption.\n\n\nNaturally, the fast 120Hz refresh rate of the Flip 4\u2019s screen lends to a responsive, fluid user experience as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGaming on the Z Flip 4 is quite fun as well, thanks to the aforementioned 120Hz display. On top of that, the phone\u2019s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset can also run most mobile games well, though there are some noticeable frame rate drops in \nGenshin Impact\n. The graphically demanding game is still very playable on the phone, of course.\n\n\nOne other feature of the Galaxy Z Flip 4 that\u2019s actually quite useful is Flex Mode. Depending on the app, using the phone in an L-shape can move the content to the top screen, with controls in the lower half. Apps that don\u2019t support this feature natively can be forced to do so, where the bottom screen can even act as a touchpad.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile this feature may seem\u2026well, gimmicky, it\u2019s actually quite useful in certain scenarios. I find it quite convenient to watch YouTube videos in Flex Mode while I\u2019m having lunch, for example. I don\u2019t have to strain my neck as much looking down on the phone if it was placed flat on the table.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nDespite its slew of improvements, there are still a few aspects of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 that could use some work, such as its camera performance. Even though its 12MP primary camera has been improved, its 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter is still largely similar to its predecessor\u2019s. On top of that, there\u2019s still no zoom lens either.\n\n\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n\n\nNow, without a doubt the Z Flip 4 can still take good-looking shots, but its camera performance is still a step below that of a proper flagship smartphone, especially it\u2019s ultra-wide shooter. My daily driver is a \nGalaxy S22 Ultra\n, so I find myself missing a telephoto lens too when I switched to the Flip 4.\n\n\nAside from that, the battery life of the Z Flip 4 could still be better, even with the larger 3,700mAh cell; a 400mAh improvement over its predecessor. I did manage to get between four to five hours of screen on time with the phone now \u2013 versus only four hours with the Flip 3 \u2013 but I can just barely get through a typical work day if I also throw in a couple sessions of Genshin Impact into the mix.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMy last qualm with the Z Flip 4 is its cover screen, which is still not as useful as it should be. There\u2019s more than enough screen real estate to make it more functional, such as the ability to interact with notifications in a more meaningful way.\n\n\nInstead, all I can do with notifications on the Flip 4\u2019s cover screen is to pick from a list of pre-set texts to reply to a message. I mean, even \nSamsung\u2019s own range of smartwatches\n can do much more than just that.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 is by no means the \u201cperfect\u201d foldable phone, but if you can live with its shortcomings \u2013 and there aren\u2019t too many of them \u2013 then the Flip 4 could just be your first foldable phone. Retailing from RM4,099, it\u2019s not too expensive either, even if it costs RM100 more than last year\u2019s Flip 3.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt would\u2019ve been fantastic if the Z Flip 4 is a more revolutionary change over its predecessor, but refining an already practical foldable phone (that is also IPX8 water-resistant) is not a bad strategy either. Hopefully, we\u2019ll see some real innovations from Samsung with the Z Flip 5 \u2013 I\u2019m personally excited for the next big thing from the Korean company.\n\n\nAfter all, Samsung is the leading player in the foldable smartphone market now.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/1-7-september-fuel-price-ron-97-price-remains-at-rm4-30-per-litre/", "title": "1 \u2013 7 September Fuel Price: RON 97 Price Remains at RM4.30 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nThe downward trend on the price of RON 97 stops this week! The price of the premium fuel remains unchanged this week, and of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are all maintained too, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 is still set at RM4.30 per litre for the next seven days. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 1 to 7 September 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/malaysia-keyboard-meetup-keypass-ticket-sold-out-in-7-minutes/", "title": "Malaysia Keyboard Meetup \u2013 Keypass Ticket Sold Out in 7 Minutes", "body": "\n\nTicketing to the Malaysia keyboard meetup was opened yesterday night, and all of the tickets \u2013 even the free entry one \u2013 were snatched up very quickly. In fact, the RM60 \u201ckeypass\u201d ticket, which includes an exclusive goodie bag and giveaway entries, was sold out in only \nseven minutes.\n\n\nEvidently, a lot of people are interested to attend our first (large-scale) local keyboard meetup. Now, even though the free entry ticket is sold out, those who are interested to attend the event \ncan still do so on 1 October; you can get an entry pass at the event itself\n.\n\n\nUpdate 8 September, 4:40PM:\n\u00a0Unfortunately, Keebmunity just announced that walk-ins will not be entertained. Read more about this change \nhere\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs previously revealed, the keyboard meetup will be held at the Grey Box in GMBB Kuala Lumpur on 1 October 2022. It will run from 10AM to 6PM, so expect a number of activities to be held throughout the day. Several vendors at the meetup have been confirmed too, including Rebult Keyboards and \nMecha Store\n.\n\n\nAside from that, Sun Cycle \u2013 one of the most recognisable distributors \u2013 will also be at the keyboard meetup. The company will be bringing as many as \nsix \nnotable brands to the event: Keychron, Akko, Glorious, Ducky, Tecware, and Shurikey.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Malaysia keyboard meetup is shaping up to be quite a big affair. Of course, Nextrift will also be attending the event, and if you\u2019re keen to do so as well, check out the \nFAQ of the meetup\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/compact-sony-xperia-5-iv-unveiled-snapdragon-8-gen-1-120hz-oled-coming-to-malaysia-q4-2022/", "title": "Compact Sony Xperia 5 IV Unveiled \u2013 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 120Hz OLED, Coming to Malaysia Q4 2022", "body": "\n\nSony introduced a successor to its compact flagship smartphone, the Sony Xperia 5 IV. Not only is it a pocketable smartphone, it\u2019s also quite a bit more affordable than its larger sibling (\nXperia 1 IV\n) while improving upon \nits predecessor\n.\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about the Malaysian availability of the Xperia 5 IV. According to Sony Malaysia, the compact flagship phone will be landing on our shores sometime in Q4 2022. With that in mind, it\u2019s possible the device will be available here as soon as October next month.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardware wise, the Xperia 5 IV got a number of upgrades over last year\u2019s model, though it\u2019s not powered by the latest chipset. Instead, it features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC, along with a larger 5,000mAh battery; that\u2019s a 500mAh improvement over the Xperia 5 III.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xperia 5 IV include a 6.1-inch 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (12MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle + 12MP telephoto), a 12MP selfie camera, IP65/IP68 dust and water resistance, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of expandable storage.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Sony Xperia 5 IV will be coming to Malaysia sometime in Q4 2022. No word yet on how much it will cost on our shores, but for the sake of context, it goes for $999 (about RM4,480) in the US.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-4-z-flip-4-malaysian-roadshow-happening-now-get-up-to-rm1398-freebies/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 & Z Flip 4 Malaysian Roadshow Happening Now \u2013 Get Up to RM1,398 Freebies", "body": "\n\nSamsung Malaysia is running a series of roadshows nationwide for its latest foldable phones, the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 4\n and \nGalaxy Z Flip 4\n. Not only can you check out the two new devices at selected locations, you can even get up to RM1,398 worth of freebies.\n\n\nThe \u201cGalaxy Flextival\u201d roadshow is currently taking place at two locations: Setia City Mall in Shah Alam and Mid Valley Southkey in Johor Bahru. The roadshow at these two locations will be there until 4 September this Sunday.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe next roadshow will take place next week between 9 to 11 September at Imago mall, Kota Kinabalu, and Plaza Gurney, Penang. As for the final roadshow, it will start from 29 September to 2 October at Sunway Pyramid, Selangor.\n\n\nAs mentioned, you can get up to RM1,398 worth of freebies by purchasing the Galaxy Fold 4 or Flip 4 until 30 September. These include a one-year extended warranty with three protective film replacements, and a 40mm \nSamsung Galaxy Watch 4\n (worth RM799).\n\n\nOf course, this offer is valid at the roadshow itself and \nSamsung.com\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMore details on Samsung Malaysia\u2019s Galaxy Flextival roadshow can be found \nhere\n. If you want to check out the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4 for yourself before purchasing either of them, you can do just that at the roadshow \u2013 even the Bespoke Edition of the Flip 4 is showcased there.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-sold-15880-cars-in-august-2022-highest-monthly-sales-in-9-years/", "title": "Proton Sold 15,880 Cars in August 2022 \u2013 Highest Monthly Sales in 9 Years", "body": "\n\nProton continues to record high sales volume in August 2022 last month. In fact, with over 15,880 units sold \u2013 which includes domestic and export sales \u2013 it was the national carmaker\u2019s best monthly sales in nine years.\n\n\nWith the encouraging sales performance, Proton said it remains focused to achieve its fourth consecutive year of volume growth. This is very feasible, given that over the past eight months, the company already registered 87,481 units; an increase of 39.7% compared to the same period in 2021 (62,637 units sold).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNot surprisingly, Proton\u2019s SUV duo continues to lead their respective segments. The X50 was delivered to 4,329 owners last month, while the X70 recorded 1,555 registrations. Proton\u2019s best-selling model in August 2022, on the other hand, is the Saga with 6,156 orders fulfilled.\n\n\n\u201cWith four months to go in 2022, Proton\u2019s production operations have stabilised. Critically, our component supply is now more consistent and better managed to ensure we can produce as many cars as possible, said the deputy CEO of Proton, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWith that in mind, we have undertaken an initiative to increase the number of delivery trucks by over 100% by the end of the year. This makes it easier to ensure our dealers receive their stock as quickly as possible and in turn, this benefits our customers who have been patiently waiting for their vehicles,\u201d he added.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/raptgo-hook-x-review-hooked-on-a-feeling/", "title": "Raptgo Hook-X Review: Hooked on a Feeling", "body": "\n\nI\u2019ve said it before, and I\u2019ll say it again: planar magnetic driven IEMs are the future. Sure, this driver type had a rocky start with the iSine series from Audeze, as well as the P1 from Tin HiFi. But in recent times, planar IEMs have gotten \nmuch \nbetter, while also going down in price!\n\n\nHowever, the Raptgo Hook-X we have here\u2026isn\u2019t particularly affordable. \nRetailing at $239 (about RM1,075) on Linsoul\n, this IEM is one of the more expensive planars released recently, especially if you compare it to the \n$100 7Hz Salnotes Dioko\n we previously reviewed.\n\n\nThat being said, I do think the Hook-X is worth its asking price. Not only is there effort in the product\u2019s packaging and overall presentation, the Hook-X also sounds \nfantastic\n \u2013 to my ears, anyway.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nIf you haven\u2019t heard of Raptgo before\u2026.you\u2019re not alone. Although the hard shell carrying case that comes with the Hook-X proudly states \u201csince 2019,\u201d the brand hasn\u2019t exactly released any standout products. That is, until this particular IEM.\n\n\nAs \nLinsoul\u2019s catalogue of Raptgo products\n show, the brand previously released two balanced armature IEMs, as well as a set of TWS earphones. The Hook-X is not only the brand\u2019s first planar IEM, it\u2019s also the first of its kind to make use of a piezoelectric driver.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the Hook-X\u2019s 14.2mm planar magnetic driver is paired with a bone-conduction driver. The planar driver is said to provide a strong bass response, while the piezoelectric driver handles the highs.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Hook-X is an open-back IEM too, which (in theory) allows for a more airy sound signature with less pressure and congestion in the soundstage. You definitely don\u2019t get as much isolation as fully-closed earphones because of this, but it\u2019s still quite decent \u2013 similar to that of \u201csemi-open\u201d IEMs. Sound leakage is also a non-issue with the Hook-X: there\u2019s only a faint leakage, and that\u2019s only if you put your ear \nright up\n to the perforated shell of the IEM.\n\n\nThe packaging of the Raptgo Hook-X is quite an elaborate one, though at this price point, you really shouldn\u2019t expect any less. Aside from the earphones themselves, you get the aforementioned hard shell carrying case, three sets of tips in three different sizes, and a braided cable with a black and green colour scheme to match the colourway of the IEM itself.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the cable features a hot-swappable jack that gives you the choice of terminating in the standard 3.5mm or balanced 2.5mm and 4.4mm jacks. The cable is, however, rather prone to microphonics, not to mention the fact that it tangles incredibly easily too.\n\n\nOne other thing: the three sets of tips that come with the Hook-X? Well, they only give you the illusion of choice, as there doesn\u2019t seem to be any sonic or physical difference between them. I just stuck with the light green ones as they match the aesthetics of the Hook-X.\n\n\nHow Does It Sound?\n\n\nThe combination of a planar and piezoelectric driver seems to work for the Hook-X, as it sounds \nincredibly fun and energetic\n. It has a warm-ish tonality with fast, impactful bass, a forward mid-range, and clear highs. There\u2019s simply a lot to love with the Hook-X, though it isn\u2019t without its pitfalls. The sound signature is quite U-shaped with an emphasis in the lows and highs, but that doesn\u2019t necessarily mean the mid-range is lacking.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBass\n\n\nBass response of the Hook-X is, in my opinion, the standout quality of the IEM. While the sub-bass doesn\u2019t reach all that low, the impact it provides is tight and incredibly controlled. The same can be said about the mid-bass, where you\u2019ll also immediately notice the speed of the bass \u2013 fast and full of energy.\n\n\nThere\u2019s also a \u201crawness\u201d to the bass that gives the Hook-X an almost\u2026analogue presentation. It\u2019s definitely got to do with the warmer tonality and speed of the bass, though I suspect the open-back design of the IEM plays a role here as well, though I can\u2019t say for certain.\n\n\nMids\n\n\nI wouldn\u2019t go as far as to say that the mids of the Hook-X are disappointing, but it \nfeels\n that way as the other sections of its frequency range are \nthat \ngood. Note weight of both instruments and vocals, for example, can sound a bit thin on the Hook-X.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe forwardness of vocals makes up for this a tad bit, though I do wish there was a bit more body to what is the most prevalent part of a music track. There\u2019s also a slight graininess to the mids of the Hook-X, which isn\u2019t ideal, even if it does add to the analogue quality provided by the bass.\n\n\nBut it\u2019s not all bad though, as vocals are still laid-back and sound pleasant with a hint of warmth from the bass. This especially benefits female vocals and keep them from sounding sharp, despite the thinner presentation.\n\n\nHighs\n\n\nTreble of the Hook-X is smooth and well-controlled, just like its bass response. The above average extension provides plenty of air and crisp to snares and cymbals. Clarity isn\u2019t the best due to the presence of grain, but detail retrieval is still quite impressive.\n\n\nWithout a doubt the Hook-X\u2019s bone-conducting piezoelectric driver provides good control and detail to the treble. However, on the flip side, it does make the treble sound a tad artificial as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSoundstage\n\n\nThe horizontal width of the Hook-X\u2019s soundstage is quite expansive \u2013 the open-back design might be at play here \u2013 but vertical depth is limited. Interestingly, the soundstage does open up a fair bit when connected to more powerful sources.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIt\u2019s often a gamble to mix different driver types and expect good sound quality in an IEM. But the combination of the planar and piezoelectric drivers of the Raptgo Hook-X just\u2026works. The open-back design also alleviates listening fatigue, allowing me to enjoy this planar IEM for longer listening sessions at a time.\n\n\nBut the Hook-X is far from perfect with the presence of grain throughout the frequency range, along with mids that are a bit too thin for my liking. Granted, the \naddictive\n bass and smooth treble more than make up for these shortcomings.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMoving forward, expect even more brands to release planar IEMs at various price points. If you want to hear for yourself just how good a planar IEM can be, the affordable \n7Hz Salnotes Dioko\n is worth a gander. But if you have the budget and prefer something a bit more fun-sounding, the Hook-X will not disappoint.\n\n\nLi Jin Soh contributed to this review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-tv-a2-now-in-malaysia-58-4k-android-tv-for-rm2799/", "title": "Xiaomi TV A2 Now in Malaysia \u2013 58\u2033 4K Android TV for RM2,799", "body": "\n\nXiaomi launched a slew of new products in Malaysia, including the Xiaomi TV A2. Available in three different sizes, the A2 series is meant to appeal to folks who want a smart TV with good value for money \u2013 the typical selling point of Xiaomi products, basically.\n\n\nRight now, only the 58-inch and 43-inch models of the TV A2 are available in Malaysia for \nRM2,799\n and \nRM1,299\n respectively. As for the more affordable 32-inch model \u2013 which should feature different hardware as well \u2013 it will arrive here soon for RM999.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the 58-inch and 43-inch variants of the TV A2 share the same hardware, though they have different stand designs. Both models are packed with a 4K 60Hz panel with support for Dolby Vision and HDR10, a bezel-less design, three HDMI ports, as well as Android TV 10 out of the box.\n\n\nBoth the 58-inch and 43-inch models of the Xiaomi TV A2 can now be purchased in Malaysia for RM2,799 and RM1,299 respectively. As for the most affordable 32-inch model, it will be available here soon for RM999.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-inzone-h9-review-fantastic-gaming-headset-average-headphones/", "title": "Sony INZONE H9 Review: Fantastic Gaming Headset, Average Headphones", "body": "\n\nSony has been in the headphones market for quite some time now, but it\u2019s not until the INZONE series where we see the Japanese company\u2019s commitment to release a premium line of gaming headsets for the PC and PS5. Sitting at the top of the series is the Sony INZONE H9, a pair of wireless gaming headsets with active noise cancellation (ANC).\n\n\nOver the past few weeks, I\u2019ve tested the INZONE H9 on both PC and PS5, and I thoroughly enjoyed using it for gaming. Not only does it have good imaging, it also has \nridiculously\n long battery life. However, while it\u2019s an excellent gaming headset, it\u2019s not the most ideal headphones for general use.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nAs the highest-end model in the INZONE series, the H9 is a feature-packed headset. It comes with the aforementioned ANC, 360 Spatial Sound (only for PC), up to 32 hours of battery life, and of course, a boom microphone that can be flipped up to mute. The H9 also supports the PS5\u2019s Tempest 3D AudioTech.\n\n\nOf course, with all of these features, it\u2019s no surprise that the H9 carries a RM1,299 price tag. Compared to the other headsets in the series, the INZONE H7 \u2013 also wireless, but without ANC \u2013 goes for RM1,099, while the wired INZONE H3 costs RM439.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nOne of the most important features of a gaming headset is how it handles \u201cimaging\u201d \u2013 that is, how well can the headset emulate the location of a gunshot in a game, for example. In this regard, the Sony INZONE H9 performs admirably; I definitely feel like I have an added advantage when gaming with this.\n\n\nAside from that, the noise cancelling performance of the INZONE H9 is also above average. Even though it has the \u201cdeafening effect\u201d \u2013 and its ANC is still not quite as good as, say, the \nSony WH-1000XM5\n \u2013 it can still cancel out most ambient noise, especially the sound of an air-conditioner or a loud PC fan.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother aspect of the H9 that I\u2019m \nvery\n impressed with is its long battery life. Sony quoted up to 32 hours of use on a single charge (with ANC switched off), but in my testing, the headset was still going strong well past this estimate. If you want a long-lasting gaming headset, the H9 will not disappoint.\n\n\nComfort is one of the INZONE H9\u2019s strong points as well. Even in longer gaming sessions \u2013 especially when I was sweating bullets playing \nThe Last of Us Part I\n \u2013 the headset remains comfortable, thanks to its soft ear pads. The pressure is also \njust right\n, where I don\u2019t feel like it\u2019s clamping too hard on my head.\n\n\nAs for the microphone of the H9, it\u2019s quite good. My teammates had no issue listening to my voice in-game, and I love the fact that I can hear my own voice through the headset. The convenience of just flipping the microphone up to mute it is neat too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the INZONE H9\u2019s sound signature is tuned for gaming, which is to say it has \nvery emphasised\n bass. This (somewhat) makes sense for a gaming-centric headset, as a bass-heavy tuning will make explosions and gunshots sound extra exciting.\n\n\nBut this also comes at the expense of audio quality; I\u2019ll elaborate in the next section.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWhile the overemphasised bass of the INZONE H9 makes for a more exciting gaming experience, it doesn\u2019t translate well to music listening. The boosted bass bleeds into the mids, so as a result, it sounds \u201cmuddy.\u201d Bass guitars on certain tracks will sound overly loud as well because of this.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the bulky design of the H9. Yes, it\u2019s a comfortable pair of wireless headset, but it doesn\u2019t look particularly sleek when worn. The non-removable microphone further contributes to the general bulkiness of the headset. Suffice to say it will look out of place to use the H9 in public, in my opinion.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the USB dongle of the INZONE H9. Most of the time, the wireless connection works just fine, but there at times where I get a weird static noise. I can\u2019t quite replicate this issue often enough, so I won\u2019t say this is a major problem \u2013 it\u2019s still worth a mention, of course.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you want a pair of comfortable wireless gaming headset with good imaging, \nextremely \nlong battery life, and active noise cancellation, then the Sony INZONE H9 is an easy recommendation, even with its RM1,299 price tag. I\u2019m not a big fan of its bulky design, but you may not share my sentiment.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt would\u2019ve been great if the INZONE H9\u2019s tuning isn\u2019t so bass-centric, but hey, it does make for a more exciting gaming experience, especially if you\u2019re into action games. Nonetheless, I\u2019m hoping Sony will change up the tuning of the next H9 to be a better-rounded pair of headset \u2013 the company has proven itself to be \nmore than capable of this\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/face-mask-no-longer-mandatory-indoors-but-exceptions-apply/", "title": "Face Mask No Longer Mandatory Indoors, But Exceptions Apply", "body": "\n\nEffective today on 7 September, wearing face mask will be optional when you\u2019re indoors in Malaysia. However, there are a few exceptions to this ruling, and it is still highly encouraged to do so, especially in crowded areas.\n\n\nThis was announced by Khairy Jamaluddin, the Minister of Health. Face mask is now optional in an indoor setting, though it is still mandatory to wear one at all healthcare facilities, public transportation, and obviously, if you\u2019re COVID-19 positive.\n\n\n\n\nToday I announced face masks indoors will be optional effective immediately. However, it\u2019s still mandatory in all health care facilities (hospitals, clinics, nursing homes etc) and in public transport. High-risks individuals encouraged to keep their masks on.\n\u2014 Khairy Jamaluddin \ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe\ud83c\udf3a (@Khairykj) \nSeptember 7, 2022\n\n\n\n\nAccording to the Ministry of Health (MOH), this ruling is done in light of the improving COVID-19 situation in Malaysia. Of course, to be safe, it\u2019s always best to keep wearing a face mask in any situation, especially in crowded areas. Stay safe everyone!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/8-14-september-fuel-price-ron-97-down-10-sen-now-rm4-20-per-litre/", "title": "8 \u2013 14 September Fuel Price: RON 97 Down 10 Sen, Now RM4.20 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nThe downward trend on the price of RON 97 resumes this week! The price of the premium fuel is set to go down by 10 sen this midnight, while the prices of RON 95 and diesel are all maintained, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 is now set at RM4.20 per litre (down from RM4.30) for the next seven days. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 8 to 14 September 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-watch-series-8-unveiled-with-brighter-screen-temperature-sensor-from-399/", "title": "Apple Watch Series 8 Unveiled With Brighter Screen & Temperature Sensor From $399", "body": "\n\nApple\u2019s big September launch is here! The first product unveiled at the event is the brand new Apple Watch Series 8, which sports a brighter screen, a temperature sensor, and even the ability to detect a crash.\n\n\nThanks to the brighter display, the Series 8\u2019s screen should be more visible under bright sunlight. There are also new watchfaces for users to choose from, not to mention a new temperature sensor that can help women track their ovulation cycle; very nice.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlso new to the Series 8 is the ability to detect a car crash, which will only be active when you\u2019re\u2026well, driving. This is done in order to conserve battery life. Speaking of which, the Series 8 offers up to 18 hours of battery life, and it can be further extended to 36 hours in low power mode.\n\n\nPricing wise, the Apple Watch Series 8 starts at $399 (about RM1,795) for the GPS only model. The cellular version, on the other hand, goes for $499 (approximately RM2,245). No word yet on the Malaysian pricing of the new smartwatch, though we reckon it will be revealed very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/airpods-pro-2nd-gen-features-improved-anc-6-hours-battery-life-for-rm1099/", "title": "AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) Features Improved ANC & 6 Hours Battery Life for RM1,099", "body": "\n\nThe first AirPods Pro was released back in 2019, and we now have the 2nd generation model with a slew of improvements. Not only does the new AirPods Pro come with improved active noise cancellation (ANC), it also has longer battery life and touch controls.\n\n\nAccording to Apple, the 2nd gen AirPods Pro features \u201cup to double the noise-cancelling power\u201d of its predecessor, thanks to the new H2 chip. Battery life has also been improved by 1.5 hours for a total of up to six hours of use with ANC activated. With the charging case, users can get up to 30 hours of total listening time.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the new AirPods Pro finally adds volume and media controls to the stem. The wireless earbuds is now packed with a new \u201clow-distortion audio driver and custom amplifier\u201d as well, which promises better bass and audio clarity. Oh, it comes with a new extra small ear tip too.\n\n\nThe 2nd generation AirPods Pro is \npriced at RM1,099\n for the Malaysian market. Unfortunately, there\u2019s no word yet on exactly when it will be available for purchase on our shores; we\u2019ll be sure to keep a close eye on its local availability.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-14-iphone-14-plus-official-familiar-design-same-a15-bionic-chip-from-799/", "title": "iPhone 14 & iPhone 14 Plus Official: Familiar Design, Same A15 Bionic Chip From $799", "body": "\n\nHere it is: the latest iPhone 14 series, starting with the standard iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus \u2013 the latter is a new model in the lineup. Sporting a familiar-looking design, the iPhone 14 Plus offers the large screen of the Pro Max model, though it also retains last year\u2019s Apple A15 Bionic chip.\n\n\nYes, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus soldiers on with the same A15 Bionic chip that made its debut on the iPhone 13 series. This isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing, of course, given the \nsheer processing power of the chip\n \u2013 not even the latest Android phones can match the performance level of the A15.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus also feature a new 12MP primary sensor, which promises superior camera performance, especially in low light conditions. The ultra-wide angle lens offers better low light performance too, and the 12MP TrueDepth selfie camera is now packed with autofocus capability \u2013 say goodbye to blurry selfies.\n\n\nBasically, the new iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are strikingly similar to last year\u2019s iPhone 13 series, but with an upgraded camera array. All the new upgrades look to be reserved for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, which should be unveiled very soon.\n\n\nOkay, prices. In the US, the iPhone 14 starts at $799 (about RM3,595), while the iPhone 14 Plus retails from $899 (approximately RM4,045). Expect Malaysian pricing to be revealed in the next couple of hours!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-14-pro-iphone-14-pro-max-unleashed-moving-notch-a16-bionic-from-999/", "title": "iPhone 14 Pro & iPhone 14 Pro Max Unleashed \u2013 \u201cMoving\u201d Notch, A16 Bionic, From $999", "body": "\n\nHere are the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, and these two phones finally bid goodbye to the notch\u2026for a pill-shaped cutout. But Apple does introduce a new UI design that cleverly takes advantage of the cutout dubbed \u201cDynamic Island,\u201d which does make for a\u2026unique user experience.\n\n\nWhen you get a notification or playing music, the Dynamic Island will expand accordingly to show these elements. Honestly, it\u2019s a smart, playful UI element to make the pill-shaped cutout feel more\u2026purposeful. Of course, the cutout still looks quite odd when nothing is happening, but hey, props to Apple for the smart UI design.\n\n\nOh, there\u2019s also an always on display now (finally).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs expected, the iPhone 14 Pro models feature Apple\u2019s latest A16 Bionic chip; a hardware the more affordable iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus do not get. As usual, the new chip promises superior performance, along with better power efficiency to further improve battery life.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the iPhone 14 Pro phones naturally offer some notable upgrades, including a new 48MP primary camera with pixel binning for improved image quality. The telephoto and ultra-wide angle sensors also bring better low light performance.\n\n\nNo changes to the starting price of the iPhone 14 Pro series \u2013 in the US, at least. The iPhone 14 Pro retails from $999 (about RM4,495), while the iPhone 14 Pro Max starts at $1,099 (approximately RM4,945). We\u2019re trying to secure the Malaysian pricing of the two phones right now, so stay tuned!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-14-pro-iphone-14-pro-max-starts-at-rm5299-in-malaysia-up-to-rm500-price-hike/", "title": "iPhone 14 Pro & iPhone 14 Pro Max Starts at RM5,299 in Malaysia \u2013 Up to RM500 Price Hike", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019ve got the Malaysian pricing of the new iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max! For our market, the latest and greatest iPhones \nstart at RM5,299\n \u2013 that\u2019s a noticeable RM400 price hike from last year\u2019s models.\n\n\nOf course, the RM5,299 price tag is for the 128GB base model of the iPhone 14 Pro. As for the iPhone 14 Pro Max, the most affordable 128GB variant goes for RM5,799. Compared to the same storage option of the iPhone 13 Pro Max at launch, that\u2019s a RM500 price hike.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, for that kind of money, the iPhone 14 Pro phones do bring a number of upgrades, including a new pill-shaped display cutout with a \u201cDynamic Island\u201d UI design. When you get a notification or playing music, the Dynamic Island will expand accordingly to show these elements, which does make for a unique user experience. The new iPhones finally get an always on display as well!\n\n\nAs expected, the iPhone 14 Pro models also feature Apple\u2019s latest A16 Bionic chip; a hardware the \nmore affordable iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus\n do not get. As usual, the new chip promises superior performance, along with better power efficiency to further improve battery life.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the iPhone 14 Pro phones naturally offer some notable upgrades, including a new 48MP primary camera with pixel binning for improved image quality. The telephoto and ultra-wide angle sensors also bring better low light performance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max will be available for pre-order in Malaysia on 16 September (Malaysia Day!), and they\u2019re set to hit store shelves the following week on 23 September. Yes, the Malaysian market is getting the shiny new iPhones relatively quickly.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-14-iphone-14-plus-retail-from-rm4199-in-malaysia-pre-orders-open-16-september/", "title": "iPhone 14 & iPhone 14 Plus Retail From RM4,199 in Malaysia \u2013 Pre-Orders Open 16 September", "body": "\n\nWell well, it looks like the new iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are coming to Malaysia very soon. Pre-orders of the two phones are set to open on Malaysia Day next week on 16 September, though there\u2019s also a price hike for our market.\n\n\nThe more affordable phone of the two is the iPhone 14, which \nstarts at RM4,199\n for the 128GB model. Compared to the iPhone 13 at launch, this is a RM300 price hike, unfortunately enough. As for the iPhone 14 Plus \u2013 a completely new model in the lineup \u2013 it retails from RM4,699 on our shores for the same 128GB capacity.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn paper, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are very similar to the iPhone 13 series: they soldier on with the same A15 Bionic chip that made its debut last year. This isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing, of course, given the\u00a0\nsheer processing power of the chip\n\u00a0\u2013 not even the latest Android phones can match the performance level of the A15.\n\n\nBeyond that, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus also feature a new 12MP primary sensor, which promises superior camera performance, especially in low light conditions. The ultra-wide angle lens offers better low light performance too, and the 12MP TrueDepth selfie camera is now packed with autofocus capability \u2013 say goodbye to blurry selfies.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can pre-order the new iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus in Malaysia next week on 16 September. The former will be available here from 23 September onwards, while the iPhone 14 Plus is set to arrive on our shores slightly later on 7 October.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/malaysia-keyboard-meetup-free-pass-holders-required-to-register-again-no-more-walk-ins/", "title": "Malaysia Keyboard Meetup \u2013 Free Pass Holders Required to Register Again, No More Walk-ins", "body": "\n\nResponse to the first large-scale Malaysia keyboard meetup has been quite overwhelming, to say the least. Not only did the RM60 \u201ckeypass\u201d ticket \nsold out in seven minutes\n, the free entry tickets were also snatched up quickly. If you got the latter, take note: you are required to register again.\n\n\nThe re-registration will take place on 10 September at 6PM. Those with a free entry pass will need to choose a preferred time slot to attend the meetup (10AM \u2013 1PM or 2PM \u2013 5PM). According to the organiser, Keebmunity, this is done to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for those who are attending the event.\n\n\nUnfortunately, this also means walk-ins to the meetup \nwill no longer be entertained\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, as previously revealed, the keyboard meetup will be held at the Grey Box in GMBB Kuala Lumpur on 1 October 2022. It will run from 10AM to 6PM, so expect a number of activities to be held throughout the day. Several vendors at the meetup have been confirmed too, including Rebult Keyboards and \nMecha Store\n.\n\n\nAside from that, Sun Cycle \u2013 one of the most recognisable distributors \u2013 will also be at the keyboard meetup. The company will be bringing as many as \nsix \nnotable brands to the event: Keychron, Akko, Glorious, Ducky, Tecware, and Shurikey.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, those with a free entry pass to the keyboard meetup will be required to register again on 10 September at 6PM; those who purchased the keypass ticket are not affected by this. Of course, Nextrift will be there at the event; see you guys then!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-watch-ultra-features-rugged-design-60-hours-battery-life-for-rm3799/", "title": "Apple Watch Ultra Features Rugged Design & 60 Hours Battery Life for RM3,799", "body": "\n\nHere\u2019s a brand new Apple Watch, and it\u2019s dubbed Apple Watch Ultra. Given the rugged nature and long battery life of the smartwatch \u2013 for a wearable of this calibre \u2013 it does deserve the Ultra branding. Of course, it also carries an equally\u2026ultra pricing.\n\n\nHere in Malaysia, the Apple Watch Ultra goes for a cool RM3,799; that\u2019s twice the price of the new Series 8, which \nstarts at RM1,899\n. Of course, you do get a number of neat upgrades for that kind of money, including much longer battery life \u2013 up to 36 hours or 60 hours in low power mode \u2013 and sturdier sapphire front crystal.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnique to the Watch Ultra is dual-frequency GPS that integrates both L1 and L5 frequencies; perfect for the target audience of this rugged, premium smartwatch. There\u2019s also a new Action button that can be customised to different features.\n\n\nTo recap, the Apple Watch Ultra starts at RM3,799 in Malaysia. It remains to be seen when the rugged smartwatch will be available for purchase here, but rest assured, we\u2019ll keep a close eye for any pertaining information.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-watch-series-8-coming-to-malaysia-soon-from-rm1899/", "title": "Apple Watch Series 8 Coming to Malaysia Soon From RM1,899", "body": "\n\nThe Apple Watch Series 8 is set to be available in Malaysia soon, and we now know how much the new smartwatch will cost on our shores. Naturally, it features a number of upgrades, including new watchfaces, a temperature sensor, and even the ability to detect a crash.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Series 8 \nretails from RM1,899\n; that\u2019s RM150 more than the starting price of the Series 7. For that kind of money, the Series 8 looks more modern than its predecessor, thanks to the new watchfaces, even if the design remains largely the same.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlso new to the Series 8 is a temperature sensor, which can help women track their ovulation cycle. It can also detect if the wearer is involved in a car crash; this can be a literal lifesaver. As for battery life, the Series 8 offers up to 18 hours of use on a single charge, and it can be further extended to 36 hours in low power mode.\n\n\nPricing wise, the Apple Watch Series 8 starts at RM1,899 in Malaysia for the GPS only model. If you want the cellular version, it will set you back RM2,299. No word yet on the exact availability of the new Apple Watch in Malaysia, though we reckon it should arrive here very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/toshiba-launches-2022-smart-tv-lineup-in-malaysia-including-flagship-65-z770-for-rm4999/", "title": "Toshiba Launches 2022 Smart TV Lineup in Malaysia, Including Flagship 65\u2033 Z770 for RM4,999", "body": "\n\nToshiba recently showcased its 2022 lineup of smart TVs in Malaysia. With prices ranging from RM999 to RM4,999, the Japanese company\u2019s offerings look to offer reasonably good value for money; even its flagship Toshiba Z770 Android TV isn\u2019t priced exorbitantly.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Z770 is offered in a sole 65-inch model \nfor a cool RM4,999\n, which is actually discounted from its original RM7,999 price tag. For that kind of money, it offers a sharp 4K display with quantum dot technology, as well as support for AMD FreeSync Premium.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA tier down is the Toshiba M550L, which is also a 4K TV, though it\u2019s not quite as feature-packed as the Z770; it doesn\u2019t feature Android TV or FreeSync support. Of course, that also means it is much more affordable: the 75-inch M550L, for example, is going \nfor only RM4,049 right now\n.\n\n\nBesides these two models, there are also the C350L (from RM1,799), V35 (from RM1,399), and the most affordable of the lot, the V31 series (from RM999). You can check out the rest of Toshiba\u2019s offerings on its \nofficial Shopee Mall store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mtg-dominaria-united-now-available-features-limited-edition-token-for-sea/", "title": "MTG Dominaria United Now Available \u2013 Features Limited Edition Token for SEA", "body": "\n\nMagic: The Gathering\u2019s latest set, Dominaria United, is now available for tabletop. It\u2019s a set that coincides with MTG\u2019s 30th anniversary, and it is the first of a multi-set storyline that takes place within Magic\u2019s original plane, Dominaria.\n\n\nContaining 281 cards, Dominaria United also sees the return of Jumpstart Booster packs. Each pack showcases 10 unique themes from Dominaria\u2019s world, and the 20-card park can be combined with a second Jumpstart Booster to start playing a limited-lite format of play; perfect for newcomers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, there is also an exclusive token for MTG players in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The token is given to pre-orders of Dominaria United products worth RM450. Just like the set itself, the token is the first of a three-part series set that will form a battlefield mural.\n\n\nDominaria United is now available for tabletop worldwide \u2013 including Malaysia, of course \u2013 as Draft, Set, Collector, and Jumpstart Boosters; Commander decks and Bundles are also offered. If you\u2019re keen to check out the new set, give your\u00a0\nnearest hobby shop\n\u00a0a visit tonight. After all, it\u2019s Friday Night Magic!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-swift-5-2022-review-premium-thin-light-laptop-with-excellent-battery-life/", "title": "Acer Swift 5 (2022) Review: Premium Thin & Light Laptop With Excellent Battery Life", "body": "\n\nThe Acer Swift 5 series had always offered a good balance between premium features and value for money. Though the latest Swift 5 now sits at a higher price bracket \u2013 no thanks to inflation \u2013 it does retain its premium appeal, not to mention much improved battery life.\n\n\nWhile it does have its shortcomings, the Swift 5 is easily the best update in the series yet. It has all the makings of a premium productivity laptop, and it\u2019s not priced as exorbitantly as its competition either \u2013 a winning formula that worked well for previous Swift 5 laptops.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n14-inch WQXGA IPS (2560 x 1600), 60Hz\nProcessor\nIntel Core i7-1260P (12C/16T, 2.1GHz with boost up to 4.7GHz)\nGPU\nIntel Iris Xe Graphics\nRAM\n16GB LPDDR5\nStorage\n1TB PCIe NVMe SSD\nCamera\n1080p webcam\nBattery\n56Wh\nDimensions\n310.5 x 213.3 x 14.95 mm\nWeight\n1.2kg\nAudio\nBottom-firing stereo speakers\nPorts\n2x Thunderbolt 4\n2x USB-A 3.2\n1x HDMI 2.1\nPrice\nRM6,599\n\n\nThe Swift 5 in this review is the RM6,599 range-topping model with a fast Core i7-1260P processor, generous 1TB SSD, and a sharp 2560 x 1600 IPS touch-enabled display. There\u2019s also a more affordable RM4,699 variant with a Core i5-1240P chip, 8GB of RAM, 512GB SSD, and a 1920 x 1200 panel.\n\n\nIf you want a configuration that\u2019s a mix of the two models above, there\u2019s the mid-tier Swift 5. It has the same Core i7-1260P processor, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD of the highest-end variant, though it retains the 1920 x 1200 display of the base i5 model; all for RM5,999.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nWhat makes or breaks a productivity laptop (in my opinion) is its keyboard, and in this regard, the Swift 5 delivers! It is by no means the best laptop keyboard I\u2019ve ever tried, but it \nis\n comfortable to do a lot of typing on with just enough key travel, very pronounced tactile feedback, and a layout that\u2019s easy to get accustomed to.\n\n\nSurprisingly enough, despite being made out of plastic \u2013 recycled plastic, at that \u2013 the Swift 5\u2019s OceanGlass trackpad still feels smooth to the touch. Of course, it can also track my fingers accurately; never did I feel the need to use a mouse with this laptop for productivity tasks, and that\u2019s a good thing.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerformance wise, the Swift 5 can keep up with my tasks without any issue. Whether it\u2019s juggling in excess of 15 Chrome tabs at any given time with some light photo editing, there\u2019s no noticeable slowdown at all. The Intel Iris Xe can do some light gaming as well, so it won\u2019t have any trouble running games like Dota 2 or \nDiablo Immortal\n.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the \nlong\n battery life of the Swift 5. On a single charge, I can get about \nnine hours of use\n before the laptop runs out of juice. To get this level of battery life, I set the power plan to battery saver with the display dimmed to a comfortable (but still quite bright) level.\n\n\nThough I haven\u2019t tested it out myself, I\u2019m confident other variants of the Swift 5 with a more power-efficient 1920 x 1200 screen can deliver even better battery life.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Swift 5\u2019s 14-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS display looks great too with vibrant colours, wide viewing angles, and good brightness. The fact that this is also a touch-enabled display is an added bonus, though I personally don\u2019t use it much. I definitely appreciate the 16:10 aspect ratio though, as it allows for more vertical screen real estate for productivity tasks.\n\n\nLast but not least is the build quality of the Swift 5, which is premium through and through. The aluminium chassis feels and looks great, there\u2019s no creaking at all with added pressure, and there\u2019s minimal screen flex as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTipping the scales at 1.2kg with a 14.95mm thin side profile, it\u2019s also a portable laptop that I don\u2019t mind lugging around in my backpack.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAs much as I enjoy looking at the bright and vibrant display of the Swift 5, I\u2019m not crazy about the glossy finish of the screen. It\u2019s fine when I\u2019m using the laptop indoors with minimal outdoor lighting, but when I\u2019m working in a cafe outdoor, for example, the reflective nature of the panel can be quite distracting.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the finicky fingerprint sensor of the Swift 5. Throughout my time with the laptop, the sensor couldn\u2019t recognise my fingerprint consistently enough. When it does work, it\u2019s fast and seamless. But when it doesn\u2019t (which happens more often), I need to key in my password instead to get into the laptop; not a very pleasant experience.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nDefinitely. Yes, I would\u2019ve loved for the Acer Swift 5 to come with a matte display instead \u2013 along with a fingerprint sensor that works as intended \u2013 but the other winning qualities of the laptop more than make up for these shortcomings. Plus, with a RM4,699 starting price, it\u2019s definitely one of the most affordable premium-tier Windows laptops.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond its value proposition, the Swift 5 is also a long-lasting productivity laptop with very respectable performance level and comfortable keyboard for long typing sessions. Paired with its premium build quality, the Swift 5 is an easy recommendation for those who are shopping for a refined productivity laptop without breaking the bank.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-x-dominos-pizza-collab-happening-in-malaysia-merch-up-for-grabs/", "title": "Genshin Impact x Domino\u2019s Pizza Collab Happening in Malaysia \u2013 Merch up for Grabs", "body": "\n\nNow this is an interesting collaboration between Genshin Impact and Domino\u2019s Pizza. Happening right here in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, the event allows customers to purchase \u201cEmergency Food\u201d combo from Domino\u2019s, which also includes Genshin Impact merchandise.\n\n\nThe event will take place between 14 September to 26 October, so there\u2019s plenty of time for Genshin Impact fans to get the special combo from Domino\u2019s Pizza. For the Malaysian market, two combos are available, and each of them offer slightly different merchandise.\n\n\n\n\nThe Genshin Impact merchandise you can get\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTake the more affordable RM29.95 combo, which includes a Genshin Impact non-woven pizza bag, postcard, and tinplate button badge. The RM59.90 combo, on the other hand, throws in an extra Genshin Impact plastic A4 file folder, along with an extra postcard and tinplate button badge.\n\n\nAside from these special combos, several Domino\u2019s Pizza outlets throughout Malaysia will be decorated with Genshin Impact elements as well; some of them will even have activities that offer Genshin Impact prizes. The full list of participating outlets and activity schedule can be found \nhere\n.\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nYou Can Now Get Genshin Impact Merch With Domino\u2019s Pizza \u201cEmergency Food\u201d Combo\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-damiensaber-xenopixel-lightsaber-review-169-vs-379-hilt/", "title": "Video: Damiensaber Xenopixel Lightsaber Review \u2013 $169 vs. $379 Hilt!", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHere\u2019s our video review of the \nDamiensaber Xenopixel lightsaber\n! If you\u2019ve wanted to see the lightsaber in action, watch the video above. Trust us, it will look like something out of a Star Wars movie \u2013 well, sort of.\n\n\nTo recap, Damiensaber\u2019s Xenopixel lightsaber features a neopixel blade, so it looks very bright; almost like an actual lightsaber. Paired with its extremely smooth swinging sound, it really does feel like we\u2019re living our Jedi (or Sith) dreams.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to purchase a Xenopixel lightsaber from Damiensaber, you can do so on its\u00a0\nofficial online store\n. You can also join its\u00a0\nDiscord server\n\u00a0to get some valuable resources (and updates) on its products.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/prism-opening-first-physical-store-in-sunway-pyramid-on-16-september-2022/", "title": "PRISM+ Opening First Physical Store in Sunway Pyramid on 16 September 2022", "body": "\n\nPRISM+ will soon have a physical presence right here in Malaysia! The company is set to open its first-ever outlet on our shores at Sunway Pyramid, Petaling Jaya, and we are the first market outside of Singapore to have a physical store.\n\n\nTo celebrate the opening of the PRISM+ outlet on 16 September next week \u2013 in conjunction with Malaysia Day, no less \u2013 the first 100 shoppers to visit the store will get exclusive discounts on four products as shown below:\n\n\nPRISM+ Q43-QE Android TV: RM1,299 (RRP: RM3,199)\nPRISM+ Q55-QE Android TV: RM1,699 (RRP: RM3,599)\nPRISM+ W220v monitor: RM299 (RRP: RM599)\nPRISM+ F220 144Hz gaming monitor: RM449 (RRP: RM849)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from PRISM+\u2019s range of gaming monitors and Android TVs, the outlet also features several Logitech products. These include the Logitech G304 Lightspeed wireless gaming mouse, Logitech G331 gaming headset, and even the Logitech G512 Carbon GX mechanical keyboard.\n\n\n\u201cWith the launch of our first physical store in Malaysia, we hope to provide a better shopping experience for customers who prefer to touch and feel the products they buy. This way customers get to interact with our products and have a better hands-on experience with the brand, now that the country is opening up post-pandemic,\u201d said the country director of PRISM+ Malaysia, Eric Kam.\n\n\n\u201cWe hope the new outlet will help grow trust and confidence in the brand which is already immensely popular in the online space,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe PRISM+ physical outlet at Sunway Pyramid will open its doors on 16 September next week. If you\u2019re keen to get a new Android TV or gaming monitor from the brand, give the store a visit to score some good discounts.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/razer-deathstalker-v2-pro-review-surprisingly-good-pre-built-keyboard/", "title": "Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro Review: Surprisingly Good Pre-Built Keyboard!", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRazer\u2019s range of PC peripherals are easily some of the most recognisable options in the market. From its lineup of gaming mice to mechanical keyboards, there\u2019s no denying the sheer popularity of the company\u2019s products, and the Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro is one of the latest releases from Razer.\n\n\nSporting a low profile design with Razer\u2019s own optical switches, the DeathStalker V2 Pro is a\u2026well, surprisingly good pre-built keyboard. Although it\u2019s quite a costly product, it could be ideal for some folks \u2013 especially those that can\u2019t be bothered to build a custom keyboard.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThere are three different variants of the DeathStalker V2. The most affordable one is the standard DeathStalker V2 wired keyboard (RM799), followed by the DeathStalker V2 Pro Tenkeyless (RM929) and the DeathStalker V2 Pro (RM999) you see in this review \u2013 the latter two are wireless keyboards.\n\n\nAs mentioned, the DeathStalker V2 series are low profile keyboards with Razer\u2019s optical switches. The model we received is installed with the red linear switch, though there\u2019s also a clicky option. Of course, Razer Chroma RGB is available on these keyboards too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother neat feature of the DeathStalker V2 Pro is the metal scroll wheel, which can be used to adjust volume; it can even be clicked to mute audio. It\u2019s also worth noting that this wireless keyboard supports both Bluetooth and a 2.4GHz dongle, not to mention pretty darn long battery life \u2013 more on this further down this review.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nWhat really surprised me when I first started using the DeathStalker V2 Pro is how \nrefined\n the typing experience is. Yes, it\u2019s a stiff keyboard, but I\u2019m absolutely a fan of the linear optical switch. It does have some audible scratchiness if I put my ear against the switch, but overall, it really has quite a smooth downstroke.\n\n\nNot only is it a reasonably smooth switch, Razer\u2019s linear optical switch has a nice cushioned bottom out as well; it\u2019s as if I\u2019m bottoming out on a topre keyboard, which is high praise for the DeathStalker V2 Pro. Thanks to the minimal key travel \u2013 this is a low profile keyboard, after all \u2013 it has fast actuation to boot.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI\u2019m also quite a fan of the DeathStalker V2 Pro\u2019s keycap quality. While it\u2019s not amazing by any means, the double shot ABS keycaps definitely feel and look above average. The shine-through legends are quite sharp and consistent, and the texture of the keycaps is quite nice to the touch too. It doesn\u2019t feel cheap, basically.\n\n\nWireless performance of the DeathStalker V2 Pro is worth highlighting as well. The keyboard\u2019s \u201cHyperSpeed\u201d Wireless tech \u2013 which uses a 2.4GHz dongle \u2013 promises 25% faster performance than other wireless tech, and\u2026I\u2019m inclined to agree with the company here.\n\n\nThroughout the review period, the keyboard feels very responsive whether I\u2019m in wired mode or wireless mode with the dongle. It still feels reasonably responsive on a Bluetooth connection as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of wireless connectivity, the battery life of the DeathStalker V2 Pro (despite its thin chassis) is very respectable. Razer quoted up to 40 hours of battery life with the backlight set to 50%, and in my testing \u2013 while also using the HyperSpeed dongle \u2013 this is right on the money.\n\n\nLast but not least is the metal scroll wheel of the DeathStalker V2 Pro. It\u2019s quite satisfying to use it to control the volume, and it\u2019s a feature that\u2019s not typically found on a custom keyboard \u2013 an advantage that is definitely worth highlighting as we move on to the next section.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAs impressive as the Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro is, it\u2019s still a pre-built keyboard at the end of the day, so it has a few shortcomings in this regard. For one, its stabilisers are rattly, though this is somewhat masked by the shorter key travel of the low profile design.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis comes down to the stabiliser wires of the keyboard, which doesn\u2019t seem to be lubed at all. Thankfully, it\u2019s quite easy to squeeze in a bit of lube in between the wire and the stabiliser housing with a syringe to eliminate ticking and rattling, though this does require some effort from end-users.\n\n\nAnd that brings us to the sound profile of the DeathStalker V2 Pro. While I like the fact that it\u2019s a relatively quiet keyboard, it still has the plasticky typing sound of a pre-built board. For a keyboard that sits at this price point, I expect a more refined sound profile.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor RM999, the DeathStalker V2 Pro is by no means an affordable keyboard either. For the same amount of money, you can get a custom keyboard with superior sound signature, typing experience, and customisability\u2026if you\u2019re willing to put in the work, of course.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nA pre-built keyboard has a different target audience than a custom keyboard, so it\u2019s important to put this into perspective. Yes, a custom build has its advantages, but its disadvantage (read: limited availability) makes a pre-built keyboard like the Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro a much more accessible and compelling option.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs a custom keyboard enthusiast, I do think the DeathStalker V2 Pro can be the right choice for folks who want a mechanical keyboard that just \nworks\n, and it does work quite well. Even if it doesn\u2019t have well-tuned stabilisers or the most pleasant sound profile, it still has other winning qualities, such as smooth optical linear switches, long battery life, fast wireless connectivity, and a low profile design.\n\n\nIf these qualities are exactly what you look for in a mechanical keyboard, then give the DeathStalker V2 Pro a consideration.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-3-1-livestream-set-for-16-september-new-sumeru-area/", "title": "Genshin Impact 3.1 Livestream Set for 16 September \u2013 New Sumeru Area?", "body": "\n\nHoyoverse just revealed the livestream date for \nGenshin Impact\n\u2018s next update, Version 3.1. Set to take place on 16 September this Friday \u2013 Malaysia Day! \u2013 the version update should see the introduction of a new area within Sumeru.\n\n\nSo far, the Sumeru region in Genshin Impact 3.0 consists of the forest area; there\u2019s no desert landscape as shown in the teaser image of the upcoming livestream. It\u2019s also worth noting that Hoyoverse already gave us a glimpse of Sumeru\u2019s desert area in the Gamescom 2022 trailer below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Version 3.1 update is dubbed King Deshret and the Three Magi, which looks to be a continuation of the current Sumeru storyline in Genshin Impact. Aside from that, the new update should see the introduction of three new playable characters that were previously teased, namely \nNilou, Cyno, and Candace\n.\n\n\nAs with previous Genshin Impact version update livestreams, redemption codes offering Primogems will be given during the stream as well. You can catch the livestream of Genshin Impact Version 3.1 through \nTwitch\n\u00a0this Saturday on 16 September at 8PM for us here in Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you missed the stream, don\u2019t worry: the special program\u00a0\nwill be on YouTube\n\u00a0shortly after at 12AM the next day (16 September). Looking at the release schedule shared by Hoyoverse a while back, Genshin Impact 3.1 should be released on 28 September.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/god-of-war-ragnaroks-latest-trailer-looks-amazing-coming-to-ps5-ps4-on-9-november/", "title": "God of War Ragnarok\u2019s Latest Trailer Looks Amazing \u2013 Coming to PS5 & PS4 on 9 November", "body": "\n\nAt Sony\u2019s State of Play event this morning, the Japanese company released a new story trailer for God of War Ragnarok. Set to be available on 9 November, the latest entry in the God of War franchise will be playable on both the PS5 and PS4.\n\n\nRagnarok takes place a few years after the events of the 2018 God of War. Kratos\u2019 son, Atreus, is now a teenager, and he \u201cwants to understand who he is more than anything,\u201d as the developer puts it. After all, the big revelation of the previous game is the fact that he is \u2013 spoiler alert \u2013 the infamous Loki in Norse mythology.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes, that is Thor\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, Kratos and Atreus will also face off against the legendary Aesir god Thor in Ragnarok, along with Freya from the previous game. Naturally, Ragnarok will introduce a number of new enemies and abilities as well. Kratos will have new attacks and weapons, while Atreus seems to have gained some new tricks as well.\n\n\nYou can now pre-order God of War Ragnarok: the Standard Edition for the PS4 costs RM249, while the PS5 version goes for RM299. There\u2019s also a \nDigital Deluxe Edition for RM339\n, which includes both the PS4 and PS5 version, a Dark Horse digital mini artbook, an avatar set, a PS4 theme, a digital soundtrack, and in-game cosmetic items.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ps5-pre-orders-open-again-from-sony-centre-mid-valley-until-17-september-first-sale-since-price-hike/", "title": "PS5 Pre-Orders Open Again From Sony Centre Mid Valley Until 17 September \u2013 First Sale Since Price Hike", "body": "\n\nPre-orders of the PS5 are open again from Sony Centre Mid Valley, though not everyone will be able to place an order for the console. It\u2019s also worth noting that this is the first sale of the PS5 \nsince its price hike\n, which was announced last month.\n\n\nJust like previous pre-orders from Sony Centre Mid Valley, you\u2019ll have to fill up \nthis Google Form\n to be in the running for a \nchance\n to pre-order the PS5. If you\u2019re fortunate enough to be selected, you will be contacted from 18 September onwards to finalise your pre-order of the next-gen console.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo note that you only have until 17 September at 2PM this Saturday to register your interest for the PS5 pre-order. This isn\u2019t a first-come, first-served sale either; filling up the form just means you\u2019re in the running to be chosen to pre-order the PS5.\n\n\nWhile it wasn\u2019t mentioned, it\u2019s likely that stocks are very limited, so don\u2019t be disheartened if you\u2019re not chosen to pre-order the PS5. If you want a better chance of securing a unit, we recommend checking in with your favourite game shop to get into the waiting list \u2013 if the store has one.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-evis-intelligent-desk-review-rm4099-feature-packed-standing-desk/", "title": "Video: EVIS Intelligent Desk Review \u2013 RM4,099 Feature-packed Standing Desk!", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou may have heard of smart desks, but what about an intelligent desk? Well, that\u2019s exactly what the EVIS Intelligent Desk is. Not only does it have a smart lamp, it can even keep your coffee hot! Even though it\u2019s quite costly, it is a feature-packed standing desk.\n\n\nSo how much does the Intelligent Desk cost? A cool RM4,099, and that\u2019s only the base price of the standing desk. But for that kind of money, you do get a slew of features, including the aforementioned smart lamp \u2013 it can be controlled with gestures \u2013 and cup warmer. Did we mention it has a built-in wireless charger as well?\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to learn more about the EVIS Intelligent Desk, watch our video review above! You can also check out EVIS\u2019 \nonline store\n for more details on the standing desk.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/15-21-september-fuel-price-ron-97-down-5-sen-now-rm4-15-per-litre/", "title": "15 \u2013 21 September Fuel Price: RON 97 Down 5 Sen, Now RM4.15 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nGreat news: the downward trend on the price of RON 97 continues. The price of the premium fuel is set to go down by 5 sen this midnight, while the prices of RON 95 and diesel are all maintained, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 is now set at RM4.15 per litre (down from RM4.20) for the next seven days. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 15 to 21 September 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/you-can-now-get-genshin-impact-merch-with-dominos-pizza-emergency-food-combo/", "title": "You Can Now Get Genshin Impact Merch With Domino\u2019s Pizza \u201cEmergency Food\u201d Combo", "body": "\n\nGenshin Impact\u2019s collaboration with Domino\u2019s Pizza is now live in Malaysia! Starting from today until 26 October, customers can purchase an \u201cEmergency Food\u201d combo from Domino\u2019s and walk away with some Genshin Impact merchandise.\n\n\nFor us here in Malaysia \u2013 the event is also available in Singapore and Thailand \u2013 two Emergency Food combos are available, and each of them offer slightly different merchandise. The more affordable RM29.95 combo, for one, includes a Genshin Impact non-woven pizza bag, a postcard, and a tinplate button badge.\n\n\nAs for the RM59.90 combo, it throws in an extra Genshin Impact plastic A4 file folder, along with an extra postcard and tinplate button badge.\n\n\n\n\nThe Genshin Impact merchandise you can get\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from these special combos, several Domino\u2019s Pizza outlets throughout Malaysia will be decorated with Genshin Impact elements as well; some of them will even have activities that offer Genshin Impact prizes. The full list of participating outlets and activity schedule can be found \nhere\n.\n\n\nOnce you\u2019ve purchased any of the two Emergency Food combos from Domino\u2019s, you can also register for a lucky draw event with UniPin \nright here\n. Not only can you win Domino\u2019s free pizza vouchers, 40 (!) 1:1 standees of Jean and Amber are up for grabs too.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/300-samsung-employees-went-around-klang-valley-to-get-user-feedback/", "title": "300 Samsung Employees Went Around Klang Valley to Get User Feedback", "body": "\n\nNow this isn\u2019t something you see every day. Just last week, over 300 Samsung Malaysia employees \u2013 including the field force and management team \u2013 went around the Klang Valley area to gather user feedback.\n\n\nSome of the major malls that Samsung\u2019s employees visited include KLCC, Pavilion KL, Mid Valley Megamall, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, and Sunway Pyramid. In total, they covered over 300 Samsung outlets at 230 different locations \u2013 that\u2019s quite a lot of ground to cover in a single day.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWhen Samsung first launched the highly celebrated Galaxy Z Series foldable smartphones, we opened up a whole new mobile category and experience engineered for a new era. In order to continue delivering the most personalised user experience, Samsung remains committed to putting customer needs and desires at the heart of every product,\u201d said the president of Samsung Malaysia Electronics, Edward Han.\n\n\n\u201cIn directly connecting with existing and future Samsung mobile phone users at our experience stores, we aim to #UnfoldYourWorld to a whole new era of foldable smartphones by sharing the full breadth and depth of the Galaxy ecosystem, in addition to gathering consumer feedback to help improve the way we do business,\u201d he added.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/malaysia-keyboard-meetup-lucky-draw-prizes-revealed-typ-60-lite-singakbd-unikorn-more/", "title": "Malaysia Keyboard Meetup Lucky Draw Prizes Revealed \u2013 Typ 60 Lite, SINGAKBD Unikorn & More", "body": "\n\nThe lucky draw prizes for the upcoming Malaysia keyboard meetup have been revealed! These prizes can only be won by those who have purchased the RM60 keypass ticket, so if you\u2019re one of 250 folks that got the pass, here\u2019s what you stand to win.\n\n\nSome of the big ticket items for the lucky draw include SINGAKBD\u2019s prototype Unikorn R2.2 in Berlin Blue, Axiom Studios\u2019 Typ 60 Lite (also prototype) with patina treatment by KneeDeep, as well as a prototype unit of \nGeonworks\u2019s unique W1-AT keyboard\n. Needless to say, these are mighty compelling keyboards.\n\n\nBesides that, there will also be other prizes to be won, including a Soma macro pad, keycap sets, artisans, deskmats, and even switches.\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nView this post on Instagram\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nA post shared by Keebmunity (@keebmunity)\n\n\n\n\nAs previously revealed, the Malaysia keyboard meetup will be held at the Grey Box in GMBB Kuala Lumpur on 1 October 2022. It will run from 10AM to 6PM, so expect a number of activities to be held throughout the day. Several vendors at the meetup have been confirmed too, including Rebult Keyboards and \nMecha Store\n.\n\n\nAside from that, Sun Cycle \u2013 one of the most recognisable distributors \u2013 will also be at the keyboard meetup. The company will be bringing as many as \nsix \nnotable brands to the event: Keychron, Akko, Glorious, Ducky, Tecware, and Shurikey.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Malaysia keyboard meetup is really shaping up to be quite a big affair. Of course, Nextrift will also be attending the event, and if you managed to get a keypass or free entry ticket to the meetup, \ncheck out the FAQ\n before heading to the event on 1 October next month!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/singakbd-unikorn-r2-2-rerun-happening-q3-q4-2022-in-stock-sale-rm1800-estimated-price/", "title": "SINGAKBD Unikorn R2.2 Rerun Happening Q3/Q4 2022 \u2013 In-stock Sale, RM1,800 Estimated Price", "body": "\n\nLocal brand SINGAKBD\u2019s very popular Unikorn custom keyboard is set to go on sale very soon; as soon as this month, in fact. Set to be sold as an in-stock product \u2013 albeit through a raffle \u2013 only 600 units of the highly sought-after 60% keyboard will be available.\n\n\nFour different colours of the Unikorn R2.2 have been confirmed: Berlin Blue, Flamenco Red, Reseda Green, and Pewter. All of these colourways are aluminium models, so there will not be a polycarbonate version of the keyboard for this round of sale.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to SINGAKBD, 600 units of the Unikorn R2.2 are available in-stock; they will be sold in two runs (300 units each). The keyboard\u2019s sale will be done through a raffle instead of a first-come-first-served format as well.\n\n\nAs for pricing, the SINGAKBD Unikorn R2.2 rerun is expected to go for around RM1,800; a price increase of approximately RM200 due to higher metal prices. Beyond the Q3/Q4 2022 time frame, no exact date has been given for the raffle of the Unikorn R2.2 \u2013 follow SINGAKBD\u2019s \nofficial Discord channel\n for the latest updates.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/unboxing-mtg-dominaria-united-set-booster-stained-glass-foil-cards/", "title": "Unboxing MTG Dominaria United Set Booster \u2013 Stained Glass Foil Cards!", "body": "\n\nMagic: The Gathering\u2019s newest set, Dominaria United, is now available for tabletop. It\u2019s a set that coincides with MTG\u2019s 30th anniversary, and it is the first of a multi-set storyline that takes place within Magic\u2019s original plane, Dominaria.\n\n\nTo celebrate the launch of the new set, Wizards of the Coast sent us a Set Booster box of Dominaria United to check out. If you\u2019re interested to pick up the new set, here\u2019s our unboxing of the Set Booster! We\u2019re quite a fan of Dominaria United\u2019s showcase cards with the stained glass treatment.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnlike a Draft Booster, a Set Booster is meant to be more \u201cexciting\u201d to crack open. This is probably why it is popular among folks who just enjoy opening booster packs instead of using them for Limited play (Draft or Sealed).\n\n\nSo\u2026what makes a Set Booster more exciting to open? Well, quite a number of things. There is a structure to this 14-card pack for Dominaria United. 12 of them are guaranteed Magic cards, while the other two are an art card and a token/ad card; the latter has a chance to be replaced with a card from \u201cThe List.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nSome of the art cards we got\n\n\n\n\nFor Dominaria United, every Set Booster box comes with a Legends Retold Box Topper. Legends Retold is a \u201cseries of 20 legendary creatures (Commander legal) from Dominaria\u2019s history with totally new designs,\u201d as Wizards puts it, and it is inspired by Magic\u2019s 1994 Legends set.\n\n\nIn our particular Set Booster, we got Hazezon, Shaper of Sand. It\u2019s worth noting that the 20 cards you can get in this Box Topper consist of uncommon, rare, and even mythic rare cards, so depending on your luck, you may crack open a valuable card.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, when you crack open a Set Booster, the first card you\u2019ll see is an art card, followed by a basic land card in a standard frame or a full art stained glass basic treatment for Dominaria United. If you\u2019re lucky enough, there is a 15% chance that this land card will be foil. If you do get a foil land, it doesn\u2019t prevent you from getting another foil card in the pack.\n\n\nAfter the basic land card, you\u2019ll also get six regular commons and uncommons with some form of \u201cconnection\u201d to each other. In the case of Dominaria United, these cards will be three commons and three uncommons; simple enough.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from these common and uncommon cards, Dominaria United\u2019s Set Booster will also include an uncommon legendary creature card with the sleek-looking stained glass treatment. You\u2019ll also get two \u201cwildcards\u201d of any rarity, so you can get anything from a common to a \nmythic rare\n card.\n\n\nOf course, the Set Booster pack will also have a guaranteed rare or mythic rare card, which is no different than the same slot found in Draft Boosters. You also get a guaranteed foil card, and it can be of any rarity, including Booster Fun cards with showcase stained glass, borderless, or Phyrexian-language treatments.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is a token/ad card. However, there is a 25% chance this will be replaced with a card from \u201cThe List\u201d \u2013 a list of 300 interesting cards from Magic\u2019s past. If a Set Booster pack has such a card, it can be of any rarity. We got a Treasure Hunter in one of our packs.\n\n\nThat is basically what a Set Booster is. Its unique card structure certainly makes it interesting to crack open, especially with the increased chance of getting a rare or mythic rare card; who doesn\u2019t like the feeling of getting a valuable card?\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd that\u2019s our unboxing of the Set Booster of Magic: The Gathering\u2019s new Dominaria United set. If you\u2019re keen to check out this new set, give your \nnearest hobby shop\n a visit. The return of the Jumpstart Booster for Dominaria United is a great way for new and returning players to play the game as well.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/you-can-now-pre-order-the-iphone-14-in-malaysia-deliveries-begin-23-september/", "title": "You Can Now Pre-Order the iPhone 14 in Malaysia \u2013 Deliveries Begin 23 September", "body": "\n\nHappy Malaysia Day! Coinciding with this celebration is the local pre-orders of the latest iPhone 14 series on our shores. Deliveries of the shiny new iPhones are also set to begin as soon as next week on 23 September.\n\n\nHowever, this does not apply to all four iPhone 14 models. While deliveries of the standard iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max will begin on 23 September, it will take slightly longer for the iPhone 14 Plus \u2013 a new entry to the lineup \u2013 to start shipping. This particular model will arrive here on 7 October next month.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the iPhone 14 series starts at RM4,199 for the regular model, going up to RM4,699 for the iPhone 14 Plus. The iPhone 14 Pro, on the other hand, is priced at RM5,299, while the range-topping iPhone 14 Pro Max goes for RM5,799.\n\n\nYou can pre-order the iPhone 14 series on \nApple\u2019s Malaysian\n \nonline store\n. Of course, other outlets are also taking pre-orders of the latest and greatest iPhones, including \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-3-1-arrives-28-september-new-sumeru-desert-area-3-new-playable-characters/", "title": "Genshin Impact 3.1 Arrives 28 September \u2013 New Sumeru Desert Area, 3 New Playable Characters", "body": "\n\nGenshin Impact 3.1 is shaping up to be quite a big update. After all, it marks the live service game\u2019s second anniversary, and a number of exciting events and features are coming, including the addition of a new area in Sumeru and three playable characters.\n\n\nThe three characters are, \nas expected\n, Nilou, Cyno, and Candace, who all hail from Sumeru. Cyno and Candace will be featured in the first phase of the event wish \u2013 alongside Venti\u2019s rerun \u2013 followed by Nilou and Albedo\u2019s banners; quite a jam-packed lineup.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, Genshin Impact 3.1 will also continue Sumeru\u2019s Archon quest, and it will involve a number of characters previously revealed. These include Dehya, Alhaitham, Cyno, Candace, and even two Fatui Harbingers: Scaramouche and Il Dottore. Personally, we can\u2019t wait to see how the story will unfold.\n\n\nBack in Mondstadt, the annual Weinlesefest event will take place in Version 3.1 of Genshin Impact, which will see the debut of a new character, Mika. The daily login event is also coming back, offering players up to 10 Intertwined Fates, 1,600 Primogems, and even a pet of sorts.\n\n\nOh, the Version 3.1 update will add dynamic terrain deformation as well to better simulate trails on sand, not to mention a more elaborate DualSense support that adds vibration feedback when characters unleash their respective Elemental Bursts. A card game (for real) will also be added in Version 3.3!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact 3.1 will go live in the next two weeks on 28 September. Once the update drops, Cyno, Candace, and Venti\u2019s rerun banner will be available, followed by Nilou and Albedo\u2019s event wishes in the second phase.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/a-genshin-impact-anime-is-coming-from-ufotable-the-studio-behind-demon-slayer/", "title": "A Genshin Impact Anime Is Coming From Ufotable \u2013 The Studio Behind Demon Slayer", "body": "\n\nNow this is quite the announcement! Hoyoverse just revealed that it is working on a Genshin Impact anime \u2013 even if this is only implied at the moment \u2013 with Ufotable, the studio behind the highly successful Demon Slayer anime.\n\n\nThe collaboration between Hoyoverse and Ufotable is dubbed a long-term project launch, which does heavily imply that an anime based on Genshin Impact is in the works. Shown alongside the announcement is the \nstunning\n trailer below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, that\u2019s all the information that was revealed by Hoyoverse, though fans certainly have their hopes up. After all, Ufotable is one of the most recognisable studios that is responsible for many high animes, including the aforementioned Demon Slayer and Fate series.\n\n\nEvidently, Hoyoverse is expanding the Genshin Impact franchise beyond the (very) successful live service game. The Version 3.1 update will be dropping on 28 September as well \u2013 check out our coverage on the update \nhere\n to learn more about it.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/fiture-fitness-mirror-now-in-malaysia-from-rm3999-early-birds-get-rm1000-discount/", "title": "Fiture Fitness Mirror Now in Malaysia From RM3,999 \u2013 Early Birds Get RM1,000 Discount", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019ve always wanted a smart mirror that can help with your workouts \u2013 though that is a very specific need \u2013 Fiture\u2019s range of fitness mirrors do just that. Not only do they offer a wide range of workouts with form correction, these mirrors look quite sleek too.\n\n\nTwo Fiture fitness mirrors are offered in Malaysia. The more affordable of the two is the Fiture Mini for RM3,999, while the larger Fiture Core retails at RM6,999. Those who purchase either fitness mirrors by 19 October can get a pretty generous RM1,000 discount, along with a three-month subscription.\n\n\nDo note that you\u2019ll need an active subscription to\u2026well, use the coaching features of the Fiture smart mirrors. It costs RM129 a month.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Fiture Core and Fiture Mini do appear to be refined fitness mirrors. They\u2019re said to have \u201chundreds of workouts,\u201d including bodybuilding, yoga, HIIT, and even form correction. On top of that, Fiture\u2019s patented Motion Engine technology also helps you to get the correct form, pacing, timing, and movements for these workouts.\n\n\nNaturally, there are also a couple of differences between the Fiture Core and Fiture Mini fitness mirrors. Aside from the size difference, the Core has an HD screen for a \u201ctrue in-studio experience,\u201d as the company puts it. The two fitness mirrors also have built-in speakers too, and there are even some games that you can play on the mirror.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Fiture Core and Fiture Mini are now available for purchase in Malaysia through \nFiture\u2019s official Shopee store\n. To recap, the Fiture Core retails at RM6,999, while the Fiture Mini costs RM3,999. You can get a RM1,000 discount on the two fitness mirrors if you purchase them by 19 October next month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-6d-6d-ultimate-official-mediatek-dimensity-9000-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 6D & 6D Ultimate Official \u2013 MediaTek Dimensity 9000+, Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nAsus just unveiled two new gaming smartphones, the Asus ROG Phone 6D and 6D Ultimate. These two phones are essentially the MediaTek version of the previously released \nROG Phone 6\n series, though the 6D Ultimate does have a neat new feature that improves cooling performance.\n\n\nWhile the ROG Phone 6D Ultimate is similar to the \nROG Phone 6 Pro\n with an ROG Vision coloured PMOLED display on the back panel, it also has an AeroActive Portal. This \u201cdoor\u201d opens up when the phone is connected to the AeroActive Cooler 6, improving thermal efficiency by up to 20%. This should translate to better sustained performance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne other new hardware of the ROG Phone 6D and 6D Ultimate is the MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ chipset, which is said to deliver 10% faster performance compared to the standard Dimensity 9000. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how this chip compares to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip found in the regular ROG Phone 6.\n\n\nOther specifications of the ROG Phone 6D and 6D Ultimate include a\u00a06.78-inch 1080p 165Hz AMOLED display, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide + 5MP macro), a 12MP selfie camera, and a generous 6,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt remains to be seen exactly when the Asus ROG Phone 6D and 6D Ultimate will arrive in Malaysia, though Asus Malaysia said the local pricing and availability of the two phones will be revealed soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-6-batman-edition-unveiled-and-it-may-be-coming-to-malaysia/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 6 Batman Edition Unveiled, and It May Be Coming to Malaysia", "body": "\n\nAnnounced alongside the new ROG Phone 6D series is the Asus ROG Phone 6 Batman Edition. Based on the standard ROG Phone 6 or 6D, this limited edition gaming phone is meant to appeal to fans of the Dark Knight.\n\n\nUnique to the ROG Phone 6 Batman Edition is a special semi-matte finish on the back of the phone that \u201cmimics a cloudy night sky penetrated by a searchlight\u201d when it catches the light. The software of the phone has also been revamped to prominently feature the Dark Knight himself.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlso bundled with the ROG Phone 6 Batman Edition are a number of accessories themed after the superhero. Not only do you get a miniature replica of the famous searchlight that can project two versions of the Bat-Signal, you also get a case and SIM pin ejector with Batman\u2019s design elements. All of these accessories (and the phone itself) are kept in a custom storage case.\n\n\nOther specifications of the ROG Phone 6 Batman Edition are the same as the standard ROG Phone 6/6D. These include either a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 or MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ chipset, a\u00a06.78-inch 1080p 165Hz AMOLED display, a triple camera system \u2013 50MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide + 5MP macro \u2013 a 12MP selfie camera, and a generous 6,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s no official confirmation yet on the Malaysian availability of the Asus ROG Phone 6 Batman Edition, but given Asus Malaysia\u2019s commitment to our market, there\u2019s a good chance it will be offered on our shores in due time. The only question is whether we\u2019re getting the Qualcomm or MediaTek version of the gaming phone.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-geonworks-w1-at-review-old-school-custom-keyboard/", "title": "Video: Geonworks W1-AT Review \u2013 Old-School Custom Keyboard!", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTired of modern custom keyboards? Want a more \u201cold-school\u201d board? Well, the Geonworks\u2019 W1-AT is just that. Not only does it have a unique layout, it also has other features that are\u2026well, a blast from the past. Watch our video review above to find out more!\n\n\nSome of the unique features of the W1-AT \u2013 beyond its unconventional layout \u2013 is a plateless build with two mounting styles: top mount or tadpole mount. The former is a stiff mounting style, while the latter provides a softer, more comfortable typing experience.\n\n\nAlthough the groupbuy for the Geonworks W1-AT has ended, you can still purchase it through the extras sale, which could happen soon on \nSwagkeys\n. Alternatively, you can also follow \nGeonworks\u2019 Discord server\n for the latest updates.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/uncharted-legacy-of-thieves-collection-arrives-on-pc-19-october-for-rm209/", "title": "Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection Arrives on PC 19 October for RM209", "body": "\n\nInitially announced for both PS5 and PC, \nUncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection\n is currently only available on Sony\u2019s next-gen console. For those who have been waiting for the game to come to PC, good news: the PC version of the collection is dropping next month on 19 October.\n\n\nThe collection is a remaster of Uncharted 4: A Thief\u2019s End and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, and it\u2019s worth noting that this is the first time any of the Uncharted franchise is releasing on the PC. The PC version of the collection is naturally optimised for the platform, and it has a number of enhancements.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese include a reimagined UI, scale sliders, GPU and VRAM detection, variable load speed, and of course, support for both 4K resolution and ultrawide monitors. You can also adjust the texture, model quality, anisotropic filtering, shadows, reflections, as well as ambient occlusion.\n\n\nIf you happen to own a DualSense controller, the refined haptic feedback and adaptive triggers of the PS5 controller will work on the PC version of Legacy of Thieves Collection too. However, this requires a wired connection to the PC.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection will be available on PC next month on 19 October 2022. You can currently pre-order the game from the \nEpic Games Store\n \u2013 which includes Sully\u2019s \u201cnew\u201d seaplane glider for use in Fortnite \u2013 or \nSteam\n for RM209.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-recalls-702-units-of-2022-civic-fe-2021-city-rs-hybrid/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Recalls 702 Units of 2022 Civic FE & 2021 City RS Hybrid", "body": "\n\nIf you own either the \n2022 Honda Civic FE\n or the \n2021 Honda City RS e:HEV\n hybrid, take note. Both of these models \u2013 702 units, to be specific \u2013 have been recalled by Honda Malaysia as a safety precaution. Affected customers will be informed via notification letters.\n\n\nThe two models are recalled for different reasons. In the case of the Civic FE, the welding point at the slide adjuster of the driver seat needs to be rectified. The issue may cause the driver seat to not be fixed in position when driving, which can compromise seatbelt protection for the driver. For this issue, 72 units of the Civic FE are affected.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the City RS e:HEV, the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) camera that\u2019s fitted in the front windscreen needs to be replaced. According to Honda Malaysia, the camera may not operate properly as it is, causing ADAS to be inactive when driving. 630 units of the City RS are affected by this.\n\n\nHonda Malaysia apologises for the inconvenience caused by this recall, and the inspection, repair, and replacement of affected parts are (naturally) free of charge. The carmaker also assures customers that Honda models in production and on sale right now are not affected by this product recall.\n\n\nNo incidences of crashes or injuries caused by this issue have been reported in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-watch-5-pro-unboxing-hands-on-rm1899-premium-smartwatch/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro Unboxing & Hands-on: RM1,899 Premium Smartwatch", "body": "\n\nSamsung\u2019s smartwatches have consistently been some of the best options in the Android space, so the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro certainly has big shoes to fill. This particular model is a brand new entry to the lineup, offering a number of features that were not found on the Korean company\u2019s previous smartwatches.\n\n\nBut that also comes with a premium: retailing at RM1,899, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is not exactly affordable. But for that kind of money, it does feel like a capable, sophisticated smartwatch, and this is our unboxing and quick hands-on of Samsung\u2019s most premium watch to date.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe packaging of the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is very minimalist. Inside the long box is the smartwatch itself, along with the magnetic charger and user manual. Unfortunately, a charging brick is not provided in the box, so you\u2019ll have to find a USB-C charger to recharge the watch.\n\n\nUnlike the standard Watch 5, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro uses a magnetic clasp Samsung dubs D-Buckle Sport Band. The initial setup can be quite tricky \u2013 I had to refer to the user manual to figure out how it works \u2013 but once it\u2019s set up, I love how convenient it is to put on and remove the watch.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow let\u2019s talk specifications. The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro features an Exynos W920 processor, 1.5GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, a sapphire crystal display, and the ability to measure body temperature. That sensor is used to improve the smartwatch\u2019s sleeping tracking feature; I\u2019ll definitely put this to the test in the full review.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Watch 5 Pro include a 1.4-inch 450 x 450 circular Super AMOLED display, a generous 590mAh battery (the biggest battery found in a Samsung wearable), a titanium case, as well as GPX support, which allows the smartwatch to track hiking and cycling routes.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDesign wise, I do like how the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro looks, even though it\u2019s quite a sizeable smartwatch with a thick, chunky case. It sits on my wrist relatively well, but it may look out of place on a smaller wrist. If you\u2019re concerned about the size of the watch, consider trying it out at a Samsung store first.\n\n\nOf course, the large size of the Watch 5 Pro does offer a number of advantages, including excellent battery life. I\u2019ve been using the watch for a while now, and it does seem to be quite long-lasting. I can get about three days\u2019 worth of use before needing to charge it up, which is great for a smartwatch of this calibre.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that I also enabled the always on display to get this level of battery life. I\u2019ll see how its battery life holds up in the final review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the display of the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is unsurprisingly bright and vibrant; as we\u2019ve come to expect from Samsung. The display is still very legible under bright sunlight, and the always on display looks good as well. I also like the smooth surface of the sapphire crystal cover.\n\n\nWhat I\u2019m not too fond of is the touch-sensitive bezel of the Watch 5 Pro. While it works\u2026.relatively well, it\u2019s still not as precise or as satisfying to use as a physical rotating bezel, which was found on the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. Needless to say, I\u2019m a little disappointed by this omission.\n\n\nMaking a return on the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is the very useful body composition analysis. By using the Samsung BioActive Sensor on the back of the watch, the sensor can give me interesting data such as my skeletal muscle, fat mass, body fat percentage, BMI, and even my body water percentage.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese data are useful as a guideline for health tracking, and it\u2019s convenient that I can get these stats from the Watch 5 Pro itself instead of a dedicated measuring device. Even if this is not a diagnostic tool, I still find it useful to track my health goals.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the aforementioned GPX feature of the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. It can track cycling and hiking routes complete with turn-by-turn navigation, but this is assuming you have a GPX file ready to go. Otherwise, you\u2019ll have to complete a cycling or hiking route first and download it as a GPX file through the Samsung Health app.\n\n\nI haven\u2019t had the chance to try out the Watch 5 Pro\u2019s GPX feature yet \u2013 I\u2019m not a very outdoorsy person \u2013 but I\u2019ll certainly give it a shot when I can. Obviously, the GPX support is meant to appeal to outdoor enthusiasts.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is through and through a premium smartwatch. It looks great, it has long battery life (so far), and the GPX feature \u2013 aside from the bigger battery \u2013 is its big differentiator over the standard Galaxy Watch 5.\n\n\nNow, you do have to pay quite a bit more for the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro (RM1,899 versus RM1,099), but for folks that want a long-lasting smartwatch with GPX support, it may just be worth the price premium. If you\u2019re still on the fence about getting the Watch 5 Pro or the regular model, stay tuned for our full review of the former.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-v25-pro-with-120hz-amoled-display-colour-changing-design-now-in-malaysia-for-rm2499/", "title": "Vivo V25 Pro With 120Hz AMOLED Display & Colour-Changing Design Now in Malaysia for RM2,499", "body": "\n\nVivo just added another phone to the V25 series in Malaysia. The Vivo V25 Pro is the highest-end device in the lineup, so naturally, it is packed with some attractive features, including a dual curved AMOLED display and a colour-changing back panel.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the V25 Pro is available in Malaysia. The sole 12GB + 256GB configuration is priced at RM2,499, and two colours are offered: Surfing Blue and Starlight Black. It remains to be seen if Vivo Malaysia will also bring in the more affordable 8GB + 128GB variant of the V25 Pro.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the V25 Pro features the aforementioned 6.56-inch 1080p dual curved AMOLED panel with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. There\u2019s also the colour-changing back panel that will change shade when exposed to sunlight. For the Surfing Blue model, it will change to a darker shade of\u2026well, blue.\n\n\nOther specifications of the V25 Pro include a MediaTek Dimensity 1300 chipset, a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), a 32MP selfie camera, and a 4,830mAh battery with support for 66W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Vivo V25 Pro is now available for pre-order in Malaysia for RM2,499. Those who purchase the phone by 23 October will receive freebies worth RM697, including a Foome wireless earbuds, a one-year extended warranty, and a one-year screen crack protection.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ps-vr2-sense-controller-registered-with-sirim-malaysia-one-of-first-markets-to-get-ps-vr2/", "title": "PS VR2 Sense Controller Registered With SIRIM \u2013 Malaysia One of First Markets to Get PS VR2?", "body": "\n\nNow this is quite the news: we just spotted the PlayStation VR2 Sense controller in SIRIM\u2019s database! Evidently, Sony is hard at work to get the controller registered with the certification body before it can be officially sold here, which suggests that Malaysia could be one of the first markets to get the PS VR2 system.\n\n\nThe PS VR2 Sense controller appeared in SIRIM\u2019s database just today on 20 September. The two controllers (left and right) carry the model numbers CFI-ZCVL1 and CFI-ZCVR1. We know these are the Sense controllers thanks to an \nimage of the product from FCC\n with matching names.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAn FCC listing of the PS VR2 Sense controller\n\n\nNotice the familiar silhouette of the Sense controller\n\n\n\n\nAs previously revealed by Sony, the PS VR2 Sense controller sports the DualSense\u2019s adaptive triggers and haptic feedback for an immersive gameplay experience. Interestingly, the next-gen VR controller also has finger touch detection; it can detect your fingers (without pressing any button) in the areas where you place your thumb, index, or middle fingers.\n\n\nThe PlayStation VR2 is set to hit the market sometime in early 2023 next year, though no other details (including pricing) were announced. Given that the Sense controller has been registered with SIRIM, we reckon Malaysia will be one of the first markets to get the next-generation VR headset.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/22-28-september-fuel-price-ron-97-down-10-sen-now-rm4-05-per-litre/", "title": "22 \u2013 28 September Fuel Price: RON 97 Down 10 Sen, Now RM4.05 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 continues to go down this week. The price of the premium fuel is set to be cheaper by 10 sen this midnight, while the prices of RON 95 and diesel are all maintained, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 is now set at RM4.05 per litre (down from RM4.15) for the next seven days. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 22 to 28 September 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ibasso-dx170-review-fantastic-mid-range-dap-with-some-quirks/", "title": "iBasso DX170 Review: Fantastic Mid-Range DAP (With Some Quirks)", "body": "\n\nDigital audio players (DAP) are something of a rare sight these days. Understandably so, given that it\u2019s just much more convenient to directly plug in your earphones to your phone or PC, assuming you\u2019re not using a pair of TWS.\n\n\nThere\u2019s also the hassle of lugging around yet another device in your pocket, though for those who want the best audio experience (read: audiophiles), it\u2019s worth the trouble. If you\u2019re an audiophile, it\u2019s likely that you\u2019ve got an amp or DAC already, be it the desktop or portable kind. But if you don\u2019t, maybe it\u2019s high time to get one, or even consider a DAP.\n\n\nA DAP is an all-in-one solution for powering your headphones or IEMs while also alleviating the need to store or stream your music on a separate device. Having a standalone device to handle such a task also means that the processing of audio is its primary focus, and there shouldn\u2019t be any noticeable interference from other components.\n\n\nBut the question is: do you actually need one?\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nWe received the \niBasso DX170\n from the company itself, which is its latest mid-range DAP. For the uninitiated, iBasso is a Chinese brand that has released numerous DAP, DAC, as well as IEMs at various price points. The brand is (sort of) in the same vein as Chinese brands like Fiio, Hiby, and Hidizs, if those are more familiar names to you.\n\n\nPricing wise, the DX170 retails at RM1,999 here in Malaysia; in the US, it goes for $449. If you\u2019re familiar with iBasso\u2019s products, you can probably piece together that the DX170 succeeds the discontinued DX160. It was an incredibly popular player in the mid-range $400 price point, boasting performance close to high-end DAPs at half the price.\n\n\nBut the DX160 does have its flaws, and while the DX170 brings some notable improvements, it still shares some of the same shortcomings. More on these later.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPackaging of the DX170 is quite nice: there\u2019s the player itself, a transparent silicone case, a USB-C to USB-A cable, as well as two plastic screen protectors. Hardware wise, the DX170 uses a Rockchip RK3566 SoC and a Dual Cirrus CS43131 DAC chip. It also has 2GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage, and it runs on Android 11 out of the box.\n\n\nThere\u2019s also playback support for up to PCM 32bit/384kHz and Native DSD256. While it doesn\u2019t have the typical AKM or ESS DAC in its arsenal, the Dual Cirrus CS43131 DAC chip more than holds its own against them.\n\n\nBuild & Functionality\n\n\nThe DX170 has a brushed aluminium body and a glass front panel. It is offered in black, grey, and blue; the unit you see in this review is the grey colour option. On the right side of the DAP is a slightly recessed scroll wheel, as well as three buttons for playback controls (previous track, play/pause, next track).\n\n\nOn the other side of the DX170 is a single MicroSD card slot that is (oddly) not sealed. Right on top is a USB-C port, while the 3.5mm and 4.4mm ports are located on the bottom of the DAP.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn hand, the DX170 feels solid and rightly premium, but it lacks some heft, so it doesn\u2019t feel quite as robust. This could be a plus point for some folks though, as it\u2019ll be easier to carry around and feels less like a brick in your pocket or bag.\n\n\nWhile the thin, recessed scroll wheel of the DX170 means less accidental clicks and scrolls, it\u2019s also more difficult to get a proper grip on it. There\u2019s no real tactile feedback either, so it\u2019s not quite as intuitive to adjust the volume. The three playback buttons are more responsive with a nice click, but with the included protective case on, they do feel a bit more mushy.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile we\u2019re talking about responsiveness, the Rockchip RK3566 processor and 2GB RAM of the DX170 do show their limits when I have several apps open. Not only does the interface feel more sluggish as a result, the player even froze on me several times.\n\n\nThat being said, with only Spotify or the default Mango Player open, the DX170 remains responsive. In my experience, it\u2019s best to also remove all the pre-installed bloatware to free up resources and tidy up the overall user interface of the player.\n\n\nSound Signature & Tonality\n\n\nUsing the DX170 purely for music listening \u2013 how it\u2019s meant to be primarily used for, basically \u2013 is when it truly shines. Its tuning leans mostly towards neutral, with a hint of warmth. Compared to music playback on a smartphone or PC, you\u2019ll immediately notice the cleaner, lower noise floor. Instruments are also a little more spaced out, and you\u2019ll get the sense of a more forward soundstage vertically, though not by a large amount.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBass seems to be a tad tighter and more impactful, while mids are warmer and thicker. The treble also sounds smoother and more tame, though that doesn\u2019t mean the DX170 has a coloured sound signature \u2013 far from it.\n\n\nThe speed of the bass is still vey natural, aside from the subtle warmth that comes through. This thickness sounds particularly great for male vocals, as well as hip-hop and some rock tracks. The warmth also pairs well with the smooth treble, giving you a fatigue-free listening experience.\n\n\nIn terms of power, the DX170 has more than sufficient power to drive consumer audio products from IEMs to full-size headphones. I never found the need to go beyond 50% volume on low gain, and I often hover around 35% to 40% on high gain.\n\n\nDo note that the the player does get a bit warm after prolonged listening sessions, particularly on high gain.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBattery Life & Charging\n\n\niBasso claims that the 3,200mAh battery of the DX170 should last around 11 hours, and I did manage to get this level of battery life, though I was on low gain mode at around 30% to 50% volume. It\u2019s only when I stream music via WiFi that the battery life take a noticeable hit: I got about eight hours of use just streaming music on Spotify at the highest quality setting.\n\n\nThe DX170 supports several fast charging standards, namely QC3.0, PD2.0, and MTK PE Plus Quick Charge. With a 40W charger, I can fully charge the player in about an hour and a half.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nAll in all, the iBasso DX170 is a great mid-range DAP that gives you sound quality that isn\u2019t far off from much more expensive players\u2026as long as you use it mainly for music listening. Beyond that, it is not the most responsive DAP with a rather sluggish interface.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut whether or not you actually want or need a dedicated music player will depend on how serious you take your music listening experience. If you want to bring out the best of your IEM or headphones and supply them with a source that\u2019s clean and powerful enough, the DX170 will do just that.\n\n\nThere are some quirks with the software and functionality of this DAP, but in terms of performance and overall musical quality, the DX170 is one of the best in its class. Yes, this is despite the fact that it carries a RM1,999 price tag, which is \u2013 believe it or not \u2013 good value in the audiophile space.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the DX170, check out \niBasso\u2019s official website\n to find out where you can purchase the DAP.\n\n\nLi Jin Soh contributed to this review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hoyoverse-2022-hoyo-fest-returns-to-malaysia-with-la-juiceria-on-28-september-merch-up-for-grabs/", "title": "Hoyo Fest 2022 Returns to Malaysia With La Juiceria on 28 September \u2013 Merch up for Grabs", "body": "\n\nHoyo Fest is coming back to Malaysia! This time around, Hoyoverse is collaborating with La Juiceria Superfoods for the event, and you can get Genshin Impact, Honkai Impact 3rd, and Tears of Themis merchandise by visiting the cafe from next week onwards on 28 September.\n\n\nMore specifically, the La Juiceria Superfoods Signature outlet at Nadi Bangsar. Throughout Hoyo Fest, the cafe will be themed after Genshin Impact, Tears of Themis, and Honkai Impact 3rd in that order. Yes, Genshin Impact will be the first game featured for this year\u2019s Hoyo Fest.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, merchandise from these three games will be sold at the cafe too \u2013 you can refer to the \nofficial Hoyo Fest website\n for the full list of items on sale. Do note that you can only purchase the merchandise if you dine-in at the cafe; there\u2019s no delivery or takeaway option, unfortunately enough.\n\n\nOn top of that, only those with a reservation can enter the cafe, so make sure you booked a time slot \nright here\n before giving it a visit. Reservations will be opened from 22 September tomorrow at 10AM, and it will be closed on 27 September at 10PM on a first-come, first-served basis.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMore details on Hoyoverse\u2019s 2022 Hoyo Fest can be found on its \nofficial website\n. The event will kick off next week on 28 September with Genshin Impact until 9 October, followed by Tears of Themis (12 \u2013 23 October), and finally, Honkai Impact 3rd from 26 October to 6 November.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-chosfox-arctic-fox-sound-test-quick-review-interesting-clicky-switch/", "title": "Video: Chosfox Arctic Fox Sound Test + Quick Review \u2013 Interesting Clicky Switch!", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nClicky switches are (almost) unanimously disliked in the custom keyboard scene. Not only is it more difficult to lube due to its design, the loud nature of the switch is also considered undesirable. For myself, I just don\u2019t like the fact that a clicky switch masks the sound profile of a keyboard.\n\n\nBut the Chosfox Arctic Fox, to my surprise, is actually an interesting clicky switch. While I won\u2019t consider it to be a high-end switch by any means, it\u2019s certainly giving me second thoughts about my opinion on clicky switches \u2013 just take a listen in our sound test video above.\n\n\nHere\u2019s a quick summary of the Arctic Fox: it\u2019s a clicky switch with 52g operating force and a \nlong\n 20mm spring for a more \u201cresponsive\u201d typing experience, as the switches will have a more pronounced return. Aside from that, it also has polycarbonate top and bottom housings, while the stem is made of POM.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen actuating the Arctic Fox on its own \u2013 that is, without mounting it on a keyboard \u2013 it is \nunmistakably\n loud with a high-pitched click; even more so than the Kailh Box Jade or Navy switch. But once it\u2019s installed on a keyboard, it sounds more muted and subdued, though some may still find it too loud, as you can hear in the video above.\n\n\nBut what I like is the typing feel of the Arctic Fox, especially its tactile bump. Not only is it a pleasant medium tactility, the switch\u2019s click jacket also has a crisp feel to it when it\u2019s actuated. I also appreciate the fact that the tactile event is situated almost in the middle of the downstroke \u2013 it has 1.7mm pre-travel with a total travel of 3.6mm.\n\n\nThanks to the Arctic Fox\u2019s box design, this switch has minimal wobble as well, which makes for a more stable typing experience. However, it\u2019s worth noting that the downstroke of the switch has a slight scratchiness to it, though the tactile click does mask this quite well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI personally quite like the Chosfox Arctic Fox despite not being a fan of clicky switches. While I wouldn\u2019t exactly take this switch over, say, the \nSP-Star Meteor White\n \u2013 linear switches are still my favourite \u2013 I was definitely surprised by how much I actually like it.\n\n\nOf course, if you\u2019re not a fan of clicky switches, I don\u2019t think the Arctic Fox will change your mind. Nonetheless, those who are keen to get this clicky switch can do so on Chosfox\u2019s \nofficial online store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hearthstone-maw-and-disorder-mini-set-arrives-27-september-with-35-new-cards/", "title": "Hearthstone Maw and Disorder Mini-Set Arrives 27 September With 35 New Cards", "body": "\n\nBlizzard\u2019s latest Mini-Set for \nHearthstone\n, Maw and Disorder, will be released on 27 September. It\u2019s a part of the current Murder at Castle Nathria expansion, and the Mini-Set introduces 35 new cards to the game. As per usual, it can be purchased with cash or in-game gold \u2013 there\u2019s even an all-Golden set.\n\n\nThe Maw and Disorder Mini-Set bundles 66 cards, which are multiple copies of the 35 new cards. These are made up of 4 Legendary cards (x1), 1 Epic card (x2), 14 Rare cards (x2), and 16 Common cards (x2). How much does the Mini-Set cost? 2,000 in-game gold or 1,500 Runestones, which can be purchased for $14.99 (about RM70).\n\n\nAs for the all-Golden set, it will set you back $69.99 (approximately RM320).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe first Mini-Set (Darkmoon Races) was introduced back in January 2021 as part of the Madness at the Darkmoon Faire expansion. Generally, Mini-Sets offer great value, especially for free-to-play players. If you\u2019ve got 2,000 gold lying around, it\u2019s definitely worth getting the new Mini-Set.\n\n\nMaw and Disorder will go live in Hearthstone next week on 27 September. With the addition of the 35 new cards, expect the meta to change accordingly. There may even be some card adjustments in the future, which usually happens after a new set is released.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-4-review-the-most-refined-foldable-yet/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Review: The Most Refined Foldable Yet", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is not remarkably different from its predecessor, though this isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing. Instead of releasing a brand new design, Samsung decided to refine a winning formula, and the result is one of the most polished foldables yet.\n\n\nEven though the Z Fold 4 is also slightly costlier than its predecessor at launch, it does offer some noteworthy upgrades, including a more robust design, improved performance, and a superior camera system.\n\n\nOf course, it does have some shortcomings still, but for the most part, the Z Fold 4 is a worthy successor to last year\u2019s model.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\nMain: 7.6-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (2176 x 1812), adaptive 120Hz\nCover: 6.2-inch HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (2316 x 904), 120Hz\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 3.18GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 730\nRAM\n12GB\nStorage\n256GB/512GB/1TB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n50MP f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF, OIS\n12MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide)\n10MP f2.4 (telephoto), PDAF, 3x optical zoom\nCamera (front)\n10MP f/2.2 (cover), 4MP f/1.8 UDC (inner screen)\nBattery\n4,400mAh with 25W fast charging\nDimensions\nUnfolded: 155.1 x 130.1 x 6.3 mm\nFolded: 155.1 x 67.1 x 14.2~15.8 mm\nWeight\n263g\nOS\nOne UI 4.1.1 based on Android 12L\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.2\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM6,799 (256GB), RM7,299 (512GB), RM8,299 (1TB)\n\n\nHardware wise, there\u2019s no denying that the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is a flagship phone through and through. It has a fast Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, an equally fast 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, and even a rather sophisticated triple camera system with three different focal lengths.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the battery capacity of the Z Fold 4 remains the same at 4,400mAh, though it can still offer reasonably good battery life\u2026depending on how you use the foldable phone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, one area where the Galaxy Z Fold 4 improved on is the hinge. It feels much tighter now, which inspires confidence. The tension of the hinge is also consistent when I fold and unfold the phone; last year\u2019s Z Fold 3 takes less effort to close up.\n\n\nThe design of the Z Fold 4 has also been slightly tweaked. It\u2019s more comfortable now to hold the foldable phone, thanks to the flatter sides. The bezels surrounding the 6.2-inch cover screen have been shrunk as well, slightly increasing the size of the display.\n\n\nThese small design changes do improve the overall refinement of the Z Fold 4. It may not look like a new phone, but it does feel like a different phone in my hands.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the display quality of the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is as excellent as ever. Even though the HD+ resolution of the 6.2-inch cover screen isn\u2019t as pixel-dense as I would\u2019ve liked, it\u2019s still a pleasant screen to look at with deep blacks and vibrant colours. Its 120Hz refresh rate lends to a very fluid user experience as well.\n\n\nNaturally, the Z Fold 4\u2019s primary 7.6-inch 2640 x 1080 Dynamic AMOLED 2X foldable screen \u2013 also with a 120Hz refresh rate, though it can go down to as low as 1Hz when needed \u2013 is its defining feature. Yes, the crease is still there, though I personally don\u2019t see it as an issue.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile I can still feel the crease when I run my finger over it, I don\u2019t notice it much in normal use. It would\u2019ve been great if Samsung can somehow eliminate the crease, though I have a different qualm with the foldable screen \u2013 more on this in the next section of the review.\n\n\nPerformance wise, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is without a doubt a fast phone, though it is not without faults. While the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset can keep up with whatever tasks I throw at it, it can\u2019t quite run Genshin Impact consistently at 60fps; something that many other flagship smartphones also struggle with.\n\n\nNonetheless, it\u2019s no doubt that the Z Fold 4 still provides the performance level of a proper flagship smartphone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother neat feature of the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is the Taskbar, which is an Android 12L feature. It can be summoned by swiping up from the bottom of the screen, providing quick access to my favourite apps. I can also tap and drag any of the apps and drop it on the screen to open said app in a new window; it\u2019s quite convenient.\n\n\nLast but not least is the camera performance of the Z Fold 4. Sporting a triple camera system made up of a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom \u2013 similar to the camera setup of the\u00a0\nGalaxy S22 and S22+\n \u2013 it\u2019s a capable camera array.\n\n\nJudge for yourself with these sample shots:\n\n\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n10MP telephoto\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n10MP telephoto\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n10MP telephoto\n\n\n\n\nIn more challenging lighting conditions, the Z Fold 4\u2019s camera does struggle with noise and detail preservation, though it\u2019s still comfortably a flagship-tier camera system. It may not be the best, but it\u2019s much improved over last year\u2019s model.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nI love the fact that I have access to a bigger screen when I unfold the Galaxy Z Fold 4, but what I don\u2019t love is how the phone handles the switch between tablet and phone mode. Say I have Telegram open on the cover screen: if I unfold the phone while the app is still open, it wouldn\u2019t switch to the tablet interface automatically.\n\n\nTo force the Z Fold 4 to switch to the tablet interface, I had to restart the app, which does negatively impact the overall user experience. Evidently, some optimisation is still needed here, either on Samsung\u2019s or Android\u2019s side.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the battery life of the Galaxy Z Fold 4. For my own use, I use the cover screen more often than the larger, primary foldable display, and I can get about five hours of screen on time consistently with this usage pattern. But when I use the bigger screen more frequently, the screen on time goes down to about four hours.\n\n\nAlthough the Z Fold 4\u2019s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip is more power efficient than its predecessor\u2019s Snapdragon 888 SoC, the fact that the 4,400mAh battery sees no change doesn\u2019t quite improve the battery life by a meaningful amount, much to my chagrin.\n\n\nI\u2019m also not crazy about the amount of dust that the inner screen collects when I put the phone in my pocket due to the gap when it\u2019s folded. Sure, it\u2019s not difficult to clean, though it\u2019s still an annoyance worth pointing out.\n\n\n\n\nThe gap allows dust to collect easily\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinally, there\u2019s the asking price of the Galaxy Z Fold 4. Retailing from RM6,799, it\u2019s not exactly an affordable device, which limits the mainstream appeal of the foldable phone.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIt really depends on what you look for in a phone, foldable or not. If you want access to a smartphone with a large screen in a pocketable form factor \u2013 even if the Z Fold 4 is quite a chunky device when it\u2019s folded \u2013 then yes, I would say it\u2019s worth it, even with its steep RM6,799 price tag.\n\n\nAfter all, Samsung is the leading player in the foldable smartphone market, and the Z Fold 4 is your best option right now, especially here in Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEven with its shortcomings, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 still has a lot of winning qualities, including a more robust hinge, stunning display, fast performance, and of course, IPX8 water resistance. If you\u2019re willing to fork out the money for it, you\u2019ll get a refined, practical, and most importantly, durable foldable smartphone that (should) be able to withstand years of daily use.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-14-iphone-14-pro-iphone-14-pro-max-now-available-in-malaysia/", "title": "iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro & iPhone 14 Pro Max Now Available in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nThe new iPhone 14 series is now available in Malaysia! We\u2019re getting it just a week after the global launch of the new phones, which is great for folks who have been eagerly waiting to get their hands on them.\n\n\nBut it\u2019s worth noting that only the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max are currently available for purchase. As for the iPhone 14 Plus \u2013 a new entry to the lineup \u2013 it will arrive here on 7 October next month, though you can \npre-order the phone right now\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the iPhone 14 series starts at RM4,199 for the regular model, going up to RM4,699 for the iPhone 14 Plus. The iPhone 14 Pro, on the other hand, is priced from RM5,299, while the range-topping iPhone 14 Pro Max starts at RM5,799.\n\n\nYou can purchase the iPhone 14 series on \nApple\u2019s Malaysian\n \nonline store\n right now. Of course, you can also get the shiny new iPhones from other outlets, including \nShopee\n, \nLazada\n, and Apple Premium Resellers nationwide.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-akko-mod-007s-v2-akko-pom-silver-switch-sound-test/", "title": "Video: Akko MOD 007S v2 + Akko POM Silver Switch Sound Test", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the biggest appeals of the Akko MOD 007S v2 is the fact that it is the brand\u2019s first-ever custom keyboard with south-facing switches, ensuring maximum compatibility with various keycap profiles. We\u2019re also testing out Akko\u2019s new POM Silver linear switches in this sound test!\n\n\nAside from the new south-facing switch orientation, the MOD 007S v2 also features an aluminium case, a gasket mounting system, a hotswap PCB, polycarbonate and aluminium plates, as well as plate-mounted stabilisers, though it supports screw-in stabilisers as well. As for the POM Silver switch, it\u2019s a linear switch with a full POM construction and a long 22mm spring.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the Akko MOD 007S v2 or the POM Silver switch, you can do so on \nAkko\u2019s official online store\n. Stay tuned to our \nYouTube channel\n for the full review of these two products!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-cyno-venti-banners-land-28-september-with-candace-kuki-shinobu-sayu/", "title": "Genshin Impact Cyno & Venti Banners Land 28 September With Candace, Kuki Shinobu, Sayu", "body": "\n\nCyno\u2019s and Venti\u2019s banners have been revealed for \nGenshin Impact\n! Set to arrive this Wednesday on 28 September, the event wish for these two 5-star characters will be accompanied by Candace, Kuki Shinobu, and Sayu.\n\n\nIn line with \nprevious Genshin Impact\n \ndouble banners\n, Cyno and Venti both share the same roster of 4-star characters despite the fact that they\u2019re featured in separate event wishes. Of course, pity is also shared between the two banners, and the wish guarantee count\u00a0\nwill\n\u00a0carry over to future character banners too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSimilar to Genshin Impact\u2019s\u00a0\nprevious character\n\u00a0\nevent wishes\n, the \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Cyno, Venti, Candace, Kuki Shinobu, and Sayu will be increased. In the case of Cyno and Venti, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be either of them, depending on which banner you\u2019re wishing. If you got a different character, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be them.\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s pity system for character banners ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character every 90 wishes, you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Cyno or Venti. The same rule applies to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Candace, Kuki Shinobu, or Sayu. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will likely have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCyno\u2019s \u201cTwilight Arbiter\u201d and Venti\u2019s \u201cBallad in Goblets\u201d event wishes will be available in Genshin Impact on 28 September 2022, right after the \nVersion 3.1 update\n goes live. Their banners will be offered until 14 October; Nilou and Albedo\u2019s rerun banners will follow suit then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-14-pro-hands-on-welcome-to-dynamic-island/", "title": "iPhone 14 Pro Hands-on: Welcome to Dynamic Island", "body": "\n\nThe iPhone 14 Pro finally sees a design revision. Gone is the notch, and it its place is a new\u2026pill-shaped notch. But Apple did implement some smart software tricks to the new display cutout dubbed \u201cDynamic Island,\u201d and it is quite interesting, to say the least.\n\n\nWhile the iPhone 14 series does see a price hike in Malaysia \u2013 no thanks to our weakening Ringgit \u2013 the iPhone 14 Pro does bring a slew of improvements. If you\u2019ve been waiting to upgrade your iPhone, now\u2019s as good a time as any.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about the iPhone 14 Pro\u2019s Dynamic Island. Compared to the display notch on last year\u2019s model, the new screen cutout is certainly an upgrade, in my opinion. Not only does it look better, it is also \nsurprisingly\n functional.\n\n\nWhen I\u2019m playing music on YouTube Music or Spotify, for example, the Dynamic Island will actually expand to show the album art and waveform when I minimise the app. If I start a timer while the music is still playing in the background, the Dynamic Island will dynamically (excuse the pun) add the timer on the notch too.\n\n\nBasically, instead of minimising the notch like every other phone maker, Apple is actually putting a lot of focus on the Dynamic Island cutout by adding these neat little features. Chances are, it\u2019s only a matter of time before other brands copy the Dynamic Island \u2013 some are \nalready doing it\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes, this is the always-on display\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the Dynamic Island, the iPhone 14 Pro also brings another new feature: an always-on display. But compared to other implementations of the feature, Apple\u2019s method is more\u2026unconventional. When the always-on display is activated, it\u2019s essentially a dimmed lock screen.\n\n\nOf course, the display\u2019s refresh rate is also reduced to only 1Hz to conserve power when it\u2019s in always-on mode. But because it\u2019s just a dimmed lock screen, I can\u2019t quite get used to it in the first few days of use. I thought I hadn\u2019t put the phone to sleep because the display looks\u2026well, switched on.\n\n\nOnce I am accustomed to the always-on display, I actually like it quite a bit. I love the fact that I can see all of my notifications at a glance (instead of just icons), though I am curious if battery life will be impacted by this. I\u2019ll keep an eye on this in the full review of the phone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the new camera system of the iPhone 14 Pro. It now features a triple camera system made up of a 48MP primary shooter, a 12MP ultra-wide angle sensor, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. There\u2019s even an option for 2x zoom now, which crops a 12MP image from the larger 48MP primary camera.\n\n\nI took some shots with the iPhone 14 Pro, and the results (naturally) look great on all three focal lengths. Well, four focal lengths if we count the 2x zoom as well, which looks good despite being a cropped image from the main 48MP sensor. I\u2019m definitely looking forward to testing out the low light performance of this new camera configuration.\n\n\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n48MP primary\n\n\n48MP primary (2x zoom)\n\n\n12MP telephoto\n\n\n\n\nUnder the hood, the iPhone 14 Pro is powered by the new Apple A16 Bionic chip; only the Pro iPhones get the new processor this year. Compared to last year\u2019s A15 chip, the A16 offers better performance and superior power efficiency, ensuring that the iPhone can still deliver all-day battery life.\n\n\nTo put the A16 Bionic through its paces, I fired up \nGenshin Impact\n to see how well it can run the game. Not surprisingly, Genshin is buttery smooth on the iPhone 14 Pro, even though the game can only run at 60fps right now. Hoyoverse has not added support for 120fps to the new iPhone yet, it seems.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the iPhone 14 Pro features a brighter 6.1-inch 2556 x 1179 OLED display now. It has a peak brightness of 2,000 nits now, and compared to the iPhone 13 Pro\u2019s max brightness of 1,200 nits, this is quite a big improvement. The higher peak brightness will definitely come in handy when using the phone under bright sunlight.\n\n\nAs for the iPhone 14 Pro\u2019s display quality itself, it remains one of the best screens on a smartphone. Not only can it get searingly bright, it also has punchy, vibrant colours, and the deep blacks of an OLED panel; winning characteristics of the display technology.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, I am impressed with the iPhone 14 Pro. Even compared to the iPhone 14 Pro Max, I prefer the more compact design of the standard Pro model. It\u2019s also more affordable with a RM5,299 starting price, compared to the 14 Pro Max, which retails from RM5,799.\n\n\nWithout a doubt RM5,299 is still a lot of money for a smartphone, but that\u2019s how much you\u2019ll have to pay for the latest and greatest Pro iPhone. Whether or not the iPhone 14 Pro is worth that kind of money\u2026I\u2019ll reserve judgment until the full review.\n\n\nBut for what it\u2019s worth, I am enjoying using the iPhone 14 Pro as my daily driver so far.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-teases-nahida-layla-playable-in-version-3-2/", "title": "Genshin Impact Teases Nahida & Layla \u2013 Playable in Version 3.2?", "body": "\n\nJust a couple of days before the \nVersion 3.1 update\n goes live, Hoyoverse is teasing two new characters coming to \nGenshin Impact\n, and one of them is a big one. The new characters are Nahida and Layla, and both of them should be playable in the Version 3.2 update.\n\n\nTypically, characters that are teased by Hoyoverse are playable in the next version update of Genshin Impact, so there\u2019s no reason the same wouldn\u2019t apply to Nahida and Layla. Unfortunately, the rarity of the new characters has not been revealed yet, though we reckon Nahida will be a 5-star character, given her importance in the story.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, Hoyoverse did show the elements that the characters wield. Nahida, as the Lesser Lord Kusanali herself, wields the element she reigns over, Dendro. As for Layla, she is a Cryo character. No mention of the weapons that the two characters use, unfortunately enough.\n\n\nNonetheless, expect Nahida and Layla to be playable characters in Genshin Impact 3.2, which is set to be released on 2 November. This is only about five weeks away, and compared to previous updates, this is a shorter time period. According to Hoyoverse, this timing will be applicable until the Version 3.3 update of Genshin Impact.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-thinkstation-p620-workstation-lands-in-malaysia-with-threadripper-pro-from-rm9733/", "title": "Lenovo ThinkStation P620 Workstation Lands in Malaysia With Threadripper Pro From RM9,733", "body": "\n\nThe next-generation Lenovo ThinkStation P620 workstation has just been launched in Malaysia, and it is a powerhouse. Featuring AMD\u2019s very capable Threadripper Pro processors, it\u2019s a serious workstation made for the most demanding creative professionals \u2013 even Aston Martin uses this machine.\n\n\nAccording to Lenovo, the ThinkStation P620 is the world\u2019s first (and only) workstation with AMD\u2019s Threadripper Pro processors. At the time of writing, it starts \nat a cool RM9,733\n on Lenovo\u2019s Malaysian online store; premium price tag for a premium machine.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the base model of the ThinkStation P620 features an AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 3945WX processor paired with 8GB of DDR4 RAM, a 1TB 7200RPM HDD, a 256GB SSD, a 1000W PSU, and Windows 10 Pro out of the box. No GPU is offered for the base model, though you can add one through the configurator.\n\n\nOf course, the prices vary depending on which GPU you want with the P620. Take the Nvidia RTX A6000, which costs RM27,180; you can even get \ntwo \nof them for RM55,420. Aside from the RTX A6000, there are a wide variety of other GPUs to choose from, including Quadro RTX 6000, RTX A5500, or even options from the AMD camp (Radeon Pro W6800, Radeon Pro VII).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe next-generation Lenovo ThinkStation P620 workstation is now available for purchase in Malaysia through \nLenovo\u2019s Malaysian online store\n. It starts at RM9,733, though expect to pay more as you configure the machine to your liking.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/god-of-war-ragnarok-limited-edition-dualsense-controller-comes-to-malaysia-9-november-for-rm369/", "title": "God of War Ragnarok Limited Edition DualSense Controller Comes to Malaysia 9 November for RM369", "body": "\n\nSony just revealed the local pricing and availability of the recently announced limited edition God of War Ragnarok DualSense controller. This is actually the next-gen controller\u2019s first limited release, and it will arrive in Malaysia on 9 November alongside \nthe new God of War game\n.\n\n\nAs for pricing, the God of War Ragnarok DualSense controller retails at RM369 for the Malaysian market; the \nsame price as other new DualSense colourways\n. But given that this is a limited edition model, you may want to place a pre-order of the controller from your favourite game store soon if you\u2019re keen to get it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the limited edition God of War Ragnarok DualSense controller features the same two-tone colourway of other models. It also has a bear and wolf insignia on the touchpad, which is said to be a representation of Kratos and Atreus.\n\n\nThe limited edition God of War Ragnarok DualSense controller and the game itself will be available in Malaysia on 9 November 2022. To recap, the controller retails at RM369, while the game starts at RM249 for the PS4 version \u2013 the PS5 version goes for RM299.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ps5-pre-orders-open-again-from-sony-centre-mid-valley-until-29-september-new-fifa-23-bundle/", "title": "PS5 Pre-Orders Open Again From Sony Centre Mid Valley Until 29 September \u2013 New FIFA 23 Bundle", "body": "\n\nPre-orders of the PS5 is open again from Sony Centre Mid Valley; this is the second one to take place in the same month, which is quite interesting. It\u2019s also worth noting that this is a pre-order for the new PS5 FIFA 23 bundle.\n\n\nJust like previous pre-orders from Sony Centre Mid Valley, you\u2019ll have to fill up \nthis Google Form\n to be in the running for a \nchance\n to pre-order the PS5. If you\u2019re fortunate enough to be selected, you will be contacted from 29 September onwards to finalise your pre-order of the next-gen console.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo note that you only have until 29 September at 2PM this Thursday to register your interest for the PS5 pre-order. This isn\u2019t a first-come, first-served sale either; filling up the form just means you\u2019re in the running to be chosen to pre-order the PS5.\n\n\nWhile it wasn\u2019t mentioned, it\u2019s likely that stocks are very limited, so don\u2019t be disheartened if you\u2019re not chosen to pre-order the PS5. If you want a better chance of securing a unit, we recommend checking in with your favourite game shop to get into the waiting list \u2013 if the store has one.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-buds-2-pro-review-best-sounding-wireless-earbuds-below-rm1000/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Review: Best (Sounding) Wireless Earbuds Below RM1,000", "body": "\n\nSince Samsung acquired Harman, the Korean company\u2019s line of wireless earbuds have been lauded for their audio quality. Both the \nGalaxy Buds 2\n and \nGalaxy Buds Pro\n were great sounding earbuds, so expectations are high for the latter\u2019s successor, the new Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro.\n\n\nAnd it doesn\u2019t disappoint. Not only is it the best sounding wireless earbuds yet from Samsung, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is also, in my opinion, the earbuds to get below RM1,000 if you want the best audio quality. I do have some qualms with it, but for the most part, it\u2019s certainly worth the money.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nWhat sets the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro apart from its competition is the earbud\u2019s ability to playback 24-bit audio via Bluetooth, promising a hi-fidelity listening experience. But there is a limitation to this: it can only achieve 24-bit audio playback when it\u2019s connected to a Samsung phone running on One UI 4.0 or higher.\n\n\nIt also depends on which app is used, given that some streaming services (such as Spotify) don\u2019t support 24-bit audio. While this is a feature worth highlighting, I personally don\u2019t notice any major difference in audio quality between 24-bit and 16-bit. At least, not on a pair of wireless earbuds like these.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro also features active noise cancellation (ANC), a custom coaxial two-way driver setup, up to eight hours of use on a single charge \u2013 five hours with ANC activated \u2013 and of course, tuning by AKG, so the tuning of these earbuds is (as expected) excellent. Aside from that, the earbuds are offered in three colours: Bora Purple, Graphite, and White.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nMy favourite feature of the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro has to be its audio quality. It has strong, controlled bass, relatively neutral mids \u2013 though a bit too recessed for my liking \u2013 and pleasant treble that definitely doesn\u2019t sound piercing or shrill to my ears.\n\n\nEven though I\u2019m not a huge fan of the Buds 2 Pro\u2019s mids (more on this later on), I \nam\n very impressed with its bass response. It is punchy, textured, and most of all, \nsatisfying\n. All of these are done without the bass bleeding into the mids \u2013 that would\u2019ve made for a muddy sound profile.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe ANC of the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is great as well. It can effectively eliminate low frequency sounds very well, making it ideal to be worn in, say, trains or busses. It can\u2019t quite cancel out higher frequencies, unfortunately, though this is also true for most wireless earbuds with ANC.\n\n\nAs for battery life, I did manage to get Samsung\u2019s quoted battery life of up to five hours (with ANC enabled) out of the Buds 2 Pro on a single charge. While this isn\u2019t exactly class-leading, it\u2019s more than good enough for my particular usage.\n\n\nWhen necessary, I can always just pop the earbuds back into the charging case to quickly juice them up for a total of 18 hours battery life.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother feature of the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro that I love is the \u201cvoice detect\u201d feature. When I start speaking, the earbuds will automatically let in ambient noise so that I can have a conversation. It\u2019s similar to the \u201cSpeak-to-Chat\u201d feature on the\u00a0\nSony WF-1000XM4\n, basically.\n\n\nLast but not least is the IPX7 water resistance of the Buds 2 Pro, making it a great pair of wireless earbuds for working out. I can also quickly rinse it off after a heavy workout without worrying about water damage.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAs the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is a pair of wireless earbuds, it does have one inherent shortcoming: its technical performance isn\u2019t particularly good. Detail retrieval is especially lacking, though this isn\u2019t exactly an issue that is exclusive to these earbuds.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThough I dig the tuning of the Buds 2 Pro, I\u2019m not too crazy about its recessed mids. As a results, vocals don\u2019t sound as forward as I would\u2019ve liked, and guitar solos on rock tracks are a tad too quiet for my taste. Then again, some folks may not mind this at all; they may even find this quality desirable.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the passive noise cancellation of the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro \u2013 or lack thereof. It\u2019s not particularly easy to get a good fit with these earbuds, so it\u2019s not as well-isolated as it should be. In short, ambient noise \u2013 especially higher frequency sounds \u2013 is still quite audible with the earbuds on.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nFor RM899, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is an easy, \neasy\n recommendation, even with its shortcomings. It still has fantastic audio quality \u2013 best I\u2019ve heard for wireless earbuds under RM1,000 \u2013 good ANC performance, and long enough battery life.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe value proposition of the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro really cannot be understated. While RM899 isn\u2019t exactly a small amount of money, you are getting a lot of bang for your buck here. If you want a pair of wireless earbuds with excellent audio quality for your daily transit or workouts, look no further than the Buds 2 Pro.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/photo-essay-hoyo-fest-2022-with-genshin-impact-at-la-juiceria-superfoods-signature/", "title": "Photo Essay: Hoyo Fest 2022 With Genshin Impact at La Juiceria Superfoods Signature", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nToday marks the start of Hoyoverse\u2019s Hoyo Fest 2022 in Malaysia! The first game to be featured is Genshin Impact, and we were invited by Hoyoverse to experience the event at La Juiceria Superfoods Signature outlet at Nadi Bangsar.\n\n\nNaturally, the cafe is furnished with Genshin Impact decorations; there\u2019s even a photo wall right outside with the main Hoyo Fest visual for fans to take pictures with. Yes, Klee\u2019s bomb and the (hilarious) Luxurious Sea-Lord claymore are also there for fans to use.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGetting into the cafe is a seamless process: just show up on time for your reserved time slot, wait in line, and you\u2019ll be allowed in once the tables are ready. Do note that each time slot is limited to 45 minutes, and only those with reservations are allowed entry, so overcrowding shouldn\u2019t be an issue.\n\n\nOnce you step into the cafe, you\u2019ll be greeted by a plethora of Genshin Impact decorations. There are standees of various characters \u2013 including the Raiden Shogun herself \u2013 large posters with art from the game, and even Hoyo Fest themed tables. It\u2019s a very festive ambiance, basically.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThen comes the main reason \u2013 well, one of the reasons \u2013 to visit Hoyo Fest: the food! There are two options: the RM36 set comes with a main and a drink, while the RM45 set adds on an appetiser. Patrons can choose between four different mains and three drinks, which are all themed after Genshin Impact.\n\n\nOh, you can also look for a staff with a \u201cspecial hair accessory\u201d at the cafe to get a scratch card. You\u2019ll just have to show the staff that you follow Genshin Impact on any social media sites to get the card. Depending on your luck, the scratch card can win you either a postcard or a cute chibi-style standee of certain characters.\n\n\nUnfortunately, we weren\u2019t lucky enough to get the latter.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s even a wishing wall! We saw one wishing for Cyno to come home\n\n\n\n\nYou can get your merchandise here\n\n\n\n\nOnce you\u2019re done with your meal, you can head to the merchandise area to get your\u2026Genshin Impact merchandise. Each patron can only buy one item of the same style, with a limit of 10 items per person. You can look at the full list of merchandise on sale \nhere\n.\n\n\nAnd that\u2019s our Hoyo Fest 2022 experience at La Juiceria Superfoods Signature! If you\u2019re driving there (like we did), you\u2019ll be happy to know that parking there is quite easy. Nadi Bangsar itself has enough parking spaces when we got there for our 12PM time slot, and you can also park at the open air parking opposite the building.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, only those with a reservation can enter the cafe for Hoyo Fest 2022, so make sure you booked a time slot\u00a0\nright here\n\u00a0before giving it a visit. Genshin Impact will be featured at the cafe until 9 October, followed by Tears of Themis (12 \u2013 23 October) and Honkai Impact 3rd from 26 October to 6 November.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-asus-rog-zephyrus-g14-vs-zephyrus-g15-which-one-should-you-get/", "title": "2022 Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 vs. Zephyrus G15 \u2013 Which One Should You Get?", "body": "\n\nThe 2022 Asus ROG Zephyrus G series are some of the sleekest gaming laptops in the market now, and this applies to both the G14 and G15. The former is especially interesting, given that it is one of very, very few gaming laptops in a 14-inch form factor, especially here in Malaysia.\n\n\nBut if you\u2019re considering to get either one of these two gaming laptops, here\u2019s a comparison between the Zephyrus G14 and Zephyrus G15. Basically, it\u2019s a fight between a compact, \nall-AMD\n gaming laptop against a larger AMD + Nvidia machine. Without further ado, let\u2019s get to it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about the performance of the two gaming laptops. For this writeup, we got the range-topping RM9,999 Zephyrus G14 with an AMD Radeon RX 6800S GPU and 32GB RAM, while the G15 we received is packed with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card and 16GB RAM for a cool RM7,999.\n\n\nDo note that the Zephyrus G15 is actually offered with a beefier RTX 3070 Ti GPU + 32GB RAM as well (also for RM9,999), though we didn\u2019t get that model for this comparison. Nonetheless, even though this is not an apples to apples comparison \u2013 the RX 6800S is considered a more capable GPU \u2013 this comparison is still relevant (to an extent).\n\n\nIn these gaming benchmarks, we set the power mode of the two laptops to Turbo with the GPU set to the Ultimate setting to squeeze every ounce of performance out of them.\n\n\nGames (Zephyrus G14, max settings @ 1920 x 1080, ray-tracing disabled)\nAverage FPS\nHitman 3\n104.97\nForza Horizon 5\n61\nMarvel\u2019s Guardians of the Galaxy\n116\nMiddle-earth: Shadow of Mordor (1920 x 1200)\n105\n\n\nGames (Zephyrus G15, max settings @ 1920 x 1080, ray-tracing disabled)\nAverage FPS\nHitman 3\n98.89\nForza Horizon 5\n41\nMarvel\u2019s Guardians of the Galaxy\n115\nMiddle-earth: Shadow of Mordor\n113\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn general, the Zephyrus G14\u2019s RX 6800S proves itself to be the more capable GPU, though it doesn\u2019t differ all that much compared to the G15\u2019s RTX 3060 in Guardians of the Galaxy and Shadow of Mordor. However, the latter was running at a slightly higher resolution \u2013 there was no option to run the game at 1080p on the G14.\n\n\nIf we were to repeat the same benchmark on the higher-end Zephyrus G15 with an RTX 3070 Ti and 32GB RAM, it is very likely that model will offer better performance than the Zephyrus G14. But to be fair, the G14 is also a smaller, more compact machine \u2013 it belongs in a different class altogether, and we\u2019ll get back to this later on.\n\n\nOf course, we also tested the performance of the Ryzen 7 6800HS processor powering the two gaming laptops with Cinebench R23. Yes, both the Zephyrus G14 and Zephyrus G15 feature the same processor, and for the most, they perform similarly \u2013 the score difference is not wide enough.\n\n\nProcessor (Cinebench R23)\nSingle-core test\nMulti-core test\nAMD Ryzen 7 6800HS (Zephyrus G14)\n1,512\n13,504\nAMD Ryzen 7 6800HS (Zephyrus G15)\n1,489\n13,963\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond raw performance, there are also a number of differences between the two gaming laptops that are worth highlighting. System noise, for one, is noticeably louder on the Zephyrus G15. You\u2019ll definitely hear the fans spinning in prolonged gaming sessions.\n\n\nWhile the same still applies to the Zephyrus G14, it is definitely quieter than the larger G15. However, the fans are only very audible when the power plan is set to Turbo. In other power plans (especially Silent), both laptops are far quieter, though you\u2019ll also limit their performance levels.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDisplay quality is also important for a pleasant gaming experience. In this regard, both the Zephyrus G15 and G14 have their own appeals. Take the G15, which features a 15.6-inch 1440p IPS display with a blazing fast 165Hz refresh rate; the higher-end model has an even faster 240Hz panel! Needless to say, games that can hit this high refresh rate will look extremely smooth.\n\n\nAs for the Zephyrus G14, it comes with a 14-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS panel with a lower 120Hz refresh rate. Even though its refresh rate isn\u2019t quite as high as the G15\u2019s, this \nis\n a taller 16:10 display, making it ideal not just for gaming, but for productivity tasks as well. After all, you\u2019ve got more vertical screen real estate.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of screens, we \nhave\n to mention the AniMe Matrix display on the lid of the Zephyrus G14; it\u2019s a feature unique to this compact gaming laptop. Although the Zephyrus G15 has a similar-looking design, it doesn\u2019t have the LED matrix, though it does look cleaner and more minimalist as a result.\n\n\nPortability is also one area where the Zephyrus G14 is superior to the G15, thanks to the fact that it has a more compact 14-inch display. Even though its smaller chassis does make it feel slightly hotter than the G15 in heated gaming sessions, it is definitely easier to lug around in a backpack.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to the input devices of the two gaming laptops, both are excellent in this regard. Their keyboards are comfortable to type on, thanks to the long key travel, good tactile feedback, and cushioned bottom out. The trackpads of the two laptops can also track my fingers accurately, and it\u2019s just the right size for a comfortable user experience.\n\n\nAside from that, bundled alongside the Zephyrus G14 and G15 is a 100W USB-C power adapter worth about RM400. This allows you to charge up the laptops when you\u2019re out and about with a more compact adapter, rather than the much larger (and heavier) 240W or 200W power adapters for the G14 and G15 respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, if you want a compact gaming laptop with very respectable gaming performance, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is the one to go for. But if you want a larger, faster screen with a beefier GPU option, opt for the Zephyrus G15 instead. It\u2019s worth mentioning again that the range-topping models of both laptops cost the same at RM9,999.\n\n\nRegardless of which laptop you go for, you will be very happy with either the Zephyrus G14 or Zephyrus G15 \u2013 they are both excellent gaming laptops in their own right. You can get the laptops from \nAsus\u2019 online store\n, as well as \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n.\n\n\nDisclosure: This article is sponsored by Asus Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/29-september-5-october-fuel-price-ron-97-down-5-sen-now-rm4-00-per-litre/", "title": "29 September \u2013 5 October Fuel Price: RON 97 Down 5 Sen, Now RM4.00 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 continues to go down this week. The price of the premium fuel is set to be cheaper by 5 sen this midnight, while the prices of RON 95 and diesel are all maintained, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 is now set at RM4.00 per litre (down from RM4.05) for the next seven days. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 29 September to 5 October 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-14-pro-waiting-list-now-at-over-a-month/", "title": "iPhone 14 Pro Waiting List Now at Over a Month", "body": "\n\nIt seems like the iPhone 14 Pro series is selling like hot cakes in Malaysia. If you\u2019re just about to place your order for either the iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max, you\u2019re looking at up to \na month\n of wait.\n\n\nFirst spotted by \nAmanz\n, new orders of the iPhone 14 Pro on \nApple\u2019s Malaysian online store\n are said to be shipping between three to four weeks. The iPhone 14 Pro Max, on the other hand, will take slightly longer with a four to five weeks of lead time.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA quick check on popular e-commerce sites such as Shopee and Lazada shows the same waiting period\u2026to an extent. While some iPhone 14 Pro listings are estimated to start shipping \nas early as 7 October\n, other retailers are not as optimistic, quoting delivery dates as late as \n31 October\n.\n\n\nEvidently, there aren\u2019t enough iPhone 14 Pro models to go around in Malaysia right now. If you\u2019re still not sure the new iPhone is for you, check out or \nhands-on of the iPhone 14 Pro\n \u2013 we will publish our full review of the phone very, very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-120fps-support-arrives-on-iphone-14-pro-iphone-14-pro-max/", "title": "Genshin Impact 120fps Support Arrives on iPhone 14 Pro & iPhone 14 Pro Max", "body": "\n\nMore devices can now run \nGenshin Impact\n at 120fps! Unfortunately, not for PC or other platforms, but on the latest \niPhone 14 Pro\n and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Apple devices with 120Hz ProMotion displays, basically.\n\n\nIn our \nhands-on of the iPhone 14 Pro\n earlier this week, we noted that Genshin Impact couldn\u2019t be set to run at 120fps yet; the max setting was only at 60fps. It appears with the \nVersion 3.1 update\n of the hugely popular game yesterday, the 120fps setting is enabled on the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from the two new iPhones, other Apple devices that can run Genshin Impact at 120fps include the iPhone 13 Pro and the iPad Pro models. As mentioned, only Apple devices with ProMotion displays can run the game at this frame rate. Not even the PC version has this frame rate enabled, how ever odd that is.\n\n\nNonetheless, if you\u2019ve got an iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max, know that you can now run Genshin Impact at 120fps, which really enhances the gaming experience. You can download the game from the \nApple App Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-plus-october-2022-free-games-superhot-injustice-2-hot-wheels-unleashed-more/", "title": "PlayStation Plus October 2022 Free Games: Superhot, Injustice 2, Hot Wheels Unleashed & More", "body": "\n\nPlayStation Plus\u2019 October 2022 free games have just been announced. The lineup includes Superhot, Injustice 2, Hot Wheels Unleashed, and for us here in Asia, Rogue Explorer and Crisis Wing. That\u2019s right, we\u2019re getting a total of five games next month!\n\n\nMost of these games are available in both PS5 and PS4 versions, except for Superhot and Injustice 2. After all, these two games are only offered on the PS4, though you can still play them on the PS5. They just won\u2019t benefit from faster loading times or the DualSense\u2019s features.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith the \nrevamped PS Plus membership\n, these five games can be claimed by subscribers of any tiers. Whether you\u2019re on the Essential, Extra, or Deluxe plan, you will have access to these monthly PS Plus games.\n\n\nAll five games can be claimed by PS Plus members from 4 to 31 October 2022. That means you have until this coming Monday (3 October) to get your hands on September 2022\u2019s free games, including Need for Speed Heat, Granblue Fantasy: Versus, and Toem.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-stars-loyalty-program-live-in-malaysia-claim-free-games-funds-with-points/", "title": "PlayStation Stars Loyalty Program Live in Malaysia \u2013 Claim Free Games & Funds With Points", "body": "\n\nThe PlayStation Stars loyalty program has just been launched, and Malaysia is one of the first markets to get it! Through this program, players can earn points and rewards by completing certain campaigns and activities.\n\n\nOf course, those points can then be used to get various items. These include digital collectibles, certain PlayStation Store products, and even PSN wallet funds! Digital collectibles, as described by Sony, \u201care beautifully rendered, digital representations of things that PlayStation fans enjoy.\u201d\n\n\nOh, you can also show off these digital collectibles on a display case through the PlayStation App.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSo how do you earn points? The simplest way is to make purchases on PlayStation Store, though this perk is only applicable to PlayStation Plus members. Players can also complete campaigns to accumulate points, such as earning specific trophies.\n\n\nYou can take a look at these campaigns \u2013 which are said to be updated regularly \u2013 on the PlayStation App; you can downloaded it through the \nApple App Store\n and \nGoogle Play Store\n. You can also sign up for PlayStation Stars through the app or the \nofficial website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-pay-now-supports-maybank-american-express-cards-in-malaysia/", "title": "Apple Pay Now Supports Maybank American Express Cards in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019ve been waiting for Maybank to add support for its American Express cards to Apple Pay, wait no more. From today onwards, you can now link your Maybank American Express cards to the payment service.\n\n\nThis was confirmed by Maybank itself on its social media pages. Of course, the process to add an American Express card from the bank to Apple Pay is the same. You can refer to our step-by-step guide to add supported cards to an iPhone \nright here\n.\n\n\n\n\nWait no more because Apple Pay is now ready for Maybank American Express Cardmembers! Enjoy a safe, easy, contactless way to pay in stores while still getting all your cards\u2019 rewards and benefits. Set it up now via the Apple Wallet app. Info: \nhttps://t.co/akye9gsDQL\n \n#MaybankCards\n \npic.twitter.com/e6Aef9gJRS\n\u2014 Maybank (@MyMaybank) \nSeptember 29, 2022\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, Apple Pay makes it easier to make payments with a compatible Apple product, as it allows you to add your credit card or debit card to the service. Once you\u2019ve set up Apple Pay on, say, your iPhone, you can use your phone to make payments at retailers that support the service.\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve got a card issued by Maybank \u2013 now including its American Express cards \u2013 AmBank, or Standard Chartered, you can now add it to Apple Pay to start making payments with the service. Again, if you\u2019re not sure how to do that, here\u2019s our guide on how to\u00a0\nactivate Apple Pay on an iPhone\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/affordable-oppo-a17-with-50mp-camera-5000mah-battery-now-in-malaysia-for-rm599/", "title": "Affordable Oppo A17 With 50MP Camera & 5,000mAh Battery Now in Malaysia for RM599", "body": "\n\nOppo recently launched another affordable phone for the Malaysian market. Despite being a budget-friendly offering, the Oppo A17 does look quite sleek with its unique \u201cleather-feel design,\u201d even if the back panel is actually made from plastic.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the A17 is offered for the Malaysian market. Packed with a 50MP primary camera, a generous 5,000mAh battery, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of expandable storage, the affordable phone is priced at only RM599 on our shores. Two colours are available: Lake Blue and Midnight Black.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the A17 include a MediaTek Helio G35 chipset, a 6.56-inch 720p IPS display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate, a 2MP depth camera to complement the 50MP main shooter, a 5MP selfie camera, and ColorOS 12.1.1 based on Android 12 out of the box.\n\n\nYou can now purchase the Oppo A17 in Malaysia for RM599. It is available at all Oppo physical outlets, \nits official online store\n, \nShopee\n, as well as \nLazada\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/moondrop-stellaris-price-revealed-109-99-for-its-first-planar-iem/", "title": "Moondrop Stellaris Price Revealed \u2013 $109.99 for Its First Planar IEM", "body": "\n\nThe Moondrop Stellaris is one of the brand\u2019s most anticipated releases this year, given that it is Moondrop\u2019s first-ever planar IEM. Well, the Stellaris is now available for purchase, and it\u2019s priced quite competitively.\n\n\nCurrently listed for sale on \nrenowned online store HiFiGo\n, the Stellaris is priced at only $109.99 \u2013 that comes up to about RM510. For that kind of money, it is packed with a 14.5mm planar magnetic driver that\u2019s said to be tuned to the VDSF target response for a \u201cpowerful sound performance,\u201d as the brand puts it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Stellaris include a shell with an iridescent finish, a removable cable (naturally), two different kinds of ear tips (Softears ultra-clear tips and MIS-tip foam tips), as well as a rather nice-looking storage pouch.\n\n\nYou can now purchase the Moondrop Stellaris \non HiFiGo for $109.99\n. Local retailers \nRed Ape\n and \nStars Picker\n are also currently taking pre-orders of the new IEM for RM509, though you do have to wait a while longer for the Stellaris to start shipping from them.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/watch-your-genshin-impact-2022-recap-get-180-primogems/", "title": "Watch Your Genshin Impact 2022 Recap & Get 180 Primogems", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been two years now since Genshin Impact was released, and Hoyoverse is doing another yearly recap for players. In the Canvas of Starlight Memories web event, you can take a look at what you\u2019ve achieved in the game so far \nand \nbe rewarded with 180 Primogems.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, 180 Primogems by just looking through your achievements in Genshin Impact! You can access the web event \nright here\n, and you\u2019ll just need to watch five \u201cchapters\u201d of your journey so far, share your memories, and look at a friend\u2019s memories to get a total of 180 Primogems.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that only players who have reached Adventure Rank 10 or above in Genshin Impact can participate in this web event. You also have until 12 October to claim your rewards from the event, and while that\u2019s quite a long time, it\u2019s best to do it as soon as you can.\n\n\nAgain, you can take a look at your Genshin Impact 2022 recap \nover here\n. While 180 Primogems aren\u2019t exactly a lot, it\u2019s a nice bonus to watch a recap of your journey in the game. There are even interesting trivia of your time in Genshin Impact so far, including the number of characters you\u2019ve obtained and how many days you\u2019ve been active in the game.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-taking-up-too-much-space-you-can-now-delete-resources-from-past-quests/", "title": "Genshin Impact Taking up Too Much Space? You Can Now Delete Resources From Past Quests", "body": "\n\nAs more content are added to \nGenshin Impact\n, the size of the game also gets bigger, which can be an issue. This is especially so on mobile, but the good news is, you can now reduce the file size of the game quite a bit with a new feature.\n\n\nThis feature was added to Genshin Impact in the Version 3.1 update. As outlined by Hoyoverse in the \npatch note\n, the \u201cpast quest resource management\u201d function allows players to \u201cdelete the audio and video resources corresponding to completed Archon quests and Story quests on mobile.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s only offered on mobile at the moment, and it is said to be a test of the feature. For our particular Genshin Impact account, we can remove a whopping 4.71GB of data; that\u2019s quite a lot of space freed up. Of course, you can always download the resources again if you need them.\n\n\nYou can access Genshin Impact\u2019s new quest resource management feature from the settings menu by accessing the resources tab. If you\u2019re running out of space already on your mobile device, we imagine this feature will be especially useful.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-predator-gd711-review-is-this-240hz-vrr-gaming-projector-worth-rm4999/", "title": "Acer Predator GD711 Review: Is This 240Hz VRR Gaming Projector Worth RM4,999?", "body": "\n\nWhile a high resolution, fast gaming monitor or TV is nice to have, they are also bulky and hard to move around. If you want a more portable display, then the Acer Predator GD711 gaming projector could just be for you. Not only does it offer up to 240Hz refresh rate, it\u2019s also a pretty darn capable projector.\n\n\nOf course, that also means the GD711 carries a premium price tag. It\u2019s a costly product, but for folks that need the portability of a fast, 4K projector for gaming, it could just be worth the money.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe Acer Predator GD711 is a 4K-capable LED projector that offers up to 4,000 LED lumens. It can also hit a blazing fast 240Hz refresh rate, though the resolution would be dropped down to 1080p. The projector can only be set to this refresh rate when it\u2019s connected to a PC too; consoles are limited to 120Hz.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the GD711 supports variable refresh rate, which is not a feature that\u2019s typically found on a projector. Basically, you won\u2019t have to worry about screen tearing with variable refresh rate, which will definitely improve the gaming experience.\n\n\nOh, the GD711 can project a 200-inch display as well, though Acer recommends a 74-inch projection from 2m away.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHow much does all of these features cost? A cool RM4,999, but it\u2019s worth noting that you can get the GD711 from certain retailers for \nonly RM4,699\n right now \u2013 that\u2019s a respectable RM300 discount.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nWithout a doubt the Predator GD711 is \nvery\n enjoyable to game on. The fact that it can offer a 240Hz refresh rate makes for an incredibly smooth gaming experience. This extends to consoles too, even though it can \u201conly\u201d deliver a 120Hz refresh rate \u2013 still impressive, in my opinion.\n\n\nThanks to the variable refresh rate support, I didn\u2019t notice any screen tearing at all while gaming with the GD711. The bright and vibrant image quality further enhances the gaming experience. It\u2019s really quite surreal how good the image quality is, despite this being a projection.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn my usage, the brightness level of the GD711 is more than serviceable. The brightness does noticeably go down the further away I place the projector \u2013 when I\u2019m trying to increase the projection size, basically \u2013 so I stuck with Acer\u2019s recommended projection of 74-inch (2m from a wall) as you see in these images.\n\n\nThe remote that comes with the GD711 is quite pleasant to use as well. Navigating through the on-screen display (OSD) is quite easy with the remote, and it definitely came in handy when I needed to change the settings of the projector.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen comparing a projector to a monitor or TV, longevity comes to mind. Well, Acer promises up to 30,000-hour lifetime with the GD711, so it should last considerably long. Perhaps even longer than a typical gaming monitor or TV.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the portability of the GD711. After all, I can just carry it to wherever I want it to and project it to an empty wall. Compared to a TV that offers a similar display size, the GD711 is far more portable.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nBut as portable as it is, setting up the Predator GD711 can be tricky at times. I have to fiddle with the keystone setting quite a bit to get the display\u2026well, properly squared off. Yes, there is an auto keystone feature, and it does work fine on most occasions. But there were also a couple of times where I had to manually adjust it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe built-in 10W speaker of the GD711 is not great either. It does work in a pinch, but it also sounds tinny and soft. If you\u2019re planning to get this projector, definitely consider getting a proper sound system as well. it\u2019s just not good enough.\n\n\nLast but not least is the GD711\u2019s asking price. Retailing at RM4,999, it is a costly projector. You do get a lot of features for that kind of money, of course, but a comparable TV or gaming monitor \u2013 even if they can\u2019t match the projection size of the GD711 \u2013 will be able to offer even more features.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nAs I mentioned in the beginning of this review, the Acer Predator GD711 can still be worth it to folks who need the portability of a projector without sacrificing on image quality and high refresh rate. Yes, RM4,999 (\nor RM4,699 if you\u2019re fast\n) is a lot of money, but you \nare\n getting a capable projector for that kind of money.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Predator GD711 does have its fair share of shortcomings, but it comes with the territory of a projector. For what it\u2019s worth, I enjoyed gaming with the GD711, even if the setup process isn\u2019t particularly seamless.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/photo-essay-2022-malaysia-keyboard-meetup-singakbd-axiom-rebult-keyboards-more/", "title": "Photo Essay: 2022 Malaysia Keyboard Meetup \u2013 SINGAKBD, Axiom, Rebult Keyboards & More!", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Malaysia keyboard meetup has concluded, and it was very well-received by the local keyboard community! It was certainly an eventful gathering, but if you didn\u2019t make it to the event, here\u2019s a photo essay of what went down at Malaysia\u2019s very first large-scale keyboard meetup.\n\n\nHeld at the Grey Box in GMBB Kuala Lumpur, folks started coming in from 10AM onwards. If they brought any keyboards to be displayed at the meetup, they can put it on tables placed around the venue. They\u2019ll need to fill up a card with details of the keyboard too, and whether or not it can be touched and picked up.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe absolutely \nbeautiful\n Keycult No. 2/65 Purple Unfinish Edition\n\n\n\n\nNeedless to say, there were \nplenty\n of custom keyboards on display, including a stunning Keycult No. 2/65 Purple Unfinish Edition you see above. Understandably, the owner specified the keyboard to not be touched or picked up. It was shown on the table for only a short period of time too, unfortunately enough.\n\n\nNow let\u2019s talk about the vendors and brands that were present at the keyboard meetup. These include the likes of SINGAKBD, Axiom Studios, Rebult Keyboards, and many more!\n\n\nSINGAKBD\n\n\nAlmost everyone in the custom keyboard hobby is familiar with \nSINGAKBD\n. Based right here in Malaysia, the renowned keyboard designer\u2019s booth at the keyboard meetup was almost always filled with visitors. Not only were there several SINGAKBD keyboards at the booth \u2013 including some special Unikorn models \u2013 the brand had some merchandise for sale as well.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Unikorn\u2019s in-stock sale is \nhappening very soon\n, and those with a sharp eye may notice a special Hex 4B collaboration between SINGAKBD and Hex Keyboards in the picture below!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAxiom Studios\n\n\nNext up is another local keyboard brand, Axiom Studios. Naturally, the new Typ 60 was shown off at the booth, along with several units of the \nTyp 65+ we previous reviewed\n. It\u2019s worth noting that 15 units of the keyboard were actually on sale at the meetup for the same price as the group buy period \u2013 that\u2019s quite a good deal.\n\n\nOf course, Axiom Studios had several keyboard parts for sale too, including stabilisers and various switches. It joined up with NullKeyboards not too long ago, so yes, Axiom also sells keyboard accessories now through its \nShopee store\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRebult Keyboards\n\n\nSpeaking of which, another Malaysian vendor at the meetup is none other than \nRebult Keyboards\n. Aside from selling various keyboard parts and accessories, Rebult is also the Malaysian proxy for many well-known keyboard brands, such as Owlab, Qwertykeys, and Wuque Studio.\n\n\nRebult Keyboards shown off several keyboards at its booth too. These include the QK65, QK60, \nOwlab Link65\n, and even the \nIon Zenith\n! As far as we can tell, it was the only Zenith present at the keyboard meetup.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSun Cycle\n\n\nIf you\u2019re a PC builder, you\u2019ll definitely know of Sun Cycle. Aside from various PC hardware, the company is also the distributor of many familiar keyboard brands. There\u2019s Ducky \u2013 my personal favourite brand as far as pre-built keyboards go \u2013 Keychron, Akko, Glorious, Tecware, and Shurikey.\n\n\nAt the keyboard meetup, Sun Cycle also ran a typing test competition. The fastest typist of either two sessions \u2013 one of the winners scored an impressive 147 words per minute \u2013 walked away with a brand new Varmilo keyboard.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nClick & Brew\n\n\nAlso at the keyboard meetup was \nClick & Brew\n! Though no keyboards were showcased at its booth \u2013 you can still find some keyboards built by the local cafe/vendor around the venue \u2013 it did sell some \namazing\n coffee and muffins. Perfect for visitors to grab a quick bite after walking around the meetup.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re in Penang \u2013 more specifically, at George Town \u2013 do give the keyboard cafe a visit. Sipping a nice, hot (or cold) cup of coffee while trying out custom keyboards do sound like a heavenly combination, in our opinion.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMecha Store\n\n\nNext is our good friend from Singapore, \nMecha Store\n. While the vendor only has a keyboard store in our neighbouring country at the moment, this will change sometime this quarter. Yes, Mecha Store is expanding to Malaysia in Q4 2022 at Bandar Sunway.\n\n\nChances are, we can expect the vendor to offer the same services here as it does in Singapore right now, including build services and the sale of multiple keyboard parts. Once Mecha Store opens its Malaysian outlet, it will be one of very few physical stores specialising in custom keyboards on our shores. Alongside Click & Brew in Penang, of course.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMonokei\n\n\nAlso based in Singapore, \nMonokei\n makes some of the most premium custom keyboards in this hobby. Some of the keyboards it showed off at its booth include the very, \nvery\n sought-after TGR Jane, the adorable \nNeko\n \u2013 a collaboration with SINGAKBD \u2013 and even the new \nMonokei Standard\n.\n\n\nThe Standard is actually one of Monokei\u2019s most affordable keyboards to date. Unfortunately, the pre-order of the keyboard has already ended; fulfilment of the Standard is expected to start sometime in November next month. Expect extras to be sold then.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHex Keyboards\n\n\nAnother Singaporean vendor at the Malaysia keyboard meetup was \nHex Keyboards\n. Just like Monokei, Hex designed a number of custom keyboards, and the brand even displayed two keyboards it has yet to release there: the Hex 3C v2 and Hex 50 FE.\n\n\nIt\u2019s not often folks get the chance to try out custom keyboards before they even enter the group buy phase, so it\u2019s quite a big deal that Hex had these two keyboards at its booth. If you\u2019re keen to get the Hex 3C v2 or Hex 50 FE, stay tuned to the group buy!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKLC Hobbyists\u2019 Playground\n\n\nAll the way from South Korea is \nKLC\n! The brand showed off a very interesting new keyboard at its booth, the Nori. On the surface, it looks like your standard TKL custom keyboard, but it does have a number of neat features, including a unique mounting style that uses seven coil springs.\n\n\nYes, coil springs! As a result, the Nori literally offers a bouncy, flexible typing experience. It is also a wireless keyboard with support for Bluetooth 5.1, along with a hotswap PCB and double shot ABS keycaps. It will go on sale very soon, and rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the Nori.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSilkey\n\n\nWe\u2019re back in Malaysia with \nSilkey\n, a local cable maker. If you\u2019re in Malaysia, and you\u2019ve always wanted a fancy coiled cable with an aviator or YC8 connector without paying an exorbitant amount for international shipping, look no further than Silkey.\n\n\nKeyboard cables from Silkey start from only RM70, which is quite a good starting price for a product of this quality. You can also customise the colour combination and connectors to your liking, though depending on your configuration, the price will change accordingly.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThreadyKeycaps\n\n\nLast but not least is \nThreadyKeycaps\n! The Malaysian brand makes some cute artisans of various characters. These include anime characters \u2013 such as this \nAnya keycap\n \u2013 and even certain villagers from Animal Crossing.\n\n\nBeyond artisan keycaps, ThreadKeycaps also started making artisan holders and magnetic trays. The colourway of the trays can even be customised to your liking, and you can have a logo or a picture on the tray as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLucky Draw Winners\n\n\nTowards the end of the event, a \nhuge\n lucky draw was held for those who got the RM60 keypass. Some of the items included in the giveaway are Axiom Studios\u2019 Typ 60 Lite prototype with patina treatment by KneeDeep, Angry Miao\u2019s Cyberboard, and an absolutely sexy SINGAKBD Unikorn R2.2 Berlin Blue prototype.\n\n\nOf course, not every keypass holder won these incredible prizes, though none of them walked away empty handed. After all, keypass holders received a goodie bag filled with various items, along with an entry to a smaller (guaranteed) lucky draw that had various prizes, including switches and deskmats.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s no denying that the 2022 Malaysia keyboard meetup was a resounding success. Not only did the max occupancy of the venue was reached \u2013 so no walk-ins were allowed, unfortunately \u2013 there were many, \nmany\n custom keyboards on display too. The generous lucky draw prizes certainly drew attention from the local keyboard community as well.\n\n\nHopefully, there will be another large-scale Malaysia keyboard meetup like this in 2023 next year. Evidently, we\u2019ve got a lot of keyboard enthusiasts on our shores with amazing local designers like SINGAKBD and Axiom Studios. Until the next one!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-offers-up-to-rm6000-discount-for-october-2022-win-signed-messi-jersey/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Offers up to RM6,000 Discount for October 2022 \u2013 Win Signed Messi Jersey", "body": "\n\nAs usual, Honda Malaysia is offering a number of attractive discounts for its range of models in October 2022 this month, including the \npopular Honda City\n, Accord, and \nCR-V\n. On top of that, those who register a Honda model until 31 December also stand a chance to win an Argentina jersey signed by Messi!\n\n\nNaturally,\u00a0the \nHonda Accord\n\u00a0gets the best discount. Both the range-topping TC-P and more affordable TC variants of the D-segment sedan receive a RM6,000 rebate. A tier down is the Honda City, which gets a RM3,000 discount for all variants of the B-segment sedan, including the range-topping \nRS e:HEV model\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want the \nHonda City Hatchback\n instead, all variants of the model receive a RM1,500 discount. Next up is the \nHonda BR-V\n; this seven-seater gets a rather generous RM4,000 rebate. If you want an SUV instead, you can opt for the \nHonda CR-V\n, which is offered with a RM1,000 discount.\n\n\nDo note that these discounts are only applicable for vehicles registered between 1 to 31 October 2022. More information on the deal can be found\u00a0on \nHonda Malaysia\u2019s website\n. If you\u2019re interested to get any of these Honda models with the rebates, you can place a pre-booking online\u00a0\nhere\n.\n\n\nAlternatively, bookings can be done through the HondaTouch app as well \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-iphone-14-pro-review-a-compact-phone-without-compromise/", "title": "Apple iPhone 14 Pro Review: A Compact Phone Without Compromise", "body": "\n\nI\u2019ve always been a fan of compact flagship smartphones. But more often than not, these pocket-friendly devices are filled with compromises. Whether it\u2019s in the camera department, processing power, or battery life, a compact flagship phone simply isn\u2019t as good as the \u201cmain\u201d device in a particular series.\n\n\nBut that is not the case with the iPhone 14 Pro. Not only is it a high-end compact phone, it also has similar hardware as the larger iPhone 14 Pro Max. That means it offers the same camera experience, performance level, and even display quality \u2013 yes, it has the new Dynamic Island notch as well.\n\n\nOf course, the iPhone 14 Pro carries a premium price tag too, but you \nare \ngetting your money\u2019s worth, in my opinion. I\u2019ve been using the 14 Pro for a while now as my daily driver, and I\u2019m really impressed with it \u2013 it\u2019s certainly a worth successor to last year\u2019s iPhone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (2556 x 1179), adaptive 120Hz\nChipset\nApple A16 Bionic (6-core CPU; 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores)\nGPU\nApple A16 Bionic 5-core GPU\nRAM\n6GB\nStorage\n128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n48MP f/1.78, 100% Focus Pixels, second-gen sensor-shift OIS\n12MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide), 100% Focus Pixels\n12MP f/2.2 (telephoto), 3x optical zoom, OIS\nCamera (front)\n12MP f/1.9, autofocus with Focus Pixels\nBattery\n3,200mAh\nDimensions\n147.5 x 71.5 x 7.85 mm\nWeight\n206g\nOS\niOS 16\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.3\nWiFi 802.11ax\nLightning port\nPrice\nRM5,299 (128GB), RM5,799 (256GB), RM6,799 (512GB), RM7,799 (1TB)\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the iPhone 14 Pro features a number of improvements. These include a faster Apple A16 Bionic chip, a more sophisticated triple camera system, along with a brighter Super Retina XDR OLED display \u2013 these are some noteworthy upgrades.\n\n\nThough Apple did not reveal the RAM and battery capacity of the iPhone 14 Pro, teardowns by other parties have verified these details. While 6GB of RAM and a 3,200mAh battery don\u2019t sound particularly impressive, they are more than enough to provide a pleasant user experience \u2013 I\u2019ll get back to them further down the review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nOne of the most highlighted new features of the iPhone 14 Pro is the Dynamic Island notch, so let\u2019s talk about that first. Compared to the standard notch found on previous iPhones, the new pill-shaped notch is certainly a meaningful upgrade. It looks better, and it is also quite functional.\n\n\nWhen I\u2019m playing music on YouTube Music or Spotify, for example, the Dynamic Island will actually expand to show the album art and waveform when I minimise the app. While this is by no means a groundbreaking feature, it \nis\n a smart use of the notch.\n\n\nInstead of pulling focus away from the notch \u2013 like every other phone maker, basically \u2013 Apple decided to make the notch a part of the user experience. It\u2019s a bold move, to be sure, but it\u2019s one direction I\u2019m glad Apple took. Given that the Dynamic Island is \nalready being copied\n, it\u2019s clearly a feature others will replicate.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have a feature that\u2019s finally available on an iPhone: an always-on display. But Apple\u2019s implementation is quite different than other phone maker\u2019s \u2013 when the always-on display is activated on the iPhone 14 Pro, it\u2019s essentially a dimmed lock screen.\n\n\nThat\u2019s not all, of course. To further conserve battery life, the display\u2019s refresh rate in always-on mode is also reduced to only 1Hz. But because the iPhone 14 Pro\u2019s always-on display looks a little too\u2026on, I thought I forgot to lock the phone in the first few days of use.\n\n\n\n\nYes, that\u2019s the always-on display\n\n\n\n\nBut I did get accustomed to the always-on display of the iPhone 14 Pro quite quickly, and I love how functional it is; I can see all of my notifications at a glance instead of just icons. While the always-on display does impact battery life, it\u2019s a worth trade-off for the sheer utility of the feature.\n\n\nSo how is the battery life of the iPhone 14 Pro? Pretty darn good! This is especially the case for a phone as compact as this. On average, I can get about five hours of screen on time with the 14 Pro out of the 3,200mAh battery, and this is with the always-on display enabled to boot.\n\n\nThroughout the review period, I had no issue at all getting through a typical workday with the iPhone 14 Pro. It can certainly deliver the \u201call-day battery life\u201d promised by Apple.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDisplay quality of the iPhone 14 Pro is noticeably better than last year\u2019s iPhone too. Thanks to its higher (and very impressive) 2,000 nits outdoor peak brightness, the 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel is clearly more legible under bright sunlight.\n\n\nThis being an OLED screen, it\u2019s a joy to stream my favourite TV series with the iPhone 14 Pro; the panel\u2019s bright, vibrant colours with deep, true blacks make for a very enjoyable viewing experience. Even though the 6.1-inch display may be a tad too small for some folks, I find it to be perfectly adequate.\n\n\nOh, the iPhone 14 Pro\u2019s display has ProMotion technology too, which offers up to 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Needless to say, every animation on the screen looks extra smooth with the high refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThat brings us to gaming on the iPhone 14 Pro, and playing mobile games like \nGenshin Impact\n on the iPhone 14 Pro\u2019s 120Hz display is \nincredibly\n fun. It\u2019s worth noting that only Apple devices with ProMotion technology can play Genshin Impact at 120fps; even a powerful gaming PC don\u2019t have the option to run the game at this frame rate.\n\n\nHowever, can the iPhone 14 Pro sustain the 120fps frame rate in Genshin Impact? Even with only 6GB of RAM? Absolutely. After all, the Apple A16 Bionic chip brings superior CPU and GPU performance over the A15, which was (and still is) a very fast processor to begin with. I\u2019d even go as far to say that the A16 chip is the fastest mobile chip in the market now, especially against the best of Qualcomm or MediaTek.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the camera performance of the iPhone 14 Pro. I\u2019ll say this out of the gate: the 14 Pro has a better camera system than its predecessor. The new and improved triple camera system (48MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide + 12MP telephoto lens) can take great-looking shots regardless of lighting situation.\n\n\nThis is especially true for the iPhone 14 Pro\u2019s 48MP primary camera, which now uses pixel binning to further improve image quality; it also reduces the image to 12MP. There\u2019s even an option for 2x zoom now that crops a 12MP image from the main 48MP sensor. This (essentially) adds another dedicated focal length to the phone\u2019s camera.\n\n\nAnyway, judge for yourself the camera performance of the iPhone 14 Pro with the sample images below:\n\n\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n48MP primary\n\n\n48MP primary (2x zoom)\n\n\n12MP telephoto (3x zoom)\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n48MP primary\n\n\n48MP primary (2x zoom)\n\n\n12MP telephoto (3x zoom)\n\n\n48MP primary\n\n\n12MP telephoto (3x zoom)\n\n\n48MP primary\n\n\n48MP primary\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide (macro mode)\n\n\n48MP primary\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s no doubt I have a lot of positive things to say about the iPhone 14 Pro, but it does have its fair share of shortcomings, which I\u2019ll get to in the following section.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nI love how refined and functional the iPhone 14 Pro\u2019s Dynamic Island is, but I don\u2019t love how it gets in the way of certain content. It\u2019s fine when I\u2019m watching a regular 16:9 video, but for content that are in a different aspect ratio (such as \nNextrift\u2019s videos\n), the notch will block off a part of it.\n\n\nThere\u2019s also the minimum focus distance of the iPhone 14 Pro\u2019s new 48MP primary camera, which is noticeably further away from last year\u2019s iPhone. As a result, I can\u2019t get tighter close-up shots with the 14 Pro. The macro mode and 2x zoom options do alleviate this issue, but the image quality would not be as good as the main 48MP primary camera.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut the main shortcoming of the iPhone 14 Pro is\u2026well, its asking price. Retailing from RM5,299, it is a costly phone, and that kind of money only gets you the 128GB model. If you want the more practical 256GB or 512GB variants, it\u2019ll set you back RM5,799 and RM6,799 respectively.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIn my opinion, yes! There\u2019s no denying that the iPhone 14 Pro costs a pretty penny, but there\u2019s also no denying that this is a refined, high-end (and compact) smartphone through and through. It has a sophisticated, capable camera system, blazing fast performance, and the unique Dynamic Island notch.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPlus, there are methods to offset the high asking price of the iPhone 14 Pro, such as getting it from your favourite telco. It\u2019s worth noting that iPhones hold their values very well over the years too, and that is a plus point in my book.\n\n\nThe iPhone 14 Pro is also a compact flagship smartphone without compromise \u2013 this alone makes it a phone worth getting, and why it gets the\u00a0\nNextrift Recommends\n\u00a0badge. We award this to products that are, well, worth recommending.\n\n\nNextrift Recommends is our way of endorsing products for their unique appeal and refinement. In the case of the iPhone 14 Pro, it gets this badge for its complete feature set as a premium, high-end compact smartphone that\u2019s worth every penny.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-watch-ultra-series-8-se-registered-with-sirim-arriving-in-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8 & SE Registered With SIRIM \u2013 Arriving in Malaysia Soon?", "body": "\n\nIt appears Apple is working to launch its latest smartwatches in Malaysia very soon. The\n Apple Watch Ultra\n, \nSeries 8\n, and the new SE have just been registered with local certification body SIRIM, which suggests that the three smartwatches will be available on our shores in the near future.\n\n\nThe Apple Watch Ultra was actually registered with SIRIM last week on 30 September. The Series 8 and SE, on the other hand, just appeared in the certification body\u2019s database today on 4 October. Aside from that, the Apple Watch dock and charger have also been registered with SIRIM.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll electronics officially sold in Malaysia have to go through SIRIM first, so chances are, Apple\u2019s latest smartwatches will be available for purchase on our shores very soon. Right now, only the retail prices of the three products have been unveiled for the Malaysian market.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the new Apple Watch SE is the most affordable model with a RM1,199 starting price in Malaysia. The Apple Watch Series 8, on the other hand, retails from RM1,899. As for the range-topping Apple Watch Ultra, it goes for RM3,799.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-app-store-price-increase-effective-today-in-malaysia-genshin-impact-affected/", "title": "Apple App Store Price Increase Effective Today in Malaysia \u2013 Genshin Impact Affected", "body": "\n\nThe Apple App Store \nwill see a price increase\n in several markets from today onwards. These include territories that use the euro currency, Japan, South Korea, and even here in Malaysia \u2013 the price increase will affect both apps and in-app purchases on the App Store.\n\n\nAccording to Apple, the App Store price increase will go into effect as early as today, so it may take some time for developers to implement the change. Hoyoverse, for one, \nalready confirmed the price increase\n for \nGenshin Impact\n, though the developer mentioned that the in-game store may not reflect the new prices yet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith that in mind, the new prices for Genshin Impact\u2019s in-app purchases on the App Store for the Malaysian market have not been revealed yet. We checked the price of the Blessing of the Welkin Moon, for example, which is still RM19.90 at the moment. We even purchased it to make sure we\u2019re paying the price displayed.\n\n\nWhile it is unfortunate the Apple App Store sees a price increase in Malaysia, it\u2019s likely caused by the weakening Ringgit. Nonetheless, in the case of Genshin Impact, at least other platforms do not see a price hike \u2013 not yet, at least.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-sold-14872-cars-in-september-2022-over-4517-proton-x50-delivered/", "title": "Proton Sold 14,872 Cars in September 2022 \u2013 Over 4,517 Proton X50 Delivered", "body": "\n\nProton\u2019s sales performance in September 2022 continues to record high numbers. The national carmaker registered over 14,872 units last month, which is just 1,008 units less than its \nimpressive August 2022 sale\n.\n\n\nOf that amount, 4,517 units were the \nextremely popular X50\n, though it is not Proton\u2019s best-selling model in September 2022. As usual, that honour goes to the Saga with over 6,442 units delivered. It\u2019s worth noting that this is the A-segment sedan\u2019s highest monthly sales since October 2013.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the X70 continues to lead the C-segment SUV market with 1,730 units sold. This is followed by the Persona (1,159), Iriz (606), and of course, the Exora with 418 units sold, retaining its position as the C-segment MPV leader.\n\n\n\u201cProton\u2019s Q3 performance was our best quarter of the year, coming in with 42,229 units for the previous three months. This was made possible by a combination of stability in our production numbers as well as the continued strong appeal of our models, especially for the 2022 Saga and X50, said the deputy CEO of Proton, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n\n\u201cTherefore, despite the poor start to the year, we are confident of achieving a fourth consecutive year of double-digit sales growth,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that Proton has crossed the 100,000 units sales mark in the first three quarters of 2022, which is two months earlier than 2021. With over 102,353 units sold so far, it\u2019s possible the national carmaker can reach its 150,000 sales target for the year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/airpods-pro-2nd-gen-available-in-malaysia-soon-appears-in-sirim-database/", "title": "AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) Available in Malaysia Soon \u2013 Appears in SIRIM Database", "body": "\n\nYesterday, we spotted the \nApple Watch Ultra, Series 8, and SE\n in SIRIM\u2019s database. This time around, we got yet Another Apple product: the \n2nd generation AirPods Pro\n has just been registered with SIRIM, so there\u2019s a good chance the wireless earbuds will be sold here very soon.\n\n\nThere are actually three different model numbers for the new AirPods Pro in SIRIM\u2019s database. The charging case itself carries the model number A2700, while the left and right buds of the AirPods Pro are labelled A2699 and A2698 respectively, as shown in the SIRIM certifications below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the 2nd gen AirPods Pro comes with a slew of improvements. For one, it\u2019s said to have better active noise cancellation with \u201cup to double the noise-cancelling power\u201d of the original AirPods Pro, thanks to the new H2 chip.\n\n\nBattery life of the new AirPods Pro has also been improved by 1.5 hours for a total of up to six hours of use with ANC activated. With the charging case, users can get up to 30 hours of total listening time. Aside from that, the wireless earbuds finally add volume and media controls to the stem.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2nd generation AirPods Pro is\u00a0\npriced at RM1,099\n\u00a0for the Malaysian market, though there\u2019s no word yet on exactly when it will be available for purchase on our shores. But now that it has been registered with SIRIM already, we reckon the new AirPods Pro will be sold here very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/6-12-october-fuel-price-ron-97-down-5-sen-now-rm3-95-per-litre/", "title": "6 \u2013 12 October Fuel Price: RON 97 Down 5 Sen, Now RM3.95 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 continues to go down this week! The price of the premium fuel is set to be cheaper by 5 sen this midnight, while the prices of RON 95 and diesel are all maintained, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 is now set at RM3.95 per litre (down from RM4.00) for the next seven days. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 6 to 12 October 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-12t-12t-pro-with-200mp-camera-lands-in-malaysia-from-rm1999/", "title": "Xiaomi 12T & 12T Pro With 200MP Camera Lands in Malaysia From RM1,999", "body": "\n\nXiaomi just launched its latest smartphones in Malaysia, the Xiaomi 12T and Xiaomi 12T Pro. Naturally, the latter is the more exciting device; after all, it\u2019s touted by Xiaomi to be the first smartphone on our shores with a 200MP camera.\n\n\nBefore we get to the 12T Pro\u2019s camera\u2019s specifications, let\u2019s talk prices first. The standard 12T (8GB + 256GB) is the more affordable device of the two with a RM1,999 price tag, while the higher-end 12T Pro costs RM2,699 and RM2,999 for the 8GB + 256GB and 12GB + 256GB models respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow let\u2019s talk about the 12T Pro\u2019s camera. The primary sensor is a 200MP shooter, which is touted as an industry-leading smartphone camera resolution that allows users to \u201ccapture crystal-clear photos with fine details at any moment.\u201d Complementing that camera is an 8MP ultra-wide angle lens and a 2MP macro shooter.\n\n\nOther specifications of the 12T Pro include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, a 6.67-inch 2712 x 1220 AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 20MP selfie camera, a generous 5,000mAh battery with 120W fast charging, and MIUI 13 based on Android 12.\n\n\nAs for the regular 12T, it shares largely the same hardware as the Pro model, though it does have some distinct differences. Instead of a Qualcomm chip, the 12T is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8100-Ultra chipset. It doesn\u2019t have the 12T Pro\u2019s 200MP camera either \u2013 it features a more modest 108MP main shooter instead.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBoth the Xiaomi 12T and Xiaomi 12T Pro are available for pre-order in Malaysia right now through \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n from RM1,999 and RM2,699 respectively. Those who place their pre-orders by 12 October will also get freebies worth up to RM1,236, including a Mi Watch (worth RM469).\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-iphone-14-plus-hands-on-the-pro-max-on-a-budget/", "title": "Apple iPhone 14 Plus Hands-on: The Pro Max on a Budget", "body": "\n\nWhile the \niPhone 14 Pro\n was the highlight of Apple\u2019s September launch event with its neat new features \u2013 the shape-shifting Dynamic Island notch and revamped camera system, for example \u2013 the iPhone 14 Plus is quite interesting in its own right too. In a way, it is basically an iPhone Pro Max on a budget.\n\n\nYes, it doesn\u2019t get the iPhone 14 Pro Max\u2019s smooth 120Hz display or the new Apple A16 Bionic chip, but what the iPhone 14 Plus does get is the same 6.7-inch display and \neven better\n battery life\u2026for less money. If you\u2019ve been waiting for an iPhone with a large screen and excellent battery life without spending top dollar, the 14 Plus could just be for you.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about the chip powering the iPhone 14 Plus. Unlike the iPhone 14 Pro, the 14 Plus features last year\u2019s Apple A15 Bionic chip, but this is the actually the same one found in the \niPhone 13 Pro models\n with a 5-core GPU. In comparison, the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini\u2019s A15 Bionic had a 4-core GPU instead.\n\n\nWith that in mind, this \nis\n technically an upgrade for the more affordable iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus. If you do a lot of mobile gaming, you\u2019ll definitely appreciate the faster GPU. Naturally, it can run \nGenshin Impact\n very well at 60fps with maxed out graphics settings \u2013 something that many flagship Android devices struggle to replicate.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhy only 60fps? Well, the iPhone 14 Plus doesn\u2019t have the Pro\u2019s ProMotion technology, so the refresh rate of its 6.7-inch 2778 x 1284 Super Retina XDR OLED display is limited to 60Hz. Of course, this refresh rate can still provide a smooth gaming experience.\n\n\nHowever, if you\u2019re coming from a phone with a higher refresh rate than 60Hz, you will notice that animations are not as smooth while navigating through the phone\u2019s user interface. There is one benefit to this though: lower power consumption.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter all, the iPhone 14 Plus is said to offer \u201cthe best battery life ever\u201d on an iPhone. Thanks to the 60Hz OLED panel and large 4,325mAh battery \u2013 as reported by \nMacRumors\n \u2013 I\u2019m inclined to take Apple\u2019s word for it. I\u2019ve been using the 14 Plus for a few days now, and it \ndoes\n feel like a very long-lasting phone.\n\n\nComing back to the display, there\u2019s no denying that the iPhone 14 Plus\u2019 6.7-inch OLED panel is one of its best qualities, especially for folks who have waited for the Pro Max\u2019s large screen to trickle down to the more affordable standard iPhone. Not only does the expansive display make for a more enjoyable gaming experience, it can also show more content of an email or webpage.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDespite its large dimensions, the iPhone 14 Plus is surprisingly lightweight! It tips the scales at only 203g, making it 3g lighter than even the smaller \niPhone 14 Pro\n. Though one-handed use with this big phone can be quite challenging, it does not feel unwieldy at all.\n\n\nAnd then we have the camera performance of the iPhone 14 Plus. Though it\u2019s still a dual camera setup \u2013 no telephoto lens here \u2013 the 12MP primary and 12MP ultra-wide angle shooters have been improved to deliver better results in low light conditions.\n\n\nI took some nighttime shots with the 14 Plus to see how it would fare, and the results do look promising. I\u2019ll definitely put the new dual camera system through its paces in the full review.\n\n\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n\n\nAll things considered, the iPhone 14 Plus is quite an exciting entry to the 2022 iPhone lineup. It has the large display of the Pro Max iPhones, \nexcellent\n battery life (so far), a new and improved camera array, and of course, fast performance out of the A15 Bionic chip. Even if this is last year\u2019s processor, it is still a very, very capable chip that is \nstill\n unmatched by the Android competition.\n\n\nHowever, retailing from RM4,699, the iPhone 14 Plus is not affordable either. Besides that, you\u2019re only getting the 128GB variant of the phone for that kind of money; the 256GB and 512GB models are priced at RM5,199 and RM6,199 respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, as far as first impression go, I definitely see the appeal of the iPhone 14 Plus. It is costly, yes, but you\u2019re also getting a complete phone with a large display for that kind of money. I won\u2019t quite say it is worth the money just yet \u2013 that\u2019s best left for the full review \u2013 but I will say it I\u2019m enjoying using the phone as my daily driver so far.\n\n\nThe iPhone 14 Plus will hit store shelves in Malaysia tomorrow on 7 October. If you\u2019re keen to get it, you can check out the 14 Plus in person at your favourite retailer then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-mymk-keebmunity-meetup-2022-singakbd-monokei-axiom-more/", "title": "Video: MYMK Keebmunity Meetup 2022 \u2013 SINGAKBD, Monokei, Axiom & More!", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe MYMK Keebmunity Meetup 2022 last weekend was \nfilled\n with a ton of custom keyboards and the local keyboard community alike. If you didn\u2019t manage to come to the gathering \u2013 or you want to see if your keyboard was featured \u2013 here\u2019s what went down at Malaysia\u2019s first major keyboard meetup!\n\n\nIn the video above, we checked out the booth of well-known vendors and keyboard designers, including SINGAKBD, Axiom Studios, Monokei, Rebult Keyboards, and even our good friends from Singapore, Mecha Store. Get this: Mecha is actually coming to Malaysia by the end of the year.\n\n\nHopefully, there will be another major keyboard meetup like this in 2023. Evidently, our local keyboard community is quite big, to the point that the max occupancy of the venue was actually reached. Don\u2019t forget to check our \nphoto essay of the keyboard meetup\n as well!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/pixel-7-pixel-7-pro-official-google-tensor-g2-brighter-oled-display-same-prices/", "title": "Pixel 7 & Pixel 7 Pro Official: Google Tensor G2, Brighter OLED Display, Same Prices", "body": "\n\nGoogle finally unveiled its latest smartphones, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. The biggest change with these two phones is the new Google Tensor G2 processor, which (naturally) offers faster performance and a slew of new software features. On top of that, both phones see no price change either.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the Pixel 7 retains its $599 (about RM2,775) starting price, while the higher-end Pixel 7 Pro still retails from $899 (approximately RM4,165). However, given the weakening Ringgit \u2013 especially against the US dollar \u2013 expect to pay more for these two phones once importers bring them into Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, for the (technically) same amount of money, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are now powered by the new Tensor G2 processor. Though Google did not explicitly reveal key details of the chip, \nXDA Developers\u2019 report\n shows that the Tensor G2 does feature faster CPU and GPU, which should translate to better performance.\n\n\nBeyond raw performance improvement, the Tensor G2 also enables a couple of new features on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, including Photo Unblur. Using machine learning, the two phones can sharpen blurry images through Google Photos. Of course, this feature is exclusive to the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeing the more premium offering, the Pixel 7 Pro does come with higher-end hardware. These include a 6.7-inch 1440p LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1,500 nits, 12GB of RAM, three storage options (128GB, 256GB, 512GB), a triple camera system (50MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide + 48MP telephoto), a 10.8MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\nAs for the more affordable Pixel 7, it has a more modest 6.3-inch 1080p OLED panel with a 90Hz refresh rate and 1,400 nits peak brightness, 8GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, a dual camera system (50MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide), a 10.8MP selfie camera, and a 4,355mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are now available for pre-order in selected markets, including the US, Canada, Australia, and Singapore. As per usual, it\u2019s unlikely these new Pixel phones will be available in Malaysia officially, though you can be sure parallel importers will offer the devices here one way or another.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-14-plus-now-available-in-malaysia-from-rm4699/", "title": "iPhone 14 Plus Now Available in Malaysia From RM4,699", "body": "\n\nThe last of the iPhone 14 series is now available for purchase in Malaysia! Unlike the other three iPhones in the series, the \niPhone 14 Plus\n is released slightly later, and it brings with it a large display and \u201cthe best battery life ever\u201d on an iPhone, as touted by the Cupertino company itself.\n\n\nTo recap, the iPhone 14 Plus starts at RM4,699 for the base 128GB model, going up to RM5,199 for the 256GB version. If you want the 512GB variant instead, it will set you back a cool RM6,199. Five colour options are available: Blue, Purple (the model you see here), Midnight, Starlight, and of course, Product Red.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can purchase the iPhone 14 Plus on\u00a0\nApple\u2019s Malaysian\n\u00a0\nonline store\n\u00a0right now. Of course, you can also get the shiny new iPhone from other outlets, including\u00a0\nShopee\n,\u00a0\nLazada\n, and Apple Premium Resellers nationwide.\n\n\nWant to learn more about the iPhone 14 Plus? Then check out our hands-on of the phone \nright here\n. If you\u2019ve always wanted an iPhone with a large display and excellent battery life without spending top dollar, the 14 Plus could just be the right option for you.\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/airpods-pro-2nd-gen-now-in-malaysia-for-rm1099/", "title": "AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) Now in Malaysia For RM1,099", "body": "\n\nWe spotted the 2nd generation AirPods Pro \nin SIRIM\u2019s database\n just a couple of days ago, suggesting that the wireless earbuds will be available in Malaysia soon. Well, you can now purchase the new AirPods Pro on our shores!\n\n\nAs previously revealed, the upgraded AirPods Pro retails at RM1,099 for the Malaysian market. Compared to its predecessor, the new earbuds come with a slew of improvements. For one, it\u2019s said to have better active noise cancellation with \u201cup to double the noise-cancelling power\u201d of the original AirPods Pro, thanks to the new H2 chip.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBattery life of the new AirPods Pro has also been improved by 1.5 hours for a total of up to six hours of use with ANC activated. With the charging case, users can get up to 30 hours of total listening time. Aside from that, the wireless earbuds finally add volume and media controls to the stem.\n\n\nThe 2nd generation AirPods Pro is now available for purchase on \nApple\u2019s Malaysian online store\n. It will ship as early as next week, though it will take longer if you want to add an engraving.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/you-can-now-order-the-apple-watch-ultra-series-8-se-in-malaysia-ultra-shipping-later/", "title": "You Can Now Order the Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8 & SE in Malaysia \u2013 Ultra Shipping Later", "body": "\n\nApple just opened orders for a slew of its products in Malaysia today! Aside from the iPhone 14 Plus and 2nd generation AirPods Pro, the Cupertino company is now taking orders of its latest smartwatches too, including the Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8, and SE.\n\n\nPricing wise, the new Apple Watch SE is the most affordable model with a RM1,199 starting price in Malaysia. The Apple Watch Series 8, on the other hand, retails from RM1,899. As for the range-topping Apple Watch Ultra, it goes for RM3,799.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBoth the Apple Watch SE and Series 8 will ship within one business day, so you won\u2019t have to wait particularly long to get either smartwatches. As for the range-topping Watch Ultra, it will be delivered within two to three weeks; quite a bit later than the more affordable models.\n\n\nNonetheless, you can now place your order of the Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8, and SE from \nApple\u2019s Malaysian online store\n. Given that the latter two are shipping quite fast, there\u2019s a good chance physical retail stores will have the Series 8 and SE watches on display as well.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-ford-ranger-raptor-now-in-malaysia-3-0l-twin-turbo-v6-engine-397ps-583nm-rm260k/", "title": "2022 Ford Ranger Raptor Now in Malaysia \u2013 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 Engine, 397PS/583Nm, RM260k", "body": "\n\nFord\u2019s Malaysian distributor, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), launched the 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor in Malaysia. Touted as the most advanced Ranger ever, the Raptor for our market features a 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 petrol engine that outputs a whopping 397PS and 583Nm of torque.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Ranger Raptor is offered in Malaysia, and it starts at a cool RM259,888. This price is on-the-road without insurance for Peninsular Malaysia; it\u2019s priced from RM263,388 in East Malaysia. Five colours are available: Code Orange, Absolute Black, Arctic White, Blue Lightning, and Conquer Grey.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the new Ranger Raptor\u2019s powerful engine is paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. There\u2019s also a \u201cBaja\u201d mode that keeps the engine\u2019s turbochargers spinning for up to three seconds after backing off the throttle for faster resumption of acceleration.\n\n\nOf course, the next-gen Ranger Raptor has a 4\u00d74 electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) system too. Drivers can switch between four settings: 2WD, 4WD Auto, 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW. Aside from that. there are seven drive modes as well, including the aforementioned Baja, Normal, Sport, Slippery, Rock Crawl, Sand, and Mud/Ruts.\n\n\nOh, switching to these different drive modes will also adjust multiple elements of the Raptor. These include engine, transmission, ABS sensitivity and calibration, traction and stability controls, exhaust valve actuation, steering, throttle response, as well as the instrument cluster and centre touchscreen.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor is now available for booking in Malaysia from RM259,888. It comes with a five-year or 160,000km warranty, whichever comes first. Customers can also opt for a two-year extended warranty with PremiumCare for a wider range of coverages.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/budget-2023-epemula-2023-returns-rm100-for-m40-rm200-for-students-youths/", "title": "Budget 2023: ePemula 2023 Returns \u2013 RM100 for M40, RM200 for Students & Youths", "body": "\n\nThe government\u2019s ePemula cashless transaction scheme is returning in 2023! This was revealed in the tabling of Budget 2023: those in the M40 income group will receive RM100, while students and youths will get RM200.\n\n\nPreviously, only students and youths were eligible for the ePemula programme, so it\u2019s quite neat that those in the M40 income group can also benefit from the scheme. It\u2019s worth noting that for ePemula 2022, youths and students were given RM150, so it\u2019s a RM50 increase for next year\u2019s initiative.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt remains to be seen when the ePemula 2023 programme will begin, though we reckon more details will be revealed in the near future. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if the government will engage with the same ewallet services, which included ShopeePay, Touch \u2018n Go eWallet, BigPay, and GrabPay.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/budget-2023-import-excise-duties-exemption-on-evs-in-malaysia-extended-to-31-december-2024/", "title": "Budget 2023: Import & Excise Duties Exemption on EVs in Malaysia Extended to 31 December 2024", "body": "\n\nGreat news for folks who are planning to get an electric vehicle (EV) in the near future. As announced by the government at Budget 2023, the import and excise duties exemption on fully imported (CBU) EVs in Malaysia are extended to 31 December 2024.\n\n\nWhen the initiative was first announced, the exemption was only valid until 31 December 2023, so this is a year\u2019s worth of extension. Thanks to this, EVs in Malaysia should remain affordable until the end of 2024, which should bolster EV adoption on our shores.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThat also means the highly anticipated \nSmart #1\n electric SUV that will be brought into Malaysia by Proton Edar can enjoy over a year of tax-free prices; the EV is set to arrive here in early Q4 2023 next year. Approved Permit (AP) fees for importing EVs to our shores will be waived until the end of 2023 as well, so there\u2019s a chance we\u2019ll see even more EVs locally next year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/budget-2023-dnb-expanding-5g-coverage-to-70-of-highly-populated-areas-in-malaysia-for-rm1-3-billion/", "title": "Budget 2023: DNB Expanding 5G Coverage to 70% of \u201cHighly Populated Areas\u201d in Malaysia for RM1.3 Billion", "body": "\n\n5G rollout in Malaysia could certainly be better, but things could change come 2023 next year. At Malaysia\u2019s Budget 2023 announcement, the government revealed that it is planning to achieve 70% 5G coverage in \u201chighly populated areas.\u201d\n\n\nThe 5G expansion in Malaysia, of course, will be handled by DNB. The initiative will take up RM1.3 billion, and the 70% coverage looks to be achieved in 2023 itself. No specifics as to what the \u201chighly populated areas\u201d entail, unfortunately enough.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, here\u2019s hoping 5G networks will be more widely available in Malaysia next year with this initiative. Maybe we can finally make use of our phones\u2019 5G capability then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/budget-2023-gentari-to-add-500-ev-chargers-in-malaysia-by-2024-tnb-also-investing-rm165-million/", "title": "Budget 2023: GENTARI to Add 500 EV Chargers in Malaysia by 2024; TNB Also Investing RM165 Million", "body": "\n\nThe government\u2019s push for electric vehicle (EV) adoption can clearly be seen at the tabling of Budget 2023. Not only are import and excise duties exemption on EVs \nextended until the end of 2024\n, more EV charging stations will be added nationwide in the coming years.\n\n\nGENTARI, a subsidiary of Petronas that focuses on clean energy, will be adding as many as 500 EV chargers throughout Malaysia by 2024. Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) also announced a similar initiative: the company will invest RM165 million to develop the local EV charging infrastructure until 2025.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith more EV charging stations throughout Malaysia, we reckon consumers will be more willing to purchase EVs instead of more \u201ctraditional\u201d ICE cars. On top of that, EVs in Malaysia will be \ntax-free until the end of 2024\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/compact-sony-xperia-5-iv-pre-orders-open-in-malaysia-for-rm4899-snapdragon-8-gen-1-120hz-oled/", "title": "Compact Sony Xperia 5 IV Pre-orders Open in Malaysia for RM4,899 \u2013 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 120Hz OLED", "body": "\n\nSony\u2019s latest compact flagship smartphone, the Sony Xperia 5 IV, is \nnow available for pre-order in Malaysia\n. Not only is it a pocketable smartphone, it\u2019s also quite a bit more affordable than its larger sibling (\nXperia 1 IV\n) while improving upon \nits predecessor\n.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Xperia 5 IV is offered in Malaysia. Sporting 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, the premium phone is priced at RM4,899. To sweeten the deal, those who pre-order the device by 24 October will receive a \nSony LinkBuds S\n (worth RM929) and a RM50 TNG credit.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardware wise, the Xperia 5 IV got a number of upgrades over last year\u2019s model, though it\u2019s not powered by the latest chipset. Instead, it features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC, along with a larger 5,000mAh battery; that\u2019s a 500mAh improvement over the Xperia 5 III.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xperia 5 IV include a 6.1-inch 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (12MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle + 12MP telephoto), a 12MP selfie camera, IP65/IP68 dust and water resistance, as well as Android 12 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Sony Xperia 5 IV is \nnow available for pre-order in Malaysia\n until 24 October for RM4,899. To recap, every pre-order of the compact flagship phone will be bundled with a \nSony LinkBuds S\n (worth RM929) and a RM50 TNG credit.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-nilou-albedo-banners-arrive-14-october-with-beidou-xiangliang-barbara/", "title": "Genshin Impact Nilou & Albedo Banners Arrive 14 October With Beidou, Xiangliang, Barbara", "body": "\n\nNilou\u2019s and Albedo\u2019s banners will be available in \nGenshin Impact\n this Friday! Set to arrive on 14 October, the event wish for these two 5-star characters will be accompanied by Beidou, Xiangling, and Barbara.\n\n\nIn line with \nprevious Genshin Impact\n \ndouble banners\n, Nilou and Albedo both share the same roster of 4-star characters despite the fact that they\u2019re featured in separate event wishes. Of course, pity is also shared between the two banners, and the wish guarantee count\u00a0\nwill\n\u00a0carry over to future character banners too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJust like Genshin Impact\u2019s\u00a0\nprevious character\n\u00a0\nevent wishes\n, the \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Nilou, Albedo, Beidou, Xiangling, and Barbara will be increased. In the case of Nilou and Albedo, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be either of them, depending on which banner you\u2019re wishing. If you got a different character, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be them.\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s pity system for character banners ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character every 90 wishes, you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Nilou or Albedo. The same rule applies to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Beidou, Xiangling, or Barbara. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will likely have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNilou\u2019s \u201cTwirling Lotus\u201d and Albedo\u2019s \u201cSecretum Secretorum\u201d event wishes will be available in Genshin Impact on 14 October 2022. Their banners will be offered until 1 November, and we can expect \nNahida\u2019s and Layla\u2019s event wishes\n to be available once the Version 3.2 update is released on 2 November.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-6d-ultimate-arriving-in-malaysia-soon-registered-with-sirim/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 6D Ultimate Arriving in Malaysia Soon \u2013 Registered With SIRIM", "body": "\n\nJust last month, Asus unveiled two new gaming smartphones, the \nAsus ROG Phone 6D and 6D Ultimate\n. These two phones are essentially the MediaTek version of the previously released \nROG Phone 6\n series, and the Ultimate model should be arriving in Malaysia very soon.\n\n\nIn our routine search through SIRIM\u2019s database, we spotted the ROG Phone 6D Ultimate; it was registered under Dynamics Distribution on 6 October last week. All electronics have to be certified by SIRIM first before they can be officially sold in Malaysia, so chances are, Asus Malaysia will sell the new gaming phone here soon.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile the ROG Phone 6D Ultimate is similar to the \nROG Phone 6 Pro\n with an ROG Vision coloured PMOLED display on the back panel, it also has an AeroActive Portal. This \u201cdoor\u201d opens up when the phone is connected to the AeroActive Cooler 6, improving thermal efficiency by up to 20%. This should translate to better sustained performance.\n\n\nOne other new hardware of the ROG Phone 6D and 6D Ultimate is the MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ chipset, which is said to deliver 10% faster performance compared to the standard Dimensity 9000. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how this chip compares to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip found in the regular ROG Phone 6.\n\n\nOther specifications of the ROG Phone 6D and 6D Ultimate include a\u00a06.78-inch 1080p 165Hz AMOLED display, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide + 5MP macro), a 12MP selfie camera, and a generous 6,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt remains to be seen exactly when the Asus ROG Phone 6D and 6D Ultimate will arrive in Malaysia, but given that the latter has already been registered with SIRIM, we reckon Asus Malaysia will reveal the local pricing and availability of the two phones very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-4-how-much-better-is-the-battery-life/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 \u2013 How Much Better Is the Battery Life?", "body": "\n\nOne of the biggest upgrades the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 4\n received is\u2026well, a bigger battery capacity. Thanks to its more generous 3,700mAh battery, the battery life of the foldable flip phone sees a notable improvement compared to its predecessor.\n\n\nThere\u2019s no denying that battery life plays a big part in the overall user experience of any given smartphone; it doesn\u2019t matter how fast or sleek a phone is if it can\u2019t provide good enough battery life. So with that in mind, how much better is the battery life of the Z Flip 4 now? Let\u2019s find out.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast year\u2019s \nGalaxy Z Flip 3\n had a 3,300mAh battery, and in our review, we managed to get about four hours of screen on time with it. While this is just enough to get a day\u2019s worth of use, it does struggle to last through the day if we throw in a couple sessions of gaming.\n\n\nIn contrast, the Galaxy Z Flip 4\u2019s 3,700mAh battery \u2013 a 400mAh improvement over its predecessor \u2013 did manage to us get between four to five hours of screen on time. That extra hour may not sound like much, but it does go a long way in improving the overall user experience of the Flip 4.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also impressive that the Z Flip 4 can deliver this level of battery life in a compact chassis and unique foldable form factor.\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3\u2019s battery life\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4\u2019s battery life; much improved\n\n\n\n\nPreviously, if we were to, say, play \nGenshin Impact\n on the Z Flip 3 an hour or so over the course of a typical day, it\u2019s quite a challenge to get through the end of the day with enough battery left. But if we were to repeat the same usage pattern with the Z Flip 4, it\u2019s definitely not as difficult to get a day of use out of it.\n\n\nBeyond battery life, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 also delivers a slew of upgrades across the board. These include a faster Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, an improved 12MP primary camera, and a slightly reworked design that is more ergonomically-friendly (flatter sides) with an improved hinge.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, check out \nour full review of the foldable flip phone\n. Even though its RM4,099 starting price is slightly higher than last year\u2019s Flip 3 at launch, the upgrades you\u2019re getting do justify the price difference, in our opinion.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/bytedances-pico-4-vr-headset-now-in-malaysia-for-rm1699-early-birds-get-rm100-discount/", "title": "ByteDance\u2019s Pico 4 VR Headset Now in Malaysia for RM1,699 \u2013 Early Birds Get RM100 Discount", "body": "\n\nYou may have not heard of Pico before, but there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019re familiar with ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok. ByteDance acquired Pico last year, and the Pico 4 is the brand\u2019s newest virtual reality headset \u2013 it\u2019s quite affordable too.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Pico 4 are offered in Malaysia. The base model with 128GB of storage is priced at RM1,699, while the 256GB version costs RM1,999. Those who purchase either variants by 16 October can enjoy a RM100 discount, bringing down the starting price of the VR headset to RM1,599.\n\n\nOh, those who purchase the Pico 4 by 31 January 2023 will also get four VR games for free, including All-in-One Sports VR, Down The Rabbit Hole, OhShape, and After The Fall.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven its (reasonably) affordable price tag, the Pico 4 is ideal for those who are new to standalone VR headsets. Sporting a sharp 4320 x 2160 display \u2013 2160 x 2160 for each eye \u2013 it should be able to offer an immersive VR experience. On top of that, the panel has a refresh rate of up to 90Hz as well.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Pico 4 include a Qualcomm XR2 chipset, 8GB of RAM, a 105-degree field of view, motorised inter-pupillary distance adjustment \u2013 so that different users can get the best viewing experience \u2013 built-in speakers, and a 5,300mAh battery that promises up to three hours of use.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Pico 4 is now available for purchase in Malaysia through \nShopee\n, \nLazada\n, and even \nTikTok Shop\n. The standalone VR headset will start shipping to buyers this Friday on 14 October. If you want to give the Pico 4 a try, you can do so in Sunway Pyramid at the Orange Concourse from 13 to 16 October.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-qwertykeys-qk60-super-quick-review-group-buy-now-live-in-malaysia/", "title": "Video: QwertyKeys QK60 Super Quick Review \u2013 Group Buy Now Live in Malaysia!", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nQwertyKeys is back with another custom keyboard, the QK60. Not only does it sound and feel premium, its value proposition is absolutely insane: the QK60 retails from only RM719, and its group buy is now live in Malaysia!\n\n\nThe Malaysian sale of the QK60 is run by none other than Rebult Keyboards. It\u2019s available in winkey, winkeyless, and HHKB layouts. It can also be configured with an acrylic or aluminium top; while the acrylic option doesn\u2019t sound particularly premium, it does feel look and feel very nice.\n\n\nGroup buy of the QwertyKeys QK60 is \nopen until 25 October\n, and it is an unlimited group buy. It\u2019s estimated to start shipping sometime in February 2023, which is quite fast for a custom keyboard. If you\u2019re keen to get the QK60, watch our super quick review of the custom keyboard in the video above!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/13-19-october-fuel-price-ron-97-remains-at-rm3-95-per-litre/", "title": "13 \u2013 19 October Fuel Price: RON 97 Remains at RM3.95 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAfter steadily going down in price over the past five weeks, the price of RON 97 sees no change this week. Of course, the same applies to RON 95 and diesel, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 is set at RM3.95 per litre for the next seven days. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 13 to 19 October 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-the-sony-wh-1000xm5-with-rm500-discount-now/", "title": "Deal: Get the Sony WH-1000XM5 With RM500 Discount Now", "body": "\n\nA couple of months ago, the \nSony WH-1000XM5\n was offered with a respectable RM400 discount. If you haven\u2019t gotten the wireless headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC) yet, good news: you can now get the WH-100XM5 \nfor only RM1,299\n \u2013 that\u2019s \nRM500 worth of savings\n.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Sony Centre Mid Valley on Shopee, so you know it\u2019s a legitimate deal. At the time of writing, as many as \n94 units of the WH-1000XM5\n are available from the retailer, though only the Black model is available from the listing.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRM1,299\n for a wireless headphones with ANC of this calibre is really quite a good deal. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the Sony WH-1000XM5, read our full review of the headphones \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-honda-civic-ehev-rs-open-for-booking-in-malaysia-2-0l-engine-184ps-315nm-key-card/", "title": "2022 Honda Civic e:HEV RS Open for Booking in Malaysia \u2013 2.0L Engine, 184PS/315Nm, Key Card!", "body": "\n\nNow this is a pleasant surprise: Honda Malaysia just opened bookings for a new Civic variant, and it\u2019s a hybrid! The 2022 Honda Civic e:HEV RS the first Honda model in Malaysia to feature the 2.0L e:HEV powertrain, making it the most powerful Civic FE yet in our local market.\n\n\nSimilar to Honda Malaysia\u2019s previous e:HEV models \u2013 the \nCity RS\n and its \nhatchback sibling\n \u2013 the Civic e:HEV RS\u2019 2.0L direct-injection engine (143PS/189Nm) mainly acts as a generator for the Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) system. It is made up of the engine and an electric motor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt is the electric motor that largely drives the Civic e:HEV RS, which offers a very respectable 184PS and 315Nm of torque, so it is (again) the most powerful Civic FE in Malaysia yet. Of course, at higher speeds \u2013 such as highway cruising \u2013 the petrol engine will be used instead through a lock-up clutch for better efficiency.\n\n\nBeyond a different powertrain, the hybrid Civic FE also has a neat key card system; it is the first Honda model on our shores to feature this. For the most part, the Civic e:HEV mirrors the equipment of the petrol RS model too, though it does have some unique elements.\n\n\nThese include new 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, blue accents on the Honda logos, as well as chrome finishes on the front grille and window line.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Honda Civic e:HEV RS is now available for booking in Malaysia at Honda showrooms nationwide. Alternatively, you can also place a pre-booking online\u00a0\nhere\n or through the HondaTouch app \u2013 you can download the latter from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n\nNaturally, the pricing of the Civic e:HEV RS has not been revealed yet, but expect it to cost more than the petrol RS model, which is currently going for RM150,700.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-honda-civic-over-6000-units-delivered-in-malaysia-so-far/", "title": "2022 Honda Civic \u2013 Over 6,000 Units Delivered in Malaysia So Far", "body": "\n\nBesides opening bookings for the \n2022 Honda Civic e:HEV RS\n, Honda Malaysia also revealed the latest sales performance of the C-segment sedan on our shores. Between January to September 2022, over 6,000 units of the 11th gen Civic have been delivered to customers.\n\n\n\u201cThe 11th generation Civic, which was launched early this year, has been very well-received by Malaysians, having sold more than 6,000 units from January to September 2022,\u201d said the managing director and CEO of Honda Malaysia, Hironobu Yoshimura.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvidently, the Civic FE continues to be a popular choice for those who are looking to get a C-segment sedan. With the introduction of the Civic e:HEV RS model, we reckon it will further bolster the sales of the sedan with its unique (and powerful) hybrid powertrain.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the 2022 Honda Civic e:HEV RS is now available for booking in Malaysia at Honda showrooms nationwide. Alternatively, you can also place a pre-booking online\u00a0\nhere\n\u00a0or through the HondaTouch app \u2013 you can download the latter from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/marvels-spider-man-miles-morales-arrives-on-pc-19-november-for-rm209/", "title": "Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man: Miles Morales Arrives on PC 19 November for RM209", "body": "\n\nMarvel\u2019s Spider-Man: Miles Morales for PC is set to arrive next month on 19 November in Malaysia. Just like \nSpider-Man Remastered for PC\n \u2013 which was released on 12 August \u2013 the PC version of Miles Morales features a wide range of graphical settings and support for the PS5\u2019s DualSense controller.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, PC gamers can enjoy the refined haptics and adaptive triggers of the DualSense controller in Spider-Man: Miles Morales. Given that this was previously only available on the PS5, it\u2019s quite a big deal. However, the DualSense controller has to be in wired mode for the features to work.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, there are also a wide variety of graphical settings for the PC version of Spider-Man: Miles Morales. These include ray-traced reflections, Nvidia DLSS 3 and DLAA, as well as support for a wide variety of display ratios, including 21:9 ultrawide and 32:9 panoramic.\n\n\nPre-orders for Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man: Miles Morales are now open on \nSteam\n and the \nEpic Games Store\n for RM209. Every purchase of the game ahead of its launch on 19 November will come with a number of freebies, including early unlock of two suits (T.R.A.C.K and Into the Spider-Verse), the Gravity Well gadget, and three skill points.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-iphone-14-plus-review-the-new-default-iphone/", "title": "Apple iPhone 14 Plus Review: The New Default iPhone", "body": "\n\nOver the past couple of years, those who are looking to get a non-Pro iPhone were limited to the standard sized iPhone or the smaller iPhone mini. But this year, Apple decided to replace the mini model with the iPhone 14 Plus, which is\u2026well, essentially an iPhone Pro Max on a budget.\n\n\nGranted, it doesn\u2019t have the smooth 120Hz screen or the latest Apple A16 Bionic chip of the 14 Pro Max, but what the iPhone 14 Plus \ndoes\n offer is the big 6.7-inch screen of the former\u2026for less money. There\u2019s also the fact that the 14 Plus offers \nincredibly\n long battery life.\n\n\nThis excellent battery life, combined with its expansive display, make the iPhone 14 Plus the new default iPhone \u2013 in my opinion, anyway.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (2778 x 1284)\nChipset\nApple A15 Bionic (6-core CPU; 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores)\nGPU\nApple A15 Bionic 5-core GPU\nRAM\n6GB\nStorage\n128GB/256GB/512GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n12MP f/1.5, 100% Focus Pixels, sensor-shift OIS\n12MP f/2.4 (ultra-wide)\nCamera (front)\n12MP f/1.9, autofocus with Focus Pixels\nBattery\n4,325mAh\nDimensions\n160.8 x 78.1 x 7.8 mm\nWeight\n203g\nOS\niOS 16\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.3\nWiFi 802.11ax\nLightning port\nPrice\nRM4,699 (128GB), RM5,199 (256GB), RM6,199 (512GB)\n\n\nAt a glance, the iPhone 14 Plus seems quite similar to last year\u2019s iPhone 13, but there are some distinct differences here. Its familiar Apple A15 Bionic chip, for example, is actually the same one found in the\u00a0\niPhone 13 Pro models\n\u00a0with a 5-core GPU instead of the standard iPhone 13\u2019s 4-core GPU.\n\n\nWith that in mind, this is \ntechnically \na chipset upgrade for the iPhone 14 Plus. If you do a lot of mobile gaming, you\u2019ll definitely appreciate the faster GPU. Beyond that, there are also the two main appeals of the 14 Plus: its large 6.7-inch display and \ngenerous 4,325mAh battery\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nIf you want an iPhone with the absolute best battery life, look no further than the iPhone 14 Plus. Throughout the review period, the 14 Plus consistently delivered all-day battery life, no matter what I throw at it. Under heavy use with lots of gaming, navigation, and online meetings, I can easily get between seven to \neight hours of screen on time\n on a single charge.\n\n\nApple said that the iPhone 14 Plus offers \u201cthe best battery life ever\u201d on an iPhone, and I wholeheartedly agree with this. Even when I was using the iPhone 13 Pro Max as my daily driver, I couldn\u2019t quite get this level of battery life, though the 13 Pro Max does have a faster, more power-intensive 120Hz display.\n\n\n\n\n\n\niPhone 14 Plus (left) and iPhone 13 Pro Max\n\n\nboth phones are almost indistinguishable from each other\n\n\n\n\nAlthough the iPhone 14 Plus doesn\u2019t have the 13 Pro Max\u2019s 120Hz display, it does feature the latter\u2019s large 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display. This is quite a compelling selling point, given that if you wanted a screen this big on an iPhone previously, your only option is to get the more expensive Pro Max iPhone.\n\n\nAs for display quality, the iPhone 14 Plus naturally has a pleasant screen to look at. As it is an OLED panel, it offers vibrant colours, deep, true blacks, and wide viewing angles. These qualities, combined with the large size of the display, make it great for both content consumption and gaming.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, it\u2019s no surprise that the iPhone 14 Plus provides a very pleasant gaming experience. I always fire up \nGenshin Impact\n\u00a0to gauge the performance level of any given smartphone, and I\u2019m happy to report that the 14 Plus can run the game very well at 60fps with maxed out graphics settings.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that many, \nmany\n flagship Android devices struggle to replicate this level of performance. Even if the iPhone 14 Plus\u2019 A15 Bionic isn\u2019t the latest chip from Apple, there\u2019s no denying that it is still a very capable processor that competing chips from both Qualcomm and MediaTek can\u2019t quite match now.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the camera performance of the iPhone 14 Plus. Sporting a dual camera system made up of a 12MP primary and 12MP ultra-wide angle shooters \u2013 still no telephoto lens, unfortunately \u2013 both sensors have been improved to deliver better results in low light conditions.\n\n\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThough the low light performance of the 12MP ultra-wide could use some work, the 12MP primary sensor can take great-looking shots no matter the lighting condition. Of course, the camera performance of the 14 Plus isn\u2019t quite in the same league as the \niPhone 14 Pro\n, but it\u2019s still very much a flagship-tier camera system with a very responsive interface.\n\n\nBeyond camera performance, it\u2019s also worth mentioning that the iPhone 14 Plus is a (surprisingly) lightweight phone despite its large dimensions. It tips the scales at only 203g, making it 3g lighter than even the smaller\u00a0iPhone 14 Pro. Though one-handed use with this big phone can be quite challenging, it does not feel unwieldy at all.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAs much as I love the long battery life and large display of the iPhone 14 Plus, it does have a number of shortcomings, such as its lack of ProMotion technology. This limits the display\u2019s refresh rate to only 60Hz, so the 14 Plus doesn\u2019t feel as \u201csmooth\u201d as other phones with a faster display, such as the aforementioned 14 Pro.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, there\u2019s also the lack of a telephoto lens on the iPhone 14 Plus. With only two focal lengths to choose from \u2013 the 12MP primary and 12MP ultra-wide shooters \u2013 the versatility of the camera system is quite limited, especially if you want to zoom in on a subject that\u2019s farther away.\n\n\nLast but not least is the steep asking price of the iPhone 14 Plus. The base 128GB model retails at RM4,699, while the more practical 256GB and 512GB variants are priced at RM5,199 and RM6,199 respectively. At these price points, the 14 Plus has to contend with other highly refined phones too, including the iPhone 14 Pro lineup itself.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIt depends on what you want out of an iPhone. If you don\u2019t fancy the latest iPhone features \u2013 such as the Dynamic Island notch, an always-on display, or the new 48MP main camera \u2013 and all you want is a big iPhone with incredibly long battery life, the iPhone 14 Plus fits the bill.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes, the iPhone 14 Plus is not exactly affordable with a RM4,699 starting price, but you \nare\n getting a long-lasting, big iPhone with one of the fastest performances in the market now. This is despite the fact that it\u2019s powered by last year\u2019s A15 Bionic chip, which can still rival (and even surpass) the performance level of today\u2019s best flagship devices.\n\n\nIt would\u2019ve been great if the iPhone 14 Plus also had the 14 Pro\u2019s 120Hz display and more sophisticated camera array, but some folks may not mind the absence of these features at all. For that reason, the 14 Plus is, in my opinion, the new default iPhone.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ps5-pre-orders-open-again-from-sony-centre-mid-valley-until-16-october-2022/", "title": "PS5 Pre-Orders Open Again From Sony Centre Mid Valley Until 16 October 2022", "body": "\n\nAnother month, another round of pre-orders of the PS5 from Sony Centre Mid Valley. This is actually the third sale of the next-gen console after the \nprice hike\n that was announced back in August 2022.\n\n\nJust like previous pre-orders of the PS5 from Sony Centre Mid Valley, you\u2019ll have to fill up \nthis Google Form\n to be in the running for a \nchance\n to pre-order the console. If you\u2019re fortunate enough to be selected, you will be contacted from 14 October onwards to finalise your pre-order of the PS5.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo note that you only have until 16 October at 5PM this Sunday to register your interest for the PS5 pre-order. This isn\u2019t a first-come, first-served sale either; filling up the form just means you\u2019re in the running to be chosen to pre-order the PS5.\n\n\nWhile it wasn\u2019t mentioned, it\u2019s likely that stocks are very limited, so don\u2019t be disheartened if you\u2019re not chosen to pre-order the PS5. If you want a better chance of securing a unit, we recommend checking in with your favourite game shop to get into the waiting list \u2013 if the store has one.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-grab-the-samsung-galaxy-buds-2-pro-with-rm140-discount/", "title": "Deal: Grab the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro With RM140 Discount", "body": "\n\nThe \nSamsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro\n is one of the most well-tuned wireless earbuds in the market now, and it also offers pretty good active noise cancellation (ANC). If you\u2019ve been looking to get the Buds 2 Pro, now\u2019s your chance: it\u2019s currently listed \nwith a RM140 discount\n.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Preferred+ Shopee retailer Mobile Gadgets. The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is \nlisted at only RM759\n from Mobile Gadgets, and two colours are in stock: Bora Purple and Graphite. Unfortunately, the White model is not available from the retailer.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEven at its original RM899 price tag, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is an attractive pair of wireless earbuds with a complete feature set. Now that it\u2019s going for \nas low as RM759\n from Mobile Gadgets, it\u2019s an even easier product to recommend.\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, check out our \nfull review\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/monokei-to-hold-tgr-910-v2-me-in-stock-sale-on-25-october-raffle-for-200-units/", "title": "Monokei to Hold TGR 910 v2 ME In-Stock Sale on 25 October \u2013 Raffle for 200 Units", "body": "\n\nMonokei\u2019s partnership with TGR continues with yet another (highly sought-after) custom keyboard, the TGR 910 v2 ME. Just like how it was with the TGR Jane v2 ME, the sale of the TGR 910 will be done as an \nin-stock\n raffle, though units are limited.\n\n\nThe raffle for the TGR 910 v2 ME will take place on 25 October from 11AM to 1PM (Malaysian time), and only 200 units are up for grabs. It\u2019s also offered with either a solder or hotswap PCB for S$690 and S$700 respectively; that comes up to about RM2,270 and RM2,305.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the original version, the TGR 910 v2 ME has been updated with some modern features, including a USB-C port and magnetic backplate courtesy of Monokei. It features a polycarbonate plate and two mounting styles (top mount or O-ring) as well, and winners of the keyboard\u2019s raffle will get a complimentary set of Monokei\u2019s Series 1 White on Black keycaps too.\n\n\nTo recap, Monokei will hold the in-stock raffle of the TGR 910 v2 ME on 25 October; more details on the 65% custom keyboard and the sale can be found \nhere\n. With a S$690 starting price, the TGR 910 is certainly not affordable. But it\u2019s also a \nvery sought-after\n \u201cgrail\u201d for many keyboard enthusiasts, so it won\u2019t be easy to win the raffle. All the best!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/highway-toll-evader-caught-with-59-unpaid-toll-fares-honda-city-driver-charged-rm256-20/", "title": "Highway Toll Evader Caught With 59 Unpaid Toll Fares \u2013 Honda City Driver Charged RM256.20", "body": "\n\nIt looks like another highway toll evader got caught. This time around, it\u2019s a Honda City driver, who has managed to evade a grand total of \n59 toll charges\n before getting caught \u2013 that\u2019s a lot of evasions.\n\n\nThe City driver was caught on the Kajang SILK highway by Prolintas; there\u2019s a chance the driver did not manage to tailgate another car to get through the toll\u2019s boom gate. The offender paid RM256.20 (including administrative fees) on the spot to settle the unpaid toll charges.\n\n\n\n\nKali ini, pemandu kereta Honda pula kantoi selepas 59 kali terlepas bayar tol, dgn tunggakan bayaran sejumlah RM256.20 termasuk caj pentadbiran.\nKejadian berlaku mlm tadi di Lebuhraya Kajang SILK. Amaun kerugian telah dikembalikan pada masa & lokasi sama oleh si pelaku. \n#Kantoi\n \npic.twitter.com/5ttTffmELR\n\u2014 PROLINTAS Kajang SILK (@SILKHighway) \nOctober 15, 2022\n\n\n\n\nEvidently, the driver is lucky to only have to pay that amount of money \u2013 even if it\u2019s quite a big sum \u2013 without getting any form of summon for the offense. A fine can be issued to toll evaders, though legal actions have to be pursued.\n\n\nBeyond getting fined, the act of toll evasion is also dangerous as it requires the offender to closely tailgate another car in order to pass through the boom gate. Of course, dangerous driving in itself is a punishable offense, so be warned!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-a1-now-in-malaysia-entry-level-phone-with-5000mah-battery-for-rm359/", "title": "Redmi A1 Now in Malaysia \u2013 Entry-Level Phone With 5,000mAh Battery for RM359", "body": "\n\nXiaomi Malaysia just launched another affordable phone on our shores, the Redmi A1. Touted as an entry-level device, the A1 retails at merely RM359 locally; perfect for those who are on a tight budget.\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Redmi A1 features a large 5,000mAh battery with support for 10W fast charging, so it should be able to offer above average battery life. Aside from that, it\u2019s also powered by a MediaTek Helio A22 chipset paired with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of expandable storage.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the A1 include a 6.52-inch 1600 x 720 HD+ display, an 8MP rear camera with an \u201cauxiliary lens\u201d to enable portrait shots, a 5MP selfie camera, and three colour options: Light Blue, Light Green, and Black.\n\n\nThe Redmi A1 is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM359. Though it only features a modest set of hardware \u2013 it\u2019s an entry-level phone, after all \u2013 the A1\u2019s generous 5,000mAh battery may just appeal to folks who want an affordable phone with long battery life.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmagic-7s-pro-lands-in-malaysia-18gb-ram-snapdragon-8-gen-1-from-rm3999/", "title": "RedMagic 7S Pro Lands in Malaysia \u2013 18GB RAM, Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, From RM3,999", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to get a gaming phone, you have another option in Malaysia now. The RedMagic 7S Pro has just been launched on our shores, and not only does it feature a built-in \nRGB\n fan for improved cooling performance, it also has an under display camera (UDC) for a \u201ctrue\u201d full screen design.\n\n\nTwo variants of the RedMagic 7S Pro are offered in Malaysia. The base model (in the Obsidian colour only) features 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage for RM3,999, while the higher-end 18GB + 512GB configuration \u2013 available in Supernova and Mercury colourways \u2013 goes for a cool RM4,999.\n\n\nEarly birds can also get freebies worth up to RM489, including a Hey Plus 1S smart band and a one-year extended warranty.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 16MP UDC looks to be hidden quite well\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the RedMagic 7S Pro is undoubtedly a capable gaming smartphone. It\u2019s powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, and further enhancing the gameplay experience of the phone is a speedy 120Hz 6.8-inch 1080p AMOLED display with no screen cutout at all, given that it features a 16MP UDC.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the 7S Pro features a triple camera system made up of a 64MP primary shooter, an 8MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 2MP macro lens. Other specifications of the gaming phone include an \u201cICE 10.0\u201d cooling system with a built-in RGB fan, capacitive shoulder buttons, a 5,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging, and RedMagic OS 5.5 based on Android 12 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe RedMagic 7S Pro will be available for purchase in Malaysia towards the end of the month on 29 October. Those who order the phone by 13 November will get the aforementioned freebies worth up to RM489, which includes a one-year extended warranty and a Hey Plus 1S smart band.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/astro-go-shop-8th-birthday-sale-offers-rm8-million-vouchers-deals-until-8-november/", "title": "Astro Go Shop 8th Birthday Sale Offers RM8 Million Vouchers & Deals Until 8 November", "body": "\n\nAstro Go Shop is celebrating its 8th birthday with a three-week sale! Starting from today onwards until 8 November, the 8th Birthday Sale offers a number of interesting deals, including RM8 million vouchers up for grabs, RM88,000 worth of prizes to be won, and even special live shows with local celebrities.\n\n\nSome of the celebrities that will be hosting Go Shop\u2019s Live Party Shows include none other than Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Datin Hajjah Fouziah Gous, Chef Izyan Hani, and Wong Chui Ling. The \u201c8mazing Live Party\u201d is set to take place on 29 October from 9AM to 12:30PM on Astro CH303, as well as 30 October from 9:30AM to 1PM on Astro CH118.\n\n\nOf course, the live shows will also be streamed through Astro GO and the Go Shop\u2019s website, mobile app, YouTube, as well as Facebook page.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, you can also win the aforementioned RM88,000 worth of prizes by just shopping on Go Shop. You\u2019ll have to spend a minimum of RM288 on a purchase to be in the running to win the prizes, which include a \nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 4\n, a Samsung Tab S7 FE, and even a family vacation to Cameron Highlands.\n\n\nMore details on the Astro Go Shop 8th Birthday Sale can be found \nhere\n. You can also download the Go Shop app on the \nApple App Store\n and \nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-6d-appears-in-sirims-database-malaysian-launch-soon/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 6D Appears in SIRIM\u2019s Database \u2013 Malaysian Launch Soon?", "body": "\n\nExactly a week ago, the \nAsus ROG Phone 6D Ultimate\n was registered with SIRIM, and today, the standard (and more affordable) ROG Phone 6D has also appeared in the certification body\u2019s database. Essentially the MediaTek version of the previously released \nROG Phone 6\n series, these two phones should be coming to Malaysia soon.\n\n\nIn our usual search through SIRIM\u2019s database, we spotted the ROG Phone 6D registered under Dynamics Distribution just today on 18 October. All electronics have to be certified by SIRIM first before they can be officially sold in Malaysia, so chances are, Asus Malaysia is gearing up to launch the new gaming phones on our shores.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile the ROG Phone 6D Ultimate is similar to the \nROG Phone 6 Pro\n with an ROG Vision coloured PMOLED display on the back panel, it also has an AeroActive Portal. This \u201cdoor\u201d opens up when the phone is connected to the AeroActive Cooler 6, improving thermal efficiency by up to 20%. This should translate to better sustained performance.\n\n\nOne other new hardware of the ROG Phone 6D and 6D Ultimate is the MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ chipset, which is said to deliver 10% faster performance compared to the standard Dimensity 9000. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how this chip compares to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip found in the regular ROG Phone 6.\n\n\nOther specifications of the ROG Phone 6D and 6D Ultimate include a\u00a06.78-inch 1080p 165Hz AMOLED display, a triple camera system \u2013 50MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide + 5MP macro \u2013 a 12MP selfie camera, and a generous 6,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt remains to be seen exactly when the Asus ROG Phone 6D and 6D Ultimate will arrive in Malaysia, but given that both of them have already been registered with SIRIM, we reckon Asus Malaysia will reveal the local pricing and availability of the two phones very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/next-gen-ipad-pro-unveiled-with-m2-chip-from-rm3899-in-malaysia/", "title": "Next-Gen iPad Pro Unveiled With M2 Chip From RM3,899 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nSurprise surprise, Apple just introduced a new iPad Pro. Now powered by the Cupertino company\u2019s very own M2 chip \u2013 which was previously only found on the \nlatest MacBook Air\n and \n13-inch MacBook Pro\n \u2013 the new iPad is faster than ever with some new capabilities.\n\n\nFirst, prices. Here in Malaysia, the 11-inch iPad Pro \nretails from RM3,899\n for the 128GB base model. As for the larger, higher-end 12.9-inch variant, it \nstarts at RM5,399\n (also for the 128GB version). Unfortunately, the local availability of the new iPad Pro has not been revealed yet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe biggest change to the iPad Pro is definitely the new M2 chip, which promises up to 15% faster performance compared to the M1. Packed with a 10-core GPU, the M2 also delivers up to 35% faster graphics performance. Suffice to say the updated iPad Pro is faster than the previous model.\n\n\nCreative folks will be happy to know that the new iPad Pro now has \u201chover\u201d support with the 2nd gen Apple Pencil; it will be detected up to 12mm above the display. This makes it easier for users to see a preview of where their inputs will be positioned on the screen before doing any changes.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the updated iPad Pro now features WiFi 6E, enabling download speeds up to 2.4Gbps. Beyond that, other hardware of the iPad Pro are similar to its predecessor, including ProMotion technology for 120Hz refresh rate, a mini-LED display for the 12.9-inch model, and a familiar design.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the new iPad Pro retails from RM3,899 for the 11-inch model, while the larger 12.9-inch variant starts at RM5,399. No word yet when the next-gen iPad Pro can be purchased in Malaysia, but rest assured, \nwe will keep a close eye on it\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-launches-redesigned-ipad-with-bigger-screen-usb-c-starts-at-rm2099-in-malaysia/", "title": "Apple Launches Redesigned iPad With Bigger Screen & USB-C \u2013 Starts at RM2,099 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nnew iPad Pro\n, Apple also introduced a redesigned entry-level iPad. Featuring a new design, a larger display, \nand\n USB-C port, the 10th gen iPad looks much sleeker and modern now, along with some performance improvements.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the new iPad \nretails from RM2,099\n, and that gets you the 64GB model; a tier up is the 256GB variant for RM2,849. Four colour options are available: Blue, Pink, Yellow, and a more minimalist Silver.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt a glance, the most notable change to the updated iPad is the larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with smaller bezels. There\u2019s no more physical home button either, with Touch ID moved to the power button, much like how it is on the \niPad Pro\n and \niPad mini\n.\n\n\nUnder the hood, the revamped iPad also gets the Apple A14 Bionic chip, an upgrade over its predecessor\u2019s A13 Bionic. The new iPad\u2019s 12MP ultra-wide camera has also been moved to the landscape edge of the tablet for better video calling experience.\n\n\nOther upgrades to the redesigned iPad include support for the new Magic Keyboard Folio and the 1st gen Apple Pencil, an updated 12MP rear camera, WiFi 6 and 5G support, and of course, the aforementioned USB-C port.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 10th gen iPad costs RM2,099 in Malaysia, and it is \nsold alongside last year\u2019s model\n, which is currently going for RM1,599. It remains to be seen exactly when the updated iPad will be available for purchase on our shores, though there\u2019s a good chance it will arrive here in the coming weeks.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ultra-customisable-dualsense-edge-for-ps5-coming-to-malaysia-26-january-for-rm999/", "title": "\u201cUltra-Customisable\u201d DualSense Edge for PS5 Coming to Malaysia 26 January for RM999", "body": "\n\nFirst introduced a couple of months ago, the local availability and pricing of the new \nDualSense Edge\n controller for the PS5 has just been announced. Set to arrive in Malaysia next year on 26 January 2023, the premium controller carries an equally premium price tag.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the DualSense Edge goes for a cool RM999. That\u2019s quite a bit more costly than the standard DualSense controller, which currently retails between RM349 to RM369, depending on the colourway. Of course, given the premium, the Edge does have an edge \u2013 excuse the pun \u2013 over the regular controller.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile the DualSense Edge looks similar to the standard DualSense controller, it features a number of customisation options for a \u201ccompletely personalised controller experience,\u201d as Sony puts it. Not only can you adjust the sensitivity and dead zones of the analog sticks, you can also swap it out for different stick caps. These include the standard design, high dome, and low dome.\n\n\nOh, the stick module itself can also be completely swapped out to essentially prolong the controller\u2019s lifespan, though the module is (naturally) sold separately for RM99 in Malaysia.\n\n\nBesides the analog sticks, the adaptive triggers of the DualSense Edge can also be customised. You can adjust the travel distance and dead zones of the triggers to suit different games, and the L2/R2 buttons are textured now too for better grip.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, there are also a slew of extra buttons on the DualSense Edge. There are two back buttons now \u2013 which can be swapped to a half-dome or lever design \u2013 that can be configured to any other button input. The fn buttons below the analog sticks can be used to adjust your setup as well, either to swap between pre-set control profiles, adjust game volume, or even access the controller profile settings menu.\n\n\nTo recap, the DualSense Edge will arrive in Malaysia next year on 26 January 2023 for RM999. If you\u2019re keen to get it, check with your favourite game store \u2013 we reckon they will be taking pre-orders of the Edge very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lg-launches-4-new-ultragear-gaming-monitors-in-malaysia-including-4k-120hz-oled-monitor-for-rm5922/", "title": "LG Launches 4 New UltraGear Gaming Monitors in Malaysia, Including 4K 120Hz OLED Monitor for RM5,922", "body": "\n\nLG Electronics Malaysia just launched a slew of new gaming monitors on our shores. All four monitors are under the Korean company\u2019s UltraGear series, and the range-topping model is the 48GQ900, a 4K OLED monitor with a fast 120Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nGiven its premium appeal, the UltraGear 48GQ900 also carries an equally premium price tag: it retails at RM5,922 here in Malaysia. For that kind of money, it features a sizeable 48-inch 4K OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, which can be further overclocked to 138Hz.\n\n\n\n\nThe LG UltraGear 48GQ900\n\n\nThe LG UltraGear 32GQ850\n\n\nThe LG UltraGear 24GQ59F (left) and 27GQ50F\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from the 48GQ900, there\u2019s also the UltraGear 32GQ850 for RM3,150. It comes with a 32-inch 2560 x 1440 Nano IPS panel with ATW Polarizer technology for \u201cseamless visuals and consistent colours from almost any vantage point,\u201d as LG puts it. It also has a speedy 240Hz refresh rate (overclockable to 260Hz).\n\n\nTwo more affordable LG monitors were also launched today: the UltraGear 27GQ50F (RM934) and 24GQ59F (RM765). Aside from the size difference \u2013 27-inch and 24-inch respectively \u2013 both monitors have similar hardware, including a 1080p VA panel and 165Hz refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll four LG UltraGear monitors are now available for purchase in Malaysia. They are available at all LG authorised dealers, as well as online through \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/new-apple-tv-4k-starts-at-rm699-in-malaysia-a15-bionic-hdr10-usb-c-siri-remote/", "title": "New Apple TV 4K Starts at RM699 in Malaysia \u2013 A15 Bionic, HDR10+, USB-C Siri Remote", "body": "\n\nUnveiled alongside \nApple\u2019s two\n \nnew iPads\n is the next-generation Apple TV 4K, which sports a slew of upgrades. These include a faster A15 Bionic chip, support for HDR10+, and a Siri Remote with USB-C charging.\n\n\nTwo models of the new Apple TV 4K\n are offered in Malaysia. The WiFi-only base model with 64GB of storage is priced at RM699, while the 128GB variant with the addition of an ethernet port goes for RM799. It\u2019s also worth noting that the 128GB model features Thread mesh networking protocol to connect to other smart home accessories.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThanks to the upgrade to the Apple A15 Bionic chip, the next-gen Apple TV 4K offers up to 50% faster CPU performance, while GPU performance sees a notable 30% improvement. With support for HDR10+ (and Dolby Vision), you can be assured to enjoy HDR on a wider amount of content too.\n\n\nOf course, there\u2019s also the Siri Remote for the new Apple TV 4K, which now charges via USB-C instead of Apple\u2019s proprietary Lightning connector. This should make it easier to charge up the remote, especially if you\u2019ve got a lot of USB-C cables lying around.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlthough we now know the new Apple TV 4K is priced from RM699 in Malaysia, its local availability has not been revealed yet. We\u2019ll be sure to post an update once the streaming box is available for purchase on our shores.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/20-26-october-fuel-price-ron-97-remains-at-rm3-95-per-litre/", "title": "20 \u2013 26 October Fuel Price: RON 97 Remains at RM3.95 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 sees no change yet again this week. Of course, the same applies to RON 95 and diesel, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 is set at RM3.95 per litre for the next seven days. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 20 to 26 October 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/eco-friendly-nokia-x30-5g-coming-to-malaysia-soon-snapdragon-695-90hz-amoled-recycled-material/", "title": "\u201cEco-Friendly\u201d Nokia X30 5G Coming to Malaysia Soon \u2013 Snapdragon 695, 90Hz AMOLED, Recycled Material", "body": "\n\nIt looks like HMD Global is set to launch the Nokia X30 5G in Malaysia soon. Touted as the company\u2019s \u201cmost eco-friendly phone\u201d yet, the X30 is a reasonably well-equipped mid-range smartphone.\n\n\nAs usual, we were going through SIRIM\u2019s database when we spotted a Nokia-branded phone with the model number TA-1450. It was registered with Zitron just yesterday on 19 October, and we know this is the X30 5G as the same model number is found in the \nphone\u2019s user guide\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe X30 5G is said to be an eco-friendly phone as its frame is made out of 100% recycled aluminium, while the back is made from 65% recycled plastic. On top of that, it is also IP67-rated, so it can be submerged up to 1m underwater for 30 minutes.\n\n\nOther specifications of the X30 5G include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage, a 6.43-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a dual camera system \u2013 50MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide \u2013 a 16MP selfie camera, and a 4,200mAh battery with 33W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on the exact Malaysian availability of the Nokia X30 5G, but it should be made available here soon now that it has been registered with SIRIM. As for pricing, it starts at \u20ac529 (about RM2,445) in European markets, so there\u2019s a chance the X30 5G will be priced similarly here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ttracing-duo-v4-pro-gaming-chair-unboxing-assembly-what-do-you-get-for-rm499/", "title": "TTRacing Duo V4 Pro Gaming Chair Unboxing & Assembly \u2013 What Do You Get for RM499?", "body": "\n\nTTRacing has released quite a number of gaming chairs over the years, including the premium \nTTRacing Maxx\n, which I find to be a comfortable chair for long hours of\u2026well, sitting. The latest offering from the company is the TTRacing Duo V4 Pro, a more affordable RM499 gaming chair.\n\n\nGiven its more budget-friendly price tag, the Duo V4 Pro isn\u2019t as feature-rich as the Maxx, though it does have its own winning qualities. If you\u2019re thinking of getting the gaming chair, here\u2019s an unboxing and assembly of the Duo V4 Pro \u2013 it\u2019s a (relatively) simple chair to assemble.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, the box of the Duo V4 Pro was slightly damaged when I received it; the nylon wheelbase was sticking out of the box. Thankfully, the bubble wrap protected the wheelbase quite well \u2013 there doesn\u2019t seem to be any visible damage.\n\n\nAnyway, once I got all the parts out of the box, I can start putting together the Duo V4 Pro. The first thing to assemble is the aforementioned wheelbase: I\u2019ll need to install the five castors by just inserting the metal connectors of the castors to the slots on the wheelbase.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext is the installation of the hydraulic piston, which is really just slotting it into the centre of the wheelbase. To make it look neater, a three-part cover is provided. When that\u2019s done, I can move on to assembling the seat base with the tilt mechanism.\n\n\nIt\u2019s important to make sure that the tilt mechanism is oriented correctly before installing it to the Duo V4 Pro\u2019s seat base. Thanks to very clear \u201cfront\u201d labels on both the seat cushion and tilt mechanism, it\u2019s hard (almost impossible, really) to get the orientation wrong.\n\n\nI\u2019ll just need to use four M6x20 screws to secure the mechanism to the seat base. The screws that came with the gaming chair were not explicitly labeled, though it is quite easy to differentiate the two types of screws. Basically, use the shorter screws (there are only four of them) for this part of the assembly process.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAn alley key with a Philips head is provided with the Duo V4 Pro for assembly, which is great. But what\u2019s not so great is the fact that it gets in the way while I\u2019m trying to install the tilt mechanism to the seat base; it was hitting the knob for the back pressure adjustment. It\u2019s not a big deal by any means, but it is a small annoyance.\n\n\nOnce I\u2019m done with the tilt mechanism assembly, I can move on to installing the armrests. Each armrest is labeled accordingly, so it\u2019s quite easy to get the correct side installed. While assembling both armrests to the sides of the seat base, make sure to not screw them too tightly just yet to make the next process (slightly) easier.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext comes the most difficult part of the assembly process; in my opinion, anyway. The reason why you shouldn\u2019t screw the armrests too tightly to the chair is to make it easier to line up the two screw holes of the backrest to the openings on the armrests.\n\n\nReally, this part of the assembly process took the longest for me. It\u2019s difficult to get the orientation \njust right\n for both screw holes of the backrest to align properly with the armrests. Trying to install the screws \nwhile\n holding on to the backrest is a challenge in itself too.\n\n\nGranted, this process could be easier if I had another person to help me out, though it\u2019s certainly possible to assemble the whole chair on my own, albeit with some frustration.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter installing the backrest, all that\u2019s left is to attach the tilt mechanism to the hydraulic piston on the wheelbase. It\u2019s a bit tricky to align the two parts together \u2013 again, another pair of hands and eyes would make it easier \u2013 but I did manage to do it after a bit of fumbling.\n\n\nAnd that\u2019s the whole assembly process of the Duo V4 Pro! With the exception of the backrest installation, it\u2019s a pretty simple gaming chair to put together. As for the chair itself, it\u2019s quite good. While it\u2019s not as comfortable as the \nMaxx\n \u2013 though that\u2019s a much more costly RM999 gaming chair \u2013 it does offer better comfort than your everyday office chair.\n\n\nOn top of that, the Duo V4 Pro\u2019s castors are also quite smooth, allowing me to glide across the room effortlessly. I appreciate the adjustable headrest and XL lumbar pillow of this gaming chair too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to pick up the \nTTRacing Duo V4 Pro\n \u2013 or any other gaming chairs from the company \u2013 use our discount code NEXTRIFT10 on \nTTRacing\u2019s official store\n to get a 10% discount with no minimum spend. Of course, if you\u2019re still on the fence about getting the Duo V4 Pro or not, stay tuned for the full review. I\u2019ll be sure to put it through its paces in the next couple of weeks.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/setel-now-offers-auto-assistance-feature-partnership-with-bateriku-com/", "title": "Setel Now Offers Auto Assistance Feature \u2013 Partnership With Bateriku.com", "body": "\n\nSetel is slowly expanding its features. After introducing \nEV charging\n to its app back in May this year, the company is now adding auto assistance feature. This gives users access to on-demand auto services in case of emergency.\n\n\nThanks to the new feature, Setel users can request for battery replacement, jump start, tyre change, emergency refuelling assistance, vehicle lockout (it happens), and towing services from the Setel app itself. These services are supported by Bateriku.com, which is Setel\u2019s first partner for the feature.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cSetel aims to be the constant companion to motorists by offering an ecosystem of mobility services to settle their needs. The auto assistance feature complements the motorists\u2019 journey with access to safety essentials right at their fingertips, said the CEO of Setel, Mazlin Erawati Ab Manan.\n\n\n\u201cThe partnership with Bateriku.com expedites the help needed when a Setel user is stranded, minimising the impact of what could be a stressful event,\u201d she added.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that every transaction through the auto assistance feature will automatically earn users Mesra points, which is a nice incentive. To try out the new feature, you can download the Setel app from the \nApple App Store\n\u00a0and the\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-3-2-livestream-set-for-23-october-nahida-cyno-featured/", "title": "Genshin Impact 3.2 Livestream Set for 23 October \u2013 Nahida & Cyno Featured", "body": "\n\nHoyoverse just revealed the livestream date for \nGenshin Impact\n\u2018s Version 3.2 update. Scheduled for this Sunday on 23 October, the version update looks to feature both Nahida and Cyno.\n\n\nGenshin Impact\u2019s Version 3.2 update is dubbed Akasha Pulses, the Kalpa Flame Rises, which should be a continuation of the current Sumeru storyline in the game. Aside from that, the new update will see the introduction of \nNahida and Layla\n as playable characters \u2013 both of them have been teased already.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs with previous Genshin Impact version update livestreams, redemption codes offering Primogems will be given during the stream as well. You can catch the livestream of Genshin Impact Version 3.2 through \nTwitch\n\u00a0this Sunday on 23 October at 8PM for us here in Malaysia.\n\n\nIf you can\u2019t watch the stream, don\u2019t worry: the special program\u00a0\nwill be on YouTube\n\u00a0shortly after at 12AM the next day (24 October). Looking at the release schedule shared by Hoyoverse a while back, Genshin Impact 3.2 should be released on 2 November.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/god-of-war-ragnarok-ps5-hands-on-an-exciting-much-improved-sequel/", "title": "God of War Ragnarok (PS5) Hands-on: An Exciting, Much Improved Sequel", "body": "\n\nGod of War Ragnarok is set to arrive on 9 November for the PS5 and PS4. Ahead of its release, Sony provided Nextrift with a review copy, and reviewers are allowed to share early impressions of Santa Monica Studio\u2019s latest title!\n\n\nFirst, a couple of notes. This early impression is based on the first few hours of God of War Ragnarok on the PS5, so I haven\u2019t experienced the full extent of the gameplay mechanic or storyline yet. Of course, this is a spoiler-free impression too; no plot details will be detailed to preserve the story experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTaking place a few years after the events of 2018\u2019s God of War, Kratos\u2019 son, Atreus, is now a teenager. He\u2019s on a quest to find out who he is, given that the previous game revealed that he\u2019s actually \u2013 spoiler alert \u2013 Loki from Norse mythology.\n\n\nTo be honest, I didn\u2019t like Atreus very much in the original God of War; I found him to be too whiny and annoying, though he is understandably a child then. But in Ragnarok, I\u2019m quite fond of him now. Santa Monica Studio really got his character development right, though I\u2019m still in the early hours of the game.\n\n\nAs you\u2019ve probably seen in the trailers of God of War Ragnarok, Kratos and Atreus will meet a number of legendary Aesir gods in their journey, including Tyr and Thor himself. Without going into too much detail, I\u2019m definitely enjoying the plot so far. I was constantly looking forward to progressing the story.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGraphically, there\u2019s no denying that God of War Ragnarok looks \nabsolutely stunning\n on the PS5. The environment looks lush, character models are painstakingly detailed, and facial expressions are rendered in a very realistic manner as well. There are also two graphics options: Performance (which looks to lower the resolution to achieve 60fps), and Resolution for the best image quality.\n\n\nPersonally, I don\u2019t see a huge difference between the two graphics settings, so I opted for the Performance mode for the majority of my playthrough so far. The smoother 60fps frame rate \u2013 even at the expense of resolution \u2013 is a huge improvement to the overall gameplay experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, I\u2019m enjoying God of War Ragnarok\u2019s gameplay much more than I did in the 2018 game. Combat, for one, still feels familiar, but there\u2019s a certain cohesiveness to it now. As Kratos swings his trusty Leviathan Axe around, it feels more substantial and satisfying, especially when the attacks connect.\n\n\nSame goes for the parry system of Ragnarok. It\u2019s a little tough to get the timing right at first, but once I\u2019m accustomed to an enemy\u2019s attack pattern, it feels great when I can parry and immediately counter attack. Again, the same cohesiveness to how the combat flows in Ragnarok can be felt here as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPuzzle solving has always been (somewhat) an integral part of God of War, and in Ragnarok, the puzzles are challenging enough without feeling \ntoo\n cumbersome to solve. At times where I\u2019m not quite sure how to proceed, the game doesn\u2019t point out the solution immediately; Atreus waits for a bit before giving some hints, which I certainly appreciate.\n\n\nWhile not quite an open world game, Ragnarok does feel more expansive now. Granted, I haven\u2019t traveled to a lot of realms yet, given that I\u2019m still in the early stages of the game. But even so, I just feel like there are \nmore\n areas to explore now, even if there\u2019s still a linearity to the map.\n\n\nAs far as first impressions go, I am thoroughly enjoying my time in God of War Ragnarok. Whether it\u2019s the engrossing plot, improved gameplay mechanics, or stunning graphics, I find myself eager to get back into the game in between play sessions. There\u2019s simply an \nexcitement\n to the game, something that cannot be said of many other titles, AAA ones included.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGod of War Ragnarok will be released on the PS5 and PS4 next month on 9 November. You can pre-order the PS4\u2019s Standard Edition \nfor RM249 now\n, while the PS5 version \ngoes for RM299\n. There\u2019s also a\u00a0\nDigital Deluxe Edition for RM339\n, which includes both the PS4 and PS5 version, a Dark Horse digital mini artbook, an avatar set, a PS4 theme, a digital soundtrack, and in-game cosmetic items.\n\n\nThe full review embargo for God of War Ragnarok is set for 4 November at 12AM Malaysian time. If you\u2019re not sure if the game is worth picking up, you can wait until then before deciding to pre-order Santa Monica Studio\u2019s latest title or not, though I am definitely enjoying Ragnarok so far.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-3-2-lands-2-november-with-nahida-layla-balladeer-boss-fight/", "title": "Genshin Impact 3.2 Lands 2 November With Nahida, Layla, Balladeer Boss Fight", "body": "\n\nThe Version 3.2 update for \nGenshin Impact\n is set to arrive next week on 2 November. \nAs expected\n, both Nahida \u2013 the Lesser Lord Kusanali herself \u2013 and Layla will be playable in the new update, and there will be a new boss fight featuring another Fatui Harbinger, The Balladeer.\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve played through the current Sumeru Archon quest, you can probably guess why the Balladeer (or Scaramouche) is a new boss. He is the third Fatui Harbinger to be featured as a weekly boss after Childe and La Signora, which were featured in the Liyue and Inazuma storylines respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, Nahida will finally be playable in Genshin Impact 3.2. The 5-star character, being the Dendro Archon herself, wields the element she commands over. She also uses a catalyst, while Layla is a 4-star Hydro sword character.\n\n\nOther content coming to Version 3.2 of Genshin Impact include the Dendro Hypostasis world boss, rerun banners for three characters (Yae Miko, Yoimiya, Tartaglia), and a new Replication System for the Serenitea Pot, which allows players to share and use the realm designs of other players.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact 3.2 is set to go live next week on 2 November. Once the update is live, Nahida\u2019s and Yoimiya\u2019s event wishes will be available first, followed by Yae Miko\u2019s and Tartaglia\u2019s banners in the second phase; Layla is included in the latter.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nokia-x30-5g-pre-orders-open-in-malaysia-for-rm2099-ip67-eco-friendly-phone/", "title": "Nokia X30 5G Pre-Orders Open in Malaysia for RM2,099 \u2013 IP67 Eco-Friendly Phone", "body": "\n\nWe spotted the Nokia X30 5G in SIRIM\u2019s database\n just last week, and HMD Global is now taking pre-orders of the eco-friendly phone here in Malaysia. Touted as the company\u2019s \u201cmost eco-friendly phone\u201d yet, the X30 is a reasonably well-equipped mid-range smartphone.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the X30 5G is offered in a sole configuration with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. Priced at RM2,099, early birds who pre-order the phone by 31 October will get a clear case and a Nokia Comfort wireless earbuds valued at RM250.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe X30 5G is said to be an eco-friendly phone as its frame is made out of 100% recycled aluminium, while the back is made from 65% recycled plastic. On top of that, it is also IP67-rated, so it can be submerged up to 1m underwater for 30 minutes.\n\n\nOther specifications of the X30 5G include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, a 6.43-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a dual camera system \u2013 50MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide \u2013 a 16MP selfie camera, and a 4,200mAh battery with 33W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can now pre-order the Nokia X30 5G in Malaysia until 31 October on \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n. According to HMD Global, deliveries of the phone will start in the first two weeks of November 2022 next month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ipados-16-macos-ventura-now-available-for-download/", "title": "iPadOS 16 & MacOS Ventura Now Available for Download", "body": "\n\nTime to update your iPad and Mac computers: iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura are now available for download. Naturally, the two updates bring a slew of new features and improvements.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with iPadOS 16. Stage Manager is one of its biggest new features, which enhances the iPad\u2019s multitasking experience by automatically organising apps and windows. In an update later this year, Stage Manager will even offer full external display support (up to 6K resolution) for M1 and M2 iPad models.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor creative professionals, iPadOS 16 also has Reference Mode, though this feature is limited to the 12.9-inch iPad Pro with Liquid Retina XDR display. Basically, in workflows that need accurate colours and consistent image quality (colour grading, compositing, etc), Reference Mode will match the colour requirements.\n\n\nAs for macOS Ventura, it also gets Stage Manager. When you enable the feature through Command Center, the current window will be displayed prominently in the centre of the screen. As for other windows, they will be moved to the left, so that users can seamlessly switch between open windows.\n\n\nOh, there\u2019s also the impressive Continuity Camera on Ventura. You can use an iPhone as your Mac webcam, and the Desk View feature \u2013 which uses the ultra-wide camera on the iPhone \u2013 allows you to show off your desk \nand\n your face at the same time in a call; very intriguing.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\niPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura are now available for download on \nsupported iPad models\n and \nMac computers\n respectively. On a side note, \nResident Evil Village\n will also arrive in the Mac App Store this Friday on 28 October. It\u2019s the first project for RE Engine to support the Mac on macOS Ventura, and it runs natively on all Apple silicon-powered Mac computers.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/yes-whatsapp-is-down/", "title": "Yes, WhatsApp Is Down (Update: Back Up!)", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re having trouble connecting to WhatsApp, you\u2019re not alone. It appears the messaging service is not available at the moment, \nas reported by various users\n \u2013 ourselves included.\n\n\nIt remains to be seen what is causing the service outage. At the time of writing, WhatsApp has not issued any statement regarding the issue. Nonetheless, we\u2019ll be sure to update this space once we know more \u2013 or when the messaging service is up and running again.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpdate 25 October, 4:50PM:\n\u00a0WhatsApp is back! After about two hours of outage, the messaging service is accessible once again, though some users are still experiencing some issues. There is still no statement from WhatsApp on what caused the outage, curiously.\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/tripowin-rhombus-review-not-so-balanced-balanced-armature-hybrid-iem/", "title": "Tripowin Rhombus Review: Not So Balanced Balanced Armature Hybrid IEM", "body": "\n\nAmidst the constant release of single dynamic driver IEMs \u2013 new ones seem to come out every other week or so \u2013 Tripowin decides to up the ante with its latest product, the Tripowin Rhombus. In a bid to combine the best qualities of different driver types, this IEM\u2019s dynamic driver is paired with a balanced armature driver.\n\n\nDynamic drivers are known for their low-end presence and more organic tonality, while balanced armatures are renowned for their detail retrieval at the cost of fidelity. Due to their differences, there isn\u2019t necessarily a clear cut \u201cbetter\u201d driver. In fact, it\u2019s because of these differences that manufacturers often pair the two together in an attempt to get the best of both worlds.\n\n\nThe Tripowin Rhombus is one such attempt, but it is\u2026well, an example of a less successful effort.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Tripowin Rhombus is a hybrid IEM with a single dynamic driver and one balanced armature driver. The earphones are \nlisted for $79 (about RM375) on Linsoul\n, which might seem a little pricier than most dynamic driver IEMs these days, though the inclusion of a balanced armature might have warranted this price. It\u2019s either that, or the manufacturing cost of the Rhombus\u2019 unique shell.\n\n\nThe shell of the Rhombus is apparently constructed from aerospace-grade aluminium through a five-axis CNC machining process. This \u201cedgy\u201d design makes the Rhombus seem more premium than it actually is. Although it\u2019s made of metal, the Rhombus still feels relatively lightweight and isn\u2019t too fatiguing in the ears.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPackaging of the Rhombus is as simple as it gets. There are three pairs of black tips (one already installed), another three pairs of transparent tips, and a small drawstring pouch. It can be argued that the lacklustre packaging is to be expected for a sub-$100 IEM, but the similarly-priced \nMoondrop Aria Snow Edition\n comes with a hard-shell carrying case. It also has a waifu on the box, if that matters to you.\n\n\nHow Does It Sound?\n\n\nThe \u201cbalance\u201d in balanced armature is simply moot here as it simply doesn\u2019t pair well with the Rhombus\u2019 dynamic driver; to my ears at least. There\u2019s a certain incoherence in the frequency range that just sounds\u2026wrong.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s entirely possible that my ears are more accustomed to \ndynamic\n and \nplanar drivers\n as of late. The \u201chybrid sound\u201d is definitely an acquired taste, and it is something that you will either love or hate. You really have to try one for yourself to be sure.\n\n\nAnyway, the note weight of the Rhombus is thin, and there\u2019s even sibilance present on brighter, instrumentally-rich tracks. There is some semblance of sub-bass presence, but the mid-bass (and just the low-end in general) sounds a bit anaemic and unsatisfactory \u2013 more on this later.\n\n\nThankfully, the upper mids and treble of the Rhombus are quite good, and the overall tonality is relatively bright. You can definitely tell that the balanced armature driver is doing most of the heavy lifting in this frequency range.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBass\n\n\nThere is a notable sub-bass bump with the Rhombus, but it doesn\u2019t extend and reach down particularly deep. The bass is also loose, grainy, and not well-defined, but it does help balance the otherwise overly bright sound signature of the Rhombus.\n\n\nIn the mid-bass, the Rhombus is rather lacking, and this is especially evident when listening to pop songs. You\u2019ll immediately feel like there is something missing in the low-end section, causing these tracks to be devoid of fun and energy.\n\n\nMids\n\n\nThe aforementioned lack of mid-bass and lower mids of the Rhombus make male vocals sound thin and lacking in body. In fact, the mids also sound a bit recessed, and they\u2019re almost lost behind the boomy sub-bass and crispy treble.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpper mids of the Rhombus sound (very) artificially boosted, causing female vocals to sound overly clear; it\u2019s like dragging a metaphorical clarity slider to 11. Sure, you do get more perceived detail this way, but it\u2019s at the cost of fidelity; reverb from vocals and instruments are front and centre in an almost obnoxious manner. That\u2019s precisely why brighter, instrument-heavy tracks can sound sibilant on the Rhombus.\n\n\nThe only moment this IEM actually sounds decent is during slower tracks with female vocalists. The emphasised upper mids and clarity give those songs an almost ethereal quality, but that also means it isn\u2019t exactly organic-sounding.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTreble\n\n\nThe highs are where the Rhombus\u2019 main focus lie, though it\u2019s not perfect. While instruments are clear and resolving, snares and cymbals tend to sound overly forward and borderline sibilant. There\u2019s definitely more detail and clarity than your typical single dynamic driver IEM, but it\u2019s an inorganic, almost clinical kind of enhancement.\n\n\nOn that note, treble-sensitive listeners, or folks who just prefer a more natural timbre, should stay clear of the Rhombus.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIn short, the Tripowin Rhombus sounds like a 1BA IEM despite the fact that it has a 1DD + 1BA hybrid configuration. Bass isn\u2019t the IEM\u2019s strong point \u2013 as is typically the case with balanced armature driver \u2013 though there is some semblance of the \u201chybrid sound\u201d here, which \ncan\n be a favourable quality to some folks.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile the aesthetics of its shell is quite unique, the Rhombus is just not worth it for sound quality alone. There are just a plethora of other options at the same price range \u2013 and many more below \u2013 that blow the Rhombus out of the water in this aspect. There are the \nAria Snow Edition\n, \n7Hz Salnotes Zero\n, and the ultra-budget \nCCA CRA+\n, just to name a few.\n\n\nWith so many great budget options and new IEM brands coming out at such a rapid pace, Tripowin has to really step up its game if the company wants to remain relevant. The \nTripowin Le\u00e1\n was good, but the Rhombus doesn\u2019t bring the same level of refinement or value to the table.\n\n\nLi Jin Soh contributed to this review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/bose-quietcomfort-earbuds-ii-coming-to-malaysia-soon-worlds-best-noise-cancellation/", "title": "Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Coming to Malaysia Soon \u2013 \u201cWorld\u2019s Best Noise Cancellation\u201d", "body": "\n\nThe Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II was unveiled early last month, and it looks like the wireless earbuds will be coming to Malaysia very soon. Touted to feature the \u201cworld\u2019s best noise cancellation,\u201d Bose\u2019s new earbuds feature some notable upgrades over its predecessor.\n\n\nJust today, the QuietComfort EarBuds II appeared in SIRIM\u2019s database. Registered under Futureworld Malaysia with the model number 435911 \u2013 and a typo in the product name \u2013 the wireless earbuds can now be officially sold in Malaysia, given that it has been certified by SIRIM already.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the QuietComfort Earbuds II promises the world\u2019s best noise cancellation, even when compared to headphones. This is achieved through the use of Bose\u2019s CustomTune sound calibration technology and a Fit Kit (consisting of a two-piece system) for the best seal.\n\n\nOther specifications of the QuietComfort Earbuds II include a smaller, more lightweight design than the previous model, up to six hours of battery life \u2013 the \u201cpocketable\u201d charging case provides three additional charges \u2013 and an IPX4 water resistance rating.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow that the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II has been registered with SIRIM already, we reckon it\u2019s only a matter of time before the wireless earbuds go on sale in Malaysia. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the local availability of the QuietComfort Earbuds II.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-ace-pro-genshin-impact-limited-edition-unveiled-in-china-hu-tao-design-for-4299-yuan/", "title": "OnePlus Ace Pro Genshin Impact Limited Edition Unveiled in China \u2013 Hu Tao Design for 4,299 Yuan", "body": "\n\nOnePlus just unveiled a neat limited edition OnePlus Ace Pro \u2013 marketed as the \nOnePlus 10T here\n \u2013 in China. Dubbed OnePlus Ace Pro Genshin Impact Limited Edition, the sleek-looking phone features Hu Tao from the \nhugely popular game\n.\n\n\nThere are a number of cool accessories that are bundled with the limited edition Ace Pro. These include a special back design \u2013 which looks great, in our opinion \u2013 a sleek phone case, a phone theme based on Hu Tao, a special SIM eject tool that looks like the Staff of Homa (very nice), and even an acrylic display box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nImage credit: \nWeibo\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the extra accessories and unique design, this version of the Ace Pro has the exact same specifications as the standard model. These include a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, a 4,800mAh battery with support for 150W SUPERVOOC fast charging, and even the same price tag \u2013 in China, anyway.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Hu Tao-themed Ace Pro include a 6.7-inch 2412 x 1080 Fluid AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system \u2013 50MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro \u2013 a 16MP selfie camera, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of internal storage.\n\n\n\n\nImage credit: \nWeibo\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe OnePlus Ace Pro Genshin Impact Limited Edition is available in China for 4,299 Chinese yuan, which comes up to about RM2,785. Chances are, it will not be sold outside of China, though parallel importers may bring in the unique phone to Malaysia.\n\n\n(Featured image source: \nWeibo\n)\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-watch-5-pro-review-androids-best-smartwatch-got-bigger-better/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro Review: Android\u2019s Best Smartwatch Got Bigger & Better", "body": "\n\nSamsung makes some of the best \u2013 if not \nthe best\n \u2013 smartwatches in the Android space, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro continues that prestige. Not only is it feature-packed, it also offer pretty darn long battery life for a smartwatch of this calibre.\n\n\nBut given its pro branding, the Watch 5 Pro also carries a premium price tag, and it\u2019s quite a sizeable smartwatch too, so it may not look particularly flattering on folks with smaller wrists. Nonetheless, there\u2019s no denying that the Watch 5 Pro is a fantastic smartwatch that\u2019s worth every penny.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nHardware wise, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro features an Exynos W920 processor, 1.5GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, a sapphire crystal display, and a sensor to measure body temperature. That sensor is used to improve the smartwatch\u2019s sleeping tracking feature, though it has not been activated yet.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Watch 5 Pro include a 1.4-inch 450 x 450 circular Super AMOLED display, a generous 590mAh battery (the biggest battery found in a Samsung wearable), a titanium case, as well as GPX support, which allows the smartwatch to track hiking and cycling routes.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSo how much does the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro cost? RM1,899, putting it squarely against the \nApple Watch Series 8\n, even if the two smartwatches are meant for different audiences. Nonetheless, this does position the Watch 5 Pro as a premium offering.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nOne of the most appealing features of the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro has to be its design. Yes, it\u2019s a big smartwatch, but I do like how it looks on my wrist. Paired with its bright and vibrant 1.4-inch Super AMOLED display, it is Samsung\u2019s sleekest-looking watch yet, in my opinion.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, I like the always-on display of the Watch 5 Pro too. While it is a tad too dim under bright sunlight, it is perfect legible indoors. With certain watch faces, it even looks like a regular wristwatch, which I absolutely love.\n\n\n\n\nThe always-on display looks great\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother noteworthy design element of the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is the magnetic clasp system of the D-Buckle Sport Band. While it\u2019s a bit tricky to set up, I can seamlessly put on and remove the watch whenever I want. The magnet is also strong enough to ensure that the strap doesn\u2019t come off under heavy workouts.\n\n\nAnd that is a good segue to the comprehensive fitness-centric features of the Watch 5 Pro. There are \na ton\n of useful features here, and my personal favourite is the body composition analysis. By using the Samsung BioActive Sensor on the back of the watch, the sensor can give me interesting data such as my skeletal muscle, fat mass, body fat percentage, BMI, and even my body water percentage.\n\n\nThese data are useful as a guideline for health tracking, and it\u2019s convenient that I can get these stats from the Watch 5 Pro itself instead of a dedicated measuring device. Even if this is not a diagnostic tool, I still find it useful to track my health goals.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI\u2019m also quite impressed with the automatic workout detection of the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. While I was walking around a theme park, the smartwatch detected that as a workout; it was even tracking my route throughout the park with the help of its GPS. It\u2019s quite nice to see how much distance I\u2019ve covered at the end of my trip.\n\n\nDistance is not the only thing that the Watch 5 Pro tracks in any given workout. It was even measuring my VO2 Max, heart rate, speed, and even elevation. These comprehensive data should help outdoor enthusiasts measure their fitness level more precisely.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, there\u2019s also the sleep tracking capability of the Watch 5 Pro. While many other smartwatches are able to do this too, what sets this watch apart is its ability to measure blood oxygen throughout the night (a very important health indicator) and \nsnoring pattern\n. It\u2019s quite neat to know whether or not I snore in my sleep.\n\n\nNow, Samsung said that the Watch 5 Pro can measure a user\u2019s body temperature with a dedicated sensor to further improve the smartwatch\u2019s sleeping tracking feature. Unfortunately enough, this feature is still not available yet \u2013 at least, not to my knowledge \u2013 so I can\u2019t test it out.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile that\u2019s a bit of a disappointment, the battery life of the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is far from that. On average, I can get between three to four days of use out of the smartwatch, depending on how heavily I use it for workout and sleep tracking. It\u2019s worth noting that I enabled the always-on display as well, so this level of battery life is \nvery\n respectable.\n\n\nEvidently, I\u2019ve got a lot of positive things to say about the Watch 5 Pro, but it does have a few notable shortcomings \u2013 let\u2019s get to that in the next section.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nOne of my favourite features on Samsung\u2019s smartwatches is the physical rotating bezel, which was still retained in last year\u2019s \nGalaxy Watch 4 Classic\n. Unfortunately, it\u2019s completely removed in this year\u2019s lineup, and Samsung opted for a touch-sensitive bezel instead.\n\n\nIt\u2019s not that this touch-sensitive bezel doesn\u2019t work, it just doesn\u2019t work \nparticularly\n well. On top of that, it is not as precise or as satisfying to use as a physical rotating bezel either.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro\u2019s GPX feature, which is troublesome to set up. While GPX can track cycling and hiking routes with turn-by-turn navigation, this is assuming I already have a GPX file ready to go.\n\n\nOtherwise, I\u2019ll have to complete a cycling or hiking route first and download it as a GPX file through the Samsung Health app. Do note that this feature is limited to the two activities; other workouts like walking or running don\u2019t support GPX, as far as I can tell.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the sheer size of the Watch 5 Pro. While I like how it fits my wrist, this may not hold true for everyone, especially for users with smaller wrists. I\u2019d definitely recommend trying out the smartwatch for yourself at a retail store to see if it fits your wrist well.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nRetailing at RM1,899, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro isn\u2019t exactly affordable. But for that kind of money, you do get a complete, sleek-looking fitness-centric smartwatch, even if it may be a tad too big for some folks to comfortably wear on their wrists.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI do miss Samsung\u2019s physical rotating bezel, and I\u2019m not thrilled by the finicky setup process of the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro\u2019s GPX feature, but all in all, it is still a feature-rich, premium smartwatch. If you\u2019re an Android user looking for a fitness-centric smartwatch, the Watch 5 Pro should definitely be in your shortlist.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/27-october-2-november-fuel-price-ron-97-remains-at-rm3-95-per-litre/", "title": "27 October \u2013 2 November Fuel Price: RON 97 Remains at RM3.95 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nThe price of RON 97 sees no change yet again this week. Of course, the same applies to RON 95 and diesel, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 is set at RM3.95 per litre for the next seven days. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 27 October to 2 November next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nothing-ear-stick-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm469-7-hours-battery-life-cylindrical-charging-case/", "title": "Nothing Ear Stick Lands in Malaysia for RM469 \u2013 7 Hours Battery Life, Cylindrical Charging Case", "body": "\n\nNothing just announced a new pair of wireless earbuds, the Nothing Ear Stick. While it\u2019s not quite as feature-rich as the Ear 1, the new earbuds are more affordable \u2013 it even features better battery life and a unique cylindrical charging case.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Ear Stick retails at RM469. That\u2019s exactly RM130 less than what the Ear 1 is currently priced at (RM599). It\u2019s worth noting that the Ear 1 actually sees a price increase recently; it was previously going for RM499.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, for that kind of money, the Ear Stick doesn\u2019t get the Ear 1\u2019s active noise cancellation or silicone tips. But what it does offer is a familiar transparent design, longer seven hours of battery life \u2013 it can be extended up to 29 hours with the charging case \u2013 and a custom 12.6mm dynamic driver that offers \u201crich depths, clear highs, and bold details,\u201d as the company puts it.\n\n\nThe Nothing Ear Stick can be purchased in Malaysia for RM469 tomorrow on 28 October from Crossover, though only limited units are offered. The wireless earbuds will be more widely available from 4 November next week.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-plus-november-2022-free-games-nioh-2-lego-harry-potter-collection-heavenly-bodies/", "title": "PlayStation Plus November 2022 Free Games: Nioh 2, Lego Harry Potter Collection, Heavenly Bodies", "body": "\n\nPlayStation Plus\u2019 November 2022 free games have just been announced. The lineup includes Nioh 2, Lego Harry Potter Collection, and Heavenly Bodies. Curiously, there are no extra games for the Asian region this time around.\n\n\nThe three games are playable on both the PS5 and PS4, though there\u2019s no PS5 version of Lego Harry Potter Collection. With that in mind, it won\u2019t benefit from faster loading times or the DualSense controller\u2019s range of features like adaptive triggers and more refined haptic feedback.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith the \nrevamped PS Plus membership\n, these three games can be claimed by subscribers of any tiers. Whether you\u2019re on the Essential, Extra, or Deluxe plan, you will have access to these monthly PS Plus games.\n\n\nAll three games can be claimed by PS Plus members from 1 November to 5 December 2022. That means you have until this coming Monday (31 October) to get your hands on October 2022\u2019s free games, including \nSuperhot, Injustice 2, Hot Wheels Unleashed, Rogue Explorer, and Crisis Wing\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/kommuassist-test-drive-with-the-proton-x50-enhanced-level-2-driving/", "title": "KommuAssist Test Drive With the Proton X50 \u2013 Enhanced Level 2 Driving!", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBack in 2020, Kommu posted a \nself-driving Perodua Axia\n equipped with an early prototype of its level 2 autonomous driving system, which garnered quite a bit of attention. Fast forward to today, the company now has an active community around KommuAssist, an enhancement to a car\u2019s existing Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).\n\n\nBut why would you want to install KommuAssist on a car that already has ADAS to start with? Well, there are a number of good reasons to do so. Reasons that are good enough to see the system installed on over \n17 different\n car models in Malaysia right now.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re not satisfied with the performance of your car\u2019s ADAS, KommuAssist may pique your interest.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSo what is KommuAssist? If you\u2019ve heard of Comma\u2019s openpilot open source software, Kommu actually builds upon it. Dubbed bukapilot \u2013 yes, it\u2019s a literal translation of openpilot in Bahasa Malaysia \u2013 it\u2019s a fork of openpilot with Kommu\u2019s own localisations and tunings.\n\n\nWith that in mind, Kommu\u2019s bukapilot software isn\u2019t just a \u201ccopy\u201d of openpilot. The company has put a lot of work into bukapilot, such as integrating the software to local car models like the \nProton X50\n shown here, the latest \nPerodua Myvi facelift\n, and even the \nPerodua Ativa\n.\n\n\nBeyond that, Kommu has also done its own tunings to the bukapilot software. These include lane centering, braking behaviour, and even the set distance between the lead car.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOkay, how is it like to drive with KommuAssist? Very relaxing! Whether it\u2019s highway cruising or going through slow-moving traffic in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, KommuAssist feels refined. Its Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS) for one, is capable with minimal to no \u201cping-ponging.\u201d The fact that this works from 0kmph is great too, given that the LKAS of some cars doesn\u2019t work below a certain speed.\n\n\nAnother capability of KommuAssist that caught me by surprise is how well it handles corners; at least, that\u2019s the case with the X50 I tested. The ADAS on most cars can\u2019t quite negotiate sharper corners, but KommuAssist has no trouble dealing with such corners. Of course, you should still keep your hands on the steering wheel to properly steer the car.\n\n\nAs its name suggests, KommuAssist is only there to assist the driver.\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s quite a simple, straightforward setup\n\n\n\n\nThe braking behaviour of KommuAssist with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) activated is quite refined as well. It feels natural and \u201chuman-like,\u201d and there\u2019s no sudden braking in my brief test drive with the KommuAssist-equipped X50, even if the SUV was approaching standstill traffic.\n\n\nAnd to me, that is the most impressive aspect of KommuAssist: its ability to handle stop and go traffic saves a lot of frustration in rush hour traffic. It leaves just enough gap with the lead car to prevent other cars from cutting in, the lane centering is still good in slower traffic, and it can automatically resume driving even after the car has been stationary for a while.\n\n\nI find the last feature to be particularly useful, as most cars with ADAS require the driver to step on the pedal to resume low-speed follow after stopping for a set amount of time.\n\n\n\n\nThe KommuVision device\n\n\n\n\nOf course, it can be dangerous if the driver is unaware when KommuAssist automatically resumes driving in slow-moving traffic, but that\u2019s where the driver awareness feature comes into the picture. The KommuVision device, besides improving a car\u2019s ADAS, also watches over the driver with a front-facing camera.\n\n\nIf the KummoVision device detects that the driver is distracted \u2013 through the use of an AI model \u2013 the system will alert the driver accordingly. The alerts will gradually get more alarming the longer the driver is distracted, though the system won\u2019t disengage. Kommu said this is done to ensure that the driving situation won\u2019t get more dangerous, especially if the driver is already distracted.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven that KommuAssist is a third-party installation to a car, there are warranty concerns. Well, according to Kommu, installing the system to any car will not void warranty. \u201cAs KommuAssist is a plug-and-play (retrofit) system, no wires are cut to intercept your car\u2019s electrical system, hence it will not void your car warranty,\u201d as the company puts it.\n\n\nAs you can see in the video above, it\u2019s quite easy to install KommuAssist. Most cars with ADAS (in some form) will be supported by the system, even if it\u2019s not in \nthe list of compatible cars\n. If that\u2019s the case for your car, you can get in touch with Kommu \nhere\n to check if it can be fitted with KommuAssist.\n\n\nIf your car doesn\u2019t have ADAS, you can still get KommuAssist installed, though it would only have LKAS. There\u2019s still a form of ACC, but it\u2019s only a partial setup; the system cannot perform any form of braking when it approaches the lead car. So think of this as a\u2026slightly smarter passive cruise control.\n\n\n\n\nThe Standard set of KommuAssist\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPricing wise, the standard set of KommuAssist \ngoes for RM3,499\n regardless of model, while the Semi-ACC kit costs \nslightly more at RM3,599\n. Yes, that\u2019s not a small amount of money, but you are getting your money\u2019s worth with the added features, in my opinion.\n\n\nIn the future, Kommu plans to further refine KommuAssist, such as adding the ability to slow down the car as it approaches a corner, or shifting the car slightly to the side when another vehicle gets too close. If you\u2019d like to know more about Kommu, give its \nofficial website\n a visit.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-6d-series-rog-phone-6-batman-edition-coming-to-malaysia-8-november/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 6D Series & ROG Phone 6 Batman Edition Coming to Malaysia 8 November", "body": "\n\nAsus Malaysia just confirmed the local availability of its latest gaming smartphones. The ROG Phone 6D series \u2013 which includes the standard ROG Phone 6D and 6D Ultimate \u2013 and the ROG Phone 6 Batman Edition will be launched in Malaysia on 8 November.\n\n\nWhile the ROG Phone 6D Ultimate is similar to the \nROG Phone 6 Pro\n with an ROG Vision coloured PMOLED display on the back panel, it also has an AeroActive Portal. This \u201cdoor\u201d opens up when the phone is connected to the AeroActive Cooler 6, improving thermal efficiency by up to 20%. This should translate to better sustained performance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne other new hardware of the ROG Phone 6D and 6D Ultimate is the MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ chipset, which is said to deliver 10% faster performance compared to the standard Dimensity 9000. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how this chip compares to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip found in the regular ROG Phone 6.\n\n\nOther specifications of the ROG Phone 6D and 6D Ultimate include a\u00a06.78-inch 1080p 165Hz AMOLED display, a triple camera system \u2013 50MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide + 5MP macro \u2013 a 12MP selfie camera, and a generous 6,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging.\n\n\nAs for the ROG Phone 6 Batman Edition, it has similar hardware as the standard ROG Phone 6/6D; it\u2019s powered by either a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 or MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ chipset. Of course, it also has some neat Batman-themed accessories and design elements.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone 6D, ROG Phone 6D Ultimate, and ROG Phone 6 Batman Edition will be launched in Malaysia on 8 November next month. We\u2019ll find out the local pricing of these gaming smartphones then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-thinkpad-x1-carbon-30th-anniversary-edition-malaysian-pre-orders-open-for-rm13359/", "title": "Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 30th Anniversary Edition Malaysian Pre-Orders Open for RM13,359", "body": "\n\nTo celebrate ThinkPad\u2019s 30th anniversary, Lenovo is releasing a special edition Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (10th gen). Only 40 units are up for grabs, and the first 20 pre-orders will even receive a special laptop sleeve and a ThinkPad X1 mouse worth RM848 in total.\n\n\nGiven the premium positioning of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon, it\u2019s no surprise that this limited edition model carries an equally premium price tag. It retails at a cool RM13,359, though you do get some neat hardware for that kind money.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese include an Intel Core i7-1260P processor paired with 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM, a 1TB SSD, a 14-inch 2880 x 1800 OLED panel, Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, and Windows 10 Pro out of the box. This limited edition model also has the classic ThinkPad logo in red, green, and blue, along with a 30th Anniversary Edition etching below the keyboard and a serial number engraved on the right hinge cap.\n\n\nThe Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 30th Anniversary Edition can now be pre-ordered on \nLenovo\u2019s Malaysian online store for RM13,359\n. If you\u2019re a LenovoPRO member, you can even get a free T-shirt designed by Felix Ip.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-62139-units-sold-since-launch/", "title": "Proton X50 \u2013 62,139 Units Sold Since Launch", "body": "\n\nProton is celebrating the second anniversary of its hugely successful SUV, the Proton X50. \nSince its launch on 27 October 2020\n, the national carmaker revealed that it has sold over 62,139 units of the B-segment model \u2013 that\u2019s an impressive feat.\n\n\nThe high sales number of the X50 really comes as no surprise, given the value proposition of the SUV. After all, the X50 consistently topped Proton\u2019s monthly sales reports, outselling many of the national carmaker\u2019s other models bar the \nProton Saga\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLooking back, \n28,774 units of the X50\n were delivered to customers last year, making it the best-selling SUV in 2021. Compared to the current figure provided by Proton \u2013 minus a couple of months\u2019 worth of sales in 2020 \u2013 the X50 looks to achieve its best annual sales performance yet.\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about this highly sought-after SUV, watch our full review of the Proton X50\u00a0\nright here\n. Even with the \nprice revision\n after sales tax is reinstated, the value proposition of the B-segment SUV remains very attractive.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-airpods-pro-2nd-gen-review-2022s-best-wireless-earbuds/", "title": "Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) Review: 2022\u2019s Best Wireless Earbuds", "body": "\n\nThe original Apple AirPods Pro, even though it was released three years ago in 2019, still has a strong presence in the wireless earbuds market. It was one of the first true wireless earbuds to feature active noise cancellation (ANC), and it offered reasonably good audio quality as well.\n\n\nFast forward to today, we have the new and improved 2nd generation AirPods Pro. Though it looks identical to the previous model, it brings a slew of upgrades under the hood, including superior ANC, longer battery life, and more importantly, the same RM1,099 price tag.\n\n\nYes, it is not a particularly affordable pair of wireless earbuds, but in my opinion, the 2nd gen AirPods Pro is worth every penny. In fact, I\u2019d even consider it to be 2022\u2019s best wireless earbuds.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nOne of the biggest changes (under the hood) to the 2nd generation AirPods Pro is the new H2 chip that  promises \u201cup to double the noise-cancelling power\u201d of the original AirPods Pro. Though I don\u2019t have access to the first AirPods Pro, I can say that the ANC performance of the new model is easily on par (if not better) with the best wireless earbuds in the market now.\n\n\nBattery life of the new AirPods Pro has also been improved by 1.5 hours for a total of up to six hours of use on a single charge with ANC activated. With the charging case, Apple said the new earbuds can deliver up to 30 hours of total listening time.\n\n\nAside from that, this iteration of the AirPods Pro finally gets volume control on the stem.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the audio quality of the updated AirPods Pro is better now too. With all of these upgrades in mind, it\u2019s quite surreal that Apple is retaining the RM1,099 price tag, though that\u2019s not exactly a budget-friendly price either.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nMy favourite quality of the 2nd gen AirPods Pro has to be its audio quality. Sporting a custom\u2011\u2060built driver and amplifier, I love the tuning of these earbuds. It has strong, \npunchy\n bass; forward, full-sounding vocals with the elevated mids; and subdued highs to avoid sibilance, though this also comes at the cost of reduced airiness and sparkle in the treble region.\n\n\nBasically, the new AirPods Pro has a warm, \u201csoothing\u201d sound signature that\u2019s right up my alley. Its technicalities are quite good too, in my opinion \u2013 it sounds more resolving than other wireless earbuds I\u2019ve tried.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the ANC performance of the AirPods Pro, which is pretty darn impressive. It can cancel out ambient noise very well \u2013 the sound of an air-conditioner or a rumbling engine, for example, is barely audible \u2013 and even human voices are drowned out quite well.\n\n\nCompared to its main competition like the \nSamsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro\n, the AirPods Pro is noticeably better at isolating ambient noise. This can be attributed to the better seal of the AirPods Pro in my ears; I can\u2019t quite get the same amount of isolation with Samsung\u2019s Buds 2 Pro.\n\n\nAnother feature of the updated AirPods Pro that I\u2019m incredibly impressed with is transparency mode. \nEverything\n sounds so natural and lifelike with the mode enabled; it feels almost like I\u2019m not wearing the earbuds at all. I also appreciate the fact that transparency mode can now automatically reduce the volume of loud sounds like sirens and power tools.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the battery life of the 2nd gen AirPods Pro sees quite an improvement. Apple quotes up to six hours of use with ANC activated, and I managed to get this level of battery life quite easily. The charging case can also recharge the earbuds quite quickly in between listening sessions.\n\n\nLast but not least is the new volume control of the AirPods Pro on the stalk, which feels very intuitive to use. It can recognise up and down swiping motions to increase and lower the volume respectively very well, and never did I accidentally pause or skip a track while trying to adjust the volume.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nTo get good audio quality with a pair of earbuds, it\u2019s important to get a good seal. In this regard, I do manage to get a good (and comfortable) seal out of the AirPods Pro\u2019s four different ear tip sizes \u2013 I went with the medium one \u2013 but some folks may find that none of them will fit their ears adequately.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven the proprietary design of the AirPods Pro\u2019s ear tips, you won\u2019t be able to use aftermarket tips with these wireless earbuds. I don\u2019t find this to be an issue, since the medium tips work well for me, though your mileage may vary.\n\n\nOther than that, the AirPods Pro\u2019s same old design isn\u2019t particularly exciting either, even if there are a ton of upgrades under the hood. The AirPods Pro\u2019s slippery, glossy finish makes it quite hard to get a good grip on the earbuds too, not to mention the fact that the case still charges via a lightning connector.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nDespite the unchanged design and proprietary ear tips, the 2nd generation AirPods Pro remains an excellent pair of wireless earbuds. It has a pleasant, warm sound signature, good audio fidelity, long battery life, excellent ANC performance, and lifelike transparency mode.\n\n\nFor these reasons, the new AirPods Pro gets our Nextrift Recommends badge. It is our way of endorsing products for their unique appeal and refinement, and in the case of the AirPods Pro, it gets the badge for its winning qualities as a premium pair of wireless earbuds \u2013 best one yet of the year, in my opinion.\n\n\nIn short, the 2nd gen AirPods Pro can certainly demand the RM1,099 price tag.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-nahida-yoimiya-banners-coming-2-november-with-bennett-razor-noelle/", "title": "Genshin Impact Nahida & Yoimiya Banners Coming 2 November With Bennett, Razor, Noelle", "body": "\n\nNahida\u2019s long-awaited event wish has just been revealed! Set to go live in Genshin Impact this Wednesday on 2 November, the 5-star character\u2019s banner \u2013 alongside Yoimiya \u2013 will be accompanied by Bennett, Razor, and Noelle.\n\n\nIn line with \nprevious Genshin Impact\n \ndouble banners\n, Nahida and Yoimiya both have the same roster of 4-star characters despite the fact that they\u2019re featured in separate event wishes. Of course, pity is also shared between the two banners, and the wish guarantee count\u00a0\nwill\n\u00a0carry over to future character banners too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe same rule applies to the increased \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Nahida, Yoimiya, Bennett, Razor, and Noelle. In the case of Nahida and Yoimiya, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be either of them, depending on which banner you\u2019re wishing. If you got a different character, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be them.\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s pity system for character banners ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character every 90 wishes, you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Nahida or Yoimiya. The same rule applies to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Bennett, Razor, or Noelle. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will likely have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNahida\u2019s \u201cThe Moongrass\u2019 Enlightment\u201d and Yoimiya\u2019s \u201cTapestry of Golden Flames\u201d event wishes will be available in Genshin Impact on 2 November 2022 right after the Version 3.2 update. Their banners will be offered until 18 November; Yae Miko\u2019s and Tartaglia\u2019s rerun banners will follow suit then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/prism-symphony-flow-soundbars-now-available-for-pre-order-in-malaysia-from-rm799/", "title": "PRISM+ Symphony & Flow Soundbars Now Available for Pre-Order in Malaysia From RM799", "body": "\n\nAfter introducing a slew of \nsmart TVs\n and \nmonitors\n in Malaysia, PRISM+ is entering the soundbar market now with the PRISM+ Symphony and PRISM+ Flow. Positioned at two different price points, the value proposition of both soundbars \u2013 just like PRISM+\u2019s other products \u2013 is their main selling point.\n\n\nThe more affordable soundbar of the two is the Flow, which is priced at RM799. The higher-end, more feature-packed Symphony, on the other hand, goes for RM1,999. For that kind of money, you do get quite a number of attractive features, including a wireless subwoofer.\n\n\n\n\nThe PRISM+ Flow\n\n\nThe PRISM+ Symphony\n\n\n\n\nYes, even the more affordable Flow is bundled with a wireless subwoofer. Aside from that, the entry-level soundbar features a 2.1 configuration too with support for Dolby Audio, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Digital Plus. Oh, it even comes with Bluetooth 5.1 for easy streaming.\n\n\nAs for the more premium Symphony, it is a 5.1.2 soundbar with four upward-firing speakers, four front drivers, two surround speakers, and an 8-inch subwoofer. It also has HDMI eARC for higher quality audio, along with support for Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Bluetooth 5.1.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBoth the PRISM+ Symphony and PRISM+ Flow are now available for pre-order in Malaysia for RM1,999 and RM799 respectively; deliveries will begin sometime in the middle of November 2022. You can purchase the two soundbars from \nPRISM+\u2019s own online store\n, \nShopee\n, or \nLazada\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-teases-the-wanderer-faruzan-likely-playable-in-version-3-3/", "title": "Genshin Impact Teases The Wanderer & Faruzan \u2013 Likely Playable in Version 3.3", "body": "\n\nJust a couple of days before the \nVersion 3.2 update\n goes live, Hoyoverse is teasing two new characters coming to \nGenshin Impact\n, and one of them is very, \nvery\n interesting. The two characters are The Wanderer and Faruzan, and if the former looks familiar, you wouldn\u2019t be wrong: it looks to be The Balladeer (Scaramouche) himself.\n\n\nTypically, characters that are teased by Hoyoverse are playable in the next version update of Genshin Impact, so there\u2019s no reason the same wouldn\u2019t apply to The Wanderer and Faruzan. Unfortunately, the rarity of the new characters has not been revealed yet, though we reckon The Wanderer is a 5-star character, given his importance in the story.\n\n\nAfter all, The Wanderer is (was?) a Fatui Harbinger.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, there\u2019s no mention of the weapons that The Wanderer and Faruzan use, though Hoyoverse did show the elements that the characters wield. Both The Wanderer and Faruzan are Anemo characters, which is quite interesting for the former, given that he wields the Electro element as The Balladeer.\n\n\nNonetheless, expect The Wanderer and Faruzan to be playable characters in Genshin Impact 3.3, which is expected to be released on 7 December. This is only about five weeks away, and compared to previous updates, this is a shorter time period in between updates.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-glorious-gmmk-numpad-keychron-q0-sound-test/", "title": "Video: Glorious GMMK Numpad & Keychron Q0 Sound Test", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the custom keyboard scene, a full-size keyboard with a numpad is not easy to come by, especially if you want a specific set of features. For that reason (among others), getting a separate numpad can be a good idea, such as these from Glorious and Keychron.\n\n\nOut of the two numpads, the Glorious GMMK Numpad is the decidedly higher-end option with a $130 (about RM615) price tag. Not only does it work wired and wirelessly, it also has a programmable slider and rotary knob. Besides that, it uses a gasket mount system too with an aluminium case and hotswap PCB.\n\n\nAs for the Keychron Q0, it is much more affordable. Here in Malaysia, the fully assembled model with switches and keycaps goes for RM289, while the barebone version is priced at RM269. For that kind of money, you\u2019re also getting an aluminium numpad with a hotswap PCB, though it doesn\u2019t have wireless support.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get either one of these numpads, stay tuned for our full review of the Glorious GMMK Numpad and Keychron Q0!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-november-2022-offer-up-to-rm6000-discount-signed-messi-jersey/", "title": "Honda Malaysia November 2022 Offer \u2013 Up to RM6,000 Discount & Signed Messi Jersey", "body": "\n\nAs usual, Honda Malaysia is offering a number of attractive discounts for its range of models in November 2022 this month, including the \npopular Honda City\n, Accord, and \nCR-V\n. On top of that, those who register a Honda model until 31 December also stand a chance to win an Argentina jersey signed by Messi himself.\n\n\nNaturally,\u00a0the \nHonda Accord\n\u00a0gets the best discount. Both the range-topping TC-P and more affordable TC variants of the D-segment sedan receive a RM6,000 rebate. Curiously, the \nHonda BR-V\n seven-seater MPV gets an equally generous RM6,000 discount as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA tier down is the Honda City, which gets a RM3,500 discount for all variants of the B-segment sedan, including the range-topping \nRS e:HEV model\n. If you want the \nHonda City Hatchback\n instead, all variants of the model receive a RM1,500 discount.\n\n\nIf you want an SUV instead, you can opt for the \nHonda CR-V\n, which is offered with a RM3,000 discount. Do note that these discounts are only applicable for vehicles registered between 1 to 30 November 2022; more information on the deal can be found\u00a0on \nHonda Malaysia\u2019s website\n. If you\u2019re interested to get any of these Honda models with the rebates, you can place a pre-booking online\u00a0\nhere\n.\n\n\nAlternatively, bookings can be done through the HondaTouch app as well \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hearthstone-march-of-the-lich-king-expansion-lands-6-december-new-death-knight-class/", "title": "Hearthstone March of the Lich King Expansion Lands 6 December \u2013 New Death Knight Class", "body": "\n\nHearthstone just unveiled the next expansion for the popular digital card game. Set to land on 6 December, March of the Lich King will add 145 new cards \nand\n a new class: Death Knight.\n\n\nOf course, the debut hero for the new Death Knight class \u2013 there\u2019s a whopping 11 different classes in Hearthstone now \u2013 is none other than Arthas himself as the Lich King. The class gets 68 new cards (not including the cards from the new expansion), and 32 of them are free Core cards.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs with every new Hearthstone expansion, March of the Lich King will introduce a new keyword: Manathirst. Once you\u2019ve acquired a set amount of mana crystals, certain cards will have additional effects. Besides that, the Reborn keyword \u2013 the first time a minion dies, it will be resummoned with one health \u2013 is making a return as well.\n\n\nHearthstone\u2019s March of the Lich King expansion will go live on 6 December. Just like previous expansions, the new cards will be shown \nhere\n as they are revealed over the next few weeks. You can also \npre-purchase the new expansion\n, and every player will get The Sunwell Legendary spell as a login reward now.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/glorious-gmmk-numpad-vs-keychron-q0-which-one-should-you-get/", "title": "Glorious GMMK Numpad vs. Keychron Q0 \u2013 Which One Should You Get?", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s tough to find a full-size keyboard in the custom keyboard scene, which is one of the reasons why getting a dedicated numpad can be a good idea. If you\u2019re looking to get one, consider these two: the Glorious GMMK Numpad and Keychron Q0.\n\n\nBoth of these numpads have their own winning qualities, and depending on your preference, you may prefer one over the other. There\u2019s also the fact that the GMMK Numpad sits at a higher price point than the Q0, though you do get more features too. Read on to find out more about these two numpads!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPriced at $130 (about RM615) in the US, the Glorious GMMK Numpad is a decidedly higher-end option. Not only does it work wired and wirelessly, it also has a programmable slider and rotary knob. Besides that, it uses a gasket mount system too with an aluminium case and hotswap PCB.\n\n\nAs for the Keychron Q0, it is much more affordable. Here in Malaysia, the fully assembled model with switches and keycaps goes for RM289, while the barebone version is priced at RM269. For that kind of money, you\u2019re also getting an aluminium case with a hotswap PCB, though it doesn\u2019t have wireless connectivity.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut the Keychron Q0 does have one distinct advantage: it supports QMK and VIA to easily customise the mapping of the numpad. After all, these two software are used by the majority of custom keyboards, so many folks in the scene will feel right at home when customising the Q0.\n\n\nOf course, the GMMK Numpad\u2019s key mapping can also be customised, but this can only be done through the Glorious Core software. It\u2019s\u2026an okay software that gets the job done (for the most part), though it doesn\u2019t feel particularly intuitive to navigate around.\n\n\nWhat the GMMK Numpad lacks in software support is made up by its more complete feature set. As mentioned, it is a wireless numpad that works over Bluetooth 5.0, so if you\u2019re building towards a wire-free setup, the GMMK Numpad will be right up your alley.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, there\u2019s also the added functionality of a knob and programmable slider with the GMMK Numpad. The knob can be used for general volume adjustment, while the slider can be set to change the volume of specific applications, though I can\u2019t get it to work with \nGenshin Impact\n, oddly enough.\n\n\nDesign wise, I\u2019m quite a fan of the LED strips on either sides of the GMMK Numpad. It gives the product a nice bit of accent, and the per-key RGB lighting pairs well with the shine-through ABS double shot keycaps too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThough the Keychron Q0 doesn\u2019t have a knob, slider, or wireless connectivity like the GMMK Numpad, it \nis\n a good wired numpad, especially for the money. It has extra keys above the regular numpad keys for added functionality \u2013 easily remappable with VIA \u2013 and I much prefer the sound profile of the Q0 over Glorious\u2019 offering.\n\n\nCompared to the GMMK Numpad, the Keychron Q0 has a quieter, lower-pitched sound signature; it is a \u201cthocky\u201d numpad, basically. This can be attributed to the keycaps\u2019 taller, more sculpted OSA profile, not to mention the fact that they are PBT double shot keycaps. PBT plastic is typically deeper-sounding than ABS, which is the material used for the GMMK Numpad\u2019s keycaps.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for typing feel, both the GMMK Numpad and Keychron Q0 are largely similar in this aspect. Even if the former uses a gasket mounting system, it\u2019s still as stiff as the tray-mounted Q0. This can either be a positive or a negative quality, depending on your preference.\n\n\nStabilisers on pre-built keyboards can be a bit of a hit-and-miss, but for these two numpads, they are tuned relatively well. There is still a bit of ticking on certain keys, but they do sound relatively good with minimal rattling. I\u2019m positive injecting a bit of lube to the stabilisers with a syringe can eliminate the ticking.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the switches, and the GMMK Numpad certainly has the edge over the Keychron Q0 in this department. Its Glorious Fox linear switch is noticeably smoother than Keychron\u2019s regular Gateron G Pro switch, and it wobbles slightly less too.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that both the GMMK Numpad and Keychron Q0 feature a hotswap PCB, but the former has north-facing LED lighting, which will cause interference with lower-profile keycaps like Cherry. Glorious \ndoes\n offer a south-facing LED PCB for the Numpad that will eliminate this completely, but it is (curiously) sold separately.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Keychron Q0, despite its more affordable RM269 starting price, is still a refined numpad. It doesn\u2019t have wireless support or a fancy knob and slider, but it does offer a deeper, \u201cthockier\u201d sound signature, QMK/VIA compatibility, and a hotswap PCB with south-facing LED for best compatibility with different keycap profiles.\n\n\nIn contrast, the Glorious GMMK Numpad is more feature-rich, but it also cost \nmore than twice as much\n as the Q0 with its $130 price tag. You do get a more complete numpad, of course, but it also has its fair share of shortcomings.\n\n\nAt the moment, only the Keychron Q0 is officially available in Malaysia \nthrough Sun Cycle\n. The GMMK Numpad is not sold here yet, but expect it to be available locally sometime in the near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/3-9-november-fuel-price-ron-97-stays-at-rm3-95-per-litre/", "title": "3 \u2013 9 November Fuel Price: RON 97 Stays at RM3.95 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nFor the fourth week in a row, the price of RON 97 sees no change yet again. Of course, the same applies to RON 95 and diesel, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 is set at RM3.95 per litre for the next seven days. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 2 to 9 November next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopee-75-of-malaysians-watch-influencer-tutorial-videos-to-solve-problems/", "title": "Shopee: 75% of Malaysians Watch Influencer Tutorial Videos to Solve Problems", "body": "\n\nTo highlight the role of influencers in shaping Malaysians\u2019 shopping habits, Shopee recently hosted a virtual forum to discuss the relatability of influencer community online. The e-commerce platform also ran a study that shows over 75% of Malaysians watch tutorial videos by influencers to solve problems.\n\n\nThe study took place between 28 September to 26 October 2022; feedback was gathered from 2,459 buyers and 1,035 sellers on the Shopee platform. Only 25% of respondents said that they don\u2019t watch any form of influencer tutorial videos, while 41% mentioned that tutorial videos help them to find affordable and effective solutions to their problems.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cOn Shopee, we have an ecosystem of trusted influencers \u2013 they are fellow users and sellers themselves who provide authentic experiences during big campaigns,\u201d said Shopee Malaysia\u2019s head of marketing campaigns, Kenneth Soh. \u201c27% of our surveyed buyers watch Shopee Live for entertainment and educational content,\u201d he added.\n\n\nAs we get closer to Shopee\u2019s 11.11 sale next week, expect more Shopee Live content to be geared towards that. To \nstart collecting discount vouchers\n \u2013 or watch Shopee Live videos \u2013 you can download the Shopee app from the \nApple App Store\n and \nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/god-of-war-ragnarok-ps5-review-the-incredible-evolution-of-a-beloved-franchise/", "title": "God of War Ragnarok (PS5) Review: The Incredible Evolution of a Beloved Franchise", "body": "\n\nThe original God of War trilogy was mainly focused on violent actions, aggressive combat, and of course, vengeance \u2013 lots of vengeance. The tone shifts with the new God of War that was released back in 2018: there\u2019s much more focus on thoughtful characterisation; a heavier, more engrossing storyline; and a revamped combat system.\n\n\nWith God of War Ragnarok, all of these elements are further refined. What was once a franchise of (almost) senseless violence has evolved into a semi-open world AAA game with rewarding exploration, robust gameplay, and an incredibly moving narrative with story moments that will stick with me for years to come.\n\n\nAs of this moment, Ragnarok is easily one of my top contenders for 2022\u2019s game of the year, and this is our spoiler-free review of the game.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nTaking place a few years after the events of the previous game, God of War Ragnarok starts off in the middle of \u201cFimbulwinter.\u201d The phenomenon is a prelude to\u2026well, Ragnarok itself, which is basically the end of the world.\n\n\nKratos\u2019 son, Atreus, is now a teenager, and he is on a quest to find out who he is, given that the previous game revealed that he\u2019s actually \u2013 slight spoiler here \u2013 Loki from Norse mythology. As the father-son duo set out on their journey, they will come across a number of legendary Aesir gods, including Tyr and Thor himself.\n\n\nThat, and also being hunted by the goddess Freya.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAvailable on both PS5 and PS4, God of War Ragnarok is \npriced from RM249\n for the Standard Edition on the PS4, while the PS5 version\u00a0\ngoes for RM299\n. There\u2019s also a\u00a0\nDigital Deluxe Edition for RM339\n, which includes both the PS4 and PS5 version.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nWhat impressed me the most with God of War Ragnarok is its incredible plot, and I love a game with a good story to tell. I find the narrative of the 2018 game to be quite good, but Ragnarok \nelevated \nit to another level. Not in my wildest dream would I have thought God of War \u2013 especially in the context of the original trilogy \u2013 could tell such a compelling story.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s a lot to unpack throughout the main story of Ragnarok, but never did it feel too overwhelming. The lore is explained well enough for me to understand what\u2019s going on \u2013 you do have to finish the previous game first though to really grasp it \u2013 and character developments are excellent.\n\n\nBesides that, the main storyline of Ragnarok is quite long too: it took me about 30 hours to complete it. Granted, I did do some side quests as well; the game almost always encourage exploration after completing certain plot points. But there\u2019s no denying that this is a lengthy game with a boatload of side quests to complete.\n\n\nWhen it comes to replayability, there\u2019s no doubt Ragnarok will keep players entertained for hours on end. There are even somewhat of a continuation to the story after the main plot is finished.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFurther enhancing the narrative of God of War Ragnarok is the fantastic voice acting. Whether it\u2019s Kratos (Christopher Judge), Atreus (Sunny Suljic), or Thor (Ryan Hurst), every voice line is delivered with the right emotions. It\u2019s also nice to see Suljic reprising his role as Atreus in Ragnarok \u2013 I find his character to be much more likeable in this game, but I digress.\n\n\nComplementing the strong voice acting are the realistic facial expressions of character models in God of War Ragnarok. When a character is angry or happy, these emotions are rendered almost flawlessly on their faces \u2013 almost. I\u2019ll elaborate more on this further down the review.\n\n\nOf course, Ragnarok also offers stunning graphics \u2013 at least, that\u2019s the case on the PS5. The environment is lush and expansive, character models are extremely detailed, and in my eyes, lighting looks realistic as well. Not surprisingly, there are also two graphics modes: Performance and Resolution.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMost of my playthough in God of War Ragnarok is with the Performance mode enabled, as it seems to lock the game at 60fps. I don\u2019t see a huge difference visually between the two modes, so I went with the higher frame rate option for smoother gameplay \u2013 it helps a ton in combat situations.\n\n\nAnd that is a good segue to the combat system of Ragnarok. I selected the Balance difficulty, and it offers just the right amount of challenge. I can\u2019t just mash buttons and hope for the best; if I\u2019m reckless and don\u2019t utilise my different weapon skills effectively, enemies can quickly overwhelm me.\n\n\nAs I upgrade my weapon tree and unlock more skills, the combat gets much more entertaining as well, and I find boss fights to be particularly satisfying to beat without feeling (too) frustrating. That being said, it does still get annoying at times \u2013 let\u2019s get to that in the next section.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAs much as I enjoy the combat system of God of War Ragnarok, there is a steep learning curve. In the beginning, I was dying more often than I care to admit, especially in mini boss fights. But once I got into the groove \u2013 getting the right timing for parries is very, very important \u2013 the combat feels more satisfying and \u201cfair,\u201d though your mileage may vary.\n\n\nAside from that, there are also some instances of clipping with character models. It is not terrible by any means, but it does break the immersion of the game a tad bit. But on a more positive note, I never encountered any game-breaking bug, even with an early (non-final) version of the game.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least are the facial expressions of characters in God of War Ragnarok\u2026outside of cutscenes. When conversing with characters in the open world, their expressions are hit-and-miss. Eye contact is not quite right, expressions are not\u2026expressive, and it feels like they\u2019re just talking to an open space instead of having a conversation with me.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nAbsolutely, without a shadow of a doubt. God of War Ragnarok is by far the most entertaining AAA game I\u2019ve played this year, especially in the aspect of storytelling. It could be my nostalgia talking here, but to follow Kratos\u2019 story from the first game to where he is right now in Ragnarok\u2026is quite an emotional journey.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter experiencing one emotional cutscene to the next \u2013 and sometimes emotional (read: frustrating) combat encounters \u2013 God of War Ragnarok definitely deserves the Nextrift Recommends badge. It\u2019s our way of endorsing a particular game or product for its entertainment value, refinement, unique appeal, or even just sheer value for money.\n\n\nYes, priced at RM249 and RM299 for the PS4 and PS5 copies respectively, God of War Ragnarok is not exactly a value buy, but you will certainly get your money\u2019s worth out of it. From its replay value to uncovering how the Ragnarok apocalypse plays out in this latest entry to the franchise, countless hours of entertainment awaits you in Midgard \u2013 and the other eight realms accessible in the game.\n\n\nGod of War Ragnarok launches 9 November on PS5 and PS4.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-mate-50-pro-lands-in-malaysia-from-rm4499-snapdragon-8-gen-1-variable-aperture-camera/", "title": "Huawei Mate 50 Pro Lands in Malaysia From RM4,499 \u2013 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, Variable Aperture Camera", "body": "\n\nHuawei just launched its latest flagship smartphone on our shores, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. Featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset \u2013 albeit a 4G version \u2013 one of the highlights of the Mate 50 Pro is its camera system with variable aperture.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Mate 50 Pro are offered in Malaysia. The base model with 256GB base model is priced at RM4,499, while the 512GB configuration (available only in the Orange Vegan Leather Edition) goes for RM5,299. Both variants are equipped with 8GB of RAM.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Mate 50 Pro features the aforementioned Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, though it doesn\u2019t feature 5G capability. It also has a triple camera system made up of a 50MP primary sensor with variable aperture (f/1.4 to f/4.0), a 13MP ultra-wide lens, and a 64MP telephoto camera.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mate 50 Pro include a 6.74-inch 2616 x 1212 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 13MP selfie camera, a 4,700mAh battery with support for 66W fast charging, an IP68 water and dust resistance, and EMUI 13 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei Mate 50 Pro is \nnow available for pre-order in Malaysia\n until 11 November next week. Early birds will also get up to RM1,450 worth of freebies, including a Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro smartwatch.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/cherry-revives-legendary-nixie-switch-with-the-cherry-mx-black-clear-top/", "title": "Cherry Revives Legendary Nixie Switch With the Cherry MX Black Clear-Top", "body": "\n\nThe Cherry \u201cNixie\u201d linear switch is one of the most sought-after vintage switches in the aftermarket for their smoothness and deep, \u201cthocky\u201d sound profile, but it is also very hard to come by. Thankfully, Cherry is reviving the legendary switch with the Cherry MX Black Clear-Top \u2013 a rather confusing name, given that it actually has a milky top housing.\n\n\nNonetheless, Cherry says that the MX Black Clear-Top retains the characteristics of the original Nixie switch with \u201cmodern production optimisations.\u201d This should translate to good quality control to ensure there\u2019s no huge inconsistency between different switches.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the MX Black Clear-Top also has the same colour scheme as the Nixie with a milky top, black bottom, black stem, and gold-coloured stainless steel spring. It also has an actuation force of 63.5g (80g bottom out) and is available with or without factory lubing.\n\n\nThe Cherry MX Black Clear-Top will be released sometime in early 2023 next year. It\u2019ll be interesting to see just how similar it would be to the original Nixie, and we\u2019ll definitely put it through its paces once we have the MX Black Clear-Top in for review!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-sold-115366-cars-in-2022-so-far-surpassing-2021-sales-almost-50k-suvs-sold/", "title": "Proton Sold 115,366\u00a0Cars in 2022 So Far, Surpassing 2021 Sales \u2013 Almost 50k SUVs Sold", "body": "\n\nProton just shared its sales performance for October 2022. With 13,013 units sold last month, the national carmaker has registered a total of 115,366 units in 2022 so far, surpassing 2021\u2019s total sales of 114,708 units.\n\n\nIn fact, Proton\u2019s sales performance this year is the company\u2019s best since 2014, and its SUVs make up quite a large portion with 48,729 units delivered this year. Of course, the \nProton X50\n leads the segment with 33,193 units sold between January to October 2022, while the X70 was delivered to 15,536 buyers in the same time period.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cProton\u2019s fourth consecutive year of volume growth coincides with the brand\u2019s entry into the SUV market with the Proton X70. It\u2019s an achievement the company is proud of and despite the launch of newer rivals, it remains a class leader,\u201d said the deputy CEO of Proton, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n\n\u201cTherefore, to celebrate its upcoming fourth birthday, we are offering customers gifts comprising accessories worth RM1,499, interest rates as low as 2.52%, and many other surprises from our dealerships if they purchase a Proton X70 in November,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond its SUVs, Proton\u2019s best-selling model continues to be the Saga with 45,965 units delivered in the first 10 months of 2022. This is an increase of 42% compared to last year\u2019s performance, so evidently, the \nfacelifted model\n is quite popular among Malaysians.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/singakbd-unikorn-r2-2-rerun-first-in-stock-sale-in-november-2022/", "title": "SINGAKBD Unikorn R2.2 Rerun \u2013 First In-Stock Sale in November 2022", "body": "\n\nWe finally got a sale date for the 2022 rerun of SINGAKBD\u2019s very popular Unikorn custom keyboard. The first in-stock sale of three (!) will happen by the middle of November this month, but as usual, the sale will be done through a raffle.\n\n\nAs previously revealed by SINGAKBD, this first round of Unikorn sale will consist of 300 units; it will be a combination of the Flamenco Red and Reseda Green colourways. A second sale (also 300 units) will be held sometime in December or January 2023 for the other two colours: Berlin Blue and Pewter Grey.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo note that those who won the first round of raffle (Red + Green) for the Unikorn rerun cannot join the second round (Blue + Grey). However, there will be a third round of raffle sale for 60 units of a Special Edition Unikorn; that one will be a free for all. \n\n\nAs for pricing, the SINGAKBD Unikorn R2.2 rerun is said to go for around RM1,800 previously; a price increase of approximately RM200 compared to the previous run due to higher metal prices. Follow SINGAKBD\u2019s \nofficial Discord channel\n to get the latest updates on the sale.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ps5-god-of-war-ragnarok-bundle-coming-to-malaysia-9-november-from-rm2339/", "title": "PS5 God of War Ragnarok Bundle Coming to Malaysia 9 November From RM2,339", "body": "\n\nIn conjunction with the launch of \nGod of War Ragnarok\n next week, Sony is releasing a PS5 bundle for the upcoming game. It\u2019s set to be available in Malaysia on 9 November, so expect local retailers to take pre-orders of the console very soon.\n\n\nAs usual, two variants are offered. The PS5 Digital Edition bundle costs RM2,339, while the standard PS5 with a Blu-ray disc drive bundle is priced at RM2,769. Do note that both bundles offer a digital copy of God of War Ragnarok, curiously enough.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe just released \nour review of Ragnarok\n earlier this morning, and it\u2019s certainly a worthy sequel to the 2018 game. Not only does it offer a very compelling narrative with strong voice acting, it also looks great on the PS5; there\u2019s even support for high frame rate.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get your hands on the PS5 God of War Ragnarok bundle, check with your favourite game store to see if you can secure a unit. Chances are, the bundle will be reserved for those who are already in the waiting list, but it\u2019s always worth checking.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/next-gen-ipad-pro-available-in-malaysia-soon-certified-with-sirim/", "title": "Next-Gen iPad Pro Available in Malaysia Soon \u2013 Certified With SIRIM", "body": "\n\nIt appears the next-gen iPad Pro will be available for purchase in Malaysia very soon. Now powered by the Cupertino company\u2019s very own M2 chip \u2013 which was previously only found on the \nlatest MacBook Air\n and \n13-inch MacBook Pro\n \u2013 the new iPad Pro is faster than ever with some new capabilities.\n\n\nIn our routine search through SIRIM\u2019s database, the 4th generation iPad Pro was registered with the certification body just today on 4 November under Apple Malaysia. The model number (A2759) \nbelongs to the 11-inch model\n, so we reckon the larger 12.9 variant will appear in SIRIM\u2019s database soon enough.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe biggest change to the iPad Pro is definitely the new M2 chip, which promises up to 15% faster performance compared to the M1. Packed with a 10-core GPU, the M2 also delivers up to 35% faster graphics performance. Suffice to say the updated iPad Pro is faster than the previous model.\n\n\nCreative folks will be happy to know that the new iPad Pro now has \u201chover\u201d support with the 2nd gen Apple Pencil; it will be detected up to 12mm above the display. This makes it easier for users to see a preview of where their inputs will be positioned on the screen before doing any changes.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the updated iPad Pro now features WiFi 6E, enabling download speeds up to 2.4Gbps. Beyond that, other hardware of the iPad Pro are similar to its predecessor, including ProMotion technology for 120Hz refresh rate, a mini-LED display for the 12.9-inch model, and a familiar design.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPricing wise, the 11-inch iPad Pro \nretails from RM3,899\n for the 128GB base model in Malaysia. As for the larger, higher-end 12.9-inch variant, it \nstarts at RM5,399\n (also for the 128GB version). Given that the 11-inch model has been registered with SIRIM already, there\u2019s a good chance the new iPad Pro will be sold here very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-tv-4k-3rd-gen-appears-on-sirim-available-in-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) Appears on SIRIM \u2013 Available in Malaysia Soon?", "body": "\n\nIt looks like the 3rd generation Apple TV 4K is also coming to Malaysia soon. Compared to its predecessor, it sports a slew of upgrades, including a faster A15 Bionic chip, support for HDR10+, and a Siri Remote with USB-C charging.\n\n\nAs per usual, we spotted the next-generation Apple TV 4K in SIRIM\u2019s database. Both the 64GB (A2737) and 128GB (A2843) models have been registered with the certification body, so it won\u2019t be long now until the new streaming box is officially sold here.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThanks to its faster Apple A15 Bionic chip, the next-gen Apple TV 4K offers up to 50% faster CPU performance, while GPU performance sees a notable 30% improvement. With support for HDR10+ (and Dolby Vision), you can be assured to enjoy HDR on a wider amount of content too.\n\n\nOf course, there\u2019s also the Siri Remote for the new Apple TV 4K, which now charges via USB-C instead of Apple\u2019s proprietary Lightning connector. This should make it easier to charge up the remote, especially if you\u2019ve got a lot of USB-C cables lying around.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for pricing, the WiFi-only Apple TV 4K with 64GB of storage is priced at RM699, while the 128GB variant with the addition of an ethernet port goes for RM799. It\u2019s also worth noting that the 128GB model features Thread mesh networking protocol to connect to other smart home accessories.\n\n\nGiven that the new Apple TV 4K, \niPad Pro\n, and \niPad\n have all been registered with SIRIM, there\u2019s a good chance these products will be available for purchase simultaneously in Malaysia. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on their local availabilities.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ipad-10th-gen-also-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "iPad (10th Gen) Also Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nnew iPad Pro\n, it looks like Apple will also bring in the redesigned entry-level iPad to Malaysia very soon. Featuring a new design, a larger display, \nand\n USB-C port, the 10th gen iPad looks much sleeker and modern now, along with some performance improvements.\n\n\nJust like the iPad Pro, the updated iPad was registered with SIRIM just today on 4 November under several applicants, including Apple Malaysia itself. Two distinct models have been certified: A2696 (WiFi-only) and A2757 (cellular).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt a glance, the most notable change to the updated iPad is the larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with smaller bezels. There\u2019s no more physical home button either, with Touch ID moved to the power button, much like how it is on the \niPad Pro\n and \niPad mini\n.\n\n\nUnder the hood, the revamped iPad also gets the Apple A14 Bionic chip, an upgrade over its predecessor\u2019s A13 Bionic. The new iPad\u2019s 12MP ultra-wide camera has also been moved to the landscape edge of the tablet for better video calling experience.\n\n\nOther upgrades to the redesigned iPad include support for the new Magic Keyboard Folio and the 1st gen Apple Pencil, an updated 12MP rear camera, WiFi 6 and 5G support, and of course, the aforementioned USB-C port.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 10th gen iPad \nstarts at RM2,099\n in Malaysia, and it will be \nsold alongside last year\u2019s model\n, which is currently going for RM1,599. It remains to be seen exactly when the updated iPad will be available for purchase on our shores, though there\u2019s a good chance it will arrive here soon, given that the tablet\u2019s certified with SIRIM already.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/10-16-november-fuel-price-no-changes-ron-97-stays-at-rm3-95-per-litre/", "title": "10 \u2013 16 November Fuel Price: No Changes \u2013 RON 97 Stays at RM3.95 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nFor the fifth week in a row now, the price of RON 97 sees no change yet again. Of course, the same applies to RON 95 and diesel, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 is set at RM3.95 per litre for the next seven days. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 10 to 16 November next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mecha-store-now-in-malaysia-first-custom-keyboard-store-in-klang-valley/", "title": "Mecha Store Now in Malaysia \u2013 First Custom Keyboard Store in Klang Valley!", "body": "\n\nAs promised\n, Mecha Store just opened a retail store here in Malaysia. Located at Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, the store offers the same services as it does in Singapore, which include build services and the sale of multiple keyboard parts \u2013 you won\u2019t have to shop for parts online anymore.\n\n\nAt least, if Bandar Sunway isn\u2019t too far from where you are at. In fact, Mecha Malaysia is the first retail store in the Klang Valley area that specialises in \ncustom keyboards\n. Whether you\u2019re looking to get new switches, keycaps, or even build a new one altogether, Mecha Store got you covered.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOnce you\u2019ve picked the parts that you want \u2013 good luck with that, given the sheer amount of switch options and keycaps to choose from \u2013 there\u2019s space for you to start building your keyboard on the spot. Naturally, the staff will assist anyone that needs help on this matter \u2013 they\u2019re a helpful bunch, trust us.\n\n\nThere are a lot of keyboards on display at Mecha Store too. Some interesting keyboards that were showcased when we visited include \nAxiom Studios\u2019 Typ 65+\n, a polycarbonate Cyberboard, and even the Moondrop Dash \u201cHiFi\u201d keyboard with a built-in DAC/AMP.\n\n\nThat\u2019s not the only audio-centric product featured at the store: you can also grab the Mecha Edition of the \n7Hz Salnotes Zero\n there. We were also told that other IEMs may be sold at Mecha Malaysia in the near future \u2013 perhaps some of \nCrinacle\u2019s\n \ncollaborations\n will make an appearance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s great to see the custom keyboard scene grow here in Malaysia; it\u2019s \nreally a rewarding hobby\n, especially for folks who do a lot of typing. Anyway, Mecha Store Malaysia will be open to the public this Saturday on 12 November; you can find the store at 57, Jalan PJS 11/7, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/next-gen-ipad-pro-now-available-in-malaysia-from-rm3899/", "title": "Next-Gen iPad Pro Now Available in Malaysia From RM3,899", "body": "\n\nThe next-gen iPad Pro is now available for purchase in Malaysia! Powered by the Cupertino company\u2019s very own M2 chip \u2013 which was previously only found on the \nlatest MacBook Air\n and \n13-inch MacBook Pro\n \u2013 the new iPad Pro is faster than ever with some new capabilities.\n\n\nPricing wise, the 11-inch iPad Pro \nretails from RM3,899\n for the 128GB base model in Malaysia. As for the larger, higher-end 12.9-inch variant, it \nstarts at RM5,399\n (also for the 128GB version). These prices are for the WiFi-only models; the cellular variants cost an additional RM750.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe biggest change to the iPad Pro is definitely the new M2 chip, which promises up to 15% faster performance compared to the M1. Packed with a 10-core GPU, the M2 also delivers up to 35% faster graphics performance. Suffice to say the updated iPad Pro is faster than the previous model.\n\n\nCreative folks will be happy to know that the new iPad Pro now has \u201chover\u201d support with the 2nd gen Apple Pencil; it will be detected up to 12mm above the display. This makes it easier for users to see a preview of where their inputs will be positioned on the screen before doing any changes.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the updated iPad Pro now features WiFi 6E, enabling download speeds up to 2.4Gbps. Beyond that, other hardware of the iPad Pro are similar to its predecessor, including ProMotion technology for 120Hz refresh rate, a mini-LED display for the 12.9-inch model, and a familiar design.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe new iPad Pro can now be purchased on \nApple\u2019s Malaysian online store\n. Chances are, retail stores will also have the new tablet for sale very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redesigned-ipad-10th-gen-now-in-malaysia-from-rm2099/", "title": "Redesigned iPad (10th Gen) Now in Malaysia From RM2,099", "body": "\n\nBesides the \nnew iPad Pro\n, Apple has also brought in the redesigned entry-level iPad to the Malaysian market. Featuring a new design, a larger display, \nand\n USB-C port, the 10th gen iPad looks much sleeker and modern now, along with some performance improvements.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the new iPad\u00a0\nretails from RM2,099\n, and that gets you the 64GB model; a tier up is the 256GB variant for RM2,849. Four colour options are available: Blue, Pink, Yellow, and a more minimalist Silver.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt a glance, the most notable change to the updated iPad is the larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with smaller bezels. There\u2019s no more physical home button either, with Touch ID moved to the power button, much like how it is on the \niPad Pro\n and \niPad mini\n.\n\n\nUnder the hood, the revamped iPad also gets the Apple A14 Bionic chip, an upgrade over its predecessor\u2019s A13 Bionic. The new iPad\u2019s 12MP ultra-wide camera has also been moved to the landscape edge of the tablet for better video calling experience.\n\n\nOther upgrades to the redesigned iPad include support for the new Magic Keyboard Folio and the 1st gen Apple Pencil, an updated 12MP rear camera, WiFi 6 and 5G support, and of course, the aforementioned USB-C port.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the 10th gen iPad \nstarts at RM2,099\n in Malaysia, and it will be \nsold alongside last year\u2019s model\n, which is currently going for RM1,599. Now that the new entry-level iPad is available on Apple\u2019s Malaysian online store, there\u2019s a good chance retail stores will have the new tablet in stock soon as well.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ps5-god-of-war-ragnarok-bundle-pre-orders-open-from-sony-centre-mid-valley-until-13-november-2022/", "title": "PS5 & God of War Ragnarok Bundle Pre-Orders Open From Sony Centre Mid Valley Until 13 November 2022", "body": "\n\nAnother month, another round of pre-orders of the PS5 from Sony Centre Mid Valley. This is actually the fourth sale of the next-gen console after the \nprice hike\n that was announced back in August 2022, and the new \nGod of War Ragnarok bundle\n is also included this time around.\n\n\nJust like previous pre-orders of the PS5 from Sony Centre Mid Valley, you\u2019ll have to fill up \nthis Google Form\n to be in the running for a \nchance\n to pre-order the console. If you\u2019re fortunate enough to be selected, you will be contacted from 10 November onwards to finalise your pre-order of the PS5.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo note that you only have until 13 November at 5PM this Sunday to register your interest for the PS5 pre-order. This isn\u2019t a first-come, first-served sale either; filling up the form just means you\u2019re in the running to be chosen to pre-order the PS5.\n\n\nWhile it wasn\u2019t mentioned, it\u2019s likely that stocks are very limited, so don\u2019t be disheartened if you\u2019re not chosen to pre-order the PS5. If you want a better chance of securing a unit, we recommend checking in with your favourite game shop to get into the waiting list \u2013 if the store has one.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-sold-a-whopping-222203-cars-in-2022-so-far-set-to-hit-beyond-247k-sales-target/", "title": "Perodua Sold a Whopping 222,203 Cars in 2022 So Far \u2013 Set to Hit Beyond 247k Sales Target", "body": "\n\nPerodua shared its sales performance for the first 10 months of 2022, and it is looking great for the national carmaker. Between January to October this year, the company sold a very respectable 222,203 cars \u2013 that\u2019s a huge 51.2% improvement compared to the same period last year.\n\n\nEarlier this year, Perodua set a 247,800 sales target for 2022. Looking at its sales performance so far, the carmaker looks on track to achieve that figure, and then some. After all, in October 2022 alone, Perodua sold 25,849 units, with the Bezza in the lead (6,768 units sold), followed by the Myvi (6,130) and Axia (4,989).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cLooking ahead, we plan to further increase our production and sales volume as we try to go beyond our earlier set sales target for 2022 and by doing so will reduce the waiting period for our customers,\u201d said the president and CEO of Perodua, Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that Perodua manufactured 22,974 units in October last month, bringing the total number of vehicles produced by the carmaker to 229,811 units in 2022 so far. Evidently, Perodua is doing its best to meet demand for its range of models.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/god-of-war-ragnarok-pop-up-happening-at-apw-bangsar-until-13-november/", "title": "God of War Ragnarok Pop-Up Happening at APW Bangsar Until 13 November", "body": "\n\nTo celebrate the launch of \nGod of War Ragnarok\n, Sony has set up a pop-up themed after the highly anticipated game at APW Bangsar. Not only are there interesting installations at the venue, you can even try out the game for yourselves on the PS5.\n\n\nOne of the most eye-catching installations at the God of War Ragnarok pop-up has to be the \nwayang kulit\n (shadow puppet) depiction of Kratos and Atreus. The puppets are intricately designed by Malaysian artist Tintoy Chuo, who is the founder and primary concept creator for Fusion Wayang Kulit.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, there are also various products based on God of War Ragnarok at the pop-up. These include the \nlimited edition DualSense controller\n, Casetify cases based on the game, and limited edition Ragnarok apparel from New Era and #FR2. There\u2019s also the neat weapons installation of Thor\u2019s iconic Mjolnir and Kratos\u2019 Leviathan Axe.\n\n\nThe God of War Ragnarok pop-up will be at APW Bangsar until this Sunday on 13 November from 10AM to 10PM. As for the wall mural and weapons installation, these will be on display until 7 December next month. If you haven\u2019t picked up the game yet, check out our review of \nGod of War Ragnarok\n \u2013 it\u2019s really an amazing sequel to the 2018 game.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-honda-civic-ehev-rs-coming-to-malaysia-15-november-2-0l-engine-184ps-315nm-key-card/", "title": "2022 Honda Civic e:HEV RS Coming to Malaysia 15 November \u2013 2.0L Engine, 184PS/315Nm, Key Card!", "body": "\n\nHonda Malaysia will be launching the 2022 Honda Civic e:HEV RS on our shores next week! The hybrid Civic is the first Honda model in Malaysia to feature the Japanese company\u2019s 2.0L e:HEV powertrain, making it the most powerful Civic FE yet in our local market.\n\n\nSimilar to Honda Malaysia\u2019s previous e:HEV models \u2013 the \nCity RS\n and its \nhatchback sibling\n \u2013 the Civic e:HEV RS\u2019 2.0L direct-injection engine (143PS/189Nm) mainly acts as a generator for the Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) system. It is made up of the engine and an electric motor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt is the electric motor that largely drives the Civic e:HEV RS, which offers a very respectable 184PS and 315Nm of torque, so it is (again) the most powerful Civic FE in Malaysia yet. Of course, at higher speeds \u2013 such as highway cruising \u2013 the petrol engine will be used instead through a lock-up clutch for better efficiency.\n\n\nBeyond a different powertrain, the hybrid Civic FE also has a neat key card system; it is the first Honda model on our shores to feature this. For the most part, the Civic e:HEV mirrors the equipment of the petrol RS model too, though it does have some unique elements.\n\n\nThese include new 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, blue accents on the Honda logos, as well as chrome finishes on the front grille and window line.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Honda Civic e:HEV RS is set to be launched in Malaysia next week on 15 November, and it is now available for booking in Malaysia at Honda showrooms nationwide. Alternatively, you can also place a pre-booking online\u00a0\nhere\n or through the HondaTouch app \u2013 you can download the latter from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n\nNaturally, the pricing of the Civic e:HEV RS has not been revealed yet, but expect it to cost more than the petrol RS model, which is currently going for RM150,700.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mtg-the-brothers-war-arrives-18-november-transformers-crossover/", "title": "MTG The Brothers\u2019 War Arrives 18 November \u2013 Transformers Crossover", "body": "\n\nMagic: The Gathering\u2019s latest set, The Brothers\u2019 War, will be released for tabletop later this week on 18 November. It is the second instalment in MTG\u2019s four-part Phyrexian storyline, and it is a crossover with Transformers \u2013 yes, \nthat\n Transformers.\n\n\nContaining 287 cards, The Brothers\u2019 War brings back several mechanics, including Meld. It\u2019s a keyword that combines two cards to create one oversized card \u2013 perfectly in theme with the Transformers crossover \u2013 and there\u2019s also Unearth, which returns cards from the graveyard, though they are exiled at the end of the turn.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs is the case with previous MTG expansions as of late, The Brothers\u2019 War offer exclusive tokens (Construct and Urzan Automaton) for players in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. One of the tokens is given to purchases of The Brothers\u2019 War products worth RM450, and the tokens can be connected to the exclusive token released in \nDominaria United\n \u2013 and the following set after this one \u2013 to form a battlefield mural.\n\n\nThe Brothers\u2019 War will be available for tabletop worldwide \u2013 including Malaysia, of course \u2013 as Draft, Set, Collector, and Jumpstart Boosters later this week on 18 November; Commander decks and Bundles are also offered. If you\u2019re keen to pre-order the new set, check with your\u00a0\nnearest hobby shop\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-6d-6d-ultimate-now-in-malaysia-from-rm3499/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 6D & 6D Ultimate Now in Malaysia From RM3,499", "body": "\n\nAsus\u2019 latest gaming smartphones are now in Malaysia. The ROG Phone 6D series \u2013 which includes the standard ROG Phone 6D and 6D Ultimate \u2013 are essentially the MediaTek version of the previously released \nROG Phone 6\n series, though the Ultimate does have a neat new feature that improves cooling performance.\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk pricing. The base ROG Phone 6D with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage retails at RM3,499, while the ROG Phone 6D Ultimate (16GB + 512GB) goes for RM4,999. Do note that the Ultimate is also bundled with an AeroCooler 6 cooling system.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile the ROG Phone 6D Ultimate is similar to the \nROG Phone 6 Pro\n with an ROG Vision coloured PMOLED display on the back panel, it also has an AeroActive Portal. This \u201cdoor\u201d opens up when the phone is connected to the AeroActive Cooler 6, improving thermal efficiency by up to 20%. This should translate to better sustained performance.\n\n\nOne other new hardware of the ROG Phone 6D and 6D Ultimate is the MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ chipset, which is said to deliver 10% faster performance compared to the standard Dimensity 9000. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how this chip compares to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip found in the regular ROG Phone 6.\n\n\nOther specifications of the ROG Phone 6D and 6D Ultimate include a\u00a06.78-inch 1080p 165Hz AMOLED display, a triple camera system \u2013 50MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide + 5MP macro \u2013 a 12MP selfie camera, and a generous 6,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBoth the Asus ROG Phone 6D and 6D Ultimate are now available for purchase in Malaysia. To recap, the 6D is priced at RM3,499, while the 6D Ultimate goes for RM4,999.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-6-batman-edition-launched-in-malaysia-dimensity-9000-variant-for-rm4799/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 6 Batman Edition Launched in Malaysia \u2013 Dimensity 9000+ Variant for RM4,799", "body": "\n\nLaunched alongside the new \nROG Phone 6D series\n in Malaysia is the Asus ROG Phone 6 Batman Edition. Based on the standard ROG Phone 6D for our local market, this limited edition gaming phone is meant to appeal to fans of the Dark Knight.\n\n\nHere in Malaysia, the ROG Phone 6 Batman Edition is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ chipset instead of a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC. Priced at RM4,799, it features 12GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage, and several Batman accessories, including a bat-signal projector, a case themed after the superhero, and a Batman SIM ejector pin.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnique to the ROG Phone 6 Batman Edition is a special semi-matte finish on the back of the phone that \u201cmimics a cloudy night sky penetrated by a searchlight\u201d when it catches the light. The software of the phone has also been customised to prominently feature the Dark Knight himself.\n\n\nOther specifications of the ROG Phone 6 Batman Edition are the same as the standard ROG Phone 6D. These include a\u00a06.78-inch 1080p 165Hz AMOLED display, a triple camera system \u2013 50MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide + 5MP macro \u2013 a 12MP selfie camera, and a generous 6,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Asus ROG Phone 6 Batman Edition is priced at RM4,799 in Malaysia. It\u2019s set to arrive on our shores towards the end of the month on 25 November 2022.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acerpure-pro-p2-review-feature-rich-air-purifier-for-rm1099/", "title": "Acerpure Pro P2 Review: Feature-Rich Air Purifier For RM1,099", "body": "\n\nAcer is well-known for its range of laptops, desktops, and monitors, and in recent times, the Taiwanese company is also focusing quite a bit on smart home products. This includes the Acerpure Pro P2, an air purifier with quite a number of compelling features.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to get an air purifier for your living room or bedroom, consider the Pro P2. While it\u2019s not exactly affordable with a RM1,299 price tag \u2013 though you can easily get it for as low as RM1,099 now \u2013 it will certainly get the job done.\n\n\nBesides that, it looks quite sleek too, in my opinion.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nFirst and foremost, the Acerpure Pro P2 air purifier has a clean air delivery rate (CADR) of 324 m3/h. Basically, the higher the CADR figure, the more efficient it is at filtering out pollutants from the air. At 324 m3/h, the Pro P2 can effectively provide clean air to a typical apartment\u2019s living room or bedroom.\n\n\nBesides that, the Pro P2 is said to be ideal for room sizes ranging up to 45 m2, which comes up to about 484sqft. It also has an LCD display to show air quality, a power-efficient DC motor, five purifier speeds, WiFi connectivity \u2013 yes, there\u2019s an app for it \u2013 and even a cute little remote control to change the air purifier\u2019s settings.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Acerpure Pro P2 retails at RM1,299, though it is going \nfor only RM1,099\n now from Shopee Mall retailer Just IT. Even Acer Malaysia itself is listing the air purifier \nat RM1,199\n, which does improve its value proposition quite a bit.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nGiven the primary function of an air purifier is to\u2026well, purify the air, let\u2019s talk about the Acerpure Pro P2\u2019s performance first. Throughout my time with the air purifier \u2013 it\u2019s been about three months now \u2013 the Pro P2 does work as intended.\n\n\nI placed the Pro P2 in my bedroom, and since I started using it, I do notice less dust in the room. There\u2019s also a certain \u201cfresh air\u201d scent as I enter my bedroom after a long day at work after switching on the air purifier about an hour before I arrive home.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd that brings us to the Acerpure Life app. Not only is it quite intuitive to use, I can also easily control the Pro P2 through the app, such as scheduling when I want to switch it on and off. Another neat feature of the app is the fact that it shows both indoor and outdoor air quality.\n\n\nSetup process of the Acerpure Pro P2 is quite easy too. All I needed to do was take off the wrappers, push in the HEPA filter into the compartment, close it up, and\u2026that\u2019s it. Thanks to this seamless setup process, replacing the filter when needed will be a breeze too. The app will even let me know when a replacement is due.\n\n\nAnother neat feature of the Pro P2 is its remote control. While I would\u2019ve liked for the remote to be slightly bigger, I do like the convenience of controlling the air purifier from the comfort of my bed. I also appreciate the fact that I can magnetically attach it to the back of the air purifier.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the design of the Pro P2. In my opinion, it looks sleek enough to not look out of place in the living room or bedroom. Of course, this is a subjective matter.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nBut what is not subjective is my main qualm with the Acerpure Pro P2: the screen does not switch off automatically. It will constantly display the current air quality, which is fine for most of the day, but not when I\u2019m going to bed. To have the display (somewhat) light up one corner of the bedroom is a bit of an annoyance.\n\n\nThankfully, it \nis\n possible to switch off the display with the remote control, but I\u2019ll have to do this every single night. The display\u2019s behaviour resets after every shut down, unfortunately.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Pro P2 does get noticeably loud at higher speeds, especially in Turbo mode. It also vibrates quite a bit at higher speeds, so I tend to not have it run at such a high setting for an extended period of time.\n\n\nOnce air quality has improved though, the air purifier does run much quieter in Smart mode. It\u2019s barely audible, so I can sleep soundly with it running in the background.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you want a quiet air purifier that can effectively improve the air quality of your living space \u2013 provided it\u2019s not a huge room \u2013 the Acerpure Pro P2 is definitely worth considering. Not only does it work quite well, it\u2019s also quiet (once air quality has improved accordingly) with a rather sleek-looking design.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPlus, you can now get the Pro P2 with a pretty good amount of discount. Granted, \nRM1,099 is still quite a bit of money\n, but you are getting an air purifier that gets the job done.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-honda-civic-ehev-rs-launched-in-malaysia-for-rm166500-hybrid-with-184ps-315nm-key-card/", "title": "2022 Honda Civic e:HEV RS Launched in Malaysia for RM166,500 \u2013 Hybrid With 184PS/315Nm & Key Card", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHonda Malaysia just launched the 2022 Honda Civic e:HEV RS on our shores! The hybrid Civic is the first Honda model in Malaysia to feature the Japanese company\u2019s 2.0L e:HEV powertrain, making it the most powerful Civic FE yet in our local market.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Civic e:HEV RS is priced at a cool RM166,500, so it sits at the top of the price range for the 11th generation Civic. For the sake of comparison, the petrol variants of the C-segment sedan range from RM130,700 to RM150,700.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSimilar to Honda Malaysia\u2019s previous e:HEV models \u2013 the \nCity RS\n and its \nhatchback sibling\n \u2013 the Civic e:HEV RS\u2019 2.0L direct-injection engine (143PS/189Nm) mainly acts as a generator for the Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) system. It is made up of the engine and an electric motor.\n\n\nIt is the electric motor that largely drives the Civic e:HEV RS, which offers a very respectable 184PS and 315Nm of torque, so it is (again) the most powerful Civic FE in Malaysia yet. Of course, at higher speeds \u2013 such as highway cruising \u2013 the petrol engine will be used instead through a lock-up clutch for better efficiency.\n\n\nBeyond a different powertrain, the hybrid Civic FE also has a neat key card system; it is the first Honda model on our shores to feature this. For the most part, the Civic e:HEV mirrors the equipment of the petrol RS model too, though it does have some unique elements. These include new 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, blue accents on the Honda logos, as well as chrome finishes on the front grille and window line.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Honda Civic e:HEV RS is now available for booking in Malaysia at Honda showrooms nationwide for RM166,500. Alternatively, you can also place a pre-booking online\u00a0\nhere\n or through the HondaTouch app \u2013 you can download the latter from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/google-wallet-now-in-malaysia-to-take-on-apple-pay-supports-cimb-public-bank-hong-leong-bank-hsbc/", "title": "Google Wallet Now in Malaysia to Take on Apple Pay \u2013 Supports CIMB, Public Bank, Hong Leong Bank, HSBC", "body": "\n\nBack in August, \nApple Pay\n was introduced for the Malaysian market. Fast forward to today, Google Wallet is now available on our shores too. If you\u2019ve got cards issued by CIMB, Public Bank, or Hong Leong Bank, you can start using Google\u2019s own cashless payment service locally right now.\n\n\nDo note that only selected cards from these banks currently support Google Wallet. Here\u2019s a breakdown of cards that can be added to the payment service now:\n\n\n\n\nCIMB (Mastercard credit cards)\n\n\nPublic Bank (Visa credit and debit cards)\n\n\nHong Leong Bank (Visa credit and Mastercard debit cards)\n\n\nHSBC and HSBC Amanah (Visa and Mastercard credit cards) *in coming months\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCuriously, HSBC and HSBC Amanah cards will only support Google Wallet in the coming months. But if you do have cards from the other banks listed above, you can start adding them to the Google Wallet app immediately.\n\n\nOnce you\u2019ve set up Google Wallet with a supported card on your phone, you can start making payments at retailers that accept the payment method. Basically, if a particular retailer has a card terminal, Google Wallet \u2013 or in this case, Google Pay \u2013 should be supported.\n\n\nTo start using Google Wallet on your Android phone, you can download the app from the \nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-yae-miko-tartaglia-rerun-banners-coming-18-november-with-layla-heizou-thoma/", "title": "Genshin Impact Yae Miko & Tartaglia Rerun Banners Coming 18 November With Layla, Heizou, Thoma", "body": "\n\nYae Miko\u2019s and Tartaglia\u2019s rerun banners have just been revealed. Set to go live in \nGenshin Impact\n this Friday on 18 November, the two 5-star characters will be accompanied by Layla \u2013 a new 4-star character \u2013 Shikanoin Heizou, and Thoma.\n\n\nIn line with \nprevious Genshin Impact\n \ndouble banners\n, Yae Miko and Tartaglia both have the same roster of 4-star characters despite the fact that they\u2019re featured in separate event wishes. Of course, pity is also shared between the two banners, and the wish guarantee count\u00a0\nwill\n\u00a0carry over to future character banners too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe same rule applies to the increased \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Yae Miko, Tartaglia, Layla, Heizou, and Thoma. In the case of Yae Miko and Tartaglia, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be either of them, depending on which banner you\u2019re wishing. If you got a different character, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be them.\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s pity system for character banners ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character every 90 wishes, you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Yae Miko or Tartaglia. The same rule applies to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Layla, Heizou, or Thoma. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will likely have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYae Miko\u2019s \u201cEverbloom Violet\u201d and Tartaglia\u2019s \u201cFarewell of Snezhnaya\u201d event wishes will be available in Genshin Impact on 18 November 2022 this Friday. Their banners will be offered until 6 December, and we can expect\u00a0\nWanderer\u2019s and Faruzan\u2019s event wishes\n (pictured above)\u00a0to be available once the Version 3.3 update is here \u2013 it\u2019s estimated to be released on 7 December.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-vr2-now-available-for-pre-order-in-malaysia-from-rm2799/", "title": "PlayStation VR2 Now Available for Pre-Order in Malaysia From RM2,799", "body": "\n\nSony\u2019s upcoming virtual reality system for the \nPS5\n, the PlayStation VR2, is now available for pre-order here in Malaysia. Retailing from RM2,799, the VR system is \u2013 curiously enough \u2013 priced higher than the PS5 console itself, which starts at RM2,069 now after a \nprice hike back in August 2022\n.\n\n\nSeveral popular game stores locally have already opened pre-orders for the PS VR2. These include \nImpulse Gaming\n, \nHeavyArm Store\n, \nM4G\n, and even \nCK Multimedia System\n. Every retailer has its own pre-order system, so check with your preferred store if you\u2019re keen to purchase the PS VR2.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the first generation PS VR, the PS VR2 features a number of improvements. The headset, for one, has a built-in motor with vibrations that is meant to amplify \u201cthe sensations of in-game actions from the player.\u201d For example, you can feel a character\u2019s elevated pulse during tense moments, or even the rush of objects passing close to the character\u2019s head, as Sony puts it.\n\n\nOther specifications of the PS VR2 include support for 4K HDR, a display resolution of 2040 x 2000 per eye, an OLED panel with a 90/120Hz refresh rate, 110-degree field of view, and foveated rendering.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the PS VR2 Sense controller, which naturally sports the DualSense\u2019s adaptive triggers and haptic feedback for an immersive gameplay experience. Interestingly, the next-gen VR controller also has finger touch detection; it can \u201cdetect your fingers (without pressing any button) in the areas where you place your thumb, index, or middle fingers.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe PlayStation VR2 is set to be released worldwide (including Malaysia) on 22 February 2023 next year from RM2,799 for the standard model. There\u2019s also the Horizon Call of the Mountain bundle for RM2,999, along with a PS VR2 Sense controller charging station priced at RM229 \u2013 the latter is ideal for those who want the added convenience of charging the controller easily.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/singakbd-unikorn-r2-2-rerun-first-in-stock-sale-on-28-november-2022-for-rm1950/", "title": "SINGAKBD Unikorn R2.2 Rerun \u2013 First In-Stock Sale on 28 November 2022 for RM1,950", "body": "\n\nWe finally got a sale date for the 2022 rerun of SINGAKBD\u2019s very popular Unikorn custom keyboard. The first in-stock sale of three (!) is happening on 28 November, but as usual, the sale will be done through a raffle.\n\n\nAs previously revealed by SINGAKBD, this first round of Unikorn sale will consist of 300 units; it will be a combination of the Flamenco Red and Reseda Green colourways. A second sale (also 300 units) will be held sometime in Q1 2023 for the other two colours: Berlin Blue and Pewter Grey.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo note that those who won the first round of raffle (Red + Green) for the Unikorn rerun cannot join the second round (Blue + Grey). However, there will be a third round of raffle sale for 60 units of a Special Edition Unikorn sometime in the future; that one will be a free for all.\n\n\nAs for pricing, the SINGAKBD Unikorn R2.2 rerun is set to go for RM1,950; the price increase is attributed to higher metal prices. Check out SINGAKBD\u2019s \nofficial Discord channel\n and \nthis page\n for more information on the sale come 28 November.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/gallery-2022-honda-civic-ehev-rs-in-platinum-white-pearl-fastest-civic-fe-yet-in-malaysia-for-rm166500/", "title": "Gallery: 2022 Honda Civic e:HEV RS in Platinum White Pearl \u2013 Fastest Civic FE Yet in Malaysia for RM166,500", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Honda Civic e:HEV RS made its debut in Malaysia yesterday. The hybrid Civic is the first Honda model in Malaysia to feature the Japanese company\u2019s 2.0L e:HEV powertrain, making it the most powerful Civic FE yet in our local market. If you\u2019re keen to place a booking for it, here\u2019s a gallery of the new Civic variant in Platinum White Pearl.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Civic e:HEV RS is priced at a cool RM166,500, so it sits at the top of the price range for the 11th generation Civic. For the sake of comparison, the petrol variants of the C-segment sedan range from RM130,700 to RM150,700.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 497L boot capacity is the same as the petrol models\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSimilar to Honda Malaysia\u2019s previous e:HEV models \u2013 the \nCity RS\n and its \nhatchback sibling\n \u2013 the Civic e:HEV RS\u2019 2.0L direct-injection engine (143PS/189Nm) mainly acts as a generator for the Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) system. It is made up of the engine and an electric motor.\n\n\nIt is the electric motor that largely drives the Civic e:HEV RS, which offers a very respectable 184PS and 315Nm of torque, so it is (again) the most powerful Civic FE in Malaysia yet. Of course, at higher speeds \u2013 such as highway cruising \u2013 the petrol engine will be used instead through a lock-up clutch for better efficiency.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRear passengers get air-cond vents and two USB-A charging ports\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond a different powertrain, the hybrid Civic FE also has a neat key card system; it is the first Honda model on our shores to feature this. For the most part, the Civic e:HEV mirrors the equipment of the petrol RS model too, though it does have some unique elements.\n\n\nThese include new 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, blue accents on the Honda logos, as well as chrome finishes on the front grille and window line. On top of that, the e:HEV Civic is also the only model to get a 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster along with a wireless charger, which complements the wireless Apple CarPlay support nicely.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the same convenience doesn\u2019t extend to Android users: Android Auto still doesn\u2019t work wirelessly with the hybrid Civic.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Honda Civic e:HEV RS is now available for booking in Malaysia at Honda showrooms nationwide for RM166,500. Alternatively, you can also place a pre-booking online\u00a0\nhere\n or through the HondaTouch app \u2013 you can download the latter from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/17-23-november-fuel-price-ron-97-still-rm3-95-per-litre/", "title": "17 \u2013 23 November Fuel Price: RON 97 Still RM3.95 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nFor the sixth week in a row, the price of RON 97 sees no change yet again. Of course, the same applies to RON 95 and diesel, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 is set at RM3.95 per litre for the next seven days. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 17 to 23 November next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2022-honda-civic-c-segment-leader-in-malaysia-with-almost-7000-units-sold/", "title": "2022 Honda Civic \u2013 C-Segment Leader in Malaysia With Almost 7,000 Units Sold", "body": "\n\nAt the Malaysian launch of the \n2022 Honda Civic e:HEV RS\n, the Japanese carmaker also revealed the latest sales performance of the C-segment sedan on our shores. Since its debut here in January 2022, almost 7,000 units of the 11th generation Civic were sold to date.\n\n\nThis makes the Civic FE the class leader in the Malaysian C-segment sedan market with 81% market share as of September 2022. With the launch of the e:HEV RS model yesterday, we reckon it will further bolster the sales of the sedan with its unique (and powerful) hybrid powertrain.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Civic e:HEV RS features an electric motor \u2013 which largely drives the car \u2013 that outputs 184PS and 315Nm of torque, so it is the most powerful Civic FE in Malaysia yet. Of course, at higher speeds \u2013 such as highway cruising \u2013 the 2.0L petrol engine (143PS/189Nm) will be used instead through a lock-up clutch for better efficiency.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Civic e:HEV RS is priced at a cool RM166,500, so it sits at the top of the price range for the 11th generation Civic. For the sake of comparison, the petrol variants of the C-segment sedan range from RM130,700 to RM150,700.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll variants of the 2022 Honda Civic, including the new e:HEV RS model, are now available for booking in Malaysia at Honda showrooms nationwide. Alternatively, you can also place a pre-booking online\u00a0\nhere\n\u00a0or through the HondaTouch app \u2013 you can download the latter from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/new-apple-tv-4k-now-available-for-purchase-in-malaysia-from-rm699/", "title": "New Apple TV 4K Now Available for Purchase in Malaysia From RM699", "body": "\n\nWe reported the \nSIRIM certification\n of the 3rd generation Apple TV 4K just last week, and the new streaming box is now available for purchase in Malaysia. Compared to its predecessor, it sports a slew of upgrades, including a faster A15 Bionic chip, support for HDR10+, and a Siri Remote with USB-C charging.\n\n\nTwo models of the new Apple TV 4K\n\u00a0are offered in Malaysia. The WiFi-only base model with 64GB of storage is priced at RM699, while the 128GB variant with the addition of an ethernet port goes for RM799. It\u2019s also worth noting that the 128GB model features Thread mesh networking protocol to connect to other smart home accessories.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThanks to its faster Apple A15 Bionic chip, the next-gen Apple TV 4K offers up to 50% faster CPU performance, while GPU performance sees a notable 30% improvement. With support for HDR10+ (and Dolby Vision), you can be assured to enjoy HDR on a wider amount of content too.\n\n\nOf course, there\u2019s also the Siri Remote for the new Apple TV 4K, which now charges via USB-C instead of Apple\u2019s proprietary Lightning connector. This should make it easier to charge up the remote, especially if you\u2019ve got a lot of USB-C cables lying around.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 3rd generation Apple TV 4K is now available for purchase on \nApple\u2019s Malaysian online store\n. Chances are, retail stores will have the new streaming box in stock soon as well.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/affordable-fitness-band-like-the-xiaomi-smart-band-7-can-be-useful-for-health-tracking/", "title": "Affordable Fitness Band Like the Xiaomi Smart Band 7 Can Be Useful for Health Tracking", "body": "\n\nFitness bands have come a long way. Not only have they gotten much more feature-packed, they still remain (relatively) affordable. One such fitness band is the Xiaomi Smart Band 7, and thanks to its range of features, the device has helped me monitor my COVID-19 symptoms over the past week.\n\n\nI recently recovered from the illness \u2013 for the second time, unfortunately enough \u2013 and I found the fitness band to be quite useful. In my opinion, the accessibility of wearables like the Smart Band 7, thanks to its budget-friendly nature, can be useful for health tracking.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe one feature of the Smart Band 7 that I used the most when I had COVID-19 was its ability to track blood oxygen level. After all, one of the risks of the illness is low blood oxygen level, so it\u2019s convenient to be able to measure my blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) at any given time.\n\n\nWhile a pulse oximeter does the same thing, what gives the Smart Band 7 an edge is the fact that it can track my blood oxygen level throughout the day. If my blood oxygen saturation falls below a certain threshold \u2013 I can choose between 90% to 80% \u2013 the wearable will send an alert.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, it\u2019s worth noting that the majority of fitness bands like the Smart Band 7 are not medical devices, so it\u2019s important to not take the readings as absolute values. However, if the readings \nare\n low, it\u2019s a good idea to seek medical consultation. This is one area where a fitness band can prove to be helpful.\n\n\nThere\u2019s also the fact that most fitness bands are quite affordable. The Xiaomi Smart Band 7, for one, can be gotten for RM199 through\u00a0\nShopee\n,\u00a0\nLazada\n, or Xiaomi Authorised Stores nationwide. If you time your purchase right, you can get it at a lower price point too, especially during big sales like 11.11.\n\n\nThe budget-friendly nature of fitness bands means that most folks will be able to get one to monitor their wellbeing, among other things. Beyond health and fitness, a good smart band can be useful in other regards too, including receiving push notifications from a connected device.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn this regard, the Smart Band 7 does a reasonably good job. Granted, I can\u2019t interact with notifications from the wearable itself, but it still offers the convenience of getting push notifications from a phone. Plus, this is a sub-RM200 wearable \u2013 there\u2019s only so much we can expect from a product this affordable.\n\n\nAnother noteworthy feature of the Smart Band 7 is its 1.62-inch 490 x 192 AMOLED screen. With a peak brightness of 500 nits, the display is visible even under bright sunlight. However, it doesn\u2019t support automatic brightness, which is unfortunate, but (again) not exactly surprising at this price point.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the Smart Band 7 supports always-on display as well, so I can just glance at it to check the time. But there is a downside to enabling this feature: it draws quite a bit of power.\n\n\n\n\nThe always-on display of the Xiaomi Smart Band 7\n\n\n\n\n\n\nXiaomi claims that the Smart Band 7\u2019s 180mAh battery can last up to 14 days, but in my usage, I can only get four full days of use out of the fitness band, including using it for sleep tracking. Granted, I enabled almost every single feature it offers, including the always-on display, all-day bloody oxygen tracking, and frequent heart rate monitoring.\n\n\nI imagine disabling some of these features \u2013 especially the always-on display \u2013 can extend the battery life of the Smart Band 7 quite a bit. But in my opinion, it\u2019s worth enabling all of these features to fully utilise the fitness band. Having to charge up the wearable once every four days is completely acceptable to me.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhether you want the convenience of a wearable, monitor your health, or keep track of your fitness routines, you can\u2019t go wrong with an affordable fitness band like the Xiaomi Smart Band 7. It\u2019s a basic wearable, to be sure, but for only RM199, it offers great value for money.\n\n\nIf you want a more sophisticated wearable, there are higher-end options like the \nSamsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro\n or the \nlatest Apple Watch lineup\n for iPhone users. But if you\u2019re not quite sure yet what you want out of a wearable \u2013 or you\u2019re limited by budget \u2013 the Smart Band 7 is a good starting point.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-shows-off-genshin-impact-edition-of-galaxy-z-fold-4-buds-2-pro-with-ganyu/", "title": "Samsung Shows Off Genshin Impact Edition of Galaxy Z Fold 4 & Buds 2 Pro With Ganyu", "body": "\n\nIt appears more phone brands are releasing special edition devices themed after \nGenshin Impact\n. OnePlus, for one, released the \nOnePlus Ace Pro with Hu Tao\u2019s design elements\n in China last month, and this time around, it\u2019s Samsung with Ganyu-themed \nGalaxy Z Fold 4\n and \nGalaxy Buds 2 Pro\n.\n\n\nLooking at images\n \nposted online\n, the Genshin Impact edition Z Fold 4 and Buds 2 Pro look to be mainly focused on accessories for the two devices, though there seems to be a special Ganyu theme for the foldable phone. The Buds 2 Pro also gets a rather neat-looking cover for the charging case.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nImage source: \nTwitter (@gen_sanjyu)\n\n\n\n\nThe special edition Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Buds 2 Pro are said to be showcased at G-Star, an annual game expo that takes place in Busan, South Korea. Aside from this Genshin Impact collaboration, Samsung released other devices themed after Cookie Run and Civilization: Reign of Power as well.\n\n\nGiven that Samsung is only showcasing the Genshin Impact edition Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Buds 2 Pro in South Korea \u2013 at the moment, anyway \u2013 it\u2019s likely the two devices won\u2019t be offered in other markets. Nonetheless, we reckon parallel importers will bring in the device into other markets (including Malaysia) one way or another.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/unboxing-mtg-the-brothers-war-set-booster-robots-in-disguise/", "title": "Unboxing MTG The Brothers\u2019 War Set Booster \u2013 Robots in Disguise", "body": "\n\nMagic: The Gathering\u2019s newest set, The Brothers\u2019 War, is released for tabletop today. It is the second instalment in MTG\u2019s four-part Phyrexian storyline, and it is a crossover with Transformers \u2013 yes,\u00a0\nthat\n\u00a0Transformers. Robots in disguise!\n\n\nTo celebrate the launch of the new set, Wizards of the Coast sent us a Set Booster box of The Brothers\u2019 War to check out. If you\u2019re interested to pick up the new set, here\u2019s our unboxing of the Set Booster. Aside from some cool Transformers cards, the set features a number of other eye-catching cards too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnlike a Draft Booster, a Set Booster is meant to be more \u201cexciting\u201d to crack open. This is probably why it is popular among folks who just enjoy opening booster packs instead of using them for Limited play, such as Draft or Sealed.\n\n\nSo what exactly makes a Set Booster more exciting to open? Well, quite a number of things. There is a structure to this 14-card pack for The Brothers\u2019 War. 12 of them are guaranteed Magic cards, while the other two are an art card and a token/ad card; the latter has a chance to be replaced with a card from \u201cThe List.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nTypical content of a The Brothers\u2019 War Set Booster\n\n\nThe full-art mech basic land cards look fantastic\n\n\n\n\nWhen you crack open a Set Booster, the first card you\u2019ll see is an art card, followed by a basic land or full-art mech basic land card for The Brothers\u2019 War. If you\u2019re lucky enough, there is a 15% chance that this land card will be foil. If you do get a foil land, it doesn\u2019t prevent you from getting another foil card in the pack.\n\n\nAfter the basic land card, you\u2019ll also get six regular commons and uncommons with some form of \u201cconnection\u201d to each other. In the case of The Brothers\u2019 War, these cards will be three commons and three uncommons; simple enough.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from these common and uncommon cards, The Brothers\u2019 War\u2019s Set Booster also includes two \u201cwildcards\u201d of any rarity, so you can get anything from a common to a \nmythic rare\n card. On top of that, there\u2019s a chance that these cards can be The Brothers\u2019 War Commander cards, Jumpstart Booster rares, Transformers cards, or retro artifacts and retro schematics \u2013 the latter two are quite eye-catching.\n\n\nOf course, the Set Booster pack will also have a guaranteed rare or mythic rare card, which is no different than the same slot found in Draft Boosters. You also get a guaranteed foil card, and it can be of any rarity, including borderless rares, Transformers cards, retro artifacts, retro schematics,\u00a0Jumpstart\u00a0cards, or Commander cards.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is a token/ad card. However, there is a 25% chance this will be replaced with a card from \u201cThe List\u201d \u2013 a list of 300 interesting cards from Magic\u2019s past. If a Set Booster pack has such a card, it can be of any rarity. We got a very nice Tevesh Szat, Doom of Fools card in one of our packs.\n\n\nThat is basically what a Set Booster is. Its unique card structure certainly makes it interesting to crack open, especially with the increased chance of getting a rare or mythic rare card. Who doesn\u2019t like the feeling of getting a valuable card?\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd that\u2019s our unboxing of the Set Booster of Magic: The Gathering\u2019s new The Brothers\u2019 War set. If you\u2019re keen to check out this new set, give your \nnearest hobby shop\n a visit. If you\u2019re a new or returning player, check out The Brothers\u2019 War Jumpstart Booster; it is a great way kickstart your MTG experience.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/razer-deathadder-v3-pro-review-ridiculously-lightweight-comfortable-gaming-mouse-for-rm749/", "title": "Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro Review: Ridiculously Lightweight, Comfortable Gaming Mouse for RM749", "body": "\n\nRazer\u2019s lineup of DeathAdder gaming mice are known for their comfortable, ergonomic design. The same remains true for the latest Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro, and to top it off, the gaming mouse is also lighter than ever now \u2013 it\u2019s said to be 25% lighter than its predecessor.\n\n\nTipping the scales at 63g, the DeathAdder V3 Pro is a ridiculously lightweight mouse, and it still retains the signature ergonomic design without any \u201choles\u201d to reduce weight. Of course, it\u2019s not exactly an affordable mouse either, but you \nare\n getting a fantastic gaming mouse.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro, like the previous models, features an ergonomic shell. Unfortunately, it\u2019s shaped for right-handed users, and there is no left-handed version of the mouse \u2013 not yet, anyway. It is also a wireless mouse that can be paired with the Razer HyperPolling Wireless Dongle for reduced latency.\n\n\nHowever, that dongle is a separate purchase (RM149), and it\u2019s really only made for the most serious of gamers that want the absolute best wireless performance. In my usage, the standard 2.4GHz 1,000Hz receiver is more than fast enough for my needs. I\u2019ll elaborate more further down the review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the lightweight nature of the DeathAdder V3 Pro is one of its best selling points too. Curiously, the Black model tips the scales at 63g, while the White model is ever so slightly heavier at 64g. While a mere gram of difference does not sound much, it\u2019s still worth pointing out.\n\n\nLast but not least is the asking price of the DeathAdder V3 Pro, which is set at RM749 in Malaysia. That\u2019s quite a hefty price tag, but its feature set does justify the cost, though it still depends on your needs and requirements for a gaming mouse.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nThe first time I picked up the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro, I was surprised by its weight \u2013 or rather, lack thereof. It is \nvery\n lightweight, to the point that my personal Logitech G Pro feels heavy in comparison, which weighs 80g. The 14g difference between the Razer and Logitech mice is really quite noticeable.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThanks to the lightweight nature of the DeathAdder V3 Pro, it\u2019s my favourite gaming mouse for\u2026well, gaming. Whether it\u2019s fast-paced games like Valorant or Fortnite, the DeathAdder is a joy to game with. I can position my shots quickly and more accurately with this mouse than, say, the aforementioned Logitech G Pro.\n\n\nAside from that, the Razer Focus Pro 30K optical sensor of the DeathAdder V3 Pro feels competent too. Not only can it can track my movements without issues, there doesn\u2019t seem to be any noticeable latency either \u2013 as expected of Razer.\n\n\nSpeaking of latency, I used the default 1000Hz receiver with the DeathAdder V3 Pro, and it feels just as responsive as a wired gaming mouse, in my opinion. I don\u2019t think the RM149 Razer HyperPolling Wireless Dongle \u2013 which increases the polling rate from 1,000Hz to 4,000Hz \u2013 is necessary at all for my particular usage.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the DeathAdder V3 Pro\u2019s battery life, and it is excellent. Razer promises up to 90 hours of use on a single charge, and I can get this level of battery life effortlessly. However, do note that if paired to the Razer HyperPolling Wireless Dongle, the mouse\u2019s battery life drops to 24 hours.\n\n\nNext, we have the 100% PTFE mouse feet of the DeathAdder V3 Pro. On a \nregular deskmat\n \u2013 not one of those gamer-centric mousepads and whatnot \u2013 the feet still allow the mouse to glide smoothly. There\u2019s no \u201cscratchy\u201d sensation of any kind either.\n\n\nLast but not least is the overall shape and design of the DeathAdder V3 Pro. The ergonomic shell fits my hand well \u2013 and I don\u2019t have particularly large hands \u2013 and it\u2019s comfortable enough for prolonged use outside of gaming too. I\u2019m quite fond of the minimalist Razer logo on the mouse as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nSlippery. The Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro is one slippery mouse. Granted, Razer does provide pre-cut grip tapes with the mouse to make it\u2026grippier, but I\u2019m not a fan of the tapes\u2019 texture. It feels a tad too \u201csticky\u201d for my liking, though it does make it much easier to get a good grip on the mouse.\n\n\nI\u2019m not too fond of the DeathAdder V3 Pro\u2019s side buttons either. They\u2019re a tad too big, so I find myself accidentally clicking them quite often, especially in heated gaming sessions. Of course, depending on the size of your hands and grip style, you may not face this issue.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile this isn\u2019t a negative in my book, the DeathAdder V3 Pro\u2019s lack of RGB lighting can be a shortcoming to some folks. It\u2019s a completely fine omission in my opinion to maximise the DeathAdder\u2019s battery life, but if you want your mouse to come with bright, dazzling lights, you won\u2019t get that here.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nThe Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro is made for folks that want a lightweight gaming mouse with an ergonomic design and long battery life. It may not be the lightest or most eye-catching mouse in the market now, but it \nis\n comfortable, thanks to its ergonomic shape.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes, retailing at RM749, the DeathAdder V3 Pro is not a budget-friendly gaming mouse. But given its feature set, I do see the justification for the price tag. It\u2019s not an affordable mouse, but it\u2019s certainly an comfortable, very lightweight mouse that\u2019s excellent for gaming \u2013 it\u2019s also quite long-lasting.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-black-friday-sale-offers-discount-on-dualsense-controller-aaa-games-75-off/", "title": "PlayStation Black Friday Sale Offers Discount on DualSense Controller & AAA Games (75% Off)", "body": "\n\nSony is holding a Black Friday sale until 28 November next week. Not only can you grab the DualSense controller for the PS5 at a discount, a good number of AAA games have their prices slashed by up to 75% as well.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the DualSense controller. Normally retailing from RM349, its price will be reduced to RM269 for the whole promotion period. If you need to get a replacement for your DualSense controller, now is as good a time as any.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, several AAA games (physical copies) for the PS5 and PS4 are discounted as well. These include \nHorizon Forbidden West\n, \nGhost of Tsushima Director\u2019s Cut\n, \nGran Turismo 7\n, and even the 2018 God of War. You can also check out the \nPlayStation Store\n for the full list of discounted games.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that all tiers of PlayStation Plus are also discounted by 25%. If your subscription is expiring, it\u2019s a good time to extend your membership. As mentioned, all of these offers will be valid until 28 November 2022 next week.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-6-diablo-immortal-edition-unveiled-special-diablo-design-accessories/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 6 Diablo Immortal Edition Unveiled \u2013 Special Diablo Design & Accessories", "body": "\n\nHere\u2019s another special edition of the \nAsus ROG Phone 6\n. This time around, it\u2019s a collaboration with Blizzard for Diablo Immortal, and it looks quite nice with some special Diablo-themed design elements and accessories.\n\n\nOne of the most eye-catching aesthetics of the ROG Phone 6 Diablo Immortal Edition is the rear panel with an \u201cexclusive Aura RGB Diablo Immortal logo,\u201d as Asus puts it. There are even a slew of Diablo-themed accessories for the phone, including a Horadric Cube giftbox, a Shield Blessing Aero case, and even a map of Sanctuary.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardware wise, the special edition ROG Phone 6 is no different from the standard model. These include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset paired with 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, a\u00a06.78-inch 1080p 165Hz AMOLED display, a triple camera system \u2013 50MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide + 5MP macro \u2013 a 12MP selfie camera, and a generous 6,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging.\n\n\nFor the US market, the Asus ROG Phone 6 Diablo Immortal Edition goes for a cool $1,299 \u2013 that comes up to about RM5,950. No word yet on the Malaysian availability of the special edition phone, but given that the \nBatman Edition made it here\n, there\u2019s a good chance this Diablo Immortal model will be launched in Malaysia as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-5-iv-review-niche-photography-focused-rm4899-smartphone/", "title": "Sony Xperia 5 IV Review: Niche Photography-Focused RM4,899 Smartphone", "body": "\n\nSony\u2019s range of smartphones are not quite as popular as they used to be. In a bid to differentiate itself in the highly competitive market, the Japanese company implemented a number of photography-focused features in the Sony Xperia 5 IV, and for the most part, it succeeded.\n\n\nBut for the everyday user who just wants a smartphone that \nworks\n well out of the box, the Xperia 5 IV falls short in this regard. Yes, it is a reasonably capable flagship phone with a camera that offers a multitude of manual options, but it\u2019s not the best camera system in the default shooting mode.\n\n\nBeyond that, the Xperia 5 IV doesn\u2019t offer a very polished software experience either, not to mention the fact that it is also a costly smartphone with a RM4,899 price tag. Unless you want the phone for its elaborate camera controls and dedicated shutter button, other devices may prove to be better.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.1-inch FHD+ OLED (2520 x 1080), 120Hz\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 3.0GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 730\nRAM\n8GB\nStorage\n256GB, expandable\nCamera (rear)\n12MP f/1.7, OIS\n12MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide)\n12MP f/2.4, OIS (telephoto)\nCamera (front)\n12MP f/2.0\nBattery\n5,000mAh with PD fast charging\nDimensions\n156 x 67 x 8.2 mm\nWeight\n172g\nOS\nAndroid 12\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.2\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4/5GHz)\nUSB Type-C\n3.5mm headphone jack\nPrice\nRM4,899\n\n\nHardware wise, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is well-equipped, even it if doesn\u2019t come with the latest Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. Despite its rather compact dimensions, this phone still features a sizeable 5,000mAh battery; that\u2019s quite impressive.\n\n\nOf course, the Xperia 5 IV also has IP65/IP68 dust and water resistance, a rating that all flagship smartphones should have. It also has a\u2026unconventionally tall and narrow Full HD+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This 21:9 aspect ratio does make for an interesting user experience, to say the least.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nI love compact phones, and while the Sony Xperia 5 IV doesn\u2019t quite fit into the category \u2013 it\u2019s slightly taller than the \nSamsung Galaxy S21 FE\n, for example \u2013 it is much narrower than a typical phone, thanks to the 21:9 display. This makes one-handed use with the device a breeze, which is a win in my book.\n\n\nBuild quality of the Xperia 5 IV is also very good. Not only is it well-built, the glass back with a matte finish looks and feels great too. In short, there\u2019s no denying that the Xperia 5 IV has the build quality of a proper flagship smartphone.\n\n\nIn the display department, the Xperia 5 IV features a 6.1-inch FHD+ OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. Not only does this panel offer punchy, vibrant colours with true, deep blacks \u2013 typical traits of an OLED display \u2013 the high refresh rate lend to a fluid user experience as well with smooth animations.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for performance, the Xperia 5 IV is fast and zippy. Even though it\u2019s powered by the standard Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset instead of the newer Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, it can still offer a respectable level of performance. That being said, it can\u2019t quite run Genshin Impact at 60fps consistently \u2013 not many Android flagships can \u2013 but it\u2019s still very much playable.\n\n\nMoving on, the battery life of the Xperia 5 IV is great, thanks to its generous 5,000mAh battery. On average, I can easily get over five hours of screen on time with the phone. Not a fantastic figure by any means, but certainly above average, especially for a phone this compact.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNotice the dedicated shutter button\n\n\nThe camera\u2019s Basic mode\n\n\nThe Manual Exposure mode\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the Xperia 5 IV\u2019s camera system. It offers \na ton\n of manual controls \u2013 and a dedicated shutter button \u2013 that experienced photographers will certainly appreciate. This opens up the possibilities for creative shots, which is something that many other flagship phones cannot replicate.\n\n\nBeyond that, the Xperia 5 IV\u2019s triple camera system made up of a 12MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 12MP telephoto lens can take some good-looking shots. Judge for yourself with these sample shots \u2013 all of them were taken in the default \u201cBasic\u201d camera mode.\n\n\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP telephoto\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n12MP telephoto\n\n\n12MP telephoto\n\n\n12MP telephoto\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP telephoto\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP telephoto\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n\n\nWhile these images look good, the Xperia 5 IV\u2019s camera performance still can\u2019t quite compare to its competition \u2013 that is a good segue to the next section.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWhile it\u2019s great that the Sony Xperia 5 IV\u2019s camera system offers a slew of manual controls, its performance isn\u2019t great in the default Basic mode. Yes, the pictures look good, but they\u2019re not fantastic. Other flagships like the \nSamsung Galaxy S22 Ultra\n or \niPhone 14 Pro\n can easily take more impressive shots without fiddling around with the camera controls.\n\n\nBesides that, the software of the Xperia 5 IV isn\u2019t as polished as it should be either. To disable WiFi from the notification shade, for example, it requires a click on the internet button and \nthen\n the WiFi option; other versions of Android can just do this with a single click. There\u2019s also the fact that apps in the background are closed quite aggressively by the software.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the asking price of the Xperia 5 IV. Retailing at RM4,899, the phone is priced very closely to other flagships, including the aforementioned Galaxy S22 Ultra and iPhone 14 Pro. Yes, the Xperia 5 IV has its own winning qualities, but it\u2019s tough to contend with these popular options.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIt depends on what you look for in a flagship smartphone. If you want a reasonably compact device with a camera system that offers various manual controls, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is a great option. But if you want a phone that can take great-looking shots out of the box without any fuss, then you may want to look elsewhere, especially at this price point.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor what it\u2019s worth, I do appreciate the compact, narrow design of the Xperia 5 IV. It\u2019s a design language that Sony has been pushing for quite some time now, and while it\u2019s not a groundbreaking feature by any means, I do see its appeal.\n\n\nIf you find the unique design of the Xperia 5 IV appealing, and you want the dedicated shutter button and robust manual controls of the camera system, then give this flagship phone a consideration \u2013 it may be right up your alley.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ttracing-duo-v4-pro-review-reasonable-rm499-gaming-chair/", "title": "TTRacing Duo V4 Pro Review: Reasonable RM499 Gaming Chair", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShopping for a gaming chair is quite intimidating. With so many different options in the market now, getting one that suits your needs can be difficult, especially if you\u2019re on a tight budget. Well, if you happen to be shopping for a sub-RM500 gaming chair, consider the TTRacing Duo V4 Pro.\n\n\nNot only is it (relatively) affordable, the Duo V4 Pro is also quite a comfortable gaming chair with some neat features. While it\u2019s not as comfortable as TTRacing\u2019s more premium options \u2013 like the \nMaxx\n \u2013 its feature set certainly reflects the price tag.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe TTRacing Duo V4 Pro is one of the brand\u2019s most affordable gaming chairs for RM499, though the standard Duo V4 is even more budget-friendly with a RM429 retail price. Compared to the Pro model, the regular Duo V4 doesn\u2019t feature an adjustable headrest or XL lumbar pillow.\n\n\nBeyond these two differences and a slightly different design, both the Duo V4 and Duo V4 Pro have the same features. These include a SeatFit seat base with a wide \u201copen-ended\u201d structure, a combination of PU leather and TTRacing\u2019s Air Threads fabric upholsteries, cushioned armrests, as well as heavy duty nylon wheelbase and PU castors.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith that in mind, if you don\u2019t need the Duo V4 Pro\u2019s adjustable headrest and XL lumbar pillow, the standard Duo V4 will do just fine. That being said, I\u2019d argue that it\u2019s worth paying the extra RM70 for the Pro model to get these two features.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nCompared to a typical office chair, the TTRacing Duo V4 Pro is certainly more comfortable to sit on. The SeatFit seat base is quite supportive with a large sitting area \u2013 so even bigger individuals can sit comfortably on it \u2013 and the XL lumbar pillow does add support to my lower back, though I do have my qualms with it; more on this later.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the adjustable headrest of the Duo V4 Pro is also useful to get a comfortable position for my head to rest on. Personally, I still prefer a head pillow for even more support, though that\u2019s not to say this gaming chair\u2019s headrest is inadequate.\n\n\nAnother positive aspect of the Duo V4 Pro when it comes to comfort are the cushioned armrests. While the cushioning is not particularly firm, it does provide a good amount of support for my elbows as I\u2019m typing away on my desk.\n\n\nEven though the armrests are not adjustable \u2013 acceptable for a gaming chair at this price point, in my opinion \u2013 I do find them to be placed in a comfortable position.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, getting a comfortable height with the Duo V4 Pro is a seamless process too, thanks to its smooth hydraulics. More often than not, affordable gaming chairs don\u2019t have the smoothest hydraulics, so it\u2019s great that this doesn\u2019t apply to the V4 Pro.\n\n\nAnd that is a good segue to the equally smooth castors of the Duo V4 Pro. Moving from one place to another with the gaming chair is quite fun (and breezy), given the sheer smoothness of the castors. In fact, I think they are \ntoo\n smooth; I find myself drifting back at the slightest push with my legs when I\u2019m working at my desk.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the affordability of the Duo V4 Pro. For RM499 \u2013 or RM429 if you forego the adjustable headrest and lumbar pillow with the regular Duo V4 \u2013 you\u2019re getting quite a comfortable gaming chair for not too much money. However, it does have some shortcomings, which I\u2019ll get to in the following section.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWhile the TTRacing Duo V4 Pro is a comfortable chair, the seat base is not quite as firm or as supportive as I would\u2019ve liked. It\u2019s nice, soft, and cushioned when I first sit on it, but after some time, it does get slightly uncomfortable. It\u2019s not as supportive as the firmer TTRacing Maxx, for example, though that is also a \nmuch more costly gaming chair\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI don\u2019t quite like the XL lumbar pillow of the Duo V4 Pro either. The tall shape of the pillow doesn\u2019t provide enough support for my lower back, so I prefer using the gaming chair without the pillow to get a \u201cdeeper\u201d sitting position instead. Of course, your mileage may vary.\n\n\nMy last qualm with the Duo V4 Pro is its lack of backrest adjustment, so you only have one fixed sitting position. While there is tilt support, it\u2019s not quite as useful as an adjustable backrest. Granted, this feature is usually reserved for more premium gaming chairs.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nDespite its shortcomings, it\u2019s worth noting that the TTRacing Duo V4 Pro is only a RM499 gaming chair. Sure, the plush (but a tad too soft) seat base and fixed sitting position of the V4 Pro are not great, but it\u2019s not exactly surprising for a gaming chair at this price point.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor RM499, the Duo V4 Pro is a reasonably compelling gaming chair with a number of nice creature comforts, such as an adjustable headrest, a large lumbar pillow \u2013 even if I\u2019m not a big fan of it \u2013 and a wide seat base. If you like the looks of the Duo V4 Pro, and you\u2019ve got RM499 to spare, give it a consideration.\n\n\nYou can get the Duo V4 Pro \u2013 or any other gaming chairs from the brand \u2013 on \nTTRacing\u2019s official store\n; use the code NEXTRIFT10 to get a 10% discount with no minimum spend. We also have an \nassembly guide of the Duo V4 Pro\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-3-3-livestream-set-for-25-november-with-wanderer-arataki-itto/", "title": "Genshin Impact 3.3 Livestream Set for 25 November With Wanderer & Arataki Itto", "body": "\n\nHoyoverse just revealed the livestream date for \nGenshin Impact\n\u2018s Version 3.3 update. Scheduled for this Friday on 25 November, the version update looks to feature both Wanderer and Arataki Itto.\n\n\nGenshin Impact\u2019s Version 3.3 update is dubbed \nAll Senses Clear, All Existence Void\n, which could be a reference to the Wanderer\u2019s storyline. After all, we still don\u2019t know exactly how he managed to get an Anemo vision.\n\n\nAside from that, the new update will likely see the introduction of \nthe Wanderer himself and Faruzan\n as playable characters \u2013 both of them have been teased already.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs with previous Genshin Impact version update livestreams, redemption codes offering Primogems will be given during the stream as well. You can catch the livestream of Genshin Impact Version 3.3 through \nTwitch\n\u00a0this Friday on 25 November at 8PM for us here in Malaysia.\n\n\nIf you can\u2019t watch the stream, don\u2019t worry: the special program\u00a0\nwill be on YouTube\n\u00a0shortly after at 12AM the next day (26 November). Looking at the release schedule shared by Hoyoverse a while back, Genshin Impact 3.3 is expected be released on 7 December.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-magic-vs-official-samsung-galaxy-z-fold-4-competitor-with-snapdragon-8-gen-1/", "title": "Honor Magic Vs Official \u2013 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Competitor With Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1", "body": "\n\nHonor just launched a brand new foldable phone to take on the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 4\n. The Honor Magic Vs is a slightly upgraded version of the original \nMagic V\n \u2013 which was launched earlier this year \u2013 and naturally, it sports a number of high-end features.\n\n\nPowering the Magic Vs, for one, is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. It should be able to deliver the performance level of a proper flagship smartphone, and aside from that, it also has a larger 5,000mAh battery now (250mAh more) than the Magic V with support for 66W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Magic Vs include the familiar 7.9-inch 2272 x 1984 OLED foldable display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a 6.45-inch 2560 x 1080 OLED cover screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system \u2013 54MP primary + 50MP ultra-wide + 8MP telephoto \u2013 and a 16MP selfie camera.\n\n\nThe Honor Magic Vs is only available in China at the moment, and it remains to be seen if it will be sold in other markets, including Malaysia. Anyway, in China, the foldable phone retails from 7,499 Chinese yuan (about RM4,795) for the base 8GB + 256GB model.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/24-30-november-fuel-price-ron-97-still-rm3-95-per-litre/", "title": "24 \u2013 30 November Fuel Price: RON 97 Still RM3.95 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been seven week in a row now for there to be no price change to RON 97. Of course, the same applies to RON 95 and diesel, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 is set at RM3.95 per litre for the next seven days. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 24 to 30 November next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nothing-ear-stick-review-surprisingly-good-and-sleek-rm469-wireless-earbuds/", "title": "Nothing Ear Stick Review: Surprisingly Good (And Sleek) RM469 Wireless Earbuds", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s quite impressive that the Nothing Ear Stick is only the brand\u2019s third product after the \nNothing Phone 1\n and Nothing Ear 1. Particularly because it\u2019s a surprisingly good pair of wireless earbuds despite its pared-down features, and the unique transparent design is quite eye-catching too.\n\n\nOf course, the Ear Stick isn\u2019t without fault. Compared to other wireless earbuds at this price point, it is not quite as feature-rich; the absence of active noise cancellation (ANC) being one of its main shortcomings. That being said, the Ear Stick also has other winning qualities that may matter more to you, depending on your preferences.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe Nothing Ear Stick, while not as feature-packed as the Nothing Ear 1, is a more affordable pair of wireless earbuds; it\u2019s priced at RM469 here in Malaysia. It even features better battery life \u2013 up to seven hours on a single charge \u2013 and a unique cylindrical charging case that can further extend the battery life by up to 29 hours.\n\n\nNaturally, Nothing\u2019s signature transparent design is featured prominently with the Ear Stick as well. It even comes with a custom 12.6mm dynamic driver that offers \u201crich depths, clear highs, and bold details,\u201d as the company puts it. While it doesn\u2019t feature ANC or silicone tips, the Ear Stick actually delivers reasonably good audio quality.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nI have to be honest: I wasn\u2019t expecting much out of the Nothing Ear Stick when it comes to audio fidelity. After all, it doesn\u2019t feature silicone tips for better seal and passive noise isolation, which would improve audio quality. On top of that, it doesn\u2019t have ANC either, but much to my surprise, the Ear Stick actually sounds\u2026good.\n\n\nWell, as good as an earbud without silicone tips can be. The Ear Stick offers a good amount of bass \u2013 even if it\u2019s not particularly textured \u2013 details are reproduced quite well, and overall, I do enjoy listening to my favourite tunes with it. But this is only the case when I can actually get a good fit \u2013 I\u2019ll get back to this later.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPersonally, I find the transparent design of the Ear Stick to be its best selling point. No other mainstream wireless earbuds look quite like it (with the exception of the Ear 1), and I love the details of its internals. Even the cylindrical charging case is quite eye-catching with an interesting design.\n\n\nUnlike conventional earbuds cases that flip open, the Ear Stick\u2019s case \nspins open\n. I can twist the right side of the case to reveal the earbuds, and this unique mechanism \u2013 even if it\u2019s nothing groundbreaking, excuse the pun \u2013 does make for a \u201cfun\u201d charging case.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the touch controls of the Ear Stick, which are quite intuitive and seamless to use. Much like the \nApple AirPods Pro\n, I can pinch the stem to pause playback (one pinch), skip track (double pinch), or pinch and hold to control the volume (left side to decrease, right side to increase).\n\n\nTo be honest, I prefer the volume controls of the AirPods Pro, which involves swiping up or down on the stem to increase and lower the volume respectively. This gesture works with both earbuds, while the Ear Stick\u2019s implementation requires me to pinch and hold a specific side.\n\n\nOf course, this isn\u2019t exactly a big issue, and the Ear Stick\u2019s touch controls work just fine throughout the review period.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBattery life of the Ear Stick is reasonably good as well. Nothing quotes up to seven hours of use on a single charge, and I got close to this estimate. While this level of battery life isn\u2019t amazing, it\u2019s largely similar to other wireless earbuds at this price point.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nThe biggest shortcoming of the Nothing Ear Stick, in my opinion, has to be the fact that it doesn\u2019t have silicone ear tips. Not only does this make it tough to get a good, secure fit \u2013 it even feels loose at times \u2013 the sound quality of the wireless earbuds also suffers.\n\n\nIt\u2019s a shame, as the Ear Stick\u2019s driver \ndoes\n seem quite competent. If the earbuds offered better fit, I\u2019m confident they would offer one of the best audio qualities at this price point.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the omission of ANC on the Ear Stick makes it tough to recommend to folks who do a lot of commuting in noisy environments. Basically, you\u2019ll hear quite a bit of ambient noise with these earbuds due to the lack of noise cancellation, whether it\u2019s active or passive.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nBut the absence of ANC \u2013 not necessarily the lack of silicone ear tips \u2013 is somewhat justified by the lower price tag of the Nothing Ear Stick. Retailing at RM469, it\u2019s a relatively affordable pair of wireless earbuds with a sleek, transparent design, a unique charging case design, and good audio quality.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut if you\u2019re in noisy environments often, then the Ear Stick may not be the best option; a wireless earbuds with ANC \u2013 such as the RM499 \nSamsung Galaxy Buds 2\n \u2013 would be better in this regard. Unless, of course, you actually \nwant\n to be aware of your surroundings for safety reasons, such as when you\u2019re out for a jog.\n\n\nIn that case, yes, I can wholeheartedly recommend the Ear Stick, provided you don\u2019t mind its lack of noise isolation. It\u2019s really an eye-catching pair of wireless earbuds, and I\u2019m looking forward to future products from Nothing.\n\n\nPerhaps a Nothing Ear 2 that incorporates the best features of the Ear 1 and Ear Stick is just beyond the horizon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-swift-edge-review-lightweight-16-laptop-with-stunning-oled-screen-from-rm5299/", "title": "Acer Swift Edge Review: Lightweight 16\u2033 Laptop With Stunning OLED Screen From RM5,299", "body": "\n\nAcer\u2019s lineup of Swift laptops are known to be lightweight, premium productivity machines, and the Acer Swift Edge continues the trend. Not only does it retain the series\u2019 lightweight design, it also features an expansive, sharp, and \nstunning \n16-inch 4K OLED panel.\n\n\nIf you need a large 16-inch laptop without the added weight \u2013 along with an impressive display \u2013 the Swift Edge is one of the best options in the market now. Of course, it does have some shortcomings, but the value proposition of this RM5,299 laptop is hard to beat.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n16-inch WQUXGA OLED (3840 x 2400), 60Hz\nProcessor\nAMD Ryzen 7 6800U (8C/16T, 2.7GHz with boost up to 4.7GHz)\nGPU\nAMD Radeon Graphics\nRAM\n16GB LPDDR5\nStorage\n1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD\nCamera\n1080p webcam\nBattery\n54Wh\nDimensions\n356.7 x 242.3 x 12.95 mm\nWeight\n1.1kg\nAudio\nBottom-firing stereo speakers\nPorts\n2x USB-C 3.2 (DisplayPort)\n2x USB-A 3.2\n1x HDMI 2.1\nPrice\nRM6,299\n\n\nThere are two variants of the Swift Edge for the Malaysian market. The RM5,299 base model features an AMD Ryzen 5 6600U 6-core processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The model in this review, on the other hand, is the higher-end Ryzen 7 6800U variant with twice the RAM and SSD storage at 16GB and 1TB respectively for RM6,299.\n\n\nIf you need the extra performance, RAM, and SSD storage of the Ryzen 7 Swift Edge, it\u2019s worth paying the extra RM1,000, in my opinion. Beyond these differences, you\u2019re getting the same hardware for both variants, including the sharp 4K OLED panel.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nWithout a doubt the display of the Acer Swift Edge is its most eye-catching hardware. The expansive 16-inch 4K OLED screen offers punchy, vibrant colours with deep, true blacks; inherent advantages of an OLED panel. On top of that, the display can get quite bright as well with a peak brightness of 500 nits.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the Swift Edge\u2019s display features a taller than usual 16:10 aspect ratio, making it ideal for productivity tasks. After all, you\u2019ve got more vertical space to work with, so you won\u2019t have to scroll as much to read through a document, for example.\n\n\nBesides that, I appreciate that the bezels surrounding the display are quite minimalist, giving the laptop a sleek, modern-looking design.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the lightweight nature of the Swift Edge. Tipping the scales at only 1.1kg, this is really light for a 16-inch laptop. It may not sound particularly lightweight, but once you\u2019ve held the laptop for yourself, the lack of weight becomes very apparent for a laptop this big.\n\n\nComplementing the lightweight chassis of the Swift Edge is its slim profile. Measuring 12.95mm thin, I can easily slip this into my backpack without issue. Typically, it would be quite difficult to lug around a 16-inch laptop, but this isn\u2019t particularly bothersome with the Swift Edge, thanks to its slim, lightweight design.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPortability is obviously one of the Swift Edge\u2019s best aspects, and so is its performance. The Ryzen 7 6800U processor can keep up with any productivity tasks I throw at it, including some light photo editing. The integrated AMD Radeon Graphics can even do some light gaming, including Dota 2 and \nDiablo Immortal\n.\n\n\nBattery life of the Swift Edge is not too shabby either. On average, I can get about eight hours of use on a single charge before it runs out of juice; respectable figure for a laptop with such a large display. To achieve this level of battery life, I set the power plan to battery saver with the display dimmed to a comfortable level.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the value proposition of the Swift Edge. With a RM5,299 starting price, the features you\u2019re getting for that kind of money are very compelling, such as the stunning 4K OLED panel and lightweight, slim design. You\u2019d be hard-pressed to find another laptop with a similar feature set at this price point.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nBut the Swift Edge does have some shortcomings, such as its input devices. The keyboard, for one, isn\u2019t particularly great. The key travel is quite short, which makes for a shallow typing feel. Thankfully, the keyboard does have a rather cushioned bottom out with a good amount of tactile feedback, so it\u2019s not an entirely negative typing experience.\n\n\nAs for the Swift Edge\u2019s trackpad, it is accurate, but it does have a tendency to behave erratically at times. It feels\u2026sluggish at random, though disabling and enabling the trackpad again does solve this odd issue. While this is not a big problem, it does affect the overall polish of the laptop.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMy last qualm with the Swift Edge is its glossy display, making it a bit of a challenge to use the laptop under bright sunlight. Yes, the high brightness of the screen does make up for this to an extent, but if the panel had a matte finish instead, it would\u2019ve made for a more pleasant user experience.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nYes, of course. For RM5,299, the Acer Swift Edge offers a bright, vibrant, and expansive 16-inch OLED display packed in a lightweight, thin chassis for easy portability. It also offers a respectable level of performance for a productivity laptop, thanks to the AMD Ryzen 6000 series chips.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Swift Edge\u2019s input devices and glossy displays are not great, but the overall package of the 16-inch laptop is quite complete. At this price point, there are little to no alternatives that can match its feature set. If the Swift Edge meets your requirements, give it a consideration \u2013 I reckon you won\u2019t be disappointed by the lightweight laptop.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/truthear-hexa-review-keeping-the-momentum-in-a-big-way/", "title": "Truthear Hexa Review \u2013 Keeping the Momentum in a Big Way", "body": "\n\nTruthear is one of the many new players in the ChiFi audio game that have cropped up in the perpetual budget IEM race. Prior to the Truthear Hexa you see in this review, the company had only one other IEM to its name \u2013 the \nTruthear Zero\n of Crinacle fame. The company is far from inexperienced, however, as its chief engineer is (supposedly) from Moondrop.\n\n\nAll eyes were on Truthear when the company revealed the Hexa, a 1DD + 3BA IEM, as a follow-up to the dual dynamic driver Zero. This is because early measurements of the IEM show that it measures quite similarly to the esteemed Moondrop Blessing 2, which was \u2013 and still is, to an extent \u2013 the benchmark IEM in the $300 price point.\n\n\nAnd so, many hailed the Truthear Hexa as a \u201cbudget Blessing,\u201d and that\u2019s solely based on its price and frequency response graph. For $79.90 (about RM360) on \nSHENZHENAUDIO\n, let\u2019s see if the Hexa can bring the same excitement as the $49.90 (approximately RM225) Zero.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nPackaging of the Truthear Hexa is a step above your average ChiFi IEM packaging with quite a few goodies included in the box. As is the current trend in the ChiFi space, there is (naturally) an anime waifu pictured on the box of the Hexa. There\u2019s even a standee version of \u201cVirgo\u201d the waifu to display on your desk, if that\u2019s your kind of thing.\n\n\nThere\u2019s also a pretty nice synthetic leather carrying pouch that\u2019s bundled with the Hexa. While the pouch feels extremely plush, it doesn\u2019t really offer much protection from say, being squashed in your backpack. It\u2019s still a sweet inclusion nonetheless.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTip selection is quite extensive, with options for narrow and wide bores in S, M and L sizes; there are even M-sized foam tips thrown in for good measure. The wide bore ear tips should provide more treble emphasis, while the narrow bore and foam tips boost the low-end at the cost of less air in the treble region.\n\n\nThe cable that comes with the Hexa is\u2026decent. It\u2019s an all-black 2-pin cable that\u2019s thin and quite prone to tangling up. It\u2019s actually the same cable that ships with the Truthear Zero, so if you\u2019ve come across that IEM, you\u2019d know what to expect.\n\n\nDesign wise, the housing of the Hexa is a translucent, smokey black shell that\u2019s 3D printed by HeyGears \u2013 the same folks that print several Moondrop shells, including the aforementioned Blessing 2. Black anodised aluminium alloy faceplates are secured to the housing by a screw, with only the right shell bearing the Truthear branding. It\u2019s a departure from the glittery blue faceplate of the Zero, but the sleek and minimalist look isn\u2019t bad at all.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterestingly, the Hexa\u2019s shells are lightweight and smaller than conventional IEM shells, but they fit very comfortably in my ears. I don\u2019t feel any discomfort or fatigue after long listening sessions, and isolation is above average as well.\n\n\nHow Does It Sound?\n\n\nOverall tuning of the Truthear Hexa leans towards neutral, with a focus on treble and a slight bump in the sub-bass. It also isn\u2019t the most dynamic set of earphones, but what it lacks in energy is made up in clarity.\n\n\nImaging and technicality of the Hexa is quite impressive, while instruments are clear and clean while still sounding very natural. The BA drivers are definitely putting in the work in retrieving detail, and it does so with precision.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs a quick sidenote, the \nTripowin Rhombus\n is one example of a dynamic and balanced armature driver combo that doesn\u2019t work too well together. On that IEM, the BA drivers did most of the heavy lifting, while the dynamic driver was barely noticeable. On the Truthear Hexa, you can clearly hear the coherence that was missing from the Tripowin set, and no single driver type stands out from the other.\n\n\nSoundstage wise, the Hexa has decent width, but vertical depth and height leaves much to be desired. Still, the more intimate presentation lends well to the detail and clarity of the earphones.\n\n\nBass\n\n\nSub-bass of the Hexa is bumped up a tad, but to my ears, there isn\u2019t quite enough \nrumble\n and extension. Mid-bass also takes a step back with a more modest presentation, though it\u2019s still fast, clean, and should still be sufficient for most genres of music.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMids\n\n\nThe tame bass of the Hexa leaves the mids well alone with no bleed whatsoever. But this also makes the mids \u201cdrier\u201d with a thinner note weight. Vocals could benefit with a touch more warmth, but they still sound organic as it is. Even with the more intimate soundstage and emphasised treble, vocals on the Hexa are not at all shouty or overbearing.\n\n\nTreble\n\n\nIn treble region, the Hexa really flexes its muscles \u2013 or rather, drivers. The high-end is quite well extended with ample amounts of air, and cymbals in particular have a nice, clear sparkle while still being smooth and not at all shrill. Again, there\u2019s none of the usual metallic timbre commonly associated with BA drivers.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nThe Truthear Hexa isn\u2019t exactly groundbreaking, but the IEM do go against the grain and stand out among the typical Harman target ChiFi options. It makes full use of its single DD and triple BA configuration to produce a balanced, coherent sound signature.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith a more tame bass shelf, the Hexa isn\u2019t the most dynamic set of earphones. But its organic timbre, impressive technicalities, and comfortable fit make it an excellent contender in the sub-$100 price range, going against popular offerings like the \nMoondrop Aria Snow Edition\n.\n\n\nI can\u2019t say for sure whether I\u2019ll consider the Hexa to be a budget version of the Moondrop Blessing 2, as I unfortunately do not have that IEM in hand to compare. But I do know that Truthear, as a newcomer, has done it yet again, I can\u2019t wait to see what\u2019s next for the young brand.\n\n\nLi Jin Soh contributed to this review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ora-good-cat-lands-in-malaysia-affordable-ev-with-500km-range-from-rm140k/", "title": "Ora Good Cat Lands in Malaysia \u2013 Affordable EV With 500km Range From RM140k", "body": "\n\nGreat Wall Motor (GWM) just launched the Ora Good Cat in Malaysia, which is currently the most affordable EV on our shores with a RM139,800 starting price. Aside from its cute, quirky design, the EV also has a respectable range of up to 500km.\n\n\nOf course, the RM139,800 starting price is for the base 400 Pro model. As its name suggests, the 400 Pro has a range of up to 400km from its 47.8kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. The 500 Ultra, on the other hand, has a larger 63.1kWh ternary lithium cell (up to 500km range) for RM169,800.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond its range, the Ora Good Cat can be charged \u2013 with a DC fast charger \u2013 from 30% to 80% in only 32 minutes or 40 minutes for the 400 Pro and 500 Ultra models respectively. It also has an electric motor driving the front wheels that offers a respectable 143PS and 210Nm of torque.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Ora Good Cat include a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 360-degree surround camera, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, traffic jam assist, 18-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, as well as a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Ora Good Cat is now available for booking and test drive at GWM\u2019s designated authorised dealers in Glenmarie, Puchong, and Penang from RM139,800. Deliveries are expected to start from December 2022 next month, so you won\u2019t have to wait too long to get the cute EV.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/gwm-launching-9-new-models-in-malaysia-next-3-years-ckd-operations-in-2023/", "title": "GWM Launching 9 New Models in Malaysia Next 3 Years \u2013 CKD Operations in 2023", "body": "\n\nAt the Malaysian launch of the \nOra Good Cat\n EV, Great Wall Motor (GWM) revealed that it is planning to launch as many as nine new models in Malaysia in the next three years. These include sedans, SUVS, pickup trucks, and more.\n\n\nAll nine GWM models that are to be launched in Malaysia look to be xEV vehicles; that is, they are electrified to some extent. No word yet on what these models could be, though the Haval H6 and Haval Jolion have been spotted on our local roads.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, GWM also announced that it will start its CKD (local assembly) operations right here in Malaysia as early as next month. The plan will see the creation of over 2,000 jobs, and there\u2019s a good chance locally assembled GWM models will be priced even more competitively.\n\n\nSpeaking of competitive pricing, GWM\u2019s Ora Good Cat is currently the most affordable EV in Malaysia right now with a RM139,800 starting price. Check out our full coverage of the electric hatchback\u2019s local launch \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-3-3-coming-7-december-with-wanderer-faruzan-new-card-game/", "title": "Genshin Impact 3.3 Coming 7 December With Wanderer, Faruzan, New Card Game", "body": "\n\nThe next Genshin Impact update is quite jam-packed with content. Not only are we getting two new playable characters \u2013 the 5-star Wanderer and 4-star Faruzan, \nas teased by Hoyoverse last month\n \u2013 a card game (Genius Invokation TCG) will also be added to the Version 3.3 update.\n\n\nOf course, there\u2019s a new story quest in Genshin Impact 3.3 too that will explain Scaramouche\u2019s transformation to become the Wanderer. He will \u201cwalk down a different path under Nahida\u2019s custody,\u201d as Hoyoverse puts it, and players will go to Irminsul with him in the \nInversion of Genesis\n Archon Interlude quest. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the new Genius Invokation card game that combines Genshin Impact\u2019s element-based combat system with strategy development. Players can compete with both NPCs and other players with their collection of cards that can be expanded by defeating said NPCs. Dynamic Skins can be redeemed from the Card Shop too.\n\n\nAside from that, Arataki Itto will be featured in the \nAkitsu Kimodameshi\n event in Genshin Impact 3.3 as well; it will see players completing \u201cbrick-breaker\u201d mini-games with him. Several characters will have rerun banners too, including Itto, Kamisato Ayato, and the Raiden Shogun herself.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact Version 3.3 will arrive next week on 7 December. The Wanderer, Faruzan, and Itto\u2019s event wishes will go live then, followed by the Raiden Shogun\u2019s and Ayato\u2019s rerun banners in the second phase.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/akko-acr-top-75-chosfox-voyager-review-sleek-affordable-top-mounted-acrylic-keyboard/", "title": "Akko ACR TOP 75 + Chosfox Voyager Review: Sleek, Affordable Top-Mounted Acrylic Keyboard", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAkko has released quite a number of keyboards throughout the year, and one such keyboard is the Akko ACR TOP 75. Not only does it have an eye-catching design with an acrylic case and RGB lighting, it also has a top mount construction \u2013 that\u2019s pretty rare in today\u2019s market.\n\n\nFor this review, the ACR TOP 75 is paired with the Chosfox Voyager tactile switch, which complements the keyboard quite well with its stiff top-mounted design. If you\u2019re looking to get an affordable top mount keyboard or a new tactile switch, keep on reading!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAkko ACR Top 75\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the ACR TOP 75. As its name suggests, it is a 75% keyboard with the aforementioned top mount design, making for a stiff typing experience. This isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing, of course: some folks prefer the stiffness of top-mounted keyboards.\n\n\nAside from that, the ACR TOP 75 is available with either an acrylic case \u2013 the model you see in this review \u2013 or a more substantial aluminium case. However, do note that the aluminium version does not feature the RGB lighting of the acrylic model, which gives the keyboard an eye-catching aesthetic, in my opinion.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for plate option, the ACR TOP 75 features a brass plate, which stiffens up the typing feel even more. Paired with the top mount design of the keyboard, there\u2019s no doubt that this is a rigid, stiff keyboard. Again, not necessarily a bad thing, as it depends on your preference. Do note that the aluminium version comes with an additional FR4 plate, which should offer a slightly softer typing feel.\n\n\nPricing wise, the ACR TOP 75 \nstarts at $125.99\n for the acrylic version, while the aluminium one is priced at $169.99. For us here in Malaysia, however, the keyboard is slightly more affordable: \nAkko\u2019s store on Shopee\n is listing the acrylic and aluminium versions of the TOP 75 for RM469.99 and RM689.99 respectively, though the former is currently sold out.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSo\u2026how is it like to type on the ACR TOP 75? As expected, it\u2019s stiff; like, really rigid. The keyboard\u2019s top mount design and brass plate offer absolutely no amount of flexibility, so you don\u2019t get any of that bouncy or soft typing experience. If a stiff typing feel is what you want, you\u2019ll definitely get that with this keyboard.\n\n\nSound profile of the ACR TOP 75, as you can hear in the sound test at the beginning of this review, is quite pleasant \u2013 to my ears, anyway. Paired with the Chosfox Voyager tactile switch, it has a nice, \u201cpoppy\u201d clackiness to it. There\u2019s no pinging of any kind either, which can be attributed to the keyboard\u2019s acrylic case.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re a fan of RGB lighting, you\u2019ll definitely find the ACR TOP 75 appealing. Well, this acrylic version, anyway. The RGB lighting diffuses throughout the acrylic case quite nicely, and even though there are other keyboards that offer a similar aesthetic, there\u2019s no denying that it looks good on this keyboard.\n\n\nChosfox Voyager\n\n\nIf you like highly tactile switches such as the \nGazzew U4T\n and \nGlorious Panda\n, the Chosfox Voyager will be right up your alley. Not only does it have a very pronounced (and quite sharp) tactile bump, there\u2019s almost no pre-travel either. I would\u2019ve liked if the Voyager had a more rounded bump, but this is just my own personal preference.\n\n\nWhen it comes to sound profile, the Voyager is definitely a clacky, higher-pitched switch. Thanks to the 62.5g two-stage spring, its upstroke is quite \u201caggressive\u201d too, which does make for a\u2026responsive typing experience, for lack of a better word.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStem wobble of the Voyager is not too bad either, but certainly not the best. It does feel like a stable switch to type on \u2013 even with higher profile keycaps \u2013 though there\u2019s still noticeable horizontal and vertical wobble. Not the worst, of course, but definitely not the best.\n\n\nOverall, the Voyager is definitely an interesting tactile switch. It feels great to type on out of the box as well with a relatively smooth downstroke, thanks to the factory lube. \nPriced at $19.25\n (about RM85) for 35 switches, it\u2019s not a particularly expensive switch either.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Akko ACR Top 75 and Chosfox Voyager are two great products, especially for those who are on a tighter budget. They are by no means the best keyboard or tactile switch in the market now, but their value propositions are very good \u2013 an important quality for affordable products like these.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/1-7-december-fuel-price-ron-97-finally-down-10-sen-now-rm3-85-per-litre/", "title": "1 \u2013 7 December Fuel Price: RON 97 Finally Down 10 Sen \u2013 Now RM3.85 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nThere\u2019s finally a price change to RON 97 after two months, and it\u2019s good news: the premium fuel will go down by 10 sen at the stroke of midnight. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nFor the next seven days, the price of RON 97 will be set at RM3.85 per litre (down from RM3.95). RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 1 to 7 December next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/gentari-launches-malaysias-first-350kw-ev-charger-at-x-park-sunway-serene/", "title": "Gentari Launches Malaysia\u2019s First 350kW EV Charger at X Park Sunway Serene", "body": "\n\nGentari, a subsidiary of Petronas that focuses on clean energy, just launched the first 350kW public EV charger in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Located at X Park Sunway Serene, the fast 350kW charger is part of an EV charging hub rolled out by Gentari in partnership with EV Connection Sdn Bhd (EVC).\n\n\nAside from the 350kW EV charger, the EV charging hub at the location also offers two other DC fast chargers (180kW) and five AC chargers. Depending on which charger you use, you will be charged \u2013 excuse the pun \u2013 at different rates.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 350kW charger, for one, costs RM1.20 per kWh; yes, Gentari is the first to offer a kWh-based pricing mechanism. If you use the 180kW charger instead, you\u2019ll be charged slightly lower at RM1 per kWh. As for the AC chargers, they are priced at RM0.55 per kWh.\n\n\nAside from the EV charging hub at X Park Sunway Serene, Gentari is also working on another hub at Bangi Golf Resort. There won\u2019t be any 350kW chargers there, but there are a good combination of DC and AC chargers at the resort, including Kempower DC chargers.\n\n\nThose are quite interesting, as you can scan a QR code generated by the charger with your phone to check on your car\u2019s current charge level whenever you want to.\n\n\n\n\nThe EV charging hub at Bangi Golf Resort under construction\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, you can check out Gentari\u2019s brand new 350kW EV charger at X Park Sunway Serene. The EV charging hub at Bangi Golf Resort, on the other hand, isn\u2019t quite ready yet, though it does look near to completion when we visited the resort today.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ora-good-cat-test-drive-upmarket-rm140k-electric-hatchback/", "title": "Ora Good Cat Test Drive: Upmarket RM140k Electric Hatchback", "body": "\n\nThe EV market in Malaysia is steadily growing as more brands are bringing in their lineup of electrified vehicles to our shores. One such brand is Great Wall Motor (GWM), which just launched the Ora Good Cat \nearlier this week\n.\n\n\nTouted as the most affordable EV in Malaysia with a RM139,800 starting price, I managed to take the electric hatchback out for a spin for a few hours. Despite being the \u201ccheapest\u201d EV in Malaysia, the hatchback does not feel cheap at all\u2026for the most part.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about the Ora Good Cat\u2019s equipment first. Two variants of the EV are offered in Malaysia: the 400 Pro base model goes for RM139,800, and it offers up to 400km of range from its 47.8kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. The higher-end 500 Ultra variant, on the other hand, has a larger 63.1kWh ternary lithium cell (up to 500km range) for RM169,800.\n\n\nBeyond its range, the Ora Good Cat can be charged \u2013 with a DC fast charger \u2013 from 30% to 80% in only 32 minutes or 40 minutes for the 400 Pro and 500 Ultra models respectively. It also has an electric motor driving the front wheels that offers a respectable 143PS and 210Nm of torque.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Ora Good Cat include a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 360-degree surround camera, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, traffic jam assist, 18-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, as well as a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn pictures, the Ora Good Cat looks like a cute, relatively compact electric hatchback. But in person, the EV is actually quite sizeable! In fact, measuring 4,235mm long and 1,825mm wide, it\u2019s actually wider than, say, the latest \nHonda City Hatchback\n, though the B-segment car is a bit longer by 110mm.\n\n\nIn short, the Ora Good Cat is certainly not a small car; I reckon it can comfortably accommodate four adults on a road trip too. Its ground clearance is also slightly higher than a typical hatchback, to the point where it almost feels like a crossover of sorts.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the interior of the Ora Good Cat, which is \nexcellent\n. There are plenty of soft touch points inside the cabin, and the design elements both look and feel great. For an EV at this price point, the quality of the interior is definitely a class above \u2013 it feels very, very premium.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the same cannot be said of the infotainment system\u2019s software. It is not intuitive to navigate, it feels quite sluggish, and some settings can only be accessed here. If I want to adjust the air-conditioning, for example, I have to go through a number of menu before I can do so.\n\n\nYes, there are no physical buttons for climate control. Even volume control is limited to the steering wheel and infotainment screen. Not exactly a great user experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut what the Ora Good Cat lacks in practicality is made up by its driving dynamics, in my opinion. The instant 210Nm of torque from the electric motor, for one, is great to quickly get up to speed. I even get pushed back into the seat when I put my foot down on the accelerator pedal \u2013 the perk of an EV with a lot of torque to offer.\n\n\nThe ride quality of the Ora Good Cat is refined as well. Despite its large 18-inch alloy wheels, it still offers a comfortable ride. This comes at the expense of noticeable body roll, unfortunately enough, but for folks who aren\u2019t driving enthusiasts, they\u2019ll definitely appreciate the smooth ride of this electric hatchback.\n\n\nAs for the handling of the Ora Good Cat, it\u2019s good enough. While I do wish the steering was quicker and less numb for a more dynamic driving experience, it does feel adequate for city driving, which is (probably) where the EV will spend most of its time in.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the ADAS capability of the Ora Good Cat. The steering assist \u2013 albeit a touch too aggressive for my liking \u2013 can negotiate even tight corners quite well. The ADAS will even slow the car down as it approaches any given corner; very nice.\n\n\nHowever, the adaptive cruise control of the Ora Good Cat does have room for improvement. Not only is the braking not as smooth as it should be (it\u2019s quite sudden), it leaves too big of a gap between the lead car in slow-moving traffic as well, even when I\u2019ve selected the shortest distance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, there\u2019s no denying the premium appeal of the Ora Good Cat. Its interior is very impressive \u2013 far more impressive than any other car at this price point \u2013 it has good performance under the hood, and its cute, quirky design gives it a\u2026unique appeal, to say the least.\n\n\nWhile I do wish it had better driving dynamics with a more refined adaptive cruise control and infotainment system, some folks may not mind these shortcomings at all. And to be fair, I\u2019ve only spent a few hours driving the car, so there may be more to the car beyond these drawbacks.\n\n\nFor what it\u2019s worth, I did enjoy driving the Ora Good Cat, and I look forward to driving it again at the next opportunity.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-note-12-5g-coming-to-malaysia-soon-affordable-snapdragon-4-gen-1-phone/", "title": "Redmi Note 12 5G Coming to Malaysia Soon \u2013 Affordable Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 Phone", "body": "\n\nThe Redmi Note 12 5G was introduced in China just last month, and it looks like the affordable phone will be available in Malaysia very soon. Once it\u2019s launched on our shores, it will likely be the first Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 phone in our local market.\n\n\nAs usual, we were going through SIRIM\u2019s database when we came across the Redmi Note 12 5G. It was registered under Xiaomi Malaysia just today on 30 November with the model number 22111317G, so it looks like the company is gearing up to bring the phone to our shores.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven its affordable nature, the hardware of the Redmi Note 12 5G are quite modest. These include the aforementioned Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset paired with up to 8GB RAM, 128GB or 256GB of storage, a 6.67-inch 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a dual camera system (48MP primary + 2MP depth), an 8MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging.\n\n\nNo word yet from Xiaomi Malaysia on the local availability of the Redmi Note 12 5G. But given that it\u2019s been certified by SIRIM already, we reckon it will be launched on our shores very soon. As for pricing, the Redmi Note 12 5G starts at only 1,199 Chinese yuan, which comes up to about RM745.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-plus-december-2022-free-games-mass-effect-divine-knockout-biomutant/", "title": "PlayStation Plus December 2022 Free Games: Mass Effect, Divine Knockout, Biomutant", "body": "\n\nPlayStation Plus\u2019 December 2022 free games have just been announced. The lineup includes Mass Effect Legendary Edition, Divine Knockout: Founder\u2019s Edition, and Biomutant. Curiously, there are no extra games for the Asian region this time around either, just like last month.\n\n\nThe three games are playable on both the PS5 and PS4, though there\u2019s no PS5 version of Mass Effect. With that in mind, it won\u2019t benefit from faster loading times or the DualSense controller\u2019s range of features like adaptive triggers and more refined haptic feedback.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith the \nrevamped PS Plus membership\n, these three games can be claimed by subscribers of any tiers. Whether you\u2019re on the Essential, Extra, or Deluxe plan, you will have access to these monthly PS Plus games.\n\n\nAll three games can be claimed by PS Plus members from 6 December 2022 to 2 January 2023. That means you have until this coming Monday (5 December) to get your hands on November 2022\u2019s free games, including \nNioh 2, Lego Harry Potter Collection, and Heavenly Bodies\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-december-2022-offer-up-to-rm8000-discount-signed-messi-jersey/", "title": "Honda Malaysia December 2022 Offer \u2013 Up to RM8,000 Discount & Signed Messi Jersey", "body": "\n\nHonda Malaysia is offering even more attractive discounts for its range of models in December 2022 this month, which include the \npopular Honda City\n, Accord, and \nCR-V\n. On top of that, those who register a Honda model until 31 December 2022 also stand a chance to win a signed Messi jersey.\n\n\nNaturally,\u00a0the \nHonda Accord\n\u00a0gets the best discount. Both the range-topping TC-P and more affordable TC variants of the D-segment sedan receive a RM8,000 rebate. Aside from that, the \nHonda BR-V\n seven-seater MPV gets quite a generous RM6,000 discount as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA tier down is the Honda City, which gets a RM4,000 discount for all variants of the B-segment sedan, including the range-topping \nRS e:HEV model\n. If you want the \nHonda City Hatchback\n instead, all variants of the model receive a RM2,500 discount.\n\n\nIf you want an SUV instead, you can opt for the \nHonda CR-V\n, which is offered with a RM4,000 discount. Do note that these discounts are only applicable for bookings placed after 30 June 2022, and the vehicles have to be registered between 1 to 31 December 2022.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMore information on the deal can be found\u00a0on \nHonda Malaysia\u2019s website\n. If you\u2019re interested to get any of these Honda models with the rebates, you can place a pre-booking online\u00a0\nhere\n. Alternatively, bookings can be done through the HondaTouch app as well \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-samsung-galaxy-z-flip-4s-flex-mode-is-surprisingly-useful/", "title": "The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4\u2019s Flex Mode Is Surprisingly Useful", "body": "\n\nBeyond the impressive technological feat of a foldable phone\u2019s flexible display, the foldable nature of these devices actually have a few practical uses. This is especially so for the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 4\n with its clamshell design and software features.\n\n\nTake the Z Flip 4\u2019s Flex Mode. Depending on the app I\u2019m using, folding the phone in an L-shape can move the content to the top screen, with controls in the lower half. Apps that don\u2019t support this feature natively can be forced to do so, where the bottom screen can even act as a touchpad.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile this feature may seem\u2026well, gimmicky, it\u2019s actually quite useful in certain scenarios. I find it quite convenient to watch YouTube videos in Flex Mode while I\u2019m having lunch, for example. I don\u2019t have to strain my neck as much looking down on the phone if it was placed flat on the table instead.\n\n\nAside from that, the Galaxy Z Flip 4\u2019s ability to (essentially) stay upright on its own also makes it great for shooting hands-free videos. I\u2019ve been bouldering quite a bit lately, and it\u2019s convenient that I can just put the phone on a surface to shoot a video of my climbing attempts instead of lugging around a tripod.\n\n\nThe flexibility \u2013 excuse the pun \u2013 of the Z Flip 4\u2019s foldable nature opens up more creative ways to capture shots from different angles as well. Whether you want to take those tricky low or high angle photos, the Z Flip 4\u2019s foldable display will come in handy to frame your shots.\n\n\n\n\nA shot taken with the Z Flip 4\u2019s 12MP primary camera\n\n\nA night shot taken with the phone\u2019s 12MP primary lens\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the practicality of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4\u2019s Flex Mode, there\u2019s also the fact that it is an eye-catching device. After all, it\u2019s a phone that folds in half, and even today, there are still no real mainstream alternatives to the Z Flip 4, especially here in Malaysia.\n\n\nSamsung is easily the leading player in the foldable smartphone market now with the Galaxy Z Flip 4, along with the \nGalaxy Z Fold 4\n for those who need a bigger display. If you want a refined, sleek-looking foldable phone, you can\u2019t really go wrong with Samsung\u2019s offerings.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-surpassed-2022-annual-sales-target-sold-over-250k-cars-this-year/", "title": "Perodua Surpassed 2022 Annual Sales Target \u2013 Sold Over 250k Cars This Year", "body": "\n\nAs expected\n, Perodua has surpassed its 2022 annual sales target, which was set at 247,800 units. Between January to November 2022, the national carmaker has sold a whopping 250,795 units \u2013 this is the highest sales figure the company has achieved, and it has another month of sales to go.\n\n\n\u201cThis sales achievement is on the back of our production achievement so far this year, which numbered 258,960 units. We also achieved our highest monthly production ever since inception at 29,149 units,\u201d said the president and CEO of Perodua, Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn November 2022 itself, Perodua registered 28,592 units, a new monthly sales record for the carmaker. The company\u2019s best-selling cars last month were the Bezza with 8,089 units, followed by the Myvi (6,624 units) and Axia (5,812 units).\n\n\nPerodua said that it will do its best to ensure that customers who have placed their bookings by 30 June 2022 will receive their cars by 31 March 2023 next year. After all, that is the deadline given by the government to be eligible for sales tax exemption.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ttracing-titus-smart-desk-height-adjustable-standing-desk-from-rm999/", "title": "TTRacing Titus Smart Desk \u2013 Height-Adjustable Standing Desk From RM999", "body": "\n\nTTRacing is entering the smart desk market! The first model in the company\u2019s new product lineup is the TTRacing Titus Smart Desk, an affordable height-adjustable desk with some interesting features, including a replaceable table top.\n\n\nThe Titus is available in two sizes: medium and large. The medium model comes with a 1.2m long table top \u2013 made from MDF with a powder-coated surface \u2013 for RM999, while the large variant is priced at RM1,149 with a longer 1.6m table top. As mentioned, the table top is replaceable.\n\n\nAside from that, you can also add on a \ncable organiser for RM99\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Titus features an electric motor that can adjust the height of the desk from as low as 760mm to 1,210mm. It also has a curved cutout with retractable headphone and cup holders. If you\u2019re concerned about reliability, you\u2019ll be happy to know that the table\u2019s electric motor is covered by a two-year warranty.\n\n\nThe TTRacing Titus Smart Desk can now be purchased on the \ncompany\u2019s official website\n from RM999. You can also use code NEXTRIFT10 to get a 10% discount on the smart desk \u2013 as well as other products from the company \u2013 with no minimum spend.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-ttracing-duo-v4-pro-review-worth-rm499/", "title": "Video: TTRacing Duo V4 Pro Review \u2013 Worth RM499?", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHere\u2019s our video review of the affordable TTRacing Duo V4 Pro gaming chair! Retailing at RM499, it will certainly appeal to folks who are on a budget. For that kind of money, the gaming chair offers a number of interesting features.\n\n\nThese include an adjustable headrest, a large lumbar pillow, a pretty wide seat base to accommodate users of different body types, and even smooth hydraulics and castors. If you don\u2019t need the adjustable headrest or lumbar pillow, you can opt for the \nstandard Duo V4 instead for RM429\n \u2013 that\u2019s RM70 less.\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like a written review of the TTRacing Duo V4 Pro instead, we have that \nright here\n. You can get the gaming chair \u2013 or any other products from the brand, including the new \nTitus Smart Desk\n \u2013 on\u00a0\nTTRacing\u2019s official store\n. You can also use the code NEXTRIFT10 to get a 10% discount with no minimum spend.\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/tears-of-themis-themed-cafe-in-malaysia-happening-until-7-december/", "title": "Tears of Themis Themed Cafe in Malaysia Happening Until 7 December", "body": "\n\nTears of Themis, a romance detective game from the renowed \nHoyoverse\n, will have a themed cafe right here in Malaysia. Set to run until 7 December this Wednesday, the cafe will be themed after a birthday party for Luke Pearce, the protagonist of the game.\n\n\nThe cafe selected for the Tears of Themis collaboration is The Lemon Tree. Located at Menara Lien Hoe in Petaling Jaya, it will accept patrons from as early as 8AM to 6PM. The cafe is decorated in the theme of a \u201cnice and warm birthday party for Luke,\u201d as Hoyoverse puts it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, there will be special set meals for RM23 \u2013 lemon drizzle loaf or lemon mousse cake \u2013 and gifts based on Tears of Themis at the cafe. There is even a special photo corner for fans of the game to, well, take photographs of to liven up the atmosphere.\n\n\nTo recap, the Tears of Themis themed cafe is happening until 7 December at The Lemon Tree in Petaling Jaya. There doesn\u2019t seem to be an online registration of any kind, so interested folks should be able to just walk into the cafe, though the set meals and gifts are limited.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-wanderer-itto-event-wishes-land-7-december-with-faruzan-gorou-yanfei/", "title": "Genshin Impact Wanderer & Itto Event Wishes Land 7 December With Faruzan, Gorou, Yanfei", "body": "\n\nThe Wanderer\u2019s highly anticipated event wish has just been revealed! Set to go live in \nGenshin Impact\n this Wednesday on 7 December alongside Arataki Itto\u2019s rerun banner, the two 5-star characters\u2019 event wishes will be accompanied by Faruzan \u2013 a new 4-star character \u2013 Gorou, and Yanfei.\n\n\nIn line with \nprevious Genshin Impact\n \ndouble banners\n, Wanderer and Itto both have the same roster of 4-star characters despite the fact that they\u2019re featured in separate event wishes. Of course, pity is also shared between the two banners, and the wish guarantee count\u00a0\nwill\n\u00a0carry over to future character banners too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe same rule applies to the increased \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Wanderer, Itto, Faruzan, Gorou, and Yanfei. In the case of Wanderer and Itto, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be either of them, depending on which banner you\u2019re wishing. If you got a different character, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be them.\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s pity system for character banners ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character every 90 wishes, you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Wanderer or Itto. The same rule applies to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Faruzan, Gorou, or Yanfei. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will likely have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWanderer\u2019s \u201cFrom Ashes Reborn\u201d and Arataki Itto\u2019s \u201cOni\u2019s Royale\u201d event wishes will be available in Genshin Impact on 7 December 2022 this Wednesday right after the Version 3.3 update. Their banners will be offered until 27 December, which is when the \nRaiden Shogun\u2019s and Kamisato Ayato\u2019s reruns\n will go live.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/pico-flagship-store-opening-in-sunway-pyramid-10-december-special-promo-for-first-30-customers/", "title": "Pico Flagship Store Opening in Sunway Pyramid 10 December \u2013 Special Promo for First 30 Customers", "body": "\n\nPico looks to be expanding its presence in Malaysia quite a bit. Together with its authorised distributor, Rainbow Distribution, the VR company is opening a flagship store in Sunway Pyramid, Petaling Jaya, and it will hold a special promotion for the first 30 customers who visit the store on 10 December.\n\n\nThe best deal is reserved for the first 10 customers who purchase a Pico 4 VR headset, who will also get a unit of the Pico Neo 3 Link (256GB) for free. As for the 11th to 30th buyers of the Pico 4 on that day, they can purchase a second unit of the headset at half price \u2013 RM849.50 or RM999.50 for the 128GB and 256GB models respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, every purchase of the Pico 4 or Pico Neo 3 Link will come with several freebies too. These include eight free VR games, a casing for the headset, lens protector, and a sweat proof silicone cover. Do note that each customer can only purchase one unit at a time.\n\n\nThe Pico flagship store will open its doors on 10 December this Saturday. The queue number starts at 9:30AM, while sales will start from 11AM. As for pricing, the Pico 4 retails at RM1,699 or RM1,999 for the 128GB and 256GB models respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-proton-x90-spotted-on-malaysian-roads-again/", "title": "Spy Shot: Proton X90 Spotted on Malaysian Roads Again!", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been a while since we\u2019ve seen the Geely Haoyue on Malaysian roads, though it appears Proton is still hard at work testing the D-segment seven-seater SUV on Malaysian roads. This Geely model is suspected to be the\u00a0\nProton X90\n, and this time around, the SUV is spotted at Simpang Pulai, Perak.\n\n\nThese images of the Haoyue were taken by Azaharol Mohamed and subsequently shared by \nThe Ajerul on Facebook\n. Two units of the SUV were caught on camera, and while both of them are still heavily camouflaged, their silhouettes are akin to that of the Haoyue.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrevious spy shots of the Haoyue\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Haoyue is a large D-segment SUV that can be configured with five or seven seats; it measures 4,835mm long, 1,900mm wide, and 1,785 tall. Compared to the \nProton X70\n, the Haoyue is 316mm longer, 69mm wider, and 91mm taller.\n\n\nPowering the Haoyue, on the other hand, is a 1.8L four-cylinder turbocharged engine that outputs 181PS and 300Nm of torque. This engine is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with drive sent either to the front wheels or all four of them for the AWD model.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s worth noting that in The Philippines, the Okavango (as it\u2019s called there) is actually available with a 1.5L three-cylinder turbo engine and a mild hybrid system that put out a combined figure of 190hp and 300Nm of torque. This setup is also paired with a 7DCT, though there is no AWD variant.\n\n\nOf course, given its positioning as a premium SUV, the Haoyue is equipped with Geely\u2019s level 2 autonomous driving system too. It is made up of 24 different sensors to allow for as many as 17 \u201cintelligent drive features.\u201d According to Geely, this lets the SUV automatically follow, stop, as well as turn at speeds of up to 150km/h.\n\n\nJust like the \nProton X50\n, the Haoyue is also capable of parking itself. It features a 360-degree camera as well, and given the large size of the SUV, we imagine this will come in handy for most drivers.\n\n\n\n\nThe Geely Haoyue\n\n\n\n\nEven though the Geely Haoyue is already being tested on Malaysian roads, it\u2019s still too early to tell if it will eventually materialise to be the \u201cProton X90,\u201d even if rumours are suggesting a 2023 release. Nonetheless, we will keep a close eye for any further development of this premium SUV.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-nintendo-switch-oled-price-drops-to-rm1299/", "title": "Deal: Nintendo Switch OLED Price Drops to RM1,299", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been quite some time since the \nNintendo Switch (OLED Model)\n was launched, so not surprisingly, the portable console is quite a bit more affordable now. Previously going for \nas low as RM1,349\n, you can now get the latest and greatest Switch \nat only RM1,299\n.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Shopee Mall retailer Impulse Gaming; one of the most renowned game stores in Malaysia. Both the \nWhite and Neon colour options\n are in stock now, and they are official Maxsoft units with a one-year warranty.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the new OLED Switch features a larger 7-inch OLED panel with thinner bezels. It also has double the internal storage at 64GB, and the stand sees a design revision as well. Instead of the original Switch\u2019s fragile-looking stand, this new Switch uses a much sturdier, wider stand that is also adjustable.\n\n\nOther changes introduced in the new OLED Switch include a new dock with a wired LAN port, \u201cenhanced audio\u201d from the system\u2019s onboard speakers, and between 4.5 to 9 hours of battery life \u2013 the same quoted battery life as its predecessor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to get the Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) \nfor only RM1,299\n, you can do so from Impulse Gaming on Shopee. Not sure if it\u2019s worth upgrading from an older model? Then check out our comparison \nbetween the new OLED Switch and the original one\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-teases-alhaitham-yaoyao-likely-playable-in-version-3-4/", "title": "Genshin Impact Teases Alhaitham & Yaoyao \u2013 Likely Playable in Version 3.4", "body": "\n\nHoyoverse just dropped a teaser for two new characters coming to \nGenshin Impact\n! They are Alhaitham and Yaoyao, and chances are, both of them will be playable in the Version 3.4 of the live service game.\n\n\nTypically, characters that are teased by Hoyoverse are playable in the next version update of Genshin Impact, so there\u2019s no reason the same wouldn\u2019t apply to Alhaitham and Yaoyao. Unfortunately, the rarity of the new characters has not been revealed yet, though we reckon Alhaitham is a 5-star character, given how prominent he is in the main Sumeru storyline.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, there\u2019s no mention of the weapons that Alhaitham and Yaoyao use, though the former does wield a sword in-game. Hoyoverse confirmed that these are Dendro characters as well, and it\u2019ll be interesting to see the roles they will play in a team.\n\n\nExpect Alhaitham and Yaoyao to be playable characters in Genshin Impact 3.4, which should be released sometime in January 2023 next month. Yaoyao also has a small teaser in the video below in conjunction with The Game Awards 2022. Enjoy!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-sold-11316-cars-in-november-2022-total-annual-sales-now-at-126682/", "title": "Proton Sold 11,316 Cars in November 2022 \u2013 Total Annual Sales Now at 126,682", "body": "\n\nProton just released its latest sales report, and the national carmaker is on track to achieve its best annual annual sales since 2013. With over 11,316 cars registered in November last month, Proton\u2019s total sales for 2022 now stands at 126,682 units.\n\n\nAs usual, the popular \nProton X50\n remains the best-selling B-segment SUV in Malaysia with 3,724 units registered last month alone. Between January to November 2022, a total of 36,917 units of the SUV were delivered to customers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut Proton\u2019s best-selling model last month remains the Saga with 4,100 units sold, placing it as the second most popular A-segment sedan in Malaysia in November 2022. This is followed by the Persona (1,551), X70 (1,210), Iriz (402), and of course, the Exora (329), which remains the local C-segment MPV leader.\n\n\nAside from that, Proton also revealed that it has manufactured 10,000 units of the 1.5L TGDi engine at its new assembly line at Tanjung Malim, Perak. The carmaker achieved this feat in only seven months, and it plans to produce as many as 60,000 engines in 2023 next year.\n\n\nCuriously, Proton added that the 1.5L TGDi engine will be \u201cused across several Proton models.\u201d Currently, the engine is only found under the hood of the X50 and X70 \u2013 perhaps the \nX90\n will feature the mill as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cProton will end 2022 with a fourth consecutive year of sales growth,\u201d said the deputy CEO of Proton, Roslan Abdullah. \u201cWith new model introductions in the pipeline for 2023, we hope to be able to increase our contribution to the Malaysia economy by making more local investments, selling more vehicles, and further growing our export markets,\u201d he added.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-proton-x90-seen-testing-in-malaysia-once-more/", "title": "Spy Shot: Proton X90 Seen Testing in Malaysia Once More", "body": "\n\nWell, it looks like the Geely Haoyue \u2013 which is suspected to be the \nProton X90\n \u2013 has been spotted testing in Malaysia yet again. \nYesterday\u2019s test mules were found in Perak\n, and today\u2019s unit was spotted on the PLUS highway in a tight convoy with a Mazda CX-8.\n\n\nSpotted by \nPaultan.org\n reader Azfar Hashim, the still heavily camouflaged Haoyue is tailed by a CX-8. Chances are, Proton is benchmarking its D-segment seven-seater SUV against the Mazda model. After all, both SUVs belong in the same segment.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrevious spy shots of the Haoyue\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Haoyue is a large D-segment SUV that can be configured with five or seven seats; it measures 4,835mm long, 1,900mm wide, and 1,785 tall. Compared to the \nProton X70\n, the Haoyue is 316mm longer, 69mm wider, and 91mm taller.\n\n\nPowering the Haoyue, on the other hand, is a 1.8L four-cylinder turbocharged engine that outputs 181PS and 300Nm of torque. This engine is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with drive sent either to the front wheels or all four of them for the AWD model.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s worth noting that in The Philippines, the Okavango (as it\u2019s called there) is actually available with a 1.5L three-cylinder turbo engine \u2013 similar to the one \nmanufactured at Proton\u2019s assembly line at Tanjung Malim, Perak\n. It\u2019s paired to a mild hybrid system that put out a combined figure of 190hp and 300Nm of torque, and it features a 7DCT, though there is no AWD variant.\n\n\nOf course, given its positioning as a premium SUV, the Haoyue is equipped with Geely\u2019s level 2 autonomous driving system too. It is made up of 24 different sensors to allow for as many as 17 \u201cintelligent drive features.\u201d According to Geely, this lets the SUV automatically follow, stop, as well as turn at speeds of up to 150km/h.\n\n\nJust like the \nProton X50\n, the Haoyue is also capable of parking itself. It features a 360-degree camera as well, and given the large size of the SUV, we imagine this will come in handy for most drivers.\n\n\n\n\nThe Geely Haoyue\n\n\n\n\nEven though the Geely Haoyue is already being tested on Malaysian roads, it\u2019s still too early to tell if it will eventually materialise to be the \u201cProton X90,\u201d even if rumours are suggesting a 2023 release. Nonetheless, we will keep a close eye for any further development of this premium SUV.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/best-wireless-earbuds-2022-apple-airpods-pro-2nd-gen-samsung-galaxy-buds-2-pro/", "title": "Best Wireless Earbuds 2022: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) & Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro", "body": "\n\nAs we get to the end of the year, it\u2019s a good time to look back at the products that we have reviewed throughout 2022, and which of them were our favourites. With that in mind, we will be doing a \u201cbest-of\u201d for every major category of products we tested, including smartphones, games, and of course, wireless earbuds.\n\n\nIn this article, we\u2019ll look at the best wireless earbuds 2022 has to offer. Two particular products stood out to us: the \n2nd generation Apple AirPods Pro\n and \nSamsung\u2019s Galaxy Buds 2 Pro\n. In fact, we consider both of them to be the best wireless earbuds this year\u2026depending on the device you use.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re an iPhone user, we highly recommend the AirPods Pro, thanks to its slew of features that only work with Apple\u2019s own phone. These include spatial audio, control customisations, seamless pairing, and of course, the Find My feature if you ever misplace the earbuds.\n\n\nBut beyond these exclusive iPhone features, the 2nd gen AirPods Pro is also a very refined pair of wireless earbuds with a pleasant, \u201cwarm\u201d tuning. It has strong,\u00a0\npunchy\n\u00a0bass; forward, full-sounding vocals with the elevated mids; and subdued highs to avoid sibilance, though this also comes at the cost of reduced airiness and sparkle in the treble region.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother feature of the updated AirPods Pro that we are fond of is its transparency mode. \nEverything \nsounds so natural and lifelike with the mode enabled; it feels almost like we\u2019re not wearing the earbuds at all. It\u2019s also worth noting that the transparency mode can automatically reduce the volume of loud sounds like sirens and power tools.\n\n\nNaturally, the active noise cancellation (ANC) performance of the AirPods Pro is good too. It can cancel out ambient noise competently \u2013 the sound of an air-conditioner or a rumbling engine, for example, is barely audible \u2013 and even human voices are drowned out quite well.\n\n\nIn comparison, the ANC performance of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is very similar to the AirPods Pro. But in our testing, we get better results from the latter as its ear tips offer a better seal in our ears. With the Buds 2 Pro, it\u2019s a little tricky to get a good fit, though your mileage may vary.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDespite that, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro does have its own winning qualities. You don\u2019t need to rely on an iPhone to get the most out of the earbuds, and it also offers good audio quality, even though the tuning is quite a bit different.\n\n\nJust like the AirPods Pro, the Buds 2 Pro offers strong, controlled bass, but it has relatively neutral mids instead. This results in a \u201ccleaner\u201d sound profile, though this comes at the cost of vocals not sounding quite as forward as some folks (including us) would\u2019ve liked.\n\n\nNonetheless, in the treble region, the Buds 2 Pro is quite pleasant without any hint of sibilance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Galaxy Buds 2 Pro actually has one feature the new AirPods Pro doesn\u2019t have: voice detect. When I start speaking, the earbuds will automatically let in ambient noise so that I can have a conversation, which is quite convenient. It\u2019s similar to the \u201cSpeak-to-Chat\u201d feature on the older\u00a0\nSony WF-1000XM4\n, basically.\n\n\nNow, pricing. The Buds 2 Pro is the more affordable wireless earbuds of the two with a RM899 price tag, though you can now get it for \nas low as RM759\n. As for the 2nd gen AirPods Pro, it retails at RM1,099, and unfortunately enough, there doesn\u2019t seem to be any discount for the earbuds at the time of writing.\n\n\nEvidently, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is the more budget-friendly option, but the AirPods Pro, in our opinion, is the more refined option. Its transparency mode is simply unbeatable, and in terms of technical performance, the AirPods Pro is more resolving than the Buds 2 Pro as well with superior detail retrieval.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut regardless of which option you go with, both the 2nd gen Apple AirPods Pro and Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are our best wireless earbuds for 2022. Simply put, if you\u2019re an iPhone user, consider the AirPods Pro; go with the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro instead if you have an Android phone.\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about these two wireless earbuds, check out our full reviews of the \nAirPods Pro\n and \nGalaxy Buds 2 Pro\n. With the holiday season approaching, perhaps these two earbuds would make for a good gift.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/wuque-studio-ws-silent-linear-silent-tactile-review-whisper-quiet-without-the-mush/", "title": "Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear & Silent Tactile Review: Whisper Quiet Without the Mush", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith so many different keyboard switches in the market now, it can be tough to decide on which switch is right for you. But if you\u2019re looking for a silent linear or tactile switch, consider Wuque Studio\u2019s WS Silent Linear and WS Silent Tactile.\n\n\nAs far as silent switches go, both of them are \nvery\n quiet, as you can hear \u2013 or not, given how silent they are \u2013 in our sound test video above. On top of that, the WS Silent switches don\u2019t have (too much) of the \u201cmushy\u201d typing feel either, not to mention the fact that they are quite affordable.\n\n\nOf course, they do have some shortcomings. But for the most part, the WS Silent switches are definitely worth shortlisting.\n\n\n\n\nFrom left: WS Silent Tactile and WS Silent Linear\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nBesides their linear or tactile nature, the WS Silent Linear and Silent Tactile share the exact same materials and specifications. These include nylon top and bottom housings, a POM stem, and 15mm singe-stage spring with a bottom out force of 63.5g.\n\n\nLike most offerings in the market now, the WS Silent series are also 5-pin switches with factory lubing out of the box. Priced at $14.70 (about RM65) for a pack of 35 switches, they are really quite affordable \u2013 you\u2019re basically paying RM1.80 per switch.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the WS Silent switches are really quite impressive; let\u2019s get to their positive qualities in the next section.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nOne aspect of silent switches that I don\u2019t quite like is the fact that they have a mushy typing feel, but this isn\u2019t particularly noticeable on the WS Silent Linear and WS Silent Tactile switches. The soft, \u201ccushioned\u201d bottom out is still very much present, but it doesn\u2019t feel particularly mushy, in my opinion.\n\n\nAnother quality of silent switches that I\u2019m not fond of is the reduced travel, lending to a shallow typing experience. But surprisingly enough, the WS Silent switches still offer a decent amount of travel at 3.5mm. Not quite as long as non-silent switches (around 4mm), but still good enough for a natural typing feel.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFactory lube of the WS Silent switches is good too. There\u2019s still a bit of audible scratch if I listen to the switch closely, but at head level, this is very hard to pick up. In normal typing, I don\u2019t feel the scratch at all either. All in all, I am impressed with the smoothness of the two switches.\n\n\nI\u2019m quite a fan of the WS Silent Tactile\u2019s\u2026tactile bump too. It has a pronounced, rounded tactile event that starts at the very top of the downstroke, and there is no audible leaf tick as well; a common issue with highly tactile switches like this.\n\n\nThanks to the dustproof stem design, the WS Silent switches also have \nvery \nminimal wobble. There\u2019s almost no vertical or horizontal wobble, and they can certainly provide a \u201cstable\u201d typing experience, if you\u2019re concerned about that.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the WS Silent switches are also very silent. The soft bottom out is completely muted with minimal spring noise, which can be attributed to the factory lube of these switches. However, the same cannot be said for the upstroke.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWhile the downstroke of the WS Silent Linear and WS Silent Tactile is dampened very well, the upstroke yields quite a bit of sound from the rebound of the keycaps. This is even more obvious on the tactile version, especially on the spacebar. But to Wuque Studio\u2019s credit, the upstroke sound of the WS Silent Tactile is quieter (and more pleasant) compared to the \nGazzew U4Tx\n.\n\n\nAside from that, the spring weight of the WS Silent switches is a little too light for my taste. Don\u2019t get me wrong, the 63.5g bottom out does lend to a pleasant typing feel, but I wish it had a more substantial downstroke and upstroke sensation.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGranted, using a heavier spring (or even two-stage spring) on the WS Silent switches is counterintuitive to the silent nature of the switch. After all, if it had a more aggressive upstroke, it may make these silent switches\u2026not-so-silent switches.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to get a silent switch without the typical mushy downstroke or reduced travel, Wuque Studio\u2019s WS Silent Linear and WS Silent Tactile switches are great options. On top of that, its value proposition is great as well, even if it has some shortcomings.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKeen to pick up the WS Silent switches? You can do so from \nWuque Studio\u2019s very own online store\n. The other switches in the series are also quite interesting, such as the WS Brown switch featured in our \nQwertyKeys QK75 sound test\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hearthstone-march-of-the-lich-king-expansion-now-live-new-death-knight-class-debuts/", "title": "Hearthstone March of the Lich King Expansion Now Live \u2013 New Death Knight Class Debuts", "body": "\n\nHearthstone\u2019s latest expansion, March of the Lich King, is now live! The set adds 203 new cards \nand\n a new class to the game, the Death Knight. Naturally, the debut hero for the new class is none other than Arthas himself as the Lich King.\n\n\nWith the addition of Death Knight, there are now a whopping 11 different classes in Hearthstone. Given that it\u2019s a brand new class, it also gets 68 new cards, and 32 of them are free Core cards to get players started. Looking at the current meta, the Blood build of Death Knight looks quite strong.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs with every new Hearthstone expansion, March of the Lich King introduces a new keyword: Manathirst. Once you\u2019ve acquired a set amount of mana crystals, certain cards will have additional effects. Besides that, the Reborn keyword \u2013 the first time a minion dies, it will be resummoned with one health \u2013 is making a return as well.\n\n\nHearthstone\u2019s March of the Lich King expansion is now available in the card game. Just like previous expansions, there\u2019s a launch event that runs for two weeks \u2013 players can complete daily event quests to get experience for a special event reward track.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-x90-launching-in-malaysia-soon-zeiss-camera-dimensity-9200-120hz-oled/", "title": "Vivo X90 Launching in Malaysia Soon \u2013 Zeiss Camera, Dimensity 9200, 120Hz OLED", "body": "\n\nIt looks like Vivo is gearing up to launch its latest flagship smartphone in Malaysia, the Vivo X90. Sporting a Zeiss-branded camera system with a MediaTek Dimensity 9200 chipset, it\u2019s quite an interesting high-end smartphone.\n\n\nAs usual, we spotted the Vivo X90 in SIRIM\u2019s database; it was registered with the model number V2218 just today on 7 December under Vtalent Business. Electronic devices in Malaysia have to be certified by SIRIM first before they can be officially sold on our shores, so the X90 should be launched locally very soon.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Vivo X90 features a Zeiss-branded triple camera system made up of a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 12MP portrait lens. It also features a 6.78-inch 2800 x 1260 AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 32MP selfie camera, up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB storage, as well as a 4,810mAh battery.\n\n\nNow that the Vivo X90 has been certified by SIRIM, we reckon it will be launched in Malaysia very soon. For the sake of comparison, the X90 is priced from 3,699 Chinese yuan in China, which comes up to about RM2,335. It remains to be seen if the other two devices in the series (X90 Pro and X90 Pro+) will also make it here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/8-14-december-fuel-price-ron-97-down-10-sen-again-now-rm3-75-per-litre/", "title": "8 \u2013 14 December Fuel Price: RON 97 Down 10 Sen Again \u2013 Now RM3.75 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAnother price drop for RON 97 this week: the premium fuel will go down by 10 sen again at the stroke of midnight. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nFor the next seven days, the price of RON 97 will be set at RM3.75 per litre (down from RM3.85). RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 8 to 14 December next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-mate-50-pro-kunlun-glass-edition-launched-in-malaysia-for-rm4899/", "title": "Huawei Mate 50 Pro Kunlun Glass Edition Launched in Malaysia for RM4,899", "body": "\n\nJust last month\n, Huawei launched its latest flagship smartphone on our shores, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. Today, the company is introducing a new Kunlun Glass Edition of the premium phone, which features a very durable Kunlun glass that\u2019s \u201cresistant to any scratches and drops,\u201d as Huawei puts it.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Mate 50 Pro Kunlun Glass Edition is available in Malaysia. Priced at RM4,899, it features 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. Two colours are available: Carbon Black Vegan Leather and\u2026Silver.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Mate 50 Pro features a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, though it doesn\u2019t feature 5G capability. It also has a triple camera system made up of a 50MP primary sensor with variable aperture (f/1.4 to f/4.0), a 13MP ultra-wide lens, and a 64MP telephoto camera.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mate 50 Pro include a 6.74-inch 2616 x 1212 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 13MP selfie camera, a 4,700mAh battery with support for 66W fast charging, an IP68 water and dust resistance, and EMUI 13 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei Mate 50 Pro Kunlun Glass Edition will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 10 December onwards for RM4,899. Early birds can also get free gifts worth up to RM300, along with a one-year extended warranty and an additional three-month warranty for the glass itself.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-qwertykeys-qk75-review-unbeatable-budget-75-keyboard/", "title": "Video: Qwertykeys QK75 Review \u2013 Unbeatable Budget 75% Keyboard", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want the absolute best budget-friendly 75% keyboard, the value proposition of the Qwertykeys QK75 is very hard to beat. It\u2019s no exaggeration to say that it redefines the budget custom keyboard scene with its refined typing feel, sound profile, and design, as you can see in our video review above.\n\n\nUnlike previous Qwertykeys keyboards (QK65 and \nQK60\n), the QK75 is a PCB-mounted keyboard, allowing for a plateless build with a soldered PCB. It also uses a different gasket system than the previous models, which lends to a soft, comfortable typing feel, not to mention a pleasant sound profile.\n\n\nThe group buy for the Qwertykeys QK75 is now live in Malaysia until this Saturday on 10 December from \nRebult Keyboards\n. It is an unlimited group buy, and fulfilment is expected to start from March 2023 next year \u2013 quite a short waiting time in the custom keyboard hobby.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-10-pro-lands-in-malaysia-snapdragon-695-120hz-display-rm1299/", "title": "Realme 10 Pro Lands in Malaysia \u2013 Snapdragon 695, 120Hz Display, RM1,299", "body": "\n\nRealme just launched a new mid-range phone in Malaysia, the Realme 10 Pro. Sporting a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset with a fast 120Hz display, the 10 Pro is \u2013 not surprisingly \u2013 also a relatively affordable smartphone.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Realme 10 Pro is offered in Malaysia. Featuring 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, it is priced at RM1,299 on our shores. It is also available in two colours: Nebula Blue and Hyperspace Gold.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Realme 10 Pro features the aforementioned Snapdragon 695 chipset. It also has a 6.72-inch 1080p IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a dual camera system (108MP primary + 2MP portrait), a 16MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.\n\n\nThe Realme 10 Pro is now available for pre-order in Malaysia for RM1,299. Of course, early birds will get several freebies, and the mid-range phone will hit store shelves on 16 December.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-10-pro-arrives-in-malaysia-with-120hz-curved-amoled-display-rm1599-price-tag/", "title": "Realme 10 Pro+ Arrives in Malaysia With 120Hz Curved AMOLED Display & RM1,599 Price Tag", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nRealme 10 Pro\n, the Chinese company also introduced the higher-end Realme 10 Pro+ in Malaysia. Compared to the former, the 10 Pro+ model features a more premium-looking design, thanks to its curved AMOLED display.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Realme 10 Pro+ are available in Malaysia. The 8GB + 128GB base model is priced at RM1,599, while the 12GB + 256GB configuration goes for RM1,799. Two different colour options are offered: Dark Matter and Hyperspace Gold. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the most eye-catching hardware of the Realme 10 Pro+ has to be its 6.7-inch 1080p dual-curve AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It also features a MediaTek Dimensity 920 chipset, a triple camera system (108MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro), a 16MP selfie camera, and a 5,00mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging.\n\n\nThe Realme 10 Pro+ can now be pre-ordered in Malaysia from RM1,599. Curiously, a special sale will be held on 12 December through Lazada, which sees the price of the 8GB + 128GB base model reduced to only RM1,399.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iqoo-11-launched-in-malaysia-first-snapdragon-8-gen-2-phone-locally-for-rm3499/", "title": "iQOO 11 Launched in Malaysia \u2013 First Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Phone Locally for RM3,499", "body": "\n\niQOO, a sub-brand of Vivo, just made its debut in Malaysia with the impressive iQOO 11. After all, it is the first flagship smartphone in Malaysia powered by Qualcomm\u2019s latest and greatest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the iQOO 11 is offered in only one configuration. Packed with a whopping 16GB RAM and 256GB internal storage, the flagship phone is \npriced at RM3,499\n. But those who purchase the phone by 15 December can get a RM200 discount, \nbringing down the price to RM3,299\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from its impressive Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, other specifications of the iQOO 11 are equally high-end too. These include a 6.78-inch 3200 x 1440 AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system \u2013 50MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide + 13MP telephoto \u2013 a 16MP selfie camera, and a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 120W fast charging.\n\n\nThe iQOO 11 is now \navailable for pre-order in Malaysia for RM3,299\n. To reiterate, this is early bird pricing for the phone; after 15 December, it will retail at RM3,499.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ps5-god-of-war-ragnarok-bundle-pre-orders-open-from-sony-centre-mid-valley-until-11-december-2022/", "title": "PS5 & God of War Ragnarok Bundle Pre-Orders Open From Sony Centre Mid Valley Until 11 December 2022", "body": "\n\nAnother month, another round of pre-orders of the PS5 from Sony Centre Mid Valley. This is actually the fifth sale of the next-gen console after the \nprice hike\n that was announced back in August 2022, and the \nGod of War Ragnarok bundle\n is also included in this round of sale.\n\n\nJust like previous pre-orders of the PS5 from Sony Centre Mid Valley, you\u2019ll have to fill up \nthis Google Form\n to be in the running for a \nchance\n to pre-order the console. If you\u2019re fortunate enough to be selected, you will be contacted from 8 December (yesterday) onwards to finalise your pre-order of the PS5.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo note that you only have until 11 December at 5PM this Sunday to register your interest for the PS5 pre-order. This isn\u2019t a first-come, first-served sale either; filling up the form just means you\u2019re in the running to be chosen to pre-order the PS5.\n\n\nWhile it wasn\u2019t mentioned, it\u2019s likely that stocks are very limited, so don\u2019t be disheartened if you\u2019re not chosen to pre-order the PS5. If you want a better chance of securing a unit, we recommend checking in with your favourite game shop to get into the waiting list \u2013 if the store has one.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-last-of-us-part-i-arrives-on-pc-4-march-2023-for-rm249-returnal-also-coming-to-pc/", "title": "The Last of Us Part I Arrives on PC 4 March 2023 for RM249 \u2013 Returnal Also Coming to PC", "body": "\n\nTwo big new PlayStation exclusives are coming to PC next year! Both the Last of Us Part I and Returnal will be available on PC early 2023, with the former arriving on 4 March 2023.\n\n\nIn fact, The Last of Us Part I can be pre-ordered right now on \nSteam\n and the \nEpic Games Store\n for RM249. Returnal, on the other hand, does not have a specific launch date yet, though there will be Southeast Asia language localisations for the PC release, including Indonesian, Thai, and Vietnamese.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the PC versions of these two games will have some PC-specific tweaks and upgrades as well, though Sony has not detailed these improvements yet. Nonetheless, they should look just as good on PC as they are right now on the PS5.\n\n\nTo recap, The Last of Us Part I will be coming to PC next year on \n4 March 2023\n \nfor RM249\n. Returnal has no specific launch date yet beyond the early 2023 launch window, so in the meantime, check out our full review of \nReturnal\n and \nThe Last of Us Part I\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/death-stranding-gets-a-sequel-for-ps5-norman-reedus-troy-baker-lea-seydoux-return/", "title": "Death Stranding Gets a Sequel for PS5 \u2013 Norman Reedus, Troy Baker, L\u00e9a Seydoux Return", "body": "\n\nHideo Kojima has revealed his next game, and it\u2019s a sequel to the original \nDeath Stranding\n. Tentatively dubbed Death Stranding 2, the sequel \u2013 confirmed for the PS5 \u2013 will see the return of several cast members, including Norman Reedus, L\u00e9a Seydoux, and even Troy Baker.\n\n\nThe upcoming game was revealed with a four-minute long teaser video, but in typical Hideo Kojima fashion, it\u2019s a bizarre trailer that presents more questions than answers. It does seem to explore more of L\u00e9a Seydoux\u2019s character, Fragile, with narration by the renowned Troy Baker.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTwo new cast members have also been confirmed for the sequel: Elle Fanning and Shioli Kutsuna. It remains to be seen what parts they will play in Death Stranding 2, or if other cast members from the first game will reprise their roles.\n\n\nNo word yet on the release date of Death Stranding 2, though it\u2019s confirmed to be coming to the PS5 so far. It will also be produced, written, directed, and designed by Hideo Kojima himself, so we can be sure it will be a surreal game.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/horizon-forbidden-west-burning-shores-dlc-arrives-19-april-2023-exclusively-on-ps5/", "title": "Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores DLC Arrives 19 April 2023 Exclusively on PS5", "body": "\n\nThere\u2019s a slew of announcements today at The Game Awards 2022, and one of them is Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores. Set to arrive next year on 19 April 2023 only for the PS5 \u2013 sorry PS4 owners \u2013 the new DLC will see Aloy travel to\u2026Hollywood.\n\n\nThe trailer below gives us a glimpse of the Burning Shores DLC, though no specific story details were revealed. There is, however, a giant machine awakening towards the end of the video, which looks to be the main threat in the new DLC.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, the Burning Shores DLC will only be available on the PS5. \u201cTo achieve this grand vision technically and creatively, we\u2019ve made the difficult decision to focus all our efforts on making an incredible experience exclusively for the PlayStation 5 console,\u201d said the game director of Guerrilla, Mathijs de Jonge.\n\n\nHorizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores will arrive on PS5 next year on 19 April 2023. Beyond a new area for players to explore, the DLC also continues the main storyline of the game, along with the addition of new characters.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/diablo-iv-lands-6-june-2023-pre-orders-open-from-rm320/", "title": "Diablo IV Lands 6 June 2023 \u2013 Pre-Orders Open From RM320", "body": "\n\nWe finally get a release date for Diablo IV. Launching on 6 June 2023 next year, the highly anticipated game is available for pre-order now too, which grants players early access to Diablo IV\u2019s open beta and other cosmetics for different Diablo games.\n\n\nThree different versions of the game are available: Standard Edition (RM320), Deluxe Edition (RM410), and Ultimate Edition (RM455). Each version of the game comes with early access to the open beta, but only the Deluxe and Ultimate Editions give players \u201cup to four days\u201d early access to Diablo IV\u2019s launch.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTaking place decades after the events of Diablo III: Reaper of Souls, five classes are available for players to choose in Diablo IV. These include Rogue, Druid, Sorcerer, Barbarian, and Necromancer. Of course, each class will have a customisable skill tree for different builds.\n\n\nYou can now pre-order Diablo IV through \nBattle.net from $70\n. Alternatively, you can pre-purchase the game from the \nPlayStation Store from RM320\n ahead of its launch on 6 June 2023.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/entry-level-dji-mini-3-now-in-malaysia-from-rm1999/", "title": "Entry-level DJI Mini 3 Now in Malaysia From RM1,999", "body": "\n\nDJI just introduced a new entry-level mini drone, and it comes with an equally mini price tag. Priced from only RM1,999 in Malaysia, the DJI Mini 3 is essentially a more affordable version of the \nMini 3 Pro\n.\n\n\nThat means the Mini 3 is a lightweight drone like its Pro sibling, tipping the scales at only 249g. Given that it weighs below 250g, you won\u2019t have to register the drone in most regions. Of course, the Mini 3 is also portable, so you can easily keep it in your bag, or even pocket.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Mini 3 features a 1/1.3-inch camera sensor too that can capture 4K/30fps videos in HDR and shoot photographs from 12MP to 48MP. As for battery life, it can deliver up to 38 minutes of flight time with the standard Intelligent Flight Battery; 51 minutes if the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus is used.\n\n\nThe DJI Mini 3 is now available for purchase in Malaysia from RM1,999 for the drone itself. There are also several bundles of the drone offered, including a Fly More Combo Plus that includes the DJI RC-N1 remote controller, a shoulder bag, a two-way charging hub, and two Intelligent Flight Batteries Plus \u2013 this bundle will \nset you back RM3,299\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ibasso-dc03pro-dac-amp-cb18-otg-cable-review-bump-up-audio-quality-without-the-bulk/", "title": "iBasso DC03PRO DAC/AMP + CB18 OTG Cable Review: Bump up Audio Quality Without the Bulk", "body": "\n\nAs more people are going out and about again as the pandemic is steadily blowing over, portable music setups are once again relevant. With smartphone manufacturers now omitting the 3.5mm headphone jack, TWS earphones and dongle-type mobile DAC/AMPs have begun to soar in popularity.\n\n\nWe previously reviewed the \niBasso DX170\n, a mid-range digital player with solid, high quality playback for its price. The company has since released a new portable DAC/AMP and a USB OTG Type-C to Type-C connector cable to go along with it: the iBasso DC03Pro and iBasso CB18 respectively.\n\n\niBasso was kind enough to send us these two products for review, so if you\u2019re in the market for a mobile DAC/AMP and OTG cable, keep on reading!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe new DC03PRO DAC/AMP is the successor to the standard DC03 released about two years ago. The DC03Pro uses dual CS43131 DAC chips from Cirrus Logics, the same set of DACs found in the DX170 player. The 32-bit CS43131 is a flagship chip that has support for 32-bit high-res signal decoding, so it\u2019s still a capable DAC despite not being an AKM or ESS chip.\n\n\nThe DC03Pro also features a Japanese KDS femtosecond crystal oscillator, which iBasso says will reduce phase jitter as well as improve digital clock accuracy.\n\n\nThe DC03Pro comes in three colour options: silver, black, and blue. The unit in this review is the silver model, and its chassis is made from CNC machined aluminium alloy paired with tempered glass panels on its front and back for a rather premium appeal. As for pricing, \nit retails at $69\n (about RM305).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterestingly, the DC03Pro\u2019s settings can also be tweaked with the \niBasso UAC app\n. It gives you options for five digital filters, three levels of gain modes, 100-level volume adjustment, as well as different EQ adjustments to suit your individual preference.\n\n\nAs for the iBasso CB18 OTG cable, it is\u2026well, a USB-C to USB-C connector cable for $40 (approximately RM175), and it\u2019s quite sleek-looking. It\u2019s made with high-purity 6N single-crystal copper silver-plated braided wires and terminates in stainless steel USB-C connectors.\n\n\nHow Does It Sound?\n\n\nFirst, it\u2019s important to manage expectations when it comes to portable DACs and AMPs, especially one that is of this size and calibre. There \nshould \nbe an audible difference listening to music through these devices, but don\u2019t expect it to be immediately noticeable to the average listener. Swapping your headphones or earphones will, no doubt, produce a much more significant sonic difference in comparison.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, listening to music with the DC03PRO, you get a sense that everything sounds a tad cleaner and clearer; the soundstage opens up a bit and instruments are better separated. Bass and treble are tighter with the latter sounding noticeably more textured.\n\n\nMid-range clarity is also improved, but it does have a certain artificial quality to it, almost like it\u2019s overly polished. Vocals are also pushed further away in the soundstage with more of a dry tonality to them. The smoother high- and low-end also make songs sound less energetic and a bit too clinical to my ears.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe DC03Pro outputs more than enough power for IEMs and mid-range headphones too, though you might find yourself cranking the volume up a little higher on more demanding cans. Speaking of volume, the physicals buttons controlling the volume is a tad cumbersome to use.\n\n\nAfter all, you\u2019re required to tap on two tiny buttons repeatedly to adjust the volume by single increments. It\u2019s much easier to just adjust the volume from the mobile app.\n\n\nAside from volume controls, the iBasso UAC app also gives you left/right balancing, digital filters, and gain controls. The filters give you options like \u201cslow roll off\u201d and \u201cshort delay fast roll off,\u201d and adjusting gain via the app is definitely easier than tapping away at the tiny physical buttons of the DC03PRO.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s actually a Type-C to Type-C cable already included in the box of the DC03PRO, so you\u2019re probably wondering if the upgraded CB18 cable sounds any different \u2013 and if it\u2019s worth the $40 asking price. Well, pairing it with the DC03PRO does produce clearer, snappier snares, tighter bass, and slightly expanded soundstage.\n\n\nOf course, it\u2019s debatable on whether or not you\u2019re getting your money\u2019s worth for the slight boost in audio quality, but there\u2019s no denying that pairing the CB18 with the silver DC03PRO does make for an eye-catching combination.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nThe iBasso DC03PRO isn\u2019t going to instantly make your IEMs or headphones sound like a different one entirely. But what it does is bump up your audio quality without being too much of a bump in your pocket, given its portable nature.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you often listen to music on the go and want improved sound quality, the DC03PRO is a solid companion. But if a normal dongle is already one item too many for you to lug around, you probably won\u2019t find the thought of carrying another device with you particularly appealing \u2013 even if the DC03Pro is very pocketable.\n\n\nLi Jin Soh contributed to this review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/game-of-the-year-2022-god-of-war-ragnarok/", "title": "Game of the Year 2022: God of War Ragnarok", "body": "\n\nThe Game Awards 2022 took place just a few days ago, and Elden Ring received the Game of the Year award at the show. There\u2019s no denying that FromSoftware\u2019s latest title deserves the award, but in my opinion, \nGod of War Ragnarok\n is 2022\u2019s game of the year.\n\n\nOf course, Ragnarok is quite a bit different from Elden Ring, but it is also a polished and very entertaining AAA game. Paired with its gorgeous graphics and extremely engrossing storyline, God of War Ragnarok is more appealing to me than any other games released this year, including \nHorizon Forbidden West\n \u2013 let me explain why.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI love a game with a good story to tell, and God of War Ragnarok hit all the right notes with its incredible plot. I find the narrative of the 2018 game to be quite good, but Ragnarok\u00a0\nelevated\u00a0\nit to another level. Not in my wildest dream would I have thought God of War \u2013 especially in the context of the original trilogy \u2013 could tell such a compelling story.\n\n\nThere\u2019s a lot to unpack throughout the main story of Ragnarok, but never did it feel overwhelming. The lore is explained well enough for me to understand what\u2019s going on, though it is important to finish the previous game first to really grasp it. Besides that, character developments are excellent too.\n\n\nEven after I\u2019ve finished the main story, there are still other things to discover in Ragnarok that further expands the lore and overarching plot of the game. This level of details goes above and beyond the typical standards of AAA games.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFurther enhancing the narrative of God of War Ragnarok is the fantastic voice acting. Whether it\u2019s Kratos \u2013 voiced by Christopher Judge, who won Best Performance at The Game Awards 2022 \u2013 Atreus (Sunny Suljic), or Thor (Ryan Hurst), every voice line is delivered with the right emotions. It\u2019s also nice to see Suljic reprising his role as Atreus in Ragnarok; I find his character to be much more likeable in this game, but I digress.\n\n\nComplementing the strong voice acting are the realistic facial expressions of character models in Ragnarok. When a character is angry or happy, these emotions are rendered almost flawlessly on their faces, though this is mostly true for cutscenes.\n\n\nIn contrast, when conversing with characters in Ragnarok\u2019s open world, their expressions are hit-and-miss. Eye contact is not quite right, expressions are not\u2026well, expressive, and it feels like they\u2019re just talking to an open space instead of having a conversation with another character.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, God of War Ragnarok also looks fantastic on the PS5. The environment is lush and expansive, character models are extremely detailed, and in my eyes, lighting looks realistic as well. Paired with the 60fps frame rate offered by the Performance graphics option, the smooth gameplay lends to an enjoyable, fluid combat experience.\n\n\nAnd that brings us to the combat system of Ragnarok. I selected the Balance difficulty, and it offers just the right amount of challenge. I can\u2019t just mash buttons and hope for the best; if I\u2019m reckless and don\u2019t utilise my different weapon skills effectively, enemies can quickly overwhelm me.\n\n\nAs I upgrade my weapon tree and unlock more skills, the combat gets more entertaining as well, and I find boss fights to be particularly satisfying to beat without feeling (too) frustrating. That being said, it does still get annoying at times; there\u2019s a steep learning curve to Ragnarok\u2019s combat system, especially in the beginning.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, God of War Ragnarok\u2019s captivating storyline, excellent voice acting, stunning graphics, and robust combat system easily make it my 2022 game of the year. Granted, I\u2019ve been a long-time fan of the series since the very first God of War in 2005, so my fondness for the franchise played a role in it becoming my favourite game this year.\n\n\nTo follow Kratos\u2019 story from the first game to where he is right now in Ragnarok is definitely an emotional journey. After experiencing one emotional cutscene to the next \u2013 Christopher Judge\u2019s performance as Kratos is well-deserving of his Best Performance accolade \u2013 God of War Ragnarok gets the Nextrift Recommends badge. It\u2019s our way of endorsing a particular game or product for its entertainment value, refinement, unique appeal, or even just sheer value for money.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes, retailing at RM249 and RM299 for the PS4 and PS5 copies respectively (though prices have dropped since its 9 November release), God of War Ragnarok is not exactly a value buy, but you will certainly get your money\u2019s worth out of it.\n\n\nFrom its replay value to uncovering how the Ragnarok apocalypse plays out in this latest entry to the franchise, countless hours of entertainment awaits you in Midgard \u2013 and the other eight realms accessible in the game.\n\n\nGod of War Ragnarok is now available on PS5 and PS4.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/singakbd-jaguar-v2-group-buy-goes-live-on-monokei-16-december-from-s720/", "title": "SINGAKBD Jaguar V2 Group Buy Goes Live on Monokei 16 December From S$720", "body": "\n\nA popular SINGAKBD keyboard is going on sale through Monokei this Friday on 16 December! The SINGAKBD Jaguar V2 is one of the most recognisable TKL keyboards in the custom keyboard hobby, and now, anyone who wants the keyboard can get their hands on it.\n\n\nThe release of the Jaguar V2 is a partnership between SINGAKBD and Monokei. The group buy will run from 16 to 31 December \nfrom S$720 (about RM2,355)\n for the solderable PCB. If you want a hotswap PCB instead, it\u2019s an additional S$10 (approximately RM30).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Jaguar V2 features either a winkeyless or winkey TKL layout; there\u2019s no price difference for the two options. It also has different mounting styles \u2013 top mount or O-ring/X-ring mount \u2013 a sandblasted stainless steel grill weight, a stainless steel internal weight, along with an aluminium or polycarbonate plate.\n\n\nTo recap, \ngroup buy of the SINGAKBD Jaguar V2\n will start from 16 to 31 December 2022 with a S$720 starting price, and fulfilment is estimated to begin sometime in Q3 2023. While that\u2019s quite a bit of wait, it could be worth it for folks who have been eagerly waiting for the return of the Jaguar.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-launches-acerpure-clean-v1-v1-lite-cordless-vacuums-in-malaysia-from-rm599/", "title": "Acer Launches Acerpure Clean V1 & V1 Lite Cordless Vacuums in Malaysia From RM599", "body": "\n\nAcer is expanding its acerpure product offerings in Malaysia with two new cordless vacuum cleaners, the Acerpure Clean V1 and Acerpure Clean V1 Lite. Whether you want the convenience of a cordless vacuum (with several attachments) or a portable one, these two products can do just that.\n\n\nNaturally, the more affordable vacuum of the two is the Acerpure Clean V1 Lite. Weighing just 550g with an equally lightweight RM599 price tag \u2013 for a vacuum cleaner \u2013 the V1 Lite is said to be ideal for cleaning small spaces. It also has a 13,000Pa suction power with a USB-C port for charging.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acerpure Clean V1 Lite\n\n\nThe bigger, more powerful Acerpure Clean V1\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the larger, more powerful Clean V1, it has a 23,000Pa suction power with a five-stage filtration system that can trap dirt and dust as small as 0.3 microns. The added power does come with added weight (1.5kg), along with a dearer RM1,299 price tag. But for that kind of money, you do get a more powerful cordless vacuum,\n\n\nBoth the Acerpure Clean V1 and Acerpure Clean V1 Lite are now available for purchase in Malaysia. You can get them either through \nAcer\u2019s official online store\n or \nShopee\n; \niBeli\u2019s Shopee store\n also carries the two cordless vacuum cleaners.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mobile-game-of-the-year-2022-marvel-snap/", "title": "Mobile Game of the Year 2022: Marvel Snap", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019ve talked about our \n2022 game of the year\n \u2013 it\u2019s \nGod of War Ragnarok\n, if you\u2019re wondering \u2013 and now, we have our mobile game of the year! Our pick is none other than Marvel Snap, which was officially released about two months ago on 18 October 2022.\n\n\nSince its release, I haven\u2019t been able to put down Marvel Snap. On the surface, it\u2019s a quick, simple card game, but its underlying mechanics make for a very engaging, \nvery\n entertaining mobile game. It does have its shortcomings, but for the most part, it\u2019s definitely one of the best mobile games I\u2019ve come across in recent times.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s no surprise that Marvel Snap is such a delightful card game. After all, it\u2019s developed by Second Dinner, an indie studio co-founded by none other than Ben Brode, the former director of Hearthstone. Obviously, he knows a thing or two about good card game design.\n\n\nUnlike the majority of other card games, a deck in Marvel Snap consists of 12 cards; that\u2019s right, twelve! On top of that, a match only lasts six turns, so you can complete a typical game of Snap in about five minutes or so.\n\n\nMarvel Snap\u2019s low time commitment is a stark contrast to other digital card games like Hearthstone, and it is one of my favourite aspects of the game.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe match structure of Marvel Snap is quite simple too: players have to win two out of three \u201clocations\u201d that are randomly generated to secure a victory. Winning a match rewards players with two \u201ccubes,\u201d and these cubes are what determine a player\u2019s rank.\n\n\nYou need 10 cubes to go up a level, so winning only two cubes a match can make for a\u2026well, slow progression. But that\u2019s where the \u201csnap\u201d mechanic of Marvel Snap comes into the picture, which adds another dimension to the game. If you\u2019re confident you can win a match, you can snap your opponent to double the cube count.\n\n\nIf only one player snaps, the final cube winnings is four; it\u2019s doubled to \neight\n (the maximum amount) if both players snapped. Needless to say, an adept player can climb up the ranks fast with strategic snaps. There\u2019s an element of deception to this mechanic too, and I absolutely love it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s also a retreat feature in Marvel Snap if you want to avoid losing (too much) of your precious cubes. You can retreat at any point in the game before the final turn, but not immediately after you snap, of course. Knowing when to retreat is just as important as knowing when to snap to climb up the ranks.\n\n\nI\u2019m quite a fan of Marvel Snap\u2019s card acquisition too, which is quite fair, in my opinion. In order to unlock new cards, you\u2019ll need to \u201cupgrade\u201d your existing cards with boosters that can be obtained by just playing matches. Credits are also required to upgrade cards, and they can be obtained from completing daily missions.\n\n\nUpgrading cards will add additional effects to them, but more importantly, they also increase your Collection Level, which gives you various rewards.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs you progress through the Collection Level, you\u2019ll get additional credits, boosters, and more importantly, new cards. This is the primary method to unlock cards in Marvel Snap, though the token shop does offer new cards too. However, you\u2019ll need tokens \u2013 obtained from Collection Level 506 onwards from Collector\u2019s Cache and Reserve \u2013 to unlock them.\n\n\nI feel like this is a fair system as Marvel Snap\u2019s matchmaking will match players with similar Collection Level and ranking. This way, both players will have access to (largely) the same collection of cards, though each player will unlock the cards in a random order.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, the randomness does feel quite frustrating at higher Collection Levels. Sometimes I\u2019m just missing a couple of cards to complete a particular deck, and waiting to reach the next Collector\u2019s Reserve for a \nchance\n to unlock a new card isn\u2019t the most pleasant gaming experience.\n\n\nNonetheless, Marvel Snap is still a ton of fun. I can enjoy the game in short bursts throughout the day, the gameplay mechanics are simple (but surprisingly complex at times), and the card designs are also very interesting with a ton of different deck archetypes to explore. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, Marvel Snap is easily one of the most entertaining mobile games released this year, and it\u2019s an easy winner for our 2022 mobile game of the year award and the Nextrift Recommends badge. The game is now available on both the \nApple App Store\n and \nGoogle Play Store\n, though it\u2019s also offered on \nSteam\n if you prefer playing it on PC instead.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/supposed-image-of-first-apple-store-in-malaysia-leaks-could-be-at-the-exchange-trx/", "title": "Supposed Image of First Apple Store in Malaysia Leaks \u2013 Could Be at The Exchange TRX", "body": "\n\nA physical Apple Store was said to be coming to Malaysia for quite some time now, and \nprevious rumour\n pointed to The Exchange TRX as a possible location for the store. Well, a new leaked image seems to corroborate this rumour now.\n\n\nThe picture below \nstarted making its rounds on the internet\n, and it\u2019s said to be a glimpse of a future Apple Store in Malaysia at The Exchange TRX. If the image was indeed taken at the upcoming mall, it\u2019s a very good sign that Malaysia will get its very first Apple Store.\n\n\n\n\nImage source: \nIkhmal (SkyscrapperCity Forum)\n\n\n\n\nWhile the glowing Apple logo pictured above does look quite legitimate, the authenticity of the image can\u2019t be verified, so take it with a grain of salt. However, it\u2019s worth noting that \nThe Edge previously reported in 2021\n that The Exchange TRX was in talks with Apple to open its first retail store at the mall.\n\n\nGranted, there has been no further update since then, so it remains to be seen if the plan is still in the pipeline. Nonetheless, the prospect of Malaysia getting its own Apple Store is exciting.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/razer-wolverine-v2-pro-controller-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Razer Wolverine V2 Pro Controller Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nThe Razer Wolverine V2 Pro controller for the PS5 and PC looks to be coming to Malaysia soon. As its name suggests, it\u2019s a high-end controller with a matching price tag: it retails \nat a cool RM1,249\n on our shores.\n\n\nEven though the pricing of the Wolverine V2 Pro has been revealed for the Malaysian market, its availability here was not detailed. But in our routine search through SIRIM\u2019s database, we saw that the controller was registered under Ban Leong Technologies just today on 13 December.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDesigned to work with both PS5 and PC, the Wolverine V2 Pro has a number of \u201cpro\u201d features. These include \u201cmecha-tactile\u201d buttons that offer shorter actuation for quicker inputs, customisable Razer HyperTrigger shoulder buttons, and six remappable buttons with interchangeable thumbsticks. The controller can even be configured with the Razer Controller mobile app.\n\n\nNo word yet on the Malaysian availability of the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro, but given that it\u2019s been registered with SIRIM already, we reckon it will be launched here very soon. Perhaps it will be launched closer to the \nlocal availability of Sony\u2019s own DualSense Edge\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/15-21-december-fuel-price-ron-97-down-20-sen-now-rm3-55-per-litre/", "title": "15 \u2013 21 December Fuel Price: RON 97 Down 20 Sen \u2013 Now RM3.55 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAnother price drop for RON 97 this week, and it\u2019s quite a drastic one: the premium fuel will go down by 20 sen at the stroke of midnight. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nFor the next seven days, the price of RON 97 will be set at RM3.55 per litre (down from RM3.75). RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 15 to 21 December next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/volvo-c40-recharge-pure-electric-launched-in-malaysia-from-rm288888-up-to-450km-range/", "title": "Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric Launched in Malaysia From RM288,888 \u2013 Up to 450km Range", "body": "\n\nVolvo Car Malaysia (VCM) just unveiled its latest electric SUV on our shores, the Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric. Unlike other Volvo models sold locally, the C40 is only offered with an electric powertrain, and it is also locally assembled (CKD) right here in Malaysia.\n\n\nThis is a luxury EV, so it\u2019s no surprise that the C40 Recharge carries a premium price tag. It\u2019s priced at RM288,888 on-the-road without insurance, and it comes with a five-year vehicle warranty as well as an eight-year battery warranty or 160,000km \u2013 whichever comes first.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the C40 Recharge offers up to 450km of range on a single charge from its 78kWh battery. It also has a dual-motor setup that offers 408PS and 660Nm of torque. With a 0-100kmph time of only 4.7 seconds, this is without a doubt a fast EV.\n\n\nSpeaking of fast, the C40 Recharge can be charged from 10% to 80% in only 28 minutes via a 150kW DC fast charger; 68 minutes with a 50kW DC charger. As for an AC home charger, it will take between 8 to 12 hours to get from 0% to 100% with a 11kW or 7.4kW charger respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric will be available for booking online \nright here\n later tonight at 8PM. Five colour options are offered: Fjord Blue, Crystal White, Black Stone, Silver Dawn, and Sage Green.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-introduces-3-new-products-marisilicon-y-ohealth-h1-oppo-air-glass-2/", "title": "Oppo Introduces 3 New Products: MariSilicon Y, OHealth H1, Oppo Air Glass 2", "body": "\n\nOppo just introduced three new products at its annual Inno Day event. These include the MariSilicon Y Bluetooth audio chip, the OHealth H1 health monitoring device, and the Oppo Air Glass 2 AR glasses.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the MariSilicon Y chip. One of the biggest features of this SoC is its use of N6RF process technology that increases Bluetooth bandwidth by 50%. This allows the chip to do 24-bit/192kHz lossless audio over Bluetooth, which Oppo says is an industry first.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the OHealth H1 \u2013 it\u2019s the first product under Oppo\u2019s new OHealth brand \u2013 it is quite an interesting health monitoring device. It can measure blood oxygen, ECG, heart and lung auscultation, heart rate, body temperature, as well as sleep tracking. \n\n\nLast but not least is the new Air Glass 2, which sports a more conventional-looking design \nthan its predecessor\n. Tipping the scales at only 38g, it\u2019s a lightweight eyewear, and it even sports the world\u2019s first (according to Oppo) resin SRG-diffractive waveguide lens developed by the company itself, which support vision correction.\n\n\nOf course, the Air Glass 2 continues to offer a slew of AR features, including the ability to conduct real-time translation, navigation, convert voice into text for folks with hearing impairments, and even the ability to make phone calls.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs usual, it remains to be seen if any of these Oppo products will make it into Malaysia. Oppo will hold an experiential event for the local media tomorrow, so we\u2019ll be sure to check with the company then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/marvels-spider-man-2-coming-to-ps5-by-december-2023/", "title": "Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man 2 Coming to PS5 by December 2023", "body": "\n\nWe finally have a more specific launch window for Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man 2. Set to arrive sometime in fall 2023 \u2013 so that\u2019s between September to December 2023 \u2013 the next Spider-Man game is exclusively available on the PS5.\n\n\nThis launch window was confirmed by the creative director of Insomniac Games, Bryan Intihar, in a post on \nPlayStation Blog\n. \u201cHere\u2019s to next year being just as exciting as we continue to get Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man 2 ready for release next fall,\u201d he said.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBoth Peter Parker and \nMiles Morales\n will be featured in Spider-Man 2. Yes, there will be two Spider-Mans in the sequel, so it\u2019ll be interesting to see how Insomniac will incorporate both of them into the story as they face off against Venom.\n\n\nTo recap, Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man 2 will be released by December 2023 next year on the PS5. It\u2019s worth noting that Insomniac has \nMarvel\u2019s Wolverine\n in the pipeline as well \u2013 we reckon that game will be released after Spider-Man 2.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-oppo-find-n2-is-the-lightest-horizontally-folding-phone-with-snapdragon-8-gen-1/", "title": "The Oppo Find N2 Is the \u201cLightest Horizontally Folding Phone\u201d With Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1", "body": "\n\nOppo recently unveiled a successor to its \ncompact foldable phone\n, the Oppo Find N2. One of the biggest selling points of the device is the fact that it is the \u201clightest horizontally folding phone.\u201d That is, it\u2019s lighter than other foldable devices with a tablet-like form factor, such as \nSamsung\u2019s Galaxy Z Fold 4\n.\n\n\nJust like its predecessor, the Find N2 \u2013 tipping the scales at 233g \u2013 has a compact form factor, so it\u2019s still an ergonomically-friendly phone. It has a slightly larger 5.54-inch 2120 x 1080 AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate now, while the internal display is a familiar 7.1-inch 1920 x 1792 AMOLED panel; also clocked at 120Hz.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Oppo, the width of the crease on the primary display of the Find N2 has been reduced by 67%, lending to a sleeker-looking design. Of course, looking at the actual phone in person, the crease is definitely still there, but it\u2019s not particularly prominent, which is good.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Find N2 include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, a Hasselblad-branded triple camera system (50MP primary + 48MP ultra-wide + 32MP telephoto) with Oppo\u2019s MariSilicon X NPU for improved performance, a 32MP selfie camera, up to 16GB of RAM, two storage options (256GB or 512GB), and a 4520mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, the Oppo Find N2 is exclusively available in China. In its home market, the device retails from 8,000 Chinese yuan, which comes up to about RM5,080 \u2013 not a bad price at all for a foldable phone of this calibre.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-find-n2-flip-official-oppos-first-foldable-phone-to-enter-international-markets/", "title": "Oppo Find N2 Flip Official \u2013 Oppo\u2019s First Foldable Phone to Enter International Markets", "body": "\n\nThe Oppo Find N2 may not make it to international markets, but that\u2019s not the case for this other new foldable phone from the Chinese company. Enter the Oppo Find N2 Flip, which sports a clamshell-like design instead of a tablet form factor with a rather large cover screen.\n\n\nBasically, the Find N2 Flip is Oppo\u2019s answer to the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 4\n. Compared to the latter, the Find N2 Flip sports a more sizeable 3.26-inch 720 x 382 AMOLED cover screen, while the primary display is a 6.8-inch 2520 x 1080 AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJust like the larger Find N2, the Find N2 Flip features a Hasselblad-branded camera system made up of a 50MP primary sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide angle lens. Naturally, it features Oppo\u2019s very own MariSilicon X NPU as well for improved camera performance.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Find N2 Flip include a MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ chipset paired with up to 16GB of RAM, two storage options (256GB or 512GB), a 32MP selfie camera, as well as a generous 4,300mAh battery with support for 44W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Find N2 Flip is expected to hit European markets sometime in Q1 2023 next year, so there\u2019s a chance it could be sold here in Malaysia as well, though this is merely an educated guess on our part. Nonetheless, in China, the foldable phone retails from 6,000 Chinese yuan \u2013 that comes up to about RM3,805.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-find-n2-unboxing-hands-on-still-a-fantastic-and-now-lightweight-foldable-phone/", "title": "Oppo Find N2 Unboxing & Hands-on: Still a Fantastic (And Now Lightweight) Foldable Phone", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been a year since Oppo released the \nOppo Find N\n, a foldable phone that I find to be competitive even against the leading player back then; more specifically, \nSamsung\u2019s Galaxy Z Fold 3\n. Today, we have the Oppo Find N2, a more refined (and lighter) successor to the Find N.\n\n\nTipping the scales at only 233g, the Find N2 is touted by Oppo to be the \u201clightest horizontally folding phone\u201d \u2013 that is, foldable phones with a tablet-style form factor like the \nZ Fold 4\n. But beyond its lightweight nature (which is actually a good selling point, in my opinion), the Find N2 has other commendable qualities too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s get to the unboxing experience of the Find N2, and it is quite intricate; as expected for a foldable phone of this calibre. Once I lift up the cover of the box, the foldable phone is presented front and centre, protected by a plastic covering.\n\n\nUnderneath the cover are a number of accessories, including a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, a power adapter, and a simple polycarbonate case. With more phone brands opting for a \nminimalist packaging now\n, Oppo\u2019s elaborate packaging for the Find N2 is intriguing, to say the least.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Find N2 itself, it really does feel lightweight! While 233g doesn\u2019t sound all that light on paper, the large dimensions of the phone distributes the weight nicely. Compared to, say, Samsung\u2019s Z Fold 4, the Find N2 is noticeably lighter, so it should be less fatiguing to use for long periods of time.\n\n\nAside from its lightweight nature, the hinge of the Find N2 feels very robust as well. Not only does it feel very smooth to fold and unfold the phone, it also closes the phone with a reassuring thud. The best part is, there\u2019s no noticeable gap at all when the phone is folded close \u2013 very impressive.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the two displays of the Find N2. The cover screen is a nice and compact 5.54-inch 2120 x 1080 AMOLED panel, while the primary inner display is a 7.1-inch 1920 x 1792 AMOLED screen; both of them feature a fast 120Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nNot surprisingly, both panels of the Find N2 look great with vibrant, punchy colours, wide viewing angles, and most importantly, deep, true blacks \u2013 winning qualities of AMOLED screens. Both the cover and inner screens can get quite bright as well, so visibility outdoors should be a non-issue.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that ergonomically, I absolutely love the wide, short cover screen of the Find N2. One-handed use is a breeze thanks to this, and the display is more than big enough for a comfortable viewing experience. No other foldable phone with a similar form factor offers this level of utility.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe display crease is also barely visible in normal use\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, in the performance department, the Find N2 feels fast and zippy with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. Yes, it\u2019s not the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, but there\u2019s no denying that this is still a very capable chip that can offer flagship-tier performance.\n\n\nLast but not least is the camera performance of the Find N2, and it feels pretty darn capable. After all, the triple camera system carries the Hasselblad branding, and it\u2019s made up of a 50MP primary shooter, a 48MP ultra-wide angle sensor, and a 32MP telephoto lens.\n\n\nI took several shots with the three camera sensors, and the results look quite promising. Judge for yourself:\n\n\n\n\n48MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n32MP telephoto\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGranted, these images were taken under ideal lighting, and any phone worth its salt \u2013 especially for a high-end foldable like the Find N2 \u2013 will be able to take great-looking shots. The true test lies in low light photography, and I\u2019ll be sure to put the Hasselblad camera through its paces in the full review.\n\n\nWithout a doubt the Oppo Find N2 is an intriguing, polished, and most of all, compelling foldable smartphone. It\u2019s lightweight, it has a nice and compact form factor \u2013 I cannot stress how much I love the ergonomics of the cover screen \u2013 and most of all, it doesn\u2019t cost all that much money either.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt least, that\u2019s the case in China, which is the only market the Find N2 will be officially sold. Retailing from 8,000 Chinese yuan there \u2013 which comes up to about RM5,080 \u2013 its value proposition is good. With that in mind, it\u2019s really a shame the phone won\u2019t be sold outside of China.\n\n\nNonetheless, I\u2019ll give the Find N2 a thorough review in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for that. Even though it\u2019s unlikely this phone will be officially available in Malaysia, Oppo\u2019s other foldable phone, the Find N2 Flip, \nmay find its way here\n in the near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/best-smartphone-2022-apple-iphone-14-pro/", "title": "Best Smartphone 2022: Apple iPhone 14 Pro", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019ve written about the \nbest wireless earbuds\n and \ngames \nof 2022\n, so it\u2019s about time for a big one: the best smartphone of 2022. There were \nmany excellent phones\n released throughout the year, but one device stood out \u2013 the \nApple iPhone 14 Pro\n.\n\n\nIn my opinion, the iPhone 14 Pro ticks all the right boxes for a high-end, premium smartphone in a (relatively) compact form factor. It offers blazing fast performance; it has a capable, versatile camera system; and most of all, it\u2019s a compact flagship smartphone without compromise.\n\n\nThese are just some of the reasons why the iPhone 14 Pro is my pick for the best smartphone of 2022. Yes, it\u2019s a costly device with a RM5,299 starting price, but you\u2019re definitely getting your money\u2019s worth with the latest iPhone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA flagship smartphone should have fast, uncompromising performance, and in this regard \u2013 much like every new iPhone Pro released annually \u2013 it doesn\u2019t get any better than the iPhone 14 Pro\u2019s Apple A16 Bionic chip. After all, it brings superior CPU and GPU performance over the A15, which was (and still is) \na very fast processor\n to begin with.\n\n\nIt really is no exaggeration to say that the A16 chip is the fastest mobile chip in the market now, even in comparison to the best Qualcomm or MediaTek SoC found on flagship Android devices. Whether it\u2019s to provide a smooth gaming performance or user experience, the A16 can do it all extremely well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProcessing power aside, the camera performance of the iPhone 14 Pro is excellent as well. Sure, it doesn\u2019t get the far-reaching 10x optical zoom of the \nSamsung Galaxy S22 Ultra\n, for example, but what it does offer is a more responsive camera interface, lending to a pleasant shooting experience.\n\n\nOn top of that, the iPhone 14 Pro\u2019s new and improved triple camera system (48MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide + 12MP telephoto lens) can take great-looking shots regardless of lighting situation too. This is especially true for the 48MP main camera, which now uses pixel binning to further improve image quality; it also reduces the image to 12MP to save space.\n\n\nJudge for yourself with these sample shots:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut I do have one qualm with the iPhone 14 Pro\u2019s camera: the minimum focus distance of the 48MP primary sensor is noticeably further away from last year\u2019s iPhone. As a result, I can\u2019t get tighter close-up shots with the 14 Pro. The macro mode and 2x zoom options do alleviate this issue, but the image quality does suffer a tad.\n\n\nNonetheless, I do still thoroughly enjoy shooting with the iPhone 14 Pro. It has by far the most responsive camera interface out of all flagship smartphones I\u2019ve reviewed this year. This is one of the reasons for my fondness with iOS \u2013 being able to capture the shots I want without missing a beat is incredibly handy.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother strong point for iOS is its power efficiency. Even though the iPhone 14 Pro doesn\u2019t have a particularly big battery \u2013 it\u2019s rated at 3,200mAh as revealed by teardowns \u2013 it can still deliver all-day battery life easily. \nIn my review of the phone\n, I mentioned that I can get about five hours of screen on time with it, even with the always-on display enabled.\n\n\nSpeaking of display, there\u2019s also the iPhone 14 Pro\u2019s much talked about Dynamic Island notch. Compared to the standard notch found on previous iPhones, the new pill-shaped notch is certainly a meaningful upgrade. Not only does it look better, it is also quite functional.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen I\u2019m playing music on YouTube Music or Spotify, for example, the Dynamic Island will actually expand to show the album art and waveform when I minimise the app. While this is by no means a groundbreaking feature, it\u00a0\nis\n\u00a0a smart use of the notch.\n\n\nInstead of pulling focus away from the notch \u2013 like every other phone maker, basically \u2013 Apple decided to make the notch a part of the user experience. Given that the Dynamic Island is\u00a0\nalready being copied\n, it\u2019s clearly a feature other brands will replicate.\n\n\nThat being said, there is still room for improvement. As much as I like the Dynamic Island notch, I don\u2019t love how it gets in the way of certain content. It\u2019s fine when I\u2019m watching a regular 16:9 video, but for content that are in a different aspect ratio (such as \nNextrift\u2019s videos\n), the notch will block off a part of it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, the iPhone 14 Pro is still my pick for best smartphone of 2022. It has all the features you\u2019d expect from a flagship smartphone\u2026and then some. The fact that it is also a compact phone that doesn\u2019t compromise on any key features \u2013 this is typically the case with smaller-sized phones \u2013 is an added bonus.\n\n\nRetailing from RM5,299, the iPhone 14 Pro is not an affordable phone by any means, but you\u2019re paying for a premium, high-end compact smartphone with a complete feature set. In my opinion, that is worth every penny.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/you-can-battle-your-friends-in-marvel-snap-soon-unranked-mode-also-coming/", "title": "You Can Battle Your Friends in Marvel Snap Soon \u2013 Unranked Mode Also Coming", "body": "\n\nMarvel Snap will finally let you play against your friends soon. Second Dinner revealed this through a development roadmap for the digital card game, and more exciting features are coming too, including Unranked Mode.\n\n\nPlayers will be able to play against their friends in Marvel Snap through Battle Mode. Instead of fighting for \u201ccubes\u201d to rank up, each player will start with 10 health. Snapping your opponent (friend) will reduce his or her health by four, though that\u2019s assuming you win the match.\n\n\nThis continues until one player has no health left; simple enough.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, Marvel Snap also revealed Unranked Mode. You won\u2019t have to worry about losing your rank or cubes in this mode, so it\u2019s perfect for players to try out new decks and strategies. However, there\u2019s no timeline yet as to when Unranked Mode will be released.\n\n\nAs for Battle Mode, it will be coming to Marvel Snap in the next month or two. You can check out the full development roadmap \nright here\n, which has some other exciting updates, including the ability to change your username.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dell-concept-luna-modular-laptop-can-be-disassembled-in-minutes/", "title": "Dell Concept Luna Modular Laptop Can Be Disassembled in Minutes", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been a year since Dell revealed its \nConcept Luna\n sustainable laptop design. Though the product still remains a concept today, the company did share some updates; more specifically, a refinement on the modular design of Concept Luna.\n\n\nSome of these refinements to Concept Luna include \u201celiminating the need for adhesives and cables, and minimising the use of screws.\u201d According to Dell, it would be easier to repair and dismantle the laptop when it becomes necessary.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn fact, Dell said that the Concept Luna design can be disassembled \u201cin mere minutes,\u201d which is a lofty claim. After all, even the Framework Laptop \u2013 a modular laptop that you can actually buy today in certain markets \u2013 takes longer than that to be diassembled.\n\n\nBut as mentioned, there\u2019s no mention of Dell\u2019s Concept Luna being a consumer-ready product in the company\u2019s press release, so it remains a proof-of-concept until further notice. Nonetheless, it does show Dell\u2019s commitment to being more sustainable. Hopefully, this philosophy will translate to its future product releases.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/prism-symphony-review-all-about-that-bass/", "title": "PRISM+ Symphony Review: All About That Bass", "body": "\n\nThe \nPRISM+ Symphony\n is one of two soundbars introduced by the company a couple of months ago. As the more premium offering, the Symphony offers a number of intriguing features, including HDMI eARC support, a larger 8-inch wireless subwoofer, and even Dolby Atmos.\n\n\nI\u2019ve been using the Symphony for quite a bit over the past couple of weeks, and it\u2019s\u2026well, an interesting RM1,999 soundbar with decent value proposition. Its audio quality is not the best at this price point \u2013 though it does have very \nrumbly\n bass \u2013 but it\u2019s still worth considering, especially if you\u2019re a basshead.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nPriced at RM1,999, the PRISM+ Symphony is a 5.1.2 soundbar with four upward-firing speakers, four front drivers, two surround speakers, and an 8-inch wireless subwoofer. It also has HDMI eARC for higher quality audio, along with support for Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Bluetooth 5.1.\n\n\nThere\u2019s no doubt the Symphony is a feature-packed soundbar, and the fact that it supports a wide range of audio format is appealing. However, the audio quality of the Symphony is a different matter altogether \u2013 I\u2019ll elaborate more further down the review.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nWhen I first fired up the PRISM+ Symphony, one thing immediately stood out: the bass. The 8-inch wireless subwoofer can output a \nton\n of bass. It even feels a tad too much at times, so thankfully, I can easily lower the bass output with the provided remote control.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThanks to the boomy bass, action movies sound especially great with the Symphony. Gunshots and explosions, for example, sound lifelike, and it almost feels like I\u2019m watching the movie in cinema with a more elaborate sound system \u2013 almost.\n\n\nAside from that, the Symphony can also get loud; like really loud. With a peak power output of 760W, it can definitely fill up a typical apartment living room with ease. If you\u2019re concerned the Symphony won\u2019t be loud enough, don\u2019t be. Even with the volume set at 20, it\u2019s more than loud enough already for my use.\n\n\nAll in all, the Symphony does make my content consumption much more enjoyable. Whether I\u2019m watching a movie or playing my favourite game on the PS5, the soundbar\u2019s powerful, rumbly bass and high volume are much appreciated.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConnectivity options of the Symphony are also quite complete. These include HDMI eARC, two HDMI video in, optical input, coaxial connectivity, AUX in, and even a USB port for USB playback. The Symphony has the aforementioned Bluetooth 5.1 as well, so you can just stream your favourite music to the soundbar effortlessly.\n\n\nI also love how easy it is to set up the Symphony. I connected it to the \nPRISM+ Q65-QE\n, and all I had to do was connect the HDMI cable from the soundbar to the TV, plug in the wireless subwoofer to a power output, and I\u2019m done. I can even control the soundbar\u2019s volume with the TV remote itself; very convenient.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWhile I love the PRISM+ Symphony\u2019s bass output and loud nature, I\u2019m not a fan of its general audio quality. Instrument separation, for one, isn\u2019t great on the soundbar. In busier tracks, the different instruments sound muddled and not detailed, unfortunately enough.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSoundstage wise, the Symphony isn\u2019t the best either. Vertical soundstage isn\u2019t very noticeable, and horizontal soundstage is only\u2026decent. While there\u2019s only so much a soundbar can achieve, I\u2019ve heard better soundstage from other soundbars at this price point.\n\n\nTo the Symphony\u2019s credit, its Dolby Atmos support is not something similarly priced soundbars offer, so there\u2019s that.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you love your bass, then you\u2019ll definitely appreciate the PRISM+ Symphony\u2019s strong bass output. It\u2019s my favourite feature of the soundbar, which really does elevate my content consumption. I now look forward to streaming movies at home \u2013 not to mention adding more gaming time to my schedule \u2013 with the added immersion.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes, the audio quality of the Symphony has room for improvement, but given that this is one of PRISM+\u2019s first soundbars, it\u2019s a commendable effort. Hopefully, the company\u2019s upcoming soundbars will improve upon the current offerings while still offering good value proposition.\n\n\nAfter all, that\u2019s the main draw of PRISM+\u2019s range of products. If you\u2019re interested to pick up the Symphony, you can do so through \nPRISM+\u2019s official online store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-the-sony-wh-1000xm5-with-rm600-discount-now/", "title": "Deal: Get the Sony WH-1000XM5 With RM600 Discount Now", "body": "\n\nIt looks like the \nSony WH-1000XM5\n just got more affordable. If you haven\u2019t gotten the wireless headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC) yet, good news: you can now get the WH-100XM5 \nfor only RM1,199\n \u2013 that\u2019s \nRM600 worth of savings\n.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Sony Centre Mid Valley on Shopee, so you know it\u2019s a legitimate deal. At the time of writing, as many as \n79 units of the WH-1000XM5\n are available from the retailer in either the Black or Silver colourway.\n\n\nCuriously, the previous generation \nWH-1000XM4\n is also offered by the retailer at the same price point.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRM1,199\n for a wireless headphones with ANC of this calibre is really quite a good deal. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the Sony WH-1000XM5, read our full review of the headphones \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/messis-world-cup-photo-is-the-most-liked-instagram-post-with-over-57-million-likes/", "title": "Messi\u2019s World Cup Photo Is the Most-Liked Instagram Post With Over 57 Million Likes", "body": "\n\nLionel Messi is probably the most talked-about athlete on the internet now after leading Argentina to win the FIFA World Cup a couple of days ago. So perhaps it\u2019s no surprise that Messi\u2019s post on Instagram has garnered over \n57 million likes\n and counting.\n\n\nWith that many likes, Messi\u2019s posting is now the most-liked Instagram post. It surpassed the \nphoto of a humble egg\n that has garnered over 56 million likes at the time of writing, which was posted back in 2019.\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nView this post on Instagram\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nA post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi)\n\n\n\n\nOf course, Messi\u2019s World Cup victory photo has also gotten more likes than \nCristiano Ronaldo\u2019s post\n of Messi and himself playing chess for an advertising campaign with Louis Vuitton. That post \u2013 with 42 million likes now \u2013 was shared right before the 2022 World Cup kicked off on 20 November.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/exclusive-proton-x90-spotted-in-kuala-lumpur-with-infinite-weave-grille/", "title": "Exclusive: Proton X90 Spotted in Kuala Lumpur With Infinite Weave Grille!", "body": "\n\nIt looks like Proton is still hard at work testing the Geely Haoyue on Malaysian roads: we just spotted two test units of the SUV right here in Kuala Lumpur! The Haoyue is widely believed to be the \nProton X90\n once it\u2019s launched on our shores, and the test units seen here are sporting Proton\u2019s signature Infinite Weave grille design.\n\n\nPrevious test mules of the Haoyue spotted in Malaysia were not seen with the Infinite Weave grille, so it\u2019s possible that local development of the SUV is at the later stages already. With that in mind, it\u2019s entirely possible the X90 will be launched sometime in 2023 as rumours suggest.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Haoyue is a large D-segment SUV that can be configured with five or seven seats; it measures 4,835mm long, 1,900mm wide, and 1,785 tall. Compared to the \nProton X70\n, the Haoyue is 316mm longer, 69mm wider, and 91mm taller.\n\n\nPowering the Haoyue, on the other hand, is a 1.8L four-cylinder turbocharged engine that outputs 181PS and 300Nm of torque. This engine is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with drive sent either to the front wheels or all four of them for the AWD model.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s worth noting that in The Philippines, the Okavango (as it\u2019s called there) is actually available with a 1.5L three-cylinder turbo engine \u2013 similar to the one \nmanufactured at Proton\u2019s assembly line at Tanjung Malim, Perak\n. It\u2019s paired to a mild hybrid system that put out a combined figure of 190hp and 300Nm of torque, and it features a 7DCT, though there is no AWD variant.\n\n\nOf course, given its positioning as a premium SUV, the Haoyue is equipped with Geely\u2019s level 2 autonomous driving system too. It is made up of 24 different sensors to allow for as many as 17 \u201cintelligent drive features.\u201d According to Geely, this lets the SUV automatically follow, stop, as well as turn at speeds of up to 150km/h.\n\n\nJust like the \nProton X50\n, the Haoyue is also capable of parking itself. It features a 360-degree camera as well, and given the large size of the SUV, we imagine this will come in handy for most drivers.\n\n\n\n\nThe Geely Haoyue\n\n\n\n\nEven though the Geely Haoyue has been spotted on Malaysian roads quite a bit, it\u2019s still too early to tell if it will eventually materialise to be the \u201cProton X90,\u201d even if it\u2019s allegedly launching in 2023 next year. Nonetheless, we will keep a close eye for any further development of this premium SUV.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/marvel-snap-winterverse-event-now-live-14-day-login-reward-winterverse-bundle-more/", "title": "Marvel Snap Winterverse Event Now Live \u2013 14-Day Login Reward, Winterverse Bundle & More", "body": "\n\nMarvel Snap is running its first-ever limited time holiday celebration event. Dubbed Winterverse, there\u2019s a pretty darn generous 14-day login reward, which is made up of gold, credits, boosters, and even a Nick Fury card signed by Samuel L. Jackson himself.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, every player who logged into Marvel Snap on Christmas Day (25 December) will receive the autographed Nick Fury card. Given the special treatment on the card, we assume it is considered as a different variant of the standard version.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, opening a Collector\u2019s Reserve throughout Winterverse \u2013 20 December 2022 to 2 January 2023 \u2013 may reward players with a special Winterverse variant of five different cards. These include Abomination, Ebony Maw, Patriot, Rockslide, and Rogue. These Winterverse variants can only be received during the event.\n\n\nLast but not least is the Winterverse Bundle, which offers pretty good value. Priced at 6,000 gold, it includes a Winterverse Sunspot variant, 100 Sunspot boosters, a Sunspot avatar, a title (Tacos After This?), 2,000 Collector\u2019s Tokens, and a whopping 8,000 credits.\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve been collecting your gold, it\u2019s worth getting the Winterverse bundle, especially if you want to accelerate your Collection Level.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Marvel Snap Winterverse event starts today until 2 January 2023. Not sure if the digital card game is worth playing? Then check out why it\u2019s \nour 2022 mobile game of the year\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/22-28-december-fuel-price-ron-97-down-20-sen-again-now-rm3-35-per-litre/", "title": "22 \u2013 28 December Fuel Price: RON 97 Down 20 Sen Again \u2013 Now RM3.35 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAnother price drop for RON 97 this week, and it\u2019s quite a drastic one: the premium fuel will go down by 20 sen at the stroke of midnight. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nFor the next seven days, the price of RON 97 will be set at RM3.35 per litre (down from RM3.55). RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 22 to 28 December next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ps5-god-of-war-ragnarok-bundle-pre-orders-open-from-sony-centre-mid-valley-until-9-january-2023/", "title": "PS5 & God of War Ragnarok Bundle Pre-Orders Open From Sony Centre Mid Valley Until 9 January 2023", "body": "\n\nAnother month, another round of pre-orders of the PS5 from Sony Centre Mid Valley. This is actually the sixth sale of the next-gen console after the \nprice hike\n that was announced back in August 2022, and the \nGod of War Ragnarok bundle\n is also included in this round of sale.\n\n\nJust like previous pre-orders of the PS5 from Sony Centre Mid Valley, you\u2019ll have to fill up \nthis Google Form\n to be in the running for a \nchance\n to pre-order the console. If you\u2019re fortunate enough to be selected, you will be contacted by the store to finalise your pre-order of the PS5.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo note that you have until 9 January 2023 at 10PM to register your interest for the PS5 pre-order. This isn\u2019t a first-come, first-served sale either; filling up the form just means you\u2019re in the running to be chosen to pre-order the PS5.\n\n\nWhile it wasn\u2019t mentioned, it\u2019s likely that stocks are very limited, so don\u2019t be disheartened if you\u2019re not chosen to pre-order the PS5. If you want a better chance of securing a unit, we recommend checking in with your favourite game shop to get into the waiting list \u2013 if the store has one.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-watch-series-8-review-still-the-iphones-best-companion/", "title": "Apple Watch Series 8 Review: Still the iPhone\u2019s Best Companion", "body": "\n\nNew iterations of the Apple Watch over the past few years have only brought incremental updates. There\u2019s no major design overhaul or display upgrade, but the addition of new features do make for a better smartwatch with every series, and the Apple Watch Series 8 is no different.\n\n\nIt may look similar to its predecessor, but the Series 8 does have some notable improvements under the hood, including the ability to track menstrual cycle and Crash Detection. Yes, it also costs slightly more (from RM1,899) than the previous model, but if you want the utility of a smartwatch with your iPhone, the Apple Watch Series 8 is a great option.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Apple Watch Series 8 gets two new features: Cycle Tracking and Crash Detection. The former, through the use of the smartwatch\u2019s temperature sensors to detect small changes in wrist temperature, allows women to track their menstrual cycle. For obvious reasons, I couldn\u2019t put this feature to the test, but it\u2019s certainly a convenient one.\n\n\nOf course, I can\u2019t test out Crash Detection either, as it\u2026well, detects if I was caught in a \u201csevere car crash,\u201d as Apple puts it. The feature does work as intended, \nas tested by some folks\n, so while it\u2019s a feature that we hope we\u2019ll never need to use, it could be a literal lifesaver when it\u2019s needed.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, other hardware of the Series 8 are the same as its predecessor. These include 41mm or 45mm cases \u2013 the review unit you see here is the larger model \u2013 an always-on Retina LTPO OLED display with a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, water resistance up to 50m, IP6X rating, and GPS with optional cellular support.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nLet\u2019s get this out of the way: the Apple Watch is the best smartwatch to complement an iPhone, period. The seamless integration of the two devices is simply unbeatable. My phone notifications, for example, are pushed to the watch the moment I receive them without delay.\n\n\nOn top of that, I can interact with said notifications on the Apple Watch Series 8 without needing to take my phone out of the pocket. Not only can images be displayed on the watch, I can even quickly reply to messages with a \nfull-size\n keyboard, which works surprisingly well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the display of the Series 8 is bright and vibrant as well. This comes as no surprise, given that it is an OLED panel. Visibility is a non-issue indoors or outdoors, and this applies to even the always-on display, which is slightly dimmer than the standard watch face.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, I really like the always-on screen of the Series 8. Not only does it look great, there are also a \nwide\n variety of watch face designs to choose from. Some watch faces even allow me to access certain features quickly, such as a stopwatch to time my workout routines.\n\n\n\n\nThe always-on display\n\n\nThe regular watch face\n\n\n\n\nAnd that is a good segue to the workout tracking capability of the Apple Watch Series 8, which is surprisingly fun, thanks to Apple\u2019s ring system. There are three different rings to \u201cclose\u201d every day: Exercise, Move, and Stand, and closing all three rings have a certain\u2026satisfaction to it.\n\n\nUnlike similar features offered by other brands, Apple\u2019s implementation feels more refined and encouraging. Depending on my activity level on a certain day, the Activity app will let me know exactly what I can do to close my rings, such as going on a brief 15-minute brisk walk to close my Move ring.\n\n\nThese small, meaningful reminders do add up at the end of the day, and I find myself actually moving (and standing) more to close my rings with the Apple Watch.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe insights are quite interesting too\n\n\n\n\nPerformance is also one area the Series 8 excels in. No matter what I throw at the smartwatch, the interface remains smooth and responsive. Throughout my time with it, I didn\u2019t notice any major stuttering or lag \u2013 as expected of Apple\u2019s software refinement.\n\n\nBeyond that, I\u2019ve also grown fond of the Series 8\u2019s aesthetics. Personally, I prefer a smartwatch with a round watch face, but I find myself actually liking the square design of the Apple Watch. I also appreciate the fact that the 45mm model fits quite well on my wrist.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nThere is one area where I wish the Apple Watch Series 8 could do better: battery life. Now, it\u2019s not terrible by any means. With the always-on display switched on and sleep tracking enabled, I can easily get through a typical day with the smartwatch. I can even stretch it to one and a half day of use on certain days.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut compared to its competition \u2013 most notably, the \nSamsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro\n, which can last between three to four days \u2013 the Apple Watch doesn\u2019t compare very favourably. Granted, it\u2019s not like Samsung\u2019s smartwatch can be paired to an iPhone, but it\u2019s still worth a mention.\n\n\nThat brings me to my next qualm with the Apple Watch: it doesn\u2019t work with Android devices. In my line of work, I need to review different phones from different brands, so the fact that the watch doesn\u2019t work with my daily driver at the time is a tad bothersome.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you\u2019re an iPhone user, the only choice you really have to make is to pick which Apple Watch is right for you. The Series 8 (from RM1,899) sits in between the high-end Apple Watch Ultra (RM3,799) and the more affordable Apple Watch SE (from RM1,199). If the Series 8\u2019s feature set fits your needs, it\u2019s the smartwatch for you.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI do wish the Apple Watch Series 8 had better battery life \u2013 and it would be great if it works with Android phones too \u2013 but its tight integration with iOS makes it the best (general) smartwatch for most folks. Unless your requirements are more niche where you\u2019ll need a specialised smartwatch of sorts, the Apple Watch is your best bet.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-raiden-shogun-ayato-event-wishes-go-live-27-december-with-kujou-sara-sayu-rosaria/", "title": "Genshin Impact Raiden Shogun & Ayato Event Wishes Go Live 27 December With Kujou Sara, Sayu, Rosaria", "body": "\n\nThe Raiden Shogun\u2019s and Kamisato Ayato\u2019s rerun banners have just been revealed. Set to go live in \nGenshin Impact\n next Tuesday on 27 December, the two 5-star characters\u2019 event wishes will be accompanied by Kujou Sara, Sayu, and Rosaria.\n\n\nIn line with \nprevious Genshin Impact\n \ndouble banners\n, Raiden Shogun and Ayato both have the same roster of 4-star characters despite the fact that they\u2019re featured in separate event wishes. Of course, pity is also shared between the two banners, and the wish guarantee count\u00a0\nwill\n\u00a0carry over to future character banners too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe same rule applies to the increased \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Raiden Shogun, Ayato, Kujou Sara, Sayu, and Rosaria. In the case of Raiden Shogun and Ayato, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be either of them, depending on which banner you\u2019re wishing. If you got a different character, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be them.\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s pity system for character banners ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character every 90 wishes, you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Raiden Shogun or Ayato. The same rule applies to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Kujou Sara, Sayu, or Rosaria. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will likely have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRaiden Shogun\u2019s \u201cReign of Serenity\u201d and Kamisato Ayato\u2019s \u201cAzure Excursion\u201d event wishes will be available in Genshin Impact on 27 December 2022 next week. Their banners will be offered until 17 January 2023, and we can expect\u00a0\nAlhaitham and Yaoyao\n to be playable not long after that in the Version 3.4 update of Genshin Impact.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-nord-keyboard-looks-like-a-keychron-q1-with-wireless-support/", "title": "OnePlus Nord Keyboard Looks Like a Keychron Q1 With Wireless Support", "body": "\n\nOnePlus revealed earlier this month that it will be releasing a keyboard in collaboration with Keychron. Well, an alleged leak of the keyboard started surfacing online a couple of days ago, and it\u2019s supposedly called the OnePlus Nord Keyboard.\n\n\nThe leaked image of the Nord Keyboard \u2013 courtesy of \nMySmartPrice\n \u2013 looks strikingly similar to the \nKeychron Q1\n, which was first released by Keychron in August 2021. But there are a number of notable differences, including the OnePlus Nord branding on the bottom left of the keyboard, along with a rather unique blue colourway.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to MySmartPrice\u2019s report, the Nord Keyboard will supposedly be made out of both aluminium and plastic. That\u2019s different from the all-aluminium construction of the Q1, not to mention the fact that the upcoming keyboard is said to feature Bluetooth support as well.\n\n\nBut given that these are leaked details, there\u2019s a chance they are inaccurate, so take them with a grain of salt. Nonetheless, we\u2019ll find out for ourselves just what the OnePlus Nord Keyboard will offer once it\u2019s unveiled \u2013 it\u2019s believed to be launching alongside the OnePlus 11 on 7 February 2023 in India.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-6-diablo-immortal-edition-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm4999/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 6 Diablo Immortal Edition Lands in Malaysia for RM4,999", "body": "\n\nThe \nAsus ROG Phone 6\n Diablo Immortal Edition has just landed in Malaysia! The gaming smartphone is a collaboration between Asus and Blizzard, and it looks quite nice with some special Diablo-themed design elements and accessories.\n\n\nOne of the most eye-catching aesthetics of the ROG Phone 6 Diablo Immortal Edition is the rear panel with an \u201cexclusive Aura RGB Diablo Immortal logo,\u201d as Asus puts it. There are even a slew of Diablo-themed accessories for the phone, including a Horadric Cube giftbox, a Shield Blessing Aero case, and even a map of Sanctuary.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardware wise, the special edition ROG Phone 6 is no different from the standard model. These include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset paired with 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, a\u00a06.78-inch 1080p 165Hz AMOLED display, a triple camera system \u2013 50MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide + 5MP macro \u2013 a 12MP selfie camera, and a generous 6,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to pick up the Asus ROG Phone 6 Diablo Immortal Edition, you can do so now for a cool RM4,999 in Malaysia; it comes with a one-year extended warranty as well. Only limited quantities are available, and the first 50 folks who purchase the gaming phone will even get RM100 worth of freebies.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/could-this-be-tng-ewallets-visa-prepaid-card/", "title": "Could This Be TNG eWallet\u2019s Visa Prepaid Card?", "body": "\n\nTouch \u2018n Go previously revealed that it plans to release a Visa prepaid card linked to its TNG eWallet app before the end of the year. As 2022 draws to a close, a purported image of the prepaid card starting surfacing on the internet.\n\n\nThe image below was shared to \nAmanz\n, and it looks to be the much anticipated TNG Visa prepaid card. If you\u2019re familiar with BigPay, it\u2019s the same concept: the prepaid card is linked to your balance in the TNG eWallet app, making it easier to make purchases at any outlets that accept VISA cards.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlthough Touch \u2018n Go said its Visa prepaid card is set to be launched by the end of the year, it\u2019s already 25 December \u2013 Merry Christmas everyone! \u2013 today. While it\u2019s possible the company can still launch the card before 2023 is here, it\u2019s a tight launch window.\n\n\nNonetheless, we will keep an eye on any relevant details pertaining to the availability of the TNG Visa prepaid card, especially on how users can get their hands on the card.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nextrifts-top-stories-of-2022-katapat-owlab-spring-nintendo-switch-oled-4dx/", "title": "Nextrift\u2019s Top Stories of 2022: Katapat, Owlab Spring, Nintendo Switch OLED, 4DX", "body": "\n\nThe new year is coming! We\u2019ve got our best \nsmartphone\n, \ngames\n, and \nwireless earbuds\n of 2022, and now, we have Nextrift\u2019s top stories of the year to wrap things up. It\u2019s been a year of reopening for Malaysia as we recover from the pandemic, and some of our top articles reflect that.\n\n\nWithout further ado, let\u2019s get to them!\n\n\nKatapat \u2013 Wordle in Bahasa Malaysia!\n\n\nNow this is an interesting hit. Katapat was consistently \nour top story every week\n in the first half of the year on the back of Wordle\u2019s popularity. Built by\u00a0\nEugene Low\n, he describes Katapat as a copy of Wordle, though the words are taken from the\u00a0\nDBP\u2019s online dictionary\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJust like the original Wordle game, you have six tries to guess a five-letter word in Katapat; a new word is generated every day at 12AM. Every guess must be a valid Bahasa Malaysia word, and if a letter you used is not in the word at all, it will be greyed out.\n\n\nThough Katapat is not quite as popular anymore, we do find ourselves playing the game once in a while as a quick brain teaser. You can give Katapat a try for yourself\u00a0\nhere\n, or even the original English version,\u00a0\nWordle\n, which has since been bought by The New York Times.\n\n\nThe Owlab Spring Keyboard Looks Amazing\n\n\nOf course, one of our top stories of 2022 is a custom keyboard, the \nOwlab Spring\n, and it\u2019s a very sleek-looking board. One of its most eye-catching hardware is the PVD stainless steel weight on the bottom of the Alice-style keyboard, along with a unique leaf spring mounting system.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBasically, there are eight pieces of Owlab\u2019s leaf springs (made out of Beryllium copper) that support the plate of the Spring. This, in theory at least, should make for a soft, comfortable typing experience. Plus, priced from $355 (about RM1,570), it doesn\u2019t cost too much money either.\n\n\nDespite the fact that it\u2019s been almost a year since its debut, the Spring still stands out in the market \u2013 in our opinion, anyway. No word from Owlab on future sales of the Alice-style keyboard, though there\u2019s a chance it will release a similar offering under its more affordable \nQwertykeys sub-brand\n.\n\n\nNintendo Switch OLED vs. Switch V1 \u2013 Worth Upgrading?\n\n\nLaunched late last year, it seems like many folks were considering to upgrade to the Nintendo Switch OLED, judging by the amount of traffic to our \ncomparison article of the OLED model to the original V1\n. Given that the two handheld consoles were released four years apart, it makes sense to upgrade.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the original Switch V1, the new OLED Switch features a larger 7-inch OLED panel with thinner bezels. It also has double the internal storage at 64GB, and the stand sees a design revision as well. Instead of the original Switch\u2019s fragile-looking stand, this new Switch uses a much sturdier, wider stand that is also adjustable.\n\n\nOther changes introduced in the new OLED Switch include a new dock with a wired LAN port, \u201cenhanced audio\u201d from the system\u2019s onboard speakers, and between 4.5 to 9 hours of battery life \u2013 the same quoted battery life as the\u00a0\nSwitch V2\n. The V1, in contrast, can only last between 2.5 to 6.5 hours.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re still keen to get the OLED Switch, keep an eye out for discounts: it can be purchased for \nas low as RM1,299\n, though it\u2019s currently listed at RM1,349.\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Watch 4\u2019s Body Composition Analysis Is a Great Motivation Tool\n\n\nSamsung was one of the first to introduce body composition analysis capability to a mainstream smartwatch with the \nGalaxy Watch 4\n, and it proved to be a feature many folks looked into throughout the year on Nextrift. It\u2019s a feature we find to be a \ngreat motivation tool\n to achieve our fitness goals.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes, the body composition analysis of the Galaxy Watch 4 is not meant to be used as a diagnostic tool, but the data that it can gather can still be helpful to track a user\u2019s progress. Say you want to reduce your fat mass or increase your skeletal muscle; so long as you\u2019re taking your body composition measurements consistently in the same conditions every day, you can still use the data to track your progress.\n\n\nRight now, both the Galaxy Watch 4 and its successor \u2013 the \nGalaxy Watch 5\n series \u2013 feature the body composition analysis. Take a look at either of them if this sounds like a feature you\u2019ll find useful.\n\n\n4DX Now in GSC IOI City Mall \u2013 Is It Worth Trying?\n\n\nThis is a blast from the past! We originally posted the story when GSC IOI City Mall added a 4DX hall back in 2019. Evidently, as the country opened up after the pandemic, folks started looking into the 4DX experience at GSC.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4DX is developed by South Korean company CJ 4DPLEX, and GSC is collaborating with the company to bring the experience to Malaysian moviegoers. Basically, 4DX aims to make the cinema experience more immersive by using 21 special effects.\n\n\nWhat kind of special effects? It ranges from \u201cmotion-synchronised\u201d seats, weather effects (rain, snow, lightning, wind, etc), and get this: scent. These effects are achieved through the use of lighting, fans, motorised seats, and\u00a0\nactual sprinkles\n\u00a0of water.\n\n\nTo learn more about 4DX at GSC, check out our impressions \nright here\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese are just some of our top stories in 2022, and we truly appreciate the time our readers took to\u2026well, read up on our writeups. Here\u2019s to 2023, where we\u2019ll continue to bring you the latest in consumer tech, custom keyboards, gaming, and the Malaysian automotive industry!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-plus-january-2023-free-games-star-wars-jedi-fallen-order-fallout-76-axiom-verge-2/", "title": "PlayStation Plus January 2023 Free Games: Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Fallout 76, Axiom Verge 2", "body": "\n\nPlayStation Plus\u2019 January 2023 free games have just been announced. The lineup includes Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Fallout 76, and Axiom Verge 2. Curiously, there are no extra games for the Asian region this time around either, just like last month.\n\n\nThe three games are playable on both the PS5 and PS4, though there\u2019s no PS5 version of Fallout 76. With that in mind, it won\u2019t benefit from faster loading times or the DualSense controller\u2019s range of features like adaptive triggers and more refined haptic feedback.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith the \nrevamped PS Plus membership\n, these three games can be claimed by subscribers of any tiers. Whether you\u2019re on the Essential, Extra, or Deluxe plan, you will have access to these monthly PS Plus games.\n\n\nAll three games can be claimed by PS Plus members from 3 January 2023 to 6 February 2023. That means you have until this coming Monday (2 January 2023) to get your hands on December 2022\u2019s free games, including \nMass Effect Legendary Edition, Divine Knockout: Founder\u2019s Edition, and Biomutant\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-proton-s50-spotted-again-preve-replacement-launching-in-2023/", "title": "Spy Shot: Proton S50 Spotted Again \u2013 Preve Replacement Launching in 2023?", "body": "\n\nNot only is Proton testing the \nProton X90\n on Malaysian roads, the national carmaker is also hard at work with another model, the Proton S50 sedan. Based on the Geely Emgrand, the test mule has been spotted on local roads yet again.\n\n\nThese images were shared by \nThe Ajerul\n and taken by one Fazrul Nazir. The S50 featured in these spy shots is the same test unit that\u2019s been spotted before, judging by the trade plate. It looks to be a right-hand drive model as well, so local development of the sedan should have progressed quite a bit.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWidely speculated to be a replacement for the Proton Preve, the S50 is quite a sizeable car. The Emgrand, the model it\u2019s said to be based on, measures 4,638mm long, 1,820mm wide, and 1,460mm tall. That makes it 95mm longer and 34mm wider than the Preve, assuming Proton retains the same dimensions.\n\n\nThough the Emgrand is powered by a 1.5L NA engine (114PS/147 Nm) in China, it\u2019s possible the sedan will feature a 1.5L TGDi engine instead for the Malaysian market. After all, \nProton foreshadowed that two of its new models\n will feature the 1.5L turbocharged engine that offers up to 177PS and 255Nm of torque; that\u2019s a respectable output.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Geely Emgrand\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, we reckon it\u2019s still quite some time away before the Proton S50 is officially unveiled, though it\u2019s rumoured to be launching as soon as 2023 next year. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if it will be introduced after the Proton X90, which looks to be \nfurther in development right now\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-x90-pro-also-coming-to-malaysia-zeiss-camera-system-with-1-sensor/", "title": "Vivo X90 Pro Also Coming to Malaysia \u2013 Zeiss Camera System With 1\u2033 Sensor", "body": "\n\nWe previously reported the \nVivo X90\u2019s SIRIM certification\n earlier this month, and it seems like the higher-end Vivo X90 Pro is also coming to Malaysia. While it features a Zeiss-branded camera system like the X90, the Pro model has a more sophisticated configuration.\n\n\nThe Vivo X90 was registered with SIRIM just a few days ago on 27 December under Vtalent Business with the model number V2219. Electronic devices in Malaysia have to be certified by SIRIM first before they can be officially sold on our shores, so the X90 Pro should be launched here very soon.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnlike the Zeiss-branded camera setup of the standard X90, the X90 Pro features a more sophisticated 50MP main shooter with a large 1-inch sensor for improved camera performance. Complementing the primary camera are a 50MP telephoto lens and a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter.\n\n\nOther specifications of the X90 Pro include a 6.78-inch 2800 x 1260 AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 9200 chipset, up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage, a 32MP selfie camera, an IP68 rating, as well as a 4,870mAh battery with support for 120W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow that the Vivo X90 and X90 Pro have been certified by SIRIM, we reckon both phones will be launched in Malaysia very soon. It remains to be seen if the X90 Pro+ will be made available here as well, but given that two phones in the series are in SIRIM\u2019s database already, there\u2019s a good chance it will be sold on our shores too.\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-find-n2-the-best-foldable-you-cant-buy/", "title": "Oppo Find N2 \u2013 The Best Foldable You Can\u2019t Buy", "body": "\n\nOppo has only released a total of three foldable smartphones over the past couple of years. There\u2019s the original \nFind N\n, the \nFind N2 Flip\n, and the device you see here, the \nFind N2\n. Despite that, the Chinese company\u2019s foldable phones are easily some of the most refined offerings in the market now.\n\n\nAt least, that\u2019s the case in China, as Oppo\u2019s foldable devices have not been released outside of the country, including the Find N2. That\u2019s quite unfortunate, given just how compelling the Find N2 is after I\u2019ve used it for a couple of weeks.\n\n\nIf Oppo does decide to launch the Find N2 in international markets, I\u2019m confident it will be well-received, and I\u2019ll explain why below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about the hardware of the Find N2. Just like its predecessor, the foldable phone has a compact form factor, so it\u2019s still an ergonomically-friendly phone. It has a slightly larger 5.54-inch 2120 x 1080 AMOLED cover screen with a 120Hz refresh rate now, while the internal display is a familiar 7.1-inch 1920 x 1792 AMOLED panel; also clocked at 120Hz.\n\n\nAccording to Oppo, the width of the crease on the primary display of the Find N2 has been reduced by 67%, lending to a sleeker-looking design. Of course, looking at the actual phone in person, the crease is definitely still there, but it\u2019s not particularly prominent, which is good.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Find N2 include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, a Hasselblad-branded triple camera system (50MP primary + 48MP ultra-wide + 32MP telephoto) with Oppo\u2019s MariSilicon X NPU for improved performance, a 32MP selfie camera, up to 16GB of RAM, two storage options (256GB or 512GB), and a 4,520mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can see the display crease at an angle\n\n\nBut in normal use, it\u2019s not very noticeable\n\n\n\n\nTipping the scales at 233g, the Find N2 is touted by Oppo to be the \u201clightest horizontally folding phone\u201d \u2013 that is, foldable phones with a tablet-style form factor like the\u00a0\nSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 4\n. While 233g doesn\u2019t sound all that light on paper, the large dimensions of the phone distributes the weight nicely. Compared to the aforementioned Z Fold 4, the Find N2 is noticeably lighter, making it less fatiguing to use for long periods of time.\n\n\nThe robust hinge of the Find N2 is worth a mention as well. Not only does it feel smooth to fold and unfold the phone, it also closes the phone with a reassuring thud. The best part is, there\u2019s no noticeable gap at all when the phone is folded close \u2013 very impressive.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the two 120Hz displays of the Find N2, which look great. The 5.54-inch AMOLED cover screen is nice and compact, while the 7.1-inch primary inner display (also AMOLED) is there for tasks that require more screen real estate. As these are both AMOLED panels, their deep, true blacks and vibrant colours are great for content consumption.\n\n\nSurprisingly enough, I find myself using the cover screen of the Find N2 more often than the larger primary display. I just love the wide and short aspect ratio of the external screen, making one-handed use a breeze. The panel is also more than big enough for a comfortable viewing experience, in my opinion.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the performance of the Find N2, and it is unsurprisingly a quick smartphone. It\u2019s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, and while it\u2019s not the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, there\u2019s no denying that this is still a very capable chip that can offer flagship-tier performance.\n\n\nSpeaking of performance, let\u2019s move on to the camera performance of the Find N2\u2019s Hasselblad-branded triple camera system. For the most part, the 50MP primary sensor, 48MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and 32MP telephoto lens are capable of taking some great-looking shots, but it is also\u2026well, inconsistent.\n\n\nJudge for yourself with these sample shots.\n\n\n\n\n48MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n32MP telephoto\n\n\n48MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n32MP telephoto\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n48MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n32MP telephoto\n\n\n48MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n32MP telephoto\n\n\n48MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n32MP telephoto\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMost of these shots taken with the Find N2 look great, but some of them are also lacking in detail, especially in low light conditions. The focus can be quite soft as well, and the colour reproduction can be a tad too saturated for my liking. It\u2019s also worth noting that the camera interface has a tendency to flicker whenever I click on the shutter button.\n\n\nNonetheless, I do think the Find N2 has a reasonably capable camera system. It\u2019s not class-leading by any means, but it can definitely take good shots. I just wish it offered a more consistent camera performance with a more refined camera interface.\n\n\nUnfortunately, I did not manage to do a proper battery test with the Find N2, given that it\u2019s running on the Chinese version of ColorOS 13. It doesn\u2019t have access to the Google Play Store \u2013 the service is not offered in China, after all \u2013 so I can\u2019t really test out the phone\u2019s battery life in a fair manner without access to my usual suite of apps.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut all things considered, the Oppo Find N2 is easily one of the most refined foldable phones in the market now. If it was more widely available, I reckon it can even put up a good fight against the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, which I consider to be the benchmark for tablet-like foldable phones.\n\n\nOppo certainly knows how to make good foldable phones, and the Find N2 is a testament of that. While this phone (probably) won\u2019t be sold outside of China, the \nFind N2 Flip may enter international markets\n. I\u2019m certainly looking forward to seeing that foldable flip phone enter the Malaysian market, even if the Find N2 does not.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-ends-2022-with-150000-units-produced-highest-in-10-years/", "title": "Proton Ends 2022 With 150,000 Units Produced \u2013 Highest in 10 Years", "body": "\n\nProton ends 2022 on a high note with 150,000 units produced at its two plants in Tanjung Malim and Shah Alam. According to the national carmaker, this is its highest production achievement yet since 2012 despite facing several issues throughout the year.\n\n\n\u201c2022 was a tough year to start with. Spillover effects from the floods of December 2021, continued parts supply issues, and import restrictions all conspired to depress our production numbers. But we did not give up in the face of adversity,\u201d said Proton in a \nFacebook post\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith over 150,000 units produced, it\u2019s possible Proton have achieved its sales target for 2022, which was \nalso set at 150,000 units\n. Of course, that depends on whether or not the carmaker managed to register as many units; production output isn\u2019t the same as total sales.\n\n\nNonetheless, we\u2019ll find out once Proton is ready to share its 2022 sales report, which should be revealed very soon. We expect the national carmaker to release the report sometime this week.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-cny-2023-deal-offers-up-to-rm4000-discount/", "title": "Honda Malaysia CNY 2023 Deal Offers up to RM4,000 Discount", "body": "\n\nHonda Malaysia continues to offer discounts on some of its models in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration. These include the \npopular Honda City\n, the City Hatchback, and the Accord \u2013 it\u2019s worth noting that these are brand new units made in 2023.\n\n\nNaturally,\u00a0the \nHonda Accord\n\u00a0gets the best discount. Both the range-topping TC-P and more affordable TC variants of the D-segment sedan receive a RM4,000 rebate, while the City and City Hatchback get a RM1,000 discount each.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo note that these discounts are only applicable for vehicles that are registered between 1 to 31 January 2023; more information on the deal can be found\u00a0on \nHonda Malaysia\u2019s website\n. If you\u2019re interested to get any of these Honda models with the rebates, you can place a pre-booking online\u00a0\nhere\n.\n\n\nAlternatively, bookings can be done through the HondaTouch app as well \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dell-xps-13-plus-review-form-over-function/", "title": "Dell XPS 13 Plus Review: Form Over Function", "body": "\n\nDell\u2019s XPS range of premium laptops have always been very modern-looking products. This is especially true for the Dell XPS 13 Plus: not only is it still a compact, lightweight productivity machine, it also looks quite unique with a \u201cseamless glass touchpad\u201d and capacitive function keys.\n\n\nBut as good as the XPS 13 Plus looks, it also sacrifices on a couple of key functions to achieve its minimalist aesthetics. This, in turn, affects the practicality of what would\u2019ve otherwise been an excellent productivity laptop with a sleek, premium design and bright, vibrant screen.\n\n\nThat being said, I\u2019m still fond of the XPS 13 Plus, and it is certainly worth considering.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n13.4-inch 4K IPS (3840 x 2400), 60Hz\nProcessor\nIntel Core i7-1260P (12C/16T, up to 4.7GHz)\nGPU\nIntel Iris Xe Graphics\nRAM\n32GB LPDDR5 5200MHz\nStorage\n2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD\nCamera\n720p webcam\nBattery\n55Wh\nDimensions\n295.3 x 199.04 x 15.28 mm\nWeight\n1.23kg\nAudio\nQuad-speaker design\nPorts\n2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort)\nPrice\nRM11,699\n\n\nThe XPS 13 Plus in this review is the range-topping configuration with a Core i7-1260P processor, 32GB RAM, and a \nwhopping\n 2TB SSD. It also features a sharp 4K touch-enabled IPS panel, which looks great with minimal bezels surrounding the screen.\n\n\nOf course, these hardware don\u2019t come cheap with a steep RM11,699 price tag, though there\u2019s the more modest RM6,999 base model of the XPS 13 Plus. That variant features a Core i5-1240P processor instead paired with 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a 1920 x 1200 non-touch IPS display.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nWithout a doubt the design of the Dell XPS 13 Plus is its best quality, in my opinion. The fact that the trackpad is now \u201cinvisible\u201d \u2013 it\u2019s integrated underneath the smooth glass surface of the palm rest area \u2013 gives it a very clean-looking design, and I \nabsolutely \nlove it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow, the XPS 13 Plus\u2019 trackpad is really only in the middle of the palm rest area; exactly where it would be normally, basically. It\u2019s not like the whole slab of glass is the trackpad, no, it\u2019s just that there are no borders to show the working area of the trackpad.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the trackpad relies on haptics to simulate a click, as the trackpad itself doesn\u2019t physically move. Despite that, the haptic feedback does mimic the sensation of a click very well. It really does feel like I\u2019m physically clicking onto it, though it is not without faults \u2013 more on this later.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the functionality of the trackpad, the XPS 13 Plus looks and feels like a premium machine. It has solid build quality, it\u2019s lightweight and compact enough to just slip into my backpack without issue, and the InfinityEdge display with very small bezels look great.\n\n\nSpeaking of the display, it\u2019s a pleasant panel to look at. As mentioned, this unit of the XPS 13 Plus features the range-topping 4K IPS display, and it offers good brightness, vibrant colours, and wide viewing angles. While some may question the practicality of such a high resolution panel on a 13.4-inch screen, there\u2019s no denying that it looks stunning.\n\n\nBut that also means this 4K panel is more power-intensive than the Full HD+ option, or even the 3.5K OLED panel, which translates to slightly worse battery life. I\u2019ll get to this in the next section of the review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerformance wise, the XPS 13 Plus\u2019 Core i7-1260P processor is no slouch. Paired with 32GB of RAM and a fast 2TB SSD storage, the laptop doesn\u2019t miss a beat in my productivity tasks. It feels very fast and responsive, and I can even do some light gaming (Dota 2, Diablo Immortal) with the integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics.\n\n\nLast but not least is the keyboard of the XPS 13 Plus. While it\u2019s not the best laptop keyboard I\u2019ve ever tried, it\u2019s above average. It has a decent amount of key travel to not feel shallow, and it offers reasonably good tactile feedback.\n\n\nI would\u2019ve liked the keyboard more if the backspace key wasn\u2019t shortened for the power button \u2013 which also doubles as a fingerprint reader \u2013 but overall, it\u2019s not a bad keyboard to do a lot of typing on.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAs much as I like the looks of the invisible touchpad, I don\u2019t like the user experience as much. It\u2019s a tad to sensitive to register a click, and I find accidentally clicking on the static trackpad more often than I care to admit when I just wanted to move the cursor around.\n\n\nThe capacitive function keys above the number row are also finicky. Unlike the trackpad, the capacitive keys are not sensitive enough, so I had to tap on the same key multiple times for it to register. It\u2019s also not ideal that the capacitive keys are constantly illuminated.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the battery life of the XPS 13 Plus. On average, I can only squeezes out about five to six hours of use on a single charge. This isn\u2019t bad by any means, but it\u2019s certainly not class-leading, especially for a premium productivity laptop.\n\n\nFor this reason alone, I would personally go for the Full HD+ or 3.5K OLED panel option for the XPS 13 Plus, which should improve its battery life.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nDespite its shortcomings, I still thoroughly enjoy using the Dell XPS 13 Plus as my daily driver over the past few weeks. It has good performance, the 4K panel \u2013 even if it takes up quite a bit of power \u2013 is sharp and vibrant, and most of all, this is a very handsome laptop with a unique, eye-catching aesthetic.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGranted, you do have to pay quite a bit for the XPS 13 Plus with its RM6,999 starting price. It is not an affordable productivity laptop by any means, but for those who are willing to fork out the money for it, you\u2019ll get a fast, sleek, striking laptop.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-azoth-official-75-wireless-keyboard-with-gasket-mounting-oled-display/", "title": "Asus ROG Azoth Official \u2013 75% Wireless Keyboard With Gasket Mounting & OLED Display", "body": "\n\nAsus just unveiled a new 75% wireless mechanical keyboard, and it is the company\u2019s most refined keyboard yet. It\u2019s said to have \u201cfeatures typically only found on premium DIY keyboards,\u201d and this is\u2026actually true, to a certain extent.\n\n\nTake the mounting system of the ROG Azoth: instead of a tray-mount system typically found on pre-built keyboards, it has a more sophisticated gasket-mount design instead. However, it still offers a relatively stiff typing experience, which can be attributed to the use of silicone gaskets instead of a softer material.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Azoth also has an OLED display on the top right corner. It can show various information, including system information, audio visualisation, or just a nice animation. There\u2019s also a three-way toggle and a side button to the right of the OLED screen to control volume, lighting, and even media playback.\n\n\nOther features of the ROG Azoth include wireless support via a 2.4GHz dongle or Bluetooth, a hotswap PCB with three choices of ROG NX switches (linear, tactile, clicky), three layers of dampening foam to reduce case ping, and double shot PBT keycaps.\n\n\nOh, the keyboard is bundled with a lube kit too, which includes a bottle of Krytox 205g0 \u2013 a popular lube in the custom keyboard hobby.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, there are no details on the pricing or availability of the Asus ROG Azoth. But we did receive a unit of the keyboard, so stay tuned for our full review of the Azoth!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-acer-ekinekt-bd-3-is-a-999-bike-desk/", "title": "The Acer eKinekt BD 3 Is a $999 Bike Desk", "body": "\n\nAcer has released some \nintriguing products\n over the years, and the Acer eKinekt BD 3 is the latest one. It\u2019s a bike desk that allows users to exercise and work at the same time, and the kinetic energy generated by the bike can even be used to charge your devices.\n\n\nAs you pedal the Ekinekt BD 3, power is provided to the bike desk\u2019s two USB-A ports and one USB-C connection. According to Acer, an hour of constant cycling at 60RPM can generate 75 watts of power, which is said to be able to charge up laptops as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo make the eKinekt BD 3 more\u2026comfortable, the position of the desk can be adjusted as well. in Working Mode, the surface of the desk moves closer to the chair to let users sit upright while typing and pedaling. As for Sports Mode, the desk top will be positioned further forward to give users more space to pedal harder.\n\n\nThe Acer eKinekt BD 3 will be available in the US sometime in June 2023 for $999, which comes up to about RM4,400. It remains to be seen if the bike desk will ever make it to the Malaysian market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-sold-141432-cars-in-2022-highest-in-9-years-saga-best-selling-model-with-55k-units-sold/", "title": "Proton Sold 141,432 Cars in 2022, Highest in 9 Years \u2013 Saga Best-Selling Model With 55k Units Sold", "body": "\n\nProton\u2019s sales continues to grow for the fourth consecutive year in 2022. The national carmaker sold as many as 141,432 cars last year, its best performance since 2013. It is also a notable 23.3% improvement compared to the company\u2019s total sales in 2021.\n\n\nOf course, the Proton Saga remains the carmaker\u2019s best-selling model last year. As many as 55,878 units of the A-segment sedan were sold throughout 2022, which is an increase of 31.1% compared to the prior year. Evidently, the \nSaga MC2 facelift\n is well-received locally.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for Proton\u2019s second best-selling model in 2022, it is none other than the \nX50\n with 40,681 units sold; that\u2019s an impressive 41.4% improvement than 2021. In third place is the X70 with 18,533 units delivered to customers last year.\n\n\n\u201c2022 was a year of achievements and missed opportunities for Proton. The effect of the floods at the end of 2021 spilled over to the first quarter of the year and ensured we began 2022 on the back foot as we collaborated with our vendors to restore parts supply,\u201d said the deputy CEO of Proton, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cThankfully, the volume was made up over the next three quarters, but we are confident we could have achieved more and posted even better numbers if not for the disrupted start to the year. Still, Proton now has recorded sales growth for a fourth consecutive year, and we are proud of being the only automotive company in Malaysia to achieve that from 2019 to 2022,\u201d he added.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-nitro-gaming-laptops-refreshed-with-13th-gen-intel-chips-nvidia-rtx-40-series-gpu/", "title": "Acer Nitro Gaming Laptops Refreshed With 13th Gen Intel Chips & Nvidia RTX 40 Series GPU", "body": "\n\nAcer just refreshed its affordable Nitro series of gaming laptops. Now sporting a new design language \u2013 alongside a sleek logo \u2013 the new Nitro 16 and Nitro 17 are now sporting Intel\u2019s 13th gen processors and Nvidia\u2019s just released RTX 40 series GPUs.\n\n\nYes, the Nitro 16 and Nitro 17 have been renamed to reflect their screen sizes. The Nitro 16 can be configured with a 16-inch WUXGA or WQXGA display with a 165Hz refresh rate, while the Nitro 17 features a 17.3-inch Full HD 144Hz/165Hz panel or a QHD panel with a 165Hz refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Nitro 17 also comes with more powerful 13th gen Intel Core HX processors packaged in a chassis that weighs less than 3kg. Other specifications of the two Nitro laptops include up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of fast M.2 PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage, though it wasn\u2019t mentioned which of the RTX 40 GPU either laptops get.\n\n\nAs usual, there\u2019s no word yet on the Malaysian availability of the Acer Nitro 16 and Nitro 17. But given Acer Malaysia\u2019s notable presence on our shores, there\u2019s a good chance the two gaming laptops will eventually be sold here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-zephyrus-m16-updated-with-anime-matrix-display-rtx-4090-gpu/", "title": "Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 Updated With AniMe Matrix Display & RTX 4090 GPU", "body": "\n\nAt CES 2023, Asus introduced the all-new Asus ROG Zephyrus M16. Redesigned from the ground up, the thin and light gaming laptop gains the Taiwanese company\u2019s signature AniMe Matrix LED display on its lid, alongside a fast Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 GPU.\n\n\nWith so much power under the hood \u2013 the Zephyrus M16 can be configured with an Intel Core i9-13900H processor too \u2013 the cooling of the slim laptop has been improved accordingly. It now features Tri-Fan Technology and a full-width heatsink, which allows the gaming laptop to run 25 watts higher compared to last year\u2019s model.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother noteworthy hardware of the ROG Zephyrus M16 is its display. It is packed with a 16-inch QHD Nebula HDR panel with mini-LED technology, promising deep blacks with 1100 nits of peak brightness. This being a gaming laptop, the panel has a blazing fast 240Hz refresh rate as well.\n\n\nMalaysian pricing and availability of the Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 have not been revealed yet. But given Asus Malaysia\u2019s commitment to our local market, we reckon it\u2019s only a matter of time before the M16 arrives here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/5-11-january-fuel-price-ron-97-remains-at-rm3-35-per-litre/", "title": "5 \u2013 11 January Fuel Price: RON 97 Remains at RM3.35 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nRON 97 sees no price change again this week. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 will be set at RM3.35 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 5 to 11 January next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-x9a-lands-in-malaysia-ultra-tough-curved-oled-display-slim-design-for-rm1499/", "title": "Honor X9a Lands in Malaysia \u2013 Ultra Tough Curved OLED Display & Slim Design for RM1,499", "body": "\n\nThe Honor X9a has just been launched in Malaysia. Sporting a sleek-looking \u201cultra tough\u201d dual-curve OLED display with a slim chassis, it\u2019s quite a handsome mid-range smartphone.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, only one variant of the X9a is offered. Packed with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, the mid-ranger is priced at RM1,499. Three colour options are available: Titanium Silver, Emerald Green, and Midnight Black.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the most highlighted features of the Honor X9a is its 6.67-inch 2400 x 1080 OLED curved display, which is protected by a 0.65mm \u201csuper reinforced\u201d glass. The glass is said to be stronger and more drop-resistant than 0.55mm glass typically used on other smartphones.\n\n\nOther specifications of the X9a include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, a triple camera system (64MP primary + 5MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro), a 16MP selfie camera, a generous 5,100mAh battery, and Magic UI 6.1 based on Android 12.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor X9a will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 6 January onwards for RM1,499. Early birds who purchase the phone will also get a Honor Choice Earbuds X3 (worth RM249) and a 180-day screen crack protection (worth RM169) for free.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-x7a-also-arrives-in-malaysia-6000mah-battery-quad-camera-rm799/", "title": "Honor X7a Also Arrives in Malaysia \u2013 6,000mAh Battery, Quad Camera, RM799", "body": "\n\nAlso launched alongside the Honor X9a is the more affordable Honor X7a. One of the best selling points of the phone \u2013 aside from its affordable price tag \u2013 is its longevity: it\u2019s said to offer a whopping 3.5 days of battery life out of its sizeable 6,000mAh battery.\n\n\nHere in Malaysia, the sole variant of the Honor X7a is priced at only RM799. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage; further expandable with a microSD card up to 1TB. It is offered in three distinct colours: Titanium Silver, Ocean Blue, and Midnight Black.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the X7a are a MediaTek Helio G37 chipset, a quad camera system (50MP primary + 5MP ultra-wide + 2MP depth + 2MP macro), an 8MP selfie camera, the aforementioned 6,000mAh battery with support for 22.5W fast charging, and Magic UI 6.1 based on Android 12 out of the box.\n\n\nTo recap, the Honor X7a is priced at RM799 in Malaysia, and it will be available for purchase this Friday on 6 January. If you\u2019re one of the first to get the phone, you\u2019ll also walk away with RM168 of freebies, including an extended warranty on the phone and a vacuum mug.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-sold-80200-cars-in-2022-retains-top-spot-in-non-national-passenger-car-segment/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Sold 80,290 Cars in 2022 \u2013 Retains Top Spot in Non-National Passenger Car Segment", "body": "\n\nHonda Malaysia revealed its sales report for 2022, and it looks like the Japanese carmaker had an eventful year. With over 80,290 units sold last year, the company achieved its 2022 sales target while retaining its top position in the non-national passenger car segment for the ninth consecutive year.\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the City continues to be Honda Malaysia\u2019s best-selling model, which makes up 36% of the carmaker\u2019s 2022 overall sales. These are followed by the City Hatchback and HR-V, making up 20% and 14% of total sales respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201c2022 was a challenging year with global chip shortage and flood disasters that have affected\nour car production. Honda Malaysia shifted into higher gears in 2022 and exceeded our sales target with the strong support from all the stakeholders,\u201d said the managing director and CEO of Honda Malaysia, Hironobu Yoshimura.\n\n\n\u201cWe are working closely with the suppliers and dealers to ensure timely delivery for customers, especially those who booked their cars during the sales tax exemption period,\u201d he added. So if you\u2019re still waiting to take delivery of your new Honda model, you don\u2019t have to worry too much now.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-achieves-record-breaking-282019-sales-in-2022/", "title": "Perodua Achieves Record-Breaking 282,019 Sales in 2022", "body": "\n\nPerodua\u2019s 2022 sales report has just been released, and the national carmaker blew past its annual sales target for the year (247,800 units) by a pretty big margin. Throughout 2022, Perodua sold a whopping 282,019 units, which is its best yearly sales figure to date.\n\n\nCompared to its total sales in 2021 (190,291 units), Perodua\u2019s sales grew by a very respectable 48.2% in 2022. Total production of the carmaker increased accordingly as well: with 289,054 units produced last year, Perodua manufactured 49.5% more cars in 2022 compared to 2021 (193,400 units).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cOur goal was to meet customers\u2019 expectations of us \u2013 not just in terms of delivery of products and services but also in introducing greater value offerings to all Malaysians,\u201d said the president and CEO of Perodua, Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\n\n\nJust like most carmakers in Malaysia now, Perodua remains committed to deliver existing orders before the sales tax exemption deadline. \u201cOur priority is to deliver to those who booked their Perodua within the sales tax exemption period as the price for these vehicles will remain as per agreed until 31 March 2023 deadline,\u201d Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal added.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-puts-more-focus-on-accessibility-with-project-leonardo-for-ps5/", "title": "Sony Puts More Focus on Accessibility With Project Leonardo for PS5", "body": "\n\nAccessibility is one area Sony has put a lot of focus on, and its latest effort is Project Leonardo for the PS5. It\u2019s a customisable controller kit that is meant to help players with disabilities \u201cplay games more easily, more comfortably, and for longer periods,\u201d as the company puts it.\n\n\nDesign wise, Project Leonardo shares the PS5\u2019s and DualSense\u2019s design language and colour scheme, but it has a circular shape instead. The controller also has swappable components with analog stick caps and buttons in different shapes and sizes to suit a player\u2019s preference.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere are also some software customisations, including button mapping and control profiles. Players can even use up to two different Project Leonardo controllers and a DualSense controller as a single virtual controller, depending on the needs of players.\n\n\nProject Leonardo is currently in development, so there\u2019s no tentative launch date yet for the controller. Once it\u2019s ready for release, we reckon players with disabilities will appreciate the controller\u2019s range of accessibility features. More details on Project Leonardo can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/go-to-u-ev-charging-hub-now-open-in-cyberjaya-60kw-dc-charger-free-until-end-jan-2023/", "title": "Go To-U EV Charging Hub Now Open in Cyberjaya \u2013 60kW DC Charger, Free Until End-Jan 2023", "body": "\n\nMore and more EV charging stations are popping up throughout the Klang Valley area, and the latest one to be operational is the Go To-U EV Charging Hub at RekaScape in Cyberjaya. Launched by Roda Emas Industries Sdn Bhd (REISB) under its subsidiary, Go To U (M) Sdn Bhd, the hub consists of two Star Charge 60kW DC chargers.\n\n\nEach Star Charge DC charger are equipped with two charging guns, so there are a total of four charging points at the Go To-U EV Charging Hub. The charging guns (with CCS2 connectors) are currently supplied with 30kW of power each, and they are free to use until the end of January 2023.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt the launch event of the Go To-U EV Charging Hub at RekaScape, Cyberview and REISB also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop a smart mobility ecosystem in Cyberjaya. Of course, that entails the installation of more EV charging stations in the city.\n\n\nYou can give the Go to-U EV Charging Hub a try for yourself now at RekaScape, Cyberjaya. To recap, it is free to use until the end of January 2023, so pricing details will be announced at a later date.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-nitro-16-hands-on-reinvigorated/", "title": "Acer Nitro 16 Hands-on: Reinvigorated", "body": "\n\nAt CES 2023, the Acer Nitro series got an updated design language and a cool new logo \u2013 in my opinion, at least. The aesthetics of Acer\u2019s Nitro gaming laptops have been changed several times over the years, but none of them were quite this drastic; or as sleek-looking.\n\n\nThanks to the new design language and shiny new hardware under the hood, the Acer Nitro 16 is more compelling than ever. After all, it can be configured with either AMD\u2019s Ryzen 7000 series chips or Intel\u2019s 13th gen processors, along with Nvidia\u2019s new RTX 40 GPUs.\n\n\nNeedless to say, the Nitro 16 looks to be a capable gaming machine, and I can\u2019t wait to put it through its paces in a full review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAhead of its unveiling a couple of days ago, I managed to spend a brief time with the Nitro 16. As mentioned, it can be configured with either AMD\u2019s or Intel\u2019s chipsets, though it remains to be seen which of the two chipmakers\u2019 processors will offer better performance.\n\n\nUnfortunately, I wasn\u2019t able to test any games on the Nitro 16 to see just how capable its hardware are, especially the new RTX 40 series GPU. If we were to take Nvidia\u2019s word for it, the Nitro 16 should be able to deliver good gaming performance with improved power efficiency and lower heat generation.\n\n\nThat being said, it\u2019s worth mentioning that Acer has not revealed the exact RTX 40 GPU of the Nitro 16 yet, so it\u2019s a little tough to gauge the performance level of the gaming laptop right now.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the most eye-catching design elements of the new Nitro 16 has to be the top lid. Gone are the Acer branding and plain black design for some sleek accent lines and new Nitro logo. These are really only minor changes, but it does give the gaming laptop a more\u2026premium appeal, if you will.\n\n\nAnd then we have the 16-inch display of the Nitro 16, and it looks great. Thanks to the fast 165Hz refresh rate, every animation looks extra smooth. The extra frame rate is noticeable just by moving the cursor around the screen.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the Nitro 16 now features a slightly taller display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, so you get more vertical screen real estate to work with.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo game effectively, you need a good set of keyboard. In this respect, the Nitro 16\u2026has a reasonably good keyboard. While it does feel a tad too \u201csoft\u201d for my liking due to the low actuation force, it does have more than enough key travel to not feel shallow. There\u2019s also good tactile feedback for a comfortable typing and gaming experience.\n\n\nBut what I don\u2019t quite get is the numpad that\u2019s squeezed to the right of the Nitro 16\u2019s keyboard. Not only is the compressed layout not feel great to use, it also shifts the primary keyboard to the left, making it slightly awkward to get used to. Of course, if you want a numpad, then you probably won\u2019t mind this.\n\n\nAs for the trackpad, it\u2019s great. It has a nice, smooth surface, and it can track my fingers quite accurately.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Nitro 16, with the renewed branding, really does invigorate the Nitro series of gaming laptops. It looks better, it gets a taller display, and the hardware are as capable as ever. When we take into account the fact that the Nitro series has always offered good value for money, the new Nitro 16 is that much more attractive.\n\n\nHowever, the Malaysian availability and pricing of the Nitro 16 have not been revealed yet, so it remains to be seen if its value proposition will remain as competitive as it is now. For context, the previous Nitro 5 \u2013 the direct predecessor of the Nitro 16, despite the different naming convention \u2013 retailed from RM4,399 locally at launch.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf Acer Malaysia can retain this price point, I reckon the Nitro 16 will be well-received by Malaysian consumers. After all, a sub-RM4,500 gaming laptop with AMD or Intel\u2019s latest processors paired with Nvidia\u2019s RTX 40 series GPU sounds like a great combo, even though its global pricing is higher.\n\n\nTake the price of the Nitro 16 for the US market, which starts at $1,149 \u2013 that comes up to about RM5,060. However, in China, it retails from only 7,099 Chinese yuan (approximately RM4,555). That is closer to the starting price of the gaming laptop \u2013 well, last year\u2019s model, anyway \u2013 on our shores.\n\n\nHopefully, the Nitro 16 will continue to offer good value for money once it is launched here in Malaysia. The gaming laptop will be available first in China sometime in April 2023, while the US and EMEA markets will get it in May 2023.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dell-concept-nyx-game-controller-features-adaptive-thumb-sticks-fingerprint-sensor/", "title": "Dell Concept Nyx Game Controller Features Adaptive Thumb Sticks & Fingerprint Sensor", "body": "\n\nThe Dell Concept Nyx made its debut back in 2022 as an edge gaming concept that provides easy access to a user\u2019s gaming library on multiple devices and screens. This year, the company released the Dell Concept Nyx Game Controller to further improve upon the concept.\n\n\nOn the surface, the Concept Nyx Game Controller looks like your average gamepad, but it does have some intriguing features. The thumb sticks, for example, have a \u201cself-adjusting variable resistance\u201d system to add immersion in games. It even has a scroll wheel for easy navigation or weapon cycling in supported games.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the most interesting features of the Concept Nyx Game Controller play into Concept Nyx itself. The controller can be pointed to a screen or device to start streaming games by pulling the trigger \u2013 voice commands can be used to achieve this too \u2013 and it has a fingerprint sensor as well to launch, say, a game you yourself previous played instead of someone else that uses the controller too.\n\n\nDell Concept Nyx and the Nyx Game Controller are certainly interesting, but it remains to be seen if Dell can execute the idea. With that in mind, Concept Nyx has no tentative release yet, given that it is still a\u2026well, concept. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if it will ever materialise to be a consumer product.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-find-n2-flip-looks-to-be-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Oppo Find N2 Flip Looks to Be Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nWhile the \nOppo Find N2\n may not be sold outside of China, that\u2019s not the case with the Chinese company\u2019s other foldable phone, the Oppo Find N2 Flip. Not only is the clamshell foldable phone entering the European market, it looks to be coming to Malaysia as well.\n\n\nIn our routine search through SIRIM\u2019s database, the Find N2 Flip was registered with the certification body under Jie Business just last week on 31 December 2022. Electronics have to be certified by SIRIM first before they can be officially sold in Malaysia, so evidently, Oppo Malaysia is working to launch the foldable phone here.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Find N2 Flip is Oppo\u2019s answer to the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 4\n. Compared to the latter, the Find N2 Flip sports a more sizeable 3.26-inch 720 x 382 AMOLED cover screen, while the primary display is a 6.8-inch 2520 x 1080 AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nJust like the larger Find N2, the Find N2 Flip features a Hasselblad-branded camera system made up of a 50MP primary sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide angle lens. Naturally, it features Oppo\u2019s very own MariSilicon X NPU as well for improved camera performance.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Find N2 Flip include a MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ chipset paired with up to 16GB of RAM, two storage options (256GB or 512GB), a 32MP selfie camera, as well as a generous 4,300mAh battery with support for 44W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe haven\u2019t heard from Oppo Malaysia on any local launch for the Oppo Find N2 Flip. But given that it\u2019s been registered with SIRIM already, we reckon it\u2019s only a matter of time before the foldable phone is officially sold here. We\u2019ll be sure to keep a close eye for any relevant updates.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-3-4-arrives-18-january-with-alhaitham-yaoyao-new-outfits-for-ayaka-lisa/", "title": "Genshin Impact 3.4 Arrives 18 January With Alhaitham, Yaoyao & New Outfits for Ayaka, Lisa", "body": "\n\nGenshin Impact 3.4 is coming in just a couple of weeks! Set to arrive on 18 January 2023, the Version 3.4 update will introduce Alhaitham and Yaoyao as playable characters, along with new outfits for Kamisato Ayaka and Lisa.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the two new Dendro characters. As expected, Alhaitham is a 5-star character that wields a sword, while Yaoyao is a 4-star polearm character. Both of these characters will be featured in the same event wish alongside Xiao\u2019s rerun banner in the first phase, followed by Hu Tao\u2019s and Yelan\u2019s event wishes in the second half.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, once Genshin Impact\u2019s Version 3.4 update is available, Kamisato Ayaka\u2019s \u201cSpringbloom Missive\u201d outfit will be available for purchase in the shop at a discount (1,350 Genesis Crystals); the price will revert to 1,680 Genesis Crystals on 27 February. As for Lisa\u2019s \u201cA Sobriquet Under Shade\u201d outfit, players can get it for free by completing the annual Lantern Rite event.\n\n\nA new area will also be available in Sumeru once Genshin Impact 3.4 is live. The Desert of Hadramaveth is located to the northwest of Sumeru, where a perpetual tornado sits in the centre of the desert. A new World Quest \u201cGolden Slumber\u201d can be found in the area, so if you\u2019re a fan of Genshin Impact\u2019s lore, be sure to complete it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Version 3.4 update of Genshin Impact will arrive in the next two weeks on 18 January. Alhaitham, Yaoyao, and Xiao will be featured in the first event wish, followed by Hu Tao and Yelan in the second phase.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-x90-series-confirmed-for-malaysian-market/", "title": "Vivo X90 Series Confirmed for Malaysian Market", "body": "\n\nVivo Malaysia just confirmed the local availability of its latest flagship smartphones, the Vivo X90 series. The lineup consists of the X90, X90 Pro, and X90 Pro+, and at least two of them are set to be available in Malaysia.\n\n\nThe local availability of the X90 series was confirmed by Vivo Malaysia on its Facebook page. Though the Chinese company didn\u2019t specify which phones in the series will be available here, we\u2019ve previously reported on the SIRIM certifications of the \nX90\n and \nX90 Pro\n, so these two models should be sold here.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDespite being the most affordable model, the Vivo X90 still features a Zeiss-branded triple camera system made up of a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 12MP portrait lens. It also features a 6.78-inch 2800 x 1260 AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 32MP selfie camera, up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB storage, as well as a 4,810mAh battery.\n\n\nAs for the X90 Pro, it has a more sophisticated Zeiss camera setup headlined by a 50MP main shooter with a large 1-inch sensor for improved camera performance. Complementing the primary camera are a 50MP telephoto lens and a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter.\n\n\nBeyond its camera configuration, other hardware of the X90 Pro are similar to the standard X90, though it does have a slightly larger 4,870mAh battery with support for 120W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlthough the Vivo X90 series is confirmed for the Malaysian market already, it remains to be seen exactly when it will be launched on our shores. We\u2019ll keep a close eye for any relevant updates, especially on the local availability of the range-topping X90 Pro+.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-predator-triton-300-se-finally-coming-to-malaysia/", "title": "Acer Predator Triton 300 SE Finally Coming to Malaysia", "body": "\n\nIt looks like Acer Malaysia is finally bringing in its compact gaming laptop, the \nAcer Predator Triton 300 SE\n, to Malaysian shores. The current refreshed model was launched back in May 2022, and compared to its predecessor, it sports a sleeker, more modern-looking design now.\n\n\nAs usual, we were going through SIRIM\u2019s database when we saw the Triton 300 SE registered with the certification body under Acer Malaysia just today. Though it\u2019s dubbed \u201cPredator Triton 14\u201d in the database, the N22Q8 model number points to it being the Triton 300 SE.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe refreshed Triton 300 SE is offered in two sizes. There\u2019s the 14-inch model you see here \u2013 and likely the SIRIM certification too \u2013 and a larger 16-inch version for those who want a more expansive display. There\u2019s even an option for an OLED screen, though this seems to be limited to the 14-inch variant.\n\n\nDepending on the size of the Triton 300 SE, the refresh rate of the display also varies from 90Hz to as high as 240Hz; the resolution also ranges from 2560 x 1600 to 2880 x 1800. Regardless of which size you get, both models feature a tall 16:10 display over the previous model\u2019s 16:9 panel.\n\n\nOther specifications of the updated Triton 300 SE include a selection of Intel\u2019s 12th generation H-series processors (up to a Core i9), Nvidia GeForce RTX 30 series GPUs (maxing out at an RTX 3070 Ti), as well as custom-engineered 5th Gen AeroBlade 3D fans for improved cooling performance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt remains to be seen exactly when the Acer Predator Triton 300 SE will be launched in Malaysia, but given that it has been registered with SIRIM already, we reckon its local launch is happening very soon. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the availability of the compact gaming laptop on our shores.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-azoth-review-asus-most-custom-pre-built-keyboard-yet/", "title": "Asus ROG Azoth Review: Asus\u2019 Most Custom Pre-Built Keyboard Yet", "body": "\n\nAsus\u2019 range of pre-built mechanical keyboards have steadily improved over the years, and the new Asus ROG Azoth is the Taiwanese company\u2019s most refined keyboard yet. Not only does it provide a refined typing experience and sound profile, it also combines several features of a custom keyboard with the creature comforts of a pre-built.\n\n\nHowever, in comparison to a \u201cproper\u201d custom keyboard \u2013 especially at the same price point \u2013 the ROG Azoth still has some ways to go. But if you want the convenience of a pre-built keyboard with elements of a custom keyboard, the Azoth is worth looking into.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nAt a glance, the ROG Azoth is a 75% keyboard with a mounting style more commonly found on custom keyboards. Instead of a tray-mount system typically found on pre-built keyboards, it has a more sophisticated gasket-mount design instead. However, it still offers a relatively stiff typing experience, which can be attributed to its use of silicone gaskets \u2013 more on this later.\n\n\nAside from that, the Azoth also has an OLED display on the top right corner. It can show various information, including system information, audio visualisation, or just a nice animation. There\u2019s a three-way toggle too with a side button to the right of the OLED screen to control certain functions.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther features of the ROG Azoth include wireless support via a 2.4GHz dongle or Bluetooth, a hotswap PCB with three choices of ROG NX switches (linear, tactile, clicky), three layers of dampening foam to reduce case ping, and double shot see-through PBT keycaps. Oh, the keyboard is also bundled with a lube kit.\n\n\nUnfortunately, there are no details on the pricing and availability of the ROG Azoth at the moment, though an Asus representative told me it would sit around the RM1,000 price point. That\u2019s not too far from the launch price of Asus\u2019 other high-end keyboards like the \nROG Claymore II\n.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the sound profile of the Asus ROG Azoth, which is\u2026well, surprisingly solid! While it still has some of the \u201cplasticky\u201d sound signature typically found on pre-built keyboards, it\u2019s not quite as pronounced with the Azoth. Evidently, the dampening foams used in the keyboard work, not to mention the gasket mounting system.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the gasket-mount of the ROG Azoth is implemented in such a way that the typing experience is quite stiff. This is due to the use of silicone gaskets instead of a softer material like PORON; there\u2019s also the fact that this keyboard uses a rather stiff steel plate.\n\n\nOf course, a stiff typing experience isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing. It all comes down to preference, and one advantage of the Azoth\u2019s gasket-mount system is a more \u201ceven\u201d typing feel across the keyboard. This is in contrast to a typical tray-mount keyboard, which usually has uneven typing feel around the mounting points.\n\n\nAs for the Azoth\u2019s ROG NX Red switch on this review unit, it\u2019s\u2026a decent linear switch. The factory lube is quite good and consistent, though there\u2019s still a hint of scratchiness. But that\u2019s where the bundled lube kit comes in.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s actually very, very impressive that a mainstream brand like Asus is providing such a robust set of equipment in the ROG Azoth\u2019s lube kit. There\u2019s a bottle of Krytox 205g0 \u2013 a popular lube in the custom keyboard hobby \u2013 a switch opener, a switch holder, and of course, a brush. Everything you need to start lubing switches for a more refined typing experience, basically.\n\n\nBesides that, I also appreciate the option to use the Azoth in three different typing angles, thanks to the inclusion of two feet with different heights. This is a feature not commonly found on custom keyboards, so that\u2019s an added advantage for the Azoth.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the ROG Azoth\u2019s stabiliser, which is surprisingly good with little to no ticking out of the box. Still, I\u2019m not thrilled by the proprietary, costar-style design of the plate-mounted stabilisers, so thankfully enough, the PCB of the Azoth actually has cutouts that allow the installation of popular screw-in stabilisers like the \nStaebies\n or \nTX stabilisers\n.\n\n\nLast but definitely not least is the OLED screen of the Azoth. While it may seem gimmicky at a glance, it is actually quite functional. Its ability to show vital system information, battery life, or even just an animation is a nice novelty. I absolutely love the practicality of the three-way toggle and side button to the right of the screen too, which allows me to control the volume, lighting, and even media playback.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAs much as Asus has improved the typing experience and sound profile of the Asus ROG Azoth, its double shot PBT keycap set is still not particularly polished. Not only does it have an overly rough texture, the see-through legends don\u2019t look great either, though I understand it\u2019s there for the RGB lighting of the keyboard to come through. With that in mind, yes, the PCB does have north-facing LEDs, which may cause interference with lower profile keycaps.\n\n\nBuild quality of the Azoth could use some work too. Don\u2019t get me wrong, it feels like a robust, solid keyboard, but the plastic bottom housing does affect the perceived quality of the Azoth. Granted, the use of this material is to maximise the wireless performance of the keyboard, and in this regard, it does serve its function. There\u2019s no perceivable input delay at all in wireless mode.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile this is not a completely fair comparison, I do have to put the ROG Azoth against an equivalent custom keyboard for the same amount of money. While there\u2019s no official pricing yet for the Azoth, we can take the RM1,000 estimated pricing as a ballpark figure.\n\n\nFor that kind of money, there\u2019s no denying that you can get better typing experience and sound profile with a custom keyboard, such as the \nQwertykeys QK75\n. Yes, custom keyboards are not as widely available as the Azoth, but if you value typing feel, sound profile, and customisation above all else, a custom keyboard offers just that.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nWell, it depends. At the time of writing, the Asus ROG Azoth has no pricing or release detail yet, so it\u2019s tough to gauge the worthiness of the keyboard. But I do thoroughly enjoy using the keyboard as my daily driver \u2013 much more than any other pre-built keyboard I\u2019ve tested from a mainstream brand.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe ROG Azoth is a fantastic effort by Asus to implement desirable features of a custom keyboard on a mainstream, widely available pre-built keyboard. While it\u2019s still not quite on the same level as a custom keyboard yet when it comes to typing feel or sound profile, it\u2019s certainly a step in the right direction.\n\n\nHopefully, Asus Malaysia will reveal the local availability and pricing of the Azoth in the near future. In my opinion, it is Asus\u2019 most refined keyboard yet, and it does have some modding potential.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/another-highway-toll-evader-caught-with-45-unpaid-toll-fares-mercedes-a-class-driver-charged-rm275-65/", "title": "Another Highway Toll Evader Caught With 45 Unpaid Toll Fares \u2013 Mercedes A-Class Driver Charged RM275.65", "body": "\n\nIt looks like yet another highway toll evader got caught. This time around, it\u2019s a \nMercedes-Benz A-Class \ndriver, who has managed to evade a grand total of 45 toll charges before getting caught \u2013 that is quite a number of evasions.\n\n\nThe Mercedes driver was caught on the AKLEH highway by Prolintas; there\u2019s a chance the driver did not manage to tailgate another car to get through the toll\u2019s boom gate. The offender paid RM275.65 on the spot to settle the unpaid toll charges.\n\n\n\n\nCuba teka, kali ni kereta apa pulak yang kantoi? Amboi berani betul sister ni. \npic.twitter.com/EHeOpPWC0g\n\u2014 PROLINTAS AKLEH (@AKLEHtrafik) \nJanuary 9, 2023\n\n\n\n\nEvidently, the driver is lucky to only have to pay that amount of money \u2013 even if it\u2019s quite a big sum \u2013 without getting any form of summon for the offense. A fine can be issued to toll evaders, though legal actions have to be pursued.\n\n\nBeyond getting fined, the act of toll evasion is also dangerous as it requires the offender to closely tailgate another car in order to pass through the boom gate. Of course, dangerous driving in itself is a punishable offense, so be warned!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-asus-rog-azoth-sound-test-actually-good/", "title": "Video: Asus ROG Azoth Sound Test \u2013 Actually Good?", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Azoth could just be Asus\u2019 most refined pre-built keyboard yet. Packed with some features typically found on custom keyboards, the Azoth even has an OLED display on the top right corner.\n\n\nAt a glance, the ROG Azoth is a 75% keyboard with a gasket-mount design, which is typically only found on custom keyboards. However, it still offers a relatively stiff typing experience, which can be attributed to the use of silicone gaskets instead of a softer material \u2013 more on this in the full review.\n\n\nOther features of the ROG Azoth include wireless support via a 2.4GHz dongle or Bluetooth, a hotswap PCB with three choices of ROG NX switches (linear, tactile, clicky), three layers of dampening foam to reduce case ping, and double shot PBT keycaps. Oh, the keyboard is bundled with a lube kit too, which includes a small bottle of Krytox 205g0, a popular lube in the custom keyboard hobby.\n\n\nUnfortunately, there are no details on the pricing and availability of the ROG Azoth at the moment, though an Asus representative told us it would sit around the RM1,000 price point. Nonetheless, stay tuned for our full review of the Azoth!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hoyoverse-reminds-genshin-impact-players-to-be-wary-of-third-party-sites-for-account-security/", "title": "Hoyoverse Reminds Genshin Impact Players to Be Wary of Third-Party Sites for Account Security", "body": "\n\nAccount security has always been an issue in the online gaming community, and \nHoyoverse is reminding Genshin Impact players\n to be wary of certain actions that could compromise their account security. These include logging into phishing websites, account sharing, and using third-party plugins.\n\n\nAccording to Hoyoverse, Genshin Impact players who had their accounts compromised have logged into third-party websites and applications from unknown sources. If you\u2019ve done either of these, it\u2019s best to change your password immediately to avoid losing access to your account.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s also good practice to not trust websites or platforms that offer free Primogems or \u201cfarming services,\u201d which is widely available, surprisingly enough. Letting another party log into your Genshin Impact account, with permissions or not, can compromise account security.\n\n\nGenshin Impact players with any concerns on the security of their accounts can get in touch with Hoyoverse through the Hoyolab app. Alternatively, the customer service team can also be reached via email at \n[email\u00a0protected]\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nokia-5710-xpressaudio-with-built-in-wireless-earbuds-land-in-malaysia-for-rm339/", "title": "Nokia 5710 XpressAudio With Built-in Wireless Earbuds Land in Malaysia for RM339", "body": "\n\nHMD Global has released quite a number of Nokia feature phones in Malaysia, and the latest offering to arrive here is the Nokia 5710 XpressAudio. One unique feature of the phone is the fact that it comes with built-in wireless earbuds.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the 5710 XpressAudio has a pair of wireless earbuds hidden in the phone\u2019s back casing. There are two ways to look at this device: it\u2019s either a phone with wireless earbuds, or a pair of wireless earbuds with a charging case that doubles as a phone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardware wise, the 5710 XpressAudio is decidedly modest. It features a 320 x 240 LCD display, a Unisoc T107 processor paired with 48MB of RAM \u2013 this is a feature phone, after all \u2013 128MB of internal storage, a 0.3MP rear camera, and a 1,450mAh battery\u2026that is also removable. Very nice.\n\n\nThe Nokia 5710 XpressAudio is \nnow available for purchase in Malaysia for RM339\n. If you need either a pair of wireless earbuds or a feature phone for emergencies, this affordable phone is worth considering.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/bmw-ce-04-electric-scooter-coming-to-malaysia-march-2023-rm60k-estimated-pricing/", "title": "BMW CE 04 Electric Scooter Coming to Malaysia March 2023 \u2013 RM60k Estimated Pricing", "body": "\n\nThe much anticipated BMW CE 04 will make its way to Malaysian shores in March 2023 later this year. One of the main selling points of the electric scooter is its sleek-looking futuristic design, not to mention pretty respectable performance.\n\n\nAt the moment, no official pricing for the CE 04 has been revealed, though it\u2019s estimated to retail around the RM60,000 price point. The final price will be unveiled closer to its aforementioned local launch sometime in March 2023.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTouted as an electric scooter for city riding, the CE 04 is quite a fast vehicle, though it does have relatively limited range of up to 130km from a 8.9kWh battery. Nonetheless, the scooter\u2019s electric motor can output 42PS and 62Nm of torque, allowing it to sprint from 0-50kmph in only 2.6 seconds. It also has a top speed of 120kmph (electronically limited).\n\n\nAs for charging time, the CE 04 can be charged from 0-80% in 1 hour and 5 minutes with a 6.9kW AC charger. If it\u2019s charged with a slower 2.3kW AC charger instead, it takes 3 hours and 30 minutes to get to the same level of charge.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the BMW CE 04 is expected to arrive in Malaysia sometime in March 2023. It\u2019s estimated to go for around RM60,000, which is quite a bit lower than the asking prices of the electric scooter in other markets.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2023-bmw-3-series-lands-in-malaysia-3-variants-320i-330i-330e-ckd-from-rm284k/", "title": "2023 BMW 3 Series Lands in Malaysia \u2013 3 Variants (320i, 330i, 330e), CKD, From RM284k", "body": "\n\nAside from the sleek \nBMW CE 04\n, BMW Malaysia also introduced the latest 2023 BMW 3 Series (G20) LCI locally. Three variants of the premium sedan are offered at launch, including the 320i, 330i, and 330e \u2013 all available only in M Sport trim and locally assembled (CKD).\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with pricing. Naturally, the 320i is the most affordable of the lot with a RM283,800 price tag. A tier up is the 330e for RM298,800, while the 330i comes in at a cool RM317,800. These prices include a five-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service programme, BMW roadside assistance and accident hotline, BMW Group Loyalty+ app, BMW Privileges Card, and BMW Service Online.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe exterior of the 320i, 330i, and 330e may be similar to each other, but it\u2019s a whole different story under their respective hoods. The 320i, for one, features a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that outputs 184hp and 300Nm of torque, and it can go from 0-100kmph in 7.4 seconds.\n\n\nAs for the 330i, it has a more powerful version of the same 2.0L turbo engine that delivers 258hp and 400Nm of torque for a quick century sprint timing of only 5.8 seconds. As for the 330e plug-in hybrid (PHEV), it has a combined output of 292hp and 420 Nm of torque with a similar 0-100kmph time as the 330i (5.8 seconds).\n\n\nAn eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels is standard across the range of the new 3 Series.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the new 3 Series include 18-inch alloy wheels, the BMW Curved Display in the interior that combines the 14.9-inch infotainment screen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Driving Assistant (Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Warning, Front Collision Warning), and of course, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.\n\n\nTo recap, the 2023 BMW 3 Series starts at RM283,800 for the 320i, moving up to RM298,800 and RM317,800 for the 330e and 330i respectively; these prices are on-the-road without insurance. It\u2019s worth noting that BMW Malaysia will bring in two more variants of the 3 Series sometime in March 2023.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-wind-x-r2-sound-test-super-flexy-65-custom-keyboard-with-a-numpad/", "title": "Video: Wind X R2 Sound Test \u2013 Super Flexy 65% Custom Keyboard With a Numpad!", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the main selling points of the Wind X R2 is its layout: it combines a 65% layout with a numpad, which is not something you see very often. It is also a very flexible keyboard, as you can see in the sound test video above.\n\n\nThere are two ways to mount the Wind X R2: top-mount or gasket-mount, and we went with the latter for our build. On top of that, there are actually two different methods to gasket-mount the keyboard. There\u2019s the standard PORON gasket, or a nub-like silicone gasket, which we decided to go with.\n\n\nThe groupbuy for the Wind X R2 will take place from 3 February to 3 March next month, and Rebult Keyboards will be the Malaysian proxy for the keyboard. Stay tuned for our full review of the Wind X R2 on \nour YouTube channel\n!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dji-rs-3-mini-official-795g-handheld-travel-stabiliser-for-rm1549-in-malaysia/", "title": "DJI RS 3 Mini Official \u2013 795g Handheld Travel Stabiliser for RM1,549 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nDJI just released a new product, the DJI RS 3 Mini, and it looks to be the perfect stabiliser for those who are looking for a lightweight, portable option. After all, it weighs just 795g, and it can carry a payload of up to 2kg.\n\n\nAccording to DJI, this makes the RS 3 Mini ideal for supporting mainstream mirrorless cameras and lenses. Some examples include a Sony A7S3 with a 24-70mm f/2.8 GM lens or a Canon EOS R5 paired to an RF24-70mm f/2.8 STM lens. A full list of compatible options can be found \nhere\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the lightweight nature of the RS 3 Mini is really one of its main selling points. Tipping the scales at only 795g, it is 50% lighter than the RS 3 Pro, and 40% lighter than the RS 3. Aside from that, it also has Bluetooth shutter control, a \u201cthird generation stabilisation algorithm,\u201d native horizontal and vertical switching, a 1.4-inch colour touchscreen, as well as up to 10 hours of use.\n\n\nThe DJI RS 3 Mini can now be purchased in Malaysia for RM1,549. You can get it from DJI Malaysia\u2019s official store on \nShopee\n or \nLazada\n. More details on the RS 3 Mini can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-schedules-unpacked-event-for-2-february-galaxy-s23-series-expected/", "title": "Samsung Schedules Unpacked Event for 2 February \u2013 Galaxy S23 Series Expected", "body": "\n\nSamsung officially confirmed its next Unpacked event, and it\u2019s most likely a launch event for its latest flagship smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy S23 series. Set to take place in San Francisco on 2 February, this will be the Korean company\u2019s first in-person Unpacked event in three years.\n\n\nThe teaser for the February Unpacked event, \njust like\n \nprevious ones\n, somewhat gives us a glimpse to what Samsung could be introducing. The three spotlights shown could be a nod to the design of the phones\u2019 camera configuration, or even to signify that there will be three Galaxy S23 phones.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, if the Unpacked teaser is focusing on the camera system of the Galaxy S23, it\u2019s possible the upcoming flagship phones will feature a new camera system of sorts. After all, it\u2019s been rumoured that (at the very least) the Galaxy S23 Ultra will receive a 200MP main camera.\n\n\nWe\u2019ll find out for ourselves just what Samsung has in store for us come 2 February at 2AM; that\u2019s when the Galaxy Unpacked event will be streamed live for us here in Malaysia. You can also register your interest \nhere\n to get a RM200 Samsung e-voucher to pre-order the next Galaxy.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/marvel-snap-introduces-slew-of-changes-card-nerfs-buffs-series-drop-qol-improvements/", "title": "Marvel Snap Introduces Slew of Changes \u2013 Card Nerfs & Buffs, Series Drop, QoL Improvements", "body": "\n\nSecond Dinner just dropped a new patch for Marvel Snap, and there are quite a number of changes to go through. Not only have several cards been nerfed \u2013 some even got buffed \u2013 a number of Series 4 and Series 5 cards are also going down a Series in the near future, making them more accessible.\n\n\nFirst up, cards that have been nerfed in Marvel Snap. Leader \u2013 I absolutely hate his ability \u2013 Aero, Nova, and Galactus have their powers reduced by one. It\u2019s worth noting that both Leader and Galactus may see additional changes in the future.\n\n\n\n\nThe first patch of 2023 is here!\nAs a heads up, this is a bit lighter of an update and you can expect more balance changes to hit the game in the coming weeks.\nSee the full patch notes here \ud83d\udc47\nhttps://t.co/jXJMWe6d9Y\n \npic.twitter.com/3JoGzv8rNd\n\u2014 MARVEL SNAP (@MARVELSNAP) \nJanuary 10, 2023\n\n\n\n\nAs for cards that are buffed, both Groot and Drax have their powers increased by one, though their effects also see one power reduction. This change is meant to make them less risky to play, even if their final powers (if their effects land) are ultimately unchanged. Besides that, Hazmat, Nakia, and Black Cat have their powers increased by one too.\n\n\nNow, onto the Series Drop. The Series 5 cards that will be moved to Series 4 include Bast, Shuri, Black Panther, Valkyrie, and Super-Skrull, while Series 4 cards that are going down to Series 3 are She-Hulk, Absorbing Man, Luke Cage, and Titania. This Series Drop is expected to \ntake place on 31 January\n through a patch.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond these changes, Marvel Snap sees other quality-of-life improvements as well. Cards that take a long time to finish their animations, for one, will see the game \u201cfast forward\u201d to the end of their effects. The full patch note can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/12-18-january-fuel-price-ron-97-still-remains-at-rm3-35-per-litre/", "title": "12 \u2013 18 January Fuel Price: RON 97 Still Remains at RM3.35 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nRON 97 sees no price change yet again this week. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.35 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 11 to 18 January next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mkb-now-open-another-custom-keyboard-retail-store-in-malaysia/", "title": "MKB Now Open \u2013 Another Custom Keyboard Retail Store in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nIt looks like the custom keyboard scene in Malaysia is steadily growing. We\u2019ve got \nClick & Brew\n in George Town, Penang; \nMecha Store\n in Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya; and now, MKB in SS15, Subang Jaya.\n\n\nMKB started off as a Shopee retailer, and it opened its retail store just a couple of weeks ago. The store looks to be quite sizeable as well, and of course, there are a variety of mechanical keyboard parts there, including switches, keyboard kits, deskmats, and even artisans.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLooking at MKB\u2019s \nShopee store\n and \nwebsite\n, the retailer looks to carry very affordable products. That makes it ideal for folks who want to get into the custom keyboard hobby without spending too much money, and it\u2019s worth noting that MKB has a wide variety of switches as well.\n\n\nYou can give MKB a visit over at \nSS15, Subang Jaya\n, right beside the popular Nasi Kandar Pelita restaurant. The store is open every day of the week from 12PM to 10PM.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-dji-mavic-3-classic-vs-mavic-3/", "title": "Video: DJI Mavic 3 Classic vs. Mavic 3", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe DJI Mavic 3 Classic is essentially a more affordable alternative to the higher-end Mavic 3. Beyond the absence of the 12MP telephoto lens, it has the same features as the more expensive drone, including the same battery life (up to 46 minutes), D-Log, and Night Mode.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Mavic 3 Classic is \ncurrently listed from RM6,879\n. As for the more capable Mavic 3, it \nstarts at a cool RM9,799\n \u2013 that\u2019s almost a RM3,000 price difference. Given that the only big differentiator between the two drones is the 12MP telephoto camera, you can save up quite a bit of money with the Classic if you don\u2019t need that lens.\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to know more about the DJI Mavic 3 Classic, check out our video above! Of course, we also have several sample footage shot with the drone in the video.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-predator-helios-16-helios-18-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Acer Predator Helios 16 & Helios 18 Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nIt looks like more Acer products are coming to Malaysia. The Acer Predator Helios 16 and Helios 18 were unveiled just last week at CES 2023, and we believe these two gaming powerhouses will be available in Malaysia very soon.\n\n\nJust today, both the Predator Helios 16 and Helios 18 appeared in SIRIM\u2019s database under Acer Malaysia. Before electronics can be officially sold here, they have to be certified by SIRIM first, so it\u2019s likely the Taiwanese company is gearing up to launch the two laptops on our shores. Hopefully, alongside the \nPredator Triton 300 SE\n as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Predator Helios 18\n\n\n\n\nHardware wise, the Helios 16 and Helios 18 are quite similar to each other. Both can be configured with Nvidia\u2019s latest RTX 4080 GPU, 13th gen Intel Core i9 or i7 HX processors, and get this: mini-LED displays with a taller than usual 16:10 aspect ratio.\n\n\nThat\u2019s where the two gaming laptops differ from each other. The Helios 16 features either a 16-inch 2560 x 1600 display at 165Hz or a mini-LED panel at 250Hz, while the Helios 18 comes with an 18-inch panel of various options that maxes out at a 250Hz mini-LED screen.\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Predator Helios 16\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet from Acer Malaysia on any local launch for the Helios 16, Helios 18, or even the Predator Triton 300 SE, which has \nalso been certified by SIRIM\n. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye for any relevant development.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spongebob-squarepants-the-cosmic-shake-gets-new-trailer-coming-31-january-2023/", "title": "SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake Gets New Trailer \u2013 Coming 31 January 2023", "body": "\n\nYes, there\u2019s a new SpongeBob SquarePants game around the corner, and THQ Nordic dropped a new trailer for it. Set to be released at the end of the month on 31 January 2023, the trailer for SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake shows us the characters that will make an appearance.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re familiar with the SpongeBob SquarePants franchise, you\u2019ll definitely see some familiar faces in the trailer below. There are of course SpongeBob himself with Patrick, Squidward, Sandy, and even Gary, SpongeBob\u2019s pet snail. The best part is, all of them are voiced by the original voice actors.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLike previous SpongeBob games, The Cosmic Shake is a 3D platformer, and the game will follow the titular character\u2019s adventure to reunite the people of Bikini Bottom. Players can travel to seven different \u201cWishworlds,\u201d and there are as many as 30 different costumes to choose from.\n\n\nSpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake will be released on 31 January 2023 at the end of the month. It is available on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, as well as PC on Steam.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-x70-facelift-expected-in-2023/", "title": "Proton X50 & X70 Facelift Expected in 2023", "body": "\n\nNow this is interesting: a new report claims that Proton could be giving the X50 and X70 a facelift sometime this year. It makes sense for the national carmaker to refresh the two models, especially the X50, which has not seen any major update since its introduction in 2020.\n\n\nThis bit of rumour came from \nFuntasticko\n. According to its source, the X70 will get a more major change than \nlast year\u2019s update\n, which introduced the X50\u2018s 1.5L turbo engine to the C-segment SUV. Funtasticko\u2019s source claims that the X70 will see some exterior and interior updates, including a new grille, bumper, larger infotainment screen, and an updated gear knob.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the X50, no details have been revealed by Funtasticko\u2019s source. Chances are, the B-segment SUV may receive some slight design changes, given that it is only a facelift. It should still soldier on with the same 1.5L engine that outputs 177PS and 255Nm of torque paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.\n\n\nThe same source also said that the facelifted Proton X70 is expected to debut sometime in June 2023, while the Proton X50 facelift will follow suit at a later date. Nonetheless, given that this is only a rumour, take these details with a grain of salt.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-x90-x90-pro-launching-in-malaysia-3-february-2023/", "title": "Vivo X90 & X90 Pro Launching in Malaysia 3 February 2023", "body": "\n\nVivo Malaysia will be launching its latest flagship smartphones on our shores early next month. The local launch event of the Vivo X90 series is set to take place on 3 February 2023, and two phones in the series \u2013 X90 and X90 Pro \u2013 will be offered in Malaysia.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, Vivo Malaysia confirmed that only the X90 and X90 Pro are launching in Malaysia on that day, which is in line with our reports on the SIRIM certifications of the \nX90\n and \nX90 Pro\n. Unfortunately, the higher-end X90 Pro+ won\u2019t make an appearance at the launch event.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, despite being the more affordable model, the Vivo X90 still features a Zeiss-branded triple camera system made up of a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 12MP portrait lens. It also features a 6.78-inch 2800 x 1260 AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 32MP selfie camera, up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB storage, as well as a 4,810mAh battery.\n\n\nAs for the X90 Pro, it has a more sophisticated Zeiss camera setup headlined by a 50MP main shooter with a large 1-inch sensor for improved camera performance. Complementing the primary camera are a 50MP telephoto lens and a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter.\n\n\nBeyond its camera configuration, other hardware of the X90 Pro are similar to the standard X90, though it does have a slightly larger 4,870mAh battery with support for 120W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Vivo X90 and Vivo X90 Pro will be launched in Malaysia early next month on 3 February 2023. While there\u2019s no mention of the X90 Pro+, it\u2019s possible that the company will introduce the device here at a later date.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-pay-now-supports-hsbc-credit-cards-rm30-cashback-up-for-grabs/", "title": "Apple Pay Now Supports HSBC Credit Cards \u2013 RM30 Cashback up for Grabs", "body": "\n\nAnother bank now supports Apple Pay here in Malaysia. If you\u2019ve got a Visa or Mastercard credit card issued by HSBC \u2013 whether it\u2019s a HSBC or HSBC Amanah card \u2013 you can now add it to the convenient payment service.\n\n\nNow that HSBC credit cards are supported in Apple Pay, the bank is running a \nRM30 cashback campaign\n. To be eligible for the cashback, cardholders are required to make five transactions with their HSBC cards through Apple Pay until 31 May 2023.\n\n\nOf course, the process to add a HSBC credit card to Apple Pay remains the same. You can refer to our step-by-step guide to add supported cards to an iPhone\u00a0\nright here\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, Apple Pay makes it easier to make payments with a compatible Apple product, as it allows you to add your credit card or debit card to the service. Once you\u2019ve set up Apple Pay on, say, your iPhone, you can use your phone to make payments at retailers that support the service.\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve got a card issued by HSBC, Maybank, AmBank, or Standard Chartered, you can now add it to Apple Pay to start making payments with the service. Again, if you\u2019re not sure how to do that, here\u2019s our guide on how to\u00a0\nactivate Apple Pay on an iPhone\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-shows-new-animated-trailer-with-xiao-baizhu-qiqi-venti/", "title": "Genshin Impact Shows New Animated Trailer With Xiao, Baizhu, Qiqi, Venti", "body": "\n\nHoyoverse released a rather interesting new (animated) trailer for Genshin Impact, and it focuses quite a bit on Xiao. It\u2019s quite an intriguing video that goes into Xiao\u2019s struggle as a Yaksha, and three other characters \u2013 Baizhu, Qiqi, and Venti \u2013 make an appearance in the trailer too.\n\n\nWhat makes this trailer particularly intriguing is the fact that it has some \nstunning\n animations; something that isn\u2019t done very often in Genshin Impact\u2019s promotional videos. There\u2019s a chance the trailer is a glimpse at the storyline for this year\u2019s Lantern Rite festival in the game.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Lantern Rite festival in Genshin Impact is an in-game event that takes place in the Liyue region. It\u2019s done in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration on an annual basis, and it usually offer a generous amount of rewards.\n\n\nGenshin Impact 3.4 is set to arrive next week on 18 January alongside Alhaitham\u2019s event wish and Xiao\u2019s rerun banner, so it\u2019s no coincidence that he is featured quite prominently in the trailer above. More details on the Version 3.4 update of Genshin Impact can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-a78-5g-lands-in-malaysia-dimensity-700-5000mah-battery-rm1099/", "title": "Oppo A78 5G Lands in Malaysia \u2013 Dimensity 700, 5,000mAh Battery, RM1,099", "body": "\n\nOppo just introduced a new affordable phone in Malaysia, the Oppo A78 5G. Sporting a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging, the mid-ranger offers reasonably good value for money too.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the A78 5G is available in Malaysia. Sporting 8GB of RAM and 128GB of expandable storage, it is priced at RM1,099. Two colour options are offered: Glowing Black, and a striking Glowing Purple colourway.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the A78 features a MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor, a 6.56-inch 1612 x 720 display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a dual camera system (50MP primary + 2MP monochrome), an 8MP selfie camera, and ColorOS 13 based on Android 12 out of the box.\n\n\nThe Oppo A78 5G will be available for purchase in Malaysia from tomorrow onwards on 14 January. To recap, it retails at RM1,099, and those who buy the phone from an Oppo brand Store will also get an Oppo Band worth RM159 for free.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/qkz-x-hbb-khan-review-other-sub-40-usd-iems-khan-touch-this/", "title": "QKZ x HBB Khan Review: Other Sub-$40 IEMs Khan Touch This", "body": "\n\n2022 saw the release of numerous \u201cYouTuber collaboration\u201d IEMs, with manufacturers tapping the shoulders of the likes of \nCrinacle\n, HawaiiBadBoy (HBB), and Z Reviews. The results of these collaborations are IEMs tuned to the preference of the respective content creators, flaunting their years of expertise reviewing products from a plethora of audio brands.\n\n\nHBB, also known by his YouTube handle \nBad Guy Good Audio Reviews\n, is a name that needs no introduction; even if you\u2019re only ankle-deep into the audio hobby. You\u2019re bound to have come across one of his reviews on YouTube, especially in regards to ChiFi audio products.\n\n\nOne of his latest collaborations is the QKZ x HBB Khan, a dual dynamic driver IEM with a 10mm DD handling the bass, and a 7.8mm DD in charge of the mids and highs. This isn\u2019t the first time we\u2019ve seen a driver configuration of this sort \u2013 the \nTruthear Zero\n (a Crinacle collab IEM) has the same setup.\n\n\nSo\u2026is it any good? Let\u2019s find out in this review of the Khan.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nIn a way, the Khan really is HBB\u2019s take on the Truthear Zero, an IEM that received plenty of praise and glowing reviews. As mentioned, both IEMs feature a dual dynamic driver setup, and they seem to have a similar tuning (on paper, at least) as the Khan with only a slight variation in the mids and treble. Both are said to give you the listening experience of a \u201csubwoofer\u201d in an IEM, which I\u2019ll talk about further down this review.\n\n\nThe Khan features a 3D-printed, metallic-looking shell with carbon fiber-esque faceplates \u2013 which QKZ calls \u201cdragon scales\u201d \u2013 covered by a layer of resin. QKZ\u2019s logo is printed on the left shell, while the right one has HBB\u2019s own logo.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe shape of the Khan\u2019s shell is similar to that of the \nTruthear Hexa\n, though it does have a longer and wider nozzle. The IEM fits in my ears comfortably, but your mileage my vary \u2013 some of my colleagues find the nozzle to sit a tad too deep in their ears.\n\n\nAs for the Khan\u2019s included cable, it\u2019s a detachable 2-pin 0.75mm oxygen-free copper cable with the option to include a mic at no additional cost. Unfortunately, the cable is quite basic, prone to tangling, and doesn\u2019t feel particularly robust. But be fair, this \nis\n \njust a $39.99 (about RM175) IEM on Linsoul\n \u2013 it\u2019s very affordable.\n\n\nAside from the IEM itself, inside the Khan\u2019s box is a gold coin with HBB\u2019s and QKZ\u2019s logo printed on both sides. The coin is neither made of chocolate nor actual gold, though it is surprisingly hefty.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s also a hard shell carrying case included that isn\u2019t all that\u2026hard. It may have the looks of a Pelican case, but it feels thin and light in the hands. Not that you should expect any more for only $39.99, considering that other IEMs at this price point are usually bundled with a drawstring carrying pouch only \u2013 or nothing at all.\n\n\nHow Does It Sound?\n\n\nIf you\u2019re a basshead, the QKZ x HBB Khan should be high up on your list. Its bass quality really is one of the IEM\u2019s best qualities, which will definitely get your feet tapping to the beat of the drums in rock tracks, for example. Anyway, let\u2019s break down the sound signature of the Khan.\n\n\nBass\n\n\nAs gimmicky as a subwoofer-like sound quality\u2026sounds, the sub-bass of the Khan is truly something else. The low-end extends deep, it is substantial, and it is full of energy. The texture could be a tad tighter and more defined, but it is by no means muddy.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe speed of the Khan\u2019s bass is a slight bit slower than usual to my ears, but for added context, I have spent an extended amount of time with the \nRaptgo Hook-X\n. Needless to say, the bass quality of planar drivers has entirely different speed and texture.\n\n\nAs for the mid-bass, it is tucked in a bit, which I\u2019m not too bothered by as the presence from the sub-bass is already sufficient enough. This mid-bass dip also means that there won\u2019t be any bass bleeding into the mids.\n\n\nMids\n\n\nIn the mids region, there is a bit of audible recession. This is especially obvious if you\u2019re used to the upper mid-range boost usually present in Harman-tuned IEMs. The lack of mid-bass gives male vocals a lighter note weight, but it\u2019s far from shrill. Aside from the lack of body, male vocals could also benefit from a bit more warmth to liven up the sound a little.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFemale vocals are clear and natural-sounding, but they\u2019re almost a bit too laid back. There is a lack of presence and \u201cbite\u201d that makes this region a little dull. As someone who mostly listens to female vocal-centric songs, I consider this to be one of the Khan\u2019s main drawbacks.\n\n\nTreble\n\n\nThe excitement that was present in the bass and missing in the mids makes a return in the treble region of the Khan. The crispness of the highs pair well with the boomy low-end, creating a foot-tappingly fun listening experience. In short, the treble is crispy and smooth overall with a hint of grain, and there is a bit of a gentle roll off up top, lending to highs free from shoutiness and fatigue.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSoundstage\n\n\nStaging of the Khan is above average with a slight out-of-head sound. There is also good width, though depth and height are a little lacking. Imaging and clarity of instruments are done surprisingly well too.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nOverall, the QKZ x HBB Khan is an immensely fun pair of earphones. They are exceptionally good for genres like rock and hip-hop, though it is a bit lacking when it comes to slower ballads and female vocals. Even if QKZ doesn\u2019t publicly market the Khan to have the \u201csound of a subwoofer,\u201d the claim that the Truthear Zero makes does hold some water here as well \u2013 it has a similar driver setup, after all.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve yet to try the Zero, or if you\u2019re just not a fan of Crinacle and his tuning \u2013 it\u2019s a subjective hobby \u2013 then perhaps the sub-heavy Khan can be the ideal\u2026\nsub\nstitute.\n\n\nLi Jin Soh contributed to this review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-dehya-mika-teased-playable-in-version-3-5-update/", "title": "Genshin Impact Dehya & Mika Teased \u2013 Playable in Version 3.5 Update?", "body": "\n\nIn typical Hoyoverse fashion, the developer dropped a teaser for two (sort of) new characters coming to\u00a0\nGenshin Impact\n: Dehya and Mika. Both of them have actually appeared in the game before, so chances are, they will be playable in the Version 3.5 update of Genshin Impact.\n\n\nAfter all, characters that are teased by Hoyoverse are usually playable in the next version update of Genshin Impact, so there\u2019s no reason the same wouldn\u2019t apply to Dehya and Mika. Unfortunately, the rarity of the new characters has not been revealed yet, though we reckon Dehya is a 5-star character, given how prominent she is in the main Sumeru storyline.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs with previous teasers, there\u2019s no mention of the weapons that Dehya and Mika use, though the former does wield a claymore in-game. As the Vision of the two characters show in-game \u2013 and confirmed by Hoyoverse itself \u2013 Dehya wields the Pyro element, while Mika is a Cryo character.\n\n\nExpect Dehya and Mika to be playable characters once Genshin Impact 3.5 is here, which should be released sometime in March 2023, given that the Version 3.4 update \ndrops tomorrow on 18 January\n. That\u2019s also when \nAlhaitham\u2019s, Xiao\u2019s, and\n \nYaoyao\u2019s event wishes\n will be available in Genshin Impact.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-alhaitham-xiao-event-wishes-arrive-18-january-with-yaoyao-yun-jin-xinyan/", "title": "Genshin Impact Alhaitham & Xiao Event Wishes Arrive 18 January With Yaoyao, Yun Jin, Xinyan", "body": "\n\nThe character lineup for Alhaitham\u2019s and Xiao\u2019s event wishes has been revealed. Set to go live in \nGenshin Impact\n tomorrow on 18 January, the two 5-star characters\u2019 banners will be accompanied by Yaoyao, Yun Jin, and Xinyan.\n\n\nIn line with \nprevious Genshin Impact\n \ndouble banners\n, Alhaitham and Xiao both have the same roster of 4-star characters despite the fact that they\u2019re featured in separate event wishes. Of course, pity is also shared between the two banners, and the wish guarantee count\u00a0\nwill\n\u00a0carry over to future character banners too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe same rule applies to the increased \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Alhaitham, Xiao, Yaoyao, Yun Jin, and Xinyan. In the case of Alhaitham and Xiao, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be either of them, depending on which banner you\u2019re wishing. If you got a different character, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be them.\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s pity system for character banners ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character every 90 wishes, you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Alhaitham or Xiao. The same rule applies to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Yaoyao, Yun Jin, or Xinyan. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will likely have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlhaitham\u2019s \u201cCaution in Confidence\u201d and Xiao\u2019s \u201cInvitation to Mundane Life\u201d event wishes will be available in Genshin Impact on 18 January 2023 tomorrow. Their banners will be offered until 7 February 2023, which is when \nHu Tao\u2019s and Yelan\u2019s reruns\n\u00a0will go live.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-hu-tao-yelan-event-wishes-revealed-early-arrives-7-february-with-beidou-ningguang-xingqiu/", "title": "Genshin Impact Hu Tao & Yelan Event Wishes Revealed Early \u2013 Arrives 7 February With Beidou, Ningguang, Xingqiu", "body": "\n\nNow this is a pleasant surprise: Hoyoverse revealed the character lineup for Hu Tao\u2019s and Yelan\u2019s rerun banners earlier than expected. Set to go live in \nGenshin Impact\n on 7 February, the two 5-star characters\u2019 event wishes will be accompanied by Beidou, Ningguang, and Xingqiu.\n\n\nIn line with \nprevious Genshin Impact\n \ndouble banners\n, Hu Tao and Yelan both have the same roster of 4-star characters despite the fact that they\u2019re featured in separate event wishes. Of course, pity is also shared between the two banners, and the wish guarantee count\u00a0\nwill\n\u00a0carry over to future character banners too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe same rule applies to the increased \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Hu Tao, Yelan, Beidou, Ningguang, and Xingqiu. In the case of Hu Tao and Ye Lan, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be either of them, depending on which banner you\u2019re wishing. If you got a different character, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be them.\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s pity system for character banners ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character every 90 wishes, you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Hu Tao or Yelan. The same rule applies to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Beidou, Ningguang, or Xingqiu. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will likely have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHu Tao\u2019s \u201cMoment of Bloom\u201d and Yelan\u2019s \u201cDiscerner of Enigmas\u201d event wishes will be available in Genshin Impact on 7 February 2023 next month. Their banners will be offered until 28 February 2023, and we can expect \nDehya and Mika\n to be playable not long after that in the Version 3.5 update of Genshin Impact.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-tv-4k-3rd-gen-review-unlike-other-streaming-boxes/", "title": "Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) Review: Unlike Other Streaming Boxes", "body": "\n\nA streaming box, as its name suggests, is usually used primarily for streaming purposes. But the 3rd generation Apple TV 4K takes it up a notch. Not only does it provide a polished, refined streaming experience, it can even double as a gaming machine of sorts, thanks to its powerful Apple A15 Bionic chip.\n\n\nPaired with a Siri Remote that feels and looks great \u2013 it also charges via USB-C now \u2013 the Apple TV 4K is much more than just a streaming box. Even though it\u2019s costlier than other alternatives, you\u2019re getting your money\u2019s worth, especially if you take full advantage of its feature set.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nTwo models of the new Apple TV 4K\n\u00a0are offered. The WiFi-only base model with 64GB of storage is priced at RM699, while the 128GB variant with the addition of an ethernet port goes for RM799. It\u2019s also worth noting that the 128GB model features Thread mesh networking protocol to connect to other smart home accessories.\n\n\nThanks to its faster Apple A15 Bionic chip \u2013 the same chip that powers the \nnon-Pro iPhone 14\n \u2013 the next-gen Apple TV 4K offers up to 50% faster CPU performance, while GPU performance sees a notable 30% improvement. With support for HDR10+ (and Dolby Vision), you can enjoy HDR on a wider amount of content too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, there\u2019s also the aforementioned Siri Remote for the new Apple TV 4K, which now charges via USB-C instead of Apple\u2019s proprietary Lightning connector. This should make it easier to charge up the remote, especially if you\u2019ve got a lot of USB-C cables lying around.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nGiven that the main use case of a streaming box like the Apple TV 4K is to stream content, let\u2019s talk about that first. In this regard, it performs extremely well. The user interface is nice and clean, it\u2019s easy to navigate through the menu, and most of all, it feels \nfast\n and very responsive.\n\n\nEvidently, the A15 Bionic chip powering the latest Apple TV 4K is no slouch. This, in turn, makes it a pretty darn good gaming system as well. If you\u2019re subscribed to Apple Arcade, you\u2019ll have access to a wide selection of games, though popular games like \nGenshin Impact\n and PUBG Mobile are not available on the streaming box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, I\u2019m impressed with the gaming performance of the Apple TV 4K. Every game I tested on the device runs great with high, consistent frame rate and good graphics fidelity. The fact that the streaming box also supports a wide variety of gamepads \u2013 Sony\u2019s DualSense, Nintendo\u2019s Joy-Con, Xbox controllers \u2013 is an added bonus.\n\n\nSpeaking of controllers, the Apple TV 4K\u2019s Siri Remote is by far the best remote I\u2019ve ever used with a streaming box. Its aluminium body feels pleasant to the touch, the buttons have a satisfying tactile feedback, and I\u2019m especially fond of the touch-enabled clickpad, which feels very intuitive to use.\n\n\nOf course, the Siri Remote can also be used as a gamepad, even if it doesn\u2019t offer the best ergonomics or gaming experience. It\u2019ll work in a pitch though! Especially if you don\u2019t have enough gamepads for a multiplayer game.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the integration of other Apple products with the Apple TV 4K, and it\u2019s amazing. The best example is with an iPhone: it can double as a remote for the streaming device. On occasions where the Siri Remote is just out of my reach, it\u2019s great that I can just use my iPhone to control the Apple TV 4K.\n\n\nOh, there\u2019s also Audio Sharing, which allows up to two pairs of AirPods to be connected to the Apple TV 4K at the same time. Needless to say, this is very handy when I want to watch something without bothering other people in the household.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAs much as I enjoy using the Apple TV 4K, it does have some drawbacks. The streaming box itself, for one, doesn\u2019t feel particularly premium with its plastic build quality, especially in comparison to the Siri Remote. Granted, you won\u2019t actually be touching the device in normal use.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s also the fact that you need other Apple products to unlock the Apple TV 4K\u2019s full potential. While you \ncan\n use it as a standalone streaming box, you may \nrun into certain scenarios\n that require the use of other Apple products. In this instance, the tight integration of Apple\u2019s ecosystem with the streaming box isn\u2019t always a positive thing. \n\n\nLastly, there\u2019s the asking price of the Apple TV 4K. With a RM699 starting price, it\u2019s not exactly an affordable device, even if it\u2019s also a more complete and capable streaming box than cheaper alternatives.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you want a streaming box for more than just streaming with a very refined user experience and gaming performance, the Apple TV 4K is one of the best \u2013 if not \nthe best\n \u2013 options in the market now. It may not be the most affordable choice, but that\u2019s how much you have to pay for a streaming box of this calibre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI used to think a streaming box isn\u2019t necessary if you already have a smart TV. But after using the Apple TV 4K for quite some time, it really depends. If you\u2019re unsatisfied with your smart TV\u2019s operating system, consider grabbing the Apple TV 4K. It will transform your streaming \u2013 and maybe even gaming \u2013 experience.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-unveils-macbook-pros-with-m2-pro-m2-max-chips-from-rm8799-in-malaysia/", "title": "Apple Unveils MacBook Pros With M2 Pro & M2 Max Chips \u2013 From RM8,799 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nApple\u2019s premium MacBook Pro lineup has just been updated with the Cupertino company\u2019s brand new M2 Pro and M2 Max silicones. Naturally, the new chips promise faster performance, and in the case of the 16-inch MacBook Pro, the \u201clongest battery life ever in a Mac.\u201d\n\n\nFirst, prices. For the Malaysian market, the 14-inch MacBook Pro is the more affordable model of the two with a \nRM8,799 starting price\n. As for the larger, more powerful 16-inch MacBook Pro, it \nretails from RM10,799\n. Unfortunately, the availability of the two laptops has not been revealed yet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThanks to the power efficiency of the new M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, the 16-inch MacBook Pro can last up to a whopping \n22 hours\n on a single charge. In the performance side of things, the M2 Pro (with a 10- or 12-core CPU) offers up to 20% faster performance over the M1 Pro. As for the M2 Max, it promises 30% improvement in graphics performance compared to the M1 Max.\n\n\nBeyond the new chips, the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models feature some hardware revisions as well, including WiFi 6E for twice as fast connectivity compared to the previous generation. Aside from that, both laptops also get \u201cadvanced HDMI\u201d now, which allows support for 8K displays for the first time.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the 14-inch MacBook Pro retails from RM8,799 in Malaysia, while the larger 16-inch MacBook Pro starts at RM10,799. No word yet on the local availability of the two MacBooks, but we\u2019ll be sure to keep a close eye on them.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mac-mini-updated-with-m2-m2-pro-chips-starts-at-rm2499-in-malaysia/", "title": "Mac mini Updated With M2 & M2 Pro Chips \u2013 Starts at RM2,499 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nAside from the revised \n14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros\n, Apple also updated the Mac mini with new chip options. Not only is it available with Apple\u2019s M2 silicone now, the compact desktop can be configured with a Pro-tier chip in the form of the M2 Pro chip for the first time as well.\n\n\nHere in Malaysia, the new Mac mini \nretails from RM2,499\n for the base model with an M2 chip paired with 8GB unified memory and a 256GB SSD. If you want the more powerful M2 Pro configuration instead, it will set you back RM5,599, which gets you 16GB unified memory and 512GB of SSD storage.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerformance gain is expected with every new revision, and in the case of the Mac mini, it can now deliver up to 50% faster performance than the previous model in image editing via Adobe Photoshop. As for the M2 Pro model \u2013 compared to the M1 Mac mini \u2013 it offers up to 4.2x faster ProRes transcode in Final Cut Pro, and up to 2.8x improved performance in Resident Evil Village.\n\n\nWhile the Malaysian pricing of the new Mac mini has been revealed, there\u2019s no word yet on exactly when we can purchase the compact desktop on our shores. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the local availability of the updated Mac mini.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/watch-apples-19-minute-video-on-m2-pro-m2-max-new-macbook-pros-mac-mini/", "title": "Watch Apple\u2019s 19-Minute Video on M2 Pro, M2 Max, New MacBook Pros & Mac mini", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere may not be a big launch event for Apple\u2019s brand new M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, but the Cupertino company did release a 19-minute video \u2013 well, 18 minutes and 54 seconds to be specific \u2013 that gives us our first look at the new SoCs, along with the \nupdated MacBook Pros\n and \nMac mini\n.\n\n\nJust like Apple\u2019s other videos and infomercials, the 19-minute video goes above and beyond to explain the company\u2019s new offerings. Speaking of which, the Malaysian pricing of the new products have been revealed as well. Take the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, which \nretail from RM8,799 and RM10,799 respectively\n.\n\n\nAs for the Mac mini, it starts \nat a cool RM2,499\n here in Malaysia. No word yet on the local availability of the new Apple products unveiled today, but we\u2019ll definitely keep a close eye on them.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-ideapad-gaming-3i-16-gen-7-review-upmarket-budget-gaming-laptop/", "title": "Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i (16\u2033, Gen 7) Review: Upmarket Budget Gaming Laptop!", "body": "\n\nGaming laptops that offer good performance for the money have to strike a delicate balance. Not only do they have to be powerful enough to provide good gaming performance, build quality is equally important too; who would want to get a laptop that doesn\u2019t feel\u2026well, solid enough to be brought around?\n\n\nAnd that is why the 7th gen Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i is an interesting budget-centric gaming laptop. It features good enough hardware for a pleasant gaming experience, it has solid build quality, and with a RM4,525 starting price, it has good value proposition as well.\n\n\nIn short, the IdeaPad Gaming 3i is great for those who want a value for money gaming laptop that doesn\u2019t sacrifice on build quality, though you\u2019ll have to pay a small premium for it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n16-inch WQXGA IPS (2560 x 1600), 165Hz\nProcessor\nIntel Core i7-12700H (14C/20T, up to 4.7GHz)\nGPU\nNvidia GeForce RTX 3060 6GB GDDR6\nRAM\n16GB DDR4 3200MHz\nStorage\n1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD\nCamera\n1080p with privacy shutter\nBattery\n71Wh\nDimensions\n359.6 x 277.8 x 20.9 mm\nWeight\n2.6kg\nAudio\nBottom-firing stereo speakers\nPorts\n1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort 1.4, PD 3.0)\n2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1\n1x HDMI 2.0\n1x RJ45\nPrice\nUnavailable; RM5,634 for equivalent Core i7-12700H model\n\n\nUnfortunately, this particular model of the IdeaPad Gaming 3i is not offered in Malaysia at the time of writing. The closest variant to this configuration is the \nRM5,634 model\n, which has the same RTX 3060 GPU, but with a Core i7-12650H processor, a lower resolution 1920 x 1200 display, and half the SSD storage.\n\n\nWith that in mind, this review should still be (largely) relevant to current models of the IdeaPad Gaming 3i available in Malaysia now. Well, with the exception of the display quality and some performance differences, which I\u2019ll elaborate further in the following section.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nGaming performance is definitely one of the most important aspects of the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i, so let\u2019s talk about that first. Powered by an RTX 3060 paired with a Core i7-12700H processor, this is undoubtedly a capable gaming machine.\n\n\nWhile it\u2019s not quite as powerful as another laptop with, say, an RTX 3070 or RTX 3080 GPU, this configuration of the IdeaPad Gaming 3i can still offer respectable gaming performance. Judge for yourself with the benchmarks below:\n\n\nGames (max settings @ 1920 x 1080)\nAverage FPS\nBorderlands 3 (DX11)\n68.88\nControl (DX11)\n59.75\nWitcher 3 Patch 4.0 (DLSS, HairWorks disabled)\n63.23\n\n\nEven though Control runs just below the 60fps point with maxed out settings at 1080p, there\u2019s no denying that the RTX 3060 GPU and 12th gen Core i7 processor under the hood of the IdeaPad Gaming 3i is quite capable. Needless to say, it should be able to run most (if not all) AAA games very well.\n\n\nYes, this applies to even the Core i7-12650H configuration of the gaming laptop available here, though the different processor will result in slightly lower CPU performance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDespite outputting respectable performance figures, I\u2019m impressed that the IdeaPad Gaming 3i doesn\u2019t run particularly hot. The palm rest area remains cool even in heated gaming sessions, though the bottom case does feel quite warm. Not that this is an issue, given that it\u2019s not a touch point per se.\n\n\nSystem noise of the IdeaPad Gaming 3i is also quite good. Yes, the fans are definitely audible when I\u2019m gaming for an extended period of time, but never does it negatively hinder my gameplay experience. It sounds\u2026just like how a fan should sound, and not like a mini vacuum cleaner, which other gaming laptops are guilty of.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the display of the IdeaPad Gaming 3i, which is great! The 16-inch WQXGA 2560 x 1600 IPS panel is bright with vibrant colours and wide viewing angles. On top of that, the 165Hz refresh rate of the screen is noticeably faster than its competition.\n\n\nWith that in mind, it\u2019s unfortunate that this WQXGA display is not an available option for the IdeaPad Gaming 3i on our shores. On the bright side, at least the WUXGA 1920 x 1200 panel offered for the Malaysian market has the same, fast 165Hz refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the design (I love the webcam\u2019s privacy shutter) and build quality of the IdeaPad Gaming 3i. For a value-oriented laptop, it really does feel and look upmarket. In fact, its build quality is almost on par with a Legion gaming laptop, which is Lenovo\u2019s higher-end gaming machines.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAlas, the budget nature of the IdeaPad Gaming 3i does have some notable shortcomings, including its\u2026build quality. Don\u2019t get me wrong, it still feels like a robust, well-built product, but the plastic bottom casing that extends to the sides of the laptop doesn\u2019t exactly exude a premium feel.\n\n\nThe keyboard of the IdeaPad Gaming 3i could be better too. The key travel, for one, is not particularly long, lending to a shallow typing experience. The layout isn\u2019t great either, as the (squeezed) numpad shifts the main keyboard to the left, making it feel a tad awkward to use for typing and gaming.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThankfully, the keyboard does have pretty pronounced tactile feedback. This, paired with the cushioned bottom out, does make for a reasonably comfortable typing experience. The trackpad is relatively good as well with accurate tracking capabilities and smooth surface.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nEven though the 7th gen Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i model I test here isn\u2019t available in Malaysia, the equivalent variant offered here with an RTX 3060 GPU and Core i7-12650H processor will offer largely similar gaming performance, even if it has a slower processor and lower resolution display.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPriced at RM5,634, it does cost more than other gaming laptops with a similar GPU and CPU combo, but the IdeaPad Gaming 3i does have the edge when it comes to build quality and panel refresh rate, among other things. Plus, if you don\u2019t need the extra processing power, you can always opt for the Core i5-12500H model that just swaps out the processor, saving you RM400.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for a gaming laptop with good value for money, the IdeaPad Gaming 3i is an \u201cokay\u201d choice in this regard. But what really sets it apart from its competition is the fast display, solid build quality, and good thermals management. If these sound compelling to you, give the IdeaPad Gaming 3i a consideration.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/astro-fibre-app-lets-users-easily-manage-their-wifi-network-limit-internet-use/", "title": "Astro Fibre App Lets Users Easily Manage Their WiFi Network & Limit Internet Use", "body": "\n\nAstro just announced a new app that allows Astro Fibre customers to easily manage their WiFi networks. Aptly dubbed Astro Fibre App, it\u2019s quite a useful app with some interesting features, including the ability to limit internet use for certain users.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, the Astro Fibre app can be used to schedule (or even terminate) internet access for each device or family member. Sharing your WiFi connectivity is also easier with the app; it is able to generate an in-app QR code that will grant internet access once it\u2019s scanned. On top of that, the QR code can be shared to other apps as well, including WhatsApp, Telegram, and Messenger.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the Astro Fibre app lets users figure out any issues with their network connection too. Connection speeds, network strength on connected devices, and WiFi network setup can all be found within the app, which should prove to be useful for troubleshooting network issues.\n\n\nThe Astro Fibre app is now available for download on the \nApple App Store\n and \nGoogle Play Store\n. More details on the app can also be found on \nAstro\u2019s official website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/19-25-january-fuel-price-ron-97-still-remains-at-rm3-35-per-litre/", "title": "19 \u2013 25 January Fuel Price: RON 97 Still Remains at RM3.35 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nRON 97 sees no price change yet again this week. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.35 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 19 to 25 January next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-meletrix-zoom65-essential-edition-v2-sound-test-new-design-still-thocky/", "title": "Video: Meletrix Zoom65 Essential Edition V2 Sound Test \u2013 New Design, Still Thocky", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMeletrix is back with the Zoom65 Essential Edition V2! Sporting some exterior changes (including a seamless top case), the new keyboard retains its signature soft typing feel and thocky sound profile, as you can hear for yourself in the video above.\n\n\nAside from the seamless top case, the new Zoom65 can also be configured with a \nglass\n backplate now, among other options that include stainless steel and carbon fibre. For our particular review unit, we opted for a glass backplate, and it does give the affordable keyboard a sleek, unique aesthetic.\n\n\nThe Zoom65 Essential Edition V2 will enter groupbuy on 26 January next week. Starting at only $175 (about RM755), it\u2019s certainly a budget-friendly offering. Stay tuned for our full review of the new Zoom65 on our \nYouTube channel\n!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-launches-new-homepod-2nd-gen-smarter-sleeker-lower-299-price-tag/", "title": "Apple Launches New HomePod (2nd Gen) \u2013 Smarter, Sleeker, Lower $299 Price Tag", "body": "\n\nThe 2nd generation HomePod is here, and naturally, it offers a number of improvements. Not only does it support the smart home standard Matter now, allowing it to control compatible accessories, it also has a slightly different design and lower launch price.\n\n\nWhen the original HomePod was first launched in 2018, it went for $349 (about RM1,505), though it eventually got a $50 price cut the following year, bringing it down to $299 (around RM1,290). That\u2019s the same asking price as the new \u2013 and more feature-packed \u2013 2nd gen HomePod.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThough the silhouette of the new HomePod is similar to its predecessor, the glowing Siri animations on the top of the smart speaker has been expanded. It also comes with the Apple S7 chip now, which improves the HomePod\u2019s \u201cadvanced computational audio\u201d to improve audio quality by taking into accounts its placement in a room.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the updated HomePod features a custom-engineered high-excursion woofer and five tweeters around the base. According to Apple, the smart speaker is able to deliver \u201crich, deep bass, natural mid-range, and clear, detailed highs.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for availability, the 2nd generation HomePod is offered in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, and 11 other countries and regions. Unfortunately, Malaysia isn\u2019t a part of the markets listed.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/returnal-arrives-on-pc-15-february-2023-for-rm249/", "title": "Returnal Arrives on PC 15 February 2023 for RM249", "body": "\n\nOne of the first exclusive PS5 titles is coming to PC next month. While it was previously revealed that \nReturnal\n will be available on PC \nlast month\n, we didn\u2019t get a specific release date until today \u2013 PC gamers can play the brutally difficult bullet-hell shooter from 15 February 2023.\n\n\nNaturally, the PC version of Returnal has some PC-specific enhancements. These include Nvidia DLSS and NIS, AMD FSR, ray-tracing reflections \u2013 on top of the existing ray-traced shadows \u2013 as well as support for two ultrawide resolutions: 21:9 and 32:9.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJust like previous PS5 exclusives offered on PC, the PC version of Returnal can still support the DualSense\u2019s full suite of features, including the refined haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. However, these features will only work via a wired connection. Of course, mouse and keyboard support is available for players who don\u2019t want to use a gamepad.\n\n\nReturnal is now available for pre-order on \nSteam\n and the \nEpic Games Store\n for RM249. More details on the PC version of the game \u2013 along with system requirements \u2013 can be found on \nPlayStation Blog\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/pico-4-review-great-rm1699-vr-headset-for-new-adopters/", "title": "Pico 4 Review: Great RM1,699 VR Headset For New Adopters", "body": "\n\nVR headsets have come a long way. What was once an expensive gadget with limited availability is now much more accessible with a more feasible price tag. This is exemplified by ByteDance\u2019s Pico 4: not only is it affordable, it\u2019s also a pretty darn complete VR headset.\n\n\nWhile the Pico 4 does still have its fair share of shortcomings, it\u2019s a great VR headset for folks who are just getting into the VR world. If you want a sub-RM2,000 VR headset, the Pico 4 is (effectively) your only option in Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe Pico 4 is a standalone VR headset, and its main competitor is Meta\u2019s Quest 2, which is\u2026well, not officially available in Malaysia. Yes, parallel importers do offer the VR headset here, but the lack of official support \u2013 especially in regards to aftersales service \u2013 makes the Pico 4 a much more compelling choice.\n\n\nAside from that, the Pico 4 also has a high resolution 4320 x 2160 display (2160 x 2160 for each eye), which is more than sharp enough to offer an immersive VR experience. On top of that, the panel has a refresh rate of up to 90Hz as well.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Pico 4 include a Qualcomm XR2 chipset, 8GB of RAM, a 105-degree field of view, motorised inter-pupillary distance adjustment \u2013 so that different users can get the best viewing experience \u2013 built-in speakers, and a 5,300mAh battery that promises up to three hours of use; decent enough.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTwo variants of the Pico 4 are offered in Malaysia. The base model with 128GB of storage is \npriced at RM1,699\n, while the 256GB version \ncosts RM1,999\n. At the time of writing, the VR headset is bundled with six different VR games, including All-in-One Sports VR, Down The Rabbit Hole, OhShape, After The Fall, Cities VR, and Arizona Sunshine.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nSo how is it like playing VR content on the Pico 4? Very entertaining! The Snapdragon XR2 chipset is more than fast enough to provide a zippy, responsive experience. Whether I\u2019m using the web browser or playing VR games, the headset performs admirably.\n\n\nThe bundled VR games that come with the Pico 4 are quite enjoyable too. I thoroughly enjoy All-in-One Sports VR, which features a collection of sports games. My personal favourite is the boxing games, which feels almost like playing Beat Saber, a game that\u2019s (unfortunately) not offered on the Pico 4\u2019s app store.\n\n\nBut if you have a PC powerful enough to run VR games, you won\u2019t have to worry about a limited library of games. The Pico 4 works with SteamVR for a higher-fidelity VR experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe USB-C port on the left of the headset\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Pico 4 remains a competent VR headset when it\u2019s hooked to a PC, thanks to the high resolution 4320 x 2160 screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. It\u2019s sharp enough that individual pixels are not easily noticeable, and the image quality is perfectly adequate too with vibrant colours and good clarity.\n\n\nAnother positive of the Pico 4 is its comfortable nature. This is thanks to the generous amount of paddings on the headset and its lightweight nature. Even under prolonged use, I never felt uncomfortable with it on. It\u2019s also easy to get a good fit with the adjustment dial.\n\n\nBuild quality of the Pico 4 is quite impressive as well. The headset itself feels solid and robust, and the same goes for the two controllers, which are powered by two AA batteries each. The controllers also have nice, tactile buttons; smooth, precise analog sticks; and good tracking capabilities.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the Pico 4\u2019s colour passthrough. A quick double-tap on the right side of the VR headset enables this, allowing me to quickly see my surroundings without taking off the headset. But as this uses the camera on the front of the headset, the image quality does suffer in low light conditions.\n\n\nAnd that is a good segue to the next section of the review.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWhile it\u2019s convenient that the Pico 4 features built-in stereo speakers, they are\u2026mediocre. They don\u2019t get particularly loud, and the audio quality is decided average. On top of that, there\u2019s no headphone jack either, though the VR headset does support Bluetooth audio.\n\n\n\n\nThe volume adjustment buttons\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Pico 4\u2019s selection of games on the Pico Store is quite limited too, as you can see \nhere\n. As mentioned, this won\u2019t be an issue if you already have a PC that can run games through SteamVR, but if you want to use the Pico 4 as a standalone VR, this will prove to be an issue.\n\n\nHopefully, the Pico Store will see a wider selection of games in the near future. With a larger library of games, the headset will definitely be more appealing.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nStarting at only RM1,699, the Pico 4 is a great option for folks who are just dipping their toes in the VR world. It\u2019s an affordable VR headset that\u2019s only rivalled by the Meta Quest 2, which isn\u2019t even available here in Malaysia officially.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIts limited selection of games is the Pico 4\u2019s biggest shortcoming at the moment, and depending on your use case scenario, this may or may not be an issue to you. Here\u2019s hoping Pico will continue to expand its game library to improve the appeal of the budget-friendly VR headset.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-meletrix-zoom65-essential-edition-v2-review-creamy-thocky-budget-keyboard/", "title": "Video: Meletrix Zoom65 Essential Edition V2 Review \u2013 Creamy, Thocky, Budget Keyboard", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHere\u2019s our review of the Meletrix Zoom65 Essential Edition V2! Meletrix changed up some design elements of the new Zoom65, and while it\u2019s not remarkably different from the previous model, it\u2019s still quite a compelling custom keyboard with great value for money.\n\n\nSome of the changes introduced with the V2 version of the Zoom65 include a seamless top case, a nice, glass backplate with a gradient finish, a new sleeve gasket design \u2013 simplifying the build process, to an extent \u2013 along with support for per-key RGB for those who like their custom keyboards with a bit of bling.\n\n\nThe Zoom65 Essential Edition V2 will enter groupbuy on 26 January next week with a $175 (about RM750) starting price. Fulfilment of the custom keyboard is expected to start from April 2023 onwards, which is really quite fast. More details on the Zoom65 V2 can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-11-oneplus-buds-pro-2-unboxing-premium-looks-promising-hardware/", "title": "OnePlus 11 & OnePlus Buds Pro 2 Unboxing \u2013 Premium Looks, Promising Hardware", "body": "\n\nThe OnePlus 11 and the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 are set to be unveiled globally on 7 February next month. Ahead of their global launch, Nextrift received these two new products, and we\u2019re allowed to share some of our thoughts on them, albeit with some restrictions.\n\n\nNonetheless, the OnePlus 11 and OnePlus Buds Pro 2 look and feel great, which makes sense, given their premium positioning. At a glance, these are quite compelling products, especially if OnePlus Malaysia can offer them at competitive price points \u2013 like how it is in China.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe OnePlus 11 and OnePlus Buds Pro 2 are packaged in a rather interesting gift box. Inside this (quite sizeable) box are the two products placed side-by-side, and there\u2019s a tray underneath them as well that houses a \u201cspecial phone case.\u201d Unfortunately, the case did not arrive in time for this unboxing.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start by unboxing the OnePlus 11. Unlike most phones in the market now \u2013 especially flagship-class devices \u2013 OnePlus actually includes a charger (a fast one too) with the phone. I also love the signature red USB-C to USB-A cable provided in the box; very nice.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is the only screen of the phone that we\u2019re allowed to share\n\n\n\n\nA sticker pack is also included with the phone\n\n\n\n\nOne of the restrictions of this unboxing is that no images of the OnePlus 11 being switched on are permitted, though the OnePlus logo can be shown in the boot up screen. Rest assured, this is an actual working unit of the phone, and it feels like a properly premium one too.\n\n\nThere are two different colourways of the OnePlus 11. There\u2019s this green model with a smooth, glossy finish on the rear panel, while the black variant features a matte surface that\u2019s reminiscent of OnePlus\u2019 famous sandstone finish. Personally, I prefer the black model for its more unique aesthetic and feel in my hands.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSince the OnePlus 11 has been launched in China already, we know what\u2019s under its hood. These include the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset paired with up to 16GB of RAM, two storage options (256GB or 512GB), a 6.7-inch 3216 x 1440 AMOLED display with a 1Hz \u2013 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, as well as a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 100W fast charging.\n\n\nOf course, the camera system of the OnePlus 11 is quite intriguing as well. It\u2019s a Hasselblad-branded triple camera system made up of a 50MP primary shooter, a 48MP ultra-wide angle lens, and a 32MP telephoto sensor with 2x optical zoom. All of them support autofocus, and in the case of the ultra-wide camera, it can also do 3.5cm macro shooting.\n\n\nFor those who are wondering how the Hasselblad camera performs, I can only elaborate on them in the full review. Yes, this is one of the aforementioned restrictions in this unboxing.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s move on to the OnePlus Buds Pro 2. What stood out to me the most is the sleek charging case, which is noticeably slimmer than its competition. On top of that, it\u2019s quite lightweight as well, so you can probably keep in in your pockets without much issue.\n\n\nNaturally, additional ear tips are provided with the Buds Pro 2. The medium one is installed on the earbuds out of the box, while the small and large ear tips are stored in the box. A USB-C to USB-A cable is also bundled to charge up the\u2026charging case.\n\n\nHardware wise, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 is quite well-equipped. It has a dual-driver design \u2013 the 11mm unit handles bass while the other 6mm driver focuses on mids and highs \u2013 active noise cancellation, spatial audio support, as well as up to 9 hours of battery life on a single charge.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter unboxing the OnePlus 11 and OnePlus Buds Pro 2, I can say with confidence that they look and feel like premium products; their hardware (on paper, at least) are promising as well. Rest assured, I will be putting both of them through their paces in the coming weeks for the full review \u2013 stay tuned for that.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-reno-8-t-lands-in-malaysia-108mp-camera-dual-curve-display-from-rm1399/", "title": "Oppo Reno 8 T Lands in Malaysia \u2013 108MP Camera, Dual-Curve Display, From RM1,399", "body": "\n\nOppo launched another mid-range phone in Malaysia, the Oppo Reno 8 T. Sporting a sleek-looking design with two distinct variants to choose from, the affordable mid-ranger is meant to appeal to folks who are on a tight budget.\n\n\nOf the two versions of the Reno 8 T offered in Malaysia, the 4G model with a MediaTek Helio G99 processor is the more budget-friendly option with a RM1,399 price tag. The higher-end 5G variant, on the other hand, features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset for RM1,799. Both models come with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Reno 8 T 5G\n\n\n\n\nAside from a different chipset, the 5G variant of the Reno 8 T has a slew of other upgrades too. These include a faster 6.7-inch 1080p dual-curve AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a more sophisticated triple camera system (108MP primary + 2MP depth + 2MP microlens), a 32MP selfie camera, and a 4,800mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging.\n\n\nPositioned at a lower price point, the Reno 8 T 4G has a more modest set of hardware. It sports a 6.43-inch 1080p flat AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a slightly different triple camera setup (100MP primary + 2MP depth + 2MP microlens), also a 32MP selfie camera, and curiously, a larger 5,000mAh battery, though it doesn\u2019t come with 67W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Reno 8 T 4G\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Reno 8 T 5G is now available for pre-order in Malaysia for RM1,799 until 10 February 2023; early birds who purchase the phone can get freebies worth RM377, including Oppo Enco Buds 2 wireless earbuds, a one-year screen protection, and a one-year extended warranty. As for the 4G variant, it will hit store shelves on 11 February 2023 for RM1,399.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/prism-opens-2nd-retail-outlet-in-malaysia-at-ioi-city-mall-putrajaya-largest-store-yet/", "title": "PRISM+ Opens 2nd Retail Outlet in Malaysia at IOI City Mall, Putrajaya \u2013 Largest Store Yet", "body": "\n\nPRISM+ is expanding its presence in Malaysia quite a bit with the opening of its second retail outlet in the Klang Valley area. Located at IOI City Mall, Putrajaya, it is the company\u2019s largest store yet, especially in comparison to its \nfirst outlet in Sunway Pyramid, Petaling Jaya\n.\n\n\nThanks to the spacious nature of the 1,193 square feet PRISM+ outlet in the Putrajaya mall, most products offered by the company are showcased at the store. These include its range of monitors, smart TVs, and even gaming gears by Logitech.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt the launch of its IOI City Mall outlet, PRISM+ added that it is planning to introduce its smart home appliances in Malaysia later this year. It is also looking to expand its presence throughout Malaysia by the end of 2023.\n\n\n\u201cWe are currently exploring launching up to 10 stores in various states across the country to future-proof ourselves as we look to move into the IoT space,\u201d said the country director of PRISM+ Malaysia, Eric Kam. \u201cWith a lot of these smart home appliances, we see the need for our audience to physically experience the products before making big-ticket purchases,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to give PRISM+\u2019s new outlet a visit, you can do so at the East Wing of IOI City Mall, Putrajaya. You can also browse through its latest products on its \nofficial website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-11-review-return-to-form/", "title": "OnePlus 11 Review: Return to Form", "body": "\n\nThe OnePlus 11 made its global debut yesterday, and it looks to be the company\u2019s most exciting flagship phone yet. Not only does it continue to offer high-end features \u2013 along with the return of the alert slider \u2013 it is also priced competitively with a $699 starting price. That\u2019s only about RM3,000 if we do a direct conversion to our currency.\n\n\nAfter spending a few weeks with the OnePlus 11 as my daily driver, I do think it is the brand\u2019s best flagship to date. It is a return to the company\u2019s original philosophy as a phone maker that offers flagship hardware at a lower price point, though the OnePlus 11 isn\u2019t without faults.\n\n\nBut if it is priced right for the Malaysian market, this phone could just be a winner for OnePlus.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.7-inch QHD+ Super Fluid AMOLED (3216 x 1440), 120Hz adaptive\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 3.2GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 740\nRAM\n16GB\nStorage\n256GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n50MP f/1.8, OIS\n48MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide)\n32MP f/2.0 (telephoto), 2x optical zoom\nCamera (front)\n16MP f/2.45\nBattery\n5,000mAh with 100W SUPERVOOC charging\nDimensions\n163.1 x 74.1 x 8.53 mm\nWeight\n205g\nOS\nOxygenOS 13.0 based on Android 13\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.3\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be (2.4/5GHz)\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nFrom $699 (about RM3,000)\n\n\nOn paper, the OnePlus 11 is a high-end flagship phone through and through. It\u2019s powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, it has a sharp, fast 120Hz QHD+ display with adaptive refresh rate, and it has a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for speedy 100W fast charging too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo top it off, the OnePlus 11 also features a sophisticated Hasselblad-branded triple camera system that can take some great-looking shots, albeit with some shortcomings. I\u2019ll elaborate further down this review.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nSince the OnePlus 11\u2019s Hasselblad camera system is one of its most highlighted features, let\u2019s talk about that first. Made up of a 50MP primary sensor, a 48MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 32MP telephoto lens, it\u2019s a versatile camera array that can deliver good shots regardless of lighting condition.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI\u2019m especially fond of portrait shots taken with the OnePlus 11 you see above. The bokeh effect looks great with (reasonably) good edge detection, and subjects don\u2019t look like a \u201ccardboard cutout,\u201d thanks to the more subtle and gradual background blur. All in all, it\u2019s easily one of my favourite implementations of portrait mode.\n\n\nThroughout the review period, I had a ton of fun shooting with the OnePlus 11, and the camera interface is quite responsive too, even if it does stutter a little in portrait mode. Nonetheless, judge for yourself the camera performance of the phone with these sample shots:\n\n\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n48MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n48MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n32MP telephoto\n\n\n48MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n48MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n32MP telephoto\n\n\n\n\nBeyond its camera, the OnePlus 11 is also a fast, zippy smartphone, thanks to the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset under its hood. Regardless of what I throw at the phone, it continues to run smoothly without missing a beat. It can even run graphically demanding mobile games like \nGenshin Impact\n at a stable 60 frames per second. All in all, I\u2019m very impressed with the performance level of the phone.\n\n\nFurther elevating the user experience of the phone is its fast 6.7-inch 1440p AMOLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Animations on the screen look very smooth thanks to the extra frames, and the image quality of the AMOLED panel is, without a doubt, good as well.\n\n\nColours are vibrant and punchy, viewing angles are wide, and most importantly, the panel can produce true, deep blacks too; inherent advantages of an AMOLED screen, basically. That being said, I do wish the edge detection of the dual-curve display could be better, though I\u2019m not too bothered by it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the battery life of the OnePlus 11, which is\u2026reasonably good. On average, I can get between five to six hours of screen on time out of the 5,000mAh battery, and I do quite a bit of gaming, web browsing, and navigating with the phone. While this isn\u2019t class-leading battery life, it\u2019s definitely above average.\n\n\nLast but not least is the value proposition of the OnePlus 11. As mentioned, the flagship starts at just $699 in the US, making it one of the most affordable Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 phones in the market now. If the OnePlus 11 is priced close to this figure locally, it\u2019d be a very easy phone to recommend.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAs much as I love photographing with the OnePlus 11, I\u2019m not particularly impressed with the phone\u2019s 32MP telephoto lens. Yes, it can take good-looking shots, but its colour profile is also quite a bit different than the primary and ultra-wide sensors.\n\n\nCompared to the other two sensors, the OnePlus 11\u2019s telephoto lens has a warmer white balance, which doesn\u2019t look quite as appealing to my eyes.\n\n\n\n\n48MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n32MP telephoto\n\n\n48MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n32MP telephoto\n\n\n\n\nOxygenOS 13.0 on the OnePlus 11 has its quirks too. While it does offer a lightweight, intuitive user experience, it\u2019s also not as responsive as it should be. It\u2019s not \u201claggy\u201d by any means, but when I\u2019m opening the recent apps page, for example, I have to wait a split second before I can interact with the screen; not a very pleasant experience.\n\n\nBuild quality of the OnePlus 11 isn\u2019t to my liking either. Don\u2019t get me wrong, the phone feels like a proper high-end flagship phone, but the glossy back panel of this Eternal Green model also feels very, \nvery\n slippery. In fact, the phone actually slipped out of my jeans pocket while I was driving.\n\n\n\n\nThe Titan Black colourway of the OnePlus 11\n\n\n\n\nNow, there\u2019s a chance the Titan Black model won\u2019t suffer from this issue, given that its back panel has a matte finish instead. But if you\u2019re planning to get this Eternal Green model, keep in mind that it is slippery. I would even consider putting on a case to make it easier to grip.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nThere is no denying that the OnePlus 11 is a capable flagship smartphone with an equally capable camera system \u2013 albeit with some drawbacks \u2013 and fast performance. But until we know exactly how much it costs here in Malaysia, it\u2019s a little tough to deliberate on whether or not it is worth it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThankfully, the OnePlus 11 is set to be launched in Malaysia as early as next week on 14 February. Hopefully, it will be priced close to its $699 starting price in the US; even better if it\u2019s priced below the RM3,000 price point locally.\n\n\nGood value proposition was one of the reasons that contributed to OnePlus\u2019 success in the smartphone market. If the OnePlus 11 can bring that back, it\u2019d be an easy recommendation for those who want a premium phone without the premium price tag.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hu-tao-oneplus-ace-pro-genshin-impact-limited-edition-unboxing-incredible-collaboration/", "title": "Hu Tao OnePlus Ace Pro Genshin Impact Limited Edition Unboxing \u2013 Incredible Collaboration!", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst released in October last year, the OnePlus Ace Pro Genshin Impact Limited Edition is a collaboration between the phone maker and Hoyoverse. Essentially, it\u2019s a special edition OnePlus Ace Pro \u2013 marketed as the \nOnePlus 10T here in Malaysia\n \u2013 featuring design elements from Genshin Impact.\n\n\nWell, more specifically, one character in Genshin Impact: Hu Tao. If you\u2019re a fan of the 5-star Pyro character, you\u2019ll definitely find this limited edition OnePlus phone appealing. Without further ado, let\u2019s get to the unboxing of the Hu Tao OnePlus phone!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe packaging of the special edition Ace Pro is covered with a red sleeve, which reveals a black box with a sleek-looking design once it\u2019s removed. Open up the box, and you\u2019ll be greeted by the acrylic display box you see above featuring none other than Hu Tao herself. It\u2019s a very, very nice display piece, in my opinion.\n\n\nAside from that, there are also a number of other cool accessories that are bundled with the limited edition Ace Pro. These include a very unique-looking phone case, a special SIM eject tool designed after the Staff of Homa \u2013 Hu Tao\u2019s signature weapon in Genshin Impact \u2013 and even a figurine of Hu Tao\u2019s\u2026pet ghost?\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s get to the special case that comes with the Genshin Impact-themed Ace Pro. It has a polycarbonate shell with a red material of sorts that seems to act like a cooling pad to improve the thermal performance of the phone. I\u2019m not quite sure how effective it is, but it sure gives the case a nice aesthetic.\n\n\nAs for the limited edition Ace Pro itself, Hu Tao is displayed quite prominently on the bottom half of the rear panel. It also has a flame-like design around the edges with some butterflies scattered across. There\u2019s even one butterfly right above the OnePlus logo.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, this special version of the Ace Pro features a special theme based on Hu Tao as well. The lock screen has an animated wallpaper of the character (as shown above), and the interface of the phone even has icons designed after Hu Tao and Genshin Impact.\n\n\nAs a cherry on top, even the ringtone, notification sound, and message tone has Hu Tao voiceovers based on her Chinese voice actress! It makes sense, given that this is a China-exclusive OnePlus model. If you want to hear how the voiceovers sound like, watch the unboxing video above or on our \nYouTube channel\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the extra accessories and unique design of the Genshin Impact-inspired Ace Pro, the phone has the exact same specifications as the standard model. These include a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, a 4,800mAh battery with support for 150W SUPERVOOC fast charging, and even the same price tag in China.\n\n\nOther specifications of this Ace Pro include a 6.7-inch 2412 x 1080 Fluid AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system \u2013 50MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro \u2013 a 16MP selfie camera, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of internal storage.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the OnePlus Ace Pro Genshin Impact Limited Edition is only available in China for 4,299 Chinese yuan, which comes up to about RM2,735. Yes, despite this being a special edition phone, it doesn\u2019t cost a premium \u2013 in China, at least.\n\n\nOf course, given that it\u2019s been quite some time since the Genshin Impact Ace Pro was released, there are plenty of resellers that are listing the phone much higher than its original retail price now. It\u2019s unfortunate, but looking at what you get with the phone \u2013 and the limited availability \u2013 it\u2019s not exactly surprising.\n\n\nHopefully, if OnePlus does release another phone based on Genshin Impact in the future, it will be more widely available. Judging by the attention to detail and refinement of this Hu Tao-themed Ace Pro, I\u2019m certainly excited for the company to release similar products in the future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/heavyarm-store-opens-ps5-pre-orders-in-malaysia/", "title": "HeavyArm Store Opens PS5 Pre-Orders in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nAs promised by Sony, it looks like it will be easier to get your hands on the PlayStation 5 now. HeavyArm Store, one of the most prominent game stores in Malaysia, just opened pre-orders for the highly sought-after console.\n\n\nThree different variants of the PS5 are offered by HeavyArm Store. These include the God of War Ragnarok bundles for the PS5 Digital Edition (RM2,339) and standard model with a Blu-ray disc drive (RM2,769), as well as a PS5 Digital Edition bundled with two DualSense controllers (RM2,399).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to the \nproduct listing on HeavyArm Store\u2019s official website\n, this latest batch of PS5 is expected to be available on 21 February 2023. It\u2019s quite a bit of wait, but for those who have been waiting for months \u2013 or even years \u2013 to get their hands on the console, it may be worth placing a pre-order with the retailer.\n\n\nAfter all, it\u2019s rare for any retailer to open pre-orders of the PS5. If you\u2019re keen to get the console from HeavyArm Store, you can do so through its official website, WhatsApp, or at its physical outlet itself in SS15, Subang Jaya.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-yoga-9i-gen-8-now-in-malaysia-from-rm7299-early-birds-get-up-to-rm3315-freebies/", "title": "Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8 Now in Malaysia From RM7,299 \u2013 Early Birds Get Up to RM3,315 Freebies", "body": "\n\nLenovo just launched the refreshed Lenovo yoga 9i \u2013 now in its 8th generation \u2013 here in Malaysia. The premium 14-inch convertible laptop is now powered by Intel\u2019s latest 13th gen processors, and early birds who purchase the phone can even walk away with freebies worth up to a whopping RM3,315.\n\n\nGiven its premium positioning, it\u2019s no surprise that the Yoga 9i starts at a cool RM7,299. For that kind of money, it features an Intel Core i7-1360P processor paired with 16GB of RAM, a generous 1TB SSD storage, integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, a vibrant 14-inch 2880 x 1800 OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, as well as Windows 11 Home out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn conjunction with the Malaysian availability of the Yoga 9i, those who purchase the convertible laptop from any \nLenovo Exclusive Stores (LES)\n from 11 to 26 February can get the aforementioned freebies worth up to RM3,315.\n\n\nThese include a Lenovo 27-inch QHD gaming monitor (LG27q-30), a Yoga-branded mouse with a laser pointer, Grab gift vouchers, and even an offer to purchase a one-year accidental damage protection worth RM299 for only RM1. Of course, this promotion is only valid while stocks last.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Lenovo Yoga 9i is now available for purchase in Malaysia from RM7,299. If you want to get it online instead, you can do so through \nLenovo\u2019s official online store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honkai-star-rail-pre-registration-now-live-20-free-pulls-if-milestone-reached/", "title": "Honkai: Star Rail Pre-Registration Now Live \u2013 20 Free Pulls If Milestone Reached", "body": "\n\nHoyoverse just opened pre-registration for Honkai: Star Rail, suggesting that the RPG game could be released to the public soon. After all, the final closed beta of the game is running right now.\n\n\nCurrently, over 1.7 million players have pre-registered for Honkai: Star Rail. If the game manages to reach 5 million pre-registrations, 20 free pulls will be given to all players, along with the 4-star character Serval. Given the popularity of the game and Hoyoverse itself, we reckon it will have no problems reaching that milestone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnlike \nGenshin Impact\n or Honkai Impact 3rd, Star Rail is a turn-based RPG game where players fight in a party of four. The game also have dungeon exploration, puzzle-solving, and even flashy animations as characters unleash their respective skills. Based on \nour review of the game\u2019s\n \nsecond closed beta\n, Star Rail has an intriguing, engrossing storyline too.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to pre-register for Honkai: Star Rail, you can do so \nright here\n. Once the game is officially released, it will be available on iOS, Android, as well as PC via Hoyoverse\u2019s own launcher and the \nEpic Games Store\n. Naturally, cross-platform progression is offered for Star Rail.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/unboxing-mtg-phyrexia-all-will-be-one-set-booster-collector-booster-japanese-body-horror-artworks/", "title": "Unboxing MTG Phyrexia: All Will Be One Set Booster & Collector Booster \u2013 Japanese Body Horror Artworks!", "body": "\n\nMagic: The Gathering\u2019s newest set, Phyrexia: All Will Be One (or ONE, for short), is released for tabletop today. It is the third instalment in MTG\u2019s four-part Phyrexian storyline, and it features artwork inspired by Japanese body horror, including 40 hand-selected cards with \u201cichor\u201d showcase art.\n\n\nTo celebrate the launch of the new set, Wizards of the Coast sent us Set Booster and Collector Booster boxes of ONE to check out. If you\u2019re interested to pick up the new set, here\u2019s our unboxing of the Set Booster and Collector Booster. It\u2019s a very eye-catching set, and if you\u2019re lucky enough, you can even pull cards with artwork done by the legendary Junji Ito.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBefore we get to the good stuff, we have to open this little puzzle piece Wizards sent over! It\u2019s wrapped in a neat paper packaging complete with a wax seal, and after unwrapping it, we find a rather interesting wooden box.\n\n\nAt a glance, it looks simple enough to open, but that\u2019s not the case at all. After thoroughly inspecting the box \u2013 and carefully pulling on the different pieces \u2013 we finally managed to slide the box open. Inside is a piece of paper with a stained glass artwork that writes\u2026\u201dwe shall cleanse their impurity.\u201d\n\n\nThat\u2019s the Phyrexian for you.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s start with the Set Booster now; we\u2019ll save the (much more expensive) Collector Booster unboxing for later. Unlike a Draft Booster, a Set Booster is meant to be more \u201cexciting\u201d to crack open. This is probably why it is popular among folks who just enjoy opening booster packs instead of using them for Limited play, such as Draft or Sealed.\n\n\nWhat makes an MTG Set Booster more exciting to open is the structure of the 14-card pack for ONE. 12 of them are guaranteed Magic cards, while the other two are an art card and a token/ad card; the latter has a chance to be replaced with a card from \u201cThe List.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTypically, when you crack open a Set Booster, the first card you\u2019ll see is an art card followed by a land card, but this appears to have changed with ONE. Depending on how you open the pack, you may see the art card first, but the cards now face the \nother\n side with some changes to the order. Technically, the art card is now the \u201clast\u201d card in the pack.\n\n\nSo the order of a ONE Set Booster now looks like this: a token/ad card; a guaranteed foil card; the main set\u2019s rare or mythic rare card; two wildcards; a common or uncommon card with the ichor showcase treatment; six uncommon and common cards with some connection to each other; a panorama or Phyrexianised full-art basic land; and an art card.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere are a few interesting things to take note of. The guaranteed foil card, for example, can be of any rarity with either a borderless or ichor showcase treatment. The same goes for the two wildcard slots, so in essence, you\u2019ve got four chances of getting a rare or mythic rare card in every ONE Set Booster.\n\n\nThe basic land slot in a pack of ONE Set Booster is also guaranteed to be a full-art card, and there\u2019s a 20% chance of it receiving the foil treatment. We managed to crack open a couple of foil (Phyrexianised!) basic land cards from the Set Booster, and it looks really, really good.\n\n\nSpeaking of Phyrexianised cards, we were also lucky enough to pull a Phyrexianised Elesh Norn, Mother of Machines, which is quite a valuable card with a powerful effect. The card alone costs \nmore than half\n of a single ONE Set Booster box at the time of writing, so if we had bought this box ourselves \u2013 thanks again Wizards for sending this to us \u2013 we would\u2019ve recouped the cost easily.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the ONE Collector Booster, which contains 16 cards a pack; up to six of them can be rares and mythic rares. The first slot is a foil rare or mythic rare, followed by a non-foil borderless rare or mythic rare, a \u201cStep-and-Compleat\u201d foil of any rarity, a common or uncommon foil showcase ichor card, a rare non-foil extended-art Jumpstart or Commander rare/mythic, and a rare non-foil extended-art card.\n\n\nOther cards in a ONE Collector Booster pack include a traditional foil rare/mythic, two uncommon traditional foil, four common traditional foil, a traditional foil panorama or Phyrexianised basic land, and finally, a foil double-sided token.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd that\u2019s our unboxing of the Set and Collector Boosters of Magic: The Gathering\u2019s new Phyrexia: All Will Be One set. If you\u2019re keen to check out this new set, give your \nnearest hobby shop\n a visit tonight. After all, it\u2019s Friday Night Magic!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2023-macbook-pro-14-16-set-to-be-available-in-malaysia-soon-certified-with-sirim/", "title": "2023 MacBook Pro 14\u2033 & 16\u2033 Set to Be Available in Malaysia Soon \u2013 Certified With SIRIM", "body": "\n\nApple\u2019s premium \nMacBook Pro 14\u2033 and 16\u2033\n laptops are set to be available in Malaysia very, very soon. Now sporting the Cupertino company\u2019s brand new M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, the new machines promise faster performance, and in the case of the 16-inch MacBook Pro, the \u201clongest battery life ever in a Mac.\u201d\n\n\nAs usual, we were going through SIRIM\u2019s database when we spotted the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros with the model numbers \nA2779 and A2780\n respectively. Both of them were registered with the certification body just yesterday on 10 February, so chances are, they will be available on our shores very soon.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPreviously, Apple has revealed the retail prices of the two MacBooks for the Malaysian market. The 14-inch MacBook Pro is the more affordable model of the two with a \nRM8,799 starting price\n, while the larger, more powerful 16-inch MacBook Pro \nretails from RM10,799\n.\n\n\nThanks to the power efficiency of the new M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, the 16-inch MacBook Pro can last up to a whopping \n22 hours\n on a single charge. In the performance side of things, the M2 Pro (with a 10- or 12-core CPU) offers up to 20% faster performance over the M1 Pro. As for the M2 Max, it promises 30% improvement in graphics performance compared to the M1 Max.\n\n\nBeyond the new chips, the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models feature some hardware revisions as well, including WiFi 6E for twice as fast connectivity compared to the previous generation. Aside from that, both laptops also get \u201cadvanced HDMI\u201d now, which allows support for 8K displays for the first time.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the 14-inch MacBook Pro is set to retail from RM8,799 in Malaysia, while the larger 16-inch MacBook Pro starts at RM10,799. No word yet on the exact local availability of the two MacBooks, but now that they have been registered with SIRIM already, we reckon it will be available for purchase here very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2023-mac-mini-with-m2-m2-pro-chips-also-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "2023 Mac mini With M2 & M2 Pro Chips Also Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nAside from the revised \n14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros\n, Apple looks to be bringing in the Mac mini to Malaysia very soon as well. Not only is it available with Apple\u2019s M2 silicone now, the compact desktop can be configured with a Pro-tier chip in the form of the M2 Pro chip for the first time too.\n\n\nElectronics have to be registered with SIRIM before they can be officially sold in Malaysia, and in the case of the Mac mini, it appeared in the certification body\u2019s database a couple of days ago on 9 February. We spotted two models bearing the model numbers A2686 and A2816, which are the M2 and M2 Pro models respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHere in Malaysia, the new Mac mini \nretails from RM2,499\n for the base model with an M2 chip paired with 8GB unified memory and a 256GB SSD. If you want the more powerful M2 Pro configuration instead, it will \nset you back RM5,599\n, which gets you 16GB unified memory and 512GB of SSD storage.\n\n\nPerformance gain is expected with every new revision, and for the updated Mac mini, it can now deliver up to 50% faster performance than the previous model in image editing via Adobe Photoshop. As for the M2 Pro model \u2013 compared to the M1 Mac mini \u2013 it offers up to 4.2x faster ProRes transcode in Final Cut Pro, and up to 2.8x improved performance in Resident Evil Village.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile the Malaysian pricing of the new Mac mini has been revealed, there\u2019s no word yet on exactly when we can purchase the compact desktop on our shores. But now that it has been registered with SIRIM, we reckon it will hit local store shelves very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s23-ultra-unboxing-hands-on-improving-a-winning-formula/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Unboxing & Hands-on: Improving a Winning Formula", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, on the surface, doesn\u2019t seem all that different from the \nS22 Ultra\n. But under the hood, there are some notable upgrades that make it a better flagship smartphone overall, including an improved camera system, longer battery life, and of course, faster performance.\n\n\nOf course, these improvements do not come cheap. Starting at RM5,699, even the most affordable Galaxy S23 Ultra costs RM200 more than its predecessor, though early birds can enjoy a rather sizeable discount until 23 February 2023. Nonetheless, let\u2019s get to the unboxing (and hands-on) of the S23 Ultra!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs is the case with Samsung\u2019s flagship phones in recent times, the Galaxy S23 Ultra\u2019s packaging is nice and slim. That\u2019s mainly because no charging brick is provided with the phone, though a USB-C to USB-C charging cable is still found in the box.\n\n\nCuriously, Samsung slightly changed up the unboxing experience of the S23 Ultra. The first thing you see when you open up the box is the back of the phone instead of the front, and it\u2019s protected by a sheet of paper. The display is also covered with a black plastic sheet, which is actually quite satisfying to peel off.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd that\u2019s the Galaxy S23 Ultra in all its glory. Compared to the S22 Ultra, the new flagship has flatter sides, giving it more of the signature \u201csquared-off\u201d design aesthetic found in previous Galaxy Note phones. Personally, I like this change: it makes the phone easier to grip, improving its ergonomics.\n\n\nSpeaking of design, The S23 Ultra you see here is the Green colourway. It\u2019s a nice, muted shade of green that can even look grey in certain lightings. There are also three other main colours: Phantom Black, Lavender, and Cream. If you want something more unique, there are online exclusive colours only available at Samsung.com, including Sky Blue, Lime, and a striking Red.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the biggest improvements to the Galaxy S23 Ultra is its camera system. It\u2019s now sporting a quad camera system made up of a whopping 200MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and another 10MP telephoto camera with 10x optical zoom.\n\n\nYes, it is largely the same camera system except for the new 200MP main camera that delivers better detail preservation and improved low light capability by binning 16 pixels into one to output 12MP images. Based on some quick shots I took with the phone, it does feel very capable.\n\n\nAfter all, its predecessor had one of the best camera systems with a far-reaching zoom, so it\u2019s no surprise that the S23 Ultra continues to deliver the same (and potentially even better) camera performance.\n\n\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n200MP primary (12MP output)\n\n\n10MP telephoto (3x optical)\n\n\n10MP telephoto (10x optical)\n\n\n\n\nNext, there\u2019s the improved performance of the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Now powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset \u2013 no more Exynos variant folks \u2013 the phone feels very fast and zippy. I fired up \nGenshin Impact\n to see how it would fare, and not surprisingly, it can run the game at a consistent 60 frames per second in my brief testing.\n\n\nAnother benefit of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip is better power efficiency, which translates to longer battery life. While the S23 Ultra continues to feature the same 5,000mAh battery as its predecessor (the fast charging also remains at only 45W, unfortunately), the battery does seem to last quite a bit longer now. I\u2019ll be sure to test this thoroughly in the full review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the display department, the S23 Ultra has a stunning 6.8-inch QHD+ 3088 x 1440 Dynamic AMOLED 2X dual-curve display with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The high refresh rate lends to very smooth, fluid animations, and the image quality is undeniably one of the best (if not \nthe best\n) in the business with high brightness and vibrant colours.\n\n\nLast but not least is the signature hardware of the Galaxy S23 Ultra: the S Pen. As far as I can tell, there are no major changes here. The writing experience remains as fluid than ever, so it feels pretty natural to write using the S Pen. The slightly rubberised finish on the stylus is still present as well.\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is not remarkably different than its predecessor, though this isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing. Last year\u2019s S22 Ultra was considered by many to be one of the best phones released then, so Samsung is improving upon a winning formula here \u2013 that\u2019s just sound business decision.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, I\u2019ll be putting the Galaxy S23 Ultra through its paces leading up to the full review. I\u2019m certainly excited to use it as my daily driver, and I\u2019m curious to see if it can justify the RM5,699 starting price for the base 256GB model with 12GB of RAM.\n\n\nThat being said, those who \npre-order the S23 Ultra by 23 February\n can get a storage upgrade to 512GB for the same price as the 256GB model, which normally goes for RM6,199. If you want even \nmore\n storage, you can opt for the 1TB configuration for RM6,699 (discounted from RM7,199).\n\n\nThere\u2019s no denying that the Galaxy S23 Ultra carries a steep price tag, but it also offers a feature set that other high-end flagship phones do not have, including the much loved S Pen. Nonetheless, stay tuned for our full review of the S23 Ultra!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-10-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm999-5000mah-battery-90hz-amoled-display/", "title": "Realme 10 Lands in Malaysia for RM999 \u2013 5,000mAh Battery, 90Hz AMOLED Display", "body": "\n\nAnother affordable phone from Realme has just been launched in Malaysia. Sporting a generous 5,000mAh battery with a reasonably fast 90Hz AMOLED display, the Realme 10 may appeal to folks who want a long-lasting phone on a budget.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Realme 10 is offered in Malaysia. Featuring 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage \u2013 that\u2019s quite generous \u2013 the mid-ranger is priced at RM999. Two colour options are available: Clash White (the model you see here) and Rush Black.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Realme 10 features the aforementioned 5,000mAh battery \u2013 with support for 33W fast charging \u2013 and a 6.4-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. It\u2019s also powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 chip, which is said to be powerful enough to run PUBG Mobile at 40fps.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Realme 10 include a dual camera system (50MP primary + 2MP depth), a 16MP selfie camera, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, a 3.5mm headphone jack, as well as Android 12 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme 10 will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from 14 to 16 February 2023 for RM999. Every pre-order will come with freebies worth up to RM268, including a Realme Band 2 and a one-year screen crack protection.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2023-perodua-axia-official-27-4km-l-1-0l-d-cvt-asa-3-0-from-rm38-6k/", "title": "2023 Perodua Axia Official \u2013 27.4km/l, 1.0L D-CVT, ASA 3.0, From RM38.6k", "body": "\n\nAfter much teasing, the 2023 Perodua Axia is finally official. Not only is it a bigger, sleeker-looking A-segment hatchback now, it also gains some nice creature comforts, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and six airbags \u2013 the previous model maxes out at two airbags.\n\n\nOf course, given the upgrades, the asking prices of the new Axia are also higher now. There are a total of four variants: the base G model is priced at RM38,600, while the X goes for RM40,000. Next is the SE at RM44,000, followed by the range-topping AV variant for RM49,500. These are on-the-road prices without insurance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the highest-end Axia AV gets all the bells and whistles. These include the aforementioned six airbags, ASA 3.0 \u2013 consisting of AEB along with lane departure warning and prevention \u2013 a reverse camera, as well as LED headlights with auto high beam.\n\n\nBeyond these differences, all variants of the 2023 Axia are powered by the familiar 1.0L three-cylinder engine (67hp/91Nm), but it is now paired to a D-CVT. This improves the performance and fuel efficiency of the hatchback to an impressive (up to) 27.4km/l. According to Perodua, you can get from KL to Penang with less than RM28 of fuel. Very impressive, especially for a non-hybrid.\n\n\nCuriously, every trim of the updated Axia features 14-inch alloy wheels shod with 175/65\u00a0Toyo Proxes CR1\u00a0tyres \u2013 yes, even the base G variant gets the same set of wheels.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2023 Perodua Axia is now available for booking in Malaysia, and deliveries are set to start today. Retailing from RM36,800, it\u2019s certainly priced higher than its predecessor, but it is also a more complete, larger hatchback now.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-11-lands-in-malaysia-from-rm3299-snapdragon-8-gen-2-hasselblad-camera/", "title": "OnePlus 11 Lands in Malaysia From RM3,299 \u2013 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, Hasselblad Camera", "body": "\n\nJust a week after its global debut, the OnePlus 11 has just been launched right here in Malaysia. Sporting the latest Qualcom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset with a Hasselblad-branded camera system, the flagship phone is priced quite competitively locally too.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the OnePlus 11 is offered in two variants. The base 8GB + 128GB model in Titan Black is priced at RM3,299, while the higher-end 16GB + 256GB configuration in Eternal Green goes for RM3,599. Decent price tags for a flagship phone of this calibre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the OnePlus 11 features the aforementioned Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. It also has a 6.7-inch 3216 x 1440 AMOLED display with a 1Hz \u2013 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, as well as a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 100W fast charging.\n\n\nAs for the Hasselblad-branded triple camera system of the OnePlus 11, it\u2019s made up of a 50MP primary shooter, a 48MP ultra-wide angle lens, and a 32MP telephoto sensor with 2x optical zoom. All of them support autofocus, and in the case of the ultra-wide camera, it can also do 3.5cm macro shooting.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe OnePlus 11 will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from 16 to 24 February; early birds will even get a complimentary OnePlus Buds Pro 2 worth RM869. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the flagship phone, check out our \nfull review of the phone\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-buds-pro-2-with-dual-driver-design-anc-now-in-malaysia-for-rm869/", "title": "OnePlus Buds Pro 2 With Dual-Driver Design & ANC Now in Malaysia for RM869", "body": "\n\nLaunched alongside the \nOnePlus 11\n in Malaysia is the OnePlus Buds Pro 2, the Chinese company\u2019s new wireless earbuds. Featuring active noise cancellation and up to nine hours of battery life, the Buds Pro 2 also has a rather intriguing dual-driver design.\n\n\nAvailable in two colours (Arbor Green and Obsidian Black), the Buds Pro 2 is priced at RM869 in Malaysia. It is without a doubt a premium pair of wireless earbuds, though for that kind of money, you\u2019re also getting a number of interesting features, such as the aforementioned dual-driver design.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe dual-driver design of the Buds Pro 2 is made up of a 11mm unit that handles bass, while the other 6mm driver focuses on mids and highs. It also has the aforementioned active noise cancellation, spatial audio support, as well as up to nine hours of battery life on a single charge.\n\n\nThe OnePlus Buds Pro 2 will be available for pre-order in Malaysia for RM869 between 16 to 24 February; the \nsame exact pre-order window as the OnePlus 11\n. With that in mind, it will hit store shelves from 25 February onwards.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-azoth-pre-orders-live-in-malaysia-for-rm1070-gasket-mount-keyboard-with-oled-display/", "title": "Asus ROG Azoth Pre-Orders Live in Malaysia for RM1,070 \u2013 Gasket-Mount Keyboard With OLED Display", "body": "\n\nAsus\u2019 latest 75% wireless mechanical keyboard, the Asus ROG Azoth, is now available for pre-order in Malaysia. It\u2019s said to have \u201cfeatures typically only found on premium DIY keyboards,\u201d and this is\u2026actually true, to a certain extent.\n\n\nTake the mounting system of the ROG Azoth: instead of a tray-mount system typically found on pre-built keyboards, it has a more sophisticated gasket-mount design instead. However, it still offers a relatively stiff typing experience, which can be attributed to the use of silicone gaskets instead of a softer material.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Azoth also has an OLED display on the top right corner. It can show various information, including system information, audio visualisation, or just a nice animation. There\u2019s also a three-way toggle and a side button to the right of the OLED screen to control volume, lighting, and even media playback.\n\n\nOther features of the ROG Azoth include wireless support via a 2.4GHz dongle or Bluetooth, a hotswap PCB with three choices of ROG NX switches (linear, tactile, clicky), three layers of dampening foam to reduce case ping, and double shot PBT keycaps.\n\n\nOh, the keyboard is bundled with a lube kit too, which includes a bottle of Krytox 205g0 \u2013 a popular lube in the custom keyboard hobby.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Azoth is \nnow available for pre-order in Malaysia\n through \nBrightstar\u2019s online store for RM1,070\n until 23 February, though only the ROG NX Brown switch option is offered now. Alternatively, it can also be purchased at the ROG Exclusive Store in Plaza Low Yat, Kuala Lumpur.\n\n\nNot sure if the Azoth is worth the purchase? Then \ncheck out our full review\n (and \nsound test\n) of Asus\u2019 most custom pre-built keyboard yet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-3-5-livestream-set-for-17-february-with-dehya-albedo/", "title": "Genshin Impact 3.5 Livestream Set for 17 February With Dehya & Albedo", "body": "\n\nHoyoverse just revealed the livestream date for \nGenshin Impact\n\u2018s Version 3.5 update. Scheduled for this Friday on 17 February, the version update looks to feature both Dehya \u2013 who should be playable in the version update \u2013 and Albedo.\n\n\nGenshin Impact\u2019s Version 3.5 update is dubbed \nWindblume\u2019s Breath\n, which looks to be a reference to the annual Windblume Festival in-game event that takes place in Mondstadt. With that in mind, it makes sense for Albedo to be featured in the livestream; his event wish is likely coming back in Version 3.5.\n\n\nOf course, we can expect Mika (who also hails from Mondstadt) to be playable in the new update. After all, Hoyoverse already teased him alongside Dehya.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs with previous Genshin Impact version update livestreams, redemption codes offering Primogems will be given during the stream as well. You can catch the livestream of Genshin Impact Version 3.5 through \nTwitch\n\u00a0this Friday on 17 February at 8PM for us here in Malaysia.\n\n\nIf you can\u2019t watch the stream, don\u2019t worry: the special program\u00a0\nwill be on YouTube\n\u00a0shortly after at 9PM on the same day. Looking at the end date for Hu Tao\u2019s and Yelan\u2019s banners in Genshin Impact now (28 February), the Version 3.5 update should drop in early March 2023.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/16-22-february-fuel-price-ron-97-stays-at-rm3-35-per-litre/", "title": "16 \u2013 22 February Fuel Price: RON 97 Stays at RM3.35 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nRON 97 sees no price change yet again this week. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.35 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 16 to 22 February next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-find-n2-flip-hits-international-market-malaysia-to-follow/", "title": "Oppo Find N2 Flip Hits International Market \u2013 Malaysia to Follow?", "body": "\n\nAs promised, Oppo has launched its latest foldable smartphone, the \nOppo Find N2 Flip\n, for the international market. That being said, the phone has only been confirmed for European markets at the moment, though it\u2019s likely that the phone will also be available here in Malaysia very soon.\n\n\nAfter all, the Find N2 Flip has already been \nregistered with our local certification body, SIRIM\n. All electronics sold here in official capacity have to be certified by SIRIM first, so now that the foldable phone is in SIRIM\u2019s database already, we can expect it to be sold here in the near future.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, the Find N2 Flip is Oppo\u2019s answer to the\u00a0\nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 4\n. Compared to the latter, the Find N2 Flip sports a more sizeable 3.26-inch 720 x 382 AMOLED cover screen, while the primary display is a 6.8-inch 2520 x 1080 AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nJust like the larger \nOppo\n \nFind N2\n, the Find N2 Flip features a Hasselblad-branded camera system made up of a 50MP primary sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide angle lens. Naturally, it features Oppo\u2019s very own MariSilicon X NPU as well for improved camera performance.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Find N2 Flip include a MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ chipset paired with 8GB of RAM for international markets, 256GB of internal storage, a 32MP selfie camera, as well as a rather generous 4,300mAh battery with support for 44W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Find N2 Flip will go on sale in the UK on 2 March for \u00a3849; that comes up to about RM4,480. No official word on the availability of the phone in other markets outside of Europe at the time of writing, but given that the Find N2 Flip has been certified by SIRIM already, we reckon it will arrive in Malaysia very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-launches-galaxy-s23-series-in-malaysia-pre-order-collection-starts-17-february/", "title": "Samsung Launches Galaxy S23 Series in Malaysia \u2013 Pre-Order Collection Starts 17 February", "body": "\n\nSamsung just launched the latest Samsung Galaxy S23 series in Malaysia. Consisting of the Galaxy S23, S23+, and of course, the range-topping \nS23 Ultra\n, pre-order collection for all three phones is set to begin tomorrow on 17 February.\n\n\nTo celebrate the arrival of the Galaxy S23 series in Malaysia, Samsung is offering a pretty attractive launch promotion. Every purchase of any S23 device between 24 February to 31 March 2023 will be bundled with a Galaxy Watch 5 (40mm) worth RM1,099 for free.\n\n\nOn top of that, those who purchase any S23 phone can also get up to 30% discount on selected Samsung accessories, tablets, smartwatches, wireless earbuds, and Samsung Care+.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Galaxy S23 is the most affordable device in the series with a RM3,899 starting price for the 128GB model; the 256GB variant costs RM4,199. A tier up is the Galaxy S23+, which goes for RM4,699 and RM5,199 for the 256GB and 512GB models respectively.\n\n\nFinally, there\u2019s the highest-end Galaxy S23 Ultra. The 256GB configuration costs RM5,699, while the 512GB variant carries a RM6,199 price tag. There\u2019s also a whopping 1TB model for a cool RM7,199, though this particular configuration is not eligible for the free Galaxy Watch 5 launch promotion.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that you can still\u00a0\npre-order the Samsung Galaxy S23 series by 23 February\n\u00a0in Malaysia to get a storage upgrade \u2013 saving you up to RM500 \u2013 and a RM400 e-voucher. We\u2019ve also got an \nunboxing and hands-on of the S23 Ultra\n!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2023-asus-zenbook-14x-oled-ux3404-hands-on-premium-productivity-laptop-with-rtx-3050/", "title": "2023 Asus Zenbook 14X OLED (UX3404) Hands-on: Premium Productivity Laptop With RTX 3050", "body": "\n\nAnnounced back at CES 2023, the new Asus Zenbook 14X OLED (UX3404) brings quite a number of upgrades over its predecessor. Not only does it come with a more capable Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU now, it also has a ceramic-like finish for a unique, premium appeal.\n\n\nSet to be available in Malaysia very soon \u2013 before the end of February 2023 this month \u2013 the Zenbook 14X OLED is quite an intriguing productivity-focused laptop that can do some gaming on the side as well. If priced right, it could be a winner for Asus.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOff the bat, one of the most appealing features of the Zenbook 14X OLED has to be its ceramic-like finish on the lid. The unique coating is done through a process dubbed plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO), and the result is\u2026very interesting.\n\n\nThis finish is reserved for the Sandstone Beige colourway of the Zenbook 14X OLED you see here, and I love it. As the name suggests, it does feel like ceramic with a smooth feel that\u2019s cool to the touch. It almost feels like a ceramic tile, basically, and it doesn\u2019t seem to catch any fingerprint either.\n\n\nIf there\u2019s any downside to this, it would be the fact that the ceramic-like finish is only done on the lid of the Zenbook 14X OLED. Other parts of the laptop, including the palm rest area, still has a regular aluminium finish.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, beyond the unique finish of the Zenbook 14X OLED, it brings notable performance gains too. Now powered by Intel\u2019s latest 13th gen processors \u2013 maxing out at a Core i9-13900H \u2013 it can also be configured with up to 32GB of RAM and an RTX 3050 GPU.\n\n\nWhile the RTX 3050 isn\u2019t an awfully powerful GPU, it should still be fast enough to run most AAA games at acceptable frame rates with some tweaks to the graphics settings. The fact that the Zenbook 14X OLED is marketed as a productivity laptop while still sporting a gaming-grade RTX 3050 GPU is really quite impressive.\n\n\nNext, we have the OLED display of the Zenbook 14X OLED. It is now a 14.5-inch 2880 x 1800 OLED display \u2013 upsized from 14-inch \u2013 with a 120Hz refresh rate and 16:10 aspect ratio. The tall aspect ratio makes it great for productivity tasks, as you get more vertical screen real estate to work with.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the extra frame rates afforded by the OLED panel\u2019s 120Hz refresh rate also ensures that animations look smooth and fluid, especially in games that can hit the 120fps mark. Even the general user experience of the laptop is improved with the high refresh rate. Everything from moving the mouse cursor or scrolling through a web page will look extra smooth.\n\n\nAs for the screen quality of the Zenbook 14X OLED itself, it seems quite promising. This is, after all, an OLED display, which typically features vibrant, punchy colours with deep blacks and wide viewing angles. It\u2019s worth noting that this panel is also Pantone Validated, so it should have good colour accuracy \u2013 something creative professionals will appreciate.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA good selection of ports\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow, onto some of the most important hardware for a productivity laptop: input devices. In this regard, the Zenbook 14X OLED\u2019s keyboard is a bit of a mixed bag. While it does offer a good amount of key travel, the low actuation force of the keys make for a \u201csoft\u201d typing experience, which isn\u2019t quite to my liking.\n\n\nThat being said, the keyboard does offer a good amount of tactile feedback, and the Zenbook 14X OLED I tested is still just an engineering sample. It\u2019s entirely possible the consumer-ready unit will feature a more refined keyboard, and hopefully, more consistent backlight as well.\n\n\nAs for the laptop\u2019s trackpad, it\u2019s largely accurate with a smooth surface for my fingers to glide on. It also doubles as a numpad with a long press on the top right corner of the trackpad, which works in a pinch.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe keyboard\u2019s backlight could be better\n\n\n\n\nOverall, the 2023 Asus Zenbook 14X OLED looks to be a refined productivity laptop with a bright, vibrant OLED display; promising performance from the 13th gen Intel processor and RTX 3050 GPU; as well as a unique ceramic-like finish, even if it\u2019s only limited to the top lid.\n\n\nHowever, until Asus Malaysia reveals the Malaysian pricing of the Zenbook 14X OLED, it\u2019s tough to gauge the value proposition of the laptop. If it\u2019s priced anything like last year\u2019s \nZenbook 14X OLED Space Edition\n \u2013 which starts from RM5,599 at launch \u2013 it could be a compelling productivity laptop, especially for folks who also want to do some gaming.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, we will find out soon enough once Asus Malaysia launches the new Zenbook 14X OLED on our shores. I was told it will be available here in the next couple of weeks, so we won\u2019t have to wait much longer now.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/joyodio-shine-review-shine-bright-like-a-dull-rough-diamond/", "title": "Joyodio Shine Review: Shine (Overly) Bright Like a Diamond", "body": "\n\nIEMs with built-in switches that grant you the ability to alter the tuning aren\u2019t particularly new or groundbreaking, though the feature usually doesn\u2019t come cheap. \u201cSwitchable\u201d IEMs like the QDC Anole VX, for example, retails at \nover RM9,000\n. On the other end of that scale, there\u2019s the far more affordable Thieaudio Legacy 3 for about RM500.\n\n\nJoyodio, a newcomer to the ChiFi space, is making its debut with the Joyodio Shine; an IEM with tunable switches that retails \nfor just $79.99 (about RM355) on Linsoul\n, which sent us this review unit. The entry of yet another brand in the ChiFi market is not uncommon, but making your debut IEM a tunable one is a quite the bold move.\n\n\nEven if it\u2019s not executed quite right.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe Joyodio Shine is an IEM with a single dynamic driver and two balanced armature drivers. As mentioned, the Shine is a tunable IEM with four tiny switches on each of the shells that allow users to swap between five main profiles with \n16 possible configurations\n.\n\n\nLooking at the handy pamphlet that comes with the Shine \u2013 you probably shouldn\u2019t lose it \u2013 the four switches let you tweak the \u201clow, high, ultra-high, and full-frequency overall regulation\u201d respectively. In simpler terms, you\u2019re able to adjust the bass, upper-mids, treble, and a\u2026somewhat global frequency boost.\n\n\nAt least, that\u2019s what it says on (literal) paper. I\u2019ll elaborate more on the tuning of the Shine further down the review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Joyodio Shine comes in a rather sizeable box, the inside of which houses the IEM itself, six pairs of ear tips, and a carrying case that holds the cable. There\u2019s also a pin included that\u2019s thin enough to adjust the individual tuning switches on the IEM\u2019s shell. This pin is practically no different to a SIM eject tool that you get with your smartphone.\n\n\nOne set of ear tips is your standard translucent silicone tip, while the other has a spiral pattern on the inside. Despite the different deign, they sound pretty similar to each other, which can be attributed to the fact that both of them are wide bore tips.\n\n\nWith that in mind, I would\u2019ve appreciated the inclusion of narrow bore tips as well, especially due to the bright tuning of the Shine.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe included hard shell, faux leather case is actually quite nice. In fact, it\u2019s one of the nicer elements of the Shine. The cable is a silver-plated four-core braided cable, and this review unit includes an optional built-in microphone. The cable is soft, but still prone to tangling, not to mention the fact that it also has a\u2026peculiar odour.\n\n\nAs for the Shine itself, the faceplate is made of metal, while the inner shell is 3D-printed resin. Fit and comfort are decent, though the longer nozzle makes it a tad troublesome for me to find the sweet spot to get a proper seal in my ears. I actually find it better to tip roll and use the large sized tips from the \nQKZ x HBB \nK\nhan\n instead.\n\n\nHow Does It Sound?\n\n\nGiven that the Joyodio Shine\u2019s tuning can be switched up with the switches on its shell \u2013 excuse the pun \u2013 the following sound impressions are based on the IEM\u2019s Standard tuning, where all of the switches are turned down. In my opinion, even with the different settings, the inherent tonality of the Shine still remains essentially the same, aside from some dips and peaks in certain areas.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTonality of the Shine is bright and treble-centric. The 1DD and 2BA IEM has a predominantly BA timbre, and the soundstage is airy and horizontally wide, but it\u2019s not extended extensively vertically. Clarity and imaging is quite good, though instruments tend to mush together and congest the stage on busier tracks.\n\n\nBass\n\n\nSub-bass of the Shine is starkly rolled-off and virtually absent. There is no notable rumble, and the texture of the bass is also rather thin. Mid-bass is present but bashful, barely making itself known within the frequency range.\n\n\nThere isn\u2019t, to my ears, sufficient impact in the Shine\u2019s bass production, especially for genres like pop and rock. Vocal-centric or classical tracks might fare better in this regard, though bassheads should probably steer clear of the Shine.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMids\n\n\nMale vocals are clear, but almost unnaturally so; breathiness is in abundance, but this makes the note weight far too thin; female vocals sound very forward and airy, but borderline shouty to my ears. Basically, a substantial amount of extra low-end would help add warmth and body to vocals, and bring it closer to what\u2019s more natural to my preferences.\n\n\nThe same can be said for instruments like keys and strings, where there is clarity, but lack of structure and integrity.\n\n\nTreble\n\n\nThis region is where the Shine truly\u2026shines, albeit overly so. The treble region of this IEM is just \ntoo bright\n to my ears, to the point where it gets a bit fatiguing in long listening sessions. In the Shine\u2019s defense, the treble isn\u2019t sharp or shrill, but it is on the cusp of sounding as such, especially for a treble-sensitive listener like myself.\n\n\nThis emphasis in the highs does mean that the Shine has ample amount of air and clarity, though I still wish the energy of the treble is a bit more tame.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDifferences Between Different Tuning Settings\n\n\nSo does the Shine\u2019s tuning switches actually work? Of course. But are they really effective as an alternative to EQ or switching to different IEMs depending on the song and mood? \nOther reviews of the Shine\n have graciously measured and graphed each of the five default tunings, so you can refer to those for a more visual idea of the differences. The following is what each of the profile sounds like to my ears:\n\n\n\n\nThe Standard profile aside, all four switches pushed up will give you the Pop profile. This profile sounds sharper with crispier treble, and vocals are also more forward. However, the obvious pinna gain rise makes this already bright IEM even brighter. Ouch.\n\n\nClassical, which is just the third and fourth switches up, gives you a similarly bright experience sans the low end and upper mid-range.\n\n\nHaving only the first and fourth switches up will yield the R&B/Rock tuning, a profile that doesn\u2019t accentuate the upper mids as much as the Pop profile while still sounding mildly exciting.\n\n\nFinally, there\u2019s the \u201cHiFi\u201d tuning, which is just lifting up the fourth switch, producing the most detailed and revealing sound profile. That being said, it\u2019s also the profile which sounds like it has the least amount of bass. If you like a bright sound signature but don\u2019t want to be overwhelmed by too much bass, this profile is decent for a more clinical listening experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPersonally, I like Standard for most things and R&B/Rock for others. The latter has more presence and energy, while Standard is just more laid back and doesn\u2019t sound as artificially boosted as the others. Personally, none of the profiles have strong enough bass presence to my ears, and it is an IEM that is a bit too bright for my liking.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nOne of the most highlighted selling points of the Joyodio Shine is its flexibility to get different tunings by tweaking the switches on the IEM, but the differences aren\u2019t incredibly drastic. You\u2019re still limited by the hardware that is the 1DD and 2BA driver configuration.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s a neat novelty, to be sure, but if you\u2019re already not a fan of the Shine\u2019s inherent sound signature (bright and treble-centric), flipping several switches on the IEM won\u2019t change that. Of course, if you \ndo\n like such tonality, the Shine is certainly worth checking out.\n\n\nLi Jin Soh contributed to this review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-buds-pro-2-review-great-sound-not-so-great-user-experience/", "title": "OnePlus Buds Pro 2 Review: Great Sound, Not So Great User Experience", "body": "\n\nOnePlus\u2019 recent wireless earbuds surprised me quite a bit, especially when it comes to audio quality. This trait is carried over to the latest OnePlus Buds Pro 2, with a dual-driver design that elevates the sound quality even further.\n\n\nBut as much as I enjoy listening to my favourite tunes with the Buds Pro 2, it still falls short of expectations, especially for a premium pair of true wireless earbuds. That being said, it doesn\u2019t take away from the fact that these are \ngreat\n-sounding earbuds.\n\n\nIf you can live with its shortcomings, the Buds Pro 2 is well worth considering.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nAvailable in two colours (Arbor Green and Obsidian Black), the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 is priced at RM869 in Malaysia. At this price point, it is without a doubt a premium pair of wireless earbuds, though you\u2019re also getting a number of interesting features, such as the aforementioned dual-driver design.\n\n\nThe dual-driver design of the Buds Pro 2 is made up of a 11mm unit that handles bass, while the other 6mm driver focuses on mids and highs. This is a similar driver configuration as several popular IEMs lately, including the \nTruthear x Crinacle Zero\n and \nQKZ x HBB Khan\n.\n\n\nRounding out the feature set of the Buds Pro 2 are active noise cancellation (ANC), spatial audio support, as well as up to nine hours of battery life on a single charge, though it goes down to six hours with ANC activated and the volume set to 50%.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with my favourite feature of the OnePlus Buds Pro 2: its audio quality. As a whole, it is quite similar to its predecessor with a V-shaped sound signature that emphasis on the bass, along with better detail and control for a more refined sound quality.\n\n\nIf you love bass, you\u2019ll definitely love the Buds Pro 2. Unlike the previous model that offered too much bass, this new model produces more controlled (and layered) bass, which can be attributed to the dual-driver design. It\u2019s very impactful with a good amount of rumble, though it\u2019s also still just a tad too loose.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMids of the Buds Pro 2 are also pleasant with male vocals sounding thick and warm, though female vocals are a bit thin and distant. In the treble region, highs are rolled off with not enough crispiness in snaps or high hats, but there\u2019s still a surprising amount of detail and clarity. All in all, I thoroughly enjoy listening to these earbuds.\n\n\nANC performance of the Buds Pro 2 is reasonably good too. It\u2019s not quite on the same level as \nApple\u2019s 2nd gen AirPods Pro\n or the \nSamsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro\n, but overall, it can still cancel out low frequency sounds well enough. With some tunes playing, it can drown out most ambient noise.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBattery life of the Buds Pro 2 is above average as well. While OnePlus quotes up to six hours of battery life with ANC activated (50% volume), I can only get about five hours of use before it\u2019s out of juice, given that I listen to the earbuds at a higher volume output.\n\n\nGranted, five hours of use on a single charge is still decent, and it\u2019s more than good enough for my particular use. The charging case can recharge the Buds Pro 2 quite quickly too for a combined battery life of 39 hours (ANC disabled) or 25 hours (ANC enabled).\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nOddly enough, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2\u2026has no volume controls. I initially thought the squeeze controls \u2013 which are quite intuitive to use \u2013 can be customised to adjust the volume, but there\u2019s no such option in the app, much to my chagrin. Not the most pleasant user experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the proprietary ear tips of the Buds Pro 2 are not great either. Even if three different ear tip sizes are provided with the earbuds, there\u2019s a chance some folks won\u2019t get the best fit with any of them. Looking for replacement ear tips will be quite a challenge too.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIt really depends on what you look for in a pair of wireless earbuds. The best winning quality of the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 is its sound signature with strong, controlled bass, and it has reasonably good ANC performance and battery life as well. Based on its audio quality alone, I can see myself paying its RM869 price tag.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut if the lack of volume adjustment on the earbuds and proprietary ear tips put you off, then maybe the Buds Pro 2 isn\u2019t for you. For what it\u2019s worth, I absolutely love the sound signature of these earbuds, and if OnePlus can somehow introduce volume controls to the squeeze controls, I\u2019d happily use it as my daily driver.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-3-5-arrives-1-march-alongside-dehya-mika-new-archon-quest-with-dainsleif/", "title": "Genshin Impact 3.5 Arrives 1 March Alongside Dehya, Mika, New Archon Quest With Dainsleif", "body": "\n\nGenshin Impact 3.5 sees the return of the Windblume Festival event in Mondstadt, where several Sumeru characters \u2013 Collei, Cyno, and Tighnari \u2013 will also be visiting the city. On top of that, two new characters \u2013 the \npreviously teased Dehya and Mika\n \u2013 will be playable in the version update too, alongside a new Archon quest featuring Dainsleif and Kaeya.\n\n\nDehya is a 5-star Pyro character wielding a claymore, while Mika is a 4-star Cryo unit that uses both a polearm and a crossbow, though the latter is only used for his Elemental Skill. Dehya\u2019s event wish will run simultaneously with Cyno\u2019s rerun banner, while Mika will be featured in Kamisato Ayaka\u2019s and Shenhe\u2019s reruns in the second phase.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that Dehya is not an event-exclusive character; she will be added to the Standard Wish banner after the Version 3.6 update.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from the new characters, a new Archon quest will also be available in the Version 3.5 update of Genshin Impact. We will see the return of Dainsleif in that particular storyline, and both Kaeya and the Traveler\u2019s twin will be making an appearance too.\n\n\nInterestingly, players can get extra Intertwined Fates \u2013 used for limited-time event wish banners \u2013 for \neach\n Archon Quest completed once Genshin Impact 3.5 is live. Three new cards are set to be added to the game\u2019s Genius Invokation TCG as well, including Eula, Sangonomiya Kokomi, and Kujou Sara.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Version 3.5 update of Genshin Impact will drop on 1 March in the next couple of weeks. To recap, Dehya\u2019s and Cyno\u2019s event wishes will be available first, followed by Ayaka\u2019s and Shenhe\u2019s rerun banners (alongside Mika) in the second phase.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-find-n2-flip-confirmed-for-malaysian-market-launch-set-for-2-march-2023/", "title": "Oppo Find N2 Flip Confirmed for Malaysian Market \u2013 Launch Set for 2 March 2023", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been expected for quite some time now, and here it is: Oppo finally confirmed the Malaysian availability of its latest foldable phone, the Oppo Find N2 Flip. It\u2019s quite exciting, given that this is the Chinese company\u2019s first-ever foldable phone to be offered outside of China.\n\n\nOppo Malaysia confirmed the local availability of the Find N2 Flip on its Twitter account, which also mentions a 2 March 2023 launch date for the clamshell foldable phone. A \nregistration of interest\n for the Find N2 Flip has been opened too.\n\n\n\n\nThe Flip is coming to Malaysia! \ud83c\udf0f\nWatch the \n#OPPOFindN2Flip\n launch event unfold on 2 March 2023. \u23f3 \n#SeeMoreInASnap\n \n#FlipRefined\n\u2014 OPPO Malaysia (@OPPOMalaysia) \nFebruary 20, 2023\n\n\n\n\nThe Find N2 Flip is essentially Oppo\u2019s answer to the\u00a0\nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 4\n. Compared to the latter, the Find N2 Flip sports a more sizeable 3.26-inch 720 x 382 AMOLED cover screen, while the primary display is a 6.8-inch 2520 x 1080 AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nJust like the larger \nOppo\n \nFind N2\n, the Find N2 Flip features a Hasselblad-branded camera system made up of a 50MP primary sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide angle lens. Naturally, it features Oppo\u2019s very own MariSilicon X NPU as well for improved camera performance.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Find N2 Flip include a MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ chipset paired with 8GB of RAM for international markets, 256GB of internal storage, a 32MP selfie camera, as well as a rather generous 4,300mAh battery with support for 44W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nExpect to learn more about the Malaysian availability of the Oppo Find N2 Flip come 2 March next week. Naturally, no word yet on the local pricing of the foldable phone, though it does retail from \u00a3849 (about RM4,525) in the UK. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if it will be priced similarly here in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/photo-essay-click-brew-in-george-town-penang-combining-keyboard-coffee/", "title": "Photo Essay: Click & Brew in George Town, Penang \u2013 Combining Keyboard & Coffee", "body": "\n\nClick & Brew was one of the first custom keyboard retail stores to be opened in Malaysia. It started operating in the middle of 2022 last year, and at a glance, it looks like your typical cafe. But the moment you walk through the door, you know you\u2019re in a special space.\n\n\nAs its name suggests, Click & Brew combines two things the owners (husband and wife Joey and Erica) are passionate about: keyboard and coffee. While I was around George Town, Penang earlier this month, I managed to drop by the cafe, and it was certainly worth the trip.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re planning to visit the cafe, here\u2019s what to expect at Click & Brew!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRight off the bat, you\u2019ll see a plethora of keyboards neatly lined up at Click & Brew. It\u2019s a nice juxtaposition of sorts: custom keyboards are on the right, while the left side of the retail space looks more like a cafe \u2013 a very nice one, at that.\n\n\nWhether you want a cup of coffee or a slice of cake, Click & Brew got you covered. While you\u2019re waiting for your order to be prepared, you can browse through the cafe\u2019s respectable collection of keyboards. If you\u2019re up for it, you can even start building your very own keyboard right then and there.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, space is provided to start building your keyboard. Just choose the parts that you want, and you can start assembling. If you did order a coffee though, I\u2019d be careful about putting it too close to the keyboard while I\u2019m building it \u2013 you wouldn\u2019t want to literally mix the two elements together.\n\n\nKeyboard building workshops are also provided for folks who are not quite ready to jump straight into the custom keyboard hobby. At the moment, a workshop for beginners is offered every Saturday from 10:30AM to 12:30PM. A minimum of two attendees are required, and it costs \nRM55 per person\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHow about a deskmat to go along with your new keyboard?\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you do decide to build a keyboard, you can test it out once it\u2019s completed at the provided workstation. It is quite a sleek-looking setup with an open-air build, and Monkeytype \u2013 my go-to typing test website \u2013 is conveniently opened up already for you to type away.\n\n\nAs for the cafe itself, Click & Brew offers a nice and cosy ambiance. While it\u2019s not a particularly big cafe, it does feel comfortable and welcoming. Of course, Joey and Erica are very friendly and easy to talk too as well, especially when we were talking about the various keyboards on display.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis Enter stool is easily one my favourite furnishings in the cafe\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that Click & Brew will be moving to a larger retail space sometime this year, so I\u2019m glad I managed to visit the current cafe before the move. Don\u2019t worry, the new space will still be located in George Town, Penang. It won\u2019t be shifting to the Klang Valley area; not yet, maybe?\n\n\nNonetheless, do give Click & Brew a visit if you happen to be in Penang. It\u2019s a pleasant \u2013 and dare I say \u201cInstagrammable\u201d \u2013 cafe for both keyboard and coffee enthusiasts. It\u2019s definitely a unique cafe concept that will surely introduce more people to the custom keyboard hobby.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nClick & Brew is open from 12:30PM to 8PM, though it closes at 6PM on weekends. It is also closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so keep that in mind if you\u2019re \nplanning to drop by the cafe\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-v27e-with-aura-light-flash-launching-in-malaysia-1-march/", "title": "Vivo V27e With \u201cAura Light\u201d Flash Launching in Malaysia 1 March", "body": "\n\nVivo is set to launch an \u201cinstagrammable\u201d phone in Malaysia, as the company puts it. One of the most highlighted features of the Vivo V27e is its Aura Light flash that\u2019s placed right beside the triple camera array, which is said to allow for \u201cstudio-like images in low light environments.\u201d\n\n\nThat\u2019s certainly a lofty claim, but beyond its aura light flash system, the V27e also has a rather unique back design with a \u201cbrush stroke\u201d finish. Only the Lavender Purple model looks to feature this unconventional finish; the Glory Black colour option has a more minimalist-looking design instead.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the V27e include the aforementioned triple camera system (64MP primary + 2MP macro + 2MP bokeh), a 32MP selfie camera, a MediaTek Helio G99 chipset paired with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB internal storage, a 6.62-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 4,600mAh battery with 66W fast charging.\n\n\nThe Vivo V27e is set to be launched in Malaysia next week on 1 March 2023. We\u2019ll find out then just how much the phone will be priced at for our local market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmagic-8-pro-gaming-phone-lands-in-malaysia-from-rm3699-early-birds-get-up-to-rm800-discount/", "title": "RedMagic 8 Pro Gaming Phone Lands in Malaysia From RM3,699 \u2013 Early Birds Get Up to RM800 Discount", "body": "\n\nA new gaming smartphone is now available in Malaysia. Compared to its predecessor, the RedMagic 8 Pro features a second generation under display camera (UDC) for better screen clarity, along with a sleek-looking transparent design and cooling fan \u2013 yes, the built-in fan is still retained.\n\n\nTwo variants of the RedMagic 8 Pro are offered in Malaysia. The base Matte variant comes with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage for RM3,699, while the more generous 16GB + 512GB Void model with a transparent design goes for RM4,299.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Void model\n\n\nThe Matte variant\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the RedMagic 8 Pro is a well-equipped high-end gaming phone. It features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, a 6.8-inch 2480 x 1116 AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro), a 16MP selfie camera, and a generous 6,000mAh battery with 65W fast charging.\n\n\nThe RedMagic 8 Pro will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 25 February \non Lazada\n. Those who purchase the gaming phone on that day itself can get a cool RM800 discount on both models, bringing down the price to only RM2,899 and RM3,499 for the 12GB + 256GB and 16GB + 512GB models respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2023-macbook-pro-with-m2-pro-m2-max-chips-now-available-in-malaysia/", "title": "2023 MacBook Pro With M2 Pro & M2 Max Chips Now Available in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nApple\u2019s new \n14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro\n laptops are now available for purchase in Malaysia! Sporting the Cupertino company\u2019s brand new M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, the new machines promise faster performance, and in the case of the 16-inch MacBook Pro, the \u201clongest battery life ever in a Mac.\u201d\n\n\nThe new MacBook Pros can now be purchased on Apple\u2019s Malaysian online store. The 14-inch MacBook Pro is the more affordable model of the two with a \nRM8,799 starting price\n, while the larger, more powerful 16-inch MacBook Pro \nretails from RM10,799\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThanks to the power efficiency of the new M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, the 16-inch MacBook Pro can last up to a whopping \n22 hours\n on a single charge. In the performance side of things, the M2 Pro (with a 10- or 12-core CPU) offers up to 20% faster performance over the M1 Pro. As for the M2 Max, it promises 30% improvement in graphics performance compared to the M1 Max.\n\n\nBeyond the new chips, the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models feature some hardware revisions as well, including WiFi 6E for twice as fast connectivity compared to the previous generation. Aside from that, both laptops also get \u201cadvanced HDMI\u201d now, which allows support for 8K displays for the first time.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the 14-inch MacBook Pro starts at RM8,799 in Malaysia, while the larger 16-inch MacBook Pro retails from RM10,799. Now that both laptops are available for purchase on \nApple\u2019s Malaysian online store\n, we reckon retail stores will have them up for sale very soon as well.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2023-mac-mini-arrives-in-malaysia-m2-or-m2-pro-chip-from-rm2499/", "title": "2023 Mac mini Arrives in Malaysia \u2013 M2 or M2 Pro Chip From RM2,499", "body": "\n\nAside from the revised \n14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros\n, Apple has also brought in the Mac mini to Malaysian shores. Not only is it available with Apple\u2019s M2 silicone now, the compact desktop can be configured with a Pro-tier chip in the form of the M2 Pro chip for the first time too.\n\n\nHere in Malaysia, the new Mac mini \nretails from RM2,499\n for the base model with an M2 chip paired with 8GB unified memory and a 256GB SSD. If you want the more powerful M2 Pro configuration instead, it will \nset you back RM5,599\n, which gets you 16GB unified memory and 512GB of SSD storage.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerformance gain is expected with every new revision, and for the updated Mac mini, it can now deliver up to 50% faster performance than the previous model in image editing via Adobe Photoshop. As for the M2 Pro model \u2013 compared to the M1 Mac mini \u2013 it offers up to 4.2x faster ProRes transcode in Final Cut Pro, and up to 2.8x improved performance in Resident Evil Village.\n\n\nThe 2023 Mac mini is now available for purchase in Malaysia through \nApple\u2019s online store from RM2,499\n. Physical retail stores should have the compact desktop in stock soon as well.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s23-ultra-review-minor-changes-major-improvements/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Review: Minor Changes, Major Improvements", "body": "\n\nIn recent times, Samsung has focused on refining its range of high-end phones without making drastic changes. This is exemplified with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, which is largely similar to its predecessor, the \nS22 Ultra\n. This, in turn, does not make for a\u2026particularly exciting update.\n\n\nBut the S22 Ultra was considered one of the best phones released last year, so the fact that the S23 Ultra retains many of its feature set isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing. Plus, the changes that Samsung did introduce with the S23 Ultra \u2013 improved camera sensor and performance, to name a couple \u2013 do make for a more refined, more polished flagship phone.\n\n\nThat, unfortunately, also entails a more premium price tag. But for folks who want (easily) one of the best Android phones in the market now, it\u2019s hard to go wrong with the Galaxy S23 Ultra.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (3088 x 1440), 120Hz adaptive\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 3.36GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 740\nRAM\n12GB\nStorage\n256GB/512GB/1TB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n200MP f/1.7, multi-directional PDAF, OIS\n12MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide angle), Dual Pixel AF\n10MP f/2.4 (telephoto), Dual Pixel AF, OIS, 3x zoom\n10MP f/4.9 (telephoto), Dual Pixel AF, OIS, 10x zoom\nLaser autofocus system\nCamera (front)\n12MP f/2.2, Dual Pixel AF\nBattery\n5,000mAh with 45W charging\nDimensions\n163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm\nWeight\n233g\nOS\nOne UI 5.1 based on Android 13\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.3\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4/5/6GHz)\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM5,699 (256GB), RM6,199 (512GB), RM7,199 (1TB)\n\n\nOn paper, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is a high-end flagship phone through and through. It has the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, a sharp Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a fast 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and a sophisticated quad camera system with a 200MP primary sensor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf there\u2019s anything to nitpick, it would be the fast charging rate of the S23 Ultra. Given that other flagship phones have much faster charging speeds \u2013 even the \nRM3,299 OnePlus 11\n can do 100W fast charging \u2013 the S23 Ultra is noticeably falling behind. Nonetheless, let\u2019s move on to something more positive.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nSince the Galaxy S23 Ultra\u2019s camera system sees one of the most drastic changes, let\u2019s talk about that first. The quad camera setup is made up of a whopping 200MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and another 10MP telephoto camera with 10x optical zoom.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile it is largely the same camera system as the previous model, the 200MP main camera is a new sensor that bins 16 pixels into one to output 12.5MP images. Overall, the S23 Ultra\u2019s camera does feel more capable than last year\u2019s S22 Ultra, though not by a huge margin.\n\n\nIn short, the camera performance of the S23 Ultra remains as excellent as ever. It performs well regardless of lighting situation, it can lock in focus very quickly, and its far-reaching zoom is still my favourite aspect of the camera system. There just aren\u2019t many phones that can rival the zooming capability of this flagship.\n\n\nYes, the colour reproduction of the camera can be a tad too saturated sometimes, but to my eyes, it does make for more pleasant-looking shots.\n\n\n\n\n200MP primary (12.5MP output)\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n200MP primary (12.5MP output)\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n200MP primary (12.5MP output)\n\n\n10MP telephoto (3x optical)\n\n\n10MP telephoto (10x optical)\n\n\n200MP primary (12.5MP output)\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n200MP primary (12.5MP output)\n\n\n10MP telephoto (3x optical)\n\n\n10MP telephoto (10x optical)\n\n\n200MP primary (12.5MP output)\n\n\n200MP primary (12.5MP output)\n\n\n200MP primary (12.5MP output)\n\n\n200MP primary (12.5MP output)\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset of the Galaxy S23 Ultra, and it brings with it a slew of improvements. Performance, for one, is markedly better than last year\u2019s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC. Whether it\u2019s multitasking with various apps or gaming, the S23 Ultra can keep up with my usage.\n\n\nAnother benefit the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset brings is better power efficiency. On average, I can easily get over six hours of screen on time with the S23 Ultra out of the 5,000mAh battery. For the sake of comparison, I could only get about five hours of screen on time with last year\u2019s S22 Ultra, which had the same battery capacity.\n\n\nBasically, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset of the S23 Ultra not only offers better performance, but much improved battery life as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the display department, the Galaxy S23 Ultra has \nundeniably \none of the best-looking screens in the business. The 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel offers bright, vibrant colours, good white balance, deep blacks, and of course, wide viewing angles. It\u2019s a display befitting of a premium, high-end phone.\n\n\nAlso worth highlighting is the fast 120Hz adaptive refresh rate of the S23 Ultra\u2019s display. It\u2019s a joy to game on such a fast panel \u2013 assuming you\u2019re running games that support 120fps \u2013 and the extra frames do make for a phone that feels \nthat\n much more responsive.\n\n\nOh, there\u2019s also the built-in S Pen of the S23 Ultra. It still feels natural to scribble on the screen with the stylus, and the various Air Actions are easy to execute. All in all, it\u2019s the same S Pen loved by many.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the slightly tweaked design of the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Compared to the S22 Ultra, the new phone has flatter sides, giving it more of the signature \u201csquared-off\u201d design aesthetic found in previous \nGalaxy Note phones\n. This, in turn, makes the phone easier to grip, improving its ergonomics.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nFor a flagship phone that ticks so many boxes, it\u2019s odd that the Galaxy S23 Ultra is lacking in one area: the aforementioned charging speed. While 45W charging isn\u2019t slow by any means, it does lag behind its competition that can do much faster charging rates. Even \nmid-range phones\n support 120W charging speeds now.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the asking price of the S23 Ultra. Retailing from RM5,699 for the 256GB model, the starting price of the flagship phone went up by RM600 compared to its predecessor. That being said, it\u2019s worth noting that the S22 Ultra had a 128GB variant that went for RM5,099; the equivalent 256GB configuration was priced at RM5,499.\n\n\nStill, that\u2019s a high price of entry, and the S23 Ultra now costs dangerously close to the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which starts at RM5,799 for the 128GB model. While staunch Android users may not look at iPhones when they\u2019re shopping for a new phone, that\u2019s not the case for everyone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAndroid phones (even flagships) always had a sizeable price advantage compared to iPhones. Now that the price gap is getting smaller, it may be worth looking into the iPhone as well for those who are shopping for a premium Android phone like the S23 Ultra, \nespecially if you value certain things more\n.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you\u2019re certain you want an Android phone, then yes, you really can\u2019t go wrong with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. It has a very capable camera system, it is faster than ever, battery life is much improved, and of course, the signature S Pen is still here.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s a costly phone, to be sure, and the 45W charging speed leaves much to be desired. But that doesn\u2019t take away from the fact that the S23 Ultra is a fantastic, premium high-end phone. It may not have some revolutionary new features, but the upgrades that Samsung did implement with the S23 Ultra do lend to much improved user experience in many areas.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/23-february-1-march-fuel-price-ron-97-stays-at-rm3-35-per-litre/", "title": "23 February \u2013 1 March Fuel Price: RON 97 Stays at RM3.35 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nRON 97 sees no price change yet again this week. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.35 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 23 February to 1 March next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2023-asus-zenbook-14x-oled-ux3404-with-13th-gen-intel-chips-launched-in-malaysia-from-rm4999/", "title": "2023 Asus Zenbook 14X OLED (UX3404) With 13th Gen Intel Chips Launched in Malaysia From RM4,999", "body": "\n\nAsus just launched the 2023 Asus Zenbook 14X OLED (UX3404) in Malaysia. Sporting a unique ceramic-like finish on the top lid, the premium productivity machine is touted by Asus as the first laptop in Malaysia with an OLED display and Intel\u2019s latest 13th gen processors.\n\n\nAs many as three different variants of the Zenbook 14X OLED are offered in Malaysia, though only the Core i7-13700H model is available now for RM5,999. The more affordable Core i5-13500H (RM4,999) and range-topping Core i9-13900H + RTX 3050 (RM6,999) configurations will arrive sometime in April 2023.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSince only the Core i7 configuration of the Zenbook 14X OLED is available in Malaysia now, let\u2019s dive into its hardware. For RM5,999, it features a 14.5-inch 2880 x 1800 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, as well as a generous 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021 is also bundled with the laptop.\n\n\nTo recap, the Asus Zenbook 14X OLED is available for purchase in Malaysia now in the Core i7 configuration for RM5,999. The Core i5 and Core i9 models, on the other hand, will arrive on our shores sometime in April 2023.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s23-roadshow-begins-24-february-at-4-locations-throughout-malaysia/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S23 Roadshow Begins 24 February at 4 Locations Throughout Malaysia", "body": "\n\nTo celebrate the launch of its latest Samsung Galaxy S23 series in Malaysia, the Korean company will be running a roadshow at four locations throughout Malaysia from 24 February tomorrow until 26 February. Of course, customers can also grab a number of interesting promotions at the roadshows.\n\n\nWe visited the Galaxy S23 roadshow at 1 Utama Shopping Centre in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, which is where these pictures are taken. Three other locations in Malaysia will have a similar roadshow too, including Gurney Plaza, Penang; AEON Mall Tebrau City, Johor Bahru; and Vivacity Megamall in Kuching, Sarawak.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt the Galaxy S23 roadshow, several activities are prepared. You can get a RM50 Samsung e-voucher by just capturing and sharing images of the roadshow, or even get a free Galaxy Watch 5 (40mm) worth RM1,099 with every purchase of the S23 series, along with a 30% PWP discount on accessories like the Silicone Grip Case.\n\n\nAside from that, there\u2019s also a Spin & Win contest for those who get any Galaxy S23 device, where you can win a prize worth up to RM2,599. There is a \nvery attractive BOGO (buy one, get one) deal\n as well for the S23 series: you can trade-in your \nS22 Ultra\n, \nS21 Ultra\n, or \nNote 20 Ultra\n to get the standard Galaxy S23 (128GB) for free with every purchase of a Galaxy S23 Ultra (256GB) priced at RM5,699.\n\n\nOf course, depending on which Ultra device you have, you\u2019ll have to top-up an additional RM199 or RM399 if you\u2019re trading-in the S21 Ultra or Note 20 Ultra. No top-up required if you\u2019re trading-in the S22 Ultra.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can accessorise your phone with the Bespoke Studio\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is the most affordable device in the series with a RM3,899 starting price for the 128GB model; the 256GB variant costs RM4,199. A tier up is the Galaxy S23+, which goes for RM4,699 and RM5,199 for the 256GB and 512GB models respectively.\n\n\nFinally, there\u2019s the highest-end Galaxy S23 Ultra. The 256GB configuration costs RM5,699, while the 512GB variant carries a RM6,199 price tag. There\u2019s also a whopping 1TB model for a cool RM7,199, though this particular configuration is not eligible for the free Galaxy Watch 5 launch promotion.\n\n\nMore details on the Galaxy S23 roadshow can be found on \nSamsung\u2019s official website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/msi-raider-ge78hx-is-an-rtx-4090-gaming-behemoth-with-a-lightbar-for-rm24999/", "title": "MSI Raider GE78HX Is an RTX 4090 Gaming Behemoth (With a Lightbar) for RM24,999", "body": "\n\nMSI just launched a slew of new laptops powered by Intel\u2019s latest 13th gen processors, and one of the most powerful offerings by the Taiwanese company is the MSI Raider GE78HX. Sporting a fast Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 GPU with an equally speedy Intel Core i9-13980HX processor, it\u2019s a very capable gaming machine.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Raider GE78HX is offered in Malaysia, which features the aforementioned RTX 4090 and Core i9-13980HX combo for a cool RM24,999. For that kind of money, you\u2019re also getting a very generous 4TB PCIE 4.0 SSD and 64GB DDR5 5600MHz RAM.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the new Raider also features a display worthy of its gaming prowess. It comes with a 17-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS-level screen with a blazing fast 240Hz refresh rate. Paired with the beefy GPU and CPU, fast-paced games like Valorant and Apex Legends should be able to make full use of that refresh rate.\n\n\nAnother eye-catching feature of the Raider is the lightbar underneath the gaming laptop. Dubbed Mystic Light, the RGB lighting is (naturally) configurable. The SteelSeries-branded keyboard\u2019s per-key RGB lighting is also customisable.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe MSI Raider GE78HX is now available for purchase in Malaysia. RM24,999 is certainly a hefty amount of money for the laptop, but if you want a serious gaming machine, the Raider fits the bill.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/msi-stealth-14-studio-is-a-14-rtx-4060-gaming-laptop-for-rm9999-in-malaysia/", "title": "MSI Stealth 14 Studio Is a 14\u2033 RTX 4060 Gaming Laptop For RM9,999 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nAside from the (almost obscenely) powerful \nRaider GE78HX\n, MSI also introduced a more compact laptop, the MSI Stealth Studio 14. One of the best selling points of the laptop \u2013 in my opinion, at least \u2013 is the fact that it\u2019s a reasonably capable gaming laptop in a 14-inch form factor.\n\n\nOffered in only one variant in Malaysia, the Stealth 14 Studio is priced at RM9,999. For that kind of money, it features an Intel Core i7-13700H processor paired with up to 16GB of DDR5 RAM, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, a rather sharp 14-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS-level display with a very fast 240Hz refresh rate, as well as a PCIE 4.0 SSD, though the exact capacity was not detailed.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven the 14-inch form factor of the Stealth 14 Studio, it is without a doubt a compact gaming laptop. It\u2019s quite lightweight and thin as well with a 19mm chassis that tips the scales at 1.7kg. It\u2019s a laptop I wouldn\u2019t mind lugging around at all.\n\n\nSure, RM9,999 for \u201conly\u201d an RTX 4060 gaming laptop isn\u2019t exactly great value proposition, but the MSI Stealth 14 Studio \nis\n a compact gaming laptop; there\u2019s not much competition in this space. Alternatively, there\u2019s the \nAsus ROG Zephyrus G14\n, though the new 2023 model hasn\u2019t arrived here yet.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/budget-2023-license-fees-waiver-for-b2-motorcycle-taxi-bus-e-hailing-tests/", "title": "Budget 2023: License Fees Waiver for B2 Motorcycle, Taxi, Bus, e-Hailing Tests", "body": "\n\nMalaysia\u2019s Budget 2023 is being retabled today, and one of the biggest transport-related announcements is the waiver of license fees for four different categories. These include test fees for B2 motorcycle (below 250cc), taxi, bus, and e-hailing.\n\n\nThe initiative was originally announced by the previous administration in October 2022, and this is really a confirmation that it will be implemented. The license fees waiver for these classes of vehicles is meant to help folks who rely on these vehicle classes to make a living, such as the B40 group.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt remains to be seen exactly when (and for how long) the license fees waiver will be implemented. We\u2019ll have to wait for more details to be announced by the government in the near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-baizhu-kaveh-teased-likely-playable-in-version-3-6-update/", "title": "Genshin Impact Baizhu & Kaveh Teased \u2013 Likely Playable in Version 3.6 Update", "body": "\n\nIn typical Hoyoverse fashion, the developer dropped a teaser for two new characters coming to\u00a0\nGenshin Impact\n: Baizhu and Kaveh. Both of them have actually appeared in the game before, so chances are, they will be playable in the Version 3.6 update of Genshin Impact.\n\n\nAfter all, characters that are teased by Hoyoverse are usually playable in the next version update of Genshin Impact, so there\u2019s no reason the same wouldn\u2019t apply to Baizhu and Kaveh. Unfortunately, the rarity of the new characters has not been revealed yet, though we reckon Baizhu is a 5-star character, given how prominent he has been in the game\u2019s overarching storyline.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs with previous teasers, there\u2019s no mention of the weapons that Baizhu and Kaveh use; they haven\u2019t been seen wielding any weapon in the game yet. But it\u2019s confirmed in-game \u2013 and by Hoyoverse itself \u2013 that both of them possess a Dendro Vision.\n\n\nExpect Baizhu and Kaveh to be playable characters once Genshin Impact 3.6 is here, which should be released sometime in April 2023, given that the Version 3.5 update \ndrops next week on 1 March\n. That\u2019s also when Dehya\u2019s and Cyno\u2019s event wishes will be available in Genshin Impact.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/budget-2023-belia-rahmah-initiative-gives-youths-rm200-ewallet-credit/", "title": "Budget 2023: Belia Rahmah Initiative Gives Youths RM200 eWallet Credit", "body": "\n\nYouths in Malaysia are set to get RM200 in ewallet credit sometime in 2023. This was confirmed at the retabling of Budget 2023 by the current government, and curiously, this initiative has been revised since its original announcement in October 2022: those in the M40 income group \nwill no longer receive RM100\n.\n\n\nThat being said, it\u2019s worth nothing that income tax for M40 group will be reduced by 2% for those with annual incomes between RM35,000 to RM100,000 as part of the new Budget 2023. According to the government, that\u2019s up to RM1,300 extra disposable income for about 2.4 million taxpayers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, for youths between the age of 18 to 20, they are set to receive RM200 in ewallet credit as part of the Belia Rahmah initiative. It will benefit over two million youths in Malaysia, and RM400 million funds will be used for this.\n\n\nAs usual, there\u2019s no word yet on when the Belia Rahmah initiative will begin, though we reckon more details will be revealed in the near future. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if the government will engage with the same ewallet services for the initiative, which included ShopeePay, Touch \u2018n Go eWallet, BigPay, and GrabPay.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2023-toyota-vios-open-for-booking-in-malaysia-estimated-pricing-from-rm90k/", "title": "2023 Toyota Vios Open For Booking in Malaysia \u2013 Estimated Pricing From RM90k", "body": "\n\nWell well well, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) just opened bookings for one of its most popular models, the 2023 Toyota Vios. The well-known B-segment sedan is now in its fourth generation, and it is feature-packed with rather comprehensive driver assistance systems.\n\n\nAccording to UMWT, the new Vios is estimated to start from RM90,000 for the base 1.5E model, and dealers have revealed that the range-topping 1.5G may be priced from RM96,000. That\u2019s right, only two trim levels are expected to be available in Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the safety department, the upcoming Vios will feature a slew of driver assistance systems. These include pre-collision system, lane keeping control, auto high beam, and get this: adaptive cruise control. Not many B-segment vehicles have this convenient feature.\n\n\nOther revealed specifications of the updated Vios include 17-inch alloy wheels, three drive modes (Eco, Normal, Power), paddle shifters, an electronic parking brake with auto brake hold, rear air-cond vents, a 3D panoramic view monitor, and even a 9-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2023 Toyota Vios is now \navailable for booking in Malaysia\n. To recap, it\u2019s expected to retail from RM90,000 to RM96,000 for the base 1.5E and highest-end 1.5G models respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/budget-2023-tax-free-period-for-evs-in-malaysia-further-extended-to-2025-2027-for-cbu-and-ckd-models/", "title": "Budget 2023: Tax-Free Period for EVs in Malaysia Further Extended to 2025 & 2027 for CBU and CKD Models", "body": "\n\nWhile it wasn\u2019t verbally mentioned at the retabling of Budget 2023 by the current government, electric vehicles (EV) in Malaysia are actually getting more incentives now. These include both fully imported (CBU) and locally assembled (CKD) EVs.\n\n\nPreviously, import and excise duties exemption on CBU EVs in Malaysia were proposed to end on 31 December 2024 at the original tabling of Budget 2023. But this has now been revised to be extended \nanother year\n to 31 December 2025.\n\n\n\n\nThe \nOra Good Cat\n\n\nThe Smart #1\n\n\n\n\nThat also means the highly anticipated \nSmart #1\n electric SUV that will be brought into Malaysia by Proton Edar towards the end of this year \u2013 in CBU form \u2013 can enjoy over two years of tax-free prices. As for CKD EVs, they will remain tax-free until 31 December 2027. That\u2019s right, locally assembled EVs get two additional years of tax exemptions.\n\n\nThanks to these incentives, EVs in Malaysia should remain (relatively) affordable for quite some time, which should bolster EV adoption on our shores. As \nEV charging infrastructure\n is \nfurther improved\n throughout the country, EVs are set to be more attractive options in the near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-13-also-launched-in-malaysia-still-features-leica-camera-for-rm3499/", "title": "Xiaomi 13 Also Launched in Malaysia \u2013 Still Features Leica Camera for RM3,499", "body": "\n\nLaunched alongside the range-topping Xiaomi 13 Pro is the more affordable standard Xiaomi 13. Despite sitting at a lower price point, it is still a flagship-tier phone with a Leica triple camera system \u2013 albeit not as sophisticated \u2013 and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset.\n\n\nUnlike the 13 Pro, the regular Xiaomi 13 is only offered in one variant in Malaysia. Featuring 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, it is priced at RM3,499. Three different colour options are available: Flora Green, White, and the classic Black.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlthough the Xiaomi 13 doesn\u2019t get the Pro\u2019s 1-inch primary camera sensor, it\u2019s still a rather capable (and Leica-branded) triple camera system. It consists of a 1/1.49-inch 50MP main shooter, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto sensor. It\u2019s a versatile camera setup with three different focal lengths.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Xiaomi 13 are a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset previously mentioned, a 6.36-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 32MP selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery with 67W fast charging, and MIUI 14 based on Android 13 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can now pre-order the Xiaomi 13 in Malaysia for RM3,499 until 7 March 2023. Online pre-orders through Shopee or Lazada will be bundled with a RM699 e-voucher, while offline pre-orders at Xiaomi stores will be bundled with a 43-inch Xiaomi TV P1 worth RM1,799.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-13-pro-unleashed-in-malaysia-leica-camera-snapdragon-8-gen-2-from-rm4599/", "title": "Xiaomi 13 Pro Unleashed in Malaysia \u2013 Leica Camera, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, From RM4,599", "body": "\n\nThe Xiaomi 13 Pro has just been launched in Malaysia today. Sporting a Leica-branded triple camera system and the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, it\u2019s certainly a premium flagship smartphone\u2026with matching price tags.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Xiaomi 13 Pro are available in Malaysia. The base model with 256GB of storage and 12GB RAM retails at RM4,599, while the 512GB configuration \u2013 touted as a limited edition model \u2013 with the same amount of RAM goes for RM5,999.\n\n\nIt\u2019s offered in two colours: Ceramic White and Ceramic Black.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the Leica camera system of the Xiaomi 13 Pro is one of its main selling points. It\u2019s made up of an impressive 1-inch Sony IMX989 primary sensor \u2013 the same one found in the \nXiaomi 12S Ultra\n \u2013 a 50MP telephoto shooter, and a 50MP ultra-wide lens with macro support.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xiaomi 13 Pro include the aforementioned Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, a 6.73-inch 1440p AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 32MP selfie camera, a 4,820mAh battery with support for 120W fast charging, and MIUI 14 based on Android 13 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi 13 Pro is now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 7 March 2023. Those who pre-order the 256GB model (RM4,599) online can get a RM799 e-voucher from \nShopee\n or \nLazada\n, while offline pre-orders through Xiaomi stores will come with a 58-inch Xiaomi TV A2 worth RM2,799.\n\n\nAs for the limited edition Xiaomi 13 Pro in 512GB configuration, it\u2019s only available for pre-order offline at Xiaomi stores. It\u2019s bundled with a Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, and a Xiaomi 33W PowerBank 10,000mAh Pocket Edition Pro.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-smart-cooking-robot-is-a-thermomix-alternative-for-rm4599-in-malaysia/", "title": "Xiaomi Smart Cooking Robot Is a Thermomix Alternative for RM4,599 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nXiaomi has released a wide range of kitchen appliances, and its latest offering in Malaysia could just be the brand\u2019s most interesting one yet. Enter the Xiaomi Smart Cooking Robot, which is touted as a more affordable alternative to the popular Thermomix.\n\n\nCompared to the Thermomix TM6, for example \u2013 which currently retails at an \neye-watering RM7,488 in Malaysia\n \u2013 the Xiaomi Smart Cooking Robot is priced at only RM4,599. Needless to say, it\u2019s quite a bit more affordable than the TM6, and it is feature-packed too with recipes tailored to the local market.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe were told that the Smart Cooking Robot currently has over 200 recipes, and some of them include dishes loved by locals such as \nnasi lemak\n (!) and Hainanese chicken rice. More recipes will be added in the future too, and no membership is required to access them.\n\n\nOther features of the Smart Cooking Robot include an 8-inch touchscreen, 3D induction heating \u2013 from 35\u00b0C to 180\u00b0C \u2013 and the ability to prepare three dishes and a soup \nsimultaneously\n. A slew of accessories are bundled with the appliance as well, including a steamer set, blender base with blade, whisk, scraper, mesh basket, and measuring spoons.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi Smart Cooking Robot is now available for purchase in Malaysia at Xiaomi stores for RM4,599. We were told that stocks are limited at the moment, so if you\u2019re keen to get this Thermomix alternative, you may want to contact your nearest Xiaomi store soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-magic-5-series-official-triple-camera-with-up-to-100x-zoom-snapdragon-8-gen-2/", "title": "Honor Magic 5 Series Official \u2013 Triple Camera With up to 100x Zoom, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2", "body": "\n\nHonor just unveiled its latest series of flagship phones at MWC 2023. The Honor Magic 5 and Honor Magic 5 Pro, given their premium positioning, are naturally powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. In the case of the Pro model, its triple camera system can even do up to 100x zoom.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the range-topping Magic 5 Pro. Its triple camera configuration is made up of a 50MP primary shooter, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP periscope telephoto sensor that can do 3.5x optical zoom or 100x digital zoom. As for the selfie camera, it\u2019s a 12MP unit.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Magic 5 Pro include a 6.81-inch 2848 x 1312 LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz smart refresh rate, 12GB of RAM, 512GB of internal storage, IP68 rating, a generous 5,100mAh battery with support for 66W wired charging (50W for wireless charging), and MagicOS 7.1 based on Android 13.\n\n\nAs for the standard Honor Magic 5, it has slightly different hardware. While it\u2019s still powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, it has a more modest triple camera system made up of a 54MP main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide shooter, and a 32MP telephoto camera with 2.5x optical zoom or 50x digital zoom.\n\n\nRounding out the hardware of the Magic 5 are a 6.73-inch 2688 x 1224 LTPO OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, 12GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, a 12MP selfie camera, IP68 rating, and a 5,100mAh battery with 66W wired charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor European markets, the Honor Magic 5 is priced from 899 euro (about RM4,250), while the Honor Magic 5 Pro starts at 1,199 euro (approximately RM5,670). We were told that the Honor Magic 5 series will be coming to Malaysia, though it remains to be seen if both phones will be sold here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-dehya-cyno-banners-arrive-1-march-with-collei-bennett-barbara/", "title": "Genshin Impact Dehya & Cyno Banners Arrive 1 March With Collei, Bennett, Barbara", "body": "\n\nDetails on Dehya\u2019s and Cyno\u2019s event wishes have been revealed! Set to go live in \nGenshin Impact\n tomorrow on 1 March, the two 5-star characters\u2019 banners will be accompanied by Collei, Bennett, and Barbara.\n\n\nIn line with \nprevious Genshin Impact\n \ndouble banners\n, Dehya and Cyno both have the same roster of 4-star characters despite the fact that they\u2019re featured in separate event wishes. Of course, pity is also shared between the two banners, and the wish guarantee count\u00a0\nwill\n\u00a0carry over to future character banners too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe same rule applies to the increased \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Dehya, Cyno, Collei, Bennett, and Barbara. In the case of Dehya and Cyno, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be either of them, depending on which banner you\u2019re wishing. If you got a different character, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be them.\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s pity system for character banners ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character every 90 wishes, you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Dehya or Cyno. This rule is also applicable to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Collei, Bennett, or Barbara. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will likely have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDehya\u2019s \u201cAuric Blaze\u201d and Cyno\u2019s \u201cTwilight Arbiter\u201d event wishes will be available in Genshin Impact on 1 March tomorrow. Their banners will be offered until 21 March, which is when\u00a0\nKamisato Ayaka\u2019s and Shenhe\u2019s reruns\n \u2013 alongside Mika, a new 4-star character \u2013\u00a0will go live.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/click-brew-moving-to-new-location-in-george-town-penang-closed-for-2-months/", "title": "Click & Brew Moving to New Location in George Town, Penang \u2013 Closed for 2 Months", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s official: \nClick & Brew just announced\n that it will be moving to a new location. We wrote about this transition just last week in our \nphoto essay of the keyboard cafe\n, and it will be closed for two months (from next week onwards) to facilitate the move and renovation at the new space.\n\n\nWhile Click & Brew did not mention the exact location of the new store, we were previously told that it will still be located within George Town, Penang. So no, there won\u2019t be any new keyboard cafe in the Klang Valley area. Well, not yet, perhaps?\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEven though the keyboard cafe will be closed for the next two months beginning next week, Click & Brew\u2019s online store will still be operational. You can still purchase its range of keyboards, switches, and keycaps from its \nofficial website\n.\n\n\nIf you want to give Click & Brew a visit before it closes at the end of the week, you can still do so at its current location at \n4, Lebuh Acheh, George Town, Penang\n. You can also check out our \nphoto essay of the current store\n before the move!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-11-concept-is-a-liquid-cooled-smartphone-with-visible-liquid-flow/", "title": "OnePlus 11 Concept Is a Liquid-Cooled Smartphone With Visible Liquid Flow", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019ve seen our fair share of concept smartphones, and at MWC 2023, OnePlus unveiled a rather interesting concept of its own. The OnePlus 11 Concept features a liquid cooling system dubbed Active CryoFlux, and the flow of the liquid is visible on the back of the phone and around the camera module.\n\n\nOf course, the Active CryoFlux system isn\u2019t there just for looks. According to OnePlus, the cooling system can lower the temperature of the phone by up to 2.1\u00b0C, which is said to provide between three to four extra frames per seconds in games.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOutside of gaming, the Active CryoFlux system offers another advantage too. During charging, for example, the cooler can bring down the temperature of the OnePlus 11 Concept by 1.6\u00b0C. This, in turn, shortens the charging time between 30 to 45 seconds.\n\n\nWhile these benefits are by no means groundbreaking, it does make for a phone with a unique aesthetic with some improvements to the overall performance. However, as the OnePlus 11 Concept is, well, a concept phone, it remains to be seen if the Active CryoFlux system will ever make it to a consumer product.\n\n\nNonetheless, it\u2019s still a \u201ccool\u201d innovation.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/pokemon-sleep-releases-summer-2023-attract-pokemons-while-you-sleep/", "title": "Pokemon Sleep Releases Summer 2023 \u2013 Attract Pokemons While You Sleep", "body": "\n\nPokemon Sleep was announced back in 2019, and it finally got a proper release date. Set to arrive sometime in summer 2023 \u2013 so that\u2019s between June to September 2023 \u2013 it\u2019s essentially a sleep tracker that allows you to attract Pokemons while you\u2019re asleep.\n\n\nThis is shown in a new trailer for Pokemon Sleep. Depending on your sleep pattern \u2013 the mobile app has three sleep categories: dozing, snoozing, or slumbering \u2013 you will attract different Pokemons with the same sleeping habit. If you\u2019re lucky, you can even get Pokemon with \u201crare sleep styles.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from the new trailer for Pokemon Sleep, the Pokemon Company also released a video for the Pokemon Go Plus + device; yes, there are two instances of \u201cplus\u201d in the product name. Anyway, that device can be used for both Pokemon Sleep (for sleep tracking) and Pokemon Go, though the device is not necessary to play Sleep.\n\n\nTo recap, Pokemon Sleep is set to arrive sometime between June to September 2023 this summer. As for the Pokemon Go Plus + device, there\u2019s no tentative release date for it yet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-could-this-be-the-proton-x90s-interior/", "title": "Spy Shot: Could This Be the Proton X90\u2019s Interior?", "body": "\n\nMore spy shots of Proton\u2019s upcoming D-segment SUV \u2013 tentatively dubbed \nProton X90\n, which is based on the Geely Haoyue \u2013 are surfacing online. This time around, we possibly got a first look at the interior of the large SUV, and it looks pretty good.\n\n\nThese images of the X90 were shared by CW Awei \u2013 though they were originally posted by one Kamweng Woon \u2013 in the \nGeng Funtasticko\n Facebook group. Not only do we have a purported shot of the interior, the Infinite Weave grille of the SUV seems to have changed \nfrom the last time we spotted it\n too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Haoyue is a large D-segment SUV that can be configured with five or seven seats; it measures 4,835mm long, 1,900mm wide, and 1,785 tall. Compared to the \nProton X70\n, the Haoyue is 316mm longer, 69mm wider, and 91mm taller.\n\n\nPowering the Haoyue, on the other hand, is a 1.8L four-cylinder turbocharged engine that outputs 181PS and 300Nm of torque. This engine is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with drive sent either to the front wheels or all four of them for the AWD model.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHowever, it\u2019s worth noting that in The Philippines, the Okavango (as it\u2019s called there) is actually available with a 1.5L three-cylinder turbo engine \u2013 similar to the one \nmanufactured at Proton\u2019s assembly line at Tanjung Malim, Perak\n. It\u2019s paired to a mild hybrid system that put out a combined figure of 190hp and 300Nm of torque, and it features a 7DCT, though there is no AWD variant.\n\n\nOf course, given its positioning as a premium SUV, the Haoyue is equipped with Geely\u2019s level 2 autonomous driving system too. It is made up of 24 different sensors to allow for as many as 17 \u201cintelligent drive features.\u201d According to Geely, this lets the SUV automatically follow, stop, as well as turn at speeds of up to 150km/h.\n\n\nJust like the \nProton X50\n, the Haoyue is also capable of parking itself. It features a 360-degree camera as well, and given the large size of the SUV, we imagine this will come in handy for most drivers.\n\n\n\n\nThe Geely Haoyue\n\n\n\n\nEven though the Geely Haoyue has been spotted on Malaysian roads quite a bit, it\u2019s still too early to tell if it will eventually materialise to be the \u201cProton X90,\u201d even if it\u2019s allegedly launching sometime this year. Nonetheless, we will keep a close eye for any local development of this premium SUV.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/its-official-tesla-is-coming-to-malaysia/", "title": "It\u2019s Official: Tesla Is Coming to Malaysia!", "body": "\n\nNow this is interesting: Tesla is officially coming to Malaysia! Once the carmaker is here, Malaysians won\u2019t have to purchase Tesla models from grey importers anymore, not to mention the availability of official aftersales services.\n\n\nThis bit of news comes from MITI minister Tengku Zafrul. According to him, Tesla is coming to Malaysia through MITI\u2019s BEV (battery electric vehicle) Global Leaders initiative to boost BEV demand in the local market. In fact, the brand is the first applicant for the program.\n\n\n\n\nMalaysia Welcomes \n@Tesla\n! \n@MITIMalaysia\n has approved Tesla's application to import BEVs into Malaysia.\nTesla will establish a Head Office, Tesla Experience & Service Centres, and Supercharger network, simultaneously creating skilled & better paying  jobs for M'sians. \npic.twitter.com/BbQP7jNazX\n\u2014 Tengku Zafrul \ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfe (@tzafrul_aziz) \nMarch 1, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHe added that Tesla will be opening a head office in Malaysia, along with Tesla experience and service centres. Of course, the company will develop a Supercharger network locally as well, which should bolster the availability of EV chargers throughout the country.\n\n\nUnfortunately, there\u2019s no word yet on exactly when Tesla will be coming to Malaysia. Nonetheless, it\u2019s still great to see that the company now has approval to import its EVs to our market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-find-n2-flip-foldable-phone-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm3999/", "title": "Oppo Find N2 Flip Foldable Phone Lands in Malaysia for RM3,999", "body": "\n\nThe Oppo Find N2 Flip has finally been launched in Malaysia! Not only is this the Chinese company\u2019s first-ever foldable phone to be sold outside of China, it is also quite a refined device with a minimal crease on the foldable display for improved user experience.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, only one variant of the Find N2 Flip is offered. Sporting 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, the clamshell foldable phone is priced at RM3,999 on our shores. Two colour options are available: Moonlit Purple (pictured here) and Astral Black.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Find N2 Flip is essentially Oppo\u2019s answer to the\u00a0\nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 4\n. Compared to the latter, the Find N2 Flip sports a more sizeable 3.26-inch 720 x 382 AMOLED cover screen, while the primary display is a 6.8-inch 2520 x 1080 AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nJust like the larger \nOppo\n \nFind N2\n, the Find N2 Flip features a Hasselblad-branded camera system made up of a 50MP primary sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide angle lens. Naturally, it features Oppo\u2019s very own MariSilicon X NPU as well for improved camera performance.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Find N2 Flip include a MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ chipset, a 32MP selfie camera, as well as a rather generous 4,300mAh battery with support for 44W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMalaysian pre-orders of the Oppo Find N2 Flip begin today until 10 March 2023. To recap, it retails at RM3,999, and early pre-orders will come with a slew of freebies, including a pair of Oppo Enco Air 3 wireless earbuds, a case, and a one-year extended warranty.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-find-n2-flip-hands-on-refining-the-foldable-flip-phone-design/", "title": "Oppo Find N2 Flip Hands-on: Refining the Foldable Flip Phone Design", "body": "\n\nAfter much anticipation, the Oppo Find N2 Flip is finally launched in Malaysia. It is the Chinese company\u2019s first-ever foldable phone to be (officially) sold on our shores, and despite this being the brand\u2019s first clamshell foldable phone, its refinement is on-par with the competition.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re in the market for a foldable flip phone, you should really give the Find N2 Flip a consideration. It has a number of advantages compared to other clamshell-style foldable phones, and Oppo\u2019s latest offering is priced quite well in the segment too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBefore we get to it, let\u2019s talk about the price of the Find N2 Flip. For the Malaysian market, only one variant of the foldable phone is offered. Sporting 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, the clamshell foldable phone is priced at RM3,999 on our shores. Two colour options are available: Moonlit Purple (pictured in this writeup) and Astral Black.\n\n\nThe Find N2 Flip is essentially Oppo\u2019s answer to the\u00a0\nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 4\n. Compared to the latter, the Find N2 Flip sports a more sizeable 3.26-inch 720 x 382 AMOLED cover screen, while the primary display is a 6.8-inch 2520 x 1080 AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nNow, the primary screen is actually one of the biggest selling points of the phone \u2013 I\u2019ll elaborate more later.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, the Find N2 Flip features a Hasselblad-branded camera system, just like the larger \nOppo Find N2\n. Of course, it\u2019s not quite as sophisticated of a setup: the dual camera is made up of a 50MP primary sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide angle lens. Naturally, it features Oppo\u2019s very own MariSilicon X NPU as well for improved camera performance.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Find N2 Flip include a MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ chipset, a 32MP selfie camera, as well as a rather generous 4,300mAh battery with support for 44W fast charging. Interestingly, a faster 67W charger is actually provided with the phone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow, one of the most highlighted features of the Find N2 Flip is its 6.8-inch 1080p AMOLED inner display, and it has a couple of advantages over its main competition, Samsung\u2019s Z Flip 4. For one, it closes completely flat. There\u2019s no gap at all when the phone is in its folded state, which is quite impressive.\n\n\nWhat\u2019s even more impressive is the display crease of the Find N2 Flip. While it\u2019s not completely invisible, it\u2019s certainly a more minimal crease than the Z Flip 4\u2019s. You can still see and feel the crease if you really look for it, but you\u2019d be hard-pressed to notice it in normal use.\n\n\n\n\nThe crease is visible if you look for it\n\n\nBut it practically disappears in normal use\n\n\nIt closes nice and flat\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile we\u2019re on the topic of display, the Find N2 Flip\u2019s cover screen is nice and expansive, making it much more pleasant to use than, again, the Z Flip 4\u2019s smaller outer display. What I especially appreciate is using the cover screen as a viewfinder to snap a picture of friends and families; the fact that they can also see the framing helps them get an idea of how the picture will turn out.\n\n\nHowever, I do wish I could do \nmore\n with the Find N2 Flip\u2019s cover screen. While I can look at my notifications and interact with them \u2013 to some extent \u2013 I\u2019d have to unfold the phone if I want to craft my own reply. There\u2019s more than enough screen real estate on the cover display to fit in, say, a T9 keyboard, which would\u2019ve been really useful to quickly reply to messages instead of picking from a list of pre-set texts.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s move on to a more positive note: the battery life of the Find N2 Flip. Packed with a sizeable 4,300mAh battery, I can easily get through a typically workday with the phone so far in the review process. Evidently, the power efficiency of this phone is quite good.\n\n\nAnd that can also be attributed to the MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ chipset of the Find N2 Flip. Yes, MediaTek chips are not as popular as Qualcomm\u2019s offerings, but this is really quite a capable chip. It can provide a fast, zippy user experience, and I\u2019d even say it\u2019s comparable to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC found in the Z Flip 4.\n\n\nLast but not least is the Find N2 Flip\u2019s camera performance. Its Hasselblad-branded dual camera system (50MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide) can take some good-looking shots, even in low light conditions. The camera interface is also quite responsive, lending to a pleasant shooting experience. Rest assured, I will be putting the camera through its paces in the full review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, the Oppo Find N2 Flip is quite an attractive foldable flip phone. It has minimal crease on the main foldable screen, it offers a good level of performance, and its camera system is easily among the best\u2026in the segment. It still can\u2019t quite compare to traditional flagship phones, though I do enjoy photographing with the phone so far.\n\n\nYou can now \npre-order the Find N2 Flip in Malaysia\n until 10 March 2023 for RM3,999. Early pre-orders of the flip phone will come with a slew of freebies, including a pair of Oppo Enco Air 3 wireless earbuds, a case, and a one-year extended warranty.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-kongsi-bersama-rewards-offers-up-to-rm4000-discount-for-march-2023/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Kongsi Bersama Rewards Offers up to RM4,000 Discount for March 2023", "body": "\n\nIn conjunction with the upcoming festive season \u2013 Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri \u2013 Honda Malaysia continues to offer discounts on some of its models. These include the \npopular Honda City\n, the City Hatchback, the Accord, and the CR-V \u2013 it\u2019s worth noting that this promotion are for brand new units made in 2023.\n\n\nNaturally,\u00a0the \nHonda Accord\n\u00a0gets the best discount. Both the range-topping TC-P and more affordable TC variants of the D-segment sedan receive a RM4,000 rebate, while all variants of the CR-V also get a pretty generous RM3,000 rebate.\n\n\nAs for the City sedan, every trim levels get a RM2,000 discount, while the more compact City Hatchback gets a RM1,000 discount.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo note that these discounts are only applicable for vehicles that are registered between 1 to 31 March 2023; more information on the deal can be found\u00a0on \nHonda Malaysia\u2019s website\n. If you\u2019re interested to get any of these Honda models with the rebates, you can place a pre-booking online\u00a0\nhere\n.\n\n\nAlternatively, bookings can be done through the HondaTouch app as well \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-sold-14033-units-in-february-2023-x50-continues-to-be-segment-leader/", "title": "Proton Sold 14,033 Units in February 2023 \u2013 X50 Continues to Be Segment-Leader", "body": "\n\nProton just released its sales figure for February 2023, and things are looking great for the national carmaker. With over 14,033 units sold last month \u2013 including domestic and export sales \u2013 the company delivered quite a bit more cars in February 2023 than it did the month before (11,681 units).\n\n\nNaturally, the X50 continues to lead the B-segment SUV market with over 3,247 units sold last month. But it is not Proton\u2019s best-selling model; that honour goes to the Saga with 6,345 units delivered in February 2023.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Exora continues to be the leading C-segment MPV locally as well with 336 units sold last month. As for Proton\u2019s other models, the Persona sees 2,313 units delivered in the same period of time, while the X70 and Iriz recorded 981 and 811 sales respectively.\n\n\n\u201cOver the next few months, Proton will also be making several announcements to shape the company\u2019s direction for 2023 and beyond,\u201d said the deputy CEO of Proton, Roslan Abdullah. \u201cThis will be a busy year as we establish our presence in new segments, enter the new energy vehicle market, and build our EV credentials when sales of the \nSmart #1\n begin,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrevious spy shots of the Proton X90\n\n\n\n\nProton previously revealed that the Smart #1 electric SUV will be sold in Malaysia sometime in Q4 2023, and there\u2019s a good chance the \u201c\nProton X90\n\u201d \u2013 tentative name for the company\u2019s new SUV based on the Geely Haoyue \u2013 will be released this year too, given the \namount of spy shots\n surrounding the new model.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/illegear-launches-3-new-rtx-40-gaming-laptops-in-malaysia-mach-15-onyx-2023-sapphire-gx/", "title": "Illegear Launches 3 New RTX 40 Gaming Laptops in Malaysia \u2013 Mach 15, Onyx 2023, Sapphire GX", "body": "\n\nIllegear unveiled three new gaming laptops \u2013 with different display sizes \u2013 powered by Nvidia\u2019s latest RTX 40 series GPUs. These include the Mach 15, Onyx 2023, and the largest machine of the bunch, the Sapphire GX.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the most compact (and affordable) laptop of the lot, the Mach 15. Retailing from RM3,999, the base model features a fast 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate, an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor paired with 8GB DDR5 RAM, a 512GB NVMe SSD, and an RTX 3050 GPU (4GB GDDR6).\n\n\nIf you want to fit an RTX 4050 GPU (6GB GDDR6) to the Mach 15 instead, it\u2019s a RM799 upgrade.\n\n\n\n\nThe Illegear Mach 15\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want a slightly bigger machine with more power, there\u2019s the Onyx 2023. The Onyx VX is the AMD version with a RM4,999 starting price, and it comes with a Ryzen 7 7735HS processor paired with 8GB DDR5 RAM, a 16-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS panel with a 165Hz refresh rate, an RTX 4050 GPU (6GB GDDR6) \u2013 upgradable to an RTX 4060 (8GB GDDR6) for RM699 \u2013 and a 512GB NVMe SSD.\n\n\nAs for the Intel variant, the Onyx GX, it starts at RM12,599 for a fast Intel Core i9-13900HX processor paired with 16GB DDR5 RAM, an RTX 4080 GPU (12GB GDDR6), a 16-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS screen with a 240Hz refresh rate, and a 512GB NVMe SSD.\n\n\nLast but not least is the Sapphire GX. The RM12,999 base model is packed with a sizeable 17-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS display with a 240Hz refresh rate, a Core i9-13900HX processor paired with 16GB DDR5 RAM, an RTX 4080 GPU (12GB GDDR6), and a 512GB NVMe SSD.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Illegear Mach 15, Onyx 2023, and Sapphire GX are all available for purchase now through \nIllegear\u2019s online store\n. Those who place their orders by 12 March 2023 can get RAM and SSD upgrades worth RM577 to RM2,237, depending on which laptop you get.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/impulse-gaming-opening-new-store-in-sungai-besi-kl-biggest-game-store-in-malaysia/", "title": "Impulse Gaming Opening New Store in Sungai Besi, KL \u2013 Biggest Game Store in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nImpulse Gaming is easily one of the most well-known game stores in Malaysia, and the company is\n set to open its ninth branch\n in Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur. Once it is operational, it is said to be the biggest game store in Malaysia with a \u201cshowroom-esque\u201d retail experience, as Impulse puts it.\n\n\nIt\u2019s been in the planning stage for over a year now, and the Sungai Besi branch will have demos for almost every product Impulse Gaming carries from various brands. These include PlayStation (naturally), Asus, MSI, Razer, and Logitech. These brands will also have their own showrooms within the store.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRenders of Impulse Gaming\u2019s Sungai Besi branch\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, Impulse Gaming will have a cafe its Sungai Besi branch as well. This is done in partnership with Chatto, so you can get your bubble tea fix while you\u2019re browsing through the store. With over 10,000sqft of space, it\u2019s really quite a sizeable retail outlet.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re a fan of tabletop \ncard games\n, you\u2019ll be happy to know that Impulse Gaming will be running weekly TCG events \u2013 which should include games like Magic: The Gathering \u2013 at its Sungai Besi branch. The store can also accommodate up to 64 players in one sitting.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNeedless to say, Impulse Gaming\u2019s Sungai Besi branch is shaping up to be quite an exciting game store. No word yet on exactly when the retail space will be operational, but given that Impulse is already sharing details on the store, we reckon it will be open very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-find-n2-flip-review-flipping-good-foldable-for-rm3999/", "title": "Oppo Find N2 Flip Review: Flipping Good Foldable for RM3,999", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s surreal that the Oppo Find N2 Flip is the Chinese company\u2019s first foldable flip phone. Not only does it feel like a really refined foldable device with a smooth hinge, large cover screen, and minimal crease on the flexible display, it\u2019s also priced quite competitively.\n\n\nThat being said, while the hardware of the N2 Flip are solid, its software isn\u2019t quite up to par. It also has some drawbacks here and there, but overall, the Find N2 Flip is a solid phone that can compete with the \nother \nclamshell-style foldable phone \u2013 the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 4\n \u2013 in the Malaysian market now.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.8-inch FHD+ AMOLED (2520 x 1080), 120Hz adaptive\nChipset\nMediaTek Dimensity 9000+ 3.20GHz octa-core\nGPU\nArm Mali-G710 MC10\nRAM\n8GB\nStorage\n256GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n50MP f/1.8\n8MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide angle)\nCamera (front)\n32MP f/2.4\nBattery\n4,300mAh with 44W charging\nDimensions\nUnfolded: 166.2 x 75.2 x 7.45 mm\nFolded: 85.5 x 75.2 x 16.02 mm\nWeight\n191g\nOS\nColorOS 13.0 based on Android 13\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.3\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 (2.4/5.1/5.8GHz)\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM3,999\n\n\nLooking at its spec sheet, the Find N2 Flip is quite well-equipped. While the MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ isn\u2019t quite as popular as Qualcomm\u2019s high-end chips, it\u2019s still a capable SoC that can deliver flagship-tier performance. In fact, I\u2019d even say it\u2019s comparable to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC found in Samsung\u2019s Z Flip 4.\n\n\nAnother hardware of the N2 Flip that\u2019s worth pointing out is its generous 4,300mAh battery, which is quite a bit bigger than the (again) Z Flip 4\u2019s 3,700mAh cell. This translates to longer battery life than Samsung\u2019s offering, and I can easily get a day\u2019s worth of use out of this phone on a single charge.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nDesign is easily one of the key highlights of the Find N2 Flip. This Moonlit Purple colourway, for one, is a nice shade of purple with a smooth, glossy finish that is (surprisingly) not a fingerprint magnet. The Astral Black colour option is quite nice too with a matte finish instead, which feels very nice to the touch.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI also appreciate the \u201cwave\u201d design on the N2 Flip\u2019s hinge. It\u2019s just a small touch, but it does give the flip phone a unique aesthetic. Speaking of the hinge, I absolutely love how smooth it is. The tension of the hinge is consistent when I fold and unfold the phone, and it closes with a reassuring thud too.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth mentioning that the Find N2 Flip closes \ncompletely flat\n. As there\u2019s no gap between the two halves of the phone, dust wouldn\u2019t get inside the primary display when I keep it in my jeans pocket. In my opinion, this is a distinct advantage over the design of Samsung\u2019s Z Flip 4.\n\n\nHowever, I do wish the hinge of the N2 Flip was a tad stiffer, which would\u2019ve made it easier to hold the screen at a certain angle.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the Find N2 Flip\u2019s primary 6.8-inch 2520 x 1080 AMOLED foldable screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. The panel\u2019s high refresh rate lends to a pleasant user experience with smooth animations, and the display itself is bright and vibrant with punchy colours and deep blacks. While its viewing angles could be better, it\u2019s still a nice display to look at overall.\n\n\nWhat about the crease on the N2 Flip\u2019s main screen? Well, it\u2019s markedly better than the crease found on the Z Flip 4. It\u2019s not completely invisible, but it is a minimal crease that\u2019s hard to notice in normal use. Of course, you can still see and feel the crease if you really look for it.\n\n\n\n\nThe crease is visible if you look for it\n\n\nBut it practically disappears in normal use\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the cover screen of the N2 Flip. It\u2019s a sizeable 3.26-inch 720 x 382 AMOLED panel, which is touted as \u201cthe largest of its kind\u201d by Oppo. That\u2019s certainly true (at the time of writing), and I love the fact that the extra screen real estate makes it easier to read my notifications. What I don\u2019t love is the limitation of the cover screen; I\u2019ll elaborate more in the next section.\n\n\nIn the performance department, the Find N2 Flip\u2019s Dimensity 9000+ can keep up with my demands. Whether I\u2019m juggling between different apps or gaming, the phone remains fast and zippy. But there is one caveat: I can\u2019t play \nGenshin Impact\n smoothly at 60fps with maxed out graphics settings on this phone, though once I lowered the graphics settings, it runs quite well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for battery life, the Find N2 Flip is a long-lasting phone. I can get between five to six hours of screen on time out of the 4,300mAh battery, which is respectable for a foldable flip phone. I have no trouble at all getting through a typical workday with the phone, even with a couple of gaming sessions thrown into the mix.\n\n\nValue proposition of the N2 Flip is quite good too. Retailing at RM3,999 for 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM, it undercuts the price of the Z Flip 4 with the same amount of storage and RAM for RM4,499. That being said, Samsung Malaysia is currently offering its foldable phone with a RM400 discount. This brings down the price of the 256GB Z Flip 4 to RM3,999, matching Oppo\u2019s offering.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLastly, there\u2019s the camera performance of the Find N2 Flip\u2019s Hasselblad-branded dual camera system (50MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide). The 50MP main sensor, for one, can take some good-looking shots, even in low light conditions. The camera interface is also quite responsive, lending to a pleasant shooting experience.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the same can\u2019t be said for the 8MP ultra-wide lens, which brings us to the next section.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nEven under ideal lighting conditions, the difference in quality between the 50MP primary camera and 8MP ultra-wide sensor is very noticeable. The latter\u2019s detail preservation isn\u2019t quite as good, and its colour reproduction is quite muted too. Judge for yourself with these sample shots.\n\n\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n8MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n8MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n8MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n8MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n8MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n8MP ultra-wide\n\n\n\n\nEven with the Hasselblad branding, the N2 Flip\u2019s camera performance \u2013 more specifically, the 8MP ultra-wide sensor \u2013 leaves much to be desired. For what it\u2019s worth, at least the 50MP main camera performs quite well, especially in this segment.\n\n\nSoftware experience of the Find N2 Flip could use some work too. It runs on Oppo\u2019s ColorOS 13.0, which feels remarkably similar to OxygenOS 13.0. This comes as no surprise, in view of the affiliation between Oppo and OnePlus.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, that also means ColorOS 13.0 shares the strengths and weaknesses of OxygenOS 13.0. It has a lightweight, responsive user experience, but it is also not as responsive as it should be. When I\u2019m opening the recent apps page, for example, I have to wait a split second before I can interact with the screen. I also don\u2019t like the fact that I can\u2019t swipe down on multiple notifications from the same app to expand them.\n\n\nAnd that brings me to the cover screen of the Find N2 Flip. Yes, I can look at my notifications and interact with them with pre-set texts or emojis, but if I want to craft my own reply, I\u2019d have to unfold the phone. Given the size of the cover display, Oppo could\u2019ve easily implemented, say, a T9 keyboard on this screen, which would\u2019ve been really useful to quickly type out a reply.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, there\u2019s also the lack of any IP rating with the N2 Flip. This is one area the Galaxy Z Flip 4 has the upper hand with its IPX8 water resistance rating. Considering the fact that the two phones are priced similarly now, Samsung\u2019s offering does appear more compelling if you\u2019re concerned about water damage.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nDespite its shortcomings, the Oppo Find N2 Flip is still an excellent foldable flip phone. It has a minimal display crease, a large cover screen \u2013 even if it\u2019s not fully utilised \u2013 long battery life, good level of performance, and a reasonably capable camera system, though this is mostly applicable to the 50MP primary sensor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRetailing at RM3,999, the N2 Flip is not budget-friendly by any means. But it\u2019s priced relatively well for a foldable phone, especially for one that\u2019s as refined as this device. If you\u2019re looking to get a clamshell-style foldable phone, the Find N2 Flip is definitely worth shortlisting.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-jris75-review-another-best-budget-75-custom-keyboard/", "title": "Video: JRIS75 Review \u2013 Another \u201cBest\u201d Budget 75% Custom Keyboard", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIRISLAB is back with another affordable keyboard, the JRIS75. It sports a unique mechanism that allows for easy disassembly of the top case without the use of any tools, and it has a customisable gasket mounting system too \u2013 all \nfrom only RM696\n.\n\n\nAt this price point, the value proposition of the JRIS75 is \nincredibly\n good. The sound profile and typing feel of this 75% custom keyboard are also great. It is neither too clacky or thocky, it has a soft, comfortable typing experience, and it can be configured with a knob as well.\n\n\nThe JRIS75 groupbuy is now live through \nRebult Keyboards\n in Malaysia until 12 March 2023; it will be closed earlier if the 3,000 unit limit is reached. Watch our full video review above to learn more about the JRIS75!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/singakbd-unikorn-r2-2-rerun-next-in-stock-sale-on-12-march-2023-for-rm1950/", "title": "SINGAKBD Unikorn R2.2 Rerun \u2013 Next In-Stock Sale on 12 March 2023 for RM1,950", "body": "\n\nThe next in-stock sale for SINGAKBD\u2019s very popular Unikorn custom keyboard is happening this Sunday on 12 March! This is the second in-stock sale of the 60% custom keyboard, and as usual, it will be done through a raffle.\n\n\nBut unlike the first round of sale \u2013 300 units were up for grabs then \u2013 stocks for this second Unikorn raffle is approximately half the amount. The second half of stocks will be sold in a future raffle, and the colourways offered will be the same: Berlin Blue and Pewter Grey.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo note that those who won the first round of Unikorn raffle (Flamenco Red and Reseda Green) late last year cannot join this second round of sale. However, there will be a third round of raffle sale for 60 units of a Special Edition Unikorn sometime in the future; that one will be a free for all.\n\n\nAs for pricing, the SINGAKBD Unikorn R2.2 rerun is set to go for RM1,950; the price increase is attributed to higher metal prices. Check out SINGAKBD\u2019s \nofficial Discord channel\n and \nthis page\n for more information on the sale come 12 March this Sunday.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-6-batman-edition-receives-rm1000-discount-in-malaysia/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 6 Batman Edition Receives RM1,000 Discount in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nFans of the Dark Knight, here\u2019s a deal for you: the \nAsus ROG Phone 6 Batman Edition\n is now more affordable than ever in Malaysia. Based on the standard \nROG Phone 6D\n, this limited edition gaming phone comes with a number of neat accessories.\n\n\nOriginally priced at RM4,799, the ROG Phone 6 Batman Edition is now going for only RM3,799 \u2013 that\u2019s a whopping RM1,000 discount. For that kind of money, it features 12GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage, and several Batman accessories, including a bat-signal projector, a case themed after the superhero, and a Batman SIM ejector pin.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnique to the ROG Phone 6 Batman Edition is a special semi-matte finish on the back of the phone that \u201cmimics a cloudy night sky penetrated by a searchlight\u201d when it catches the light. The software of the phone has also been customised to prominently feature the Dark Knight himself.\n\n\nHere in Malaysia, the ROG Phone 6 Batman Edition is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ chipset instead of a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC. It also has a\u00a06.78-inch 1080p 165Hz AMOLED display, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide + 5MP macro), a 12MP selfie camera, and a generous 6,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe RM1,000 discount for the Asus ROG Phone 6 Batman Edition is valid until 31 March 2023. Though it\u2019s not the exact same model, check out our \nreview of the original ROG Phone 6\n if you\u2019d like to learn more about the fast gaming phone.\n\n\nThanks for the tip, Pang!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-macbook-pro-14-2023-after-a-week-m2-max-brings-maximum-power/", "title": "Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) After a Week \u2013 M2 Max Brings Maximum Power", "body": "\n\nThe 2023 MacBook Pro 14 brings one notable change over the previous model: faster performance. This comes from the new Apple M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, offering performance levels that rival the best Windows laptops.\n\n\nI\u2019ve been using the new 14-inch MacBook Pro as my daily driver for the past week, and I\u2019m thoroughly impressed with it so far. Beyond just raw performance, it\u2019s also a very refined laptop in other regards, including battery life, display quality, and of course, a pretty darn good keyboard.\n\n\nIn short, the MacBook Pro 14 is a premium laptop that offers a premium user experience, but that also comes with an equally premium price tag.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStarting at RM8,799\n, the 2023 MacBook Pro 14 is a costly laptop, and the price can go up quite a bit depending on the configuration. This particular unit features an M2 Max with a 12-core CPU and 38-core GPU, a whopping 96GB of unified memory, and 8TB of SSD storage \u2013 all for a cool RM25,999.\n\n\nGranted, for that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a very, \nvery\n powerful laptop that will meet the needs of even the most demanding creative professional. For most folks, the base RM8,799 M2 Pro model with 16GB memory and 512GB SSD will do just fine, though that is still quite a bit of money.\n\n\nSince performance is the highlight of the new MacBook Pro 14, let\u2019s talk about that first. I put the laptop through its paces in the Cinebench R23 synthetic benchmark, and in the multi-core test, it churned out a total score of 14,771.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo put this number into context, it got a higher score than, say, last year\u2019s \nAsus ROG Zephyrus G15\n gaming laptop. Granted, this is not an apples to apples comparison, but it does give us an idea of the M2 Max\u2019s performance level.\n\n\nBut how does this translate to day-to-day performance? Well, the M2 Max remains blazing fast, naturally. This is especially true for apps that are built to run on the ARM-based Apple silicone, though the chip can still run apps designed for Intel Macs through the Cupertino company\u2019s Rosetta 2 emulator.\n\n\nTake PhotoScape X, which I primarily use for light photo editing. Even though it\u2019s not built for Apple\u2019s M series chips, it still runs as fast as it does on even the most powerful Windows laptop I\u2019ve used. Granted, it\u2019s not a particularly heavy software anyway, but I\u2019m happy that it runs as well as it does.\n\n\n Rest assured, I\u2019ll be sure to put the M2 Max to the test thoroughly in the full review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond performance, it\u2019s also worth noting that the new MacBook Pro 14 features some other hardware changes. There\u2019s now WiFi 6E support for twice as fast connectivity compared to the previous generation, along with \u201cadvanced HDMI\u201d \u2013 HDMI 2.1, basically \u2013 which allows support for 8K displays for the first time.\n\n\nNow, speaking of display, the 2023 MacBook Pro 14 has a \nstunning\n screen. It\u2019s a familiar 14.2-inch 3024 x 1964 Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display found on the previous model, and it\u2019s still a very pleasant screen to look at. It has deep blacks (almost like an OLED panel), well-calibrated colours, and no noticeable backlight bleeding at all. The 120Hz refresh rate lends to very smooth animations too.\n\n\nThis is really a testament to Apple\u2019s excellent quality control. Even on the most premium Windows laptop, there\u2019s always an imperfection with the screen that I can nitpick. That\u2019s not the case at all with the MacBook Pro, though I\u2019ll need to spend more time with it before I can say for sure.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMacBooks have always offered excellent battery life, so it\u2019s no surprise that the new MacBook Pro 14 is a long-lasting machine. Apple\u2019s quoted battery life is up to 18 hours of battery life, and while I haven\u2019t done extensive testing yet, I\u2019m inclined to take this estimate at face value.\n\n\nSo far, I have absolutely no issue getting through a typical workday with the 14-inch MacBook Pro. In fact, I can even stretch it to two days of use without plugging it in. This depends on my overall workload, which consists of a ton of web browsing, writing, and the occasional video streaming.\n\n\nAgain, I\u2019ll get a better feel for its battery life once I\u2019ve used the laptop for a longer period of time.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the input devices of the MacBook Pro 14, they\u2019re great! The keyboard, for one, is comfortable to type on. While it doesn\u2019t have the longest key travel, the keys have good tactile feedback and just the right amount of actuation force to let me type fast and accurately.\n\n\nUnsurprisingly, the trackpad of the 14-inch MacBook Pro remains as accurate as ever. Gestures work flawlessly, the large size of the trackpad makes it easy to navigate around, and the smooth surface allows my fingers to glide effortlessly on it.\n\n\nAll in all, it\u2019s an excellent trackpad that can even mimic clicks very well. After all, Apple has transitioned to a fixed trackpad \u2013 it has no moving parts at all \u2013 for its range of laptops for quite some time now.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile there\u2019s no denying that the 2023 MacBook Pro 14 is a costly laptop with a \nRM8,799 starting price\n, you\u2019re also getting a very refined, very premium laptop for the money. It has excellent performance out of both the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips; it has a stunning mini-LED display; and to top it off, it has unrivalled battery life as well.\n\n\nGranted, these are my thoughts after only a week of use with the new 14-inch MacBook Pro, so I\u2019ll reserve judgement until I\u2019ve spent enough time with the laptop for a fair assessment. For what it\u2019s worth, I\u2019m absolutely enjoying using the MacBook Pro 14 , especially after being \u201caway\u201d from the macOS platform for quite some time.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sonos-era-300-era-100-official-smart-speakers-with-bluetooth-from-rm1599-in-malaysia/", "title": "Sonos Era 300 & Era 100 Official \u2013 Smart Speakers (With Bluetooth) From RM1,599 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nSonos just unveiled two new smart speakers, and both the Sonos Era 300 and the more affordable Era 100 are available for pre-order in Malaysia now too. Connectivity is one of the main highlights of the smart speakers \u2013 they support both Bluetooth and USB-C line-in.\n\n\nFirst, Malaysian pricing. The Era 100 is the more affordable speaker of the two with a RM1,599 price tag. As for the larger Era 300, it retails at RM2,799. They are now available for pre-order locally through \nTC Acoustic\n or the Sonos Concept Store at The Starhill in Bukit Bintang.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven its higher price tag, the Era 300 is the more premium speaker. It has six drivers with Dolby Atmos support, so spatial audio is certainly one of its main features. The Era 300 can also be paired to two speakers \u2013 such as the Arc or Beam (Gen 2) \u2013 to create a \u201csupercharged Dolby Atmos experience,\u201d as Sonos puts it.\n\n\nAs for the Era 100, it is the successor to the Sonos One. It comes with two angled tweeters for stereo output, a rather compact design, and two units of the Era 100 can act as the rear speakers for surround sound when they\u2019re paired to a soundbar. Alternatively, two units can be paired for improved stereo sound as well.\n\n\nTo recap, the Sonos Era 100 and Era 300 are now available for pre-order in Malaysia. They will hit store shelves towards the end of the month from 28 March onwards.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-14-iphone-14-plus-now-available-in-yellow-pre-orders-start-10-march-in-malaysia/", "title": "iPhone 14 & iPhone 14 Plus Now Available in Yellow \u2013 Pre-Orders Start 10 March in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nApple just introduced a new yellow colourway for two of its iPhones: the iPhone 14 and \niPhone 14 Plus\n. Curiously, only the non-Pro iPhones get a new colour this time around, so the \niPhone 14 Pro\n and Pro Max are not getting any new colour option.\n\n\nWith the addition of the new colour, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are now available in six different shades. These include midnight, starlight, Product Red, blue, purple, and the all-new yellow. Quite a colourful lineup that\u2019s sure to appeal to most folks.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn paper, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are very similar to the iPhone 13 series: they soldier on with the same A15 Bionic chip that made its debut last year. This isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing, of course, given the\u00a0\nsheer processing power of the chip\n\u00a0\u2013 even high-end Android phones have trouble matching the performance level of the A15.\n\n\nBeyond that, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus also feature a new 12MP primary sensor, which promises superior camera performance, especially in low light conditions. The ultra-wide angle lens offers better low light performance too, and the 12MP TrueDepth selfie camera is now packed with autofocus capability \u2013 say goodbye to blurry selfies.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe new yellow iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from 10 March at 9PM onwards with the same RM4,199 starting price; it will hit store shelves next week on 14 March. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the iPhone 14 Plus, check out our \nfull review\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-sold-46385-units-in-first-2-months-of-2023-up-to-8-months-waiting-time/", "title": "Perodua Sold 46,385 Units in First 2 Months of 2023 \u2013 Up to 8 Months Waiting Time", "body": "\n\nPerodua continues to record high sales this year. In the first two months of 2023, the national carmaker sold 46,385 units. Compared to the same period last year \u2013 where it sold 34,865 vehicles \u2013 the company sees a 33% uptick in sales; that\u2019s quite an achievement.\n\n\nEssentially, Perodua is selling almost as many cars as it can make. In January and February 2023, the company\u2019s production sits at 51,134 units, an increase of 32% compared to last year\u2019s output in the same timeframe (38,460 units).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Perodua, demand for its range of models remain healthy, and it is ramping up production to meet said demand. \u201cThe average waiting period as of 28 February is now between 2.5 months and 8 months\u2026this timeframe is subject to the model, variant, and colour,\u201d said the president and CEO of Perodua, Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad.\n\n\n\u201cWe apologise to our customers and thank them for their patience. We will try to further improve our production and registrations in the months to come,\u201d he added. With that in mind, if you\u2019re waiting to take delivery of your new Perodua car \u2013 such as the \nrecently launched 2023 Axia\n \u2013 rest assured the carmaker is doing its best to meet expectations.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-proton-x90-spotted-in-factory-with-new-deep-marine-blue-colour/", "title": "Spy Shot: Proton X90 Spotted in Factory With New Deep Marine Blue Colour", "body": "\n\nSeems like Proton\u2019s new SUV \u2013 tentatively dubbed \nProton X90\n, which is based on the Geely Haoyue \u2013 is in the manufacturing stage already. Spy shots of the upcoming model in the factory have been posted online, and it\u2019s believed to be sporting a new colour option: Deep Marine Blue.\n\n\nThe images below were shared by \nThe Ajerul\n. The silhouette of the SUV certainly matches the Haoyue, and it seems like Proton has indeed changed the position of the number plate. It looks to have been moved up from the rear bumper to the tailgate.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrevious spy shots of the Haoyue in Kuala Lumpur\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Haoyue is a large D-segment SUV that can be configured with five or seven seats; it measures 4,835mm long, 1,900mm wide, and 1,785 tall. Compared to the \nProton X70\n, the Haoyue is 316mm longer, 69mm wider, and 91mm taller.\n\n\nPowering the Haoyue, on the other hand, is a 1.8L four-cylinder turbocharged engine that outputs 181PS and 300Nm of torque. This engine is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with drive sent either to the front wheels or all four of them for the AWD model.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that in The Philippines, the Okavango (as it\u2019s called there) is actually available with a 1.5L three-cylinder turbo engine \u2013 similar to the one \nmanufactured at Proton\u2019s assembly line at Tanjung Malim, Perak\n. It\u2019s paired to a mild hybrid system that put out a combined figure of 190hp and 300Nm of torque, and it\u2019s rumoured that the Malaysian market will receive this particular powertrain.\n\n\nOf course, given its positioning as a premium SUV, the Haoyue is equipped with Geely\u2019s level 2 autonomous driving system too. It is made up of 24 different sensors to allow for as many as 17 \u201cintelligent drive features.\u201d According to Geely, this lets the SUV automatically follow, stop, as well as turn at speeds of up to 150km/h.\n\n\nJust like the \nProton X50\n, the Haoyue is also capable of parking itself. It features a 360-degree camera as well, and given the large size of the SUV, we imagine this will come in handy for most drivers.\n\n\n\n\nThe Geely Haoyue\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s rumoured that the Proton X90 will be launched sometime this year, though no official confirmation has come from Proton\u2019s side yet. Nonetheless, we will keep a close eye for any local development of this premium SUV.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nothing-ear-2-launch-set-for-22-march-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Nothing Ear 2 Launch Set for 22 March \u2013 Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nNothing is set to launch the successor to its original Ear 1 on 22 March. Aptly dubbed Nothing Ear 2, the second generation wireless earbuds (naturally) promise better audio quality, and we have good reason to believe that Malaysia will be one of the first markets to get the Ear 2.\n\n\nAs usual, we looked through SIRIM\u2019s database to see if there\u2019s anything interest, and sure enough, an unidentified pair of Nothing wireless earbuds were certified by SIRIM \nlast month\n on 14 February. Carrying the model number B155, we believe this is the Nothing Ear 2.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that B157 is the model number for the \nNothing Ear Stick\n, so it\u2019s likely B155 is a reference to the Ear 2. After all, it\u2019s the only Nothing product that will be launched in the near future. Looking at the teaser image above, it looks to retain the same transparent design language too.\n\n\nCompared to the original Ear 1, the Nothing Ear 2 promises better sound, clarity, and overall, \u201cjust better,\u201d as the company puts it. We\u2019ll find out for ourselves just what are the improvements once it is unveiled on 22 March \u2013 you can also register your interest for the Ear 2 \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/moondrop-droplet-review-only-a-drop-in-the-competitive-chifi-ocean/", "title": "Moondrop Droplet Review \u2013 Only a Drop in the Competitive ChiFi Ocean", "body": "\n\nThis is the Moondrop Droplet, and it\u2019s been awhile since we\u2019ve seen a high-profile release like this from ChiFi heavyweight Moondrop; the brand is certainly not just resting on its laurels. Sure, there are the Venus and Void headphones, but those were met with\u2026well, lukewarm response.\n\n\nBut the $15 (about RM65) Quarks DSP, on the other hand, was quite well-received, which is probably why Moondrop saw fit to release a costlier DSP option in the form of the Droplet. Instead of a dynamic driver, Moondrop has opted for a single balanced armature driver with the Droplet, and it costs \n$49.99 on HiFiGo\n \u2013 that comes up to about RM225.\n\n\nAt this price point, the Droplet isn\u2019t the most budget-friendly option, especially when it\u2019s compared to other ChiFi offerings in today\u2019s market. But whenever Moondrop has a new\u2026drop \u2013 sorry, I had to do it \u2013 it\u2019s almost always a banger.\n\n\nWell, almost.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Moondrop Droplet is a single balanced armature earphone with a built-in DSP profile and microphone. It also has a USB-C termination, so it\u2019s quite evident that this IEM is meant to appeal to mobile users.\n\n\nThe shell of the Droplet itself is teardrop-shaped and made of chrome-plated brass. The material is also reflective and glossy, so it\u2019s quite a slippery IEM. Thankfully, it has a small footprint, and its lightweight nature allows the buds to sit comfortably in my ears. However, I\u2019m not a fan of the included foam tips \u2013 they feel oily and itch in my ears (a tad) after some time.\n\n\nPackaging of the Droplet feels quite premium and \nsurprisingly \nhefty. Sliding the box open, you\u2019re greeted by a shiny \u201cdog tag\u201d of sorts. On said dog tag is the name of the earphones, \u201cThe Droplet,\u201d along with a Chinese quote that roughly translates to\u2026\u201dif I destroy you, what business is it of yours?\u201d\n\n\nYes, it\u2019s quite peculiar, and on the back writes \u201cthree-body\u201d in both English and Chinese.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt was only after looking up the aforementioned quote did I learn that the Droplet is actually inspired by a popular Chinese science fiction novel by Liu Cixin, The Three-Body Problem. This \nsomewhat\n explains the fact that the earbuds\u2019 shells look like space ships. Coincidentally (or not), Moondrop also has another pair of IEMs called the Spaceship with very similar-looking shells.\n\n\nAlso included in the packaging of the Droplet are several cards that I assume are the inspiration for the design of the Droplet within the context of The Three-Body Problem novel. There\u2019s also a card with more images from the novel, along with a small leather carrying pouch holding three pairs of foam tips in different sizes.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe cable of the Droplet is non-removable, but it does feel quite nice. It also has an MEMS microphone and volume controls on the cable itself, which is convenient. The Droplet has a built-in DSP chip too, so audio signal is run through its DAC. In a way, this IEM has its own EQ profile, and I find this quite interesting.\n\n\nHow Does It Sound?\n\n\nSimilar to other Moondrop offerings, the Droplet is tuned to the VDSF target, which is the brand\u2019s own take on the more common Harman-tuning. If you\u2019ve listened to a Moondrop IEM before, then it\u2019s likely you\u2019ll find the tuning familiar. But it\u2019s worth noting that there\u2019s something of a \u201cpre-tuning\u201d or EQ that\u2019s applied with the DSP in the Droplet.\n\n\nFor the most part, the Droplet has a relatively neutral sound signature with just a hint of brightness to my ears. But they never get too sharp or shouty; far from it. The first thing you\u2019ll notice upon listening to the Droplet is the presence of the balanced armature timbre, but it isn\u2019t too metallic or unnatural.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the \nJoyodio Shine I just reviewed\n, the Droplet sounds more accurate with a touch more warmth and control in the treble region. This is despite the fact that the former has a more sophisticated 1DD + 2BA configuration, while the Droplet is able to perform better with just a single balanced armature \u2013 well done Moondrop.\n\n\nBass\n\n\nWhat immediately caught me by surprise was the amount of sub-bass the Droplet can produce from just a single BA. Don\u2019t get me wrong, it\u2019s still inherently a balanced armature driver, so it can\u2019t produce the tone and impact of bass nearly as well as a dynamic driver can. But the punch and extension of the bass is still respectable nonetheless.\n\n\nMid-bass is elevated as well, but it\u2019s not particularly lean or controlled, and even comes close to muddying some male vocals. There\u2019s just a \nlooseness \nin the bass that makes it fuzzy and not that well-defined. Despite that, the speed of the bass is fast and snappy \u2013 courtesy of the BA driver.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMids\n\n\nIn the mids region, the Droplet is noticeably forward with upper mids that \nsound \nlike it would be too shouty, but it remains controlled and never reaches those heights. Male vocals have good presence and decent amount of warmth, though note weight is a bit on the thinner side of things.\n\n\nThe same can be said for female vocals on the Droplet; more weight and warmth would\u2019ve helped in producing vocals that are more organic and close to natural-sounding, in my opinion. Remember when I said that the mids never get too shouty? Well, this also means that the amount of air is cut off. This does make vocals in the upper-mids smoother, but also more laid-back and flat-sounding.\n\n\nHighs\n\n\nDespite sounding slightly bright to my ears, the treble of the Droplet is smooth and very well-balanced. The highs are also energetic without being too fatiguing. Things do get a bit messy and overwhelming at higher volumes, but as long as you control your volume output, the Droplet will respond with the same amount of control.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of control, the Droplet has surprisingly good technicalities. The balanced armature driver is able to retrieve good amount of details and produce solid imaging. Soundstage is horizontally wide with clear instrument separation, though depth and verticality is a little lacking.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nThe Moondrop Droplet has a pleasant, inoffensive sound signature that\u2019s great for most genres and use cases. The built-in MEMS microphone makes it ideal for Zoom calls, online meetings, or even gaming as well. Its DSP chip and Type-C termination also eliminate the need for a portable DAC or 3.5mm dongle if you\u2019re listening on your phone\u2026unless it\u2019s an iPhone. You\u2019d need a USB-C adapter for the Lightning port then.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, for \n$49.99 on HiFiGo\n, I\u2019d say the Droplet is worth the price, though not necessarily a steal by any means. You can get better value for your money with the $15 Moondrop Quarks DSP, especially with its more familiar dynamic driver and tuning. Let\u2019s not forget about other sub-$50 IEMs like the excellent \nQKZ x HBB Khan\n, which costs merely $40 (approximately RM180).\n\n\nConsidering its competition, the Droplet can be seen as a mere drop in the highly competitive ChiFi ocean. I suppose it\u2019s pretty cool that the IEM is inspired by The Three-Body Problem, especially if you\u2019re a fan of the science fiction novel. In fact, after looking it up, it has gotten me rather interested in picking up the novel for myself. I imagine it\u2019d be a good read \u2013 book in hand, Droplet in each ear\u2026\n\n\nLi Jin Soh contributed to this review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/9-15-march-fuel-price-ron-97-remains-at-rm3-35-per-litre/", "title": "9 \u2013 15 March Fuel Price: RON 97 Remains at RM3.35 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nRON 97 sees no price change yet again this week. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.35 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 9 to 15 March next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-12c-arrives-in-malaysia-from-only-rm599/", "title": "Redmi 12C Arrives in Malaysia From Only RM599", "body": "\n\nThe budget-friendly Redmi 12C is now available in Malaysia. Sporting a very affordable price tag with a reasonably large display and battery capacity, it looks to be a good option for those who are on a tight budget.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Redmi 12C are offered in Malaysia. The base model with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage retails at RM599, while the 6GB + 128GB configuration goes for RM699. Four different colour options are available: Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple, and Graphite Grey.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven the affordable nature of the Redmi 12C, it has a modest spec sheet. It features a 6.71-inch 720p display, a MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, a 50MP primary camera paired with an auxiliary lens for capturing depth information, a 5MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with 10W charging via a microUSB port.\n\n\nThe Redmi 12C is now available for pre-order in Malaysia through \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n until 15 March; early birds can get a Redmi Buds 4 Lite (worth RM139) for free. To recap, the Redmi 12C costs RM599 and RM699 for the 4GB + 128GB and 6GB + 128GB configurations respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/astro-adds-viu-to-ultra-box-free-3-month-subscription-to-viu-premium/", "title": "Astro Adds Viu to Ultra Box \u2013 Free 3-Month Subscription to Viu Premium", "body": "\n\nAstro is adding yet another streaming service to its 4K-enabled Ultra Box. Viu is now accessible on the connected set-top-box, and to celebrate the availability of the service on the platform, eligible customers can enjoy a complimentary three-month subscription to Viu Premium.\n\n\nOf course, in order to enjoy the free subscription to Viu Premium \u2013 which costs RM14.90 per month \u2013 you have to be an Astro Ultra Box customer. That being said, existing Astro users can still redeem this free trial by upgrading to the Ultra Box. This can be done by contacting Astro\u2019s customer service centre at 03-9543 3838.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe complimentary access to Viu Premium for Ultra Box customers is valid until 8 June 2023. Once the free subscription is over, Astro owners can add the streaming service to their subscription \u201cat an exclusive offer,\u201d though the company did not reveal more information beyond that.\n\n\nNonetheless, future updates on any offers related to Viu with Astro can be found \nhere\n. If you\u2019ve got an Ultra Box, you can already start accessing Viu on the connected set-top-box. If you want to stream Viu via the mobile app or website instead, just click on the \u201cpair account\u201d button and follow the on-screen instructions.\n\n\nWe were told that Viu will be added to the more affordable Astro Ulti Box as well, but no tentative timeline was announced.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-launches-zenbook-14-flip-oled-with-13th-gen-intel-chip-in-malaysia-for-rm5499/", "title": "Asus Launches Zenbook 14 Flip OLED With 13th Gen Intel Chip in Malaysia for RM5,499", "body": "\n\nAsus just introduced another productivity laptop in Malaysia with an OLED display. This time around, it\u2019s a convertible machine in the form of the Asus Zenbook 14 Flip OLED. It\u2019s powered by Intel\u2019s latest 13th gen processor, and once it\u2019s available here later this month, it joins the \nAsus ZenBook 14X OLED\n.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Zenbook 14 Flip OLED is offered in Malaysia. Priced at RM5,499, the sole configuration is powered by a Core i5-1340P processor paired with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. Decent capacities for most productivity tasks.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Zenbook 14 Flip OLED also features integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, a 14-inch 2880 x 1800 touch-enabled OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, and Windows 11 out of the box. It\u2019s also a relatively portable convertible laptop with a 1.5kg chassis that measures 15.9mm thin.\n\n\nThe Asus Zenbook 14 Flip OLED will be available for purchase in Malaysia towards the end of March 2023 this month. To recap, the sole Core i5 model is priced at RM5,499 on our shores, and it\u2019s offered in two colours: Foggy Silver and Ponder Blue.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/thieaudio-ghost-review-better-left-ghosted/", "title": "Thieaudio Ghost Review: Better Left Ghosted?", "body": "\n\nThieaudio, the brand known for excellent IEMs like the Monarch and Oracle, has also released several headphones. These include the Phantom and Wraith, both of which are planar magnetic driver cans that were reasonably good headphones for the money.\n\n\nAnd then we have the Thieaudio Ghost, the brand\u2019s first attempt at the more traditional dynamic driver headphones. It\u2019s (arguably) an easier task, but given the vast amount of other competing products with similar configurations, it\u2019s also a much harder space to stand out.\n\n\nSo can the Ghost rise above the rest, or is it as elusive as a\u2026ghost? Read on to find out.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe Ghost is a pair of \n$129 (about RM585)\n open-back headphones with a 40mm sapphire composite dynamic driver. We received this review unit from Linsoul, and according to the vendor \u2013 and collaborator of Thieaudio \u2013 the Ghost\u2019s driver consists of layers of cermet (ceramic-metal composite) on a thermoplastic polymer film stabiliser. In short, this tech should result in good sound quality.\n\n\nIn terms of build material, the Ghost has both metal and plastic parts, making it lightweight, but not entirely cheap feeling. The earpads are made from plush velour material, and there\u2019s also soft leather cushioning on the headband for improved comfort.\n\n\nSpeaking of comfort, thanks to its lightweight nature, the Ghost is fairly comfortable on my head. The velour earpads are breathable enough that my ears don\u2019t feel like they\u2019re \u201csteaming up\u201d too much. Clamping force is just right to me, but as I wear glasses, I do experience a bit of discomfort above the ears where the frame of my glasses sit after long listening sessions.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, the Ghost has no folding mechanism of any sort to make it more portable. But on the plus side, Thieaudio was kind enough enough to include a hard shell carrying case with the Ghost; quite good value for a pair of $129 headphones.\n\n\nInside said carrying case, you\u2019ll find a 3.5mm cable of the flat variety and a quarter-inch adapter. The other end of the cable plugs into both sides of the Ghost, which also means that you have the option to upgrade the cable if you so desire.\n\n\nI actually highly suggest doing so, as swapping to a balanced cable, for example, will provide more power and flexibility to the Ghost.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs these are open-back headphones, sound leakage might be something to be wary about with the Ghost. Through my less-than-scientific testing of having someone else put the headphones on, I\u2019d say that others around you should only be able to hear any sound leakage if they\u2019re right next to you, and that\u2019s at about 50% listening volume.\n\n\nHow Does It Sound?\n\n\nThe tuning of the Thieaudio Ghost is mostly neutral and well-balanced, if not a tad bit\u2026boring. Separation and imaging are above average, and it\u2019s quite easy to make out the positioning of instruments \u2013 an inherent advantage of open-back headphones.\n\n\nThat being said, soundstage of the Ghost isn\u2019t as wide as I expect from a pair of open-back headphones, but there\u2019s still decent width and depth, especially with a good enough source. Height of the soundstage is a bit lacking, however.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the Ghost has low sensitivity, so it does need a bit of juice to drive. They still work fine without an amp, but you\u2019ll hear them open up a bit more with a proper source. You also won\u2019t have to crank up the volume as much.\n\n\nBass\n\n\nThe bass of the Ghost is on the lighter side, with sub-bass that\u2019s present, but a little \u201cshy\u201d in terms of impact and extension. The mid-bass isn\u2019t much better either, providing what I\u2019d deem as the bare minimum of thump and presence for genres like pop and hip-hop. The low-end as a whole is tight, but isn\u2019t particularly extensive or detailed.\n\n\nAt the very least, muddiness or bass bleeding into the mids is a non-issue.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMids\n\n\nI\u2019d consider the mids of the Ghost to be its highlight, though that\u2019s not to say it\u2019s perfect in this frequency range. What\u2019s immediately noticeable is the forward presentation that\u2019s clean and neutral-sounding. Male vocals do sound a bit thin to my ears, lacking in body and weight. Female vocals, on the other hand, are intimate and breathy, and there are some raspiness and sparkle that sound pleasantly organic.\n\n\nHowever, there\u2019s a bit of a veil that envelops the vocals, which is a bit of a shame considering how natural the vocal section would otherwise sound like. But it\u2019s quite easy to remove the earpads of the Ghost, so perhaps trying pads of other materials might help in this regard.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHighs\n\n\nIn the treble region, the Ghost is sparkly with plenty of air; snares and cymbals are clear, though they can also sound a bit sharp at times. Unfortunately, the sparkle doesn\u2019t last too long, and it fizzles out towards the end of the frequency range, showing a lack of extension.\n\n\nTo be fair, this does help control the treble from getting too hot, and it lends to a much smoother presentation. But much like the bass and mids, this relaxed sound signature might be too laid-back for some folks, especially if they prefer a more \u201cexciting\u201d sound signature.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nAll things considered, the Thieaudio Ghost is a mids-focused pair of headphones with plenty of bite, but not much in terms of warmth. It sounds a bit flat, and it is lacking in overall dynamics and energy. It\u2019s more suitable for instrumentals, ballads, and classical music, basically.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut to be realistic, the Ghost is still just a $129 pair of headphones, so I can\u2019t really be too critical of its shortcomings. The plastic and metal build of the headphones is also decent for the asking price. Paired with the plush velour earpads, it does feel quite nice to hold with good comfort level.\n\n\nThe Ghost is touted as a \u201creference tuning headphones,\u201d and I do see it fitting that description well enough. But with that in mind, if you want a fun and dynamic pair of headphones, the laid-back Ghost\u2026might just scare you off.\n\n\nLi Jin Soh contributed to this review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/umw-toyota-sold-9297-units-in-february-2023-highest-month-on-month-sales-growth/", "title": "UMW Toyota Sold 9,297 Units in February 2023 \u2013 Highest Month-on-Month Sales Growth", "body": "\n\nUMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) recorded its best month-on-month sales growth yet in February 2023. With over 9,297 units sold \u2013 64 of them are Lexus models \u2013 it\u2019s a marked 37% improvement over its sales figure in January 2023 (6,786 units).\n\n\nCompared to the same month in 2022, UMWT\u2019s February 2023 sales figure is an impressive 45% improvement. In 2023 so far, the company moved 16,083 units (including 79 units from Lexus), a 15% increase compared to the same period last year.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cOur February 2023 sales numbers are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team at UMWT. By continuously listening to our customers and adapting to their needs, we have been able to maintain our position as a top-performing player in the automotive industry,\u201d said the president of UMWT, Datuk Ravindran K.\n\n\n\u201cWith the introduction of our new GR and GR Sport models and the all-new \nToyota Vios\n, we are excited to continue providing our customers with exceptional vehicles that exceed their expectations,\u201d he added.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the fourth generation Toyota Vios is now\u00a0\navailable for booking in Malaysia\n. The B-segment sedan is expected to retail from RM90,000 to RM96,000 for the base 1.5E and highest-end 1.5G models respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2023-toyota-vios-arrives-20-march-in-malaysia-estimated-pricing-from-rm90k/", "title": "2023 Toyota Vios Arrives 20 March in Malaysia \u2013 Estimated Pricing From RM90k", "body": "\n\nUMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) \nhas revealed the local launch date\n of the 2023 Toyota Vios. Set to be unveiled in Malaysia on 20 March, the popular B-segment sedan is now in its fourth generation, and it is feature-packed with rather comprehensive driver assistance systems.\n\n\nAccording to UMWT, the new Vios is estimated to start from RM90,000 for the base 1.5E model, and dealers have revealed that the range-topping 1.5G may be priced from RM96,000. That\u2019s right, only two trim levels are expected to be available in Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the safety department, the upcoming Vios will feature a slew of driver assistance systems. These include pre-collision system, lane keeping control, auto high beam, and get this: adaptive cruise control. Not many B-segment vehicles have this convenient feature.\n\n\nOther revealed specifications of the updated Vios include 17-inch alloy wheels, three drive modes (Eco, Normal, Power), paddle shifters, an electronic parking brake with auto brake hold, rear air-cond vents, a 3D panoramic view monitor, and even a 9-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2023 Toyota Vios is now \navailable for booking in Malaysia\n. To recap, it\u2019s expected to retail from RM90,000 to RM96,000 for the base 1.5E and highest-end 1.5G models respectively. We\u2019ll find out the final pricing of the B-segment sedan very soon on 20 March.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/qwertykeys-qk80-groupbuy-live-in-malaysia-80-custom-keyboard-from-rm855/", "title": "Qwertykeys QK80 Groupbuy Live in Malaysia \u2013 TKL Custom Keyboard From RM855", "body": "\n\nThe groupbuy for the Qwertykeys QK80 is live in Malaysia. Set to run until 26 March 2023, the QK80 is the brand\u2019s fourth keyboard, and it shares many of the \nQK75\n\u2018s design elements, including a PCB-mounted design that allows for a plateless build.\n\n\nRebult Keyboards is naturally the Malaysian proxy for the QK80. It \nretails from RM855\n for the most affordable case, plate, and PCB combination. The total price goes up to RM1,265 if you opt for the bundle instead, which includes matching keycaps \u2013 Cherry profile, double shot PBT with dye-subbed legends \u2013 and 90 Latte switches.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEssentially, the QK80 is the QK75 with a tenkeyless (TKL) layout, though there are some key design differences. While it uses the same PCB-mount gasket system, the QK80 now comes with two sets of gaskets with different stiffness for even more customisability. Aside from that, it also has an LED strip above the arrow keys for a unique aesthetic.\n\n\nThe Qwertykeys QK80\u2019s groupbuy is now \nlive in Malaysia through Rebult Keyboards\n until 26 March. It is an unlimited groupbuy, and fulfilment is expected to begin sometime in July or August 2023. We received a QK80 from the good folks over at Rebult Keyboards, so stay tuned for our full review!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-magic-5-series-coming-to-malaysia-april-2023-triple-camera-with-up-to-100x-zoom/", "title": "Honor Magic 5 Series Coming to Malaysia April 2023 \u2013 Triple Camera With up to 100x Zoom", "body": "\n\nHonor just confirmed that the Honor Magic 5 series is coming to Malaysia as early as next month in April 2023. Powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, the Magic 5 Pro and the standard Magic 5 are fast, high-end phones, and the Pro model even has a triple camera system that can do up to 100x zoom.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the range-topping Magic 5 Pro. Its triple camera configuration is made up of a 50MP primary shooter, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP periscope telephoto sensor that can do 3.5x optical zoom or 100x digital zoom. As for the selfie camera, it\u2019s a 12MP unit.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Magic 5 Pro include a 6.81-inch 2848 x 1312 LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz smart refresh rate, 12GB of RAM, 512GB of internal storage, IP68 rating, a generous 5,100mAh battery with support for 66W wired charging (50W for wireless charging), and MagicOS 7.1 based on Android 13.\n\n\nAs for the standard Honor Magic 5, it has slightly different hardware. While it\u2019s still powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, it has a more modest triple camera system made up of a 54MP main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide shooter, and a 32MP telephoto camera with 2.5x optical zoom or 50x digital zoom.\n\n\nRounding out the hardware of the Magic 5 are a 6.73-inch 2688 x 1224 LTPO OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, 12GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, a 12MP selfie camera, IP68 rating, and a 5,100mAh battery with 66W wired charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlthough we now have confirmation that the Honor Magic 5 series will be coming to Malaysia in April 2023 next month, it remains to be seen if both the Magic 5 Pro and the regular Magic 5 will be available on our shores. Nonetheless, we\u2019ll find out as we get closer to the local launch of the Magic 5 series.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-magic-vs-foldable-phone-also-coming-to-malaysia-april-2023/", "title": "Honor Magic Vs Foldable Phone Also Coming to Malaysia April 2023", "body": "\n\nAside from the Honor Magic 5 series, the Chinese company will also be releasing its foldable phone, the Honor Magic Vs, in Malaysia next month. It is a slightly upgraded version of the original \nMagic V\n \u2013 which was launched early last year \u2013 and naturally, it sports a number of high-end features.\n\n\nPowering the Magic Vs, for one, is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. It should be able to deliver the performance level of a proper flagship smartphone, and aside from that, it also has a larger 5,000mAh battery now (250mAh more) than the Magic V with support for 66W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Magic Vs include the familiar 7.9-inch 2272 x 1984 OLED foldable display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a 6.45-inch 2560 x 1080 OLED cover screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (54MP primary + 50MP ultra-wide + 8MP telephoto), and a 16MP selfie camera.\n\n\nThe Honor Magic Vs is set to be launched in Malaysia sometime in April 2023 next month alongside the Magic 5 series. No word yet on its local asking price, but in China, the foldable phone retails from 7,499 Chinese yuan (about RM4,885) for the base 8GB + 256GB model.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/affordable-samsung-galaxy-a14-launched-in-malaysia-for-rm799/", "title": "Affordable Samsung Galaxy A14 Launched in Malaysia for RM799", "body": "\n\nSamsung just launched the affordable Samsung Galaxy A14 in Malaysia. Despite its budget-friendly nature, it actually offers reasonably good hardware, including a Full HD+ display and a triple camera system that is\u2026actually practical.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Galaxy A14 is sold in Malaysia. Packed with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of expandable storage, the phone is priced at RM799 locally. Three colour options are offered: Dark Red, Silver, and Black. Unfortunately, the Light Green colour isn\u2019t available on our shores.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardware wise, the Galaxy A14 is powered by an Exynos 850 chipset for our market. It also features a 6.6-inch 2408 x 1080 PLS LCD display, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 5MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro), a 13MP selfie camera, a generous 5,000mAh battery, and One UI 5.1 based on Android 13 out of the box.\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy A14 will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 15 March onwards this Wednesday. Priced at RM799, it can be bought online through \nSamsung Malaysia\u2019s online store\n or Samsung authorised retailers nationwide.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/freeyond-entering-malaysian-market-21-march-with-m5-f9-smartphones-smartwatches/", "title": "FreeYond Entering Malaysian Market 21 March With M5, F9 Smartphones & Smartwatches", "body": "\n\nFreeYond, a company based in Shenzhen, China, is set to enter the Malaysian market on 21 March. According to a press release sent by the brand, it will be introducing as many as \nfive\n different products locally next week, including smartphones, smartwatches, and a pair of wireless earbuds.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the two smartphones FreeYond is bringing into Malaysia, the FreeYond M5 and F9. Of the two, the M5 is the better-equipped phone with a 6.52-inch 720p IPS display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a Unisoc T606 chipset paired with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro), an 8MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with 18W charging.\n\n\nAs for the FreeYond F9, it features a Unisoc SC9863A processor paired with up to 3GB RAM and 128GB storage, a dual camera array (13MP main + 2MP macro), an 8MP selfie shooter, as well as a 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, there\u2019s the FreeYond Pods 1 wireless earbuds. It promises up to six hours of use on a single charge \u2013 for a combined battery life of up to 30 hours with the charging case \u2013 a 12mm \u201cbass enhancement unit,\u201d and an IPX4 rating. As for the Watch F1 and S1, no details on these two smartwatches have been revealed yet.\n\n\nWe\u2019ll find out more about these FreeYond products once they are officially introduced next week on 21 March. Looking at their respective spec sheets, these products should be affordable, so they may be worth considering for folks on a tight budget.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/yellow-iphone-14-14-plus-now-available-in-malaysia-from-rm4199/", "title": "Yellow iPhone 14 & 14 Plus Now Available in Malaysia From RM4,199", "body": "\n\nApple\u2019s new yellow colourway for the iPhone 14 and\u00a0\niPhone 14 Plus\n are now available for purchase in Malaysia. This time around, only the non-Pro iPhones get the new colour, so the\u00a0\niPhone 14 Pro\n\u00a0and Pro Max don\u2019t see the addition of any new colourway.\n\n\nWith the introduction of the yellow colour option, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are now available in six different shades. These include midnight, starlight, Product Red, blue, purple, and the all-new yellow. Quite a colourful lineup that\u2019s sure to appeal to most folks.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn paper, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are very similar to the iPhone 13 series: they soldier on with the same A15 Bionic chip that made its debut last year. This isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing, of course, given the\u00a0\nsheer processing power of the chip\n\u00a0\u2013 even high-end Android phones have trouble matching the performance level of the A15.\n\n\nBeyond that, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus also feature a new 12MP primary sensor, which promises superior camera performance, especially in low light conditions. The ultra-wide angle lens offers better low light performance too, and the 12MP TrueDepth selfie camera is now packed with autofocus capability \u2013 say goodbye to blurry selfies.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe yellow iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are now available for purchase on \nApple\u2019s Malaysian online store\n with a RM4,199 starting price. Chances are, retail stores should have the new colour in stock now too. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the iPhone 14 Plus, check out our\u00a0\nfull review\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-previews-new-suv-model-with-mild-hybrid-powertrain-likely-dubbed-proton-x90/", "title": "Proton Previews New SUV With Mild Hybrid Powertrain \u2013 Likely Dubbed Proton X90", "body": "\n\nProton finally confirmed its plan to launch another SUV, though the national carmaker stopped short of announcing the official name of the upcoming model. We got a preview of the new SUV today at the line-off ceremony to mark the start of production, and it\u2019s definitely based on the Geely Haoyue, so this should be the much anticipated \u201c\nProton X90\n.\u201d\n\n\nUnfortunately, members of the media were not allowed to take images of the new SUV, so we only have a glimpse of the car\u2019s front end in the official shot below. Nonetheless, it is described as an MPV-like SUV, and the new model is set to be the national carmaker\u2019s largest SUV yet.\n\n\nIt also comes with a mild hybrid system, which should be the same powertrain used by the Geely Okavango \u2013 that\u2019s the name of the Haoyue in The Philippines \u2013 which combines a 1.5L three-cylinder turbo engine with a mild hybrid system. The powertrain puts out a combined figure of 190hp and 300Nm of torque.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrevious spy shots of the \u201cProton X90\u201d\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Haoyue is a large D-segment SUV that can be configured with five or seven seats; it measures 4,835mm long, 1,900mm wide, and 1,785 tall. Compared to the\u00a0\nProton X70\n, the Haoyue is 316mm longer, 69mm wider, and 91mm taller.\n\n\nOf course, given its positioning as a premium SUV, the Haoyue is equipped with Geely\u2019s level 2 autonomous driving system too, though it depends on Proton to implement this in its new SUV. It is made up of 24 different sensors to allow for as many as 17 \u201cintelligent drive features.\u201d According to Geely, this lets the SUV automatically follow, stop, as well as turn at speeds of up to 150km/h.\n\n\nJust like the\u00a0\nProton X50\n, the Haoyue is also capable of parking itself. It features a 360-degree camera as well, and given the large size of the SUV, we imagine this will come in handy for most drivers.\n\n\n\n\nThe Geely Haoyue\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Proton, its new SUV will be introduced \u201cin the coming months\u201d after a nationwide customer familiarisation tour. A media preview will also be held in the near future, so stay tuned for that!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-introduces-new-stamping-line-at-tanjung-malim-plant-largest-in-malaysia/", "title": "Proton Introduces New Stamping Line at Tanjung Malim Plant \u2013 Largest in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nAside from giving us a \nbrief preview of its upcoming SUV\n \u2013 likely dubbed the \nProton X90\n, which is based on the Geely Haoyue \u2013 Proton also launched a new stamping line at its Tanjung Malim plant in Perak. Not only is it the largest stamping line in Malaysia, it can also reduce the national carmaker\u2019s use of imported parts by 115,000 units every year.\n\n\nThis, in turn, boosts Proton\u2019s localisation efforts for its range of SUV models manufactured at Tanjung Malim, including the \nX50\n, X70, and the upcoming \u201cX90,\u201d which has just started production today. The RM140 million stamping line can also produce up to 50 unique components, including body panels.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cThe launch of our new stamping line in Tanjung Malim is a major addition to Proton\u2019s car production capabilities. As a national automotive brand, the increased use of locally sourced parts in our production activities is vital to the national automotive ecosystem and helps reduce the outflow of funds from the country,\u201d said the deputy CEO of Proton, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n\n\u201cAside from potentially reducing our use of imported parts by 115,000 units per year, the stamping line also allows for greater flexibility when deciding our production mix every month and improves the speed by which we can locally produce new models,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHopefully, the improved manufacturing speed will come in handy to ensure that Proton can meet customer demands, now that the national carmaker has another SUV entering the market soon. Once the X90 is ready for launch, it will join the existing X50 and X70.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hoyoverse-testing-cloud-version-of-genshin-impact-for-android-in-malaysia-singapore/", "title": "Hoyoverse Testing Cloud Version of Genshin Impact for Android in Malaysia & Singapore", "body": "\n\nNow this is interesting: it appears Hoyoverse is testing a cloud version of Genshin Impact for Android. The company sent out a notice through the in-game mail to recruit players in Malaysia and Singapore who would be interested to give the feature a test.\n\n\nAccording to the notice, Genshin Impact Cloud allows players to play the game at \u201chigh graphics and frame rates\u201d without needing to download the game in its entirely. As more content are released in Genshin Impact, the overall size of the game also increases steadily.\n\n\nThis cloud implementation could be a solution for those with limited storage on their Android devices.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, beyond saving storage space, Genshin Impact Cloud also lets mobile gamers play the game at higher graphics settings with smooth frame rates regardless of what Android device they\u2019re using. Granted, latency is the main issue with cloud gaming, so it\u2019ll be interesting to see how well Genshin Impact Cloud will run.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re a Genshin Impact player in Malaysia or Singapore, give your in-game mail a check if you\u2019d like to give the cloud version of the game a try. Recruitment is open until 20 March, and successful applicants will be informed via email from 7 April onwards.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-sony-wf-1000xm4-heavily-discounted-to-rm599/", "title": "Deal: Sony WF-1000XM4 Heavily Discounted to RM599", "body": "\n\nThe \nSony WF-1000XM4\n was originally launched back in 2021, and to date, it is still Sony\u2019s flagship wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation (ANC). Given that it\u2019s been quite some time since its launch, the earbuds are now more affordable than ever: you can get it \nfor only RM599 now\n.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Sony Centre Sunway Pyramid on Shopee Mall, so it is most definitely a legitimate promotion. The WF-1000XM4 is \nlisted at RM649\n on the store, and with the complimentary RM50 TNG eWallet credit, you\u2019re essentially paying only RM599 for the wireless earbuds \u2013 a huge discount compared to its RM1,099 launch price.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlthough the WF-1000XM4 isn\u2019t a particularly new pair of wireless earbuds, it can still hold its own against the latest offerings, \nespecially\n \nfor only RM599\n. It has a warm, \u201cfun\u201d sound signature that complements pop music very well, and it offers pretty darn long battery life as well.\n\n\nIf you want to learn more about the Sony WF-1000XM4, check out our \nfull review of the wireless earbuds\n. Again, \nfor only RM599\n, its value proposition is very good.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hbos-the-last-of-us-review-expanding-upon-the-original-series-while-remaining-faithful/", "title": "HBO\u2019s The Last of Us Review: Expanding Upon the Original Series (While Remaining Faithful)", "body": "\n\nThe first season of HBO\u2019s The Last of Us concluded just two days ago after nine episodes. As a long-time fan of Naughty Dog\u2019s beloved franchise, I\u2026actually enjoyed the TV adaption. It\u2019s largely a faithful adaption of \nThe Last of Us Part I\n, though it does diverge from the main narrative of the game in several instances.\n\n\nBut these diversions do expand upon The Last of Us\u2019 worldbuilding in a meaningful way, further exploring the background of certain characters in the original game. These moments are what set HBO\u2019s adaption apart, and it\u2019s great that the TV series is not just a direct retelling.\n\n\nThat being said, there are some aspects of the TV series that I\u2019m not thrilled about. But whether you\u2019re an existing fan or completely new to the franchise, HBO\u2019s The Last of Us is certainly worth watching.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJust like the game, The Last of Us TV series follows smuggler Joel (Pedro Pascal) and teenager Ellie (Bella Ramsey) as they journey across the US ravaged by a fungal pandemic. Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson \u2013 the voices of Joel and Ellie respectively in the game \u2013 also make an appearance in the adaptation as different characters, and it\u2019s great to see them play a part here.\n\n\nWithout going into spoiler territory \u2013 this is a spoiler-free review, of course \u2013 the two of them play characters that are quite involved in the main narrative of the TV series. Suffice to say they are not minor characters, and fans of The Last of Us will not be disappointed by their appearances in the adaptation.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat about the diversions in HBO\u2019s The Last of Us? Well, it\u2019s a little tough to talk about this in detail without revealing some spoilers, but I do think it\u2019s one of the TV series\u2019 best qualities. These \u201cextra narratives\u201d don\u2019t come from the source material (the original game), but they do feel well-thought-out and engrossing. These moments are not limited to just one episode either, which is great.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, there are also some changes to the main storyline in this adaptation of The Last of Us. Some moments are \u201ccut short,\u201d in a manner of saying, and several key sequences (mostly action-packed ones) are changed up as well in the show.\n\n\nFor the most part, I\u2019m okay with some of these changes as they still retain the emotional impact; the means have been revised, but the ends are still the same. However, some plot points do feel a little rushed from these changes, unfortunately enough.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, as most action sequences are removed from HBO\u2019s The Last of Us, the Infected are not portrayed as much as they should be. Sure, there are some terrifying encounters with Clickers and Runners in the show, but it\u2019s not on the same level of intensity or dread as the game.\n\n\nGranted, this could be a creative decision to put more focus on the \u201chuman\u201d aspect of The Last of Us in the TV adaptation. But in my opinion, the Infected play a big part in the worldbuilding of the franchise. The fact that they don\u2019t get much screen time in the show is underwhelming, to say the least.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s move on to the performances of Pedrol Pascal and Bella Ramsey as the iconic Joel and Ellie, and I\u2019d say they do justice to their respective characters. This is especially the case with Pedro, who played a very convincing Joel. From his gruffness, jadedness, to his relationship with Ellie throughout the show, he\u2019s very much\u2026Joel.\n\n\nBella\u2019s portrayal of Ellie, however, is quite a bit different from her game counterpart, though this isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing. I have to admit, it took me a while to warm up to Bella as Ellie due to how different she in from Ashley\u2019s version, but I do end up liking her take on the character as the show progresses.\n\n\nPersonally, I\u2019m excited to see how Bella\u2019s version of Ellie will play out in the second season of the TV adaptation.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, I thoroughly enjoy HBO\u2019s The Last of Us. While there are some aspects of the TV show that I\u2019m not a fan of \u2013 the cut down action sequences, for example \u2013 I\u2019d definitely recommend folks to watch it. It\u2019s a great show for newcomers to be acquainted with the franchise, and existing fans will catch some neat Easter eggs here and there.\n\n\nAfter completing the first season of The Last of Us, I\u2019m actually thinking of giving \nThe Last of Us Part II\n another playthrough to continue the narrative of the story. Needless to say, I\u2019m more than thrilled to see how HBO will adapt the second game, which is hinted to be split into multiple seasons.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/16-22-march-fuel-price-ron-97-stays-at-rm3-35-per-litre/", "title": "16 \u2013 22 March Fuel Price: RON 97 Stays at RM3.35 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAs usual, RON 97 sees no price change yet again this week. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.35 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 16 to 22 March next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-a54-a34-official-with-brighter-display-ip67-rating-coming-to-malaysia-24-march/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy A54 & A34 Official With Brighter Display & IP67 Rating \u2013 Coming to Malaysia 24 March", "body": "\n\nSamsung just added two new devices to its Galaxy A series, the Samsung Galaxy A54 and the more affordable Galaxy A34. Both devices now sport brighter displays and IP67 water resistance, which is (still) quite a rare feature in this segment \u2013 even some flagship phones don\u2019t have this rating.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the higher-end phone of the two, the Galaxy A54. It features a Samsung Exynos 1380 chipset with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of expandable storage, a 6.4-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide + 5MP macro), a 32MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Galaxy A34, it\u2019s powered by a more modest MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chip paired with 8GB RAM and 256GB expandable storage. It also comes with a 6.6-inch 1080p Super AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (48MP main + 8MP ultra-wide + 5MP macro), a 13MP selfie camera, as well as a 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\nThe new Samsung Galaxy A54 and Galaxy A34 will be launched in Malaysia next week on 24 March. As for colour options, both phones are available in Awesome Lime, Awesome Graphite, and Awesome Violet, though the Awesome White and Awesome Silver colourways are only available for the Galaxy A54 and Galaxy A34 respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopeepay-now-available-as-payment-option-on-apple-services-heres-how-to-set-it-up/", "title": "ShopeePay Now Available as Payment Option on Apple Services \u2013 Here\u2019s How to Set It Up", "body": "\n\nShopeePay can now be used to\u2026well, pay for Apple services. Whether you want to make an in-app purchase through the Apple App Store or renew your Apple TV+ subscription, you can now use ShopeePay to pay for these services.\n\n\nTo link ShopeePay to your Apple ID, it\u2019s quite simple, especially if you have an iPhone. Just click on your Apple ID in the Settings page, select Payment & Shipping, tap on Add Payment Method, and click on the ShopeePay option to start the link process. Shopee has even provided a neat video showing these steps.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cShopeePay is committed to meeting the needs of users who are increasingly expecting seamless payments across all platforms,\u201d said the head of ShopeePay Malaysia, Alain Yee. \u201cWe are excited to offer ShopeePay as a convenient payment option for our customers, and expand access to digital payments, benefitting more users,\u201d he added.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re a regular ShopeePay user, the ability to link the payment service to your Apple ID now should prove useful. It\u2019s worth noting that ShopeePay isn\u2019t the only ewallet that can be linked to an Apple ID; TNG eWallet is another noteworthy alternative.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-wf-1000xm5-leaks-smaller-design-possible-dual-driver-setup/", "title": "Sony WF-1000XM5 Leaks \u2013 Smaller Design & Possible Dual-Driver Setup", "body": "\n\nSony\u2019s current flagship wireless earbuds, the \nSony WF-1000XM4\n \u2013 which is \nheavily discounted to RM599 now\n \u2013 was launched back in 2021, so it\u2019s high time for a successor to be released. Based on a recent leak, it looks like the Japanese company is gearing up to launch the Sony WF-1000XM5, and it\u2019s sporting a more compact design and (possibly) a dual-driver setup.\n\n\nThese leaked images were first spotted by \nThe Walkman Blog\n through the FCC, which claims that the wireless earbuds with model number YY2963 are actually the WF-1000XM5. If this is indeed the successor to the WF-1000XM4, it seems to feature a more compact design.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, the alleged WF-1000XM5 may be sporting a dual-driver configuration too, based on the fact that there are two contacts in the internals of the earbuds. It will be interesting to see if Sony will take the same approach as, say, the \nOnePlus Buds Pro 2\n or the\u00a0\nQKZ x HBB Khan\n, where one driver acts as a subwoofer, while the other handles mids and highs.\n\n\nAt the time of writing, it remains to be seen when (or if) Sony will officially introduce the WF-1000XM5. But now that the wireless earbuds have been certified already, we reckon the company will be unveiling it soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iqoo-z7-5g-arriving-in-malaysia-soon-appears-in-sirims-database/", "title": "iQOO Z7 5G Arriving in Malaysia Soon \u2013 Appears in SIRIM\u2019s Database", "body": "\n\niQOO is \nteasing the Malaysian arrival of a new smartphone\n, and there\u2019s a good chance it is the upcoming iQOO Z7 5G. After all, the design of the phone matches the teaser released by the brand, and we have also spotted the device in SIRIM\u2019s database.\n\n\nThe iQOO Z7 was registered with SIRIM just today on 16 March with the model number I2213. This particular model is usually associated with the \u201c\nZ7 Pro\n,\u201d but according to the SIRIM certification, this phone is just dubbed Z7 5G; very curious.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe iQOO Z7 launch teaser for China\n\n\nThe teaser released by iQOO for the Malaysian market; there\u2019s no mistaking the camera bump\n\n\n\n\nGiven that the iQOO Z7 has not been launched yet \u2013 it\u2019s slated to be released on 20 March in China \u2013 most of its specifications are still under wraps. That being said, the company did mention that the Z7 will feature a 5,000mAh battery with support for 120W fast charging, and looking at its teaser image in China, the phone has a dual camera system too.\n\n\nNow that the iQOO Z7 5G has been certified by SIRIM, we reckon Malaysia will be one of the first markets to receive the phone once it has been officially launched. We\u2019ll find out just what the phone has to offer come 20 March next week.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-shenhe-ayaka-banners-arrive-21-march-with-mika-sucrose-diona/", "title": "Genshin Impact Shenhe & Ayaka Banners Arrive 21 March With Mika, Sucrose, Diona", "body": "\n\nDetails on Shenhe\u2019s and Kamisato Ayaka\u2019s rerun banners have been revealed. Set to go live in \nGenshin Impact\n next week on 21 March, the two 5-star characters\u2019 event wishes will be accompanied by Mika \u2013 a brand new 4-star character \u2013 Sucrose, and Diona.\n\n\nIn line with \nprevious Genshin Impact\n \ndouble banners\n, Shenhe and Ayaka both have the same roster of 4-star characters despite the fact that they\u2019re featured in separate event wishes. Of course, pity is also shared between the two banners, and the wish guarantee count\u00a0will\u00a0carry over to future character banners too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe same rule applies to the increased \u201cdrop rate\u201d of Shenhe, Ayaka, Mika, Sucrose, and Diona. In the case of Shenhe and Ayaka, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be either of them, depending on which banner you\u2019re wishing. If you got a different character, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be them.\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s pity system for character banners ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character every 90 wishes, you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Shenhe or Ayaka. This rule is also applicable to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Mika, Sucrose, or Diona. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will likely have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShenhe\u2019s \u201cThe Transcendent One Returns\u201d and Ayaka\u2019s \u201cThe Heron\u2019s Court\u201d event wishes will be available in Genshin Impact on 21 March next week. Their banners will be offered until 11 April, and we can expect\u00a0\nBaizhu and Kaveh\n\u00a0to be playable not long after that in the Version 3.6 update of Genshin Impact.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/exclusive-logitech-g-pro-superlight-spotted-in-sirim-ahead-of-launch-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Exclusive: Logitech G Pro Superlight Spotted in SIRIM Ahead of Launch \u2013 Coming to Malaysia Soon?", "body": "\n\nIt appears Logitech is working on a new gaming mouse. Dubbed Logitech G Pro Superlight, it may be a lighter version of the original G Pro, which could bring back the features that were removed in 2021\u2019s \nG Pro X Superlight\n.\n\n\nWe spotted the unannounced Logitech mouse in SIRIM\u2019s database. Sporting the model number MR0097, the G Pro Superlight was registered with the certification body just today on 17 March. This isn\u2019t the G Pro X Superlight either, given that it has a different model number (MR0106).\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe G Pro X Superlight\n\n\n\n\nBack when the G Pro X Superlight was introduced in 2021, it removed quite a number of features from the original G Pro. These include LED lighting, a DPI button on the bottom of the mouse, and perhaps most importantly, the modular, removable buttons on the right side of the mouse for left-handed gamers. Given its naming convention, we reckon the G Pro Superlight will bring back these features.\n\n\nOf course, this is just an educated guess on our part. We\u2019ll just have to wait for Logitech to introduce the G Pro Superlight to find out just what it will bring to the table. Now that it\u2019s been certified by SIRIM, there\u2019s a good chance the gaming mouse will be unveiled very soon, and Malaysia could be one of the first markets to get it.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-the-logitech-g-pro-x-superlight-for-only-rm499-now/", "title": "Deal: Get the Logitech G Pro X Superlight For Only RM499 Now", "body": "\n\nLaunched back in 2021, the \nLogitech G Pro X Superlight\n has dropped in price quite a bit since then. Originally retailing at RM649, you can now get the very lightweight gaming mouse \nfor only RM499\n.\n\n\nThis deal on the G Pro X Superlight is offered by Asashi Technology, which is quite a reputable retailer in Malaysia. Both the Black and White models are \ncurrently listed at RM499\n, though if you want the bright Pink colourway, it will \nset you back RM529\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the best features of the G Pro X Superlight has to be its lightweight nature. Tipping the scales at only 63g, you can even remove the magnetic plate on the bottom of the mouse to reduce the weight to\u00a0only 60g. It also has much larger \u201czero-additive\u201d PTFE feet (in comparison to the G Pro) for a smoother glide, along with up to 70 hours of battery life on a single charge.\n\n\nBesides that, the G Pro X Superlight also uses the same sensor as the G Pro. However, compared to the latter, the Superlight does exclude a number of features. It doesn\u2019t have as much LED lighting, the DPI button on the bottom of the mouse has been removed, and it no longer has the modular, removable buttons on the right side of the mouse for left-handed gamers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, if you want a lightweight gaming mouse, you can get the Logitech G Pro X Superlight \nfor only RM499\n now through Asashi Technology on Shopee. That being said, there\u2019s a chance the \nG Pro Superlight will be introduced by Logitech soon\n, so it may be worth holding out for that mouse, though it may not be quite as affordable.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/exclusive-proton-digital-xperience-store-spotted-in-kl-run-by-aco-tech/", "title": "Exclusive: Proton Digital Xperience Store Spotted in KL \u2013 Run by ACO Tech?", "body": "\n\nWe just spotted a very intriguing retail space in Kuala Lumpur, which looks to be a Proton Digital \u201cXperience\u201d store of sorts. Although the sign on the facade of Quill City Mall \u2013 where the store is located \u2013 is covered up, Proton\u2019s logo and script are still quite visible, and a Proton DX logo can be seen inside the mall as well. To top it off, it appears to be run by ACO Tech.\n\n\nAt least, we \nbelieve\n it will be run by ACO Tech, given the presence of the company\u2019s branding in the retail space. While the Proton DX store is covered up from the outside, we did manage to snap some shots through the gaps in the coverings. There appears to be an interactive game in the store too, which features the \nProton X50\n, X70, and Iriz.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can see the silhouette of Proton\u2019s logo and script underneath the coverings\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNotice the Lynk & Co branding on the box\n\n\nThe black packaging on the shelf also has Lynk & Co\u2019s branding\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, we saw a number of Lynk & Co logos in the store too, which is another car brand under Geely. It\u2019s interesting to see Lynk & Co\u2019s presence here, though it\u2019s possible only merchandise from the brand are sold here; there are some featured in the retail space.\n\n\nSeveral ACO Tech products can be seen throughout the store too. These include ATLAS Pay \u2013  a car-based digital wallet system \u2013 and even the Proton X Watch, a smartwatch that lets X50 and X70 owners control their vehicles. Oh, several apparel with a curious branding are also showcased in the retail space.\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the Proton DX store is currently hiring retail crew and barista as well, suggesting that it could be offering a cafe experience in some form.\n\n\n\n\nAico is ACO Tech\u2019s mascot\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt remains to be seen exactly when the Proton Digital Xperience store will be operational, but given just how complete the retail space looks on the inside, we reckon it will be opened to the public very soon. We have contacted both Proton and ACO Tech regarding this curious store, and we\u2019ll share any update once we hear back from them.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-to-introduce-3-new-models-1-facelift-this-year-honda-wr-v-in-q3-2023/", "title": "Honda Malaysia to Introduce 3 New Models & 1 Facelift This Year \u2013 Honda WR-V in Q3 2023", "body": "\n\nHonda Malaysia just revealed its plans for 2023. The Japanese carmaker will introduce as many as four new models this year locally \u2013 one of them being a facelift \u2013 which also includes Honda\u2019s first small SUV. That is likely a reference to the Honda WR-V; it\u2019s set to debut here sometime in Q3 2023.\n\n\nPositioned below the \nHR-V\n, the WR-V is a direct competitor to another popular small SUV on our shores, the \nPerodua Ativa\n. With that in mind, it will be interesting to see how Honda Malaysia will price the WR-V in our market. While we don\u2019t expect it to be in the same price range as Perodua\u2019s offering, we reckon it will be one of Honda Malaysia\u2019s more affordable models.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the other two new Honda models that will be launched in Malaysia this year, the carmaker did not elaborate much, though there\u2019s a good chance one of them will be the 2023 CR-V. After all, that SUV is slated to be launched in Thailand this Wednesday on 22 March.\n\n\nWhat about the facelifted Honda model? Well, we believe it would be the fifth generation City sedan, which was launched on our shores back in 2020. Three years into its life cycle, it makes sense for the B-segment sedan to get a facelift. Plus, the City has also been facelifted in India recently.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2023 is shaping up to be quite an exciting year for Honda Malaysia, especially with the introduction of its first small SUV here. Though we\u2019ll have to wait until Q3 2023 to see the local debut of the WR-V, it may just be the Japanese carmaker\u2019s most anticipated model yet.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-br-v-discontinued-in-malaysia-in-favour-of-honda-wr-v/", "title": "Honda BR-V Discontinued in Malaysia in Favour of Honda WR-V", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re still waiting for the all-new Honda BR-V to be introduced here, we have bad news: Honda Malaysia confirmed that the MPV has been discontinued for the Malaysian market. Taking its place in the carmaker\u2019s local product lineup is, well, none other than the upcoming Honda WR-V.\n\n\nAccording to Honda Malaysia, it sees demand for a small SUV like the WR-V on our shores over the likes of the BR-V, a seven-seater MPV. The model was first introduced in Malaysia six years ago in 2017, which was then \nfacelifted in 2020\n with some styling changes and an updated interior.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPositioned below the \nHR-V\n, the WR-V is a direct competitor to another popular small SUV on our shores, the \nPerodua Ativa\n. With that in mind, it will be interesting to see how Honda Malaysia will price the WR-V in our market. While we don\u2019t expect it to be in the same price range as Perodua\u2019s offering, we reckon it will be one of Honda Malaysia\u2019s more affordable models.\n\n\nThe Honda WR-V is expected to be launched in Malaysia sometime in Q3 2023, so it could debut locally as early as July 2023. We\u2019ll find out then just how much it will be priced at for the Malaysian market, which could very well shake up the small SUV market here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-targets-80000-sales-for-2023/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Targets 80,000 Sales for 2023", "body": "\n\nAside from (somewhat) revealing its model lineup for the year, which includes the \nWR-V\n small SUV, Honda Malaysia also outlined its sales target for 2023. The Japanese carmaker aims to move 80,000 units throughout the year with a 12.3% market share.\n\n\nThis is essentially the same sales target Honda Malaysia achieved last year, where the carmaker sold \nexactly 80,290 units\n; this makes up 11.1% of the total industry volume (TIV) in 2022. It is also an impressive 51% improvement over its total sales in 2021.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThough Honda Malaysia aims to sell about the same amount of cars this year, it will be facing a different set of challenges. After all, CKD and CBU passenger cars were exempted from sales tax in 2022, which bolstered the sales performance of Honda Malaysia and other carmakers. No such incentive will be given for 2023.\n\n\nGranted, with \nfour new models coming from Honda Malaysia\n later this year, it\u2019s entirely possible the carmaker can meet its sales target for 2023. It may very well retain its top spot in the non-national passenger car segment for the tenth consecutive year too.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/alienwares-2023-keyboard-gaming-mouse-headphones-malaysian-availability-revealed-from-rm369/", "title": "Alienware\u2019s 2023 Keyboard, Gaming Mouse & Headphones Malaysian Availability Revealed \u2013 From RM369", "body": "\n\nEarlier this month, Alienware launched a slew of new gaming peripherals, and we now know the exact Malaysian availability of these products. The Alienware AW420K TKL gaming keyboard, Alienware AW620M wireless gaming mouse, and Alienware AW720H wireless gaming headset will arrive in Malaysia by the end of March 2023 this month.\n\n\nIn fact, the AW420K TKL keyboard is actually available for purchase in Malaysia already. The gaming keyboard retails at RM719, and for that kind of money, it features Cherry MX Red switches, double shot PBT keycaps, RGB lighting, and customisable key commands.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the AW620M wireless gaming mouse, it\u2019s priced at RM369 for an ergonomic shell made for right-handed users. It also has patent-pending \u201cmagnetic force\u201d keyplates, up to 26,000 DPI, 50G max acceleration, and up to 140 hours of battery life; a quick five-minute charge gives up to 10 hours of use too.\n\n\nLast but not least is the AW720H wireless gaming headset for RM679. It features wireless connectivity via a 2.4GHz USB-C wireless dongle \u2013 it works with a 3.5mm headphone jack too \u2013 40mm \u201chi-res certified drivers\u201d with support for Dolby Atmos, as well as up to 30 hours of battery life.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Alienware AW420K TKL keyboard is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM719. The Alienware AW620M wireless gaming mouse (RM369) and Alienware AW720H wireless gaming headset (RM679), on the other hand, will arrive here by the end of March 2023.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/pdrm-giving-60-discount-on-summons-until-31-march-2023-nationwide/", "title": "PDRM Giving 60% Discount on Summons Until 31 March 2023 Nationwide", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019ve got any outstanding summonses from PDRM, now is a good time to clear them. In conjunction with Hari Polis Ke-216, the police is giving a generous 60% discount on summonses, though some terms and conditions apply.\n\n\nAs usual, the 60% discount is not applicable to a number of offences. These include summonses involving accidents, court cases, traffic lights, emergency lane, double line overtaking, dangerous overtaking, and of course, non-compoundable summonses. Op Selamat summonses are not eligible for the discount either.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf your particular summons doesn\u2019t fall into any of these category, then good news, you should be able to get a 60% discount on it. In order to enjoy the rebate, you can pay for the summons online through the \nMyBayar portal\n. MyBayar is also available as an app on the \nApple App Store\n, \nGoogle Play Store\n, and \nHuawei AppGallery\n.\n\n\nAlternatively, you can settle your summons the old-fashioned way at traffic summons counters at contingent and district police headquarters nationwide. The 60% discount on PDRM summonses is valid until 31 March 2023 next week.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2023-toyota-vios-launched-in-malaysia-premium-looks-toyota-safety-sense-adas-from-rm89-6k/", "title": "2023 Toyota Vios Launched in Malaysia \u2013 Premium Looks, Toyota Safety Sense ADAS, From RM89.6k", "body": "\n\nUMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) just launched the 2023 Toyota Vios in Malaysia. The popular B-segment sedan is now in its fourth generation, and it is feature-packed with a sleek new look and rather comprehensive advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) through Toyota Safety Sense.\n\n\nFirst, pricing. The base 1.5E model of the new Vios is priced at RM89,600, while the range-topping 1.5G goes for RM95,500; these prices are on-the-road without insurance. That\u2019s right, only two trim levels of the sedan are available in Malaysia, and it comes with a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnlike previous iterations of the Vios, the new model is built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform; the same one used for the\u00a0\nPerodua Ativa\n\u00a0and the recently launched\u00a0\n2022 Alza\n. It measures 4,425mm long, 1,740mm wide, and 1,480mm tall. Basically, it\u2019s slightly bigger than its predecessor.\n\n\nUnder the hood of the new Vios is a 2NR-VE 1.5L four-cylinder engine that delivers 106PS and 138Nm of torque; slightly lower outputs than the outgoing mill (107PS/140Nm), though UMWT says that engine response has been improved. The engine is paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with seven virtual speeds.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the safety department, the 2023 Vios features a slew of driver assistance systems courtesy of Toyota Safety Sense. These include pre-collision system, lane keeping control, auto high beam, and get this: adaptive cruise control, though the latter three are limited to the 1.5G model. Nonetheless, not many B-segment vehicles have this level of ADAS.\n\n\nOther specifications of the updated Vios include 17-inch alloy wheels (16-inch for the 1.5E), three drive modes (Eco, Normal, Power), rear air-cond vents, a 3D panoramic view monitor \u2013 yes, this is standard \u2013 six airbags, and a 9-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\n\n\nOf course, as it is the more premium variant, the 1.5G Vios features more equipment, including paddle shifters, an electronic parking brake with auto brake hold, and leather upholstery.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2023 Toyota Vios is now \navailable for booking in Malaysia\n; you can also test drive the new sedan at all Toyota showrooms nationwide. To recap, the base 1.5E variant is priced at RM89,600, while the highest-end 1.5G model with all the bells and whistles goes for RM95,500.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/freeyond-enters-malaysian-market-with-2-new-affordable-smartphones-from-rm399/", "title": "FreeYond Enters Malaysian Market With 2 New Affordable Smartphones From RM399", "body": "\n\nFreeYond, a company based in Shenzhen, China, has just made its debut in Malaysia. It\u2019s entering the local market with \nfive\n new products, including two budget-oriented smartphones: the FreeYond M5 and FreeYond F9.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the higher-end phone of the two, the FreeYond M5. It comes with a 6.52-inch 720p IPS display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a Unisoc T606 chipset paired with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro), an 8MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with 18W charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe FreeYond M5\n\n\n\n\nThe FreeYond F9\n\n\n\n\nAs for the FreeYond F9, it features a 6.52-inch 1600 x 720 IPS display, a Unisoc SC9863A processor paired with up to 3GB RAM and 128GB storage, a dual camera array (13MP main + 2MP macro), an 8MP selfie shooter, as well as a 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\nThe FreeYond F9 and FreeYond M5 will be available for purchase in Malaysia by the end of March 2023 this month. Two variants of the F9 are offered: the 3GB + 128GB model is priced at RM499, while the 2GB + 64GB configuration costs RM399. The FreeYond M5, on the other hand, carries a RM699 price tag.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2023-toyota-vios-received-over-5000-bookings-priced-from-rm89600/", "title": "2023 Toyota Vios Received Over 5,000 Bookings \u2013 Priced From RM89,600", "body": "\n\nUMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) launched the 2023 Toyota Vios in Malaysia yesterday, and the company revealed that the updated B-segment sedan received quite a number of bookings. Since orders were opened on 24 February, over 5,000 bookings have been placed for the popular model.\n\n\n\u201cThe response for the all-new Toyota Vios has been phenomenal, with more than 5,000 orders to date made since we announced our order-taking on 24 February 2023,\u201d said the president of UMWT, Datuk Ravindran K. \u201cThis is a testament to the popularity of the all-new Toyota Vios in the Malaysian market,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPricing wise, the base 1.5E model of the new Vios goes for RM89,600, while the range-topping 1.5G is listed at RM95,500; these prices are on-the-road without insurance. That\u2019s right, only two trim levels of the sedan are available in Malaysia, and it comes with a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage.\n\n\nUnlike previous iterations of the Vios, the new model is built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform; the same one used for the\u00a0\nPerodua Ativa\n\u00a0and the recently launched\u00a0\n2022 Alza\n. It measures 4,425mm long, 1,740mm wide, and 1,480mm tall. Basically, it\u2019s slightly bigger than its predecessor.\n\n\nUnder the hood of the new Vios is a 2NR-VE 1.5L four-cylinder engine that delivers 106PS and 138Nm of torque; slightly lower outputs than the outgoing mill (107PS/140Nm), though UMWT says that engine response has been improved. The engine is paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with seven virtual speeds.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the safety department, the 2023 Vios features a slew of driver assistance systems courtesy of Toyota Safety Sense. These include pre-collision system, lane keeping control, auto high beam, and get this: adaptive cruise control, though the latter three are limited to the 1.5G model. Nonetheless, not many B-segment vehicles have this level of ADAS.\n\n\nOther specifications of the updated Vios include 17-inch alloy wheels (16-inch for the 1.5E), three drive modes (Eco, Normal, Power), rear air-cond vents, a 3D panoramic view monitor \u2013 yes, this is standard \u2013 six airbags, and a 9-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.\n\n\nOf course, as it is the more premium variant, the 1.5G Vios features more equipment, including paddle shifters, an electronic parking brake with auto brake hold, and leather upholstery.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2023 Toyota Vios is now \navailable for booking in Malaysia\n; you can also test drive the new sedan at all Toyota showrooms nationwide. To recap, the base 1.5E variant is priced at RM89,600, while the highest-end 1.5G model with all the bells and whistles goes for RM95,500.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/5-highways-to-use-open-payment-system-by-september-2023-mlff-implementation-by-q3-2024/", "title": "5 Highways to Use Open Payment System by September 2023 \u2013 MLFF Implementation by Q3 2024", "body": "\n\nA number of highways in Malaysia will begin to use an open payment system by September 2023. These include the New Pantai Expressway (NPE), Sungai Besi Expressway, Ampang\u2013Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH), Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE), and the Penang Bridge.\n\n\nThis bit of info was revealed by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi on \nFacebook\n. Once the open payment system is implemented, road users will be able to pay for tolls with their credit or debit cards. Basically, Touch \u2018n Go will no longer be the only payment method on these highways.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNanta elaborated that this is one of the first steps to transition to the Multi Lane Fast Flow (MLFF) system. A proof of concept will be done by October 2023, and MLFF will be fully implemented on all Malaysian highways by Q3 2024 next year.\n\n\nMLFF is quite exciting, as it is a barrier-free tolling system to reduce traffic congestion. After all, there would be no toll booths anymore to slow down traffic. Hopefully, MLFF \u2013 and the open payment system \u2013 will be implemented according to the set timeline.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-nitro-16-coming-to-malaysia-soon-rtx-40-gaming-laptop/", "title": "Acer Nitro 16 Coming to Malaysia Soon \u2013 RTX 40 Gaming Laptop", "body": "\n\nAcer looks to be launching a new gaming laptop in Malaysia soon, the Acer Nitro 16. Unveiled back at CES 2023 a few months back, the laptop can be configured with either AMD\u2019s Ryzen 7000 series chips or Intel\u2019s 13th gen processors, along with Nvidia\u2019s new RTX 40 GPUs.\n\n\nWe spotted the Nitro 16 in our routine search through SIRIM\u2019s database. The gaming laptop was registered with the certification body just today on 21 March under Acer Malaysia, suggesting that the Taiwanese company is gearing up to launch the Nitro 16 on our shores.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Nitro 16 is configurable with either AMD\u2019s Ryzen 7000 series chips or Intel\u2019s 13th gen processors, though it remains to be seen if the Malaysian market with receive both options. Given that it\u2019s also powered by the new RTX 40 series GPU \u2013 even if we don\u2019t know which particular GPU it is getting \u2013 it should be a capable gaming laptop.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Nitro 16 include a 16-inch WUXGA or WQXGA display with a 165Hz refresh rate, PCIe Gen 4 SSD, up to 32GB of DDR5 RAM, liquid metal thermal compound on the CPU, and a four-zone RGB keyboard.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet from Acer Malaysia on the local availability of the Acer Nitro 16. But given that it\u2019s been certified by SIRIM already, we reckon it\u2019s only a matter of time before the gaming laptop arrives here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/freeyond-watch-s1-f1-pods-1-wireless-earbuds-also-launched-in-malaysia-from-rm89/", "title": "FreeYond Watch S1, F1 & Pods 1 Wireless Earbuds Also Launched in Malaysia From RM89", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nM5 and F9 smartphones\n, FreeYond also introduced three other affordable products for the Malaysian market. These include the FreeYond Watch S1 and F1 smartwatches, as well as the FreeYond Pods 1 wireless earbuds.\n\n\nOut of the three products, the Pods 1 is the most affordable one with a RM89 price tag. For that kind of money, it features up to six hours of use on a single charge \u2013 for a combined battery life of up to 30 hours with the charging case \u2013 a 12mm \u201cbass enhancement unit,\u201d and an IPX4 rating.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the Watch F1, which costs only RM119. It has an Apple Watch-like design with a 1.8-inch display, an IP67 rating, and up to five days of battery life under light use. As for the Watch S1, it\u2019s a RM159 smartwatch with a 1.39-inch circular display, an IP68 rating, and up to seven days of battery life; again, under light use.\n\n\nAccording to FreeYond, these products will be available for purchase in Malaysia by May 2023 from selected retailers. They will also be offered online through FreeYond\u2019s official Shopee and Lazada stores.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-magic-5-pro-review-needs-a-bit-more-magic/", "title": "Honor Magic 5 Pro Review: Needs a Bit More Magic", "body": "\n\nUpdate 6 April, 4PM:\n\u00a0Honor Malaysia just revealed the local pricing of the Magic 5 Pro. The flagship phone retails at RM4,299, and the review has been updated to reflect this.\n\n\nThe Honor Magic 5 Pro is set to be launched in Malaysia sometime in April next month. Ahead of its local debut, I got to test out the phone extensively as my daily driver. For the most part, it\u2019s a really good high-end smartphone \u2013 perhaps Honor\u2019s best flagship phone to date.\n\n\nHowever, Honor\u2019s old habits are still very much present on the Magic 5 Pro. Its software experience isn\u2019t particularly polished, and the phone\u2019s much touted triple camera system\u2026could use some work. But overall, I did enjoy using the Magic 5 Pro over the past few weeks, even if I\u2019m not a big fan of MagicOS.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.81-inch LTPO OLED (2848 x 1312), 120Hz adaptive\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 3.19GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 740\nRAM\n12GB\nStorage\n512GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n50MP f/1.6, OIS\n50MP f/2.0 (ultra-wide)\n50MP f/3.0 (periscope telephoto), 3.5x optical zoom, 100x digital zoom, OIS\nCamera (front)\n12MP f/2.4\nBattery\n5,100mAh with 66W SuperCharge charging\nDimensions\n162.9 x 76.7 x 8.77 mm\nWeight\n219g\nOS\nMagicOS 7.1 based on Android 13\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.2\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be (2.4/5GHz)\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM4,299\n\n\nPowered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, the Magic 5 Pro offers performance level befitting of a flagship phone. It also has a rather sophisticated triple camera system with up to 100x digital zoom, though not all of its sensors offer the best image quality \u2013 more on this further down the review.\n\n\nBut when it comes to battery life, the Magic 5 Pro is a \nvery\n long-lasting smartphone, thanks to its 5,100mAh battery and power efficiency. It\u2019s good to see that the phone has an IP68 rating as well, which is really a feature all flagship smartphones should have.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nI\u2019m quite a fan of the Magic 5 Pro\u2019s design. Yes, the huge circular camera module protrudes out of the phone rather awkwardly \u2013 and the dual curved display is not ergonomically-friendly \u2013 but I do think it has a unique aesthetic with a nice matte finish on the back cover of this Meadow Green colour option.\n\n\nA couple of my friends were actually intrigued by the looks of the phone, though I suspect it\u2019s because of the large, circular camera module, for better or worse.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSince we\u2019re already talking about the camera of the Magic 5 Pro, let\u2019s get to the camera performance of the phone. For the most part, I do like photographing with the triple camera system. The interface is relatively responsive \u2013 even if it does stutter in more challenging lighting situations \u2013 and the end results look great in a variety of shooting conditions.\n\n\nThat being said, this is mostly applicable to the Magic 5 Pro\u2019s 50MP main sensor. The 50MP ultra-wide camera and 50MP periscope telephoto lens do perform well under good lighting, but in low light conditions, they start showing their limits. I\u2019ll further elaborate on this in the following section. In the meantime, take a look at these good-looking shots taken with the phone:\n\n\n\n\n50MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP telephoto (3.5x optical zoom)\n\n\n50MP telephoto (10x digital zoom)\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the Magic 5 Pro\u2019s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, which provides a fast, responsive user experience. Throughout my time with the phone, there\u2019s no hint of any slowdown, but it does show its limits in graphically demanding games like \nGenshin Impact\n. With the frame rate set to 60fps at maxed out graphics settings, there\u2019s noticeably stuttering, though I can still get a smooth gameplay by just tweaking the settings a little bit.\n\n\nFurther enhancing the gaming experience of the Magic 5 Pro is its 6.81-inch 2848 x 1312 LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The high refresh rate lends to very smooth-looking animations \u2013 thanks to the extra frames \u2013 and the panel itself is great with bright, vibrant colours and wide viewing angles.\n\n\nThat being said, the default white balance is a bit too warm for my liking, though it\u2019s easily adjustable from the settings.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother \nabsolutely\n amazing aspect of the Magic 5 Pro is its sheer longevity. The 5,100mAh battery can last me well over a day of use, and on certain days, I can even get \nnine hours of screen on time\n. This is very impressive, and I reckon some folks can get up to two days of use on a single charge.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nHonor put a lot of emphasis on the camera of the Magic 5 Pro, which is probably why I\u2019m quite let down with the overall performance of the phone\u2019s triple camera array. Yes, the 50MP primary shooter can take great shots, but the 50MP ultra-wide and 50MP periscope telephoto lenses leave much to be desired.\n\n\nJudge for yourself with these sample shots:\n\n\n\n\n50MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP telephoto (3.5x optical zoom)\n\n\n50MP telephoto (10x digital zoom)\n\n\n50MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP telephoto (3.5x optical zoom)\n\n\n50MP telephoto (10x digital zoom)\n\n\n\n\nGiven ample lighting, both sensors can deliver good shots, but they struggle to deliver in low light conditions. Noise is very apparent, detail preservation takes a hit, and shutter speed slows down considerably too. Granted, with some effort, the two sensors can still take good shots, but they don\u2019t feel \u201ceffortless\u201d to photograph with.\n\n\nBeyond that, there\u2019s the software experience of the Magic 5 Pro. While MagicOS 7.1 feels relatively lightweight, it is also\u2026quirky, to put it into word. The notification shade, for example, cannot be opened by swiping down on the home screen. On top of that, there\u2019s also no key shortcut to quickly launch the camera.\n\n\nI\u2019ve tried double clicking on both the power button and volume rocker to summon the camera, and both methods didn\u2019t work. There\u2019s no option to enable it in the settings either.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut the biggest software issue I encountered throughout my time with the Magic 5 Pro is the fact that Netflix suddenly stopped working on my review unit, though my colleague\u2019s unit didn\u2019t have this problem. While this could be an isolated case, it\u2019s still worth mentioning.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nRetailing at RM4,299, the Honor Magic 5 Pro is a decent buy, especially if you want a fast flagship phone with very, \nvery\n long battery life and respectable camera performance. It is not quite a segment-leader \u2013 in my opinion \u2013 but it doesn\u2019t cost quite as much either, which is good.\n\n\nThere\u2019s no denying that Honor has come a long way since its inception back in 2013, and its range of flagship smartphones have only gotten better over the years. The Magic 5 Pro shows how much the brand has grown, even if it\u2019s not a class-leading phone that can demand a premium price tag.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith that in mind, the Magic 5 Pro does somewhat stand out in the highly competitive smartphone market \u2013 especially in the flagship segment \u2013 with its value proposition. It may not offer the best value for money or user experience, but it\u2019s still a phone I enjoyed using as my daily driver.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/23-29-march-fuel-price-ron-97-remains-at-rm3-35-per-litre/", "title": "23 \u2013 29 March Fuel Price: RON 97 Remains at RM3.35 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nNot surprisingly, RON 97 sees no price change yet again this week. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.35 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 23 to 29 March next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nothing-ear-2-is-here-custom-dynamic-driver-up-to-36-hours-battery-life-rm599-in-malaysia/", "title": "Nothing Ear 2 Is Here \u2013 Custom Dynamic Driver, Up to 36 Hours Battery Life, RM599 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nThe \nNothing Ear 2\n has just been unveiled, and it is looks\u2026largely familiar to its predecessor. But under the hood, the new wireless earbuds feature a number of improvements, including a custom dynamic driver for better sound quality, new press controls, and longer battery life.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Ear 2 is priced at RM599; that\u2019s the same exact price as the outgoing Ear 1 after a price hike last year. Local pre-orders will be open later at 12AM on 23 March 2023 through \nCrossover\u2019s online store\n.\n\n\nThe new earbuds will also be available for users to try out at selected stores, including Yes Experience Store at Lot 10, DirectD Gadget Mega Store at Petaling Jaya, and TMT at Mid Valley Megamall.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Ear 2 now has a custom 11.6mm dynamic driver. Its diaphragm is made out of a combination of polyurethane (PU) and graphene, which is said to deliver \u201cpurer, more powerful\u201d bass while also producing highs that sound clearer and brighter.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Ear 2 include active noise cancellation (ANC), up to six hours of use on a single charge \u2013 can be extended up to 36 hours with the charging case \u2013 press controls instead of touch controls, as well as an IP54 rating; IP55 for the charging case.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Nothing Ear 2 will be available for pre-order in Malaysia through \nCrossover\u2019s online store\n at 12AM on 23 March; that\u2019s mere moments from the time of writing. The new earbuds are priced at RM599 locally, and we\u2019ll be posting our full review of the Ear 2 very soon \u2013 stay tuned for that!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/pantheonkeys-launching-purity-switch-medium-tactility-with-full-pbt-housing/", "title": "PantheonKeys Launching Purity Switch \u2013 Medium Tactility With Full PBT Housing", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPantheonKeys, a custom keyboard vendor based in Singapore, is releasing a new tactile switch soon. Dubbed Purity, the upcoming switch has a medium tactile bump with a full PBT housing. That\u2019s quite a unique choice of material, even if the vendor \nisn\u2019t the first to do so\n.\n\n\nPBT plastic is known for its deep, \u201cthocky\u201d sound profile, which is the very reason why PantheonKeys went with this material for the Purity\u2019s top and bottom housings. \u201cWe\u2019ve experimented with different materials to find the deepest, thockiest thock we can make, and we believe that the PBT housing material we\u2019ve chosen plays a big role in achieving that sound,\u201d said the vendor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from the full PBT housing, the Purity also features a single-stage 65g spring with a \u201cmystery blend\u201d stem. It is also factory lubed with 3.4mm of travel; slightly shorter compared to the standard 4mm key travel. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how the reduced travel would affect the typing experience.\n\n\nAccording to PantheonKeys, pre-orders for the Purity switch will be opened in the next couple of weeks. As for pricing, it will be priced at around S$0.60 per switch, which comes up to about RM2 per switch. We\u2019ll be receiving the Purity switch from PantheonKeys for review purposes, so stay tuned for that!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/astro-adds-viu-to-ulti-box-zee5-also-available-on-ultra-box-ulti-box-now/", "title": "Astro Adds Viu to Ulti Box \u2013 ZEE5 Also Available on Ultra Box & Ulti Box Now", "body": "\n\nJust a couple of weeks ago, \nAstro added Viu to its 4K-enabled Ultra Box\n. Fast forward to today, the streaming service is now accessible on Astro\u2019s more affordable Ulti Box too. On top of that, ZEE5 has also been added to the two connected set-top-boxes.\n\n\nWith the addition of Viu to the Ulti Box, the complimentary three-month subscription to Viu Premium has now been extended to customers who own either the aforementioned Ulti Box and the Ultra Box. It\u2019s worth noting that the subscription usually costs RM14.90 per month.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe complimentary access to Viu Premium for Ultra Box and Ulti Box customers is valid until 8 June 2023. Once the free subscription is over, Astro owners can add the streaming service to their subscription \u201cat an exclusive offer,\u201d though the company did not reveal more information beyond that.\n\n\nAs for ZEE5, Astro customers on the Ultra or Ulti Box can start streaming content from the service today. To access exclusive content and remove ads, users can add ZEE5 premium to their subscription for RM10.60/month instead of the usual RM14.90/month rate.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/roborock-s8-series-robot-vacuums-land-in-malaysia-s8-s8-s8-pro-ultra-from-rm2699/", "title": "Roborock S8 Series Robot Vacuums Land in Malaysia \u2013 S8, S8+, S8 Pro Ultra From RM2,699", "body": "\n\nRoborock just launched three new robot vacuum cleaners in Malaysia under the Roborock S8 series. Now featuring enhanced suction power (6,000Pa), the lineup is made up of the Roborock S8, the Roborock S8+, and the range-topping Roborock S8 Pro Ultra.\n\n\nThe most affordable robot vacuum of the three is the standard S8. Priced at RM2,699, it now features the aforementioned suction power upgrade, along with two rubber roller brushes for improved dirt pickup and less hair tangles \u2013 this feature is standard across the range.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA tier up is the S8+ for RM3,999. Given the price increase, it sports a number of improvements over the more affordable S8, including the ability to automatically empty the robot\u2019s dust bin into the 2.5L dust bag. According to the company, the dust bag doesn\u2019t have to be cleaned for up to seven weeks.\n\n\nLast but certainly not least is the highest-end S8 Pro Ultra for a cool RM5,599. It has the most sophisticated all-in-one docking system dubbed RockDock Ultra that can automatically dry the robot vacuum, clean its mop, and even refill the water tank for mopping.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Roborock S8 series is now available for purchase in Malaysia from RM2,699 at AiHome stores in Mid Valley Megamall, One Utama, IOI City Mall, Sunway Velocity, and Setapak Central Mall; iGadgets at Pavilion Bukit Jalil also carries the robot vacuums. Alternatively, the S8 series can also be purchased online through \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-nord-ce-3-lite-oneplus-nord-buds-2-launch-set-for-4-april-confirmed-for-malaysia/", "title": "OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite & OnePlus Nord Buds 2 Launch Set for 4 April \u2013 Confirmed for Malaysia", "body": "\n\nOnePlus is set to introduce two new products on 4 April next month: the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite and OnePus Nord Buds 2 wireless earbuds. On top of that, these two products are coming to Malaysia as well.\n\n\nIn OnePlus\u2019 Twitter post of the Nord CE 3 Lite and Nord Buds 2, a link is provided to the \nMalaysian-specific teaser page of the two products\n. Needless to say, this is certainly a confirmation that the smartphone and earbuds are coming to Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\nWe don't mean to exaggerate, but we have something \n#LargerThanLife\n coming your way on April 4. Stay tuned.\n#OnePlusNordCE3Lite\n 5G\nApril 4, 19:00 IST | 14:30 BST\n\u2014 OnePlus (@oneplus) \nMarch 23, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, specifications of the Nord CE 3 Lite and Nord Buds 2 have not been detailed yet, though we do know that the phone will come in a striking Pastel Lime colourway. The design of the Nord Buds 2 have been revealed too, and given that OnePlus\u2019 Nord lineup is usually budget-oriented, we expect the two products to be affordable.\n\n\nMore details on the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite and OnePlus Nord Buds 2 will be revealed come 4 April. The launch event will take place at 9:30PM here in Malaysia, and you can register your interest for the CE 3 Lite \nhere\n for a chance to win the phone \u2013 two lucky winners will be chosen.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-p60-pro-mate-x3-foldable-phone-official-malaysian-preview-registration-open/", "title": "Huawei P60 Pro & Mate X3 Foldable Phone Official \u2013 Malaysian Preview Registration Open", "body": "\n\nHuawei just launched its latest flagship phones in China. There\u2019s the Huawei P60 series \u2013 made up of the standard P60, P60 Art, and P60 Pro \u2013 as well as the Huawei Mate X3 foldable phone, and \nregistration for the Malaysia preview\n of the P60 Pro and Mate X3 is open now.\n\n\nThis could mean that the two phones will be officially available here, though Huawei Malaysia stopped short of confirming this outright. Nonetheless, the two devices are quite interesting, especially the Mate X3, which is touted as an \u201cultra-thin\u201d foldable phone; it measures only 5.3mm thin when it is unfolded.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Mate X3 include a \u201cQualcomm Snapdragon 8+ 4G\u201d chipset \u2013 which should be the 4G version of the 8+ Gen 1 \u2013 a 7.85-inch 2496 \u00d7 2224 inner OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 6.4-inch 1080p OLED cover screen (also set at 120Hz), a triple camera system (50MP main + 13MP ultra-wide + 12MP periscope telephoto), an 8MP selfie camera, a 4,800mAh (standard model) or 5,060mAh (Collector\u2019s Edition) battery, as well as an IPX8 rating.\n\n\nAs for the P60 Pro, it features the same Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G chip, a 6.67-inch 2700 x 1220 OLED panel with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (48MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide + 48MP telephoto), a 13MP selfie shooter, a 4,815mAh battery, and an IP68 rating.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt remains to be seen if the Huawei P60 Pro and Huawei Mate X3 will be available in Malaysia, though if you\u2019re interested, you can register your interest to preview the two phones on our shores \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-7-launching-earlier-than-expected-on-13-april-coming-to-malaysia/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 7 Launching (Earlier Than Expected) on 13 April \u2013 Coming to Malaysia", "body": "\n\nIt looks like Asus is launching its 2023 gaming phone earlier than expected. The Asus ROG Phone 7 is set to be unveiled on 13 April next month, which is almost three months earlier than the debut of the \nROG Phone 6\n series last year. Naturally, the phone (or rather, phones) will be coming to Malaysia too.\n\n\nGiven that the ROG Phone 7\u2019s existence is confirmed, we reached out to Asus Malaysia to enquire about its availability in our market. Not surprisingly, we were told that the upcoming gaming phone will be coming to Malaysia, though it remains to be seen if it will be available here right after the global debut.\n\n\n\n\nStay tuned for the new legend. ROG Phone 7 is coming on April 13, 8AM EDT.\nWatch it live \ud83d\udc49 \nhttps://t.co/CGZtFnsTOF\n#ROGPhone7\n#ForThoseWhoDare\n \npic.twitter.com/iNbTUSD5cz\n\u2014 ROG Global (@ASUS_ROG) \nMarch 23, 2023\n\n\n\n\nNo details on the exact specifications of the ROG Phone 7 have been revealed, though we reckon it will at least be powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. There should be two devices too: a standard model and a higher-end Pro variant, just like previous iterations of the ROG Phone series.\n\n\nOf course, these are just educated guesses on our part. We\u2019ll just have to wait until 13 April next month to find out just what the Asus ROG Phone 7 will bring to the table. If the teaser image is anything to go by, there\u2019s a chance the gaming phone will be sporting a new design language of sorts.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s23-ultra-still-the-best-far-reaching-smartphone-camera/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra \u2013 Still the Best Far-Reaching Smartphone Camera?", "body": "\n\nCamera performance has always been one of the winning qualities of the Samsung Galaxy S series, so it\u2019s no surprise that the \nSamsung Galaxy S23 Ultra\n has one of the most far-reaching (and sophisticated) camera configurations in the flagship segment.\n\n\nCompared to the \nGalaxy S22 Ultra\n, the latest S23 Ultra features an upgraded camera system: the quad camera array is now headlined by a 200MP primary sensor. Complemented by a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and another 10MP periscope telephoto sensor with 10x optical zoom, it is without a doubt a versatile camera setup with various focal lengths.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes, it is largely the same camera system as its predecessor, except for the 200MP main sensor that bins 16 pixels into one to output 12.5MP images. This makes for an even more capable camera system than the S22 Ultra\u2019s. Even if the improvement is not by a huge margin, this isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing.\n\n\nPhotographing with the S23 Ultra feels just as effortless as it was with last year\u2019s model. It performs well regardless of lighting situation, it can lock in focus very quickly, and its far-reaching zoom is still my favourite aspect of the camera system.\n\n\nJust take a look at these sample images:\n\n\n\n\n200MP primary (12.5MP output)\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n200MP primary (12.5MP output)\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n200MP primary (12.5MP output)\n\n\n10MP telephoto (3x optical)\n\n\n10MP telephoto (10x optical)\n\n\n200MP primary (12.5MP output)\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n200MP primary (12.5MP output)\n\n\n10MP telephoto (3x optical)\n\n\n10MP telephoto (10x optical)\n\n\n200MP primary (12.5MP output)\n\n\n200MP primary (12.5MP output)\n\n\n200MP primary (12.5MP output)\n\n\n200MP primary (12.5MP output)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the Galaxy S23 Ultra\u2019s 200MP main sensor, the sheer focal range of the phone is certainly class-leading. Even at 10x zoom, the image quality is still more than acceptable. There just aren\u2019t many phones that can rival the zooming capability of this flagship.\n\n\nOf course, the image quality of the 10x periscope telephoto lens does show its limits in low light conditions. Noise becomes more evident, and detail preservation isn\u2019t as good anymore. That being said, the image output at \nthis\n level of zoom is still a step above the competition, in my opinion.\n\n\n\n\n200MP primary (12.5MP output)\n\n\n10MP telephoto (10x optical)\n\n\n200MP primary (12.5MP output)\n\n\n10MP telephoto (10x optical)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond its camera performance, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is also a very capable flagship smartphone. It has a fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, much improved battery life out of the 5,000mAh battery \u2013 thanks to the power efficiency of the chip, among other things \u2013 and of course, a stunning 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.\n\n\nThere\u2019s also the signature hardware of the S23 Ultra, the built-in S Pen. It still feels natural to scribble on the screen with the stylus, and the various Air Actions are easy to execute. All in all, it\u2019s the same S Pen loved by many, and it\u2019s one of the best reasons to get the S23 Ultra \u2013 or even its predecessor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a competent, premium flagship smartphone, so that also entails an equally premium price tag. Retailing from RM5,699 for the 256GB model, the starting price of the flagship phone went up by RM600 compared to its predecessor. That being said, it\u2019s worth noting that the S22 Ultra had a 128GB variant that went for RM5,099; the equivalent 256GB configuration was priced at RM5,499.\n\n\nIt\u2019s a costly phone, to be sure, but that doesn\u2019t take away from the fact that the Galaxy S23 Ultra is a fantastic high-end phone. It may not have some revolutionary new features, but the upgrades that Samsung did implement with the S23 Ultra \u2013 such as the 200MP main camera \u2013 do lend to much improved user experience in many areas.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-a54-a34-land-in-malaysia-brighter-display-ip67-rating-from-rm1599/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy A54 & A34 Land in Malaysia \u2013 Brighter Display, IP67 Rating, From RM1,599", "body": "\n\nJust last week, Samsung added two new devices to its Galaxy A series, the Samsung Galaxy A54 and the more affordable Galaxy A34. Both devices are now available in Malaysia, and they sport brighter displays with IP67 water resistance ratings \u2013 the latter is quite an interesting feature, especially in this segment.\n\n\nOut of the two phones, the Galaxy A54 is the higher-end device, and its price tag certainly reflects that. For the Malaysian market, the mid-ranger is \npriced at RM1,899\n, and it comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of expandable storage.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy A54\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy A34\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy A54 include a Samsung Exynos 1380 chipset, a 6.4-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide + 5MP macro), a 32MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\nAs for the Galaxy A34, it\u2019s slightly more affordable \nwith a RM1,599 price tag\n. For that kind of money, it features a more modest MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chip paired with 8GB RAM and 256GB expandable storage. It also has a 6.6-inch 1080p Super AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (48MP main + 8MP ultra-wide + 5MP macro), a 13MP selfie camera, as well as a 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe new Samsung Galaxy A54 and Galaxy A34 are now available for pre-order in Malaysia; early birds who place their orders by 6 April will even get a Samsung Galaxy Buds Live wireless earbuds worth RM549 for free. You can also use our code AMGA34545G to get a complimentary 35W PD Power Adapter Duo worth RM99 from Samsung\u2019s online store.\n\n\nAs for colour options, both phones are available in Awesome Lime, Awesome Graphite, and Awesome Violet, though the Awesome White and Awesome Silver colourways are only available for the Galaxy A54 and Galaxy A34 respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honkai-star-rail-hoyoverses-next-game-arrives-26-april-on-ios-android-pc-playstation-soon/", "title": "Honkai: Star Rail, Hoyoverse\u2019s Next Game Arrives 26 April on iOS, Android, PC \u2013 PlayStation Soon", "body": "\n\nPre-registration for Hoyoverse\u2019s next game, Honkai: Star Rail, was opened just last month. Fast forward to now, the developer gave us a release date for the RPG game: it\u2019s set to arrive on multiple platforms next month on 26 April.\n\n\nThe platforms confirmed for Star Rail include iOS, Android, PC, as well as PlayStation, which is a new addition. However, it\u2019s worth noting that the 26 April launch date is only for the former three; the game will be released on PlayStation at a later date.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnlike \nGenshin Impact\n or Honkai Impact 3rd, Star Rail is a turn-based RPG game where players fight in a party of four. The game also have dungeon exploration, puzzle-solving, and even flashy animations as characters unleash their respective skills. Based on \nour review of the game\u2019s\n \nsecond closed beta\n, Star Rail has an intriguing, engrossing storyline too.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to pre-register for Honkai: Star Rail, you can do so \nright here\n. Come 26 April next month, the RPG game will be available on iOS, Android, as well as PC via Hoyoverse\u2019s own launcher and the \nEpic Games Store\n; the PlayStation version will arrive at a later date.\n\n\nNaturally, cross-platform progression is offered for Star Rail, which will come in handy for players who play on multiple platforms.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/singakbd-unikorn-r2-2-rerun-next-in-stock-sale-on-30-march-2023-for-rm1950/", "title": "SINGAKBD Unikorn R2.2 Rerun \u2013 Next In-Stock Sale on 30 March 2023 for RM1,950", "body": "\n\nThe next in-stock sale for SINGAKBD\u2019s very popular Unikorn custom keyboard is happening this Thursday on 30 March. This is the third in-stock sale of the 60% custom keyboard, and as usual, it will be done through a raffle.\n\n\nJust like the previous in-stock sale \nearlier this month\n, stocks for this third Unikorn raffle is approximately half of the usual amount (300 units). The colourways offered will be the same as well, which are the Berlin Blue and Pewter Grey colour options.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo note that those who won the very first round of Unikorn raffle (\nFlamenco Red and Reseda Green\n) late last year cannot join this round of sale. However, there will be a fourth round of raffle sale for 60 units of a Special Edition Unikorn sometime in the future; that one will be a free for all.\n\n\nAs for pricing, the SINGAKBD Unikorn R2.2 rerun is set to go for RM1,950; the price increase is attributed to higher metal prices. Check out SINGAKBD\u2019s \nofficial Discord channel\n and \nthis page\n for more information on the sale come 30 March this Thursday.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x90-name-confirmed-4-variants-mild-hybrid-public-preview-from-8-april/", "title": "Proton X90 Name Confirmed \u2013 4 Variants, Mild Hybrid, Public Preview From 8 April", "body": "\n\nProton finally confirmed the name of its upcoming D-segment SUV. Not surprisingly, it\u2019s called the \nProton X90\n, and it is touted as a premium, modern family SUV that is available with either seven or six seats, depending on the variant.\n\n\nThere are a total of four different variants of the X90: Standard, Executive, Premium, and the range-topping Flagship. The former three are seven-seaters, while the Flagship trim is the only model with six seats; there are individual \u201ccaptain seats\u201d for the second row, as you can see in the interior shot below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe managed to spend a brief time with the X90 in person, though unfortunately, members of the media were not allowed to take any photograph. Nonetheless, we can talk about our experience with the SUV, and it does feel very much like a premium SUV. It looks and feels great, and all seven seats \u2013 or six seats for the Flagship model \u2013 are comfortable, though the third row does have pretty limited leg room.\n\n\nBut in terms of practicality, the X90 ticks all the boxes. Not only are there dedicated USB-A charging ports for all passengers \u2013 the second row even gets a USB-C charger \u2013 they also get individual air-conditioning vents; great for those \nbalik kampung\n trips.\n\n\nIf you need to transport large items with the X90, you\u2019ll be happy to know that the D-segment SUV offers up to a whopping 2,050L of boot space with the seats folded down. That is \na lot\n of space.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs previously revealed, the X90 is Proton\u2019s first new energy vehicle (NEV) with a mild hybrid system. Its 1.5L TGDi three-cylinder turbo engine is paired with a 48V electric motor synergy (EMS) system that offers a combined output of 190PS and 300Nm of torque paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. According to Proton, this mild hybrid system offers up to 15% improved fuel efficiency.\n\n\nIn the safety department, the X90 features Proton\u2019s most elaborate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) yet. It\u2019s said to offer a sophisticated level 2 autonomous driving, including three new features: rear collision warning (RCW), rear cross traffic alert (RCTA), and traffic sign information (TSI). Yes, the X90\u2019s ADAS can detect and display road signs in Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo launch or booking date has been set yet for the Proton X90, though public previews of the SUV will be held at six cities in Malaysia from 8 April onwards. Interested customers will be able to look and feel the new SUV before its official launch, and (hopefully) place a booking at the same time.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x90-official-images-revealed-with-new-marine-blue-colour/", "title": "Proton X90 \u2013 Official Images Revealed With New Marine Blue Colour", "body": "\n\nProton revealed quite a bit more details on its upcoming D-segment SUV, which is confirmed to be called the \nProton X90\n. It is touted as a premium, modern family SUV that is available with either seven or six seats \u2013 depending on the variant \u2013 and the national carmaker just released official pictures of the new SUV in the new Marine Blue colour.\n\n\nThere are a total of four different variants of the X90: Standard, Executive, Premium, and the range-topping Flagship. The former three are seven-seaters, while the Flagship trim is the only model with six seats; there are individual \u201ccaptain seats\u201d for the second row, as you can see in the interior shot below.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the new Marine Blue colour option is only offered for the Flagship and Premium variants.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe managed to spend a brief time with the X90 in person, though unfortunately, members of the media were not allowed to take any photograph. Nonetheless, we can talk about our experience with the SUV, and it does feel very much like a premium SUV. It looks and feels great, and all seven seats \u2013 or six seats for the Flagship model \u2013 are comfortable, though the third row does have pretty limited leg room.\n\n\nBut in terms of practicality, the X90 ticks all the boxes. Not only are there dedicated USB-A charging ports for all passengers \u2013 the second row even gets a USB-C charger \u2013 they also get individual air-conditioning vents; great for those \nbalik kampung\n trips.\n\n\nIf you need to transport large items with the X90, you\u2019ll be happy to know that the D-segment SUV offers up to a whopping 2,050L of boot space with the seats folded down. That is \na lot\n of space.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs previously revealed, the X90 is Proton\u2019s first new energy vehicle (NEV) with a mild hybrid system. Its 1.5L TGDi three-cylinder turbo engine is paired with a 48V electric motor synergy (EMS) system that offers a combined output of 190PS and 300Nm of torque paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. According to Proton, this mild hybrid system offers up to 15% improved fuel efficiency.\n\n\nIn the safety department, the X90 features Proton\u2019s most elaborate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) yet. It\u2019s said to offer a sophisticated level 2 autonomous driving, including three new features: rear collision warning (RCW), rear cross traffic alert (RCTA), and traffic sign information (TSI). Yes, the X90\u2019s ADAS can detect and display road signs in Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo launch or booking date has been set yet for the Proton X90, though a public preview will be held at six cities in Malaysia from 8 April onwards. interested customers will be able to look and feel the new SUV before its official launch, and (hopefully) place a booking at the same time.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x90-tuned-for-malaysian-roads-96000-hours-of-testing-over-1-2-million-kilometre/", "title": "Proton X90 Tuned for Malaysian Roads \u2013 96,000 Hours of Testing Over 1.2 Million Kilometre", "body": "\n\nAt the media preview of the now confirmed \nProton X90\n, the national carmaker also revealed that the upcoming D-segment SUV has been tuned for Malaysian roads. This, in turn, should translate to refined ride and handling \u2013 a strong suit of Proton.\n\n\nAccording to the director of group engineering at Proton, Hazrin Fazail Haroon, the X90 has been tested extensively on Malaysian roads. In fact, it has traveled a total of \n1.2 million kilometre\n in its development, taking up over 96,000 hours of testing.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt was also revealed that the X90 will be sporting a multi-link rear suspension, which is a change over the original Geely Haoyue \u2013 the model it is based on \u2013 which uses a torsion beam setup instead. Multi-link suspensions are (generally) considered to offer superior ride and handling, so it\u2019s good to hear that the X90 features this setup.\n\n\nNo launch or booking date has been set yet for the Proton X90, though a public preview will be held at six cities in Malaysia from 8 April onwards. interested customers will be able to look and feel the new SUV before its official launch, and (hopefully) place a booking at the same time. More details on the X90 can be found \nhere\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-note-12-series-coming-to-malaysia-5-april-200mp-camera-120hz-display-120w-charging/", "title": "Redmi Note 12 Series Coming to Malaysia 5 April \u2013 200MP Camera, 120Hz Display, 120W Charging", "body": "\n\nThe Redmi Note 12 series is set to arrive in Malaysia next week on 5 April. Touted as the \u201cmid-range king,\u201d the upcoming phone does sport a number of intriguing features, including a 200MP camera, a 120Hz display, and even 120W fast charging.\n\n\nThis feature set is certainly a reference to the Redmi Note 12 Pro+. Complementing the aforementioned 200MP main camera is an 8MP ultra-wide shooter and a 2MP macro lens. As for the display, it\u2019s a 6.67-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Note 12 Pro+ include a MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chipset paired with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB of internal storage, a 16MP selfie camera, and a 4,980mAh battery with support for 120W HyperCharge. According to Xiaomi, the phone can be fully charged in only \n19 minutes\n, and of course, a 120W charger is also provided in the box.\n\n\nIt\u2019s pretty much confirmed that the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ will be launched in Malaysia, and it will likely be joined by the standard Redmi Note 12 as well; we \nspotted that phone in SIRIM\u2019s database late last year\n. We\u2019ll find out for ourselves what other devices under the Redmi Note 12 series will be available here come 5 April at 7PM on \nXiaomi Malaysia\u2019s Facebook page\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-c55-now-in-malaysia-with-mini-capsule-dynamic-island-from-rm699/", "title": "Realme C55 Now in Malaysia With Mini Capsule \u201cDynamic Island\u201d From RM699", "body": "\n\nRealme recently launched a new affordable phone in Malaysia, the Realme C55. One of the most unique appeals of the budget-friendly device is the \u201cMini Capsule\u201d feature, which (somewhat) mimics the functionality of Apple\u2019s Dynamic Island notch.\n\n\nTwo variants of the C55 are offered in Malaysia. The base model with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage goes for RM699, while the 8GB + 256GB configuration retails at RM799. Two colour options are available here: Sunshower and Rainy Night.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSo what exactly is the Realme C55\u2019s Mini Capsule? Well, in normal use, the phone has a standard hole-punch cutout for the 8MP selfie camera. But when it\u2019s plugged to a charger or the battery is low, the cutout will expand accordingly \u2013 mimicking Apple\u2019s Dynamic Island \u2013 to show these details. While Realme\u2019s implementation isn\u2019t as functional or extensive, it is a novel feature.\n\n\nOther specifications of the C55 include a MediaTek Helio G88 chipset, a 6.72-inch Full HD+ IPS display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a dual camera system (64MP primary + 2MP depth), and a 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme C55 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia from RM699. Early birds can even get a Realme Buds 2 Neo and a six-month extended warranty for free, which are worth RM129 altogether.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-3-6-livestream-set-for-31-march-with-baizhu-nahida-dori/", "title": "Genshin Impact 3.6 Livestream Set for 31 March With Baizhu, Nahida, Dori", "body": "\n\nHoyoverse just revealed the livestream date for \nGenshin Impact\n\u2018s Version 3.6 update. Scheduled for this Friday on 31 March, the version update looks to feature Baizhu, Nahida, and Dori \u2013 it\u2019s possible these characters will be featured in the next update\u2019s banners.\n\n\nGenshin Impact\u2019s Version 3.6 update is dubbed \nA Parade of Providence\n. Given that Baizhu is set to make an appearance in the livestream, it\u2019s almost confirmed that he will be playable in the new update. Kaveh should be playable too, considering that he was \nteased alongside Baizhu late last month\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs with previous Genshin Impact version update livestreams, redemption codes offering Primogems will be given during the stream as well. You can catch the livestream of Genshin Impact Version 3.6 through \nTwitch\n\u00a0this Friday on 31 March at 8PM for us here in Malaysia.\n\n\nIf you can\u2019t watch the stream, don\u2019t worry: the special program\u00a0\nwill be on YouTube\n\u00a0shortly after at 9PM on the same day. Looking at the end date for \nKamisato Ayaka\u2019s and Shenhe\u2019s banners\n in Genshin Impact now (11 April), the Version 3.6 update should be available not long after.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/singakbd-kohaku-r2-groupbuy-set-for-12-april-700-units-4-colours-from-rm2430/", "title": "SINGAKBD Kohaku R2 Groupbuy Set for 12 April \u2013 700 Units, 4 Colours, From RM2,430", "body": "\n\nSINGAKBD is releasing a second iteration of its stunning 65% keyboard, the \nSINGAKBD Kohaku R2\n. The R2 version sports a number of changes, along with new colour options and more units up for grabs \u2013 a total of 700 units are available.\n\n\nPreviously, only 300 units of the original Kohaku went up for sale, so there are twice as many units (and then some) for the R2 sale. There are also four colourways now: Autumn Lilac, Smoke Grey, Lunar Black, and the sleek British Racing Green variant you see in the video below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the new colours, the Kohaku R2 also has a different weight design now for easier assembly. This also changes the sound profile of the keyboard a tad bit as the video above shows, though it\u2019s not too different overall, in our opinion. Oh, the acrylic cover for the weight with the K\u014dhaku Koi motif has also been replaced with tempered glass; very nice.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Kohaku R2 include a gasket mount design, three choices of plate material \u2013 aluminium by default with carbon fibre and polycarbonate available as add-ons \u2013 sandblasted stainless steel or brass weight (depending on colourway), and a hotswap or solderable PCB.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHere in Malaysia, the groupbuy for the SINGAKBD Kohaku R2 will be offered by SINGAKBD itself from 12 to 14 April through a raffle. The base kit without PCB costs RM2,250, so you\u2019ll have to add on a solderable or hotswap PCB for an extra RM180 or RM245 respectively, so the starting price of the Kohaku R2 is RM2,430 \u2013 not a bad price at all for a premium custom keyboard.\n\n\nMore details on the Kohaku R2 groupbuy can be found \nhere\n. Fulfilment of the 65% custom keyboard, on the other hand, is expected to start in Q4 2023 or Q1 2024.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/30-march-5-april-fuel-price-ron-97-stays-at-rm3-35-per-litre/", "title": "30 March \u2013 5 April Fuel Price: RON 97 Stays at RM3.35 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nUnsurprisingly, RON 97 sees no price change yet again this week. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.35 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 30 March to 5 April next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/wwdc23-set-for-6-june-new-software-maybe-vr-hardware-expected/", "title": "WWDC23 Set for 6 June \u2013 New Software & (Maybe) VR Hardware Expected", "body": "\n\nApple just revealed the date for its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) for 2023. Set to start from 6 June (Malaysian time) to 9 June, the event will likely showcase new Apple software. It\u2019s possible we\u2019ll see the introduction of a brand new Apple product too: VR hardware.\n\n\nAt least, that\u2019s what rumours are suggesting, given that Apple has been said to be working on a VR headset for quite some time now. While we don\u2019t \ntypically\n see new hardware at WWDC, the Cupertino company did introduce new products at the event on a few occasions over the years, such as the \nM2-powered MacBook Air\n just last year.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udc41\ufe0f \npic.twitter.com/YHmfy52BMr\n\u2014 Parker Ortolani (@ParkerOrtolani) \nMarch 29, 2023\n\n\n\n\nGoing back to the possible launch of an Apple VR headset, the teaser image for WWDC23 is quite intriguing as well. It may be a reference to the rainbow arches at Apple Park \u2013 where an in-person event is set to take place at on the first day of WWDC \u2013 though it could also be a glimpse of, well, a VR hardware of sorts, though we\u2019re probably looking too much into it.\n\n\nNonetheless, what we can absolutely expect at WWDC23 are a preview of Apple\u2019s upcoming software updates for its various platforms. These include new updates for iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and maybe even tvOS. We\u2019ll find out at the keynote come 6 June at 1AM for us here in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-v27-lands-in-malaysia-colour-changing-design-dual-curved-120hz-display-from-rm1799/", "title": "Vivo V27 Lands in Malaysia \u2013 Colour-Changing Design, Dual Curved 120Hz Display, From RM1,799", "body": "\n\nThe Vivo V27 has just been launched in Malaysia. Sporting a unique colour-changing design \u2013 somewhat of a signature feature for the Chinese company\u2019s V series \u2013 and a reasonably fast 120Hz dual curved display, the V27 is quite a sleek-looking mid-range phone.\n\n\nTwo variants of the V27 are offered in Malaysia. The base model with 8GB of RAM retails at RM1,799, while the higher-end configuration with 12GB RAM goes for RM1,999. Both models feature 256GB of internal storage, and as many as three colour options are available: Emerald Green \u2013 the model you see here with a colour-changing back panel \u2013 Flowing Gold, and Noble Black.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe design of the V27 is certainly one of its most appealing features, in our opinion. Not only does the Emerald Green colourway changes colour depending on the source of light \u2013 from a light shade of green to a darker one \u2013 it also has a rather unique-looking pattern that mimics the veins of jade gemstones.\n\n\nOther specifications of the V27 include a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chipset, a 6.78-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro), a 50MP selfie camera, and a 4,600mAh battery with support for 66W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Vivo, those who purchase the Vivo V27 between 1 April to 1 May can get freebies worth up to RM957, including a one-year extended warranty, a one-year screen protection, and an exclusive gift box. To recap, the V27 retails at RM1,799 and RM1,999 for the 8GB + 256GB and 12GB + 256GB models respectively in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/pantheonkeys-reveals-more-details-on-purity-tactile-switch-65g-long-spring-made-by-meirun/", "title": "PantheonKeys Reveals More Details on Purity Tactile Switch \u2013 65g Long Spring, Made by Meirun", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCustom keyboard vendor PantheonKeys \u2013 based in our neighbouring country Singapore \u2013 revealed more details on its upcoming \nPurity tactile switch\n. We now know that the full PBT housing switch features a 65g long spring, and it is manufactured by Meirun.\n\n\nMeirun is not a manufacturer that\u2019s widely known in the custom keyboard scene, and truth be told, this is the first time we\u2019ve heard of the brand. While this doesn\u2019t immediately inspire confidence, we do think the Purity is a relatively well-made switch, based on our brief time with it so far. Yes, we\u2019ve received samples of the switch already for our review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, aside from the full PBT housing, the Purity also features a single-stage 65g long spring, which should make the switch feel \u201csnappier.\u201d Basically, the longer the spring, the stronger the upstroke, lending to a more responsive typing experience.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Purity include a \u201cmystery blend\u201d stem, factory lube out of the box, and 3.4mm of travel; slightly shorter compared to the standard 4mm key travel. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how the reduced travel would affect the typing experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to PantheonKeys, pre-orders for the Purity switch will be opened in the next couple of weeks. As for pricing, it will be priced at around S$0.60 per switch, which comes up to about RM2 per switch. We\u2019ll be posting our sound test of the Purity switch very soon, so stay tuned for that!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/qualcomm-highlights-its-role-in-enabling-ai-features-on-various-platforms/", "title": "Qualcomm Highlights Its Role in Enabling AI Features on Various Platforms", "body": "\n\nMany of us are familiar with Qualcomm. After all, the chipmaker\u2019s SoCs are found on smartphones across all segments. But what is (perhaps) not as widely known is the company\u2019s contribution in enabling AI-centric features found on various platforms from smartphones to laptops.\n\n\nTake real-time translation and digital assistance offered by your Android smartphone, which are enhanced with the Qualcomm AI Engine through natural language processing. It also enables shooting 8K videos with your smartphone complete with \u201ccinematic effects,\u201d as Qualcomm puts it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nQualcomm\u2019s AI efforts can be found in laptops built on the Snapdragon Compute Platform too. Qualcomm and Microsoft collaborated to introduce a number of neat AI-accelerated features in Windows 11, including a more natural video conferencing experience.\n\n\nWhether it\u2019s noise suppression, background blur, auto-framing, or gaze correction, the features are implemented without sacrificing performance or power efficiency. These computationally heavy tasks as offloaded to a dedicated AI engine, freeing up CPU and GPU resources.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAI may be used as a buzzword by certain parties to make their products more compelling, but it really does bring a number of benefits when properly implemented. It\u2019s great to see Qualcomm\u2019s efforts in this particular field to further improve user experience across various platforms.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-will-have-8-models-by-end-2023-proton-s50-preve-replacement-launching-this-year/", "title": "Proton Will Have 8 Models by End-2023 \u2013 Proton S50 (Preve Replacement) Launching This Year?", "body": "\n\nAt the media preview of the \nProton X90\n, the national carmaker revealed that it will offer as many as eight models by the end of 2023. Currently, Proton has seven different models \u2013 including the upcoming X90 \u2013 so we reckon the \u201c\nProton S50\n\u201d sedan will be the eighth model, which has actually been spotted testing on our local roads already.\n\n\nBased on the Geely Emgrand, the new sedan \u2013 which is believed to be called the S50 \u2013 is widely speculated to be a replacement of the Proton Preve. In terms of dimensions, the Emgrand measures 4,638mm long, 1,820mm wide, and 1,460mm tall.\n\n\nThat makes it 95mm longer and 34mm wider than the Preve, assuming Proton retains the same dimensions for the localised model.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrevious spy shots of the \u201cS50\u201d on Malaysian roads\n\n\n\n\nUnder the hood, the Emgrand is powered by a 1.5L NA engine (114PS/147 Nm) in China, though it\u2019s possible the sedan will feature a 1.5L TGDi engine instead for the Malaysian market. After all, \nProton foreshadowed that two of its new models\n will feature the 1.5L turbocharged engine that offers up to 177PS and 255Nm of torque.\n\n\nGiven that the 1.5L TGDi engine is already confirmed for the X90 \u2013 though it\u2019s also paired to a mild hybrid system for higher output \u2013 the S50 is a good candidate for the turbo mill. It\u2019s worth noting that the sedan shares the same B-segment Modular Architecture (BMA) as Proton X50 too, so it could use the engine without issue.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Geely Emgrand\n\n\n\n\nOnce the Proton S50 is launched in Malaysia, it will be the first Geely-based model from the national carmaker that is not an SUV. This is certainly an exciting proposition, in our opinion, as we haven\u2019t seen a properly premium sedan from Proton for quite some time now.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/i-finally-got-whatsapp-to-work-natively-on-my-second-phone-heres-how-to-do-it/", "title": "I Finally Got WhatsApp to Work (Natively) on My Second Phone \u2013 Here\u2019s How to Do It", "body": "\n\nGetting WhatsApp to work on more than one smartphone had always felt like a pipe dream; it doesn\u2019t feel like a feature that would ever be introduced. This makes reviewing different smartphones slightly more cumbersome, especially if I\u2019m switching between different platforms (iOS and Android).\n\n\nBut there is light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks to the introduction of companion mode \u2013 albeit in beta form \u2013 I can now run WhatsApp on two different phones \nnatively\n at the same time. The best part is, I don\u2019t even need to sideload any particular version of WhatsApp or root the phone to accomplish this.\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve always wanted to run WhatsApp on multiple phones natively, here\u2019s how to do it. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst, a disclaimer. Unfortunately, this method only works if you\u2019re trying to get WhatsApp to run natively on a second device running on Android. It\u2019s fine if your primary WhatsApp device is an iPhone \u2013 this is the case for me \u2013 but you can\u2019t have a \u201csecond WhatsApp\u201d running on another iPhone.\n\n\nOkay, to start off, just download WhatsApp through the \nGoogle Play Store\n on your second phone. Once you\u2019ve done that, enable developer mode by tapping on the \u201cbuild number\u201d option seven times. Next, go to the developer options and find for the \u201cminimum width\u201d setting. Make sure you record the original value first before proceeding to the next step.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow, you\u2019ll need to change the value to 600; wide enough to \u201ctrick\u201d apps into thinking your phone is a tablet, as companion mode is currently offered for Android tablets. Finally, just launch WhatsApp after adjusting the width value, and go through the setup process until you see a QR code. Scan this with your primary WhatsApp phone to complete the link, and voila! You\u2019ve got WhatsApp running natively on a second phone.\n\n\nOf course, make sure you change the minimum width of your phone back to the default value to avoid running into any issues. For the sake of context, I set up the \nSamsung Galaxy A34\n as my second WhatsApp phone, and the setup process should be similar to most (if not all) modern Android devices.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTechnically, you can have up to four other Android phones running on WhatsApp simultaneously, as you\u2019re only limited by the max amount of linked devices (up to four). This includes any other devices you\u2019ve linked through WhatsApp Web or the desktop app.\n\n\nAs for how well WhatsApp runs on my second phone, it\u2019s (almost) flawless. I can make and receive WhatsApp calls without issue, there\u2019s no delay in receiving messages, and my primary WhatsApp device doesn\u2019t need to be connected to the internet either for the app to keep running; perfect.\n\n\nWell, I do occasionally get the \u201cwaiting for this message\u201d notice, and not all of my chat history is reflected in the second WhatsApp phone. But all in all, these are not huge issues to me.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth mentioning again that companion mode is still being tested in the beta version of WhatsApp, so there\u2019s a chance you may run into some bugs. Once testing has concluded, we reckon the feature will be added to the phone version of the app without needing to go through the workaround outlined in this article.\n\n\nAnd that is how you can get WhatsApp to run natively on a second, third, or fourth phone. While it\u2019s unfortunate that companion mode is only limited to Android devices at the moment, there\u2019s a good chance iOS will get it too once the feature gets out of beta.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the meantime, I don\u2019t have to trouble myself by setting up WhatsApp over and over again when I need to review new smartphones. I cannot overstate just how happy I am to be able to use WhatsApp (properly) on a second phone now.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-3-6-releasing-on-12-april-with-baizhu-kaveh-new-weekly-boss-story-quests/", "title": "Genshin Impact 3.6 Releasing on 12 April With Baizhu, Kaveh, New Weekly Boss & Story Quests", "body": "\n\nGenshin Impact\u2019s Version 3.6 update is set to arrive on 12 April. Not only does the update bring two new playable characters \u2013 Baizhu and Kaveh, who have already appeared in the game\u2019s main storyline \u2013 a new weekly boss will also be introduced alongside the second chapter of Nahida\u2019s story quest.\n\n\nFirst, the new playable characters. Baizhu is a 5-star catalyst character, while Kaveh is a 4-star unit who wields a claymore. Both of them have Dendro Visions, and they will be featured in the same banner in the second half of Genshin Impact 3.6\u2019s event wishes alongside Ganyu\u2019s rerun.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, Nahida and Nilou are also getting their rerun banners in the first half of event wishes once the update is live.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA few new enemies, including a weekly boss, will be added in the Version 3.6 update of Genshin Impact as well. Apep, the \u201cDragon of Verdure,\u201d was said to be the ruler of ancient Sumeru, and the boss will be detailed in Nahida\u2019s story quest \nSapientia Oromasdis Chapter: Act II\n. Of course, Baizhu will get his own story quest as well, which will reveal \u201cmore anecdotes about the owner of Bubu Pharmacy,\u201d as Hoyoverse puts it.\n\n\nThere is also a new area within the desert area of Sumeru. It\u2019s made up of wastelands and an oasis, and it was one of the main battlefields during the Khaenri\u2019ah cataclysm five hundred years ago, which was mentioned multiple times in the narrative of the game. Of course, there\u2019s also a new in-game event dubbed Akademiya Extravaganza that also takes place in Sumeru.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact 3.6 will go live on 12 April. Once the update is here, Nahida\u2019s and Nilou\u2019s rerun banners will be available first, followed by Baizhu\u2019s, Kaveh\u2019s, and Ganyu\u2019s event wishes at a later date.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nothing-ear-2-review-improved-sound-same-sleek-looks-rm599-price-tag/", "title": "Nothing Ear 2 Review: Improved Sound, Same Sleek Looks, RM599 Price Tag", "body": "\n\nThe Nothing Ear 2 is the brand\u2019s first-ever second generation product, and it brings a number of improvements over its predecessor. These include improved sound quality, better, more accurate earbud controls, as well as the same sleek transparent design and price tag as the Ear 1, albeit after a price hike last year.\n\n\nThat is not to say the Ear 2 is without flaws, of course. While I appreciate its unique aesthetics and improved sound quality, it still has some notable drawbacks here and there, such as its battery life and active noise cancellation (ANC) performance.\n\n\nBut for only RM599, you could do a lot worse.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nWhile the\u00a0Nothing Ear 2\u00a0looks strikingly familiar to its predecessor, the wireless earbuds do feature a number of improvements under the hood, naturally. These include a custom 11.6mm dynamic driver for better sound quality, new pinch controls, and longer battery life.\n\n\nThe diaphragm of the Ear 2\u2019s custom dynamic driver, for one, is made out of a combination of polyurethane (PU) and graphene, which is said to deliver \u201cpurer, more powerful\u201d bass. It is also capable of producing highs that sound clearer and brighter \u2013 I find the latter especially true, and I\u2019ll come back to this further down the review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Ear 2 include active noise cancellation (ANC), up to six hours of use on a single charge \u2013 can be extended up to 36 hours with the charging case \u2013 pinch controls on the earbuds instead of the more iffy touch controls found on its predecessor, as well as an IP54 rating; IP55 for the charging case.\n\n\nGiven that it retails at only RM599, the Ear 2 definitely offers respectable feature set for the money.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nOne of the most eye-catching features of the Nothing Ear 2 \u2013 and possibly the best reasons for some folks to get these earbuds \u2013 is its transparent design. From the see-through case to the transparent shell of the earbuds themselves, Nothing\u2019s signature design element really gives the Ear 2 a unique aesthetic, and I absolutely love it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFit and comfort of these earbuds are good too; at least, that\u2019s the case for my ears. I can wear them for long periods of time comfortably, and the default medium ear tips give me a good level of isolation. There\u2019s even a convenient ear tip fit test through the Nothing X companion app to make sure I\u2019m getting a good fit.\n\n\nIt\u2019s important to get a good fit to get the best possible audio quality, and in this regard, the Ear 2 sounds good\u2026even if I\u2019m not a big fan of its bright tuning. I prefer a warmer sound signature, so the pronounced treble of these earbuds is not to my liking, though I can definitely see \u2013 or rather, hear \u2013 the appeal of such a tuning to some folks.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut I do love the bass response of the Ear 2. While it doesn\u2019t have particularly strong sub-bass \u2013 so it lacks a bit of low-end \nrumble\n \u2013 the mid-bass is certainly there. Basically, it has punchy, relatively well-controlled bass (unlike the Ear 1) that\u2019s sure to appeal to listeners who want good bass output.\n\n\nEarbud controls of the Ear 2 are well-implemented too. Compared to the Ear 1\u2019s touch-based controls, the Ear 2\u2019s pinch controls are much more refined and \u201cdeliberate\u201d in the sense that accidental inputs are reduced. I like that the controls are customisable too, so I can easily adjust the volume or activate ANC with different pinching actions.\n\n\nAnd that is a good segue to the next section..\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nUnfortunately, the ANC of the Nothing Ear 2 leaves much to be desired. While it can eliminate low-end rumbles like bus engine quite well, it can\u2019t do the same for higher frequencies, especially human speech. Granted, for a pair of RM599 wireless earbuds, this level of ANC is within expectations.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBattery life of the Ear 2 could be better too. With ANC activated, I can only get about four hours of listening time on a single charge, which is in line with Nothing\u2019s quoted battery life. With ANC disabled, the battery life can be stretched to around six hours. That is\u2026decent, but certainly not great.\n\n\nLast but not least are the proprietary ear tips of the Ear 2, limiting its compatibility with aftermarket ear tips. It\u2019s good that three different ear tip sizes are provided with the earbuds, but there\u2019s always a chance that some folks won\u2019t get the best fit with any of them.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking to get a pair of wireless earbuds with a bright sound signature that also offers good, strong bass in a unique, transparent design, then the Nothing Ear 2 is certainly worth considering. Plus, with a RM599 retail price, it\u2019s not awfully expensive either.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt would\u2019ve been great if the Ear 2 has longer battery life with better ANC performance, but with its price tag in mind, these two drawbacks are not dealbreakers by any means, in my opinion. Even more so if you\u2019re a fan of the Ear 2\u2019s transparent design, which I certainly am.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-a34-hands-on-solid-water-resistant-rm1599-mid-ranger/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy A34 Hands-on: Solid, Water-Resistant RM1,599 Mid-Ranger", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy A34, compared to last year\u2019s \nGalaxy A33\n, brings a number of improvements. Not only does it feature a faster, bigger 120Hz Super AMOLED display now, it also comes with a sleeker-looking design while retaining many of its predecessor\u2019s winning qualities.\n\n\nOne of which is the Galaxy A34\u2019s IP67 rating, which is not something you typically see in a mid-range smartphone; even the majority of flagship-class devices today still don\u2019t have this rating. If you\u2019re looking to get a refined mid-ranger \u2013 that\u2019s also water-resistant \u2013 the A34 is worth a look.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPriced at RM1,599\n, the Galaxy A34 is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chip paired with 8GB RAM and 256GB expandable storage. This is quite a departure from the previous model\u2019s Samsung Exynos 1280 processor, and from what I can tell, the MediaTek chip can deliver a reasonably good user experience.\n\n\nIn day-to-day use, the A34 feels more than fast enough. I can juggle between different apps without any major slowdown, and the fast 120Hz display gives the impression of an even faster device. Granted, the Dimensity 1080 does show its limits when I fire up \nGenshin Impact\n. The A34 can\u2019t quite offer a smooth gameplay experience, though I\u2019ll test the gaming performance of the phone more thoroughly in the full review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s come back to the Galaxy A34\u2019s 120Hz display. The 6.6-inch 1080p Super AMOLED panel is a tad bigger than the A33\u2019s 6.4-inch screen, and in terms of image quality, this is a pretty darn good display. It has a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, wide viewing angles, and vibrant, punchy colours for a pleasant viewing experience.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the A34 features a 13MP selfie camera, along with a triple camera system on the back. It\u2019s made up of a 48MP main shooter, an 8MP ultra-wide angle lens, and a 5MP macro sensor. I managed to take some shots with the A34, and while it\u2019s not the best camera I\u2019ve tested on a mid-range phone, it\u2019s more than serviceable.\n\n\nAt least, that\u2019s the case with the 48MP primary camera. The 8MP ultra-wide shooter leaves much to be desired, and I\u2019ll be sure to put it through its paces throughout the review period.\n\n\n\n\n48MP primary\n\n\n48MP primary\n\n\n8MP ultra-wide\n\n\n48MP primary\n\n\n\n\nOn a more positive note, the Galaxy A34 offers really good battery life. Packed with a generous 5,000mAh battery, the phone can comfortably last me through a typical workday. So far, I\u2019m getting between five to six hours of screen on time on a single charge; that\u2019s quite respectable.\n\n\nLast but not least is the design of the Galaxy A34, which I\u2019m quite a fan of (for the most part). While its frame and back panel are made of plastic \u2013 with a nice matte finish \u2013 the phone doesn\u2019t feel cheap by any means. I also like how the back cover of this \u201cAwesome Lime\u201d colourway has a nice sheen to it when it\u2019s reflecting light.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDepending on which colour you get, the frame of the A34 will also match the chosen shade. I like that the colour of the frame is also visible from the front, which really fits the \u201cfun\u201d theme of the phone, in my opinion. The arrangement of the three camera sensors is aesthetically pleasing to me too.\n\n\nThat being said, the Galaxy A34\u2019s U-shaped notch and the size of its surrounding bezels \u2013 especially the bottom one \u2013 don\u2019t look particularly great. These design elements lend to a\u2026well, dated-looking phone, and as a result, the A34 looks better from the back than it does from the front.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, priced at RM1,599, the Samsung Galaxy A34 offers a reasonably compelling package. While it doesn\u2019t offer the best performance for the money, its other qualities make up for this. After all, it has IP67 water and dust resistance, not to mention a great-looking display and respectable battery life.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the Galaxy A34, it is now available for pre-order in Malaysia; early birds who place their orders by 6 April this Thursday will even get a Samsung Galaxy Buds Live wireless earbuds worth RM549 for free. You can also use our code AMGA34545G to get a complimentary 35W PD Power Adapter Duo worth RM99 from Samsung\u2019s online store.\n\n\nAs for colour options, the A34 is available in the Awesome Lime shade you see in this article, alongside Awesome Graphite, Awesome Violet, and Awesome Silver.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-realme-coca-cola-phone-is-coming-to-malaysia/", "title": "The Realme Coca-Cola Phone Is Coming to Malaysia", "body": "\n\nRemember the Coca-Cola phone Realme announced earlier this year? Well, the Realme 10 Pro Coca-Cola Edition is now confirmed for our local market, and Malaysia is one of only five countries that are set to get the phone.\n\n\nOnly 6,000 units of the Realme 10 Pro Coca-Cola Edition are available worldwide, and it\u2019s certainly an interesting-looking phone, to say the least. Coca-Cola\u2019s branding can be seen from the back of the phone itself to the theme, notification sounds, and the accessories that come with the phone.\n\n\nEven the SIM eject tool is shaped like a Coca-Cola bottle cap.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the special Coca-Cola Realme 10 Pro include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset paired with 8GB RAM and 128GB internal storage, a 6.72-inch 1080p IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a dual camera system (108MP primary + 2MP depth), a 16MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\nNo tentative release date yet for the Malaysian availability of the Realme 10 Pro Coca-Cola Edition, and it remains to be seen how much it will cost on our shores. But given that Realme has already confirmed the Malaysian arrival of the limited edition phone, we reckon it will be launched here very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iqoo-z7-iqoo-z7x-with-120w-charging-coming-to-malaysia-10-april/", "title": "iQOO Z7 & iQOO Z7X With 120W Charging Coming to Malaysia 10 April", "body": "\n\nWe \nspotted the iQOO Z7 in SIRIM\u2019s database\n last month, and today, the Chinese company confirmed that the phone, alongside the iQOO Z7X, are set to arrive here in Malaysia on 10 April. One of the headline features of the iQOO Z7 series is 120W fast charging, though only the Z7 supports the feature.\n\n\nWithout a doubt the Z7 is the higher-end offering. Aside from its 120W charging capability, it also has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G chipset paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, a 6.64-inch 1080p LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a dual camera system (64MP main + 2MP depth), a 16MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the iQOO Z7x, it has a more modest list of specs. These include a Snapdragon 695 processor paired with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, a 6.64-inch 1080p LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a dual camera system (50MP primary + 2MP depth), an 8MP selfie camera, and a generous 6,000mAh battery with support for 80W fast charging.\n\n\nThe iQOO Z7 and iQOO Z7x will be launched in Malaysia next week on 10 April. We\u2019ll find out then just how much the two phones will be priced at for our local market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-ally-is-actually-real-more-compact-steam-deck-competitor-with-faster-amd-apu/", "title": "Asus ROG Ally Is Actually Real \u2013 More Compact Steam Deck Competitor With Faster AMD APU", "body": "\n\nThe Asus ROG Ally was thought to be an April Fools\u2019 Day joke \u2013 after all, it was first unveiled on 1 April \u2013 but it turns out to be a real product. Basically, it is a competitor to the Steam Deck, and it looks to be more compact too with the \u201cfastest AMD APU yet.\u201d\n\n\nIf we were to take Asus\u2019 claim at face value, the ROG Ally may just offer better gaming performance over the Steam Deck, given that the latter is also powered by an AMD APU, Aerith. The Ally also has a higher resolution 7-inch 1920 x 1080 display with a 120Hz refresh rate, while the Steam Deck has lower resolution 60Hz panel, though it has a taller 16:10 aspect ratio.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the ROG Ally can also be connected to the (proprietary) ROG XG Mobile external GPU enclosure for higher fidelity gaming. It\u2019s said to run on Windows 11 as well, so it\u2019ll be interesting to see how this would impact the battery life of the handheld gaming console.\n\n\nBut there are still many aspects of the Asus ROG Ally that are still under wraps. We don\u2019t know exactly when it will go on sale \u2013 let alone its Malaysian availability \u2013 and more importantly, its retail price has not been revealed yet either. For what it\u2019s worth, it\u2019s said to be priced competitively, which would certainly make the Ally a compelling handheld gaming PC.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/confirmed-honor-magic-5-also-coming-to-malaysia-6-april/", "title": "Confirmed: Honor Magic 5 Also Coming to Malaysia 6 April", "body": "\n\nThe Honor Magic 5 series \u2013 alongside the \nHonor Magic Vs foldable phone\n \u2013 is set to be launched in Malaysia on 6 April this Thursday. We know that includes the Magic 5 Pro \u2013 we \nreviewed the phone\n, after all \u2013 and it\u2019s now confirmed that the standard Magic 5 is also coming to our shores.\n\n\nIn our routine search through SIRIM\u2019s database, we spotted the regular Magic 5; it was registered with the certification body just today on 4 April under Honor Malaysia. The Magic 5 Pro has also been certified by SIRIM last month on 22 March.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its Pro sibling, the standard Honor Magic 5 has slightly different hardware. While it\u2019s still powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, it has a more modest triple camera system made up of a 54MP main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide shooter, and a 32MP telephoto camera with 2.5x optical zoom or 50x digital zoom.\n\n\nRounding out the hardware of the Magic 5 are a 6.73-inch 2688 x 1224 LTPO OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, 12GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage, a 12MP selfie camera, an IP68 rating, and a 5,100mAh battery with 66W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor Magic 5 series and the Honor Magic Vs will make their debuts in Malaysia later this week on 6 April. We\u2019ll find out then just how much these phones will go for on our shores.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-nord-ce-3-lite-official-120hz-display-108mp-camera-rm1099/", "title": "OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite Official \u2013 120Hz Display, 108MP Camera, RM1,099", "body": "\n\nThe affordable OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite has just been unveiled. Featuring a 120Hz display with a 108MP camera system \u2013 and a budget-friendly price tag \u2013 it\u2019s quite an intriguing mid-range smartphone. It also comes in a rather eye-catching Pastel Lime colourway.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Nord CE 3 Lite is offered in Malaysia. Sporting 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage \u2013 pretty generous capacities \u2013 the mid-ranger retails at RM1,099 locally. Two colour options are available: the aforementioned Pastel Lime and Chromatic Grey.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardware wise, the Nord CE 3 Lite has a modest spec sheet. These include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, a 6.72-inch 1080p LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (108MP primary + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), a 16MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging.\n\n\nThe OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from 11 to 17 April for RM1,099. Early birds will receive a number of freebies, including the first generation OnePlus Nord Buds, a one-year extended warranty, and a one-year screen protection.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-nord-buds-2-features-anc-36-hours-battery-life-for-rm329/", "title": "OnePlus Nord Buds 2 Features ANC & 36 Hours Battery Life for RM329", "body": "\n\nAlso introduced alongside the \nOnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite\n is the equally affordable OnePlus Nord Buds 2. Despite its budget-friendly nature, the wireless earbuds still feature active noise cancellation (ANC) and a rather respectable battery life of up to 36 hours \u2013 with the charging case, of course.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Nord Buds 2 retails at RM329. Two colour options are offered: Lightning White and Thunder Grey. Just like the Nord CE 3 Lite, the earbuds will also enter pre-order from 11 April onwards. Early birds will even get a RM30 discount, bringing down the price to only RM299.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Nord Buds 2 features a single 12.4mm driver that\u2019s said to deliver \u201crich sound\u201d and impactful bass. Aside from that, it also has five or seven hours of battery life on a single charge with ANC enabled and disabled respectively \u2013 extended to 27 hours or 36 hours with the charging case \u2013 Bluetooth 5.3, and IP55 water and dust resistance.\n\n\nTo recap, the OnePlus Buds 2 retails at RM329 in Malaysia. It will be available for pre-order locally from 11 April onwards together with the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite. Early birds can enjoy a RM30 discount as well, so you\u2019ll only be paying RM299 for the wireless earbuds.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/click-brew-previews-new-location-in-george-town-penang-opening-in-mid-q2-2023/", "title": "Click & Brew Previews New Location in George Town, Penang \u2013 Opening in Mid-Q2 2023", "body": "\n\nClick & Brew, a keyboard cafe located in George Town, Penang, just previewed its new store. Set to be opened sometime in the middle of Q2 2023, the new retail space looks quite a bit bigger \u2013 and very \u201cInstagrammable\u201d \u2013 over the previous store.\n\n\nWhile these look to be rendered images, we reckon the final store will be similar to what\u2019s shown here. There\u2019s the cafe component of the\u2026keyboard cafe, and of course, there\u2019s a keyboard corner too. It looks like there are stairs leading up to a second floor as well; definitely a big retail space!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe exact location of the new Click & Brew store has also been revealed. It will be located at \n45, Lebuh Melayu in George Town\n. If you\u2019re familiar with the previous store at 4, Lebuh Acheh, the new location is about a 400m walk that will take around five minutes.\n\n\nSet to be operational sometime in the middle of Q2 2023 \u2013 perhaps in May next month \u2013 the new Click & Brew store looks quite exciting. It\u2019s great to see the keyboard cafe move to a bigger space, which will certainly benefit the local custom keyboard community.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/alliance-bank-visa-virtual-credit-card-unveiled-with-dynamic-card-number/", "title": "Alliance Bank Visa Virtual Credit Card Unveiled With Dynamic Card Number", "body": "\n\nAlliance Bank just introduced what it says to be Malaysia\u2019s first in-app virtual credit card. What makes the Alliance Bank Visa Virtual Credit Card particularly interesting is its dynamic card number system, which randomly generates a 16-digit card number for online transactions whenever necessary.\n\n\nOf course, the main advantage of the dynamic card number system is security, as the credit card itself doesn\u2019t have a \u201cstatic\u201d 16-digit number to make payments. Whenever you want to make a transaction with the Visa Virtual Credit Card, you can opt to generate a card number for either a one-time payment or a recurring one, such as for subscription services.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can even label the cards accordingly\n\n\n\n\nFor card numbers that are generated for recurring payments, you can label each of them depending on their purposes. You can even set the maximum charge per transaction, the number of times it can be used, and the expiry date of the card.\n\n\nAs for the Visa Virtual Credit Card itself, it is based on Alliance Bank\u2019s existing Visa Platinum card, though this particular card does not have any annual fees \u2013 except for the RM25 service tax charged by the government, of course. According to Alliance Bank, more of its current credit cards will be added to the virtual credit card initiative in the future.\n\n\nTo celebrate the launch of the virtual credit card, Alliance Bank is also offering a 0% flexi payment plan with a RM500 minimum spend (on a 12-month tenure) until 31 December 2023.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the Alliance Bank Visa Virtual Credit Card with the new dynamic card number system, you can send in your application online through the Allianceonline Mobile app. It can be downloaded from the \nApple App Store\n, \nGoogle Play Store\n, as well as the \nHuawei AppGallery\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-note-12-pro-arrives-in-malaysia-for-rm1599-200mp-camera-120w-fast-charging/", "title": "Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Arrives in Malaysia for RM1,599 \u2013 200MP Camera, 120W Fast Charging", "body": "\n\nThe Redmi Note 12 series has just been launched in Malaysia, and the highlight of the series is the Redmi Note 12 Pro+. It is touted as the \u201cmid-range king,\u201d and it has a number of intriguing features, including a 200MP camera, a 120Hz display, and even 120W fast charging.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is available in Malaysia. Packed with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, the mid-ranger retails at RM1,599 on our shores. Three distinct colour options are offered: Midnight Black, Polar White, and Sky Blue.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a 200MP main camera, which is also complemented by an 8MP ultra-wide shooter and a 2MP macro lens. As for the display, it\u2019s a 6.67-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Note 12 Pro+ include a MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chipset paired with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB of internal storage, a 16MP selfie camera, and a 4,980mAh battery with support for 120W HyperCharge. According to Xiaomi, the phone can be fully charged in only \n19 minutes\n, and of course, a 120W charger is also provided in the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Redmi Note 12 Pro+ will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from 6 to 13 April for RM1,599. Early birds who purchase the phone during the pre-order period will also get a Redmi Smart Band 2 worth RM149 for free.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-note-12-redmi-note-12-5g-also-launched-in-malaysia-from-rm699/", "title": "Redmi Note 12 & Redmi Note 12 5G Also Launched in Malaysia From RM699", "body": "\n\nAlso launched alongside the \nRedmi Note 12 Pro+\n is the standard Redmi Note 12 and Redmi Note 12 5G. These two phone are quite a bit more affordable than the Pro model, and in the case of the Note 12 5G, it looks to be one of the first Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 phones in our local market.\n\n\nOf the two phones, the Redmi Note 12 is the more affordable device with a RM699 starting price (6GB + 128GB), going up to RM799 for the 8GB + 128GB model. As for the Redmi Note 12 5G, it retails at RM1,099 for the sole 8GB + 256GB configuration.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the 6GB + 128GB variant of the Redmi Note 12 is only available online, and early birds can actually get it at a promo price of RM659 \u2013 that\u2019s RM40 worth of discount.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDesign wise, these two phones look quite similar to each other, and they both feature a 6.67-inch 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 5,000mAh battery (33W fast charging). That being said, they do have different chipsets and camera configurations.\n\n\nThe Redmi Note 12 5G, for one, is powered by the aforementioned Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset with a triple camera system (48MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP depth) and an 8MP selfie camera. As for the Redmi Note 12, it features a Snapdragon 685 SoC with a triple camera system (50MP + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro) and a 13MP selfie camera.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Redmi Note 12\n\n\n\n\nThe Redmi Note 12 5G\n\n\n\n\nThe Redmi Note 12 and Redmi Note 12 5G will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from 6 to 13 April from RM699 and RM1,099 respectively. Every pre-order of either phones will also come with a Redmi Smart Band 2 worth RM149 for free.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-10-pro-coca-cola-edition-coming-to-malaysia-12-april/", "title": "Realme 10 Pro Coca-Cola Edition Coming to Malaysia 12 April", "body": "\n\nConfirmed for the Malaysian market just a couple of days ago, we now have a launch date for the Realme 10 Pro Coca-Cola Edition. Set to be launched here next week on 12 April, Malaysia is one of only five countries that are set to get the phone, which include Indonesia, Thailand, The Philippines, and India.\n\n\nOnly 6,000 units of the Realme 10 Pro Coca-Cola Edition are available worldwide, and it\u2019s certainly an interesting-looking phone, to say the least. Coca-Cola\u2019s branding can be seen from the back of the phone itself to the theme, notification sounds, and the accessories that come with the phone.\n\n\nEven the SIM eject tool is shaped like a Coca-Cola bottle cap.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the special Coca-Cola Realme 10 Pro include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset paired with 8GB RAM and 128GB internal storage, a 6.72-inch 1080p IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a dual camera system (108MP primary + 2MP depth), a 16MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\nThe Realme 10 Pro Coca-Cola Edition will be launched in Malaysia next week on 12 April. Its local pricing will be revealed then, and it will be interesting to see exactly how many units will be made available on our shores, given that this is a limited edition phone.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/6-12-april-fuel-price-ron-97-still-stays-at-rm3-35-per-litre/", "title": "6 \u2013 12 April Fuel Price: RON 97 Still Stays at RM3.35 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nUnsurprisingly, RON 97 sees no price change yet again this week. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.35 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 6 to 12 April next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-magic-5-pro-unleashed-in-malaysia-triple-camera-system-with-100x-zoom-for-rm4299/", "title": "Honor Magic 5 Pro Unleashed in Malaysia \u2013 Triple Camera System With 100x Zoom for RM4,299", "body": "\n\nUnveiled back at MWC 2023, the Honor Magic 5 Pro has finally been launched in Malaysia. Powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, the flagship smartphone also has a triple camera system that can do up to 100x zoom.\n\n\nHere in Malaysia, only one variant of the Magic 5 Pro is offered. Featuring 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, the phone retails at RM4,299. Two colour options are available: Meadow Green \u2013 the model you see here \u2013 and the more minimalist Black.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Magic 5 Pro features a triple camera configuration made up of a 50MP primary shooter, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP periscope telephoto sensor that can do 3.5x optical zoom or 100x digital zoom. As for the selfie camera, it\u2019s a 12MP unit.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Magic 5 Pro include a 6.81-inch 2848 x 1312 LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz smart refresh rate, an IP68 rating, a generous 5,100mAh battery with support for 66W wired charging (50W for wireless charging), and MagicOS 7.1 based on Android 13.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor Magic 5 Pro will be available for pre-order in Malaysia later today at 5PM for RM4,299; early birds can even get freebies worth up to RM1,200. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the Magic 5 Pro, check out our \nfull review of the flagship phone\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-magic-vs-foldable-phone-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm5999/", "title": "Honor Magic Vs Foldable Phone Lands in Malaysia for RM5,999", "body": "\n\nAside from the Honor Magic 5 series, the Chinese company also introduced a foldable phone in Malaysia, the Honor Magic Vs. It is a slightly upgraded version of the original \nMagic V\n \u2013 which was launched early last year \u2013 and naturally, it sports a number of high-end features.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Magic Vs retails at a cool RM5,999 for the sole 12GB + 512GB model. It will be available for pre-order later today, and early birds can get freebies worth over RM2,200, which looks to include a coffee machine of sorts too.\n\n\nThe foldable phone can also be purchased in two different colours: Cyan and Black.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnder the hood of the Magic Vs is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. While it\u2019s not the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Soc, it should still be able to deliver the performance level of a proper flagship smartphone. Aside from that, the Magic Vs also has a larger 5,000mAh battery now (250mAh more) than the Magic V with support for 66W fast charging.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Magic Vs include a familiar 7.9-inch 2272 x 1984 OLED foldable display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a 6.45-inch 2560 x 1080 OLED cover screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (54MP primary + 50MP ultra-wide + 8MP telephoto), and a 16MP selfie camera.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Honor Magic Vs will be available for pre-oder in Malaysia later today for RM5,999, undercutting its main competition \u2013 the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 4\n, which starts at RM6,799 \u2013 by quite a bit.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-magic-5-also-launched-in-malaysia-snapdragon-8-gen-2-phone-for-rm3499/", "title": "Honor Magic 5 Also Launched in Malaysia \u2013 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Phone for RM3,499", "body": "\n\nHonor Malaysia launched a slew of devices in Malaysia today. Aside from the \nMagic 5 Pro\n and the \nMagic Vs foldable phone\n, the company also unveiled the standard Honor Magic 5 on our shores. Interestingly, Malaysia is said to be the only market outside of China to get the smartphone.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Magic 5 is available in Malaysia. Featuring 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, the flagship phone costs RM3,499 locally. It\u2019s also available in two distinct colourways: Glacier Blue and Black.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its Pro sibling, the standard Honor Magic 5 has slightly different hardware. While it\u2019s still powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, it has a more modest triple camera system made up of a 54MP main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide shooter, and a 32MP telephoto camera with 2.5x optical zoom or 50x digital zoom.\n\n\nRounding out the hardware of the Magic 5 are a 6.73-inch 2688 x 1224 LTPO OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 12MP selfie camera, an IP68 rating, a 5,100mAh battery with 66W fast charging, as well as MagicOS 7.1 based on Android 13 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor Magic 5 will be available in Malaysia on 28 April for RM3,499. Early birds can get freebies worth over RM700, which includes a Bluetooth speaker, a one-year extended warranty, and a 180-day screen crack protection.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-7-expected-to-arrive-in-malaysia-may-2023/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 7 Expected to Arrive in Malaysia May 2023", "body": "\n\nAsus previously revealed that its next gaming smartphone, the Asus ROG Phone 7, will be introduced on 13 April next week. We were previously told that the phone \u2013 or phones, given that the ROG Phone series typically consists of several devices \u2013 is coming to Malaysia, and we now have a slightly more concrete local launch timeline.\n\n\nAccording to our source, the ROG Phone 7 is expected to arrive in Malaysia sometime in May 2023 next month. This lines up with last year\u2019s \nROG Phone 6\n; although the global debut of the phone took place in July last year, it was only available for purchase in Malaysia the following month in August 2022.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, exact specifications of the ROG Phone 7 have not been revealed yet, though we reckon it will at least be powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. There should be two devices too: a standard model and a higher-end variant, just like previous iterations of the ROG Phone series.\n\n\nOf course, these are just educated guesses on our part. We\u2019ll just have to wait until 13 April next month to find out just what the Asus ROG Phone 7 will bring to the table. If the teaser image is anything to go by, there\u2019s a chance the gaming phone will be sporting a new design of sorts.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mtg-march-of-the-machine-carnival-happening-in-malaysia-this-weekend/", "title": "MTG March of the Machine Carnival Happening in Malaysia This Weekend", "body": "\n\nWizards of the Coast will be releasing Magic: The Gathering\u2019s next expansion, March of the Machine (MOM), later this month on 21 April. Ahead of the set\u2019s release for tabletop, Wizards is holding series of \u201ccarnival-styled\u201d activities for the upcoming expansion this weekend here in Malaysia.\n\n\nThe MOM carnival will be held at two locations in Klang Valley on 8 and 9 April. There\u2019s Classroom Cafe in Uptown Damansara, as well as Cards & Hobbies in Petaling Jaya. The two game stores will be themed after certain planes found in MTG as well for the carnival. Classroom Cafe will be depicting Phyrexia, while Cards & Hobbies is going with Kamigawa.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDuring the MOM carnival, a slew of activities will be offered. These include learn-to-play sessions, meet and greet with cosplayers \u2013 you can catch Elspeth at the two game stores on 8 April \u2013 and to top it off, you can even win prizes at the carnival by just sharing photos of the event on social media.\n\n\nThose who are interested to attend MTG\u2019s March of the Machine carnival this weekend are encouraged to \npre-register through this Facebook event\n. Admission is free, and those who registered will receive two themed booster packs as well.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/tesla-job-recruitment-begins-in-malaysia/", "title": "Tesla Job Recruitment Begins in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nIt was confirmed just last month that \nTesla is officially coming to Malaysia\n, and now, the carmaker has started job recruitment on our shores. The company is \nlooking for quite a number of roles\n, and all of them are full-time positions.\n\n\nThe Malaysian job listings are posted on Tesla\u2019s \ncareers section on its official website\n. Based in Kuala Lumpur, the positions offered are from various fields, including engineering, operations, sales and customer support, and even charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt was previously revealed that Tesla will be opening a head office in Malaysia, along with Tesla experience and service centres. Of course, the company will develop a Supercharger network locally as well, which will bolster the availability of EV chargers throughout the country. The job listings certainly reflect these plans.\n\n\nNow that Tesla is already recruiting in Malaysia, the carmaker\u2019s local debut could be nearer than we initially thought. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye for any relevant development \u2013 you could be buying a Tesla here from the carmaker itself in the near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/protons-sales-up-50-9-in-q1-2023-with-40287-units-sold-x50-persona-segment-leaders/", "title": "Proton\u2019s Sales up 50.9% in Q1 2023 With 40,287 Units Sold \u2013 X50, Persona Segment Leaders", "body": "\n\nProton continues to record high number of sales in March 2023. With 14,573 units sold \u2013 domestic and export sales included \u2013 the national carmaker sold a total of 40,287 units in Q1 2023; a whopping 50.9% increase compared to the same period in 2022.\n\n\nThree of Proton\u2019s models continue to lead their respective segments. The X50, for one, lead not only the B-segment SUV market, but also the SUV market as a whole with 9,668 units sold in the first quarter of 2023. As for the Persona, as many as 6,773 units were moved.\n\n\nLast but not least is the Exora with 426 units sold in March 2023, leading the C-segment MPV market.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlthough Proton\u2019s sales performance in Q1 2023 is impressive, the carmaker mentioned that sales in this period are inflated. After all, the deadline to deliver cars with sales tax-free prices was 31 March 2023 last month as part of the PENJANA incentive, so every car brand were rushing to meet this deadline.\n\n\n\u201cA better reflection of market sentiment would emerge by the end of Q2, but we remain confident of maintaining our sales momentum,\u201d said the deputy CEO of Proton, Roslan Abdullah. \u201cWe will be launching the Proton X90 soon and will also have more additions to the range later in the year,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that public previews of the Proton X90 will be held at six cities in Malaysia from tomorrow onwards (8 April), though no details have been released yet at the time of writing. Nonetheless, the premium D-segment SUV should bolster the carmaker\u2019s sales this year, alongside the possible debut of the \u201c\nProton S50\n,\u201d which is believed to be a replacement of the Proton Preve.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/marvel-snap-season-pass-price-raised-quietly-in-malaysia-now-rm47-99/", "title": "Marvel Snap Season Pass Price Raised (Quietly) in Malaysia \u2013 Now RM47.99", "body": "\n\nEvery month, a new Season Pass is introduced in Marvel Snap, which offers a new card, variants, as well as extra gold and credit to players who purchase it. Needless to say, it offers good value, but it appears Second Dinner quietly raised the price of the Season Pass in Malaysia.\n\n\nPreviously, the Marvel Snap Season Pass costs RM44.90 in Malaysia, and this was the case up until March 2023. When the April Season Pass went live \u2013 featuring the new Hit-Monkey card \u2013 the price has gone up to RM47.99. On top of that, there\u2019s no official announcement from Second Dinner either on this price change.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis applies to every platform Marvel Snap is offered too. Whether you\u2019re on iOS, Android, or PC via Steam, the price increase is consistent. A player in India \nalso reported a similar price increase\n from 899 Indian rupee to 999 rupee. That\u2019s a difference of about RM5, which is slightly more than the price hike in Malaysia.\n\n\nIt\u2019s not great that the price of Marvel Snap\u2019s Season Pass was quietly increased, though it still offers the best value for money if you want to get more gold, credits, and the Season Pass card. Of course, to get the best value out of it, you\u2019d have to reach level 50.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/affordable-samsung-galaxy-m14-5g-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Affordable Samsung Galaxy M14 5G Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nIt looks like Samsung is set to launch another affordable 5G phone here in Malaysia. Aside from 5G connectivity, the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G also offers a large 6,000mAh battery and a 90Hz display \u2013 reasonably fast screen for a budget-friendly phone.\n\n\nAs usual, we were going through SIRIM\u2019s database when we spotted the Galaxy M14 5G. It was registered under Samsung Malaysia with the model number SM-M146B/DSN just today on 7 April. Chances are, the Korean company is preparing to launch the affordable phone on our shores.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Galaxy M14 5G is actually quite similar to the existing Galaxy A14 5G, which retails at RM949 in Malaysia. It has the same Exynos 1330 chipset, a 6.6-inch 2408 x 1080 PLS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), as well as a 13MP selfie camera. The only difference lies in the battery capacity: the M14 5G comes with the aforementioned 6,000mAh battery over the A14 5G\u2019s 5,000mAh cell.\n\n\nNo word yet from Samsung Malaysia on the local availability of the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G. Given that it\u2019s been certified by SIRIM already, we reckon the affordable 5G phone will be offered on our shores very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-nord-ce-3-lite-review-sleek-long-lasting-average-rm1099-phone/", "title": "OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite Review: Sleek, Long-Lasting, Average RM1,099 Phone", "body": "\n\nThe OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite, compared to its predecessor, brings some notable upgrades. Not only does it features a superior 108MP primary camera, it also has larger internal storage with even faster 67W fast charging. The best part is, it\u2019s also priced \nlower \nthan its predecessor.\n\n\nHowever, the Nord CE 3 Lite has tough competition in this segment, and although it\u2019s reasonably affordable with a RM1,099 price tag, there are other offerings at this price point that have better value for money. This, paired with a less-than-stellar software experience, doesn\u2019t make OnePlus\u2019 latest mid-ranger particularly compelling.\n\n\nThat being said, it does have some winning qualities, including very, \nvery\n long battery life and an eye-catching design with solid build quality. If that sounds enticing to you, keen on reading this review of the Nord CE 3 Lite.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.72-inch FHD+ IPS LCD (2400 x 1080), 120Hz\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G 2.2GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 619\nRAM\n8GB\nStorage\n256GB, expandable\nCamera (rear)\n108MP f/1.7\n2MP f/2.4 (macro)\n2MP f/2.4 (depth)\nCamera (front)\n16MP f/2.4\nBattery\n5,000mAh with 67W SUPERVOOC charging\nDimensions\n165.5 x 76 x 8.3 mm\nWeight\n195g\nOS\nOxygenOS 13.1 based on Android 13\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.1\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM1,099\n\n\nFor a mid-range phone, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite has decent hardware. The Snapdragon 695 chipset is commonly found in this segment, and so is the 120Hz Full HD+ IPS display, though its competition \u2013 the \nRedmi Note 12 5G\n, in particular \u2013 comes with a superior AMOLED panel.\n\n\nBut the Nord CE 3 Lite does have an edge when it comes to charging speed. Its 67W SUPERVOOC charging is noticeably faster than, again, the Redmi Note 12 5G, which only offers 33W charging. There\u2019s also the triple camera system headlined by a 108MP sensor, though megapixel count isn\u2019t everything \u2013 more on this later.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nMy favourite aspect of the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite has to be its build quality. Though it has a plastic construction, it feels great in my hands. The plastic frame has a nice matte finish, and the flat sides make it easy to get a firm, secure grip on the phone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI also really like the back panel of the CE 3 Lite. It may be plastic, but it feels good to the touch without any of that \u201ccheap\u201d feeling. I especially like this Pastel Lime colourway too; it\u2019s a nice shade of yellow that looks almost green under different lighting.\n\n\nBeyond that, the performance level of the Nord CE 3 Lite is reasonably good too, courtesy of the Snapdragon 695 chipset. It\u2019s more than fast enough for my day-to-day use, and even though it struggles to run Genshin Impact at the lowest graphics settings, it\u2019s still (largely) playable.\n\n\nAfter all, it\u2019s a demanding mobile game that even some flagship phones struggle to run well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the most impressive feature of the Nord CE 3 Lite: battery life. Throughout the review period, the phone\u2019s 5,000mAh battery never failed to deliver all-day worth of use. In fact, I even managed to get up to \nseven hours\n of screen on time effortlessly with the phone. When I need to recharge the phone, the 66W fast charging can quickly top it up too.\n\n\nThis fast charging rate is one of the most highlighted features of this mid-range phone, alongside its 108MP primary camera, which I\u2019ll get to in the following section..\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWhile the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite\u2019s 108MP camera sounds impressive on paper, its actual performance leaves much to be desired. Under ideal lighting, it can deliver good-looking shots \u2013 like any smartphone worth its salt should \u2013 but in low light conditions, the camera struggles to perform. Judge for yourself with these sample shots:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNot only is noise apparent in nighttime shots, the Nord CE 3 Lite\u2019s 108MP camera doesn\u2019t have great dynamic range or detail preservation either. The other two camera sensors (2MP macro + 2MP depth) don\u2019t meaningfully improve the camera capability of the phone either, in my opinion.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the 6.72-inch 1080p IPS display of the CE 3 Lite, which is\u2026average. It\u2019s serviceable, sure, with reasonably good brightness level, but its viewing angles are not particularly wide. Colours noticeably shift at the slightest angle, negatively impacting the user experience.\n\n\nHowever, I do appreciate the panel\u2019s fast 120Hz refresh rate, which gives animations nice and smooth transitions.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the software experience of OxygenOS 13.1. Yes, it feels lightweight, but it also doesn\u2019t feel quite as responsive as it should be to my inputs. I also don\u2019t like the fact that I can\u2019t swipe down on multiple notifications from the same app to expand them; other versions of Android has this enabled.\n\n\nThese are by no means huge issues, but they do affect the overall polish of the software experience.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIt really depends on what you prioritise in a smartphone. If you want a long-lasting phone with a sleek, eye-catching design and solid build quality, then the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite is certainly worth considering. But if you want a phone with a versatile camera system that offers more than just one focal length or a display with wide viewing angles, then you may want to look at other options.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, if you do want to get the Nord CE 3 Lite, you can \npre-order it now until 17 April\n. Early birds get up to RM497 worth of freebies \u2013 which includes the first generation OnePlus Nord Buds, a one-year extended warranty, and a one-year screen protection \u2013 as well as a RM80 discount voucher, bringing down the price of the phone to RM1,019.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/rm200-ewallet-credit-under-belia-rahmah-initiative-now-extended-to-students-youths/", "title": "RM200 eWallet Credit Under Belia Rahmah Initiative Now Extended to Students & Youths", "body": "\n\nAt the retabling of Budget 2023 by the current government, it was confirmed that youths in Malaysia will get RM200 in ewallet credit sometime in 2023 as part of the Belia Rahmah initiative. Well, this is now extended to university students as well.\n\n\nThis is confirmed by Prime Minister (and Finance Minister) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim\n in a sharing session\n at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM). Previously, the Belia Rahmah initiative only included youths between the ages of 18 to 20.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s no word yet on when the Belia Rahmah initiative will begin, though we reckon more details will be revealed in the near future. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if the government will engage with the same ewallet services for the initiative, which included ShopeePay, Touch \u2018n Go eWallet, BigPay, and GrabPay.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x90-bookings-open-specifications-of-4-variants-revealed-with-6-colour-options/", "title": "Proton X90 Bookings Open \u2013 Specifications of 4 Variants Revealed With 6 Colour Options", "body": "\n\nThe \nProton X90\n is finally open for booking in Malaysia! Offered in four different variants, we now got a closer look at the specifications (and colour options) of the premium D-segment SUV, so you can better decide on which particular trim level fits your needs.\n\n\nWe first noticed that the X90 is open for booking when \nProton dealers\n started posting about it on their respective \nFacebook pages\n. Proton Regal Motors 4S even shared the specifications of the four different variants \u2013 Standard, Executive, Premium, and Flagship \u2013 and colour options of the new SUV.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOut of the four different variants of the X90, the Flagship trim is the only model with six seats. There are individual \u201ccaptain seats\u201d for the second row, as you can see in the interior shot above. Based on our brief time with the X90, it does feel very much like a premium SUV. It looks and feels great, and all seven seats \u2013 or six seats for the Flagship model \u2013 are comfortable, though the third row does have pretty limited leg room.\n\n\nBut in terms of practicality, the X90 ticks all the boxes. Not only are there dedicated USB-A charging ports for all passengers \u2013 the second row even gets a USB-C charger \u2013 they also get individual air-conditioning vents; great for those \nbalik kampung\n trips.\n\n\nIf you need to transport large items with the X90, you\u2019ll be happy to know that the D-segment SUV offers up to a whopping 2,050L of boot space with the seats folded down. That is \na lot\n of space.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs previously revealed, the X90 is Proton\u2019s first new energy vehicle (NEV) with a mild hybrid system. Its 1.5L TGDi three-cylinder turbo engine is paired with a 48V electric motor synergy (EMS) system that offers a combined output of 190PS and 300Nm of torque paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. According to Proton, this mild hybrid system offers up to 15% improved fuel efficiency.\n\n\nIn the safety department, the X90 features Proton\u2019s most elaborate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) yet, which is available on the Premium and Flagship models. The ADAS is said to offer a sophisticated level 2 autonomous driving, including three new features: rear collision warning (RCW), rear cross traffic alert (RCTA), and traffic sign information (TSI).\n\n\nYes, the X90\u2019s ADAS can detect and display road signs in Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo launch date has been set for the Proton X90, so naturally, the pricing of the D-segment SUV has not been revealed yet either. Nonetheless, you can now head to your nearest Proton dealer to find out more about the premium, modern family SUV \u2013 you can also place a booking for it if you\u2019re keen.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-nahida-nilou-rerun-banners-go-live-12-april-with-kuki-shinobu-layla-dori/", "title": "Genshin Impact Nahida & Nilou Rerun Banners Go Live 12 April With Kuki Shinobu, Layla, Dori", "body": "\n\nDetails on Nahida\u2019s and Nilou\u2019s rerun banners have been revealed. Set to go live in \nGenshin Impact\n this Wednesday on 12 April, the two 5-star characters\u2019 event wishes will be accompanied by Kuki Shinobu, Layla, and Dori.\n\n\nIn line with \nprevious Genshin Impact banners\n, Nahida and Layla both have the same roster of 4-star characters despite the fact that they\u2019re featured in separate event wishes. Of course, pity is also shared between the two banners, and the wish guarantee count\u00a0will\u00a0carry over to future character banners too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe same rule applies to the increased \u201cdrop rate\u201d of the featured characters. In the case of Nahida and Nilou, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be either of them, depending on which banner you\u2019re wishing. If you got a different character, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be them.\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s pity system for character banners ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character every 90 wishes, you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Nahida or Nilou. This rule is also applicable to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Kuki Shinobu, Layla, or Dori. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will likely have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNahida\u2019s \u201cThe Moongrass\u2019 Enlightenment\u201d and Nilou\u2019s \u201cTwirling Lotus\u201d event wishes will be available in Genshin Impact on 12 April this Wednesday. Their banners will be offered until 2 May, which is when \nBaizhu, Kaveh, and Ganyu\u2019s banners\n will go live.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iqoo-z7-launched-in-malaysia-120w-fast-charging-snapdragon-782g-from-rm1299/", "title": "iQOO Z7 Launched in Malaysia \u2013 120W Fast Charging, Snapdragon 782G, From RM1,299", "body": "\n\niQOO is a relatively new brand in Malaysia, and the Chinese company is steadily launching more of its offerings on our shores, including the new iQOO Z7. Not only does it come with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G chipset, it also supports 120W fast charging.\n\n\nTwo variants of the iQOO Z7 are offered in Malaysia. The base 8GB + 128GB model retails at RM1,299 \u2013 exclusively available on Lazada \u2013 while the higher-end 12GB + 256GB configuration goes for RM1,499. Two colour options are available locally: Matrix Blue \u2013 the colourway pictured here \u2013 and Metallic Grey.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWithout a doubt the iQOO Z7\u2019s 120W fast charging capability is one of its best selling points; it\u2019s said to be able to charge up the phone\u2019s 5,000mAh battery from empty to full in only 26 minutes. Aside from that, it also has a 6.64-inch 1080p LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a dual camera system (64MP main + 2MP depth), and a 16MP selfie camera.\n\n\nThe iQOO Z7 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia. Early birds who pre-order the phone by 18 April can get a pretty good discount too \u2013 and RM498 worth of freebies \u2013 which are set at RM1,249 and RM1,399 for the 8GB + 128GB and 12GB + 256GB models respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iqoo-z7x-now-in-malaysia-6000mah-battery-with-80w-fast-charging-from-rm999/", "title": "iQOO Z7x Now in Malaysia \u2013 6,000mAh Battery With 80W Fast Charging From RM999", "body": "\n\nAside from the Z7\n, iQOO also launched the more affordable iQOO Z7x in Malaysia. Though its hardware are more modest, it\u2019s still quite an intriguing mid-ranger with a large 6,000mAh battery and 80W fast charging.\n\n\nJust like the higher-end Z7, the iQOO Z7x is offered in two variants too. The base 8GB + 128GB model (only available on Shopee) goes for RM999, while the 8GB + 256GB configuration retails at RM1,099. It\u2019s available in two distinct colourways: Tropical Blue and Metallic Grey.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from the aforementioned 6,000mAh battery and 80W fast charging, the iQOO Z7x also features a Snapdragon 695 processor, a 6.64-inch 1080p LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a dual camera system (50MP primary + 2MP depth), as well as an 8MP selfie camera.\n\n\nThe iQOO Z7x is available for pre-order in Malaysia until 18 April, where it will go for only RM939 and RM999 for the 8GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB variants respectively. Early birds can also get RM498 worth of freebies.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-teases-new-dendro-character-kirara/", "title": "Genshin Impact Teases New Dendro Character, Kirara", "body": "\n\nHoyoverse, as usual, \njust dropped a teaser\n for a new character coming to\u00a0\nGenshin Impact\n. This time around, it appears to be a brand new character named Kirara, who have not appeared in the game before. Chances are, she will be playable in the Version 3.7 update of Genshin Impact.\n\n\nAfter all, characters that are teased by Hoyoverse are usually playable in the next version update of Genshin Impact, so there\u2019s no reason the same wouldn\u2019t apply to Kirara. Unfortunately, her rarity has not been revealed yet, though it\u2019s possible she\u2019s a 4-star unit, given that she doesn\u2019t seem to be a major character.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs with previous teasers, there\u2019s no mention of the weapon that Kirara uses, though it\u2019s confirmed by Hoyoverse that she possesses a Dendro Vision. It will be interesting to see if she\u2019s more of a support character \u2013 which we suspect she is \u2013 or a DPS unit.\n\n\nExpect Kirara to be playable once Genshin Impact 3.7 is here, which should be released sometime in May 2023, given that the Version 3.6 update \ndrops this Wednesday on 12 April\n. That\u2019s also when \nNahida\u2019s and Nilou\u2019s rerun banners\n will go live in Genshin Impact.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-sold-32179-units-in-march-2023-unfulfilled-tax-free-bookings-will-be-honoured/", "title": "Perodua Sold 32,179 Units in March 2023 \u2013 Unfulfilled Tax-Free Bookings Will Be Honoured", "body": "\n\nPerodua just revealed that it delivered even more cars in March 2023 compared to the previous month. With 32,179 units sold, the national carmaker\u2019s Q1 2023 sales currently sit at an impressive 78,564 units.\n\n\nCompared to the same period last year, where Perodua sold 61,624 units, the carmaker\u2019s Q1 2023 sales is a respectable 27.5% uptick. However, the company added that it didn\u2019t manage to fulfill a small number of PENJANA orders; bookings that were eligible for sales tax exemption.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut there is good news: Perodua will still honour the tax-free prices. \u201cTo these customers, we will honour the sales exempt amount guaranteed under the initiative and we apologise for the long wait,\u201d said the president and CEO of Perodua, Dato\u2019 Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad. Certainly a great move on Perodua\u2019s part.\n\n\nThe waiting period of Perodua models has improved quite a bit as well, though some models still have slightly longer wait. \u201cOnly particular models such as the Bezza, Axia, and Alza have a slightly longer waiting period based on their respective variants and colour,\u201d said Zainal.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow that the PENJANA deadline has passed, it\u2019ll be interesting to see if Perodua can continue its impressive sales momentum. But given the popularity of its models, we reckon the national carmaker can achieve its 314,000 sales and 330,000 production targets for 2023.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x90-booking-only-proton-4s-3s-outlets-can-take-bookings/", "title": "Proton X90 Booking \u2013 Only Proton 4S & 3S Outlets Can Take Bookings", "body": "\n\nProton officially announced\n that bookings for the \nProton X90\n were opened on 8 April last Saturday. The national carmaker also revealed that only Proton 4S and 3S outlets can take bookings of the new SUV \u2013 that\u2019s certainly interesting.\n\n\nBack at the media preview of the X90, Proton did mention that only dealers that have met certain criteria are allowed to sell the SUV. With that in mind, it seems only bigger, more established Proton 4S and 3S outlets will offer the premium model.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, the X90 is offered in four variants: Standard, Executive, Premium, and Flagship. Out of the four trim levels, only the Flagship model comes with six seats. There are individual \u201ccaptain seats\u201d for the second row, as you can see in the interior shot above.\n\n\nBased on our brief time with the X90, it does feel very much like a premium SUV. It looks and feels great, and all seven seats \u2013 or six seats for the Flagship model \u2013 are comfortable, though the third row does have pretty limited leg room. But in terms of practicality, the X90 ticks all the boxes. Not only are there dedicated USB-A charging ports for all passengers \u2013 the second row even gets a USB-C charger \u2013 they also get individual air-conditioning vents; great for those \nbalik kampung\n trips.\n\n\nIf you need to transport large items with the X90, you\u2019ll be happy to know that the D-segment SUV offers up to a whopping 2,050L of boot space with the seats folded down. That is \na lot\n of space.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs previously revealed, the X90 is Proton\u2019s first new energy vehicle (NEV) with a mild hybrid system. Its 1.5L TGDi three-cylinder turbo engine is paired with a 48V electric motor synergy (EMS) system that offers a combined output of 190PS and 300Nm of torque paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. According to Proton, this mild hybrid system offers up to 15% improved fuel efficiency.\n\n\nIn the safety department, the X90 features Proton\u2019s most elaborate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) yet, which is available on the Premium and Flagship models. The ADAS is said to offer a sophisticated level 2 autonomous driving, including three new features: rear collision warning (RCW), rear cross traffic alert (RCTA), and traffic sign information (TSI).\n\n\nYes, the X90\u2019s ADAS can detect and display road signs in Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo launch date has been set for the Proton X90, so naturally, the pricing of the D-segment SUV has not been revealed yet either. Nonetheless, you can now head to your nearest Proton 4S or 3S outlet to find out more about the premium, modern family SUV \u2013 you can also place a booking for it if you\u2019re keen.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x90-public-preview-by-invitation-only-coming-to-johor-pahang-sabah-sarawak/", "title": "Proton X90 Public Preview by Invitation Only \u2013 Coming to Johor, Pahang, Sabah, Sarawak", "body": "\n\nProton previously revealed that public previews of the \nProton X90\n will be held from 8 April onwards, though specific details were not given until today. Not surprisingly, the preview is by invitation only, and it\u2019s set to be held at six different states throughout Malaysia.\n\n\nThat being said, public preview of the X90 in the first two states (Selangor/KL and Penang) already happened over the weekend on 8 and 9 April. The next preview is happening in Johor and Pahang on 15 and 16 April this weekend, followed by Sabah and Sarawak on 29 and 30 April.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe X90 is offered in four variants: Standard, Executive, Premium, and Flagship. Out of the four trim levels, only the Flagship model comes with six seats. There are individual \u201ccaptain seats\u201d for the second row, as you can see in the interior shot above.\n\n\nAside from that, the X90 is also Proton\u2019s first new energy vehicle (NEV) with a mild hybrid system. Its 1.5L TGDi three-cylinder turbo engine is paired with a 48V electric motor synergy (EMS) system that offers a combined output of 190PS and 300Nm of torque paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. According to Proton, this mild hybrid system offers up to 15% improved fuel efficiency.\n\n\nIn the safety department, the X90 features Proton\u2019s most elaborate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) yet, which is available on the Premium and Flagship models. The ADAS is said to offer a sophisticated level 2 autonomous driving, including three new features: rear collision warning (RCW), rear cross traffic alert (RCTA), and traffic sign information (TSI).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re eager to look and feel the new Proton X90 in person \u2013 and you\u2019re residing in Johor, Pahang, Sabah, or Sarawak \u2013 get in touch with a sales advisor at a Proton 4S or 3S outlet to try and secure an invite to the public preview. After all, bookings for the premium SUV \nare only open at these bigger outlets\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-macbook-pro-14-2023-review-my-new-daily-driver/", "title": "Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023) Review: My New Daily Driver", "body": "\n\nThe 2023 MacBook Pro 14, compared to the \n2021 model\n, is not all that different. It has the same design, the same display, with the only major upgrade being the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips for improved performance and power efficiency. Basically, if you\u2019ve already got the 2021 MacBook Pro, there\u2019s little reason to upgrade to this latest model.\n\n\nThat being said, I have used Windows laptops almost exclusively for the past few years \u2013 I had a \nshort stint with the 2015 MacBook Pro\n back in\u20262015 \u2013 so the 14-inch MacBook Pro feels leaps and bounds better in many regards. So much so that it has replaced my daily driver, and it has improved my workflow quite a bit too.\n\n\nHowever, is it really worth paying up to a \nwhopping RM25,999\n for the MacBook Pro 14? Well, to folks that need this level of performance, absolutely.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOkay, the new 14-inch MacBook Pro \nactually starts at RM8,799\n. For that kind of money, the base model comes with an M2 Pro chip, 16GB of memory, and a 512GB SSD. For most folks \u2013 and even for creative professionals who don\u2019t need top-tier performance \u2013 this model would suffice, in my opinion.\n\n\nAs for the 14-inch MacBook Pro I\u2019m currently using, it\u2019s the range-topping configuration with an M2 Max chip (12-core CPU and 38-core GPU), a whopping 96GB of memory, and 8TB of SSD storage for a grand total of RM25,999. While that is a large sum of money, this is also a very,\u00a0\nvery\n\u00a0powerful laptop that will meet the needs of even the most demanding creative professional.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSo let\u2019s talk about the performance of the MacBook Pro 14 first. Throughout the review period, the M2 Max chip can take on whatever I throw at it. Whether I\u2019m video editing, image processing, or juggling between 20 different open tabs in Google Chrome \u2013 yes, I need to better manage my workflow \u2013 the MacBook Pro just breezes right through these tasks.\n\n\nThe best part is, the 14-inch MacBook Pro doesn\u2019t even need to be plugged in to a power outlet to \u201cunlock\u201d the full performance of the M2 Max chip. Typically, Windows laptops on battery power has more limited performance for the sake of power efficiency.\n\n\nTruth be told, I don\u2019t need the performance offered by the M2 Max chip. Even the M2 Pro is overkill for my particular usage, given that I don\u2019t do 3D modelling or edit 4K videos regularly. But is it nice to have such a high level of performance? Oh, \ndefinitely\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDespite offering such a high level of performance, the MacBook Pro 14 still offers incredibly good battery life. Apple\u2019s quoted battery life is up to 12 hours of wireless web, and I actually got close to this figure. I have absolutely no issue getting through a typical workday with the MacBook, and I can even (comfortably) stretch it to two days of use without charging it.\n\n\nOf course, this still depends on my overall workload for the two days, but it is no exaggeration to say that there are no Windows laptops that can match the insanely long battery life of the 14-inch MacBook Pro. It feels great to not have to worry about running of out battery as I go from one launch event to another on a busy day.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to system noise, the MacBook Pro 14 is whisper quiet in my day-to-day use, which involves a ton of web browsing, writing, and video streaming. Only when I\u2019m running some heavy tasks do the fans start spinning, and even then it\u2019s not particularly loud. Under heavy load, the palm rest area remains cool to the touch as well, though the keyboard area does get warmer.\n\n\nNext, we have the stunning 14.2-inch 3024 x 1964 Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display of the MacBook Pro 14. Not only does the 120Hz refresh rate lends to very smooth animations, the screen\u2019s deep blacks are also reminiscent of an OLED panel. On top of that, colour are well-calibrated too, and there\u2019s no noticeable backlight bleed at all. As for the notch, I barely notice it in everyday use.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe six-speaker system of the 14-inch MacBook Pro is worth a mention as well. For a laptop this size, its amazing how good the speakers sound. I\u2019ve never heard bass \nthis good and punchy\n on such a compact laptop, and I\u2019m impressed with the full mids and crisp highs too.\n\n\nI\u2019d like to quickly touch on macOS\u2019 Continuity feature; more specifically, with the iPhone. I love the fact that I can just use AirDrop to seamlessly transfer images I took with my \niPhone 14 Pro\n to the MacBook at \nfull quality\n. This is very handy when I\u2019m rushing to furnish my articles with images taken at a launch event.\n\n\nWhile Windows does offer a similar feature with various Android phones, it often feels clunkier, not to mention the fact that transferred images are often at a lower quality.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the keyboard and trackpad of the 14-inch MacBook Pro; two very important input devices for productivity-focused tasks. Overall, I really enjoy typing on this keyboard. While it doesn\u2019t offer the longest key travel, the keys have good tactile feedback and just the right amount of actuation force to let me type fast and accurately.\n\n\nUnsurprisingly, the trackpad is as accurate as ever. Gestures work flawlessly, the large size of the trackpad makes it easy to navigate around, and the smooth surface allows my fingers to glide effortlessly on it. All in all, it\u2019s an excellent trackpad that can even mimic clicks very well.\n\n\nAfter all, Apple has transitioned to a fixed trackpad \u2013 it has no moving parts at all \u2013 for its range of laptops for quite some time now.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs much as I enjoy using the MacBook Pro 14, it does have some drawbacks. The biggest one (for myself) is the fact that I cannot game effectively on it. Unless the games I want to play are built to run natively on Apple\u2019s chip \u2013 such as Resident Evil Village \u2013 they won\u2019t run great. In some cases, I can\u2019t play them at all. \nGenshin Impact\n, for example, is not even available on macOS.\n\n\nGranted, Apple is steadily making strides to expand macOS\u2019 gaming capability. The hardware of the 14-inch MacBook Pro can certainly run demanding games, so what\u2019s left is for more games to actually support the platform itself.\n\n\nBut the biggest hurdle for the MacBook Pro 14 to overcome is its high price of entry. While this RM25,999 configuration is really made for folks who already know that they need the laptop\u2019s top-tier performance, the \u201cmost affordable\u201d RM8,799 base model is still quite costly for the regular consumer. Well, in my opinion, anyway.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, after using the 2023 MacBook Pro 14 as my daily driver for over a month now, that price tag looks\u2026well, justified. There\u2019s no doubt it costs a lot of money, but there\u2019s also no denying that this is one of the best \u2013 if not \nthe best\n \u2013 laptops I\u2019ve used for quite some time.\n\n\nSure, there\u2019s the whole macOS versus Windows discussion \u2013 I\u2019ll leave that for a separate article \u2013 but beyond the operating system, the 14-inch MacBook Pro is simply a refined, premium laptop with very long battery life, excellent performance, and a stunning display; all in a compact form factor.\n\n\nSuffice to say I\u2019ve never been happier with a new daily driver.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-10-pro-coca-cola-edition-fizzles-its-way-to-malaysia-for-rm1399/", "title": "Realme 10 Pro Coca-Cola Edition Fizzles Its Way to Malaysia for RM1,399", "body": "\n\nThe eye-catching Realme 10 Pro Coca-Cola Edition has just been launched in Malaysia. In fact, we are one of only five countries that get the phone, which include Indonesia, Thailand, The Philippines, and India.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the limited edition Realme 10 Pro retails at RM1,399; just RM100 more than the \nstandard variant of the phone\n at launch. For that kind of money, it offers 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOnly 6,000 units of the Realme 10 Pro Coca-Cola Edition are available worldwide, and it\u2019s certainly an interesting-looking phone, to say the least. Coca-Cola\u2019s branding can be seen from the back of the phone itself to the theme, notification sounds, and the accessories that come with the phone. Even the SIM eject tool is shaped like a Coca-Cola bottle cap.\n\n\nUnder the hood, the special Coca-Cola Realme 10 Pro features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, a 6.72-inch 1080p IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a dual camera system (108MP primary + 2MP depth), a 16MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\nThe Realme 10 Pro Coca-Cola Edition will go on sale (online) in Malaysia tomorrow on 13 April for RM1,399. Selected stores will also carry the phone the following day on 14 April.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-perodua-offer-rahmah-service-package-with-up-to-30-discount/", "title": "Proton & Perodua Offer Rahmah Service Package With up to 30% Discount", "body": "\n\nBoth Proton and Perodua just announced their respective Rahmah service packages. Offering up to 30% discount on service costs, this initiative is launched by MITI minister Tengku Zafrul to encourage folks to get their vehicles serviced ahead of the Hari Raya celebration.\n\n\nProton\u2019s Rahmah service package offers up to 25% discount on service costs, along with a free 40-point safety check. This initiative is targeted at owners of the Saga, Persona, Iriz, and Exora. Those with older Proton models such as the Wira, Waja, and Inspira are also eligible for the Rahman service package, which is valid from today until 31 May.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for Perodua, it is offering slightly higher discounts of up to 30%, though its Rahmah service package is only extended to Axia and Bezza owners. Nonetheless, its Rahmah campaign also starts today, but it\u2019s set to end earlier on 15 May.\n\n\nAt the moment, only Proton and Perodua have announced their Rahmah service packages; it remains to be seen if other car brands will follow suit. If you\u2019re driving any of the models listed here, it\u2019s worth getting it serviced, especially if you\u2019re planning a \nbalik kampung\n trip in the near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/13-19-april-fuel-price-ron-97-still-stays-at-rm3-35-per-litre/", "title": "13 \u2013 19 April Fuel Price: RON 97 Still Stays at RM3.35 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nUnsurprisingly, RON 97 sees no price change yet again this week. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.35 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 13 to 19 April next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lotus-eletre-electric-suv-unleashed-in-malaysia-up-to-905hp-600km-max-range-from-rm578k/", "title": "Lotus Eletre Electric SUV Unleashed in Malaysia \u2013 Up to 905hp, 600km Max Range, From RM578k", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLotus Cars Malaysia, the distributor for the Lotus brand on our shores, just launched the Lotus Eletre all-electric hyper SUV in Malaysia. Touted as the \u201cworld\u2019s fastest dual-motor pure electric SUV,\u201d the Eletre offers up to a \nwhopping 905hp\n \u2013 fully deserving of the hyper SUV moniker. Malaysia is also the first market outside of China to get the Eletre.\n\n\nAll three variants of the Eletre are offered in Malaysia. The standard Eletre is priced at RM578,000, while the Eletre S goes for RM648,000. As for the range-topping Eletre R, it costs a cool RM798,000. These prices are on-the-road without insurance, and it comes with a five-year or 150,000km warranty; eight-year or 200,000km warranty for the battery.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe most exciting model is certainly the Eletre R. It\u2019s the only variant to feature a dual-speed system that outputs 905hp and 985Nm of torque, allowing it to go from 0-100kmph in only 2.95 seconds with a top speed of 265kmph. It also has a max range of 490km (WLTP).\n\n\nAs for the Eletre S and the standard Eletre, both feature the same single-speed system that delivers 603hp and 710Nm of torque. They can do the century sprint in 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 258kmph, so while these two models are not as quick as the Eletre R, they do offer a higher driving range of up to 600km; also on the WLTP cycle.\n\n\nAll variants of the Eletre feature a 112kWh battery and a 350kW charger, which enables 10-80% charge in only 20 minutes. It can accept 22kW AC charging as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat differentiates the three variants of the Eletre are mostly on the exterior. The base model doesn\u2019t get auto dimming side mirrors, rear privacy glass, or soft-closing doors of the Eletre S and R (though the R gets the Carbon Pack as standard). All variants of the SUV also rides on 22-inch alloy wheels, though the Eletre R gets Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres; regular Pirelli P Zero for the base and S models.\n\n\nMarketed as a lifestyle SUV, the Eletre comes with a five-seat layout as standard, so it has a boot capacity of 688L or 1,532L with the rear seats folded. There\u2019s also an option for a four-seat configuration as part of the optional Executive Seat Pack, which is shown here.\n\n\nNaturally, the Eletre has sophisticated advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as well. These include adaptive cruise control, driver monitoring system, rear collision warning, lane keep assist, traffic sign information, and Lotus Intelligent Dynamic Chassis Control. It also has a deployable LIDAR system \u2013 said to be a world\u2019s first \u2013 that supports end-to-end autonomous driving technology. It is future-proofed for future development via OTA software updates too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDespite the fact that the Lotus Eletre has only been launched in Malaysia today, it has already collected over 140 bookings. Only 200 units are set to be available here for the whole of 2023, so if you\u2019re keen to get this hyper SUV, you may want to place a booking as soon as you can. More details on the Eletre can be found on \nLotus\u2019 official website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-7-series-official-2-variants-vapour-chamber-cooling-coming-to-malaysia-10-may/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 7 Series Official \u2013 2 Variants, Vapour Chamber Cooling, Coming to Malaysia 10 May", "body": "\n\nAsus just took the wraps off of its latest gaming smartphones, the Asus ROG Phone 7 and the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate. For the most part, these two phones feature very similar hardware, though the Ultimate model does come with a rather unique cooling system.\n\n\nBasically, there is a port on the back of the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate \u2013 dubbed AeroActive Portal \u2013 that opens up when it is connected to the bundled AeroActive Cooler 7. This allows for \u201cnearly 1L of cold air per second\u201d to be blown directly to the heat dissipation fins (in the vapour chamber) that are connected to the CPU.\n\n\nOh, it\u2019s worth noting that the AeroActive Cooler 7 is also packed with a \nsubwoofer\n now for improved bass response.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate, just like last year\u2019s model, features a ROG Vision color PMOLED display on the back panel. It can show customisable graphics for various scenarios, including incoming calls, launching a game, or entering the phone\u2019s high performance \u201cX Mode.\u201d\n\n\nBeyond these differences, the ROG Phone 7 and ROG Phone 7 Ultimate have the same hardware. These include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, a 6.78-inch 2448 x 1080 AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide + 8MP macro), a 32MP selfie camera, and a 6,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\nThe standard Asus ROG Phone 7\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone 7 series is set to arrive in Malaysia on 10 May next month. We\u2019ll find out then just how much the phone will go for on our shores. In the meantime, stay tuned to our hands-on of the ROG Phone 7!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/thin-light-acer-swift-14-swift-14-go-laptops-land-in-malaysia-from-rm3199/", "title": "Thin & Light Acer Swift 14 & Swift 14 Go Laptops Land in Malaysia From RM3,199", "body": "\n\nAcer just launched two new thin and light productivity laptops in Malaysia, the Acer Swift 14 and Swift 14 Go. Curiously, the Swift 14 features Intel\u2019s latest 13th gen processor, while the Swift 14 Go is packed with AMD hardware.\n\n\nOut of the two laptops, the Swift 14 is the higher-end model. Retailing from RM4,299, it can be configured with a Core i7-13700H or Core i5-13500H processor paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB SSD storage, a 14-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS touch-enabled display, and a 14.95mm thin chassis that tips the scales at 1.2kg.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Swift 14\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Swift 14 Go\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the more affordable Swift 14 Go, it starts at RM3,199. Compared to the Swift 14, this laptop is actually a tad thinner at 14.9mm, though it is also ever so slightly heavier at 1.25kg. It also features an AMD Ryzen 7 7730U or Ryzen 5 5730U processor with up to 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, a 14-inch Full HD IPS display, and Windows 11 out of the box, just like the Swift 14.\n\n\nBoth the Acer Swift 14 and Swift 14 Go will be available in Malaysia by the end of April 2023 this month from RM4,299 and RM3,199 respectively. It\u2019s worth noting that the two laptops also come with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021 out of the box.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-predator-helios-16-helios-18-launched-in-malaysia-up-to-rtx-4080-from-rm8999/", "title": "Acer Predator Helios 16 & Helios 18 Launched in Malaysia \u2013 Up to RTX 4080 From RM8,999", "body": "\n\nWe spotted the powerful Acer Predator Helios 16 and Helios 18 in \nSIRIM\u2019s database earlier this year\n, and today, the two gaming laptops have been launched in Malaysia. Configurable with Nvidia\u2019s fast GeForce RTX 4080 GPU and Intel\u2019s 13th gen Core i9 processor, these are very capable gaming machines.\n\n\nPrice wise, the Helios 16 is slightly more affordable with a RM8,999 starting price, while the Helios 18 retails from RM9,999. Both gaming laptops actually have similar CPU and GPU configurations, so you\u2019re really paying for the different screen sizes (and refresh rate) as well as storage capacities.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Predator Helios 16\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Predator Helios 18\n\n\n\n\nBoth the Helios 16 and Helios 18 can be configured with an RTX 4070 or RTX 4080 GPU, along with a 13th gen Intel Core i9-13900HX processor. These hardware are complemented with up to 32GB of RAM and very generous 2TB worth of SSD storage in Raid 0 configuration.\n\n\nIn the display department, the Helios 16 and Helios 18 feature 16-inch and 18-inch 2560 x 1600 displays respectively with a maximum refresh rate of 240Hz, depending on the configuration. These panels also sport a taller than usual 16:10 aspect ratio, so you get more vertical screen real estate compared to a narrower, more typical 16:9 display.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Predator Helios 16 and Helios 18 will be available in Malaysia from RM8,999 and RM9,999 respectively sometime in May 2023 next month. Both of them are actually available for pre-order today until 30 April, which will come with freebies worth RM1,627. These include an Acer Nitro XV272 gaming monitor, a Predator backpack, and even a three-year onsite warranty with accidental damage and theft coverage.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/affordable-acer-aspire-7-refreshed-in-malaysia-12th-gen-core-i5-gtx-1650-rm3199/", "title": "Affordable Acer Aspire 7 Refreshed in Malaysia \u2013 12th Gen Core i5, GTX 1650, RM3,199", "body": "\n\nAlso launched alongside the \nAcer Predator Helios 16 and Helios 18\n in Malaysia is the much more affordable (and refreshed) Acer Aspire 7. Though it doesn\u2019t feature the newest or fastest hardware, it looks to be ideal for gamers who just want a laptop to do some occasional gaming.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Aspire 7 is available in Malaysia. Packed with a 12th gen Intel Core i5-12450H processor paired with 8GB of RAM (upgradable to 32GB) and a 512GB SSD, the budget-friendly laptop retails at RM3,199.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, it also features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate alongside an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU. While this isn\u2019t an awfully powerful GPU \u2013 nor is it particularly\u2026new \u2013 it should be fast enough for casual gaming.\n\n\nThe Acer Aspire 7 can be purchased in Malaysia by the end of April 2023 this month for RM3,199. \nAcer\u2019s online store\n and its official stores on Shopee and Lazada will carry the affordable laptop once it\u2019s available here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/setel-lite-review-simpler-faster-way-to-fuel-up/", "title": "Setel Lite Review: Simpler, Faster Way to Fuel Up", "body": "\n\nFuelling with the Setel app, to some folks, is convenient. After all, you just need to activate the pump from the comfort of your car, step out, and start fuelling. You don\u2019t have to go all the way to the counter to make your payment, and while I personally think using a credit card is more convenient, not everyone\u2026well, own a credit card.\n\n\nBut on the other side of the coin, there are also folks who think that fuelling with Setel is more complicated than it should be. The interface may be difficult for some to navigate, and on older or less powerful phones, the app may not run particularly well, negatively affecting the user experience.\n\n\nAnd that is where the new Setel Lite app comes in. As its name suggests, it is essentially a \u201clighter\u201d version of Setel that retains only the necessary features for a faster, simpler fuelling process. I had the opportunity to review the new app ahead of its launch sometime in Q2 2023, and I\u2019m quite a fan of it.\n\n\n\n\nThe Setel Lite app\n\n\nThe standard Setel app\n\n\n\n\nThroughout the article, you will see shots of the Setel Lite app first, followed by equivalent images of the standard Setel app for the sake of comparison. Anyway, when I first launch the Setel Lite app, the much simpler interface is a drastic change over the regular Setel app\u2019s more cluttered and \u201cbusy\u201d appearance. It is stripped to the bare necessities \u2013 which I love \u2013 and the refuelling button is front and centre.\n\n\nWhen I click on the purchase fuel button, I\u2019m directed to a page to select my pump number. Unlike the regular app, where I have to swipe to find my pump number if it\u2019s beyond the sixth one, the Setel Lite app has all of the pumps displayed on one page. Not only is this more practical, it\u2019s also easier to make sense of at a glance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe latter is especially true, given that the standard Setel app has both the pump number and amount of fuel I want to purchase displayed on the same page. The Setel Lite app, on the other hand, separates these two elements to different pages. Again, a more practical (and simpler) approach to fuelling.\n\n\nAfter I\u2019ve set the amount of fuel I want to get, I\u2019m prompted to punch in my passcode to activate the pump. After that, I just have to wait for the pump to be activated and step out to start fuelling. Oh, it\u2019s worth noting that at this stage of the fuelling process, the Setel Lite app doesn\u2019t have extra visuals at the bottom of the page to purchase more items.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOnce I\u2019ve fuelled up with the Setel Lite app, I\u2019m greeted by a page with the amount of Mesra points I\u2019ve earned \u2013 which is Petronas\u2019 reward system \u2013 with a receipt of my purchase. There\u2019s also a slider to rate how likely I am to recommend the app to my friends. This is similar to the standard Setel app, but the Setel Lite app doesn\u2019t have the prompt to view my membership, which I personally prefer for a cleaner visual experience.\n\n\nAnd\u2026that is what it\u2019s like to fuel up with the Setel Lite app. For users that just want to refuel their cars without all the extra features afforded by the full Setel app (myself included), the Setel Lite app is certainly more appealing to use. I can still activate the pump from inside my car, the process is more straightforward, and I can continue to earn Mesra points seamlessly.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut the Setel Lite app does have some noteworthy limitations. The payment method, for one, is only limited to Setel Wallet or Family Wallet. In contrast, the regular Setel app allows users to add their credit or debit cards to make payments. Wallet upgrade \u2013 which increases the balance limit from RM500 to RM5,000 \u2013 can only be done through the full Setel app too.\n\n\nOf course, the standard Setel app is also more feature-packed. Not only can you use it to purchase fuel at Petronas stations, you can also redeem your Mesra points for rewards through the app and use your Setel Wallet balance for various payments.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut all things considered, I wouldn\u2019t say that the Setel app is \u201cbetter\u201d than Setel Lite and vice versa; it all comes down to your personal preference. Yes, the regular Setel app is more comprehensive and versatile, but if you don\u2019t use the extra features or your phone can\u2019t run the app well, then the simplicity and lightweight nature of the Setel Lite app may appeal more to you.\n\n\nSetel Lite will be launched sometime in Q2 2023. At the moment, it\u2019s only set to be available on Android devices through the Google Play Store and Huawei AppGallery. No word yet on Setel Lite\u2019s availability on iOS, though we reckon it will arrive on the platform sooner or later.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/setel-lite-releasing-by-end-april-2023-simpler-version-of-setel/", "title": "Setel Lite Releasing by End-April 2023 \u2013 Simpler Version of Setel", "body": "\n\nWe just got word that Setel Lite, a simplified version of the regular Setel app, will be released to the public by the end of April 2023 this month. \nWe reviewed the Setel Lite app\n ahead of its launch, and while it\u2019s not as feature-rich as the full app, it does provide a fuss-free refuelling experience.\n\n\nThe interface of Setel Lite is much less \u201ccluttered\u201d than the standard Setel app. There are no additional features shown on the home screen except for the purchase fuel button. This, in turn, also means it\u2019s a less demanding app to run, so it should be able to offer a pleasant user experience even on older or less powerful phones.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSetel Lite has a much more minimalist interface\n\n\nEspecially in comparison to Setel\u2019s \u201cbusier\u201d interface\n\n\n\n\nOf course, given its more minimalist, lighter nature, the Setel Lite app also has its limitations in comparison to the full app. The payment method, for one, is only limited to Setel Wallet or Family Wallet. In contrast, the regular Setel app allows users to add their credit or debit cards to make payments. Wallet upgrade \u2013 which increases the balance limit from RM500 to RM5,000 \u2013 can only be done through the full Setel app too.\n\n\nNonetheless, Setel Lite is still great for folks that just want to refuel their vehicles quickly without the fuss. To recap, the app will be released to the public by the end of April 2023 this month. At the moment, Setel Lite is only set to be available on Android devices through the Google Play Store and Huawei AppGallery.\n\n\nNo word yet on Setel Lite\u2019s availability on iOS, though we reckon it will arrive on the platform sooner or later.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-7-unboxing-hands-on-the-consistent-android-gaming-phone/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 7 Unboxing & Hands-on: The Consistent Android Gaming Phone", "body": "\n\nOver the years, we saw the release of many, many gaming phones, but just as many of them don\u2019t see more than a few iterations. Lenovo, for example, ended its line of Legion-branded gaming phones, and things \ndon\u2019t look particularly great for Black Shark either\n.\n\n\nBut one gaming phone brand remains consistent over the years: Asus. Initially launched back in 2018, the Taiwanese company\u2019s gaming phones have remained popular in the segment. Of course, the latest Asus ROG Phone 7 and Phone 7 Ultimate look to continue the brand\u2019s dominance in the market, and I received the former for this unboxing and hands-on \u2013 and eventual review, of course.\n\n\nWithout further ado, let\u2019s get to it!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe packaging of the standard ROG Phone 7 isn\u2019t quite as elaborate as the Ultimate version. It comes in a regular box \u2013 albeit with some neat-looking, \u201cgamery\u201d designs \u2013 and underneath the box is the phone itself in a plastic covering.\n\n\nNaturally, a 65W charger is bundled with the ROG Phone 7 to complement its 65W fast charging capability. Also provided is a plastic case that has cutouts to show the illuminated ROG logo and lighting element on the back of the gaming phone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the back panel of the ROG Phone 7 is different depending on the colourway. For this Phantom Black model, there\u2019s a nice dual-tone finish that separates the two halves of the phone. The bottom portion has a matte finish, while the top features a glossy surface with \u201ctranslucent elements.\u201d\n\n\nThe so-called translucent elements don\u2019t look particularly convincing on the Storm White ROG Phone 7, which has a full matte finish without the glossy portion. Personally, I prefer the aesthetics of the Phantom Black model for this reason, though I do wish it had the Storm White\u2019s non-pixelated ROG logo instead.\n\n\n\n\nThe ROG Phone 7 Ultimate (top) and the two colourways of the ROG Phone 7\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, on paper, the ROG Phone 7 brings a few notable upgrades compared to its predecessor. These include a faster Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, a brighter AMOLED display with a fast 165Hz refresh rate, a 32MP selfie camera, and even WiFi 7 support\u2026despite the fact that the standard isn\u2019t even widely used yet.\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s talk about the gaming performance of the ROG Phone 7. As usual, I fire up \nGenshin Impact\n to see how the phone handles the demanding mobile game, and unsurprisingly, it can maintain a steady 60fps frame rate will the graphics settings maxed out.\n\n\nThat being said, there \nare\n some small stutters as I go around the game\u2019s open world, but for the most part, there\u2019s no denying that Genshin Impact runs great on this phone, courtesy of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the 6.78-inch 2448 x 1080 AMOLED display of the ROG Phone 7. It\u2019s a bright screen with punchy, saturated colours, and the high 165Hz refresh rate is noticeably faster (though not by a huge margin) than 120Hz panels found on most modern flagship phones. Suffice to say it\u2019s a great display for both gaming and content consumption.\n\n\nBattery life has always been a strong suit for Asus\u2019 ROG Phones, so it\u2019s no surprise that the 6,000mAh battery of the ROG Phone 7 continues to deliver long battery life. So far, I\u2019m comfortably getting over seven hours of screen on time with about 15% of battery left.\n\n\nIn fact, compared to last year\u2019s model, it feels like the ROG Phone 7 offers even better battery life.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the camera performance of the ROG Phone 7. While I don\u2019t have a lot of expectations in this regard \u2013 given that this is a gaming-centric phone \u2013 I\u2019m pleasantly surprised by the image quality of the triple camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 50MP primary shooter, a 13MP ultra-wide angle sensor, and an 8MP macro lens.\n\n\nUnder good lighting, both the 50MP main camera and 13MP ultra-wide sensor can take good-looking shots. Image quality does take a hit in low light conditions, though they still perform relatively well, as you can see in the sample shots below. Rest assured, I will put the camera through its paces in the full review.\n\n\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n13MP ultra-wide\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs far as first impressions go, the Asus ROG Phone 7 has the makings of a premium, proper gaming smartphone for 2023. Even though there\u2019s no major design changes, it\u2019s quite a bit better than its predecessor in terms of performance, display, and camera capability.\n\n\nThe ROG Phone 7 is set to be launched in Malaysia next month on 10 May, so its local pricing will only be revealed then. Once we know how much it costs on our shores, we can better judge its appeal as a high-end gaming phone.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/setel-lite-now-available-on-google-play-store-coming-soon-to-huawei-appgallery/", "title": "Setel Lite Now Available on Google Play Store & Huawei AppGallery", "body": "\n\nOriginally slated for a release \nby the end of April 2023\n, Setel Lite is now available on the Google Play Store and Huawei AppGallery. We \nreviewed the Setel Lite app\n ahead of its launch today, and while it\u2019s not as feature-rich as the full app, it does provide a simpler, more convenient refuelling experience.\n\n\nThe interface of Setel Lite is much less \u201ccluttered\u201d than the standard Setel app; there are no additional features shown on the home screen except for the purchase fuel button. This, in turn, also means it\u2019s a less demanding app to run, so it should be able to offer a pleasant user experience even on older or less powerful phones.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSetel Lite has a much more minimalist interface\n\n\nEspecially in comparison to Setel\u2019s \u201cbusier\u201d interface\n\n\n\n\nOf course, given its more minimalist, lighter nature, the Setel Lite app also has its limitations in comparison to the full app. The payment method, for one, is only limited to Setel Wallet or Family Wallet. In contrast, the regular Setel app allows users to add their credit or debit cards to make payments. Wallet upgrade \u2013 which increases the balance limit from RM500 to RM5,000 \u2013 can only be done through the full Setel app too.\n\n\nNonetheless, Setel Lite is still great for folks that just want to refuel their vehicles quickly without the fuss. At the moment, it\u2019s only available for download on the \nGoogle Play Store\n and Huawei AppGallery. No word yet on Setel Lite\u2019s availability on iOS, though we reckon it will arrive on the platform sooner or later. More details on Setel Lite can be found on the \nofficial website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/monster-hunter-now-is-niantics-new-game-coming-september-2023-on-ios-android/", "title": "Monster Hunter Now Is Niantic\u2019s New Game \u2013 Coming September 2023 on iOS & Android", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe developer behind the hugely successful Pokemon Go mobile game, Niantic, just announced its new title: Monster Hunter Now. Developed in partnership with Capcom itself, the mobile game looks to be a location-based AR game, just like Pokemon Go.\n\n\nNaturally, Monster Hunter Now will be free to play with in-app purchases. While the gameplay mechanics have not been detailed much, screenshots of the game do give us an idea. Material can be gathered from mining outcrops throughout the map, and monsters can be encountered in the wild too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, monster encounters will be a big part of Monster Hunter Now. It remains to be seen exactly how a battle will play out, though the maximum battle time is said to be limited to only 75 seconds. Nonetheless, the producer of the Monster Hunter series for Capcom, Ryozo Tsujimoto, said that the gameplay and hunting action of Monster Hunter will be honoured in the new mobile game.\n\n\nMonster Hunter Now will arrive sometime in September 2023 on iOS and Android. The closed beta will begin from 25 April, and about 10,000 participants will be selected to give the game a try. You can sign up for the beta test \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/toll-exemptions-for-4-days-during-raya-from-19-to-21-april-24-april/", "title": "Toll Exemptions for 4 Days During Raya \u2013 From 19 to 21 April & 24 April", "body": "\n\nIn conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya celebration, the government is granting toll exemptions for a total of four days. If you\u2019re planning your \nbalik kampung\n trip in the next few days, you should definitely take advantage of the exemptions.\n\n\nThe first three days of toll exemptions are set between 19 April to 21 April; perfect for folks to start their journey back home. The fourth day of exemption is on 24 April, so you can plan your trip back to the city on that day if you so desire.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe toll exemptions apply to vehicles of all classes across 33 highways throughout Malaysia. Given that tolls will be free on these four days, there\u2019s a good chance more vehicles will be on the road in this period, so plan ahead!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/pdrm-summons-issued-before-2023-discounted-to-rm50-from-21-april/", "title": "PDRM Summons (Issued Before 2023) Discounted to RM50 From 21 April", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019ve got any outstanding traffic summonses from PDRM, you can enjoy a pretty darn good discount to clear them from this Friday onwards. From 21 April to 21 May, each traffic summons issued by PDRM will be discounted to only RM50.\n\n\nYou stand to save quite a bit of money through this initiative, which was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Take for example a RM300 traffic summons from PDRM: since it can be settled for only RM50, you save as much as RM250. That is a very respectable amount of discount.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut there is a caveat: only summonses issued before 2023 are eligible for the special RM50 payment rate. Aside from that, while it was mentioned that all PDRM traffic summonses issued in 2022 and before will be discounted, it\u2019s not clear if specific summonses, such as ones that require a court appearance, are eligible for the savings too.\n\n\nNo details yet on the payment method to enjoy the special discount, though we reckon it will be possible to pay for the summons online at the discounted rate through the \nMyBayar portal\n. MyBayar is also available as an app on the \nApple App Store\n, \nGoogle Play Store\n, and \nHuawei AppGallery\n.\n\n\nTo recap, the special RM50 payment rate for all PDRM traffic summonses issued before 2023 is applicable from 21 April to 21 May 2023 next month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-13-ultra-official-quad-leica-camera-system-with-variable-aperture-from-5999-yuan/", "title": "Xiaomi 13 Ultra Official \u2013 Quad Leica Camera System With Variable Aperture From 5,999 Yuan", "body": "\n\nThe Xiaomi 13 Ultra has just been launched, and the range-topping device in the series features some impressive camera hardware. Leica branding aside, the flagship phone\u2019s quad camera system is also made up of four 50MP lenses.\n\n\nIn fact, the primary camera of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra even features a 1-inch type sensor and a variable aperture system from f/1.9 to f/4.0. The other three 50MP sensors are a 3.2x telephoto shooter, a 5x telephoto lens, and an ultra-wide angle camera with macro support. Certainly a versatile camera setup.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra include a 6.73-inch 3200 x 1440 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate \u2013 it has a \nbright\n peak brightness of 2,600 nits \u2013 a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset paired with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, a 32MP selfie camera, a 5,000mAh battery with 90W fast charging, and IP68 dust and water resistance.\n\n\nIn China, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra starts from 5,999 Chinese yuan, which comes up to about RM3,855. While it\u2019s only offered in China at the moment, it\u2019s confirmed that the flagship phone will also be available in other markets in the future \u2013 perhaps that includes Malaysia as well.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-a54-hands-on-samsungs-most-premium-mid-ranger-yet/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy A54 Hands-on: Samsung\u2019s Most Premium Mid-Ranger Yet", "body": "\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy A54 could just be the Korean company\u2019s most premium mid-range phone yet. While it is not exactly a replacement for the \u201cFE\u201d line of phones \u2013 which hasn\u2019t seen any new additions since the \nGalaxy S21 FE\n \u2013 it does feel somewhat like a spiritual successor.\n\n\nI\u2019ve spent a good amount of time with the Galaxy A54 as my daily driver, and overall, it\u2019s quite an impressive mid-ranger. While its value proposition isn\u2019t the best in the segment, it\u2019s certainly one of the more refined phones I\u2019ve tried at this price point.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s start with the pricing of the Galaxy A54. For the Malaysian market, the sole 8GB + 256GB configuration goes for RM1,899, which is quite a bit higher for a mid-range phone. But for that kind of money, it does come with a number of features not typically found in this segment, including an IP67 dust and water resistance and pretty darn respectable camera performance.\n\n\nHonestly, I\u2019m surprised by the low light performance of the Galaxy A54\u2019s triple camera system. It\u2019s made up of a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 5MP macro lens. Collectively, both the 50MP main camera and 12MP ultra-wide sensor can take some good-looking nighttime shots.\n\n\nJudge for yourself with these sample images:\n\n\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGranted, the Galaxy A54\u2019s camera interface doesn\u2019t feel particularly responsive in low light conditions, and the shutter speed slows down too, which makes it a little tough to get blur-free images. Then again, in the context of a mid-range phone, I am certainly impressed with the overall performance of the camera.\n\n\nNext, there\u2019s the general performance of the Galaxy A54 courtesy of the Samsung Exynos 1380 chipset. It may not be a particularly well-known chip, but it\u2019s more than fast enough in day-to-day use with little to no performance hiccup. That being said, it does struggle to run \nGenshin Impact\n smoothly at 60fps.\n\n\nHowever, after tweaking the graphics settings accordingly, the game does run relatively well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the 6.4-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display of the Galaxy A54. Not surprisingly, this panel offers vibrant, punchy colours with deep blacks and wide viewing angles; display qualities we\u2019ve come to expect from a Samsung phone. The 120Hz refresh rate lends to very smooth-looking animations too.\n\n\nBattery life of the Galaxy A54 is worth a mention as well. Packed with a 5,000mAh battery, I can get about five hours of screen on time with the phone so far. Not the best battery life I\u2019ve seen on a phone at this price point or segment, but it\u2019s definitely above average.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDesign wise, I love how the Galaxy A54 looks in this Awesome Violet colourway. Not only is it quite an eye-catching colour, it also gives the phone a \u201cfun\u201d appeal. I appreciate the fact that the plastic frame matches the colour of the phone too.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Galaxy A54 still feels nice and premium in my hands despite the fact that its frame is made of plastic. Of course, the smooth glass back of the phone also helps in this regard, and I like the fact that I can (somewhat) comfortably use the A54 with just one hand, thanks to its relatively compact nature.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs much as I enjoy using the Samsung Galaxy A54, I can\u2019t quite say for certain if it\u2019s worth paying RM1,899 for the phone. After all, competition is tough in this segment, and there are plenty of other phones at this price point (or even lower, actually) that offers better value for money.\n\n\nBut the strength of the Galaxy A54 lies in its refinement and feature set. It looks sleek \u2013 though I do wish it had smaller bezels \u2013 it feels great in my hands, and it is a water-resistant mid-range phone. In a market where even \nflagship\n phones don\u2019t have this feature, it\u2019s a unique appeal for the A54.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, I\u2019ll put the Galaxy A54 through its paces in the full review; we\u2019ll know then if the RM1,899 price tag is justified. If you\u2019re keen to get the A54, it is now available for purchase on \nSamsung\u2019s online store\n in four colourways: the aforementioned Awesome Violet, Awesome Lime, Awesome Graphite, and Awesome White.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/20-26-april-fuel-price-ron-97-still-set-at-rm3-35-per-litre/", "title": "20 \u2013 26 April Fuel Price: RON 97 Still Set at RM3.35 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAs we lead up to the Hari Raya weekend, RON 97 sees no price change yet again. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.35 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 20 to 26 April next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mode-is-coming-to-malaysia-through-rebult-keyboards-starting-with-mode-envoy/", "title": "Mode Is Coming to Malaysia Through Rebult Keyboards, Starting With Mode Envoy", "body": "\n\nMode has been in the custom keyboard scene for quite some time now, and the keyboard brand is now expanding to other markets, including Malaysia. This expansion is done through vendor partners, and Rebult Keyboards will be the vendor for our market.\n\n\nThe first big Mode product that will be sold through these vendors is none other than the Mode Envoy, a relatively affordable 65% keyboard. A group buy for the Envoy \u2013 in five pre-configured colourways \u2013 will take place from 21 April at 8PM until 12 May in Malaysia from \nRebult Keyboards\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for pricing, the Envoy starts at RM965 for our market, and the price goes up accordingly depending on the colourway and plate material. Speaking of which, five plate options are available: aluminium, FR4, POM, carbon fibre, and copper.\n\n\nAside from the Envoy, group buy for other Mode keyboard components will be offered by Rebult Keyboards too. These include switches, deskmats, keycaps, and even artisan keycaps. It\u2019s worth noting that these components are all designed after three specific Mode Themes: Anthracite, Obscura, and Tomorrow.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEstimated fulfilment for these Mode products (including the Envoy) is sometime in September 2023. While that\u2019s quite some time away, at least you won\u2019t have to pay for international shipping or extra import charges if you were to purchase these items directly from Mode.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/smart-3-electric-suv-coming-to-malaysia-smart-1-on-track-for-q4-2023-local-launch/", "title": "Smart #3 Electric SUV Coming to Malaysia \u2013 Smart #1 on Track for Q4 2023 Local Launch", "body": "\n\nUnveiled just a couple of days ago at the Shanghai auto show, we now have confirmation that the new Smart #3 electric SUV is coming to Malaysia. According to Proton, the new EV will arrive here \u2013 via its subsidiary, Pro-Net \u2013 after the SUV goes on sale in China and Europe.\n\n\nDubbed as a \u201csport utility coupe\u201d with a sloping roofline, the Smart #3 shares the same design language as the Smart #1, though it\u2019s a larger electric SUV. Unfortunately, technical details of the #3 have not been revealed yet; we\u2019ll have to wait for its official European debut sometime in September for those info.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the Smart #3, Proton reiterated that the Smart #1 is on track for its Q4 2023 debut here in Malaysia. Several media have even tested the SUV at Proton\u2019s test track, and more preview sessions \u2013 which will be open to the public as well \u2013 will be held before the EV goes on sale locally.\n\n\nIt\u2019s certainly exciting to see the launch of more EVs in Malaysia, even if our charging infrastructure still needs some work. Here\u2019s hoping more EV chargers will be available locally as EV adoption increases on our shores.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/compact-acer-predator-triton-14-unleashed-with-rtx-4070-250hz-mini-led-screen-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Compact Acer Predator Triton 14 Unleashed With RTX 4070 & 250Hz Mini-LED Screen \u2013 Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nAcer is launching a slew of new products today, and one of the most exciting gaming laptops announced is the updated Acer Predator Triton 14. Yes, the compact Triton 300 SE now has a new name, and we actually spotted this new laptop in SIRIM\u2019s database \nearlier this year\n \u2013 that\u2019s right, it\u2019s finally coming to Malaysia.\n\n\nUnder the hood of the new Predator Triton 14 are some capable hardware. It can be configured with a 13th gen Intel Core i7-13700H processor paired with up to 32GB of LPDDR5 6000MHz RAM, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 or RTX 4050 GPU, as well as Intel Killer WiFi 6E AX1675i for fast wireless connectivity.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese hardware are all packed into a compact 14-inch chassis, which I find to be the Triton 14\u2019s best quality; it strikes a good balance between portability and performance. Aside from that, it also features a 14-inch 2560 x 1600 mini-LED display with a fast 250Hz refresh rate and tall 16:10 aspect ratio.\n\n\nThe Acer Predator Triton 14 is set to be available in North America sometime in May with a $1,499 starting price; that comes up to about RM6,650. While the compact gaming laptop has been confirmed for the Malaysian market, we don\u2019t know yet exactly when it will be sold here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-predator-helios-neo-16-also-coming-to-malaysia-value-for-money-rtx-4070-gaming-laptop/", "title": "Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 Also Coming to Malaysia \u2013 Value for Money RTX 4070 Gaming Laptop", "body": "\n\nAside from the compact Triton 14, Acer also introduced the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 today. Touted as a value for money gaming laptop, the Neo 16 also has a unique-looking lid with \u201claser-etched encrypted codes\u201d with a hidden message of sorts.\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the Predator Helios Neo 16 can be configured with a 13th gen Intel Core HX processor paired with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, so it should be a reasonably capable gaming laptop. It can also be packed with 32GB of dual-channel DDR5 4800MHz RAM and up to 2TB of PCIe NVMe SSD in Raid 0 configuration.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the display department, the Helios Neo 16 features a couple of screen options. There\u2019s a 2560 x 1600 IPS display with a 165Hz refresh rate, or a more modest 1920 x 1200 screen with the same refresh rate. Both panel options support Nvidia Advanced Optimus and G-Sync.\n\n\nThe Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 is set to be available in Malaysia sometime in May next month. Of course, local pricing of the gaming laptop has not been revealed yet, though it starts at $1,199 in North America \u2013 that comes up to about RM5,320.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-acer-predator-orion-x-is-a-compact-liquid-cooled-rtx-4090-desktop-for-2999/", "title": "The Acer Predator Orion X Is a Compact (Liquid-Cooled) RTX 4090 Desktop for $2,999", "body": "\n\nThis might just be Acer\u2019s coolest desktop yet \u2013 literally and figuratively. Enter the Acer Predator Orion X: a compact, liquid-cooled desktop with some powerful hardware, along with an interesting design for easy disassembly.\n\n\nThe Predator Orion X has three distinct zones, which can all be popped out easily with a lever system on the front of the machine. The left side of the case houses a liquid-cooled GPU that maxes out at an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090, while the right compartment houses an Intel Core i9-13900KS processor; also liquid-cooled. The top part, on the other hand, feature two fans.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s really quite impressive that the Orion X has such beefy hardware in a compact chassis, and it\u2019ll be interesting to see just how effective its liquid cooling solution is. Anyway, the whole system weighs only 9kg as well, so if you ever need to move it around, you can easily do so.\n\n\nAlthough the Acer Predator Orion X is introduced today, it will only hit the market sometime in September 2023. As for pricing, it\u2019s set to retail at a cool $2,999 \u2013 that comes up to about RM13,310. No word yet on the Malaysian availability of the Orion X.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-zenbook-s-13-oled-2023-launched-worlds-thinnest-oled-laptop-from-rm4999-in-malaysia/", "title": "Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED (2023) Launched \u2013 World\u2019s Thinnest OLED Laptop From RM4,999 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nThe Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED has just been refreshed for 2023, and it\u2019s touted by the Taiwanese company to be the world\u2019s thinnest laptop with an OLED display. Measuring only 10.9mm thin with a 1kg chassis, it\u2019s certainly a slim, lightweight productivity laptop.\n\n\nWhat\u2019s particularly interesting about the new Zenbook S 13 OLED is its\u2026well, OLED panel. The laptop features a 13.3-inch 2880 x 1800 \u201cAsus Lumina\u201d OLED screen, a new branding from the company that is only given to \u201csuperior OLED displays that meet our strict quality criteria,\u201d as Asus puts it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, this OLED panel is also Pantone Validated with support for Dolby Vision. It also meets DisplayHDR True Black 500 standards, so it\u2019ll certainly be interesting to see how the display would fare once we have the laptop in for review.\n\n\nOther specifications of the S 13 OLED (for the Malaysian market) include a 13th gen Intel Core i7-1355U or i5-1335U processor paired with 16GB of LPDDR5 5200MHz RAM, up to 1TB of SSD storage, and a 63Wh battery with a quoted battery life of up to 14 hours.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED is set to arrive in Malaysia sometime in the middle of May next month. Two variants are offered: the Core i5 base model with a 512GB SSD is priced at RM4,999, while the Core i7 variant with a 1TB SSD costs RM5,999. It\u2019s worth noting that the S 13 OLED also comes with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021 out of the box.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x90-launch-set-for-7-may-after-sabah-sarawak-public-preview/", "title": "Proton X90 Launch Set for 7 May \u2013 After Sabah & Sarawak Public Preview", "body": "\n\nWe finally got a launch date for the \nProton X90\n. The premium D-segment SUV is set to be launched on 7 May 2023 next month, which is just a week after the public preview of the X90 in Sabah and Sarawak on 29 and 30 April.\n\n\nTo recap, the public preview of the X90 started from 8 April in six states across Malaysia. These include Selangor/KL and Penang (8 \u2013 9 April); Johor and Pahang (15 \u2013 16 April); as well as the aforementioned Sabah and Sarawak public previews on 29 to 30 April. Not surprisingly, this preview is by invitation only.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe X90 is offered in four variants: Standard, Executive, Premium, and Flagship. Out of the four trim levels, only the Flagship model comes with six seats. There are individual \u201ccaptain seats\u201d for the second row, as you can see in the interior shot above.\n\n\nAside from that, the X90 is also Proton\u2019s first new energy vehicle (NEV) with a mild hybrid system. Its 1.5L TGDi three-cylinder turbo engine is paired with a 48V electric motor synergy (EMS) system that offers a combined output of 190PS and 300Nm of torque paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. According to Proton, this mild hybrid system offers up to 15% improved fuel efficiency.\n\n\nIn the safety department, the X90 features Proton\u2019s most elaborate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) yet, which is available on the Premium and Flagship models. The ADAS is said to offer a sophisticated level 2 autonomous driving, including three new features: rear collision warning (RCW), rear cross traffic alert (RCTA), and traffic sign information (TSI).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOnce the Proton X90 is launched on 7 May, it should be available for viewing at selected Proton showrooms throughout Malaysia. The premium SUV is also available for booking now, though you can \nonly do so from Proton 4S or 3S outlets\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/unboxing-mtg-march-of-the-machine-set-boosters-commander-deck-final-battle/", "title": "Unboxing MTG March of the Machine Set Boosters & Commander Deck \u2013 Final Battle!", "body": "\n\nMagic: The Gathering\u2019s newest set, March of the Machine, is now available for tabletop. It is the fourth and final instalment in MTG\u2019s four-part Phyrexian storyline, and it features a new card type: Battle. This is the first new card type to be introduced since the debut of Planeswalkers back in 2007.\n\n\nTo celebrate the launch of March of the Machine, Wizards of the Coast sent us a box of Set Boosters and a Commander Deck (Growing Threat) of the set to check out. If you\u2019re interested to pick up either one of these products, here\u2019s our unboxing of the new expansion\u2019s Set Boosters and Commander deck!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Set Boosters. Unlike Draft Boosters, Set Boosters are meant to be more \u201cexciting\u201d to crack open. This is probably why it is popular among folks who just enjoy opening booster packs instead of using them for Limited play, such as Draft or Sealed.\n\n\nWhat makes an MTG Set Booster more exciting to open is the structure of the 14-card pack for March of the Machines. 12 of them are guaranteed Magic cards, while the other two are an art card and a token/ad card; the latter has a chance to be replaced with a card from \u201cThe List.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTypically, when you crack open a Set Booster, the first card you\u2019ll see is an art card followed by a land card. But this have changed since the introduction of the previous set (\nPhyrexia: All Will Be One\n) right before March of the Machine. Depending on how you open a pack of Set Booster now, you may see the art card first, but the cards now face the \nother\n side with some changes to the order. Technically, the art card is now the \u201clast\u201d card in the pack.\n\n\nSo the order of a March of the Machine Set Booster now looks like this: a token/ad card; a guaranteed foil card; the main set\u2019s rare or mythic rare card; two wildcards, which can be a Multiverse Legends card with a Booster Fun treatment of its respective plane; an uncommon double-faced Battle card; a common or uncommon card double-faced Phyrexian card; two uncommon and two common cards with a connection to each other; a basic or full-art harbinger basic land; and an art card.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere are a few interesting things to take note of. The guaranteed foil card, for example, can be of any rarity with a chance to be a Multiverse Legends card. On top of that, the two wildcard slots can be of any rarity as well, so it\u2019s possible you can get as many as \nfive\n rare or mythic rare cards in a March of the Machine Set Booster.\n\n\nWe\u2019ve cracked open a fair number of Set Boosters from this set, and two of our packs had three rare cards, which has a 14% chance of happening. Pretty good odds, in our opinion, considering that opening a pack with four or five rare/mythic rare cards are 2% and <1% respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have March of the Machine\u2019s Commander deck, a 100-card deck that\u2019s ready to play out of the box. We received the Growing Threat White-Black deck with Brimaz, Blight of Oreskos as the main Commander. Included in every March of the Machine Commander deck is a Collector Booster Sample Pack, which contains two cards. One of them is a rare or mythic rare card from the set (non-foil or traditional foil), while the other one is a traditional foil uncommon Multiverse Legends card.\n\n\nAlso found inside every March of the Machine Commander deck are a number of neat items, including ten oversized Planechase cards unique to each deck, a life counter, and 10 double-sided tokens. While the Commander format can be quite complicated \u2013 especially to newcomers \u2013 it can definitely be fun to play with friends.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd that\u2019s our unboxing of the Set Boosters and Commander Deck of Magic: The Gathering\u2019s new March of the Machine set. If you\u2019re keen to check out this new set, give your \nnearest game store\n a visit.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-p60-pro-coming-to-malaysia-11-may-launching-alongside-mate-x3-foldable-phone/", "title": "Huawei P60 Pro Coming to Malaysia 11 May \u2013 Launching Alongside Mate X3 Foldable Phone?", "body": "\n\nLaunched in China just last month, the \nHuawei P60 Pro\n is set to be launched here in Malaysia in the next couple of weeks on 11 May. It\u2019s said to be launched alongside a \u201cflagship product,\u201d which could be hinting at the Huawei Mate X3 foldable phone.\n\n\nThe local launch date of the P60 Pro was revealed by Huawei itself on the \nregistration page for the Malaysia preview\n of the flagship smartphone as seen below. The company is also \nrunning a contest\n to invite 10 winners to the local launch of the new device.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardware wise, the P60 Pro is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G chip. It also features a 6.67-inch 2700 x 1220 OLED panel with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (48MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide + 48MP telephoto), a 13MP selfie shooter, a 4,815mAh battery, and an IP68 rating.\n\n\nAs for the Mate X3, it also has a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G processor, along with a 120Hz 7.85-inch 2496 \u00d7 2224 inner OLED display, a 6.4-inch 1080p OLED cover screen (also set at 120Hz), a triple camera system (50MP main + 13MP ultra-wide + 12MP periscope telephoto), an 8MP selfie camera, a 4,800mAh (standard model) or 5,060mAh (Collector\u2019s Edition) battery, as well as an IPX8 rating.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Huawei P60 Pro is set to be launched in Malaysia on 11 May, and it will likely be launched alongside the Huawei Mate X3. The local pricing of the two flagship phones should be revealed then too.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-ally-launching-on-11-may-compact-steam-deck-competitor-with-amd-ryzen-z1/", "title": "Asus ROG Ally Launching on 11 May \u2013 Compact Steam Deck Competitor With AMD Ryzen Z1", "body": "\n\nThe Asus ROG Ally is set to be launched in the next couple of weeks on 11 May! Basically, it is a competitor to the Steam Deck, and it looks to be more compact too with the \u201cfastest AMD APU yet\u201d in the form of the AMD Ryzen Z1 \u2013 or Z1 Extreme \u2013 with RDNA 3 graphics.\n\n\nIf we were to take Asus\u2019 claim at face value, the ROG Ally may just offer better gaming performance over the Steam Deck, given that the latter is also powered by an AMD APU, Aerith. The Ally also has a higher resolution 7-inch 1920 x 1080 display with a 120Hz refresh rate, while the Steam Deck has lower resolution 60Hz panel, though it has a taller 16:10 aspect ratio.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the ROG Ally can also be connected to the (proprietary) ROG XG Mobile external GPU enclosure for higher fidelity gaming. It\u2019s said to run on Windows 11 as well, so it\u2019ll be interesting to see how this would impact the battery life of the handheld gaming console.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Ally include up to 16GB of LPDDR5 dual-channel RAM and 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD \u2013 this is said to be upgradable \u2013 a microSD card slot for further storage expansion, as well as a lightweight chassis that tips the scales at 608g.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Ally will debut in the next couple of weeks on 11 May. The launch event will take place at 10PM Malaysian time on that day, and hopefully, we\u2019ll find out then if the handheld gaming console will be coming to Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honkai-star-rail-now-available-on-ios-android-pc-coming-to-playstation-soon/", "title": "Honkai: Star Rail Now Available on iOS, Android, PC \u2013 Coming to PlayStation Soon", "body": "\n\nHoyoverse\u2019s new game, Honkai: Star Rail, is now available on various platforms. These include iOS, Android, and of course, PC. The game is also coming to PlayStation, though no release date has been given yet.\n\n\nUnlike \nGenshin Impact\n or Honkai Impact 3rd, Star Rail is a turn-based RPG game where players fight in a party of four. The game also have dungeon exploration, puzzle-solving, and even flashy animations as characters unleash their respective skills. Based on \nour review of the game\u2019s\n \nsecond closed beta\n, Star Rail has an intriguing, engrossing storyline too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo celebrate the launch of Star Rail, a number of rewards are given to players who check-in to the game and have reached certain progression milestones. These include Star Rail Pass \u2013 which is used to unlock characters and \u201cLight Cones,\u201d which are essentially weapons \u2013 credits, and Stellar Jade (the game\u2019s premium currency).\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to give Honkai: Star Rail a try, you can download the game \nright here\n. To recap, the RPG game is now available on iOS, Android, as well as PC via Hoyoverse\u2019s own launcher and the \nEpic Games Store\n. As for the PlayStation version, it will arrive at a later date. Naturally, cross-platform progression is offered for Star Rail, which will come in handy for players who play on multiple platforms.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/whatsapp-finally-enables-multiple-phone-linking-heres-how-to-do-it/", "title": "WhatsApp Finally Enables Multiple Phone Linking \u2013 Here\u2019s How to Do It", "body": "\n\nYou don\u2019t have to \nuse our workaround\n to get WhatsApp to work on multiple phones anymore. The company just made it possible to link up to four additional devices now, including smartphones. If you\u2019re wondering how to do that, here\u2019s our guide.\n\n\nFirst, download (or update) the latest version of WhatsApp on the \nGoogle Play Store\n. Launch the app, and go through the setup process until you get to the phone number screen. Instead of keying in your phone number, click the button on the top right corner to summon the menu, and select \u201clink a device.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOnce you\u2019ve done that, you\u2019ll see the page above with instructions to start the link process. Just scan the QR code with your primary WhatsApp phone, and you\u2019re done! According to WhatsApp, linked phones \u201cconnect to WhatsApp independently, ensuring that your personal messages, media, and calls are end-to-end encrypted,\u201d which is reassuring.\n\n\nWhatsApp added that it is currently working on an easier method to link your phone with \nWhatsApp Web\n. Instead of scanning a QR code, you\u2019ll just need to key in your phone number to send a one-time code to your primary WhatsApp phone to start the link process. This feature will be rolled out in the coming weeks.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-12c-receives-rm100-price-cut-in-malaysia-now-starting-at-rm499/", "title": "Redmi 12C Receives RM100 Price Cut in Malaysia \u2013 Now Starting at RM499", "body": "\n\nThe budget-friendly \nRedmi 12C\n was launched in Malaysia just last month, and now, it receives a pretty respectable price cut. Thanks to this price revision, the affordable phone \u2013 packed with a reasonably large display and battery capacity \u2013 looks to be an even better option now for those on a tight budget.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Redmi 12C are offered in Malaysia, and both of them receive the same RM100 price cut. The base model with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage now retails at RM499, while the 6GB + 128GB configuration goes for RM599. Four different colour options are available: Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple, and Graphite Grey.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven the affordable nature of the Redmi 12C, it has a modest spec sheet. It features a 6.71-inch 720p display, a MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, a 50MP primary camera paired with an auxiliary lens for capturing depth information, a 5MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with 10W charging via a microUSB port.\n\n\nThe Redmi 12C is now available for purchase in Malaysia at these new prices through \nShopee\n, \nLazada\n, as well as authorised Xiaomi stores nationwide. To recap, the Redmi 12C now goes for RM499 and RM599 for the 4GB + 128GB and 6GB + 128GB configurations respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/27-april-3-may-fuel-price-ron-97-still-at-rm3-35-per-litre/", "title": "27 April \u2013 3 May Fuel Price: RON 97 Still at RM3.35 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s time for another fuel price update, and not surprisingly, RON 97 sees no price change yet again. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.35 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 27 April to 3 May next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/7hz-legato-review-boombox-bass/", "title": "7Hz Legato Review: Boombox Bass?", "body": "\n\n7Hz has certainly made a name for itself in the competitive ChiFi market. With almost every release, it leaves behind a prominent mark. The 7Hz Timeless, for example, is regarded as one of the best (and properly tuned) ChiFi planar IEMs when it was first released.\n\n\nThere\u2019s also the \n7Hz Salnotes Dioko\n, which is a refined, affordable sub-$100 planar IEM that was developed in collaboration with the famed Crinacle. 7Hz has a very good offering in the more budget-friendly segment too in the form of the \n7Hz Salnotes Zero\n, a single dynamic driver IEM from only $22.99.\n\n\nNot only has 7Hz released products at various price points to appeal to different crowds, it\u2019s also evident that the brand is well aware of what\u2019s trending in the IEM space. And if you\u2019ve been keeping up with the fast-moving ChiFi market, you\u2019d know that the current talk of the town are dual dynamic driver IEMs.\n\n\nWell, enter the 7Hz Legato.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nAccording to a \nvideo interview\n with 7Hz\u2019s co-tuners (Larry and Ray) by YouTuber Ian Fann, the Legato is meant to stray away from the Harman-style tuning that\u2019s been all the rage as of late. Instead, the Legato aims to emulate the experience and nostalgia of\u2026an 80s, vintage boombox.\n\n\nIn order to achieve this, the Legato utilises a dual dynamic driver configuration. A 12mm subwoofer, of course, handles the bass, while another 6mm tweeter handles the mids and highs. \nPaired with its $109 (about RM485) price tag on Linsoul\n \u2013 which sent us this review unit \u2013 it\u2019s quite reasonably priced.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you own the Dioko, then you\u2019ll be very familiar with the packaging of the Legato. In fact, aside from a different texture, the case is practically the same. Inside, you\u2019ll find the Legato itself with a thick OCC cable already attached, five pairs of silicone ear tips, and extra nozzle filters \u2013 a thoughtful addition.\n\n\nHow Does It Sound?\n\n\nIf it hasn\u2019t been made obvious yet, the 7Hz Legato is all about that bass. The overall note weight is thick with a warm tonality and V-shaped sound signature. The emphasised low-end, however, does mean that details can get a bit veiled.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSoundstage has good height and width, but it\u2019s mostly an intimate experience. The lack of depth isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing, though busier tracks tend to sound a bit messy thanks to the Legato\u2019s less-than-stellar imaging performance.\n\n\nBass\n\n\nI\u2019ve mentioned a couple of times that the Legato\u2019s main focus is its bass. But how exactly is the quality of the bass? Well, let\u2019s first talk about quantity. The Legato\u2019s sub-bass extends deep down low with strong, boomy authority. Mid-bass has less extension, but is still plenty impactful.\n\n\nIn regards to the Legato\u2019s inspiration to sound like a vintage boombox, I would say\u2026mission accomplished. The IEM not only achieves the slam of a boombox, it also brings a more coloured and less analytical sound.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe meaty low end is strong, no doubt, but it also ends up sounding loose and undefined. The texture of the bass also has a certain fuzziness to it that lends to the \u201cvintage\u201d sound it sought to achieve, though that also means it\u2019s not as refined \u2013 to me, anyway.\n\n\nThe \nQKZ x HBB Khan\n is another dual dynamic driver IEM that I previously reviewed. The mid-bass on that set has better extension with tighter and cleaner impact, while the bass of the Legato sounds much more\u2026 \u201cchonky\u201d and looser. I wouldn\u2019t go as far as to say that the Legato has muddy bass, but there\u2019s definitely notable bass bleed into the mids.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMids\n\n\nMids on the Legato take a step back. While the mids don\u2019t sound \ntoo \nrecessed to my ears, the IEM\u2019s treble and (especially) bass are so apparent and forward that the mids seem a tad shy \u2013 qualities of a V-shaped sound signature. That being said, compared to the Khan, female vocals are definitely more present here with thicker note weight.\n\n\nThe aforementioned bass bleed of the Legato also gives vocals an unnatural timbre and weight. It\u2019s worth noting that while these qualities are apparent with female vocals, male vocals don\u2019t suffer too much as the added warmth does sound fairly organic.\n\n\nTimbre quality of instruments also sounds a bit artificial. There\u2019s a certain hollowness to it that doesn\u2019t sit right with me, though I guess I can chalk it up to the Legato aiming to achieve the \u201cold-school sound quality.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHighs\n\n\nThe theme of unnaturalness extends to the highs of the Legato. The treble region is also not particularly detailed with a grainy texture to it, though I do appreciate that it is bright enough to my liking. It doesn\u2019t sound too dark or too shrill, which is good.\n\n\nComparing the Legato (once again) to the Khan, the latter has a smoother, more rolled-off treble, while the Legato has sparklier highs that tend to sound a bit harsh on busier tracks.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nThe 7Hz Legato can be described as a basshead\u2019s ideal mid-range IEM. It has all the \nrumble \nyou\u2019d want without the thinness of most IEMs these days that are tuned to the Harman target curve. It\u2019s also more musical than it is analytical, which may appeal to some folks.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut I still find myself reaching for the QKZ x HBB Khan when I feel like listening to something fun; the tightness of the bass on that set is just more impactful and engaging to me. But to the Legato\u2019s credit, I do miss its thicker note weight when I\u2019m listening to the Khan.\n\n\nLi Jin Soh contributed to this review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-ally-will-supposedly-retail-at-699-99-for-highest-end-amd-ryzen-z1-extreme-model/", "title": "Asus ROG Ally Will Supposedly Retail at $699.99 for Highest-End AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme Model", "body": "\n\nWe may just have pricing details on the upcoming \nAsus ROG Ally\n. If the leak is to be believed, the highest-end configuration of the handheld gaming console with an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip will go for \njust\n $699.99 \u2013 that comes up to about RM3,115. Just imagine how much more affordable the base Z1 configuration could be.\n\n\nThis leak comes from \nThe Verge\n, which received the pricing detail on the ROG Ally from renowned leaker \nRoland Quandt\n. Another leak by SnoopyTech in the Tweet below also confirms this, though it\u2019s entirely possible the pricing is still not finalised yet. We\u2019ll only know for sure once the device is launched on 11 May.\n\n\n\n\nASUS ROG Ally (AMD Z1 Extreme) = $699.99 \nhttps://t.co/GDkz6wZNWI\n\u2014 SnoopyTech (@_snoopytech_) \nApril 26, 2023\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s obvious that the ROG Ally is a competitor to Valve\u2019s Steam Deck, and it looks to be more compact too with the \u201cfastest AMD APU yet\u201d in the form of the AMD Ryzen Z1 or Z1 Extreme with RDNA 3 graphics. The Ally also has a higher resolution 7-inch 1920 x 1080 display with a 120Hz refresh rate, while the Steam Deck has lower resolution 60Hz panel, though it has a taller 16:10 aspect ratio.\n\n\nAside from that, the ROG Ally can also be connected to the (proprietary) ROG XG Mobile external GPU enclosure for higher fidelity gaming. It\u2019s said to run on Windows 11 as well, so it\u2019ll be interesting to see how this would impact the battery life of the handheld gaming console.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Ally include up to 16GB of LPDDR5 dual-channel RAM and 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD \u2013 this is said to be upgradable \u2013 a microSD card slot for further storage expansion, as well as a lightweight chassis that tips the scales at 608g.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Ally will debut in the next couple of weeks on 11 May. The launch event will take place at 10PM Malaysian time on that day, and we\u2019ll find out then if the handheld gaming console will indeed top out at $699.99, and whether or not it will be coming to Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-baizhu-ganyu-banners-arrive-2-may-with-kaveh-candace-fischl/", "title": "Genshin Impact Baizhu & Ganyu Banners Arrive 2 May With Kaveh, Candace, Fischl", "body": "\n\nDetails on Baizhu\u2019s and Ganyu\u2019s banners have been revealed. Set to arrive in \nGenshin Impact\n next week on 2 May, the two 5-star characters\u2019 event wishes will be accompanied by Kaveh, a brand new 4-star character, as well as Candace and Fischl.\n\n\nIn line with \nprevious Genshin\n \nImpact banners\n, Baizhu\u2019s and Ganyu\u2019s event wishes both have the same roster of 4-star characters despite the fact that they\u2019re featured in separate banners. Of course, pity is also shared between the two event wishes, and the wish guarantee count\u00a0will\u00a0carry over to future character banners too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe same rule applies to the increased \u201cdrop rate\u201d of the featured characters. In the case of Baizhu and Ganyu, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be either of them, depending on which banner you\u2019re wishing. If you got a different character, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be them.\n\n\nSince Genshin Impact\u2019s pity system for character banners ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character every 90 wishes, you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Baizhu or Ganyu. This rule is also applicable to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Kaveh, Candace, or Fischl. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will likely have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBaizhu\u2019s \u201cImmaculate Pulse\u201d and Ganyu\u2019s \u201cAdrift in the Harbor\u201d event wishes will be available in Genshin Impact on 2 May next week. Their banners will be offered until 23 May, and we can expect \nKirara\n to be playable not long after that in the Version 3.7 update of Genshin Impact.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-a34-review-the-ideal-rm1599-mid-range-phone-for-some-folks/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy A34 Review: The Ideal RM1,599 Mid-Range Phone (For Some Folks)", "body": "\n\nThe mid-range smartphone market is a tough segment to compete in. There are a lot of options in this price range, and many of them offer great hardware for the money. Unfortunately, in this regard, the RM1,599 Samsung Galaxy A34 can\u2019t quite compete with its competition.\n\n\nBut while the Galaxy A34 doesn\u2019t have the best hardware at its price point, it\u2019s easily one of the most \nrefined \nphones in its segment. It has an intuitive, polished software experience, great build quality, and even an IP67 rating \u2013 a feature that even some flagship phones don\u2019t have.\n\n\nWhile the Galaxy A34 is not the fastest mid-range phone I\u2019ve tried, it\u2019s certainly a phone that I enjoyed using as my daily driver.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.6-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED (2340 x 1080), 120Hz\nChipset\nMediaTek Dimensity 1080 2.6GHz octa-core\nGPU\nArm Mali-G68 MC4\nRAM\n8GB\nStorage\n256GB, expandable\nCamera (rear)\n48MP f/1.8\n8MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide)\n5MP f/2.4 (macro)\nCamera (front)\n13MP f/2.2\nBattery\n5,000mAh with 25W charging\nDimensions\n161.3 x 78.1 x 8.2 mm\nWeight\n199g\nOS\nOne UI 5.1 based on Android 13\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.3\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM1,599\n\n\nUnder the hood, the Galaxy A34 has a modest set of hardware. The MediaTek Dimensity 1080 \u2013 while not particularly quick \u2013 can still offer a good level of performance for day-to-day use, and the Full HD+ Super AMOLED display looks pretty darn good too, especially for a mid-range phone.\n\n\nTo me, the most compelling feature of the Galaxy A34 has to be its IP67 dust and water resistance, which does give peace of mind in daily use. It\u2019s already a feature that some flagship-tier phones don\u2019t have, so the fact that a mid-range phone like the A34 has this rating is certainly a good selling point.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nOne of the best features of the Samsung Galaxy A34 has to be its software experience, which feels largely similar to that of the \nSamsung Galaxy S23 Ultra\n. It\u2019s intuitive to navigate around, it feels responsive, and and it just feels\u2026polished. While it does have a number of bloatware out of the box, it\u2019s not the worst offender in this regard.\n\n\nDisplay quality of the Galaxy A34 is worth a mention too. Not only does the 6.6-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display look great with punchy colours and deep blacks, it also has wide viewing angles; qualities we\u2019ve come to expect from a Samsung phone with an AMOLED panel.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the A34\u2019s screen has a 120Hz refresh rate as well, which gives the impression of an even faster device.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThat it not to say the Galaxy A34 is a slow phone to begin with, as the Dimensity 1080 can certainly keep up with my everyday use, including frequent switching between different apps. That being said, the processor does show its limits in demanding games like \nGenshin Impact\n. It can\u2019t quite run the game consistently at 30fps \u2013 let alone 60fps \u2013 but it is still (mostly) playable.\n\n\nDespite the fact that the Galaxy A34\u2019s frame and back panel are made of plastic \u2013 with a nice matte finish \u2013 the phone doesn\u2019t feel cheap by any means, which is a pleasant surprise. I do wish that the phone feels less slippery from its matte finish, though I do like how the back cover of this \u201cAwesome Lime\u201d colourway has a nice sheen to it when it\u2019s reflecting light from certain angles.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the battery life of the Galaxy A34. On average, I can get about six hours of screen on time consistently out of the phone\u2019s respectable 5,000mAh battery. It would\u2019ve been great if its charging rate isn\u2019t limited to only 25W, but at least the phone can last quite a bit on a single charge.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nThe middling camera performance of the Galaxy A34 is my main gripe with the phone. At this price point, I expect better image quality out of the triple camera system, which is made up of a 48MP main shooter, an 8MP ultra-wide angle lens, and a 5MP macro sensor.\n\n\nGranted, the 48MP primary camera can take decent-looking shots, but the same cannot be said for the 8MP ultra-wide sensor. Just take a look at these sample shots:\n\n\n\n\n48MP primary\n\n\n48MP primary\n\n\n48MP primary\n\n\n8MP ultra-wide\n\n\n48MP primary\n\n\n8MP ultra-wide\n\n\n48MP primary\n\n\n8MP ultra-wide\n\n\n48MP primary\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnder good lighting, the Galaxy A34 can certainly take good-looking shots, but once the sun goes down, so does the camera performance. Granted, the 48MP primary camera can still take reasonably good shots, but the performance of the 8MP ultra-wide lens leaves much to be desired, especially in terms of detail preservation.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the value proposition of the Galaxy A34. While I can see myself paying RM1,599 for the phone\u2019s feature set as whole, folks who want better hardware at this price point would be better served by other options, such as the \nRedmi Note 12 Pro+\n with a 200MP primary camera for the exact same amount of money.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you want a mid-range phone that offers a refined software experience, bright display, good build quality, and water resistance, then the Samsung Galaxy A34 is worth a consideration. While there are other devices at this price point that feature faster hardware or better camera performance, I\u2019d argue that the A34 is still a more polished phone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRM1,599 for a mid-range phone may seem expensive at a glance, but I do think this is a fair price for the Galaxy A34. I thoroughly enjoyed using it as my daily driver, even if I wish it had better camera performance.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/garmin-forerunner-965-now-available-in-malaysia-for-rm2970-with-amoled-display/", "title": "Garmin Forerunner 965 Now Available in Malaysia for RM2,970 With AMOLED Display", "body": "\n\nOriginally set to be available in Malaysia at the end of April 2023, the Garmin Forerunner 965 can now be purchased locally. One of the biggest upgrades to the smartwatch \u2013 believe it or not \u2013 is the addition of an always-on AMOLED display.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Forerunner 965 retails at a cool RM2,970. Three colour options are available: Amp Yellow (shown below), Whitestone, and a more minimalist Black. Regardless of which colourway you get, all of them feature a silicone strap with a lightweight titanium bezel.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs is name suggests, the Forerunner 965 is a running-focused smartwatch. It offers up to 23 days of battery life in smartwatch mode \u2013 it goes down to 31 hours in GPS mode \u2013 training metrics with recovery insights, built-in maps, multi-band GPS, as well as support for push notifications, naturally.\n\n\nThe Garmin Forerunner 965 is now available for purchase in Malaysia through Garmin\u2019s official stores on \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n. While RM2,970 is quite a bit of money for a smartwatch, that\u2019s how much you have to pay for a GPS smartwatch catered to serious runners.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/unreleased-oneplus-nord-3-appears-in-sirim-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Unreleased OnePlus Nord 3 Appears in SIRIM \u2013 Coming to Malaysia Soon?", "body": "\n\nIt appears OnePlus is gearing up to launch another phone in Malaysia, and it\u2019s an unannounced device. In our routine search through SIRIM\u2019s database, we spotted the OnePlus Nord 3, suggesting that Malaysia could be one of the first markets to get the upcoming phone.\n\n\nIt\u2019s believed that the OnePlus Nord 3 will be the global version of the OnePlus Ace 2V, which was launched in China earlier this month. If that is really the case, it should be an interesting upper mid-range smartphone powered by a fast MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chipset.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the OnePlus Ace 2V \u2013 and by extension, the OnePlus Nord 3 \u2013 also features a 6.74-inch 2772 x 1240 AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro), a 16MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with support for 80W fast charging.\n\n\nIt remains to be seen exactly when the OnePlus Nord 3 will be officially introduced, so we\u2019ll just have to wait until it\u2019s unveiled to see what the phone has to offer. Given that the Nord 3 has been registered with SIRIM already, we reckon the phone will be made available here shortly after its debut.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/chargev-upgrading-older-ac-chargers-at-18-petronas-stations/", "title": "ChargEV Upgrading Older AC Chargers at 18 Petronas Stations", "body": "\n\nIn the coming months, ChargEV will be upgrading a number of its AC chargers at 18 different Petronas stations throughout Malaysia. The upgrade process will see the decommissioning of these older AC chargers.\n\n\nAccording to ChargEV, the upgrade process will \u201csignificantly enhance the charging experience for all EV drivers.\u201d This could mean that ChargEV AC chargers at Petronas stations listed below will be upgraded to faster DC chargers, though this is merely an educated guess on our part.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s also possible that ChargEV will install newer AC chargers at these Petronas stations. After all, the current AC chargers are quite dated, which requires a physical ChargEV card to be activated. More modern AC chargers can simply be activated through various apps, including the \nChargEV app\n.\n\n\nWe\u2019ll find out just what the upgrade entails once ChargEV completes its upgrade works at these Petronas stations. As more EV models are introduced in Malaysia, it\u2019s great to see improvements to the local EV charging infrastructure.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/url-links-sent-over-sms-will-be-blocked-from-2-may-2023/", "title": "URL Links Sent Over SMS Will Be Blocked From 2 May 2023", "body": "\n\nIf you (for some reason) regularly send URL links over SMS, do note that this will be blocked starting from 2 May 2023 next week. This was announced \nback in February 2023\n by the Malaysia Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).\n\n\nThe main objective of this initiative is to prevent consumers from becoming victims of online scams through the use of phishing websites. Interestingly, this block is applicable to SMS (sent and received) from both local and international mobile numbers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlthough the initiative was announced earlier this year, local telcos recently sent out an SMS informing customers of this directive, \nas reported by Amanz\n. At the moment, only SMS with URL links sent from personal numbers will be blocked from 2 May next week. SMS sent by businesses via short codes can still contain URL links, but this \nwill also be blocked in the near future\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-sony-wf-1000xm4-gets-huge-discount-now-only-rm579/", "title": "Deal: Sony WF-1000XM4 Gets Huge Discount \u2013 Now Only RM579", "body": "\n\nThe \nSony WF-1000XM4\n was originally launched back in 2021, and to date, it is still Sony\u2019s flagship wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation (ANC). Given that it\u2019s been quite some time since its launch, the earbuds are now more affordable than ever: you can get it \nfor only RM579\n.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by WeSave.my on Lazada, which is quite a reputable retailer. The WF-1000XM4 is \nlisted at RM629\n on the store, and with the \ncomplimentary RM50 TNG eWallet credit\n, you\u2019re essentially paying only RM579 for the wireless earbuds \u2013 a huge discount compared to its RM1,099 launch price.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlthough the WF-1000XM4 isn\u2019t a particularly new pair of wireless earbuds, it can still hold its own against the latest offerings, \nespecially\n \nfor only RM5\n7\n9\n. It has a warm, \u201cfun\u201d sound signature that complements pop music very well, and it offers pretty darn long battery life as well.\n\n\nIf you want to learn more about the Sony WF-1000XM4, check out our \nfull review of the wireless earbuds\n. Again, \nfor only RM579\n, its value proposition is very good, even if its successor could be \njust around the corner\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-predator-helios-neo-16-now-in-malaysia-rtx-4060-4050-laptop-from-rm4899/", "title": "Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 Now in Malaysia \u2013 RTX 4060/4050 Laptop From RM4,899", "body": "\n\nAs promised, the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 is now available in Malaysia. Launched globally \njust a couple of weeks ago\n, the Neo 16 is touted as a value for money gaming laptop, and it also has a unique-looking lid with \u201claser-etched encrypted codes\u201d with a hidden message of sorts.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, two variants of the Predator Helios Neo 16 are available in Malaysia. The base model features an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, a 13th gen Intel Core i5-13500HX processor paired with 8GB of RAM, as well as a 512GB PCIe NVMe Gen4 SSD; all for RM4,899.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the higher-end RM6,399 configuration of the Helios Neo 16, it comes with a faster RTX 4060 GPU and a Core i7-13700HX processor. It also has more RAM and SSD storage at 16GB and 1TB respectively, not to mention a sharper display.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Helios Neo 16 features two screen options on our shores. The RTX 4060 variant has a 16-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS display with a 165Hz refresh rate, while the more affordable RTX 4050 model comes with a 1920 x 1200 screen with the same refresh rate. Both panel options support Nvidia Advanced Optimus and G-Sync.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 is \nnow available for purchase\n \nin Malaysia from RM4,899\n. Those who get the gaming laptop by 8 May will receive free gifts worth RM956, including a Predator-branded backpack, a Predator Cestus 330 mouse, a Predator cap, and Acer SuperCare 2 warranty that provides a 3-year on-site warranty with accidental damage and theft coverage.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/horizon-forbidden-west-burning-shores-review-a-great-reason-to-return/", "title": "Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores Review: A (Great) Reason to Return", "body": "\n\nI have a confession: I have not fired up \nHorizon Forbidden West\n since I reviewed it a year ago. So when I was given the opportunity to review its new DLC, \nBurning Shores\n, I thought it\u2019d be a great time to get back into Guerrilla\u2019s latest masterpiece.\n\n\nFor a DLC that \ncosts only RM79\n, Burning Shores offers a lot of game for not a lot of money. I also love the fact that it continues the narrative of Horizon Forbidden West, which is one of the game\u2019s best qualities. With a whole new area to explore along with some new weapons and machines, it\u2019s a DLC that\u2019s well worth getting.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nBurning Shores picks up right where the main storyline of Horizon Forbidden West left off, which is great as I wasn\u2019t thrilled by the cliffhanger ending of the original game. That also means you have to complete all main quests in Forbidden West first before you can venture to the new region.\n\n\nThe Burning Shores is basically the \u201cpost-post-apocalyptic\u201d ruins of Los Angeles, and you can still see the iconic Hollywood sign as you go around the new area. Despite the rather\u2026well, uninviting name, there are many parts of the Burning Shores that look very scenic.\n\n\nHeck, even the lava flows look charming (and deadly).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, it\u2019s a new threat that brings Aloy to the Burning Shores, and she meets a new character here, Seyka. Without going into too much detail, there\u2019s a good chance we will see more of her in the next sequel of the Horizon franchise \u2013 she plays quite a central role in the story of this expansion.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nSince we\u2019re on the topic, the new story of Burning Shores is very engrossing. It has a much better ending than the original story of Forbidden West, and it gives us a better idea of what to expect in the next instalment of the game. Compared to, say, the Frozen Wilds DLC for Horizon Zero Dawn, Burning Shores feels like a more compulsory play.\n\n\nIn terms of visuals, it\u2019s no surprise that Burning Shores continues to look stunning. Whether it\u2019s the vast landscape or character models, everything is rendered in incredible detail. In my opinion, not many games \u2013 even taking into account AAA titles \u2013 offer this level of visual fidelity.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe amazing visuals of Burning Shores is especially evident in the final boss fight. Without getting into spoiler territory \u2013 this review is as spoiler-free as possible \u2013 let\u2019s just say it is \nabsolutely\n a sight to behold, both in terms of visual and scale.\n\n\nAs much as I enjoy playing Horizon Forbidden West, I\u2019m not too fond of the weapon offerings in the game, which is mainly focused on the bow and arrow. So when I come across this one new weapon type in Burning Shores \u2013 which is teased in the trailer below \u2013 it immediately became my favourite weapon to wield. It adds even more depth to the weapon system of the game.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, there are several new machines found in Burning Shores too, which are quite fun to engage. The frog-like Bilegut, while frustrating to handle at first \u2013 I\u2019m partly to blame, given that I didn\u2019t level up my equipment as much as I should \u2013 does feel satisfying to take down once I got the right strategy nailed down.\n\n\nUnfortunately, besides the Bilegut, there aren\u2019t that many new machines introduced in Burning Shores, which is fine to me. After all, Horizon Forbidden West itself already has a wide variety of machines to take down.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWhile I love the story that Burning Shores brings, I\u2019m not a fan of the main antagonist, which is\u2026well, one-dimensional. The villain is mainly here as a plot device to move the story forward, for better or worse, and in this regard, the main storyline of Forbidden West has more sophisticated antagonists.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the fact that the Burning Shores DLC is exclusive to the PS5. If you\u2019re on the PS4, the only way you can enjoy the new story is to watch a playthrough of it. This is unfortunate, given that Burning Shores is a must-play (in my opinion) before the third Horizon game comes out sometime in the future.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nNonetheless, \nfor only RM79\n, the Burning Shores DLC for Horizon Forbidden West is absolutely worth getting if you have the game on the PS5. It\u2019s a stunning new region to explore, the new weapon type is very fun to wield, and most importantly, it\u2019s a vital continuation of the game\u2019s overarching plot.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s a shame that the Burning Shores expansion is exclusive to the PS5, especially for a game that\u2019s available on both the PS4 and PS5. Nonetheless, if you have access to the DLC, and you\u2019re eager to jump back into the world of Horizon, Burning Shores is worth every penny.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/bmw-ce-04-electric-scooter-costs-rm59500-in-malaysia/", "title": "BMW CE 04 Electric Scooter Costs RM59,500 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nThe BMW CE 04 was teased for the Malaysian market earlier this year, and today, the local pricing of the electric scooter has finally been revealed. One of the main selling points of the CE 04 is its sleek-looking futuristic design, not to mention pretty respectable performance.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the CE 04 is priced at RM59,500 on-the-road without insurance; it also comes with a 3-year warranty and 3-year roadside assistance. BMW group also offers a financing plan for the CE 04, which starts at RM728 per month based on the Balloon Financing estimates of an 80% loan on a 4-year tenure.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTouted as an electric scooter for city riding, the CE 04 is quite a fast vehicle, though it does have relatively limited range of up to 130km from a 8.9kWh battery. Nonetheless, the scooter\u2019s electric motor can output 42PS and 62Nm of torque, allowing it to sprint from 0-50kmph in only 2.6 seconds. It also has a top speed of 120kmph (electronically limited).\n\n\nAs for charging time, the CE 04 can be charged from 0-80% in 1 hour and 5 minutes with a 6.9kW AC charger. If it\u2019s charged with a slower 2.3kW AC charger instead, it takes 3 hours and 30 minutes to get to the same level of charge.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the BMW CE 04 is priced at RM59,500 in Malaysia, which is quite a bit lower than the asking prices of the electric scooter in other markets, thanks to \ntax exemptions gi\nv\nen to EVs on our shores\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x50-r3-20th-anniversary-edition-200-units-october-2023-delivery/", "title": "Proton X50 R3 20th Anniversary Edition \u2013 200 Units, October 2023 Delivery", "body": "\n\nNow this is interesting: Proton is showing off a new variant of the Proton X50 at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023. Given that this is a limited edition model, only 200 units of the hugely popular SUV are available, and bookings can only be made at the event.\n\n\nBased on the Flagship model, we were told that the R3 edition of the X50 will (likely) be a cosmetic upgrade over the regular version of the SUV. It comes in R3\u2019s signature black and yellow colour scheme with various yellow highlights throughout the exterior.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSome unique design elements of the X50 R3 include a matte black paint job, an R3 aerokit, a bonnet stripe, and even sleek 18-inch alloy wheels. All in all, it looks properly sporty, though do note that the model pictured here is only a \u201cconcept,\u201d as the name plate suggests. The final consumer version of the SUV may look different.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, while bookings of the R3 edition X50 will be opened at the Malaysia Autoshow, deliveries are only expected to start sometime in October 2023. While that\u2019s quite a bit of wait, you \nare\n getting a limited edition model.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPricing details of the Proton X50 R3 20th Anniversary Edition have not been revealed yet, though a Proton representative said it will be priced slightly higher than the regular Flagship model, which is currently going for RM113,300. Nonetheless, if you\u2019re keen to get the X50 R3, head on to the Malaysia Autoshow 2023 \u2013 it will be open to the public from 4 to 7 May.\n\n\nAs mentioned, only 200 units of the limited edition SUV are available, so you may want to place a booking as soon as you can at the event.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/neta-v-is-the-most-affordable-ev-in-malaysia-for-rm99800-rm10k-cash-voucher-up-to-380km-range/", "title": "Neta V Is the Most Affordable EV in Malaysia for RM99,800 \u2013 RM10k Cash Voucher, up to 380km Range", "body": "\n\nThere\u2019s a new EV in town, and it is now the most affordable vehicle of its kind in Malaysia. Enter the Neta V, which has been brought into Malaysia by Intro Synergy, the sole distributor of Neta cars on our shores. Not only is the EV affordable, early birds can even get a respectable RM10,000 rebate on it.\n\n\nHere in Malaysia, the Neta V is available in the sole Deluxe variant for RM99,800; just shy of the RM100,000 mark. Coupled with the RM10,000 rebate \u2013 though this is limited to the first 100 orders \u2013 the EV can be bought for only RM89,800; on-the-road pricing without insurance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Neta V offers a range of up to 380km (following the NEDC standard) out of its 38.54kWh battery. It supports up to 100W DC fast charging too, which can juice up the battery from 30% to 80% in 30 minutes. With a slower 6.6kW AC home charger, it can be charged from empty to full in 8 hours.\n\n\nPerformance wise, the Neta V\u2019s front-mounted electric motor outputs a modest 95PS and 160Nm of torque, allowing it to go from 0-50kmph in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 120kmph. Safety wise, it features two airbags \u2013 yes, only two \u2013 ABS, EBD, ESC, and passive cruise control.\n\n\n\n\nThe Neta V gets 16-inch alloy wheels\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Neta V will be available for viewing at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023 from 4 to 7 May at MAEPS Serdang. The first 100 folks who \nbook the EV online\n by 10PM on 7 May will get the aforementioned RM10,000 rebate, bringing down the price of the Neta V to RM89,800. Deliveries are expected to begin in Q3 2023.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/4-10-may-fuel-price-ron-97-stays-at-rm3-35-per-litre/", "title": "4 \u2013 10 May Fuel Price: RON 97 Stays at RM3.35 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAnother week, another fuel price update, and RON 97 continues to remain at the same price. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.35 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 4 to 10 May next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/perodua-emo-ev-concept-is-a-glimpse-of-electric-myvi-300kw-charging-up-to-350km-range/", "title": "Perodua EMO EV Concept Is a Glimpse of Electric Myvi \u2013 300kW Charging, up to 350km Range", "body": "\n\nAt the ongoing Malaysia Autoshow 2023, Perodua showed off a rather interesting concept. The Perodua EMO \u2013 which stands for Electric Motion Online \u2013 is an EV that looks strikingly similar to the Myvi, and it\u2019s a glimpse of what Perodua\u2019s electrified future could look like.\n\n\nDespite being a concept product, Perodua actually gave a rather detailed spec sheet of the EMO. It\u2019s said to be a B-segment hatchback that measures 3,895mm long, 1,735mm wide, and 1,515mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,500mm. These are (not surprisingly) the exact same dimensions as the latest \nMyvi\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the EMO concept is also said to offer 95PS and 121Nm of torque, allowing it to do the century sprint in 10 seconds with a top speed of 160kmph. It comes with a 50kWh battery that promises between 300km to 350km of range as well, along with support for fast 300kW DC charging that takes only 20 minutes to reach 80% battery level.\n\n\nIt\u2019ll be a while before the Perodua EMO concept becomes a consumer-ready product (if ever), but its outlined features do make for a compelling EV for the right price. If you\u2019d like to check out the EMO in person, check out Perodua\u2019s booth at the Malaysia Autoshow until 7 May 2023.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/tecno-phantom-v-fold-now-in-malaysia-dimensity-9000-foldable-phone-for-rm4999/", "title": "Tecno Phantom V Fold Now in Malaysia \u2013 Dimensity 9000+ Foldable Phone For RM4,999", "body": "\n\nTecno has launched a new foldable phone on our shores, the Tecno Phantom V Fold, and it\u2019s pretty darn affordable. While the Chinese company isn\u2019t widely known in the smartphone market, the foldable device does look quite promising for the money \u2013 on paper, at least.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Phantom V Fold is offered in Malaysia. Sporting 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, it retails at only RM4,999. This price tag undercuts other foldable phones in our market now, including the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 4\n and \nHonor Magic Vs\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Phantom features a MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ chipset, a 7.85-inch 2296 x 2000 AMOLED primary display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 6.42-inch 2550 x 1080 AMOLED cover screen with the same 120Hz refresh rate, as well as 16MP and 32MP selfie cameras for the inner and cover screens respectively.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Phantom include a triple camera system (50MP primary + 50MP telephoto + 13MP ultra-wide angle), a 5,000maAh battery with 45W fast charging, and HiOS 13 Fold based on Android 13 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Tecno Phantom V Fold is now available for pre-order in Malaysia for RM4,999 through \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n. More details on the foldable phone can be found on \nTecno\u2019s official website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/book-drive-home-a-perodua-in-only-2-hours-at-malaysia-autoshow-2023/", "title": "Book & Drive Home a Perodua in Only 2 Hours at Malaysia Autoshow 2023", "body": "\n\nAside from showcasing its \nEMO EV concept\n, Perodua is also running a rather intriguing exclusive promotion at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023. The \u201c\n2 Hours Challenge\n\u201d allows visitors to book and drive home a brand new Perodua car \nwithin two hours\n at the event.\n\n\nHowever, visitors are required to bring a number of documents for the loan application process. These include your latest three or six months payslips; bank account and EPF statements; EA form and employment letter; as well as your IC and driving license.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes, quite a number of documents are needed for the 2 Hours Challenge, but the fact that you can book and drive home a new car within two hours is pretty darn interesting. This is especially the case if you don\u2019t want to wait too long to take delivery of your car, though we reckon this offer won\u2019t be applicable to every Perodua model.\n\n\nNonetheless, if you\u2019re keen to give Perodua\u2019s 2 Hours Challenge a try, head on to its booth at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023, which is ongoing right now at MAEPS Serdang until 7 May this Sunday. As mentioned, this promotion is only valid at the event.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nothing-phone-2-teased-powered-by-snapdragon-8-series-coming-by-september-2023/", "title": "Nothing Phone 2 Teased \u2013 Powered by Snapdragon 8 Series, Coming by September 2023", "body": "\n\nIt looks like Nothing is gearing up to launch a successor to the \nNothing Phone 1\n. Dubbed Nothing Phone 2 (naturally), the upcoming phone is said to be a \u201cpremium move,\u201d and it will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 series chipset.\n\n\nThat is quite a change over the Snapdragon 778G+ chip used in the Nothing Phone 1, though the Nothing Phone 2 won\u2019t be using the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC. Instead, it\u2019s believed that the phone will be powered by a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset instead; still a very capable chip, of course.\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nView this post on Instagram\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nA post shared by Nothing (@nothing)\n\n\n\n\nAs the teaser above shows, the Nothing Phone 2 is retaining the see-through design of its predecessor. It\u2019s becoming the brand\u2019s signature design language, so it only makes sense for the new phone to continue offering this feature as a unique appeal.\n\n\nThe Nothing Phone 2 is set to be launched sometime in summer 2023, which is between June to September. With that in mind, it\u2019s entirely possible Nothing\u2019s new smartphone will arrive as early as next month, though we reckon it will make its debut sometime in July instead, just like the Nothing Phone 1 last year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/unreleased-beats-studio-buds-plus-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Unreleased Beats Studio Buds Plus Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nThe Beats Studio Buds Plus is rumoured to be introduced on 18 May, and it seems like Malaysia will be one of the first markets to get the upcoming wireless earbuds. Sporting a new transparent colour option with some notable upgrades, Beats\u2019 latest earbuds look quite compelling.\n\n\nAs usual, we were going through SIRIM\u2019s database when we came across two curious devices dubbed A2871 and A2872. Registered just two days ago on 3 May, these are actually the model numbers of the Beats Studio Buds Plus; each earbud has its own model number.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from its transparent design, the Beats Studio Buds Plus is said to offer improved active noise cancellation compared to its predecessor. It promises better transparency mode too, along with up to 36 hours of total battery life.\n\n\nNow that the Beats Studio Buds Plus has been registered with SIRIM, we reckon it will be available in Malaysia shortly after its debut on 18 May. A previous leak suggests that it will be priced at $169.95 (about RM755), so we just have to wait for the official release to see if this price tag is legitimate.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x90-launched-in-malaysia-from-rm123800-mild-hybrid-premium-suv/", "title": "Proton X90 Launched in Malaysia From RM123,800 \u2013 Mild Hybrid Premium SUV", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe \nProton X90\n is finally here in Malaysia! Offered in four different variants, the premium D-segment SUV is the national carmaker\u2019s first new energy vehicle (NEV) with a mild hybrid system, which is standard across the range \u2013 yes, even the most affordable model features the same powertrain.\n\n\nFirst, prices. The base Standard X90 is priced at RM123,800, while the Executive model goes for RM130,800. Another tier up is the Premium variant for RM144,800, while the range-topping Flagship trim carries a RM152,800 price tag.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOut of the four different variants of the X90, the Flagship trim is the only model with six seats. There are individual \u201ccaptain seats\u201d for the second row, as you can see in the interior shot above. Based on our brief time with the X90, it does feel very much like a premium SUV. It looks and feels great, and all seven seats \u2013 or six seats for the Flagship model \u2013 are comfortable, though the third row does have pretty limited leg room.\n\n\nBut in terms of practicality, the X90 ticks all the boxes. Not only are there dedicated USB-A charging ports for all passengers \u2013 the second row even gets a USB-C charger \u2013 they also get individual air-conditioning vents; great for those \nbalik kampung\n trips.\n\n\nIf you need to transport large items with the X90, you\u2019ll be happy to know that the D-segment SUV offers up to a whopping 2,050L of boot space with the seats folded down. That is \na lot\n of space.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the X90 is Proton\u2019s first new energy vehicle (NEV) with a mild hybrid system. Its 1.5L TGDi three-cylinder turbo engine is paired with a 48V electric motor synergy (EMS) system that offers a combined output of 190PS and 300Nm of torque paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. According to Proton, this mild hybrid system offers up to 15% improvement with a quoted fuel efficiency of 6.8L/100km.\n\n\nIn the safety department, the X90 features Proton\u2019s most elaborate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) yet, which is available on the Premium and Flagship models. The ADAS is said to offer a sophisticated level 2 autonomous driving, including three new features: rear collision warning (RCW), rear cross traffic alert (RCTA), and traffic sign information (TSI).\n\n\nYes, the X90\u2019s ADAS can detect and display road signs in Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Proton X90 is priced from RM123,800 to RM152,800, undercutting its competition by quite a bit as a premium D-segment SUV. Bookings for the X90 are now open, though there\u2019s no mention of any expected waiting time.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-will-release-at-least-one-nev-model-every-year/", "title": "Proton Will Release \u201cAt Least\u201d One NEV Model Every Year", "body": "\n\nAt the local launch of the \nProton X90\n, the national carmaker revealed its NEV (new energy vehicle) plans. According to Proton, it will introduce \nat least\n one NEV model every year, so we can expect the company to add more hybrid \u2013 or even electric \u2013 vehicles to its model lineup in the future.\n\n\nIn order to accomplish this, Proton will have full support from Geely. The Chinese carmaker will also aid Proton in cultivating over 5,000 NEV talents within the next five years, alongside developing an NEV ecology in Malaysia with the goal of helping Proton to become a \u201cleader of new energy vehicles in ASEAN countries.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe first step of Proton\u2019s NEV plans is the introduction of the Proton X90, which features a mild hybrid system. Later this year in Q4 2023, the national carmaker \u2013 under its Pro-Net subsidiary \u2013 is bringing in the \nSmart #1\n electric SUV as well, with the \nSmart #3\n following suit sometime in the future.\n\n\nProton\u2019s NEV plans are certainly enticing for folks who want to move away from more conventional ICE vehicles. Previously, the company revealed that it aims to release its own EV sometime in 2025, so perhaps Proton will continue to look into introducing a hybrid model for 2024.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-ally-coming-to-malaysia-q3-2023/", "title": "Asus ROG Ally Coming to Malaysia Q3 2023", "body": "\n\nThe Asus ROG Ally will be officially introduced later this week on 11 May. Ahead of its launch, we managed to spend a brief time with the handheld gaming console at a media preview, and we were told that the Ally will be coming to Malaysia as early as Q3 2023.\n\n\nWith that in mind, the ROG Ally could arrive on our shores as early as July 2023, though this is the best case scenario. Given that the console has not been launched yet, there\u2019s no word on the local pricing of the Ally either, though an \nearlier leak claims that it will retail at $699 (about RM3,100)\n for the range-topping AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme model.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its main competition, the Steam Deck, the ROG Ally offers a number of upgrades, including a higher resolution 7-inch 1920 x 1080 display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Steam Deck, on the other hand, has lower resolution 60Hz panel, though it has a taller 16:10 aspect ratio.\n\n\nAside from that, the ROG Ally can also be connected to the (proprietary) ROG XG Mobile external GPU enclosure for higher fidelity gaming. It\u2019s said to run on Windows 11 as well, so it\u2019ll be interesting to see how this would impact the battery life of the handheld gaming console.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Ally include up to 16GB of LPDDR5 dual-channel RAM and 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD \u2013 this is said to be upgradable \u2013 a microSD card slot for further storage expansion, as well as a lightweight chassis that tips the scales at 608g.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Ally will debut this Thursday on 11 May. Though it\u2019s only set to arrive in Malaysia sometime in Q3 2023 \u2013 so that would be July at the earliest \u2013 it\u2019s good that we have confirmation on the local availability of the handheld gaming console. We\u2019ll find out later this week just how much the Ally will be priced at.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-sold-9415-units-in-april-2023-x50-continues-to-lead-suv-market/", "title": "Proton Sold 9,415 Units in April 2023 \u2013 X50 Continues to Lead SUV Market", "body": "\n\nThings are certainly looking up for Proton. The national carmaker managed to sell 9,415 units (including export sales) in April 2023 last month, which translates to a 6.5% improvement over its \nApril 2022 sales\n. This is despite the shortened sales and production time due to the Hari Raya holiday period.\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the hugely popular \nProton X50\n continues to lead both the B-segment SUV market and the overall SUV market. With 2,644 units sold, as many as 12,312 units of the X50 have been delivered up to April 2023; a respectable figure.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from the X50, the Persona and Exora continue to lead their respective segments too with 1,263 and 465 units sold respectively in April 2023. As for Proton\u2019s best-selling model, it is none other than the Saga with 3,949 units sold last month, bringing the A-segment sedan\u2019s total sales for 2023 to 21,395 units.\n\n\nNow that the Proton X90 has been launched, we reckon the national carmaker\u2019s sales will see further growth. After all, the premium D-segment\u2019s value proposition is really quite good \u2013 more details on the X90 \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-ally-hands-on-the-most-exciting-handheld-console-to-date/", "title": "Asus ROG Ally Hands-on: The Most Exciting Handheld Console to Date", "body": "\n\nWhat started as an April Fools\u2019 joke turned out to be quite an exciting product. If you\u2019re in the market for a handheld gaming PC, the Asus ROG Ally should definitely be in your shortlist. It\u2019s the first of (hopefully) more portable machines powered by AMD\u2019s new Ryzen Z1 chips.\n\n\nAfter spending a brief time with the ROG Ally, I absolutely cannot wait to put the handheld gaming machine through its paces. It\u2019s a very promising device for gamers on the go, and if it\u2019s priced right \u2013 as per an \nearlier leak\n \u2013 it could prove to be a winner for Asus.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its main competition, Valve\u2019s Steam Deck, the ROG Ally has a number of advantages. Its display, for one, is a higher resolution 7-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Steam Deck, on the other hand, has a lower resolution 7-inch 1280 x 800 with a 60Hz refresh rate, though it has a taller 16:10 aspect ratio.\n\n\nSo how good is the display quality of the ROG Ally? Well, it\u2019s above average. The 120Hz display lends to excellent motion clarity, and with a peak brightness of 500 nits, it\u2019s bright enough to provide a comfortable gaming experience. However, I do wish the viewing angles were better; the display dims quite a bit when it\u2019s viewed at a slight angle.\n\n\nI\u2019m not too crazy about the rather sizeable bezels surrounding the screen either.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, there\u2019s the performance level of the ROG Ally, which is quite impressive. The unit I tested is the range-topping Ryzen Z1 Extreme model, and it can run titles like Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak and Street Fighter 6 at a reasonably high (and consistent) frame rate.\n\n\nGranted, I need to lower the graphics settings so that the ROG Ally can run these games at a higher frame rate, but not by a whole lot. The games still look great on the Ally, and the fact that I don\u2019t have to sacrifice too much visual fidelity to get a smooth gameplay experience on this handheld gaming PC is surreal.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that the ROG Ally remains (surprisingly) quiet when I was running some games on it. Heat doesn\u2019t transfer to touch points either, though the top of the handheld does get quite warm after some time.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn terms of build quality, the ROG Ally doesn\u2019t feel cheap at all, though it also doesn\u2019t feel particularly premium. Don\u2019t get me wrong, the handheld gaming PC feels nice to hold in my hands, but the textured plastic chassis doesn\u2019t exactly feel\u2026well, expensive.\n\n\nBut to the Ally\u2019s credit, its buttons do feel great to actuate with good tactile feedback. The two analog sticks, while not particularly firm \u2013 they feel a tad too loose for my liking \u2013 are large enough for comfortable use. All in all, the Ally\u2019s input devices are good, which is important for a gaming-focused device.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlso important to a handheld gaming device is battery life, and this is still a question mark for the ROG Ally. After all, I only had a brief amount of time with the machine, so I don\u2019t exactly have a feel for its battery life yet. For what it\u2019s worth, I did notice that a few matches in Street Fighter 6 take up about 10% of battery life, and Asus quotes up to two hours of heavy gaming in performance mode.\n\n\nOf course, I\u2019ll test the Ally\u2019s battery life more thoroughly in the full review. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how long the 40Wh battery can last on a single charge, given that it is basically a compact PC running a full-blown version of Windows 11.\n\n\nWhile that does give the Ally the freedom to install any game that runs on Windows, that also means it will draw the same amount of power as a regular Windows machine.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, the Asus ROG Ally is a very interesting handheld gaming PC, and I\u2019d even go as far as to say that it is the most exciting device of its kind to date. Until other companies release similar products powered by AMD\u2019s new Z1 chips \u2013 which is \u201ctemporarily\u201d exclusive to Asus \u2013 the Ally is the only handheld I can comfortably recommend right now.\n\n\nYes, I\u2019d wholeheartedly recommend the Ally over the Steam Deck, especially here in Malaysia. The thing is, while the latter is available for purchase on our shores, it doesn\u2019t come with official warranty support. If anything were to go wrong in the product\u2019s lifetime, trying to get it fixed may prove to be a challenge.\n\n\nNaturally, this won\u2019t be an issue with the Ally once Asus Malaysia brings in the handheld PC \nsometime in Q3 2023\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe ROG Ally will be officially introduced later this week on 11 May. The pricing of the handheld gaming PC will be unveiled then, and if the \nleaked pricing of the range-topping Z1 Extreme model\n prove to be accurate at $699 (about RM3,105), it will almost surely sell like hot cakes.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/poco-f5-pro-unleashed-in-malaysia-for-rm2099-early-birds-get-up-to-rm200-discount/", "title": "Poco F5 Pro Unleashed in Malaysia for RM2,099 \u2013 Early Birds Get up to RM200 Discount", "body": "\n\nPoco just unveiled its latest flagship smartphone, the Poco F5 Pro. Sporting last year\u2019s (but still very capable) Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, the F5 Pro is a reasonably well-equipped phone with decent value for money.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, as many as three variants of the F5 Pro are offered here. The base 8GB + 256GB model is priced at RM2,099, while the 12GB + 256GB configuration goes for RM2,199. As for the range-topping 12GB + 512GB variant, it\u2019s priced at RM2,399.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that early birds can get a discount on the F5 Pro. The range-topping RM2,399 model gets a RM200 discount, while the other two models receive a RM100 rebate. These promotional prices are valid while stocks last on \nLazada\n.\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Poco F5 Pro features the aforementioned Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. While it\u2019s not quite as exciting as the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, it\u2019s still a fast processor that will be able to provide flagship-class performance.\n\n\nOther specifications of the F5 Pro include a sharp 6.67-inch 3200 x 1440 AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro), a 16MP selfie camera, and a 5,160mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging. Interestingly, it can do 30W wireless fast charging too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Poco F5 Pro is now available for purchase in Malaysia. To recap, the phone retails from RM2,099, and early birds can get up to RM200 discount on the phone while stocks last.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/poco-f5-with-snapdragon-7-gen-2-also-launched-in-malaysia-starts-at-rm1699/", "title": "Poco F5 With Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 Also Launched in Malaysia \u2013 Starts at RM1,699", "body": "\n\nLaunched alongside the F5 Pro is the more affordable Poco F5. Given its more budget-friendly nature, the F5 features slightly more modest hardware, but powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset, it\u2019s still quite a capable phone.\n\n\nTwo variants of the F5 are offered in Malaysia. The 8GB + 256GB model is priced at RM1,699, while the 12GB + 256GB configuration goes for RM1,799. While stocks last, a RM300 discount is offered for both variants through \nShopee\n, bringing down the starting price of the phone to only RM1,399.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the unique selling points of the F5 is its Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chip. In fact, it is the first phone in Malaysia with this SoC. Based on early impressions, it\u2019s quite a capable chip that will be able to offer a good level of performance.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the F5 are a 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro), a 16MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with 67W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Poco F5 is now available for purchase in Malaysia; the 8GB + 256GB and 12GB + 256GB models retail at RM1,699 and RM1,799 respectively. As mentioned, early birds can get a RM300 discount on each variant while stocks fast.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-adds-final-cut-pro-logic-pro-to-ipad-subscription-based-from-rm22-90/", "title": "Apple Adds Final Cut Pro & Logic Pro to iPad \u2013 Subscription-Based From RM22.90", "body": "\n\nThe iPad just got more powerful with the addition of Apple\u2019s two popular software: Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro. The two apps are offered on a subscription basis for the tablet, which starts at RM22.90 per month.\n\n\nThis is quite a bit more affordable than buying Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro for a Mac, which are priced at RM1,299.90 and RM999.90 respectively. Despite the price difference on a Mac, the two apps cost the same on the iPad: RM22.90 per month (as mentioned) or RM199 for an annual subscription.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, Apple did add some new features to the iPad version of the two apps. In the case of Final Cut Pro, there is a new touch interface (naturally) along with a jog wheel that lets users \u201cinteract with content in completely new ways,\u201d as the Cupertino company puts it.\n\n\nAs for Logic Pro, support for touch controls \u2013 including pinch to zoom and swipe to scroll \u2013 allows users to play software instruments and navigate around the app more intuitively. If you prefer more traditional keyboard controls for the two apps, you can still use them by connecting the iPad to a Magic Keyboard or Smart Keyboard Folio.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to give the two apps a try, a one-month free trial will be offered for Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro on iPad. Both apps will be available for Apple\u2019s tablet from 24 May later this month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-7-series-lands-in-malaysia-snapdragon-8-gen-2-gaming-phone-from-rm3599/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 7 Series Lands in Malaysia \u2013 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Gaming Phone From RM3,599", "body": "\n\nInitially unveiled last month, the \nAsus ROG Phone 7\n and the Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate have landed in Malaysia today. For the most part, these two phones feature very similar hardware, though the Ultimate model does come with a rather unique cooling system.\n\n\nFirst up, prices. For the Malaysian market, the standard ROG Phone 7 starts at RM3,599 for the 12GB + 256GB model, while the 16GB + 512GB configuration goes for RM4,299. As for the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate (16GB + 512GB) with a more robust cooling solution, it\u2019s priced at RM4,999, which includes the AeroActive Cooler 7.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the most unique features of the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate is its AeroActive Portal, which is a port on the back of the phone that opens up when the AeroActive Cooler 7 is connected. This allows for \u201cnearly 1L of cold air per second\u201d to be blown directly to the heat dissipation fins (in the vapour chamber) that are connected to the CPU. It\u2019s worth noting that the AeroActive Cooler 7 is also packed with a \nsubwoofer\n now for improved bass response.\n\n\nAside from that, the ROG Phone 7 Ultimate, just like last year\u2019s model, features a ROG Vision color PMOLED display on the back panel. It can show customisable graphics for various scenarios, including incoming calls, launching a game, or entering the phone\u2019s high performance \u201cX Mode.\u201d\n\n\nBeyond these differences, the ROG Phone 7 and ROG Phone 7 Ultimate have the same hardware. These include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, a 6.78-inch 2448 x 1080 AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide + 5MP macro), a 32MP selfie camera, and a 6,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\nThe standard Asus ROG Phone 7\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone 7 is now available for purchase in Malaysia from RM3,599, while the Ultimate model will arrive here on 15 May. Asus Malaysia is also running a roadshow at the Centre Court of Pavilion Bukit Jalil to showcase its latest gaming phones, which is happening now until 14 May this Sunday. You can get freebies worth up to RM946 by purchasing the phone at the roadshow or through \nAsus\u2019 online store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-phone-7-review-even-faster-gaming-phone-for-the-same-price/", "title": "Asus ROG Phone 7 Review: Even Faster Gaming Phone For the Same Price", "body": "\n\nThe Asus ROG Phone 7 isn\u2019t remarkably different from the \nROG Phone 6\n. While it does feature a sleeker-looking design with a dual tone finish, it still has largely the same aesthetics. But this isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing, given that the gaming phone maintains the same RM3,599 starting price as last year\u2019s model.\n\n\nWhile the ROG Phone 7 doesn\u2019t see any major design overhaul, it sees quite a bit of change under the hood. Thanks to the faster Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, longer battery life, and a brighter AMOLED display, the ROG Phone 7 is certainly an improvement over its predecessor.\n\n\nEssentially, it is a better, more powerful gaming phone for the same amount of money, though it still has its fair share of shortcoming.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED (2448 x 1080), 165Hz\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 3.19GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 740\nRAM\n12/16GB\nStorage\n256/512GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n50MP f/1.9, PDAF\n13MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide)\n5MP f/2.0 (macro)\nCamera (front)\n32MP f/2.5\nBattery\n6,000mAh with 65W fast charging\nDimensions\n173 x 77 x 10.3 mm\nWeight\n239g\nOS\nAndroid 13\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.3\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be (2.4/5/6GHz)\nUSB Type-C\n3.5mm headphone jack\nPrice\nRM3,599 (12GB + 256GB), RM4,299 (16GB + 512GB)\n\n\nThe ROG Phone 7 is offered in two variants: the 12GB + 256GB model costs RM3,599, while the 16GB + 512GB configuration \u2013 which I am reviewing here \u2013 goes for RM4,299. It\u2019s worth noting that this price tag is actually \nRM100 less\n than the ROG Phone 6 with similar RAM and storage capacities \nat launch\n. Very interesting.\n\n\nAnyway, hardware wise, there\u2019s no denying that the ROG Phone 7 is a flagship-tier gaming phone through and through. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 can provide excellent gaming performance, the 165Hz AMOLED display is fast and vibrant, and while the 6,000mAh battery is unchanged from its predecessor, it can actually provide better battery life; more on this later.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nGiven that this is a gaming-centric phone, let\u2019s talk about the performance of the ROG Phone 7 first. Needless to say, it\u2019s a fast, very responsive device. I can seamlessly switch between different apps without losing a beat, and it can run even the most demanding games \u2013 including \nGenshin Impact\n and \nHonkai: Star Rail\n \u2013 at maxed out graphics settings quite well.\n\n\nThere\u2019s no denying that the ROG Phone 7 is one of the best Android phones to get now if you\u2019re an avid mobile gamer, though I\u2019d argue that the \niPhone 14\n (or even the \niPhone 13\n) series still offer better raw performance. But then again, not many phones offer the practicality of the ROG Phone 7\u2019s capacitive shoulder buttons, which are still intuitive to use.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the 6.78-inch 1080p AMOLED display of the ROG Phone 7. This being an AMOLED panel, it has all the typical traits of the screen technology, including vibrant, punchy colours; wide viewing angles; and most importantly, deep, pitch blacks. Whether I\u2019m gaming or streaming a show, this AMOLED display makes it an enjoyable experience.\n\n\nThe 165Hz refresh rate of the ROG Phone 7 is worth a mention too. Compared to a 120Hz screen typically found on today\u2019s flagship phones, this 165Hz panel is noticeably smoother, though only when I\u2019m comparing them side by side. Nonetheless, there is definitely tangible difference.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the \nexcellent\n battery life of the ROG Phone 7. Throughout the review period, the phone almost never ran out of juice in my typical day of use, which involves a ton of web browsing, content consumption, and of course, gaming. As you can see above, even with seven hours of screen on time, the phone still has 20% battery left \u2013 that\u2019s notably better than the ROG Phone 6\u2019s battery life.\n\n\nLast but not least is the overall design of the ROG Phone 7. I really like the dual tone finish on the back of this Phantom Black model that separates the two halves of the phone. The bottom portion has a matte finish, while the top features a glossy surface with \u201ctranslucent elements,\u201d as Asus puts it.\n\n\nCompared to the ROG Phone 6, this is certainly a better-looking phone, in my opinion.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAt a glance, the camera setup of the Asus ROG Phone 7 is unchanged. It still features a triple camera system with a 50MP primary shooter, a 13MP ultra-wide angle lens, and a 5MP macro sensor. But after putting the camera through its paces, I\u2019m surprised that the gaming phone can actually take better shots over last year\u2019s model.\n\n\nThis is especially evident in more challenging lighting situations. The ROG Phone 7\u2019s 50MP primary camera can finally get the right level of exposure, and the image quality of the 13MP ultra-wide angle shooter is actually quite good\u2026for the most part. As much as I appreciate the improved camera performance, the colour reproduction of both sensors could be better, as you can see below.\n\n\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n13MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n13MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n13MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n13MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n13MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, the ROG Phone 7\u2019s camera feels sluggish in low light conditions, negatively impacting the shooting experience. Because of this, I don\u2019t quite trust the camera to capture the shots I want in every situation. Granted, this \nis\n a gaming-centric phone, so camera performance is (likely) not the main focus in its product development.\n\n\nMy last qualm with the ROG Phone 7 is its sheer size. Measuring 173mm tall with a 10.3mm profile, it is taller and chunkier than, say, the (already sizeable) \nSamsung Galaxy S23 Ultra\n. Yes, Asus does make good use of the extra thickness by putting in a large battery into the phone, but that also makes it difficult to put the phone into my pocket sometimes.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nFor avid mobile gamers that want excellent gaming performance \u2013 without going the iPhone route \u2013 the Asus ROG Phone 7 is absolutely worth it. Retailing at RM3,599, it doesn\u2019t exactly offer the best value proposition, but that\u2019s the price you have to pay for a high-end gaming phone like this.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile I do wish the ROG Phone 7 had better camera performance with a more streamlined, less chunky design, there is no denying that it is a capable flagship-tier phone that aims to offer the best gaming experience on the go. In this regard, the ROG Phone 7 accomplishes its mission.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/11-17-may-fuel-price-ron-97-maintains-at-rm3-35-per-litre/", "title": "11 \u2013 17 May Fuel Price: RON 97 Maintains at RM3.35 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAnother week, another fuel price update, and RON 97 continues to remain at the same price. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.35 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 11 to 17 May next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/google-unveils-3-new-pixel-devices-1799-pixel-fold-pixel-7a-pixel-tablet/", "title": "Google Unveils 3 New Pixel Devices: $1,799 Pixel Fold, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet", "body": "\n\nGoogle unveiled a slew of new hardware at its annual Google I/O keynote. These include the Pixel 7A smartphone, a new Pixel Tablet, and the most exciting of the bunch, the Pixel Fold foldable smartphone akin to \nSamsung\u2019s Galaxy Z Fold 4\n.\n\n\nPixel Fold\n\n\nIt\u2019s been rumoured (and leaked) for quite some time now, so it\u2019s good to finally see the Pixel Fold materialise. It has the same tablet-like form factor as the Galaxy Z Fold 4, though it is more compact and it closes flat; there are no gaps when the device is folded.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Pixel Fold also features a 7.6-inch 2208 x 1840 inner display along with a 5.8-inch 2092 x 1080 cover screen \u2013 both are OLED panels with a 120Hz refresh rate \u2013 Google\u2019s Tensor G2 chip paired with 12GB of RAM and 256/512GB storage, a triple camera system (48MP primary + 10.8MP ultra-wide + 10.8MP telephoto), a 9.5MP selfie camera on the cover screen (8MP for the inner screen), and a 4,821mAh battery.\n\n\nThe Pixel Fold is available for pre-order in the US now for a cool $1,799, which comes up to about RM8,030.\n\n\nPixel 7a\n\n\nAnd then we have the budget-friendly Pixel 7a. Despite its more affordable nature, it\u2019s still powered by the same Tensor G2 processor as the rest of the current Pixel lineup, including the \nPixel 7 series\n and Pixel Fold. With that in mind, it should be able to offer a good level of performance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Pixel 7a include a 6.1-inch 2400 x 1080 OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, a dual camera system (64MP main + 13MP ultra-wide), a 13MP selfie camera, and a 4,385mAh battery. The phone is now available for purchase in the US for $499 (about RM2,225).\n\n\nPixel Tablet\n\n\nLast but not least is the Pixel Tablet, which doubles as a\u2026tablet, and a smart display (to an extent) when it\u2019s connected to the provided Charging Speaker Dock. Just like the other Pixel devices here, the Pixel Tablet is powered by the same Tensor G2 chip.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Pixel Tablet are a 10.95-inch 2560 x 1600 LCD display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate, 8GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of storage, 8MP cameras on the front and back, as well as a 27Wh battery. The tablet is currently on pre-order (in the US, naturally) from $499, the same price point as the Pixel 7a.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, it\u2019s unlikely that any of these Pixel devices will be officially available in Malaysia, given the absence of Google\u2019s range of hardware on our shores. Nonetheless, expect parallel importers to bring in the products here, for better or worse.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-1-v-unveiled-with-next-gen-sensor-4k-oled-display/", "title": "Sony Xperia 1 V Unveiled With \u201cNext-Gen Sensor\u201d & 4K OLED Display", "body": "\n\nThe Sony Xperia 1 V is here, and it promises even better camera performance over its predecessor. According to Sony, the new flagship phone features a next-gen sensor with next-gen imaging, allowing it to take low light images \u201cnever thought possible on a smartphone,\u201d as the company puts it.\n\n\nA triple camera system is on the back of the Xperia 1 V, which is made up of a 52MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 12MP telephoto lens. According to Sony, the new 52MP shooter allows the phone to capture \u201c2x better\u201d low light shots than last year\u2019s \nXperia 1 IV\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xperia 1 V include a 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset paired with up to 16GB RAM and 512GB expandable storage, a 12MP selfie camera, a 5,000mAh battery, as well as IP65/68 water and dust resistance.\n\n\nThe Sony Xperia 1 V will start shipping sometime in late June next month, and it\u2019s set to retail from 1,399 euro (about RM6,835) in European markets. No word yet on the Malaysian availability of Sony\u2019s latest flagship phone, though we reckon Sony Malaysia will bring the phone here in due time.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-10-v-is-a-lightweight-water-resistant-snapdragon-695-phone-for-rm2199/", "title": "Sony Xperia 10 V Is a Lightweight, Water-Resistant Snapdragon 695 Phone for RM2,199", "body": "\n\nIntroduced alongside the higher-end Xperia 1 V is the more affordable Sony Xperia 10 V. At a glance, it is strikingly similar to \nits predecessor\n, though it does feature a new primary camera with a slightly lighter chassis.\n\n\nHere in Malaysia, the Xperia 10 V features 8GB of RAM and 128GB of expandable storage for RM2,199. It is also available in two distinct colours: Lavender and Black. Unfortunately, it appears the Sage Green and White colourways will not be offered here.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTipping the scales at only 159g, it\u2019s quite impressive that Sony still managed to pack in a 5,000mAh battery into the Xperia 10 V. It also has a 48MP primary camera now, which is complemented by an 8MP ultra-wide angle sensor and an 8MP telephoto lens.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Xperia 10 V are a 6.1-inch 1080p OLED display with a 21:9 aspect ratio and standard 60Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, an 8MP selfie camera, as well as IP65/68 dust and water resistance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Xperia 10 V will be available in Malaysia in early August 2023 for RM2,199. Quite pricey for a mid-range phone, to be sure, though you do get a lightweight device for that kind of money.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-1-v-arrives-in-malaysia-3-july-for-rm6399/", "title": "Sony Xperia 1 V Arrives in Malaysia 3 July for RM6,399", "body": "\n\nWe just heard from Sony Malaysia on the local availability of its latest flagship smartphone, the Xperia 1 V. The phone is expected to be available in selected markets in late June next month, but for us here in Malaysia, it will arrive on our shores slightly later on 3 July.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Xperia 1 V is offered in the sole 12GB + 256GB variant, which is priced at a cool RM6,399. According to Sony, the new flagship phone features a next-gen sensor with next-gen imaging, allowing it to take low light images \u201cnever thought possible on a smartphone,\u201d as the company puts it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA triple camera system is on the back of the Xperia 1 V, which is made up of a 52MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 12MP telephoto lens. According to Sony, the new 52MP shooter allows the phone to capture \u201c2x better\u201d low light shots than last year\u2019s \nXperia 1 IV\n.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xperia 1 V include a 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, a microSD card slot for further storage expansion, a 12MP selfie camera, a 5,000mAh battery, as well as IP65/68 water and dust resistance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Sony Xperia 1 V will be available in Malaysia from 3 July onwards for RM6,399. Usually, Sony Malaysia will run some interesting pre-order deals for its new phones, so we reckon the same will be done for the Xperia 1 V in the near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-p60-pro-lands-in-malaysia-from-rm4699/", "title": "Huawei P60 Pro Lands in Malaysia From RM4,699", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nMate X3\n foldable phone, the Huawei P60 Pro also made its Malaysian debut. Touted as a high-end phone with \u201cexceptional camera capabilities and stylish design\u201d by Huawei, the P60 Pro is certainly a unique-looking phone with a promising triple camera system.\n\n\nTwo variants of the P60 Pro are available in Malaysia. The base 8GB + 256GB model retails at RM4,699, while the 12GB + 512GB configuration goes for a cool RM5,499. Two colourways are offered here: Rococo Pearl (shown below) and a more minimalist Black.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardware wise, the P60 Pro is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G chip. It also features a 6.67-inch 2700 x 1220 OLED panel with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (48MP primary + 13MP ultra-wide + 48MP telephoto), a 13MP selfie shooter, a 4,815mAh battery, and an IP68 rating.\n\n\nThe Huawei P60 Pro is \nnow available for pre-order in Malaysia\n from RM4,699 until 19 May 2023. Early birds stand to receive up to RM1,560 worth of freebies, depending on where the pre-order is placed.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-mate-x3-folds-its-way-to-malaysia-for-rm8888/", "title": "Huawei Mate X3 Folds Its Way to Malaysia for RM8,888", "body": "\n\nHuawei just launched its latest foldable smartphone in Malaysia, the Huawei Mate X3. Touted as an \u201cultra-thin\u201d foldable \u2013 it measures only 5.3mm thin when it is unfolded \u2013 the Mate X3 is a premium device with a matching price tag.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Mate X3 is offered in Malaysia. Sporting 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, the foldable phone retails at a whopping RM8,888 locally. Two colour options are available: Dark Green \u2013 with a Vegan Leather finish \u2013 and Black.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Mate X3 features a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G processor, along with a 120Hz 7.85-inch 2496 \u00d7 2224 inner OLED display, a 6.4-inch 1080p OLED cover screen (also set at 120Hz), a triple camera system (50MP main + 13MP ultra-wide + 12MP periscope telephoto), an 8MP selfie camera, a 4,800mAh battery, as well as an IPX8 rating.\n\n\nThe Huawei Mate X3 is \nnow available for purchase in Malaysia\n for RM8,888. Depending on where you purchase the phone, you can get up to RM1,260 worth of freebies, including a Huawei MatePad SE tablet or a Huawei Eyewear.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/confirmed-asus-rog-ally-starts-at-only-599-for-z1-model-699-for-z1-extreme/", "title": "Confirmed: Asus ROG Ally Starts at Only $599 For Z1 Model \u2013 $699 for Z1 Extreme", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s confirmed: Asus just revealed the pricing of its handheld gaming PC, the \nAsus ROG Ally\n. Just as an \nearlier leak suggested\n, the range-topping model with an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip does retail at $699 (about RM3,115), and the more affordable Z1 configuration costs only $599 (approximately RM2,670).\n\n\nCompared to its main competition, the Steam Deck, the ROG Ally\u2019s value proposition is really, \nreally\n good at these price points. Not only is it a more powerful handheld machine, it also has a number of advantages, including a higher resolution 7-inch 1920 x 1080 display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Steam Deck, on the other hand, has lower resolution 60Hz panel, though it has a taller 16:10 aspect ratio.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the ROG Ally can also be connected to the (proprietary) ROG XG Mobile external GPU enclosure for higher fidelity gaming. It\u2019s said to run on Windows 11 as well, so it\u2019ll be interesting to see how this would impact the battery life of the handheld gaming console.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Ally include up to 16GB of LPDDR5 dual-channel RAM and 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD \u2013 this is said to be upgradable \u2013 a microSD card slot for further storage expansion, as well as a lightweight chassis that tips the scales at 608g.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe $699 Z1 Extreme Asus ROG Ally will be available in selected markets on 13 June, while the more affordable Z1 model will go on sale in Q3 2023, which is also when Malaysia will get the handheld gaming PC \nas per our previous report\n. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the Ally, check out our hands-on \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-3-7-arrives-24-may-underwater-gameplay-teased-for-fontaine/", "title": "Genshin Impact 3.7 Arrives 24 May \u2013 Underwater Gameplay Teased for Fontaine", "body": "\n\nHoyoverse is expanding Genshin Impact\u2019s Genius Invokation TCG quite a bit in the upcoming Version 3.7 update. Over 60 new cards will be added to the card game once the update is live, and the developer is even teasing a new underwater gameplay for the upcoming nation of Fontaine.\n\n\nThat\u2019s right, it looks like Genshin Impact will be getting underwater gameplay once Fontaine is added to the game. Interestingly, a character from Fontaine, Charlotte, will also appear in the new update\u2019s event storyline. Chances are, Fontaine is coming to Genshin Impact very, very soon.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, Kirara \u2013 a new 4-star Dendro character \u2013 will be playable in Genshin Impact 3.7 as well. Hailing from Inazuma, the sword user\u2019s Elemental Skill allows her to create a Dendro shield or transform into a rather cute \u201cUrgent Neko Parcel\u201d that deals Dendro damage when she hits opponents.\n\n\nOf course, a slew of in-game events will also take place in Genshin Impact 3.7, and most of them revolve around the Genius Invokation TCG tournament dubbed King of Invokation Grand Prix. If you\u2019re a fan of the card game, you\u2019ll definitely find the new update entertaining.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact 3.7 will go live on 24 May later this month. Kirara will be featured in the first phase of the event wish alongside Yoimiya\u2019s and Yae Miko\u2019s rerun banners, followed by Kaedehara Kazuha\u2019s and Alhaitham\u2019s reruns in the second phase.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-a98-now-in-malaysia-for-rm1399-67w-charging-snapdragon-695/", "title": "Oppo A98 Now in Malaysia for RM1,399 \u2013 67W Charging, Snapdragon 695", "body": "\n\nOppo just launched a new mid-range phone in Malaysia, the Oppo A98. Sporting 67W fast charging with a rather generous 5,000mAh battery and 120Hz display, the A98 is quite a sleek-looking phone too.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the A98 is offered in the sole 8GB + 256GB configuration for RM1,399. Available in two distinct colours (Dreamy Blue and Cool Black), every pre-order of the phone until 18 May will come with freebies worth up to RM377, including an Oppo Band and a pair of wireless earbuds.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the A98 offers the aforementioned 5,000mAh battery with support for fast 67W charging. It also features a 6.72-inch 1080p LTPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, a triple camera system (64MP primary + 2MP depth + 2MP microlens), as well as a 32MP selfie camera.\n\n\nTo recap, the Oppo A98 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia for RM1,399. More details on the mid-range phone can be found on \nOppo\u2019s official website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-a54-review-the-mid-range-benchmark/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy A54 Review: The Mid-Range Benchmark", "body": "\n\nThe mid-range smartphone market is a highly competitive segment largely dominated by devices from China with great value propositions. In this regard, the Samsung Galaxy A54 isn\u2019t the most compelling option in this crowded market \u2013 it doesn\u2019t exactly offer the best hardware for the money.\n\n\nBut what the Galaxy A54 lacks in value for money is made up by its refinement and feature set, which not many phones in this segment can rival. It has a bright, vibrant display; a capable camera system; and most of all, an IP67 dust and water resistance. Most \nflagship\n phones don\u2019t even have this rating.\n\n\nOf course, the A54 still has some shortcomings here and there, but for the most part, it\u2019s certainly a mid-range phone worth considering.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.4-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED (2340 x 1080), 120Hz\nChipset\nSamsung Exynos 1380 2.4GHz octa-core\nGPU\nArm Mali-G68 MP5\nRAM\n8GB\nStorage\n256GB, expandable\nCamera (rear)\n50MP f/1.8, PDAF, OIS\n12MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide)\n5MP f/2.4 (macro)\nCamera (front)\n32MP f/2.2\nBattery\n5,000mAh with 25W fast charging\nDimensions\n158.2 x 76.7 x 8.2 mm\nWeight\n202g\nOS\nOne UI 5.1 based on Android 13\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.3\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4/5GHz)\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM1,899\n\n\nPriced at RM1,899 with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, the Galaxy A54 sits at the higher-end of the price range in the mid-range market. But for that kind of money, you \nare\n getting a high quality Super AMOLED display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, which is one of its winning qualities.\n\n\nWhat\u2019s not so great are the A54\u2019s lack of a telephoto camera and Exynos 1380 processor. At this price point, I expect a more sophisticated camera setup and processor, though the phone isn\u2019t exactly inadequate in these two areas. I\u2019ll elaborate more further down the review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nWhat immediately stood out to me when I first held the Samsung Galaxy A54 in my hands is its build quality; it is surprisingly solid despite the phone\u2019s plastic frame. It does not feel cheap at all, which can be attributed to the smooth glass back of the device as well.\n\n\nThe plastic build of the Galaxy A54 has one added advantage too: it makes for a lightweight device. Tipping the scales at 202g, paired with its relatively compact form factor, I can use the phone quite comfortable with only one hand.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the Galaxy A54\u2019s 6.4-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display, which is easily one of the best screens I\u2019ve seen on a mid-range phone. While it\u2019s not a particularly high resolution panel, its image quality is great with vivid colours, wide viewing angles, and of course, very deep blacks; perfect for content consumption and gaming.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the 120Hz refresh rate of the A54\u2019s Super AMOLED display lends to smooth-looking animations too. This is great for mobile games that can take advantage of the high refresh rate, though not many games can actually run at this frame rate on the Exynos 1380.\n\n\nDon\u2019t get me wrong, the Samsung-made Exynos 1380 is more than fast enough to provide a seamless user experience in day-to-day use. It\u2019s only in more demanding mobile games like \nGenshin Impact\n where the chip starts showing its limits. The Exynos 1380 can\u2019t quite manage 60fps in Genshin Impact even with some tweaks to the graphics settings, though the game is still largely playable.\n\n\n\n\nLess demanding games like \nMarvel Snap\n runs great on the Galaxy A54\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the camera performance of the Galaxy A54, I\u2019m quite happy with it. The triple camera system is made up of a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 5MP macro lens. While I wish it also had a telephoto camera, at least I can snap good-looking shots with the A54.\n\n\nThat being said, the camera \u2013 especially the 12MP ultra-wide sensor \u2013 does noticeably struggle in more challenging lighting conditions. But compared to other mid-range phones, I\u2019d say the Galaxy A54 still delivers above average image quality. I certainly don\u2019t mind using the camera as my daily driver, even if the camera interface feels a tad too sluggish for my liking in low light situations.\n\n\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the IP67 rating of the Galaxy A54. While the average consumer is unlikely to submerge the phone underwater every other day, it\u2019s good to have peace of mind that the phone isn\u2019t prone to water damage.\n\n\nAgain, the fact that not many flagship-tier phones (let alone mid-rangers) have this dust and water resistance rating is definitely a plus point for the Galaxy A54.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nFor a phone with a sizeable 5,000mAh battery, I expected the Galaxy A54 to deliver longer battery life. Granted, with an average screen on time of about five hours and 30 minutes, the phone doesn\u2019t have \u201cbad\u201d battery life per se, but it should have been better for a phone this size with such a battery capacity.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the lack of a telephoto sensor on the Galaxy A54. With its RM1,899 price tag in mind, it is not far-fetched to expect the addition of a telephoto lens for a more versatile camera system. I mean, even the camera interface has the option to do 2x zoom, which is just digital zoom that doesn\u2019t offer particularly great image quality.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nAll things considered, the Samsung Galaxy A54 is still a fantastic mid-range smartphone. It may not offer the best value for money, but its refinement in various aspects and its overall feature set are hard to beat. You \nwill\n find faster phones with better battery life at this price range, but whether or not those phones can rival the A54\u2019s display quality, camera performance, or build quality is an entirely different question.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo me, the Galaxy A54 easily sets the benchmark for a mid-range smartphone. Unlike its competition, Samsung isn\u2019t focusing on offering sheer value for money in this highly competitive segment with the A54, and in my opinion, the Korean company made the right call.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/prism-q-ultra-google-tvs-land-in-malaysia-affordable-4k-qled-tvs-from-rm2299/", "title": "PRISM+ Q Ultra Google TVs Land in Malaysia \u2013 Affordable 4K QLED TVs From RM2,299", "body": "\n\nPRISM+ launched a new lineup of 4K smart TVs in Malaysia, and it brings a slew of improvements over \nlast year\u2019s Q Pro TVs\n. The new PRISM+ Q Ultra series now features brighter 4K QLED panels, and all three models \u2013 from 55-inch to 75-inch \u2013 run on Google TV too.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with pricing. The most affordable 55-inch Q55 Ultra is priced at RM2,299, while the 65-inch Q65 Ultra goes for RM3,299. If you want the largest 75-inch Q75 Ultra, it will set you back RM4,499. According to PRISM+, these prices are up to 35% lower when compared to similar models from traditional brands.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe biggest upgrade the Q Ultra series brings is certainly the 4K QLED panel. Not only does it support HDR10+ now, it also features Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. On top of that, the smart TV runs on Google TV too, promising improved user experience and personalisation compared to Android TV.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Q Ultra TVs include Filmmaker Mode \u2013 it automatically detects and supports a content\u2019s original format, as the company puts it \u2013 three HDMI 2.0 ports, HDMI ARC, two USB 2.0 connections, and of course, built-in Chromecast.\n\n\n\u201cAs a brand, PRISM+ is always looking to make premium technologies accessible to the masses,\u201d said the country director of PRISM+ Malaysia, Eric Kam. \u201cThe introduction of our 4K QLED displays to our TV lineup marks yet another milestone in our history as we seek to bring affordable home cinematic experiences to greater heights,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\nThe PRISM+ Q55 Ultra (left) compared to the \nQ55-QE\n\n\nThe PRISM+ Q75 Ultra\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe PRISM+ Q Ultra series will be available for purchase in Malaysia later today on \nPRISM+\u2019s website\n, \nShopee\n, \nLazada\n, as well as its retail stores in \nSunway Pyramid\n and \nIOI City Mall\n. To recap, the Q55 Ultra starts at RM2,299, while the larger Q65 Ultra and Q75 Ultra retail at RM3,299 and RM4,499 respectively.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that every purchase of the new Q Ultra TVs also comes with complimentary subscriptions to several streaming services, including Viu, Durioo+, WeTV, and meWATCH.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honkai-star-rail-jing-yuan-banner-arrives-17-may-with-tingyun-sushang-march-7th/", "title": "Honkai: Star Rail Jing Yuan Banner Arrives 17 May With Tingyun, Sushang, March 7th", "body": "\n\nThe second phase of \nHonkai: Star Rail\n\u2018s event warp for Version 1.0 of the game has been revealed! Set to drop tomorrow on 17 May, the banner will feature none other than Jing Yuan, and his event warp includes Tingyun \u2013 a very sought-after 4-star character \u2013 Sushang, and March 7th.\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the increased \u201cdrop rate\u201d of these featured characters in Star Rail share the same rules as \nGenshin Impact\n. In the case of Jing Yuan, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be him. If you got a different 5-star unit, the\u00a0\nnext\n\u00a05-star character you roll is guaranteed to be Jing Yuan.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSince Star Rail\u2019s pity system for character banners ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character every 90 warps \u2013 again, similar to Genshin \u2013 you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Jing Yuan. This rule is also applicable to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the banner, it\u2019s a little bit more random.\n\n\nBasically, when you\u2019re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Tingyun, Sushang, or March 7th. If you\u2019re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will likely have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJing Yuan\u2019s \u201cSwirl of Heavenly Spear\u201d event warp will be available in Honkai: Star Rail tomorrow on 17 May at 6PM Malaysian time. His banner will be offered until 6 June, and we can expect the Version 1.1 update of Star Rail to be released not long after that.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/gwm-opens-first-flagship-4s-centre-in-subang-usj/", "title": "GWM Opens First Flagship 4S Centre in Subang USJ", "body": "\n\nGreat Wall Motor (GWM) just opened its first-ever flagship 4S centre. Located in Subang USJ, the three-acre dealership \u2013 a collaboration between the carmaker and Superhub Auto \u2013 offers an all-in-one experience hall with various facilities.\n\n\nNaturally, the GWM flagship 4S centre offers sales, service, spare parts, as well as body and paint facilities. It also has a rather cozy lounge area for customers to relax while waiting for their vehicles to be serviced, along with a showroom that showcases various GWM models on sale now, including the \nOra Good Cat\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe body and paint facility\n\n\nThe service area\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWe are delighted to introduce our flagship 4S centre with an all-in-one experience hall at USJ, a testament to our commitment to delivering excellent service and customer satisfaction,\u201d said the managing director of GWM Malaysia, Mike Cui.\n\n\nAside from that, Mike also reiterated the Malaysian availability of two models in the near future: the Haval H6 SUV and GWM Cannon pickup truck. \u201cWith our expanding network and aspirations to launch the Haval H6 and GWM Cannon this year, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to offer more quality products in Malaysia,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe GWM flagship 4S centre is now operational at \nLOT 61711, PLOT A, Persiaran Subang Indah\n. Alternatively, you can also navigate to GWM USJ; the dealership is open every day from 9AM to 6PM.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/renault-zoe-ev-finally-launched-in-malaysia-395km-range-2-variants-from-rm165k/", "title": "Renault Zoe EV Finally Launched in Malaysia \u2013 395km Range, 2 Variants, From RM165k", "body": "\n\nTC Euro Cars (TCEC) just launched the new Renault Zoe EV in Malaysia. Initially previewed on our shores in August last year, the EV promises up to 395km of range on the WLTP cycle; a respectable range for the fully electric hatchback.\n\n\nPricing for the Zoe EV starts at RM165,000 for the base Zen R110 model with modest outputs of 110PS and 225Nm of torque. As for the Intens R135 variant, its electric motor offers 135PS and 245Nm of torque for RM179,000; slightly higher than the estimated RM175,000 pricing.\n\n\nBoth models come with a three-year or 100,000km warranty, while the battery is covered under an eight-year or 160,000km warranty with a minimum capacity of 70%.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBoth variants of the updated Zoe feature Renault\u2019s new 52kWh Z.E. 50 battery, which is said to be a 25% improvement over the previous generation\u2019s battery without actually increasing its physical size. It can also be charged from 0-100% in three hours with a 22kW charger; nine hours and 30 minutes with a 7.4kW charger instead.\n\n\nAs for range, the Zoe R110 has a quoted range of up to 395km, while the R135 (with its added power) offers slightly less range of up to 386km. Other standard equipment of the new Zoe include full LED headlights with C-shaped DRLs, an Easy Link 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, 16-inch alloy wheels, as well as four airbags.\n\n\nThe higher-end Intens R135 also gets combination leather and cloth upholstery, along with a reverse camera.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to TCEC, the first shipment of the new Renault Zoe EV has been fully taken up. The next shipment is expected to arrive sometime in June or July 2023, so if you\u2019re keen to get the EV by then, place a booking as soon as you can.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/coway-refreshes-brand-identity-in-malaysia-offers-air-conditioner-massage-chair/", "title": "Coway Refreshes Brand Identity in Malaysia \u2013 Offers Air-Conditioner & Massage Chair", "body": "\n\nTo celebrate its 17th anniversary here in Malaysia, Coway refreshed its brand identity with a new logo and an expanded product lineup. While the brand is mainly known for its range of water and air purifiers, Coway now sells mattresses, air-conditioner, and even massage chair too.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that Malaysia is actually the only market where Coway offers the air-conditioner and massage chair. The \nair-conditioner\n is offered on a rental basis from RM100 a month, while the \nmassage chair\n can also be rented on a monthly basis (RM145) or bought outright (RM8,199).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201c2023 has been great for us at Coway Malaysia. On top of celebrating the 17th year of serving the Malaysian market, we are honoured to be part of many life-changing moments in the Malaysian households with our products and services,\u201d said the managing director of Coway Malaysia, Kyle Choi.\n\n\n\u201cAnd now, we are launching our refreshed brand identity which represents our dedicated commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, as well as our vision to empower Malaysians to live healthier and happier lives,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to check out Coway\u2019s new product offerings \u2013 there are quite a number of them now \u2013 head on to its \nofficial website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/infinix-note-30-note-30-pro-coming-to-malaysia-24-may-with-68w-fast-charging/", "title": "Infinix Note 30 & Note 30 Pro Coming to Malaysia 24 May With 68W Fast Charging", "body": "\n\nInfinix is set to launch to new smartphones in Malaysia next week, the Infinix Note 30 and Infinix Note 30 Pro. This confirmation is quite interesting, since the two phones have not been announced for any market yet. Chances are, Malaysia is set to be one of the first countries to get the new Note 30 series.\n\n\nGiven that the Note 30 and Note 30 Pro are not launched yet, key specifications of the two phones are still\u2026well, under wraps. However, Infinix did tease that the Note 30 series will feature 68W wired charging or 50W wireless charging. On top of that, there\u2019s support for reverse charging as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLeaks and rumours surrounding the two phones give us some of their hardware details too. The Note 30, for one, is said to be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 810 chip, while the Note 30 Pro comes with a faster Helio G99 SoC. Both devices are said to feature a 1080p display too.\n\n\nThe full specifications of the Infinix Note 30 and Note 30 Pro should be unveiled come 24 May next week once they are launched in Malaysia. Of course, local pricing of the two phones should be revealed then too. Given that Infinix had always offered affordable devices here, we reckon the Note 30 and Note 30 Pro will be budget-friendly.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/18-24-may-fuel-price-ron-97-stays-at-rm3-35-per-litre/", "title": "18 \u2013 24 May Fuel Price: RON 97 Stays at RM3.35 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAnother week, another fuel price update, and RON 97 continues to remain at the same price. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.35 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 18 to 24 May next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-nintendo-switch-oled-price-drops-to-new-low-rm1249/", "title": "Deal: Nintendo Switch OLED Price Drops to New Low (RM1,249)", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been quite some time since the \nNintendo Switch (OLED Model)\n was launched, so not surprisingly, the portable console is quite a bit more affordable now. Previously going for \nas low as RM1,299\n, you can now get the latest and greatest Switch \nat only RM1,249\n.\n\n\nWell, \nRM1,248.88 to be specific\n. This deal is offered by Shopee Mall retailer GameStop, which is quite a reputable game store in Malaysia. Both the White and Neon colour options are in stock at the aforementioned price, and they are official Maxsoft units with a one-year warranty.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, if you want the special edition models, you do have to pay more. The Pokemon Scarlet/Violet and Splatoon 3 variants are priced at RM1,438.88, while the newer The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom version is listed at RM1,482.88.\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the new OLED Switch features a larger 7-inch OLED panel with thinner bezels. It also has double the internal storage at 64GB, and the stand sees a design revision as well. Instead of the original Switch\u2019s fragile-looking stand, this new Switch uses a much sturdier, wider stand that is also adjustable.\n\n\nOther changes introduced in the new OLED Switch include a new dock with a wired LAN port, \u201cenhanced audio\u201d from the system\u2019s onboard speakers, and between 4.5 to 9 hours of battery life \u2013 the same quoted battery life as its predecessor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to get the Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) \nfor only RM1,249\n, you can do so from GameStop on Shopee. Not sure if it\u2019s worth upgrading from an older model? Then check out our comparison \nbetween the new OLED Switch and the original one\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/beats-studio-buds-official-for-rm699-translucent-design-36-hours-battery-life/", "title": "Beats Studio Buds+ Official for RM699 \u2013 Translucent Design, 36 Hours Battery Life", "body": "\n\nJust earlier this month, we spotted the \nBeats Studio Buds+ in SIRIM\u2019s database\n ahead of its launch. Fast forward to today, the wireless earbuds have now been unveiled, complete with a sleek translucent design. Of course, the Malaysian pricing of the Buds+ has been revealed too.\n\n\nPriced at RM699 on our shores\n, the Studio Buds+ is offered in three distinct colourways: Transparent, Ivory, and Black/Gold. Obviously, the transparent design is the most eye-catching option \u2013 in our opinion, anyway \u2013 allowing you to see the internal components of the earbuds quite clearly.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, aesthetics aside, the Studio Buds+ promises \u201cup to 1.6x more active noise cancelling\u201d when compared to its predecessor. It also offers up to 36 hours of use when paired with the charging case, along with a custom two-layer transducer that\u2019s said to deliver cleaner bass and low distortion.\n\n\nWhile we have the Malaysian pricing of the Beats Studio Buds+ already (RM699), its exact availability locally still remains to be seen. Given that it\u2019s been registered with SIRIM already, we reckon the Studio Buds+ will be available for purchase here very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mbsj-adds-honda-civic-fe-patrol-car-mid-tier-v-model-with-1-5l-turbo-engine/", "title": "MBSJ Adds Honda Civic FE Patrol Car \u2013 Mid-Tier V Model With 1.5L Turbo Engine", "body": "\n\nIt appears another Honda Civic model is added to Malaysia\u2019s law enforcement. While the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) \ngets the previous generation Civic FC\n, the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) receives the latest \nHonda Civic FE\n. It\u2019s the mid-tier V model too instead of the base E variant.\n\n\nThe Civic FE was delivered to MBSJ by Shared Auto Cars, a Honda dealership based in Shah Alam. The C-segment sedan will be used by the city council for patrol and enforcement traffic escort duties, and it has a rather striking livery with the MBSJ crest featured on either sides of the car.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnder the hood of the Civic FE in V trim is none other than a 1.5L turbo engine that outputs a respectable 182PS and 240Nm of torque paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It also gets pretty sizeable 17-inch alloy wheels. To put this into context, the base E model rides on smaller 16-inch wheels, while the fancier RS variant features 18-inch alloys.\n\n\nIt wasn\u2019t mentioned how many units of the Honda Civic FE were delivered to MBSJ. If you frequently visit Subang Jaya, there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019ll see the white Civic around the city.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-nord-buds-2-review-plenty-of-bass-for-only-rm329/", "title": "OnePlus Nord Buds 2 Review: Plenty of Bass for Only RM329", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s easy to find an affordable pair of wireless earbuds in the market now. But finding one that is\u2026well, actually good, can be quite a challenge. I\u2019ve used the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 for quite some time now, and I\u2019m happy to report that it sounds great while still providing excellent value for money.\n\n\nOf course, as with any product, the Nord Buds 2 does have a number of shortcomings, such as a proprietary ear tip design and lacklustre active noise cancellation (ANC). But for wireless earbuds that are \nthis\n affordable, it\u2019s easy to look past these drawbacks.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Nord Buds 2 retails at RM329 with two colour options: Lightning White (pictured here) and Thunder Grey. For that kind of money, the wireless earbuds feature a single 12.4mm driver that\u2019s said to deliver \u201crich sound\u201d and impactful bass.\n\n\nAside from that, it also has five or seven hours of battery life on a single charge with ANC enabled and disabled respectively \u2013 extended to 27 hours or 36 hours with the charging case \u2013 Bluetooth 5.3, and IP55 water and dust resistance. A decent spec sheet for a pair of wireless earbuds at this price point.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nOne of the best qualities of the Nord Buds 2 has to be its bass quality. There\u2019s ample amount of sub-bass with a nice, satisfying punch to it. If I had to nitpick, I wish the bass sounds more textured, though there\u2019s no denying that these earbuds can produce a good amount of kick in the low-end.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI appreciate the warm sound profile of the Nord Buds 2 as well, thanks to the elevated mids. Vocals have a good amount of body to them, and in the treble region, there\u2019s no unpleasant peaks to speak of either. You don\u2019t have to worry about fatigue listening to these earbuds for an extended amount of time.\n\n\nI\u2019m also quite surprised by the battery life performance of the Nord Buds 2. On average, it can last me about five hours on a single charge with ANC enabled, which lines up quite well with OnePlus\u2019 estimate. While this isn\u2019t class-leading battery life by any means, it\u2019s certainly above average and more than long enough for my particular usage.\n\n\nI\u2019m quite a fan of the Nord Buds 2 overall design too. The shape of the earbuds fit comfortably into my ears, and their lightweight nature \u2013 each buds weigh only 4.7g \u2013 helps with comfort in long listening sessions too. I didn\u2019t find either earbuds to be uncomfortable throughout the review period.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the sheer affordability of the Nord Buds 2. Priced at only RM329, you\u2019re getting a pair of wireless earbuds with good audio quality and above average battery life, not to mention a pretty darn comfortable fit. Granted, the budget-friendly nature of the earbuds does come with several downsides, which I\u2019ll get to in the following section.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nMy biggest qualm with the Nord Buds 2 is its ANC performance, which is\u2026not great. While it can silent low frequencies quite well \u2013 such as the noise of an engine or air-conditioner \u2013 it doesn\u2019t provide much isolation beyond that.\n\n\nThe touch controls of the Nord Buds 2 are also quite finicky. They\u2019re not as responsive as I would\u2019ve hoped, and I don\u2019t love the fact that I cannot adjust the volume with the touch controls. Given that it can recognise touch and hold inputs, volume adjustment should be possible.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the proprietary ear tip design of the Nord Buds 2. Even if three different ear tip sizes are provided with the earbuds, there\u2019s a chance some folks won\u2019t get the best fit with any of them. This could\u2019ve been easily solved with third-party ear tips if the earbuds had a more standard design.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nStill, for only RM329, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2\u2019s excellent value proposition can outweigh these shortcomings. Of course, it still depends on whether or not you can tolerate them, especially in regard to its ANC performance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want an affordable pair of wireless earbuds with plenty of bass, reasonably long battery life, and a comfortable fit \u2013 though your mileage may vary \u2013 you can\u2019t really go wrong with the Nord Buds 2. It is certainly one of the better budget-friendly earbuds in the market now.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-ally-coming-to-malaysia-july-2023/", "title": "Asus ROG Ally Coming to Malaysia July 2023", "body": "\n\nPreviously, Asus Malaysia confirmed that the Asus ROG Ally will be arriving in Malaysia sometime in Q3 2023. Well, the Taiwanese company got a more specific timeline now: the handheld gaming PC is coming to our local market as soon as July 2023.\n\n\nThis bit of news was posted by Asus Malaysia on Facebook. The post also mentioned that the prices of the ROG Ally seen online \u2013 likely listed by parallel importers \u2013 are not the actual pricing of the device \u201cin a good way.\u201d With that in mind, there\u2019s a good chance the official pricing of the Ally will be quite competitive.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its main competition, the Steam Deck, the ROG Ally\u2019s value proposition is really, \nreally\n good; it \nstarts at only $599\n. Not only is it a more powerful handheld machine, it also has a number of advantages, including a higher resolution 7-inch 1920 x 1080 display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Steam Deck, on the other hand, has lower resolution 60Hz panel, though it has a taller 16:10 aspect ratio.\n\n\nAside from that, the ROG Ally can also be connected to the (proprietary) ROG XG Mobile external GPU enclosure for higher fidelity gaming. It\u2019s said to run on Windows 11 as well, so it\u2019ll be interesting to see how this would impact the battery life of the handheld gaming console.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Ally include up to 16GB of LPDDR5 dual-channel RAM and 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD \u2013 this is said to be upgradable \u2013 a microSD card slot for further storage expansion, as well as a lightweight chassis that tips the scales at 608g.\n\n\nTo recap, the Asus ROG Ally is expected to be available in Malaysia in July 2023, which is just a couple of months away. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the Ally, check out our written hands-on \nright here\n \u2013 we also have a video of the handheld gaming PC right below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/confirmed-nothing-phone-2-will-use-snapdragon-8-gen-1-to-remain-accessible/", "title": "Confirmed: Nothing Phone 2 Will Use Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 to \u201cRemain Accessible\u201d", "body": "\n\nThe Nothing Phone 2 will be launched sometime in summer 2023 \u2013 between June to September \u2013 and it was previously revealed that it will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 series chipset. Well, we now know exactly which chip from the series Nothing is using for the Phone 2.\n\n\nAccording to the founder of Nothing, \nCarl Pei\n, the Phone 2 will be using last year\u2019s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip. Even though the Phone 2 isn\u2019t using the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, this is quite a change over the Snapdragon 778G+ chip used in the \nNothing Phone 1\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Nothing Phone 1\n\n\n\n\nOf course, Pei also explained why the Phone 2 is set to use the older Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. He said it comes down to ensuring that the phone \u201cremains accessible while delivering a significantly improved experience compared to Phone 1.\u201d Well, fair enough.\n\n\nIt was teased earlier this month that the Nothing Phone 2 is retaining the see-through design of its predecessor. It\u2019s becoming the brand\u2019s signature design language, so it only makes sense for the new phone to continue offering this feature as a unique appeal.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Nothing Phone 2 is set to be launched between June to September 2023. With that in mind, it\u2019s entirely possible Nothing\u2019s new smartphone will arrive as early as next month, though we reckon it will make its debut sometime in July instead, just like the Nothing Phone 1 last year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-proton-s50-spotted-with-adas-camera-level-2-autonomous-driving/", "title": "Spy Shot: Proton S50 Spotted With ADAS Camera \u2013 Level 2 Autonomous Driving?", "body": "\n\nNow that the \nProton X90\n has been launched, focus now shifts to the Proton S50 sedan, which has been spotted on Malaysian roads yet again. Based on the Geely Emgrand \u2013 and rumoured to be launched by the end of this year \u2013 the test mule looks to be sporting a camera for ADAS, so there\u2019s a chance the new sedan will be capable of level 2 autonomous driving.\n\n\nThese images were shared by \nThe Ajerul\n on its Facebook page. Aside from the camera that\u2019s visible at the top of the S50\u2019s windscreen, we can see a glimpse of the Infinite Weave grille as well. This is also notably a right-hand drive model, so local development of the sedan looks to have progressed quite a bit.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe S50 is widely speculated to be a replacement of the Proton Preve. If it follows the same dimensions as the model it\u2019s based on (the Emgrand), it will measure 4,638mm long, 1,820mm wide, and 1,460mm tall. That makes it 95mm longer and 34mm wider than the Preve, assuming Proton retains the same dimensions for the localised model.\n\n\nUnder the hood, the Emgrand is powered by a 1.5L NA engine (114PS/147 Nm) in China, though it\u2019s possible the S50, once localised for the Malaysian market, will feature a 1.5L TGDi engine instead. After all,\u00a0\nProton foreshadowed that two of its new models\n\u00a0will feature the 1.5L turbocharged engine that offers up to 177PS and 255Nm of torque.\n\n\nGiven that the 1.5L TGDi engine is used for the X90 \u2013 though it\u2019s also paired to a mild hybrid system for higher output \u2013 the S50 is a good candidate for the turbo mill. It\u2019s worth noting that the sedan shares the same B-segment Modular Architecture (BMA) as the \nProton X50\n too, so it could use the engine without issue.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Geely Emgrand\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, we reckon the Proton S50 won\u2019t be introduced so soon, given that the X90 was launched just a couple of weeks ago. But once the S50 makes its debut here, it will be the first Geely-based model from the national carmaker that is not an SUV. This is certainly an exciting proposition, in our opinion, as we haven\u2019t seen a properly premium sedan from Proton for quite some time now.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/msi-opens-new-store-in-mid-valley-megamall-with-tmt/", "title": "MSI Opens New Store in Mid Valley Megamall With TMT", "body": "\n\nThere\u2019s a new MSI retail store in the Klang Valley area. Located at the popular Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur, the concept store is a partnership between the Taiwanese company and Thunder Match Technology (TMT).\n\n\nTo celebrate the launch of the new concept store today on 19 May, MSI is running a number of neat promotions that offer up to RM7,000 of rebate. Some of them include the Modern 14 laptop for RM999 \u2013 discounted from RM1,999 \u2013 or even the Optix G24C4 curved gaming monitor for only RM199 instead of RM879.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the promotion, the MSI store itself carries quite a number of products from the brand. Whether you\u2019re looking for a new gaming laptop, monitor, or even desktop, the store should have it on display for customers to try out.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to visit the new MSI concept store, you can do so over at Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur. It is located at S-079 on the second floor of the shopping mall.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-malaysia-optimising-its-foldable-phones-with-local-companies-universities/", "title": "Samsung Malaysia Optimising Its Foldable Phones With Local Companies & Universities", "body": "\n\nAlthough we\u2019re seeing more foldable smartphones enter the market, It is still a relatively new form factor, which opens up room for optimisation. To improve the user experience of its foldable phones \u2013 namely the \nGalaxy Z Fold 4\n and \nZ Flip 4\n \u2013 Samsung Malaysia is working with several local companies and universities to reach this end.\n\n\nSome of the partners in this initiative include Maxis, AmBank, FamilyMart, Pay4U, and ZUS Coffee. These companies optimised their respective apps to work well on Samsung\u2019s range of foldable devices, taking advantage of screen expansions and multi-angle fold usages; unique features of a foldable phone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, Samsung will be adding more partners in the coming months, including Gigi Coffee, Golden Screen Cinemas, TGV Cinemas, and Zapp. The Korean company will also be collaborating with local universities on a hackathon for students to pitch their foldable app ideas. That\u2019s pretty neat.\n\n\n\u201cIn our bid to mainstream foldable smartphones, we are collaborating with homegrown brands to create unique, local Galaxy Z experiences on their apps that Malaysians use on a daily basis, and bring it closer to their hearts,\u201d said the head of product marketing at Samsung Malaysia, Luke Au.\n\n\n\u201cWe invite more local organisations to be a part of this industry collaboration and deliver better experiences to their customers,\u201d he added.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-is-the-singakbd-unikorn-se-in-stock-sale-less-than-60-units/", "title": "This Is the SINGAKBD Unikorn SE \u2013 In-Stock Sale, Less Than 60 Units", "body": "\n\nThe next in-stock sale for SINGAKBD\u2019s very popular Unikorn custom keyboard \u2013 and likely the last for 2023 \u2013 is happening very soon with the SINGAKBD Unikorn SE. This is set to be the fourth in-stock sale of the 60% custom keyboard, and as usual, it will be done through a raffle.\n\n\nNow, unlike \nprevious in-stock sales\n \nof this keyboard\n, the Unikorn SE is a much more limited model. Less than 60 units will be up for grabs in the upcoming raffle, and it has a more unique-looking weight design on the bottom of the keyboard along with a light blue finish.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo note that those who won the previous Unikorn R2.2 raffles \nare allowed\n to join this round of sale for the Unikorn SE. Given that anyone can join the raffle \u2013 combined with the fact that very limited units are available \u2013 this will be a tough raffle to win.\n\n\nNonetheless, details on the SINGAKBD Unikorn SE\u2019s raffle will be revealed in the near future. No pricing details have been detailed yet either, but for the sake of comparison, the regular Unikorn R2.2 went for RM1,950. Check out SINGAKBD\u2019s \nofficial Discord channel\n for any updates on the Unikorn SE.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/photo-essay-ato-keyboard-meetup-2023-in-malaysia/", "title": "Photo Essay: ATO Keyboard Meetup 2023 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere was another keyboard meetup in Malaysia! This time around, it was held at ATO Gaming Cafe in TTDI, Kuala Lumpur. Quite a number of exciting keyboards were brought over by enthusiasts and brands, and even more exciting prizes were given out.\n\n\nOf course, several vendors were at the keyboard meetup too, including Mecha Store, Hex Keyboards, Sun Cycle, Silkey, and Iconlabs, which came all the way from Vietnam. If you missed the keyboard meetup last weekend, here\u2019s what went down!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the most exciting keyboards that was at the keyboard meetup is a prototype of the polycarbonate SINGAKBD Kohaku. It was brought over by SINGAKBD itself, and it\u2019s said to be available as an in-stock keyboard (about 100 units) sometime in the middle of this year; quite exciting.\n\n\nAside from that, there were other intriguing keyboards too, such as a SINGAKBD Unikorn with a sweet-looking patina. There\u2019s also a Thermal SEQ2, \nGeonworks W1-AT\n, Owlab Mr. Suit, and even Axiom Studios\u2019 Typ 60, which was shown at Mecha Store\u2019s booth.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJust look at the patina\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, let\u2019s talk about the vendors that were at the keyboard meetup. Mecha Store and Hex Keyboards shared a booth, and a number of products were sold there, including switches, deskmats, stabilisers, and carrying cases.\n\n\nBesides Mecha Store, there were also \na number of familiar brands\n, such as Silkey (it sells customisable cables), Sun Cycle, ThreadyKeycaps, KeebsProject, Zomgkey, and Iconlabs based in Vietnam. The latter had a presentation about its store and user base since its inception too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least were the prizes \u2013 sponsored by several brands like SINGAKBD, Keybot, and Iconlabs \u2013 that were given out at the keyboard meetup. Some of these prizes were given to visitors through lucky draws, and the rest had to be won through contests that ran during the event.\n\n\nOf course, there was a typing speed competition; two of them, in fact. One is with a standard keyboard, while the other judges who can type the fastest on a \nsplit ergonomic keyboard\n. There was also a \u201cguess the switch\u201d competition, where contestants have to guess nine different switches correctly on a keyboard based purely on typing feel and sound.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s always good to see a large-scale keyboard meetup happen locally. It gives hobbyists and keyboard enthusiasts alike the opportunity to try out various keyboards\u2026while also winning some prizes, if they\u2019re lucky enough or can type really, really fast. Here\u2019s hoping more keyboard meetups will be held on our shores!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/click-brews-new-store-in-george-town-penang-opening-on-18-june/", "title": "Click & Brew\u2019s New Store in George Town, Penang Opening on 18 June", "body": "\n\nClick & Brew, a keyboard cafe located in George Town, Penang, is set to open its brand new store next month on 18 June. Compared to the previous outlet, the new retail space looks quite a bit bigger \u2013 and very \u201cInstagrammable\u201d \u2013 over the previous one.\n\n\nThe cafe gave us a look of its new store with rendered images last month. There\u2019s the cafe component of the\u2026keyboard cafe, and of course, a keyboard corner is present too. It looks like there are stairs leading up to a second floor as well; definitely a big retail space!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe exact location of the new Click & Brew store is at \n45, Lebuh Melayu in George Town\n. If you\u2019re familiar with the previous store at 4, Lebuh Acheh, the new location is about a 400m walk that will take around five minutes.\n\n\nWhile the grand launch of the new Click & Brew store is happening on 18 June, it will actually open its doors a week earlier for a soft launch. The new store certainly looks quite exciting, and it\u2019s great to see the keyboard cafe move to a bigger space, which will certainly benefit the local keyboard community.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-tab-active-4-pro-now-in-malaysia-rugged-tablet-with-s-pen-for-rm3299/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro Now in Malaysia \u2013 Rugged Tablet (With S Pen) for RM3,299", "body": "\n\nThere\u2019s a new rugged tablet in Malaysia from Samsung. Sporting an S Pen, a removable battery, and even the ability to be used without a battery installed \u2013 it needs to be plugged in, of course \u2013 the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro is made for businesses who need a durable tablet on the go.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro is priced at RM3,299. For that kind of money, it features an IP68 dust and water resistance (this applies to both the tablet and S Pen), along with a MIL-STD-810H certification. The tablet can withstand drops of up to 1.2m as well with the protective cover on \u2013 1m if it\u2019s dropped without said cover.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Tab Active 4 Pro include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset paired with 4GB of RAM, 64MP of expandable storage, a 13MP rear camera, an 8MP front-facing shooter, and a 7,600mAh removable battery.\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM3,299. Interested businesses who want to get the tablet can get in touch with Samsung\u2019s authorised distributors, including \nM-Link System, SNS Network, and Tri-e Marketing\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/infinix-note-30-note-30-pro-launched-in-malaysia-up-to-68w-charging-from-rm699/", "title": "Infinix Note 30 & Note 30 Pro Launched in Malaysia \u2013 Up to 68W Charging From RM699", "body": "\n\nInfinix just launched its latest range of budget-friendly smartphones in Malaysia. The new Infinix Note 30 series is made up of three devices: Note 30, Note 30 5G, and the range-topping Note 30 Pro. However, for the Malaysian market, only the Note 30 and Note 30 Pro are available here.\n\n\nFirst, prices. The Note 30 retails at only RM699 in Malaysia, while the Note 30 Pro goes for RM899. Both devices feature 8GB of RAM and 256GB of expandable storage, and early birds who purchase \neither phones\n \non Shopee\n tonight at 12AM \u2013 based on what we gathered \u2013 can get the phones for RM649 and RM829 respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Infinix Note 30 Pro\n\n\n\n\nAs its name suggests, the Note 30 Pro is the highest-end device in the series. It comes with a MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, a 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (108MP primary + 2MP + 2MP), a 32MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with support for 68W wired charging; it can also do 15W wireless charging.\n\n\nThe more affordable Note 30, on the other hand, also features the same Helio G99 chipset, though it has a less sophisticated triple camera system headlined by a 64MP main sensor. It also has a 6.78-inch 1080p LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 16MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with 45W wired charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Infinix Note 30\n\n\n\n\nThe Infinix Note 30 and Note 30 Pro will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from tomorrow on 25 May. To recap, the Note 30 and Note 30 Pro are priced at RM699 and RM899 respectively on our shores, and it\u2019s worth nothing (again) that early birds can get the two phones \nat a discount\n \non Shopee\n tonight.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/editing-whatsapp-messages-now-possible-only-up-to-15-minutes/", "title": "Editing WhatsApp Messages Now Possible \u2013 Only up to 15 Minutes", "body": "\n\nSent a WhatsApp message with a typo? Well, you don\u2019t have to delete it anymore just to send a new one. The messaging service recently added the ability to edit messages that were sent, making it easier to correct typo or add more context to messages after you hit send. \n\n\nOf course, there are a couple of caveats to the new feature. For one, you can only edit a message that were sent within 15 minutes. Aside from that, there\u2019s no edit history either, though messages that were edited will be labeled as such on the messaging service.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDespite its limitations, we reckon it\u2019s still a feature many WhatsApp users will find useful. Naturally, the messages and edits you make on the messaging app are protected by end-to-end encryption, so there should be no security concern.\n\n\nThe ability to edit messages in WhatsApp has been rolled out globally, but at the time of writing, we cannot edit our messages on the messaging app yet. Rest assured, WhatsApp said that the feature should be available to everyone in the coming weeks.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/25-31-may-fuel-price-no-changes-ron-97-stays-at-rm3-35-per-litre/", "title": "25 \u2013 31 May Fuel Price: No Changes, RON 97 Stays at RM3.35 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAnother week, another fuel price update, and RON 97 continues to remain at the same price. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.35 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 25 to 31 May next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2023-samsung-neo-qled-tvs-land-in-malaysia-starts-at-rm5999/", "title": "2023 Samsung Neo QLED TVs Land in Malaysia \u2013 Starts at RM5,999", "body": "\n\nSamsung just launched its latest range of QLED TVs in Malaysia. The 2023 Samsung Neo QLED TV lineup is made up of 8K and 4K models, with sizes ranging from 55-inch to a whopping 85-inch to meet the demands of different customers.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Neo QLED 8K TVs. Available in three distinct models (QN700C, QN800C, and QN900C), these 8K TVs offer up to 120Hz refresh rate with the exception of the QN700C, which is limited to 60Hz. They also feature Quantum Matrix Technology Pro \u2013 though the QN700C doesn\u2019t get the Pro branding \u2013 for more precise lighting control, thanks to the panel\u2019s Quantum Mini LEDs.\n\n\nPricing wise, the QN700C starts at RM15,199 (55-inch), while the QN800C retails from RM17,699 for the 65-inch model. As for the QN900C, the most affordable 65-inch variant costs RM21,699, going all the way up to RM43,699 for the 85-inch model.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the Neo QLED 4K TVs, which is headlined by the QN95C. Not only does it have a fast 144Hz refresh rate and Samsung\u2019s Quantum Matrix Technology, it also comes in four sizes: 55-inch (RM11,199), 65-inch (RM13,399), 75-inch (RM19,199), and 85-inch (RM24,199).\n\n\nIf you want something more affordable, there\u2019s the Q80C with a RM5,999 starting price for the 55-inch model. For that kind of money, it features a 100Hz refresh rate, Direct Full Array technology for better contrast, and a Neural Quantum Processor 4K \u2013 the same one found in the higher-end QN95C \u2013 for content upscaling.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2023 Samsung Neo QLED TVs are now available for purchase in Malaysia. To celebrate the launch of the new QLED TVs here, Samsung is bundling various soundbars with every purchase of selected models. More details on the launch promotion can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-bespoke-top-mount-freezer-fridge-now-in-malaysia-from-rm3199/", "title": "Samsung Bespoke Top Mount Freezer Fridge Now in Malaysia From RM3,199", "body": "\n\nAside from launching its new range of\n Neo QLED TVs\n on our shores, the Korean company also unveiled the Samsung Bespoke Top Mount Freezer fridge in Malaysia. The main selling point of this fridge is its design \u2013 it is offered in a number of different colourways and material.\n\n\nThree different sizes of the Bespoke Top Mount Freezer is available in Malaysia. The 404L and 427L models are priced at RM3,199, while the larger 476L version goes for RM3,399. Depending on which colourway you choose, the material of the doors can either be a glossy glass finish or a matte, smoother cotta surface.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe matte cotta version (left) next to the glossier glass model\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from its unique exterior, the Bespoke Top Mount Freezer fridge also comes with a feature dubbed Optimal Fresh+. It is a compartment in the bottom half of the fridge that ensures food \u201cstays fresh for twice as long,\u201d as the company puts it.\n\n\nThe Samsung Bespoke Top Mount Freezer fridge is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM3,199 (404L and 427L) or RM3,399 (476L). More details on the sleek-looking fridge can be found on \nSamsung\u2019s official website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-returns-to-the-portable-gaming-market-sort-of-with-project-q/", "title": "PlayStation Returns to the Portable Gaming Market (Sort Of) With Project Q", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been rumoured that PlayStation is coming back to the portable gaming market for quite some time now, and earlier today, Sony revealed Project Q. While it\u2019s not a standalone gaming console \u2013 so no, it\u2019s not a successor to the \nPlayStation Vita\n \u2013 it does allow gamers to stream games from the PS5 to the device.\n\n\nBasically, Project Q takes advantage of the PS5\u2019s Remote Play feature. Both the PS5 and the handheld device have to be connected to the same WiFi network for this to work, and Project Q itself is said to feature an 8-inch HD screen with all of the features of the DualSense controller.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond Project Q, Sony also unveiled a pair of PlayStation-branded wireless earbuds. It is said to work with PS5 and PC \u2013 it can also connect to smartphones via Bluetooth \u2013 and it features a new wireless technology that allows for \u201clossless audio\u201d and low latency.\n\n\nAccording to Sony, this is just a sneak peek at Project Q and the PlayStation wireless earbuds. More information will be revealed in the future, though the company said that Project Q will be launched later this year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honkai-star-rail-teases-3-new-playable-characters-luka-kafka-blade/", "title": "Honkai: Star Rail Teases 3 New Playable Characters \u2013 Luka, Kafka, Blade", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been almost a month now since the release of Honkai: Star Rail, and Hoyoverse is teasing quite a number of characters leading up to the game\u2019s \nVersion 1.1 livestream\n. The studio previously teased Kafka and Blade, and today, a completely new character, Luka, has also been revealed.\n\n\nKafka and Blade, not surprisingly, are 5-star characters, while Luka is a 4-star character. Their respective elements have also been revealed: Kafka wields Lightning, Blade is a Wind character, while Luka is a Physical unit.\n\n\n\n\nKafka\nOn the Interastral Peace Corporation's wanted list, Kafka's entry only has two things \u2014 her name, and a single sentence: \"Likes collecting coats.\" Little is known about this Stellaron Hunter aside from her being one of Destiny's Slave Elio's most trusted members.\nIn order\u2026 \npic.twitter.com/RFBhuREIUX\n\u2014 Honkai: Star Rail (@honkaistarrail) \nMay 24, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBlade\nA swordsman who abandoned his body to become a blade. Birth name unknown.\nHe pledges loyalty to Destiny's Slave, and possesses a terrifying self-healing ability.\nBlade wields an ancient sword riddled with cracks, just like his body and his mind.\n#HonkaiStarRail\n \npic.twitter.com/rCQxRJiZWF\n\u2014 Honkai: Star Rail (@honkaistarrail) \nMay 23, 2023\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLuka\nAn optimistic and carefree fighter with a mechanical arm. Skilled in mixed martial arts and is a Wildfire member.\nFrom the fight cage to the battlefield, and from a fighter to a warrior, Luka uses his strength to protect the people of the Underworld.\nHe wishes to bring hope\u2026 \npic.twitter.com/vbBq00Uamd\n\u2014 Honkai: Star Rail (@honkaistarrail) \nMay 25, 2023\n\n\n\n\nChances are, all three of these characters will be playable in Star Rail sooner or later, though it remains to be seen exactly when. There is a chance they will be added to the game in Version 1.2, given that the \nteaser image\n for the game\u2019s Version 1.1 livestream features Silver Wolf, Luocha, and Yukong, who are likely to be playable in Star Rail 1.1.\n\n\nNonetheless, we\u2019ll just have to wait for the Version 1.1 livestream of Honkai: Star Rail to know for sure. The stream will begin at 7:30PM on 26 May tomorrow \non YouTube\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/truthear-x-crinacle-zero-red-review-project-red-doesnt-disappoint/", "title": "Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red Review: Project Red Doesn\u2019t Disappoint", "body": "\n\nCrinacle \u2013 one of the most recognisable names in the IEM scene \u2013 has teased Project Red for quite some time now. So when he finally unveiled the Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red, there\u2019s a lot of excitement surrounding the new IEM.\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the Zero Red has a dual dynamic driver setup \u2013 just like the \noriginal Zero\n \u2013 with a true subwoofer, and it remains pretty affordable with a \n$54.99 (about RM255) price tag from SHENZHENAUDIO\n. But what\u2019s changed with this version of the Zero is a new, \u201cmore palatable\u201d tuning, as Crinacle puts it.\n\n\nThe results? A very, very competitive IEM that sounds fantastic, especially at this price point. Granted, the Zero Red does have its drawbacks, but I imagine most folks will be very happy with the tuning and bass performance of this IEM. Without further ado, let\u2019s get to the review of the Zero Red.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nPackaging of the Truthear Zero Red is basically the same as other IEMs from the company, including the original Zero and the \nTruthear Hexa\n. There is (naturally) another anime waifu pictured on the box, along with a decent synthetic leather carrying pouch.\n\n\nTip selection remains extensive. There are options for narrow and wide bore tips in small, medium, and large sizes, along with a medium-size foam tips. The wide bore ear tips should provide more treble emphasis, while the narrow bore and foam tips boost the low-end at the cost of less air in the treble region. My impressions of the Zero Red in this review is with the narrow tips installed.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBefore we get to the meat of the review, I do have some (small) qualms with the Zero Red. The all-black 2-pin cable, for one, is thin and quite prone to tangling up. The nozzle of the IEM is also quite large, so if you\u2019ve got smaller ear canals, wearing the Red for an extended amount of time can be a tad uncomfortable, as it was for me.\n\n\nNonetheless, I do like the overall design of the Zero Red. It feels well-built \u2013 though the shell\u2019s glossy finish does make it quite slippery \u2013 and the red faceplate looks great. In my opinion, it is more aesthetically pleasing than the blue faceplate of the first Zero.\n\n\nHow Does It Sound?\n\n\nSimply put, the Truthear Zero Red has a relatively neutral sound signature with a good amount of bass boost; even more so with the \u201cBass+\u201d impedance adapter (10\u03a9) installed, which is bundled with the IEM. While the Red doesn\u2019t strictly follow the Harman in-ear target curve like the original Zero, it does have a \u201cHarman-esque\u201d tuning to my ears with a warm sound profile, which I personally quite like.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBass\n\n\nIn the low-end, the Zero Red offers quite a bit of sub-bass, but not much in the mid-bass region. Bass impact is good, but it\u2019s not particularly tight or deep. Don\u2019t get me wrong, it can still offer a satisfying amount of bass, but compared to other IEMs with a similar driver setup such as the \nQKZ x HBB Khan\n, the Red is not quite as hard-hitting.\n\n\nHowever, with the impedance adapter installed, the Zero Red\u2019s bass reproduction can almost get to the same volume as the Khan, though treble fidelity is negatively affected as a result; to my ears, at least. I\u2019ll compare the Red to other 2DD IEMs further down the review.\n\n\nMids\n\n\nMale vocals sound warm and laid-back without any \u201cboominess\u201d with the Zero Red. As for female vocals, they sound \u201clush\u201d and slightly forward. In essence, note weight sounds just right and natural; it is neither too thick nor too thin. All in all, I\u2019m a fan of the Red\u2019s performance in the mids.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHighs\n\n\nIf I were to describe the Zero Red\u2019s treble performance in two words, it would be warm and smooth. On slower songs, treble sounds smooth and laid-back, so depending on your preference, this could be a positive or negative, as some may find this sound profile to be a tad boring and lacking in energy or dynamics.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that on busier, instrument-heavy tracks, the Zero Red can sound a bit harsh and borderline shouty.\n\n\nHow Does the Zero Red Compare to Other 2DD IEMs?\n\n\nUnfortunately, I do not have the original Truthear Zero to compare with the Zero Red, but I do have access to the aforementioned Khan and \n7Hz Legato\n. Both of them feature a similar dual dynamic driver setup \u2013 with one of them acting as a subwoofer \u2013 as the Red.\n\n\n\n\nThe QKZ x HBB Khan\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s start by comparing the Zero Red to the Khan. Out of the two IEMs, the Red sounds more resolving and detailed, lending to a \u201ccleaner\u201d sound signature. However, the Zero Red also sounds less exciting compared to the more energetic Khan, which is quite a bit more affordable too with a $39.99 (about RM185) price tag.\n\n\nAs for the Legato, it has a much, \nmuch\n more boomy bass than the Zero Red, making it ideal for folks who want a very bass-heavy IEM. That being said, the Red\u2019s tonality is more natural and pleasing to my ears \nby a mile\n, not to mention the fact that it\u2019s far more affordable than the $109 (around RM500) Legato as well.\n\n\n\n\nThe 7Hz Legato\n\n\n\n\nI\u2019d also like to touch on the impedance adapter of the Zero Red. At first, I liked the IEM better with it, but I find myself missing the more balanced sound of the Red on its own after some time. To me, the adapter makes the treble sound a bit grainier and less natural. Of course, the impedance adapter makes the Red harder to drive too, which is something to take note of.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nThe strength of the Truthear Zero Red is its tuning, which doesn\u2019t come as a surprise for an IEM tuned by Crinacle. It\u2019s a well-tuned IEM with a pleasing, neutral sound signature with boosted bass. This makes it great for a wide range of genre, but if you listen to more hip-hop, then the bassier Khan and Legato might be better options. However, do note that both of them are not as resolving or as detailed as the Red.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith its affordable $54.99 price tag and a tuning that\u2019s suitable for various genres, the Zero Red is very easy to recommend for folks that want a budget-friendly pair of IEMs with great value for money. If that sounds compelling to you, \ngrab the Zero Red\n.\n\n\nLi Jin Soh contributed to this review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/unboxing-mtg-march-of-the-machine-the-aftermath-epilogue-boosters-collector-boosters/", "title": "Unboxing MTG March of the Machine: The Aftermath Epilogue Boosters & Collector Boosters", "body": "\n\nMagic: The Gathering\u2019s four-part Phyrexian storyline has come to an end with the \nMarch of the Machine\n set last month. But there is still the epilogue with the March of the Machine: The Aftermath, a mini-set that follows the\u2026aftermath of the climactic battle.\n\n\nWith the release of Aftermath, Wizards of the Coast sent us a box of Epilogue Boosters and Epilogue Collector Boosters of the set to check out. If you\u2019re interested to pick up either one of these two products, here\u2019s our unboxing!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Epilogue Boosters. Unlike regular Set Boosters, Aftermath\u2019s Epilogue Boosters is a five-card pack, which makes sense, given that the whole set is only made up of 50 cards. Anyway, in every Epilogue Booster, there are two non-foil uncommons, one non-foil rare or mythic rare, one traditional foil card of any rarity, a Booster Fun card of any rarity, and an ad/token card.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that for the foil card slot, it will be a rare or mythic rare card in one in six boosters. There are 24 packs in a box of Epilogue Boosters, so you\u2019ll get (at least) four rare or mythic rare foil cards. This rule applies to the Booster Fun slot too, and there\u2019s also a chance it will be a foil card.\n\n\nThe Booster Fun treatment for Aftermath is similar to the previous set (March of the Machine). It has either the featured character\u2019s homeworld treatment, or for \u201cde-sparked\u201d Planeswalkers, a treatment from the plane that they ended up on.\n\n\n\n\nThe contents of an Aftermath Epilogue Booster\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have Aftermath\u2019s Epilogue Collector Boosters, which is a six-card pack; one extra card compared to the standard Booster. It is made up of one traditional or Halo foil uncommon, one foil-etched uncommon, one traditional foil rare or mythic rare, one non-foil traditional foil extended art rare or mythic rare, a traditional foil or Halo foil rare or mythic rare with a Booster Fun treatment, one foil-etched rare or mythic rare, and one traditional foil double-sided token.\n\n\nCompared to the traditional foil treatment, foil-etched cards looks quite different. They have a more eye-catching aesthetic where specific parts of the cards have extra shimmer, so to speak. It\u2019s worth noting that foil-fetched, Halo foil, and extended art cards are exclusive to the Collector Boosters.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd that\u2019s our unboxing Magic: The Gathering\u2019s latest March of the Machine: The Aftermath\u2019s Epilogue Boosters and Collector Boosters. If you\u2019re keen to check out this new mini set, give your \nnearest game store\n a visit.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honkai-star-rail-version-1-1-arrives-7-june-with-silver-wolf-luocha-yukong/", "title": "Honkai: Star Rail Version 1.1 Arrives 7 June With Silver Wolf, Luocha, Yukong", "body": "\n\nThe first version update for Honkai: Star Rail, Galactic Roaming, is coming on 7 June. Once the Version 1.1 update is live in the next couple of weeks, three new playable characters will be added to the game: Silver Wolf, Luocha, and Yukong.\n\n\nNaturally, both Silver Wolf and Luocha are 5-star characters, while Yukong is a 4-star unit. Silver Wolf\u2019s event warp will go live first once the update is released, and her banner will be paired with Dan Heng, Asta, and Serval. As for Luocha, his event warp features Yukong, Pela, and Qingque.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that Yukong can be obtained through an in-game event in the Version 1.2 update in the future.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from the three new characters, a number of events will be available in Star Rail, including a daily login event dubbed Gift of Odyssey that will reward a total of 10 Star Rail Special Passes. You can also get a free 4-star Nihility Light Cone (Before the Tutorial Mission Starts) by completing an event mission.\n\n\nHonkai: Star Rail Version 1.1 will drop on 7 June 2023. To recap, Silver Wolf\u2019s event warp will be available once the update is live, followed by Luocha\u2019s banner with Yukong a few weeks later. There are also \nfour\n different codes you can claim now \u2013 CS75WMP976AK, ZTPTNMTX8LUF, 8A6T6LBFQ4D3, DB7A64BW8LC7 \u2013 to get a total of 400 Stellar Jades and other goodies.\n\n\nYou can redeem the codes \nover here\n until 28 May tomorrow at 12PM.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-at-computex-2023-acer-predator-triton-16-swift-edge-16-connect-vero-w6m-mesh-router/", "title": "Acer at Computex 2023: Acer Predator Triton 16, Swift Edge 16, Connect Vero W6m Mesh Router", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe\u2019re at Computex 2023! As usual, big brands are here at the annual trade show, including Acer. The Taiwanese company launched several new products at the event, including the Acer Predator Triton 16, Swift Edge 16, and the eco-friendly Connect Vero W6m mesh router.\n\n\nWe managed to spend some time with these new products at Acer\u2019s booth in Computex 2023. If you\u2019re keen to get any of them \u2013 even though we don\u2019t know exactly when (or if) they will be coming to Malaysia \u2013 here\u2019s what you need to know!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAcer Predator Triton 16\n\n\nFirst up is a large, reasonably powerful gaming laptop, the Acer Predator Triton 16. Featuring Intel\u2019s latest 13th generation Core i9-13900H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, it\u2019s really quite a capable gaming machine. On top of that, it also has a 16-inch 2560 x 1600 display with a fast 240Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Triton 16 include up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage in Raid 0 configuration, an RGB keyboard (naturally) with per-key lighting, along with a 2.4kg chassis. It also measures only 21.9mm at its thickest point, so it\u2019s certainly a slim gaming laptop.\n\n\nThe Predator Triton 16 is expected to arrive in North America sometime in September 2023 with a $1,799 price tag, which comes up to about RM8,290.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAcer Swift Edge 16\n\n\nNext, we have a refresh of the \noriginal Swift Edge\n. Now dubbed Acer Swift Edge 16, the new laptop is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor with integrated AMD Radeon 780M Graphics. It also has a 16-inch 3.2K OLED panel with a faster 120Hz refresh rate now.\n\n\nAside from that, the Swift Edge 16 remains a very lightweight, slim laptop. After all, it tips the scales at only 1.23kg, along with a 12.95mm side profile. While it\u2019s still quite a large laptop \u2013 given that it has a sizeable 16-inch display \u2013 there\u2019s no denying that it is a lightweight, thin machine.\n\n\nSet to arrive in North America in July 2023, the Swift Edge 16 starts at $1,299 (about RM5,985) in the region.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConnect Vero W6m Mesh Router\n\n\nLast but not least is the Acer Connect Vero W6m mesh router. It carries the company\u2019s Vero branding, so it\u2019s no surprise that the W6m has some eco-friendly features. Its ABS plastic chassis, for example, is made up of 30% PCR plastic. It also has an eco mode that optimises power consumption by \u201cregulating the sleep time of connected devices,\u201d as Acer puts it.\n\n\nBeyond that, the W6m mesh router also supports the WiFi 6E standard. It is a mesh router too, so you can purchase multiple units of the W6m and connect up to four of them to a seamless mesh network to eliminate WiFi dead spots in a given space.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, there\u2019s no word yet on the Malaysian availability of these three Acer products. But given that the Taiwanese company has a prominent presence in Malaysia, we reckon there\u2019s a good chance the two laptops \u2013 and maybe even the mesh router \u2013 will be launched on our shores in due time.\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-acerpure-aqua-can-purify-tea-to-water-and-its-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "The Acerpure Aqua Can Purify Tea Into Water, And It\u2019s Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nAcer has been expanding its product offerings in Malaysia for quite some time now with its Acerpure products, and soon, the Taiwanese company will be bringing in a water purifier to our local market. Enter the Acerpure Aqua: a 3-in-1 water purifier that not only looks good, but is also very functional.\n\n\nOne of the advantages of the Acerpure Aqua \u2013 though it also depends on the user \u2013 is the fact that no piping is required to install it. The water purifier draws water from an 8.7L two-sided water tank, which is then filtered with a four-step filtration system.\n\n\nTo show just how effective the Aqua\u2019s filtration system is, Acer actually used black tea as the water source. The purified tea looks just like water, which is pretty darn impressive.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the Acerpure Aqua\u2019s filters can be easily replaced by users too. What we also like about the water purifier \u2013 aside from the fact that we can see the filtered water through the see-through window \u2013 is the fact that we can set the water to a specific temperature. This ranges from as low as 10\u00b0C to 95\u00b0C.\n\n\nWhile we were told that the Acerpure Aqua is coming to Malaysia, no specific timeline was given. Rest assured, the water purifier is said to be coming \u201cvery soon,\u201d and we\u2019ll definitely keep a close eye on its local availability.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-acer-predator-extreme-electric-scooter-is-incredibly-fun-fast/", "title": "The Acer Predator Extreme Electric Scooter Is Incredibly Fun & Fast", "body": "\n\nAside from its latest range of laptops, routers, and even water purifier, Acer also showed off a rather interesting product at Computex 2023: a Predator-branded electric scooter. This is the Acer Predator Extreme, and not only does it have an aggressive styling, it\u2019s quite a capable scooter too.\n\n\nUnlike \u201cconventional\u201d electric scooters, the Predator Extreme looks to have a rather sophisticated dual suspension system with a peak power output of 700W. Acer also said that the scooter\u2019s \u201csturdy build\u201d allows riders to perform stunts with it, such as doing wheelies, jumps, and even curb hops.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerformance wise, the Predator Extreme has a max speed of 25kmph (due to regulations). While that doesn\u2019t sound particularly fast, the scooter\u2019s 29Nm of torque does allow for quick acceleration from standstill; it was quite intimidating when we took it for a ride. As for range, its 36V battery offers up to 22km of range on a single charge.\n\n\nAt the moment, pricing and availability of the Acer Predator Extreme have not been revealed yet, so it\u2019s hard to say if the electric scooter will even be offered in Malaysia. Nonetheless, if the Predator Extreme does eventually arrive on our shores, we\u2019ll definitely keep you updated.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-currently-has-no-plans-to-enter-handheld-gaming-pc-market/", "title": "Acer (Currently) Has No Plans to Enter Handheld Gaming PC Market", "body": "\n\nWith the release of the \nAsus ROG Ally\n, many were wondering if other big, notable brands will also release a handheld gaming PC of their own. We posed this question to Acer, and we were told that at the moment, the Taiwanese company has no intention to release a competitor to the ROG Ally or Valve\u2019s Steam Deck.\n\n\nThis confirmation came from the COO and president of IT products business at Acer, Jerry Kao, in a group interview. According to him, demands for handheld gaming consoles are not quite there yet for the company to enter the market. \u201cWe have to find the right timing,\u201d as he puts it.\n\n\n\n\nJerry Kao (centre)\n\n\n\n\nWe approached Kao after the group interview for further clarification, and he added that Acer \u2013 through the Acer Gaming division \u2013 is the official distributor of the Steam Deck in Taiwan. With this in mind, the company is certainly familiar with the demand of the handheld gaming console, even if it\u2019s only limited to Taiwan.\n\n\nSo for the foreseeable future, we won\u2019t be seeing any handheld gaming PC from Acer, even though the AMD Ryzen Z1 series chips that power the ROG Ally will be offered to other brands in due time. But hey, the handheld gaming PC landscape could change rapidly in the near future, so it\u2019s still possible we\u2019ll see an ROG Ally or Steam Deck competitor from Acer.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-msi-stealth-16-mercedes-amg-motorsport-looks-fast-standing-still/", "title": "The MSI Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Looks Fast Standing Still", "body": "\n\nAt Computex 2023, MSI introduced a rather intriguing gaming laptop, the MSI Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. As its name suggests, this limited edition laptop is a collaboration between the Taiwanese company and the very recognisable Mercedes-AMG brand.\n\n\nNaturally, the Mercedes-AMG branding can be found throughout this special edition Stealth 16. The top lid of the laptop features the two brands\u2019 logos, the bottom bezel of the display gets the same treatment, and even the power button has been replaced with a \u201cstart engine\u201d key.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAesthetics aside, the Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG is a capable gaming laptop. After all, it can be configured with Intel\u2019s latest 13th generation Core i9-13900H with a reasonably fast Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU. Paired with the bright and vibrant 16-inch 3840 x 2400 OLED display, gaming on this laptop should be very enjoyable, even if the display is limited to 60Hz.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG include up to 64GB of DDR5 5200MHz RAM, two M.2 SSD slots that can accommodate NVMe PCIe Gen4 drives, a SteelSeries-branded keyboard with per-key RGB lighting, as well as a relatively lightweight 1.88kg magnesium-aluminium alloy chassis.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPricing wise, the MSI Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport starts at a cool \u20ac3,299, which comes up to about RM16,340. No word yet on the Malaysian availability of this limited edition gaming laptop.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/projectd-outlaw-duckys-take-on-a-premium-65-custom-keyboard-for-299-399/", "title": "ProjectD Outlaw \u2013 Ducky\u2019s Take on a Premium 65% Custom Keyboard for $299/$399", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDucky is a very recognisable name in the pre-built keyboard market, which is why the company\u2019s new project \u2013 aptly dubbed ProjectD \u2013 is particularly interesting. Essentially, it is Ducky\u2019s take on a premium custom keyboard, a product segment that is uncharted territory for the brand.\n\n\nThe first product in the ProjectD series is the Outlaw, a 65% keyboard with a slew of customisation options. As many as \nfour\n different plates \u2013 FR4, polycarbonate, POM, and metal \u2013 are bundled with the keyboard, which are placed in a rather nice carrying case. The bottom case of the Outlaw can either be aluminium or carbon fibre too; very interesting.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the Outlaw also features a gasket mounting system, which looks to provide a reasonably good amount of flex for a comfortable typing experience. It has a rather pleasant, \u201csolid\u201d sound profile too, thanks to a plethora of foams that come with the keyboard.\n\n\nPricing wise, we were told that the Outlaw will be priced between $299 to $399, which is about RM1,380 to RM1,840. Obviously, this is not an affordable keyboard, and it is contending with \u201cproper\u201d custom keyboards at this price point.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut based on our brief hands-on with the Ducky ProjectD Outlaw, we do think it has the potential to be just as good as a custom keyboard. It will go on sale sometime in Q3 or Q4 2023, and we were told that more keyboards will be added to the ProjectD series in the future \u2013 perhaps these upcoming models will use different layouts (and maybe even different build material) too.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/first-apple-store-in-malaysia-reportedly-opening-in-february-2024-at-the-exchange-trx/", "title": "First Apple Store in Malaysia Reportedly Opening in February 2024 at The Exchange TRX", "body": "\n\n\n\nAn Apple Store in Barcelona\n\n\n\n\nRemember the \nleaked image\n of what appears to be a physical Apple Store in construction right here in Malaysia? Well, according to a \nreport by Bloomberg\n, the store in question will in fact be located at The Exchange TRX, and it\u2019s estimated to be opened sometime in February 2024 next year.\n\n\nThe Bloomberg report added that Apple will also be opening more stores throughout Asia Pacific. These include India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and China. However, it\u2019s worth noting that some of the Apple Stores in certain markets are only in the proposal stage at the time of writing.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, as per Bloomberg\u2019s report, the Apple Store in Malaysia is not in the proposal stage anymore. The Apple outlet at The Exchange TRX looks to be quite finalised, even if the February 2024 launch window is just an estimate.\n\n\nThings could certainly change leading up to the launch of Malaysia\u2019s first Apple Store. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye for any relevant development. It\u2019s definitely exciting for Malaysia to get an Apple Store, which is quite a bit different than the physical outlets currently operated by Apple Premium Resellers on our shores.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/klc-nori-spring-rider-with-unique-spring-mount-system-available-july-2023-for-179/", "title": "KLC Nori Spring Rider With Unique Spring Mount System Available July 2023 for $179", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt Computex 2023, we came across KLC Hobbyists\u2019 Playground at Zalman\u2019s booth, and the brand showcased (arguably) the most exciting keyboard at the trade show, the KLC Nori Spring Rider. Set to go on sale sometime in July 2023, the budget-oriented keyboard offers a unique spring mount system.\n\n\nWhile most custom keyboards now feature a gasket mounting system of sorts, the Nori Spring Rider uses a unique \u201ccoil spring suspension\u201d system. The result? A soft, comfortable typing feel with a good amount of flex. It also has a rather muted sound profile, which can be attributed to the various foams installed in the keyboard.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Nori Spring Rider has a rather elaborate packaging\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Spring Rider\u2019s chassis is made from plastic, which is not surprising given the keyboard\u2019s affordable nature. It also comes with an aluminium plate, pre-lubed Gateron Yellow Pro V2 switches, along with the popular Linworks double shot ABS keycap set. Yes, it will be fully assembled out of the box.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Spring Rider include a hotswap PCB to easily swap between different switches \u2013 perfect for beginners who want to try out different switches \u2013 wireless capability via Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz dongle, and per-key RGB complete with RGB underglow.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to KLC, the \nNori Spring Rider\n will be available for pre-order sometime in July 2023 through Drop with a $179 price tag, which comes up to about RM820. Several international vendors will open orders for the affordable keyboard too, including Mecha Store for both the Malaysian and Singaporean markets.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/15-inch-macbook-air-unleashed-11-5mm-thin-18-hour-battery-life-from-rm6199/", "title": "15-inch MacBook Air Unleashed \u2013 11.5mm Thin, 18-Hour Battery Life, From RM6,199", "body": "\n\nApple\u2019s annual Worldwide Developers Conference just kicked off, and the Cupertino company revealed a brand new hardware, the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air. Sporting a large 15.3-inch display, a side profile of only 11.5mm thin, and up to \n18 hours\n of battery life, the new MacBook Air is touted as \u201cthe world\u2019s best 15-inch laptop.\u201d\n\n\nNaturally, the 15-inch MacBook Air is powered by Apple\u2019s latest M2 chip. Its aforementioned 11.5mm chassis also makes this machine the world\u2019s thinnest 15-inch laptop, as the company puts it. Of course, tipping the scales at 3.3 pounds (about 1.5kg), it\u2019s relatively lightweight too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the 15-inch MacBook Air include a 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display with up to 500 nits of brightness, a 1080p camera, a six-speaker sound system, up to 24GB memory with 2TB storage, as well as four colour options: Midnight, Starlight, Space Grey, and Silver.\n\n\nThe 15-inch Apple MacBook Air is set to be available in selected markets from next week onwards, though this doesn\u2019t include Malaysia. Nonetheless, for our local market, the new 15-inch laptop starts at RM6,199. We\u2019ll be sure to post an update once the local availability of the 15-inch MacBook Air has been announced.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/13-inch-macbook-air-m2-receives-rm300-price-cut-in-malaysia-now-starts-at-rm5199/", "title": "13-inch MacBook Air (M2) Receives RM300 Price Cut in Malaysia \u2013 Now Starts at RM5,199", "body": "\n\nWith the introduction of the \n15-inch MacBook Air\n, Apple also updated the pricing of the 13-inch MacBook Air in Malaysia. The M2 variant of the smaller laptop now starts at RM5,199, which is a respectable RM300 price cut. As for the more affordable M1 model, it still retails from RM4,399.\n\n\nTo recap, the M2 MacBook Air retains the thin and light design of its predecessor. With a 11.3mm thin chassis, this is without a doubt a portable laptop. Tipping the scales at only 1.2kg, this is a very much a lightweight laptop too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from its portable nature, the new MacBook Air also gets a large 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display \u2013 complete with a notch \u2013 a very respectable battery life of up to 18 hours, as well as up to 24GB of memory and 2TB SSD storage. There\u2019s also the much-loved MagSafe charger.\n\n\nTo recap, the 13-inch MacBook Air now starts at RM4,399 and RM5,199 for the M1 and M2 models respectively. Both 13-inch laptops will be sold alongside the new 15-inch MacBook Air, which \nretails from RM6,199\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hideo-kojimas-death-stranding-directors-cut-is-coming-to-mac/", "title": "Hideo Kojima\u2019s Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut Is Coming to Mac", "body": "\n\nApple has been steadily improving the gaming capability of the Mac platform, and it\u2019s getting a big new game soon. At WWDC 2023, Hideo Kojima announced that the acclaimed Death Stranding Director\u2019s Cut is coming to Mac sometime this year.\n\n\nThe game is said to be available for pre-order on the Mac App Store soon. Kojima further added that future games from his studio \u2013 including the \nsequel to Death Stranding\n, perhaps \u2013 will also be made available for Mac.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNeedless to say, it\u2019s quite a big deal for a high-profile game developer like Kojima Productions to support the Mac platform. It\u2019ll be interesting to see just how well Death Stranding would run on a Mac, especially on the new \n15-inch MacBook Air\n powered by Apple\u2019s M2 chip.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-vision-pro-official-apples-new-ar-headset-for-3499/", "title": "Apple Vision Pro Official \u2013 Apple\u2019s New AR Headset for $3,499", "body": "\n\nAfter much rumours and leaks, Apple\u2019s new AR headset is here. Enter the Apple Vision Pro, which is \u201cthe first Apple product you look through and not at,\u201d said the CEO of Apple, Tim Cook. Of course, the AR headset can be controlled with a user\u2019s eyes, hands, and even voice.\n\n\nThat means there is no need for a physical controller for the Vision Pro, though Bluetooth accessories can be paired to the headset for more precise controls. Aside from that, it\u2019s primarily positioned as an AR device rather than VR, but users can use the dial on the right side of the headset to switch between augmented and virtual reality.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nApple is also working with several companies to take advantage of the Vision Pro, including Disney. Disney+, for example, will be available on the AR headset on day one. The streaming service looks to offer a more immersive viewing experience with the Vision Pro, such as showing various HUDs with relevant information of the content that\u2019s being shown.\n\n\nHardware wise, the Vision Pro features curved MicroOLED panels with 23 million pixels across two displays (one for each eye). This is said to be sharper than, say, a 4K panel. On top of that, AR headset is also powered by Apple\u2019s M2 silicone alongside a new chip, R1, for sensor processing.\n\n\nOh, there\u2019s also a new authentication feature dubbed Optic ID. As its name suggests, it uses your iris to authenticate your identity; very neat.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow, pricing. The Apple Vision Pro retails at a cool $3,499, which comes up to about RM16,015. Unfortunately, it\u2019s only set to be available in the US at the moment in early 2024, so it\u2019ll be a while before the sleek new AR headset arrives in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mac-studio-mac-pro-refreshed-with-new-m2-ultra-chip-from-rm9499-in-malaysia/", "title": "Mac Studio & Mac Pro Refreshed With New M2 Ultra Chip \u2013 From RM9,499 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nApple\u2019s Mac Studio and Mac Pro have just been refreshed with the Cupertino company\u2019s fast M2 chips. The Mac Studio is configurable with both the M2 Max and (brand new) M2 Ultra chips, while the Mac Pro is only offered with the M2 Ultra SoC. With these two product updates, the Mac\u2019s transition to Apple\u2019s own silicone is now complete.\n\n\nPricing wise, the new M2-powered Mac Studio now starts at RM9,499 for the M2 Max model with 32GB memory and a 512GB SSD. If you want the faster M2 Ultra variant instead, the base configuration will set you back RM18,999, which features 64GB memory and a 1TB SSD.\n\n\nAs for the Mac Pro, the tower form factor starts at RM32,999, while the rack version retails from RM34,999.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the M2 Ultra chip upgrade \u2013 which is said to be Apple\u2019s largest and most capable SoC ever \u2013 it\u2019s worth noting that the Mac Pro features some big upgrades internally. It now comes with six PCIe Gen 4 slots and eight built-in Thunderbolt ports; six on the back, another two on top of the machine.\n\n\nWhile the Malaysian pricing of the M2-powered Mac Studio and Mac Pro has been announced, it remains to be seen exactly when the two Macs will arrive on our shores. We\u2019ll be sure to keep a close eye on the local availability of the new Mac Studio and Mac Pro.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-c53-with-33w-fast-charging-arrives-in-malaysia-for-rm599/", "title": "Realme C53 With 33W Fast Charging Arrives in Malaysia for RM599", "body": "\n\nThe Realme C53 has just been launched in Malaysia. We are one of the first markets to receive the brand new budget-friendly phone, and according to the Chinese company, the C53\u2019s 33W fast charging is touted as a segment-first.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Realme C53 is offered in the sole 6GB + 128GB model for RM599. That comfortably puts it in the budget segment, and it is available in two distinct colours: Champion Gold and Mighty Black. Quite\u2026grandiose names.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the C53 features the aforementioned 33W fast charging. It also comes with a Unisoc Tiger T612 processor, a 6.74-inch 1080p IPS display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a dual camera system (50MP primary + black and white sensor), an 8MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\nThe Realme C53 will be available for purchase in Malaysia from tomorrow onwards on 7 June. For only RM599, it\u2019s a phone worth looking into if you\u2019re looking for a budget-friendly smartphone.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-asus-rog-strix-scope-ii-96-wireless-has-some-smooth-switches-and-its-coming-to-malaysia/", "title": "The Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless Has Some Smooth Switches, And It\u2019s Coming to Malaysia", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile we were at Computex 2023, we managed to drop by Asus\u2019 booth for the Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless keyboard; yes, it\u2019s a mouthful. Nonetheless, we tried out the keyboard briefly at the trade show, and we\u2019re quite impressed with the overall refinement of the Strix Scope II.\n\n\nMore specifically, we were surprised by the performance of the new ROG NX Snow linear switch. Pre-lubed out of the box, it feels very smooth with a reasonably pleasant sound profile. The box design of the stem minimises wobble too, which provides a more stable typing experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Strix Scope II itself, it has a number of interesting features. These include wireless connectivity (naturally) via Bluetooth or the 2.4GHz ROG SpeedNova dongle, a hotswap PCB, a scroll wheel, an 1800 layout \u2013 or a 96% layout, as described by Asus \u2013 and a number of sound-dampening foams.\n\n\nWe were told that the Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless will be made available in Malaysia, though no specific timeline was given. Nonetheless, if priced this, this wireless keyboard could be worth considering for the smooth, \nsmooth\n ROG NX Snow linear switch.\n\n\nIn fact, I wouldn\u2019t mind purchasing the switch on its own if Asus ever decides to do so.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-smart-tv-4k-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm1599-early-birds-get-rm500-discount/", "title": "Realme Smart TV 4K Lands in Malaysia for RM1,599 \u2013 Early Birds Get RM500 Discount", "body": "\n\nAside from launching the affordable \nRealme C53\n smartphone on our shores, the Chinese company also brought in a new smart TV, the Realme Smart TV 4K. The best selling point of the Android TV is definitely its sheer value for money, especially for a 50-inch 4K TV.\n\n\nAlthough the Realme Smart TV 4K is offered in both 43-inch and 50-inch models, only the latter is available in Malaysia. Priced at RM1,599, early birds who purchase the smart TV by 8 June this Thursday can get it for only RM1,099 \u2013 that\u2019s a whopping RM500 discount.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Realme Smart TV 4K is an Android TV, so it features built-in Chromecast, Google Assistant, and of course, access to the Google Play Store. It also has a 50-inch 3840 x 2160 LED panel with a rather impressive 97.2% screen-to-body, thanks to its 2.6mm thin bezels.\n\n\nThe Realme Smart TV 4K is now available for purchase in Malaysia through Realme\u2019s official Shopee store \nfor RM1,099\n; this promotional price is valid until 8 June. Once the offer has ended, the 4K TV will retail at RM1,599.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/photo-essay-we-visited-inpad-a-custom-keyboard-store-in-taipei-taiwan/", "title": "Photo Essay: We Visited INPAD, a Custom Keyboard Store in Taipei, Taiwan!", "body": "\n\nWhile we were in Taiwan for Computex 2023, we were exploring the city when we came across INPAD, a custom keyboard store in Taipei. Not only does it carry a huge selection of keyboard parts, the retailer also has several popular custom keyboards on display.\n\n\nNeedless to say, we thoroughly enjoyed our time at the store, given that there aren\u2019t that many custom keyboard stores like INPAD here in Malaysia. Nonetheless, here\u2019s what the outlet looks like, along with the various keyboards, keyboard parts, and a number of other products the retailer carries.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat immediately caught our attention when we walked into INPAD is its collection of custom keyboards. These include the \nMode Envoy\n \u2013 we really like this keyboard\u2019s sound profile \u2013 \nMeletrix Zoom75\n, and Cub Studio\u2019s Cub65, which \nwe recently reviewed\n.\n\n\nNaturally, you can put the keyboards through their paces in a typing test with the provided PC nearby. INPAD also runs groupbuy for these keyboards for the Taiwanese market, so it makes sense for the retailer to feature them in its store. We imagine folks who want to try out a specific keyboard before joining the groupbuy would love this.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, a number of more readily available keyboards can also be found at INPAD. Whether you want a Glorious or Ducky model, the store has a wide selection of keyboards to choose from. There are even switch testers throughout the retail space for customers to try out.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, INPAD has a very respectable selection of switches from various brands, new and old. The usual suspects are Gateron, Kailh, SP-Star, and Cherry. What surprised us quite a bit is the fact that INPAD already has the \nGeon Black switch\n in stock too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the slew of keyboard parts INPAD carries. We saw TX stabilisers neatly organised on a shelf, several intriguing keycap sets \u2013 such as Wuque Studio\u2019s GR Irish keycaps \u2013 various switch springs, and even deskmats.\n\n\nBeyond keyboard specific-products, INPAD has a number of other PC peripherals too. In fact, when you first walk into the store, you\u2019ll see various headphones and mice on the store shelves first. Even some PC parts are available here.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re a keyboard hobbyist \u2013 and you\u2019re ever in Taipei, Taiwan \u2013 it\u2019s definitely worth visiting INPAD. The store is located at \nZhongshan District\n, and we look forward to our next visit!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-msi-spatium-m570-pro-is-a-blazing-fast-pcie-5-0-ssd-with-a-built-in-fan/", "title": "The MSI Spatium M570 Pro Is a Blazing Fast PCIe 5.0 SSD With a Built-in Fan", "body": "\n\nThere\u2019s no denying that MSI makes some of the best PC hardware, and the latest MSI Spatium M570 Pro showcased here at Computex 2023 exemplifies that. Not only is it a very, \nvery\n fast PCIe 5.0 SSD, it also features a built-in fan for improved thermal performance.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Spatium M570 Pro are offered. There\u2019s the Frozr version with a \nmassive\n passively-cooled heatsink, and the Frozr+ model with the aforementioned built-in fan \u2013 more specifically, an MSI Torx 5.0 fan \u2013 and ARGB lighting for even better thermals.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe MSI Spatium M570 Pro Frozr+\n\n\n\n\nDespite the different cooling solution, both variants of the Spatium M570 Pro offers the same level of performance. In MSI\u2019s testing with the CrystalDiskMark benchmark tool, the Spatium M570 Pro can go up to 14,200MBps in sequential reads, while sequential write speeds are recorded at 12,000MBps.\n\n\nIn Raid 0 configuration, the Spatium M570 Pro records even higher speeds. As shown by MSI at its booth in Computex 2023, the SSD can do up to 22GBps sequential reads and 23GBps sequential writes while it\u2019s running in Raid 0. That is \nincredibly \nfast.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe MSI Spatium M570 Pro Frozr in Raid 0\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven the high level of performance that the MSI Spatium M570 Pro brings, it won\u2019t come cheap, though MSI has not revealed the pricing of the SSD yet. We\u2019ll find out once it is launched sometime in Q3 2023 in three different capacities: 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB. \n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hands-on-with-the-hyperx-cloud-iii-cirro-buds-pro-at-computex-2023/", "title": "Hands-on With the HyperX Cloud III & Cirro Buds Pro at Computex 2023", "body": "\n\nAfter many, many years, HyperX finally launched a successor to its highly popular Cloud II gaming headphones. Aptly dubbed HyperX Cloud III, we managed to try out the new gaming headphones back at Computex 2023 last week, along with the new HyperX Cirro Buds Pro wireless earbuds.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Cloud III. Compared to its predecessor, the new headphones has a brighter sound profile. The emphasised treble should be able to highlight in-game footsteps and voices better, making the gaming-centric headphones ideal for, well, gaming.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the Cloud III seems to have more detail, but this comes at the expense of less bass; to our ears, anyway. Nonetheless, the headphones remain very comfortable with soft, plush earpads, and we love that the removable mic doesn\u2019t have the sponge foam head anymore, which had a tendency to fray after some time.\n\n\nWe were told that a wireless version of the Cloud III is in the pipeline too, so expect a Cloud III Wireless (?) to be available sometime in the future.\n\n\nAs for the Cirro Buds Pro, it sounds\u2026decent. It\u2019s not a particularly resolving pair of wireless earbuds, and it sounds a tad thin to our liking. But to the Cirro Buds Pro\u2019s credit, it\u2019s quite feature-packed, boasting noise cancelling, up to 35 hours of battery life \u2013 when paired with the charging case \u2013 Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, and a game mode that lowers latency to 90ms.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe HyperX Cloud III is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM399, while the HyperX Cirro Buds Pro will be launched at a later date. We\u2019ll find out then just how much the wireless earbuds will be priced at.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vortex-at-computex-2023-m0110-m0110a-model-m-ssk-model-mini/", "title": "Vortex at Computex 2023: M0110, M0110A, Model M SSK, Model Mini", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve been in the keyboard hobby for a while, there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019ve heard of Vortex. It is the company behind the much-loved Pok3r keyboard, and at Computex 2023, the brand brought showed off several new keyboards. These include the M0110, M0110A, Model M SSK, and a (very) early unit of the Model Mini.\n\n\nWhat initially caught our eye at Vortex\u2019s booth is the M0110, which was available for pre-order through \nRebult Keyboards\n. It\u2019s a gasket-mounted keyboard with support for VIA and QMK; a rare feature for a pre-built keyboard. It can also connect to a device wirelessly via Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz dongle, and it requires two AA batteries to operate.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the Model M SSK. It\u2019s touted as a homage to the classic IBM Model M SSK, so it has a more vintage aesthetic. Just like the M0110, the Model M SSK features a gasket mount design, QMK and VIA support, as well as an FR4 plate. It also has a full aluminium case.\n\n\nSpeaking of the M0110, there are actually two more versions of the keyboard: M0110A and M0110A-1800. The M0110A features a 60% layout with the addition of a numpad, while the M0110A-1800 (as its name suggests) has a 1800 layout. Both of them also comes with an aluminium chassis and a gasket mount design, though they don\u2019t have wireless capability.\n\n\nLast but not least is the Model Mini, an upcoming 60% keyboard from Vortex with VIA/QMK compatibility. Only the aluminium chassis is shown at the booth, so chances are, it\u2019ll be some time before the Model Mini is ready for release.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Vortex M0110 and Model M SSK are expected to be available by the end of June 2023 this month, while the M0110A and M0110A-1800 will arrive slightly later.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/8-14-june-fuel-price-no-changes-ron-97-maintains-at-rm3-37-per-litre/", "title": "8 \u2013 14 June Fuel Price: No Changes, RON 97 Maintains at RM3.37 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAnother week, another fuel price update, and after a 2 sen price increase last week, there\u2019s no price change to RON 97 this time around. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.37 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 8 to 14 June next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/msi-optix-mag321qr-qd-review-fantastic-170hz-qhd-gaming-monitor-for-rm1799/", "title": "MSI Optix MAG321QR-QD Review: Fantastic 170Hz QHD Gaming Monitor for RM1,799", "body": "\n\nThe gaming monitor market in Malaysia, especially in the sub-RM2,000 range, is quite competitive. Plenty of brands offer monitors with great value for money in this price range, so it can be tough to stand out in this segment. But for the MSI Optix MAG321QR-QD, it has plenty of qualities to love.\n\n\nRetailing at RM1,799, the MAG321QR-QD has all the features of a capable mid-range gaming monitor. It has a fast refresh rate, a rather large (and great-looking) 31.5-inch QHD IPS panel with quantum dot technology, as well as support for Nvidia G-Sync Compatible and AMD FreeSync Premium to minimise screen tearing.\n\n\nWhile this gaming monitor does have some drawbacks here and there, its value proposition more than makes up for them. Without further ado, let\u2019s get to the review of the Optix MAG321QR-QD.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nOne of the main highlights of the Optix MAG321QR-QD is its 31.5-inch 2560 x 1440 IPS panel with quantum dot technology. According to MSI, the quantum dot layer allows for better colour accuracy, higher colour saturation, and wider contrast ratio.\n\n\nBeyond that, the MAG321QR-QD has a fast 165Hz native refresh rate too, which can be overclocked to 170Hz if you want the extra 5Hz. Connectivity wise, the gaming monitor features two HDMI 2.0b ports, a DisplayPort, a USB Type-C connection \u2013 it supports the DisplayPort standard with 15W charging \u2013 two USB-A ports, and a USB-B slot.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nWhen I first started gaming on the MSI Optix MAG321QR-QD, I\u2019m impressed with the quality of the QHD IPS panel. Not only can it get quite bright with a peak brightness of 400 nits, it can produce punchy, vibrant colours as well \u2013 with wide viewing angles \u2013 to further enhance the gaming experience. The quantum dot layer certainly makes a difference here.\n\n\nWhile we\u2019re on the topic of panel quality, the MAG321QR-QD is actually quite decent for video editing, thanks to its (relatively) good colour accuracy. While I wouldn\u2019t say it\u2019s ideal for creative professional \u2013 this is a gaming-centric monitor, after all \u2013 it will be serviceable for more\u2026casual editing, if you will.\n\n\nNaturally, motion clarity of the MAG321QR-QD is also great, thanks to the high 170Hz refresh rate. As far as I can tell, the Nvidia G-Sync Compatible and AMD FreeSync Premium support can minimise screen tearing quite well too, even in fast-paced games.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGood response time is paramount for a gaming-centric monitor, and in the case of the MAG321QR-QD, it feels responsive enough to not hinder my gaming experience. Granted, I\u2019m not a competitive gamer, but MSI\u2019s quoted 1ms response time does seem to hold water here.\n\n\nAdjustability of the MAG321QR-QD is reasonably good too. It has tilt, swivel, and height adjustments, though it cannot be pivoted. Nonetheless, it\u2019s still quite easy to get a comfortable viewing angle with this gaming monitor.\n\n\nAnother feature that I really like about the MAG321QR-QD is its on-screen display (OSD). It uses a joystick on the back of the monitor to navigate through the menu, which is far more intuitive to use than buttons.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOverall, I really enjoy using the MAG321QR-QD for both gaming and general use; the RGB light bar on the back of the monitor is a nice touch too. That being said, this monitor does have some drawbacks that are worth highlighting.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nGhosting is a bit of an issue with the Optix MAG321QR-QD. While I don\u2019t notice it in my usual gaming sessions \u2013 again, I\u2019m no professional gamer \u2013 slight ghosting can be seen in \nUFO Test\u2019s ghosting tool\n. If you\u2019re sensitive to ghosting, it\u2019s worth keeping this in mind.\n\n\nAside from that, the unit I\u2019m testing here does have a slight light bleed at the lower right corner of the screen. This is more pronounced in darker scenes, though it is not particularly bad by any means. Again, still a point worth highlighting.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMy last qualm with the MAG321QR-QD is the lack of pivot adjustment. While this isn\u2019t exactly an important feature for gaming, it would be nice to have the flexibility of using the monitor in portrait mode for different usage scenarios.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nAll in all, I still think the MSI Optix MAG321QR-QD is an easy gaming monitor to recommend, especially for folks who are looking for a relatively large 31.5-inch QHD gaming monitor with a reasonably high 170Hz refresh rate. It may not have a sharp 4K resolution or a blazing fast refresh rate beyond 200Hz, but for only RM1,799, you\u2019re getting good value for your money.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPlus, MSI is a very reputable brand in the PC hardware market, so you know you\u2019re getting a solid product in the Optix MAG321QR-QD. You won\u2019t have to worry about poor aftersales support either \u2013 the Taiwanese company is a very established brand, even in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acerpure-aqua-water-purifier-coming-to-malaysia-15-june-for-rm3599/", "title": "Acerpure Aqua Water Purifier Coming to Malaysia 15 June for RM3,599", "body": "\n\nBack at Computex 2023 last week, Acer confirmed that the Acerpure Aqua 3-in-1 water purifier is coming to Malaysia. Fast forward to today, we now have an official launch date: the sleek-looking water purifier will be launched on our shores next week on 15 June.\n\n\nWhile the local launch of the Acerpure Aqua is taking place next week, the \nproduct page of the water purifier\n is actually live already on Acer Malaysia\u2019s official website. It is listed at RM3,599, which is slightly lower than the 24,800 TWD (about RM3,725) price tag of the Aqua in Taiwan.\n\n\nHowever, it is possible this price is merely a placeholder until the Aqua is launched here on 15 June.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, one of the advantages of the Acerpure Aqua \u2013 though it also depends on the user \u2013 is the fact that no piping is required to install it. The water purifier draws water from an 8.7L two-sided water tank, which is then filtered with a four-step filtration system.\n\n\nTo show just how effective the Aqua\u2019s filtration system is at its booth in Computex 2023, Acer actually used black tea as the water source. The purified tea looks just like water, which is pretty darn impressive.\n\n\nOf course, the Acerpure Aqua\u2019s filters can be easily replaced by users too. What we also like about the water purifier \u2013 aside from the fact that we can see the filtered water through the see-through window \u2013 is the fact that we can set the water to a specific temperature. This ranges from as low as 10\u00b0C to 95\u00b0C.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Acerpure Aqua will be launched in Malaysia next week on 15 June. We\u2019ll find out then if the RM3,599 price tag is just a placeholder or the actual pricing of the water purifier.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honkai-star-rail-comes-to-ps5-in-q4-2023-no-ps4-version-yet/", "title": "Honkai: Star Rail Comes to PS5 in Q4 2023 \u2013 No PS4 Version (Yet?)", "body": "\n\nAt the Summer Game Fest 2023, Hoyoverse dropped a new trailer for \nHonkai: Star Rail\n. Not only does the video showcase Luka\u2019s gameplay \u2013 a new 4-star character expected to arrive in the next version update \u2013 it also revealed the availability of the game on the PlayStation 5.\n\n\nAs the video below shows, Star Rail will launch on PS5 sometime in Q4 2023. Unfortunately, there\u2019s no mention of a PS4 version, though it\u2019s entirely possible the game will arrive on the console sometime in the future. After all, Hoyoverse said that Star Rail will be made available on the PlayStation platform, not just the PS5 specifically.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, PS5 launch window of Star Rail aside, Luka is also shown off in the video trailer. He\u2019s a 4-star character who deals physical damage, and given that the 4-star Resolution Shines As Pearls of Sweat Light Cone features his artwork, he is likely a Nihility unit.\n\n\nTo recap, Honkai: Star Rail is expected to be available on PS5 sometime in Q4 2023, so that\u2019s between October to December this year. As for the next version update of Star Rail \u2013 which is when \nLuka, Kafka, and Blade\n are expected to be playable \u2013 it should drop sometime in July.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/marvels-spider-man-2-launches-20-october-2023-on-ps5-pre-orders-open-16-june-from-rm299/", "title": "Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man 2 Launches 20 October 2023 on PS5 \u2013 Pre-Orders Open 16 June From RM299", "body": "\n\nInsomniac Games\u2019 Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man 2 finally gets a launch date! The third instalment of the series after the original game and the Miles Morales spin-off is set to be available on 20 October 2023, and pre-orders will be open from 16 June next week.\n\n\nThree different versions of Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man 2 are offered. The Standard Edition is priced at RM299, and every pre-order of the game \u2013 regardless of which version \u2013 will come with an early unlock of the Arachknight Suit for Peter, the Shadow Spider Suit for Miles, the Web Grabber gadget, and three skill points.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor those who want to get extra goodies with the game, there\u2019s the Collector\u2019s Edition for a cool RM969. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting \u201can extraordinary, high-quality 19-inch statue\u201d of Peter and Miles battling Venom, a sleek SteelBook case, and a voucher to download the Digital Deluxe Edition of the game. \n\n\nThe Digital Deluxe Edition of Spider-Man 2, priced at RM339, adds on 10 unique suits \u2013 both Peter and Miles get five suits each \u2013 additional Photo Mode frames and stickers, as well as two additional skill points. Not bad for only RM40 more over the Standard Edition, though you don\u2019t get a physical copy of the game.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMarvel\u2019s Spider-Man 2 will be available exclusively on the PS5 on 20 October 2023. You can start \npre-ordering the game\n from your favourite game store from 16 June next week.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/prism-opening-new-outlet-in-paradigm-mall-johor-bahru-first-outside-of-klang-valley/", "title": "PRISM+ Opening New Outlet in Paradigm Mall, Johor Bahru \u2013 First Outside of Klang Valley", "body": "\n\nPRISM+ is opening yet another retail store in Malaysia. This time around, the brand is launching a new outlet in Paradigm Mall, Johor Bahru. This is PRISM+\u2019s first retail presence outside of the Klang Valley area.\n\n\nTo celebrate the launch of the new store tomorrow on 10 June, PRISM+ will be running a number of promotions outlined below. A 15% discount on all Logitech G products will also be offered, though this is limited to only one unit of keyboard, mouse, and headset per customer.\n\n\n\n\n1x free F240n 24-inch 165Hz gaming monitor (worth RM629) with any purchase of a PRISM+ Q55-QE 55-inch 4K Android TV at RM1,699\n\n\n1x free Elevate stand (worth RM299) with any purchase of an X340 PRO 165Hz 34-inch ultrawide monitor at RM1,599\n\n\n1x free Arc Lite monitor arm (worth RM229) with any purchase of an X240 144Hz gaming monitor at RM599\n\n\nW220v 22-inch monitor at RM299\n\n\nLogitech G502 Hero at RM 129\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the same press release, PRISM+ added that it will be launching its range of smart home appliances in Malaysia sometime this year. \u201cWith plans to expand into the smart home appliance market, as well as with consumers coming out to shop more post-pandemic \u2013 physical touch points have become a key part of our growth strategy,\u201d said the country director of PRISM+ Malaysia, Eric Kam.\n\n\n\u201cThe launch of our latest store in Johor Bahru is yet another important milestone as we work towards nationwide coverage,\u201d he added.\n\n\nTo recap, the grand launch of the new PRISM+ store in Paradigm Mall (2F-63 & 63A) at Johor Bahru is set for tomorrow on 10 June 2023. You can check out \nPRISM+\u2019s website\n for its full list of products too.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nvidias-geforce-now-officially-launches-in-malaysia-with-yes-5g/", "title": "Nvidia\u2019s GeForce Now Officially Launches in Malaysia With Yes 5G", "body": "\n\nNvidia\u2019s GeForce Now is officially available in Malaysia with Yes 5G. Although the cloud gaming service has been offered here through the telco since April 2023, today\u2019s event marks the official launch of the service on our shores, as we were told by a Yes 5G representative.\n\n\nAnyway, GeForce Now for the Malaysian market has two distinct plans: the monthly subscription costs RM50/month, while the annual plan is RM500/year. However, if you\u2019re a Yes user, you can get the monthly and annual plans for only RM30/month and RM300/year respectively; pretty hefty discounts.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe tried out GeForce Now for ourselves at the launch roadshow in The Starhill Bukit Bintang with the Yes Wireless Fibre 5G, and it works quite well. Latency is one of the main concerns with cloud gaming services like GeForce Now, and we\u2019re happy to report that this was not an issue while we were streaming Ghostrunner.\n\n\nIf you want to sign up for GeForce Now, you can do so \nover here\n. You can also give the cloud gaming service a try for yourself at the aforementioned roadshow in The Starhill Bukit Bintang. It\u2019s taking place right now from 10AM to 10PM until 11 June 2023 this Sunday.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-gen-h-roadshow-moves-to-penang-this-weekend-10-11-june-2023/", "title": "Honda Gen H Roadshow Moves to Penang This Weekend (10 \u2013 11 June 2023)", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019ve been wanting to test drive any e:HEV Honda models \u2013 and you happen to be in Penang \u2013 check out the Japanese carmaker\u2019s \nGen H roadshow\n on the island this weekend. Set to take place at Juru Auto City, Penang this on 10 and 11 June from 11AM to 11PM, various activities will be held there.\n\n\nSome of the activities the Gen H roadshow offers include fun fair rides, arcade, workshop, food and beverage bazaar, and even graffiti art collaboration with local artists. Of course, visitors can test drive Honda\u2019s hybrid vehicles at the event too, and admission is (naturally) free.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrently, Honda Malaysia has four e:HEV models in its lineup, including the City, City Hatchback, HR-V, and Civic. Out of the four models, the City sees the highest sales at 2,800 units, followed by the HR-V at 2,600 units. As for the City Hatchback, 1,600 units have been sold, while the Civic registered almost 600 sales. It makes sense, given that the Civic e:HEV RS is the most recent model to be introduced.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re not in Penang this weekend, worry not. Honda Malaysia\u2019s Gen H roadshow will move to Stadium Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur next week (17 and 18 June 2023) for the grand finale, so you can still catch the roadshow then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-wr-v-open-for-booking-in-malaysia-public-previews-start-16-june/", "title": "Honda WR-V Open for Booking in Malaysia \u2013 Public Previews Start 16 June", "body": "\n\nHonda just opened bookings for its first small SUV here in Malaysia, the Honda WR-V. \nJust as promised\n, the Japanese carmaker will be launching the new model sometime in Q3 2023, and public previews of the SUV will start from 16 June this Friday at selected dealerships.\n\n\nThe first preview of the WR-V is between 16 to 18 June in the southern region; more specifically, Seremban, Johor Bahru, and Pontian. This is followed by the northern region (23 \u2013 25 June), central region (30 June \u2013 2 July), and finally, the east coast (7 \u2013 9 July).\n\n\nOnce the public previews have concluded, there\u2019s a good chance the compact SUV will be officially launched in July 2023 itself.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from the WR-V\u2019s public preview, several key specifications of the SUV have been revealed too. It\u2019s said to come with a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine that outputs 121PS and 145Nm of torque paired to a CVT, support for the Honda Connect telematics system, 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels (for the RS model), Honda LaneWatch, and even Honda Sensing.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the WR-V will be getting a rather complete Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance systems. These include Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Auto High Beam (AHB).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Honda WR-V is now available for booking in Malaysia at all 101 authorised Honda dealerships nationwide. Alternatively, you can also place a pre-booking of the SUV online\u00a0\nhere\n, or through the HondaTouch app as well \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-13-ultra-coming-to-malaysia-20-june-quad-leica-camera-system/", "title": "Xiaomi 13 Ultra Coming to Malaysia 20 June \u2013 Quad Leica Camera System", "body": "\n\nUnveiled back in April 2023, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra is finally coming to Malaysia. As the range-topping device in the Xiaomi 13 series, the Ultra features some impressive camera hardware. Leica branding aside, the flagship phone\u2019s quad camera system is also made up of four 50MP lenses.\n\n\nIn fact, the primary camera of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra even features a 1-inch type sensor and a variable aperture system from f/1.9 to f/4.0. The other three 50MP sensors are a 3.2x telephoto shooter, a 5x telephoto lens, and an ultra-wide angle camera with macro support. Certainly a versatile camera setup.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra include a 6.73-inch 3200 x 1440 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate \u2013 it has a \nbright\n peak brightness of 2,600 nits \u2013 a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset paired with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, a 32MP selfie camera, a 5,000mAh battery with 90W fast charging, and IP68 dust and water resistance.\n\n\nMore details on the Malaysian availability of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra will be revealed come 20 June next week. Of course, local pricing of the flagship phone has not been detailed yet, though in China, the 13 Ultra starts from 5,999 Chinese yuan, which comes up to about RM3,880. We\u2019ll find out next week if the Malaysian pricing will be similar to this price tag.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ttracing-titus-smart-desk-unboxing-assembly-affordable-standing-desk/", "title": "TTRacing Titus Smart Desk Unboxing & Assembly \u2013 Affordable Standing Desk!", "body": "\n\nThere are quite a number of standing desks in the market now, but most of them also cost quite a bit of money. If you want a more budget-friendly offering, then consider the TTRacing Titus Smart Desk. Retailing from only RM999, it\u2019s one of the more affordable standing desks currently sold in Malaysia.\n\n\nTTRacing sent over the Titus for review not too long ago, and after assembling it together, I think it\u2019s a good height-adjustable standing desk for the money. It\u2019s not too tricky to assemble either, though it may be a challenge if you plan to do it alone. Nonetheless, here\u2019s the unboxing and assembly of the Titus!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Titus Smart Desk comes in two packages that are delivered separately: one for the desk frame, and another for the table top. I received the large variant of the Titus with a 1.6m table top for RM1,149, and paired with the RM99 cable organiser \u2013 which was also sent separately \u2013 this particular configuration costs RM1,248.\n\n\nIn my opinion, this is still good value for money. If you want the absolute cheapest Titus, you can opt for the small version of the desk with a 1.2m table top for RM999. Beyond the smaller top, other specifications of this model are exactly the same as the larger ones. Do note that this is the Titus in Onyx; there\u2019s a white version of the desk dubbed Howlite if you want a different colour instead.\n\n\nAnyway, to start putting together the Titus, the desk frame has to be set up. First, the left and right frame supports have to be secured to their respective frame bases with four screws on each side.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOnce that\u2019s done, we move on to the extendable bars that will connect the two frame supports. This step is relatively easy: just slide in the two short extendable bars to the long piece, and put the four screws (for each bar) into place, but don\u2019t tighten them yet. Now, these bars can be secured to the frame supports.\n\n\nAnd then we have the side brackets, which will secure the table top to the desk frame later. The side brackets are installed on either sides of the frame supports, and once they are in place, the extendable coupling rod can then be inserted in between the two extendable bars. This rod has to be aligned to the motor on the right frame support, and do not tighten the rod just yet at this point of assembly.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow this is where it gets tricky, depending on the size of the table top you purchased. The top has to be placed on top of the desk frame now, and the distance between the two frame supports has to be adjusted accordingly to fit the width of the top. Needless to say, this step of the assembly is much easier with the help of another person.\n\n\nWhen the four openings on the side brackets are aligned to the screw holes on the bottom of the table top, secure them accordingly. The screws on the extendable bars (along with the extendable coupling rod) can also be tightened now, since the table top is installed already.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlmost done! It\u2019s time to install the controller for the height adjustment, which is secured to the underside of the desk on the right. The control box can then be placed behind the controller, which supplies power to it.\n\n\nTo finish things off, install the mug holder and headphones hanger \u2013 both of which are retractable \u2013 on the right and left sides of the desk respectively. If you got the cable organiser add-on, assemble the C-shape brackets to the organiser first before installing it to the underside of the desk on the back.\n\n\nAnd that is it! The Titus Smart Desk is now fully assembled.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI\u2019ve used the Titus for a bit since assembling it, and I do quite like the standing desk. The powder coated table top feels good to the touch with a matte finish \u2013 though it has a tendency to pick up stains quite easily \u2013 and I appreciate the ergonomic contour design with cut-in edges for improved comfort.\n\n\nIf I were to nitpick, I\u2019d say the motor can be a tad quieter. Don\u2019t get me wrong, it is not obnoxiously loud by any means, but it does sound noticeably louder than, say, the motor on the \nEVIS Intelligent Desk\n. But to be fair, that is a RM4,099 desk, while the Titus is a much, much more affordable option.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, I am happy with the overall quality and assembly process of the TTRacing Titus Smart Desk. With a RM999 starting price, its value proposition is good, though I\u2019ll reserve judgment until the full review. Nevertheless, if you want to purchase this standing desk, you can do so over at \nTTRacing\u2019s official website\n.\n\n\nYou can also use code NEXTRIFT10 to get a 10% discount on the Titus \u2013 as well as other products from the company \u2013 with no minimum spend.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-ally-z1-extreme-costs-rm3299-in-malaysia-coming-19-june-2023/", "title": "Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme Costs RM3,299 in Malaysia \u2013 Coming 19 June 2023", "body": "\n\nAsus just confirmed the Malaysian launch \nand\n pricing of its handheld gaming PC, the \nAsus ROG Ally\n. The Taiwanese company revealed this through a Facebook post, and we have to solve a number of rather cheeky math equations to get the local pricing of the Ally.\n\n\nLet\u2019s take a look at the equations below. The ROG Flow Z13-ACRNM is shown in the first equation with the ROG Strix Scar 18 laptop, which costs RM31,998 together. Given that the Flow Z13-ACRNM retails at RM12,999, we now know that the Scar 18 is RM18,999.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, the Strix Scar 18 is shown with the ROG Zephyrus Duo 16. Since the Strix costs RM18,999, we can just add RM4,000 to get the retail price of the Zephyrus Duo 16, which is RM22,999. Finally, for the last equation, we just have to deduct RM22,999 (the Zephyrus Duo 16\u2019s price) from RM19,700, and we come to the final price: RM3,299.\n\n\nAnd there you have it folks. The Asus ROG Ally \u2013 the Z1 Extreme model, to boot \u2013 will retail at RM3,299 here in Malaysia. The handheld gaming console will be launched on our shores come 19 June next week, so in the meantime, check out our \nhands-on of the Ally\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-y36-now-in-malaysia-for-rm1099-dimensity-6020-44w-fast-charging/", "title": "Vivo Y36 Now in Malaysia for RM1,099 \u2013 Dimensity 6020, 44W Fast Charging", "body": "\n\nVivo just launched another affordable phone in Malaysia, the Vivo Y36. Packed with a MediaTek Dimensity 6020 and support for 44W fast charging \u2013 and a rather sleek-looking design \u2013 the Y36 is a reasonably intriguing mid-ranger.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Y36 is offered in a sole 8GB + 256GB configuration for RM1,099. Offered in two colour options (Semporna Green and Mystic Black) early birds can get \nfreebies worth RM298\n, including an extra year of extended warranty and a pair of Vivo wireless earbuds.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Y36 is powered by a Dimensity 6020 chipset. It also has a 5,000mAh battery with support for 44W fast charging, which allows the phone to be charged up to 50% in 30 minutes. Other specifications of the Y36 include a a 6.64-inch 1080p display, a dual camera system (50MP primary + 2MP bokeh), a 16MP selfie camera, and Funtouch OS 13 based on Android 13 out of the box.\n\n\nThe Vivo Y36 is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM1,099. As mentioned, early birds can get freebies worth RM298, and some retailers \u2013 \nsuch as DirectD\n \u2013 is even offering a hotel voucher worth up to RM500.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/servicing-or-repairing-a-mercedes-benz-at-cycle-carriage-batu-caves/", "title": "Servicing (Or Repairing) A Mercedes-Benz at Cycle & Carriage Batu Caves", "body": "\n\nWhen you purchase a car from a premium brand like Mercedes-Benz, there\u2019s a certain level of expectation that comes with it, especially in regard to aftersales service. With this in mind, we visited Cycle & Carriage Batu Caves to see for ourselves what the service outlet has to offer.\n\n\nWhether you\u2019re sending your Mercedes-Benz for servicing or a major repair here, Cycle & Carriage Batu Caves is well-equipped for both. Here\u2019s a look at what the outlet features, including its facilities and accreditations.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirstly, Cycle & Carriage Batu Caves is the first outlet to receive Mercedes-Benz\u2019s highest accredited Centre of Competence status, so it meets the standards for car restoration services. The company added that the other outlet to receive this accreditation is Cycle & Carriage Glenmarie.\n\n\nAside from that, Cycle & Carriage Batu Caves also has the Mercedes-Benz Level 4 certification \u2013 following strict audits by Mercedes-Benz AG itself \u2013 allowing it to handle minor car repairs to severe damages that require aluminium structure repairs. Here are some key requirements that have to be met to get this certification:\n\n\n\n\nEquipped with special and standard tools for car restoration\n\n\nEquipped with a spray booth\n\n\nHas Cellete bench and jigs to carry out structure repairs\n\n\nHas an aluminium bay with welding machine\n\n\nHas a dry sanding area with proper ventilation\n\n\nEquipped with paint preparation bays, spray booths, an oven booth, and polishing bays\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd that is a good segue to the facilities found at Cycle & Carriage Batu Caves. Beyond the ones mentioned above, the outlet also has a service and repair workshop, body and paint centre, as well as an office, all within a built-up area of 117,720 sqft.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the workshop area of Cycle & Carriage Batu Caves is equipped with a five-tonne hoist as well. Not many outlets have this hoist, which is used to repair heavier vehicles like the Mercedes-Ben G-Class and armoured vehicles.\n\n\nOccasionally, Cycle & Carriage Batu Caves also runs a Mercedes-Benz Service Clinic, which offers customers a comprehensive (and complimentary) health check of their vehicles. This clinic usually involves a Mercedes-Benz \u201cFlying Doctor,\u201d an expert technician that are flown throughout the region. Pretty cool, isn\u2019t it?\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd that is Cycle & Carriage Batu Caves. Rest assured, your Mercedes-Benz will be well taken care of at the service outlet. If you\u2019re keen to send your car here, it is located at \nLot 5, Jalan Perusahaan 1, Kawasan Perindustrian PKNS, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/15-21-june-fuel-price-no-changes-ron-97-stays-at-rm3-37-per-litre/", "title": "15 \u2013 21 June Fuel Price: No Changes, RON 97 Stays at RM3.37 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAnother week, another fuel price update. As usual, there\u2019s no price change to RON 97 this week. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.37 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 15 to 21 June next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-mate-x3-review-incredible-hardware-held-back-by-software-and-price/", "title": "Huawei Mate X3 Review: Incredible Hardware Held Back By Software (And Price)", "body": "\n\nHuawei was one of the first to release a foldable smartphone \u2013 the original Mate X \u2013 back in 2019, so needless to say, the Chinese company has quite a bit of experience in this segment. Fast forward to 2023, we have the Huawei Mate X3, and one of the highlights of the premium phone is its thin nature: it measures only 5.3mm thin when it\u2019s unfolded.\n\n\nHowever, even though the Mate X3 has great hardware, the foldable phone\u2019s software isn\u2019t up to par. There\u2019s also the fact that it carries a rather exorbitant asking price of RM8,888, which is quite a bit more than its competition. These, in turn, make the Mate X3 a tough device to recommend despite its impressive hardware. Nonetheless, here is my review of Huawei\u2019s best foldable phone yet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\nMain: 7.85-inch OLED (2496 x 2224), adaptive 120Hz\nCover: 6.4-inch OLED (2504 x 1080), 120Hz\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G 3.2GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 730\nRAM\n12GB\nStorage\n512GB, expandable with Huawei NM SD card\nCamera (rear)\n50MP f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF, OIS\n13MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide)\n12MP f/3.4 (periscope telephoto), 5x optical zoom\nCamera (front)\n8MP f/2.4 (cover), 8MP f/2.4 (inner screen)\nBattery\n4,800mAh with 66W fast charging\nDimensions\nUnfolded: 156.9 x 141.5\u00a0x 5.3\u00a0mm\nFolded: 156.9\u00a0x 72.4\u00a0x 11.08 mm\nWeight\n239g (PU version), 241g (glass version)\nOS\nEMUI 13.1.0 based on Android (no Google Play services)\nConnectivity\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.2\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM8,888\n\n\nHardware wise, the Mate X3 is quite a well-equipped phone, even if its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset is only the 4G version. In my opinion, this limitation doesn\u2019t matter as much in Malaysia, given that 5G isn\u2019t widely available here yet. It also has a reasonably generous 4,800mAh battery with 66W fast charging, not to mention an IPX8 water resistance rating.\n\n\nUnfortunately, new Huawei phones, including the Mate X3, do not come with Google Play services. This limits the usability of the foldable phone, though there \nare\n workarounds for folks who are willing to go the extra mile\u2026with some caveats. More on this further down the review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nThe slim nature of the Mate X3 is really one of its best features. Whether it\u2019s folded or unfolded, the thin chassis feels great in my hands. In fact, its closest rival, Samsung\u2019s \nGalaxy Z Fold 4\n, feels much too bulky in comparison. Even though it\u2019s quite a tall phone, I still find the Mate X3 to be quite pocketable too.\n\n\nBesides that, the hinge mechanism of the Mate X3 feels very, very robust. The pressure is consistent throughout the folding and unfolding process, and it closes with a reassuring (and very satisfying) thud. The fact that the phone leaves no visible gap when it\u2019s folded is also a quality I absolutely love. Again, Huawei absolutely nailed the hardware of the Mate X3 here.\n\n\nI continue to be impressed with the foldable phone as I use it for content consumption. The large, 7.85-inch 2496 x 2224 foldable OLED display looks great with vibrant colours and deep, true blacks. The 120Hz adaptive refresh rate lends to smooth-looking animations too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUsing the Mate X3 in its folded state with the 6.4-inch 1080p OLED display (also with a 120Hz refresh rate) presents no usability issues either. It\u2019s large and wide enough for a comfortable viewing experience, and when I don\u2019t need the extra screen real estate afforded by the primary inner display, I find myself completely content with using just the cover screen.\n\n\nWhen it comes to performance, the Mate X3 feels just as fast as you\u2019d expect a flagship phone to be, thanks to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G chipset. Granted, the SoC can\u2019t quite run \nGenshin Impact\n or \nHonkai: Star Rail\n smoothly at 60fps, but both games are still very playable on the foldable phone.\n\n\nAs for battery life, the Mate X3\u2019s 4,800mAh battery can last quite long. On average, I can get about six hours of screen on time on a single charge. I use the cover screen and the primary display about equally to get this level of battery life.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLastly, we have the camera performance of the Mate X3. Its triple camera system is made up of a 50MP primary sensor, a 13MP ultra-wide shooter, and a 12MP periscope telephoto lens that can do 5x optical zoom. Overall, all three sensors can take good-looking shots regardless of lighting condition.\n\n\nShooting experience of the Mate X3 is great too. It feels responsive even in low light conditions, and it can lock in focus relatively fast too. Huawei\u2019s mobile photography know-how is already well-known in the industry, and this is exemplified with the Mate X3.\n\n\n\n\n13MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n12MP periscope telephoto (5x zoom)\n\n\n12MP periscope telephoto (10x zoom)\n\n\n13MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n12MP periscope telephoto (5x zoom)\n\n\n12MP periscope telephoto (10x zoom)\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut as much as I enjoy using the Mate X3, its software experience also leaves much to be desired \u2013 let\u2019s move on to the next section.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nSoftware is really the only downside with the Mate X3 due to the absence of Google Play services. This limits the app compatibility of the phone quite a bit, especially if you rely on Google\u2019s range of services, which most Android users do. Whether it\u2019s YouTube, Gmail, or Google Maps, these apps do not work natively on the Mate X3.\n\n\nAs mentioned, there are workarounds to this. Can\u2019t use the YouTube app? Just use Google Chrome. (Yes, the browser somehow works on the Mate X3.) Gmail? There are alternative email clients, such as Spark. No Google Maps? Well, Waze is a great replacement, even though I can\u2019t log into my account on this phone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut in order to install these apps in the first place, I have to rely on third-party services, which\u2026can actually be found within the Huawei AppGallery. As you search for a specific app in Huawei\u2019s app store, third-party search results are also displayed if the app isn\u2019t available on AppGallery, which look to be third-party APK sites.\n\n\nEssentially, you are side-loading these apps to the Mate X3, and unless you really know what you\u2019re doing, this \ncan\n present a security risk. After all, third-party APK sites are not upheld to the same security standards as apps found on the Google Play Store.\n\n\nAnd that is the main software issue with the Mate X3 here: the average consumer shouldn\u2019t have to worry about something as simple as downloading apps that they want to use.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nUnless you\u2019re willing to jump through hoops to work around the Huawei Mate X3\u2019s software limitations, the foldable phone is, again, a tough device for me to recommend. Yes, it has incredibly refined hardware with a thin chassis, solid hinge, and great displays, but if the software isn\u2019t up to par, the whole user experience is still negatively affected.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPlus, the RM8,888 price tag of the Mate X3 is steep, especially when the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 with the same 512GB of storage can be bought \nfor only RM6,499 now\n. While the hardware of Samsung\u2019s offering aren\u2019t quite as refined as the Mate X3\u2019s, the former\u2019s fuss-free software experience more than makes up for it, in my opinion.\n\n\nNonetheless, there\u2019s no denying that the Mate X3 is an excellent foldable phone if you can look past its less than ideal software. Those who I have shown the foldable phone to are impressed with its hardware, even if the conversation almost always moves to the limitations of its software.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-wf-c700n-review-boomy-wireless-earbuds-with-anc-for-only-rm549/", "title": "Sony WF-C700N Review: Boomy Wireless Earbuds With ANC for Only RM549", "body": "\n\nWhile Sony\u2019s more affordable wireless earbuds are not as well-known as the Japanese company\u2019s premium options \u2013 such as the \nWF-1000XM4\n \u2013 there are some genuine gems in this segment. Take the Sony WF-C700N: not only does it have active noise cancellation (ANC) now, it has Sony\u2019s signature sound quality too.\n\n\nOf course, given its affordable nature, the WF-C700N does have some drawbacks here and there. But for only RM549, the value proposition of the earbuds is very good. I would happily recommend it to folks who are looking for a pair of budget-friendly wireless earbuds without much compromise.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nANC is really one of the main highlights of the WF-C700N. This feature is not typically found on Sony\u2019s budget earbuds, which is a good selling point for the WF-C700N\u2026even if the ANC performance isn\u2019t particularly great. More on this further down the review.\n\n\nAside from that, the WF-C700N also features up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge \u2013 down to 7.5 hours with ANC activated \u2013 a charging case that holds one additional charge, Bluetooth 5.2, as well as an IPX4 water resistance rating.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRetailing at RM549 in Malaysia, the WF-C700N is offered in four distinct colours here: Black (the model pictured in this review), White, Sage Green, and Lavender. Quite a colourful lineup.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nThe sound quality of the Sony WF-C700N surprised me quite a bit when I first listened to it. It can produce nice, punchy bass without bleeding into the mids, and vocals have a good amount of body too, though female vocals do have a tendency to sound a tad too thin for my liking. I would\u2019ve preferred more sparkle in the treble region as well.\n\n\nNonetheless, the WF-C700N\u2019s winning quality is the fact that it has Sony\u2019s warm, \u201cfun\u201d sound signature that I really like. Not only does it complement catchy tunes like pop music very well, it also makes for a more\u2026engaging listening experience, if you will.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, the WF-C700N is quite long-lasting too. With ANC activated, I can comfortably get about seven hours of use on a single charge, which is close to Sony\u2019s quoted battery life. This is quite a bit better than most wireless earbuds in the market now that typically offer between five to six hours of use (at most).\n\n\nI\u2019m also quite a fan of the WF-C700N\u2019s lightweight design and comfort. Each bud weighs only 4.6g, and wearing these earbuds for long periods of time proved to be quite comfortable. Its IPX4 water resistance allows me to wear it while working out without worries too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the value proposition of the WF-C700N. Priced at RM549, the sound quality, battery life, and comfort that the wireless earbuds offer are great. Much better than other earbuds at this price point, I\u2019d say.\n\n\nThat being said, it does have some notable shortcomings, which I\u2019ll get to in the next section.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWhile most wireless earbuds use touch controls, the WF-C700N uses physical buttons instead, and they are\u2026not great. Not only does the buttons feel cheap to click on, I find myself accidentally triggering them when I just wanted to adjust the earbud\u2019s fit in my ear. The plastic shell of the earbuds don\u2019t feel as solid as it should be either.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the ANC performance of the WF-C700N, which is decidedly middling. While it can cancel out lower frequencies adequately well, it doesn\u2019t provide much noise cancellation as a whole. This doesn\u2019t come as a surprise, of course, given the budget-friendly nature of the earbuds.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nFor RM549, the Sony WF-C700N is a great pair of affordable wireless earbuds. While you won\u2019t get the best ANC performance or build quality, you can do a lot worse at this price point. Plus, you\u2019d be hard-pressed to find an alternative that sounds as good as these earbuds, especially when it comes to bass quality.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPleasant sound quality, good comfort, long battery life, and great value for money are the WF-C700N\u2019s winning qualities. If these are what you look for in a pair of affordable wireless earbuds, the WF-C700N is certainly worth considering.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acerpure-aqua-wp1-water-purifier-now-in-malaysia-for-rm3599-early-birds-get-rm1388-freebies/", "title": "Acerpure Aqua WP1 Water Purifier Now in Malaysia for RM3,599 \u2013 Early Birds Get RM1,388 Freebies", "body": "\n\nJust as promised, the Acerpure Aqua WP1 has just been launched in Malaysia. The 3-in-1 water purifier not only looks good, it is also very functional. It can even dispense (filtered) hydrogen water, which the Taiwanese company says can \u201cenhance nutrient absorption for better health.\u201d\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Acerpure Aqua retails at RM3,599 \nas per our previous report\n. Those who purchase the water purifier by 14 August will also receive freebies worth RM1,388, which includes a five-year extended warranty (upgraded from two years), an Acerpure Cool C1, and an Acerpure pillow.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the advantages of the Acerpure Aqua \u2013 though it also depends on the user \u2013 is the fact that no piping is required to install it. The water purifier draws water from an 8.7L two-sided water tank, which is then filtered with a four-step filtration system.\n\n\nTo show just how effective the Aqua\u2019s filtration system is at its local, Acer actually used various tea (and even flavoured soft drinks!) as the water source. The purified tea looks just like water, which is pretty darn impressive.\n\n\nOf course, the Acerpure Aqua\u2019s filters can be easily replaced by users too. What we also like about the water purifier \u2013 aside from the fact that we can see the filtered water through the see-through window \u2013 is the fact that we can set the water to a specific temperature. This ranges from as low as 10\u00b0C to 95\u00b0C.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Acerpure Aqua WP1 is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM3,599. Early birds who purchase the water purifier by 14 August will also get free gifts worth a total of RM1,388.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acerpure-pro-p2-classic-launched-in-malaysia-for-rm899-rm300-discount-until-14-august-2023/", "title": "Acerpure Pro P2 Classic Launched in Malaysia for RM899 \u2013 RM300 Discount Until 14 August 2023", "body": "\n\nAlso launched alongside the \nAcerpure Aqua\n water purifier is the Acerpure Pro P2 Classic air purifier. It\u2019s similar to the \nPro P2\n launched last year, but it has a slightly different design and (more importantly) a lower price tag.\n\n\nHere in Malaysia, the Acerpure Pro P2 Classic retails at only RM899; quite a bit more affordable than the Pro P2. To sweeten the deal, those who purchase the air purifier by 14 August can get a generous RM300 discount, lowering the price of the Pro P2 Classic to only RM599.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Acer, the Pro P2 Classic\u2019s filtration system \u2013 which uses a 3-in-1 HEPA filter \u2013 can \u201celiminate 99% formaldehyde and trap 99.9% of PM2.5 particles.\u201d It also has touch controls, real-time air quality monitor, and a smart mode that adjusts the purifier speed based on air quality.\n\n\nThe Acerpure Pro P2 Classic can now be purchased in Malaysia for RM899. To recap, you can enjoy a RM300 discount \u2013 bringing down the price to only RM599-  if you get the air purifier by 14 August 2023.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/only-rm22000-for-the-perodua-axia-e-cheapest-car-in-malaysia/", "title": "Only RM22,000 for the Perodua Axia E \u2013 Cheapest Car in Malaysia!", "body": "\n\nThe Perodua Axia E is back, and it is more affordable than ever. Priced at only RM22,000 for both West and East Malaysia, the A-segment hatchback is the cheapest car in Malaysia, and it\u2019s actually priced over RM2,000 lower now \u2013 it was previously going for RM24,090.\n\n\nBased on the first generation Axia, the Axia E features the same 1KR-VE 1.0L three-cylinder VVT-i engine found in the \nnewer Axia\n, which outputs 67hp and 91Nm of torque. This is paired to a five-speed manual transmission, and it\u2019s the only Axia you can get with a manual. It also has a quoted fuel efficiency of 22.5km/l (ECE mode).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven the affordable nature of the Axia E, it does omit some creature comforts. It doesn\u2019t have a head unit, speakers, remote locking, or safety features like Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), ABS, EBD, BA, and Traction Control (TRC). It does, however, feature two airbags, and it has a four-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating.\n\n\nTo recap, the Perodua Axia E is priced at only RM22,000, and Perodua expects to sell about 1,500 units of the A-segment hatchback every month. Three colour options are available: Ivory White, Glittering Silver, and Granite Grey, a new colour option for the variant.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-yoga-book-9i-dual-screen-oled-laptop-now-in-malaysia-from-rm9499/", "title": "Lenovo Yoga Book 9i Dual-Screen OLED Laptop Now in Malaysia From RM9,499", "body": "\n\nThe unique Lenovo Yoga Book 9i has just been launched in Malaysia. First unveiled at CES 2023 earlier this year, the laptop has a dual-screen setup with bright and vibrant OLED panels. On top of that, it\u2019s quite a lightweight, thin machine too.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Yoga Book 9i \nstarts at a cool RM9,499\n. For that kind of money, it features a 13th gen Intel Core i7-1355U processor paired with 16GB of RAM, a generous 1TB SSD storage, integrated graphics, a 5MP camera, as well as an 80Wh battery that promises up to 15.5 hours of battery life.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, there are also the two OLED displays of the Yoga Book 9i. Both of them are 13.3-inch 2880 x 1800 OLED panels with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. It also has a convertible form factor, along with a 15.95mm thin chassis that tips the scales at only 1.34kg.\n\n\nThe Lenovo Yoga Book 9i is now available for purchase in Malaysia \nfrom RM9,499\n. As its listing on Lenovo Malaysia\u2019s online store shows, the laptop will start shipping within two to three weeks from the time of purchase.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-loq-gaming-laptops-finally-land-in-malaysia-from-rm3699/", "title": "Lenovo LOQ Gaming Laptops Finally Land in Malaysia From RM3,699", "body": "\n\nInitially unveiled back in March this year, the Lenovo LOQ (pronounced lock) gaming laptops have finally been launched in Malaysia. The LOQ series is targeted at budget-conscious gamers while still retaining some features of Lenovo\u2019s higher-end Legion laptops.\n\n\nAs many as four different models of the Lenovo LOQ are offered in Malaysia. The LOQ 15IRH8 and LOQ 15APH8 are 15-inch Intel and AMD laptops respectively, while the LOQ 16IRH8 and LOQ 16APH8 are 16-inch Intel and AMD machines respectively. According to Lenovo, the LOQ series starts at RM3,699 for the 15-inch model.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Intel models of the LOQ laptops feature Intel\u2019s 13th generation Core i7-13700H processor, while the 15-inch AMD machine feature a Ryzen 7 7840HS chip. The 16-inch AMD model, on the other hand, comes with a Ryzen 7 7849H. As for GPU options, most of the LOQ base models are packed with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050, though the 16-inch Intel version starts with an RTX 4050 instead.\n\n\nAll four variants of the Lenovo LOQ gaming laptops are now available for purchase in Malaysia. More details on the LOQ machines \u2013 and their specific configurations \u2013 can be found on \nLenovo Malaysia\u2019s official website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-legion-pro-5i-gen-8-unleashed-in-malaysia-from-rm7299/", "title": "Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (Gen 8) Unleashed in Malaysia From RM7,299", "body": "\n\nOther than the impressive Yoga Book 9i and Lenovo LOQ series, the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i has also landed in Malaysia. Now in its 8th generation, the gaming laptop features (up to) a fast 240Hz display and beefy Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU.\n\n\nAccording to Lenovo, the Legion Pro 5i starts at RM7,299 from physical retailers in Malaysia, while on Lenovo Malaysia\u2019s online store, the gaming machine \nstarts at exactly RM7,518.74\n. This particular model features a 13th gen Intel Core i7-13700HX processor paired with 16GB of RAM, an RTX 4060 GPU, a 16-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS display with a 240Hz refresh rate, as well as a 512GB SSD.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, these hardware are customisable on the online store. If you want to upgrade the GPU to an RTX 4070, for example, it will cost RM890. Want a faster Core i9-13900HX chip? Well, that\u2019s only a RM300 upgrade.\n\n\nThe Lenovo Legion Pro 5i can now be purchased in Malaysia from RM7,299. At this price point, it\u2019s positioned as a more premium gaming laptop. If you want a more affordable option, there\u2019s there Lenovo LOQ series, which has just been launched in Malaysia too.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-ideapad-duet-5i-also-launched-in-malaysia-windows-11-tablet-from-rm3369/", "title": "Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5i Also Launched in Malaysia \u2013 Windows 11 Tablet From RM3,369", "body": "\n\nLenovo launched a slew of new products in Malaysia today, including the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5i. It\u2019s a compact, lightweight Windows 11 tablet with four different usage modes, and it even comes bundled with a Bluetooth keyboard cover.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the IdeaPad Duet 5i is offered in a number of different variants, with the base model \nretailing at RM3,369\n on Lenovo Malaysia\u2019s online store. For that kind of money, it features a 12th generation Intel Core i3-1215U processor paired with 8GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD storage, 5MP front and rear cameras, as well as a 12.4-inch 2560 x 1600 LTPS touch-enabled display.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the advantages of the IdeaPad Duet 5i is its sheer portability. After all, it\u2019s a tablet, and with a 9.45mm thin chassis that weighs only 809g, it\u2019s certainly the ideal Windows 11 tablet for folks who want a lightweight productivity machine.\n\n\nThe Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5i is now available for purchase in Malaysia with a RM3,369 starting price. All variants of the Windows 11 tablet can be found over at \nLenovo Malaysia\u2019s online store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/businesses-can-no-longer-send-url-links-over-sms-from-2-july-2023/", "title": "Businesses Can No Longer Send URL Links Over SMS From 2 July 2023", "body": "\n\nBack in 2 May earlier this year\n, URL links sent over SMS from personal numbers have been blocked as per the directive issued by the Malaysia Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Soon, even businesses will be blocked from doing so.\n\n\nCurrently, SMS sent by businesses via short codes can still contain URL links. But as per an SMS sent to us from Maxis, this will be blocked from 2 July next month. Even Digi has shared this \nthrough a notice on its website\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe main objective of this initiative is to prevent consumers from becoming victims of online scams through the use of phishing websites. Interestingly, this block is applicable to SMS (sent and received) from both local and international mobile numbers.\n\n\nSince businesses cannot send URL links over SMS from 2 July next month, many are moving to in-app authentications for verification purposes. This is especially true for banking apps, so make sure you enable it to perform your regular transactions.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-dx-finally-open-first-automotive-digital-experience-centre-in-malaysia/", "title": "Proton DX Finally Open \u2013 First Automotive Digital Experience Centre in Malaysia", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRemember the \nProton Digital Xperience\n (Proton DX) store we spotted back in March this year? Well, the automotive digital experience centre has finally opened its doors to the public today, and it\u2019s said to be the first store of its kind in Malaysia.\n\n\nDeveloped by ACO Tech in collaboration with Proton and China Construction Bank (CCB), Proton DX occupies a 5,275 square feet space with six main areas; the highlight being the Virtual Cockpit. As its name suggests, it offers a virtual drive in an enclosed theatre-like dome; visitors can even use voice commands to select different options throughout the experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, there\u2019s the Activity Zone in Proton DX. It\u2019s basically an interactive game featuring the \nProton X50\n, X70, and Iriz. Up to three players can participate in the racing game, where they are required to run in place and perform certain actions to race to the finish line.\n\n\nAnd then we have the ATLAS Mall showcase area, which allows visitors to see various products found on the ATLAS Auto app. Curiously, official merchandise from other brands under the Geely Group \u2013 such as Lynk & Co and Zeekr \u2013 are also shown here, though they\u2019re not available for purchase.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlso featured at Proton DX is a Lifestyle Zone, which consists of active wear and lifestyle merchandise from an ongoing collaboration between Joma and the centre. These products can actually be purchased at Proton DX itself, and in the future, official Proton merchandise will also be available here.\n\n\nIf you want to take a break, there\u2019s the cafe component of Proton DX dubbed Aico Cafe. Whether you want to grab a quick bite, coffee, or tea, you can get them here. According to the company, social gatherings for Proton owners or communities can also be hosted at Aico Cafe.\n\n\nFinally, there\u2019s the Delivery Bay. While Proton DX itself is not a dealership, \u201cspecial Proton customers\u201d \u2013 as the company puts it \u2013 can take delivery of their new ride here.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProton DX is certainly a unique centre that showcases both Proton\u2019s and ACO Tech\u2019s offerings. If you\u2019d like to give it a visit, you can do so at Quill City Mall, Kuala Lumpur. The centre is open daily from 10AM to 10PM.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-ally-review-powerful-and-power-hungry-handheld-gaming-pc-for-rm3299/", "title": "Asus ROG Ally Review: Powerful (And Power Hungry) Handheld Gaming PC for RM3,299", "body": "\n\nThe handheld gaming PC market has seen some interesting additions in the past couple of years, with Valve\u2019s Steam Deck being one of the highest profile releases in recent times. That is, until the Asus ROG Ally was unveiled \u2013 or rather, \nteased as an April Fools\u2019 Day joke\n.\n\n\nFor the most part, the ROG Ally lives up to expectations. It is undeniably a powerful handheld gaming machine, and it offers quite a number of advantages over the Steam Deck. However, the Ally also has some shortcomings that hold it back from being the \u201cideal\u201d handheld, though I still think it\u2019s a fantastic device for gaming on the go.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n7-inch FHD IPS (1920 x 1080), 120Hz\nProcessor\nAMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (8C/16T, up to 5.1GHz)\nGPU\nAMD Radeon Graphics (AMD RDNA 3, up to 8.6 teraflops)\nRAM\n16GB LPDDR5\nStorage\n512GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD\nBattery\n40Wh\nDimensions\n280 x 111 x 21.2~32.4 mm\nWeight\n608g\nAudio\nFront-facing stereo speakers\nPorts\n1x ROG XG Mobile interface + USB-C combo port\n1x microSD card slot\n1x 3.5mm headphone jack\nPrice\nRM3,299\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the ROG Ally is available in the sole AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme model, which is the model featured in this review. According to Asus Malaysia, the more affordable Ryzen Z1 configuration won\u2019t be offered here. I personally think this isn\u2019t a big lost, given the performance gains offered by the Z1 Extreme chip for only $100 (about RM460) more in the US.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Ally is actually priced quite well in Malaysia. For RM3,299, the Z1 Extreme chip offers excellent gaming performance \u2013 especially for a handheld \u2013 the RAM and SSD capacities are reasonably good at 16GB and 512GB respectively, and the 1080p IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate looks great too.\n\n\nOn paper, the Ally looks great, but there\u2019s more to a device than just its spec sheet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nWithout a doubt the ROG Ally is a capable handheld gaming PC. The Z1 Extreme APU, which is exclusive to Asus for the time being, is quite the chip. I played a ton of \nHonkai: Star Rail\n at maxed out graphics settings on the handheld, and it can deliver a consistent 60fps frame rate (with some frame dips in busier environments) on its 25W Turbo Mode.\n\n\nOf course, on more graphically demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, I do have to lower the graphics settings accordingly to achieve 30fps frame rate. But despite the reduced image fidelity, the game still looks great on the 7-inch 1080p IPS display, even if most games can\u2019t quite take advantage of the panel\u2019s fast 120Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nWhile we\u2019re on the topic, I find the ROG Ally\u2019s display to be completely fine. While I\u2019m not thrilled by the size of the screen bezels, and the viewing angles are not as wide as I would\u2019ve hoped, it\u2019s still a relatively bright panel with a 500 nits peak brightness and quite vibrant colours.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI\u2019m impressed with the system noise of the ROG Ally too. Even in extended gaming sessions, it runs \nvery \nquiet. Naturally, the handheld does get noticeably warmer after some heavy gaming, but important touch points never get uncomfortably warm, which is great.\n\n\nControls of the ROG Ally feel great as well. The analog sticks are nice and smooth (albeit a tad too loose for my liking), the shoulder buttons feel substantial and satisfying to use, and the face buttons provide a good amount of tactile feedback. While there were reports of the face buttons getting stuck in heated gaming sessions, I did not encounter this issue at all on my early review unit.\n\n\nBuild quality of the ROG Ally is also good despite its mostly plastic construction to reduce weight. While I wouldn\u2019t go as far as to say that the textured plastic chassis feels premium, it certainly does not feel cheap. Weighing 608g, it\u2019s reasonably lightweight too, though I do need to rest my hands on a surface to game comfortably with the handheld.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWith so much power under the hood, battery life of the ROG Ally also suffers. As mentioned, I played Honkai: Star Rail a fair bit on the handheld, and with the power plan set to 25W Turbo Mode on a relatively high brightness level, the Ally lasted for\u2026only an hour on a full charge.\n\n\nIf I\u2019m playing less demanding games with the screen brightness lowered \u2013 while also setting the power plan to the most efficient 10W Silent Mode \u2013 I can stretch the battery life to about two to three hours. Much better playtime, of course, but you do have to find games that can still run smoothly on this power plan (or lower the graphics settings accordingly) to get this level of battery life.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that I am using BIOS 317 on the ROG Ally throughout this review period and not the latest BIOS 319. While the new BIOS improves battery life, this comes at the expense of lower performance, which is definitely not ideal.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the overall user experience of the ROG Ally. As it\u2019s running on Windows 11, navigating through the operating system with the handheld\u2019s buttons and touch screen doesn\u2019t feel particularly intuitive; I can\u2019t even quickly close a game through Asus\u2019 own Armoury Crate SE software. The bottom line is, Windows 11 in handheld mode still needs some work.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nDespite its shortcomings, I still think the Asus ROG Ally is a fantastic handheld gaming PC, especially in comparison to the Steam Deck here in Malaysia. Not only is it a much more powerful machine, it also comes with official warranty support. The same cannot be said of the Steam Deck, which is brought onto our shores through parallel importers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile the ROG Ally\u2019s battery life and user experience are not great, there\u2019s a good chance that these two aspects of the handheld can be improved over time. Given that Asus is one of the most renowned brands in the market, I\u2019m quite optimistic the Ally will only get better with every software update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-ally-unleashed-in-malaysia-for-rm3299-only-z1-extreme-model/", "title": "Asus ROG Ally Unleashed in Malaysia for RM3,299 \u2013 Only Z1 Extreme Model", "body": "\n\nAfter much teasing, the Asus ROG Ally has finally been launched in Malaysia. Curiously, only the higher-end AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme model of the handheld gaming PC will be officially available here; the more affordable Ryzen Z1 configuration will not be offered.\n\n\nAs previously revealed, the ROG Ally with a Z1 Extreme chip, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage retails at RM3,299. It is \nnow available for purchase online\n, and early birds can get RM1,299 worth of freebies, which include a pair of \nROG Cetra\n wireless earbuds, a travel case, a screen protector, a charger dock, and even a nine-month subscription to Microsoft\u2019s PC Game Pass.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to pair the ROG Ally with the ROG XG Mobile external GPU enclosure, you can get a whopping RM2,000 discount on the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 and AMD Radeon RX 6850M XT models, bringing down the prices to RM5,999 and RM4,999 respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its main competition, the Steam Deck, the ROG Ally\u2019s value proposition is good at this price point. Not only is it a more powerful handheld machine, it also has a number of advantages, including a higher resolution 7-inch 1920 x 1080 display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Steam Deck, on the other hand, has lower resolution 60Hz panel, though it has a taller 16:10 aspect ratio.\n\n\nAside from that, the ROG Ally can also be connected to the aforementioned (and proprietary) ROG XG Mobile external GPU enclosure for higher fidelity gaming. It runs on Windows 11 as well, so it\u2019ll be interesting to see how this would impact the battery life of the handheld gaming console.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Ally include up to 16GB of LPDDR5 dual-channel RAM and 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD \u2013 this is said to be upgradable \u2013 a microSD card slot for further storage expansion, as well as a lightweight chassis that tips the scales at 608g.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Asus ROG Ally is \nnow available for purchase online in Malaysia\n for RM3,299. Retail sales of the handheld gaming PC, on the other hand, will start from 1 July through a roadshow in Low Yat Plaza.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-rog-ally-first-sale-in-malaysia-sold-out-in-7-minutes/", "title": "Asus ROG Ally First Sale in Malaysia \u2013 Sold Out in 7 Minutes!", "body": "\n\nThe Asus ROG Ally went up for sale in Malaysia earlier today for RM3,299 for the sole AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme model, and it only took seven whole minutes for the device to be \nsold out\n! Evidently, many are eager to get their hands on the handheld gaming PC.\n\n\nTo give more context to the first Malaysian sale of the ROG Ally, only 100 units were up for grabs. On top of that, every purchase also comes with RM1,299 worth of goodies, which include a pair of \nROG Cetra\n wireless earbuds, a travel case, a screen protector, a charger dock, and even a nine-month subscription to Microsoft\u2019s PC Game Pass.\n\n\nOn top of the freebies mentioned above, every purchase of the Ally also comes with a whopping RM2,000 discount on the ROG XG Mobile external GPU enclosure. This brings down the price of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 and AMD Radeon RX 6850M XT models to RM5,999 and RM4,999 respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you missed the first sale of the ROG Ally, you can still enjoy the same RM1,299 freebies once the handheld gaming console is available for offline purchase come 1 July at the ROG Roadshow in Low Yat Plaza. While the RM2,000 discount on the XG Mobile wasn\u2019t mentioned, you can enter a lucky draw to walk away with prizes worth up to RM6,999.\n\n\nThe Asus ROG Ally, despite its drawbacks, looks to be quite popular among Malaysians. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the handheld gaming PC, check out our \nfull review of the Ally\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-13-ultra-in-malaysia-leica-quad-camera-snapdragon-8-gen-2-chip-rm5199/", "title": "Xiaomi 13 Ultra in Malaysia \u2013 Leica Quad Camera, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Chip, RM5,199", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJust as promised, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra has been launched in Malaysia today. The range-topping device in the Xiaomi 13 series is a premium phone through and through with a Leica-branded quad camera system, so not surprisingly, it comes with a matching price tag.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, only one variant of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra is available in Malaysia. Packed with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, the high-end flagship phone retails at a cool RM5,199. Two colour options are offered: there\u2019s Olive Green, and a more minimalist Black.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra features a Leica quad camera system. All four sensors are 50MP shooters, and the primary camera even features a 1-inch type sensor and a variable aperture system from f/1.9 to f/4.0. The other three 50MP sensors are a 3.2x telephoto shooter, a 5x telephoto lens, and an ultra-wide angle camera with macro support. Certainly a versatile camera setup.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra include a 6.73-inch 3200 x 1440 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate \u2013 it has a \nbright\n peak brightness of 2,600 nits \u2013 a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, a 32MP selfie camera, a 5,000mAh battery with 90W fast charging, and IP68 dust and water resistance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi 13 Ultra will be available for pre-order in Malaysia on 23 June this Friday until 29 June. Early birds who purchase the phone in this pre-order period will get a number of freebies, including a Xiaomi Instant Photo Printer 1S Set (worth RM619), 100GB cloud storage on Google One for six months, along with a 1+1 year extended warranty.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-xiaomi-13-ultra-hands-on-the-leica-appeal/", "title": "Video: Xiaomi 13 Ultra Hands-on \u2013 The Leica Appeal", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe \nXiaomi 13 Ultra\n \u2013 alongside the \nXiaomi 13 Pro\n \u2013 is one of the Chinese company\u2019s most premium phones yet\u2026with a matching price tag. Retailing at RM5,199, the 13 Ultra is a properly high-end phone with some impressive hardware, especially the Leica-branded quad camera system.\n\n\nAll four sensors of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra\u2019s Leica camera system are 50MP shooters, and the primary camera even features a 1-inch type sensor and a variable aperture system from f/1.9 to f/4.0. The other three 50MP sensors are a 3.2x telephoto shooter, a 5x telephoto lens, and an ultra-wide angle camera with macro support. Certainly a versatile camera setup.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra include a 6.73-inch 3200 x 1440 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate \u2013 it has a \nbright\n peak brightness of 2,600 nits \u2013 a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, a 32MP selfie camera, a 5,000mAh battery with 90W fast charging, and IP68 dust and water resistance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi 13 Ultra will be available for pre-order in Malaysia on 23 June this Friday until 29 June. Early birds who purchase the phone in this pre-order period will get a number of freebies, including a Xiaomi Instant Photo Printer 1S Set (worth RM619), 100GB cloud storage on Google One for six months, along with a 1+1 year extended warranty.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x90-receives-5000-bookings-500-units-delivered-less-than-6-months-waiting-time/", "title": "Proton X90 Receives 5,000 Bookings \u2013 500 Units Delivered, Less Than 6 Months Waiting Time", "body": "\n\nThe \nProton X90\n was launched here just last month, and it looks like the premium D-segment SUV is pretty well-received by Malaysians. Over 5,000 bookings have been placed for the new model, and 500 units have already been delivered to customers.\n\n\nThese details\n were revealed by the deputy CEO of Proton, Roslan Abdullah, at the launch of the \nProton DX\n centre. He also added that the waiting period of the SUV is now less than six months, and more units are expected to be delivered next month in July 2023.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the X90 starts RM123,800 for the base Standard variant, while the Executive model goes for RM130,800. Another tier up is the Premium trim for RM144,800, while the range-topping Flagship variant carries a RM152,800 price tag.\n\n\nAt these price points, the Proton X90 undercuts its competition by quite a bit as a premium D-segment SUV, which explains the popularity of the new model. Hopefully, waiting period for the X90 will be further improved in the coming months.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/eco-friendly-acer-aspire-vero-14-now-in-malaysia-from-rm2599/", "title": "Eco-Friendly Acer Aspire Vero 14 Now in Malaysia From RM2,599", "body": "\n\nAcer just launched its latest eco-friendly laptop in Malaysia, the refreshed Acer Aspire Vero 14. With a chassis that\u2019s made out of 40% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic \u2013 that\u2019s 10% more than its predecessor \u2013 it sees a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions during the chassis production of the laptop.\n\n\nThree different variants of the Aspire Vero 14 are available in Malaysia. The base model with an Intel Core i3-1315U processor paired with 8GB of RAM \nretails at RM2,599\n, while the Core i5-1335U configuration with the same amount of RAM is \npriced at RM3,099\n.\n\n\nAs for the range-topping Core i7-1335U model with 16GB of RAM, it \ngoes for RM3,899\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the different CPU and RAM configuration, all variants of the Aspire Vero 14 feature similar hardware. These include a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS display, a 512GB SSD, a 720p webcam, and a 50Wh battery that promises up to 10 hours of use on a single charge. With a 17.9mm thin chassis that weighs 1.5kg, it\u2019s quite a portable laptop too, and it even comes bundled with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021.\n\n\nAll three variants of the Acer Aspire Vero 14 are now available for purchase in Malaysia from RM2,599. In line with the eco-friendly ethos of the laptop, customers can trade-in their old devices (working or non-functional) to get up to RM500 discount on the Vero 14. This promo is valid until 30 September 2023.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2023-acer-travelmate-laptops-p2-p4-p6-land-in-malaysia-from-rm3249/", "title": "2023 Acer TravelMate Laptops (P2, P4, P6) Land in Malaysia From RM3,249", "body": "\n\nAside from the eco-friendly \nAspire Vero 14\n, Acer Malaysia also launched a number of commercial laptops under the TravelMate series on our shores. These include the TravelMate P2, TravelMate P4, and the range-topping TravelMate P6.\n\n\nOut of the three lineups, the TravelMate P2 is the most affordable one with a RM3,249 starting price. It features Intel\u2019s 13th gen Core i3 to Core i7 processors, 8GB of RAM, either 256GB or 512GB of storage, and a 14-inch or 16-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS display.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the TravelMate P4, which is actually offered in two form factors: a traditional clamshell design and a convertible. Retailing from RM4,559, the base TravelMate P4 comes with a Core i5-1335U processor paired with 8GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, as well as a 14-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS display.\n\n\nAs for the TravelMate Spin P4 convertible laptop, it has a faster Core i7-1355U chip with 16GB RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and a 14-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS touch-enabled display. All of these for a cool RM5,699.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinally, there\u2019s the highest-end TravelMate P6. There are two variants of this laptop, which is separated by just the display. The more affordable option is the 14-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS panel for RM6,799, while the 14-inch 2880 x 1800 OLED display costs just RM100 more at RM6,899.\n\n\nOther specifications of the TravelMate P6 include an Intel Core i7-1355U processor paired with 16GB of RAM, a generous 1TB SSD storage, and Windows 11 Pro out of the box, just like the rest of the TravelMate laptops.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2023 Acer TravelMate laptops are now available for purchase in Malaysia from RM3,249. Although these are commercial laptops that are catered to businesses, regular consumers can still purchase them, of course.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/students-youths-can-claim-rm200-ewallet-credit-on-26-june-setel-tng-ewallet-boost/", "title": "Students & Youths Can Claim RM200 eWallet Credit on 26 June \u2013 Setel, TNG eWallet, Boost", "body": "\n\nThe \nMinistry of Finance (MOF)\n has revealed the start date for the eBelia Rahmah initiative, which offers RM200 ewallet credit to eligible students and youths. Registration for the initiative will begin on 26 June this coming Monday, and over two million folks will benefit from this.\n\n\nThree ewallet services are chosen for the eBelia Rahmah initiative, which includes Setel, TNG eWallet, and Boost. On top of the RM200 ewallet credit provided by the government, additional incentives \u2013 including cashback and various rewards \u2013 will be given by these ewallet services too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn order to be eligible for the eBelia Rahmah RM200 ewallet credit, you have to either be between the age of 18 to 20, or a full-time student in an institution of higher learning. RM400 million is allocated for this initiative, which was first tabled at Budget 2023.\n\n\nThe registration period for the eBelia Rahmah initiative will begin from 26 June to 22 August 2023. As for the RM200 ewallet credit itself, it has to be spent by 31 August 2023 through \u201coffline\u201d purchases, meaning it can only be spent at physical retailers.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/22-28-june-fuel-price-ron-97-stays-at-rm3-37-per-litre/", "title": "22 \u2013 28 June Fuel Price: RON 97 Stays at RM3.37 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAnother week, another fuel price update. As usual, there\u2019s no price change to RON 97 this week, and the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.37 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 22 to 28 June next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-vision-pro-developer-kit-now-available-developer-lab-coming-to-singapore/", "title": "Apple Vision Pro Developer Kit Now Available \u2013 Developer Lab Coming to Singapore", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019ve been waiting to create apps for the new Apple Vision Pro headset, good news. The visionOS software development kit (SDK) is now \navailable for download\n, and developer labs \u2013 which allows folks to try out their apps on the Vision Pro hardware \u2013 will also be opened sometime next month.\n\n\nThese developer labs will be available in selected locations, including Cupertino (of course), London, Munich, Shanghai, Tokyo, and the one closest to us, Singapore. Apple added that developer teams can apply for developer kits of Vision Pro too; great for folks who can\u2019t access the aforementioned developer labs.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cApple Vision Pro redefines what\u2019s possible on a computing platform. Developers can get started building visionOS apps using the powerful frameworks they already know, and take their development even further with new innovative tools and technologies like Reality Composer Pro, to design all-new experiences for their users,\u201d said the vice president of Apple\u2019s Worldwide Developer Relations, Susan Prescott.\n\n\nYou can download the visionOS SDK \nright here\n, though you need to be a member of the Apple Developer Program to access it. Vision Pro developer kits can also be applied from next month onwards \nthrough this page\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/final-fantasy-xvi-pop-up-now-in-sunway-pyramid-until-2-july-win-ps5-merch/", "title": "Final Fantasy XVI Pop-up Now in Sunway Pyramid Until 2 July \u2013 Win PS5 & Merch!", "body": "\n\nFinal Fantasy XVI is now available exclusively (until the end of 2023) on the PlayStation 5 today. To celebrate the launch of the game, PlayStation is holding a Final Fantasy XVI pop-up here in Malaysia at Sunway Pyramid, Petaling Jaya until 2 July next month.\n\n\nNaturally, there are quite a number of activities at the event. Visitors can try out a demo of Final Fantasy XVI there, take pictures of an imposing 4.8m tall installation of Ifrit \u2013 or pose with Clive\u2019s sword, Invictus at the photo booth \u2013 and win exciting prizes.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo win the prizes, visitors simply have to take part in the Final Fantasy XVI pop-up\u2019s activities. The grand prize is none other than a PlayStation 5 Final Fantasy XVI Bundle \u2013 which includes the console itself and a digital copy of the game \u2013 a Collector\u2019s Edition copy of the game, and even some sleek-looking coasters.\n\n\nThe Final Fantasy XVI pop-up at Sunway Pyramid, Petaling Jaya is currently ongoing until 2 July next month. The finale of the event is on 1 July for a meet and greet with the producer of Final Fantasy XVI, Yoshida Naoki, which will start from 3PM on that day.\n\n\n\n\n \n \n@nextrift\n \nCatch the \n#FinalFantasyXVI\n pop-up at \n#SunwayPyramid\n until 2 July! \n#Gaming\n \n#PS5\n \n#PlayStation\n \n#SquareEnix\n \n\u266c Enya-style romantic fantasy waltz original \u2013 Yukari Okano\n \n \n \n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/magic-the-gathering-welcome-party-happening-1-2-july-in-malaysia-win-mtg-lotr-merch/", "title": "Magic: The Gathering Welcome Party Happening 1 \u2013 2 July in Malaysia \u2013 Win MTG LOTR Merch!", "body": "\n\nTo celebrate the launch of Magic: The Gathering\u2019s newest set, The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth \u2013 which is available for tabletop today \u2013 Wizards of the Coast is holding an \nMTG Welcome Party\n next weekend here in Malaysia.\n\n\nNaturally, visitors can try out MTG for themselves at the event. Those who are new to the popular card game can get acquainted with it through a taster session with a LOTR Starter Kit that can be purchased at the event itself. If you\u2019re already familiar with the game, you can duke it out with other players in a Commander game with the four new LOTR Commander Decks.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nParticipating at the MTG Welcome Party can win you some exclusive MTG LOTR merchandise as well. These include MTG pins, a tote bag, and even a rather nice wooden tray for the new The Ring Tempts You mechanic in the LOTR set.\n\n\nThe MTG Welcome Party will take place from 1 to 2 July next weekend at Paradigm Mall, Petaling Jaya, and you can register \nright here\n. It will start from 10AM to 9PM, so there\u2019s plenty of time to play to your heart\u2019s content at the event.\n\n\n\n\n \n \n@nextrift\n \nWe had a blast at the \n#MTGxLOTR\n event! Are you joining the prerelease today?\n \n\u266c Epic Music(863502) \u2013 Draganov89\n \n \n \n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/u-mobiles-u-home-5g-offers-5g-broadband-from-rm68-month-unlimited-speeds-contract-free/", "title": "U Mobile\u2019s U Home 5G Offers 5G Broadband From RM68/Month \u2013 Unlimited Speeds, Contract-Free", "body": "\n\nU Mobile got a new 5G wireless home broadband plan dubbed U Home 5G. According to the telco, it is the first to offer a 5G broadband solution without any contract, and there\u2019s even a promotional price for the plan right now.\n\n\nNormally offered at RM78/month, those who sign-up for the U Home 5G now can get the promotional rate of RM68/month \nfor life\n. This offer is valid until further notice, and besides the discounted price, you also get unlimited quota with a minimum speed of 100Mbps (when 5G network is available) or 23Mbps average speed on 4G connectivity.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHowever, as with most unlimited plans, U Home 5G does have a fair usage policy (FUP). Once users hit the 1,000GB quota, speeds will be reduced to 512Kbps. Of course, you can purchase another 1,000GB quota as an add-on for RM30; quite a good deal, in our opinion.\n\n\nYou can sign up for U Mobile\u2019s U Home 5G home broadband plan \nright here\n. Do note that this is a SIM-only data plan, so you\u2019ll need either a dedicated 5G WiFi router or a smartphone \u2013 yes, the plan supports hotspot usage \u2013 to start using it.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-2023-proton-saga-review-how-good-is-protons-best-selling-model/", "title": "Video: 2023 Proton Saga Review \u2013 How Good Is Proton\u2019s Best-Selling Model?", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLaunched just last year, the Proton Saga MC2 facelift is currently the national carmaker\u2019s best-selling model. As of May 2023, over 27,214 units of the A-segment sedan have been registered. Starting at RM34,800, it is also Proton\u2019s most affordable model.\n\n\nWith these two factors in mind, I wanted to find out for myself just how good is the latest Saga. And after spending a good amount of time with the affordable sedan, I can definitely see how it has become Proton\u2019s best-selling model.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe review unit I tested is the range-topping Premium S model, which retails at RM44,800. For that kind of money, it has some nice creature comforts, including keyless entry, push start button, semi-leather seats, red accents on the air-cond vents, a new 7-inch infotainment screen with iOS and Android mirroring, front bumper skirts, side skirts, as well as 15-inch alloy wheels.\n\n\nStandard equipment across the range of the new Saga include two airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), hill hold assist, and the familiar 1.3L four-cylinder engine that outputs 95PS and 120Nm of torque. It\u2019s worth noting that the Saga I\u2019m testing here comes with a Hyundai-sourced four-speed automatic, and not the (\nreportedly\n) new four-speed automatic gearbox provided by Aisin.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-3-8-arrives-5-july-new-outfits-for-klee-kaeya-fontaine-previewed/", "title": "Genshin Impact 3.8 Arrives 5 July \u2013 New Outfits For Klee & Kaeya, Fontaine Previewed", "body": "\n\nGenshin Impact 3.8 is set to arrive in the next couple of weeks on 5 July. Not only will Klee and Kaeya get new outfits in the version update, Eula is \nfinally\n getting a rerun banner too. The last time her event wish was available was \nback in November 2021\n.\n\n\nBesides that, Hoyoverse also gave us a sneak peek at the next nation coming to Genshin Impact, Fontaine. It\u2019s called the Nation of Justice, and it even has underwater areas that can be explored by players. If you haven\u2019t guessed it already, Fontaine is the Hydro nation, so expect to meet the Hydro Archon once the region is available in the game.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOkay, let\u2019s get back to the new outfits that Klee and Kaeya are set to receive in the Version 3.8 update of Genshin Impact. Klee\u2019s outfit would have to be purchased from the in-game store, while Kaeya\u2019s outfit can be unlocked by exploring the new Veluriyam Mirage area.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, four summer special events and attractions can be found at Veluriyam Mirage. Aside from the aforementioned Kaeya outfit, players can get Layla for free as well by completing these events and attractions. Oh, it\u2019s worth noting that Kaeya will finally get his Hangout Event in Version 3.8 too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact 3.8 will go live on 5 July. Eula and Klee\u2019s event wishes will be offered first once the update is available, followed by Sangonomiya Kokomi\u2019s and Wanderer\u2019s rerun banners in the second phase at a later date.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-x-pizza-hut-collab-comes-to-malaysia-5-july-with-yelan-ningguang-xiangling/", "title": "Genshin Impact x Pizza Hut Collab Comes to Malaysia 5 July With Yelan, Ningguang, Xiangling", "body": "\n\nIt appears the \nGenshin Impact\n x Pizza Hut collaboration is also coming to Malaysia! Initially announced for China and Japan, the event will take place from 5 July to 15 August locally, offering various merchandise of three Genshin Impact characters: Yelan, Ningguang, and Xiangling.\n\n\nThe collaboration sees the introduction of Pizza Hut\u2019s new Melts meal set, which will be bundled with the aforementioned Genshin Impact merchandise. Between 5 to 18 July, Ningguang\u2019s merchandise will be offered first, followed by Yelan\u2019s from 19 July to 1 August.\n\n\nAs for Xiangling, her merchandise will be up for grabs between 2 to 15 August.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTwo different Pizza Hut MyBox Melts combo sets will be offered to get these Genshin Impact merchandise. The RM27.90 Standard Meal offers a photocard and sticker pack, while the Premium Meal set adds on a notebook for RM47.90.\n\n\nOf course, three Pizza Hut flagship outlets will be adorned with Genshin Impact decorations too as part of this collaboration. Fan events will also be held at these locations, starting with the Sunway Pyramid branch (8 July), Queensbay Mall in Penang (15 July), and Midvalley Southkey in Johor Bahru (22 July).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere is a RM60 entrance fee to the Genshin Impact fan events, which includes a RM47.90 MyBox Melts Premium Meal, a limited edition merchandise, as well as an in-game inspired beverage. Attendees can also meet and greet cosplayers at the events, not to mention the chance to win exclusive prizes by participating in activities.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to attend the Genshin Impact x Pizza Hut fan event, you can purchase an entrance ticket from 30 June onwards through the Pizza Hut WhatsApp number at 0167552525.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-password-game-is-incredibly-frustrating-and-addictive/", "title": "The Password Game Is Incredibly Frustrating (And Addictive)", "body": "\n\nI haven\u2019t played a browser game quite as frustrating (and addictive) as \nThe Password Game\n. As its name suggests, the objective is to create a password that adheres to certain \u201crules\u201d that will appear as you progress through the surprisingly interactive game.\n\n\nDeveloped by one \nNeal Agarwal\n, The Password Game starts off with relatively simple rules, such as creating a password with a minimum of five characters with a number included. Once you got far enough, you\u2019re even required to include today\u2019s Wordle answer in the password!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo two \u201cplaythroughs\u201d are the same either: some questions change every time you attempt the game. It\u2019s also worth noting that you can actually lose in The Password Game, believe it or not. Without spoiling the surprise, let\u2019s just say there are some\u2026unique mechanisms that will end the game.\n\n\nIf you want to try out The Password Game for yourself, you can do so \nhere\n. The furthest I got to is Rule 32, and at this point, the game gets quite a bit more complicated. All in all, I highly recommend the game for those who want a brain teaser that gets increasingly more challenging.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-reno-10-series-launching-in-malaysia-6-july-snapdragon-8-gen-1-telephoto-cameras/", "title": "Oppo Reno 10 Series Launching in Malaysia 6 July \u2013 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, Telephoto Cameras", "body": "\n\nOppo is gearing up to unveil its latest premium mid-range phones under the Reno series in Malaysia very soon. The local launch of the Oppo Reno 10 series is set for 6 July next week, and it looks like the new lineup will be made up of three different devices.\n\n\nThe availability of the devices are \nconfirmed by Oppo Malaysia itself\n. The \nofficial product page\n of the Reno 10 series has all three devices outlined too, which includes the Reno 10, Reno 10 Pro, and the range-topping Reno 10 Pro+.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, the specifications of the three devices have not been revealed yet, though some key hardware are detailed. The Reno 10 Pro+, for example, features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and a 64MP telephoto camera. Even the standard Reno 10 and Reno 10 Pro are packed with a 32MP telephoto shooter.\n\n\nThe Oppo Reno 10 series will be launched in Malaysia next week on 6 July; we\u2019ll find out then the full specifications of the three phones along with their retail prices. Given that the Reno series are touted as premium offerings, expect them to be priced as such.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/29-june-5-july-fuel-price-ron-97-remains-at-rm3-37-per-litre/", "title": "29 June \u2013 5 July Fuel Price: RON 97 Remains at RM3.37 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAnother week, another fuel price update. As usual, there\u2019s no price change to RON 97 this week, and the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.37 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 29 June to 5 July next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-90-with-200mp-camera-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Honor 90 With 200MP Camera Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nA new Honor phone is coming to Malaysia, and it\u2019s a premium mid-range offering. Enter the Honor 90, which features a triple camera system headlined by a 200MP sensor, not to mention a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition chipset which features higher clock speeds.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, we were told that only one variant of the Honor 90 will be available here. It\u2019s packed with a generous 12GB RAM and 512GB of internal storage, and three colours options are set to be offered locally: Peacock Blue, Emerald Green, and Diamond Silver.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the best features of the Honor 90 has to be its triple camera system. The primary shooter is a 200MP unit, and it\u2019s complemented by a 12MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP depth sensor. While the phone doesn\u2019t offer a telephoto camera, you don\u2019t often see a 200MP primary camera in this segment.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Honor 90 include the aforementioned Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition \u2013 it has peak CPU speeds of up to 2.5GHz \u2013 a 6.7-inch 2664 x 1200 dual-curve OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 50MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with support for 66W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlthough we have confirmation that the Honor 90 will be coming to Malaysia, it remains to be seen exactly when it will debut here. Nonetheless, we\u2019ll be sure to keep a close eye on the local availability of the phone, along with the Malaysian pricing of the premium mid-ranger.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-wr-v-launching-in-malaysia-13-july-public-previews-in-klang-valley-this-weekend/", "title": "Honda WR-V Launching in Malaysia 13 July \u2013 Public Previews in Klang Valley This Weekend", "body": "\n\nAs expected\n, the Honda WR-V is launching in Malaysia next month! The Japanese carmaker\u2019s first small SUV will make its debut here on 13 July, and public previews of the WR-V will take place in Klang Valley from today (30 June) to 2 July.\n\n\nThe first preview of the WR-V took place between 16 to 18 June in the southern region; more specifically, Seremban, Johor Bahru, and Pontian. This is followed by the northern region (23 \u2013 25 June), the central region this weekend (30 June \u2013 2 July), and finally, the east coast from 7 to 9 July next week.\n\n\nOnce the public previews have concluded, the compact SUV will be officially launched here the following week on 13 July.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from the WR-V\u2019s public preview, several key specifications of the SUV have been revealed too. It\u2019s said to come with a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine that outputs 121PS and 145Nm of torque paired to a CVT, support for the Honda Connect telematics system, 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels (for the RS model), Honda LaneWatch, and even Honda Sensing.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the WR-V will be getting a rather complete Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance systems. These include Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Auto High Beam (AHB).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Honda WR-V is now available for booking in Malaysia at all 101 authorised Honda dealerships nationwide. Alternatively, you can also place a pre-booking of the SUV online\u00a0\nhere\n, or through the HondaTouch app as well \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n\nOf course, Malaysian pricing and variants of the WR-V will be revealed come 13 July at the SUV\u2019s local launch.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/final-fantasy-xvi-reportedly-overheating-ps5-including-mine/", "title": "Final Fantasy XVI Reportedly Overheating PS5 (Including Mine)", "body": "\n\nFinal Fantasy XVI is now available (exclusively) on the PS5, and since the game\u2019s launch \nlast week\n, plenty of players have gotten their hands on it. And with that, some players are also reporting that the game is overheating their consoles \u2013 I myself have encountered this issue with my PS5.\n\n\nI was in a boss fight against Morbol \u2013 as shown below \u2013 when a prompt for a quick time event popped up. As I was reading the on-screen instructions, an overheat warning came up that ended up shutting down my PS5 abruptly. I have never seen the warning screen up until then, so needless to say, I was quite shocked.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nQuite a number of other players have \nreported similar issues\n, with some getting the overheat warning \nin the same Morbol boss fight\n as I did. My PS5 did not have any major dust build-up either \u2013 I quickly disassembled it to make sure of this \u2013 and it\u2019s placed vertically with plenty of space around it for optimal air flow.\n\n\nGranted, I did \npurchase my PS5 on launch day\n back in December 2020, though a player reported that a brand new unit \ngot the same overheat warning too\n while playing Final Fantasy XVI. It\u2019s worth noting that the producer of FFXVI, Yoshida Naoki, is \naware of this issue\n too, and he said that both Square Enix and SIE are \u201cworking hard to discover the cause.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile this issue doesn\u2019t seem to be particularly widespread \u2013 my colleague did not get this warning at all throughout his review process \u2013 it still looks to affect a fair number of players. Hopefully, this issue will be addressed in the near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-proton-s50-spotted-in-subang-jaya-q4-2023-launch-rumoured/", "title": "Spy Shot: Proton S50 Spotted in Subang Jaya \u2013 Q4 2023 Launch Rumoured", "body": "\n\nProton\u2019s upcoming sedan, the Proton S50, has been spotted on Malaysian roads yet again. Based on the Geely Emgrand, the test mule is a right-hand drive unit complete with a camera on the windscreen. This suggests that the upcoming sedan could feature ADAS capable of level 2 autonomous driving.\n\n\nThese images\n were taken by one Putra Azran around Subang Jaya. Aside from the camera that\u2019s visible at the top of the S50\u2019s windscreen, we can see a glimpse of the Infinite Weave grille as well, suggesting that local development of the sedan has progressed quite a bit. We also get a pretty good look at the design of the alloy wheels.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe S50 is widely speculated to be a replacement of the Proton Preve. If it follows the same dimensions as the model it\u2019s based on (the Emgrand), it will measure 4,638mm long, 1,820mm wide, and 1,460mm tall. That makes it 95mm longer and 34mm wider than the Preve, assuming Proton retains the same dimensions for the localised model.\n\n\nUnder the hood, the Emgrand is powered by a 1.5L NA engine (114PS/147 Nm) in China, though it\u2019s possible the S50, once localised for the Malaysian market, will feature a 1.5L TGDi engine instead. After all,\u00a0\nProton foreshadowed that two of its new models\n\u00a0will feature the 1.5L turbocharged engine that offers up to 177PS and 255Nm of torque.\n\n\nGiven that the 1.5L TGDi engine is used for the X90 \u2013 though it\u2019s also paired to a mild hybrid system for higher output \u2013 the S50 is a good candidate for the turbo mill. It\u2019s worth noting that the sedan shares the same B-segment Modular Architecture (BMA) as the \nProton X50\n too, so it could use the engine without issue.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Geely Emgrand\n\n\n\n\nRumours are still pointing to a Q4 2023 introduction for the Proton S50. Once the sedan makes its debut here, it will be the first Geely-based model from the national carmaker that is not an SUV. This is certainly an exciting proposition, in our opinion, as we haven\u2019t seen a properly premium sedan from Proton for quite some time now.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/unboxing-mtg-the-lord-of-the-rings-tales-of-middle-earth-set-booster-and-merch/", "title": "Unboxing MTG The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth Set Booster (And Merch!)", "body": "\n\nMagic: The Gathering\u2019s newest set, The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, made its tabletop debut just last week. As its name suggests, the set features iconic characters and items from the LOTR franchise, including a serialised one of one copy of The One Ring that is going for upwards of \n2 million euro\n, though this card can only be opened in Collector Boosters.\n\n\nAnyway, in conjunction with the release of MTG LOTR, Wizards of the Coast sent us a few products from the set, including a box of Set Boosters and several merchandise that can be obtained at the \nMTG Welcome Party\n this weekend. If you\u2019re interested to get these products, here\u2019s our unboxing!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Set Boosters. Unlike Draft Boosters, Set Boosters are meant to be more \u201cexciting\u201d to crack open. This is probably why it is popular among folks who just enjoy opening booster packs instead of using them for Limited play, such as Draft or Sealed.\n\n\nWhat makes an MTG Set Booster more exciting to open is the structure of the 14-card pack for this LOTR set. 12 of them are guaranteed Magic cards, while the other two are an art card and a token/ad card; the latter has a chance to be replaced with a card from \u201cThe List.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTypically, when you crack open a Set Booster, the first card you\u2019ll see is an art card followed by a land card. But this have changed since the introduction of \nPhyrexia: All Will Be One\n. Depending on how you open a pack of Set Booster now, you may see the art card first, but the cards now face the \nother\n side with some changes to the order. Technically, the art card is now the \u201clast\u201d card in the pack.\n\n\nSo the order of a LOTR Set Booster looks like this: a token/ad card; a guaranteed foil card; the set\u2019s rare or mythic rare card; two wildcards; a common or uncommon borderless scene or showcase Ring card; three uncommon and three common cards; a basic or full-art Middle-earth map land card; and an art card.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere are a few interesting things to take note of. The guaranteed foil card, for example, can be of any rarity, including mythic rare. On top of that, the two wildcard slots can be of any rarity as well, so it\u2019s possible you can get as many as \nfour\n rare or mythic rare cards in an MTG LOTR Set Booster.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that for The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth set, a Realms and Relics Box Topper card is bundled with a box of Set, Draft, and Collector Boosters. 30 different cards can be opened from this Box Topper, and this is the only place where \u201ctraditional foil versions of Realms and Relics cards can be found,\u201d as Wizards puts it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlso unique to the MTG LOTR set is the aforementioned showcase Ring treatment and full-art Middle-earth map land card. The former is a Booster Fun treatment applied to 30 legendary LOTR characters who were influenced by the power of the Ring throughout the lore of the franchise.\n\n\nAs for the full-art Middle-earth map land card \u2013 which looks fantastic, in our opinion \u2013 it takes inspiration from the maps of LOTR. There are a total of 10 different arts (two for each mana colour in MTG) featuring the lands of Middle-earth.\n\n\nAs mentioned, we also received some MTG LOTR merchandise. These include MTG pins, a tote bag, and even a rather nice wooden tray for the new The Ring Tempts You mechanic in the LOTR set. All of these items can be obtained by participating at the MTG Welcome Party happening this weekend from 1 to 2 July at Paradigm Mall, Petaling Jaya\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to check out Magic: The Gathering\u2019s The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth set, give your \nnearest game store\n a visit. Alternatively, you can join the MTG Welcome Party this weekend at Paradigm Mall.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mtg-lotr-1-1-the-one-ring-card-has-been-found-offer-starts-at-1-million/", "title": "MTG LOTR 1/1 The One Ring Card Has Been Found \u2013 Offer Starts at $1 Million", "body": "\n\nMagic: The Gathering\u2019s rarest card yet, The One Ring, has been found by a lucky individual in Canada. The highly sought-after card is from MTG\u2019s latest The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth set, and only one copy of the serialised card has been printed, which is why it is such a coveted card.\n\n\nGrading company PSA posted an image of \nThe One Ring card\n just a couple of days ago with its second highest grading of \u201cMint 9.\u201d The owner of the card prefers to remain anonymous (understandably), though the individual is currently accepting offers in excess of $1 million (about RM4.6 million) \nas per Polygon\n through an attorney at \n[email\u00a0protected]\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPreviously, a game store in Spain was offering a \nwhopping 2 million euro\n for The One Ring card, which comes up to approximately RM10.2 million. Now that the card has been pulled, it remains to be seen if the store will make good on its offer to the owner of the elusive card.\n\n\nOnce The One Ring has been sold, it is set to be Magic: The Gathering\u2019s most expensive card yet. It makes sense, given the sheer rarity of the card: it has an astonishing low pull rate of less than 0.00003% from the English version of the MTG LOTR Collector Boosters.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/signify-launches-philips-ultra-efficient-led-lights-in-malaysia/", "title": "Signify Launches Philips Ultra Efficient LED Lights in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nSignify, formerly Philips Lighting, just launched a range of products under the Philips Ultra Efficient LED series here in Malaysia. As its name suggests, these lighting products promise lower power consumption and longer lifespan.\n\n\nThree different LED lighting products are sold under the Philips Ultra Efficient LED range: bulbs, tubes, and downlights. These LED lights are said to consume 60% less energy while also offering up to 50,000 hours of use, which is said to be 3.5x the lifespan of standard LED lightings.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPower consumption of the Philips Ultra Efficient LED light\n\n\nCompared to a conventional lighting\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlso launched alongside these LED lightings are a number of other products, including the Philips Solar Lighting and WiZ Smart Lighting series. The former doesn\u2019t require any electricity to operate (of course), while the WiZ lights can be controlled through WiFi.\n\n\nAccording to Signify, all of the products launched today are now available in Malaysia from Philips authorised retailers. Alternatively, they can also be purchased online through Shopee and Lazada.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/compact-acer-predator-triton-14-now-in-malaysia-from-rm7599-up-to-rtx-4070/", "title": "Compact Acer Predator Triton 14 Now in Malaysia From RM7,599 \u2013 Up to RTX 4070", "body": "\n\nAcer\u2019s compact gaming laptop, the Acer Predator Triton 14, has just been launched in Malaysia. Sporting a 18.9mm slim chassis (at its thinnest point) in a 14-inch form factor, it\u2019s quite a portable gaming machine with respectable performance under the hood.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Predator Triton 14 are offered in Malaysia. The base model with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU and 16GB of RAM retails at RM7,599, while the higher-end RTX 4070 configuration with 32GB of RAM goes for a cool RM8,999.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the different GPU and RAM configuration, both variants of the Triton 14 share the same hardware. These include an Intel Core i7-13700H processor, a 14-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS display with a fast 165Hz refresh rate, a 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, and Windows 11 Home out of the box.\n\n\nThe Acer Predator Triton 14 is now available in Malaysia from RM7,599. Those who purchase the gaming laptop by 16 July from selected retailers (listed below) will even get a Nitro VG270 E gaming monitor worth RM549 for free, alongside a one-year subscription to Trend Micro Antivirus worth RM150.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/tesla-comes-to-malaysia-20-july-local-sales-happening-soon/", "title": "Tesla Comes to Malaysia 20 July \u2013 Local Sales Happening Soon?", "body": "\n\nTesla Malaysia\u2019s Instagram account \njust went live\n, and we have learnt that the carmaker is set to enter our local market later this month on 20 July. It was confirmed \njust four months ago\n that Tesla will be coming to Malaysia, so it looks like the brand is establishing its presence here quite rapidly.\n\n\nThe carmaker \nstarted recruiting in Malaysia\n not too long ago, and it even had a walk-in recruitment day last month. It was previously revealed that Tesla will be opening a head office in Malaysia too, along with Tesla experience and service centres. Naturally, the company will develop a Supercharger network locally as well, which will bolster the availability of EV chargers throughout the country.\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nView this post on Instagram\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nA post shared by Tesla Malaysia Official Account (@teslamotorsmys)\n\n\n\n\nIf Tesla continues at this pace, it\u2019s entirely possible the carmaker will start offering its cars here by the end of the year. It remains to be seen which of its models will be sold here, but given that the Model 3 and Model Y are offered in other ASEAN markets (including Singapore and Thailand), it\u2019s likely we\u2019ll get these two models too.\n\n\nOf course, this is just an educated guess on our part. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye for any relevant development on Tesla\u2019s activities in Malaysia, and expect more details to be revealed come 20 July in the next couple of weeks.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-teases-freminet-lynette-lyney-and-other-fontaine-characters-in-new-overture-teaser/", "title": "Genshin Impact Teases Freminet, Lynette, Lyney, And Other Fontaine Characters in New Overture Teaser", "body": "\n\nHoyoverse is certainly building up excitement for \nGenshin Impact\n\u2018s new Fontaine area, which is expected to be released after the \nVersion 3.8 update\n. Not only did it drop a new teaser video dubbed Overture, the developer is also teasing new characters coming to the game, including Freminent, Lynette, and Lyney.\n\n\nChances are, these characters will be playable in the next update for Genshin Impact, which is likely to be Version 4.0. After all, every character teased by Hoyoverse are usually playable in the next version update of the game, so there\u2019s no reason the same wouldn\u2019t apply to Freminet, Lynette, and Lyney.\n\n\n\n\nFrom left: Lynette, Freminet, Lyney\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the three characters, the Overture teaser video also shows off a slew of new characters that are set to be introduced in Genshin Impact. There\u2019s Furina, Neuvillette, Wriothesley, and even \u201cThe Knave\u201d Arlecchino, a Fatui Harbinger. It\u2019s likely she will be an antagonist in the Fontaine storyline.\n\n\nAt the moment, expect Freminet, Lynette, and Lyney to be playable once Genshin Impact 4.0 is here, which should be released after the Version 3.8 update. It is dropping \nthis Wednesday on 5 July\n alongside Klee\u2019s and Kaeya\u2019s new outfits.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-receives-rm140-million-investment-from-thai-based-aapico/", "title": "Proton Receives RM140 Million Investment From Thai-Based AAPICO", "body": "\n\nProton\u2019s subsidiary, Advance Vehicle Engineering Global Sdn Bhd, is entering a joint venture (JV) with AAPICO Hitech PCL based in Thailand. AAPICO is set to receive a 60% stake in the former, which will see an investment of RM140 million.\n\n\nThe JV was formalised just last week on 26 June, and Advance Vehicle will change its name to Aapico Avee Sdn Bhd as part of the agreement. AAPICO will also make an initial investment of RM40 million into the facility to produce dies, jigs, hot-stamping parts, body assembled parts, and chassis components with Proton.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis will be followed by an additional investment of RM100 million sometime in 2024 for plant extensions and acquisition of new machinery. \u201cBringing its vast experience and expertise, AAPICO will be managing operations and introducing new technology applications to produce better quality parts, improve production and cost efficiency,\u201d according to a joint statement by both parties.\n\n\n\u201cThe joint venture with AAPICO will benefit Proton by helping to provide the company better cost optimisation, efficiency, and quality in the production of our cars,\u201d said the CEO of Proton, Li Chunrong. \u201cAs our volume increases in tandem with our model introduction plans, we will continue to work to ensure our products are on par with the competition in terms of features and quality while continuing to offer outstanding safety from the use of technologies such as hot press forming,\u201d he added.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honkai-star-rail-teases-imbibitor-lunae-playable-in-version-1-3-update/", "title": "Honkai: Star Rail Teases Imbibitor Lunae \u2013 Playable in Version 1.3 Update?", "body": "\n\nA new character is set to arrive in \nHonkai: Star Rail\n very soon. Hoyoverse just dropped a teaser for Imbibitor Lunae, and it\u2019s likely that the character will be playable in Version 1.3 of the game. After all, this is the same strategy Hoyoverse uses for \nGenshin Impact\n.\n\n\nNot much has been revealed for Imbibitor Lunae yet, aside from the fact that he is a 5-star Imaginary character that walks the Path of the Destruction. Like other Destruction characters, there\u2019s a good chance he will be able to deal a high amount of damage with good survivability.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that Imbibitor Lunae bears a striking resemblance to Dan Heng, who is a 4-star Wind character under the Path of The Hunt. It will be interesting to see how the two characters are linked to each other, or if Imbibitor Lunae is Dan Heng\u2019s alternate form.\n\n\nNonetheless, we might learn more about Imbibitor Lunae on 8 July this Saturday on the \nHonkai: Star Rail livestream\n for the Version 1.2 update, which looks to feature both \nKafka and Blade\n. We reckon the two characters \u2013 including Luka \u2013 will be playable in Star Rail 1.2.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-predator-triton-14-review-powerful-14-gaming-laptop-with-rtx-4070-for-rm8999/", "title": "Acer Predator Triton 14 Review: Powerful 14\u2033 Gaming Laptop With RTX 4070 (For RM8,999)", "body": "\n\nThe 14-inch gaming laptop market has seen some notable additions over the past couple of years, and the Acer Predator Triton 14 is particularly interesting, especially here in Malaysia. After all, the range-topping model comes with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, making it one of the most powerful 14-inch gaming laptops on our shores right now.\n\n\nOf course, this hardware also comes with a matching price tag, positioning the gaming laptop as a premium offering. But while its value proposition isn\u2019t fantastic, the Triton 14 brings fast performance, an equally fast (and vibrant) display, as well as surprisingly good battery life despite its beefy hardware.\n\n\nThis, in my opinion, is a winning combination for the Predator Triton 14, and it could be well worth it for folks who are willing to fork out the money for this premium gaming laptop.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n14-inch WQXGA IPS (2560 x 1600), 165Hz\nProcessor\nIntel Core i7-13700H (14C/20T, up to 5.0GHz)\nGPU\nNvidia GeForce RTX 4070 8GB GDDR6\nRAM\n32GB LPDDR5 6000MHz\nStorage\n1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD\nCamera\n1080p\nBattery\n76Wh\nDimensions\n313.5 x 227 x 18.99~19.99 mm\nWeight\n1.7kg\nAudio\nBottom-firing stereo speakers\nPorts\n1x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4)\n2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2\n1x HDMI 2.1\n1x microSD card slot\nPrice\nRM8,999\n\n\nThe Triton 14 in this review is the range-topping RTX 4070 model, which is priced at RM8,999. There\u2019s also a more affordable RM7,599 configuration, which swaps out the GPU for an RTX 4050 paired with less RAM at 16GB. In my opinion, the performance gain offered by the RTX 4070 model \u2013 not to mention the extra RAM \u2013 is worth the additional RM1,400.\n\n\nFor other markets, the Triton 14 is actually configurable with a brighter, more vibrant mini-LED display clocked at a blazing fast 250Hz. This display option is not available in Malaysia, unfortunately enough, though this particular hardware would have further increased the price tag of this premium gaming laptop.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nLet\u2019s get to the most important aspect of any gaming laptop first: performance. Powered by an RTX 4070 GPU with a Core i7-13700H processor, there\u2019s no denying that the Predator Triton 14 is a capable gaming laptop. Judge for yourself with these benchmarks:\n\n\nGames (max settings @ 2560 x 1600)\nAverage FPS\nBorderlands 3 (DX11)\n68.07\nControl (DX11)\n51.46\nWitcher 3 Patch 4.0 (DLSS, HairWorks disabled)\n97.76\n\n\nThough only Control couldn\u2019t hit the sweet 60fps mark at the laptop\u2019s native 2560 x 1660 resolution, I can still get this frame rate by just tweaking some of the graphics settings. To get this level of performance, I put the laptop in Turbo mode, which does increase system noise quite a bit \u2013 more on this later.\n\n\nThermal performance of the Triton 14 is adequate too. After prolonged gaming, the GPU and CPU hit peak temperatures of 85% and 86% respectively, which is not bad at all. While the left palm rest area does get a bit warm in heated gaming sessions, it never gets too hot to the touch.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the display quality of the 14-inch WQXGA IPS panel with a 165Hz refresh rate. Not surprisingly, it\u2019s a bright screen with wide viewing angles and vibrant colours, though I do wish the saturation is turned down a tad. Nonetheless, I appreciate the 16:10 aspect ratio of the display; the extra vertical screen real estate makes it great for productivity tasks.\n\n\nWhile we\u2019re on the topic of productivity, the Predator Triton 14 has reasonably good battery life. On average, I can get about six to seven hours of use on a single charge out of the 76Wh battery. This isn\u2019t quite long enough to comfortably last me through a typical workday, but it\u2019s certainly above average for a gaming laptop of this calibre.\n\n\nInput devices of the Triton 14 are good too. The keyboard offers just enough travel to not feel shallow, and the keys have a good amount of tactile feedback as well, not to mention the fact that the keyboard is surprisingly quiet with every keystroke. As for the trackpad, it\u2019s smooth and accurate, allowing me to use it comfortably for my everyday work, though I do wish it was slightly bigger.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the sheer portability of the Predator Triton 14. Even though it\u2019s not particularly lightweight with a 1.7kg chassis, the laptop\u2019s 14-inch form factor makes it easy to lug around in my backpack. I\u2019ve always loved the idea of a powerful gaming laptop in a compact chassis, and with that in mind, I\u2019m a big fan of the Triton 14.\n\n\nThat being said, it does have some notable shortcomings, which I\u2019ll get to in the following section.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nOne of the biggest downsides of a compact gaming laptop like the Predator Triton 14 is system noise. With limited space for heat to dissipate, the fans do have to work quite a bit harder to cool the laptop, resulting in higher fan noise. This is especially evident in Turbo mode to squeeze out every last bit of performance from the machine.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo be fair, the fan noise is not unbearable by any means, though I\u2019d still put on headphones when I\u2019m going into a game for the best gaming experience. For what it\u2019s worth, at least the fans are whisper quiet outside of gaming.\n\n\nI\u2019m not a fan of the Triton 14\u2019s keyboard layout either. As Acer added an extra column of keys on the right side, the whole layout of the keyboard is shifted slightly to the left. I eventually got used to this layout after a short adjustment period, though I still occasionally pressed on the PredatorSense button by accident when I wanted to hit the backspace key instead.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you want one of the fastest 14-inch gaming laptops in Malaysia now, then the Acer Predator Triton 14 is a great option. While its RM7,599 starting price is quite high, it\u2019s a premium laptop through and through with solid performance, great-looking display \u2013 albeit a tad saturated for my liking \u2013 and most importantly, a compact form factor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI am thrilled that more brands are releasing compact gaming laptops like the Predator Triton 14. It may have its shortcomings, but I can happily live with them for the sheer portability (and performance) of this 14-inch gaming laptop. The fact that it can also serve double duty as a pretty darn good productivity machine is a nice bonus too.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-price-hike-civic-hr-v-city-hatchback-affected-up-to-rm1200-increase/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Price Hike \u2013 Civic, HR-V, City Hatchback Affected; Up to RM1,200 Increase", "body": "\n\nHonda Malaysia is increasing the prices for three of its models effective today, which is likely due to the weakening ringgit. The models affected are the Civic, HR-V, and City Hatchback, with prices going up by as much as RM1,200.\n\n\nOut of the three models, the Civic sees the highest price increase of RM1,200. This applies to the petrol variants of the C-segment sedan, which includes the base E (now RM131,900), mid-tier V (RM144,900), and range-topping RS (RM151,900) trims. As for the e:HEV RS hybrid model, its price is unchanged at RM166,500.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the HR-V, which is RM1,100 more expensive now. This price hike affects the S (RM115,900), E (RM130,900), and V (RM135,900) variants. Unlike how it is for the Civic, even the highest-end HR-V RS hybrid model is affected; it\u2019s now going for RM141,900.\n\n\nLast but not least is the City Hatchback. The B-segment hatchback gets a RM300 price increase, which applies to all four petrol variants: S (RM78,900), E (RM86,900), V (RM91,900), and V Sensing (RM95,900). The City Hatchback e:HEV RS, on the other hand, sees no price revision, maintaining its RM109,800 price tag.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese new prices for the Honda Civic, HR-V, and City Hatchback are effective today. At the moment, Honda Malaysia\u2019s other models see no price revision.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honkai-star-rail-drops-fu-xuan-teaser-likely-coming-in-version-1-3/", "title": "Honkai: Star Rail Drops Fu Xuan Teaser \u2013 Likely Coming in Version 1.3", "body": "\n\nHoyoverse is teasing yet another new playable character coming to \nHonkai: Star Rail\n. After teasing \nImbibitor Lunae\n yesterday, the developer just dropped another teaser for Fu Xuan. It\u2019s likely that she will be playable alongside Imbibitor Lunae in the Version 1.3 update of Star Rail.\n\n\nNot surprisingly, Fu Xuan\u2019s abilities have not been revealed yet, though the teaser image confirms that she is a 5-star Quantum character that walks the Path of the Preservation. With this in mind, she should be able to provide a good amount of defense (and survivability) to the party.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFu Xuan has appeared in the Xianzhou Luofu main storyline, and given that she will be playable soon, there\u2019s a good chance we will see more of her in the continuation of the narrative. Hopefully, we\u2019ll get more details on this at the \nHonkai: Star Rail livestream\n on 8 July this Saturday.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, both \nKafka and Blade\n are set to make an appearance at the livestream later this week. We reckon the two characters \u2013 including Luka \u2013 will be playable in Honkai: Star Rail Version 1.2, given that they were already teased by Hoyoverse.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-records-77321-sales-in-1h-2023-highest-since-2012-saga-remains-best-seller/", "title": "Proton Records 77,321 Sales in 1H 2023 \u2013 Highest Since 2012, Saga Remains Best-Seller", "body": "\n\nProton had an eventful 1H 2023. With over 77,321 units sold, this is the national carmaker\u2019s best first half year of sale since 2012. Naturally, the \nProton Saga\n remains the company\u2019s best-seller with 33,325 units sold up to June 2023.\n\n\nIn fact, the Saga is actually the most popular A-segment sedan in June 2023 with 6,111 units delivered. Four other Proton models lead their respective segments as well, including the ever-popular X50 (2,449 units), Persona (2,254 units), X90 (1,082 units), and of course, the Exora (368 units).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cProton\u2019s performance in the first half of 2023 is noteworthy as we achieved our best start to a year since 2012 and are also on track for fifth consecutive year of sales growth,\u201d said the deputy CEO of Proton, Roslan Abdullah. \u201cFor the second half of the year, Proton is confident we have the products and promotional strategies in place to continue our growth trajectory,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\u201cWe will also execute our plans to update our range, launch our entry into the Malaysian EV market with Pro-Net and further improve the quality of our products via investments announced this year to improve our production capabilities,\u201d said Roslan.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, the \nSmart #1\n is expected to be launched by Pro-Net sometime in Q4 2023. Now that Roslan has revealed that Proton is planning to update its range, the previous rumour of the \nX50 and X70 receiving a facelift this year\n may just be true after all.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-nord-3-review-almost-a-flagship-for-half-the-price/", "title": "OnePlus Nord 3 Review: Almost a Flagship (For Half the Price)", "body": "\n\nThe OnePlus Nord series is positioned as the Chinese company\u2019s more affordable mid-range lineup, which is why the new OnePlus Nord 3 is particularly interesting. Not only is it powered by a reasonably powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chip, it feels quite a bit like a flagship phone in other aspects too.\n\n\nPriced at RM2,199, the value proposition of the Nord 3 is \nexcellent\n, given its feature set. While it also has its fair share of shortcomings, this is still an easy phone to recommend. Without further ado, let\u2019s get to the review of the Nord 3.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.74-inch Super Fluid AMOLED (2772 x 1240), 120Hz\nChipset\nMediaTek Dimensity 9000 3.05GHz octa-core\nGPU\nArm Mali-G710 MC10\nRAM\n16GB\nStorage\n256GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n50MP, OIS\n8MP (ultra-wide)\n2MP (macro)\nCamera (front)\n16MP\nBattery\n5,000mAh with 80W fast charging\nDimensions\n162.6 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm\nWeight\n193.5g\nOS\nOxygenOS 13.1 based on Android 13\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.3\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM2,199\n\n\nLooking at its spec sheet, the Nord 3 can easily pass of as a flagship phone, thanks to the Dimensity 9000 chip. It also has a rather capable triple camera system headlined by a 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor, the very same one found in the higher-end \nOnePlus 11\n.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the Nord 3 doesn\u2019t come with a telephoto lens, which limits the camera\u2019s versatility. Nonetheless, I\u2019ll get to the camera performance of the phone further down the review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nPerformance of the OnePlus Nord 3 is really one of its main highlights. As an upper mid-range phone, the fact that it is powered by a Dimensity 9000 chipset is a big plus point. Even if the SoC is last year\u2019s offering, there\u2019s no denying that it is still a fast, capable chip that offers flagship-tier performance.\n\n\nIn \nHonkai: Star Rail\n, for example, the Nord 3 can run the game at a relatively stable 60fps at maxed out graphics settings. It does drop some frames in situations where there are more on-screen elements, but for the most part, the phone can provide a smooth gameplay experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFurther enhancing the gaming experience of the Nord 3 is its 6.74-inch Super Fluid AMOLED display. It\u2019s a pleasant-looking screen with vibrant colours, deep, true blacks, and wide viewing angles; perfect for both gaming and general content consumption. The panel\u2019s 120Hz refresh rate lends to good motion clarity and smooth animations too.\n\n\nWhen it comes to battery life, the Nord 3\u2019s 5,000mAh battery can last quite long. On average, I can get about five to six hours of screen on time with the phone. On a typical workday, I can comfortably get to the end of the day with this level of battery life, even with some gaming time thrown in throughout the day.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, there\u2019s the camera performance of the Nord 3, which really surprised me quite a bit. The 50MP main sensor, for one, really does remind me of the OnePlus 11\u2019s image quality; that\u2019s high praise for this much more affordable device. The 8MP ultra-wide angle lens can take some good-looking shots too.\n\n\nSee for yourself with these sample images:\n\n\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n8MP ultra-wide angle\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP primary (2x zoom)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, the Nord 3 is a fast phone with a great-looking display and capable camera system; that\u2019s a winning combination. However, as much as I enjoy using the phone, it does have some notable drawbacks \u2013 let\u2019s get to them in the following section.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAlthough I\u2019m quite happy with the camera performance of the Nord 3, I\u2019m not thrilled by the omission of a telephoto shooter. While there\u2019s option for 2x zoom, this is merely digital zoom of the main 50MP camera. A dedicated telephoto lens \u2013 assuming it\u2019s done right, of course \u2013 would\u2019ve offered better image quality when I want to snap subjects that are further away.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the software experience of OxygenOS 13.1, which is \nstill \nnot up to par. While it does feel lightweight, it also doesn\u2019t feel as responsive as it should be. When I\u2019m accessing the recent apps page, for example, I have to wait a split second before I can start interacting with the screen again. I also don\u2019t like the fact that I can\u2019t swipe down on multiple notifications from the same app to expand them; other versions of Android has this enabled by default.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the build quality of the Nord 3. Don\u2019t get me wrong, it does feel like a solid phone, but it is also \nvery slippery\n. The glossy Gorilla Glass 5 back panel, as OnePlus puts it, is \u201cflawlessly smooth,\u201d which also makes it quite difficult to get a good grip on the device. With this in mind, I highly recommend getting a case for the phone to get a firmer, more secure grip in daily use.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nFor only RM2,199, the sheer value for money the OnePlus Nord 3 offers makes it a very easy phone to recommend, even with its drawbacks in mind. Sure, the software experience isn\u2019t ideal, but this \u2013 and the lack of a telephoto camera \u2013 may not matter as much to other folks.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOnePlus\u2019 product offerings in recent times have gotten quite a bit better, especially after the release of the OnePlus 11. With the introduction of the Nord 3, it\u2019s clear that the brand is heading in the right direction \u2013 I\u2019m certainly looking forward to its future products now.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/6-12-july-fuel-price-ron-97-stays-at-rm3-37-per-litre/", "title": "6 \u2013 12 July Fuel Price: RON 97 Stays at RM3.37 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAnother week, another fuel price update. As usual, there\u2019s no price change to RON 97 this week, and the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.37 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 6 to 12 July next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oneplus-nord-3-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm2199-dimensity-9000-same-camera-as-oneplus-11/", "title": "OnePlus Nord 3 Lands in Malaysia for RM2,199 \u2013 Dimensity 9000, Same Camera as OnePlus 11", "body": "\n\nWe first spotted the \nOnePlus Nord 3 in SIRIM\u2019s database\n back in April this year, and today, the upper mid-range phone is finally official. Sporting a fast MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chip with good value proposition, the Nord 3 is quite an intriguing phone, and it\u2019s coming to Malaysia.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the Nord 3 will be available in Malaysia. Sporting 16GB RAM and 256GB of storage, it retails at RM2,199 on our shores. It is offered in the sole Misty Green colour option you see below, which features a glossy back.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Nord 3 is powered by the aforementioned Dimensity 9000 chip, which is a flagship-tier processor. We\u2019ve spent quite a bit of time with the phone before its launch today, and it does feel fast and zippy. It\u2019s no exaggeration to say that the phone feels just as fast as a flagship device.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Nord 3 include a 6.74-inch 2772 x 1240 Super Fluid AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system with the same 50MP primary sensor as the higher-end \nOnePlus 11\n \u2013 paired with an 8MP ultra-wide shooter and 2MP macro lens \u2013 a 16MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with support for 80W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe OnePlus Nord 3 will be available for pre-order in Malaysia later today at 10PM alongside the equally new OnePlus Nord Buds 2r. Early birds who purchase the Nord 3 by 9 July will also receive a OnePlus Nord Buds wireless earbuds for free.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-reno-10-series-unleashed-in-malaysia-from-rm1799-3-devices-telephoto-camera-as-standard/", "title": "Oppo Reno 10 Series Unleashed in Malaysia From RM1,799 \u2013 3 Devices, Telephoto Camera as Standard", "body": "\n\nThe latest Oppo Reno 10 series has just been launched in Malaysia. The new lineup features three different devices: the standard Reno 10, the mid-tier Reno 10 Pro, and of course, the range-topping Reno 10 Pro+. One of the biggest selling points of these phones is the fact that all of them feature a telephoto camera.\n\n\nFirst, prices. The most affordable of the lot is naturally the Reno 10 for RM1,799 with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, followed by the Reno 10 Pro at RM2,199 (12GB + 256GB). As for the highest-end offering, the Reno 10 Pro+, it goes for a cool RM3,499 with the same 12GB RAM and 256GB storage.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Reno 10 Pro+\n\n\n\n\nAs the range-topping device, the Reno 10 Pro+ features some high-end internals. These include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, a 6.74-inch 2772 x 1240 AMOLED curved display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (50MP main + 64MP periscope telephoto + 8MP ultra-wide), a 32MP selfie camera, and a 4,700mAh battery with support for fast 100W charging.\n\n\nAnd then we have the Reno 10 Pro. It comes with a Snapdragon 778G chip, a 6.7-inch 2772 x 1240 OLED curved screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera setup (50MP main + 32MP telephoto + 8MP ultra-wide), a 32MP selfie shooter, and a 4,600mAh battery with 80W fast charging.\n\n\nLast but not least is the standard Reno 10. It is packed with a MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset, a 6.7-inch 2412 x 1080 AMOLED curved display, a triple camera configuration (64MP main + 32MP telephoto + 8MP ultra-wide), a 32MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with 67W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Reno 10 series is now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 14 July 2023 from RM1,799. Those who purchase either phones in this period will receive a number of freebies worth up to RM896, including a one-year extended warranty, a bluetooth speaker, and for the Reno 10 Pro+, even an Oppo Enco Air 3 wireless earbuds and free access to the KLIA Plaza Premium Lounge.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-reno-10-pro-review-premium-rm3499-mid-ranger-with-some-caveats/", "title": "Oppo Reno 10 Pro+ Review: Premium RM3,499 Mid-Ranger With Some Caveats", "body": "\n\nIt has come to a point where upper mid-range smartphones could easily pass off as a flagship device. The Oppo Reno 10 Pro+ is a prime example of this: not only does it feel and look properly premium, it also has the processing power of a flagship-tier phone courtesy of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset.\n\n\nBut with that in mind, the Reno 10 Pro+ also comes with a matching price tag; RM3,499, to be specific. At this price point, it has to contend with some very competent devices, which makes it difficult for the phone to stand out. Nonetheless, it\u2019s still a curious upper mid-range phone that is worth considering.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.74-inch FHD+ AMOLED 3D Curved (2772 x 1240), 120Hz\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 3.0GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 730\nRAM\n12GB\nStorage\n256GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n50MP f/1.8, PDAF, OIS\n64MP f/2.5 (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical\n8MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide)\nCamera (front)\n32MP f/2.4\nBattery\n4,700mAh with 100W fast charging\nDimensions\n162.9 x 74 x 8.28 mm\nWeight\n194g\nOS\nColorOS 13 based on Android 13\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.3\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM3,499\n\n\nEven though the Reno 10 Pro+\u2019s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset is last year\u2019s offering, it is still a fast, capable chipset that can deliver flagship-tier performance. This, paired with the phone\u2019s sophisticated (and versatile) camera system, makes for a pretty complete smartphone.\n\n\nHowever, while the Reno 10 Pro+ looks good on paper, there\u2019s more to a phone than its spec sheet. Take the software and user experience, which can only really be ascertained by using the phone for an extended period of time.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the Reno 10 Pro+ doesn\u2019t fare too well in these two regards \u2013 I\u2019ll get into detail further down the review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nPowered by a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, it\u2019s little surprise that the Reno 10 Pro+ offers a good level of performance. Multitasking is effortless with this phone, even as I juggle between different apps. The chipset only really shows its limits in graphically demanding games like \nHonkai: Star Rail\n.\n\n\nFor the most part, the Reno 10 Pro+ can run the game relatively well at 60fps with maxed out graphics settings, though it does start stuttering for a bit when things get more intense. Nonetheless, I still thoroughly enjoy gaming on this phone.\n\n\nIn the display department, the Reno 10 Pro+\u2019s 6.74-inch Full HD+ AMOLED screen looks great with punchy colours and deep, true blacks; winning qualities of an AMOLED panel. The 120Hz refresh rate lends to good motion clarity and smooth animations too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBattery life of the Reno 10 Pro+ is reasonably good as well. On average, the phone\u2019s 4,700mAh battery can return between five to six hours of screen on time throughout the review period. The fast 100W charging can quickly top up the battery too.\n\n\nAnd then we have one of the best features of the Reno 10 Pro+: camera performance. Its triple camera system consists of a 50MP primary shooter, a 64MP periscope telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom, and an 8MP ultra-wide angle sensor.\n\n\nAll in all, I had a blast photographing with this phone under all kinds of lighting conditions, especially with the versatility of the three focal lengths.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s that on the tree?\n\n\nIt\u2019s a dusky leaf monkey!\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile the periscope telephoto lens isn\u2019t particularly far-reaching at 3x optical zoom, it can still capture some great-looking shots at a distance, as you can see above. For an upper mid-range phone, I\u2019m certainly happy with its camera performance.\n\n\nLast but not least is the build quality of the Reno 10 Pro+. It feels nice and premium in my hands thanks to the metal frame and glass back with a matte finish for this Silvery Grey colourway. The dual curved screen may not be particularly ergonomic, but it does give the phone a premium aesthetic.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAs much as I enjoy photographing with the Reno 10 Pro+, I do have some qualms with the phone. Launching the camera with a double tap of the volume up or down button, for example, is\u2026abnormally slow. Granted, the review unit I tested is not running on finalised, consumer-ready software, which could be the cause of this.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile we\u2019re on this topic, I\u2019m not thrilled by the software experience of ColorOS 13. It\u2019s the same issue I had when I was reviewing the \nOppo Find N2 Flip\n, where the user interface doesn\u2019t feel as responsive as it should be. The fact that I can\u2019t swipe down on multiple notifications from the same app to expand them isn\u2019t intuitive either.\n\n\nValue proposition of the Reno 10 Pro+ isn\u2019t great either. For RM3,499, it has to compete with excellent flagships like the \nOnePlus 11\n and \nXiaomi 13\n, both of which feature faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipsets \nfor less money\n. Yes, these two phones do have their own pros and cons, but the fact remains that you can get a more powerful phone than the Reno 10 Pro+ at a lower price point.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nAlthough its value proposition and software experience aren\u2019t great, I still thoroughly enjoyed using the Oppo Reno 10 Pro+ as my daily driver. After all, it can still provide a good level of performance with a capable camera system that I can rely on \u2013 well, except for the camera quick launch shortcut, which is hopefully addressed in the final software version.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith over \n952,000 Oppo Reno devices sold in Malaysia\n already, there\u2019s no denying that Oppo is doing something right. The Reno 10 Pro+ is a testament to how far the Reno series has come over the years, and it can even take on (some) flagship smartphones now.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/952000-oppo-reno-devices-sold-in-malaysia/", "title": "952,000 Oppo Reno Devices Sold in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nThe Oppo Reno lineup has been around for quite some time now, so it\u2019s no surprise that the Chinese company sold a respectable number of devices under the series. In Malaysia alone, over \n952,000\n Reno phones have been sold here.\n\n\nOppo Malaysia revealed this bit of information at the local launch of the new \nReno 10 series\n. The company also mentioned that the Reno series is well-received in other markets too. According to Oppo, there are over 67 million Reno users worldwide.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPhotography has always been the focus of the Oppo Reno series, so the same remains true for the latest Reno 10 series. After all, all three phones in the lineup feature a telephoto shooter. In the case of the Reno 10 Pro+, it even has a 64MP telephoto camera that can do 3x optical zoom.\n\n\nThe Oppo Reno 10 series is now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 14 July from RM1,799 for the standard Reno 10, while the Reno 10 Pro and Reno 10 Pro+ retail at RM2,199 and RM3,499 respectively. More details on the three phones in the lineup can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-nova-11-series-launched-in-malaysia-from-rm1299/", "title": "Huawei Nova 11 Series Launched in Malaysia From RM1,299", "body": "\n\nHuawei is launching a slew of new products in Malaysia today, including the latest Huawei Nova 11 series. Made up of the Nova 11i, Nova 11, and Nova 11 Pro, these three devices are offered at different price points to appeal to a wide variety of consumers.\n\n\nNaturally, the Nova 11i is the most affordable device in the series with a RM1,299 price tag. A tier up is the standard Nova 11 for RM2,199, followed by the range-topping Nova 11 Pro for RM2,599. All three phones under this series feature 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei Nova 11 Pro with vegan leather back\n\n\n\n\nAs its name suggests, the Nova 11 Pro is the highest-end device in the lineup. It features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 4G chipset, a 6.78-inch 2652 x 1200 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a dual camera system (50MP main + 8MP ultra-wide macro), a 60MP ultra-wide + 8MP portrait selfie camera setup, anda 4,500mAh battery with support for 100W fast charging.\n\n\nIf you want a more affordable device, there\u2019s the regular Nova 11 with the same chipset and rear camera configuration as the Pro model. Beyond that, it has a 6.7-inch 2412 x 1084 OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 60MP ultra-wide selfie camera, and a 4,500mAh battery with 66W fast charging.\n\n\nFinally, we have the Nova 11i. As the most affordable device in the series, it has a more modest set of hardware. These include a Snapdragon 680 chipset, a 6.8-inch 2388 x 1080 LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a dual camera configuration (48MP main + 2MP depth), a 16MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with support for 40W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei Nova 11\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei Nova 11i\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei Nova 11 series will be available in Malaysia from tomorrow onwards on 7 July. To recap, the Nova 11i retails at RM1,299, going up to RM2,199 for the Nova 11. The highest-end Nova 11 Pro, on the other hand, is priced at RM2,599.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2023-huawei-matebook-16s-matebook-d-14-now-in-malaysia-from-rm3199/", "title": "2023 Huawei MateBook 16s & MateBook D 14 Now in Malaysia From RM3,199", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nNova 11 series\n, Huawei also launched two new laptops in Malaysia today. Enter the Huawei MateBook 16s 2023 and Huawei MateBook D 14 2023. The MateBook 16s is a premium Windows laptop, while the latter is a more budget-friendly machine.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, two variants of the MateBook D 14 are offered: the 8GB RAM model is priced at RM3,199, while the 16GB RAM configuration goes for RM3,399. As for the premium MateBook 16s, it costs a cool RM6,999.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei MateBook 16s\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the MateBook 16s features Intel\u2019s latest 13th gen Core i9-13900H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, a 1TB NVMe PCIe SSD, a 16-inch 2520 x 1680 IPS touch-enabled display with a 3:2 aspect ratio \u2013 it also has a maximum brightness of 400 nits \u2013 as well as a 84Wh battery.\n\n\nAs for the MateBook D 14, it is packed with a 12th gen Intel Core i5-1240P processor, a 512GB NVMe PCIe SSD, a 14-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio, a 56Wh battery, and just like the MateBook 16s, Windows 11 Home out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBoth the Huawei MateBook 16s 2023 and Matebook D 14 2023 will be available for purchase in Malaysia on 15 July next week. To recap, the MateBook 16s is priced at RM6,999, while the MateBook D 14 goes for RM3,199 and RM3,399 for the 8GB RAM and 16GB RAM configurations respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-watch-4-watch-4-pro-also-unveiled-in-malaysia-premium-smartwatches-from-rm1999/", "title": "Huawei Watch 4 & Watch 4 Pro Also Unveiled in Malaysia \u2013 Premium Smartwatches From RM1,999", "body": "\n\nBeyond \nits latest phones\n and \nlaptops\n, Huawei is also introducing two new smartwatches for the Malaysian market today, the Huawei Watch 4 and Huawei Watch 4 Pro. Compatible with both Android and iOS, these two wearables are Huawei\u2019s latest flagship smartwatches.\n\n\nGiven their premium appeals, the Watch 4 and Watch 4 Pro also come with matching price tags. The Watch 4, for one, retails at RM1,999, while the Watch 4 Pro goes for RM2,499. Every purchase of either smartwatches will come with an EasyFit 2 Strap worth RM169 for free.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei Watch 4 Pro\n\n\n\n\nOne of the highlights of the Watch 4 Pro is its Spherical Sapphire Glass, which is \u201cbuilt to face the hazards you might encounter,\u201d as the company puts it. The watch case is also made from aerospace-grade titanium, while the standard Watch 4 uses stainless steel instead.\n\n\nBeyond that, the Watch 4 comes with a black fluoroelastomer strap, while the Watch 4 Pro has a dark brown leather strap instead. Both smartwatches also feature a 1.5-inch 466 x 466 LTPO AMOLED circular display and a 5 ATM rating \u2013 it can even be worn for free diving to a maximum depth of 30m.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei Watch 4\n\n\n\n\nBoth the Huawei Watch 4 and Huawei Watch 4 Pro will be available for purchase in Malaysia on 15 July. The Watch 4 retails at RM1,999, while the Watch 4 Pro is priced at RM2,499.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nothing-ear-2-now-offered-in-black-still-rm599-in-malaysia/", "title": "Nothing Ear 2 Now Offered in Black \u2013 Still RM599 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nThe \nNothing Ear 2\n made its debut back in March 2023, and at the time, it was only offered in white. Well, you can now get it in black, complete with a \u201csmoky and matte black finish,\u201d as the company puts it. Of course, the wireless earbuds still cost the same at RM599 for the Malaysian market.\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the Ear 2 features a number of improvements, including a custom dynamic driver for better sound quality, new press controls, and longer battery life. The diaphragm of the 11.6mm dynamic driver is made out of a combination of polyurethane (PU) and graphene, which is said to deliver \u201cpurer, more powerful\u201d bass while also producing highs that sound clearer and brighter.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Ear 2 include active noise cancellation (ANC), up to six hours of use on a single charge \u2013 can be extended up to 36 hours with the charging case \u2013 press controls instead of touch controls, as well as an IP54 rating; IP55 for the charging case.\n\n\nThe Nothing Ear 2 in black will first be available in Malaysia as a limited drop at the Crossover store in Mid Valley Megamall on 15 July for RM599. General local availability of the wireless earbuds\u2019 new colourway is set for slightly later on 22 July. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the Ear 2, read our full review \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/15-inch-macbook-air-now-in-malaysia-from-rm6199-11-5mm-thin-18-hour-battery-life/", "title": "15-inch MacBook Air Now in Malaysia From RM6,199 \u2013 11.5mm Thin, 18-Hour Battery Life", "body": "\n\nUnveiled just last month at Apple\u2019s annual Worldwide Developers Conference, the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air is \nnow available in Malaysia\n. Sporting a large 15.3-inch display, a side profile of only 11.5mm thin, and up to \n18 hours\n of battery life, the new MacBook Air is touted as \u201cthe world\u2019s best 15-inch laptop.\u201d\n\n\nNaturally, the 15-inch MacBook Air is powered by Apple\u2019s latest M2 chip. Its aforementioned 11.5mm chassis also makes this machine the world\u2019s thinnest 15-inch laptop, as the Cupertino company puts it. Of course, tipping the scales at 3.3 pounds (about 1.5kg), it\u2019s relatively lightweight too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the 15-inch MacBook Air include a 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display with up to 500 nits of brightness, a 1080p camera, a six-speaker sound system, up to 24GB memory with 2TB storage, as well as four colour options: Midnight, Starlight, Space Grey, and Silver.\n\n\nThe 15-inch Apple MacBook Air \ncan now be purchased in Malaysia\n with a RM6,199 starting price. For that kind of money, the base model features 8GB of unified memory and 256GB of storage. If you want to upgrade the storage to 512GB, you\u2019ll have to fork out RM6,999 \u2013 an extra RM800.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-mac-studio-mac-pro-with-m2-ultra-chip-land-in-malaysia-from-rm9499/", "title": "Apple Mac Studio & Mac Pro With M2 Ultra Chip Land in Malaysia From RM9,499", "body": "\n\nAside from the \n15-inch MacBook Air\n, Apple\u2019s new Mac Studio and Mac Pro powered by the Cupertino company\u2019s fast M2 chips are also available in Malaysia now. The Mac Studio is configurable with both the M2 Max and (brand new) M2 Ultra chips, while the Mac Pro is only offered with the M2 Ultra SoC. With these two product updates, the Mac\u2019s transition to Apple\u2019s own silicone is now complete.\n\n\nPricing wise, the new M2-powered Mac Studio now starts at RM9,499 for the M2 Max model with 32GB memory and a 512GB SSD. If you want the faster M2 Ultra variant instead, the base configuration will set you back RM18,999, which features 64GB memory and a 1TB SSD.\n\n\nAs for the Mac Pro, the tower form factor starts at RM32,999, while the rack version retails from RM34,999.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the M2 Ultra chip upgrade \u2013 which is said to be Apple\u2019s largest and most capable SoC ever \u2013 it\u2019s worth noting that the Mac Pro features some big upgrades internally. It now comes with six PCIe Gen 4 slots and eight built-in Thunderbolt ports; six on the back, another two on top of the machine.\n\n\nThe new Apple Mac Studio and Mac Pro are now available for purchase in Malaysia. The Mac Studio is in stock right now, while the Mac Pro (at the time of writing) will start shipping in two to three weeks for both the tower and rack models.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-90-launch-in-malaysia-set-for-20-july-snapdragon-7-gen-1-200mp-camera/", "title": "Honor 90 Launch in Malaysia Set for 20 July \u2013 Snapdragon 7 Gen 1, 200MP Camera", "body": "\n\nHonor is launching its premium mid-range smartphone, the Honor 90, here in Malaysia next week on 20 July. Packed with a triple camera system headlined by a 200MP sensor, the mid-ranger is also powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition chipset, which features higher clock speeds.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, we were told that only one variant of the Honor 90 will be available here. It\u2019s packed with a generous 12GB RAM and 512GB of internal storage, and three colours options are set to be offered locally: Peacock Blue, Emerald Green, and Diamond Silver.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the best features of the Honor 90 has to be its triple camera system. The primary shooter is a 200MP unit, and it\u2019s complemented by a 12MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP depth sensor. While the phone doesn\u2019t offer a telephoto camera, you don\u2019t often see a 200MP primary camera in this segment.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Honor 90 include the aforementioned Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition \u2013 it has peak CPU speeds of up to 2.5GHz \u2013 a 6.7-inch 2664 x 1200 dual-curve OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 50MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with support for 66W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Honor 90 will make its debut here in Malaysia next week on 20 July. We\u2019ll find out then just how much this premium mid-range smartphone will go for on our shores.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honkai-star-rail-version-1-2-drops-19-july-kafka-blade-playable-with-new-areas/", "title": "Honkai: Star Rail Version 1.2 Drops 19 July \u2013 Kafka & Blade Playable With New Areas", "body": "\n\nHonkai: Star Rail\n is set to receive its Version 1.2 update on 19 July next week. Not only will three new playable characters be added to the game \u2013 these include \nKafka, Blade, and Luka\n \u2013 the upcoming update will conclude the Xianzhou Luofu storyline too.\n\n\nAs previously revealed, Kafka and Blade are 5-star characters, while Luka is a 4-star unit. Blade\u2019s banner will be offered first after the Version 1.2 update is live, accompanied by Natasha, Sushang, and Arlan. Kafka\u2019s event warp, on the other hand, will be offered in the second phase alongside Luka, Serval, and Sampo.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKafka\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBlade\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLuka\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe current Xianzhou Luofu story in Star Rail will also reach its climactic end in Version 1.2. It appears Imbibitor Lunae (alongside a new boss) will be making an appearance in the storyline, and two new areas, Alchemy Commission and Scalegorge Waterscape, will be added too.\n\n\nWe\u2019re also getting a number of new content in Star Rail 1.2. A new segment in the Forgotten Hall (The Voyage of Navis Astrige), for example, will reward players with the 4-star character Yukong by completing Stage 1. Two new relic sets (Longevous Disciple and Messenger Traversing Hackerspace) and planar ornaments (Rutilant Arena and Broken Keel) can be obtained by players as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Version 1.2 update of Honkai: Star Rail will go live on 19 July next week. To recap, Blade\u2019s event warp will be available first once the update drops, followed by Kafka\u2019s banner alongside Luka at a later date.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hoyo-fest-2023-returns-to-malaysia-august-2023-at-tropicana-gardens-mall/", "title": "Hoyo Fest 2023 Returns to Malaysia August 2023 at Tropicana Gardens Mall", "body": "\n\nHoyo Fest is back again in Malaysia! Set between 1 to 7 August, Hoyo Fest 2023 will have a dedicated booth at Tropicana Gardens Mall, Petaling Jaya. All five games from the company will be featured there too, including Honkai: Star Rail, Genshin Impact, Honkai Impact 3rd, Tears of Themis, and even the unreleased Zenless Zone Zero.\n\n\nNaturally, a number of merchandise from these Hoyoverse games (except for Zenless Zone Zero) can be purchased at the Hoyo Fest 2023 booth. Genshin Impact, for one, has the widest range of merchandise on sale, including a neat 1/7 scale figure of Ningguang that costs a cool RM1,014.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEach Hoyoverse title will also have its own activities at Hoyo Fest 2023. By completing certain activities, players can get various merchandise. Again, Genshin Impact has the most number of activities, where visitors can walk away with stickers, posters, postcards, and even a Primogem-themed hair accessory.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that Zenless Zone Zero will have a dedicated gameplay demo at Hoyo Fest 2023 too, which is quite interesting. After all, the game has not been released yet, and the only time the game can be played was during its first (and only) closed beta test last year.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHoyo Fest 2023 is shaping up to be the most exciting one yet, especially here in Malaysia. To recap, the event will take place from 1 to 7 August 2023 at Tropicana Gardens Mall. More details \u2013 along with merchandise that are available for purchase \u2013 can be found \nright here\n.\n\n\n\n\nRead more:\n\n\nPhoto Essay: Hoyo Fest 2023 in Malaysia \u2013 Tropicana Gardens Mall Until 7 August\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-11-pro-series-coming-to-malaysia-20-july-200mp-camera-vegan-leather-back/", "title": "Realme 11 Pro Series Coming to Malaysia 20 July \u2013 200MP Camera, Vegan Leather Back", "body": "\n\nThe new Realme 11 Pro series is set to launched in Malaysia next week on 20 July. Sporting a 200MP camera (\nsounds familiar?\n) and a rather unique-looking vegan leather back, the lineup should consist of the Realme 11 Pro and Realme 11 Pro+.\n\n\nInitially launched in China back in May this year, the 11 Pro and 11 Pro+ feature largely similar hardware. These include a 6.7-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset paired with up to 12GB RAM and 1TB of storage \u2013 the Pro model maxes out at 512GB \u2013 as well as a 5,000mAh battery, though the Pro+ features faster 100W charging over the standard Pro\u2019s 67W rate.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThings get more interesting in the camera department. Naturally, the 11 Pro+ gets a more sophisticated triple camera system made up of a 200MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 2MP macro lens; it also has a 32MP selfie camera. As for the 11 Pro, it has a dual camera setup (100MP main + 2MP depth) and a 16MP front-facing shooter.\n\n\nThe Realme 11 Pro series will be launched in Malaysia next week on 20 July. We\u2019ll find out then the exact variants of the two phones that will be sold in the Malaysian market, along with their local price tags.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-s50-rumoured-to-launch-november-2023-1-5l-tgdi-engine-7dct-4-variants/", "title": "Proton S50 Rumoured to Launch November 2023 \u2013 1.5L TGDi Engine, 7DCT, 4 Variants", "body": "\n\nThe \nProton S50\n, which is believed to be the national carmaker\u2019s upcoming sedan based on the Geely Emgrand, is rumoured to be launching in Malaysia as early as November 2023. On top of that, four different variants are said to be offered, and all of them will be powered by the familiar 1.5L TGDi engine \u2013 the same one found under the hood of the \nX50\n and X70.\n\n\nThese details on the S50 came from \nFuntasticko\n, citing an anonymous source. According to the source, the sedan will be offered in four trims: Executive, Premium, Flagship, and Flagship X. As mentioned, all models are said to feature a 1.5L TGDi engine that outputs 177PS and 255Nm of torque; it\u2019s rumoured to be paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrevious spy shots of the S50 on Malaysian roads\n\n\n\n\nPreviously, the S50 was speculated to be powered by a 1.5L NA engine with 114PS and 147 Nm of torque, which is the unit used by the Emgrand in China. But as Funtasticko\u2019s source said, this engine option will only be available sometime in 2025; perhaps for a facelift update.\n\n\nNonetheless, until confirmed by Proton itself, take these rumoured details on the Proton S50 with a grain of salt. Then again, it\u2019s worth noting that Funtasticko does have a pretty good track record with previous rumours that turned out to be true. We\u2019ll just have to wait for Proton to release more details on the S50 \u2013 perhaps closer to the rumoured November 2023 launch.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nothing-phone-2-hands-on-same-same-but-different-in-a-good-way/", "title": "Nothing Phone 2 Hands-on: Same Same, But Different (In a Good Way)", "body": "\n\nAt a glance, it\u2019s easy to mistake the new Nothing Phone 2 for last year\u2019s \nPhone 1\n. After all, both devices share very similar aesthetics, including the transparent back panel with the unique Glyph Interface lighting. But while both devices look similar, there are some notable changes, especially under the hood.\n\n\nPowered by a much faster Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset along with a reworked, more functional Glyph Interface, the Phone 2 is every bit better than its predecessor. While it may not be a major departure from the Phone 1, this isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing, especially if you like the design language.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s talk about the Phone 2\u2019s new Glyph Interface first. The lighting in the main glyph area is now broken up to several parts, with some of them, such as the top right corner, doubling as a progress tracker for delivery services or even a countdown timer. While this is ultimately a novel feature, it\u2019s still quite neat.\n\n\nAlso changed is the glass back of the Phone 2, which is now curved on all sides. This makes the phone more ergonomically-friendly than the flat back of the Phone 1, making it more comfortable to hold in the hands. This gives the phone a premium touch too, in my opinion.\n\n\nI also appreciate the fact that Nothing is retaining the flat sides of the Phone 2. It\u2019s an ergonomically-sound design choice as it offers more surface area to get a good grip on the phone, which is something that\u2019s often overlooked by other brands.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes, thank you for retaining the flat sides Nothing\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother area where the Phone 2 sees a major improvement is performance. Thanks to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset under the hood, it is quite a bit more powerful than the Phone 1\u2019s Snapdragon 778G+, a decidedly mid-range SoC. While the Phone 2 doesn\u2019t feature the latest Qualcomm chip, the 8+ Gen 1 is still plenty capable. It\u2019s a flagship-tier processor that was only released last year, after all.\n\n\nIn my brief time with the Phone 2, it does feel fast and zippy, just as you\u2019d expect from an upper mid-range phone in today\u2019s market. While I wasn\u2019t able to put the phone through its paces in more demanding tasks (such as gaming), I\u2019m sure the phone can keep up with my demands. I\u2019ll be sure to do a ton of gaming in the full review.\n\n\nIn the display department, the Phone 2 comes with a 6.7-inch 1080p LTPO OLED display with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate that can go as low as 1Hz to conserve power. This being an OLED panel, it\u2019s a pleasant screen to look at with bright colours and deep blacks as well. It complements the monochrome icons of Nothing OS 2.0 \u2013 which also feels lightweight and polished \u2013 quite well too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPacked with a 4,700mAh battery, the Phone 2 should be able to deliver all-day battery life. While its 45W charging rate isn\u2019t the fastest in the market, it can still fully charge the phone in 55 minutes, as Nothing puts it. In my opinion, this is still reasonably fast charging time for most users, including myself.\n\n\nAnd then we have the camera performance of the Phone 2. On the surface, it\u2019s nothing fancy: it only has a dual camera that is made up of a 50MP f/1.88 primary shooter paired to a 50MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle lens. But what\u2019s particularly interesting is the 50MP main camera, which actually uses a Sony IMX890 sensor. This is the same sensor found in the \nOnePlus 11\n, a flagship smartphone.\n\n\nThe results? Well, take a look with the sample shots below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s no denying that the Phone 2 can take some great-looking shots, and the camera interface also feels relatively responsive with fast, accurate autofocus. While the true test of a smartphone\u2019s camera lies in low light photography \u2013 something that I haven\u2019t had the chance to try out yet \u2013 it\u2019s certainly a promising camera system that I\u2019m excited to test out more extensively.\n\n\nAll in all, the Nothing Phone 2 is most certainly an improvement over last year\u2019s model while still retaining its winning qualities. It still has a similar transparent design, an improved Glyph Interface lighting system, even faster performance, and a superior camera system \u2013 what\u2019s not to like?\n\n\nAll that\u2019s left is for Nothing to reveal the Malaysian pricing and availability of the Phone 2, which will be announced come 14 July this Friday at its local launch here. Hopefully, the phone will be priced competitively for our market.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor the sake of comparison, the Phone 1 retailed from RM2,399 at launch for the 8GB + 256GB model, going up to RM2,699 for the 12GB + 256GB configuration. As for the Phone 2, it is available in three variants: 8GB + 128GB, 12GB + 256GB, and 12GB + 512GB. For now, it remains to be seen which configurations will be offered for the Malaysian market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-1-v-now-in-malaysia-for-rm6399-free-wh-1000xm5-headphones/", "title": "Sony Xperia 1 V Now in Malaysia for RM6,399 \u2013 Free WH-1000XM5 Headphones", "body": "\n\nThe Sony Xperia 1 V is now available for purchase in Malaysia. As the Japanese company\u2019s latest flagship smartphone, it features some high-end hardware, including a camera system with a next-gen sensor, allowing it to take low light images \u201cnever thought possible on a smartphone,\u201d as Sony puts it.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Xperia 1 V is offered in the sole 12GB + 256GB variant, which is priced at a cool RM6,399. Those who purchase the phone by 31 July will also get the popular \nWH-1000XM5 wireless headphones\n (worth RM1,799) for free.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA triple camera system is on the back of the Xperia 1 V, which is made up of a 52MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 12MP telephoto lens. According to Sony, the new 52MP shooter allows the phone to capture \u201c2x better\u201d low light shots than last year\u2019s \nXperia 1 IV\n. We tested out the camera for a brief period of time, and it does feel quite capable.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xperia 1 V include a 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, a microSD card slot for further storage expansion, a 12MP selfie camera, a 5,000mAh battery, as well as IP65/68 water and dust resistance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Sony Xperia 1 V is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM6,399. As mentioned, early birds who get the phone by 31 July will also get a free WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nothing-phone-2-official-refined-design-snapdragon-8-gen-1-coming-to-malaysia/", "title": "Nothing Phone 2 Official \u2013 Refined Design, Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, Coming to Malaysia", "body": "\n\nAfter much teasing, the Nothing Phone 2 is finally official. Sporting a more refined design \u2013 still retaining the see-through back panel, of course \u2013 with a much faster Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, the new phone is quite a bit better than last year\u2019s \nNothing Phone 1\n.\n\n\nLet\u2019s get to the design changes of the Phone 2 first. Compared to its predecessor, which has a flat back panel, the new phone has a \u201cgently curved pillowed glass back\u201d now for improved ergonomics. The Glyph Interface on the rear panel has been reworked too; while it looks similar, the overall lighting have been split to several parts.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBy doing so, some parts of the Phone 2\u2019s Glyph Interface now have a practical component to them. The bar on the upper right corner of the main glyph, for example, can act as a progress tracker for delivery services or even a countdown timer now. That\u2019s quite neat.\n\n\nAnother big change to the Phone 2 is the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, Qualcomm\u2019s flagship SoC last year. According to Nothing, this chip brings 80% performance improvement compared to the Phone 1\u2019s Snapdragon 778G+ processor. This makes sense, given that the 778G+ is a mid-tier offering.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Phone 2 include a 6.7-inch 1080p LTPO OLED display with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, a dual camera system (50MP main + 50MP ultra-wide), a 32MP selfie camera, up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, as well as a 4,700mAh battery with 45W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinally, pricing. In the US, the Nothing Phone 2 retails from $599 for the base 8GB + 128GB model, which comes up to about RM2,790. The phone is set to be launched in Malaysia later this week on 14 July, so we\u2019ll find out the local availability and pricing of the phone then.\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about the Phone 2, read our hands-on \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nothing-phone-2-first-sale-in-malaysia-happening-15-july-2-variants-available/", "title": "Nothing Phone 2 First Sale in Malaysia Happening 15 July \u2013 2 Variants Available", "body": "\n\nNothing just revealed more details on the Malaysian availability of the \nNothing Phone 2\n. The first sale of the premium mid-range phone on our shores is set to happen on 15 July, and two variants will be offered for our market.\n\n\nBoth the 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB configurations of the Phone 2 will be first available in Malaysia through Crossover Mid Valley on 15 July this Saturday; it will be more widely available next week on 22 July. Unfortunately enough, it appears the more affordable 8GB + 128GB variant won\u2019t be offered here. Nonetheless, both the white and new grey colourways will be sold locally.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to last year\u2019s \nPhone 1\n, the Phone 2 now features a reworked Glyph Interface with a slightly different design. It also features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, the chipmaker\u2019s flagship SoC last year. According to Nothing, this chip brings 80% performance improvement compared to the Phone 1\u2019s Snapdragon 778G+ processor. This makes sense, given that the 778G+ is a mid-tier offering.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Phone 2 include a 6.7-inch 1080p LTPO OLED display with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, a dual camera system (50MP main + 50MP ultra-wide), a 32MP selfie camera, up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, as well as a 4,700mAh battery with 45W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Nothing Phone 2 Malaysian launch is set for 14 July this Friday; the local pricing of the premium phone will be unveiled then. But given that the base 8GB + 128GB variant of the phone won\u2019t be offered here, expect the starting price of the Phone 2 to be a tad higher than other markets.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-watch-3-pro-realme-buds-air-5-pro-coming-to-malaysia-20-july/", "title": "Realme Watch 3 Pro & Realme Buds Air 5 Pro Coming to Malaysia 20 July", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nRealme 11 Pro series\n, the Chinese company is also bringing in two other products to Malaysia: the Realme Watch 3 Pro and Realme Buds Air 5 Pro. Ahead of their local unveiling next week on 20 July, you can actually check out the two new products in person right now at the ongoing Realme City Exploration Project.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Watch 3 Pro. It features a 1.78-inch 368 x 448 AMOLED square display, GPS support, a suite of health monitoring tools \u2013 including heart rate sensing and blood oxygen measurement \u2013 as well as a 345mAh battery that promises up to 10 days of battery life. It also supports both iOS and Android devices.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Buds Air 5 Pro, it has active noise cancellation capable of silencing noises up to 50dB, a two-driver setup (11mm woofer and 6mm planar), IPX5 rating, up to 11 hours of battery life \u2013 a total of 40 hours with the charging case \u2013 and dual device pairing.\n\n\nThe Realme Buds Air 5 Pro and Realme Watch 3 Pro will be launched in Malaysia next week on 20 July. Both products \u2013 including the Realme 11 Pro+ \u2013 are also showcased at the ongoing Realme City Exploration Project at \n169, Jalan Tun H S Lee, Kuala Lumpur\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-city-exploration-project-featuring-realme-11-pro-now-in-malaysia-until-25-july/", "title": "Realme City Exploration Project (Featuring Realme 11 Pro+) Now in Malaysia Until 25 July", "body": "\n\nRealme is running a rather curious photography exhibition in Kuala Lumpur right now. The Realme City Exploration Project, set to run until 25 July, features photographs taken by the upcoming Realme 11 Pro+. The mid-range phone itself is also showcased at the event.\n\n\nThe headline feature of the 11 Pro+ \u2013 which will be launched in Malaysia next week on 20 July \u2013 is its triple camera system made up of a 200MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 2MP macro lens. It also has a rather unique-looking vegan leather back panel.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the 11 Pro+ include a 6.7-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset paired with up to 12GB RAM and 1TB of storage, a 32MP selfie camera, as well as a 5,000mAh battery with support for fast 100W charging.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to check out the Realme 11 Pro+ alongside some \nother Realme products\n, you can do so over at the Realme City Exploration Project. It is located at \n169, Jalan Tun H S Lee, Kuala Lumpur\n, and it\u2019s opened daily from 10AM to 9PM until 25 July.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-honda-wr-v-heading-to-showrooms-ahead-of-launch-tomorrow-13-july/", "title": "Spy Shot: Honda WR-V Heading to Showrooms Ahead of Launch Tomorrow (13 July)", "body": "\n\nHonda Malaysia\u2019s first small SUV, the \nHonda WR-V\n, is set to make its Malaysian debut on 13 July tomorrow. Ahead of its launch, it appears the WR-V is already making its way to showrooms, based on a spy shot of the SUV being transported on a trailer.\n\n\nThe image below was taken by Mohammad Shahiran and subsequently shared by \nPaultan.org\n. The WR-V in red looks to be sporting an RS badge on the tailgate, while the white model doesn\u2019t have the same badge with a different set of alloy wheels.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, Honda Malaysia has not revealed the exact specifications and variants of the WR-V yet, though it did release several key details. The SUV is said to come with a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine that outputs 121PS and 145Nm of torque paired to a CVT, support for the Honda Connect telematics system, 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels (for the RS model), Honda LaneWatch, and even Honda Sensing.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the WR-V will be getting a rather complete Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance systems. These include Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Auto High Beam (AHB).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ll find out more about the Honda WR-V \u2013 including its local pricing \u2013 once it is launched in Malaysia tomorrow on 13 July. The SUV is also available for booking now at all 101 authorised Honda dealerships nationwide. Alternatively, a pre-booking can be done online\u00a0\nhere\n, or through the HondaTouch app \u2013 it can be downloaded from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-smart-1-seen-on-malaysian-roads-public-preview-next-weekend-q4-2023-launch/", "title": "Spy Shot: Smart #1 Seen on Malaysian Roads \u2013 Public Preview Next Weekend, Q4 2023 Launch", "body": "\n\nThe \nSmart #1\n EV is expected to be launched in Malaysia sometime in Q4 2023. The electric SUV is rarely spotted on Malaysian roads, so it\u2019s quite exciting when the upcoming model is caught on camera, as these images show.\n\n\nThese shots were snapped by Amir Zaheen Minhaj around Shah Alam and shared by \nFuntasticko\n. There\u2019s no denying that the silhouette of the camouflaged SUV is the Smart #1, and from what we can gather, it looks to be the higher-powered Brabus model too, based on the design of the vents up front and larger rear wing.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Smart #1 is said to be offered in both standard and Brabus variants. The regular model is believed to be powered by a single 200kW motor driving the rear wheels that outputs 272PS and 343Nm of torque. This allows the EV to go from 0-100kmph in only 6.7 seconds with a top speed of 180kmph.\n\n\nAs for the more powerful Smart #1 Brabus, it comes with another electric motor at the front \u2013 making it all-wheel drive \u2013 for a very respectable total output of 428PS and 543Nm of torque. How fast can it complete the century sprint with this kind of setup? A mere 3.9 seconds; very impressive.\n\n\nBoth models of the Smart #1 are said to be packed with a 66kWh lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) battery that offers up to 440km range on the WLTP cycle for the standard variant. This figure goes down to 400km for the higher-powered Brabus model, understandably.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs previously shared by Proton, the Smart #1 is still set to be introduced in Malaysia sometime in Q4 2023. A \npublic preview of the electric SUV\n will also be held at the EVx Malaysia 2023 event run by Paultan.org next weekend on 22 and 23 July at Setia City Convention Centre, Shah Alam.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/13-19-july-fuel-price-no-changes-ron-97-remains-at-rm3-37-per-litre/", "title": "13 \u2013 19 July Fuel Price: No Changes, RON 97 Remains at RM3.37 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAnother week, another fuel price update. Not surprisingly, there\u2019s no price change to RON 97 this week, and the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.37 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 13 to 19 July next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-wr-v-launched-in-malaysia-1-5l-i-vtec-honda-sensing-from-rm90k-to-rm108k/", "title": "Honda WR-V Launched in Malaysia \u2013 1.5L i-VTEC, Honda Sensing, From RM90k to RM108k", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHonda\u2019s much anticipated small SUV, the Honda WR-V, has just been launched in Malaysia. Offered in four different variants, the WR-V is Honda Malaysia\u2019s most affordable SUV yet with a RM89,900 starting price.\n\n\nOf course, that RM89,900 price tag is for the base S model of the WR-V. A tier up is the E trim for RM95,900, followed by the V variant at RM99,900. As for the range-topping \u2013 and more aggressive-looking \u2013 RS model, it goes for RM107,900. These prices are on-the-road without insurance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll variants of the WR-V are powered by the same 1.5L naturally-aspirated DOHC i-VTEC engine that outputs 121PS and 145Nm of torque paired to a CVT driving the front wheels. It\u2019s worth noting that this is the same mill found in the \nCity\n and the base S variant of the \nHR-V\n, so this is a tried-and-true engine.\n\n\nOne of the headline features of the WR-V has to be the Honda Sensing ADAS, which is offered on all trims except for the base S model. It features Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Auto High Beam (AHB).\n\n\nHowever, as the WR-V doesn\u2019t feature an electric parking brake, its version of Honda Sensing doesn\u2019t support Low-Speed Follow, much like the V Sensing models of the City and \nCity Hatchback\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs the range-topping model, the WR-V in RS guise does come with a number of exclusive features. On the exterior, it features a mesh-style grille with a dark chrome finish, bright silver lower garnish, and sleek-looking 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels; other models get 16-inch alloys instead. On top of that, it gets the Honda Connect telematics system too.\n\n\nOther standard features of the WR-V include four airbags (six for the RS), a 7-inch infotainment screen with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry with push start button, and the Honda LaneWatch camera mounted on the left side mirror.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Honda Malaysia, the Honda WR-V has received over 2,500 bookings. The Japanese carmaker said that deliveries for these orders are expected to be fulfilled within two to three months; not too long of a waiting time.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-wr-v-receives-2500-bookings-2-to-3-months-waiting-time-rs-most-popular/", "title": "Honda WR-V Receives 2,500 Bookings \u2013 2 to 3 Months Waiting Time, RS Most Popular", "body": "\n\nBookings for the \nHonda WR-V\n were opened in Malaysia in mid-June earlier this year, and according to Honda Malaysia, the small SUV has received over 2,500 bookings. Of those bookings, the RS model is the most popular option.\n\n\nThe RS variant of the WR-V accounts for 43% of the total bookings. This is followed by the V and E trims at 38% and 12% respectively, while the rest is made up of the most affordable S model. Honda Malaysia expects the RS variant to be the best-selling option, and looking at the breakdown of the bookings made, this does seem to be the case.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the WR-V starts at RM89,900 for the base S model. A tier up is the E trim for RM95,900, followed by the V variant at RM99,900. As for the range-topping RS model, it goes for RM107,900. These prices are on-the-road without insurance, and five colour options are available: Ignite Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Meteoroid Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, and the new Stellar Diamond Pearl.\n\n\nHonda Malaysia said that the 2,500 bookings of the Honda WR-V are expected to be fulfilled within two to three months\u2019 time. If you\u2019re keen to purchase the new compact SUV, keep this waiting period in mind. More details on the WR-V can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/kiwi-ears-quintet-review-5-drivers-for-5-star-audio-quality/", "title": "Kiwi Ears Quintet Review: 5 Drivers for 5-Star Audio Quality", "body": "\n\nEven for folks who are familiar with the ChiFi scene in the rabbit hole that is the audio hobby, Kiwi Ears may be a name that have only been seen in passing. Eclipsed by giants like Moondrop and 7Hz, Kiwi Ears has quietly released IEMs like the Cadenza, Dolce, and Quartet, all of which were quite well-received.\n\n\nThe brand\u2019s first release was the Orchestra, a $499 (about RM2,290) IEM with eight balanced armature (BA) drivers; it then followed up with the Orchestra Lite for half the price. Every release since then has mostly been targeted at the sub-$100 market, and while there\u2019s \nsome degree\n of fanfare with those releases, Kiwi Ears never quite impacted the ChiFi scene like the bigger brands.\n\n\nThat is, until the brand released its newest IEM: the Kiwi Ears Quintet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe Kiwi Ears Quintet is an IEM with four different driver types: one Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) dynamic driver, two BA drivers, one planar magnetic driver, and a piezoelectric (PZT) bone conductor. Basically, there\u2019s a total of five drivers within each shell of the IEM, hence the name Quintet.\n\n\nAn IEM with multiple driver types isn\u2019t anything new; most (if not all) brands have the ability to do so. The actual challenge lies in tuning the individual drivers to be both coherent and balanced. No one driver should stand out too much, but all of them should meaningfully add \nsomething\n to the table as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn my opinion, Kiwi Ears managed to strike a good balance in this regard with the Quintet, a feat that countless brands have failed to achieve. Speaking of outdoing its peers, Kiwi Ears is pricing the IEM at \n$219 (about RM1,000) on Linsoul\n, which sent over this review unit of the Quintet.\n\n\nWhile this pricing may seem steep for a ChiFi brand, the Quintet \nis \na five-driver IEM with four different driver types that actually sounds good \u2013 well, to me at least. Such a driver setup at this price point is practically unheard of until now.\n\n\nAnyway, unlike the IEM itself, the packaging of the Quintet takes a more modest approach. Sliding open the sleeve and the box reveals the two IEM shells. A layer beneath sits a small, hard-shell zipper case that holds a four-core oxygen-free SPC cable, three pairs of normal bore tips, and three pairs of wide bore tips.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe shell of the Quintet is made up of 3D printed resin with a rather subdued silver metal faceplate. On one side of the faceplate is Kiwi Ears\u2019 logo, while the other has the Quintet branding etched on it. You\u2019d expect a shell housing five drivers to be bigger and heavier than usual, but in reality, it\u2019s quite the opposite with this IEM.\n\n\nNot only is the Quintet\u2019s shell compact and lightweight, it also fits very comfortably in my ears. In fact, I find it to be one of the most comfortable earphones I\u2019ve tried with above average noise isolation to boot. However, as the shape of everyone\u2019s ear is different, your mileage may very well vary.\n\n\nAs for the included SPC cable, it is of two-pin variety and terminates in the standard 3.5mm. The cable also isn\u2019t too thin and is able to resist tangling quite well. The silver chin slider portion and 3.5mm end adds a premium touch, but they also make the cable a tad heavy in those specific sections.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI consider the packaging of the Quintet modest as some IEMs a fraction of this price have a more elaborate packaging. That could be in the form of a fancier-looking case or a more unique unboxing experience, though I suppose Kiwi Ears is placing more emphasis on the IEM itself rather than the packaging. This is certainly evident in how the Quintet performs.\n\n\nHow Does It Sound?\n\n\nThe Quintet has a mostly balanced sound signature with an ever so slightly V-shaped characteristic. The tonality, to my ears, is natural with a hint of warmth for good measure. Overall, it\u2019s quite a laid-back sound that isn\u2019t too fatiguing or dull \u2013 balanced in every sense of the word.\n\n\nPresentation of soundstage for the Quintet is a slight out-of-head experience, but is still intimate enough to be engaging and immersive. What\u2019s surprising is the detail retrieval and instrument separation of the Quintet. Whether it\u2019s the inclusion of Kiwi Ears\u2019 own Micro Planar Transducer (MPT) or the piezoelectric driver, something is working its magic in isolating the instruments within the soundstage and presenting them with great clarity and sense of space.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou wouldn\u2019t be wrong to assume that an IEM with this many drivers would be quite power-hungry. On the contrary, this set is surprisingly easy to drive, and it gets loud on both my phone and laptop without a hitch. That being said, pairing the IEM with a more powerful source does allow it to breathe and open up a bit more with a wider soundstage.\n\n\nBass\n\n\nWith an emphasis on the sub-bass instead of the mid-bass, the Quintet provides rumble that extends deep down but controlled enough to not be all boom and bloom. That\u2019s not the say the mid-bass is lacking: there\u2019s ample impact, speed, and even warmth to provide the low-end with texture without bleeding into the mids.\n\n\nDespite that, I doubt the impact of bass provided here would meet the requirements of a seasoned basshead \u2013 the \n7Hz Legato\n might be a better fit for such a crowd. But what the Quintet lacks in bass quantity is made up in quality with a presentation that\u2019s both fun and clean.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMids\n\n\nWhile the Quintet\u2019s bass might not bleed into the mids, some warmth and texture of the upper-bass does carry over. Male vocals benefit greatly from this, providing a thick and full note weight. The texture of said vocals are lush and remain organic too.\n\n\nFemale vocals are almost equally great, but to my ears, there\u2019s a pinch of dryness or grain that makes it less than natural. I also wish that the warmth and weight of the male vocals would be reflected more here as well. It\u2019s not that the vocals sound \u201csteely\u201d or \u201cmetallic\u201d \u2013 common caveats associated with BA drivers \u2013 the Quintet actually manages to steer clear from these negative traits, boasting Kiwi Ears\u2019 tuning prowess.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis minor quirk aside, the vocals are intimate without being intrusive, and it skirts around the usual fate of Harman-tuned options with a shouty upper-mid region.\n\n\nHighs\n\n\nTreble is another testament to the adept tuning of the Quintet. Extension in the high-end is quite remarkable, providing a texture that\u2019s sparkly and rich. But the Quintet doesn\u2019t overextend its reach, controlling its treble in such a way that it remains smooth and tame, giving it a more laid-back sound signature in the highs.\n\n\nThe above could be credited to the piezoelectric driver of the Quintet, though this driver is also known to make treble sound a bit messy and fatiguing at higher volumes; a minor flaw that even the Quintet wasn\u2019t able to avoid. But as long as you refrain from turning up the volume too much, only the strengths of the Quintet will present themselves to you.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nAs mentioned before, $219 for the Kiwi Ears Quintet sounds far from affordable in comparison to most ChiFi offerings. But again, this is a five-driver IEM that is \nactually\n well-tuned and coherent \u2013 this alone is reason enough to purchase the Quintet.\n\n\nThe only shortcomings of the Quintet that stood out to me were the slightly unnatural upper-mids and the IEM\u2019s basic case and packaging; the latter is a minor gripe, I\u2019d admit.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBalance, as I\u2019ve echoed many times throughout this review, is the name of the game when it comes to the Quintet. Any minute misjudgment of the five individual drivers could tip the scales and cause the tuning to fall apart. It\u2019s already no easy task handling hybrid drivers, let alone four different driver types. But the coherence that the Quintet manages to achieve is astounding, and it is an accomplishment that Kiwi Ears should be proud of.\n\n\nHere\u2019s hoping this isn\u2019t a mere one-hit-wonder from the brand, and it is instead a sign of more great things to come.\n\n\nLi Jin Soh contributed to this review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/tesla-model-y-from-rm199k-in-malaysia-first-official-tesla-here-early-2024-delivery/", "title": "Tesla Model Y From RM199k in Malaysia \u2013 First Official Tesla Here, Early 2024 Delivery", "body": "\n\nThe Tesla Model Y is the first model from the renowned brand to be officially available here in Malaysia. Priced from RM199,000, the electric SUV can be ordered right now, though delivery is only expected to take place sometime in early 2024.\n\n\nThis was first spotted by \nPaultan.org\n through Tesla\u2019s Malaysian website. The configurator for the Model Y is now live, with prices starting from the aforementioned RM199,000 for the standard RWD model. Opting for the Long Range AWD variant sees the price go up to RM246,000, and if you want the fastest Model Y Performance, it will set you back RM288,000.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, opting for the Model Y Performance comes with a suite of other upgrades. These include larger (and much sleeker) 21-inch \u00dcberturbine alloy wheels, performance brakes, lowered suspension, aluminium alloy pedals, a carbon fibre spoiler, and of course, an increased top speed from 217kmph to 250kmph.\n\n\nAs is the case with all Tesla models, you can purchase various add-ons for the Model Y in Malaysia. Getting the Enhanced Autopilot, for one, is a RM16,000 add-on, while the complete Full Self-Driving Capability is a RM32,000 premium. You can change the all-black interior to a black and white colour scheme too for RM5,000.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the Tesla Model Y, you can place an order right now on its \nMalaysian website\n; a RM1,000 non-refundable fee is required for the booking. Again, do note that the estimated delivery for the electric SUV in Malaysia is sometime in early 2024 next year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/tesla-lists-10-superchargers-in-malaysia-klang-valley-n-sembilan-penang-perak-johor/", "title": "Tesla Lists 10 Superchargers in Malaysia \u2013 Klang Valley, N. Sembilan, Penang, Perak, Johor", "body": "\n\nNow that Tesla\u2019s Malaysian website is open, the carmaker also listed \n10 Supercharger locations in Malaysia\n. Naturally, most of them are located in the Klang Valley area, though some Superchargers can also be found in several states like Penang and Perak.\n\n\nIn Kuala Lumpur itself, as many as four Supercharger locations have been listed. These include Bukit Bintang, Bukit Jalil, and two more unnamed locations in the city centre. Two other Superchargers located in Klang Valley are Petaling Jaya and Dengkil, both of which are in Selangor.\n\n\n\n\nBukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur\n\n\nBukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur\n\n\nTwo other locations in Kuala Lumpur\n\n\nPetaling Jaya, Selangor\n\n\nDengkil, Selangor\n\n\nNegeri Sembilan\n\n\nPerai, Penang\n\n\nIpoh, Perak\n\n\nIskandar Puteri, Johor\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, and Johor will also get Supercharger stations, though only one location in each state has been listed at the time of writing. Of course, it remains to be seen exactly when these Superchargers will be available for use.\n\n\nInterestingly, \napplication to host a Supercharger\n is also open in Malaysia now, so do head to the Malaysian website if you\u2019re keen to do so. It was previously revealed that Tesla will install at least 50 DC fast chargers in Malaysia with a minimum charging rate of 180kW, and 30% of them have to be made available to non-Tesla vehicles too.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/tesla-opening-service-experience-centres-head-office-in-selangor-this-year-pm-anwar/", "title": "Tesla Opening Service, Experience Centres & Head Office in Selangor This Year \u2013 PM Anwar", "body": "\n\nElon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, earlier today. \nIn the meeting\n, it\u2019s confirmed that Tesla will be opening its service and experience centres, as well as a head office in Selangor sometime this year.\n\n\nEvidently, Tesla is expanding its presence in Malaysia rapidly. After all, the carmaker is set to make its \nMalaysian debut next week on 20 July\n, and ahead of the launch, the Tesla Model Y is already available for order in Malaysia earlier today with a \nRM199,000 starting price\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlso unveiled today are \n10 Supercharger locations\n that will be made available in Malaysia. While most of them are listed in the Klang Valley area \u2013 six of them, in fact \u2013 several states will also get Supercharger stations, including Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, and Johor.\n\n\nGiven that Tesla will be opening its experience stores in Selangor as early as this year, eager customers may be able to view the carmaker\u2019s various models very soon. While only the Model Y is available for order now \u2013 with deliveries estimated for early 2024 \u2013 it\u2019s worth noting that the \nModel 3 is also featured on Tesla\u2019s Malaysian website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/byd-dolphin-ev-coming-to-malaysia-28-july-registration-of-interest-now-open/", "title": "BYD Dolphin EV Coming to Malaysia 28 July \u2013 Registration of Interest Now Open", "body": "\n\nBYD is \nset to add another EV model\n to its product lineup in Malaysia later this month. The much anticipated BYD Dolphin will make its local debut here on 28 July, and what makes the electric hatchback particularly enticing is its value proposition.\n\n\nCompared to its SUV sibling, the BYD Atto 3, the Dolphin is expected to be priced lower. For added context, the Atto 3 currently starts at RM149,800. An electric hatchback at a lower price point than this does sound quite compelling.\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nView this post on Instagram\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nA post shared by BYD Cars Malaysia (@bydcarsmalaysia)\n\n\n\n\nOf course, it remains to be seen just which variant of the Dolphin the Malaysian market is set to get, though there\u2019s a good chance it will mirror the Atto 3\u2019s offering here. If this is the case, it will be available in both Standard Range and Extended Range configurations.\n\n\nThe Standard Range Dolphin features a single electric motor driving the front wheels that produces 94PS and 180Nm of torque, which allows it to go from 0-100kmph in 12.3 seconds. Packed with a 44.9kW battery, this variant has a range of up to 410km on the NEDC standard.\n\n\nAs for the Extended Range Dolphin, it has a more powerful motor (also driving the front wheels) that outputs 204PS and 310Nm of torque with a 0-100kmph time of only 7 seconds. It has a larger 60.48kW battery too with a maximum range of 490km (NEDC) on a single charge.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the BYD Dolphin will make its debut in Malaysia on 28 July. \nRegistration of interest\n for the electric hatchback is now open too, and you can even sign up for a test drive session at 11 BYD outlets nationwide.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nothing-phone-2-launched-in-malaysia-from-rm2999-first-sale-15-july/", "title": "Nothing Phone 2 Launched in Malaysia From RM2,999 \u2013 First Sale 15 July", "body": "\n\nUnveiled globally just a few days ago, the \nNothing Phone 2\n has just landed in Malaysia. As expected, it is priced higher than last year\u2019s \nPhone 1\n, which isn\u2019t a surprise given the upgrades that the new phone brings.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Phone 2 are available in Malaysia. The 12GB + 256GB model is priced at RM2,999, while the more generous 12GB + 512GB configuration costs RM3,499. Unfortunately enough, the more affordable 8GB + 128GB variant won\u2019t be offered here. Nonetheless, both the white and new grey colourways will be sold locally.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to last year\u2019s \nPhone 1\n, the Phone 2 now features a reworked Glyph Interface with a slightly different design. It also features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, the chipmaker\u2019s flagship SoC last year. According to Nothing, this chip brings 80% performance improvement compared to the Phone 1\u2019s Snapdragon 778G+ processor. This makes sense, given that the 778G+ is a mid-tier offering.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Phone 2 include a 6.7-inch 1080p LTPO OLED display with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, a dual camera system made up of a 50MP main shooter \u2013 it uses the Sony IMX890 sensor, the same one used in the flagship \nOnePlus 11\n \u2013 and a 50MP ultra-wide angle lens, a 32MP selfie camera, as well as a 4,700mAh battery with 45W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Nothing Phone 2 \u2013 alongside the \nEar 2 in black\n \u2013 will be first available in Malaysia through Crossover Mid Valley on 15 July tomorrow at 11AM; it will be more widely available next week on 22 July. If you\u2019d like to learn more about the phone, check out our \nPhone 2 hands-on\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-2023-proton-x70-facelift-spotted-launching-in-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Spy Shot: 2023 Proton X70 Facelift Spotted! Launching in Malaysia Soon?", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s believed that the Proton X70 (and even the \nX50\n) will be \nfacelifted sometime this year\n, and it looks like the rumour is turning out to be true. New spy shots of the X70 covered in some light camouflage have surfaced, so it\u2019s likely this is the 2023 facelift model.\n\n\nThese images were taken by one Fakhri Abdullah and shared by the folks over at \nFuntasticko\n. While only the rear of the mysterious X70 test mule was photographed, we can still see some camouflage on the front end of the C-segment SUV in the image below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChances are, the upcoming X70 facelift will take some design cues from its Geely twin, the Boyue Pro. The model was launched in China back in 2019 with some exterior and interior changes. In regards to the former, the Boyue Pro features a reworked front end with a new headlight design and a more minimalist rear bumper.\n\n\nAs for the interior, the Boyue Pro is equipped with a sleeker-looking dashboard. The infotainment screen is much bigger than the one found on the previous model \u2013 it also has Geely\u2019s faster E01 SoC \u2013 chrome finishing on the air-cond vents, and redesigned climate controls.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Geely Boyue Pro\n\n\n\n\nOf course, it remains to be seen if the 2023 Proton X70 facelift will feature these changes. We reckon it will be a styling update rather than a major change, so no engine update is expected. Hopefully, we\u2019ll learn more about the X70 facelift soon, and maybe even for the X50 as well.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-90-lite-honor-pad-x9-also-coming-to-malaysia-20-july/", "title": "Honor 90 Lite & Honor Pad X9 Also Coming to Malaysia 20 July", "body": "\n\nHonor Malaysia just revealed two other products that will be launched alongside the \nHonor 90\n later this week. The Honor 90 Lite and Honor Pad X9 will make their debuts here on 20 July, and both of them are touted as mid-range offerings.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Honor 90 Lite. As its name suggests, it has more modest hardware over the Honor 90, though it still comes with a triple camera system headlined by a 100MP primary shooter. That sensor is complemented by a 5MP ultra-wide angle camera and a 2MP macro lens.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Honor 90 Lite include a 6.7-inch 1080p IPS display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 6020 chipset paired with 8GB RAM and 256GB of storage, a 16MP selfie camera, and a 4,500mAh battery with support for 35W fast charging.\n\n\nAs for the Honor Pad X9, it features a 11.5-inch 2000 x 1200 TFT LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 chip paired with 4GB of RAM, 5MP cameras for the rear and front, along with a 7,250mAh battery. All in all, pretty modest hardware.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor 90 Lite, Honor Pad X9, and of course, the Honor 90 will be launched here in Malaysia this Thursday on 20 July. Local availability and pricing of these devices should be revealed then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-swift-x-14-now-in-malaysia-from-rm5999-120hz-oled-display-up-to-rtx-4050/", "title": "Acer Swift X 14 Now in Malaysia From RM5,999 \u2013 120Hz OLED Display, Up to RTX 4050", "body": "\n\nAcer just launched a new product in Malaysia, the Acer Swift X 14. Touted as a laptop for creative professionals, the Swift X 14 is relatively well-equipped, especially for a laptop this size \u2013 you can even do some gaming on it.\n\n\nThree different variants of the Swift X 14 is offered in Malaysia. The RM5,999 base model features a 13th gen Intel Core i5-13500H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, a 512GB PCIe NVMe Gen 4 SSD, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU. A tier up is the RM6,399 configuration, which upgrades the CPU to a Core i7-13700H along with a more generous 1TB SSD.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the range-topping RM7,399 variant of the Swift X 14, it swaps out the GPU for a faster RTX 4050 and a more generous 32GB of RAM. Regardless of which configuration you get, all models of the laptop feature a 14.5-inch WQXGA+ OLED display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. It also meets 100% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut and carries the VESA DisplayHDR TrueBlack 500 certification.\n\n\nThe Acer Swift X 14 is now available for purchase in Malaysia. Those who get the laptop by 31 July will also get freebies worth RM529, including a Porsche-branded wireless mouse and Acer Supercare extended warranty that covers accidental damage and even theft.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/chery-omoda-5-in-malaysia-3000-units-sold-in-only-10-days-from-rm108800/", "title": "Chery Omoda 5 in Malaysia \u2013 3,000 Units Sold in Only 10 Days, From RM108,800", "body": "\n\nChery made its grand return to Malaysia earlier this month, and it appears the Chinese carmaker is off to a great start. As many as 3,000 units of the new Chery Omoda 5 has been sold here in only 10 days, which certainly shows just how popular the locally-assembled B-segment SUV is on our shores.\n\n\nThe encouraging sales figure of the Omoda 5 can be attributed to its competitive pricing. Two variants of the SUV are available here: there\u2019s the base C variant for RM108,800, and the range-topping H model, which is priced at RM118,800.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, you\u2019re getting great value for money. Regardless of which variant you get, both models of the Omoda 5 is powered by the same 1.5L turbo engine that outputs 156hp and 230Nm of torque paired to a CVT. A number of ADAS features are also standard, which include adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, traffic jam assist, and of course, autonomous emergency braking.\n\n\n\u201cAs an automotive manufacturer with extensive manufacturing experience and innovative capabilities, Chery is dedicated to delivering high-quality products that meet the needs of Malaysian consumers,\u201d said Chery Malaysia\u2019s executive VP, Leo Chen. \u201cWe place utmost emphasis on product quality, safety, and performance, continuously innovating and improving our technologies to stay ahead of market demands,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Chery Omoda 5 is now available for booking in Malaysia at over \n23 showrooms nationwide\n. Eight more outlets will be completed by the end of August, bringing the total number of showrooms locally to 31. With over 22 service centres at the ready, it\u2019s evident that Chery is aggressively expanding its presence in the Malaysian market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-rm300-discount-on-samsungs-best-wireless-earbuds-yet/", "title": "Deal: Get RM300 Discount on Samsung\u2019s Best Wireless Earbuds Yet", "body": "\n\nAlmost a year since its release, the \nSamsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro\n is still one of the most well-tuned wireless earbuds in the market now. If you\u2019ve been looking to get a good deal on the Buds 2 Pro, now\u2019s your chance: it\u2019s currently listed \nat only RM599\n, which is a whopping RM300 discount.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Preferred Shopee retailer Mobile Gadgets, and naturally, the Buds 2 Pro from the retailer comes with official warranty support from Samsung Malaysia. The Bora Purple and White colour options are in stock, with the Graphite colourway being the only one that is not available from the retailer.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEven at its original RM899 price tag, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is an attractive pair of wireless earbuds with a complete feature set, including pretty competent active noise cancellation. Now that it\u2019s going for \nas low as RM599\n from Mobile Gadgets, it\u2019s an even easier pair of wireless earbuds to recommend.\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, check out our \nfull review\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/heres-how-to-check-your-polling-location-for-the-2023-state-elections-on-12-august/", "title": "Here\u2019s How to Check Your Polling Location for the 2023 State Elections on 12 August", "body": "\n\nAhead of the 2023 Malaysia state elections next month on 12 August, eligible voters can now check their polling location through \nMySPRSemak\n. The state elections will be held at six states across Malaysia, which include Selangor, Penang, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu.\n\n\nTo check your polling location, just head on to \nMySPRSemak\n and click on the \u201csemakan dafter pemilih\u201d option. Once you\u2019ve done that, just fill in the relevant information (and complete the CAPTCHA challenge) to get your polling location.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt the time of writing, it takes a while to get our own polling location from \nMySPRSemak\n; we reckon quite a number of folks are trying to access the information as well. Nonetheless, it should be a smoother process after some time.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2023-proton-x70-mc2-facelifts-new-face-seen-in-leaked-images-updated-interior-rumoured/", "title": "2023 Proton X70 MC2 Facelift\u2019s New Face Seen in Leaked Images \u2013 Updated Interior Rumoured", "body": "\n\nJust yesterday we shared images of the \n2023 Proton X70 MC2\n (Minor Change 2) facelift on local roads with some light camouflage. Today, new leaked images all but confirmed the C-segment SUV\u2019s new face, which looks to mirror its Geely twins, the Boyue Pro and Azkarra.\n\n\nThese images came from \nThe Ajerul\n, showing what looks to be the frame of the upcoming X70 facelift. Based on the cutouts and curves of the frame, it matches the design of the Geely Boyue Pro/Azkarra. According to \nFuntasticko\u2019s source\n, the Infinite Weave grille of the new X70 will take inspiration from the X90\u2019s diamond-shaped studs too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe source further added that the facelifted X70 will get an updated interior as well, which we reckon will be similar to the aforementioned Boyue Pro and Azkarra. If this is indeed the case, it should feature a much bigger infotainment screen powered by Geely\u2019s faster E01 SoC, chrome finishing on the air-cond vents, and redesigned climate controls.\n\n\nAs for expected release, the Proton X70 MC2 facelift is said to be introduced towards the end of the year after the launch of the much anticipated \nProton S50\n sedan. Interestingly, the \nProton X50\n is rumoured to be receiving a Running Change update too, which may see some minor improvements to the popular B-segment SUV.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrevious spy shots of the Proton X70 MC2 facelift\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2023-honda-city-facelift-open-for-booking-in-malaysia-low-speed-follow-q3-2023-launch/", "title": "2023 Honda City Facelift Open for Booking in Malaysia \u2013 Low Speed Follow, Q3 2023 Launch", "body": "\n\nRight after introducing the \nWR-V\n on our shores, Honda Malaysia is gearing up to release yet another new model, the 2023 Honda City facelift. Set to be launched on our shores sometime in Q3 2023, the facelifted B-segment sedan is getting a number of notable upgrades.\n\n\nNot only does the City facelift come with a new front grille and updated bumper design \u2013 for the range-topping e:HEV RS model \u2013 its Honda Sensing ADAS capability is getting two new features too. These include Low Speed Follow (LSF) and Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, the City e:HEV RS soldiers on with the same Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) hybrid powertrain that delivers 109PS and 253Nm of torque. The sedan also comes with a 1.5L four-cylinder engine that does 98PS and 127Nm of torque, but it mainly acts as a generator for the electric motor. The 1.5L mill is only used at higher speeds.\n\n\nWhile only the City e:HEV RS has been confirmed so far, it\u2019s safe to assume Honda Malaysia will continue to offer petrol variants of the City. Currently, these include the S, E, V, and V Sensing models, which are all powered by the same 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine that outputs 121PS and 145Nm of torque. It is paired to a CVT with drive sent to the front wheels.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ll find out more about the new Honda City facelift, including its local pricing, once it is launched in Malaysia sometime in Q3 2023. The sedan is also available for booking now at all 101 authorised Honda dealerships nationwide. Alternatively, pre-booking can be done online\u00a0\nhere\n, or through the HondaTouch app \u2013 it can be downloaded from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/over-68600-honda-city-5th-gen-sold-in-malaysia/", "title": "Over 68,600 Honda City (5th Gen) Sold in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nIntroduced back in October 2020, the fifth generation Honda City has consistently been Honda Malaysia\u2019s best-selling model. In fact, the national carmaker just announced that over 68,600 units of the current generation City have been sold in Malaysia.\n\n\nThis figure was revealed in a press release for the start of order taking for the new City facelift. \u201cSo far, more than 68,600 units of the 5th generation City have been sold since its launch, while in the first half of 2023, we have sold more than 10,000 units,\u201d said the MD and CEO of Honda Malaysia, Hironobu Yoshimura. \u201cTruly, this iconic Honda model has proven to be a favourite in its segment amongst Malaysians,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\nThe 5th gen Honda City\n\n\n\n\nThe upcoming 5th gen Honda City facelift\n\n\n\n\nSet to be launched in Malaysia sometime in Q3 2023, the facelifted City \u2013 as least, for the range-topping e:HEV RS model \u2013 will feature a new front grille and updated bumper design. Its Honda Sensing ADAS capability gets two new features too: Low Speed Follow (LSF) and Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN). Beyond that, the e:HEV RS variant soldiers on with the same Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) hybrid powertrain that delivers 109PS and 253Nm of torque.\n\n\nThe new Honda City facelift is open for booking now at all 101 authorised Honda dealerships nationwide. Alternatively, pre-booking can be done online\u00a0\nhere\n, or through the HondaTouch app \u2013 it can be downloaded from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-showcases-contact-poster-new-memoji-stickers-coming-to-ios-17-for-world-emoji-day/", "title": "Apple Showcases Contact Poster & New Memoji Stickers Coming to iOS 17 for World Emoji Day", "body": "\n\nIn conjunction with World Emoji Day on 17 July, Apple is showcasing iOS 17\u2019s new Contact Poster feature, which can also be customised to show your own Memoji. This feature was previewed just last month at WWDC 2023.\n\n\nBasically, the Contact Poster you set for yourself will show up when you\u2019re calling a synced contact who is also on iOS 17. You can choose a photo of yourself (or a Memoji) for your Contact Poster, and even set the font that displays your name, as shown below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nApple is adding three new Memoji stickers in iOS 17 (Halo, Smirk, and Peekaboo) as well to further customise your Memoji. Also introduced in iOS 17 is the ability to peel and stick emoji stickers on messages, photos, documents, and more. Not a groundbreaking feature by any means, but certainly intriguing.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to give the public beta of iOS 17 a try, you can install it on a secondary device \nright here\n. The update will be released sometime in fall, likely coinciding with the introduction of Apple\u2019s latest range of iPhones later this year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/tesla-model-y-officially-lands-in-malaysia-from-rm199k-public-viewing-until-31-october/", "title": "Tesla Model Y Officially Lands in Malaysia \u2013 From RM199k, Public Viewing until 31 October", "body": "\n\nTesla has officially entered the Malaysian market today! The carmaker makes its debut here with the Tesla Model Y, its first mass-market electric SUV. Unfortunately, the Model 3 did not make an appearance at the launch event, so it remains to be seen exactly when the EV will be available here.\n\n\nNonetheless, the Model Y is now available for public viewing (and ordering) at the Centre Court of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur until 31 October. The EV starts from RM199,000 for the standard RWD model, while the Long Range AWD variant goes for RM246,000. If you want the fastest Model Y Performance, it will set you back RM288,000.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, opting for the Model Y Performance comes with a suite of upgrades. These include larger (and much sleeker) 21-inch \u00dcberturbine alloy wheels, performance brakes, lowered suspension, aluminium alloy pedals, a carbon fibre spoiler, and of course, an increased top speed from 217kmph to 250kmph.\n\n\nAs is the case with all Tesla models, you can purchase various add-ons for the Model Y in Malaysia. Getting the Enhanced Autopilot, for one, is a RM16,000 add-on, while the complete Full Self-Driving Capability is a RM32,000 premium. You can change the all-black interior to a black and white colour scheme too for RM5,000.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the Tesla Model Y, you can place an order right now on its \nMalaysian website\n or see it for yourself at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur until 31 October 2023. Deliveries of the electric SUV is estimated to start sometime in early 2024 next year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/unity-developers-can-now-start-making-games-apps-for-apple-vision-pro/", "title": "Unity Developers Can Now Start Making Games & Apps for Apple Vision Pro", "body": "\n\nUnity has just released the beta program for visionOS, allowing developers on the popular platform to start working on games and apps for Apple\u2019s upcoming \nVision Pro headset\n. This is done through Unity\u2019s new PolySpatial technology.\n\n\n\u201cBy combining Unity\u2019s new PolySpatial technology with Apple\u2019s RealityKit-managed app rendering, content created in Unity will have a unified look and feel, alongside other apps in visionOS,\u201d said the company in a press release. Unity added that current developers can build entirely new experiences or even port existing ones to visionOS with the beta program.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWith Unity PolySpatial, we are making it more efficient and streamlined for developers to create all new immersive experiences using the Editor they know and love,\u201d said the SVP and GM of Unity Runtime, Editor, and Ecosystems, Ralph Hauwert. \u201cThis is core to our promise of enabling developers to create once and ship anywhere,\u201d he added.\n\n\nAccording to Apple\u2019s vice president of the Vision Products Group, Mike Rockwell, games and apps built with Unity run natively on Apple Vision Pro. Unity developers, in turn, can take advantage of visionOS features such as low latency pass-through and high-resolution rendering.\n\n\nThose who are interested to gain beta access to Unity\u2019s visionOS program can sign up \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-11-pro-series-with-200mp-camera-gucci-designer-lands-in-malaysia-from-rm1499/", "title": "Realme 11 Pro Series With 200MP Camera & Gucci Designer Lands in Malaysia From RM1,499", "body": "\n\nRealme\u2019s latest premium mid-range phones have just been launched in Malaysia at a rather intriguing launch event on Redang Island. Made up of two phones, the Realme 11 Pro and Realme 11 Pro+, both of them feature a unique vegan leather back designed by a former Gucci designer.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the 11 Pro and 11 Pro+ are available in Malaysia. The 11 Pro, packed with 8GB of RAM and 256GB internal storage, is priced at RM1,499. As for the higher-end 11 Pro+, it comes with 12GB RAM and a whopping 512GB storage for RM1,999.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFrom left: The Realme 11 Pro+ in Sunrise Beige and Oasis Green\n\n\n\n\nOne of the highlights of the 11 Pro series is certainly the vegan leather back panel. Realme Design Studio collaborated with Matteo Menotto \u2013 former print and textile designer from Gucci \u2013 to work on the Sunrise Beige and Oasis Green colourways of the phones. While Realme isn\u2019t the first brand to make use of vegan leather, I do think the back panel design is quite eye-catching.\n\n\nBeyond that, the 11 Pro+ gets a pretty sophisticated triple camera system made up of a 200MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 2MP macro lens; it also has a 32MP selfie camera. As for the 11 Pro, it has a more modest dual camera setup (100MP main + 2MP depth) and a 16MP front-facing shooter.\n\n\nOther specifications of the 11 Pro series include a 6.7-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset, and a 5,000mAh battery. It\u2019s worth noting that the 11 Pro+ features faster 100W charging over the standard 11 Pro\u2019s 67W rate.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme 11 Pro and Realme 11 Pro+ will be available for purchase in Malaysia from tomorrow onwards on 21 July. To recap, the 11 Pro retails at RM1,499, while the 11 Pro+ costs RM1,999.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-buds-air-5-pro-watch-3-pro-also-launched-in-malaysia-from-rm399/", "title": "Realme Buds Air 5 Pro & Watch 3 Pro Also Launched in Malaysia From RM399", "body": "\n\nLaunched alongside the new Realme 11 Pro series in Malaysia is the Realme Watch 3 Pro and Realme Buds Air 5 Pro. Retailing from RM399, these two devices are relatively affordable.\n\n\nOf the two products, the Buds Air 5 Pro is more affordable, carrying the aforementioned RM399 price tag in Malaysia. For that kind of money, it has active noise cancellation capable of silencing noises up to 50dB, a two-driver setup (11mm woofer and 6mm planar), IPX5 rating, up to 11 hours of battery life \u2013 a total of 40 hours with the charging case \u2013 and dual device pairing.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Watch 3 Pro, it is priced at RM429 in Malaysia. It features a 1.78-inch 368 x 448 AMOLED square display, GPS support, a suite of health monitoring tools \u2013 including heart rate sensing and blood oxygen measurement \u2013 as well as a 345mAh battery that promises up to 10 days of battery life. It also supports both iOS and Android devices.\n\n\nThe Realme Buds Air 5 Pro and Realme Watch 3 Pro can be purchased in Malaysia from tomorrow onwards on 21 July. If you want to check out the two products for yourself, both of them are showcased \u2013 alongside the Realme 11 Pro+ \u2013 at the ongoing \nRealme City Exploration Project\n in Kuala Lumpur.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-11-pro-hands-on-does-it-perform-as-good-as-it-looks/", "title": "Realme 11 Pro+ Hands-on: Does It Perform as Good as It Looks?", "body": "\n\nWhat immediately caught my eye when the Realme 11 Pro+ was introduced is the design of its rear panel. While Realme isn\u2019t the first to use vegan leather on the back of a phone, the \u201chandmade-like 3D stitching design\u201d of the panel \u2013 as the Chinese company puts it \u2013 is certainly an eye-catching design element.\n\n\nHowever, as good as it looks, how does the 11 Pro+ perform in other regards? How competent is its 200MP main camera? Can the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset deliver sufficient performance for a pleasant user experience? And can this RM1,999 phone compete with other devices at this price point?\n\n\nWell, I will try to answer these questions in this hands-on of the Realme 11 Pro+.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst, specifications. The 11 Pro+ has all the features of a standard premium mid-range phone. These include the aforementioned Dimensity 7050 chipset, a 6.7-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 32MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with pretty darn fast 100W charging that is said to be able to provide a full charge in only 26 minutes.\n\n\nThe triple camera system of the 11 Pro+ is quite interesting as well. It is made up of an impressive 200MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 2MP macro lens. It would\u2019ve been great if there\u2019s a telephoto camera too, though the 200MP primary sensor can actually do up to 4x lossless zoom, which uses in-sensor zooming \u2013 more on this later.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMy favourite feature of the Realme 11 Pro+ has to be its design; I can\u2019t get enough of the back panel\u2019s aesthetics. Realme Design Studio collaborated with Matteo Menotto \u2013 former print and textile designer from Gucci \u2013 to work on the Sunrise Beige and Oasis Green colourways of the phones, and in my opinion, it\u2019s one of the more tasteful designs I\u2019ve seen in a while.\n\n\nNot only does it look great, the 11 Pro+\u2019s vegan leather back feels great to the touch too. It really does feel like leather, giving the device both a premium feel and look. Realme makes some of the most well-designed phones in recent times (remember the \nRealme 10 Pro Coca-Cola Edition\n?), and this is evident with the 11 Pro+.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, there\u2019s the 11 Pro+\u2019s 6.7-inch 1080p AMOLED display, which looks great. It has punchy colours with deep blacks \u2013 typical traits of an AMOLED panel \u2013 and the 120Hz refresh rate lends to great motion clarity as well. That being said, I\u2019m not too fond of the dual-curve screen, as it makes it a bit harder to get a good grip on the phone due to the slimmer sides.\n\n\nIn the performance department, the Dimensity 7050 under the hood of the 11 Pro+ feels adequately fast. While I haven\u2019t had the chance to put the chip through its paces yet, it does feel fast enough for everyday use (at the very least). It doesn\u2019t feel sluggish by any means in my short time testing the phone.\n\n\nGiven that this is only a hands-on, I don\u2019t have a feel of the 11 Pro+\u2019s battery life yet. But for what it\u2019s worth, its 5,000mAh battery should be able to return above average battery life. The 100W fast charging would come in useful to quickly top up the phone as and when necessary too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the camera performance of the 11 Pro+, which feels\u2026capable? Again, I only had the phone for a brief period of time, so I was only able to snap some quick shots with the phone in broad daylight. Needless to say, it performs well in this kind of lighting environment; any phone worth its salt will be able to take good-looking images under ideal lighting.\n\n\nHowever, I do have one qualm with the colour reproduction of the 11 Pro+\u2019s camera. Shots taken with the phone have \nvery\n vibrant and saturated colours, to the point that they can look unnatural. On the other hand, at least the 4x lossless zoom capability of the 200MP primary camera feels quite competent.\n\n\nOf course, the 4x in-sensor zoom, lossless or not, won\u2019t be able to deliver the sharpness of a telephoto lens at the same focal length. But it is certainly better than just digital zoom, which is a good middle ground to be in.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, the Realme 11 Pro+ is a sleek-looking premium mid-range phone with fast charging rate, a good level of performance, and reasonably capable camera performance. But priced at RM1,999, it has to contend with very competent devices that sits in the same price range, such as the \nOnePlus Nord 3\n and the \nHonor 90\n.\n\n\nNow, only a full review can determine where the 11 Pro+ sits when compared against these devices. Personally, I\u2019d rank the 11 Pro+ quite high when it comes to design, but there\u2019s more to a phone than just looks.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-90-now-in-malaysia-from-rm1799-200mp-camera-snapdragon-7-gen-1/", "title": "Honor 90 Now in Malaysia From RM1,799 \u2013 200MP Camera, Snapdragon 7 Gen 1", "body": "\n\nHonor\u2019s latest premium mid-range smartphone, the Honor 90, has been launched in Malaysia. Packed with a triple camera system headlined by a 200MP sensor, the mid-ranger is also powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition chipset, which features higher clock speeds than the regular version of the SoC.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Honor 90 is offered in two variants. The 12GB + 256GB base model retails at RM1,799, while the more generous 12GB + 512GB configuration goes for RM2,099. Three colours options are offered locally: Peacock Blue, Emerald Green, and Diamond Silver.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the most highlighted features of the Honor 90 is its triple camera system. The primary shooter is a 200MP unit, and it\u2019s complemented by a 12MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP depth sensor. While the phone doesn\u2019t offer a telephoto camera, you don\u2019t often see a 200MP primary camera in this segment.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Honor 90 include the aforementioned Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition \u2013 it has peak CPU speeds of up to 2.5GHz \u2013 a 6.7-inch 2664 x 1200 dual-curve OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 50MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with support for 66W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor 90 will be available for purchase in Malaysia tomorrow on 22 July from RM1,799. Those who get the phone on tomorrow itself will receive free gifts worth RM647, which include a Honor Earbuds X5, a 1 + 1 year extended warranty, and a 180-day screen crack protection.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-90-lite-honor-pad-x9-make-malaysian-debut-for-rm1099/", "title": "Honor 90 Lite & Honor Pad X9 Make Malaysian Debut for RM1,099", "body": "\n\nLaunched alongside the \nHonor 90\n in Malaysia are two other products: the Honor 90 Lite and Honor Pad X9. Both of them are touted as mid-range offerings, and they are also priced the same at RM1,099.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Honor 90 Lite. As its name suggests, it has more modest hardware over the \nHonor 90\n, though it still comes with a triple camera system headlined by a 100MP primary shooter. That sensor is complemented by a 5MP ultra-wide angle camera and a 2MP macro lens.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Honor 90 Lite include a 6.7-inch 1080p IPS display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 6020 chipset paired with 8GB RAM and 256GB of storage, a 16MP selfie camera, and a 4,500mAh battery with support for 35W fast charging.\n\n\nAs for the Honor Pad X9, it features a 11.5-inch 2000 x 1200 TFT LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 chip paired with 4GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, 5MP cameras for the rear and front, along with a 7,250mAh battery. All in all, pretty modest hardware.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Honor 90 Lite can be purchased in Malaysia tomorrow on 22 July, while the Honor Pad X9 will arrive here quite a bit later on 25 August next month. To recap, both devices are priced at RM1,099 on our shores.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/byd-dolphin-now-available-for-booking-in-malaysia-for-rm1500-28-july-launch/", "title": "BYD Dolphin Now Available for Booking in Malaysia for RM1,500 \u2013 28 July Launch", "body": "\n\nThe BYD Dolphin is now available for booking in Malaysia! This is ahead of the much anticipated electric hatchback\u2019s local debut on 28 July next week, and what makes the Dolphin particularly enticing is its value proposition.\n\n\nWe learnt of the Dolphin\u2019s start of order taking in Malaysia at the ongoing EVx Malaysia 2023 event in Setia City Convention Centre, Shah Alam. Compared to its SUV sibling, the BYD Atto 3, the Dolphin is expected to be priced lower. For added context, the Atto 3 currently starts at RM149,800.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe BYD Dolphin at EVx Malaysia 2023\n\n\n\n\nOf course, it remains to be seen just which variant of the Dolphin the Malaysian market is set to get, though there\u2019s a good chance it will mirror the Atto 3\u2019s offering here. If this is the case, it will be available in both Standard Range and Extended Range configurations.\n\n\nThe Standard Range Dolphin features a single electric motor driving the front wheels that produces 94PS and 180Nm of torque, which allows it to go from 0-100kmph in 12.3 seconds. Packed with a 44.9kW battery, this variant has a range of up to 410km on the NEDC standard.\n\n\nAs for the Extended Range Dolphin, it has a more powerful motor (also driving the front wheels) that outputs 204PS and 310Nm of torque with a 0-100kmph time of only 7 seconds. It has a larger 60.48kW battery too with a maximum range of 490km (NEDC) on a single charge.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe BYD Dolphin will make its debut in Malaysia on 28 July, and it is now available for booking with a RM1,500 fee (refundable). If you want to take a look at the electric hatchback in person \u2013 though only the exterior is shown \u2013 you can do so at EVx Malaysia 2023 in Setia City Convention Centre, Shah Alam until tomorrow on 23 July.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/smart-1-makes-public-debut-in-malaysia-registration-of-interest-now-open-q4-2023-launch/", "title": "Smart #1 Makes Public Debut in Malaysia \u2013 Registration of Interest Now Open, Q4 2023 Launch", "body": "\n\nThe \nSmart #1\n EV just made its first public appearance in Malaysia at the ongoing EVx Malaysia 2023 event in Setia City Convention Centre, Shah Alam. Registration of interest for the electric SUV is now open on our shores too, with the local launch set for sometime in Q4 2023.\n\n\nWhile the Smart #1 is showcased at the Hap Seng Smart booth near Mercedes-Benz\u2019s show stand at EVx 2023, visitors can only take a look at the exterior of the EV. Unfortunately, the car is locked at the event, so the interior of the SUV can only be peeked through the heavily tinted windows.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, for the Malaysian market, the Smart #1 is said to be offered in both standard and Brabus variants. The regular model is believed to be powered by a single 200kW motor driving the rear wheels that outputs 272PS and 343Nm of torque. This allows the EV to go from 0-100kmph in only 6.7 seconds with a top speed of 180kmph.\n\n\nAs for the more powerful Smart #1 Brabus, it comes with another electric motor at the front \u2013 making it all-wheel drive \u2013 for a very respectable total output of 428PS and 543Nm of torque. How fast can it complete the century sprint with this kind of setup? A mere 3.9 seconds; very impressive.\n\n\nBoth models of the Smart #1 are said to be packed with a 66kWh lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) battery that offers up to 440km range on the WLTP cycle for the standard variant. This figure goes down to 400km for the higher-powered Brabus model, understandably.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Smart #1 is set to be introduced in Malaysia sometime in Q4 2023. You can register your interest for the EV \nright here\n, and if you want to see the electric SUV for yourself, you can do so at EVx Malaysia 2023 in Setia City Convention Centre, Shah Alam until tomorrow on 23 July.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/marvels-spider-man-2-gets-limited-edition-ps5-model-first-custom-ps5-in-malaysia/", "title": "Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man 2 Gets Limited Edition PS5 Model \u2013 First Custom PS5 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nNow this is interesting: Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man 2 is getting a limited edition PS5 model. While it\u2019s not the first special edition PS5, it is the first one to be available right here in Malaysia, and it will be available for pre-order on our shores this Friday on 28 July.\n\n\nThe symbiote \u2013 and in turn, Venom \u2013 is set to be one of the biggest threats in Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man 2, which is why the limited edition PS5 model takes that as a design inspiration. This extends to the DualSense controller as well with a rather sleek red and black colour scheme, representing Spider-Man and the symbiote respectively. Naturally, a digital download of the game is packaged with the bundle.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you already own a PS5, you\u2019ll be happy to know that the Spider-Man 2 cover will be available for purchase separately for both the standard model and Digital Edition of the console. Same goes for the DualSense controller, though the retail prices of these products have not been revealed yet.\n\n\nNonetheless, Malaysian pre-orders of the limited edition PS5, PS5 cover, and DualSense controller of Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man 2 will start this Friday on 28 July. The PS5 cover and DualSense controller are set to arrive here on 1 September, while the special edition PS5 will be available on 15 September \u2013 quite a bit earlier than the launch of the game on 20 October.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-90-review-reasonably-good-rm1799-mid-range-phone/", "title": "Honor 90 Review: Reasonably Good RM1,799 Mid-Range Phone", "body": "\n\nQuite a number of upper mid-range phones have been launched in recent times, and the Honor 90 is the latest addition to the segment. Sporting a 200MP primary camera, long battery life, along with a reasonably capable Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset \u2013 the Accelerated Edition, to boot \u2013 it\u2019s quite an interesting phone.\n\n\nRetailing from RM1,799, the value proposition of the Honor 90 is decent too, though it does fall short in a number of areas. This is especially true in the software department, which is my main qualm with the phone. Beyond that, it\u2019s quite an easy phone to recommend, provided you can look past its unrefined software experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED Quad Curved (2664 x 1200), 120Hz\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition 2.5GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 644\nRAM\n12GB\nStorage\n256/512GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n200MP f/1.9, PDAF\n12MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide)\n2MP f/2.4 (depth)\nCamera (front)\n50MP f/2.4\nBattery\n5,000mAh with 66W fast charging\nDimensions\n161.9 x 74.1 x 7.8 mm\nWeight\n183g\nOS\nMagicOS 7.1 based on Android 13\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.2\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM1,799 (256GB), RM2,099 (512GB)\n\n\nTwo variants of the Honor 90 are available in Malaysia. The 256GB model retails at RM1,799, while the more generous 512GB configuration goes for RM2,099. Given the feature set of the phone, it\u2019s priced relatively well for the Malaysian market.\n\n\nOne of the headline features of the Honor 90 is certainly its 200MP primary camera. While it sounds impressive on paper, the actual performance of the camera tells a different story \u2013 more on this further down the review.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nI really like the overall design and build quality of the Honor 90. Despite sporting a mostly plastic build material \u2013 the frame and back panel are made of plastic, as far as I can tell \u2013 the phone still looks and feels great. This Emerald Green colourway, for one, has a sleek matte finish on the back, which can hide fingerprints quite well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the performance of the Honor 90 is good too. Though the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition can\u2019t quite run \nHonkai: Star Rail\n at a stable 60fps with maxed out graphics settings, it can still provide a pleasant gaming experience. Of course, in everyday use, the phone performs just as well as any other upper mid-range phones I tested recently.\n\n\nThe display of the Honor 90 is also worth commending. The 6.7-inch 2664 x 1200 AMOLED display can get bright enough for comfortable viewing even under harsh sunlight, and it has the typical traits of an AMOLED panel, including vibrant colours and deep, true blacks. The 120Hz refresh rate lends to very smooth-looking animations too.\n\n\nHowever, I\u2019m personally not a fan of the display\u2019s \u201cQuad Curved\u201d nature. While I understand it can give the impression of a more premium phone to some folks, I much prefer a flat display with equally flat sides for better ergonomics.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, let\u2019s move on to the battery life of the Honor 90 now, which is \nexcellent\n. On average, I can easily get over six hours of screen on time out of the phone\u2019s 5,000mAh battery. This is even with a few sessions of heavy gaming thrown in throughout the day; very impressive.\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s move on to the not so great aspects of the Honor 90.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nDespite so much marketing around the Honor 90\u2019s 200MP camera, the overall performance of the phone\u2019s camera can be described as\u2026mediocre. At a glance, images taken with the phone\u2019s triple camera system (200MP main + 12MP ultra-wide + 2MP depth) look good, but upon closer inspection, it leaves much to be desired.\n\n\n\n\n200MP primary\n\n\n200MP primary\n\n\n200MP primary\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n200MP primary\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n200MP primary\n\n\n200MP primary (2x zoom)\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n200MP primary\n\n\n200MP primary (2x zoom)\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDetail preservation is not great (especially in low light conditions), noise is apparent in nighttime shooting, and because there\u2019s no dedicated telephoto lens, images at 2x zoom don\u2019t look particularly flattering. The overall colour reproduction is a touch too saturated for my liking too.\n\n\nGranted, the Honor 90 can still take good-looking shots under the right conditions, and it is by no means the worst camera I\u2019ve tried in this segment. Still, I had higher hopes for the 200MP camera.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the unrefined software experience of MagicOS 7.1 on the Honor 90. It\u2019s mostly the same issues I had when I was reviewing the \nHonor Magic 5 Pro\n: I can\u2019t swipe down on the home screen to pull down the notification shade, and there\u2019s no key shortcut to quickly launch the camera either.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMagicOS 7.1 as a whole doesn\u2019t feel particularly polished either. Some apps, such as Discord, was not able to send me any notifications \nuntil\n I opened the app. Thankfully, I didn\u2019t face this issue with more important apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Gmail, though this is still an issue worth highlighting.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nEven though the camera and software of the Honor 90 could use some work, I do think it is still a phone worth considering. Its battery life is very, very good, it has a pleasant screen to look at, and it can provide a good level of performance for the money.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHopefully, Honor will continue to improve its software experience moving forward, as the Honor 90 fares quite well in other aspects, especially when it comes to power consumption.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-wf-1000xm5-with-best-noise-cancelling-coming-to-malaysia-august-2023-for-rm1399/", "title": "Sony WF-1000XM5 With \u201cBest Noise Cancelling\u201d Coming to Malaysia August 2023 for RM1,399", "body": "\n\nLeaked back in March\n, the Sony WF-1000XM5 is finally official. Naturally, Sony\u2019s new wireless earbuds sport a slew of improvements over the \nvery popular predecessor\n, including \u201cthe best noise cancelling,\u201d as the Japanese company puts it.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the WF-1000XM5 retails at RM1,399; exactly RM300 more than the WF-1000XM4 when it was first launched on our shores. It is now available for pre-order locally, and it\u2019s set to hit store shelves sometime in August next month in two distinct colours: Black and Platinum Silver.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe highlight feature of the new WF-1000XM5 is certainly the improved noise cancelling. Using a total of six microphones and two separate processors, the XM5 can capture ambient sound more accurately while also delivering \u201cunprecedented noise cancelling quality\u201d \u2013 certainly a lofty promise.\n\n\nOther specifications of the WF-1000XM5 include a new 8.4mm dynamic driver dubbed Dynamic Driver X \u2013 it\u2019s said to provide deeper bass, richer vocals, and clear highs \u2013 up to 12 hours of battery life (down to eight hours with noise cancellation enabled), noise isolation foam tips, and IPX4 water resistance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Sony WF-1000XM5 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia, and it should start shipping next month in August 2023. Priced at RM1,399, it\u2019s certainly positioned as a premium pair of wireless earbuds.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hp-omen-transcend-16-omen-16-gaming-laptops-land-in-malaysia-from-rm6899/", "title": "HP Omen Transcend 16 & Omen 16 Gaming Laptops Land in Malaysia From RM6,899", "body": "\n\nHP just launched a slew of new gaming laptops in Malaysia, including the HP Omen 16 and HP Omen Transcend 16. The latter is touted as the company\u2019s slimmest and lightest gaming laptop yet, so naturally, it comes with a matching price tag.\n\n\nHere in Malaysia, the Omen Transcend 16 retails from a cool RM10,999, and it will be available locally sometime in August next month. As for the Omen 16, it\u2019s priced quite a bit lower with a RM6,899 starting price. Unfortunately, the base model of the two laptops for the Malaysian market were not detailed.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, we do have some key hardware of both laptops. The Omen Transcend 16, for one, can be configured with a \nfast\n 240Hz mini-LED screen along with a 13th gen Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 9 processor, though the GPU was not mentioned. It\u2019s also a relatively thin and light laptop with a 19.9mm chassis that tips the scales at 2.09kg.\n\n\nAs for the Omen 16, it\u2019s offered with either a 13th gen Intel Core i9 or an AMD Ryzen 9 7000 series processor. As for the GPU, HP mentioned that the laptop can be gotten with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070; quite a capable GPU that should be able to run most AAA games effectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the HP Omen 16 is now available for purchase in Malaysia from RM6,899. As for the thinner and lighter HP Omen Transcend 16, it will arrive here slightly later in August next month with a RM10,999 starting price.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/affordable-hp-victus-16-gaming-laptop-now-in-malaysia-from-rm4149/", "title": "Affordable HP Victus 16 Gaming Laptop Now in Malaysia From RM4,149", "body": "\n\nLaunched alongside the \nOmen 16 and Omen Transcend 16\n is the HP Victus 16 gaming laptop. Compared to the former two, the Victus 16 is much more affordable while still offering a good level of performance.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Victus 16 starts from RM4,149. The gaming laptop can be configured with a 13th gen Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 7000 series processor, while the range-topping GPU option is the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, which is a reasonably capable graphics card for AAA gaming.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the display department, the Victus 16 features a 16.1-inch 1080p display with a 144hz refresh rate; fast enough for a pleasant gaming experience. HP also said that the Victus 16 uses the same Tempest Cooling system found in the higher-end Omen laptops.\n\n\nThe HP Victus 16 is now available for purchase in Malaysia from RM4,149. You can check out the full list of available configurations on \nHP Malaysia\u2019s online store\n, and early birds who get the Victus 16 can even receive RM80 worth of Steam, TNG, or Grab credit.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-y78-coming-to-malaysia-1-august-120hz-dual-curved-screen-64mp-ois-camera/", "title": "Vivo Y78 Coming to Malaysia 1 August \u2013 120Hz Dual Curved Screen, 64MP OIS Camera", "body": "\n\nVivo is set to launch a new mid-range phone in Malaysia, the Vivo Y78. Sporting a 120Hz dual curved screen with a 64MP camera \u2013 complete with optical image stabilisation \u2013 the Y78 looks to be a rather interesting mid-ranger.\n\n\nAs shown on the \nproduct page of the Y78\n, the phone features a 6.78-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It also has a triple camera system made up of the aforementioned 64MP main sensor with OIS, a 2MP macro shooter, and a 2MP depth lens.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Y78 include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage, a 16MP selfie camera, a 5,000mAh battery with support for 44W fast charging, and Funtouch OS 13 based on Android 13 out of the box.\n\n\nThe Vivo Y78 will be launched in Malaysia next week on 1 August. The local pricing of the phone, along with its availability on our shores, should be unveiled then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dji-air-3-drone-official-dual-camera-46-minutes-flight-in-malaysia-from-rm4799/", "title": "DJI Air 3 Drone Official \u2013 Dual Camera, 46 Minutes Flight, in Malaysia From RM4,799", "body": "\n\nThe DJI Air 3 has just been announced, and it comes with a number of intriguing features. Not only does it have a dual camera system, it also has a longer flight time of up to 46 minutes on a single charge \u2013 quite a bit longer than the Air 2S\u2019 flight time of 31 minutes.\n\n\nDJI has been trickling features from its higher-end drones to its more affordable ones, and this is exemplified with the Air 3\u2019s dual camera system. It is made up of a 48MP 1/1.3-inch wide angle shooter and a 48MP 1/1.3-inch 3x medium tele lens, so it\u2019s somewhat similar to the camera configuration of the \nMavic 3\n, minus the Hasselblad branding.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Air 3 include the aforementioned 46-minute maximum flight time, omnidirectional obstacle sensing, O4 HD Video Transmission System, and 2.7K vertical shooting. Weighing only 720g, it\u2019s quite a lightweight drone too.\n\n\nThe DJI Air 3 is priced at RM4,799 in Malaysia for the drone itself. If you want the Fly More Combo with the DJI RC-N2 controller, it will set you back RM5,799. You can also get the same combo with the DJI RC 2 controller instead (complete with a display) for RM6,589.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/singakbd-kohaku-polycarbonate-in-stock-sale-happening-q3-2023-100-units-only/", "title": "SINGAKBD Kohaku Polycarbonate In-Stock Sale Happening Q3 2023 \u2013 100 Units Only", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been a while since we\u2019ve seen an in-stock sale from SINGAKBD. This time around, it is the polycarbonate version of the SINGAKBD Kohaku; it will go on sale towards the end of Q3 2023 in late August or early September.\n\n\nAs usual, the in-stock sale of the polycarbonate Kohaku will be done through a raffle, and only 100 units will be up for grabs. The colour combination is limited to a brass weight with a black aluminium plate as well, which does look quite good, in our opinion.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBased on the Kohaku R2, the polycarbonate Kohaku has a different weight design from the \noriginal keyboard\n for easier assembly. This, along with the polycarbonate material, also change the sound profile of the keyboard. The polycarbonate Kohaku is still using a gasket mount design too, and it\u2019s worth noting that brass weight with the Koi motif is now protected by a tempered glass cover.\n\n\nMore details on the in-stock raffle sale of the SINGAKBD Kohaku will be revealed as we approach the late August/early September sale estimate. Given that only 100 units are up for grabs, odds of winning the raffle will be quite low, as is the case with SINGAKBD\u2019s previous sales.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-5-unleashed-bigger-cover-screen-gapless-design-from-rm4499/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Unleashed \u2013 Bigger Cover Screen, Gapless Design, From RM4,499", "body": "\n\nSamsung\u2019s latest range of foldable smartphones are finally official! Compared to the new Z Fold 5, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is certainly the more exciting device. Not only does it have a bigger cover screen now \u2013 dubbed Flex Window \u2013 it is also sporting a gapless design.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is offered in two variants. The base 8GB + 256GB model is priced at RM4,499, while the more generous 8GB + 512GB configuration costs RM4,999. Compared to last year\u2019s Z Flip 4 with the same storage options, this is (only) a RM100 price hike. It\u2019s quite reasonable, given the upgrades the new foldable brings.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the biggest change to the Z Flip 5 is the much larger 3.4-inch 748 x 720 Super AMOLED display on the cover of the phone. Though the refresh rate is only limited to 60Hz, the bigger screen does make it far more functional. A full-size keyboard can even be used on this display to reply to messages.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the new gapless design of the Galaxy Z Flip 5, a design change that it shares with the larger Z Fold 5. Not only does this look aesthetically better, it should be able to minimise dust that gets in between the two halves of the screen when the phone is kept in the pocket.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 are still largely similar to its predecessor, though it is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip now. It also features a 6.7-inch 2640 x 1080 Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a dual camera system (12MP main + 12MP ultra-wide), a 10MP selfie shooter, a 3,700mAh battery with 25W charging, and an IPX8 rating.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is \nnow available for pre-order in Malaysia\n until 17 August from RM4,499 for the 8GB + 256GB model, while the 8GB + 512GB variant goes for RM4,999. You can also use our code AZGALAXY to get a RM200 discount on either variants of the foldable phone, while stocks last.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-5-is-here-gapless-design-similar-looks-same-rm6799-starting-price/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Is Here \u2013 Gapless Design, Similar Looks, Same RM6,799 Starting Price", "body": "\n\nAfter numerous leaks, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is here. Not surprisingly, the new foldable phone isn\u2019t remarkably different from the \nZ Fold 4\n, though it does have some upgrades here and there, including a gapless design and faster chipset.\n\n\nThree distinct variants of the Z Fold 5 are offered in Malaysia. The base 12GB + 256GB model costs RM6,799, while the 12GB + 512GB variant retails at RM7,299. As for the range-topping 12GB + 1TB configuration, it goes for RM8,299. Basically, the exact same prices as last year\u2019s Z Fold 4 at launch.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSo what\u2019s new with the Galaxy Z Fold 5? Well, as mentioned, it now features a gapless design; there\u2019s no longer any gap when the device is folded. Unfortunately, the S Pen still isn\u2019t built into the phone itself, though the S Pen case does have the stylus placed in a more flushed position now, reducing the overall thickness.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Z Fold 5 are a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, a 7.6-inch 2176 x 1812 Dynamic AMOLED 2X primary display, a 6.2-inch 2316 x 904 Dynamic AMOLED 2X cover screen \u2013 both are 120Hz panels \u2013 a triple camera system (50MP main + 12MP ultra-wide + 10MP telephoto), a 10MP selfie camera on the cover, and a 4MP under display camera on the primary display.\n\n\nOf course, the Z Fold 5 continues to carry an IPX8 rating, and it retains the 4,400mAh battery with 25W charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 \ncan now be pre-ordered in Malaysia\n until 17 August. To recap, it starts at RM6,799 for the 256GB model, while the 512GB variant costs RM7,299. If you want even more storage, there\u2019s the 1TB configuration for RM8,299. You can also use our code AZGALAXY to get a RM400 discount on the foldable phone \u2013 while stocks last, of course.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-watch-6-watch-6-classic-unveiled-rotating-bezel-returns-from-rm1099/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 & Watch 6 Classic Unveiled \u2013 Rotating Bezel Returns, From RM1,099", "body": "\n\nAlso unveiled alongside Samsung\u2019s new foldable phones today is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic. In the case of the latter, the rotating bezel makes a return, and both watches are available in two different sizes with slimmer bezels and larger displays now.\n\n\nFirst, prices. The Watch 6 is the more affordable option with a RM1,099 starting price for the 40mm Bluetooth model, while the larger 44mm (also Bluetooth version) retails from RM1,199. If you want LTE support, you\u2019ll have to fork out an additional RM300.\n\n\nAs for the Watch 6 Classic, it starts at RM1,399 for the 43mm Bluetooth variant, going up to RM1,499 for the 47mm Bluetooth model. Again, the LTE versions of both sizes are available for RM300 extra.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond size and the physical rotating bezel \u2013 the Watch 6 uses a touch-sensitive bezel instead \u2013 both smartwatches are quite similar to each other. They both feature an Exnos W930 chip, a circular Super AMOLED display protected by sapphire crystal, 5ATM and IP68 ratings, as well as up to 40 hours of battery life with the always-on display (AOD) disabled. This goes down to 30 hours with AOD switched on.\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic will be available in Malaysia from 18 August onwards. The Watch 6 starts at RM1,099, while the Watch 6 Classic retails from RM1,399. You can also our code AZGALAXY to get a RM100 discount on either smartwatches by \npre-ordering them on Samsung Malaysia\u2019s online store\n \u2013 valid while stocks last.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-tab-s9-series-premium-snapdragon-8-gen-2-tablets-from-rm3699/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Series \u2013 Premium Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Tablets From RM3,699", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re in the market for a high-end, premium Android tablet, you\u2019d want to check out the new Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 series. It is made up of the Tab S9, Tab S9+, and the range-topping (and largest) Tab S9 Ultra; all of them are powered by the flagship-tier Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset.\n\n\nLet\u2019s get to the Malaysian pricing of the new tablets first. The Tab S9 is naturally the most affordable model with a RM3,699 starting price for the 128GB variant, followed by the Tab S9+ (256GB) from RM4,599. As for the range-topping Tab S9 Ultra (256GB), it starts at RM5,999.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes, the S Pen magnetically attaches to the back of the tablet\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the size and some hardware differences, the three tablets have relatively similar specifications. All of them feature a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 13MP rear camera \u2013 though the S9+ and S9 Ultra feature an extra 8MP ultra-wide sensor \u2013 12MP ultra-wide selfie camera (12MP ultra-wide + 12MP for the S9 Ultra), and of course, the much-loved S Pen.\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 series is \nnow available for pre-order in Malaysia\n. The S9 retails from RM3,699, while the S9+ starts at RM4,599. As for the range-topping S9 Ultra, it is priced from RM5,999. If you\u2019re keen to pre-order any of the S9 tablets, use our code AZGALAXY to get a RM100, RM200, or RM400 discount for the S9, S9+, and S9 Ultra respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-samsung-galaxy-z-flip-5-z-fold-5-hands-on-half-boring-half-exciting/", "title": "Video: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 & Z Fold 5 Hands-on \u2013 Half Boring, Half Exciting?", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSamsung\u2019s range of foldable phones for 2023 have just been introduced. Made up of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, the former is a much more exciting device, while the Fold 5 is\u2026well, more of an incremental upgrade.\n\n\nNonetheless, Samsung\u2019s 2023 foldable phones are still unmistakably high-end, premium devices. Both are powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, and the two of them now feature a gapless design too \u2013 there\u2019s no more gap between the two halves of the flexible screen when they are folded.\n\n\nAs for pricing, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 starts at RM4,499 \u2013 that\u2019s a RM100 increase over its predecessor \u2013 while the larger Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 retails from RM6,799; the exact same price tag as last year\u2019s \nZ Fold 4\n, which is great. Watch our hands-on video above to learn more about the two foldable phones!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/27-july-2-august-fuel-price-no-changes-ron-97-remains-at-rm3-37-per-litre/", "title": "27 July \u2013 2 August Fuel Price: No Changes, RON 97 Remains at RM3.37 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAnother week, another fuel price update. Not surprisingly, there\u2019s no price change to RON 97 this week, and the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.37 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 27 July to 2 August next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/pm-anwar-rm100-ewallet-credit-to-be-given-to-malaysians-earning-below-rm100k-annually/", "title": "PM Anwar: RM100 eWallet Credit to Be Given to Malaysians Earning Below RM100k Annually", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re a Malaysian earning below RM100,000 annually \u2013 and above the age of 21 \u2013 you will be eligible to receive RM100 ewallet credit from the government. This was announced by the Prime Minister (and Finance Minister) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim earlier today.\n\n\nApproximately 10 million Malaysians from the B40 and M40 groups will receive the RM100 ewallet credit. According to Anwar, RM1 billion has been allocated for this initiative, though no timeline has been announced yet for the rollout.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPreviously, the government gave out RM200 ewallet credit to eligible students and youths under the eBelia Rahmah programme. \u201cSeeing the success of that ewallet credit programme, the government agrees to offer a RM100 ewallet credit to adults,\u201d said Anwar.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/no-apple-carplay-or-android-auto-for-proton-s50/", "title": "No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for Proton S50", "body": "\n\nIt looks like the upcoming \nProton S50\n will not feature Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. This confirmation came directly from the deputy CEO of Proton, Roslan Abdullah, at a media drive for the \nProton X90\n as shared by \nPaultan.org\n.\n\n\nWith this in mind, it\u2019s likely that the S50 will continue to use Aco Tech\u2019s ATLAS infotainment system. While the OS doesn\u2019t support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, there should be a mirroring capability of sorts. Not exactly an ideal solution, but still a feature worth mentioning.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrevious spy shots of the S50 on Malaysian roads\n\n\n\n\nThe Proton S50 is believed to be the national carmaker\u2019s upcoming sedan based on the Geely Emgrand, and it is rumoured to be launching in Malaysia as early as November 2023. On top of that, four different variants are said to be offered, and all of them will be powered by the familiar 1.5L TGDi engine that outputs 177PS and 255Nm of torque \u2013 the same one found under the hood of the \nX50\n and X70.\n\n\nNonetheless, until confirmed by Proton itself, take these rumoured details on the Proton S50 with a grain of salt \u2013 except for the unavailability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, of course. We should learn more about the S50 as we approach closer to the rumoured November 2023 launch of the sedan.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/byd-dolphin-ev-lands-in-malaysia-from-rm99900-2-variants-up-to-490km-range/", "title": "BYD Dolphin EV Lands in Malaysia From RM99,900 \u2013 2 Variants, Up to 490km Range", "body": "\n\nThe much anticipated BYD Dolphin electric hatchback just made its debut in Malaysia. As expected, it is offered in two variants, and starting from only RM99,900, it is one of the most affordable EVs in Malaysia now. Right behind the \nNeta V\n, which retails from RM99,800 \u2013 yes, just a RM100 difference.\n\n\nAnyway, two variants of the Dolphin are offered in Malaysia. The Dynamic Standard Range model is priced at RM99,900, while the more powerful Premium Extended Range trim goes for RM124,900. Do note that these prices do not include on-the-road costs, so the \u201creal\u201d pricing of the Dynamic and Premium models are RM100,530 and RM125,530 respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Dolphin is quite a well-equipped EV. Regardless of which model you go for, both variants of the electric hatchback feature a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping support, and even a 360-degree camera. It also comes with six airbags and a tyre pressure monitoring system.\n\n\nPerformance wise, the base Dynamic variant of the Dolphin features a single electric motor driving the front wheels that produces 94PS and 180Nm of torque, which allows it to go from 0-100kmph in 12.3 seconds. Packed with a 44.9kW battery, this variant has a range of up to 410km (NEDC) or 340km (WLTP).\n\n\nAs for the Premium Dolphin, it has a more powerful motor (also driving the front wheels) that outputs 204PS and 310Nm of torque with a 0-100kmph time of only 7 seconds. It has a larger 60.48kW battery too with a maximum range of 490km (NEDC) or 427km (WLTP) on a single charge.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe BYD Dolphin is now available for booking in Malaysia from RM99,900 for the base Dynamic model, going up to RM124,900 for the higher-end Premium variant. Those who are interested can also test drive the Dolphin at the EV\u2019s roadshow in 1 Utama, Petaling Jaya until 30 July; you can register for it \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mtg-commander-masters-arrives-4-august-for-tabletop-first-masters-set-for-commander/", "title": "MTG Commander Masters Arrives 4 August for Tabletop \u2013 First Masters Set for Commander", "body": "\n\nThe Commander format is one of the most popular ways to play Magic: The Gathering, and the card game\u2019s newest set, Commander Masters, is meant to complement that format. As the set\u2019s name suggests, it is the first Masters set made exclusively for Commander.\n\n\nConsisting of 40 new cards and \u201cbeloved reprints,\u201d as Wizards puts it, Commander Masters features collectable versions of fan-favourite cards. They feature the new Borderless Frame Break treatment where the artwork \u201cexplodes\u201d out of the card, which does look quite good.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, it only makes sense for Commander Masters to feature Commander Decks of its own too. Four 100-card Commander Decks are offered as part of the set, and each of them is built around a popular and powerful archetype \u201cnot seen in preconstructed Commander decks to date.\u201d According to Wizards, the cards featured in the decks are of a much higher power level than what players are used to as well.\n\n\nMagic: The Gathering\u2019s Commander Masters set will be released for tabletop on 4 August. Ahead of the set\u2019s launch, you can pre-order it from your \nfavourite game store\n. Commander Masters is offered in Draft Boosters, Set Boosters, Collector Boosters, and of course, the aforementioned Commander Decks.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-playstation-earbuds-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Sony PlayStation Earbuds Coming to Malaysia Soon?", "body": "\n\nBack in May this year\n, Sony teased a PlayStation-branded pair of wireless earbuds. While no release date has been announced yet, we have good reason to believe that it will be introduced very soon, and Malaysia could be one of the first markets to get it.\n\n\nIn our usual search through SIRIM\u2019s database, we notice two peculiar products registered under Sony Malaysia. The YY2977 is said to be a wireless noise cancelling gaming headset, while the YY2980 is a USB transceiver. \nBased on what\n \nwe gathered\n, there\u2019s a good chance this is the PlayStation wireless earbuds with its USB dongle.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEven though it\u2019s described as a gaming headset, \nFCC documents of the YY2977\n confirm that it is actually a pair of earbuds with a \u201cround shape.\u201d This does describe the PlayStation earbuds quite accurately, and it\u2019s good to know that it has noise cancellation as well.\n\n\nOf course, there\u2019s a chance that the YY2977 isn\u2019t actually the PlayStation earbuds; we\u2019ll just have to wait until Sony reveals more information. So far, it\u2019s only been confirmed that the earbuds will feature a new wireless technology that allows for \u201clossless audio\u201d and low latency.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/switch-opens-its-first-apple-premium-partner-store-in-sunway-pyramid-2-more-stores-coming/", "title": "Switch Opens Its First Apple Premium Partner Store in Sunway Pyramid \u2013 2 More Stores Coming", "body": "\n\nSwitch, a brand under CG Computers, just launched its first-ever Apple Premium Partner (APP) store in Sunway Pyramid, Petaling Jaya. Similar to other APP stores found on our shores, the new outlet has staff trained by Apple itself, along with workshops that visitors can attend from time to time.\n\n\nTo celebrate the launch of its new APP store, Switch is offering a number of attractive promotions. The \niPhone 14 Pro\n and iPhone 14 Pro Max, for example, are offered with a generous RM988 discount. Selected MacBook Pro models can even be purchased with up to RM4,000 (!) discounts.\n\n\nNaturally, these promotions are valid while stocks last until 30 July.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is where the workshops will be conducted\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt the launch of its APP store in Sunway Pyramid, Switch also revealed that it will be opening more APP outlets in the near future. Two have been confirmed so far: one will be located in Imago Mall, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, while the other one will be opened somewhere within the Klang Valley area.\n\n\nIf you want to get some good savings on a range of Apple products, give the Switch Apple Premium Partner store a visit by 30 July. Judging by the crowd at the opening of the new outlet, you may want to stop by there sooner rather than later.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/40-million-ps5-consoles-sold-worldwide/", "title": "40 Million PS5 Consoles Sold Worldwide", "body": "\n\nFor the longest time since its launch in late 2020, it was difficult for gamers to get their hands on the PS5. Supply of the highly popular console is finally \u201cwell-stocked\u201d now \u2013 as the Japanese company puts it \u2013 and Sony also shared that a whopping 40 million units of the PS5 have been sold worldwide.\n\n\nThis figure is accurate as of the week ending 16 July, 2023. \u201cWith the support of PlayStation fans, we have reached a milestone of 40 million PS5 consoles sold through to gamers since launch. Thank you so much to our community of gamers \u2013 without you this would have been an impossible task,\u201d said the president and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, Jim Ryan.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cA great addition to the PS5 generation has been our array of accessories,\u201d he added. With products such as Project Q \u2013 which allows PS5 games to be streamed to the device \u2013 and \nPlayStation-branded wireless earbuds\n in the horizon, it\u2019s evident that the company is aiming to expand this further.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that it has been almost three years since the initial release of the PS5, so it\u2019s no surprise that rumours of a PS5 Pro have started surfacing. A November 2024 launch date has been thrown around, but as is the case with rumours, take this with a pinch of salt.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/simgot-ew200-review-bright-energetic-iem-on-a-budget/", "title": "SIMGOT EW200 Review: Bright, Energetic IEM on a Budget", "body": "\n\nThough SIMGOT has been in the ChiFi scene for quite some time now, the brand isn\u2019t exactly the first name most would think of when it comes to\u2026well, ChiFi. To date, SIMGOT hasn\u2019t released any particularly standout product in the very competitive space, with only a handful number of IEMs under its belt.\n\n\nThat being said, SIMGOT is stepping back into the spotlight this year with the EA500, which was released earlier this year. That IEM looks to be quite well-received, and in this review, we\u2019ll find out if the newer (and more affordable) SIMGOT EW200 is worth considering too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe SIMGOT EW200 uses a 10mm dual-magnetic, dual-cavity dynamic driver with a SCP diaphragm; the latter supposedly provides better high-frequency control and smoother layering. This single dynamic driver IEM is going for \n$39.99 (about RM180) on Linsoul\n; the store graciously sent over this review unit.\n\n\nInside the box of the EW200, you get just about what you might expect from an IEM at this price point. You get the IEM itself, a 2-pin silver-plated OFC cable, a drawstring pouch, and three pairs of ear tips \u2013 no sight of any wide-bore or foam tips here though.\n\n\nAs for the shell of the EW200, it sports an all-metal body with a shiny mirror finish, supposedly machined from high-density alloy. The shell\u2019s small profile makes it easy to get a comfortable fit with the EW200, though it doesn\u2019t sit still in my ears. I often lose the seal after a while, requiring me to readjust the fit.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe included silver-plated OFC cable is free from microphonics and doesn\u2019t tangle easily, which is good. I also like how the transparent white appearance of the cable goes well with the silver shells of the IEM.\n\n\nHow Does It Sound?\n\n\nAs a whole, the sonic character of the SIMGOT EW200 centres around a neutral foundation with a lively and crispy treble presentation. The mid-range and bass exhibit a slight lightness in note weight, providing a sense of airiness to the overall sound signature. This emphasis on the upper frequencies makes the EW200 great for those who appreciate a bright and energetic sound.\n\n\nWhile the EW200 presents a decently wide soundstage, it still retains an \u201cin-your-head\u201d experience. However, the instrument separation remains commendable, allowing individual elements to occupy distinct spaces within the soundstage. This aspect contributes to an immersive listening experience with good depth and layering.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother plus point for the EW200 is the fact that it is pretty easy to drive, making it a versatile option for various devices. Whether it\u2019s connected to a smartphone, portable music player, or just your laptop, the IEM delivers satisfactory volume levels without requiring additional amplification. Also, since the EW200 has a brighter sound signature, a warmer source might work quite well in balancing the highs.\n\n\nBass\n\n\nThere\u2019s more emphasis on mid-bass than sub-bass, which gives the EW200 a bit more weight, though not by much. While the bass impact is not the most pronounced, it retains ample speed and agility, making it well-suited for genres like jazz and acoustic music. Based on my testing, tip rolling to a different pair of ear tips can help boost the bass a little, while also taming the bright treble a tad.\n\n\nMids\n\n\nThe humble bass presentation means the EW200 doesn\u2019t suffer from bass bleed, but that doesn\u2019t help much when it comes to male vocals. Presentation here is light and lacking some warmth in order to approach what I personally deem natural.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s a similar story with female vocals; there\u2019s a \u201cfloatiness\u201d that makes it lack structure and body. That being said, the relatively forward mids of the EW200 bring vocals and instruments to the forefront, adding a sense of intimacy and presence to the soundstage. The sparkle present in the upper mids is also quite pleasant and well-controlled enough to not be considered shouty.\n\n\nHighs\n\n\nThe treble energy of the EW200 is undoubtedly one of its best qualities. There are copious amounts of treble energy present with plenty of air and sparkle. With this bright presentation comes good clarity and resolution as well.\n\n\nHowever, if you\u2019re treble-sensitive, you might find this set borderline sibilant, though I would say it\u2019s actually quite well-controlled\u2026with some caveats. My personal recommendation is to not raise the volume too high as to not be bombarded by overwhelmingly sharp highs.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut as mentioned before, tip rolling is an option with the EW200, and the right ear tips could help tame the treble a bit and make the listening experience less fatiguing while still keeping most of the EW200\u2019s good traits.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nAs a product for SIMGOT to make a comeback of sorts in the hugely competitive ChiFi market, the SIMGOT EW200 is\u2026really quite a compelling choice for those seeking a treble-focused sound signature on a budget. Its crisp and energetic presentation complements various music genres, particularly those that benefit from intricate detailing and vibrant upper frequencies.\n\n\nWhile the EW200 offers an attractive proposition with its affordable $39.99 price point, it\u2019s essential to consider its caveats. There\u2019s the slight lightness in note weight, along with a bright presentation that might be too much for some listeners.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs an alternative, the \nQKZ x HBB Khan\n goes for the same price and has dual dynamic drivers instead to provide a more impactful bass response in comparison to the EW200. Basically, it comes down to whether you prefer a warmer and bassier presentation (the Khan) or a brighter and lighter one (the EW200).\n\n\nLi Jin Soh contributed to this review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honkai-impact-3rd-forest-capriccio-online-concert-happening-tonight/", "title": "Honkai Impact 3rd Forest Capriccio Online Concert Happening Tonight", "body": "\n\nHoyoverse holds concerts for its various games every now and then, including \nGenshin Impact\n and Honkai Impact 3rd. This time around, it\u2019s for the latter, and for the first time ever, the Honkai Impact 3rd Forest Capriccio concert will be held both offline and online.\n\n\nThe Honkai Impact 3rd offline concert will be held in several cities around the world, including Los Angeles, Tokyo, Seoul, and Kuala Lumpur right here in Malaysia. Of course, if you didn\u2019t manage to secure an invite to the offline concert, you can still catch it online on various platforms, including YouTube.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Hoyoverse, the Honkai Impact 3rd concert will take advantage of virtual production and extended reality (xR) technologies. \u201cWhen the boundary between real and virtual world blurs, the dimensional wall shall break, expanding the world of Honkai Impact 3rd to an infinite reality,\u201d as the company puts it.\n\n\nHonkai Impact 3rd Forest Capriccio online concert will go live later tonight (29 July) at 8PM Malaysian time. Again, if you weren\u2019t able to get an invite to the offline concert, you can still catch it online through the YouTube video linked below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-saga-hot-wheels-packaging-designed-by-9-year-old-available-in-malaysia-2024/", "title": "Proton Saga Hot Wheels\u2019 Packaging Designed by 9-Year-Old \u2013 Available in Malaysia 2024", "body": "\n\nThe limited edition Proton Saga Hot Wheels is set to be available in Malaysia sometime in 2024. Ahead of its launch, Mattel and Proton held a kids design competition for the packaging of the diecast, and it was won by 9-year-old Saw Jane Harn from Penang.\n\n\nThe design competition kicked off earlier this year, and Harn\u2019s artwork was selected from over 386 participants between the ages of 4 to 12 years old. Keeping in line with the theme of \u201cA Malaysian National Car,\u201d her design includes the rhinoceros hornbill, the hibiscus, and of course, the Petronas Twin Towers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cThe Malaysian elements Jane Harn chose for her design are a quintessential summation of our beautiful country,\u201d said the chief designer of Proton (and one of the judges for the competition), Azlan Othman. \u201cWe thought that her artful execution of these undeniably Malaysian icons would set a wonderful backdrop for the Hot Wheels Proton Saga,\u201d he added.\n\n\nHowever, the press release mentioned that Harn\u2019s artwork will undergo a pre-production review to identify any regulatory or other approvals that may be required. Of course, the original design elements will be retained as much as possible.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Hot Wheels Proton Saga Special Edition diecast will first be available in over 150 countries from December 2023. For the Malaysian market, it will be offered here sometime in 2024 at \u201cleading toy specialty stores, departmental stores, hypermarkets, petrol kiosks, online, and in convenience stores nationwide.\u201d\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2023-honda-city-facelift-launching-in-malaysia-10-august/", "title": "2023 Honda City Facelift Launching in Malaysia 10 August", "body": "\n\nThe 2023 Honda City facelift is launching in Malaysia next week on 10 August! Set to be introduced not long after the \nWR-V\u2019s debut a few weeks ago\n, the facelifted B-segment sedan is getting a number of notable upgrades, including a more sophisticated ADAS.\n\n\nNot only does the City facelift come with a new front grille and updated bumper design \u2013 as shown here for the range-topping e:HEV RS model \u2013 its Honda Sensing ADAS capability is getting two new features too. These include Low Speed Follow (LSF) and Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, the City e:HEV RS soldiers on with the same Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) hybrid powertrain that delivers 109PS and 253Nm of torque. The sedan also comes with a 1.5L four-cylinder engine that does 98PS and 127Nm of torque, but it mainly acts as a generator for the electric motor. The 1.5L mill is only used at higher speeds.\n\n\nWhile only the City e:HEV RS has been confirmed so far, it\u2019s safe to assume Honda Malaysia will continue to offer petrol variants of the City. Currently, these include the S, E, V, and V Sensing models, which are all powered by the same 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine that outputs 121PS and 145Nm of torque. It is paired to a CVT with drive sent to the front wheels.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ll find out more about the new Honda City facelift, including its local pricing, once it is launched in Malaysia next week on 10 August. The sedan is also available for booking now at all 101 authorised Honda dealerships nationwide. Alternatively, pre-booking can be done online\u00a0\nhere\n, or through the HondaTouch app \u2013 it can be downloaded from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-opens-4-new-brand-store-3-0-in-malaysia-kl-selangor-perak-n-sembilan/", "title": "Realme Opens 4 New \u201cBrand Store 3.0\u201d in Malaysia \u2013 KL, Selangor, Perak, N. Sembilan", "body": "\n\nRealme recently opened four new stores throughout Malaysia. Dubbed Brand Store 3.0, these outlets features a \u201cmodern design concept and enhanced retail services and experience,\u201d as the Chinese company puts it.\n\n\nOut of the four new stores, two of them are located here in Klang Valley. These include Pavilion Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur, and Sunway Pyramid in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. As for the other two, they are found in Palm Mall in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, as well as Ipoh Parade in Ipoh, Perak.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese four outlets are the first to feature Realme\u2019s Brand Store 3.0 philosophy, so to speak. The company added that existing Realme outlets will be upgraded to match the aesthetics and retail experience of these new stores to better serve its customers.\n\n\nThe four new Realme Brand Store 3.0 outlets are now open to the public. To recap, they can be found in Pavilion Bukit Jalil (Kuala Lumpur); Sunway Pyramid, Petaling Jaya (Selangor); Palm Mall, Seremban (Negeri Sembilan); and Ipoh Parade, Ipoh (Perak).\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-11-pro-roadshow-in-pavilion-bukit-jalil-4-6-august-2023-offers-rm15000-worth-of-prizes/", "title": "Realme 11 Pro Roadshow in Pavilion Bukit Jalil 4 \u2013 6 August 2023 Offers RM15,000 Worth of Prizes", "body": "\n\nInitially launched in Malaysia about a couple of weeks ago, Realme is running a roadshow for its latest premium mid-range phones, the Realme 11 Pro series, from today onwards. Taking place in Pavilion Bukit Jalil, lucky draw prizes worth a total of RM15,000 are up for grabs.\n\n\nIn order to be eligible for the lucky draw, you just have to purchase a smartphone or tablet \u2013 all of which have their own promotions \u2013 at the roadshow in Pavilion Bukit Jalil between 4 to 6 August. Some of the prizes that are offered include a Realme 43-inch TV, Realme Buds Air 3, Realme Buds T100, and a Realme Watch 2 Pro.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the highlights of the 11 Pro series is certainly the vegan leather back panel. Realme Design Studio collaborated with Matteo Menotto \u2013 former print and textile designer from Gucci \u2013 to work on the Sunrise Beige and Oasis Green colourways of the phones. While Realme isn\u2019t the first brand to make use of vegan leather, the back panel design is really quite eye-catching, in our opinion.\n\n\nBeyond that, the 11 Pro+ gets a pretty sophisticated triple camera system made up of a 200MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 2MP macro lens; it also has a 32MP selfie camera. As for the 11 Pro, it has a more modest dual camera setup (100MP main + 2MP depth) and a 16MP front-facing shooter.\n\n\nOther specifications of the 11 Pro series include a 6.7-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset, and a 5,000mAh battery. It\u2019s worth noting that the 11 Pro+ features faster 100W charging over the standard 11 Pro\u2019s 67W rate.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Realme 11 Pro series roadshow will take place from today (4 August) to 6 August 2023 in the Centre Court (level 2) of Pavilion Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur. If you want to grab the latest Realme 11 Pro phones \u2013 or any other products from Realme \u2013 you can drop by the roadshow.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-11-realme-11x-appear-in-sirim-malaysian-launch-soon/", "title": "Realme 11 & Realme 11x Appear in SIRIM \u2013 Malaysian Launch Soon?", "body": "\n\nThe \nRealme 11 Pro series\n was launched in Malaysia just last month, and it appears the Chinese company is already gearing up to launch two new phones on our shores. Based on what we gathered, we believe both the Realme 11 and Realme 11x will debut here very soon.\n\n\nAfter all, the two phones have already been registered with SIRIM. The Realme 11x appeared in SIRIM\u2019s database yesterday on 15 August, while the standard Realme 11 was registered quite a while back on 27 July. It\u2019s worth noting that these two phones will be launched in India \nnext week on 23 August\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChances are, Malaysia will mirror the specifications of the Realme 11 and Realme 11x for the Indian market, though only certain specifications have been detailed by Realme India. The Realme 11 is said to feature a 108MP primary camera with a 5,000mAh battery that supports 67W fast charging, while no specific details regarding the Realme 11x have been revealed.\n\n\nNonetheless, we\u2019ll find out more about the Realme 11 and Realme 11x once they are launched in India on 23 August next week. At the moment, no word yet on the Malaysian availability of the two phones, but as they have been registered with SIRIM already, we expect to hear more about both devices from Realme Malaysia very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-y78-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm1399-120hz-dual-curved-screen-64mp-ois-camera/", "title": "Vivo Y78 Lands in Malaysia for RM1,399 \u2013 120Hz Dual Curved Screen, 64MP OIS Camera", "body": "\n\nVivo just launched a new mid-range smartphone in Malaysia, the Vivo Y78. Sporting a 120Hz dual curved screen with a 64MP camera \u2013 complete with optical image stabilisation \u2013 the Y78 looks to be a rather interesting mid-ranger that doesn\u2019t cost a lot of money either.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, only one variant of the Y78 is offered. Packed with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, the phone retails at RM1,399 on our shores. Two colour options are available: Dreamy Gold and Flare Black.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Y78 features a 6.78-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It also has a triple camera system made up of the aforementioned 64MP main sensor with OIS, a 2MP macro shooter, and a 2MP depth lens.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Y78 include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage, a 16MP selfie camera, a 5,000mAh battery with support for 44W fast charging, and Funtouch OS 13 based on Android 13 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Vivo Y78 is \nnow available for purchase in Malaysia for RM1,399\n. Early birds can also get RM599 worth of freebies, including a pair of wireless earbuds, a 180-day extended warranty, and a 180-day screen protection.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/photo-essay-hoyo-fest-2023-in-malaysia-tropicana-gardens-mall-until-7-august/", "title": "Photo Essay: Hoyo Fest 2023 in Malaysia \u2013 Tropicana Gardens Mall Until 7 August", "body": "\n\nHoyo Fest is back in Malaysia, and it is bigger than ever! This time around, Hoyo Fest 2023 has a booth of its own in Tropicana Gardens Mall, Petaling Jaya. All five games from the company are featured here too, including \nHonkai: Star Rail\n, \nGenshin Impact\n, Honkai Impact 3rd, Tears of Themis, and even the unreleased Zenless Zone Zero.\n\n\nIf you want to check out either one of these games \u2013 you can even play a beta version of Zenless Zone Zero at the event \u2013 Hoyo Fest 2023 is certainly worth a visit. After all, you can get a number of neat merchandise for free; more exclusive merchandise are available for purchase as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEach Hoyoverse title at Hoyo Fest 2023 has its own booth with activities unique to the specific game. By completing these activities, players can get various merchandise. Not surprisingly, Genshin Impact has the most number of activities, where visitors can walk away with stickers, posters, postcards, and even a Primogem-themed hair accessory.\n\n\nOut of all the booths at this year\u2019s Hoyo Fest, Genshin Impact has (arguably) the most eye-catching one. The design of the booth itself is quite elaborate, and there\u2019s even a Katheryne to greet visitors and assist with the activities; very neat.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHonkai: Star Rail has quite an intriguing set up at Hoyo Fest too, and it proved to be quite popular among visitors when we were there. Besides the usual merchandise such as fans and bookmarks \u2013 a large Pom-Pom can be found here too! \u2013 you can even try out various Star Rail characters on a couple of smartphones provided at the booth. What we found particularly interesting is the fact that the Blade on trial has \nall six Eidolons\n. Needless to say, he\u2019s very strong.\n\n\nAnother booth we\u2019re particularly fond of is Zenless Zone Zero\u2019s. After all, visitors can try out the game for themselves here. Given that the only time the game can be played was during its first (and only) closed beta test last year, it\u2019s quite the opportunity to be able to test out the game before its release.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, Zenless Zone Zero doesn\u2019t have a release date yet either. Based on our brief time playing through the beta, it does seem like a very promising action RPG from Hoyoverse with a rather interesting storyline.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, the Honkai Impact 3rd and Tears of Themis booths have their own unique aesthetics too at Hoyo Fest. A booth for Lumi \u2013 Hoyoverse\u2019s main character for its Nova Desktop live wallpaper app \u2013 is also present at the event ground for visitors to take pictures at for their social media.\n\n\nOnce visitors have visited all the booths at Hoyo Fest, they can proceed to the merchandise area to buy\u2026well, merchandise from Hoyoverse\u2019s games. Given that it hasn\u2019t been released yet, no Zenless Zone Zero merchandise is offered, though Genshin Impact has the widest range of merchandise on sale. there\u2019s even a neat 1/7 scale figure of Ningguang that costs a cool RM1,014.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHoyo Fest 2023 is definitely shaping up to be the most exciting event yet for fans of Hoyoverse\u2019s various titles here in Malaysia. To recap, the event will be at Tropicana Gardens Mall, Petaling Jaya until 7 August next week. More details on this year\u2019s Hoyo Fest can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/nothing-phone-2-review-looking-beyond-the-hype/", "title": "Nothing Phone 2 Review: Looking Beyond the Hype", "body": "\n\nNothing\u2019s marketing has always relied on building hype for its range of products, though for the Nothing Phone 2, it is a bit more subdued \u2013 just a bit. But looking beyond the hype, the Phone 2 is a really solid premium mid-range phone with a number of cool tricks under its sleeves, including the eye-catching Glyph Interface.\n\n\nHowever, retailing from RM2,999, it is also quite a bit more expensive than last year\u2019s \nPhone 1\n; it went for RM2,699 at launch for the same RAM and storage configuration. At this price point, the Phone 2 has to compete with a number of very competent smartphones, some of which are faster, more upmarket flagship-class devices.\n\n\nSo is the Nothing Phone 2 worth it then? Well, in my opinion, yes, especially if you like the aesthetics of the phone and appreciate good software experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.7-inch LTPO OLED (2412 x 1080), adaptive 120Hz\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 3.0GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 730\nRAM\n12GB\nStorage\n256/512GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n50MP f/1.88, OIS\n50MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide)\nCamera (front)\n32MP f/2.45\nBattery\n4,700mAh with 45W fast charging\nDimensions\n162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm\nWeight\n201.2g\nOS\nNothing OS 2.0 based on Android 13\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.3\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM2,999 (256GB), RM3,499 (512GB)\n\n\nIf the Nothing Phone 2 was launched last year, it could\u2019ve easily pass off as a flagship phone. After all, it\u2019s powered by a (still very capable) Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, which can provide a good level of performance. It also has a bright and vibrant OLED panel with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.\n\n\nWhile the Phone 2\u2019s dual camera system doesn\u2019t sound particularly impressive, it\u2019s worth noting that its 50MP primary camera features a Sony IMX890 sensor; the very same one found in the flagship \nOnePlus 11\n. Not surprisingly, this translates to very respectable camera performance, as you can see for yourself further down the review.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nLet\u2019s get to the most eye-catching aspect of the Phone 2 first: its Glyph Interface lighting on the back panel. Compared to its predecessor, the lighting in the main glyph area is now broken up to several parts, with some of them \u2013 such as the top right corner \u2013 doubling as a progress tracker for delivery services or even a countdown timer.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUltimately, this is no more than just a novel feature, though I have to admit it is still quite a cool feature. Beyond that, the Glyph Interface will also light up when I receive notifications or a phone call. Obviously, this requires me to put the phone face down on a surface to really make use of the lighting system, which I\u2019m something I\u2019m not particularly comfortable doing. I\u2019ll get back to this further down the review.\n\n\nIn the performance department, the Phone 2\u2019s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset is more than powerful enough to provide fast, zippy performance. Granted, it\u2019s still not quite as fast as the latest flagship phones powered by the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, and it does struggle (a tad) to run more graphically demanding games such as \nGenshin Impact\n and \nHonkai: Star Rail\n at 60fps consistently.\n\n\nThat being said, as a whole, I do think the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 can still provide a pleasant gaming experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the Phone 2\u2019s 6.7-inch 1080p LTPO OLED display with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. Naturally, this being an OLED panel, it has vibrant, punchy colours with deep blacks and wide viewing angles. Rest assured, the screen quality of the Phone 2 is comparable to other phones at this price point.\n\n\nBattery life of the Phone 2 is worth a mention here too. On average, I can easily get over six hours of screen on time out of the 4,700mAh battery, and this is with a few gaming sessions thrown in throughout the day. Suffice to say I can easily get all-day battery life out of this phone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother aspect of the Phone 2 that I\u2019m really fond of is Nothing OS 2.0. Compared to many other versions of Android, Nothing OS feels notably more polished and intuitive to use. Not only does it feel lightweight and responsive, its always-on display (AOD) is very functional too. I can even add widgets to the lock screen that will remain visible on the AOD; how cool is that?\n\n\nLast but not least is the camera performance of the Phone 2. Sporting a dual camera system made up of a 50MP main shooter and a 50MP ultra-wide angle lens, the former is definitely the highlight. As mentioned, it features the Sony IMX890 sensor, which proved to be quite capable in my testing. Judge for yourself with these sample images:\n\n\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP primary (2x zoom)\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n\n\nWhether it\u2019s daytime or nighttime, the Phone 2 can still take great-looking shots with good detail preservation and colour reproduction. While the camera does have a tendency to oversaturate colours, it doesn\u2019t get to the point where images look unnatural.\n\n\nWhile I\u2019m quite happy with the image quality of the Phone 2\u2019s camera, I do have one issue with the configuration of the camera \u2013 let\u2019s talk about that in the next section.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nFor a phone that starts from RM2,999, the Phone 2 still lacks several key features, one of which is a dedicated telephoto camera. This, in turn, limits the versatility of the device\u2019s camera system. Given that a number of other phones at this price point feature a more sophisticated camera setup, the Phone 2 doesn\u2019t compare favourably in this regard.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the Phone 2\u2019s lack of meaningful water resistance. Sure, it comes with an IP54 splash resistance, but similarly priced phones easily have a superior IP68 water resistance rating for better protection against accidental water damage.\n\n\nMy last qualm with the Phone 2 is also one of its most highlighted features: the Glyph Interface lighting system. Yes, it\u2019s a cool party trick that I played around quite a bit when I first got the phone. But once the novelty wears off, it feels more like a gimmick, a sentiment that I believe will be true for most users.\n\n\nPlus, I really don\u2019t recommend putting down the Phone 2 \u2013 or any phone for that matter \u2013 face down on a surface, especially without a dedicated case or screen protector to prevent scratching the display.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for good value for money, the Nothing Phone 2 is not the best option in this regard. But if you want a reasonably fast phone with good battery life \u2013 and one of the most polished software experiences around \u2013 I highly, highly recommend the Phone 2.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn a market where software experience isn\u2019t prioritised by many phone brands, Nothing OS on the Phone 2 is a breath of fresh air. For a young brand, Nothing is certainly on the right track, and I\u2019m looking forward to future products from the growing company.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/post-malone-buys-e2-million-mtg-lotr-1-1-the-one-ring-card/", "title": "Post Malone Buys \u20ac2 Million MTG LOTR 1/1 The One Ring Card", "body": "\n\nThe highly sought-after The One Ring card from Magic: The Gathering\u2019s The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth set has found a buyer, and it\u2019s a very prominent figure. Rapper Post Malone is the proud owner of MTG\u2019s rarest card yet, though it wasn\u2019t revealed how much he bought the card for.\n\n\nBut looking back, the previous (public) offer for The One Ring was at a whopping \n\u20ac2 million\n, which comes up to about RM9.9 million (!). The original owner of the card, Brook Trafton, posted several TikTok videos of The One Ring, including him meeting with Post Malone himself to sell the card.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n@brooktrafton\n \nWhen I found the One Ring, the first person who came to mind was @Post Malone. I have played MTG since I was a kid and obviously it would be amazing to keep this card. But for a guy like me, being able to sell it is life changing. I just really hoped it would go to someone who would appreciate it as much as I do. This is my dream come true, meeting Post Malone and him buying the One Ring card from me is literally a moment straight out of a fairytale. Post Malone @Magic: The Gathering you have changed my life. Things like this don\u2019t happen to people like me, I guess it\u2019s magic. I am forever grateful \ud83d\ude4f \u2728\u00a0 \n#postmalone\n \n#onering\n \n#oneofone\n \n#mtg\n \n#magic\n \n#mint\n \n#psa\n \n#card\n \n#magicthegathering\n \n#lordoftherings\n \n#trading\n \n#tradingcards\n \n#theonering\n \n#sauron\n \n#collector\n \n#edition\n \n#one\n \n#gandalf\n \n#tradingcardgame\n \n\u266c original sound \u2013 Brook Trafton\n \n \n \n\n\n\n\nPost Malone is known to be an avid MTG player, so it\u2019s no surprise that he\u2019s interested to get the incredibly rare one of a kind card. \u201cMeeting Post Malone and him buying the One Ring card from me is literally a moment straight out of a fairytale,\u201d said Brook.\n\n\nEvidently, Wizards of the Coast\u2019s decision to release a one of one card like The One Ring brought quite a bit of attention to both Magic: The Gathering and The Lord of the Rings franchise. It remains to be seen if Wizards will release more cards of such rarity in the future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/3-9-august-fuel-price-no-changes-ron-97-stays-at-rm3-37-per-litre/", "title": "3 \u2013 9 August Fuel Price: No Changes, RON 97 Stays at RM3.37 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAnother week, another fuel price update. Not surprisingly, there\u2019s no price movement for RON 97 this week, and the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.37 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 3 to 9 August next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-offers-up-to-rm9000-discount-for-merdeka-2023/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Offers up to RM9,000 Discount for Merdeka 2023", "body": "\n\nHonda Malaysia\u2019s discount for the month of August 2023 looks to be quite attractive. In conjunction with our upcoming 66th Merdeka celebration, a number of Honda models are discounted pretty heavily this month. These include the \nCity Hatchback\n, CR-V, and Accord.\n\n\nNaturally,\u00a0the \nHonda Accord\n\u00a0gets the best discount. Both the range-topping TC-P and more affordable TC models of the D-segment sedan receive a total of RM9,000 rebate, while all variants of the CR-V get a RM8,000 total discount.\n\n\nAs for the City Hatchback, all five models of the B-segment hatchback are discounted by RM2,500.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs usual, these discounts are only applicable to vehicles that are registered between 1 to 31 August 2023, meaning you have to take delivery of the car within this month. More details on Honda Malaysia\u2019s Merdeka promotion can be found on \nits official website\n.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to get any of these three Honda models with the rebates, you can place a pre-booking online\u00a0\nhere\n. Alternatively, bookings can be done through the HondaTouch app as well \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-sold-13326-cars-in-july-2023-four-models-are-segment-leaders/", "title": "Proton Sold 13,326 Cars in July 2023 \u2013 Four Models Are Segment Leaders", "body": "\n\nProton continues to record respectable sales figures last month. With 13,326 units sold in July 2023 \u2013 domestic and export sales included \u2013 the national carmaker sees a 16.1% year-on-year improvement. On top of that, four Proton models also lead their respective segments.\n\n\nDespite only being in the market for about three months now, the \nProton X90\n is already leading the D-segment SUV market. In July 2023 itself, 886 units were delivered, bringing the total number of X90 sold so far to 2,225 units.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the \nX50\n continues to be the best-selling B-segment SUV in Malaysia. 2,630 units of the highly popular SUV were sold last month with a total of 20,192 units delivered in 2023. As for the Persona, it leads the B-segment sedan market with 1,953 units sold in July 2023 \u2013 14,533 units in total for the year.\n\n\nLastly, the Exora is the C-segment MPV leader with 374 units sold last month for a total of 2,741 units sold in the first seven months of 2023. While the \nSaga\n isn\u2019t leading the A-segment sedan market last month, it is still the carmaker\u2019s best-selling model with 5,926 units delivered in July 2023; a total of 39,251 units have been sold throughout this year.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cIn terms of percentages, our growth in sales is more than double of the industry thus far and this can be attributed to car buyers being attracted to the technology, quality, safety, and value offered by our model range,\u201d said the deputy CEO of Proton, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n\n\u201cWith the Proton X90 already leading its class after just three months, \nnew model launches\n \non the horizon\n and the company\u2019s \nimpending entry into the EV market\n in 2023 via smart Malaysia, we are confident of hitting our year-end targets,\u201d he added.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sennheiser-ew-dx-digital-wireless-microphone-system-now-in-malaysia-from-rm12999/", "title": "Sennheiser EW-DX Digital Wireless Microphone System Now in Malaysia From RM12,999", "body": "\n\nProfessionals who are looking to get a new microphone system now have a new option to consider in Malaysia. The Sennheiser EW-DX digital wireless microphone series has just landed on our shores, and it\u2019s said to feature the lowest latency (1.9 milliseconds) in the market.\n\n\nTwo sets of the EW-DX are currently available in Malaysia. The EW-DX 835-S handheld set is priced at RM12,999, while the EW-DX MKE 2 lavalier set goes for RM13,999. Either sets will come with a handheld, bodypack, and table stand transmitters; two 2-channel receiver versions in a half 19-inch rack space (one with Dante and another without); and a 4-channel Dante-enabled receiver in a full 19-inch format.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the key selling points of the EW-DX \u2013 aside from its low latency \u2013 is the fact that it can simplify workflows to deliver a digital UHF system that can be scaled easily. \u201cThis awesome system combines pro features and ease of use in well-designed, rugged housings. We\u2019re happy to see it hitting the market,\u201d said the product manager of Sennheiser, Benny Franke.\n\n\nThe Sennheiser EW-DX is now available for purchase in Malaysia from RM12,999. Those who are interested to get the wireless microphone system can get in touch with Sennheiser\u2019s Malaysian distributor, \nAcoustic & Lighting System\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-day-2023-starts-today-up-to-rm600000-worth-of-prizes-new-acer-swift-go-14-laptop/", "title": "Acer Day 2023 Starts Today \u2013 Up to RM600,000 Worth of Prizes, New Acer Swift Go 14 Laptop", "body": "\n\nAcer Day is back for 2023, and there are quite a number of attractive prizes, discounts, and products up for grabs from today until 30 September. Not only are \nRM600,000 worth of prizes\n are offered throughout Acer Day 2023, the Taiwanese company is also bringing in a special edition of the Acer Swift Go 14 for the celebration.\n\n\nLet\u2019s talk about the RM600,000 prize pool first. Of course, the prizes are divided to several categories ranging from monthly giveaways \u2013 open to customers who purchase selected Acer products \u2013 to cash rebates offered through a spin the wheel mechanic at Acer Day Carnivals that are held at selected Acer Concept stores over four weekends.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, Acer Malaysia is also bringing in the Acer Swift Go 14 Special Edition to the local market in conjunction with Acer Day. Two variants are offered: the Intel Core i5-13500H model with a 512GB SSD is priced at RM3,899, while the Core i7-13700H variant with a more generous 1TB SSD goes for RM4,599.\n\n\nBeyond the different processor and SSD capacity, other specifications of the Swift Go 14 are the same for both models. These include a 14-inch 2880 x 1800 OLED display, 16GB of RAM, Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, as well as up to eight hours of battery life. The full version of Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021 is also bundled with the laptop.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, Acer Day 2023 will be held from today until 30 September 2023. More details on the prizes and promotions offered throughout the celebration can be found on \nAcer Malaysia\u2019s Facebook page\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/redmi-12c-receives-further-price-cut-in-malaysia-now-from-rm409/", "title": "Redmi 12C Receives Further Price Cut in Malaysia \u2013 Now From RM409", "body": "\n\nThe budget-friendly \nRedmi 12C\n was launched in Malaysia back in March this year, and it received a price cut the following month in April 2023. Today, it got yet another price revision, making the affordable phone \u2013 which is packed with a reasonably large display and battery capacity \u2013 an even better option now for those on a tight budget.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Redmi 12C are offered in Malaysia, and both of them receive the same price cut. The base model with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage now retails at RM409 (from RM499), while the 6GB + 128GB configuration goes for RM509 (previously RM599).\n\n\nAt the time of writing, three different colour options are available: Mint Green, Lavender Purple, and Graphite Grey. Do note that some colourways are only available for specific variants.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven the affordable nature of the Redmi 12C, it has a modest spec sheet. It features a 6.71-inch 720p display, a MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, a 50MP primary camera paired with an auxiliary lens for capturing depth information, a 5MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with 10W charging via a microUSB port.\n\n\nThe Redmi 12C is now available for purchase in Malaysia at these new prices through \nShopee\n. To recap, the Redmi 12C now goes for RM409 and RM509 for the 4GB + 128GB and 6GB + 128GB configurations respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/unboxing-rm1099-mtg-commander-masters-collector-boosters-box/", "title": "Unboxing RM1,099 MTG Commander Masters Collector Boosters Box!", "body": "\n\n\n\n \n \n@nextrift\n \n#MTG\n Commander Masters Collector Boosters unboxing! \n#mtgtiktok\n \n#cardgame\n \n#gaming\n \n#tcg\n \n#mtgcommander\n \n#wizardsofthecoast\n \n\u266c Aesthetic \u2013 Gaspar\n \n \n \n\n\n\n\nAs the first Masters set made exclusively for the Commander format, Magic: The Gathering\u2019s newest Commander Masters expansion is quite an intriguing one. After all, the Commander format is one of the most popular ways to play the card game.\n\n\nConsisting of 40 new cards and \u201cbeloved reprints,\u201d as Wizards puts it, Commander Masters features collectable versions of fan-favourite cards. They feature the new borderless frame break treatment where the artwork \u201cexplodes\u201d out of the card, which does look quite good.\n\n\nIn conjunction with the launch of the new set today on 4 August, Wizards sent us a box of Collector Boosters from the Commander Masters set to check out. Without further ado, let\u2019s get to the unboxing!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, a box of Collector Boosters from the Commander Masters set (which includes four boosters) \ncosts a cool RM1,099.99\n, with individual boosters \npriced at RM249.99\n. So yes, oddly enough, purchasing four boosters separately will actually save you RM100. Well, RM100.03, if you want to be specific.\n\n\nCollector Boosters command a premium as they contain cards with exclusive treatments. In the case of Commander Masters, textured foil, foil-etched, and extended-art cards from the set can only be found in Collector Boosters. You\u2019ll also get 15 MTG cards and one token card in a pack of Collector Booster.\n\n\nHere\u2019s the breakdown of cards that you can get in a Commander Masters Collector Booster: four foil commons; two foil uncommons; one foil basic land in the retro frame; two non-foil borderless commons or uncommons; one foil borderless common or uncommon; one foil rare or mythic rare; one foil-etched rare or mythic rare; one non-foil (80% chance) or foil (20% chance) extended-art rare or mythic rare from Commander Masters Commander decks; one non-foil borderless rare or mythic rare; a foil or textured foil (4% chance) rare or mythic rare; and finally, a foil double-face token.\n\n\n\n\nThe contents of a Commander Masters Collector Booster\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlthough every rare slot in a Commander Masters Collector Booster can also be a mythic rare, we only managed to pull one mythic rare card from the four boosters we opened. On the bright side, we got a Demonic Tutor with the borderless frame break treatment, which is \ncurrently going for $59.99\n (about RM270) on Card Kingdom.\n\n\nBesides that, we also opened several cards with the borderless profile treatment. These include a non-foil Azusa, Lost but Seeking, as well as a foil Maelstrom Wanderer. Both of these cards are currently priced at $9.99 (about RM45) on Card Kingdom; not too bad.\n\n\nAs mentioned, every Collector Booster will come with a foil basic land in the retro frame, which looks quite good, in our opinion.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd that is our unboxing of MTG Commander Masters\u2019 Collector Boosters. There\u2019s no denying that Collector Boosters are quite costly, though the prospect of cracking open valuable cards with the exclusive textured foil, foil-etched, or extended-art treatment is certainly exciting.\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-4-0-update-brings-fontaine-region-underwater-gameplay-16-august/", "title": "Genshin Impact 4.0 Update Brings Fontaine Region & Underwater Gameplay 16 August", "body": "\n\nGenshin Impact\n\u2018s much anticipated Fontaine region is finally going live next week on 16 August with the Version 4.0 update. Not only will underwater gameplay be introduced in the update, three new characters from Fontaine will be playable too, including Lyney, Lynette, and Freminet.\n\n\nLyney is the only 5-star character of the bunch, while Lynette and Freminet are 4-star units. Lyney and Lynette will be featured in phase one of Genshin Impact 4.0\u2019s event wish alongside Yelan, while Freminet will be available in the second phase in Tartaglia\u2019s and Zhongli\u2019s rerun banners.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLynette\n\n\nFreminet\n\n\nLyney\n\n\n\n\nIcewind Suite, a new boss in the Fontaine region\n\n\n\n\nThis being a major update, Version 4.0 of Genshin Impact will kickstart the new Fontaine storyline as well as the addition of underwater gameplay; a first for the game. This makes sense, given that the \u201cNation of Justice\u201d is surrounded by water and ruled by the current Hydro Archon, Focalors.\n\n\nA slew of quality of life improvements are also coming to Genshin Impact 4.0. On PlayStation consoles, global illumination and motion sensor support (along with faster loading times) will be added. Hoyoverse will also introduce multi-layered map and new backgrounds in the party setup page.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Version 4.0 of Genshin Impact will go live on 16 August next week. To recap, Lyney\u2019s and Lynette\u2019s banners will be offered first with Yelan\u2019s rerun once the update drops, followed by Freminet\u2019s debut alongside Tartaglia\u2019s and Zhongli\u2019s event wishes in the second phase at a later date.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-proton-s50-local-testing-continues-new-rear-bumper-design/", "title": "Spy Shot: Proton S50 Local Testing Continues! New Rear Bumper Design?", "body": "\n\nProton\u2019s much anticipated sedan, the \nProton S50\n, has been spotted on Malaysian roads yet again. This time around, it was seen on MRR2 here in Kuala Lumpur, and it is covered with a new camouflage. On top of that, it looks to be sporting a different rear bumper than its donor car too, the Geely Emgrand.\n\n\nThese images of the S50 were taken by Muhamad Azmeer and subsequently shared by \nThe Ajerul on Facebook\n. Though most of the car\u2019s exterior is covered in camouflage, some parts of the rear bumper are exposed, and it looks a tad different than the Emgrand\u2019s design.\n\n\nOf course, given that this is just a test mule of the S50, it may not reflect the design of the finished product when it is officially launched.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, the S50 is is rumoured to be launched in Malaysia as early as November 2023. On top of that, four different variants are said to be offered, and all of them will be powered by the familiar 1.5L TGDi engine that outputs 177PS and 255Nm of torque \u2013 the same one found under the hood of the \nX50\n and X70.\n\n\nNonetheless, until confirmed by Proton itself, take these rumoured details on the Proton S50 with a grain of salt \u2013 except for the \nunavailability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto\n. We should learn more about the S50 as we approach closer to the rumoured November 2023 launch of the sedan.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ttracing-airflex-is-the-brands-first-ergonomic-chair-for-rm599/", "title": "TTRacing Airflex Is the Brand\u2019s First Ergonomic Chair for RM599", "body": "\n\nTTRacing is known for its range of gaming chairs, so it\u2019s quite interesting when the brand recently unveiled the TTRacing Airflex. It\u2019s an ergonomic chair with a number of intriguing features, and true to TTRacing\u2019s pricing strategy, it\u2019s quite affordable too.\n\n\nRetailing at RM599, the Airflex is available in two colours: Graphite Black and Ashy Grey. One of the headline features of the ergonomic chair is the shape of its mesh back, which is said to offer \u201cintegrated lumbar support that extends up to your neck, all without the need for a detachable headrest,\u201d as the company puts it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, the Airflex\u2019s armrests can also be flipped up, and the seat base looks to be thick enough to provide optimal support. The chair itself can be tilted back 121-degree too, and the nylon wheelbase is said to be able to offer good stability as well.\n\n\nThe TTRacing Airflex is now available for pre-order on \nTTRacing\u2019s online store for RM599\n. Shipping is expected to start from 4 September next month, though there\u2019s a chance deliveries could begin earlier. If you\u2019re keen to get the Airflex, use our code NEXTRIFT10 to get a 10% discount with no minimum spend \u2013 it can be used for other TTRacing products too.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/anker-mach-v1-ultra-now-in-malaysia-for-rm4399-1st-cordless-vacuum-with-steam-mop/", "title": "Anker Mach V1 Ultra Now in Malaysia for RM4,399 \u2013 1st Cordless Vacuum With Steam Mop", "body": "\n\nAnker is well-known for its range of chargers and power banks, but today, the company is launching something a little different: a vacuum cleaner. Not just any vacuum cleaner either \u2013 the Anker Mach V1 Ultra is said to be the first cordless stick vacuum cleaner with steam mopping capability.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Mach V1 Ultra retails at a cool RM4,399. For that kind of money, it does have some interesting features, including the aforementioned steam mop that allows it to clean stubborn stains easier while also disinfecting surfaces. After all, it can produce steams that reach temperatures of 110\u00b0C.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the V1 Ultra also has a sterilisation technology dubbed Eco-Clean Ozone. It does so by \u201cbreaking down ozone molecules into oxygen molecules,\u201d as the company puts it, so the vacuum can clean and disinfect surfaces more effectively.\n\n\nAs for battery life, the V1 Ultra can last up to 82 minutes on a single charge, thanks to Anker\u2019s battery management system that leverages on its expertise in, well, charging technology. The vacuum can also be connected to the Eufy Clean app to monitor its state or charge, performance figures, and even maintenance reminders.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Anker Mach V1 Ultra is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM4,399 from various retailers. It also comes with a 24-month warranty with one-to-one exchange, which is quite neat.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-ttracing-titus-review-worth-rm999/", "title": "Video: TTRacing Titus Review \u2013 Worth RM999?", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTTRacing has consistently released one affordable product after another, and the \nTTRacing Titus\n is no exception. After all, it\u2019s a smart desk that retails from only RM999, and for that kind of money, it\u2019s quite a complete height-adjustable desk.\n\n\nNaturally, the Titus features an electric motor that can adjust the height of the desk from as low as 760mm to 1,210mm. It also has a curved cutout with retractable headphone and cup holders. If you\u2019re concerned about reliability, the desk\u2019s electric motor is covered by a two-year warranty.\n\n\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about the TTRacing Titus, watch our full video review above! You can purchase the desk over at\u00a0\nTTRacing\u2019s official website\n, and if you plan on doing that, use our code NEXTRIFT10 to get a 10% discount with no minimum spend \u2013 it can be used on other TTRacing products too.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-nitro-16-launched-in-malaysia-from-rm5799-up-to-rtx-4070-gpu/", "title": "Acer Nitro 16 Launched in Malaysia From RM5,799 \u2013 Up to RTX 4070 GPU", "body": "\n\nInitially unveiled at CES 2023, the Acer Nitro 16 \u2013 with a new design language to boot \u2013 is finally available in Malaysia today. Configurable with up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, this gaming laptop looks to offer a good level of performance for the money, which has always been a winning trait for Acer\u2019s range of Nitro laptops.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, there are three different variants of the Nitro 16, and all of them feature AMD\u2019s processors. The base model with a Ryzen 7 7840HS processor, an RTX 4050, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD retails at RM5,799. If you want to upgrade the GPU to an RTX 4060, it will set you back RM6,399.\n\n\nAs for the range-topping RTX 4070 model \u2013 which also features a faster Ryzen 9 7940HS processor, 32GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD \u2013 it is priced at RM7,999.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond these hardware differences, all configurations of the Nitro 16 feature the same 16-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS display with a fast 165Hz refresh rate. It also has a 720p webcam, a 25.9mm thick chassis that tips the scales at 2.7kg, as well as up to 10 hours of battery life. It is also covered under a two-year warranty with the first year being international warranty.\n\n\nThe Acer Nitro 16 is now available for purchase in Malaysia. In conjunction with the ongoing \nAcer Day\n, every purchase of the gaming laptop by 17 August will come with freebies worth RM828, including a Predator Cestus 335 mouse, a Predator-branded backpack, as well as TNG ewallet credit worth up to RM250.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-5-unboxing-hands-on-samsungs-most-exciting-foldable-yet/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Unboxing & Hands-on: Samsung\u2019s Most Exciting Foldable Yet?", "body": "\n\nSamsung\u2019s 2023 foldable devices are a bit of a mixed bag, in my opinion. Take the \nGalaxy Z Fold 5\n: beyond a performance upgrade and a new gapless design, the foldable phone is largely similar \nto its predecessor\n. But the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5? Now, \nthis\n is a much more exciting update.\n\n\nJust like the Z Fold 5, the Z Flip 5 also features a new gapless design with a nice performance upgrade courtesy of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. But the headline feature of the foldable flip phone has to be the larger, much more functional cover screen now dubbed Flex Window.\n\n\nThis new feature alone makes the Z Flip 5 a compelling flip phone, especially here in Malaysia where options are more limited. Nonetheless, here\u2019s our unboxing and hands-on of (arguably) Samsung\u2019s most exciting foldable phone yet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPackaging of the Z Flip 5 is, unsurprisingly, very minimalist. No charging brick is bundled with the phone, so the box is nice and slim. The first thing you\u2019ll see when you open the box is the phone itself wrapped in a sheet of paper. It\u2019s good to see Samsung moving away from plastic packaging for the phone itself.\n\n\nOf course, a USB-C to USB-C cable is also provided with the Z Flip 5 for charging and data transfer purposes. There\u2019s also a SIM pin \u2013 Samsung\u2019s pin design is still my favourite one to date \u2013 and the usual paper manuals are bundled with the phone too. And\u2026that\u2019s basically the unboxing experience of the Z Flip 5.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes, the display crease is still about the same\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe first thing you\u2019ll see once you\u2019ve set up the Galaxy Z Flip 5 are a number of disclaimers. These include not pressing on the screen with a hard or sharp object, making sure nothing is inside the screen when it is folded, and most importantly, not to remove the protective film to avoid damaging the screen.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the primary screen of the Z Flip 5 still feels nice and slick even with the protective film on. While I wouldn\u2019t say it feels as smooth as glass, it certainly doesn\u2019t feel like a cheap screen protector. Based on what I can tell (so far), the display itself feels quite robust too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMore importantly, the Z Flip 5 doesn\u2019t have any gap now when the device is folded. Not only does this look aesthetically better, it should be able to minimise dust that gets in between the two halves of the screen when the phone is kept in my pocket; an issue that I faced with the \nZ Flip 4\n. Unfortunately, the display crease is still quite visible.\n\n\nWhile we\u2019re on the topic of display, I absolutely love the new cover screen of the Flip 5. Not only does the 3.4-inch 748 x 720 Super AMOLED display look great \u2013 even if the refresh rate is only limited to 60Hz \u2013 the sheer size of the panel also allows for a full-size keyboard to be used on this display to reply to messages.\n\n\nGranted, Samsung is not the first brand to offer this on a foldable flip phone, but the Z Flip 5 \nis\n the first device to offer such capability (officially) in Malaysia, so there\u2019s that.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the primary screen of the Z Flip 5, it\u2019s great! For the most part, this 6.7-inch 2640 x 1080 Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate is very similar to the panel found on last year\u2019s Z Flip 4, though this is not necessarily a bad thing. It\u2019s still a bright, vibrant screen with wide viewing angles and deep, true blacks. The image quality it offers is certainly befitting of a flagship device.\n\n\nAnd because this is a flagship smartphone, the Z Flip 5 naturally has the performance to match its status as a high-end, premium device. In my testing so far, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 under the hood of this phone feels very capable. Given that this is the same chip that powers the majority of flagship devices in the market now, there\u2019s no denying that it is a powerhouse.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to battery life, the Z Flip 5 retains the previous model\u2019s 3,700mAh battery with 25W charging, which is quite slow by today\u2019s standard. While it would\u2019ve been great to see an improvement in the battery capacity (and charging speed) of the foldable phone, the switch to a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset could translate to better battery life \u2013 I\u2019ll keep an eye on this for the full review.\n\n\nLast but not least is the camera performance of the Z Flip 5, which is\u2026good? After all, there\u2019s no meaningful changes to the camera hardware of the phone. It still has a dual camera system made up of a 12MP f/1.8 main shooter and a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle lens. It also has a 10MP selfie camera.\n\n\nBased on some quick shots I took with the phone, it does feel quite capable with good dynamic range and detail preservation. The camera system can lock in focus quite quickly too, though this is expected when shooting under ideal lighting.\n\n\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, I\u2019m excited to put the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 through its paces in the coming weeks. Although some of its hardware are still similar to last year\u2019s model, the improvements it does bring do make for a more compelling device, such as the larger cover screen, gapless design, and improved performance.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is offered in two variants. The base 8GB + 256GB model is priced at RM4,499, while the more generous 8GB + 512GB configuration costs RM4,999. Compared to last year\u2019s Z Flip 4 with the same storage options, this is (only) a RM100 price hike. Quite reasonable, given the upgrades the new foldable received.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/10-16-august-fuel-price-no-changes-ron-97-price-maintained-at-rm3-37-per-litre/", "title": "10 \u2013 16 August Fuel Price: No Changes, RON 97 Price Maintained at RM3.37 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAnother week, another fuel price update. Not surprisingly, there\u2019s no price movement for RON 97 this week, and the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.37 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 10 to 16 August next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2023-honda-city-facelift-debuts-in-malaysia-price-increase-across-the-board-from-rm85k/", "title": "2023 Honda City Facelift Debuts in Malaysia \u2013 Price Increase Across the Board, From RM85k", "body": "\n\nAs promised\n, the 2023 Honda City facelift has just been launched in Malaysia! The updated B-segment sedan is introduced not long after the \nWR-V\u2019s debut last month\n, and the facelifted City features a number of notable upgrades, including a more sophisticated Honda Sensing ADAS\u2026and a price increase across the board.\n\n\nBut there is good reason for the price hike: Honda Sensing is now standard across the range. Just like the previous model, the new City is offered in five variants: S (RM84,900), E (RM89,900), V (RM94,900), RS (RM99,900, new to the range, replacing the V Sensing trim), and the range-topping e:HEV RS (RM111,900) hybrid model.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, all variants of the City facelift now feature Honda Sensing ADAS capability, including the addition of Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN). In the case of the e:HEV RS model, it even gets Low Speed Follow (LSF), making for a pretty darn complete ADAS.\n\n\nOf course, the facelifted City has a number of design changes. For the petrol and e:HEV RS models, the two trims come with a new honeycomb front grille, rear diffuser, side skirting, as well as updated 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels that look quite a bit sleeker than the previous design, in our opinion.\n\n\nOh, it\u2019s worth noting that the RS models also get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnder the hood, the new City soldiers on with the same powertrain options. In case of the e:HEV RS, it retains the Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) hybrid powertrain that delivers 109PS and 253Nm of torque. This variant also comes with a 1.5L four-cylinder engine that does 98PS and 127Nm of torque, but it mainly acts as a generator for the electric motor. The 1.5L mill is only used at higher speeds.\n\n\nAs for the four other petrol variants of the updated City \u2013 namely the S, E, V, and RS models \u2013 they are all powered by the same 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine that outputs 121PS and 145Nm of torque. It is paired to a CVT with drive sent to the front wheels.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2023 Honda City facelift is now available for booking at all 101 authorised Honda dealerships nationwide from RM84,900. Alternatively, pre-booking can be done online\u00a0\nhere\n, or through the HondaTouch app \u2013 it can be downloaded from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2023-honda-accord-not-coming-to-malaysia-due-to-low-demand-in-d-segment-market/", "title": "2023 Honda Accord Not Coming to Malaysia Due to Low Demand in D-Segment Market", "body": "\n\nAt the launch of the new \nHonda City facelift\n, Honda Malaysia revealed some of its plans for the year, including its decision not to bring in the 2023 Honda Accord to our local market. With that in mind, it appears the current Accord \u2013 which was launched here \nback in 2020\n \u2013 will continue to be sold here for the foreseeable future.\n\n\nAccording to the MD and CEO of Honda Malaysia, Hironobu Yoshimura, the Japanese company is not bringing in the new Accord due to low demand in the D-segment market. Instead, it appears Honda is capitalising on the rising demand for SUVs instead, especially with the \nintroduction of the WR-V last month\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2023 Honda Accord\n\n\nThe current Accord sold in Malaysia\n\n\n\n\nOn the bright side, at least the current Accord is discounted quite heavily right now. For this month, both the range-topping TC-P and more affordable TC models of the sedan \nreceive a RM9,000 rebate\n. This brings down the starting price of the Accord to RM169,400.\n\n\nDo note that this discount on the Accord is only applicable to vehicles that are registered between 1 to 31 August 2023, meaning you have to take delivery of the car within this month. More details on the promotion can be found on\u00a0\nHonda Malaysia\u2019s official website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/423000-honda-city-sold-in-malaysia-since-2002/", "title": "423,000 Honda City Sold in Malaysia Since 2002", "body": "\n\nThe first generation Honda City made its debut here in Malaysia back in 2002. Since then, over 423,000 units of the B-segment sedan have been sold on our shores. This comes as no surprise, of course, given that the City has consistently been \nHonda Malaysia\u2019s best-selling model\n.\n\n\nThis figure was revealed by the MD and CEO of Honda Malaysia, Hironobu Yoshimura, at the \nlocal launch of the City facelift\n. \u201cThe popularity of the City is undeniable. Since it was introduced in 2002, there are now more than 423,000 City on Malaysian roads,\u201d he said.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Honda Malaysia, it is targeting to sell 2,400 units of the new City monthly. Five variants are still offered: S (RM84,900), E (RM89,900), V (RM94,900), RS (RM99,900, new to the range, replacing the V Sensing trim), and the range-topping e:HEV RS (RM111,900) hybrid model.\n\n\nThe 2023 Honda City facelift is now available for booking at all 101 authorised Honda dealerships nationwide. Alternatively, pre-booking can be done online\u00a0\nhere\n, or through the HondaTouch app \u2013 it can be downloaded from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopback-pay-now-in-malaysia-earn-and-use-cashback-online-offline/", "title": "ShopBack Pay Now in Malaysia \u2013 Earn (And Use) Cashback Online & Offline", "body": "\n\nLast year, ShopBack introduced its buy now, pay later (BNPL) service dubbed \nShopBack PayLater\n after acquiring Hoolah, a BNPL platform. Fast forward to today, the company is launching ShopBack Pay, which allows ShopBack users to pay for their purchases in full while still earning cashback.\n\n\nJust like ShopBack PayLater, ShopBack Pay can be used for both online and offline purchases at retail outlets. Not only can you earn cashbacks by paying with the ShopBack app, you can even use the cashback you have earned to offset future payments.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cAt ShopBack, our commitment is to consistently enhance the shopping experience for both our merchants and shoppers. By introducing a range of innovative and rewarding shopping features, we anticipate ShopBack Pay and PayLater services to become a key offering in our product pipeline, contributing significantly to our mission of a rewarding shopping journey,\u201d said the general manager of ShopBack Malaysia, Eddy Han.\n\n\nSo far, over 2,000 merchants online and offline offer ShopBack as a payment option. To celebrate the launch of ShopBack Pay, shoppers can get an instant RM15 bonus cashback when they spend RM300 in-store at the Christy Ng store in Sunway Pyramid and the Jovian store in Shah Alam.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, ShopBack users also stand a chance to win 100% cashback at selected merchants such as Jakel, Puma, Aster Spring, Alhumaira, Kapten Batik, Ariani, and more until 31 August 2023. You can download the ShopBack app from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shopback-has-over-5-million-members-in-malaysia-rm200-million-cashback-earned/", "title": "ShopBack Has Over 5 Million Members in Malaysia \u2013 RM200 Million Cashback Earned", "body": "\n\nAt the launch of \nShopBack Pay\n, the company gave some interesting updates on its operations. Not only are there more than five million ShopBack users in Malaysia now, \nover RM200 million\n cashback have been earned by local users too.\n\n\n\u201cCashback has always been the unique proposition of ShopBack \u2013 to date, Malaysian users have earned more than RM200 million worth of cashback with ShopBack,\u201d said the general manager of ShopBack Malaysia, Eddy Han. Aside from that, he also added that ShopBack sees over 500,000 transactions every day in 2023.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLooking forward, ShopBack will continue to drive value for both its users and merchants. Its annual ShopFest event this year, for one, is said to be the best one yet. It\u2019s set to take place between September to December 2023, so keep your eyes peeled then.\n\n\nWhether you do a lot of shopping online or offline \u2013 yes, ShopBack is available as a payment option at selected retail outlets too \u2013 it\u2019s worth checking out ShopBack to earn some extra cashback. You can download the app from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/final-fantasy-xvi-review-my-first-of-many-more-final-fantasy-games/", "title": "Final Fantasy XVI Review: My First of Many More Final Fantasy Games", "body": "\n\nOkay, technically, Final Fantasy XVI (FFXVI) isn\u2019t the first Final Fantasy game I played. In my younger days, I remember playing a bit of Final Fantasy X, Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII, and more recently, \nFinal Fantasy VII Remake\n. Unfortunately, I completed\u2026none of these games.\n\n\nIn that sense, FFXVI is the first Final Fantasy game I finished. Well, the main storyline anyway. For someone who has never completed a game in this franchise before, I definitely enjoyed playing through the 16th main instalment of the game.\n\n\nEven if it was \noverheating my PS5\n \u2013 more on this further down the review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nFFXVI is touted as the first true action RPG in the series, combining a real-time combat system \u2013 which is done quite well \u2013 with RPG elements. The main protagonist is Clive Rosfield, who carries the title \u201cFirst Shield of Rosaria,\u201d and he is sworn to protect his younger brother, Joshua.\n\n\nJoshua is the Dominant of Phoenix, one of several Eikons that Clive will encounter throughout the game as he travels around Valisthea, the world of FFXVI. Eikons are basically physical embodiments of specific elemental powers in FFXVI, so needless to say, these entities (and their respective Dominants) are powerful figures.\n\n\nWithout going into spoiler territory \u2013 the storyline of the FFXVI is one of its most endearing qualities, after all \u2013 I\u2019ll just take this official excerpt from the game\u2019s synopsis: \nClive will be caught up in a great tragedy and swear revenge on the Dark Eikon known as Ifrit, a mysterious entity that brings calamity in its wake\n.\n\n\nWhile that\u2019s a very simplified plot of the game, it\u2019s actually an apt description of the starting point.\n\n\n\n\nClive\n\n\nJoshua\n\n\nPhoenix\n\n\nIfrit\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHere in Malaysia, FFXVI is \npriced at RM299\n for the Standard Edition of the game, and it is available exclusively on the PS5 until the end of 2023. While that\u2019s quite a steep price tag, this \nis\n a AAA game with plenty of content.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nThe storyline of Final Fantasy XVI is easily my favourite part of the game. Not only does it have an engrossing plot with a great amount of depth, each and every character are fleshed out incredibly well. I\u2019m impressed with the character development of not just Clive, but many other characters we encounter throughout the main scenario.\n\n\nFurther enhancing the narrative of FFXVI is the great voice acting. I finished the story completely in English audio, and I\u2019m very happy I did. Almost every single dialogue is delivered with the right amount of emotion and gusto, and this applies to even minor characters.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOnce I was done with the main storyline of FFXVI \u2013 which took me about 30 hours of purely advancing the plot \u2013 there are still many, \nmany\n side quests to be completed, which add further depth to the world of Valisthea. Basically, FFXVI offers a ton of content that are sure to satiate even the most demanding gamers who are hungry for content.\n\n\nGraphically, there\u2019s no denying that FFXVI is a beautiful game. The environment looks lush and vibrant, character models are very detailed, and their facial expressions are rendered accurately. You can just \nfeel\n the emotions that the characters are portraying from their expressions.\n\n\nThe gameplay of FFXVI is also very fun and sophisticated. While the combat system does feel a bit barebones in the beginning, it does get more complex once I\u2019ve progressed through the game further. I\u2019m not well-versed enough with the combat system to pull off amazing combos, but looking at footage caught by other players, there are certainly many combo variations in this game.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI\u2019m also quite happy with the overall difficulty of FFXVI. For me personally, it strikes a good balance where it feels neither too easy or too hard. Performing perfect dodges are also satisfying, though trying to parry enemy attacks feel a bit\u2026off.\n\n\nAnyway, let\u2019s move on to not so great aspects of the game, including the aforementioned overheating issue.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nThroughout my playthrough of Final Fantasy XVI, I received numerous overheating warnings on my PS5, and in some instances, my console even shut down abruptly. This still occurs even after I took apart my PS5 to clean\u2026a thin layer of dust within the console. Granted, I do have a launch unit of the PS5, though many other players \nhave reported similar issues\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the overall performance of FFXVI. I initially played the game on Frame Rate mode for, well, higher frame rates, but the game can\u2019t quite run the game consistently at 60fps. I ultimately run the game on the Graphics mode instead for higher-fidelity visuals, even though the frame rate is limited to 30fps.\n\n\nMy last qualm with FFXVI are the repetitive quests, which are present even during the main storyline. The fetch quests are particularly annoying, which detracts from the overall narrative and tone of the story, in my opinion.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nAfter all is said and done, I still highly, \nhighly \nrecommend Final Fantasy XVI. While the overheating warnings were quite concerning, the don\u2019t pop-up as often anymore the further I progressed through the game. I am also (relatively) sure that the lifespan of my PS5 won\u2019t be affected by this.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompleting FFXVI intrigued my interest with other Final Fantasy games. From the franchise\u2019s excellent character development to incredible world building, I may just make time to finally complete Final Fantasy VII Remake. At least, before Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is released in early 2024 next year.\n\n\nFinal Fantasy XVI is out now exclusively on PS5.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/unreleased-microsoft-surface-laptop-studio-2-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Unreleased Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nThe original \nMicrosoft Surface Laptop Studio\n first made its debut in 2021, so it\u2019s high time for the premium laptop to be refreshed. Well, we have good reason to believe that the (unreleased) Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 will be coming to Malaysia very soon.\n\n\nIn our usual search through SIRIM\u2019s database, we saw that the Surface Laptop Studio 2 was registered with the certification body by both Ingram Micro Malaysia and VSTECS Astar on 10 and 9 August respectively. Now that the laptop has appeared in SIRIM\u2019s database, there\u2019s a good chance it will be launched very soon.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the most unique features of the Surface Laptop Studio is its \u201cDynamic Woven Hinge,\u201d which we expect to be carried over to the Laptop Studio 2. This hinge allows the laptop to transition between three modes: laptop, stage, and studio. Laptop is self-explanatory, while stage props up the display right behind the trackpad; much like Acer\u2019s \nConceptD 3 Ezel\n. As for studio, it\u2019s basically transforming the laptop into a tablet.\n\n\nRumours suggest that the Surface Laptop Studio 2 will be quite powerful too. It\u2019s believed to be powered by Intel\u2019s latest 13th gen processors, with the most powerful configuration featuring an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU. Some design improvements are expected as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt the time of writing, it remains to be seen exactly when the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 will be introduced. Given that it has been registered with SIRIM already, it\u2019s safe to assume we\u2019re close to the official unveiling of Microsoft\u2019s next high-end, premium laptop.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-asus-rog-ally-with-rm100-discount-tonight/", "title": "Deal: Get Asus ROG Ally With RM100 Discount Tonight", "body": "\n\nThe \nAsus ROG Ally\n went up for sale in Malaysia a couple of months ago, and if you\u2019re still looking to buy one, good news. At the stroke of midnight, you can get the handheld gaming PC \nwith a RM100 discount\n \u2013 not a huge amount, but still noteworthy.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Asus brand store Just IT, a Shopee Mall retailer. The ROG Ally will be \ndiscounted to RM3,199\n on 15 August this midnight in conjunction with the Shopee Mall Day sale. At the time of writing, only four units are left.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the 1TB SSD option for the Ally is not an official SKU from Asus Malaysia. Chances are, it\u2019s an upgrade done by the retailer itself.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, compared to its main competition, the Steam Deck, the ROG Ally\u2019s value proposition is good at this price point. Not only is it a more powerful handheld machine, it also has a number of advantages, including a higher resolution 7-inch 1920 x 1080 display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Steam Deck, on the other hand, has lower resolution 60Hz panel, though it has a taller 16:10 aspect ratio.\n\n\nAside from that, the ROG Ally can also be connected to the (proprietary) ROG XG Mobile external GPU enclosure for higher fidelity gaming. Other specifications of the Ally include 16GB of LPDDR5 dual-channel RAM, a 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD, a microSD card slot for further storage expansion, as well as a lightweight chassis that tips the scales at 608g.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to enjoy a \nRM100 discount on the Asus ROG Ally\n, purchase it from Just IT this midnight on Shopee. Do note that you may be able to use additional discount vouchers from Shopee and the retailer itself to get further discount on the handheld PC.\n\n\nWant to learn more about the ROG Ally? Then check out our full review \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-vortex-m0110-sound-test-unboxing-149-pre-built-keyboard/", "title": "Video: Vortex M0110 Sound Test & Unboxing \u2013 $149 Pre-Built Keyboard", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVortex is one of the most recognisable names in the pre-built keyboard market. Its Pok3r keyboard was a very popular option back then, and the company\u2019s latest release is the Vortex M0110. Sporting a vintage aesthetic with a gasket mount design, it\u2019s quite a refined pre-built keyboard.\n\n\nTypically, support for VIA and QMK is limited to custom keyboards, but the M0110 can actually be configured with these two software. Granted, that\u2019s only for the wired version \u2013 the wireless model we received does not have VIA or QMK support, though it does feature Bluetooth and a 2.4GHz dongle.\n\n\nThe Vortex M0110 can now be purchased \nfrom Vortex itself\n with a $149 starting price, which comes up to about RM685. It is also available in either a conventional 60% layout (the one you see here) or a HHKB configuration.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/new-illegear-apex-27-now-in-malaysia-165hz-wqhd-27-monitor-for-rm1199/", "title": "New Illegear Apex 27 Now in Malaysia \u2013 165Hz WQHD 27\u2033 Monitor for RM1,199", "body": "\n\nAside from its range of gaming laptops, Illegear sells quite a number of different gaming monitors too, including the refreshed Illegear Apex 27. Now sporting a different stand design with some changes here and there, the new gaming monitor still retains the previous model\u2019s price tag.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Apex 27 is still priced at RM1,199, so the monitor\u2019s value proposition is quite good. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a fast 165Hz WQHD (2560 x 1440) gaming monitor with a 27-inch panel that meets 100% of the sRGB colour space. It also has a peak brightness of 400 nits.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, the Apex 27\u2019s new stand is still screwless with a range of adjustment options. Aside from its height adjustment, it can also be tilted, rotated, and swiveled. It also has two DisplayPort 1.4 connections now \u2013 the previous model only offered DisplayPort 1.2 \u2013 along with two HDMI 2.0 ports.\n\n\nThe Illegear Apex 27 is now available for purchase in Malaysia through the company\u2019s \nonline store\n for RM1,199. If you plan to buy the gaming monitor with cash, you can actually get it for RM1,140 instead \u2013 that\u2019s RM59 worth of savings.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/smart-malaysia-signs-moc-with-public-bank-to-streamline-purchasing-process/", "title": "Smart Malaysia Signs MoC With Public Bank to Streamline Purchasing Process", "body": "\n\nSmart Malaysia, through Pro-Net \u2013 the exclusive authorised importer and distributor of Smart vehicles in Malaysia and Thailand \u2013 recently signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with Public Bank. Essentially, the collaboration is for Smart customers to have a more streamlined purchasing process.\n\n\nThe collaboration between the two entities will allow for Public Bank to \u201cinterface and facilitate digitalisation via online submission of hire purchase,\u201d as the press release reads. This is done through the upcoming Smart customer app, as well as authorised Smart dealers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cPro-Net is making remarkable progress in developing a Smart Malaysia customers\u2019 app, set to offer an exceptional range of eco-services, including convenient online loan applications and seamless charging information capabilities,\u201d said the CEO of Pro-Net, Zhang Qiang.\n\n\n\u201cBy collaborating with Public Bank, our aim is to streamline the purchasing process and provide a hassle-free and reshaping customer digital experience,\u201d Roslan Abdullah added, who is a board member of Pro-Net and also deputy CEO of Proton.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-teases-neuvillette-wriothesley-likely-playable-in-version-4-1/", "title": "Genshin Impact Teases Neuvillette & Wriothesley \u2013 Likely Playable in Version 4.1", "body": "\n\nGenshin Impact\n 4.0 is arriving \nthis coming Wednesday on 16 August\n, so as per usual, we got some character teasers from Hoyoverse itself. This time around, the developer is teasing two new Fontaine characters: Neuvillette and Wriothesley.\n\n\nChances are, both of them will be playable in the next Version 4.1 update for Genshin Impact. After all, every character teased by Hoyoverse are usually playable in the next version update of the game, so there\u2019s no reason the same wouldn\u2019t apply to Neuvillette and Wriothesley.\n\n\n\n\nFrom left: Neuvillette and Wriothesley\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, the rarity of the two characters were not revealed, though Hoyoverse confirmed that Neuvillette is a Cryo character, while Wriothesley is a Hydro unit. Interestingly, Neuvillette\u2019s description seems to imply that he doesn\u2019t have a Vision; the name of his Constellation was not revealed either.\n\n\nNonetheless, we should learn more about Neuvillette and Wriothesley in the new Fontaine storyline once the Version 4.0 update of Genshin Impact drops this Wednesday on 16 August. \nLyney\u2019s and Yelan\u2019s banners (alongside Lynette)\n will also be available once the update is live.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-mix-fold-3-official-5-26mm-thin-snapdragon-8-gen-2-leading-version-from-8999-yuan/", "title": "Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 Official \u2013 5.26mm Thin, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Leading Version, From 8,999 Yuan", "body": "\n\nXiaomi\u2019s latest foldable phone has just been unveiled in China, and it looks to be the Chinese company\u2019s most refined one yet. Not only is the Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 \neven thinner\n than \nits predecessor\n at 5.26mm slim (unfolded, of course), it also comes with a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 \u201cLeading Version\u201d chipset while retaining the same starting price.\n\n\nThree different variants of the MIX Fold 3 are offered in China. The 12GB + 256GB base model retails at 8,999 Chinese yuan (about RM5,720), while the 16GB + 512GB configuration goes for 9,999 yuan (approximately RM6,360). As for the range-topping 16GB + 1TB variant, it is priced at 10,999 yuan (around RM6,995).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the MIX Fold 3 features some impressive hardware. The aforementioned Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Leading Version, for one, is said to offer faster performance over the regular chip. Its folding mechanism is also said to be very durable; it is rated for a whopping 500,000 folds.\n\n\nOther specifications of the MIX Fold 3 include a Leica-branded quad camera system (50MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide + 10MP telephoto + 10MP periscope telephoto), a 20MP selfie camera, an 8.025-inch 2160 x 1916 Eco\u00b2 OLED Plus primary display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, a 6.56-inch 1080p AMOLED cover screen (also 120Hz), and a 4,800mAh battery with 67W wired fast charging \u2013 50W wireless.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, it is unlikely the Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 will be coming to Malaysia, just like its predecessors. Nonetheless, it is certainly an impressive foldable phone that could give its mainstream rivals a run for their money.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomis-cyberdog-2-looks-more-like-a-dog-now-with-ai-self-learning/", "title": "Xiaomi\u2019s CyberDog 2 Looks More Like a Dog Now With AI Self-Learning", "body": "\n\nBeyond its \nmost refined foldable phone\n yet, Xiaomi also unveiled the new CyberDog 2. Compared to the first CyberDog, the new \u201cbio-inspired\u201d quadruped robot looks\u2026well, more like a dog now. It is also quite a bit more advanced, complete with AI self-learning.\n\n\nWeighing 8.9kg with a size that\u2019s approximately that of a Doberman \u2013 which is still a relatively big dog, mind you \u2013 the CyberDog 2 is certainly more compact than its predecessor. It can get smarter over time as well, thanks to its AI self-learning capability that involves parallel-training with 30,000 generated robot dog models.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the CyberDog 2 can perform some impressive tricks too. Not only can it perform continuous back flips, it can even recover from a fall on its own. To accomplish these feats, it has a slew of sensors and Xiaomi\u2019s self-developed CyberGear micro-actuator that provides a good amount of torque and responsiveness.\n\n\nSo how much does the CyberDog 2 costs? A cool 12,999 Chinese yuan, which comes up to about RM8,130. It\u2019s worth noting that the robot is not catered to regular consumers. Rather, it\u2019s meant to be a development platform for developers to explore. After all, CyberDog 2 is built on an open-source ecosystem.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/maxis-finally-activates-5g-free-30-days-trial-new-plans-from-rm79-month/", "title": "Maxis Finally Activates 5G \u2013 Free 30 Days Trial, New Plans From RM79/Month", "body": "\n\nMaxis users can finally enjoy 5G connectivity from today onwards! Just like other telcos, Maxis is tapping into Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB)\u2019s 5G network to provide 5G service to its customers. In conjunction with its introduction of 5G, Maxis also unveiled a slew of new plans.\n\n\nOf course, to get 5G connectivity, existing Maxis users have to upgrade to a new 5G plan. The most affordable one is the Maxis Postpaid 79 plan for RM79/month, which provides 80GB of 4G/5G data and 40GB 5G bonus data for a total of 120GB. Of course, this plan comes with unlimited calls and SMS as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlternatively, you can add 5G connectivity to your current plan for an extra RM10/month with the 5G Access Pass. As an introductory offer, Maxis users can get the first month free until 15 September 2023. Naturally, this offer is available to Hotlink users as well.\n\n\nYou can get the 5G Access Pass or upgrade your current Maxis plan through the Maxis app, which can be downloaded from the \nApple App Store\n, \nGoogle Play Store\n, and \nHuawei AppGallery\n. More details on Maxis\u2019 new 5G plans can be found on its \nofficial website\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-wf-1000xm5-launched-in-malaysia-roadshow-at-mid-valley-until-20-august/", "title": "Sony WF-1000XM5 Launched in Malaysia \u2013 Roadshow at Mid Valley Until 20 August", "body": "\n\nThe Sony WF-1000XM5 has just been launched in Malaysia. To celebrate the local arrival of the wireless earbuds, Sony Malaysia is currently running a roadshow showcasing its various audio products at the popular Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur until 20 August this Sunday.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the WF-1000XM5 retails at RM1,399; exactly RM300 more than the \nWF-1000XM4\n when it was first launched on our shores. Offered in two distinct colours (Black and Platinum Silver), early birds can get a number of freebies by purchasing the XM5, including a free HYPE T-shirt.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe highlight feature of the new WF-1000XM5 is certainly the improved noise cancelling. Using a total of six microphones and two separate processors, the XM5 can capture ambient sound more accurately while also delivering \u201cunprecedented noise cancelling quality\u201d \u2013 certainly a lofty promise.\n\n\nOther specifications of the WF-1000XM5 include a new 8.4mm dynamic driver dubbed Dynamic Driver X \u2013 it\u2019s said to provide deeper bass, richer vocals, and clear highs \u2013 up to 12 hours of battery life (down to eight hours with noise cancellation enabled), noise isolation foam tips, and IPX4 water resistance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to purchase the new Sony WF-1000XM5 and score some freebies while you\u2019re at it, you can do so at Sony Malaysia\u2019s roadshow in Mid Valley Megamall at the East Atrium (right in front of Uniqlo) on the ground floor. To recap, Sony\u2019s latest premium wireless earbuds retail at RM1,399 locally.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/neta-v-sub-rm80k-pricing-not-accurate-final-pricing-in-september-2023-intro-synergy/", "title": "Neta V Sub-RM80k Pricing Not Accurate; Final Pricing in September 2023 \u2013 Intro Synergy", "body": "\n\nThe \nNeta V\n first made its debut at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023 back in May this year, and it was touted as the most affordable EV in Malaysia with a RM99,800 price tag. Well, recently, an image showing a RM79,800 pricing for the Neta V at a shopping mall went viral, though Intro Synergy confirmed that the pricing is actually not accurate.\n\n\nIntro Synergy is the sole distributor of Neta cars in Malaysia, and the company released a statement on the viral sub-RM80,000 pricing of the Neta V. \u201cWe would like to deny the displayed price and would like to clarify that the price of Neta V will only be officially announced during the launch ceremony scheduled for next month (September),\u201d the statement reads.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe pricing that went viral\n\n\n\n\nRegardless of how much it costs, the Neta V offers a range of up to 380km (following the NEDC standard) out of its 38.54kWh battery. It supports up to 100W DC fast charging too, which can juice up the battery from 30% to 80% in 30 minutes. With a slower 6.6kW AC home charger, it can be charged from empty to full in 8 hours.\n\n\nPerformance wise, the Neta V\u2019s front-mounted electric motor outputs a modest 95PS and 160Nm of torque, allowing it to go from 0-50kmph in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 120kmph. Safety wise, it features two airbags \u2013 yes, only two \u2013 ABS, EBD, ESC, and passive cruise control.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the final pricing of the Neta V in Malaysia will only be announced sometime next month in September 2023. As per Intro Synergy\u2019s statement, the EV will be offered with \u201cattractive package offers to all customers.\u201d\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/affordable-xiaomi-smart-band-8-launching-in-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Affordable Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Launching in Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nIt seems like Xiaomi is bringing in a new wearable to the Malaysian market. No, it\u2019s not the new Smart Band 8 Pro that was launched in China earlier this week, but the more affordable Xiaomi Smart Band 8, which made its debut back in April this year.\n\n\nThe smart band was registered with SIRIM just today under Xiaomi Malaysia with the model number M2239B1. Every electronic sold in Malaysia (officially) has to go through SIRIM first, so it\u2019s likely the Smart Band 8 will be launched on our shores very soon.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the biggest upgrade the Smart Band 8 brings is a new design that allows for  a wider range of strap options; it can even be attached to a pendant or a shoe. Beyond that, it\u2019s also said to deliver slightly better battery life of up to 16 days (14 days for the \nSmart Band 7\n), while still retaining the 1.62-inch 490 x 192 AMOLED display and the ability to track up to 150 different sports.\n\n\nAt the time of writing, there\u2019s no indication from Xiaomi Malaysia on the local availability of the Smart Band 8. But given that the wearable has been registered with SIRIM already, we reckon it will be launched here very soon. In China, the Smart Band 8 starts at only 239 Chinese yuan, which is about RM150.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ratchet-clank-rift-apart-pc-review-still-great-after-2-years/", "title": "Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (PC) Review: Still Great After 2 Years", "body": "\n\nRatchet & Clank: Rift Apart\n was first launched on the PS5 in 2021. Fast forward two years, the game is now available on PC as well, so fans of the franchise without a PS5 can finally experience the continuation of the much-loved series.\n\n\nFor the most part, I thoroughly enjoyed playing the game on PC. Even after so long, Ratchet & Clank is still just as entertaining to play through with great-looking graphics. And this is despite the fact that I\u2019m running the game on older hardware.\n\n\nBut is it worth forking out RM249 for the game? Well, I\u2019ll get to that in this review of Rift Apart.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nFor PC, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is available on \nSteam\n and the \nEpic Games Store\n for RM249, which is RM50 less than the PS5 version (RM299). However, it\u2019s worth noting that the game is also available through PlayStation Plus \u2013 the Extra tier, to be specific.\n\n\nBefore I get to the meat of the review, I should outline my PC setup first:\n\n\n\n\nAMD Ryzen 2700X\n\n\nGigabyte GeForce RTX 2080 WINDFORCE OC 8GB GDDR6\n\n\n16GB RAM\n\n\nSamsung 860 EVO SSD\n\n\nWindows 10\n\n\n\n\nYes, not a particularly modern PC setup, though it\u2019s certainly not a low-end machine by any means. Throughout my playthrough of Rift Apart, I ran the game at 1440p under the High graphics settings with DLSS upscaling switched on. Overall, I can get pretty solid frame rate \u2013 I\u2019ll elaborate more in the next section.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nSince I\u2019ve already reviewed Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart when it first came out on the PS5 in 2021, I\u2019ll focus more on the performance aspect of this PC version. It\u2019s usually a gamble when it comes to PC ports of console releases, but I\u2019m happy to report that Rift Apart, even with my modest PC, can still run the game exceptionally well.\n\n\nHowever, there is one rift jumping sequence at the start of the game that gave me a bit of a scare. That particular scene dropped my frame rate to about 20fps for a few seconds, though I don\u2019t experience the same lag anymore in subsequent rift jumps after that portion of the game \u2013 thankfully.\n\n\nIn fact, rift jumping during combat is smooth without a hint of lag. Of course, the official recommendation is to run the game on an SSD, and I\u2019m happy that my Samsung 860 EVO can keep up without losing a beat. While it is technically possible to still play the game with a slower HDD, but it \nwon\u2019t be a very pleasant gaming experience\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith my RTX 2080, Rift Apart runs quite smooth, and I didn\u2019t face any severe frame drops even during heated battles with hoards of enemies. On average, I can get about 60fps, though the frame rate does drop to about 40fps in more intense gameplay. I switched on ray tracing for fun at times, but my frame rate drops to about 30fps\u2026and below during combat. Needless to say, I switched back to the High graphics settings shortly after.\n\n\nPerformance aside, I also can\u2019t get over \nhow good\n Rift Apart looks. From the unique biomes of the different planets I visit to the very detailed character models \u2013 not to mention the sheer vastness of each environment \u2013 this is a stunning game. It\u2019s amazing to think that Rift Apart was initially released two years ago.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAs much as I enjoyed playing through Rift Apart, I did encounter some issues in my playthrough. One of which is the (slightly) confusing control references. I used a mouse and keyboard to play the game, and there are a few instances where it still mentions half-pressing the trigger buttons, which is a reference to the DualSense controller.\n\n\nUnderstandably, I can still connect a DualSense controller to my PC to play Rift Apart, but I find it more comfortable to aim with a mouse and keyboard. On the bright side, the half-press, full-press mechanism does translate quite well to the mouse input: right click is half-press, left click is full-press, and holding left click is long press.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI also encountered some bugs with the weapons vendor, Ms. Zurkon. There were a couple of instances where she closed up her shop and hid when I got closer, which usually only happens when I\u2019m in the middle of combat. Of course, I wasn\u2019t actually in a fight when this happened to me.\n\n\nThe other one concerns the weapon preview page, which shows how a particular weapon looks and performs. There was one time where the pop-up would come up, but\u2026nothing was actually shown. It\u2019s really just a minor bug, of course, which quickly resolved itself when I visited Ms. Zurkon again.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nFor RM249, I\u2019d still say Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is worth the money. While the main storyline of the game isn\u2019t particularly long at about 15 to 20 hours of gameplay \u2013 depending on whether or not you do the optional quests \u2013 it does have good replay value, thanks to the inclusion of Challenge Mode.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPlus, the PC version of Rift Apart does include a number of new features, including ultra-wide monitor support and a slew of performance-enhancing upscaling, so the game can still run quite well on older hardware, such as my PC.\n\n\nLi Jin Soh contributed to this review.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/17-23-august-fuel-price-no-changes-ron-97-price-stays-at-rm3-37-per-litre/", "title": "17 \u2013 23 August Fuel Price: No Changes, RON 97 Price Stays at RM3.37 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAnother week, another fuel price update. Not surprisingly, there\u2019s no price movement for RON 97 this week either, and the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.37 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 17 to 23 August next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ps5-discounted-to-rm2279-in-malaysia-for-merdeka-until-31-august-2023/", "title": "PS5 Discounted to RM2,279 in Malaysia for Merdeka Until 31 August 2023", "body": "\n\nIn conjunction with our upcoming 66th Merdeka celebration, PlayStation is giving the PS5 a discount. Aside from the console itself, other games and one peripheral are also discounted, including the Pulse 3D wireless headset and \nGod of War Ragnarok\n.\n\n\nTwo PS5 consoles will be discounted from 18 August (tomorrow) to 31 August at \nparticipating retailers\n. The standard PS5 \u2013 with the Blu-ray disc drive \u2013 will go for RM2,279, while the \nFinal Fantasy XVI\n PS5 bundle, which includes a digital copy of the game with the standard PS5, costs RM2,549.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the PS5 Digital Edition is not part of the promotion.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, a number of games are also discounted. These include \nMarvel\u2019s Spider-Man: Miles Morales\n (RM169 for both the PS5 and PS4 versions); God of War Ragnarok (RM209, PS5); \nHorizon Forbidden West\n (RM209, PS5); and God of War PlayStation Hits (RM39, PS4). As for the Pulse 3D headset, it will retail at RM419 for the White, Midnight Black, and Grey Camouflage models.\n\n\nTo recap, these promotional prices for the PS5, Pulse 3D wireless headset, and games will be valid from 18 to 31 August 2023. More details on PlayStation\u2019s Merdeka Sale can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honkai-star-rail-teases-jingliu-topaz-numby-guinaifen-likely-playable-in-version-1-4/", "title": "Honkai: Star Rail Teases Jingliu, Topaz & Numby, Guinaifen \u2013 Likely Playable in Version 1.4", "body": "\n\nOver the past few days, \nHonkai: Star Rail\n has teased three new characters: Jingliu, Topaz & Numby, as well as Guinaifen. As per previous teasers for Star Rail \u2013 as well as Hoyoverse\u2019s other big title, \nGenshin Impact\n \u2013 it is likely these three characters will be playable in Version 1.4 of the game.\n\n\nBoth Jingliu and Topaz & Numby are 5-star characters, while Guinaifen is a 4-star unit. Jingliu is an Ice character that walks the Path of the Destruction, while Topaz & Numby wield the Fire element under the Path of the Hunt. As for Guinaifen, she is a fire Nihility unit.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLooking at their Paths, Jingliu and Topaz & Numby are likely DPS characters, while Guinaifen could be a debuffer as a Nihility unit. Of course, these are just our own educated guesses based on details that have been revealed by Hoyoverse already.\n\n\nNonetheless, we may learn more about these new characters on the Honkai: Star Rail livestream for the Version 1.3 update tomorrow on 18 August. \nImbibitor Lunae\n and \nFu Xuan\n will make an appearance on the stream, so both of them (alongside \nLynx\n) should be playable in Star Rail 1.3.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-5-review-best-flipping-foldable-phone-in-malaysia/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Review: Best Flipping Foldable Phone in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been quite some time since the first foldable smartphone was released, and to date, Samsung is still leading the mainstream foldable market. This is especially so in Malaysia, where we don\u2019t get as many foldable phones as, say, the US market.\n\n\nBut despite the lack of competition in Malaysia, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is a certainly a fantastic flip-style foldable phone. The bigger Flex Window cover screen adds much-needed practicality to the phone, there\u2019s finally no more gap when the device is folded, and of course, it is faster than ever.\n\n\nWhile the Z Flip 5 still needs to improve in certain areas, it\u2019s a foldable phone I\u2019d be more than happy to recommend.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\nMain: 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (2640 x 1080), 120Hz\nCover: 3.4-inch Super AMOLED (748 x 720), 60Hz\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 3.36GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 740\nRAM\n8GB\nStorage\n256/512GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n12MP f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF, OIS\n12MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide)\nCamera (front)\n10MP f/2.2\nBattery\n3,700mAh with 25W charging\nDimensions\nUnfolded: 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm\nFolded: 85.1 x 71.9 x 15.1 mm\nWeight\n187g\nOS\nOne UI 5.1.1 based on Android 13\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.3\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM4,499 (256GB), RM4,999 (512GB)\n\n\nCompared to last year\u2019s \nZ Flip 4\n, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 brings three big upgrades to the table. There\u2019s the aforementioned bigger cover screen, improved hinge for a gapless design, and faster performance, courtesy of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. It also sees only a RM100 price increase over its predecessor, which is justifiable (in my opinion) with all of the upgrades the phone brings.\n\n\nUnfortunately, other hardware of the Z Flip 5 remain the same as its predecessor. It still has a largely unchanged dual camera system, no major changes to the primary screen \u2013 yes, the crease is still quite obvious \u2013 and the same 3,700mAh battery capacity. While there is \nsome\n improvement in battery life, it could be better; more on this further down the review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nThe most noteworthy upgrade \u2013 and my personal favourite feature \u2013 of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the much improved cover screen. Thanks to the larger 3.4-inch Super AMOLED display, checking through my notifications is much easier now. On top of that, I can even type out a reply with a \nfull-size\n keyboard.\n\n\nThere are a couple of caveats, however. For one, only the Samsung keyboard is supported on the cover screen, and it can be a tad tricky to type on this\u2026compact keyboard if you\u2019ve got bigger hands. But for the most part, I certainly appreciate this feature to quickly reply to messages without needing to flip open the phone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of flipping open the phone, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 has a solid hinge. Compared to my review unit of the Flip 4, the Flip 5\u2019s hinge isn\u2019t quite as stiff; this is a good thing, in my books. Not only is it easier to open up the phone now, the tension of the hinge is also consistent throughout the folding and unfolding motion. So yes, it\u2019s still stiff enough to be propped up at an angle.\n\n\nOf course, it\u2019s also worth noting that the Z Flip 5 has a new hinge design now that leaves no gap when the phone is folded. Not only does this look aesthetically better, it should be able to minimise dust that gets in between the two halves of the screen when the phone is kept in my pocket; an issue that I faced with the\u00a0Z Flip 4.\n\n\nDespite sporting a new hinge, the display crease of the Z Flip 5 is still very much there. It\u2019s especially visible when the display is switched off \u2013 or viewing it at an angle \u2013 and you can definitely feel the crease if you run your finger over it. But for what it\u2019s worth, the crease doesn\u2019t really bother me (too much) in everyday use.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the display quality of the Galaxy Z Flip 5\u2019s two screens, they are both great-looking panels, especially the primary one. It would\u2019ve been nice if the 60Hz cover screen matches the main display\u2019s 120Hz refresh rate, but at least it\u2019s bright enough for comfortable use even under bright sunlight.\n\n\nIn the performance department, the Z Flip 5 is without a doubt a fast, zippy phone. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset allows for seamless multitasking, and it can run demanding games like \nHonkai: Star Rail\n quite handily with minimum stuttering in more intense gameplay sequences.\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s move on to not so great aspects of the Z Flip 5.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nGiven that the Galaxy Z Flip 5\u2019s camera hardware doesn\u2019t see much change, its camera performance remains\u2026relatively the same. Don\u2019t get me wrong, the dual camera system (12MP main + 12MP ultra-wide) can still take great-looking shots in various lighting conditions, but the image quality of the ultra-wide sensor does have room for improvement in more challenging lighting situations.\n\n\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n12MP ultra-wide\n\n\n12MP primary\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe lack of a dedicated telephoto camera on the Z Flip 5 is quite a big omission too. Granted, I do find the ultra-wide shooter more useful than a zoom lens, but I think it\u2019s justified to expect a more sophisticated camera setup from a premium, high-end phone that sits at this price point.\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the battery life of the Z Flip 5, which is ever so slightly better than last year\u2019s model. On average, I can get between four to five hours of screen on time out of the 3,700mAh battery with a couple of gaming sessions thrown in throughout the day. Not the worst battery life, but could definitely be better.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nRetailing from RM4,499, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is undoubtedly positioned as a premium foldable smartphone, and\u2026I do think the price tag is justified for a device of this calibre. It has a much bigger, much more practical cover screen now, a more refined gapless design, and it is just as fast as any other flagship phone in the market now.\n\n\nYes, the Z Flip 5 doesn\u2019t have the best camera performance or battery life. But it can still take good-looking shots \u2013 albeit without the versatility of a telephoto camera \u2013 and it can still provide all-day battery life\u2026provided I don\u2019t do \ntoo much\n gaming in my free time. In short, it still performs reasonably well in these two regards.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want one of the most refined clamshell foldable phones in the market now, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is an excellent option to consider. Yes, even when compared to the \nOppo Find N2 Flip\n, especially when it comes to the usefulness of the cover screen and software experience.\n\n\nThough the Find N2 Flip does have better battery life.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/celcomdigis-karnival-jom-5g-offers-free-5g-phones-until-20-august-in-6-locations/", "title": "CelcomDigi\u2019s Karnival Jom 5G Offers Free 5G Phones Until 20 August in 6 Locations", "body": "\n\nCelcomDigi is holding a roadshow dubbed Karnival Jom 5G at various locations throughout Malaysia \u2013 six locations, to be specific \u2013 to make it easier for Malaysians to start enjoying 5G connectivity. At the carnival, visitors can even get 5G phones for free, though there are some caveats.\n\n\nThe CelcomDigi Karnival Jom 5G is happening now at six different locations until 20 August. These include Celcom bluecube Sunway Pyramid, Subang Jaya; Digi Store Bayan Baru, Penang; Celcom bluecube Taman Molek, Johor Bahru; Celcom bluecube, Kuantan; Digi Store Api-Api, Kota Kinabalu; and Celcom bluecube Tun Jugah, Kuching.\n\n\n\n\nThe Karnival Jom 5G at Celcom bluecube Sunway Pyramid\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want the free 5G phone \u2013 there are four different 5G-capable phones to choose from \u2013 you just have to sign up for the Celcom Mega 98 or Digi Postpaid 90 plan. Aside from that, visitors can also enjoy up to 75% discount on various accessories at the carnival.\n\n\nVarious activities are also held at the Karnival Jom 5G; at least, that\u2019s the case for the carnival at Celcom bluecube Sunway Pyramid. There are various AR and VR experiences for visitors to try out, from an AR car simulator to a roller coaster ride in virtual reality.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, CelcomDigi\u2019s Karnvial Jom 5G is happening now until 20 August this Sunday. More details on the carnival can be found on both \nCelcom\u2019s\n and \nDigi\u2019s\n websites.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/celcomdigi-sees-almost-400k-new-subscribers-in-1h-2023-20-48-million-total-users-now/", "title": "CelcomDigi Sees Almost 400k New Subscribers in 1H 2023 \u2013 20.48 Million Total Users Now", "body": "\n\nCelcomDigi shared some interesting updates on its business growth in 2023 so far. According to the telco, it received over 391,000 new subscribers in the first half of 2023 while working on its network integration plan for improved network quality.\n\n\nOf those figure, 185,000 subscribers got on board CelcomDigi in Q2 2023 alone. Collectively, it has over 20.48 million users now. The telco attributes this growth to its new product launches, and it is worth noting that this figure excludes Yoodo subscribers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe telco also shared some updates on its full-speed network integration, which began in Q2 2023. 60% of its network integration and modernisation plans have been completed so far, with over 2,000 sites in 24 clusters consolidated. Once CelcomDigi\u2019s network integration plan has been completed, it aims to deliver \u201cthe widest 4G network,\u201d as the telco puts it.\n\n\n\u201cWe are pleased to continue to deliver both topline and bottomline growth while pushing ahead with integration of our networks, IT, and organisation at the same time,\u201d said CelcomDigi\u2019s CEO, Datuk Idham Nawawi. \u201cNetwork integration and modernisation initiatives are progressing in full speed as we continue to provide elevated network experience to our customers on the nation\u2019s fastest, widest, and most modern 4G network,\u201d he added.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/gigabyte-opens-first-flagship-store-in-plaza-low-yat-offers-up-to-rm1000-discount/", "title": "Gigabyte Opens First Flagship Store in Plaza Low Yat \u2013 Offers up to RM1,000 Discount", "body": "\n\nGigabyte just opened its first flagship store in the famed Plaza Low Yat in Kuala Lumpur. To celebrate the opening of the new store, the company is offering discounts up to RM1,000 on its range of laptops for a limited time.\n\n\nA total of three different laptops \u2013 with six total variants \u2013 are discounted until 24 August next week. The Gigabyte G5 gets the highest amount of discount: both the RTX 3050 and RTX 3050 Ti configurations of the laptop receive a whopping RM1,000 discount, bringing down their prices to RM3,299 and RM3,699 respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe other laptop that\u2019s on offer is the larger Gigabyte G7, though only the RTX 3050 version is discounted by RM900, so you can get it for only RM3,599. Last but not least is the higher-end Aorus 15 with a blazing fast 360Hz display and RTX 4060 for RM5,899 \u2013 that\u2019s RM500 worth of discount.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get any of these laptops at the discounted pricing, head on to the new Gigabyte flagship store in Plaza Low Yat; it is located on the ground floor at Lot G035. Again, these discounts are only valid until 24 August 2023.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/celcomdigi-in-talks-to-divest-yoodo-foreign-parties-included/", "title": "CelcomDigi in Talks to Divest Yoodo \u2013 Foreign Parties Included", "body": "\n\nAt its \nbusiness update briefing today\n, CelcomDigi also revealed its plans for Yoodo. The telco confirmed that it is in fact divesting Yoodo, which was operating under Celcom before the CelcomDigi merger.\n\n\nThis confirmation came from CelcomDigi CEO himself, Datuk Idham Nawawi, in a Q&A session with members of the media. According to him, the telco is already in talks with various parties \u2013 including foreign ones \u2013 who are keen to take up Yoodo. Given the telco\u2019s focus on esports, it is looking for partners who can further elevate Yoodo in this particular scene.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s no secret that Yoodo will have to be divested by Celcom once the CelcomDigi merger is complete. After all, this is a requirement by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), which stated that Yoodo has to be divested within 18 months after the merger\u2019s completion.\n\n\nFor now, it should be business for usual for Yoodo (and its users) until we hear more from CelcomDigi. It will certainly be interesting to see which company will take up Yoodo.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/shell-asia-app-launched-in-malaysia-now-available-at-over-650-stations/", "title": "Shell Asia App Launched in Malaysia \u2013 Now Available at Over 650 Stations", "body": "\n\nAlthough the app has been available locally for a few weeks now, today is the official launch of the Shell Asia app in Malaysia. Basically, the app allows users to purchase fuel through the app at selected Shell stations.\n\n\nAt the moment, the Shell Asia app can be used at over 650 Shell stations throughout Malaysia. According to Shell, its app is the first fuel payment service in the country that is protected with a 3D Secure verification for an extra layer of security against fraud and scam threats.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA station locator is also built into the Shell Asia app. Not only can you find your nearest Shell station with the feature, you can even look for ones with specific facilities, such as ATM, surau, or even a car wash.\n\n\nNaturally, the Shell Asia app has BonusLink integrated, allowing users to easily collect points. Users can also redeem Shell exclusive rewards through the app (and track their BonusLink points) for added convenience.\n\n\n\u201cGiven our synonymity in innovating mobility solutions, the Shell app serves as a pivotal component to elevate experiences for all our customers at Shell,\u201d said the GM of Mobility Malaysia, Seow Lee Ming.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Shell Asia app is now available for download on the \nApple App Store\n and \nGoogle Play Store\n. To recap, the app can be used at over 650 Shell stations nationwide, and it is expected to be available more widely by the end of 2023.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honkai-star-rail-1-3-arrives-30-august-with-3-new-playable-characters/", "title": "Honkai: Star Rail 1.3 Arrives 30 August With 3 New Playable Characters", "body": "\n\nHonkai: Star Rail\n\u2018s Version 1.3 update is set to arrive next week on 30 August. As expected, three new characters \u2013 \nDan Heng Imbibitor Lunae\n, \nFu Xuan\n, and Lynx \u2013 will be playable once the update drops, and the Simulated Universe is getting a major update as well.\n\n\nAs previously revealed, Imbibitor Lunae and Fu Xuan are 5-star characters, while Lynx is a 4-star unit. Imbibitor Lunae\u2019s banner will be offered first after the Version 1.2 update is live, accompanied by Yukong, Asta, and March 7th. Fu Xuan\u2019s event warp, on the other hand, will be offered in the second phase alongside Lynx, Hook, and Pela.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDan Heng Imbibitor Lunae\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFu Xuan\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLynx\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Simulated Universe, it\u2019s getting a new update in Star Rail 1.3 dubbed The Swarm Disaster. Named after the \u201cswarm catastrophe from ages ago that Tayzzyronth, the Aeon of Propagation caused,\u201d as the game puts it, players can unlock the new Path of Propagation after completing the challenge.\n\n\nAside from that, a new area will also be introduced in Version 1.3 of Star Rail. The Aurum Alley was previously the Exalting Sanctum\u2019s commercial hub, and players can help revitalise it to get rewards such as Stellar Jades, Self-Modeling Resin, and even Sushang.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHonkai: Star Rail Version 1.3 will go live next week on 30 August. To recap, Imbibitor Lunae\u2019s event warp will be available first once the update drops, followed by Fu Xuan\u2019s banner alongside Lynx at a later date.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-predator-triton-17-x-lands-in-malaysia-19-9mm-thin-laptop-with-rtx-4090-for-rm18999/", "title": "Acer Predator Triton 17 X Lands in Malaysia \u2013 19.9mm Thin Laptop With RTX 4090 for RM18,999", "body": "\n\nAcer recently launched a new gaming laptop in Malaysia, and it is very, very powerful. Powered by an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 GPU, the Acer Predator Triton 17 X is certainly a capable gaming machine. On top of that, it is also quite thin, measuring only 19.9mm thin.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, only one variant of the Triton 17 X is offered in Malaysia. Priced at RM18,999, you get the aforementioned RTX 4090 GPU, an Intel Core i9-13900HX processor paired with 64GB of 5600MHz DDR5 RAM, and a whopping 4TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD in Raid 0 configuration.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the display department, the Triton 17 X gets an impressive 17-inch 2560 x 1600 mini-LED display with a blazing fast 250Hz refresh rate. Of course, the thin 19.99mm chassis of the laptop is worth mentioning again. But tipping the scales at 3kg, this is not exactly a portable machine.\n\n\nThe Acer Predator Triton 17 X can now be purchased in Malaysia for RM18,999. Those who purchase the laptop by 31 August can participate in the ongoing Acer Day promotion, which offers RM250 TNG eWallet credit, Overwatch 2 game code, and even a chance to win in the \nmonthly giveaway prize pool worth RM100,000\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-11-coming-to-malaysia-30-august-realme-11x-to-follow-suit/", "title": "Realme 11 Coming to Malaysia 30 August \u2013 Realme 11x to Follow Suit?", "body": "\n\nLast week, we spotted the \nRealme 11 and Realme 11x\n in SIRIM\u2019s database. Today, we got confirmation from Realme itself that the Realme 11 will be launched in Malaysia next week on 30 August. Curiously, there\u2019s no mention of the Realme 11x for the local launch.\n\n\nThis is despite the fact that the Realme 11x is already registered with SIRIM alongside the Realme 11. Of course, it\u2019s entirely possible Realme is keeping the former as a surprise for the local launch event, and it\u2019s worth noting that the two phones will be launched in India \nthis Wednesday on 23 August\n.\n\n\n\n\nSIRIM listing of the Realme 11 and Realme 11x\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChances are, Malaysia will mirror the specifications of the Realme 11 and Realme 11x for the Indian market, though only certain specifications have been detailed so far. The Realme 11 is said to feature a 108MP primary camera with a 5,000mAh battery that supports 67W fast charging, while no specific details regarding the Realme 11x have been revealed.\n\n\nNonetheless, we\u2019ll find out more about the Realme 11 and Realme 11x once they are launched in India on 23 August later this week. As for the Malaysian launch of the Realme 11, it\u2019s set to take place next week on 30 August.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-24-dell-monitor-can-transform-into-a-touch-display-now-in-malaysia-for-rm1959/", "title": "This 24\u2033 Dell Monitor Can Transform Into a Touch Display \u2013 Now in Malaysia for RM1,959", "body": "\n\nThere\u2019s a new Dell monitor in town, and it\u2019s quite a unique one. Dubbed Dell 24 Touch USB-C Hub Monitor (P2424HT) \u2013 yes, it\u2019s quite a mouthful \u2013 the monitor has a touch-enabled screen and a flexible stand that allows it to be compressed into a tablet-like form factor.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Dell 24 Touch retails at RM1,959. For that kind of money, it offers a 24-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS touch-enabled display with a 60Hz refresh rate that covers 99% of the sRGB colour gamut, 10-point multitouch support, as well as a flexible stand that allows it to be slanted, tilted, and swiveled. Of course, the height can be adjusted too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs its name suggests, the Dell 24 Touch has a USB-C hub with a USB 3.2 Type-C upstream port that offers power delivery of up to 90W. It has a number of other connectivity options too, including HDMI, DisplayPort 1.2, RJ45, and as many as three USB-A ports.\n\n\nThe Dell 24 Touch USB-C Hub Monitor is now available in Malaysia for RM1,959. You can purchase it from your favourite local retailer or through Dell itself on its \nMalaysian online store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-wr-v-2200-units-delivered-honda-malaysias-2nd-best-selling-model-in-july-2023/", "title": "Honda WR-V: 2,200 Units Delivered, Honda Malaysia\u2019s 2nd Best-Selling Model in July 2023", "body": "\n\nJust a month after its official launch here, Honda Malaysia has delivered over 2,200 units of the \nHonda WR-V\n. This figure is close to the \n2,500 bookings the small SUV received at launch\n, which were originally expected to be fulfilled within two to three months\u2019 time.\n\n\nAmong the 2,200 units of the WR-V delivered to date, the range-topping RS model is the most popular option, accounting for 60% of total sales. In fact, the SUV is actually Honda Malaysia\u2019s second best-selling model in July last month. Its sales performance is likely just behind the City, which was \njust facelifted a couple of weeks ag\no\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWe would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our customers for their trust in the Honda brand and support for the all-new WR-V, which is a brand new model in the non-national small SUV segment,\u201d said the MD and CEO of Honda Malaysia, Hironobu Yoshimura. \u201cSince its launch, the model has been well accepted in the market and achieved remarkable sales performance,\u201d he added.\n\n\nTo recap, the WR-V starts at RM89,900 for the base S model. A tier up is the E trim for RM95,900, followed by the V variant at RM99,900. As for the range-topping RS model, it goes for RM107,900. These prices are on-the-road without insurance, and five colour options are available: Ignite Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Meteoroid Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, and the new Stellar Diamond Pearl.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Honda WR-V is now available for booking at all 101 authorised Honda dealerships nationwide. Alternatively, pre-booking can be done online\u00a0\nhere\n, or through the HondaTouch app \u2013 it can be downloaded from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n\nMore details on the WR-V can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-expertbook-b5-series-worlds-lightest-16-business-laptops-now-in-malaysia-from-rm7699/", "title": "Asus ExpertBook B5 Series \u2013 World\u2019s Lightest 16\u2033 Business Laptops Now in Malaysia From RM7,699", "body": "\n\nAsus just launched two new laptops under the Asus ExpertBook B5 series. Made up of the ExpertBook B5 OLED laptop and the ExpertBook B5 Flip OLED convertible, both of them are touted as the world\u2019s lightest 16-inch business laptops.\n\n\nThree different models under the ExpertBook B5 series are available. The B5 Flip OLED is offered in the sole RM7,699 configuration, which features an Intel Core i7-1270P processor paired with 16GB RAM, a 512GB M.2 PCIe Gen4 SSD, as well as a 16-inch 3840 x 2400 OLED touch-enabled display with a 60Hz refresh rate. It also tips the scales at 1.65kg.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the ExpertBook B5 OLED, it comes in two variants. The RM8,099 model comes with a Core i7-1360P processor, the same RAM and SSD configuration \u2013 along with display, minus the touch support \u2013 as the B5 Flip OLED, and a chassis that weighs only 1.4kg. As for the range-topping RM8,499 configuration, it has a larger 84Wh battery, which also (slightly) increases its weight to 1.5kg.\n\n\nThe Asus ExpertBook B5 laptops are now available for purchase in Malaysia. To recap, the B5 Flip OLED retails at RM7,699, while the B5 OLED starts from RM8,099.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-magic-5-pro-coral-purple-available-in-malaysia-25-august-rm10-million-prizes-up-for-grabs/", "title": "Honor Magic 5 Pro Coral Purple Available in Malaysia 25 August \u2013 RM10 Million Prizes up for Grabs", "body": "\n\nHonor is set to launch a new colour option for the Honor Magic 5 Pro in Malaysia later this week on 25 August. The Coral Purple colourway is touted as a limited edition model for Merdeka, and in conjunction with our National Day celebration (as well as Malaysia Day), Honor Malaysia will be running a promotion that offers prizes worth up to RM10 million.\n\n\nSet to take place between 25 August to 17 September, the RM10 million prize pool is given in the form of free gifts with the purchase of selected products along with a weekly lucky draw. The prizes that are up for grabs include four units of the \nMagic 5 phone\n \u2013 this is the grand prize \u2013 as well as 12 Nescafe Nespresso machines, among other prizes \nlisted here\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Magic 5 Pro in Coral Purple, it should be similar to the standard model that\u2019s priced at RM3,999 now. It comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset paired with 12GB RAM, 512GB of internal storage, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 50MP ultra-wide + 50MP periscope telephoto), a 12MP selfie camera, a 6.81-inch 2848 x 1312 LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, an IP68 rating, and a generous 5,100mAh battery with support for 66W wired charging \u2013 50W wireless.\n\n\nThe Honor Magic 5 Pro in Coral Purple will be available for purchase in Malaysia on 25 August, while Honor Malaysia\u2019s Merdeka and Malaysia Day promotion will start on the same day until 17 September. If you want to learn more about the Magic 5 Pro, read our \nfull review of the phone\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/tesla-supercharger-pavilion-kl-now-available-rm1-25-per-kwh-up-to-rm4-idle-fee/", "title": "Tesla Supercharger Pavilion KL Now Available \u2013 RM1.25 Per kWh, Up to RM4 Idle Fee", "body": "\n\nIt appears the first Tesla Supercharger in Malaysia located at Pavilion KL is now operational. This was first spotted by a member in the \nMyEVOC Facebook group\n, and at RM1.25 per kWh, the rate is actually quite competitive for a fast charger.\n\n\nOf course, this being a Tesla Supercharger, idle fees are applicable. If your car is fully charged and you still leave it connected to the charger, you will be charged RM2 per minute. If the station is fully occupied \u2013 there are eight stalls available in Pavilion KL \u2013 the rate goes up to a whopping \nRM4 per minute\n.\n\n\nTo avoid being charged idle fees, you will need to disconnect the charger within five minutes of charging completion.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, the Tesla Supercharger in Pavilion KL is only open to Tesla vehicles, though selected Superchargers in the future should be usable by non-Tesla EVs. After all, it was previously revealed that Tesla will install at least 50 DC fast chargers in Malaysia (with a minimum charging rate of 180kW), and 30% of them have to be made available to non-Tesla vehicles.\n\n\nIf you do happen to be driving a Tesla in Malaysia now, head on to Pavilion KL to give Malaysia\u2019s first Tesla Supercharger a shot. It is located at the mall\u2019s basement parking (level B1) near the C21 pillar. It\u2019s worth noting that Tesla have listed \nnine other Supercharger locations throughout Peninsular Malaysia\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-proton-s50-spotted-again-now-with-bodykit/", "title": "Spy Shot: Proton S50 Spotted Again \u2013 Now With Bodykit?", "body": "\n\nProton\u2019s much anticipated sedan, the \nProton S50\n, has been seen on Malaysian roads yet again. This particular test mule of the S50 bears the same trade plate as the unit seen in our \nprevious spy shot\n, though it looks like the car is now sporting a bodykit of sorts.\n\n\nThese images of the S50 were taken by one Joseph Kong and shared by \nPaultan.org\n. Though most of the car\u2019s exterior is still covered in camouflage, it does look to be equipped with a bodykit now. This is especially evident on the front lip, side skirts, and what looks to be a bootlid spoiler.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPreviou spy shots of the S50 with the same trade plate\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, the S50 is is rumoured to be launched in Malaysia as early as November 2023. On top of that, four different variants are said to be offered, and all of them will be powered by the familiar 1.5L TGDi engine that outputs 177PS and 255Nm of torque \u2013 the same one found under the hood of the \nX50\n and \nX70\n.\n\n\nOf course, until confirmed by Proton itself, take these rumoured details on the Proton S50 with a grain of salt \u2013 except for the \nunavailability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto\n. We should learn more about the S50 as we approach closer to the rumoured November 2023 launch of the sedan.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/marvel-snap-officially-launches-on-pc-native-widescreen-support-free-rewards/", "title": "Marvel Snap Officially Launches on PC \u2013 Native Widescreen Support, Free Rewards", "body": "\n\nMarvel Snap is (finally) \nofficially launched on PC\n! While the card game has been available on Steam since its initial launch back in October 2022, it was really just an emulation of the mobile version. Well, that\u2019s no longer the case \u2013 native widescreen support is finally here for the proper PC version.\n\n\nTo celebrate the arrival of Marvel Snap on PC, Second Dinner has prepared a slew of rewards. The first reward is a mech variant of Devil Dinosaur; it will be rewarded to players who login to the PC version of the game by 21 September.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, there will also be a daily login event between 23 to 29 August. The rewards include a total of 500 gold, 500 credits, three gold Conquest tickets, and even a premium mystery variant. It\u2019s worth noting that these rewards can be claimed by both mobile and PC players.\n\n\nMore details on various rewards in conjunction with the launch of \nMarvel Snap\u2019s PC version\n can be found \nhere\n. Of course, progress on both the mobile and PC version of Snap are synced, provided you\u2019re logging into the game with the same Google account or Apple ID.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honkai-star-rail-starts-ps5-test-recruitment-ahead-of-q4-2023-launch-pre-registration-rewards/", "title": "Honkai: Star Rail Starts PS5 Test Recruitment Ahead of Q4 2023 Launch \u2013 Pre-Registration Rewards", "body": "\n\nAt Gamescom 2023, Hoyoverse made a few announcements, including an update on the PlayStation 5 version of \nHonkai: Star Rail\n. Unfortunately, no specific launch date was given beyond the Q4 2023 estimate given previously, though the company will be doing a \ntechnical test recruitment\n for the console starting today on 23 August.\n\n\nMore specifically, the recruitment will begin at 10AM Malaysian time until 28 August. Those who signed up to be a part of the technical test will be rewarded with several in-game items depending on the number of registrations received. The rewards even include the 4-star The Seriousness of Breakfast light cone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith this announcement, it is almost confirmed that there will be no PS4 version of Star Rail, unfortunately enough. Of course, this is only an educated guess on our part based on the details revealed by Hoyoverse thus far.\n\n\nTo recap, registration for Honkai: Star Rail\u2019s PS5 technical test will end on 28 August at 10AM Malaysian time. As for the test itself, it will commence on 4 September at 10AM, and it\u2019s worth noting that the test will be done in a live server environment, so you can continue your progress from other platforms. You can sign up for the PS5 technical test \nright here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-concert-tour-coming-to-malaysia-7-october-new-zenless-zone-zero-trailer/", "title": "Genshin Impact Concert Tour Coming to Malaysia 7 October; New Zenless Zone Zero Trailer", "body": "\n\nAside from \nHonkai: Star Rail\n, Hoyoverse also shared some updates for \nGenshin Impact\n and its upcoming title, Zenless Zone Zero at Gamescom 2023. For Genshin Impact, an international \noffline concert series\n \u2013 a first for Hoyoverse \u2013 based on the game\u2019s various soundtracks will be held worldwide between 2023 to 2024, and Malaysia is one of the destinations!\n\n\nDubbed Genshin Concert Tour: Melodies of an Endless Journey, the concert will take place at several destinations across the globe. These include here in Malaysia \u2013 happening on 7 October at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas \u2013 Singapore, Osaka, Seoul, Los Angeles, New York, Boston, London, and many more.\n\n\nAccording to Hoyoverse, ticketing for the Malaysian concert will be opened tomorrow on 24 August at 12PM \nright here\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for Zenless Zone Zero, a new trailer was unveiled at Gamescom 2023 showcasing more of the title\u2019s gameplay mechanics and world exploration. The game does fit Hoyoverse\u2019s description of an \u201curban fantasy ARPG,\u201d though unfortunately enough, no release date was given.\n\n\nHoyoverse definitely has some interesting content lined up for its range of titles. Beyond the Genshin Impact concert and the new Zenless Zone Zero trailer, it\u2019s worth noting that the developer has also opened \ntechnical test recruitment for the PS5 version of Star Rail\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-11-realme-11x-launched-in-india-coming-to-malaysia-30-august/", "title": "Realme 11 & Realme 11x Launched in India \u2013 Coming to Malaysia 30 August", "body": "\n\nThe Realme 11 and Realme 11x just made their respective debuts in India. While both phones look quite similar to each other, they do have some distinct differences, especially in terms of camera configuration and pricing.\n\n\nOf the two phones, the Realme 11x is the more affordable device, starting at only 14,999 Indian rupee (about RM845) for the 6GB + 128GB model. As for the Realme 11, it retails from 18,999 rupee (approximately RM1,070) for the 8GB + 128GB configuration.\n\n\n\n\nRealme 11\n\n\n\n\nHardware wise, the Realme 11 features a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset, a 6.72-inch 2400 x 1080 IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a dual camera system (108MP main + 2MP portrait), a 16MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging.\n\n\nAs for the Realme 11x, it has the same chipset, display, and battery capacity as the standard Realme, though it does have a simpler camera configuration (64MP main + 2MP portrait), an 8MP selfie camera instead of the Realme 11\u2019s 16MP front-facing shooter, and 33W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\nRealme 11x\n\n\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Realme 11 will be introduced here \nnext week on 30 August\n, though there\u2019s no word (yet) on the local availability of the more affordable Realme 11x. However, given that both phones \nhave been registered with SIRIM already\n, we reckon the Realme 11x will eventually arrive here.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-concert-in-malaysia-ticket-prices-revealed-from-rm308-to-rm650/", "title": "Genshin Impact Concert in Malaysia Ticket Prices Revealed \u2013 From RM308 to RM650", "body": "\n\nTicket prices for the \nGenshin Impact\n concert tour happening on 7 October in Malaysia have been revealed! Starting from RM308, tickets can be purchased from tomorrow onwards on 24 August at 12PM through the \nMalaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) website\n.\n\n\nOf course, RM308 is for the most affordable seating. Though MPO has not revealed the exact seating plan, the prices range from RM308, RM388, RM478, and RM578. If you want the suite seating instead, it will set you back RM600 or RM650 per seat, depending on which suite is selected.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Genshin Concert Tour: Melodies of an Endless Journey is Hoyoverse\u2019s very first international\u00a0offline concert series, which is set to be held worldwide between 2023 to 2024. These include here in Malaysia (at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas), Singapore, Osaka, Seoul, Los Angeles, New York, Boston, London, and many more.\n\n\nTo recap, ticketing for the Genshin Impact concert in Malaysia on 7 October will be opened tomorrow on 24 August at 12PM \non MPO\u2019s website\n. More details on the concert can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-responds-to-x90-catching-fire-not-caused-by-hybrid-battery/", "title": "Proton Responds to X90 Catching Fire \u2013 Not Caused by Hybrid Battery", "body": "\n\nRecently, a viral video of a \nProton X90\n catching fire \u2013 the boot area, to be specific \u2013 started making its rounds on the internet. Some speculated that the fire was caused by the premium SUV\u2019s mild hybrid 48V battery, but Proton said that this is simply not the case.\n\n\nIn a statement released by the national carmaker, it said that the X90 in question is currently under the company\u2019s possession for further investigation. \u201cWe would also like to clarify there was no explosion caused by the Proton X90\u2019s mild hybrid (48V) battery,\u201d the statement reads.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cWe understand the concerns of the public and kindly request cooperation to refrain from engaging in speculative discussions and would like to emphasise investigations are still ongoing,\u201d the carmaker added. Proton also assures customers that its vehicles are developed to meet the highest standards and have underwent stringent quality and safety inspections before being handed over to customers.\n\n\nSo there you have it, officially from Proton itself. Hopefully, we\u2019ll hear more from the national carmaker on the actual cause of the X90 catching fire. We reckon it will give current X90 owners peace of mind.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/project-q-now-playstation-portal-199-dualsense-with-a-screen-for-remote-play/", "title": "Project Q Now PlayStation Portal \u2013 $199 DualSense With a Screen for Remote Play", "body": "\n\nPlayStation just revealed more details on its handheld device originally dubbed Project Q. The finalised name is PlayStation Portal, and it is\u2026essentially a DualSense with a screen in between the two halves of the controller for remote play.\n\n\nNaturally, the Portal has all of the features of the DualSense, including adaptive triggers and a refined haptic feedback. As for the display, it is an 8-inch LCD display that can stream games from your PS5 at 1080p in 60fps. Of course, streaming is done over WiFi, and PlayStation recommends speeds of at least 5Mbps. For a \u201cbetter play experience,\u201d as the company puts it, a 15Mbps connection is recommended.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from the Portal, PlayStation also officially introduced the Pulse Explore wireless earbuds \u2013 which we believe \nhas been registered wi\nt\nh SIRIM already\n for the Malaysian market \u2013 and Pulse Elite wireless headset, which is a new peripheral. Both support low latency, lossless audio through the use of the new PlayStation Link wireless audio technology.\n\n\nInterestingly, the Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore also use planar magnetic drivers for an \u201caudiophile-level listening experience.\u201d While such a driver isn\u2019t uncommon for headphones, the fact that it\u2019s offered on a pair of wireless earbuds is certainly enticing. PlayStation knows this too, saying that it is one of the first companies to offer wireless earbuds with planar drivers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow, pricing. Both the PlayStation Portal and Pulse Explore retail at $199.99 (about RM930), while the Pulse Elite headphones go for $149.99 (approximately RM700). The PlayStation Portal is expected to be available sometime this year, while the Pulse Explore and Pulse Elite do not have a specific release window yet.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/24-30-august-fuel-price-no-changes-ron-97-price-stays-at-rm3-37-per-litre/", "title": "24 \u2013 30 August Fuel Price: No Changes, RON 97 Price Stays at RM3.37 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAnother week, another fuel price update. Not surprisingly, there\u2019s no price movement for RON 97 this week either, and the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.37 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 24 to 30 August next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-is-the-honor-magic-5-pro-in-coral-purple-available-in-malaysia-25-august-for-rm3999/", "title": "This Is the Honor Magic 5 Pro in Coral Purple \u2013 Available in Malaysia 25 August for RM3,999", "body": "\n\nThe \nHonor Magic 5 Pro\n got a new colourway in conjunction with our upcoming Merdeka celebration. Touted as a limited edition model, the Coral Purple variant of the flagship phone has a rather nice leather-like back panel.\n\n\nJust like other colour options of the Magic 5 Pro (Meadow Green and Black), the Coral Purple version also retails at RM3,999; a price cut of RM300 from the launch pricing. Set to be \navailable for purchase locally tomorrow on 25 August\n, freebies worth RM807 will be bundled with the phone, including a Honor Choice Bluetooth speaker, 1+1 year extended warranty, and a 180-day screen crack protection.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardware wise, the Magic 5 Pro in Coral Purple still features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset paired with 12GB RAM, 512GB of internal storage, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 50MP ultra-wide + 50MP periscope telephoto), a 12MP selfie camera, a 6.81-inch 2848 x 1312 LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, an IP68 rating, and a generous 5,100mAh battery with support for 66W wired charging \u2013 50W wireless.\n\n\nTo recap, the Honor Magic 5 Pro in Coral Purple will be available for purchase in Malaysia tomorrow on 25 August for RM3,999. Do note that this is a limited edition model, so if you like the colourway, you may want to get it as soon as you can.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-has-almost-10-market-share-in-malaysia-now-top-3-in-premium-segment/", "title": "Honor Has Almost 10% Market Share in Malaysia Now \u2013 Top 3 in Premium Segment", "body": "\n\nAt the Malaysian launch of the \nHonor Magic 5 Pro\n in Coral Purple, Honor Malaysia shared some updates on its business growth. According to the company, Honor has almost 10% market share in the Malaysian smartphone market now.\n\n\nThis was shared by the deputy country director of Honor Malaysia, Matthew Ng. He added that in the premium smartphone market \u2013 defined by the company as devices above RM4,000 \u2013 Honor is sitting at the number three spot. These figures are accurate as of Q2 2023.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCurrently, Honor offers a wide range of smartphones at various price points. There\u2019s the \nHonor 90\n, Honor 90 Lite, \nHonor Magic Vs\n foldable phone, and of course, the Magic 5 Pro. It\u2019s worth noting that the flagship phone recently received a RM300 price cut, bringing down the price to RM3,999. This pricing is applicable to the new Coral Purple model too.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the \nHonor Magic 5 Pro\n in Coral Purple will be available for purchase in Malaysia tomorrow on 25 August for RM3,999. Do note that this is a limited edition model launched in conjunction with our Merdeka celebration, so expect units to be\u2026well, limited.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sime-darby-acquiring-umw-adds-perodua-toyota-to-its-portfolio/", "title": "Sime Darby Acquiring UMW \u2013 Adds Perodua & Toyota to Its Portfolio", "body": "\n\nThis is big news for the Malaysian automotive industry: Sime Darby Berhad has just entered into a conditional share purchase agreement with Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) to acquire its 61.2% stake in UMW Holdings Berhad (UMW). With this move, Sime Darby will add Perodua and Toyota to its portfolio \u2013 two popular car brands in our local market.\n\n\nSime Darby is purchasing PNB\u2019s 61.2% stake in UMW for RM5.00 per share, which comes up to RM3.57 billion. The company will be making a general offer for the remaining 38.8% stake with the aim of delisting UMW from Bursa Malaysia.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cThis is a strategic move to further scale up and strengthen our presence in the Malaysian automotive sector, adding two highly performing brands into our Malaysian portfolio \u2013 Toyota and Perodua,\u201d said the Group Chief Executive Officer of Sime Darby Berhad, Dato\u2019 Jeffri Salim Davidson. \u201cThe deal will cement Sime Darby\u2019s position as Malaysia\u2019s leading automotive player,\u201d he added.\n\n\nAccording to Sime Darby, its acquisition of PNB\u2019s stake in UMW is expected to be completed within three months from the date of SPA. This is subject to regulatory and shareholders\u2019 approvals and customary closing conditions, as the company puts it.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/beats-studio-buds-now-available-in-cosmic-pink-cosmic-silver-still-rm699/", "title": "Beats Studio Buds+ Now Available in Cosmic Pink & Cosmic Silver \u2013 Still RM699", "body": "\n\nThe \nBeats Studio Buds+\n was launched a few months ago, and one of the main appeals of the wireless earbuds \u2013 in our opinion, anyway \u2013 is its transparent design. Well, if you don\u2019t quite fancy that, you may be interested in the Studio Buds+\u2019 two new colours: Cosmic Pink and Cosmic Silver.\n\n\nThe new metallic colours for the Studio Buds+ are a collaboration between Beats and nail polish brand Olive & June. Both colours have also been listed on \nApple\u2019s Malaysian online store for RM699\n, though they are not available for purchase just yet. They\u2019re actually set to be available in the US from 7 September, so it\u2019s possible we will be getting it around the same time as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAesthetics aside, the Studio Buds+ promises \u201cup to 1.6x more active noise cancelling\u201d when compared to its predecessor. It also offers up to 36 hours of use when paired with the charging case, along with a custom two-layer transducer that\u2019s said to deliver cleaner bass and low distortion.\n\n\nCurrently, the Beats Studio Buds+ \ncan be purchased in Malaysia for RM699\n in three colourways: Transparent, Ivory, and Black/Gold. The new Cosmic Pink and Cosmic Silver options are not available yet, though they have been listed already on Apple\u2019s online store.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-concert-in-malaysia-tickets-sold-out-in-1-hour/", "title": "Genshin Impact Concert in Malaysia \u2013 Tickets Sold Out in 1 Hour", "body": "\n\nTicketing for the \nGenshin Impact\n concert tour opened at 12PM earlier today through the \nMalaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) website\n, and it was\u2026tough to secure a ticket. Based on what we\u2019ve experienced, it is likely that all tickets were sold out within an hour.\n\n\nOf course, we tried to secure some tickets to the Genshin Impact concert for ourselves at 12PM sharp, and the experience was not exactly pleasant. Not only did MPO\u2019s website crash on us a few times, there were about \n2,000 buyers\n ahead of us in the virtual queue at one point.\n\n\nGiven that the seating capacity of the Petronas Philharmonic Hall is only about 920 seats, we were not optimistic.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, by the end of it, we only managed to secure one ticket for the RM388 seating at about 1PM. For context, the prices range from RM308 to RM578 for regular seats, while the more premium suite options are either RM600 or RM650 per seat.\n\n\nFrom what we gathered, many Genshin fans were trying to get tickets to the Singapore concert too, which actually has two dates (2 and 3 October) compared to Malaysia\u2019s single concert (7 October). Not surprisingly, even the Singaporean Genshin concert is sold out already.\n\n\nEvidently, many folks are eager to attend the Genshin Impact concert tour. After all, it is Hoyoverse\u2019s very first international\u00a0offline concert series, which is set to be held worldwide between 2023 to 2024. These include here in Malaysia, Singapore, Osaka, Seoul, Los Angeles, New York, Boston, London, and many more.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-acquiring-audeze-brand-will-still-operate-independently/", "title": "PlayStation Acquiring Audeze \u2013 Brand Will Still Operate Independently", "body": "\n\nJust days after PlayStation unveiled its new \nPulse Elite wireless headphones and Pulse Explore wireless earbuds\n, the company announced that it is acquiring Audeze. The high-end audio brand is known for its range of planar headphones and earphones, which ties in nicely with PlayStation\u2019s new audio line.\n\n\nAfter all, the company specifically mentioned the use of custom-designed planar magnetic drivers for an \u201caudiophile-level listening experience\u201d with the $150 (about RM695) Pulse Elite and $200 Pulse Explore (around RM930). In the case of the latter, PlayStation says that it is one of the first companies to offer wireless earbuds with planar drivers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, the Pulse Explore and Pulse Elite both support low latency, lossless audio through the use of the new PlayStation Link wireless audio technology. They also feature AI-enhanced noise rejection to reduce background sounds, and in the case of the Elite, it even has a retractable boom mic.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that with this acquisition, Audeze will still continue to operate independently while being a part of the PlayStation ecosystem. \u201cThe acquisition will strengthen SIE\u2019s efforts to continue innovating when it comes to the audio experience of PlayStation games,\u201d as the company puts it.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/cherry-mx2a-switch-revamped-mold-barrel-spring-205g0-factory-lube/", "title": "Cherry MX2A Switch \u2013 Revamped Mold, Barrel Spring, 205g0 Factory Lube", "body": "\n\nAfter many, many years, Cherry is overhauling its lineup of switches. Dubbed Cherry MX2A, the new switches feature a slew of updates, including an updated mold, barrel spring design, and factory lubing that is \u201csimilar\u201d to the popular Krytox 205g0 lube for improved performance and sound profile.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the updated mold of MX2A switches. Compared to the original mold, the new one features a redesigned, polished rail for improved smoothness. The stem is updated with a \u201ccrown\u201d design too, which promises less wobble for a more stable typing experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the MX2A\u2019s barrel spring, it is said to offer more consistent spring force across different switches, \u201cdelivering a keystroke that feels uniform every single time,\u201d as the company puts it. The ring of the bottom housing \u2013 where the spring sits \u2013 is also lubed with an oil-based grease that is said to mirror the properties of Krytox 205g0.\n\n\nThe new Cherry MX2A switches will replace the company\u2019s current portfolio, which includes the MX Black, MX Red, MX Brown, MX Blue, MX Speed Silver, MX Silent Red, and MX Silent Black. Do note that some of these switches do not feature all of the improvements brought by the MX2A update, such as the MX Blue clicky switch \u2013 this particular model will not come with factory lube.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vortex-m0110-review-old-school-goodness/", "title": "Vortex M0110 Review: Old School Goodness", "body": "\n\nWhile \ncustom keyboards\n have gotten immensely popular in the past few years, pre-built keyboards are still worth a consideration. This is especially so from brands that have been around for quite some time, such as Vortex. This is the Vortex M0110, a vintage inspired gasket-mount keyboard.\n\n\nAfter using the M0110 as my daily driver for a few weeks now, I\u2019m very happy with it. Not only is it a step up from other pre-built keyboards in various aspects, it can even go toe to toe with similarly priced custom keyboards, in my opinion.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for a 60% keyboard with a vintage styling, the M0110 is definitely worth checking out.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe Vortex M0110, as its name suggests, takes inspiration from the Apple M0110 keyboard that came with the original Macintosh. While it looks like a vintage keyboard, its internals are far from that. Not only does it support VIA and QMK for easy key mapping \u2013 but only for the wired version \u2013 it even has the aforementioned gasket mounting system, a hotswap PCB, and even a wireless model with support for Bluetooth and a 2.4GHz dongle.\n\n\nThe review unit you see here is the wireless model with a conventional 60% layout (there\u2019s a HHKB version too), so while it doesn\u2019t support VIA or QMK, the key mapping can still be changed with Vortex\u2019s own software. More on this further down the review.\n\n\nOther specifications of the M0110 include an FR4 plate, PBT dye-subbed keycaps, a range of Cherry and Gateron switches to pick from, and even screw-in stabilisers that perform \ngreat\n out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for pricing, the M0110 \nretails from $149 on Vortex\u2019s official store\n for both the wired and wireless models, which comes up to about RM695. While it\u2019s not the most affordable pre-built keyboard, it\u2019s certainly not the most expensive either.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nWhen I first started typing on the Vortex M0110, its sound profile really took me by surprise. It\u2019s not a \u201cthocky\u201d keyboard, per se, but it certainly has a nice, relatively deep sound signature. You can hear this for yourself in the sound test below:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the typing feel of the M0110 is quite pleasant too. Although it provides a stiff typing experience \u2013 despite being a gasket mounted keyboard \u2013 I like how every key stroke feels\u2026well, solid and substantial. Do note that this review unit features Gateron G Pro Yellow linear switches.\n\n\nFurther enhancing the typing experience of the M0110 are the keyboard\u2019s screw-in stabilisers, which really, really surprised me. Out of the box, there\u2019s very little to no rattling on any of the mod keys, including the spacebar. There\u2019s not even a lot of factory lube applied to the stabiliser\u2019s wire; very impressive.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI quite like the PBT dye-subbed keycaps of the M0110 too. The legends looks sharp and consistent \u2013 though some letters look a bit rough upon closer inspection \u2013 and the texture of the keycap feels nice and smooth. Compared to other pre-built keyboards, these PBT keycaps are certainly a step (or two) above.\n\n\nLast but not least is the overall build quality of the M0110. Despite sporting an all-plastic construction, it feels nice and solid with minimal creaking when I apply pressure to the chassis. Tipping the scales at about 840g, it has a good amount of heft too.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWhile I\u2019m generally quite fond of the M0110, it does have some shortcomings here and there. For this wireless model, it needs two AA batteries for wireless connectivity; there\u2019s no built-in battery. While this isn\u2019t exactly a huge issue, having to use AA batteries for the keyboard feels\u2026dated.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then there\u2019s the Vortex\u2019s software to edit the key mapping of the M0110. Not only is it unintuitive to navigate around, the Chinese translation isn\u2019t even completed. Granted, this is an issue that is only applicable to the wireless model, given that the wired version supports VIA and QMK.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nFor $149\n, I can definitely see myself paying that amount of money for the Vortex M0110. While it does have its fair share of drawbacks, the overall polish of this pre-built keyboard in various aspects far outweigh its negatives.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter all, it has a pleasant sound profile, refined typing experience, high quality PBT keycaps, and screw-in stabilisers that perform great with minimal ticking straight out of the box. The fact that it has a hotswap PCB also allows for easy switch swapping, so users can experiment with various switches easily and seamlessly \u2013 ideal for folks who are new to the keyboard hobby.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-zenfone-series-reportedly-being-cut-only-rog-phone-remains/", "title": "Asus Zenfone Series Reportedly Being Cut \u2013 Only ROG Phone Remains", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been a while since any of the Asus Zenfone phones were offered in Malaysia, and it appears the Taiwanese company is (reportedly) planning to close the Zenfone division. If this turns out to be true, only the \nROG Phone\n lineup will remain in Asus\u2019 smartphone portfolio.\n\n\nThis report came from \nTechNews Taiwan\n. According to the publication, Asus is currently laying off a number of employees (including the mobile division) across its offices in Taiwan and Suzhou, China. TechNews, citing an anonymous source, said that the Zenfone 10 will be the last phone in the series.\n\n\n\n\nThe Asus Zenfone 10\n\n\n\n\nAs for current Asus employees under the Zenfone team, they will either be relegated to the ROG Phone development team or to other relevant departments. Evidently, Asus is prioritising the ROG Phone for its smartphone business, which makes sense, given that the gaming phone is much more widely available.\n\n\nBut given that these details did not come directly from Asus itself, there is a chance development of the Zenfone series will not be cut. We\u2019ll just have to wait for confirmation from the Taiwanese company on the fate of its Zenfone lineup.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-pulse-elite-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "PlayStation Pulse Elite Coming to Malaysia Soon?", "body": "\n\nLast week, PlayStation officially introduced the \nPulse Elite wireless headphones and Pulse Explore wireless earbuds\n. We believe the latter is set to be available in Malaysia soon \u2013 we suspect it has \nalready been registered with SIRIM\n \u2013 and looking back, there\u2019s a good chance the Pulse Elite has also appeared in SIRIM\u2019s database.\n\n\nWhile not explicitly mentioned, we believe the Pulse Explore earbuds are in SIRIM\u2019s database with the model number YY2977. A USB adapter dubbed YY2980 was also registered a week earlier, which is possibly used by the wireless earbuds for the PlayStation Link wireless audio technology.\n\n\nKeeping this in mind, Sony actually registered a wireless gaming headset and USB dongle with the model numbers YY2979 and YY2976 respectively much, much earlier on 23 June.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Pulse Elite\n\n\n\n\nWhat are the odds that these are the Pulse Elite wireless gaming headphones with its USB adapter? Well, in our opinion, very likely. After all, it shares the same model number format as the Pulse Explore \u2013 at least, we \nbelieve\n the YY2977 is the unreleased earbuds.\n\n\nNonetheless, the Pulse Elite does have a number of noteworthy features. Not only does it support low latency, lossless audio through the use of the new PlayStation Link technology, it also has AI-enhanced noise rejection to reduce background sounds. It even comes with a retractable boom mic.\n\n\nOh, it also uses custom-designed planar magnetic drivers. Possibly with some inputs from high-end audio brand Audeze, which is \nbeing acquired by PlayStation\n.\n\n\n\n\nThe Pulse Explore\n\n\n\n\nWhile we\u2019re confident the Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore have been registered with SIRIM already \u2013 allowing them to be officially sold in Malaysia \u2013 only time will tell if Sony Malaysia will indeed offer both products locally. Hopefully, we will find out in the near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-5-v-launching-1-september-no-more-telephoto-camera/", "title": "Sony Xperia 5 V Launching 1 September \u2013 No More Telephoto Camera?", "body": "\n\nSony is scheduling the launch of a new Xperia phone this Friday on 1 September. Chances are, the Japanese company will be introducing the Xperia 5 V. The (likely) flagship phone has been leaked several times now, and there\u2019s a chance the device will omit \nits predecessor\n\u2018s telephoto camera.\n\n\nLooking at an alleged leak of the \nXperia 5 V\u2019s promotional video\n, the phone in question appears to be sporting only two camera sensors. Typically, a dual camera system is made up of a primary shooter with an ultra-wide angle lens, so it\u2019s possible the Xperia 5 V won\u2019t feature a zoom camera.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, a \nGeekbench listing\n of a Sony phone with the model number XQ-DE54 (likely the Xperia 5 V) also surfaced online. This phone, if it really is the Xperia 5 V, features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, 8GB of RAM, and runs on Android 13. This sounds about right, given that last year\u2019s \nXperia 5 IV\n features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip with 8GB RAM.\n\n\nWe\u2019ll find out just what the Sony Xperia 5 V will bring to the table this coming Friday on 1 September, coinciding with the start of IFA 2023. Expect the Malaysian pricing of the phone to be revealed not long after the official introduction of the phone.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-asian-games-nation-drive-proton-presenting-treasures-of-malaysia-to-asian-games-museum/", "title": "Proton Asian Games, Nation Drive \u2013 Proton Presenting Treasures of Malaysia to Asian Games Museum", "body": "\n\nAs one of the official vehicle brands for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Proton is holding the Asian Games, Nation Drive media drive throughout Malaysia. We were invited to the third round of the drive to the southern peninsular states of Malaysia \u2013 more specifically, Malacca and Pahang.\n\n\nThe media drive gave us the opportunity to test out all three models in the Proton X series, which includes the \nX50\n, X70, and of course, the \nall-new X90\n. We will be a doing a quick review of the three SUVs in a video very soon, so stay tuned for that.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt the end of each media drive, Proton will be donating several \u201ctreasures of Malaysia,\u201d as the carmaker puts it, to the Asian Games Museum in Hangzhou. For our particular leg of the drive, the Kebaya Nyonya and Tenun Pahang were presented by Dato\u2019 Mirnawan bin Datuk Hj Nawawi, former Malaysian hockey player who scored 250 career goals.\n\n\nThe fourth and last round of Proton\u2019s Asian Games, Nation Drive event will be held in Perak, representing the northern peninsular state of Malaysia. Previously, the carmaker already did a media drive in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah; Kuching, Sarawak; and of course, our trip to Malacca and Pahang.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-new-teal-bayou-green-colour-for-proton-s50-shown/", "title": "Spy Shot: New \u201cTeal Bayou Green\u201d Colour for Proton S50 Shown", "body": "\n\nWe\u2019ve got yet another spy shot of the \nProton S50\n, which is believed to be the national carmaker\u2019s upcoming replacement for the Preve sedan. This time around, we got a very, very upclose look at the colour options available for the S50, including the brand new \u201cTeal Bayou Green.\u201d\n\n\nThe image below was posted by \nThe Ajerul\n on Facebook. The topmost image is the aforementioned Teal Bayou Green colour, and there\u2019s a chance the car pictured is the S50 itself. After all, it looks to match the rear door design of the car\u2019s donor model, the Geely Emgrand.\n\n\nAs for the other two colours offered for the S50 pictured below, they are Marine Blue and Passion Red, which made their debuts on the \nX90\n and \nX50\n respectively.\n\n\n\n\nFrom top: Teal Bayou Green, Marine Blue, Passion Red\n\n\nThe Geely Emgrand\n\n\n\n\nPrevious spy shots of the S50\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, the S50 is is rumoured to be launched in Malaysia as early as November 2023. On top of that, four different variants are said to be offered, and all of them will be powered by the familiar 1.5L TGDi engine that outputs 177PS and 255Nm of torque \u2013 the same one found under the hood of the\u00a0\nX50\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nX70\n.\n\n\nOf course, until confirmed by Proton itself, take these rumoured details of the Proton S50 with a grain of salt, though the\u00a0\nunavailability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto\n is confirmed already. We should learn more about the S50 as we approach closer to the rumoured November 2023 launch of the sedan.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/new-honkai-star-rail-animated-short-shows-dan-heng-imbibitor-lunae-his-past/", "title": "New Honkai: Star Rail Animated Short Shows Dan Heng Imbibitor Lunae & His Past", "body": "\n\nOccasionally, Hoyoverse releases animated shorts for certain characters in \nHonkai: Star Rail\n. The \nprevious one was for Jing Yuan\n, and this time around, Dan Heng Imbibitor Lunae gets his own animated short.\n\n\nNot only does the \nvery well-animated\n video explore Imbibitor Lunae\u2019s past, we also get a look at other prominent characters in Star Rail. These include Jingliu \u2013 who has \nalready been teased by Hoyoverse\n \u2013 Yingxing, and Baiheng. All of them, together with Jing Yuan and Dan Feng (Dan Heng\u2019s previous incarnation), form the legendary High-Cloud Quintet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvidently, Hoyoverse is building up excitement for Imbibitor Lunae, which will be playable from tomorrow onwards on 30 August once the Version 1.3 update of Star Rail is live. On top of that, his Companion Mission will also be available then, which should shed more light on the character.\n\n\nAside from Dan Heng Imbibitor Lunae, Fu Xuan and Lynx will also be coming to Honkai: Star Rail in the Version 1.3 update. Imbibitor Lunae\u2019s banner will be offered first, while Fu Xuan\u2019s and Lynx\u2019s event warps will be available in the second phase at a later date.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-zenfone-series-will-not-be-discontinued-after-all/", "title": "Asus Zenfone Series Will Not Be Discontinued After All", "body": "\n\nAsus just released an official response to \nrecent reports\n that the Taiwanese company is planning to cut its Zenfone lineup of smartphones, and it\u2019s quite the statement. According to the company, it is simply \u201c\nnot \ntrue\u201d \u2013 yes, in bold \u2013 that the Asus Zenfone product line will be shut down.\n\n\n\u201cWe will continue our two main phone business product lines, the \nROG Phone\n and the Zenfone. Asus has a strong commitment to our smartphone business and customers,\u201d the company said in the press release. \u201cPlease stay tuned for our 2024 product lineups,\u201d it added.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSo there you have it: the Asus Zenfone series will not be discontinued. That\u2019s a good thing, given that there aren\u2019t many compact flagship phones in the market now. The latest Zenfone 10, for one, features a 5.9-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate alongside a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset paired with up to 16GB of RAM.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the Asus Zenfone series is still not offered as widely as the Taiwanese company\u2019s range of ROG Phones. After all, here in Malaysia, we\u2019ve got almost every iteration of the ROG Phone, while the last Zenfone device that was launched here was the \nZenfone 8 series\n back in 2021.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-find-n3-flip-official-similar-design-hasselblad-triple-camera-coming-to-global-market/", "title": "Oppo Find N3 Flip Official \u2013 Similar Design, Hasselblad Triple Camera, Coming to Global Market", "body": "\n\nOppo just launched a new foldable flip phone in China, the Oppo Find N3 Flip. While it looks similar to last year\u2019s \nFind N2 Flip\n, it does bring a few upgrades, including a more sophisticated triple camera configuration \u2013 still with the Hasselblad branding \u2013 and faster performance.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the new Hasselblad-branded camera system of the Find N3 Flip. In addition to a 50MP main sensor and a 48MP ultra-wide shooter, there\u2019s finally a telephoto lens now. To be specific, it is a 32MP telephoto camera that\u2019s capable of 2x optical zoom or 20x digital zoom.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPowering the Find N3 Flip, on the other hand, is a MediaTek Dimensity 9200 chipset, which should be faster than its predecessor\u2019s Dimensity 9000+ SoC. Beyond that, other hardware of the new flip phone is strikingly similar to the Find N2 Flip. Well, except for the addition of an alert slider on the left side of the phone.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Find N3 Flip include a 6.8-inch 2520 x 1080 AMOLED primary display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 3.26-inch 720 x 382 AMOLED cover screen \u2013 still limited at 60Hz \u2013 a 32MP selfie camera, 12GB of RAM, up to 512GB of storage, and a 4,300mAh battery with support for 44W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Find N3 Flip is now available for pre-order in China from 6,999 Chinese yuan, which comes up to about RM4,460. The foldable flip phone is set to be introduced globally in the near future, and given that its predecessor is sold here, we reckon the N3 Flip will make its way to Malaysia as well.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-huawei-mate-60-pro-has-3-cutouts-on-its-display-with-a-mystery-chip/", "title": "The Huawei Mate 60 Pro Has 3 Cutouts on Its Display With a Mystery Chip", "body": "\n\nSurprise surprise, the Huawei Mate 60 Pro just went for sale in China without any big teasers beforehand. One of the most unique elements of the phone has to be the inclusion of not one, not two, but \nthree\n cutouts on the display for a range of sensors.\n\n\nOne of the cutouts on the Mate 60 Pro is, of course, for a 13MP selfie camera. As for the other two cutouts, they house sensors for the 3D face recognition feature. While it does look rather odd to have three holes at the top of the screen, it does give the phone a\u2026unique aesthetic.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, the Mate 60 Pro also supports satellite calling, which is one of its most highlighted features. It also has an XMAGE triple camera system made up of a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide shooter, and a 48MP telephoto lens that can do 3.5x optical zoom or up to 100x digital zoom.\n\n\nRounding out the specifications of the Mate 60 Pro are a 6.82-inch 2720 x 1260 OLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 12GB of RAM, up to 1TB of storage, an IP68 rating, and a 5,000mAh battery with support for 88W fast charging. Oddly enough, the chipset powering the phone has not been revealed yet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, the Huawei Mate 60 Pro is only available in China from 6,999 Chinese yuan, which comes up to about RM4,460. No word yet on whether or not the phone will be offered outside of Huawei\u2019s home market.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mtg-wilds-of-eldraine-arrives-for-tabletop-8-september-2023-anime-cards/", "title": "MTG Wilds of Eldraine Arrives for Tabletop 8 September 2023 \u2013 Anime Cards!", "body": "\n\nMagic: The Gathering\u2019s latest set, Wilds of Eldraine, is set to arrive for tabletop next week on 8 September. To celebrate the arrival of the new fairy tale-like expansion, Wizards of the Coast will be holding an \nOpen House\n for the set, which is essentially a Launch Party.\n\n\nThe Magic Open House will be held at selected Wizards Play Network (WPN) Stores in Malaysia between 8 to 10 September next week. New players can get familiarised with the card game using Wilds of Eldraine\u2019s new Starter Kit, and all attendees will receive a Drown in the Loch promotional card. Players who bring along a friend to the Open House can get an additional Cultivate card (each) too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for Wilds of Eldraine itself, it introduces a number of mechanics. Roles, for example, can be used to enchant creatures to give them +1/+1 and specific keywords like trample and scry. On top of that, 20 rare and mythic Enchanting Tales cards from the set will receive an anime-themed card treatment too, which looks quite sweet.\n\n\nMagic: The Gathering\u2019s Wilds of Eldraine set will be released for tabletop on 8 September 2023. Ahead of the set\u2019s launch, you can pre-order it from your\u00a0\nfavourite game store\n. Wilds of Eldraine is offered in Draft Boosters, Set Boosters, Collector Boosters, Commander Decks, Prerelease Packs, Bundles, and a Starter Kit.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-15-launch-set-for-13-september-at-apple-wonderlust-event/", "title": "iPhone 15 Launch Set for 13 September at Apple \u201cWonderlust\u201d Event", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s that time of the year: Apple\u2019s 2023 iPhone lineup is set to be introduced on 13 September next month. The iPhone 15 series is expected to be made up of four different devices, including the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and of course, the iPhone 15 Pro Max.\n\n\nThe \nSeptember Apple event\n, dubbed \u201cWonderlust,\u201d has an animated Apple logo with particles in blue, black, and grey. This could be a teaser of the colours available for the new iPhone, and it may even be foreshadowing the rumoured titanium frame of the Pro models.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther upgrades the iPhone 15 series are expected to bring include USB-C charging, Dynamic Island as a standard feature, and even an improved camera system with thinner bezels. That being said, it\u2019s worth noting that the latter two are said to be exclusive to the Pro models.\n\n\nBeyond the iPhone 15 series, Apple is expected to reveal new Apple Watches as well, namely an update to the Apple Watch Ultra and the Apple Watch Series 9. We\u2019ll find out for ourselves at the Apple event come 13 September at 1AM Malaysian time.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/smart-1-bookings-open-in-malaysia-via-hello-smart-app-2-variants-rm1000-booking-fee/", "title": "Smart #1 Bookings Open in Malaysia Via Hello Smart App \u2013 2 Variants, RM1,000 Booking Fee", "body": "\n\nBookings for the Smart #1 have just been opened in Malaysia! Unlike other carmakers, the company is taking bookings of the EV through its just-released Hello Smart app, which is available for download now on the \nApple App Store\n, \nGoogle Play Store\n, and \nHuawei AppGallery\n.\n\n\nA RM1,000 fee is charged to book the Smart #1 through the app, and two variants of the electric SUV are offered for the Malaysian market: Premium and Brabus. The Premium model features a single 200kW motor driving the rear wheels that outputs 272PS and 343Nm of torque, allowing the EV to go from 0-100kmph in only 6.7 seconds with a top speed of 180kmph.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the more powerful Smart #1 Brabus, it comes with another electric motor at the front \u2013 making it all-wheel drive \u2013 for a very respectable total output of 428PS and 543Nm of torque. How fast can it complete the century sprint with this kind of setup? A mere 3.9 seconds; very impressive.\n\n\nBoth models of the Smart #1 are said to be packed with a 66kWh lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) battery that offers up to 440km range on the WLTP cycle for the standard variant. This figure goes down to 400km for the higher-powered Brabus model, understandably.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to book the Smart #1 ahead of its Malaysian launch sometime in Q4 2023, you can do so now through the Hello Smart app for RM1,000. To recap, it\u2019s available on the \nApple App Store\n, \nGoogle Play Store\n, and \nHuawei AppGallery\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-11-launched-in-malaysia-for-rm1199-no-realme-11x-yet/", "title": "Realme 11 Launched in Malaysia for RM1,199 \u2013 No Realme 11x (Yet?)", "body": "\n\nThe Realme 11 has just been launched in Malaysia. Unfortunately, the more affordable Realme 11x was not introduced alongside the mid-ranger on our shores \u2013 despite \nalready appearing in SIRIM\u2019s database\n \u2013 though the Realme 11 is already quite an affordable device.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, only a single variant of the Realme 11 is offered. Sporting 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, the phone retails at RM1,199 locally. Two colour options are available: Glory Gold (pictured here) and Glory Black.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardware wise, the Realme 11 features a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset, a 6.72-inch 2400 x 1080 IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a dual camera system (108MP main with 3x in-sensor zoom + 2MP portrait), a 16MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging.\n\n\nThe Realme 11 is \nnow available for purchase in Malaysia\n for RM1,199, and a number of freebies are offered for early birds. While the Realme 11x was not launched together with the phone today, we reckon it will arrive here sooner rather than later, given that it has been registered with SIRIM already.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/theres-never-been-a-better-time-to-break-free-from-pre-built-keyboards/", "title": "There\u2019s Never Been a Better Time to \u201cBreak Free\u201d From Pre-Built Keyboards", "body": "\n\nPre-built keyboards have always been the go-to option for most folks who just want\u2026well, a functional input device. But while these readily available keyboards are good \u2013 \nsome of them\n, \nanyway\n \u2013 a custom keyboard offers so much more, including a superior typing experience with tons of customisation options.\n\n\nMalaysia\u2019s 66th Independence Day is tomorrow on 31 August, so we thought it\u2019d be apt to come up with an article for those who want to \u201cbreak free\u201d from an off-the-shelf keyboard. Without further ado, let\u2019s get to why you should get a custom keyboard, and exactly how you can get started.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhy Should I Get a Custom Keyboard?\n\n\nThe biggest reason is certainly for a much improved typing experience. There are two parts to this: typing feel and sound profile. In regards to the former, custom keyboards usually have more sophisticated mounting systems, offering either a soft, comfortable typing experience, or a stiffer, more \u201csolid\u201d typing feel. Some custom keyboards even offer multiple mounting styles to change the stiffness of the keyboard.\n\n\nCompare this to pre-built keyboards, many of which use a tray-mount system of sorts to attach the main assembly of the keyboard to the bottom of the case with screws. Not only does this make for a much stiffer typing experience, you also get inconsistent typing feel across the board, especially near screw points.\n\n\nGranted, there \nare\n more pre-built keyboards that use the popular gasket-mount system now, but these readily available keyboards can\u2019t match the refined sound profile of custom keyboards. At least, not without modding them extensively, especially the stabilisers.\n\n\n\n\nStabilisers of most pre-built keyboards are harder to mod\n\n\nWhile most custom keyboards offer easy access to stabilisers for tuning purposes\n\n\n\n\nStabilisers, as the name suggests, are used to \u201cstabilise\u201d longer keys such as the spacebar, backspace, and enter keys. More often than not, pre-built keyboards have rattly, noisy stabilisers. Even the most premium keyboard, custom or not, will feel bad to type on if the spacebar or backspace key has an annoying ticking sound.\n\n\nThat is where \ntuning stabilisers\n come into the picture. While it\u2019s possible to tune the stabilisers of a pre-built keyboard, it is usually more difficult to do so for various reasons. This is not an issue with custom keyboards, as most are designed to be relatively easy to assemble and disassemble. This makes stabiliser tuning a much more seamless process.\n\n\nPlus, you also have the option to purchase a wide variety of stabilisers, even in specific colourways.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBut the stabiliser is just one part of a keyboard\u2019s sound profile. Depending on a custom keyboard\u2019s construction, build material, switch choice, and even keycap brand, you can really change up the sound signature to your liking. It is no exaggeration to say that a custom keyboard will almost always sound better than a pre-built one, though this is (to an extent) a subjective matter.\n\n\nOf course, there\u2019s also the sheer customisability of custom keyboards. The word \u201cpreference\u201d is thrown around in the custom keyboard scene quite a bit, and that\u2019s really one of the most defining aspects of the hobby. Almost every single part of a custom board can be customised to your liking, including the keycap, switches, stabiliser, plate material, and of course, the keyboard itself.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll of these customisation options allow you to really personalise a custom keyboard to suit your aesthetics \u2013 not something you can do with a pre-built keyboard.\n\n\nIsn\u2019t It More Expensive?\n\n\nNot necessarily! In today\u2019s custom keyboard market, budget-friendly options have improved by leaps and bounds. Take the \nJRIS75\n, a 75% custom keyboard that starts from only RM696 when it was available for order. There\u2019s also the very, very popular \nMeletrix Zoom75 that starts at RM799\n.\n\n\nThere are also various pre-built keyboards that implement features that are typically found on custom boards \nat an even lower price point\n. While they can\u2019t quite match the refinement of true-blue custom keyboards, these \u201cpre-built custom keyboards\u201d are certainly a good entry point for those who are just getting started.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOkay, Where Do I Start?\n\n\nIt is much, \nmuch\n easier now to secure a custom keyboard (and parts for it) in Malaysia. \nRebult Keyboards\n, for one, is the Malaysian proxy for many custom keyboard groupbuys, including the aforementioned Zoom75 and JRIS75. The online retailer also carries various switches, keycap sets, and other keyboard parts.\n\n\nIf you want to check out a physical store instead, there\u2019s \nMecha Store\n located in Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya. Not only does it have a wide variety of keyboard parts for sale \u2013 you can even try out a slew of switches there \u2013 Mecha even offers build services. Great for folks who are not quite ready to build their own keyboard yet.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe custom keyboard scene, especially here in Malaysia, has grown immensely over the past few years. There\u2019s really no better time to get into the hobby if you want to elevate your typing experience to the next level regardless of your budget or skill level.\n\n\nAs long as you\u2019re keen to up your keyboard game, there are many resources to take advantage of, including our \nvarious keyboard-centric articles\n and \nYouTube channel\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/31-august-6-september-fuel-price-no-changes-ron-97-price-stays-at-rm3-37-per-litre/", "title": "31 August \u2013 6 September Fuel Price: No Changes, RON 97 Price Stays at RM3.37 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAnother week, another fuel price update. Not surprisingly, there\u2019s no price movement for RON 97 this week either, and the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.37 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 31 August to 6 September next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-pad-2-realme-buds-air-5-also-now-in-malaysia-for-rm1299-rm299/", "title": "Realme Pad 2 & Realme Buds Air 5 Also Now in Malaysia for RM1,299 & RM299", "body": "\n\nAlso launched alongside the \nRealme 11\n in Malaysia are the Realme Pad 2 Android tablet and Realme Buds Air 5 wireless earbuds. Both of these products are relatively budget-friendly, especially the Buds Air 5, which is quite a bit more affordable \nthan the Pro model\n.\n\n\nFor the Realme Pad 2, two variant are offered in Malaysia. The 6GB + 128GB model is priced at RM1,299, while the 8GB + 256GB configuration costs RM1,499. For that kind of money, it comes with a 11.5-inch 2000 x 1200 IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, 8MP rear and selfie cameras, as well as an 8,360mAh battery with 33W charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Buds Air 5, it is priced at RM299, featuring a 12.4mm \u201cmega titanising driver\u201d \u2013 it\u2019s likely a dynamic driver \u2013 active noise cancellation, an IPX5 rating (only for the earbuds), as well as up to seven hours of battery life on a single charge; 38 hours when paired together with the charging case.\n\n\nThe Realme Pad 2 and Realme Buds Air 5 are now available for purchase in Malaysia. To recap, the Pad 2 retails at RM1,299 and RM1,499 for the 6GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB models respectively, while the Buds Air 5 is priced at RM299.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/tesla-model-3-facelift-is-here-in-malaysia-from-rm189k-late-2023-delivery/", "title": "Tesla Model 3 Facelift Is Here \u2013 In Malaysia From RM189k, Late 2023 Delivery", "body": "\n\nThe Tesla Model 3 facelift just made its global debut with a new exterior, interior, and even better range. Surprisingly enough, the new EV is also open for order in Malaysia already! For our market, the electric sedan is priced slightly lower than the \nModel Y\n, and it will even be delivered earlier on our shores.\n\n\nMore specifically, Malaysian deliveries of the Model 3 are expected to start in late 2023, while the Model Y will only be delivered sometime in early 2024 next year. Aside from that, it also retails from RM189,000; that\u2019s RM10,000 less than the starting price of the Model Y.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTwo variants of the Model 3 are available in Malaysia: the standard RWD model (RM189,000), and the Model 3 Long Range with AWD (RM218,000). Of course, you purchase various add-ons for the EV, such as Enhanced Autopilot (RM16,000) or the complete Full Self-Driving Capability for RM32,000.\n\n\nThanks to better aerodynamics, the Model 3 facelift now offers higher range. With the regular model, you can get up to 513km of range (WLTP), while the Model 3 Long Range can do up to 629km. As for performance, the Model 3 can go from 0-100kmph in 6.1 seconds; only 4.4 seconds for the Model 3 Long Range. Top speed for both variants is set at 201kmph.\n\n\nCompared to the pre-facelift Model 3, the facelifted version has a more chiseled exterior with new LED daytime running lights and C-shaped taillights on the rear. The interior also gets a \u201cwraparound styling\u201d now with more prevalent ambient lighting. The cabin is said to be quieter too, thanks to the use of acoustic glass and improved soundproofing materials.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Model 3 facelift is now available for order in Malaysia through Tesla\u2019s official website. To recap, the EV retails at RM189,000 for the standard RWD version, while the Model 3 Long Range with AWD goes for RM218,000. First deliveries of the electric sedan here are estimated to start sometime in late 2023.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-plus-price-increase-in-malaysia-up-to-rm151-increase-for-12-month-plan/", "title": "PlayStation Plus Price Increase in Malaysia \u2013 Up to RM151 Increase for 12-Month Plan", "body": "\n\nPlayStation will be increasing the price of its 12-month subscription to PlayStation Plus next week on 6 September, including for us in Malaysia. Depending on which tier you want to get, the price increase is between RM76 to RM151.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that this price increase is only applicable to the 12-month plans of PlayStation Plus for all three tiers, which are Essential, Extra, and Deluxe. Here is a table for easy reference between the new and old prices \u2013 the difference is quite substantial, especially for the higher plans.\n\n\nPlayStation Plus 12-Month Subscriptions\nOld Price\nNew Price\nPlayStation Plus Essential\nRM159\nRM235\nPlayStation Plus Extra\nRM269\nRM400\nPlayStation Plus Deluxe\nRM309\nRM460\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDo note that despite the price revision, it is still more cost-effective to get the 12-month subscription of PlayStation Plus rather than the 1-month or 3-month plan. As mentioned, the prices for the latter two membership periods are actually \nunchanged from the current prices\n.\n\n\nThese new prices for the PlayStation Plus 12-month membership tiers will go into effect next week on 6 September 2023. Do note that if you have an active 12-month plan right now, you will only be charged the new rates if your renewal happens on or after 6 November 2023 instead.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/sony-xperia-5-v-official-larger-main-camera-no-telephoto-lens-coming-to-malaysia-q4-2023/", "title": "Sony Xperia 5 V Official \u2013 Larger Main Camera, No Telephoto Lens, Coming to Malaysia Q4 2023", "body": "\n\nIFA 2023 is here, so expect to see the launch of several new devices, including the Sony Xperia 5 V. Now sporting a larger sensor for the main camera, the compact flagship phone continues to focus on its photography capability, though it no longer features a telephoto shooter.\n\n\nInstead, the Xperia 5 V makes do with a dual camera system made up of a 52MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide shooter. But while it no longer has a zoom lens, the Xperia 5 V\u2019s 52MP main camera with a larger 1/1.35\u2033 Exmor T sensor is an improvement over \nits predecessor\n\u2018s 12MP primary shooter. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Xperia 5 V include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, a 6.1-inch 2520 x 1080 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and wide 21:9 aspect ratio, a 12MP selfie camera, 256GB of internal storage, an IP65/IP68 rating, and a 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\nThe Sony Xperia 5 V is set to arrive in Malaysia sometime in Q4 2023, so it could be launched here as early as October next month. No local pricing has been revealed yet, though it does retail from \u20ac999 in European markets, which comes up to about RM5,035.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-magic-v2-honor-v-purse-concept-foldable-phones-previewed-at-ifa-2023/", "title": "Honor Magic V2 & Honor V Purse (Concept) Foldable Phones Previewed at IFA 2023", "body": "\n\nHonor just previewed two foldable smartphone at IFA 2023. There\u2019s the Honor Magic V2, which is touted by the company as its slimmest and lightest foldable phone yet, as well as the Honor V Purse concept that reimagines a foldable smartphone as a \u201cfashion-forward purse,\u201d as the company puts it.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Magic V2. Weighing only 231g with a 9.9mm chassis when it\u2019s folded, it is certainly a lightweight, thin foldable phone. Despite its slim profile, it still comes with a rather generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 66W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the Magic V2 also features a triple camera system made up of a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 20MP telephoto shooter. It also has a total of two 16MP selfie cameras; one for the inner screen, and another for the cover display.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Magic V2 include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset paired with 16GB of RAM, three storage options (256GB, 512GB, 1TB), a 7.92-inch 2344 x 2156 OLED primary display with a 120Hz refresh rate, as well as a 6.43-inch 2376 x 1060 OLED cover screen (also 120Hz).\n\n\nAs for the Honor V Purse, it looks strikingly similar to the form factor of 2020\u2019s \nHuawei Mate Xs 2\n with an outward-facing foldable display. While detailed hardware of the phone were not revealed \u2013 it\u2019s a concept, after all \u2013 it does make use of an always-on display to mimic a\u2026well, purse.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, the global availability of the Honor Magic V2 or Honor V Purse was not revealed at the company\u2019s IFA 2023 press conference. However, given that the \nMagic Vs\n was launched here, we reckon the Magic V2 will (eventually) be introduced locally.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lenovo-legion-go-is-a-switch-like-handheld-gaming-pc-for-699/", "title": "Lenovo Legion Go Is a Switch-Like Handheld Gaming PC for $699", "body": "\n\nLenovo just announced a competitor to the \nAsus ROG Ally\n and Valve\u2019s Steam Deck. Aptly dubbed Lenovo Legion Go, it shares similar hardware as Asus\u2019 offering, though it does have some unique features, including detachable controllers. Yes, much like the \nNintendo Switch\n with its Joy-Con.\n\n\nThe \u201cLegion TrueStrike\u201d controllers, once detached from the main body of the Legion Go, can supposedly be used as a mouse once the right controller is (magnetically) attached to an included controller base. Of course, the handheld gaming PC also has a kickstand at the back to prop it up.\n\n\nOf course, the Legion Go also runs on Windows 11 out of the box.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnder the hood, the Legion Go is quite capable. Just like the ROG Ally, it is configurable with an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip. It also has a sharp 8.8-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate, 16GB of RAM, up to 1TB of storage, along with a 49.2Wh battery. That\u2019s quite a bit bigger than the 40Wh battery of the Ally.\n\n\nThe Lenovo Legion Go is set to be available in selected markets sometime in November 2023. Retailing from $699 (about RM3,250), it\u2019s priced quite competitively as well. No word yet on its Malaysian availability, unfortunately enough.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-driving-the-proton-x90-x70-x50-in-2023/", "title": "Video: Driving the Proton X90, X70 & X50 in 2023!", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Proton X series is the result of the national carmaker\u2019s collaboration with Geely over the years. It started with the \nX70 \nback in 2018, followed by the \nX50\n in 2020, and of course, the \nX90\n earlier this year. In a \nrecent media drive\n, we managed to drive all three of the SUVs, so here\u2019s our quick review of them!\n\n\nEach of the SUV caters to different crowd. The X50, thanks to its more compact size, feels more agile and nimble, making it the most fun to drive \u2013 in our opinion, anyway. The X90, on the other hand, is made for those with a bigger family, and it also has the best ride quality in terms of comfort. As for the X70, it sits right between the two of them, both in terms of drivability and ride comfort.\n\n\nWatch our video above to learn more about the X90, X70, and X50! Looking forward, Proton is rumoured to be working on several new models. These include an X70 facelift, an updated X50, and even a brand new sedan popularly referred as the \nProton S50\n. All of them are said to be introduced sometime this year or early next year.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/gateron-opens-official-store-in-malaysia-through-shopee-lazada/", "title": "Gateron Opens Official Store in Malaysia Through Shopee & Lazada", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s even easier to get more keyboard parts in Malaysia now. Gateron is one of the most recognisable names in the keyboard switch market, and the company has just opened an official store in Malaysia on two major platforms: \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n.\n\n\nAt the moment, there are a total of 17 different switches offered by Gateron on Shopee, including the popular \nGateron Oil King\n and more affordable \nGateron Milky Yellow Pro\n switches. Curiously, there are actually 18 switches sold on its Lazada store, with the extra switch being the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile it wasn\u2019t explicitly mentioned, it is likely that the official Gateron store for our market is handled by MKB, which has a \nphysical store in SS15, Subang Jaya\n. Of course, it\u2019s worth noting that MKB itself is an official distributor of Gateron switches in Malaysia.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to grab some switches from Gateron, head on to its official stores on \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n. Every switch sold through Gateron comes with a one-year local warranty, and this being an official store, you can be assured the switches are genuine.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iqoo-z7-in-supernova-orange-now-in-malaysia-limited-edition-120w-charging-still-rm1499/", "title": "iQOO Z7 in Supernova Orange Now in Malaysia \u2013 Limited Edition, 120W Charging, Still RM1,499", "body": "\n\niQOO just launched a new colourway for the iQOO Z7 in Malaysia. The Supernova Orange colour is touted as a limited edition model, though it still retails at the same price point as the standard version.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the iQOO Z7 in Supernova Orange is only offered in the 12GB + 256GB configuration for RM1,499. Unfortunately enough, it\u2019s not available in the more affordable 8GB + 128GB version, which is only offered for the \nMatrix Blue and Metallic Grey colourways\n for RM1,299.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, the iQOO Z7\u2019s 120W fast charging capability is one of its best selling points; it\u2019s said to be able to charge up the phone\u2019s 5,000mAh battery from empty to full in only 26 minutes. Aside from that, it also has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G chipset, 6.64-inch 1080p LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a dual camera system (64MP main + 2MP depth), and a 16MP selfie camera.\n\n\nThe iQOO Z7 in Supernova Orange is now available for purchase in Malaysia. In conjunction with the upcoming 9.9 sale this Saturday, the phone will be \ndiscounted to RM1,175 on Shopee\n with a number of freebies bundled. Curiously, \non Lazada, it will be offered for RM1,169\n instead with a free pair of Skullcandy earbuds.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honor-magic-v2-hands-on-incredibly-thin-lightweight-foldable-phone/", "title": "Honor Magic V2 Hands-on: Incredibly Thin & Lightweight Foldable Phone", "body": "\n\nThe Honor Magic V2 made its international debut last week at IFA 2023. Initially launched in China back in July this year, the foldable smartphone\u2019s lightweight nature and slim chassis are some of its most highlighted features.\n\n\nAfter spending a brief time with the Magic V2, I\u2019m very impressed with the foldable phone. Honor certainly has a promising product on its hands, and if the Chinese company ever brings in the phone to the Malaysian market, I reckon it can give other foldable phones a run for their money.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst, let\u2019s talk about the specifications of the Magic V2. Tipping the scales at only 231g with a 9.9mm chassis when folded, it is certainly a lightweight, thin foldable phone. Despite its slim profile, the phone still comes with a rather generous 5,000mAh battery that supports 66W fast charging.\n\n\nAside from that, the Magic V2 also features a triple camera system made up of a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 20MP telephoto shooter. It also has a total of two 16MP selfie cameras; one for the inner screen, and another for the cover display.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Magic V2 include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset paired with 16GB of RAM, three storage options (256GB, 512GB, 1TB), a 7.92-inch 2344 x 2156 OLED primary display with a 120Hz refresh rate, as well as a 6.43-inch 2376 x 1060 OLED cover screen \u2013 also clocked at 120Hz.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen I first picked up the Magic V2, it feels quite surreal to hold in my hands. While I wouldn\u2019t say it feels like a conventional bar phone \u2013 \ncontrary to Honor\u2019s claim\n \u2013 it\u2019s certainly one of the slimmest foldable phones I\u2019ve ever held.\n\n\nThat being said, when unfolded, the Magic V2 does feel a tad \ntoo thin\n to hold comfortably. After all, it measures merely 4.7mm when it\u2019s opened up, so it\u2019s not exactly the most ergonomically-friendly device to hold.\n\n\nOn the plus side, the Magic V2 does have a solid, robust hinge. Folding and unfolding the phone feel nice and smooth, and the tension remains consistent. Definitely a hinge that inspires confidence.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the display crease of the Magic V2, it is\u2026okay? While it is visible from certain angles or when the display is dim, it\u2019s not particularly noticeable when in normal use. Sure, I can feel the crease if I run my finger over it, but again, I don\u2019t think it is something that will stick out in daily use. \n\n\nIn terms of panel quality, the Magic V2\u2019s 7.92-inch 2344 x 2156 OLED primary display looks nice and vibrant with punchy colours. The 120Hz refresh rate also lends to fluid animations and a zippy user experience; exactly what is expected out of a flagship smartphone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe cover screen of the Magic V2 is quite good too. It is a 6.43-inch 2376 x 1060 OLED panel that also sports a 120Hz refresh rate, so you get a consistent user experience regardless of which display you\u2019re using. From my brief time with the phone, I\u2019d say the cover screen is big enough for everyday use.\n\n\nUnder the hood of the Magic V2 is none other than the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. It\u2019s the SoC that powers the majority of flagship Android smartphones in the market now, so needless to say, it can provide a high level of performance. Switching between multiple apps feels very, very seamless and responsive.\n\n\nWhile I can\u2019t quite gauge the battery life of the Magic V2 \u2013 this is just a hands-on \u2013 I reckon it can last quite long on a single charge out of the 5,000mAh battery. It\u2019s certainly above average for a foldable phone this thin.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLast but not least is the camera performance of the Magic V2, which feels reasonably capable. As mentioned, it has a triple camera system made up of a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide angle lens, and a 20MP telephoto shooter; a versatile camera setup with three different focal lengths.\n\n\nI didn\u2019t quite manage to extensively test out the camera performance of the Magic V2, but I can say that it can take some great-looking shots with a rather responsive camera interface. But the real test for a smartphone\u2019s camera lies in low light photography, which I\u2019ll definitely put to the test once (or if, rather) the Magic V2 is available more widely.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Honor Magic V2 has no release date yet for the international market. At the moment, it is only available in China starting at 8,999 Chinese yuan \u2013 that comes up to about RM5,760. Not too far from the \nMagic Vs\n\u2018 asking price here in Malaysia (RM5,999).\n\n\nEven though there\u2019s no confirmation from Honor Malaysia yet on the local availability of the Magic V2, we reckon it will arrive here eventually, given the company\u2019s prominent presence here. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the Malaysian availability of the Magic V2.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-plus-price-increase-1-month-3-month-plans-also-affected-in-malaysia/", "title": "PlayStation Plus Price Increase: 1-Month & 3-Month Plans Also Affected in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nWell, it looks like there\u2019s a price increase across the board for all PlayStation Plus plans in Malaysia. Previously, only the 12-month plan sees a price revision, but it appears even the 1-month and 3-month plans are affected now.\n\n\nThis was revealed by PlayStation itself in a \nrevised blog post\n. While the price increase for the 1-month and 3-month plans are not as drastic as the 12-month memberships\u2019, it\u2019s still a noticeable difference. The biggest one being the 3-month plan for PlayStation Plus Deluxe, which sees a RM15 increase.\n\n\nPlayStation Plus 1-Month Subscriptions\nOld Price\nNew Price\nPlayStation Plus Essential\nRM29\nRM32\nPlayStation Plus Extra\nRM44\nRM49\nPlayStation Plus Deluxe\nRM50\nRM55\n\n\nPlayStation Plus 3-Month Subscriptions\nOld Price\nNew Price\nPlayStation Plus Essential\nRM69\nRM75\nPlayStation Plus Extra\nRM114\nRM125\nPlayStation Plus Deluxe\nRM130\nRM145\n\n\nPlayStation Plus 12-Month Subscriptions\nOld Price\nNew Price\nPlayStation Plus Essential\nRM159\nRM235\nPlayStation Plus Extra\nRM269\nRM400\nPlayStation Plus Deluxe\nRM309\nRM460\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the price revision for the 1-month and 3-month PlayStation Plus plans are only applicable to Malaysia and Thailand, as outlined by PlayStation. Of course, despite the price revision, it is still more cost-effective to get the 12-month subscription of PlayStation Plus.\n\n\nPreviously, it was confirmed that the new pricing for the PlayStation Plus 12-month memberships will go into effect tomorrow on 6 September 2023. However, it remains to be seen if the same would be true for the new 1-month and 3-month plans \u2013 we\u2019ll update this space once we have more information.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-ceo-proton-s50-coming-in-2-months-november-launch-likely/", "title": "Proton CEO: Proton S50 Coming in 2 Months \u2013 November Launch Likely", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s no secret that Proton is planning to release a sedan based on the Geely Emgrand very soon. Popularly referred to as the Proton S50, we now have confirmation from Proton itself on a release window for the sedan: it\u2019s said to be introduced in the next two months.\n\n\nThis detail comes directly from the CEO of Proton, Li Chunrong, as reported by \nPaultan.org\n. This matches the rumoured launch of the S50, which is believed to be happening sometime in November, with mass production supposedly starting the month before in October.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPrevious spy shots of the Proton S50\n\n\n\n\nAs for the S50 itself, four different variants of the sedan are said to be offered. All of them are rumoured to be powered by the familiar 1.5L TGDi engine that outputs 177PS and 255Nm of torque \u2013 the same one found under the hood of the\u00a0\nX50\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nX70\n.\n\n\nBut until confirmed by Proton itself, take these rumoured details of the Proton S50 with a grain of salt, though the\u00a0\nunavailability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto\n\u00a0is confirmed already. We should learn more about the S50 as we approach closer to the launch of the sedan in two months\u2019 time.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-malaysia-offering-up-to-rm12000-discount-for-september-2023/", "title": "Honda Malaysia Offering up to RM12,000 Discount for September 2023", "body": "\n\nHonda Malaysia\u2019s discount for the month of September 2023 looks to be even more attractive than the previous month. From now until 30 September 2023, a number of Honda models are discounted pretty heavily, including the \nCity Hatchback\n, CR-V, and Accord.\n\n\nNaturally,\u00a0the \nHonda Accord\n\u00a0gets the best discount. Both the range-topping TC-P and more affordable TC models of the D-segment sedan receive a total of RM12,000 rebate, while all variants of the CR-V get a RM8,000 total discount.\n\n\nAs for the City Hatchback, all five models of the B-segment hatchback are discounted by RM2,500.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs usual, these discounts are only applicable to vehicles that are registered between 1 to 30 September 2023, meaning you have to take delivery of the car within this month. More details on Honda Malaysia\u2019s September promotion can be found on \nits official website\n.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re interested to get any of these three Honda models with the rebates, you can place a pre-booking online\u00a0\nhere\n. Alternatively, bookings can be done through the HondaTouch app as well \u2013 you can download it from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/booked-a-tesla-model-y-rm1000-non-refundable-fee-transferable-to-model-3/", "title": "Booked a Tesla Model Y? RM1,000 Non-Refundable Fee Transferable to Model 3", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019ve placed a booking for the \nTesla Model Y\n, but you\u2019re more interested to get the \nfacelifted Tesla Model 3\n instead, we have good news for you. The RM1,000 booking fee \u2013 which is usually non-refundable \u2013 can actually be transferred to the Model 3.\n\n\nAccording to Tesla, you have to follow a number of steps (and fulfill some criteria) to transfer a Model Y\u2019s RM1,000 booking fee to the Model 3. Firstly, only Model Y orders placed before 1 September \u2013 that\u2019s when the Model 3 facelift was introduced \u2013 are eligible for the RM1,000 booking fee transfer.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can then place an order of the Model 3 with \nthe same Tesla account\n, and\u2026well, pay another RM1,000 booking fee. Once you\u2019ve done that, you\u2019ll have to send a refund request to Tesla via email at \n[email\u00a0protected]\n. Make sure to include your order numbers for both the Model Y and Model 3 in the email.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the refund request \nhas\n to be done by 15 September 2023, and it will only be processed once at Tesla\u2019s discretion. With that in mind, do act quick if you want to transfer your RM1,000 non-refundable fee from the Model Y to the Model 3 facelift.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/toshiba-launches-z870m-z670m-smart-tvs-in-malaysia-bundled-with-asus-rog-ally/", "title": "Toshiba Launches Z870M & Z670M Smart TVs in Malaysia \u2013 Bundled With Asus ROG Ally", "body": "\n\nToshiba just unveiled two new TVs for the Malaysian market. These include the Toshiba Z870M 4K mini-LED TV, as well as the Toshiba Z670M 4K TV with quantum dot technology. Both of these TVs feature a 144Hz refresh rate complete with variable refresh rate (VRR) support, not to mention pretty darn good value, especially during the pre-order period.\n\n\nBoth the Z870M and Z670M are expected to hit store shelves sometime in October 2023, and they are now available for pre-order \u2013 at promotional prices, to boot \u2013 in Malaysia until 30 September. The higher-end Z870M, for example, is going for RM6,099 (from RM7,699) and RM7,499 (originally RM9,399) for the 55-inch and 65-inch models respectively.\n\n\nTo sweeten the deal, Toshiba is even throwing in an \nAsus ROG Ally\n with every pre-order of the 65-inch Z870M. The 55-inch model, on the other hand, is bundled with a Logitech Z906 5.1 surround sound system.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Toshiba Z870M\n\n\nThe Toshiba Z670M\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Z670M, it\u2019s priced at RM3,999 (from RM4,999) and RM4,999 (originally RM6,299) for the 55-inch and 65-inch models respectively. A Bose TV speaker system is bundled with every pre-order of either sizes too; not bad for a 144Hz quantum dot TV with VRR.\n\n\nIf you want something even more affordable, there\u2019s the Toshiba M550M. Set to arrive in Malaysia sometime in October next month, it is offered in 55-inch and 65-inch sizes. The M550M is touted as an entry-level 4K quantum dot TV that runs on Google TV, and it is expected to be even more affordable than the Z670M.\n\n\n\n\nThe Toshiba M550M\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Toshiba Z870M and Toshiba Z670M are now available for pre-order in Malaysia from RM6,099 and RM3,999 respectively until 30 September. Deliveries are expected to start sometime in October next month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/7-13-september-fuel-price-ron-97-stays-at-rm3-37-per-litre/", "title": "7 \u2013 13 September Fuel Price: RON 97 Stays at RM3.37 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAnother week, another fuel price update. Not surprisingly, there\u2019s no price movement for RON 97 this week either, and the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.37 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 6 to 13 September next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mtg-wilds-of-eldraine-prerelease-experience-from-adventures-to-anime-cards/", "title": "MTG Wilds of Eldraine Prerelease Experience \u2013 From Adventures to Anime Cards!", "body": "\n\nMagic: The Gathering\u2019s latest set, Wilds of Eldraine, is set to arrive for tabletop this Friday on 8 September. Ahead of the expansion\u2019s official release, Wizards of the Coast sent us a few products ahead of time, including a couple of prerelease packs.\n\n\nOf course, we had to give the Wilds of Eldraine prerelease packs a go with a few rounds of Sealed Deck games, which proved to be quite fun with all of the set\u2019s mechanics and special cards. These include Adventure cards, powerful Enchanting Tales cards, and of course, the much sought-after anime-themed cards.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with what you get in a Wilds of Eldraine prerelease pack. The main contents include six Draft Boosters, a foil-stamped Wilds of Eldraine rare or mythic rare promo, a spindown life counter in a random colour, and a deck box.\n\n\nFor our Wilds of Eldraine prerelease pack, we got a Restless Vinestalk for the promo card, and a number of sweet cards in the Draft Boosters. Our (only) mythic rare is Agatha of the Vile Cauldron, while our rare cards include Scalding Viper \u2013 which we used for our final deck \u2013 and a sweet Karmic Justice in the anime borderless treatment!\n\n\nHowever, as Karmic Justice is an Enchanting Tales card, it is \nnot\n Standard legal. But in a limited format, as long as you got it from your opened packs, it can be used to build your deck. Not that we did, as we opted for a red/blue deck instead.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll of the cards we opened in our six Draft Boosters\n\n\n\n\nWe like going with a more aggressive strategy in limited formats, which is partly the reason why we went with a combination of red and blue cards; an Izzet deck, basically. Well, that, and the fact that we got a Scalding Viper. Dealing one damage for every spell cast by our opponent with mana value of 3 or less? Yes, please.\n\n\nScalding Viper is also quite a good interaction tool. It\u2019s an Adventure card, so we can actually cast the spell portion of the card first \u2013 Steam Clean, in this instance \u2013 exile the card, and then cast it back as a creature when it\u2019s possible to do so.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn our first game, we managed to get Scalding Viper in our opening hand, which quickly overwhelmed my opponent. Talion\u2019s Messenger helped a ton as well, as it can get a +1/+1 counter whenever I\u2019m attacking with one or more Faeries. The fact that Talion\u2019s Messenger has Flying makes it more difficult to be blocked too.\n\n\nUnfortunately, I couldn\u2019t repeat my success in the second game. I wasn\u2019t drawing as many creatures as I would\u2019ve hoped, and I drew my Scalding Viper a tad too late. On the bright side, at least it was a relatively close game; my opponent\u2019s life total was quite low by the end of the second game.\n\n\nAnd that is our prelease experience with Magic: The Gathering\u2019s newest set, Wilds of Eldraine. Aside from the prerelease packs, we also got a Starter Kit and a box of Set Boosters from the expansion; we will unbox both of them very, very soon.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, Wilds of Eldraine is set to be available for tabletop on 8 September this Friday. To celebrate the arrival of the new fairy tale-like set, Wizards of the Coast will also be holding an\u00a0\nOpen House\n, which is essentially a Launch Party.\n\n\nYou can also pre-order Wilds of Eldraine from your\u00a0\nfavourite game store\n now ahead of its release. The expansion is offered in Draft Boosters, Set Boosters, Collector Boosters, Commander Decks, Prerelease Packs, Bundles, and a Starter Kit.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-crosses-100k-sales-as-of-august-2023-x90-x50-continues-to-dominate/", "title": "Proton Crosses 100k Sales as of August 2023 \u2013 X90, X50 Continues to Dominate", "body": "\n\nProton has crossed the 100,000 sales mark as of August 2023, which is a month ahead compared to the national carmaker\u2019s sales performance last year. More specifically, Proton has sold 104,602 units in 2023 to date, with 13,955 cars registered last month.\n\n\nNot surprisingly, the new \nProton X90\n continues to dominate the D-segment SUV market. 719 units of the premium SUV were sold in August 2023, with a total of 2,944 units delivered so far. Also retaining its top spot in the B-segment SUV category is the \nProton X50\n: 2,558 units were delivered last month for a total of 22,750 units sold for the past eight months.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Exora sits at the top of the C-segment MPV market too with 409 units registered in August 2023 (3,150 units delivered so far). Not surprisingly, the Saga remains Proton\u2019s best-selling model with 6,585 units sold last month alone for a total of 45,836 units received by customers in 2023 to date.\n\n\n\u201cFor Proton, our sales growth is a reflection of how the company\u2019s focus on delivering better quality products paired to a premium experience delivered by the 154 3S/4S dealerships in our network, have a positive effect on customers,\u201d said the Deputy CEO of Proton, Roslan Abdullah.\n\n\n\u201cGoing forwards, these efforts towards better products and services will continue and be boosted by the recent announcement of Proton Test Labs receiving ISO 17025 accreditation as well as the company\u2019s \nimpending entry into the EV space\n with smart Malaysia,\u201d he added.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-launches-tv-a-tv-a-pro-google-tvs-in-malaysia-from-rm1199/", "title": "Xiaomi Launches TV A & TV A Pro Google TVs in Malaysia From RM1,199", "body": "\n\nXiaomi just introduced two new TV lineups running on Google TV in Malaysia. There\u2019s the more affordable TV A series in two sizes \u2013 one more is coming at a later date \u2013 as well as the higher-end TV A Pro lineup in three different models.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Xiaomi TV A series. The 43-inch model with a Full HD panel is priced at only RM1,199, while the larger 55-inch variant with a sharp 4K display goes for RM1,999. It\u2019s worth noting that both models will be discounted for Lazada\u2019s 9.9 sale this Saturday: the 43-inch TV A will be discounted to RM899, while the 55-inch version can be bought for only RM1,499.\n\n\nThere is also an even more budget-friendly 32-inch TV A with a HD panel, though this model will only be available here at a later date.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, we have the TV A Pro lineup. It\u2019s available in 43-inch (RM1,399), 55-inch (RM2,199), and 65-inch (RM2,699). All three sizes feature 4K panels \u2013 albeit only limited to 60Hz \u2013 along with support for Dolby Vision, and just like the more affordable TV A series, they run on Google TV out of the box.\n\n\nIf you want to get any of the TV A Pro models at discounted prices, you can do so at authorised Xiaomi stores nationwide on 9 September itself. All three sizes will be discounted by RM200, bringing down the prices to RM1,199, RM1,999, and RM2,499 for the 43-inch, 55-inch, and 65-inch models respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can also check out the Xiaomi TV A and Xiaomi TV A Pro Google TVs for yourself at the ongoing Xiaomi Smart Living Showcase 2023 roadshow. It starts today until 10 September this Sunday at the Blue Concourse (LG2) of Sunway Pyramid in Petaling Jaya. Various Xiaomi products are also shown there, including its latest smartphones and home appliances.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-proton-x70-mc2-facelift-spotted-with-new-infinite-weave-grille/", "title": "Spy Shot: Proton X70 MC2 Facelift Spotted With New Infinite Weave Grille!", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s been a while since we\u2019ve seen the Proton X70 MC2 (Minor Change 2) facelift on the road, but here it is! This is our closest look yet at the new front end of the upcoming SUV, which looks to mirror its Geely twins, the Boyue Pro and Azkarra. Of course, there\u2019s also the new Infinite Weave grille!\n\n\nThe images below were taken by H+Z and subsequently shared by \nFuntasticko\n. Just as rumours have suggested, the new Infinite Weave grille does take inspiration from the X90\u2019s diamond-shaped studs. The silhouette of the front end looks strikingly similar to the Boyue Pro and Azkarra as well, which \nisn\u2019t exactly a surprise\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from the updated exterior, the facelifted X70 is said to feature a new interior too, which we reckon will be similar to the aforementioned Boyue Pro and Azkarra. If this is indeed the case, it should feature a much bigger infotainment screen powered by Geely\u2019s faster E01 SoC, chrome finishing on the air-cond vents, and redesigned climate controls.\n\n\nAs for expected release, the Proton X70 MC2 facelift is said to be introduced towards the end of the year or January 2024 after the launch of the much anticipated\u00a0\nProton S50\n\u00a0sedan. For the latter, it is (almost) confirmed for a November 2023 launch, with mass production rumoured to be beginning in October next month.\n\n\nInterestingly, the\u00a0\nProton X50\n\u00a0is said to be receiving a Running Change update too, which may see some minor improvements to the popular B-segment SUV.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/logitech-g-pro-x-superlight-2-mouse-pro-x-tkl-keyboard-now-in-malaysia-for-rm689-rm799/", "title": "Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Mouse & Pro X TKL Keyboard Now in Malaysia For RM689 & RM799", "body": "\n\nLogitech got two new peripherals for the Malaysian market. There\u2019s the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 wireless mouse with new \u201cLightforce\u201d hybrid switches, as well as the Logitech G Pro X TKL wireless keyboard that offers reliable wireless connectivity via the Lightspeed dongle.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the G Pro X Superlight 2. Retailing at RM689 in Malaysia, it has a long spec sheet. These include the aforementioned Lightspeed hybrid switches that combine the performance of optical sensors with the feel and response of a mechanical switch, a new Hero 2 sensor, up to 95 hours of battery life, and the same 60g lightweight shell.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the G Pro X TKL keyboard, its Lightspeed wireless dongle offers \u201cspeed and reliability\u201d with up to 50 hours of battery life. It also has double shot PBT shine-through keycaps for the Lightsync RGB support, Bluetooth connectivity, a carrying case, and three switch options: GX Brown (tactile), GX Red (linear), and GX Blue (clicky).\n\n\nThe Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 and Logitech G Pro X TKL are now available for purchase in Malaysia. To recap, the Superlight 2 retails at RM689 in Malaysia, while the Pro X TKL goes for RM799. We will be reviewing the two peripherals very soon, so stay tuned for that.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/games-haven-expands-to-malaysia-popular-tcg-store-now-open-in-ss3-petaling-jaya/", "title": "Games Haven Expands to Malaysia \u2013 Popular TCG Store Now Open in SS3, Petaling Jaya", "body": "\n\nGames Haven has expanded to Malaysia! Originally from Singapore, the trading card game (TCG) store is the first to receive the WPN Premium status from Wizards of the Coast \u2013 the company behind Magic: The Gathering \u2013 in the country. Needless to say, it\u2019s an established brand.\n\n\nThere are currently four Games Haven stores in Singapore, so this Malaysian outlet, located in SS3, Petaling Jaya, is its fifth store overall. We were told that Games Haven PJ shares the same inventory as its stores in Singapore, so you can order items from \nGames Haven\u2019s website\n and have them delivered to the branch here.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt the moment, Games Haven PJ does not have an online store just yet, but it will be set up very soon. The outlet has quite a number of MTG products in stock too, ranging from older sets like \nKamigawa: Neon Dynasty\n, to the latest \nWilds of Eldraine\n expansion that\u2019s officially releasing tomorrow on 8 September.\n\n\nOf course, Games Haven PJ sells MTG singles as well, and it has a respectable collection despite just opening its doors last week. Pricing wise, it takes \nCard Kingdom\u2019s price database\n as a basis, multiplying listed prices on the site (which are in USD) by four.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to give Games Haven PJ a visit, you can do so over at \n20a, Jalan SS 3/31, Taman Universiti, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor\n. Its operating hours are from 3PM to 12AM from Monday to Saturday \u2013 though it is closed every Tuesday for the SS3 night market \u2013 and from 10AM to 6PM on Sunday.\n\n\nYou can also keep track of Games Haven\u2019s latest MTG events on its \nFacebook page\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/unboxing-mtg-wilds-of-eldraine-set-booster-starter-kit-how-many-anime-cards-in-a-box/", "title": "Unboxing MTG Wilds of Eldraine Set Booster & Starter Kit \u2013 How Many Anime Cards in a Box?", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMagic: The Gathering\u2019s Wilds of Eldraine set is available for tabletop today! To celebrate the arrival of the new fairy tale-like expansion, Wizards of the Coast is holding an\u00a0\nOpen House\n\u00a0at various TCG stores until 10 September, which is essentially a Launch Party.\n\n\nAhead of Wilds of Eldraine\u2019s release, Wizards sent over a couple of products to unbox, including a Starter Kit 2023 and a box of Set Boosters. If you\u2019re curious just what kind of cards you can get in the latter \u2013 especially those sweet, sweet anime cards \u2013 here\u2019s an unboxing of Wilds of Eldraine\u2019s Set Boosters and Starter Kit!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBefore that, let\u2019s check out a couple of other neat items that Wizards sent over. There\u2019s a letter of sorts that connects the events of \nMarch of the Machine\n to the Wilds of Eldraine, as well as a couple of sticker packs to \u201carmor up\u201d Syr Ginger, one of the most prominent figures of the set.\n\n\nNext, there\u2019s the Starter Kit 2023, which is made for new players who want a working 60-card MTG deck straight out of the box. In fact, two decks are bundled in the kit: there\u2019s a red/blue deck featuring Tyrant of Kher Ridges, and a white/green deck headlined by Boon-Bringer Valkyrie \u2013 both of these cards are in traditional foil.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNext, there\u2019s the Wilds of Eldraine Set Boosters. Unlike Draft Boosters, Set Boosters are meant to be more \u201cexciting\u201d to crack open, making it ideal for folks who just enjoy opening booster packs instead of using them for Limited play, such as Draft or Sealed.\n\n\nAnyway, what makes an MTG Set Booster more exciting to open is the structure of the 14-card pack for the Wilds of Eldraine. 12 of them are guaranteed Magic cards, while the other two are an art card and a token/ad card; the latter has a chance to be replaced with a card from \u201cThe List.\u201d\n\n\nUnique to Wilds of Eldraine\u2019s Set Booster is a dedicated slot for an Enchanting Tales card, which are made up of popular enchantments that were previously released. These borderless cards feature fairy tale-style artwork, and if you\u2019re lucky, there is a 2.8% chance of cracking open an Enchanting Tales card with a special anime-themed treatment.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn my box of Wilds of Eldraine Set Boosters, I was lucky enough to pull not one, but three Enchanting Tales card with the anime borderless treatment! The anime Necropotence and Greater Auramancy are the regular variants, while Sneak Attack is a foil version. These are certainly high value cards, though I was hoping to get a Rhystic Study instead \u2013 that would\u2019ve been a great addition to my Esper Commander deck.\n\n\nNonetheless, aside from these three anime enchantments, I also got a number of other noteworthy cards. These include Cavalier of Thorns and Korvold, Gleeful Glutton; the former was found in The List slot, while Korvold is a part of the Wilds of Eldraine Commander set. That is why these two cards do not have the Wilds of Eldraine set logo on them.\n\n\nOther noteworthy mythic rare that I managed to pull from the Wilds of Eldraine Set Boosters are Virtue of Loyalty, Virtue of Persistence, and Talion, the Kindly Lord. It\u2019s worth noting that these cards, along with the other mythic rare cards in the box, easily surpassed the cost of the Set Boosters. And that is without even looking at the other rare cards I got!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis comes as no surprise, given that the cards you get in a box of MTG Set Boosters can cover its cost; at least, in most cases. Of course, the caveat is that you will get random cards, and you may not pull for the \none card\n that you want \u2013 in my case, it was Rhystic Study.\n\n\nNonetheless, it\u2019s always entertaining to unbox Magic: The Gathering\u2019s Set Boosters. If you\u2019re keen to get any products in the Wilds of Eldraine set, give your\u00a0\nnearest game store\n\u00a0a visit. There\u2019s a wide variety of products to choose from, including Draft Boosters, Set Boosters, Collector Boosters, Commander Decks, Prerelease Packs, Bundles, and of course, the Starter Kit 2023.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/gopro-hero-12-black-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm1999-longer-runtime-more-feature-packed/", "title": "GoPro Hero 12 Black Lands in Malaysia for RM1,999 \u2013 Longer Runtime, More Feature-Packed", "body": "\n\nNot long after the global introduction of the brand new GoPro Hero 12 Black, it is now available right here in Malaysia. One of the biggest improvements to GoPro\u2019s latest flagship action camera is longer runtime \u2013 the Hero 12 Black is said to offer twice as long runtime as its predecessor, the Hero 11 Black.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Hero 12 Black itself retails at RM1,999, while the RM2,999 \u201cCreator Edition\u201d bundles the action camera with a number of accessories, including a grip, a \u201cmedia mod\u201d attachment with a mic, and an LED light attachment. There\u2019s also the Max Lens Mod 2.0 for RM519, which allows you to take footage at a 177-degree field of view in 4K at 60fps.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThanks to a redesigned power management system, the Hero 12 Black is capable of up to 155 minutes of continuous recording at 1080p30. It goes down to 95 minutes at 5.3K30, or 70 minutes at 5.3K60 \u2013 that\u2019s the Hero 12 Black\u2019s highest performance setting.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Hero 12 Black include wireless audio support for \nApple AirPods\n and other wireless earbuds via Bluetooth, the ability to do 8x slow-motion video at up to 2.7K resolution, as well as a 1/1.9-inch sensor that allows it to record footage in 8:7 aspect ratio that can then be cropped to other aspect ratios, including 16:9, 9:16, and even 4:3.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the GoPro Hero 12 Black will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 13 September onwards for RM1,999. If you want the Creator Edition bundle instead with a number of accessories, it will set you back RM2,999. You can also purchase the RM519 Max Lens Mod 2.0 attachment to record footage at a wider field of view.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/tesla-opens-online-merchandise-store-in-malaysia-fancy-a-rm170-desktop-supercharger/", "title": "Tesla Opens Online Merchandise Store in Malaysia \u2013 Fancy a RM170 Desktop Supercharger?", "body": "\n\nTesla just opened its online merchandise store for the Malaysian market, and the carmaker is selling quite a number of neat accessories. These include various items for the Model Y, apparel, a Tesla-branded USB drive, and get this: a desktop Supercharger.\n\n\nDespite what it is called, the \ndesktop Supercharger\n isn\u2019t actually a charger. Rather, it\u2019s more of a cable organiser for your desk, and it costs a cool RM170. It is said to be a precise scale model replica of the actual Supercharger, so Tesla fans may appreciate the unique-looking cable organiser.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from the desktop Supercharger, there\u2019s also a \n128GB Tesla USB drive\n for\u2026RM240. Certainly a steep price tag for a 128GB drive. If you want something even more unique, there\u2019s the limited edition \nCyberwhistle\n \u2013 also priced at RM240 \u2013 which is a whistle inspired by the design of the Cybertruck.\n\n\nYou can check out the full list of merchandise Tesla is offering for the Malaysian market through its \nofficial website\n. What do you think: will you be getting the RM170 desktop Supercharger to tidy up cables on your desk?\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lightweight-acer-swift-edge-16-with-oled-display-now-in-malaysia-from-rm3999/", "title": "Lightweight Acer Swift Edge 16 With OLED Display Now in Malaysia From RM3,999", "body": "\n\nInitially unveiled at Computex 2023, the Acer Swift Edge 16 is now available in Malaysia. It\u2019s a refresh of the\u00a0\noriginal Swift Edge we reviewed\n, and it is now powered by AMD\u2019s Ryzen 7000 series processors with integrated AMD Radeon Graphics.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Swift Edge 16 are available in Malaysia. The Ryzen 5 7535U model with 512GB of SSD storage retails at RM3,999, while the higher-end Ryzen 7 7735U configuration with a 1TB SSD goes for RM4,399.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the different processor and SSD capacity, both variants of the Swift Edge 16 have the same hardware. These include a 16-inch 3840 x 2400 OLED display \u2013 we don\u2019t get the 120Hz panel option, unfortunately \u2013 16GB of RAM, along with a 12.95mm chassis that tips the scales at only 1.17kg; quite lightweight for a 16-inch laptop.\n\n\nThe Acer Swift Edge 16 is now available for purchase in Malaysia from RM3,999. The first 30 customers to purchase the laptop will also get freebies worth up to RM948, including a Porsche-branded wireless mouse, an Austin backpack, as well as TNG eWallet credit in conjunction with the ongoing \nAcer Day 202\n3\n campaign\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-11x-coming-to-malaysia-15-september-in-purple-dawn-midnight-black/", "title": "Realme 11x Coming to Malaysia 15 September in Purple Dawn & Midnight Black", "body": "\n\nThough the Realme 11x didn\u2019t make its Malaysian debut alongside the \nRealme 11\n a couple of weeks ago \u2013 despite \nalready appearing in SIRIM\u2019s database\n \u2013 the Chinese company just confirmed the local availability of the mid-range phone: it\u2019s set to be launched here on 15 September this Friday.\n\n\nFor the most part, the Realme 11x shares many of its hardware with the higher-end Realme 11. It still comes with a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset, a 6.72-inch 2400 x 1080 IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, as well as a 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhere the Realme 11x differs from the Realme 11 are in two aspects: camera configuration and charging speed. It has a simpler dual camera configuration made up of a 64MP main shooter and a 2MP portrait lens, an 8MP selfie camera, and 33W fast charging.\n\n\nTo recap, the Realme 11x will be launched in Malaysia this Friday on 15 September. Of course, the local pricing of the phone has not been revealed yet, though it\u2019s confirmed to coming here in two colourways: Purple Dawn and Midnight Black.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/infinix-gt-10-pro-pre-orders-in-malaysia-now-open-for-rm999-free-xe27-wireless-earbuds/", "title": "Infinix GT 10 Pro Pre-Orders in Malaysia Now Open for RM999 \u2013 Free XE27 Wireless Earbuds", "body": "\n\nNow this is curious. Ahead of the Infinix GT 10 Pro\u2019s Malaysian launch on 12 September tomorrow, local pre-orders for the phone have actually started on \nInfinix\u2019s official Shopee store\n. Not only has the pre-order gift been revealed, we also know the Malaysian pricing of the GT 10 Pro already.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the GT 10 Pro is offered in Malaysia. Packed with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, the phone is priced at RM999. Two colour options are available \u2013 Cyber Black and Mirage Silver \u2013 and every pre-order of the GT 10 Pro placed by 12 September will be bundled with an Infinix XE27 wireless earbuds worth RM99.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardware wise, the GT 10 Pro is comfortably a mid-range offering. It features a MediaTek Dimensity 8050 processor, a 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (108MP main + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), a 32MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging.\n\n\nThe Infinix GT 10 Pro is now available for pre-order in Malaysia through Infinix\u2019s official Shopee store \nfor RM999\n. The official launch of the phone is set for tomorrow on 12 September \u2013 we\u2019ll find out then if Infinix has more surprises in store.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/deal-get-the-sony-wf-1000xm5-with-rm100-discount-now/", "title": "Deal: Get the Sony WF-1000XM5 With RM100 Discount Now", "body": "\n\nThe \nSony WF-1000XM5\n was launched in Malaysia just last month, and it appears the wireless earbuds are being discounted already. Originally retailing at RM1,399, you can now get the WF-1000XM5 for RM1,299 \u2013 that\u2019s RM100 worth of savings.\n\n\nThis deal is offered by Sony Malaysia itself on \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n, and it looks to be a special promotion for the 9.9 sale on both platforms. Not only are the earbuds discounted to RM1,299, a premium casing is bundled too, though this is limited to the first 30 customers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe highlight feature of the new WF-1000XM5 is certainly the improved noise cancelling. Using a total of six microphones and two separate processors, the XM5 can capture ambient sound more accurately while also delivering \u201cunprecedented noise cancelling quality\u201d \u2013 certainly a lofty promise.\n\n\nOther specifications of the WF-1000XM5 include a new 8.4mm dynamic driver dubbed Dynamic Driver X \u2013 it\u2019s said to provide deeper bass, richer vocals, and clear highs \u2013 up to 12 hours of battery life (down to eight hours with noise cancellation enabled), noise isolation foam tips, and IPX4 water resistance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to purchase the new Sony WF-1000XM5 for only RM1,299, head on to \nShopee\n or \nLazada\n now. While a RM100 discount doesn\u2019t seem much, it\u2019s really quite good for a pair of wireless earbuds as new (and as good) as the WF-1000XM5.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/singakbd-kohaku-polycarbonate-in-stock-raffle-likely-happening-this-weekend-16-september/", "title": "SINGAKBD Kohaku Polycarbonate In-Stock Raffle Likely Happening This Weekend (16 September)", "body": "\n\nFirst teased a couple of months ago, the in-stock raffle for the \npolycarbonate version of the SINGAKBD Kohaku\n is (finally) upon us. According to SINGAKBD on its \nofficial Discord channel\n, the polycarbonate Kohaku will likely go on sale this weekend; more specifically, on Malaysia Day itself this 16 September.\n\n\nAs previously revealed, the in-stock sale of the polycarbonate Kohaku will be done through a raffle, and only 100 units will be up for grabs. The colour combination is limited to a brass weight with a black aluminium plate as well, which does look quite good, in our opinion.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBased on the Kohaku R2, the polycarbonate Kohaku has a different weight design from the \noriginal keyboard\n for easier assembly. This, along with the polycarbonate material, also change the sound profile of the keyboard. The polycarbonate Kohaku is still using a gasket mount design too, and it\u2019s worth noting that brass weight with the Koi motif is now protected by a tempered glass cover.\n\n\nMore details on the in-stock raffle sale of the polycarbonate SINGAKBD Kohaku will be revealed very soon. Given that only 100 units are up for grabs, do note that odds of winning the raffle will be quite low, as is the case with SINGAKBD\u2019s previous sales.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/illegear-enters-gaming-desk-market-with-illegear-obsidian-rgb-desk-for-rm599/", "title": "Illegear Enters Gaming Desk Market With Illegear Obsidian \u2013 RGB Desk for RM599", "body": "\n\nIllegear just released its first-ever gaming desk. The Illegear Obsidian is touted as a budget-friendly desk, and given that Illegear\u2019s range of products are catered to gamers, it\u2019s no surprise that the Obsidian comes with RGB lighting.\n\n\nTwo sizes of the Obsidian are offered. The small version (1120 x 600 mm) retails at RM599, while the large model (1360 x 600 mm) goes for RM699. The desk have three adjustable heights too (710mm, 760mm, 810mm), though you have to disassemble the feet to change the height \u2013 no, it doesn\u2019t have a motor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRGB lighting of the Obsidian \u2013 which is said to be customisable \u2013 can be adjusted with the controls on the bottom right side of the desk. Besides that, it also has a headphones hanger and cup holder to keep the surface clutter-free. Speaking of which, the Obsidian\u2019s surface is a particle board with melamine lamination.\n\n\nThe Illegear Obsidian is now available for purchase in Malaysia \nthrough Illegear\u2019s online store\n for RM599 and RM699 for the small and large models respectively. Do note that you can get a discount on the desk if you\u2019re paying in cash, lowering the prices to RM570 and RM665 respectively.\n\n\nMore details on the Obsidian can be found \non its product page\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/what-to-expect-from-tonights-iphone-15-event/", "title": "What to Expect From Tonight\u2019s iPhone 15 Event", "body": "\n\nApple\u2019s September event is happening in less than 12 hours, where the Cupertino company is expected to unveil the new iPhone 15 series. Plenty of rumours surrounding the next iPhone lineup were posted prior to the launch tonight, so we figured it\u2019d be good to do a recap of them.\n\n\nOf course, besides the new iPhones, Apple is said to be releasing a number of other products at the event too, including a new Apple Watch and an updated AirPods Pro charging case \u2013 more on these further down the article.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHow to Watch Apple\u2019s iPhone 15 Event?\n\n\nYou can catch the iPhone 15 launch event in the YouTube video embedded above, or through \nApple\u2019s very own website\n. The launch is set to begin at 1AM Malaysian time on 13 September, and rest assured, we will be doing a live coverage of the event.\n\n\nGoing by previous Apple launches, we expect the Cupertino company to reveal the Malaysian pricing of every product introduced at the event right after the keynote has concluded. That\u2019s right, we will find out the local prices of the new iPhone 15 lineup very, very soon.\n\n\nFour New iPhones With USB-C, Camera Upgrade, Thinner Bezels\n\n\nAs usual, four different devices are expected to make up the new iPhone 15 series. These include the standard iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, though previous rumours claim that Apple may use the \u201cUltra\u201d branding for the Pro Max.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBranding aside, the biggest change to the iPhone 15 lineup is the transition from Apple\u2019s proprietary Lightning connector to the widely used USB-C port. If you\u2019ve got a lot of USB-C cables lying around, this is great news. In fact, Android users may be more incentivised to make the jump to iPhone with this port change.\n\n\nHowever, some reports claim that not all phones in the iPhone 15 series will get faster data transfer despite the transition to USB-C. Only the Pro and Pro Max models will supposedly support \u201cat least\u201d USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3, while the base iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus gets only USB 2.0.\n\n\nOn the bright side, at least all devices in the iPhone 15 lineup are said to support faster 35W charging rates with the switch to USB-C.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDynamic Island is said to be offered on all phones in the iPhone 15 lineup too, though the chips powering them will be different. The Pro models are believed to be powered by Apple\u2019s new A17 chip built on a 3nm process, while the regular iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will be packed with the A16 chip. The latter is currently found in the \niPhone 14 Pro\n and iPhone 14 Pro Max.\n\n\nBeyond that, the Pro models in the iPhone 15 series are said to get a number of exclusive features as well. Apple is claimed to be moving from the stainless steel frame to a titanium one for the Pro iPhones, and thinner bezels are on the cards too. There\u2019s also one other big update to the iPhone 15 Pro Max: better zoom performance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf rumours are to be believed, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is said to feature a \nperiscope\n telephoto lens, allowing it to zoom in closer to a subject with minimal loss in image fidelity. Currently, the iPhone 14 Pro Max can only do 3x optical zoom, so if this rumour proves to be true, we can expect to see even better zoom performance out of the iPhone 15 Pro Max.\n\n\nIt\u2019s quite interesting that only the Pro Max model is reportedly getting a periscope telephoto camera while the regular Pro isn\u2019t, given that both iPhone Pro models usually have the same camera configuration.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpdated Apple Watch Lineup\n\n\nNew Apple Watches could also debut at the September Apple event. The Apple Watch Ultra, for one, could be getting a new S9 processor based on the A15 chip that first appeared in the \niPhone 13 series\n. The range-topping Apple Watch is rumoured to be getting a new darker titanium case as well.\n\n\nAs for the Apple Watch Series 9, it\u2019s said to feature the same S9 processor too, along with a new pink colour option. It is also reported to feature a new band option that comes with a magnetic buckle.\n\n\nNew AirPods Pro USB-C Charging Case\n\n\nThe iPhone 15 isn\u2019t the only one that\u2019s going to get USB-C. Supposedly, the \nAirPods Pro\n \u2013 more specifically, the charging case \u2013 will be updated with an USB-C port from the Lightning connector. Whether or not the earbuds themselves will get some changes as well remain to be seen.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the\u00a0\u201cWonderlust\u201d \nSeptember Apple event\n is slated to start at 1AM Malaysian time on 13 September. We\u2019ll find out then just what the new iPhone 15 lineup, Apple Watch, and AirPods Pro will bring to the table.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/infinix-gt-10-pro-launched-in-malaysia-for-rm999-colour-changing-back-panel-dimensity-8050/", "title": "Infinix GT 10 Pro Launched in Malaysia for RM999 \u2013 Colour-Changing Back Panel, Dimensity 8050", "body": "\n\nInfinix just launched its latest phone in Malaysia, the Infinix GT 10 Pro. Sporting a rather sleek-looking back panel to match its gaming appeal \u2013 the Mirage Silver model even has a colour-changing design \u2013 the GT 10 Pro looks to be a decent mid-range phone.\n\n\nOnly one variant of the GT 10 Pro is offered in Malaysia. Packed with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, the phone is \npriced at RM999\n. Two colour options are available \u2013 Cyber Black and Mirage Silver \u2013 and every pre-order of the GT 10 Pro placed by 12 September today will be bundled with an Infinix XE27 wireless earbuds worth RM99.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardware wise, the GT 10 Pro is comfortably a mid-range offering. It features a MediaTek Dimensity 8050 processor, a 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (108MP main + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), a 32MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging.\n\n\nThe Infinix GT 10 Pro is now available for pre-order in Malaysia through Infinix\u2019s official Shopee store \nfor RM999\n. Again, every pre-order of the phone placed by today will be bundled with an Infinix XE27 wireless earbuds worth RM99.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-watch-series-9-official-s9-chip-brighter-display-new-pink-colour/", "title": "Apple Watch Series 9 Official \u2013 S9 Chip, New Double Tap Gesture, Brighter Display", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nApple\u2019s September event is happening right now, and the first product to be introduced is the Apple Watch Series 9. Now powered by the new S9 chip, the smartwatch even features a brighter display with support for a \u201cDouble Tap\u201d gesture.\n\n\nTo perform the Double Tap gesture \u2013 which is said to be coming next month \u2013 you just have to tap your index finger with your thumb twice. This gesture controls the primary button in any given app, so it can be used to, say, snooze your alarm.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that Double Tap is enabled with the new S9 chip powering the Series 9, so it doesn\u2019t seem like the gesture support will be coming to older Apple Watches.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, there\u2019s also the aforementioned brighter display of the Series 9; it now has a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, which is said to be doubled from the Series 8. There is also a new pink colourway, along with new \u201cFineWoven\u201d bands that are said to have a suede-like feel.\n\n\nThe Apple Watch Series 9 will be first available in selected markets including US, Canada, and Australia from $399 (about RM1,865) on 22 September. Malaysian pricing of the Apple Watch Series 9 should be unveiled very soon; stay tuned for that.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-watch-ultra-2-features-s9-chip-3000-nits-display-same-rm3799-price-tag/", "title": "Apple Watch Ultra 2 Features S9 Chip, 3,000 Nits Display, Same RM3,799 Price Tag", "body": "\n\nAside from the Apple Watch Series 9, the Cupertino company also introduced the new Apple Watch Ultra 2 at its September event. Just like the former, the rugged smartwatch is now powered by the S9 chip, along with an even brighter display and support for the new double tap gesture.\n\n\nThe unique double tap gesture is enabled with the Watch Ultra 2\u2019s new S9 chip. By just tapping your index finger with your thumb twice, you can control the primary button in any given app. You can, for example, accept calls or snooze your alarm by just doing the double tap gesture; that\u2019s quite neat.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother noteworthy upgrade to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a brighter screen. With a peak brightness of a whopping 3,000 nits \u2013 which is said to be 50% brighter than its predecessor\u2019s panel \u2013 Apple says this is the brightest display ever on an Apple Watch.\n\n\nDespite the upgrades that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 bring, its asking price for the Malaysian market \nremains the same at RM3,799\n, which is great. What is not so great is the fact that the local availability of the new watch has not been revealed yet. We\u2019ll be sure to update this space once we know when the Ultra 2 can be purchased in Malaysia.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-15-iphone-15-plus-get-dynamic-island-new-camera-system/", "title": "iPhone 15 & iPhone 15 Plus Get USB-C, Dynamic Island, New 48MP Camera", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2023 iPhones are here! First out the gate are the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, and just as rumours have suggested, the new base iPhones now feature a USB-C port along with the Dynamic Island screen cutout. On top of that, they also get an improved dual camera system that features a new 48MP main sensor.\n\n\nThanks to the new 48MP primary camera, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus can now do 2x lossless zoom, just like last year\u2019s \niPhone 14 Pro\n series. Aside from that, the standard iPhones are also powered by Apple\u2019s A16 Bionic chip \u2013 yes, the same one found under the hood of last year\u2019s Pro iPhones.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDisplay of the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus sees a nice upgrade too. With a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, the new screen is said to be twice as bright as the iPhone 14\u2019s panel. The display is also protected by Ceramic Shield now, which is said to be \u201ctougher than any smartphone glass.\u201d\n\n\nPricing wise, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus retail at $799 and $899 respectively in the US. Stay tuned for the Malaysian pricing of the two iPhones \u2013 the information should be made available in the next hour or so.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-15-pro-iphone-15-pro-max-unleashed-titanium-frame-action-button-usb-c/", "title": "iPhone 15 Pro & iPhone 15 Pro Max Unleashed \u2013 A17 Pro Chip, 12MP Periscope Camera, USB-C", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe higher-end iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max have just been unleashed, and it brings a slew of new upgrades to the table. These include a blazing fast A17 Pro chip, a 12MP periscope camera for improved zoom performance, and of course, a USB-C port with faster transfer speeds.\n\n\nBuilt on a power-efficient 3nm process, the Apple A17 Pro is said to be the most powerful chip found in a smartphone. The performance level of the chip even allows Resident Evil Village and Resident Evil 4 to be playable on the iPhone 15 Pro models; titles that were previously exclusive to consoles and PC.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the camera department, the iPhone 15 Pro Max gets a new periscope telephoto lens that enables 5x optical zoom, while the iPhone 15 Pro soldiers on with a 12MP telephoto sensor that does 3x optical zoom. There\u2019s also a new 48MP primary camera with a larger sensor for better low light performance, along with an improved 12MP ultra-wide shooter.\n\n\nFor the US market, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will start at $999 and $1,199 respectively; these prices are said to be the same as last year\u2019s equivalent models. As for the Malaysian pricing of the two iPhones, it should be revealed very, very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-15-iphone-15-plus-malaysian-pre-orders-start-22-september-from-rm4399/", "title": "iPhone 15 & iPhone 15 Plus Malaysian Pre-Orders Start 22 September From RM4,399", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can pre-order the new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus in Malaysia as early as next week on 22 September. \nStarting at RM4,399 and RM4,899 respectively\n, the base iPhones see a \nsimilar RM200 price hike\n as the Pro models on our shores.\n\n\nOf course, you do get more phone for the money with the new iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. Not only do they come with a USB-C port now, the two phones get the Dynamic Island screen cutout as well. On top of that, there\u2019s also an improved dual camera system that features a new 48MP main sensor.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThanks to the new 48MP primary camera, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus can now do 2x lossless zoom, just like last year\u2019s \niPhone 14 Pro\n series. Aside from that, the standard iPhones are also powered by Apple\u2019s A16 Bionic chip \u2013 yes, the same one found under the hood of last year\u2019s Pro iPhones.\n\n\nDisplay of the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus sees a nice upgrade too. With a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, the new screen is said to be twice as bright as the iPhone 14\u2019s panel. The display is also protected by Ceramic Shield now, which is said to be \u201ctougher than any smartphone glass.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, \nMalaysian pre-orders of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus\n will start on 22 September next week from RM4,399 and RM4,899 respectively. Local deliveries will begin the following week on 29 September.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-15-pro-iphone-15-pro-max-start-at-rm5499-rm6499-in-malaysia/", "title": "iPhone 15 Pro & iPhone 15 Pro Max Start at RM5,499 & RM6,499 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe now have the Malaysian pricing of the new iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max! \nStarting at RM5,499 and RM6,499 respectively\n, both iPhones see a RM200 price hike for the Malaysian market.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the RM6,499 starting price for the iPhone 15 Pro Max is for the 256GB model; no 128GB version is offered anymore for the Pro Max model, it seems. This effectively raises the price of entry for the large premium phone.\n\n\nNonetheless, Malaysian pre-orders of the new Pro iPhones will start on 22 September, and they are set to arrive here the following week on 29 September, which is really quite fast.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the new iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max bring a slew of upgrades to the table. These include a blazing fast A17 Pro chip, a 12MP periscope camera (for the Pro Max only) for improved zoom performance, a customisable Action button in place of the mute switch, and of course, a USB-C port with faster transfer speeds.\n\n\nBuilt on a power-efficient 3nm process, the Apple A17 Pro is said to be the most powerful chip found in a smartphone. The performance level of the chip even allows Resident Evil Village and Resident Evil 4 to be playable on the iPhone 15 Pro models; titles that were previously exclusive to consoles and PC.\n\n\nIn the camera department, the iPhone 15 Pro Max gets a new periscope telephoto lens that enables 5x optical zoom, while the iPhone 15 Pro soldiers on with a 12MP telephoto sensor that does 3x optical zoom. There\u2019s also a new 48MP primary camera with a larger sensor for better low light performance, along with an improved 12MP ultra-wide shooter.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can \npre-order the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max\n in Malaysia from RM5,499 and RM6,499 respectively next week on 22 September. Deliveries will begin the following week on 29 September.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-watch-series-9-retains-rm1899-price-in-malaysia-available-soon/", "title": "Apple Watch Series 9 Retains RM1,899 Price in Malaysia \u2013 Available Soon", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGood news: the new Apple Watch Series 9 \nretains the same RM1,899 starting price\n as \nits predecessor\n for the Malaysian market. Powered by the new S9 chip, the smartwatch also features a brighter display now with support for a \u201cdouble tap\u201d gesture.\n\n\nTo perform the double tap gesture \u2013 which is said to be coming next month \u2013 you just have to tap your index finger with your thumb twice. This gesture controls the primary button in any given app, so it can be used to, say, snooze your alarm when it rings.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the double tap gesture is enabled with the new S9 chip powering the Series 9, so it is unlikely the gesture support will be coming to older Apple Watches.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, there\u2019s also the aforementioned brighter display of the Series 9. The screen now has a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, which is said to be doubled from the Series 8. There is also a new pink colourway for the smartwatch, along with \u201cFineWoven\u201d bands that are said to have a suede-like feel.\n\n\nWhile we already know the Malaysian pricing of the Apple Watch Series 9, there\u2019s no word yet on exactly when it can be purchased on our shores. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on the local availability of the new smartwatch.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/airpods-pro-2nd-gen-updated-with-usb-c-charging-case-ip54-rating-for-rm1099/", "title": "AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) Updated With USB-C Charging Case & IP54 Rating for RM1,099", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlso updated with a USB-C connector is Apple\u2019s popular \n2nd generation AirPods Pro\n; more specifically, its charging case. Aside from the port change, the earbuds themselves are also more durable now with an IP54 rating \u2013 an upgrade from the previous Lightning model\u2019s IPX4 rating.\n\n\nBasically, the USB-C AirPods Pro gains dust resistance, though other specifications of the wireless earbuds remain the same. These include the H2 chip for \u201cup to double the noise-cancelling power\u201d of the original AirPods Pro, along with a total of up to six hours of use with ANC activated.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that with iOS 17 \u2013 which is set to be released on 18 September next week \u2013 the AirPods Pro will get a slew of new features. Adaptive Audio will adjust the noise control of the earbuds based on the environment, while Conversation Awareness, as its name suggests, will lower the volume and enhance voices in front of the user when said user starts speaking.\n\n\nNaturally, the 2nd generation AirPods Pro with the new USB-C charging case \nretains the RM1,099 price tag in Malaysia\n. But much like other products announced by Apple today \u2013 with the exception of the \niPhones 15\n \nlineup\n \u2013 it is not available for purchase on our shores just yet.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-14-iphone-14-plus-now-more-affordable-in-malaysia-up-to-rm400-price-cut/", "title": "iPhone 14 & iPhone 14 Plus Now More Affordable in Malaysia \u2013 Up to RM400 Price Cut", "body": "\n\nWith the launch of the \nnew iPhone\n \n15 lineup\n, Apple has revised the prices of the iPhone 14 and \niPhone 14 Plus\n in Malaysia. With up to RM400 price cut, the base iPhone 14 now starts at RM3,799, while the iPhone 14 Plus retails from RM4,399.\n\n\nIn fact, all variants of the iPhone 14 see a RM400 price cut, while the iPhone 14 Plus gets a RM300 discount across the board. For easy reference, we compare the old and new prices of the two iPhones in the tables below:\n\n\niPhone 14\nOld Price\nNew Price\n128GB\nRM4,199\nRM3,799\n256GB\nRM4,699\nRM4,299\n512GB\nRM5,699\nRM5,299\n\n\niPhone 14 Plus\nOld Price\nNew Price\n128GB\nRM4,699\nRM4,399\n256GB\nRM5,199\nRM4,899\n512GB\nRM6,199\nRM5,899\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn paper, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are very similar to the iPhone 13 series; they soldier on with the same A15 Bionic chip that made its debut back in 2021. This isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing, of course, given the\u00a0\nsheer processing power of the chip\n. Even high-end Android phones have trouble matching the performance level of the A15 \nin 2023\n.\n\n\nYou can purchase the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus at these new prices right now on \nApple\u2019s Malaysian online store\n. If you want to learn more about the iPhone 14 Plus, check out our \nfull review here\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/of-course-apple-made-a-usb-c-to-lightning-adapter-for-rm159/", "title": "Of Course Apple Made a USB-C to Lightning Adapter for RM159", "body": "\n\nApple is really bidding farewell to the Lightning port. All of the \niPhone 15\n \nphones\n now feature USB-C connectors, so your existing Lightning cables will not be compatible with the new iPhones. But there is a way for you to continue using your Lightning cables: enter Apple\u2019s USB-C to Lightning adapter.\n\n\nNaturally, the adapter costs quite a bit of money; \nRM159\n, to be specific. For that kind of money, the USB-C to Lightning adapter does have a braided cable for added durability. Of course, it is said to be compatible with the new iPhone 15 and iPads with USB-C ports as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnlike the iPhone 15, which will be available for pre-order in Malaysia on 22 September, the USB-C to Lightning cable can actually be purchased right now. If you want to prepare for the new iPhone in advance, you can do just that.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get Apple\u2019s USB-C to Lightning adapter, you can get buy it on \nApple\u2019s Malaysian online store now for RM159\n. While there are certainly more affordable alternatives in the market, you won\u2019t have to worry about compatibility issues with Apple\u2019s very own adapter.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-usb-c-finally-unites-iphone-android-users/", "title": "The USB-C Finally Unites iPhone & Android Users", "body": "\n\n\u201cHey, do you have a charging cable? The one for iPhone.\u201d\n\n\nChances are, you had a similar conversation at one point in time, and it can prove to be quite troublesome to keep track of different cables for different phones. This is especially the case if your circle of friends (or family members) use both iPhone and Android devices.\n\n\nBut with the introduction of the \nlatest iP\nh\none\n \n15 lineup\n with USB-C connectors instead of Apple\u2019s proprietary Lightning port, you only need a USB-C cable now to recharge a wide range of phones. With Malaysia Day taking place this Saturday on 16 September, we thought it would be good to talk about how the USB-C port is (essentially) uniting both iPhone and Android users.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne Port to Rule Them All\n\n\nThe USB-C standard has been around for a while now, and it is widely used across many device categories. It has just taken Apple\u2026well, quite some time to make the transition to the connector for its smartphones. Granted, this isn\u2019t the first time the Cupertino company is making use of USB-C \u2013 the port can already be found on its other products, including the \nMacBooks\n and \niPads\n.\n\n\nThat being said, the iPhone 15 series\u2019 switch to USB-C is certainly a big deal. With the transition, you can now use the very same USB-C cable to charge your iPhone, MacBook, and a wide range of other devices (including Android phones) from many different brands. Gone are the days where you need to specify which charging cable you need for your phone.\n\n\nWell, to \nsome\n extent, given that many iPhones in the market now still use the Lightning port \u2013 more on this later.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCan Any USB-C Cable Work With the iPhone 15?\n\n\nIn theory, yes, but it\u2019s a bit more complicated than that. Not all USB-C cables are made equal, and poorly manufactured ones can even be detrimental to the device it is connected to, iPhone or not. With that in mind, it\u2019s important to get a cable that\u2019s properly certified.\n\n\nOne easy way to identify if a particular USB-C cable would work with the iPhone 15 \u2013 outside of just getting one directly from Apple, of course \u2013 is to look for the Made for iPhone (MFi) label on the packaging of the product. Such a cable should work with the new iPhone without issue, \nprovided\n it\u2019s from a reputable brand.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWithout going too deep down the rabbit hole, pay attention to the rated charging capability of the USB-C cable to ensure that your iPhone 15 can charge\u2026well, normally. Apple still uses a 20W adapter to gauge the charging time of the new iPhones, so look for a USB-C cable that can do at least 20W charging.\n\n\nIf you plan to transfer huge amounts of data from your iPhone 15 \u2013 especially the Pro models \u2013 to another device with a USB-C cable, get one that is rated for fast data transfers. While the base iPhone 15 only supports USB 2, the Pro models feature USB 3, which can transfer data at up to 10Gbps \u2013 that\u2019s the magic number you have to look for.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNeedless to say, this applies to Android phones as well. Look for a USB-C cable that\u2019s rated for the charging speeds and data transfers that suit your needs.\n\n\nThe Transition Will Take Time\n\n\nAs with any changes in the smartphone industry, it will take some time before the USB-C standard becomes more widespread among iPhone users. As mentioned, there are still many, many iPhones in the market now with a Lightning port, so the demand for Lightning cables is still very much there. \n\n\nFor folks who still have a lot of Lightning cables they want to use with the new iPhone 15, it\u2019s worth looking into a USB-C to Lightning adapter of sorts, such as \nthis one from Apple for a cool RM159\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, it\u2019s a great move from Apple to transition to the USB-C standard with the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The four new iPhones will all be available for pre-order in Malaysia next week on 22 September, and local deliveries will begin the following week on 29 September. Not too long of a wait until we can get our hands on the latest and greatest iPhones.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-x90-catching-fire-accident-caused-by-grounding-connection-not-hybrid-battery/", "title": "Proton X90 Catching Fire \u2013 Accident Caused by Grounding Connection, Not Hybrid Battery", "body": "\n\nA few week ago\n, a viral video of a \nProton X90\n catching fire \u2013 the boot area, to be specific \u2013 started making its rounds on the internet. Proton, together with Geely, has found the root cause of the fire. As expected, the premium SUV\u2019s mild hybrid (48V) battery is not the cause of the fire.\n\n\nRather, the fire was caused by grounding connection to the body of the X90. \u201cThis can cause overheating in the connecting area when a continuous large current passes through it and can result in a thermal incident due to its proximity to the sound proofing material,\u201d the national carmaker said in a statement.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith this in mind, Proton\u2019s 3S and 4S dealers will be contacting all owners of the X90 individually to bring in their SUV for inspection. If required, remedial action will be taken by the service centre to eliminate any thermal risk. Alternatively, current X90 owners can also get in touch with a Proton 3S or 4S dealer to make an appointment, or call Proton\u2019s helpline at 1-800-88-8398 for more information.\n\n\nTo ensure that such an issue will not happen again, Proton and its vendors have made necessary countermeasures by enhancing their supplier process control and incoming inspections of the Proton X90\u2019s production line. The carmaker reiterated that the fire is not caused by the SUV\u2019s mild hybrid battery, and that the quality of its products and the safety of its customers remain the company\u2019s top priorities.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/14-20-september-fuel-price-ron-97-stays-at-rm3-37-per-litre/", "title": "14 \u2013 20 September Fuel Price: RON 97 Stays at RM3.37 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAnother week, another fuel price update. Not surprisingly, there\u2019s no price movement for RON 97 this week either, and the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.37 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 14 to 20 September next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/mercedes-benz-glc-300-4matic-now-ckd-in-malaysia-lower-rm379k-price-tag/", "title": "Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic Now CKD in Malaysia \u2013 Lower RM379k Price Tag", "body": "\n\nLaunched earlier this year in CBU form, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic is now locally-assembled here in Malaysia; more specifically, at the brand\u2019s production facility in Pekan, Pahang. Naturally, the CKD version of the SUV sees quite a big RM51,000 price drop.\n\n\nThis brings down the price of the GLC 300 4Matic in CKD to RM378,888 on-the-road without insurance. Not only is it more affordable, the locally-assembled version even gets two additional features: panoramic sliding sunroof and Handsfree Access. The latter is essentially a foot sensor-activated automatic tailgate.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPowertrain of the GLC 300 4Matic in CKD form remains the same: it\u2019s still powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder turbo engine paired with a 48V mild hybrid system that outputs 255hp and 400Nm of torque. It is mated to a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission, sending drive to all four wheels through the 4Matic AWD system.\n\n\n\u201cWith over 12,000 units sold since 2016, the GLC maintains its status as Mercedes-Benz\u2019s best-selling SUV in Malaysia, offering a harmonious blend of luxury, versatility, and driving pleasure,\u201d said the Vice President of sales and marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia and SEA II, Bettina Plangger.\n\n\n\u201cThe introduction of the locally-assembled GLC marks a significant milestone in our journey, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to delivering uncompromised quality to our valued customers in Malaysia. This development is a testament to our customer-centric approach, as we continually strive to provide our valued customers with the best possible experiences,\u201d she added.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic can now be booked in Malaysia for RM378,888. More details on the premium SUV can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/prism-opening-another-outlet-in-queensbay-mall-penang-on-16-september-2023/", "title": "PRISM+ Opening Another Outlet in Queensbay Mall, Penang on 16 September 2023", "body": "\n\nPRISM+ is opening yet another outlet in Malaysia! This time around, the store is located in Queensbay Mall, Penang, and it is the company\u2019s second outlet outside of the Klang Valley area; fourth one overall in our local market.\n\n\nAs usual, to celebrate the launch of the new store on 16 September (Malaysia Day!) this Saturday, PRISM+ will be running a number of promotions outlined below. A 15% discount on all Logitech G products will also be offered, though this is limited to only one unit of keyboard, mouse, and headset per customer while stocks last.\n\n\n\n\n1x free F240n 24-inch 165Hz gaming monitor (worth RM629) for any purchase\nof a PRISM+ Q55-QE 55-inch 4K Android TV at RM1,699\n\n\n1x free Elevate X1 monitor stand (worth RM299) and 1x free Logitech\nG304 Lightspeed wireless gaming mouse (worth RM119) for any purchase\nof an X340 PRO 165Hz 34-inch ultrawide curved gaming monitor at RM1,599\n\n\n1x free Arc Lite monitor arm (worth RM199) for any purchase of an X270\n240Hz 27-inch curved gaming monitor at only RM999\n\n\nX340 Pro 100Hz 34-inch ultrawide curved productivity monitor at RM1,199\n\n\nW220v 22-inch productivity monitor at RM299\n\n\nLogitech G304 Lightspeed wireless gaming mouse at RM119\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPRISM+ reiterated that it will be launching its range of smart home appliances in Malaysia sometime this year. \u201cWith the trajectory towards smart home appliances and the increasing post-pandemic foot traffic in retail spaces, physical touch points have become pivotal to our expansion strategy. The upcoming inauguration of our Penang store symbolises another pivotal stride towards nationwide coverage,\u201d said the Country Director of PRISM+ Malaysia, Eric Kam.\n\n\nThe grand launch of the new PRISM+ store in Queensbay Mall (2F-11 and 2F-12) at Penang is set for this Saturday on 16 September 2023. You can check out\u00a0\nPRISM+\u2019s website\n\u00a0for its full list of products too.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/fashion-forward-huawei-watch-gt-4-official-malaysian-pre-orders-now-open-for-rm50/", "title": "\u201cFashion-Forward\u201d Huawei Watch GT 4 Official \u2013 Malaysian Pre-Orders Now Open for RM50", "body": "\n\nHuawei just unveiled its latest flagship smartwatch, the Huawei Watch GT 4. The Chinese company is putting quite a bit of emphasis on the \u201cfashion-forward\u201d design of the wearable, while also promising impressive battery life of up to 14 days on a single charge.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Watch GT 4 are offered. There\u2019s the smaller, more elegant-looking (in our opinion) 41mm model, and the larger 46mm version. The 41mm watch is said to resemble a jewellery piece, while the 46mm variant has a \u201cstrong, sturdy exterior\u201d with an octagonal dial design.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Watch GT 4 promises up to 14 days of battery life under light usage, though this is limited to the 46mm model; the 41mm version offers up to seven days of use instead. Beyond that, both smartwatches feature a 466 x 466 circular AMOLED display, stainless steel body, a 5 ATM or IP68 rating, as well as over 25,000 different watchfaces to choose from.\n\n\nAccording to Huawei Malaysia, the Huawei Watch GT 4 is \nnow available for pre-order in Malaysia\n with a RM50 deposit, though the local pricing of the smartwatch has not been revealed yet. As a point of comparison, last year\u2019s \nHuawei Watch GT 3\n retailed from RM999 at launch.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honkai-star-rail-arrives-on-ps5-11-october-get-pre-order-bundle-for-rm42/", "title": "Honkai: Star Rail Arrives on PS5 11 October \u2013 Get Pre-Order Bundle for RM42", "body": "\n\nWe finally got a date for \nHonkai: Star Rail\n\u2018s launch on the PlayStation 5! Set to arrive on the console next month on 11 October, Hoyoverse is also releasing a limited time pre-order bundle for the game on the PlayStation Store.\n\n\nPriced at RM42\n, the bundle comes with several in-game items for Star Rail. These include two Star Rail Passes, 150,000 Credits, 80 Adventure Logs, and 50 Sparse Aether. The full list of items included in the bundle is shown below:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBased on Hoyoverse\u2019s announcement, it appears that Star Rail on the PS5 won\u2019t quite take advantage of the DualSense controller\u2019s features yet, such as adaptive triggers. Of course, there\u2019s a chance it could be implemented later on \u2013 that was the case with \nGenshin Impact\n.\n\n\nHonkai: Star Rail will be available on PS5 next month on 11 October. If you\u2019re interested to purchase the RM42 pre-order bundle, you can do so on the \nPlayStation Store\n. While the listing shows that Star Rail costs RM42, that is the price for the pre-order bundle.\n\n\nAfter all, Star Rail is a free-to-play game, just like how it is on other platforms.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/singakbd-kohaku-pc-in-stock-sale-happening-16-september-rm2350-without-pcb/", "title": "SINGAKBD Kohaku (PC) In-Stock Sale Happening 16 September \u2013 RM2,350 Without PCB", "body": "\n\nAs we \npreviously reported\n, SINGAKBD will be running the in-stock sale for the \npolycarbonate version of the SINGAKBD Kohaku\n tomorrow on 16 September. As usual, the in-stock sale will be done through a raffle, and only 100 units are up for grabs.\n\n\nPricing wise, the polycarbonate Kohaku goes for a cool RM2,350 without PCB; that\u2019s RM100 more than the standard Kohaku. The colour combination is also limited to a brass weight with a black aluminium leaf spring plate, which does look quite good, in our opinion.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBased on the Kohaku R2, the polycarbonate Kohaku has a different weight design from the \noriginal keyboard\n for easier assembly. This, along with the polycarbonate material, also change the sound profile of the keyboard. The polycarbonate Kohaku is still using a gasket mount design too, and it\u2019s worth noting that brass weight with the Koi motif is now protected by a tempered glass cover.\n\n\nThe polycarbonate SINGAKBD Kohaku in-stock raffle will take place tomorrow on 16 September between 11AM to 11PM via Jotform; more details on the sale can be found on \nSINGAKBD\u2019s official Discord channel\n. Do note that there will be a B-stock raffle of the keyboard at a later date, which could take place as early as next week.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playstation-state-of-play-september-2023-final-fantasy-vii-rebirth-spider-man-2-colourful-ps5-accessories/", "title": "PlayStation State of Play September 2023: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Spider-Man 2, Colourful PS5 Accessories", "body": "\n\nPlayStation just held a State of Play presentation earlier today, and there a quite a number of noteworthy announcements. Not only did we get a slew of new game trailers \u2013 with a release date for the highly anticipated Final Fantasy VII Rebirth \u2013 there are some colourful new PS5 accessories too.\n\n\nFinal Fantasy VII Rebirth\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes, we finally know exactly when Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is coming! Set to be released next year on 29 February 2023 for the PS5, we get treated to a new trailer for the upcoming game. From familiar faces like Sephiroth to new synergy moves from the battle system, it\u2019s shaping up to be quite an exciting follow-up to Final Fantasy VII Remake.\n\n\nAs previously revealed, Final Fantasy VII Remake is a three-part trilogy, so Rebirth is only the second instalment. We\u2019ll have to wait for the third part to reach the conclusion of the series.\n\n\nMarvel\u2019s Spider-Man 2\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile we already know that Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man 2 will be released next month on 20 October 2023 \u2013 not too long now! \u2013 Insomniac Games gave us a more detailed look at the expanded city of New York. It\u2019s said to be nearly double the size of the city in the first game, so players will have plenty of area to explore once the game drops.\n\n\nMarvel\u2019s Spider-Man 2 will be available exclusively on the PS5.\n\n\nNew Colourways for PS5 Accessories\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinally, we have some new colourways for a range of PS5 accessories. Dubbed Deep Earth Collection, the new colours have a metallic sheen to them in three shades: Volcanic Red, Cobalt Blue, and Sterling Silver. These three new colours will be offered for the DualSense controller and PS5 console cover at RM369 and RM259 respectively.\n\n\nOf the three colours, the Volcanic Red and Cobalt Blue accessories will be available first on 3 November, while the Sterling Silver models will arrive later on 26 January 2024. It remains to be seen if the Malaysian market will also receive these new colourways on the same dates.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/casetify-releases-funky-ultra-bounce-iphone-15-case-up-to-10m-drop-protection/", "title": "Casetify Releases Funky Ultra Bounce iPhone 15 Case \u2013 Up to 10m Drop Protection", "body": "\n\nCasetify released a number of new cases to protect the equally new \niPhone 15 series\n. The Ultra Bounce case, for one, has a rather funky design with some serious drop protection: Casetify says that the case can protect the iPhone 15 from drops up to 10m in height.\n\n\nThe Casetify Ultra Bounce case has a \u201c6-layered rugged protection system,\u201d and the four Ultra Bounce Corners are part of that system. The case is also Magsafe-compatible, and just like other Casetify cases, it can be customised accordingly for $110 \u2013 that comes up to about RM515.\n\n\nAnother new product is the Casetify Impact Ring Stand case. Basically, the camera ring of the case can be popped out to act as a kickstand. Priced at $80 (approximately RM375), the Impact Ring Stand case is also quite a bit more affordable than the Ultra Bounce case.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from the two iPhone 15 cases, Casetify also got two new bands for the Apple Watch Series 9. The Bounce Band ($69, about RM325) is made from FKM fluoroelastomer rubber, which is said to be a high-resistant material while still providing good comfort. There\u2019s also the more affordable Impact Band ($50, around RM235) with a slim strap \u201cthat favours water resistance,\u201d as the brand puts it.\n\n\nAll of these products are now available for purchase \ndirectly from Casetify\n. Other products from the brand, including Magsafe accessories and screen protectors, can also be found on the brand\u2019s official website.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-11x-now-in-malaysia-exclusively-from-u-mobile-free-with-u-postpaid-98-plan/", "title": "Realme 11x Now in Malaysia Exclusively From U Mobile \u2013 Free With U Postpaid 98 Plan", "body": "\n\nAs promised\n, the Realme 11x has just been launched in Malaysia, and it looks to be available \nexclusively on U Mobile\n at the moment. Though the mid-range phone retails at RM999, you can get the phone for free by subscribing to the U Postpaid 98 plan.\n\n\nOf course, there are some caveats. In order to get the Realme 11x for RM0, you have to sign up for the U Postpaid 98 plan on a 24-month contract. If you get it on a 12-month contract instead, you\u2019ll have to pay RM349 for the phone.\n\n\nAlternatively, you can also get the Realme 11x with the more affordable U Postpaid 68 plan. Getting the plan with a 12-month contract discounts the phone to RM439, while the 24-month contract lets you purchase the phone for only RM239.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor the most part, the Realme 11x shares many of its hardware with the higher-end Realme 11. It still comes with a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset, a 6.72-inch 2400 x 1080 IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, as well as a 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\nWhere the Realme 11x differs from the Realme 11 are in two aspects: camera configuration and charging speed. It has a simpler dual camera configuration made up of a 64MP main shooter and a 2MP portrait lens, an 8MP selfie camera, and 33W fast charging.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-4-1-arrives-27-september-fatui-harbinger-arlecchino-makes-her-debut/", "title": "Genshin Impact 4.1 Arrives 27 September \u2013 Fatui Harbinger Arlecchino Makes Her Debut", "body": "\n\nGenshin Impact 4.1 is set to arrive in the next two weeks on 27 September, and the main storyline of the new Fontaine nation is looking to heat up. Not only will the upcoming version update add two new playable characters, the Fatui Harbinger \u201cArlecchino\u201d will be making her debut too.\n\n\nThe trailer below shows a few snippets of Arlecchino, though it remains to be seen exactly what role she will be playing in the Fontaine storyline. Beyond that, Neuvillette and Wriothesley will be playable in Genshin Impact 4.1 as well, and both of them are 5-star catalyst characters. Their respective story quests will be available too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNeuvillette\n\n\nWriothesley \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA new area in Fontaine will also be unlocked in the Version 4.1 update of Genshin Impact. The Fortress of Meropid is where the main Archon quest will pick up again, where the Traveler will be looking for \u2013 slight spoiler here \u2013 Childe after the events of Version 4.0.\n\n\nSeptember is when Genshin Impact celebrates its anniversary, so a number of rewards will be given to players. These include 10 Intertwined Fates, 1,600 Primogems (enough for another 10 rolls), four Fragile Resins, and two unique gadgets: \nPortable Aerodynamic Gelatinous Bubble Generator\n \u2013 that\u2019s a mouthful \u2013 and \nItty Bitty Octobaby\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGenshin Impact 4.1 will go live on 27 September 2023. Neuvillette\u2019s event wish will be available first alongside Hu Tao\u2019s rerun banner, while Wriothesley\u2019s and Venti\u2019s banners will be offered at a later date.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/more-proton-s50-details-images-leaked-1-5l-turbo-engine-7dct-12-digital-meter/", "title": "More Proton S50 Details & Images Leaked: 1.5L Turbo Engine, 7DCT, 12\u2033 Digital Meter", "body": "\n\nAs we approach closer to the (likely) November debut of the highly anticipated \nProton S50\n, more details on the upcoming sedan have been leaked. According to a source that has allegedly tested the S50, the car is indeed powered by a 1.5L turbo engine paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT).\n\n\nAt least, that\u2019s what \nThe Ajerul\n\u2018s source is saying. Several close-up shots of the S50\u2019s front end were also shared in the Facebook post, and it looks to be in the Marine Blue colourway. It\u2019s worth noting that this paint job first made its debut on the \nProton X90\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the aforementioned 7DCT and 1.5L TGDi engine \u2013 the latter should have similar outputs (177PS and 255Nm of torque) as the mill found in other Proton X series models \u2013 the S50 is said to have a 12-inch full LCD meter as well. Chances are, Proton is retaining the Emgrand\u2019s 12.3-inch digital meter for the S50.\n\n\nOf course, until confirmed by Proton itself, take these leaked details of the Proton S50 with a grain of salt, though the\u00a0\nunavailability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto\n\u00a0is confirmed already. We should learn more about the S50 as we approach closer to the November 2023 launch of the sedan.\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/lotus-eletre-ev-lotus-emira-prices-revised-in-malaysia-up-to-rm83k-price-hike/", "title": "Lotus Eletre EV & Lotus Emira Prices Revised in Malaysia \u2013 Up to RM83k Price Hike", "body": "\n\nLotus Cars Malaysia is revising the prices for two of its models on our shores. Both the \nLotus Eletre\n EV and the Lotus Emira sports car see a price hike in Malaysia, which is attributed to \u201cdevelopments of the ringgit against all major foreign currencies in recent months.\u201d\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the Eletre. The Eletre S is now priced at RM698,000 (up by RM50,000), while the range-topping Eletre R is going for RM838,000 (up by RM40,000). As for the base Eletre, its new pricing will only be revealed at a later date, given that it won\u2019t be available \u201cuntil at least 2025,\u201d as Lotus puts it.\n\n\nLotus Eletre\nOld Price\nNew Price\nPrice Difference\nEletre S\nRM648,000\nRM698,000\n+RM50,000\nEletre R\nRM798,000\nRM838,000\n+RM40,000\n\n\nLotus Emira\nOld Price\nNew Price\nPrice Difference\nEmira V6 (manual)\nRM1,205,800\n(RM478,800 duty-free)\nRM1,289,000\n(RM529,000 duty-free)\n+RM83,200\n(+RM50,200)\nEmira V6 (automatic)\nRM1,225,800\n(RM493,800 duty-free)\nRM1,309,000\n(RM539,000 duty-free)\n+RM83,200\n(+RM45,200)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Emira, the two-seat sports car sees an even bigger price hike, given that it\u2019s also a more costly model. The Emira V6 with a 3.5 litre supercharged V6 engine now retails at RM1,289,000 and RM1,309,000 for the six-speed manual and automatic variants respectively. Both models now cost RM83,200 more.\n\n\nFor Langkawi, the price increase is quite a bit different. The Emira V6 with a manual transmission goes for RM529,000 (up by RM50,200) on the island, while the automatic model is now priced at RM539,000 \u2013 that is a RM45,200 price increase.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the Emira i4 with a 2.0L inline-four engine, it sees no price difference; it\u2019s still going for RM1,095,000 or RM509,000 duty-free for Langkawi. It\u2019s worth noting that limited units of the Emira i4 are still available at the introductory price (RM998,000) on a first-come, first-served basis.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honda-wr-v-7-3k-bookings-received-in-malaysia-2-months-waiting-time/", "title": "Honda WR-V \u2013 7.3k Bookings Received in Malaysia, 2 Months Waiting Time", "body": "\n\nLaunched just a couple of months ago, the \nHonda WR-V\n looks to be quite well-received in Malaysia. As of 6 September, almost 7,300 bookings have been recorded; that\u2019s almost triple the \n2,500 bookings the small SUV got at launch\n.\n\n\nThis was revealed by Honda Malaysia itself as per \nPaultan.org\u2019s report\n. The carmaker also said that close to 3,300 units of the WR-V have been delivered, and the waiting period for the small SUV sits at around two months now, depending on the colour and variant chosen.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the WR-V in RS trim is the most sold model, making up over 62% of units delivered as of 6 September. The next most popular model is the V (19%), followed by the E (13%) and base S (6%) variants. Evidently, Malaysian consumers don\u2019t mind paying more for the higher-end models.\n\n\nTo recap, the WR-V starts at RM89,900 for the base S model. A tier up is the E trim for RM95,900, followed by the V variant at RM99,900. As for the range-topping RS model, it goes for RM107,900. These prices are on-the-road without insurance, and five colour options are available: Ignite Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Meteoroid Grey Metallic \u2013 this is the most popular colour option \u2013 Crystal Black Pearl, and the new Stellar Diamond Pearl.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Honda WR-V is now available for booking at all 101 authorised Honda dealerships nationwide. Alternatively, pre-booking can be done online\u00a0\nhere\n, or through the HondaTouch app \u2013 it can be downloaded from the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n.\n\n\nMore details on the WR-V can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/asus-zenbook-pro-14-oled-now-in-malaysia-core-i9-13900h-120hz-oled-rm10999/", "title": "Asus Zenbook Pro 14 OLED Now in Malaysia \u2013 Core i9-13900H, 120Hz OLED, RM10,999", "body": "\n\nAsus just launched a new creator-focused laptop in Malaysia, the Asus Zenbook Pro 14 OLED. Sporting a bright and vibrant 120Hz OLED touch-enabled screen with Intel\u2019s 13th gen processor, it\u2019s certainly a high-end, capable laptop.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, only one variant of the Zenbook Pro 14 OLED is offered here. Packing 32GB of RAM and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, it is priced at a cool RM10,999. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a Core i9-13900H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of the highlights of the Zenbook Pro 14 OLED has to be its 14.5-inch 2880 x 1800 OLED touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate. Not only is this panel Pantone Validated, it also has the DisplayHDR 500 True Black certification. Aside from that, it also has a 17.9mm chassis that tips the scales at 1.6kg, along with a \u201clong-lasting\u201d 76Wh battery.\n\n\nThe Asus Zenbook Pro 14 OLED will be available for purchase in Malaysia from tomorrow onwards on 19 September. It will be offered at all Asus authorised dealers and the brand\u2019s \nvery own online store\n then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/celcomdigi-yinson-signs-mou-to-develop-ev-services-infrastructure-in-malaysia/", "title": "CelcomDigi & Yinson Signs MoU to Develop EV Services & Infrastructure in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nCelcomDigi and Yinson just signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further develop EV services and infrastructure in Malaysia. The collaboration, among other things, allows Yinson to leverage on CelcomDigi\u2019s 4G and 5G network for its range of services.\n\n\nYinson has several brands under its belt, including ChargEV \u2013 which is said to be Malaysia\u2019s largest charge point operator \u2013 as well as rydeEV and drivEV. Through this collaboration, Yinson and CelcomDigi will also work together to explore \u201cnew, innovative solutions that will allow consumers to stay connected\u201d while having easier access to EVs, charging stations, and solar infrastructure integration.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u201cThis is a significant milestone in our long-standing partnership with Yinson \u2013 the first time in Malaysia that a telecommunication service provider teams up with a global energy infrastructure and technology company to jointly innovate the way we bring EV services to consumers,\u201d said the CEO of CelcomDigi, Datuk Idham Nawawi.\n\n\n\u201cConnectivity and innovative technology are the building blocks of the efficient, clean and equitable transportation system of the future. To this end, we are pleased to join hands with Malaysia\u2019s largest mobile network operator CelcomDigi, further supported by progressive policies by the Malaysian government,\u201d added Yinson\u2019s Group CEO, Lim Chern Yuan.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/boma-x9-is-a-rm16-4k-small-ev-with-up-to-140km-range-now-at-evm-asia-2023-in-malaysia/", "title": "Boma X9 Is a RM16.4k Small EV With up to 140km Range \u2013 Now at EVM Asia 2023 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nWhile we were going around EVM Asia 2023\u2019s booths at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur, we came upon a rather intriguing electric vehicle. This is the Boma X9, a (very) small EV with up to 140km of range. The car is so small, that it can fit into a booth with room to spare.\n\n\nThe small dimensions of the Boma X9 also carries an equally small price tag. According to a representative at the Henan Feibo booth, the EV retails at the equivalent of $3,500 in China. That comes up to about RM16,400, so there\u2019s no doubt the X9 is an affordable car.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThat being said, we don\u2019t actually have a complete specification of the X9, such as its total power output and safety features. It\u2019s also worth noting that the quoted 100km to 140km range is only achievable if the EV is going at only\u202645kmph. Oh, it also has a top speed of \u201c45/60kmph\u201d on full load \u2013 we\u2019re not quite sure how to make sense of the different figures for the max speed.\n\n\nWhile the Boma X9 is currently showcased at EVM Asia 2023, there are no plans yet to bring in the EV to the Malaysian market. Rather, Henan Feibo is looking for a local partner that would be interested to sell the small EV. If you\u2019re keen to check out the X9, you can do so at EVM Asia in MITEC, Kuala Lumpur until 21 September.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2023-toyota-yaris-updated-for-malaysia-larger-infotainment-screen-up-to-rm4-7k-price-hike/", "title": "2023 Toyota Yaris Updated for Malaysia \u2013 Larger Infotainment Screen, Up to RM4.7k Price Hike", "body": "\n\nUMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has updated the Toyota Yaris yet again for the Malaysian market. This time around, the B-segment hatchback gets a larger infotainment screen, new skirtings, as well as several dual-tone paint finishes with a blacked-out roof.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Yaris continue to be offered; the base 1.5J model was discontinued back in May this year. What remains are the 1.5E and range-topping 1.5G variants, which are now priced at RM88,000 (up by RM4,700) and RM91,600 (up by RM4,000) respectively. These prices are on-the-road without insurance, and a five-year unlimited mileage warranty is included.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the new Yaris does get a number of design changes and creature comforts. It has updated front and rear skirtings now, and the infotainment screen with native Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is now a larger 9-inch display. A front dashcam also comes as standard now.\n\n\nBeyond that, the updated Yaris soldiers on with the same Dual VVT-i 2NR-FE 1.5L engine found in the previous model. It outputs 107PS and 140Nm of torque, with drive sent to the front wheels by a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a seven-speed Shiftmatic mode.\n\n\nToyota Safety Sense is still offered with the Yaris, which includes two major features: Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Lane Departure Alert (LDA). The former warns the driver and automatically applies the brakes when there\u2019s a risk of frontal collision, while LDA alerts the driver when the car is getting out of lane.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Toyota Yaris is now available for booking at all Toyota dealerships and UMWT branches nationwide. The B-segment hatchback is still offered in three distinct colours \u2013 Red Mica Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, and Silver Metallic \u2013 though the former two options are available with a blacked-out roof too.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-pay-now-supports-wise-card-in-malaysia/", "title": "Apple Pay Now Supports Wise Card in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nWise card can now be added to Apple Pay in Malaysia! Wise has updated its \nApple Pay support page\n reflecting this, and to verify it for ourselves, we successfully added our own Wise Card to the convenient payment service.\n\n\nThe Wise card, which was launched in Malaysia at the end of 2021, is a prepaid debit card. One of the most highlighted features of the card is the low conversion rates for spending in foreign currency. There\u2019s no card subscription fee either, though you do have to pay RM13.70 to get the Wise card itself.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, Apple Pay makes it easier to make payments with a compatible Apple product, as it allows you to add your credit card or debit card to the service. Once you\u2019ve set up Apple Pay on, say, your iPhone, you can use your phone to make payments at retailers that support the service.\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve got a Wise card or any card issued by HSBC, Maybank, AmBank, or Standard Chartered in Malaysia, you can now add it to Apple Pay to start making payments with the service. If you\u2019re not sure how to do that, here\u2019s our guide on how to\u00a0\nactivate Apple Pay on an iPhone\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/smart-1-prices-in-malaysia-revealed-3-variants-from-rm200k-to-rm250k/", "title": "Smart #1 Prices in Malaysia Revealed \u2013 3 Variants From RM200k to RM250k", "body": "\n\nBookings for the Smart #1 EV has officially opened in Malaysia! Instead of only two variants, there are actually three models to choose from now: there\u2019s the base Pro, the mid-tier Premium, and the range-topping Brabus model.\n\n\nWhile the exact local pricing for all three Smart #1 models have not been revealed yet, Smart Malaysia said that the electric SUV will be priced from RM200,000 to RM250,000. Of course, these prices are on-the-road without insurance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Smart #1 in Premium guise\n\n\n\n\nBoth the Pro and Premium models of the Smart #1 feature a single 200kW motor driving the rear wheels that outputs 272PS and 343Nm of torque, allowing the EV to go from 0-100kmph in only 6.7 seconds with a top speed of 180kmph. However, the Pro model has a smaller 49kWh battery with up to 315km of range (WLTP), while the Premium model has a 66kWh battery with up to 440km of range (WLTP).\n\n\nAs for the more powerful Smart #1 Brabus, it comes with another electric motor at the front \u2013 making it all-wheel drive \u2013 for a very respectable total output of 428PS and 543Nm of torque. How fast can it complete the century sprint with this kind of setup? A mere 3.9 seconds; very impressive.\n\n\nThe Brabus variant also has the same 66kWh battery as the Premium model, but given that it\u2019s a higher-powered model, it has a lower range of up to 400km (WLTP).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBookings for the Smart #1 can be made through the Hello Smart app, which is available for download on the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n,\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n, and\u00a0\nHuawei AppGallery\n. A RM1,000 fee is required to book the electric SUV, and it is refundable.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/kingston-xs1000-external-ssd-now-in-malaysia-1tb-2tb-capacities-from-rm280/", "title": "Kingston XS1000 External SSD Now in Malaysia \u2013 1TB & 2TB Capacities From RM280", "body": "\n\nIf you\u2019re in the market for a new external SSD, consider the new Kingston XS1000. Not only is it very compact and lightweight \u2013 it tips the scales at only 29g \u2013 the XS1000 is also quite affordable here in Malaysia.\n\n\nTwo capacities of the XS1000 are offered. There\u2019s the base 1TB variant \nfor RM279.99\n, while the 2TB option \nis priced a\nt\n RM489.99\n. We got these prices from Shopee Preferred store \nHPSS.OS\n, and its listings are some of the most affordable we managed to find.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe portable nature of the XS1000 is certainly one of its best selling points, and it also offers read speeds of up to 1,050MBps. In fact, Kingston says that this is the smallest external SSD in the market now with this level of read speeds. Of course, it also comes with a USB-C to USB-A cable.\n\n\nThe Kingston XS1000 can now be purchased in Malaysia from various retailers. Backed with a limited five-year warranty with free technical support, every purchase of selected Kingston products (including the XS1000) locally by 15 October earns you an entry \nto a lucky draw\n. Some of the prizes offered include a Dyson air purifier and a GoPro Hero 11.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-v29-now-in-malaysia-snapdragon-778g-dual-curved-amoled-screen-from-rm1899/", "title": "Vivo V29 Now in Malaysia \u2013 Snapdragon 778G, Dual Curved AMOLED Screen, From RM1,899", "body": "\n\nVivo just launched an upper mid-range phone in Malaysia. Not only does the Vivo V29 feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset, it also has a rather premium-looking design, thanks to its dual curved AMOLED screen.\n\n\nTwo variants of the V29 are available in Malaysia. The base 256GB model is priced at RM1,899, while the more generous 512GB variant goes for RM2,099. Both configurations also feature 12GB of RAM, and it\u2019s offered in two colours: Starry Purple (the model you see here) and Noble Black.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from its Snapdragon 778G chipset, other specifications of the V29 include a 6.78-inch 2800 x 1260 AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (50MP main + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP monochrome), a 50MP selfie camera, and a 4,600mAh battery with support for 80W fast charging.\n\n\nThe Vivo V29 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia for RM1,899 and RM2,099 for the 256GB and 512GB models respectively. Early birds can get freebies worth RM995 as well, which includes a one-year extended warranty, one-year screen protection, and even a pair of wireless earbuds.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/wise-card-also-supports-google-wallet-in-malaysia-now/", "title": "Wise Card Also Supports Google Wallet in Malaysia Now", "body": "\n\nAside from Apple Pay\n, Wise Card can now be added to your Google Wallet too in Malaysia. According to Wise, it is the first non-bank entity in Malaysia to support the two payment options.\n\n\nThe Wise card, which was launched in Malaysia at the end of 2021, is a prepaid debit card. One of the most highlighted features of the card is the low conversion rates for spending in foreign currency. There\u2019s no card subscription fee either, though you do have to pay RM13.70 to get the Wise card itself.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnyway, once you\u2019ve set up Google Wallet with a Wise card on your Android phone, you can start making payments at retailers that accept the payment method. Basically, if a particular retailer has a card terminal, Google Wallet \u2013 or in this case, Google Pay \u2013 should be supported.\n\n\nTo start using Google Wallet on your Android phone, you can download the app \u2013 if it\u2019s not installed on your phone already \u2013 from the \nGoogle Play Store\n. Other cards that support Google Wallet in Malaysia now are \nselected cards\n issued by Public Bank, HSBC, Hong Leong Bank, and CIMB.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/smart-vehicles-could-be-assembled-in-malaysia-at-proton-tanjung-malim/", "title": "Smart Vehicles Could Be Assembled in Malaysia at Proton Tanjung Malim", "body": "\n\nProton and Smart have recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to explore the possibility of assembling Smart vehicles here in Malaysia at Proton\u2019s Tanjung Malim plant in Perak. The two companies will study the feasibility of such a project in the near future.\n\n\nThe prospect of locally assembled Smart vehicles is certainly exciting, as it could bring down prices of cars from the brand. It\u2019s worth noting that this is actually the second MoA signed between Proton and Smart; the first one was to appoint Proton as the official distributor of Smart vehicles in Malaysia and Thailand.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Smart #1 will be arriving in Malaysia as a fully imported CBU model sometime in Q4 2023. Local bookings of the EV have already started, with three distinct models to choose from. There\u2019s the Pro, Premium, and range-topping Brabus trim, which will retail between RM200,000 to RM250,000 on our shores.\n\n\nBookings for the Smart #1 can be made through the Hello Smart app in Malaysia now, which is available for download on the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n,\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n, and\u00a0\nHuawei AppGallery\n. A RM1,000 fee is required to book the electric SUV, and it is refundable.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/21-27-september-fuel-price-ron-97-up-10-sen-now-rm3-47-per-litre/", "title": "21 \u2013 27 September Fuel Price: RON 97 up 10 Sen \u2013 Now RM3.47 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAnother week, another fuel price update. This time around, there\u2019s actually price movement for RON 97: it\u2019s set to go up by 10 sen from 21 September. As for the prices of RON 95 and diesel, they are unchanged, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nAt midnight, the price of RON 97 will go up by 10 sen to RM3.47 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 21 to 27 September next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/hisense-px2-pro-dlp-projector-coming-to-malaysia-october-2023-for-about-rm20k/", "title": "Hisense PX2-Pro DLP Projector Coming to Malaysia October 2023 for About RM20k", "body": "\n\nHisense is bringing in its brand new DLP projector to Malaysia very soon. The Hisense PX2-Pro is a short-throw projector that can cast 90-inch to a whopping 130-inch projection. On top of that, the PX2-Pro also runs on Google TV.\n\n\nAccording to a Hisense representative we spoke to, the PX2-Pro is (likely) coming to Malaysia in October 2023 next month. As for pricing, it is expected to retail around the RM20,000 price point. We were told that there could be a launch promotion for the projector as well when it\u2019s introduced here.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith a 0.25:1 throw ratio, the PX2-Pro can cast a 120-inch projection from only 69cm away from a surface. It can also cast 4K images with support for several standards, including Dolby Vision, HDR 10, and HLG. On top of that, the projector features three HDMI inputs as well.\n\n\nThe Hisense PX2-Pro is expected to be available in Malaysia sometime in October 2023 next month. Again, it is said to retail at around the RM20,000 price point locally \u2013 we\u2019ll be sure to keep an eye out for any possible launch promotion for the DLP projector on our shores.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/cheaper-asus-rog-ally-with-amd-ryzen-z1-coming-to-malaysia-soon-for-rm2799/", "title": "Cheaper Asus ROG Ally With AMD Ryzen Z1 Coming to Malaysia Soon for RM2,799", "body": "\n\nThe \nAsus ROG Ally\n was launched in Malaysia a few months ago, but only the higher-end model with an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip was offered then. Well, Asus Malaysia just confirmed that the more affordable Ryzen Z1 configuration will be launched here soon.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the base ROG Ally with a standard Ryzen Z1 chip will go for RM2,799; that is RM500 less than the more powerful Z1 Extreme variant. However, unlike the latter, the Z1 ROG Ally will only be offered exclusively through a local telco in a bundle. It remains to be seen exactly which telco will carry the handheld gaming PC.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the different chip, the Z1 ROG Ally has the same hardware as the Z1 Extreme model. It still comes with a 7-inch 1920 x 1080 display clocked at 120Hz, which is quite a bit better than its main competition, the Steam Deck. Valve\u2019s product has a lower resolution 60Hz panel, though it has a taller 16:10 aspect ratio.\n\n\nAside from that, the ROG Ally can also be connected to the (proprietary) ROG XG Mobile external GPU enclosure for higher fidelity gaming. Other specifications of the Ally include 16GB of LPDDR5 dual-channel RAM, a 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD, a microSD card slot for further storage expansion, as well as a lightweight chassis that tips the scales at 608g.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo specific timeline has been revealed by Asus Malaysia on the exact availability of the more affordable Asus ROG Ally with a Ryzen Z1 chip. Rest assured, we\u2019ll be sure to keep a close eye for the telco that will be offering the handheld gaming PC exclusively.\n\n\nWant to learn more about the ROG Ally? Then check out our full review \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/yes-shopee-is-down-right-now/", "title": "Yes, Shopee Is Down Right Now (Update: Back Up!)", "body": "\n\nUpdate 21 September, 4:10PM:\n\u00a0Shopee is back up! After only about 20 minutes of outage, the ecommerce platform is accessible once again on both the Shopee app and its website. No statement yet from the company on what caused the outage\n.\n\n\nThe original article follows.\n\n\nIt appears \nShopee\n is not accessible right now. We\u2019re having difficulty accessing the platform, and a \nquick check on its Facebook page\n confirms the outage. Shopee itself said that it is currently addressing the issue, though it did not specify the cause of the disruption.\n\n\nThe outage applies to both the Shopee app and its website. While the initial homepage does load up on a web browser, we can\u2019t navigate to other pages on the platform. We\u2019ll be sure to keep a close eye on the status of the ecommerce service.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-2023-honda-cr-v-spotted-in-putrajaya-malaysian-launch-soon/", "title": "Spy Shot: 2023 Honda CR-V Spotted in Putrajaya \u2013 Malaysian Launch Soon?", "body": "\n\nIt looks like we\u2019re approaching ever closer to the Malaysian launch of the sixth generation Honda CR-V. A heavily camouflaged test mule of the C-segment SUV has been spotted on local roads yet again; this time around in the vicinity of Putrajaya.\n\n\nThese images of the new CR-V were taken by the folks over at \nPaultan.org\n. Despite the heavy camouflage, this is without a doubt the 2023 CR-V. The large hexagonal grille can be seen in the front end shot of the SUV below, and given that Honda Malaysia\u2019s offerings here are mostly CKD models, it is likely that this is a locally assembled unit.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHonda Malaysia previously revealed that it will be \nlaunching three new models locally\n and one facelift update in 2023. Now that the \nWR-V\n and \nCity facelift\n have made their respective debuts here, the sixth generation Honda CR-V should be launched in Malaysia very, very soon.\n\n\nOf course, the kit and specifications of the 2023 CR-V for the Malaysian market still remain to be seen, though we reckon it won\u2019t be too far off the Thailand-spec lineup. Two powertrain options are offered in the country: a 1.5L turbo engine with 192PS and 242Nm of torque, and an i-MMD powertrain with a combined output of 184PS and 335Nm of torque.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/video-wind-studio-sin65-review-unique-design-at-a-price/", "title": "Video: Wind Studio Sin65 Review \u2013 Unique Design at a Price", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHere\u2019s our review of the Wind Studio Sin65! While the value proposition of the 65% custom keyboard isn\u2019t quite as compelling as other recent releases, the unique design of the Sin65 and mounting versatility could just be worth the premium.\n\n\nWhat differentiates the Sin65 from other 65% keyboards that were launched earlier this year is its aesthetics. Not only does it have a rather sleek-looking bottom case with a stainless steel weight, the sides have some nice curves too. This unique design certainly cost more to machine, which is reflected in the asking price of the keyboard.\n\n\nThe Wind Studio Sin65\u2019s groupbuy is now live until 19 October 2023. You can join the groupbuy from \nRebult Keyboards\n if you\u2019re in Malaysia, or \ndirectly from Wind Studio\n if you\u2019re in other markets. Watch our review above to learn more about the Sin65!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-15-malaysian-pre-orders-live-deliveries-now-from-october-2023/", "title": "iPhone 15 Malaysian Pre-Orders Live \u2013 Deliveries Now From October 2023", "body": "\n\nThe iPhone 15 lineup \ncan now be pre-ordered\n \nin Malaysia\n! While Apple\u2019s latest smartphones are set to be available locally next week on 29 September, it seems deliveries have been pushed back to October \u2013 some configurations are even shipping in the middle of next month.\n\n\nChances are, stocks for the first batch of iPhone 15 deliveries on 29 September itself have already been taken up by folks who placed their pre-orders earlier. This looks to be true for pre-orders outside of Apple\u2019s own online store as well, such as \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the iPhone 15 series starts at RM4,399 for the base iPhone 15, going up to RM4,899 for the iPhone 15 Plus. The iPhone 15 Pro, on the other hand, is priced from RM5,499, while the range-topping iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at RM6,499 for the 256GB model; no more 128GB configuration is offered for the larger Pro iPhone.\n\n\nYou can pre-order the iPhone 15 series in Malaysia now from \nApple\u2019s \nonline store\n. As mentioned, other platforms are also taking pre-orders of the latest iPhones, including \nShopee\n and \nLazada\n. Depending on which configuration of the iPhone 15 you choose, you can get earlier delivery dates.\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/microsoft-surface-laptop-studio-2-official-13th-gen-core-i7-up-to-rtx-4060-coming-to-malaysia/", "title": "Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 Official \u2013 13th Gen Core i7, Up to RTX 4060, Coming to Malaysia", "body": "\n\nLast month, we \nspotted the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 in SIRIM\u2019s database\n. Fast forward to today, the laptop has officially been announced. Not much changes can be seen on the outside, though the convertible laptop does get some new hardware under the hood.\n\n\nThe biggest upgrade to the Surface Laptop Studio 2 is the 13th gen Intel Core i7-13700H processor. Complemented with either an Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, or a beefier RTX 4060 \u2013 there\u2019s also an RTX 2000 Ada Generation option for commercial use \u2013 it should be able to offer a higher level of performance compared to the \nprevious model\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the Surface Laptop Studio 2 include up to 64GB of LPDDR5X RAM, three SSD storage options (512GB, 1TB, 2TB), a 14.4-inch 2400 x 1600 PixelSense Flow display with a 120Hz refresh rate, up to 19 hours of battery life, and the addition of two ports: a USB-A connector and a microSD card slot.\n\n\nThe Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 will be available in the US from 3 October onwards with a $1,999 starting price, which comes up to about RM9,375. While \nMicrosoft Malaysia\u2019s website\n doesn\u2019t have a product page for the new laptop yet, we reckon it will be available here soon, given that it has \nalready been certified by SIRIM\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/surface-laptop-go-3-with-15-hours-battery-life-coming-to-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Surface Laptop Go 3 With 15 Hours Battery Life Coming to Malaysia Soon", "body": "\n\nMicrosoft introduced a slew of new products today, including the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3. While there\u2019s no major design changes here, the new laptop does come with some new internals and up to 15 hours of battery life. On top of that, it is also coming to Malaysia.\n\n\nWe know this as \nMicrosoft Malaysia\u2019s website itself\n shows that the Surface Laptop Go 3 is coming soon to our local market. Unfortunately, no specific release timeline was given, and it remains to be seen just how much it will go for here in Malaysia.\n\n\nFor the sake of context, the new laptop starts at $799 in the US, which comes up to about RM3,745.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnder the hood, the Surface Laptop Go 3 now features a 12th generation Intel Core i5-1235U processor paired with 8GB or 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM. It also has Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, a 256GB SSD, as well as a 12.4-inch 1536 x 1024 PixelSense display with a 3:2 aspect ratio and standard 60Hz refresh rate.\n\n\nThe Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 will be available in the US from 3 October onwards with the aforementioned $799 starting price. Now that the laptop has been confirmed for the Malaysian market, we\u2019ll be sure to keep an eye on the local availability and pricing of the Surface Laptop Go 3.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/vivo-v29-review-sleek-rm1899-phone-lost-in-messy-software/", "title": "Vivo V29 Review: Sleek RM1,899 Phone Lost in Messy Software", "body": "\n\nAt a glance, the Vivo V29 is certainly a sleek-looking phone, thanks to the \u201c3D Starry Craft\u201d finish on the back panel of this Starry Purple colourway. Beyond its looks, the V29 is also quite a good mid-range phone in various aspects, including camera performance (for the most part) and battery life.\n\n\nIf it\u2019s not for the unrefined nature of the V29\u2019s software experience, I would happily recommend it to anyone looking to get a handsome mid-range phone. While I wouldn\u2019t say Funtouch OS is\u2026 well, unusable, it is definitely one of the V29\u2019s biggest shortcomings.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nDisplay\n6.78-inch AMOLED (2800 x 1260), 120Hz\nChipset\nQualcomm Snapdragon 778G 2.4GHz octa-core\nGPU\nAdreno 642L\nRAM\n12GB\nStorage\n256/512GB, non-expandable\nCamera (rear)\n50MP f/1.88, OIS\n8MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide)\n2MP f/2.4 monochrome\nCamera (front)\n50MP f/2.0\nBattery\n4,600mAh with 80W fast charging\nDimensions\n164.18 x 74.37 x 7.46 mm\nWeight\n186g\nOS\nFuntouch OS 13 based on Android 13\nConnectivity\n5G\nLTE\nNFC\nBluetooth 5.2\nWiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac\nUSB Type-C\nPrice\nRM1,899 (256GB), RM2,099 (512GB)\n\n\nTwo variants of the V29 are offered in Malaysia. The base 256GB model is priced at RM1,899, while the more generous 512GB configuration goes for RM2,099. Not the best value proposition, but it\u2019s not the worst either. I\u2019ll get back to this further down the review.\n\n\nDespite packing \u201conly\u201d a 4,600mAh battery, the V29 can still provide very respectable battery life. The fast 80W charging rate is appreciated too, not to mention the reasonably capable camera system.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nOne of the main highlights of the Vivo V29 is its camera capability; well, its portrait-taking ability, anyway. Complementing its triple camera system (50MP main + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP monochrome) is a flash system Vivo calls \u201cAura Light,\u201d and it\u2019s actually quite intriguing.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe colour temperature of the Aura Light can be adjusted\n\n\n\n\nWithout Aura Light\n\n\nAura Light activated\n\n\n\n\nNot only can the V29\u2019s Aura Light system illuminate a subject quite well, it can even adjust the colour temperature of the light itself to match a wide range of shooting scenes. In that sense, it\u2019s not just an overglorified flash; it is \ngenuinely\n useful to capture better-looking shots.\n\n\nAs for the camera performance of the V29 outside of close-up shots, it can snap some good-looking photographs. Yes, the colour reproduction is very much saturated; the 8MP ultra-wide camera doesn\u2019t have the best detail preservation, especially in low light conditions; and the 2x digital zoom performance isn\u2019t particularly great either.\n\n\nBut overall, I still find the camera performance of the V29 within expectations. Judge for yourself with these sample shots:\n\n\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n8MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n8MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP primary (2x digital zoom)\n\n\n8MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n8MP ultra-wide\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n50MP primary (2x digital zoom)\n\n\n50MP primary\n\n\n\n\nNext, let\u2019s talk about the performance level of the V29, which is\u2026not bad. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chip, in everyday use, is fast enough to provide a pleasant user experience. Granted, it does feel slightly sluggish at times \u2013 and I can\u2019t quite max out \nHonkai: Star Rail\n at 60fps with the phone \u2013 but it\u2019s still not too shabby overall.\n\n\nIn the screen department, the V29\u2019s 6.78-inch 2800 x 1260 AMOLED dual curved display is quite nice. Colours are vibrant with deep, true blacks, and it also has wide viewing angles. The 120Hz refresh rate lends to smooth-looking animations as well, giving the impression of a smooth, zippy user experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBattery life of the V29 is also very respectable, much to my surprise. To be honest, I wasn\u2019t sure the 4,600mAh cell can deliver good battery life, but on average, I was easily getting six hours of screen on time with some gaming sessions (and a lot of GPS navigation) throw in throughout the day.\n\n\nLast but not least is the solid build quality of the V29. While the dual curved display is not the most ergonomically-friendly design \u2013 it makes the sides of the phone too thin to hold comfortably \u2013 I do think it gives the phone a premium touch. It\u2019s worth noting that the V29 has a plastic frame too, which doesn\u2019t feel cheap at all.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nMy absolute biggest qualm with the V29 is its unrefined software experience. Don\u2019t get me wrong, Funtouch OS itself feels adequately lightweight and intuitive to use, but the sheer number of bloatware installed out of the box and unnecessary push notifications \nfrom Vivo\u2019s own apps\n are very off-putting.\n\n\n\n\nWhy would the browser app send notifications?\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, notifications would randomly disappear too on certain occasions; I actually missed a few WhatsApp messages because of this. Even though these issues are not dealbreakers on their own, they do add up. Funtouch OS, in my opinion anyway, is not the most user-friendly take on Android.\n\n\nBeyond its software experience, there\u2019s the value proposition of the V29. Priced between RM1,899 to RM2,099, there are other smartphones at this price point that offer a combination of faster performance, superior camera performance, or more refined software experience. One such phone that comes to mind is the \nOnePlus Nord 3\n, among many other options in the market now.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nWhile I\u2019m not a big fan of the Vivo V29\u2019s software experience or value proposition, I do have to admit that it is a sleek-looking phone that still performs quite well in other regards. Plus, the Aura Light system is actually more than just a gimmick, and I imagine folks that take a lot of portrait shots may find it particularly useful.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you like the looks of the V29, its Aura Light system, \nand\n you can look past the software issues, then the phone is certainly worth a consideration. Just know that there are other alternatives in the market that can potentially serve your needs better, especially in terms of software refinement and value proposition.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honkai-star-rail-tgs-2023-trailer-shows-off-jingliu-topaz-playable-in-version-1-4/", "title": "Honkai: Star Rail TGS 2023 Trailer Shows Off Jingliu & Topaz \u2013 Playable in Version 1.4?", "body": "\n\nHoyoverse just showed off a new trailer of \nHonkai: Star Rail\n at Tokyo Game Show 2023. The video shows off a number of playable characters that have been introduced in the game, along with two that have yet to make their respective debuts: Jingliu and Topaz.\n\n\nIn fact, the two characters \nhave actually been teased by Hoyoverse before\n. It\u2019s confirmed that both Jingliu and Topaz & Numby \u2013 yes, she is accompanied by a Warp Trotter \u2013 are 5-star characters. Jingliu is an Ice character that walks the Path of the Destruction, while Topaz & Numby wield the Fire element under the Path of the Hunt.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFrom left: Jingliu and Topaz\n\n\n\n\nLooking at their Paths, Jingliu and Topaz & Numby are likely DPS characters, and it\u2019s likely that both of them will be playable in Star Rail 1.4. After all, characters that are teased by Hoyoverse are usually playable in the following version update.\n\n\nA livestream for the Version 1.4 update of Honkai: Star Rail should be happening very, very soon. We should be learning about the two new characters \u2013 alongside Guinaifen, a 4-star unit \u2013 at the upcoming livestream.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/zenless-zone-zero-console-release-confirmed-but-theres-still-no-launch-date/", "title": "Zenless Zone Zero Console Release Confirmed, But There\u2019s Still No Launch Date", "body": "\n\nHoyoverse recently revealed that its upcoming game, Zenless Zone Zero, will be coming to consoles \u2013 yes, in plural \u2013 alongside PC and mobile. However, the company did not reveal which consoles will be getting the game, though it is likely the PS5 will be one of it.\n\n\nAfter all, two of Hoyoverse\u2019s games are available on the PS5. There\u2019s \nGenshin Impact\n, as well as \nHonkai: Star Rail\n come \n11 October next month\n. Unfortunately, it remains to be seen exactly when Zenless Zone Zero will be released \u2013 there\u2019s still no release timeline for the game.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, Zenless Zone Zero does look like a very promising action RPG game with a rather interesting storyline; the latter is certainly expected from a Hoyoverse title. Based on our brief time playing through the beta, we enjoy its dynamic combat system quite a bit.\n\n\nYou can get a feel for Zenless Zone Zero\u2019s gameplay mechanics and world exploration from its Gamescom 2023 trailer below. We\u2019ll be sure to keep a close eye on the release date of the game, not to mention which consoles will be getting Hoyoverse\u2019s upcoming title.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/tcl-40-nxtpaper-series-arrives-in-malaysia-october-2023-features-paper-like-display/", "title": "TCL 40 NXTPAPER Series Arrives in Malaysia October 2023 \u2013 Features \u201cPaper-Like\u201d Display", "body": "\n\nTCL is set to launch two new smartphones under the TCL 40 NXTPAPER series in Malaysia next month. As their names suggest, the TCL 40 NXTPAPER 5G and 4G feature an anti-glare display with a \u201cpaper-like\u201d matte texture.\n\n\nCuriously, of the two phones, the 4G version of the TCL 40 NXTPAPER has a higher-end set of hardware. These include a 6.78-inch 1080p display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a Mediatek Helio G88 chipset paired with 8GB of RAM, 256GB of expandable storage, a triple camera system (50MP main + 5MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro), a 32MP selfie camera, and a 5,010mAh battery with 33W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the 5G variant of the TCL 40 NXTPAPER, it features a 6.6-inch 720p display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a Mediatek Dimensity 6020 chipset, a triple camera system (50MP main + 2MP depth + 2MP macro), an 8MP selfie camera, 6GB of RAM, 256GB of expandable storage, as well as a 5,000mAh battery with 15W charging.\n\n\nThe TCL 40 NXTPAPER series will be coming to Malaysia sometime next month in October 2023. We\u2019ll find out then the asking price and exact availability of the two phones on our shores.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/this-is-likely-the-malaysia-apple-store-at-the-exchange-trx-opening-february-2024/", "title": "This Is (Likely) the Malaysia Apple Store at The Exchange TRX \u2013 Opening February 2024", "body": "\n\nIt\u2019s no mystery that Apple is set to open its very own Apple Store here in Malaysia. Estimated to be operational sometime in February 2024, it was previously revealed that the store \nwill be located at The Exchange TRX\n. Thanks to a walkaround video, we got a closer look (and possibly even confirmation) of the exact Apple Store.\n\n\nFirst spotted by \nAmanz\n, a YouTube video published by YMG shows us around the construction site of The Exchange TRX. What caught our attention is the 3:25 mark of the video: the caption (roughly) states that the unique-looking building in the drone shot is a \u201ccertain fruit brand\u2019s operated store.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn our opinion, the caption is \nvery likely\n a reference to the local Apple Store. Compared to Apple Stores found in other regions, this Malaysian outlet looks to feature a rather unique square-like design. The scale of the store itself looks to be quite large too.\n\n\nIt\u2019s definitely exciting for Malaysia to get an Apple Store, which is quite a bit different than the physical outlets currently operated by Apple Premium Resellers such as \nSwitch\n and Machines on our shores. It\u2019s worth noting that the February 2024 opening of the Apple Store is still just an estimate, so things may change leading up to the launch of the retail space.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/byd-dolphin-ev-500000th-unit-produced-top-selling-a0-hatchback-in-china-for-19-months/", "title": "BYD Dolphin EV \u2013 500,000th Unit Produced, Top-Selling A0 Hatchback in China for 19 Months", "body": "\n\nBYD just announced that the 500,000 unit of the \nBYD Dolphin\n EV rolled off the production line on 22 September a few days ago. According to the Chinese carmaker, the Dolphin is China\u2019s best-selling hatchback in the A0-segment \u2013 a size classification used in the country \u2013 for 19 consecutive months now.\n\n\nLaunched in Malaysia just a couple of months ago, two variants of the Dolphin are offered locally. The Dynamic Standard Range model is priced at RM99,900, while the more powerful Premium Extended Range trim goes for RM124,900. Do note that these prices do not include on-the-road costs, so the \u201creal\u201d pricing of the Dynamic and Premium models are RM100,530 and RM125,530 respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the Dolphin is quite a well-equipped EV. Regardless of which model you go for, both variants of the electric hatchback feature a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping support, and even a 360-degree camera. It also comes with six airbags and a tyre pressure monitoring system.\n\n\nPerformance wise, the base Dynamic variant of the Dolphin features a single electric motor driving the front wheels that produces 94PS and 180Nm of torque, which allows it to go from 0-100kmph in 12.3 seconds. Packed with a 44.9kW battery, this variant has a range of up to 410km (NEDC) or 340km (WLTP).\n\n\nAs for the Premium Dolphin, it has a more powerful motor (also driving the front wheels) that outputs 204PS and 310Nm of torque with a 0-100kmph time of only 7 seconds. It has a larger 60.48kW battery too with a maximum range of 490km (NEDC) or 427km (WLTP) on a single charge.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe BYD Dolphin is now available for booking in Malaysia from RM99,900 for the base Dynamic model, going up to RM124,900 for the higher-end Premium variant. You can find BYD\u2019s list of dealers on its \nofficial website\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/dji-mini-4-pro-now-in-malaysia-from-rm3399-still-weighs-249g/", "title": "DJI Mini 4 Pro Now in Malaysia From RM3,399 \u2013 Still Weighs 249g", "body": "\n\nDJI just unveiled the successor to the \nMini 3 Pro\n, the aptly named DJI Mini 4 Pro. While the new mini drone retains many of its predecessor\u2019s features \u2013 including its lightweight 249g chassis \u2013 it does have some new tricks up its sleeves, including omni-directional obstacle sensing.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Mini 4 Pro retails from RM3,399 for the drone itself. If you want to get it with the DJI RC 2 controller, it will set you back RM4,189, or opt for the Fly More Combo that includes the controller and two extra batteries for RM4,599.\n\n\nIf you want the most complete bundle, there\u2019s the Fly More Combo Plus that includes the RC 2 controller and three units of the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus for a cool RM4,889.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from the new omni-directional obstacle sensing, the Mini 4 Pro also features a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor that can shoot at 48MP. It can also take 4K/60fps HDR and 4K/100fps slo-mo videos, along with the ability to take true vertical shots.\n\n\nThe DJI Mini 4 Pro is now available for purchase in Malaysia from RM3,399 to RM4,889, depending on which bundle you want to buy. You can get the mini drone from DJI Experience Stores nationwide, or online through Shopee and Lazada.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/genshin-impact-teases-furina-charlotte-playable-in-version-4-2/", "title": "Genshin Impact Teases Furina & Charlotte \u2013 Playable in Version 4.2?", "body": "\n\nGenshin Impact\n 4.1 is arriving \nthis coming Wednesday on 27 September\n, so as per usual, we got some character teasers from Hoyoverse itself. This time around, the developer is teasing two new characters who hail from Fontaine: Furina, the Hydro Archon herself, and Charlotte.\n\n\nChances are, both of them will be playable in the next Version 4.2 update for Genshin Impact. After all, every character teased by Hoyoverse are usually playable in the next version update of the game, so there\u2019s no reason the same wouldn\u2019t apply to Furina and Charlotte.\n\n\n\n\nFrom left: Charlotte and Furina\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, the rarity of the two characters were not revealed, though we reckon Furina is a 5-star character, given her importance in the lore of Genshin Impact. Of course, being the Hydro Archon, Furina is a Hydro character, while Charlotte is a Cryo unit.\n\n\nWe should learn more about Furina and Charlotte in the continuation of the Fontaine storyline once the Version 4.1 update of Genshin Impact drops this Wednesday on 27 September. Neuvillette\u2019s and Wriothesley\u2019s banners will also be available once the update is live.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/google-supports-tar-umts-project-g-sustainability-initiative/", "title": "Google Supports TAR UMT\u2019s Project G Sustainability Initiative", "body": "\n\nTunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) recently launched Project G. It is the university\u2019s sustainability initiative aimed at Gen Z, and it is even supported by Google itself.\n\n\nThe objective of Project G is to \u201cempower and engage Gen Z in fostering sustainable change and promoting mental wellness through green practices,\u201d as TAR UMT puts it. The university also showcased a 2D sustainable art piece made from recycled items and materials at the launch of Project G.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA mascot (of sorts), named Chapu, was also created for Project G. Chapu will be featured in a series of mixed reality postings on \nTAR UMT\u2019s Instagram page\n dubbed \nProject G Diaries\n, a key component of the sustainability initiative. The character will go on a \u201cjourney\u201d across the university campus to promote sustainability efforts.\n\n\n\u201cWe are excited to embark on this project supported by Google, an organisation that embraces and taps on technologies to solve for sustainability. This project not only enriches our students\u2019 educational experience but also empowers them to actively contribute to sustainability and wellness initiatives, making a profound and lasting impact on both our university and the broader community,\u201d said Cindy Poh Huay Yuet, a programme leader and lecturer at TAR UMT.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGoogle\u2019s APAC Real Estate and Workplace Services (REWS) Sustainability Partner, Richard Navarro, also chimed in on Project G. \u201cIt\u2019s great to have been a part of this program and witness TAR UMT students drive Project G to further positive change among Gen Zs.\u201d\n\n\n\u201cIn REWS, we share the same vision to take bold actions to address the carbon impact associated with our buildings and operations,\u201d he added. More details on TAR UMT\u2019s Project G can be found on the university\u2019s \nInstagram page\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-13t-xiaomi-13t-pro-unleashed-in-malaysia-leica-triple-camera-from-rm1799/", "title": "Xiaomi 13T & Xiaomi 13T Pro Unleashed in Malaysia \u2013 Leica Triple Camera, From RM1,799", "body": "\n\nXiaomi just unveiled its latest smartphones, the Xiaomi 13T and Xiaomi 13T Pro. Not only are these two phones quite capable devices with (relatively) affordable price tags, they also feature a Leica-branded triple camera system.\n\n\nFirst, prices. For Malaysia, two variants of the Xiaomi 13T are available: 8GB + 256GB (RM1,699, online exclusive) and 12GB + 256GB (RM1,999). As for the higher-end Xiaomi 13T Pro, three configurations are offered locally: 12GB + 256GB (RM2,399, online exclusive), 12GB + 512GB (RM2,699), and a whopping 16GB + 1TB model (RM3,499).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile both the 13T and 13T Pro share quite a number of hardware \u2013 including the Leica camera system \u2013 the two phones do have some differences here and there. The 13T Pro, for one, features a MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ chipset, while the 13T is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8200-Ultra. The 13T Pro also comes with faster 120W charging over the 13T\u2019s 67W fast charging.\n\n\nBeyond the different chipset and charging rate, the 13T and 13T Pro share similar hardware. These include a 6.67-inch 2712 x 1220 AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, a Leica triple camera system (50MP main + 50MP telephoto + 12MP ultra-wide), a 20MP selfie camera, an IP68 rating, as well as a 5,000mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Xiaomi 13T and Xiaomi 13T Pro will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from 27 September tomorrow until 6 October. To recap, the 13T starts at RM1,699, while the 13T Pro retails from RM2,399.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/tesla-destination-charger-spotted-at-sunway-putra-mall-kl/", "title": "Tesla Destination Charger Spotted at Sunway Putra Mall, KL", "body": "\n\nA new Tesla charging station has been spotted in Malaysia! No, it is \nnot a Supercharger\n, but it is a Tesla Destination Charger. Basically, it uses a lower-powered AC charger instead of a Supercharger\u2019s faster DC charging technology.\n\n\nThe image below was first shared by \nMyEVOC\n on its X (formerly Twitter) account. It shows the Tesla Destination Charger still under construction in the parking area of Sunway Putra Mall in Kuala Lumpur. Looking at the image, it looks to be located quite close to the entrance of the mall.\n\n\n\n\nImage source: \nMyEVOC\n (X)\n\n\n\n\nWhile a Tesla Destination Charger isn\u2019t as fast as a Supercharger, it does have a number of benefits. For one, you won\u2019t have to worry about being charged \nidle fees\n; you can (technically) leave your EV charged overnight with a Destination Charger. Of course, you can still keep track of your charge level through the Tesla app.\n\n\nTesla Destination Chargers are usually free for Tesla owners to use, though there are some stations that require payment. It remains to be seen if the Destination Charger at Sunway Putra Mall will be free or not, and whether or not non-Tesla vehicles can use the Tesla-branded AC charger.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/xiaomi-smart-band-8-arrives-in-malaysia-for-rm199-early-birds-get-rm40-discount/", "title": "Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Arrives in Malaysia for RM199 \u2013 Early Birds Get RM40 Discount", "body": "\n\nWe first spotted the \nXiaomi Smart Band 8 in SIRIM\u2019s database\n last month. Fast forward to today, the affordable wearable is now available in Malaysia. Featuring a new design that allows for a wider range of strap options, the Smart Band 8 can even be attached to your shoe.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Smart Band 8 retails at RM199, and it will be available for purchase from tomorrow onwards (27 September). There is also an early bird pricing for the wearable: the Smart Band 8 will be priced at only RM159 until 22 October. That\u2019s quite a noteworthy RM40 discount.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the biggest upgrade the Smart Band 8 brings is a new design that allows for  a wider range of strap options; it can even be attached to a pendant or a shoe. Beyond that, it\u2019s also said to deliver slightly better battery life of up to 16 days (14 days for the \nSmart Band 7\n), while still retaining the 1.62-inch 490 x 192 AMOLED display and the ability to track up to 150 different sports.\n\n\nTo recap, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 will be available for purchase in Malaysia from tomorrow onwards on 27 September. Usually retailing at RM199, you can get the wearable for only RM159 until 22 October.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/realme-c51-with-mini-capsule-notch-now-in-malaysia-for-rm549-early-birds-get-rm20-off/", "title": "Realme C51 With \u201cMini Capsule\u201d Notch Now in Malaysia for RM549 \u2013 Early Birds Get RM20 Off", "body": "\n\nThere\u2019s a new affordable phone from Realme for the Malaysian market. The Realme C51, beyond its budget-friendly price tag, also has a rather intriguing \u201cMini Capsule\u201d notch that looks to mimic Apple\u2019s Dynamic Island.\n\n\nHere in Malaysia, only one variant of the C51 is offered. Sporting 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, the phone retails at only RM549. Two colours are offered (Mint Green and Carbon Black), and early birds who purchase the phone by 8 October can get it for RM529 \u2013 that\u2019s a RM20 discount.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Mini Capsule notch of the C51 is certainly its highlight feature, though it looks to be rather limited functionality wise. According to Realme, the Mini Capsule \u2013 which will expand when activated \u2013 can show the phone\u2019s battery status, data usage, and steps count.\n\n\nOther specifications of the C51 include a 6.74-inch 1600 x 720 IPS display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a Unisoc Tiger T612 processor, a dual camera system made up of a 50MP main shooter and a depth sensor, a 5MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Realme C51 can now be purchased in Malaysia at its RM529 promotional price until 8 October. The budget-friendly phone is available on \nShopee\n, \nLazada\n, \nTikTok\n, as well as Realme brand stores nationwide.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/smart-1-test-drive-happening-in-balakong-ipoh-this-weekend-30-sept-1-oct-2023/", "title": "Smart #1 Test Drive Happening in Balakong & Ipoh This Weekend (30 Sept \u2013 1 Oct 2023)", "body": "\n\nIf you want to test drive the Smart #1 EV ahead of its Q4 launch, you can do so this weekend at two locations. \nSmart Balakong\n and \nSmart Ipoh\n will be doing test drive sessions of the upcoming electric SUV on 30 September and 1 October. RM1,001 worth of charging credits are also up for grabs for the first 501 pre-orders.\n\n\nHowever, it wasn\u2019t mentioned which particular variant of the Smart #1 will be available for test drive, though the promotional image does show the higher-powered Brabus model. In total, three trim levels of the EV are offered in Malaysia: there\u2019s the base Pro, the mid-tier Premium, and the aforementioned Brabus version.\n\n\nWhile the exact local pricing for all three Smart #1 models have not been revealed yet, Smart Malaysia said that the electric SUV will be priced from RM200,000 to RM250,000. Of course, these prices are on-the-road without insurance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBoth the Pro and Premium models of the Smart #1 feature a single 200kW motor driving the rear wheels that outputs 272PS and 343Nm of torque, allowing the EV to go from 0-100kmph in only 6.7 seconds with a top speed of 180kmph. However, the Pro model has a smaller 49kWh battery with up to 315km of range (WLTP), while the Premium model has a 66kWh battery with up to 440km of range (WLTP).\n\n\nAs for the more powerful Smart #1 Brabus, it comes with another electric motor at the front \u2013 making it all-wheel drive \u2013 for a very respectable total output of 428PS and 543Nm of torque. How fast can it complete the century sprint with this kind of setup? A mere 3.9 seconds; very impressive.\n\n\nThe Brabus variant also has the same 66kWh battery as the Premium model, but given that it\u2019s a higher-powered model, it has a lower range of up to 400km (WLTP).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBookings for the Smart #1 can now be made through the Hello Smart app, which is available for download on the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n,\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n, and\u00a0\nHuawei AppGallery\n. A RM1,000 fee is required to book the electric SUV, and it is refundable.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/2023-honda-civic-type-r-fl5-launched-in-malaysia-19-units-sold-via-ballot-for-rm400k/", "title": "2023 Honda Civic Type R FL5 Launched in Malaysia \u2013 19 Units, Sold via Ballot for RM400k", "body": "\n\nEveryone knows of the legendary Honda Civic Type R, and the latest iteration of the hot hatch has been launched in Malaysia. Enter the Honda Civic Type R FL5: powered by a 2.0L turbo engine that outputs 319PS and 420Nm of torque, this is the most powerful car ever sold by Honda Malaysia.\n\n\nOn top of that, only 19 units of the new Civic Type R will be offered for the whole of 2023, though more units will be available in 2024 next year. Bookings for the hatchback are now open until 15 October, but given the limited number of units available for the year, it will be sold through a ballot. The draw will take place on 20 October.\n\n\nAs for pricing, the hot hatch goes for a cool RM399,900; on-the-road without insurance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith the FL5 Civic Type R\u2019s 2.0L turbo engine that does 319PS and 420Nm of torque \u2013 paired to a six-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels \u2013 the hatchback can do the century sprint in only 5.5 seconds. It also has four driving modes: Comfort, Sport, +R, and Individual, which is customisable.\n\n\nBesides that, the new Civic Type R also has other neat creature comforts. It gets the full suite of Honda Sensing ADAS, Honda Connect telematics system, eight airbags, a 9-inch infotainment screen, a wireless charger, as well as front and rear parking sensors.\n\n\n\u201cThe Civic Type R embodies Honda\u2019s core DNA which is the racing spirit while at the same time leveraging our deep roots to constantly exceed ourselves in everything that we do and create,\u201d said the MD and CEO of Honda Malaysia, Hironobu Yoshimura.\n\n\n\u201cA powerful and stunning-looking hatch that is exclusive and sold in limited units, the all-new Civic Type R will surely have a place of prominence in the market,\u201d he added.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, bookings for the Honda Civic Type R FL5 are now open until 15 October. The 19 lucky buyers will be decided via a ballot, which will be drawn on 20 October. All the best!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/28-september-4-october-fuel-price-ron-97-stays-at-rm3-47-per-litre/", "title": "28 September \u2013 4 October Fuel Price: RON 97 Stays at RM3.47 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAnother week, another fuel price update. After last week\u2019s price increase, RON 97 sees no price movement for the next seven days. As for the prices of RON 95 and diesel, they are unchanged, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 remains at RM3.47 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 28 September to 4 October next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/resident-evil-4-for-iphone-mac-ipad-listed-at-rm244-90-in-malaysia/", "title": "Resident Evil 4 for iPhone, Mac, iPad Listed at RM244.90 in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nBack at the launch of the \niPhone 15 series\n just a couple of weeks ago, Apple revealed that Resident Evil 4 will be making its way to iOS, macOS, and iPad. Today, the game can now be pre-ordered on the \nApple App Store\n, and it is priced at a cool RM244.90.\n\n\nThis price is shown under the in-app purchases section of the listing. The RM244.90 price tag includes a bonus of sorts, and the extra DLC pack is a RM80.90 add-on. A limited part of the game can actually be played for free, so you can try it out first before purchasing it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile the listing shows that Resident Evil 4 is expected to be released on 31 December 2023, the description says that this is only a placeholder date. It\u2019s also worth noting that the game looks to be a single purchase for iOS, Mac, and iPad. This makes sense, given the cost of the game.\n\n\nYou can \npre-order Resident Evil 4 on the Apple App Store\n now. Though the game costs RM244.90, you don\u2019t have to make the payment for it just yet. Keep in mind that for the iOS version, only the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max with Apple\u2019s latest A17 Pro chip will support the game. As for Mac and iPad, only M1-powered devices (or later) can run it.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/celcomdigi-fibre-offering-asus-rog-ally-z1-from-rm4-day/", "title": "CelcomDigi Fibre Offering Asus ROG Ally (Z1) From RM4/Day", "body": "\n\nWe now know which telco is exclusively offering the AMD Ryzen Z1 version of the \nAsus ROG Ally\n in Malaysia. CelcomDigi, through its fibre service, has added the portable gaming PC to its list of device add-ons \u2013 the Ally will (effectively) cost only RM4 a day with the fibre internet package.\n\n\nOf course, there are caveats to this. The Z1 ROG Ally itself, for one, cannot be purchased separately. Instead, the device can only be selected as an add-on by signing up for a CelcomDigi fibre 300Mbps plan and above. If you bundle thee Ally with a 24-month contract, you will be charged RM114/month, so you\u2019re essentially paying RM4 a day for the portable gaming PC.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRetailing at RM2,799, the Z1 ROG Ally costs RM500 less than the more powerful Z1 Extreme variant. Beyond the different chip, the more affordable Ally still comes with a 7-inch 1920 x 1080 display clocked at 120Hz, which is quite a bit better than its main competition, the Steam Deck. Valve\u2019s product has a lower resolution 60Hz panel, though it has a taller 16:10 aspect ratio.\n\n\nAside from that, the ROG Ally can also be connected to the (proprietary) ROG XG Mobile external GPU enclosure for higher fidelity gaming. Other specifications of the Ally include 16GB of LPDDR5 dual-channel RAM, a 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD, a microSD card slot for further storage expansion, as well as a lightweight chassis that tips the scales at 608g.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re keen to get the Asus ROG Ally with a CelcomDigi Fibre plan, you can sign up online on \nCelcomDigi\u2019s website\n. Check out our \nfull review of the handheld gaming PC\n if you\u2019d like to learn more about the Ally.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-15-deliveries-in-malaysia-begin-today-waiting-list-now-extends-to-november-2023/", "title": "iPhone 15 Deliveries in Malaysia Begin Today \u2013 Waiting List Now Extends to November 2023", "body": "\n\nThe \niPhone 15 series\n is officially available in Malaysia today! If you\u2019ve placed your order early enough, you should be able to get the new iPhone today, though the waiting list for some models is now up to November 2023.\n\n\nA quick check on \nApple\u2019s Malaysian online store\n shows that the Natural Titanium and White Titanium colour options of the iPhone 15 Pro Max are only expected to ship between 15 to 22 November. The Blue Titanium and Black Titanium models, on the other hand, are estimated to be delivered between 24 to 31 October \u2013 this is the same shipping estimate for all configurations of the iPhone 15 Pro.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs for the base iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, both models look to be shipping even earlier between 12 to 17 October. Some retailers on \nShopee\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nLazada\n seem to have ready stocks of the two models too, though it depends on specific colours and storage capacities.\n\n\nTo recap, the iPhone 15 series starts at RM4,399 for the base iPhone 15, going up to RM4,899 for the iPhone 15 Plus. The iPhone 15 Pro, on the other hand, is priced from RM5,499, while the range-topping iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at RM6,499 for the 256GB model; no more 128GB configuration is offered for the larger Pro iPhone.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-predator-bifrost-gpus-coming-to-malaysia-radeon-rx-7600-intel-arc-a750-from-rm1299/", "title": "Acer Predator BiFrost GPUs Coming to Malaysia \u2013 Radeon RX 7600 & Intel Arc A750 From RM1,299", "body": "\n\nYes, Acer makes graphics cards now, and two of them are coming to Malaysia next week. The Acer Predator BiFrost AMD Radeon RX 7600 and Intel Arc A750 OC GPUs will be sold on our shores next week, marking Acer\u2019s entry to the graphics card market in Malaysia.\n\n\nPricing wise, the Predator BiFrost Arc A750 OC is slightly more affordable with a RM1,299 price tag. As for Acer\u2019s RX 7600, it retails at RM1,499. According to Acer, both graphics cards will be available for purchase in Malaysia sometime next week.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBased on the AMD RDNA 3 architecture, the BiFrost RX 7600 has 8GB of VRAM with boost clock speeds of up to 2655MHz. As for the BiFrost Arc A750 OC, it is clocked at 2200MHz with 8GB VRAM. Both GPUs share the same hybrid cooling design too, which combines a ringed axial fan with a blower-style fan.\n\n\nWe were told that several retailers will be carrying the new Acer Predator BiFrost GPUs in Malaysia. With that in mind, expect your favourite PC store to list the BiFrost RX 7600 and Bifrost Arc A750 OC GPUs sometime next week.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/acer-launches-predator-cg48-x27u-oled-gaming-monitors-in-malaysia-starts-at-rm3999/", "title": "Acer Launches Predator CG48 & X27U OLED Gaming Monitors in Malaysia \u2013 Starts at RM3,999", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nPredator BiFrost graphics cards\n, Acer also launched two new OLED gaming monitors in Malaysia. The Acer Predator CG48 features a sizeable 48-inch 4K panel, while the Acer Predator X27U has a blazing fast 240Hz screen.\n\n\nLet\u2019s start with the pricing of the two monitors. The Predator X27U is the more affordable product with a RM3,999 price tag, while the CG48, given its larger nature, retails at a cool RM5,999. It\u2019s worth noting that Acer Malaysia will be doing a flash sale for the two monitors on 30 September tomorrow between 12PM to 2PM at its booth in NoizuCon 2023.\n\n\nDuring the flash sale, where only a single unit of each monitor is offered, the CG48 and X27U will be discounted to only RM4,499 and RM2,999 \u2013 those are RM1,500 and RM1,000 worth of discounts respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe biggest appeal of the CG48 has to be its large nature; at least, for a gaming monitor. It features the aforementioned 48-inch 4K OLED panel with a 138Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, as well as 98% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut. It also has a 0.1ms grey-to-grey response time.\n\n\nAs for the X27U, it has a more modest 26.5-inch 2560 x 1440 OLED panel, though it has a much faster 240Hz refresh rate along with a 0.03ms grey-to-grey response time. It also covers 99% of the DCI-P3 colour space, AMD FreeSync Premium technology, and a peak brightness of 1,000 nits.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Acer Predator X27U and Acer Predator CG48 are now available for purchase in Malaysia at Acer concept stores nationwide. To recap, the X27U retails at RM3,999, while the CG48 goes for RM5,999. Do note that until 1 October, Acer will offer the X27U and CG48 for RM3,599 and RM5,399 respectively. This deal is available at NoizuCon 2023 and through online channels.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-15-pro-hands-on-i-am-titanium-with-usb-c/", "title": "iPhone 15 Pro Hands-on: I Am Titanium (With USB-C)", "body": "\n\nApologies for the \nDavid Guetta reference\n, but the titanium frame of the new iPhone 15 Pro series is really one of its headline features. Thanks to the new material, the iPhone 15 Pro is now lighter, sturdier, and dare I say, nicer to hold too despite its tendency to pick up fingerprints easily.\n\n\nThe other big feature of the iPhone 15 Pro is the switch to USB-C, making it much easier for, say, Android users \u2013 who I imagine have a ton of USB-C cables lying around \u2013 to transition to the new iPhone. These changes, paired with faster performance and improved camera capability, do make the new iPhone 15 Pro quite exciting.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNaturally, the packaging of the iPhone 15 Pro remains minimal. Inside the box is the phone itself, some documentations, an Apple sticker, and a new USB-C to USB-C \nbraided\n cable. Compared to the previous Lightning cable without any braiding, the new USB-C cable does feel more substantial and durable.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, I love how the iPhone 15 Pro feels in my hands. Even though the titanium frame on this Black Titanium model picks up fingerprints easily, I like the matte, brushed frame. Tipping the scales at 187g, the iPhone 15 Pro is also exactly 19g lighter than the \niPhone 14 Pro\n.\n\n\nWhile that doesn\u2019t sound like a huge difference, the 15 Pro does feel noticeably lighter.\n\n\n\n\nThe iPhone 15 Pro (left) and iPhone 14 Pro\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd then we have the new Action button on the left side of the iPhone 15 Pro, replacing the ring/silent switch toggle. By default, it still acts as a mute and unmute button. This is done with a long press of the Action button, and it can be customised to do different things, such as launching the camera.\n\n\nChances are, I will leave the Action button to be a mute switch, though it\u2019s definitely nice to have the flexibility of changing what the button does. The fact that it is now a button instead of a switch makes it much easier to mute and unmute the phone too, which I absolutely love.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerformance wise, the iPhone 15 Pro is powered by the latest Apple A17 Pro chip. Compared to last year\u2019s A16 Bionic, the A17 Pro is said to offer 20% better GPU performance with 10% faster CPU. Given just how capable the A16 Pro already is, these are very impressive numbers.\n\n\nHowever, I didn\u2019t put the performance of the iPhone 15 Pro through its paces just yet; I will leave that for the full review. For what it\u2019s worth, I am excited to start gaming on the new iPhone. The fact that I can play full-fledged, console-level games like \nDeath Stranding\n and the new Resident Evil 4 on a smartphone is a very exciting prospect for me personally.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDisplay quality of the iPhone 15 Pro remains as excellent as ever. The 6.1-inch 2556 x 1179 Super Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion \u2013 offering adaptive 120Hz refresh rate \u2013 still offers vibrant colours with deep blacks and wide viewing angles. It\u2019s also worth noting that the 15 Pro\u2019s screen bezels are thinner than last year\u2019s 14 Pro, giving it a sleeker all-screen design.\n\n\nFinally, there\u2019s the camera performance of the iPhone 15 Pro. Though it still has a similar triple camera system (48MP main + 12MP ultra-wide + 12MP telephoto) as its predecessor, there are some changes to the image processing that results in\u2026a slight improvement to the image quality.\n\n\nAt least, that\u2019s what I can tell in my brief time photographing with the more \u2013 I\u2019ll be sure to test the iPhone 15 Pro\u2019s camera performance more thoroughly in the full review. In the meantime, here are some sample images:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow, let\u2019s talk about the pricing of the iPhone 15 Pro. Starting at RM5,499 for the 128GB model, the new phone sees a RM200 price hike for the Malaysian market. The price goes up to RM5,999 for the 256GB option, RM6,999 for 512GB, and finally, a cool RM7,999 for the 1TB model.\n\n\nIt goes without saying that the iPhone 15 Pro, as it has always been, is not an affordable phone. But for that kind of money, it is absolutely a premium phone through and through. It has solid build quality that feels great in the hands \u2013 especially the new titanium frame \u2013 the move to USB-C makes it much easier to get cables for the phone, and the new Action button adds a touch of customisation.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYes, the iPhone 15 Pro isn\u2019t remarkably different than last year\u2019s iPhone 14 Pro. But the changes that Apple did bring to the table can be a big deal to some folks, especially the transition to USB-C. For me personally, I\u2019m just excited to start gaming on the 15 Pro.\n\n\nThe A17 Pro chip is really something else, though I am cautious of the supposed overheating issues plaguing the new iPhone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-watch-gt-4-coming-to-malaysia-5-october/", "title": "Huawei Watch GT 4 Coming to Malaysia 5 October", "body": "\n\nInitially unveiled a couple of weeks ago, Huawei\u2019s latest flagship smartwatch, the \nHuawei Watch GT 4\n, is set to arrive in Malaysia next week on 5 October. The Chinese company is putting quite a bit of emphasis on the \u201cfashion-forward\u201d design of the wearable, while also promising impressive battery life of up to 14 days on a single charge.\n\n\nTwo variants of the Watch GT 4 are offered. There\u2019s the smaller, more elegant-looking (in our opinion) 41mm model, and the larger 46mm version. The 41mm watch is said to resemble a jewellery piece, while the 46mm variant has a \u201cstrong, sturdy exterior\u201d with an octagonal dial design.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs mentioned, the Watch GT 4 promises up to 14 days of battery life under light usage, though this is limited to the 46mm model; the 41mm version offers up to seven days of use instead. Beyond that, both smartwatches feature a 466 x 466 circular AMOLED display, stainless steel body, a 5 ATM or IP68 rating, as well as over 25,000 different watchfaces to choose from.\n\n\nThe Huawei Watch GT 4 is \nnow available for pre-order in Malaysia\n with a RM50 deposit, though the local pricing of the smartwatch will only be revealed next week on 5 October. Aside from the smartwatch, Huawei will also introduce at least two other products on our shores: the Huawei MatePad 11\u2033 PaperMatte Edition and the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honkai-star-rail-1-4-drops-11-october-with-jingliu-seele-topaz-numby-guinaifen/", "title": "Honkai: Star Rail 1.4 Drops 11 October With Jingliu, Seele, Topaz & Numby, Guinaifen", "body": "\n\nThe Version 1.4 update of \nHonkai: Star Rail\n looks to be jam-packed with content. Not only is the \nPS5 version of the game\n releasing on the same day (11 October) three new playable characters will be added to the game as well, including Jingliu, Topaz & Numby \u2013 yes, they are technically one character \u2013 and Guinaifen.\n\n\nIt\u2019s also worth noting that Seele, who was the very first event-exclusive character, will have a rerun banner in Star Rail 1.4. Her banner will be available alongside Topaz & Numby and Guinaifen in the second phase, while Jingliu\u2019s event warp will be offered first once the Version 1.4 update is live.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJingliu\n\n\n\n\nTopaz & Numby\n\n\n\n\nGuinaifen\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPlayers will be travelling back to Jarilo-VI for Star Rail\u2019s Version 1.4 storyline; the Old Weapons Testing Ground and Pillars of Creation look to be new areas for players to explore. Beyond that, there\u2019s the Aetherium Wars in-game event, where players need to build \u201cAether Spirits\u201d to fight against other characters. Similar to\u2026well, Pokemon.\n\n\nHoyoverse will also be running a \ncafe collaboration globally for Star Rail\n, and Malaysia is a part of it. On our shores, La Juiceria Superfoods is the chosen cafe, and the collaboration will take place between 11 October to 14 November. Participants can walk away with some \nneat Star Rail merchandise and in-game items\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHonkai: Star Rail 1.4, alongside the PS5 version, will be available on 11 October. To recap, Jingliu\u2019s event wish will be available first once the update is live, followed by Topaz & Numby\u2019s, Guinaifen\u2019s, and Seele\u2019s banners at a later date.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/tesla-centre-now-open-in-cyberjaya-hq-delivery-service-centre/", "title": "Tesla Centre Now Open in Cyberjaya \u2013 HQ, Delivery & Service Centre", "body": "\n\nAs promised\n, Tesla has opened its first-ever centre in Malaysia. Located in Cyberjaya, Selangor, the Tesla Centre will serve as the carmaker\u2019s headquarters, delivery area, and service centre. There\u2019s even a retail space to showcase the latest Tesla models.\n\n\nIn fact, all trims of the \nModel Y\n will be displayed at the centre. These include the standard RWD (RM199,000), Long Range AWD (RM246,000), and the fastest version of the three, the Model Y Performance (RM288,000).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, first units of the \nModel 3 facelift\n are expected to arrive in Malaysia sometime this month, so we reckon the EV will also be shown at the Tesla Centre in due time. To recap, first deliveries of the electric sedan will happen by the end of 2023, and it is priced at RM189,000 and RM218,000 for the standard RWD and Long Range AWD models respectively.\n\n\nThe first Tesla Centre in Malaysia is located at \nCyberview 23A, Persiaran APEC, Cyber 6, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor\n. It\u2019s worth noting that there are also eight Superchargers at the centre, though they are said to be only for internal use at the moment.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/test-drive-the-smart-1-brabus-at-iems-2023-on-5-october/", "title": "Test Drive the Smart #1 Brabus at IEMS 2023 on 5 October", "body": "\n\nMissed the \nSmart #1 test drive over the weekend\n? Well, you\u2019ve got \nanother chance to give the upcoming electric SUV a spin\n on 5 October at the International Electric Mobility Showcase (IEMS) 2023. On top of that, it\u2019s the higher-powered Brabus model too.\n\n\nIn fact, the Smart #1 Brabus \nwill be making its first debut in Malaysia\n at IEMS 2023 on 5 October. For the local market, three models of the Smart #1 will be offered here: there\u2019s the base Pro model, the mid-tier Premium, and of course, the aforementioned Brabus version.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBoth the Pro and Premium models of the Smart #1 feature a single 200kW motor driving the rear wheels that outputs 272PS and 343Nm of torque, allowing the EV to go from 0-100kmph in only 6.7 seconds with a top speed of 180kmph. However, the Pro model has a smaller 49kWh battery with up to 315km of range (WLTP), while the Premium model has a 66kWh battery with up to 440km of range (WLTP).\n\n\nAs for the more powerful Smart #1 Brabus, it comes with another electric motor at the front \u2013 making it all-wheel drive \u2013 for a very respectable total output of 428PS and 543Nm of torque. How fast can it complete the century sprint with this kind of setup? A mere 3.9 seconds; very impressive.\n\n\nThe Brabus variant also has the same 66kWh battery as the Premium model, but given that it\u2019s a higher-powered model, it has a lower range of up to 400km (WLTP).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Smart #1 Premium\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Smart Malaysia, the Smart #1 will be priced from RM200,000 to RM250,000; these are on-the-road prices without insurance. Bookings for the EV can now be made through the Hello Smart app, which is available for download on the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n,\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n, and\u00a0\nHuawei AppGallery\n. A RM1,000 refundable fee is required to book the electric SUV.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/iphone-15-plus-hands-on-more-exciting-than-it-seems/", "title": "iPhone 15 Plus Hands-on: More Exciting Than It Seems", "body": "\n\nWhile most folks would gravitate toward the higher-end Pro iPhones \u2013 I am guilty of this \u2013 the non-Pro iPhone 15 models are actually quite exciting in their own right. The iPhone 15 Plus, for one, improved upon its predecessor quite a bit in various areas.\n\n\nIn fact, the improvements the iPhone 15 Plus brings to the table are arguably more drastic than the upgrades introduced by the Pro line this year. Whether we\u2019re looking at the design, display, performance, or camera capability \u2013 along with the transition to USB-C \u2013 the \u201cdefault\u201d iPhone has never been better.\n\n\n\n\niPhone 14 Plus (left) and the iPhone 15 Plus\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt a glance, the Dynamic Island is definitely one of the most visual changes to the iPhone 15 Plus. Gone is the ageing notch in favour of the more modern-looking screen cutout, putting it in line with the design language of the Pro iPhones. While the Dynamic Island isn\u2019t a groundbreaking feature, it does come in handy sometimes to track, say, a GrabFood delivery.\n\n\nThere are also more subtle changes to the design of the iPhone 15 Plus\u2019 chassis. The edges are more rounded now for a better feel in hand, while also giving the impression of a thinner phone. I also absolutely love the matte glass back, which looks and feels great.\n\n\nOf course, there\u2019s also the new USB-C port. If you\u2019ve got a lot of USB-C cables lying around, you won\u2019t have to worry about getting a new one to charge the iPhone 15 Plus. A braided USB-C to USB-C cable is also provided with the phone.\n\n\n\n\n\n\niPhone 14 Plus (top) and iPhone 15 Plus\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe display of the iPhone 15 Plus sees a notable improvement too. Its 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen is quite a bit brighter now with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits. It\u2019s worth noting that this is the same brightness level as the Pro iPhones, which is nice.\n\n\nUnfortunately, the refresh rate of the iPhone 15 Plus\u2019 display is still limited to 60Hz; ProMotion remains an exclusive feature to the Pro line. For a phone that starts at RM4,899, a 60Hz screen\u2026is not exactly reflective of the price tag. You can easily find a more affordable phones with a faster panel in today\u2019s market.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor what it\u2019s worth, the iPhone 15 Plus still has a fantastic screen that can easily compete with flagship-tier Android smartphones. It has deep, true blacks, good colour accuracy \u2013 to my eyes, anyway \u2013 and it can get very bright as well, thanks to the aforementioned 2,000 nits peak brightness.\n\n\nIn terms of performance, the iPhone 15 Plus is now powered by the A16 Bionic chip; the same one found in the \niPhone 14 Pro\n series last year. While I haven\u2019t started gaming with the 15 Plus just yet, I\u2019m confident it will be able to deliver a high level of performance. After all, the A16 is still an incredibly capable mobile chip, even in comparison to the best Android phones right now.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe last big change to the iPhone 15 Plus is a more sophisticated camera system. The dual camera system is now headlined by a 48MP main shooter with a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and thanks to the larger main sensor, the 15 Plus can now do 2x \u201coptical\u201d zoom, though it\u2019s really a digital crop.\n\n\nSemantics aside, I do see a noticeable improvement in camera performance between the 15 Plus and \n14 Plus\n, as you can see below. The 15 Plus looks to be able to handle harsh lighting better, and it seems to be able to capture slightly more true to life colours. I\u2019ll be sure to put the camera in more challenging lighting situations in the full review.\n\n\n\n\niPhone 15 Plus\n\n\niPhone 14 Plus\n\n\niPhone 15 Plus\n\n\niPhone 14 Plus\n\n\niPhone 15 Plus\n\n\niPhone 14 Plus\n\n\niPhone 15 Plus\n\n\niPhone 14 Plus\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI personally consider the iPhone 15 Plus, just like its predecessor, as the new default iPhone. It is essentially a more affordable Pro Max iPhone that offers a similar big screen experience, which wasn\u2019t an option until the 14 Plus made its debut last year. Though I haven\u2019t got a feel for the 15 Plus\u2019 battery life yet, I\u2019m certain it will be able to last quite a bit on a single charge.\n\n\nYes, the iPhone 15 Plus doesn\u2019t have the Pro iPhones\u2019 fancy new titanium build, Action button, 120Hz screen, or speedy A17 Pro chip. But that doesn\u2019t mean the 15 Plus isn\u2019t worth considering; based on my brief time with this iPhone, I\u2019m just as impressed with it as I am with any device that sits at this price point.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStarting at RM4,899, the iPhone 15 Plus is not by any means an \u201caffordable\u201d phone. In my opinion, however, you are getting your money\u2019s worth, though I will still reserve judgment until I\u2019ve put the 15 Plus through its paces in the full review.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-watch-series-9-spotted-in-sirim-available-in-malaysia-soon/", "title": "Apple Watch Series 9 Spotted in SIRIM \u2013 Available in Malaysia Soon?", "body": "\n\nThe \nApple Watch Series 9\n was announced just a few weeks ago, and it looks like the new smartwatch is set to be available here in Malaysia very soon. Powered by the new S9 chip, the Series 9 features a brighter display now with support for the new \u201cdouble tap\u201d gesture.\n\n\nIn our usual search through SIRIM\u2019s database, we noticed two new Apple Watch entries carrying the model numbers A2978 and A2980. A quick check on \nApple\u2019s support page\n confirms that these two products are the Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS) in 41mm and 45mm sizes respectively.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the Apple Watch Series 9 \nretains the same RM1,899 starting price\n as \nits predecessor\n. The new double tap gesture offered by the Series 9 is certainly one of its highlights, which allows users to control the primary button in any given app with just a double tap of the index finger and thumb.\n\n\nBeyond that, there\u2019s also the aforementioned brighter display of the Series 9. The screen now has a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, which is said to be doubled from the Series 8. There is also a new pink colourway for the smartwatch, along with FineWoven bands \u2013 the same material used for Apple\u2019s new iPhone cases \u2013 that are said to have a suede-like feel.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow that the Apple Watch Series 9 has been registered with SIRIM already, we reckon the smartwatch will be available for purchase in Malaysia very, very soon. To recap, the Series 9 \nstarts at RM1,899\n on our shores.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/airpods-pro-2nd-gen-with-usb-c-charging-case-ip54-rating-also-certified-by-sirim/", "title": "AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) With USB-C Charging Case & IP54 Rating Also Certified by SIRIM", "body": "\n\nBesides the \nApple Watch Series 9\n, the \n2nd generation AirPods Pro\n with an updated USB-C charging case has also been certified by SIRIM. Chances are, the new wireless earbuds will be available in Malaysia very soon.\n\n\nThe new AirPods Pro was registered with SIRIM just today on 3 October. Carrying the model numbers A3048 and A3047, these are \nconfirmed to be\n the individual earbuds of the new AirPods Pro. The \nnew USB-C charging case (A2968)\n has also been certified by SIRIM on 27 September last week.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond the new USB-C charging case, the AirPods Pro has also been updated with an IP54 rating, an upgrade from the previous Lightning model\u2019s IPX4 rating. Other specifications of the wireless earbuds remain the same, including the H2 chip for \u201cup to double the noise-cancelling power\u201d of the original AirPods Pro, along with a total of up to six hours of use with ANC activated.\n\n\nNaturally, the 2nd generation AirPods Pro with the new USB-C charging case \nretains the RM1,099 price tag in Malaysia\n. Now that it has been certified by SIRIM, it should be available for purchase on our shores in the very near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-find-n3-flip-with-hasselblad-triple-camera-confirmed-for-malaysian-market/", "title": "Oppo Find N3 Flip With Hasselblad Triple Camera Confirmed for Malaysian Market", "body": "\n\nIt looks like the Oppo Find N3 Flip is finally making its way to Malaysia. Initially unveiled in China in late August this year, Oppo Malaysia has started teasing the arrival of the foldable phone on our shores.\n\n\nThis isn\u2019t a surprise, given that the Find N3 Flip has already been registered with SIRIM on 15 August 2023; that\u2019s almost two months ago. While it looks similar to last year\u2019s \nFind N2 Flip\n, it does bring a few upgrades, including a more sophisticated triple camera configuration \u2013 still with the Hasselblad branding \u2013 and faster performance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the Find N3 Flip\u2019s new Hasselblad camera system is more sophisticated now. In addition to a 50MP main sensor and a 48MP ultra-wide shooter, there\u2019s finally a telephoto lens now. To be specific, it is a 32MP telephoto camera that\u2019s capable of 2x optical zoom or 20x digital zoom.\n\n\nPowering the Find N3 Flip, on the other hand, is a MediaTek Dimensity 9200 chipset, which should be faster than the N2 Flip\u2019s Dimensity 9000+ SoC. Beyond that, other hardware of the new flip phone is strikingly similar to last year\u2019s model. Well, except for the addition of an alert slider on the left side of the phone.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Find N3 Flip include a 6.8-inch 2520 x 1080 AMOLED primary display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 3.26-inch 720 x 382 AMOLED cover screen \u2013 still limited at 60Hz \u2013 a 32MP selfie camera, 12GB of RAM, up to 512GB of storage, and a 4,300mAh battery with support for 44W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo word yet on the exact Malaysian availability of the Oppo Find N3 Flip. But given that Oppo Malaysia has started teasing the foldable phone already, we reckon it will be sold on our shores very soon.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/logitech-g-pro-x-superlight-2-review-super-lightweight-ambidextrous-gaming-mouse/", "title": "Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Review \u2013 Super Lightweight Ambidextrous Gaming Mouse", "body": "\n\nLogitech is widely known in the PC peripheral market, and the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 wireless mouse is its latest gaming mouse. Not only is it still super lightweight \u2013 just like its namesake \u2013 with a 60g shell, it also has new \u201cLightforce\u201d hybrid switches that combine the performance of an optical sensor with the feel and response of a mechanical switch.\n\n\nFor the most part, I\u2019m very happy using the Superlight 2 as both my daily driver and gaming mouse, though it does have some shortcomings that could be a dealbreaker to some folks. But it is still an extremely lightweight, ambidextrous mouse with fast performance and very long battery life \u2013 it\u2019s almost the complete package.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nThe G Pro X Superlight 2\u2019s Lightspeed hybrid switch is one of its most touted new features. The optical-mechanical switch promises the speed and reliability of an optical switch with the power efficiency \u2013 and satisfying click \u2013 of a traditional mechanical microswitch. While the Lightspeed switch does do what it claims here, there is more to it than meets the eye \u2013 I\u2019ll get back to this further down the review.\n\n\nAside from that, the Superlight 2 also has a new Hero 2 sensor that can do up to 32,000 DPI. It also has up to 95 hours of battery life on a single charge, Lightspeed wireless technology with 2,000Hz report rate for reduced latency, as well as very smooth PTFE feet.\n\n\nHere in Malaysia, the Superlight 2 retails at RM689. There\u2019s no denying that this is a steep price tag, though you do get your money\u2019s worth, in my opinion. Let me elaborate in the next section.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nMy absolute favourite feature of the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 is certainly its lightweight nature. Tipping the scales at only 60g, this is one of the lightest mice in the market now, and it doesn\u2019t even use a honeycomb design to shed some weight; very impressive.\n\n\nThanks to its very lightweight shell, I thoroughly enjoy gaming with the Superlight 2. I can position my shots in FPS games quickly and accurately, which can also be attributed to the new Hero 2 sensor. While I am by no means a competitive gamer, I have absolutely no issues lining up my shots as intended with this gaming mouse.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLatency is not an issue either when I\u2019m using the Superlight 2 in wireless mode, which comes as no surprise. After all, Logitech\u2019s Lightspeed wireless technology offers 2,000Hz report rate, and for my skill level \u2013 which, if I\u2019m being honest, is not that high \u2013 I don\u2019t feel any difference using the mouse in wired or wireless mode.\n\n\nPerformance aside, I\u2019m very impressed with the battery life of the Superlight 2. From my testing, it can definitely achieve the 95 hours quoted battery life. The fact that the mouse also charges via USB-C is a nice plus point too. It\u2019s an improvement over its predecessor\u2019s microUSB port.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s important for any gaming mouse worth its salt to provide a smooth, uninterrupted glide. In this respect, the large PTFE feet of the Superlight 2 can offer just that. The plastic cover on the bottom of the mouse \u2013 which can be used to keep the wireless receiver \u2013 can be swapped out for a PTFE cover too if you want an even smoother glide.\n\n\nLast but not least is the Lightspeed optical-mechanical hybrid switch of the Superlight 2. Honestly, I\u2019m quite taken aback by the clicking sensation of the switch: it feels very\u2026substantial and \u201cpurposeful,\u201d which is actually quite nice. However, when it comes to the sound profile of the Lightspeed switch, it is a completely different question altogether.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nAs much as I like the clicking feel of the G Pro X Superlight 2\u2019s Lightspeed hybrid switch, I don\u2019t particularly like how it sounds. Not only is it distinctively louder than the optical switch of most gaming mice, the Lightspeed switch has a tendency to ping as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOut of the box, the Superlight 2 is also quite slippery. The matte plastic of the shell doesn\u2019t provide the best grip, though I appreciate the fact that it is not a fingerprint magnet. Thankfully, there are grip tape provided with the mouse, giving users the flexibility to add more grip as they see fit.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nPriced at RM689, I do think the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 is worth the asking price. Yes, it\u2019s a steep price tag, but that\u2019s the going rate for a high-end, premium gaming mouse of this calibre. The Superlight 2 is very lightweight, it offers fast, accurate performance, and it has incredibly long battery life as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile I\u2019m not thrilled by the sound profile of the Superlight 2\u2019s Lightspeed hybrid switch, I \ndo\n like the substantial clicking feel. But at the end of the day, this is a subjective matter; I imagine there will be folks who don\u2019t mind \u2013 or may even prefer \u2013 how the switch sounds.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-2023-proton-x70-facelift-spotted-again-looks-to-be-based-on-2022-geely-boyue/", "title": "Spy Shot: 2023 Proton X70 Facelift Spotted Again \u2013 Looks to Be Based on 2022 Geely Boyue", "body": "\n\nThe \n2023 Proton X70 facelift\n has been spotted on Malaysian roads yet again. This time around, two different test mules of the upcoming C-segment SUV were seen on the KESAS highway and Old Klang Road. Compared to previous spy shots, both units look to be sporting new wheels too, which seem to match those found on the 2022 Geely Boyue facelift.\n\n\nThese images of the camouflaged X70 were posted by \nEric Yong Gx\n and \nRahimi Jalaluddin\n on the \nProton X70 Owner Club Malaysia\n Facebook page. Aside from the design of the wheels, the taillights of the X70 test units look identical to the \ncurrent iteration of the SUV\n too, suggesting that the upcoming facelift is based on the 2022 Boyue instead of the Boyue Pro and Azkarra, unlike what \nwe\u2019ve previously reported\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that the front end of the camouflaged X70 looks strikingly similar to the Boyue Pro and Azkarra, which makes since, given that the 2022 Boyue shares the same front design. Beyond that, the new Infinite Weave grille is visible from these spy shots too, which does look to take inspiration from the \nProton\n \nX90\n\u2019s diamond-shaped studs.\n\n\nBeyond the updated exterior, the facelifted X70 is said to feature a new interior too, which we reckon will take cues from the 2022 Boyue. If this is indeed the case, it should feature a bigger, more modern-looking infotainment screen. There may be some changes to the overall dashboard design too.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 2022 Geely Boyue\n\n\n\n\nAs for expected release, the Proton X70 MC2 facelift is rumoured to be introduced towards the end of the year or January 2024 after the launch of the much anticipated\u00a0\nProton S50\n\u00a0sedan sometime in November next month. The\u00a0\nProton X50\n\u00a0is also said to be receiving a Running Change update, which may see some minor improvements to the popular B-segment SUV.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/samsung-galaxy-s23-fe-official-coming-to-malaysia-from-rm2999-with-exynos-2200/", "title": "Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Official \u2013 Coming to Malaysia From RM2,999 With Exynos 2200", "body": "\n\nSurprise surprise, there is now a more affordable Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, and it is coming to Malaysia. Despite its lower asking price, the S23 FE retains the series\u2019 design language, though it does have a more modest list of hardware compared to the main S23 devices.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, two variants of the Galaxy S23 FE are offered. The base 128GB model is priced at RM2,999, while the more generous 256GB variant goes for RM3,299. Four colour options are available on our shores: Mint, Cream, Graphite, and Purple.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDepending on the region, the Galaxy S23 FE is offered with either a Samsung Exynos 2200 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset. A quick check on Samsung Malaysia\u2019s website shows that its CPU clusters are clocked at 2.8GHz, 2.5GHz, and 1.8GHz. These match the clock speeds of the Exynos 2200, so it looks like Malaysia gets the Exynos version.\n\n\nOther specifications of the S23 FE include a 6.4-inch 2340 x 1080 Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (50MP main + 12MP ultra-wide + 8MP telephoto), a 10MP selfie camera, and a 4,500mAh battery with support for 25W charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Samsung Galaxy S23 FE will be available for purchase in Malaysia starting at RM2,999 from 10 October onwards. Aside from the phone, the new Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Galaxy Buds FE will also be launched at the same time next week \u2013 they start at RM2,099 and RM399 respectively.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/5-11-october-fuel-price-ron-97-stays-at-rm3-47-per-litre/", "title": "5 \u2013 11 October Fuel Price: RON 97 Stays at RM3.47 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAnother week, another fuel price update. Not surprisingly, RON 97 sees no price movement this week. As for the prices of RON 95 and diesel, they are unchanged, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 remains at RM3.47 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 5 to 11 October next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/garmin-venu-3-launched-in-malaysia-from-rm2220-sleep-coach-14-day-battery/", "title": "Garmin Venu 3 Launched in Malaysia for RM2,220 \u2013 Sleep Coach, 14-Day Battery", "body": "\n\nWhile the Garmin Venu 3 was already available in Malaysia early last month, the company recently did a launch event for the smartwatch. One of the highlights of the Venu 3 is the Sleep Coach feature, which is said to be able to improve a user\u2019s sleep quality.\n\n\nTwo sizes of the Venu 3 are offered for the Malaysian market. There\u2019s the Venu 3 with a 1.4-inch 454 x 454 AMOLED display, as well as the more compact Venu 3S with a smaller 1.2-inch 390 x 390 AMOLED screen. Interestingly, both smartwatches retail at the same RM2,220 price point.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Garmin Venu 3\n\n\nThe Garmin Venu 3S\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile most smartwatches can track your sleep, the Venu 3\u2019s Sleep Coach feature looks to offer a more sophisticated tracking. Not only can it track naps, it can even recommend \u201coptimal sleep and nap duration and timings for improved quality sleep,\u201d as Garmin puts it.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Venu 3 include up to 14 days of battery life \u2013 10 days for the smaller Venu 3S, understandably \u2013 30 different sports apps with animated workouts and coaching, a stainless steel bezel, and a 5 ATM water resistance rating.\n\n\nThe Garmin Venu 3 and Venu 3S are now available in Malaysia for RM2,220. You can purchase the new smartwatches through Shopee, Lazada, and Garmin Brand Stores nationwide.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/google-pixel-8-pixel-8-pro-unleashed-new-tensor-g3-chip-7-years-updates-price-hike/", "title": "Google Pixel 8 & Pixel 8 Pro Unleashed \u2013 New Tensor G3 Chip, 7 Years Updates, Price Hike", "body": "\n\nAfter a plethora of leaks, the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are finally here. Sporting a new Google Tensor G3 chip \u2013 which unlocks a slew of AI-centric features \u2013 along with improved camera capabilities, the updated Android flagships will even get \nseven years\n worth of OS and security updates.\n\n\nNot surprisingly, all of these upgrades do come with a price hike. The Pixel 8 now retails from $699 (about RM3,300), while the higher-end Pixel 8 Pro starts at $999 (approximately RM4,720). Basically, both phones cost $100 (around RM470) more compared to their predecessors, though you do get more phone for the money.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThough Google did not elaborate much on the raw performance of the Tensor G3 chip, it does make the Pixel 8 smartphones\u2026well, smarter. It now has better speech recognition \u2013 it can even translate webpages to a different language via text-to-speech \u2013 Magic Eraser can remove larger distractions, and the overall camera performance has also been improved.\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro come with a new 50MP primary camera and 10.5MP selfie shooter. The Pixel 8 also gets a 12MP ultra-wide sensor, while the Pro model has a more sophisticated 48MP ultra-wide lens and 48MP telephoto camera that can do 5x optical zoom.\n\n\nBeyond that, the Pixel 8 features a 6.2-inch 2400 x 1080 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 4,575mAh battery, while the Pixel 8 Pro has a sharper 6.7-inch 2992 x 1344 LTPO OLED panel \u2013 with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate \u2013 and a 5,050mAh battery.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are now available for pre-order in the US from $699 and $999 respectively. As usual, it is unlikely either phones will be sold in Malaysia officially, though it\u2019s almost certain parallel importers will offer the phone here in due time.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/smart-1-brabus-previewed-at-iems-2023-0-100-in-3-9s-q4-2023-launch-rm250k-estimated-price/", "title": "Smart #1 Brabus Previewed at IEMS 2023 \u2013 0-100 in 3.9s, Q4 2023 Launch, RM250k Estimated Price", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Smart #1 Brabus just made its first public preview in Southeast Asia at the ongoing International Electric Mobility Showcase (IEMS) 2023 here in Malaysia at KL Convention Centre. Not only does the Brabus version of the EV look sporty, it\u2019s also a much higher-powered model compared to the rest of the lineup.\n\n\nTo recap, three different variants of the Smart #1 will be offered in Malaysia. There\u2019s the base Pro model, the mid-tier Premium, and of course, the Brabus version you see here. This particular model is in the Atom Grey matte colourway, which gives the EV a decidedly sporty look.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Smart #1 Premium\n\n\n\n\nBoth the Pro and Premium models of the Smart #1 feature a single 200kW motor driving the rear wheels that outputs 272PS and 343Nm of torque, allowing the EV to go from 0-100kmph in only 6.7 seconds with a top speed of 180kmph. However, the Pro model has a smaller 49kWh battery with up to 315km of range (WLTP), while the Premium model has a 66kWh battery with up to 440km of range (WLTP).\n\n\nAs for the more powerful Smart #1 Brabus pictured here, it comes with another electric motor at the front \u2013 making it all-wheel drive \u2013 for a very respectable total output of 428PS and 543Nm of torque. How fast can it complete the century sprint with this kind of setup? A mere 3.9 seconds; very impressive.\n\n\nThe Brabus variant also has the same 66kWh battery as the Premium model, but given that it\u2019s a higher-powered model, it has a lower range of up to 400km (WLTP).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccording to Smart Malaysia, the Smart #1 will make its local debut sometime this quarter with prices ranging from RM200,000 to RM250,000. Bookings for the EV can now be made through the Hello Smart app, which is available for download on the\u00a0\nApple App Store\n,\u00a0\nGoogle Play Store\n, and\u00a0\nHuawei AppGallery\n. A RM1,000 refundable fee is required to book the electric crossover.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-watch-gt-4-in-malaysia-from-rm1099-gold-huawei-watch-ultimate-design-for-rm13999/", "title": "Huawei Watch GT 4 in Malaysia From RM1,099 \u2013 Gold Huawei Watch Ultimate Design for RM13,999", "body": "\n\nHuawei\u2019s latest flagship smartwatch, the \nHuawei Watch GT 4\n, has just been launched in Malaysia. Huawei is putting quite a bit of emphasis on the \u201cfashion-forward\u201d design of the wearable, and aside from the GT 4, the Chinese company is also bringing in the luxurious Huawei Watch Ultimate Design to our local market.\n\n\nHere in Malaysia, the Watch GT 4 is offered in two variants. There\u2019s the smaller, more elegant-looking (in our opinion) 41mm model from RM1,099 to RM1,699 \u2013 depending on the colourway \u2013 and the larger 46mm version also shares the same price range. As for the decadent Watch Ultimate Design, it goes for a cool RM13,999, and only 100 units are up for grabs.\n\n\n\n\nThe Huawei Watch Ultimate Design\n\n\nThe 41mm (left) and 46mm Huawei Watch GT 4\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiven its steep asking price, the Watch Ultimate Design does come with a number of luxurious features, including \u201csix segments of 18K gold inlaid at the edge of the nanocrystal ceramic bezel.\u201d It also has a gold titanium strap, a 1.5-inch 466 x 466 LTPO AMOLED circular display, a 10 ATM water resistance rating, and up to 14 days of battery life.\n\n\nThe Watch GT 4 also promises up to 14 days of battery life, though this is limited to the 46mm model; the 41mm version offers up to seven days of use instead. Beyond that, both smartwatches feature a 466 x 466 circular AMOLED display, stainless steel body, a 5 ATM or IP68 rating, as well as over 25,000 different watchfaces to choose from.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMalaysian pre-orders of the Huawei Watch GT 4 are now open until 13 October from RM1,099; every pre-order of the smartwatch will come with up to RM580 worth of freebies. As for the Huawei Watch Ultimate Desig, it will be available on our shores from 14 October onwards for RM13,999.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-matepad-11-papermatte-edition-now-in-malaysia-for-rm2299/", "title": "Huawei MatePad 11\u2033 PaperMatte Edition Now in Malaysia for RM2,299", "body": "\n\nAside from the \nWatch GT 4 and Watch Gold Ultimate Design\n, the Huawei MatePad 11\u2033 PaperMatte Edition also made its debut in Malaysia. As its name suggests, this version of the MatePad 11\u2033 has a rather intriguing \u201cpaper-like\u201d display to reduce glare.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, only one variant of the MatePad 11\u2033 PaperMatte Edition is offered locally. Packed with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, the tablet retails at RM2,299. It is also available in the sole Graphite Black colourway.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor that kind of money, the MatePad 11\u2033 PaperMatte Edition comes with an 11-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a matte-like texture, which feels like a\u2026well, matte screen protector. Aside from that, the tablet features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset, a 13MP rear camera, an 8MP selfie shooter, as well as a 7,250mAh battery.\n\n\nThe Huawei MatePad 11\u2033 PaperMatte Edition is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM2,299. If you purchase the tablet early enough, you can get freebies worth up to RM1,496, including a keyboard case and the second generation Huawei M-Pencil stylus.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/huawei-freebuds-pro-3-with-dual-driver-also-lands-in-malaysia-for-rm899/", "title": "Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 With Dual Driver Also Lands in Malaysia for RM899", "body": "\n\nWrapping up Huawei Malaysia\u2019s launch event tonight is the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3. Featuring a dual driver setup made up of an 11mm dynamic driver and a planar driver, the wireless earbuds promise \u201ctrue-to-life listening,\u201d as the company puts it.\n\n\nPriced at RM899 in Malaysia, the FreeBuds Pro 3 is offered in three distinct colours: Silver Frost, Ceramic White, and Green, which is the colourway you see here. It will be available for purchase online through Shopee and Lazada, as well as Huawei\u2019s own stores.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAside from the aforementioned dual driver design, the FreeBuds Pro 3 also features active noise cancellation, an IP54 rating for the earbuds \u2013 the charging case doesn\u2019t have any IP rating \u2013 and up to 6.5 hours of battery life with ANC disabled. The battery life goes down to 4.5 hours with ANC enabled.\n\n\nThe Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3 will be available for purchase in Malaysia later this month on 21 October. To recap, the wireless earbuds is priced at RM899 on our shores.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/playing-exoprimal-on-msi-g274qpf-qd-27-wqhd-170hz-gaming-monitor-for-rm1299/", "title": "Playing Exoprimal on MSI G274QPF-QD \u2013 27\u2033 WQHD 170Hz Gaming Monitor for RM1,299", "body": "\n\nExoprimal is quite an intriguing game. Though the Capcom title was released back in July this year, I recently had the opportunity to try it out more extensively courtesy of MSI. While I was at it, I also played it on the MSI G274QPF-QD gaming monitor, which is now more affordable than ever.\n\n\nIf you\u2019re looking for a fast, but still affordable 1440p gaming monitor, the G274QPF-QD is certainly worth considering. As for Exoprimal, it is also quite a fun game. But given that it is a team-based multiplayer game, it may not be for everyone,\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat Is Exoprimal?\n\n\nCapcom describes Exoprimal as an online, team-based action game. Players can don a variety of different exosuits to battle against a horde of \u2013 get this \u2013 dinosaurs. I was a big fan of Capcom\u2019s Dino Crisis franchise, and playing through Exoprimal does bring back some fond memories, even though the two games play quite differently.\n\n\nThe main plot of Exoprimal revolves around a rogue AI dubbed Leviathan, forcing exosuit-equipped players to participate in endless wargames. A typical game of Exoprimal is a 5v5 match, where your team of five will go against five other players to complete a set number of objectives.\n\n\nOh, it\u2019s worth noting that matches are online-only, and the story progression of Exoprimal is tied to these online matches. Curious, isn\u2019t it?\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIs Exoprimal Any Good?\n\n\nIn a way, yes. It\u2019s quite exhilarating to go against a horde of dinosaurs that pour out of portals, and the different exosuits in Exoprimal offer different gameplays and strategies. The exosuits are divided into three main categories: assault (the carry, basically), tank, and support.\n\n\nI thoroughly enjoy playing through Exoprimal\u2019s different exosuits. The different roles that they serve, combined with their own unique mechanics, result in a rather complex (in a good way) gameplay experience. My personal favourites are the melee exosuits, Zephyr and Murasame.\n\n\n\n\nThe Zephyr exosuit\n\n\n\n\nAside from that, the main storyline of Exoprimal is also quite intriguing. It\u2019s nice to see how the story progresses after some matches, and I find the voice acting and character development to be pretty darn good as well. I\u2019m just annoyed that I \nhave\n to play a multiplayer game to progress the story.\n\n\nAnd that is a good segue to the next section..\n\n\nAny Bad Things About Exoprimal?\n\n\nIn my opinion, the fact that Exoprimal\u2019s story is tied to the multiplayer aspect of the game is its biggest shortcoming. I personally prefer the experience of single-player games that don\u2019t rely on the random factor of playing against (and with) other players of different skill levels. In this regard, Exoprimal\u2019s multiplayer gameplay just isn\u2019t my cup of tea.\n\n\nNeedless to say, it can be frustrating to play with teammates who are not cooperating, while the opposing team is clearing objectives much quicker. In my experience, matchmaking can take quite some time as well, which doesn\u2019t exactly make for a pleasant gaming experience.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDespite all of that, I\u2019m still willing to persevere through the multiplayer matches just to advance Exoprimal\u2019s narrative. I\u2019m a sucker for a good story, and I\u2019m invested enough in the game\u2019s storyline to see how it ends.\n\n\nAnd I also enjoy battling the different dinosaurs in Exoprimal, of course.\n\n\nHow About the MSI G274QPF-QD?\n\n\nOh, I absolutely enjoyed using this gaming monitor. Not only is the 27-inch 2560 x 1440 IPS panel bright and vibrant with VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification, it also has a fast 170Hz refresh rate. While my desktop setup isn\u2019t quite powerful enough to run Exoprimal near the 170fps limit, I imagine it would look incredible if you have a system that can do that.\n\n\nBesides that, the G274QPF-QD is also G-Sync Compatible with support for AMD FreeSync Premium, so you won\u2019t have to worry about screen tearing with this gaming monitor. I love how versatile the stand is too: I can tilt, swivel, and even rotate the monitor 90-degree.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe on-screen display (OSD) of the G274QPF-QD is worth a mention too. Thanks to the joystick on the back of the monitor, navigating through the menu is a breeze. Needless to say, the joystick is far more intuitive to use than buttons.\n\n\nNegatives on the MSI G274QPF-QD?\n\n\nFor the most part, I\u2019m quite happy with the G274QPF-QD, though it does have some small drawbacks here and there. The HDMI input, for one, is limited to only 144Hz; you have to use the DisplayPort if you want to make full use of the monitor\u2019s 170Hz refresh rate. Besides that, there\u2019s also the fact that it doesn\u2019t have a\u2026power button, which is a weird omission.\n\n\nThen again, the G274QPF-QD is now going \nfor only RM1,299\n, and you can get it at even lower prices on promotional days like the upcoming 10.10 sale across various platforms. At this price point, I can easily overlook its shortcomings \u2013 it\u2019s absolutely a solid buy.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAgain, if you\u2019re looking to get a 1440p gaming monitor on a budget, the MSI G274QPF-QD is worth shortlisting. Exoprimal, on the other hand, is also quite a fun game with an engaging plot and sophisticated gameplay, even though I\u2019m not a big fan of its emphasis on multiplayer gameplay.\n\n\nNonetheless, do note that every purchase of the G274QPF-QD by 31 December 2023 will come with Exoprimal for free. More details can be found \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/taking-the-samsung-galaxy-z-flip-5-rock-climbing/", "title": "Taking the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5\u2026Rock Climbing?", "body": "\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSince I got the \nSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 5\n for review, I\u2019ve been taking it rock climbing quite a bit. No, not to have it with me while I\u2019m on the wall, but to record videos of my climbs when I am climbing alone. The foldable nature of the Z Flip 5 (and its IPX8 rating) certainly comes in handy in my climbing sessions.\n\n\nNeedless to say, trying to get footage of my climbs when I\u2019m at the climbing gym alone can be troublesome. Sure, I don\u2019t \nhave\n to record myself, but seeing how I move on the wall is helpful to check on my technique. Okay, if I\u2019m being honest, it\u2019s also to get content for my social media.\n\n\nWhile I can just get a small tripod and prop up my phone to start recording, it would just be another item for me to carry around. I prefer to keep items on me to a minimum in the gym.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThat is why the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is (essentially) my \u201crock climbing phone\u201d now. With just the foldable phone itself, it is much easier to record my climbs. I just have to find a suitable surface to place it, prop it up, press on the record button, and off to the wall I go. If you\u2019re wondering, no, I\u2019m not particularly concerned about random strangers picking up my phone and making a run for it. The climbing gym I frequent feels like a safe space.\n\n\nAnyway, coming back to the Z Flip 5 itself, the large 3.4-inch Flex Window cover screen of the phone also helps with my video framing. If I had a tripod and a non-foldable phone with me instead, I have to spend extra time to check on the framing before I hit the record button. Imagine if my framing had been off and I just managed to send a particularly difficult route \u2013 I\u2019d be devastated!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, the IPX8 rating of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 also comes in handy when I\u2019m taking it rock climbing with me. Look, by the end of my climbing sessions, the phone can get a bit\u2026well, chalky. As I go from one route to another and constantly apply chalk to my hands \u2013 trust me, it helps with grip immensely \u2013 some of the chalk gets to the phone too.\n\n\nBut thanks to the Z Flip 5\u2019s IPX8 rating, which allows it to be submerged underwater up to 1.5m for 30 minutes, I can just wash off the chalk easily. After some (light) rubbing with soap applied under the water tap, the phone is as good as new after every climbing session.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOf course, I thoroughly enjoy using the Galaxy Z Flip 5 as my daily driver as well. Priced from RM4,499, it is certainly a premium foldable smartphone, though I do think the price tag is justified for a device of this calibre. It has a big, practical cover screen, it is just as fast as any other flagship phone in the market now with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, and the dual camera system (12MP main + 12MP ultra-wide) is quite capable too.\n\n\nThat being said, there are still a couple of areas where the Z Flip 5 could be better. While its dual camera setup can take good-looking shots, it would\u2019ve been great if it also had the versatility of a telephoto lens. The Z Flip 5\u2019s battery life isn\u2019t the best either, though its 3,700mAh battery can provide all-day battery life as long I don\u2019t use the camera (or game on it) too much.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is still one of the best foldable flip phones you can buy in Malaysia now. If you\u2019d like to learn more about it, you can read the full review of the Z Flip 5 \nhere\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-proton-s50s-infinite-weave-interior-detailed-ahead-of-november-2023-launch/", "title": "Spy Shot: Proton S50\u2019s Infinite Weave & Interior Detailed Ahead of November 2023 Launch", "body": "\n\nThe Proton S50 has been spotted in Malaysia yet again! The upcoming sedan was seen refuelling at a Shell station, and we got a closer look at its interior and Infinite Weave grille, which looks to be taking inspiration from the \nX90\u2019s diamond-shaped studs\n.\n\n\nThese stills of the S50 were taken from a video posted by Facebook user \nSyahid Ayatullah Bin Ramli\n and shared to the \nPaultan.org Automotive/Car Discussion Group\n. Looking at the footage, the sedan looks to feature a black interior with a floating-style infotainment screen. Not surprisingly, the interior design looks similar to that of its donor model, the Geely Emgrand.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe interior of the Geely Emgrand for comparison\n\n\n\n\nBased on previous rumours, four different variants of the S50 will supposedly be offered. All of them are said to be powered by the familiar 1.5L TGDi engine that outputs 177PS and 255Nm of torque, which is the same mill found under the hood of the\u00a0\nX50\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nX70\n. It is rumoured be sporting a large 12.3-inch full LCD meter as well.\n\n\nBut until confirmed by Proton itself, take these leaked details of the Proton S50 with a grain of salt, though the\u00a0\nunavailability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto\n\u00a0is confirmed already. We should learn more about the sedan as we approach closer to the (likely) launch of S50 in November 2023 next month.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honkai-star-rail-x-la-juiceria-themed-cafe-in-malaysia-now-open-for-booking/", "title": "Honkai: Star Rail x La Juiceria Themed Cafe in Malaysia Now Open for Booking", "body": "\n\nThe Honkai: Star Rail Astral Express Pit Stop event is happening in Malaysia later this week on 11 October, coinciding with the launch of the \nVersion 1.4 update\n. On our shores, the themed cafe event will run until 14 November at the \nMenara Hap Seng 2 branch of La Juiceria Superfoods\n, and you can make a reservation now.\n\n\nTo reserve a seat for Star Rail\u2019s Astral Express Pit Stop event, head to La Juiceria\u2019s \ndedicated page\n for booking. Pick a date that you want, select a time slot \u2013 dining time is limited to 75 minutes for each customer \u2013 select your combo and any side dish, and make your payment.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that walk-ins are actually accepted for the event, though it will be subject to availability.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA number of Star Rail merchandise will also be on sale throughout the event period. You don\u2019t have to purchase any meal to buy the merchandise either, though the special holographic ticket can only be redeemed by those who dine at the restaurant. On top of that, the Star Rail collaboration stand can also be redeemed with a purchase of any two sets on weekends.\n\n\nYou can reserve your seat for the Honkai: Star Rail Astral Express Pit Stop event right now over at \nLa Juiceria\u2019s dedicated page\n for the themed cafe collaboration. At the time of writing, a number of slots have already been taken up for this coming weekend.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/the-2023-genshin-impact-concert-in-malaysia-was-amazing/", "title": "The 2023 Genshin Impact Concert in Malaysia Was Amazing", "body": "\n\n\n\n \n \n@nextrift\n \n#GenshinConcert\n in Malaysia! Were you there? \n#genshinimpact\n \n#gaming\n \n#gamingontiktok\n \n#hoyoverse\n \n#mihoyo\n \n\u266c Autumn Kyoto \u266aAsian Lo-fi \u266a China / Taiwan / Korea / Japan / Fallen Leaves / Travel / Tokyo / Genshin / Temple / Shrine /(1108580) \u2013 Ney\n \n \n \n\n\n\n\nThe Malaysian leg of the Genshin Concert Tour: Melodies of an Endless Journey concluded last weekend on 7 October 2023. Held at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas and performed by (naturally) the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO), it was an \namazing \nshow.\n\n\nConducted by Naohisa Furusawa, who has been a member of MPO since 2003, Genshin Impact fans were treated to a slew of soundtracks from the game. These include iconic music from Mondstadt, Liyue, Inazuma, Sumeru, and get this: even Fontaine.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThroughout the Genshin Concert, \nthe playlist\n moves from one region to another in chronological order. That is, the first set of songs were taken from the starting region, Mondstadt. But the \nactual\n first song that was performed by MPO is Overture of Storms, which was played in the very beginning of the game when the two Travelers were separated from each other by an unknown god.\n\n\nNext up is Acquaintance (Statue of The Seven); this is basically the music you hear in the login screen of Genshin Impact. Our personal favourite song from the Mondstadt list is certainly the Dawn Winery Theme \u2013 a few members of the audience actually gasped when Diluc was shown on the projection.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOnce the Mondstadt playlist was wrapped out \u2013 and after a 15-minute intermission \u2013 we move on to Liyue with\u2026well, Liyue. We also got Qilin\u2019s Prance, the song that accompanied Ganyu\u2019s character demo, and even the epic Wrath of Monoceros Caeli track that was used for the third phase of the Childe boss fight.\n\n\nBut the highlight of the Liyue playlist \u2013 and arguably the whole Genshin concert \u2013 had to be when the orchestra started playing Rex Incognito. We first hear this song when Zhongli\u2019s character demo was first released, and to date, it has garnered a whopping 32 million views. Needless to say, this one song made our night.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJust when we thought the Genshin Concert was over \u2013 it certainly felt like it when the whole orchestra was standing up \u2013 we were told that there will be another (!) 15-minute intermission. It was certainly a pleasant surprise, as we though we would only get Mondstadt and Liyue songs from the concert.\n\n\nAfter Liyue, we get to Inazuma, where we get songs like Inazuma (of course), Kitsune\u2019s Mask, and Termination of Desires; the latter is none other than the theme song for the Raiden Shogun herself. Shortly after Inazuma, we get to Sumeru with Whirling of Leaves and Petals, Fresh Breezes of Dawn, and the \nincredibly catchy\n Hustle and Bustle of Ormos.\n\n\nFor the encore, we also got three songs from Fontaine! Given that these soundtracks were not found in the official programme book, we absolutely did not see it coming.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, we definitely enjoyed ourselves at the Genshin Concert tour in Malaysia. This event is quite a big deal, given that it is Hoyoverse\u2019s very first international\u00a0offline concert series that is happening worldwide until early 2024. Here\u2019s hoping Hoyoverse will do yet another Genshin concert sometime next year \u2013 perhaps Malaysia will get more than one show in the next round!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/tesla-supercharger-available-in-sunway-pyramid-soon-tesla-cars-only/", "title": "Tesla Supercharger Available in Sunway Pyramid Soon \u2013 Tesla Cars Only", "body": "\n\nLooks like Tesla is rapidly growing its network of Superchargers around Klang Valley. The latest location to get the fast EV charger is none other than Sunway Pyramid in Subang Jaya, and it looks to be open to Tesla cars only.\n\n\nFirst spotted by \nSoyaCincau\n, the Supercharger at Sunway Pyramid is located right outside of the mall near the main entrance. The station has four stalls in total, and it looks to be under construction. A large \u201cTesla charging only\u201d sign is also clearly written on each parking bay.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nImage credit: \nSoyaCincau\n\n\n\n\nGiven that this a Tesla Supercharger, idle fees are applicable. Basically, if your car is already fully charged and you still leave it connected to the charger, you will be charged a certain amount per minute. Take the \nPavilion KL Supercharger\n: a RM2 idle fee is charged per minute, and it goes up to \nRM4 per minute\n if the station is fully occupied. To avoid being charged idle fees, you will need to disconnect the charger within five minutes of charging completion.\n\n\nWhile the Supercharger at Sunway Pyramid will only be open to Tesla vehicles, it\u2019s worth noting that selected Superchargers in the future will be usable by non-Tesla EVs. After all, it was previously revealed that Tesla will install at least 50 DC fast chargers in Malaysia (with a minimum charging rate of 180kW), and 30% of them have to be made available to non-Tesla vehicles.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/proton-saga-hot-wheels-now-available-in-malaysia-for-rm9-90-resold-up-to-rm295/", "title": "Proton Saga Hot Wheels Now Available in Malaysia for RM9.90 \u2013 Resold up to RM295", "body": "\n\nThe highly anticipated Proton Saga Hot Wheels 1:64 diecast model is now available in Malaysia! Based on the 1985 Saga, the diecast is now available at major departmental, toy specialty, or convenience shores throughout Malaysia.\n\n\nEven though the Saga Hot Wheels costs only RM9.90 in Malaysia, scalpers are already reselling the diecast model for up to \nRM295 \nonline. Do note that this isn\u2019t even a limited edition model; it is sold under Hot Wheels\u2019 Basic Car Dash B line.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that there is a special edition Proton Saga Hot Wheels, which will be available in Malaysia sometime in 2024. What makes this upcoming model particularly interesting is the fact that the packaging is \ndesigned by 9-year-old Saw Jane Harn from Penang\n.\n\n\nHarn\u2019s artwork was selected from over 386 participants between the ages of 4 to 12 years old in a design competition held by Mattel and Proton earlier this year. Keeping in line with the theme of \u201cA Malaysian National Car,\u201d her design includes the rhinoceros hornbill, the hibiscus, and of course, the Petronas Twin Towers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Hot Wheels Proton Saga Special Edition diecast will first be available in over 150 countries from December 2023. For the Malaysian market, it will be offered here sometime in 2024 at \u201cleading toy specialty stores, departmental stores, hypermarkets, petrol kiosks, online, and in convenience stores nationwide.\u201d\n\n\nAs for the regular Saga Hot Wheels, you can try checking if your nearest toy or convenience store still has it in stock for RM9.90 \u2013 we highly discourage purchasing it from scalpers for hundreds of ringgit more. Do note that there will also be an unboxing event for the Saga Hot Wheels \nthis weekend on 14 and 15 October at Pavilion Bukit Jalil\n.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-watch-ultra-2-available-in-malaysia-soon-registered-with-sirim/", "title": "Apple Watch Ultra 2 Available in Malaysia Soon \u2013 Registered With SIRIM", "body": "\n\nAfter the \nApple Watch Series 9\n and \n2nd generation AirPods Pro (USB-C)\n appeared in SIRIM\u2019s database, the new Apple Watch Ultra 2 has also been registered with the certification body just today on 10 October. Chances are, these three Apple products will be available in Malaysia very, very soon.\n\n\nJust like the Series 9, the rugged Apple Watch Ultra 2 is now powered by the S9 chip, along with an even brighter display and support for the new double tap gesture. The latter allows users to control the primary button in any given app with just a double tap of the index finger and thumb, which is quite neat.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother noteworthy upgrade to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a brighter screen. With a peak brightness of a whopping 3,000 nits \u2013 which is said to be 50% brighter than its predecessor\u2019s panel \u2013 Apple says this is the brightest display ever on an Apple Watch.\n\n\nDespite the upgrades that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 bring, its asking price for the Malaysian market \nremains the same at RM3,799\n. Now that the smartwatch has been certified by SIRIM already, we reckon the Watch Ultra 2 will be available in Malaysia in the very near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/slimmer-ps5-debuts-1tb-storage-detachable-disc-drive-coming-in-november-with-price-hike/", "title": "Slimmer PS5 Debuts \u2013 1TB Storage, Detachable Disc Drive, Coming in November With Price Hike", "body": "\n\nPlayStation got a neat surprise for us this morning! \nEnter the new PlayStation 5\n, which is\u2026well, still dubbed the PlayStation 5. The new console is slimmer than ever, and it now comes with a detachable disc drive and larger 1TB storage. Unfortunately, its price tag is also larger now.\n\n\nAt least, that\u2019s the case for the PS5 Digital Edition, which sees a price hike from $399 (about RM1,885) to $449 (approximately RM2,120) in the US. As for the standard PS5 with the (detachable) Blu-ray disc drive bundled together, it\u2019s still going for $499 (around RM2,360).\n\n\nOf course, the Blu-ray drive itself is also sold separately for $79 (about RM375).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to the original PS5, the new model \u201chas been reduced in volume by more than 30%, and weight by 18% and 24% compared to the previous models,\u201d as the company puts it. It is also shorter and slimmer by 33mm 44mm respectively, and it now comes with four separate cover panels \u2013 the bottom covers are still finished in matte, while the top covers are glossy.\n\n\nAs mentioned, the new PS5 comes with a 1TB SSD now compared to the previous model\u2019s 825GB drive. It\u2019s also worth noting that only a horizontal stand will be provided with the updated console; a new vertical stand \u2013 which is also compatible with the original PS5 \u2013 is sold separately for $29 (about RM135).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe new, slimmer PS5 will be available in selected markets, including the US, UK, Europe, and Japan from November 2023 onwards, with global rollout (which should include Malaysia) taking place the following months. Once existing stocks of the current PS5 are sold out, the slimmer PS5 will be the only model available.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/honkai-star-rail-x-la-juiceria-themed-cafe-experience-in-malaysia/", "title": "Honkai: Star Rail x La Juiceria Themed Cafe Experience in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nThe Honkai: Star Rail Astral Express Pit Stop event is now live in Malaysia! It coincides with the launch of the \nVersion 1.4 update\n today, and on our shores, the themed cafe event will run until 14 November at the \nMenara Hap Seng 2 branch of La Juiceria Superfoods\n.\n\n\nWe were given the opportunity to try out the Astral Express Pit Stop event ahead of the launch today, and it was quite a pleasant experience. From the themed meal to the merchandise on offer, we reckon every Star Rail fan will appreciate dining (and shopping) here.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvery merchandise purchased comes with these cute headbands\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe first thing you\u2019ll see when you walk into La Juiceria Superfoods in Menara Hap Seng 2 is none other than the merchandise shop. Unfortunately, the shop wasn\u2019t open during our visit, so we couldn\u2019t grab any of the cool items shown on the table, including the sleek acrylic stands of various characters. Do note that you don\u2019t have to dine at the cafe to buy these merchandise.\n\n\nWe did, however, get the Star Rail special holographic ticket, which is only given to customers who purchased a set meal. Not only does the ticket look nice \u2013 you\u2019ll get either the March 7th or Dan Heng version \u2013 it also comes with a redemption code for some in-game items. These include a Chef Pom-Pom avatar, a Conductor\u2019s Treat phone wallpaper, Pom-Pom\u2019s Fried Fowl consumable, and a recipe for it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, you can also redeem the Star Rail collaboration stand you see above by purchasing any two set meals on weekends. Alternatively, it can also be bought for RM70, while the Pom-Pom badge is priced at RM14. You can also get the badge and a character postcard by completing some special tasks.\n\n\nNaturally, the La Juiceria Superfoods cafe itself is also adorned with various Star Rail decorations. From the tables, walls, to various character standees placed throughout the space, it does feel quite\u2026well, festive in the cafe. It\u2019s a relatively similar ambience to \nlast year\u2019s Hoyo Fest 2022 celebration\n.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinally, we have the set meals for Star Rail. Three different combo meals are offered with several side dishes, and we went with Combo A (Cosmic Fried Rice, Snapper Jam Appetiser, Punitive Energy Drink), Combo C (Wild Herb Soup, Fruitwood-Grilled Shantak Moa Drumettes, Vomit Inducing Agent), Steamed Puffergoat Milk, and All Good Potion.\n\n\nWhile we are by no means food critiques, we did enjoy the dishes. Despite the name, the Vomit Inducing Agent actually tastes quite good! Same goes for the Wild Herb Soup, which is more akin to an acai bowl than a soup. After all, the \u201csoup\u201d is served cold, much to our surprise (in a good way).\n\n\n\n\nCombo A\n\n\nCombo C\n\n\nThe Steamed Puffergoat Milk (left) and All Good Potion\n\n\nYou also get these neat items with every set meal purchase\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll in all, we thoroughly enjoyed the Honkai: Star Rail Astral Express Pit Stop event in Malaysia. It\u2019s set to run until 14 November next month, so there\u2019s plenty of time to check out the themed cafe. If you\u2019d like to reserve a seat for the event, you can do so over at La Juiceria\u2019s \ndedicated page\n for booking.\n\n\nOnce you\u2019re on the page, just pick a date that you want, select a time slot \u2013 dining time is limited to 75 minutes for each customer \u2013 choose your combo and any side dish, and make your payment. It\u2019s worth noting that walk-ins are actually accepted for the event, though it will be subject to availability.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/12-18-october-fuel-price-ron-97-stays-at-rm3-47-per-litre/", "title": "12 \u2013 18 October Fuel Price: RON 97 Stays at RM3.47 Per Litre", "body": "\n\nAnother week, another fuel price update. Not surprisingly, RON 97 sees no price movement this week either. As for the prices of RON 95 and diesel, they are unchanged, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.\n\n\nTo recap, the price of RON 97 remains at RM3.47 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThese prices will be in effect from 12 to 18 October next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-find-n3-flip-register-interest-now-to-get-rm200-rebate-in-malaysia/", "title": "Oppo Find N3 Flip \u2013 Register Interest Now to Get RM200 Rebate in Malaysia", "body": "\n\nThe Oppo Find N3 Flip is making its way to Malaysia very, very soon. Ahead of its local launch, Oppo Malaysia has already opened a \nregistration of interest\n for the foldable phone, and you can even get a RM200 rebate on the N3 Flip by doing so.\n\n\nBesides that, you can also secure an invite to an offline event to check out the new Find N3 Flip in person. While it looks similar to last year\u2019s \nFind N2 Flip\n, the foldable flip phone does bring a few upgrades, including a more sophisticated triple camera configuration \u2013 still with the Hasselblad branding \u2013 and faster performance.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its predecessor, the Find N3 Flip\u2019s new Hasselblad camera system is more sophisticated now. In addition to a 50MP main sensor and a 48MP ultra-wide shooter, there\u2019s finally a telephoto lens now. To be specific, it is a 32MP telephoto camera that\u2019s capable of 2x optical zoom or 20x digital zoom.\n\n\nPowering the Find N3 Flip, on the other hand, is a MediaTek Dimensity 9200 chipset, which should be faster than the N2 Flip\u2019s Dimensity 9000+ SoC. Beyond that, other hardware of the new flip phone is strikingly similar to last year\u2019s model. Well, except for the addition of an alert slider on the left side of the phone.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Find N3 Flip include a 6.8-inch 2520 x 1080 AMOLED primary display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 3.26-inch 720 x 382 AMOLED cover screen \u2013 still limited at 60Hz \u2013 a 32MP selfie camera, 12GB of RAM, up to 512GB of storage, and a 4,300mAh battery with support for 44W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can register your interest for the Oppo Find N3 Flip in Malaysia now through \nGoogle Forms\n. You can get a RM200 rebate by filling up the form, along with a chance to see the phone for yourself at an offline event.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/oppo-find-n3-series-global-launch-set-for-19-october-find-n3-find-n3-flip-expected/", "title": "Oppo Find N3 Series Global Launch Set for 19 October \u2013 Find N3 & Find N3 Flip Expected", "body": "\n\nOppo just revealed the launch date for its latest foldable smartphones; yes, plural. The Oppo Find N3 series will introduce two new foldable phones, and besides the already-revealed \nFind N3 Flip\n, there\u2019s a good chance the second device is the successor to the \nFind N2\n, the Oppo Find N3.\n\n\nUnfortunately, details are light on the Find N3, though we can expect it to sport the same tablet-like form factor as its predecessor. The livestream of the launch event itself will take place next week on 19 October at 2:30PM, and we can expect to learn more about the two foldable phones then.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile we don\u2019t have details on the Find N3, we do know quite a bit about the Find N3 Flip. Compared to its predecessor, the N3 Flip\u2019s new Hasselblad camera system is more sophisticated now. In addition to a 50MP main sensor and a 48MP ultra-wide shooter, there\u2019s finally a telephoto lens now. To be specific, it is a 32MP telephoto camera that\u2019s capable of 2x optical zoom or 20x digital zoom.\n\n\nPowering the Find N3 Flip, on the other hand, is a MediaTek Dimensity 9200 chipset, which should be faster than the N2 Flip\u2019s Dimensity 9000+ SoC. Beyond that, other hardware of the new flip phone is strikingly similar to last year\u2019s model. Well, except for the addition of an alert slider on the left side of the phone.\n\n\nOther specifications of the Find N3 Flip include a 6.8-inch 2520 x 1080 AMOLED primary display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 3.26-inch 720 x 382 AMOLED cover screen \u2013 still limited at 60Hz \u2013 a 32MP selfie camera, 12GB of RAM, up to 512GB of storage, and a 4,300mAh battery with support for 44W fast charging.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Oppo Find N3 series will make its debut next week on 19 October. The launch event will be livestreamed on that day at 2:30PM \u2013 we might learn about the Malaysian availability of the two foldable phones then.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/airpods-pro-2nd-gen-with-usb-c-charging-case-ip54-rating-now-in-malaysia-for-rm1099/", "title": "AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) With USB-C Charging Case & IP54 Rating Now in Malaysia for RM1,099", "body": "\n\nApple\u2019s\u00a02nd generation AirPods Pro with a USB-C charging case is now available for purchase in Malaysia! The updated wireless earbuds don\u2019t just feature a port change; the earbuds themselves are also more durable now with an IP54 rating, an upgrade from the \nprevious Lightning model\n\u2019s IPX4 rating.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the new AirPods Pro \nretains the same RM1,099 price tag in Malaysia\n. Beyond the updated port and better durability, other specifications of the wireless earbuds remain the same, including the H2 chip for \u201cup to double the noise-cancelling power\u201d of the original AirPods Pro, along with a total of up to six hours of use with ANC activated.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that with iOS 17, the AirPods Pro has a slew of new features. Adaptive Audio will adjust the noise control of the earbuds based on the environment, while Conversation Awareness, as its name suggests, will lower the volume and enhance voices in front of the user when said user starts speaking.\n\n\nThe 2nd generation AirPods Pro with a USB-C is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM1,099 through \nApple\u2019s Malaysian online store\n. We reckon Apple Premium Resellers will also have the wireless earbuds in stock from today onwards.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/smart-1-brabus-test-drive-truly-0-walao-in-3-9-seconds/", "title": "smart #1 Brabus Test Drive: Truly 0-Walao in 3.9 Seconds!", "body": "\n\nApologies for the bit of Manglish in the headline \u2013 \u201cwalao\u201d translates to \u201cwow,\u201d if you\u2019re wondering \u2013 but that really is an apt description for the \nblisteringly fast\n smart #1 Brabus EV. Packing 428PS and 543Nm of torque out of its dual motor AWD powertrain, the electric crossover can go from 0-100kmph in only 3.9 seconds.\n\n\nThe fact that you can get this level of performance out of a car that\u2019s estimated to go for RM250,000 in Malaysia is certainly, undoubtedly, a very enticing proposition for folks who want a powerful EV for the money. If your interest is piqued, here\u2019s my impressions of the smart #1 Brabus after an hour-long test drive!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompared to its Pro and Premium siblings, which get a single motor (272PS/343Nm) driving the rear wheels, the smart #1 Brabus\u2019 power output is the biggest differentiator. To be specific, the difference is 156PS and 200Nm of torque, which is quite a big gap in performance.\n\n\nBut the higher-powered Brabus model also gets slightly less range as a result. Though it features the same 66kWh battery as the Premium model, it has a lower range of up to 400km on the WLTP cycle compared to 440km on the aforementioned Premium trim. Of course, this is still a respectable range, in my opinion.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNow, for a crossover with so much power on demand, the #1 Brabus doesn\u2019t feel intimidating to drive at all, which is honestly quite a surprise to me. I can still easily manage the throttle for a comfortable, sedate ride, even when I set the drive mode to \u2013 get this \u2013 Brabus.\n\n\nIn the Brabus drive mode, AWD is engaged at all times, so I can tap into the #1 Brabus\u2019 full power output. And boy, with the throttle pedal fully depressed, the EV \nabsolutely flies\n. Even when I was going at about 100kmph, the car can still push me back into the seat by a good amount when I accelerate!\n\n\nThe only problem I had in my one-hour test drive is not having enough road to continue accelerating with the #1 Brabus.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRaw performance aside, I also managed to test out the #1 Brabus\u2019 ADAS when my spirited driving spree was abruptly interrupted by traffic jams. The electric crossover is said to feature level 2+ semi-autonomous driving, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, traffic jam assist, highway assist, and even lane change assist.\n\n\nCompared to other ADAS I\u2019ve tested on more affordable cars, the #1 Brabus\u2019 definitely feels like a step above. Not only can it keep the EV centred in the lane in various speeds \u2013 even in crawling traffic \u2013 it can negotiate bends very competently too with minimal steering input from myself.\n\n\nThat being said, the ADAS keeps its distance from the lead car a tad too much for my liking. Given that some Malaysian drivers can be a bit\u2026impatient, this leaves more than enough gap for other cars to cut into the lane. To be fair, most ADAS does leave a conservative distance from the lead car for safety reasons.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterior wise, the #1 Brabus\u2019 cabin is a comfortable place to be in; very much appreciated when I was stuck in the aforementioned traffic jams. The suede seats and alcantara/leather-wrapped steering wheel feel very premium, as it should be for an EV at this price point, and there are plenty of storage compartments to store various items.\n\n\nI\u2019m quite a fan of the large 12.8-inch infotainment display as well. While I find the home screen is a bit too busy-looking \u2013 though I do like the fox virtual assistant that\u2019s perpetually on the bottom left corner of the interface \u2013 I can always connect my iPhone or Android phone to the screen for wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.\n\n\nOh, there\u2019s also a wireless charger, of course.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nI really appreciate this padded part for my left knee to rest on\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe smart #1 Brabus definitely left a lasting impression on me, even though I only drove it for about an hour or so. Not only is it ridiculously fast, it also feels well put together with premium touches throughout. This comes as no surprise, given that the EV is designed by Mercedes-Benz and built by Geely \u2013 two big names in the automotive scene.\n\n\nAll that\u2019s left now is for smart to reveal the exact Malaysian pricing of the #1 Brabus. The company previously mentioned that the whole smart #1 lineup will retail from RM200,000 to RM250,000 on our shores, and given that the Brabus version is the range-topping model, we can expect it to retail around the RM250,000 mark.\n\n\n\n\nThe smart #1 Pro (left) and the Brabus version\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to check out the smart #1 Brabus, as well as the Pro and Premium models ahead of their Malaysian debuts sometime this quarter, you can do so at Menara Affin TRX until 6PM today (14 October). You can also test drive the #1 Brabus for yourself!\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/ruark-audio-r410-coming-to-malaysia-for-rm8899-retro-style-all-in-one-audio-system/", "title": "Ruark Audio R410 Coming to Malaysia for RM8,899 \u2013 Retro-Style All-in-One Audio System", "body": "\n\nBritish audio brand, Ruark Audio, which is known for its range of premium offerings, just launched the Ruark Audio R410 in Malaysia through VSTECS. The R410 falls under the company\u2019s new 100 Series, which comes with Ruark\u2019s signature RotoDial control system that\u2019s been refined for the product line.\n\n\nFor the Malaysian market, the R410 is priced at a cool RM8,899. For that kind of money, you are getting a sophisticated all-in-one audio system. Design wise, its fused walnut veneer cabinet and grille are \u201cengineered from sustainable woods that are expertly spliced and recomposed.\u201d The result is a material that is similar to slow-growing hardwoods, as the company puts it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOther specifications of the R410 include two Ruark 100mm NS+ bass-mid units, a pair of Ruark 20mm silk dome tweeters, a 120W amplifier, as well as support for several streaming services, including Spotify and Tidal. You can even connect a turntable or CD drive to the R410, if you want that kind of setup.\n\n\nThe Ruark Audio R410 will be available for purchase in Malaysia towards the end of Q4 2023. Priced at RM8,899, it is certainly positioned as a premium offering on our shores, which is really expected from an equally premium brand like Ruark.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/apple-watch-series-9-apple-watch-ultra-2-now-in-malaysia-from-rm1899/", "title": "Apple Watch Series 9 & Apple Watch Ultra 2 Now in Malaysia From RM1,899", "body": "\n\nIt looks like the \nupdated AirPods Pro with a USB-C charging case\n isn\u2019t the only product available in Malaysia today. Both the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 can now be purchased locally, and with that, all major products unveiled at Apple\u2019s September 2023 event are now available on our shores.\n\n\nOf course, the Series 9 is the more affordable smartwatch of the two, \nretailing from RM1,899\n in Malaysia \u2013 this is the same starting price as the Series 8 at launch. As for the more rugged Apple Watch Ultra 2, \nit goes for RM3,799\n locally; also similar to last year\u2019s model.\n\n\n\n\nApple Watch Series 9\n\n\nApple Watch Ultra 2\n\n\n\n\nBoth the Series 9 and Ultra 2 are packed with brighter displays than their respective predecessors, and they are also powered by Apple\u2019s S9 chip now. This opens up support for the new double tap gesture, which allows users to control the primary button in any given app with just a double tap of the index finger and thumb. That\u2019s quite neat.\n\n\nYou can now purchase the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in Malaysia \ndirectly from Apple\u2019s\n \nonline store\n. Chances are, Apple Premium Resellers will also have the two smartwatches in stock from today onwards.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/budget-2024-rm2500-ev-charging-tax-relief-ev-rental-tax-deduction-extended-to-2027/", "title": "Budget 2024: RM2,500 EV Charging Tax Relief & EV Rental Tax Deduction Extended to 2027", "body": "\n\nAt the tabling of Budget 2024, the government announced extensions to the (up to) RM2,500 tax relief for costs related to EV charging. On top of that, the tax deduction on renting EVs by companies \u2013 amounting to no more than RM300,000 \u2013 has also been extended.\n\n\nThe RM2,500 tax relief for EV charging was set to end on 2023, while the tax deduction on EV rentals is ongoing until 2025. The government has extended these two initiatives by four and two years respectively, so both benefits will now be applicable until 2027.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeyond that, the government also announced a special scheme to encourage the adoption of \nelectric bikes\n. Malaysians with annual income of RM120,000 and below will be eligible to enjoy up to RM2,400 rebate on the purchase of an electric bike. That\u2019s quite encouraging, though the specific mechanism for the scheme has not been revealed yet.\n\n\nAlso announced at Budget 2024 is over RM170 million worth of investments by Tesla, Gentari, and TNB to install 180 EV chargers throughout Malaysia. This should make it easier for EV owners to charge up their vehicles locally in the near future.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/budget-2024-extension-on-license-fees-waiver-for-b2-motorcycle-taxi-e-hailing-tests/", "title": "Budget 2024: Extension on License Fees Waiver for B2 Motorcycle, Taxi, e-Hailing Tests", "body": "\n\nAt Budget 2023, the government announced the waiver of license fees for three different categories, which include test fees for B2 motorcycle (below 250cc), taxi, and e-hailing. Well, at the tabling of Budget 2024, this initiative will continue to be extended.\n\n\nAccording to the government, this initiative will benefit over 40,000 youths from low income families. Funds for the initiative will be taken from the sales of special number plates, which will also be channeled to other efforts.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne such effort is supplying over 100,000 motorcycle helmets, including those for children, to low income families for free. The same funds will also be used to continue the FLYsiswa programme, which will benefit almost 60,000 students who need assistance to afford flight tickets back home.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/spy-shot-proton-s50-undisguised-actually-called-proton-s70/", "title": "Spy Shot: Proton S50 Undisguised! Actually Called Proton S70?", "body": "\n\nIt looks like we\u2019re nearing the local launch of the \nProton S50\n! Or rather, the Proton S70. The upcoming Proton sedan has just been spotted on the road completely undisguised, and it looks to be sporting an \u201cS70\u201d badge on the boot lid.\n\n\nThe undisguised S70 was spotted by \nPaultan.org\n reader Ilyas Othman. The car looks to be in the middle of a commercial shoot \u2013 look at camera mounted on the Porsche Cayenne! \u2013 and curiously enough, despite the fact that the S70 badge is already on the car, the model plate has the digit missing. Perhaps it will only be added in post-production?\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Geely Emgrand, which is what the S70 is based on\n\n\n\n\nNonetheless, based on previous rumours, four different variants of the S70 will supposedly be offered. All of them are said to be powered by the familiar 1.5L TGDi engine that outputs 177PS and 255Nm of torque, which is the same mill found under the hood of the\u00a0\nX50\n\u00a0and\u00a0\nX70\n. It is rumoured be sporting a large 12.3-inch full LCD meter as well.\n\n\nThe Proton S70 is largely believed \u2013 and \nsort of confirmed by Proton\u2019s own CEO\n \u2013 to be launched sometime in November 2023 next month. We\u2019ll find out then the final name and (more importantly) pricing of the highly anticipated sedan.\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/neta-v-ev-malaysian-launch-set-for-25-october-2023-sub-rm100k-price-expected/", "title": "Neta V EV Malaysian Launch Set for 25 October 2023 \u2013 Sub-RM100k Price Expected?", "body": "\n\nThe \nNeta V\n, which could potentially be the most affordable EV in Malaysia, is set to be launched on our shores \nnext week on 25 October\n. The electric hatchback first made its debut at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023 back in May this year, and it was touted then as the most affordable EV in our local market with a RM99,800 price tag.\n\n\nIt\u2019s worth noting that just a couple of months ago, an image \nshowing a RM79,800 pricing for the Neta V\n at a shopping mall went viral, though Intro Synergy quickly confirmed that the pricing is actually not accurate. \u201cWe would like to deny the displayed price and would like to clarify that the price of Neta V will only be officially announced during the launch ceremony,\u201d as the company puts it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPricing aside, the Neta V offers a range of up to 380km (following the NEDC standard) out of its 38.54kWh battery. The EV supports up to 100W DC fast charging too, which can juice up the battery from 30% to 80% in 30 minutes. With a slower 6.6kW AC home charger, it can be charged from empty to full in 8 hours.\n\n\nPerformance wise, the Neta V\u2019s front-mounted electric motor outputs a modest 95PS and 160Nm of torque, allowing it to go from 0-50kmph in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 120kmph. Safety wise, it features two airbags \u2013 yes, only two \u2013 ABS, EBD, ESC, and passive cruise control.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo recap, the Neta V EV is set to be launched in Malaysia next week on 25 October 2023 at IOI City Mall, and it looks to be followed by a roadshow at the shopping mall until 29 October. According to Intro Synergy, the EV will be offered with \u201cattractive package offers to all customers.\u201d\n\n"}
{"url": "https://nextrift.com/marvels-spider-man-2-review-a-spectacular-balancing-act/", "title": "Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man 2 Review: A Spectacular Balancing Act", "body": "\n\nWho would\u2019ve thought that in 2023, we get a Spider-Man game that features two playable, fully fledged-out Spider-Mans? (Or is it Spider-Men?) That\u2019s exactly what Insomniac Games is bringing with Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man 2.\n\n\nWhether it\u2019s the storyline, character development, or gameplay, both Peter Parker and Miles Morales feel equally well-developed in Insomniac\u2019s latest title. Striking a good balance between these two iconic characters is no small feat, which is one of the best qualities of Spider-Man 2.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat It Is\n\n\nAs the many trailers for Spider-Man 2 have shown, Peter and Miles have to face off a number of supervillains in this game, including the likes of Sandman, Kraven, and Venom. The latter is quite a bit more prominent, of course, inspiring even the \nlimited edition PS5 and the accompanying DualSense controller\n.\n\n\nThroughout Spider-Man 2, players will switch between Peter and Miles for various missions and side missions, some of which are exclusively available to either one of them to advance their own personal stories. Just like the previous games, even the side missions expand upon the two Spider-Mans\u2019 stories quite a bit.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRetailing from RM299 in Malaysia\n, Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man 2 is priced reasonably well, in my opinion. For that kind of money, you\u2019re getting a ton of content that will keep you entertained for hours on end, though I do have some gripes regarding this \u2013 I\u2019ll elaborate more further down the review.\n\n\nThe Good Stuff\n\n\nI love a game with a good story, and in regards to Spider-Man 2, it\u2019s\u2026well, decent. While I find the first Spider-Man\u2019s plot to be more engrossing, that is not to say this sequel has a bad narrative; far from it. Yes, the overarching story is a tad cliche, but I do enjoy the character development of Peter, Miles, and other characters \u2013 including MJ and Harry \u2013 in the 13-hour or so main storyline.\n\n\nThere are also a few Easter eggs and interesting cameos to discover throughout Spider-Man 2. Without going into spoiler territory, there is potential for yet another sequel. Insomniac has certainly done its homework for Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man\u2019s worldbuilding.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking of which, the open world environment of Spider-Man 2 has gotten bigger too, thanks to the introduction of two new boroughs: Brooklyn and Queens. Swinging around New York has never felt more expansive with the new areas to explore, which is further enhanced by the new traversal mechanics.\n\n\nOne such mechanic is the Web Wing, which allows the two Spider-Mans to glide quickly from one district to another. I\u2019ve always enjoyed just moving around the city to look for any noteworthy side missions to complete, and I\u2019m ecstatic that I can traverse through New York with a greater degree of freedom now.\n\n\nBoth in terms of traversal speed and the sheer scale of the expanded city.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThat is a good segue to how quickly I can swap between Peter and Miles in Spider-Man 2. As mentioned, certain missions can only be done by either one of the two superheroes, and swapping between them takes merely seconds with the PS5\u2019s speedy SSD. Even fast travelling between districts is equally fast with no loading screens at all; there\u2019s even a cool animation of the map rendering to the actual district that you\u2019re fast travelling to.\n\n\nCombat also feels better in Spider-Man 2. While Peter has access to a slew of symbiote abilities, Miles has his own bio-electric venom powers that feel distinctively different. Each Spider-Man also has his own skill upgrade path, along with one shared skill tree between the two characters.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn top of that, the introduction of one key mechanic also adds more depth to combat: parrying. While I usually just juggle my enemies in mid-air whenever I enter combat (trust me, it\u2019s fun), I can\u2019t employ the same strategy with heavier brute enemies or bosses. That\u2019s when parrying comes in handy.\n\n\nThat being said, even though parrying can be very effective, it doesn\u2019t feel particularly\u2026satisfying. It only opens up the enemy for a few hits before they recover, and having to repeatedly parry the same enemy three \u2013 or even four times \u2013 before they\u2019re defeated can get old pretty quickly.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat is not old is Insomniac\u2019s much more elaborate use of the DualSense\u2019s range of features for Spider-Man 2. The controller\u2019s more refined haptic feedback is used in various scenarios now for a more immersive gameplay experience, and the adaptive triggers are even used for certain puzzles; much appreciated.\n\n\nThe Bad Stuff\n\n\nWhile I\u2019m quite entertained with the main storyline of Spider-Man 2, I still wish it was a tad longer. Granted, I only completed it within 13 hours as I did very minimal side missions to upgrade some of my skills. As a consolation, at least some side missions have pretty interesting plots too.\n\n\nOf course, it\u2019s entirely possible Spider-Man 2\u2019s story will be further expanded in future DLCs. After all, this was the case with the original game through The City That Never Sleeps expansion. Here\u2019s hoping such a DLC is in the works.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBesides that, combat can also feel a bit frustrating in certain parts of Spider-Man 2, especially in bigger boss fights. The damage scaling doesn\u2019t feel\u2026well, fair, especially in comparison to how much (or rather, how little) damage I was dishing out. To be fair, I was playing on the normal difficulty without upgrading too much of my health or damage, which could\u2019ve made these boss encounters more difficult than they actually are.\n\n\nOn the plus side, at least there are a ton of settings to scale down the difficulty, which I was tempted to do on several occasions, but ultimately did not.\n\n\nIs It Worth It?\n\n\nMarvel\u2019s Spider-Man 2 is a fantastic sequel in more ways than one. It\u2019s impressive how well Insomniac Games balanced the overall story and abilities of both Peter Parker and Miles Morales, and though I was left wanting for more story content, I do appreciate the fact that even side missions have a good story to tell. It also helps that the open world environment is now bigger with even more traversal tools at players\u2019 disposal.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt is for these reasons that Spider-Man 2 deserves the Nextrift Recommends badge. It\u2019s our way of endorsing a particular game or product for its entertainment value, refinement, unique appeal, or even just sheer value for money. In my opinion, Insomniac\u2019s latest entry in the Spider-Man franchise fit all of the criteria for the much-deserved award.\n\n\nMarvel\u2019s Spider-Man 2 launches 20 October exclusively on PS5.\n\n"}